This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Money & Personal Finance. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
call in a loan
The bank could call in the loan if the borrower misses another payment.
feeble excuse
Claiming not to have read the bill was a feeble excuse.
build up savings
Setting aside a small amount each month can build up savings over time.
feel peckish
Do not go grocery shopping when you feel peckish.
run up a bill
Using the hotel phone had run up a bill of nearly two hundred euros.
get into debt
It is easy to get into debt when credit is used for everyday spending.
boost spirits
The small pay rise did little to boost spirits after months of uncertainty.
manage household expenses
A detailed budget can help families manage household expenses.
dip into savings
They had to dip into savings to repair the roof.
sense of purpose
Volunteering at the credit union gave her a sense of purpose after retirement.
fit of jealousy
A fit of jealousy led him to question every shared expense.
keep afloat
The emergency grant helped the small business keep afloat during winter.
spend a fortune
Families should not have to spend a fortune on essential heating.
sick with worry
He was sick with worry when the direct debit failed.
get itchy feet
After months at home, the traveller began to get itchy feet.
sigh of relief
She gave a sigh of relief when the loan application was approved.
borrow heavily
Households may borrow heavily when mortgage costs rise suddenly.
spirits are high
Spirits are high in the team after the convincing victory.
take the monthly budget badly
He did not take the budget badly once the cuts were explained.
make a payment
You can make a payment through the secure banking app.
plant doubts
The unexpected charge began to plant doubts about the lender's honesty.
clear a debt
She used her bonus to clear a debt from the previous year.
cut down on luxuries
The family decided to cut down on luxuries to save money.
open a current account
New residents can open a current account with proof of address.
value for money
The repair plan offers good value for money over five years.
know the feeling
After a long delay, the passenger said, “I know the feeling.”
welcome relief
The energy rebate came as a welcome relief to low-income households.
put down a deposit
They had to put down a deposit before reserving the flat.
agreed credit limit
The bank confirmed the agreed credit limit before issuing the card.
identity theft
The bank alerted her to possible identity theft after unusual transactions appeared.