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Lesson guide & glossary

Relationships 1 — C1 Collocations

This lesson practises 50 C2 collocations on Relationships. 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.

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Lesson glossary (50 collocations)

  • bring back memories

    The old song helped ____ of childhood.

  • break diplomatic relations

    The country decided to ____ with its neighbour.

  • prenuptial agreement

    The couple signed a ____ before the wedding.

  • make a relationship work

    Both partners must try to ____.

  • totally separate

    The two matters are ____.

  • constant nagging

    Her ____ eventually became too much for the family.

  • intense dislike

    She developed an ____ for the new colleague.

  • pre-wedding nerves

    The bride admitted to having a few ____.

  • spend quality time

    Parents should try to ____ with their children.

  • really/very much look forward to

    I ____ seeing you next week.

  • heavy burden

    The debt became a ____ on the family.

  • family gathering

    The annual ____ was a great success.

  • remain on friendly terms

    The two families continue to ____ despite the argument.

  • long-term relationship

    They have a very ____.

  • exchange verb

    Many people like to ____ stories with friends.

  • spoilt brat

    The child was described as a ____ by the neighbours.

  • qualify fully

    Only candidates who ____ will be considered for the role.

  • lack experience

    The candidate seemed to ____ in the field.

  • demonstrate an ability

    In the final round the candidate needed to ____ to secure the role.

  • spend quality time

    Parents should try to ____ with their children.

  • grumpy old man

    The neighbour was described as a typical ____.

  • break a promise

    He refused to ____ given to his friends.

  • trust someone implicitly

    She decided to ____ with the confidential information.

  • organise a barbecue

    The family planned to ____ for the celebration.

  • exports are five times greater than imports

    The country's ____.

  • on bad terms

    They parted ____ after the argument.

  • stand trial

    The suspect will have to ____ next month.

  • win someone's trust

    It takes time to ____.

  • sentimental value

    The old watch has great ____ for the family.

  • tie the knot

    The couple finally decided to ____.

  • dysfunctional family

    The report highlighted problems within many ____.

  • remain on friendly terms

    The two families continue to ____ despite the argument.

  • file for divorce

    The couple decided to ____ after years of problems.

  • do sport

    Children are encouraged to ____ regularly.

  • make friends

    It is easy to ____ when you join a new club.

  • child prodigy

    The young pianist was described as a ____.

  • forge new relationships

    The programme helps young people ____.

  • bear a striking resemblance to

    The child seemed to ____ the father.

  • exchange pleasantries

    The guests began by ____ before the main discussion.

  • lose an argument

    She did not want to ____ in front of colleagues.

  • perfectly friendly

    The neighbours have always been ____.

  • narrow the list down

    We need to ____ to the best candidates.

  • friendly smile

    She greeted everyone with a ____.

  • make someone's acquaintance

    I was delighted to ____ at the conference.

  • hit the rocks

    The relationship finally ____ after years of problems.

  • low-income family

    Support is available for every ____.

  • series of events

    The story describes an amazing ____.

  • bring stability

    The agreement helped ____ to the region.

  • fairytale wedding

    The couple had a ____.

  • close friend

    She is a ____ from university days.