This lesson practises 50 C2 collocations on Social Issues & Culture. 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.
stockpile weapons
The country was accused of trying to ____.
idle chatter
The meeting was spoiled by too much ____.
come under attack
The proposal immediately began to ____ from critics.
have a knock-on effect
The delay will inevitably ____ on the whole schedule.
make an impression
It is important to ____ on the first day.
be joined in matrimony
The couple will ____ next spring.
take a firm stance against
Leaders must ____ any form of corruption.
go to the polls
The country is due to ____ next month.
silence descends
A complete ____ after the announcement.
wear and tear
The carpet showed signs of normal ____.
festival marks
The annual ____ the beginning of spring.
top quality
The material is of ____.
other side of the argument
It is important to consider the ____.
overwhelming majority
The proposal passed with an ____.
disaster strikes
No one knows what to do when ____.
pending the results
We will announce the winner ____.
simple rule
There is one ____ to remember.
dim and distant memory
The event is now just a ____.
abject apology
After the scandal the celebrity issued an ____.
really get to someone
The constant criticism began to ____.
gruff exterior
Behind his ____ he is actually very kind.
heavy responsibility
The new role carries a ____.
inner city
The project aims to improve the ____.
break the cycle
The programme aims to ____ of poverty.
preparations are underway
____ for the festival.
in marked contrast to
The modern design stands ____ the surrounding historic buildings.
large number
A ____ of people attended the event.
talk a lot of sense
She always seems to ____.
broad hint
She dropped a ____ about wanting a new car.
simultaneous translation
The conference provided ____.
flatly contradict
The witness chose to ____ the previous testimony.
enter into talks
The union is willing to ____ with management.
take the easy way out
He tried to ____ of the difficult situation.
lifelong ambition
Becoming a pilot was her ____.
bridge the gap
The new scheme aims to ____ between rich and poor.
lift a blockade
The army was ordered to ____ around the city.
tell someone's fortune
The old woman offered to ____ using cards.
broad agreement
There is ____ on the main points.
think laterally
It is useful to ____ when solving problems.
bring to a halt
The strike helped ____ all production.
festival falls on
The national ____ a public holiday this year.
in a position of authority
Only those ____ can make such decisions.
take a sideswipe
The comment seemed to ____ at the opposition.
item of information
Each ____ must be verified before publication.
social whirl
She was caught up in the ____ of the city.
widespread belief
There is a ____ that hard work brings success.
silence reigns
A complete ____ after the announcement.
take something the wrong way
He tends to ____.
an unconditional
The offer was ____.
wouldn't say no to
I ____ a cold drink right now.