This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Success, Failure & Effort. 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.
worth the effort
At a progress review, the progress report featured the worth the effort.
make mistakes
In a progress review, the team will make mistakes.
put into practice
In a progress review, the team will put into practice.
change gear
The cyclist had to change gear before climbing the steep hill.
overcome a setback
In a progress review, the team will overcome a setback.
stroke of luck
At a progress review, the progress report featured the stroke of luck.
sounds like hard work
Training for a marathon sounds like hard work, but the athlete is determined.
uphill struggle
At a progress review, the progress report featured the uphill struggle.
complete disaster
At a progress review, the progress report featured the complete disaster.
determined effort
At a progress review, the progress report featured the determined effort.
overcome a hurdle
In a progress review, the team will overcome a hurdle.
make a success of the difficult task
In a progress review, the team will make a success of the difficult task.
spot an error
In a progress review, the team will spot an error.
have a go at the new training drill
The athlete decided to have a go at the new training drill.
make an effort
In a progress review, the team will make an effort.
bring to a close
The chair decided to bring the meeting to a close after two hours.
abandon an attempt
In a progress review, the team will abandon an attempt.
dream comes true
At a progress review, the progress report featured the dream comes true.
joint effort
At a progress review, the progress report featured the joint effort.
hard work
At a progress review, the progress report featured the hard work.
achieve a breakthrough
In a progress review, the team will achieve a breakthrough.
constant struggle
At a progress review, the progress report featured the constant struggle.
golden era
At a progress review, the progress report featured the golden era.
difficulty arises
If difficulty arises, the project team will review the schedule.
make an attempt
In a progress review, the team will make an attempt.
fight for survival
The company had to fight for survival during the recession.
give the difficult task their best shot
In a progress review, the team will give the difficult task their best shot.
not-so-distant future
In the not-so-distant future, electric buses may replace older vehicles.
fight for her life
After the accident, the patient had to fight for her life.
hard slog
At a progress review, the progress report featured the hard slog.