This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Arts, Culture & Entertainment. 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.
deliver a nuanced performance
In her first leading role, she managed to deliver a nuanced performance without overplaying the character's grief.
unmitigated disaster
The outdoor screening turned into an unmitigated disaster when a storm flooded the projection area.
with a light heart
After the ceremony, the family left with a light heart.
show an improvement
The revised edit begins to show an improvement in pacing during the second act.
open their heart to the actor
After months of rehearsals, the young performer finally chose to open their heart to the actor playing their mentor.
startling originality
Her first short film displayed startling originality despite its modest budget.
cast light on the situation
The new evidence may cast light on the situation.
accomplished actor
The revival is led by an accomplished actor known for subtle comic timing.
thoroughly recommend
I would thoroughly recommend the exhibition to anyone interested in experimental photography.
cast someone as a character
After auditions, the director cast the actor as the detective in the new drama.
concentrate the mind
A last-minute power cut can concentrate the mind when a live broadcast is about to begin.
prime-time television
The network moved the drama to prime-time television after the first episode attracted strong ratings.
highly recommended
The restored film is highly recommended by critics who specialise in silent cinema.
star-studded cast
The historical drama assembled a star-studded cast to portray the royal family.
burst into song
Halfway through the cabaret number, the pianist began to burst into song.
dazzling display
The finale ended with a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics and light.
considerable reputation
Over three decades, the filmmaker built a considerable reputation for uncompromising documentaries.
wholeheartedly recommend
The reviewer wholeheartedly recommends the new exhibition.
indelible impression
The haunting final image left an indelible impression on audiences long after the credits rolled.
think highly of the actor
Festival audiences think highly of the actor after her restrained performance in the title role.
show a downward trend
The monthly streaming figures show a downward trend among younger viewers.
impart wisdom
In interviews, the veteran director likes to impart wisdom to young writers about surviving rejection.
preparations are underway
Preparations are underway for the town’s summer festival, with crews already erecting stages.
heart-to-heart chat
After the final take, the two performers had a heart-to-heart chat about the scene's emotional demands.
have an eye for
The producer seems to have an eye for the new production's visual style, from the opening poster to the final set.
dazzling smile
The actor's dazzling smile softened the tension in the first press photograph.
heart leaps
Her heart leaps when she sees the audience applauding.
challenge artistic conventions
The collective's latest installation aims to challenge artistic conventions rather than repeat familiar styles.
show a decline
Attendance figures show a decline after the gallery introduced an admission charge.
cultural heritage
The museum's oral-history project protects cultural heritage that might otherwise be lost.