This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Language, Register & Fixed Expressions. 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.
keep the learner on their toes
In a language workshop, the speaker will keep the learner on their toes.
take the communication task the wrong way
In a language workshop, the speaker will take the communication task the wrong way.
take it easy for a while
After the race, the athlete decided to take it easy for a while.
go hand in hand with the communication task
In a language workshop, the speaker will go hand in hand with the communication task.
totally awesome
In a language workshop, the expression was totally awesome.
give the learner a ring
In a language workshop, the speaker will give the learner a ring.
dead keen
At a language workshop, the learners were dead keen.
dead easy
In a language workshop, the expression was dead easy.
get hitched
In a language workshop, the speaker will get hitched.
completely dependent
In a language workshop, the outcome was completely dependent on careful planning.
with remarkable ease
The athlete completed the final lap with remarkable ease.
throw a sickie
He was tempted to throw a sickie rather than attend the early shift.
set off a fire alarm
In a language workshop, the speaker will set off a fire alarm.
convey subtle nuance
In a language workshop, the speaker will convey subtle nuance.
really good
In a language workshop, the expression was really good.
adjourn a meeting
In a language workshop, the speaker will adjourn a meeting.
worried sick
At a language workshop, the learners were worried sick.
adopt a formal register
In a language workshop, the speaker will adopt a formal register.
come down heavily on players who break the rules
The league will come down heavily on players who break the rules.
well good
In a language workshop, the expression was well good.
tie the knot
The couple plan to tie the knot at a small ceremony in June.
hopping mad
At a language workshop, the learners were hopping mad.
entirely separate
In a language workshop, the expression was entirely separate.
to be brutally honest
To be brutally honest, the committee did not support the proposal.
glad to see the back of the learner
At a language workshop, the language guide featured the glad to see the back of the learner.
provide simultaneous translation
In a language workshop, the speaker will provide simultaneous translation.
look into a crime
In a language workshop, the speaker will look into a crime.
jot down an address
In a language workshop, the speaker will jot down an address.
conduct an investigation into an arms deal
The committee will conduct an investigation into an arms deal involving public funds.
stinking rich
At a language workshop, the learners were stinking rich.