This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Sport, Exercise & Competition. 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.
mounting criticism
At a pre-match briefing, the match report featured the mounting criticism.
be given a yellow card
The defender was given a yellow card for the late tackle.
clear their desk
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will clear their desk.
put up a determined performance
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will put up a determined performance.
fat chance
Fat chance of the match starting on time in this heavy rain.
break through the defence
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will break through the defence.
be awarded a penalty
The striker was awarded a penalty after the foul.
contain their excitement
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will contain their excitement.
have a whale of a time
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will have a whale of a time.
blank expression
At a pre-match briefing, the players were blank expression.
declare the athlete the winner
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will declare the athlete the winner.
execute a tactical manoeuvre
The captain executed a tactical manoeuvre in the final minutes of the match.
growing disparity
At a pre-match briefing, the match report featured the growing disparity.
score stands at 2–1
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will score stands at 2–1.
proclaim a victory
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will proclaim a victory.
tackle the issue
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will tackle the issue.
tackle a problem
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will tackle a problem.
minimise a risk
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will minimise a risk.
pushed herself to the limits
The athlete pushed herself to the limits during training.
state a goal
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will state a goal.
Against their better judgement
Against their better judgement, the coach allowed the injured player to continue.
manageable chunk
At a pre-match briefing, the match report featured the manageable chunk.
sustain a competitive advantage
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will sustain a competitive advantage.
convincing victory
At a pre-match briefing, the match report featured the convincing victory.
downright disgrace
Within the Sport, Exercise & Competition topic, the referee described the violent incident as a downright disgrace.
take the easy way out the details
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will take the easy way out.
mounting concern
At a pre-match briefing, the match report featured the mounting concern.
menial tasks
At a pre-match briefing, the match report featured the menial tasks.
put up a performance
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will put up a performance.
play brilliantly
In a pre-match briefing, the athlete will play brilliantly.