Insight Upper-Intermediate Unit 7 Template

adolescent

A young person who is developing from a child into an adult, usually between about 13 and 18.

ahead of time

Before the planned or expected time.

all the time

Continuously or very frequently.

at one time

In the past, during a particular period.

at the best of times

Even in the most favourable or easiest circumstances.

at the same time

During the same period or at the same moment.

behind the times

Old-fashioned and not keeping up with modern ideas, technology, or ways of doing things.

to breathe life into

To make something more interesting, exciting, active, or successful.

to cross off

To remove an item from a list by drawing a line through it because it has been completed or dealt with.

dependent

Needing someone or something else for support, money, care, or help.

dynamic

Active, energetic, and constantly changing or developing.

elderly

Used politely to describe someone who is old, especially someone past retirement age.

every walk of life

All different types of people, especially people with different jobs, backgrounds, or social positions.

experienced

Having gained a lot of knowledge or skill through doing something for a long time.

to fight off

To successfully resist or prevent something harmful, such as an illness, attack, or problem.

for the time being

For now, until a particular situation changes.

from time to time

Sometimes, but not regularly or frequently.

to get across

To successfully communicate an idea, message, or feeling so that someone understands it.

to get homesick

To feel sad because you are away from your home, family, or familiar surroundings.

to get into the habit of

To start doing something regularly so that it becomes a usual behaviour.

to get more out of

To gain more benefit, enjoyment, or useful experience from something.

to get the chance

To have an opportunity to do or experience something.

to get to grips with

To begin to understand and deal with something difficult or complicated.

to get to know

To gradually become familiar with a person, place, or subject.

in next to no time

Very quickly or almost immediately.

in the course of time

Gradually, as time passes.

in the nick of time

Just before it is too late.

independent

Able to live, work, or make decisions without needing help from others.

inexperienced

Having little knowledge or skill because you have not done something very much before.

to lead a charmed life

To have a life in which you seem unusually lucky and protected from serious problems.

to let something get you down

To allow a problem or disappointment to make you feel unhappy or less confident.

lifeboat

A small boat designed to rescue people from a ship or other vessel in an emergency.

lifeguard

A person whose job is to protect swimmers and rescue people who are in danger in the water.

lifeless

Without life, movement, or energy; appearing dead or inactive.

lifelike

Looking or behaving so realistically that it resembles a real person, animal, or thing.

lifelong

Continuing throughout a person's entire life.

lifesaver

A person or thing that saves someone's life or provides essential help in a difficult situation.

lifespan

The length of time that a person, animal, or object is expected to live or function.

lifestyle

The way a person or group lives, including their habits, activities, and choices.

lifetime

The period of time during which a person or living thing is alive.

long in the tooth

Informal and humorous: old or getting old.

a matter of life and death

A situation that is extremely serious because someone's life or safety is at risk.

mature

Fully developed physically or mentally; also sensible and responsible in behaviour.

milestone in life

An important event or stage that marks significant progress or change in someone's life.

to be over the hill

Informal: to be considered too old to be successful, active, or useful.

to pay off

To produce a good result or benefit after effort, time, or money has been invested.

in the prime of life

At the period when someone is considered to be at their strongest, healthiest, or most successful.

to put off

To delay doing something until a later time.

self-reliant

Able to manage your own problems and needs without depending on other people.

seniors

A polite term for older people, especially people who are retired or above a particular age.

to set off

To start a journey or begin travelling.

shelf life

The length of time a product can be stored before it becomes unsuitable or unsafe to use.

to stand on your own feet

To become independent and able to support and manage yourself without relying on others.

supportive

Giving someone encouragement, help, or emotional support.

vulnerable

Easily hurt, harmed, influenced, or attacked because of a lack of protection or strength.

to wear off

To gradually disappear or become weaker, especially an effect, feeling, or sensation.

wise

Having good judgement and practical knowledge gained through experience.

youthful

Looking or behaving young, energetic, and full of life.