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Clobber is a very colloquial word. As a verb, it means ‘to hit or beat severely’ and, figuratively, in games or competitions, it means ‘to defeat completely.’ Also very colloquially, to clobber means ‘to criticize harshly.’ As a noun, in UK and Australian English, clobber means…

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Literally, to dazzle means ‘to blind temporarily with a very bright light’ and, of lights or anything that sparkles, ‘to shine brightly.’ Figuratively, to dazzle means ‘to impress deeply’ or ‘to excite admiration.’ As a noun, dazzle is something that…

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To peel means ‘to take the skin or rind out of something,’ such as vegetables or fruits. If skin or paint comes off on its own, that’s also to peel, and so is ‘to strip something away from something else.’ Figuratively, and usually followed by off, peel can also mean…

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To taper means ‘to become thinner towards the end’ and also ‘to make thinner towards the end’ or ‘to reduce gradually.’ Always followed by off, taper means ‘ to decrease’ or ‘to be reduced by degrees.’ As a noun, a taper is a…

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A strap is a narrow strip of material used for holding things together or a looped band by which an item may be held, carried, pulled, or lifted. It’s also the strip of material or metal that…

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You might already know that blink is something we constantly do without even realizing; it means ‘to open and close your eyes involuntarily’ and ‘to open and close your eyes on purpose.’ Figuratively, if you blink at something, it means you…

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Lust is a very strong sexual desire or appetite, as well as a very strong desire for something that’s not sexual, such as a craving. Strong enthusiasm can also be called lust. As a verb, to lust means…

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A plank is a long, flat piece of wood, thicker than a board and, figuratively, something to cling to for support is also a plank. In politics, a plank is any of the principles or aims that make up the platform of a political party. The verb to plank means…

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A lease is a contract that allows another person to use land or property for a certain period in exchange for payment. The period of time of this contract is also a lease. As a verb, to lease means…

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The shell is the hard outer covering of an animal, such as a clam, snail, or turtle. The outer covering of an egg, seed, or nut is also called a shell. Also, a thin crust of..

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