Intermediate+ Word of the Day: rig

To rig is to fit out a ship with ropes, chains, sails, etc. More generally, usually followed by out, it means ‘to equip’ and, usually followed by up, to prepare or assemble something. In a negative sense, rig means ‘to manipulate in a dishonest way.’ As a noun, a rig is any equipment used for…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: twine

A twine is a strong thread made of several threads twisted together and a knot or tangle. As a verb, to twine means ‘to twist something together with something else,’ ‘to insert with a twisting motion,’ ‘to form by twisting together.’ It also means ‘to wrap’ and, usually followed by around or about, ‘to clasp something around something else’…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: cross

A cross is a figure with two lines drawn across each other and also a mark, usually an x. It’s also a Christian symbol. Figuratively, a cross is a cause of suffering or trouble, a person or thing having some characteristics of two different things or people. As a verb, to cross means…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: piss

Piss is the vulgar word we use for urine or the act of urinating. As a verb, it means ‘to urinate.’ But piss has many other meanings, depending on the adverb we use it with. For example, piss away means ‘to waste’ something, such as money, time, or an opportunity. In the UK, piss off means ‘to leave a place,’ but to piss someone off is…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: noodle

A noodle is a dried strip of egg or other dough, a bit like pasta, that is boiled and mostly served in soups or with stir fries; it is very common in Asian cuisine. As a slang term and, figuratively, noodle means ‘head’ and it also describes a foolish person. Used originally as a jazz term, to noodle means…

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