PUTTING DOWN PUTDOWNS

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putting down v.

Definition

insulting, trying to make someone feel bad

Example

The other guys on the basketball team are always putting me down and saying I don't know how to play.

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conscious adj.

Definition

aware, careful

Example

More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious and riding bikes instead of driving cars.

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derogatory adj.

Definition

a bad meaning

Example

I would never use that word. It's so derogatory. It makes people feel bad.

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sensitive adj.

Definition

touchy; awkward; difficult to talk about

Example

Abortion is a sensitive subject. It brings out people's emotions.

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retarded adj.

Definition

an offensive insult; a hurtful way of saying someone is mentally disabled

Example

The other day my friend said, 'Dude, my brother is so retarded. He doesn't even know how to make toast.' I told him that he should say his brother is an idiot or ignorant, but not retarded. That's wrong.

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tease v.

Definition

to joke around with someone; to pester

Example

I want you to stop teasing me! Your jokes are NOT funny!

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endearing adj.

Definition

appealing; inspiring positive feelings

Example

My sister is one of the most endearing people you'll ever meet. She is so sweet and kind that you'll fall in love with her as soon as you meet her.

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gay adj.

Definition

homosexual; attracted to people of the same gender

Example

Only a few countries allow gay people to marry.

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frat boy n.

Definition

a member of a college fraternity; a wild partier

Example

When the frat boys arrived at the party, all of the beer was gone within 10 minutes!

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kinship n.

Definition

affinity, bond of friendship or family

Example

You could sense the kinship between the coach and his players by the end of the season. It was like they were his children.

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SPARE SOME CHANGE

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cardboard n.

Definition

a heavy, paper-based material commonly used for boxes

Example

Did you know that boxes come as a sheet of cardboard that someone has to cut and fold?

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hand out n.

Definition

something given away for free, usually to someone generally undeserving

Example

She didn't want to take the government assistance because to her it felt like a handout.

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block n.

Definition

the space between streets in a city (the place where the buildings and sidewalk are)

Example

There is a grocery store one block from my house. I go there a lot.

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pockets n.

Definition

areas; places of concentration

Example

Environmentalists aren't geographically centered. There are pockets of green folks throughout the world.

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change n.

Definition

coins; a small amount of money

Example

I found eleven bucks in change in my couch! Pretty amazing, huh!

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spare v.

Definition

give; have extra; have enough to give away or get rid of

Example

I keep a spare set of clothes at my office in case I spill something on myself during the day.

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dense adj.

Definition

thickly populated; full of people

Example

My neighborhood is slowly getting denser as houses are torn down and apartments go in.

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make an effort v.

Definition

to try with minimal effort; to apply some will toward a goal

Example

I'm trying to make this relationship work, but I don't think you're even making an effort.

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tradesperson n.

Definition

one who sells goods in a store

Example

He led a simple life as a tradesperson, never seeking fame or fortune.

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intrusion n.

Definition

something unwelcome entering your space

Example

I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but I came into your house to play with your pet panda while you weren't home.

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APARTMENT SEARCH

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financial adj.

Definition

relating to money

Example

I had to give some financial information to the bank in order to open an account.

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deposit n.

Definition

money given to someone to hold (can be for a variety of purposes)

Example

I had to make a deposit of $10 in order to reserve tickets for the basketball game.

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garbage disposal n.

Definition

a machine connected to the kitchen sink that grinds things (peels, food scraps) and then sends them down the drain. this is instead of throwing it in the garbage.

Example

I like putting orange peels in the garbage disposal. They make the kitchen smell so clean!

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dishwasher n.

Definition

a machine that cleans dishes

Example

I don't have a dishwasher at home, so I have to wash all my dishes by hand.

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washer/dryer n.

Definition

both a clothes washing machine and a drying machine

Example

I wish I had my own washer/dryer. I'm tired of going to the laundromat every week.

I wish I had my own washer/dryer. I'm tired of going to the laundromat every week.

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daylight n.

Definition

light that comes from the sun

Example

My house gets lots of daylight, so I rarely have to turn on the electric lights.

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view n.

Definition

a beautiful site, a view of something that is nice to look at

Example

My house a beautiful view of the river and the mountains.

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square feet n.

Definition

a measurement of space (1 square foot = .09 sqare meter)

Example

My new apartment is 1000 square feet, which is really big for a one-bedroom.

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essential adj.

Definition

very important, so important that something cannot be done without it, indispensable

Example

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one-bedroom n.

Definition

an apartment with one bedroom (an apartment with a separate room for sleeping)

Example

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studio n.

Definition

an apartment with only one room; an apartment with a combined living room/bedroom

Example

Studio apartments are usually pretty cheap, but they can be really small.

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THE HOMELESS EXPERIENCE

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perceive v.

Definition

view; experience through the senses; think of

Example

It's interesting how you can still perceive bright light through your eyelids even when they are closed.

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degrade v.

Definition

to insult; to speak ill of someone's character

Example

You're so mean to your sister. You always degrade her and put her down. You shouldn't do that anymore. It's mean.

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discriminate v.

Definition

to treat someone poorly based on a class, group or category to which they belong

Example

Even up through the 1990s, it was perfectly legal to discriminate against black people in South Africa.

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a la expr.

Definition

in the style of

Example

Marilyn Mason wears make up when he performs and looks sort of like a woman, a la David Bowie.

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instigating v.

Definition

provoking, brining about

Example

The conflict was instigated by Iraq, which refused to allow investigators to enter the country.

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add insult to injury v.

Definition

to say or do something mean to someone who is already in a bad situation

Example

When I fell off my bike everyone laughed and no one helped me, adding insult to injury.

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stigma n.

Definition

shame, dishonor

Example

To some degree, there's still a stigma attached to being a single mother.

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homeless shelter n.

Definition

a place where people without homes can go to sleep and eat

Example

The homeless shelters are busy in the winter because it is so cold outside.

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bum n.

Definition

slang for person experiencing homelessness

Example

I don't like hanging out down town because there are so many bums around always asking me for change.

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terminology n.

Definition

technical or special vocabulary for a particular topic

Example

I don't understand a lot of scientific terminology because I studied history in school. What the heck is ectoplasm? I have no idea.

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THE BIG 1-8

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casino n.

Definition

gambling house

Example

There are lots of huge casinos in Las Vegas.

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cousins n.

Definition

the children of your parents' siblings

Example

I visited my aunt, uncle and cousins in Michigan last month. It was so much fun to see them!

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drinking age n.

Definition

the age you have to be to drink legally

Example

The drinking age in America is 21.

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momentous adj.

Definition

important; large and grand

Example

It was a momentous occasion when I got the Best New Author Award.

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nephew n.

Definition

a sibling's male child

Example

My brother and his wife had a child, so now I have a nephew!

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growing up expr.

Definition

maturing

Example

When I was growing up we lived in Los Angeles, but now we live in Miami.

Molly does some very inexplicable things. She has a lot of growing up to do.

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dorm n.

Definition

on-campus housing for college students

Example

I really liked living in the dorms because there were so many other kids to hang out with all the time.

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turning point n.

Definition

a moment in time where things change

Example

I think this new car is going to be a turning point for me. Everything's going to get better now, right?

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senior year n.

Definition

final year of high school or college

Example

Senior year was really easy for me because I got all the hard classes out of the way early.

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mile marker n.

Definition

an important moment that marks a stage in the development of your life

Example

Graduating from college is a huge mile marker. You officially enter the adult world afterward.

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E-ETIQUETTE

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formalities n.

Definition

things done in the name of being proper and formal

Example

You don't have to worry about formalities here, this is a bar!

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tone n.

Definition

the mood or feeling of an event or situation

Example

The wonderful opening speech by the company president set the festive tone of the Christmas party.

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salutation n.

Definition

a greeting; the last few words of a letter before you sign your name

Example

What salutation do you usually use, "Sincerely Yours" or "Yours Truly?"

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style n.

Definition

rules for grammar and punctuation in written text

Example

When I got to college, there was a whole new style sheet I had to use every time I wrote an essay.

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format v.

Definition

to put into the accepted form or template

Example

Thanks for making these reports, Jim. Before we can put them into our database, they have to be formatted properly. Do you think you could do that by the end of the day?

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standardized n.

Definition

agreed upon; widely accepted guideline or rule

Example

In recent years, schools have been using more standardized testing to measure their progress against one another.

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tricky adj.

Definition

complicated, difficult

Example

Jenn almost got a perfect score on her math test, but she missed one question because of a tricky equation.

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abbreviate v.

Definition

to linguistically shorten; to use an acronym

Example

DOT is an abbreviation for Department of Transportation.

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sentence structure n.

Definition

the rules regarding what constitutes a proper sentence

Example

The sentence structure of this essay is a mess. It's full of fragments.

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fair enough expr.

Definition

that sounds logical; okay; I see.

Example

-Look mister, you just can't bring your dog into the library.

-Fair enough. I realize my dog can be a little disruptive.

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MILES V.S KILOMETERS

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Whoops expr.

Definition

something you say when you make a mistake

Example

Whoops! I should have turned left there and I turned right.

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conversion n.

Definition

change

Example

The conversion from miles to kilometers is 1 to 1.6. It's not that difficult after you get used to it.

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rental car n.

Definition

a car that you pay for for only a short time

Example

I got my rental car from Avis. They have good rates.

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confusing adj.

Definition

unclear, uncertain, not settled

Example

We planned to have friends over at 7:00, so it was confusing when they came at 5:30.

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gone the distance expr.

Definition

to go the distance is to complete something and do well

Example

The competitors in the Olympics have really gone the distance this year. They trained really hard and did a great job!

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similar adj.

Definition

like; the same

Example

They look very similar. They both have blond hair and blue eyes and are the saaame height.

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BEING HEALTHY

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inspired v.

Definition

influenced and motivated, made to feel excited, filled with positive energy

Example

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meditation n.

Definition

the act of focusing the mind on nothing; the act of blocking out all distractions and being totally focused (in order to clear the mind)

Example

I do my meditation every day at 5:30, right after I get home from work. It helps me to feel good about the evening and be ready for the next day.

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tai chi n.

Definition

a Chinese system of physical and mental exercises to help you gain control of the body and the mind to achieve a greater sense of peace and happiness in life

Example

My dad has been doing tai chi for about 20 years. It really helps him to relax and relieve his stress.

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Yoga n.

Definition

a system of physical and mental exercises to help you gain control of the body and the mind to achieve a greater sense of peace and happiness in life

Example

I started doing yoga two months ago, and I feel so healthy, happy and peaceful!

I started doing Yoga two months ago, and I feel so healthy, happy and peaceful!

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role n.

Definition

the part something plays in a situation, the contribution something makes to a situation

Example

Reading plays an important role in my life. I read every night before I go to sleep. It helps me relax.

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long term expr.

Definition

for a long time; for many years; for the future

Example

I have a long term agreement with my phone company, so my rates are very low.

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health food n.

Definition

food that is healthy; food that is good for you

Example

I used to eat a lot of candy and fast food, but now I only eat health food.

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melting pot n.

Definition

place with many people from different cultures

Example

San Francisco is a big melting pot. I can walk one block down my street and find four different types of restaurants!

San Francisco is a big melting pot. I can walk one block down my street and find four differnt types of restaurants!

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diversity n.

Definition

variety, something having many different forms, styles or types

Example

We had a lot of cultural diversity at my school. There were students from all over the world.

We had a lot of cultural diversity at my school. There were students from all over the world.

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clear adj.

Definition

without problems, not worrying about things, thinking about positive things

Example

You need a clear mind to deal with these problems. You should focus on the good things in your life. There's no reason to be sad, because you're life is really good.

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relaxation n.

Definition

the state of doing nothing; the act of taking it easy, not working and doing nothing; the act of letting the body and mind be free of stress

Example

I always try to do some relaxation exercises in the middle of the day. It helps me feel good about finishing the rest of my work.

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mental health n.

Definition

the way one is feeling and thinking; the condition of one's mind

Example

My dad exercises a lot, but his mental health isn't very good. He gets very angry and stressed out because of his job. He needs a vacation.

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peak performance expr.

Definition

able to do one's best, in one's best physical state

Example

I'm going to need to be at peak performance if I'm going to pass the math test tomorrow.

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balanced adj.

Definition

healthy; happy; sane; feeling as though life has a good mix of work and relaxation; having an equal amount of things

Example

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in shape expr.

Definition

healthy, in good physical condition, athletic, able to do physical activity

Example

My grandmother is 82, but she's really in shape. She takes a long walk almost every day.

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FATHER’S DAY

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split up v.

Definition

divide, portion out

Example

We split up the cake among the kids, giving each and equal portion.

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cliche adj.

Definition

stereotypical; expected

Example

A poor, starving artist is so cliche. Aren't there any successful painters out there?

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parade n.

Definition

a long line of people and exhibits walking through city streets

Example

The parade on the 4th of July goes right through the center of town. It gets really crowded with people who are watching so we should go early.

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Gay Pride n.

Definition

a celebration of homosexuality, usually involving a parade

Example

There are always so many strangely dressed people in the Gay Pride Parade!

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hang out v.

Definition

spend time, socialize

Example

I wanted to hang out with Jeff this weekend, but it looks like he's busy.

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rolls around expr.

Definition

arrives, happens

Example

I get really sad every year when my birthday rolls around. I don't like getting older.

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honor v.

Definition

pay tribute to; give attention and respect

Example

It is important to honor those who died in wars on Memorial Day.

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money clip n.

Definition

a piece of metal that holds money and cards together in place of a wallet

Example

My wallet is so fat with junk. I think I ought to get a money clip.

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tie n.

Definition

a piece of cloth worn around the neck by men in fancy clothes

Example

I have to wear a tie every day at my new job. It's a little uncomfortable, but at least I look sharp!

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fair adj.

Definition

honest, equal

Example

Teachers must be fair and treat all the kids the same.

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WILL YOU MARRY ME?

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follow in the footsteps expr.

Definition

follow the example; do what someone else has done; follow the lead

Example

I hope to follow in the footsteps of my mother, who was a great writer.

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pushing forward v.

Definition

taking action; moving forward with much motivation

Example

Now that the Democrats control Congress, they are pushing forward on issues like the minimum wage and alternative energy.

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behind the times expr.

Definition

out of date; not up on current trends; not modern

Example

Jolene is so behind the times. She doesn't have a computer or a cell phone.

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civil union n.

Definition

a union similar to marriage; a legally recognized relationship that entitles the two people to certain benefits like health insurance

Example

In the US, it is likely that civil unions will be soon be legal in most states for same-sex couples. Getting gay marriage legalized will take longer.

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issue n.

Definition

topic of concern; subject to debate

Example

Al Gore has helped the make the issue of global warming a household topic of conversation.

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initiatives n.

Definition

proposals for laws that people vote on

Example

It is important to look at initiatives carefully before making them laws.

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not the case expr.

Definition

not true; not the situation

Example

She said she's going to the party. But if that's not the case, I don't want to go.

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baby steps expr.

Definition

one small accomplishment at a time; little by little

Example

The best strategy for integrating exercise into your life is to take baby steps. Start out walking ten minutes once a week, and then gradually increase your time and frequency.

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close adj.

Definition

similar; almost the same thing

Example

I got a dress at the thrift store for $20 that was pretty close to a dress I saw for $200 at Nordstrom!

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non-issue n.

Definition

not a problem, something that doesn't need to be discussed

Example

For me, the race or gender of our next president is a non-issue. I will vote for whomever is most qualified for the job.

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