Advanced English (2) • NOUNS • 'M'

noun [C ] C2 US (UK manoeuvre) • synonyms: tactic, move, strategy • perform/make/execute a maneuver; a complicated/skillful maneuver; a military/political/parking maneuver; strategic maneuvering; clever maneuver • freq in AmE: 6/10

a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care, especially in driving, military operations, or strategic planning; metaphorically, a calculated action or tactic intended to achieve a goal or gain advantage

collocation with maneuver noun [C ] C2 US (UK manoeuvre) • execute/perform a tactical maneuver; a military/political/business maneuver; a strategic/risky maneuver • maneuver for advantage/control/influence • freq in AmE: 6/10

to carry out a calculated, strategic action designed to gain advantage or achieve a specific goal — often used in military, political, or competitive contexts where precision and timing are critical

collocation with maneuver noun [C ] C2 US (UK manoeuvre) • synonyms: move, tactic, operation • perform/execute/make a maneuver; a driving/military/political maneuver; a risky/precise maneuver • maneuver for advantage/space/control • freq in AmE: 6/10

to carry out a movement or action requiring skill, precision, or strategy — often used in contexts such as driving, flying, military operations, or metaphorically in politics and business

noun [C usually singular ] C2 • synonyms: discount, reduction, price cut • seasonal/steep markdown; markdown on items/prices/reputation • freq in AmE: 6/10

a reduction in price, especially of goods for sale; metaphorically, any deliberate decrease in value, intensity, or status

noun [C usually singular ] C2 (also markup) • synonyms: margin, surcharge, premium • high/hidden/excessive mark-up; mark-up on goods/services/imports • freq in AmE: 6/10

an amount added to the cost price of goods or services to determine the selling price, usually expressed as a percentage; metaphorically, any intentional increase or inflation of value, effort, or perception

noun [C usually singular ] C2 (also Metaverse) • synonyms: virtual realm, digital universe, immersive space • invite someone into the metaverse; build something in the metaverse • explore/enter/expand the metaverse • freq in AmE: 5/10

a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space; often imagined as an immersive, interactive digital universe where users can socialize, work, play, and create

noun [U] C2 • synonyms: resilience, courage, grit • show/prove/test one’s mettle; emotional/leadership/sporting mettle • freq in AmE: 4/10

courage, resilience, and strength of character — especially when tested under pressure, adversity, or challenge; often used to praise someone's inner fortitude

collocation with mettle noun [U] C2 • synonyms: demonstrate resilience, show courage, prove grit • prove one’s mettle in crisis/sport/leadership; emotionally/professionally prove mettle • freq in AmE: 4/10

to demonstrate one’s courage, resilience, or strength of character — especially in difficult or high-pressure situations; often used to highlight personal growth or leadership

noun [U ] informal C2 • synonyms: charm, energy, spark, vibe • get/lose/regain mojo; creative mojo; team mojo; personal mojo; good/bad mojo • freq in AmE: 6/10

a personal quality that makes someone attractive, successful, and full of energy; often linked to charm, confidence, and creative flow — sometimes described as one’s “magic” or inner spark

noun [C or U ] C2 informal US • synonyms: charm, talisman, magic, spell • bad mojo; good mojo; carry/wear/lose mojo; protective mojo; magical mojo; mojo bag • freq in AmE: 4/10

the influence of magic or a similar power; a charm, spell, or object believed to carry supernatural energy — often associated with luck, protection, or mystical charisma

noun [C ] C2 • synonyms: restraint, gag, silencer • dog muzzle; legal/emotional muzzle; put a muzzle on sb • freq in AmE: 5/10

a device placed over an animal’s mouth to prevent biting or eating; metaphorically, a restraint that prevents someone from speaking freely or expressing themselves

noun [U ] C2 disapproving • synonyms: scandal-hunting, exposé journalism, dirt-digging • muckraking journalism/reporting/tabloid press; engage in muckraking • freq in AmE: 4/10

the act of searching out and publicly exposing scandalous information, especially about prominent figures; often associated with sensationalist or investigative journalism

noun [C usually plural or U ] C1 literary/emotional • synonyms: doubt, unease, apprehension • misgivings about (doing) something; have/express/voice misgivings; misgivings about decision/plan/person • freq in AmE: 5/10

a feeling of doubt, worry, or fear about the outcome or appropriateness of something; often subtle and internal, signaling emotional or moral hesitation

collocation with misgiving noun [C usually plural or U ] C1 literary/emotional • synonyms: doubts, reservations, second thoughts • misgivings about doing something; have/express/voice misgivings about a plan/action/decision • freq in AmE: 5/10

feelings of doubt, worry, or moral hesitation regarding a specific action, decision, or plan; often subtle and internal, signaling emotional or ethical unease

collocation with misgiving noun [C usually plural or U ] C1 formal/emotional • synonyms: voice concerns, raise doubts, signal unease • express misgivings about plan/decision/policy/person • freq in AmE: 5/10

to openly communicate feelings of doubt, worry, or moral hesitation about something; often used when someone voices concerns about a plan, decision, or situation