Fi rst Mi n|is|ter (First Ministers ) N‑COUNT In the Scottish Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly, the First Minister is the leader of the ruling party.

fi rst na me (first names ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your first name is the first of the names that were given to you when you were born. You can also refer to all of your names except your surname as your first names . □ Her first name was Mary. I don't know what her surname was. ● PHRASE If two people are on first-name terms , they know each other well enough to call each other by their first names, rather than having to use a more formal title. □ The two were said to have been on first-name terms. [Also + with ]

fi rst ni ght (first nights ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] The first night of a show, play, or performance is the first public performance of it.

fi rst of|fe nd|er (first offenders ) N‑COUNT A first offender is a person who has been found guilty of a crime for the first time.

fi rst-past-the-po st ADJ [ADJ n] A first-past-the-post system for choosing members of parliament or other representatives is one in which the candidate who gets most votes wins. [BRIT ]

fi rst pe r|son N‑SING A statement in the first person is a statement about yourself, or about yourself and someone else. The subject of a statement like this is 'I' or 'we'. □ He tells the story in the first person.

fi rst-ra te also first rate ADJ If you say that something or someone is first-rate , you mean that they are extremely good and of the highest quality. [APPROVAL ] □ People who used his service knew they were dealing with a first-rate professional.

fi rst schoo l (first schools ) N‑COUNT A first school is a school for children aged between five and eight or nine. [BRIT ]

Fi rst Se c|re|tary (First Secretaries ) N‑COUNT The First Secretary of the Welsh Assembly is the leader of the ruling party.

fi rst-ti mer (first-timers ) N‑COUNT A first-timer is someone who does something for the first time. □ She entered this year's charts faster than any first-timer before her.

Fi rst Wo rld


1 N‑PROPER [N n] The most prosperous and industrialized parts of the world are sometimes referred to as the First World . Compare Third World . [BUSINESS ] □ Although South Africa has many of the attributes of the First World, it is still not part of that world. □ …wealthy First World countries.


2 PHRASE If you say that someone has First World problems , you mean that their problems are not really very important. □ 'I couldn't find any garlic olives anywhere.' --'First World problems.'

Fi rst World Wa r N‑PROPER The First World War or the First War is the war that was fought between 1914 and 1918 in Europe.

fi r tree (fir trees ) N‑COUNT A fir tree is the same as a fir .

fis|cal ◆◇◇ /f I sk ə l/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Fiscal is used to describe something that relates to government money or public money, especially taxes. □ …last year, when the government tightened fiscal policy. ● fis|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV after v] □ The scheme would be fiscally dangerous. □ Many members are determined to prove that they are fiscally responsible.


2 → see also procurator fiscal SYNONYMS fiscal ADJ


financial: The company is in financial difficulties.


economic: …Poland's radical economic reforms.


monetary: Some countries tighten monetary policy to avoid inflation.


budgetary: There are huge budgetary pressures on all governments in Europe.

fi s|cal cli ff (fiscal cliffs ) N‑COUNT A fiscal cliff is a situation in which sudden changes in government spending and tax have a big and sudden effect on a country's economy. □ The country is fast approaching the fiscal cliff.

fi s|cal yea r (fiscal years ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The fiscal year is the same as the financial year . [BUSINESS ] □ …the budget for the coming fiscal year.

fish ◆◆◇ /f I ʃ/ (fish or fishes , fishes , fishing , fished ) The form fish is usually used for the plural, but fishes can also be used. 1 N‑COUNT A fish is a creature that lives in water and has a tail and fins. There are many different kinds of fish. □ I was chatting to an islander who had just caught a fish. □ The fish were counted and an average weight recorded.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Fish is the flesh of a fish eaten as food. □ Does dry white wine go best with fish?


3 VERB If you fish , you try to catch fish, either for food or as a form of sport or recreation. □ [V ] Brian remembers learning to fish in the River Cam.


4 VERB If you fish a particular area of water, you try to catch fish in it. □ [V n] On Saturday we fished the River Arno.


5 VERB If you say that someone is fishing for information or praise, you disapprove of the fact that they are trying to get it from someone in an indirect way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + for ] He didn't want to create the impression that he was fishing for information. □ [V ] 'Lucinda, you don't have to talk to him!' Mike shouted. 'He's just fishing.'


6 → see also fishing


7 PHRASE If you tell someone that there are plenty more fish in the sea , you are comforting them by saying that although their relationship with someone has failed, there are many other people they can have relationships with. [INFORMAL ]


▸ fish out PHRASAL VERB If you fish something out from somewhere, you take or pull it out, often after searching for it for some time. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] She fished out a pair of David's socks for her cold feet. [Also V n P ]

fi sh and chi p shop (fish and chip shops ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a fish and chip shop is a shop which sells hot food such as fish and chips, fried chicken, sausages, and meat pies. The food is cooked in the shop and people take it away to eat at home or in the street.

fi sh cake (fish cakes ) also fishcake N‑COUNT A fish cake is a mixture of fish and potato that is made into a flat round shape, covered in breadcrumbs, and fried.

fisher|man /f I ʃə r mən/ (fishermen ) N‑COUNT A fisherman is a person who catches fish as a job or for sport.

fish|ery /f I ʃəri/ (fisheries )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fisheries are areas of the sea where fish are caught in large quantities for commercial purposes. □ …the fisheries off Newfoundland.


2 N‑COUNT A fishery is a place where fish are bred and reared.

fi sh fi n|ger (fish fingers ) also fishfinger N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fish fingers are small long pieces of fish covered in breadcrumbs. They are usually sold in frozen form. [mainly BRIT ]

fish|ing ◆◇◇ /f I ʃ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Fishing is the sport, hobby, or business of catching fish. □ Despite the poor weather the fishing has been pretty good. □ …a fishing boat.

fi sh|ing rod (fishing rods ) also fishing-rod N‑COUNT A fishing rod is a long thin pole which has a line and hook attached to it and which is used for catching fish.

fi sh|ing tack|le also fishing-tackle N‑UNCOUNT Fishing tackle consists of all the equipment that is used in the sport of fishing, such as fishing rods, lines, hooks, and bait.

fi sh knife (fish knives ) N‑COUNT A fish knife is a knife that you use when you eat fish. It has a wide flat blade and does not have a sharp edge.

fish|monger /f I ʃmʌŋgə r / (fishmongers )


1 N‑COUNT A fishmonger is a shopkeeper who sells fish. [mainly BRIT ]


2 N‑COUNT The fishmonger or the fishmonger's is a shop where fish is sold. [mainly BRIT ] □ Purchase your oysters from a reputable fishmonger.

fish|net /f I ʃnet/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Fishnet tights or stockings are made from a stretchy fabric which has wide holes between its threads, rather like the holes in a fishing net.

fi sh slice (fish slices ) also fish-slice N‑COUNT A fish slice is a kitchen tool which consists of a flat part with narrow holes in it attached to a handle. It is used for turning or serving fish or other food that is cooked in a frying pan. [BRIT ] in AM, use spatula

fish|wife /f I ʃwa I f/ (fishwives ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is behaving like a fishwife , you mean that they are shouting a great deal and behaving in a very unpleasant and bad-tempered way. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]

fishy /f I ʃi/


1 ADJ A fishy taste or smell reminds you of fish.


2 ADJ If you describe a situation as fishy , you feel that someone is not telling the truth or behaving completely honestly. [INFORMAL ] □ There seems to be something fishy going on.

fis|sion /f I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Nuclear fission is the splitting of the nucleus of an atom to produce a large amount of energy or cause a large explosion.

fis|sure /f I ʃə r / (fissures ) N‑COUNT A fissure is a deep crack in something, especially in rock or in the ground.

fist /f I st/ (fists ) N‑COUNT Your hand is referred to as your fist when you have bent your fingers in towards the palm in order to hit someone, to make an angry gesture, or to hold something. □ Angry protestors with clenched fists shouted their defiance. □ Gary clutched a penny in his fist.

fist|ful /f I stfʊl/ (fistfuls ) N‑COUNT A fistful of things is the number of them that you can hold in your fist. □ [+ of ] Mandy handed him a fistful of coins.

fisti|cuffs /f I stikʌfs/ N‑UNCOUNT Fisticuffs is fighting in which people try to hit each other with their fists. [HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED ]


fit


➊ BEING RIGHT OR GOING IN THE RIGHT PLACE


➋ HEALTHY


➌ UNCONTROLLABLE MOVEMENTS OR EMOTIONS


➊ fit ◆◆◇ /f I t/ (fits , fitting , fitted ) In American English the form fit is used in the present tense and sometimes also as the past tense and past participle of the verb. → Please look at categories 15 to 17 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.


1 VERB If something fits , it is the right size and shape to go onto a person's body or onto a particular object. □ [V n] The sash, kimono, and other garments were made to fit a child. □ [V prep/adv] She has to go to the men's department to find trousers that fit at the waist. □ [V prep/adv] Line a tin with lightly-greased greaseproof paper, making sure the corners fit well.


2 N‑SING [adj N ] If something is a good fit , it fits well. □ Eventually he was happy that the sills and doors were a reasonably good fit.


3 VERB [usu passive] If you are fitted for a particular piece of clothing, you try it on so that the person who is making it can see where it needs to be altered. □ [be V -ed + for ] She was being fitted for her wedding dress.


4 VERB If something fits somewhere, it can be put there or is designed to be put there. □ [V prep/adv] …a computer which is small enough to fit into your pocket. □ [V prep/adv] He folded his long legs to fit under the table.


5 VERB If you fit something into a particular space or place, you put it there. □ [V n prep/adv] She fitted her key in the lock. □ [V n prep/adv] When the crown has been made you go back and the dentist will fit it into place.


6 VERB If you fit something somewhere, you attach it there, or put it there carefully and securely. □ [V n] Fit hinge bolts to give extra support to the door lock. □ [V n prep] Peter had built the overhead ladders, and the next day he fitted them to the wall.


7 VERB If something fits something else or fits into it, it goes together well with that thing or is able to be part of it. □ [V n] Her daughter doesn't fit the current feminine ideal. □ [V + in/into ] Fostering is a full-time job and you should consider how it will fit into your career. □ [V ] There's something about the way he talks of her that doesn't fit.


8 VERB You can say that something fits a particular person or thing when it is appropriate or suitable for them or it. □ [V n] The punishment must always fit the crime.


9 ADJ [ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf] If something is fit for a particular purpose, it is suitable for that purpose. □ [+ for ] Of the seven bicycles we had, only two were fit for the road. □ …safety measures intended to reassure consumers that the meat is fit to eat.


10 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf] If someone is fit to do something, they have the appropriate qualities or skills that will allow them to do it. □ You're not fit to be a mother! □ He was not a fit companion for their skipper that particular morning. [Also + for ] ● fit|ness N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf] □ [+ for ] There is a debate about his fitness for the highest office.


11 VERB If something fits someone for a particular task or role, it makes them good enough or suitable for it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + for ] …a man whose past experience fits him for the top job in education. □ [V n to-inf] His personality may not have fitted him to be Prime Minister.


12 PHRASE If you say that someone sees fit to do something, you mean that they are entitled to do it, but that you disapprove of their decision to do it. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He's not a friend, you say, yet you saw fit to lend him money.


13 → see also fitted , fitting


14 fit the bill → see bill


15 to fit like a glove → see glove


16 not in a fit state → see state


▸ fit in


1 PHRASAL VERB If you manage to fit a person or task in , you manage to find time to deal with them. □ [V n P ] We work long hours and we rush around trying to fit everything in. □ [V P n] I find that I just can't fit in regular domestic work.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you fit in as part of a group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it. □ [V P ] She was great with the children and fitted in beautifully.


3 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone or something fits in , you understand how they form part of a particular situation or system. □ [V P ] He knew where I fitted in and what he had to do to get the best out of me. □ [V P + with ] This fits in with what you've told me.


▸ fit into


1 PHRASAL VERB If you fit into a particular group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it. □ [V P n] It's hard to see how he would fit into the team.


2 PHRASAL VERB If something fits into a particular situation or system, that seems to be the right place for it. □ [V P n] Most film locations broadly fit into two categories: private property and public place.


▸ fit out in BRIT, also use fit up PHRASAL VERB If you fit someone or something out , or you fit them up , you provide them with equipment and other things that they need. □ [V n P + for ] We helped to fit him out for a trip to the Baltic. □ [V P n] They spent 18 million pounds of Government funds fitting out the London headquarters. [Also V n P ]


▸ fit up


1 PHRASAL VERB If someone fits another person up , they try to make it seem that that person is responsible for a crime. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] Mr Stone said inmates who had given evidence were trying to fit him up. □ [V P n] We were called in to defend the police officer who had fitted up the young boy.


2 → see also fit out

➋ fit ◆◇◇ /f I t/ (fitter , fittest )


→ Please look at categories 3 and 4 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.


1 ADJ Someone who is fit is healthy and physically strong. □ An averagely fit person can master easy ski runs within a few days. ● fit|ness N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ Squash was once thought to offer all-round fitness.


2 ADJ If you describe someone as fit , you mean that they are good-looking. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ About an hour later a really fit guy came up to me on the dance floor.


3 fit as a fiddle → see fiddle


4 fighting fit → see fight

➌ fit /f I t/ (fits )


1 N‑COUNT If someone has a fit they suddenly lose consciousness and their body makes uncontrollable movements. □ About two in every five epileptic fits occur during sleep.


2 N‑COUNT If you have a fit of coughing or laughter, you suddenly start coughing or laughing in an uncontrollable way. □ [+ of ] He went into a protracted fit of coughing.


3 N‑COUNT If you do something in a fit of anger or panic, you are very angry or afraid when you do it. □ [+ of ] Pattie shot Tom in a fit of jealous rage.


4 PHRASE If you say that someone will have a fit when they hear about something, you mean that they will be very angry or shocked. [INFORMAL ] □ He'd have a fit if he knew what we were up to!


5 PHRASE Something that happens in fits and starts or by fits and starts keeps happening and then stopping again. □ My slimming attempts tend to go in fits and starts. □ Military technology advances by fits and starts. COLLOCATIONS fit VERB ➊1


fit + adverb : comfortably, neatly, snugly; nicely, perfectly ADJ ➋1


adverb + fit : extremely, incredibly, supremely; mentally, physically; fairly, pretty, reasonably

fit|ful /f I tfʊl/ ADJ Something that is fitful happens for irregular periods of time or occurs at irregular times, rather than being continuous. □ Colin drifted off into a fitful sleep.

fit|ted /f I t I d/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fitted piece of clothing is designed so that it is the same size and shape as your body rather than being loose. □ …baggy trousers with fitted jackets.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fitted piece of furniture, for example a cupboard, is designed to fill a particular space and is fixed in place. □ I've re-carpeted our bedroom and added fitted wardrobes.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A fitted carpet is cut to the same shape as a room so that it covers the floor completely. □ …fitted carpets, central heating and double glazing.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] A fitted sheet has the corners sewn so that they fit over the corners of the mattress and do not have to be folded.

fit|ter /f I tə r / (fitters ) N‑COUNT A fitter is a person whose job is to put together, adjust, or install machinery or equipment. □ George was a fitter at the shipyard.

fit|ting /f I t I ŋ/ (fittings )


1 N‑COUNT A fitting is one of the smaller parts on the outside of a piece of equipment or furniture, for example a handle or a tap. □ …brass light fittings. □ …industrial fittings for kitchen and bathroom.


2 N‑PLURAL Fittings are things such as ovens or heaters, that are fitted inside a building, but can be removed if necessary.


3 ADJ Something that is fitting is right or suitable. □ A solitary man, it was perhaps fitting that he should have died alone. ● fit|ting|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] □ …the four-storeyed, and fittingly named, High House.


4 N‑COUNT If someone has a fitting , they try on a piece of clothing that is being made for them to see if it fits. □ She lunched and shopped and went for fittings for clothes she didn't need.

-fitting /-f I t I ŋ/ COMB -fitting combines with adjectives or adverbs such as 'close', 'loose', or 'tightly' to show that something is the size indicated in relation to the thing it is on, in, or next to. □ …loose-fitting night clothes. □ …glass bottles with tight-fitting caps.

five ◆◆◆ /fa I v/ (fives )


1 NUM Five is the number 5. □ Eric Edward Bullus was born in Peterborough, the second of five children.


2 → see also high five

fiv|er /fa I və r / (fivers )


1 N‑COUNT A fiver is a five pound note. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]


2 N‑COUNT A fiver is a five dollar bill. [AM , INFORMAL ]

fix ◆◇◇ /f I ks/ (fixes , fixing , fixed )


1 VERB If something is fixed somewhere, it is attached there firmly or securely. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] It is fixed on the wall. □ [V n prep/adv] He fixed a bayonet to the end of his rifle.


2 VERB If you fix something, for example a date, price, or policy, you decide and say exactly what it will be. □ [V n] He's going to fix a time when I can see him. □ [be V -ed] The prices of milk and cereals are fixed annually.


3 VERB If you fix something for someone, you arrange for it to happen or you organize it for them. □ [V n + for ] I've fixed it for you to see Bonnie Lachlan. □ [be V -ed] It's fixed. He's going to meet us at the airport. □ [V n] They thought that their relatives would be able to fix the visas. □ [V n + with ] He vanished after you fixed him with a job. □ [V + for ] We fixed for the team to visit our headquarters. □ [V that] They'd fixed yesterday that Mike'd be in late today.


4 VERB If you fix something which is damaged or which does not work properly, you repair it. □ [V n] He cannot fix the electricity. □ [get/have n V -ed] If something is broken, we get it fixed.


5 VERB If you fix a problem or a bad situation, you deal with it and make it satisfactory. □ [V n] It's not too late to fix the problem, although time is clearly getting short. □ [V -ing] Fixing a 40-year-old wrong does not mean, however, that history can be undone.


6 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can refer to a solution to a problem as a fix . [INFORMAL ] □ Many of those changes could just be a temporary fix.


7 → see also quick fix


8 VERB If you fix your eyes on someone or something or if your eyes fix on them, you look at them with complete attention. □ [V n + on ] She fixes her steel-blue eyes on an unsuspecting local official. □ [V + on ] Her soft brown eyes fixed on Kelly. □ [V -ed] The child kept her eyes fixed on the wall behind him.


9 VERB If someone or something is fixed in your mind, you remember them well, for example because they are very important, interesting, or unusual. □ [be V -ed + in ] Leonard was now fixed in his mind. □ [V n + in ] Amy watched the child's intent face eagerly, trying to fix it in her mind.


10 VERB If someone fixes a gun, camera, or radar on something, they point it at that thing. □ [V n + on ] The crew fixed its radar on the enemy ship.


11 N‑SING If you get a fix on someone or something, you have a clear idea or understanding of them. [INFORMAL ] □ It's been hard to get a steady fix on what's going on.


12 VERB If you fix some food or a drink for someone, you make it or prepare it for them. □ [V n + for ] Sarah fixed some food for us. □ [V n n] Let me fix you a drink. □ [V n] Scotty stayed behind to fix lunch.


13 VERB [no passive] If you fix your hair, clothes, or make-up, you arrange or adjust them so you look neat and tidy, showing you have taken care with your appearance. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] 'I've got to fix my hair,' I said and retreated to my bedroom.


14 VERB If someone fixes a race, election, contest, or other event, they make unfair or illegal arrangements or use deception to affect the result. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] They offered opposing players bribes to fix a decisive league match. □ [V -ing] …this week's report of match-fixing. ● N‑COUNT Fix is also a noun. □ It's all a fix, a deal they've made.


15 VERB If you accuse someone of fixing prices, you accuse them of making unfair arrangements to charge a particular price for something, rather than allowing market forces to decide it. [BUSINESS , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] …a suspected cartel that had fixed the price of steel for the construction market. □ [V -ing] The company is currently in dispute with the government over price fixing.


16 N‑COUNT An injection of an addictive drug such as heroin can be referred to as a fix . [INFORMAL ]


17 N‑COUNT [n N ] You can use fix to refer to an amount of something which a person gets or wants and which helps them physically or psychologically to survive. [INFORMAL ] □ The trouble with her is she needs her daily fix of publicity. □ …a quick energy fix.


18 VERB [only cont] If you say that you are fixing to do something, you mean that you are planning or intending to do it. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] I'm fixing to go to graduate school.


19 → see also fixed , fixings


▸ fix on PHRASAL VERB If you fix on a particular thing, you decide that it is the one you want and will have. □ [V P n] The government has fixed on May 19th to celebrate his anniversary.


▸ fix up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you fix something up , you arrange it. □ [V P n] I fixed up an appointment to see her. [Also V n P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB If you fix something up , you do work that is necessary in order to make it more suitable or attractive. □ [V P n] I've fixed up Matthew's old room. [Also V n P ]


3 PHRASAL VERB If you fix someone up with something they need, you provide it for them. □ [be V -ed P + with ] He was fixed up with a job. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS fix NOUN


6


noun + fix : bug, software


adjective + fix : easy, instant, short-term, temporary


21


noun + fix : caffeine, sugar


adjective + fix : daily


verb + fix : get, want

fix|at|ed /f I kse I t I d, f I kse I t I d/ ADJ If you accuse someone of being fixated on a particular thing, you mean that they think about it to an extreme and excessive degree. □ [+ on/with/by ] But by then the administration wasn't paying attention, for top officials were fixated on Kuwait.

fixa|tion /f I kse I ʃ ə n/ (fixations ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you accuse a person of having a fixation on something or someone, you mean they think about a particular subject or person to an extreme and excessive degree. □ The country's fixation on the war may delay a serious examination of domestic needs.

fixa|tive /f I ksət I v/ (fixatives ) N‑VAR Fixative is a liquid used to preserve the surface of things such as a drawings or photographs.

fixed ◆◇◇ /f I kst/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use fixed to describe something which stays the same and does not or cannot vary. □ They issue a fixed number of shares that trade publicly. □ Tickets will be printed with fixed entry times. □ Many restaurants offer fixed-price menus.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has fixed ideas or opinions, you mean that they do not often change their ideas and opinions, although perhaps they should. □ …people who have fixed ideas about things.


3 ADJ If someone has a fixed smile on their face, they are smiling even though they do not feel happy or pleased. □ I had to go through the rest of the evening with a fixed smile on my face.


4 PHRASE Someone who is of no fixed address , or in British English no fixed abode , does not have a permanent place to live. [FORMAL ] □ They are not able to get a job interview because they have no fixed address. □ He's of no fixed abode and we found him on the streets.


5 → see also fix

fi xed a s|set (fixed assets ) N‑COUNT Fixed assets are assets which a company uses on a continuous basis, such as property and machinery. [BUSINESS ] □ For the purchase of fixed assets it will use capital or long-term finance.

fix|ed|ly /f I ks I dli/ ADV [ADV after v] If you stare fixedly at someone or something, you look at them steadily and continuously for a period of time. [LITERARY ] □ I stared fixedly at the statue.

fix|er /f I ksə r / (fixers ) N‑COUNT If someone is a fixer , he or she is the sort of person who solves problems and gets things done. [JOURNALISM ] □ He seems certain to become the fixer the Prime Minister will need at election time.

fix|ings /f I ks I ŋz/


1 N‑PLURAL Fixings are extra items that are used to decorate or complete something, especially a meal. [AM ] □ He bought a hot dog and had it covered with all the fixings.


2 N‑PLURAL Fixings are items such as nails and screws which are used to fix things such as furniture together. □ Have you got all the screws and fixings you need?

fix|ity /f I ks I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the fixity of something, you talk about the fact that it does not change or weaken. [WRITTEN ] □ She believed in the fixity of the class system.

fix|ture /f I kstʃə r / (fixtures )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Fixtures are pieces of furniture or equipment, for example baths and sinks, which are fixed inside a house or other building and which stay there if you move. □ …a detailed list of what fixtures and fittings are included in the purchase price.


2 N‑COUNT A fixture is a sports event which takes place on a particular date. [BRIT ] □ City won this fixture 3-0 last season.


3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a fixture in a particular place or occasion, you mean that they always seem to be there. □ [+ in ] She was a fixture in New York's nightclubs. □ [+ in ] The cordless kettle may now be a fixture in most kitchens.

fizz /f I z/ (fizzes , fizzing , fizzed )


1 VERB If a drink fizzes , it produces lots of little bubbles of gas and makes a sound like a long 's'. □ [V ] After a while their mother was back, holding a tray of glasses that fizzed. ● N‑UNCOUNT Fizz is also a noun. □ I wonder if there's any fizz left in the lemonade.


2 VERB If something such as an engine fizzes , it makes a sound like a long 's'. □ [V ] When I started the engine it sparked, fizzed and went dead.


3 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone puts fizz into something, you mean that they make it more interesting or exciting. □ A Brazilian public relations firm has brought some fizz into his campaign.

fiz|zle /f I z ə l/ (fizzles , fizzling , fizzled ) VERB If something fizzles , it ends in a weak or disappointing way after starting off strongly. □ [V + into/to ] Our relationship fizzled into nothing. [Also V ] ● PHRASAL VERB Fizzle out means the same as fizzle . □ [V P ] The railway strike fizzled out on its second day as drivers returned to work.

fizzy /f I zi/ (fizzier , fizziest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fizzy drinks are drinks that contain small bubbles of carbon dioxide. They make a sound like a long 's' when you pour them. [BRIT ] □ …fizzy water. □ …a can of fizzy drink. in AM, use carbonated

fjord /fjɔː r d, fiː ɔː r d/ (fjords ) also fiord N‑COUNT [oft in names] A fjord is a strip of sea that comes into the land between high cliffs, especially in Norway.

flab /flæ b/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has flab , you mean they have loose flesh on their body because they are rather fat, especially when you are being critical of them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Don had a hefty roll of flab overhanging his waistband.

flab|ber|gast|ed /flæ bə r gɑːst I d, -gæst-/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you say that you are flabbergasted , you are emphasizing that you are extremely surprised. [EMPHASIS ] □ Everybody was flabbergasted when I announced I was going to emigrate to Australia.

flab|by /flæ bi/ (flabbier , flabbiest )


1 ADJ Flabby people are rather fat, with loose flesh over their bodies. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ This exercise is brilliant for getting rid of flabby tums.


2 ADJ If you describe something as flabby , you are criticizing it for being disorganized or wasteful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ You hear talk about American business being flabby.

flac|cid /flæ s I d, flæ ks I d/ ADJ You use flaccid to describe a part of someone's body when it is unpleasantly soft and not hard or firm. □ I picked up her wrist. It was limp and flaccid.

flag ◆◇◇ /flæ g/ (flags , flagging , flagged )


1 N‑COUNT A flag is a piece of cloth which can be attached to a pole and which is used as a sign, signal, or symbol of something, especially of a particular country. □ The Marines raised the American flag. □ They had raised the white flag in surrender.


2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] Journalists sometimes refer to the flag of a particular country or organization as a way of referring to the country or organization itself and its values or power. □ The two brothers are riding under the British flag. [Also + of ]


3 VERB If you flag or if your spirits flag , you begin to lose enthusiasm or energy. □ [V ] His enthusiasm was in no way flagging. □ [V ] By 4,000m he was beginning to flag.


4 → see also flagged


5 PHRASE If you fly the flag , you show that you are proud of your country, or that you support a particular cause, especially when you are in a foreign country or when few other people do.


▸ flag down PHRASAL VERB If you flag down a vehicle, especially a taxi, you wave at it as a signal for the driver to stop. □ [V P n] They flagged down a passing family who stopped to help them. □ [V n P ] Marlette was already out of the door, flagging down a taxi.


▸ flag up PHRASAL VERB If you flag up something such as a problem, you bring it to someone's attention. □ [V P n] Staff can use the noticeboard to flag up any concerns. □ [V n P ] I think there are more important issues and I just wanted to flag that up. COLLOCATIONS flag NOUN 1


adjective + flag : chequered, red, white; national


verb + flag : fly, unfurl, wave; hoist, raise

fla g day (flag days ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a flag day is a day on which people collect money for a charity from people in the street. People are given a small sticker to wear to show that they have given money.

Fla g Day N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, Flag Day is the 14th of June, the anniversary of the day in 1777 when the Stars and Stripes became the official U.S. flag.

flag|el|la|tion /flæ dʒəle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Flagellation is the act of beating yourself or someone else, usually as a religious punishment. [FORMAL ]

flagged /flæ gd/ ADJ A flagged path or area of ground is covered with large, flat, square pieces of stone.

flag|on /flæ gən/ (flagons )


1 N‑COUNT A flagon is a wide bottle in which liquids such as wine are sold.


2 N‑COUNT A flagon is a jug with a narrow neck in which wine or another drink is served.

flag|pole /flæ gpoʊl/ (flagpoles ) N‑COUNT A flagpole is a tall pole on which a flag can be displayed. □ The Namibian flag was hoisted up the flagpole.

fla|grant /fle I grənt/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can use flagrant to describe an action, situation, or someone's behaviour that you find extremely bad or shocking in a very obvious way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The judge called the decision 'a flagrant violation of international law'. ● fla|grant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ It is a situation where basic human rights are being flagrantly abused.

flag|ship /flæ gʃ I p/ (flagships )


1 N‑COUNT A flagship is the most important ship in a fleet of ships, especially the one on which the commander of the fleet is sailing.


2 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The flagship of a group of things that are owned or produced by a particular organization is the most important one. □ [N n] The company plans to open a flagship store in New York this month.

flag|staff /flæ gstɑːf, -stæf/ (flagstaffs ) N‑COUNT A flagstaff is the same as a flagpole .

flag|stone /flæ gstoʊn/ (flagstones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flagstones are large, flat, square pieces of stone which are used for covering a path or area of ground.

fla g-waving N‑UNCOUNT You can use flag-waving to refer to the expression of feelings for a country in a loud or exaggerated way, especially when you disapprove of this. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The real costs of the war have been ignored in the flag-waving of recent months.

flail /fle I l/ (flails , flailing , flailed ) VERB If your arms or legs flail or if you flail them about, they wave about in an energetic but uncontrolled way. □ [V ] His arms were flailing in all directions. □ [V n] He gave a choked cry, flailed his arms wildly for a moment, and then went over the edge. ● PHRASAL VERB Flail around means the same as flail . □ [V P ] He starting flailing around and hitting Vincent in the chest.

flair /fleə r /


1 N‑SING If you have a flair for a particular thing, you have a natural ability to do it well. □ [+ for ] …a friend who has a flair for languages.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have flair , you do things in an original, interesting, and stylish way. [APPROVAL ] □ Their work has all the usual punch, panache and flair you'd expect.

flak /flæ k/ N‑UNCOUNT If you get a lot of flak from someone, they criticize you severely. If you take the flak , you get the blame for something. [INFORMAL ] □ The President is getting a lot of flak for that.

flake /fle I k/ (flakes , flaking , flaked )


1 N‑COUNT [n N ] A flake is a small thin piece of something, especially one that has broken off a larger piece. □ Large flakes of snow began swiftly to fall. □ …oat flakes.


2 VERB If something such as paint flakes , small thin pieces of it come off. □ [V ] They can see how its colours have faded and where paint has flaked. ● PHRASAL VERB Flake off means the same as flake . □ [V P ] The surface corrosion was worst where the paint had flaked off.

fla k jack|et (flak jackets ) N‑COUNT A flak jacket is a thick sleeveless jacket that soldiers and police officers sometimes wear to protect themselves against bullets.

flaky /fle I ki/


1 ADJ Something that is flaky breaks easily into small thin pieces or tends to come off in small thin pieces. □ …a small patch of red, flaky skin.


2 ADJ If you describe an idea, argument, or person as flaky , you mean that they are rather eccentric and unreliable. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He wondered if the idea wasn't just a little too flaky, a little too outlandish.

flam|boy|ant /flæmbɔ I ənt/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is flamboyant , you mean that they are very noticeable, stylish, and exciting. □ Freddie Mercury was a flamboyant star of the British hard rock scene. ● flam|boy|ance N‑UNCOUNT □ Campese was his usual mixture of flamboyance and flair.

flame /fle I m/ (flames , flaming , flamed )


1 N‑VAR A flame is a hot bright stream of burning gas that comes from something that is burning. □ The heat from the flames was so intense that roads melted. □ …a huge ball of flame.


2 N‑COUNT A flame is an email message which severely criticizes or attacks someone. [COMPUTING , INFORMAL ] □ The best way to respond to a flame is to ignore it. ● VERB Flame is also a verb. □ [be V -ed] Ever been flamed?


3 → see also flaming , old flame


4 PHRASE If something bursts into flames or bursts into flame , it suddenly starts burning strongly. □ She managed to scramble out of the vehicle as it burst into flames.


5 PHRASE If someone or something fans the flames of a situation or feeling, usually a bad one, they make it more intense or extreme in some way. □ He accused the Tories of 'fanning the flames of extremism'.


6 PHRASE If something goes up in flames , it starts to burn strongly and is destroyed. □ Fires broke out everywhere, the entire city went up in flames.


7 PHRASE Something that is in flames is on fire.

fla|men|co /fləme ŋkoʊ/ (flamencos ) N‑VAR Flamenco is a Spanish dance that is danced to a special type of guitar music.

flame|proof /fle I mpruːf/ also flame-proof ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flameproof cooking dishes can withstand direct heat, so they can be used, for example, on top of a cooker or stove, or under a grill.

fla me-retardant ADJ Flame-retardant is the same as fire-retardant .

fla me-thrower (flame-throwers ) also flame thrower N‑COUNT A flame-thrower is a gun that can send out a stream of burning liquid and that is used as a weapon or for clearing plants from an area of ground.

flam|ing /fle I m I ŋ/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flaming is used to describe something that is burning and producing a lot of flames. □ The plane, which was full of fuel, scattered flaming fragments over a large area.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is flaming red or orange is bright red or orange in colour. □ He has flaming red hair.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A flaming row or a flaming temper, for example, is a very angry row or a very bad temper. [EMPHASIS ] □ She has had a flaming row with her lover.

fla|min|go /fləm I ŋgoʊ/ (flamingos or flamingoes ) N‑COUNT A flamingo is a bird with pink feathers, long thin legs, a long neck, and a curved beak. Flamingos live near water in warm countries.

flam|mable /flæ məb ə l/ ADJ Flammable chemicals, gases, cloth, or other things catch fire and burn easily. □ …flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin.

flan /flæ n/ (flans ) N‑VAR A flan is a food that has a base and sides of pastry or sponge cake. The base is filled with fruit or savoury food.

flange /flæ ndʒ/ (flanges ) N‑COUNT A flange is a projecting edge on an object. Its purpose is to strengthen the object or to connect it to another object.

flank /flæ ŋk/ (flanks , flanking , flanked )


1 N‑COUNT An animal's flank is its side, between the ribs and the hip. □ He put his hand on the dog's flank.


2 N‑COUNT A flank of an army or navy force is one side of it when it is organized for battle. □ The assault element, led by Captain Ramirez, opened up from their right flank.


3 N‑COUNT The side of anything large can be referred to as its flank . □ [+ of ] They continued along the flank of the mountain.


4 VERB If something is flanked by things, it has them on both sides of it, or sometimes on one side of it. □ [be V -ed + by ] The altar was flanked by two Christmas trees. □ [V n] Bookcases flank the bed.

flan|nel /flæ n ə l/ (flannels )


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Flannel is a soft cloth, usually made of cotton or wool, that is used for making clothes. □ He wore a faded red flannel shirt.


2 N‑COUNT A flannel is a small cloth that you use for washing yourself. [BRIT ] in AM, use washcloth

flap /flæ p/ (flaps , flapping , flapped )


1 VERB If something such as a piece of cloth or paper flaps or if you flap it, it moves quickly up and down or from side to side. □ [V ] Grey sheets flapped on the clothes line. □ [V n] They would flap bath towels from their balconies as they chatted.


2 VERB If a bird or insect flaps its wings or if its wings flap , the wings move quickly up and down. □ [V n] The bird flapped its wings furiously. □ [V ] A pigeon emerges, wings flapping noisily, from the tower.


3 VERB If you flap your arms, you move them quickly up and down as if they were the wings of a bird. □ [V n] …a kid running and flapping her arms.


4 N‑COUNT A flap of cloth or skin, for example, is a flat piece of it that can move freely up and down or from side to side because it is held or attached by only one edge. □ He drew back the tent flap and strode out into the blizzard. □ …a loose flap of skin.


5 N‑COUNT A flap on the wing of an aircraft is an area along the edge of the wing that can be raised or lowered to control the movement of the aircraft. □ …the sudden slowing as the flaps were lowered.

flap|jack /flæ pdʒæk/ (flapjacks )


1 N‑VAR Flapjacks are thick biscuits made from oats, butter, and syrup. [BRIT ]


2 N‑COUNT Flapjacks are thin, flat, circular pieces of cooked batter made of milk, flour, and eggs. Flapjacks are usually rolled up or folded and eaten hot with a sweet or savoury filling. [AM ]

flare /fleə r / (flares , flaring , flared )


1 N‑COUNT A flare is a small device that produces a bright flame. Flares are used as signals, for example on ships. □ …a ship which had fired a distress flare.


2 VERB If a fire flares , the flames suddenly become larger. □ [V ] Camp fires flared like beacons in the dark. ● PHRASAL VERB Flare up means the same as flare . □ [V P ] Don't spill too much fat on the barbecue as it could flare up.


3 VERB If something such as trouble, violence, or conflict flares , it starts or becomes more violent. □ [V ] Even as the President appealed for calm, trouble flared in several American cities. ● PHRASAL VERB Flare up means the same as flare . □ [V P ] Dozens of people were injured as fighting flared up.


4 VERB If people's tempers flare , they get angry. □ [V ] Tempers flared and harsh words were exchanged.


5 VERB If someone's nostrils flare or if they flare them, their nostrils become wider, often because the person is angry or upset. □ [V ] I turned to Jacky, my nostrils flaring in disgust. □ [V n] He stuck out his tongue and flared his nostrils.


6 VERB If something such as a dress flares , it spreads outwards at one end to form a wide shape. □ [V ] …a simple black dress, cut to flare from the hips.


7 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Flares are trousers that are very wide at the bottom.


8 → see also flared


▸ flare up


1 PHRASAL VERB If a disease or injury flares up , it suddenly returns or becomes painful again. □ [V P ] Students often find that their acne flares up before and during exams.


2 → see also flare 2 , flare 3 , flare-up

flared /fleə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flared skirts or trousers are wider at the bottom or at the end of the legs than at the top. □ In the 1970s they all had flared trousers.

fla re-up (flare-ups ) N‑COUNT If there is a flare-up of violence or of an illness, it suddenly starts or gets worse. □ There's been a flare-up of violence in South Africa.

flash ◆◇◇ /flæ ʃ/ (flashes , flashing , flashed )


1 N‑COUNT A flash is a sudden burst of light or of something shiny or bright. □ A sudden flash of lightning lit everything up for a second. □ The wire snapped at the wall plug with a blue flash and the light fused. □ A jay emerged from the juniper bush in a flash of blue feathers.


2 VERB If a light flashes or if you flash a light, it shines with a sudden bright light, especially as quick, regular flashes of light. □ [V ] Lightning flashed among the distant dark clouds. □ [V n] He lost his temper after a driver flashed her headlights as he overtook. □ [V -ing] He saw the flashing lights of the highway patrol car in his driving mirror.


3 N‑COUNT You talk about a flash of something when you are saying that it happens very suddenly and unexpectedly. □ [+ of ] 'What did Moira tell you?' Liz demanded with a flash of anger. □ The essays could do with a flash of wit or humor.


4 VERB If something flashes past or by, it moves past you so fast that you cannot see it properly. □ [V prep/adv] It was a busy road, cars flashed by every few minutes.


5 VERB If something flashes through or into your mind, you suddenly think about it. □ [V + through/into ] A ludicrous thought flashed through Harry's mind.


6 VERB If you flash something such as an identity card, you show it to people quickly and then put it away again. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] Halim flashed his official card, and managed to get hold of a soldier to guard the Land Rover.


7 VERB If a picture or message flashes up on a screen, or if you flash it onto a screen, it is displayed there briefly or suddenly, and often repeatedly. □ [V up ] The figures flash up on the scoreboard. □ [V prep] The words 'Good Luck' were flashing on the screen. □ [V n prep] Researchers flash two groups of different letters onto a computer screen. □ [V n] The screen flashes a message: Try again. □ [be V -ed up ] A list of items is repeatedly flashed up on the screen. [Also V n up ]


8 VERB If you flash news or information to a place, you send it there quickly by computer, satellite, or other system. □ [V n] They had told their offices to flash the news as soon as it broke. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] This is, of course, international news and soon it was being flashed around the world. [Also V n prep/adv]


9 VERB If you flash a look or a smile at someone, you suddenly look at them or smile at them. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n + at ] I flashed a look at Sue. □ [V n n] Meg flashed Cissie a grateful smile.


10 VERB If someone's eyes flash , they suddenly show a strong emotion, especially anger. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] Her dark eyes flashed and she spoke rapidly.


11 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Flash is the use of special bulbs to give more light when taking a photograph. □ He was one of the first people to use high speed flash in bird photography.


12 N‑COUNT A flash is the same as a flashlight . [AM , INFORMAL ] □ Stopping to rest, Pete shut off the flash.


13 ADJ If you describe something as flash , you mean that it looks expensive, fashionable, and new. [INFORMAL ] □ …a flash uptown restaurant. □ You can go for a 'rostrum' system, which sounds flash, but can be assembled quite cheaply.


14 PHRASE If you describe an achievement or success as a flash in the pan , you mean that it is unlikely to be repeated and is not an indication of future achievements or success. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ People are waiting to see if our success has just been a flash in the pan.


15 PHRASE If you say that something happens in a flash , you mean that it happens suddenly and lasts only a very short time. □ The answer had come to him in a flash. □ It was done in a flash.


16 PHRASE If you say that someone reacts to something quick as a flash , you mean that they react to it extremely quickly. □ Quick as a flash, the man said, 'I have to, don't I?'


▸ flash back


1 PHRASAL VERB If your mind flashes back to something in the past, you remember it or think of it briefly or suddenly. □ [V P + to ] His mind kept flashing back to the previous night. [Also V P ]


2 → see also flashback COLLOCATIONS flash NOUN


1


noun + flash : lightning


adjective + flash : blinding, bright, vivid; blue, white; sudden


3


adjective + flash : brief, momentary, occasional, odd


verb + flash : produce, show

flash|back /flæ ʃbæk/ (flashbacks )


1 N‑COUNT In a film, novel, or play, a flashback is a scene that returns to events in the past. □ [+ to ] There is even a flashback to the murder itself.


2 N‑COUNT If you have a flashback to a past experience, you have a sudden and very clear memory of it. □ [+ to ] He has recurring flashbacks to the night his friends died.

flash|bulb /flæ ʃbʌlb/ (flashbulbs ) also flash bulb N‑COUNT A flashbulb is a small bulb that can be fixed to a camera. It makes a bright flash of light so that you can take photographs indoors.

fla sh card (flash cards ) also flashcard N‑COUNT Flash cards are cards which are sometimes used in the teaching of reading or a foreign language. Each card has words or a picture on it.

flash|er /flæ ʃə r / (flashers ) N‑COUNT A flasher is a man who deliberately exposes his genitals to people in public places, especially in front of women. [INFORMAL ]

fla sh floo d (flash floods ) N‑COUNT A flash flood is a sudden rush of water over dry land, usually caused by a lot of rain.

flash|gun /flæ ʃgʌn/ (flashguns ) N‑COUNT A flashgun is a device that you can attach to, or that is part of, a camera. It makes bright flashes of light so that you can take photographs indoors.

flash|light /flæ ʃla I t/ (flashlights ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A flashlight is a small electric light which gets its power from batteries and which you can carry in your hand. [mainly AM ] □ Len studied it a moment in the beam of his flashlight. in BRIT, use torch

fla sh mob (flash mobs ) N‑COUNT A flash mob is a group of people who arrange by phone or online to meet suddenly in a public place to do something for a short time. □ A flash mob of hundreds of fans danced to his music outside the station.

flash|point /flæ ʃpɔ I nt/ (flashpoints )


1 N‑VAR A flashpoint is the moment at which a conflict, especially a political conflict, suddenly gets worse and becomes violent. □ The immediate flashpoint was Wednesday's big rally in the city centre.


2 N‑COUNT A flashpoint is a place which people think is dangerous because political trouble may start there and then spread to other towns or countries. □ The more serious flashpoints are outside the capital.

flashy /flæ ʃi/ (flashier , flashiest ) ADJ If you describe a person or thing as flashy , you mean they are smart and noticeable, but in a rather vulgar way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was much less flashy than his brother.

flask /flɑː sk, flæ sk/ (flasks )


1 N‑COUNT A flask is a bottle which you use for carrying drinks around with you. □ He took out a metal flask from a canvas bag. ● N‑COUNT A flask of liquid is the flask and the liquid which it contains. □ [+ of ] There's some sandwiches here and a flask of coffee.


2 N‑COUNT A flask is a bottle or other container which is used in science laboratories and industry for holding liquids. □ …flasks for the transport of spent fuel.


3 → see also hip flask , vacuum flask

flat ◆◆◇ /flæ t/ (flats , flatter , flattest )


1 N‑COUNT A flat is a set of rooms for living in, usually on one floor and part of a larger building. A flat usually includes a kitchen and bathroom. [mainly BRIT ] □ Sara lives with her partner and children in a flat in central London. □ …a block of flats □ Later on, Victor from flat 10 called. in AM, usually use apartment 2 ADJ Something that is flat is level, smooth, or even, rather than sloping, curved, or uneven. □ Tiles can be fixed to any surface as long as it's flat, firm and dry. □ After a moment his right hand moved across the cloth, smoothing it flat. □ The sea was calm, perfectly flat.


3 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Flat means horizontal and not upright. □ Two men near him threw themselves flat. □ As heartburn is usually worse when you're lying down, you should avoid lying flat.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A flat object is not very tall or deep in relation to its length and width. □ Ellen is walking down the drive with a square flat box balanced on one hand.


5 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] Flat land is level, with no high hills or other raised parts. □ To the north lie the flat and fertile farmlands of the Solway plain. □ The landscape became wider, flatter and very scenic.


6 N‑COUNT [usu pl, usu n N ] A low flat area of uncultivated land, especially an area where the ground is soft and wet, can be referred to as flats or a flat . □ The salt marshes and mud flats attract large numbers of waterfowl.


7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to one of the broad flat surfaces of an object as the flat of that object. □ He slammed the counter with the flat of his hand. □ …eight cloves of garlic crushed with the flat of a knife.


8 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flat shoes have no heels or very low heels. □ People wear slacks, sweaters, flat shoes, and all manner of casual attire for travel. ● N‑PLURAL Flats are flat shoes. [AM ] □ His mother looked ten years younger in jeans and flats.


9 ADJ A flat tyre, ball, or balloon does not have enough air in it.


10 N‑COUNT A flat is a tyre that does not have enough air in it. □ Then, after I finally got back on the highway, I developed a flat.


11 ADJ A drink that is flat is no longer fizzy. □ Could this really stop the champagne from going flat?


12 ADJ A flat battery has lost some or all of its electrical charge. [mainly BRIT ] □ His car alarm had been going off for two days and, as a result, the battery was flat. in AM, use dead 13 ADJ If you have flat feet, the arches of your feet are too low. □ The condition of flat feet runs in families.


14 ADJ [ADJ n] A flat denial or refusal is definite and firm, and is unlikely to be changed. □ The Foreign Ministry has issued a flat denial of any involvement. ● flat|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ He flatly refused to discuss it.


15 ADJ If you say that something happened, for example, in ten seconds flat or ten minutes flat , you are emphasizing that it happened surprisingly quickly and only took ten seconds or ten minutes. [EMPHASIS ] □ You're sitting behind an engine that'll move you from 0 to 60mph in six seconds flat.


16 ADJ [ADJ n] A flat rate, price, or percentage is one that is fixed and which applies in every situation. □ Fees are charged at a flat rate, rather than on a percentage basis. □ Sometimes there's a flat fee for carrying out a particular task.


17 ADJ If trade or business is flat , it is slow and inactive, rather than busy and improving or increasing. □ Sales of big pickups were up 14% while car sales stayed flat.


18 ADJ If you describe something as flat , you mean that it is dull and not exciting or interesting. □ The past few days have seemed comparatively flat and empty.


19 ADJ You use flat to describe someone's voice when they are saying something without expressing any emotion. □ 'Whatever you say,' he said in a deadly flat voice. 'I'll sit here and wait.' □ Her voice was flat, with no question or hope in it. ● flat|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ 'I know you,' he said flatly, matter-of-fact, neutral in tone.


20 ADJ [n ADJ ] Flat is used after a letter representing a musical note to show that the note should be played or sung half a tone lower than the note which otherwise matches that letter. Flat is often represented by the symbol ♭ after the letter. □ …Schubert's B flat Piano Trio (Opus 99).


21 ADV [ADV after v] If someone sings flat or if a musical instrument is flat , their singing or the instrument is slightly lower in pitch than it should be. □ Her vocal range was limited, and she had a tendency to sing flat. ● ADJ Flat is also an adjective. □ He had been fired because his singing was flat.


22 PHRASE If you say that something is as flat as a pancake , you are emphasizing that it is completely flat. [EMPHASIS ] □ My home state of Illinois is flat as a pancake.


23 PHRASE If you fall flat on your face, you fall over. □ A man walked in off the street and fell flat on his face, unconscious.


24 PHRASE If an event or attempt falls flat or falls flat on its face , it is unsuccessful. □ Liz meant it as a joke but it fell flat. □ If it wasn't for the main actress, Ellen Barkin, the plot would have fallen flat on its face.


25 PHRASE If you say that you are flat broke , you mean that you have no money at all. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ Two years later he is flat broke and on the dole.


26 PHRASE If you do something flat out , you do it as fast or as hard as you can. □ Everyone is working flat out to try to trap those responsible. □ They hurtled across the line in a flat-out sprint.


27 PHRASE You use flat out to emphasize that something is completely the case. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ That allegation is a flat-out lie.


28 PHRASE On the flat means on level ground. □ He had angina and was unable to walk for more than 200 yards on the flat. COLLOCATIONS flat NOUN 1


noun + flat : basement, studio


adjective + flat : high-rise, self-contained, two-bedroomed; empty, furnished


verb + flat : buy, let, rent, sublet

flat|bed /flæ tbed/ (flatbeds ) The form flatbed truck is also used, especially in American English. N‑COUNT [oft N n] A flatbed is a truck that has a long flat platform with no sides.

fla t ca p (flat caps ) N‑COUNT A flat cap is the same as a cloth cap . [mainly BRIT ]

flat|fish /flæ tf I ʃ/ (flatfish ) N‑VAR Flatfish are sea fish with flat wide bodies, for example plaice or sole.

fla t-foo ted


1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ n, ADJ after v] If you are flat-footed , the arches of your feet are too low. □ He told me I was flat-footed.


2 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you describe a person or action as flat-footed , you think they are clumsy, awkward, or foolish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …flat-footed writing. □ The government could be caught flat-footed.

flat|mate /flæ tme I t/ (flatmates ) also flat-mate N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's flatmate is a person who shares a flat with them. [BRIT ] in AM, use roommate

fla t pack (flat packs ) also flat-pack N‑COUNT [usu N n] Flat pack furniture is furniture such as shelves and cupboards which you buy as a number of separate pieces and assemble yourself. [BRIT ]

fla t rac|ing N‑UNCOUNT Flat racing is horse racing which does not involve jumping over fences.

flat|screen /flæ tskriːn/ (flatscreens ) ADJ A flatscreen television or computer monitor has a flat screen. □ They finally replaced their 40-year-old television with a flatscreen TV. ● N‑COUNT Flatscreen is also a noun. □ …a 42” digital flatscreen.

flat|ten /flæ t ə n/ (flattens , flattening , flattened )


1 VERB If you flatten something or if it flattens , it becomes flat or flatter. □ [V n] He carefully flattened the wrappers and put them between the leaves of his book. □ [V ] The dog's ears flattened slightly as Cook spoke his name. □ [V -ed] …the pitiful shacks built of cardboard boxes, corrugated iron sheets and flattened oil drums. ● PHRASAL VERB Flatten out means the same as flatten . □ [V P ] The hills flattened out just south of the mountain. □ [V n P ] Peel off the blackened skin, flatten the pepper out and trim it into edible pieces. [Also V P n]


2 VERB To flatten something such as a building, town, or plant means to destroy it by knocking it down or crushing it. □ [V n] …explosives capable of flattening a five-storey building. □ [V -ed] …areas of flattened corn.


3 VERB If you flatten yourself against something, you press yourself flat against it, for example to avoid getting in the way or being seen. □ [V pron-refl + against/on ] He flattened himself against a brick wall as I passed. [Also V pron-refl]


4 VERB If you flatten someone, you make them fall over by hitting them violently. □ [V n] She flattened him with a single punch; she knocked him out cold.

flat|ter /flæ tə r / (flatters , flattering , flattered )


1 VERB If someone flatters you, they praise you in an exaggerated way that is not sincere, because they want to please you or to persuade you to do something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] I knew she was just flattering me. □ [V n + into ] …a story of how the president flattered and feted him into taking his side.


2 VERB If you flatter yourself that something good is the case, you believe that it is true, although others may disagree. If someone says to you ' you're flattering yourself ' or ' don't flatter yourself ', they mean that they disagree with your good opinion of yourself. □ [V pron-refl that] I flatter myself that this campaign will put an end to the war. □ [V pron-refl] You flatter yourself. Why would we go to such ludicrous lengths?


3 VERB If something flatters you, it makes you appear more attractive. □ [V n] Orange and khaki flatter those with golden skin tones. □ [V ] My philosophy of fashion is that I like to make clothes that flatter.


4 → see also flat , flattered , flattering

flat|tered /flæ tə r d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that/to-inf] If you are flattered by something that has happened, you are pleased about it because it makes you feel important or special. □ [+ by ] She was flattered by Roberto's long letter. □ I am flattered that they should be so supportive.

flat|ter|ing /flæ tər I ŋ/


1 ADJ If something is flattering , it makes you appear more attractive. □ Some styles are so flattering that they instantly become classics. □ It wasn't a very flattering photograph.


2 ADJ If someone's remarks are flattering , they praise you and say nice things about you. □ There were pleasant and flattering obituaries about him.

flat|tery /flæ təri/ N‑UNCOUNT Flattery consists of flattering words or behaviour. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He is ambitious and susceptible to flattery.

flatu|lence /flæ tʃʊləns/ N‑UNCOUNT Flatulence is too much gas in a person's intestines, which causes an uncomfortable feeling.

flat|ware /flæ tweə r / N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the knives, forks, and spoons that you eat your food with as flatware . [AM ] in BRIT, use cutlery

^flat ^white (flat whites ) N‑COUNT A flat white is a cup of strong coffee with hot milk poured on top, similar to a latte but smaller and less milky.

flaunt /flɔː nt/ (flaunts , flaunting , flaunted )


1 VERB If you say that someone flaunts their possessions, abilities, or qualities, you mean that they display them in a very obvious way, especially in order to try to obtain other people's admiration. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] They drove around in Rolls-Royces, openly flaunting their wealth.


2 VERB If you say that someone is flaunting themselves , you disapprove of them because they are behaving in a very confident way, or in a way that is intended to attract sexual attention. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V pron-refl] …tourists flaunting themselves in front of the castle guards in bra and shorts.

flau|tist /flɔː t I st/ (flautists ) N‑COUNT A flautist is someone who plays the flute. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use flutist

fla|vour ◆◇◇ /fle I və r / (flavours , flavouring , flavoured ) in AM, use flavor 1 N‑VAR The flavour of a food or drink is its taste. □ This cheese has a crumbly texture with a strong flavour. □ I always add some paprika for extra flavour.


2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] If something is orange flavour or beef flavour , it is made to taste of orange or beef. □ …salt and vinegar flavour crisps. □ …now available in three new flavours.


3 VERB If you flavour food or drink, you add something to it to give it a particular taste. □ [V n + with ] Flavour your favourite dishes with exotic herbs and spices. □ [V n] Lime preserved in salt is a north African speciality which is used to flavour chicken dishes.


4 N‑SING [oft a N of n] If something gives you a flavour of a subject, situation, or event, it gives you a general idea of what it is like. □ The book gives you a flavour of what alternative therapy is about.

fla|voured /fle I və r d/ in AM, use flavored ADJ If a food is flavoured , various ingredients have been added to it so that it has a distinctive flavour. □ [+ with ] …meat flavoured with herbs. □ Many of these recipes are highly flavoured.

-flavoured /-fle I və r d/ in AM, use -flavored COMB [usu ADJ n] -flavoured is used after nouns such as strawberry and chocolate to indicate that a food or drink is flavoured with strawberry or chocolate. □ …strawberry-flavoured sweets. □ …fruit-flavored sparkling water.

fla|vour|ing /fle I vər I ŋ/ (flavourings ) in AM, use flavoring N‑VAR Flavourings are substances that are added to food or drink to give it a particular taste. □ Our range of herbal teas contain no preservatives, colourings or artificial flavourings. □ …lemon flavoring.

fla|vour|less /fle I və r ləs/ in AM, use flavorless ADJ Flavourless food is uninteresting because it does not taste strongly of anything.

fla|vour|some /fle I və r səm/ in AM, use flavorsome ADJ Flavoursome food has a strong, pleasant taste and is good to eat. [APPROVAL ]

flaw /flɔː / (flaws )


1 N‑COUNT A flaw in something such as a theory or argument is a mistake in it, which causes it to be less effective or valid. □ Almost all of these studies have serious flaws.


2 N‑COUNT A flaw in someone's character is an undesirable quality that they have. □ [+ in ] The only flaw in his character seems to be a short temper.


3 N‑COUNT A flaw in something such as a pattern or material is a fault in it that should not be there.

flawed /flɔː d/ ADJ Something that is flawed has a mark, fault, or mistake in it. □ These tests were so seriously flawed as to render the results meaningless.

flaw|less /flɔː ləs/ ADJ If you say that something or someone is flawless , you mean that they are extremely good and that there are no faults or problems with them. □ She attributed her flawless complexion to the moisturiser she used. □ The acting is flawless. ● flaw|less|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Each stage of the battle was carried off flawlessly.

flax /flæ ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Flax is a plant with blue flowers. Its stem is used for making thread, rope, and cloth, and its seeds are used for making linseed oil.

flax|en /flæ ks ə n/ ADJ [ADJ n] Flaxen hair is pale yellow in colour. [LITERARY ]

flay /fle I / (flays , flaying , flayed ) VERB When someone flays an animal or person, they remove their skin, usually when they are dead. □ [V n] They had to flay the great, white, fleecy animals and cut them up for food.

flea /fliː / (fleas ) N‑COUNT A flea is a very small jumping insect that has no wings and feeds on the blood of humans or animals.

flea mar|ket (flea markets ) N‑COUNT A flea market is an outdoor market which sells cheap used goods and sometimes also very old furniture.

flea|pit /fliː p I t/ (fleapits ) also flea-pit N‑COUNT If you refer to a cinema or theatre as a fleapit , you mean that it is old and does not look very clean or tidy. [BRIT , HUMOROUS , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

fleck /fle k/ (flecks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flecks are small marks on a surface, or objects that look like small marks. □ His hair is dark grey with flecks of ginger.

flecked /fle kt/ ADJ Something that is flecked with something is marked or covered with small bits of it. □ [+ with ] His hair was increasingly flecked with grey. ● COMB Flecked is also a combining form. □ He was attired in a plain, mud-flecked uniform.

fled /fle d/ Fled is the past tense and past participle of flee .

fledg|ling /fle dʒl I ŋ/ (fledglings )


1 N‑COUNT A fledgling is a young bird that has its feathers and is learning to fly.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use fledgling to describe a person, organization, or system that is new or without experience. □ …the sound practical advice he gave to fledgling writers. □ …Russia's fledgling democracy.

flee ◆◇◇ /fliː / (flees , fleeing , fled ) VERB [no passive] If you flee from something or someone, or flee a person or thing, you escape from them. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] He slammed the bedroom door behind him and fled. □ [V prep/adv] He fled to Costa Rica to avoid military service. □ [V n] …refugees fleeing persecution or torture. □ [V n] Thousands have been compelled to flee the country in makeshift boats. SYNONYMS flee VERB


run away: After his beating Colin ran away and hasn't been heard of since.


bolt: The pig rose squealing and bolted.


escape: He was fatally wounded as he tried to escape.


abscond: He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded.

fleece /fliː s/ (fleeces , fleecing , fleeced )


1 N‑COUNT A sheep's fleece is the coat of wool that covers it.


2 N‑COUNT A fleece is the wool that is cut off one sheep in a single piece.


3 VERB If you fleece someone, you get a lot of money from them by tricking them or charging them too much. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n + out of ] She claims he fleeced her out of thousands of pounds. [Also V n]


4 N‑VAR Fleece is a soft warm artificial fabric. A fleece is also a jacket or other garment made from this fabric.

fleecy /fliː si/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fleecy clothes, blankets, or other objects are made of a soft light material. □ …fleecy walking jackets.


2 ADJ Something that is fleecy is light and soft in appearance. □ It was a lovely afternoon with a blue sky and a few fleecy white clouds.

fleet ◆◇◇ /fliː t/ (fleets )


1 N‑COUNT A fleet is a group of ships organized to do something together, for example to fight battles or to catch fish. □ …restaurants supplied by local fishing fleets.


2 N‑COUNT A fleet of vehicles is a group of them, especially when they all belong to a particular organization or business, or when they are all going somewhere together. □ [+ of ] With its own fleet of trucks, the company delivers most orders overnight.

fleet|ing /fliː t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Fleeting is used to describe something which lasts only for a very short time. □ The girls caught only a fleeting glimpse of the driver. □ She wondered for a fleeting moment if he would put his arm around her. ● fleet|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ A smile passed fleetingly across his face.

Flee t Street N‑PROPER Fleet Street is used to refer to British national newspapers and to the journalists who work for them. □ He was the highest-paid sub-editor in Fleet Street. □ …Fleet Street journalists.

Flem|ish /fle m I ʃ/


1 ADJ Flemish means belonging or relating to the region of Flanders in northern Europe, or to its people, language, or culture.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Flemish is a language spoken in Belgium.

flesh /fle ʃ/ (fleshes , fleshing , fleshed )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Flesh is the soft part of a person's or animal's body between the bones and the skin. □ …maggots which eat away dead flesh. □ …the pale pink flesh of trout and salmon.


2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use flesh to refer to human skin and the human body, especially when you are considering it in a sexual way. □ …the sins of the flesh.


3 N‑UNCOUNT The flesh of a fruit or vegetable is the soft inside part of it. □ Cut the flesh from the olives and discard the stones.


4 PHRASE You use flesh and blood to emphasize that someone has human feelings or weaknesses, often when contrasting them with machines. [EMPHASIS ] □ I'm only flesh and blood, like anyone else.


5 PHRASE If you say that someone is your own flesh and blood , you are emphasizing that they are a member of your family. [EMPHASIS ] □ The kid, after all, was his own flesh and blood. He deserved a second chance.


6 PHRASE If something makes your flesh creep or makes your flesh crawl , it makes you feel disgusted, shocked or frightened. □ It makes my flesh creep to think of it. □ I was heading on a secret mission that made my flesh crawl.


7 PHRASE If you meet or see someone in the flesh , you actually meet or see them, rather than, for example, seeing them in a film or on television. □ The first thing viewers usually say when they see me in the flesh is 'You're smaller than you look on TV.'


▸ flesh out PHRASAL VERB If you flesh out something such as a story or plan, you add details and more information to it. □ [V P n] He talked an hour, fleshing out his original five-minute account. [Also V n P ]

fle sh-coloured in AM, use flesh-colored ADJ Something that is flesh-coloured is yellowish pink in colour.

fle sh wound (flesh wounds ) N‑COUNT A flesh wound is a wound that breaks the skin but does not damage the bones or any of the body's important internal organs.

fleshy /fle ʃi/


1 ADJ If you describe someone as fleshy , you mean that they are slightly too fat. □ He was well-built, but too fleshy to be impressive.


2 ADJ Fleshy parts of the body or fleshy plants are thick and soft. □ …fleshy fruits like apples, plums, pears, peaches.

flew /fluː / Flew is the past tense of fly .

flex /fle ks/ (flexes , flexing , flexed )


1 N‑VAR A flex is an electric cable containing two or more wires that is connected to an electrical appliance. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use cord 2 VERB If you flex your muscles or parts of your body, you bend, move, or stretch them for a short time in order to exercise them. □ [V n] He slowly flexed his muscles and tried to stand.


3 to flex your muscles → see muscle

flex|ible ◆◇◇ /fle ks I b ə l/


1 ADJ A flexible object or material can be bent easily without breaking. □ …brushes with long, flexible bristles. ● flexi|bil|ity /fle ks I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The flexibility of the lens decreases with age.


2 ADJ Something or someone that is flexible is able to change easily and adapt to different conditions and circumstances as they occur. [APPROVAL ] □ Look for software that's flexible enough for a range of abilities. □ …flexible working hours. ● flexi|bil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ The flexibility of distance learning would be particularly suited to busy managers. SYNONYMS flexible ADJ 1


pliable: As your baby grows bigger, his bones become less pliable.


elastic: Beat it until the dough is slightly elastic.


supple: The leather is supple and sturdy enough to last for years.


bendy: …a bendy toy whose limbs bend in every direction.

flexi|time /fle ksita I m/ in AM, use flextime N‑UNCOUNT Flexitime is a system that allows employees to vary the time that they start or finish work, provided that an agreed total number of hours are spent at work. [BUSINESS ]

flick /fl I k/ (flicks , flicking , flicked )


1 VERB If something flicks in a particular direction, or if someone flicks it, it moves with a short, sudden movement. □ [V prep/adv] His tongue flicked across his lips. □ [V n prep/adv] He flicked his cigarette out of the window. [Also V , V n] ● N‑COUNT [oft a N of n] Flick is also a noun. □ …a flick of a paintbrush.


2 VERB If you flick something away, or off something else, you remove it with a quick movement of your hand or finger. □ [V n + from/off ] Shirley flicked a speck of fluff from the sleeve of her black suit. □ [V n + away ] Alan stretched out his hand and flicked the letter away.


3 VERB If you flick something such as a whip or a towel, or flick something with it, you hold one end of it and move your hand quickly up and then forward, so that the other end moves. □ [V n] He helped her up before flicking the reins. □ [V n prep] She sighed and flicked a dishcloth at the counter. ● N‑COUNT Flick is also a noun. □ …a flick of the whip.


4 VERB If you flick a switch, or flick an electrical appliance on or off, you press the switch sharply so that it moves into a different position and works the equipment. □ [V n] He flicked a light-switch on the wall beside the door. □ [V n with on/off ] Sam was flicking a flashlight on and off.


5 VERB If you flick through a book or magazine, you turn its pages quickly, for example to get a general idea of its contents or to look for a particular item. If you flick through television channels, you continually change channels very quickly, for example using a remote control. □ [V + through ] She was flicking through some magazines on a table. ● N‑SING Flick is also a noun. □ [+ through ] I thought I'd have a quick flick through some recent issues.

flick|er /fl I kə r / (flickers , flickering , flickered )


1 VERB If a light or flame flickers , it shines unsteadily. □ [V ] A television flickered in the corner. ● N‑COUNT Flicker is also a noun. □ Looking through the cabin window I saw the flicker of flames.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you experience a flicker of emotion, you feel that emotion only for a very short time, and not very strongly. □ [+ of ] He felt a flicker of regret. □ [+ of ] He looked at me, a flicker of amusement in his cold eyes.


3 VERB If something flickers , it makes very slight, quick movements. □ [V ] In a moment her eyelids flickered, then opened. □ [V adj] A few moments later Mrs Tenney's eyelids flickered open.

fli ck-knife (flick-knives ) also flick knife N‑COUNT A flick-knife is a knife with a blade in the handle that springs out when a button is pressed. [BRIT ] in AM, use switchblade

fli|er /fla I ə r / → see flyer

flight ◆◆◇ /fla I t/ (flights )


1 N‑COUNT A flight is a journey made by flying, usually in an aeroplane. □ The flight will take four hours.


2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an aeroplane carrying passengers on a particular journey as a particular flight . □ I'll try to get on the flight down to Karachi tonight. □ BA flight 286 was two hours late.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Flight is the action of flying, or the ability to fly. □ These hawks are magnificent in flight, soaring and circling for long periods. □ Supersonic flight could become a routine form of travel in the 21st century.


4 N‑COUNT A flight of birds is a group of them flying together. □ [+ of ] A flight of green parrots shot out of the cedar forest.


5 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Flight is the act of running away from a dangerous or unpleasant situation or place. □ The family was often in flight, hiding out in friends' houses. □ …her hurried flight from the palace in a cart.


6 N‑COUNT A flight of steps or stairs is a set of steps or stairs that lead from one level to another without changing direction. □ [+ of ] We walked in silence up a flight of stairs and down a long corridor.


7 PHRASE If someone takes flight , they run away from an unpleasant situation or place. □ He was told of the raid and decided to take flight immediately. COLLOCATIONS flight NOUN


1


adjective + flight : cheap, direct, scheduled; domestic, internal, long-haul, short-haul, transatlantic; connecting, direct, non-stop


verb + flight : book; catch, take; cancel, delay


2


verb + flight : board

fli ght at|tend|ant (flight attendants ) N‑COUNT On an aeroplane, the flight attendants are the people whose job is to look after the passengers and serve their meals.

fli ght deck (flight decks ) also flight-deck


1 N‑COUNT On an aircraft carrier, the flight deck is the flat open surface on the deck where aircraft take off and land.


2 N‑COUNT On a large aeroplane, the flight deck is the area at the front where the pilot works and where all the controls are.

flight|less /fla I tləs/ ADJ [ADJ n] A flightless bird or insect is unable to fly because it does not have the necessary type of wings.

fli ght lieu|te n|ant (flight lieutenants ) also flight-lieutenant N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A flight lieutenant is an officer of middle rank in the British air force.

fli ght of ca pi|tal N‑SING When people lose confidence in a particular economy or market and withdraw their investment from it, you can refer to a flight of capital from that economy or market. [BUSINESS ] □ TI has seen its shares suffer because of a flight of capital to telecom and Internet-related businesses.

fli ght re|cord|er (flight recorders ) N‑COUNT On an aeroplane, the flight recorder is the same as the black box .

flighty /fla I ti/ (flightier , flightiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is flighty , you disapprove of them because they are not very serious or reliable and keep changing from one activity, idea, or partner to another. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Isabelle was a frivolous little fool, vain and flighty.

flim|sy /fl I mzi/ (flimsier , flimsiest )


1 ADJ A flimsy object is weak because it is made of a weak material, or is badly made. □ …a flimsy wooden door. □ …a pair of flimsy shoes. ● flim|si|ly /fl I mz I li/ ADV □ …flimsily constructed houses.


2 ADJ Flimsy cloth or clothing is thin and does not give much protection. □ …a very flimsy pink chiffon nightgown.


3 ADJ If you describe something such as evidence or an excuse as flimsy , you mean that it is not very good or convincing. □ The charges were based on very flimsy evidence.

flinch /fl I ntʃ/ (flinches , flinching , flinched )


1 VERB [usu neg] If you flinch , you make a small sudden movement, especially when something surprises you or hurts you. □ [V ] Murat had looked into the eyes of the firing squad without flinching. □ [V ] The sharp surface of the rock caught at her skin, making her flinch.


2 VERB If you flinch from something unpleasant, you are unwilling to do it or think about it, or you avoid doing it. □ [V ] The world community should not flinch in the face of this challenge. □ [V + from ] He has never flinched from harsh financial decisions.

fling /fl I ŋ/ (flings , flinging , flung )


1 VERB If you fling something somewhere, you throw it there using a lot of force. □ [V n prep/adv] The woman flung the cup at him. □ [V n prep/adv] He once seized my knitting, flinging it across the room.


2 VERB If you fling yourself somewhere, you move or jump there suddenly and with a lot of force. □ [V pron-refl prep/adv] He flung himself to the floor.


3 VERB If you fling a part of your body in a particular direction, especially your arms or head, you move it there suddenly. □ [V n prep/adv] She flung her arms around my neck and kissed me.


4 VERB If you fling someone to the ground, you push them very roughly so that they fall over. □ [V n prep/adv] The youth got him by the front of his shirt and flung him to the ground.


5 VERB If you fling something into a particular place or position, you put it there in a quick or angry way. □ [V n prep/adv] Peter flung his shoes into the corner.


6 VERB If you fling yourself into a particular activity, you do it with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. □ [V pron-refl + into ] She flung herself into her career.


7 VERB Fling can be used instead of 'throw' in many expressions that usually contain 'throw'.


8 N‑COUNT If two people have a fling , they have a brief sexual relationship. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ with ] She claims she had a brief fling with him 30 years ago.

flint /fl I nt/ (flints )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Flint is a very hard greyish-black stone that was used in former times for making tools. □ …a flint arrowhead. □ …eyes the colour of flint.


2 N‑COUNT A flint is a small piece of flint which can be struck with a piece of steel to produce sparks.

flint|lock /fl I ntlɒk/ (flintlocks ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A flintlock gun is a type of gun that was used in former times. It is fired by pressing a trigger which causes a spark struck from a flint to light gunpowder.

flinty /fl I nti/ ADJ If you describe a person or someone's character or expression as flinty , you mean they are harsh and show no emotion. □ …her flinty stare. □ …a man of flinty determination.

flip /fl I p/ (flips , flipping , flipped )


1 VERB If you flip a device on or off, or if you flip a switch, you turn it on or off by pressing the switch quickly. □ [V n with on/off ] Then he walked out, flipping the lights off. □ [V n] He flipped the timer switch.


2 VERB If you flip through the pages of a book, for example, you quickly turn over the pages in order to find a particular one or to get an idea of the contents. □ [V + through ] He was flipping through a magazine in the living room. □ [V n] He flipped the pages of the diary and began reading the last entry.


3 VERB If something flips over, or if you flip it over or into a different position, it moves or is moved into a different position. □ [V adv/prep] The plane then flipped over and burst into flames. □ [V n prep/adv] He flipped it neatly on to the plate.


4 VERB If you flip something, especially a coin, you use your thumb to make it turn over and over, as it goes through the air. □ [V n] I pulled a coin from my pocket and flipped it.


5 ADJ If you say that someone is being flip , you disapprove of them because you think that what they are saying shows they are not being serious enough about something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a flip answer. □ The tone of the book is sometimes too flip.

fli p chart (flip charts ) also flipchart N‑COUNT A flip chart is a stand with large sheets of paper which is used when presenting information at a meeting.

fli p-flop (flip-flops , flip-flopping , flip-flopped )


1 N‑PLURAL Flip-flops are open shoes which are held on your feet by a strap that goes between your toes.


2 VERB If you say that someone, especially a politician, flip-flops on a decision, you are critical of them because they change their decision, so that they do or think the opposite. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + on ] He has been criticized for flip-flopping on several key issues. □ [V ] He seemed so sure of his decision, how could he flip-flop so dramatically now? ● N‑COUNT Flip-flop is also a noun. □ The President's flip-flops on taxes made him appear indecisive.

flip|pant /fl I pənt/ ADJ If you describe a person or what they say as flippant , you are criticizing them because you think they are not taking something as seriously as they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Don't be flippant, damn it! This is serious! □ He now dismisses that as a flippant comment.

flip|per /fl I pə r / (flippers )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flippers are flat pieces of rubber that you can wear on your feet to help you swim more quickly, especially underwater.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The flippers of an animal that lives in water, for example a seal or a penguin, are the two or four flat limbs which it uses for swimming.

flip|ping /fl I p I ŋ/ ADV [ADV adj] Some people use flipping to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed. [BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □ This is such a flipping horrible picture. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Flipping is also an adjective. □ I even washed the flipping bed sheets yesterday.

fli p side also flipside


1 N‑SING The flip side of a record is the side that does not have the main song on it. □ 'What's on the flip side?'


2 N‑SING The flip side of a situation consists of the less obvious or less pleasant aspects of it. □ The trade deficit is the flip side of a rapidly expanding economy.

flirt /flɜː r t/ (flirts , flirting , flirted )


1 VERB If you flirt with someone, you behave as if you are sexually attracted to them, in a playful or not very serious way. □ [V + with ] Dad's flirting with all the ladies, or they're all flirting with him, as usual. □ [V ] He flirts outrageously. ● flir|ta|tion /flɜː r te I ʃ ə n/ (flirtations ) N‑VAR □ [+ with ] …a professor who has a flirtation with a student. □ She was aware of his attempts at flirtation.


2 N‑COUNT Someone who is a flirt likes to flirt a lot.


3 VERB If you flirt with the idea of something, you consider it but do not do anything about it. □ [V + with ] He has been flirting with the idea of a political career. ● flir|ta|tion N‑VAR □ …the party's brief flirtation with economic liberalism.

flir|ta|tious /flɜː r te I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is flirtatious behaves towards someone else as if they are sexually attracted to them, usually not in a very serious way. □ He was dashing, self-confident and flirtatious.

flir|ty /flɜː r ti/


1 ADJ If you describe someone as flirty , you mean that they behave towards people in a way which suggests they are sexually attracted to them, usually in a playful or not very serious way. □ She is amazingly flirty and sensual. □ She had an appealing flirty smile.


2 ADJ Flirty clothes are feminine and sexy.

flit /fl I t/ (flits , flitting , flitted )


1 VERB If you flit around or flit between one place and another, you go to lots of places without staying for very long in any of them. □ [V prep/adv] Laura flits about New York hailing taxis at every opportunity. □ [V prep/adv] He spends his time flitting between Florence, Rome and Bologna.


2 VERB If someone flits from one thing or situation to another, they move or turn their attention from one to the other very quickly. □ [V from n to n] She flits from one dance partner to another. □ [V prep] He's prone to flit between subjects with amazing ease.


3 VERB If something such as a bird or a bat flits about, it flies quickly from one place to another. □ [V prep/adv] …the parrot that flits from tree to tree.


4 VERB If an expression flits across your face or an idea flits through your mind, it is there for a short time and then goes again. □ [V + across ] He was unable to prevent a look of interest from flitting across his features. □ [V + through ] Images and memories of the evening flitted through her mind.

float ◆◇◇ /floʊ t/ (floats , floating , floated )


1 VERB If something or someone is floating in a liquid, they are in the liquid, on or just below the surface, and are being supported by it. You can also float something on a liquid. □ [V + in ] They noticed fifty and twenty dollar bills floating in the water. □ [V prep/adv] …barges floating quietly by the grassy river banks. □ [V n] They'll spend some time floating boats in the creek. [Also V n prep/adv]


2 VERB Something that floats lies on or just below the surface of a liquid when it is put in it and does not sink. □ [V ] Empty things float.


3 N‑COUNT A float is a light object that is used to help someone or something float.


4 N‑COUNT A float is a small object attached to a fishing line which floats on the water and moves when a fish has been caught.


5 VERB Something that floats in or through the air hangs in it or moves slowly and gently through it. □ [V prep/adv] The white cloud of smoke floated away.


6 VERB If you float a project, plan, or idea, you suggest it for others to think about. □ [V n] The French had floated the idea of placing the diplomatic work in the hands of the U.N.


7 VERB If a company director floats their company, they start to sell shares in it to the public. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n + on ] He floated his firm on the stock market. □ [V n] The advisers decided to float 60 per cent of the shares.


8 VERB If a government floats its country's currency or allows it to float , it allows the currency's value to change freely in relation to other currencies. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] …the decision to float their currency. □ [V ] 59 per cent of people believed the pound should be allowed to float freely.


9 N‑COUNT A float is a truck on which displays and people in special costumes are carried in a festival procession.


10 → see also milk float


11 N‑SING A float is a small amount of coins and notes of low value that someone has before they start selling things so that they are able to give customers change if necessary. [BRIT ]


▸ float around PHRASAL VERB A rumour or idea that is floating around is often heard or talked about. □ [V P ] There are still some unfounded fears floating around out there about cancer being contagious.

floa t|ing vo t|er (floating voters ) N‑COUNT A floating voter is a person who is not a firm supporter of any political party, and whose vote in an election is difficult to predict. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use swing voter

flock /flɒ k/ (flocks , flocking , flocked )


1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A flock of birds, sheep, or goats is a group of them. □ [+ of ] They kept a small flock of sheep. □ They are gregarious birds and feed in flocks.


2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to a group of people or things as a flock of them to emphasize that there are a lot of them. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] These cases all attracted flocks of famous writers. □ [+ of ] …his flock of advisers.


3 VERB If people flock to a particular place or event, a very large number of them go there, usually because it is pleasant or interesting. □ [V + to ] The public have flocked to the show. □ [V to-inf] The criticisms will not stop people flocking to see the film. □ [V prep/adv] His greatest wish must be that huge crowds flock into the beautiful park.

floe /floʊ / → see ice floe

flog /flɒ g/ (flogs , flogging , flogged )


1 VERB If someone tries to flog something, they try to sell it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] They are trying to flog their house.


2 VERB If someone is flogged , they are hit very hard with a whip or stick as a punishment. □ [be V -ed] In these places people starved, were flogged, were clubbed to death. □ [V n] Flog them soundly. ● flog|ging (floggings ) N‑VAR □ He was sentenced to a flogging and life imprisonment.


3 PHRASE If you say that someone is flogging a dead horse , you mean that they are trying to achieve something impossible. [INFORMAL ]

flood ◆◇◇ /flʌ d/ (floods , flooding , flooded )


1 N‑VAR If there is a flood , a large amount of water covers an area which is usually dry, for example when a river flows over its banks or a pipe bursts. □ More than 70 people were killed in the floods, caused when a dam burst. □ This is the type of flood dreaded by cavers. □ Over 25 people drowned when a schoolbus tried to cross a river and flood waters swept through.


2 VERB If something such as a river or a burst pipe floods an area that is usually dry or if the area floods , it becomes covered with water. □ [V n] The Chicago River flooded the city's underground tunnel system. □ [V ] The kitchen flooded. ● flood|ed ADJ □ People were mobilised to drain flooded land as heavy rains continued to fall.


3 VERB If a river floods , it overflows, especially after very heavy rain. □ [V ] …the relentless rain that caused twenty rivers to flood. □ [V n] Many streams have flooded their banks, making some roads impassable.


4 N‑COUNT If you say that a flood of people or things arrive somewhere, you are emphasizing that a very large number of them arrive there. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] …a flood of new university graduates. □ [+ of ] He received a flood of letters from irate constituents.


5 VERB If you say that people or things flood into a place, you are emphasizing that they arrive there in large numbers. [EMPHASIS ] □ [V prep/adv] Enquiries flooded in from all over the world. □ [V prep/adv] They flooded out of the ground in their thousands long before the final whistle.


6 VERB If you flood a place with a particular type of thing, or if a particular type of thing floods a place, the place becomes full of so many of them that it cannot hold or deal with any more. □ [V n + with ] …a policy aimed at flooding Europe with exports. □ [V n] German cameras at knock-down prices flooded the British market. ● flood|ed ADJ □ …the danger of Europe becoming flooded with low-cost agricultural imports.


7 VERB If an emotion, feeling, or thought floods you, you suddenly feel it very intensely. If feelings or memories flood back , you suddenly remember them very clearly. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] A wave of happiness flooded me. □ [be V -ed + with ] Mary Ann was flooded with relief. □ [V adv] It was probably the shock which had brought all the memories flooding back.


8 VERB If light floods a place or floods into it, it suddenly fills it. □ [V n] The afternoon light flooded the little rooms. □ [V prep/adv] Morning sunshine flooded in through the open curtains.


9 → see also flash flood


10 PHRASE If you say that someone was in floods of tears or in a flood of tears , you are emphasizing that they were crying with great intensity because they were very upset. [EMPHASIS ] □ They said goodbye in a flood of tears.


▸ flood out PHRASAL VERB If people, places, or things are flooded out , the water from a flood makes it impossible for people to stay in that place or to use that thing. □ [be V -ed P ] Train lines were flooded out. □ [V n P ] The river flooded them out every few years.

flood|gates /flʌ dge I ts/ PHRASE If events open the floodgates to something, they make it possible for that thing to happen much more often or much more seriously than before. □ [+ to/for ] A decision against the cigarette companies could open the floodgates to many more lawsuits.

flood|ing /flʌ d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If flooding occurs, an area of land that is usually dry is covered with water after heavy rain or after a river or lake flows over its banks. □ The flooding, caused by three days of torrential rain, is the worst in sixty-five years.

flood|light /flʌ dla I t/ (floodlights , floodlighting , floodlit )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Floodlights are very powerful lamps that are used outside to light public buildings, sports grounds, and other places at night.


2 VERB If a building or place is floodlit , it is lit by floodlights. □ [be V -ed] In the evening the facade is floodlit. □ [V n] A police helicopter hovered above, floodlighting the area.

floo d plain (flood plains ) also floodplain N‑COUNT A flood plain is a flat area on the edge of a river, where the ground consists of soil, sand, and rock left by the river when it floods.

floor ◆◆◇ /flɔː r / (floors , flooring , floored )


1 N‑COUNT The floor of a room is the part of it that you walk on. □ Jack's sitting on the floor watching TV. □ We painted the wooden floor with a white stain.


2 N‑COUNT A floor of a building is all the rooms that are on a particular level. □ [+ of ] It is on the fifth floor of the hospital. □ [+ of ] They occupied the first two floors of the tower.


3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft n N ] The ocean floor is the ground at the bottom of an ocean. The valley floor is the ground at the bottom of a valley.


4 N‑COUNT The place where official debates and discussions are held, especially between members of parliament, is referred to as the floor . □ [+ of ] The issues were debated on the floor of the House.


5 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] In a debate or discussion, the floor is the people who are listening to the arguments being put forward but who are not among the main speakers. □ The president is taking questions from the floor.


6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The floor of a stock exchange is the large open area where trading is done. □ …the dealing floor at Standard Chartered Bank.


7 N‑COUNT The floor in a place such as a club or disco is the area where people dance.


8 VERB [usu passive] If you are floored by something, you are unable to respond to it because you are so surprised by it. □ [be V -ed] He was floored by the announcement. □ [V -ed] He seemed floored by a string of scandals.


9 → see also dance floor , first floor , floored , flooring , ground floor , shop floor


10 PHRASE If you take the floor , you start speaking in a debate or discussion. If you are given the floor , you are allowed to do this. □ Ministers took the floor to denounce the decision to suspend constitutional rule. □ Only members would be given the floor.


11 PHRASE If you take to the floor , you start dancing at a dance or disco. □ The happy couple and their respective parents took to the floor.


12 PHRASE If you say that prices or sales have fallen through the floor , you mean that they have suddenly decreased. □ Property prices have dropped through the floor.


13 PHRASE If you wipe the floor with someone, you defeat them completely in a competition or discussion. [INFORMAL ] □ He could wipe the floor with the Prime Minister.


14 → see also factory floor

floor|board /flɔː r bɔː r d/ (floorboards ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Floorboards are the long pieces of wood that a wooden floor is made up of.

floored /flɔː r d/ ADJ A room or part of a room that is floored with a particular material has a floor made of that material. □ The aisle was floored with ancient bricks. ● COMB Floored is also a combining form. □ They had to cross the large marble-floored hall.

floor|ing /flɔː r I ŋ/ (floorings ) N‑VAR Flooring is a material that is used to make the floor of a room. □ Quarry tiles are a popular kitchen flooring.

floo r lamp (floor lamps ) N‑COUNT A floor lamp is a tall electric light which stands on the floor in a living room. [AM ] in BRIT, use standard lamp

floo r show (floor shows ) also floorshow N‑COUNT A floor show is a series of performances by dancers, singers, or comedians at a night club.

floo|zy /fluː zi/ (floozies ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a woman as a floozy , you disapprove of her sexual behaviour and the fact that she wears vulgar clothes. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

flop /flɒ p/ (flops , flopping , flopped )


1 VERB If you flop into a chair, for example, you sit down suddenly and heavily because you are so tired. □ [V prep/adv] Bunbury flopped down upon the bed and rested his tired feet. □ [V prep/adv] She flopped, exhausted, on to a sofa.


2 VERB If something flops onto something else, it falls there heavily or untidily. □ [V prep/adv] The briefcase flopped onto the desk. □ [V prep/adv] His hair flopped over his left eye.


3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If something is a flop , it is completely unsuccessful. [INFORMAL ] □ It is the public who decide whether a film is a hit or a flop.


4 VERB If something flops , it is completely unsuccessful. [INFORMAL ] □ [V ] The film flopped badly at the box office.

flop|house /flɒ phaʊs/ (flophouses ) N‑COUNT A flophouse is a kind of cheap hotel in a city for people who have no home and very little money. [AM , INFORMAL ] in BRIT, use doss-house

flop|py /flɒ pi/ ADJ Something that is floppy is loose rather than stiff, and tends to hang downwards. □ …the girl with the floppy hat and glasses.

flo p|py di sk (floppy disks ) in BRIT, also use floppy disc N‑COUNT A floppy disk is a small magnetic disk that was used in the past for storing computer data and programs. Floppy disks were used especially with personal computers.

flo|ra /flɔː rə/ N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to plants as flora , especially the plants growing in a particular area. [FORMAL ] □ …the variety of food crops and flora which now exists in Dominica.

flo|ral /flɔː rəl/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A floral fabric or design has flowers on it. □ …a bright yellow floral fabric.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use floral to describe something that contains flowers or is made of flowers. □ …eye-catching floral arrangements.

flo|ret /flɒ r I t/ (florets )


1 N‑COUNT On a flowering plant, a floret is a small flower that is part of a larger flower.


2 N‑COUNT On vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, a floret is one of the small, flower-shaped pieces which make up the part of the vegetable that you eat.

flor|id /flɒ r I d, [AM ] flɔː r-/


1 ADJ If you describe something as florid , you disapprove of the fact that it is complicated and extravagant rather than plain and simple. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …florid language.


2 ADJ Someone who is florid always has a red face. □ Jacobs was a stout, florid man.

flor|in /flɒ r I n, [AM ] flɔː r-/ (florins ) N‑COUNT A florin was a British coin that was worth two shillings.

flo|rist /flɒ r I st, [AM ] flɔː r-/ (florists )


1 N‑COUNT A florist is a shopkeeper who arranges and sells flowers and sells house plants.


2 N‑COUNT A florist or a florist's is a shop where flowers and house plants are sold.

floss /flɒ s, [AM ] flɔː s/ (flosses , flossing , flossed )


1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use floss to refer to fine soft threads of some kind. □ Craft Resources also sells yarn and embroidery floss.


2 → see also candyfloss , dental floss


3 VERB When you floss , you use a special kind of strong string to clean between your teeth and gums. □ [V ] Brush your teeth after each meal and floss daily. □ [V n] She was flossing her teeth at the time.

flo|ta|tion /floʊte I ʃ ə n/ (flotations )


1 N‑VAR The flotation of a company is the selling of shares in it to the public. [BUSINESS ]


2 ADJ [ADJ n] A flotation compartment helps something to float because it is filled with air or gas.

flo|til|la /flət I lə/ (flotillas ) N‑COUNT A flotilla is a group of small ships, usually military ships.

flot|sam /flɒ tsəm/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Flotsam is rubbish, for example bits of wood and plastic, that is floating on the sea or has been left by the sea on the shore. □ The water was full of flotsam and refuse.


2 PHRASE You can use flotsam and jetsam to refer to small or unimportant items that are found together, especially ones that have no connection with each other. □ [+ of ] …cornflake packets, bottles, and all the flotsam and jetsam of the kitchen.

flounce /flaʊ ns/ (flounces , flouncing , flounced )


1 VERB If you flounce somewhere, you walk there quickly with exaggerated movements, in a way that shows you are annoyed or upset. □ [V adv/prep] She flounced out of my room in a huff. □ [V ] She will flounce and argue when asked to leave the room.


2 N‑COUNT A flounce is a piece of cloth that has been sewn into folds and put around the edge of something, for example a skirt, dress, tablecloth, or curtain. □ …a gown with a flounce round the hem.

floun|der /flaʊ ndə r / (flounders , floundering , floundered )


1 VERB If something is floundering , it has many problems and may soon fail completely. □ [V ] What a pity that his career was left to flounder. □ [V ] The economy was floundering.


2 VERB If you say that someone is floundering , you are criticizing them for not making decisions or for not knowing what to say or do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] The president is floundering, trying to get his campaign jump-started. □ [V around ] I know that you're floundering around, trying to grasp at any straw.


3 VERB If you flounder in water or mud, you move in an uncontrolled way, trying not to sink. □ [V adv/prep] Three men were floundering about in the water. [Also V ]

flour /flaʊə r / (flours , flouring , floured )


1 N‑VAR Flour is a white or brown powder that is made by grinding grain. It is used to make bread, cakes, and pastry.


2 VERB If you flour cooking equipment or food, you cover it with flour. □ [V n] Lightly flour a rolling pin. □ [V -ed] Remove the dough from the bowl and put it on a floured surface.

flour|ish /flʌ r I ʃ, [AM ] flɜː r-/ (flourishes , flourishing , flourished )


1 VERB If something flourishes , it is successful, active, or common, and developing quickly and strongly. □ [V ] Business flourished and within six months they were earning 18,000 roubles a day. ● flour|ish|ing ADJ □ London quickly became a flourishing port.


2 VERB If a plant or animal flourishes , it grows well or is healthy because the conditions are right for it. □ [V ] The plant flourishes particularly well in slightly harsher climes. ● flour|ish|ing ADJ □ Britain has the largest and most flourishing fox population in Europe.


3 VERB If you flourish an object, you wave it about in a way that makes people notice it. □ [V n] He flourished the glass to emphasize the point. ● N‑COUNT Flourish is also a noun. □ He took his peaked cap from under his arm with a flourish and pulled it low over his eyes.


4 N‑COUNT If you do something with a flourish , you do in a showy way so that people notice it.

floury /flaʊə ri/


1 ADJ Something that is floury is covered with flour or tastes of flour. □ She wiped her floury hands on her apron. □ …floury scones.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Floury potatoes go soft round the edges and break up when they are cooked.

flout /flaʊ t/ (flouts , flouting , flouted ) VERB If you flout something such as a law, an order, or an accepted way of behaving, you deliberately do not obey it or follow it. □ [V n] …illegal campers who persist in flouting the law.

flow ◆◆◇ /floʊ / (flows , flowing , flowed )


1 VERB If a liquid, gas, or electrical current flows somewhere, it moves there steadily and continuously. □ [V adv/prep] A stream flowed gently down into the valley. □ [V adv/prep] The current flows into electric motors that drive the wheels. □ [V ] …compressor stations that keep the gas flowing. ● N‑VAR Flow is also a noun. □ It works only in the veins, where the blood flow is slower.


2 VERB If a number of people or things flow from one place to another, they move there steadily in large groups, usually without stopping. □ [V prep/adv] Large numbers of refugees continue to flow from the troubled region into the no-man's land. ● N‑VAR Flow is also a noun. □ [+ of ] She watched the frantic flow of cars and buses along the street.


3 VERB If information or money flows somewhere, it moves freely between people or organizations. □ [V prep/adv] A lot of this information flowed through other police departments. □ [V ] An interest rate reduction is needed to get more money flowing and create jobs. ● N‑VAR Flow is also a noun. □ …the opportunity to control the flow of information.


4 → see also cash flow


5 PHRASE Someone who is in full flow is talking easily and continuously and seems likely to go on talking for some time. □ He had been replying for some 40 minutes already and was still in full flow.


6 PHRASE If you say that an activity, or the person who is performing the activity, is in full flow , you mean that the activity has started and is being carried out with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. □ Lunch at Harry's Bar was in full flow when Irene made a splendid entrance.


7 PHRASE If you go with the flow , you let things happen or let other people tell you what to do, rather than trying to control what happens yourself. □ There's nothing I can do about the problem, so I might as well go with the flow. SYNONYMS flow VERB 1


course: The tears coursed down his cheeks.


stream: Tears streamed down their faces.


gush: Piping-hot water gushed out.


run: Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.

flo w chart (flow charts ) N‑COUNT A flow chart or a flow diagram is a diagram which represents the sequence of actions in a particular process or activity.

flow|er ◆◆◇ /flaʊə r / (flowers , flowering , flowered )


1 N‑COUNT A flower is the part of a plant which is often brightly coloured, grows at the end of a stem, and only survives for a short time. □ Each individual flower is tiny. □ …large, purplish-blue flowers.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A flower is a stem of a plant that has one or more flowers on it and has been picked, usually with others, for example to give as a present or to put in a vase. □ …a bunch of flowers sent by a new admirer.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Flowers are small plants that are grown for their flowers as opposed to trees, shrubs, and vegetables. □ …a lawned area surrounded by plants and flowers. □ The flower garden will be ablaze with colour every day.


4 VERB When a plant or tree flowers , its flowers appear and open. □ [V ] Several of these rhododendrons will flower this year for the first time.


5 VERB When something flowers , for example a political movement or a relationship, it gets stronger and more successful. □ [V ] Their relationship flowered.


6 PHRASE When a plant is in flower or when it has come into flower , its flowers have appeared and opened.


7 → see also flowered

flo w|er ar|rang|ing N‑UNCOUNT Flower arranging is the art or hobby of arranging cut flowers in a way which makes them look attractive.

flower|bed /flaʊə r bed/ (flowerbeds ) also flower bed N‑COUNT A flowerbed is an area of ground in a garden or park which has been specially prepared so that flowers can be grown in it.

flow|ered /flaʊ ə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Flowered paper or cloth has a pattern of flowers on it. □ She was wearing a pretty flowered cotton dress.

flow|er|ing /flaʊ ər I ŋ/


1 N‑UNCOUNT The flowering of something such as an idea or artistic style is the development of its popularity and success. □ …the flowering of creative genius.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Flowering shrubs, trees, or plants are those which produce noticeable flowers.

flower|pot /flaʊə r pɒt/ (flowerpots ) also flower pot N‑COUNT A flowerpot is a container that is used for growing plants.

flo w|er pow|er N‑UNCOUNT Flower power is an old-fashioned way of referring to hippies and the culture associated with hippies in the late 1960s and early 1970s. □ …the era of flower power.

flow|ery /flaʊ əri/


1 ADJ A flowery smell is strong and sweet, like flowers. □ Amy thought she caught the faintest drift of Isabel's flowery perfume.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flowery cloth, paper, or china has a lot of flowers printed or painted on it. □ The baby, dressed in a flowery jumpsuit, waved her rattle.


3 ADJ Flowery speech or writing contains long or literary words and expressions. □ They were using uncommonly flowery language.

flown /floʊ n/ Flown is the past participle of fly .

fl. oz. fl. oz. is a written abbreviation for fluid ounce .

flu /fluː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Flu is an illness which is similar to a bad cold but more serious. It often makes you feel very weak and makes your muscles hurt. □ I got flu. □ He had come down with the flu.

fluc|tu|ate /flʌ ktʃue I t/ (fluctuates , fluctuating , fluctuated ) VERB If something fluctuates , it changes a lot in an irregular way. □ [V ] Body temperature can fluctuate if you are ill. □ [V -ing] …the fluctuating price of oil. ● fluc|tua|tion /flʌ ktʃue I ʃ ə n/ (fluctuations ) N‑VAR □ [+ in ] Don't worry about tiny fluctuations in your weight. □ [+ in/of ] The calculations do not take into account any fluctuation in the share price.

flue /fluː / (flues ) N‑COUNT A flue is a pipe or long tube that acts as a chimney, taking smoke away from a device such as a heater, fire, or cooker.

flu|ent /fluː ənt/


1 ADJ Someone who is fluent in a particular language can speak the language easily and correctly. You can also say that someone speaks fluent French, Chinese, or some other language. □ [+ in ] She studied eight foreign languages but is fluent in only six of them. □ He speaks fluent Russian. ● flu|en|cy N‑UNCOUNT □ To work as a translator, you need fluency in at least one foreign language. ● flu|ent|ly ADV □ He spoke three languages fluently.


2 ADJ If your speech, reading, or writing is fluent , you speak, read, or write easily, smoothly, and clearly with no mistakes. □ He had emerged from being a hesitant and unsure candidate into a fluent debater. ● flu|en|cy N‑UNCOUNT □ His son was praised for speeches of remarkable fluency. ● flu|ent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Alex didn't read fluently till he was nearly seven.

fluff /flʌ f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft n of N ] Fluff consists of soft threads or fibres in the form of small, light balls or lumps. For example, you can refer to the fur of a small animal as fluff . □ She noticed some bits of fluff on the sleeve of her sweater.

fluffy /flʌ fi/ (fluffier , fluffiest )


1 ADJ If you describe something such as a towel or a toy animal as fluffy , you mean that it is very soft. □ …fluffy white towels. □ It's a very fluffy kind of wool.


2 ADJ A cake or other food that is fluffy is very light because it has a lot of air in it. □ Cream together the margarine and sugar with a wooden spoon until light and fluffy.

flu|id /fluː I d/ (fluids )


1 N‑VAR A fluid is a liquid. [FORMAL ] □ The blood vessels may leak fluid, which distorts vision. □ Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids. □ …fluid retention.


2 ADJ Fluid movements or lines or designs are smooth and graceful. □ The forehand stroke should be fluid and well balanced.


3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A situation that is fluid is unstable and is likely to change often.

flu |id ou nce (fluid ounces ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A fluid ounce is a measurement of liquid. There are twenty fluid ounces in a British pint, and sixteen in an American pint.

fluke /fluː k/ (flukes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft by N ] If you say that something good is a fluke , you mean that it happened accidentally rather than by being planned or arranged. [INFORMAL ] □ The discovery was something of a fluke. □ By sheer fluke, one of the shipowner's employees was in the city. [Also + of ]

flum|mox /flʌ məks/ (flummoxes , flummoxing , flummoxed ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is flummoxed by something, they are confused by it and do not know what to do or say. □ [be V -ed] The two leaders were flummoxed by the suggestion. ● flum|moxed ADJ □ No wonder Josef was feeling a bit flummoxed.

flung /flʌ ŋ/ Flung is the past tense and past participle of fling .

flunk /flʌ ŋk/ (flunks , flunking , flunked ) VERB If you flunk an exam or a course, you fail to reach the required standard. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] Your son is upset because he flunked a history exam.

flunk|ey /flʌ ŋki/ (flunkeys ) also flunky


1 N‑COUNT Someone who refers to a servant as a flunkey is expressing their dislike for a job that involves doing things for an employer that ordinary people do for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ]


2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a flunkey , you disapprove of the fact that they associate themselves with someone who is powerful and carry out small, unimportant jobs for them in the hope of being rewarded. [DISAPPROVAL ]

fluo|res|cent /flʊəre s ə nt/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fluorescent surface, substance, or colour has a very bright appearance when light is directed onto it, as if it is actually shining itself. □ …a piece of fluorescent tape. ● fluo|res|cence N‑UNCOUNT □ …the green fluorescence it gives off under ultraviolet radiation.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A fluorescent light shines with a very hard, bright light and is usually in the form of a long strip. □ …fluorescent light tubes.

fluori|da|tion /flʊə r I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluoridation is the action or process of adding fluoride to a water supply. □ …fluoridation of the water supply.

fluo|ride /flʊə ra I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluoride is a mixture of chemicals that is sometimes added to drinking water and toothpaste because it is considered to be good for people's teeth.

fluo|rine /flʊə riːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Fluorine is a pale yellow, poisonous gas. It is used in the production of uranium and other chemicals.

flur|ry /flʌ ri, [AM ] flɜː ri/ (flurries )


1 N‑COUNT A flurry of something such as activity or excitement is a short intense period of it. □ [+ of ] …a flurry of diplomatic activity aimed at ending the war.


2 N‑COUNT A flurry of something such as snow is a small amount of it that suddenly appears for a short time and moves in a quick, swirling way.

flush /flʌ ʃ/ (flushes , flushing , flushed )


1 VERB If you flush , your face goes red because you are hot or ill, or because you are feeling a strong emotion such as embarrassment or anger. □ [V ] Do you sweat a lot or flush a lot? □ [V colour] He turned away embarrassed, his face flushing red. ● N‑COUNT Flush is also a noun. □ There was a slight flush on his cheeks. [Also + of ] ● flushed ADJ □ [+ with ] Her face was flushed with anger.


2 VERB When someone flushes a toilet after using it, they fill the toilet bowl with water in order to clean it, usually by pressing a handle or pulling a chain. You can also say that a toilet flushes . □ [V n] She flushed the toilet and went back in the bedroom. □ [V ] …the sound of the toilet flushing. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Flush is also a noun. □ [+ of ] He heard the flush of a toilet.


3 VERB If you flush something down the toilet, you get rid of it by putting it into the toilet bowl and flushing the toilet. □ [V n + down ] He was found trying to flush banknotes down the toilet.


4 VERB If you flush a part of your body, you clean it or make it healthier by using a large amount of liquid to get rid of dirt or harmful substances. □ [V n] Flush the eye with clean cold water for at least 15 minutes. ● PHRASAL VERB Flush out means the same as flush . □ [V P n] …an 'alternative' therapy that gently flushes out the colon to remove toxins. [Also V n P ]


5 VERB If you flush dirt or a harmful substance out of a place, you get rid of it by using a large amount of liquid. □ [V n with out ] That won't flush all the sewage out, but it should unclog some stinking drains.


6 VERB If you flush people or animals out of a place where they are hiding, you find or capture them by forcing them to come out of that place. □ [V n + out of ] They flushed them out of their hiding places. □ [V n with out ] The Guyana Defence Force is engaged in flushing out illegal Brazilian miners operating in the country.


7 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If one object or surface is flush with another, they are at the same height or distance from something else, so that they form a single smooth surface. □ [+ with ] Make sure the tile is flush with the surrounding tiles.


8 N‑SING The flush of something is an intense feeling of excitement or pleasure that you have when you are experiencing it and for a short time afterwards. □ [+ of ] …the first flush of young love. □ [+ of ] …in the flush of victory.


▸ flush out → see flush 4

flushed /flʌ ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you say that someone is flushed with success or pride you mean that they are very excited by their success or pride. □ Grace was flushed with the success of the venture.

flus|ter /flʌ stə r / (flusters , flustering , flustered ) VERB If you fluster someone, you make them feel nervous and confused by rushing them and preventing them from concentrating on what they are doing. □ [be V -ed] The General refused to be flustered. □ [V n] She was a very calm person. Nothing could fluster her. ● flus|tered ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ She was so flustered that she forgot her reply.

flute /fluː t/ (flutes ) N‑VAR A flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. You play it by blowing over a hole near one end while holding it sideways to your mouth.

flut|ed /fluː t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is fluted has shallow curves cut into it. □ …the fluted wooden post of the porch.

flut|ing /fluː t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone's voice as fluting , you mean that it goes up and down a lot, and usually that it is high pitched. □ Her voice, small and fluting, stopped abruptly. □ …a fluting and melodic Scottish accent.

flut|ist /fluː t I st/ (flutists ) N‑COUNT A flutist is someone who plays the flute. [AM ] in BRIT, use flautist

flut|ter /flʌ tə r / (flutters , fluttering , fluttered )


1 VERB If something thin or light flutters , or if you flutter it, it moves up and down or from side to side with a lot of quick, light movements. □ [V ] Her chiffon skirt was fluttering in the night breeze. □ [V n] …a butterfly fluttering its wings. □ [V -ing] …the fluttering white lace handkerchief. ● N‑COUNT Flutter is also a noun. □ …a flutter of white cloth.


2 VERB If something light such as a small bird or a piece of paper flutters somewhere, it moves through the air with small quick movements. □ [V adv/prep] The paper fluttered to the floor. □ [V ] The birds were active, whirring and fluttering among the trees.


3 N‑COUNT If you have a flutter , you have a small bet on something such as a horse race. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [+ on ] I had a flutter on five horses.

flux /flʌ ks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If something is in a state of flux , it is constantly changing. □ Education remains in a state of flux which will take some time to settle down.

fly ◆◆◆ /fla I / (flies , flying , flew , flown )


1 N‑COUNT A fly is a small insect with two wings. There are many kinds of flies, and the most common are black in colour.


2 VERB When something such as a bird, insect, or aircraft flies , it moves through the air. □ [V prep/adv] The planes flew through the clouds. □ [V prep/adv] The bird flew away. [Also V ]


3 VERB If you fly somewhere, you travel there in an aircraft. □ [V prep/adv] He flew back to London. □ [V prep/adv] Mr Baker flew in from Moscow.


4 VERB When someone flies an aircraft, they control its movement in the air. □ [V n] Parker had successfully flown both aircraft. □ [V n prep/adv] He flew a small plane to Cuba. □ [V ] His inspiration to fly came even before he joined the Army. ● fly|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …a flying instructor.


5 VERB To fly someone or something somewhere means to take or send them there in an aircraft. □ [be V -ed adv/prep] The relief supplies are being flown from a warehouse in Pisa.


6 VERB If something such as your hair is flying about, it is moving about freely and loosely in the air. □ [V adv/prep] His long, uncovered hair flew back in the wind. □ [V ] She was running down the stairs, her hair flying.


7 VERB If you fly a flag or if it is flying , you display it at the top of a pole. □ [V n] They flew the flag of the African National Congress. □ [V ] A flag was flying on the new military HQ.


8 VERB If you say that someone or something flies in a particular direction, you are emphasizing that they move there with a lot of speed or force. [EMPHASIS ] □ [V prep/adv] I flew downstairs.


9 N‑COUNT The front opening on a pair of trousers is referred to as the fly , or in British English the flies . It usually consists of a zip or row of buttons behind a band of cloth.


10 → see also flying , tsetse fly


11 PHRASE If you say that someone wouldn't hurt a fly or wouldn't harm a fly , you are emphasizing that they are very kind and gentle. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a lovely girl, who would not have harmed a fly.


12 PHRASE If you let fly , you attack someone, either physically by hitting them, or with words by insulting them. □ A simmering row ended with her letting fly with a stream of obscenities.


13 PHRASE If you send someone or something flying or if they go flying , they move through the air and fall down with a lot of force. □ The blow sent the young man flying.


14 PHRASE If you say that you would like to be a fly on the wall in a situation that does not involve you, you mean that you would like to see or hear what happens in that situation. □ What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Davis finds out what's happened to his precious cargo.


15 → see also fly-on-the-wall


16 as the crow flies → see crow


17 to fly in the face of → see face ➊


18 to fly the flag → see flag


19 to fly off the handle → see handle


20 a fly in the ointment → see ointment


21 pigs might fly → see pig


22 sparks fly → see spark


23 time flies → see time


▸ fly at PHRASAL VERB If you fly at someone, you attack them, either physically by hitting them, or with words by insulting them. □ [V P n] She flew at him for making a very anti-British remark.


▸ fly into PHRASAL VERB If you fly into a bad temper or a panic, you suddenly become very angry or anxious and show this in your behaviour. □ [V P n] Losing a game would cause him to fly into a rage.

fly|away /fla I əwe I / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Flyaway hair is very soft and fine. [WRITTEN ]

fly|by /fla I ba I / (flybys ) also fly-by N‑COUNT A flyby is a flight made by an aircraft or a spacecraft over a particular place in order to record details about it.

fly -by-night ADJ [ADJ n] A fly-by-night businessman is someone who wants to make money very quickly, without caring about the quality or honesty of the service they offer. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …fly-by-night operators who fail to complete jobs.

fly -drive ADJ [ADJ n] On a fly-drive holiday, you travel part of the way to your destination by aeroplane, and collect a hired car at the airport so that you can drive the rest of the way. □ …a fly-drive break in New Zealand.

fly|er /fla I ə r / (flyers ) also flier


1 N‑COUNT A flyer is a pilot of an aircraft.


2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone who travels by aeroplane as a flyer . □ …regular business flyers. □ …nervous fliers.


3 N‑COUNT A flyer is a small printed notice which is used to advertise a particular company, service, or event.


4 → see also high-flyer

fly -fishing also fly fishing N‑UNCOUNT Fly-fishing is a method of fishing in which a silk or nylon model of a small winged insect is used as bait.

fly|ing /fla I I ŋ/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] A flying animal has wings and is able to fly. □ …species of flying insects.


2 PHRASE If someone or something gets off to a flying start , or makes a flying start , they start very well, for example in a race or a new job. □ Advertising revenue in the new financial year has got off to a flying start.

fly |ing do c|tor (flying doctors ) N‑COUNT A flying doctor is a doctor, especially in Australia, who travels by aircraft to visit patients who live in distant or isolated areas.

fly |ing fish (flying fish or flying fishes ) N‑VAR Flying fish are a type of fish that live in warm seas. They have large fins that enable them to move forward in the air when they jump out of the water.

fly |ing sau |cer (flying saucers ) N‑COUNT A flying saucer is a round, flat object which some people say they have seen in the sky and which they believe to be a spacecraft from another planet. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Fly |ing Squad N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Flying Squad is a group of police officers who are always ready to travel quickly to the scene of a serious crime. [BRIT ]

fly |ing vi s|it (flying visits ) N‑COUNT A flying visit is a visit that only lasts a very short time.

fly|leaf /fla I liːf/ (flyleaves ) N‑COUNT The flyleaf of a book is a page at the front that has nothing printed on it, or just the title and the author's name.

fly -on-the-wa ll


1 ADJ [ADJ n] A fly-on-the-wall documentary is made by filming people as they do the things they normally do, rather than by interviewing them or asking them to talk directly to the camera. □ …a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the Queen's life.


2 a fly on the wall → see fly

fly|over /fla I oʊvə r / (flyovers )


1 N‑COUNT A flyover is a structure which carries one road over the top of another road. [BRIT ] in AM, use overpass 2 N‑COUNT A flyover is the same as a flypast . [AM ]

fly|past /fla I pɑːst, -pæst/ (flypasts ) also fly-past N‑COUNT A flypast is a flight by a group of aircraft in a special formation which takes place on a ceremonial occasion or as a display. [BRIT ] in AM, use flyover

fly|weight /fla I we I t/ (flyweights ) N‑COUNT A flyweight is a boxer who weighs 112 pounds or less.

fly|wheel /fla I h wiːl/ (flywheels ) N‑COUNT A flywheel is a heavy wheel that is part of some engines. It regulates the engine's rotation, making it operate at a steady speed.

FM /e f e m/ FM is a method of transmitting radio waves that can be used to broadcast high quality sound. FM is an abbreviation for 'frequency modulation'.

FMCG /e f em siː dʒiː / (FMCGs ) N‑COUNT FMCGs are inexpensive products that people usually buy on a regular basis, such as supermarket foods or toiletries. FMCG is an abbreviation for 'fast-moving consumer goods'. [BUSINESS ]

foal /foʊ l/ (foals , foaling , foaled )


1 N‑COUNT A foal is a very young horse.


2 VERB When a female horse foals , it gives birth. □ [V ] The mare is due to foal today.

foam /foʊ m/ (foams , foaming , foamed )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Foam consists of a mass of small bubbles that are formed when air and a liquid are mixed together. □ The water curved round the rocks in great bursts of foam.


2 N‑VAR Foam is used to refer to various kinds of manufactured products which have a soft, light texture like a thick liquid. □ …shaving foam.


3 N‑VAR Foam or foam rubber is soft rubber full of small holes which is used, for example, to make mattresses and cushions. □ …modern three-piece suites filled with foam rubber. □ We had given him a large foam mattress to sleep on.


4 VERB If a liquid foams , it is full of small bubbles and keeps moving slightly. □ [V ] I let the water run into it and we watched as it foamed and bubbled. □ [V -ing] …ravines with foaming rivers rushing through them.

foamy /foʊ mi/ ADJ A foamy liquid has a mass of small bubbles on its surface or consists of a mass of bubbles. □ …foamy waves. □ Whisk the egg whites until they are foamy but not stiff.

fob /fɒ b/ (fobs , fobbing , fobbed ) N‑COUNT In former times, a fob was a short chain or piece of cloth which fastened a man's watch to his clothing.


▸ fob off PHRASAL VERB If someone fobs you off , they tell you something just to stop you asking questions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n P ] I've asked her about it but she fobs me off. □ [be V -ed P + with ] Don't be fobbed off with excuses.

fo|cal /foʊ k ə l/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Focal is used to describe something that relates to the point where a number of rays or lines meet. □ …the focal plane of the telescope.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Focal is used to describe something that is very important. □ …one of the focal centres of the Far East.

fo |cal point (focal points ) N‑COUNT The focal point of something is the thing that people concentrate on or pay most attention to. □ …the focal point for the town's many visitors–the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

fo'c'sle /foʊ ksl/ → see forecastle

fo|cus ◆◆◇ /foʊ kəs/ (foci /foʊ sa I /, focuses , focusing , focused ) The spellings focusses , focussing , focussed are also used. The plural of the noun can be either foci or focuses . 1 VERB If you focus on a particular topic or if your attention is focused on it, you concentrate on it and think about it, discuss it, or deal with it, rather than dealing with other topics. □ [V + on ] He is currently focusing on assessment and development. □ [V n + on ] Many of the papers focus their attention on the controversy surrounding the Foreign Secretary.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The focus of something is the main topic or main thing that it is concerned with. □ [+ of ] The new system is the focus of controversy. □ [+ of ] Her children are the main focus of her life.


3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your focus on something is the special attention that you pay it. □ IBM has also shifted its focus from mainframes to personal computers.


4 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something has a focus , you mean that you can see a purpose in it. □ Somehow, though, their latest album has a focus that the others have lacked.


5 VERB If you focus your eyes or if your eyes focus , your eyes adjust so that you can clearly see the thing that you want to look at. If you focus a camera, telescope, or other instrument, you adjust it so that you can see clearly through it. □ [V n] Kelly couldn't focus his eyes well enough to tell if the figure was male or female. □ [V + on ] His eyes slowly began to focus on what looked like a small dark ball. □ [V n + on ] He found the binoculars and focused them on the boat. □ [V -ed] Had she kept the camera focused on the river bank she might have captured a vital scene. [Also V ]


6 N‑UNCOUNT You use focus to refer to the fact of adjusting your eyes or a camera, telescope, or other instrument, and to the degree to which you can see clearly. □ His focus switched to the little white ball.


7 VERB If you focus rays of light on a particular point, you pass them through a lens or reflect them from a mirror so that they meet at that point. □ [V n prep] Magnetic coils focus the electron beams into fine spots.


8 N‑COUNT The focus of a number of rays or lines is the point at which they meet. [TECHNICAL ]


9 PHRASE If an image or a camera, telescope, or other instrument is in focus , the edges of what you see are clear and sharp. □ Pictures should be in focus, with realistic colours and well composed groups.


10 PHRASE If something is in focus , it is being discussed or its purpose and nature are clear. □ This aggression is the real issue. We want to keep that in focus.


11 PHRASE If an image or a camera, telescope, or other instrument is out of focus , the edges of what you see are unclear. □ In some of the pictures the subjects are out of focus while the background is sharp. COLLOCATIONS focus VERB 1


focus + noun : attention, mind; effort, energy, resources; debate, discussion


noun + focus : attention, discussion, investigation, research, study


focus + adverb : entirely, exclusively, solely, totally; heavily, mainly, primarily NOUN 3


adjective + focus : clear, intense, narrow, relentless, sharp; main, primary, sole; increased, renewed


verb + focus : shift, switch; increase, narrow, sharpen; keep, maintain SYNONYMS focus VERB 1


concentrate: Water companies should concentrate on reducing waste.


direct: The learner's attention needs to be directed to the significant features.


home in: The critics immediately homed in on the group's newly-elected members.

fo|cused /foʊ kəst/ also focussed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone or something as focused , you approve of the fact that they have a clear and definite purpose. [APPROVAL ] □ I spent the next year just wandering. I wasn't focused.

fo |cus group (focus groups ) N‑COUNT A focus group is a specially selected group of people who are intended to represent the general public. Focus groups have discussions in which their opinions are recorded as a form of market research.

fod|der /fɒ də r /


1 N‑UNCOUNT Fodder is food that is given to cows, horses, and other animals. □ The alfalfa plant is widely used as animal fodder.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is fodder for a particular purpose, you mean that it is useful for that purpose and perhaps nothing else. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The press conference simply provided more fodder for another attack on his character.

foe /foʊ / (foes ) N‑COUNT Someone's foe is their enemy. [WRITTEN ]

foe|tal /fiː t ə l/ also fetal ADJ [ADJ n] Foetal is used to describe something that relates to or is like a foetus. □ …an early stage of foetal development.

foet|id /fiː t I d/ → see fetid

foe|tus /fiː təs/ (foetuses ) also fetus N‑COUNT A foetus is an animal or human being in its later stages of development before it is born.

fog /fɒ g/ (fogs )


1 N‑VAR When there is fog , there are tiny drops of water in the air which form a thick cloud and make it difficult to see things. □ The crash happened in thick fog. □ These ocean fogs can last for days.


2 N‑SING A fog is an unpleasant cloud of something such as smoke inside a building or room. □ [+ of ] …a fog of stale cigarette smoke.


3 N‑SING [oft in N ] You can use fog to refer to a situation which stops people from being able to notice things, understand things, or think clearly. □ [+ of ] The most basic facts about him are lost in a fog of mythology. □ [+ of ] Synchronizing these attacks may be difficult in the fog of war. □ His mind was in a fog when he finally got up.

fo g bank (fog banks ) N‑COUNT A fog bank is an area of thick fog, especially at sea.

fog|bound /fɒ gbaʊnd/ also fog-bound ADJ If you are fogbound in a place or if the place is fogbound , thick fog makes it dangerous or impossible to go anywhere. □ He was fog-bound at London airport. □ …a fogbound motorway.

fo|gey /foʊ gi/ (fogies or fogeys ) also fogy N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a fogey or an old fogey , you mean that they are boring and old-fashioned. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I don't want to sound like I'm some old fogy.

fog|gy /fɒ gi/ (foggier , foggiest )


1 ADJ When it is foggy , there is fog. □ Conditions were damp and foggy after morning sleet.


2 PHRASE If you say that you haven't the foggiest or you haven't the foggiest idea , you are emphasizing that you do not know something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I did not have the foggiest idea what he meant.

fog|horn /fɒ ghɔː r n/ (foghorns ) also fog horn N‑COUNT A foghorn is a piece of equipment that makes a loud noise and is used to warn ships about the position of land and other ships in fog.

foi|ble /fɔ I b ə l/ (foibles ) N‑COUNT A foible is a habit or characteristic that someone has which is considered rather strange, foolish, or bad but which is also considered unimportant. □ …human foibles and weaknesses.

foie gras /fwɑː grɑː / N‑UNCOUNT Foie gras is a food made from the livers of geese that were specially fed so that their livers became very large.

foil /fɔ I l/ (foils , foiling , foiled )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Foil consists of sheets of metal as thin as paper. It is used to wrap food in. □ Pour cider around the meat and cover with foil. □ …aluminium foil.


2 VERB If you foil someone's plan or attempt to do something, for example to commit a crime, you succeed in stopping them from doing what they want. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] A brave police chief foiled an armed robbery on a jewellers' by grabbing the raiders' shotgun.


3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to one thing or person as a foil for another, you approve of the fact that they contrast with each other and go well together, often in a way that makes the second thing or person seem better or less harmful. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ for ] He thought of her serenity as a foil for his intemperance. □ [+ for ] A cold beer is the perfect foil for a curry.

foist /fɔ I st/ (foists , foisting , foisted )


▸ foist on PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone foists something on you, or foists it upon you, you dislike the way that they force you to listen to it or experience it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n P n] I don't see my role as foisting my beliefs on them. □ [V P n n] The government foisted on other countries the expense of training young workers.

fold ◆◇◇ /foʊ ld/ (folds , folding , folded )


1 VERB If you fold something such as a piece of paper or cloth, you bend it so that one part covers another part, often pressing the edge so that it stays in place. □ [V n] He folded the paper carefully. □ [V n prep/adv] Fold the omelette in half. □ [V -ed] …a folded towel.


2 N‑COUNT A fold in a piece of paper or cloth is a bend that you make in it when you put one part of it over another part and press the edge. □ Make another fold and turn the ends together.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The folds in a piece of cloth are the curved shapes which are formed when it is not hanging or lying flat. □ [+ of ] The priest fumbled in the folds of his gown.


4 VERB If a piece of furniture or equipment folds or if you can fold it, you can make it smaller by bending or closing parts of it. □ [V adv/prep] The back of the bench folds forward to make a table. □ [V adj] This portable seat folds flat for easy storage. □ [V n] Check if you can fold the buggy without having to remove the raincover. □ [V -ing] …a folding beach chair. [Also V n adj] ● PHRASAL VERB Fold up means the same as fold . □ [V P ] When not in use it folds up out of the way. □ [V n P ] Fold the ironing board up so that it is flat.


5 VERB If you fold your arms or hands, you bring them together and cross or link them, for example over your chest. □ [V n] Meer folded his arms over his chest and turned his head away. □ [V n] Mrs Ringrose sat down and folded her hands in her lap.


6 VERB If a business or organization folds , it is unsuccessful and has to close. [mainly BRIT , BUSINESS ] □ [V ] 2,500 small businesses were folding each week.


7 N‑SING When someone joins an organization or group, you can say that they have come into the fold . When they leave the organization or group, you can say that they leave the fold . □ The E.U. wanted to bring the U.S. back into the fold. □ He might find it difficult to return to the family fold when he realizes his mistake.


▸ fold in or fold into PHRASAL VERB In cooking, if you fold in an ingredient or fold it into the other ingredients, you mix it very gently into the other ingredients. □ [V P n] Fold in the flour. □ [V n P n] Fold the cream into the egg yolk mixture.


▸ fold up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you fold something up , you make it into a smaller, neater shape by folding it, usually several times. □ [V n P ] She folded it up, and tucked it into her purse. □ [V P n] He folded up his paper and put it away.


2 → see also fold 4 , fold-up

SUFFIX -fold


combines with numbers to form adverbs which say how much an amount has increased by. For example, if an amount increases fourfold , it is four times greater than it was originally.

fold|er /foʊ ldə r / (folders )


1 N‑COUNT A folder is a thin piece of cardboard in which you can keep loose papers.


2 N‑COUNT A folder is a group of files that are stored together on a computer.

fo ld-up ADJ [ADJ n] A fold-up piece of furniture or equipment is one that is specially designed so that it can be folded into a smaller shape in order to be stored.

fo|li|age /foʊ li I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT The leaves of a plant are referred to as its foliage . □ …shrubs with grey or silver foliage.

fo|lic acid /foʊl I kæ s I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Folic acid is one of the B group of vitamins. It is found in green vegetables and fruit.

fo|lio /foʊ lioʊ/ (folios ) N‑COUNT A folio is a book made with paper of a large size, used especially in the early centuries of European printing. □ Richard told me of three 16th-century folio volumes on alchemy.

folk ◆◇◇ /foʊ k/ (folks ) folk can also be used as the plural form for meaning 1 . 1 N‑PLURAL You can refer to people as folk or folks . □ Country folk can tell you that there are certain places which animals avoid. □ …old folks.


2 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] You can refer to your close family, especially your mother and father, as your folks . [INFORMAL ] □ I've been avoiding my folks lately.


3 N‑PLURAL You can use folks as a term of address when you are talking to several people. [INFORMAL ] □ This is it, folks: the best record guide in the business.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Folk art and customs are traditional or typical of a particular community or nation. □ …traditional Chinese folk medicine.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] Folk music is music which is traditional or typical of a particular community or nation. □ …Irish folk music. ● N‑UNCOUNT Folk is also a noun. □ …a variety of music including classical, jazz, and folk.


6 ADJ [ADJ n] Folk can be used to describe something that relates to the beliefs and opinions of ordinary people. □ Jack was a folk hero in the Greenwich Village bars.

folk|lore /foʊ klɔː r / N‑UNCOUNT Folklore is the traditional stories, customs, and habits of a particular community or nation. □ In Chinese folklore the bat is an emblem of good fortune.

fo lk song (folk songs ) also folksong N‑COUNT A folk song is a traditional song that is typical of a particular community or nation.

folk|sy /foʊ ksi/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as folksy , you mean that it is simple and has a style characteristic of folk craft and tradition. You sometimes use folksy to show disapproval of something because it seems unsophisticated. □ …folksy country furniture.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as folksy , you mean that they are friendly and informal in their behaviour. [AM , APPROVAL ] □ …an elderly, folksy postman.

fol|li|cle /fɒ l I k ə l/ (follicles ) N‑COUNT A follicle is one of the small hollows in the skin which hairs grow from.

fol|low ◆◆◆ /fɒ loʊ/ (follows , following , followed )


1 VERB If you follow someone who is going somewhere, you move along behind them because you want to go to the same place. □ [V n prep/adv] We followed him up the steps into a large hall. □ [V n] Please follow me, madam. □ [V ] They took him into a small room and I followed. [Also V + after ]


2 VERB If you follow someone who is going somewhere, you move along behind them without their knowledge, in order to catch them or find out where they are going. □ [V n] She realized that the Mercedes was following her. □ [be V -ed] I think we're being followed.


3 VERB If you follow someone to a place where they have recently gone and where they are now, you go to join them there. □ [V n + to ] He followed Janice to New York, where she was preparing an exhibition.


4 VERB An event, activity, or period of time that follows a particular thing happens or comes after that thing, at a later time. □ [V n] …the rioting and looting that followed the verdict. □ [V ] Other problems may follow. □ [V -ed] Eye witnesses spoke of a noise followed by a huge red light.


5 VERB If you follow one thing with another, you do or say the second thing after you have done or said the first thing. □ [V n + with ] She broadcast on radio, and followed this with a series of credits in films and on TV. ● PHRASAL VERB Follow up means the same as follow . □ [V n P + with ] Most comics who score a hit at Edinburgh follow it up with a big tour.


6 VERB If it follows that a particular thing is the case, that thing is a logical result of something else being true or being the case. □ [V that] Just because a bird does not breed one year, it does not follow that it will fail the next. □ [V ] If the explanation is right, two things follow. □ [V + from ] It is easy to see the conclusions described in the text follow from this equation.


7 VERB If you refer to the words that follow or followed , you are referring to the words that come next or came next in a piece of writing or speech. □ [V ] What follows is an eye-witness account. □ [there V n] There followed a list of places where Hans intended to visit. □ [be V -ed + by ] General analysis is followed by five case studies.


8 VERB If you follow a path, route, or set of signs, you go somewhere using the path, route, or signs to direct you. □ [V n] If they followed the road, they would be certain to reach a village. □ [V n prep/adv] I followed the signs to Metrocity.


9 VERB If something such as a path or river follows a particular route or line, it goes along that route or line. □ [V n] Our route follows the Pacific coast through densely populated neighbourhoods.


10 VERB If you follow something with your eyes, or if your eyes follow it, you watch it as it moves or you look along its route or course. □ [V n] Ann's eyes followed a police car as it drove slowly past.


11 VERB Something that follows a particular course of development happens or develops in that way. □ [V n] His release turned out to follow the pattern set by that of the other six hostages.


12 VERB If you follow advice, an instruction, or a recipe, you act or do something in the way that it indicates. □ [V n] Take care to follow the instructions carefully.


13 VERB If you follow what someone else has done, you do it too because you think it is a good thing or because you want to copy them. □ [V n] If I do my bit, others will follow my example and join in to improve things. □ [V ] Where rich celebrities lead, the great British public will surely follow.


14 VERB If you follow someone in what you do, you do the same thing or job as they did previously. □ [V n] He followed his father and became a surgeon. □ [V n + into ] Anni-Frid's son has followed her into the music business.


15 VERB If you are able to follow something such as an explanation or the story of a film, you understand it as it continues and develops. □ [V n] Can you follow the plot so far? □ [V ] I'm afraid I don't follow.


16 VERB If you follow something, you take an interest in it and keep informed about what happens. □ [V n] …the millions of people who follow football because they genuinely love it. □ [V n] She was following Laura's progress closely.


17 VERB If you follow someone on a social media website, you choose to see messages and pictures that they post there. □ [V n on ] Camille has a blog, and you can follow her on Twitter. □ [V n] You can also browse Instagram's galleries and follow favourite photographers.


18 VERB If you follow a particular religion or political belief, you have that religion or belief. □ [V n] 'Do you follow any particular religion?'—'Yes, we're all Hindus.'


19 → see also following


20 PHRASE You use as follows in writing or speech to introduce something such as a list, description, or explanation. □ The winners are as follows: E. Walker; R. Foster; R. Gates; A. Mackintosh. □ This can be done if you proceed as follows.


21 PHRASE You use followed by to say what comes after something else in a list or ordered set of things. □ Potatoes are still the most popular food, followed by white bread.


22 PHRASE After mentioning one course of a meal, you can mention the next course by saying what you will have to follow or what there will be to follow . □ He decided on roast chicken and vegetables, with apple pie to follow.


23 to follow in someone's footsteps → see footstep


24 to follow your nose → see nose


25 to follow suit → see suit


▸ follow through PHRASAL VERB If you follow through an action, plan, or idea or follow through with it, you continue doing or thinking about it until you have done everything possible. □ [V P n] The leadership has been unwilling to follow through the implications of these ideas. □ [V n P ] I was trained to be an actress but I didn't follow it through. □ [V P + with ] He decided to follow through with his original plan. [Also V P , V P + on ]

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