10 Advanced Phrases (C1) To Buid Your Vocabulary

1. Pecking order

The term "pecking order" is often used to describe a hierarchical social structure or ranking system found in various animal species, especially among birds. It refers to how individuals within a group establish and maintain their positions of dominance or subordination. 

Example

There is a clear pecking order among the colleagues, with Tom being at the top of the pail.

2. Shrewd

Shrewdness refers to the quality of being astute, sharp, or clever in one's judgment or actions.

Examples

• A shrewd businessman knows when to walk away from a deal if it doesn't favour their interests.
• A shrewd politician might form strategic alliances with other parties to gain more influence.
• A shrewd sports manager might trade a talented player nearing their peak end for valuable assets to secure the team's future.

3. Obstinate

Obstinacy refers to a stubborn and inflexible attitude or behaviour where someone refuses to change their mind or course of action despite persuasion, reasoning, or evidence to the contrary. 

Examples

• A child who refuses to go to bed at their designated bedtime displays obstinacy, no matter how tired or how often their parents ask them to.
• Someone who staunchly holds onto their political beliefs and refuses to consider alternative viewpoints, even when presented with well-reasoned arguments, is being obstinate.
• In a business context, a manager who insists on pursuing a particular strategy despite evidence that it's not working and suggestions from the team to try something else displays obstinacy.

4. To pull some strings

To "pull some strings" is an idiom that means using one's influence or connections to achieve a particular goal, often secretive or behind the scenes.

Examples

• John was able to pull some strings and land a job at the prestigious law firm even though he had limited experience.
• She pulled some strings with the admissions office to secure her son's spot in the highly competitive school.
• I needed a favour from the mayor, so I pulled some strings through a friend who works in city hall.

5. To have a field day

Having a "field day" is an idiom that means having a great time or taking advantage of an opportunity to enjoy or excel at something. 

Examples

• The kids had a field day at the amusement park, riding all the roller coasters and eating cotton candy.
• The fans had a field day when their team won the championship. They celebrated all night.
• Jane and John had a field day at the all-you-can-eat buffet, trying every dish on the menu.

6. To be privy to

"To be privy to" is an idiomatic expression that means to be aware of, have access to, or be knowledgeable about something, often in a secretive or exclusive way.

Examples

• She was privy to the company's confidential financial information because she worked in the accounting department.
• The detective was privy to information that the general public didn't know about the ongoing investigation.
• As a close friend, I am privy to her deepest thoughts and secrets.

7. On the back burner

When something is "on the back burner," it means that it is not currently a top priority or focus, but it hasn't been completely forgotten or abandoned.

Examples

• You might have plans to renovate your kitchen or repaint a room, but if you have a busy work schedule or other pressing matters, these home improvement projects could be put on the back burner.
• Your personal goals, such as learning a new language or starting a fitness routine, might be on the back burner if you're dealing with more immediate concerns like work deadlines or family obligations.
• Sometimes, your travel plans can be put on the back burner due to unexpected events or financial constraints. You still want to go, but it's not a priority.

8. Cushy

The word "cushy" is an informal term to describe something easy, comfortable, or undemanding.

Examples

• After years of working long hours, he finally landed a cushy job that allowed him to work from home and set his own schedule.
• Jane's new apartment is so cushy; it has all the modern amenities and a beautiful view of the park.
• The retirement package at that company is incredibly cushy, with generous pensions and health benefits for retirees.

9. To get one's foot in the door

Getting one's foot in the door is an idiom that means gaining initial access or starting a career or opportunity in a particular field or organisation. It typically involves taking a small or entry-level position to advance to more significant roles. 

Examples

• I finally got my foot in the door at that big tech company. I had an interview for an entry-level position, and if I do well, there's a chance for advancement.
• I attended the conference to get my foot in the door and meet potential clients in the healthcare industry.
• Securing an internship at that prestigious law firm was my way of getting my foot in the door of the legal profession.

10. To go belly up

"To go belly up" is an idiom that means to go bankrupt or to fail, especially in a business or financial context. When a business or venture goes belly up, it collapses or becomes insolvent.

Examples

• After years of struggling to make a profit, the small bakery finally went belly up last month.
• The once-thriving tech startup went belly up when its investors pulled out, leaving the founders with massive debt.
• The recession caused many homeowners to go belly up as they couldn't keep up with their mortgage payments.