wind sb up phrasal verb ( ANNOY )phrasal verb UK informal[M] to annoy or upset someoneIt really winds me up when he goes on about teachers having an easy life.She just knows how to wind me up.See also: wound upwind-up noun/ˈwaɪnd.ʌp/ n [C usually singular] UK informalwind sb up phrasal verb ( DECEIVE )phrasal verb UK informalto tell someone something that is not true in order to make a jokeAre you serious or are you just trying to wind me up?wind-up noun/ˈwaɪnd.ʌp/ n [C usually singular] UK informal[T] (also wind up) If you wind (up) a clock or watch, you cause it to work by turning a key, handle or other device.•[I usually + adverb or preposition] If a road, path or river winds, it follows a route which turns repeatedly in different directionsThe river winds through the valley.wind up phrasal verbphrasal verb informalto find yourself in an unexpected and usually unpleasant situation, especially as a result of what you doIf he carries on like this he's going to wind up in prison!You don't want to wind up homeless, do you?afford verb ( MONEY )/əˈfɔːd/ /-ˈfɔːrd/ vcan affordto be able to buy or do something because you have enough money or timeI don't know how he can afford a new car on his salary.Few people are able to afford cars like that.She couldn't afford the time off work to see him.[+ to infinitive] I can't afford to buy a house.pouch noun ( BAG )/paʊtʃ/ n [C]a bag or soft container for a small object or a small amount of somethingAll our electric shavers are supplied with a free travel pouch.Food sealed in foil pouches lasts for a long time.inheritance noun ( FROM DEAD PERSON )/ɪnˈher.ɪ.tənt s/ n [C usually singular U]money or objects that someone gives you when they dieThe large inheritance from his aunt meant that he could buy his own boat.At twenty-one she came into her inheritance (= it was given to her).gaze verb/geɪz/ v [I usually + adverb or preposition]to look at something or someone for a long time, especially in surprise, admiration or because you are thinking about something elseAnnette gazed admiringly at Warren as he spoke.He spends hours gazing out of the window when he should be working.struggling adjective/ˈstrʌg.lɪŋ/ adjunsuccessful but trying hard to succeedIt's the story of a struggling artist who marries a rich woman.struggle verb ( EFFORT )/ˈstrʌg.l ̩/ v•[I] to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something[+ to infinitive] The dog had been struggling to get free of the wire noose.I've been struggling to understand this article all afternoon.Fish struggle for survival when the water level drops in the lake.struggle along/through/out, etc.to move somewhere with great effortHe struggled along the rough road holding his son.By this time he'd managed to struggle out of bed.•[I] informal to be in danger of failing or being defeatedAfter the first half, United were really struggling at 1-3 down.struggle verb ( FIGHT )/ˈstrʌg.l ̩/ v•[I] to fight, especially with your handsHe struggled with his attacker who then ran off.•[I usually + adverb or preposition] to use a lot of effort to defeat someone, prevent something, or achieve somethingFor years she struggled with/against the establishment to get her theories accepted.
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