plunge1 verbplunge2 noun
plungeplunge1 /plʌndʒ/ ●○○ verb 
WORD ORIGINplunge1
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French plongier, from Vulgar Latin plumbicare, from Latin plumbum ‘lead’VERB TABLE
plunge
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | plunge |
| he, she, it | plunges | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | plunged |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have plunged |
| he, she, it | has plunged | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had plunged |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will plunge |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have plunged |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am plunging |
| he, she, it | is plunging | |
| you, we, they | are plunging | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was plunging |
| you, we, they | were plunging | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been plunging |
| he, she, it | has been plunging | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been plunging |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be plunging |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been plunging |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Plunging both hands deep into the sack she rummaged among the parcels.
- A skydiver plunged to his death yesterday when his parachute failed to open.
- Colin plunged into the icy water.
- I plunged in fully-clothed and pulled her to the river bank.
- She plunged herself into her writing.
- The aeroplane's engines failed and it plunged into the ocean.
- The President's popularity has plunged dramatically in recent weeks.
- The two women sat down in a corner and plunged into an animated conversation.
- Their car swerved to avoid a truck, and plunged off the cliff.
- Then he plunged the knife into his victim's chest.
- Three men left the truck and plunged into the woods.
- As the sun shrank the ledge, he waited to plunge to his death into a crevasse.
- Concern that White House and congressional negotiators were unable to reach an agreement to balance the budget helped send stocks plunging yesterday.
- Fastenal plunged 4 to 38 on Nasdaq.
- In addition to investor skittishness over the impeachment threat, the technology sector plunged for the third consecutive day.
- Many Conservatives still recalled the disarray into which the Macmillan administration had plunged after its striking election victory in 1959.
- These are rocket-shaped projectiles loaded with vitrified waste, and dumped from ships to plunge into soft sediments on the ocean floor.
- Thomas plunged his arm deep into the creature's mouth and then forced his fist upwards through the larynx.
- Witnesses recalled a clap of wood and the sight of Bailey plunging toward the ground, then his dangling body spinning hard.
THESAURUS
to become less in number or amount: · The average rainfall has decreased by around 30 percent.
to decrease. Go down is less formal than decrease and is the usual word to use in conversation: · Unemployment has gone down in the past few months.
formal to decrease – used with numbers or amounts, or about the level or standard of something: · The standard of living has declined.· Support for the government is steadily declining.· Salaries have declined by around 4.5%.
to become smaller or less important: · Union membership diminished from 30,000 at its height to just 2,000 today.
to decrease, especially by a large amount. Fall and drop are less formal than decrease: · The number of tigers in the wild has fallen to just over 10,000.· At night, the temperature drops to minus 20 degrees.
to suddenly decrease very quickly and by a very large amount: · Share prices have plummeted 29% in the last four months.· Climate change could cause global temperatures to plummet.
if a price or value slides, it gradually decreases in a way that causes problems – used especially in news reports: · The dollar fell in late trading in New York yesterday and slid further this morning.
to gradually decrease until there is very little left of something, especially numbers or amounts, popularity, or importance: · Support for the theory is dwindling.
if a number or the amount of an activity that is happening tapers off, it gradually decreases, especially so that it stops completely: · Political violence tapered off after the elections.
Longman Language Activatorto cause someone or something to be in a particular situation or condition: make somebody late/ill etc · Hurry up - you're going to make me late for work.· Something I ate last night really made me sick.make something safe/interesting/dirty etc · He could make things very difficult for us.· Engineers have been working throughout the night to make the bridge safe.· We gave the house a coat of paint to make it more attractive.make it easy/impossible/necessary etc (for somebody) to do something · The regulations should make it easier for patients to receive the treatment they need.· The increased costs made it impossible to continue producing the computers in the U.S.
to make something be in a particular condition, especially so that it is ready to be used: have something ready/organized/prepared etc: · We'll have your car ready by 3 o'clock.· I'm going to have the roof fixed as soon as I can afford it.· My parents had the little train all laid out under the tree on Christmas morning.
formal to make someone or something unable to do something, work properly, cause any damage etc: render something useless/impossible/harmless etc: · Both runways have been rendered useless by enemy bombings.· The angry exchange rendered future compromise impossible.render somebody unconscious/helpless etc: · Suddenly Packer struck a blow that rendered his victim unconscious.
to cause someone or something to suddenly be in a very bad situation: plunge somebody/something into debt/war/depression etc: · The government's uncontrolled spending has plunged the country into debt.· The growing hostility between the two parties is threatening to plunge the country into civil war.
: put somebody in a difficult/awkward/impossible situation/position to do something that causes someone difficulties, embarrassment etc: · The minister's comments have put the prime minister into a very awkward position.· I'm afraid I've been put into a rather embarrassing position.
to go down under the surface of water, mud etc to go down below the surface of water, mud, sand etc, without being able to control or prevent it: · Hundreds of passengers tried desperately to escape from the boat as it sank.sink into: · The guns sank deeper and deeper into the mud.· With the car sinking into a marsh, there wasn't a moment to spare.sink without trace (=sink and disappear completely): · There was a sucking noise, and then the branch sank without trace.
to jump down into water with your head first: · She stood at the edge of the pool waiting to dive.dive into/in: · Ralph dived into the icy water.· A woman dived in to rescue the boy.
to jump into a river, lake etc quickly, making a lot of noise: plunge into/in: · Colin plunged into the icy water.· I plunged in fully-clothed and pulled her to the river bank.
to deliberately go under the surface of water or make something do this: · Peter pulled on the mask and submerged again.submerge something in something: · elephants submerging themselves in cooling water
if a ship or person goes under , they sink below the surface of water, usually after an accident: · By the time the sea rescue service arrived, the ship had gone under.· According to the only survivor, his comrades went under one by one.
to fall through the air to the ground · One of the climbers fell fifty feet.· A light rain was falling.fall out/into/from etc · She opened the cupboard and everything fell out.· There should be spaces between the boards of the deck to allow debris to fall through.· Fred fell out of the tree and broke his arm.· The girl had fallen from a fourth-floor window, but was not badly hurt.fall on · Careful that box doesn't fall on you, Charlotte!
to accidentally fall from something in a high position to the ground: · Jim was laughing so hard he fell off his chair.· A bag of groceries fell off the table onto the floor.
to suddenly fall a long way from somewhere high up: · The aeroplane's engines failed and it plunged into the ocean.plunge off/down/into etc: · Their car swerved to avoid a truck, and plunged off the cliff.plunge to your death (=fall a long way and be killed): · A skydiver plunged to his death yesterday when his parachute failed to open.
to fall from somewhere high up, very quickly and very directly: · The rope snapped, causing the climber to plummet several hundred feet down the mountain.· Two aircraft on a training flight collided and plummeted to the ground.
to fall suddenly from a high place straight down onto or towards the ground: drop onto/to/from etc: · Two bottles rolled across the table, dropped onto the floor, and smashed.· A few pine cones had already dropped to the ground.
to fall quickly through the air, rolling over and over: tumble down/off/from etc: · A little girl tumbled about 30 feet from the window of her family's third-floor apartment.
if rain, snow etc comes down , it falls heavily: · We can't go out now -- the rain's really coming down.· Snow was coming down so thickly I could barely see through the window.
when prices, numbers etc become less to become less: · Attendance at the school's basketball games has gone down significantly in the last few years.· I'm hoping the price will come down if I wait a while.
to become less, especially by a large amount: · Sales have fallen dramatically in Houston and Toronto.fall/drop to: · At night, the temperature drops to -20°C.fall/drop from something to something: · Profits fell from £98.5 million to £76 million.
to become less - used especially in writing about business or technical subjects: · Experts say that the time parents spend with their children is decreasing.decrease to: · The speed of rotation gradually decreases to zero.
a gradual decrease in the number or amount of something good or important so that the situation becomes worse: · Firms with large debts may not have the financial strength to survive a prolonged sales decline or a recession.decline in: · We can expect a further decline in job vacancies.
when a price, level etc is reduced - use this when something is reduced deliberately: · New production methods led to a cost reduction of about 50 percent.reduction in: · Cleaner fuel has contributed to a reduction in air pollution.· a reduction in working hours
a reduction in the amount or size of something made by a government or large organization - use this especially when talking about politics or business: cut in: · Cuts in the education budget have led to fewer teachers and larger classes.pay/job/tax cuts (=cuts in wages, number of jobs, or taxes): · The whole team agreed to take pay cuts, rather than see their colleagues lose their jobs.· Some senators have called for huge tax cuts to stimulate the economy.
to drop very rapidly and by a large amount: · As soon as the sun went down, the temperature plummeted.· The drought has caused the price of hay to soar, and the price of cattle has plummeted.plummet/plunge 20 degrees/thirty points etc: · The stock market plunged 30 points when the news was announced.
if a number or the amount of activity happening tapers off , it gradually decreases: · Towards sunset, the rain began to taper off.
if supplies or numbers of something dwindle , they gradually decrease: · The country's foreign currency reserves have dwindled over the past few years.dwindle to: · The original platoon of 30 men had dwindled to 12.
if a price or value slides it gradually decreases in a way that causes problems - used especially in news reports: · Prices will continue to slide unless production is reduced.· The dollar fell in late trading in New York yesterday and slid further this morning.
also nosedive informal if the price or value of something takes a nosedive , it becomes lower very quickly and causes problems. If an economy takes a nosedive it become worse very quickly: · Since January, sales of cars and trucks, including minivans, have nosedived.· Shares on the stock exchange took another nosedive Friday.
to push an object into an opening or into something soft to push a sharp object into something soft, or push something into a small space: stick something into/up/inside etc something: · They stuck pins into a map to show where the enemy's camps were.· The doctor had to stick a tube down my throat in order to examine my stomach.
to push something into a small space using a lot of strength: force something into/through/down something: · She tried to force her feet into the shoes but they were too small.· I finally managed to force the package through the small letterbox.
informal to push something quickly and carelessly into a small space: shove/stuff something into/up/down etc: · She shoved two more sweaters into her bag.· He quickly stuffed the letter down the side of the sofa.
to push something very hard or violently into something: ram something into something: · She rammed the papers into her briefcase.· Construction workers had to spend the night ramming iron girders into place to support the building.
to push something deep inside another thing, especially violently or suddenly: plunge something into something: · Plunging both hands deep into the sack she rummaged among the parcels.· Then he plunged the knife into his victim's chest.
to push something suddenly and hard into an opening or into something soft: thrust something into something: · He thrust the knife deep into the animal's chest.· Thrusting the gun back into its holster, the man grinned at the body lying on the floor.· He thrust some money into my hand and told me to drive him to the airport.
to push something with difficulty into a space that is too small: squeeze something into something: · I don't think I can squeeze any more files into this drawer.· It's no use trying to squeeze yourself into clothes that are too small for you.
to push something forcefully into a small space, so that it fits tightly and is difficult to pull out again: jam something under/into etc something: · Just hold the door open while I jam a wedge under it.· Kelly poured himself another glass of wine and jammed the cork back into the bottle.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Both the climbers had plunged to their deaths. Oil prices have plunged to a new low. Repeatedly she plunged the knife into his chest. The house was suddenly plunged into darkness.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I fell head-first down the stairs.
Both the climbers had plunged to their deaths. Oil prices have plunged to a new low. Repeatedly she plunged the knife into his chest. The house was suddenly plunged into darkness.· A serious accident has thrown the roads into chaos.
· The unexpected news threw us all into confusion.
(=be suddenly in darkness because the lights go out)· Suddenly the electricity went off and we were plunged into darkness.
I fell head-first down the stairs. (=leaving part of the chest uncovered) Her evening gown had a plunging neckline.
Her evening gown had a plunging neckline. (=fall by a large amount)· The group’s pre-tax profits slumped to £25.5m.
(=start to experience a deep recession)· The US is about to plunge into recession.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Despite the efforts of Starbuck and Stubb to abandon the mad chase, the Pequod plunges ahead.
· From here he could observe the great world outside, before plunging back into it.· He circled his right leg and plunged back into the water, soaking his master from head to foot.· Her face was plunged back into shadow.· You can plunge back into obscurity or put your hide on the line.· But Victorians, who are the yo-yo team of senior hockey, again plunge back to Section Two hockey next season.· He plunged back in and struck his head against her foot.· Abruptly the dream finished and she was plunged back into reality.· Owen drew breath and plunged back to the little group, still hemmed into a few yards of the pathway.
· His car had plunged down a motorway verge and into a wooden fence.· Then he just wandered away, hands plunged down the back of his underpants with misery.· The jitney turned, plunging down a bumpy alley.· Shots spiked the air and night plunged down on them as Ember shot the lights out.· The track plunged down into it and emerged on the other side.· And then it plunged down and down and down.
· Up went a roar as he plunged headlong into the stew.
· He was still suffering from jet-lag but opted to plunge in at the deep end against Monaghan.· Not only is production expanding rapidly as foreign mining outfits plunge in, world coal prices have been rising.· You will not always be understood, or always understand people's response to you, but plunge in anyway.· When my turn comes I take a deep breath and plunge in.· Then he plunged in, and when he saw he was correct, punched the air with a raised left hand.· A.R. We've plunged in with the practical details rather than training itself.· Tempting, he thought. Plunge in and head for the fire tower.
· The barriers are so low you feel you could plunge off at any second.· Industries find their foreign markets slowly shrinking rather than finding themselves plunging off an economic cliff.· Sabine cried out in horror as the Peugeot swerved crazily, and plunged off the road.
· So one bio-day placidly followed another, the ship plunged on through Highlight, and nothing at all of importance happened.· The blade plunged on into the heather at the side of the track.· On the evening of 20 November the Prime Minister's swift decision to fight on plunged the Conservatives into almost total disarray.· The government was plunging on into uncharted waters without a pilot or perhaps a map.
· To Grasmere, then, they had come in their own kind of innocence and plunged straight into a storm.· I shall begin this evening at the top of the pile and plunge straight through to the bottom.· Suddenly, they both jumped up, pulled off their remaining cotton restrictions and plunged straight into the water.· The buildings gathered themselves into the rock which plunged straight into the ground, like an island into the sea.· Only he has this strange twist of plunging straight into what matters.
NOUN· To his supporters, Rawlings remains an incorruptible savior and pragmatist who kept the country from plunging into chaos.· The country was plunged into economic chaos.· Apparently Merton College had refused to take northern students and Oxford had been plunged into chaos and riot.
· Paint company Colorin plunged the daily 15 percent limit to 1. 597 pesos.
· Because that would plunge the country deeper into violence.· The failure of the ruling Socialist Party to reform the economy has plunged the country into disaster.
· Teal Green was coughing up a lungful of smoke when the Base was plunged into darkness.· The lights dim, then go off, plunging the hall into darkness.· Just as the teacher was getting into her stride, the whole school was plunged into darkness.· Finally she left the room, only to turn off the power switch, which plunged the house into darkness.· Streets and homes have been plunged into random darkness.· Lily moved away from him and pressed the switch that plunged the room into darkness.· The universe was about to be plunged again into eternal darkness.· With his house plunged into darkness, Jessie's owner sought my help.
· As the sun shrank the ledge, he waited to plunge to his death into a crevasse.· And she plunges to her death.
· The shelves come to an abrupt stop as the protruding land masses plunge into the depths.· Drillers would plunge through a record depth of water to pierce farther into the ocean floor than anyone had gone before.
· Below the bushes lay a ledge and then a sheer rock face plunging forty feet to the clay-reddened lake.· Unbalanced, he was forced to plunge his foot back in to stop himself from falling headlong.· He started to cross the street, plunging a foot into the imaginary flood.
· Doubting Thomas, I stared for a couple of seconds before plunging my hand in.· I finally plunged my hand into the mess of comb.· He closed his eyes and plunged his hand in, to get it over with.· Yanto hesitated for a moment then plunged his hands into the evil smelling, mess.· I plunged my hands wrist deep in the fragrant herbs, and rubbed the dry fragments between the fingertips.· When it happens, rub the fingers vigorously or plunge the hands into warm water.
· As for his would-be assassin, the Tories took turns yesterday to plunge the knife into Mr Lamont.· By plunging a knife into the sore spots-dependence, lack of democracy, powerlessness-the Gulf War shattered something deep within us.· Surprise doesn't register, instead, Devito plunges an eight-inch carving knife purposefully and repeatedly into the victim's stomach.· The next morning, after the wedding ceremony, the toad told his bride to plunge a knife into his back.· Ironic, he thought, that Müller had plunged the knife in to her back instead of the other way round.· Repeatedly he plunged his knife into the bewildered officer's head and chest until he collapsed.· Von Steinholz plunged the knife into the birthday cake and cut the first piece.· A crazed killer plunged a knife into his eye as he waited on a crowded platform.
· And if the market plunges, many Wall Street newcomers might dump stocks and mutual funds as quickly as they bought them.· After teetering at record highs for weeks, the market plunged 171 points Friday on news that suggested inflation was heating up.· In November the market plunged briefly, and financial Darwinism prevailed.· On Oct. 19, the market plunged by more than 500 points, a 22 percent drop.
· Its profits plunged 60 percent to £31 million, though Sir Robert said remedial measures were now in place.· Since Monday, the shares have plunged 10 percent.· But since figures were worked out, many house values have plunged by 25 percent.· Precious-metals funds did worst, plunging 6. 6 percent.· Alphameric was the day's major casualty with its shares plunging 32 percent to 23p as hopes for its profit recovery faded.· Paint company Colorin plunged the daily 15 percent limit to 1. 597 pesos.· The worst bear market lasted from September 1929 through July 1932, when stocks plunged about 90 percent.· Copper prices have plunged 14 percent in the past month.
· After teetering at record highs for weeks, the market plunged 171 points Friday on news that suggested inflation was heating up.· The yield, a reflection of economic growth and inflation expectations, plunged 10 basis points to 6. 05 percent.· The yield on the five-year 5. 875 percent note plunged 6 basis points to 4. 44 percent.· Troubles abroad sent the Dow plunging 554 points Monday, its worst point drop ever.
· But as the price plunged, the government saw its sources of funding evaporating.· Copper prices have plunged 14 percent in the past month.· Fears are now rife that the price could plunge well below 30p by the end of the year.· Gas prices have plunged 31 percent in less than a week.
· Its profits plunged 60 percent to £31 million, though Sir Robert said remedial measures were now in place.· As worldwide demand for its products stays flat and costs remain high, half-year profits have plunged 70% to £15.1m.
· This would hit struggling homebuyers and businessmen, plunging Britain deeper into recession.· And it was coupled with devastating figures showing Britain had plunged deeper into recession.· It was feared that a severe liquidity crisis might ensue and that the world economy would then be plunged into economic recession.· In addition, hotel and property values have plunged in the recession.
· Selvagem Grande is a plateau from which 100m high cliffs plunge into the sea.· When he came to his senses, the boat was plunging through a heavy sea.
· At just over 520p, the stock has plunged a third in 12 months.· The stock plunged 3 1 / 4 to 28 5 / 8.· On financial markets today, bonds and stocks plunged amid growing pessimism about an early balanced-budget accord.· The stock plunged 3 1 / 8 to 29 3 / 4.· Concern that White House and congressional negotiators were unable to reach an agreement to balance the budget helped send stocks plunging yesterday.· The worst bear market lasted from September 1929 through July 1932, when stocks plunged about 90 percent.
· She wasn't quick enough to let go and it overbalanced her and she plunged into the water next to him.· He circled his right leg and plunged back into the water, soaking his master from head to foot.· Drain in strainer and immediately plunge beans into ice water.· Her feet were plunged into the water.· But so desperate was she to see her prince that she plunged into the water and drowned.· Suddenly, they both jumped up, pulled off their remaining cotton restrictions and plunged straight into the water.
· He decided eventually that to embrace Buddhism would be to plunge into a world too culturally alien.· Not only is production expanding rapidly as foreign mining outfits plunge in, world coal prices have been rising.· At this point I was plunged into a world of terror in which voices were changed and objects were distorted.
VERB· Bernard spotted a dynamic personality and sent Moira plunging into her new job.· And what will send me soaring and plunging?· Concern that White House and congressional negotiators were unable to reach an agreement to balance the budget helped send stocks plunging yesterday.· Troubles abroad sent the Dow plunging 554 points Monday, its worst point drop ever.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1[intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move, fall, or be thrown suddenly forwards or downwardsplunge off/into etc- Stockbrokers should prevent their clients from plunging headlong into trouble.
- Up went a roar as he plunged headlong into the stew.
Her car swerved and plunged off the cliff. Both the climbers had plunged to their deaths.2[intransitive] if a price, rate etc plunges, it suddenly decreases by a large amount: The unemployment rate plunged sharply.plunge to Oil prices have plunged to a new low. In the recession, the company’s profits plunged 60%.3[intransitive] literary if a ship plunges, it moves violently up and down because of big waves► see thesaurus at decreaseplunge in (also plunge into something) phrasal verb1to start talking or doing something quickly and confidently, especially without thinking about it first:
It’s a difficult situation. You can’t just plunge in and put everything right. ‘I don’t agree,’ she said, plunging into the conversation.2to jump or dive into water: He stripped off and plunged into the sea.3plunge something ↔ in (also plunge something into something) to push something firmly and deeply into something else: He opened the bag and plunged his hand in. Plunge the pasta into boiling water. Repeatedly she plunged the knife into his chest.► see thesaurus at putplunge (somebody/something) into something phrasal verb to suddenly experience a difficult or unpleasant situation, or to make someone or something do this: A strike would plunge the country into chaos. The house was suddenly plunged into darkness. After the war, the family plunged into debt.plunge1 verbplunge2 noun
plungeplunge2 noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a plunge in the lake
- Myers was severely injured in the plunge from the top of the hotel.
- There has been a 10% plunge in stock prices.
- Inspired by the Sixties, we asked a few brave souls to take the plunge and dress up like latter-day Twiggys.
- Instead, Greenspan welcomed the stock plunge, saying it had chilled an overheated market.
- She continued to eke out a living based on the fading memories of her famous plunge.
- She looked towards the Archdeacon and recognised the signs of some one about to take the plunge.
- The worst postwar bear market struck in 1973-1974, a Dow Jones plunge of 45 percent.
- What if he were to be punished for his vengeance by a plunge into the nerve-glove?
Longman Language Activatorto do something even though there is a risk
to decide to do something, even though you know that something bad or harmful might happen as a result: · I knew we were taking a risk when we lent him the money.· Nobody is successful in business without taking a few risks.· Climbers like the thrill that taking risks gives them.take a calculated risk (=decide to do something after thinking very carefully about the risks): · Most investors study the market and take calculated risks.
also chance it informal to decide to do something even though there is a risk, because you think that you will succeed: · Victor took a chance and set up his own company, which has been very successful.· Isaacs chanced it with a long three-point shot at goal in the last minute of the game.take a chance on (=hope that something happens): · He persuaded the record company to take a chance on the band, and it became a huge hit.take chances (=always be ready to take a chance, especially in your work): · There are a lot of people in the movie industry who are afraid to take chances and do new things.
to do something that you know might have a harmful or negative result: · He risked a cautious glance over the wall, and saw a group of guards standing by the gate.risk doing something: · I decided to risk looking for a place to stay when I got there, rather than booking in advance.risk it: · Road conditions were supposed to be pretty bad, but we decided to risk it.
informal to do something or give your opinion about something, even though you know there is a risk that you are wrong or will be criticized: · The evidence is good, but I won't stick my neck out until all the data is in.· Look, I'll stick my neck out and say it'll be finished by tomorrow evening.
to finally decide to do something important but which involves some risk, after thinking about it very carefully: · Forsyth took the plunge into politics in 1996.· "Are you two getting married?" "Yes. We've decided to take the plunge."
if you do something at your own risk , it will be your own fault if something bad happens - used especially on official signs and notices to warn people: · Visitors who park their cars in the corner lot do so at their own risk.· Journalists were allowed into the area, but only at their own risk.
spoken say this when what you are going to say or do might make someone angry, upset etc: · A school has to be able to make rules about students' dress, even at the risk of upsetting parents.· At the risk of sounding like your mother, you'd better dress up warm.· This is a point which -- at the risk of being boring -- I must emphasize once again.
when people deliberately take risks in order to achieve something - use this especially about actions in business or dangerous sports: · The culture in Silicon Valley values risk-taking and entrepreneurship.· Risk-taking has long been a feature of the theatre company's productions, which have tackled many difficult issues.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY a dramatic plunge in house prices The plane began a headlong plunge towards the Earth.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I fell head-first down the stairs.
a dramatic plunge in house prices The plane began a headlong plunge towards the Earth.· A serious accident has thrown the roads into chaos.
· The unexpected news threw us all into confusion.
(=be suddenly in darkness because the lights go out)· Suddenly the electricity went off and we were plunged into darkness.
I fell head-first down the stairs. (=leaving part of the chest uncovered) Her evening gown had a plunging neckline.
Her evening gown had a plunging neckline. (=fall by a large amount)· The group’s pre-tax profits slumped to £25.5m.
(=start to experience a deep recession)· The US is about to plunge into recession.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB· Now they've taken a plunge into the dive computer market and the outcome is the DataMax Sport.· And once you do take the plunge, avoid the computer ads for at least a year.· Until then, our Buying With Confidence section on page 66 explains how to protect yourself when you take the plunge.· Inspired by the Sixties, we asked a few brave souls to take the plunge and dress up like latter-day Twiggys.· While San Diego and other communities debated alternatives for replacing their aging airports, Denver took the plunge in a big way.· For some years I have been thinking of buying a word processor but have not yet taken the plunge.· So, last week I got a pressure cooker and took the plunge.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1take the plunge to decide to do something important or risky, especially after thinking about it for a long time: - "Are you two getting married?" "Yes. We've decided to take the plunge."
- Forsyth took the plunge into politics in 1996.
- We've decided to take the plunge and get married.
- And once you do take the plunge, avoid the computer ads for at least a year.
- But with only five runners declared-and two of those pulled out before racing-she decided to take the plunge.
- For some years I have been thinking of buying a word processor but have not yet taken the plunge.
- Mrs Scott, pictured above, first took the plunge in 1993 when she converted a house into two flats.
- Pennsylvania had already taken the plunge into youth apprenticeships before Butler began making his calculations.
- Ralph and his wife decided to take the plunge into business.
- Until then, our Buying With Confidence section on page 66 explains how to protect yourself when you take the plunge.
- Stockbrokers should prevent their clients from plunging headlong into trouble.
- Up went a roar as he plunged headlong into the stew.
We took the plunge and set up our own business.2[countable] a sudden large decrease in the price, value etc of somethingplunge in a dramatic plunge in house prices3[countable usually singular] a sudden movement down or forwards: The plane began a headlong plunge towards the Earth.4[countable usually singular] when someone suddenly becomes involved in something newplunge into his sudden plunge into marriage5[countable usually singular] a jump or dive into water, or a quick swimplunge in/into a quick plunge in the lake