单词	bit
释义	bit1 adverb, pronounbit2 nounbit3 verb bitbit1 /bɪt/ ●●● S1 adverb, pronoun Entry menu MENU FOR bitbit1 only slightly2 amount3 quite a lot4 time/distance5 a bit of a something6 not a bit/not one bit7 every bit as important/bad/good etc8 bit by bit9 a/one bit at a time10 take a bit of doing/explaining etc11 be a bit much12 be a bit of all right13 bit on the side14 a bit of stuff/fluff/skirt15 a bit of rough Thesaurus Longman Language Activatorvery much► a lot very much: · She's changed a lot since she's been here.· "How does your arm feel?" "It still hurts a lot."· I like her a lot, but I don't think I'm in love with her.a lot better/worse/bigger/more etc: · Their new house is a lot bigger than their old one.· The tickets were a lot more expensive than we expected.a whole lot/an awful lot: · I like the people a whole lot, but the pay isn't very good. ► very much use this especially to talk about people's feelings: · "Do you like living in Rome?" "Yes, very much."like/admire/miss etc somebody very much: · Lara liked being at college, but she missed her family very much.like/enjoy something very much: · We enjoyed the play very much - it was really well done.very much wish/hope/doubt etc formal: · I doubt very much that he'll still be here in November. ► a good/great deal formal very much - use this especially to talk about changes, improvements, or differences: · Her work has improved a good deal over the past year.· By the next morning the swelling had already gone down a great deal.a good/great deal better/worse/bigger/more etc: · The situation was a good deal worse than we had first thought. ► quite a bit /a fair bit British by a fairly large degree: · She's quite a bit shorter than I remembered.· Jim has improved quite a bit since he came home from the hospital.· The estimates were a fair bit higher than what the final figure was. ► really especially spoken a lot - use this especially to talk about your feelings: · I really like your new haircut.· We really enjoy having a few friends over for dinner every once in a while.· What really annoys me is the way he never apologizes when he's late. ► greatly formal a lot: · We greatly regret having caused you so much trouble and inconvenience.· The recent talks have greatly improved relations between North and South Korea.· I think we have all benefited greatly from Helen's knowledge and experience.be greatly affected/amused/influenced etc: · The students were greatly amused by Professor Unwin's remark.· Critics say that the report's figures are greatly exaggerated. ► so much use this especially when you are saying how much you love, want, or admire something or someone: · It's two years since Tony died. I miss him so much.· I wanted so much to go with him, but he wouldn't let me come.· Wordsworth returned to the lakes and hills that he loved so much.so much better/worse/more etc: · I really like the living room arranged this way so much better than the way we used to have it. ► much use this in questions and negatives and in comparisons and before phrases with 'too': · Has he changed much?· "Did you enjoy the show?" "Not much."much better/worse/bigger/more etc: · You get a much better view if you stand on a chair.· His family is much more important to him than his career.much too big/old/tall etc: · The test was much too difficult for most of the students.· You're working much too hard, and you're letting the boss take advantage of you. ► enormously/tremendously use this to emphasize that you mean 'very much': · His English has improved tremendously.· I admire your mother enormously.· Prices can vary enormously from state to state.· Since the law was changed, the number of credit unions has grown tremendously. ► significantly use this when you are talking about a change or difference that is big enough to be important: · In New York and Los Angeles violent crime decreased significantly.· All ovens are different, and cooking times can vary significantly.significantly higher/lower/more etc: · Students who had completed the program scored significantly higher on standardized tests. Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► a little bit  Aren’t you being a little bit unfair? ► a bit too  I think you’re a bit too young to be watching this. ► a bit like  She looks a bit like my sister. ► a bit better/older/easier etc  I feel a bit better now. ► a little bit  Everyone needs a little bit of encouragement. ► a bit more/less  Can we have a bit less noise, please? ► quite a bit more/less  They’re worth quite a bit more than I thought. ► not a bit like  You’re not a bit like your brother. ► not a bit of it  Am I cross? No, not a bit of it. ► not in the least bit  I’m not in the least bit interested in whose fault it is. COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► blow somebody/something to pieces/bits/smithereens  A bomb like that could blow you to bits. ► be a bit of a blow British English especially spoken (=be disappointing or cause problems for you)· The result was a bit of a blow for the team. ► a bit of a chat spoken British English:· Perhaps I could have a bit of a chat with him. ► a bit of a cheek  It’s a bit of a cheek, asking me for money. ► a piece/bit of cheese · Would you like a piece of cheese? ► a piece/bit of chocolate · Would you like a piece of chocolate? ► a bit depressed British English spoken:· I felt a bit depressed because I was so short of money. ► every last drop/bit/scrap etc (=all of something, including even the smallest amount of it) They made us pick up every last scrap of paper. ► every bit as much as  I loved him every bit as much as she did. ► be a bit of an exaggeration informal (=be a slight exaggeration)· It's a bit of an exaggeration to say he's handsome. ► be a bit of a gamble (=involve a small amount of risk)· It was a bit of a gamble putting him on the field, but he played well. ► Let’s have a bit of hush  Let’s have a bit of hush, please, gentlemen. ► a piece/bit of information (also an item of information formal)· He provided me with several useful pieces of information. ► went a bit mad  We went a bit mad (=spent a lot of money) and ordered champagne. ► is a bit of a mess  Sorry – the place is a bit of a mess. ► be (a bit of a) minefield · Dating can be a bit of a minefield. ► a bit of a misunderstanding British English· I’m afraid it’s all a bit of a misunderstanding. ► be a bit of a myth (=be not really true)· The whole story is a bit of a myth. ► a little/a bit nervous · I was a little nervous before the interview. ► savage/stinging/vicious/biting satire  a biting satire of the television industry ► a bit/little scared · I was always a little scared of my father. ► see you in a bit British English (=see you soon) ► be a bit of a shock British English especially spoken (=be a shock, but not very serious or unpleasant)· I wasn’t expecting to win, so it was a bit of a shock. ► I’m a bit short British English spoken (=I haven’t got much money at the moment) ► thrilled to bits/pieces (=very thrilled) ► tiny bit  She always felt a tiny bit sad. ► an icy/biting/bitter wind (=very cold)· She shivered in the icy wind. Phrases PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► a bit of a something Got a bit of tidying Up to do. Her desired outcome was a bit of money to help with major structural repairs. People like to see a bit of bellowing in a king. Saare remembers one student who did not do well academically and was a bit of a troublemaker. That would be a bit of a lie. Warren is from an upper middleclass Connecticut family; he's a bit of a snob. What is needed, perhaps, is a bit of disgraceful degradation of the sort that nobody can ignore. ► not a bit/not one bit► every bit as important/bad/good etc Barbara was every bit as good as she sounded. Here, the Fund runs many family projects that are less well-known but doing work that is every bit as important. It is for this reason that good balanced design is every bit as important as meticulous craftsmanship. It takes no more than five minutes and tastes every bit as good at the oven-baked variety. The explanation is every bit as important as the numbers! The traffic was every bit as bad as had been predicted. Things every bit as bad happen there, too. To her horror it was every bit as bad as she'd feared, and possibly even a tiny bit worse. ► bit by bit Bit by bit, our apartment started to look like a home. But then, slowly, bit by bit, year by year, I began to change my mind. In therapy, we chip away at this, bit by bit. Make a small cut and then try to pull the gall to pieces bit by bit. So bit by bit you're being written into the programme and fed into the computer. The experiment faltered bit by bit. The information only came out bit by bit since she's still not easy in her mind about talking to us. Thus, bit by bit, the child learns to string together more complicated sequences. You can shop meal by meal, or bit by bit. ► a/one bit at a time The text can be put on an overhead and revealed a bit at a time. ► a bit 'Are you coming?' 'Yes, in a bit.' After a bit, Bill had started to tire of her company. Do you mind looking after the kids for a bit while I go out? Enrollment is down a bit from last year. I'm feeling a bit better I sat down, and after a bit, the phone rang. I think I'll lie down for a bit. I waited, and a bit later the phone went again -- it was Bill. Oh, wait a bit, can't you? Prices have dropped a bit in the last few days. Wait a bit, I've nearly finished. ► take a bit of doing/explaining etc It took a bit of doing - for instance, the disposal site had to check out 100 percent. It took a bit of explaining. That's going to take a bit of explaining. ► be a bit much But maybe total understanding of everything is a bit much to ask of a tiny human mind. But seeing the little fellow lying there in sauce, sauteed, was a bit much. But to rise from the grave was a bit much even for Nixon. ► be a bit of all right► bit on the side Her husband's reaction to Lowell's bit on the side had been subdued. ► a bit of stuff/fluff/skirt► a bit of rough At the moment it looks more like a bit of rough pasture ... full of dandelions and clover patches. ► a bit► quite a bit He owes me quite a bit of money. Jim has improved quite a bit since he came home from the hospital. She's quite a bit shorter than I remembered. She said she learned quite a bit. The estimates were a fair bit higher than what the final figure was. We've had quite a bit of snow this year so far. Alongside me was Sam Ratcliffe who, at the tender age of sixteen, had already had quite a bit of publicity. But it's already created quite a bit of controversy. It gives me hours of pleasurable reading and quite a bit of envious longing for things I can not afford. My grandson was over today and they played together quite a bit. That had generated quite a bit of business. The most noticeable change was in my brother, who had grown quite a bit and was now a third-grader. There's quite a bit of noise coming from the kitchens. There was quite a bit of war in the delta, so, some-times, sure. ► a bitPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not take/pay a blind bit of notice For six years, the Government have not taken a blind bit of notice of the Audit Commission's report. ► not make a blind bit of difference► be champing at the bit David is champing at the bit. Within three months Eva was champing at the bit. ► every bit as good/important etc Barbara was every bit as good as she sounded. Here, the Fund runs many family projects that are less well-known but doing work that is every bit as important. If you looked through a microscope you could see that they had cheekbones every bit as good as Hope Steadman's. In terms of predicting and controlling the social environment, high technology can quite clearly be every bit as important as brute force. It is for this reason that good balanced design is every bit as important as meticulous craftsmanship. It takes no more than five minutes and tastes every bit as good at the oven-baked variety. The explanation is every bit as important as the numbers! ► a fair size/amount/number/bit/distance etc But a fair number of them went on to greater things. It prefers a fair amount of nutritious detritus. Scientists must proceed cautiously, moving ahead only with the assent of a fair number of their colleagues. Thanks to the inherently leaky nature of the water industry, there is already a fair amount of information to go on. That involved a fair amount of travel. There was a fair amount going on. They'd have a fair bit of tidying up to do before they left. You may also be involved in a fair amount of travel. ► fall to pieces/bits After he left, I fell to pieces. As a result, now that the autumn rains were here, it was already showing signs of falling to pieces. Being a super-duper well-'ard off-road jobbie, your machine can take a fair amount of punishment before falling to bits. He hated playing agony aunt but he couldn't afford to have Hirschfeldt falling to pieces. Supposing the union fell to pieces, these were the fracture lines along which it would naturally break. The media seemed to be willing the marriage to fall to pieces. The Soviet Union is falling to pieces; a bloody struggle for those pieces can not be ruled out. There's a difference between consciously colouring a passage and not being able to control a voice that is falling to bits. ► be falling to pieces/bits The walls were all dirty and the furniture was falling to pieces. But most of the material was falling to pieces. The Soviet Union is falling to pieces; a bloody struggle for those pieces can not be ruled out. There's a difference between consciously colouring a passage and not being able to control a voice that is falling to bits. They would blaze into prominence just as the foreground planting was falling to pieces. ► a bit of how’s your father► the hair of the dog (that bit you)► a bit of hush► a bit of a lad► it’s (a little/bit) late in the day (to do something)► not the least/not in the least/not the least bit► (just) that little bit better/easier etc We have put together a few of the most popular itineraries to help make your choice that little bit easier. ► a little bit He was even maybe a little bit relieved, because immediately it was clear that Ernie was what she needed. I prefer to talk a little bit. I really just did it for a little bit, and then gave it up. There was, I suspect, a little bit of Otago isolationism involved. ► with (any) luck/with a bit of luck► (a bit of) a mouthful► be a bit much/be too much► quite a lot/bit/few A better day today, Miss Lavant wrote in her diary, quite a bit of sunshine. By no means, Watson; even now quite a few scientists continue to doubt. I lived quite a lot of my early childhood at the Thompsons' house behind a shop on Harehills Parade. Obviously, you have to wear quite a lot of protective clothing to minimise the risk of getting injured. Over 296 pages, Fallows cites quite a few. The man looks prosperous, like quite a few men. There's quite a bit of noise coming from the kitchens. There has been quite a lot of talk recently about adding enzymes to help the carp digest our sophisticated carp baits. ► a bit of rough At the moment it looks more like a bit of rough pasture ... full of dandelions and clover patches. ► a bit of skirt► take something to bits/pieces After all these years, I'd taken something to bits and successfully put it all back together again. Carter shrugged and fetching a, paraffin stove from inside a caravan began to take it to pieces. He learnt how to take a car to pieces. Most reputable dealers will take a computer to pieces for you. Operators decided to clean down equipment regularly, not just superficially, but by taking it to pieces. Unfortunately appearances has been misleading and heavy filling was found as they started to take it to bits. ► (it’s) a bit thick► a wee bit Don't you think her behavior is just a wee bit bizarre? As for the holiday, I agree with you, it sounds a wee bit unlikely. He is hapless, passive and maybe just a wee bit smug. It is a wee bit disconcerting when you can hear yourself think in a pub these days. Monica is a wee bit overweight. Reason I ask, Mr Rasmussen says you seemed a wee bit tipsy. There is no label on the bottle, it tastes a wee bit vinegary. We have been lacking a wee bit of professionalism recently. You might be just a wee bit too clever for your own good now. 1only slightly a bit especially British English a)slightly or to a small degree SYN  a little:  Could you turn the TV up a bit? That’s a bit odd. ‘Are you sorry to be leaving?’ ‘Yes, I am a bit.’ Aren’t you being a little bit unfair? I think you’re a bit too young to be watching this. She looks a bit like my sister.a bit better/older/easier etc I feel a bit better now. b)sometimes, but not very often:  I used to act a bit when I was younger.RegisterIn written English, people usually avoid a (little) bit and use slightly, rather, or somewhat instead:· This system is slightly more efficient.· The final cost was somewhat higher than expected.2amount a bit especially British English informal a small amount of a substance or of something that is not a physical object SYN  a littlebit of I may need a bit of help. He still likes to do a bit of gardening. I want to spend a bit of time with him before he goes. With a bit of luck, we should have finished by five o’clock. Everyone needs a little bit of encouragement. ‘Would you like cream in your coffee?’ ‘Yes please, just a bit.’a bit more/less Can we have a bit less noise, please?3quite a lot quite a bit (also a good bit British English) a fairly large amount or to a fairly large degree:  She’s quite a bit older than you, isn’t she? He knows quite a bit about painting.bit of I expect you do quite a bit of travelling?quite a bit more/less They’re worth quite a bit more than I thought.4time/distance a bit especially British English a short period of time or a short distance SYN  a while:  You’ll have to wait a bit. I walked on a bit.in a bit I’ll see you in a bit.for a bit We sat around for a bit, chatting.5 a bit of a something especially British English used to show that the way you describe something is only true to a limited degree:  The news came as a bit of a shock. I felt a bit of a fool. It looks like they left in a bit of a hurry.6not a bit/not one bit especially British English not at all:  You’re not a bit like your brother. Am I cross? No, not a bit of it. I’m not in the least bit interested in whose fault it is. Well, you haven’t surprised me, not one bit.7every bit as important/bad/good etc especially British English used to emphasize that something is equally important, bad etc as something else:  Jodi plays every bit as well as the men.8bit by bit especially British English gradually:  Bit by bit, I was starting to change my mind.9a/one bit at a time especially British English in several small parts or stages:  Memorize it a bit at a time.10 take a bit of doing/explaining etc British English to be difficult to do, explain etc:  The new system took a bit of getting used to.11 be a bit much British English to be unacceptable, impolite, or unfair:  It’s a bit much when he criticizes us for doing something that he does himself.12be a bit of all right British English informal used to say that someone is sexually attractive13bit on the side British English informal someone’s bit on the side is a person they are having a sexual relationship with, even though they already have a wife, husband, or partner – used humorously or to show disapproval:  She stayed, in the hope that he’d tire of his bit on the side.14 a bit of stuff/fluff/skirt British English informal not polite offensive expressions meaning a young woman, especially one who is sexually attractive15a bit of rough British English informal someone of a lower social class that someone has a sexual relationship with – used humorouslyGRAMMAR: Comparisona bit• You use a bit before an adjective: · He’s a bit shy.· I’m feeling a bit tired.a bit of• You use a bit of before an uncountable noun: · We had a bit of trouble with the engine.a bit of a• You use a bit of a before a countable noun, or before an adjective and a countable noun: · She has a bit of a cold.· It was a bit of a strange decision. bit1 adverb, pronounbit2 nounbit3 verb bitbit2 ●●● S1 W1 noun [countable] Entry menu MENU FOR bitbit1 piece2 part3 to bits4 computer5 tool6 horse7 bits and pieces8 do your bit9 get the bit between your teeth10 money11 pull something to bits12 typical behaviour/experience13 be in bits Word Origin WORD ORIGINbit2 Origin: 1-3, 7-12 Old English bita ‘piece bitten off, small piece of food’4 1900-2000 binary digit5-6 Old English bite ‘act of biting’ Examples EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES 'Would you like a slice of cake?' 'I'll just have a little bit, please.' a 16-bit processor Alan did the easy bit -- it was me who did all the hard work! Have you got a bit of paper I can write your address on? I'd like to try that cake. Just give me a small bit please. I'll probably do a bit of gardening this weekend. I found some bits of glass in my sandwich. I was a bit late. I wouldn't give you two bits for that old book. My favourite bit is when they try to escape. Some bits of the book are actually quite funny. the bit of the garden where the fruit trees are The jumper was very cheap - it'll probably fall to bits the first time I wear it. There'll be a war, and we'll all be blown to bits! There were little bits of food all over the carpet. EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS All these bits and pieces washed ashore. He circled the house, looking in, and saw nothing but the bits and pieces of ordinary living. I hope this letter shows Rotties are not at all vicious but need a little bit of love and care. I mean that you did whatever you wanted without the slightest bit of concern as to how your behavior might affect others. I probably could, but I should get a bit of support from the script-writers. The bloke was living a bit of a fantasy life. The lantern swung on the beam, the glasses jumped on the table, and bits of earth fell from the ceiling. They looked every bit as scary to me as I had heard that they were from adults and other children. Thesaurus THESAURUS► piece an amount of something that has been cut or separated from the main part: · Could I have another piece of cake?· a piece of broken glass· Emma cut the pie into eight pieces. ► bit a piece. Bit is more informal than piece and is often used about smaller pieces: · The notes were written on bits of paper.· He threw a bit of wood onto the fire. ► lump a small piece of something solid or firm that does not have a regular shape: · two lumps of sugar· a lump of coal· a lump of clay ► scrap a small piece of paper, cloth etc that is no longer needed: · I wrote the phone number on a scrap of paper.· The dog was eating scraps of food off the floor. ► strip a long narrow piece of cloth, paper etc: · a strip of cloth· The leather had been cut into strips. ► sheet a thin flat piece of something such as paper, glass, or metal: · a blank sheet of paper· a sheet of aluminium ► slice a thin flat piece of bread, cake, meat etc cut from a larger piece: · a slice of pizza· Cut the tomatoes into thin slices. ► chunk a piece of something solid that does not have a regular shape – used especially about food, rock, or metal: · The fruit was cut into large chunks.· a chunk of bread ► hunk a large piece with rough edges, which has been cut or has broken off a bigger piece of food, rock etc: · a big hunk of cheese· hunks of concrete ► block a piece of something solid, which has straight sides: · concrete blocks· a block of cheese· a block of ice ► slab a thick flat piece of stone, or of cake, meat etc: · The floor had been made from stone slabs.· a slab of beef ► cube a piece that has six square sides – used especially about food: · a cube of sugar· ice cubes ► wedge a piece that has a thick end and a pointed end, and is shaped like a triangle – used especially about food and metal: · a wedge of cheese ► bar a block of soap, chocolate, candy, or metal, which has straight sides: · a chocolate bar· a bar of soap· gold bars worth more than £26 million ► rasher British English a slice of bacon: · I usually have two rashers of bacon for breakfast. ► part something that together with other things forms a whole: · It looks like part of a car engine.· The best part of the movie was the end.· The hardest part is getting started. ► bit especially British English informal a small part of something: · Some bits of the book are really funny.· I didn’t read the bottom bit. ► piece one of several different parts that you join together to make something: · One of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle was missing.· The furniture comes in several pieces. ► component a part of a machine or process: · The company supplies engine components for trucks.· Education is a major component in a child’s growth and development. ► section a part of something that is clearly different and separate from other parts: · The test is divided into two sections.· the reference section of the library· the string section of the orchestra ► chapter one of the numbered parts that a book is divided into: · The opening chapter of the book sets the scene. ► scene one of the parts that a film or play is divided into: · Some scenes had to be cut because they were too violent.· act 1, scene 2 of the play ► episode a part of a story on the television or the radio, which is told in separate parts: · I missed last week’s episode. Longman Language Activatorto help someone► help to make it easier for someone to do something by doing part of their work, showing them what to do, or giving them something they need: · I'm ready to help. Is there something for me to do?· Dad, I don't understand my homework. Will you help me?· The money will be used to help starving children around the world.help with: · Dan's mother has been great about helping with the kids.help do something: · Warren offered to help clean up the house after the party.help to do something: · Part of the assistant's job is to help to organize conferences and keep the director informed.help somebody do something: · Help me lift this, will you?help somebody to do something: · Her uncle said he would help her to find a job.help somebody with something: · Do you want me to help you with those bags?help somebody into/off/across/down etc (=help someone go somewhere): · "Did you enjoy the trip?" asked Jack, helping her out of the boat. ► give/lend a hand informal to help someone do something, especially something they have to do in their home such as carrying or lifting things: · Scott is moving Saturday and I promised to lend a hand.give/lend somebody a hand: · Give me a hand and let's see if we can get this box in the car.give/lend a hand with: · Could you give me a hand with the shopping. ► assist formal to help someone do something, especially by doing all the easier or less important things for them so that their job is easier: · Can you do the job alone, or do you want someone to assist you?assist in: · In this position, you will assist in training new employees.assist with: · Some of the guests assisted with the preparation of the food.assist somebody in/with something: · A consultant has been brought in to assist management in restructuring the company. ► do something for to help someone by doing something for them that they would normally do themselves: · If you're not feeling well, I'll do the shopping for you.· Did you have someone do your homework for you? It doesn't look like your writing. ► do somebody a favour British /favor American to do something to help someone, especially a friend or someone you know well: · Could you do me a favour and mail these letters for me?· She's always doing favours for us. The least we can do is help her out now.do somebody a big favour/favor (=help someone a lot): · They did us a big favor by letting us stay there, you know. ► help out to help someone do something, especially because there are not enough people to do all the work: · Their son used to help out in the shop when it was busy.· Organizing the school trip will be a lot of work, so I need some volunteers to help out.help out with: · The kids are always good about helping out with the chores.help somebody out: · While I'm gone, try to help your Mom out, OK?help out somebody: · No need to thank me - I was just glad to help out a friend. ► do somebody a good turn to help someone by doing something for them that they have not asked you to do, because you think they need your help and you want to help them: · She's always happy to do a stranger a good turn.· He did me a good turn when he advised me not to sell my house - it's worth twice as much now. ► do your bit British /do your part American to do what you can to help in a bad or difficult situation, especially because you think you are expected to do it or that it is your duty: · I've done my bit - now it's up to you.do your bit for: · Brown feels that she's done her part for the Democratic Party. ► come to somebody's aid/assistance formal to offer to help someone who is in difficulty and who will not be able to continue without your help: · It took an ambulance 27 minutes to come to the aid of the accident victims.· Many expect the central government to come to the assistance of the ailing industry. ► give help/assistance/support to help a person or group: give help/assistance/support to: · The program gives assistance to unemployed mothers and their children.give somebody help/assistance/support: · My family gave me very little support when I decided to go back to college. · Any kind of help you can give would be greatly appreciated. a small amount of something such as a feeling etc► a little · "Do you speak French?" "Just a little."a little trouble/patience/help etc · We had a little difficulty finding the place but we got there in the end.· You might need a little help getting started, but after that you should be fine.a little of · I can understand a little of the frustration he must be feeling.a little more/less · With a little more creativity they could have made the house look really nice. ► a little bit also a bit especially British informal a little: · By now she was resisting him only a little bit.a little bit of: · We had a little bit of trouble reading his handwriting.· He brings a bit of experience and a lot of enthusiasm to the job.a (little) bit more/less: · I think a bit more discipline is needed with these children. ► not much only a little: · Not much is known about her childhood.not much trouble/patience/help etc: · He doesn't have much experience of running a business.· It was clear that not much thought had been put into the plan.not very much: · We didn't have very much understanding of the problem then. ► a small amount of something a little of something: · There is a small amount of truth to what he says.· Big improvements can be made with only a small amount of training and effort. ► an element of something if there is an element of some quality such as truth, danger, or violence in something, there is a small amount of it, but enough to be noticed: · There is always an element of risk in mountain climbing.· She tried to maintain an element of mystery in her relationships.· Despite the agreement between the two countries, an element of uncertainty about the future remains. ► taste : a taste of power/happiness/fame etc a short experience that shows you what it is like to have power, fame, happiness etc: · Alvin had had a brief taste of freedom and didn't want to live with his parents again.· She decided to become an actress after getting her first taste of fame in a local theatre production. a small amount of food or drink► a little · "Would you like some more coffee?" "Just a little."a little water/meat/cake etc · The next day Mark felt well enough to eat a little solid food.· Would you like a little ice cream with your pie?a little of (=a small amount of a specific food, drink etc) · I think I'll try a little of the casserole.a little more/less · If I were you I'd use a little less salt next time. ► a little bit also a bit especially British informal a small amount: · "Can I serve you some soup?" "Alright, but just a little bit."a little bit of: · He only ate a little bit of dinner and then went straight to bed.· Would you like a bit of bacon with your eggs?· We still have a little bit of cheese left, if you want it.a (little) bit more/less: · Can I have a bit more red wine, please? ► not much only a little - use this especially when you expect or need more: · "How much cake do you want?" "Not much, I'm on a diet."not much water/meat/cake etc: · There's not much wine left, but I think we can each have a glass.not much to eat/drink: · We need to do some shopping - there isn't much to eat at home.not very much: · You haven't eaten very much. Do you feel okay? ► very little a very small amount, usually so small that there is not enough to have an effect, be useful etc: · We drink only occasionally, and even then very little.very little water/meat/cake etc: · The soup is made with lots of vegetables but very little chicken.very little of: · He ate very little of the food we had given him. ► hardly/barely any also scarcely any especially British almost none at all: · I thought you liked my lasagne, but you've eaten hardly any.hardly any water/meat/cake etc: · There's barely any sugar in these cookies at all.· Since his heart attack he's eaten scarcely any red meat. ► drop informal a small amount of something that you drink: · "Do you take cream in your coffee?" "Yes, just a drop, please."drop of: · Would you like a drop of soda in your whisky?· He hasn't had a drop of alcohol in 20 years. ► pinch a small amount of a powder such as salt, flour etc which you can hold between your thumb and first finger: pinch of: · Add a pinch of salt and half a cup of breadcrumbs.· The stew normally tastes better with a pinch or two of dried herbs. ► dash a very small amount of a liquid which is added to a drink or to food, usually in order to give it a stronger taste: dash of: · It's just vodka with orange juice and a dash of lime juice.· The secret of this sauce is a couple of dashes of brandy added just at the end. a small amount of a substance► a little · This glue's really strong - you only need to use a little.a little water/money/time etc · A little make-up would make her look so much more attractive.· The garden could do with a little rain.· Try putting a little oil on the hinge and see if it stops squeaking.a little more/less · If we all used a little less paper, we'd probably save a forest or two.a little of (=a small amount of a specific substance) · A little of the grease got on my skirt. ► a little bit also a bit especially British informal a small amount of something: · You shouldn't have given me so much toothpaste - I only needed a little bit.a little bit of: · A bit of detergent should get that stain out of your collar.· Save a little bit of the paint to do the trim. ► not much only a small amount of something - use this especially when you expect or need more: · "How much paper is there in the printer?" "Not much."not much water/money/time etc: · There's not much light in this room, is there?· It was very cold, but there wasn't much snow on the ground.not very much: · That's not very much paint if you're planning to paint the whole bedroom.not much of (=a small part of a specific substance): · You can use my shampoo but there's not much of it left. ► a small amount use this especially when it is a measured amount: · Squeeze a small amount onto the palm of your hand and spread the gel evenly through your hair.a small amount of: · Stir-fry the vegetables in a small amount of oil.· Even a small amount of the drug can be detected in the test.· Small amounts of radiation were found on their clothing.in small amounts: · Fluorine is present in small amounts on Mars. ► trickle a small amount of a liquid, flowing out of something: · Because of the drought, the river has become little more than a trickle.trickle of: · There was a trickle of blood coming from the corner of his mouth. ► dab a small amount of a liquid, cream, or powder which has been put onto a surface with something such as a brush or with the fingers: · Can I use some of your perfume? I just want to put a dab on my wrist.dab of: · She put a dab of ointment on the cut.· The car just needs a couple of dabs of paint here and there, and it'll be fine. ► low if something is low in fat, sugar, salt etc, it contains very little fat, sugar etc: low in: · The casserole is low in calories and fat.· These new industrial cleaners are much lower in ammonia and other dangerous chemicals than before.low-fat/-sugar/-cholesterol etc: · He's been on a low-cholesterol diet since his heart attack.low fat/sugar/cholesterol etc content: · Non-dairy toppings tend to have lower fat content than whipping cream. a part of an object/substance/area► part · When you have filled in the form, keep the top part and send the other part to the bank.· All our replacement parts are guaranteed, if you have your car serviced with us each year.part of · What part of Russia are you from?· This is the widest part of the river.· Malaria is still common in many parts of Africa. ► bit especially British, spoken a small part of an object or area: · 'Would you like a slice of cake?' 'I'll just have a little bit, please.'bit of: · the bit of the garden where the fruit trees are· I found some bits of glass in my sandwich. ► piece one of several different parts that must be joined together to make something: · a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzlein pieces (=as separate pieces): · The equipment had to be taken apart and transported in pieces. ► component one of the separate parts of a machine or a system, that is necessary to make the machine or system work: · The factory makes aircraft engine components.· All the components should be tested before they are assembled.component of: · Gaining confidence is a major component of developing leadership skills. ► ingredient one of the types of food that are used to make a dish or a meal: · Weigh all the ingredients before you start.· a list of ingredients· The main ingredients can be prepared and frozen in advance.ingredient for: · Coconut is a basic ingredient for many curries and other Asian dishes. ► constituent formal one of the chemical substances that something is made of: · Scientists have to break the compound down into its constituents in order to analyze it.constituent of: · Magnesium and sodium are the main constituents of salt. ► portion a part of something larger, especially a part that is different from the other parts - used especially in a technical context: · Fuel is carried in the lower portion of the rocket.portion of: · Surgeons have had to remove portions of his stomach and intestine.· The research suggests we only use a small portion of our brains at any one time. ► section a part of something that is clearly different and separate from the other parts: section of: · The final section of this chapter will deal with recent developments.· First class seats are in the front section of the plane.· The disease spread through the poorer sections of the city. ► segment a part of something such as a fruit, insect etc that is naturally divided, or a part of something that has been divided into separate, roughly equal parts: · Decorate the cake with orange segments.· An ant's body is divided into three distinct segments.segment of: · Each sales team targets its efforts at a particular segment of the general population. part of a story/book/film/play etc► part · Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', adapted for radio in six partspart of · I've finished the first part of my thesis.part about · Did you understand the part about switching the modem speed?Part One/Part 2 etc (=one of the main parts that a book, TV story etc is divided into) · Part One ends with the death of the hero's father. ► bit British spoken a small part of a story or film: · My favourite bit is when they try to escape.bit of: · Some bits of the book are actually quite funny. ► episode a part of a story on radio or television that is told in separate parts, usually weekly: · That was one of the best episodes - I wish I'd got it on tape.· Brad Pitt made a guest appearance on last week's episode.· Ernie directed all 12 of the half-hour episodes for television. episode of: · I've never even seen an episode of Star Trek. ► instalment British /installment American part of a story that is told in several parts printed regularly in a magazine or newspaper over a period of time: · Oliver Stone was in Thailand shooting the final instalment in his Vietnam trilogy, Heaven And Earth.weekly/monthly instalments: · Dickens wrote his novels in weekly instalments for a magazine.instalment of: · We are proud to present the second instalment of our fantastic six-part competition to win a Renault Clio. ► chapter one of the parts that a book is divided into: · These matters are dealt with in Chapters 8 & 9.· 'Have you finished "Lord of the Rings" yet?' 'I'm on the last chapter.' ► scene one of the smaller parts of a play or film in which the same characters appear or the events happen in the same place: · The sex scenes between Depardieu and Brochet are sensitively filmed.· The ghost appears in Act 2, Scene 1.opening/closing scene (=the first or the last scene): · The opening scene of the movie features the gangsters discussing their next heist. ► extract a part taken from something such as a book or a speech in order to show its most important points or to show what the whole of it is like: · In the following extract, Jones presents the arguments in favour of nuclear power.extract from: · The book contains previously unpublished material, including extracts from diaries, letters and taped interviews. ► excerpt a short part taken from a film, book, speech, piece of music etc: excerpt from: · I'd like to read out a short excerpt from the poem.· The following excerpt is from one of my students' essays.· He played some excerpts from Grieg's piano concerto. ► clip a short part of a film or other recording that is taken and used in another film or in a television programme: · The police have released a video clip of the attack. · The new software makes it possible to cut and paste sound or video clips from one application to another.clip from: · I saw a clip from the new Michael Douglas movie on TV last night. one of the parts of a process► part · Organizing the party was easy, the hardest part was getting my parents to agree to it.part of · Which part of your job do you enjoy most?· She spent the early part of her life in Barcelona.· Part of the research program involved interviewing teenagers in inner-city areas. ► bit British spoken a part of an activity, plan, or job: · Alan did the easy bit -- it was me who did all the hard work!bit of: · I'll probably do a bit of gardening this weekend. ► stage one of several parts of a long process, which happen one after another: · Dan has never gone through a rebellious stage.stage of: · Many women feel depressed during the early stages of pregnancy.stage in: · We saw a video showing the second stage in the development of a human embryo.at this stage (=now): · At this stage of the election campaign, it is impossible to say who will win.reach/be at/get to the stage (=to be at a particular part of a process): · We reached the stage where we'd given up any hopes of seeing our daughter alive.· 'How's your dissertation coming on?' 'I'm at the writing-up stage.' ► step one of the parts of a process that you have to do or deal with in order to go on to the next one: · The next step will be to make the pasta sauce.· The first step towards achieving peace in the region will be to elect a government that represents all the people.one step at a time (=used to say that you should deal with one part of a process thoroughly before worrying about the next one): · The doctors say I'll make a full recovery, but I'm going to have to take it one step at a time. ► phase a separate part in the development or growth of something: · I'd like to discuss the production phase at this morning's meeting.phase in: · There are three phases in the lifecycle of a butterfly.initial/primary/first phase (=the first part): · The initial phase of the project should take about three months.final/last phase (=the last part): · As the war enters its final phase, the UN will probably consider lifting sanctions. a part of something that has been separated from the rest► piece an amount of something that has been broken, cut, or separated from something larger: · a pack of chicken piecespiece of: · There were pieces of broken glass all over the road.· a simple boat made from a few pieces of woodcut/break etc something into pieces: · Tim cut the pie into eight pieces.tear/break/smash etc something to pieces: · The old wreck had been smashed to pieces on the island's rocks.in pieces (=broken into many pieces): · The vase lay in pieces on the floor.fall to pieces: · The books were eagerly borrowed and well used, and they finally fell to pieces. ► bit especially spoken a small piece of something: · I'd like to try that cake. Just give me a small bit please.bit of: · Have you got a bit of paper I can write your address on?little/small/tiny bits: · There were little bits of food all over the carpet.break/smash/blow etc something to bits: · There'll be a war, and we'll all be blown to bits!fall to bits British: · The jumper was very cheap - it'll probably fall to bits the first time I wear it. a short time► a short time · Unfortunately, we could only spend a short time together.· The talk should only last a short time.in/within a short time · How did you manage to do all this in such a short time?· The police arrived within a very short time.a short time ago · Your friends left a short time ago.for a short time · I think he went to prison for a short time. ► a little while/a short while a short period of time, during or after which something happens: · It always takes a little while to get used to the climate.for a short/little while: · Bob's only worked here for a short while, about six months I think.a little while/a short while ago: · He died a little while ago.· She was in the papers a short while ago. after/in a little/short while: · If you take the pills now, your headache will go after a short while.· Don't start that now, it'll be time to go in a little while. ► a minute/a moment a very short time, no more than a few minutes: · Just a moment Susie, can I have a quick word with you?· Can I borrow your pen a minute?· Wait a minute, I'm nearly ready.a minute/moment ago: · Where's Charles gone? He was here a moment ago.for/in a minute/moment: · Sit down for a minute and rest your legs.· Mark should be back in a moment.· I'll be with you in a minute. ► a second/an instant an extremely short time, no more than a few seconds: · Do you mind switching the telly on a second?· An instant later, she let out a piercing scream.· 'Yes,' she declared, without an instant's hesitation.· 'Have you finished writing?' 'No, hang on a second.'for a second/an instant: · Can I stop you there, just for a second?· Just hold that end for a second while I fix this to the wall.· Did her eyes flicker open for an instant?in a second/an instant: · Mr Smart's on the other line, can he call you back in a second?· We both fell asleep in an instant. ► a bit British spoken a short time, usually just a few minutes: · I waited, and a bit later the phone went again -- it was Bill.· Oh, wait a bit, can't you?after/for/in a bit: · I think I'll lie down for a bit.· 'Are you coming?' 'Yes, in a bit.'· After a bit, Bill had started to tire of her company. several things of different types► things use this when you are talking about two or more things of different types and you do not need to say what they are: · I threw a few things into a bag and ran to the car.somebody's things spoken (=the things that someone owns or that they are carrying with them): · She's coming back later to get her things.all sorts/kinds of things (=a lot of different types of things): · They sell furniture, toys, cards - all sorts of things. ► stuff informal spoken objects or possessions of different types: · I don't know how we're going to get all this stuff into the car.somebody's stuff: · You're not going to have a lot of time to pack up your stuff before you move. ► junk spoken things that are not useful and should be thrown away, for example because they are old or broken: · I must clean out this cupboard - it's absolutely full of junk.· They have so much junk in their yard. It makes the neighborhood look awful. ► odds and ends several different things, especially small things that are not of much value: · In the drawer she found a photograph, an old hairbrush, and various other odds and ends.· Odds and ends that haven't sold have been drastically reduced in price. ► bits and pieces also bits and bobs British informal a number of small objects that are all different from each other: · There are all sorts of bits and pieces in this box.· Do any of these bits and bobs belong to you? ► paraphernalia a large number of different things which you need for a particular activity - you can often use this humorously : · The car is packed solid with all our camping paraphernalia.· She was charged with possessing drug paraphernalia. a short time► a minute/moment a very short time: · Can I show you something? It'll only take a minute.· Luke thought for a moment and then said: "Would you like to come too?"· Can you turn that off a minute (=for a minute) ?in a minute/moment: · Yes, I'm coming in a moment.a minute/moment ago: · Helen was here a minute ago. You've just missed her.for a minute/moment: · If you'd been quiet for a minute, I'd explain what happened. ► a second also a sec informal spoken a very short time - use this especially when asking someone to wait for a short time: · Just a second - I think it's on the desk upstairs.for a second/sec: · For a second there, I forgot what it was called.in a second/sec: · Hang on, I'll be with you in a sec. ► not long a short time: · "How long will it take?" "Oh, not long - just a couple of hours."· I saw her not long ago.not long before/after: · His book was published not long after he died.· It wasn't long before Gemma lost all interest in the new puppy. not long to go (=used to say that something will happen in a short time): · "When's the baby due?" "Three weeks, so there's not long to go."won't be long (=use this to say that someone or something will come or return soon): · I'm popping to the shop, I won't be long.· Supper won't be long. ► a bit especially British, spoken a short time: · Wait a bit, I've nearly finished.· I sat down, and after a bit, the phone rang.· Do you mind looking after the kids for a bit while I go out? ► a little/short while a short period of time, during or after which something happens: · Bob's only worked here for a short while, about six months I think.· It always takes a little while to get used to the climate.a little/short while ago: · He was on the telly a short while ago. ► a short/brief space of time a short period of time during which a lot of things happen: in/within a short space of time: · It's amazing how much you can learn in such a short space of time.· In the brief space of time since the war ended, citizens have managed to rebuild over half the city.· She had gained an awful lot of journalistic experience within a short space of time. WORD SETS► Computers access, verbaccess point, nounaccess time, nounaccounting system, accumulator, nounadd-on, nounADSL, nounaffective computing, nounAI, nounALGOL, nounalias, nounANSI, anti-spam, adjectiveanti-virus, adjectiveanti-virus software, nounAPL, nounapp, nounApple, Apple Macintosh, applet, nounapplication, nounapplication software, nounarcade game, nounarchitecture, nounarchive, nounarchive, verbarray, nounartificial intelligence, nounASCII, nounASIC, nounASP, nounassembly language, nounasynchronous, adjectiveAT&T, attachment, nounaudit trail, nounautomate, verbautomated, adjectiveautomation, nounavatar, nounB2B exchange, nounB2C, adjectiveB2E, adjectiveBabbage, Charles, backslash, nounbackspace, nounbackup, nounback-up copy, bandwidth, nounbar code, nounBASIC, nounbatch, nounbatch processing, nounbaud rate, nounBerners-Lee, Tim, bespoke, adjectivebeta test, nounBig Blue, bioinformatics, nounbiometric, adjectivebit, nounbitmap, nounBlackBerry, nounbloatware, nounblog, nounBluetooth, nounBMP, nounbond certificate, book entry, bookmark, nounbookmark, verbbook of final entry, nounbook of first entry, nounBoolean, adjectiveboot, verbbootable, adjectivebootstrapping, nounbot, nounbotnet, nounbps, brain dump, nounbroadband, nounbrown goods, nounbrowse, verbbrowser, nounbubble jet printer, nounbuddy list, nounbuffer, nounbuffer, verbbug, nounbulletin board, nounbundle, nounbundle, verbburn, verbbus, nounbusiness continuity services, nounbusiness continuity services, button, nounbyte, nounCabinet Office Briefing Rooms, cable modem, nouncache, nouncache, verbCAD, nounCAD/CAM, nounCAL, nounCalifornia, nounCALL, nounCAM, nounCambridge, Capita, caps lock, nouncapture, verbcapture, nouncard, nouncathode ray tube, nounCAT scan, nounCBT, nounCD-R, nounCD-ROM, nounCD-ROM drive, CDRW, nounCD-RW, nouncentral processing unit, nouncentral processor, nounCGI, nounCHAPS, character, nounchat room, nouncheat, nouncheckbox, nounchip, nounchip card, CIM, CIO, clerical assistant, click, verbclickable, adjectiveclient, nounclient machine, client-server, adjectiveclient/server architecture, clip art, nounclipboard, nouncloaking, nounclock cycle, nounclock speed, nounclone, nouncluster, nounCOBOL, nouncode, nouncoder, nouncom, Comdex, nouncommand, nouncomm port, comms, nouncompact disc, nounCompaq, compatibility, nouncompatible, adjectivecompatible, nouncompile, verbcompiler, nouncompress, verbcomputer, nouncomputer (industry) analyst, computer-aided, adjectivecomputer-aided design, nouncomputer-aided manufacture, computer-aided manufacturing, nouncomputer-assisted, adjectivecomputerate, adjectivecomputer-based training, computer-generated, adjectivecomputer-integrated manufacture, computerize, verbcomputer-literate, adjectivecomputer modelling, nouncomputer science, nouncomputer system, computer virus, nouncomputing, nounconcordance, nounconfiguration, nounconfigure, verbconnect, verbconnectivity, nounconsole, nouncontrol, nouncontrol key, nouncookie, nouncoordinate, nounCorel, corrupt, verbcounter, nouncourseware, nounCPU, nouncrack, verbcrack, nouncracker, nouncrash, verbcrash, nounCroft, Lara, cross-platform, adjectivecross-posting, nounCtrl, nouncursor, nouncut, verbcutover, nouncyber-, prefixcybercrime, nouncybernetics, nouncyberpunk, nouncybersickness, nouncyberspace, nouncyberterrorist, nouncyberwidow, noundata, noundata bank, noundatabase, noundatabase management, database management system, data capture, noundata centre, data dictionary, noundata encryption standard, noundata file, data interchange format file, data mining, noundata processing, noundata protection, Data Protection Act, the, Dateline, daytrader, nounday trading, nounDBMS, debug, verbdecision support system, decode, verbdecompress, verbdecrypt, verbdefault, noundefragment, verbDel, noundelete, verbdeletion, noundeliverable, noundematerialize, verbdemo, verbdemonstration version, denial of service attack, noundeselect, verbdesktop, noundesktop computer, noundesktop publishing, noundestination site, dialogue box, noundial-up, adjectivedigerati, noundigicam, noundigital nervous system, digital rights management, digital wallet, nounDilbert, direct access, noundirectory, noundisaster recovery, noundisc, noundisinfect, verbdisk, noundisk drive, noundiskette, noundisk operating system, display, noundisplay, verbdistributed processing, Dixons, dock, noundock, verbdocking station, noundocument, noundocument sharing, noundongle, nounDOS, noundot-matrix printer, noundouble click, verbdouble-click, verbdouble density, adjectivedown, adverbdownload, verbdownload, noundownloadable, adjectivedowntime, noundown time, downwardly compatible, adjectiveDP, noundrag, verbdrive, noun-driven, suffixdriver, noundropdown, noundrop down, noundrop-down menu, nounDTP, noundumb terminal, dump, verbdump, nounDVD, nounDVD-ROM, nounEasdaq, noune-book, noune-business, nounECN, noune-commerce, nouneditor, nounedutainment, noune-fatigue, nounE-FIT, nounEFTPOS, nounelectronic, adjectiveelectronic bill of lading, electronic cottage, nounelectronic data interchange, nounelectronic funds transfer, nounelectronic invoice, electronic mail, nounelectronic media, electronic publishing, nounelectronics, nounelectrosmog, nounEllison, Larry, email, nounemail account, embed, verbencrypt, verbend-to-end, adjectiveenter, verbenterprise application integration, nounentry, nounEPROM, noune-publishing, nounequipment leasing, erase, verbErnie, error, nounerror message, nounescape key, Ethernet, noune-ticket, nounE-ticket, nounexecutable, nounexecute, verbexecution, nounexit, verbexpansion card, nounexpansion slot, nounexpert system, nounexport, verbextension, nounextranet, nouneye scan, nounF2F, adjectivefabricator, nounfactory preset, nounfatware, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfield, nounfifth generation computer, file, nounfile manager, nounfilename, nounfile sharing, nounfile transfer, filing system, filter, nounfirewall, nounfirmware, nounfirst generation, nounfirst in, first out, nounfirst-person shooter, nounfive nines, nounfixed wireless, nounflash, verbflash, nounflash drive, nounflash memory, nounflatscreen, adjectiveflat screen, flip chip, nounfloor broker, floppy disk, nounfly-by-wire, nounfolder, nounfont, nounfooter, nounfootprint, nounforklift upgrade, nounformat, verbFortran, nounforum, noun404, adjectivefreeware, nounftp, nounfunction, nounfunctionality, nounfunction key, nounfungible, adjectivefuzzy logic, nounGame Boy, gameplay, noungamer, noungaming, noungarbage in, garbage out, Gates, Bill, gateway, nounghost, nounGIF, noungigabit, noungigabyte, nounGIGO, GIS, nounGlitter, Gary, global, adjectiveGLOBEX, nounGMS, nounGoogle, gopher, noungraphical, adjectivegraphical user interface, noungraphics, noungraphics card, noungraphic software, grid computing, noungroupware, nounGUI, nounhack, verbhack, nounhacker, nounhacktivist, nounhandshake, nounhard copy, nounhard disk, nounhard drive, nounhardware, nounhard-wired, adjectiveHawk, Tony, Hawking, Stephen, head, nounheader, nounhelp, nounhelp desk, nounhelp menu, help screen, nounHewlett Packard, hexadecimal, adjectivehigh-definition, adjectivehigh-level, adjectivehigh-level language, highlight, verbhome computer, home office, nounhome shopping, hookup, nounhook-up, nounhost computer, hot key, nounhot link, nounhot spot, nounHTML, nounhttp, hyperlink, nounhypertext, nounIBM, icon, nounICT, nounidentifier, nouniMac, nounimport, verbinbox, nounincremental backup, nounincubator space, industrial design, infect, verbinfected, adjectiveinformation exchange, information retrieval, nouninformation system, information technology, nouninfowar, nouninitialize, verbinkjet printer, nouninput, nouninput, verbinput/output, adjectiveinstall, verbinstaller, nounInstinet, Intel, intelligent terminal, interactive, adjectiveinteractive whiteboard, nouninterface, nouninterface, verbInternational Securities Exchange, nounInternet cafe, nounInternet Service Provider, interpreter, nounintranet, nouninvoke, verbIP address, nouniPod, nouniris scan, nounISDN, nounISP, nounIT, nouniterate, verbiTunes, iTV, nounJava, nounjob, nounjob bank, Jobs, Steve, joystick, nounJPEG, nounK, KB, keno, nounkey, nounkeyboard, nounkeyboard, verbkeyboarder, nounkeypad, nounkeystroke, nounkeyword, nounkilobyte, nounkit, nounkludge, nounknowledge base, Kraftwerk, LAN, nounlanguage, nounlaptop, nounlaser disk, nounlaser printer, nounlaunch, verbLCD, nounlight industry, nounlight pen, nounline printer, nounlink, verbLinux, nounLISP, nounlisting paper, listserv, nounload, verblocal area network, nounlog file, LOGO, nounloop, nounlow-level, adjectiveMac, nounmachine, nounmachine code, nounmachine language, machine-readable, adjectiveMacintosh, nounmacro, nounmagnetic disk, nounmagnetic media, nounmagnetic tape, nounmail, nounmail, verbmailbomb, nounmailbox, nounmailing list, nounmail merge, nounmainframe, nounmainframe computer, main memory, manual, adjectivemaximize, verbmegabyte, nounmemory, nounmemory address, memory bank, nounmemory card, nounmemory hog, nounMemory Stick, nounmenu, nounmessage, nounmetadata, nounmicro, nounmicrochip, nounmicrocomputer, nounmicroelectronics, nounmicroprocessor, nounMicrosoft, MIDI, nounmigrate, verbmigration, nounMillennium bug, minicomputer, nounminimize, verbmips, mission-critical, adjectiveMIT, mixer, nounmodel, nounmodel, verbmodelling, nounmodem, nounmodule, nounmonitor, nounMoore, Gordon, Moore's Law, nounmorphing, nounmotherboard, nounMotorola, mouse, nounmouse mat, nounmouse miles, nounmouse potato, nounMP3 player, nounMP4 player, nounMPEG, nounMSC, nounMS-DOS, multimedia, adjectivemulti-player gaming, nounmultiple applications, multiplexer, nounmultitasking, nounnagware, nounNasdaq, nounNASDAQ, Naseem, Prince, National Market System, nounNEC, nerd, nounnest, verbNetscape Navigator, network, nounnetwork, verbneural computer, nounneural network, nounneuroinformatics, nounnewbie, nounnew economy, nounNintendo, node, nounnoise, nounnotebook, nounnumber-cruncher, nounnumber crunching, nounobject, nounobject language, object-oriented, adjectiveOCR, nounOfex, nounoffice machinery, offline, adverboff-line, adjectiveonline, adjectiveonline catalogue, online updating, nounon-screen, adjectiveopen, verbOpen Group, the, open outcry, nounopen system, nounoperating system, nounoperation, nounoptical character recognition, nounoptical fibre, nounoption, nounorder, nounorganizing business, OSI, nounoutbox, nounoutput, nounoutput, verbover-the-counter dealing, over-the-counter market, over-the-counter share, over-the-counter stock, over-the-counter trading, overwrite, verbP2P, adjectivepackage, nounpacket, nounpacket-switching, nounpage, nounpage break, nounpalette, nounpalm phone, nounpalmtop, nounpaperless, adjectiveparallel data query, parallel port, parallel processing, nounPASCAL, nounpass-along, adjectivepassword, nounpaste, verbpasting, nounpatch, nounpause, verbPC, nounPC Card, nounPDA, nounPDF, nounPDF file, pen drive, nounPentium, peripheral, adjectiveperipheral, nounpersonal communicator, nounpersonal computer, nounpersonal electronic device, nounpersonal organizer, nounpetaflop, nounphishing, nounping, verbpiracy, nounpirate, verbpixel, nounplasma screen, nounplatform, nounplatform game, nounPlayStation, plotter, nounplug and play, nounplug-and-play, adjectiveplug-in, nounpointer, nounpop-under, nounpop-up, nounport, nounport, verbportable, adjectivepost, verbpost-industrial, adjectivePostScript, nounPowerPoint, nounprint, verbprinter, nounprintout, nounprint-out, nounprint preview, nounprocess, verbprocessing, nounprocessor, nounprogram, nounprogram, verbprogram file, programmable, adjectiveprogrammer, nounprogramme trading, programming, nounprogramming language, PROLOG, nounPROM, nounprompt, verbprompt, nounprotocol, nounPsion, pull down, nounpull-down, adjectivepull-down menu, nounpunched card, nounquantum computer, nounQuarkXPress, queue, nounqwerty, adjectiveRAM, nounrandom access memory, nounread, verbread only memory, read-only memory, nounread-out, nounread-write, adjectivereal-time, adjectivereboot, verbrecall, verbre-chip, verbrecord, nounrecord, verbrefresh, verbreload, verbremaster, verbremote access, nounremote control, nounremote working, nounreseller, nounreset, verbrespawn, verbretinal scanner, nounretrieval, nounretrieve, verbretry, verbreturn, nounright-click, verbrip, verbroad warrior, nounrobot, nounrollover, nounROM, nounRoute 128, nounrouter, nounroutine, nounRSI, nounRTF, nounrun, verbsalami slicing, nounSamsung, save, verbscalability, nounscalable, adjectivescan, verbscanner, nounscramble, verbscreen, nounscreen-based, adjectivescreen dump, nounscreensaver, nounscreen saver, nounscreenshot, nounscroll, verbscroll bar, nounscroll key, SCSI, nounSEAQ, search, nounsearch, verbsearchable, adjectivesearch engine, nounSEATS, nounsecurity rating, SEGA, self-healing, adjectivesend, verbserial port, server, nounserver farm, nounservice bureau, nounservice pack, nounSET, nounset-up, nounSFA, nounSGML, nounshareware, nounshift, nounshift key, nounshoot-'em-up, nounshopping bot, sig file, nounsilicon, nounsilicon chip, nounSilicon Fen, nounSilicon Glen, Silicon Valley, sim, nounSIMM, nounsimulation, nounSinclair, Sir Clive, single sourcing, skin, nounslo-mo, adjectivesmall office/home office, nounsmart, adjectivesmart bomb, nounsneakernet, nounsoft copy, nounsoftware, nounsoftware engineering, SoHo, SOHO, nounSonic the Hedgehog, sort, nounsoundcard, nounsource code, nounspace bar, nounspam, nounspeech recognition, nounspeech recognition software, speech synthesizer, nounspellcheck, nounspellchecker, nounspell-checker, nounspider, nounspider food, nounspim, nounsplit screen, nounspreadsheet, nounspreadsheet software, spyware, nounstandalone, adjectivestand-alone, adjectivestandby time, nounStarr Report, the, nounstarter pack, nounstart-up, nounstorage, nounstorage unit, store, verbstore-and-forward, nounstrategic information system, stream, verbstreaming, nounStreet Fighter, string, nounstylus, nounsubdirectory, nounsubroutine, nounsuite, nounSun Microsystems, sunrise industry, nounsupercomputer, nounsuperserver, nounsupport, verbsupport, nounswitching, nounsynchronous, adjectivesyntax, nounsynthespian, nounsystem, nounsystem administrator, nounsystems analyst, nounsystems programmer, system tray, nountab, verbtab key, nountab stop, nountag, nountag, verbtape, nountape drive, taskbar, nountechie, nountechnical support, nountechno-, prefixtechnocracy, nountechno-geek, nountechnophobe, nountechy, telecentre, nountelecommuter, nountelematics, nounteleprinter, nounteleworker, nountemplate, nounterabyte, nounteraflop, nounterminal, nountestdeck, nountext-to-speech, adjectivethird-generation, adjectivethird-party software, thumbnail, nountickbox, nountick box, nountime out, nountime-sharing, nountitle bar, nountoggle, nountoner, nountoolbar, nountoolbox, nounTOPIC, nountop-level domain, nountop ranking, nounTorvalds, Linus, Toshiba, Tottenham Court Road, touchpad, nountouch screen, nountrackball, nountransaction processing, transputer, nounTrojan horse, nountroubleshooter, nounTTS, Turing, Alan, tutorial, nounundo, verbuninstall, verbunique visitor, nounUnix, noununlisted share, unlisted stock, unrecoverable error, unzip, verbup, adverbupdate, nounupgrade, verbupload, verbupload, nounuptime, nounusability, nounUSB, nounUSB drive, nounuser-friendly, adjectiveuser group, nounuser interface, nounuser name, nounUS Robotics, utility, nounVActor, nounvalid, adjectivevalue-added reseller, vapourware, nounVDT, nounVDU, nounVGA, nounvideocard, nounvideo game, nounvideo snacking, nounviral marketing, nounvirtual, adjectivevirtual corporation, virtually, adverbvirtual memory, nounvirtual office, nounvirtual organization, virtual reality, nounvirus, nounvoice print, nounvoice recognition, wallpaper, nounWAN, nounWAP, noun-ware, suffixwar game, nounWAV, nounwearable, nounWeb 2.0, nounweb browser, nounweb crawler, nounweb design, nounweb development, web-enabled, adjectiveweb hosting, nounweb log, nounweb log file, wide area network, wi-fi, nounWi-Fi, nounwild card, nounwindow, nounWindows, Wintel, wipe, verbWiponet, nounwireless internet, wireless networking, nounWord, Wordperfect, word processor, nounworkspace, nounworkstation, nounWorld Wide Web, the, worm, nounWozniak, Steve, write, verbwrite-protected, adjectiveWYSIWYG, nounXbox, XML, nounY2K, nounYahoo!, zap, verbzip file, nounzombie, noun Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives► a little/tiny bit · The floor was covered in tiny bits of glass. verbs► fall/come to bits (=separate into many different parts because of being old or damaged)· The book was so old that I was afraid it would fall to bits. ► break/smash to bits · The vase fell and smashed to bits on the concrete floor. ► rip/tear something to bits · She grabbed the letter and ripped it to bits. ► be blown to bits (=by a bomb)· A bus shelter nearby was blown to bits. ► take something to bits (=separate the parts of something)· Tony loves taking old radios and computers to bits. COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► blow somebody/something to pieces/bits/smithereens  A bomb like that could blow you to bits. ► be a bit of a blow British English especially spoken (=be disappointing or cause problems for you)· The result was a bit of a blow for the team. ► a bit of a chat spoken British English:· Perhaps I could have a bit of a chat with him. ► a bit of a cheek  It’s a bit of a cheek, asking me for money. ► a piece/bit of cheese · Would you like a piece of cheese? ► a piece/bit of chocolate · Would you like a piece of chocolate? ► a bit depressed British English spoken:· I felt a bit depressed because I was so short of money. ► every last drop/bit/scrap etc (=all of something, including even the smallest amount of it) They made us pick up every last scrap of paper. ► every bit as much as  I loved him every bit as much as she did. ► be a bit of an exaggeration informal (=be a slight exaggeration)· It's a bit of an exaggeration to say he's handsome. ► be a bit of a gamble (=involve a small amount of risk)· It was a bit of a gamble putting him on the field, but he played well. ► Let’s have a bit of hush  Let’s have a bit of hush, please, gentlemen. ► a piece/bit of information (also an item of information formal)· He provided me with several useful pieces of information. ► went a bit mad  We went a bit mad (=spent a lot of money) and ordered champagne. ► is a bit of a mess  Sorry – the place is a bit of a mess. ► be (a bit of a) minefield · Dating can be a bit of a minefield. ► a bit of a misunderstanding British English· I’m afraid it’s all a bit of a misunderstanding. ► be a bit of a myth (=be not really true)· The whole story is a bit of a myth. ► a little/a bit nervous · I was a little nervous before the interview. ► savage/stinging/vicious/biting satire  a biting satire of the television industry ► a bit/little scared · I was always a little scared of my father. ► see you in a bit British English (=see you soon) ► be a bit of a shock British English especially spoken (=be a shock, but not very serious or unpleasant)· I wasn’t expecting to win, so it was a bit of a shock. ► I’m a bit short British English spoken (=I haven’t got much money at the moment) ► thrilled to bits/pieces (=very thrilled) ► tiny bit  She always felt a tiny bit sad. ► an icy/biting/bitter wind (=very cold)· She shivered in the icy wind. COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE► fair · In the past I'd seen a fair bit of Lloyd.· The uncertain nature of Internet connections still results in a fair bit of static at times.· However, top of range is top of range in both cases and professional instruments cost a fair bit.· I conduct executive searches for senior-level management, so I know a fair bit about how these companies are managed.· They'd have a fair bit of tidying up to do before they left.· New Labour comes in for a fair bit of his well-advertised stick.· Like Storie Russell also did a fair bit of coaching.· You do have to compromise a fair bit and I suppose that I would like more freedom than I've got. ► little · Every little bit helped and I was encouraged.· So I smell a little bit.· But this little bit they don't know about.· I was normally not prone to astrological contemplations, but what harm could there be in a little bit of astrology?· Tansy didn't approve of me one little bit, what with being from the circus and not paying for it.· I crowed a little bit, but not much because, hey, I pick them to win it every year.· He had a little bit of money his father had left him.· Pittsburgh has gone to a little bit of a new look now with that wide receiver set they have. ► tiny · But still easy enough to get it just a tiny bit wrong.· And maybe a tiny bit drunk?· Collect together sequins, tiny glass beads, tiny shells, bits of lace and braid and ribbon.· Which raises our opinion of Aldridge -- at least a tiny bit.· It made her feel strong, invincible almost, and just a tiny bit as if she had drunk too much wine.· One thing Abdul-Rauf has done is make us all think just a tiny bit.· There's something slightly unbalanced about the whole composition, as if there's a tiny bit missing somewhere.· She looked healthy and young and a tiny bit awkward. ► wee · As for the holiday, I agree with you, it sounds a wee bit unlikely.· Reason I ask, Mr Rasmussen says you seemed a wee bit tipsy.· We have been lacking a wee bit of professionalism recently.· He is hapless, passive and maybe just a wee bit smug.· Monica is a wee bit overweight.· There is no label on the bottle, it tastes a wee bit vinegary.· It is a wee bit disconcerting when you can hear yourself think in a pub these days.· If you're not a lover of platform games it could be a wee bit tedious. VERB► blow · It must have more than compensated for being shot down, or blown to bits.· He blew a bit of thistledown from the still-wet surface of his picture.· On a raid over Essen the aircraft was blown to bits.· The facades of neoclassic landmarks were blown to bits during the sectarian fighting.· A bus shelter feet away was blown to bits.· Eight of our people were blown to bits.· Every few months a child is blown to bits.· Auster laughed, and in that laugh everything was suddenly blown to bits. Phrases PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► do your bit I've done my bit - now it's up to you. We wanted to do our bit for the boys fighting in the war. Don't you want to do your bit towards stamping it out? Eva and several of the cadets from overseas were put in the West End brigade to do their bit. Help is desperately needed - and rugby friends can do their bit. I hope that you can all do your bit. Let Africanized bees do their bit to breed better beekeepers in this country, in other words. Nature did its bit as well. Now I am not unpatriotic, and I want to do my bit in this great movement. Stonehenge has gone, so I reckon I can do me bit of growing up at Skipton Hall. ► get the bit between your teeth► two bits/four bits► pull something to bits Jahsaxa's pals had virtually pulled hir to bits. ► be in bits► to bits I tore the letter to bits and threw it away. A bus shelter feet away was blown to bits. Blew about twenty families to bits and sent a shocking number of people scurrying away without their parents or their children. Perhaps it will just crumble to bits. The facades of neoclassic landmarks were blown to bits during the sectarian fighting. The king surmised the girls were dancing their shoes to bits and put out a general announcement to the kingdom. There you will meet a tall, rugged stranger taking his car engine to bits with no hope of reassembling it. Will we drown or be blown to bits? Wooden bridges and buildings were instantaneously smashed to bits. ► bits and pieces Do any of these bits and bobs belong to you? making a mosaic out of bits and pieces of tiles There are all sorts of bits and pieces in this box. For the next two decades he made a sort of living finding bits and pieces of editing and translation work. Having chosen the size of guttering, draw up a list of the various bits and pieces you need. He circled the house, looking in, and saw nothing but the bits and pieces of ordinary living. My eyes adjusted, and things became edges, corners, bits and pieces of what they were. Not a single one had listened to it or even heard bits and pieces on the news. Storing the furniture and the bits and pieces we didn't need immediately was a bit more difficult. The bits of information range from play dates with friends to the sometimes frightening bits and pieces of domestic violence. Why teach in bits and pieces a subject which is a whole? PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not take/pay a blind bit of notice For six years, the Government have not taken a blind bit of notice of the Audit Commission's report. ► not make a blind bit of difference► be champing at the bit David is champing at the bit. Within three months Eva was champing at the bit. ► every bit as good/important etc Barbara was every bit as good as she sounded. Here, the Fund runs many family projects that are less well-known but doing work that is every bit as important. If you looked through a microscope you could see that they had cheekbones every bit as good as Hope Steadman's. In terms of predicting and controlling the social environment, high technology can quite clearly be every bit as important as brute force. It is for this reason that good balanced design is every bit as important as meticulous craftsmanship. It takes no more than five minutes and tastes every bit as good at the oven-baked variety. The explanation is every bit as important as the numbers! ► a fair size/amount/number/bit/distance etc But a fair number of them went on to greater things. It prefers a fair amount of nutritious detritus. Scientists must proceed cautiously, moving ahead only with the assent of a fair number of their colleagues. Thanks to the inherently leaky nature of the water industry, there is already a fair amount of information to go on. That involved a fair amount of travel. There was a fair amount going on. They'd have a fair bit of tidying up to do before they left. You may also be involved in a fair amount of travel. ► fall to pieces/bits After he left, I fell to pieces. As a result, now that the autumn rains were here, it was already showing signs of falling to pieces. Being a super-duper well-'ard off-road jobbie, your machine can take a fair amount of punishment before falling to bits. He hated playing agony aunt but he couldn't afford to have Hirschfeldt falling to pieces. Supposing the union fell to pieces, these were the fracture lines along which it would naturally break. The media seemed to be willing the marriage to fall to pieces. The Soviet Union is falling to pieces; a bloody struggle for those pieces can not be ruled out. There's a difference between consciously colouring a passage and not being able to control a voice that is falling to bits. ► be falling to pieces/bits The walls were all dirty and the furniture was falling to pieces. But most of the material was falling to pieces. The Soviet Union is falling to pieces; a bloody struggle for those pieces can not be ruled out. There's a difference between consciously colouring a passage and not being able to control a voice that is falling to bits. They would blaze into prominence just as the foreground planting was falling to pieces. ► a bit of how’s your father► the hair of the dog (that bit you)► a bit of hush► a bit of a lad► it’s (a little/bit) late in the day (to do something)► not the least/not in the least/not the least bit► (just) that little bit better/easier etc We have put together a few of the most popular itineraries to help make your choice that little bit easier. ► a little bit He was even maybe a little bit relieved, because immediately it was clear that Ernie was what she needed. I prefer to talk a little bit. I really just did it for a little bit, and then gave it up. There was, I suspect, a little bit of Otago isolationism involved. ► with (any) luck/with a bit of luck► (a bit of) a mouthful► be a bit much/be too much► quite a lot/bit/few A better day today, Miss Lavant wrote in her diary, quite a bit of sunshine. By no means, Watson; even now quite a few scientists continue to doubt. I lived quite a lot of my early childhood at the Thompsons' house behind a shop on Harehills Parade. Obviously, you have to wear quite a lot of protective clothing to minimise the risk of getting injured. Over 296 pages, Fallows cites quite a few. The man looks prosperous, like quite a few men. There's quite a bit of noise coming from the kitchens. There has been quite a lot of talk recently about adding enzymes to help the carp digest our sophisticated carp baits. ► a bit of rough At the moment it looks more like a bit of rough pasture ... full of dandelions and clover patches. ► a bit of skirt► take something to bits/pieces After all these years, I'd taken something to bits and successfully put it all back together again. Carter shrugged and fetching a, paraffin stove from inside a caravan began to take it to pieces. He learnt how to take a car to pieces. Most reputable dealers will take a computer to pieces for you. Operators decided to clean down equipment regularly, not just superficially, but by taking it to pieces. Unfortunately appearances has been misleading and heavy filling was found as they started to take it to bits. ► (it’s) a bit thick► a wee bit Don't you think her behavior is just a wee bit bizarre? As for the holiday, I agree with you, it sounds a wee bit unlikely. He is hapless, passive and maybe just a wee bit smug. It is a wee bit disconcerting when you can hear yourself think in a pub these days. Monica is a wee bit overweight. Reason I ask, Mr Rasmussen says you seemed a wee bit tipsy. There is no label on the bottle, it tastes a wee bit vinegary. We have been lacking a wee bit of professionalism recently. You might be just a wee bit too clever for your own good now. 1piece a small piece of somethingbit of bits of broken glass He wedged the door open with a bit of wood.break/rip/shake etc something to bits The aircraft was blown to bits. He’s taken the engine to bits.fall/come to bits The old house was falling to bits.► see thesaurus at piece2part British English informal a part of something larger:  This is the boring bit.bit of We did the last bit of the journey on foot.bit about Did you like the bit about the monkey?► see thesaurus at part3to bits British English informal very much or extremely:  Mark’s a darling – I love him to bits.thrilled/chuffed/pleased to bits I’ve always wanted a car, so I’m thrilled to bits.4computer the smallest unit of information that a computer uses:  a 32-bit processor5tool the sharp part of a tool for cutting or making holes:  a drill bit6horse the metal bar attached to a horse’s bridle that is put into its mouth and used to control it → be champing at the bit at champ1(2)7bits and pieces (also bits and bobs British English) informal any small things of various kinds:  Let me get all my bits and pieces together.8do your bit informal to do a fair share of the work, effort etc that is needed to achieve something good or important:  Everyone should do their bit for the environment.9get the bit between your teeth British English, take the bit between your teeth American English to do something or deal with something in a very determined way, so that you are not likely to stop until it is done10money a)two bits/four bits American English informal 25 cents or 50 cents b) British English old-fashioned a small coin11 pull something to bits British English informal to criticize something strongly:  The critics pulled his new play to bits.12typical behaviour/experience informal used to mean a kind of behaviour or experience that is typical of someone or somethingthe (whole) student/movie star/travelling etc bit Then she gave us the concerned mother bit.13be in bits British English spoken informal to be extremely upset because something unpleasant or disappointing has happened:  She was in bits after the race, and looked totally gutted.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa little/tiny bit· The floor was covered in tiny bits of glass.verbsfall/come to bits (=separate into many different parts because of being old or damaged)· The book was so old that I was afraid it would fall to bits.break/smash to bits· The vase fell and smashed to bits on the concrete floor.rip/tear something to bits· She grabbed the letter and ripped it to bits.be blown to bits (=by a bomb)· A bus shelter nearby was blown to bits.take something to bits (=separate the parts of something)· Tony loves taking old radios and computers to bits. bit1 adverb, pronounbit2 nounbit3 verb bitbit3 verb Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► blow somebody/something to pieces/bits/smithereens  A bomb like that could blow you to bits. ► be a bit of a blow British English especially spoken (=be disappointing or cause problems for you)· The result was a bit of a blow for the team. ► a bit of a chat spoken British English:· Perhaps I could have a bit of a chat with him. ► a bit of a cheek  It’s a bit of a cheek, asking me for money. ► a piece/bit of cheese · Would you like a piece of cheese? ► a piece/bit of chocolate · Would you like a piece of chocolate? ► a bit depressed British English spoken:· I felt a bit depressed because I was so short of money. ► every last drop/bit/scrap etc (=all of something, including even the smallest amount of it) They made us pick up every last scrap of paper. ► every bit as much as  I loved him every bit as much as she did. ► be a bit of an exaggeration informal (=be a slight exaggeration)· It's a bit of an exaggeration to say he's handsome. ► be a bit of a gamble (=involve a small amount of risk)· It was a bit of a gamble putting him on the field, but he played well. ► Let’s have a bit of hush  Let’s have a bit of hush, please, gentlemen. ► a piece/bit of information (also an item of information formal)· He provided me with several useful pieces of information. ► went a bit mad  We went a bit mad (=spent a lot of money) and ordered champagne. ► is a bit of a mess  Sorry – the place is a bit of a mess. ► be (a bit of a) minefield · Dating can be a bit of a minefield. ► a bit of a misunderstanding British English· I’m afraid it’s all a bit of a misunderstanding. ► be a bit of a myth (=be not really true)· The whole story is a bit of a myth. ► a little/a bit nervous · I was a little nervous before the interview. ► savage/stinging/vicious/biting satire  a biting satire of the television industry ► a bit/little scared · I was always a little scared of my father. ► see you in a bit British English (=see you soon) ► be a bit of a shock British English especially spoken (=be a shock, but not very serious or unpleasant)· I wasn’t expecting to win, so it was a bit of a shock. ► I’m a bit short British English spoken (=I haven’t got much money at the moment) ► thrilled to bits/pieces (=very thrilled) ► tiny bit  She always felt a tiny bit sad. ► an icy/biting/bitter wind (=very cold)· She shivered in the icy wind. Phrases PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not take/pay a blind bit of notice For six years, the Government have not taken a blind bit of notice of the Audit Commission's report. ► not make a blind bit of difference► be champing at the bit David is champing at the bit. Within three months Eva was champing at the bit. ► every bit as good/important etc Barbara was every bit as good as she sounded. Here, the Fund runs many family projects that are less well-known but doing work that is every bit as important. If you looked through a microscope you could see that they had cheekbones every bit as good as Hope Steadman's. In terms of predicting and controlling the social environment, high technology can quite clearly be every bit as important as brute force. It is for this reason that good balanced design is every bit as important as meticulous craftsmanship. It takes no more than five minutes and tastes every bit as good at the oven-baked variety. The explanation is every bit as important as the numbers! ► a fair size/amount/number/bit/distance etc But a fair number of them went on to greater things. It prefers a fair amount of nutritious detritus. Scientists must proceed cautiously, moving ahead only with the assent of a fair number of their colleagues. Thanks to the inherently leaky nature of the water industry, there is already a fair amount of information to go on. That involved a fair amount of travel. There was a fair amount going on. They'd have a fair bit of tidying up to do before they left. You may also be involved in a fair amount of travel. ► fall to pieces/bits After he left, I fell to pieces. As a result, now that the autumn rains were here, it was already showing signs of falling to pieces. Being a super-duper well-'ard off-road jobbie, your machine can take a fair amount of punishment before falling to bits. He hated playing agony aunt but he couldn't afford to have Hirschfeldt falling to pieces. Supposing the union fell to pieces, these were the fracture lines along which it would naturally break. The media seemed to be willing the marriage to fall to pieces. The Soviet Union is falling to pieces; a bloody struggle for those pieces can not be ruled out. There's a difference between consciously colouring a passage and not being able to control a voice that is falling to bits. ► be falling to pieces/bits The walls were all dirty and the furniture was falling to pieces. But most of the material was falling to pieces. The Soviet Union is falling to pieces; a bloody struggle for those pieces can not be ruled out. There's a difference between consciously colouring a passage and not being able to control a voice that is falling to bits. They would blaze into prominence just as the foreground planting was falling to pieces. ► a bit of how’s your father► the hair of the dog (that bit you)► a bit of hush► a bit of a lad► it’s (a little/bit) late in the day (to do something)► not the least/not in the least/not the least bit► (just) that little bit better/easier etc We have put together a few of the most popular itineraries to help make your choice that little bit easier. ► a little bit He was even maybe a little bit relieved, because immediately it was clear that Ernie was what she needed. I prefer to talk a little bit. I really just did it for a little bit, and then gave it up. There was, I suspect, a little bit of Otago isolationism involved. ► with (any) luck/with a bit of luck► (a bit of) a mouthful► be a bit much/be too much► quite a lot/bit/few A better day today, Miss Lavant wrote in her diary, quite a bit of sunshine. By no means, Watson; even now quite a few scientists continue to doubt. I lived quite a lot of my early childhood at the Thompsons' house behind a shop on Harehills Parade. Obviously, you have to wear quite a lot of protective clothing to minimise the risk of getting injured. Over 296 pages, Fallows cites quite a few. The man looks prosperous, like quite a few men. There's quite a bit of noise coming from the kitchens. There has been quite a lot of talk recently about adding enzymes to help the carp digest our sophisticated carp baits. ► a bit of rough At the moment it looks more like a bit of rough pasture ... full of dandelions and clover patches. ► a bit of skirt► take something to bits/pieces After all these years, I'd taken something to bits and successfully put it all back together again. Carter shrugged and fetching a, paraffin stove from inside a caravan began to take it to pieces. He learnt how to take a car to pieces. Most reputable dealers will take a computer to pieces for you. Operators decided to clean down equipment regularly, not just superficially, but by taking it to pieces. Unfortunately appearances has been misleading and heavy filling was found as they started to take it to bits. ► (it’s) a bit thick► a wee bit Don't you think her behavior is just a wee bit bizarre? As for the holiday, I agree with you, it sounds a wee bit unlikely. He is hapless, passive and maybe just a wee bit smug. It is a wee bit disconcerting when you can hear yourself think in a pub these days. Monica is a wee bit overweight. Reason I ask, Mr Rasmussen says you seemed a wee bit tipsy. There is no label on the bottle, it tastes a wee bit vinegary. We have been lacking a wee bit of professionalism recently. You might be just a wee bit too clever for your own good now. the past tense of bite
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