单词	nothing
释义	nothing1 pronounnothing2 adverb nothingnoth‧ing1 /ˈnʌθɪŋ/ ●●● S1 W1 pronoun Word Origin WORD ORIGINnothing1 Origin: Old English nan thing, nathing ‘no thing’ Examples EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES "What did you say?" "Oh, nothing." Nothing ever happens around here. I have nothing to wear to the wedding. I never said nothing about taking you swimming. It's nothing, just a scratch. No, there's nothing wrong, I'm all right. The kids were complaining there was nothing to do. There's nothing in this box. Thesaurus Longman Language Activatorwhen there is not any of something► none not any of something, or not any people or things: · I was going to offer you some cake, but there's none left.· "Coffee?" "None for me, thanks."none of: · None of her friends live in London.· None of my clothes fit anymore.· Parents complain that none of the money set aside for the school has been spent on textbooks.none at all/none whatsoever/absolutely none especially spoken: · "Do you have any objections to the plan, John?" "None at all."· "The mayor has no tolerance for violent criminals, absolutely none," said a spokesperson.· Under the Constitution, the President has no legal authority -- none whatsoever -- to commit the United States to war. ► not any none: · You won't find any, I'm afraid I haven't been shopping yet.· There aren't any good book stores in town.· We won't be getting any extra-large shirts until tomorrow.· The clerk said he didn't have any change.· There won't be any time for questions after the lecture.not any of: · I haven't read any of Henry Miller's novels.not any more/not any left spoken: · She asked for a copy of the "Boston Globe" but there weren't any left. ► no not any or not one: · There are no buses on Sundays.· a very plain room, with no pictures on the wall· Do you mind having black coffee? There's no milk.· We've had no rain for three months.· There was no room in the car for anyone else.· I knocked on the door, but there was no reply.· He just started hitting her for no reason.· Some athletes have no intention of getting an education while they're at college.no more: · There are no more classes until Monday. ► nothing/not anything · There's nothing in this box.· Many older people don't know anything about computers.· I switched the TV on, but nothing happened.· "What are you doing?" "Nothing."nothing new/serious/exciting etc · Nothing exciting ever happens in this place!nothing to eat/say/do etc · There was nothing to do, so we just watched TV.· She hasn't had anything to eat all day.nothing at all · "Do you know anything about fixing cars?" "No, nothing at all."nothing else (=nothing more) · As he listened, he understood the word "shimai", which means "sister", but nothing else.nothing else to say/do etc · I had nothing else to do so I cleaned the kitchen.· We will make an announcement next week; we have nothing else to say until then. ► zilch especially American, spoken nothing: · She knows absolutely zilch about marketing.· The federal government does zilch to help struggling farmers. ► not one none - use this when the situation is very unusual or unexpected: · "Do you have any batteries?' "Not one. We've completely sold out."· According to the report, of the 10 best cities in which to do business, not one is in California.not one of: · We examined over a hundred machines and not one of them was working properly. ► not a : not even one · It all happened so fast, I didn't see a thing.· Usually there were voices to be heard coming from the living room, but tonight there was not a sound.· There wasn't a scrap of food in the house.not a dickybird British informal (=nothing at all) · I haven't heard a dickybird from him all morning. ► be nil if the amount of something is nil , there is none of it and you feel disappointed about it: · With their best player injured, England's chances of winning the game were just about nil.· Refreshment facilities for long-distance bus passengers are virtually nil. ► bugger all British informal nothing or not any of something - this is an impolite expression which people use especially when they are angry: · I hope she does some work at home. She does bugger all in the office.· You'll get bugger all thanks for helping them. the number that means none► zero the number 0: · The zip code for Annandale is zero eight eight zero one.· The ZR1 can go from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.3 seconds.zero unemployment/growth/inflation etc (=when there is none at all): · In the long run, zero inflation will bring lower interest rates.· The government aims to hold the country's population at zero-growth. ► nil British also zip American informal zero - use this especially in sports results: · At the end of the first half it's Spurs two, Arsenal nil.· "Who won?" "The Yankees, five-zip."· By a seven-nil vote, the Council passed a resolution protecting the land from development. ► nought British zero - used especially before or after a decimal point: · Interest rates rose by nought point three percent today.· "What did you score?" "Nought out of ten." ► o zero - use this especially when saying a telephone number or the number after a decimal point. Pronounce this as the letter "o": · I'll be in room four-o-nine.· It's an inner London phone number, so you dial o-two-o-seven.· One hundredth has the same value as point o one. less than none► negative negative numbers, figures etc are less than one: · My bank statement shows a negative balance.· Do you know how to multiply negative numbers? ► minus : minus 4 degrees/3%/10° F etc four degrees, three per cent etc less than nothing: · The temperature dropped to almost minus 40.· a trade deficit of minus £4bn not very bad, but not very good► not very good especially spoken not good - use this when you are disappointed because you were expecting something better: · "What was the movie like?" "It was OK but the ending wasn't very good."· He's been learning English for five years, but his pronunciation isn't very good. ► mediocre something that is mediocre is of a lower standard than it should be, and does not show much quality or skill: · The team gave another mediocre performance last night.· Tourists crowd the gift shops to buy mediocre products at high prices. ► nothing special spoken not very bad, but not especially good: · "Was the food good?" "It was okay, but nothing special."· The town's nice, but the beach is nothing special. ► all right/OK, but ... spoken say this when you think that something is good in some ways but there are some bad parts of it too: · My grades were OK, but I thought I should have gotten an 'A' in chemistry.· The game was all right, but it wasn't worth what I paid to watch it. ► so-so informal not very good, but not very bad either: · "How is your meal?'' "So-so.''· The hotel was in a lovely location, but the facilities were only so-so. ► second rate/third rate not as good as other things of the same kind: · People are not willing to pay a lot of money for second-rate works of art.· All they could afford was a room in a second-rate hotel about a mile from the beach. ► not be up to scratch especially British something that is not up to scratch , is not as good as it should be: · The hotels and transport system in this city are not up to scratch at the moment. ► patchy a performance, piece of work etc that is patchy is good in some parts, but bad in others and in general is not good: · The film is patchy, despite one or two good performances.· Many department stores reported patchy sales over Christmas. ► lacklustre British /lackluster American: lacklustre performance not very bad, but not as good as was expected: · The corporation's profits increased dramatically this year, after a rather lacklustre performance last year. place► boring not at all interesting or exciting to live in: · This is such a boring town - there's nothing to do in the evenings.· It's so boring here. I wish we lived in L.A. ► dead a town that is dead is boring because nothing interesting happens, and there is nothing interesting to do: · In summer we get a few visitors, but most of the time this place is dead.· It's absolutely dead here when all the students go away for the summer vacation. ► nothing ever happens spoken if you say nothing ever happens in a place, you mean nothing interesting or exciting happens there: · Nothing ever happens around here. Why do you like it so much? ► dreary a dreary place is one where there is nothing attractive or cheerful to see: · I was living in a dreary apartment in a run-down part of town.· Laurie gazed out over a dreary landscape of factories and parking lots. ► drab buildings and places that are drab are not colourful or interesting to look at: · When I came to Manchester from Brazil everything seemed so drab and colourless.· You enter the drab office building half-expecting it to be abandoned. ► featureless : featureless landscape/plain/coast etc a large area of land that has no interesting or unusual features: · It was flat, featureless coastline.· In the middle of these otherwise featureless plains is a striking range of mountains. very cheap► dirt cheap informal extremely cheap: · You can get beautiful leather jackets in the markets and they're dirt cheap. ► be a snip British informal /be a steal American informal to be extremely cheap at a particular price: · She says her new outfit was a steal.· The new computer package is a snip at only £599 plus tax. ► at rockbottom prices also at giveaway prices British if a shop is selling goods at rockbottom prices or at giveaway prices , it is selling them at extremely low prices -- used especially in advertisements: · Fox Hi-Fi specialize in selling top quality CD players at rockbottom prices.· In our summer sale, we have clothes from top designers at giveaway prices. ► for very little money · You can pick up video recorders for very little money if you know where to look. ► for nothing especially American very cheaply: · We got the car for nothing because the woman wanted to get rid of it fast. to not do something that you should do► not do · I haven't done my taxes yet and they're due next week.· The electrician came round yesterday, but he didn't do all the jobs I asked him to do.· She was afraid that if she didn't do what her boss told her she would be fired. ► do nothing/not do anything to not try to help someone or prevent a bad situation, even though you know it is happening: · How could neighbors listen to her scream and do nothing?do nothing/not do anything about: · We told the police months ago, but they still haven't done anything about it.do nothing/not do anything to do something: · No one did anything to stop the purse snatcher. ► take no action formal to do nothing, especially when this is a deliberate decision: · If you have already paid the amount shown on this bill, you need take no further action.take no action to do something: · Local police took no action to protect the family from the attacks. ► fail to do something formal to not do something that you should do, especially when this has serious results: · The driver of the car failed to stop in time, and the boy was killed.· If you fail to provide all the information, we will be unable to process your application. ► neglect to do something to not do something because you do not pay enough attention or forget, especially when this could have serious results: · Marie decided not to move, but she neglected to inform the rental agency.· The public are demanding to know why the government neglected to warn them of the oil shortages. ► omit to do something formal to not do something, either because you forget to do it or because you deliberately choose not to do it: · Mrs Hobbs told me about the meeting but she omitted to tell me where it was.· Starr's account omits to mention that it was his own actions that caused the fire. ► stand by/sit by to not do anything to stop something bad from happening, when you should do something to show that you care about the situation: · Why did people just stand by while she was attacked?· We can't afford to just sit by and watch more of our local industry shut down. ► just stand there/just sit there spoken to not even move or start to do something when there is an urgent situation: · Don't just stand there - help me catch the cat!· When the fire alarm went off she just sat there as if she hadn't heard a thing. when someone can do something easily► easily · A burglar could easily climb in through that window.· When I went to college, I made friends very easily.easily recognized/damaged/done etc (=when something can be recognized, damaged etc easily) · These plates are easily damaged, so please be careful with them.· Lizzie and Jane are so alike that they're easily mistaken for each other. ► effortless something that is effortless is done in a way that makes it seem very easy, although in fact it is very skilful: · The way she dances makes it seem so effortless.· Other musicians were amazed by Parker's effortless improvisational skill. ► come naturally if something comes naturally to you, you seem to have a natural ability to do it, so that you can do it well without having to try hard: · Her family are all actors, so it probably comes naturally.come naturally to: · Speaking in public seems to come quite naturally to her.· Looking after babies doesn't come naturally to all new mothers. ► can do something with your eyes shut/standing on your head/blindfolded to be able to do something very easily, especially because you have done it so many times before: · He's a really good mechanic -- he could change a tyre standing on his head.· Don't worry. I've driven to the Bronx so many times, I could do it standing on my head. ► think nothing of to think that something is a very easy and normal thing to do, although most people think it is difficult and unusual: · Emily thinks nothing of preparing a meal for twenty people.· Before cars were invented, people thought nothing of walking six miles to work. ► breeze/breeze through informal to win or succeed in something easily: · McKenzie breezed the first three rounds of the tournament.· She's likely to breeze through this game, but the next might not be so easy. equal in quality, standard, or ability► be as good as · I don't think she ever recorded a song as good as "Stormy Weather".· They say that the new Argentinian striker will be as good as Maradona.· "How's the strawberry flavor?" "It's OK, but not as good as the chocolate one." ► be equal to to be as good or as important as all the other things that are available: be equal to anyone/anything: · There's no doubt that she can produce work that is equal to anyone else's in her class.· The architecture here is equal to anything found in Florence or Rome. ► equally : equally strong/good/difficult etc equal in strength, quality etc: · Chantal Johnson was brought up in Canada, and is equally fluent in French and English.· The meat can then be baked, grilled, or sautéed with equally good results.· Danny has great skill as a football player, and, equally important, the determination that you need to succeed. ► equal/match to be as good as something else or equal in size, speed, power etc: · No one has ever equalled her performance as Juliet.· The cloth dyers of ancient Tyre produced beautiful colours that have never been equalled by even the finest synthetic dyes.be matched/equalled only by something: · The facilities at the club were only matched by one or two other clubs in Europe. ► rival to be almost as good, impressive, or successful as something that is very good, impressive etc: · The college's facilities rival those of Harvard or Yale.rival something in something: · The new aeroplane would rival its competitors in terms of noise, range and versatility.· The prince built a vast palace, rivalling Versailles in size and opulence. ► be on a par with to be as good or almost as good as something that is very good: · The acquisition of Walker puts the company on a par with its rivals in France and Germany.· Donald showed up with a woman called Pandora, whose beauty was on a par with any film star. ► be evenly matched if competitors or opponents are evenly matched they have almost equal ability, so a game or competition between them will be very even: · The two wrestlers were evenly matched.· It seems that the teams are pretty evenly matched, but the French players are probably more experienced. ► there's nothing to choose between British you say there's nothing to choose between two things or people when they are both equally good and you cannot say which is better: · After the interviews we had to admit there was nothing to choose between the two candidates.· There's really nothing to choose between the performance of these two cars. when you do not succeed► fail · We tried to make her change her mind, but we failed.fail to do something · I failed to convince him that I was right.· Having failed to find her friend, she decided to return home.fail completely · If they were trying to put us out of business, they have failed completely.fail miserably (=fail completely, in a way that is embarrassing) · Millions of people have tried to quit smoking and failed miserably. ► failure when you fail in something you are trying to do: · She never tries anything because she's terrified of failure.· His ability has been called into question after a number of recent failures.failure to do something: · The failure of the international community to deal effectively with the problem has cost thousands of lives. ► not make it informal to fail in your job, especially because you do not earn a lot of money or do not become well known and respected: not make it as: · No one was surprised when he didn't make it as a rock star.not make it in: · She soon realized she'd never make it in the cut-throat world of journalism. ► get nowhere to fail after trying hard for a long time: · Unless you compromise, you'll get nowhere.get nowhere with: · Realizing she was getting nowhere with Paul, she approached John. ► for nothing if all your work, preparation etc is for nothing , you have tried to achieve something and spent a lot of time on it, but failed: · If we don't get the contract all our hard work will have been for nothing.· I don't want to struggle all my life for nothing. ► in vain if you tried to do something in vain , or if your efforts were in vain ,you completely failed after a lot of effort: try/search/battle etc in vain: · Doctors tried in vain to save him but he died just before dawn.· Police have spent hours searching in vain for the missing teenager.be in vain: · It took a great deal of courage to admit that all her efforts had been in vain. ► draw a blank British /come up empty-handed American informal fail to find or discover information or a person or thing you are looking for: · Once again police investigators have drawn a blank.· The private detective she hired to look for him had come up empty-handed. not costing any money► free something that is free costs no money: · Parking is free after 6 pm.· "How much is it to get into the concert?" "Oh, I think it's free."· The clinic offers free advice on contraception.· I'm saving these tokens to get a free poster. ► cost nothing/not cost anything to be free: · Luckily I was insured, so the treatment didn't cost anything.cost nothing/not cost anything to do something: · It doesn't cost anything to get advice from them.· The competition costs nothing to enter, just send a postcard with your name and address. ► for nothing/for free without having to pay for something that you would normally have to pay for: · He offered to fix the car for nothing.· Fans were allowed into the stadium for nothing as a way of celebrating.· Children under five can see the show for free. ► free of charge without having to pay - used especially in advertisements and official notices: · Guests can park free of charge all day.· Copies of the leaflet can be obtained free of charge from your local library.· This policy ensures that you get emergency medical treatment free of charge when travelling abroad. ► no charge if there is no charge for a service that someone provides, you do not have to pay for it: · "How much is the prescription?'' "No charge -- students are exempt from payment.''· Entry to the museum costs £3, but there is no charge on Wednesdays and Sundays.no charge for: · There is no charge for cashing these travellers' cheques. ► be on the house if drinks or meals are on the house , they are given to you by the owner of the bar or restaurant that you are in and you do not have to pay for them: · On New Year's Eve, he offered a glass of champagne to everyone, on the house.· The owner let us have the first bottle of wine on the house. ► at no cost to somebody if a service is provided at no cost to someone, they do not have to pay for it: · The Helpline provides advice on all types of personal problems at no cost to the caller.· Treatment at the health center is available at no cost to students. ► at no extra cost if a shop or a company provides an additional service at no extra cost, they do it without asking you for any more money: · Many activities are available at the hotel at no extra cost, but theatre trips and excursions are not included.at no extra cost to: · The store is offering to install satellite dishes at no extra cost to the buyer. ► gratis especially written provided without payment: · His work for the church is performed gratis.· You can see some local bands at local clubs absolutely gratis. to not know anything about a subject► not know anything/know nothing · Don't ask me. I know nothing at all about fixing cars.· No one else at school knew anything about jazz.know nothing of formal · When he arrived in Venice he knew almost nothing of its history or culture. ► have no idea/not have a clue informal to know nothing at all about how to do something: · I'm amazed how he puts all the bits of the computer back together. I wouldn't have a clue.have no idea/not have a clue about: · After nine years of marriage, he still didn't have a clue about what she really wanted.have no idea/not have a clue how/what/where etc: · It became clear that the sales people didn't have any idea how to sell the new products. ► be a closed book British a subject that is a closed book to someone is one that they know nothing about, and that they believe they will never understand: · For many people, science is something of a closed book. a small amount of money► a little · Most people will give a little to charity if they are asked.a little money/cash · I have a little cash with me, but not enough to pay for both of us.a little extra · He earns a little extra by working on weekends.a little over/under (=a little more or less than an amount of money) · The car costs a little over $20,000.a little more/less · A private room costs a little more, but it's worth it. ► not much there is only a small amount of money, especially when you expect or need more: · After paying rent he doesn't have much left to buy food and pay bills.not much money/cash: · Pete didn't get much money when he sold his car.not very much: · I don't think he earns very much working at the bank. ► very little a very small amount of money, so that there is not enough to have an effect: · He spends very little on food.· Considering they work so hard they're paid very little.very little money/cash: · When Maria lost her job she had very little money in savings. ► next to nothing if the amount that something costs is next to nothing , it is extremely cheap: · It costs next to nothing to go to an afternoon movie.· The company's profits climbed from next to nothing to $6 million in just two years. ► nominal a nominal sum, charge, or payment is very small, because what is important is that something is paid, even if it is much less than would usually be paid: · We are allowed to use the tennis courts for a nominal fee.a nominal £1/$5 etc: · Tickets for the concert are a nominal $3 for students. ► negligible an amount of money that is negligible is so small that it has no effect or is so small that it is not worth worrying about: · The cost of maintaining the machine is negligible.· Expenses for maintaining the investment fund are negligible - just half a percentage point of profit. ► a drop in the ocean British /a drop in the bucket American informal an amount is a drop in the ocean or a drop in the bucket when it seems very small compared with what is really needed: · The United States pledge of $100 million to the rainforest fund is a drop in the ocean.· Third World debt is so massive that recent pledges to reduce it are just a drop in the bucket. a very small amount of something such as a feeling, quality etc► very little a very small amount, so that there is not enough to have an effect, be useful, important etc: · "How much do you know about computers?" "Very little, I'm afraid."very little trouble/patience/help etc: · I had very little energy left.· Changing the law will make very little difference.· It makes very little sense for companies to maintain large inventories these days. ► almost no such a small amount that you can hardly notice it: almost no trouble/patience/help etc: · Scientists have paid almost no attention to the new theory.· She supports the bill although she admits it has almost no chance of being passed.· The birth control campaign was begun 10 years ago but has had almost no impact in the rural areas.almost none: · "What progress have you made on your research project?" "Almost none." ► hardly/barely any also scarcely any especially British almost none at all: · She said she felt a lot of regret about leaving, but I felt hardly any at all.hardly any trouble/patience/help etc: · They closed down the whole department with barely any notice to the staff.· Mark is so lazy, he makes scarcely any effort to improve his work. ► a touch/hint/trace of something a very small amount of something, that you almost do not notice: · "Are you ready yet?" asked Hazel, with a touch of irritation in her voice.· For the first time a hint of tension had crept into their relationship.· After speaking to her for awhile, he began to detect a trace of a Southern accent. ► little formal a small amount, especially when you expect more: little trouble/patience/help etc: · Little progress was made during the negotiations.· The report offers little hope that the economy will improve any time soon.· There seems to be little chance of him coming home for Christmas. ► minimal a minimal amount of something is the smallest that is possible, so that it is not worth thinking or worrying about: · The new operating technique involves minimal risk to patients.· The impact of the sale on current employees should be minimal.· The crew had very little experience and were given minimal safety training. ► negligible a negligible amount of something is so small that it has almost no effect at all: · The damage done to his property was negligible.· Economists say raising the minimum wage would have a negligible effect on employment rates.· The chances of a healthy adult contracting the disease are negligible. ► next to nothing if you know, learn, say, hear etc next to nothing about something, then you know, learn etc very little about it: · I learned next to nothing at school - the teachers were awful.· My parents know next to nothing about the men I date. only one, or only a small number► only only one person or thing, or only a small number of people or things, and not anyone or anything else: · There was only one dress that she really liked.· Only rich people were able to travel abroad in those days.· You can only take one piece of hand baggage onto the plane.· You get only two chances - if you fail the exam twice you can't take it again.the only person/thing/place etc: · She's the only woman I've ever loved.be only for somebody (=only one person or group can use something): · These seats are only for first class passengers. ► just especially spoken only one person, thing, type, or group, or only a small number of them, especially when this is surprising: · "Were there a lot of people there?" "No, just me and David."· He started his own small shop - at first just selling newspapers, then books and magazines.· "Does everyone have to wear uniform?" "No, just the first year students." ► all the only thing or things, especially when this is disappointing, annoying, or surprising: · All Kevin ever talks about is football.· We were really hungry, but all we could find was some stale bread.· All I wanted was a bit of sympathy. ► nothing but use this especially when you feel disappointed, annoyed, or surprised that something is the only thing there is or the only thing someone does: · There was nothing but salad to eat.· They did nothing but argue for the whole journey. ► one : one thing/person/time/problem etc the only person, thing etc and no others - use this to emphasize that there really is only one person or thing of this type: the one thing/person/time/problem etc: · She was the one friend that I could trust.· The one thing I don't like about my car is the colour.· The one time I forgot my umbrella was the day it rained.somebody's one regret/friend/mistake etc: · My one regret is that I never told Brad how I felt. ► lone being the only one, when usually you would expect there to be more - used in newspapers and literature: · A lone gunman burst into his house and shot him dead.· Out of the stillness, a lone bird began to sing. ► solitary a solitary person, tree, building etc is the only one you can see in a place, and may therefore seem a little lonely or sad: · A solitary light shone in the street.· There was one solitary hotel left standing after the earthquake.· I could see a solitary figure outlined against the horizon. ► sole formal the only person, thing etc, especially when you would expect there to be more or expect it to be different: · Everyone ignored my sole contribution to the conversation.the sole person/thing etc: · In many households, the woman is the sole breadwinner (=the only person who has a job).with the sole intention/objective/aim of doing something: · I think he came here with the sole intention of causing trouble.somebody's sole concern/objective etc: · NASA's sole concern was the safety of the astronauts. ► exclusively made of, including, or involving only one thing or group, especially something special or something that is of good quality: · This shop sells clothes made exclusively of Indian materials.· The office staff are almost exclusively female. not particularly important, special, or interesting► only/just use this to emphasize that someone or something is not particularly important, special, or interesting: · Don't ask me - I'm only the cleaner.· "What's for dinner?" "Just pasta - nothing exciting."only/just another: · It's just another one of those daytime talk shows. ► merely formal use this to emphasize that someone or something is not really important or special, although they may seem to be: · The President's position is merely ceremonial; it is the Chancellor who holds real power.· I wondered if the girl had meant more to him than being merely a casual friend. ► nothing else only that, and not anything more important, more valuable, or more useful: · She sees him as a friend and nothing else.if nothing else: · If nothing else the meeting serves as a useful way of getting everyone's ideas together. ► mere only - used especially when you do not expect very much from the thing you are describing, or you think it is unimportant: · How can you expect him to understand? He's a mere child.· There have been reports that she is going to resign, but it's mere speculation at the moment.· The mere mention of Ronan's name made her heart beat faster. ► nothing but/no more than use this about someone or something that is not nearly as good, special, interesting etc as they seem to be or pretend to be: · They say they're a moral, religious regime, but in fact they're nothing but a bunch of bullies and thugs.· As far as I can see, this proposal is no more than an attempt to disguise many of the mistakes management have made in the past. not having a lot of decoration or things added► simple : simple food, clothes, or designs do not have a lot of decoration or unnecessary things added, but they are usually attractive or enjoyable: · She wore a simple black dress.· The meal was simple, but delicious. ► plain : plain food, clothes, or designs do not have anything added or any decoration, and may be a little boring: · He put the letter in a plain brown envelope.· Do you have any plain white shirts?· The chapel was a small, plain, white-washed building. ► basic : basic food, rooms, or designs only have the necessary features, and do not include things that make them more comfortable, more attractive etc : · Some of the hotels in the mountains are pretty basic.· The basic model costs £30,000, which includes insurance and car tax.· basic cooking utensils ► austere a room or building that is austere is not decorated, has very little and very plain furniture, and is usually uncomfortable: · Students ate in an austere hall built by New England Puritans.· The crematorium chapel was cold and austere. ► spartan spartan conditions or ways of living are simple and without any comfort: · The accommodation is pretty spartan, so take extra blankets and bedding.· It was a spartan existence, with no running water or electricity. ► stark something, especially a room, that has a stark appearance has no decorations and looks uncomfortable: · The waiting room was stark, with hard, stiff chairs and lit by a single lightbulb.· stark chrome furniture ► simplicity the attractive quality of being simple, and not having a lot of decoration or things added: · The jacket follows the lines of the body with graceful simplicity.· Van Gogh was attracted to the beauty and simplicity of a common table or kitchen chair. ► nothing fancy informal plain or simple with nothing special or unnecessary added: · The Lodge is nothing fancy -- just a row of cottages huddled on the side of a hill overlooking the sea. · This was his favourite meal. Nothing fancy, just steak and salad. ► no-frills a no-frills shop, restaurant, or service provides only the things that you really need and nothing else: · The meeting was held at a no-frills hotel 30 minutes from corporate headquarters. · Try the smaller, no-frills airlines for cheap late flights. what you say to someone when they thank you► don't mention it spoken · "Thanks for the lift!" "Oh, don't mention it!" ► that's all right/that's OK informal spoken · "Thank you so much for looking after the children." "That's all right. I enjoyed having them." ► you're welcome especially American, spoken · "Thanks a lot." "You're welcome!" ► my pleasure/not at all formal spoken · "It was very good of you to sing for us at such short notice." "My pleasure!"· "Thanks for dinner" "Not at all - I enjoyed it". ► think nothing of it/it was nothing spoken say this when someone has thanked you a lot for something you have done because they think it was very difficult for you to do: · "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble, you know!" "Oh, think nothing of it."· "Thank you for all your help. I couldn't have done it without you." "Don't mention it. It was nothing." ► no problem informal spoken say this to show that what someone has thanked you for was really a very easy thing for you to do: · "Thank you for coming all the way out here." "No problem, lady." ► sure American spoken used as a reply to someone who has thanked you for something: · "Thanks for the ride." "Sure, no problem." what you say when something is not important► it doesn't matter spoken say this to tell someone that something is not important and will not cause any serious problems: · "We've missed the train." "It doesn't matter - there's another one in 10 minutes."it doesn't matter if/whether/what etc: · It doesn't matter if you're a few minutes late. We'll wait for you.· It doesn't matter what other people think. You should do what you think is best. ► it makes no difference/it doesn't make any difference say this when you think something is not important enough to affect what happens or change what someone decides: · "Do you want cash or a cheque?" "It doesn't make any difference."· Even if she had known he was lying it would have made no difference.· It doesn't make any difference whether you use fresh berries or frozen ones.it makes no difference/it doesn't make any difference to somebody: · It makes no difference to me if you want to go.it makes no difference/it doesn't make any difference to something: · You can have a single room or a double -- it makes no difference to the price. ► it's no big deal / it's not a big deal spoken say this when you do not think something is important or worrying, even though other people may think it is: · My leg's a little sore, but it's no big deal.· Just copy your work onto a disk - it's no big deal.· She assumed he'd be furious, but the whole incident just wasn't a big deal to him. ► it's nothing spoken say this when you think something is not important and you do not want other people to worry about it: · "Are you okay?" "Yeah, it's nothing."· "Why do you want to speak to Danny? Is he in trouble again?" "No, it's nothing, really. We just want to ask a couple of questions." what you say to tell someone not to worry► don't worry · "Don't worry, there's plenty of food for anyone who wants to come."don't worry about · "Don't worry about me -- I'll be fine," said Billie.· Don't worry about it. You can pay me back tomorrow. ► it's/everything's all right also it's/everything's ok use this to try to make someone feel better when they are worrying: · It's all right, honey, don't cry.· It'll all be over soon, and everything's going to be ok. ► nothing to worry about use this to tell someone that there is no reason to worry: there's/it's nothing to worry about: · It's just a simple check-up. There's nothing to worry about.somebody has nothing to worry about: · You're a bright girl, and you've got nothing to worry about, as long as you finish all your assignments. WORD SETS► Numbers add, verbaddition, nounArabic numeral, nounarithmetic progression, nounbi-, prefixbillion, numbercalculate, verbcalculation, nouncardinal, nouncardinal number, nouncoefficient, nouncommon denominator, nounconstant, nouncube, verbcube root, nounD, noundecimal, noundecimal, adjectivedecimal point, noundemi-, prefixdenominator, noundigit, noundivide, verbdividend, noundivisible, adjectivedivision, noundivisor, noundouble-digit, adjectivedouble figures, nouneight, numbereighteen, numbereighth, adjectiveeighty, numbereleven, numberequal, adjectiveequal, verbequals sign, nouneven, adjectiveexponent, nounfactor, nounfactor, verbfactorial, nounfifteen, numberfifth, nounfifty, numberfig., figure, nounfive, numberforty, numberfour, numberfourteen, numberfourth, nounfraction, noungeometric progression, noungross, nounHCF, hundred, numberimproper fraction, nounindivisible, adjectiveinfinity, nouninteger, nounL, nounlogarithm, nounlowest common denominator, nounM, nounmedian, nounmedian, adjectivemillion, numbermultiple, nounmultiplication, nounmultiplication sign, nounmultiplication table, noun-nd, suffixnegative, adjectivenine, numbernineteen, numberninety, numberninth, adjectiveNo., nos., nothing, pronounnought, numbernumber, nounnumeral, nounnumerator, nounnumerical, adjectiveO, nounoblique, nounone, numberordinal number, nounpi, nounplot, verbplus, prepositionpoint, nounpositive, adjectiveprime number, nounproduct, nounproper fraction, nounproportion, nounquadr-, prefixquadrillion, numberquadruple, adjectivequotient, noun-rd, suffixroman numeral, nounroot, nounround, adjectivescore, numbersecond, numberserial number, nounset, nounsingle figures, nounsix, numbersixteen, numbersixty, numbersquare, nounsquare, verbsquared, adjectivesquare root, noun-st, suffixsubtract, verbsum, nountake, verbten, numbertenth, adjectivetertiary, adjectivetetra-, prefixthirteen, numberthirty, numberthousand, numberthree, numberthree-quarter, adjectivethreescore, numbertreble, determinertri-, prefixtrillion, numbertwelve, numbertwenty, numbertwice, adverbunit, nounV, nounvulgar fraction, nounwhole number, nounX, nounzero, number Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► nothing else  There was nothing else the doctors could do. ► nothing more  He had nothing more to say. ► know nothing about  We know nothing about her family. ► do nothing  I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. ► say nothing  I promised to say nothing about it to anyone. ► heard nothing  We’ve heard nothing from her for weeks. ► absolutely nothing  There’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. ► Nothing at all  ‘Do you know much about business?’ ‘Nothing at all.’ ► virtually nothing  She had eaten virtually nothing at supper. ► nothing wrong  There’s nothing wrong with the data. ► nothing new  There’s nothing new about this. ► nothing untoward  A brief search was made but they found nothing untoward. ► nothing much  ‘What did you do last weekend?’ ‘Oh, nothing much.’ ► meant nothing  Politics meant nothing (=was not important) to me for years. ► nothing special  The meal was nothing special (=it was not unusual or interesting) – just fish with a cheese sauce. ► want nothing to do with  I want nothing to do with (=do not want to be involved) the whole thing. ► nothing whatsoever  My staff had nothing whatsoever to do with this. ► not ... anything · I could not find anything suitable. COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► absolutely nothing  Jim knew absolutely nothing about the business when he joined the firm. ► have nothing but admiration for somebody (=have a lot of admiration for someone)· I have nothing but admiration for his work. ► apropos of nothing (=not relating to anything previously mentioned) Apropos of nothing, he suddenly asked me if I liked cats! ► nothing to be ashamed of  Everyone cries sometimes – it’s nothing to be ashamed of. ► betrayed nothing  His face betrayed nothing (=showed no emotion). ► like/love/enjoy nothing better (than)  She likes nothing better than a nice long walk along the beach. ► have nothing better to do  Have you got nothing better to do than sit there playing that silly game? ► came to nothing  All those years of studying, and in the end it all came to nothing. ► nothing in common  four women with almost nothing in common ► have/feel/show etc nothing but contempt · The public should have nothing but contempt for bad journalism. ► count for nothing  His overseas results count for nothing. ► do something/nothing/anything · He lay on the sofa and did nothing all day. ► do nothing for something (=not have a good effect on something)· Being apart for so long did nothing for our relationship. ► do nothing for somebody (=used to say that particular clothes, colours etc do not suit someone)· I liked the dress but it did nothing for me. ► have something/nothing to eat (=eat something/nothing)· We’ll leave after we’ve had something to eat. ► nothing to get excited about  The food was nothing to get excited about (=not very good or special). ► nothing fancy  I just want a basic sports coat – nothing fancy. ► something/nothing/anything happens  Something terrible has happened. She carried on as if nothing had happened. ► had nothing on  Jimmy had nothing on but his socks. ► have nothing against  I have nothing against foreigners (=have no reason to dislike them). ► knew nothing of  She knew nothing of what had happened earlier that day. ► nothing like  He looked nothing like (=not at all like) the man in the police photograph. ► nothing like enough  This will be nothing like enough money. ► little or nothing  He knew little or nothing (=almost nothing) about fixing cars. ► have nothing to lose but your pride/reputation etc  The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). ► nothing else mattered  At last she was with the man she loved and nothing else mattered. ► meant nothing to  He said his name was ‘Randall’ but it meant nothing to me (=I was not familiar with it). ► meant nothing  Time meant nothing (=it was not important) to me while I was travelling. ► something is nothing short of a miracle (=it is extremely unexpected and you are very pleased about it)· What has happened is nothing short of a miracle. ► not/nothing much  ‘What are you doing?’ ‘Oh, not much, really.’ There’s nothing much we can do to help. ► almost nothing · I know almost nothing about it. ► had nothing to offer  He felt he had nothing to offer her that she wanted. ► anything/nothing/something particular  I had nothing particular planned. ► nothing/no one/nowhere in particular  ‘What did you want?’ ‘Oh, nothing in particular.’ ► have nothing but praise for somebody/something (=praise them a lot, especially when they have had to deal with a difficult situation)· Passengers had nothing but praise for the pilot. ► nothing remotely resembling something (=nothing at all like something or as good as something)· Nothing remotely resembling a cure has been found. ► resemble nothing so much as something (=look or seem rather like something)· The building resembled nothing so much as giant beehive. ► say something/anything/nothing · I was about to say something to him when he looked up and smiled. ► have something/anything/nothing to say · He usually has something to say about just about everything. ► there is something/nothing sinister about somebody/something  There was something sinister about Mr Scott’s death. ► anything/something/nothing special  Are you doing anything special for Christmas? ► there’s nothing to stop somebody (from) doing something  There’s nothing to stop you applying for the job yourself. ► suspect something/nothing/anything  He never suspected anything. ► something/anything/nothing suspicious  Call the police if you see anything suspicious. ► whispering sweet nothings  a couple whispering sweet nothings to each other ► anything/nothing untoward  I walked past but didn’t notice anything untoward. ► nothing unusual · There is nothing unusual about the arrangement. ► there’s nothing worse than ... · There’s nothing worse than lending something and not getting it back. ► be worth nothing/not be worth anything  It’s a very old machine so I shouldn’t think it’s worth anything. ► there is something/nothing wrong · There’s something wrong with this yogurt. ► something/nothing is wrong · It was four whole days before anyone even noticed something was wrong. ► something/nothing/everything goes wrong · If something goes wrong with your machine, you can take it back to the dealer. Phrases PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► for nothing I don't want to struggle all my life for nothing. If we don't get the contract all our hard work will have been for nothing. My dad said he'd fix it for nothing. We drove all the way down there for nothing. We got the car for nothing because the woman wanted to get rid of it fast. After all, it wasn't dubbed the Palace for nothing. Hell, his great-grandaddy used to work for nothing, for all that matter. His mind was set on walking down his quarry and had room for nothing else. Ironically, later auf became a local expression for a long wait, or working for nothing. Nobody gets anything, for nothing. Peres is to be blamed for nothing. What could be more stable than for nothing to change? You can skate for nothing if you want. ► there’s nothing like something There's nothing like a nice hot bath to help you relax. And there's nothing like a conversation when you smoke. Facing page: there's nothing like a brew to soothe aching limbs but where's the Kendal Mint cake? No, there's nothing like a good laugh to make you feel better about yourself. Second team or not, however, there's nothing like the first century. When the weather's good there's nothing like a luxurious dessert to give a special menu a final flourish. ► there’s nothing in/to something And often there's nothing to show for it at the end. But it's going to be all right - there's nothing to worry about. But the National Rivers Authority, which has investigated the site, says there's nothing to fear. Come on, old girl, there's nothing to be frightened of now. It's because there's nothing in it. Nine times out of ten, using this tactic, you discover that there's nothing to worry about. The name in a way is obvious; there's nothing to it really. You find there's nothing to it, a false rumour. ► if nothing else If nothing else, the report points out the need for better math education. It's boring, but if nothing else, I can get my homework done. And a strike, if nothing else, creates lots of opportunities. At the very least, if nothing else is available, works should be rinsed with lots of cold water. Everybody knew each other, and had grown up in proximity, if nothing else. Good manners, if nothing else, decreed that she stayed. On this, if nothing else, both left and right can certainly agree. The formulation of classifications provides, if nothing else, mental exercise for geomorphologists. There must be a Rafferty son who could at least do some digging, if nothing else. Used to be that Republicans were if nothing else, civil human beings. ► come to nothing But it had come to nothing, and in the process he had recognised the truth behind his motives. Crack addicts, criminals, people whose lives have come to nothing. Even Sam Smith's valiant attempts to reduce the deficit came to nothing. If this was the intention it came to nothing, for the title was abolished in 1554. Plots to dispose of him came to nothing. Sadly it has come to nothing. Speculation that the deputy chairman, Lord Barnett, might also be removed came to nothing. Without action your job hunting will come to nothing. ► be nothing if not something That kid is nothing if not noisy. But Yeltsin is nothing if not a risk-taker. He was nothing if not vain. Herbert Wadlough is nothing if not reliable. Shelley's prose is nothing if not inspired and inspiring. The plan was nothing if not complicated. The Suffolk farmhouse was nothing if not practical. The World Wide Web is nothing if not a participatory medium. ► nothing doing Lend you $500? Nothing doing! Clinton did some frantic shuttle diplomacy, but there was nothing doing. I wanted to get to know him all right, but nothing doing. ► (there’s) nothing to it► it was nothing/think nothing of it► nothing but There was nothing but salad to eat. They did nothing but argue for the whole journey. This car's been nothing but trouble. At one time we had about eighty people here who did nothing but research into various family genealogies. Charles, by contrast, had known nothing but restriction and discipline. His death was nothing but an absurd, ludicrous accident. Indeed I was forgetful, pathologically so, and for this too I felt nothing but remorse. Nora objects, it's been nothing but ringing phones and boiling kettles, doorbells and toilets, since you began. They saw nothing but a dim grayness, or was it blackness? You could walk from there till your feet ached, and still you'd see nothing but herring. ► nothing of the sort/kind But nothing of the sort happens. Even apparent moves by the regime to resolve the crisis turn out on closer inspection to be nothing of the kind. In reality, of course, Pooley had done nothing of the kind. It is nothing of the kind. It sounds unkind, but nothing of the sort was ever remotely true of Borg. Maggie expected him to look annoyed but he did nothing of the sort. Uncle Allen remembered nothing of the sort. ► have nothing on somebody Another time she seemed to have nothing on under a grass skirt as she danced on a mirrored floor. He realized she must have nothing on. She seemed to have nothing on underneath, which made the wheel in my stomach behave in an entirely crazy fashion. When it comes to conniving, deceptive control freaks, ex-boyfriends have nothing on record companies. Where that girl is concerned I have nothing on my conscience. ► there’s nothing for it but to do something► have nothing against somebody/something I have nothing against Jack personally, I just don't like his line of work. Atari and Psion, like most companies, have nothing against enthusiasts making one or two copies for personal back-ups. I have nothing against Mr Jack Neighbours, who sadly, I understand, was killed in the war. I have nothing against the Arabs ... They are the same as us. I have nothing against the Arabs. I have nothing against these resorts, but my own shortlist of best resorts would not include any of them. I have nothing against thorns and prickles so long as you can admire them from a safe distance. Now I want this distinctly understood, that I have nothing against Cleveland. ► have/be nothing to do with somebody/something But that smell might very well have nothing to do with it. Finally, he was publicly warned and barred from communion, and the people advised to have nothing to do with him. General Smuts will have nothing to do with you. He was nothing to do with her and Alan. I have nothing to do with the motel. These are things to be proud of, but they have nothing to do with rank or class. We have nothing to do with each other. PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► it’s all or nothing The deal is all or nothing. It's all or nothing and being strong enough to take the flak if things go wrong. It's all or nothing with her. ► nothing better Analysts in Harare believe Mr Mugabe would like nothing better than the chance to declare a nationwide state of emergency. For sleeping there is nothing better than cotton. He had nothing better to do. I should have remembered: our new management likes nothing better than doing things on the cheap. Learn to tie it and you will realise there is nothing better. Rowland moves outside the establishment - in fact, he likes nothing better than upsetting it. The reporters, oddly enough, just happen to be sitting there in the line of fire with nothing better to do. With nothing better to do, Billy shuffled in their direction. ► there is little/nothing to choose between something Both make-ups can be available at the same time and, so far as value goes, there is nothing to choose between them. But there is little to choose between the two in terms of overall performance. ► nothing daunted Naturally adventurous, she loved the life in Abyssinia, where nothing daunted her. ► no ... /nothing on earth But at the time, with my dad as he was, there might have been no such place on earth. Further, no nation on Earth presently has the ability to launch manned lunar missions. Gazza's goal convinced Maradona there is no greater player on earth than the irrepressible Geordie. No city on earth is quite like it. No nation on earth takes greater pride in its moral heritage than the United States. Obviously I couldn't mime to a voice of seventeen years ago, no way on earth! Oh no ... what on earth was there to cry for? There is no excitement on earth like it. ► look/feel etc like nothing on earth► nothing could be further from the truth A lot of people think soufflés are hard to make. Nothing could be further from the truth. They say he is a spy, but nothing could be further from the truth. ► nothing could be/is further from somebody’s mind/thoughts► have nothing/not much/a lot etc going for somebody/something► have (got) nothing on somebody/something Another time she seemed to have nothing on under a grass skirt as she danced on a mirrored floor. He realized she must have nothing on. She seemed to have nothing on underneath, which made the wheel in my stomach behave in an entirely crazy fashion. When it comes to conniving, deceptive control freaks, ex-boyfriends have nothing on record companies. Where that girl is concerned I have nothing on my conscience. ► be on a hiding to nothing But he was on a hiding to nothing really. Time was never called and the tide was soon to discover it was on a hiding to nothing. ► leave little/nothing to the imagination His creation left nothing to the imagination. Plastics - that here leave little to the imagination - were widely used in fashion. ► nothing/anything of the kind But nothing of the kind has happened. Even apparent moves by the regime to resolve the crisis turn out on closer inspection to be nothing of the kind. However, we have done nothing of the kind! In reality, of course, Pooley had done nothing of the kind. It's possible that I might have, but I can assure you I did nothing of the kind. It does nothing of the kind. Of course, nothing of the kind turns up. She had denied anything of the kind to the police but it was real enough. ► nothing less than something The change in Bob's behavior has been nothing less than a miracle. He is aware that what he is involved in now is nothing less than Thatcherite self-help. It is nothing less than an opportunity to save or change the world. It is nothing less than national economic and social suicide. The result, and the acceptance of it, is nothing less than an outrage. There is nothing less than a cultural cover-up about depression in men. They had stumbled in upon what was quite clearly nothing less than a pagan sacrifice. This gave her hope, for it was nothing less than a re-birth that Maggie was aiming for. ► nothing like All of these are useful, and collectively they offer nothing like enough. But she's nothing like her character in real-life. But the 1870s were not the 1370s, and amid rapid industrialization, apprenticeship was nothing like it once was. I have heard of three deaths during rugby matches in the seven years I have been secretary, but nothing like this. It was nothing like the life I wanted. Myddle parish saw nothing like the same rapid turnover of personnel. Straitlaced Amos, for example, was less stereotypical than his pals, and Sapphire spoke nothing like her husband. The zone blitz can fluster an offense because it looks nothing like a conventional blitz. ► there’s nothing like There's nothing like Mom's chicken soup. And there's nothing like a conversation when you smoke. Facing page: there's nothing like a brew to soothe aching limbs but where's the Kendal Mint cake? No, there's nothing like a good laugh to make you feel better about yourself. Second team or not, however, there's nothing like the first century. When the weather's good there's nothing like a luxurious dessert to give a special menu a final flourish. ► have nothing to lose As the underdog here, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. But you have nothing to lose - your life was being made a misery anyway. For a meeting or two, they have nothing to lose. If you are not sure whether you will be entitled to benefit, remember that you have nothing to lose by applying. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. You have nothing to lose but your monotony. You have nothing to lose by taking action in the small claims court. You have nothing to lose by trying out possible futures for size-it just requires an imaginative leap. ► what’s the matter?/something’s the matter/nothing’s the matter etc► next to nothing I learned next to nothing at school - the teachers were awful. It costs next to nothing to go to an afternoon movie. My parents know next to nothing about the men I date. Phil earns next to nothing. The company's profits climbed from next to nothing to $6 million in just two years. A drive down Highway 880, past the Coliseum complex, reveals next to nothing new. For he was obliged now to concentrate on what he was doing, even if it was next to nothing. I know next to nothing about Belinda, but I must ask him how she died. It was nuts-and-bolts work, with a salary next to nothing, but he was prepared to bear the sacrifices. Its high rise flats are steeped in monotonous poverty: families survive on next to nothing, heroin is a hard currency. We know next to nothing about philosophy thanks to television, but lots about the nocturnal habits of cute animals. ► something has much/little/nothing to recommend it The hotel has little except price to recommend it. An alternative approach-optical fibre - has much to recommend it. As such, it has much to recommend it. But in terms of an effective solution the voting method has little to recommend it. In principle this format has much to recommend it, but in this case the practice has not been successful. It is plain that, in the long run, the gentle art of compromise has much to recommend it. Nevertheless, the principle of chisel ploughing has much to recommend it in the right conditions. Such a way of proceeding has much to recommend it, but scant progress has been made in that direction. This cooperative family decision-making has much to recommend it. ► is nothing sacred? Look at how those girls are dressed! Is nothing sacred anymore? Some countries operate five-year plans but there is nothing sacred about this length of time. ► to say nothing of something A bounced check will cost you $25 or more, to say nothing of your credit rating. Getting in would be hazardous; to say nothing of getting out, but it was his only chance. He asks her to say nothing of what occurred, agreeing that it must have been Grace Poole whom she heard. He brought to the job a number of attractive qualities, to say nothing of an imposing physical presence. It is not easy, to say nothing of being undignified, to strip off a jumper in front of an audience! It would clearly be far too expensive to repeat every investigation carried out by the police, to say nothing of delays. Long-term strategy, and the opportunities of broadcasting, to say nothing of priorities, politics and ethics. ► be nothing/little short of something First, I would strongly advise other CEOs to follow our experience because the results stood to be nothing short of spectacular. It is little short of tragic that she has been cut off, while still at the peak of her singing power. The 18 tracks of the new record are so dizzyingly dexterous, the live show should be nothing short of amazing. The city hopes to attract around 3.5 million visitors annually, but last year's figures were little short of disastrous. The quality of sound via these outputs is nothing short of amazing. The result is nothing short of brilliant and has met with raves in all the glossy industry mags. This is nothing short of a scandal. What they envision is nothing short of a new corporate structure, in which accounting and other functions are outsourced. ► nothing of the sort But nothing of the sort happens. In practice, of course, he does nothing of the sort. It sounds unkind, but nothing of the sort was ever remotely true of Borg. Kiki was a Garbo fanatic and looked on herself as a femme fatale even though she was nothing of the sort. Maggie expected him to look annoyed but he did nothing of the sort. So far, Holly says, he has seen nothing of the sort. This is nothing of the sort. Uncle Allen remembered nothing of the sort. ► stick at nothing► will/would stop at nothing (to do something) Clearly, Franco would stop at nothing to retain his hegemonic position. Detectives are hunting three masked raiders who they believe will stop at nothing. Luke Calder was a coolly calculating, ruthless man who would stop at nothing to get where or what he wanted. Robert Sheldrake is an unscrupulous man who will stop at nothing to get this practice. ► nothing succeeds like success Initially nothing succeeds like success: but eventually success exceeds itself, and decline and despondency set in. ► sweet nothings He whispered sweet nothings in her ear while they danced. How musical the river and how charming the trees whispering sweet nothings as we pass! Ned appeared to be whispering sweet nothings in her ear but his attentions were being met with a stony silence! The bed was comfortable and so large you had to shout sweet nothings. ► think nothing of doing something He'd think nothing of checking up on a fellow's credentials. He thought nothing of playing in ten or eleven consecutive events. He would think nothing of walking up and hugging you. I thought nothing of it, just that whoever closed the house up had overlooked it. She just found it hard to be owned by customers; men especially thought nothing of appraising her through her clothes. The Human Piranha, a Harvard graduate, thought nothing of it. They have been in the middle of war and think nothing of hearing shooting all round them. When she was young enough to travel alone and think nothing of it. ► think nothing of something He'd think nothing of checking up on a fellow's credentials. He thought nothing of playing in ten or eleven consecutive events. He would think nothing of walking up and hugging you. I thought nothing of it, just that whoever closed the house up had overlooked it. She just found it hard to be owned by customers; men especially thought nothing of appraising her through her clothes. The Human Piranha, a Harvard graduate, thought nothing of it. They have been in the middle of war and think nothing of hearing shooting all round them. When she was young enough to travel alone and think nothing of it. ► nothing/no one can touch somebody/something► nothing could be further from the truth► nothing ventured, nothing gained► not want for something/want for nothing► nothing to worry about It's just a simple check-up. There's nothing to worry about. You're a bright girl, and you've got nothing to worry about, as long as you finish all your assignments. As long as those trousers were still in circulation, I felt sure there was nothing to worry about. Bland reassurances came from the officials in charge of the spraying, who said there was nothing to worry about. But Mel still insisted they had nothing to worry about. I can reassure you that your sexy dreams are nothing to worry about. Nine times out of ten, using this tactic, you discover that there's nothing to worry about. There was nothing to worry about: if there had been, the fuzz would have come in with a warrant. You can then realistically reassure yourself that you have nothing to worry about. You have nothing to worry about. ► nothing to write home about Jim and Marcia's new house is nothing to write home about. A few long-range efforts, but nothing to write home about. Three, it is nothing to write home about ... Home ... What's the first thing you remember? 1not anything or no thing:  Nothing ever happens in this town. There’s nothing in this box. There was nothing else the doctors could do. He had nothing more to say. We know nothing about her family. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. I promised to say nothing about it to anyone. We’ve heard nothing from her for weeks. There’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. ‘Do you know much about business?’ ‘Nothing at all.’ She had eaten virtually nothing at supper. There’s nothing wrong with the data. There’s nothing new about this. A brief search was made but they found nothing untoward.2nothing but only:  She’d had nothing but bad luck.3have nothing against somebody/something if you have nothing against someone or something, they do not annoy or offend you:  I have nothing against him personally.4something which is considered unimportant, not interesting, or not worth worrying about:  ‘What have you been doing?’ ‘Nothing. Just sitting here.’ There’s nothing on television tonight. ‘What did you do last weekend?’ ‘Oh, nothing much.’ Politics meant nothing (=was not important) to me for years. The meal was nothing special (=it was not unusual or interesting) – just fish with a cheese sauce.5especially American English zero SYN nil British English:  We beat them ten to nothing.6have/be nothing to do with somebody/something if you have nothing to do with someone or something, or if someone or something has nothing to do with you, you are not involved or connected with it:  He said that he had nothing to do with the decision. As I said, it’s nothing to do with me. That’s got nothing to do with you. I want nothing to do with (=do not want to be involved) the whole thing. My staff had nothing whatsoever to do with this.7for nothing a)without paying for something or being paid for something:  Why pay a plumber when my brother will do it for nothing? b)if you do something for nothing, you make an effort but do not get the result you want:  We went all that way for nothing.8no money or payment at all:  This service will cost you nothing. When a car has done that many miles, it’s worth nothing.9 there’s nothing like something used to say that something is very good:  There’s nothing like a hot bath after a day’s climbing.10there’s nothing in/to something used to say that what people are saying about someone or something is not true:  It seems there’s nothing in the rumours that she’s pregnant.11if nothing else used to emphasize one good quality or feature that someone or something has, while suggesting that it might be the only good one:  If nothing else, the report points out the need for better math education.12come to nothing if a plan or action comes to nothing, it does not continue or does not achieve anything13be nothing if not something used to emphasize a particular quality that someone or something has:  You’ve got to admit – he’s nothing if not persistent.14 nothing doing spoken used to refuse to do something15(there’s) nothing to it spoken used to say that something is easy to do:  Anyone can use a computer. There’s nothing to it!16it was nothing/think nothing of it spoken used when someone has thanked you a lot for something you have done for them:  ‘Thank you so much.’ ‘Oh, it was nothing.’17nothing of the sort/kind spoken used to say strongly or angrily that something is not true or will not happen:  ‘I’ll pay.’ ‘You’ll do nothing of the sort!’18have nothing on somebody informal if someone has nothing on you, they are not better than you at something:  She’s got nothing on you when it comes to writing.19there’s nothing for it but to do something British English used when there is only one thing you can do in a particular situation:  There was nothing for it but to go back the way we came. → sweet nothings at sweet1(13), → to say nothing of at say1(45), → nothing on earth at earth1(9)GRAMMAR: NegativesDon’t use nothing with another negative word such as ‘not’. Use anything. You say: · I could not find anything suitable. ✗Don’t say: I could not find nothing suitable. nothing1 pronounnothing2 adverb nothingnothing2 adverb Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► absolutely nothing  Jim knew absolutely nothing about the business when he joined the firm. ► have nothing but admiration for somebody (=have a lot of admiration for someone)· I have nothing but admiration for his work. ► apropos of nothing (=not relating to anything previously mentioned) Apropos of nothing, he suddenly asked me if I liked cats! ► nothing to be ashamed of  Everyone cries sometimes – it’s nothing to be ashamed of. ► betrayed nothing  His face betrayed nothing (=showed no emotion). ► like/love/enjoy nothing better (than)  She likes nothing better than a nice long walk along the beach. ► have nothing better to do  Have you got nothing better to do than sit there playing that silly game? ► came to nothing  All those years of studying, and in the end it all came to nothing. ► nothing in common  four women with almost nothing in common ► have/feel/show etc nothing but contempt · The public should have nothing but contempt for bad journalism. ► count for nothing  His overseas results count for nothing. ► do something/nothing/anything · He lay on the sofa and did nothing all day. ► do nothing for something (=not have a good effect on something)· Being apart for so long did nothing for our relationship. ► do nothing for somebody (=used to say that particular clothes, colours etc do not suit someone)· I liked the dress but it did nothing for me. ► have something/nothing to eat (=eat something/nothing)· We’ll leave after we’ve had something to eat. ► nothing to get excited about  The food was nothing to get excited about (=not very good or special). ► nothing fancy  I just want a basic sports coat – nothing fancy. ► something/nothing/anything happens  Something terrible has happened. She carried on as if nothing had happened. ► had nothing on  Jimmy had nothing on but his socks. ► have nothing against  I have nothing against foreigners (=have no reason to dislike them). ► knew nothing of  She knew nothing of what had happened earlier that day. ► nothing like  He looked nothing like (=not at all like) the man in the police photograph. ► nothing like enough  This will be nothing like enough money. ► little or nothing  He knew little or nothing (=almost nothing) about fixing cars. ► have nothing to lose but your pride/reputation etc  The working class has nothing to lose but its chains (=disadvantages, restrictions etc). ► nothing else mattered  At last she was with the man she loved and nothing else mattered. ► meant nothing to  He said his name was ‘Randall’ but it meant nothing to me (=I was not familiar with it). ► meant nothing  Time meant nothing (=it was not important) to me while I was travelling. ► something is nothing short of a miracle (=it is extremely unexpected and you are very pleased about it)· What has happened is nothing short of a miracle. ► not/nothing much  ‘What are you doing?’ ‘Oh, not much, really.’ There’s nothing much we can do to help. ► almost nothing · I know almost nothing about it. ► had nothing to offer  He felt he had nothing to offer her that she wanted. ► anything/nothing/something particular  I had nothing particular planned. ► nothing/no one/nowhere in particular  ‘What did you want?’ ‘Oh, nothing in particular.’ ► have nothing but praise for somebody/something (=praise them a lot, especially when they have had to deal with a difficult situation)· Passengers had nothing but praise for the pilot. ► nothing remotely resembling something (=nothing at all like something or as good as something)· Nothing remotely resembling a cure has been found. ► resemble nothing so much as something (=look or seem rather like something)· The building resembled nothing so much as giant beehive. ► say something/anything/nothing · I was about to say something to him when he looked up and smiled. ► have something/anything/nothing to say · He usually has something to say about just about everything. ► there is something/nothing sinister about somebody/something  There was something sinister about Mr Scott’s death. ► anything/something/nothing special  Are you doing anything special for Christmas? ► there’s nothing to stop somebody (from) doing something  There’s nothing to stop you applying for the job yourself. ► suspect something/nothing/anything  He never suspected anything. ► something/anything/nothing suspicious  Call the police if you see anything suspicious. ► whispering sweet nothings  a couple whispering sweet nothings to each other ► anything/nothing untoward  I walked past but didn’t notice anything untoward. ► nothing unusual · There is nothing unusual about the arrangement. ► there’s nothing worse than ... · There’s nothing worse than lending something and not getting it back. ► be worth nothing/not be worth anything  It’s a very old machine so I shouldn’t think it’s worth anything. ► there is something/nothing wrong · There’s something wrong with this yogurt. ► something/nothing is wrong · It was four whole days before anyone even noticed something was wrong. ► something/nothing/everything goes wrong · If something goes wrong with your machine, you can take it back to the dealer. Phrases PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► be/seem/look nothing like somebody/something Certainly the lateral geniculate nucleus in rats looks nothing like the lateral geniculate nucleus in monkeys. It's classed as being a conifer but it looks nothing like one. Remember that the intermediate stored pattern may be pretty abstract, looking nothing like the input pattern. She insisted that I looked nothing like Majella. She looked nothing like her photograph. The problem is that in its juvenile form it looks nothing like the adult specimen. The zone blitz can fluster an offense because it looks nothing like a conventional blitz. This suspect looks nothing like Nichols, a slightly built, light-skinned man in his 40s with thinning hair. ► be nothing less than something Japan's economic recovery was seen as nothing less than a miracle. They way they treat their workers is nothing short of barbaric. But of course to Miss Hoity Toity Grenfell, it was nothing less than she expected. He come to the remarkable conclusion that Ardakke was nothing less than the setting for the next evolutionary step for mankind. In such context, between such gilt-lettered cloth-bound boards, the concession was nothing less than munificent. It is nothing less than an opportunity to save or change the world. Learn each week in 60 seconds why fashion is nothing less than a full-time job! Milosevic is nothing less than a traitor. The experience of being on Iona is nothing less than magical and I am moved to tears. The result, and the acceptance of it, is nothing less than an outrage. PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► it’s all or nothing The deal is all or nothing. It's all or nothing and being strong enough to take the flak if things go wrong. It's all or nothing with her. ► nothing better Analysts in Harare believe Mr Mugabe would like nothing better than the chance to declare a nationwide state of emergency. For sleeping there is nothing better than cotton. He had nothing better to do. I should have remembered: our new management likes nothing better than doing things on the cheap. Learn to tie it and you will realise there is nothing better. Rowland moves outside the establishment - in fact, he likes nothing better than upsetting it. The reporters, oddly enough, just happen to be sitting there in the line of fire with nothing better to do. With nothing better to do, Billy shuffled in their direction. ► there is little/nothing to choose between something Both make-ups can be available at the same time and, so far as value goes, there is nothing to choose between them. But there is little to choose between the two in terms of overall performance. ► nothing daunted Naturally adventurous, she loved the life in Abyssinia, where nothing daunted her. ► no ... /nothing on earth But at the time, with my dad as he was, there might have been no such place on earth. Further, no nation on Earth presently has the ability to launch manned lunar missions. Gazza's goal convinced Maradona there is no greater player on earth than the irrepressible Geordie. No city on earth is quite like it. No nation on earth takes greater pride in its moral heritage than the United States. Obviously I couldn't mime to a voice of seventeen years ago, no way on earth! Oh no ... what on earth was there to cry for? There is no excitement on earth like it. ► look/feel etc like nothing on earth► nothing could be further from the truth A lot of people think soufflés are hard to make. Nothing could be further from the truth. They say he is a spy, but nothing could be further from the truth. ► nothing could be/is further from somebody’s mind/thoughts► have nothing/not much/a lot etc going for somebody/something► have (got) nothing on somebody/something Another time she seemed to have nothing on under a grass skirt as she danced on a mirrored floor. He realized she must have nothing on. She seemed to have nothing on underneath, which made the wheel in my stomach behave in an entirely crazy fashion. When it comes to conniving, deceptive control freaks, ex-boyfriends have nothing on record companies. Where that girl is concerned I have nothing on my conscience. ► be on a hiding to nothing But he was on a hiding to nothing really. Time was never called and the tide was soon to discover it was on a hiding to nothing. ► leave little/nothing to the imagination His creation left nothing to the imagination. Plastics - that here leave little to the imagination - were widely used in fashion. ► nothing/anything of the kind But nothing of the kind has happened. Even apparent moves by the regime to resolve the crisis turn out on closer inspection to be nothing of the kind. However, we have done nothing of the kind! In reality, of course, Pooley had done nothing of the kind. It's possible that I might have, but I can assure you I did nothing of the kind. It does nothing of the kind. Of course, nothing of the kind turns up. She had denied anything of the kind to the police but it was real enough. ► nothing less than something The change in Bob's behavior has been nothing less than a miracle. He is aware that what he is involved in now is nothing less than Thatcherite self-help. It is nothing less than an opportunity to save or change the world. It is nothing less than national economic and social suicide. The result, and the acceptance of it, is nothing less than an outrage. There is nothing less than a cultural cover-up about depression in men. They had stumbled in upon what was quite clearly nothing less than a pagan sacrifice. This gave her hope, for it was nothing less than a re-birth that Maggie was aiming for. ► nothing like All of these are useful, and collectively they offer nothing like enough. But she's nothing like her character in real-life. But the 1870s were not the 1370s, and amid rapid industrialization, apprenticeship was nothing like it once was. I have heard of three deaths during rugby matches in the seven years I have been secretary, but nothing like this. It was nothing like the life I wanted. Myddle parish saw nothing like the same rapid turnover of personnel. Straitlaced Amos, for example, was less stereotypical than his pals, and Sapphire spoke nothing like her husband. The zone blitz can fluster an offense because it looks nothing like a conventional blitz. ► there’s nothing like There's nothing like Mom's chicken soup. And there's nothing like a conversation when you smoke. Facing page: there's nothing like a brew to soothe aching limbs but where's the Kendal Mint cake? No, there's nothing like a good laugh to make you feel better about yourself. Second team or not, however, there's nothing like the first century. When the weather's good there's nothing like a luxurious dessert to give a special menu a final flourish. ► have nothing to lose As the underdog here, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. But you have nothing to lose - your life was being made a misery anyway. For a meeting or two, they have nothing to lose. If you are not sure whether you will be entitled to benefit, remember that you have nothing to lose by applying. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. You have nothing to lose but your monotony. You have nothing to lose by taking action in the small claims court. You have nothing to lose by trying out possible futures for size-it just requires an imaginative leap. ► what’s the matter?/something’s the matter/nothing’s the matter etc► next to nothing I learned next to nothing at school - the teachers were awful. It costs next to nothing to go to an afternoon movie. My parents know next to nothing about the men I date. Phil earns next to nothing. The company's profits climbed from next to nothing to $6 million in just two years. A drive down Highway 880, past the Coliseum complex, reveals next to nothing new. For he was obliged now to concentrate on what he was doing, even if it was next to nothing. I know next to nothing about Belinda, but I must ask him how she died. It was nuts-and-bolts work, with a salary next to nothing, but he was prepared to bear the sacrifices. Its high rise flats are steeped in monotonous poverty: families survive on next to nothing, heroin is a hard currency. We know next to nothing about philosophy thanks to television, but lots about the nocturnal habits of cute animals. ► something has much/little/nothing to recommend it The hotel has little except price to recommend it. An alternative approach-optical fibre - has much to recommend it. As such, it has much to recommend it. But in terms of an effective solution the voting method has little to recommend it. In principle this format has much to recommend it, but in this case the practice has not been successful. It is plain that, in the long run, the gentle art of compromise has much to recommend it. Nevertheless, the principle of chisel ploughing has much to recommend it in the right conditions. Such a way of proceeding has much to recommend it, but scant progress has been made in that direction. This cooperative family decision-making has much to recommend it. ► is nothing sacred? Look at how those girls are dressed! Is nothing sacred anymore? Some countries operate five-year plans but there is nothing sacred about this length of time. ► to say nothing of something A bounced check will cost you $25 or more, to say nothing of your credit rating. Getting in would be hazardous; to say nothing of getting out, but it was his only chance. He asks her to say nothing of what occurred, agreeing that it must have been Grace Poole whom she heard. He brought to the job a number of attractive qualities, to say nothing of an imposing physical presence. It is not easy, to say nothing of being undignified, to strip off a jumper in front of an audience! It would clearly be far too expensive to repeat every investigation carried out by the police, to say nothing of delays. Long-term strategy, and the opportunities of broadcasting, to say nothing of priorities, politics and ethics. ► be nothing/little short of something First, I would strongly advise other CEOs to follow our experience because the results stood to be nothing short of spectacular. It is little short of tragic that she has been cut off, while still at the peak of her singing power. The 18 tracks of the new record are so dizzyingly dexterous, the live show should be nothing short of amazing. The city hopes to attract around 3.5 million visitors annually, but last year's figures were little short of disastrous. The quality of sound via these outputs is nothing short of amazing. The result is nothing short of brilliant and has met with raves in all the glossy industry mags. This is nothing short of a scandal. What they envision is nothing short of a new corporate structure, in which accounting and other functions are outsourced. ► nothing of the sort But nothing of the sort happens. In practice, of course, he does nothing of the sort. It sounds unkind, but nothing of the sort was ever remotely true of Borg. Kiki was a Garbo fanatic and looked on herself as a femme fatale even though she was nothing of the sort. Maggie expected him to look annoyed but he did nothing of the sort. So far, Holly says, he has seen nothing of the sort. This is nothing of the sort. Uncle Allen remembered nothing of the sort. ► stick at nothing► will/would stop at nothing (to do something) Clearly, Franco would stop at nothing to retain his hegemonic position. Detectives are hunting three masked raiders who they believe will stop at nothing. Luke Calder was a coolly calculating, ruthless man who would stop at nothing to get where or what he wanted. Robert Sheldrake is an unscrupulous man who will stop at nothing to get this practice. ► nothing succeeds like success Initially nothing succeeds like success: but eventually success exceeds itself, and decline and despondency set in. ► sweet nothings He whispered sweet nothings in her ear while they danced. How musical the river and how charming the trees whispering sweet nothings as we pass! Ned appeared to be whispering sweet nothings in her ear but his attentions were being met with a stony silence! The bed was comfortable and so large you had to shout sweet nothings. ► think nothing of doing something He'd think nothing of checking up on a fellow's credentials. He thought nothing of playing in ten or eleven consecutive events. He would think nothing of walking up and hugging you. I thought nothing of it, just that whoever closed the house up had overlooked it. She just found it hard to be owned by customers; men especially thought nothing of appraising her through her clothes. The Human Piranha, a Harvard graduate, thought nothing of it. They have been in the middle of war and think nothing of hearing shooting all round them. When she was young enough to travel alone and think nothing of it. ► think nothing of something He'd think nothing of checking up on a fellow's credentials. He thought nothing of playing in ten or eleven consecutive events. He would think nothing of walking up and hugging you. I thought nothing of it, just that whoever closed the house up had overlooked it. She just found it hard to be owned by customers; men especially thought nothing of appraising her through her clothes. The Human Piranha, a Harvard graduate, thought nothing of it. They have been in the middle of war and think nothing of hearing shooting all round them. When she was young enough to travel alone and think nothing of it. ► nothing/no one can touch somebody/something► nothing could be further from the truth► nothing ventured, nothing gained► not want for something/want for nothing► nothing to worry about It's just a simple check-up. There's nothing to worry about. You're a bright girl, and you've got nothing to worry about, as long as you finish all your assignments. As long as those trousers were still in circulation, I felt sure there was nothing to worry about. Bland reassurances came from the officials in charge of the spraying, who said there was nothing to worry about. But Mel still insisted they had nothing to worry about. I can reassure you that your sexy dreams are nothing to worry about. Nine times out of ten, using this tactic, you discover that there's nothing to worry about. There was nothing to worry about: if there had been, the fuzz would have come in with a warrant. You can then realistically reassure yourself that you have nothing to worry about. You have nothing to worry about. ► nothing to write home about Jim and Marcia's new house is nothing to write home about. A few long-range efforts, but nothing to write home about. Three, it is nothing to write home about ... Home ... What's the first thing you remember? 1be/seem/look nothing like somebody/something to have no qualities or features that are similar to someone or something else:  She’s nothing like her brother. She looked nothing like her photograph.2be nothing less than something (also be nothing short of something) used to emphasize that something or someone has a particular quality or seems to be something:  His behaviour was nothing short of rudeness.
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