see1 verbsee2 noun
seesee1 /siː/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense saw /sɔː $ sɒː/, past participle seen /siːn/) 
WORD ORIGINsee1
Origin:
Old English seonVERB TABLE
see
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | see |
| he, she, it | sees | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | saw |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have seen |
| he, she, it | has seen | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had seen |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will see |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have seen |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am seeing |
| he, she, it | is seeing | |
| you, we, they | are seeing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was seeing |
| you, we, they | were seeing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been seeing |
| he, she, it | has been seeing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been seeing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be seeing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been seeing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!'
- "I've come to see Mr. Greene about a job," he said nervously.
- "Is he ready yet?" "I don't know - I'll go and see."
- "It goes in the red box, here." "Oh, I see."
- Ally has been seeing an analyst for years.
- At fourteen, he couldn't see the point of staying in school.
- Can't you see I'm eating?
- Can you see any reason why it shouldn't work?
- Can you see who's at the door?
- Dad doesn't see as well as he used to.
- Danielle's still too sick to see anyone today.
- Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?
- Did you see the news last night?
- Dr Thomas is seeing a client at 2:30.
- Dr. McNeil had never seen an injury like this before.
- Have you seen my pen anywhere?
- Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?
- He's just one of those people who never seem to see the joke.
- He saw a man get out of the car and walk to the side of the road.
- Hi, I'm here to see Mary Jorgensen.
THESAURUS
to notice something with your eyes, usually without planning to. Also used when saying that you watched a particular programme, film, game etc: · Have you seen my keys anywhere?· Did you see the basketball game last night?
to keep your eyes pointed toward someone or something, especially someone or something that is not moving: · I looked at the map.· She was looking at him in a strange way.
to see something interesting or unusual: · I noticed a police car outside their house.
to suddenly see something, especially something you are looking for: · Nick spotted the advertisement in the paper.
(also glimpse formal) to suddenly see someone or something for a short time, usually not clearly: · I caught sight of him in the hotel lobby, and followed him out the door.· He glimpsed her face as she went into the courtroom.
to see something, but only with difficulty: · Ahead, I could just make out the figure of a woman.
to see something happen, especially a crime or an accident: · The police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.
formal to see and pay attention to something: · Officers observed him driving at 100 mph.
especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· The crew finally sighted land.
Unable to see unable to see anything: · She has been blind from birth.
not able to see things very well, although not completely blind: · Good lighting can be very important for partially sighted people.
completely blind or not able to see very much – used especially in official reports, forms etc: · a special school for visually impaired children
Longman Language Activatorto see someone or something · I saw your brother in town this morning.· Have you seen my pen anywhere?· If you see either of these men, inform the police immediately.· Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?· When did you last see your dog?see somebody doing something · I saw Matt coming out of the cinema with Jane.· I first saw her feeding the ducks in the park.see somebody do something · She saw him get into a Porsche driven by a dark-haired woman.· I didn't see her arrive because I had my back turned.see who/what/where etc · It was too dark for her to see who the woman was.· Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?can see somebody/something · Shh! I can see someone moving in the bushes.see something with your own eyes (=see something or someone yourself, especially something strange or surprising) · 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!'
especially written to see someone or something for only a very short time, and not very clearly: · Rick caught sight of the driver's face as the car raced by.· Lynn caught a brief glimpse of herself in the mirror.
to suddenly see someone or something that you have been looking for, or something interesting or unusual: · A resident spotted a man sitting in his car watching the explosion and notified the police.· He was spotted in the Manhattan area in mid-May.· I spotted this article about it in the paper.
also clap eyes on British to see someone or something -- use this either when talking about the time when you first saw them, or when saying strongly that you have never seen them or never want to see them again: · This was the woman he was going to marry -- he knew it the moment he set eyes on her.· I'd never clapped eyes on the guy before in my life.· I hoped we would never set eyes on one another again.
to see something happen, especially an accident, a crime, or an important event: · Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attack.· The crash was witnessed by millions of viewers who were watching the race on TV.
especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· At least ten birds have been sighted feeding on the lake this year.· We sighted a fishing boat in the distance.
to be able to see someone or something clearly, even though you see them for only a very short time: get a good/proper look (at): · Hold it up to the light so I can get a proper look at it.· I don't think I could identify him. I didn't really get a good look.get a better look (at): · She stood on her toes to get a better look.get a close look (at): · I didn't get a close look at the driver, but I think he was middle-aged.· We drove into the prohibited zone, to get a closer look.
also see at first hand British if you see first hand something that is happening, you see it yourself, rather than being told about it by someone else: · Travelling in rural Thailand, I saw first hand the devastating effects of economic reform. · Central News has been to South America to see at first hand the lives that Oxfam hopes to improve.
to be able to see something, but with difficulty to see someone or something, but only with difficulty: make out something: · Among the trees below, he could make out a yellow pick-up truck.· I could just make out Murphy in the bed next to mine.make it out: · Some crystals are so small, a microscope is needed to make them out.make out what/where/who: · It was difficult to make out where the rocks ended and the sea began.· At first, I couldn't make out what I was seeing.
formal to see the shape of someone or something with difficulty: · The room was too dimly lit for me to distinguish anything clearly.· It was just possible to distinguish the darkened village below.
when something happens in a place where everyone can see if someone does something, especially something unpleasant or shocking, in full view of a group of people, they do it in a place where people can see it clearly: · The muggers stole his mobile and wallet in full view of a crowd of shoppers.· He made an obscene gesture in full view of TV cameras.
if something happens in front of someone, it happens where they can see it, especially when it is shocking or unpleasant: · The man was shot in front of his wife and three children.· The waitress complained that her employer had humiliated her in front of customers.right in front of somebody (=use this to emphasize how shocking something is): · Mom grabbed my arm and scolded me, right in front of all my friends.
if something surprising or shocking happens before your eyes , it happens very close to you, so that you can see it clearly: · Before our very eyes, he produced $50,000 out of his suitcase and offered to buy the house.right before your eyes: · When you see someone murdered right before your eyes, you don't forget it easily.
if a crime or something shocking happens in broad daylight , it happens during the day in a public place where people can see it: · He gunned down a man in broad daylight and got away.· A woman was attacked in broad daylight, right in front of our office.
something that you see something that you see, or when you see something: · Sunrise over the Himalayas is a magnificent sight.· It was a sight so awe-inspiring we could have stayed for hours.the sight of something (=when you see something): · I can't stand the sight of blood.at the sight of something: · Even Charles cheered up at the sight of the food.(at) first sight (=the first time you see someone or something): · When I met my husband, it was love at first sight.· It was our first sight of land after 15 months at sea.on sight (=as soon as you see someone or something): · The superintendent issued orders to shoot looters and arsonists on sight.a familiar/common sight (=something that you often see): · Homeless kids are now a familiar sight on London's streets.a sorry sight (=someone or something that makes you feel sad or sympathetic): · Gavin looked a sorry sight -- his jaw was broken, and he had a black eye.quite a sight (=used to emphasize how impressive, beautiful, funny etc something looks): · We looked at the huge crowd gathering below us. 'It's quite a sight, isn't it?'
the area you can see from a window or place, especially when it is beautiful or when you are able to see something from a place: · We lived in a town house, with a spectacular view of the East China Sea. · Is it the superb views that bring you back here each year?view of: · Edwina's office was south-facing, with a view of the lake.get/have a good view (of something) (=be able to see all of it): · We had a good view of the firework display from Ron's balcony.provide/afford/offer a view (=to have very good views -- used especially in advertisements): · The hotel is situated on a hill, providing panoramic views of the city. · The open-air terrace affords unparalleled views of the Big Apple.a room/apartment/office etc with a view: · We were very, very lucky to get an apartment with a view.· Dan was delighted to get a room with breathtaking views of the Los Angeles basin.
what you see in a place -- used especially when you are describing a place where something unusual or shocking is happening: · The village is a scene of devastation after the heavy rains.· I had to laugh at the absurdity of the scene.· Reporters described the horrific scenes which followed the bombing.scene of: · There are scenes of confusion here as refugees pour out of the city.
an impressive view of a very large area that stretches a long way across in front of you: · At sunrise, they surveyed the vast panorama of snow-covered hills and mountains.· The white limestone formed a dramatic panorama against the darkening sky.
something that you see that is very surprising, strange, or shocking: the spectacle of: · Visitors to London are often shocked by the spectacle of people begging in the streets.a strange/bizarre/tragic etc spectacle: · The sight of European tourists dancing in grass skirts made a bizarre spectacle.make a spectacle of yourself (=to do something silly, surprising, or shocking when a lot of people can see you): · She knew she was making a spectacle of herself with her childish outburst, but she couldn't seem to help herself.
designed to be seen or having a particular effect when seen: · The movie is greatly enhanced by its stunning visual effects.· Teachers have been using visual aids in the classroom for decades.· Children learn to read by interpreting visual symbols.
when something can be seen · Detectives found no visible signs of a struggle.visible from/at/above etc · The church tower is visible from the next village.· Only the top of his head was visible above the water.· A single headlight was suddenly visible far below them.· Trim any visible fat before frying the meat.clearly visible · The bullet holes are still clearly visible in the walls.barely/hardly/scarcely visible · The marks are in faint gold, and hardly visible.visible to the naked eye (=visible without using special instruments to help you) · These stars are barely visible to the naked eye.
how far it is possible to see, especially when this is affected by weather conditions - used especially in weather reports: · Fog has reduced visibility to under 20 metres.good visibility (=when the air is clear so you can see a long distance): · Conditions are perfect for the yacht race; there is a light wind and visibility is good.poor/zero/low visibility (=when it is difficult to see very far): · Poor visibility made skiing extremely hazardous.· Most modern planes can land in zero visibility.
if something or someone is in sight or within sight , you can see them from where you are: · The only building in sight was a small wooden cabin.· The boat was stopped by the US coastguard within sight of shore. · It was a glorious summer day, with not a cloud in sight.· It was late afternoon, and there wasn't a soul in sight.· Meredith looked around - there was no-one in sight.· The taxi driver was still nowhere in sight.come in/within sight of (=to come close enough to a place to see it): · It was several hours before the three men came within sight of the city.
if something shows , people can see it, especially when you do not want them to: · Don't worry about that mark - it won't show.· Your slip is showing, did you know?
if something or someone is in view , they can be seen from where you are and are not hidden by anything: · David pulled the blankets up so only the top of his head remained in view.· There were no buildings in view to suggest the presence of any humans.keep somebody in view: · Place the child's desk near the teacher's, so that the child can keep the teacher in view.
if someone or something appears , you begin to see them or you suddenly see them: · The stars appeared one by one in the sky.appear at/in/on etc: · At that moment, Kenny appeared in the doorway.· I heard a tap, and Lila's face appeared at the window.· A drop-down menu appeared on the screen, and I clicked 'Format'.appear from behind/under etc: · A man suddenly appeared from behind the bushes.appear (as if) from nowhere (=appear suddenly, without any warning): · Just then, Gillian appeared as if from nowhere.· A gray sedan appeared from nowhere in the fast lane.
if someone or something comes into sight , they move into a position where you can see them: · The crowd cheered as the President's motorcade came into sight.· I heard the splash of oars, and a rowing boat came into view.
when something cannot be seen or is difficult to see if something is invisible , it cannot be seen: · The gas is invisible but highly dangerous.· Word Perfect uses invisible codes for many different functions.· He nodded toward the distant ship, invisible in the darkness.invisible to the naked eye (=invisible without using special instruments to help you): · The space probe can photograph parts of the electronic spectrum that are invisible to the naked eye.
if someone or something is out of sight , you cannot see them, for example because they are too far away or they are behind something else: · Jim waited until his parents' car was out of sight and then left the house.· It's best to keep your purse out of sight in this office.drop/pass out of sight (=move to a position where you cannot be seen): · We both quickly dropped out of sight behind the desk.· The car passed out of sight over the hill. out of sight of: · He would punch and kick me as soon as we were out of sight of the teachers.
to no longer be able to see someone or something because they have moved too far away from you, especially when you are chasing them: · Police lost sight of the man when he ran into a crowd of people.· They gave up the chase, losing sight of the car as it turned the corner.
: dim shape/outline/figure etc one that is difficult to see because it is too far away or because there is not enough light: · He saw the dim outline of the taxi-driver's head inside the cab.· There was enough starlight coming in the window to make out the dim shapes of bunkbeds and rucksacks.
something that is indistinct is difficult to see because its edges are unclear or it is very small: · Even with the binoculars, I could barely make out the indistinct shapes gliding through the water.· All the police have to go on is a grainy, indistinct video clip.
part of a place that is within the area that you can see, but that you cannot see properly or easily: · His son walked into his blind spot just as he was reversing the car.· The recent escapes have prompted prison officers to install video camera surveillance of the blind spot.
something you think you see that is not really there an experience of seeing something which is not really there, for example because you have been taking drugs or because you are ill: suffer/have hallucinations: · I suffered horrendous hallucinations and flashbacks, and quit using LSD.· In tests, the drug caused patients to have hallucinations.
something that you imagine you can see, that is either not there at all, or is actually something else: · The road appears to get narrower as you look into the distance, but it's just an illusion.give/create an illusion of something: · It's a small room, but the mirrors create an illusion of space.· She isn't particularly tall, but her upright posture gives an illusion of height.
something, especially an area of water in a desert, that you think you can see in the distance but which is not really there, caused by hot air conditions: · She thought at first it must be the edge of the sea, then realised it was a mirage.· an eerie no-man's land where travellers see mirages
something that you imagine you can see, especially as part of a strong religious experience: · In her vision, Joan of Arc saw an angel telling her to go and fight for France.vision of: · Three days before she died, Rita was blessed with a vision of Our Lord.have visions : · Many people claim to have had visions while praying at Lourdes.
spoken to imagine that you are seeing something that is not there - use this especially to say that you are so surprised at something that you see that you almost cannot believe it: · I thought I saw Patty arrive. I must be seeing things today.
something you can see through if water, air, or glass is clear , you can easily see through it: · The lake was so clear you could see the plants on the bottom.· On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from Tokyo.· I only realised later that the clear liquid in the glass must have been vodka.crystal-clear (=use this to emphasize how clear something is): · The water was crystal-clear, edged by sparkling white sand.
use this about objects or materials that you can see through: · The box has a transparent plastic lid so you can see what's inside.· The boy's arms and hands were so thin they seemed almost transparent.
see-through clothes are made of thin material that you can see through: · a see-through blouse· She posed for 'Vogue' in a see-through black teddy.
something you cannot see through · As the liquid cools it becomes cloudy and opaque.· Keep herbs and spices in opaque glass bottles to protect them from sunlight.
glass that is frosted is fairly thick and with an uneven surface that is difficult or impossible to see through: · Two frosted glass doors opened into an elegant lobby.· Alice took another long drink from the tall frosted glass.· The frosted windows let in a weak light.
when something makes you unable to see if a light blinds you, it is so bright that you cannot look into it and it makes you unable to see for a few moments afterwards: · Onlookers were blinded by the flash of the explosion.· She adjusted the mirror to avoid being blinded by the glare.· The floodlight had blinded him and he couldn't see to reload his gun.
if a very bright light dazzles you, it is so strong that you cannot see anything else, especially when this may have dangerous results: · If you are dazzled by oncoming traffic, slow down and look for a place to stop.· She slowly opened her eyes, only to be dazzled by a strong shaft of sunlight.· I moved aside so that the light no longer dazzled me.
unable to see someone who is blind cannot see at all: · Blake is now over 90, and almost blind.· The operation left their son blind and brain-damaged.· There's a blind man who sells popcorn on the corner.go blind (=become blind): · Without treatment, the patient will go blind.the blind (=people who are blind): · a radio programme specially for the blind
especially spoken if you can't see , you are unable to see things, either because there is something wrong with your sight, or because something is preventing you seeing clearly: · He makes fun of me because I can't see that well.· It was pitch black and I couldn't see.· You can't see from here, but they're out there.· That was the morning I got up, and I couldn't see.
unable to see very well unable to see things that are far away: · 'Are you short-sighted then?' 'Yeah, can't see a thing without my lenses.'
British /far-sighted American only able to see things that are far away and unable to see things that are close to you such as the writing in a book: · My daughter's long-sighted and wears reading glasses.· Many people become far-sighted as they grow older.
not able to see things very well at all, although not completely blind: · Tape copies are available free of charge to blind and partially sighted people.· I am partially sighted, which makes me a lot more vulnerable.
completely blind or unable to see much - use this especially to talk about special services or equipment for this group of people: · Instructions can also be obained in Braille for the visually impaired.· Visually impaired people have as much right to full access to educational courses as anyone else.
informal having great difficulty in seeing things: · Didn't you see me coming? You must be as blind as a bat!· She's as blind as a bat without her glasses.
the ability to see the ability to see: · There are five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.partial sight (=when someone can only see a little): · 'Has Peter got any sight at all now?' 'Only partial sight, in one eye.'impaired sight (=damaged): · Nicole has suffered since birth from impaired sight as a result of cerebral palsy.lose your sight (=become unable to see): · She lost her sight at the age of 12 following an illness.
the ability to see - use this to talk about how well or badly someone can see: · My eyesight's got a lot worse over the last few years.· an eyesight testgood/bad eyesight: · You must have good eyesight. I can't even make it out from here.
the ability to see - use this especially about damage to someone's sight or when someone's sight is affected by an injury, by alcohol etc: · When he woke up he had a splitting headache and his vision was blurred.· When I have a migraine, I can't stand up without vomiting and my vision is distorted.have vision (=be able to see): · My aunt still has some vision in her left eye - she can make out colours and shapes.double vision (=when you seem to see two of everything): · He complained that the new lenses gave him double vision and headaches.20-20 vision (=perfect vision): · Until she was eighteen she had 20-20 vision - now she has to wear glasses.
if you can see , you are able to see things, especially after you have been unable to: · Thanks to a new operation, Ann can see for the first time in her life.· Turn the light on so we can see!
to make certain that something will happen Make sure is more common in spoken English than make certain: · I think Harry knows the way, but I'll go with him just to make sure.make sure/make certain (that): · Make sure you lock your car.· You must make sure that your dog is vaccinated against illness.· The producer must make certain there is enough material to fill the one-hour programme.
also ensure British to do something in order to be certain that something will happen in the way you want it to: · To insure accuracy, three consultants worked closely with the producer during filming.insure/ensure that: · It is important to insure that universities have enough funds to carry out important research.· A new television campaign has been launched to ensure that the victims are not forgotten.
especially spoken to make sure that something someone has asked you to do is done: · I'll see that Jason isn't late for school again!· Will you please see to it that this work is finished by the end of the week.see to it: · "This letter must be posted today.'' "Don't worry, I'll see to it.''
to do things that need doing to decide what needs to be done and make sure that it is done: · Who is dealing with the accommodation arrangements for the conference?· I spend most of my working day dealing with customer inquiries.· I'm sorry I'm late. I had an urgent call to deal with.
to deal with all the practical details of something that needs to be done or organized: · I'll join you later - there are a few things I need to see to at the office first.· My brother attended to all the funeral arrangements.· You'd better get someone to see to that leaking pipe.see to it that: · I'll see to it that everything is ready on the day.
to make sure that arrangements are made or work is completed, especially when you do this for someone else so that they do not need to worry about it: · My secretary will take care of the details.· Shall I take care of your mail for you while you are away?it/everything is taken care of (=someone has dealt with it for you): · Don't worry about your passport and visa - it's all taken care of.
spoken say this to tell someone that you will be responsible for making arrangements or for doing something that needs doing: · "We need to make sure the others know where we'll be meeting." "Leave it to me. I'll phone them when I get home."
if an organization such as a government department processes a letter, an official document, or formal process etc, it deals with it: · You should allow two weeks for your visa application to be processed.· Computers have given banks the power to process millions of transactions a day.
British /follow up on American to take further action in order to deal with a complaint, request, letter etc: · I got your e-mail but I'm afraid I forgot to follow it up.· Our rule is that the complaints department must follow up a letter within two days.· Following up on recommendations made last year, the president called for the more efficient use of resources.
what you say when you are going to explain something spoken say this when you are explaining something to someone, and you want to check that they are listening and that they understand you: · This fits on here, see, where the arrow is.· Simon's car broke down, you see, and neither of us knew how to fix it.
spoken say this when you are explaining something you have said or giving an example of something: · Ted seems kind of lazy. I mean, he never offers to help and he just lies in front of the TV.what I mean (to say) is: · I'm afraid I can't help you. What I mean is that I'm not a detective, and I don't solve crimes.
use this when you are saying something in a different way in order to explain it more clearly: · What we need is a more sustainable transport system, in other words, more buses and trains, and fewer cars.· This is supposed to be a democracy - in other words, one person one vote.
spoken use this when you are explaining a problem or the reason for something: · I really don't want to leave yet. The thing is, I have an appointment in 15 minutes.· I do have a computer, but the thing is, it's really old and I can't use it for email.
use this to explain the meaning of the previous word or phrase by giving more information about it: · The fare is reduced for children, that is, anyone under 15 years old.· All documents are printed in the two official languages - that is, English and French.
spoken say this when you want to explain something to someone because you think they have not understood: · I can see you're getting confused. Let me explain.· I know the plan seems a little crazy at first, but it's really not. Let me explain.
used when you have explained something in one way and you are going to try to make it clearer by explaining it in a different way: · Money makes money. To put it another way, the more you invest, the greater your potential profit will be.· The problem demands a global solution. To put it another way, local regulations will have very little effect.
spoken say this when someone is not sure what you mean and you are going to try to explain in a way that will help them to understand, especially by saying something humorous or direct: · "Does he get many dates?" "Put it like this - you don't have to feel sorry for him."· Put it this way, honey - what the boss doesn't know isn't going to bother him.
spoken used when you are going to use different words to say something again, because you have just said it in an unsuitable way and it may not have been understood correctly: · I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. That wasn't what I meant to say at all.· Most of the people there were incredibly old. Let me rephrase that - we were the youngest couple there.
to find out about something to get information about something, either by chance or by deliberately trying to get it: · "Do you have these shoes in size 8?" "I'm not sure - I'll just go and find out."· When we found out the price we were shocked.find out what/where/whether etc: · I'll go and find out which platform the train leaves from.· Dad was really mad at me when he found out where I'd been.find out about: · He's trying to find out about Japanese classes in the area.find out something/find something out: · Could you find out his address for me, please?· "John's been married twice." "How did you find that out?"find out (that): · She found out that her husband was having an affair.
to find something out, especially something that is surprising or something that is difficult to find out. Discover is more formal than find out: · Fire officers are still trying to discover the cause of the fire.discover (that): · I began to learn the guitar, and discovered that I was pretty good at it.· She discovered the job wasn't as easy as it might seem.discover how/why/what etc: · They never discovered who the murderer was.
especially spoken to get the information that you want by going somewhere to look, or by doing something and noticing what happens: · "Is he ready yet?" "I don't know - I'll go and see."see if/whether: · See if the rice is done while you're in the kitchen, will you?see how/where/what etc: · Can you see who's at the door?· Let's see what happens if we add some oil.
to know about something because someone has told you, you have read about it, seen it on television etc: · "Nina's quit her job." "Yes, so I've heard."hear about: · How did you hear about our company?· We've heard such a lot about you from our daughter.hear (that): · I hear you're moving to Toronto.hear whether/if: · When will you hear whether you've got the job?hear what/why/how etc: · I suppose you've heard what happened?
to find out about something because someone tells you: be told (that): · He was told that Anna had left some time ago.· Visitors have been told the building will be used as a museum.so I'm told spoken: · "Is it true that she's moving to Hollywood?" "So I'm told."
especially written to find out a fact or find out that something is true, especially by asking questions: find that: · We found that, despite their poverty, very few people wanted to leave the area.· Researchers found that smokers were more likely to get depressed than non-smokers.
to find out something because someone tells you, you read it somewhere etc: · I doubt if we will ever learn the truth.learn of/about: · She learned of her mother's death when it was announced on the radio.learn (that): · Several months ago, McNair learned that he had cancer.
to know a piece of information because that is what you hear people saying and not because you have been told it directly: gather (that): · I gather you've decided not to resign after all.· Despite my limited Spanish, I gathered that there was a problem with my passport.from what somebody can gather (=according to what I have found out): · From what I can gather, there has been fighting further down the valley.
formal if something such as a problem or a mistake comes to someone's attention or notice , that person finds out about it, especially because someone else tells them about it: · Illegal trading first came to the attention of top management in late April.come to sb's attention/notice that: · It has come to my notice that your account is overdrawn by £200.
to find out about something because the information has been passed on from one person to another in conversation: · "How did you find out she was leaving?" "I heard it through the grapevine."hear through/on the grapevine that: · I heard on the grapevine that Josie and Tom are expecting a baby.
to finish something that is difficult or unpleasant · The course was hard, but I wanted to see it through.· Cassidy, aged 83, intends to see the project through to completion.
to do something now, without delaying any more, so that it is finished and you can stop worrying about it: · I'm going to make an appointment at the dentist and get it over with before the holidays.· Let's get the clean-up over and done with.
if you do something to the bitter end , you continue doing it in a determined way until it is finished, even though it is very unpleasant or difficult: · Campaigners vowed to carry on the struggle to the bitter end.· Despite his injury, Johnson carried on playing on to the bitter end.
to finish doing something in spite of great difficulty or pain: · Eleven girls joined the junior high football team, but only four stuck it out until the end of the season.· It's hard to stick with an exercise program you don't enjoy.
especially British to do or finish something difficult or unpleasant now, so that you can stop thinking about it or worrying about it: · Just go pay the fine and be done with it.· If that's what you want to do, for heaven's sake do it and have done with it.
the ability to realize when something is funny British /sense of humor American your ability to understand and enjoy jokes, funny situations etc: · Mr Hardman was a popular teacher, renowned for his sense of humor.have a (good/great/strange etc) sense of humour: · I like Ann - she has such a good sense of humour.lose your sense of humour: · Maybe I'm losing my sense of humor but I didn't find it at all funny.
especially spoken to be able to laugh and not get angry when other people make jokes about you or do something that makes you look stupid: · I hope he can take a joke - have you seen what they've done to his car?· You may find army life difficult if you can't take a joke.
to realize that a situation that seems to be bad is also funny: · I explained that it was all my fault and fortunately she saw the funny side of the situation.see the funny side of it: · As a teacher, things often go wrong, and you have to be able to see the funny side of it.see the funny side of life: · A cartoonist's job is all about making people see the funny side of life.
to be able to laugh and joke about your own mistakes and faults or about past experiences which did not seem funny when they were happening: · We can laugh now, but at the time it seemed like the end of the world.can laugh at yourself: · Don't take yourself too seriously -- it's a good thing if you can laugh at yourself sometimes.
to say or wave goodbye to someone to say goodbye to someone, or to say the last things that you want to say to them before you leave each other: · I've just come to say goodbye.· They left so suddenly, I didn't get a chance to say goodbye.say goodbye to: · I said goodbye to the kids and got into the car.
if two or more people say their goodbyes , they say the last things they want to say to each other before leaving each other for a long time: · We delayed saying our goodbyes until the last possible moment.· Adam went to get the car as Billie and Jenny said their goodbyes.
to wave to someone as they go away from you or as you leave them: · "Come back soon!'' called Mary, waving goodbye from behind the gate.wave goodbye to: · She waved goodbye to him through the car window.· As we left, I turned to wave goodbye to Helen.
British to wave to someone as they go away from you: · She waved them off, then went slowly back inside.· A crowd of children had gathered on the station platform to wave him off.· She looked back and saw her mother waving her off from the kitchen door.
to go with someone to the door of your house or to a place such as a station or airport in order to say goodbye to them when they leave: · All our friends had come to the airport to see us off.· Mrs Carey went to the door to see him off.· Dee was up the next day at sunrise to see me off.
formal to say goodbye to someone, especially when you know you will not meet again for a very long time - used especially in literature: · The time has come to bid you all farewell.· Some 400 Pakistani soldiers turned out to bid their comrades farewell.bid farewell to somebody: · Queen Victoria bade farewell to her most trusted servant.
ways of saying goodbye spoken say this when you are leaving or when someone is leaving you. Bye is more informal than goodbye: · "Goodbye, Mrs Moore.'' "Goodbye, Dr Aziz.''· Goodbye, Louise. See you soon.· Thank you for calling. Goodbye.· "Bye, Annie.'' "Bye, Mom,'' she said, kissing her mother on the cheek.bye for now (=say this to a friend who you will see again soon): · I've got some stuff to do. Maybe we can have a drink or something later tonight. Anyway, bye for now.
also see you later/see you around spoken informal use this to say goodbye to a friend you will see again soon: · See you, Darren.· Bye, Dad. I'll see you later.· You're still coming to the party tonight, aren't you? Good. See you later then.· She turned at the gate and waved. "See you around, Billy.''see you tomorrow/in the morning/at the club etc: · "See you in the morning,'' she said as she closed the door.· "We'll be back early next week." "Okay. See you then."see you soon: · Safe trip back guys and we'll see you soon.
especially American, spoken use this to say goodbye to a friend you will see again soon. Later and catch you later are used especially by young people: · Catch you later, Matt. · "Later, Mike." "Later, Steve."
American spoken use this to say goodbye to someone you do not expect to meet again for a long time: · "So long,'' he said. "Don't forget to write.''· She grabbed Nick by the shoulders and hugged him affectionately. "So long, Nick.''
spoken say this when you are saying good bye to someone to wish them a good day, a good weekend, a good holiday etc: · Have a nice weekend.· Have a great time at the concert, you guys!
American spoken say this when you are saying goodbye to someone to wish them a nice day: · "I'm off to work." "Alright, have a good one."
spoken use this to say goodbye to family or friends: · "All right, Pat. Take care." "You too, Sally. Bye bye."· Take care and we'll talk to you soon.
American spoken use this to say goodbye to a friend or member of your family: · "See you next week." "Yeah, take it easy."
spoken say this when you are going to leave someone who you have just met for the first time: · Well, it was nice meeting you guys.· "It was nice to meet you, Paul." "Nice to meet you too, Joanne."
to rudely pretend not to notice someone · Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you!· Now that she had lost all her wealth, she was ignored by former friends.totally/completely ignore somebody · The waiter totally ignored Glen and served a girl who had come up beside him.
· Henry waved but Martha pretended not to notice.· If people think you're a beggar, they pretend not to see you.
to pretend not to notice someone that you know, even though you are looking directly at them: · I saw Carrie yesterday, but when I smiled at her she just looked right through me.· In the lift at work, the doctors looked right through you as if you didn't exist.
to ignore someone deliberately, in order to show that you are angry with them or that you have no respect for them: · I couldn't believe Simon had snubbed me at the party.· The senator was furious. "How would you feel if you'd been snubbed by the wife of your president?''snub somebody's invitation/request etc: · They snubbed his invitation to a meeting of foreign ministers at the UN in New York.
to completely ignore someone when you see them, especially because you are angry with them: · I saw Josie today - she must still be angry with me because she cut me dead.· Where he used to cut them dead, he now helps them on with their coats.
informal if someone blanks you, they pretend not to notice you even though your eyes are facing theirs: · I said hello to her in the street, but she just blanked me and carried on walking.
British if a group of people send someone to Coventry , they all agree they will not talk to that person as a punishment: · Unfairly sent to Coventry for two weeks, Hannah decided to run away from school.
to have a picture or idea of something in your mind to think about something and form a picture or idea in your mind about it: · Try to imagine a room as big as a football field.imagine (that): · For a while she imagined that she was a rich woman, living in a beautiful house.imagine what/who/where: · From the description Janet gave in her letter it was easy to imagine what her new apartment was like.imagine doing something: · Just imagine having to spend the rest of your life in jail.imagine somebody doing something: · I can quite easily imagine you running your own business.can't imagine somebody doing something: · I can't imagine anyone wearing clothes that colour.
also visualise British to form a very clear picture of something or someone in your mind, especially in order to help you prepare to do something or help you to remember something clearly: · An architect can look at a drawing and visualize a three-dimensional shape.· David could still visualize Polly, even though he had not seen her for ten years.visualize where/what/how: · He closed his eyes, trying to visualize where he had put his watch.
to have a clear picture of something or someone in your mind, especially because you are trying to imagine what it is like to do something or what someone looks like: · Can you picture it? Lying in the sun, sipping cocktails -- it would be paradise!picture something/somebody as: · I had never met Graham but I pictured him as a pale, thin young man wearing glasses.picture somebody doing something: · Miguel could still picture the children laughing and joking, and chasing each other around the garden.
to have a clear picture of something you are thinking about in your mind, especially something pleasant or funny, or something you think is likely to happen: · I'm going to Corfu next week. I can see it all now -- sun, sand and sea!can see somebody doing something: · Jimmy's gone skiing for the first time. I can just see him coming home with a broken leg.
to form an idea of something in your mind, using the information you have about it: · The Hubble Space Telescope allows astronomers to form a more accurate picture of our solar system.
formal to imagine something happening or what a particular situation is like - use this especially in questions and negative statements: · It is difficult to conceive of a society in which nobody has to work.cannot conceive of something: · I don't know about you, but I cannot conceive of a home without electricity or water.
to like someone to think someone has good qualities so that you feel friendly towards them: · I've always liked Sally - she's a lot of fun.· Everybody liked Mr. Schofield, but he wasn't a very good teacher.· I never really liked her - she was always a bit stuck-up and condescending.
to like someone very much, especially when you have known them for a long time: · You're very fond of Tyler, aren't you?· Over the years, the old man grew very fond of his nurse.
to like someone that you have known for a long time, so that you would be upset if they left you: · We've grown quite attached to you, Annie, and we'll be very sorry to see you leave.· Nurses can easily get too attached to their patients.
informal to like one person in particular more than the other people in a group: · She's always had a soft spot for her youngest grandson.· I've had a soft spot for Janet ever since she took my side in the argument I had with Jimmy.
to like someone because of a particular quality that they have, especially when other people do not notice that quality in them: · Tom's so innocent. He only sees the good in everyone he meets.· I can't figure out what Doug sees in her.
spoken someone that you like because they have the same attitudes that you have, or like the same things that you like: · I like the way she runs her business - a woman after my own heart.
if two people hit it off , they like each other, especially as soon as they meet: · Art Howe asked him to come for an interview for the coaching job, and the two men hit it off immediately.· Those two didn't really hit it off at first, did they?hit it off with: · You can't expect to hit it off with everyone you meet.
to meet someone who you have arranged to meet to be in the same place as someone else because you have arranged to see them: · I'll meet you outside the theatre at 7 o'clock.· The two leaders are scheduled to meet again next month to continue the peace talks.· I used to meet her every week to discuss my work.· Meet me back here in half an hour - I just need to finish up a couple of things.meet for lunch/coffee/a drink etc: · Let's meet for lunch one day next week.
especially American to meet someone in order to discuss something: · She's flying to New York tomorrow to meet with her agent.· The board of directors is meeting with representatives of the union tomorrow.· Supervisors should meet with their employees at least every other week to share information.
informal if friends meet up or get together , they meet in order to do something together, for example to have a meal or a drink: · Let's meet up after work.· The past few years, our family has only gotten together at Christmas.meet up/get together with: · I usually meet up with my friends on a Friday night and go for a drink.meet up/get together for lunch/coffee/a drink: · We must get together for lunch some time.
to have an arranged meeting with someone: · Dr Thomas is seeing a client at 2:30.· I don't think I can see you this afternoon. How about tomorrow?see somebody about something (=see someone to discuss something): · "I've come to see Mr. Greene about a job," he said nervously.
informal to meet someone in order to do something together socially, for example have a drink, go to a party etc: · We hooked up for lunch at Toscana in Brentwood.hook up with: · Matt and I went out for a drink and hooked up with Janet later on.
to meet someone by chance to see someone by chance and talk to them: · I met Jill at the bus stop this morning.· You'll never guess who I met yesterday!· Ron's changed so much, you probably wouldn't recognize him if you met him on the street.
informal to meet someone that you know, by chance: · I'm glad I bumped into you. I wanted to ask you about tomorrow's history test.· I'm sorry I'm late - I ran into an old colleague I hadn't seen for ages.· She's always running into friends that she knows from school.
especially spoken, informal to meet someone by chance: · I saw Penny in town today.· If you see Ted, could you tell him I want to talk to him?
formal to meet someone by chance, especially someone you do not already know: · It was rare that she encountered interesting people through her work.· He encountered the young woman as she was leaving a coffee shop.
to meet other people, especially other people who do the same work as you do, in order to share information, help each other etc: · The conference provided some excellent opportunities for networking and she made some useful business contacts.
a public performance of music a performance given by musicians: · There's a free band concert in Reid Park this afternoon.· Amanda has a solo in the school chorus concert this year.concert of: · Various performers will present a concert of Broadway music to benefit AIDS charities.go to a concert: · On Friday we're going to a concert of modern African music.
to go to see a particular singer or band perform - use this especially about going to see modern popular musicians: · Are you going to see Britney Spears this weekend?
when a musician or group of musicians performs a piece of music: · There are no tickets left for this evening's performance.performance of: · It is the first performance of Berlioz's Requiem in this city in over 20 years.live performance (=a performance that is not recorded): · Have you ever heard a live performance of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony?
informal a performance by a musician or group of musicians playing modern popular music or jazz: · We have a gig in L.A. on Thursday.do/play a gig (=perform at a concert): · They are doing about 30 gigs on their European tour.
an event lasting for a few days or weeks each year, in which many different musical groups or singers perform. It takes place in the same place every year: · I first heard them play at the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival.· Are you going to the Glastonbury festival this year?
to notice someone or something to realize that something is there or that something is happening, when you see it, hear it, or feel it: · "Julie's home." "Yes, I noticed her bicycle outside."· Do you notice anything different about my hair?notice (that): · As she was about to leave, she noticed that the kitchen window was open.· Dominic took a huge slice of cake, hoping no one would notice.· I noticed that he was rather quiet during dinner.notice how/when/where etc: · Did you notice what he was wearing?· She was worried that her boss would notice how long she had been gone.notice somebody doing something: · I was about to leave when I noticed someone coming up the driveway.
to know that something is true, because you notice signs that show you this: can see/can tell (that): · We could tell that she had been crying.· I can see you're not really enjoying this.
spoken say this to mention something that you have noticed: I see (that): · I see that the new De Niro movie is playing this weekend.· I see you've been working out.
to see something or someone that is difficult to notice, or something or someone that no one else notices: · I'm glad you spotted the mistake before it was too late.· If you spot Mom and Dad coming, warn me.· I dropped my keys in the grass, but luckily Jim spotted them.spot somebody doing something: · Police finally caught up with Serrano when he was spotted eating in an Upper East Side restaurant.difficult/easy to spot: · She won't be difficult to spot -- she's got pink hair and weighs about 300 pounds.
to gradually begin to notice something: become aware/conscious (that): · I slowly became aware that I was the only woman in the bar.· He became conscious that everyone in the room had suddenly gotten quiet.become aware/conscious of: · It wasn't until after the game that he became aware of the bruises on his legs.· She became conscious of a growing amount of hostility between them.
if something or someone catches your eye , you notice them and like them because they are interesting, attractive, or unusual: · I was walking through the market when a beautiful dress caught my eye.· Wright caught the eye of filmmaker Spike Lee, who featured him in a jeans commercial.
to notice something that is difficult to see, hear etc, especially because it is very small, faint, or unclear: · Marlowe detected a faint smell of perfume as he entered the room.· She wasn't moving or responding, but he detected a slow heartbeat.· Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?· The system is so sensitive that it can detect changes in temperature as small as 0.003 of a degree.
to notice a fact or detail and remember it, because it tells you something about a person or because it might be useful to you in the future: · I noted her habit of looking at the floor whenever I asked her a question.note how/when etc: · He chatted to her, noting how her face reddened every time Ian's name was mentioned.note that: · Note that the compound is more stable at high temperatures.could/can not help but note that: · I couldn't help but note that Jenny doesn't phone or call around to see you anymore.it should be noted that: · It should be noted that the witness did not recognize the defendant.
formal to notice something as a result of watching or studying it closely: · I didn't observe anything out of the ordinary about her behaviour that day.observe that: · Psychologists observed that the mice became more aggressive when they were put in smaller cages.
formal to notice something, especially something that is difficult to notice: · Although Jane thought her father seemed anxious and uneasy, Susan did not perceive any change in his looks or ways.perceive (that): · The prime minister will only resign if he perceives there is no other way out of the crisis.· If they perceive that a military challenge threatens their country's interests, they will not hesitate to fight.
very easy to notice or understand something that is obvious is very easy to notice or understand: · There is an obvious connection between the two murders.· "Why is she leaving?" "Well, it's obvious, isn't it?"it is obvious that: · It's obvious that something is wrong.· It was obvious from the start that my parents disliked Nancy.it is obvious to somebody: · It should be obvious to everyone that we need to make some changes.for obvious reasons (=when the reasons are so obvious that you do not need to say what they are): · For obvious reasons, we've had to cancel tonight's performance.
if it is clear that something is true, it is easy to notice that it is true and you feel sure about it and have no doubts: it is clear that: · It was clear that Lesley was very upset by what had happened.it is clear to somebody: · It was clear to me that my father was dying.it becomes clear: · It soon became clear that there were not enough police officers to deal with the situation.· It became clear after talking to him that Andrew wasn't going to cooperate.clear evidence/example/sign etc: · There is clear evidence that certain diets reduce your chances of getting cancer.· clear signs of an economic recovery
use this to emphasize that it is easy to see that something is true: · We're obviously going to need more help.· Clearly, the situation is more complicated than we first thought.· The children were clearly upset.· Obviously, this guy's a complete fraud.· The language of the article clearly reveals the author's bias.
to know that something must be true because you can see signs that show this: can tell (that): · I can tell that Mark isn't happy here.· Even though it was dark, she could tell it was him.can tell if: · I can't tell if this is dirty or not. Can you?can tell by: · I could tell by the way she walked that her knee was still bothering her.
if it is easy to see that something is true, it is very easy for anyone to notice or understand that fact: it is easy to see (that): · It's easy to see that he isn't well.· It was easy to see that Minna was embarrassed by her father's behaviour.it is easy to see how/why/what: · It's easy to see why this place is so popular.
a noticeable difference, change, improvement etc is easy to notice: noticeable change: · The most noticeable change was in my younger brother, who had grown quite a bit and was now a third-grader.noticeable improvement: · There has been a noticeable improvement in Jeremy's behaviour lately.barely/hardly/scarcely noticeable (=almost not noticeable): · Stop worrying about your pimples; they're barely noticeable.it is noticeable that: · It was quite noticeable that everyone had been invited except for Gail.
formal a perceptible difference, change, improvement etc can be noticed even though it is small: · The influence of Sartre is perceptible in Hogan's novel.perceptible change: · According to Reynolds, there has been a slight but perceptible change in public attitude lately.barely/scarcely/hardly perceptible (=almost not perceptible): · His lips curved in a barely perceptible smile.· When he asked if she wanted something to eat, she gave a barely perceptible nod.
a distinct or definite possibility, feeling, quality etc is noticeable and cannot be ignored: distinct/definite possibility: · A civil war is a distinct possibility.· Food shortages are so severe that mass starvation is a definite possibility.distinct advantage: · Trigg's height should give him a distinct advantage in his match against Robinson.distinct impression: · I had the distinct impression that Rachel was displeased.
obvious - used formally or in literature: · Even at the age of eight his musical talent was apparent.for no apparent reason (=without a clear reason): · Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, he turned his back and walked away.it is evident (from something) that: · From the look on Jill's face, it was evident that the news came as a complete shock.it became apparent/evident that: · It became evident that Lena wasn't going to be able to handle the project on her own.· After a few months, it became apparent that Vicky did not have a genuine interest in her job.
something or someone that is conspicuous is very easy to notice, because they are different from everything or everyone else around them: · Cuzco's few tourists are conspicuous as they explore the old cobbled streets.· Downtown business owners say they want the city's homeless shelter moved to a less conspicuous location.
to think you know what is going to happen in the future to know that something is going to happen before it actually happens: · No one foresaw the Great Depression of the thirties.· Businesses are alarmed at the costs they foresee in complying with the new rules.foresee that: · Ten years ago she could not have foreseen that her marriage would end in divorce.
also envision to have a clear idea of something that will happen in the future, especially important changes in a situation: · I cannot envisage what the circumstances will be in twenty years' time.· Most of those who voted for independence did not envision war as the eventual outcome.· We do not envisage a general election for at least another two years.
to know or think you know what is going to happen because there are signs that it will: · Jason saw the stock market crash coming and sold most of his shares.· Then one day she just walked out -- I suppose I should have seen it coming really.
informal to think that something is going to happen, especially something bad, not for any clear or specific reason, but just because you have a feeling that it will: · The trip's going to be a disaster - I can feel it in my bones.
to have a strange or unexplainable feeling that something is going to happen, especially something unpleasant: have a premonition (that): · When Paola failed to phone, John had a horrible premonition that she was in danger.have a premonition of: · She shivered suddenly, and I wondered whether she had had a premonition of her own death.
someone who can see into the future has the ability to know what will happen before it happens: · If I could only see into the future and know how this would all end.· Nobody can see into the future, and all stock exchange investment is a gamble.
to remember something very clearly · "Do you remember a guy called Casey?" "Sure, I remember him well."· It was a long, long time ago, but I remember it vividly.· What she remembered most vividly was the hopelessly sad expression in his eyes. remember something all too well/vividly (=remember something that you would prefer to forget) · These men remember all too well the horrors of the Korean War.
to remember the details about something extremely clearly, especially when it is not something that would usually stay in someone's memory: distinctly remember something: · I distinctly remember her dress. It was blue with a red belt.distinctly remember doing something: · I distinctly remember being told that my father was away on a long business trip.distinctly remember somebody doing something: · I distinctly remember him leaving the room at about 8.00 p.m.
if something is fresh in your mind , you remember it very clearly because it happened very recently or because it had a great effect on you: · The day war was declared is still fresh in my mind.· She wrote down the details of their conversation while they were still fresh in her mind.with something fresh in your mind: · It was going to be difficult forming a new relationship with the memory of Marian still fresh in his mind.
to remember clearly the sight, sound, feel etc of something: · I can still see his face when I told him I wanted a divorce.· I can still hear my mother even now, singing away in the kitchen.· The next morning, on his way to the office, he could still feel the touch of her lips on his.
especially spoken use this to say that you will remember something for a long time because it was very shocking, very enjoyable, very frightening etc: · I'll never forget the sight of him lying there in the hospital.· "I'm going to teach you a lesson you'll never forget," said father grimly.I'll never forget the first time/the day/the night etc: · I'll never forget the first time I ate sushi.· I'll never forget the day Linda told us she was gay.I will never forget how/what/who etc: · I'll never forget how he comforted me after my son died.
to remember something that happened a long time in the past so clearly that it seems to have happened very recently, especially because it had a great effect on you: · I remember sitting at that table and listening to him speak as if it were yesterday.· She remembers her husband being shot as if it were yesterday.
to clearly remember something, especially an experience from the past, by imagining that you are doing it again now: · In my dreams, I often relived my fears and thought I was being attacked.· It's about a woman who is forced to relive her past when she discovers her long-lost brother.· I have relived that game many times and I still don't know how I missed the goal.
if something such as an experience or event stays with you, you remember it for a very long time because it has such a great effect on you: · When a loved one dies, it stays with you - it doesn't just go away.stay with someone for a long time/for the rest of their life: · The memory of the incident stayed with him for a long time.· Growing up in the countryside, she developed a passion for horses that stayed with her for the rest of her life.
if an experience or event etc sticks in your mind , it is very difficult to forget: · That reminds me of another incident that sticks in my mind.· One picture of a young child especially stuck in my mind.· A trivial incident, perhaps, but one that has stuck in my mind.
if you are haunted by something, especially something that you are worried about or afraid of, you find it extremely difficult to forget it so you are always thinking about it: · She was still haunted by what happened in Barcelona, although she had left twenty years earlier.· All his life, Whitman was haunted by a sense of loss and loneliness.
to start behaving sensibly after not being sensible · He'd be crazy to leave Liza - it's about time he came to his senses.· Her parents finally came to their senses and realized they couldn't force her to marry someone she didn't like.
to start behaving sensibly after listening to advice or arguments from other people: · I wish he'd see reason and stop putting so much pressure on me.
spoken use this to tell someone that they are not being sensible or practical, for example if they think that a difficult problem will be easy to deal with: · Get real. It's pretty hard for a young woman on her first job to take a case of sexual harassment to court.· "We could always ask Dad for more money." "Get real! We'd be grounded for a month!"
to let someone see something to let someone see something, especially by holding it out in front of them: · Everyone has to show their identity cards at the entrance to the building.show somebody something: · Stephanie showed us her engagement ring.· Show me what you're hiding under the desk, Johnny.show somebody something: · You have to show the security guard your pass.show something to somebody: · Neil showed his Pokemon card collection to Harry.
especially spoken to show something to someone, especially because they have asked to see it: · Could you let me see the menu?· How would you feel if I wrote something about you, but I wouldn't let you see it?· Hold it up to the light and let me see what color it is.
also let somebody have a look British to show something to someone, especially so that they can look at it closely, for example in order to fix it: · At least let Mike take a look -- he might be able to help.let sb take a look at: · Let me have a look at your necklace. Perhaps I can fix it.· Take your shirt off, and let me take a look at that cut on your shoulder.
to show something such as an official document or ticket to someone in an official position: · Please present your boarding card at the gate.present something to somebody: · All passports must be presented to the immigration officer.
formal to take something such as a ticket or official paper out of your pocket or bag and show it to someone in an official position: · The man fired from the car window when he was asked by a police officer to produce a license for the weapon.· Failure to produce a valid insurance certificate may result in criminal prosecution.
to very quickly show something such as a ticket to someone when you are entering or leaving a place: · He flashed his membership card as passed through the door.flash something at somebody: · Two police officers burst in, the latter hurriedly flashing his ID card at her as they made their way upstairs.
formal to let someone see something that is usually covered or hidden: · The animal opened its mouth, exposing rows of sharp white teeth.· The receding tide had exposed huge expanses of sand.
to let someone see something that is usually hidden or that they did not know was there: · She lifted the lid of the box to reveal a life-size porcelain baby doll.· A medical examination may reveal evidence of dietary deficiencies.
to make something seem simpler than it really is · There's a tendency in news reports to oversimplify complex issues to make the news more entertaining.· I know I'm oversimplifying, but these are the values on which I try to base my decisions.
an opinion or way of thinking about something that is simplistic treats difficult things in too simple a way: · a simplistic 'more is better' philosophybe simplistic to: · His critics say it may have been overly simplistic to use only two experimental methods. · It would be simplistic to suggest that the Bible promotes male domination.
also generalise British to say that something is true of all the people in a group simply because it is true of some of them: · I know I shouldn't generalize, but I do think men find it hard to show their feelings.generalize from: · The study group was very small, and it's hard to generalize from just a few cases.generalize about: · The polls show that it is difficult to generalize about which issues were most important to voters.
if someone sees things in black and white , they tend to judge people in a very simple way as being either completely bad or completely good, completely right or completely wrong etc: · My son sees life in black and white. To him, the world is full of greedy capitalists and underpaid workers.
to have a particular opinion: think (that) · We didn't think that the concert was very good.· She thinks I'm crazy to leave my job.· I thought we had a good meeting yesterday.what do you think of somebody/something (=what is your opinion about them?) · What did you think of the new car? Did you drive it?
to have an opinion that you are sure is right, especially about something important such as life, religion, or politics: believe (that): · The party believes strongly that health care should be provided for everyone.· We believe human rights are more important than economic considerations.
to have a strong opinion, but one which is based on your feelings rather than on facts: feel (that): · Liz's parents feel she isn't old enough to leave home.· I feel that we're just beginning to make progress, and that it would be wrong to stop now.
especially American, informal to develop a particular opinion about a situation after considering it carefully: · What do you figure his chances of winning are?figure (that): · The operation went fine, and they figure he'll be home next week.· I'm telling you because I figure you're the only one who can keep a secret.
especially British, informal to have a particular opinion about something or someone: · What do you reckon - would this make a good present for Donald's birthday?reckon (that): · They reckon the French team's better than ours.be reckoned to be something: · This hotel is reckoned to be one of the best in the country.
formal to have an opinion about someone or something after thinking carefully about them: consider somebody/something something: · We do not consider this film suitable for young children.· I would consider it an honour to serve on the Executive Committee.consider somebody/something to be something: · She is considered to be one of the finest pianists of her generation.
to think that someone or something is a particular kind of person or thing: regard somebody/something as something: · She regards herself more as an entertainer than a singer.· America was seen as the land of opportunity.· Several members of the government have said they regard the Minister's statement as ridiculous.
to think that someone or something is a particular kind of person or thing, especially when your opinion is wrong, unusual, or unfair: · Most people think of Leonardo da Vinci as a great artist, but he was also a great scientist.· Learning a language should be thought of as a natural process.· Even doctors may look on these patients as drug addicts and treat them as social outcasts.
to decide to have a particular opinion about a situation or about life in general, especially when other people have different opinions - use this in formal or written contexts: · Nineteenth century scientists took the view that the Universe was meaningless.· Aristotle was of the opinion that there would always be rich and poor within society.· The committee is of the opinion that the contract is not legally binding.
to be thought of as being important or very good by a large number of people: · Von Braun was then acknowledged as the world's foremost expert on rocket engineering.· Lawrence's novel was rejected at first, but it later came to be recognized as a work of genius.
to travel to a lot of different places also travel round British to travel to a lot of different places, especially when you do not plan exactly where you are going: · David travelled around a lot in the '60s and '70s.travel around Europe/the North/Canada etc: · I'd love to have a job that let me travel around the world.· She's been traveling around the country trying to get big companies interested in her ideas.
British to travel to a lot of different places within a particular area or country, especially for pleasure and interest: · For our summer vacation this year we're touring Spain in a camper.· We shall tour the city for two hours and then meet back at the bus.
spoken to travel to a lot of different places in a particular area, especially as part of a holiday: · Last year we did the Greek Islands but we were thinking of the USA this year.· There's not a whole lot to see, so you can do the city in two or three days.
also get round British to travel to a large number of places, usually in a short time: · The metro system in Mexico City is very good. It makes it really easy to get around.get around London/Europe/the Midwest etc: · You can use free shuttle buses to get around the city.
to travel to many different places in a particular area, because you are interested to find out more about them: · We'll be in Istanbul for three days, so there will be plenty of time to explore.· Whenever possible, she and Flynn would go off and explore the countryside, taking a picnic with them.
to travel around to different places all over the world so that you get the experience of living in other countries: · After leaving college and earning some money he set off to see the world.
if you do something on your travels , you do it while you are travelling to different places: · I picked up a few words of Chinese on my travels, but I don't speak it fluently.on your travels to: · Corbett met a number of his contacts on his travels to Taiwan.
to try to do something · Sorry I didn't phone you. I did try, but your line was busy.· I tried all the keys, but none of them would open the door.try to do something · I tried to get another job but I had no luck.· Try to relax and empty your mind.· He tried to walk past me down the stairs, but I stopped him.try hard (=try using a lot of effort) · I was trying hard to concentrate, but my mind kept wandering.try doing something · You could try parking by the library - there's usually room in the car park there.try and do something · I'll tell some jokes to try and cheer him up.
to try to do something, especially something that is difficult, dangerous, or new: · No one has attempted this experiment before.· A rescue was attempted by Coast Guards, but it was not successful.attempt to do something: · Any prisoner who attempts to escape will be shot.· Someone had attempted to open the car door.· They are attempting to become the first to climb Everest without oxygen tanks.
also have a go especially British spoken to try to do something, especially when you think you may not succeed: · I can't get the lid off this jar. Do you want to have a try?· Have a go - you might be able to get the answer.have a try/go at doing something: · We had a go at trying to coax the cat indoors using scraps of food.
spoken to try to do something - use this either to offer to do something for someone, or to ask someone to do something for you: · If you want to come to the show, I'll see if I can get you a ticket.· See if you can get him to change his mind.
to try on one occasion to do something, especially something difficult, dangerous, or new: make an attempt to do something: · I made an attempt to apologize, but Brian wouldn't even talk to me.· Several attempts were made to negotiate with the gunmen.make no attempt to do something: · The protesters made no attempt to resist arrest.
British /endeavor to do something American formal to try to do something: · We always endeavour to provide our customers with the highest standards of service.· I remained for some time endeavouring to engage Mr Campbell in conversation.
formal to try to achieve something, especially something that may take a long time but which you think is important: · The Smiths are now seeking to take their case to the European Court.· For over two decades the USA sought to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.· Our economic policies seek to increase productivity, expand markets and create jobs.
to try to do something that is difficult: · There are too many families struggling to survive on low incomes.· I found my father struggling to lift one end of an enormous chest of drawers.· She struggled to express her feelings.
to understand a situation, idea, or what someone is telling you · She spoke slowly and clearly so that everyone could understand.· I didn't understand the teacher's instructions.· When he's old enough to understand, we'll tell him he's adopted.understand what/why/how etc · Ben asked a few questions to make sure he understood what to do.· You don't need to understand how a computer works to use it.understand that · The witness said he understood that he was swearing to give true and correct information.easy/difficult to understand · Computer manuals should be written in a way that is easy to understand.understand perfectly (=understand completely) · Don't worry. I understand perfectly.fully understand (=understand completely) · Doctors still do not fully understand the process by which the disease is transmitted.
to understand what someone is telling you, especially if they have not expressed it very clearly: · I don't think your audience is going to know what you mean by this.you know what I mean? (=say this to check that someone understands you): · He seems really sad, you know what I mean?I know what you mean (=say this to show that you understand): · "It's a thing you hold pieces of wood in when you're doing woodwork." "Oh, I know what you mean -- a vice."
especially spoken to understand the truth about a situation, or understand the reasons for something: see what somebody means: · Try it for yourself, and you'll see what I mean.see why/how/what etc: · I can see why people don't like him.I see (=say this when you understand what someone has told you): · "It goes in the red box, here." "Oh, I see."you see (=say this when you are explaining something): · Well, you see, he's not really ready to read a book this difficult.see (that): · Well, I can see that the logic is somehow wrong, but I don't know why exactly.see any reason: · Can you see any reason why it shouldn't work?see the point (=understand why something is important): · At fourteen, he couldn't see the point of staying in school.see somebody's point (=understand the main idea or importance of what someone is saying): · I didn't like his attitude, but I could see his point.see the joke British (=understand why something is funny): · He's just one of those people who never seem to see the joke.
spoken to understand what someone says, what is happening, or why or how something happens: get it: · "Do you understand?" "Yeah, we've got it," one of the drivers replied.· Barbara Howell and her husband, Kenneth (Barbie and Ken, get it?) run a bed-and-breakfast inn.I don't get it: · Why did you turn down such a fantastic job? I don't get it.get a/the joke (=understand why something is funny): · John told me one of his stupid jokes, and it took me about five minutes to get it.get the point (=understand the main idea or importance of something): · I don't think you get the point. Legally, you must give us this information.get the idea: · The students should get the idea that this is a complex issue, with no easy answers.get what/why/how etc: · I just couldn't get what he meant.
formal to understand something that is complicated or difficult to understand: · Take the time to read, comprehend, and evaluate the report.· God cannot truly be seen or comprehended by the human mind.fully comprehend (=understand something completely): · The significance of the disappearance of the buffalo and the passenger pigeon was not fully comprehended until much later.
to fully understand a fact or an idea, especially one that it is important or difficult to understand: · Obviously, she had barely grasped the subject.· Science lessons should be taught in a way that makes the material easier to grasp.hard to grasp: · Fame has come suddenly, and Peyton is finding it hard to grasp.grasp that: · The army had failed to grasp that their mission was to protect the navy's ships, not vice versa.
to understand something that is not clear or easy to understand, especially by spending time thinking about it: · Police are trying to make sense of a bizarre note left by the murderer.· There is so much information that it is difficult to make sense of it all.
informal to understand what someone is telling you or what they want you to do, especially after they have told you several times: · Even the Democrats got the message: voters are concerned about taxes.get the message that: · He doesn't seem to get the message that he's not welcome here.
spoken to understand a situation or arrangement, especially one that someone is explaining to you: · I get the picture. You want me to say you were at my house last night.· We don't want any trouble tonight. Do you get the picture?
British informal to understand something that is difficult or complicated: · I just couldn't get my head round geometry at school.
to understand how someone feels to understand how someone feels, and feel sympathy for them, especially when they are upset or have problems: · I'm sure your teacher will understand.understand how/what/why etc: · I understand how you feel, but I still think you should apologize to her.
especially spoken to understand how someone feels and why they feel that way, especially because the reasons are very clear: see why/how/what: · You can see why Clare was so annoyed, can't you?see that: · I can see that you'd find that upsetting.
formal to understand clearly how someone feels or what problems they have: · Congress did not appreciate the amount of anger that people felt about this issue.· Parents have to find ways to show their children that they appreciate their feelings and reactions.appreciate (that): · I appreciate that it's not easy for you, but you must try to get here on time.
to understand how someone feels, because you have had the same feelings or experiences yourself: · I know how you feel. I couldn't watch either - it was too upsetting.know how it feels (to do something): · Believe me, I know how it feels to lose.
say this when you want someone to imagine they are in the same situation as another person, so that they can understand how the other person feels: · Well, put yourself in her place. Would you like it if someone did that to you?
feelings or attitudes that are understandable , especially feelings of anger, annoyance, or fear, do not surprise you because you can see that there are good reasons for them: · That teachers are annoyed about having so much extra paperwork is understandable.· There is understandable anger among the victims' families.it is understandable that: · It's understandable that she doesn't want to see Bill again.
to understand the meaning of something in a particular way to believe that something strange, difficult, or unusual has a particular meaning: · Have you read Dawson's letter? What do you make of it?· Tom could see that McCarron didn't know what to make of the information.
to think that a remark, an action, an event etc shows that someone has a particular opinion or feeling even though they do not say this directly: · Good managers are usually able to read a situation quickly and take the right action.read something as something: · Men shouldn't be surprised if women read this behaviour as threatening.
to choose to understand a particular meaning in someone's words or actions without being sure that this is the correct meaning: · There was a pause, which he took to mean she was angry.· Television producers should not take low ratings to mean failure.
to understand a remark, a piece of writing, an event etc as having a particular meaning, especially because of your own feelings, opinions, or situation: · I see this poem as an attack on social injustice.· Young children often see the birth of a new brother or sister as a great threat.
to choose to understand a piece of information or group of facts in one of several possible ways: · Fairy tales can be interpreted in several different ways.interpret something as something: · The statement was interpreted as a threat against the United States.
to find a particular meaning in an expression or in the name of something, even though other people may understand it differently: · What do you understand by the term "alternative medicine"?· He spoke of profits, by which I understood profits for his company, not for us.
to think that someone's remarks, a word, a piece of writing etc means something or has a particular message, even though this is not stated directly: · "It's very good. You'll like it," their mother said, and gave them a look that they understood to mean they must eat it whether they liked it or not.
formal to understand a remark or action in a particular way, when there are other possible ways of understanding it: · Such activities by the Americans could be construed as an act of war.· Films that could be construed as offensive are shown after nine o'clock.
to not understand · They didn't understand a single word she said.· Tell me if you don't understand.· She thought about getting a divorce, but she knew her children would never understand.· He made a few references to the CIA and national security, which Wilson did not understand.not understand why/how/what/where · I really can't understand why so many people like her music.
also can't makes heads or tails (out) of American informal to be unable to understand something at all because it is very complicated or confusing: · I just can't make head or tail of this train timetable.· I couldn't make head or tail of this book, and had real trouble finishing it.· Consumers can't always make heads or tails out of the way nutrition is labeled on a food package.
to be much too complicated or technical for someone to understand: · It was obvious from her expression that what I was saying was over her head.be way/completely over somebody's head: · I went to the lecture, but it was way over my head.
to be involved in a situation or activity which is too difficult for you to understand: · She was out of her depth in the advanced class, so they moved her to the intermediate class.be way/completely out of your depth: · I tried to read the report, but I was way out of my depth.
to still not understand something after someone has tried to explain it to you: · I've read the manual but I'm still none the wiser.leave somebody none the wiser: · His explanations of how it worked left me none the wiser.
spoken to not understand the reason for something: don't/can't see why/how/what/where: · I didn't see how they could sell it so cheaply.· I can't see why you think it's any of your business.
spoken say this when you cannot understand why something happens or how someone does something, and you find it very surprising: be a mystery to me/be beyond me/beats me how/what/why etc: · It's a mystery to me how he can get so much work done in such a short time.· Why anyone would willingly do that job is beyond me.it beats me/it's beyond me etc.: · "Why does she stay with her husband then?" "It beats me."
you say I can't think or I can't imagine how or why someone does something when you cannot think of any reasonable explanation why someone should do it, and are very surprised that they do: I can't think/can't imagine why/how etc: · He wants to join the army -- I can't think why.· How such a stupid man ever got to be a politician, I just can't imagine.
to visit a person to go and spend time with someone, especially in their home: · I visit my grandparents at least once a month.· Paul visited her every day when she was in hospital.· We won't be that far away - you'll be able to come and visit.
spoken to visit someone: · I'm going to see my brother and his family tomorrow.· Better go and see your father tonight.· Why don't you go and see your mother?go see American spoken: · You really should go see Mattie some time.
to visit someone at their house, especially if they live close to you: · I saw your Mum today, and I promised that we'd go round later.go over/go around/go round to: · Let's get a bottle of wine and go over to Simon's place.
if someone comes over or comes round , they visit you at your house, especially if they live close to you: · I'll come over at about 7 o'clock,· Why don't you come round later and we'll discuss it over dinner?
to visit someone, especially for a particular reason: pay a visit to somebody: · Your hand looks very swollen, I think you should pay a visit to the doctor.pay somebody a visit: · Isn't it time you paid your mother a visit?
to visit someone that you have not seen for a long time, while you are spending some time in the area where they live: look somebody up: · I'll give you my address so you can look me up whenever you're in London.look up somebody: · I looked up a few old friends while I was in Birmingham.
if a lot of people, especially members of your family, descend on you, all of them suddenly visit you at the same time: · Sorry for just descending on you like this, Pam -- we had nowhere else to stay.· The following week all my family descended upon me.
to visit a place as a tourist · Every year thousands of tourists visit Turkey.· We spent the day visiting temples and other historic buildings.
to visit a place, especially because you are near it: · We were near Edinburgh, so we decided to pay a visit.pay a visit to: · We paid a quick visit to New York before flying home.
also go see American spoken to visit a well-known place or building while you are in a city or country: · If you're in Paris, you must go to see the Pompidou Centre.· Let's go and see the cathedral.· Why don't we go see the Statue of Liberty?
to visit a city or country and look at the famous and interesting places there: · I wanted to look round Moscow and see the sights.see the sights of: · We're going on a bus tour today, to see the sights of Copenhagen.
the activity of visiting and travelling around a place to look at the famous and interesting places there: · After an afternoon's sightseeing we were all exhausted.· We spent the days sightseeing and the evenings sitting in cosy bars drinking the local wine.go sightseeing: · Why don't we go sightseeing tomorrow?
spoken to visit a particular famous place while you are on holiday: · I think we ought to do St Paul's while we're in London.· We did the Eiffel Tower yesterday.
what you say to tell someone to wait · Wait, I have a better idea.· Wait! We haven't talked to Vicky yet.wait a minute/moment/second etc · Wait a minute. I forgot to turn off the lights.· Wait a second, don't rush off!
say this when you want someone to wait a short time: · Just a minute, I'm almost ready.· Just a second, let me just check I've got my keys with me.
also hang on especially British use this to tell someone to wait for a short time: · Hold on - I haven't finished yet.hold on a minute/moment/second etc: · Hang on a minute while I find her phone number.
use this to tell someone to be patient because they will find out about something later: · "So what's this surprise you've got for me then?" "Wait and see."· I'm not going to tell you who else I've invited - you'll just have to wait and see.
say this when you are advising someone to wait before deciding something, in order to see how the situation develops: · Let's load up the program and see how things go.· See how things go for another week, and if you're no better we'll change the treatment.
American use this to tell someone to stop, because you want to talk to them or go with them: · Wait up, you guys! I can't walk that fast.
say this when you want someone to know that you will be able to see them or talk to them very soon: · I'm sorry for the delay, sir - I'll be right with you.· Hang your coat up and make yourself at home - I'll be right there.
formal use this to ask someone to wait patiently while you explain something or while you finish what you are doing: · If you'll just bear with me, I'll explain.· Bear with me for just a couple of minutes while I find my notes.
say this to someone who is hurrying too much, when you want them to slow down: · Hold your horses - I haven't even said I'll do the job yet!
spoken say this to someone who wants you to hurry, to tell them that you are not going to: · "When are we going to open the presents?" "All in good time."
to watch someone or something to look for some time at something that is happening or moving, and pay attention to what you see: · She watched the man with interest as he made his way through the crowd.· Do you want to join in or just sit and watch?watch as: · I watched as the small boat disappeared over the horizon.watch somebody do/doing something: · They watched the runners go past.· We watched the children playing on the beach.watch television/a video/the tennis etc: · Did you watch that programme about real life murders last night?· The Presidential debate was watched by over 10 million people.
to look at something or someone: · Did you see the news last night?· We went to see the new "Star Wars" film last weekend.see somebody do/doing something: · He saw a man get out of the car and walk to the side of the road.· The driver saw two men attacking a middle-aged woman.
to watch someone or something carefully in order to learn more about them: · I love to observe people at work.observe how/what: · Visitors are encouraged to look around and observe how things work.
to watch something happening, without taking part or trying to stop it: · Sarah set off after the man, while her friends looked on in amazement.· The women looked on, nodding and smiling.· Mr Parsons began to cough again, while his wife looked on helplessly.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
You can see the Houses of Parliament from here. As you can see, the house needs some work doing on it. Have you seen Chris (=do you know where he is)? The accommodation was so awful it had to be seen to be believed (=you would not believe it if you did not see it yourself). From the tower, you can see for miles. I can’t see a thing without my glasses. These chocolates are gorgeous. Try some and see for yourself (=find out if it is true). By looking at this leaflet, you can see at a glance (=find out very easily) how much a loan will cost. From this graph, it can be seen that some people are more susceptible to the disease. As we have seen in chapter four, women’s pay is generally less than men’s. ‘Can we go to the zoo, Dad?’ ‘We’ll see’ (=used when you do not want to make a decision immediately). ‘How long can you stay?’ ‘I’ll have to see. It depends (=used when you cannot make a decision immediately).’ We’ll just have to wait and see. Things will work out, you’ll see (=you will find out that I am right). The results are shown in Table 7a (see below). I see what you mean (=I understand what you are saying). ‘He lives here but works in London during the week.’ ‘Oh, I see (=I understand).’ You see, the thing is, I’m really busy right now (=used when you are explaining something). You mix the flour and eggs like this, see (=used to check that someone is listening and understands)? I can’t see the point of (=I do not understand the reason for) spending so much money on a car. Do you see the point I’m making (=do you understand what I’m trying to say)? The other officers laughed, but Nichols couldn’t see the joke. See you Friday – your place at 8:30. They’ve been seeing a lot of each other. Don’t worry – I’ll see to it. The hotel’s owners see to it that their guests are given every luxury. I never thought I’d live to see the day when women became priests. She’s seen it all before (=has experienced so much that nothing surprises her) in her long career. I’ll get Nick to see you home. Let me see you to the door (=go with you to the door, to say goodbye). The unemployment data must be seen against the background of world recession. Don’t worry, I can see myself out (=leave the building without anyone coming with me). I can’t bluff – she’d see right through me. You should get that tooth seen to by a dentist.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He was alarmed to discover that his car was gone. Visitors are often amazed to discover how little the town has changed. We were astonished to find the temple still in its original condition. I can’t wait to see the back of this project, I can tell you (=I will be happy when it ends). Mandy was curious to know what happened. I demand to know what’s going on. Visitors were disappointed to find the museum closed. It’s disheartening to see what little progress has been made. Ruth was dismayed to see how thin he had grown. She was disturbed to learn he had bought a motorbike. The plains stretched for as far as the eye could see (=all the distance you could see). Ed was fascinated to see gorillas in the wild. Luckily, when I explained the situation, he saw the funny side (=recognized that it was partly funny). He looked as if he’d seen a ghost (=he looked very frightened). I’m glad to see you looking so well. John was gratified to see the improvement in his mother’s health. It was hard to see what else we could have done. It’s hard to believe that anyone would say something like that. She was horrified to discover that he loved Rose. I’d be very interested to hear your opinion. It will be interesting to see what happens when he gets a bit older. He did not live to see (=live long enough to see) the realization of his dream. There’s loads to see in Paris. Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say). You can see for miles from here. Our neighbours invited us round to see in the new year (=celebrate the beginning of the year). He was overjoyed to see his mother again. I’m pleased to tell you that you’ve got the job. Workers who broke the strike risked being attacked when they left the factory. ‘Look – I’ve even cleaned the windows.’ ‘So I see.’ I was sorry to hear about your accident. The night was dark and still, and there was not a soul in sight. It had surprised me to find how fussy he was about some things. I could see right through the thin curtains.
You can see the Houses of Parliament from here. As you can see, the house needs some work doing on it. Have you seen Chris (=do you know where he is)? The accommodation was so awful it had to be seen to be believed (=you would not believe it if you did not see it yourself). From the tower, you can see for miles. I can’t see a thing without my glasses. These chocolates are gorgeous. Try some and see for yourself (=find out if it is true). By looking at this leaflet, you can see at a glance (=find out very easily) how much a loan will cost. From this graph, it can be seen that some people are more susceptible to the disease. As we have seen in chapter four, women’s pay is generally less than men’s. ‘Can we go to the zoo, Dad?’ ‘We’ll see’ (=used when you do not want to make a decision immediately). ‘How long can you stay?’ ‘I’ll have to see. It depends (=used when you cannot make a decision immediately).’ We’ll just have to wait and see. (=used when you are going to do something and will deal with problems if they happen) I don’t know. We’ll just have to see how it goes on Sunday.
I don’t know. We’ll just have to see how it goes on Sunday. Things will work out, you’ll see (=you will find out that I am right). The results are shown in Table 7a (see below). I see what you mean (=I understand what you are saying). ‘He lives here but works in London during the week.’ ‘Oh, I see (=I understand).’ You see, the thing is, I’m really busy right now (=used when you are explaining something). You mix the flour and eggs like this, see (=used to check that someone is listening and understands)? I can’t see the point of (=I do not understand the reason for) spending so much money on a car. Do you see the point I’m making (=do you understand what I’m trying to say)? The other officers laughed, but Nichols couldn’t see the joke. (=realize that you are wrong or doing something stupid) I just can’t get her to see reason!
I just can’t get her to see reason! (=used to give someone’s opinion) As I see it, you don’t have any choice. The way I see it, we have two options.
As I see it, you don’t have any choice. The way I see it, we have two options. See you Friday – your place at 8:30. (=see you soon, or later in the same day)
British English (=see you soon)
(=see you soon)
(=see you soon)
They’ve been seeing a lot of each other. (=see someone more or less often) They’ve seen more of each other since Dan moved to London.
They’ve seen more of each other since Dan moved to London. Don’t worry – I’ll see to it. The hotel’s owners see to it that their guests are given every luxury. I never thought I’d live to see the day when women became priests. She’s seen it all before (=has experienced so much that nothing surprises her) in her long career. I’ll get Nick to see you home. Let me see you to the door (=go with you to the door, to say goodbye). The unemployment data must be seen against the background of world recession. Don’t worry, I can see myself out (=leave the building without anyone coming with me). I can’t bluff – she’d see right through me. You should get that tooth seen to by a dentist. (=be involved in fighting)· By the time he was 20 he’d seen action in the Gulf War and Bosnia.
(=understand the advantage)· I can see the advantage of living near the station.
He was alarmed to discover that his car was gone. Visitors are often amazed to discover how little the town has changed.· It was good to see such an intelligent article on censorship.
We were astonished to find the temple still in its original condition. I can’t wait to see the back of this project, I can tell you (=I will be happy when it ends). (=be the time when something important starts to happen)· The 1970s saw the beginning of a technological revolution.
· I saw a big change in her when I met her again.
(=used in books to direct a reader to a chapter)· His scientific claims were never justified (see chapter 16).
· It's easy to see a connection between stress and illness.
(=consider and understand something in relation to a particular situation)· His life and work must be seen in the context of his youth.
(=go to a counsellor for help)· Her doctor recommended that she should see a counsellor.
Mandy was curious to know what happened. (=used to say that a decline happens at a particular time or in a particular place)· The 20th century saw a steady decline in the rural population.
I demand to know what’s going on. (=can recognize how two things are different)· I can’t really see the difference between these two colours.
Visitors were disappointed to find the museum closed. It’s disheartening to see what little progress has been made. Ruth was dismayed to see how thin he had grown. (=recognize that one exists)· He saw no distinction between religious beliefs and superstition.
She was disturbed to learn he had bought a motorbike. (also visit a doctor American English) (=go to the doctor)· Have you seen a doctor about it yet?
· These measures are seen as essential for national security.
· We also saw an exhibition of paintings by Sydney Lough Thompson, a New Zealand artist.
· I would have liked to see his expression when she told him.
(=you know what someone is feeling from the expression on their face)· She could see the despair in his face.
(=used to say that someone was very angry, surprised etc)· You should have seen his face when I told him that I was resigning.
The plains stretched for as far as the eye could see (=all the distance you could see). Ed was fascinated to see gorillas in the wild.· We saw a good film last night at the cinema.
Luckily, when I explained the situation, he saw the funny side (=recognized that it was partly funny). (=know what will happen in the future)· I wish I could see into the future.
· Did you see the game last night?
He looked as if he’d seen a ghost (=he looked very frightened). I’m glad to see you looking so well. John was gratified to see the improvement in his mother’s health. It was hard to see what else we could have done. It’s hard to believe that anyone would say something like that. She was horrified to discover that he loved Rose. (=understand that something is funny)· I may have been wet and covered in mud, but I could still see the humour in the situation.
· After taking the tablets, he noticed some improvement in his energy levels.
I’d be very interested to hear your opinion. It will be interesting to see what happens when he gets a bit older. (=talk to a lawyer for advice)· She has consulted a lawyer and is considering whether to sue Bailey.
He did not live to see (=live long enough to see) the realization of his dream. There’s loads to see in Paris.· I could not understand the logic of her actions.
spoken (=used to check that someone understands you) I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean. We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean.
I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean. We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean. Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say). (=read the menu)· He looked at the menu and decided to have the salad.
(=think that something is not a good idea)· I can see no merit in violence.
You can see for miles from here.· We watched the movie and ate popcorn.
Our neighbours invited us round to see in the new year (=celebrate the beginning of the year).· I saw in the newspaper that he had died.
He was overjoyed to see his mother again.· Turn to page 8 for more details.
· I stayed in the treatment room while the doctor saw another patient.
· A child can only see see the world from his or her own perspective.
(=judge the importance of something correctly by considering it in relation to other things)· You’ve got to take a wider view and get things in perspective.
· While we were in New York, we went to a play.
· I’ve never seen the play.
I’m pleased to tell you that you’ve got the job. (=understand or agree with it)· OK, I take your point. But it’s not that easy.
(=see or present something as good)· If you spend a year travelling after school, employers often see this in a positive light.· The merger was presented to the world in a positive light.
· Did you see that programme last night about crocodiles?
· I see no reason why it shouldn’t work.· I can’t think of any reason why she would want to leave.
Workers who broke the strike risked being attacked when they left the factory.· I could see some signs of improvement in her health.
· He has grown since I last saw him.
‘Look – I’ve even cleaned the windows.’ ‘So I see.’ I was sorry to hear about your accident. The night was dark and still, and there was not a soul in sight. It had surprised me to find how fussy he was about some things.· She saw the race on television.
I could see right through the thin curtains.· A local carpenter cut the wood to size.
(=travel to different parts of the world)· He quit his job to see the world.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· As we saw above, there are limitations with the rational model as a method of solving problems.· Cooperative application development with shared data should be possible via the open repository strategy that Informix has outlined - see above.· The Software also has many limitations as seen above.· For addition or substitution of a party, see above.
· His maximum brought with it one of the fastest race times ever seen in Swindon.· If you ever see Raytell him it was Owen that called Antheil.· I'd almost given up hope that you'd ever see me as a girl ... a woman.· Lewie used to say that I was the second worst clerk he ever saw.· At first glance they realised that the specimen differed from any meteorites they had ever seen.· Do you think the homeless and hungry will ever see a cent?· This was, I think, the most attractively staged exhibition I have ever seen.· Did you ever see one crash?
· Have you seen how much foundation he wears at Question Time?· She would see how good he was at this.· The idea is gradually to introduce one or two of these ideas and see how you get on.· We can see how these things work, and we can begin to manipulate them according to our own designs.· Hang about for another three hundred years and see how they celebrate my Tricentennial!· Let us see how he did this.· They do not expect him to lose but can not quite see how he is going to win.· Finally, initiatives must harmonize with one another to help people see how change can happen across an entire organization.
· I've never seen anything like it.· Wyatt had never seen an adult eat so much candy.· Indeed, I never saw him eat.· I have never seen so many injunctions all at once.· Melanie had never seen anyone playing spoons before.· Where was their home, she asked, the home which they would never see again?· It is interesting to me that periods are never seen as important.· He had never seen it before.
· It isn't difficult to see why the Panda is so popular.· It is easy to see why such bread has no character.· Jehan glanced at Jehana to see why she had not answered, and he saw that her face was crimson with embarrassment.· Add feuding-paleontologists-in-love and you can see why Hollywood battled over this one.· I turned round to see why.· Can you see why a government might conclude that these choices have public significance?· I don't see why I shouldn't look people in the eye.· We can see why this phenomenon should occur.
NOUN· How long had she seen the face for?· Through the steam, Wyatt saw the pleasantly bearded face of a high school teacher he knew, Saul Bernstein.· Riven hacked at the neck of one man who had a leg over the wall and saw the agonised face disappear.· It was dark, and I could barely see his face.· Normally, when you're walking along the corridor, and you meet me, you see my face, right?· You can not pick up a local paper without seeing his face.· I shook my head, saw his disappointed face as he walked away and immediately felt bad.· Idly I ---, and as I lay dreaming I saw her face again.
· What had to be understood was the process which led to the evolution of society seen in this new light.· We had not seen the screen light up.· Jezrael could still see the lights of sunflowers strung out like mercury on rose satin.· Then I seen in the light, like inside it, with the light all around, a person.· Then I saw a second light beside the first.· He say if you afraid of the truth to get back in the shadows cause you never will see the light.· In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s many macroeconomists have seen different lights on the road to an economic Damascus.
· For guidance on non-verbal behaviours see page 116.· Further details of Holyrood Carpets, see page 4.· Low-income entitlement For details, see page 22 of this leaflet.· Connections to the soil pipe are more difficult as it will almost certainly be made of cast iron - see page 66.· You are not likely to see feet photos on page three, which has become synonymous with mammaries.· For full hotel details see pages 16/17.· For full details and entry forms please see pages 52 and 53 of this issue.· For further reports see page 10.
· Mr Harty added he had seen signs saying fishing was for members only but had not taken any notice of them.· Do you see a sign on me that says Jungle Clearing Specialist?· As we stroll through the mall we can see signs of the opposite problem.· For years, those closest to John E. du Pont had seen signs of delusional, erratic and occasionally violent behavior.· But I saw no sign of it.· Finally after what appeared to be a longer time than it was, she saw the exit sign reading Greenbriar.· A couple of downstairs lights suggested that it was open, but of customers Karelius could see no sign.· Through our windshields we see road signs and tail-lights-technology has blinkered us.
VERB· Do it. Let me see!· My sister made the mistake of letting the children see them and you can imagine they were very soon much depleted.· They write the ingredients down separately without letting others see their papers.· Who else? Let me see.· Why not take it down to the firm's office and let the experts see it for themselves?· Fine, let him come. Let him see that you are not the woman he remembers.
· We'd like to see them remain as houses.· They like to see the history of science progressing intellectually by ideas.· Jeffrey: I like the idea of seeing the gay movement as an attitude of mind.· Finally Mrs Reagan said that she liked what she saw.· He saw himself then, and now, and did not like what he saw.· Residents fearful of their wells becoming contaminated would like to see the one of the wells moved farther south.· She was brought up very nicely and she doesn't like to see bad in anyone.· This is what she likes to see: good, hard playing, everyone working the floor, tough defense.
· Clare waited to see if she would say anything else.· As just an actress, you have to wait to see what comes to you.· She thought she would wait, and see what happened.· They are waiting to see if you fall into the trap.· We have submitted our entry of 45,908 tokens and are waiting to see if we have been successful with this staggering total.· While waiting to see if he will be an Athletic, or a Twin, or a Pirate, or a Marlin.· We also had to wait and see what effect the anti-male injection had.
· You've always wanted to see me broken.· Jack and Magee Spencer wanted to see a better return on the investment of their time and energy.· When I wanted to see them before, I would take the shuttle up and down to Philadelphia.· I do not want to see the World.· This is not an entirely commercial enterprise, of course; it is also about people wanting to see one's work.· When Macey wanted to see her husband, she practically had to make an appointment.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► see something ↔ out► see through somebody/something► see something through► see somebody through (something)► see something for what it is► be glad/pleased etc to see the back of somebody/something► not see somebody for dust► seen one ... seen them all► (see and) be seen► not see the wood for the trees► see somebody right► not see that it matters► see somebody around► see around/round something► see something in somebody/something► see somebody inPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► be glad/delighted/pleased etc to see the back of somebody/something► been there, seen that, done that► see if I care!► children should be seen and not heard► see the colour of somebody’s money► I wouldn’t be seen/caught dead► as/so far as I know/I can remember/I can tell/I can see etc► somebody sees the glass as half-empty/half-full► it does your heart good to see/hear something► see/find out how the land lies► see/find out what somebody is (really) made of► see something through a mist of tears► a must-have/must-see/must-read etc► see Naples and die► what should I see but something/who should appear but somebody etc► you should have seen/heard something► suck it and see► see which way the wind is blowing► not see the wood for the trees
1notice/examine [transitive] to notice or examine someone or something, using your eyes: - But I don't see what you can do about it.
- I hardly see what I can do that the consul can't.
- I will go into the streets and see what I can do.
- Perdita saw what they can do.
- The depth on this team -- you saw what Ship can do.
- Why not see what you can do?
- Will he see what he can do to persuade the public sector to follow the private sector's practice in this case?
- We have come to see it through the eyes of the people who take part in it.
- "I really need it by tomorrow." "I can't make any promises, but I'll see what I can do."
- "We'll be back early next week." "Okay. See you then."
- See you, Darren.
- Bye, Dad. I'll see you later.
- I'll see you at two-thirty at the mall.
- Safe trip back guys and we'll see you soon.
- You're still coming to the party tonight, aren't you? Good. See you later then.
- Is Marge still seeing Tom?
- And seeing as it was my brainchild, would you not say it was possibly the best commercial of all time?
- But, seeing as you won't tell me anything, I have to use other sources.
- I just slipped that in seeing as how you congratulated me on my history.
- I thought you might like that, seeing as you're so keen on birds and that.
- That seems believable, too, seeing as how he no longer can take out his frustrations on Sundays.
- The D-32 is very Martin D-28 in character - not surprising, seeing as that's what it basically is.
- This struck them as strange, seeing as how it was only just after four in the morning.
- Well, seeing as how you just lost one of your men, you might think about hiring some one to replace him.
- And Martini rolls a big, let me see, a big nineteen.
- But you could give me this project, put me in charge of the entire operation - and let me see it through.
- I promised to give it the fifty-one hours, so that's, let me see, forty-five left.
- Now let me see if I can split the difference.
- So far, let me see, it's two-eighty.
- Why won't you let me see your schoolbooks nowadays?
- "Are you sure they'll let us walk on their land?" "I don't see why not."
- ""Did that man just wave at me?'' ""Of course not, you must be seeing things.''
- I thought I saw Patty arrive. I must be seeing things today.
- And now he was seeing things.
- At only 18, Dundas will be seeing things through young and excited eyes and I wish him the best.
- How Rab sat, his weakened state: his first night out, and he thought to be seeing things.
- I suggest that the mirror has severe distortions, and perhaps Harley is seeing things grossly out of proportion.
- In fact, as Steves eventually came to realize, they were seeing things that often elude travelers who spend far more.
- Oh yes, he was seeing things all right.
- The first time i spotted a puffin I thought I was seeing things.
- Thomas seemed to be seeing things through the wrong end of a telescope.
- Selma complained of seeing double.
- Ms. Davis's car had certainly seen better days.
- Virginia's car had definitely seen better days.
- We are working at Nanking University, in rather cramped and primitive conditions, for the buildings have seen better days.
- I hope we've seen the last of Tina Hughes' stupid boyfriend!
- All she did know was that she hadn't seen the last of him by a long chalk!
- At the end of the ceremony, they would see the last of the candidates step into the silvery baptismal pool.
- But still the house of Eli has not seen the last of it.
- Hadn't she thought she'd seen the last of Rourke Deveraugh?
- History is full of such isms, and we have hardly seen the last of them.
- It was a relief to see the last of them.
- We haven't seen the last of Bonnie.
- We may not have seen the last of this controversy.
- But soon he could only see the lights of the boat in the distance.
- Each has attracted his or her share of supporters who could also see the light once it was pointed out to them.
- Five minutes later he saw the lights of a village pub.
- From two blocks away you can see the light radiating up into the sky.
- It was uncanny and Maggie was never so glad to see the light from her own room and get Ana back indoors.
- One must have experienced deeply, known greatness - seen the light, as he said.
- Sadly, for it was a lively, largely autobiographical piece, it would never see the light of day.
- You were sitting in your seat, pressed back by the acceleration, and you saw the light beams curve.
- Business contracts go through armies of lawyers before they see the light of day.
- Most observers predict the bill won't see the light of day until at least January.
- And eventually, Guinness as we know it, rich subtle and dark, is ready to see the light of day.
- Get to the back of the drawers and cupboards - areas which don't often see the light of day.
- I am not too worried about the new council tax because I doubt whether it will see the light of day.
- I never sold a garment or got an order from this source, I wonder if they saw the light of day.
- Many of Brindley's ideas were regarded as the hair-brained schemes of a madman which would never see the light of day.
- Sadly, for it was a lively, largely autobiographical piece, it would never see the light of day.
- The implication must be that a lot of bids are being planned but never see the light of day.
- There's so much good stuff that has never seen the light of day.
- I immediately saw red and wanted to prove him wrong.
- He could see red uniforms further up the river bank, evidence that the Lancers had found a place to cross.
- He looks down and sees red fur.
- Jody sees Red as a great player who is settling for being a merely good player.
- Linda first saw Red at a middle school volleyball game.
- No day went by that did not see Red Hill patrolling the river.
- Quiet and observant walkers may see red deer along this particular stretch.
- When Swindon and Leicester meet, they often see red.
- Lifland and his wife don't always see eye to eye.
- And if he didn't do that she couldn't possibly see how they would ever see eye to eye.
- Bishops were again brought in to arbitrate; but they did not see eye to eye.
- But then those two don't see eye to eye about anything these days.
- I don't see eye to eye with Tod on all issues.
- My wife and I could never see eye to eye on the business of living.
- Relationships were just too difficult, the sexes would never see eye to eye, it was all too much bother.
- We'd never see eye to eye - remember how affronted I was by Gerald Scaife's stuff?
- Finally he could see his way clear to his goal.
- Small builders can not see their way to take on many trainees.
- There was just enough light for her to see her way to the bathroom.
- Everyone had seen the layoffs coming, but nobody could do anything to stop them.
- Jason saw the stock market crash coming and sold most of his shares.
- Then one day she just walked out -- I suppose I should have seen it coming really.
- Beyond him, I could see the camp coming alive.
- Birds, like planes, usually face into the wind, so they do not see the plane coming.
- He looked up to see Norm coming down the driveway.
- One of the man-things had seen them coming and shouted a warning.
- Sarah Fleming saw them coming through the window of the front room.
- She saw him coming and intended to give him a wide berth.
- That Salvor Hardin had seen it coming made it none the more pleasant.
- We were heading for the landing zone and could even see a chopper coming toward us.
- "I want to go to Joshua's tonight." "Well, we'll have to see about that."
- Kim wants to go to this party, huh? Well, we'll see about that!
- "Have a good trip." "OK, see you around."
- I had seen him around, frequently.
- I never actually met her, but I've seen her around, and I heard a lot about her.
- It's good to see you around again.
- One can imagine a Soviet general fuming to see it around her neck.
- She had seen them around the hotel for the last five days.
- The scholar sees all around the issue, not the kind of preparation for political action or most power strategies.
- There was Charlie and Polly at the boardinghouse and he had seen me around the city with-the girls at work.
- Why not the women I saw all around me, working from before dawn to dark?
- What does Ron see in her?
- Meanwhile more than 30,000 people will see in the new year squeezed into bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
- Most of us of course will be occupied seeing in the New Year.
- Scott Base was the first occupied place in the world to see in the new year.
- They'd planned to go with Sinatra to his home in the desert to see in the New Year.
- A comparable tendency is to be found in the theatre.
- A similar situation is to be found in other regions of the world.
- Further comments on attaching priorities to different subjects and to different levels of material are to be found in Chapter 3.
- He was to be found lurking in the band's dressing room whenever they ventured into Mancunian territory, which was often.
- It was to be found in the libraries of other leading Virginians: Lord Botetourt, Thos.
- She and two of the Aussies then proceeded to the next floor where guest bedrooms were to be found.
- The only reference to sustainable development was to be found in paragraph two hundred and thirteen.
- These words, in his own hand, are to be found, framed, inside the hall.
- But seeing is believing, as they say.
- If you're still not convinced, seeing is believing.
- We are left with the unspecific practical objection, the objection that is as much to say that only seeing is believing.
- When only seeing is believing the unseen reproductive anatomy of the female can not be an article of faith.
- If you can see your way clear, call this number to volunteer.
- Finally he could see his way clear to his goal.
- Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man running out of the store.
- My secretary will show you to the door.
- Amy helped him up and showed him to the door while Kath stripped off her gown and gloves.
- Hanmer said as he showed me to the door.
- His neighbours, who regard him as a hero, respectfully show you to the door.
- I saw him to the door and watched him pace away along the streets he knew better than most others in London.
- Mrs Teal merely wished that Annie show Lois to the door.
- Then she showed them to the door.
- They stood to leave and as an afterthought Cobalt got up, too, and saw them to the door.
- In fact Brian Moore reckoned it would take only twelve days for the administrators to see the error of their ways.
- I fail to see the humor in this situation.
- How presumptuous my claims to knowledge based only on what I see, leaving out what I fail to see.
- However I fail to see firstly what you are trying to prove with your figures.
- Last year? I failed to see the connection.
- The government has seen fit to start testing more nuclear weapons.
- Add details as you see fit.
- For example, the firm can implement its own quality and inspection policies and amend these as they see fit.
- He was their final court of appeal and punished them as he saw fit.
- If particular LEAs see fit to alter their priorities and redeploy funds from one area to another, that is their decision.
- Meg had - this gift; the Lord saw fit - no qualms, she stole the jacket.
- Once the states knew the message of the day, they could reinforce it as they saw fit.
- The public can use, abuse or change the software in any way they see fit.
- There were some girls that I thought fit Selena more physically.
- I haven't seen hide nor hair of him in months.
- Okay, let's see, what were we talking about?
- Danny finally saw the light and bought me flowers on Valentine's Day.
- We can only hope the mayor will see the light and close down all these sex shops.
- But soon he could only see the lights of the boat in the distance.
- Each has attracted his or her share of supporters who could also see the light once it was pointed out to them.
- Five minutes later he saw the lights of a village pub.
- From two blocks away you can see the light radiating up into the sky.
- It was uncanny and Maggie was never so glad to see the light from her own room and get Ana back indoors.
- One must have experienced deeply, known greatness - seen the light, as he said.
- Sadly, for it was a lively, largely autobiographical piece, it would never see the light of day.
- You were sitting in your seat, pressed back by the acceleration, and you saw the light beams curve.
- But at least none of them saw the light of print - until today's souvenir edition.
- From two blocks away you can see the light radiating up into the sky.
- Get to the back of the drawers and cupboards - areas which don't often see the light of day.
- He say if you afraid of the truth to get back in the shadows cause you never will see the light.
- I can see the light under Marie's door, but there's no noise or nothing.
- I never sold a garment or got an order from this source, I wonder if they saw the light of day.
- I saw the light widening in the window, but I could not make myself get up.
- On a clear night, you could see the lights of Saigon.
- But I 'd like to see you again, when we can make time.
- I 'd like to see him again.
- I 'd like to see you give our boys a run for their money.
- A conciliatory gesture, some argued, would appease the cardinal and Holy Trinity would live to fight another day.
- By his diplomacy, it was true, Gordon had lived to fight another day.
- Having lived to fight another day, Mayer did - with Sam Goldwyn.
- Or will they live to fight another day?
- Pol pot lives to fight another day despite butchering millions of his people.
- The choice for us was whether to take a strike unprepared or to live to fight another day.
- Uh, and says, uh, long time no see,.
- See what I mean, Dad, about this camera being difficult to use?
- And little enough for cleverness, if you see what I mean.
- BBut you see what I mean.
- Do you see what I mean, he was trying?
- He had this manner, as if he was a bit above the rest of us, if you see what I mean.
- He just has the feelings, if you see what I mean.
- I think you will see what I mean only after tasting this bread.
- You see what I mean about having to keep up with things.
- You see what I mean when I say it's nothing new, it's been endlessly talked around.
- But I think he's lovely, and you can tell a mile off that he likes you.
- He's a hawkeye, and can spot one a mile off, like that faraway kestrel.
- Our sportsdesk can spot from a mile off a person who can not tell an in-swinger from a bouncer.
- Our tour guide was nowhere to be seen, so we set off to explore the city alone.
- She'd looked everywhere for her glasses, but they were nowhere to be found.
- Amelia Otis's name is nowhere to be found.
- But David Kent was nowhere to be seen.
- He had been searching for Morthen, to protect her from his violent half-brother, but she was nowhere to be found.
- I patrolled the town for a while, but they were nowhere to be seen.
- The prison director ordered a search, but the prisoner was nowhere to be found.
- When a game was on the line, Carr was nowhere to be found.
- Willie had looked around for the twins and George, but they were nowhere to be seen.
- "What is your next film going to be about?'' "Well, that remains to be seen.''
- It remains to be seen how many senior citizens will actually benefit from this new plan.
- What remains to be seen now is whether it is too late to save the rainforests.
- Whether the team can sustain its winning streak remains to be seen.
- And it remains to be seen if re- signing Greg Vaughn will be a hit or a miss.
- But it remains to be seen whether that will prove a significant omission.
- But it remains to be seen whether this will exacerbate chronic unemployment or solve it.
- Steel will make it remains to be seen.
- The meaning of prevention in the new Children Act is multifaceted and it remains to be seen how it will be operationalized.
- Today it remains to be seen whether Museveni's essentially centralist approach will be more successful than its predecessors.
- Whether I reach it remains to be seen!
- Yet it remains to be seen how strong are the forces of Euro-scepticism in Labour's own ranks.
- I had bumped my head so hard that I began to see stars.
- Her head rocked, and for the first time in her life, she quite literally saw stars.
- In the third division, Hereford United were seeing stars at Gillingham after letting in 2 early goals.
- Normally, one is not able to see stars in the sky that are in almost the same direction as the sun.
- She did it anyway, deploying her chute so late that the jolt made her see stars.
- The darkness intensified down in the wood though I could see stars between the boughs.
- He always saw straight to the point of an argument.
- Metaphorically speaking, you could see straight through him to the other side of the room.
- On the outermost point of the peninsula we could see straight over to Midland Isle and just beyond that to Skomer Island.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
- He decided to wait and see what happened in the other rehearsals.
- I promise you, you just wait and see.
- I would simply have to wait and see.
- Staff at Oxford Regional health Authority will now have to wait and see how many of them are to keep their jobs.
- The best attitude to have towards money matters in 1993 is: wait and see.
- They therefore had decided to wait and see how the operations progressed before attempting to formulate subsequent war strategy.
- Until recently, all she and her family could do was wait and see.
- You said you were going to wait and see.
- The way I see it, it was a fair trade.
- Best thing that could happen, the way I see it.
- Now the way I see it, you want more upmarket time than the plebs.
The moment we saw the house, we knew we wanted to buy it. He crouched down so he couldn’t be seen. Can I see your ticket, please? I saw the offer advertised in the newspaper.can/can’t see You can see the Houses of Parliament from here.see where/what/who etc Can you see where the marks are on the wall?see (that) He saw that she was crying.see somebody/something do something I saw him leave a few minutes ago.see somebody/something doing something The suspect was seen entering the building. As you can see, the house needs some work doing on it. Have you seen Chris (=do you know where he is)? The accommodation was so awful it had to be seen to be believed (=you would not believe it if you did not see it yourself).2notice something is true [transitive] to notice that something is happening or that something is true: More money must be invested if we are to see an improvement in services. After a month’s practice, you should see a difference in your playing. Seeing his distress, Louise put her arm around him. I would like to see changes in the way the course is run. ‘You’re not denying it, I see,’ he said coldly.see (that) I can see you’re not very happy with the situation.3ability to see [intransitive, transitive] to be able to use your eyes to look at things and know what they arecan/can’t see From the tower, you can see for miles. I can’t see a thing without my glasses.not see to do something His eyes are so bad that he can’t see to read anymore.4find out information [intransitive, transitive] to find out information or a factsee what/how/when etc I’ll call him and see how the job interview went. She went outside to see what was happening.see if/whether I’ve just come to see if you want to go out for a drink. These chocolates are gorgeous. Try some and see for yourself (=find out if it is true). By looking at this leaflet, you can see at a glance (=find out very easily) how much a loan will cost.it can be seen that/we can see that From this graph, it can be seen that some people are more susceptible to the disease. As we have seen in chapter four, women’s pay is generally less than men’s.5in the future [intransitive, transitive] to find out about something in the futuresee if/whether It will be interesting to see if he makes it into the team.see how/what/when etc I might come – I’ll see how I feel tomorrow. Let’s try it and see what happens. ‘Can we go to the zoo, Dad?’ ‘We’ll see’ (=used when you do not want to make a decision immediately). ‘How long can you stay?’ ‘I’ll have to see. It depends (=used when you cannot make a decision immediately).’ We’ll just have to wait and see.see how it goes/see how things go (=used when you are going to do something and will deal with problems if they happen) I don’t know. We’ll just have to see how it goes on Sunday. Things will work out, you’ll see (=you will find out that I am right).6where information is [transitive] especially written used to tell you where you can find information: See p. 58. See press for details.see above/below The results are shown in Table 7a (see below).GRAMMAR See is always used in the imperative in this meaning.7understand [intransitive, transitive] to understand or realize somethingsee why/what/how etc I can’t see why he’s so upset. I see what you mean (=I understand what you are saying). ‘He lives here but works in London during the week.’ ‘Oh, I see (=I understand).’ You see, the thing is, I’m really busy right now (=used when you are explaining something). You mix the flour and eggs like this, see (=used to check that someone is listening and understands)? I can’t see the point of (=I do not understand the reason for) spending so much money on a car. Do you see the point I’m making (=do you understand what I’m trying to say)? The other officers laughed, but Nichols couldn’t see the joke.see reason/sense (=realize that you are wrong or doing something stupid) I just can’t get her to see reason!► see thesaurus at understand8watch [transitive] to watch a television programme, play, film etc: Did you see that programme on monkeys last night? We’re going to see ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tonight.9consider somebody/something [transitive] to think about or consider someone or something in a particular way, or as having particular qualities: Having a child makes you see things differently. Violence is seen in different ways by different people.as somebody sees it/the way somebody sees it (=used to give someone’s opinion) As I see it, you don’t have any choice. The way I see it, we have two options.see somebody/something as something I see the job as a challenge.see yourself as something He saw himself as a failure.be seen as (being) something The peace talks are seen as a sign of hope. This type of work is often seen as boring.be seen to be (doing) something Teachers need to be seen to be in control. The government must be seen to be doing something about the rise in violent crime.10see what somebody/something can do spoken a)to find out if someone can deal with a situation or problemsee about I’ll call them again and see what they can do about it. b)to find out how good someone or something is at what they are supposed to be able to do: Let’s take the Porsche out to the racetrack and see what it can do!11I’ll see what I can do spoken used to say that you will try to help someone: Leave the papers with me and I’ll see what I can do.12see you spoken used to say goodbye when you know you will see someone againsee you tomorrow/at three/Sunday etc See you Friday – your place at 8:30.see you later (=see you soon, or later in the same day)see you in a bit British English (=see you soon)see you in a while (=see you soon)(I’ll) be seeing you! (=see you soon)13visit [transitive] to visit or meet someone: I’ll be seeing her tomorrow night. I haven’t seen her since we left school. She’s too sick to see anyone right now.14meet by chance [transitive] to meet someone by chance: I saw Jane while I was out.15have a meeting [transitive] to have an arranged meeting with someone: Mr Thomas is seeing a client at 2:30. She was seen by a doctor but didn’t need hospital treatment.see somebody about something (=see someone to discuss something) I have to see my teacher about my grades.16spend time with somebody [transitive] to spend time with someone: They’ve been seeing a lot of each other.see more/less of somebody (=see someone more or less often) They’ve seen more of each other since Dan moved to London.17be seeing somebody to be having a romantic relationship with someone: Is she seeing anyone at the moment?18imagine [transitive] to imagine that something may happen in the future: He could see a great future for her in music.can’t see somebody/something doing something I can’t see him winning, can you? She’s got a new book coming out, but I can’t see it doing very well.see somebody as something (=be able to imagine someone being something) I just can’t see her as a ballet dancer.19seeing as (how) informal (also seeing that) used before giving a reason for what you are saying: ‘I might as well do something useful, seeing as I’m back,’ she said.20see something for what it is (also see somebody for what they are) to realize that someone or something is not as good or nice as they seem: They are unimpressed with the scheme and rightly see it for what it is.21make sure [transitive] to make sure or check that something is donesee (that) It’s up to you to see that the job’s done properly. Please see that the lights are switched off before you leave. Don’t worry – I’ll see to it. The hotel’s owners see to it that their guests are given every luxury.22experience something [transitive] to experience something: She was so sick that doctors didn’t think she’d live to see her first birthday. I never thought I’d live to see the day when women became priests. She’s seen it all before (=has experienced so much that nothing surprises her) in her long career. → been there, seen that, done that at been(3)23time/place [transitive] if a time or place has seen a particular event or situation, it happened or existed in that time or place: This year has seen a big increase in road accidents. The city has seen plenty of violence over the years.24let me see (also let’s see) spoken used when you are trying to remember something: Let me see ... where did I put that letter?25I don’t see why not spoken used to say ‘yes’ in answer to a request: ‘Can we go to the park?’ ‘I don’t see why not.’26go with somebody [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to go somewhere with someone to make sure they are safe: My mother used to see me across the road. I’ll get Nick to see you home. Let me see you to the door (=go with you to the door, to say goodbye).27be seeing things to imagine that you see someone or something which is not really there: There’s no one there – you must be seeing things.28see double if you see double, something is wrong with your eyes, so that you see two things when there is only one29have seen better days informal to be in a bad condition: Her hat had seen better days.30be glad/pleased etc to see the back of somebody/something British English spoken to be pleased when someone leaves or when you get rid of something, because you do not like them: I’ll be glad to see the back of him.31see the last of somebody/something a)to not see someone or something again, especially someone or something you do not like: I thought we’d seen the last of him. It was a relief to see the last of them. b)to not have to deal with something anymore: Police hoped they’d seen the last of the joyriding. We may not have seen the last of this controversy.32see the light a)to realize that something is true: She finally saw the light and ended the relationship. b)to have a special experience that makes you believe in a religion33see the light of day a)if something sees the light of day, it is brought out so that people can see it: This decision will ensure that the Pentagon Papers never see the light of day. b)to start to exist: This type of PC first saw the light of day in 1981.34see red to become very angry: The thought of Pierre with Nicole had made her see red.35not see somebody for dust British English informal if you do not see someone for dust, they leave a place very quickly in order to avoid something36see eye to eye [usually in negatives] if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other: We didn’t exactly see eye to eye.see with I don’t always see eye to eye with my father.see on/about We don’t see eye to eye on business issues.37seen one ... seen them all informal used to say that something is boring because it is very similar to other things: When you’ve seen one of these programmes, you’ve seen them all.38see your way (clear) to doing something formal to be able and willing to do something: Small companies cannot see their way to taking on many trainees.39(see and) be seen to look at or be noticed by important or fashionable people: Royal Ascot is the place to see and be seen.40not see the wood for the trees (also not see the forest for the trees American English) to be unable to understand what is important in a situation because you are thinking too much about small details rather than the whole situation41see something coming to realize that there is going to be a problem before it actually happens: John’s going to have a lot of trouble with him. You can see it coming.42see somebody coming (a mile off) British English spoken to recognize that someone will be easy to trick or deceive: You paid £500 for that! They must have seen you coming!43see somebody right British English spoken to make sure that someone gets what they need or want, especially money: Just do this for me and I’ll see you right. Tell the landlord I sent you and he’ll see you right.44not see that it matters spoken to think that something is not important: I can’t see that it matters what I think.45game of cards [transitive] to risk the same amount of money as your opponent in a card game → it remains to be seen at remain(5), → see fit (to do something) at fit2(3), → wouldn’t be seen dead at dead1(12)GRAMMAR: Using the progressive• In meanings 1, 2, 3, 9, 14, and 18, see is not used in the progressive. You say: · I see Tina over there.· I suddenly saw the difference. ✗Don’t say: I am seeing Tina over there. | I was suddenly seeing the difference.• See is often used with can: · I can see Tina over there.· I could suddenly see the difference.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSsee to notice something with your eyes, usually without planning to. Also used when saying that you watched a particular programme, film, game etc: · Have you seen my keys anywhere?· Did you see the basketball game last night?look at somebody/something to keep your eyes pointed toward someone or something, especially someone or something that is not moving: · I looked at the map.· She was looking at him in a strange way.notice to see something interesting or unusual: · I noticed a police car outside their house.spot to suddenly see something, especially something you are looking for: · Nick spotted the advertisement in the paper.catch sight of/catch a glimpse of (also glimpse formal) to suddenly see someone or something for a short time, usually not clearly: · I caught sight of him in the hotel lobby, and followed him out the door.· He glimpsed her face as she went into the courtroom.make out somebody/something to see something, but only with difficulty: · Ahead, I could just make out the figure of a woman.witness to see something happen, especially a crime or an accident: · The police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.observe formal to see and pay attention to something: · Officers observed him driving at 100 mph.sight especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· The crew finally sighted land.Unable to seeblind unable to see anything: · She has been blind from birth.partially-sighted not able to see things very well, although not completely blind: · Good lighting can be very important for partially sighted people.visually handicapped/impaired completely blind or not able to see very much – used especially in official reports, forms etc: · a special school for visually impaired childrensee about something phrasal verb1to make arrangements or deal with something: I’d better see about dinner.see about doing something Claire’s gone to see about getting tickets for the concert.2we’ll see about that spoken a) (also we’ll have to see about that) used to say that you do not know if something will be possible: ‘I want to go to Joshua’s tonight.’ ‘Well, we’ll have to see about that.’ b) (also we’ll soon see about that) used to say that you intend to stop someone from doing what they were planning to dosee something against something phrasal verb to consider something together with something else: The unemployment data must be seen against the background of world recession.GRAMMAR See against is usually passive.see around phrasal verb1see somebody around to notice someone regularly in places you go to, but not talk to them: I don’t know who he is, but I’ve seen him around.2see you around spoken used to say goodbye to someone when you have not made a definite arrangement to meet again3see around/round something British English to visit a place and walk around looking at it: Would you like to see round the house?see in phrasal verb1not know what somebody sees in somebody (also what does somebody see in somebody?) used to say that you do not know why someone likes someone else: I don’t know what she sees in him.2see something in somebody/something to notice a particular quality in someone or something that makes you like them: He saw a gentleness in Susan.3see somebody in to go with someone to make sure they arrive at a building or room: He took her home and, after seeing her in, drove off without a word.4see in the New Year to celebrate the beginning of a new yearsee somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb1to defeat someone or stop them from competing against you: To see off the threat, the company will have to cut its prices still further. The team saw off their old rivals in last night’s championship game.2to go to an airport, train station etc to say goodbye to someone: They’ve gone to the airport to see their son off.3 (also see somebody off something) to force someone to leave a place: Security guards saw him off the premises.see somebody/something out phrasal verb1to go to the door with someone to say goodbye to them when they leave: I’ll see you out. Don’t worry, I can see myself out (=leave the building without anyone coming with me).2see something ↔ out to continue doing something or being somewhere until a particular period of time or an unpleasant event is finished: Connolly has promised to see out the remaining 18 months of his contract. She saw out her last years at Sudeley Castle.see over something phrasal verb British English to look at something large such as a house, especially in order to decide if you want to buy itsee through phrasal verb1see through somebody/something to realize that someone is trying to deceive you: I saw through his excuses. I could never lie to her because I know she’d see through me straight away. I can’t bluff – she’d see right through me.2see something through to continue doing something until it is finished, especially something difficult or unpleasant: It’ll take a lot of effort to see the project through.3see somebody through (something) to give help and support to someone during a difficult time: Setting goals should help see you through. I’ve got enough money to see me through six months of unemployment.4see something through somebody’s eyes to see something or think about it in the way that someone else does: The world is very different when seen through the eyes of a child.see to somebody/something phrasal verb to deal with something or do something for someone: Go on, you go out. I’ll see to the washing-up.have/get something seen to You should get that tooth seen to by a dentist.see1 verbsee2 noun
seesee2 noun [countable] WORD ORIGINsee2
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French se, from Latin sedes ‘seat’EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- But the see of London is work for the physically strong, not for declining energy.
- He could manage the see of London.
WORD SETS
abbess, nounabbey, nounabbot, nounabsolution, nounAdvent, nounalleluia, interjectionaltar boy, nounAnglican, nounAnglo-Catholic, nounapocalyptic, adjectiveapostle, nounapostolic, adjectivearchbishop, nounarchbishopric, nounarchdeacon, nounarchdiocese, nounArk of the Covenant, nounAsh Wednesday, nounAuthorized Version, banns, nounbaptism, nounBaptist, nounbaptize, verbbasilica, nounbeadle, nounbeatify, verbBenedictine, nounbenediction, nounbenefice, nounbiblical, adjectivebiretta, nounbishop, nounbishopric, nounblaspheme, verbblasphemy, nounbrother, nounbull, nounCalvinism, nounCalvinist, adjectivecanon, nouncanonical, adjectivecanonize, verbcanon law, nouncantor, nouncardinal, nouncardinal sin, nouncarol, nouncatechism, nouncathedral, nounCatholic, adjectivechantry, nounchapel, nounchaplain, nounchaplaincy, nounchapter, nounchapterhouse, nouncherub, nounChrist, nounchristen, verbChristendom, nounchristening, nounChristian, nounChristian, adjectivechurch, nounchurchgoer, nounchurchman, nounChurch of England, nounchurchwarden, nounchurchwoman, nounchurchyard, nounclergyman, nounclergywoman, nouncleric, nounclerical, adjectiveclerk, nouncloister, nouncollect, nouncommandment, nouncommunicant, nouncompline, nounconfess, verbconfession, nounconfessional, nounconfessor, nounconfirmation, nouncongregation, nounCongregationalism, nounconsecrate, verbcope, nouncreationist, nouncreche, nouncrib, nouncrosier, nouncrozier, nouncrucifix, nouncrucifixion, nouncrusade, nouncrusade, verbcrypt, nouncuracy, nouncurate, noundeacon, noundeaconess, noundean, noundeanery, noundiocese, noundisciple, noundisestablish, verbdispensation, noundog collar, nounDominican, nounEaster, nounecclesiastic, nounecclesiastical, adjectiveecumenical, adjectiveEden, nounelder, nounencyclical, nounEpiphany, nounepiscopal, adjectiveEpistle, nounevangelical, adjectiveevangelist, nounevangelize, verbevensong, nounexcommunicate, verbexegesis, nounfellowship, nounflagellant, nounflagellate, verbflock, nounfont, nounFr, friar, nounfrock, nounfundamentalist, noungargoyle, noungenuflect, verbgodfather, nounGod-fearing, adjectivegodless, adjectivegodly, adjectivegodmother, noungodparent, noungodson, nounGood Friday, noungrace, noungracious, adjectiveHail Mary, nounharvest festival, nounHigh Church, nounHigh Mass, nounHoly Communion, nounHoly Father, nounHoly Spirit, nounHoly Week, nounHoly Writ, nounhomily, nounhymn book, nounimprimatur, nounincarnation, nouninduct, verbindulgence, nouninquisitor, nouninterdenominational, adjectiveinterdict, nounJehovah, Jesuit, nounJesus, judgment day, nounlay, adjectivelay reader, nounlectern, nounlesson, nounlitany, nounLow Church, nounlychgate, nounMadonna, nounmanna, nounmanse, nounmatins, nounmeeting-house, nounmessianic, adjectiveMethodist, nounminister, nounministerial, adjectiveministry, nounminster, nounmiracle, nounmissal, nounmissionary, nounmitre, nounmoderator, nounMonsignor, nounMorning Prayer, nounmortal sin, nounMother of God, nounMother Superior, nounname day, nounNativity, nounNativity play, nounnave, nounNegro spiritual, nounNoah's ark, nounNonconformist, adjectivenuncio, nounoffertory, nounoratory, nounordination, nounoriginal sin, nounOur Father, nounOur Lady, Our Lord, padre, nounPalm Sunday, nounpapacy, nounpapal, adjectivepapist, nounparable, nounparish, nounparish church, nounparish clerk, nounparishioner, nounparochial, adjectiveparochial school, nounparson, nounparsonage, nounpassion play, nounpastor, nounpatriarch, nounpatron saint, nounpenance, nounpenitent, nounPentecost, nounPentecostal, adjectiveperdition, nounPlymouth Brethren, nounpontiff, nounpontifical, adjectivepontificate, nounPope, nounprayer book, nounpredestination, nounprelate, nounPresbyterian, nounpresbytery, nounpriest, nounPrimate, nounprior, nounprioress, nounpriory, nounPromised Land, the, Protestant, nounpsalm, nounpsalmist, nounpsalter, nounpulpit, nounQuaker, nounRC, rector, nounrectory, nounredeem, verbredemption, nounrequiem, nounRev, Revd, Reverend, nounReverend Mother, nounrevival, nounrevival meeting, nounRoman Catholic, adjectiverood screen, nounrosary, nounsacrament, nounsacristan, nounsacristy, nounsaint, nounsainted, adjectivesainthood, nounsaint's day, nounsalvation, nounsanctuary, nounSatan, nounsave, verbschism, nounscriptural, adjectivesecular, adjectivesee, nounseminary, nounseraph, nounsermon, nounsexton, nounShrove Tuesday, nounsister, nounsisterhood, nounSJ, special licence, nounsteeple, nounstigmata, nounstoup, nounSunday school, nounsurplice, nounsynod, nountabernacle, nountestify, verbtransubstantiation, nounTrappist, noununfrock, verbUnitarian, nounvenial, adjectivevespers, nounvestment, nounvestry, nounvicar, nounvicarage, nounvotive, adjectivevow, nounVulgate, the, nounWhitsun, nounwimple, nounXmas, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He was alarmed to discover that his car was gone. Visitors are often amazed to discover how little the town has changed. We were astonished to find the temple still in its original condition. I can’t wait to see the back of this project, I can tell you (=I will be happy when it ends). Mandy was curious to know what happened. I demand to know what’s going on. Visitors were disappointed to find the museum closed. It’s disheartening to see what little progress has been made. Ruth was dismayed to see how thin he had grown. She was disturbed to learn he had bought a motorbike. The plains stretched for as far as the eye could see (=all the distance you could see). Ed was fascinated to see gorillas in the wild. Luckily, when I explained the situation, he saw the funny side (=recognized that it was partly funny). He looked as if he’d seen a ghost (=he looked very frightened). I’m glad to see you looking so well. John was gratified to see the improvement in his mother’s health. It was hard to see what else we could have done. It’s hard to believe that anyone would say something like that. She was horrified to discover that he loved Rose. I’d be very interested to hear your opinion. It will be interesting to see what happens when he gets a bit older. He did not live to see (=live long enough to see) the realization of his dream. There’s loads to see in Paris. Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say). You can see for miles from here. Our neighbours invited us round to see in the new year (=celebrate the beginning of the year). He was overjoyed to see his mother again. I’m pleased to tell you that you’ve got the job. Workers who broke the strike risked being attacked when they left the factory. ‘Look – I’ve even cleaned the windows.’ ‘So I see.’ I was sorry to hear about your accident. The night was dark and still, and there was not a soul in sight. It had surprised me to find how fussy he was about some things. I could see right through the thin curtains.
(=be involved in fighting)· By the time he was 20 he’d seen action in the Gulf War and Bosnia.
(=understand the advantage)· I can see the advantage of living near the station.
He was alarmed to discover that his car was gone. Visitors are often amazed to discover how little the town has changed.· It was good to see such an intelligent article on censorship.
We were astonished to find the temple still in its original condition. I can’t wait to see the back of this project, I can tell you (=I will be happy when it ends). (=be the time when something important starts to happen)· The 1970s saw the beginning of a technological revolution.
· I saw a big change in her when I met her again.
(=used in books to direct a reader to a chapter)· His scientific claims were never justified (see chapter 16).
· It's easy to see a connection between stress and illness.
(=consider and understand something in relation to a particular situation)· His life and work must be seen in the context of his youth.
(=go to a counsellor for help)· Her doctor recommended that she should see a counsellor.
Mandy was curious to know what happened. (=used to say that a decline happens at a particular time or in a particular place)· The 20th century saw a steady decline in the rural population.
I demand to know what’s going on. (=can recognize how two things are different)· I can’t really see the difference between these two colours.
Visitors were disappointed to find the museum closed. It’s disheartening to see what little progress has been made. Ruth was dismayed to see how thin he had grown. (=recognize that one exists)· He saw no distinction between religious beliefs and superstition.
She was disturbed to learn he had bought a motorbike. (also visit a doctor American English) (=go to the doctor)· Have you seen a doctor about it yet?
· These measures are seen as essential for national security.
· We also saw an exhibition of paintings by Sydney Lough Thompson, a New Zealand artist.
· I would have liked to see his expression when she told him.
(=you know what someone is feeling from the expression on their face)· She could see the despair in his face.
(=used to say that someone was very angry, surprised etc)· You should have seen his face when I told him that I was resigning.
The plains stretched for as far as the eye could see (=all the distance you could see). Ed was fascinated to see gorillas in the wild.· We saw a good film last night at the cinema.
Luckily, when I explained the situation, he saw the funny side (=recognized that it was partly funny). (=know what will happen in the future)· I wish I could see into the future.
· Did you see the game last night?
He looked as if he’d seen a ghost (=he looked very frightened). I’m glad to see you looking so well. John was gratified to see the improvement in his mother’s health. It was hard to see what else we could have done. It’s hard to believe that anyone would say something like that. She was horrified to discover that he loved Rose. (=understand that something is funny)· I may have been wet and covered in mud, but I could still see the humour in the situation.
· After taking the tablets, he noticed some improvement in his energy levels.
I’d be very interested to hear your opinion. It will be interesting to see what happens when he gets a bit older. (=talk to a lawyer for advice)· She has consulted a lawyer and is considering whether to sue Bailey.
He did not live to see (=live long enough to see) the realization of his dream. There’s loads to see in Paris.· I could not understand the logic of her actions.
spoken (=used to check that someone understands you) I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean. We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean.
I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean. We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean. Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say). (=read the menu)· He looked at the menu and decided to have the salad.
(=think that something is not a good idea)· I can see no merit in violence.
You can see for miles from here.· We watched the movie and ate popcorn.
Our neighbours invited us round to see in the new year (=celebrate the beginning of the year).· I saw in the newspaper that he had died.
He was overjoyed to see his mother again.· Turn to page 8 for more details.
· I stayed in the treatment room while the doctor saw another patient.
· A child can only see see the world from his or her own perspective.
(=judge the importance of something correctly by considering it in relation to other things)· You’ve got to take a wider view and get things in perspective.
· While we were in New York, we went to a play.
· I’ve never seen the play.
I’m pleased to tell you that you’ve got the job. (=understand or agree with it)· OK, I take your point. But it’s not that easy.
(=see or present something as good)· If you spend a year travelling after school, employers often see this in a positive light.· The merger was presented to the world in a positive light.
· Did you see that programme last night about crocodiles?
· I see no reason why it shouldn’t work.· I can’t think of any reason why she would want to leave.
Workers who broke the strike risked being attacked when they left the factory.· I could see some signs of improvement in her health.
· He has grown since I last saw him.
‘Look – I’ve even cleaned the windows.’ ‘So I see.’ I was sorry to hear about your accident. The night was dark and still, and there was not a soul in sight. It had surprised me to find how fussy he was about some things.· She saw the race on television.
I could see right through the thin curtains.· A local carpenter cut the wood to size.
(=travel to different parts of the world)· He quit his job to see the world.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► be glad/delighted/pleased etc to see the back of somebody/something► been there, seen that, done that► see if I care!► children should be seen and not heard► see the colour of somebody’s money► I wouldn’t be seen/caught dead► as/so far as I know/I can remember/I can tell/I can see etc► somebody sees the glass as half-empty/half-full► it does your heart good to see/hear something► see/find out how the land lies► see/find out what somebody is (really) made of► see something through a mist of tears► a must-have/must-see/must-read etc► see Naples and die► what should I see but something/who should appear but somebody etc► you should have seen/heard something► suck it and see► see which way the wind is blowing► not see the wood for the trees
an area governed by a bishop- A comparable tendency is to be found in the theatre.
- A similar situation is to be found in other regions of the world.
- Further comments on attaching priorities to different subjects and to different levels of material are to be found in Chapter 3.
- He was to be found lurking in the band's dressing room whenever they ventured into Mancunian territory, which was often.
- It was to be found in the libraries of other leading Virginians: Lord Botetourt, Thos.
- She and two of the Aussies then proceeded to the next floor where guest bedrooms were to be found.
- The only reference to sustainable development was to be found in paragraph two hundred and thirteen.
- These words, in his own hand, are to be found, framed, inside the hall.
- But seeing is believing, as they say.
- If you're still not convinced, seeing is believing.
- We are left with the unspecific practical objection, the objection that is as much to say that only seeing is believing.
- When only seeing is believing the unseen reproductive anatomy of the female can not be an article of faith.
- If you can see your way clear, call this number to volunteer.
- Finally he could see his way clear to his goal.
- Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man running out of the store.
- My secretary will show you to the door.
- Amy helped him up and showed him to the door while Kath stripped off her gown and gloves.
- Hanmer said as he showed me to the door.
- His neighbours, who regard him as a hero, respectfully show you to the door.
- I saw him to the door and watched him pace away along the streets he knew better than most others in London.
- Mrs Teal merely wished that Annie show Lois to the door.
- Then she showed them to the door.
- They stood to leave and as an afterthought Cobalt got up, too, and saw them to the door.
- In fact Brian Moore reckoned it would take only twelve days for the administrators to see the error of their ways.
- I fail to see the humor in this situation.
- How presumptuous my claims to knowledge based only on what I see, leaving out what I fail to see.
- However I fail to see firstly what you are trying to prove with your figures.
- Last year? I failed to see the connection.
- The government has seen fit to start testing more nuclear weapons.
- Add details as you see fit.
- For example, the firm can implement its own quality and inspection policies and amend these as they see fit.
- He was their final court of appeal and punished them as he saw fit.
- If particular LEAs see fit to alter their priorities and redeploy funds from one area to another, that is their decision.
- Meg had - this gift; the Lord saw fit - no qualms, she stole the jacket.
- Once the states knew the message of the day, they could reinforce it as they saw fit.
- The public can use, abuse or change the software in any way they see fit.
- There were some girls that I thought fit Selena more physically.
- I haven't seen hide nor hair of him in months.
- Okay, let's see, what were we talking about?
- Danny finally saw the light and bought me flowers on Valentine's Day.
- We can only hope the mayor will see the light and close down all these sex shops.
- But soon he could only see the lights of the boat in the distance.
- Each has attracted his or her share of supporters who could also see the light once it was pointed out to them.
- Five minutes later he saw the lights of a village pub.
- From two blocks away you can see the light radiating up into the sky.
- It was uncanny and Maggie was never so glad to see the light from her own room and get Ana back indoors.
- One must have experienced deeply, known greatness - seen the light, as he said.
- Sadly, for it was a lively, largely autobiographical piece, it would never see the light of day.
- You were sitting in your seat, pressed back by the acceleration, and you saw the light beams curve.
- But at least none of them saw the light of print - until today's souvenir edition.
- From two blocks away you can see the light radiating up into the sky.
- Get to the back of the drawers and cupboards - areas which don't often see the light of day.
- He say if you afraid of the truth to get back in the shadows cause you never will see the light.
- I can see the light under Marie's door, but there's no noise or nothing.
- I never sold a garment or got an order from this source, I wonder if they saw the light of day.
- I saw the light widening in the window, but I could not make myself get up.
- On a clear night, you could see the lights of Saigon.
- But I 'd like to see you again, when we can make time.
- I 'd like to see him again.
- I 'd like to see you give our boys a run for their money.
- A conciliatory gesture, some argued, would appease the cardinal and Holy Trinity would live to fight another day.
- By his diplomacy, it was true, Gordon had lived to fight another day.
- Having lived to fight another day, Mayer did - with Sam Goldwyn.
- Or will they live to fight another day?
- Pol pot lives to fight another day despite butchering millions of his people.
- The choice for us was whether to take a strike unprepared or to live to fight another day.
- Uh, and says, uh, long time no see,.
- See what I mean, Dad, about this camera being difficult to use?
- And little enough for cleverness, if you see what I mean.
- BBut you see what I mean.
- Do you see what I mean, he was trying?
- He had this manner, as if he was a bit above the rest of us, if you see what I mean.
- He just has the feelings, if you see what I mean.
- I think you will see what I mean only after tasting this bread.
- You see what I mean about having to keep up with things.
- You see what I mean when I say it's nothing new, it's been endlessly talked around.
- But I think he's lovely, and you can tell a mile off that he likes you.
- He's a hawkeye, and can spot one a mile off, like that faraway kestrel.
- Our sportsdesk can spot from a mile off a person who can not tell an in-swinger from a bouncer.
- Our tour guide was nowhere to be seen, so we set off to explore the city alone.
- She'd looked everywhere for her glasses, but they were nowhere to be found.
- Amelia Otis's name is nowhere to be found.
- But David Kent was nowhere to be seen.
- He had been searching for Morthen, to protect her from his violent half-brother, but she was nowhere to be found.
- I patrolled the town for a while, but they were nowhere to be seen.
- The prison director ordered a search, but the prisoner was nowhere to be found.
- When a game was on the line, Carr was nowhere to be found.
- Willie had looked around for the twins and George, but they were nowhere to be seen.
- "What is your next film going to be about?'' "Well, that remains to be seen.''
- It remains to be seen how many senior citizens will actually benefit from this new plan.
- What remains to be seen now is whether it is too late to save the rainforests.
- Whether the team can sustain its winning streak remains to be seen.
- And it remains to be seen if re- signing Greg Vaughn will be a hit or a miss.
- But it remains to be seen whether that will prove a significant omission.
- But it remains to be seen whether this will exacerbate chronic unemployment or solve it.
- Steel will make it remains to be seen.
- The meaning of prevention in the new Children Act is multifaceted and it remains to be seen how it will be operationalized.
- Today it remains to be seen whether Museveni's essentially centralist approach will be more successful than its predecessors.
- Whether I reach it remains to be seen!
- Yet it remains to be seen how strong are the forces of Euro-scepticism in Labour's own ranks.
- I had bumped my head so hard that I began to see stars.
- Her head rocked, and for the first time in her life, she quite literally saw stars.
- In the third division, Hereford United were seeing stars at Gillingham after letting in 2 early goals.
- Normally, one is not able to see stars in the sky that are in almost the same direction as the sun.
- She did it anyway, deploying her chute so late that the jolt made her see stars.
- The darkness intensified down in the wood though I could see stars between the boughs.
- He always saw straight to the point of an argument.
- Metaphorically speaking, you could see straight through him to the other side of the room.
- On the outermost point of the peninsula we could see straight over to Midland Isle and just beyond that to Skomer Island.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
- He decided to wait and see what happened in the other rehearsals.
- I promise you, you just wait and see.
- I would simply have to wait and see.
- Staff at Oxford Regional health Authority will now have to wait and see how many of them are to keep their jobs.
- The best attitude to have towards money matters in 1993 is: wait and see.
- They therefore had decided to wait and see how the operations progressed before attempting to formulate subsequent war strategy.
- Until recently, all she and her family could do was wait and see.
- You said you were going to wait and see.
- The way I see it, it was a fair trade.
- Best thing that could happen, the way I see it.
- Now the way I see it, you want more upmarket time than the plebs.