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单词 action
释义

Definition of action in English:

action

noun ˈakʃ(ə)nˈækʃ(ə)n

  • 1mass noun The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.

    ending child labour will require action on many levels
    strike action was threatened
    Example sentencesExamples
    • One of the callers threatened to take action against the attackers.
    • He was also a source of ideas and plans for covert action to influence the course of the war.
    • Both unions have threatened strike action if their demands are not met.
    • I did in fact take action at that time on advice from officials to address these concerns.
    • If so, it is important to know your rights and how to take action against unfair work practices.
    • With the local prosecutor declining to take action, the issue has probably peaked.
    • She said emissions to air, waste management and water eutrophication required urgent action.
    • People need to write their Congressmen about this and demand the Army take action.
    • Elections are the paramount means for influencing governmental action.
    • The congressman behind the report will tell us how he's planning to take action.
    • Assuming that the figures are an effective measure of overall hospital performance, what action should then follow?
    • As with all security audits, should the results require remedial action, such actions will be taken.
    • It would take a change in the minister of state to really effect some action.
    • Postal services could be hit by prolonged strike action over plans to process North Yorkshire's mail in Leeds at weekends.
    • When we demand the government take action in a field we no nothing about we are courting disaster.
    • What can be done about it and what effects will any action have on the rest of the economy and the environment?
    • But the speech had had the desired effect: public health action had finally been galvanised.
    • Their action had the desired effect of restoring confidence in the market and helped the bullion price to begin its recent recovery.
    • Secondly, we may consider the effects of human action on the environment itself.
    • I know that some have argued that we should take action to achieve a very much smaller population.
    Synonyms
    steps, measures, activity, movement, work, working, effort, exertion, operation
    act, take steps, take measures, take the initiative, move, make a move, react, do something
    1. 1.1 The way in which something such as a chemical has an effect or influence.
      the seeds require the catalytic action of water to release heat
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The tetrodo-toxin produced has a selective blocking effect on nerve action potentials.
      • Problems included unspecified dosages, unclear information about drug action, and side effects of drugs.
      • Onset of action is rapid and side effects include local irritation and unpleasant taste.
      • Prevent major spills which can form a hard glaze and destroy the chemical oxidizing action.
      • The Hox genes exert this influence by their action on the genes controlling the development of these structures.
      • Considering the different mechanisms of the action of the two drugs, different protective effects are suggested.
      • This effect could be the consequence of the anti-proliferative action of glucocorticoids.
      • That very specificity of chemical action is often a highly prized medicinal property.
      • When all the finish is removed, apply a neutralizer to stop the chemical action.
      • Therefore the area of the roadway in question had been subject to the detrimental effects of frost action.
      • I think the chemical action of light is to be regarded in this way.
      • The precise mechanism of the biological actions of this plant is not fully understood.
      • For outdoor metal sculpture waxing at least once a year is essential to protect the metal from chemical action.
      • Syrup alone may act as a demulcent and provide antitussive action without side effects.
      Synonyms
      effect, influence, power, working, work
      result, consequence
    2. 1.2
      the rank and file want to call the action off
      short for industrial action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The unofficial action began at 8am when pickets were placed outside the station.
      • When the workers walked out the company sacked them for taking unofficial action.
      • After two derailments on the tube in as many days, the RMT is balloting for action on London Underground.
      • Refusing to work or take on duties on health and safety grounds is not secondary action.
      • You have to go back to 1976 to find pan-Canadian united action by the trade union movement.
      • Pickets were to be out again at the Arndale on Friday of this week, the TUC's day of action to defend pensions.
      • The Government responded by making it clear there were no plans to review the law on secondary action.
      • The apparent rejection of collective action has lead to trade union membership remaining low.
      • The action involved trade unions involved in the health and service industry.
      • Nursery nurses claim the council has provoked the action by ignoring their arguments for an increase in their hourly rate.
      • Their action began three weeks after the annual wage negotiations with the company reached a stalemate.
      • If the firefighters strike there is a distinct possibility that other workers may take solidarity action.
      • Let a union declare that it wishes to take Secondary action in an industrial dispute and it is a disgrace.
      • This week's action by the POA was the first industrial dispute at any Irish prison for well over a decade.
      • As many as 100,000 academics and support staff were taking part in a national day of action to protest against the offer.
      • The drivers took their second day of action on Thursday of last week with a solid 24 hour strike.
      • The ripple effects of the week-long action spread into other areas of life.
      • We will be working hard to deliver as many services as possible during the forthcoming action planned by the RMT.
      • A union is calling for a national day of action to protest at plans to increase the retirement age for civil servants.
      • The action began on May 18 when 800 staff walked off the job in Watford in south England.
    3. 1.3 The events represented in a story or play.
      the action is set in a country house
      Example sentencesExamples
      • An ability to penetrate the superficialities of the story and action to see the moral truths expressed therein.
      • There isn't actually a lot of dramatic action happening - much of the story revolves around the psychology.
      • Yes the story and action is horrific at times but Ray and Kathy put in such excellent performances.
      • This film is closely inspired by and links to the story, characters and action of Driver 3.
      • It is set about two hundred years ago, at the time of the Napoleonic wars; the action takes place mostly in England.
      • Jackson is back for the sequel, playing the tough Security Agency head, and this time the action is set in Washington DC.
      • Time. Used to define the limits of the story and around which action is organized.
      • The action of the story divides between this rural backdrop and Helsinki, to which Eeva eventually flees.
      • While the action sometimes moved a little too slowly, there were plenty of funny scenes to keep things bubbling along.
      • As the action moves from Königsberg to Cambridge, such ironies build and become more acute.
      • Ralph the Heir was written in spring and summer 1869 - the same period that the novel's action is set.
      • Yet, compared to Deus Ex, it seems to have far less action and far more story.
    4. 1.4informal Exciting or notable activity.
      the weekend sporting action begins on Saturday
      people in media want to be where the action is
      Example sentencesExamples
      • On some days it was difficult for visitors to know which way to look because there was just so much exciting wildlife action going on around them.
      • My only criticism is that perhaps there could have been a little more exciting action.
      • The second half was brimful of exciting action, even if the scoring returns were nothing to crow about.
      • The pair will present a brand new weekend show covering all the latest sporting action from across the globe.
      • At one level, the movie is about science fiction, kung fu, firearms and non-stop action.
      • On the eve of his 100th birthday, Gaston suffered a stroke, but it didn't stop his drive to be ‘to be where the action’ was where the action was.
      • It will be in place on match-days so that fans can catch up on the latest Sunday sporting action before and after the Knights home matches.
      • So a CEO has to spend time where the action is, or you're not going to get the true picture.
      • The first sporting action will be at Hampden Park where the football tournament will kick off.
      • Things got off to a slow start but by mid afternoon there was non stop action.
      • Hollywood is hot, but this is where the action is and sometimes it is fun to be where the action is.
      • So probably not much exciting, government-toppling action for me sadly.
      • Five games on each day of the carnival means that there is non-stop action throughout the weekend.
      • It was a complete jump away from slow-moving stories to one containing action and excitement.
      • It also helped that I play a lot of video games in a similar effort to infuse my life with nonstop action.
      • Well chapter 7 is done, and with it the first real action in the story so far, from my point of view at least.
      • Excitement, glamour, exposure, top sporting action, cash by the barrow-load.
      • Thankfully, that proved to be unfounded and we can continue to savour the prospect of some exciting action.
      • The film is funny and exciting, with non-stop action and set pieces.
      • Exciting racing action throughout the weekend in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
      Synonyms
      excitement, activity, bustle
      happenings, occurrences, proceedings, events, incidents, episodes, eventualities, chain of events
      informal goings-on
    5. 1.5as exclamation Used by a film director as a command to begin.
      lights, camera, action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Jayson pointed the camera, Eric called ‘Action’ and Chris ran with an expression of terror on his face.
      • Once he has his quarry in his sights, it's ready, aim, fire, lights, camera, action for this freedom-loving documentarian.
      • Everyone went into their places, and then Stephen called out, ‘Lights, camera, action!’
      • I had to make a living and I wanted to get behind a camera and shout ‘action’.

  • 2A thing done; an act.

    she frequently questioned his actions
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The scene requires viewers to question the actions and reactions of characters in a highly complex situation.
    • Welcome to the real world people, a world of personal responsibility where actions can generate reactions.
    • The consumer is king and it is the consumer who must accept a little more responsibility for the actions of global companies that are only reacting to our whims.
    • A nurse has told a jury she did not feel able to question the actions of a colleague who mistakenly gave a toddler an incorrect injection.
    • Our group largely agreed but added that the police response to our actions would play a decisive role in how far things would escalate.
    • The legislation will raise further questions in relation to actions open to an employer if a drug test proves positive, he said.
    • There comes a point where you have to take responsibility for your own actions.
    • The book is a sustained diatribe questioning Churchill's actions from the early 1930s through 1941.
    • You alone are responsible for your own actions and behavior in life.
    • But there is also a perceived need on the part of governments to build up a momentum in public opinion both to justify its actions and bury awkward questions.
    • Bacon accepts no responsibility for your drunken actions if this is attempted!
    • Increasingly dog-tired and conflicted, his actions often seem those of a guilty man.
    • The wider issue is the question of the state's behaviour and whether its actions were responsible.
    • However, the actions of corporations do have effects on the environment, society, and culture, etc.
    • Our country was founded in response to the actions of an over-reaching, hegemonic empire.
    • When will she take responsibility for her own actions?
    • Notwithstanding his off-field actions, no one questions Carey's commitment to the concept of team.
    • It is not your responsibility to control their actions and behavior.
    • They knew that complaining about her actions could raise questions about their conduct and did it anyway.
    • It's all well and good to perform these actions in response to the alarm clock if that's what happens every day.
    Synonyms
    deed, act, activity, move, gesture, undertaking, exploit, manoeuvre, achievement, accomplishment, venture, enterprise, endeavour, effort, exertion
    work, handiwork, doing, creation, performance, behaviour, conduct
    reaction, response
    1. 2.1 A gesture or movement.
      his actions emphasized his words
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Some levels will have you performing the same movements and actions for ten minutes only to get you to a room with no purpose.
      • The actors, in their movements and actions, too remind one of theatrical expressions that are wholly Malayali in origin.
      • No words, just clean efficient movement and actions.
      • Christopher also bent down to the parcel, concealing his and her actions with a turned back and diminished movements.
      • Rue fumed silently as he hummed contentedly and she watched him closely, studying his movements and actions.
      • He doesn't tend to speak, rather communicate in actions and gestures.
      • What is meant by movement is specific actions of the weapon and body.
      • The darkness of winter slows the city's heartbeat, making our every action or movement an effort.
      • He was slightly taken back by her action yet returned the gesture, content to have her small frame in his arms.
      • But their movement and actions are depicted with expressiveness and drama.
      • Simple actions and words are put at a premium when they aren't used to buoy a Message of Personal and Social Importance.
      • For many years it has been known that rock failure is complex, and results from the many stresses arising from the combined movements and actions of the tooth of a rock bit.
      • Movement and actions were scripted superbly, which is immediately evident when engaged for the first time in battle.
      • His movements contradicted the others' actions, his steps were graceful and quiet like that of a doe.
      • They do not perform actions, and their movements and modifications are not caused by motives, for the simple reason that they have no minds with which to perceive.
      • It's important to express our love through words and actions, kissing and hugging our children often.
      • They learn that gestures and actions are a form of communication and begin to say a few ‘real’ words.
      • How was it possible for someone as dumb and arrogant as Heath to make me blush with a simple action or word?
      • This workshop was the first phase of a training programme in which the kids learnt how to create expressions, actions and movements of characters.
      • Her actions and movements sluggish and purposefully so, she has a bad feeling.

  • 3The way in which something works or moves.

    the weapon has a smooth action
    Example sentencesExamples
    • An anti-runway warhead which is equipped with a delayed action fuse has the capability of penetrating reinforced concrete runways to a depth of nearly 0.5m.
    • The heart's pumping action pushes the blood around the body through the arteries.
    • One of the things that gives the gun such a smooth action is the fact that the action bar and magazine tube move together.
    • The tray slides along the rails in a very smooth action, and is held in place with four thumbscrews.
    • In 1855 he entered Nicaragua with a small band of mercenaries armed with a new type of quick-action rifle.
    1. 3.1 The mechanism that makes a machine or instrument work.
      a piano with an escapement action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • His actions are machined from pre heat-treated 4140 bar stock using all carbide tooling.
      • He moved the slide action back and forth, checking that the movement was smooth enough to meet his satisfaction.
      • Most bolt actions will fit the cartridge without bolt modification and bullets up to .35 caliber can be fitted into some variation of the case.
      Synonyms
      machinery, workings, works, movement, motion, gear, gears, wheels, components, motor, engine, power source

  • 4mass noun Armed conflict.

    servicemen listed as missing in action during the war
    Example sentencesExamples
    • His father, a gifted poet who worked in a bank, was killed in action in France in 1917.
    • A former soldier who was in the thick of the action during the War told how he had met his match - in York.
    • Most National Guard and Reservists sign up thinking they'll never see action, let alone deployment overseas.
    • Military action is but a single prong of a much larger and broader effort to halt the threat of terrorism.
    • Wayne's body has never been found, he is listed as missing in action, and presumed to be dead.
    • Those killed in military action are represented as inflicting their own deaths.
    • Military action, especially a Nato assault, must be the option of last resort.
    • He saw early action in North Africa, where he was awarded a Military Cross and bar.
    • Cope was one of more than 8,000 Americans missing in action during the Korean War.
    • As the news of their son's bravery came in, his parents didn't seem surprised that he had been in the thick of the action on the outskirts of the city.
    • He was wounded in action in Italy in November 1944.
    • Nevertheless, members of this camp believe that the onset of military action might give the market a lift.
    • Several yeomen are known to have volunteered for service at Waterloo, but no formed units saw action until the Second Boer War.
    • Casualties totaled 77,000 men, which included 8,000 killed in action, 48,000 wounded in action, and 21,000 as prisoners of war or missing in action.
    • In each case, only outside military action eventually ended Genocide.
    Synonyms
    fighting, hostilities, battle, conflict, armed conflict, combat, warfare, war, bloodshed
    engagement, clash, encounter, confrontation, skirmish, affray
    1. 4.1count noun A military engagement.
      a rearguard action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Further, subsequent military actions may depend on the effectiveness of a non-lethal attack.
      • In Africa there have been unilateral military actions by states to overthrow despotic governments in neighbouring states.
      • For a long time the concept of combat was synonymous to the concept of military actions.
      • Third, normally blockade takes the form of systematic naval military actions.
      • They sought to wear down the adversary through harassing actions and protracted conflict.
      • The doctrine of ‘preemptive’ war will remain in force, and will be used to justify further military actions.
      • Our purpose was to study this great battle to better inform military actions in the future.
      • The murkiness and chaos that attend armed conflict mean military actions are hardly immune to mistake.
      • But recent weeks have seen a resurgence of armed actions by government opponents.
      • Some of our adversaries are not bound by the laws we value and which regulate U.S. military actions.
      • It was the beginning of decades of military actions until the wars of independence ended in 1825.
      • One was to engage in guerilla actions and wear the enemy down.
      • However, other soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines die in combat actions, too.
      • Hawks hurriedly flew off to protect Paris but Paris was soon occupied and the Hawk pilots attempted to fight a rearguard action as they retreated from one base to another.
      • ‘This is a disgrace to all those who have legitimately received injuries or died in the combat actions since the first day of the war,’ Robinson said.
      • He also lists the numerous combat actions in which the United States became involved after the fall of the Soviet Union.
      • The combined arms battle called for concerted actions by infantry and artillery later joined by tanks and aviation.
      • We had been fighting a rearguard action across France, and we were 30 miles outside Dunkirk when the evacuation began on May 26th.
      • This meant that they were part-time warriors and that spoils of war played a major role in military actions.
      • He could have engaged in military actions short of an outright invasion.
      Synonyms
      fighting, hostilities, battle, conflict, armed conflict, combat, warfare, war, bloodshed

  • 5Legal proceedings; a lawsuit.

    a civil action for damages
    Example sentencesExamples
    • If a writ in a Queen's Bench action is not issued within the statutory time limit the action cannot proceed.
    • The plaintiffs commenced an action in private law for recovery of the money due.
    • The litigation was an action in the District Court, your Honour, in a commercial matter.
    • That case was not concerned with public law but was a civil action for damages.
    • The ability to make comparisons with damages awarded for non-pecuniary losses in personal injury actions would have a salutary effect on libel juries.
    • After his accident in the spring of 1988, Kenneth sued for damages in a civil action.
    • There's also a limit on how long after a wrongful act a civil action can be commenced.
    • The company says it has a strong case and intends to fight the action.
    • The claimant brought an action for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment.
    • These costs can be recovered in a variety of ways: through fines, charges, or civil actions for damages.
    • He will remain as a defendant and the action will proceed against him and the other three defendants.
    • Academic commentators have discussed various possibilities for legal actions, both of a criminal and civil nature.
    • Here, the contractor was the plaintiff and the owners were the defendants in a lien action.
    • The first chance event is whether the plaintiff decides to bring an action for common law damages.
    • The Claimant would lose his action against the primary tort feasor and must look to a claim against his solicitors.
    • If he fails to do so, he is held liable, whereas in an action for negligence the legal burden in most cases remains throughout on the plaintiff.
    • Would the law of New Zealand that takes away rights of common law actions for personal injuries and puts people on some kind of pension scheme apply?
    • It must be stressed that it is not for the court to assign a legal classification to the actions brought by the plaintiffs before the national court.
    • As with other questions in this chapter it also covers a number of the judicial actions in the Community legal order.
    • Judicial Watch has filed 92 lawsuits and legal actions against government officials.
    Synonyms
    lawsuit, legal action, suit, suit at law, case, cause, prosecution, litigation, legal dispute, legal contest
    proceedings, legal proceedings, judicial proceedings
verb ˈakʃ(ə)n
[with object]

  • Take action on; deal with.

    your request will be actioned
    Example sentencesExamples
    • However, for some reason, it was not allocated to a specific member of staff and he could not say why the instruction to update the records was not actioned.
    • Anything that is pressed on the keyboard while it is in sleep mode, however, is finally actioned after the computer has detected it again.
    • I like papers that need actioning to be actioned and then filed.
    • Those recommendations have now been actioned.
    • Mr Molony noted that the recommendation last year by the Safety Review Group that research should be undertaken into helmets had been actioned.
    • It's not unusual for someone to arrive at the service with court documents that need to be actioned quite soon after the appointment.
    • But, until the plan is actioned, there is still some Monday stretched out behind and ahead of me.
    • If you had a standard monthly payment for the same amount each month, then your request could be actioned.
    • Hounslow is trying to ensure that all outstanding work is actioned during the run-up to the implementation of the new computer system.
    • While some comments were just plain amusing, the more serious ones had been actioned where possible by the management, or a note had been put in explaining why the suggestion could not be acted on.
    • We received separate complaints about flytipping in this area on Tuesday and Wednesday in this area and this will be actioned.
    • However, initial thoughts are that a local merger could perhaps be actioned and would clearly simplify existing structures.
    • The issue was not one of releasability per se - more that each individual in the chain felt beholden to check the releasability of the information before actioning any requests.
    • Both of these recommendations have been actioned.
    • I have made numerous calls to the so called Help Line and nothing is ever actioned.
    • The letter was actioned by the Milton Keynes Council and endorsed accordingly 8th April 2002.
    • The funding allows core programmes set up over the last 2 years to grow, and new initiatives to be actioned.
    • That is why I actioned the share transfer of 6,250 shares.
    • I have put in an application to pay child maintenance but they have not actioned that application.
    • Every test required was actioned quickly with results received within a short time. The first paramedic even called back to the hospital later to check all was well.
    Synonyms
    deal with, attend to, see to, sort out, handle, take care of, action, organize, manage

Phrases

  • action at a distance

    • historical The exertion of force by one body on another separated from the first by empty space.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Of the quantum entanglement phenomena that Einstein described as ‘spooky action at a distance,’ quantum holography may be the spookiest to date.
      • The Continental scientists certainly did not accept the idea of action at a distance and continued to believe in Descartes' vortex theory where forces work through contact.
      • These fundamental papers put forward the case for action at a distance between electrical charges in a similar way as Newton's theory of gravitation was based on action at a distance between masses.
      • In short, the quantum description of the fundamental forces is designed to do away with action at a distance.
      • Our universe didn't have to be this way: it could have been action at a distance, instantaneous transformer of information, etc.

  • actions speak louder than words

    • proverb What someone actually does means more than what they say they will do.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • No one would argue with the case for better, higher quality designs for our city, but actions speak louder than words.
      • I've said before that actions speak louder than words and I'm prepared for people to come back next year and ask me exactly what the department has achieved.
      • The oft-heard attempt at reassuring a doubting public may indeed have some substance, but actions speak louder than words.
      • But actions speak louder than words, and that's why I'm offering Evening Press readers a chance to turn their lives around in a different way.
      • What I've always told my kids, and Allison can confirm this, is actions speak louder than words.
      • People who subscribe to this tradition treat everyone with the same dignity, and they also understand that actions speak louder than words.
      • They deny it, but actions speak louder than words.
      • Well, actions speak louder than words and our sources says she's offered a lot less.
      • Much as actions speak louder than words, thinking about something is better than not being empathetic enough to think at all.
      • Michael… says a lot of things, but personally, I find actions speak louder than words.
      • At this summit, I've seen a lot of people come with reactions but not actions - and actions speak louder than words.
      • But for a public that expects clean air, clean water, and a healthy future for its children, the administration's actions speak louder than words.
      • He said: ‘They are not making an explicit ethical statement, but actions speak louder than words.’
      • They say it is a family game but actions speak louder than words - it is about how much money they (the FA) can bring in.
      • Her choice was predictable and did not need further elaboration - actions speak louder than words.
      • But in every case actions speak louder than words and the law must be applied to the facts.
      • But actions speak louder than words and previous competitiveness white papers have yielded few tangible results.
      • This is a man for whom actions speak louder than words - over the past few years he has been stepping out in style, dancing around the world in the name of peace.
      • I still maintain the view that actions speak louder than words so we'll wait and see how it pans out.
      • Ministers talk the language of empowerment, devolution, collaboration, and support, but their actions speak louder than words.

  • go into action

    • Start work or activity.

      skin divers were close at hand, ready to go into action if the stunt went wrong
      Example sentencesExamples
      • ‘We all knew as the meeting was going on that British forces were going into action,’ the Prime Minister's spokesman explained.
      • Workers in an adjoining room were ordered to leave while the firefighters went into action.
      • We talked for a while then moved into the living room and I went into action.
      • Emergency services were on standby throughout the night on Friday and went into action at dawn on Saturday to evacuate six properties at Mill Lane, Tempsford.
      • Armed police went into action in the town centre on Saturday night after a youth was spotted with a gun in New Road.
      • They rob parked cars and have studied the habits of their targets before going into action.
      • The corporation stands ready to go into action and assist residents, if that becomes necessary,’ he promised.
      • The eight-strong police team went into action at 10 am and five people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply and were later released on bail.
      • There is a lot of people that dislike the federal government, but, he just went into action beyond anyone's wildest nightmares.
      • Irene and Dave went into action to bring the public in.
      • It's the second time the hotel's taskforce has gone into action in response to the growing disquiet over the city's increasingly grotty appearance.
      • Teresa went into action, amassing all the information she could, while Terence telephoned specialists all over the world for advice.
      • By the time a helicopter lifts off, a team of experts has already gone into action - both in the air and on the ground.
      • As we eat, a nearby market closes up and the local street-sweeping team goes into action as though they are finishing up for the Glasgow Fair.
      • Grandad Danny, 39, went into action after daughter-in-law Charlotte went into labour in the early hours of Monday morning at his home in Boreham.
      • The emergency services have a plan in place to deal with such accidents, and that has gone into action today.
      • Elliot went into action after local radio station Z - 99 announced the contest, which awarded a pair of seats to the show to the collector of the most grasshoppers in two days.
      • As the home captain lay unconscious on the ground and the official was flat out on the touchline, spectators went into action.
      • As a curious crowd gathered at the entrance to Central Park at Fifth Avenue and 60th Street, a team of riggers, steelworkers and Japanese art world figures went into action.
      • What they're all referring to is the fact one American serviceman made a complaint in January this year, and the Pentagon's investigative machinery went into action.

  • in action

    • In operation; working.

      watching him in action, normal workers are left in awe
      Example sentencesExamples
      • It's pretty hard to say who starts as favourite as we have not seen Team New Zealand in action yet.
      • Both he and Grant were in action in a sprint relay race where the British B-team beat the A squad.
      • To bring a case to court, an officer would have had to have witnessed vandals in action, he said.
      • A lot of our own senior players could do with going to watch this young man in action.
      • Cheesy some of it may be, but there's a genuine thrill to be had from seeing this pampered pop icon in action.
      • No games were played during the summer, when the county teams were in action.
      • Yet it is another horse who was in action at Aintree last week who threatens to take centre stage on Saturday.
      • A visitor centre was also added to the design, to provide a vantage point to view the wheel in action.
      • Wartime Britain was supposed to be the epitome of socialist planning in action.
      • David has another five weeks to get through and then he expects to be back in action.
      • Perhaps the single most important factor, however, is seeing it in action first.
      • I explained to the people who didn't like me that this was democracy in action.
      • Teachers from Italy and Finland have been in town all week to see Grange Junior School in action.
      • An upset stomach stopped him from training on Tuesday and Wednesday but he is back in action now.
      • Parliament has voted and we all know that when parliament votes that is democracy in action isn't it?
      • So it was a relief to finally see him back in action again last night and he happily reported no after effects.
      • I can remember as a child going to the old town park hoping to find one of the swings in action.
      • I wasn't even allowed to take a closer look, let alone photograph the machine in action.
      • Seeing the dancers and musicians in action there last weekend was a revelation.
      • Robert Sangster brought him over to Europe to give us all a chance to have a look at him in action.
      Synonyms
      functioning, working, running, up and running, operative, in use, going

  • man of action

    • A man whose life is characterized by physical activity or deeds rather than by words or intellectual matters.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Lawrence's roles as man of action, poet, neurotic, and leader of men fascinated friends and biographers and the public for years.
      • She loved her father, she wrote, ‘when he's a revolutionary… a man of ideas, a man of action, a man who sticks steadfastly to his views and won't trade them for anything in the world’.
      • Although a man of action and a skilled administrator rather than an intellectual, he enjoyed the company of scholars and converted to Protestantism.
      • Forgive me, fellow Parisians, I am a man of action not words.
      • So when we speak of intellectuals or men of action, it is important to bear in mind that such distinctions are matters of degree, of mere tendencies, not absolutes.
      • Superman, the man of Steel, is a man of action, a man who although he is not American fights the great American fight.
      • That earned him opprobrium in the council chamber but on the streets cemented his reputation as a man of action.
      • Groomed by his father Nicholas I to head the navy, he had developed into a perceptive intellectual who at the same time was a man of action.
      • The 51-year-old entrepreneur is a man of action, not words.
      • He is a liberation theologist, a man of action who gets on with it rather than talking about it.
      • He has proved himself to be a man of action not just words.
      • Both were men of action who found themselves in the right place at the right time because, in 1910, Mexico was a country which could have been created specifically for revolutionary change.
      • He's a spiritual man, but he's a man of action, too.
      • His comedy timing is impeccable and he was equally at home as a man of action or a driven intellectual of thoughts, dreams and desires.
      • A most affable man, his ready smile is always to the fore but underneath all that charm is a man of action who speaks by deeds as well as words.
      • The Romans, on the other hand, were doers, they were men of action.
      • Peck's craggy good looks, grace and measured speech contributed to his screen image as the decent, courageous man of action.
      • Unlike France, Britain has preferred men of action, pragmatists, doers rather than thinkers.
      • He emerges with the most credit as a man of action, honour and compassion.
      • Lame from birth, he spent his life attempting to become a man of action.
      Synonyms
      worker, organizer, activist, man of action, achiever, high achiever, succeeder, hustler, entrepreneur

  • out of action

    • Temporarily unable to work or function.

      a heart attack put him out of action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • A subsequent operation kept him out of action for four months and even he came back too soon.
      • Her problems were made worse by the fact that the lift was temporarily out of action.
      • He was out of action for a year and was eventually forced to retire.
      • Traffic lights were temporarily out of action, although there were no reports of accidents.
      • Pastor Roe said that the toilets had been out of action since February.
      • He signed for them at the start of the season but has been out of action since sustaining a broken leg in a pre-season friendly.
      • And why was a security camera monitoring the prison yard mysteriously out of action?
      • They managed to release the lift, but it has since been out of action.
      • He lives on the top floor and said one lift has been out of action for more than eight weeks, and the other takes users to the wrong floor.
      • He was out of action for six months, although the initial diagnosis was for much longer, and on crutches for two.
      • CAN I apologise for the fact that my e-mail has been out of action for the past few weeks due to a technical hitch.
      • She estimates the shop will be out of action for several weeks while repairs are carried out and replacement stock is ordered.
      • The electricity failure kept the phones and most of the lighting out of action for more than three hours.
      • It put one of the runways out of action for 15 minutes, disrupting incoming and departing flights.
      • The centre also paid for engineering work on the ship's main generator which was out of action.
      • Questions have to be asked, including why the CCTV cameras on the ward were out of action.
      • The 31-year-old is currently out of action with a broken arm but will be back in a month's time.
      • Anyway, with my arm more or less out of action, and the pain, lack of sleep, etc, I've not been to work yet this week.
      • Gashes and knocks that would put a professional footballer out of action for weeks tend to be shrugged off.
      • Malt attacked from the restart and, with Cooke temporarily out of action, Will Barber booted a penalty.
      Synonyms
      not working, not in working order, not functioning, broken, broken-down, out of order, out of service, out of commission, acting up, unserviceable, faulty, defective, non-functional, in disrepair

  • a piece (or slice) of the action

    • 1informal A share in an exciting or profitable enterprise.

      they'd underwrite the cost of the drilling in return for a piece of the action
      Synonyms
      share, portion, bit, cut, quota, percentage
      1. 1.1US A share in the profits accruing from something.

  • put into action

    • Put into effect; carry out.

      ideas need to be put into action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • However there were a few changes and improvements suggested for the various stalls and these will be put into action at the next sale
      • A major new coast protection plan for Clacton has been drawn up, after two years of research, and will cost £34 million to put into action.
      • The recovery plan to be put into action by the new team addresses issues raised in a damning Corporate Governance Inspection report last summer.
      • After two years of successful human and cattle trials on the heart-rate monitor, it is now being developed by a firm who say that it could be put into action as early as next year.
      • I hope this ID card idea will be put into action in the near future.
      • Problem solving tactics were put into action (all a bit much at 7.43 am).
      • The speed restrictions will be put into action throughout the village centre after no objections were received to the order.
      • Sadie can come to a company and organise a ‘brainstorming meetings’ where ideas are discussed, up dated and put into action.
      • The effective dissolution of the group, which has been observing a ceasefire since 1996, may be announced in a few weeks, though it could take six months to put into action.
      • Five Government reports have been drawn up into epilepsy since 1953 but campaigners claim none has been put into action.
      • It is about love and compassion put into action - not oppression.
      • The County Emergency Service Plan was put into action as fire brigades and ambulance crews arrived at the scene
      • A bid to get a repair operation under way was put into action.
      • Richards said an up-do-date traffic survey needs to be carried out before any plans are put into action.
      • And what does a report like that put into action, in terms of an investigation?
      • As I mentioned in Friday's blog entry, Plan B was put into action.
      • ‘We're alarmed that what was threatened was put into action,’ Mr Dale said.
      • We're a long way from seeing these cuts put into action, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
      • Chamber spokesman Murray Willock, who has been involved with the concept from day one, questioned why the proposal had not been put into action by police.
      • Pratyabhijna says with emphasis that knowledge put into action or practice is really meaningful.
      Synonyms
      execute, apply, put into action, put into effect, put into practice, carry out, carry through, perform, enact, administer

  • take action

    • Do something official or concerted to achieve an aim or deal with a problem.

      if there is a breach of regulations, we will take action
      he vowed to take tougher action against persistent offenders
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The world's central banks took action injecting $180 billion into the financial system to stem the losses.
      • The Senate taking action today to help struggling homeowners.
      • The conciliator need not do much to have taken action, according to the House of Lords.
      • They wanted to orchestrate their myriad efforts to force the legislature to take action where the lawsuits could not.
      • Campaigners hope evidence of eight grave "miscarriages of justice" will persuade the Justice Secretary to take action.
      • The activists are asking concerned citizens across the country to join the actions in New Orleans or to take action at home.
      • With the price of gasoline going up more each day, we consumers need to take action.
      • Why some officials say the Department of Homeland Security needs to take action immediately.
      • Environment Agency chiefs say they will not be taking action against a controversial landfill site, despite calls for its immediate closedown.
      • He is then expected to take action to eliminate the hazards identified.
      Synonyms
      act, take steps, take measures, take the initiative, move, make a move, react, do something

Origin

Late Middle English: via Old French from Latin actio(n-), from agere 'do, act'.

Rhymes

abstraction, attraction, benefaction, compaction, contraction, counteraction, diffraction, enaction, exaction, extraction, faction, fraction, interaction, liquefaction, malefaction, petrifaction, proaction, protraction, putrefaction, redaction, retroaction, satisfaction, stupefaction, subtraction, traction, transaction, tumefaction, vitrifaction
noun.1
phr.
 
 

Definition of action in US English:

action

nounˈækʃ(ə)nˈakSH(ə)n

  • 1The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.

    he vowed to take tougher action against persistent offenders
    if there is a breach of regulations, we will take action
    Example sentencesExamples
    • People need to write their Congressmen about this and demand the Army take action.
    • Postal services could be hit by prolonged strike action over plans to process North Yorkshire's mail in Leeds at weekends.
    • The congressman behind the report will tell us how he's planning to take action.
    • I know that some have argued that we should take action to achieve a very much smaller population.
    • Both unions have threatened strike action if their demands are not met.
    • He was also a source of ideas and plans for covert action to influence the course of the war.
    • Assuming that the figures are an effective measure of overall hospital performance, what action should then follow?
    • She said emissions to air, waste management and water eutrophication required urgent action.
    • With the local prosecutor declining to take action, the issue has probably peaked.
    • When we demand the government take action in a field we no nothing about we are courting disaster.
    • What can be done about it and what effects will any action have on the rest of the economy and the environment?
    • I did in fact take action at that time on advice from officials to address these concerns.
    • Elections are the paramount means for influencing governmental action.
    • It would take a change in the minister of state to really effect some action.
    • One of the callers threatened to take action against the attackers.
    • Secondly, we may consider the effects of human action on the environment itself.
    • As with all security audits, should the results require remedial action, such actions will be taken.
    • Their action had the desired effect of restoring confidence in the market and helped the bullion price to begin its recent recovery.
    • If so, it is important to know your rights and how to take action against unfair work practices.
    • But the speech had had the desired effect: public health action had finally been galvanised.
    Synonyms
    steps, measures, activity, movement, work, working, effort, exertion, operation
    act, take steps, take measures, take the initiative, move, make a move, react, do something
    1. 1.1 The way in which something such as a chemical has an effect or influence.
      the seeds require the catalytic action of water to release hotness
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The tetrodo-toxin produced has a selective blocking effect on nerve action potentials.
      • This effect could be the consequence of the anti-proliferative action of glucocorticoids.
      • The Hox genes exert this influence by their action on the genes controlling the development of these structures.
      • Onset of action is rapid and side effects include local irritation and unpleasant taste.
      • Problems included unspecified dosages, unclear information about drug action, and side effects of drugs.
      • Therefore the area of the roadway in question had been subject to the detrimental effects of frost action.
      • When all the finish is removed, apply a neutralizer to stop the chemical action.
      • Considering the different mechanisms of the action of the two drugs, different protective effects are suggested.
      • Syrup alone may act as a demulcent and provide antitussive action without side effects.
      • The precise mechanism of the biological actions of this plant is not fully understood.
      • That very specificity of chemical action is often a highly prized medicinal property.
      • I think the chemical action of light is to be regarded in this way.
      • Prevent major spills which can form a hard glaze and destroy the chemical oxidizing action.
      • For outdoor metal sculpture waxing at least once a year is essential to protect the metal from chemical action.
      Synonyms
      effect, influence, power, working, work
    2. 1.2 The events represented in a story or play.
      the action is set in the country
      Example sentencesExamples
      • There isn't actually a lot of dramatic action happening - much of the story revolves around the psychology.
      • The action of the story divides between this rural backdrop and Helsinki, to which Eeva eventually flees.
      • An ability to penetrate the superficialities of the story and action to see the moral truths expressed therein.
      • This film is closely inspired by and links to the story, characters and action of Driver 3.
      • While the action sometimes moved a little too slowly, there were plenty of funny scenes to keep things bubbling along.
      • Ralph the Heir was written in spring and summer 1869 - the same period that the novel's action is set.
      • As the action moves from Königsberg to Cambridge, such ironies build and become more acute.
      • Jackson is back for the sequel, playing the tough Security Agency head, and this time the action is set in Washington DC.
      • Yet, compared to Deus Ex, it seems to have far less action and far more story.
      • It is set about two hundred years ago, at the time of the Napoleonic wars; the action takes place mostly in England.
      • Time. Used to define the limits of the story and around which action is organized.
      • Yes the story and action is horrific at times but Ray and Kathy put in such excellent performances.
    3. 1.3informal Exciting or notable activity.
      people in the media want to be where the action is
      the nonstop action of mountain biking
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Exciting racing action throughout the weekend in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
      • Well chapter 7 is done, and with it the first real action in the story so far, from my point of view at least.
      • Things got off to a slow start but by mid afternoon there was non stop action.
      • On the eve of his 100th birthday, Gaston suffered a stroke, but it didn't stop his drive to be ‘to be where the action’ was where the action was.
      • Excitement, glamour, exposure, top sporting action, cash by the barrow-load.
      • It will be in place on match-days so that fans can catch up on the latest Sunday sporting action before and after the Knights home matches.
      • The pair will present a brand new weekend show covering all the latest sporting action from across the globe.
      • The first sporting action will be at Hampden Park where the football tournament will kick off.
      • At one level, the movie is about science fiction, kung fu, firearms and non-stop action.
      • Hollywood is hot, but this is where the action is and sometimes it is fun to be where the action is.
      • My only criticism is that perhaps there could have been a little more exciting action.
      • So a CEO has to spend time where the action is, or you're not going to get the true picture.
      • So probably not much exciting, government-toppling action for me sadly.
      • It also helped that I play a lot of video games in a similar effort to infuse my life with nonstop action.
      • The film is funny and exciting, with non-stop action and set pieces.
      • Thankfully, that proved to be unfounded and we can continue to savour the prospect of some exciting action.
      • On some days it was difficult for visitors to know which way to look because there was just so much exciting wildlife action going on around them.
      • Five games on each day of the carnival means that there is non-stop action throughout the weekend.
      • It was a complete jump away from slow-moving stories to one containing action and excitement.
      • The second half was brimful of exciting action, even if the scoring returns were nothing to crow about.
      Synonyms
      excitement, activity, bustle
    4. 1.4as exclamation Used by a movie director as a command to begin.
      lights, camera, action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Everyone went into their places, and then Stephen called out, ‘Lights, camera, action!’
      • Jayson pointed the camera, Eric called ‘Action’ and Chris ran with an expression of terror on his face.
      • Once he has his quarry in his sights, it's ready, aim, fire, lights, camera, action for this freedom-loving documentarian.
      • I had to make a living and I wanted to get behind a camera and shout ‘action’.

  • 2A thing done; an act.

    she frequently questioned his actions
    I would not be responsible for my actions if I saw him
    Example sentencesExamples
    • But there is also a perceived need on the part of governments to build up a momentum in public opinion both to justify its actions and bury awkward questions.
    • You alone are responsible for your own actions and behavior in life.
    • Our group largely agreed but added that the police response to our actions would play a decisive role in how far things would escalate.
    • There comes a point where you have to take responsibility for your own actions.
    • Notwithstanding his off-field actions, no one questions Carey's commitment to the concept of team.
    • They knew that complaining about her actions could raise questions about their conduct and did it anyway.
    • Welcome to the real world people, a world of personal responsibility where actions can generate reactions.
    • The legislation will raise further questions in relation to actions open to an employer if a drug test proves positive, he said.
    • It is not your responsibility to control their actions and behavior.
    • It's all well and good to perform these actions in response to the alarm clock if that's what happens every day.
    • When will she take responsibility for her own actions?
    • The wider issue is the question of the state's behaviour and whether its actions were responsible.
    • Bacon accepts no responsibility for your drunken actions if this is attempted!
    • Our country was founded in response to the actions of an over-reaching, hegemonic empire.
    • Increasingly dog-tired and conflicted, his actions often seem those of a guilty man.
    • The book is a sustained diatribe questioning Churchill's actions from the early 1930s through 1941.
    • The consumer is king and it is the consumer who must accept a little more responsibility for the actions of global companies that are only reacting to our whims.
    • The scene requires viewers to question the actions and reactions of characters in a highly complex situation.
    • A nurse has told a jury she did not feel able to question the actions of a colleague who mistakenly gave a toddler an incorrect injection.
    • However, the actions of corporations do have effects on the environment, society, and culture, etc.
    Synonyms
    deed, act, activity, move, gesture, undertaking, exploit, manoeuvre, achievement, accomplishment, venture, enterprise, endeavour, effort, exertion
    1. 2.1 A gesture or movement.
      his actions emphasized his words
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Christopher also bent down to the parcel, concealing his and her actions with a turned back and diminished movements.
      • What is meant by movement is specific actions of the weapon and body.
      • They learn that gestures and actions are a form of communication and begin to say a few ‘real’ words.
      • The darkness of winter slows the city's heartbeat, making our every action or movement an effort.
      • But their movement and actions are depicted with expressiveness and drama.
      • How was it possible for someone as dumb and arrogant as Heath to make me blush with a simple action or word?
      • Her actions and movements sluggish and purposefully so, she has a bad feeling.
      • Rue fumed silently as he hummed contentedly and she watched him closely, studying his movements and actions.
      • No words, just clean efficient movement and actions.
      • Simple actions and words are put at a premium when they aren't used to buoy a Message of Personal and Social Importance.
      • His movements contradicted the others' actions, his steps were graceful and quiet like that of a doe.
      • The actors, in their movements and actions, too remind one of theatrical expressions that are wholly Malayali in origin.
      • Some levels will have you performing the same movements and actions for ten minutes only to get you to a room with no purpose.
      • He was slightly taken back by her action yet returned the gesture, content to have her small frame in his arms.
      • For many years it has been known that rock failure is complex, and results from the many stresses arising from the combined movements and actions of the tooth of a rock bit.
      • This workshop was the first phase of a training programme in which the kids learnt how to create expressions, actions and movements of characters.
      • Movement and actions were scripted superbly, which is immediately evident when engaged for the first time in battle.
      • It's important to express our love through words and actions, kissing and hugging our children often.
      • They do not perform actions, and their movements and modifications are not caused by motives, for the simple reason that they have no minds with which to perceive.
      • He doesn't tend to speak, rather communicate in actions and gestures.

  • 3A manner or style of doing something, typically the way in which a mechanism works or a person moves.

    the weapon has speed and smooth action
    a high paddle action in canoeing
    Example sentencesExamples
    • In 1855 he entered Nicaragua with a small band of mercenaries armed with a new type of quick-action rifle.
    • One of the things that gives the gun such a smooth action is the fact that the action bar and magazine tube move together.
    • The heart's pumping action pushes the blood around the body through the arteries.
    • The tray slides along the rails in a very smooth action, and is held in place with four thumbscrews.
    • An anti-runway warhead which is equipped with a delayed action fuse has the capability of penetrating reinforced concrete runways to a depth of nearly 0.5m.
    1. 3.1 The mechanism that makes a machine or instrument work.
      a piano with an escapement action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Most bolt actions will fit the cartridge without bolt modification and bullets up to .35 caliber can be fitted into some variation of the case.
      • He moved the slide action back and forth, checking that the movement was smooth enough to meet his satisfaction.
      • His actions are machined from pre heat-treated 4140 bar stock using all carbide tooling.
      Synonyms
      machinery, workings, works, movement, motion, gear, gears, wheels, components, motor, engine, power source

  • 4Armed conflict.

    servicemen listed as missing in action during the war
    Example sentencesExamples
    • In each case, only outside military action eventually ended Genocide.
    • He was wounded in action in Italy in November 1944.
    • Most National Guard and Reservists sign up thinking they'll never see action, let alone deployment overseas.
    • Military action, especially a Nato assault, must be the option of last resort.
    • Cope was one of more than 8,000 Americans missing in action during the Korean War.
    • Nevertheless, members of this camp believe that the onset of military action might give the market a lift.
    • Several yeomen are known to have volunteered for service at Waterloo, but no formed units saw action until the Second Boer War.
    • A former soldier who was in the thick of the action during the War told how he had met his match - in York.
    • His father, a gifted poet who worked in a bank, was killed in action in France in 1917.
    • He saw early action in North Africa, where he was awarded a Military Cross and bar.
    • Wayne's body has never been found, he is listed as missing in action, and presumed to be dead.
    • Those killed in military action are represented as inflicting their own deaths.
    • As the news of their son's bravery came in, his parents didn't seem surprised that he had been in the thick of the action on the outskirts of the city.
    • Casualties totaled 77,000 men, which included 8,000 killed in action, 48,000 wounded in action, and 21,000 as prisoners of war or missing in action.
    • Military action is but a single prong of a much larger and broader effort to halt the threat of terrorism.
    Synonyms
    fighting, hostilities, battle, conflict, armed conflict, combat, warfare, war, bloodshed
    1. 4.1 A military engagement.
      a rearguard action
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The doctrine of ‘preemptive’ war will remain in force, and will be used to justify further military actions.
      • Further, subsequent military actions may depend on the effectiveness of a non-lethal attack.
      • This meant that they were part-time warriors and that spoils of war played a major role in military actions.
      • Some of our adversaries are not bound by the laws we value and which regulate U.S. military actions.
      • He could have engaged in military actions short of an outright invasion.
      • It was the beginning of decades of military actions until the wars of independence ended in 1825.
      • He also lists the numerous combat actions in which the United States became involved after the fall of the Soviet Union.
      • ‘This is a disgrace to all those who have legitimately received injuries or died in the combat actions since the first day of the war,’ Robinson said.
      • The murkiness and chaos that attend armed conflict mean military actions are hardly immune to mistake.
      • The combined arms battle called for concerted actions by infantry and artillery later joined by tanks and aviation.
      • In Africa there have been unilateral military actions by states to overthrow despotic governments in neighbouring states.
      • For a long time the concept of combat was synonymous to the concept of military actions.
      • They sought to wear down the adversary through harassing actions and protracted conflict.
      • Third, normally blockade takes the form of systematic naval military actions.
      • One was to engage in guerilla actions and wear the enemy down.
      • But recent weeks have seen a resurgence of armed actions by government opponents.
      • However, other soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines die in combat actions, too.
      • Hawks hurriedly flew off to protect Paris but Paris was soon occupied and the Hawk pilots attempted to fight a rearguard action as they retreated from one base to another.
      • Our purpose was to study this great battle to better inform military actions in the future.
      • We had been fighting a rearguard action across France, and we were 30 miles outside Dunkirk when the evacuation began on May 26th.
      Synonyms
      fighting, hostilities, battle, conflict, armed conflict, combat, warfare, war, bloodshed

  • 5A legal process; a lawsuit.

    an action for damages
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Here, the contractor was the plaintiff and the owners were the defendants in a lien action.
    • After his accident in the spring of 1988, Kenneth sued for damages in a civil action.
    • As with other questions in this chapter it also covers a number of the judicial actions in the Community legal order.
    • The first chance event is whether the plaintiff decides to bring an action for common law damages.
    • Judicial Watch has filed 92 lawsuits and legal actions against government officials.
    • He will remain as a defendant and the action will proceed against him and the other three defendants.
    • It must be stressed that it is not for the court to assign a legal classification to the actions brought by the plaintiffs before the national court.
    • That case was not concerned with public law but was a civil action for damages.
    • The ability to make comparisons with damages awarded for non-pecuniary losses in personal injury actions would have a salutary effect on libel juries.
    • If a writ in a Queen's Bench action is not issued within the statutory time limit the action cannot proceed.
    • The company says it has a strong case and intends to fight the action.
    • Would the law of New Zealand that takes away rights of common law actions for personal injuries and puts people on some kind of pension scheme apply?
    • The Claimant would lose his action against the primary tort feasor and must look to a claim against his solicitors.
    • These costs can be recovered in a variety of ways: through fines, charges, or civil actions for damages.
    • The plaintiffs commenced an action in private law for recovery of the money due.
    • The litigation was an action in the District Court, your Honour, in a commercial matter.
    • Academic commentators have discussed various possibilities for legal actions, both of a criminal and civil nature.
    • If he fails to do so, he is held liable, whereas in an action for negligence the legal burden in most cases remains throughout on the plaintiff.
    • The claimant brought an action for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment.
    • There's also a limit on how long after a wrongful act a civil action can be commenced.
    Synonyms
    lawsuit, legal action, suit, suit at law, case, cause, prosecution, litigation, legal dispute, legal contest

Phrases

  • go into action

    • Start work or activity.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The corporation stands ready to go into action and assist residents, if that becomes necessary,’ he promised.
      • Teresa went into action, amassing all the information she could, while Terence telephoned specialists all over the world for advice.
      • By the time a helicopter lifts off, a team of experts has already gone into action - both in the air and on the ground.
      • Emergency services were on standby throughout the night on Friday and went into action at dawn on Saturday to evacuate six properties at Mill Lane, Tempsford.
      • What they're all referring to is the fact one American serviceman made a complaint in January this year, and the Pentagon's investigative machinery went into action.
      • The emergency services have a plan in place to deal with such accidents, and that has gone into action today.
      • Irene and Dave went into action to bring the public in.
      • Armed police went into action in the town centre on Saturday night after a youth was spotted with a gun in New Road.
      • Workers in an adjoining room were ordered to leave while the firefighters went into action.
      • As we eat, a nearby market closes up and the local street-sweeping team goes into action as though they are finishing up for the Glasgow Fair.
      • Grandad Danny, 39, went into action after daughter-in-law Charlotte went into labour in the early hours of Monday morning at his home in Boreham.
      • We talked for a while then moved into the living room and I went into action.
      • There is a lot of people that dislike the federal government, but, he just went into action beyond anyone's wildest nightmares.
      • It's the second time the hotel's taskforce has gone into action in response to the growing disquiet over the city's increasingly grotty appearance.
      • As a curious crowd gathered at the entrance to Central Park at Fifth Avenue and 60th Street, a team of riggers, steelworkers and Japanese art world figures went into action.
      • ‘We all knew as the meeting was going on that British forces were going into action,’ the Prime Minister's spokesman explained.
      • As the home captain lay unconscious on the ground and the official was flat out on the touchline, spectators went into action.
      • Elliot went into action after local radio station Z - 99 announced the contest, which awarded a pair of seats to the show to the collector of the most grasshoppers in two days.
      • The eight-strong police team went into action at 10 am and five people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply and were later released on bail.
      • They rob parked cars and have studied the habits of their targets before going into action.

  • in action

    • Engaged in a certain activity; in operation.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Seeing the dancers and musicians in action there last weekend was a revelation.
      • A lot of our own senior players could do with going to watch this young man in action.
      • David has another five weeks to get through and then he expects to be back in action.
      • Robert Sangster brought him over to Europe to give us all a chance to have a look at him in action.
      • So it was a relief to finally see him back in action again last night and he happily reported no after effects.
      • Both he and Grant were in action in a sprint relay race where the British B-team beat the A squad.
      • I wasn't even allowed to take a closer look, let alone photograph the machine in action.
      • Teachers from Italy and Finland have been in town all week to see Grange Junior School in action.
      • I explained to the people who didn't like me that this was democracy in action.
      • Wartime Britain was supposed to be the epitome of socialist planning in action.
      • It's pretty hard to say who starts as favourite as we have not seen Team New Zealand in action yet.
      • Yet it is another horse who was in action at Aintree last week who threatens to take centre stage on Saturday.
      • An upset stomach stopped him from training on Tuesday and Wednesday but he is back in action now.
      • Perhaps the single most important factor, however, is seeing it in action first.
      • Parliament has voted and we all know that when parliament votes that is democracy in action isn't it?
      • To bring a case to court, an officer would have had to have witnessed vandals in action, he said.
      • Cheesy some of it may be, but there's a genuine thrill to be had from seeing this pampered pop icon in action.
      • A visitor centre was also added to the design, to provide a vantage point to view the wheel in action.
      • I can remember as a child going to the old town park hoping to find one of the swings in action.
      • No games were played during the summer, when the county teams were in action.
      Synonyms
      functioning, working, running, up and running, operative, in use, going

  • man of action

    • A man whose life is characterized by physical activity or deeds rather than by words or intellectual matters.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Both were men of action who found themselves in the right place at the right time because, in 1910, Mexico was a country which could have been created specifically for revolutionary change.
      • Lame from birth, he spent his life attempting to become a man of action.
      • Groomed by his father Nicholas I to head the navy, he had developed into a perceptive intellectual who at the same time was a man of action.
      • A most affable man, his ready smile is always to the fore but underneath all that charm is a man of action who speaks by deeds as well as words.
      • That earned him opprobrium in the council chamber but on the streets cemented his reputation as a man of action.
      • Although a man of action and a skilled administrator rather than an intellectual, he enjoyed the company of scholars and converted to Protestantism.
      • Peck's craggy good looks, grace and measured speech contributed to his screen image as the decent, courageous man of action.
      • Superman, the man of Steel, is a man of action, a man who although he is not American fights the great American fight.
      • Unlike France, Britain has preferred men of action, pragmatists, doers rather than thinkers.
      • The Romans, on the other hand, were doers, they were men of action.
      • The 51-year-old entrepreneur is a man of action, not words.
      • Forgive me, fellow Parisians, I am a man of action not words.
      • He is a liberation theologist, a man of action who gets on with it rather than talking about it.
      • Lawrence's roles as man of action, poet, neurotic, and leader of men fascinated friends and biographers and the public for years.
      • He emerges with the most credit as a man of action, honour and compassion.
      • He has proved himself to be a man of action not just words.
      • So when we speak of intellectuals or men of action, it is important to bear in mind that such distinctions are matters of degree, of mere tendencies, not absolutes.
      • She loved her father, she wrote, ‘when he's a revolutionary… a man of ideas, a man of action, a man who sticks steadfastly to his views and won't trade them for anything in the world’.
      • His comedy timing is impeccable and he was equally at home as a man of action or a driven intellectual of thoughts, dreams and desires.
      • He's a spiritual man, but he's a man of action, too.
      Synonyms
      worker, organizer, activist, man of action, achiever, high achiever, succeeder, hustler, entrepreneur

  • out of action

    • Temporarily unable to engage in a certain activity; not working.

      a heart attack put him out of action
      the ship was out of action for 16 days
      Example sentencesExamples
      • They managed to release the lift, but it has since been out of action.
      • And why was a security camera monitoring the prison yard mysteriously out of action?
      • Questions have to be asked, including why the CCTV cameras on the ward were out of action.
      • Anyway, with my arm more or less out of action, and the pain, lack of sleep, etc, I've not been to work yet this week.
      • The centre also paid for engineering work on the ship's main generator which was out of action.
      • Gashes and knocks that would put a professional footballer out of action for weeks tend to be shrugged off.
      • He signed for them at the start of the season but has been out of action since sustaining a broken leg in a pre-season friendly.
      • He lives on the top floor and said one lift has been out of action for more than eight weeks, and the other takes users to the wrong floor.
      • Pastor Roe said that the toilets had been out of action since February.
      • Traffic lights were temporarily out of action, although there were no reports of accidents.
      • He was out of action for a year and was eventually forced to retire.
      • Her problems were made worse by the fact that the lift was temporarily out of action.
      • It put one of the runways out of action for 15 minutes, disrupting incoming and departing flights.
      • CAN I apologise for the fact that my e-mail has been out of action for the past few weeks due to a technical hitch.
      • Malt attacked from the restart and, with Cooke temporarily out of action, Will Barber booted a penalty.
      • The electricity failure kept the phones and most of the lighting out of action for more than three hours.
      • He was out of action for six months, although the initial diagnosis was for much longer, and on crutches for two.
      • The 31-year-old is currently out of action with a broken arm but will be back in a month's time.
      • A subsequent operation kept him out of action for four months and even he came back too soon.
      • She estimates the shop will be out of action for several weeks while repairs are carried out and replacement stock is ordered.
      Synonyms
      not working, not in working order, not functioning, broken, broken-down, out of order, out of service, out of commission, acting up, unserviceable, faulty, defective, non-functional, in disrepair

  • a piece (or slice) of the action

    • 1informal A share in the excitement of something.

      Synonyms
      share, portion, bit, cut, quota, percentage
      1. 1.1US A share in the profits accruing from something.

  • put into action

    • Put into effect; carry out.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Chamber spokesman Murray Willock, who has been involved with the concept from day one, questioned why the proposal had not been put into action by police.
      • Sadie can come to a company and organise a ‘brainstorming meetings’ where ideas are discussed, up dated and put into action.
      • Richards said an up-do-date traffic survey needs to be carried out before any plans are put into action.
      • Pratyabhijna says with emphasis that knowledge put into action or practice is really meaningful.
      • The effective dissolution of the group, which has been observing a ceasefire since 1996, may be announced in a few weeks, though it could take six months to put into action.
      • A bid to get a repair operation under way was put into action.
      • The recovery plan to be put into action by the new team addresses issues raised in a damning Corporate Governance Inspection report last summer.
      • ‘We're alarmed that what was threatened was put into action,’ Mr Dale said.
      • The speed restrictions will be put into action throughout the village centre after no objections were received to the order.
      • The County Emergency Service Plan was put into action as fire brigades and ambulance crews arrived at the scene
      • I hope this ID card idea will be put into action in the near future.
      • And what does a report like that put into action, in terms of an investigation?
      • Five Government reports have been drawn up into epilepsy since 1953 but campaigners claim none has been put into action.
      • As I mentioned in Friday's blog entry, Plan B was put into action.
      • Problem solving tactics were put into action (all a bit much at 7.43 am).
      • However there were a few changes and improvements suggested for the various stalls and these will be put into action at the next sale
      • After two years of successful human and cattle trials on the heart-rate monitor, it is now being developed by a firm who say that it could be put into action as early as next year.
      • We're a long way from seeing these cuts put into action, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
      • It is about love and compassion put into action - not oppression.
      • A major new coast protection plan for Clacton has been drawn up, after two years of research, and will cost £34 million to put into action.
      Synonyms
      execute, apply, put into action, put into effect, put into practice, carry out, carry through, perform, enact, administer

Origin

Late Middle English: via Old French from Latin actio(n-), from agere ‘do, act’.

noun.1
phr.
 
 
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更新时间：2024/9/20 15:31:24