cliché -
A phrase or opinion that is overused and shows a lack of original thought.
Even though 'don't judge a book by its cover' is just a cliché, sometimes it's good to look more deeply to see what is true and not true.
noun
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Bad /
Unhappy
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distress -
A state of extreme sorrow, pain, or suffering.
His face showed signs of distress during the tough exam.
noun
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Good /
Important
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bigwig -
A VIP (very important person) or influential decision-maker, often used informally.
Only the bigwigs got access to the exclusive boardroom on the top floor of the company's headquarters.
noun
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Bad /
Delay
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laggard -
A person who makes slow progress and falls behind others
Once the runners ahead of him were specks in the distance, Terry knew he was the laggard of the race.
noun
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Bad /
Small
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speck -
A tiny spot, mark, or stain, often barely visible to the naked eye.
There was a speck of dust on the camera lens that ruined the pictures.
noun
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Bad /
Hurt
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brunt -
The worst part or chief impact of a specified thing
When there is a recession, the people on the lowest economic level - the lowest paid and those with little savings - often bear the brunt of the economic downturn.
noun
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Bad /
Dirty
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grime -
Dirt ingrained on the surface of something, especially clothing, a building, or the skin
Miners come home every day with grime on their faces from working with coal all day.
noun
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Bad /
Unfriendly
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miser -
Someone extremely frugal or stingy, often to the point of discomfort or social disapproval.
Everyone knew him as a miser, unwilling to spend a single coin unless absolutely necessary.
noun
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Good /
Strong
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clout -
Influence or power, especially in politics or business
The speaker realized he had clout when dozens of people showed up on short notice to hear him speak.
noun
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Good /
Pleasure
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punchline -
The final part of a joke or funny story that gives it its humorous or dramatic point.
When the commedian told the punchline after the long 5 minute joke, the audience burst into laughter.
noun
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Good /
Pleasure
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nostalgia -
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations
While watching her family's old home movies, Mary was filled with a sense of nostalgia.
noun
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Good /
New
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trailblazer -
A person who is the first to do something, making a path for others to follow, an innovator or pioneer in a particular field or activity.
Marie Curie was a trailblazer in the field of science and research.
