1. To miss an opportunity because one is too late.
I saw the furniture advertised on sale, but I didn’t get to the store in time to buy it. I ... on that one.
2. To cancel an idea or plan; to reject or forbid something.
I thought it was an excellent idea, but he ... it. Now we are back to where we started.
3. The heart of the issue; the most important part of the discussion; the essential points.
These conferences always begin with introductory speeches that don’t say much. I’m glad when they’re finished and the speakers get down to the ... – that’s when we really learn something new.
4. A person who is old-fashioned and not open to new technology or ideas.
Tom is a bit of an .... He refuses to get a mobile phone or a computer.
5. Blissfully happy.
Sharon loved horses, and when she finally took her first riding lesson, she was ....
6. Not working correctly.
This television works for a few minutes and then the picture fades out. It’s ....
7. In a difficult situation or position.
They agreed on the price of the car with the salesman, but now they can’t borrow enough from the bank. They’re ... because they’ll lose their deposit if they can’t come up with the rest of the money.
8. Notice that one has been fired from one’s job.
Gordon came home early from work looking worried. He had just gotten a ..., and now he would have to find another job.
9. An expressionless face; a face that reveals nothing of one’s feelings or thoughts.
Kay isn’t very good at hiding her feelings. She just doesn’t have a ....
10. To ask someone to get married.
It came as a complete surprise to Marsha when Bill ... and asked her to marry him.