TOEFL® Vocabulary ebook

The term "book up" is commonly used in the context of reservations and appointments. It indicates that no more reservations can be accepted because all available slots or spaces are taken. This phrase is particularly useful in the travel and hospitality industries, where it is crucial to secure bookings well in advance due to high demand.

• The hotel was booked up months in advance.

• Try to book up early to avoid disappointment.

• All flights to the island are booked up during the holiday season. 

The phrase "draw up a plan" involves the process of creating a detailed proposal or strategy for achieving specific goals. It often requires gathering information, assessing situations, and deciding on the best course of action. This phrase is commonly used in business, project management, and personal goal setting.

• We need to draw up a plan before starting the project.

• The committee will draw up a plan to address the issue.

• Can you help me draw up a business plan? 

The phrase "go off without a hitch" is often used to describe events or activities that occur smoothly and without any problems. It implies that everything planned was accomplished successfully and any potential obstacles were avoided or overcome. This idiom is commonly used in contexts involving detailed planning and execution, such as weddings, parties, projects, or trips.

• The wedding went off without a hitch, and everyone had a great time.

• We managed to complete the project on time and it went off without a hitch.

• They hoped their first international trip would go off without a hitch.

The phrase "go up in smoke" metaphorically describes situations where hopes, dreams, or efforts are completely destroyed or rendered useless, often due to unforeseen circumstances or failures. It originates from the visual of smoke rising and dissipating into the air, symbolizing the disappearance of something tangible.

• All his efforts to save the company went up in smoke when the market crashed.

• The project went up in smoke after the key investor pulled out.

• Years of research went up in smoke due to a lab accident.

The term snag is often used to describe an unexpected obstacle or difficulty that arises during the course of a project or activity. It implies a temporary setback that requires resolution before progress can continue. The metaphorical use of "snag" comes from its literal meaning, which refers to a sharp, angular tree branch or a point that can catch or tear.

• We hit a snag in the project and had to delay our timeline. 

• The negotiation hit a snag when both parties couldn't agree on the terms.

• They thought renovating the house would be straightforward, but they hit a snag with the city's building regulations.

The phrase "lay the groundwork" refers to the preparatory actions taken to ensure the success of a future endeavor. It emphasizes the importance of initial efforts and planning that set the stage for subsequent activities. This phrase is often used in contexts where strategic planning and early efforts are crucial for the achievement of a larger goal.

• Before launching the new software, the team needed to lay the groundwork with thorough testing.

• The conference organizers laid the groundwork for a successful event by securing sponsors early.

• To lay the groundwork for her career, she pursued internships in prestigious firms.

The phrase "mission accomplished" is commonly used to signify that an assigned task or operation has been completed successfully, often after a period of effort or challenge. It is frequently used in both military and civilian contexts and can convey a sense of relief and achievement. The term gained particular prominence and some controversy when used by U.S. President George W. Bush in 2003 during the Iraq War.

• The astronauts radioed back to earth, "Mission accomplished!"

• After months of hard work, the team finally could say mission accomplished.

• When the software was successfully updated without any issues, the IT department declared, "Mission accomplished." 

The phrase "pencil in" is commonly used in both professional and personal contexts to indicate that an event or meeting has been tentatively scheduled. The use of "pencil" implies that the arrangement is not permanent and can be easily changed, much like how pencil marks can be erased. This is particularly useful for planning events that are subject to change based on various factors.

• I'll pencil in our meeting for next Thursday at 2 PM, but I'll confirm closer to the date.

• Can you pencil in a lunch date next week? We can finalize the day later.

• Let's pencil in a tentative schedule for the project, and we can adjust it as needed.

The phrase "put plans into action" refers to the implementation or execution of plans that have been previously formulated. It implies moving from the planning stage to the action stage, where ideas and strategies are actively pursued and carried out. This phrase is often used in business, project management, and personal development contexts to emphasize the transition from theoretical planning to practical, real-world application.

• After months of discussion, the committee decided to put their plans into action.

• It's time to put our ideas into action and see the results.

• The new manager was eager to put his strategic plans into action.

The phrase "throw a wrench in the works" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an action that creates a significant obstacle to a plan or process, typically resulting in delays or complications. It originates from the literal act of throwing a tool, like a wrench, into machinery, which would lead to malfunction or a complete halt in operations. This expression is commonly used in both professional and casual contexts to describe disruptions.

• John threw a wrench in the works when he suddenly decided not to cooperate with the rest of the team.

• Just as we were about to finalize the agreement, their legal team threw a wrench in the works with new demands.

• The sudden budget cuts threw a wrench in the works of our research project.