16

The boys crept up and peeked (spähen) over the wall. 

They creep up to their victim several meters.

They sneak up to their enemies during the night. 

I'm a lover of nature

reverse; (ir)reversible

The company has reversed some of its policies to save money. (Strategien umkehren)

He reversed slowly, checking his rear mirror.

The final 'verdict is irreversible. (Das abschliessende Urteil ist unumkehrbar)

notorious (nou'tories); notoriety

The notorious thief was captured by the police.

The actor's notor'iety kept him (verhindern) from getting good offers.

sigth (n+v)

We were able to sight some whales from the boat.

The lilies in my garden are a beautiful sight.

ostrich (tsch)

The ostrich is the fastest animal on two legs.

foolish; fool so.

The foolish boy did not listen to his parents' advice.

I will not let anybody fool me.

I was such a fool, I should have been more careful.

(to make the) breakthrough

Scientists have made a major breakthrough in their fight against AIDS.

Scientists are hoping for a breakthrough in the search for a cure for cancer

'ama'teur (tsch)

For an amateur, he takes beautiful photographs.

Despite having the flu, she managed to pass her driving test.

No new members are accepted at the present time (Aktuell werden keine...).

toxic/poisonous substance

Hairdryers, irons, toasters and many other appliances may contain this poison.

make out

I couldn't make out what she meant.

The company is replacing the outdated machinery (Machinen).

I ordered the book directly from the publisher.

They work better when they are under a constant pressure at work.

necessitate, necessity

This would ne'cessitate interviewing all members of staff.

For many people, coffee is a necessity in the morning.

court (law court: Gerichtshof)

The court declared the accused innocent.

'Compost is formed through (entsteht durch) the decomposition (Verwesung) of organic matter (Stoffe).

The film trailer promised a lot of thrill.

I love the thrill of riding a rollercoaster!

The actor thrilled the audience with his performance.

The audience was thrilled by the dance performance.

The book is so thrilling, I cannot stop reading.

hand in one's resignation

He handed in his resignation.

You know if it weren't for you, I would've handed in my resignation.

familiarise oneself with sth.

I believe that it is very feasible (möglich, machbar) to familiarise oneself with this subject matter (Thematik).

Making payments in euros is a good way of familiarising oneself with the new currency.

There have been many European media reports on poor working conditions in Chinese factories.

Some animals are threatened with extinction.

The survival of endangered species (Arten) depends on their protection.

Environmental pollution endangers many species.

There are numerous species currently in danger of extinction. 

When species become extinct, food chains are broken.

Some people can get off track and talk about anything besides the topic at hand.

Knowledge of Spanish is a pre'requisite for this class.

ascer'tain (facts, the price...)

The doctor ascertained the cause of his patient's illness.

The jury must ascertain if the man is innocent.

ad'verse

This medicine has no adverse side effects.

The cold weather had no adverse effect on tourism.

He managed to get himself out of his pre'dicament.

8% of Black workers and 7% of Latinos could not find jobs, while only 4% of Whites were in the same predicament (missl. Lage).

The value of the shares (Aktien) soared temporarily (vorübergehend).

Between 2000 and 2007, the percent of children living in poverty in Colorado soared from 10 percent to 16 percent, an increase of more than 100'000 children.

co'hesion (e.g. social cohesion)

The lack of cohesion within the party lost them votes in the election.

We always strive for customer satisfaction. 

Every writer strives for fame.

The regulations are in conformity with the law.

per'petual (e.g. right - ewiges Recht)

She's perpetually asking me for money.

The seasons rotate perpetually.

The dog's perpetual barking does not annoy me.

The sea is in perpetual motion.