IELTS Collocations
call a strike
to ask workers to protest by refusing to work because of an argument with an employer about pay levels, working conditions, or job losses.
call an election
to decide to hold an election in which people vote for sb for a position, especially a political position.
call/phone in sick
to telephone somebody at your place of work to tell them you're not coming to work because you're ill.
call attention to sb or sth
to cause people to notice or observe sth or sb.
call sb names
to call sb by an abusive or offensive name; to use rude or insulting words to describe sb
call sb 's name
to say sb's name loudly
can't afford
if you can't afford sth, you unable to buy it because It's too expensive.
can't help
unable to control or stop yourself doing sth.
can't stand sb or sth
to hate or dislike sb or sth very much.
canned/tinned food
food that has been preserved in a metal container without air.
carrier bag
a plastic or paper bag with handles supplied by a shop for carrying shopping.
carry on/hold a conversation
to talk between two or more people to exchange news, feelings, and thoughts.
carry weight with sb
to be very influential with sb; to have influence with sb.
cash flow
the total amount of money moving into and out of a business.
cash payment
an amount of money that you pay by using money in the form of notes and coins.
cast a vote
to vote in an election.
cast a spell on sb/sth
to use magic to make sth happen to sb; to use magic to change or influence sb/sth.
cast doubt on sth
to make sth seem uncertain or less reliable.
casual clothes
comfortable clothes you choose to wear in your spare time.
casual relationship
a relationship that isn't serious and doesn't last a long time.
casual acquaintance
someone you know a little, not intimately.
catch a whiff
to smell sth for a moment only; to smell sth briefly.
catch sight of
to suddenly see sb or sth.
catch a cold
to become infected with a cold virus
catch the latest movie
to watch a movie that's just come out.
catch a glimpse/sight of sb/sth
to see sth only for a moment; to see sb or sth briefly
catchy tune
a song that is pleasing and easily remembered.
cause trouble for sb/sth
to create problems, worries, or difficulties for sb or sth.
celebrity endorsement
a form of promoting a particular product or service by using the fame of a well-known person.
cement a friendship
to strengthen a friendship.