C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 1 Wordlist

Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Feelings and emotions Gefühle und Emotionen
besotted with adjective phrase /bɪˈsɒtɪd wɪð/ vernarrt in (jemanden/ so attracted by someone or something that He’s absolutely besotted with Yulia - he’ll do
(someone/something) etwas) you are always thinking about them anything she wants.
chuffed to bits phrase /tʃʌft tə bɪts/ überglücklich very pleased about something We were chuffed to bits when Sam won the
course prize.
despondent adjective /dɪˈspɒndənt/ niedergeschlagen very unhappy because you do not believe I’m becoming increasingly despondent about
that an unpleasant situation will improve whether I’m in the right job.
down in the dumps phrase /daʊn ɪn ðə dʌmps/ deprimiert unhappy or without hope She’s feeling a bit down in the dumps, so I’m
trying to cheer her up.
dumbfounded adjective /dʌmˈfaʊndɪd/ verblüfft so surprised that you do not know what to We told them the news about Eva and they
do or say were completely dumbfounded.
elated adjective /ɪˈleɪtɪd/ hocherfreut extremely happy and excited The team captain was visibly elated as she
collected the trophy.
engrossed in adjective /ɪnˈɡrəʊst ɪn/ in etwas vertieft sein so interested or involved in something that Pat wasn’t listening at all and spent the entire
(something) you think about nothing else time totally engrossed in his mobile phone.
flabbergasted adjective /ˈflæbə(r)ˌɡɑːstɪd/ verblüfft very surprised or shocked We were absolutely flabbergasted when
Marvin resigned.
glued to (something) phrase /ˈɡluːd tuː/ fixiert auf etwas sein looking at something and not paying Max had his eyes glued to the computer screen.
attention to anything else
go apoplectic with verb phrase /ɡəʊ æpəˈplektɪk wɪθ vor Wut rot anlaufen to show a very, very strong feeling of anger On hearing the judge’s decision he went
rage ˌreɪdʒ/ apoplectic with rage.
go ballistic verb phrase /ɡəʊ bəˈlɪstɪk/ in die Luft gehen to become extremely angry A customer went ballistic when I wouldn’t give
her a refund.
gross out phrasal verb /ɡrəʊs aʊt / total anekeln if something grosses you out, it is so The sight of blood totally grosses me out.
unpleasant that it makes you feel ill
head over heels in love phrase /hed ˈəʊvə(r) hiːlz/ Hals über Kopf verliebt loving someone very much We met in 2015, and have been head over
(with someone) (in jemanden) heels in love with each other ever since.
petrified adjective /ˈpetrɪfaɪd/ versteinert extremely frightened, especially so that you I couldn’t see where I was going and I was
cannot move or decide what to do absolutely petrified.
repulse verb /rɪˈpʌls/ abwehren if someone or something repulses you, We were repulsed by the disgusting smell.
they are so unpleasant that you feel slightly
ill when you see them or think about them
scared out of your wits phrase /skeə(r)d aʊt əv jɔː zu Tode erschrecken extremely frightened It was a great horror film but I was scared out
wɪts/ of my wits.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 1 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Adjectives with self Adjektive mit self
self-deprecating adjective /self ˈdeprɪˌkeɪtɪŋ/ selbstabwertend showing that you think you are not very Xavier was trying to be modest and made one
good or important or two self-deprecating remarks about his
career.
self-indulgent adjective /self ɪnˈdʌldʒ(ə)nt/ selbstverliebt allowing yourself to have or to do They don’t spend much on luxuries and have
something special that you like very much, never had a particularly self-indulgent lifestyle.
often something that you should not have
or do
self-made adjective /self ˈmeɪd/ selbstgemacht a self-made man or woman has become She’s a self-made millionaire and built up the
successful without help from other people company from absolutely nothing.
self-possessed adjective /self pəˈzest/ selbstbeherrscht someone who is self-possessed behaves He tackles problems with a calm,
in a calm and confident way in difficult self-possessed confidence.
situations
self-respecting adjective /self rɪˈspektɪŋ/ selbstbewusst used for talking about people who have No self-respecting cook would ever use gravy
the qualities that a particular type of from a packet.
person should have
self-sacrificing adjective /self ˈsækrɪˌfaɪsɪŋ/ selbstaufopfernd choosing not to have or to do something Pippa was rightfully praised for her self-
that you want in order to help other people sacrificing devotion to community causes.
self-satisfied adjective /self ˈsætɪsfaɪd/ eingebildet showing how pleased you are about your “We’ve just come first,” Karl said with a self-
own situation in a way that annoys other satisfied smile.
people
act of self-deception phrase /ækt əv self dɪˈsepʃ(ə) Akt der Selbsttäuschung when you make yourself believe Making excuses for her behaviour was nothing
n/ something good that is not true, especially more than an act of self-deception.
something about yourself
foster self-reliance verb phrase /fɒstə self rɪˈlaɪəns/ Selbstvertrauen fördern to help someone to become able to do It was an attempt to foster self-reliance in
things for themself and not depend on their children and encourage them to be
other people independent.
question your self- verb phrase /kwestʃ(ə)n jɔː Ihren Selbstwert in Frage to have doubts about whether you are as I had become very depressed and was
worth selfˈwɜː(r)θ/ stellen important as other people and deserve to genuinely beginning to question my own self-
be respected and treated well worth.
wallow in self-pity verb phrase /wɒləʊ ɪn selfˈpɪti/ sich in Selbstmitleid to spend a lot of time feeling that your Things aren’t really as bad as they sound, Blaise
suhlen situation is worse than other people’s and is just wallowing in self-pity.
that people should feel sad for you

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 1 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Idioms: Personality
be full of yourself verb phrase /biː fʊl əv jə(r)ˈself/ von sich selbst überzeugt to be always talking about yourself or your Christian always thinks his ideas are the best,
sein achievements in a way that annoys other he’s just so full of himself.
people
by the book phrase /baɪ ðə ˈbʊk/ nach Vorschrift correctly, following all the rules or systems We probably ought to follow the instructions
for doing something in a strict way and do everything by the book.
come out of your shell verb phrase /kʌm aʊt əv jɔː(r) ˈʃel/ aus seinem to stop being shy and begin to confidently It’s taken a while for Fi to come out of her shell,
Schneckenhaus show your real character and feelings but now she seems to enjoy class discussions.
herauskommen
creature of habit phrase /ˌkriːtʃə(r) əv ˈhæbɪt Gewohnheitstier someone who likes to do the same thing at My Dad always wanted dinner at 7pm. He was a
the same time every day real creature of habit.
go-getter noun /ˌɡəʊ ˈɡetə(r)/ Draufgänger someone who is determined to succeed Patty is a real go-getter, she’s determined to
and who works hard to achieve this land the top job.
have a chip on your verb phrase /hæv ə ˈtʃɪp ɒn jɔː(r) sich nicht unterkriegen to be likely to become angry or offended I’m sorry, but no one has treated him unfairly.
shoulder ˌʃəʊldə(r)/ lassen very easily, especially about something that He’s always had a chip on his shoulder.
other people think should not upset you
live and breathe verb phrase /ˌlɪv ən ˈbriːð/ besessen von etwas sein to be very enthusiastic about a particular Nadia lives and breathes tennis - she spends
(something) activity and spend all the time you can every weekend either playing or watching it.
doing it or talking about it
nasty piece of work phrase /ˈnɑːsti piːs əvˌwɜː(r) fieser Mensch someone who is unkind or unpleasant Don’t pay attention to anything Roger says, he’s
k/ such a nasty piece of work.
people person phrase /ˈpiːp(ə)l ˌpɜː(r)s(ə)n/ Menschenfreund someone who enjoys being with other Karin is really enjoying making new friends, but
people and easily becomes friends with then she’s always been a people person.
them
wet blanket phrase /ˌwet ˈblæŋkɪt/ Spielverderber someone who spoils other people’s fun by What’s the matter - why are you being such a
being negative and complaining wet blanket?

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 2 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Travel Reisen
arduous journey phrase /ˈɑː(r)djuəs ˈdʒɜː(r) schwierige Fahrt a difficult journey involving a lot of effort It was a long and arduous journey across the
ni/ desert.
alternative route phrase /ɔːlˈtɜː(r)nətɪv ruːt/ alternative Route a different way of travelling to a place There’s a lot of traffic so I’m looking for an
alternative route.
backwater village phrase /ˈbækˌwɔːtə(r) Dorf im Hinterland a quiet village which is not near to places Yarthorpe is a pretty backwater village about
ˈvɪlɪdʒ/ where most things happen three miles from the coast.
bumpy flight phrase /ˈbʌmpi flaɪt/ holpriger Flug A bumpy flight is uncomfortable because of It might be a bit of a bumpy flight because of
bad weather. the strong winds.
bustling crowds phrase /ˈbʌs(ə)lɪŋ kraʊdz/ große Menschenmassen large groups of people with lots of noise Bustling crowds filled the market square.
and activity
circuitous route phrase /sɜː(r)ˈkjuːɪtəs ruːt/ Umweg a way of travelling to a place that is longer He took a circuitous route to the park, to avoid
than it needs to be because it is not direct passing her house.
culture shock phrase /ˈkʌltʃə(r) ʃɒk/ Kulturschock the nervous or confused feeling that Studying here is very different to my home
people sometimes get when they arrive country so it was a bit of a culture shock at first.
in a place that has a very different culture
from their own
discerning traveller phrase /dɪˈsɜː(r)nɪŋ ˈtræv(ə) Anspruchsvoller a person who shows good judgement and The discerning traveller will appreciate the
lə(r)/ Reisender is able to tell whether something is good attention to detail in this hotel.
when they travel
far-flung destination phrase /fɑː(r) flʌŋ weit entferntes Ziel a place you travel to that is far away from Travelling to such far-flung destinations can
ˌdestɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ your home prove very expensive.
fleeting visit phrase /ˈfliːtɪŋˈvɪzɪt/ Stippvisite a very short visit It was only a fleeting visit so we didn’t see as
much as we would have liked.
flying visit phrase /ˈflaɪɪŋˈvɪzɪt/ Blitztour a very short visit It’s ok, I’m not stopping - it’s just a flying visit.
go-to destination phrase /ˈɡəʊ ˌtuː bestes Reiseziel the best place to travel to in order to do Cyprus has always been my go-to destination
ˌdestɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ something when I want to relax.
iconic landmark phrase /aɪˈkɒnɪk ˈlæn(d) ikonisches Wahrzeichen a very famous and well-known building or The Statue of Liberty is an iconic landmark.
ˌmɑː(r)k/ object that you can recognise easily and
is often believed to represent a particular
idea
impromptu visit phrase /ɪmˈprɒmptju ˈvɪzɪt/ Spontanbesuch a visit that is not planned We had a couple of hours before the train left so
we made an impromptu visit to the art gallery.
leisurely stroll phrase /ˈleʒə(r)li strəʊl/ gemütlicher Spaziergang a slow and relaxed walk After lunch I took a leisurely stroll along the
beach.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 2 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
long-haul flight phrase /lɒŋ hɔːl flaɪt/ Langstreckenflug a flight which travels a long distance Tom often finds it difficult to sleep on long-haul
flights.
overseas travel phrase /ˈəʊvə(r)siːz ˈtræv(ə) Überseereise travel to a country across the sea from your Would you enjoy a job involving overseas
l/ country travel?
perilous journey phrase /ˈperələs ˈdʒɜː(r)ni/ gefährliche Reise a very dangerous journey They had to endure a perilous journey across
the stormy ocean.
scenic route phrase /ˈsiːnɪk ruːt/ malerische Route a way of travelling to a place which We decided to take the scenic route along the
provides beautiful views of nature coast road.
shoddy service phrase /ˈʃɒdi ˈsɜː(r)vɪs/ mangelhafter Service work for a customer that is of a very low The food was delicious but I wouldn’t
standard recommend the place because of the incredibly
shoddy service.
smooth flight phrase /smuːð flaɪt/ ruhiger Flug A smooth flight does not shake or frighten Condtions are good and we’re expecting a
you. smooth flight down to Pensacola today.
unacceptable delay phrase /ˌʌnəkˈseptəb(ə)l inakzeptable Verspätung a bad situation in which a plane, train, etc. I am writing to request a refund because of the
dɪˈleɪ/ leaves or arrives late and this should not unacceptable delay to my journey.
have been allowed
unavoidable delay phrase /ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəb(ə)l Unvermeidliche a situation in which a plane, train, etc. We want to apologise to customers for this
dɪˈleɪ/ Verspätung leaves or arrives late but it was impossible unavoidable delay.
to stop this happening
uneventful journey phrase /ˌʌnɪˈventf(ə)l ˈdʒɜː(r) Reise ohne a journey without any problems or They arrived in Liverpool after an uneventful
ni/ Komplikationen anything unusual or exciting happening journey.
unforeseen delay phrase /ˌʌnfɔː(r)ˈsiːn dɪˈleɪ/ unvorhergesehene a situation in which a plane, train, etc. leaves After an unforeseen delay of over five hours,
Verspätung or arrives late but no one expected this the ferry eventually left.
world-class destination phrase /wɜː(r)ld klɑːs bestes Reiseziel der Welt one of the best places in the world to Hawaii is often considered a world-class
ˌdestɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ travel to destination.
Idioms: Making stories interesting Redewendungen: Geschichten interessant gestalten
a likely story phrase /ə ˈlaɪkli ˈstɔːri/ unwahre Geschichte used for telling someone that you do not He claims he can’t go because he has to catch
believe what they have just said up on work – a likely story.
between you and me phrase /bɪˈtwiːn juː ən mi/ nur unter uns gesagt used when you are telling someone Between you and me, I think she’s got
something that you do not want anyone problems with her boyfriend.
else to know about
don’t get me wrong phrase /dəʊnt get mi rɒŋ/ Verstehen Sie mich nicht used when you want to make sure that Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good school, but
falsch someone understands your comments sometimes their ideas are a bit old-fashioned.
correctly, especially when you are
criticizing something

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 2 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
for a split second phrase /fɔː(r) ə splɪt ˈsekənd/ für einen for an extremely small amount of time For a split second I thought he had left.
Sekundenbruchteil
hands down phrase /hændz daʊn/ zweifellos without any doubt Leslie is hands down the nicest person I know.
scare the wits out of verb phrase /skeə(r) ðə wɪts aʊt jemanden zu Tode to make someone feel extremely The film scared the wits out of us.
(someone) ɒv/ erschrecken frightened
stroke of luck phrase /strəʊk əv lʌk/ Glücksfall something that happens by chance and By a stroke of luck, Mia was travelling on the
that helps you to achieve something same train.
there’s a lot to be said phrase /ðeə(r)z ə lɒt tʊ biː es spricht viel für (etwas) used for saying that there are many There’s a lot to be said for using public
for (something) sed fɔː(r)/ advantages in doing something transport.
time will tell phrase /taɪm wɪl tel/ die Zeit wird es zeigen used for saying that you will know in the Time will tell whether he made the right
future whether something is true or right choice.
to put it mildly phrase /tə pʊt ɪt ˈmaɪldli/ um es vorsichtig used for saying that the words you have We were frustrated about the delay, to put it
auszudrücken chosen are not as extreme as they could mildly.
have been

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 3 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Phrasal verbs and noun collocations Phrasalverben und Substantiv-Kollokationen
bring down (the cost/ phrasal verb /brɪŋ daʊn/ (Kosten/Anzahl/Preis to reduce the rate, level, or amount of Our main responsibility is to bring down the
number/rate of …) von ...) senken something rate of unemployment.
come round to (a way phrasal verb /kʌm raʊnd tʊ/ die Meinung wechseln to change your opinion or decision We were sure she’d come round to our way of
of thinking / the idea) (Denkweise, Idee) because someone has persuaded you to thinking in the end.
agree with them
come up with (a phrasal verb /kʌm ˈʌp wɪð/ sich (eine Lösung/ to think of something such as an idea or a Is this the best solution you can come up with?
solution/strategy) Strategie) einfallen lassen plan
draw on (your phrasal verb /drɔ ɒn/ auf (seine Erfahrungen/ to use something that you have gradually As an actor, you often draw on your own life
experience/ Beobachtungen) gained or saved experience.
observations) zurückgreifen
flick through phrasal verb /flɪk θruː/ (etwas) durchblättern to turn the pages of a book, magazine, Recently, I was flicking through the pages of a
(something) newspaper, etc. very quickly looking at book on scientific discoveries.
some of the pages for a very short time
hold back (something) phrasal verb /həʊld bæk/ sich zurückhalten (etwas) to stop something from progressing or Long-term water shortages can hold back
developing as it should economic progress.
hold out little hope verb phrase /həʊld aʊt ˈlɪt(ə)l wenig Hoffnung hegen to not have much hope that something He held out little hope that his idea would
həʊp/ will happen ever be accepted.
meet with (criticism/ phrasal verb /miːt wɪð/ auf (Kritik/ Opposition/ to get a particular result or reaction The new proposal met with strong opposition
opposition/resistance) Widerstand) stoßen from students.
plough (money) into phrasal verb /plaʊ ... ˈɪntuː/ (Geld) in (etwas) to invest a lot of money in something in Last year the government ploughed more than
(something) investieren order to improve it or make it successful £80 million into road repairs.
put forward (an phrasal verb /pʊt ˈfɔː(r)wə(r)d/ (eine Erklärung / eine to offer an idea, opinion, reason etc, He rejected all the proposals put forward by
explanation / an idea / Idee / einen Vorschlag) especially so that people can discuss it and the committee.
a proposal) vorbringen make a decision
run up against (a phrasal verb /rʌn ʌp əˈɡenst/ auf (eine Schwierigkeit / if you run up against problems, difficulties We ran up against a few problems at the start
difficulty/problem) ein Problem) stoßen etc, you have to deal with them of the project.
stumble across phrasal verb /ˈstʌmb(ə)l əˈkrɒs/ über (etwas) stolpern to find something by accident I stumbled across a really interesting article
(something) about wild swimming yesterday.
throw out (charges / phrasal verb /θrəʊ aʊt/ (Anschuldigungen / if someone in authority throws out a plan, The judge threw out their claim.
claims / a suggestion) Behauptungen / einen proposal etc, they refuse to accept it
Vorschlag) vorbringen

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 3 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Prepositional phrases (at, in, on, under) Präpositionalphrasen (at, in, on, under)
at a loss phrase /æt ə lɒs/ ratlos confused and not knowing what to do I was at a loss to understand what had happened.
at best phrase /æt best/ bestenfalls used for showing that something is not The government’s response seems to have been
very good by emphasising that your at best confused and at worst dishonest.
description of it is the best thing you can
say about it
at odds with phrase /æt ɒdz wɪθ/ im Zwiespalt mit (etwas) if things are at odds with each other, they What parts of our lifestyle are fundamentally at
(something) stehen are different or opposite when they should odds with achieving a sustainable future?
be the same
at stake phrase /æt steɪk/ auf dem Spiel stehen used about important issues that are Few voters had any idea of the issues at stake.
involved in a situation or could be decided
by it
at the expense of phrase /æt ðiː ɪkˈspens əv/ auf Kosten von (etwas) if one thing exists or happens at the Patrick was doing great things in the job, but at
(something) expense of another, the second thing the expense of his health.
suffers or is not done properly because of
the first
at the forefront of phrase /æt ðə ˈfɔː(r)ˌfrʌnt vorrangig sein in a leading or important position in These environmental issues are cuurrently at
(something) əv/ something the forefront of public debate.
be on the lookout for verb phrase /biː ɒn ðəˈlʊkaʊt auf der Suche nach to be watching carefully in order to find, Police in Brighton are on the lookout for a
(something/someone) fɔː(r)/ (etwas/jemandem) sein obtain, or avoid something or someone gang of car thieves.
in a big way phrase /ɪn ə bɪɡ weɪ/ in hohem Maße if someone does something in a big way, Sports coaches have come to depend on video
they do it a lot, or they think it is important analysis in a big way.
in all likelihood phrase /ɪn ɔːl ˈlaɪklihʊd/ höchstwahrscheinlich almost certainly In all likelihood the vase was made in the
seventeenth century.
in awe of (someone/ phrase /ɪn ɔː əv/ sehr erstaunt sein über feeling great respect and admiration for Jeff has always been totally in awe of his father.
something) (etwas/jemanden) someone or something
in force phrase /ɪn fɔː(r)s/ in Kraft if a law or rule is in force, it is being applied The ban on oil exports remains in force.
and people must obey it
in jeopardy phrase /ɪn ˈdʒepə(r)di/ in Gefahr likely to be damaged or destroyed The crisis put thousands of jobs in jeopardy.
in poor taste phrase /ɪn pɔː(r) teɪst/ geschmacklos rude and not at all appropriate His joke about her divorce was in very poor
taste.
in retrospect phrase /ɪn ˈretrəʊˌspekt/ im Rückblick considering something that happened in In retrospect, we should never have allowed
the past, using knowledge or information that to happen.
that you did not have at that time
on a par with phrase /ɒn ə pɑː(r) wɪθ/ auf Augenhöhe mit of the same quality as or at the same level Profits should be on a par with last year.
(something/someone) (etwas/jemandem) as

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 3 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
on display phrase /ɒn dɪˈspleɪ/ zur Schau gestellt in a place that is able to be seen by many Her work is on display at the gallery.
people
on edge phrase /ɒn edʒ/ angespannt und nervös nervous and unable to relax because you The events of the past few days had left her
sein are worried feeling tense and on edge.
on the market phrase /ɒn ðə ˈmɑː(r)kɪt/ auf dem Markt available to buy Machines as powerful as this are not yet on the
market.
on the spot phrase /ɒn ðə spɒt/ auf der Stelle at that exact moment or place Any workers found breaking these rules will be
sacked on the spot.
under attack phrase /ˈʌndə(r) əˈtæk/ unter Beschuss strongly criticized or damaged Both candidates have come under attack for
their health-care proposals.
under oath phrase /ˈʌndə(r) əʊθ/ unter Eid having formally promised to tell the truth Lying under oath is an extremely serious
in a court of law offence.
under scrutiny phrase /ˈʌndə(r) ˈskruːtɪni/ unter die Lupe (nehmen) carefully examined The diet industry comes under scrutiny in
tonight’s programme.
under siege phrase /ˈʌndə(r) ˈsiːdʒ/ unter Belagerung if a place is under siege, it is surrounded by The town had been under siege for weeks and
soldiers in order to attack those defending food was in short supply.
it
under threat phrase /ˈʌndə(r) θret/ unter Bedrohung likely to be harmed or damaged An ancient religious custom is under threat.
under wraps phrase /ˈʌndə(r) ræps/ geheim halten being kept secret Lee decided to keep her plans under wraps for
a while.
Idioms: Innovation Redewendungen: Innovation
a long shot phrase /ə lɒŋ ʃɒt/ eine riskante Wette an attempt or guess that is not likely to be It’s a long shot, but I’ll ask her.
successful but that is worth trying
at the leading edge phrase /æt ðə liːdɪŋ edʒ/ an der Spitze at the most modern and advanced point in These models are at the leading edge of
the development of something computer design.
dead end noun /ded end/ Sackgasse a situation in which no further progress is Have the trade negotiations really come to a
possible dead end?
from scratch phrase /frəm skrætʃ/ von Grund auf from the beginning again, not using all the We’ll have to do the whole thing again from
work that you have done before scratch.
go round in circles verb phrase /ɡəʊ raʊnd ɪn ˈsɜː(r) sich im Kreis drehen to do something for a long time without We talked for hours, but we were just going
k(ə)lz/ achieving any results because you always round in circles.
return to the same problem that you
cannot solve
in the pipeline phrase /ɪn ðə ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/ in der Tasche being planned or prepared in order to Have you got any new projects in the pipeline?
happen or be available soon

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 3 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
on the right track phrase /ɒn ðə raɪt træk/ auf dem richtigen Weg doing or thinking the right things The figures show we are on the right track.
stumbling block noun /ˈstʌmblɪŋ ˌblɒk/ Stolperstein a difficulty that causes mistakes or prevents A problem with a supplier has become a major
progress stumbling block.
teething problems noun /ˈtiːðɪŋ ˈprɒbləmz/ Kinderkrankheiten minor problems that a new company, We’ve been having a few teething problems,
project, product, etc. may have in the but generally things are going well.
beginning
think outside the box verb phrase /θɪŋk aʊtˈsaɪd ðə Über den Tellerrand to find new ways of doing things, especially Employees are encouraged to think outside
bɒks/ schauen of solving problems the box and develop creative solutions.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 4

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 4 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Partitive expressions with uncountable nouns Partitivausdrücke mit nicht zählbaren Substantiven
a breath of fresh air phrase /ə breθ əv freʃ eə(r)/ frischen Wind bringen someone or something that is new, It’s great having Flavia with us - she’s a real
interesting, and exciting breath of fresh air.
a grain of truth phrase /ə ɡreɪn əv truːθ/ ein Körnchen Wahrheit a small amount of truth There was more than a grain of truth in what
he’d said.
bouts of anxiety phrase /baʊts əv æŋˈzaɪəti/ Angstanfälle short periods when you feel very anxious I occasionally suffer from bouts of anxiety at
work.
fit of anger phrase /fɪt əv ˈæŋɡə(r)/ Wutanfälle a sudden strong feeling of anger that you “Just leave!” he shouted, in a fit of anger.
cannot control
fits of laughter phrase /fɪts əv ˈlɑːftə(r)/ Lachanfälle a sudden strong reaction of laughing Everyone collapsed in fits of laughter.
glimmer of hope phrase /ˈɡlɪmə(r) əv həʊp/ Hoffnungsschimmer a very small sign that something might The transplant offers Lucy and her parents a
improve or succeed new glimmer of hope.
glimmer of light phrase /ˈɡlɪmə(r) əv laɪt/ Lichtschimmer a soft weak light that is not steady Ahead of us we suddenly saw a faint glimmer
of light.
hint of bitterness phrase /hɪnt əv ˈbɪtə(r)nəs/ Anflug von Ärger a slight feeling of anger and unhappiness “Yes, he has.”, she nodded, with a hint of
about something bitterness in her voice.
hint of irony phrase /hɪnt əv ˈaɪrəni/ etwas Ironie a small amount of irony (= a form of His writing contains a cheerful hint of irony.
humour in which you use words to express
the opposite of what the words really
mean)
pang of regret phrase /pæŋ əv rɪˈɡret/ Anflug von Bedauern a very strong, sudden feeling of regret I felt a pang of regret that I hadn’t made time
to visit her.
pang of guilt phrase /pæŋ əv ɡɪlt/ ein paar Schuldgefühle a very strong, sudden feeling of guilt You can eat these without a pang of guilt as
they’re very healthy.
round of applause phrase /ə raʊnd əv əˈplɔːz/ Beifallssturm a period of time when an audience reacts I want you all to give her a big round of
by clapping their hands applause.
school of thought phrase /skuːl əv θɔːt/ Denkansatz a way of thinking about a particular subject There are at least three schools of thought on
or idea that is shared by a group of people that subject.
scrap of evidence phrase /skræp əv ˈevɪd(ə)ns/ minimaler Beweis a small amount of information that helps to Every scrap of evidence has to be investigated.
prove something
stroke of genius phrase /strəʊk əv ˈdʒiːniəs/ Geniestreich a very intelligent act or idea At the time, giving Juan the job seemed like a
stroke of genius.
stroke of luck phrase /strəʊk əv lʌk/ Glücksfall something that happens by chance and By a stroke of luck, Felix was going there on the
that helps you to achieve something same day.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 4 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Closed compounds Geschlossene Verbindungen
become a scapegoat verb phrase /bɪˈkʌm ə zum Sündenbock werden to be blamed for something that is not You don’t want to become a scapegoat for
ˈskeɪpˌɡəʊt/ your fault, especially because someone else everything that has gone wrong.
wants to avoid being blamed
be on the same verb phrase /biː ɒn ðə seɪm auf derselben to understand the way that another person I feel like you and I are really on the same
wavelength ˈweɪvˌleŋθ/ Wellenlänge sein thinks because you often have the same wavelength.
ideas and opinions as they do
break the stalemate verb phrase /breɪk ðə ˈsteɪlˌmeɪt/ die Pattsituation to stop or end a situation in which progress Management and unions need to talk in order
durchbrechen is impossible because the people or groups to break the stalemate.
involved cannot agree
cherished keepsake phrase /ˈtʃerɪʃt ˈkiːpˌseɪk/ liebgewonnenes a small object that you like very much and That silver bracelet was a cherished keepsake
Andenken keep in order to remind you of someone or from her grandmother.
something
employee turnover phrase /ˌemplɔɪˈiː Mitarbeiterfluktuation the rate at which employees leave an High employee turnover is not surprising
ˈtɜː(r)nˌəʊvə(r) organization and new employees arrive when the hours are so long.
flaws and phrase /flɔːz ənd Schwächen und faults and problems in something or It’s better to look past these flaws and
shortcomings ˈʃɔː(r)tˌkʌmɪŋz/ Unzulänglichkeiten someone that make them useless or less shortcomings rather than dwell on them.
effective
proofread carefully verb phrase /ˈpruːfˌriːd sorgfältig Korrektur lesen to carefully read something written or Proofread all professional correspondence
keə(r)f(ə)li/ printed and mark any mistakes so that they carefully before it goes out.
can be corrected
sheer willpower phrase /ʃɪə(r) ˈwɪlˌpaʊə(r)/ schiere Willenskraft when you only use the ability to control I’ve no idea how Katja managed to finish the
your thoughts and behaviour in order to race - it must have been sheer willpower.
achieve something
spark a backlash verb phrase /spɑː(r)k ə ˈbækˌlæʃ/ eine Gegenreaktion to cause a strong, negative, and often An insensitive comment by the lead singer
auslösen angry reaction to something that has sparked an angry backlash from fans.
happened, especially a political or social
change
watershed moment phrase /ˈwɔːtə(r)ˌʃed Wendepunkt a time when an event causes an important It was a watershed moment in the history of
ˈməʊmənt/ change to take place our country.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 4 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Idioms: Negotiation Redewendungen: Verhandeln
agree to differ verb phrase /əˈɡriː tə ˈdɪfə(r)/ sich auf eine andere to accept that someone else does not have On that point, we’ll have to agree to differ.
Meinung einigen the same opinion as you and agree not to
argue about it any more
clear the air verb phrase /klɪə(r) ði eə(r)/ reinen Tisch machen to discuss a problem or difficult situation I think it’s time we cleared the air, don’t you?
with someone in order to make it better
draw the line at verb phrase /drɔː ðə laɪn æt/ einen Schlussstrich to say that you will definitely not allow or You certainly deserve an increase, but I have to
(something) ziehen (bei etwas) accept something draw the line at 4%.
find common ground verb phrase /faɪnd kɒmən eine gemeinsame Basis to find something that people can agree Despite their differences, they found common
ɡraʊnd/ finden about, especially when they disagree about ground when it came to this issue.
other things
get off on the wrong verb phrase /get ɒf ɒn ðə rɒŋ fʊt/ mit dem falschen Fuß to immediately establish a bad relationship Unfortunately I got off on the wrong foot with
foot aufstehen with someone when you first meet them the project manager.
or first start working with them
grey area phrase /ˈɡreɪ ˈeəriə/ Grauzone a situation in which the rules are not clear, Exactly what this means in practice is still a bit of
or in which you are not sure what is right a grey area.
or wrong
meet (someone) verb phrase /miːt ˌhɑːfˈweɪ/ (jemandem) auf halbem to agree to do something that someone The deal depends heavily on you agreeing to
halfway Weg entgegenkommen wants, if they do something that you want meet them halfway.
nail down the finer verb phrase /neɪl daʊn ðə ˈfaɪnə die Feinheiten klären to definitely decide the details of Does that give us enough time to nail down
points pɔɪnts/ something the finer points in the contract?
sticking point phrase /ˈstɪkɪŋ ˌpɔɪnt/ Knackpunkt something that people cannot agree on It’s now a major sticking point in the
and that stops them from continuing with negotiations.
a discussion
the bottom line phrase /ðə ˈbɒtəm laɪn/ Quintessenz the most basic fact or issue in a situation The bottom line is that we need to come up
with another ten thousand pounds of funding.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 5 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Neutral and sensationalist language Neutrale und sensationalistische Sprache
axe verb /æks/ kündigen / (Arbeitsplätze) to close a business, stop providing a Almost 1,000 jobs were axed.
abbauen service, or get rid of workers that you do
not need
clash verb * /klæʃ / kollidieren to argue very angrily with someone Angry students clashed with riot police in
Miami yesterday.
condemn verb ** /kənˈdem/ verurteilen to say publicly that you think someone or Politicians have condemned the attacks.
something is bad or wrong
dispute verb * /dɪˈspjuːt/ abstreiten to say that something such as a fact is not He disputed claims that the drug had not been
true or correct adequately tested.
divulge verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/ verbreiten to give information about something, The newspaper refused to divulge its sources.
especially something that should be kept
secret
laud verb /lɔːd/ loben to praise someone or something The headteacher was lauded for her bravery in
such a dangerous situation.
leak verb * /liːk/ durchsickern lassen to tell private or secret information to Staff were interviewed to find out who leaked
journalists or to the public the story.
oust verb /aʊst/ jemanden entlassen to remove someone from a position of The chairman was ousted from the committee
power, especially in order to take that last month.
position
pledge verb /pledʒ/ versprechen to promise seriously and publicly to do Recently the minister had pledged his support
something to the organisation.
praise verb ** /preɪz/ loben to express strong approval or admiration Mayor Dixon praised the efforts of those
for someone or something, especially in involved in the rescue.
public
provoke verb ** /prəˈvəʊk/ provozieren to cause a reaction, especially an angry one Her speech provoked a furious response from
protestors.
quash verb /kwɒʃ/ unterdrücken, zerstreuen to stop something from continuing They acted quickly to quash the rumours.
scrap verb /skræp/ verwerfen, streichen to decide not to continue with something Plans had to be scrapped because of a lack of
such as a plan or an event funding.
slam verb ** /slæm/ scharf kritisieren to criticise someone or something severely The film has been slammed by critics.
spark verb * /spɑː(r)k/ auslösen to make something happen, especially His visit to the city sparked mass
something involving violence or angry demonstrations.
feelings

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 5 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
tout verb /taʊt/ fördern to praise someone or something because She’s being touted as a possible challenger for
you want other people to think they are the title.
good or important
vow verb /vaʊ/ versprechen to promise that you will do something They have vowed to provide compensation for
those affected.
Binomials Binomische Ausdrücke
back and forth phrase /bæk ən fɔː(r)θ/ hin und her from one place to another and back again A good journalist goes back and forth
many times between different sources to check their facts.
black and white phrase /blæk ən waɪt/ schwarz und weiß involving one idea that is clearly right Sadly it’s not a simple black and white issue.
and another that is clearly wrong, so that
it is not difficult for you to make a moral
decision
by and large phrase /baɪ ən lɑː(r)dʒ/ im Großen und Ganzen used for saying that something is generally By and large the book was well received,
true, but not completely although it was criticised for its accuracy.
chalk and cheese phrase /tʃɔːk ən tʃiːz/ vollkommen anders sein used for saying that two people or things Even though they’re twins, their personalities
are completely different from each other are chalk and cheese.
cut and dried phrase /kʌt ən draɪd/ klar entschieden oder already clearly decided or settled The final decision is unlikely to be cut and
beendet dried.
dos and don’ts phrase /duːz ən dəʊnts/ Regeln und instructions and warnings about what you Here is a list of do’s and don’ts for anyone
Gepflogenheiten should and should not do in a particular planning to start a business.
situation
first and foremost phrase /fɜː(r)st ən zuallererst used for emphasising the main point or First and foremost, it’s your communication
ˈfɔː(r)məʊst/ the most important reason for something skills that will help you succeed.
give and take phrase /ɡɪv ən teɪk/ Geben und Nehmen if there is give and take between people, They said the secret of a happy marriage was a
each person allows the other to get little bit of give and take.
something that they want
in fits and starts phrase /ɪn fɪts ən stɑː(r)ts/ in Anfällen und Anfängen stopping and starting again many times, I’ve been so busy that I’ve only been able to
rather than progressing steadily work on it in fits and starts.
the ins and outs noun /ðiː ɪnz ən aʊts/ die genauen Einzelheiten all the details or facts that you need to Understanding all the ins and outs of the story
know in order to deal with a complicated is very important.
situation, process, etc.
touch and go phrase /tʌtʃ ən ɡəʊ/ auf der Kippe stehen not certain and with a risk of death or It had been touch and go for him in the
serious failure hospital, but he had eventually recovered.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 5 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
trial and error phrase /ˈtraɪəl ən ˈerə(r)/ Versuch und Irrtum a way of finding a good method that I’ve figured out how to use it through trial and
involves trying several possibilities and error.
learning from your mistakes
tried and tested phrase /traɪd ən ˈtestɪd/ erprobt und getestet known to be good and effective It’s a tried and tested method of getting food
stains out of clothing.
Idioms: Communication Redewendungen: Kommunikation
be out of the loop verb phrase /biː aʊt əv ðə luːp/ nicht auf dem Laufenden to not belong to a group that has Sorry but I’ve no idea what’s happening, I’m out
sein information and makes decisions about of the loop.
something
beat around the bush verb phrase /biːt əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/ um den heißen Brei to spend a long time getting to the main Stop beating around the bush and tell me the
herumreden point of what you are saying, especially truth.
because it is embarrassing
catch (someone’s) drift verb phrase /kætʃ … drɪft/ etwas mitbekommen to understand the basic meaning that So that’s the main diffculty. Do you catch my
someone is trying to express drift?
get (something) off verb phrase /get … ɒf jɔː(r) tʃest/ sich (etwas) von der Seele to talk to someone about something that He came to see me because he wanted to get a
your chest reden has been worrying you, so that you feel few things off his chest.
better about it
get the wrong end of verb phrase /get ðə rɒŋ end əv mit dem falschen Fuß to understand something completely I tried explaining it to my parents, but they got
the stick ðə stɪk/ aufgestanden sein wrongly the wrong end of the stick.
get your wires crossed verb phrase /get jɔː(r) ˈwaɪə(r)z s. vertun if two people get their wires crossed, they We got our wires crossed about what time we
krɒst/ become confused because they each were supposed to meet.
think that the other one is talking about
something else
it’s news to me phrase /ɪts njuːz tə miː/ das ist neu für mich used for saying that you did not know ‘Ria says she’s going to borrow your car.’ ‘It’s news
about something, especially when you are to me!’
annoyed about this
not say boo to a goose verb phrase /nɒt seɪ buː tʊ ə keiner Fliege etwas to be very quiet and shy Paola is incredibly nervous, she wouldn’t say
ɡuːs/ zuleide tun boo to a goose.
spill the beans verb phrase /spɪl ðə biːnz/ alles ausplaudern to tell someone something, often Come on, spill the beans - what did he say?
something that should be kept secret
touch base with verb phrase /tʌtʃ beɪs wɪθ/ jemanden kontaktieren to communicate with someone that you It’ll be great to touch base with Sara and Karl
(someone) have not seen for some time in order to find again.
out how they are, what is happening, etc.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 6 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Expressions and phrases with pay Ausdrücke und Phrasen mit pay
pay (someone) a verb phrase /peɪ … ə (jemandem) ein to say something nice about someone or Paying someone a compliment about their
compliment ˈkɒmplɪmənt/ Kompliment machen to someone work can be really motivating for them.
pay dividends verb phrase /peɪ ˈdɪvɪdendz/ einen Gewinn to bring you a lot of benefit Thorough lesson planning always pays
ausschütten dividends.
pay it forward verb phrase /peɪ ɪt ˈfɔː(r)wə(r)d/ sich revanchieren to do something kind for someone Thanks for your generosity and I promise to pay
because another person has done it forward by helping when I can.
something kind for you
pay lip service to verb phrase /peɪ lɪp ˈsɜː(r)vɪs tʊ/ ein Lippenbekenntnis zu to say that you support something Most people only paid lip service to the rules.
(something) (etwas) ablegen although you do not really, especially when
you do nothing to prove your support
pay the consequences verb phrase /peɪ ðə die Konsequenzen tragen to accept responsibility for your actions Either we do something about this now or we
ˈkɒnsɪkwənsəz/ and deal with what happens because of pay the consequences later.
them
pay the price verb phrase /peɪ ðə praɪs/ etwas ausbaden to have to deal with the bad effects of One day you’ll pay the price for your selfish
something that you have done behaviour.
pay through the nose verb phrase /peɪ θruː ðə nəʊz/ ein Vermögen kosten to pay much too much for something You pay through the nose for drinks in city
centre restaurants.
pay tribute to verb phrase /peɪ ˈtrɪbjuːt tʊ/ (jemandem/etwas) to praise someone or something publicly The town paid tribute to the firefighters who
(someone/something) Tribut zollen died.
pay your own way verb phrase /peɪ jə(r) əʊn weɪ/ auf eigene Faust zahlen to pay for everything that you need or use He’s an adult now, he should be able to pay his
yourself, rather than allowing or expecting own way.
other people to pay for you
pay your respects verb phrase /peɪ jə(r) rɪˈspekts/ Respekt zeigen to show respect for someone by visiting Thousands turned up to pay their respects to
them, sending them a message, or a great leader.
attending their funeral
Rise and fall Steigen und Fallen
accelerate verb * /əkˈseləreɪt/ beschleunigen to happen or make something happen at a The increased capital could greatly accelerate
faster rate economic development.
diminish verb ** /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ vermindern to become less or make something Rain forest habitats are slowly diminishing.
become less
dwindle verb /ˈdwɪnd(ə)l/ schrumpfen to become gradually less or smaller over Water supplies have dwindled to their lowest
a period of time until almost nothing level in ten years.
remains

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 6 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
escalate verb /ˈeskəleɪt/ eskalieren to increase, especially at a fast rate that The company is in debt and its costs are rapidly
causes problems escalating.
hike up phrasal verb /haɪk ʌp/ ansteigen to suddenly increase the amount or level of When they hiked up the tax rates, I was forced
something to close down my business.
mount verb ** /maʊnt/ aufsteigen to get larger or stronger over a period of Discontent continues to mount among the
time younger population.
plummet verb /ˈplʌmɪt/ stürzen if something such as an amount, rate, or Following a massive reduction in customer
value plummets, it suddenly becomes spending, profits plummeted dramatically.
much lower
plunge verb ** /plʌndʒ/ fallen if an amount or level plunges, it suddenly The temperature is expected to plunge below
becomes much lower zero degrees overnight.
recede verb * /rɪˈsiːd/ zurückgehen to become less strong or likely His pain had receded a little.
skyrocket verb /ˈskaɪˌrɒkɪt/ in die Höhe schießen if an amount, value, or cost skyrockets, it It’s a reflection of the skyrocketing cost of
rises quickly to a very high level healthcare.
slump verb /slʌmp/ einbrechen to be suddenly reduced to a much lower Profits slumped to under $250 million.
level
soar verb * /sɔː(r)/ rasant ansteigen to quickly increase to a high level Unemployment has soared in the past few
months.
spiral verb /ˈspaɪrəl/ fortlaufend steigen bzw. to continuously become worse, more, or As oil prices rise, consumers have been hit by
Sinken less spiralling energy costs.
surge verb /sɜː(r)dʒ/ rasant ansteigen to increase a lot very quickly The value of exports surged last year, recording
an all-time high.
swell verb * /swel/ ansteigen to increase in amount or number Attendance figures have swollen to 37,000 this
season.
wane verb /weɪn/ abflauen to become weaker or less important By the end of the year their popularity was
beginning to wane.
Idioms: Money and wealth Redewendungen: Geld und Wohlbefinden
be made of money verb phrase /biː meɪd əv ˈmʌni/ im Geld schwimmen to have a lot of money Her family must be made of money judging by
her lavish lifestyle.
be on a roll verb phrase /biː ɒn ə rəʊl/ eine Glückssträhne haben to be having a lot of success or good luck Sales figures were climbing and they were sure
they were on a roll.
be rolling in it verb phrase /biː ˈrəʊlɪŋ ɪn ɪt/ im Geld schwimmen to have a lot of money Don’t worry about Ed buying the food, he’s
rolling in it.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 6 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
be your bread and verb phrase /biː jɔː(r) bred ən in Saus und Braus leben to be something that provides your main Tourism is the island’s bread and butter.
butter ˈbʌtə(r)/ income
feel the pinch verb phrase /fiːl ðə pɪntʃ/ knapp bei Kasse sein to have less money than you need With rising interest rates, many homeowners are
beginning to feel the pinch.
hard up adjective /hɑː(r)d ʌp/ sehr knapp bei Kasse sein not having much money Tavia is so hard up that she can’t afford to put
the heating on.
keep your head above verb phrase /kiːp jɔː(r) hed əˈbʌv soeben durchkommen to manage to live or keep a business It’s been a difficult year for the business but we’re
water ˈwɔːtə(r)/ working even though you are not earning just about managing to keep our head above
much money water.
money for old rope phrase /ˈmʌni fə(r) əʊld leicht verdientes Geld money that you earn very easily without They’re charging £6.50 for this? It’’s money for
rəʊp/ much work or effort old rope.
not for love nor money phrase /nɒt fə(r) lʌv nɔː(r) auf keinen Fall used for emphasising that something is not They’re more expensive than other firms but I
ˈmʌni/ available or possible, or that you will not wouldn’t change them for love nor money.
do it
put your money where verb phrase /pʊt jɔː(r) ˈmʌni seinen Worten auch Taten used for saying that someone should do The company claims to care about the
your mouth is weə(r) jɔː(r) maʊθ ɪz/ folgen lassen something, especially spend money, to environment, but it should put its money
show that they mean what they say instead where its mouth is.
of just talking about it

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 7 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Phrasal verbs of deduction and investigation Phrasalverben Schlussfolgerung und Untersuchung
catch up with phrasal verb /kætʃ ʌp wɪθ/ (jemanden) einholen to begin to have an effect on someone His mistakes in the past are finally beginning to
(someone) catch up with him.
hit upon (an idea / a phrasal verb /hɪt əˈpɒn/ auf (eine Idee / eine to suddenly have an idea An officer hit upon the idea of analysing the
solution) Lösung) kommen garage’s CCTV footage.
keep (something) back phrasal verb /kiːp … bæk/ (etwas) zurückhalten to not tell someone something, or to not He said everything was OK, but I knew he was
show how you feel keeping something back.
mull over (something) phrasal verb /mʌl ˈəʊvə(r)/ über (etwas) nachdenken to think carefully about something over a They’ll need time to mull over the proposals.
period of time
nose around phrasal verb /nəʊz əˈraʊnd/ in (etwas) to try to find out information about I found two men nosing around the boat.
(something) herumschnüffeln someone or something
root out (corruption / phrasal verb /ruːt aʊt/ (Korruption / to find something bad or illegal and get The mayor said his first commitment was to
discrimination / a Diskriminierung / ein rid of it root out corruption in the city.
problem) Problem) aufdecken
size up (someone/ phrasal verb /saɪz ʌp/ (jemanden/etwas) to think carefully and form an opinion It was hard to size up whether people were
something) einschätzen about a person or a situation really telling the truth.
sound out (someone) phrasal verb /saʊnd aʊt/ (jemanden) aushorchen to try to find out someone’s opinions, ideas, He decided to go back to the station and sound
feelings, etc. by talking to them out the other detectives there.
stake out phrasal verb /steɪk aʊt/ festsetzen (einen to explain your opinion clearly and defend Political leaders are busy staking out their
(a claim / position) Anspruch / eine Position) it in a determined way positions on this issue.
stake out phrasal verb /steɪk aʊt/ (ein Haus / Gebäude) to wait outside a building and watch it, The police are staking out her home in case
(a house / building) überwachen especially because something exciting or she returns.
illegal is happening
stake out (territory) phrasal verb /steɪk aʊt/ (Gebiet) abstecken to mark an area with fences or posts to The settlers would arrive in a place and
show that it belongs to someone immediately stake out their territory.
stumble across phrasal verb /ˈstʌmb(ə)l əˈkrɒs/ über (etwas) stolpern to find something by accident I’ve recently stumbled across one of her old
(something) journals, which is fascinating.
track down phrasal verb /træk daʊn/ (jemanden/etwas) to find someone or something after a long We finally managed to track him down in
(someone/something) ausfindig machen search Barcelona.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 7 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Verbs of confusion and deceipt Verben Verwirrung und Täuschung
baffle verb /ˈbæf(ə)l/ verwirren if a problem, someone’s behaviour, etc. Detectives remain baffled by these crimes.
baffles you, you cannot understand it or
solve it
blackmail verb * /ˈblækˌmeɪl/ erpressen to make someone give you money or do Someone was trying to blackmail him with
what you want by threatening to give pictures showing them together.
information about them
bluff your way through verb /blʌf jɔː(r) weɪ θruː/ bluffen; so tun, als ob to deliberately give a false idea to someone She managed to bluff her way through the
(something) about what you intend to do, or about the interview, and was given the job.
facts of a situation, especially in order to
gain an advantage
con (someone) into verb /kɒn ... ˈɪntuː/ (jemanden) überreden to make someone believe something that Thieves dressed as security staff conned the
(doing something) (etwas zu tun) is not true in order to persuade them to do guard into unlocking the building.
something
confound verb /kənˈfaʊnd/ verwirren to make someone feel confused or She confounded her critics by winning the
surprised, especially by not behaving in the race.
way they expect
delude yourself verb phrase /dɪˈluːd jə(r)ˈself/ sich selbst täuschen to choose to believe something that is not You’re deluding yourself if you think we’ll win
true this easily.
double-cross verb /ˌdʌb(ə)l ˈkrɒs/ ein doppeltes Spiel to cheat someone, usually when you and The getaway driver double-crossed them by
treiben this person are doing something illegal hiding some of the money and talking to the
together or planning to cheat someone police.
else together
dupe (someone) into verb /djuːp … ˈɪntuː/ (jemanden) dazu bringen, to trick someone into believing something Henson duped the couple into letting him into
(doing something) (etwas) zu tun that is not true or into doing something their home.
that is stupid or illegal
hoodwink verb /ˈhʊdˌwɪŋk/ hinters Licht führen to make someone believe something that If he told you this painting is genuine, then
is not true you’ve been hoodwinked.
hustle verb /ˈhʌs(ə)l/ drängeln to make someone do what you want them She’d been hustled into selling the house too
to do, especially buy something, before quickly.
they are sure or ready
perplex verb /pə(r)ˈpleks/ verblüffen to make someone feel confused Doctors were perplexed by her condition.
scam verb /skæm/ betrügen to trick someone in order to get money or I was scammed by a young woman who said
something from them she was fundraising.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 7 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
stump verb /stʌmp/ überrumpeln if you are stumped by something, you Even the experts are stumped by this strange
cannot explain or answer it weather.
swindle (someone/ verb /ˈswɪnd(ə)l … aʊt əv/ (jemanden/etwas) to cheat someone in order to get their The landlord tried to swindle us out of our
something) out of um (etwas/jemanden) money deposit.
(something/someone) betrügen
Idioms: Mystery Redewendungen: Mysterium
be barking up the verb phrase /biː bɑː(r)kɪŋ ʌp ðə auf dem Holzweg sein to be doing something that will not get the They’re barking up the wrong tree by
wrong tree rɒŋ triː/ result that you want questioning her, she clearly doesn’t know
anything.
be caught red-handed verb phrase /biː kɔːt ˌred auf frischer Tat ertappt to be caught doing something wrong He was caught red-handed with the money in
ˈhændɪd/ werden his bag.
keep (something) verb phrase /kiːp ... ˈʌndə(r) (etwas) unter Verschluss to keep something secret I’ve got an idea but I’m going to keep it under
under wraps ræps/ halten wraps for a few weeks.
let the cat out of the verb phrase /let ðə kæt aʊt əv ðə die Katze aus dem Sack to tell someone something that was Kim let the cat out of the bag about her true
bag bæɡ/ lassen intended to be secret intentions.
put your finger on verb phrase /pʊt jɔː(r) ˈfɪŋɡə(r) den Nagel auf den Kopf to discover or understand exactly why a There’s something strange about this but I can’t
(something) ɒn/ treffen situation is the way it is, especially when quite put my finger on it.
something is wrong
red herring phrase /red ˈherɪŋ/ ein Ablenkungsmanöver something that is not relevant that makes I don’t think that information is useful at all - it’s
you confused or takes your attention away just a red herring.
from what you should be concentrating on
ring a bell verb phrase /rɪŋ ə bel/ bekannt vorkommen something that rings a bell sounds familiar The name rings a bell. Isn’t he an architect?
to you, although you cannot remember the
exact details
skeleton in the/your phrase /ˈskelɪt(ə)n ɪn ðə die Leiche im Schrank an embarrassing secret about your past The press were desperately trying to find a few
cupboard ˈkʌbə(r)d/ that you do not want anyone to know skeletons in her cupboard.
smell a rat verb phrase /smel ə ræt/ verdächtigen, vermuten to believe that something dishonest, illegal, When I saw the look they gave each other I
or wrong has happened smelled a rat.
there’s more to phrase /ðeə(r)z mɔː(r) tə ... hinter (jemandem/etwas) used for saying that someone or From the outside it’s just an ordinary cupboard,
(someone/something) ðən miːts ðiː aɪ/ steckt mehr, als man auf something is more interesting, impressive, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
than meets the eye den ersten Blick sieht complicated, etc. than they seem to be

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 8 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
The environment Die Umgebung
climate catastrophe phrase /ˈklaɪmət kəˈtæstrəfi/ Klimakatastrophe an extreme event caused by weather, The devastating wildfires last year were the
for example a flood, that causes a lot of worst climate catastrophe in our country’s
damage and serious problems for the history.
people who live where it happens
coastal erosion phrase /ˈkəʊst(ə)l ɪˈrəʊʒ(ə)n/ Küstenerosion the process by which the surface of land or Coastal erosion has led to some roads on the
rock near the sea is gradually damaged by island being rebuilt.
the sea and begins to disappear
ecological catastrophe phrase /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l Umweltkatastrophe an event which causes a lot of damage to The removal of such large areas of rainforest is
kəˈtæstrəfi/ the natural world and serious problems for nothing short of an ecological catastrophe.
people or animals living there
environmental phrase /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈment(ə)l Umweltkatastrophe an event which causes a lot of damage to The collapse of the dam has been described as
catastrophe kəˈtæstrəfi/ the natural world and serious problems for an environmental catastrophe.
people or animals living there
environmental phrase /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈment(ə)l Umweltzerstörung the process of the natural word changing We cannot ignore the impact of environmental
degradation ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃ(ə)n/ into a worse condition degradation on human health.
gradual erosion phrase /ˈɡrædʒuəl allmähliche Erosion the process by which the surface of land or A number of communities have been affected
ɪˈrəʊʒ(ə)n/ rock is gradually damaged by water, wind, by the gradual erosion of the country’s
etc. and slowly begins to disappear coastline.
habitat preservation phrase /ˈhæbɪtæt Erhaltung des the process of working to protect the Habitat preservation, especially forests
prezə(r)ˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ Lebensraums places that particular animals or plants and jungles, has been described as the most
usually live or grow in so that these places important issue facing humanity today.
are not damaged or destroyed
hazardous waste phrase /ˈhæzə(r)dəs weɪst/ Sondermüll waste that is dangerous to people’s health The dust produced has to be disposed of as
or safety hazardous waste.
household waste phrase /ˈhaʊsˌhəʊld weɪst/ Hausmüll used food, packaging or other things that The strikes will have an impact on the collection
people throw away from their homes of household waste.
humanitarian phrase /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən humanitäre Katastrophe an event that causes a very large amount Unless more countries offer support, these
catastrophe kəˈtæstrəfi/ of people to die, suffer or live in very bad droughts will result in a humanitarian
conditions catastrophe.
industrial waste phrase /ɪnˈdʌstriəl weɪst/ Industrieabfälle useless materials, substances, or parts that This process is able to recycle certain kinds of
are left after the production of goods in industrial waste.
factories
marine habitat phrase /məˈriːn ˈhæbɪtæt/ mariner Lebensraum the type of place that particular sea Sunlit coral reefs are one of the most famous
creatures or plants usually live or grow in marine habitats.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 8 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
natural habitat phrase /ˈnætʃ(ə)rəl natürlicher Lebensraum the type of place that a particular animal or It’s a rare bird that is in danger of losing its
ˈhæbɪtæt/ plant usually lives or grows in, for example natural habitat.
a desert, forest or lake
offshore windfarm phrase /ˌɒfˈʃɔː(r) ˈwɪnd Offshore-Windpark a place in the sea where wind turbines are A new offshore windfarm is one proposal for a
ˌfɑː(r)m/ used for producing electricity from the future energy supply.
power of the wind
organic waste phrase /ɔː(r)ˈɡænɪk weɪst/ organische Abfälle waste that decays naturally and does not The restaurant composts all organic waste and
harm the environment uses recycled takeaway packaging.
shrinking habitat phrase /ʃrɪŋkɪŋ ˈhæbɪtæt/ schrumpfender when the type of place that a particular This species is threatened by shrinking habitat,
Lebensraum animal or plant usually lives or grows in is hunting, and other human activity.
becoming smaller
soil erosion phrase /sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒ(ə)n/ Bodenerosion the process by which soil is gradually Planting trees and shrubs can help prevent soil
removed by the rain, wind, or sea erosion and reduce the risk of flooding.
sustainable phrase /səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l Nachhaltige Entwicklung the development of a country or region Agriculture should be more focused on
development dɪˈveləpmənt/ that does not use more natural resources sustainable devlopment irrespective of the
than can be replaced and so does not costs involved.
harm the environment
sustainable tourism phrase /səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l Nachhaltiger Tourismus tourism that does not harm the As well as supporting local economies, these
ˈtʊərɪz(ə)m/ environment farms serve as models for sustainable tourism.
waste collection phrase /weɪst /kəˈlekʃ(ə)n/ Abfallsammlung when used food, packaging or other things Check our website for details of waste
that people have thrown away is removed collection times over the holiday period.
from homes or public buildings
waste disposal phrase /weɪst dɪˈspəʊz(ə)l/ Abfallentsorgung the process of getting rid of waste It’s an opportunity to tackle pollution and adopt
responsible waste disposal practices.
wind erosion phrase /wɪnd ɪˈrəʊʒ(ə)n/ Winderosion the process by which the surface of land Trees store nutrients and water in the ground
or rock is gradually damaged by wind and and protect soil against wind erosion.
begins to disappear
woodland habitat phrase /ˈwʊdlənd ˈhæbɪtæt/ Lebensraum Wald an area of land filled with trees that Their short wings enable them to twist and turn
particular animals or plants usually live or as they hunt in their woodland habitat.
grow in
Idioms: Noticing similarities and differences Redewendungen: Ähnlichkeiten und Unterschiede bemerken
be stuck between a verb phrase /biː stʌk bɪˈtwiːn ə in der Zwickmühle sitzen to be in a position in which you have to Either someone loses their job or everyone takes a
rock and a hard place rɒk ənd ə hɑː(r)d choose between two things that are not pay cut. We’re stuck between a rock and a hard
pleɪs/ good place on this.
in a tight spot phrase /ɪn ə taɪt spɒt/ in der Klemme stecken in a difficult situation Louis helped me when I was in a tight spot
financially.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 8 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
in the clear phrase /ɪn ðə klɪə(r)/ nicht mehr verdächtigt no longer believed to be guilty of They’ve arrested someone else so it looks like
werden something bad or illegal Dylan’s in the clear.
make (someone’s) verb phrase /meɪk … blʌd rʌn (jemandem) das Blut to make someone feel suddenly very Just hearing his name made Alice’s blood run
blood run cold kəʊld/ in den Adern gefrieren frightened or worried cold.
lassen
make waves verb phrase /meɪk weɪvz/ Wellen schlagen to cause problems by making suggestions Laura’s been making waves with her
or criticisms comments about the lack of resources and
budget.
make your blood boil verb phrase /meɪk jɔː(r) blʌd bɔɪl/ dein Blut zum Kochen to make you feel very angry Knowing that they could have avoided this
bringen makes my blood boil.
not be out of the phrase /nɒt biː aʊt əv ðə noch nicht aus dem used for saying that a situation is still With several other charges pending, the
woods yet wʊdz jet/ Schneider sein difficult although it has improved company is not out of the woods yet.
out of hand phrase /aʊt əv hænd/ unkontrolliert not well controlled We decided to leave before things got out of
hand.
out of line phrase /aʊt əv laɪn/ aus der Reihe tanzen behaving in a way that other people do not That comment was totally out of line.
approve of
rock the boat verb phrase /rɒk ðə bəʊt/ die Sache ins Wanken to cause problems by changing a situation It’s important that no one says anything to rock
bringen that is considered satisfactory the boat at this stage in the negotiations.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 9 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Prepositional phrases with out, by and in Präpositionalphrasen mit out, by und in
by any means phrase /baɪ ˈeni miːnz mit allen erforderlichen using any method that is needed to do or We’re going to need to meet the deadline by
necessary ˈnesəs(ə)ri/ Mitteln achieve something any means necessary.
by any standard phrase /baɪ ˈeni ˈstændə(r)d/ nach jedem beliebigen compared to any level of quality or What the programmers have created is simply
Standard achievement used for judging someone or incredible by any standard.
something
by invitation only phrase /baɪ ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n nur mit Einladung available only to people who have been Membership of the club was by invitation
ˈəʊnli/ formally invited only.
in good taste phrase /ɪn ɡʊd teɪst/ mit gutem Geschmack appropriate and not at all rude Only jokes that are in good taste should be
incorporated into your speech.
in its infancy phrase /ɪn ɪtsˈɪnfənsi/ in seinen Anfängen something that is in its infancy has only just Tourism on the island is still very much in its
started to develop infancy.
in your mind’s eye phrase /ɪn jɔː(r) maɪndz aɪ/ vor deinem geistigen if you can see someone or something Did you have a clear vision of the painting in
Auge in your mind’s eye, you can imagine or your mind’s eye before you started?
remember what they look like
out of place phrase /aʊt əv pleɪs/ fehl am Platz if something looks out of place, it is in a It’s a lovely table but it would look out of place
position where it does not belong or look with all our antique furniture.
good
out of the ordinary phrase /aʊt əv ðə aus dem Rahmen des unusual or different It was just another uneventful day at work;
ˈɔː(r)d(ə)n(ə)ri/ Üblichen nothing out of the ordinary happened.
out of the question phrase /aʊt əv ðə nicht in Frage kommend used for saying that something is definitely Taking a holiday then is out of the question.
ˈkwestʃ(ə)n/ not a possibility
Describing art and architecture Kunst und Architektur beschreiben
flamboyant adjective /flæmˈbɔɪənt/ extravagant designed to attract a lot of attention, often Her room had been decorated with
by being brightly coloured or decorated flamboyant patterned wallpaper.
garish adjective /ˈɡeərɪʃ/ schrill very bright and colourful in an ugly way Bright, garish colours were the height of fashion in
the 1980s.
imposing adjective /ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ/ imposant large and impressive We pulled up outside an imposing building
with steps up to the main entrance.
minimalistic adjective /ˌmɪnɪm(ə)ˈlɪstɪk/ minimalistisch using a style of design in architecture or The offices are stark and minimalistic, with
interior decorating that is extremely simple white walls and very little furniture.
and avoids using decoration or crowding an
area with unnecessary objects
ostentatious adjective /ˌɒstenˈteɪʃəs/ pompös intended to impress people or attract It’s just a timeless piece of furniture - not
their admiration, in a way that you think is something ostentatious intended to impress.
extreme and unnecessary

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 9 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
renowned adjective /rɪˈnaʊnd/ renommiert famous and admired for a special skill or The fabric was designed by a renowned artist.
achievement
swanky adjective /ˈswæŋki/ protzig fashionable and expensive Pedro has just moved into a swanky new
apartment next to the river.
unassuming adjective /ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/ bescheiden not wanting to attract attention or appear The cottage’s décor matched her personality -
better or more important than others gentle and unassuming.
understated adjective /ˌʌndə(r)ˈsteɪtɪd/ unaufdringlich not trying to impress people or to attract She dressed with understated elegance.
their attention, and therefore attractive or
effective
utilitarian adjective /juːˌtɪlɪˈteəriən/ funktional designed to be useful rather than attractive The dining chairs had a utilitarian feel and
weren’t particularly comfortable.
vulgar adjective /ˈvʌlɡə(r)/ vulgär showing a lack of ability to judge what is Professional designers often proclaim this as
attractive, suitable, etc. vulgar and inappropriate for a contemporary
home.
whimsical adjective /ˈwɪmzɪk(ə)l/ skurril made or done for fun, not seriously Her whimsical designs appeal to all ages.
Idioms: Art and creativity Redewendungen: Kunst und Kreativität
a blank canvas phrase /ə blæŋk ˈkænvəs/ leere Leinwand something that can be developed or There’s no fixed job specification so you can do
changed in many different ways what you feel is best. It’s a blank canvas.
a breath of fresh air phrase /ə breθ əv freʃ eə(r)/ ein Hauch frischer Luft someone or something that is new, Having Chloe on the team was like a breath of
interesting, and exciting fresh air.
a slow burner phrase /ə sləʊ ˈbɜː(r)nə(r)/ ein Dauerbrenner a thing that slowly develops into The film’s a bit of a slow burner, not much
something interesting or powerful happens in the first half hour.
bear no resemblance verb phrase /beə(r) nəʊ keine Ähnlichkeit mit to look completely different to someone or Portraits are not my strong point; this last one of
to (someone/ rɪˈzembləns tʊ/ (jemandem/etwas) something my mother bears no resemblance to her.
something) haben
break the mould verb phrase /breɪk ðə məʊld/ aus der Reihe tanzen to change a situation completely, or to do Mo broke the mould by becoming an artist
something in a completely new way rather than a doctor like everyone else in the
family.
catch (someone’s) eye verb phrase /kætʃ … aɪ/ (jemandem) ins Auge if something catches your eye, you As I came round the corner, an unusual building
stechen suddenly notice it caught my eye.
collector’s item noun /kəˈlektə(r)z ˈaɪtəm/ ein Sammlerstück a rare or valuable object that collectors Don’t sell that old video game console - it could
want to own be a collector’s item.
get (something) down verb phrase /get ... daʊn tʊ ə faɪn (etwas) zu einer hohen to become very good at doing something, He’s managed to get his cake decorating skills
to a fine art ɑː(r)t/ Kunst machen especially something difficult down to a fine art.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 9 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
go back to the verb phrase /ɡəʊ bæk tə ðə zurück zum Reißbrett to try to think of a completely new idea My plan didn’t work, so we went back to the
drawing board ˈdrɔːɪŋ bɔː(r)d/ gehen because the one that you tried before was drawing board.
not successful
go down a storm verb phrase /ɡəʊ daʊn ə stɔː(r)m/ sehr gut ankommen to be very popular That new vegan café is going down a storm
with students.
leave your mark verb phrase /liːv jɔː(r) mɑː(r)k/ seine Spuren hinterlassen to have a very strong and noticeable effect A steady influx of tourists has left its mark on
on someone or something, usually a bad this pretty island.
one that lasts for a long time
reinvent the wheel verb phrase /ˌriːɪnˈvent ðə wiːl/ Zeit und Mühe to waste time and effort trying to do What’s the point in doing that? You’re just
vergeuden something that someone else has already reinventing the wheel.
done well

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 10 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Describing books and films Bücher und Filme beschreiben
box office hit phrase /bɒks ˈɒfɪs hɪt/ Kassenschlager a film that is very successful and earns a lot The film was a box office hit and launched the
of money because of the number of tickets actor’s career.
that are sold
critically acclaimed phrase /ˈkrɪtɪkli əˈkleɪmd/ von der Kritik hochgelobt admired by people whose job is to give Her critically acclaimed novel set in Shetland
their opinion of things such as new books, was a bestseller last year.
plays, or films
cult classic phrase /kʌlt ˈklæsɪk/ Kultklassiker a book, film, television programme, etc. There can’t be many people who haven’t seen
that is very good and has been popular this cult classic.
and had a lot of influence for a long time
far-fetched adjective /ˌfɑː(r) ˈfetʃt/ weit hergeholt difficult to believe because it is very The special effects are great but the plot is
unlikely incredibly far-fetched.
hard-hitting adjective /ˌhɑː(r)d ˈhɪtɪŋ/ knallhart making criticisms in a very strong, honest, This is a hard-hitting drama about the realities
and direct way. This word usually shows of the pandemic.
that you approve of this type of criticism.
heart-wrenching adjective /ˈhɑ(r)t ˌrentʃɪŋ/ herzzerreißend making you feel very sad or emotional It’s difficult to watch this heart-wrenching story
about human tragedy.
long-awaited adjective /ˌlɒŋ əˈweɪtɪd/ lang erwartet a long-awaited event has been expected She’s now making her long-awaited return as
for a long time the fearless explorer.
page-turner noun /peɪdʒ ˈtɜː(r)nə(r)/ fesselnd a book that is very interesting or exciting I couldn’t put that book down - it’s a real
page-turner.
spellbinding adjective /ˈspelˌbaɪndɪŋ/ faszinierend so interesting that it holds your attention Murphy’s portrayal of the character is utterly
completely spellbinding.
spine-tingling adjective /ˈspaɪn ˌtɪŋɡ(ə)lɪŋ/ Gänsehaut erzeugend very exciting or frightening in a way that This spine-tingling thriller is bound to keep
you enjoy you on the edge of your seat.
star-studded adjective /ˈstɑː(r) ˌstʌdɪd/ mit vielen Stars including a lot of famous people Featuring a star-studded cast, director
Christopher Nolan’s latest film is nothing short
of a masterpiece.
tearjerker noun /ˈtɪə(r)ˌdʒɜː(r)kə(r)/ Schnulze a sad film or story that makes you cry Take some tissues with you - I’m afraid it’s a bit
of a tearjerker.
Similes Gleichnisse
as clear as mud phrase /əz klɪə(r) əz mʌd/ unklar, unverständlich very difficult to understand. Sorry but your explanation is as clear as mud.
as dull as ditchwater phrase /əz dʌl əz ganz langweilig very boring Her last book was as dull as ditchwater - I
ˈdɪtʃˌwɔːtə(r)/ didn’t finish it.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 10 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
as mad as a box of phrase /əz mæd əz ə bɒks əv verrückt if someone is as mad as a box of frogs, they There’s a fine line between being called
frogs frɒɡz/ are extremely silly or strange eccentric or as mad as a box of frogs!
as sly as a fox phrase /əz slaɪ əz ə fɒks/ so schlau wie ein Fuchs if someone is as sly as a fox, they are very She’s as sly as a fox and I’m not sure I entirely
clever and sometimes dishonest trust her in these negotiations.
as tough as old boots phrase /əz tʌf əz əʊld buːts/ so zäh wie Leder very strong and able to deal with difficult Oh don’t worry about Marvin, he’s as tough as
situations or pain easily old boots.
fight like cat and dog verb phrase /faɪt laɪk kæt ən dɒɡ/ wie Hund und Katz to fight or argue often or with a lot of anger My twin daughters fought like cat and dog
when they were kids.
get on like a house verb phrase /get ɒn laɪk ə haʊs ɒn sich wunderbar vertragen to become good friends very quickly and It was a bit awkward at first but now we get on
on fire ˈfaɪə(r)/ have a lot to talk to each other about like a house on fire.
sleep like a log verb phrase /sliːp laɪk ə lɒɡ/ schlafen wie ein to sleep very well The bed was really comfortable - I slept like a
Murmeltier log last night.
stick out like a sore verb phrase /stɪk aʊt laɪk ə sɔː(r) total auffallen to be very noticeable because of being If you wear those you’re going to stick out like
thumb θʌm/ different a sore thumb.
watch (someone) like verb phrase /wɒtʃ ... laɪk ə hɔːk/ auf jemanden gut to watch someone very carefully, especially You need to watch Sam like a hawk or he’ll eat
a hawk aufpassen in order to make sure that they do not do all the biscuits.
something bad
Idioms: From literature Redewendungen: aus der Literatur
a sight for sore eyes phrase /ə saɪt fə sɔː(r) aɪz/ eine Augenweide someone or something that you are very The cabin was a sight for sore eyes for the
pleased to see exhausted climbers.
Achilles heel noun /əˌkɪliːz ˈhiːl/ Achillesferse a weak feature of someone or something She’s a great writer but accurate research has
that is otherwise strong, which makes them always been her Achilles heel.
open to attack or failure
as dead as a doornail phrase /əz ded əz ə mausetot completely dead or not working They didn’t water the plants and now they’re as
ˈdɔː(r)ˌneɪl/ dead as a doornail.
Catch 22 situation noun /ˌkætʃ twentiˈtu in einer Sackgasse stehen a set of problems that is impossible to The company wants to hire new people to
ˌsɪtʃueɪʃ(ə)n/ escape from because each problem must expand, but it can’t afford to pay them – it’s a
be solved first before you can solve any of Catch 22 situation.
the others
cliff-hanger noun /ˈklɪfˌhæŋə(r)/ Cliffhanger an exciting end to part of a book or Season 1 ended on such a cliff-hanger, I can’t
television programme that makes you want wait for season 2!
to read or watch the next part
down the rabbit hole phrase /daʊn ðə ˈræbɪt bis zum Hals used for referrring to a situation in which I only meant to have a quick look online, but
ˌhəʊl/ you become so interested in something before I knew it I’d gone down the rabbit hole
that you cannot stop trying to find out and had more than twenty tabs open.
about it or doing it

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 10 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
freelance adjective /ˈfriːlɑːns/ freiberuflich freelance work is done by a person who is Lizzie is an excellent freelance editor, I can
not permanently employed by a particular highly recommend her.
company but who sells their services to
more than one company
give (someone) the verb phrase /ɡɪv … ðə kriːps/ Ekel erregen to make someone feel nervous or That big old house at the end of the lane really
creeps frightened gives me the creeps.
love is blind phrase /lʌv ɪz blaɪnd/ Liebe macht blind used for saying that when you love Max stood by Isabel even though she’d treated
someone, it is difficult to see their faults him so badly, but then love is blind.
the pot calling the phrase /ðə pɒt ˈkɔːlɪŋ ðə Ein Esel schimpft den used for saying that someone is criticizing You’re saying I’m lazy when you don’t even have
kettle black ˈket(ə)l blæk/ anderen Langohr another person for a fault that they also a job? Talk about the pot calling the kettle
have black.
the world is your phrase /ðə wɜː(r)ld ɪz jɔː(r) die Welt erobern used for emphasising that you can go Now that you’ve finished university the world is
oyster ˈɔɪstə(r)/ anywhere or do anything that you want to your oyster.
wild goose chase noun /waɪld ɡuːs tʃeɪs/ eine Stecknadel im an attempt to find something that does By planting false evidence, Harrison had
Heuhaufen not exist or that you are very unlikely to managed to lead the detectives on a wild
discover goose chase.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 11 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
City dwelling Stadtbewohner
affluent phrase /ˈæfluːənt wohlhabendes Viertel an area in a city or town where people This affluent neighbourhood largely consists
neighbourhood ˈneɪbə(r)ˌhʊd/ have a lot of money and there are very nice of luxurious beachfront homes.
houses
affordable housing noun /əˈfɔː(r)dəb(ə)l erschwinglicher homes for which people on low incomes Definitions of what constitutes affordable
ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ Wohnraum can afford the rent or mortgage costs housing vary in different places.
antisocial behaviour phrase /ˌæntiˈsəʊʃ(ə)l unsoziales Verhalten behaving in a way which shows a lack I feel really safe in this rural community,
bɪˈheɪvjə(r)/ of care for other people or for society in where we don’t have to worry about crime or
general antisocial behaviour.
commuter belt noun /kəˈmjuːtə(r) belt/ Randbezirke an area surrounding a large city where Some staff prefer to live in the commuter belt
many people who work in that city live and just travel in for work.
concrete jungle noun /ˈkɒŋkriːt ˈdʒʌŋɡ(ə)l/ Betondschungel an unpleasant part of a city where there are People are very unlikely to want to live in this
a lot of ugly buildings close together crowded, hot and polluted concrete jungle.
congestion charging phrase /kənˈdʒestʃ(ə)n City-Mautgebühr a system of making payments each day Congestion charging for vehicles has now
tʃɑː(r)dʒɪŋ/ for the right to drive into a city centre, been introduced in many cities to try to reduce
introduced as a way of reducing traffic carbon emissions.
derelict building phrase /ˈderəlɪktˈbɪldɪŋ/ baufälliges Gebäude a building that is empty, not used and in This wasn’t a nice part of town, all derelict
bad condition buildings and empty streets.
low-emissions zone phrase /ləʊ ɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n(s) Umweltzone an area of a city that vehicles producing The area is now a low-emissions zone but
zəʊn/ more than a low level of waste gases must not everyone is convinced this has genuinely
pay to drive into reduced the health risks.
rustic charm phrase /ˈrʌstɪk tʃɑː(r)m/ rustikaler Charme the quality of being pleasant, attractive Even though the place was very small, we loved
and typical of the simple style of the the rustic charm of living in an old cottage.
countryside
tight-knit community phrase /taɪtnɪt kəˈmjuːnəti/ engmaschige a group of people living in an area who It’s a coastal town with a tight-knit community
Gemeinschaft know each other very well and support linked to the fishing industry.
each other
tree-lined street phrase /triːlaɪnd striːt/ von Bäumen gesäumte a street which has a row of trees on each Their house is in a very pretty tree-lined street
Straße side in the suburbs.
welfare system phrase /ˈwelfeə(r) ˈsɪstəm/ Sozialsystem care provided by the state or another A large proportion of elderly people is putting
organization for people in need an enormous strain on the welfare system
there.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 11 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Phrasal verbs for problems and solutions Phrasalverben: Probleme und Lösungen
be flooded with phrasal verb /bi ˈflʌdɪd wɪθ/ mit (etwas) to be sent something in large numbers The TV station was flooded with complaints
(something) überschwemmt werden about the programme.
call for (something) phrasal verb /kɔːl fɔː(r)/ nach (etwas) rufen to say publicly that something must Protestors are calling for a ban on the
happen production of these kinds of foods.
narrow down phrasal verb /ˈnærəʊ daʊn/ (etwas) eingrenzen to reduce the number of possibilities or We’ve narrowed down the list to just five
(something) choices options.
resign yourself to phrasal verb /rɪˈzaɪn jə(r)ˈself tʊ/ sich mit (etwas) abfinden to accept that something unpleasant must He has resigned himself to the fact that his
(something) happen and that you cannot change it marriage is over.
resort to (something) phrasal verb /rɪˈzɔː(r)t tʊ/ auf (etwas) zurückgreifen to do something extreme or unpleasant in I think we can solve this problem without
order to solve a problem resorting to legal action.
revert (back) to phrasal verb /rɪˈvɜː(r)t bæk tʊ/ (etwas) wieder aufgreifen to return to a previous state or way of If you just revert back to your old eating habits,
(something) behaving, often one that is not good you’ll gain weight really quickly.
rule out (something) phrasal verb /ruːl aʊt/ (etwas) ausschließen to stop considering something as a We haven’t completely ruled out the use of a
possibility more expensive material.
run up against phrasal verb /rʌn ʌp əˈɡenst/ gegen (etwas) anrennen if you run up against problems, difficulties, Unfortunately we ran up against a major
(something) etc. you have to deal with them difficulty right at the beginning.
saddle (someone) with phrasal verb /ˈsæd(ə)l … wɪθ/ (jemandem) (etwas) to give someone something that is difficult Buying that expensive car has saddled him
(something) aufbürden to deal with with a huge debt.
stick up for (someone/ phrasal verb /stɪk ʌp fɔː(r)/ für (jemanden/etwas) to speak in support of a person or an idea, I admire Kirsten for sticking up for what she
something) eintreten belief, or plan, especially when no one else believes is right.
will
talk (someone) out of phrasal verb /tɔːk … aʊt əv/ (jemandem) (etwas) to persuade someone not to do something We’re so glad we talked her out of buying a flat
(something) ausreden in the city centre.
Idioms with talk and tell Redewendungen mit talk und tell
as far as anyone can tell phrase /æz fɑː(r) æz offenbar used for saying what you think is true when Share prices plummeted last week, but as far
ˈeniˌwʌn kən tel/ you think that there may be facts that you as anyone can tell, there is no danger of the
or others do not know company folding.
like talking to a brick phrase /laɪk tɔːkɪŋ tʊ ə brɪk wie gegen eine Wand used for saying that someone does not I’ve tried to explain it to him, but it’s like talking
wall wɔːl/ reden listen or react to you when you talk to to a brick wall.
them
small talk noun /smɔːl tɔːk/ Smalltalk informal conversation about things that are I hate those kind of events because I’ve never
not important been particularly good at making small talk.
talk (someone’s) ear off verb phrase /tɔːk ... ɪə(r) ɒf/ jemandem ein Ohr to talk to someone for a long time, often in He talked my ear off during the entire meal.
abschwatzen a loud or boring way

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 11 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
talk shop verb phrase /tɔːk ʃɒp/ fachsimpeln to talk about your work, especially in a way Stop talking shop, you two, and let’s eat and
that is boring for other people relax.
talk the talk verb phrase /tɔːk ðə tɔːk/ eindrucksvoll reden to talk confidently about something in a I had no idea what they were looking for when
way that makes people think you are good I applied, but I just talked the talk and got
at it, know a lot about it, etc. offered the job.
talk to the hand phrase /tɔːk tə ðə hænd/ eine dumme Frage used for saying in a slightly angry way that “That dress looks terrible on you!” “Talk to the
verdient eine dumme you do not want to listen to what someone hand! You’ve got no idea about fashion.”
Antwort is saying
tell (someone) a thing verb phrase /tel … ə θɪŋ ɔː(r) tuː/ mit jemandem quatschen to tell someone some useful or interesting Rafi can tell you a thing or two about canal
or two information about someone or something boats, he used to live on one.
tell me something I phrase /tel miː ˈsʌmθɪŋ aɪ Was du nicht alles sagst! used for saying in a slightly angry way that This project is pretty difficult.’ ‘Yeah, tell me
don’t know dəʊnt nəʊ/ you already know about something that something I don’t know – I’ve been working
a person is talking to you about, often on it for weeks!’
because it is obvious
tell (someone) where verb phrase /tel … weə(r) tə get (jemanden) wegschicken to tell someone very rudely that you are I’d had enough of his constant criticism so I told
to get off ɒf/ not interested in them or in what they are him where to get off.
saying
tell it like it is verb phrase /tel ɪt laɪk ɪt ɪz/ die Dinge beim Namen to give the real facts about something, You can always rely on Mum to tell it like it is.
nennen even if they are unpleasant
tell me about it phrase /tel miː əˈbaʊt ɪt/ Das musst DU mir gerade used for saying that you already know about ‘I’ve got so much work to do.’ ‘Tell me about it!’
sagen! something unpleasant that someone has just
described because you have experienced it
yourself

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 12 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Health and fitness Gesundheit und Fitness
acute pain phrase /əˈkjuːt peɪn/ akuter Schmerz very strong pain This condition leads to acute pain in the lower
back.
air circulation phrase /eə(r) Luftzirkulation the continuous movement of air inside a The disease is much more likely to spread in
ˌsɜː(r)kjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ system or area areas with poor air circulation.
alternative perspective phrase /ɔːlˈtɜː(r)nətɪv pə(r) andere Sichtweise a different way of thinking about Professor Simkins sees the issue from an
ˈspektɪv/ something alternative perspective.
alternative therapy phrase /ɔːlˈtɜː(r)nətɪv alternative Therapie a form of treatment for an illness or Nothing the doctor gave her was working, so
ˈθerəpi/ medical condition that is used instead of or she’s trying some alternative therapies.
together with treatments based on science
bad circulation phrase /bæd schlechte Durchblutung when the continuous movement of blood My feet often feel cold. It’s probably bad
ˌsɜː(r)kjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ around your body is not efficient and circulation.
sometimes causes problems
balanced diet phrase /ˈbælənst ˈdaɪət/ ausgewogene Ernährung the correct types and amounts of different A balanced diet contains lots of fruit and green
foods which help a person or animal to vegetables.
stay healthy
balanced perspective phrase /ˈbælənst pə(r) ausgewogene a way of thinking about something which Pat’s always been a sensible person with a
ˈspektɪv/ Perspektive considers all arguments, opinions, or balanced perspective on life.
aspects fairly and equally
blood circulation phrase /blʌd Durchblutung the continuous movement of blood Cycling enhances blood circulation to all the
ˌsɜː(r)kjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n around your body vital parts of the body.
brute strength phrase /bruːt streŋθ/ rohe Kraft great physical strength It’s a a sporting competition that relies on fine
skills and not just brute strength.
chest pain phrase /tʃest peɪn/ Brustschmerzen pain in the upper front part of your body If you’ve had chest pains then you should get
between your neck and your stomach yourself checked over.
chronic pain phrase /ˈkrɒnɪk peɪn/ chronische Schmerzen serious pain that lasts for a long time Surgery had finally freed her from chronic pain
in her right hip.
complementary phrase /kɒmplɪˈment(ə)ri Komplementärtherapie a form of treatment for an illness or medical Complementary therapies include
therapy ˈθerəpi/ condition that is used together with acupuncture and yoga.
treatments based on science
constant pain phrase /ˈkɒnstənt peɪn/ Konstante Schmerzen continuous or regular pain over a long If I don’t take the medication, I’m in constant
period of time pain.
core strength phrase /kɔː(r) streŋθ/ Rumpfstärke the strength of the muscles in the upper These daily exercises are designed to improve
part of your body, not including your head, core strength.
arms or legs

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 1

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 12 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
digestive system noun /daɪˈdʒestɪv ˈsɪstəm/ Verdauungssystem the system of organs and processes in the Exercise plays an important role in maintaining
body of humans and animals that deals a healthy digestive system.
with the digestion of food
divine intervention phrase /dɪˈvaɪn ɪntə(r) Gottes Hilfe help from God to change a situation We’ve tried everything, so all we can do now is
ˈvenʃ(ə)n/ hope for divine intervention.
effective practice phrase /ɪˈfektɪv ˈpræktɪs/ wirksame Praxis an effective way of doing something Medical staff must meet standards of safe and
effective practice throughout their careers.
emotional resilience phrase /ɪˈməʊʃ(ə)nəl emotionale someone’s ability to feel happy again She showed astonishing emotional resilience
rɪˈzɪliəns/ Widerstandsfähigkeit after an illness, disappointment, or other after her partner’s unexpected death.
problem
established practice phrase /ɪˈstæblɪʃt ˈpræktɪs/ bewährte Praxis a way of doing something that has existed This is now established practice when treating
for a long time, and is therefore recognised the disease.
as good or successful
fresh perspective phrase /freʃ pə(r)ˈspektɪv/ neue Perspektive a new and different way of thinking about Her advice helped me to see things from a
something fresh perspective.
genetic makeup phrase /dʒəˈnetɪk ˈmeɪk ʌp/ genetische Veranlagung the combination of genes (= patterns Sadly it seems that Fi’s genetic makeup makes
of chemicals within a cell that carry her more susceptible to the illness.
information about the qualities passed to a
living thing from its parents) belonging to a
particular person
healthcare system phrase /helθkeə(r) ˈsɪstəm/ Gesundheitssystem the services that look after people’s health Urgent investment is needed in the country’s
struggling healthcare system.
historical perspective phrase /hɪˈstɒrɪk(ə)l pə(r) historische Perspektive a way of thinking about something from The book is not particularly accurate from an
ˈspektɪv/ the point of view of history or the past historical perspective.
immune system noun /ɪˈmjuːn ˈsɪstəm/ Immunsystem the system in your body that protects you The virus can have a long-term effect on your
against diseases immune system.
increased circulation phrase /ɪnˈkriːst ˌsɜː(r) bessere Durchblutung when the continuous movement of blood Eat green vegetables on a regular basis to
kjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n around your body becomes more efficient ensure increased circulation and blood
pressure regulation.
inner strength phrase /ˈɪnə(r)/ streŋθ/ innere Stärke if a person has inner strength, they have We need someone who has the inner strength
the ability to achieve something despite to take on a difficult job.
what they feel, especially something
difficult
medical intervention phrase /ˈmedɪk(ə)l ɪntə(r) medizinischer Eingriff when medicine is used to treat an illness This condition is not going to go away without
ˈvenʃ(ə)n/ or injury medical intervention.

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 2

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 12 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
mental resilience phrase /ˈment(ə)l rɪˈzɪliəns/ psychische Belastbarkeit someone’s ability to feel happy again She’s going to need mental resilience in order
after an illness, disappointment, or other to overcome this.
problem
nervous system noun /ˈnɜː(r)vəs ˈsɪstəm/ Nervensystem the system of nerves that sends and These drugs can have a significant effect on the
receives the signals that control your body nervous system.
and mind
persistent injury phrase /pə(r)ˈsɪstənt anhaltende Verletzungen damage done to a part of a person’s body A persistent injury has seriously affected his
ˈɪndʒəri/ that lasts for a long time or that they do ability to play.
not recover from
personal perspective phrase /ˈpɜː(r)s(ə)nəl pə(r) persönliche Meinung a way of thinking about something From a personal perspective, I think the
ˈspektɪv/ based on your own opinions, feelings, or hospital could have done more.
experiences in your life
physical makeup phrase /ˈfɪzɪk(ə)l ˈmeɪk ʌp/ körperliche Konstitution the qualities and features of a particular Despite her physical make up, she’d had a
person’s body successful career in professional sport.
physical strength phrase /ˈfɪzɪk(ə)l streŋθ/ Körperliche Kraft the physical energy that someone has to I didn’t even have the physical strength to sit
lift or move things up in bed.
poor circulation phrase /pɔː(r) ˌsɜː(r) schlechte Durchblutung when the continuous movement of blood She’s always suffered from poor circulation.
kjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n around your body is not efficient and
sometimes causes problems
recommended phrase /ˌrekəˈmendɪd Empfohlene Praxis a way of doing something that people Surprisingly this has become recommended
practice ˈpræktɪs/ have said should be used practice as part of the treatment plan.
restricted diet phrase /rɪˈstrɪktɪd ˈdaɪət/ eingeschränkte when a person or animal only eats certain Pepe’s allergies mean he has a very restricted
Ernährung foods and not others, often for health diet.
reasons
severe injury phrase /sɪˈvɪə(r) ˈɪndʒəri/ schwere Verletzung serious damage done to a part of a person’s Not wearing a seatbelt runs the risk of severe
body injury, or even death.
sharp pain phrase /ʃɑː(r)p peɪn/ akute Schmerzen sudden and severe pain As I stood up I felt a sharp pain in my chest.
special diet phrase /ˈspeʃ(ə)l ˈdaɪət/ spezielle Ernährung a particular combination of foods that The players have a special diet rich in
a person eats for a certain purpose or carbohydrates and fibre.
situation
staple diet phrase /ˈsteɪp(ə)l ˈdaɪət/ grundlegende Ernährung the most basic and important foods eaten Potatoes and meat are their staple diet.
in a particular place or by a particular
group of people

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 3

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 12 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
surgical intervention phrase /ˈsɜː(r)dʒɪk(ə)l ɪntə(r) chirurgischer Eingriff when a medical operation is used to treat It doesn’t look like her condition will improve
ˈvenʃ(ə)n/ an illness or injury without surgical intervention.
varied diet phrase /ˈveərɪd ˈdaɪət/ abwechslungsreiche when a person or animal eats a wide range You’d probably feel better and be healthier if
Ernährung of you had a more varied diet.
different foods
Multi-word verbs Verben mit mehreren Wörtern
bottle up (something) phrasal verb /ˈbɒt(ə)l ʌp/ Emotionen unterdrücken to stop yourself from showing negative Continually bottling up your emotions can lead
emotions like anger and disappointment, to serious mental health issues.
especially over a long period, so that these
feelings develop in a harmful way
catch on phrasal verb /kætʃ ɒn/ in Mode kommen to become popular or fashionable Dairy-free alternatives have caught on
as consumers have become more health-
conscious.
catch up with phrasal verb /kætʃ ʌp wɪθ/ (bei jemanden) Spuren to begin to have an effect on someone All his days of sitting in front of the TV eating
(someone) hinterlassen processed food had finally caught up with him.
cling on to phrasal verb /klɪŋ ɒn tʊ/ sich an (etwas) festhalten to try very hard to keep something I’m clinging on to the hope that her resilience
(something) will help her survive.
count (someone) in phrasal verb /kaʊnt … ɪn/ (mit jemanden) rechnen to include someone in your plans If you’re playing tennis next Saturday then
count me in.
get through phrasal verb /get θruː/ sich durch (etwas) to manage to deal with a difficult situation You just have to get through the first five
(something) durchschlagen or to stay alive until it is over minutes of your speech, and then you’ll be fine.
get to (someone) phrasal verb /get tʊ/ (jemanden) belästigen, to annoy or upset someone After a while his comments really started to get
ärgern to me.
go through with phrasal verb /ɡəʊ θruː wɪθ/ etwas vorantreiben to do something that you have planned I can’t believe Jamie went through with the
(something) or agreed to do, especially after not being wedding.
sure you want to do it
go without saying verb phrase /ɡəʊ wɪðˈaʊt ˈseɪɪŋ/ sonnenklar bzw. richtig to be completely obvious or true Of course we’ll be there - that goes without
sein saying.
keep at it verb phrase /kiːp æt ɪt/ dranbleiben to continue doing something even if you If you want to succeed then you just have to
want to stop keep at it.
mount up phrasal verb /maʊnt ʌp/ größer werden, ansteigen to gradually get larger Costs are really beginning to mount up.
urge (someone) on phrasal verb /ɜː(r)dʒ … ɒn/ (jemanden) anspornen to encourage someone to put more effort Murray’s fans were urging him on from the side
into something or to not stop trying to do of the court.
something

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 4

 C2 Proficiency Student’s Book – Unit 12 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Translation (German) Definition Sample sentence
Idioms: Sports Redewendungen: Sport
bowl (someone) over phrasal verb /bəʊl .. ˈəʊvə(r)/ (jemanden) stark to surprise someone by being very Bev was bowled over by the generosity of her
beeindrucken beautiful, impressive, unexpected, etc. colleagues.
give (someone) the verb phrase /ɡɪv … ði ˈʌpə(r) (jemandem) die to give someone control or an advantage Johan’s resolve and determination are what
upper hand hænd/ Oberhand geben over a person or situation give him the upper hand when negotiating
deals.
have a head start verb phrase /hæv ə hed stɑː(r)t/ einen Vorsprung haben to have an advantage over other people Ensuring your child’s diet is healthy means
in the same situation as you, especially in a they’ll have a head start in life.
competition
in the same ballpark phrase /ɪn ðə seɪm in der gleichen not calculated exactly but within a similar We’ve received three estimates for the building
ˈbɔːlˌpɑː(r)k/ Größenordnung general range costs and they’re all in the same ballpark.
jump the gun verb phrase /dʒʌmp ðə ɡʌn/ nicht voreilig handeln to do or say something too soon, before Make sure you train gently at first – don’t jump
you know that it is suitable or correct the gun and sign up for a marathon!
learn the ropes verb phrase /lɜː(r)n ðə rəʊps/ den Dreh raushaben to learn how to do something, especially Once you’ve learned the ropes and settled in,
a job you’ll feel far less anxious about your new job.
move the goalposts verb phrase /muːv ðə die Spielregeln ändern to change the rules and make it difficult for Problems arise when people are shifting the
ˈɡəʊlˌpəʊsts/ people to achieve something or to know goalposts and objectives aren’t clear.
what to do
no holds barred phrase /nəʊ həʊldz bɑː(r)d/ keine Grenzen setzen without any limit on what you are allowed Her autobiography was quite shocking and
to do there were no holds barred when describing
her teammates.
on target phrase /ɒn ˈtɑː(r)ɡɪt/ vorhaben, sich das Ziel likely to get the result that you are trying to We’re on target to complete the work by the
setzen achieve end of the month.
take (something) on verb phrase /teɪk … ɒn ðə tʃɪn/ (etwas Negatives) to accept something unpleasant in a brave Zak knew he was partly to blame so he took the
the chin wegstecken way without complaining criticism on the chin.
throw in the towel verb phrase /θrəʊ ɪn ðə ˈtaʊəl/ das Handtuch werfen to stop trying to do something because Sara threw in the towel halfway through the
you lack determination or because you race because she pulled a muscle.
think you cannot win

Photocopiable © Macmillan Education Limited 2024 5