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B1 used at the beginning of children's stories to mean "a long time ago":
used when referring to something that happened in the past, especially
when showing that you feel sorry that it no longer happens:
once upon a time
Once upon a time there was an ugly duckling.
Once upon a time people knew the difference between right and wrong, but nowadays nobody seems to care.
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B2 a curved device used for catching or holding things, especially one attached to a surface for hanging things on:
a coat/picture hook a boat hook a fish hook
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B2 [ C or U ] a willingness to give your time and energy to something that you believe in, or a promise or firm decision to do something:
[ C ] something that you must do or deal with that takes your time:
- Players must make a commitment to play for a full season.
- her commitment to left-wing politics/the cause of feminism/the company
- She is known chiefly for her commitment to nuclear disarmament.
- I'd like to thank the staff for having shown such commitment.
family/work commitments I've got too many commitments at the moment to do an evening class. Children are such a commitment.
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2 having little importance, influence, or effect, especially when compared with other things of the same type:
- a minor operation
- It's only a minor problem.
- There's been an increase in minor offences, such as traffic violations and petty theft.
- She suffered only minor injuries.
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C1 the fact of making something seem larger, more important, better, or worse than it really is:
Sal estimates over 60 people were there but I think that's a slight exaggeration.
[ + to infinitive ] It would be no exaggeration to say that her work has saved lives.
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B1 [ I or T ] to make an arrangement or meeting certain, often by phone or writing:
- [ + that ] Six people have confirmed that they will be attending and ten haven't replied yet.
- Flights should be confirmed 48 hours before departure.
- I've accepted the job over the phone, but I haven't confirmed in writing yet.
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to surprise and worry someone:
No one is fazed by the sight of guns here any more. Synonym
unnerve
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C1 [ S ] natural ability to do something well:
He has a flair for languages.
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