CELPIP Listening Part 2 vocabulary

The words and phrases

a rain cheque

A promise to accept an invitation at a later time instead of now.
Example: I can't make dinner tonight, but can I take a rain cheque for next week?

catch up

To talk with someone to share recent news.
Example: Let's grab a coffee on Saturday and catch up; it's been ages.

I'm swamped

I have far too much work to do right now.
Example: I'd love to help you move, but I'm swamped at work until the long weekend.

be up for

To be willing or keen to do something.
Example: Are you up for a hike at the provincial park this Sunday?

touch base

To contact someone briefly to check in.
Example: I'll touch base with you on Thursday once I know my shift schedule.

fall through

Said of a plan that fails to happen.
Example: Our cottage plans fell through because the owner had to cancel.

come up

To happen unexpectedly and need attention.
Example: Sorry I'm late; something came up with the kids at school.

split the bill

To share the cost of a meal equally.
Example: There are four of us, so let's just split the bill evenly.

chip in

To give some money as part of a group.
Example: Everyone chipped in ten dollars for Maya's birthday cake.

running late

Going to arrive later than planned.
Example: I'm running late because the bus broke down on the bridge.

pick someone up

To collect a person in a car.
Example: Can you pick me up from the station around six?

give someone a hand

To help a person with a task.
Example: Could you give me a hand carrying the groceries up to the apartment?

no worries

An informal way to say it's fine or not a problem.
Example: No worries, we can just meet at the arena instead.

be on the fence

To be undecided between choices.
Example: I'm on the fence about joining the gym; it's pretty expensive.

talk someone into

To persuade a person to do something.
Example: My sister talked me into signing up for the curling league.

put off

To delay doing something.
Example: I keep putting off cleaning the garage, but it's getting embarrassing.

be fed up with

To be annoyed and tired of something after a long time.
Example: I'm fed up with the neighbours' dog barking every morning at five.

a long weekend

Three days off in a row because a holiday falls on Friday or Monday.
Example: We're driving to my parents' place for the long weekend in August.

it's up to you

You can make the decision.
Example: Pizza or sushi? It's up to you; I'm happy with either.

sleep on it

To wait until tomorrow before deciding.
Example: The apartment looks great, but let me sleep on it before I sign the lease.

figure out

To find an answer or solution by thinking.
Example: We still need to figure out who's bringing the barbecue.

make it

To be able to attend or arrive somewhere.
Example: I don't think I can make it to the potluck; I'm working late.

tidy up

To make a place neat and organized.
Example: Can you tidy up the living room before my parents arrive?

be on the same page

To agree or understand something in the same way.
Example: Before we book anything, let's make sure we're on the same page about the budget.

out of the way

Not on your usual route, or far from where you are.
Example: The new grocery store is a bit out of the way, but the prices are better.

save someone a seat

To keep a place free for a person arriving later.
Example: If you get to the theatre first, save me a seat near the aisle.

a heads-up

A warning or advance notice about something.
Example: Just a heads-up, the water will be shut off tomorrow morning for repairs.

Put them to work on Part 2

Practise Part 2 on the test screen, or see how Part 2 works.