Exam: IELTS

Definition: The main support or structure that holds something up, often used to describe a key element that provides strength or stability.

Example: The backbone of the organization is its dedicated staff who work tirelessly to achieve its goals.

Definition: Very difficult and tiring, requiring a lot of physical effort.

Example: The workers faced backbreaking labor in the hot sun all day.

Definition: Referring to something that is secretive or done in a hidden way, often used in contexts like sports or clandestine activities.

Example: The team executed a backdoor play to surprise their opponents.

Definition: To have an unexpected or undesirable outcome, often as a result of one's actions or plans.

Example: His plan to impress her backfired when he accidentally spilled coffee on her.

Definition: A situation where a plan or action has the opposite effect of what was intended, often causing problems or failures.

Example: The new policy was meant to improve productivity, but it ended up being a backfire that confused the employees.

Definition: The area behind the main subject in a picture or scene, or the circumstances that form the context for an event.

Example: The mountains in the background made the photo look stunning.

Definition: To provide context or additional information about something.

Example: The teacher decided to background the students on the history of the project before starting.

Definition: Describing a movement or action that is performed with the back of the hand facing forward, often used in sports like tennis or table tennis.

Example: She executed a perfect backhand shot during the match.

Definition: In a manner that involves a backhand stroke or motion, often used in sports like tennis or table tennis.

Example: She hit the ball backhand during the match.

Definition: A type of stroke or motion in sports, especially tennis, where the back of the hand faces outward while hitting the ball.

Example: She won the match with a powerful backhand that surprised her opponent.

Definition: To hit or strike something with the back of the hand, often used in sports like tennis or table tennis.

Example: He backhanded the ball with great skill during the match.

Definition: Referring to something that is indirect or insincere, often used to describe a compliment that is actually an insult.

Example: She gave me a backhanded compliment about my outfit, saying it was nice for someone my age.

Definition: In a way that is indirect or not straightforward, often implying something negative or sarcastic.

Example: She complimented his work backhandedly, making it clear she didn't really mean it.

Definition: A strong negative reaction or response to something, often in response to a change or trend.

Example: The new policy faced a significant backlash from the community.

Definition: A light source that shines from behind a subject, often used in photography to create a dramatic effect or to highlight the subject's outline.

Example: The photographer used a backlight to enhance the silhouette of the model against the sunset.

Definition: To illuminate something from the back, creating a contrast with the foreground.

Example: The photographer backlit the subject for a dramatic effect.