Complex Feelings and Emotional Responses

B2 · 100 entries · Five themes

Complex Feelings and Emotional Responses

Created by , British English teacher.

Open a theme, then select a word or phrase for its meaning, example and pronunciation.

1. Mixed emotions (20 entries)
  1. mixed feelings
  2. bittersweet
  3. torn between
  4. come to terms with
  5. attached to
  6. guilty pleasure
  7. deep down
  8. tempted
  9. miss out
  10. in two minds
  11. have second thoughts
  12. sensitive
  13. emotional response
  14. intense
  15. emotional
  16. balanced
  17. faint
  18. leave a trace
  19. puzzled
  20. hum
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2. Pressure and uncertainty (20 entries)
  1. out of your comfort zone
  2. uneasy
  3. overwhelmed
  4. under strain
  5. on edge
  6. a lot at stake
  7. in the dark
  8. dread
  9. up in the air
  10. fear the worst
  11. hang over you
  12. get the better of you
  13. lose sleep over
  14. put someone on the spot
  15. expect too much of yourself
  16. second thoughts
  17. desperate
  18. unease
  19. moody
  20. disorder
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3. Disappointment and resentment (20 entries)
  1. bitter about
  2. take something hard
  3. a sore point
  4. letdown
  5. overlooked
  6. fall short of expectations
  7. take offence
  8. lose heart
  9. vent your frustration
  10. less than perfect
  11. offended
  12. not without difficulty
  13. just my luck
  14. the end of the world
  15. not exactly ideal
  16. a little awkward
  17. could have gone better
  18. what a surprise
  19. a world of difference
  20. a lifetime ago
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4. Confidence and relief (20 entries)
  1. a weight off your shoulders
  2. optimistic
  3. encouraged
  4. at ease
  5. feel capable of
  6. reassured
  7. peace of mind
  8. build up courage
  9. back in control
  10. reassuring
  11. rewarding
  12. boost morale
  13. breathe a sigh of relief
  14. relieved
  15. sympathetic
  16. understandable
  17. mixed blessing
  18. indifferent
  19. relief
  20. reveal intention
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5. Managing reactions (20 entries)
  1. take it out on someone
  2. cool off
  3. take a step back
  4. snap at someone
  5. sleep on it
  6. put it into words
  7. make a bad situation worse
  8. keep a straight face
  9. reach out to
  10. hold back tears
  11. see the funny side
  12. pull in opposite directions
  13. hold back
  14. I can see why
  15. break off
  16. brush off
  17. take someone aside
  18. freeze
  19. burst out laughing
  20. automatic response
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