wash
- 01 C1 Advanced
v.to be accepted as true or good enough when someone gives an excuse.
v.to withstand scrutiny or be accepted as valid. Usually used in the negative with 'won't' or 'doesn't'.
Simple“He said he was late because of a dragon, but that excuse won't wash with the boss.”
In context“The politician's claims of ignorance regarding the scandal simply did not wash with the investigative committee.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.when moving water moves or removes something from its place.
v.to carry away, erode, or remove by the force of moving water.
Simple“The heavy rain started to wash the soil away from the garden.”
In context“The coastal road was partially washed away during the severe storm surge last winter.”
Synonyms - 03 A2 Elementary
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a situation where the good and bad things are equal, so there is no change.
n.a situation in which gains and losses or advantages and disadvantages are equivalent, resulting in no net change.
Simple“The extra pay was nice, but the higher taxes made it a wash.”
In context“While the new strategy increased efficiency, the implementation costs were so high that the fiscal year ended as a wash.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a thin, watery layer of paint used in a picture.
n.a visual arts technique involving a thin, translucent layer of pigment or ink spread over a surface.
Simple“The artist used a blue wash to create the sky in the background.”
In context“The watercolourist applied a delicate grey wash to suggest the misty atmosphere of the morning docks.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
n.the disturbed water or air left behind a moving boat or plane.
n.the turbulent air or water caused by the passage of a vessel or aircraft.
Simple“The small boat rocked in the wash of the passing ferry.”
In context“Pilots must be careful to avoid the wake wash of larger aircraft during takeoff and landing.”
Synonymswakebackwash