to become progressively worse
The band’s music began to d_____ after their third album.
Neglected friendships often d_____ over time.
deteriorate
to decline in quality or condition
The festival’s organization w_____ d_____ after the first year.
Their relationship w_____ d_____ once they stopped communicating.
go downhill
to express a critical opinion about someone/something
It’s not our place to p_____ j_____ on their lifestyle choices.
She quickly p_____ j_____ on the new album without hearing it fully.
pass judgement
a person who criticizes small or unimportant details
The editor was such a n_____ that he focused on commas instead of content.
Don’t be a n_____—just enjoy the film without overanalyzing every scene.
nitpicker
to monitor or control others’ behavior in a critical way
Fans often p_____ each other’s opinions on social media.
He felt his parents were always p_____ his music choices.
police
to force something to be accepted or followed
The government i_____ strict regulations on pollution.
She didn’t want to i_____ her opinions on her friends.
impose
to make someone accept something unwillingly
He f_____ his opinions o_____ everyone in the group.
The new policy was f_____ o_____ employees without discussion.
force on
to aggressively impose beliefs or ideas
The political messaging was s_____ d_____ y_____ t_____ throughout the film.
I hate when brands s_____ their values d_____ y_____ t_____.
shove down your throat
disapproved of by social or cultural norms
In some communities, tattoos are still f_____ u_____.
Public criticism of the team is f_____ u_____ by loyal fans.
frowned upon
something that is unacceptable or forbidden
Using your phone during the performance is a n_____.
In this house, interrupting is a n_____.
a no-no
to create obstacles or slow progress
Constant criticism can h_____ creative growth.
Bad weather h_____ their plans for an outdoor concert.
hinder
to obstruct or prevent something from happening
His ego g_____ i_____ t_____ w_____ o_____ collaboration.
Don’t let fear g_____ i_____ t_____ w_____ o_____ your dreams.
get in the way of
to demonstrate dominance or higher status
He constantly a_____ s_____ o_____ his colleagues.
Some critics a_____ s_____ o_____ artists they review.
assert superiority over
to outperform or outdo another person competitively
She always tries to o_____-u_____ others with her concert stories.
They o_____-u_____ each other with increasingly expensive gear.
one-up (someone)
having many responsibilities, commitments, or tasks to deal with
I can’t take on another project right now — I already have too much o___ m___ p____.
She looked exhausted; clearly there’s a lot o___ her p____ these days.
on your plate
on your plate
to relax and behave freely, especially after a period of stress or restraint
After the exams, all we wanted was to l___ our h____ d____ and dance.
I rarely get a chance to l___ my h____ d____ these days — life’s been nonstop
let my hair down
to take on more responsibilities or tasks than one can manage
I think I’ve b____ o____ m____ than I can c____ agreeing to both projects.
He tends to b____ o____ m____ than he can c____ because he hates saying no.
bite off more than I can chew
very full or busy (especially a schedule or calendar)
Sorry, my week is completely p____ — can we meet next month?
Her p____ schedule doesn’t leave time for rest or hobbies.
packed
a person who insists on following rules or standards exactly
She’s a real s____ for punctuality — even five minutes late drives her crazy.
Our boss is a s____ about formatting emails correctly.
a stickler
showing a superior or patronizing attitude toward others
He gave a c_____________ smile, as if explaining things to a child.
She didn’t mean to sound c_____________, but it came off that way.
condescending
offered or given without being asked for
He gave me u____________ advice about my haircut.
People often share u____________ opinions online these days.
unsolicited
to take criticism or comments too personally or emotionally
Try not to t____ it t____ h____ — he didn’t mean to offend you.
She t____ criticism t____ h____ and stopped posting her art.
take it to heart
to lose focus or become mentally absent for a moment
Sorry, what did you say? I totally s____ o____ for a minute.
He tends to s____ o____ during long meetings.
space out
impossible to reverse or undo
The damage is i____________ — no amount of apology can fix it.
Once you post something online, it can have i____________ consequences.
irreversible
