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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
Welcome to the vocabulary and phrase Quick Reference Glossary for “Building and Construction”! This
feature lists all of the key vocabulary in alphabetical order (by lesson) for easy review. If you find anything
else you don’t know while learning, please write it down below. :)

Many words and phrases from the Master Class lesson are introduced in earlier lessons, so be sure to review
everything from each video. The words and phrases below may also have additional meanings, so just focus
on what’s written to master the meanings of each as used in the lessons.

Grammar Focus

911 – the number that you call in the United States in order to contact the emergency services
actually – as the truth or facts of a situation
adverb – a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group,
expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc.
apparently – according to what seems to be true or what is likely, based on what you know
architect – a person who designs buildings and in many cases also supervises their construction
as a matter of fact – a statement that gives more details about what has just been said, or an explanation of
it, or something that contrasts with it
as expected – used when something is suspected and anticipated to happen or occur
brochure – a type of small magazine that contains pictures and information on a product or a company
carpentry – the activity of making things from wood, or repairing things that are made of wood
clinic – a building, often part of a hospital, to which people can go for medical care or advice
cruise – travel on large ships for pleasure
echidna – a spiny insectivorous egg-laying mammal with a long snout and claws, native to Australia and
New Guinea
fairly – to quite a large degree
fortunately – used to introduce or indicate a statement about an event or situation that is good
frankly – in an honest, sincere, and truthful way, even when this might make other people uncomfortable
generally – in general terms; without regard to particulars or exceptions
generously – in a way that shows a readiness to give more of something, especially money, than is
necessary or expected
heaps – a lot of something
hopefully – to express what you would like to happen
illegal – not allowed by law
in actual fact – used to emphasize a comment, typically one that modifies or contradicts a previous
statement
in general – used to indicate that you are talking about something as a whole, rather than about part of it
in my opinion – used to indicate that it is what you think and is not necessarily a fact
in the end – used when you are saying what is the final result of a series of events, or what is your final
conclusion after considering all the relevant facts
initially – means soon after the beginning of a process or situation, rather than in the middle or at the end
of it
interestingly – in a way that arouses curiosity or interest

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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
IT – short for Information Technology
line of work – the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
luckily for us – used to indicate that it is good that a particular thing happened or is the case because
otherwise the situation would have been difficult or unpleasant
obviously – in a way that is easily perceived or understood
organic – not using artificial chemicals in the production of plants and animals for food
raw – not cooked
rewarding – something that provides satisfaction or gives a profit
sales report – a periodical report made by a salesperson to a manager giving details of amounts sold,
existing and new accounts, etc.
sentence adverb – used to convey the writer or speaker’s opinion about the entire sentence
Smithsonian – a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United
States
steep – rising or falling sharply
straight away – immediately
strangely – in an unusual or surprising way
to affect – to have an influence on someone or something
to applaud – show approval or praise by clapping
to be honest – a statement to indicate that you are telling the truth about your own opinions or feelings
to clean up – phrasal verb meaning to clean
to come out – phrasal verb meaning to be released or published
to donate – to give money or goods or time for a good cause or to charity
to drive over – phrasal verb meaning to drive on top of something
to get a feel for X – to develop a good knowledge or understanding of something
to get along – phrasal verb meaning to have a friendly relationship
to injure – to do physical harm or damage to someone
to move on – phrasal verb meaning to leave the place where you are staying and go somewhere else; to
continue
to play around – phrasal verb meaning to behave in a casual, foolish, or irresponsible way
to predict – to say that an event or action will happen in the future
to present – to show or offer
to sew – join, fasten, or repair something by making stitches with a needle and thread or a sewing machine
to slip in – phrasal verb meaning to include without warning or in a way that is not obvious
to substitute – to use something new or different instead of what is normally used
to take X on – phrasal verb meaning to start to employ someone
to work on – phrasal verb meaning to spend time producing or improving something
tool – a piece of equipment that you use to help you do a job, especially something that you use with your
hands to make or repair something
without a doubt – a phrase expressing certainty or agreement

Time Traveling

arduous – difficult and tiring, or needing a great deal of effort

bidding process – the process of submitting a proposal and price quote with the hopes of being chosen as
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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary

a business vendor or service provider

big guys – a way to refer to the largest companies in an industry
cash reserve – money set aside for use in an emergency
competent – having the skills or knowledge to do something well enough to meet a basic standard
competent – to have the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully
contact – someone who you know personally and can communicate with
economic downturn – a reduction in economic or business activity
laborious – requiring a lot of time and effort
marketing campaign – series of activities used in marketing a new or changed product or service
miraculous – unusual and mysterious because of being caused by God, or very surprising and unexpected
nerve-racking – causing stress or anxiety
obstacle – something that blocks your way so that movement or progress is prevented or made more
difficult
on the verge – if you are on the verge of something, you are very close to experiencing it
ray of hope – a very small sign that something might improve or succeed
recession – a period when the economy of a country is not doing well, industrial production and business
activity are at a low level, and there are many people unemployed
spike – a sudden increase, often shown on a graph
to acquire – to obtain or begin to have something
to ask around – phrasal verb meaning to talk to several people in order to get or learn something
to bid – to offer a certain price for something, especially at an auction
to coordinate – to make various, separate things work together
to do one’s homework – to study something so you know a lot about it and can be successful
to fall off – phrasal verb meaning to become less in number, amount, or quality
to feel the sting – feel or cause to feel a sharp tingling or burning pain or sensation; you can also use this
figuratively if someone is hurting emotionally or financially
to galvanize – to cause someone to suddenly take action
to honor – to regard with great respect
to kick off – phrasal verb meaning to start or begin
to launch – to start or to set in motion
to make an impression – to cause someone to notice and admire you
to overcome – to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something
to prolong – to make something last longer
to promote – to encourage people to like, buy, use, do, or support something
to put one’s best foot forward – to show oneself in the best or most positive way possible
to recruit – to persuade someone to become a new member of an organization
to shut one’s doors – to go out of business
to source – to obtain something from a particular source
to stretch – to go beyond, or almost beyond, the usual limit of something
to struggle – to try very hard to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult or that causes problem
truth be told – used when admitting something one might otherwise lie about
undertaking – an important or difficult task or project
when all said and done – when everything is finished or resolved
world stage – this means that the whole world is watching
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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
Phrase Builder

‘bout to – short for “about to”; I am going to do something in the very near future
‘spose – short for “suppose”
a whole new ball of wax/a whole new ball game – a completely different situation, often one that is
difficult or that you know little about
allure – a special, exciting, and attractive quality that someone or something has
app – short for application, a piece of software that is designed to do a particular job
applicable – relevant or appropriate
appropriate – correct or right for a particular situation or occasion
automatic – done or occurring spontaneously, without conscious thought or intention
big deal – something considered important
block – the distance along a city street from where one road crosses it to the next road
coincidence – an occasion when two or more things happen at the same time, especially in a way that is
unexpected or unlikely
context – the influences and events related to a particular event or situation
crooked – not straight or not even
Don’t push yourself. –used to tell someone to not try to do so much
easiest thing in the world – a conversational way of saying that something is very easy
ever done this/that? – short for “have you ever done this/that?”
expression – the act of writing or saying what you are feeling or thinking
figurative – uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation
frustrating – to feel upset or annoyed, typically as a result of being unable to change or achieve something
funna – an informal way of saying more fun
gangster – a member of a gang of violent criminals
gonna – a contraction of “going” and “to”
grid – a network of cables or pipes for distributing power, especially high-voltage transmission lines for
electricity
habit – something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you are doing it
headache – a thing or person that causes worry or trouble
heartbreaking – causing overwhelming distress
horizontal – parallel to the plane of the horizon; at right angles to the vertical
I got – short for “I have got”
I’d be remiss – careless and not doing a duty well enough; used when saying that if I don’t say something, I’ll
be sorry about that
I’m game/I’m down – used to indicate that the speaker is interested in doing whatever has just been
suggested
incidentally – used when a person has something more to say, or is about to add a remark unconnected to
the current subject
inconvenience – an annoying problem or situation, especially one that forces you to make an extra effort to
do something
instrumental – involved in an important way in making something happen
It’s funny you mention that. – used when someone unexpectedly said something that you were already
thinking or mentioned something that is related to something that happened to you; it’s interesting
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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
kink – a sharp twist or bend in something such as a wire or rope; a small problem
microscope – a device that makes very small objects look larger, especially so that they can be scientifically
examined and studied
naked eye­ – unassisted vision, without a telescope, microscope, or other device
nitty-gritty – the most important aspects or practical details of a subject or situation
occasional – occurring, appearing, or done infrequently and irregularly.
perspective – a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view
plumbing – the system of pipes and other devices that carry water in a building
power plant – an installation where electrical power is generated for distribution
practical – involving or relating to real situations and events
roadblock – something that blocks progress or prevents accomplishment of an objective
RV – RV stands for recreational vehicle. It is a vehicle which is equipped with things such as beds and
cooking equipment, so that people can live in it.
snag – something that causes a problem or stops you from making progress
solid – characterized by good quality
step in the right direction – an action that increases one’s chances of achieving something
Take it easy. – used to tell someone to proceed calmly and in a relaxed manner
tedious – boring and tiring, especially because long or often repeated
telescope – a cylindrical device that you look through to make objects that are far away look nearer and
bigger
that’s tough – another way of saying that it’s a good question; used if you need some time to think about
your answer
theme – the main subject of something such as a book, speech, art exhibit, or discussion
to apply – to put into practical action
to be off the grid – not dependent on public utilities, especially the supply of electricity
to break one’s heart – to cause someone great emotional pain
to come in – phrasal verb meaning to join or become involved in an enterprise
to come out – phrasal verb meaning to make a public appearance
to come up – phrasal verb meaning to come to attention or consideration
to connect – to bring together or into contact
to deal with – phrasal verb meaning to take action in order to achieve something or in order to solve a
problem
to do X a solid – to do a good thing or a favor for someone
to eat your lunch – to defeat or cause harm
to go out – phrasal verb meaning to leave your house and go somewhere, especially to do something
enjoyable
to imply – to suggest something without saying it directly, or to involve something as a necessary part or
condition
to make up – phrasal verb meaning to consist of component parts
to mix up – phrasal verb meaning to put things together without any order or to confuse
to move into – phrasal verb meaning to start living or operating a business in a place
to move out – phrasal verb meaning to leave or cause to leave one’s place of residence or work
to pass through – phrasal verb meaning to cause to move through
to pay top dollar – to give the highest amount being paid for a commodity or service
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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
to pick up – phrasal verb meaning to go and meet someone or something that you have arranged to take
somewhere in a vehicle
to prove to be the difference – used when talking about the key or most important factor in a particular
outcome
to regret – to feel sorry or unhappy about something you did or were unable to do
to save the best for last – to do or experience the best thing after everything else is finished
to see how it goes – used to say that you don’t know what the final result will be
to slow down – phrasal verb meaning to be less active and relax more
to snap your fingers – very easily, with little effort
to stick with X – phrasal verb meaning to continue doing something; to remember something long-term
to string together – to combine different things into something that is complete
to take your time – to not hurry
to text – to send a text message to someone
to weigh one’s options – to think carefully about possibilities or choices
to work out the kinks in something – to solve the small problems with something trailer – an unpowered
vehicle towed by another
trailer park – an area with special amenities where trailers are parked and used for recreation or as
permanent homes
tricky – requiring care and skill because difficult or awkward
utility – a service that is used by the public, such as an electricity or gas supply
vertical – in a direction such that the top is directly above the bottom
victory – an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition
wanna – a contraction of “want” and “to”
writer’s block – the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing
X-Y-Z kind of X – a way of stringing together words when one single word isn’t enough
ya know – a casual way of confirming that the other person knows what you are talking about
you been…? – short for “have you been”

Fluency Corner

accent – in construction, a design element that puts emphasis of a particular feature

Airstream trailers – an American brand of trailers which are easily recognized by the distinctive shape of
their rounded and polished aluminum coachwork
apprentice/apprenticeship –a person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer, having agreed to
work for a fixed period at low wages
auction – a sale of property to the highest bidder
blowtorch – a portable device producing a hot flame that is directed onto a surface, typically to solder metal
blue-collar worker – employee whose job involves physical labor, such as in a factory or workshop
cabinetry – the craft of making kitchen cabinets
close fit – tight fit with no loose or open spaces
color scheme – an arrangement of colors, especially as used in interior decoration
complementary – combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or
another
contractor grade – a level of quality appropriate or suitable for contractors
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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
cosmetic – affecting only the appearance of something rather than its substance
currency – the money that is used in a particular country at a particular time
demo – an abbreviation of demolition
demolition – to completely destroy a building
economy – the wealth and resources of a country or region, especially in terms of the production and
consumption of goods and services
electrical engineering – branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity
equivalency – a person or thing equal to another in value, measure, force, significance
field – a particular branch of study, career or activity or interest
fine detailing – a small elaborated element of a work of art, craft, building, or design
finish – the last covering, such as paint, put onto something
finishing work – In construction, this is the final stage of beautifying the building. This could be painting,
buffing, laying tiles, etc.
floorboard – one of the long, straight pieces of wood used to make a floor
foundation – the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level
friction – the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another
general contractor – A person or company responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment
(such as engineering vehicles and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the project. The
general contractor hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work.
hack – a strategy or technique to make things easier
How much will it run me? – a question used to ask how much will you have to pay for something
in-house – work or activities are done by employees of an organization or company, rather than by workers
outside the organization or company
insulation – material used to stop heat, sound, or electricity from escaping or entering
internship – a temporary job that a student or recent graduate takes in order to get experience in the area
they want to work in usually for no pay or very low pay
it’s not up to spec – when something is not done to specifications; not up to a given standard
man hour – the average amount of work that one person can complete in an hour
mechanic – a person who repairs and maintains machinery
mid-range – to describe products or services which are neither the most expensive nor the cheapest of their
type
not up to snuff/not up to par – not satisfactory, up to a given standard
one-on-one – happening between only two people
on-the-job training/OJT – teaching the skills, knowledge, and competencies that are needed for employees
to perform a specific job within the workplace and work environment
overview – a general review or summary of a subject
par – an accepted level or standard, such as an average
phases/stages of work – a part in a course, development, or cycle of work
point – the significant or essential element of what is intended or being discussed
point of reference – information or experience that you already have that helps you to understand or deal
with a new situation
power sander – a power tool used to smooth surfaces by abrasion with sandpaper
power source – something that supplies electrical power
professional grade – a level of quality appropriate or suitable for professional use
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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
profit – money that is earned in trade or business after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and
services
protective – capable of or intended to protect someone or something
rapport – agreement or sympathy between people or groups
recap – to describe what has already been done or decided, without repeating the details
recreational – something done for enjoyment when one is not working
retail grade – a level of quality appropriate or suitable for retail sales
sealant – material used for sealing something so as to make it airtight or watertight
self-contained – a thing that is complete, or having all that is needed, in itself
shell – the hard outer covering of something
shop – a subject taught in schools that shows students how to use tools and machinery to make or repair
things
sneaky way – doing things in a secret and/or unfair way
snug – very tight or close-fitting
specification – a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something
to abbreviate – shorten a word, phrase, or text
to be done to specifications – if a project is done to specifications, it is completed at an appropriate level of
quality
to be into X – to be interested in or enthusiastic about something
to bow – bend into the shape of a bow
to buff – to polish something
to build back up – phrasal verb meaning to rebuild something
to come down – phrasal verb meaning to fall or move to a lower position
to come together – phrasal verb meaning to start to be good or effective because different parts are
combining well
to come up against X – phrasal verb meaning to make physical contact with something
to consume – to eat or drink; to use up a resource
to cover up – phrasal verb meaning to put or spread something over something to conceal it
to draw up – phrasal verb meaning to prepare a draft or version of something
to eat up X – phrasal verb meaning to take or require a lot of some resource
to exceed expectations – to be much bigger or better than expected
to figure out – phrasal verb meaning to finally understand something or someone, or find the solution to a
problem after a lot of thought
to fit flush – to fit perfectly
to fit into – phrasal verb meaning to be part of a particular situation or larger structure
to flip something – to buy something and fix it in some way and then sell it again very quickly
to flow through – phrasal verb meaning to smoothly pass through something
to get into – phrasal verb meaning to take up in study or as an occupation
to go back – phrasal verb meaning to return
to go into – phrasal verb meaning to take up in study or as an occupation
to go through – phrasal verb meaning to search through or examine carefully or in sequence
to gut X – to destroy the inside of a structure
to judge – to form an opinion or conclusion about something

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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
to keep X in – phrasal verb meaning to prevent something from going out
to keep X out – phrasal verb meaning to prevent something from coming in
to lay electrical/power – to install electrical power
to move down – phrasal verb meaning to move to a lower level, grade, or class
to move up – phrasal verb meaning to go to a better job, higher level, etc.
to outsource – an arrangement in which work is done by people from outside your company, usually by a
company that is expert in that type of work
to polish – make the surface of something smooth and shiny by rubbing it
to pull into X – phrasal verb meaning to have something interesting or appealing motivate you to learn
more or continue doing something
to pull up – phrasal verb meaning to raise something upwards
to put around X – phrasal verb meaning to place something around a specific area
to put in – phrasal verb meaning to spend a particular amount of time doing something, or to make a
particular amount of effort in order to do something
to put on – phrasal verb meaning to cover something or to add something
to put X into – phrasal verb meaning to give money or effort to an activity
to rebuild – to build again
to refurbish – renovate and redecorate something, especially a building
to remodel – to alter the structure of; remake
to renovate – to restore to a previous or better condition
to repair – to restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
to run power through X – to physically put wires through something so that it has access to electricity
to run water through X – to physically put pipes through something so that it has access to water
to sand – to smoothen the surface of wood by using sand paper
to sand X down – phrasal verb meaning to treat or polish with sandpaper
to scribe – to cut something to fit flush or curve with the available space
to scribe in – phrasal verb meaning to scribe something so that it can fit inside the required space
to scribe out – phrasal verb meaning to scribe something by removing material to allow something to fit
flush with the surrounding area
to shave off – phrasal verb meaning to remove or eliminate something in thin strips or small amounts using
a blade
to take out – phrasal verb meaning to remove
to take the next step – to further improve or develop something that is already successful
to turn over – phrasal verb meaning to turn something such as a page in a book or a sheet of paper so that
the other side is towards you
to upgrade – to improve what was old or outdated
to walk around – phrasal verb meaning to walk with no particular destination
to warp – to become or cause to become bent or twisted out of shape, typically as a result of the effects of
heat or dampness
to weld – to join together metal pieces or parts by heating the surfaces to the point of melting using a
blowtorch, electric arc, or other means, and uniting them by pressing, hammering, etc.
trade – a skilled job, typically one requiring manual skills and special training
trade school – educational institution that exists to teach skills related to a specific job

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tradesman – someone who works in a trade that needs skill at using your hands
trim – additional decoration, typically along the edges of something and in contrasting color or material
turnaround – the time needed to complete a job, perform a service, etc., as for a customer
turnover – the time needed to complete a job, perform a service, etc., as for a customer
upholstery – the soft covering on chairs and seats that makes them more comfortable to sit on
vocational school – educational institution that exists to teach skills related to a specific job
weird – very strange and unusual
What do you do for a living? – a question used to ask what kind of job a person has
What field are you in? – a question used to ask what kind of job a person has
What line of work are you in? – a question used to ask what kind of job a person has
white-collar worker – refers to employees or professionals whose work is performed in an office, cubicle, or
other administrative setting
woodworking – the activity or skill of making things from wood

Master Class

AC – short for air conditioner

after hours – after normal working or opening hours
table saw – a circular saw mounted under a table or bench so that the blade projects up through a slot
apparatus – technical equipment needed for a particular activity or purpose
blog – a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is
written in an informal or conversational style
C channel – a structural framing member shaped like a squared-off letter C
caliber – the level of something
campervan – a self-propelled vehicle that provides both transport and sleeping accommodation
campground – an area of land that has space for many people to put up tents and stay while they are
travelling or on holiday
chassis – the base frame of a motor vehicle or other wheeled conveyance
chop saw – a power tool that used to make straight cuts in wood
circular – having the form of a circle; round
Corian – brand name for a solid surface material
Craigslist – an American classified advertisements website with sections devoted to jobs, housing,
personals, for sale, items wanted, services, community, gigs, résumés, and discussion forums
curvature – the fact of being curved or the degree to which something is curved
debris – the broken pieces that are left when something large has been destroyed, especially by an
explosion, fire, or accident
demand – the quantity of a commodity or service wanted at a specified price and time
disc grinder – a handheld power tool used for grinding and polishing
drill press – a machine tool for drilling holes, set on a fixed stand
drop-down – something that drops down or unfolds when it is required
ducting – a system of pipes or tubes in a building that carry something such as air or protects wires
facilities management – the maintenance of an organization’s buildings and equipment

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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
feedback – comments about how well or how badly someone is doing something, which are intended to
help them do it better
flat topper – a truck or trailer that has a flat goods-carrying area without sides
four cylinder car – a car with a type of engine that is an internal combustion engine that is made out of 4
pistons and cylinder
furnace – a large enclosed container in which you burn fuel, used for heating a building or for an industrial
process such as making metal liquid
glue gun – An electric gun-shaped device that heats up cylindrical canisters of glue, and ejects the hot glue
when the trigger is squeezed
grad stipend – payments to help students have the time and funds to earn their academic degree
handheld – designed to be held in the hand
hands-on – hands-on experience or training involves you doing something instead of just reading about it
or watching other people do it
I figured – an informal expression used to say when something is logical, expected, or reasonable
ikebana – the art of Japanese flower arrangement, with formal display according to strict rules
irrigation – the supply of water to land or crops to help growth, typically by means of channels
landscaper – someone who arranges features of the landscape or garden attractively
lead – something serving as an indication or clue about an available job opportunity
marble – hard, smooth stone that is often used for decoration
market – an area or arena in which commercial dealings are conducted
Murphy bed – a bed that’s hinged at one end, so it can be folded up and stored vertically against a wall or in
a closet
origami – the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures
pocket sliding door – a sliding door that disappears, when fully open, into a compartment in the adjacent
wall
power converter – an electrical or electro-mechanical device for converting electrical energy
preferable – having greater value or desirability
propane – a hydrocarbon gas obtained from natural gas or petroleum, used as a fuel for cooking and
heating
quality analysis – examination of the quality of a product or service
reputation – overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
risky – full of the possibility of danger, failure, or loss
RV park – a place where people with recreational vehicles can stay overnight, or longer, in allotted spaces
sawdust – powdery particles of wood produced by sawing
second best – a less adequate or less desirable alternative
Shasta – a brand of recreational vehicles originally built between 1941 and 2004
showroom quality – something that looks good enough to be displayed in a showroom
skin – outer layer of something
skin and bones – to reduce something to just the bare minimum
smudge – a small messy mark made by a substance such as dirt or ink
speck – a very small spot or mark
spray foam insulation – an alternative to traditional building insulation such as fiberglass
subfloor – the foundation for a floor in a building

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MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
teardrop camper – a streamlined, compact, lightweight travel trailer, which gets its name from its teardrop
profile
technique – a way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution or performance of an artistic
work or a scientific procedure
tinted – darkened glass so that people cannot see in
to accommodate – to fit in with the wishes or needs of someone
to accomplish – to succeed in doing something, especially something that you have been trying to do for a
period of time
to bring over – phrasal verb meaning to take someone or something from one place to the place where
someone else is, especially their home
to clear away – phrasal verb meaning to remove something that you have finished using or no longer want
in order to make a place tidy
to convert – to change the character, appearance, or operation of something
to do the thing – to engage in the kind of behavior typically associated with someone or something
to drain – to let liquid flow away from something
to drain down – phrasal verb meaning to flow or move off of something
to drive off – phrasal verb meaning to move a vehicle away from something
to drive up – phrasal verb meaning to arrive in a vehicle
to engineer – to design and build a machine or structure
to fix up – phrasal verb meaning to do work that is necessary in order to make something more suitable or
attractive
to flip up – phrasal verb meaning able to be opened by being flipped upwards
to get at – phrasal verb meaning to imply something or to make a point
to get away – phrasal verb meaning to escape
to get down to X – phrasal verb meaning to reduce or lower to a specific point
to get up – phrasal verb meaning to raise from a lower to a higher position
to head back – phrasal verb meaning to start moving back to a particular place
to help out – phrasal verb meaning render assistance to
to hold on – phrasal verb meaning to hold something or someone firmly with your hands or arms
to hone in on – phrasal verb meaning to give all your attention to something
to install – to put a piece of equipment somewhere and make it ready for use
to lift up – phrasal verb meaning to raise from a lower to a higher position
to look around – phrasal verb meaning to walk around a room, building, or place and see what is there
to look into – phrasal verb meaning to try to discover the facts about something such as a problem
to mirror – to copy someone or something to match or express the qualities, features, or feelings
to open up – phrasal verb meaning to start a new business
to peek in – phrasal verb meaning to look quickly
to pioneer – to develop or be the first to use or apply a new method, area of knowledge, or activity
to plug into – phrasal verb meaning be connected to another appliance by a plug inserted in an outlet
to pop – to look strikingly or noticeably good
to pop up – phrasal verb meaning to move up easily or suddenly in an upward direction
to push one’s way – to force oneself into something
to put back together – phrasal verb meaning to make something by assembling different parts or people

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 englishanyone.com
MASTER ENGLISH CONVERSATION 2.0 - Building & Construction - Quick Reference Glossary
to put back up – phrasal verb meaning to raise something to the place where it was before
to raise up – phrasal verb meaning to lift or move something or someone to a higher position
to redo – to do something again in a different way, especially in order to correct or improve it
to reflect – for a surface or body to throw back heat, light, or sound without absorbing it
to rip – to tear something quickly and with a lot of force
to rip out – phrasal verb meaning to tear something out of someone or something
to run off – phrasal verb used to refer to a liquid that flows away from or out of something
to run through – phrasal verb meaning to put something through a machine
to send back – phrasal verb meaning to return something that is not satisfactory
to sit down – phrasal verb meaning to situate something at a low level
to specialize – to concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill
to start from scratch – to begin with the very first and simplest steps; build from the ground
to switch X off – phrasal verb meaning to turn off a light, television, etc. by using a switch
to take in – phrasal verb meaning to bring something to a place to have work done
to tighten down – phrasal verb meaning to make something become tighter, firmer, or less easy to move
to tour – to visit a place or area, especially one during which you look around the place or area
to transport over – phrasal verb meaning to move or carry something from one place to another
to volunteer – to freely offer to do something
to walk through – phrasal verb meaning to slowly walk through an area to inspect it or observe the
activities taking place
to work out – phrasal verb meaning to have a good or specified result
trade organization – an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry
upfront – speaking or behaving in a way that makes intentions and beliefs clear
vintage – a vintage object or vehicle is old, but is kept in good condition because it is interesting or
attractive
Vintage Trailer Masters – a company that specializes in vintage trailer restoration
walkthrough – a tour or demonstration of an area or task
whatnot – other similar things
woodshed – a place, means, or session for administering discipline
woodshop – a shop in which woodworking is carried on

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