Unit 15: Vocabulary

USA
UK
bend the rules
USA
UK
to change the rules in a way that is considered not important or serious
USA
UK
"A lot of hotels bend their rules for VIP guests."
USA
UK
craving
USA
UK
a strong desire or need for
USA
UK
"Pregnant women often have cravings for unusual foods."
USA
UK
demanding
USA
UK
requiring a lot of effort or attention
USA
UK
"He was a very demanding guest, nothing was good enough for him."
USA
UK
discretion
USA
UK
the quality of behaving or speaking in a way to avoid embarrassment or upset
USA
UK
"When delivering room service orders to guests you may see something private, so discretion is important."
USA
UK
exceed
USA
UK
to be greater, better than, or superior to
USA
UK
"The hotel exceeded his expectations — he hadn't expected such good service."
USA
UK
fulfill
USA
UK
to do, perform or obey a task to the correct level
USA
UK
"Although it wasn't easy, the chef fulfilled all of the requirements to satisfy the restaurant critic."
USA
UK
fussy
USA
UK
very selective about what one chooses, hard to please
USA
UK
"Most children are fussy eaters and will only try new foods if they are forced."
USA
UK
go the extra mile
USA
UK
to do something more or greater than your responsibility or duty
USA
UK
"The staff went the extra mile to make sure that the guest was satisfied"
USA
UK
let down
USA
UK
to disappoint or not to meet expectations
USA
UK
"Hotels should try not to let down guests because if they do the guest may not return."
USA
UK
modify
USA
UK
to make a small change to the form or character of
USA
UK
"The restaurant is famous for their Beef Wellington, which can be modified to a vegetarian version by using egg plant instead of beef."
USA
UK
no-show
USA
UK
a person who has made a reservation but doesn't make use of the service
USA
UK
"The restaurant was fully booked last night but there were 7 no-shows, so in the end they only served 37 covers."
USA
UK
pop out
USA
UK
to leave or go somewhere for a short time
USA
UK
"Please wait a moment, the receptionist has just popped out for a second."
USA
UK
sort out
USA
UK
to clarify, explain, or resolve
USA
UK
"There were a few problems with the reservation, which needed to be sorted out before the guest arrived."
USA
UK
take care of
USA
UK
to assume responsibility for the support, maintenance, or treatment of
USA
UK
"The hotel employs three child-minders who can take care of your children when needed."
USA
UK
track down
USA
UK
to search for and find after difficulty
USA
UK
"It took several hours for the chef to track down a local source of smoked cheese."
USA
UK
try your best
USA
UK
do everything within your power to achieve something
USA
UK
"The manager did his best to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the guest."
USA
UK
vegan
USA
UK
not containing any meat or dairy products
USA
UK
"Chefs often find it difficult to create exciting, tasty, vegan dishes."
USA
UK
vegetarian
USA
UK
not containing any trace of meat or meat products
USA
UK
"Most restaurants offer a vegetarian option as standard."
USA
UK
wedding reception
USA
UK
the party or celebration after a marriage ceremony
USA
UK
"The hotel can organize wedding receptions for up to 300 guests."
USA
UK
welcome basket
USA
UK
a selection of products, usually complimentary, which are waiting in a guest's room for their arrival
USA
UK
"The hotel gives all guests a welcome basket containing fresh fruit, home baked biscuits and a selection of preserves."
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