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)
a person who insists on doing things correctly or following rules strictly
Our manager is a real s_______ for details — even commas matter to her.
He’s a s_______ about punctuality; being late drives him mad.
a stickler
to lose respect for someone or see them as less capable or admirable
After that rude comment, people really t_____ l_____ of him.
You don’t want your students to t_____ l_____ of you because of one mistake.
think less
in a way that makes someone or something look good or positive
The article painted the company in a f________ l______.
She managed to describe the breakup in a surprisingly f________ l______.
favorable light
someone or something that spoils the fun or mood
Don’t be a b________ — we’re just having a bit of fun!
His negativity was such a b________ during the celebration.
a buzzkill
to choose not to punish or criticize someone for a mistake
I’ll l____ it s_____ this time, but don’t do it again.
She decided to l____ it s_____ instead of starting an argument.
let it slide
something that’s more extreme than necessary; excessive
Buying ten backup chargers seems like o_________.
His reaction felt like total o_________ for such a minor mistake.
overkill
to suddenly become extremely angry
I s____ r____ when someone lies straight to my face.
She s____ r____ after reading those unfair comments.
see red
repressed or held-in (emotions, energy, etc.)
He finally exploded after years of p____-____ frustration.
All that p____-____ anger came out during the argument.
pent-up
the detailed workings or practical aspects of something
She knows the i____ and o____ of event planning like no one else.
Before you start a business, learn the i____ and o____ of finance.
ins and outs
to abandon, get rid of, or stop using something
I decided to d_____ my old phone and get a new one.
They d_____ the plan when the budget fell through.
ditch
