Usefulness & Value

used to say that having a particular thing that is considered lesser or lower in quality or worth is more preferable than having nothing at all

I didn't win the grand prize, but receiving a consolation prize is better than nothing.

(of something valuable and desirable) extremely difficult to get, particularly due to a lot of people desiring it as well

Tickets for the concert were like gold dust, selling out within minutes of being released.

(of people) still alive and in good health

After surviving a dangerous accident, Lily emerged alive and well, grateful for a second chance at life.

(of a situation) completely under one's control

She has the project in hand and is confidently leading the team.

a thing or a set of things considered very dear or valuable to one

The archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of ancient artifacts at the excavation site.

(of a person, animal, or plant) certainly not alive or in existence any longer

Look at the trees – the one that fell and got us and the other one beside it – were both due to come down, they were dead as dodos.

undoubtedly no longer alive or in existence

When the batteries in the remote control died, it was as dead as mutton, and we couldn't change the channel.

no longer useful or fashionable

The fashion trends from the 90s are now considered out of date and unfashionable.

done for a specific purpose or situation

The committee was formed ad hoc to address the urgent issue of employee grievances.

(of an achievement) completely worth all the effort one puts in or all the trouble one goes through

After analyzing the potential return on investment, they concluded that the new business venture was worth the candle.

*** no longer living: dead

in a healthy state, both physically and emotionally

After a week of rest, she's finally up to the mark.

simple but good enough to fulfill a particular need or purpose

The carpenter's rough and ready tools may not be the most advanced, but they get the job done.

complicated activities, rituals, or words that lack any real purpose

The politician's speech was filled with meaningless mumbo jumbo, leaving the audience confused about his actual stance.

a thing that is considered someone's or something's greatest achievement

Her latest novel is her crowning glory, receiving widespread critical acclaim and topping the bestseller lists.

completely useless or ineffective for its intended purpose

His suggestion to bring a ladder to fix the roof was as useful as a chocolate teapot since the ladder was too short to reach.

(of a person) not keeping up with current trends, ideas, or advancements

My grandfather is behind the times when it comes to using the internet.

a joke, story, or topic of discussion that has become repetitive and uninteresting

Oh no, not that old chestnut again!I've heard that story a thousand times.

in a state of being informed and knowledgeable about a particular topic or situation

After attending the training, she was up to speed on the new software.

used to describe petroleum or oil due to its immense value and economic significance

The discovery of vast oil reserves turned the region into a land of black gold, attracting major investments.