Mini Topics Success Fame

Success

achieve verb [T] to succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim, especially after a lot of work or effort: The government's training policy, he claimed, was achieving its objectives. She finally achieved her ambition to visit South America. I've been working all day, but I feel as if I've achieved nothing.

achievement    noun [C or U] something very good and difficult that you have succeeded in doing: Whichever way you look at it, an Olympic silver medal is a remarkable achievement for one so young. The Tale of Genji has been described as the greatest achievement of Japanese literature. It gives you a sense of achievement if you actually make it to the end of a very long book.

confidence (CERTAINTY) noun [U] the quality of being certain of your abilities or of having trust in people, plans, or the future: [+ to infinitive] He's got the confidence to walk into a room of strangers and immediately start a conversation. She's very timid, - completely lacking in (self-) confidence. I have every/complete confidence in her. She'll be perfect for the job. [+ that] I don't share your confidence that the market will improve next year.

determine (DECIDE) verb [T often passive] to control or influence something directly, or to decide what will happen: The number of staff we can take on will be determined by how much money we're allowed to spend. Your health is determined in part by what you eat. Eye colour is genetically determined. [+ question word] FORMAL A pitch inspection will determine whether or not the match will be played. People should be allowed to determine their own future.

Determined adjective wanting to do something very much and not letting anyone or any difficulties stop you: [+ to infinitive] I'm determined to get this piece of work finished today. She's sure to get the job she wants - she's a very determined person.

ladder (SERIES OF STAGES) noun [S] a series of increasingly important jobs or stages in a particular type of work or process: Once he started at Paramount in 1967, he moved rapidly up the corporate ladder. a first rung/step on the employment ladder

Fame

interview    a meeting in which someone is asked questions about themselves for a newspaper article, television show, etc: an exclusive interview with Paul Simon In a television interview last night she denied she had any intention of resigning.

be in the public eye to be famous and written about in newspapers and magazines and seen on television

entourage   group noun [C usually singular] the group of people who travel with and work for an important or famous person: The rock-star arrived in London with her usual entourage of dancers and backing singers.

bodyguard   noun [C], group noun a person or group of people whose job is to protect someone from attack: The prince is always accompanied by his bodyguards.

autograph noun [C] a signature of a famous person: Did you get his autograph?

fan (PERSON)  noun [C] someone who admires and supports a person, sport, sports team, etc: More than 15, 000 Liverpool fans attended Saturday's game. He's a big fan of country music. I'm pleased to meet you - I'm a great fan of your work.

break-up (END) noun [C] the coming to an end of a business or personal relationship, caused by the separation of those involved: Long separations had contributed to their marriage break-up. The break-up of the pop group came as no surprise.

celebrity noun [C] someone who is famous, especially in the entertainment business

privacy    noun [U] someone's right to keep their personal matters and relationships secret: The new law is designed to protect people's privacy.

pressure   [C or U] a difficult situation that makes you feel worried or unhappy: She's got a lot of pressure on her at work just now. Be nice to him - he's been under a lot of pressure recently. Can you work well under pressure? the pressures of work