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Learn more English in a Minute
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(Clips: Getty)
Introduction
You might already know one meaning of 'tip' – a piece of advice. But do you know these four other meanings? Get to know the word 'tip' with Phil!
4 meanings of 'tip'
predict to do well
If someone is tipped to do something, they are predicted to achieve it. This use of 'tip' as a verb is usually in the passive voice.
- She's being tipped to win a gold medal this year.
- My local MP is tipped to become the next prime minister.
extra money given to staff for good service
A tip is an extra payment given to staff, for example a waiter at a restaurant, to show you appreciate their service.
- Thank you so much. I've left a 20% tip.
- I've heard if you tip the staff at this deli, they'll put extra fillings in your sandwich!
move one side down
You can tip something over, making it fall, or you can tip something into or out of something else, such as tipping water from a jug into a glass.
- Weigh the flour and then tip it into your mixing bowl.
- I slipped and accidentally tipped an entire tray of drinks onto my friend!
place where rubbish gets taken
A tip is a special location where you can throw away unwanted items.
- This garage is full of junk. I need to take it all to the tip.
- This old microwave doesn't work any more – we will have to take it to the tip and see if they can recyle it there.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Phil
How well do you know the word 'tip'? I know you know that it's a piece of advice, but what about the other meanings? We can use the verb 'tip' to mean 'predict to do well'.
Example
She's being tipped to win a gold medal this year.
Phil
A tip is the extra money you leave for someone who serves you at a restaurant.
Example
Thank you so much. I've left a 20% tip.
Phil
It's also when you move something like this. You can tip something into or out of something else, or you can you just tip it over so that it falls onto the floor.
Example
Weigh the flour and then tip it into your mixing bowl.
Phil
'Tip' as a noun also refers to the place where rubbish gets taken.
Example
This garage is full of junk. I need to take it all to the tip.
Phil
So, there are four tips about the word 'tip'. Get more language tips on our website.
Next
Learn more idiomatic language in The English We Speak.
Find our latest programmes here.
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