Get sth straight

put in good order

fret, v

(cause to) be continually worried or dissatisfied about sth small or unnecessary

e.g. The old lady is always fretting about/ over something.

fret, n

an anxious, complaining state of mind

e.g. She gets in a fret whenever we are late.

fretful, a

complaining and anxious, esp. because of dissatisfaction or discomfort

e.g. The child was tired and fretful.

fretfulness, n

fretfully, adv

fuss, n

1. unnecessary, useless, or unwelcome expression of excitement, anger, impatience, etc.

e.g. Don’t make so much fuss over losing a pen.

2. an expression of annoyance, esp. for a good reason

e.g. I’m going to make a fuss (= complain) about the service in this restaurant. The local residents are kicking up a fuss about the plans for the new airport.

3. an anxious nervous condition

e.g. There is no need to get into a fuss.

ðmake a fuss of

to pay a lot of attention to, in order to please or to show liking for

e.g. Mary always makes a fuss of her nieces.

fuss, v

1. act or behave in a nervous, restless, and anxious way over small matters

e.g. Don’t fuss, we’ll get there on time.

2. make nervous

e.g. If you fuss him, he’ll make a lot of mistakes.

ðnot be fussed about (BrE) (infml)

not care greatly (about sth)

fuss over, v

pay too much attention to

e.g. The old lady fusses over her dog as if it were a sick child.

fusspot (also fussbudget), n (infml derog)

sb who gets anxious about small matters or is too concerned about unimportant details

e.g. Stop worrying, you old fusspot!

fussy, a

1. (usu. derog) (of a person) too concerned about details

e.g. a fussy eater; He’s too fussy about his food.

2. (derog) (of dress, furniture, etc.) having too much detailed decorations

e.g. a fussy hat

3. (usu. derog) (esp. of sb’s actions) nervous and excitable

e.g. small fussy movements of her hands

4. (about) (infml) (esp. BrE) (of a person) concerned; caring

e.g. Are you fussy what time we have dinner?

fussiness, n

fussily, adv

haunt, v

1. (often pass.) (of a spirit, esp. of a dead person) visit (a place), appearing in a strange form

e.g. a haunted house

2. (usu. pass.) (esp. of sth sad or strange) be always in the thoughts of (sb)

e.g. I was haunted by his last words.

3. (infml) visit (a place) regularly; frequent

haunt, n

a place where a particular person visits frequently

e.g. This pub is one of my favourite haunts.

haunting, a

strange in a pleasant or sad way and remaining in one’s thoughts

e.g. a haunting melody