I. noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
a comforting thought
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‘People might not have noticed we’re late.’ ‘That’s a comforting thought.’
cold comfort
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The drop in the unemployment figures is cold comfort to those still looking for work.
comfort break
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I think it's time for a comfort break.
comfort food
comfort zone
creature comforts
crumb of comfort/hope/affection etc
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There was only one crumb of comfort – Alex hadn’t said anything to Jeff.
take comfort from/in (doing) sth
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Investors can take comfort from the fact that the World Bank is underwriting the shares.
COLLOCATIONS FROM CORPUS
■ ADJECTIVE
close
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Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort .
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Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort .
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That had been too close for comfort .
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But his shot was too close for comfort and Philip Whitehead cleverly smothered the ball.
cold
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Kawai's Trilby Cold comforts of a hotel room: the air-conditioning and fridge join forces for a chummy hum, barbershop-style.
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But this opposition misleads; charisma is cold comfort without expert management.
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Precedent, however, suggests that his comments will offer only cold comfort to Mr Jiang and Mr Li.
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Brussels brings cold comfort to sheep farmers.
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It's cold comfort , of course, when there isn't much of a market to have a share of.
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It is actually much easier than appearances would suggest - cold comfort when it looks impossible!
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Mellor's self-styled heroics were cold comfort for his team leader, John Major.
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It was cold comfort , all right.
great
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Thank you for your letters which have been a great comfort to us.
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In times of stress, food can be a great source of comfort !
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To me, this continuity is a great source of comfort in a world of change, tension and violence.
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For the quieter members of his team, he could be a great source of comfort and inspiration.
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Evidence from the first and second waves of reform does not give great comfort to reformers.
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I felt no great assurance of comfort , but my conviction of evil grew a little less.
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Shanti and Chris were very helpful in every way, and Shanti's ready laughter and general cheerfulness was a great comfort .
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He lived in beautiful houses, travelled the world in the greatest of comfort , and wanted for nothing.
high
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The layout below allows the owner to live in a high degree of comfort .
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User Friendly City of Angels offers a user-friendly professional atmosphere coupled with a high level of comfort .
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The House can accommodate up to 22 persons and offers a very high standard of comfort .
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It is well appointed throughout, offering a high standard of comfort service and cuisine.
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With 18 well-appointed bedrooms, it has excellent facilities and assures the highest standards of comfort and service.
little
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I am little comfort to her, but in this scenario little things mean a lot.
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Every man needs a little comfort , especially when his number could be up tomorrow.
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It was only later you focussed on yourself enough to cry for the little comfort flesh can offer.
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When morning came, it brought us a little comfort in the softer atmosphere and pleasant sunshine, but no breakfast.
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But, he adds, he believes that he is right, which provides little comfort .
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Subconsciously, they scupper their own efforts to gain a little comfort .
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There is little comfort for foreign creditors hoping for an end to the six-month moratorium on debt payments.
material
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The unworldly, peace-loving doctor, oblivious of both material comfort and public opinion, is in some respects a self-portrait.
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He wanted to enjoy this lull and the reasonable material comfort .
modern
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Shown here is the Regal Supreme, supplied complete with a pocket-sprung mattress to bring modern comfort to antique furniture.
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Bereft of modern comforts , Noland attempts to cope with his prison of solitude.
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Inside, modern comforts and period features combine.
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Bedrooms are tastefully furnished and combine all modern comforts and facilities with the gracious style of a Tyrolean hunting lodge.
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Enjoy all modern comforts in an historic parador omitted information addresses Regional delicacies Each region has its own specialities.
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It is called the San Romano and has been completely restored to offer all modern comforts .
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The hotel combines Tyrolean hospitality with all modern comforts in a luxurious setting with a high standard of service.
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Ample free parking. £24* Country Court Hotel Set around a garden courtyard, this new hotel offers every modern comfort .
relative
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In that respect alone Sydney has a huge advantage over Atlanta in relative human comfort .
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There was something else Dilip offered me, the seductions of relative comfort .
small
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The survival of slimmed-down companies is small comfort for people made redundant.
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Now, even these small comforts must be questioned.
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Perhaps it was ready? Small comfort , through ten guilt-ridden days.
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Rosy statistics on aggregate food production offer small comfort to nations that can not afford a seat at the banquet.
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Then a small spark of comfort occurred to him.
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Erratic hot winds kept the air thick with dust, and the fan gave small comfort to the feverish, aching children.
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It was small comfort that he believed in what he chose to do.
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They could explore the area, learn its resources and contrive small comforts in their rooms.
■ NOUN
creature
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His attitude towards creature comforts was demonstrated by his regimen in Downing Street.
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The crews made on-the-spot modifications to increase protection, firepower, or creature comforts .
food
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What's your favourite comfort food ?
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My sister-in-law Joy has another twist on this white / yellow / butter / salt / sweet comfort food thing.
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But I argue that the lack of comfort food can also kill you.
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There is no disputing their place on the list of comfort foods .
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A lot of people consider macaroni and cheese the ultimate comfort food , but it has never enchanted us.
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The color of saffron, with dollops of red tomatoes flecked throughout, this hot potage goes beyond comfort food .
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This, it seems, is the truest expression of comfort food !
level
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In general, the thicker the mat, the greater the comfort level .
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In general, my advice to parents is to let your children read and reread books at their own comfort level .
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They are said to be generally positive to the takeover but still need to achieve certain comfort levels .
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In the first place, sleeping bags offer zero padding, which tends to cut down considerably on the comfort level .
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But it can greatly increase comfort levels in cost weather, and can help cut down on condensation too.
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Newer ones are said to work better, and there are things you can do to increase your comfort level .
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Then, he sets his virtual environment to run just a little faster than that comfort level .
zone
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The team were still wrapped together in the comfort zone of a four-year period when each had cosseted and protected the other.
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Many investors struggle to get past the comfort zone of mutual funds.
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The width of the comfort zone can then be taken as 4 degrees, i.e., from-2 to.
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The Chargers took the Raiders out of a lot of things, including their comfort zone .
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The easiest thing in this situation is to do nothing and rest miserably in the comfort zone of doing something predictable.
■ VERB
bring
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Gloria hopes that I can bring her some comfort .
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When morning came, it brought us a little comfort in the softer atmosphere and pleasant sunshine, but no breakfast.
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Shown here is the Regal Supreme, supplied complete with a pocket-sprung mattress to bring modern comfort to antique furniture.
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Our aim: to bring help and comfort to poor, hungry, sick and needy children throughout the world.
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Your proposal brings me no comfort whatever, but I suppose I have little alternative.
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The thought didn't seem to bring him any comfort .
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All contracts and agreements-business or personal-will bring comfort instead of stress.
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Brussels brings cold comfort to sheep farmers.
derive
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From those two virtues derive the tranquillity, comfort , and content of domesticity.
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Then she decided to wash her hair, thinking she might derive some comfort from this familiar rite.
design
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The Ventrola tennis shoe is designed for comfort and performance.
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These traditionally built homes are designed with comfort and convenience in mind.
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Inside, it has been designed to combine comfort with an elegant, sporty appearance.
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The first stage of the scheme is designed to improve comfort and safety.
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Aprilia says it has been designed for comfort and versatility.
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The innermost layer was designed for comfort and was made from lightweight nylon.
draw
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But he warned against drawing false comfort from that.
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Either way, the rest of us can draw comfort from the fact that all these experts are befuddled, too.
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But most families draw comfort from order.
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I draw some comfort from that fact, because it reflects our maturity in dealing with such matters.
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They may draw some comfort from a survey revealing recession-hit parents are still prepared to spend out on youngsters.
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The Republicans drew comfort from the fact that trends of opinion had, for some time, been moving in their direction.
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She drew some comfort from him and then continued.
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He drew some comfort from the expectation that revision would be necessary inside a year or two.
enjoy
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Virtual reality will turn the weekly supermarket shop into a pleasure to be enjoyed from the comfort of the armchair.
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The hotel is the perfect choice for those who enjoy their comfort and appreciate quality and good food.
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Or simply enjoy the homely comfort of the inn restaurant.
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She could not remember when she had last enjoyed such comfort .
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Stretching luxuriously, she enjoyed the warm comfort of the bed.
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Six residents are currently living there and enjoying the comforts of a very homely atmosphere.
find
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I could only hope to be happy, and find comfort in the hope, as people do, wherever they are.
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They tried to find comfort in knowing they had done their best.
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But as the days stretched into tedious weeks Creggan found strange comfort in the silent presence of Slorne in the adjacent cage.
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But we did find comfort in knowing the food was there.
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Both have been unlucky in love, but have found comfort in each other.
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Here were people incomparably worse off than I was, finding what comfort they could at seventy-five cents a night.
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In her loneliness Eleanor found no comfort in the geography of New York's lower east side.
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The first to rise asks Lisa how she finds comfort in cutting herself and tearing out her hair.
give
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Since the bombing had started, the ritual checking of number seven Lyra Street had given Vi comfort .
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It must be the familiar weight in his hands that gave comfort .
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Evidence from the first and second waves of reform does not give great comfort to reformers.
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Jesse Jackson has had entree to those countries and could be perceived as giving comfort to them.
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It kept out the cold and gave strength and comfort beyond its natural powers.
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There were cars following behind, the photographers and the reporters no doubt, and their headlights gave an odd comfort .
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His book does more than attempt to give comfort to those who have been bereaved.
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A board placed under the mattress gave additional comfort to her back.
live
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Six adults live aboard in reasonable comfort when the main cabin berth is used as a double.
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I ask Ron what level of salary he would need to live at a minimal comfort level in San Francisco.
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If I had the wherewithal to live in comfort , I wouldn't fritter it away.
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How can retired people live in comfort ?
offer
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I did what I could to offer comfort to the family.
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Learning how few people actually had paralytic polio offered no comfort to me.
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The wife may have a shrewd idea, but may offer comfort without choosing to seek out the source of the pain.
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Unable to offer even partial comfort here and now, they promised a glorious messianic redemption in the end of days.
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He thought that he should touch her, offer her comfort .
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Teachers are on hand to offer comfort and advice.
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They offer comfort without the need for action.
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It is called the San Romano and has been completely restored to offer all modern comforts .
provide
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Its unique Hydractive suspension provides genuinely superb comfort on most roads while the cabin is as roomy as they come.
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Side by side, respirator patients provided comfort , encouragement, and community for one another.
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The longer you provide wifely comforts while he obsesses about this woman, the worse it's going to be.
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The dull lights behind the large windows provide no comfort .
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London experts in international law said that his release would provide little comfort for others who transgressed the norms of civilised behaviour.
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It provides momentary comfort , but does little to break a troublesome habit or cure a nagging infection.
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They provided new comforts for passengers, with their upholstered seats and faster running. 1.
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He would provide her the comfort and concern that she needed.
seek
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Jackie tries to explain she was at her lowest ebb when she sought comfort from Shelley.
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I spoke to James, Janet, and Pat on the phone every day, seeking comfort and advice.
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Down here are more of the older fellers, seeking comfort at the bar.
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Or shall we seek comfort in the language of religion?
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The instincts of hens, therefore, are to seek cover and the comfort of their fellows.
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According to the sculptor, it symbolises the way in which victims of nasty remarks often seek comfort in chocolate.
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It will often seek a comfort letter to that effect from the offeror's financial adviser.
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But how could I seek comfort ?
take
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Perhaps he should be practical and take a wife for comfort .
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Rice takes comfort in visiting some clients with a. 380 Sig Sauer tucked in his Langlitz.
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She was a grown woman, she was entitled to take a bit of comfort as and when she pleased.
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Evidently, some one has been living beneath my kitchen floor, taking comfort in the heat of my boiler.
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The Liberal Democrats can take no comfort from the result.
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And investors betting for another big year can take comfort from this: The market gurus have been known to be wrong.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
comparative comfort/freedom/wealth etc
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I enjoyed this comparative freedom and spent a lot of time pacing around the cell.
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The comparative freedom that the close presence of grandparents afforded wives contributed significantly to the high standard of farming seen.
find comfort/pleasure/fulfilment etc in sth
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Ana seemed to find pleasure in simply listening, though.
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But we did find comfort in knowing the food was there.
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Dorothy Wordsworth found fulfilment in ways that elude precise analysis.
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He glanced at Rock Hardy, finding comfort in the familiar face. 5.03 already!
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I could only hope to be happy, and find comfort in the hope, as people do, wherever they are.
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They learned to tolerate loneliness, and find comfort in people, fantasies or activities outside the family.
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They tried to find comfort in knowing they had done their best.
too close for comfort
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That car that came around the corner was just a little too close for comfort.
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At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
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But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
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Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
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In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
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Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
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Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
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The movement brought him too close for comfort.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
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After he became rich, he lived a life of idleness and comfort .
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Emily goes to a women's group for comfort and emotional support.
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Her faith gave her comfort during a very difficult time.
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The family has taken some comfort from the fact that her conditions has stabilized.
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The hotel staff made sure nothing disturbed our comfort or enjoyment.
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Your letter brought me great comfort after John died.
EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS
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And there are other things about my job that remind me too much of Ghostbusters for comfort .
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Headroom isn't such a problem, though, and actual rear seat comfort is very good.
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I was even earning enough to support myself in modest comfort .
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It does not originate in the comforts of religion.
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Jesse Jackson has had entree to those countries and could be perceived as giving comfort to them.
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She was no longer a threat to him, but a source of comfort and hope.
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We opted for comfort and retired to our favourite chippie for lots of it.
II. verb
COLLOCATIONS FROM CORPUS
■ NOUN
child
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They are silly songs that my husband sings to comfort our child , but I hate them and I hate him.
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Mrs Bates was being comforted by her three children Matthew, 20, Jonathan 18, and Becky, 12 yesterday.
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Be sensitive to the particular patterns of sensations that comfort your child .
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
comparative comfort/freedom/wealth etc
▪
I enjoyed this comparative freedom and spent a lot of time pacing around the cell.
▪
The comparative freedom that the close presence of grandparents afforded wives contributed significantly to the high standard of farming seen.
too close for comfort
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That car that came around the corner was just a little too close for comfort.
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At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
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But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
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Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
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In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
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Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
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Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
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The movement brought him too close for comfort.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
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Bill stroked her hair gently, trying to comfort her.
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He tried to comfort her by telling her that everything would be all right.
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Joyce did her best to comfort him, assuring him that it was not his fault.
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Lisa, in tears, was being comforted by her mother.
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The two sisters hugged each other, sharing their grief and comforting one another.
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We did our best to comfort him, but he was obviously very upset.
EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS
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Come, be comforted, he shan't fright you.
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He ached to reach out and hold Tsu Ma close, to comfort him, but knew it would be wrong.
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Many people ignore this sign, comforting themselves that they probably brushed too hard.
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Venus took her leave greatly comforted, but to make matters still more sure she turned for help to her son Cupid.