purpose /ˈpɜːrpəs/ (n):

>>> on purpose (idiom):

​# not by accident; deliberately.

He did it on purpose, knowing it would annoy her.

He slammed the door on purpose.


>>> fit for purpose (idiom):

​# (of an institution, a system, a thing, etc.) suitable for the function or purpose that it was designed for.

The minister argued that the education system wasn’t fit for purpose.

The new executive flats are fully equipped and fit for purpose.

I returned the goods as they weren’t fit for purpose.


>>> for (all) practical purposes (idiom):

​# used when you are stating what the reality of a situation is.

There's still another ten minutes of the game to go, but for practical purposes it's already over.


>>> to little/ no purpose (idiom):

​# (formal) with little/ no useful effect or result.

The government had spent a lot on education but to little or no purpose.


all-purpose /ˌɔːl ˈpɜːpəs/ (adj):

# [only before noun] ​having many different uses; able to be used in many situations.

Cheddar is an all-purpose cheese for cooking and eating.

Each child had one pair of all-purpose shoes.


multifunctional /ˌmʌltiˈfʌŋkʃənl/ (adj):

# ​having several different functions.

a multifunctional device.


so /səʊ/ (adv):

>>> so as to do something (idiom):

# ​with the intention of doing something.

We went early so as to get good seats.


>>> so that + clause: in order to.

I study hard so that I can pass the exam.

I study hard so that I won’t fail the exam.

I hide the toy so that my mother can’t see it.


order /ˈɔːrdər/ (n):

>>> in order to do something (idiom):

# ​with the purpose or intention of doing or achieving something.

She arrived early in order to get a good seat.

In order to get a complete picture, further information is needed.


>>> in order (idiom):

# if something is in order, it is a suitable thing to do or say on a particular occasion.

I think a drink would be in order.

Would it be in order for us to examine the manuscript?


>>> in order that (idiom):

# ​(formal) so that something can happen.

All those concerned must work together in order that agreement can be reached on this issue.


sake /seɪk/ (n):

>>> for the sake of something (idiom):

# ​in order to get or keep something.

The translation sacrifices naturalness for the sake of accuracy.

She gave up smoking for the sake of her health.

Let's suppose, for the sake of argument (= in order to have a discussion), that interest rates went up by 2 per cent.


>>> for the sake of somebody/ something | for somebody’s/ something’s sake (idiom):

​# in order to help somebody/ something or because you like somebody/ something.

They stayed together for the sake of the children.

You can do it. Please, for my sake.

I hope you're right, for all our sakes (= because this is important for all of us).


>>> (just) for the sake of it (idiom):

# ​for no particular reason.

Don't get married just for the sake of it.


>>> for something’s sake (idiom):

​# because of the interest or value something has, not because of the advantages it may bring.

I believe in education for its own sake.

art for art’s sake.


course /kɔːrs/ (n):

>>> in course of something (idiom):

​# (formal) going through a particular process.

The new textbook is in course of preparation.


>>> on course for something/to do something (idiom):

# ​likely to achieve or do something because you have already started to do it.

The American economy is on course for higher inflation than Britain by the end of the year.

Victory in Saturday’s match will put them on course to qualify for the European championships.


term

>>> in terms of something | in… terms (idiom):

# ​used to show what aspect of a subject you are talking about or how you are thinking about it.


direction

*** pull in different/ opposite directions (idiom):

# ​to have different aims that cannot be achieved together without causing problems.

There are different considerations, often pulling in different directions.