27 → see also fact of life , kiss of life
28 a matter of life and death → see death
29 a new lease of life → see lease
30 to have the time of your life → see time
31 true to life → see true
li fe-affirming ADJ [usu ADJ n] A life-affirming activity or attitude emphasizes the positive aspects of life. [APPROVAL ] □ The exhibition is an enjoyable and, ultimately, life-affirming experience.
li fe-and-dea th → see death
li fe as|sur|ance N‑UNCOUNT Life assurance is the same as life insurance . [BRIT ] □ …a life assurance policy.
life|belt /la I fbelt/ (lifebelts ) N‑COUNT A lifebelt is a large ring, usually made of a light substance such as cork, which someone who has fallen into deep water can use to float.
life|blood /la I fblʌd/ also life-blood N‑SING [usu with poss] The lifeblood of an organization, area, or person is the most important thing that they need in order to exist, develop, or be successful. □ [+ of ] Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. □ Coal and steel were the region's lifeblood.
life|boat /la I fboʊt/ (lifeboats )
1 N‑COUNT A lifeboat is a medium-sized boat that is sent out from a port or harbour in order to rescue people who are in danger at sea.
2 N‑COUNT A lifeboat is a small boat that is carried on a ship, which people on the ship use to escape when the ship is in danger of sinking.
li fe coach (life coaches ) N‑COUNT A life coach is someone whose job involves helping people to improve their lives by doing challenging or worthwhile things. ● life coach|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …life-coaching workshops.
li fe cy|cle (life cycles )
1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The life cycle of an animal or plant is the series of changes and developments that it passes through from the beginning of its life until its death. □ [+ of ] The dormant period is another stage in the life cycle of the plant.
2 N‑COUNT The life cycle of something such as an idea, product, or organization is the series of developments that take place in it from its beginning until the end of its usefulness. □ Each new product would have a relatively long life cycle.
li fe-enhancing ADJ If you describe something as life-enhancing , you mean that it makes you feel happier and more content. □ …a life-enhancing and exciting trip. □ His letters, like his poetry, are life-enhancing and a delight.
li fe ex|pe c|tan|cy (life expectancies ) N‑UNCOUNT The life expectancy of a person, animal, or plant is the length of time that they are normally likely to live. □ The average life expectancy was 40. □ They had longer life expectancies than their parents.
li fe force also life-force N‑UNCOUNT Life force is energy that some people believe exists in all living things and keeps them alive.
li fe form (life forms ) N‑COUNT A life form is any living thing such as an animal or plant.
life|guard /la I fgɑː r d/ (lifeguards ) N‑COUNT A lifeguard is a person who works at a beach or swimming pool and rescues people when they are in danger of drowning.
li fe hi s|to|ry (life histories ) N‑COUNT The life history of a person is all the things that happen to them during their life. □ Some people give you their life history without much prompting.
li fe im|pri s|on|ment N‑UNCOUNT If someone is sentenced to life imprisonment , they are sentenced to stay in prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period of time.
li fe in|sur|ance N‑UNCOUNT Life insurance is a form of insurance in which a person makes regular payments to an insurance company, in return for a sum of money to be paid to them after a period of time, or to their family if they die. □ [+ on ] I have also taken out a life insurance policy on him just in case.
li fe jack|et (life jackets ) also lifejacket N‑COUNT A life jacket is a sleeveless jacket which helps you to float when you have fallen into deep water.
life|less /la I fləs/
1 ADJ If a person or animal is lifeless , they are dead, or are so still that they appear to be dead. □ Their cold-blooded killers had then dragged their lifeless bodies upstairs to the bathroom.
2 ADJ If you describe an object or a machine as lifeless , you mean that they are not living things, even though they may resemble living things. □ It was made of plaster, hard and white and lifeless, bearing no resemblance to human flesh.
3 ADJ A lifeless place or area does not have anything living or growing there at all. □ Dry stone walls may appear lifeless, but they provide a valuable habitat for plants and animals.
4 ADJ If you describe a person, or something such as an artistic performance or a town as lifeless , you mean they lack any lively or exciting qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a lifeless portrait of an elderly woman.
life|like /la I fla I k/ ADJ Something that is lifelike has the appearance of being alive. □ …a lifelike doll.
life|line /la I fla I n/ (lifelines ) N‑COUNT A lifeline is something that enables an organization or group to survive or to continue with an activity. □ [+ for/to ] Information about the job market can be a lifeline for those who are out of work.
life|long /la I flɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Lifelong means existing or happening for the whole of a person's life. □ …her lifelong friendship with Naomi.
li fe me m|ber (life members ) N‑COUNT If you are a life member of a club or organization, you have paid or been chosen to be a member for the rest of your life.