STRAIGHTFORWARD
easy to understand, not complicated
TIGHTLY-KNIT
having strong, friendly connections/bonds
FACTOR IN
to take into account
CLAMP DOWN ON
to take strong action to stop or limit an activity/behaviour
BLISSFULLY UNAWARE
not knowing about something unpleasant and therefore not affected by it emotionally
QUAINT
charming/pretty in an old-fashioned way
BUCOLIC
relating to the countryside
KNUCKLE DOWN
to start working/studying hard
IRON OUT
to resolve difficulties or problems
BE RENDER SPEECHLESS
be greatly surprised (positively or negatively)
BAFFLING
difficult to understand, very confusing
SWANKY
expensive, stylish, classy
GLOSS OVER
to treat a problem, situation with less importance than it deserves
STEM FROM
to originate from/to be caused by
WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE
to enthusiastically support something
SIZEABLE
large, considerable amount (often money)
PARAMOUNT (IMPORTANCE)
very important
SPLASH OUT
to spend a lot of money on something extravagant
WEIGH IN
to give one's opinion during an argument/discussion
UNABASHEDLY
without embarrassment/shame
PALTRY
very small amount (often money)
TRIFLING
unimportant/trivial
DWELL ON
to spend too much thinking or talking about something negative
CROP UP
to appear/occur unexpectedly
UNDOUBTEDLY
certainly, without a doubt