potion

Everyday

1. A potion is a drink made of mixed liquids that is supposed to have a special effect, such as magic, medicine or poison. tree →
2. In fairy tales and fantasy games, a potion is a magic drink that heals, makes someone sleep, fall in love or change shape. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, witches and wizards brew potions in cauldrons; in games, health potions restore lives. In history, «potions» were old medicines, often useless or dangerous. Safety lessons warn children never to drink or mix unknown liquids, even in a game. Phrases: «love potion», «magic potion», «sleeping potion», «health potion», «brew a potion».

Examples

• The witch stirred a bubbling potion in her cauldron. tree →
• Drink the health potion to get your lives back. tree →
• In the fairy tale, a sleeping potion put the princess to sleep. tree →
• We made a pretend potion with water, glitter and food colouring. tree →
• Never drink a «potion» made from things in the cupboard. tree →
• Old doctors sold potions that did not really work. tree →
• "It is only a sleeping potion," said the enchantress to Prince Jason. tree →

Note

Countable. Mostly used in stories, games and history; real medicines are called «medicine», not «potion». Safety: cleaning liquids are poisonous and must never be mixed or tasted.