0201-0400 Flashcards
(200 cards)
1
Q
out of sync
A
If two movements or actions areout of sync, they are not coordinated and are not taking place at the same time or at the same speed.
2
Q
back to square one
A
To say that someone isback to square onemeans that they have not succeeded in what they were trying to do, so they have to start again.
3
Q
on the tip oftongue
A
To say that a word or answer ison the tip of your tongue,means that you’re sure you know it but have difficulty finding it.
4
Q
grass roots
A
The termgrass rootsrefers to the ordinary people who form the main body of an organisation.
5
Q
jump for joy
A
When peoplejump for joy, they express their happiness through excited movements and gestures.
6
Q
worth one’s salt
A
Someone who deserves respect because they do their job well is a person who isworth their salt.
7
Q
might is right
A
This saying expresses the belief that being the most powerful person or country gives you the right to do whatever you want.
8
Q
like twopeasin a pod
A
To say that two people are liketwo peas in a podmeans that they are very similar in appearance.
9
Q
middle of the road (MOR)
A
This term refers to anything moderate, unadventurous or inoffensive that avoids extremes and appeals to the majority of people.
10
Q
big picture
A
If you talk about thebig picture, you refer to the overall situation, or the project as a whole rather than the details.
11
Q
money laundering
A
When peoplelaunder money,they manage to conceal the source of illegally-obtained money so that it is believed to be legitimate.
12
Q
no picnic
A
A situation or activity that isno picnicis difficult or problematic.
13
Q
up to thehilt
A
When someone does something(up) to the hilt,they do it completely, fully or to the maximum degree.
14
Q
give or take (quantity)
A
This term is used when expressing an amount or estimate that is not exactly right.
15
Q
keep posted
A
If someone asks you tokeep them posted,they want you to keep them informed about a situation.
16
Q
crying shame
A
If something is acrying shame, it is very sad or unfortunate.
17
Q
hot off the press
A
If a news article, for example, ishot off the press, it has just been published and contains the most recent information on the subject.
18
Q
knock down with afeather
A
To say ‘you could have knocked me down with a feather’emphasizes the fact that you were extremely surprised.
19
Q
burn themidnightoil
A
A person whoburns the midnight oilstays up very late at night in order to finish a piece of work.
20
Q
in mint condition
A
Something that isin mint conditionis in such perfect condition that it looks new or as good as new.
21
Q
off colour
A
If you areoff colour, you look or feel ill.
22
Q
one horse town
A
A place referred to as aone horse townis a small, boring town where nothing much ever happens.
23
Q
under your ownsteam
A
If you go somewhereunder your own steam,you do so without any help from others.
24
Q
stir up a hornet’s nest
A
If youstir up a hornet’s nest,you do something which causes a commotion and provokes criticism and anger.
25
a rip-off
To say that something is a rip-off means that it costs much more than it should.
26
chip on your shoulder
If someone has a chip on their shoulder, the feel resentful because they feel they are being treated unfairly, especially because of their background, their sex or their colour.
27
a picture is worth a thousand words
This expression means that a picture can give just as much information as a large amount of descriptive text.
28
whistle in the dark
If you whistle in the dark, you try to hide your fear and pretend to be brave in a scary or dangerous situation.
29
white lie
If you tell a white lie, you say something which is not true in order to protect someone or to avoid hurting their feelings.
30
stubborn as a mule
If someone is as stubborn as a mule, they are very obstinate and unwilling to listen to reason or change their mind.
31
beat around the bush
This expression is used to tell someone to say what they have to say, clearly and directly, even if it is unpleasant.
32
bring nothing to the table
If you participate in negotiations and bring nothing to the table, you have nothing of interest to offer the other side.
33
the bubble has burst
To say that the bubble has burst means that the success of an idea, a product or a situation has suddenly stopped.
34
on the level
If you say that someone is on the level, you are referring to an honest and truthful person.
35
give a wide berth
If you give someone or something a wide berth, you stay at a prudent distance from them in order to avoid unwanted consequences.
36
more by accident than by design
Something that happens more by accident than (by) design is done without deliberate intention.
37
(in) dire straits
If a person or organisation is in dire straits, they are in a very difficult situation.
38
just desserts
When someone gets their just desserts, they are rewarded or punished according to what they deserve.
39
xerox subsidy
This term refers to the habit of using the photocopier at work for personal use.
40
(same) old story
A common occurrence, or something that happens regularly or always in the same way, is called an old story or the same old story.
41
water under the bridge
If something difficult or unpleasant took place in the past but is no longer important, it is referred to as water under the bridge.
42
gather dust
An idea, plan or project which is gathering dust is in fact stagnating or has not attracted attention for some time.
43
blue in the face
If you do something until you are blue in the face, you try unsuccessfully to do something for a very long time.
44
goose pimples
If you have goose pimples, you are cold or so afraid that your skin is temporarily raised into little lumps.
45
once in a blue moon
If something occurs once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely.
46
play your cards right
If you play your cards right, you do all that is necessary to succeed or to obtain what you want.
47
sink one's differences
If people or organisations sink their differences, they decide to forget their disagreements.
48
at this stage of the game
This expression refers to the current point reached in a process, activity or developing situation.
49
partner in crime
A person who helps you to plan something dishonest or unlawful is called your partner in crime.
50
devil take the hindmost
This expression means that you should think of yourself and not worry about other people.
51
stretch the truth
When you stretch the truth, you exaggerate the facts or say things that are not exactly true.
52
that figures!
This expression is used to say that something seems logical or is as expected.
53
out of earshot
When someone is out of earshot, they are too far away to hear or to be heard.
54
lost ball in high weeds
Someone who is totally confused, and doesn't know what they are doing or how to do it, is a lost ball in high weeds.
55
step on the gas
If someone tells you to step on the gas, they are encouraging you to accelerate or hurry up in order to get something done quickly.
56
crest of a wave
If you are on the crest of a wave, you are very successful in what you are doing.
57
turn a deaf ear
If you turn a deaf ear to something, you refuse to listen.
58
speak of the devil!
This is said to refer to a person who appears just when his/her name is mentioned.
59
knock your socks off
If something amazes you, or impresses you greatly, it knocks your socks off.
60
nine times out of ten
When something happens nine times out of ten, it is what usually happens.
61
take a nosedive
If something takes a nosedive, it drops or decreases in value very rapidly.
62
in a rut
If you are in a rut, you have a monotonous and boring way of life.
63
(get) comeuppance
When someone gets their comeuppance, they receive the treatment they deserve (usually punishment or retribution) for their behaviour or actions.
64
wear the trousers
The partner in a couple who wears the trousers is the one who makes all the important decisions.
65
jump in the deep end
When you jump in (or are thrown in) at the deep end, you do something without any help or preparation, in an area where you have little or no experience.
66
one's number is up
To say that one's number is up means that either a person is in serious difficulty and something bad is going to happen, or the time has come when they will die.
67
take the rap
If you take the rap, you accept blame or punishment for something, even if you are not responsible.
68
leave the door open
If you leave the door open, you behave in such a way as to allow the possibility of further action.
69
fine-tooth comb
To go over something with a fine-tooth comb means to examine it closely and thoroughly so as not to miss any details.
70
strike the right note
If you strike or hit the right note, you say or do something suitable or appropriate.
71
grin from ear to ear
If somebody grins from ear to ear, they look vey satisfied and happy.
72
corridors of power
This term refers to the higher levels of government or administration where important decisions are made.
73
much ado about nothing
If people make much ado about nothing, they make a lot of fuss about something which is not important.
74
finger on the pulse
If you keep your finger on the pulse, you are constantly aware of the most recent events or developments.
75
not cut out for something
If you are not cut out for something, you are not the sort of person to succeed or be happy in a particular activity.
76
different kettle of fish
To describe a person, thing or situation as a different kettle of fishmeans that it is completely different from what was previously mentioned.
77
why buy a cow when you can get milk for free
This refers to not paying for something that you can obtain for free.
78
once in a bluemoon
Something that happens once in a blue moon happens rarely or hardly ever.
79
in stitches
When people are in stitches, they are laughing a lot.
80
easy as pie
If something is easy as pie, it is very easy to do.
81
handle with kid gloves
If you handle someone with kid gloves, you treat them very carefully or tactfully, either because they are very important or because they are easily upset.
82
get a move on
If someone tells you to get a move on, they are asking you to hurry up.
83
neither fish nor fowl
This expression is used to describe people or things that are difficult to classify, that are neither one thing nor another.
84
make ends meet
If you find it difficult to pay for your everyday needs because you have very little money, it is hard for you to make ends meet.
85
dab hand at something
If you're a dab hand at something, you're very good at doing it.
86
swallow one's pride
If you swallow your pride, you accept something humiliating or embarrassing, for example having to admit that you are wrong, or that you have less knowledge that you thought.
87
high and mighty
Someone who is high and mighty behaves in a haughty manner as though they were superior to others.
88
makes your blood boil
If something makes your blood boil, it makes you really angry.
89
too big for one's boots
A person who is getting too big for their boots is behaving as if they were more important than they really are.
90
stay one jump ahead
If you stay one jump ahead, you keep an advantage over others by making sure you are better informed, or taking action before they do.
91
field day
A field day refers to a day or period of great excitement and activity.
92
dig in one's heels
If you dig in your heels, you refuse to do something, especially if someone is trying to convince you to do so.
93
worm one's way out of
If a person worms their way out of something, they use artful or devious means in order to avoid participating in it.
94
fall over backwards
If you fall over backwards to accomplish something, you do everything you possibly can to please and impress.
95
get your tongueround
If you are able to pronounce a difficult word or phrase, you can get your tongue round it.
96
when the rubber hits the road
The moment when you put a theory into practice, or actually apply what you have learned, is when the rubber hits the road.
97
lips are sealed
If you say that your lips are sealed, you promise not to reveal a secret.
98
cough up
If you have to cough up something, such as money or information, you give it reluctantly or unwillingly.
99
bite the bullet
If you bite the bullet, you accept something unpleasant because you cannot avoid it.
100
slush fund
A slush fund is an account or fund in politics or business where money is set aside for various unofficial purposes, often unethical or even illegal.
101
steal someone's thunder
If you steal someone's thunder you take their idea or plan and draw attention and praise away from them by presenting it first.
102
give your right arm
If you say "Id give my right arm for that", you mean that you want it a lot and would do almost anything to obtain it.
103
second to none
Something that is second to none is excellent or much better than any other.
104
fall between stools
If something falls between two stools, it is neither totally one thing nor another, and is therefore unsatisfactory.
105
nose out of joint
If something puts your nose out of joint, it offends or annoys you.
106
nerves of steel
Someone who has nerves of steel is not afraid in difficult or dangerous situations.
107
silver bullet
This term refers to an extremely effective or magical solution to a difficult problem.
108
take the law into your own hands
If, instead of calling the police, you act personally against someone who has done something wrong, you take the law into your own hands.
109
behind closed doors
If something takes place behind closed doors, it is done privately, with no observers or intruders.
110
battle of wills
A conflict, argument or struggle where both sides are determined to win is described as a battle of wills.
111
short end of stick
If you get the short end of the stick, you are treated unfairly or receive less than what is due or deserved.
112
old wives' tale
A traditional belief or idea which has been proved wrong by science is called an old wives' tale.
113
get out of hand
If a person or situation gets out of hand, they cannot be controlled any longer.
114
two of a kind
People who are two of a kind are similar in character, attitude or tastes.
115
in a stew
When someone is in a stew about something, they are worried and agitated.
116
mug's game
An unprofitable or ill-advised activity that only a fool (mug) would do is called a mug's game.
117
happy-go-lucky
If you are a happy-go-lucky person, you are cheerful and carefree all the time.
118
toe the line
If someone toes the line, they obey the rules and accept the principles laid down by a person, group or organisation.
119
work to rule
During a conflict, when employees decide to do only the minimum amount of work required by company rules, and refuse any overtime, etc.
120
live on borrowed time
This expression refers to a period of time after an illness or accident which could have caused death.
121
off the peg
Clothes that are bought off the peg are purchased in a standard size in a shop and are not made specially for you.
122
pull someone's leg
If you pull someone's leg, you tease them by telling them something that is not true.
123
sweet tooth
Someone who has a sweet tooth enjoys eating sweet things like sugar, pastries, chocolate, etc.
124
pour water into a sieve
If someone spends time or energy trying to do something that is inefficient or useless, it is like pouring water into a sieve.
125
play havoc
If someone or something plays havoc, they cause disorder and confusion.
126
cost an arm and a leg
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive.
127
in two shakes of a lamb's tail
To do something in two shakes of a lamb's tail means to do it very quickly or in a moment.
128
in black and white
To say that something is in black and white means that there is written proof of it.
129
bring up the rear
Someone who brings up the rear is the last person in a group of people who are walking or running.
130
water off a duck's back
Criticism or comments which have no effect on someone is referred to as being ''like water off a duck's back'.
131
at each other's throats
Two people who are at each other's throats are always fighting or arguing.
132
bodice-ripper
A novel, usually on a historical theme, with a plot that involves romantic passion between a vulnerable heroine and a rich, powerful male character, is called a bodice-ripper.
133
shilly-shally
If you shilly-shally, you hesitate a lot about something and have difficulty reaching a decision.
134
fast and furious
If an activity is fast and furious, it is done quickly and with a lot of energy.
135
(at the) touch of a button
If you can do something at the touch of a button, you can do it very easily, often thanks to technology.
136
reach saturation point
When something reaches saturation point, it is so full that nothing more can be added.
137
been in/through the wars
If a person or thing has been in or through the wars, they show signs of rough treatment, injury or damage.
138
at all costs
If you are determined to obtain or achieve something at all costs, you want it regardless of the expense, effort or sacrifice involved.
139
nodding terms
If you are on nodding terms with someone, you don't know them very well, just well enough to say 'hello' when you meet them.
140
move in same circles
When people move in the same circles, they socialize with others who have a similar background, interests or lifestyle.
141
old habits die hard
This expression means that people are often reluctant to change the way they do something, especially if they have been doing it for a long time.
142
lend an ear
If you lend an ear to someone, you listen carefully and sympathetically.
143
of your own accord
If you do something of your own accord, you do it spontaneously or willingly, without being influenced or forced by anyone.
144
throw money at
If you throw money at something, you try to solve a problem by spending money on it, without using any other methods.
145
do someone's dirty work
To do somebody's dirty work means to do the unpleasant or difficult work that another person does not want to do.
146
seen better days
If something has seen better days, it has aged visibly in comparison with when it was new.
147
(don't) judge book by cover
Don't judge a book by its cover' means that you should not form an opinion based on appearance only.
148
do the spadework
Someone who does the spadework does the preparatory work or the preliminary research.
149
dead right
This is an emphatic way of telling someone that what they are saying is absolutely correct, without doubt.
150
in raptures
If you are in raptures, you are delighted or very enthusiastic.
151
seamy side of life
This expression refers to the most unpleasant, disreputable or sordid aspects of life that we normally do not see (just as the stitched seams of clothes are generally not seen).
152
(load of) baloney
This term refers to idle talk, or pretentious, untrue or insincere statements that nobody can believe.
153
uncharted waters
If you are in uncharted waters, you are in a situation that you have never experienced before, so you don't know what's going to happen.
154
go bananas
If someone becomes very emotional and starts behaving in a crazy way, they go bananas.
155
teething problems
The difficulties encountered during the initial stage of an activity or project are called teething problems.
156
(you don't know the) half of it
This expression is used to tell someone that they know some of the facts but they don't know how bad the situation is.
157
acid test
To refer to something as' the acid test' means that it will prove how effective or useful something is.
158
stay one jump ahead
If you stay one jump ahead, you keep an advantage over others by making sure you are better informed or taking action before they do.
159
stars in one's eyes
If someone has stars in their eyes, they are looking extremely happy.
160
bring the house down
If you bring the house down, you give a very successful performance.
161
come hell or high water
If you say that you will do something come hell or high water, you mean that you will do it in spite of the difficulties involved.
162
winning ways
A person who has winning ways has a charming or persuasive manner of gaining the affection of others or obtaining what they want.
163
pen pusher
A person who does work that requires little action, just office work, and who lacks operating experience, is called a pen pusher.
164
make hay while the sun shines
This expression is used as an encouragement to take advantage of a good situation which may not last.
165
not for love or money
If you say that you cannot or will not do something for love or money, you mean that you will not do it under any circumstances.
166
all clear
If you are allowed to do something after a check-up to make sure that everything is all right, you get the all clear.
167
apple of your eye
A person, usually a child, who is the apple of your eye is one for whom you have great affection.
168
go pear-shaped
If a plan or project goes pear-shaped, it either goes wrong or it produces an undesirable result.
169
caught in the crossfire
If you are caught in the crossfire, you suffer the effects of an argument or dispute between two people or groups.
170
lull before the storm
A period of unnatural calm before a difficult time or violent activity is called the lull before the storm.
171
world of difference
When comparing two things or situations, the expression a world of difference means that there is a vast difference between them.
172
in vino veritas
This expression, which in Latin means 'in wine there is truth', is a way of saying that wine makes people less inhibited and leads them to speak more freely and reveal their true feelings.
173
come/turn up trumps
To say that someone has come up trumps means that they have achieved unexpectedly good results.
174
go downhill
When something goes downhill, it deteriorates or gets worse little by little.
175
burden of proof
The burden of proof is the necessity imposed by the law to prove that what one says is true.
176
lead to a dead end
If a plan or project leads to a dead end, it develops no further because it has no future.
177
throw good money after bad
Someone who spends additional money on something that was already considered a bad investment is said to throw good money after bad.
178
come a long way
When someone has come a long way, they have made a lot of progress or have become successful.
179
dog and pony show
A dog and pony show is a marketing event or presentation which has plenty of style but not much content.
180
you don't know the half of it
This expression is used to tell someone that they know some of the facts but they don't know how bad the situation is.
181
when the goinggets tough
This expression means that when faced with a difficult or dangerous situation, strong people take action in order to solve the problem.
182
two left feet
If you have two left feet, you are clumsy or awkward in your movements.
183
out of the blue
If something happens out of the blue, it happens unexpectedly.
184
drop of a hat
If you do something at the drop of a hat, you do it immediately and without hesitation.
185
make your flesh crawl
Something that makes your flesh crawl fills you with disgust or makes you feel very nervous.
186
bear with a sore head
If someone is behaving like a bear with a sore head, they are very irritable and bad-tempered.
187
for the birds
If you think something is for the birds, you consider it to be uninteresting, useless or not to be taken seriously.
188
tunnel vision
If a person has tunnel vision, they focus on only one aspect of something, or they are unable to see more than one way of doing things.
189
send up a trial balloon
If you test something such as an idea, a project or a product, to see how people respond to it, you send up a trial balloon.
190
ring a bell
If something rings a bell, it is vaguely familar to you, but you can't remember the exact details.
191
(not) lose sleep
When something happens that in your opinion is not a cause for worry, you can say that you will not lose (any) sleep over it.
192
hide one's light
If you hide your light under a bushel, you are modest or do not reveal a talent, quality or skill you possess.
193
make your ears burn
If something makes your ears burn, you are embarrassed by what you hear, especially if the conversation is about you.
194
pie in the sky
If an idea or project is pie in the sky, it is completely unrealistic or unlikely to be achieved.
195
broad as it's long
This expression means that there is no real difference which alternative is chosen.
196
heebie-jeebies
A state of apprehension, nervousness or anxiety is called the heebie-jeebies.
197
on its knees
When something such as a country or organisation is on its knees, orbrought to its knees, it is in a very weak situation.
198
draw a line in the sand
If you draw a line in the sand, you establish a limit beyond which a certain situation or activity will not be accepted.
199
broad daylight
If something happens in broad daylight, it takes place in the clear light of day when everyone can see what's going on.
200
pack something in
If you pack something in, you abandon it or give it up.
