0401-0600 Flashcards
(200 cards)
1
Q
stick to your guns
A
If youstick to your guns,you show determination when faced with opposition.
2
Q
take wind out ofsails
A
If someone or somethingtakes the wind out of your sails,they make you feel less confident by doing or saying something that you do not expect.
3
Q
licence to print money
A
An officially authorized activity which enables people to make a lot of money without much effort is calleda licence to print money.
4
Q
likely story
A
This expression is used to say that you do not believe what has just been said.
5
Q
not only pebble on beach
A
To say that someone isnot the only pebble on the beachmeans that they are not the only person worth considering.
6
Q
front runner
A
In a contest, race or election, thefront runneris the person who is most likely to succeed or win.
7
Q
bad hair day
A
Originating as a humorous comment about one’s hair being unmanageable, this term had broadened to mean ‘a day when everything seems to go wrong’.
8
Q
keep yourearto the ground
A
If you keep your ear to the ground, you make sure that you are aware of all that is happening and being said.
9
Q
put one’s feet up
A
When you put your feet up, you sit down and relax.
10
Q
heart of stone
A
Someone who has aheart of stoneis a cold person who shows others no understanding, sympathy or pity.
11
Q
armchair traveller
A
Someone who reads books or watches TV programmes about other places and countries, but doesn’t actually travel anywhere, is called anarmchair traveller.
12
Q
on a sticky wicket
A
If you find yourselfon a sticky wicket,you are in a situation that is difficult to deal with.
13
Q
thrilled to bits
A
Someone who isthrilled to bitsis extremely pleased about something.
14
Q
catch 22
A
Acatch 22situation refers to a frustrating situation where you cannot do one thing without doing a second, and you cannot do the second before doing the first.
15
Q
back the wrong horse
A
If youback or bet on the wrong horse, for example the loser in a contest, match or election, you support the wrong person.
16
Q
sell your soul
A
This is a humorous way of saying that you would be willing to do something morally or legally wrong to obtain what you want.
17
Q
look/feel like amilliondollars
A
If youlook or feel like a million dollars, you look or feel extremely good.
18
Q
words of one syllable
A
If you explain something in words of one syllable, you use very simple language.
19
Q
go out the window
A
If a quality, principle or opportunitygoes out the window,it disappears, is lost or abandoned.
20
Q
toy with the idea
A
If you consider something without giving it serious thought, youtoy with the idea.
21
Q
step out of line
A
If youstep out of line,you do something unacceptable or break the rules.
22
Q
flag of convenience
A
If a ship, boat or yacht sails under aflag of convenience, it is registered in a foreign country in order to avoid regulations and taxes, and reduce operating costs.
23
Q
hot on the trail
A
If you arehot on the trailof someone or something, you are very close to finding them.
24
Q
turkeys voting for Christmas
A
This expression is used to say that a particular option is unlikely to be chosen because it would not be in the interest of the people concerned.
25
lock horns
If you lock horns with somebody, you argue or fight with them about something.
26
class act
To say that someone, for example an athlete or entertainer, is a class act means that they are very good at what they do.
27
riding high
Someone who is riding high is enjoying a period of success or popularity.
28
fly by the seat of your pants
If you fly by the seat of your pants, you do something without any knowledge or experience, using only your instinct and hoping that you will succeed.
29
get the better of
If someone or something gets the better of you, it defeats you.
30
street-smart / streetwise
A person who is street-smart or streetwise has enough experience and knowledge about life in the city to be able to deal with difficult or dangerous situations.
31
do someone's dirtywork
To do somebody's dirty work means to do the unpleasant or difficult work that another person does not want to do.
32
economical with the truth
To say that a person is economical with the truth means that, without actually lying, they omit important facts or give incomplete information.
33
it's a small world
People use this expression when they are surprised to meet someone familiar in unexpected places.
34
vent your spleen
When you vent your spleen, you release or express all your anger about something.
35
asking for trouble
Someone who is asking for trouble is behaving so stupidly that he/she is likely to have problems.
36
regain one's composure
If you regain your composure, you calm down and control your emotions again after a stressful or upsetting event.
37
is the PopeCatholic?
This is a sarcastic way of answering a question in the affirmative when the answer is obviously 'yes'.
38
now you're talking!
This expression is used to show encouragement or agreement with something that has just been said, for example a good idea.
39
deep pockets
A person or organisation who has deep pockets has a lot of money.
40
turn up like a bad penny
If someone turns up like a bad penny, they appear at a place or event where they are not welcome or not wanted.
41
run out of steam
If you say that a person, a process or an organised event is running out of steam, you mean that there is a loss of impetus, energy or enthusiasm.
42
of your own free will
If you do something of your own free will, you do it voluntarily, without any pressure from others.
43
swelled/swollen head
Someone who has a swelled or swollen head has become proud or conceited, usually because of a recent success.
44
out of whack
If something is out of whack, it is not working properly or is not in good order.
45
my way or highway
If you say to someone 'it's my way or the highway', you are telling them that either they accept to do as you say or they leave the project.
46
other fish to fry
If you have other fish to fry, you have more important things to do.
47
game not worth the candle
To say that the game (or the cake) is not worth the candle means that the advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved.
48
easy does it!
You can 'easy does it!' when you want something to be done slowly and carefully.
49
on the QT
Something that is done on the QT is done quietly or discreetly.
50
vested interest
If you have a vested interested in a situation or event, you expect to benefit or gain an advantage from it.
51
sink or swim
If someone has to sink or swim, they have to do something alone, and their success or failure depends entirely on their own efforts.
52
before you know it
If something takes place so suddenly that you don't have time to become aware of it, it happens before you know it or before you know where you are.
53
doubting Thomas
A 'doubting Thomas' is a person who will not believe something without proof, or without seeing it for themselves.
54
dance attendance
If you dance attendance on somebody, you are constantly available for that person and attend to their wishes.
55
just off the boat
A person who is just off the boat is naive and lacks experience.
56
over the top (OTT)
Something which is over the top is totally excessive or not suitable for the occasion.
57
horses for courses
This expression means that because horses race better on a course that suits them, it is important to match people with suitable jobs or tasks.
58
jack of all trades
A jack of all trades is a person who can do many different things but is not very good at any one of them.
59
snake in the grass
Someone who pretends to be your friend while actually betraying you is a snake in the grass.
60
take a fancy to
If you take a fancy to someone or something, you develop a fondness for them or begin to like them.
61
shoulder surfing
The practice of looking over somebody's shoulder when they are using a computer, cash dispenser or other electronic device, in order to obtain personal information (identification, account number, password, etc.
62
come to blows
If two or more people come to blows, they start to fight.
63
go to great lengths (or pains)
When trying to achieve something, if you go to great lengths or great pains, you do everything that is possible in order to succeed.
64
pull your weight
To say that somebody pulls their weight means that they do their fair share of the work.
65
(can't) make an omelette without ...
This expression means that it is impossible to make important changes without causing some unpleasant effects.
66
all hell broke loose
If you say that all hell broke loose, you mean that there was a sudden angry or noisy reaction to something.
67
sitting duck
A sitting duck is an easy target, a person who is easy to deceive.
68
keep the wolf from the door
To keep the wolf from the door you need to have enough money to buy food and other basic essentials in order to survive.
69
taste of one's own medicine
If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you treat them in the same unpleasant way that they have treated you.
70
run out of steam
If you say that a person, a process or an organised event is running out of steam, you mean that there is a loss of impetus, energy or enthusiasm.
71
grit your teeth
When you are determined to do something in spite of the difficulties involved, you grit your teeth.
72
tear one's hair out
If someone is tearing their hair out, they are extremely agitated or distressed about something.
73
binge drinking
This term refers to heavy drinking where large quantities of alcohol are consumed in a short space of time, often among young people in rowdy groups.
74
live to tell the tale
Someone who lives to tell the tale survives a terrible experience.
75
going concern
A business or activity that is dynamic and successful is a going concern.
76
close to home
If a remark or comment is close to home, it is so true, or it affects you so directly, that you feel uncomfortable.
77
cut both ways
Something that cuts both ways has both a positive and a negative effect at the same time.
78
all brawn and no brain
Someone who is physically very strong but not very intelligent is said to be all brawn and no brain.
79
fall flat
If a joke, a story or a form of entertainment falls flat, it does not amuse people, or fails to have the effect that was intended.
80
sour grapes
To say that someone's attitude is 'sour grapes' means that they are trying to make others believe that something they cannot have is of no importance.
81
tickled pink
If you are tickled pink, you are very pleased about something.
82
if it ain't broke don't fix it
This expression means that if a system or method works well, you shouldn't change it.
83
it's anyone's call
This expression is used when the result of a contest or election is difficult to predict.
84
butterflies in your stomach
If you have butterflies in your stomach, you are feeling very nervous.
85
kowtow to someone
If you are very respectful and submissive, giving way to the wishes of a person or organisation in authority in order to please them, you kowtow to them.
86
from rags to riches
If a person goes from rags to riches, they start off being very poor and become very rich and successful.
87
my foot!
This expression is used to show that you do not believe something that has just been said.
88
break every rule in the book
If you behave in a completely unacceptable way, you break every rule in the book.
89
lend oneself to
If you lend yourself to something, you approve of it or become associated with it.
90
fur coat and no knickers
A person who tries to appear distinguished but has no real class is referred to as 'fur coat and no knickers'.
91
forty winks
If you have forty winks, you have a short sleep or rest, generally during the day.
92
embarrassment of riches
When there is much more of something than necessary, and it is difficult to make a choice, you have an embarrassment of riches.
93
over and done with
If something difficult or unpleasant is over and done with, it has now been successfully accomplished, so you don't have to worry about it any longer.
94
had one's chips
To say that someone has had their chips means that they have completely failed in what they set out to achieve.
95
whys and wherefores
To talk about the whys and wherefores means to discuss the reasons.
96
not let grass grow under your feet
If someone does not let the grass grow under their feet, they do not delay in getting something done.
97
(all) hands on deck
When there is a need for all hands on deck, everyone must help, especially if there's a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time.
98
itchy feet
A person who has itchy feet is someone who finds it difficult to stay in one place and likes to travel and discover new places.
99
get a second bite of the cherry
This expression means that you get a second opportunity to do or try something.
100
wishful thinking
Wishful thinking means believing that something that you want to happen is really happening or will happen, even though it is neither true nor likely.
101
make hair stand on end
If you are absolutely terrified of something, it makes your hair stand on end.
102
infomania
If you are constantly checking and responding to email and text messages, you may be the victim of a recent addiction calledinfomania.
103
whole new ball game
To refer to something as a whole new ball game means that it is a completely different situation due to a new set of circumstances.
104
regain one's feet
If you regain your feet, you stand up again after stumbling or falling.
105
by the skin of one's teeth
If you manage to do something by the skin of your teeth, you succeed in doing it but you almost fail.
106
keep options open
When you keep your options open, you postpone making a decision so that you can choose among several possible courses of action.
107
say a mouthful
If you make an important or lengthy remark, you say a mouthful.
108
knock down with feather
To say 'you could have knocked me down with a feather' emphasizes the fact that you were extremely surprised.
109
sauce for the goose
The saying 'what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander' means that what is appropriate for one person should also be appropriate for the other person concerned.
110
slap on the wrist
If you get a slap on the wrist, you receive mild punishment, or you are reprimanded for something you have done.
111
play truant
A young person who plays truant stays away from school without permission or excuse.
112
(not) give a hoot
To say that you don't or couldn't give a hoot means that you don't care at all about something.
113
flog a horse
To say that someone is flogging (or beating) a dead horse means that they are wasting time and effort trying to do or achieve something that is impossible.
114
only to be expected
If an event or outcome is only to be expected, it is most likely to happen.
115
time after time
If you do something time after time, you do it repeatedly or on many occasions.
116
a taste of one's own medicine
If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you treat them in the same unpleasant way that they have treated you.
117
thing of the past
Something which no longer exists or is rarely used today is a thing of the past.
118
stickler for the rules
Someone who is a stickler for the rules is a disciplinarian who demands strict observance of the rules or procedures.
119
not getting anywhere
If you are not getting anywhere, you are making no progress at all.
120
paper tiger
This term refers to a person, organisation or country that is less powerful or threatening than they appear to be.
121
two can play at that game
You say this to tell someone that you can behave towards them in the same unpleasant way that they have behaved towards you.
122
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.
123
look before you leap
This is something you say when advising someone to think carefully about the possible problems before doing something.
124
put a damper on
If someone or something puts a damper on a situation or event, they do something to make it less successful or enjoyable.
125
that make my blood boil!
If something makes your blood boil, it makes you really angry.
126
put best foot forward
If someone puts their best foot forward, they do something as fast as they can.
127
just the ticket
If something is just the ticket, it is exactly right, or just what you need.
128
wear the trousers
The partner who wears the trousers (or pants) is the one who makes the important decisions.
129
jump out of one's skin
If you jump out of your skin, you are extremely surprised or shocked.
130
change of heart
If someone has a change of heart, they change their attitude or feelings, especially towards greater friendliness or cooperation.
131
same wavelength
If you are on the same wavelength as someone else, you feel or think the same way about something.
132
live from hand to mouth
If you live from hand to mouth, you don't have any money to save because whatever you earn is spent on food and other essentials.
133
wooden spoon
The person who finishes last in a race or competition receives an imaginary prize called the wooden spoon.
134
hedge your bets
If you hedge your bets, you choose two or more courses of action in order to reduce the risk of loss or error.
135
senior moment
A momentary lapse of memory, especially in older people, or an absent-minded action such as putting the cereals in the refrigerator, is humorously referred to as having a senior moment.
136
knock sense into
When you knock sense into somebody, you use strong words or methods in order to get that person to stop behaving stupidly.
137
set the alarm bells ringing / alarm bells start to ring
If something sets the alarm bells ringing, it makes you begin to worry, because it shows that there may be a problem.
138
can't see the woodfor the trees
If someone can't see the wood for the trees, they are so concentrated on the details that they can't see the situation as a whole.
139
first base
When you get to (or reach) first base, you make progress or begin to have success with someone or something.
140
land of the living
This is a humorous way of saying that someone is still alive.
141
paint the town red
If you paint the town red, you go out and enjoy a lively evening in bars, night-clubs, etc.
142
get/give the low-down
If you get or give the low-down, you get or give complete information or facts about something.
143
take offline
If you suggest that a subject be taken offline (during a meeting for example), you consider that it is a separate issue and should be discussed at another time.
144
above board
If a situation or business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal.
145
chalk and cheese
Two people who are like chalk and cheese are completely different from each other.
146
pound the pavement
Someone who pounds the pavement walks the streets or goes from company to company, usually in search of employment.
147
born with silver spoon in your mouth
To say that someone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth means that their family is very rich and privileged.
148
make up for lost time
If you make up for lost time, you increase your efforts or work harder to complete something or meet a deadline.
149
race against time
When someone is in a race against time, they have to work very quickly in order to do or finish something before a certain time.
150
take matters into your own hands
If you take matters into your hands, you take action yourself rather than waiting for others to intervene.
151
give the slip
If you give the slip to somebody who is following you, you manage to hide or get away from them.
152
bounce off the walls
Someone who is very excited about something, or full of nervous energy, is said to be bouncing off the walls.
153
different strokes for different folks
Each individual has their own tastes and requirements.
154
fling oneself into
If you fling yourself into an activity, you do it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
155
mixed blessing
Something pleasant which also has disadvantages is called a mixed blessing.
156
under close scrutiny
Someone or something that is under (close) scrutiny is being watched or examined carefully.
157
saddled with debt
If you are saddled with debt, the amount of money that you owe is a financial burden.
158
tar baby
This term refers to a sticky situation or problem for which it is virtually impossible to find a solution.
159
it's no use crying over spilt milk
It is useless to complain or have regrets about something that is done and cannot be changed.
160
lay down the law
Someone who lays down the law tells people very forcefully and firmly what to do.
161
on one's last legs
If you are on your last legs, you are in a very weak condition or about to die.
162
dial it back
If you dial it back, you reduce the intensity of something, or tone it down.
163
not have a clue
If you don't have a clue about something, you don't know anything about it.
164
on top of the world
If you feel on top of the world, you are extremely happy because everything is going well for you.
165
sore point
A sore point is a subject to be avoided because it causes anger or embarrassment.
166
left to own devises
If you leave someone to their own devices, you leave them to look after themselves, with any help or supervision.
167
ostrich strategy/policy
Someone who adopts an ostrich strategy or policy chooses to ignore or evade an obvious problem in the hope that it will resolve itself or disappear.
168
proper 'do'
This expression refers to a social event with formal clothes and top-class catering, organised to celebrate something.
169
good as gold
A child who is as good as gold is obedient and well-behaved.
170
smack dab in themiddle
If something is smack dab in the middle, it is right in the centre.
171
read the riot act
If you declare with force and authority that something must stop, and announce the consequences if it happens again, you read the riot act.
172
in one ear and out the other
To say that information goes in one ear and comes out the othermeans that it is immediately forgotten or ignored.
173
tug at the heartstrings
Something or someone who tugs at the heartstrings causes others to feel a great deal of pity or sadness.
174
shotgun approach
If you use a shotgun approach, you cover a wide range in a non-selective, haphazard and inefficient manner.
175
tongue in cheek
If you describe a remark as 'tongue in cheek' you mean that it is not meant to be taken seriously; it is meant to be funny or ironic.
176
chip off the old block
A person who is a chip off the old block resembles one of their parents in appearance, character or behaviour.
177
dressed to kill
When someone, especially a woman, is dressed to kill, they are wearing very fashionable or glamorous clothes intended to attract attention.
178
rap on the knuckles
If someone gets a rap on/across the knuckles, they are punished or reprimanded, but not very severely, as a reminder not to do something again.
179
(go to) hell in a handcart
If someone or something is going to hell in a handcart, their condition is poor and continues to deteriorate.
180
live the life of riley
A person who lives the life of Riley has a comfortable and enjoyable life, without having to make much effort.
181
in the eye of the storm
A person or organisation who is in the eye of the storm is deeply involved in a difficult situation which affects a lot of people.
182
twenty-four-seven
This term refers to something which is available or happens twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
183
rule the roost
If you rule the roost, you are the most important and powerful person in a group or community.
184
take to the cleaners
If someone is taken to the cleaners, they lose a lot of money in an unfair way, usually by being robbed or cheated.
185
hold all the aces
A person who holds all the aces is in a very strong position because they have more advantages than anyone else.
186
eat out of house and home
This is a humorous way of saying that someone is eating large quantities of your food.
187
live on the breadline
People who live on the breadline have a very low income or barely enough money to survive.
188
the world is your oyster
This expression means that you are free and able to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities that life has to offer.
189
walking papers
If you are given your walking papers, your contract or a relationship has ended.
190
beyond redemption
If something is beyond redemption, it is in such a poor state that there is no hope of improvement or recovery.
191
set in one's ways
A person who is set in their ways is unable or unwilling to change their ideas, habits or methods, often because they are old.
192
clean bill of health
If a person has a clean bill of health, they have a report or certificate declaring that their health is satisfactory.
193
in the lurch
Someone who is left in the lurch is left in a difficult or embarrassing situation.
194
turn on the waterworks
If someone turns on the waterworks, they start to cry, especially to obtain something.
195
take under your wing
If you offer guidance and protection to someone younger or less experienced, you take them under your wing.
196
cross your mind
If an idea or thought crosses your mind, you suddenly think of it.
197
live in an ivory tower
A person who lives in an ivory tower has a lifestyle that preserves them from the problems and difficulties experienced by others.
198
cherry pick
When you cherry pick, you choose something with great care and select only the best.
199
as useful as achocolate teapot
Something which is of no practical use at all is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
200
five finger discount
If somebody gets a five-finger discount, they take something without paying.
