2001-2200 Flashcards
(200 cards)
1
Q
of no avail
A
Something which isof no availis not at all helpful or useful.
2
Q
talk shop
A
If youtalk shop,you talk about your work or business in a social situation with someone you work with, and make the conversation boring for the others present.
3
Q
go torackand ruin
A
If somethinggoes to rack and ruin,it deteriorates or falls into serious decline until it reaches a state of complete destruction.
4
Q
thin on the top
A
If someone, usually a man, isthin on the top, they are losing their hair or going bald.
5
Q
stand on ceremony
A
When peoplestand on ceremony,they behave in a very formal way.
6
Q
come to grief
A
If someone or somethingcomes to grief, they either have an accident, are destroyed or end in failure.
7
Q
take one’s life into one’s hands
A
To say that someone istaking their life in their handsmeans that they are taking the risk of being killed.
8
Q
hold on for dear life
A
If youhold (orhang) on for dear life,you grip something firmly so as not to fall.
9
Q
play possum
A
When someoneplays possum, they pretend to be dead or asleep in order to avoid something they don’t want to do.
10
Q
keep head above water
A
To keepone’s head above watermeans to try to survive by staying out of debt, for example a small business.
11
Q
safe bet
A
To say that something isa safe betmeans that it is very likely to happen.
12
Q
watch like a hawk
A
If youwatch someone like a hawk,you keep your eyes on them or watch them very carefully.
13
Q
help a lame dog
A
If youhelp a lame dog over a stile,you help someone who is in difficulty or trouble.
14
Q
cheesed off
A
If someone ischeesed offwith something, they are annoyed, bored or frustrated.
15
Q
make mincemeat of
A
If youmake mincemeat ofsomeone or something, you completely and utterly defeat or destroy them.
16
Q
cap in hand
A
If you do somethingcap in hand, you ask for something in a very respectful manner.
17
Q
good riddance!
A
This expression is used to express relief at becoming free of an unpleasant or unwanted person or thing.
18
Q
hot potato
A
Ahot potato isa very sensitive and controversial matter which is difficult to deal with.
19
Q
wildgoosechase
A
If someone is sent on awild goose chase, they waste their time looking for something that there is little chance of finding.
20
Q
pillar to post
A
If a person, usually someone in difficulty, goesfrom pillar to post,they move constantly from place to place.
21
Q
fall on one’ssword
A
If youfall on your sword, you accept the consequences of an unsuccessful or wrong action.
22
Q
on thelevel
A
If you say that someone is on the level, you are referring to a truthful or honest person.
23
Q
heavens open
A
When theheavens open, it suddenly starts to rain heavily.
24
Q
hit the spot
A
If somethinghits the spot,it is exactly what is needed or wanted.
25
all told
All told means the final number, when everything has been counted.
26
feel the pinch
When someone feels the pinch, they begin to suffer from a lack of money.
27
blow up in your face
When working on a plan or project, if it suddenly goes wrong or fails, it blows up in your face.
28
gutter press
This term refers to newspapers that print a lot of sensational stories about people's private lives.
29
get on your high horse
If you get on your high horse, you start behaving in a haughty manner, as though you should be treated with more respect.
30
under the weather
If you are under the weather, you are not feeling very well.
31
work like a charm
If something such as a product or method works like a charm, it functions very well or has the desired effect.
32
twist in the wind
If someone is left to twist in the wind, they are left to face a difficult situation without any assistance or support.
33
die is cast
To say that the die is cast means that an irrevocable decision has been made that will determine the future.
34
loose end
A person who is at a loose end has some spare time, and feels quite bored by having nothing in particular to do.
35
been there, done that
The expression is used to indicate that the speaker is familiar with the situation mentioned.
36
if the cap fits wear it
You can say 'if the cap fits, wear it' to let someone know that the critical remark they have just heard applies to them.
37
up-to-the-minute
Something that is up-to-the-minute is the very latest or most recent version available.
38
foul one's own nest
If you act in a way that harms your own interests, your position or your reputation, you foul your own nest.
39
life of riley
A person who lives the life of Riley has a comfortable and enjoyable life, without having to make much effort.
40
in the dark
If someone is kept or left in the dark about something, they are not informed about it.
41
throw a bone
If you throw someone a bone, you say something kind or reward them in some way to make them feel good.
42
knee-high to a grasshopper
This term refers to a very young or small child.
43
on the dole
A person who receives financial assistance from the government when they are unemployed is on the dole.
44
ahead of the pack
If a person or organisation is ahead of the pack, they are better or more successful than their rivals.
45
road rage
Aggressive driving habits sometimes resulting in violence against other drivers is called road rage.
46
on the back burner
If you put a project or issue on the back burner, you decide to deal with it at a later date because you do not consider it to be that urgent or important.
47
takes two to tango
You say this when you think that a difficult situation cannot be the fault of one person alone.
48
take your courage in both hands
If you take your courage in both hands, you make yourself do something very brave.
49
wind up in the wrong hands
If something winds up in the wrong hands, it comes into the possession of someone undesirable, for example an opponent or a competitor.
50
have you gone out of your mind?
If you ask someone if they have gone out of their mind, you think they are crazy, foolish or insane.
51
power behind the throne
Someone with no apparent authority who has great influence over the person officially in charge is said to be the power behind the throne.
52
juggle frogs
A person who is juggling frogs is trying to deal with many different tasks at the tame time and finding the situation difficult.
53
one hand washes the other (and together they wash the face)
This expression means that when people cooperate and work well together, there is a better chance of a achieving results.
54
keep a low profile
A person who keeps a low profile tries not to attract public attention.
55
teeth chattering
If your teeth are chattering, you are extremely cold.
56
dry (or dummy) run
If you organise a rehearsal, a trial exercise or a practice session of something, in realistic conditions, to see how well it will work before it is launched, you do a dry run.
57
put the recordsstraight
If you put or set the records straight, you provide facts or an explanation to correct a mistake or misunderstanding.
58
trade secret
This term refers to the secrecy of a company's production methods but is often used teasingly.
59
handbrake on a canoe
Is something is as much use as a handbrake on a canoe, it is completely useless or serves no purpose.
60
show one's true colours
When a person shows their true colours, their behaviour reveals their real nature, with their qualities and/or weaknesses.
61
green fingers
To have green fingers means to be good at gardening.
62
breaking and entering
This term refers to the fact of entering a building or home illegally by breaking open a window, door, etc.
63
dwell on something
If someone dwells on something, they think or talk about it all the time.
64
cry one's eyes out
If you cry your eyes out, you cry a lot and for a long time.
65
none the wiser
If you do not know more about something after hearing or reading an explanation, or if you fail to find information on the subject, you arenone the wiser.
66
raining cats and dogs
If it's raining cats and dogs, it is raining very heavily.
67
chance in a million
A chance in a million is a very small chance, or no chance at all, that something will happen.
68
turn over a new leaf
If a person turns over a new leaf, they decide to change their behaviour and lead a better life.
69
take a gander
If you take or have a gander at something, which is generally new or unusual, you have a look at it or go to check it out.
70
rooted to the spot
If you are so shocked, surprised or scared that you are rooted to the spot, you reaction is so strong that you are unable to move.
71
small dog, tall weeds
This expression is used to refer to someone who does not have the ability or the resources necessary to perform a task.
72
keep a lid on
If you keep the lid on something, you hide it or control it to prevent people from finding out about it.
73
hang in there
This expression is used to encourage someone to persevere and not give up in spite of the difficult circumstances.
74
number cruncher
This is a humorous way of referring to someone who is an accountant or who is very good at working with numbers and calculations.
75
olive branch
If a person or organisation holds out an olive branch to another, they show that they want to end a disagreement and make peace.
76
spinach cinema
Films that are neither exciting nor interesting but are considered educational or uplifting, in the same way as certain foods are good for your health, are referred to as spinach cinema.
77
if push comes to shove
The expression 'if push comes to shove' refers to what you will do if the situation becomes critical and you have to take action.
78
suss out
If you suss out something, such as a problem or a situation, you examine it and manage to understand it.
79
lose the plot
If a situation becomes so confusing that you are unable to understand what is happening or what you are supposed to do, you lose the plot.
80
broad strokes
If something is described or defined with/in broad strokes, it is outlined in a very general way, without any details.
81
needs must (when the devil drives)
The expression 'needs must (when the devil drives)' means that you are sometimes forced by circumstances to do something that you do not want to do.
82
no flies on (someone)
To say that there are no flies on someone means that they are quick to understand and cannot be tricked or deceived easily.
83
turn the tables
If you turn the tables on a person or organisation, you reverse the situation so as to be in a position of superiority.
84
life is just a bowl of cherries
This expression means that life is pleasant and uncomplicated.
85
beside the point
If something is beside the point, it does not relate to the topic or is irrelevant.
86
keep your shirt on!
If you tell somebody to keep their shirt on, you are asking them to calm down.
87
sign on dotted line
If you sign on the dotted line, you formally give your consent to something by signing an official document.
88
keep feet on ground
A person who keeps their feet on the ground continues to act in a sensible and practical way, even if they become successful.
89
get/give the 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.
90
hear through the grapevine
If you hear of something through the grapevine, you learn about it informally, for example through friends or colleagues.
91
crying need
When there is a great lack of something which is urgently needed, there is a crying need for it.
92
one-upmanship
This term refers to the art of gaining and keeping an advantage over other people.
93
law of the jungle
A situation in which people are prepared to use unscrupulous methods in order to succeed or survive is called the law of the jungle.
94
spin doctor
A spin doctor is a press agent or a public relations officer employed to promote a favourable interpretation of events in business or politics.
95
punch above your weight
If you punch above your weight, you try to perform at a level that is beyond your ability.
96
whistle-blower
If you report an illegal or socially harmful activity to the authorities, and give information about those responsible for it, you are a whistle-blower.
97
bandit territory
A geographical area where law enforcement is practically impossible, because people ignore all rules, is called 'bandit territory'.
98
the pits
If something is referred to as the pits, it is considered to be absolutely the worst.
99
blow hot and cold
If you blow hot and cold about something, you constantly change your opinion about it.
100
out of your pocket
If you pay for something out of your own pocket, you cover the cost with your own money.
101
new lease of life
A person who has a new lease of life has a chance to live longer or with greater enjoyment or satisfaction.
102
turn a deaf ear
A person who turns a deaf ear to something such as a request or a complaint refuses to pay attention to it.
103
wise after the event
When someone realizes, after something has happened, what could have been done to prevent it from happening, they are wise after the event.
104
pluck out of the air
To pluck something out of the air means to say a name, date, number, etc.
105
bag of tricks
If you use your (whole) bag of tricks to do something, you try (all) the clever methods you know in order to succeed.
106
(no) hard feelings
If you have no hard feelings, you feel no resentment or bitterness about something.
107
water down
If you water down something such as a report, declaration or proposal, you try to make it weaker or less likely to cause anger.
108
have down pat
If you memorize or practice something until you know it perfectly or have it exactly right, you have it down pat.
109
live wire
Someone who is highly vivacious, energetic and full of enthusiasm is alive wire.
110
let off steam
A person who lets off steam releases surplus energy or strong feelings either through intense physical activity or by talking in an unrestrained manner.
111
know which way the wind is blowing
This expression means that it is advisable to know how a situation is developing in order to be prepared for any changes.
112
the world is youroyster
This expression means that you are free and able to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities that life has to offer.
113
light at end of tunnel
If you see light at the end of the tunnel, you see signs of hope for the future after a long period of difficulty.
114
jump down throat
If someone jumps down another person's throat, they suddenly start shouting at them in a very angry manner.
115
explore all avenues
If you explore all avenues, you try out every possibility in order to obtain a result or find a solution.
116
cut from the same cloth
If two people are cut from the same cloth, they are very similar in character or behaviour.
117
out of your depth
If you are out of your depth, you are unable to understand a subject or deal with a situation because it is too difficult for you.
118
get someone's drift
If you get someone's drift, you understand in a general way what they are trying to say.
119
come to a bad end
If someone comes to a bad end, their actions lead to disastrous consequences which are sometimes deserved or predictable.
120
stop at nothing
Someone who would stop at nothing would do anything, even something illegal or immoral, to obtain what they want.
121
take unawares
If something takes you unawares, it surprises you because you were not expecting it.
122
hit the nail on the head
When you hit the nail on the head, you are absolutely right about something or have guessed the exact nature of a problem or situation.
123
eagle eyes
Someone who has eagle eyes see or notices things more easily than others.
124
no-go area
A no-go area is an area, particularly in a city, where it is dangerous to go.
125
hand in hand
If two or more things go hand in hand, they are associated or often happen at the same time.
126
look down one's nose
If someone looks down their nose at a person or thing, they consider that person or thing as inferior.
127
suit every pocket
This term refers to the amount of money you are able to spend or the price you can afford.
128
take shape
When something such as a plan or project begins to take shape, it starts to become organised and acquire a definite form.
129
go off on a tangent
If someone goes off on a tangent, they change the subject completely in the middle of a speech or conversation.
130
bone of contention
A bone of contention is a matter or subject about which there is a lot of disagreement.
131
by no stretch of the imagination
The expression 'by no stretch of the imagination' means 'however hard you may try to believe or imagine it'.
132
smooth the path
To smooth the path for something means to make progress easier or enable it to happen.
133
in the long run
This term refers to something that will have effect over or after a long period of time.
134
no holds barred
This expression, which derives from wrestling, is used to describe something done with no restraints, limits or rules of conduct.
135
an accomplished fact (also 'fait accompli')
Something that has been done or completed, before those affected by it can intervene or change it, is called an accomplished fact.
136
trilemma
This term is used for a situation which is even more difficult than a dilemma, because a choice must be made between three options that seem equally undesirable.
137
hold the field
If something holds the field, it has not been replaced and remains valid or is still in use.
138
lose the thread
If you lose the thread of a conversation or story, you are unable to follow it.
139
lose your touch
If you lose your touch, you no longer have the ability to do something skillfully.
140
swim against the tide
A person who is doing or saying the opposite to most other people is said to be swimming against the tide.
141
stuck in a time warp
Something that has not changed at all from some time in the past, when everything else has, is caught or stuck in a time warp.
142
more money than sense
If you have more money than sense, you have a lot of money which you waste by spending it in a foolish manner.
143
foot in the grave
A person who is either very old or very ill and close to death has onefoot in the grave.
144
face like a wet week-end
If someone has a face like a wet week-end, they look sad and miserable.
145
flea in one's ear
After an attempt at something, if you are sent away with a flea in your ear, you are angrily reprimanded or humiliated.
146
hit the airwaves
When someone hits the airwaves, they go on radio and/or TV to be interviewed or to promote something.
147
paint into a corner
If you paint yourself into a corner, you put yourself into a situation that restricts what you can do or say.
148
fly off the handle
A person who flies off the handle becomes suddenly very angry.
149
(put) skin in the game
If you put skin in the game, you show your confidence in a company by making a considerable investment or a financial commitment.
150
bear the brunt
A person who bears the brunt of something is the one who suffers the most when something bad or unpleasant happens.
151
go to extremes
People who go to extremes behave in a way that lacks moderation.
152
dice are loaded
If everything seems to work to your disadvantage, and you are not likely to succeed, the dice are loaded against you.
153
not the only pebble on the beach
To say that someone is not the only pebble on the beach means that they are not the only person worth considering.
154
(at) first hand
If you experience something yourself directly, without any intermediary, you experience it (at) first hand.
155
same page/wavelength
If you are on the same page or the same wavelength as someone else, you have the same understanding or think in a similar way.
156
dog in the manger
A person referred to as a dog in the manger is someone who stops others from enjoying something he/she cannot use or doesn't want.
157
do a double take
Someone who does a double take looks again in surprise at something unexpected.
158
tail wagging the dog
This expression refers to a situation where there is a reversal of roles, with the small or minor element having a controlling influence on the most important element.
159
turn turtle
If a boat turns turtle, it capsizes or turns upside down in the water.
160
wheels fall off
When a situation gets out of control and everything starts to go wrong,the wheels fall off.
161
wipe the slate clean
If you wipe the slate clean, you make a fresh start and forget all past offences, disagreements or mistakes.
162
pull a fast one
To pull a fast one means to gain an advantage over someone by deceiving them.
163
get the sack / be sacked
If someone gets the sack, they lose their job, usually because they have done something wrong.
164
(not) have leg to stand on
To say that someone doesn't have a leg to stand on means that they can't prove what they say.
165
chink in someone's armour
If someone has a chink in their armour, they have a weakness that other people can take advantage of.
166
go through the roof
If someone goes through the roof, they become very angry.
167
pack of lies
A large number of untruthful statements is referred to as a pack of lies.
168
bite one's tongue
If you bite your tongue, you try not to say what you really think or feel.
169
go to pieces
If you go to pieces, for example after a terrible shock, you are so upset or distressed that you cannot lead a normal life.
170
hem and haw
When someone hems and haws, they are very evasive and avoid giving a clear answer.
171
(of) no fixed abode
A person of no fixed abode has nowhere permanent to live.
172
the picture of health
Someone who looks the picture of health looks extremely healthy.
173
have something on the brain
If you have something on the brain, you think or talk abut it all constantly.
174
on the mend
If someone or something is on the mend, they are improving after an illness or a difficult period.
175
no love lost
To say that there is no love lost between two people or organisations means that they do not like each other at all.
176
no spring chicken
To say that someone is no spring chicken means that they are quite old or well past their youth.
177
not the brightest bulb in the box not the sharpest knife in the drawer not the sharpest tool in the shed
Sharp and bright both mean clever or intelligent.
178
up to par
If something is up to par, it meets the required standard.
179
soft spot
If you have a soft spot for someone or something, you particularly like them.
180
go down in history
This expression refers to an event that is so important or unusual that it will be recorded in history.
181
blind as a bat
Someone whose vision is very poor, or who is unable to see anything, is (as) blind as a bat.
182
skeleton staff/crew
If a business or organisation works with a skeleton staff, it is run with the smallest number of people necessary.
183
where the shoepinches
When people talk about 'where the shoe pinches', they are referring to an area that is often a source of problems or difficulties.
184
come into one's own
When you come into your own, you finally obtain rightful recognition of your ability or talent and begin to have success.
185
not have a stitch on
Someone who does not have a stitch on is wearing no clothes and is therefore completely naked.
186
high horse
If you get on your high horse, you start behaving in a haughty manner, as though you should be treated with more respect.
187
keep one's feet on the ground
A person who keeps their feet on the ground continues to act in a sensible and practical way, even if they become successful.
188
bats in the belfry
If you say that somebody has bats in the belfry, you mean that they are eccentric or crazy.
189
give as good as you get
This expression means that you are prepared to treat people as badly as they treat you, and fight for your beliefs.
190
get on one's nerves
If you get on someone's nerves, you annoy or irritate them a great deal.
191
all things being equal
This expression refers to a probable situation if, in all other ways, the conditions remain unchanged or equal.
192
bottom fell out
When something causes a plan, project or venture to collapse or fail, the bottom falls out of it.
193
play the market
If you play the market, you buy stocks and shares in the hope of making a profit when you sell them.
194
shape up or ship out
This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve, they will have to leave their job.
195
moment of truth
A critical or decisive time when you face the reality of a situation, and find out if your efforts have succeeded, is called the moment of truth.
196
jaw drops
If someone's jaw drops, they show total amazement.
197
get your hands dirty
If you get your hands dirty in your job, you become involved in all aspects of it, including work that is physical, unpleasant or less interesting.
198
keep a level head
If you keep a level head, you remain calm and sensible no matter how difficult or distressful the situation may be.
199
grey area
To refer to something as a grey area means that it is not clear or easy to define, and is therefore difficult to deal with.
200
ants in one's pants
People who have ants in their pants are very restless or excited about something.
