70 FREQUENTLY USED IDIOMS

Question 1

Under any circumstances or conditions.

It is not going to affect the set-up of the game in any way, sh…___.

Answer 1

Under any circumstances or conditions.

It is not going to affect the set-up of the game IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM.

Question 2

Used to express acceptance of a first statement before introducing a contradictory or confirming second statement.

It’s all we…___ saying that now, but it was impossible to have known that back in June.

Answer 2

Used to express acceptance of a first statement before introducing a contradictory or confirming second statement.

IT’S ALL WELL AND GOOD saying that now, but it was impossible to have known that back in June.

Question 3

Scarce; infrequent

True experts in this field are few and fa…___.

Answer 3

Scarce; infrequent

True experts in this field are FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.

Question 4

To be an essential feature or element of.

Long hours and late nights are **part and pa…*___ the job.

Answer 4

To be an essential feature or element of.

Long hours and late nights are PART AND PARCEL OF the job.

Question 5

To be extremely busy.

We have a staff shortage problem at the moment and so we’re all rushed off…___.

Answer 5

To be extremely busy.

We have a staff shortage problem at the moment and so we’re all RUSHED OFF OUR FEET.

Question 6

Used to indicate that an idea, plan, or proposal has been unsuccessful and that a new one must be devised.

The email says we were denied approval. **Back to th…*___ then to come up with a new plan!

Answer 6

Used to indicate that an idea, plan, or proposal has been unsuccessful and that a new one must be devised.

The email says we were denied approval. BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD then to come up with a new plan!

Question 7

Back to where one started, with no progress having been made

After spending thousands on new software that didn’t even solve the problem, we are, sadly, **back at…*___.

Answer 7

Back to where one started, with no progress having been made

After spending thousands on new software that didn’t even solve the problem, we are, sadly, BACK AT SQUARE ONE.

Question 8

Used to indicate that someone is almost but not quite able to bring a particular word or name to mind.

Oh gosh. What is it called? It begins with ‘T’. Ah! It’s right on the tip…___.

Answer 8

Used to indicate that someone is almost but not quite able to bring a particular word or name to mind.

Oh gosh. What is it called? It begins with ‘T’. Ah! It’s right ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE.

Question 9

To not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens.

A: What are we going to do about the event in Holland?
B: I’m not sure yet. We’ll cross tha…___.

Answer 9

To not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens.

A: What are we going to do about the event in Holland?
B: I’m not sure yet. WE’LL CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT.

Question 10

Every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it.

A: We’d never have stumbled across this idea if it hadn’t been the failure of our first project.
B: Well, you know what they say. “Every cloud…**___”.

Answer 10

Every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it.

A: We’d never have stumbled across this idea if it hadn’t been the failure of our first project.
B: Well, you know what they say. “EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING”.

Question 11

Without warning; unexpectedly.

A: I received a large order from Densley’s yesterday! B: No way! Really? A: Yeah! Just totally out of th…___. I wasn’t expecting it at all.

Answer 11

Without warning; unexpectedly.

A: I received a large order from Densley’s yesterday! B: No way! Really? A: Yeah! Just totally OUT OF THE BLUE. I wasn’t expecting it at all.

Question 12

Something that makes something that is already good even better, or perfect.

We had a great year last year. Sales were great, we expanded our team… We even got mentioned in the newspaper. That was the cherry…___.

Answer 12

Something that makes something that is already good even better, or perfect.

We had a great year last year. Sales were great, we expanded our team… We even got mentioned in the newspaper. That was THE CHERRY ON THE CAKE.

Question 13

Playful phrase that means if someone declines to attend an event, they are considered “uncool.” It implies that the event will be exciting.

Thursday evening, 7pm, The Boat House. Be there o…___!

Answer 13

Playful phrase that means if someone declines to attend an event, they are considered “uncool.” It implies that the event will be exciting.

Thursday evening, 7pm, The Boat House. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

Question 14

Sometimes successful and sometimes not.

In essence, it was a great idea. But the results were a bit hit an…___. One minute it was working, the next minute it wasn’t.

Answer 14

Sometimes successful and sometimes not.

In essence, it was a great idea. But the results were a bit HIT AND MISS. One minute it was working, the next minute it wasn’t.

Question 15

Think in an original or creative way.

It’s such a saturated market. If you want to get noticed, you really need to think outs…___ when it comes to advertising online.

Answer 15

Think in an original or creative way.

It’s such a saturated market. If you want to get noticed, you really need to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX when it comes to advertising online.

Question 16

To take care of, finish, or resolve some issues or pieces of business that are not critical but have remained outstanding.

There are a few loose…___ and then I’ll be ready for my holiday.

Answer 16

To take care of, finish, or resolve some issues or pieces of business that are not critical but have remained outstanding.

There are A FEW LOOSE ENDS TO TIE UP and then I’ll be ready for my holiday.

Question 17

To sound familiar.

A: Have you ever heard of Doctor Peterson?
B: Hmm, the name rings a…___.

Answer 17

To sound familiar.

A: Have you ever heard of Doctor Peterson?
B: Hmm, the name RINGS A BELL.

Question 18

Proceed instinctively according to results and circumstances rather than according to rules or a plan.

A: Should we set up a meeting to discuss the issue?
B: No, let’s just play it b…___. Let’s wait and see what happens first.

Answer 18

Proceed instinctively according to results and circumstances rather than according to rules or a plan.

A: Should we set up a meeting to discuss the issue?
B: No, let’s just PLAY IT BY EAR. Let’s wait and see what happens first.

Question 19

An act whose outcome cannot be foreseen; a mere guess.

Sometimes it is calculated risk, other times it’s just a shot i…___.

Answer 19

An act whose outcome cannot be foreseen; a mere guess.

Sometimes it is calculated risk, other times it’s just A SHOT IN THE DARK.

Question 20

Immediately and without thinking very much or giving it careful thought or investigation.

A: Are there any national holidays in April?
B: I’m not sure off the to…___. Let me just do a quick search on Google.

Answer 20

Immediately and without thinking very much or giving it careful thought or investigation.

A: Are there any national holidays in April?
B: I’m not sure OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. Let me just do a quick search on Google.

Question 21

When you can remember all the words by memory alone, without any help.

Yep, let me give you their number. I’ve called so many times I know it off by he…___.

Answer 21

When you can remember all the words by memory alone, without any help.

Yep, let me give you their number. I’ve called so many times I know it OFF BY HEART.

Question 22

To be totally distracted in daydream.

Sorry Tommy, what were you saying? I was **away with th…*___ then.

Answer 22

To be totally distracted in daydream.

Sorry Tommy, what were you saying? I was AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES then.

Question 23

End a period of activity, especially to take a rest when you’re content that enough has been done.

Shall we call it…___ guys? It’s 6pm.

Answer 23

End a period of activity, especially to take a rest when you’re content that enough has been done.

Shall we CALL IT A DAY guys? It’s 6pm.

Question 24

To be waiting eagerly to hear about something.

A: Nickie - I’ve got an exciting idea for you.
B: Ooh, great! I’m all e…___!

Answer 24

To be waiting eagerly to hear about something.

A: Nickie - I’ve got an exciting idea for you.
B: Ooh, great! I’m ALL EARS!

Question 25

**It is better for someone to arrive or do something late than not to arrive or do it at all.** Sorry it's late, Trish. Ah, don't worry. **Better la...**___.

Answer 25

**It is better for someone to arrive or do something late than not to arrive or do it at all.** Sorry it's late, Trish. Ah, don't worry. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.

Question 26

**Undertake something in what appears to be the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, especially by omitting to do something important or ignoring rules.** **Cut...**___ by finding the best way of doing something is fine. But the work does need to be done properly.

Answer 26

**Undertake something in what appears to be the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, especially by omitting to do something important or ignoring rules.** CUTTING CORNERS by finding the best way of doing something is fine. But the work does need to be done properly.

Question 27

**Used when you are explaining what happened in a few words, without giving all the details.** A: So, what happened? B: Well, to **make a lo...**___, the internal system is playing up and now some of the orders have been lost.

Answer 27

**Used when you are explaining what happened in a few words, without giving all the details.** A: So, what happened? B: Well, MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, the internal system is playing up and now some of the orders have been lost.

Question 28

**Time seems to pass more quickly when one is enjoying oneself.** A: Blimey, is it 5pm already? B: **Time flie...**___.

Answer 28

**Time seems to pass more quickly when one is enjoying oneself.** A: Blimey, is it 5pm already? B: TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN.

Question 29

**Be able to understand something that seems very strange or very complicated. Or when you're struggling to accept that something is true.** What? She went to Brazil... to study Spanish? That doesn't make any sense. I cannot **wrap my...**___ that.

Answer 29

**Be able to understand something that seems very strange or very complicated. Or when you're struggling to accept that something is true.** What? She went to Brazil... to study Spanish? That doesn't make any sense. I cannot WRAP MY HEAD AROUND that.

Question 30

**A piece of advice which means that one should not concentrate all efforts and resources in one area as one could lose everything.** I believe in having several income sources. I don't think it's wise to **put all of...**___.

Answer 30

**A piece of advice which means that one should not concentrate all efforts and resources in one area as one could lose everything.** I believe in having several income sources. I don't think it's wise to PUT ALL OF YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET.

Question 31

**A patient seeker will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue.** A: It took a while for the business to get going, but here we are. B: **Good things co...**___.

Answer 31

**A patient seeker will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue.** A: It took a while for the business to get going, but here we are. B: GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.

Question 32

**if you do not know about something, you do not worry about it.** A: He's not interested in the slightest in understanding what's wrong. B: Well, ___.

Answer 32

**if you do not know about something, you do not worry about it.** A: He's not interested in the slightest in understanding what's wrong. B: Well, IGNORANCE IS BLISS.

Question 33

**Something easily achieved.** A: Do you think you'll be able to do that? B: Oh, yeah. It'll be **a piece...**___.

Answer 33

**Something easily achieved.** A: Do you think you'll be able to do that? B: Oh, yeah. It'll be A PIECE OF CAKE.

Question 34

**Used to recognise that each person has unique preferences. "Whatever makes you happy."** A: I love dunking biscuits in my coffee. B: That's weird. But, **whatever floa...**___.

Answer 34

**Used to recognise that each person has unique preferences. "Whatever makes you happy."** A: I love dunking biscuits in my coffee. B: That's weird. But, WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT.

Question 35

**To say that it is within your preferences or that you like it.** Extreme sports are not **my cup...**___. Count me out.

Answer 35

**To say that it is within your preferences or that you like it.** Extreme sports are not MY CUP OF TEA. Count me out.

Question 36

**Used for emphasis when one doesn't know the answer to a question. Especially if the other person doesn't seem to know either.** A: Lara, any idea where Craig is? B:**Your guess...**___.

Answer 36

**Used for emphasis when one doesn't know the answer to a question. Especially if the other person doesn't seem to know either.** A: Lara, any idea where Craig is? B: YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE.

Question 37

**(Of a plan or issue) still to be settled; unresolved.** There's a lot of uncertainty at the moment, we're not quite sure what we're going to do. Everything is all **up in...**___.

Answer 37

**(Of a plan or issue) still to be settled; unresolved.** There's a lot of uncertainty at the moment, we're not quite sure what we're going to do. Everything is all UP IN THE AIR.

Question 38

**Achieve two aims at once.** Whilst you're doing that, could you broach the subject with Karen, please? **Kill two...**___.

Answer 38

**Achieve two aims at once.** Whilst you're doing that, could you broach the subject with Karen, please? KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE.

Question 39

**In the care of a person or people who are able to take care of someone or something well.** Don't worry, our team is very experienced in these matters. You are **in go...**___.

Answer 39

**In the care of a person or people who are able to take care of someone or something well.** Don't worry, our team is very experienced in these matters. You are IN GOOD HANDS.

Question 40

**To say that a subject is clear and well-defined.** It's not so **blac...**___. It's much more complicated than that.

Answer 40

**To say that a subject is clear and well-defined.** It's not so BLACK AND WHITE. It's much more complicated than that.

Question 41

**A feeling of calm or not being worried.** What a relief that the customer didn't mind. That gives me a lot of **peace o...**___.

Answer 41

**A feeling of calm or not being worried.** What a relief that the customer didn't mind. That gives me a lot of PIECE OF MIND.

Question 42

**To enter a business or organization at a low level, but with a chance of being more successful in the future.** A: It's only a low-level position, but I'm still pleased. B: Well at least you've got **a foot...**___.

Answer 42

**To enter a business or organization at a low level, but with a chance of being more successful in the future.** A: It's only a low-level position, but I'm still pleased. B: Well at least you've got A FOOT IN THE DOOR.

Question 43

**A rule or principle that you follow which is not based on exact calculations, but rather on experience.** A good **rule o...**___ is that a broker must generate sales of ten times his salary.

Answer 43

**A rule or principle that you follow which is not based on exact calculations, but rather on experience.** A good RULE OF THUMB is that a broker must generate sales of ten times his salary.

Question 44

**Set an activity in motion; make a start.** To **get the ba...**___, the government was asked to contribute a million dollars to the fund.

Answer 44

**Set an activity in motion; make a start.** To GET THE BALL ROLLING, the government was asked to contribute a million dollars to the fund.

Question 45

**To be in a very difficult situation and to have to make a hard decision.** It wasn't a pleasant decision to take but we were caught **between a ro...**___.

Answer 45

**To be in a very difficult situation and to have to make a hard decision.** It wasn't a pleasant decision to take but we were caught BETWEEN A ROCK A HARD PLACE.

Question 46

**Decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off or hesitating over.** I couldn't make up my mind in the beginning, I was pretty anxious about it. But then I just decided to **bite th...**___ and get on with it.

Answer 46

**Decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off or hesitating over.** I couldn't make up my mind in the beginning, I was pretty anxious about it. But then I just decided to BITE THE BULLET and get on with it.

Question 47

**Remain silent.** I totally disagreed with basically everything he said, but I just had to **hold m...**___.

Answer 47

**Remain silent.** I totally disagreed with basically everything he said, but I just had to HOLD MY TONGUE.

Question 48

**To cause people to become agitated.** The government's decision has **caused...**___. A lot of businesses are upset about the changes that have been made.

Answer 48

**To cause people to become agitated.** The government's decision has CAUSED A STIR. A lot of businesses are upset about the changes that have been made.

Question 49

**Be extremely expensive.** This new machine **costs an ar...**___. I'm not even going to tell you how much I spent on it.

Answer 49

**Be extremely expensive.** This new machine COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG. I'm not even going to tell you how much I spent on it.

Question 50

**Abandon an enterprise or course of action that is clearly going to be unprofitable or unsuccessful before one suffers too much loss or harm.** It's tricky to know when you should just **cut yo...**___ and move on, especially after investing a large amount of time or money in something.

Answer 50

**Abandon an enterprise or course of action that is clearly going to be unprofitable or unsuccessful before one suffers too much loss or harm.** It's tricky to know when you should just CUT YOUR LOSSES and move on, especially after investing a large amount of time or money in something.

Question 51

**Resist stubbornly; refuse to give in.** We voiced our opinion and the other party really didn't want to budge but we had to **dig our he...**___. There was no way we were going to give up.

Answer 51

**Resist stubbornly; refuse to give in.** We voiced our opinion and the other party really didn't want to budge but we had to DIG OUR HEELS IN. There was no way we were going to give up.

Question 52

**To begin an activity that has been planned.** How's everyone feeling? Nervous? Well, the moment has arrived. So, let's **get this sh...**___.

Answer 52

**To begin an activity that has been planned.** How's everyone feeling? Nervous? Well, the moment has arrived. So, let's GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD.

Question 53

**To misunderstand or misinterpret a situation.** Oh! I thought you meant that you wanted me to start on this one. Oh, my bad, it seems that I **got the wrong...**___.

Answer 53

**To misunderstand or misinterpret a situation.** Oh! I thought you meant that you wanted me to start on this one. Oh, my bad, it seems that I GOT THE WRONG END OF THE STICK.

Question 54

**To get totally confused, or make a mistake because you mixed things up in your mind.** Ah yes you're right. It's on Tuesday, not Wednesday. Sorry, I **got my wir...**___.

Answer 54

**To get totally confused, or make a mistake because you mixed things up in your mind.** Ah yes you're right. It's on Tuesday, not Wednesday. Sorry, I GOT MY WIRES CROSSED.

Question 55

**The situation was already bad and then it got even worse.** In the beginning it was hard. Things just **went from b...**___ and I was filled with a lot of self-doubt.

Answer 55

**The situation was already bad and then it got even worse.** In the beginning it was hard. Things just WENT FROM BAD TO WORSE and I was filled with a lot of self-doubt.

Question 56

**Permission to start or continue something (such as a project)** We've **got the gr...**___ from head office. We'll make a start on the design tomorrow.

Answer 56

**Permission to start or continue something (such as a project)** We've GOT THE GREEN LIGHT from head office. We'll make a start on the design tomorrow.

Question 57

**Used to say that someone is unable to act freely because something (such as a rule or law) prevents it.** There's nothing I can do about it. It's out of my power - **my hands...***___. I'm really sorry.

Answer 57

**Used to say that someone is unable to act freely because something (such as a rule or law) prevents it.** There's nothing I can do about it. It's out of my power - MY HANDS ARE TIED. I'm really sorry.

Question 58

**To hear rumors or to find out something because your friends were talking about it.** I **heard on th...**___ that you've gotten engaged. Congratulations!

Answer 58

**To hear rumors or to find out something because your friends were talking about it.** I HEARD ON THE GRAPEVINE that you've gotten engaged. Congratulations!

Question 59

**Seize an opportunity; begin at full speed.** We won't have much time to get everything ready. So we'll have to **hit the gro...**___, as they say.

Answer 59

**Seize an opportunity; begin at full speed.** We won't have much time to get everything ready. So we'll have to HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, as they say.

Question 60

**Out of difficulties, danger or trouble.** A: Oh, that's good news. B: Yes, but we're not **out of...**___ just yet. There are still a few more hurdles to jump.

Answer 60

**Out of difficulties, danger or trouble.** A: Oh, that's good news. B: Yes, but we're not OUT OF THE WOODS just yet. There are still a few more hurdles to jump.

Question 61

**To warn someone about something.** Just a **word o...**___ on that note: it may sound like a good thing, but it's going to require much more time and effort...

Answer 61

**To warn someone about something.** Just a WORD OF WARNING on that note: it may sound like a good thing, but it's going to require much more time and effort...

Question 62

**Temporarily not being dealt with or considered, especially because it is not urgent or important.** We had to put the renovations **on the bac...**___. We'll carry on with it in January I expect. We've just got too much on at the moment.

Answer 62

**Temporarily not being dealt with or considered, especially because it is not urgent or important.** We had to put the renovations ON THE BACK BURNER. We'll carry on with it in January I expect. We've just got too much on at the moment.

Question 63

**To give someone all the latest information about something.** Dorris has been on holiday for a couple of weeks but she's back tomorrow. Could you **bring me u...**___ on everything. Just so that she knows what's going on.

Answer 63

**To give someone all the latest information about something.** Dorris has been on holiday for a couple of weeks but she's back tomorrow. Could you BRING ME UP TO SPEED on everything. Just so that she knows what's going on.

Question 64

**Very early in the morning.** I'll see you **bright an...**___ tomorrow then. 5:30 we said, didn't we?

Answer 64

**Very early in the morning.** I'll see you BRIGHT AND EARLY tomorrow then. 5:30 we said, didn't we?

Question 65

**To forget something, especially a committment or obligation.** I am so sorry I'm late. The meeting just totally **slipped m...**___. I've been away with the fairies recently!

Answer 65

**To forget something, especially a committment or obligation.** I am so sorry I'm late. The meeting just totally SLIPPED MY MIND. I've been away with the fairies recently!

Question 66

**A very small difference between two things.** There's a very **fine...**___ between panic and caution.

Answer 66

**A very small difference between two things.** There's a very FINE LINE between panic and caution.

Question 67

**Well suited to one's tastes, interests, or abilities.** A: ...And we had a lovely meal in on the 13th floor. B: Ooh wow, that sounds **right up...**___. You must tell me where it is.

Answer 67

**Well suited to one's tastes, interests, or abilities.** A: ...And we had a lovely meal in on the 13th floor. B: Ooh wow, that sounds RIGHT UP MY STREET. You must tell me where it is.

Question 68

**To be unable to decide what to do in a situation.** I had been **uming an...**___ about moving house for about 6 months until I finally decided to bite the bullet.

Answer 68

**To be unable to decide what to do in a situation.** I had been UMING AND AHING about moving house for about 6 months until I finally decided to bite the bullet.

Question 69

**Very cheap.** Just get one second-hand. They're **cheap a...**___ online.

Answer 69

**Very cheap.** Just get one second-hand. They're CHEAP AS CHIPS online.

Question 70

**To say that isomething isn't very difficult to do or to understand.** All I've done is follow the instructions in the manual. ___.

Answer 70

**To say that isomething isn't very difficult to do or to understand.** All I've done is follow the instructions in the manual. IT ISN'T ROCKET SCIENCE.