IDIOMS Flashcards

Question

lost for words

Answer 1

unable to speak or articulate a coherent thought, typically because one is surprised or in shock eg: when i got the call that my straight-A-student daughter had been arrested for breaking into the school, I was lost for words. I was astonished to have been given the award-I was stuck for words

Answer 2

to become used to a new situation or experience/to reach a level of comfort in a new situation she was lonely when she first left home, but she is finding her feet now. it takes time to learn the office routine, but you will gradually find your feet.

Answer 3

dont like something eg: Maya wont come to the cinema with me. She says horror films aren’t her cup of tea. / I was learning to play the guitar, but I gave up when I realised it’s not my cup of tea. : James isnt a cat person. Dogs are his cup of tea./Quiz shows are my cup of tea. I love them.

Answer 4

not be nearly as good as something/somebody eg: my new phone isnt a patch on the old one. The camera is rubbish. my holiday at home wasnt a patch on a trip abroad. Overseas travel is much more fun.

Answer 5

to waste one’s time or energy idly or frivolously, to neither progress nor regress eg: we havent been able to do anything new until more funding comes in, so the project is just spinning its wheels for the moment

Answer 6

to thoroughly impress, overwhelm or excite one eg: that movie really knocked my socks off - i didnt expect it to be so good!

Answer 7

to brag or exaggerate; to talk nonsense eg: dont pay jonathan any mind, Mary, he’s just talking through his hat again Dorothy keeps saying she can outrun anyone in our school, but she is talking through her hat if you ask me

Answer 8

become overly enthusiastic Eg: I shouldn’t have behave like that, I just got carried away

Answer 9

not working properly; in need of repair My camera is on the blink.

Answer 10

slightly ill, not feeling well Eg: Sorry i was so quiet during the meeting. I’ve been out of sorts all day.

Answer 11

In a hurry or between pressing activities eg: I ran into my boss in town, so I had to think up an excuse on the fly as to why i wasn’t at work. We grabbed some lunch on the fly.

Answer 12

very tired eg: I feel fit to drop / We danced until we were ready to drop.

Answer 13

a lot of value for little cost eg: that restaurant is great, and the prices are very reasonable-you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Answer 14

having an additional skill that can be used if the first one doesnt work out eg: bookeeping is another string to my bow-i have learnt it in case i lose my job at the bank. Gemma is so talented-she has so many strings to her bow

Answer 15

pay attention; be watchful eg: Keep your eyes peeled for any policeman

Answer 16

to fool someone completely eg: that was a funny joke you played on him. You really got hime good.

Answer 17

to end or discontinue a relationship eg: Mary cut all ties with her family when she moves to new york city.

Answer 18

not worth considering because of being too difficult or impossible Eg: Starting over is out of the question.

Answer 19

to take an overnight flight that arrives at its destination very early in the morning Eg: My original flight was cancelled, so I took the redeye back to Philadelphia and got in at four in the morning. The only way we cn fly on those dates and still stay within our budget is to fly from Denver to Chicago and then take a redeye to Seattle

Answer 20

to remain completely in control of, aware about, or on schedule of something eg: How is new project going? Right on track, Jen has been staying on top of everything while u were on vacation. I dont kw how u stay on top of all the different student issues that are brought to ur attention.

Answer 21

a difficult problem to solve or a person that is difficult to understand this problem is getting me down. Its hard nut to crack. Tom sure is a hard nut to crack. I cant figure him out.

Answer 22

to postpone a decision until the following day so that one has additional time to consider it eg: why dont u sleep on the offer and let us know ur decision in the morning? I m still not sure if i m ready to spend that much of money. Can I sleep on it?

Answer 23

immediately; without stopping to think about what you’re doing Eg: You cant just resign at the drop of a hat

Answer 24

1) get into the habit - to begin to do sth regularly eg: lets get into the habit of posting original content 2) old habits die hard - its difficult to change that you have been doing for a long time eg: it was hard to give up sweets and biscuits. old habits die hard 3) creature of habit - someone who does the same thing in the same way eg: I m such a creature of habit when it comes to my morning routine 4) break the habit - to stop doing sth that it’s a habit eg: try to get him to break the habit of excessive thinking

Answer 25

1) hell on earth -an extremely unpleasant experience or situation eg: our plane was delayed by 27 hours. We had to sleep on the airport floor with 400 other passengers. There was nothing to eat and nowhere to wash. The whole thing was hell on earth. 2) move heaven and earth - do everything possible to achieve a particular outcome eg: I ll move heaven and earth to get a ticket for that concert. I dont care what I have to do or hw much it costs. 3) come back down to earth - return to normality after a very exciting time eg: that was the best holiday ever! But its monday tomorrow and I have to work- time to come back down to earth 4) cost the earth - be very expressive eg: look at that dress! its amazing! It must have cost the earth!

Answer 26

1) go with the flow - do what other people do and agree with their opinions eg: its my first day working here. i ll just go with the flow until i get used to everything. 2) go Dutch - agree to share the cost of sth (usually meal) Eg: we re not going Dutch today! It’s your birthday-let me pay! 3) go for it - do sth u want to do, without worrying about whether you will succeed Eg: I don’t think I have enough experience for this job, but I decided to go for it and apply anyway. 4) go downhill - get worse, decline or deteriorate -Shubna’s business was doing ok, but after her partner left, it went downhill. 5) go back on - fail to keep a promise or agreement Eg: If you go back on another promise, it’ll be the end of our friendship. 6) go without - live without sth that u want or need Eg: I cant go without pizza! IT’s my all-time number one favourite food. 7) go into - discuss or explain in detail Eg: I know u are curious, but I’m not allowed to go into the reasons why John left the company.

Answer 27

1) Sick as a dog - very sick Eg: I was sick as a dog after that meal. I don’t think the meat was cooked properly. 2) Go to the dogs - deteriorate; become bad Eg: Our city used to be nice, but it’s really gone to the dogs. 3) Top dog - the most important person Eg: My brother is the boss of his company-he’s the top dog!

Answer 28

1) Put your face on - apply makeup Eg: I m nearly ready. Just give me 10 minutes to put my face on and we can get going. 2) Face up to - accept that a difficult situation exists, and try to deal with it. Eg: We have to face up to reality. We’re losing money and we’ll probably have to close down. 3) Save face - avoid embarrassment or damage to your reputation Eg: We fired Any because she was so bad at the job. But we let her save face by telling people that she chose to leave. 4) Face the music - accept punishment or criticism for your actions Eg: Mum found out I took her car without asking. She’s going to be so angry! Oh well, time to go home and face the music. 5) Poker face -a blank facial expression that hides your true feelings Eg: I was really pleased when I realized I’d won the argument, but I kept a poker face. 6) At face value - based on appearance, without further investigation Eg: I took his statement at face value. I was so surprised to find out he’d lied. 7) At the coalface - doing the hardest part of a job, rather than planning or managing it Eg: Our managers just don’t know what goes on at the coalface.

Answer 29

1) To take the cake - to be especially good or bad, but usually used more in the negative sense Eg: I’ve seen bad movies, but this takes the cake! 2) Piece of cake - sth that is very easy Eg: Ourr English yesterday was a piece of cake! 3) Icing on the cake -sth good that is added to sth that is already good Eg: She was happy to meet George Clooney, but getting a photo with him was icing on the cake. 4) Have your cake and eat it too - to have two things that you cannot have at the same time, for eg, to still have a piece of cake after eating it. Eg: You have to either use the moey to buy a new TV or fix your car. You cant have your cake and eat it too. 5) Cakewalk -something easily accomplished Eg: Winning the race was a cakewalk for her.

Answer 30

TIME idioms 1) Do time - spend time prison Eg: Marta did time for fraud a few years ago. 2) Take time out - have a break Eg: You look tired! Why not take some time out? 3) In no time - very quickly Eg: Don’t walk-take a taxi and you’ll be there in no time. 4) In good time - with no risk of being late Eg: If you leave now you’ll arrive in good time for the start of the show. 5) A devil of a time - a lot of difficulty Eg: I had a devil of a time getting that old laptop to work. 6) Time will tell - you will learn the truth or result in the future Eg: The relationship has started well, but will it last? Time will tell. 7) Bide your time - wait for the right moment to do sth Eg: I don’t like this job. I’ m biding my time until i find a better one.

Answer 31

SCHOOL idioms 1) A schoolboy error - a very simple error Eg: It was a schoolboy error and we will take full responsibility for that 2) Teacher’s pet - favourite student of the teacher Eg: I was hated by most people in my class because I was a real teacher’s pet. 3) Old school - a little old fashioned and conservative Eg: Michael was old school. His clothes were old fashioned and very conservative. 4) To hit the books - when you really need to start studying hard Eg: I really need to hit the books this weekend. I have that repeat exam next week.

Answer 32

MOON idioms 1) To be over the moon - to be very happy Eg: Chris has proposed. I’m over the moon! 2) Once in a blue moon - rarely Eg: Where have you been lately? I only see you once in a blue moon! 3) Moonlighting - secretly doing a second job Eg: Bob broke his employment agreement by moonlighting as a taxi driver.

Answer 33

1) to be miles away - daydreaming and not concentrating on the real world eg: his wife called his name two or three times before he answered her. He was miles away. 2) ring a bell - something is familiar to you, you have heard and seen it before but you cant remember fully. eg: his names ring a bell, but I cant rmb where I heard it before. 3) memory like a sieve - you cant retain things in your memory and quickly forget about things eg: Jane was not a particularly hard worker, and she had a memory like a sieve. 4) on the tip of your tongue - a feeling that you know sth but cant rmb (a name, word etc) eg: oh, what’s it called? Dont tell me… it’s on the tip of my tongue

Answer 34

discuss an issue seriously eg: betty knew she had to talk turkey with her son. The teenager had been spending more money than his family could afford.

Answer 35

to be the unluckiest person of a group of people because u have to do the most unpleasant tasks. eg: Sarah is the only one who has to work on New Year’s Day. She drew the short straw.

Answer 36

1) a storm in a tea cup - unnecessary anger or worry about an unimportant or trivial matter eg: Our argument was no big deal-just a storm in a tea cup. 2) It never rains but it pours - bad luck and bad things tend to happen at the same time eg: I lost my wallet and now I ‘ve lost my phone. It never rains but it pours 3) take a rain check - decline an invitation but maybe u will accept it another time eg: No thanks, dude. I’ll take a rain check. Enjoy the party! 4) be snowed under - be extremely busy with work or things eg: I’ve snowed under with work. I’ve got so much to do. 5) Have your head in the clouds - not know what is happening around you or out of touch with reality eg: I cant talk sense into him. He has his head in the clouds.

Answer 37

to work or operate in a satisfactory manner eg; I need a new worker from the temp factory- the one u sent over keeps mixing up orders and just isnt cutting the mustard. This toaster doesnt cut the mustard anymore. No matter what setting you choose, your toast comes out charred!

Answer 38

heavily intoxicated by drug or alcohol eg: better keep an eye on Tom. He’s off his head on vodka.

Answer 39

Something that is partly good and partly bad. Taken from a British cartoon about a curate, or priest, who was given a bad egg but focused on the egg's good characteristics as he did not want to offend the person who gave it to him. Primarily heard in UK. eg: Our vacation was a bit of a curate's egg; the first few days were sunny, but the rest of the week was ruined by the heavy rain and flooding.

Answer 40

having or using the most advanced, up-to-date technology available eg: after working in such a drab, old-fashioned office for so long, it’s refreshing to work somewhere that’s so state of the art.

Answer 41

have a break eg: you look tired! why not take some time out? eg: he takes time out from his studies to travel the world.

Answer 42

1) the green eye monster - extreme jealousy eg: the green eye monster got me when i saw my ex with her new partner. I was so jealous. 2) give the green light - give permission eg: my teacher has given me the green light to start my project. I ll begin doing it soon. 3) be green around the gills - look or feel sick eg: after going on the rollercoaster, she was a little green around the gills 4) the rub of the green - good fortune, luck eg: my team will need the rub of the green if they are going to win the game tonight

Answer 43

sometimes we get so tired, we just fall soundly asleep and it’s very difficult to wake us up. eg: after a 5km walk, she was out for the count.

Answer 44

quite a lot more or better than is usual or expected eg: Our electricity bill was off the charts last month! How could we be using that much energy? - Especially or unbelievably great, wonderful, exciting, etc. eg: I'm telling you, that concert is going to be off the charts!

Answer 45

it makes me angry eg: these queues at the post office really get my goat. I ‘ve been waiting for half an hour. Argh, I don’t believe it- I’ve got a parking ticket! traffic warden s really get my goat!

Answer 46

disappointed about sth eg: I was as sick as a parrot when I saw someone had scratched my new car!

Answer 47

describe a situation or task that is very easy my job is a walk in the park at the moment. we re not very busy so I spent most of the time on my phone (opposite is no walk in the park- learning Italian is no walk in the park! I thought it would be easy because I already speak french but its actually really tough!)

Answer 48

1) in the red - in the debt eg: after her holiday, Zainab was 1000 pound in the red. 2) on red alert - prepared for a dangerous situation eg: during the extremely hot weather, firefighters were on red alert. 3) see red - become angry very suddenly eg: Tanya would see red every time she heard her ex bf’s name. He made her so angry.

Answer 49

- to obtain one’s favour eg: How can I get on the boss's good side when he's so fickle? If you want to get on my mom's good side, I suggest getting a bit dressed up for dinner. - To be or become displeasing to someone; to do something that provokes someone's anger, contempt, or dismissal. eg: The superintendent is a powerful woman in the school district, so be sure to not to get on her bad side. I'm afraid I may have gotten on your friend's bad side with my off-color remarks.

Answer 50

go to bed time to hit the sack

Answer 51

to make an effort to improve your work or behaviour because it is not good enough eg: He’s going to have to pull his socks up if he wants to stay in the team

Answer 52

- of two or more people, thinking in the same manner; having the same general outlook or position. eg: It makes life easier in our department when we know we're all on the same page. The party has done so much to get members of its organisation on-message and on the same page.

Answer 53

an expression indicating that one is refusing an offer or invitation but with the hope or promise that it can be postponed or accepted at a later date or time eg: I m sorry, but I’ll take a rain check for dinner this Saturday. Would next weekend work for you?

Answer 54

1) to bite someone head’s off - dont bite my head off 2) blow ur top - Almost all parents blow their tops from time to time 3) I’ve got a bone to pick with you - Hey Bill. I’ve got a bone to pick with you. I lent you 20dollar last week and still havent pay me back. 4) go ballistic - It took almost an hour to get our food, and dad went ballistic when they bought him the wrong food 5) to be fed up with - I m fed up with cleaning up after all time!

Answer 55

seeming eccentric, distracted or a bit crazy eg: I can't follow what your mom is talking about—it's like she's away with the fairies all of a sudden. If you describe someone as being away with the fairies, you mean that they are crazy, have foolish or unreasonable opinions or do not notice things around them. eg: She's very sweet and everything, but mentally, she's away with the fairies.

Answer 56

- To insult, offend, or upset one, especially by getting involved in something that is one's responsibility. eg: I want to help John out on his project, but I know it's his baby, so I don't want to step on his toes in any way. Look, you're going to have to step on a few peoples' toes if you want to get ahead in this business.

Answer 57

- To be the most disappointing, annoying, shocking, outrageous, or egregious thing to have happened or been done. (Usually said hyperbolically) eg: But when I found out that he had been reading through my text messages, well, that took the biscuit! The government is using the taxes from the working class to bail out the banks that ruined the economy? That really takes the biscuit! My job is always tough but today really took the biscuit! I had to do twice as much work as normal with one less person on my team. My sister turned off the film I was watching and put on some boring TV show. It really took the biscuit.

Answer 58

A decision has not yet been made eg: A: "Are we proceeding with the ad campaign?" B: "The jury is out on that. We want to bring in a few more focus groups." . a decision has not been reached on someone or something; the people making the decision on someone or something have not yet decided eg: The jury is still out on Jane. We don't know what we are going to do about her. The jury is still out on the question of building a new parking lot.

Answer 59

To fall asleep quickly eg: I didn't even hear you come in last night—I was so tired that I went out like a light as soon as my head hit the pillow

Answer 60

1) Nervousness or anxiety felt before one attempts to do something. eg: I wasn't nervous until the morning of my wedding, but everyone assured me that it was just cold feet. Good luck getting her out on stage—she always gets cold feet before a performance. 2) fear of doing something; cowardice at the moment of action. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) eg: The bridegroom got cold feet on the day of the wedding. Sally said I should try skydiving, but I had cold feet.

Answer 61

become ill eg: I didnt do much this weekend because I came down with a cold. Our goalie came down with the flu and missed the game.

Answer 62

lack the skill, experience or knowledge to do sth eg: I have started a new job but I m totally out of my depth. I ‘ve got no idea how to do the things I should be doing. I have started learning Mandarin, but I have never been good at language. I m totaly out of my depth.

Answer 63

1) head over heals - deeply in love eg: Seokjin is head over heals for Beth. He absolutely adores her. 2) head and shoulder above - much better than eg: My new car is head and shoulders above anything I had driven before. It’s by far the best. 3) a heads-up - an advance warning eg: Our teacher gave us a heads-up that the headmaster will be inspecting our books next week!

Answer 64

to try to spend less money or use fewer resources eg: we’ll need to tighten our belt if we want to save a good hosue deposit.

Answer 65

to be in trouble or difficulty eg: He got into deep water when he borrowed money from a loan shark.

Answer 66

to go from being poor to having a lot of money eg: I admire her because she has gone from rages to riches. She had nothing, but now she is very successful.

Answer 67

to lose an ability or talent that you once had eg: I think you are losing your touch! You used to be able to persuade anyone to buy your products, but now nobody wants to buy from you.

Answer 68

to wait patiently and take no action until you hear otherwise eg: Sit tight! I will come and help you when I am finished with this customer.

Answer 69

1) in a heartbeat - immediately eg: Call me if you need help. I ll be there in a heartbeat 2) have a change of heart - change your opinion eg: I didnt use to like Emma, but I have had a change of heart. She’s actually very nice. 3) Have a heart of gold - be very kind eg: Saskia would help anyone who asked. She has a heart of gold !

Answer 70

to have a romantic infatuation with someone, especially unbeknownst to that person eg: I had a thing for one of my colleagues for a while, but I decided not to pursue it for the sake of our work. i hear that Samantha has a thing for John.

Answer 71

to be less intense, serious, or extreme, as in some emotion, behaviour, or action. Usually said as an imperative. eg: I've been trying to take my perfectionism down a notch recently. I know everyone is excited to see what the machine is capable of, but we all need to take it down a notch before someone get hurt. Take it down a notch, Bob—there's really no need to get so upset about this.

Answer 72

to inhibit or interfere with what one wants to do eg: Ugh, having a test on Monday is really cramping my style. I just want to party all weekend! My parents coming to stay with me this weekend is totally going to cramp my style. When am I supposed to get anything done? to limit someone in some way I hope this doesn't cramp your style, but could you please not hum while you work? To ask Bob to keep regular hours would really be cramping his style.

Answer 73

to leave a situation alone so as to avoid worsening it eg: oh, dont mention that fight they had months ago - let sleeping dogs lie! do not instigate trouble; leave sth alone if it might cause trouble eg: Jill: Should I ask the boss if he's upset at my coming in late in the mornings? Jane: If he hasn't said anything about it, just let sleeping dogs lie.

Answer 74

To acknowledge and consider a piece of information or a viewpoint, often one that has been newly presented, especially when making a decision or forming an opinion eg: You need to take your parents' advice on board instead of just assuming they don't know what they're talking about. Thank you for coming forward, we'll take your testimony on board before we make our final judgment on the matter.

Answer 75

1) a lemon - sth that you buy which turn out to have problem eg: the second-hand car i bought was a real lemon 2) cry over split milk - to complain over sth bad that happened in the past eg: stop complaining about your lost pencil-there’s no use crying over split milk 3) bring home the bacon - to earn money to live eg: I’m looking for a job. I need to do sth to bring home the bacon. 4) a piece of cake eg: I got an A on the test. It was a piece of cake. 5) take with a pinch of salt - it means that you should not complete believe what you are told eg: take everything you read on that newspaper with a pinch of salt egg on - encourage someone to do sth bad or unwise spill the beans - tell someone sth that shu be keep secret the big cheese - the most important or powerful person pie in the sky - sth good that unlikely to happen

Answer 76

1) change hands - be sold eg: this antique watch change hands several times before I bought it 2) to hand - nearby and easily available eg: I like to have my dictionary to hand when I’m studying english 3) underhand - done secretly and / or dishonestly eg: They used underhand tactics to win. It’s very disappointing behaviour. 4) get out of hand - out of control eg: His gambling has got out of hand. He’s spending all his money in the casino. The police were called to stop the protesters getting out of hand. a firm hand - a strict control I run my business with a firm hand. That’s why I am successful. short-handed - without the usual amount of workers. e.g., Sorry the service is slow today. We’re very short-handed. Lend a hand - give help e.g., Could you lend a hand with the cleaning? I cant do it by myself. take in hand - take control of e.g., My daughter’s been skipping school. I’m going to have to take her in hand. have a hand in - be involved in e.g., I’d like to thank everyone who had a hand in this project.

Answer 77

- go out and enjoy yourself drinking, dancing and generally having a wild time eg: let’s go out tonight and paint the town red.

Answer 78

A pursuit, activity, or endeavor that requires extraordinary skill or intelligence. Most often used in the negative to imply the opposite. eg: Look, all you need to do is reformat the hard drive on your computer. It isn't rocket science! I thought it would be simple enough to fix the car's engine on my own, but this turned out to be like rocket science to me!

Answer 79

aware of what’s happening eg: Shania’s really on the ball when it comes to finance. She knows how to make her money grow.

Answer 80

To make or keep one informed about something, such as a plan or project. A noun or pronoun can be used between "loop" and "in." eg: - We've hired a new intern to help you with data entry, so be sure to loop her in about the current project. - I'll need to go loop in the rest of the team regarding these changes.

Answer 81

1) when you dont want to do sth, but you know you have to do it. eg: I’ve had such a lovely holiday-I dont want it to end. But it’s Monday tomorrow. Time to put my big girl pants on and get back to work. 2) when we’re feel upset, but we know we cant change the situation and we have to move forward. eg: It took me ages to write that report - but the boss doesnt like it. Oh well- time to put the big boy pants on and start again 3) tell someone that they are being childish Eg: You lost the game and that’s that. Stop complaining, put your big boy pants on and get over it.

Answer 82

uncertain; subject to change eg: Becky and I were supposed get brunch this weekend, but things are up in the air now because she's not feeling well. Because the whole town protested plans to build a new shopping center, that proposal is now up in the air.

Answer 83

1) foot the bill - pay for sth eg: The CEO will foot the bill for the christmas party this year. 2) get off on the wrong foot - have a bad start eg: Lela got off on the wrong foot with her boss when she was late for work on her first day. 3) from head to toe - over the entire body eg: Abud got caught in the rain. He was soaked from head to toe. 4) rushed off one’s feet - very busy eg: i have to cancel our plan to meet for lunch. I’m rushed off my feet at work. 5) put your foot in it accidentally say sth embarrassing or offensive e.g: Jo's put weight on. I think I might have put my foot in it when I asked if she was pregnant.

Answer 84

1) good egg - a good person eg: Sheila is a good egg. She is nice to everyone she meets. 2) egg on - encourage to do sth bad eg: Li didn’t really want to smash the window, but he was egged on by his friends and did it anyway. 3) nest egg - a sum of money saved for the future eg: after saving a little bit every month, Dara now had a nice nest egg for her college fund.

Answer 85

To treat something as significant or important and be moved, affected, influenced, or upset by it at a personal level. eg: Don't take his comments to heart—he's that hard on everyone in the office. If you actually take her advice to heart, I think you'll find it deeply comforting.

Answer 86

to do sth with energy, concentration or commitment eg: it doesnt matter whether you win or lose, as long as you give it some welly

Answer 87

unfair, nasty eg: Her accusations were below the belt.

Answer 88

honest and not trying to deceive anyone (plan or business agreement) eg: The deal was completely open and above board.

Answer 89

1. To become very emotional. Poor Jane really went to pieces during the funeral service. I can't watch those sappy movies because I just go to pieces every time. 2. To deteriorate or go awry. Boy, this party has really gone to pieces. First, there was the issue with the caterer, and now half the guests aren't coming.

Answer 90

I need to turn this screw to stop the water flow to my taps, but I just can’t reach it. It’s a devil of a job. 我得转动这颗螺丝来阻止水流进水龙头，但我就是够不着它。这可得费九牛二虎之力才行。 These tax returns are a devil of a job. I dread doing them for months before they’re due. 填写这些纳税申报单真是繁琐费劲。我不敢面对，拖了好几个月，直到限期前才不得不做。 I had a devil of a job getting to work today. The metro line was temporarily closed and I had to get a bus all the way. 我今天上班真是够折腾的。地铁线路暂时停运了，我一路上都得坐公交车。

Answer 91

casually and spontaneously; without planning or preparation. eg: I didn’t have any time to prepare my presentation for the meeting, so I just spoke about the project off the cuff. 当时我没时间准备会议的报告，所以只是随便地讲了讲项目的事情。 She gave an off-the-cuff answer to a difficult question, but after checking the facts, she was correct. 她未加思索地回答了一道难题，但核实后发现真的说对了。 I like to plan my speeches carefully before I give them. I can’t understand why people would feel comfortable giving them off the cuff. 我喜欢在演讲前认真规划准备。我不明白为什么别人能轻松自如地即兴演讲。

Answer 92

to attempt to do something eg: Well, I havent fixed a motor in nearly 10 years, but I’ll certainly take a crack at it.

Answer 93

1) catch someone’s eye - get someone attention eg: this dress caught my eye when I was shopping. I just had to buy it. 2) see eye to eye - agree, share the same opinion eg: my wife and I see eye to eye on most issue, so we rarely argue. 3) roving eye - tendency to cheat on romantic partner eg: Jack’s a terrible boyfriend - his roving eyes get him into trouble. 4) cry your eyes out - cry for a long time eg: Jasmin cries her eyes out when her boyfriend dumped her. 5) a feast for the eyes - a very pleasing sight eg: my team won 7-0! the scoreboard was a feast for the eyes. 6) not bat an eyelid not be shocked or worried about sth eg: she was furious he was late, but he didnt bat an eyelid! 7) a bird’s eye view a clear overall impression of sth eg: when i was on work experience, i got a bird’s eye view of the entire process. 8) a fresh pair of eyes getting another person to examine sth eg: I need a fresh pair of eyes to check this. Can you take a look? 9) up to your eyeballs involved in an unpleasant situation eg: she claims she’s not guilty, but she’s up to her eyeballs in it! 10) Joe’s a great footballer. he caught my eye last season.

Answer 94

- To use one's higher position of authority to dictate what one does or to gain an advantage. eg: Even though I'm the boss, I try not to pull rank. I like to let everyone have a say in how things are done. Whenever new assignments come up, Tom always pulls rank on us and picks the best one for himself.

Answer 95

To benefit from someone else's success; to use someone else's success as a means to achieve one's own. Everyone knows you've been riding on the governor's coattails for the last two years, but once her term ends you'll be on your own. Jonathan rode on the famous professor's coattails to get some recognition for his own work from several esteemed academic journals.

Answer 96

to move about and turn over in bed because you are unable to sleep eg: I used to toss and turn all night, but now I sleep like a baby.

Answer 97

To make the true facts of something clear, especially when they have been previously mistaken, misunderstood, or misrepresented. eg: There have been a lot of crazy rumors flying around for the last few days, so I'd like to set the record straight once and for all.

Answer 98

The same thing that is always done or that always happens. It often implies that such a thing is boring or monotonous. The phrase is duplicated for emphasis. We always sit around and do the same old same old. Let's go out this week. A: "What are you doing this summer?" B: "Same old same old—loading up the car and heading to the beach." I hadn't seen her in nearly eight years, but she was still the same old Janet I remembered from high school. I can't stand the thought of being trapped in some boring office job doing the same old thing every single day. A: "Hey, John, long time no see! How are things?" B: "Eh, same old. Just working and looking after the kids."

Answer 99

A person or group with whom one discusses an idea, plan, or suggestion in order to evaluate its strengths, acceptability, feasibility, practicality, etc. eg: My friend John and I really know each other's skills and interests, so whenever one of us has an idea for a new project, we use the other as a sounding board.

Answer 100

Said when someone suddenly comes to realize or understand something. eg: Once the penny dropped, I was horrified by my behavior. My mother certainly didn't deserve it. Will the penny ever drop on the urgency of environmental issues? We activists can't save the planet by ourselves! I was watching his expression as he read the will, so I could tell the moment the penny dropped that he had been disinherited by his father. I had to explained it to him 5 times before the penny dropped.

Answer 101

To be very vocal in one's displeasure about something; to make a scene. eg: My mom made a stink when the store refused to accept her return without a receipt. One of the customers is making a stink about the service charge we included on his bill.

Answer 102

to want to get or achieve something very much eg: she’s set her heart on having a pony.

Answer 103

to be insulted by someone or something. eg: Bill took offense at Mary for her thoughtless remarks. Almost everyone took offense at Bill's new book. I'm sorry you took offense. I meant no harm. I know your comments were made completely in jest, but I couldn't help taking offense at them. I noticed your parents leaving early. I do hope they haven't taken offense.

Answer 104

To regain control of one's emotions and/or behavior. eg: Get hold of yourself and stop arguing over minor details! We're nearly finished negotiating this thing. I was afraid Stu wasn't going to be able to get hold of himself after that outburst.

Answer 105

To strike the deepest, most fragile part of one. Typically used to describe emotional wounds. eg: I can't even look at her right now—that hurtful remark cut me right to the quick. I was stung to the quick to learn that they called my dress tacky behind my back. The hostess, stung to the quick by her guests' words, locked herself in the bedroom upstairs.

Answer 106

to make someone else suffer or be responsible for your own mistakes, anger, sadness, etc. eg: Don’t take it out on me – I’m not your boss! (出气)

Answer 107

1) to look like a million dollars - to look amazing eg: She looks like a million dollars in that dress. 2) dressed to kill - wearing glamorous dresses eg: jasmine arrived at the party dressed to kill. 3) put your face on - apply makeup eg: hold on. Let me put my face on and then I’ll be ready to go. 4) a beauty spot - a birthmark or mole on the face eg: the dr advised me to remove my beauty spot as it was changing shape.

Answer 108

To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. eg: 1) I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. 2) I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works.

Answer 109

To comprehend something that one considers challenging, confusing, or a foreign concept. eg: Kate is willing to pay full price for an expensive handbag, but I just can't wrap my head around that. Sam tries to wrap her head around snow and freezing temperatures, but she's always lived in Florida, so real winter is not something she has experienced.

Answer 110

1. to be able to play a piece of music after just listening to it a few times, without looking at the notes. I can play "Stardust" by ear. Some people can play Chopin's music by ear. 2. and play by ear to play a musical instrument well, without formal training. John can play the piano by ear. If I could play by ear, I wouldn't have to take lessons—or practice! 3. To decide how to act in or deal with a particular situation in an adaptive, flexible, or improvised way, based on the circumstances. If we go into the meeting unprepared, we'll have to play everything by ear. He never prepared his presentations. He always played things by ear.

Answer 111

sth that you don’t want to do, but u must do. I don't actually enjoy cleaning, but I bite the bullet and do it so that everything in my house isn't covered in a thick layer of dust. I know she's disappointed to have not gotten her dream job, but the sooner she bites the bullet and accepts it, the sooner she can move on.

Answer 112

1) dead to the world - sleeping very deeply don’t disturb nina. She was working till 3am and now she’s dead to the world. 2) a dead loss - completely useless I’m quite good at basketball, but I’m a dead loss on football pitch. 3) drop-dead gorgeous - very attractive I met Alex’s new gf yesterday. She’s drop-dead gorgeous. 4) dead on your feet completely exhausted I need to go home. I’ve been shopping all day and I m dead on my feet.

Answer 113

If you say that a bad experience is water under the bridge, you mean that it happened a long time ago and so you do not feel upset or worried about it now. eg: He didn't treat me very well at the time but it's all water under the bridge now. Mr Bruce said that he was relieved it was over and that he regarded his time in jail as water under the bridge. It's almost two years since it happened and a lot of water has gone under the bridge. We're now on speaking terms with Marcia.

Answer 114

To focus on what is important; to abandon the preliminaries and deal with the major points. eg: All right, let's stop the idle chatter and cut to the chase. After a few introductory comments, we cut to the chase and began negotiating.

Answer 115

1) finally and completely We have to decide, once and for all, whether we want to ask Dad for money. 2) used to emphasize your impatience when you ask or say something that you have asked or said many times before Once and for all, will you switch off that television!

Answer 116

To take stock (of something) is to think carefully about a situation or event and form an opinion about it, so that you can decide what to do eg: After two years spent teaching overseas, she returned home for a month to take stock of her life. After a year in the job, she decided it was time to take stock (= think again whether it was the job she wanted). He stopped to take stock of what he had read. I spent some time yesterday taking stock of my good and bad qualities. We all need to take stock now and then.

Answer 117

If something floats your boat, you find it exciting, attractive, or interesting. Create a space for yourself: light candles, burn incense, run a bath — whatever floats your boat. I can see the band's appeal. But it doesn't float my boat. To make someone happy. Often used in the phrase "whatever floats (one's) boat." A: "What do you want for dinner?" B: "Whatever floats your boat, I'm not even hungry." I think this new job in the lab will really float Isabel's boat.

Answer 118

1. To lie in and allow oneself to be exposed to warmth, especially from the sun. I love lying on the beach and basking in the sunlight. Our dog loves to stretch across the living room rug and bask in the warmth of the fire. 2. By extension, to revel in something pleasant or enjoyable. She's still basking in the favorable reviews of her performance in the play. The child beamed as he basked in his parents' doting adoration

Answer 119

refers to credit, praise or appreciation someone gets for doing a good deed or for doing sth nice eg: Alicia earned brownie points for helping her mother with the laundry.

Answer 120

to be very healthy and strong: eg: My grandmother's 89, but she's as fit as a fiddle.

Answer 121

to suddenly become very angry and start shouting or behaving violently: He went off on one because he thought I was threatening his dog.

Answer 122

to suddenly start talking or thinking about a completely new subject: It's hard to get a firm decision out of him - he's always going off on a tangent.

Answer 123

A phrase used when one does not want to reveal the source of the information that one is about to share or has shared. A: "Did you hear that Mark is planning to propose to Sarah soon?" B: "Yes, a little birdie told me." A little birdie told me that George interviewed for that open position in human resources, so maybe we'll be free of him sooner than later. Don't worry, I don't reveal my sources of gossip. So when Carly asked how I knew about her new relationship, I just said that a little birdie told me.

Answer 124

pecial demands or limitations that affect something such as an agreement: You don't get anything for free - there are always strings attached. I really wanted to give this money to my family with no strings attached. If something such as an agreement has strings attached, it involves special demands or limits: Most of these so-called special offers come with strings attached. They immediately agreed to donate $1,000, no strings attached.

Answer 125

Very shocked or distraught. I was beside myself when I found out I'd been rejected from my first-choice school. Honestly, we've all been beside ourselves since the funeral

Answer 126

To navigate or strike a balance between two sides, positions, or approaches to something, especially when trying to avoid one of them. The film walks a fine line between parody and homage. As a new parent, you have to walk a fine line between looking out for your child's welfare and being overprotective.

Answer 127

1) put on ice - postpone My plans to study abroad were put on ice during the coronavirus pandemic. 2) cut no ice - have no significance or value Hong’s excuses cut no ice with me. He doesnt have a good reason for his lateness. 3) the tip of the iceberg - a small part of a big problem Keiko’s money problems are the tip of the iceberg. She also lost her job and her bf dumped her.

Answer 128

To remain awake all night long, especially so as to study or to complete something. I was a bit of a procrastinator in college, so I tended to pull a lot of all-nighters. Jeff pulled an all-nighter on Thursday to get his report finished for work by the deadline today, so I don't think he'll be coming out with us tonight. 2) something that lasts all night, like a party or study session. After an all-nighter studying, I couldn’t keep my eyes open for the test. 3. a place of business that is open all night. We stopped at an all-nighter for a cup of coffee. That pharmacy is an all-nighter if you ever need medicine in the middle of the night.

Answer 129

1) have a whale of a time - enjoy sth very much eg: this party’s great. I’m having a whale of a time! 2) be in the doghouse - be in trouble eg: i forgot to buy them a present, so I’m in the doghouse. 3) hold your horses - wait/be patient eg: Hold your horses! We havent started yet.

Answer 130

ready to wear; not made specially to fit one person: He couldn’t afford a made-to-measure suit, so he bought one off the peg. Instead of dining in top restaurants and wearing expensive suits, he likes to eat hamburgers and buys clothes off the peg.

Answer 131

to give something to someone; to present something to someone. eg: The mere presence of the queen bestowed wisdom and grace on the court. I can't believe that much responsibility has been bestowed on me—I'm just an intern! Before my grandmother died, she bestowed this vintage coffee table on me.

Answer 132

Something that is especially easy, effortless, or trifling to accomplish or complete. eg: I've been running marathons for years now, so this 5K run will be a breeze for me. After being in charge of such a high-profile company for so many years, running this office feels like a breeze in comparison. I thought that test was a breeze, but I did study a lot for it.

Answer 133

The way in which one is thinking about something or dealing with something emotionally; one's mental or emotional status or condition. eg: I just wish I knew where she was at in relation to this whole situation, but she won't open up to me about anything. This is all so sudden—I need a bit of time to figure out where I'm at before I make a decision. It's OK, I understand where you're at. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Answer 134

To have a bad start. Said of something that goes or has gone awry at the very beginning. I know we got off on the wrong foot when I was a half hour late to the interview, but I promise that I will always be on time once I start working here.

Answer 135

Anna loves watching movies, so I'm sure she'll go to the film festival with you—that's right up her alley. This course seemed right up my alley when I signed up for it, but it ended up being dreadfully boring.

Answer 136

To compare to or rank against someone or something similar, especially in a worthy, respectable, or favorable manner. Well, does the new car stack up to your old one? He's obsessed with how he stacks up to my previous boyfriends. I appreciate that she's giving us another story in this universe, but this new book just doesn't stack up to the original trilogy. for someone or something] to measure up favorably when compared to someone or something. How do you think I stack up to Liz? My car stacks up pretty well to yours.

Answer 137

to be so shocked, surprised, full of admiration, etc. that you cannot speak: Mary was lost for words when she was awarded the prize.

Answer 138

not in debt Yay! I’ve finally paid off my student loan! I’m almost in the black for the first time in years!

Answer 139

suddenly fashionable Pink is the new black. Everyone’s wearing it this winter.

Answer 140

The source or cause of one's misfortune, unhappiness, frustration, or anxiety, usually used hyperbolically. I swear, this project is the bane of my existence. I've been working on it for months and still haven't made any real progress! Jane has been constantly annoying me all week. She's been the bane of my very existence!

Answer 141

to move quickly and directly toward something: When he saw me in the kitchen, he made a beeline for the door.

Answer 142

to do the same thing when one airline reduces its ticket prices, the rest usually follow suit.

Answer 143

To falsely attribute a statement or belief to someone. I never said you were lazy—stop putting words in my mouth! Just because the senator has highlighted potential problems with the legislation does not mean that she opposes it. Please do not put words in her mouth like that.

Answer 144

To defend or show one's support for someone or something. eg: Thank you for sticking up for me back there. It just felt like everyone was against me. We'll never make any progress if we don't have anyone in congress sticking up for our cause. Stick up for your little sister, OK? That's your job.

Answer 145

When people get their wires crossed, they have a different understanding of the same situation: Somehow we got our wires crossed because I'd written the 23rd in my diary and Jen had the 16th. to have a different understanding of the same situation: We must have got our wires crossed – I thought she was arriving tomorrow, not today.

Answer 146

To prioritize something, perhaps excessively or unnecessarily. Often used in the phrase "err on the side of caution." I like to err on the side of caution and always keep some money in my savings account.

Answer 147

a way of saying "I do not agree" that is polite, but may sound unfriendly

Answer 148

To discuss, chat, converse, etc., especially at length and in a leisurely, friendly manner. eg: My sister and I haven't seen each other in nearly five years, so we stayed up half the night chewing the fat. Come into my office and chew the fat with me a little bit, David. I want to know how things are going with you. Sit yourself down and let's chew the fat for a while. We were just chewing the rag. Nothing important.

Answer 149

To have already pursued some course of action or explored some way of thinking, especially when it did not yield desired results. Their generation has been down that road before—they know firsthand how devastating civil war can be. A: "I just think that we could make significant savings if we reorganized the department." B: "Look, we've been down this road before. The amount of time and resources it would take outweighs any benefit we might gain."

Answer 150

Without excuses, compromises, or caveats of any kind. Clean up your toys right now, young man—no ifs or buts! 1. Without a doubt or reservation. We're definitely going to lose our jobs after this merger, no ifs or buts about it. 2. Absolutely no excuses, discussion, or protestations (about something). I don't care how, but you make sure you're at your son's party tomorrow—no ifs or buts about it! No ifs or buts—just do as I tell you!

Answer 151

encourage someone to do sth bad or unwise eg: I dont normally ride my bike so fast, but my friends were all egging me on!

Answer 152

when you first see or experience sth It looks at first blush like a standard smartphone.

Answer 153

To irritate one due to someone's or something's presence, nature, or habitual behavior (as opposed to directly and intentionally). Primarily heard in US. The way she smiles all the time really rubs me the wrong way. It seems so fake. He's always talking about how those commercials rub him the wrong way, but I think they're cute

Answer 154

Not within one's control. I submitted my application, so it's really out of my hands now. Now that the jury is deliberating, the case is out of our hands

Answer 155

to do something too much, or to be too excited or eager about something: I don't think there'll be more than six people eating, so I wouldn't go overboard with the food. to do or say too much because you are so enthusiastic: I think I went overboard cooking this dinner – there is enough to feed a dozen people.

Answer 156

to suddenly take away important support from someone: The school pulled the rug out from under the city soccer league when they asked them to pay for using their field.

Answer 157

in control: She is the first woman to be at the helm of this corporation.

Answer 158

To get a sense of enjoyment, amusement, or excitement from someone or something. Even as an adult, I still get a kick out of building sandcastles at the beach. She really gets a kick out of doing wheelies on her motorcycle in front of an audience. I get a kick out of Janene—she's really hilarious.

Answer 159

with a chance of being successful because you remain involved in something, and especially because you keep trying hard, even when there are problems: stay in the game They have to put blood, sweat, and tears into the task in order to stay in the game. still in the game If he demands an election and gets one, he is still in the game.

Answer 160

having an opinion that is different from most people's and is unpopular: She's going out on a limb in criticizing her own party leadership. No company wants to be the first to put its rates up. The companies who have tried have found themselves out on a limb.

Answer 161

head over heels -deeply in love Seokjin is head over heels for Beth. He absolutely adores her. head and shoulders above - much better than My new car is head and shoulders above anything I’ve driven before. It’s by far the best. a heads-up an advanced warning Our teacher gave us a heads-up that she will be inspecting our books next week.

Answer 162

If something comes to a head or someone brings something to a head, a situation reaches a point where something must be done about it: Things hadn't been good between us for a while and this incident just brought it to a head. The situation finally came to a head when she failed to show up at school.

Answer 163

to behave as if you are more important than someone and have a right to tell that person what to do: He likes to lord it over his little sister.

Answer 164

If you do something for better or (for) worse, you accept the bad results of the action as well as the good ones: Anyway, for better or for worse, I followed her advice.

Answer 165

To finish something and move on from it. eg: I can't think of anything else to add to this project, so let's just draw a line under it and start working on the next one. If something draws a line under a bad situation, it allows the situation to be considered as finished. eg: The document draws a line under our painful past and clears the way for a new beginning. An out-of-court settlement, expected this week, should finally draw a line under the affair.

Answer 166

reaching an acceptable standard: Your last essay wasn't up to scratch/didn't come up to scratch.

Answer 167

If talking to someone is like talking to a brick wall, the person you are speaking to does not listen: I've tried to discuss my feelings with her, but it's like talking to a brick wall.

Answer 168

something that you hope will happen but is very unlikely to happen: Their plans to set up their own business are just pie in the sky.

Answer 169

to communicate with someone by phone: I m trying to get ahold of some of these people for our meeting tomorrow.

Answer 170

to be the person in a relationship who makes the decisions: Lisa certainly wears the pants in that family. Brian may seem domineering, but it's Lisa that really wears the pants in that relationship.

Answer 171

to be an excellent person or thing: Some people don't like colourful clothes and others think a lime green jumpsuit is the best thing since sliced bread. If everyone's telling you you're the greatest thing since sliced bread, you start to believe it.

Answer 172

to try to persuade someone to believe something that is not true, as a joke: Is it really your car or are you pulling my leg?

Answer 173

ordinary and not special or exciting in any way: He gave a fairly run-of-the-mill speech.

Answer 174

To openly display or make known one's emotions or sentiments. My father was always very closed off regarding his feelings, so when I had kids, I made a point of wearing my heart on my sleeve with them. The senator has begun wearing his heart on his sleeve now that he's not seeking re-election.

Answer 175

to have or not have the special knowledge or power that belongs to a particular group of people: You can tell she's in the loop. She always knows about policy decisions before the rest of us. I've been out of the loop. I didn't realize Wendy and Bob had got engaged.

Answer 176

to direct all your efforts into the particular task you are involved in: I'm going to get my head down and try and finish this report before I go home today.

Answer 177

from nothing: 1) I cant come up with 10,000 euro out of thin air. 2) they built the cell phone industry out of thin air in the mid 1980.

Answer 178

If you do something behind someone's back, you do it without them knowing, in a way that is unfair: I dread to think what they say about me behind my back. when someone is not present: What do they say about me behind my back? Note: Used to say that someone intentionally says or does something when another person is not there and cannot know about it.

Answer 179

in agreement with a particular course of action, especially so that you get involved with it: Seeing his enthusiasm and expertise, others quickly got on board with his grand ideas. Despite the benefits, getting everyone on board can be difficult.

IDIOMS Flashcards

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