Random Phrases And Idioms Flashcards
(28 cards)
We use this expression to introduce an action that you should always do if you are not sure what to do.
If in doubt…
- Should I put nuts in Janice’s birthday cake? I think she might be allergic to them.
- If in doubt, leave them out.
- Okay, that’s what I’ll do.
We use this expression to say someone or something is in an extreme condition - generally negative.
in A right/proper state
- What happened to Julie? She’s been crying all day. She’s in a right state.
- I know. I think her boyfriend left her last night.
a know-all / someone who knows everything (or thinks they do!)
A smart Alec
Rumi’s new boyfriend is a right smart Alec. I don’t like him.
We use this phrase when we think somebody has told us a lie to make a joke.
Pull THE other one!
- Guess what! I’ve just won one million pounds.
- Oh, go on pull the other one. You’re having me on.
- No seriously. I really have won the National Lottery.
based on ideas or judgments that are not suitable for a particular situation (disapproving)
wrongheaded
He admitted that the party had followed policies now considered wrongheaded.
› UK informal a customer; a user of services or buyer of goods:
› UK slang a person who uses the services of a prostitute
punter
Many hotels are offering discounts in an attempt to attract punters/pull in the punters.
slightly drunk
squiffy
“I’ve only had one glass of sherry and I feel squiffy already,” she said.
to decide to believe exactly what someone tells you, even if it does not seem likely to be true
Поймать на слове, понять буквально.
take sb at their word
take sb’s word for it
He said he didn’t mind what we did, and we took him at his word.
He said he’d give me a job and I just took him at his word.
If he says there’s $500 in the envelope, then I’ll take his word for it.
плевать против ветра
to spit in THE wind
забить (на что-л.)
skip it
> Make a series of short explosive spitting or choking sounds
> Say something rapidly, indistinctly, and with a spitting sound, as a result of anger, embarrassment, or another strong emotion
> Spit (something) out from one’s mouth noisily and in small splashes
splutter
:‘she coughed and spluttered, tears coursing down her face’
:‘he began to splutter excuses’; ‘How dare you?’ she spluttered’
:‘spluttering brackish water, he struggled to regain his feet’
a child, especially one who behaves badly
brat
something you say to tell someone to stop thinking that they are moreimportant than other people, especially when they are complaining about something (phrasal)
get over yourself!
to start to do or deal with something (phrasal)
set about sth
I’ve no idea how to set about changing a tyre on a car.
I tried to apologize, but I think I set about it the wrong way.
If a machine does this, it does not work as it should (phrasal)
play up
The starter motor was playing up again.
to start or continue doing something in a determined way, often despite problems (phrasal)
press on/ahead
It was pouring with rain, but we pressed on regardless.
The government is pressing ahead with its plans to reorganize the penal system.
to eat something very quickly
wolf sth down
The girls wolfed down the pizza in minutes.
good judgment and practical ability
nous
/naʊs/
Anyone with a bit of nous would have known what to do.
a sudden inward collapse
implosion
“the implosion of a light bulb”
We use this expression to say we need more time to do something and that the other person is being unreasonable.
give me a chance
- Have you finished the book yet?
- Give me a chance. You only gave it to me yesterday!
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bend over backwards
I bent over backwards to please my boss, but he still didn’t give me the promotion
поспешишь - людей насмешишь
haste makes waste
someone who is unfriendly and doesn’t show their emotions
cold fish
said about someone who is very important or have a lot of influence but only in a small area or group.
a big fish in a small pond
