0401-0600 Flashcards
1
Q
stick to your guns
A
If youstick to your guns,you show determination when faced with opposition. The government stuck to its guns in spite of the criticism.
2
Q
take wind out ofsails
A
If someone or somethingtakes the wind out of your sails,they make you feel less confident by doing or saying something that you do not expect. The manager’s rejection of our marketing strategy really took the wind out of our sails.
3
Q
licence to print money
A
An officially authorized activity which enables people to make a lot of money without much effort is calleda licence to print money. The contract to supply computers to schools was a licence to print money.
4
Q
likely story
A
This expression is used to say that you do not believe what has just been said. He said he’d found the money on the street - that’s a likely story!
5
Q
not only pebble on beach
A
To say that someone isnot the only pebble on the beachmeans that they are not the only person worth considering. He thinks his refusal to join the team will cause problems, but there are other alternatives …he’s not the only pebble on the beach!
6
Q
front runner
A
In a contest, race or election, thefront runneris the person who is most likely to succeed or win. Who are the front runners in the coming elections?
7
Q
bad hair day
A
Originating as a humorous comment about one’s hair being unmanageable, this term had broadened to mean ‘a day when everything seems to go wrong’. What’s wrong with Jenny? Is she having a bad hair day?
8
Q
keep yourearto the ground
A
If you keep your ear to the ground, you make sure that you are aware of all that is happening and being said. I’ll keep my ear to the ground and as soon as there are any developments I’ll call you.
9
Q
put one’s feet up
A
When you put your feet up, you sit down and relax. You must be tired. Come in and put your feet up.
10
Q
heart of stone
A
Someone who has aheart of stoneis a cold person who shows others no understanding, sympathy or pity. She’s not the person to go to if you’ve got problems - she’s got a heart of stone!
11
Q
armchair traveller
A
Someone who reads books or watches TV programmes about other places and countries, but doesn’t actually travel anywhere, is called anarmchair traveller. A surprising number of adventure books are bought by armchair travellers.
12
Q
on a sticky wicket
A
If you find yourselfon a sticky wicket,you are in a situation that is difficult to deal with. They’ve refused to sign the contract so we’re on a sticky wicket now!
13
Q
thrilled to bits
A
Someone who isthrilled to bitsis extremely pleased about something. Julie was thrilled to bits when her project was selected.
14
Q
catch 22
A
Acatch 22situation refers to a frustrating situation where you cannot do one thing without doing a second, and you cannot do the second before doing the first. I can’t get a job without a work permit, and I can’t get a work permit without a job. It’s a catch 22 situation!
15
Q
back the wrong horse
A
If youback or bet on the wrong horse, for example the loser in a contest, match or election, you support the wrong person. When I voted for him I was convinced he would win, but I backed the wrong horse!
16
Q
sell your soul
A
This is a humorous way of saying that you would be willing to do something morally or legally wrong to obtain what you want. He’d sell his soul to get an interview.
17
Q
look/feel like amilliondollars
A
If youlook or feel like a million dollars, you look or feel extremely good. With a tan and a new hairstyle, she looked like a million dollars.
18
Q
words of one syllable
A
If you explain something in words of one syllable, you use very simple language. Not so fast! Tell me in words of one syllable!
19
Q
go out the window
A
If a quality, principle or opportunitygoes out the window,it disappears, is lost or abandoned. When the plant closed down, all hopes of finding a job went out the window.
20
Q
toy with the idea
A
If you consider something without giving it serious thought, youtoy with the idea. Sally has often toyed with the idea of moving abroad, but she’s still here!
21
Q
step out of line
A
If youstep out of line,you do something unacceptable or break the rules. It was made clear upon arrival that we would be dismissed if we stepped out of line.
22
Q
flag of convenience
A
If a ship, boat or yacht sails under aflag of convenience, it is registered in a foreign country in order to avoid regulations and taxes, and reduce operating costs.
23
Q
hot on the trail
A
If you arehot on the trailof someone or something, you are very close to finding them. The police are hot on the trail of the bank robber.
24
Q
turkeys voting for Christmas
A
This expression is used to say that a particular option is unlikely to be chosen because it would not be in the interest of the people concerned. (In many countries people eat turkey at Christmas.) Expecting them to accept a decrease in salary would be like turkeys voting for Christmas.
25
lock horns
If you lock horns with somebody, you argue or fight with them about something. If there is another incident like that in the building, the occupants will be locking horns!
26
class act
To say that someone, for example an athlete or entertainer, is a class act means that they are very good at what they do. Her career is just beginning but she's already a class act.
27
riding high
Someone who is riding high is enjoying a period of success or popularity. He's been riding high since the success of his last film.
28
fly by the seat of your pants
If you fly by the seat of your pants, you do something without any knowledge or experience, using only your instinct and hoping that you will succeed. Without any formal training, he decided to fly by the seat of his pants and try his luck in New York.
29
get the better of
If someone or something gets the better of you, it defeats you. She went on a diet but it didn't last long - her love of chocolate got the better of her!
30
street-smart / streetwise
A person who is street-smart or streetwise has enough experience and knowledge about life in the city to be able to deal with difficult or dangerous situations. The kids living in this area are all street-smart - they're in less danger than us.
31
do someone's dirtywork
To do somebody's dirty work means to do the unpleasant or difficult work that another person does not want to do. Life is easy for Harry. He always finds someone to do his dirty work!
32
economical with the truth
To say that a person is economical with the truth means that, without actually lying, they omit important facts or give incomplete information. The politician was accused of being economical with the truth.
33
it's a small world
People use this expression when they are surprised to meet someone familiar in unexpected places. Wow! It's a small world. I never expected to meet a neighbour on a transatlantic flight!
34
vent your spleen
When you vent your spleen, you release or express all your anger about something. Whenever Harry is angry about new government measures, he vents his spleen by writing to newspapers.
35
asking for trouble
Someone who is asking for trouble is behaving so stupidly that he/she is likely to have problems. Driving fast on these roads is really asking for trouble!
36
regain one's composure
If you regain your composure, you calm down and control your emotions again after a stressful or upsetting event. It took her a while to regain her composure after hearing the insulting remarks.
37
is the PopeCatholic?
This is a sarcastic way of answering a question in the affirmative when the answer is obviously 'yes'. "Do birds fly?" "Of course they do. Is the Pope Catholic?"
38
now you're talking!
This expression is used to show encouragement or agreement with something that has just been said, for example a good idea. "If we take the underground we'll avoid the traffic" "Now you're talking!"
39
deep pockets
A person or organisation who has deep pockets has a lot of money. Andy's business is not doing well at the moment. He says he needs a friend with deep pockets!
40
turn up like a bad penny
If someone turns up like a bad penny, they appear at a place or event where they are not welcome or not wanted. I try to avoid Jane, but wherever I go she turns up like a bad penny!
41
run out of steam
If you say that a person, a process or an organised event is running out of steam, you mean that there is a loss of impetus, energy or enthusiasm. The anti-immigrant movement seems to be running out of steam.
42
of your own free will
If you do something of your own free will, you do it voluntarily, without any pressure from others. He decided to tell the truth, and he did it of his own free will.
43
swelled/swollen head
Someone who has a swelled or swollen head has become proud or conceited, usually because of a recent success. Larry's promotion has given him a swelled/swollen head!
44
out of whack
If something is out of whack, it is not working properly or is not in good order. The dishwasher is making a funny noise. Something must be out of whack.
45
my way or highway
If you say to someone 'it's my way or the highway', you are telling them that either they accept to do as you say or they leave the project. You don't have much choice when someone says: 'it's my way or the highway.'!
46
other fish to fry
If you have other fish to fry, you have more important things to do. I don't think he'll attend the office party; he's got other fish to fry.
47
game not worth the candle
To say that the game (or the cake) is not worth the candle means that the advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved. He recorded an album but sold very few copies; the game wasn't worth the candle.
48
easy does it!
You can 'easy does it!' when you want something to be done slowly and carefully. "Easy does it" said my husband as the sofa was carried through the hall door.
49
on the QT
Something that is done on the QT is done quietly or discreetly. They got married on the QT last summer and told nobody.
50
vested interest
If you have a vested interested in a situation or event, you expect to benefit or gain an advantage from it. Tony has a vested interest in Fred's promotion; he hopes to get his job!
51
sink or swim
If someone has to sink or swim, they have to do something alone, and their success or failure depends entirely on their own efforts. The sink-or-swim attitude in the company can be very difficult for young recruits.
52
before you know it
If something takes place so suddenly that you don't have time to become aware of it, it happens before you know it or before you know where you are. The doorbell rang, and before we knew it a surprise birthday party was under way!
53
doubting Thomas
A 'doubting Thomas' is a person who will not believe something without proof, or without seeing it for themselves. I had to show him my membership card. What a doubting Thomas!
54
dance attendance
If you dance attendance on somebody, you are constantly available for that person and attend to their wishes. She's rich and famous and expects everyone to dance attendance on her.
55
just off the boat
A person who is just off the boat is naive and lacks experience. How do you expect me to work with a trainee who's just off the boat!
56
over the top (OTT)
Something which is over the top is totally excessive or not suitable for the occasion. Her dramatic speech was way over the top.
57
horses for courses
This expression means that because horses race better on a course that suits them, it is important to match people with suitable jobs or tasks. A person suited to one activity may not be suited to another. His experience in sales doesn't necessarily make him ideal for the job. Horses for courses, as the saying goes!
58
jack of all trades
A jack of all trades is a person who can do many different things but is not very good at any one of them.. I'm looking for a skilled worker, not a jack-of-all-trades.
59
snake in the grass
Someone who pretends to be your friend while actually betraying you is a snake in the grass. I thought I could trust my colleague but he turned out to be a snake in the grass.
60
take a fancy to
If you take a fancy to someone or something, you develop a fondness for them or begin to like them. I think Paul has taken a fancy to the new intern!
61
shoulder surfing
The practice of looking over somebody's shoulder when they are using a computer, cash dispenser or other electronic device, in order to obtain personal information (identification, account number, password, etc.) is called shoulder surfing.
62
come to blows
If two or more people come to blows, they start to fight. The debate was so intense that the participants almost came to blows.
63
go to great lengths (or pains)
When trying to achieve something, if you go to great lengths or great pains, you do everything that is possible in order to succeed. The two parties went to great lengths to reach an agreement.
64
pull your weight
To say that somebody pulls their weight means that they do their fair share of the work. It's great working with Sandra. She always pulls her weight.
65
(can't) make an omelette without ...
This expression means that it is impossible to make important changes without causing some unpleasant effects. Some people will lose their jobs after the merger but you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.
66
all hell broke loose
If you say that all hell broke loose, you mean that there was a sudden angry or noisy reaction to something. All hell broke loose when it was announced that the plant was going to close down.
67
sitting duck
A sitting duck is an easy target, a person who is easy to deceive. The young girl was a sitting duck for the photographer.
68
keep the wolf from the door
To keep the wolf from the door you need to have enough money to buy food and other basic essentials in order to survive. My grandparents earned barely enough to keep the wolf from the door.
69
taste of one's own medicine
If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you treat them in the same unpleasant way that they have treated you. People who always late should be given a taste of their own medicine.
70
run out of steam
If you say that a person, a process or an organised event is running out of steam, you mean that there is a loss of impetus, energy or enthusiasm. The anti-immigrant movement seems to be running out of steam.
71
grit your teeth
When you are determined to do something in spite of the difficulties involved, you grit your teeth. To reach safety I had to grit my teeth and wade through the mud.
72
tear one's hair out
If someone is tearing their hair out, they are extremely agitated or distressed about something. I've been tearing my hair out all morning trying to find the error!
73
binge drinking
This term refers to heavy drinking where large quantities of alcohol are consumed in a short space of time, often among young people in rowdy groups. Binge drinking is becoming a major problem in some European countries.
74
live to tell the tale
Someone who lives to tell the tale survives a terrible experience. Only two members of the expedition lived to tell the tale.
75
going concern
A business or activity that is dynamic and successful is a going concern. They opened a coffee shop that is a going concern today.
76
close to home
If a remark or comment is close to home, it is so true, or it affects you so directly, that you feel uncomfortable. Alan looks embarrassed. Bob's comment must have been close to home.
77
cut both ways
Something that cuts both ways has both a positive and a negative effect at the same time. Banning cars in the town centre can cut both ways : less traffic congestion but fewer customers in the shops.
78
all brawn and no brain
Someone who is physically very strong but not very intelligent is said to be all brawn and no brain. He's an impressive player to watch, but he's all brawn and no brain.
79
fall flat
If a joke, a story or a form of entertainment falls flat, it does not amuse people, or fails to have the effect that was intended. He made a few attempts at humour during his speech but most of his jokes fell flat.
80
sour grapes
To say that someone's attitude is 'sour grapes' means that they are trying to make others believe that something they cannot have is of no importance. When she didn't get the job she said she wasn't interested in it anyway, but that's just sour grapes!
81
tickled pink
If you are tickled pink, you are very pleased about something. My dad was tickled pink when he was asked to announce the winner.
82
if it ain't broke don't fix it
This expression means that if a system or method works well, you shouldn't change it. We're not touching our alarm system. As the saying goes : if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
83
it's anyone's call
This expression is used when the result of a contest or election is difficult to predict. "Who do you think will win?" "It's anyone's call."
84
butterflies in your stomach
If you have butterflies in your stomach, you are feeling very nervous. At the beginning of an exam, I always have butterflies in my stomach.
85
kowtow to someone
If you are very respectful and submissive, giving way to the wishes of a person or organisation in authority in order to please them, you kowtow to them. Mark refused to kowtow to the committee and decided to work as a consultant.
86
from rags to riches
If a person goes from rags to riches, they start off being very poor and become very rich and successful. By renovating old houses in the right places, he went from rags to riches.
87
my foot!
This expression is used to show that you do not believe something that has just been said. He said he had a summer home? My foot, I doubt if he owns a tent!
88
break every rule in the book
If you behave in a completely unacceptable way, you break every rule in the book. Our competitors obtained the contract by breaking every rule in the book.
89
lend oneself to
If you lend yourself to something, you approve of it or become associated with it. No decent father would lend himself to violent behaviour.
90
fur coat and no knickers
A person who tries to appear distinguished but has no real class is referred to as 'fur coat and no knickers'. Don't let her impress you. She's what we call 'fur coat and no knickers'!
91
forty winks
If you have forty winks, you have a short sleep or rest, generally during the day. Dad likes to have forty winks after a game of golf.
92
embarrassment of riches
When there is much more of something than necessary, and it is difficult to make a choice, you have an embarrassment of riches. Our hosts presented us with an embarrassment of riches. There was so much food that we didn't know where to start!
93
over and done with
If something difficult or unpleasant is over and done with, it has now been successfully accomplished, so you don't have to worry about it any longer. I wasn't easy, but I had to announce the bad news, so now that's over and done with.
94
had one's chips
To say that someone has had their chips means that they have completely failed in what they set out to achieve. After the second round, it looked as though Watson had had his chips.
95
whys and wherefores
To talk about the whys and wherefores means to discuss the reasons. We need to discuss the whys and wherefores of our failure.
96
not let grass grow under your feet
If someone does not let the grass grow under their feet, they do not delay in getting something done. As soon as he received the permit, he started to build. He never lets the grass grow under his feet!
97
(all) hands on deck
When there is a need for all hands on deck, everyone must help, especially if there's a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time. As the opening day approached, it was all hands on deck to have everything ready in time.
98
itchy feet
A person who has itchy feet is someone who finds it difficult to stay in one place and likes to travel and discover new places. Andrew's got itchy feet again. He says he's going to teach in China for a few years.
99
get a second bite of the cherry
This expression means that you get a second opportunity to do or try something. He was eliminated in the semi-finals but he'll get a second bite at the cherry next year.
100
wishful thinking
Wishful thinking means believing that something that you want to happen is really happening or will happen, even though it is neither true nor likely. I think his health is improving a little, but perhaps that's just wishful thinking on my part.
101
make hair stand on end
If you are absolutely terrified of something, it makes your hair stand on end. Just the thought of getting on a plane makes my hair stand on end.
102
infomania
If you are constantly checking and responding to email and text messages, you may be the victim of a recent addiction calledinfomania. The abuse of technology has lead to a state of infomania; employees are becoming addicted to checking email and text messages during meetings.
103
whole new ball game
To refer to something as a whole new ball game means that it is a completely different situation due to a new set of circumstances. Email and text messaging have made communication a whole new ball game.
104
regain one's feet
If you regain your feet, you stand up again after stumbling or falling. This expression can also mean that you are once again financially solvent after a difficult period. John helped his father to regain his feet when he tripped on the steps.
105
by the skin of one's teeth
If you manage to do something by the skin of your teeth, you succeed in doing it but you almost fail. The traffic was so heavy I thought I'd miss the train, but I caught it by the skin of my teeth.
106
keep options open
When you keep your options open, you postpone making a decision so that you can choose among several possible courses of action. The offer sounds good, but keep your options open until you're sure it's the best choice.
107
say a mouthful
If you make an important or lengthy remark, you say a mouthful. The customer said a mouthful when he gave the reason for his dissatisfaction.
108
knock down with feather
To say 'you could have knocked me down with a feather' emphasizes the fact that you were extremely surprised. When I heard the name of the winner, you could have knocked me down with a feather!
109
sauce for the goose
The saying 'what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander' means that what is appropriate for one person should also be appropriate for the other person concerned. Women should earn the same salary as men for the same job. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander!
110
slap on the wrist
If you get a slap on the wrist, you receive mild punishment, or you are reprimanded for something you have done. I got a slap on the wrist from my wife for leaving the kitchen in a mess.
111
play truant
A young person who plays truant stays away from school without permission or excuse. Ben has no reason to be absent from school - he's playing truant again!
112
(not) give a hoot
To say that you don't or couldn't give a hoot means that you don't care at all about something. She wears eccentric clothes but she couldn't give a hoot about what others think.
113
flog a horse
To say that someone is flogging (or beating) a dead horse means that they are wasting time and effort trying to do or achieve something that is impossible. Mark is flogging a dead horse trying to get his money reimbursed. The company has gone bankrupt.
114
only to be expected
If an event or outcome is only to be expected, it is most likely to happen. The teacher was angry because you cheated at the exam? That was only to be expected!
115
time after time
If you do something time after time, you do it repeatedly or on many occasions. The was surprised when the teacher punished him although he had been warned time after time.
116
a taste of one's own medicine
If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you treat them in the same unpleasant way that they have treated you. People who always arrive late should be given a taste of their own medicine.
117
thing of the past
Something which no longer exists or is rarely used today is a thing of the past. Few people use video cassettes today - they've become a thing of the past.
118
stickler for the rules
Someone who is a stickler for the rules is a disciplinarian who demands strict observance of the rules or procedures. Be sure to use the proper form. Mr. Brown is a stickler for the rules.
119
not getting anywhere
If you are not getting anywhere, you are making no progress at all. I've spent the whole day looking for a solution but I'm not getting anywhere.
120
paper tiger
This term refers to a person, organisation or country that is less powerful or threatening than they appear to be. He threatens to take strong action but he's just another paper tiger.
121
two can play at that game
You say this to tell someone that you can behave towards them in the same unpleasant way that they have behaved towards you. He refuses to take my call? Tell him two can play at that game!
122
in/through the wars
If a person or thing has been in (or through) the wars, they show signs of rough treatment, injury or damage. He arrived in a car that looked as if it had been in the wars.
123
look before you leap
This is something you say when advising someone to think carefully about the possible problems before doing something. Don't decide too quickly. Look before you leap!
124
put a damper on
If someone or something puts a damper on a situation or event, they do something to make it less successful or enjoyable. The party was going great until the neighbours' complaints put a damper on it.
125
that make my blood boil!
If something makes your blood boil, it makes you really angry. Her condescending attitude really makes my blood boil!
126
put best foot forward
If someone puts their best foot forward, they do something as fast as they can. It's a long way to the station, but if I put my best foot forward I should catch the next train.
127
just the ticket
If something is just the ticket, it is exactly right, or just what you need. I'm not hungry enough for a meal. A bowl of soup would be just the ticket.
128
wear the trousers
The partner who wears the trousers (or pants) is the one who makes the important decisions. The salesman hesitated. It was difficult to see who wore the trousers in the couple.
129
jump out of one's skin
If you jump out of your skin, you are extremely surprised or shocked. Jane nearly jumped out of her skin when the horse put its head through the kitchen window!
130
change of heart
If someone has a change of heart, they change their attitude or feelings, especially towards greater friendliness or cooperation. He was against charity, but he had a change of heart when he saw the plight of the homeless.
131
same wavelength
If you are on the same wavelength as someone else, you feel or think the same way about something. We rarely argue. We're generally on the same wavelength.
132
live from hand to mouth
If you live from hand to mouth, you don't have any money to save because whatever you earn is spent on food and other essentials. Most families in that area live from hand to mouth.
133
wooden spoon
The person who finishes last in a race or competition receives an imaginary prize called the wooden spoon. Our team got the wooden spoon in this year's tournament.
134
hedge your bets
If you hedge your bets, you choose two or more courses of action in order to reduce the risk of loss or error. The company hedged its bets by developing a second line of products.
135
senior moment
A momentary lapse of memory, especially in older people, or an absent-minded action such as putting the cereals in the refrigerator, is humorously referred to as having a senior moment. I found the phone in the cupboard. I must have had a senior moment!
136
knock sense into
When you knock sense into somebody, you use strong words or methods in order to get that person to stop behaving stupidly. When Jason announced that he was going to drop out of college, his uncle managed to knock some sense into him.
137
set the alarm bells ringing / alarm bells start to ring
If something sets the alarm bells ringing, it makes you begin to worry, because it shows that there may be a problem. Alarm bells started to ring when the old lady next door didn't open her shutters all day and didn't answer her phone.
138
can't see the woodfor the trees
If someone can't see the wood for the trees, they are so concentrated on the details that they can't see the situation as a whole. The new manager found the situation so complicated that he couldn't see the wood for the trees.
139
first base
When you get to (or reach) first base, you make progress or begin to have success with someone or something. If you go to the interview dressed like that, you won't get to first base!
140
land of the living
This is a humorous way of saying that someone is still alive. Hi there! Glad to see you're still in the land of the living!
141
paint the town red
If you paint the town red, you go out and enjoy a lively evening in bars, night-clubs, etc. To celebrate the victory, the team's supporters painted the town red.
142
get/give the low-down
If you get or give the low-down, you get or give complete information or facts about something. I'll call you after the meeting and give you the low-down.
143
take offline
If you suggest that a subject be taken offline (during a meeting for example), you consider that it is a separate issue and should be discussed at another time. Peter, you're confusing things, so let's take that offline shall we?
144
above board
If a situation or business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal. There are not secret negotiations. Our dealings have always been above board.
145
chalk and cheese
Two people who are like chalk and cheese are completely different from each other. I'm surprised they get on so well. They're like chalk and cheese.
146
pound the pavement
Someone who pounds the pavement walks the streets or goes from company to company, usually in search of employment. (You can also pound the pavement in an effort to raise funds or gain support for a cause.) Charlie is out there pounding the pavement since he lost his job.
147
born with silver spoon in your mouth
To say that someone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth means that their family is very rich and privileged. Alice never has to worry about money; she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
148
make up for lost time
If you make up for lost time, you increase your efforts or work harder to complete something or meet a deadline. Progress has stopped because of bad weather, but we are determined to make up for lost time.
149
race against time
When someone is in a race against time, they have to work very quickly in order to do or finish something before a certain time. It was a race against time to get everything ready for the inauguration.
150
take matters into your own hands
If you take matters into your hands, you take action yourself rather than waiting for others to intervene. When Susan saw the lack of progress, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
151
give the slip
If you give the slip to somebody who is following you, you manage to hide or get away from them. The police were on his trail, but he managed to give them the slip.
152
bounce off the walls
Someone who is very excited about something, or full of nervous energy, is said to be bouncing off the walls. Danny can't wait to start his new job. He's bouncing off the walls.
153
different strokes for different folks
Each individual has their own tastes and requirements. What suits one person may not suit another. Alison really enjoys gardening, whereas Julie finds it a chore. Different strokes for different folks!
154
fling oneself into
If you fling yourself into an activity, you do it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Ever since she flung herself in the anti-pollution campaign, she rarely has a free moment!
155
mixed blessing
Something pleasant which also has disadvantages is called a mixed blessing. He inherited as 18th century mansion but the maintenance costs make it a mixed blessing.
156
under close scrutiny
Someone or something that is under (close) scrutiny is being watched or examined carefully. The police are keeping the suspect under close scrutiny.
157
saddled with debt
If you are saddled with debt, the amount of money that you owe is a financial burden. Be careful. If you buy a house that is too expensive, you could be saddled with debt for many years.
158
tar baby
This term refers to a sticky situation or problem for which it is virtually impossible to find a solution. He was advised not to get involved in the controversy which was considered a 'tar-baby' issue.
159
it's no use crying over spilt milk
It is useless to complain or have regrets about something that is done and cannot be changed. Sometimes I regret not accepting the offer, but it's no use crying over spilt milk.
160
lay down the law
Someone who lays down the law tells people very forcefully and firmly what to do. The volunteers helped in a disorganised way. They needed someone to lay down the law.
161
on one's last legs
If you are on your last legs, you are in a very weak condition or about to die. I was so sick that I felt as though I was on my last legs!
162
dial it back
If you dial it back, you reduce the intensity of something, or tone it down. When Lucas started getting all excited, his mother said : Hey Lucas, dial it back a bit!
163
not have a clue
If you don't have a clue about something, you don't know anything about it. My wife's grandmother's maiden name? I don't have a clue!
164
on top of the world
If you feel on top of the world, you are extremely happy because everything is going well for you. It's been such a good year for Amy that she feels on top of the world.
165
sore point
A sore point is a subject to be avoided because it causes anger or embarrassment. Don't talk to Mary about weight - that's a sore point!
166
left to own devises
If you leave someone to their own devices, you leave them to look after themselves, with any help or supervision. When left to their own devices, many children watch TV and eat junk food.
167
ostrich strategy/policy
Someone who adopts an ostrich strategy or policy chooses to ignore or evade an obvious problem in the hope that it will resolve itself or disappear. Adopting an ostrich strategy will only make matters worse - we've got to find a solution.
168
proper 'do'
This expression refers to a social event with formal clothes and top-class catering, organised to celebrate something. Bob says he'd be happy with a civil wedding and a drink afterwards, but Maggie wants a proper do.
169
good as gold
A child who is as good as gold is obedient and well-behaved. Your children are always as good as gold when I look after them.
170
smack dab in themiddle
If something is smack dab in the middle, it is right in the centre. I couldn't hide the stain on my shirt. It was smack dab in the middle.
171
read the riot act
If you declare with force and authority that something must stop, and announce the consequences if it happens again, you read the riot act. Dad read us the riot act when we messed up his tool-shed.
172
in one ear and out the other
To say that information goes in one ear and comes out the othermeans that it is immediately forgotten or ignored. I keep telling him about the risks but it goes in one ear and out the other. He never listens!
173
tug at the heartstrings
Something or someone who tugs at the heartstrings causes others to feel a great deal of pity or sadness. The hospital's plea for donors tugged at the heartstrings of millions of viewers.
174
shotgun approach
If you use a shotgun approach, you cover a wide range in a non-selective, haphazard and inefficient manner. Identifying a specific segment of the market as our target will be more effective than a shotgun approach.
175
tongue in cheek
If you describe a remark as 'tongue in cheek' you mean that it is not meant to be taken seriously; it is meant to be funny or ironic. Peter's remark was taken more seriously than intended. It was supposed to be tongue in cheek.
176
chip off the old block
A person who is a chip off the old block resembles one of their parents in appearance, character or behaviour. James is a chip off the old block - he reacts the same way as his father.
177
dressed to kill
When someone, especially a woman, is dressed to kill, they are wearing very fashionable or glamorous clothes intended to attract attention. She arrived at the reception dressed to kill.
178
rap on the knuckles
If someone gets a rap on/across the knuckles, they are punished or reprimanded, but not very severely, as a reminder not to do something again. Andy got a rap on the knuckles for coming home late.
179
(go to) hell in a handcart
If someone or something is going to hell in a handcart, their condition is poor and continues to deteriorate. This used to be a nice place to live, but now the area is going to hell in a handcart.
180
live the life of riley
A person who lives the life of Riley has a comfortable and enjoyable life, without having to make much effort. He married a millionaire, and since then he's been living the life of Riley!
181
in the eye of the storm
A person or organisation who is in the eye of the storm is deeply involved in a difficult situation which affects a lot of people. The minister was often in the eye of the storm during the debate on the war in Iraq.
182
twenty-four-seven
This term refers to something which is available or happens twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The tourist office provided a list of 24-7 supermarkets in the area.
183
rule the roost
If you rule the roost, you are the most important and powerful person in a group or community. Officially David runs the company, but it's his father who rules the roost.
184
take to the cleaners
If someone is taken to the cleaners, they lose a lot of money in an unfair way, usually by being robbed or cheated. When the company Tom had invested in went bankrupt, he realized he had been taken to the cleaners.
185
hold all the aces
A person who holds all the aces is in a very strong position because they have more advantages than anyone else. Given the high unemployment rates today, employers hold all the aces.
186
eat out of house and home
This is a humorous way of saying that someone is eating large quantities of your food. I stock up with food when my teenage sons invite their friends over. They'd eat you out of house and home!
187
live on the breadline
People who live on the breadline have a very low income or barely enough money to survive. Due to the recent crisis, there are more people on the breadline than ever before.
188
the world is your oyster
This expression means that you are free and able to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities that life has to offer. She left college feeling that the world was her oyster.
189
walking papers
If you are given your walking papers, your contract or a relationship has ended. After causing a diplomatic incident, Carter got his walking papers.
190
beyond redemption
If something is beyond redemption, it is in such a poor state that there is no hope of improvement or recovery. With the latest scandal, his reputation is now beyond redemption.
191
set in one's ways
A person who is set in their ways is unable or unwilling to change their ideas, habits or methods, often because they are old. My grandmother has the same routine every day. She is very set in her ways.
192
clean bill of health
If a person has a clean bill of health, they have a report or certificate declaring that their health is satisfactory. All candidates for the position must produce a clean bill of health.
193
in the lurch
Someone who is left in the lurch is left in a difficult or embarrassing situation. Paul was left in the lurch when he missed the last bus.
194
turn on the waterworks
If someone turns on the waterworks, they start to cry, especially to obtain something. If he doesn't get what he wants, the child immediately turns on the waterworks.
195
take under your wing
If you offer guidance and protection to someone younger or less experienced, you take them under your wing. I owe a lot to Tom who took me under his wing when I first arrived.
196
cross your mind
If an idea or thought crosses your mind, you suddenly think of it. It has just crossed my mind that the shops are closed today.
197
live in an ivory tower
A person who lives in an ivory tower has a lifestyle that preserves them from the problems and difficulties experienced by others. You're completely out of touch - it's time to come out of your ivory tower and see what's going on!
198
cherry pick
When you cherry pick, you choose something with great care and select only the best. Top university graduates are often cherry-picked by large companies.
199
as useful as achocolate teapot
Something which is of no practical use at all is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. When there are no roads, a car is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
200
five finger discount
If somebody gets a five-finger discount, they take something without paying. In other words, they steal. How could he afford that watch? Who knows - perhaps with a five-finger discount!
