0801-1000 Flashcards
1
Q
grin and bear it
A
When faced with a difficult or unpleasant situation, if you say that someone willhave to grin and bear it, you mean that they will have to accept it without complaining. The only seat available is on a low-cost flight. You’ll just have to grin and bear it!
2
Q
get into gear
A
When a person or activitygets(orcranks) into gear, they start to work or become effective. Immediately after the announcement, a group of protesters got into gear.
3
Q
have you gone out of yourmind?
A
If you ask someone if they havegone out of their mind, you think they are crazy, foolish or insane. You’re going to ask for a 100% salary increase? Have you gone out of your mind?
4
Q
a breeze
A
To say that something wasa breezemeans that it was very easy or that everything went smoothly. The interview was a breeze - barely 10 minutes and I got the job!
5
Q
never rains but it pours
A
This expression is used to comment on the fact that when something bad happens, other bad things often happen too, and make the situation even worse. First he forgot his briefcase, then he lost his wallet, and when he reached the car park, his car had been stolen - it never rains but it pours!
6
Q
blind someone with science
A
If someone tries toblind you with science, they confuse you with their knowledge by using difficult or technical words. When you ask Tim for a simple explanation, he blinds you with science.
7
Q
set great store by
A
When you consider something to be very important or valuable, youset great store by it. The company sets great store by its after-sales service.
8
Q
nestegg
A
If you have anest egg,you have a reserve of money which you put aside for future needs. Our parents consider the money from the sale of their house as a nest egg for their old age.
9
Q
be/mean theworldto
A
When youareormean the world tosomeone, you are very important or precious to them. His daughter means all the world to Mr. Jones.
10
Q
pull through
A
If youpull through, you recover from a serious illness. Doris had to undergo heart surgery but she pulled through.
11
Q
for the time being
A
If you talk about how a situation isfor the time being, you mean that it is temporary and will probably change in the future. Laura has left Ben and is living with her parents for the time being.
12
Q
asmuchuse as a handbrake on a canoe
A
This expression refers to something which is completely useless or serves no purpose. With no electricity, a refrigerator would be as much use as a handbrake on a canoe!
13
Q
fit like a glove
A
If somethingfits like a glove, it fits you perfectly. I was lucky! The first skirt I tried on fitted me like a glove!
14
Q
it beats me!
A
This expression is used to express surprise at something that you find difficult to understand. It beats me how he can live in that horrible apartment!
15
Q
speak softly and carry a big stick
A
If youspeak softly and carry a big stick,you express your views in a quite non-aggressive manner, but you make it clear that you are in a position to use force if necessary. As a leader he recommends the ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’ method.
16
Q
come uptrumps
A
To say that someone hascome up trumpsmeans that they have achieved unexpectedly good results. Against all expectations, our team came up trumps in the cup final.
17
Q
opposite number
A
A person who holds the same position as oneself in another company or organisation is called one’sopposite number. I spoke to my opposite number in several local companies and we all agreed to join the anti-pollution campaign.
18
Q
have itchyfeet
A
A person whohas itchy feetis someone who finds it difficult to stay in one place and likes to move often and discover new places. Scott never stays long anywhere. He’s got itchy feet!
19
Q
small potatoes
A
Something that issmall potatoesis considered unimportant or insignificant. Her first publication was considered small potatoes but her new book has lead to a change of opinion.
20
Q
butter wouldn’t melt inmouth
A
If you say that someone looks as ifbutter wouldn’t melt in their mouth,you mean that they look completely innocent, but that they are capable of doing unpleasant things. The boy who stole the purse looked as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.
21
Q
caveat emptor
A
This Latin expression, which means ‘let the buyer beware’, is a warning to customers that goods are for sale ‘as is’. The buyer is purchasing the articles at his/her own risk and is responsible for examining them beforehand. Caveat emptor is a principle to be remembered when buying second-hand goods.
22
Q
scared stiff
A
Someone who isscared stiffis so frightened that they are unable to move. My mother is scared stiff of heights.
23
Q
mum’s the word
A
To say’mum’s the word’means that the subject or plan is a secret and must not be revealed. We’re organizing a surprise birthday party, so mum’s the work - OK?
24
Q
speak off the cuff
A
If yousay something off the cuff,you say it spontaneously, without previous thought or preparation. Politicians are usually careful not to speak off the cuff.
25
tight squeeze
If you are in a tight squeeze, you are in a cramped or crowded situation. We managed to get on the bus but it was a tight squeeze.
26
dodge a bullet
If you dodge a bullet, you narrowly avoid a very serious problem or a disaster. I dodged a bullet when I missed the plane. It crashed just after take-off.
27
on the sly
If you do something on the sly, you do it secretly or furtively. He made such quick progress that the others suspected him of having private lessons on the sly.
28
lump in your throat
If you have a lump in your throat, you have a tight feeling in your throat because of a strong emotion such as sadness or gratitude. The speech was so touching that I had a lump in my throat.
29
rotten apple
This term refers to a person who is considered to be dishonest or immoral and has a bad influence on others in the group. It is said that in any profession there is always a rotten apple.
30
in for a penny, in for a pound
This expression means that once you start doing something, you might just as well do it wholeheartedly and not stop at half-measures. Joe finally accepted to be on the committee, then he accepted to be the chairman. "In for a penny, in for a pound'." he said!
31
benefit of the doubt
If you give someone the benefit of the doubt, you choose to believe that the person is innocent, honest or telling the truth, because there is no evidence to the contrary. Although he found it hard to believe Tom's explanation, the teacher decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
32
in a stew
When someone is in a stew about something, they are worried and agitated. When she was organizing the wedding reception, Laura got into a stew over the seating arrangements.
33
go up in smoke
If a plan or project goes up in smoke, it is spoiled, fails, or ends before producing a result. When Amy and Tom separated, my mother's dream of a romantic wedding went up in smoke.
34
hit the road
When you hit the road, you begin a journey. It's getting late and we've got a long way to go. Let's hit the road.
35
one's own undoing
If you do something that is the cause of your own failure, loss or downfall, it is your own undoing. You can blame nobody but yourself. If he continues to gamble like that, it will be his own undoing.
36
birds of a feather
To say that two people are birds of a feather means that they are very similar in many ways. No wonder they get on well. They're birds of a feather!
37
go to hell in a handcart
If something is going to hell in a handcart, it is in a bad state and continues to deteriorate. This used to be a nice place to live but now the area is going to hell in a handcart.
38
glowing terms
If you speak about something in glowing terms, you talk about it in a very positive way. Mary talks about her home town in glowing terms; it must be a wonderful place.
39
on one's uppers
Someone who is on their uppers has very little money or not enough to cover their needs. Because he was clearly on his uppers when he was hired, he was given an advance in salary.
40
fall on one's sword
If you fall on your sword, you accept the consequences of an unsuccessful or wrong action. The organiser of the referendum resigned when the poor results were announced. It was said that he' fell on his sword'.
41
nip in the bud
If you nip a problem or an unacceptable situation in the bud, you stop it at an early stage, before it develops or becomes worse. He wanted to be a clown, but his parents soon nipped that idea in the bud.
42
that ship has sailed
The expression 'that ship has sailed' means that a particular opportunity has passed by and now it's too late. 'Is the offer still open?' 'Sorry, that ship has sailed - you missed your chance!'
43
get your act together
If you get your act together, you organise your affairs better than you have done previously and deal with things more efficiently. Jack's plan won't work unless he gets his act together.
44
birthday suit
This humorous expression means that you are wearing nothing. The bathroom door blew open, and there I was in my birthday suit!
45
dead in the water
A plan or project that is dead in the water is at a standstill or has ceased to function and is unlikely to be reactivated in the future. Because of the crisis, the planned housing development is now dead in the water.
46
survival of the fittest
This expression means that the most able, or those best capable of adapting to particular conditions, will survive. I plant some flowers in the spring and hope for the best - it's the survival of the fittest!
47
go postal
If someone goes postal, they lost their temper and express their anger in a violent way. My parents will go postal when they see the state of the house!
48
crack down on something
If the authorities crack down on something, they enforce the law by taking severe measures to restrict undesirable or criminal actions. To reduce road accidents, it was decided to crack down on speeding.
49
cry wolf
To cry wolf is to call for help when you are not really in danger. As a result, nobody believes you when you really need help. There's Mary screaming again! Does she really have a problem or is she just crying wolf again?
50
start the ball rolling
If you start the ball rolling, you begin an activity in which other people will join. Let's start the ball rolling by calling on our first speaker.
51
(get it down to) a fine art
When you learn to do something perfectly, you get it down to a fine art. Entertaining her husband's business associates is not a problem for Jane; she's got that down to a fine art!
52
up/down your alley
If something is (right) up or down your alley, it is exactly the sort of thing that will suit your tastes or abilities. Alex loves reading, so the job in the bookshop is right up his alley.
53
money for old rope
Money earned from a task that requires very little effort is called money for old rope. Getting paid for watering the garden is money for old rope!
54
make ends meet
If you find it difficult to pay for your everyday needs because you have very little money, it is hard for you to make ends meet. Anne's salary is so low that she finds it hard to make ends meet.
55
cast a wide net
When trying to find something, if you cast a wide net, you cover an extensive area or use a wide range of sources. The hospital cast a wide net in their search for compatible donors.
56
cog in the machine
If you say that someone is a cog in the machine, you mean that, while they are necessary, they only play a small part in an organisation or plan. The police quickly realized that the suspect was just a cog in the machine.
57
made of money
A person who is made of money is very rich and can buy whatever they want. Hey! I can't afford that much. I'm not made of money!
58
token gesture
To make a token gesture means to show a small sign of appreciation. As a token gesture of gratitude for her neighbourly advice, he gave Mrs.Smith a plant for her garden.
59
gone with the wind
If something has gone with the wind, it has disappeared forever. I lost everything during the crisis. My savings are gone with the wind.
60
pull out all the stops
If you pull out all the stops, you do everything you can to make something successful. We'll have to pull out all the stops to get the store ready for the opening day.
61
leave somebody holding the baby.
If someone is left holding the baby, they are made responsible for a problem that others don't want to deal with. When the angry customer started to complain, my colleague disappeared and left me holding the baby.
62
put on the spot
If you put someone on the spot, you put them in a difficult position, for example by asking difficult questions which they cannot avoid. The reporter was put on the spot when he was asked to reveal his source.
63
on/in the cards
Something which is on the cards it very likely to happen. A coalition between the two parties is still on the cards.
64
lick one's wounds
When a person licks their wounds, they try to recover their confidence or spirits after a defeat, failure or disappointment. Poor Harry is licking his wounds after being dropped from the team.
65
go ballistic
When someone goes ballistic, they become very angry. My dad went ballistic when he saw the state of the garden after the barbecue.
66
hunky-dory
Using the expression 'hunky dory' is an informal way of saying that everything is satisfactory and there are no problems. "Need any help?" Everything's hunky dory, thanks."
67
take under yourwing
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.
68
close but no cigar
This expression refers to an effort to do something which was a good attempt but not quite good enough to succeed. The ball touched the goal post - close but no cigar!
69
speed networking
This term refers to a relatively new urban trend which consists in making a potential business contact by briefly talking to a series of people at an organised event and exchanging contact details.
70
make light work of
If a person makes light work of something, they do it very easily or with little effort. The boys made light work of the cleaning up. The house was spotless in no time.
71
pen mightier than sword
This expression means that words and communication have greater effect than war and fighting. The treaty put an end to the hostilities - the pen is mightier than the sword.
72
better safe than sorry
It's better to be too cautious than to be careless and have regrets later. Let's book tickets in advance - better safe than sorry!
73
add insult to injury
To add insult to injury means to make a bad situation worse by harming or upsetting someone you have already harmed in some other way. Not only did he steal money from his best friend, he added insult to injury by damaging his car!
74
odds and ends
Odds and ends are small articles, or bits and pieces of all sorts, usually of little value. I keep my odds and ends in this drawer.
75
milk of human kindness
Someone who has, or is full of, the milk of human kindness, is naturally kind and compassionate to others. She's a wonderful person - full of the milk of human kindness.
76
see the error of ways
When someone sees the error of their ways, they understand that what they are doing is wrong and accept to change their behaviour. He talked to a counsellor who tried to make him see the error of his ways.
77
not up to scratch
Something which is not up to scratch fails to reach the expected standard. The quality of the material is not up to scratch. We'll have to change our suppliers.
78
push one's luck
If you push your luck, you try to get more than what you have already obtained and risk spoiling the situation. You've got your father's permission to go to the concert. Don't push your luck by trying to borrow his car!
79
take a chance
If you take a chance on something, you take action in the hope of success even though you know that the result may be negative. I may not be able to get through the traffic, but I'll take a chance on it.
80
lesser of two evils
If you choose the lesser of two evils, you opt for the less unpleasant of two poor options. I didn't want to go. Choosing the train instead of driving was the lesser of two evils; at least I could relax on the way.
81
split hairs
If you split hairs, you pay too much attention to differences that are very small or unimportant. If we start splitting hairs, we'll never reach an agreement.
82
hot potato
A hot potato is a very sensitive and controversial matter which is difficult to deal with. The new Prime Minister hasn't been confronted with any hot potatoes yet.
83
lick somebody's boots
To say that one person licks another person's boots means that they are trying to please that person, often in order to obtain something. There's no need to lick the manager's boots. Just do your job!
84
excuse my French
This expression is used as an apology for using crude or offensive language. He's a bloody nuisance, if you'll excuse my French.
85
left hanging in the air
If a problem or issue is left hanging in the air (or in mid-air), no decision has been taken so it remains without a solution. No solution was proposed during the meeting so the question was left hanging in the air.
86
can't fight the city hall
This expression means that it is useless to try to win a battle against a politician, establishment or bureaucracy in general. Brian decided it was a waste of energy trying to obtain a tax refund - you can't fight the city hall.
87
keep up with Joneses
Someone who tries to keep up with the Joneses tries to have the same possessions or social achievements as someone else. First the Browns moved their children to an expensive school. Now the Smiths have done the same. It's silly how some people feel they have to keep up with the Joneses!
88
knickers in a twist
If you get your knickers in a twist, you are angry, nervous or upset faced with a difficult situation. Don't get your knickers in a twist! Everything is under control.
89
in the eye of thestorm
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 Prime Minister was often in the eye of the storm during the debate on the war in Iraq.
90
cat in hell's chance
To say that there is not a cat in hell's chance of someone doing or achieving something means that there is no chance at all. Because of the blizzard, the pilot didn't have a cat in hell's chance of landing safely.
91
bite your tongue
If you bite your tongue, you stop yourself from saying what you really think. Sam decided to bite his tongue rather than get into an argument.
92
grease somebody's palm
If you accuse someone of greasing somebody's palm, you are accusing them of giving money to someone in order to gain an unfair advantage or to obtain something they want. In some countries, it is common practice to grease government officials' palms.
93
golden handcuffs
The term golden handcuffs refers to a large sum of money or a generous financial arrangement granted to an executive as an incentive to stay in their job, or to ensure long-term cooperation after their departure.
94
screw loose
If someone has a screw loose, their behaviour is strange and they appear slightly mad. She wears a fur coat in the summer - she must have a screw loose!
95
(not) hold water
If an explanation or argument does not hold water, it does not stand up to critical examination and can be shown to be unfounded. The reasons given for the government's new measures just do not hold water.
96
by hook or by crook
If you say that you will do something by hook or by crook, you mean that you will succeed in doing it in whatever way is necessary, whether it is honest or not. I'll get my revenge, by hook or by crook!
97
play second fiddle
If you play second fiddle to another person, you accept to be second in importance to that person, or have a lower position. John resented having to play second fiddle to the sales manager when the company was restructured.
98
force someone's hand
If you force someone's hand, you make them do something unwillingly or sooner than planned. The interviewer forced Brad's hand and made him reveal his relocation plans.
99
one in the eye
If an event or development is an unexpected defeat or disappointment for someone, it is one in the eye for that person. My promotion was one in the eye for my ambitious colleague.
100
white lie
If you tell a white lie, you say something which is not true in order to protect someone or to avoid hurting their feelings. Some parents prefer to tell their children a white lie rather than announce bad news.
101
crack the whip
If you crack the whip, you use your authority to make someone obey you or work more efficiently, usually by threatening them. Every so often I'll crack the whip to make sure we meet the deadline.
102
show someone the ropes
If you show someone the ropes, you teach or explain to them how to do a particular job. The manager is busy showing the ropes to two new trainees.
103
blot one's copy-book
Someone who blots their copy-book does something to spoil their good record or reputation. He blotted his copy-book when he was arrested for speeding.
104
strike while the iron is hot
If you strike while the iron is hot, you act immediately because now is the ideal time to do it. The price of property has dropped. It's a good time to buy. You should strike while the iron is hot.
105
know which side your bread is buttered
If you know which side your bread is buttered, you know where your interests lie or what will be to your advantage. Jack never argues with his father-in-law. He knows which side his bread is buttered.
106
sweet nothings
Pleasant but unimportant words that lovers say to each other are calledsweet nothings. He whispered sweet nothings in her ear as they danced.
107
all your eggs in one basket
If you have all your eggs in one basket, you depend on one plan or one source of income. If you invest your savings in one bank, you'll have all your eggs in one basket.
108
nothing succeeds like success
This expression means that success often leads to further successes. The success of my first book encouraged to continue writing. Nothing succeeds like success!
109
make a song and dance
If someone complains in an annoying way or becomes unnecessarily excited about something unimportant, they make a song and dance about it. OK, you don't like carrots. Don't make a song and dance about it!
110
put through one's paces
If you put someone or something through their paces, you test their ability to do something by making them perform certain actions. During the presentation, the new machine was put through its paces.
111
close as an oyster
Someone who is as close as an oyster will never reveal something told in confidence or betray a secret. Sophie will never repeat what you tell her. She's as close as an oyster.
112
for the time being
If you talk about how a situation is for the time being, you mean that it is temporary and will probably change in the future. Laura has left John and is living with her parents for the time being.
113
go haywire
If something goes haywire, it becomes disorganised or goes out of control. The photocopier has gone completely haywire. It's only printing half of each page!
114
get the show on the road
If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show on the road. OK, we've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road.
115
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 figures in some countries, employers hold all the aces.
116
go through the mill
If you go through the mill, you experience a very difficult period, or are exposed to rough treatment. When I was an intern, I was put through the mill. Nothing went unnoticed.
117
sail through
If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam, you succeed in doing it without difficulty. The English test was no problem for Pedro. He sailed through it.
118
drastic times call for drastic measures
When faced with a difficult situation, it is sometimes necessary to take actions which in normal circumstances would appear extreme After Johnny's third accident, his father confiscated his car. Drastic times call for drastic measures!
119
while the going is good
If you take action while the going is good, you do something before the situation changes and it is no longer possible. There's a 50% discount on subscriptions this month. I think I'll subscribe while the going is good.
120
no end
This expression is another way of saying 'very much'. Aunt Bessie was pleased no end to be invited to your wedding.
121
fit the bill
If someone or something fits the bill, they are exactly right for a particular situation. They wanted a quiet place to stay and the country inn fitted the bill.
122
do the trick
If something does the trick, it does exactly what is needed, or achieves the desired effect. Another coat of paint should do the trick.
123
stand up for
When you defend or support a person, a belief or an idea, you stand up for them. A growing number of citizens are standing up for the victims of discrimination.
124
tighten your belt
If you need to tighten your belt, you must spend your money carefully because there is less available. Another bill? I'll have to tighten my belt this month!
125
dead as a dodo
To say that something is (as) dead as a dodo means that it is unquestionably dead or obsolete, or has gone out of fashion. (A dodo is a bird that is now extinct.) The floppy disk is an invention that is now (as) dead as a dodo.
126
boil the ocean
To boil the ocean means to waste time on a task or project that is unnecessary, not worth doing or impossible to achieve. I expect you to do the job well but dont try to boil the ocean!
127
out of the frying pan into the fire
This expression means to go from one difficult situation to another one which is usually even worse. The flight was delayed because of snow. When the plane eventually took off, it had to turn back because of engine trouble - out of the frying pan into the fire!
128
go off the deep end
A person who goes off the deep end becomes suddenly very angry or emotional. He started shouting and throwing things around the office. He really went off the deep end.
129
get cold feet
If you get cold feet about something, you begin to hesitate about doing it; you are no longer sure whether you want to do it or not. I wanted to enter the competition but at the last minute I got cold feet.
130
fight an uphill battle
A person faced with an uphill battle has to struggle against very unfavourable circumstances. After the terrible accident, his recovery was an uphill battle all the way.
131
shank's pony
If you go somewhere on Shank's pony, you have to walk rather than travel by bus, car, etc. It was impossible to find a taxi after the party, so it was Shank's pony for us!
132
make no bones about it
If you make no bones about something, you don't hesitate to say something in a frank and open way. I made no bones about it. I told him his offer was unacceptable.
133
that's the way the ball bounces
Things don't always work out as planned, and there's nothing we can do about it - that's life! He didn't get the prize he expected, but never mind - that's the way the ball bounces!
134
quick temper
Someone who has a quick temper gets angry very easily. He makes me nervous - he's got such a quick temper.
135
blow away the cobwebs
If something blows away the cobwebs, it makes you feel more lively and refreshes your ideas. Let's get out of the house. A walk on the beach will blow away the cobwebs!
136
make a killing
If you say that someone has made a killing you mean that they have had great financial success. He made a killing on the stock market.
137
out of your depth
If you are out of your depth, you are in a situation which is too difficult for you, or which you know little about. She started building a website with little computer knowledge, so she was soon out of her depth and had to look for help.
138
risk life and limb
If you risk life and limb, you are in danger of death or serious injury. The roads are icy today; you'll risk life and limb if you go by car.
139
throw pearls to pigs/ cast pearls before swine
This expression means that it is wasteful to offer something valuable or useful to someone who does not understand or appreciate it. She had a beautifully trained voice but the audience didn't listen - talk about throwing pearls to pigs!
140
step on someone's toes
If you annoy or irritate someone by intervening in a situation that is their responsibility, you step on their toes. I could offer some advice but I'm afraid of stepping on someone's toes.
141
strike a false note
If you strike a false note, you do something wrong or inappropriate. He struck a false note when he arrived at the cocktail party wearing old jeans.
142
on the off-chance
If you do something on the off chance, you think there might be a slight possibility of success. I went into the supermarket on the off chance that I would find a map.
143
break the mould
If you change what people expect from a (traditional) situation, especially by doing something original, you break the mould. After generations of doctors in the family, he broke the mould by becoming a fashion designer.
144
work your fingers to the bone
A person who works their fingers to the bone is extremely hardworking. He deserves his success; he worked his fingers to the bone when he started the business.
145
just what the doctor ordered
If something is just what the doctor ordered, it is extremely pleasant and will help you feel better. A week-end in the sun - just what the doctor ordered!
146
give the shirt off one's back
This expression is used to describe a kind-hearted or generous person who would give you anything he/she owns to help you. Mike would give the shirt off his back to help a friend in difficulty.
147
talk nineteen to the dozen
Someone who talks nineteen to the dozen speaks very quickly. He was talking nineteen to the dozen so I didn't catch the whole story.
148
of the first water
Something that is of the first water is of the finest or most exceptional quality (like being compared to a diamond). The violinist gave a performance that was of the first water.
149
stop dead in one's tracks
If you stop dead in your tracks, you stop suddenly because you are frightened or totally surprised. When Steve saw the snake, he stopped dead in his tracks.
150
beyond the shadow of a doubt
This expression is used to indicate absolute certainty about something. There wasn't a shadow of doubt in our minds about Susan's sincerity.
151
abbreviated piece of nothing
This slang expression refers to someone who is considered to be insignificant or worthless. Bob doesn't think much of his new colleague. He calls him an 'abbreviated piece of nothing'.
152
spread like wildfire
If something such as news, rumours or gossip spreads like wildfire, it becomes widely known very fast. As soon as the nomination was announced, the news spread like wildfire.
153
pot calling the kettle black
This expression is used in a situation where a person with a fault criticizes someone else for having the same fault. After being disqualified for not obeying the rules, the player accused another competitor of cheating; it was the pot calling the kettle black!
154
open secret
A fact that is supposed to be a secret but is actually widely known is called an open secret. It's an open secret that Paul and Emily are living together.
155
earn while you learn
This expression refers to the possibility of earning a salary while in training. Become an apprentice and get paid while in training. Earn while you learn!
156
in essence
The term in essence means 'basically', fundamentally' or 'essentially' and refers to the most important or essential facts. In essence, lightning is a great big spark of electricity.
157
take to something like a duck to water
If you take to something like a duck to water, you do it naturally and easily, without fear or hesitation. When Sophie first tried skiing, she took to it like a duck to water.
158
eat someone alive
If you criticize someone severely because you are angry with them, you eat them alive. (You can also be eaten alive - bitten repeatedly - by insects.) The boss will eat me alive if the report arrives late.
159
make a beeline for
If you make a beeline for something, you hurry directly towards it. They were so hot and thirsty they made a beeline for the cool drinks.
160
look daggers
Someone who looks daggers at another looks at them very angrily. David looked daggers at Paul when he invited his new girlfriend to dance.
161
for that matter
This term is used to add something that is also true. She refuses to fly, and she won't travel by train either for that matter.
162
juggling act
If you do a juggling act, you try to do different things in a way that is satisfactory for all concerned. For many women, managing a career and looking after a family can be quite a juggling act.
163
have kittens
To say that you're going to have kittens is a dramatic way of expressing worry, anxiety or fear. His mother nearly had kittens when Alex announced that he wanted to be a trapeze artist.
164
against one's better judgement
If you do something, even though you feel it is not a sensible thing to do, you do it against your better judgement. Bob persuaded her to go by car, against her better judgement, and she regretted it as soon as she saw the heavy traffic.
165
throw money at
If you throw money at something, you try to solve a problem by spending money on it, without using any other methods. The refugee problem cannot be solved just by throwing money at it!
166
lie way in/out
If you obtain something or get out of a situation by telling lies, you lie your way in or out of it. He lied his way into a well-paid position.
167
chill out
When people chill out, often after a period of heavy work or nervous tension, they do something that helps them to calm down and relax for a while. After a week of exams, the students needed to go and chill out.
168
turn a blind eye
If you turn a blind eye to something, you pretend not to notice what someone is doing. The old man turns a blind eye when he sees children taking apples from his garden.
169
your guess is as good as mine
When talking to another person, your guess is as good as minemeans that neither of you knows the answer. "What happened to the coffee machine?" "Your guess is as good as mine!"
170
slice of the cake
When people feel entitled to a share of the profits or benefits, they want a (larger) slice of the cake. Since profits are higher this year, the workers feel they deserve a bigger slice of the cake.
171
tomorrow's another day
This expression means that even if everything is not satisfactory at present, there will be opportunity for things to improve. For the moment you need some rest; tomorrow's another day.
172
wear out one's welcome
If someone wears out their welcome, they stay too long as a guest, causing inconvenience to their host. Alan and Sue invited us to stay on for a few days but we didn't want to wear out our welcome.
173
get one's just deserts
When someone gets their just deserts, they are rewarded or punished according to what they deserve. Liz got her just deserts when she was excluded from the committee; she is totally unreliable.
174
out like a light
If a person is out like a light, they are so tired that they fall asleep very quickly. As soon as his head touched the pillow, he was out like a light.
175
in essence
The term 'in essence' means 'basically', fundamentally' or 'essentially', and refers to the most important or essential facts. In essence, lightning is a great big spark of electricity.
176
make or break
Circumstances or events that will make or break someone or something will cause either total success or total ruin. The assignment will make or break his career.
177
right/wrong foot
To get off (or start off) on the right/wrong foot means to start a relationship well or badly. I was looking forward to working with Anna but we seem to have started off on the wrong foot.
178
get your feet wet
If you get your feet wet, you start to do something new or unfamiliar or explore new territory for the first time. It will be a totally new experience for me but I can't wait to get my feet wet!
179
champagne taste on a beer budget
Someone who likes expensive things that they cannot afford haschampagne taste on a beer budget. Eve borrows money to buy expensive designer clothes - champagne taste on a beer budget!
180
dead duck
This expression refers to a project or scheme which has been abandoned or is certain to fail. The new cinema is going to be a dead duck because it's too far away from the town centre.
181
over-egg the pudding
If you try to improve something excessively by adding unnecessary details, you over-egg the pudding. Keep your report simple. Don't over-egg the pudding.
182
whiz kid
A whiz kid is someone, usually young, who is very talented and successful at doing something. Apparently the new engineer knows what he's doing - a real whiz-kid from what I've heard.
183
live to fight another day
This expression means that even though you have had a negative experience, you will have another chance in the future to try again. He was defeated in the final match but he lived to fight another day.
184
other side of the coin
When you want to mention a different or contradictory aspect of a situation, you refer to the other side of the coin. The house is lovely and spacious, but the other side of the coin is that it is far from shops and schools.
185
when in Rome, do as the Romans do
This expression means that you should adopt the customs of the people or country you are visiting, and behave in the same way.
186
iron fist/hand
This expression is used to describe someone who, behind an appearance of gentleness, is inflexible and determined. To impose the necessary reforms, the leader used persuasion followed by force - an iron fist in a velvet glove.
187
smoke signals
To say that there are smoke signals means that there are indications that something is probably going to happen. All the smoke signals seem to indicate that the company is going to be taken over.
188
murphy's law
Referring to Murphy's law expresses a sentiment of bad luck and the idea that if anything can go wrong, it will. We've tried to prepare for every possible incident, but remember Murphy's law ...!
189
in the nick of time
If something happens in the nick of time, it happens at the last minute, when it is nearly too late. The child was standing in front of the open window. His mother caught him in the nick of time.
190
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.
191
why keep a dog and bark yourself?
This expression means that if someone or something can do a task for you, there's no reason to do it yourself. My grandmother has an electric mixer but she continues to make her cakes by hand. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?
192
send packing
If you send someone packing, you tell them to leave, in a very forceful and unfriendly way. When Amanda discovered that Jack was unfaithful, she sent him packing.
193
in the first place
Something that is done or said in the first place is done or said at the beginning, before anything else. Why didn't you tell me he was your boyfriend in the first place?
194
put in one's place
If someone causes offence or irritation by speaking or behaving in an inappropriate manner, you put them in their place by letting them know that they are not as important as they seem to believe. The new trainee is not in a position to criticize our methods. He needs to be put in his place!
195
wrapped up in
If you wrapped up in an activity, you are totally concentrated on it. Emma was so wrapped up in her work that she didn't realize her colleagues had all left.
196
pull (someone's) leg
If you pull somebody's leg, you tease them by telling them something that is not true. Of course I'm not going to buy a sports car. I was just pulling your leg!
197
make your way to
If you make your way to a destination, you manage to get there without difficulty. Don't worry. I'll make my way to your home from the station.
198
run a taut ship
When a group or organisation is run in a well-ordered and disciplined manner, the person in charge runs a taut (or tight) ship. The director of the scout camp runs a taut ship.
199
(like the) back of one's hand
If you know something like the back of your hand, you are very familiar with it and know it in detail. Of course I won't get lost. I know London like the back of my hand!
200
a rude awakening
If you get a rude awakening, you are forced to accept the unpleasant truth or reality. She thought Charlie would want her back, but she got a rude awakening - he was already dating another girl.
