1201-1400 Flashcards
1
Q
kill two birds with one stone
A
If youkill two birds with one stone, you succeed in doing two things at the same time. By studying on the train on the way home, Claire kills two birds with one stone.
2
Q
cut someone some slack
A
If you relax a rule, treat a person less severely or allow someone to do something which is normally not permitted, youcut them some slack. Our parents are very strict; I wish they’d cut us some slack now and then.
3
Q
sponge off someone
A
If yousponge off someone,you live at the expense of another person, accepting their hospitality without sharing the costs or doing something in return. Amy has been sponging off her grandparents for the past two months. She neither shares the expenses nor helps in the house.
4
Q
it’s beyond me
A
To say ‘it’s beyond me’ means that it is impossible for you to understand. It’s beyond me why Mary wants to marry John.
5
Q
things are looking up
A
To say thatthings are looking upmeans that the situation is improving and you feel more positive about the future. Andy has got two job interviews next week so things are looking up.
6
Q
strike (it) lucky
A
When someonestrikes it lucky, they run into good luck. We had a sunny week in Scotland - we struck it lucky!
7
Q
sweat of your brow
A
If you earn or achieve somethingby the sweat of your brow,you do it through hard work and no help. I got a comfortable lifestyle by the sweat of my brow - I owe it to nobody but myself!
8
Q
run round in circles
A
People whorun round in circleshave difficulty in achieving something because of lack of organisation. Running round in circles will get us nowhere - we need to set up a plan.
9
Q
put a spanner in the works
A
Toput a spanner in the works(orthrow a (monkey) wrench) means to cause problems and prevent something from happening as planned. A new motorway was planned but a group of ecologists managed to put a spanner in the works.
10
Q
stand in good stead
A
To say that a skill, an ability or previous experience willstand you in good steadmeans that it will be beneficial to you in the future. Being able to speak another language will stand you in good stead when looking for a job.
11
Q
(as)slyas a fox
A
Someone who isas sly as a foxis cunning and clever at getting what they want, especially by deceiving or tricking people. Be wary of that insurance salesman. He’s known to be as sly as a fox.
12
Q
eat your words
A
If youeat your words, you have to admit that what you said before was wrong. After predicting disastrous results, he had to eat his words when he saw the success of the new product.
13
Q
fall by the wayside
A
If a plan or projectfalls by the wayside, it remains unfinished or people stop trying to do it. Local residents protested so strongly that plans for a new motorway fell by the wayside.
14
Q
significant other
A
The term’significant other’ refers to a person, such as a spouse, partner or lover, with whom you have a long-term relationship. Harry says he makes no decisions without consulting his significant other.
15
Q
sincetimeimmemorial
A
If something has existedsince time immemorial,it has been there for such a long time that nobody can recall a time without it. I don’t know when that bridge was built. It’s been there since time immemorial.
16
Q
mind your Ps and Qs
A
If you tell someone tomind their Ps and Qs, you are advising them to be careful about how they behave and what they say. Politeness is very important to my grandparents, so mind your Ps and Qs.
17
Q
bring someone to heel
A
If you force someone to behave in a disciplined manner, youbring them to heel. The boy had always behaved badly, but the new headmaster managed to bring him to heel.
18
Q
go out of your way
A
If yougo out of your way, you take particular care or make a special effort when doing something. Aunt Betty went out of her way to make us feel comfortable.
19
Q
duty bound
A
If you areduty boundto do something, you are required to do it as part of your obligations. Teachers are duty bound to report a pupil’s absence from school.
20
Q
(not) miss a trick
A
If a person nevermisses a trick, they are very alert and aware of everything that is happening around them. The old lady next door will know if Bill is there or not - she never misses a trick!
21
Q
till thecowscome home
A
To say that a person could do somethingtill the cows come homemeans that they could do it for a ong time. You can ask me till the cows come home but I’m not buying you a scooter!
22
Q
do nothing by halves
A
When a person does everything they are engaged in completely and thoroughly, they are said todo nothing by halves. When she cooks, it’s a four-course meal - she does nothing by halves!
23
Q
that’s the last straw!
A
This expression means that this is the latest unpleasant event and that you cannot tolerate the situation any longer. After an extremely tiring day, when Joe saw the the traffic jam he said : that’s the last straw!
24
Q
take the bull by the horns
A
To takethe bull by the hornsmeans that a person decides to act decisively in order to deal with a difficult situation or problem. When the argument turned into a fight, the bar owner took the bull by the horns and called the police.
25
bad egg
To refer to someone as a bad egg means that they cannot trusted. I don't my son to be friends with Bobby Smith. Bobby's a bad egg!
26
jump on the bandwagon
If a person or organisation jumps on the bandwagon, they decide to do something when it is already successful or fashionable. When organic food became fashionable, certain stores were quick to jump on the bandwagon and promote it.
27
money to burn
People who have money to burn have so much money that they can spend it on anything they want. A leather jacket is no problem for Sarah. She's got money to burn!
28
one over the eight
If a person has had one over the eight, they are slightly drunk. Don't listen to him! Can't you see he's had one over the eight!
29
ring out the old year and ring in the new
This expression means to announce and celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
30
frog in one's throat
A person who has a frog in their throat has difficulty in speaking clearly because they have a cough or a sore throat. Teaching was difficult today. I had a frog in my throat all morning.
31
get the axe
If someone gets the axe, they lose their job. When a company is restructured, the senior staff are often the first to get the axe.
32
nothing to write home about
To say that something is nothing to write home about means that it is not of great interest or importance. Okay, she's written a couple of books, but nothing to write home about.
33
at a low ebb
A person or organisation at a low ebb is not as strong or successful as usual. The recent political crisis has left the country at a low ebb.
34
spitting in the wind
If you spend time trying to do something that is impossible to achieve, you are said to be spitting in the wind. You'll never make him change his mind. You're just spitting in the wind.
35
overstep the mark
If you overstep the mark, you go too far and upset someone by saying something or behaving in a way that is unacceptable. Jenny is angry with her son. He overstepped the mark when he called his grandfather an 'old fool'.
36
false move
In a dangerous or risky situation, if you make a false move, you do something which may have unpleasant consequences. He is under close surveillance. If he makes one false move he'll be arrested.
37
(you can't) teach an old dog new tricks
This expression means that someone who is used to doing things in a certain way will find it difficult to change their habits. Your grandfather will never use a smart phone. You can't teach an old dog new tricks!
38
run with the hare
If you run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, you want to stay on friendly terms with both sides in a quarrel. Bob always wants to keep everyone happy, but he can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds this time - the issue is too important.
39
ins and outs
The term 'ins and outs' of a situation means all the details or facts. I know he was involved in a car accident, but I don't know the ins and outs of his injuries.
40
two left feet
If you have two left feet, you are clumsy or awkward in your movements. I'm afraid I'm a bad dancer. I've got two left feet!
41
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?"
42
you can't judge a book by its cover
This expression means that you should not form an opinion about something from its appearance only. He leads a very simple life but in fact he's an extremely rich man. - you can't judge a book by its cover.
43
pull the rug
If you pull the rug from under someone's feet, you suddenly and unexpectedly remove all help or support. When Andy's mother stopped sending him money, she pulled the rug from under his feet and forced him to find a job.
44
get a kick out of
If you get a kick out of something, you feel enjoyment or excitement from something. Tania is a bit strange - she gets a kick out of listening to other people's phone messages.
45
nothing ventured, nothing gained
This expression means that you cannot expect to achieve anything if you risk nothing. He's going to ask his boss for a promotion even though he has little chance of obtaining satisfaction - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
46
on the map
If a place becomes well-known, it is put on the map. The president's visit really put the restaurant on the map.
47
square meal
When people talk about a square meal, they mean a substantial and satisfying meal. I don't need a fancy restaurant, just a place where I can get a square meal.
48
live on the edge
If you live on the edge, your lifestyle involves dangerous or risky activities. Extreme sportsmen or gamblers are examples of people who live on the edge.
49
lie in
If you lie in, you stay in bed after the normal time for getting up. Great! Tomorrow I'm not on duty so I can lie in!
50
know your own mind
If you know your own mind, you know what you want or like, and are capable of making a decision. I don't want to influence you. You're old enough to know your own mind.
51
lie through teeth
If you lie through your teeth, you lie openly and brazenly, knowing that what you are saying is completely false. I saw him breaking the window. If he denies it, he's lying through his teeth.
52
off the mark
If something is off the mark, it is incorrect or inaccurate. His estimation of the cost was completely off the mark.
53
make hay while the sun shines
This expression is used as an encouragement to take advantage of a good situation which may not last. Successful athletes are advised to make hay while the sun shines.
54
small dog, tall weeds
This expression is used to refer to someone who does not have the ability or the resources necessary to perform a task. It may be too difficult for the trainee - small dog, tall weeds!
55
mutton dressed as lamb
This expression refers to a middle-aged woman who tries to look younger by dressing in clothes designed for younger people. The style doesn't suit her - it has a mutton-dressed-as-lamb effect on her!
56
slice/share 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.
57
proud as a peacock
A person who is as proud as a peacock is extremely proud. When his son won first prize, Bill was as proud as a peacock.
58
two-faced
Someone who is two-faced is deceitful or insincere; they will say one thing to your face and something else when you are not there. I don't trust Billy. I find him two-faced.
59
fifth wheel
This expression refers to a person who find themselves in a situation where their presence is unnecessary and as a result they feel useless. Everyone seemed to have a specific role except me. I felt like a fifth wheel
60
flying start
If something gets off to a flying start, it is immediately successful. Sales of the book got off to a flying start and exceeded our expectations.
61
put one's foot down
To put one's foot down means to exert authority to prevent something from happening. The child wanted to sleep on the sofa but his father put his foot down and sent him to bed.
62
drop names
When you drop names, you mention the names of famous people you know or have met in order to impress others. There goes Jack dropping names again. People will get tired of listening to him!
63
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.
64
have pins and needles
To have pins and needles is to have a tingling sensation in a part of the body, for example an arm or a leg, when it has been in the same position for a long time. I lay curled up for so long that I had pins and needles in my legs.
65
jump out of 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!
66
want head on a platter
If someone makes you so angry that you want them to be punished, you want their head on a platter. He was so angry when he read the article about his family that he wanted the journalist's head on a platter.
67
pop the question
When you ask someone to marry, you pop the question. It was during a trip to Venice that he popped the question.
68
full of the joys of spring
If you are full of the joys of spring, you are happy, enthusiastic and full of energy. Barbara is full of the joys of spring at the moment! Has she got a new boyfriend?
69
lay it on the line
If you speak frankly and make something very clear, you lay it on the line. The boss laid it on the line and told Jimmy that if he arrived late for work again he would lose his job.
70
at a pinch
To say that something could be done at a pinch means that it would be possible to do it if absolutely necessary. The hall can seat 50 people comfortably, and a few more at a pinch.
71
a storm is brewing
If you say that a storm is brewing, you mean that the atmosphere indicates that there is going to be trouble, probably with outbursts of anger or emotion. As soon as we saw Pete's face, we knew there was a storm brewing.
72
between the devil and the deep blue sea
If you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, you are in a situation where there are to equally unpleasant alternatives. When the new product didn't take off, the management was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea : develop a new marketing campaign or drop the product.
73
bone to pick with someone
If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed with them and want to talk to them about it. Mark wants to see the boss. He says he's got a bone to pick with him.
74
let your hair down
If you suggest that someone should let their hair down, you are telling them to relax and enjoy themselves. Come on! We're not in the office now. You can let your hair down!
75
blow your top
If you blow your top, you suddenly become very angry. When my mother saw the state of the house after the party, she blew her top!
76
hollow victory
A victory obtained in unsatisfactory conditions, which as a result seems worthless or without significance for the winner, is called a hollow victory. Won in the absence of the major ski champions, his gold medal was a hollow victory.
77
your wish is my command
This is a humoristic way of saying that you are willing to do whatever the other person asks. Breakfast in bed? Your wish is my command!
78
know the score
When you know the score, you are well-informed about a situation and know what to expect. If Laura damages the car, her dad won't lend it to her again. She knows the score.
79
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.
80
fit to be tied
Someone who is fit to be tied is extremely irritated, upset or angry. Harry was fit to be tied when his dog dug up the flowers he had planted.
81
in the red
If a person or organisation is in the red, they owe money or have a negative account. I'm afraid I can't lend you any money. I'm in the red myself.
82
come out of thewoodwork
When things, or people, come out of the woodwork, they appear or emerge unexpectedly, as if from nowhere, and usually in large numbers. As soon as we added the swimming pool, our children had 'friends' coming out of the woodwork!
83
deliver the goods
If a person delivers the goods, they do what is expected of them or what they have promised to. Let's hope that new whiz-kid the boss hired can deliver the goods!
84
fat cat
To refer to a rich and powerful person as a fat cat means that you disapprove of the way they use their money or power. The place was full of fat cats on their big yachts.
85
in someone's shoes
To talk about being in someone's shoes means to imagine how you would react if you were in a similar situation. Tom's sales have dropped by 30% this month. I wouldn't like to be in his shoes!
86
wipe that smile off
This expression is often used by parents or people in authority to indicate that the situation is not amusing at all. This is a very serious matter, so wipe that smile off your face!
87
waiting game
A person who plays a waiting game delays taking any action or making any decision because they prefer to wait and see how things develop, usually in the hope that this will put them in a stronger position. Our competitors are not reacting. They're playing a waiting game.
88
(not) touch with a ten-foot pole
If you decide not to touch something with a ten-foot pole, you prefer to stay far away from it. I wouldn't touch politics with a ten-foot pole!
89
make short work of
If you make short work of something, you do it or finish it quickly. The players were hungry after the match so they made short work of the food.
90
in vino veritas
This expression, which in Latin means 'in wine there is truth', is a way of saying that wine makes people less inhibited and leads them to speak more freely and reveal their true feelings. After a few drinks he told us the whole story - in vino veritas!
91
set the records straight
If you set the records straight, you provide facts or an explanation to correct a mistake or misunderstanding. An interview on television enabled the actress to set the records straight about her health.
92
blamestorming
A discussion among a group of people who try to determine who or what is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called 'blamestorming'. A blamestorming session took place following the unfavourable reviews in the press.
93
blue-eyed boy
A blue-eyed boy is someone's favourite. He's the director's blue-eyed boy!
94
bide your time
If you bide your time, you wait for a good opportunity to do something. He's not hesitating, he's just biding his time, waiting for the price to drop.
95
paddle one's own canoe
If you paddle your own canoe, you do what you want to do without help or interference from anyone. He decided to paddle his own canoe and set up his own company.
96
green light
If you give or get the green light, you give or get a signal or authorization to do something. We're ready to launch the campaign as soon as we get the green light.
97
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.
98
err on the side of caution
When uncertain about what to do, if you err on the side of cautionyou do more than what is adequate rather than take any risks. When I'm not sure how much food to prepare, I tend to err on the side of caution and prepare far too much.
99
ready to drop
Someone who is ready to drop is nearly too exhausted to stay standing. I've been shopping all day with Judy. I'm ready to drop!
100
take stock of a situation
If you take stock of a situation you assess all the aspects in order to form an opinion. He took time to take stock of the situation before making a suggestion.
101
in full swing
When something, such as an event, gets into full swing, it is at its busiest or liveliest time. When we got back to the office, the Christmas party was in full swing.
102
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."
103
donkey's years
If someone has been doing something for donkey's years, they have been doing it for a very long time. He knows the town inside out. He's been living here for donkey's years.
104
take wind out of sails
If someone or something takes 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.
105
have your work cut out
If you have to face a difficult task or a challenging situation, you have your work cut out for you. I've got a month to reorganise the accounts department. I have my work cut out for me!
106
heavy hand
Dealing with or treating people with a heavy hand means acting with discipline and severity, with little or no sensitivity. He ran the juvenile delinquent centre with a heavy hand.
107
when the going gets tough, the tough get going
When faced with a difficult or dangerous situation, and the going gets tough, strong people take action to solve the problem. Tom has a positive attitude. He often says 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going!'.
108
window on the world
When something provides an opportunity to observe and learn about people and life in other countries, it is called a window on the world. The internet has become a window on the world.
109
before your very eyes
If someone does something before your very eyes, they do it in front of you, without attempting to hide what they are doing. Before my very eyes, he took the rubbish and threw it into the neighbour's garden!
110
strike/hit a raw nerve
If something you say strikes or hits a raw nerve, it upsets someone because they are very sensitive about the subject. You struck a raw nerve when you mentioned divorce. They're separating.
111
larger than life
A person who is larger than life attracts special attention because they are very impressive or unusually remarkable in their appearance, behaviour or personality. He was a larger-then-life character, both onstage and behind the scene.
112
wet blanket
To refer to someone as a wet blanket means that they spoil other people's fun, or make an event less enjoyable than it could have been. Come on Mike! Don't be such a wet blanket. You're spoiling the party!
113
up to no good
When someone is up to no good, they are doing or planning something bad or wrong. When the shopkeeper saw the boys hiding behind a car, he suspected they were up to no good.
114
(buy) a lemon
If you buy something, especially a car, that is defective, unsatisfactory, constantly gives problems or stops running after a short time, you buy a lemon. The car I bought was a real lemon. It broke down two weeks later.
115
go for a song
If something goes for a song, it is sold at an unexpectedly low price. I was able to buy the car simply because it was going for a song.
116
donkey work
This expression is used to describe the unpleasant, repetitive or boring parts of a job. I do the donkey work - my boss gets the credit!
117
keep your nose to the grindstone
A person who keeps their nose to the grindstone is someone who concentrates on working hard at his/her job, or studies. She was so determined to get into the college of her choice that she kept her nose to the grindstone all year.
118
on the house
Something which is on the house is offered free of charge, usually in a bar or restaurant. The new owner offered us a drink on the house.
119
one in the eye
If an event or development is an unexpected disappointment or defeat for someone, you can say that it is one in the eye for that person. My promotion was one in the eye for my ambitious colleague.
120
speak out of turn
If someone speaks out of turn, either they intervene at the wrong moment or they say something tactless or inappropriate. At the first meeting I was afraid of speaking out of turn.
121
prey on your mind
If something preys on your mind, it troubles you so much that you keep thinking about it. The vision of the house on fire kept preying on her mind.
122
null and void
Something which is null and void has no legal force or is invalid. The contract was declared null and void.
123
strictly business
An appointment or event that is entirely devoted to business, with no leisure or relaxation, is called strictly business. Yes we had lunch together but it was strictly business.
124
get to the bottom of
If you get to the bottom of a problem or mystery, you solve it by finding out the true cause of it. We have a problem of goods disappearing during transport. Hopefully the investigation will get to the bottom of it.
125
laugh off
When you laugh about something that has upset or hurt you, to make it seem less important or to try to show that you do not care, you laugh it off. She overheard her colleague's critical remark, but she laughed it off.
126
one track mind
If you have a one-track mind, you have a tendency to think about only one subject. The boy has a one-track mind; all he thinks about is football!
127
snap decision
A quick decision based on an impulse, without taking time to weigh the consequences, is called a snap decision. Completely overworked, he suddenly turned off his computer and made a snap decision to go swimming.
128
balancing act
When you try to satisfy two or more people or groups who have different needs, and keep everyone happy, you perform a balancing act. Many people, especially women, have to perform a balancing act between work and family.
129
bury the hatchet
When people who have had a disagreement decide to forget their quarrel and become friends again, they bury the hatchet. I didn't agree with my colleague's decision, but for the sake of peace, I decided to bury the hatchet.
130
non sequitur
This Latin term refers to a statement which does not seem to be a logical follow-up to the previous statement or argument. After announcing the merger, the chairman began talking about global warming which seemed a complete non sequitur.
131
what makes someone tick
When you try to understand what motivates someone or makes them behave the way they do, you want to know what makes them tick. He's a strange man. It's hard to figure out what makes him tick.
132
call it quits
When people temporarily stop doing something or put an end to an activity, they call it quits. OK, we're all exhausted, so let's call it quits for today.
133
fish in troubled waters
If you fish in troubled waters, you try to gain advantages for yourself from a disturbed state of affairs. Between the declaration of independence and the first elections, some people were accused of fishing in troubled waters.
134
call the shots/ the tune
The person who calls the shots or the tune is the one who makes all the important decisions and is in control of the situation. He shows a lot of authority but in fact it's his wife who calls the tune.
135
guilty pleasure
Enjoying something which is not generally held in high regard, while at the same time feeling a bit guilty about it, is called a guilty pleasure. Reading gossip magazines is a guilty pleasure for many women
and some men too!
136
beggars can't be choosers
This expression means that you should not reject an offer if it is the only possibility you have. You have no choice. "Beggars can't be choosers!"
137
hale and hearty
Someone, especially an old person, who is hale and hearty is in excellent health. My grandmother is still hale and hearty at the age of ninety.
138
take steps
If you take steps, you start a course of action in order to accomplish something. The town is taking steps to improve security in public car parks.
139
out to lunch
To say that someone is out to lunch means that they seem to be either unaware of what's going on around them, or unable to understand what is happening. He's hopeless as a leader - considered as 'out to lunch' by the group.
140
move up in the world
A person who moves up in the world becomes more important in society or successful in their career. Rachel Jones has moved up in the world since we were kids.
141
feed the kitty
If you feed the kitty, you contribute to a collection of money called a 'kitty' in order to help a good cause. Come on! Every little helps. You should feed the kitty for a good cause!
142
school of hard knocks
Someone who goes through the school of hard knocks learns through the positive and negative experiences of life rather than through a formal classroom education. He never went to college but the school of hard knocks made him a shrewd businessman.
143
feather in one's cap
To describe someone's achievement as a feather in their cap means that it is something they can be proud of. The overwhelming victory of the team was a feather in the cap for the new manager.
144
old head on young shoulders
This expression refers to a child or young person who thinks and expresses themselves like an older more-experienced person. When she heard Emily warning her brother to stay out of trouble, her mother thought : "That's an old head on young shoulders."
145
run the gamut of
If you run the gamut of something, you cover the entire range of what is possible. He enjoys reading. His taste runs the gamut from popular novels to poetry.
146
back on your feet
If you are back on your feet, after an illness or an accident, you are physically healthy again. My grandmother had a bad 'flu, but she's back on her feet again.
147
flog a dead horse
To say that someone is flogging a dead horse means that they are wasting time and effort trying to do or achieve something that is not possible. Mark is flogging a dead horse trying to get his money reimbursed. The company has gone bankrupt!
148
back into shape
To get yourself back into shape, you need to take some exercise in order to become fit and healthy again. Eva decided she'd have to get back into shape before looking for a job.
149
mind over matter
The mental power to influence one's body and overcome physical difficulties is said to be a question of mind over matter. He know he could not be cured, but he managed to live until the baby was born - a case of mind over matter.
150
bag of bones
To say that someone is a bag of bones means that they are extremely thin. When he came home from the war he was a bag of bones.
151
mad as a hatter
To say that someone is as mad as a hatter means that they are very strange or insane. The old lady next door is as mad as a hatter. She says the strangest things!
152
deep pockets
A person or organisation who has a lot of money has deep pockets. Andy's business is not doing well at the moment. He says he needs a friend with deep pockets!
153
take it easy
When you relax, or do things at a comfortable pace, you take it easy. It's nice to slow down at the week-end and take it easy.
154
one step ahead
When you are one step ahead of someone else, you achieve something faster than they do, or you have a slight advantage over them. The company is successful because they're always one step ahead of their competitors.
155
hands tied
If a person has their hands tied, something such as an agreement or a rule is preventing them from doing what they would like to do. Mark deserves to earn more, but the manager's hands are tied by the recent salary agreement.
156
think the sun rises and sets on someone
If you consider someone to be the most wonderful person in the world, you think the sun rises and sets on them. She adores her husband - she thinks the sun rises and sets on him!
157
go down well
If an idea or proposal goes down well, it is well accepted. The new timetable went down well with the employees.
158
fool's errand
If you go on a fool's errand, you try to do something which is useless, unnecessary or has no chance of success. I realized it was a fool's errand to look for a bank in such an isolated region.
159
farm something out
If something, such as work, is farmed out, it is sent away to be done by others. We farmed out the packaging to another company.
160
be that as it may
This expression means that what the speaker says may be true but it will not change the situation. OK. Fewer people may come because of the bad weather, but be that as it may, it's too late to cancel the show.
161
lose train of thought
If you forget what you were saying, for example after a disturbance or interruption, you lose your train of thought. Now where was I? I'm afraid I've lost my train of thought.
162
it's a small world
This expression is used by someone who is surprised to meet familiar people in unexpected places. Wow! It's a small world. I never expected to meet a neighbour on a transatlantic flight!
163
let me bounce this off you
You can say this when you present an idea or plan to someone in order to test their reaction or obtain feedback. I think I've found a way of making money. Let me bounce this off you.
164
other things being equal
This expression refers to a probable situation if the conditions elsewhere remain unchanged or equal. Other things being equal, a reduction in the cost of transport should enable us to lower our prices.
165
under one's belt
If you have something under your belt, you have acquired experience or have satisfactorily achieved something. You've got to have some work experience under your belt before you can hope to get a permanent job.
166
feast your eyes on
If you feast your eyes on something, you are delighted and gratified by what you see. As he drove along the coast, he feasted his eyes on the beautiful scenery.
167
go the whole hog
When you go the whole hog, you do something thoroughly or completely. The put up a few decorations for Christmas, then they decided to go the whole hog and buy a tree and all the trimmings.
168
creative accounting
This term refers to the presentation of a company's results in a way that, although generally legal, glosses over the problems and makes the results appear better than they are. It was suggested that some creative accounting might help to attract investors.
169
idiot box
Some people consider television to lack educational value and refer to it as the idiot box. He spends all his free time in front of the idiot box.
170
go all out
If you go all out to achieve or obtain something, you make a great effort, using all possible strength and resources The candidate went all out to obtain the nomination.
171
hold the fort
When you hold the fort, you look after a place or a business in the absence of the person who is normally in charge. Rosie, could you hold the fort please while I go to the post office?
172
wax lyrical
When you wax lyrical about something, you speak enthusiastically about it in a poetic or sentimental way. My grandfather and his friends started to wax lyrical about the 'good old days'.
173
under the weather
If you are under the weather, you are not feeling very well. You look a bit under the weather. What's the matter?
174
get hold of
If you obtain something, or manage to contact someone, you get hold of them. I'd like to contact the owner. Do you know where I can get hold of him?
175
can't stand the pace
If you can't stand the pace, you are unable to do things well when there is a lot of pressure. She once worked for a famous fashion designer but she couldn't stand the pace.
176
chapter and verse
This term refers to word-for-word details, or very specific facts, especially the exact place where the information can be found. The phrase is attributed to Oscar Wilde, although I can't give you chapter and verse.
177
have down pat
If you memorize or practise something until you know it perfectly or have it exactly right, you have it down pat. I rehearsed my presentation until I had it down pat.
178
over the hill
If a person is over the hill, they have reached an age when they can no longer perform as well as before. Gran! You say you're over the hill, but you're a super cook!
179
fat cat
To refer to a rich and powerful person as a fat cat means that you disapprove of the way they use their money or power. The place was full of fat cats on their big yachts.
180
stand one's ground
If you stand your ground you maintain your position and refuse to yield or give way. He claimed innocence and stood his ground in spite of the repeated accusations.
181
pick holes
If someone picks holes in something such as a plan, an idea or a proposal, they criticize it or try to find fault with it. Why don't you make a suggestion instead of picking holes in all my ideas!
182
neither here nor there
Something which is neither here nor there is unimportant or irrelevant. Why the problem wasn't discovered earlier is neither here nor there. What's important now is to find a solution.
183
food for thought
If something give you food for thought, it makes you think seriously about a particular subject. The documentary on poverty in the world really gave me food for thought.
184
skin someone alive
If you are angry and threaten to skin someone alive, you mean that you are going to punish them severely. If that kid damages my again, I'll skin him alive!
185
blank cheque
If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorise them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation. Tom was given a blank cheque and told to negotiate the best deal possible.
186
cut one's own throat
If you cut your own throat, you do something that will be the cause of your own failure or ruin your chances in the future. Tony has already missed a lot of classes. He's cutting his own throat.
187
carrot and stick
If you use a carrot-and-stick approach, you use the promise of reward and the threat of punishment to make someone work harder. Some parents use a carrot-and-stick approach to obtain good results from their children.
188
think the world of
If you think the world of someone, you like or admire them very much. She's a wonderful grandmother - the children think the world of her.
189
poker face
If you have a poker face, you show no emotion at all. All during the trial the criminal kept a poker face.
190
pressed for time
If you are pressed for time, you have hardly enough time to do something, so you must hurry. Sorry, I can't talk to you now. I'm a bit pressed for time.
191
put on your thinking cap
If you tell someone to put their thinking cap on, you ask them to find an idea or solve a problem by thinking about it. Now here's this week's quiz; it's time to put your thinking caps on!
192
get something out of your system
This expression means that you get rid of a strong emotion or desire by expressing it openly or trying to fulfill it. Tell you parents how you feel - it's better to get it out of your system.
193
collect one's thoughts
If you collect your thoughts, you try to think calmly and clearly in order to prepare yourself mentally for something. Anne stopped to collect her thoughts before calling back the customer.
194
snatch victory from the jaws of defeat
If you manage to win something such as a match or a contest, when you are on the verge of losing, you snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. With a last-minute goal, the team snatched victory form the jaws of defeat.
195
old dog for a hard road
This expression means that experience is invaluable when one is faced with a difficult task. The case calls for an experienced lawyer - an old dog for a hard road.
196
come clean
To come clean about something means to tell the truth. The boy was encouraged to come clean and tell the authorities what happened.
197
plain sailing
An activity or task that is plain sailing is without difficulty or free from trouble. Once the plans were accepted, it was plain sailing all the way.
198
by a long chalk/shot
This expression means 'not at all' and is used to emphasize a statement, especially a negative one. The matter hasn't been settled yet, not by a long chalk!
199
bee's knees
To say that someone/something is the bee's knees means that the speaker thinks they are exceptionally good. If you say "Chloe thinks she's the bee's knees" you mean that Chloe has a high opinion of herself.
200
have an axe to grind
If you have an axe to grind, you have personal reasons for becoming involved in something or adopting a particular attitude. It was decided that the best candidate would be selected by a recruitment agency who had no axe to grind within the company.
