1801-2000 Flashcards
1
Q
blessing in disguise
A
This expression refers to something that is unpleasant at first but later turns out to have advantages. Missing the plane was a blessing in disguise - that’s how he met his wife. She was a hostess on the next flight!
2
Q
toing and froing
A
Someone who istoing and froingis either repeatedly going from one place to another and coming back, or is constantly changing their mind about something. After months of toing and froing, a compromise was reached between the two parties.
3
Q
dead cert
A
Something that is certain to happen or be achieved is adead cert. After such praise, his appointment as captain of the team is a dead cert.
4
Q
slip of thetongue
A
Aslip of the tongueis a small spoken error or mistake. Did I say ‘blow down’? - Sorry, I meant ‘slow down’. that was a slip of the tongue!
5
Q
dog’s breakfast
A
To describe something as adog’s breakfastmeans that it is a complete mess. The new secretary made a dog’s breakfast out of the filing system.
6
Q
run a mile
A
Someone who is anxious to avoid somethingruns a mile. She said she’d run a mile if she saw reporters in the area.
7
Q
drink like a fish
A
A person whodrinks like a fishis one who drinks a lot. I’m nervous if Ben drives when we go out because he drinks like a fish!
8
Q
green with envy
A
Someone who isgreen with envyis a person who is very envious. Dave will be green with envy when he sees Simon’s new sports car!
9
Q
come in handy
A
To say that something maycome in handymeans that it may be useful some time or other. Don’t throw away those old shelves; they may come in handy one day.
10
Q
cork something up
A
If youcork upyour feelings or emotions, you fail to show or express them. It would be better if she showed her grief and didn’t cork up her feelings.
11
Q
set you back
A
The sum of money somethingsets you backis the amount it costs you. Changing the heating system will set us back about $5000.
12
Q
put afingeron something
A
If you are able to identify or understand something such as the cause of a problem or the solution to it, youput your finger on it. The atmosphere at the meeting was strange, but Marie couldn’t put a finger on the cause of it.
13
Q
keepeyespeeled
A
Tokeep one’s eyes peeledmeans to watch out very carefully for something. I mislaid my wedding ring at home, so I asked my children to keep their eyes peeled.
14
Q
let thecatout of the bag
A
If youlet the cat out of the bag, you reveal a secret, generally not intentionally. When the child told her grandmother about the plans for her birthday, she let the cat out of the bag.
15
Q
armchair critic
A
Anarmchair critic is someone who gives advice based on theory rather than practice. That guy is such an armchair critic - no experience but plenty of advice.
16
Q
dive in headfirst
A
If you begin something enthusiastically, without thinking about the possible consequences, youdive in headfirst. Tony accepted the project without realizing the time it would take; he always dives in headfirst!
17
Q
look out for n°1
A
If you take care of yourself first, and look after your own interests rather than those of other people, youlook out for number one. Andy’s father told him that looking out for number one should be his first priority.
18
Q
take yourcouragein both hands
A
If youtake your courage in both hands, you make yourself do something very brave. When I saw the child in the burning house, I took my courage in both hands and ran inside.
19
Q
throw caution to the wind
A
If youthrow caution to the wind, you start taking risks and stop worrying about the danger involved. I decided to throw caution to the wind and invest in my best friend’s new company.
20
Q
reach for the moon
A
If youreach for the moon, you are very ambitious and try to achieve something even if it is difficult. His parents were hardworking people who encouraged their children to reach for the moon.
21
Q
out of character
A
If you do something that isout of character,it is unlike your usual behaviour or not what is expected from you. The way she panicked was out of character for such a normally calm person.
22
Q
piece of cake
A
To refer to something asa piece of cakemeans that you consider it to be very easy. The English test was a piece of cake!
23
Q
wear heart on sleeve
A
If youwear your heart on your sleeve,you allow others to see your emotions or feelings. You could see that she was hurt - she wears her heart on her sleeve!
24
Q
sterner stuff
A
If someone is made ofsterner stuff, they have a strong character and are better able to deal with difficulties than others. I was surprised to see him so upset. I thought he was made of sterner stuff.
25
small potatoes
Something that is small potatoes is considered to be unimportant or insignificant. Her first publication was considered small potatoes but her new book has lead to a change of opinion.
26
get the hang of
When you get the hang of an activity, you now know how to do it correctly. The apprentice found the task difficult at first but he soon got the hang of it.
27
on pins and needles
If you are on pins and needles, you are very anxious or nervous about what is going to happen. Scott was on pins and needles while he waited for the result of the exam.
28
mint condition
Something that is in mint condition is in such perfect condition that it looks new or as good as new. The car is 10 years old but according to Tom it's in mint condition.
29
walk a tightrope
If a person is walking a tightrope, they are in a difficult or delicate situation where they must act carefully. The management is walking a tightrope in their efforts both to keep the costs down and satisfy the trade unions.
30
every dog has its day
This expression means that everyone can be successful at something at some time in their life. I didn't win this time, but I'll be lucky one day. Every dog has its day.
31
kill with kindness
When you are excessive in your efforts to be helpful or generous, you can harm someone, or kill them with kindness. The children are overweight, but their grandmother continues to give them chocolates and cookies - she'll kill them with kindness!
32
face only a mother could love
This is a humorous way of saying that someone is ugly or unattractive. The poor guy has a face only a mother could love.
33
holier-than-thou
The attitude of people who consider themselves to be more virtuous or morally superior to others can be called 'holier-than-thou'. I can't stand the holier-than-thou attitude of some political candidates.
34
swishing (party)
Swishing is the name given to a recent fashion phenomenon - a party organised to swap second hand clothes. Everyone takes along clothes they no longer wear and people can then choose the ones they want.
35
lick into shape
If you make an effort to put someone or something into satisfactory condition or appearance, you lick them into shape. I've got to lick this place into shape before my in-laws arrive.
36
wise up to
If you wise up or get wise to something, you become fully aware of the facts and are no longer fooled. When Mike finally wised up to the methods being used, he resigned from the company.
37
see red
If someone sees red, they suddenly become very angry or annoyed. Discrimination of any kind makes me see red.
38
face the music
If you have to face the music, you have to accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions. He was caught stealing. Now he has to face the music!
39
labour of love
A task that is done for your own pleasure and satisfaction and not for reward or profit is called a labour of love. Preparing Christmas dinner for the family is what my mother calls a labour of love.
40
like the cat that ate the canary
If, after an achievement or success, a person seems very self-satisfied or pleased with themselves, you can say that they look like the cat that ate the canary. When the boss complimented him on his work, Steve looked like the cat that ate the canary.
41
too much like hard work
An activity or task that requires too much effort is too much like hard work. It's so hot today, there's no way I'm going to do any cooking. That's too much like hard work!
42
your money's worth
If you get your money's worth, you receive good value for the amount of money you spend. We bought a travel pass to use the public transport system and we really got our money's worth.
43
wing it
To wing it means to improvise or to deal with a situation without preparation. She didn't expect to be interviewed so she just had to wing it.
44
fight shy
If you fight shy of something, such as a task, a problem or a duty, you want to avoid doing it or you are unwilling to confront it. He had money problems for years but he fought shy of asking his children for help.
45
in two shakes of a lamb's tail
To do something in two shakes of a lamb's tail means to do it very quickly. Wait for me. I'll be ready in two shakes (of a lamb's tail).
46
(not) take no for an answer
Someone who will not take no for an answer is very insistent in the way they make their request or offer and is unwilling to accept a refusal. My grandmother insisted that we stay for dinner and wouldn't take no for an answer.
47
on second thoughts
On second thoughts' means that after giving the matter more thought, you have changed your mind. My idea was to move to an apartment, but on second thoughts, I'd rather have a garden.
48
pigs might fly
The expression 'pigs might fly' expresses disbelief, or the idea that miracles might happen but are extremely unlikely. My grandmother buying a computer? ... Yeah! ... and pigs might fly!
49
beat/flog a dead horse
To say that someone is beating a dead horse means that they are wasting time and effort trying to do or achieve something that is impossible. Mark is beating a dead horse trying to get his money reimbursed. The company has gone bankrupt!
50
until hell freezes over
If you tell someone that they can do something until hell freezes over,you mean that they can do it forever but they won't obtain what they want. You can ask until hell freezes over; I will not allow you to go bungee-jumping!
51
bolt from the blue
To refer to something as a bolt from the blue means that it happened totally unexpectedly. The chairman's resignation came as a bolt from the blue.
52
ugly as sin
This expression is used to refer to people or things that are considered to be very unattractive. Have you seen the new neighbour's dog? It's as ugly as sin!
53
dust bunnies
Dust bunnies are clumps of dust, usually found on the floor, in corners or under furniture, in places where the housework is not done regularly. The house hadn't been cleaned in weeks. There were dust bunnies everywhere.
54
shake like a leaf
If you shake like a leaf, you tremble with fear or nervousness. At the beginning of the interview the candidate was shaking like a leaf.
55
run rings/circles around
If you show much more skill or ability than your opponent, you run rings (or circles) around them. In a quiz show on TV yesterday, a teenage girl ran rings around the other contestants.
56
get the picture
A person who gets the picture understands what is being explained or described. The alarm went off and people started running everywhere - you get the picture I'm sure!
57
down in the mouth
When someone is down in the mouth, they look unhappy, discouraged or depressed. You look a bit down in the mouth. What's the matter?
58
see eye to eye
If you see eye to eye with somebody, you agree with them. I'm glad we see eye to eye on the choice of colour scheme.
59
cat nap
If you have a short sleep during the day, you have a cat nap. My dad often has a cat nap on a Sunday afternoon.
60
have your cake and eat it
To say that someone wants to have their cake and eat it means that they want the advantages of two alternative situations when only one is possible. Jack enjoys his comfort but is always complaining about the cost of things. He can't have his cake and eat it.
61
cry one's eyes out
If you cry your eyes out, you cry a lot and for a long time. My son cried his eyes out when he discovered his bike had been stolen.
62
hell-bent on something
If you are hell-bent on doing something, you are recklessly determined to do it, even if it is dangerous or stupid. Although he is still weak, he's hell-bent on playing the match.
63
false pretences
If you obtain something under false pretences, you deceive others by lying about your identity, qualifications, financial or social position, in order to get what you want. The journalist obtained the interview under false pretences.
64
take it on the chin
When you take it on the chin, you are brave and accept adversity, criticism or defeat without complaining. When his contract was not renewed, Mark took it on the chin.
65
weather the storm
If you weather the storm, you succeed in surviving a difficult period or situation. Given the current recession, the company is weathering the storm better than most.
66
there's nothing to it
If you say that there's nothing to it, you mean that something is very simple or easy to do. I'll show you how to make pancakes. There's nothing to it!
67
salt of the earth
To describe someone as the salt of the earth means that they are kind, honest and reliable. Mrs. Brown is the salt of the earth, always ready to give a helping hand.
68
fall into one's lap
If something good falls into your lap, it happens to you without any effort on your part. She's not making much effort to find work. Does she think a job is going to fall into her lap?
69
let sleeping dogs lie
If you tell someone to let sleeping dogs lie, you are asking them not to interfere with a situation because they could cause problems. Look - they've settled their differences. It's time to let sleeping dogs lie.
70
have the makings of
A person who has the makings of something has qualities and potential that could be developed. The teacher says Sarah has the makings of an excellent journalist.
71
cook somebody's goose
To cook somebody's goose means to spoil that person's chances of success. When the burglar saw the police car arriving, he realized his goose was cooked!
72
lick/smack your lips
A person who is licking (or smacking) their lips is showing that they are excited about something and are eager for it to happen. He was licking his lips at the idea of the money he was going to make.
73
come to the crunch
To talk about what to do if or when a situation comes to the crunchmeans when it becomes critical and a decision has to be made. I'm running out of money. If it comes to the crunch, I'll sell my car.
74
put money where mouth is
If you put your money where your mouth is, not only do you express your interest, you give financial support to causes that you believe in. If people are really interested in helping the underprivileged, they should put their money where their mouth is.
75
get off the ground
If you get something off the ground, you put it into operation after having organised it. After a lot of hard work, we finally got the campaign off the ground.
76
one too many
Someone who has had one too many has drunk too much alcohol. I think Tony's had one too many - he's talking rubbish.
77
ring a bell
If something rings a bell, it sounds familiar, but you don't remember the exact details. John Bentley? The name rings a bell but I don't remember him.
78
in two minds
If you are in two minds about something, you have difficulty deciding what to do. I'm in two minds about whether or not to accept the offer.
79
dead to the world
A person who is dead to the world is fast asleep. Don't worry. You won't disturb him. He's dead to the world!
80
spitting image
If one person is the spitting image of another, they look exactly like each other. Sarah is the spitting image of her mother.
81
face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
To say that someone has a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp means that you find them very unattractive because they have a screwed-up ugly expression on their face. Not only was he rude but he had a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp!
82
smash hit
A very successful performance in music, films, theatre, etc. is called a smash hit. The film 'Titanic' was a smash hit all over the world.
83
raw deal
If you say that someone got a raw deal, you think they were treated unfairly or badly. When Gary lost his job after organizing the merger, he really got. a raw deal!
84
to the letter
If you follow instructions or directions to the letter, you do exactly as is told or written. Although she followed the instructions to the letter, she couldn't get the DVD player to work.
85
white elephant
If you call something a white elephant, you consider it useless although it may have cost a lot of money. The new cultural centre is a real white elephant. It's so isolated that nobody goes there!
86
go nuts
To say that a person has gone nuts means that they have become completely foolish, eccentric or mad. I think the old lady has gone nuts! It's very hot today and she's wearing a fur coat!
87
worm's eye view
To offer a worm's eye view of a situation is to give your opinion based on what you see at close range from an inferior position, so it is therefore not a general view. I'm not sure I can be of much help. I can only offer you a worm's eye view of the situation.
88
put out to pasture
To say that someone has been put out to pasture means that they have been forced to retire or give up their responsibilities. He's in good health and he feels it's too early to be put out to pasture.
89
prolong the agony
If someone prolongs the agony, they make an unpleasant or tense situation last longer than necessary. Please don't prolong the agony. Just tell me whether I've been accepted or not.
90
quiet as a mouse
When someone is as quiet as a mouse, they make no noise at all. The burglar was a quiet as a mouse as he moved around the house.
91
cut corners
Cutting corners means not following the correct procedure in order to save time, effort or money (often with unsatisfactory results). I want the job well done - no cutting corners please!
92
take with pinch of salt
To say that a piece of information should be taken with a pinch (or grain) of salt means that the information may not be accurate or true. Tony tends to exaggerate. I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.
93
can't hold a candle
If one person (or thing) can't hold a candle to another, they are much less competent or do not perform as well as the other. John is very intelligent but he can't hold a candle to his brother Paul when it comes to sports.
94
(all) hell broke loose
To say that (all) hell broke loose means that there was a sudden angry, noisy reaction to something. All hell broke loose when it was announced that the plant was going to close down.
95
lower than a snake's belly
To say that someone is lower than a snake's belly means that they are bad, dishonest or have very low moral standards. Anyone who is capable of taking advantage of young vulnerable children is lower than a snake's belly.
96
sleep on it
If you take time (until the next day) to think something over before making a decision, you sleep on it. I suggest you sleep on it. You can give me your decision tomorrow.
97
make right noises
If you make the right noises, you behave as if you support or agree with something by making suitable or conventional remarks. Sam seemed to approve of the idea; he certainly made all the right noises.
98
tall story
A tall story is a story which is difficult to believe because it sounds unlikely. What he said about a stolen invention sounds like a tall story to me.
99
one good turn deserves another
If someone helps you, it is natural and right to help them in return. We helped Alex and Sara when they moved into their new house, just as they helped us last year; one good turn deserves another.
100
be full of beans
A person who is full of beans is lively, healthy and active. He may be getting old but he's still full of beans.
101
make a big thing of
If you attach a lot of importance to something, or make it a special occasion, you make a big thing of it. It's Jack's birthday but he doesn't want to make a big thing of it, so please don't mention it.
102
quick/slow on the uptake
Someone who is quick or slow on the uptake is quick or slow to understand what is meant. Please explain the problem in simple words - I'm a bit slow on the uptake!
103
watch one's step
If you tell someone to watch their step, you are advising them to be careful how they behave in order to avoid getting into trouble. There is zero tolerance in this school for bad behaviour, so watch your step!
104
play to the gallery
A person who plays to the gallery tries to gain popularity by behaving in a way that will appeal to the majority. It's no secret that he got elected by playing to the gallery.
105
last but not least
When introducing a number of people, this expression is used to assure the audience that the last person mentioned is no less important than those previously named. And now, last but not least, here is the final candidate.
106
out of this world
To refer to something as out of this world means that you think it is extremely good or impressive. The hotel was very comfortable and the food was out of this world.
107
rake over the ashes
When people rake over the ashes, they discuss an unpleasant event which took place in the past. My grandfather's business went bankrupt years go, but he still rakes over the ashes from time to time.
108
pester power
This term refers to the power children exert over their parents by continually nagging or pestering them until they accept to buy advertised toys or fashionable products. Pester power leads busy parents to buy more and more for their children.
109
cut a dash
If a person cuts a dash, they make a striking impression by their appearance and attractive clothes. Wearing his uniform, my grandfather cut a dash on his wedding day.
110
away with the fairies
Someone who is away with the fairies is in such a dreamy state that they are not totally in touch with reality and give the impression of being slightly mad. It's no use trying to explain the problem to her - she's away with the fairies!
111
get it down to a fine art
When, through practice or experience, you learn how to do something perfectly, you get it down to a fine art. She's got the use of social networking down to a fine art.
112
name (written) on it
If something has someone's name (written) on it, it is intended for that person or it is ideally suited to them. That dress would be perfect for you - it's got your name on it!
113
creature comforts
This expression refers to modern conveniences (such as hot water or central heating) that make life comfortable and pleasant. I need my creature comforts. I don't know how I'd survive without air-conditioning in this climate!
114
grab a bite to eat
If you grab a bite to eat, you get something to eat quickly. We should have time to grab a bite to eat before the show.
115
the last straw!
This expression means that this is the latest unpleasant event and that you cannot tolerate the situation any longer. After a long day of negotiations with the protesters, the traffic jam was the last straw!
116
shoe is on the other foot
When the circumstances have reversed and one person is now doing what the other did in the past, you can say that the shoe is on the other foot. I used to advise my children to eat healthy food. Now my daughter is a nutritionist and the shoe in on the other foot - she advises me!
117
make the best of things
If you make the best of things, you react in a positive way to an unsatisfactory situation that you cannot change and do the best you can with it. The apartment was badly located, but the rent was low, so they decided to make the best of things.
118
go Dutch
To go Dutch with somebody means to share the cost of something such as a meal or a concert. Young people today tend to go Dutch when they go out together.
119
fly off the handle
A person who flies off the handle becomes suddenly very angry. Dad flew off the handle when I told him I had damaged his new car!
120
get down to brass tacks
When people get down to brass tacks, they start to discuss the essential aspects of a problem or situation. The situation was so serious that after a few polite exchanges they quickly got down to brass tacks.
121
see 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.
122
work the system
People who work the system learn how a state or public organisation works in order to benefit as much as possible from the system. He hasn't changed his lifestyle since he lost his job - he must know to work the system!
123
paper trail
If a person or organisation leaves a paper trail, they leave evidence in writing or in document form that will serve as proof of their actions. The police found a paper trail which lead to the author of the hoax.
124
play by ear
To play by ear means to improvise or act without preparation, according to the demands of the situation. (Music : to play by remembering the tune, without printed music.) It's hard to know how the situation will develop. Let's just play it by ear.
125
all that jazz
This expression means 'all that stuff', 'other similar things', or 'everything of that kind'. Let's get out the tinsel, the fairy lights and all that jazz to decorate the Christmas tree.
126
keep a stiff upper lip
If a person keeps a stiff upper lip, they contain their emotion and do not let other people see their feelings. When she heard the bad news, she kept a stiff upper lip.
127
walk on air
When you are happy or excited because of a pleasant event that makes you feel as if you were floating, you are walking on air. Sophie has been walking on air since her painting won first prize.
128
every nook and cranny
Every nook and cranny means every possible part of a place. She searched every nook and cranny of the old town looking for antiques.
129
any port in a storm
When you are in difficulty, any port in a storm refers to a solution you accept which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable. The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of any port in a storm; all the others were full.
130
overplay your hand
If you overplay your hand, you are overconfident and spoil your chances of success by trying to obtain too much. Sam is hoping for a bonus for his good results, but he may be overplaying his hand if he asks for a promotion.
131
at your wits' end
If you are at your wits' end, you are very worried about something and do not know what to do. When her son dropped out of school, Susan was at her wit's end.
132
in over your head
If you are in over your head, you are involved in something that is too difficult for you to handle. I accepted to organise the festival, but I quickly realized that I was in over my head.
133
door swings both ways
If you say that the door swings both ways, you mean that the same principle or argument applies to both sides of a situation. "You never call me." "You don't contact me either. The door swings both ways you know!"
134
sit on the fence
If you sit on the fence, you avoid taking sides in a discussion or argument. It's an important issue. You can't continue to sit on the fence!
135
save face
When someone saves face, they manage to avoid humiliation or embarrassment and preserve their dignity and the respect of others. They allowed him to save face by accepting his resignation.
136
in a pickle
If you are in a pickle, you are in a difficult situation and need help. My car won't start and the trains are on strike today, so I'm in a real pickle!
137
blink of an eye
If something happens in the blink of an eye, it happens nearly instantaneously, with hardly enough time to notice it. The pickpocket disappeared in the blink of an eye.
138
on the mend
Someone who is on the mend is getting better after an illness. My grandmother hasn't been very well lately but she's on the mend now.
139
cat's whiskers (also: cat's pyjamas)
This expression refers to someone who considers themselves to be better than others in a particular area : beauty, competence, intelligence, sport, etc. Ever since she got a promotion, she thinks she's the cat's whiskers!
140
rolling in money
Someone who is very wealthy or has access to great amounts of money is rolling in money. Steve has no financial problems. His parents are rolling money.
141
racked with pain
When someone is suffering from severe pain, they are racked with pain. The soldier was so badly injured that he was racked with pain.
142
common ground
This expression refers to an area of shared beliefs, interests or mutual understanding between people or groups who often have disagreements. Any common ground among the Meditarranean countries will contribute to future unity.
143
itching (or itchy) palm
Someone who has an itching palm is greedy for money, for example tips or commission (as if putting money in the palm of their hand would ease the itch). He's said to have an itching palm - he does nothing without payment!
144
could eat a horse
To say that you could eat a horse means that you are very hungry. Let's get something to eat. I'm starving. I could eat a horse!
145
cat in gloves catches no mice
This expression means that if you are too careful and polite, you may not obtain what you want. Negotiate carefully, but remember : a cat in gloves catches no mice!
146
on the up and up
If you are on the up and up, you are becoming increasingly successful. The architect has been on the up and up since he designed a building in Dubai.
147
do more harm than good
If the effect of an action is more damaging than helpful, it does more harm than good. Giving him money did more harm than good - he spent it on alcohol.
148
Chinese whispers
This expression refers to a process by which a message or piece of information (especially gossip, rumours or scandalous news) is passed on from one person to another, and changes along the way, so that the final version is often very different from the original.
149
as the crow files
This expression refers to distance measured in a straight line. It's two miles from here to the station as the crow flies, but of course it's much further by road.
150
behind the times
A person who is behind the times has old-fashioned ideas and does not keep up with modern life in general. Jane doesn't have a mobile phone. She's completely behind the times.
151
pick a fight
Someone who picks a fight deliberately looks for an opportunity to start a quarrel or begin an argument. Our new neighbour seizes every occasion to pick a fight.
152
mix business with pleasure
When people mix business with pleasure, they combine work and leisure or social activities. Seminars or training sessions that include leisure activities are a good way of mixing business and pleasure.
153
twist someone's arm
If you twist someone's arm, you make them do something, without using physical force. He didn't have to twist my arm when he invited me out for dinner - I was happy to accept!
154
have the world at your feet
If you have the world at your feet, you are extremely successful and greatly admired. The talented young actress has the world at her feet.
155
steamed up
If someone gets steamed up about something, they become very angry, excited or enthusiastic about it. Calm down - there's no need to get all steamed up about it!
156
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!
157
cat and dog life
A life in which partners are constantly or frequently quarrelling is called a cat-and-dog life. They lead a cat-and-dog life. I don't know why they stay together.
158
throw something together
If you throw something together, you make or produce something quickly and without effort. Why don't you stay for dinner - I'll throw something together!
159
like clockwork
To say that someone or something goes, runs or behaves like clockwork means that everything happens exactly as expected. Meals are always served on time. In their home everything runs like clockwork.
160
in safe hands
If something is in safe hands, it is being looked after by a reliable person or organisation, and is therefore at no risk. I'll look after Jamie while you go shopping. Don' worry - he'll be in safe hands.
161
pop one's clogs
This is a euphemistic way of saying that a person is dead. Nobody lives in that house since old Roger popped his clogs.
162
strike pay dirt
If you strike pay dirt, you are lucky and suddenly find yourself in a successful money-making situation. Charlie finally struck pay dirt with his latest invention.
163
sharp cookie
Someone who is not easily fooled or deceived is a sharp cookie. You can't fool my grandmother. She's a sharp cookie!
164
fever pitch
If a situation or feeling reaches fever pitch, it becomes very intense and exciting. Reaction to the affair has reached fever pitch all over the country.
165
sling mud
To say that someone is slinging mud at another person means that they are trying to damage that person's reputation by saying bad things about them. During election campaigns, candidates often sling mud at each other.
166
turn on/up the heat
If you turn on or up the heat on someone, you put pressure on them in order to obtain what you want. If the goods are not delivered this week, we'll have to turn up the heat.
167
in one's mind's eye
If you can visualize something, or see an image of it in your mind, you see it in your mind's eye. I can see the village in my mind's eye but I can't remember the name.
168
there's no accounting for taste
This expression is used to indicate surprise at another person's likes or dislikes. She fell in love with a guy who's short, fat, bald and poor ... there's no accounting for taste!
169
win by a nose
When there is a very slight difference between the winner and the other competitors, victory is won by a nose. One second ahead of the others, he won by a nose.
170
smack/lick one's lips
To say that a person is smacking or licking their lips means that they are showing that they are excited about something and are eager for it to happen. They were smacking their lips at the idea of the money they were going to make.
171
landslide victory
The victory of a candidate or a political party by an overwhelming majority is called a landslide victory. Major newspapers predict a landslide victory for the Democratic Party.
172
move heaven and earth
To say that you will move heaven and earth means that you are prepared to do everything that is possible to achieve something. I promise I will move heaven and earth to get a work permit for you.
173
under your thumb
If someone is under your thumb, they are completely under your control or influence. Nobody ever protests. He has the whole group under his thumb.
174
asleep at the wheel
If you say that someone is asleep at the wheel, you mean that they are not sufficiently attentive, especially at a critical moment when vigilance is required. When the firemen arrived too late at the scene, the night watchman was accused of being asleep at the wheel.
175
quart into a pint pot
To say that you can't put a quart into a pint pot means that you cannot fit something too big into a small space, or that you are trying to do something impossible. You'll never get that into the suitcase. You can't put a quart into a pint pot!
176
top notch
To say that something is top notch means that it is of the highest possible quality or standard. The hotel was wonderful and the service was top notch.
177
travel light
When you travel light, you travel with as little luggage as possible. If you intend to go trekking, you'd better travel light.
178
worlds apart
When two people or things are very different, they are worlds apart. As regards our political opinions, we are worlds apart.
179
spare tyre
If a person has a spare tyre, they have a roll of flesh around the waist. I'd better go on a diet - I'm getting a spare tyre!
180
all thumbs / all fingers and thumbs
If you are all fingers and thumbs, you are awkward and clumsy and do things incorrectly. Would you mind wrapping this for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs!
181
barking up the wrong tree
A person who is barking up the wrong tree is doing the wrong thing, because their beliefs or ideas are incorrect or mistaken. The police are barking up the wrong tree if they think Joey stole the car - he can't drive!
182
plastic smile
A person with a plastic smile is wearing a forced smile which makes them appear happier that they really are. A receptionist greeted customers with a plastic smile.
183
take for a ride
To take someone for a ride means to cheat or deceive them. I discovered he had charged me double the normal fee. He really took me for a ride!
184
in the middle of nowhere
If a place is in the middle of nowhere, it is in a remote area, far from towns, villages or houses. The campsite was in the middle of nowhere so I couldn't send you a postcard.
185
smooth ruffled feathers
If you smooth someone's ruffled feathers, you make that person feel less angry or offended. Tom took the criticism badly but James managed to smooth his ruffled feathers.
186
carry weight
If a person or organisation carries weight, they are influential or important. I'm glad she's on our side - her opinion carries a lot of weight.
187
pat answer
A simplified response that is memorized or prepared in advance is called a pat answer. Many journalists at the press conference found his pat answers totally frustrating.
188
under the knife
If a person goes under the knife, they have surgery. I'm not worried about the anaesthetic. I've been under the knife several times.
189
like pulling teeth
Something that is like pulling teeth is extremely difficult to obtain, especially if trying to extract information from someone. Getting him to talk about his job was like pulling teeth!
190
(not) hair out of place
If someone does not have a hair out of place, their appearance is perfect. Angela is always impeccably dressed - never a hair out of place.
191
preaching to the converted
A person who preaches to the converted is encouraging people to support an idea that they already agree with. Talking to athletes about the virtues of sport is preaching to the converted.
192
meet your maker
This expression is used to say (often humorously) that someone has died. Poor old Mr. Potter has gone to meet his maker.
193
from the word go
The expression 'from the word go' means from the very beginning of an activity. Right from the word go he was rejected by the rest of the group.
194
eat a horse
If you say that you could eat a horse you mean that you are very hungry. Let's get something to eat. I'm starving. I could eat a horse!
195
(not) give a hang
If you do not give a hang about something, you are totally indifferent to it and do not care at all about it. I'm not interested in football so I don't give a hang about which team wins.
196
day late and a dollar short
If something is a day late and a dollar short, it comes too late and is not good enough. They offered me an internship when I had already found a job - a day late and a dollar short!
197
rough justice
Treatment or justice that does not seem fair, or is too severe, is called 'rough justice', especially if it is not legal. The way the player was treated by the media was very rough justice!
198
twiddle one's thumbs
A person who twiddles their thumbs has nothing to do, or is doing nothing useful. Go and help your father! You can't sit there all day twiddling your thumbs!
199
cross the line
If you cross the line you go beyond the authorized limits by doing something unacceptable. He has an unpleasant habit of telling jokes that really cross the line.
200
easier said than done
To say that something is easier said than done means that what is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it. Put the TV aerial on the roof? Easier said than done!
