2001-2200 Flashcards
1
Q
of no avail
A
Something which isof no availis not at all helpful or useful. The coffee machine wouldn’t work, and the instruction leaflet was of no avail.
2
Q
talk shop
A
If youtalk shop,you talk about your work or business in a social situation with someone you work with, and make the conversation boring for the others present. I never go out with my colleagues because we inevitably end up talking shop.
3
Q
go torackand ruin
A
If somethinggoes to rack and ruin,it deteriorates or falls into serious decline until it reaches a state of complete destruction. When the factory closed down, the building was to left to go to rack and ruin.
4
Q
thin on the top
A
If someone, usually a man, isthin on the top, they are losing their hair or going bald. Dad’s gone a bit thin on the top in the last few years.
5
Q
stand on ceremony
A
When peoplestand on ceremony,they behave in a very formal way. We’d be delighted to come and see you but please don’t stand on ceremony.
6
Q
come to grief
A
If someone or somethingcomes to grief, they either have an accident, are destroyed or end in failure. Their plans for a golf course came to grief when it was decided to build a motorway.
7
Q
take one’s life into one’s hands
A
To say that someone istaking their life in their handsmeans that they are taking the risk of being killed. If you drive home on this icy road, you’ll be taking your life in your hands.
8
Q
hold on for dear life
A
If youhold (orhang) on for dear life,you grip something firmly so as not to fall. Andy took his mother on the back of his motorbike where she held on for dear life!
9
Q
play possum
A
When someoneplays possum, they pretend to be dead or asleep in order to avoid something they don’t want to do. Sarah’s not asleep. She’s just playing possum because she doesn’t want to come swimming.
10
Q
keep head above water
A
To keepone’s head above watermeans to try to survive by staying out of debt, for example a small business. Business has been slow, but we’ve managed to keep our head above water.
11
Q
safe bet
A
To say that something isa safe betmeans that it is very likely to happen. It’s a safe bet that you’ll get a good job if you graduate from one of the top universities.
12
Q
watch like a hawk
A
If youwatch someone like a hawk,you keep your eyes on them or watch them very carefully. Sarah watches the children like a hawk when she takes them swimming.
13
Q
help a lame dog
A
If youhelp a lame dog over a stile,you help someone who is in difficulty or trouble. You can trust him - he’s always ready to help a lame dog over a stile.
14
Q
cheesed off
A
If someone ischeesed offwith something, they are annoyed, bored or frustrated. Jenny is absolutely cheesed off with her job.
15
Q
make mincemeat of
A
If youmake mincemeat ofsomeone or something, you completely and utterly defeat or destroy them. A good lawyer would make mincemeat of your rival’s accusations.
16
Q
cap in hand
A
If you do somethingcap in hand, you ask for something in a very respectful manner. They went to the teacher, cap in hand, and asked for more time to complete their project.
17
Q
good riddance!
A
This expression is used to express relief at becoming free of an unpleasant or unwanted person or thing. Our horrible neighbour has moved house, and all I can say is ‘good riddance’!
18
Q
hot potato
A
Ahot potato isa very sensitive and controversial matter which is difficult to deal with. The new Prime Minister hasn’t been confronted with any hot potatoes yet.
19
Q
wildgoosechase
A
If someone is sent on awild goose chase, they waste their time looking for something that there is little chance of finding. They tried to find out who sent the anonymous complaint, but it turned out to be a wild goose chase.
20
Q
pillar to post
A
If a person, usually someone in difficulty, goesfrom pillar to post,they move constantly from place to place. When the factory closed down, Benny moved from pillar to post in search of a new job.
21
Q
fall on one’ssword
A
If youfall 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’.
22
Q
on thelevel
A
If you say that someone is on the level, you are referring to a truthful or honest person. Tell me straight : Is he on the level or not?
23
Q
heavens open
A
When theheavens open, it suddenly starts to rain heavily. As soon as the race started, the heavens opened and the runners were soaked.
24
Q
hit the spot
A
If somethinghits the spot,it is exactly what is needed or wanted. On such a hot day, a cool drink would really hit the spot!
25
all told
All told means the final number, when everything has been counted. The number of visitors to the exhibition, all told, was 2543.
26
feel the pinch
When someone feels the pinch, they begin to suffer from a lack of money. With the drop in tourism, hotels and restaurants are beginning to feel the pinch.
27
blow up in your face
When working on a plan or project, if it suddenly goes wrong or fails, it blows up in your face. The trip was difficult to organise, but it blew up in his face when the airline company went on strike.
28
gutter press
This term refers to newspapers that print a lot of sensational stories about people's private lives. Of course the gutter press was quick to print a sensational version of the incident!
29
get on your high horse
If you get on your high horse, you start behaving in a haughty manner, as though you should be treated with more respect. He got on his high horse when he was asked to show his membership card.
30
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?
31
work like a charm
If something such as a product or method works like a charm, it functions very well or has the desired effect. I tried cleaning it with vinegar and it worked like a charm!
32
twist in the wind
If someone is left to twist in the wind, they are left to face a difficult situation without any assistance or support. He walked out of the press conference and left his agent twisting in the wind.
33
die is cast
To say that the die is cast means that an irrevocable decision has been made that will determine the future. I've handed in my resignation, so now the die is cast!
34
loose end
A person who is at a loose end has some spare time, and feels quite bored by having nothing in particular to do. When the meeting was cancelled at the last minute, Julie unexpectedly found herself at a loose end.
35
been there, done that
The expression is used to indicate that the speaker is familiar with the situation mentioned. It can also refer to an attitude which reflects a certain boredom at the idea of repeating an experience that has lost its novelty. His suggestions produced a 'been there, done that' attitude which undermined his enthusiasm.
36
if the cap fits wear it
You can say 'if the cap fits, wear it' to let someone know that the critical remark they have just heard applies to them. "Are you referring to me?" "If the cap fits, wear it!"
37
up-to-the-minute
Something that is up-to-the-minute is the very latest or most recent version available. The internet is the best place to find up-to-the-minute news.
38
foul one's own nest
If you act in a way that harms your own interests, your position or your reputation, you foul your own nest. He fouled his own nest by wrongly accusing his boss.
39
life of riley
A person who lives the life of Riley has a comfortable and enjoyable life, without having to make much effort. He married a millionaire, and since then he's been living the life of Riley!
40
in the dark
If someone is kept or left in the dark about something, they are not informed about it. The personnel was kept in the dark about the merger until the last minute.
41
throw a bone
If you throw someone a bone, you say something kind or reward them in some way to make them feel good. The old man can't help very much but Bill throws him a bone now and then to keep him happy.
42
knee-high to a grasshopper
This term refers to a very young or small child. Look how tall you are! Last time I saw you, you were knee-high to a grasshopper!
43
on the dole
A person who receives financial assistance from the government when they are unemployed is on the dole. Their father is on the dole so the family is living on a tight budget.
44
ahead of the pack
If a person or organisation is ahead of the pack, they are better or more successful than their rivals. Our products will have to be more innovative if we are to stay ahead of the pack.
45
road rage
Aggressive driving habits sometimes resulting in violence against other drivers is called road rage. A number of accidents today are a direct result of road rage.
46
on the back burner
If you put a project or issue on the back burner, you decide to deal with it at a later date because you do not consider it to be that urgent or important. When Julie was offered a promotion she put her MBA plans on the back burner.
47
takes two to tango
You say this when you think that a difficult situation cannot be the fault of one person alone. We've heard Fred's side of the story - but it takes two to tango!
48
take your courage in both hands
If you take 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.
49
wind up in the wrong hands
If something winds up in the wrong hands, it comes into the possession of someone undesirable, for example an opponent or a competitor. Put the plans away carefully. We don't want them to wind up in the wrong hands.
50
have you gone out of your mind?
If you ask someone if they have gone out of their mind, you think they are crazy, foolish or insane. You're going to ask for a 100% increase in salary? Have you gone out of your mind?
51
power behind the throne
Someone with no apparent authority who has great influence over the person officially in charge is said to be the power behind the throne. It's essential to be on good terms with his wife. Apparently she's the power behind the throne.
52
juggle frogs
A person who is juggling frogs is trying to deal with many different tasks at the tame time and finding the situation difficult. I've got so many things to do at the moment, I feel like I'm juggling frogs!
53
one hand washes the other (and together they wash the face)
This expression means that when people cooperate and work well together, there is a better chance of a achieving results.
54
keep a low profile
A person who keeps a low profile tries not to attract public attention. The inventor is a discreet man who keeps a low profile.
55
teeth chattering
If your teeth are chattering, you are extremely cold. Was I cold? My teeth were chattering!
56
dry (or dummy) run
If you organise a rehearsal, a trial exercise or a practice session of something, in realistic conditions, to see how well it will work before it is launched, you do a dry run. Let's do a dry run of the ceremony to make sure everything goes smoothly.
57
put the recordsstraight
If you put or 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.
58
trade secret
This term refers to the secrecy of a company's production methods but is often used teasingly. "Can you give me the recipe for your lemon meringue pie?" " No way - that's a trade secret!"
59
handbrake on a canoe
Is something is as much use as a handbrake on a canoe, it is completely useless or serves no purpose. With no electricity, a refrigerator would be as much use as a handbrake on a canoe.
60
show one's true colours
When a person shows their true colours, their behaviour reveals their real nature, with their qualities and/or weaknesses. In times of crisis people show their true colours.
61
green fingers
To have green fingers means to be good at gardening. My dad was born with green fingers. He's great with plants.
62
breaking and entering
This term refers to the fact of entering a building or home illegally by breaking open a window, door, etc. The two men were found guilty of breaking and entering.
63
dwell on something
If someone dwells on something, they think or talk about it all the time. My mother-in-law has health problems, but I wish she wouldn't always dwell on the subject!
64
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.
65
none the wiser
If you do not know more about something after hearing or reading an explanation, or if you fail to find information on the subject, you arenone the wiser. I tried to understand the voting system but I was none the wiser after reading the explanation.
66
raining cats and dogs
If it's raining cats and dogs, it is raining very heavily. We'll have to cancel the picnic I'm afraid - it's raining cats and dogs.
67
chance in a million
A chance in a million is a very small chance, or no chance at all, that something will happen. There's a chance in a million of finding the key I lost on the golf course.
68
turn over a new leaf
If a person turns over a new leaf, they decide to change their behaviour and lead a better life. When Ted left prison, he was determined to turn over a new leaf.
69
take a gander
If you take or have a gander at something, which is generally new or unusual, you have a look at it or go to check it out. Let's take a gander at the new shopping centre. Sally says it's fantastic.
70
rooted to the spot
If you are so shocked, surprised or scared that you are rooted to the spot, you reaction is so strong that you are unable to move. Joe stood rooted to the spot as the plane landed on the water.
71
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!
72
keep a lid on
If you keep the lid on something, you hide it or control it to prevent people from finding out about it. The company tried to keep a lid on the negotiations but word got out to the press.
73
hang in there
This expression is used to encourage someone to persevere and not give up in spite of the difficult circumstances. I know the atmosphere is very tense, but just hang in there and things will eventually calm down.
74
number cruncher
This is a humorous way of referring to someone who is an accountant or who is very good at working with numbers and calculations. She's a number cruncher who perfectly understands the organisation's financial situation.
75
olive branch
If a person or organisation holds out an olive branch to another, they show that they want to end a disagreement and make peace. The protesters finally accepted the olive branch extended to them.
76
spinach cinema
Films that are neither exciting nor interesting but are considered educational or uplifting, in the same way as certain foods are good for your health, are referred to as spinach cinema.
77
if push comes to shove
The expression 'if push comes to shove' refers to what you will do if the situation becomes critical and you have to take action. There should be enough room for everyone, but if push comes to shove we can go to the hotel.
78
suss out
If you suss out something, such as a problem or a situation, you examine it and manage to understand it. Ask Jack to explain - he's got it all sussed out!
79
lose the plot
If a situation becomes so confusing that you are unable to understand what is happening or what you are supposed to do, you lose the plot. His instructions were so long and confusing that I just lost the plot!
80
broad strokes
If something is described or defined with/in broad strokes, it is outlined in a very general way, without any details. In a few broad strokes he summed up the situation.
81
needs must (when the devil drives)
The expression 'needs must (when the devil drives)' means that you are sometimes forced by circumstances to do something that you do not want to do. I'd rather stay with you than attend the conference, but needs must ...!
82
no flies on (someone)
To say that there are no flies on someone means that they are quick to understand and cannot be tricked or deceived easily. It's better to tell him all the facts. There are no flies on him.
83
turn the tables
If you turn the tables on a person or organisation, you reverse the situation so as to be in a position of superiority. The success of our new product has turned the tables on our competitors.
84
life is just a bowl of cherries
This expression means that life is pleasant and uncomplicated. (This phrase is often used ironically to mean the opposite.) Now that he's retired, my grandfather says 'life is just a bowl of cherries'.
85
beside the point
If something is beside the point, it does not relate to the topic or is irrelevant. We need to know if he's qualified for the job. The fact that he plays golf is beside the point!
86
keep your shirt on!
If you tell somebody to keep their shirt on, you are asking them to calm down. Keep your shirt on Bob. Just give your version of the story!
87
sign on dotted line
If you sign on the dotted line, you formally give your consent to something by signing an official document. I consulted a lawyer before signing on the dotted line.
88
keep feet on ground
A person who keeps their feet on the ground continues to act in a sensible and practical way, even if they become successful. Success hasn't changed him. He has always kept his feet on the ground.
89
get/give the all clear
If you are allowed to do something after a check-up to make sure that everything is all right, you get the all clear. Dad says he's going to play golf again as soon as he gets the all clear from his doctor.
90
hear through the grapevine
If you hear of something through the grapevine, you learn about it informally, for example through friends or colleagues. "How did you hear that?" "Oh, through the grapevine as usual!"
91
crying need
When there is a great lack of something which is urgently needed, there is a crying need for it. Hospitals claim that there is a crying need for nurses.
92
one-upmanship
This term refers to the art of gaining and keeping an advantage over other people. He's a successful man, but his one-upmanship has left him with few friends.
93
law of the jungle
A situation in which people are prepared to use unscrupulous methods in order to succeed or survive is called the law of the jungle. Some businesses today seem to be governed by the law of the jungle.
94
spin doctor
A spin doctor is a press agent or a public relations officer employed to promote a favourable interpretation of events in business or politics. For a long time spin doctors lead us to believe that the situation was under control.
95
punch above your weight
If you punch above your weight, you try to perform at a level that is beyond your ability. She submitted her idea for the 'invention of the year' award, knowing that she was punching above her weight.
96
whistle-blower
If you report an illegal or socially harmful activity to the authorities, and give information about those responsible for it, you are a whistle-blower. The poor working conditions were reported by a whistle-blower.
97
bandit territory
A geographical area where law enforcement is practically impossible, because people ignore all rules, is called 'bandit territory'. There are a certain number of bandit territories in the world where travellers are advised not to go.
98
the pits
If something is referred to as the pits, it is considered to be absolutely the worst. That magazine is the pits!
99
blow hot and cold
If you blow hot and cold about something, you constantly change your opinion about it. The boss keeps blowing hot and cold about the marketing campaign - one day he finds it excellent, the next day he wants to make changes.
100
out of your pocket
If you pay for something out of your own pocket, you cover the cost with your own money. Breakfast is included but you must pay for lunch out of your own pocket.
101
new lease of life
A person who has a new lease of life has a chance to live longer or with greater enjoyment or satisfaction. Moving closer to his children has given him a new lease of life.
102
turn a deaf ear
A person who turns a deaf ear to something such as a request or a complaint refuses to pay attention to it. I tried to explain the situation to the manager but he turned a deaf ear.
103
wise after the event
When someone realizes, after something has happened, what could have been done to prevent it from happening, they are wise after the event. In retrospect, I suppose I should have realized the boy was in difficulty and offered to help, but it's easy to be wise after the event.
104
pluck out of the air
To pluck something out of the air means to say a name, date, number, etc. spontaneously, without thinking about it. "What are we going to call the cat?" I just plucked a name out of the air and said: " How about Daisy?"
105
bag of tricks
If you use your (whole) bag of tricks to do something, you try (all) the clever methods you know in order to succeed. Let's call on George and his bag of tricks; maybe he can help us solve the problem.
106
(no) hard feelings
If you have no hard feelings, you feel no resentment or bitterness about something. When Alan was promoted instead of Steve, he said to Steve : 'No hard feelings I hope.'
107
water down
If you water down something such as a report, declaration or proposal, you try to make it weaker or less likely to cause anger. When announcing the rejection of the proposal, he tried to water down the committee's negative comments.
108
have down pat
If you memorize or practice 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.
109
live wire
Someone who is highly vivacious, energetic and full of enthusiasm is alive wire. Things have brightened up since Charlie arrived. He's a real live wire!
110
let off steam
A person who lets off steam releases surplus energy or strong feelings either through intense physical activity or by talking in an unrestrained manner. Let's bring the kids to the playground so that they can let off steam.
111
know which way the wind is blowing
This expression means that it is advisable to know how a situation is developing in order to be prepared for any changes. Before we decide on anything, we need to know which way the wind is blowing.
112
the world is youroyster
This expression means that you are free and able to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities that life has to offer. She left college feeling that the world was her oyster.
113
light at end of tunnel
If you see light at the end of the tunnel, you see signs of hope for the future after a long period of difficulty. Sales dropped heavily last year but we're beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
114
jump down throat
If someone jumps down another person's throat, they suddenly start shouting at them in a very angry manner. When I said the instructions were not very clear, she jumped down my throat!
115
explore all avenues
If you explore all avenues, you try out every possibility in order to obtain a result or find a solution. We can't say it's impossible until we've explored all avenues.
116
cut from the same cloth
If two people are cut from the same cloth, they are very similar in character or behaviour. Although the brothers look alike, they are not cut from the same cloth. They each have their own personality.
117
out of your depth
If you are out of your depth, you are unable to understand a subject or deal with a situation because it is too difficult for you. The level of the class was too high for me, so very quickly I felt out of my depth.
118
get someone's drift
If you get someone's drift, you understand in a general way what they are trying to say. I didn't understand every word but I got the drift.
119
come to a bad end
If someone comes to a bad end, their actions lead to disastrous consequences which are sometimes deserved or predictable. If that boy doesn't change his ways, he'll come to a bad end.
120
stop at nothing
Someone who would stop at nothing would do anything, even something illegal or immoral, to obtain what they want. He's stop at nothing if there was a possibility of making money.
121
take unawares
If something takes you unawares, it surprises you because you were not expecting it. His angry reaction took me unawares.
122
hit the nail on the head
When you hit the nail on the head, you are absolutely right about something or have guessed the exact nature of a problem or situation. You hit the nail on the head when you said Mark had money problems. He's lost his job.
123
eagle eyes
Someone who has eagle eyes see or notices things more easily than others. Tony will help us find it - he's got eagle eyes!
124
no-go area
A no-go area is an area, particularly in a city, where it is dangerous to go. Tourists have been advised to avoid parts of the city which have become no-go areas.
125
hand in hand
If two or more things go hand in hand, they are associated or often happen at the same time. In big cities, poverty and violence often go hand in hand.
126
look down one's nose
If someone looks down their nose at a person or thing, they consider that person or thing as inferior. Intellectuals often look down their noses at amusement parks and such.
127
suit every pocket
This term refers to the amount of money you are able to spend or the price you can afford. The store offers a wide range of computers at prices to suit every pocket.
128
take shape
When something such as a plan or project begins to take shape, it starts to become organised and acquire a definite form. My new website is beginning to take shape.
129
go off on a tangent
If someone goes off on a tangent, they change the subject completely in the middle of a speech or conversation. Sometimes when he's teaching, he goes off on a tangent and starts talking about his dog!
130
bone of contention
A bone of contention is a matter or subject about which there is a lot of disagreement. The salaries have been agreed on, but opening on Sundays is still a bone of contention.
131
by no stretch of the imagination
The expression 'by no stretch of the imagination' means 'however hard you may try to believe or imagine it'. By no stretch of the imagination could he be called handsome.
132
smooth the path
To smooth the path for something means to make progress easier or enable it to happen. Speaking the language smoothed the path for negotiations.
133
in the long run
This term refers to something that will have effect over or after a long period of time. Learning Chinese is going to be difficult, but it'll be worth it in the long run because it will help me to get a better job.
134
no holds barred
This expression, which derives from wrestling, is used to describe something done with no restraints, limits or rules of conduct. It's a live talk show with no holds barred, which is not to everyone's taste.
135
an accomplished fact (also 'fait accompli')
Something that has been done or completed, before those affected by it can intervene or change it, is called an accomplished fact.
136
trilemma
This term is used for a situation which is even more difficult than a dilemma, because a choice must be made between three options that seem equally undesirable.
137
hold the field
If something holds the field, it has not been replaced and remains valid or is still in use. The founder's management principles still hold the field today.
138
lose the thread
If you lose the thread of a conversation or story, you are unable to follow it. There were so many interruptions during the film that I completely lost the thread.
139
lose your touch
If you lose your touch, you no longer have the ability to do something skillfully. My mother used to make great cup cakes but she seems to have lost her touch.
140
swim against the tide
A person who is doing or saying the opposite to most other people is said to be swimming against the tide. Perhaps it's because she always swims against the tide that her books are successful.
141
stuck in a time warp
Something that has not changed at all from some time in the past, when everything else has, is caught or stuck in a time warp. This place seem to be stuck in a time warp. It's exactly as it was in the 1950's.
142
more money than sense
If you have more money than sense, you have a lot of money which you waste by spending it in a foolish manner. He celebrated the birth of the baby by buying a sports car. He's got more money than sense!
143
foot in the grave
A person who is either very old or very ill and close to death has onefoot in the grave. It's no use talking to the owner. The poor man has one foot in the grave.
144
face like a wet week-end
If someone has a face like a wet week-end, they look sad and miserable. What's wrong with Pete? He's got a face like a wet week-end!
145
flea in one's ear
After an attempt at something, if you are sent away with a flea in your ear, you are angrily reprimanded or humiliated. When Andy tried to put the blame on Pete, he was sent away with a flea in his ear.
146
hit the airwaves
When someone hits the airwaves, they go on radio and/or TV to be interviewed or to promote something. The hospital was embarrassed when the patient hit the airways with his side of the story.
147
paint into a corner
If you paint yourself into a corner, you put yourself into a situation that restricts what you can do or say. Carole told her boss she was busy on Friday evening. She realized she had painted herself into a corner when he said : 'Too bad! I was going to give you two tickets for the opera."
148
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.
149
(put) skin in the game
If you put skin in the game, you show your confidence in a company by making a considerable investment or a financial commitment. I got good news today. Apparently a serious investor is willing to put skin in the game.
150
bear the brunt
A person who bears the brunt of something is the one who suffers the most when something bad or unpleasant happens. When things go wrong, his assistant always has to bear the brunt of his anger.
151
go to extremes
People who go to extremes behave in a way that lacks moderation. My parents tend to go to extremes. They live on a tight budget and then they go on expensive holidays.
152
dice are loaded
If everything seems to work to your disadvantage, and you are not likely to succeed, the dice are loaded against you. I applied for the job, but being a woman, and over forty, the dice were loaded against me.
153
not the only pebble on the beach
To say that someone is not the only pebble on the beach means that they are not the only person worth considering. He thinks his refusal to join the team will cause problems, but there are other alternatives ...he's not the only pebble on the beach!
154
(at) first hand
If you experience something yourself directly, without any intermediary, you experience it (at) first hand. Getting to see the performance (at) first hand is much better than watching it on television.
155
same page/wavelength
If you are on the same page or the same wavelength as someone else, you have the same understanding or think in a similar way. We rarely argue. We're generally on the same wavelength.
156
dog in the manger
A person referred to as a dog in the manger is someone who stops others from enjoying something he/she cannot use or doesn't want. She hates the guitar so she won't allow her son to learn to play it - a real dog in the manger!
157
do a double take
Someone who does a double take looks again in surprise at something unexpected. He did a double take when he saw his wife in a restaurant with another man.
158
tail wagging the dog
This expression refers to a situation where there is a reversal of roles, with the small or minor element having a controlling influence on the most important element. If you let your children decide on everything, it will be a case of the tail wagging the dog!
159
turn turtle
If a boat turns turtle, it capsizes or turns upside down in the water. We had fun sailing yesterday, although we nearly turned turtle a couple of times!
160
wheels fall off
When a situation gets out of control and everything starts to go wrong,the wheels fall off. The wheels fell off her career when she started taking drugs and cancelling concerts.
161
wipe the slate clean
If you wipe the slate clean, you make a fresh start and forget all past offences, disagreements or mistakes. When their father died, Bob and his brother decided to wipe the slate clean and forget the old family quarrels.
162
pull a fast one
To pull a fast one means to gain an advantage over someone by deceiving them. The street vendor pulled a fast one on Tom. He sold him a big bunch of roses but wrapped a smaller bunch while Tom was taking out his wallet.
163
get the sack / be sacked
If someone gets the sack, they lose their job, usually because they have done something wrong. Charlie got the sack when his boss caught him stealing.
164
(not) have leg to stand on
To say that someone doesn't have a leg to stand on means that they can't prove what they say. Three people testified against him. He didn't have a leg to stand on.
165
chink in someone's armour
If someone has a chink in their armour, they have a weakness that other people can take advantage of. The candidate's opponents are busy looking for chinks in his armour.
166
go through the roof
If someone goes through the roof, they become very angry. My father went through the roof when Paul damaged his new car.
167
pack of lies
A large number of untruthful statements is referred to as a pack of lies. The story about her unhappy childhood turned out to be a pack of lies.
168
bite one's tongue
If you bite your tongue, you try not to say what you really think or feel. It was difficult for me not to react; I had to bite my tongue.
169
go to pieces
If you go to pieces, for example after a terrible shock, you are so upset or distressed that you cannot lead a normal life. Jack nearly went to pieces when his son died in a car crash.
170
hem and haw
When someone hems and haws, they are very evasive and avoid giving a clear answer. Bobby hemmed and hawed when his parents asked him where had spent the night.
171
(of) no fixed abode
A person of no fixed abode has nowhere permanent to live. A 30-year-old man of no fixed abode was charged with the burglary.
172
the picture of health
Someone who looks the picture of health looks extremely healthy. Nice to see you again Mr. Brown. I must say you look the picture of health!
173
have something on the brain
If you have something on the brain, you think or talk abut it all constantly. Stop talking about golf. You've got golf on the brain!
174
on the mend
If someone or something is on the mend, they are improving after an illness or a difficult period. My mother caught the 'flu but she's on the mend now.
175
no love lost
To say that there is no love lost between two people or organisations means that they do not like each other at all. There is no love lost between the Conservatives and Democrats.
176
no spring chicken
To say that someone is no spring chicken means that they are quite old or well past their youth. "How old is the owner?" "I don't know, but she's no spring chicken."
177
not the brightest bulb in the box not the sharpest knife in the drawer not the sharpest tool in the shed
Sharp and bright both mean clever or intelligent. These are a few of the expressions used to say that someone is not very intelligent. There are many others. Max has failed the exam for the third time! He's obviously not the brightest bulb in the box! Nobody was surprised when Johnny misunderstood the message. We all know hes not the sharpest knife in the drawer!
178
up to par
If something is up to par, it meets the required standard. He didn't get the job because his English wasn't up to par.
179
soft spot
If you have a soft spot for someone or something, you particularly like them. My grandfather has always had a soft spot for fast cars.
180
go down in history
This expression refers to an event that is so important or unusual that it will be recorded in history. The recent discovery will go down in history.
181
blind as a bat
Someone whose vision is very poor, or who is unable to see anything, is (as) blind as a bat. Without his glasses, the old man is as blind as a bat.
182
skeleton staff/crew
If a business or organisation works with a skeleton staff, it is run with the smallest number of people necessary. The office is closed the week after Christmas but there will be a skeleton staff to handle essential operations.
183
where the shoepinches
When people talk about 'where the shoe pinches', they are referring to an area that is often a source of problems or difficulties. She's sure the public transport system works perfectly, but she'll find out where the shoe pinches when she starts using it!
184
come into one's own
When you come into your own, you finally obtain rightful recognition of your ability or talent and begin to have success. He's a talented violinist who has at last come into his own.
185
not have a stitch on
Someone who does not have a stitch on is wearing no clothes and is therefore completely naked. When the doorbell rang, he didn't have a stitch on!
186
high horse
If you get on your high horse, you start behaving in a haughty manner, as though you should be treated with more respect. He got on his high horse when he was asked to show his membership card.
187
keep one's feet on the ground
A person who keeps their feet on the ground continues to act in a sensible and practical way, even if they become successful. His invention was an instant success but he kept his feet on the ground and invested his money very wisely.
188
bats in the belfry
If you say that somebody has bats in the belfry, you mean that they are eccentric or crazy. He comes up with the craziest ideas - he's got bats in the belfry!
189
give as good as you get
This expression means that you are prepared to treat people as badly as they treat you, and fight for your beliefs.
190
get on one's nerves
If you get on someone's nerves, you annoy or irritate them a great deal. The children next door are so noisy they're getting on my nerves.
191
all things being equal
This expression refers to a probable situation if, in all other ways, the conditions remain unchanged or equal. All (other) things being equal, a reduction in the cost of transport should enable us to lower our prices.
192
bottom fell out
When something causes a plan, project or venture to collapse or fail, the bottom falls out of it. When heavy rain was announced, the bottom fell out of their plans for a beach party.
193
play the market
If you play the market, you buy stocks and shares in the hope of making a profit when you sell them. It's always tempting to play the market, but it's more risky at the present time.
194
shape up or ship out
This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve, they will have to leave their job. When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out.
195
moment of truth
A critical or decisive time when you face the reality of a situation, and find out if your efforts have succeeded, is called the moment of truth. The moment of truth has arrived - I'm going to serve my first soufflé!
196
jaw drops
If someone's jaw drops, they show total amazement. When the prize was announced, the winner's jaw dropped.
197
get your hands dirty
If you get your hands dirty in your job, you become involved in all aspects of it, including work that is physical, unpleasant or less interesting. His willingness to get his hands dirty won the respect and approval of the whole team.
198
keep a level head
If you keep a level head, you remain calm and sensible no matter how difficult or distressful the situation may be. All through the hijacking the pilot kept a level head.
199
grey area
To refer to something as a grey area means that it is not clear or easy to define, and is therefore difficult to deal with. The law concerning email is still a grey area in some countries.
200
ants in one's pants
People who have ants in their pants are very restless or excited about something. I wish he'd relax. He's got ants in his pants about something today.
