30 Advances English Phrases (C1) Flashcards
A fraction of
a small or tiny part, amount, or proportion of
The plastic folders were a fraction of the price of the leather ones
All things considered
taking everything into account
All things considered, I think we have done a good job
All in all
overall, mostly
All in all, the response to the new campaign was very positive
To be bound to
be certain or destined to
You’re bound to hear back from them soon
To be down to
be as a result of
The drop in profit was down to the bad weather over Christmas
To drive (smb) up the wall
annoy someone or make them crazy
People who throw rubbish out of their car drive me up the wall!
Easier said than done
not very easy
I’d like to give the boss some constructive criticism, but that’s easier said than done!
For the most part
in most cases, usually
I find running, for the most part, very enjoyable
In hight spirits
in a lively and cheerful mood
The winning team was in high spirits after the award ceremony
In low spirits
in a sad or tired mood
She was in low spirits due to her recent break up
Just around the corner
coming very soon
I felt stressed when I realised my test is just around the corner
To make a point of (doing something)
always do something or take particular care to do it
She always makes a point of treating everyone as equals
To make ends meet
earn just enough money to live on
We struggle to make ends meet towards the end of the year
To miss the point
fail to understand the essential or important part of something
I think you’ve completely missed the point there
Narrow-minded
prejudiced, not willing to listen to other people’s views
Her father-in-law is extremely narrow-minded and is unable to accept that it’s not the 1900s any more
On hand
present, available
The counsellor is always on hand to offer a shoulder to cry on
On the face of it
apparently, without knowing all of the relevant facts
On the face of it, she seems to have settled in well
On the verge of
very near to doing or experiencing something
When I saw him in the corridor he was on the verge of tears
Part and parcel
an essential or integral component
Stress is part and parcel of the profession
To pose a question
raise a question
This poses the question: should we be following the regulations?
To get your hands on (something)
find or get something
I need to get my hands on a pair of those new trainers
Remarkably complex
complicated with lots of intricate detail
The mosaic was remarkably complex and beautiful
A roller coaster of emotions
full of highs and lows
I experience a roller coaster of emotions whenever I visit the opera
Short and sharp
quick and concise
Let’s keep this zoom meeting short and sharp
