30 Advances English Phrases (C1)

Question 1

A fraction of

Answer 1

a small or tiny part, amount, or proportion of

The plastic folders were a fraction of the price of the leather ones

Question 2

All things considered

Answer 2

taking everything into account

All things considered, I think we have done a good job

Question 3

All in all

Answer 3

overall, mostly

All in all, the response to the new campaign was very positive

Question 4

To be bound to

Answer 4

be certain or destined to

You’re bound to hear back from them soon

Question 5

To be down to

Answer 5

be as a result of

The drop in profit was down to the bad weather over Christmas

Question 6

To drive (smb) up the wall

Answer 6

annoy someone or make them crazy

People who throw rubbish out of their car drive me up the wall!

Question 7

Easier said than done

Answer 7

not very easy

I’d like to give the boss some constructive criticism, but that’s easier said than done!

Question 8

For the most part

Answer 8

in most cases, usually

I find running, for the most part, very enjoyable

Question 9

In hight spirits

Answer 9

in a lively and cheerful mood

The winning team was in high spirits after the award ceremony

Question 10

In low spirits

Answer 10

in a sad or tired mood

She was in low spirits due to her recent break up

Question 11

Just around the corner

Answer 11

coming very soon

I felt stressed when I realised my test is just around the corner

Question 12

To make a point of (doing something)

Answer 12

always do something or take particular care to do it

She always makes a point of treating everyone as equals

Question 13

To make ends meet

Answer 13

earn just enough money to live on

We struggle to make ends meet towards the end of the year

Question 14

To miss the point

Answer 14

fail to understand the essential or important part of something
I think you’ve completely missed the point there

Question 15

Narrow-minded

Answer 15

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

Question 16

On hand

Answer 16

present, available

The counsellor is always on hand to offer a shoulder to cry on

Question 17

On the face of it

Answer 17

apparently, without knowing all of the relevant facts

On the face of it, she seems to have settled in well

Question 18

On the verge of

Answer 18

very near to doing or experiencing something

When I saw him in the corridor he was on the verge of tears

Question 19

Part and parcel

Answer 19

an essential or integral component

Stress is part and parcel of the profession

Question 20

To pose a question

Answer 20

raise a question

This poses the question: should we be following the regulations?

Question 21

To get your hands on (something)

Answer 21

find or get something

I need to get my hands on a pair of those new trainers

Question 22

Remarkably complex

Answer 22

complicated with lots of intricate detail

The mosaic was remarkably complex and beautiful

Question 23

A roller coaster of emotions

Answer 23

full of highs and lows

I experience a roller coaster of emotions whenever I visit the opera

Question 24

Short and sharp

Answer 24

quick and concise

Let’s keep this zoom meeting short and sharp

Question 25

To sit on the fence

Answer 25

avoid making a decision or choice

She likes to sit on the fence in an attempt to avoid conflict

Question 26

To steal the show

Answer 26

attract the most attention and praise

The last interviewee completely stole the show

Question 27

To take (no) great pleasure in

Answer 27

enjoy doing something

She took great pleasure in telling him he was fired

Question 28

To walk on eggshells

Answer 28

be extremely cautious about one’s words or actions

The boss has a terrible temper so everyone walks on eggshells around him

Question 29

Without a care in the world

Answer 29

without worrying about anything

I constantly feel anxious, and there’s my husband without a care in the world!

Question 30

Worth your weight in gold

Answer 30

very useful, helpful, or valuable

We can’t lose our receptionist - she’s worth her weight in gold!