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Question 1

Be common knowledge

Answer 1

Be sth that everyone knows.

• Do people know about their engagement?
• Yes, it’s a common knowledge now.

Question 2

Contrary to popular belief

Answer 2

Used to emphasize that what you are saying is the opposite of what many people think.

• Are you tired?
• No, I’m still working, contrary to popular belief.

Question 3

In name only

Answer 3

If sth exists in name only, it is officially described in a particular way,but the description is not really true.

Is it your flat?
In name only. My brother lives there most of the time.

Question 4

To all intents and purposes

Answer 4

Used to say that although sth is not exactly true or accurate, the effect is the same as if it were true or accurate.

Are they living separately?
Yes, to all intents and purposes.

Question 5

As a last resort

Answer 5

Used to say you will do sth only after trying everything else to solve a problem.

SYN: if all else fails
I’ll sell the car as a last resort/if all else fails.

Question 6

At a push/ pinch

INF

Answer 6

If you can do sth at a push/pinch , you can do it,but only with difficulty.

Only just

We can get six people round the table at a push/ pinch.
We can only just get six people round the table.

Question 7

Strictly speaking

Answer 7

= being completely correct and accurate.

Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit.

Question 8

All (other) things being equal

Answer 8

Used when saying what you would normally choose unless there were special facts to consider.

All other things being equal, I’d rather go to university near where I live.

Question 9

You’ll / they’ll,etc. be lucky

INF

Answer 9

Used to tell sb/others that what they want probably will not happen.

You’ll be lucky to find a restaurant open at this time of night.

Question 10

I’ll give you that

INF

Answer 10

Used to admit that sth is true, even though you don’t like it,or don’t agree with things related to it.

She’s clever, I’ll give you that, but I don’t trust her.

Question 11

It’s the (very) least I can do

Answer 11

Used to say you are willing to do sth, and feel you should probably do more.

I’ll help you, it’s the very least I can do.

Question 12

Worse luck!

INF

Answer 12

Used to show that you are disappointed or annoyed about sth.

I have to work this weekend,worse luck !

Question 13

Thank goodness

Answer 13

Used to say that you are relieved and pleased about sth.

Kara arrived safely, thank goodness.

Question 14

Last but not least

Answer 14

Used when mentioning the last person or thing in a group in order to say that they are as important as others.

They all got here - last but not least was Tom.

Question 15

(A bit) late in the day

Answer 15

Too late to take action. ( the speaker is usually annoyed.)

I felt it was a bit late in the day for her to call off the party.

Question 16

For all sb cares

INF

Answer 16

Used to say that a person is not worried about or interested in what happens to sb / sth.

She can go and live in Las Vegas for all I care.

Question 17

It’s/that’s all very well (for sb) (to do sth)

Answer 17

Used to show your irritation with a comment that sb has made.

It’s all very well for the teacher to say the test was easy - she didn’t have to do it.

Question 18

In no uncertain terms

Answer 18

Clearly and directly

He told me in no uncertain terms what he thought of me.