70 FREQUENTLY USED IDIOMS Flashcards
Under any circumstances or conditions.
It is not going to affect the set-up of the game in any way, sh…___.
Under any circumstances or conditions.
It is not going to affect the set-up of the game IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM.
Used to express acceptance of a first statement before introducing a contradictory or confirming second statement.
It’s all we…___ saying that now, but it was impossible to have known that back in June.
Used to express acceptance of a first statement before introducing a contradictory or confirming second statement.
IT’S ALL WELL AND GOOD saying that now, but it was impossible to have known that back in June.
Scarce; infrequent
True experts in this field are few and fa…___.
Scarce; infrequent
True experts in this field are FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.
To be an essential feature or element of.
Long hours and late nights are **part and pa…*___ the job.
To be an essential feature or element of.
Long hours and late nights are PART AND PARCEL OF the job.
To be extremely busy.
We have a staff shortage problem at the moment and so we’re all rushed off…___.
To be extremely busy.
We have a staff shortage problem at the moment and so we’re all RUSHED OFF OUR FEET.
Used to indicate that an idea, plan, or proposal has been unsuccessful and that a new one must be devised.
The email says we were denied approval. **Back to th…*___ then to come up with a new plan!
Used to indicate that an idea, plan, or proposal has been unsuccessful and that a new one must be devised.
The email says we were denied approval. BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD then to come up with a new plan!
Back to where one started, with no progress having been made
After spending thousands on new software that didn’t even solve the problem, we are, sadly, **back at…*___.
Back to where one started, with no progress having been made
After spending thousands on new software that didn’t even solve the problem, we are, sadly, BACK AT SQUARE ONE.
Used to indicate that someone is almost but not quite able to bring a particular word or name to mind.
Oh gosh. What is it called? It begins with ‘T’. Ah! It’s right on the tip…___.
Used to indicate that someone is almost but not quite able to bring a particular word or name to mind.
Oh gosh. What is it called? It begins with ‘T’. Ah! It’s right ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE.
To not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens.
A: What are we going to do about the event in Holland?
B: I’m not sure yet. We’ll cross tha…___.
To not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens.
A: What are we going to do about the event in Holland?
B: I’m not sure yet. WE’LL CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT.
Every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it.
A: We’d never have stumbled across this idea if it hadn’t been the failure of our first project.
B: Well, you know what they say. “Every cloud…**___”.
Every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it.
A: We’d never have stumbled across this idea if it hadn’t been the failure of our first project.
B: Well, you know what they say. “EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING”.
Without warning; unexpectedly.
A: I received a large order from Densley’s yesterday! B: No way! Really? A: Yeah! Just totally out of th…___. I wasn’t expecting it at all.
Without warning; unexpectedly.
A: I received a large order from Densley’s yesterday! B: No way! Really? A: Yeah! Just totally OUT OF THE BLUE. I wasn’t expecting it at all.
Something that makes something that is already good even better, or perfect.
We had a great year last year. Sales were great, we expanded our team… We even got mentioned in the newspaper. That was the cherry…___.
Something that makes something that is already good even better, or perfect.
We had a great year last year. Sales were great, we expanded our team… We even got mentioned in the newspaper. That was THE CHERRY ON THE CAKE.
Playful phrase that means if someone declines to attend an event, they are considered “uncool.” It implies that the event will be exciting.
Thursday evening, 7pm, The Boat House. Be there o…___!
Playful phrase that means if someone declines to attend an event, they are considered “uncool.” It implies that the event will be exciting.
Thursday evening, 7pm, The Boat House. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!
Sometimes successful and sometimes not.
In essence, it was a great idea. But the results were a bit hit an…___. One minute it was working, the next minute it wasn’t.
Sometimes successful and sometimes not.
In essence, it was a great idea. But the results were a bit HIT AND MISS. One minute it was working, the next minute it wasn’t.
Think in an original or creative way.
It’s such a saturated market. If you want to get noticed, you really need to think outs…___ when it comes to advertising online.
Think in an original or creative way.
It’s such a saturated market. If you want to get noticed, you really need to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX when it comes to advertising online.
To take care of, finish, or resolve some issues or pieces of business that are not critical but have remained outstanding.
There are a few loose…___ and then I’ll be ready for my holiday.
To take care of, finish, or resolve some issues or pieces of business that are not critical but have remained outstanding.
There are A FEW LOOSE ENDS TO TIE UP and then I’ll be ready for my holiday.
To sound familiar.
A: Have you ever heard of Doctor Peterson?
B: Hmm, the name rings a…___.
To sound familiar.
A: Have you ever heard of Doctor Peterson?
B: Hmm, the name RINGS A BELL.
Proceed instinctively according to results and circumstances rather than according to rules or a plan.
A: Should we set up a meeting to discuss the issue?
B: No, let’s just play it b…___. Let’s wait and see what happens first.
Proceed instinctively according to results and circumstances rather than according to rules or a plan.
A: Should we set up a meeting to discuss the issue?
B: No, let’s just PLAY IT BY EAR. Let’s wait and see what happens first.
An act whose outcome cannot be foreseen; a mere guess.
Sometimes it is calculated risk, other times it’s just a shot i…___.
An act whose outcome cannot be foreseen; a mere guess.
Sometimes it is calculated risk, other times it’s just A SHOT IN THE DARK.
Immediately and without thinking very much or giving it careful thought or investigation.
A: Are there any national holidays in April?
B: I’m not sure off the to…___. Let me just do a quick search on Google.
Immediately and without thinking very much or giving it careful thought or investigation.
A: Are there any national holidays in April?
B: I’m not sure OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. Let me just do a quick search on Google.
When you can remember all the words by memory alone, without any help.
Yep, let me give you their number. I’ve called so many times I know it off by he…___.
When you can remember all the words by memory alone, without any help.
Yep, let me give you their number. I’ve called so many times I know it OFF BY HEART.
To be totally distracted in daydream.
Sorry Tommy, what were you saying? I was **away with th…*___ then.
To be totally distracted in daydream.
Sorry Tommy, what were you saying? I was AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES then.
End a period of activity, especially to take a rest when you’re content that enough has been done.
Shall we call it…___ guys? It’s 6pm.
End a period of activity, especially to take a rest when you’re content that enough has been done.
Shall we CALL IT A DAY guys? It’s 6pm.
To be waiting eagerly to hear about something.
A: Nickie - I’ve got an exciting idea for you.
B: Ooh, great! I’m all e…___!
To be waiting eagerly to hear about something.
A: Nickie - I’ve got an exciting idea for you.
B: Ooh, great! I’m ALL EARS!
It is better for someone to arrive or do something late than not to arrive or do it at all.
Sorry it’s late, Trish. Ah, don’t worry. Better la…___.
It is better for someone to arrive or do something late than not to arrive or do it at all.
Sorry it’s late, Trish. Ah, don’t worry. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.
Undertake something in what appears to be the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, especially by omitting to do something important or ignoring rules.
Cut…___ by finding the best way of doing something is fine. But the work does need to be done properly.
Undertake something in what appears to be the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, especially by omitting to do something important or ignoring rules.
CUTTING CORNERS by finding the best way of doing something is fine. But the work does need to be done properly.
Used when you are explaining what happened in a few words, without giving all the details.
A: So, what happened?
B: Well, to make a lo…___, the internal system is playing up and now some of the orders have been lost.
Used when you are explaining what happened in a few words, without giving all the details.
A: So, what happened?
B: Well, MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, the internal system is playing up and now some of the orders have been lost.
Time seems to pass more quickly when one is enjoying oneself.
A: Blimey, is it 5pm already?
B: Time flie…___.
Time seems to pass more quickly when one is enjoying oneself.
A: Blimey, is it 5pm already?
B: TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN.
