English Phrases

Question 1

to have a sudden realisation

Answer 1

it hit me

Question 2

This means that the other person is straight forward. Their position is clear. Their meaning is not difficult to understand.

Answer 2

You know where you stand with him/her

Question 3

to embarrass someone

Answer 3

To show sb up

Question 4

used to praise someone. This is often used to praise someone you would not usually praise.

Answer 4

To one’s credit

Question 5

when a past problem or disagreement is forgiven or no longer important.

Answer 5

Water under the bridge

Question 6

to perfectly sum up/describe an issue/situation.

Answer 6

To hit the nail on the head

Question 7

this means that two people are completely opposite in their personalities.

Answer 7

Like chalk and cheese

Question 8

when you feel that you have to be overly cautious around someone. Used when someone is overly sensitive.

Answer 8

To walk on eggshells around someone

Question 9

this is similar to “it’s up to you” but is used more seriously and means that you need to make the next move.

Answer 9

The ball’s in your court

Question 10

to treat something/someone like it/they doesn’t/don’t matter.

Answer 10

brush sth / sb off

Question 11

to go to a party that you are not invited to.

Answer 11

to gatecrash

Question 12

this is used when one forgives or doesn’t punish someone after they’ve done something wrong.

Answer 12

To let (someone) off (for something):

Question 13

when two people naturally stop seeing each other. They don’t really stop being friends they just don’t keep in contact any more.

Answer 13

to drift apart

Question 14

to not say what you really mean and to talk around a subject rather than talking about the real issues.

Answer 14

To skirt around the issue

Question 15

This means that you will take your opportunity for something. You have the chance to do something, so you will try your hardest to achieve it.

Answer 15

Take one’s shot

Question 16

Inadvertently,* Emma had allowed two months to ________________ before paying her rent.

Answer 16

Elapse

Question 17

happening sometimes; not regular or continuous

Answer 17

Sporadic

Question 18

without much care, attention or control; not severe or strong enough

The subcommittee contends that the authorities were [ ] in investigating most of the cases.

Answer 18

Lax

Question 19

very careful and with great attention to every detail

Answer 19

Meticulous

Question 20

to complete a project even when you don’t want to.

Answer 20

To see it through till the end

Question 21

to complete a project even when you don’t want to.

Answer 21

To see it through till the end

Question 22

this is when you agree to do something and then change your mind and not do it.

Answer 22

Back out

Question 23

Not making any progress with one’s life

Answer 23

Going nowhere in life

Question 24

Not making progress in life.

Answer 24

One step forward, two steps back

Question 25

To make a big effort to succeed

Answer 25

To make a go of (something)

Question 26

to keep out of trouble

Answer 26

To keep one’s head down: to keep out of trouble. Example: He never gets involved in arguments at work. He just keeps his head down and gets on with his work.