Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

99 English Phrases > Free to Go > Flashcards

Free to Go Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Proverbs and Idioms flashcards
1
Q

make a fuss

After work, I have to submit a report to my boss. I never want to forget it because cif I do, she’ll definitely make a fuss about it and I don’t like her voice at all. In fact, nobody does.

A

Complain about something (usually unimportant)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

bang for the buck

MacBook is relatively expensive but it gives you more bang for the buck. I get more things done since I bought it. And you should consider buying it too, because if you don’t get your work done on time, your boss will make a fuss about it

A

Worth the money you spend

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

around the corner

The next IELTS exam is just around the corner. You study or you die. New Year is also around the corner too.. You have to choose which one is your priority

A

Coming up very soon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

hands down

Calgary is the best city in Canada to get rich, hands down
Siro-A is the hands down the best performer in America’s Got Talent this
year

A

Simply too obvious and not worth arguing at all

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Heads-up

It’s easier to get A and A+ in Canada than in Vietnam because professors usually give students a heads-up before the exams on what chapters to focus on. I feel like I get more bang for the buck

A

An advance notice, just to remind you something is coming so better be prepared

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Big time!

I earned $3,000 from stock investing big time last week..
However, yesterday's market crash
also made me lose, big time. To get 
more bang for the buck, I better do 
more research.
A

Used to stress the extreme (usually put at the

end of the sentence)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Back to square one

After losing all the money in the stock market, my saving is now back to square one. But still I believe stock maket is hands down the best place to make some bucks

A

Back to the starting point (square one), usually

as a result of a failure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Pull off (Pull it off)

I had a job interview last week and guess what, I pulled it off!
I just pulled off the $200,000 real estate deal with my client. Now I have money to spend!

A

Successfully make something happen or accomplish something, succeed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Pull an all nighter

Even though I’m well-prepared , I still have to pull an all-nighter for the exam tomorrow. Coffee is ready. Hopefully I can pull it off

A

Do not sleep at all to do some­freaking­thing.

Most used by college students

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Goof off

I don’t get it when Jim goofs off all
the time but still get A+. He must have
a secret sauce

A

Waste time instead of studying or working

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

A Rip-off

$1000 for an IELTS course? Definitely a
rip-off. They’re obviously trying to rip
you off. So stay away. You will not get
any bang for your buck at all.

A

Something unreasonably expensive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Tie the knot

I'm 23 this year and I'm not gonna
tie the knot anytime soon. Getting
married involves a lot of responsibility,
both expected and unexpected. My
friends, Jim and Lori, will tie the knot
this month and their wedding is just
around the corner.
A

Get married

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Step up my game

I want to go back to stock investing to
make some money. I’m aware that to
make a nice return, I’ll have to stop
goofing off to step up my game.

A

Try harder and make it better

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

I’m buyin’ it

Linh was always trying to convince me
she saw an alien. At first, I was not
buying it because her story was so
sketchy. But then I saw it with my own
eyes and I have to believe in it. I'm
buying it.
A

I’m convinced!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Hold onto your hat!

Hi everybody, I got some good news.
Please hold onto your hat. I finally have
a girlfriend!
Oh, Congrats! Unbelievable

A

Be ready to hear something surprising!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Screw it!

In teamwork, people often slack off.
That really annoys me sometimes. But
you know what, screw it. I’ll just do my
part and I’ll pull an all-nighter as usual

A

Whatever happens, I don’t care

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Crunch time

The tax season is just around the
corner. In Canada, it's between March
and April. It's crunch time for
accountants to file tax for their
clients.
A

Busy period of time when everyone has to work

hard

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What’s the catch?

AT&T is giving away free iPhone
Really? so what's the catch?
You have to sign a 2-year contract with
them. costing you around $70 every
month
A

It sounds weird. What’s the reason behind it?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Recoup (v)

I lost $3,000 in stock market last week
Yesterday, I earned $4,000. I have not
only recouped the money but made a
profit after all

A

Recover what you have lost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Fit into the picture

Having a job is important. But
having a job that is not related to
what you study doesn't really fit
into the picture. And of course,
doesn't give you more bang for
your buck after all.
A

Does not fit with the overall plan

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

I wasn’t born yesterday

One of my friends suddenly called me
for the first time after 3 years and
said he had a business opportunity
that could help me earn several
thousands dollars per day without
working. Come on, I wasn't born
yesterday
A

Come on, I’m not stupid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Up and running

My iPhone 4 is so slow and isn't
working sometimes. I may have to
reset it to get it up and running again.
I love when I see my money-counting
machine always up and running
A

Active, actively working, functioning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Hands-on

Working gives you hands-on
experience so you can be up and
running for the job right after
graduation.

A

Practical (experience)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

On my toes

Whenever my boss is around, all
employees are always on their toes.
They don’t want to mess up or she
may make a fuss about it.

A

Be really ready, alert, attentive, focused

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Look

Kien: You are not so smart, Jim
Jim: Kien, look, do you think you are?

A

Listen! Attention!

Used a lot in conversation to get attention

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Out of hand

Greece’s national debt is getting out
of hand as the government is hands
down unable to pay its debt

A

Out of control, unable to control

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

day in day out

I don’t know why I study IELTS day in
day out but still cannot get above 7?
Have you read kientran’s handbook?

A

Every day (used to emphasize)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

pave the way

Getting the IELTS certificate can
pave the way for your dream of
studying aboard. You'll need to
study day in day out to get your
English up and running. And of
course, step up your game.
A

Make it easier to do the next things

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

I’ve been there

Your parents don’t allow you to
get married and you’re sad? I’ve
been there. I know how it feels.
Wanna catch a movie?

A

I’ve experienced that. I did that. So I know.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

It slipped my mind

I already submitted my
Marketing assignment via email to
my professor. However, it totally
slipped my mind since I did not
attach the file to the email
A

I forgot it!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

In no time

Many people believe attending an
IELTS class can get them IELTS 7.0
in no time. I believe to step up
their games, they have to stop
goofing off and start hitting the
book.
A

Instantly (well, almost)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Not so fast

After you’ve done school, you think
you can have freedom? Not so fast,
face your boss at work and you’ll
see how freedom really looks like

A

Don’t be so eager believing in something just yet,

slow down a bit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

On the verge of

Greece is on the verge of
default if it cannot pay its
debt on time
I'm on the verge of failing
the IELTS test because I
didn't put enough effort on
studying
A

Very close to

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Go bananas

Lena totally went bananas
when students asked her
about the class schedule

A

Be wild, lose control

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

psyched up

After reading Kien Tran’s
handbook, many are psyched
up for the next big challenge!

A

Ready and excited

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

No-brainer

Hacking the U.S. government’s
website is a challenge to me
but is a no-brainer to some
famous hackers

A

Something that is extremely easy to do or too

obvious

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

cut and dry

I don't know why I failed so
many times just to make a
cake although the
instructions are very cut and
dry. I'm going to go bananas!
A

Too obvious and clear, no further explanations

required

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Tag along

Linh is going to catch a movie
later today and I really want
to tag along but am not really
sure if she will be happy if I do

A

To follow or go with someone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

bad-mouth

If you don’t like someone,
just ignore him or her. It’s not
a good idea to bad-mouth
other people

A

say bad things about

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Pump iron

After work, I have no energy
left to pump some iron. But I
used to pump iron in the gym
all the time

A

Lift weight (in the gym)

41
Q

on fire

My friend's totally on fire after
she read my ielts handbook. She
is doing so much better than
anyone else now and looks like
she's not gonna stop. She told
me she got psyched up every
time after reading that
handbook
A

Doing so great that nobody is able to stop

him/her

42
Q

Leave me high and dry

I got a bad experience with
my professor when she left me
high and dry with all the new
learning materials that she never
explained in class. Let's face it,
those are not really cut and dry
for me to self-study. And I think
I'm on the verge of failing her
class
A

Leave me alone to do all the work, no help at all

43
Q

Turn me off

I kinda like a girl named XYZW,
but the fact that she never takes
a shower really turns me off

A

Disappoint, disgust

44
Q

make ends meet

If you are earning $50,000 per yea
well you're good. But if you only
earn $30,000, you may just make
ends meet. If you only earn less
than that, you're on the verge of
poverty.
A

earn just enough money to pay the bills (expenses)

and there is almost no money left after that

45
Q

money talks

In Vietnam, whenever you get
caught by the police, just
remember Money talks. It also
works for hospital, or even in
school. You want to get high
marks? Well, money talks.
A

Money can make your problems go away

46
Q

early birds

Parking fee for early birds is $10 per
hour. Regular fee is $5. Unless you
really need to, don’t come too early.
It’s a rip-off, I know.

A

Those who come earliest (than expected)

47
Q

double-check

Before going to the CFA testing
center, you need to double-check
to see if you forget the financial
calculator. Otherwise, the
consequence would be
catastrophic.. If you can, have
someone tag along with you to
make sure everything's right.
A

Check again to make sure

48
Q

on the same page

After figuring out that my
friend is also a stock trader, I
know that we are on the same
page. He knows what I know and
vice versa. We can work extremely
well with each other.
A

Seeing things the same way, in agreement!

49
Q

in the same boat

After figuring out that Linh was
ripped off when she paid $3,000 for
an useless bike, I feel like we're in
the same boat as I also paid
around $4,000 for a made-in-china
bike. We had the same situation
A

in the same trouble, have the same problem or

situation

50
Q

fill me in

I was sleeping during class so
my classmate had to fill me in
after we got home. And she told
me there was nothing special.
The professor just wanted to
give us a heads-up on some
new special events.
A

Tell me more (about stuff I’ve missed)

51
Q

filthy rich

Doctors and lawers make
around $200 per hour. They're
hands down filthy rich. But
before getting there, they
definitely have to study day in
day out.
A

super rich

52
Q

Do you follow me?

After reading all the idioms and
phrases, do you still follow me?
Yes? Good, we should continue!
And step your our games.

A

Do you understand what I’ve said so far?

53
Q

for good

If you win the lottery, do you
think you will change your life
big time for good?
Not so fast, many people get
poorer after spending all the
money. They can't even make
ends meet
A

forever

54
Q

freebie

People who are just making ends
meet tend to seek freebie. Some
freebies are worthless. But
some of them do give people
bang for the buck.
A

free stuff

55
Q

watch out

Canada's GDP is slowing down
and could be on the verge of a
recession.
.Better watch out.
the new recession might
just be around the corner.
A

be cautious

56
Q

weed out

It's easy to get through
Accounting Basic. But the
Advanced Accounting course is
really the one that weeds out
lots of lazy students who
goof off all the time.
A

get rid of, remove

57
Q

well taken

Practice always leads to success
is such a well taken statement.
I’m really buying it.

A

true, significant

58
Q

Got it all planned out

I have done all the preparation
for the company project and
gotten it all planned out. All the
key points will never slip my mind
again.
A

Ready, planned out, prepared

59
Q

hit the hay

For guys who want to pump iron,
hitting the hay early is a good
thing to do to build muscles. Do
you follow me?

A

Go to bed

60
Q

how it plays out

I quite like the girl next door and
I decided to talk to her
tomorrow. I don't know what will
happen, so let's see how it plays
out. I guess I will have to be
constantly on my toes.
A

how it happens

61
Q

in a bit

I’m busy making this ebook
now so I’ll talk to you in a bit
It’s crunch time for me. This book
will be up and running very short

A

in a short moment

62
Q

in a flash

In stock market, you can
make a few thousands in a flash.
Or you can lose the same in no
time. Things sometimes get out
of hand for even most
sophisticated traders.
A

very quickly, in no time

63
Q

in deep shit

Lena was in deep shit last week
that everyone wanted a piece of
her. She doesn't seem to
apologize. Let's see how it plays
out.
A

In big trouble!

64
Q

Yeah, no shit

$50 for a bowl of Pho is a rip-off.
Yeah, no shit.

A

Yeah, obviously

65
Q

in mint condition

My iPhone4 is 4 years old and it’s
still in mint condition. So what’s the
catch? I don’t have to spend
money to change cellphone.

A

in very good condition (stuff)

66
Q

keep in mind

Keep in mind that the boss can
come in no time. Stay on your
toes. Better watch out.

A

Remember that

67
Q

in the long haul

In the long haul, pumping iron day
in day out will make you a model.

A

In the long run

68
Q

keep it up!

Hey Nigahiga, you’re hands down
the best YouTuber.Please keep it
up.

A

Continue doing the good work!

69
Q

know the ropes

If you happen to be in Toronto, call
me right away and I'll show you
around. I know the ropes. What's
the catch? You have to be my
friend!
A

Have the skills and experience

70
Q

Clam up

Whenever my friends ask me if I
have a girlfriend, I tend to clam up.
Maybe I need to pump some iron
to step up my game.

A

Say nothing

71
Q

Cry over spilt milk

One problem many people have
is crying over spilt milk. I know it's
a no-brainer to say but you
cannot change the past so why
bother?
A

Complain about something unfortunate

happened and cannot be changed

72
Q

rock-bottom price

The rock-bottom price for this
car is $2,000. Take it or leave it?
I don’t like it, but screw it. I’ll take
it.

A

Lowest possible price. can’t be lower

73
Q

tough call

It's a tough call for America's Got
Talent judges to choose between 2
best performers. They don't want
to weed out any talent. Getting
through this round can definitely
pave the way for their success.
A

A situation where it’s difficult to make a

decision or to judge

74
Q

your guess is as good as mine

Linh asked me how to pull off the
magic trick like in TV and I honestly
had no idea. Her guess is as good
as mine.

A

I have no idea either

75
Q

once in a blue moon

$30 is the rock-bottom price of
this shirt and it only happens once
in a blue moon. You have to buy it
or it’ll be all gone in no time.

A

very rarely!

76
Q

fair and square

In Canada, there's no cheating and
plagiarism. That keeps the system
fair and square. Everyone has the
motivation to work hard and
really study. Many has to pull an all
nighter everyday because they
don't want the courses to weed
them out.
A

very fair

77
Q

Spring for

I'll spring for the telephone bill next
week because right now I don't
have money. My finance is now back
to square one since I lost the
money. I hope I can recoup my
money.
A

Pay for

78
Q

in a blink of an eye

Whenever there are freebies, they
tend to be gone within a blink of an
eye.

A

Super fast, (or within a blink of an eye)

79
Q

nail it down

The due date for your IELTS exam
is just around the corner. Step up
your game and try your best to
nail down all the mock tests

A

finish it

80
Q

neck and neck

The presidential election is just
around the corner and two
candidates seem to be running neck
and neck as they are rated equally.

A

side by side, same speed

81
Q

out of the woods

After the exam, people tend to think
they're out of the woods. But
the new semester is coming and 
we don't know what's gonna happen
Let's see how it plays out.
A

Out of danger

82
Q

nest eggs

If you put 10% of your income
into your nest eggs and earn
compound interest. You may not
be filthy rich but you won't have
to make ends meet when you retire.
A

Money for retirement, savings

83
Q

No-frills

It doesn’t fit into the picture
when some filthy rich guys driving
no-frills cars.

A

Inexpensive, no luxury, just basic

84
Q

I’m not just saying that

I bought a no-frills backpack last
week and I think I pull off the best
deal because it's in mint condition. I
love my life and I'm not just saying
that. Do you follow me?
A

I’m serious

85
Q

no questions asked

Do you want a credit card?
Just give us your student ID and
we’ll sign up for you, no questions
asked. And we’re not just saying that

A

Yes, no questions asked

86
Q

there’s no truth to it

Create a credit card with just student
ID and no questions asked? Come on,
it’s a scam. There’s no truth to it. I
wasn’t born yesterday.

A

there’s no truth to it

87
Q

a slim chance

There is a slim chance Kien
will be the next president. If
that happens, then we’ll all clam up.

A

Very unlikely to happen

88
Q

A steal

$5 for a printer is a steal. But
there's a very slim chance that you
will find a good one. Doublecheck
everything before you make the final
decision.
A

A bargain, something ridiculously

underpriced

89
Q

all ears

Whenever Obama says anything, people
are all ears. He really pulls off
his charisma and
makes people like him

A

Listening carefully

90
Q

down the road

1 years down the road, Obama
will leave the White House. Let’s
see how it plays out.

A

in the future

91
Q

Play it safe

Old people tend to play it safe
with their money. They don't want
to risk losing the value of their
nest egg because if something bad
happens, it'll take long for them to
recoup all the lost money.
A

Stay careful and not taking any chance

92
Q

Politically correct

Saying “I don’t care” is politically
correct. Saying “I don’t give a shit”
isn’t. Be careful with your word
use and I’m not just saying that.

A

Appropriate (words)

93
Q

pop up

The name Donald Trump pops up
quite often recently because he's
running for the president of the
United States.I like him because
he's taking risk and not playing it
safe.
A

Show up, appear

94
Q

psyched out

My boss is making a fuss over a
new employee, making him psyched
out. Everybody’s on their toes.

A

Lose confidence

95
Q

fuss over

Linh just bought a new expensive
phone and she’s fussing over it day
in day out.

A

care too much for, pay too much attention to

96
Q

get down to business

Get psyched up and get down to
business because everything is now
cut and dry.If we need to work hard
to step up our game.

A

Not talking about something else, just talking

and doing business

97
Q

get off the ground

Let’s get down to business. I want
our business to get off the ground
so we can earn at least $5000/month.

A

Start successfully!

98
Q

Get on my nerves

My brother gets on my nerves
sometimes when he says
inappropriate stuff in the public and
I usually make a fuss about it.

A

bother

99
Q

screw up

If you still goof off, you’ll screw up
on the exam. So better pull an all
nighter to review all chapters so you
can pump up some grades.

A

cannot handle a situation properly, mess up

99 English Phrases (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions