Idioms Flashcards

1
Q

Acid test

A

Proves the effectiveness of something.

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

Actions speak louder than words

A

People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

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

Add insult to injury

A

To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavourable situation.

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

After the watershed

A

A time when after which programmes for older audiences may be aired on TV.

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

Against the clock

A

Being rushed and having little time to complete something.

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

Ahead of time

A

Something that happens early or before it is supposed to.

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

All ears

A

Awaiting an explanation.

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

An arm and a leg

A

Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.

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

Around the clock

A

At any time of the day or night

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

Around the corner

A

Will happen soon.

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

As time goes by

A

The passing of one moment to the next.

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

At the drop of a hat

A

Without any hesitation; instantly.

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

Back to basics

A

An approach that uses traditional ideas that have previously worked.

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

Back to the drawing board

A

When an attempt fails and it’s time to start all over.

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

Bad apple

A

Troublemaker or undesirable person in a group.

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

The ball is in your court

A

It is up to you to make the next decision or take the next step.

17
Q

Barking up the wrong tree

A

Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person.

18
Q

Be glad to see the back of

A

Be happy when a person leaves.

19
Q

Beat around the bush

A

Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

20
Q

Beat the clock

A

Do something quickly before it’s too late.

21
Q

Bee in one’s bonnet

A

Carrying an idea that’s constantly in your thoughts.

22
Q

Behind the times

A

Being old-fashioned.

23
Q

Bells and whistles

A

Lots of desirable features.

24
Q

Best of both worlds

A

Enjoying the advantage of two things simultaneously.

25
Best thing since sliced bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
26
Better late than never
It is better to do something late than not at all.
27
Bide one’s time
Waiting for further developments before taking action or making decisions.
28
Big cheese
Influential person
29
Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Better to be satisfied with what you have than risk losing it by trying to get something better.
30
Bite off more than you can chew
To take on a task that is way too big.
31
Black and blue
Badly bruised.
32
Black and white
Take everything into consideration and over simply. Judge everything good or bad.
33
Black as night
Very dark and hard to see.
34
Black eye
Bruise around the eye.
35
Black market
Where goods are illegally bought and sold for profit.
36
Blackout
Darken by turning off or dimming the lights. Lose consciousness.
37
Black sheep
Undesirable member of a group.