Idioms Flashcards
1
Q
eat humble pie
After making a rude comment, John had to eat humble pie and apologize to his colleague in front of everyone.
A
to admit one’s mistake or wrongdoing and apologize, often in a humiliating way
2
Q
sword of Damocles
The threat of layoffs has been hanging over our department like the sword of Damocles, causing a lot of stress and anxiety.
A
a situation or problem that could result in a catastrophic outcome at any moment
3
Q
crocodile tears
The politician shed crocodile tears during his speech, but no one believed that he genuinely cared about the issue.
A
insincere or fake tears, usually shed for show or to manipulate others
4
Q
throw down the gauntlet
The CEO threw down the gauntlet and challenged his rival to a public debate on the company’s future.
A
to challenge someone to a fight or contest, often in a confrontational way
5
Q
stock in trade
Writing and editing are the journalist’s stock in trade, and she is highly skilled in both areas.
A
one’s typical or usual set of skills or tools, often used to describe a profession or trade
6
Q
I’m from Missouri
When the salesman tried to sell her the product, she told him she was from Missouri and wanted to see some evidence first.
A
a phrase indicating skepticism or a demand for proof, often used when someone is unconvinced or skeptical of something
7
Q
cause celebre
The trial became a cause celebre, with media outlets across the country covering every detail of the proceedings.
A
a controversial or highly publicized case or issue that attracts a lot of attention and discussion
8
Q
sour grapes
John said he didn’t care about the promotion, but we all knew he was just sour grapes because he didn’t get it.
A
to criticize or belittle something that one cannot have or achieve, often due to jealousy or resentment
9
Q
spill the beans
When her friend asked about her surprise party, Jane accidentally spilled the beans and ruined the surprise.
A
to reveal a secret or confidential information
10
Q
pay the piper
After years of neglecting her health, Susan finally had to pay the piper and undergo an expensive medical procedure.
A
to face the consequences of one’s actions or decisions, often in a negative or costly way
11
Q
feather one’s nest
The corrupt politician used his position to feather his own nest, accepting bribes and kickbacks from businesses in exchange for political favors.
A
to accumulate wealth or benefits for oneself, often by exploiting others or engaging in unethical practices
12
Q
wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
Mary always wears her heart on her sleeve, and her coworkers know exactly how she feels about everything.
A
to be open and transparent about one’s emotions, often to the point of vulnerability
13
Q
take the bull by the horns
Instead of avoiding the problem, Jack decided to take the bull by the horns and confront his boss about the unfair treatment.
A
to confront a difficult or challenging situation head-on, with courage and determination
14
Q
bury the hatchet
After years of feuding, the two families decided to bury the hatchet and come together for a reconciliation dinner.
A
to make peace or reconcile with someone, often after a period of conflict or tension
15
Q
woolgathering
Instead of studying for her exams, Susan spent the afternoon woolgathering and imagining her future as a famous actress.
A
to daydream or let one’s mind wander, often to the point of distraction or neglecting one’s duties
16
Q
in a bee line
After getting lost in the forest, they decided to make a beeline for the river and follow it back to their campsite.
A
to travel directly and swiftly, without detours or distractions
17
Q
draw in one’s horns
After losing her job, Sarah had to draw in her horns and be more frugal with her spending.
A
to become more cautious or reserved, often in response to a setback or failure
18
Q
under the wire
The student finished her exam just under the wire, with only seconds to spare before time ran out.
A
to accomplish something just in time, often with little margin for error or delay
19
Q
play possum
When the predator approached, the rabbit played possum and lay still, hoping to avoid detection.
A
to feign death or unconsciousness, often as a defensive mechanism or strategy
20
Q
left holding the bag
After the party, Jane was left holding the bag and had to clean up the mess by herself, while everyone else had gone home.
A
to be left with the responsibility or consequences of something, often unfairly or unexpectedly
21
Q
two strings to one’s bow
James is a talented musician, but he also has a degree in computer science, so he has two strings to his bow.
A
having two alternative plans or skills to rely on
22
Q
plea bargain
The defendant agreed to a plea bargain to avoid a lengthy trial and a possible maximum sentence.
A
an agreement between a defendant and prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence
23
Q
the distaff side
The distaff side of the family had a strong tradition of entrepreneurship and had founded several successful businesses over the years.
A
referring to women or the female branch of a family
24
Q
get down off a high horse
Tom needs to get down off his high horse and stop acting like he’s better than everyone else.
A
to stop behaving arrogantly or condescendingly towards others
25
as broad as it is long
## Footnote
When deciding whether to take the highway or the backroads, it's as broad as it is long, they'll both take the same amount of time.
having little difference between two options or choices
26
split hairs
## Footnote
Let's not split hairs over the exact wording of the agreement, the important thing is that we reach a consensus.
to argue over small and unimportant details
27
break the ice
## Footnote
Sara decided to break the ice at the party by starting a game and getting everyone involved.
to do or say something to relieve tension or awkwardness in a social situation
28
white elephant
## Footnote
The old mansion was a white elephant that no one wanted to buy because of the high upkeep cost and its poor condition.
an expensive and burdensome possession or venture that has little or no value or use
29
on the spur of the moment
## Footnote
When John proposed to his girlfriend, it was completely on the spur of the moment, he hadn't planned it at all.
to do something without much forethought or planning
30
forty winks
## Footnote
After a long day of work, Tom took forty winks on the couch before starting dinner.
a short nap or a moment of rest or sleep
31
cold shoulder
## Footnote
After the argument, Sarah gave her friend the cold shoulder and didn't speak to her for days.
to intentionally ignore or treat someone with hostility or indifference
32
ivory tower
## Footnote
Some critics say that academics who work in ivory towers are out of touch with the real world.
a place or situation that is isolated from the practical or real world and deals only with theoretical ideas or concepts
33
hit the nail on the head
## Footnote
When my car broke down, my mechanic hit the nail on the head and quickly diagnosed the problem.
to correctly identify or understand the exact issue or problem
34
take a leaf out of someone's book
## Footnote
If you want to be successful in business, you should take a leaf out of Elon Musk's book and focus on innovation and disruption.
to imitate or copy someone's successful behavior or strategy
35
pull up stakes
## Footnote
After living in the city for years, Sarah decided to pull up stakes and move to the countryside to start a new life.
to leave one's current home, job or location and move elsewhere
36
keep a stiff upper lip
## Footnote
Despite the loss of his job, Tom kept a stiff upper lip and remained optimistic about his future.
to remain brave and composed in difficult situations and not show one's emotions
37
tighten one's belt
## Footnote
After the pay cut, Jane had to tighten her belt and cut back on her expenses to make ends meet.
to reduce expenses and live within one's means
38
by hook or by crook
## Footnote
The company's CEO was determined to win the contract by hook or by crook, even if it meant bribing the officials.
to achieve a goal by any means necessary, even if it involves unethical or illegal actions
39
a sacred cow
## Footnote
Some politicians consider healthcare reform a sacred cow that should not be touched, even though it has flaws that need to be addressed.
an idea, custom, or institution that is considered too important or valuable to be criticized or changed
40
live in a fool's paradise
## Footnote
Even though he was failing most of his classes, Tom lived in a fool's paradise and believed he could pass his exams without studying.
to be overly optimistic or unrealistic about a situation, ignoring potential problems or difficulties
41
a pretty kettle of fish
## Footnote
When the party ended early because of a power outage, it was a pretty kettle of fish trying to get everyone home safely.
a troublesome or chaotic situation
42
do one's heart good
## Footnote
Hearing that her son got a promotion at work did her heart good and made her feel proud.
to make one feel happy and satisfied
43
burn the midnight oil
## Footnote
Jane had to burn the midnight oil to finish her research paper before the deadline.
to stay up late working or studying
44
build upon sand
## Footnote
The company's strategy was built upon sand and was bound to fail because they didn't take into account changes in the market.
to base something on unstable or unreliable foundation
45
flog a dead horse
## Footnote
Trying to convince the customer to buy the product after they've already said no is like flogging a dead horse.
to continue pursuing a task or goal that has no chance of success
46
straight from the shoulder
## Footnote
Sarah told her friend straight from the shoulder that she thought her new boyfriend was a bad influence.
to speak frankly or honestly, without holding back
47
a pig in a poke
## Footnote
Buying a used car without inspecting it first is like buying a pig in a poke.
a purchase or deal that is made without inspecting the item or knowing its true value or quality
48
Pyrrhic victory
## Footnote
Winning the legal battle cost the company a lot of money, and the damage to their reputation was irreparable. It was a Pyrrhic victory.
a victory that comes at such a high cost that it is more of a defeat than a win
49
carry the day
## Footnote
Despite the initial setbacks, the team's determination and hard work helped them carry the day and win the championship.
to win or be successful, especially against opposition
50
feeling no pain
## Footnote
After drinking several beers, John was feeling no pain and was having a good time at the party.
being drunk or intoxicated
51
take down a peg
## Footnote
After being scolded by the boss, John was taken down a peg and realized that he needed to improve his work.
to humble or deflate someone's ego or pride
52
red-letter day
## Footnote
Graduation day was a red-letter day in Jane's life, as it marked the end of her college years and the beginning of her professional career.
a memorable or significant day
53
one swallow does not make a summer
## Footnote
Winning the first game of the season is good, but one swallow does not make a summer. The team needs to maintain their performance to be successful.
one good event does not necessarily mean a good trend
54
swap horses in midstream
## Footnote
It's never a good idea to swap horses in midstream, but the company had to make some changes to stay competitive in the market.
to change course or plans in the middle of a project or process
55
on the carpet
## Footnote
When John was caught sleeping on the job, he was called on the carpet by his supervisor and given a warning.
to be scolded or reprimanded
56
fair-weather friend
## Footnote
Jane realized that her friend was a fair-weather friend when she stopped talking to her after Jane lost her job.
someone who is only a friend when things are going well
57
wash dirty linen in public
## Footnote
It's not appropriate to wash dirty linen in public and discuss personal matters in front of others.
to discuss private or personal matters in a public setting
58
the lion's share
## Footnote
John received the lion's share of the inheritance because he was the oldest son.
the majority or the largest portion of something
59
philadelphia lawyer
## Footnote
The defense team hired a Philadelphia lawyer to represent them in the high-profile case.
a lawyer who is exceptionally skilled or knowledgeable
60
whitewash
## Footnote
The company tried to whitewash the scandal by releasing a statement that didn't fully disclose the extent of their involvement.
to cover up or conceal negative information or wrongdoing
61
the world, the flesh, and the devil
## Footnote
When she was struggling to resist temptation, Sarah reminded herself of the dangers of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
the three main sources of temptation or evil
62
put the cart before the horse
## Footnote
If we start building the house before we have a plan, we'll be putting the cart before the horse.
to do things in the wrong order
63
be at large
## Footnote
The suspect is still at large and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
to be free or at liberty, often after being captured or imprisoned
64
It's an ill wind that blows nobody good
## Footnote
Although the storm caused a lot of damage, it brought in fresh air and cleared up the pollution in the city. It's an ill wind that blows nobody good.
even a bad situation can benefit someone
65
a lick and a promise
## Footnote
When she was running late, Sarah gave the kitchen a lick and a promise, hoping to clean it more thoroughly later.
to do something hastily or superficially
66
on tenterhooks
## Footnote
The employees were on tenterhooks waiting for the announcement about layoffs.
anxious or nervous about what might happen
67
in apple-pie order
## FootnoteAfter organizing her closet, everything was in apple-pie order.
in perfect or excellent order
68
on the qui vive
## Footnote
The guard was on the qui vive and noticed the intruder before they could enter the building.
alert or watchful, especially for danger
69
the first water
## Footnote
The diamond was of the first water and was highly sought after by collectors.
of the highest quality or excellence
70
blow hot and cold
## Footnote
John was blowing hot and cold on whether to accept the job offer or not.
to have conflicting feelings or opinions, or to alternate between them
71
strike while the iron is hot
## Footnote
When the company announced a job opening, John knew he had to strike while the iron was hot and submit his application immediately.
to take advantage of an opportunity while it is available
72
loaded for bear
## Footnote
The team was loaded for bear and ready to tackle the tough opponent in the championship game.
prepared or ready for a difficult or challenging situation
73
lock, stock, and barrel
## Footnote
The family decided to move lock, stock, and barrel to a new city.
completely or entirely
74
a fly in the ointment
## Footnote
Everything was going smoothly until a fly in the ointment appeared, causing a delay in the project.
a small problem that spoils an otherwise positive situation
75
from pillar to post
## Footnote
After looking for her missing keys from pillar to post, Sarah finally found them in her coat pocket.
from one place to another, especially without making progress
76
without rhyme or reason
## Footnote
The teacher's strict rules seemed to be without rhyme or reason, causing frustration for the students.
without any logical explanation or purpose
77
the writing on the wall
## Footnote
When the company started laying off employees, it was clear that the writing was on the wall for the future of the business.
a sign or indication of an impending event or outcome
78
on the dot
## Footnote
The meeting started on the dot at 9 am.
exactly at the specified time
79
brass tacks
## Footnote
Let's get down to brass tacks and discuss the budget for the project.
the basic facts or essential details of a matter
80
raise Cain
## Footnote
After the team lost the championship game, some fans started to raise Cain, breaking windows and damaging property.
to cause trouble or behave recklessly
81
throw the book at someone
## Footnote
The judge decided to throw the book at the defendant and gave him the maximum sentence for his crime.
to impose a harsh penalty or punishment on someone
82
off the beaten track
## Footnote
The small village they visited was off the beaten track and not many tourists knew about it.
in a remote or less traveled location
83
get up on the wrong side of the bed
## Footnote
Mary wasn't in a good mood today. She must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.
to wake up feeling irritable or grumpy
84
through thick and thin
## Footnote
My best friend has always been there for me through thick and thin, and I'm grateful for her support.
to stick with someone or something through good and bad times
85
the sum and substance
## Footnote
The sum and substance of the CEO's speech was to focus on customer satisfaction.
the most important or essential part of something
86
acid test
## Footnote
The presentation will be the acid test of your public speaking skills, so make sure you prepare well.
a severe or conclusive test
87
worth one's weight in gold
## Footnote
My assistant is worth her weight in gold. She always completes tasks efficiently and accurately.
someone or something that is extremely valuable or helpful
88
lay one's cards on the table
## Footnote
Before the negotiation started, both parties agreed to lay their cards on the table and discuss their needs and expectations.
to reveal one's intentions or plans
89
the die is cast
## Footnote
After signing the contract, the die is cast and we can't back out of the deal.
a decision or action that cannot be changed or reversed
90
rub a person the wrong way
## Footnote
John's constant bragging about his accomplishments always rubs me the wrong way.
to irritate or annoy someone
91
a flash in the pan
## Footnote
His first novel was a flash in the pan, and he never wrote anything as successful again.
something that initially shows promise but fails to live up to expectations in the long term
92
a wet blanket
## Footnote
My friend refused to come to the party and instead stayed at home, being a wet blanket.
someone who spoils other people's fun or enthusiasm
93
Skid Row
## Footnote
The homeless shelter was located in Skid Row, which was known for its high poverty rates.
a run-down or impoverished area of a city
94
Hobson's choice
## Footnote
The company gave me a Hobson's choice, either accept the new position or resign.
a situation where there is only one option or choice available
95
pass the buck
## Footnote
The manager tried to pass the buck and blame the team for the project's failure.
to shift responsibility or blame to someone else
96
let sleeping dogs lie
## FootnoteI decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the argument we had last week.
to avoid stirring up old conflicts or problems
97
a bitter pill to swallow
## Footnote
It was a bitter pill to swallow when I learned that I didn't get the job I had applied for.
a difficult or unpleasant truth to accept
98
cool one's heels
## Footnote
The doctor kept me waiting for over an hour, and I had to cool my heels in the waiting room.
to wait patiently
99
have cold feet
## Footnote
I had cold feet about going skydiving, but eventually, I decided to go through with it.
to be hesitant or nervous about doing something
100
show one's hand
## Footnote
I didn't want to show my hand too soon and let my competitors know about my marketing strategy.
to reveal one's true intentions or plans
101
sow one's wild oats
## Footnote
John went backpacking across Europe to sow his wild oats before settling down to start a family.
to behave in a reckless or promiscuous way, especially during youth
102
save face
## Footnote
After getting fired from his job, he tried to save face by telling his family that he quit.
to avoid humiliation or embarrassment, especially in a difficult or embarrassing situation
103
out of the frying pan into the fire
## Footnote
Moving to a new city for a job without researching the living conditions is like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
to go from a bad situation to an even worse one
104
gild the lily
## Footnote
The bride's wedding gown was beautiful without any additional jewelry. It was like trying to gild the lily.
to add unnecessary or excessive decorations to something that is already beautiful or perfect
105
break the ice
## Footnote
At the party, he tried to break the ice with his coworkers by telling a funny joke.
to initiate a conversation or relationship with someone
106
make bricks without straw
## Footnote
Starting a business without a plan is like making bricks without straw.
to try to accomplish something without the necessary resources
107
turn the tables
## Footnote
The underdog team turned the tables and won the championship game.
to reverse the situation or outcome of a competition or conflict
108
go against the grain
## Footnote
As an introvert, it goes against the grain for her to speak in public.
to do something that is contrary to one's usual or natural tendencies or preferences
109
know the ropes
## Footnote
Before starting a new job, it's important to spend some time learning the ropes.
to be familiar with the details and procedures of a situation or task
110
tongue in cheek
## Footnote
He made a tongue in cheek remark about the situation, making everyone laugh.
to say something with a tone that is not serious or sincere, often with a hint of sarcasm or humor
111
the fat is in the fire
## Footnote
After the company announced layoffs, the fat was in the fire for the employees.
used to describe a situation in which a problem has been created that will be difficult to solve.
112
apple polishing
## Footnote
He was apple polishing the boss in order to get a promotion.
to try to gain favor or approval by flattery or compliments
113
get one's back up
## Footnote
He got his back up when his colleague criticized his work.
to become angry or defensive about something
114
dyed-in-the-wool
## Footnote
She was a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist who refused to use any modern technology.
to be completely and firmly committed to a particular belief or way of doing things
115
in the doldrums
## Footnote
After the breakup, she was in the doldrums and didn't feel like doing anything.
to feel depressed or lacking in energy
116
once in a blue moon
## Footnote
He only goes out to a fancy restaurant once in a blue moon.
an event that occurs very rarely or infrequently
117
bring down the house
## Footnote
The comedian's performance was so funny that he brought down the house.
to make an audience applaud, laugh, or cheer very enthusiastically
118
a feather in one's cap
## Footnote
Winning the competition was a feather in her cap.
an achievement or accomplishment that one can be proud of
119
take French leave
## Footnote
After the party, he took French leave without thanking the host.
to leave a social gathering or event without saying goodbye to anyone
120
in the lap of the gods
## Footnote
After submitting the college application, it was in the lap of the gods whether he would be accepted or not.
used to describe a situation that is beyond one's control and left to fate or chance.
121
swan song
## Footnote
The legendary singer's final concert was her swan song after a long and successful career.
a final or farewell performance, act, or speech before retirement or death
122
take under one's wing
## Footnote
The experienced employee took the new intern under his wing and showed him the ropes.
to help, mentor, or take care of someone
123
hook, line, and sinker
## Footnote
The salesman had him believing his pitch hook, line, and sinker.
completely and unquestionably, often used to describe someone who has been tricked or deceived
124
leave no stone unturned
## Footnote
The detective left no stone unturned in his investigation of the crime.
to make every possible effort to find or achieve something
125
a square peg in a round hole
## Footnote
He felt like a square peg in a round hole at the fancy dinner party.
a person or thing that doesn't fit into a particular environment or situation
126
castles in the air
## Footnote
She was always dreaming about castles in the air and never taking action to make them a reality.
to have unrealistic or fanciful ideas or plans
127
take by storm
## Footnote
The new product took the market by storm and became an instant hit.
to conquer or overwhelm something or someone with great force or success
128
on pins and needles
## Footnote
She was on pins and needles waiting for the results of her job interview.
to be very anxious, nervous, or excited about something
129
blind alley
## Footnote
The company's plan to enter the new market turned out to be a blind alley and they had to abandon it.
a situation or course of action that leads nowhere or to a dead end
130
make the best of a bad bargain
## Footnote
After the car accident, he had to make the best of a bad bargain and focus on his recovery.
to try to find some benefit or positive outcome in a difficult or unpleasant situation
131
a bolt from the blue
## Footnote
Hearing about the sudden death of his best friend was a bolt from the blue for John.
a sudden and unexpected event or piece of news
132
toe the mark
## Footnote
The new employee was asked to toe the mark and follow the company's policies and procedures.
to conform to rules or expectations
133
a cat's paw
## Footnote
The politician used his assistant as a cat's paw to spread false rumors about his opponent.
a person who is used by someone else to accomplish their goals or agenda
134
pour oil on troubled waters
## Footnote
The mediator tried to pour oil on troubled waters to help resolve the dispute between the two parties.
to calm a difficult or tense situation
135
beard the lion in his den
## Footnote
The young journalist decided to beard the lion in his den and ask the controversial questions during the press conference.
to confront a powerful or dangerous adversary in their own territory
136
go up in smoke
## Footnote
The company's plans for expansion went up in smoke after they failed to secure funding from investors.
to fail or disappear without any tangible result or success
137
rule the roost
## Footnote
Since the new CEO took over, he has been ruling the roost and making significant changes in the company.
to be in charge or have control over a situation or group of people
138
lionize a person
## Footnote
The media lionized the actor after he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
to treat someone as a celebrity or hero, often excessively or undeservedly
139
thumb's down
## Footnote
The board members gave the proposal a thumb's down, citing financial concerns.
to indicate disapproval or rejection
140
an ax to grind
## Footnote
The politician's opposition to the new legislation was suspected to be an ax to grind against his political rival.
a hidden motive or personal reason for doing something
141
a red herring
## Footnote
The politician's speech was filled with red herrings to divert attention from his lack of experience.
a distraction from the main issue or topic
142
look a gift horse in the mouth
## Footnote
Even though the gift was not exactly what he wanted, he didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth and refused it.
to be ungrateful or suspicious of something received for free
143
tilt at windmills
## Footnote
The activist's campaign against the small issue was criticized as tilting at windmills, when there were bigger problems to address.
to fight an imaginary or unimportant enemy
144
windfall
## Footnote
The inheritance from his great aunt was a windfall that helped him pay off his debts.
a sudden and unexpected gain or profit
145
Indian summer
## Footnote
The sudden Indian summer gave us a few more days of outdoor activities before winter set in.
a period of warm weather in autumn, after the first frost
146
keep the pot boiling
## Footnote
The mediator tried to keep the pot boiling to find a solution acceptable to both parties.
to keep a situation or discussion going
147
steal one's thunder
## Footnote
The manager stole his subordinate's thunder and presented his idea as his own in front of the boss.
to take credit for someone else's work or ideas
148
the grapevine
## Footnote
The news about the layoffs spread quickly through the grapevine, causing a lot of anxiety among the employees.
the informal network or rumor mill of information among a group of people| виноградная лоза, ложные слухи, способ тайного сообщения
149
have the upper hand
## Footnote
The team that scored the first goal had the upper hand for the rest of the game.
to have an advantage or control in a situation
150
a chip off the old block
## Footnote
John is a chip off the old block, inheriting his father's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
a person who resembles or has similar qualities to their parent or ancestor
151
wink at
## Footnote
The company management chose to wink at the employee's unethical behavior to avoid a scandal.
to ignore or tolerate something that is considered wrong or improper
152
behind the eight ball
## Footnote
The team was behind the eight ball after losing their star player to an injury in the first half.
in a difficult or disadvantaged position
153
take the wind out of one's sails
## Footnote
The criticism from his boss took the wind out of his sails and he lost his motivation to work.
to deflate someone's confidence or enthusiasm
154
like Caesar's wife
## Footnote
The politician promised to maintain his integrity and be like Caesar's wife during his term in office.
beyond reproach or suspicion
155
the Draconian Code
## Footnote
The new company policy was criticized for being like the Draconian Code, with no consideration for the employees' needs.
a set of harsh and severe laws or rules
156
bring home the bacon
## Footnote
After losing his job, he struggled to bring home the bacon and provide for his family.
to earn a living or provide for oneself or one's family
157
blue chip
## Footnote
The blue chip stocks in his investment portfolio ensured a steady return on his investment.
of the highest quality or reliability
158
sleep on it
## Footnote
The buyer decided to sleep on the offer and make a decision the next day.
to take time to think about something before making a decision
159
pull one's weight
## Footnote
The team member was not pulling his weight and causing the project to fall behind schedule.
to do one's share of work or responsibility in a group
160
out on a limb
## Footnote
The manager felt out on a limb after making a controversial decision that was not supported by the rest of the team.
in a risky or vulnerable position, without support or backup
161
in the arms of Morpheus
## Footnote
After a long day at work, Sarah was eager to be in the arms of Morpheus and get a good night's sleep.
asleep or in a state of unconsciousness
162
Achilles' heel
## Footnote
Despite her many accomplishments, public speaking was Mary's Achilles' heel and made her very nervous.
a person's weakness or vulnerable point
163
get the sack
## Footnote
After missing several deadlines, John got the sack from his job at the marketing agency.
to be fired from a job
164
on the bandwagon
## Footnote
Many politicians jumped on the environmentalism bandwagon during the last election season.
joining a popular trend or movement
165
out of one's depth
## Footnote
After being promoted to manager, Jim realized that he was out of his depth and needed additional training.
unable to cope with a situation or task
166
lily-livered
## Footnote
Tom was too lily-livered to stand up to his boss and ask for a raise.
lacking courage or cowardly| трусливый
167
terra firma
## Footnote
After a bumpy ride on the boat, the passengers were relieved to be back on terra firma.
solid ground or a stable position
168
in seventh heaven
## Footnote
After winning the lottery, Mike was in seventh heaven and felt like all his dreams had come true.
very happy and content
169
upset the apple cart
## Footnote
The new manager's changes to the company's operations upset the apple cart and caused a lot of confusion among the employees.
to cause trouble or create a disruption
170
maintain the status quo
## Footnote
The government's policy of maintaining the status quo meant that little progress was made in addressing the country's economic problems.
to keep things the way they are and prevent change
171
be in fine fettle
## Footnote
Despite his age, Tom's daily exercise routine and healthy eating habits have helped him stay in fine fettle.
to be in good health or in good condition
172
have at one's fingertips
## Footnote
As a lawyer, it's important for Jane to have all the relevant case law at her fingertips.
to have easy access to information or resources
173
twist around one's finger
## Footnote
Mark is so in love with his girlfriend that she can easily twist him around her finger and get him to do anything she wants.
to have complete control or influence over someone
174
make ends meet
## Footnote
After losing her job, Sarah had to take on a second job to make ends meet and pay her bills.
to earn enough money to cover one's expenses
175
tell tales out of school
## Footnote
After being fired, the disgruntled employee began telling tales out of school about the company's unethical practices.
to reveal confidential or private information
176
be under a cloud
## Footnote
After the scandal broke, the company's CEO was under a cloud and his reputation was ruined.
to be under suspicion or disapproval
177
coup de grace
## Footnote
After a long and exhausting battle, the opposing army delivered the coup de grace and defeated the enemy.
a final, decisive blow or action
178
throw cold water
## Footnote
Despite his enthusiasm for the project, John's boss threw cold water on his plans and told him it was not feasible.
to discourage or dampen enthusiasm
179
dry run
## Footnote
Before the actual event, the organizers conducted a dry run to make sure everything went smoothly.
a rehearsal or practice session to test something before it is implemented
180
throw someone a curve
## Footnote
The sudden resignation of the CEO threw the board members a curve, and they had to quickly find a replacement.
to surprise or deceive someone with a sudden change in circumstances or plan
181
cross the Rubicon
## Footnote
After years of deliberation, the company decided to cross the Rubicon and invest in a new product line.
to make a decision or take an action that cannot be reversed
182
brave the elements
## Footnote
Despite the heavy snow and freezing temperatures, the mountaineers were determined to brave the elements and reach the summit.
to face harsh weather conditions
183
kill the goose that laid the golden egg
## Footnote
The company's decision to cut corners and reduce quality control measures could end up killing the goose that laid the golden egg, their reputation for high-quality products.
to destroy a valuable resource or opportunity through greed or short-sightedness
184
carry coals to Newcastle
## Footnote
After years of living in the fashion capital of the world, bringing her own designer clothes to Paris seemed like carrying coals to Newcastle.
to do something unnecessary or redundant
185
for the birds
## Footnote
After waiting in line for hours, the concert turned out to be for the birds, and the band's performance was terrible.
something that is insignificant or worthless
186
throw one's hat in the ring
## Footnote
After years of playing for fun, Sarah decided to throw her hat in the ring and enter the national chess championship.
to enter a competition or contest
