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B2 program > Idioms > Flashcards

Idioms Flashcards

1
Q

very friendly with someone, sometimes in a way that makes people think you’ve got a secret

A

to be (as) thick as thieves

Jacob and Greg are as thick as thieves.

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2
Q

a friend who is only there for you when things are going well

A

a fair-weather friend

Abbie turned out to be a fair-weather friend.

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3
Q

people who spend a lot of time together

A

to be joined at the hip

Chloe and Charlotte have been joined at the hip recently!

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4
Q

to know someone very well

A

to know something/somebody inside out

I know Tamara inside out and I can guarantee she would never do that!

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5
Q

a person who comforts you when you’re sad

A

a shoulder to cry on

Paulo has always been a shoulder to cry on for me.

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6
Q

to socialise with someone who has the same lifestyle as you

A

to move in the same circles

Kate and I move in the same circles, so I know her quite well

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7
Q

to get on well immediately

A

to hit it off

Abdul and Clara really hit it off last night!

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8
Q

to agree with someone

A

to see eye to eye with someone

I see eye to eye with Chris about almost everything.

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9
Q

to end an argument and be friends again

A

to bury the hatchet

Oscar and I agreed to bury the hatchet.

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10
Q

to get rid of bad feelings between people, often with a discussion

A

to clear the air

Please come to my house later for a chat. We need to clear the air.

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11
Q

forgive someone or forget about something bad someone did

A

to let bygones be bygones

I want to let bygones be bygones and be friends again.

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12
Q

I don’t want to do anything anymore. I am fed up.

A

I’ve had enough

I’ve had enough of these kids screaming for one day.

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13
Q

you’ve asked something I don’t know the answer to, or said something I want to disagree with but can’t

A

You’ve got me there!

What’s the difference between fog and mist? - Hmm, you’ve got me there.

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14
Q

you’ve really messed up/done something wrong.

A

Now you’ve done it!

Oh, John have you broken it?! Now you’ve done it

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15
Q

to do sth.

A

to have something involved

When we were on holiday in Ibiza, there was a lot of partying involved.

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16
Q

what somebody likes or is interested in

A

to be someone’s scene/cup of tea

An evening at the opera isn’t everyone’s cup of tea

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17
Q

an opportunity to begin something again

A

a fresh start

When I moved to the city, it was a fresh start for me

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18
Q

to be in the same situation, usually a difficult one

A

to be in the same boat

You may think it’s just you, but we’re all in the same boat.

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19
Q

an experience or situation that people would fear or hate most

A

to be one’s idea of hell

couldn’t ever go to a jungle; that’s my idea of hell

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20
Q

to defend oneself when being teased or bullied by others

A

to not take (any) rubbish

I’m just not going to take any more of your rubbish!

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21
Q

to not be influenced by the opinions or expectations of other people

A

to be oneself

Sometimes you just need to learn to be yourself and not worry about what

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22
Q

to choose a particular direction in life

A

to go down the… path

After learning to play the guitar, he decided to go down the live music

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23
Q

when another person seems to be at a more advanced stage in their life despite being the same age or from the same background

A

to be behind someone in life

he never cared about his studies, and now he’s behind most his friends

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24
Q

to become able to act independently and with confidence

A

to find one’s feet

I have only recently started working here, so I’m still finding my feet.

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25
Q

to start to go bald

A

to thin on top

I’ve been thinning on top for a couple of years now

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26
Q

to put make-up on

A

to put one’s face on

Carrie spent a few minutes putting her face on every morning.

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27
Q

absolutely and totally gorgeous; used for men and women

A

drop-dead gorgeous

She looked drop-dead gorgeous last night

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28
Q

someone who is dressed perfectly and looks very neat

A

not a hair out of place

Anthony always looks perfect – never a hair out of place

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29
Q

dressed in your best clothes, or in really formal clothes, often for a special occasion, like a wedding

A

to be dressed (up) to the nines

Everyone was dressed up to the nines!

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30
Q

wearing really attractive clothes because you want to be noticed and admired, usually used to talk about women

A

to be dressed to kill

Ellie was dressed to kill last night!

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31
Q

an older woman dressed in a way that would better suit a younger woman; offensive

A

mutton dressed as lamb

That dress is young for me I don’t want to look like mutton dressed as l

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32
Q

to look very untidy or ridiculous in some way

A

to look a sight

It was blowing a gale and we looked a sight when we arrived at the pub

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33
Q

to look untidy and maybe dirty

A

to look like something the cat dragged in

Ben had been working on the farm and he looked like something the cat dr

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34
Q

someone is so skinny that you can see their bones

A

to be skin and bone

She was all skin and bone after her illness

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35
Q

wearing old, perhaps damaged, clothes because you don’t have much money. You can also use this adjective to describe places that are in a bad condition because they haven’t been looked after well

A

down-at-heel

She looked very down-at-heel.

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36
Q

good-looking

A

to be easy on the eye

Ben is very easy on the eye.

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37
Q

ugly; offensive

A

a face only a mother could love

Rob was a lovely boy, but he had a face only a mother could love.

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38
Q

to imitate or follow the way someone does something

A

to follow one’s lead

It’s quite easy really; just follow my lead

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39
Q

that cannot be changed

A

hard and fast

There are no hard and fast rules about this

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40
Q

to be content with the way that you look or are

A

to be happy in one’s own skin

It took me many years to finally be happy in my own skin

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41
Q

to clean clothes using chemicals instead of water

A

dry-clean

I need to go and dry-clean this suit before the wedding

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42
Q

person wears something that looks strange, perhaps because it is out of fashion, or not suitable for the occasion

A

look out of place

He looked out of place at the wedding in a T-shirt

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43
Q

to no longer be single or dating

A

to be off the market

Is your sister looking for a date to the gala,or is she off the market?

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44
Q

the person one sees as being perfect or ideal for them

A

the (person) of (someone’s) dreams

We’ve been married for 50 years because she is the woman of my dreams

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45
Q

to have a feeling of extreme happiness

A

to be on cloud nine

Daniel has been on cloud nine since he received his promotion

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46
Q

to like something very much

A

to die for

The chocolate cake at Vesuvio’s is to die for!

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47
Q

to go as planned without any problems

A

to go off without a hitch

Our recent marketing efforts have gone off without a hitch!

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48
Q

used to ensure that the audience does not get the wrong idea about what you’re saying

A

don’t get me wrong

I really can’t stand this song! Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great singer

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49
Q

to go to sleep

A

to hit the sack

I couldn’t wait to hit the sack after my 12-hour travel day

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50
Q

to go home/to sleep early

A

(to call it) an early night

It seems the weather is getting worse; let’s call it an early night

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51
Q

completely in love with your significant other

A

head over heels (in love)

I don’t know what she saw in him, but she was head over heels!

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52
Q

to ask someone to marry you

A

to pop the question

We were at the beach last week, and Jacob popped the question!

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53
Q

to get married

A

to get hitched

My sister got hitched last week, and now she’s on her honeymoon.

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54
Q

to ask someone to marry you by putting one knee on the ground and offering a ring to your partner; usually done by men

A

to get down on one knee

When he got down on one knee, it was so romantic

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55
Q

used to describe that a couple is perfect for each other

A

a match/marriage made in heaven

George and Patty are truly a match made in heaven; I’ve never seen such

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56
Q

your partner; husband or wife.

A

better/other half

I would like for you all to meet Elena, my better half.

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57
Q

a person’s wedding day, or other important or significant day

A

the big day

Only one more week until your big day!

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58
Q

to request permission, typically from a family member, to marry a particular person

A

to ask for one’s hand (in marriage)

Mr. Taylor, I would like to ask for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage.

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59
Q

a traditional wedding, often in a church with the bride wearing a white dress

A

a white wedding

She didn’t want a white wedding; she wanted something more original.

60
Q

to get married from the ancient Celtic tradition

A

to tie the knot

We tied the knot last year in Italy.

61
Q

to say or express something in a very clear way, using few words

A

in a nutshell

To put it in a nutshell, we’re bankrupt

62
Q

a meeting that you have arranged with a boyfriend or girlfriend or with somebody who might become a boyfriend or girlfriend

A

to go on a date

We’re going on a date next week

63
Q

used when telling a story to say that you do not need to tell the end of it, because everyone knows it already

A

the rest is history

And so I agreed to meet him, and the rest is history

64
Q

to deal with a situation in a calm way and not show what you are really feeling

A

to play it cool

I decided to play it cool and act like I had forgotten all about it

65
Q

to do or say something to show that you want to move to the next stage of a relationship

A

to make the next move

We’ve been dating for a whilebut I think it’s time to make the next move

66
Q

to express that there is no standard way to do something

A

there’s no textbook when it comes to

I’d like to give you some advice, but there’s really no textbook when it

67
Q

used when you have failed to do something twice and hope that you will succeed the third time

A

third time lucky

After two defeats, I hope that they’ll be third time lucky

68
Q

to rain heavily

A

to chuck it down

When I went outside, it was chucking it down out there.

69
Q

to do something or make a decision at that exact time; immediately

A

do sth. there and then/then and there

We decided then and there to get married

70
Q

a phrase that means that everyone has right to have their own ideas or choices in life

A

each to their own

I’m not personally a fan of model trains, but each to their own

71
Q

to talk about something for a long time without coming to the main point

A

to beat around the bush

Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.

72
Q

to end a situation which is causing someone to suffer, usually by telling them something they have been waiting anxiously to hear

A

to put sb. out of their misery

I suppose that I’d better put them out of their misery

73
Q

to use one word to express your feeling about something

A

to describe sth. in one word

If I could describe it in one word -heaven

74
Q

in a quiet manner, almost inaudible

A

under one’s breath

She came out of the cold water, muttering swear words under her breath

75
Q

idiom to express that time passes quickly, especially when you are fully enjoying yourself or not paying attention

A

time flies (when you’re having fun)

I can’t believe I am already in my thirtiestime flies when you’re having

76
Q

other people’s situations or possessions always seem better than your own, even when that is not necessarily true

A

the grass is always greener on the other side

I often think that my life would have been better in spain; the grass is

77
Q

to talk about happy memories from our past

A

to take a trip/stroll/walk down memory lane

E. saw her best friend from school ; I’m sure they had a nice stroll dow

78
Q

to describe someone who is very young and lacks experience

A

to be wet behind the ears

We thought we knew what we were doing, but we were wet behind the ears.

79
Q

to refer to someone who feels defenceless because of being young, innocent or naive, often in new or potentially dangerous situations

A

a babe in the woods

I felt like a babe in the woods when I started secondary school, but I q

80
Q

someone or something has suddenly appeared in our lives that reminds us of the past

A

a blast from the past

Is this the Spice Girls?! What a blast from the past!

81
Q

on or very close to the line that joins two countries

A

on the border

I grew up in a small village on the border between England and Wales

82
Q
A
83
Q

to use or accept something that is not really good enough

A

to make do

We were in a hurry so we had to make do with a quick snack

84
Q

using very little money

A

on a shoestring

My parents were quite poor, so we had to live on a shoestring budget

85
Q

to be in a financial position to afford things that someone with a lower income might not be able to

A

to have the better things in life

Now that your dad has got a promotion, we might be able to have some of

86
Q

to be careful about how much money you spend as money is limited

A

to work to a budget

When I was in university, I had to work to a really tight budget.

87
Q

to be beaten with a stick as punishment for doing something wrong

A

to get the cane

n my day, that kind of talk would have got you the cane

88
Q

to start behaving in a way that is strange or unacceptable, for example drinking a lot or taking drugs

A

to go off the rails

She went completely off the rails after her sister died

89
Q

that person is always available to give help or support when needed

A

sb’s. door is always open

If you ever need any help, my door is always open

90
Q

an expression to say that we passing on new information we heard from someone

A

a little bird told me

A little bird told me that it’s your birthday today

91
Q

to take initiative and seize an opportunity

A

to take the bull by the horns

I took the bull by the horns and asked my boss for a promotion

92
Q

to be very careless in a delicate situation

A

to be like a bull in a china shop

Watch Matthew around your car, he’s like a bull in a china shop!

93
Q

to tell someone to wait and not be so impatient

A

hold your horses

Hold your horses; we have plenty of time until the train leaves

94
Q

to describe that the information you are given is first-hand, the person giving it to you is directly involved, and therefore you can trust it’s authentic

A

to be/come (straight) from the horse’s mouth

Simon’s quit, I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth!

95
Q

to follow a particular course of action

A

to lead one down that route

Well, growing up in a family of artists led me down that route

96
Q

a dream that is not practical or unattainable

A

pipe dream

This isn’t some pipe dream; we’re going build the biggest clothing brand

97
Q

to indicate the need to ask a question

A

to pose an interesting question

The report poses several interesting questions related to our current ed

98
Q

to make an opinion based on how something looks or from a first impression

A

to judge a book by its cover

99
Q

to experience a difficult or challenging situation

A

to go through a hard time

100
Q

to spend a lot of money

A

to push the boat out

You guys really pushed the boat out on this wedding!

101
Q

to do something to the best of a person’s ability

A

to do one’s best

We did our best, but our boss still wasn’t satisfied

102
Q

to make a deliberate attempt at something

A

to make a conscious effort

We make a conscious effort to eat together as a family at least five tim

103
Q

difficult to forget about or change

A

hard to let go

I always had beans on toast for dinner on Saturdays, and it’s hard to le

104
Q

according to what people say

A

by all accounts

By all accounts, Rome is spectacular in the autumn

105
Q

to wish someone a good night’s sleep

A

sleep tight

See you tomorrow, sleep tight!

106
Q

to reach a very lively or productive level (of an event or activity)

A

to be in full swing

We arrived at 9, and the party was in full swing!

107
Q

all-encompassing and inclusive of everyone involved

A

across the board

The government needs to increase the minimum wage across the board

108
Q

to be in a risky position

A

to be skating on thin ice

Don’t forget her birthday; you’re already skating on thin ice!

109
Q

to have renewed energy and to continue at something we had

A

second wind

I was not enjoying the hike, but after stopping at the stream, I got a s

110
Q

to make something start to happen

A

to get the ball rolling

What shall we do for New Year’s Eve? We need to get the ball rolling

111
Q

to have a chance of winning or succeeding after temporarily not competing

A

to be back in the game

Jane says that she’s over her divorce and she’s back in the game; let’s

112
Q

no problem

A

no sweat

We’ll find a new flat by May, no sweat!

113
Q

to be very attentive and quick thinking

A

to be on the ball

Sienna’s only six, but she’s really on the ball!

114
Q

used to let someone know they can make the next move

A

the ball is in one’s court

I sent our proposals to the agency, and now the ball’s in their court

115
Q

to win extremely easily

A

to win hands down

The reds were miles better and won the game hands down.

116
Q

to be completely devoted to something

A

to live and breathe

She lived and breathed football, spending all her free time playing or w

117
Q

to have a few moments of free time

A

to have a spare moment

Whenever I have a spare moment, I like to go for a run

118
Q

wanting to do or liking something

A

to be keen on

Both my children aren’t very keen on carrots

119
Q

to make something seem insignificant in comparison

A

to put sth. to shame

His sales figures this month put everyone else’s to shame

120
Q

from head to foot

A

from top to toe

She was dressed from top to toe in designer clothes

121
Q

to start running or exercising

A

to hit the tracks

I always hit the tracks first thing every morning to stay in shape

122
Q

to do something once and then move on

A

one and done

This is not a one and done process

123
Q

the opposite end of a range of possibilities

A

the other end of the spectrum

I prefer something at the other end of the spectrum

124
Q

to receive value for the money spent

A

to get one’s money’s worth

We really got our money’s worth at the buffet

125
Q

when two or more parties come to an agreement

A

to strike a deal

Lukaku and Inter Milan strike a deal for his return.

126
Q

to bring issues to someone’s attention

A

to raise a question

Key ministers raised questions on the new financial plan.

127
Q

to try something slowly and carefully because you’re not sure if you’ll be successful

A

to dip one’s toes into

We’ve been dipping our toes into investing recently.

128
Q

a person who can do many different things, though may not do all of them well

A

a jack of all trades

Alison is a real jack of all trades –she repairs loads of things around

129
Q

o be involved in many things at the same time

A

to have one’s fingers in a lot of pies

I’ve got my fingers in a lot of pies at the moment with all of these dif

130
Q

to treat someone badly without thinking about how it affects them

A

to walk all over

Her children walk all over her

131
Q

to add some rude or disrespectful remarks in order to create more interest

A

to add a bit of sauce

They put in some more details to add a bit of sauce.

132
Q

to get the maximum benefit or advantage from something

A

to get the most value from

How can I get the most value from this course?

133
Q
A
134
Q

to have something unexpectedly taken away or to have something suddenly disappear

A

to get the rug pulled out from underneath one

When Instagram switched to favouring reels, I got the rug pulled out fro

135
Q

to completely change sth. and to cause it to be the opposite of what it was

A

to turn sth on its head

The introduction of social media really turned how people communicate on

136
Q

partially or to a limited degree

A

to a certain extent

I agree with you to a certain extent

137
Q

to be difficult for somebody to accept or agree with

A

to not sit well with sb

The manager’s decision to change suppliers didn’t sit well with many of

138
Q

to cost too much. Often used as ‘to not break the bank’, meaning something doesn’t cost very much money.

A

to break the bank

It only costs a few pounds. It’s hardly going to break the bank!

139
Q

a warning to be careful with money because it’s not easy to come by

A

money doesn’t grow on trees

Turn that light off! Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.

140
Q

to have rich parents and to have been rich from birth

A

to be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth

Ophelia was born with a silver spoon in her mouth

141
Q

to save money for a time when you will really need it unexpectedly

A

to save money for a rainy day

It’s a good idea to save some money for a rainy day

142
Q

to have lots of money

A

to be rolling in it

Farhad is rolling in it now that his business has become successful

143
Q

to pay for something, especially something that costs a lot of money

A

to foot the bill

My dad had to foot the bill when my brother crashed his car

144
Q

to not have enough money, maybe because you’re earning less or because prices have gone up

A

to feel the pinch

We’re really feeling the pinch since Paul lost his job.

145
Q

to go from being very poor to being rich. Used as an adjective with hyphens: ‘rags-to-riches’

A

(from) rags to riches

Aladdin is a classic rags-to-riches story

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