Idioms Flashcards
A very small part or insignificant amount of something big or whole
A drop in the ocean
Be someone worth marrying/having
Be a good catch
Avoid the main topic or not speak directly about the issue
Beat around the bush
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is
Add fuel to the fire
It is up to somebody to make the next decision or step
Ball in somebody’s court
Look in the wrong place or accuse the wrong person
Barking up the wrong tree
Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything
Bend over backwards
Take on a task that is too big
Bite off more than you can chew
Be extremely impressed by something
Blow somebody away
You only just succeeded and nearly failed
By the skin of your teeth
Have a total lack of interest in something
Couldn’t care less
Complain about a loss from the past
Cry over spilt milk
Call for help when you don’t need it
Crying wolf
The period of time just before a project has to be completed and everyone has to work hard
Crunch time
Get into an unpleasant situation by being inquisitive
Curiosity killed the cat
Do something badly or cheaply
Cut corners
Give somebody a break/ not to judge somebody severely
Cut somebody some slack
Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the point
Cut to the chase
Refuse to compromise or change your mind
Dig in your heels / Stick to your guns
Something that ends at the last minute or last few seconds
Down to the wire
With the deadline coming up and the project not being on track, the team worked right down to the wire to complete it on time.
To irritate or annoy very much
Drive someone up the wall
The music my co-workers listen to at the office is driving me up the wall.
Lose control of things
Get out of hand
The meeting got out of hand and people started yelling at each other.
Understand something
Get your head around it
I just can’t get my head around the fact that my boss is not giving me a raise.
Believe someone’s statement, without proof
Give the benefit of the doubt
I can’t check your results anyway, so I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.
End or fail suddenly and spectacularly
Go down in flames
Our company will go down in flames, if we don’t take these new startups seriously.
Hear a rumor or unconfirmed story
Hear on the grapevine
I heard on the grapevine that our boss will be leaving us soon.
