Idioms Flashcards

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1
Q

A very small part or insignificant amount of something big or whole

A

A drop in the ocean

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2
Q

Be someone worth marrying/having

A

Be a good catch

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3
Q

Avoid the main topic or not speak directly about the issue

A

Beat around the bush

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4
Q

Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is

A

Add fuel to the fire

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5
Q

It is up to somebody to make the next decision or step

A

Ball in somebody’s court

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6
Q

Look in the wrong place or accuse the wrong person

A

Barking up the wrong tree

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7
Q

Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything

A

Bend over backwards

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8
Q

Take on a task that is too big

A

Bite off more than you can chew

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9
Q

Be extremely impressed by something

A

Blow somebody away

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10
Q

You only just succeeded and nearly failed

A

By the skin of your teeth

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11
Q

Have a total lack of interest in something

A

Couldn’t care less

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12
Q

Complain about a loss from the past

A

Cry over spilt milk

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13
Q

Call for help when you don’t need it

A

Crying wolf

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14
Q

The period of time just before a project has to be completed and everyone has to work hard

A

Crunch time

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15
Q

Get into an unpleasant situation by being inquisitive

A

Curiosity killed the cat

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16
Q

Do something badly or cheaply

A

Cut corners

17
Q

Give somebody a break/ not to judge somebody severely

A

Cut somebody some slack

18
Q

Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the point

A

Cut to the chase

19
Q

Refuse to compromise or change your mind

A

Dig in your heels / Stick to your guns

20
Q

Something that ends at the last minute or last few seconds

A

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.

21
Q

To irritate or annoy very much

A

Drive someone up the wall

The music my co-workers listen to at the office is driving me up the wall.

22
Q

Lose control of things

A

Get out of hand

The meeting got out of hand and people started yelling at each other.

23
Q

Understand something

A

Get your head around it

I just can’t get my head around the fact that my boss is not giving me a raise.

24
Q

Believe someone’s statement, without proof

A

Give the benefit of the doubt

I can’t check your results anyway, so I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.

25
Q

End or fail suddenly and spectacularly

A

Go down in flames

Our company will go down in flames, if we don’t take these new startups seriously.

26
Q

Hear a rumor or unconfirmed story

A

Hear on the grapevine

I heard on the grapevine that our boss will be leaving us soon.