Idioms Flashcards
Learn as many idioms you can
Meaning of: keep your fingers crossed
To hope for good news.
Examples:
-> We’re keeping our fingers crossed that he’ll be healthy again very soon.
-> I will be keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well.
->Keep your fingers crossed for the hosepipe ban, is my advice.
Meaning of: come out of your shell
If you come out of your shell, you become more interested in other people and more willing to talk and take part in social activities(salir de tu caparazón).
Examples:
-> She makes me come out of my shell
-> In other words, it is where you get to come out of your shell and be more open towards other people.
-> Feeling inspired to come out of your shell and explore our experts’ pearls of wisdom?
-> During the first six weeks, come out of your shell and get to know as many freshmen as possible.
Meaning of: in full swing
Having reached a very lively level or at the highest level of activity. (en plena marcha)
Examples:
-> The party was in full swing by the time we arrived.
-> The International Film Festival was in full swing when we arrived.
-> Cinco De Mayo festivities are currently in full swing.
Meaning of: head over heels in love
To be deeply in love with someone, often implying a state of excitement or infatuation.
Example:
->”Ever since they met, Sarah has been head over heels in love with Michael.”
Meaning of: Keep up with the Joneses
To strive to match one’s neighbors or peers in social standing or material possessions.
Example:
-> “They bought a new car just to keep up with the Joneses.”
Meaning of: Over the hill
Someone who is past their prime, typically referring to someone who is old or aging.
Example:
-> He’s turning 50 this year, so some say he’s over the hill.
Meaning of: Be in the same boat
To be in the same situation or predicament as someone else.
Example:
-> “If we all have to work late tonight, at least we’re in the same boat.”
Meaning of: Bark up the wrong tree
To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, or to direct your efforts in the wrong direction.
Example:
->”If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Meaning of: Come rain or shine
No matter what happens or whatever the circumstances are.
Example:
-> “He promised to be there for the event come rain or shine.”
Meaning of: In the nick of time
At the last possible moment; just in time.
Example:
->The ambulance arrived in the nick of time to save the drowning child.
Meaning of and example of:
That ship had sailed
That opportunity has passed.
-> It was difficult for me to accept that, but I knew that that ship had sailed.
-> I was thinking about going to the concert but that ship has sailed. It’s sold out.
Meaning of and example of:
Stroke of luck
To be result of chance.
->We were very successful and some friends said that it was a stroke of luck. I think those comments were unfair because we invested a lot of time and money in the business.
-> I applied for the job, and after weeks of waiting, I got it. I really think it was a stroke of luck, but my friends believe it was more about being prepared at the right moment in my life.
Meaning of and example of:
Second bite at the cherry someday
A second chance to do something, especially something that you failed at the first time / one door closes another one opens.
-> I guess I missed the opportunity, but I hope to get a second bite at the cherry someday.
-> We might, if we push hard enough, get a second bite at the cherry in two years’ time.
-> A situation where someone is given a second opportunity to achieve something that they missed or failed the first time.
-> He missed a medal in the 100 metres, but will get a second bite of the cherry in the 400 metres.
Meaning of and example of:
On the fence
Not able to decide something:
-> I was on the fence of months until I finally made a decision: I left my job to take on a new challenge.
-> Many consumers are still on the fence, waiting for a less expensive computer to come along.
-> Todd’s still sitting on the fence, trying to decide which school he wants to go to.
