idioms 2 Flashcards
Rule of Thumb –
A general guideline or principle based on experience rather than exact measurement.
Take a Raincheck –
To decline an invitation but express willingness to accept it later.
Pull the Plug –
To stop or discontinue something, especially a project or activity.
Pass the Buck –
To shift responsibility to someone else instead of dealing with a problem.
Go Out on a Limb –
To take a risk or do something unconventional.
On the Fence –
Unable to make a decision between two options.
Mum’s the Word –
A promise to keep something a secret.
Long in the Tooth –
Getting old or outdated.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie –
Avoid bringing up past conflicts that could cause problems again.
Lend Me Your Ear –
Asking someone to listen carefully.
Know the Ropes –
To be experienced or knowledgeable about a task or situation.
Hold Your Horses –
To slow down or wait patiently.
Hit the Sack –
To go to bed or sleep.
Hit the Books –
To study hard.
Haste Makes Waste –
Rushing can lead to mistakes and wasted effort.
Graveyard Shift –
A work shift that takes place late at night.
Get Down to Brass Tacks –
To focus on the essential details of a situation.
Flash in the Pan –
Something that starts strong but quickly fails.
Everything but the Kitchen Sink –
Almost everything imaginable.
Down to the Wire –
Something that is decided or completed at the last minute.
Chip on One’s Shoulder –
Holding a grudge or being easily offended.
Can’t Cut the Mustard –
Not meeting expectations or being unable to handle a task
Buy a Lemon –
To purchase something, usually a car, that turns out to be defective.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place –
Stuck between two difficult choices.
