Idioms Flashcards
(To) Hit the books
It simply means “to study,” and is a way of telling your friends that you’re going to study.
“Sorry but I can’t watch the game with you tonight, I have to hit the books. I have a huge exam next week.”
(To) Hit the sack
It means to go to bed, and you’d use this to tell your friends or family that you’re really tired, so you’re going to sleep.
“It’s time for me to hit the sack, I’m so tired.”
(To) Twist someone’s arm
If your arm has been twisted it means that someone has done a great job of convincing you to do something you might not have wanted to to do.
“Tom: Jake you should really come to the party tonight!
Jake: You know I can’t, I have to hit the books (study).
Tom: C’mon, you have to come! It’s going to be so much fun and there are going to be lots of girls there. Please come?
Jake: Pretty girls? Oh all right, you’ve twisted my arm, I’ll come!”
(To be) Up in the air
If someone tells you that things are up in the air it means that these things are uncertain or unsure; definite plans have not been made yet.
“Jen have you set a date for the wedding yet?
Not exactly, things are still up in the air and we’re not sure if our families can make it on the day we wanted. Hopefully we’ll know soon and we’ll let you know as soon as possible.”
(To) Stab someone in the back
To hurt someone who was close to us and trusted us by betraying them secretly and breaking their trust. We call the person who does this a back stabber.
“Did you hear that Sarah stabbed Kate in the back last week?”
“No! I thought they were best friends, what did she do?”
“She told their boss that Kate wasn’t interested in a promotion at work and Sarah got it instead.”
(To) Lose your touch
It means that you lose your ability or talent you once had when dealing with things, people or situations.
“I don’t understand why none of the girls here want to speak to me.”
“It looks like you’ve lost your touch with the ladies.”
“Oh no, they used to love me, what happened?”
(To) Sit tight
It means to wait patiently and take no action until you hear otherwise.
“Mrs. Carter, do you have any idea when the exam results are going to come out?”
“Who knows Johnny, sometimes they come out quickly but it could take some time. You’re just going to have to sit tight and wait.”
(To) Pitch in
It means to contribute (give) to something or someone or to join in.
“What are you going to buy Sally for her birthday?”
“I don’t know I don’t have much money.”
“Maybe we can all pitch in and buy her something great.”
(To) Go cold turkey
It means to suddenly quit or stop addictive or dangerous behavior such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
“She just quit cold turkey?”
“Yes, just like that!”
(To) Face the music
It means to “face reality” or to deal with the reality of the situation and accept all the consequences good or bad (but mostly bad).
“I can’t understand why I failed math.”
“You know you didn’t study hard, so you’re going to have to face the music and take the class again next semester if you really want to graduate when you do.”
(To be) On the ball
It means that you’re very quick to understand certain things, very prepared for something or react quickly (and correctly) to a situation.
“Wow, you’ve already finished your assignments? There not due until next week, you’re really on the ball. I wish I could be more organized.”
(To) Ring a bell
It means that somebody has mentioned something that sounds familiar to you, perhaps you’ve heard it before.
“You’ve met my friend Amy Adams, right?”
“Hmmm, I’m not sure, but that name rings a bell. Was she the one who went to Paris last year?”
(To be) Under the weather
You’re not your usual self and could be feeling a little sick. The sick feeling is nothing serious; perhaps it’s just extreme tiredness from studying too much, or having a bad headache because you’re starting to get the flu.
“What’s wrong with Katy, mom?”
“She’s feeling a little under the weather so be quiet and let her rest.”
(To) Blow off steam
If you’re feeling angry, stressed or are experiencing some strong feelings and you want to get rid of them so you feel better again, you will blow off steam by doing something such as exercise to get rid of the stress.
“Why is Nick so angry and where did he go?”
“He had a fight with his brother, so he went for a run to blow off his steam.”
(To) Look like a million dollars/bucks:
It means you look absolutely fabulous and really attractive.
“Wow, Mary, you look like a million dollars/bucks this evening. I love your dress!”
