Idioms

Question 1

The pen is mightier than the sword (X)

Answer 1

Someone’s opinion, and the act of sharing it, can have more power than physical force or violence.

Said to emphasize that thinking and writing have more influence on people and events than the use of force or violence

Question 2

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire (X) –> USA saying

There’s no smoke without fire –> UK saying

Answer 2

If you her rumours or something indicates the beginning of a story, that might not be everything to it. Behind rumours there is something bigger.

If unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a good reason for it

Question 3

Spread like wildfire (X)

Answer 3

When a new is known by a lot of people very fast. For example: Secret weddings.

Question 4

Cutting Edge (X)

Answer 4

Something very innovative and new.

Question 5

On cloud nine (X)

Answer 5

Feeling extremely happy.

Question 6

On pins and needles (X)

Answer 6

Feeling anxious or nervous.

Question 7

Fresh as a daisy (X)

Answer 7

Feeling energetic and lively

Question 8

Get bent out of shape

Answer 8

You become annoyed or upset about something that is usually not that important or cannot be avoided.

I’m not getting bent out of shape because people don’t respect my opinion. I’m used to that.

Question 9

At the end of your tether

Answer 9

You are desperate, you don’t know what to do / Having no strength or patience left

By six o’clock after a busy day I’m at the end of my tether.

Question 10

Fool’s paradise

Answer 10

Happiness predicated on ignoring potential problems or troubles (pensemos en las Kardashian y su fiesta Covid-no-friendly).

Question 11

It’s on the tip of my tongue

Answer 11

When you are about to remember something.

Question 12

To beat about / around the bush

Answer 12

To approach or discuss a matter without directly getting to the point, to put off getting to the point in a conversation

Don’t beat around the bush - get to the point!

Question 13

No news is good news

Answer 13

If you don‘t hear any news it means nothing is wrong.

Question 14

Calm before the storm

Answer 14

A quiet and peaceful time before something with great activity or difficulty happens.

Question 15

Every cloud has a silver lining

Answer 15

There’s something good in every bad situation.

Question 16

Steal someone’s thunder

Answer 16

To take attention away from someone on their special day i.e. a wedding or birthday.

Question 17

Rain on someone’s parade

Answer 17

To do or say something that spoils someone’s plans or draws attention to the negative aspects of their plans.

I’m sorry to rain on your parade but you’re not allowed to have alcohol

Question 18

Turn a blind eye (to)

Answer 18

To ignore something and pretend not to see it. (Muy buena para cosas de política y así).

The mayor has turned a blind eye TO the city’s homelessness problem.

Question 19

To feel blue

Answer 19

Deep sadness or depression. (Esta era facilina, gracias Miss Swift)

Question 20

Alive and kicking / well

Answer 20

Well and healthy.

Traditional jazz is still alive and well in Chicago.

Question 21

Under the weather

Answer 21

Not feeling very well

Question 22

The lesser of two evils

Answer 22

The less unpleasant of two choices, neither of which is good

Question 23

Keep your word

Answer 23

Do what they said they would

Question 24

Keep your cool

Answer 24

Remain calm

Nicole managed to keep her cool

Question 25

Keep an eye out for something / somebody

Answer 25

remain vigilant for = estar pendiente

Keep an eye out for the waiter. If you see him, can you ask for the bill?

Question 26

Keep a low profile

Answer 26

Try not to be noticed

Question 27

Keep track of

Answer 27

Maintain record of

Question 28

Lose track of

Answer 28

Not keep up to date with [sth]

Question 29

Keep [sb] posted

Answer 29

Update regularly

I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening on Friday night.

Question 30

Keep a straight face

Answer 30

Stop yourself smiling or laughing

Question 31

Keep your fingers crossed

Answer 31

Wish for good luck

Question 32

Keep an eye on sb / sth

Answer 32

Watch carefully = cuidar, vigilar

When cooking soufflés, you need to keep an eye on them so they don’t fall

Question 33

Lose touch

Answer 33

Not keep in contact

Question 34

The proof is in the pudding

Answer 34

You can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced it

Question 35

To go from rags to riches (X)

Answer 35

Going from poverty to wealth very quickly

“Marta went from rags to riches when she won the lotery last month, she now lives in the center of Oviedo”

Question 36

To get away from it all (X)

Answer 36

To escape from your daily problems, usually in the form of holidays.

“I was very stressed, I needed to get away from it all, so I planned a trip to Canarias”

Question 37

To catch the sun (X)

Answer 37

Same as “To hit the road”, to go on a vacation.

Can also be used in the sense of getting sunburnt.

Question 38

The more the merrier

Answer 38

Literally “Cuantos más mejor”. Usually used for family gatherings in important holidays.

Question 39

To be the life of the party (X)

Answer 39

The person who is always at the center of every party . They are very extroverted and always have loads of fun.

Question 40

Money is the root of all evil

Answer 40

Said to mean that greed is the cause of a particular problem or the cause of society’s problems in general

Question 41

Time is money

Answer 41

Do not waste time

Wake up, you guys! Time is money!

Question 42

Where there’s muck there’s money / brass

Answer 42

Said to mean that a lot of money can be made from business activities that are dirty or unpleasant

Question 43

Out of the blue

Answer 43

without warning, surprising

The government announced out of the blue that there would create a new law.

Question 44

Be a backseat driver

Answer 44

a person who gives unwanted advice or criticism, esp. to the driver of a car

Question 45

In the dumps

Answer 45

Miserable

Elain has been in the dumps after her betrohal ended.

Question 46

On the spur of the moment

Answer 46

Take a decision suddenly, without thinking

We got married on the spur of the moment