Idioms and Phrases Flashcards
1
Q
as useful as a chocolate teapot
A
not useful at all
2
Q
to beat around the bush
A
to talk about lots of unimportant things because you want to avoid talking about what is really important (if we don’t beat around the bush, it means we get straight to the point, and we don’t worry about hurting feelings)
3
Q
to stick to your guns
A
to continue to have your beliefs or continue with a plan of action, even if other people disagree with you
4
Q
to go along (with)
A
to (sometimes reluctantly) accept or agree with a decision, rule, opinion, etc.
Example:
I’m going to go along with the rules for now.
5
Q
to feel under the weather
A
to feel ill or unwell
Example:
I didn’t go into school today because I was feeling a bit under the weather. I hope to feel better tomorrow!
6
Q
to pull oneself together
A
to decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding
Examples:
I know you’re stressed out, but you need to pull yourself together and get this report done!
I hope she pulls herself together soon. We need her to be focused.
7
Q
to bite the bullet
A
to decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that you
have been avoiding
Example:
I have been avoiding organising my finances, but I need to bite the
bullet and open that spreadsheet!
8
Q
to wolf something down
A
to eat something really quickly
Example:
He wolfed down 2 plates of lasagne and still had room for dessert!
9
Q
A dime a dozen
A
Not valuable
Example:
I’m sorry but your stamp collection isn’t worth anything. Most of
them are a dime a dozen!
10
Q
to add insult to injury
A
to make something bad even worse
Example:
He broke up with me and then, to add insult to injury, he started
dating my sister.
11
Q
to throw caution to the wind
A
to act without thinking of the consequences
Example:
I was initially worried she would reject me, but soon I threw
caution to the wind and asked her out.
12
Q
the ball is in your court
A
it is up to you to make the next move
Example:
I’ve done as much as I can. The ball is in your court now
13
Q
to be down on your luck
A
to be experiencing a period of bad luck
Example:
I really hope that things improve for you. You’ve been down on your luck and you don’t deserve it!
14
Q
to give someone the benefit of the doubt
A
to decide that you will believe someone, even though you are not sure that what the person is saying is true/honest
Example:
I’m not sure if he’ll be able to deliver on his promises but I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt!
15
Q
to be on the ball
A
to be organised and alert
Example:
You won’t be able to fool him. He is pretty on the ball when it comes to the latest tricks and scams!
16
Q
to be over the moon
A
to be very happy
Example:
I was over the moon when I found out that my favourite band was going to play in my city!
17
Q
to be on cloud 9
A
to be elated
Example:
After our wedding day we were on cloud nine. It was so lovely to finally tie the knot!
** elated: happy, delighted
18
Q
to lose your touch
A
to lose an ability or talent that you once had
Example:
I lost touch with him when he joined the Air Force
19
Q
to go from rags to riches
A
to go from being poor to having a lot of money
Example:
I admire her because she had gone from rags to riches. She had nothing, but now she is very successful.
20
Q
to get into deep water
A
to be in trouble or difficulty
Example:
He got into deep water when he borrowed money from a loan shark.
21
Q
as fresh as a daisy
A
used to describe someone who is full of energy and enthusiasm
22
Q
to tighten one’s belt
A
to try to spend less money or use fewer resources
Example:
We’ll need to tighten our belt if we want to save a good house deposit.
23
Q
a sharp cookie
A
someone who is smart or confident in their decisions
Example:
That Albert Einstein was one sharp cookie!
24
Q
to go bananas
A
to act in a crazy manner
Example:
The boy started to go bananas when his mom didn’t give him a toy.
25
to bring home the bacon
to earn money especially as it relates to a family
Example:
My wife brings home the bacon while I watch the kids.
26
a bad egg
a person who is often in trouble
Example:
You shouldn’t spend time with those bad eggs. They are a bad influence.
27
to spice things up
to make something more exciting
Example:
I quit my job and moved to Thailand. I just wanted to spice things up.
28
to take with a pinch of salt
to not believe something entirely
Example:
Your mum knows a lot but take her advice with a pinch of salt, she’s not a doctor.
29
butter (someone) up
to be extremely nice, usually to get something in return
Example:
I will need to butter up my boss before asking for that extra day off.
30
in the dark
unaware, to no have the information.
Example:
We had to keep her in the dark about the surprise party.
31
to see red
to be very angry
Example:
I saw red when the shopkeeper tried to scam my mother!
32
true colours
one’s true self
Example:
I saw her true colours when I overheard her talking to her children. She definitely has anger issues.
33
to pass with flying colours
easily
Example:
They passed their final exam with flying colours.
34
to get caught red-handed
to be caught in a guilty act
Example:
I caught my son red-handed taking cookies out of the cookie jar.
35
up to speed
fully informed of all current information
Example:
Make sure that Matthew is up to speed. He is giving the presentation in 20 minutes.
36
get the ball rolling
to start on a task
Example:
The Smiths want the documents ready by tomorrow so let’s get the ball rolling.
37
to back to the drawing board
start over
Example:
My boss didn’t like my design so now it is back to the drawing board.
38
ahead of the curve
ahead of current thinking or trends
Example:
What is the latest viral trend? We need to stay ahead of the curve for this next video.
39
up to snuff
of the expected standard
Example:
His work was not up to snuff so he was fired.
40
change of pace
something out of the ordinary
Example:
Let’s have our meeting at the coffee shop for a change of pace.
41
to miss the mark
to not reach a certain goal
Example:
The most recent marketing campaign really missed the mark.
42
not going to fly
will not work as intended
Example:
That kind of attitude isn’t going to fly in this office.
43
out on a limb
at risk
Example:
I put myself out on a limb at the meeting but it paid off, they loved my ideas!
** limb: an arm or leg of a person or four-legged animal, or a bird's wing.
44
make someone’s day
to make someone feel happy (the best thing that happens to them that day)
Example:
When my neighbors surprised me with homemade chocolate chip cookies, it really made my day.
45
to be bursting with (joy/anger)
to be so filled with happiness that you are unable to contain it
Examples:
I was bursting with anger after they fired me from my job.
My kids burst with joy when we told them we were going to the theme park over the weekend.
46
to brighten up my day
make someone feel happier, improve their mood
Example:
Finding $20 on my way home really brightened up my day!
47
to be the icing on the cake
to make a good situation even better, or the opposite meaning.
Example:
Having all of you here for my birthday has really been wonderful. This gift is icing on the cake.
48
to feel like a million dollars
to look or feel very good or attractive, especially if you are wearing something expensive or luxury
Example:
Wow, I feel like a million dollars in this new suit!
49
to be in high spirits
be very happy or excited and in a very good mood after a success.
Example:
Ellen's been in high spirits ever since she found out she got the lead in the school play.
50
to have a mind like a sieve
to describe that a person has a bad memory and often forgets things
Example:
John has a mind like a sieve—I had to leave him three separate reminders about the play tomorrow night!
51
to be music to my ears
something that is pleasing to hear, such as good news
Example:
School being closed for a snow day was music to my kids' ears.
52
to lighten one’s mood
to make someone feel less worried and more cheerful
Example:
As a middle child, I think my role is to lighten the mood in my family.
53
frame of mind
your mood or the way you feel about something
Examples:
I'm always in a much better frame of mind if I have a chance to unwind after work.
You've got to improve your frame of mind if you want to get that job. No one's going to hire someone who isn't confident in their own abilities!
54
to have the time of your life
to really enjoy yourself, as if it is the best experience in your whole life.
Examples:
I traveled to France for the first time last summer, and I had the time of my life!
A: "Did the kids enjoy the circus?" B: "Oh, they had the time of their lives!"
55
to lift the spirits
to feel happier or in a better mood
Examples:
Halls set the scene the moment you come through the door and can either lift the spirit or send it spiralling downwards.
There’s nothing better to lift the spirits than a relaxing vacation.
56
catch-22 situation
a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
57
to be littered with (something)
fill with examples of a particular thing, typically something bad or unpleasant.
Example:
News pages have been littered with doom and gloom about company collapses
58
keep your cool
maintain a calm and controlled attitude.
Example:
I have to keep my cool and run my own race.
59
point of contention
the thing that people are arguing over
Example:
The main point of contention is who owns the timber rights to the land.
60
to be in a pickle
to be in a difficult situation
Example:
Since she's left school, she's been in a real pickle
61
to place the blame on
To blame someone or something (for something); to attribute or assign culpability (for something) to someone or something.
Example:
Don't place the blame on me for your mistakes!
62
to put a dent in
to decrease something slightly or to make something somewhat weaker
Example:
- We tried our best to fix the problem, but nothing we did seems to have made a dent.
- It's going to take more than a new law to make a dent in the city's drug crime.
63
to get on with your day
to continue whatever you are doing before an interruption.
Example:
I really must get on with my day! I have to leave you. I have too many things to do!
64
to lit up the room
to fill (something) with light light a room up
Example:
A smile lights up her whole face. Her smile lights up the room.
65
to lessen/soften the blow
make it easier to cope with a difficult change or upsetting news.
Example:
Monetary compensation was offered to soften the blow.
66
every nook and cranny
every part or aspect of something.
Example:
The party reached into every nook and cranny of people's lives.
67
to soak up the sun
To enjoy the sun.
Example:
Let’s go to the park and soak up some sun before it gets dark.
68
skeletons in closet
something bad or embarrassing that happened in someone's past and that is kept secret
Example:
He asked if she had any skeletons in her closet that might affect her political campaign.
69
to work without a hitch
Without any problems; with perfect execution.
Example:
There were no problems at all. The whole thing went off without a hitch!
70
to cut (someone) some slack
to not judge someone as severely as you usually would because they are having problems at the present time: (üstüne gelme)
Example:
Andrew's late again." "Cut him some slack - his wife just had a baby.
71
to be the spitting image of (someone)
the exact double of (another person or thing).
Example:
She's the spitting image of her mum.
72
to pull (someone’s) leg
to make someone believe something that is not true as a joke : to trick or lie to someone in a playful way
Example:
I panicked when he said the test was tomorrow, but then I realized he was just pulling my leg.
73
to keep an eye on the ball
to continue thinking about or giving attention to something important : to stay focused
Example:
She really needs to keep her eye on the ball if she wants to win the election.
74
to keep something under wraps
to keep something secret
Example:
She decided to keep her plans under wraps for a while.
75
to be fit as a fiddle
in good physical condition : very healthy and strong
Example:
I feel (as) fit as a fiddle this morning.
76
to twist someone’s arm
pressurize someone into doing something that they are reluctant to do.
Example:
I've twisted his arm and he'll get you some tickets.
77
the nerve of (someone/some people)
An exclamation of shocked disapproval regarding something someone said or did.
Example:
They thought I would just go along with their plan to cut my pay while giving me more responsibility. The nerve of them!
78
that makes two of us
one is in the same position or holds the same opinion as the previous speaker.
Example:
I haven't a clue!’ ‘That makes two of us.’
79
to have a hunch
to have a feeling
Example:
I had a hunch (that) I'd see you here.
80
out of the frying pan into the fire
from a bad situation to one that is worse.
Example:
He may find himself jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
81
to run out of juice
Battery power is going doown.
Example:
My phone is about to run out of juice.
82
to be on the same page
to be think with a similar fashion
Example:
Before we make any decisions today, I'd like to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
83
first things first
important matters should be dealt with before other things. (Her şeyin sırası var)
Example:
I suggest we get our priorities right—first things first.
84
to cut to the chase
come to the point. (Sadede gel)
Example:
Cut to the chase—what is it you want us to do?
85
no money, no honey
if you do not invest or do any job by putting in hard work or extra efforts, you will not get benefit or achieve good results without doing or investing anything. (Parayı veren düdüğü çalar)
Example:
She’ll get all the credits, not us. No money, no honey.
86
to be caıght off guard
take (or be taken) by surprise. (Hazırlıksız yakalanmak)
Example:
The securities analyst was caught off guard by that financial report, or With any luck the boss will be off guard when I come in late.
87
to have a lot on ones plate
Have a great deal (or too much) to cope with. (İşi başından aşkın)
Example:
What with the new baby and the new house, they have a lot on their plate, or I can't take that on now.
88
heart to heart talk
conversation between two people, especially close friends, in which they talk freely about their feelings or personal problems.
Example:
Before the wedding, I've had a heart-to-heart with him.
89
to everything there is a season
emphasizes that all emotions and actions, both negative and positive, have important meaning and people should experience them all throughout life. (Her şeyin bir sırası var)
Example:
Finally you’ve made it. To everything, there is a season.
90
to miss the boat
Fail to take advantage of an opportunity.
Example:
Jean missed the boat on that club membership.
91
to make a splash
to attract a lot of attention
Example:
Fred made a splash in the meeting today when his phone started ringing.
92
as far as one can tell
to conclude something based on the available information
Example:
As far as I can tell, the shop was closed today.
93
to go down the drain
to be completely wasted
Example:
All of his efforts on the new product webt down the drain when the office caught fire.
94
to go down a storm
to be well received by an audience
Example:
The opening band went down a storm! It was their first concert.
95
to take a rain check
politely decline an offer, with the implication that one may take it up at a later date.
Example:
They wanted me to come along for the ride but I took a rain check.
96
to come to a head
to reach a critical point
Example:
The situation came to a head when she showed up to a family party drunk.
97
to draw a blank
to fail to recall from memory
Example:
I am sorry, I am drawing a blank. I can’t remember who you are.
98
to put it mildly
to express that something is usually worde than it is being said (en hafif tabirle)
Example:
It was a difficult experience, to put it mildly.
99
to have the upper hand
to have superior or more powerful position
Example:
He usually has the upper hand because he's older.
100
to hit the ground running
to get started quickly or with great success
Example:
Miguel hit the geound running when he was promoted to manager. He made lots of amazing changes.
101
to go out in a limb
to put oneself in a vulnerable position
Example:
He went on a limb when he proposed to his girlfriend at the Beyonce concert. I am relieved she said yes!
102
down the road
in the future.
Example:
They couldn't predict the disastrous war looming a few years down the road.
103
white elephant
A thing that is no longer needed but costs a lot
Example:
This office is a white elephant. We don’t need this expensive office anymore, everyone is working from home.
104
once in a blue moon
Very rarely
Example:
They come to visit us once in a blue moon
105
blue blood
From a noble family
Example:
He is a blue blood, he can’t understand what we are feeling now.
106
red tape
Beurocracy, rules and regulations
Example:
This is an unfriendly environment for entrepreneurship, you have to cut through the red tapes.
107
to roll out the red carpet
To treat for best and special
Example:
My friend rolled out the red carpet when I came to visit her.
108
green with envy
Really jealous
Example:
When I heard the painting was already sold to someone else, I was green with envy
109
to have bigger fish to fry
to have more important or more interesting things to do.
Example:
It's not worth my time, I've got bigger fish to fry!
110
to speak ill off someone/something
To speak bad about someone or something. Mostly not at its/their presence
Example:
Idon't want to speak ill of the dead but we all know she wasn't always that likeable.
111
search me
A ohrase meaning “I don’t know”
Example:
Q: ıs there any life in Andromeda?
A: Search me!
112
to hit it off
be naturally friendly or well suited. (İki kişinin kanının kaynaması)
Example:
We didn’t actually hit it off. We’re so different.
113
many happy returns
Happy birthday
Example:
Oh it's your birthday. Many happy returns.
114
to put your foot in your mouth
to say or do something that you should not have, esp. something that embarrasses someone else.
Example:
I really put my foot in my mouth – I asked her if Jane was her mother, but she said Jane is her sister.
115
to fall of the wagon
to start drinking alcohol again after having stopped
Example:
One of our leaders, who unbeknownst to us, struggled with alcohol addiction and fell off the wagon on a business trip.
116
to be no skin off someone's nose/back
used when you want to say that it makes no difference to you what someone else does or thinks. (beni bağlamaz)
Example:
It's no skin off my nose if you don't take my advice.
117
to break a leg
Wish you good luck
Example:
You’ve gone through a lot. Now go and break a leg!
118
to sell yourself short
to not consider someone or something to be as valuable or good as he, she, or it deserves (kendine haksızlık etme)
Example:
Don't sell yourself short - you've got the skills and the experience.
119
to be cross with me/someone
Angry or annoyed with someone. (Küs müyüz?)
Example:
Of course I'm cross with you—you lied to me!
120
to horse around
act in a lively or boisterous way; fool about. (şebeklik/soytarılık yapmak)
Example:
The kids were laughing and horsing around
121
safe and sound
Out of danger and unharmed (sağ salim)
Example:
It was a challenging climb, so I'm relieved they got home safe and sound
122
to do a runner
leave or escape hastily or furtively. (topuklayıp kaçmak)
Example:
When he learned that his girlfriend was pregnant he did a runner
123
to keep tabs on someone/something
to carefully watch (someone or something) in order to learn what that person or thing is doing. (gözün üzerinde olması)
Example:
We are keeping tabs on their movements. The magazine keeps tabs on the latest fashion trends.
124
to cross the line
do something that is outside the bounds of acceptable behaviour.(haddini aşmak)
Example:
this article crossed a line and I am disgusted.
125
in your face
blatantly aggressive or provocative; impossible to ignore or avoid. (bu da sana kapak olsun)
Example:
Hahaha. Right in your face!
126
to have skin in the game
have a personal investment in an organization or undertaking, and therefore a vested interest in its success.
Example:
The bonuses go only to those that have skin in the game.
127
trample/tread on someone’s toes
to do something that upsets or offends (someone)
Example:
You might tread on some important people's toes with this project.
128
to hars someone's mellow
To spoil one's good mood (keyfini kaçırmak)
Example:
You're really harshing my mellow today. Stay away from me!
129
Moment of truth
a time when a person or thing is tested, a decision has to be made, or a crisis has to be faced. (Kader anı)
Example:
Next elections will be the moment of truth for my country.
130
to feel that a fresh flower stands out better if it’s surrounded by wilted ones
To be happy in a place of inconpetant people
131
to shoot from the hip
to talk very directly or insensitively without thinking beforehand.
Example:
His approach was to shoot from the hip more than was appropriate.
132
to get your second wind
to suddenly get a burst of energy, especially when you are tired.
Example:
Yeah, I was tired but I think I’ve gotten my second wind. Let’s go!
133
cut to the chase
come to the point (sadede gel)
Example:
Cut to the chase. What’s it that you want from us?
134
suit yourself
to do what one wants to do
informal. : to do what one wants to do. used especially to tell people that they can do what they want even though one does not think it is what they should do. (Keyfin bilir)
Example:
"I don't want to go." "Suit yourself. We'll go without you."
135
absent-minded
Someone who forgets a lot
Example:
Again! How absent-minded you are!
