IDIOMS - Past Papers Flashcards
Idiom
Combined Column
Turn to Account (1973)
To use something for one’s benefit ||| فائدے کے لیے استعمال کرنا ||| She turned her talents to account by starting her own business. ||| He turned his connections to account in getting the job.
To beat the air (1973)
To make futile attempts ||| بے فائدہ کوشش کرنا ||| Arguing with him is like beating the air; he never listens. ||| They realized they were beating the air and decided to give up.
To break the lance with (1973)
To engage in a dispute or argument ||| بحث میں پڑنا ||| She was ready to break the lance with anyone who opposed her views. ||| He often breaks the lance with his colleagues over minor issues.
To foul of (1973)
To come into conflict with ||| ٹکراؤ میں آنا ||| He fell foul of the law due to his reckless driving. ||| She often falls foul of her boss because of her bluntness.
To keep open door (1973)
To be receptive or welcoming ||| کھلا دروازہ رکھنا ||| They always keep an open door for their friends and family. ||| The organization keeps an open door policy for new ideas.
To put out of countenance (1973)
To embarrass or disconcert someone ||| شرمندہ کرنا ||| His unexpected question put her out of countenance. ||| The loud criticism put him out of countenance during the meeting.
Got up to kill (1973)
Dressed very elegantly ||| بہت نفیس لباس پہننا ||| She was got up to kill at the party last night. ||| He was got up to kill for the award ceremony.
To have a finger in the pie (1973)
To be involved in something, especially something that is not one’s concern ||| مداخلت کرنا ||| He always has a finger in the pie, even when it’s not his business. ||| She had a finger in the pie of every major project in the office.
When all is said and done (1974)
After everything is considered ||| جب سب کچھ کہا اور کیا جاتا ہے ||| When all is said and done, family is what truly matters. ||| When all is said and done, it was a successful project.
An axe to grind (1974)
A personal motive or grievance ||| ذاتی مقصد یا گلہ ||| He has an axe to grind with the manager regarding the new policy. ||| She always seems to have an axe to grind in meetings.
Turn a new leaf (1974)
To start anew, to change one’s behavior for the better ||| نئی زندگی شروع کرنا ||| After his recovery, he decided to turn a new leaf and live healthier. ||| She turned a new leaf after moving to a new city.
Burn the candle at both ends (1974)
To overwork oneself ||| اپنے آپ کو بہت زیادہ کام کرنا ||| He’s been burning the candle at both ends to finish his project. ||| She needs to rest; she’s been burning the candle at both ends.
Leave in the lurch (1974)
To abandon someone in a difficult situation ||| مشکل وقت میں چھوڑ دینا ||| He felt betrayed when his friends left him in the lurch. ||| She was left in the lurch by her business partners.
Goes without saying (1974)
Obviously true or self-evident ||| واضح ہے ||| It goes without saying that honesty is the best policy. ||| It goes without saying that you must submit your work on time.
Like a red rag to a bull (1974)
Something that provokes anger ||| کسی کو غصہ دلانے والی بات ||| His comments about politics are like a red rag to a bull. ||| Criticizing her work is like a red rag to a bull.
Not a leg to stand on (1974)
Having no valid support or basis ||| کوئی جواز نہ ہونا ||| Without evidence, his argument doesn’t have a leg to stand on. ||| Her complaint doesn’t have a leg to stand on without witnesses.
Under the thumb of (1974)
Controlled or dominated by someone ||| کسی کے زیر اثر ||| He’s completely under the thumb of his boss. ||| She’s under the thumb of her strict parents.
The writing on the wall (1974)
Clear signs of something (usually bad) about to happen ||| واضح نشانیاں ||| The company’s poor performance was the writing on the wall. ||| Ignoring the writing on the wall led to their downfall.
To sow one’s wild oats (1975)
To engage in youthful indiscretions ||| جوانی کی شرارتیں کرنا ||| He spent his youth sowing his wild oats. ||| She decided to settle down after sowing her wild oats.
Storm in a tea cup (1975)
A lot of fuss about a trivial matter ||| معمولی بات پر بہت ہنگامہ ||| The argument was just a storm in a teacup. ||| They made a storm in a teacup over a minor mistake.
To keep late hours (1975)
To stay up late regularly ||| دیر تک جاگنا ||| He keeps late hours because of his night shifts. ||| Keeping late hours is affecting her health.
To throw cold water on (1975)
To discourage or dampen enthusiasm ||| حوصلہ شکنی کرنا ||| He threw cold water on the plan with his negative comments. ||| Her skepticism threw cold water on our excitement.
A cock-and-bull story (1975)
A ridiculous or implausible story ||| بے بنیاد کہانی ||| He told a cock-and-bull story about why he was late. ||| No one believed his cock-and-bull story about the incident.
To bear the brunt of (1975)
To endure the worst part of something ||| کسی چیز کا سب سے برا حصہ برداشت کرنا ||| The soldiers bore the brunt of the attack. ||| She bore the brunt of the criticism for the failed project.
Tied to apron-strings of (1975)
Excessively dependent on someone ||| کسی پر بہت زیادہ انحصار کرنا ||| He is still tied to the apron-strings of his mother. ||| She can’t make a decision without being tied to the apron-strings of her boss.
To move heaven and earth (1975)
To do everything possible to achieve something ||| ہر ممکن کوشش کرنا ||| He moved heaven and earth to get the project done on time. ||| She moved heaven and earth to find her lost dog.
To blow one’s own trumpet (1975)
To boast about one’s own achievements ||| اپنی تعریف کرنا ||| He always blows his own trumpet about his success. ||| She’s not one to blow her own trumpet, despite her achievements.
To rest on one’s laurels (1975)
To be complacent or lazy based on past achievements ||| ماضی کی کامیابیوں پر اکتفا کرنا ||| He shouldn’t rest on his laurels after winning the award. ||| Resting on her laurels, she missed new opportunities.
Trudge along (1976)
To walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically due to exhaustion or harsh conditions ||| تھکے ہوئے یا مشکل حالات میں چلنا ||| We trudged along the muddy path after the heavy rain. ||| He trudged along the road, burdened by his heavy backpack.
Point-blank (1976)
Direct and without explanation ||| صاف اور بغیر وضاحت کے ||| She asked him point-blank if he was responsible for the mistake. ||| He refused point-blank to cooperate with the investigation.
In the doldrums (1976)
In a state of stagnation or depression ||| جمود یا اداسی کی حالت میں ||| The economy has been in the doldrums for months. ||| She’s been feeling in the doldrums since her friend moved away.
Dole out (1976)
To distribute shares of something ||| بانٹنا ||| The teacher doled out the assignments to the students. ||| They dolled out food and water to the flood victims.
At cross purposes (1976)
In a situation where two or more people are misunderstanding each other ||| ایک دوسرے کو نہ سمجھنا ||| They were talking at cross purposes during the meeting. ||| The two departments are working at cross purposes on this project.
Cheek by jowl (1976)
Very close together ||| بہت قریب ||| The houses are built cheek by jowl in the old part of the city. ||| They were sitting cheek by jowl in the crowded room.
Succinctly (1976)
In a brief and clearly expressed manner ||| مختصر اور واضح طور پر ||| She explained the procedure succinctly to the team. ||| The report was written succinctly to ensure clarity.
Hilarious (1976)
Extremely amusing ||| انتہائی مزاحیہ ||| The comedian’s performance was absolutely hilarious. ||| They had a hilarious time at the party last night.
Detract from (1976)
To reduce the value or quality of something ||| قدر یا معیار کو کم کرنا ||| The loud noise detracted from the overall experience. ||| Her constant interruptions detracted from the presentation.
Plain-sailing (1976)
Smooth and easy progress ||| آسان اور ہموار ترقی ||| Once we solved the initial problems, it was plain-sailing from there. ||| The project was plain-sailing after the initial setup.
To bear the brunt of (1977)
To endure the worst part of something ||| کسی چیز کا سب سے برا حصہ برداشت کرنا ||| The soldiers bore the brunt of the attack. ||| She bore the brunt of the criticism for the failed project.
To call a spade a spade (1977)
To speak plainly and truthfully about something ||| صاف صاف بات کرنا ||| He always calls a spade a spade, no matter how harsh it sounds. ||| It’s important to call a spade a spade when discussing problems.
To fight shy of (1977)
To try to avoid something ||| کسی چیز سے بچنے کی کوشش کرنا ||| She fought shy of confrontation whenever possible. ||| He tends to fight shy of taking on too many responsibilities.
To cry over spilt milk (1977)
To lament something that cannot be undone ||| گزرے ہوئے پر پچھتانا ||| There’s no use crying over spilt milk; we need to move on. ||| He always cries over spilt milk instead of looking for solutions.
To burn the candle at both ends (1977)
To overwork oneself ||| اپنے آپ کو بہت زیادہ کام کرنا ||| He’s been burning the candle at both ends to finish his project. ||| She needs to rest; she’s been burning the candle at both ends.
To rob Peter to pay Paul (1977)
To take money from one source to pay another debt ||| ایک جگہ سے لے کر دوسری جگہ کی ادائیگی کرنا ||| He had to rob Peter to pay Paul to keep the business afloat. ||| Managing finances shouldn’t mean robbing Peter to pay Paul.
To take the bull by the horns (1977)
To confront a problem head-on ||| مسئلے کا سامنا کرنا ||| She decided to take the bull by the horns and address the issue directly. ||| It’s time to take the bull by the horns and solve this problem.
Playing to the gallery (1977)
To behave in a way intended to impress others ||| دوسروں کو متاثر کرنے کے لیے کرنا ||| His speech was more about playing to the gallery than addressing real issues. ||| The politician was accused of playing to the gallery with his promises.
Holding out the olive branch (1977)
To offer peace or reconciliation ||| صلح کی پیشکش کرنا ||| After the argument, he held out the olive branch by apologizing. ||| The two nations held out the olive branch to end the conflict.
To make out (1977)
To understand or perceive something ||| سمجھنا یا دیکھنا ||| I couldn’t make out what he was saying in the noisy room. ||| She tried to make out the details of the painting from a distance.
The acid test (1978)
A severe or conclusive test ||| کڑا امتحان ||| The new policy will be the acid test for the company’s future. ||| His ability to handle the crisis was the acid test of his leadership.
A bad hat (1978)
A person of bad character ||| بدمعاش ||| Everyone in the neighborhood knew he was a bad hat. ||| She avoided him because he was known to be a bad hat.
In a blue funk (1978)
In a state of panic or depression ||| خوف یا افسردگی کی حالت میں ||| She was in a blue funk before the exam results were announced. ||| He was in a blue funk after hearing the bad news.
Set one’s cap (1978)
To try to attract or win someone’s affection ||| کسی کی توجہ حاصل کرنے کی کوشش کرنا ||| She set her cap for him as soon as they met. ||| He knew she had set her cap for him when she started flirting.
Down at heel (1978)
Shabby or impoverished in appearance ||| بوسیدہ یا غریب نظر آنا ||| His clothes looked down at heel after years of wear. ||| The once grand mansion appeared down at heel.
To die in harness (1978)
To die while still actively working ||| کام کرتے ہوئے مر جانا ||| He was a dedicated worker who died in harness. ||| She hopes to retire early rather than die in harness.
Dead as a doornail (1978)
Completely dead or inactive ||| بالکل مردہ یا غیر فعال ||| The old computer is as dead as a doornail. ||| After the scandal, his political career was dead as a doornail.
To raise coin (1978)
To collect money ||| پیسے جمع کرنا ||| They organized an event to raise coin for the charity. ||| He worked hard to raise coin for his startup.
To strike one’s colours (1978)
To surrender or yield ||| ہتھیار ڈال دینا ||| The army struck their colours after the prolonged battle. ||| Facing insurmountable odds, they had no choice but to strike their colours.
To carry the day (1978)
To win or be successful ||| جیت جانا ||| Despite the challenges, their determination carried the day. ||| His argument was compelling enough to carry the day.
Take down a peg (1979)
To humble or lower someone’s arrogance ||| کسی کا گھمنڈ توڑنا ||| His rude remarks took him down a peg in the eyes of his colleagues. ||| She was taken down a peg after her mistakes were pointed out.
To monkey with (1979)
To tamper or interfere with something ||| کسی چیز کے ساتھ چھیڑ چھاڑ کرنا ||| Don’t monkey with the controls; you might break the machine. ||| He got in trouble for monkeying with the experiment.
In hot water (1979)
In trouble or difficulty ||| مشکل میں ہونا ||| She found herself in hot water after missing the deadline. ||| His reckless behavior landed him in hot water with the authorities.
Petticoat Government (1979)
Government or rule by women ||| خواتین کی حکومت ||| The small town was known for its petticoat government. ||| He often joked about living under a petticoat government at home.
To pull oneself together (1979)
To regain control over one’s emotions ||| خود کو قابو میں کرنا ||| After the initial shock, she pulled herself together and carried on. ||| He took a moment to pull himself together before speaking again.
To rise from the ranks (1979)
To advance to a higher position starting from a lower one ||| نچلے درجے سے ترقی کرنا ||| He rose from the ranks to become the CEO of the company. ||| She admired those who could rise from the ranks through hard work.
To rub shoulders (1979)
To associate or mix socially with someone ||| میل جول کرنا ||| He often rubbed shoulders with celebrities at events. ||| She enjoyed rubbing shoulders with influential people in her field.
arry out (1971)
To perform or complete a task ||| انجام دینا ||| She was asked to carry out the project by the end of the month. ||| The soldiers carried out their orders without question.
Taken over (1971)
To assume control of something ||| کنٹرول سنبھالنا ||| The company was taken over by a larger competitor. ||| He has taken over the responsibilities of the department.
Bring about (1971)
To cause something to happen ||| وقوع پذیر کرنا ||| The new policy will bring about significant changes. ||| Their efforts brought about a positive outcome.
Beat out (1971)
To defeat someone in a competition ||| شکست دینا ||| She beat out all other candidates for the position. ||| They managed to beat out their rivals in the final match.
Bear with (1971)
To be patient or tolerant with someone ||| صبر کرنا ||| Please bear with me while I explain the situation. ||| He asked his audience to bear with him during the technical difficulties.
To fall back on something (1972)
To use something as a backup plan ||| بوقت ضرورت استعمال کرنا ||| When his main job failed, he had savings to fall back on. ||| She always has her parents to fall back on in tough times.
To fall through (1972)
To fail to happen or be completed ||| ناکام ہونا ||| Their plans for the vacation fell through due to bad weather. ||| The deal fell through at the last minute.
On right earnest (1972)
In a serious and determined manner ||| سنجیدگی اور مستقل مزاجی سے ||| She started her preparations on right earnest for the exam. ||| They began the project on right earnest to meet the deadline.
Vested interests (1972)
Personal stakes in something that may influence one’s actions ||| ذاتی مفادات ||| The politician’s decision was influenced by vested interests. ||| Vested interests often affect the fairness of decisions.
Meaningful dialogue (1972)
A conversation with significant purpose or result ||| بامقصد گفتگو ||| The leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict. ||| Meaningful dialogue between the parties led to an agreement
Pocket the affront (1980)
To silently accept an insult ||| بے عزتی کو برداشت کرنا ||| He chose to pocket the affront rather than escalate the situation. ||| She pocketed the affront with grace and moved on.
Thin end of the wedge (1980)
A minor change that leads to more significant changes ||| چھوٹی تبدیلی جو بڑی تبدیلی کی طرف لے جاتی ہے ||| Allowing this exception could be the thin end of the wedge. ||| They feared it was the thin end of the wedge for more regulations.
Flash in the pan (1980)
Something that shows potential but fails to deliver ||| وقتی کامیابی ||| His early success was just a flash in the pan. ||| The project turned out to be a flash in the pan.
To keep at a respectful distance (1980)
To maintain a proper distance from someone ||| احترام کے ساتھ فاصلہ رکھنا ||| She kept at a respectful distance from her boss. ||| He always kept at a respectful distance from controversial topics.
At one’s beck and call (1980)
Ready to obey someone’s orders ||| کسی کے حکم پر حاضر ہونا ||| The assistant was always at her beck and call. ||| He had servants at his beck and call.
Go against the grain (1980)
To be contrary to someone’s natural tendencies ||| فطرت کے خلاف ہونا ||| His actions go against the grain of what we stand for. ||| It goes against the grain for her to tell a lie.
Bring grist to the mill (1980)
To be useful or profitable ||| فائدہ مند یا منافع بخش ہونا ||| Any information you can provide will bring grist to the mill. ||| Her skills brought grist to the mill for the company.
Upset the apple cart (1980)
To ruin plans or arrangements ||| منصوبوں کو خراب کرنا ||| His sudden resignation upset the apple cart. ||| They were careful not to upset the apple cart during negotiations.
Hoist on one’s own petard (1980)
To be harmed by one’s own plan intended to harm others ||| اپنے ہی جال میں پھنس جانا ||| He was hoist on his own petard when his scheme backfired. ||| She ended up hoist on her own petard after her lies were exposed.
Live on the fat of the land (1980)
To live in comfort and luxury ||| عیش و آرام میں رہنا ||| They retired to the countryside to live on the fat of the land. ||| He spent his days living on the fat of the land.
To have your cake and eat it too (1981)
To want to enjoy two mutually exclusive things simultaneously ||| دونوں چیزیں بیک وقت حاصل کرنا ||| He wants to have his cake and eat it too by working less and earning more. ||| You can’t have your cake and eat it too; you must make a choice.
Between the devil and the deep blue sea (1981)
To be in a difficult situation with two bad options ||| دو مشکل حالات میں پھنسنا ||| She was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea when choosing between her career and family. ||| They found themselves between the devil and the deep blue sea with no easy solution.
To be in hot water (1981)
To be in trouble or difficulty ||| مشکل میں ہونا ||| She found herself in hot water after missing the deadline. ||| His reckless behavior landed him in hot water with the authorities.
To be on the carpet (1981)
To be summoned for reprimand ||| بازپرس کے لئے بلایا جانا ||| The employee was on the carpet for his poor performance. ||| She was on the carpet in the manager’s office for her mistake.
It never rains but it pours (1981)
Problems often come all at once ||| ایک مسئلہ نہیں بلکہ بہت سارے مسئلے آتے ہیں ||| First the car broke down, then I got sick; it never rains but it pours. ||| After losing his job, his house got flooded; it never rains but it pours.
A miss is as good as a mile (1981)
A near miss is still a miss ||| قریب قریب ہونا بھی ناکامی ہی ہے ||| He almost made it, but a miss is as good as a mile. ||| They nearly won the game, but a miss is as good as a mile.
To give oneself airs (1981)
To act superior or arrogant ||| خود کو برتر سمجھنا ||| She gives herself airs as if she’s better than everyone else. ||| He started giving himself airs after his promotion.
To have the courage of one’s convictions (1981)
To act according to one’s beliefs despite risks ||| اپنے عقائد کے مطابق عمل کرنا ||| She had the courage of her convictions and spoke out against injustice. ||| He always has the courage of his convictions, no matter the consequences.
The onlooker sees most of the game (1981)
A bystander can often see things more clearly ||| دیکھنے والا زیادہ سمجھتا ہے ||| The onlooker sees most of the game, and he offered valuable advice. ||| It’s true that the onlooker sees most of the game; they noticed the flaws in our plan.
Out of sight, out of mind (1981)
People tend to forget things that are not visible ||| آنکھوں سے اوجھل، دل سے دور ||| Once they moved away, it was out of sight, out of mind. ||| The old toys were out of sight, out of mind for the children.
To come to a dead end (1982)
To reach a point where no further progress is possible ||| بند گلی میں پہنچ جانا ||| The investigation came to a dead end without any new evidence. ||| They realized their project had come to a dead end.
To turn a deaf ear (1982)
To ignore or refuse to listen to someone ||| کسی کی بات کو نظرانداز کرنا ||| She turned a deaf ear to their complaints. ||| He always turns a deaf ear to good advice.
Every dark cloud has a silver lining (1982)
There is something good in every bad situation ||| ہر مشکل میں کچھ اچھا بھی ہوتا ہے ||| After losing his job, he found a better one; every dark cloud has a silver lining. ||| She believed that every dark cloud has a silver lining, even in tough times.
Blowing hot and cold together (1982)
To be inconsistent in one’s opinions or behavior ||| متضاد رائے یا رویہ اختیار کرنا ||| He’s always blowing hot and cold together, making him hard to trust. ||| Her attitude is like blowing hot and cold together, confusing everyone.
To let the cat out of the bag (1982)
To reveal a secret ||| راز افشا کرنا ||| She accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party. ||| He let the cat out of the bag when he mentioned the confidential project.
To put the cart before the horse (1982)
To do things in the wrong order ||| غلط ترتیب میں کام کرنا ||| Planning the trip without booking tickets is putting the cart before the horse. ||| They put the cart before the horse by launching the product without proper testing.
To sail in the same boat (1982)
To be in the same difficult situation as others ||| ایک ہی کشتی میں سوار ہونا ||| We’re all sailing in the same boat, facing the same challenges. ||| They realized they were sailing in the same boat when it came to job security.
A Swan Song (1982)
A final performance or effort before retirement ||| آخری کارکردگی یا کوشش ||| The author’s latest novel is his swan song before retirement. ||| Her farewell speech was a beautiful swan song to her career.
To look a gift horse in the mouth (1984)
To find fault with something that has been received as a gift ||| تحفے میں ملی چیز پر نکتہ چینی کرنا ||| He looked a gift horse in the mouth by complaining about the free meal. ||| You shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth; just be grateful.
To have an axe to grind (1984)
To have a personal motive or grievance ||| ذاتی مقصد یا گلہ ||| She has an axe to grind with her manager over her missed promotion. ||| He seems to have an axe to grind in every meeting.
To wash one’s dirty linen in public (1984)
To discuss private matters openly ||| نجی معاملات کو سر عام بیان کرنا ||| They washed their dirty linen in public during the family feud. ||| It’s unwise to wash your dirty linen in public on social media.
To pocket an insult (1984)
To silently accept an insult ||| بے عزتی کو برداشت کرنا ||| He pocketed the insult and did not react. ||| She chose to pocket the insult for the sake of peace.
To take to one’s heels (1984)
To run away ||| بھاگ جانا ||| When the dog started barking, he took to his heels. ||| They took to their heels when they saw the police coming.
To win laurels (1984)
To achieve recognition or success ||| کامیابی حاصل کرنا ||| She won laurels for her groundbreaking research. ||| He has won laurels in various international competitions.
A gentleman at large (1984)
A man without a specific occupation or responsibility ||| بے کام کا آدمی ||| He became a gentleman at large after retiring from his job. ||| She criticized him for being a gentleman at large and not contributing.
By and by (1985)
Eventually, after a while ||| وقت گزرنے کے ساتھ ||| By and by, he realized the importance of education. ||| She knew that by and by, things would get better.
The lion’s share (1985)
The largest portion of something ||| سب سے بڑا حصہ ||| He took the lion’s share of the inheritance. ||| The manager claimed the lion’s share of the credit for the project.
In black and white (1985)
In written form, clearly documented ||| تحریری شکل میں ||| The agreement is in black and white, so there’s no confusion. ||| She wanted the terms in black and white before signing the contract.
To bring to book (1985)
To punish or hold accountable ||| جوابدہ ٹھہرانا ||| The corrupt officials were brought to book for their actions. ||| He was brought to book for violating the company’s policies.
To read between the lines (1985)
To understand the hidden meaning ||| پوشیدہ مطلب کو سمجھنا ||| She learned to read between the lines of his vague statements. ||| Reading between the lines, it was clear they were unhappy.
To stick to one’s guns (1985)
To maintain one’s position, even in the face of opposition ||| اپنی بات پر قائم رہنا ||| Despite the criticism, she stuck to her guns. ||| He decided to stick to his guns and refused to compromise.
To be under a cloud (1985)
To be in disgrace or under suspicion ||| بدنام ہونا ||| He has been under a cloud since the scandal broke out. ||| She felt under a cloud after the false accusations.
By fits and starts (1985)
In an inconsistent and irregular manner ||| ناہمواری سے، کبھی کبھار ||| The project progressed by fits and starts due to frequent interruptions. ||| He studied for the exam by fits and starts, leading to poor preparation.
Ab initio (1985)
From the beginning ||| ابتدا سے ||| The contract was declared void ab initio due to fraud. ||| They planned the project ab initio to ensure success.
Bona fides (1985)
In good faith; genuine ||| نیک نیتی ||| The company’s bona fides were questioned during the audit. ||| She showed her bona fides by providing all necessary documents.
En bloc (1985)
As a whole; all together ||| مجموعی طور پر ||| The committee approved the proposals en bloc. ||| The properties were sold en bloc to the investor.
Ex post (1985)
After the fact ||| بعد از وقوع ||| The analysis was conducted ex post to understand the effects. ||| They made the decision ex post, based on new information.
Sine die (1985)
Indefinitely; without setting a date for resumption ||| غیر معینہ مدت کے لیے ||| The meeting was adjourned sine die. ||| The project was postponed sine die due to unforeseen issues.
Status quo (1985)
The existing state of affairs ||| موجودہ حالت ||| They decided to maintain the status quo rather than implement changes. ||| The status quo was challenged by the new policies.
Ad valorem (1985)
According to value ||| قیمت کے مطابق ||| The taxes were calculated ad valorem based on property value. ||| The ad valorem duty was increased in the new budget.
Alter ego (1985)
A second self; a different version of oneself ||| دوسرا روپ ||| Her business partner was her alter ego in many ways. ||| He considered his childhood friend as his alter ego.
Prima facie (1986)
Based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proven otherwise ||| بادی النظر میں ||| Prima facie, the evidence suggests he is guilty. ||| The prima facie case was enough to warrant further investigation.
Ex post facto (1986)
With retrospective effect or force ||| بعد از وقوع ||| The new law cannot be applied ex post facto. ||| They faced an ex post facto regulation that changed the legal landscape.
Fait accompli (1986)
A thing that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it ||| پہلے سے طے شدہ امر ||| The merger was presented to the employees as a fait accompli. ||| By the time we knew, it was a fait accompli.
Vis-a-vis (1986)
In relation to; compared with ||| کے مقابلے میں ||| The currency’s value vis-a-vis the dollar has dropped. ||| They discussed the policy vis-a-vis its impact on the economy.
Modus operandi (1986)
A particular way or method of doing something ||| طریقہ کار ||| The modus operandi of the thief was the same in each robbery. ||| His modus operandi was to work late at night.
Aide memoire (1986)
An aid to memory, especially a book or document ||| یادداشت ||| She prepared an aide memoire for her presentation. ||| The aide memoire helped him recall the key points.
Laissez faire (1986)
A policy of letting things take their own course, without interfering ||| آزاد رویہ ||| The government adopted a laissez faire approach to the economy. ||| His laissez faire attitude towards parenting was surprising.
Au revoir (1986)
Goodbye until we meet again ||| خدا حافظ ||| She waved and said, “Au revoir,” as she left. ||| It was a tearful au revoir at the train station.
To back out (1987)
To withdraw from an agreement or commitment ||| پیچھے ہٹنا ||| He decided to back out of the deal at the last minute. ||| She backed out of the project due to unforeseen circumstances.
To keep out of (1987)
To avoid involvement in something ||| دور رہنا ||| He advised them to keep out of the argument. ||| She tried to keep out of office politics.
Bang into (1987)
To collide with something ||| ٹکرا جانا ||| He banged into the door in the dark. ||| She accidentally banged into her old friend at the mall.
To smell a rat (1987)
To suspect something is wrong ||| شک ہونا ||| He began to smell a rat when he noticed the discrepancies. ||| She smelled a rat and decided to investigate further.
To burn one’s fingers (1987)
To suffer consequences of one’s actions ||| نقصان اٹھانا ||| He burned his fingers by investing in a risky venture. ||| She warned him that he might burn his fingers with that deal.
Null and void (1987)
Invalid; without legal force ||| کالعدم ||| The contract was declared null and void due to fraud. ||| Any agreement made under duress is null and void.
To catch up with (1987)
To reach the same standard or level as someone else ||| برابر ہونا ||| He worked hard to catch up with his classmates. ||| The police finally caught up with the fugitive.
To stand up for (1987)
To defend or support something or someone ||| حمایت کرنا ||| She always stands up for her friends. ||| He stood up for his rights despite the opposition.
To skim through (1987)
To read something quickly and superficially ||| سرسری پڑھنا ||| She skimmed through the report before the meeting. ||| He just skimmed through the book to get a general idea.
To narrow down (1987)
To reduce the number of options ||| کم کرنا ||| They narrowed down the list of candidates to three. ||| The detective narrowed down the suspects to a few individuals.
As cool as a cucumber (1988)
Very calm and composed ||| بہت پُرسکون ||| Despite the chaos, she remained as cool as a cucumber. ||| He stayed as cool as a cucumber during the interview.
Have your cake and eat it too (1988)
To want to enjoy two mutually exclusive things simultaneously ||| دونوں چیزیں بیک وقت حاصل کرنا ||| He wants to have his cake and eat it too by working less and earning more. ||| You can’t have your cake and eat it too; you must make a choice.
In a pickle (1988)
In a difficult or troublesome situation ||| مشکل میں ہونا ||| She found herself in a pickle when her car broke down. ||| He’s in a pickle over how to solve the problem.
Take the cake (1988)
To be the most outstanding in some negative way ||| حد کر دینا ||| Her rude comment really takes the cake. ||| Of all his mistakes, this one takes the cake.
Sell like hot cakes (1988)
To sell very quickly and in large quantities ||| تیزی سے فروخت ہونا ||| The new smartphones are selling like hot cakes. ||| The tickets to the concert sold like hot cakes.
As flat as a pancake (1988)
Very flat ||| بالکل سیدھا ||| The landscape here is as flat as a pancake. ||| Her first attempt at baking resulted in a cake as flat as a pancake.
Take something with a grain of salt (1988)
To view something with skepticism ||| شک کی نظر سے دیکھنا ||| You should take his stories with a grain of salt. ||| She took the news with a grain of salt, knowing its source.
As cool as a cucumber (1988)
Very calm and composed ||| بہت پُرسکون ||| Despite the chaos, she remained as cool as a cucumber. ||| He stayed as cool as a cucumber during the interview.
Have your cake and eat it too (1988)
To want to enjoy two mutually exclusive things simultaneously ||| دونوں چیزیں بیک وقت حاصل کرنا ||| He wants to have his cake and eat it too by working less and earning more. ||| You can’t have your cake and eat it too; you must make a choice.
In a pickle (1988)
In a difficult or troublesome situation ||| مشکل میں ہونا ||| She found herself in a pickle when her car broke down. ||| He’s in a pickle over how to solve the problem.
Take the cake (1988)
To be the most outstanding in some negative way ||| حد کر دینا ||| Her rude comment really takes the cake. ||| Of all his mistakes, this one takes the cake.
Sell like hot cakes (1988)
To sell very quickly and in large quantities ||| تیزی سے فروخت ہونا ||| The new smartphones are selling like hot cakes. ||| The tickets to the concert sold like hot cakes.
As flat as a pancake (1988)
Very flat ||| بالکل سیدھا ||| The landscape here is as flat as a pancake. ||| Her first attempt at baking resulted in a cake as flat as a pancake.
Take something with a grain of salt (1988)
To view something with skepticism ||| شک کی نظر سے دیکھنا ||| You should take his stories with a grain of salt. ||| She took the news with a grain of salt, knowing its source.
Like two peas in a pod (1988)
Very similar, especially in appearance or behavior ||| بہت زیادہ ملتے جلتے ||| The twins are like two peas in a pod. ||| Those two friends are like two peas in a pod, always together and alike in every way.
Account for (1989)
To explain or justify something ||| وضاحت کرنا ||| He could not account for his absence from the meeting. ||| The missing funds need to be accounted for immediately.
Carry weight (1989)
To have influence or importance ||| اہمیت یا اثر رکھنا ||| His opinion carries a lot of weight in the company. ||| The endorsement from the celebrity carries weight with the public.
To fall back upon (1989)
To rely on something as a backup ||| بوقت ضرورت استعمال کرنا ||| When her main plan failed, she had savings to fall back upon. ||| They had old strategies to fall back upon during the crisis.
To be taken aback (1989)
To be surprised or shocked ||| حیران ہونا ||| She was taken aback by the sudden announcement. ||| He was taken aback when he heard the unexpected news.
A wild goose chase (1989)
A futile or hopeless pursuit ||| بے سود تلاش ||| Searching for the lost keys turned out to be a wild goose chase. ||| He felt like he was on a wild goose chase trying to find the rare book.
By leaps and bounds (1989)
Rapidly or significantly ||| بہت تیزی سے ||| The company’s profits have increased by leaps and bounds. ||| His skills improved by leaps and bounds after months of practice.
As cool as a cucumber (1989)
Very calm and composed ||| بہت پُرسکون ||| Despite the chaos, she remained as cool as a cucumber. ||| He stayed as cool as a cucumber during the interview.
To burn the midnight oil (1989)
To work late into the night ||| دیر تک کام کرنا ||| She had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report on time. ||| He often burns the midnight oil to meet his deadlines.
White elephant (1990)
A costly and useless possession ||| مہنگی اور بے فائدہ چیز ||| The grand building turned out to be a white elephant for the city. ||| Maintaining the old mansion became a white elephant for the family.
Blue blood (1990)
Noble or aristocratic descent ||| شاہی یا اشرافیہ نسل ||| She is proud of her blue blood heritage. ||| His blue blood was evident in his mannerisms and attitude.
Cleanse the Augean stable (1990)
To clean or reform something that is very dirty or corrupt ||| کسی بہت گندی یا بدعنوان چیز کو صاف کرنا ||| The new CEO had to cleanse the Augean stable of company finances. ||| It took years to cleanse the Augean stable of political corruption.
Apple of discord (1990)
A cause of strife or disagreement ||| تنازعہ کا باعث ||| The inheritance was the apple of discord among the siblings. ||| The controversial policy became the apple of discord in the community.
In good books (1990)
In favor with someone ||| کسی کی نظر میں پسندیدہ ||| He is in the boss’s good books after completing the project early. ||| She always tries to stay in her teacher’s good books.
Between the devil and the deep sea (1990)
In a difficult situation with two bad options ||| دو مشکل حالات میں پھنسنا ||| She was caught between the devil and the deep sea when choosing between her career and family. ||| They found themselves between the devil and the deep sea with no easy solution.
Stare in the face (1990)
To be very obvious or unavoidable ||| بہت واضح یا ناگزیر ہونا ||| The solution was staring them in the face, but they missed it. ||| The problem was staring him in the face, but he refused to acknowledge it.
Make off with (1990)
To steal something and leave quickly ||| چرا کر بھاگ جانا ||| The thief made off with a valuable painting. ||| They made off with the company’s confidential documents.
Damocles’ sword (1991)
An impending disaster or threat ||| منڈلاتی ہوئی تلوار ||| The threat of layoffs hung over the employees like Damocles’ sword. ||| The scandal was a Damocles’ sword over the politician’s career.
Every inch (1991)
Completely; in every aspect ||| مکمل طور پر ||| She is every inch a professional. ||| He looked every inch the leader in his new suit.
Spade a spade (1991)
To speak plainly and truthfully about something ||| صاف صاف بات کرنا ||| He always calls a spade a spade, no matter how harsh it sounds. ||| It’s important to call a spade a spade when discussing problems.
On the sky (1991)
Extremely happy or elated ||| بہت خوش ہونا ||| She was on the sky when she heard about her promotion. ||| He felt on the sky after winning the lottery.
Palm off (1991)
To deceive someone by passing something off as genuine ||| دھوکہ دینا ||| He tried to palm off a fake watch as an original. ||| They palmed off the low-quality goods to unsuspecting customers.
Lip service (1991)
Insincere agreement or support ||| زبانی حمایت ||| The politician’s promises were just lip service. ||| She gave lip service to the cause but did nothing to help.
A turn coat (1991)
Someone who changes sides or loyalties ||| پلٹا کھانے والا ||| He was branded a turn coat for switching political parties. ||| The company’s former CEO was seen as a turn coat after joining a competitor.
A wild goose chase (1991)
A futile or hopeless pursuit ||| بے سود تلاش ||| Searching for the lost keys turned out to be a wild goose chase. ||| He felt like he was on a wild goose chase trying to find the rare book.
Clear away (1991)
To remove or tidy up ||| صاف کرنا ||| After the party, they helped clear away the mess. ||| He cleared away the papers from his desk.
Break down (1991)
To stop functioning or to lose control emotionally ||| خراب ہونا، جذباتی طور پر ٹوٹ جانا ||| The car broke down on the way to the airport. ||| She broke down in tears after hearing the bad news.
