Idioms till May 17, 2024 Flashcards
lowballer
A person who makes a very low offer to start a negotiation. He tried to buy the car like a lowballer.
by the skin of your teeth
Barely managing to do something. We made it to the meeting by the skin of our teeth.
hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Be optimistic but ready for bad outcomes. We hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
stuck in a traffic jam
Unable to move due to heavy traffic. We were stuck in a traffic jam for hours.
to break you down
To reduce someone’s resolve. He was trying to break me down with his constant criticism.
stormed out
Left angrily. She stormed out of the room after the argument.
low-balling
Offering a lower price than what is expected. They were low-balling us during the negotiation.
sob story
A story intended to elicit sympathy. He hit me with a sob story about his financial troubles.
to make oneself feel at home
To act as if one is comfortable and relaxed as at one’s own home. Please, make yourself feel at home.
easier said than done
Something that is easy to talk about but hard to do. Quitting smoking is easier said than done.
to stand one’s ground
To refuse to change one’s position. She stood her ground despite the pressure.
make ends meet
To manage financially. It’s hard to make ends meet on a small salary.
that’s what she said
A joke implying a sexual double entendre. “It’s so hard!” - “That’s what she said.”
you can’t write this stuff
When real life is as dramatic as fiction. The events were so unbelievable, you can’t write this stuff.
not all heroes wear capes
Ordinary people can do heroic things. The nurse worked tirelessly during the pandemic; not all heroes wear capes.
ding-dong ditch
Ring the doorbell and run away as a prank. The kids were playing ding-dong ditch.
to lock down
To confirm or settle on something. We need to lock down the dates for the event.
edge of my seat
To be very excited or nervous because of the tension or suspense. Example: This movie kept me at the edge of my seat.
cliff hanger
A story or event with a strong element of suspense. Example: They always leave you with a cliff hanger at the end of each episode.
doctor up
To alter or make changes to something to improve it or make it more acceptable. Example: They doctored up the report to make it look better.
full proof plan
A plan that is guaranteed to succeed. Example: It’s a full proof plan; nothing can go wrong.
in their right mind
To be sane or rational. Example: Anyone in their right mind would help a friend in need.
pin it on
To blame someone for something. Example: He’s trying to pin the mistake on me, but it wasn’t my fault.
show their true colors
To reveal one’s true character or intentions. Example: She showed her true colors when she refused to help us.
shine/put the spotlight on
To highlight or draw attention to something or someone. Example: I want to shine the spotlight on the achievements of our team.
shout at
To yell or raise one’s voice angrily. Example: He was shouting at the monkeys to get off the car.
tightrope walker
Someone who is walking on a tightrope, often used metaphorically for someone in a precarious or risky situation. Example: He’s like a tightrope walker, balancing so many responsibilities.
burst out
To suddenly start (e.g., laughing, crying). Example: She burst out laughing at the joke.
save the best for last
To keep the best or most enjoyable thing until the end. Example: I always save the best part of the meal for last.
come across
To give an impression or to encounter. Example: He comes across as very confident. / I came across an old friend in the market.
put the nail in the coffin
To cause the end or failure of something. Example: The last scandal put the final nail in the coffin of his career.
at the edge of
At the border or boundary. Example: The village is at the edge of the forest.
get burnt out
To become very tired or sick from working too hard. Example: She got so burnt out from working long hours every day.
can of worms
A complicated, troublesome situation. Example: Discussing politics at the dinner table can open a can of worms.
pot calling the kettle black
A situation where someone criticizes another for a fault they also possess. Example: Accusing me of being lazy is like the pot calling the kettle black.
wreak havoc
To cause chaos or destruction. Example: The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal towns.
to shine a spotlight on
To draw attention to or highlight something. Example: The documentary shines a spotlight on the issue of climate change.
without question
Undoubtedly, without any doubt. Example: He loves his dog without question.
day in and day out
Continuously, regularly over a long period. Example: He works day in and day out to support his family.
forfeit
To lose or give up something as a penalty. Example: They had to forfeit the match due to a rules violation.
nail in the coffin
An event that causes the failure of something. Example: Losing the contract was the final nail in the coffin for the company.
show off
To display something one is proud of to gain admiration. Example: He was showing off his new car to his friends.
made up
To reconcile or become friends again after a disagreement. Example: They argued but soon made up.
make out
To kiss and engage in physical intimacy. Example: The couple was making out in the corner of the party.
runs in the family
A trait or characteristic that is common in the family. Example: Being good at math runs in the family.
once in a blue moon
Very rarely. Example: We only go out to eat once in a blue moon.
cry over spilt milk
To regret something that cannot be undone. Example: It’s no use crying over spilt milk; let’s just move on.
let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret. Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
call it a day
To stop working on something. Example: Let’s call it a day and go home.
In my circle
The people I regularly associate with. “I have young people in my circle.”
Balls of steel
Extreme courage and determination. “She has balls of steel; she can get through anything.”
Shoot the breeze
To have a casual conversation. “We spent 5 hours shooting the breeze.”
Standstill
A situation where no progress is being made. “We had a mini-debate, but nobody won or lost, so we came to a standstill.”
Throw (someone) under the bus
To betray or sacrifice someone for personal gain. “You will save your room, but burn down the whole house by throwing him under the bus.”
Catch a whiff of
To smell something briefly or faintly. “I caught a whiff of apple pie.”
Disposable income
Money that is available to spend on non-essential items. “People with disposable income can afford luxury items.”
More than one way to skin a cat
There are many ways to achieve the same goal. “Don’t worry if this method doesn’t work; there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”
At all costs
Do whatever is necessary to achieve something. “We must win this contract at all costs.”
Back burner
To delay dealing with something until a later time. “We’ll put this project on the back burner for now.”
Pick your battles
To choose which issues or problems to focus on. “You can’t fight every issue; you need to pick your battles.”
Dead issue
A topic or problem that is no longer relevant or worth discussing. “Let’s not bring that up again; it’s a dead issue.”
Do more harm than good
To cause more damage than benefits. “Interfering now might do more harm than good.”
Every dog has its day
Everyone will have a chance for success or luck at some point. “Don’t worry, your time will come; every dog has its day.”
Pot calling the kettle black
Criticizing someone for a fault one also possesses. “He accused her of being lazy, which is the pot calling the kettle black.”
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
If you are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve what you want. “Despite the challenges, they succeeded because where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
To go to town on/with (something)
To do something with enthusiasm or to a great extent. “He went to town on the project, making it the best it could be.”
I’ll be a monkey’s uncle
An expression of surprise or disbelief. “He finished the marathon in under three hours? Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!”
Eat your vegetables first
To do the unpleasant or difficult tasks before enjoying the more pleasant ones. “You have to eat your vegetables first before you can go out and play.”
The best view of
To have the best perspective or sight of something. “This rooftop gives the best view of the city.”
The worst
Something that is very bad. “That was the worst movie I’ve ever seen.”
Scorched
Burned by heat. “The sun scorched the earth.”
To dock someone’s pay
To reduce someone’s salary as a penalty. “He was late to work so many times that the company docked his pay.”
Accountability
Responsibility for actions or decisions. “The manager emphasized the importance of accountability in the workplace.”
Transparency
Openness and clarity about actions or decisions. “The company strives for transparency in all its dealings.”
Selective amnesia
Pretending to forget certain things. “He claims to have forgotten, but it seems like selective amnesia to me.”
Skinning a cat
There are multiple ways to achieve a goal. “Don’t worry if this method doesn’t work; there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”
Pseudo (prefix)
False or not genuine. “The holiday was fun, but it felt a bit pseudo.”
Lay/lie something on the table
To present something for consideration. “He laid all the facts on the table during the meeting.”
Seize
To take hold of something quickly and firmly. “The police seized the stolen goods.”
Seizure
A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. “He had a seizure during the meeting.”
Revelation
A surprising and previously unknown fact. “Her revelation about the company’s finances shocked everyone.”
Glimmer
A faint sign of a feeling or quality. “There was a glimmer of hope that he would recover.”
Glimmer of light/hope
A small sign of something positive. “Despite the challenges, there was a glimmer of hope.”
To undermine
To weaken or damage something, especially gradually. “His constant criticism undermined her confidence.”
Do more harm than good
To cause more damage than benefits. “Interfering now might do more harm than good.”
The benefits outweigh the risks
The positive aspects are more significant than the negative ones. “They decided to proceed with the project because the benefits outweigh the risks.”
Dead issue
A topic or problem that is no longer relevant or worth discussing. “Let’s not bring that up again; it’s a dead issue.”
Interference
The act of intervening or obstructing. “There was interference in the radio signal.”
All-knowing
Having complete or unlimited knowledge. “The professor was seen as all-knowing on the subject.”
to stand out like a sore thumb
To be very noticeable in an unpleasant way. Example: His bright pink shirt made him stand out like a sore thumb.
to hit close to home
To affect someone deeply and personally. Example: Her story of losing a loved one hit close to home for many.
to curse like a sailor
To use a lot of offensive language. Example: He curses like a sailor when he’s angry.
to tailor/pull & stretch/mold the situation
To adjust or manipulate a situation to fit one’s needs. Example: He tried to pull and stretch the situation to suit his agenda.
to be a game-changer
To have a significant impact on the outcome. Example: The new technology could be a real game-changer in the industry.
to bite the bullet
To face a difficult situation bravely. Example: She decided to bite the bullet and confront her boss about the issue.
to have a margin for error
To allow for a small amount of error. Example: There’s little margin for error when performing this task.
to be on one’s last leg
To be very tired or near the end of one’s strength. Example: After running the marathon, he was on his last leg.
to take a leap of faith
To trust in something despite the lack of proof. Example: Starting a new business requires taking a leap of faith.
to be a piece of work
To be a complicated, troublesome person. Example: He’s a real piece of work, always causing problems.
to get a second opinion
To seek another expert’s advice. Example: She decided to get a second opinion before agreeing to the surgery.
to take a rain check
To postpone an invitation or offer. Example: I’ll have to take a rain check on dinner tonight.
where there’s a will, there’s a way
If someone is determined to do something, they will find a way to accomplish it. Example: She proved that where there’s a will, there’s a way by finishing the project ahead of schedule.
to grind one’s gears
To annoy or irritate someone. Example: His constant complaining really grinds my gears.
to make or break
To cause either success or failure. Example: This deal could make or break the company.
to pull the wool over someone’s eyes
To deceive someone. Example: He tried to pull the wool over his boss’s eyes with a fake report.
to be a catch
To be considered a great find, especially in a romantic partner. Example: He’s smart, funny, and kind—quite a catch.
to carry the torch
To continue a tradition or take on a responsibility. Example: She carried the torch for her family’s business.
to spell disaster
To indicate a very bad outcome. Example: Ignoring these warning signs could spell disaster for the project.
to be thrown off one’s game
To be distracted or disrupted. Example: The unexpected news threw him off his game during the presentation.
to hold up one’s end of the bargain
To fulfill one’s part of an agreement. Example: He always holds up his end of the bargain in any deal.
to be bound by contract
To be legally obligated by the terms of a contract. Example: They are bound by contract to complete the work.
to side with someone
To support or agree with someone. Example: The judge sided with the plaintiff in the case.
to rest one’s case
To conclude presenting one’s argument. Example: After presenting all the evidence, the lawyer rested her case.
to call the shots
To make the decisions. Example: In this project, she’s the one calling the shots.
to raise concerns
To express worries or doubts. Example: He raised concerns about the safety of the new product.
to shine a light on something
To bring attention to something. Example: The investigation shined a light on the company’s unethical practices.
to be a stickler for the law
To strictly adhere to rules and regulations. Example: The new manager is a stickler for the law and doesn’t tolerate any shortcuts.
you’ve got your work cut out for you
You have a lot of tasks to complete. Example: “With all these assignments, you’ve got your work cut out for you.”
drowning in information, but parched for wisdom
Having a lot of information but lacking understanding. Example: “In the digital age, many people are drowning in information, but parched for wisdom.”
brace yourself
Prepare yourself for something shocking. Example: “Brace yourself, I have some bad news.”
to pick your brain
To ask someone for advice or detailed information. Example: “Can I pick your brain about the project you’re working on?”
turning over in their grave
Used to say that someone would be very upset or disturbed if they knew about a certain situation. Example: “If he knew what was happening, he would be turning over in his grave.”
if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
If you can’t handle the pressure, leave the situation. Example: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen – this job is not for the faint-hearted.”
to take a toll on
To have a negative impact on someone or something. Example: “Working long hours can really take a toll on your health.”
to take the bait
To fall for a trick or trap. Example: “The scammer was trying to trick people, but thankfully, most didn’t take the bait.”
larger than life
More impressive or interesting than a typical person or thing. Example: “The character he played in the movie was larger than life.”
out of the blue
Unexpectedly. Example: “She decided to visit me out of the blue.”
to nip it in the bud
To stop something before it becomes a problem. Example: “We need to nip this issue in the bud before it gets out of control.”
to throw the baby out with the bath water
To discard something valuable along with other things that are unwanted. Example: “When updating the system, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water by losing all the old features.”
bite off more than one can chew
To take on more responsibility than one can manage. Example: “He bit off more than he could chew when he agreed to manage both projects simultaneously.”
fake it till you make it
To act confidently and successfully, even if it’s not true, until it becomes reality. Example: “She decided to fake it till she made it, and eventually she did succeed.”
to be baptized by fire
To go through a difficult introduction to a new job or activity. Example: “His first week at the company was a baptism by fire, with multiple urgent projects.”
cut someone some slack
To be less critical of someone. Example: “She’s new to the job, so cut her some slack.”
point of no return
A stage at which it is impossible to turn back. Example: “Once we signed the contract, we reached the point of no return.”
life comes at you fast
Sudden or unexpected changes happen. Example: “One moment everything was fine, and the next, life came at him fast with all those unexpected challenges.”
brush up on
To improve your knowledge of something you have learned but partly forgotten. Example: I need to brush up on my Spanish before the trip.
to get stuck
To be unable to move or escape from a place or situation. Example: I got stuck in traffic on my way to the meeting.
to creep up on
To approach someone quietly so that they do not see or hear you until you reach them. Example: The deadline for the project is creeping up on us.
to catch someone’s eye
To attract someone’s attention. Example: The bright colors of the display caught my eye.
to get tired of
To become bored with something because it is no longer interesting. Example: I never get tired of watching my favorite movies.
to take a screenshot
To capture an image of the display on a computer or mobile device. Example: Please take a screenshot of the error message.
to save time
To reduce the amount of time needed to do something. Example: Using a dishwasher can save time compared to washing dishes by hand.
to make sense
To be logical or understandable. Example: His explanation didn’t make sense to me.
to find out
To discover a fact or piece of information. Example: She found out that she had won the lottery.
to avoid heat stroke
To prevent a serious condition caused by being too long in hot weather. Example: To avoid heat stroke, make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.
to make a layover
To have a short stop in a journey. Example: We will make a layover in Paris on our way to Rome.
to be on a streak
To have a continuous period of success or failure. Example: He’s on a winning streak with his new business ventures.
to tweak
To make small adjustments to something. Example: We need to tweak the design to improve the product.
to come back to your senses
To start thinking reasonably after a period of confusion or irrationality. Example: After calming down, he came back to his senses and apologized.
to follow up
To take additional steps to ensure a previous action is completed or effective. Example: I’ll follow up with the client to make sure they received the documents.
to renege on
To go back on a promise or agreement. Example: He reneged on his promise to help me with the project.
To be out of touch with something
To not have knowledge about something or be uninformed about the latest developments. Example: He is out of touch with the latest trends.
To be out of touch with reality
To be unaware of or disconnected from the real world or the practical aspects of a situation. Example: She is totally out of touch with reality.
To have a back and forth
To have a discussion or argument in which two people or groups alternate in speaking. Example: We had a back and forth about the project’s direction.
To form a bond with something
To develop a close connection or relationship with something or someone. Example: You form a special bond with your bike.
To be in good hands
To be under the care or protection of someone capable or trustworthy. Example: I didn’t believe the bike would be in good hands.
To wash one’s hands clean of
To completely disassociate oneself from something, often due to disapproval. Example: I wash my hands clean of Russia.
To pick up a language
To learn a language, usually informally or through exposure. Example: He picked up Spanish while living in Mexico.
To get around on one’s own
To navigate or travel independently. Example: She can get around the city on her own now.
To go through with something
To complete or carry out a plan or decision. Example: I’m glad I didn’t go through with this deal.
To be set in
To take place in a particular time or location. Example: The book is set in 1930s Russia.
To tie up loose ends
To deal with the final details or unresolved aspects of something. Example: We need to tie up loose ends before the project deadline.
