IDIOMS (UNITS 9-12) Flashcards
get very angry
hit the roof
She hit the roof when her neighbours played the stereo at full volume for the 4th consecutive night
adhere strictly to the regulations as a form of protest.
More info: a job action in which employees do no more than the minimum required by the rules of their contract or job, and strictly follow time-consuming rules normally not enforced. This may cause a slowdown or decrease in productivity if the employer does not hire enough employees or pay the appropriate salary and consequently does not have the requirements needed to run normally.
work to rule
The bus drivers voted to work to rule in an attempt to break down the management’s resistance to their demands.
think very hard about sth
rack your brains
He had to rack his brains to remember where he had left his car keys.
unofficial(ly)
off the record
My boss couldn’t tell me anything officially but off the record he told me a promotion was imminent.
after a long period of time
in the long run
this may be an expensive purchase but in the long run it will save us a lot of money.
stuck in a monotonous routine
in a rut
After working int he same office for ten years, he felt he was in a rut.
it is logical
it stands to reason
You’ve eaten so much that it stands to reason you feel sick.
when all else has failed
as a last resort
I’d been unable to contact her for 3 days so as a last resort I drove the 30 miles to her house to see what was going on.
settle down
put down roots
HavIng lived and worked in many different countries, he hought it was about time to put down roots in one place.
from a short distance
at close quarters
When you see famous people at close quarters, they always appear much smaller than you imagined them.
know all the details of sth
know the ropes
Paul’s only just started working here, so he really doesn’t know the ropes yet.
keep sth secret
to not tell people about something
keep sth quiet
I’m quitting this job on Friday, but keep it quiet,OK?
deeply hurt sb’s feelings
cut sb to the quick
secretly
on the quiet
His wife found out he’d been seeing someone on the quiet.
makes ppl want to ask a particular question
sth begs the question
Spending the summer travelling around India is a great idea, but it does beg the question of how we can afford it.
To discuss the company’s future begs the question of whether it has a future.
“give up/stop
to agree to stop what you are doing”
call it quits
Let’s call it quits for today and get together first thing tomorrow.
Impossible
not possible or allowed
out of the question
Asking my father for money was completely out of the question.
Wearing a stained blouse to dinner was out of the question.
undecided/unsettled
open to debate
be confused, undecided. To be in a dilemma
be in a quandary
She’s in a quandary over which flat to chose, so she’ll probably end up staying on her parent’s house.
person or thing that one has no experience of
an unknown quantity
If you’ve never been published before, you’re an unknown quantity, so you’re going to have difficulty selling your first novel.
The presidential candidate is virtually an unknown quantity as almost nothing is known about him.
use/have sth not as acceptable as original
to use what is available although it is not enough or what you wanted
make do with sth
Can you make do with $5 for now and I’ll give you the rest tomorrow?
dismiss sb
ask that person to leave a place or a job because they have done something wrong
give sb their marching orders (informal)
Three players got their marching orders last week.
compete with sb as good as/better than you
to compete unsuccessfully with someone
meet one’s match
He was a good player, but he met his match in Peter.
try to be kind/helpful
mean well
spending more than you can afford
LIVING BEYOND ONE’S MEANS
most people who are living beyond their means don’t realise until it’s too late
Over 40% of Americans admitted they were living beyond their means.
He was using credit cards to live way beyond his means.
If that’s her only income, she appears to be living beyond her means.
I try not to live beyond my means, but it’s not always easy.
If you can’t afford to pay off your credit card bill at the end of the month, you’re living beyond your means.
Recover from an illness
syn: get over?
to be getting better after an illness or injury
be on the mend (informal)
She’s been ill with the flu but she’s on the mend now.
begin to behave well
to begin to behave well, having until now behaved badly
mend one’s way
I was getting really bad grades, but I promised my parents I would mend my ways and work harder.
to understate sth in an ironic way
used for saying that something is much more extreme than your words suggest
to put it mildly
It has been a remarkable day, to put it mildly.
Deep in thought
to not be conscious of what is happening around you because you are thinking about something else
miles away (informal)
You could tell by the expression on her face that she was miles away, thinking about home.
perfect condition
perfect, as if new
in mint condition
The toys are carefully packaged so that they arrive in mint condition.
decide not to do sth or go to a place
to not do an activity
give sth a miss (informal)
I think I’ll give aerobics a miss this evening.
Sb gets sth which is worth its price/the effort put into it
get something which is worth the money that it costs or the effort you have put in.
sb gets their money’s worth
The fans get their money’s worth.
Identify sb who has done sth (usually immoral or illegal)
to tell someone the names of people involved in something, especially an unpleasant, secret, or illegal activity
name names
If people are going to accuse their colleagues of racist acts, they should name names.
The most important aspect
the most important part of an activity, or the quality that you most need for that activity
the name of the game
People say that in politics the name of the game is making the right friends.
Be very easy for sb to do
Be able to do sth easily, with little effort or learning
come naturally to sb
Dancing seemed to come naturally to her.
Being funny just came naturally to him.
Just do whatever comes naturally.
mention a sensitive subject
touch a nerve
put oneself in danger (physically or mtaphorically)
risk one’s neck
I am not risking my neck for anyone
Close relatives/friends
your family, especially those that you live with or are very involved with
nearest and dearest
“sum of money saved for a particular purpose
an amount of money that has been saved or kept for a special purpose”
nest egg (informal)
Regular investment of small amounts of money is an excellent way of building a nest egg.
Avoid being caught by a system/trap set up to catch sb
to escape a punishment or be missed by a system that should deal with or protect you
slip through the net
“Once again terrorists have slipped through the police net.
There are laws to protect the mentally ill, but now and then someone does slip through the net.”
Know nothing more than before
not understand something, even though it has been explained.
none the wiser
she said an awful lot but he wasn’t any the wiser
Try to interfere in sth
to get involved in or want information about (something that does not concern one)
to show too much interest in a situation that does not involve you
poke one’s nose into sth (informal)
You shouldn’t go sticking your nose into other people’s business!
resign
to tell your employer that you intend to leave your job after a particular period of time
hand/give in one’s notice
I handed in my notice yesterday.
I’m going to hand in my notice tomorrow.
Be in the same situation (usually bad)
Be in the same boat
As far as jobs go, we’re both in the same boat. I haven’t worked for months either.
be a foregone conclusion. Be obvious.
Go without saying
It goes without saying that he’ll get the role in the play; after all, he’s perfect for it.
in secret
behind the scenes
It would be interesting to know what goes on behind the scenes in a political campaign.
be in a state of confusion
Be all at sea
As far as her future goes, Olivia is all at sea, she hasn’t got a clue of what career to follow.
barely avoid an accident/a bad situation
Be/have a close shave
It was a close shave when a tile fell off the roof and nearly hit her on the head.
be in sb’s position
Be in sb’s shoes
be sold very cheaply
Go for a song
Almost everything sold at the auction went for a song; I’ve never seen so many bargains.
suspect that sth is wrong
smell a rat
She smelled a rat when her husband started coming home late but he was only working overtime.
Be/get very wet
Be/get soaked to the skin
I went out in the downpour without my umbrella and got soaked to the skin.
Travel often/not have a permanent home
Live out of a suitcase
People who are involved in international business tend to live out of a suitcase most of the time.
to not completely believe something that you are told, because you think it is unlikely to be true
take sth with a pinch of salt
You have to take everything she says with a pinch of salt, because she tends to exaggerate.
on a very small budget
on a shoestring
My brother travelled around the States on a shoestring; I don’t know how he survived on so little money.
make a greater effort
pull one’s socks up
He told his son that he ought to pull up his socks or he’d never make a success of himself.
“to behave in a loud, angry way in public
to get very angry in public”
Make a scene
“Please don’t make a scene.
So he paid, too embarrassed to make a scene in front of his date.”
insensitive to criticism or insults.
thick-skinned
He’s so thick-skinned that I don’t think he’d notice if you insulted him.
to become less shy, and more talkative and friendly. More self-confident and outgoing
Come out of sb’s shell
She used to be very timid and shy but I think she’s come out of her shell.
to be obvious
TO SHOW
Did it show that I was bored during the meeting? I tried to act as if I was interested.
to forget things very easily
pista: colador
A memory like a sieve
Could you tell me your last name one more time? I’m afraid I’ve got a memory like a sieve.
to escape from someone you do not want to be with.
Give sb the slip
the man who gave the police the slip wasn’t apprehended until a week later.
delay making a decision on something until the following day. Think about it overnight
Sleep on it
I’m going to sleep on it tonight, and I’ll make the decision tomorrow
to look extremely similar to someone. Or to look exactly the same as sb
Be the spitting image of
Paul is the spitting image of his father, even his mannerisms are the same.
A further difficulty or annoyance, typically minor in itself but coming on top of a series of difficulties, that makes a situation unbearable.
The last straw
“You don’t have to call anymore
I won’t pick up the phone
This is the last straw, there’s nothing left to beg for” (Taylor Swift - You’re Not Sorry)
to prevent someone from doing something
Stand in sb’s way
Go ahead and leave. I won’t stand in your way.
unlikely to succeed, but worth trying.
A long shot
The deal was a long shot, but Bagley had little to lose.
to secretly use the influence you have over important people in order to get something or to help someone
Pull strings
I may be able to pull a few strings if you need the document urgently.
INFORMAL
reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly.
Spill the beans
Although her friend asked her not to tell anyone about her secret wedding plans, she spilled the beans and soon everyone knew.
(informal) to go to bed
Hit the sack
to take revenge on sb bc of sth they have done to you
Get your own back
he’s always playing practical jokes on us; I think it’s time we got our own back
just in case
On the off chance
“I called his office on the off chance that he would still be there, but he had already left.
I called on the off chance that you were free to go out this evening.”
unacceptable (of behaviour)
not on (informal)
It’s just not on for you to speak to your parents in such a rude way.
in good condition
In good order
Sylvia checked to see if the contents of the box were in good order after delivery.
“so minimal or trivial as to have little effect.
A very small amount compared to the amount needed”
a drop in the ocean
My debt is just a drop in the ocean compared to many people’s.
to need to do something
have occasion to do sth
Of course, as a teacher I had authority, but rarely did I have occasion to use it.
more than or in addition to an amount
over and above
The company is doing well, with sales figures that are already over and above those of last year.
overdo sth; go to extremes
go overboard (informal)
Isn’t packing three suitcases for a weekend away going a bit overboard?
To do what is necessary to successfully overcome a difficult situation.
rise to the occasion
In spite of his stammer, Gerald rose to the occasion and delivered a fascinating speech.
occasionally
every so often
A - “how often do you visit your parents?”
B - “every so often, as they live some distance away”
more than (used for emphasis)
ONLY TOO (+ADJ)
I’m sure he’ll be only too willing to help you with the project.
to capacity and beyond
to overflowing
you say you need new clothes but your wardrobe is full to overflowing with dresses
behave in an unacceptable way
overstep the mark
It will be Overstepping the mark if you address the managing director by his first name.
from the very beginning
at/from the outset
Fran was informed at the outset that the assignment would be no easy matter.
passing on to (when introducing another speaker on the air)
used to say that it is now someone else’s turn to do something, to speak etc
over to
Now over to Bob who’s live at the scene of the crime.
I’ve done my best. Now it’s over to the professionals.
PROVERB: if someone does you a favour, you should take the chance to repay it
one good turn deserves another
PROVERB: a difficult situation will be resolved more quickly if there is no more discussion of it.
Least said, soonest mended
wrong or unfair methods may be used if the overall goal is good.
The end justifies the means
PROVERB
a task is soon accomplished if several people help.
Many hands make light work
old proverb that means “without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring.”
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
PROVERB
if children are not physically punished when they do wrong their personal development will suffer.
Spare the rod and spoil the child
PROVERB
a person who helps at a difficult time is a person who you can really rely on.
A friend in need is a friend indeed
Proverb:
If unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a good reason for it
There’s no smoke without fire
PROVERB
the fact that someone has done something unjust or dishonest is no justification for acting in a similar way.
Two wrongs don’t make a right
idiom used to mean that a person who has failed or been hurt when trying to do something is careful or fearful about doing it again.
Once bitten, twice shy
have no facts or sound reasons to support one’s argument or justify one’s actions.
Not have a leg to stand on (pág 150)
no in the correct order/time
fuera de lugar; fuera de orden
Out of turn
The debate became unmanageable when everyone started speaking out of turn
soon, shortly
In a tick
be stupid
cabeza dura, estúpido
Be as thick as a brick
That man is as thick as a brick. He can’t even add two and two without making a mistake.
expression:
Prepare/ set the table for a meal - poner la mesa
Lay/set the table
I lay the table with the fancy shit, and watch you tolerate it. (Taylor Swift - Tolerate it)
not aware of or using the latest ideas or techniques; out of date.
Not having or showing knowledge of current ideas or styles : outdated, old-fashioned.
be behind the times
The children considered dad to be behind the times.
The entire country is behind the times when it comes to protecting the environment.
To do sth although the conditions or circumstances are very bad. Whatever happens.
Through thick and thin
Don’t worry, we’ll be together through thick and thin.
with uncertain result
incierto, crítico.
(of an outcome, especially one that is desired) possible but very uncertain.
Touch and go
“I’m walking fast through the traffic lights
Busy streets and busy lives
And all we know is touch and go”
(Taylor Swift - State of Grace)
Arrive at the truth by looking at the facts. To draw an obvious conclusion from what is known or evident.
Put two and two together
Although she didn’t say anything directly, we put 2 and 2 together and realised that she was about to resign.
have a great time
Paint the town red
John and several of his friends went out to pain the town red on his stag night.
unnecessary bureaucracy
Red tape
With so much red tape involved, it’s very difficult for foreigners to obtain a work permit.
Having changed one’s mind
On second thoughts
No, on 2nd thoughts, i’ll do it now.
have progressive ideas.
opposite: be behind the times
Be ahead of one’s time
The inventor was ahead of his time when he invented a space rocket in the last century.
Run away from school without permission
Play truant
When he was at school he always played truant on Mondays, to go to the cinema.
Pass time while waiting for sth/sb
matar el tiempo
Kill time
They went for a walk to kill time while they waited for the ferry.
Just in time.
In the nick of time
The paramedics men arrived in the nick of time to resuscitate the heart attack victim.
accept a difficult situation
Come to terms with
After 6 years, she still cannot come to terms with the fact that her husband left her.
not hurry
Take one’s time
Don’t eat your food so quickly, take your time and enjoy it.
temporarily
For the time being
You can use my spare room for the time being but you must look for a flat of your own.
be really pleased
Be tickled pink
My grandfather was tickled pink when he won at bingo last week.
learning from one’s mistakes
(by) trial and error
The chef often comes up with hisi best recipes after a tedious process of trial and error.
not suit one’s taste
Not one’s cup of tea
Opera isn’t my cup of tea; I prefer rick music.
to be a person who is joked about or laughed at
be the butt of someone’s jokes
(pág 165)
He was sick of being the butt of their jokes.
No one wants to be the butt of a joke.
to deal with a problem or difficulty calmly and not to allow it to influence what you are doing
take something in your stride (pág 165)
When you become a politician, you soon learn to take criticism in your stride.
not having the same ideas or beliefs as other people, or not being aware of other people’s beliefs
Be out of step with someone/something (pág 165)
The governor’s remarks show that she is seriously out of step with the voters.
The M.P. was often out of step with his Party’s policies.
to have something, usually a large amount of important work, to deal with
have something on your plate (pág 165)
She’s got a lot on her plate - especially with two new projects starting this week.
at a speed which is comfortable
at one’s own pace
You’re allowed to work at your own pace in this relaxed, friendly company.
try hard to do sth
Go to great pains
Victoria went to great pains to complete a high quality presentation.
Feel tired and unable to work etc as well as usual.
less well, good, etc. than is usual or expected
Feel below/under par
I have no appetite and I am lethargic. I’ve been feeling under par for ages.
Incidentally. Briefly and casually.
In passing
“the research was mentioned only in passing”
“not be surprised if sb did sth.
to not be surprised if someone does something bad, because it is a typical thing for that person to do”
Not put it past sb
I would not put it past Gus to leave the firm without giving notice.
Not nearly as good as; not comparable
not a patch on (informal)
Julia’s work is not a patch on Natalie’s.
Reduce sb in status - To make someone realize that they are not as important or skilled as they think they are.
Bajar a alguien del pony (?)
Bring sb down a peg or two.
Sb as conceited as Ron needs bringing down a peg or two.
give your view or opinion
Say your piece
You say your piece, as you feel so strongly on this matter and then I’ll tell you what I think.
Be in a difficult financial situation
Feel the pinch
Many people are feeling the pinch now that there is an economic recession.
do sth others don’t understand.
Play at (informal)
Just what did you think you were playing at, going behind my back like that?
take a/the risk
arriesgarse
take the plunge
The economic situation makes many people unwilling to take the plunge and open their own businesses.
make an effort to be brave
pluck up the courage
I don’t know how I can pluck up the courage to tell him the awful news.
be worse than ever
Plumb new depths
The new soap opera on Channel 3 plumbs new depths in terms of tastelessness.
deteriorate
Go to pot (informal)
We’ll keep you posted of any further changes in the examination specifications
keep sb informed
Keep sb posted
We’ll keep you posted of any further changes in the examination specifications
1) At a higher price than usual bc it is scarce
2) wanted/needed but difficult to get/achieve
at a premium
Houses with gardens and garages are often at a premium in city centres.
Compete with sb or sth in intelligence or in a test of knowledge
Pit your wits against sb/st
It is a pointless excercise to pit your wits against a computer in chess tournaments.
continue determinedly
Press on/ahead
Unless we press on/ahead with our effort, the project won’t be completed on time.
“Proverb:
the person who provides the money for something has the right to determine how it’s spent”
He who pays the piper calls the tune
Proverb:
it’s wiser to be cautious and careful than to be hasty or rash and so do something you may later regret.
Better safe than sorry
“Proverb:
an aphorism stating that not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so.” “No es oro todo lo que reluce
no todo lo que brilla es oro”
All that glitters is not gold
“Proverb:
used to say that if you tell someone about a problem, it is easier to deal with”
A trouble shared is a trouble halved.
“Proverb:
family relationships and loyalties are the strongest and most important ones”
Blood is thicker than water
“Proverb:
delay or vacillation may have unfortunate or disastrous consequences.”
He who hesitates is lost.
“Proverb:
a timely effort that will prevent more work later.”
A stitch in time saves time
“Proverb:
something you say that means that since you have started something or are involved in it, you should complete the work although it has become more difficult or complicated than you had expected”
In for a penny, in for a pound
“Proverb:
extensive knowledge of or close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it.”
Familiarity breeds contempt
“Proverb:
said to mean that the positive and negative results of a situation or action balance each other.
There are both gains and losses in life; you win some, you lose some.”
What you lose on the swings, you gain on the roundabouts
1) to be standing. estar levantado, estar de pie.
2) to have recovered from an illness: haberse recuperado de una enfermedad
be up and about
the mixture of good and bad things in life or in a particular situation or relationship. Good things alternating with bad ones.
Ups and downs
Every business has its ups and downs.
We’ve had our ups and downs since we left London, but for the most part we’re very happy living in the country.
“To improve steadily.
To become more successfull
ALSO: to be honest and fair.”
Be on the up and up
“1)Her career has been on the up and up since she moved into sales.
2) There is skepticism among many voters that the election is going to be conducted on the up and up.”
likely to be very successful. algo prometedor
up and coming
The up and coming young actress had been offered a role in “The Tempest”.
make sb angry/ annoy sb
Drive (sb) up the wall
The noise those builders are making is driving me up the wall.
To express sth freely. (formal) to express a feeling, especially anger, strongly
Give vent to
“She gave full vent to her feelings in a violent outburst.
Sarah gave vent to her feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction when she spoke to her boss.”
not seem reasonable or in accordance with the facts
not hold water
Unless you can support your argument with some statistics, I’m afraid it does not hold water.
be strong evidence of sb’s feelings, merits, etc. to provide a lot of information about something wit just showing something very clearly.
speak volumes
Although she said nothing about missing her husband, the expression on her face spoke volumes.
to understand things easily/with difficulty. Quick/slow to understand
Quick/slow on the uptake
Mike is so quick on the update that you never have to repeat instructions twice.
a visit that only lasts a very short time.
Make a flying visit
With only a few hours to spare, Sarah knew she could only make a flying visit to her old school.
not surprising
No/little wonder
It’s no wonder he’s in a bad mood if it’s true that his wife just left him.
lacking experience; immature.
Wet behind the ears
he’s a nice young fellow but a bit wet behind the ears
cause trouble
Make waves
My boss accused me of making waves when I complained about our working condirtions
unfriendly reception
Frosty welcome
We got such a frosty welcome when we arrived at the party that we almost wished we hadn’t gone.
to be in a bad mood and to be easily annoyed all day
Get out of bed on the wrong side
She realised that her boss had got out of bed on the wrong side when he snapped at her before she had even said good morning.
unwilling to change one’s habits, behaviors, opinions, etc.
Be set in one’s ways
“As people get older, they often become set in their ways.
He’s so set in his ways that if you gave him tea at 4 o’clock instead of 4:30, he’d complain.”
to feel ill
Under the weather
I’m feeling a bit under the weather - I think I’m getting a cold and i think I have a fever.
give in/yield
Give way to
If you always give way to people’s wishes, then they’re bound to take advantage of you
To receive information about sth indirectly. to hear a piece of information that someone else was trying to keep secret
Get wind of
“I don’t want my colleagues to get wind of the fact that I’m leaving.
I don’t know how they got wind of our plans; I’ve certainly never discussed them with anyone.”
Appear satisfactory but in fact not be. used to show that you do not agree with something or that you are annoyed about something
be all very well
“Patience is all very well as long as you don’t have to be patient for too long.
It’s all very well him saying he’d replace the vase he broke but he hasn’t done so yet!”
be partially successful.
Be/have (a) qualified success
The experimental play was only a qualified success which disappointed the playwright.
show no mercy
Give sb no quarter
This particular interviewer gives no quarter to politicians that he interviews and insists on a direct answer to all his questions.
work fast in order to do sth on time.
Clue: race
A race against time
it is a race agaiinst time to find cures for many diseases of our time, including cancer and AIDS.
try hard to think
Rack one’s brains
No matter how much i racked my brains I couldn’t solve the riddle.
become angry
Lose one’s rag
Stephen really lost his rag when his dental appointment was cancelled yet again.
under any circumstances
Rain or shine
I’m going to watch the football match, rain or shine.
make sth clear and forceful
Ram home sth
As a politician he is a forceful speaker and rams home his point with great conviction
rush about violently. Rush around in a wild or violent way, causing damage or destruction
Go on the rampage
The bull escaped from his pen and went on the rampage through the town, provoking panic in his wake.
eager to do sth or go somewhere
raring to go
After a good night’s sleep, Paul said he was raring to go.
to be treated unfairly or badly
have/get a raw deal (informal)
We must ask why bank customers get such a raw deal.
to accept that something is true without making sure that it is
take sth as read
I just took it as read that anyone who applied for the course would have the necessary qualifications.
to leave a place or begin a journey
hit the road (informal)
I’d love to stay longer but I must be hitting the road.
do very good business
do a roaring trade
the cafes on the boulevard were doing a roaring trade
take a break to renew/refresh yourself
recharge your batteries
In today’s competitive world, everyone needs a regular holiday to recharge their batteries.
after careful thought
On reflection
Barry liked the idea of a fine arts course but on reflection he decided to go in for accountancy.
better off without sb or sth
Be well rid of sb or sth
The job was making her so stressed and unhappy that she handed in her notice, deciding that she handed in her notice, deciding that she was well rid of it.
be deceived/cheated
Be taken for a ride
When my new motor kept breaking down, I knew I’d been taken for a ride by the second-hand car salesman.
recover from an illness
Be as right as rain
accept unpleasant as well as pleasant situations
Take the rough with the smooth
Life is so full of both good fortune and misfortunes that you have to learn to take the rough with the smooth
insist o reminding sb of sth unpleasant or embarrassing
Rub sth in
When sb has made a mistake, it’s kinder not to rub it in by constantly reminding them of it
Operating normally
Up and running
It takes time to get a financial system up and running after the introduction of a new currency.
