Random Phrases And Idioms

Question 1

We use this expression to introduce an action that you should always do if you are not sure what to do.

Answer 1

If in doubt…

• Should I put nuts in Janice’s birthday cake? I think she might be allergic to them.
• If in doubt, leave them out.
• Okay, that’s what I’ll do.

Question 2

We use this expression to say someone or something is in an extreme condition - generally negative.

Answer 2

in A right/proper state

• What happened to Julie? She’s been crying all day. She’s in a right state.
• I know. I think her boyfriend left her last night.

Question 3

a know-all / someone who knows everything (or thinks they do!)

Answer 3

A smart Alec

Rumi’s new boyfriend is a right smart Alec. I don’t like him.

Question 4

We use this phrase when we think somebody has told us a lie to make a joke.

Answer 4

Pull THE other one!

• Guess what! I’ve just won one million pounds.
• Oh, go on pull the other one. You’re having me on.
• No seriously. I really have won the National Lottery.

Question 5

based on ideas or judgments that are not suitable for a particular situation (disapproving)

Answer 5

wrongheaded

He admitted that the party had followed policies now considered wrongheaded.

Question 6

› UK informal a customer; a user of services or buyer of goods:

› UK slang a person who uses the services of a prostitute

Answer 6

punter

Many hotels are offering discounts in an attempt to attract punters/pull in the punters.

Question 7

slightly drunk

Answer 7

squiffy

“I’ve only had one glass of sherry and I feel squiffy already,” she said.

Question 8

to decide to believe exactly what someone tells you, even if it does not seem likely to be true

Поймать на слове, понять буквально.

Answer 8

take sb at their word
take sb’s word for it

He said he didn’t mind what we did, and we took him at his word.

He said he’d give me a job and I just took him at his word.

If he says there’s $500 in the envelope, then I’ll take his word for it.

Question 9

плевать против ветра

Answer 9

to spit in THE wind

Question 10

забить (на что-л.)

Answer 10

skip it

Question 11

> Make a series of short explosive spitting or choking sounds

> Say something rapidly, indistinctly, and with a spitting sound, as a result of anger, embarrassment, or another strong emotion

> Spit (something) out from one’s mouth noisily and in small splashes

Answer 11

splutter

:‘she coughed and spluttered, tears coursing down her face’

:‘he began to splutter excuses’; ‘How dare you?’ she spluttered’

:‘spluttering brackish water, he struggled to regain his feet’

Question 12

a child, especially one who behaves badly

Answer 12

brat

Question 13

something you say to tell someone to stop thinking that they are moreimportant than other people, especially when they are complaining about something (phrasal)

Answer 13

get over yourself!

Question 14

to start to do or deal with something (phrasal)

Answer 14

set about sth

I’ve no idea how to set about changing a tyre on a car.

I tried to apologize, but I think I set about it the wrong way.

Question 15

If a machine does this, it does not work as it should (phrasal)

Answer 15

play up

The starter motor was playing up again.

Question 16

to start or continue doing something in a determined way, often despite problems (phrasal)

Answer 16

press on/ahead

It was pouring with rain, but we pressed on regardless.

The government is pressing ahead with its plans to reorganize the penal system.

Question 17

to eat something very quickly

Answer 17

wolf sth down

The girls wolfed down the pizza in minutes.

Question 18

good judgment and practical ability

Answer 18

nous
/naʊs/

Anyone with a bit of nous would have known what to do.

Question 19

a sudden inward collapse

Answer 19

implosion

“the implosion of a light bulb”

Question 20

We use this expression to say we need more time to do something and that the other person is being unreasonable.

Answer 20

give me a chance

• Have you finished the book yet?
• Give me a chance. You only gave it to me yesterday!

Question 21

лезть из кожи вон

Answer 21

bend over backwards

I bent over backwards to please my boss, but he still didn’t give me the promotion

Question 22

поспешишь - людей насмешишь

Answer 22

haste makes waste

Question 23

someone who is unfriendly and doesn’t show their emotions

Answer 23

cold fish

Question 24

said about someone who is very important or have a lot of influence but only in a small area or group.

Answer 24

a big fish in a small pond

Question 25

If someone has it, it means they often do things that are unkind.

Answer 25

to have A mean streak

My boss won’t give me a pay rise - he’s got a real mean streak.

Question 26

If someone has it, they are often scared or not very brave.

Answer 26

to have A yellow streak

The public accused the government minister of having a yellow streak after he refused to answer some difficult questions.

Question 27

If something or someone is described as this, it is too dangerous or difficult to deal with

Answer 27

too hot to handle

The presenter found it very difficult to interview the film star. He was too hot to handle, and didn’t want to answer any questions.

Question 28

begin to understand sth (get …, think of something a door has)

Answer 28

get a handle on something

I used to be terrible at maths but after lots of hard work, I think I’ve got a handle on it now.