Session 2 Flashcards
big ask
Something that is a lot to request or require from someone, often due to difficulty or inconvenience.
jump ship
to leave a failing situation/group
When the company started failing, many employees decided to jump ship and look for new job opportunities.
come rain or shine
to persevere through all conditions
I will pick you up from the airport come rain or shine.
The wedding ceremony will take place outdoors, come rain or shine.
go down in flames
to fail spectacularly
I knew I shouldn’t have started a political argument with my in-laws, but I couldn’t help myself. The conversation went down in flames.
ruffle feathers
to upset beliefs or values
Her blunt comments ruffled some feathers in the company meeting.
The new employee unknowingly ruffled feathers by taking the last donut in the break room.
give your head a shake
A command or suggestion to think clearly or reconsider something, often used as a rebuke.
You think that plan will work? Give your head a shake!
He needs to give his head a shake if he believes he can do that without practice.
set one’s teeth on edge
used to describe something very annoying
I can’t help it, but this guy sets my teeth on edge. Just look at the way he walks!
Do you have something that sets your teeth on edge? For example, I can’t concentrate when I hear a fly buzzing.
talk shop
to talk about work outside of work
I’m here to relax. Let’s not talk shop.
This guy always talks nothing but shop. That’s why we don’t invite him often.
have someone pegged
to understand someone well
When it comes to politics, he has the candidate’s true intentions pegged.
After meeting her, I had her personality pegged within minutes.
go over someone’s head
to seek higher help without permission
When my boss refused to approve my vacation request, I had no choice but to go over his head and speak to his supervisor.
Whenever I have a problem with the landlord, I try to resolve it with him directly first, but if he doesn’t listen, then I’ll have to go over his head and complain to the property management company.
throw someone a bone
to assist slightly
I know you’re struggling with this project, so I’m going to throw you a bone and give you an extra day to complete it.”
Could you please throw me a bone and share some of your notes from last week’s lecture?”
fall on one’s sword
to take the blame
When the team failed the project, the manager decided to fall on his sword and take full responsibility for the mistake.
The politician decided to fall on his sword and resign from his position after a scandalous affair was exposed.
at/in the back of one’s mind
lurking thought in subconscious
Even though I’m enjoying this vacation, the thought of work is always at the back of my mind.
She knew she needed to start saving money, but it was always in the back of her mind to treat herself to something nice.
to do someone a solid
to perform a favor
Hey man, can you do me a solid and pick up my kids from school?
I owe him big time, he did me a solid by covering my shift at work.
