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English > Speak English Like an American > Flashcards

Speak English Like an American Flashcards

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Proverbs and Idioms flashcards
1
Q

about to

A

ready to- on the verge of

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2
Q

after all

A

despite everything- when everything has been considered- the fact is

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3
Q

at least

A

anyway- the good thing is that?

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4
Q

(to) break the news to

A

to make something known to

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5
Q

(to) cost an arm and a leg

A

to be very expensive

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6
Q

dead end job

A

a job that won’t lead to anything else

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7
Q

(let’s) face it

A

accept a difficult reality

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8
Q

(to) give one the creeps

A

to create a feeling of disgust or horror

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9
Q

(to) go back to the drawing board

A

to start a task over because the last try failed-to start again from the beginning

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10
Q

(to) go belly up

A

to go bankrupt

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11
Q

(to) give someone the axe

A

to fire someone

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12
Q

(to) lose one’s temper

A

to become very angry

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13
Q

(to) make up one’s mind

A

to reach a decision-to decide

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14
Q

no point in

A

no reason to- it’s not worth (doing something)

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15
Q

(to) put up with

A

to endure without complaint

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16
Q

real flop or flop

A

a failure

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17
Q

(to) save the day

A

to prevent a disaster or misfortune

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18
Q

(as) sharp as a tack

A

very intelligent

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19
Q

(to) talk over

A

to discuss

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20
Q

top dollar

A

the highest end of a price range- a lot of money

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21
Q

(to) change one’s mind

A

to change one’s opinion or decision

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22
Q

easier said than done

A

more difficult than you think

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23
Q

(to) get canned [slang]

A

to lose one’s job-to get fired

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24
Q

(to) hang in there

A

to persevere-to not give up

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25
Q

if worse comes to worst

A

in the worst case- if absolutely necessary

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26
Q

(to) keep one’s chin up

A

to stay positive

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27
Q

last resort

A

if there are no other alternatives left- the last solution for getting out of a difficulty

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28
Q

(to) live from hand to mouth

A

to barely have enough money to survive

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29
Q

(to) look on the bright side

A

to be optimistic-to think about the positive part or aspect of a situation

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30
Q

(to) make ends meet

A

to manage one’s money so as to have enough to live on-to be okay financially

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31
Q

out of work

A

unemployed- not working

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32
Q

right hand man

A

the most helpful assistant or employee

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33
Q

(to) set eyes on

A

to look at-to see for the first time

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34
Q

(to) stab someone in the back

A

to betray someone

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35
Q

(to be) stressed out

A

under severe strain- very anxious

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36
Q

(to) tell off

A

to scold-to tell someone in strong words what one really thinks

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37
Q

thank goodness

A

I’m grateful- I’m relieved

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38
Q

(to) think big

A

to set high goals

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39
Q

What’s the matter?

A

What’s the problem?

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40
Q

When pigs fly! [slang]

A

never

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41
Q

beside the point

A

not relevant- not important

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42
Q

(to) blow something

A

to spoil or botch something

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43
Q

(to) buckle down

A

to start working seriously

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44
Q

can’t stand

A

to hate

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45
Q

(to) cut class

A

to miss class without an excuse

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46
Q

Get real!

A

be serious or realistic about what’s going on

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47
Q

(to) have one’s heart set on

A

to really want something

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48
Q

(to) hit the books

A

to start studying

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49
Q

lost cause

A

something hopeless

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50
Q

(to) not give a hoot

A

to not care about

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51
Q

over one’s head

A

beyond one’s understanding

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52
Q

(to) slack off

A

to waste time

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53
Q

(to) stand a chance

A

to have the possibility of success

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54
Q

(to) butt in [slang]

A

to interrupt-to interfere

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55
Q

(to) drive one crazy

A

to annoy someone very much

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56
Q

(to) go into

A

to enter a profession

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57
Q

green with envy

A

desiring another’s advantages or things

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58
Q

gung ho

A

very enthusiastic- very excited (about something)

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59
Q

head and shoulders above

A

far superior to

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60
Q

(to) hit the nail on the head

A

to be right

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61
Q

(to be) on thin ice (with someone)

A

to be in a dangerous position-to be temporarily on somebody’s bad side

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62
Q

(to) pay (someone) a compliment

A

to give someone a compliment-to offer someone an admiring comment

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63
Q

(to) shake in one’s shoes

A

to tremble with fear-to be afraid

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64
Q

shut up

A

1) be quiet, stop speaking 2) Stop speaking!

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65
Q

Way to go!

A

Good work!

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66
Q

(to be) crazy about

A

to like very much

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67
Q

cup of tea

A

the type of person or thing that one generally likes

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68
Q

(to be) down in the dumps

A

to feel sad-to be depressed

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69
Q

(to) drop by

A

to pay a short, often unannounced visit

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70
Q

(to) hang around

A

to spend time idly-to linger

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71
Q

(to) hang out

A

to spend time (often doing nothing)

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72
Q

(to) have a blast [slang]

A

to enjoy oneself very much

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73
Q

(to) have a good time

A

to enjoy oneself

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74
Q

take it easy

A

relax- don’t worry

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75
Q

(to) take something the wrong way

A

to take offense

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76
Q

there’s no accounting for taste

A

it’s impossible to explain individual likes and dislikes

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77
Q

under one’s breath

A

quietly- in a whisper

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78
Q

to be) up in the air

A

not yet determined- uncertain

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79
Q

(to) cheer someone up

A

to make someone happy

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80
Q

(to) give (someone) credit

A

to acknowledge someone’s contribution-to recognize a positive trait in someone

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81
Q

(to) give credit where credit is due

A

to give thanks or acknowledgement to the person who deserves it

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82
Q

(to) go into business

A

to start a business

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83
Q

good thinking

A

good idea- smart planning

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84
Q

(to) have a heart of gold

A

to be very kind and giving

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85
Q

Help yourself

A

serve yourself

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86
Q

(to be) in a bad mood

A

unhappy- depressed- irritable

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87
Q

just what the doctor ordered

A

exactly what was needed

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88
Q

(to) make a bundle

A

to make a lot of money

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89
Q

(to be) on edge

A

nervous- irritable

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90
Q

out of this world

A

delicious

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91
Q

(to) pig out [slang]

A

to eat greedily-to stuff oneself

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92
Q

bright and early

A

early in the morning

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93
Q

crash course

A

short and intensive instruction

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94
Q

Fat chance!

A

definitely not

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95
Q

(to) give it a shot

A

to try something

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96
Q

happy camper [slang]

A

a happy person- a satisfied participant

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97
Q

(to have) mixed feelings

A

to feel positive about one aspect of something and negative about another

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98
Q

needless to say

A

obviously

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99
Q

(to) not have a clue

A

to know nothing about

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100
Q

(to) not sleep a wink

A

to be awake all night

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101
Q

(to) work like a dog

A

to work very hard

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102
Q

(to) beat around the bush

A

to talk around the subject-to avoid getting to the point

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103
Q

dime a dozen

A

so plentiful as to be nothing special- common

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104
Q

Good for you!

A

Good job! Well done!

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105
Q

hard times

A

a time of difficulty

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106
Q

(to be) in good spirits

A

happy- in a good mood

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107
Q

made of money

A

very rich

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108
Q

(to) make a splash

A

to win popularity quickly

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109
Q

(to) pay (someone) back

A

to repay a loan or debt

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110
Q

pipe dream

A

an unrealistic hope

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111
Q

(to) shell out

A

to pay (often more than one would like)

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112
Q

(to) take (something) by storm

A

to win popularity quickly

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113
Q

(that’s or those are) the breaks

A

when something bad happens and you can’t do anything about it

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114
Q

wise guy [slang]

A

a smart aleck- one who makes a lot of sarcastic comments

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115
Q

brown noser [slang]

A

a person who’s constantly trying to win favour with people above them, such as teachers or bosses

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116
Q

by far

A

by a wide margin- by a great difference

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117
Q

(to) count on someone

A

to depend or rely on someone

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118
Q

full of oneself

A

to think too much of oneself

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119
Q

(to) get down to business

A

to get serious about a task

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120
Q

(to) get or to have under one’s belt

A

to have or to get experience

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121
Q

(to) give (someone) a run for (one’s) money

A

to be strong competition

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122
Q

(to) give someone the cold shoulder

A

to be cold to someone on purpose-to snub someone

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123
Q

(to not) give someone the time of day

A

to ignore someone-to refuse to pay any attention to someone

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124
Q

goody goody

A

self righteously or smugly good

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125
Q

it’s a deal

A

I agree (to a proposal or offer)

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126
Q

(to) kid around

A

to joke around-to tease

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127
Q

(to) talk into

A

to persuade-to convince

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128
Q

you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours

A

if you do me a favour, I’ll do you a favour- let’s cooperate

129
Q

ballpark figure

A

an approximate number

130
Q

Don’t mention it!

A

you’re welcome

131
Q

(to) figure out

A

to solve-to determine

132
Q

from scratch

A

from the beginning- using all fresh ingredients rather than using a prepared mix

133
Q

(to) go nuts [slang]

A

to react with great enthusiasm

134
Q

(to) jump the gun

A

to start doing something too soon or ahead of everybody else

135
Q

just kidding

A

talking more to get a laugh than anything

136
Q

(to) make a pig of oneself [slang]

A

to overeat-to eat too much

137
Q

(to) make time for

A

to put time in one’s schedule for something

138
Q

(to) roll up one’s sleeves

A

to prepare to work

139
Q

(to) sit tight

A

to wait patiently

140
Q

What’s up?

A

What’s going on? What’s new?

141
Q

you can say that again

A

I agree with you

142
Q

can’t complain

A

things are going well- I’m fine

143
Q

(to) crunch numbers

A

to perform calculations (especially financial calculations)

144
Q

(to) drive a hard bargain

A

to be tough in negotiating an agreement-to negotiate something in one’s favour

145
Q

(to) get the ball rolling

A

to get started

146
Q

How’s it going?

A

How are you?

147
Q

(to) make a living

A

to earn enough money to support oneself

148
Q

now you’re talking

A

you’re saying the right thing

149
Q

out of the question

A

impossible

150
Q

(to) sweeten the deal

A

to make an offer more attractive

151
Q

take it or leave it

A

accept or reject an offer, usually a final one

152
Q

(to) twist (someone’s) arm

A

to persuade someone-to convince someone

153
Q

worth one’s while

A

worthy of one’s effort or time

154
Q

(to) bite off more than one can chew

A

to take on more than one is capable of-to take on too much

155
Q

for heaven’s sake!

A

A way of expressing emotions such as surprise, outrage, or impatience

156
Q

(to) get going

A

to get started on something-to set off for a destination-to leave

157
Q

(to) help out

A

to give assistance-to help

158
Q

like a chicken with its head cut off

A

in a hysterical manner- in a frenzy- in a very nervous way

159
Q

like crazy

A

with great speed or enthusiasm

160
Q

like pulling teeth

A

very difficult

161
Q

never mind

A

don’t worry about something- forget it- it doesn’t matter

162
Q

(to) pitch in

A

to help

163
Q

(to) run around

A

to move about quickly

164
Q

things are looking up

A

things are improving

165
Q

all the rage

A

the latest fashion- popular right now

166
Q

(to) call it a night

A

to stop an activity for the rest of the night

167
Q

feel free

A

go ahead and do something- don’t hesitate (to do something)

168
Q

(to) get out of the way

A

to move out of the way-to stop interfering with someone’s plans or activities

169
Q

(to be) in good hands

A

in good, competent care

170
Q

(to) know one’s stuff

A

to have an expertise in a field

171
Q

(to) lend a hand

A

to help

172
Q

(to) lose one’s touch

A

to no longer be able to do something well

173
Q

(to be) out of practice

A

no longer good at doing something

174
Q

(to) pick up

A

to acquire-to learn

175
Q

sweet tooth

A

an enjoyment of sugary foods

176
Q

(to) take a break

A

to stop and rest from an activity

177
Q

(to) take over

A

to assume control

178
Q

too many cooks spoil the broth

A

too many people involved in an activity can ruin it

179
Q

tricks of the trade

A

clever shortcuts gained by experience

180
Q

(to) work one’s tail off [slang]

A

to work very hard

181
Q

(to) break up with (someone)

A

to end a relationship with a romantic partner

182
Q

(to) crank out

A

to produce rapidly or in a routine manner

183
Q

crunch time

A

a short period when there’s high pressure to achieve a result

184
Q

Give me a break!

A

that’s ridiculous- that’s outrageous

185
Q

go ahead

A

to continue-to proceed without hesitation

186
Q

head over heels in love

A

very much in love

187
Q

love at first sight

A

an immediate attraction

188
Q

(to) make out

A

to kiss with much passion

189
Q

(to be) nuts about

A

to like very much

190
Q

(to have a) one track mind

A

having all thoughts directed to just one thing or activity- focused on just one thing

191
Q

(to) plug away (at something)

A

to proceed with a boring or routine task-to keep trying

192
Q

(to) treat (someone) like dirt

A

to behave in a nasty way towards someone-to treat someone poorly

193
Q

basket case [slang]

A

someone or something in a useless or hopeless condition

194
Q

(to have a) big head

A

arrogant- too proud of oneself

195
Q

conventional wisdom

A

a widely held belief

196
Q

(to) do the trick

A

to achieve the desired results

197
Q

I’ll say!

A

yes, definitely!

198
Q

in reality

A

in fact- actually

199
Q

load off one’s mind

A

a relief

200
Q

look like

A

have the appearance of

201
Q

nervous wreck

A

a person feeling very worried

202
Q

no wonder

A

it’s not surprising

203
Q

(to) pull an all nighter

A

to stay up all night to do work

204
Q

rule of thumb

A

a useful principle

205
Q

(to) turn off

A

to cause to feel dislike or revulsion

206
Q

at first

A

in the beginning

207
Q

(to) get the hang of (something)

A

to learn how-to do something-to acquire an effective technique

208
Q

(to) give (someone) a ring

A

to telephone someone

209
Q

in any case

A

whatever the fact is- certainly

210
Q

in person

A

personally- in one’s physical presence

211
Q

(to) keep posted

A

to provide up ,to date information

212
Q

(to) learn the ropes

A

to learn the basics

213
Q

pain in the neck

A

an annoyance

214
Q

piece of cake

A

very easy

215
Q

(to) round up

A

to gather people together

216
Q

second nature

A

a behaviour that has been practiced for so long, it seems to have been there always

217
Q

to tell you the truth

A

to speak openly-to admit

218
Q

your guess is as good as mine

A

I don’t know- I don’t know any more than you do

219
Q

(to) blow it

A

to spoil an opportunity

220
Q

(to) burn the midnight oil

A

to stay up late studying or working

221
Q

chitchat

A

casual conversation- gossip

222
Q

(to) deliver the goods

A

to meet expectations-to do what’s required

223
Q

(to) do one’s best

A

to try as hard as possible

224
Q

rest assured

A

be sure

225
Q

right away

A

immediately

226
Q

(to) sell like hotcakes

A

to sell fast-to be a popular item

227
Q

(to be) sitting pretty

A

in a good position (often financially)

228
Q

sold out

A

completely sold

229
Q

(to) take off

A

to become popular-to grow suddenly

230
Q

tall order

A

a task or goal that is difficult to achieve

231
Q

big shot

A

a powerful or important person

232
Q

(to) fool around

A

to waste time, or spend it in a silly way

233
Q

(to) get on one’s nerves

A

to annoy or irritate someone

234
Q

(to) get the show on the road

A

to start working-to begin an undertaking

235
Q

(to) lighten up

A

to stop taking things so seriously

236
Q

night owl

A

a person who enjoys being active late at night

237
Q

Nothing doing!

A

Not a chance!

238
Q

(to) stay up

A

not to go to bed-to stay awake

239
Q

by a hair

A

just barely- very narrowly- by a small amount

240
Q

fair and square

A

honestly

241
Q

for sure

A

definitely

242
Q

(to) give it one’s best shot

A

to try as hard as one can

243
Q

(to) give up

A

to admit defeat-to surrender

244
Q

(to) go wrong

A

to make a mistake-to go astray-to malfunction-to work incorrectly

245
Q

(to) live with it

A

to accept a difficult reality

246
Q

(to) make a fool of oneself

A

to cause oneself to look stupid

247
Q

(to) mess up

A

to make a mistake-to spoil an opportunity

248
Q

(to) put the blame on (someone)

A

to name somebody else as responsible for a misdeed or misfortune

249
Q

(to) set the record straight

A

to correct an inaccurate account

250
Q

sure thing

A

an outcome that is assured

251
Q

as a matter of fact

A

in fact- actually

252
Q

(to) blow things out of proportion

A

to exaggerate-to make more of something than one should

253
Q

(to) find out

A

to learn-to discover

254
Q

(to) get a handle on

A

to gain an understanding of

255
Q

(to) get one’s act together

A

to get organized-to start operating more effectively

256
Q

(to) knock oneself out

A

to work very hard at something (sometimes too hard)

257
Q

one’s heart goes out to (someone)

A

to feel sorry for someone

258
Q

(to) rant and rave

A

to talk loudly, often in anger

259
Q

(to) sweep (something) under the rug

A

to hide something, often a scandal

260
Q

taken aback

A

surprised (almost always in a negative sense)

261
Q

(to) throw the book at someone

A

to punish or chide severely

262
Q

all over

A

throughout- everywhere

263
Q

(to) come to an agreement

A

to reach an agreement

264
Q

in that case

A

under that circumstance

265
Q

(to be or to get) in touch with (someone)

A

to be or to get in contact with (someone)

266
Q

(to) look forward to

A

to anticipate eagerly

267
Q

(to) make one’s day

A

to give one great satisfaction

268
Q

nuts and bolts

A

details- basic components of something

269
Q

on a shoestring

A

on a very low budget

270
Q

track record

A

a record of achievements or performances

271
Q

(to) work out

A

to find a solution-to resolve

272
Q

better off

A

in a more fortunate position

273
Q

(to) buy out

A

to purchase an entire business or someone’s share of a business

274
Q

dragon lady

A

a nasty woman who misuses her power

275
Q

(to) get it

A

to understand

276
Q

it looks like

A

it’s likely that

277
Q

no laughing matter

A

nothing to joke about- something serious

278
Q

nothing to do with (someone or something)

A

not have any relationship with someone-to not get involved with something

279
Q

rolling in dough

A

very rich

280
Q

(to) strike it rich

A

to attain sudden financial success

281
Q

that’s the way the cookie crumbles

A

that’s the way things go sometimes and there’s nothing you can do about it

282
Q

(to) burn someone up

A

to make someone angry

283
Q

come on in

A

enter

284
Q

(to) get plastered [slang]

A

to get drunk

285
Q

(to) get rid of

A

to free oneself of-to throw out

286
Q

(to) get (something) straight

A

to clarify-to understand

287
Q

(to) hold a grudge against (someone)

A

to stay angry with someone about a past offense

288
Q

(to) let (someone) go

A

to fire- dismiss employees

289
Q

(to) level with (someone)

A

to speak openly and honestly with someone

290
Q

(to) lose one’s head

A

to lose control of one’s behaviour-to not know what one is doing

291
Q

no hard feelings

A

no anger- no bitterness

292
Q

no use crying over spilt milk

A

there’s no point in regretting something that’s too late to change

293
Q

Not on your life!

A

definitely not

294
Q

on the job

A

at work

295
Q

small fortune

A

a good amount of money

296
Q

(to) stop by

A

to pay a quick visit

297
Q

three sheets to the wind

A

drunk

298
Q

well off

A

wealthy- financially secure

299
Q

all along

A

throughout- from beginning to en

300
Q

all better

A

completely cured

301
Q

(to) buy (some) time

A

to make more time available (in order to achieve a certain purpose)

302
Q

(to) chill out [slang]

A

to relax

303
Q

(to) cut it out

A

stop it- stop the annoying behaviour

304
Q

first things first

A

let’s focus on the most important thing or task first

305
Q

(to) freak out [slang]

A

to respond to something irrationally or crazily-to overreact

306
Q

(to be) in charge of

A

having responsibility for

307
Q

in progress

A

happening- under way- going on now

308
Q

(to) make a fortune

A

to make a lot of money

309
Q

(to be) sick and tired of

A

completely bored with- sick of

310
Q

Big deal!

A

So what? That doesn’t really matter.

311
Q

(to) break into

A

to enter or be let into a profession

312
Q

cream of the crop

A

the best of a group

313
Q

(to) foot the bill

A

to pay

314
Q

(to be) out of it

A

not aware or knowledgeable about trends or modern habits

315
Q

spending money

A

money for minor expenses

316
Q

(to) wine and dine

A

to take someone out for an evening or an expensive meal

317
Q

(to be on a) winning streak

A

a series of wins

318
Q

(to) wrap up

A

to finish

English (2 decks)

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