Wordskills unit 30 Flashcards
be criticized severely for sth you have done
come/ be under fire
Fast/ slow in reaction to a situation
quick/ slow off the mark
INF seem reasonable or logical (used mainly in a negative sense)
add up
say a name, number, etc. without giving it any thought
pluck sth out of the air
gain a further advantage for yourself from a situation
capitalize on sth
stop a bad situation from getting worse
stop the rot
describe or discuss sth in a way that makes it sound better than it is
talk sth up
(of 2 people or groups) level with each other in a race or competition
neck and neck
used to state a basic truth after everything has been discussed and considered
in the final analysis
if a situation or problem … one thing, that thing is the main point in the situation, or the main cause of the problem
boil down to sth
a bitter argument between groups over a period of time
a war of words
make necessary changes or improvements in your business, way of life, etc.
put your house in order
INF refuse to change an opinion, decision, etc
not give/ budge/ move an inch
INF, DISAPPROVING join others in doing or saying sth that is popular and fashionable in order to make yourself popular
jump/ climb on the bandwagon
treat sb as if their behaviour is honest or correct, even though you are not certain that it is
give sb the benefit of the doubt
(often used of the media) be given the opportunity to do sth you enjoy, especially when it causes trouble for sb else
have a field day
if sth is likely to …, it is likely to continue for a long time (we often say sth looks set to … = looks likely to)
run and run
FML be a good/ bad sign for sb/ sth
bode well/ ill for sb/ sth
An arranged telephone call to wake you up at a particular time
a wake-up call
An event that makes you realize there is a problem that must be tackled
a wake-up call
