American Idioms

OUT OF THE WOODS Sentence examples: 1. The doctor told the boy’s parents that he was no longer in danger of dying—he had made it through the night and his high fever had returned to normal. He was out of the woods. 2. The accountant was trying very hard to find a bank that would loan the company money to stay in business. When he found a bank, the company president was relieved, but the accountant told him the company was not out of the woods yet. 3. There was quite a scandal brewing, and it looked like it would cause the downfall of several high-ranking government officials. Fred thought he had avoided being touched by the scandal, but he wouldn’t be completely sure for a few weeks. He wasn’t out of the woods yet. The expression is often used to describe no longer being in danger of dying (sentence 1). It can also be used to describe situations equally critical, such as the demise of a company (sentence 2) or the death of someone’s political life (sentence 3).

HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER, FALL FOR/ SWALLOW (SOMETHING) Sentence examples: 1. The children made up such a believable story that their mother fell for it hook, line and sinker. 2. The salesman was such a smooth talker, he could make anyone believe his stories. People always swallowed them hook, line and sinker. The expression originates from fishing. One expects the fish to bite only the hook, but in some cases the fish might be taken in so completely and foolishly that it swallows not only the hook but the fishing line and the sinker as well.

FORBIDDEN FRUIT Sentence examples: 1. When people can readily have something, they don’t want it. But when you tell them they can’t have it, that’s all they want. There’s nothing like the attraction of forbidden fruit. 2. Jody’s parents told her not to date Dennis because they think he might be a bad influence on her. But now that they’ve made him forbidden fruit, he’s the only boy who interests her. The expression originates from the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, where God forbade Adam and Eve to eat the fruit from one of the trees in the Garden of Eden. This made the fruit so tempting that they were unable to resist eating it.

BLOW (ONE’S) OWN HORN Sentence examples: 1. Keith lets everyone know that the boss is going to make him the new assistant manager. He likes to blow his own horn. 2. Ruth won’t make many friends if she keeps blowing her own horn about her accomplishments. Dating back to at least the 16th century, this phrase is a reference to the practice of blowing horns to announce the arrival of important officials such as kings. To blow one’s own horn is to boast or claim a position of superiority over others.

BLACK TIE Sentence examples: 1. The dinner was black-tie, so all the men wore black bow ties and dinner jackets. 2. The film star’s wedding was black-tie. It was a glamorous affair that I’ll never forget. The expression originates from the black bow tie that is part of men’s formal dress.

COME OUT SMELLING LIKE A ROSE Sentence examples: 1. Larry should have gotten into trouble for what he did, but he was lucky and came out smelling like a rose. 2. Everyone in the government is accusing everyone else of wrongdoing and corruption. No one is going to come out of this affair smelling like a rose.

FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY-FREE Sentence examples: 1. Michael didn’t want to get married. He wanted to remain footloose and fancy-free. 2. When they finished college, they spent a year traveling though Europe with their backpacks and sleeping bags. They just wanted some time to be footloose and fancy-free. The expression literally means one’s foot is not tied down and one can freely follow one’s impulses (fancy).

GET/HAVE (SOMETHING) DOWN PAT Sentence examples: 1. Lynn worked on her dance routine until she could practically do it in her sleep. She had it down pat. 2. Practice saying your speech again and again. I want to be sure you get it down pat.

HOLD WATER Sentence examples: 1. The politician argued that they had to raise taxes, but the reasons he gave didn’t hold water. 2. Two scientists claimed that they had achieved fusion at room temperature. Other scientists wanted to test the theory to see if it would hold water. The expression is used in reference to arguments or ideas rather than people.

OUT OF THE FRYING PAN AND INTO THE FIRE Sentence examples: 1. Edith’s parents were happy when she broke off her friendship with Ralph, until she started seeing George, who is an even worse influence on her. She’s jumped out of the frying pan into the fire. 2. Tim didn’t like the extra responsibility of being an assistant manager, but now he’s decided to accept the position of full manager. He’s leaping out of the frying pan into the fire.

PUT (ONE’S) FINGER ON IT Sentence examples: 1. Jim knew there was a problem with the ending of his story, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He needed somebody else to point out the problem. 2. Ellie remembered playing the game when she was little, but when she tried to remember how to play, she couldn’t put her finger on it.

SHOT IN THE ARM Sentence examples: 1. The exciting and innovative programs introduced by the new manager were a real shot in the arm. Everyone became motivated to make them work. 2. The new president stimulated the citizens to take a greater interest in the welfare of the country. He was a shot in the arm for a nation that had become apathetic and indifferent. The expression originates from the idea of a hypodermic injection to make a sick person feel better.

TOO BIG FOR (ONE’S) BRITCHES Sentence examples: 1. Patty’s mother scolded her, “Listen to me, young lady. You may not speak so rudely to anyone. You’re getting too big for your britches.” 2. His father told the little boy that his behavior was not acceptable in their house. He told the boy he was too big for his britches and he would be punished if he continued to misbehave. The expression is usually used by parents to reprimand (scold) their children.

BLOW (ONE’S) OWN HORN Sentence examples: 1. Keith lets everyone know that the boss is going to make him the new assistant manager. He likes to blow his own horn. 2. Ruth won’t make many friends if she keeps blowing her own horn about her accomplishments. Dating back to at least the 16th century, this phrase is a reference to the practice of blowing horns to announce the arrival of important officials such as kings. To blow one’s own horn is to boast or claim a position of superiority over others.

PUT (ONE’S) FOOT DOWN Sentence examples: 1. The children were watching more and more television. Finally, their mother put her foot down and told them that from then on they could only watch one hour of television a day. 2. I know how much you want a motorcycle, but I just don’t think it’s safe. I’m going to have to put my foot down on this and tell you that you can’t have one. Compare to: lay down the law; draw the line (at something); read (someone) the riot act In this phrase ‘put’ means to exert control. The expression is often used to describe parents setting rules for their children. The expression is often used in reference to a request, which is refused, or some form of current (bad) behavior that is forbidden.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket - a piece of advice which means that one should not concentrate all efforts and resources in one area as one could lose everything Examples: 🔹Mr Tan’s financial adviser urged him to be careful and not put all his eggs in one basket by investing all his money on stocks. 🔹Investors should diversify their investments instead of putting all their eggs in one basket. Video: Don't put all your eggs in one basket so early in life like I did, Sadie. Sadie's Last Days on Earth (2016)

🔵To sit on the fence🔵 📌= to be uncommitted or undecided 📌= to remain neutral on a certain topic 📌= to not have a stance or open opinion about a topic 📌= to be unable or unwilling to commit oneself to one side of an argument or dispute 🔵Example sentences: 📍The politician did not commit himself to either side of the reporter’s controversial question. 📍He just sat on the fence so as not to lose votes from either side. 📍You can’t sit on the fence any longer you must choose whose side you are on. 📍You have to choose whether you support the candidate or not. 📍You can’t sit on the fence right now, you must vote!

🔵To throw in the towel = to quit; to give up; to concede defeat ⁉️The origin of this idiom comes from boxing. This idiom is now used a lot outside of the boxing ring when someone quits something. 🔴Note: You don’t physically need to throw a towel anywhere. You just say the expression. 🙂 🔵Example sentences: 📍She was ready to throw in the towel, but remembered her goal and kept going. 📍He was getting beaten so badly that his coach threw in the towel. 📍Even though learning English may be difficult at times, never throw in the towel. 📍Never throw in the towel. Use it to wipe off the sweat, then keep going.

1. (to give someone a ring) to telephone someone, give somebody a buzz. 2. (to go Dutch) to share the cost of something, especially a meal. 3. (to go without saying) it should be generally understood or accepted. 4. (to have another thing coming) is to be greatly mistaken. 5. (to have one's heart set on) to want something very much. 6. (to have time off) a period of time that is free from employment or school. 7. (to keep one's head) Stay calm, retain self-control. 8. (to keep up with) to move as quickly as someone else. 9. (to knock it off) to stop doing something that annoys you or Quit or stop doing something. 10. (to know by sight) to recognize a person's face, but not know the name.

The meaning of 🍃under the weather🍃. When someone is under the weather, it means that the person: 📍is slightly ill. 📍feels a little sick. 📍doesn’t feel well. You can begin this English idiom with: 📌BE under the weather OR 📌FEEL under the weather. ⚠️Example sentences ⭕️I feel a little under the weather so I don’t think I’ll go out tonight. ⭕️He didn’t go to work today as he was a little under the weather. ⭕️It is hard to get the job done when you are under the weather. ⭕️Mary is a little under the weather. I hope she feels better soon.

1. (to take someone for granted) to expect someone or something to be always available to serve in some way without thanks or recognition; to value someone or something too lightly. 2. (to be at the end of one's rope) Out of energy or patience; exhausted or exasperated. 3. (to be up to something) doing or planning something secretly. 4. (to cheer up) to make a sad person happy. 5. (to ease someone out) to help someone continue to get out of something. 6. (to face the music) to accept responsibility for something you have done. 7. (to find fault with) to find things wrong with someone or something. OR Criticize, express dissatisfaction with. 8. (to get on one's nerves) to annoy someone, especially by doing something again and again. 9. (to give birth to) to cause or be the origin of something. 10. (to give one a big hand) to help someone do something, especially something that involves physical effort.

1. (on the spot) in trouble; in a difficult situation. 2. (once and for all) completely and finally 3. (out of the question) not allowed; not permitted. 4. (out of date) No longer in style; old-fashioned. 5. (Out Of Order) not working correctly or broken. 6. (once in a blue moon) almost never or very seldom. 7. (To put into practice) to make a suggested procedure the actual procedure. 8. (To save someone's skin) to save someone from injury, embarrassment, or punishment. 9. (So far, so good) something that you say which means an activity is continuing successfully, especially when you think something may go wrong. 10. (To take a load off your back) Sit down, relax or got rid of a burden.

1. (To keep your fingers crossed) to hope that things will happen in the way that you want them to. 2. (To keep under control) manageable; restrained and controlled; not out of control. 3. (To keep nose clean) to keep out of trouble, especially trouble with the law. 4.(To keep you posted) to keep someone informed (of what is happening); to keep someone up to date. 5.(To Keep your mouth shut ) Do not tell anyone about someone or something. 6.(To let bygones be bygones) Forgive someone for something he or she did in the past. 7.(To let someone off the hook) freed from an obligation. 8.(To live beyond one's means) to spend more money than one can afford. 9.(To Make yourself at home ) Please make yourself comfortable in my home. 10.(To meet someone halfway) to agree to do part of what someone wants if that person will do part of what you want.

1. (To fool around) to waste time doing something unnecessary or doing something amateurishly. 2. (To get Along With someone) if people get along, they like each other and are friendly to each other. 3. (To get in touch with) or ( To be in touch with someone) To initiate or establish contact or communication with someone. 4. (To get rid of) Also, (be rid of). Eliminate, discard, or free oneself from. 5. (To give someone the cold shoulder) To deliberately ignore or snub someone. 6. (To hang in there) Be patient, things will work out. 7. (If worst comes to worst) in the worst possible circumstances; if the worst possible thing should happen. 8. (In the long run) a long or short time in the future. 9. (To be up to date) In or into accordance with current information, styles, or technology. "Fresh news" 10. (To keep an eye on) to watch someone or something; to monitor someone or something closely.

1. (named after) to give someone (usually a baby) the name of another person 2. (no big deal) something not difficult or troublesome. 3. (on top of the world) feeling wonderful; glorious; ecstatic. 4. (to bear in mind) or (to keep in mind) to remember a piece of information when you are making decisions or thinking about a matter. 5. (behind someone's back) Out of one's presence or without someone's knowledge. 6. (build castles in the air) to daydream; to make plans that can never come true. 7. (drop someone a line) to send a short letter to someone. 8. (easy come, easy go) something that you say in order to describe someone who thinks that everything is easy to achieve, especially earning money, and who therefore does not worry about anything. 9. (every now and then) Occasionally, from time to time; also, periodically. 10. (to follow someone's footstep) to do something that was done before.

1. (A little bird told me) something that you say in order to let someone know that you are not going to tell them who gave you the information being discussed 2. (A pain in the neck) someone or something that is very annoying 3. (A piece of cake) something very easy 4. (To lay off) to stop using or doing something 5. (pigs can fly) There is no chance of that ever happening. 6. (Dead tired) Totally exhausted or fatigued. 7. (Call it a day) to quit work and go home; to say that a day's work has been completed. 8. (In charge of) Having control over or responsibility for. 9. (In the way) to be close to doing something. 10. (Be my guest) Help yourself.; After you. (A polite way of indicating that someone else should go first, help himself or herself to something, or take the last one of something.)

📚fill somebody's shoes ✍🏾Meaning If you can fill somebody's shoes, you can replace them and do what they do. ❗️For example 🔸Greg was a great captain for the team so it'll be difficult to find someone who can fill his shoes now that he's retiring. 🔸The general manager is training his son to fill his shoes when he passes the business on to him. 📚change your tune ✍🏾Meaning If you change your tune, you change your opinion about something or your attitude towards someone. ❗️For example 🔸At first Bill was against selling the rights to his book, but he changed his tune when he realized how much money he could make. 🔸Kelly was quite rude to me at first, but she changed her tune when someone mentioned how wealthy I was. 📚up for grabs ✍🏾Meaning If something is up for grabs, it's available for anyone who wants to try to get it. ❗️For example 🔸Do you remember when all the best website URLs were still up for grabs? Anyone could get one just by being the first person to claim it. 🔸There are some great prizes up for grabs in their latest competition. 📚beat around the bush | beat about the bush ✍🏾Meaning If you beat around the bush, or beat about the bush, you don't say something directly, usually because you don't want to upset the person you're talking to. ❗️For example 🔸I had trouble telling Pedro he'd lost his job. I started beating around the bush and talking about one door closing and another door opening. 🔸Stop beating about the bush. Just tell me what's happened! 📚set your sights on ✍🏾Meaning If you set your sights on something, or set your sights on doing something, it becomes the target of your ambition or the object of your attention. ❗️For example 🔸Stanley has set his sights on coaching Liverpool, so he'll start getting to know people who have influence in the club. 🔸Microsoft has set its sights on one of the biggest search engine companies, so I wouldn't be surprised if the company's shares go up. 📚quaking in your boots ✍🏾Meaning If you're quaking in your boots, you are very frightened. ❗️For example 🔸This big, ugly dog was growling at me and baring its teeth. I was quaking in my boots, I can tell you! 🔸Our sergeant was a scary guy. He could make a new army recruit quake in his boots just by looking at him. 📒 Beware of a silent man and still water 📖Meaning A large expanse of water that is still and does not move is often deep and dangerous. We should be careful of it. In the same way, we should be careful with a person who does not talk much. Note: beware (verb): be cautious; be careful | still (adj.): not moving 📚a whale of a time ✍🏾Meaning If you have a whale of a time, you have a great time and really enjoy yourself. ❗️For example 🔸I went to a karaoke club with my friends last night and we had a whale of a time. It was great! 🔸Janet said she had a whale of a time at the party. I wish I'd gone too now. throw someone in at the deep end ✍🏾Meaning If you throw someone in at the deep end, you give them a difficult job to do, or a serious problem to deal with, before they have the knowledge or experience for it. ❗️For example 🔸In her first overseas teaching job, Kathy was thrown in at the deep end with a class of 30 kids and no training, no books, and no guidelines. 🔸Our manager thinks the best way to introduce new staff to the job is to throw them in at the deep end and see how they go. 📚You are what you eat. ✍🏾Meaning You can say "you are what you eat" when you want to point out the connection between food and health. ❗️For example 🔸Why do you eat so much bad stuff like pizza, hamburgers, fries and ice-cream? You are what you eat, you know. 🔸Shelley looks fantastic. When people ask her what her secret is, she smiles and says, "It's simple. You are what you eat." 📒 Speech is silver, silence is golden 📖Meaning Speaking is good but saying nothing is better. Discretion can be worth more than even eloquent words. Note: speech (noun): the act of speaking | silver (noun): a greyish-white precious metal | gold (noun): a yellow precious metal (more valuable than silver) | This proverb is also found as: "Speech is silver but silence is golden."

📚a ray of sunshine ✍🏾Meaning Something is a ray of sunshine if it brings happiness to someone. ❗️For example 🔸The birth of Debra's first grandchild less than a year after her husband died came as a much-needed ray of sunshine in her life. 🔸After years of struggling to get established as a writer, the publication of her first short story was a ray of sunshine for Ruth. 📒 Graves are of all sizes 📖Meaning People die at all ages; no one is too young to die. Note: grave (noun) = (usually) a hole in the ground for a dead body | Compare: "In Golgotha are skulls of all sizes." "Death devours lambs as well as sheep." 📚a tall order ✍🏾Meaning If you say something's a tall order, you mean that it'll be hard to do or difficult to achieve. ❗️For example 🔸Winning six gold medals at the Olympic Games is a tall order, but not impossible. Mark Spitz won seven at the 1972 Olympics. 🔸Getting kids to read 600-page books is a tall order these days, but the writer of the Harry Potter books has managed to do it. 📒 Don't bite the hand that feeds you 📖Meaning It is not be a good idea to hurt the person (or company) that pays you or takes care of you. 📚if push comes to shove ✍🏾Meaning You can say "if push comes to shove" before saying what you'll do if things don't go as well as you'd like, and you're forced to do something that you'd rather not do. ❗️For example 🔸I've made up my mind and I'm going to have a career in music. I'd love to be in a successful band, but if push comes to shove I can earn money by teaching guitar. 🔸Sandy says she really wants to stay in her apartment, but if push comes to shove she'll just have to move out and find somewhere cheaper. 📒 Make hay while the sun shines 📖Meaning If we want to make hay, we need sunny weather, so when the sun comes we should take the opportunity to make hay. Thus the proverb suggests that we should make good use of any opportunity while it lasts. 📚talk through your hat ✍🏾Meaning If you're talking through your hat, you're talking about something without knowing much about it, or you claim something is true when it isn't. ❗️For example 🔸Evan says that quantum physics proves that space and time don't really exist, but Kathy says he's talking through his hat. 🔸I proved that George was talking through his hat by checking on the internet to find out if what he said is true - and it isn't. 📒 As soon as man is born he begins to die 📖Meaning The process of dying starts at birth. This saying reminds us of our own mortality, whatever our age. 📚the ins and outs ✍🏾Meaning If you know the ins and outs of something, you know all the details about it and understand how it works. ❗️For example 🔸Louis knows how to drive a car, but he knows nothing about the ins and outs of how they work. 🔸It seems that Yoko and Sato are having problems, though I don't really understand the ins and outs of their relationship. 📚yellow journalism ✍🏾Meaning Journalism in which sensational stories are used to boost sales, or biased reporting is used to change the reader's views on an issue. Both of these are unethical. ❗️For example 🔸Have you noticed how, during a war, normally trustworthy professionals start writing the worst sort of yellow journalism to justify their government's actions? 🔸Joe: "Is there any difference between yellow journalism and propaganda?" Kate: "I think yellow journalism can be even more dangerous than propaganda if it's being presented as objective reporting by well-known journalists." 📚think the world of ✍🏾Meaning If you think the world of someone, you admire and respect them very much. ❗️For example 🔸If there's one person most of us think the world of, I guess it'd be Nelson Mandela. 🔸You're a wonderful teacher Miriam, and your students think the world of you, so please don't quit your job. 📚the moment of truth ✍🏾Meaning The moment of truth is a time when the truth about something is revealed, or when an important decision is made. ❗️For example 🔸We're getting our exam results today so the moment of truth is nearly here. 🔸We've been at the tennis tournament all weekend, and now we're watching the last game in the last match, so the moment of truth is here at last.

😨To get goose bumps😨 To get bumps on one's skin where one's body hair stands on end as the result of an intense feeling of cold, nervousness, anxiety, excitement, or fear. 🌀I got goose bumps watching that scary movie last night! 🌀Their concert was so amazing, I got goose bumps when they played their first song! 🌀It's so cold in here that I'm getting goose bumps. 🔴 Pile out 🔴 To move out of a place or a vehicle quickly. 🌀She parked the van, and the kids piled out. 🌀Jake and his friends piled out of the van to go to soccer practice. 🌀We need to count heads as you leave the bus, so don't everyone pile out all at once! Go fly a kite (AmE) (spoken) used to tell someone to go away, stop saying something, or stop annoying you; Often used as an imperative. A: "The experiment might work better if you actually knew what you were supposed to be mixing together." B: "You know what, Jenny? Why don't you go fly a kite?" 🔶 Blot out 🔶 cover sth completely; forget or make sb forget sth unpleasant. 🔸She blots out the painful memories by keeping very busy. 🔸Thick white smoke blotted out the sun. To give (someone or something) a hand 1. To help someone to do something. 2. To applaud someone or something. 🌀I hope that someone will give me a hand with these bags—there's no way I'll make it to the fifth floor on my own! 🌀No, Billy can't babysit, he's giving me a hand with my car today. 🌀Wasn't that a great performance? Let's give them a hand, ladies and gentlemen! 🌀I can’t lift this piano on my own. Can you give me a hand, Carlos? Sabotage /ˈsæbətɑːʒ/ verb 1. to secretly damage or destroy equipment, vehicles etc that belong to an enemy or opponent, so that they cannot be used 🌀Every single plane had been sabotaged. 2. to deliberately spoil someone’s plans because you do not want them to succeed 🌀Demonstrators have sabotaged the conference. To have a screw loose To be or seem particularly silly, eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable. (Also worded as "have a loose screw.") 🌀That guy on the corner must have a screw loose or something, because he's been standing out there yelling obscenities at passersby all morning. 🌀My old uncle Pete has a few screws loose, but he's a really nice guy. 🌀What's the matter with you? Do you have a screw loose, or what? Top up 🔷 To raise the level of (a liquid, powder, etc) in (a container), usually bringing it to the brim of the container. 🌀He topped up our glasses and filled his own. 🌀We topped up the water tanks. 🌀Top up the sugar in those bowls. 🔷 to put more drink in someone’s glass or cup after they have drunk some 🌀 Can I top you up? 🌲Pine away 🌲 To become thin and weak because of sadness or loss 🔸Since his wife left him, he spends his days alone, pining away. 🔸My grandfather pined away for nearly a year after my grandmother died, until eventually his heart gave out and he passed away as well. To keep one's/an eye on (someone or something) To take responsibility for somebody/something; make sure that somebody/something is safe. 🌀You need to keep your eye on the soup so that it doesn't bubble over. 🌀It’s my job to keep an eye on how the money is spent. 🌀Keep an eye on my bag while I go and make a phone call, will you? To pat someone on the back (give someone a pat on the back ) to praise someone for something. 🌀The teacher patted all the students on the back for their good work. 🌀They were patting themselves on the back for winning when the final whistle blew. 🌀Treating his daughter to ice cream was Joe's way of giving her a pat on the back after she won first place in the science fair. 🌀The only reason she stays late at work is to receive a pat on the back from her boss. To bear a grudge (against someone) To remain angry with someone about past slights or misdeeds; to continue feeling an old resentment for someone 🌀Although our disagreement happened months ago, Lily still won't talk to me—clearly, she's bearing a grudge. 🌀My sister-in-law bore a grudge against me for years after she found out that I said her wedding dress was ugly. 🌀She bears a grudge against the judge who sentenced her. 🌀 I have a grudge against my landlord for not fixing the leaky faucet. 📌Note: have a grudge (against someone); hold a grudge (against someone) The more the merrier The more people there are, the happier the situation will be.This set phrase is used to welcome one to join a group or activity. 🌀Of course you can have a ride with us! The more the merrier. 🌀The manager hired a new employee even though there's not enough work for all of us now. Oh, well, the more the merrier. 🌀John's invited all his family to come along, and why not? The more the merrier.

To miss out on (something) to not have the chance to do something that you enjoy and that would be good for you 🌀Some children miss out because their parents can’t afford to pay for school trips. 🌀Prepare food in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun! 🌀Because I was so sick last week, I missed out on the chance to see my sister while she was in town. 🌀If you don't call the recruiter back right away, you're going to miss out on the opportunity. A hard/tough nut to crack If you say that a problem is a tough nut to crack or a hard nut to crack, you mean that it is difficult to solve; a challenging or unreasonable person to understand or deal with. 🌀Getting an A in this class will be a tough nut to crack. 🌀Our super-strict principal is a tough nut to crack, so I hope Kate can convince her to let us host this event. 🌀Because our boss usually keeps to himself, I have no idea what his interests are—he's a tough nut to crack. 🌀The really tough nut to crack will be to persuade the older staff that change is necessary. To be at daggers drawn If two people or groups are at daggers drawn, they are having a serious disagreement and are very angry with each other. 🌀The publishing and record divisions of the company were at daggers drawn over the simultaneous release of the book and the album. 🌀The government now finds itself at daggers drawn with the same press it had gone to such great lengths to give freedom of expression to. 🌀The police have had to intervene because those rival gangs have been at daggers drawn lately. 🌀The members of the committee are at daggers drawn because they cannot agree on a course of action. To stand somebody up to not meet someone who you have arranged to meet, especially without telling them. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "stand" and "up. 🌀"I'm sorry I stood you up, but I had a family emergency last night. 🌀 I was supposed to go to a concert with Kyle on Friday, but he stood me up 🌀We were to have dinner yesterday evening, but he stood me up. To wear (one's) heart on (one's) sleeve To openly display or make known one's emotions or sentiment. 🌀My father was always very closed off regarding his feelings, so when I had kids, I made a point of wearing my heart on my sleeve with them. 🌀The senator has begun wearing his heart on his sleeve now that he's not seeking re-election. 🌀You can't help but see how he feels about her; he wears his heart on his sleeve. To be between jobs if someone is between jobs, they do not have a job at the moment but are actively looking for one 🌀A: "I'm just between jobs right now." B: "OK, you've been out of work for six months. 🌀It's time to start looking for a new job."Just tell the recruiter that you're between jobs. She doesn't need to know that you got fired! 🌀A: Tell me about your current position. B: I'm between jobs right now. To have a lot of nerve Rude, impertinent, or brazen audacity. Can be positive or negative. 🌀You've got a lot of nerve walking in here after the way you spoke to me last time. 🌀I've given him chance after chance, but he keeps on betraying my trust. What a lot of nerve. 🌀Did you seriously steal my prom date ? Oh, you've got a lot of nerve! 🌀You've got a lot of nerve, kid. You're hired. 🙂 Flip out 🙃 To become crazy or very excited or angry 🌀She's going to flip out when she sees the great present I got her 🌀Mom will flip out when she finds out we broke her vase! Fender_bender a car accident in which little damage is done 🚗 He was involved in a fender bender in the hotel parking lot. 🚗 I had a little fender bender. Luckily I'm ok but car is a mess... To pop the question If you pop the question, you ask someone to marry you. 🌀He got serious quickly and popped the question six months later. 🌀She waited for years for him to pop the question. Finally she popped the question. 🌀Where were you when he popped the question? To nip (something) in the bud To stop, cease, or prevent something at the beginning or early phase, before it becomes too difficult or unmanageable. 🌀I've noticed that Tommy's getting in the bad habit of chewing with his mouth open. Let's nip that in the bud. 🌀Why don't you nip the issue in the bud before it starts affecting the entire user base? 🌀I wanted to nip that little romance in the bud. 🌀We have to nip these money problems in the bud before we get into real trouble. Gnaw (away) at somebody/something / nɒː/ to make someone feel worried or frightened, over a period of time 🌀Something was gnawing at the back of his mind. 🌀Doubt was gnawing away at her confidence 🌀The thought of catching some horrible disease gnawed away at her. To lead someone astray /əˈstreɪ/ adverb to encourage someone to do bad or illegal things that they would not normally do; to negatively influence one. 🌀I just hope this new group that my son is hanging out with doesn't lead him astray. 🌀A) I think you had better stop seeing him. B)No one can lead me astray. I know what I am doing. 🌀The judge thought he'd been led astray by older children. 🌀The older boys led him astray. Skip ➕ inauguration 🌀Former President Donald Trump skipped Wednesday's inauguration, defying a long-lasting tradition. Inaugurate /ɪˈnɒːgyʊreɪt /verb to hold an official ceremony when someone starts doing an important job in government Inauguration /ɪˌnɔːgyʊˈreɪʆən/noun 🌀President Hoover’s inauguration To hit the roof / ceiling To become extremely angry or upset. 🌀Every time I mention Patricia, Sam hits the roof. 🌀My parents are going to hit the roof if they find out we had a party here! 🌀The boss hit the roof when he saw that we'd already blown through the budget. 🌀After the joke the teacher hit the roof. Mark my words Pay attention to and remember what I am saying, because it will happen. 🌀Mark my words, Penny will be glad she made this decision one day. 🌀Mark my word, Jonah, I will get even with you if it's the last thing I do. 🌀Pay attention to what I say, as in Mark my words, that man is not to be trusted. Open up To speak honestly and freely about sth personal; to express one's emotions freely. 🔆Neither one of them had opened up to me about their troubles. 🔆Lorna found that people were willing to open up to her. Out of the goodness of (one's) heart to do something out of kindness, not because you have been asked or expect a reward 🌀All these people were helping us out of the goodness of their hearts. 🌀You expect me to believe you would do this out of the goodness of your heart? Come on, what are you looking for in return? 🌀What are you going to pay me? You don't expect me to do this out of the goodness of my heart, do you?

(One's) heart isn't in it somebody does not give all their enthusiasm, interest and energy to something: 🌀I used to love running, but my heart just isn't in it anymore—that's why I quit the track team this year. 🌀I can tell by the way you wrote this that your heart wasn't in it. Is something distracting you? 🌀He agreed to write the book for a large sum of money, but his heart wasn’t in it, and it was never finished. 🌀Pull up 🌀 To procure and open a source of information about sb or sth. 🔆I pulled her up on social media and learned that she was an investment banker. 🔆I'm pulling up an article on 18th-century wig making for a paper I'm writing. To take (someone or something) into (one's) heart To accept, love, and cherish someone or an animal. 🌀Everyone in this community took Margaret into their hearts the moment they met her. 🌀She will be sorely missed.I only intended to foster the dog for a couple of weeks, but I couldn't help taking it into my heart right away. 🌀He was such a cute little boy. We took him into our hearts immediately. 🌀 We loved the puppy instantly and took her into our hearts at once. Not have the heart to do something to feel unable to do something because you feel it would be unkind: (Usually used in the negative) 🌀Miguel doesn't have the heart to force her to do what he knows she should be doing. 🌀How could you have the heart to fire Joanna the day after her father died? 🌀I didn't have the heart to tell her that I didn't love her anymore. 🌀She asked me to go with her and I didn't have the heart to refuse. To set (one's) heart on (something) If you set your heart on something, you decide that you want it very much and aim to achieve or obtain it. 🌀When I was a little boy, I set my heart on becoming a fighter pilot. 🌀When Janie sets her heart on a new toy, she won't give us a moment's peace until we buy it for her. 🌀She'd set her heart on an acting career. 🌀His father bought him the bike he had set his heart on. 📌Note: have your heart /mind ˈset on something /on doing something 🌀I have my heart set on a new guitar. 🌀He set his mind on becoming a doctor. To rise from the ashes To emerge renewed, revitalized, or reborn as something different following some total destruction or ruin; to be rebuilt after destruction. 🌀The entire west section of the city was destroyed and a group of new buildings rose from the ashes in only a few months. 🌀Over the next few years, a new tower rose from the ashes of the heinous attack, standing as a monument of the country's strength and pride. 🌀The company quietly faded into obscurity following its bankruptcy in the late '90s, but now that it has been purchased by the billionaire CEO, it has begun rising from the ashes like the phoenix. To save (one's) face to do something that will stop you from looking stupid or feeling embarrassed. 🌀I tried to offer an explanation that incorporated elements of what he'd said as a means of saving his face after such an awkward presentation. 🌀There's no way for Audrey to save her face now that the entire company knows she embezzled money. 🌀I was late to the meeting but tried to save face by blaming an urgent call. To save the day If someone or something saves the day in a situation which seems likely to fail, they manage to make it successful. 🌀 After a disastrous first night for the show, it was Biggs who stepped in to save the day. 🌀The team was expected to lose, but Sally made three points and saved the day. 🌀Your excellent speech calmed the crowd and saved the day. Pump up To increase someone's or one's own excitement, confidence, or mental preparation. 🌀The coach gave a pep talk to pump the players up for the big game. 🌀I was pretty nervous before the test, so I took a few minutes to pump myself up before I started. 🌀They find it difficult to pump themselves up for the games. Someone's bag of tricks Someone's bag of tricks is the set of special techniques or methods that they use in their work; a collection of special techniques or methods 🌀Let's see what I have in my bag of tricks to entertain the baby. 🌀She's an ace negotiator, so you know she has a few more surprises in her bag of tricks. 🌀What have you got in your bag of tricks that could help me with this problem? 📌Note: This expression refers to the bag in which a conjurer (= someone who does magic tricks) carries the equipment they need for their performances

a walk of life The walk of life that you come from is the position that you have in society and the kind of job you have; a person’s job or position in society: 🌀I've always been interested in medicine, but I'm far too squeamish for that walk of life. 🌀The people at the meeting came from all walks of life. 🌀One of the greatest pleasures of this job is meeting people from all walks of life. To be on the verge of something (be on the verge of doing something): to be at the point where something is about to happen 🌀Mountain gorillas are on the verge of extinction. 🌀The show was on the verge of being canceled due to low ratings. 🌀I was on the verge of calling the doctor when he suddenly got better. ✋Hold on ✋ to wait for a short time 🔹 Can you hold on just one minute? 🔹Hold on, I’ll just get my coat. Grey area (UK) / Gray area (US) used to talk about a situation in which something is not clearly a particular thing, so that people are not sure how to deal with it 🌀“It exists in a grey area between legal and illegal.” 🌀"It's a grey area isn't it?" (Meaning the speaker is talking about an unsure concept). Thumbs up/ down when an idea or plan is officially accepted or not accepted 🌀 “That’s good. You deserve a big thumbs up for such a great presentation!” 🌀The project was finally given the thumbs up. 🌀Her performance got the thumbs down from the critics. ⭕️ Own up ⭕️ To admit that you have done sth wrong, especially sth that is not serious 🌀 Come on, own up. Who broke it? 🌀If whoever did it owns up,I promise I won't punish them. 🌀Everyone knows you're responsible, so it will look better if you just own up right now. Big picture The general, overall, or long-term scheme of something, as opposed to the specific details or present preoccupations. 🌀“Although we all have all specific tasks to do, our leader makes sure we don't lose sight of the big picture.” 🌀I know that one parking ticket isn't important in the big picture, but I'm really annoyed about it right now. 🌀You need to focus on the big picture here, and stop getting bogged down in the day-to-day operations. That's what we're paying you for as a high-level manager. 👀 Stake out 👀 To keep sb or sth under close observation 📍 Police officers have been staking out the warehouse for weeks. 📍 We've been staking out this drug dealer for months to try to get some concrete evidence. Under (the/one's) radar Without being noticed, detected, or addressed. 🌀A: "Have you heard this band's latest album?" B: "I didn't even know it was out, it must have flown under my radar." 🌀Every year, the government promises to do something about the homelessness problem, yet every year it seems to slip under the radar again. 🌀I plan to stay under the radar until this controversy blows over. To see (someone's) point To understand and/or come to agree with a particular point someone is trying to make. 🌀“Yes, I see your point. Let me double-check that and get back with you.” 🌀A: "The early flight might be cheaper, but we won't enjoy our first day there because we'll be so tired!" B: "OK, I see your point. Let's book the later one instead." 🌀But Bob, if we don't secure the investment by Friday, we stand to lose everything the other investors had put in so far. Do you see my point? 🔁 Cancel out 🔁 if two things cancel each other out, they are equally important and have an opposite effect to each other, so that neither one has any effect ;to reduce the effect of sth 🔹My husband and I support different political parties, which means that his vote always cancels out mine. 🔹The losses in our overseas division have cancelled out the profits made in the home market. To dawn (up)on (someone) To occur to someone, especially very suddenly or unexpectedly. 🌀Once I pulled up to the bank, it dawned on me that I had forgotten my wallet. 🌀Did it just dawn on you that throwing the ball in the house might be a bad idea, or did you have that realization before breaking mom's vase? 🌀Then it dawned upon me that I was actually going to have the job. 🌀On the way home, it dawned on me that I had never returned your call, so when I got home I called immediately. To butter someone up To praise or flatter someone in order to make him or her more receptive or willing: 🌀My coworker, hoping for a raise, is always buttering up the boss. 🌀I tried to butter up my father by mowing the lawn before I asked to borrow the car. 🌀A student tried to butter the teacher up. 😴Drift off 😴 To gradually fall asleep 🌀 I was just drifting off when the phone rang. 🌀 He felt himself drifting off to sleep. Call it a day If you call it a day, you decide to stop doing something you have been doing that day. 🌀I searched for hours but I had to call it a day when darkness fell. 🌀When we still couldn't find the source of the discrepancy, we decided to call it a day and revisit it tomorrow. 🌀This package is the last one. Once we get this shipped, we can call it a day. 📌Note: In the evening, people sometimes say that they are going to call it a night. 🌀 Tomorrow is going to be busy, so let's call it a night. 🔹Get homesick If you get homesick, you feel unhappy because you are away from home and are missing your family, friends, and home very much. 🌀🌀He was homesick for America after five weeks in Europe. 🔷 Eat up To believe unquestioningly that something is true; to believe something. 🔹 I told them that I like this stupid school, and they totally ate it up—I guess I'm a pretty good actress. 🔹Those people really eat that stuff up about tax reduction. 🔹They'll eat up almost anything you tell them. 🔹 The audience ate up the speaker's every word. To get the ball rolling To set something, often a process, in motion; to begin. 🌀I think it will be easier to become comfortable driving now that I've gotten the ball rolling with driving lessons. 🌀If I could just get the ball rolling, then other people would help. 🌀We really need to get the ball rolling on this project. The deadline is in October, and it's already September. To start from scratch To begin from the very beginning without the aid or advantage of something that is already prepared or completed. A noun or pronoun can be used between "start" and "from." 🌀The folder with my outline and notes got deleted, so now I have to start the whole project again from scratch. 🌀Whenever I bake a cake, I start from scratch. I never use a cake mix in a box. 🌀 I built every bit of my own house. I started from scratch and did everything with my own hands.

To start from scratch To begin from the very beginning without the aid or advantage of something that is already prepared or completed. A noun or pronoun can be used between "start" and "from." 🌀The folder with my outline and notes got deleted, so now I have to start the whole project again from scratch. 🌀Whenever I bake a cake, I start from scratch. I never use a cake mix in a box. 🌀 I built every bit of my own house. I started from scratch and did everything with my own hands. Hold something/ someone up to support something and prevent it from falling down; To support something or someone in an upright position 🌀The roof is held up by massive stone pillars. 🌀The nurse held the patient up as they walked to the bathroom. 🌀The coach held up the injured athlete. To hit the nail on the head If you hit the nail on the head, you describe a situation or problem exactly; to do something in the most effective and efficient way. 🌀Bob doesn't say much, but every now and then he hits the nail right on the head. 🌀Duncan Smith hit the nail on the head when he said that the Prime Minister promised so much and yet changed so little. 🌀I agree with Dr Carey in everything he says. I think he's hit the nail right on the head. 📌Note: You can also say that someone hits something on the nail, meaning that they describe a situation or problem exactly. 🌀It sounds as if he almost depended on you as much as you depended on him.' — You just hit it on the nail.' To open the door to something (for somebody). Provide somebody with the chance or opportunity to do something new, interesting, etc: 🌀The Prime Minister opened the door to peace talks. 🌀Going to university opened the door to a whole new world for her. 🌀Ann opened the door to Fred, who wanted to start a new career in writing. 💞 Patch up 💞 To end an argument because you want to stay friendly with sb 🔹 A: "Janet and I aren't talking anymore." B: "Oh sweetie, that's too bad. I hope you two can patch things up." 🔹 I tried to patch up my dispute with Marcy, but she isn't ready to forgive me. 🔹They finally patched up their differences. 🌮Gobble up 🌭 To eat sth completely and rapidly. 🥦Now that the baby is eating solid food, she just gobbles up anything we put in front of her. 🐷The wolf wanted to gobble up the little pig. 🍔We gobbled up our meal and left for the theater. 🔰Mixed singular and plural🔰 🌀She's one of the few women who have/ has climbed Everest. 🌀This is one of those books that are/is read by everybody. 🌀One of the things that really make/makes me angry is people who don't answer emails. 📌 In some complex structures , the same verb seems to belong with two different expressions, one singular and the other plural. And some noun phrases mix singular and plural elements. 📌 After expressions like "one of the...," singular and plural verbs are both used in relative clauses beginning who, which or that. To go back to the drawing board To revise or begin planning something from the beginning, typically after it or a similar thing has failed. 🌀We need to go back to the drawing board on this project. I think it had some fundamental flaws from the start. 🌀Their latest product was a financial disaster, so they had to go back to the drawing board and come up with a fresh, new idea. 🌀I thought these problems went back to the drawing board once already. On the same page If two or more people are on the same page, they are in agreement about what they are trying to achieve. 🌀 It makes life easier in our department when we know we're all on the same page. 🌀We’re not on the same page again. Listen carefully to what I am telling you. 🌀We all need to be on the same page before we try to present this complex idea to the boss. 🔰Miscellaneous examples🔰 The relative clause misplaced ❌ A girl has a pony who is in our class. ✅ A girl who is in our class has a pony. Put the relative clause immediately after the noun to which it refers. 📌 Note: Enclose a relative clause that may be omitted between commas: 🌀My brother George, who is in another class, has a new bicycle. A relative clause that can't be omitted is not enclosed within commas: 🌀The boy who spoke to me is my brother. Finger Licking Good Extremely tasty; When something is so deliciously awesome that you have to lick your fingers upon finshing it to get the full extravagance of the taste. 🌀Those ribs were finger lickin good. 🌀Those burgers were finger licking good. 🌀My mother makes the best lasagna in the world. It's finger liking good. 📌 Note:The phrase Finger lickin' good (or formally "finger licking good") is an expression of praise for good food, and may refer specifically to. (possibly for a slogan from KFC) A Kentucky Fried Chicken slogan in the 20th Century still used today To have a/(one's) finger in every pie If someone has a finger in every pie, they are involved in many different activities, especially when maintaining some level of influence over those activities. Monica wouldn't be so busy and stressed if she didn't have a finger in every pie. Paul has his finger in every pie when it comes to local businesses. If you need a deal done around here, he's your man. He has a finger in every pie and is never short of ideas for making the next buck. 📌Note: This expression is very variable. For example, you can say that someone has a finger in a lot of pies or has a finger in many pies or you can use verbs such as keep or stick instead of have. 🌀He was an economist called Clarkson who had a finger in a good many pies. 🌀Many of them keep fingers in as many pies as possible to spread the risk and distract the taxman. 🟡 Catch up with sb 🟡 If sth bad from the past catches up with you, you cannot avoid dealing with it any longer. 🔸My siblings are constantly fighting and always manage to catch me up in their drama. 🔸I never thought I'd get caught up in a soap opera, but this one is just so good! To keep somebody posted (on/of/about something) To continue to inform someone about something so that they have current information. 🌀Congratulations on getting that interview! Keep me posted on how it goes! 🌀Right now, her condition is stable. We promise to keep you posted as she improves. 🌀There’s no news at the moment, but I’ll keep you posted. 🟣 Give in 🟣 If you give in, you agree to do sth that you do not want to do. 🔹The kid pressed her mom until she finally gave in and bought her an ice cream. 🔹Officials say they won't give in to the workers' demands. 🔹The rebels were eventually forced to give in. Be etched on (one's) memory (be etched on your ˈheart/ˈmemory/ˈmind) if an experience, name etc is etched on your memory or mind, you cannot forget it and you think of it often because it affected you so strongly 🌀The island remained etched in my memory. 🌀The day you were born is just etched on my memory—I could never forget what it felt like to hold you for the first time. 🌀The image of their son holding up the championship trophy would be etched on their memories forever. 😡Storm off😡 To leave angrily. 🌀When mom realized we weren't listening to her story, she stormed off. 🌀Don't just storm off—talk to me about how you're feeling. 🌀 Colleague 1: How did the negotiation with the trade union go? Colleague 2: Not well. When the union's demands were not being met, the representative got angry and stormed off from the meeting. Read between the lines If you read between the lines, you understand what someone really means, or what is really happening in a situation, even though it is not stated openly. "Lines" refers to lines of text on a printed page. 🌀He was reluctant to go into details, but reading between the lines it appears that he was forced to leave. 🌀He gave a very diplomatic explanation, but if you read between the lines, it seems like he was fired for political reasons. 🌀After listening to what she said, if you read between the lines, you can begin to see what she really means. 🌀Don't believe every thing you read literally. Learn to read between the lines. 📌 Note: You can also talk about the message between the lines. 🌀He was forced to confess to the crime, but he tried to send a message between the lines at his trial. Hood which means “criminal, a member of a criminal gang.” ⠀ - I thought I got all you guinea hoods locked up! What the hell are you doing here? - What happened to the men who were guarding my father, Captain? - Why, you little punk! What the hell are you doing, telling me my business? To sell (someone, something) short describe yourself/somebody else as being less good, valuable, etc. than you really are: 🌀Don't sell yourself short—your writing is really great! 🌀Don’t sell yourself short when you go for an interview! 🌀I know you don't like their pitcher, but don't sell him short—he's one of the best in the league. To turn a blind eye (to someone or something) If you turn a blind eye to something bad that is happening, you deliberately ignore it because you do not want to take any action over it. 🌀The usher turned a blind eye to the little boy who sneaked into the theater. 🌀How can you turn a blind eye to all those starving children? 🌀The authorities were turning a blind eye to human rights abuses. 📌Note: This expression was first used to describe the action of Admiral Nelson at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. When told that he was being ordered to withdraw, he put a telescope to his blind eye and said that he could not see the signal. He went on to win the battle. Hooked: if you are hooked on something, you enjoy it very much and you want to do it as often as possible 🌀I got hooked on TV when I was sick. 🌀I love it. I'm already hooked. Hooked! 💭 Space out 💭 To be or become distracted, preoccupied, or unfocused from the present moment or the task at hand. 📌 Thomas, quit spacing out back there and pay attention! 📌 I love looking out the window on the train and just spacing out for a few minutes. Such is life! used when you are disappointed about something but know that you must accept it; That is the way things happen! (Usually in reference to an unfortunate outcome.) 🌀I didn't get the promotion in the end. Oh well, such is life. 🌀So I failed my test. Such is life! I can take it again some other time. 🌀 He didn’t get the prize he was hoping for. But such is life, I suppose. 🔹Guts: [plural] (informal) the courage and determination you need to do something difficult or unpleasant 🌀It takes guts to start a new business on your own. 🔹Have the guts (to do something) 🌀No one had the guts to tell Paul what a mistake he was making. Get a life If you tell someone to get a life, you mean that they seem to care too much about unimportant things or that their life is boring. 🌀Go home Moran, read a book or something, get a life. 🌀This show is the stupidest show on TV. If you are watching it, get a life. 🌀College isn't just about studying and getting good grades. You need to get a life—go to parties, meet new people, join a sports club, anything! 📌Note: This expression is used humorously.

Some idioms & phrases : 1. Kettle of fish: - Meaning: A situation or problem that is different from or more complicated than others. - Example: "Dealing with customer complaints is one thing, but handling a lawsuit is a whole different kettle of fish." 2. Sitting on the fence: - Meaning: Being undecided or not taking sides in a dispute or decision. - Example: "He was sitting on the fence during the meeting, refusing to commit to either proposal." 3. Strained every nerve: - Meaning: Made every possible effort. - Example: "She strained every nerve to meet the project deadline." 4. At sea: - Meaning: Confused or unsure about what to do. - Example: "When it came to the new software, he was completely at sea." 5. Gift of the gab: - Meaning: The ability to speak easily and persuasively. - Example: "He’s got the gift of the gab, which makes him an excellent salesman." 6. Changed hands: - Meaning: Passed from one owner to another. - Example: "The historic building has changed hands several times in the last century." 7. Irons in the fire: - Meaning: Multiple projects or opportunities being pursued at once. - Example: "He always has several irons in the fire, from writing to consulting." 8. The brain drain: - Meaning: The emigration of highly trained or qualified people from a particular country. - Example: "The country is suffering from a brain drain as many of its best scientists move abroad." 9. As right as rain: - Meaning: In good health or in perfect condition. - Example: "After a week of rest, she was as right as rain." 10. All Greek to me: - Meaning: Completely unintelligible or incomprehensible. - Example: "The technical manual was all Greek to me; I couldn’t understand a word of it