900 English Idioms with Meanings, Audio & Examples
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by/in leaps and bounds
very quickly; at a rapid pace or rate, especially in terms of progress or improvement.
Her English has improved by leaps and bounds since she moved to London.
get a move on
hurry (often used as an order)
We need to get a move on if we want to catch the last train.
be on the run
try to avoid being caught (especially by the police)
After escaping from prison, the fugitive was on the run for weeks before finally being captured.
fast and furious
full of speed and excitement
The action in the movie was fast and furious from start to finish.
step by step
slowly; gradually, progressing in small stages rather than all at once.
We learned how to solve the math problem step by step until everyone understood.
drag your feet/heels
To deal with something slowly or delay taking action because you don’t really want to do it.
Whenever it's time to clean his room, he always drags his feet and takes forever to get started.
the word spread
the news went from one person to the next
After the announcement, the word spread quickly throughout the office.
keep track
continue to know what is happening to someone or something
It's hard to keep track of all my appointments without a calendar.
get off to a flying start
To begin an activity, project, or event very successfully or with a lot of momentum.
The new restaurant got off to a flying start, with every table booked for weeks.
on the spot
immediately or in the place where something is happening or has just happened
The manager made the decision on the spot without consulting anyone else.
all over the place
in or to many places; scattered or disorganized
After the party, there were empty cups and plates all over the place.
left, right and centre
happening in a lot of places or to a lot of people
Complaints have been coming in left, right and centre since the new policy was introduced.
reach / be at fever pitch
(used of emotions) to get so strong that people can’t control them
The excitement in the stadium reached fever pitch just before the final whistle.
be in full swing
to be at the most lively or active stage; when an event or activity is happening with maximum energy and participation.
By the time we arrived, the party was in full swing and everyone was dancing.
get/go beyond a joke
To become so serious or problematic that it is no longer funny or acceptable.
The constant delays have gone beyond a joke; we need to find a solution now.
roll up your sleeves
to get ready to work hard, usually by preparing to tackle a difficult task or situation.
It's time to roll up your sleeves and start cleaning the garage.
come at the drop of a hat
To do something immediately, without any hesitation or delay.
If you ever need help moving, just call me—I’ll come at the drop of a hat.
have big shoes to fill
to try to do your job as well as the person who did it before you; especially when that person was very successful
After the retirement of our legendary coach, the new manager has big shoes to fill.
wear lots of different hats
to do many different roles or tasks
At our small startup, I wear lots of different hats—I'm the accountant, marketer, and sometimes even the janitor.
have it in the bag
to be in a situation where you are certain to succeed
After seeing the test questions, I knew I had it in the bag.
bored the pants off
was extremely boring
That lecture on tax law bored the pants off everyone in the room.
wears the trousers
is the person who makes decisions or is in control in a relationship, especially in a family or couple.
Everyone knows that in their household, it's Sarah who wears the trousers.
keep your shirt on
Don’t get angry or upset; stay calm and patient.
I know the traffic is bad, but keep your shirt on—we’ll get there eventually.
take my hat off to her
To express admiration or respect for her achievements or actions.
I really take my hat off to her for managing a full-time job and raising three kids on her own.
give you the shirt off his back
is willing to do anything to help another person, even at their own expense
If you ever needed help, John would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought.
in pocket
having more money than when you started
After selling my old bike, I found myself in pocket by an extra $100.
out of pocket
having less money than when you started
After paying for the repairs myself, I was out of pocket by nearly $500.
pocketed
to take money from someone in a dishonest way
The cashier pocketed some of the change instead of putting it in the register.
dig deep into his pockets
to spend a lot of money, or give a lot of money away
When the charity needed more funds, John had to dig deep into his pockets to help them out.
the salt of the earth
a very good and honest person
My grandmother is truly the salt of the earth; she always helps her neighbors and never expects anything in return.
go to the ends of the earth
To do anything possible or make any effort necessary, no matter how difficult, to achieve something or help someone.
She said she would go to the ends of the earth to find her lost dog.
run to ground
discovered after a lot of searching
After weeks of investigation, the detective finally ran the suspect to ground in a remote village.
fall on stony ground
To be ignored, disregarded, or have no effect, especially when referring to advice, requests, or ideas.
Her suggestions for improving the workflow fell on stony ground during the meeting.
pluck a number out of the air
To choose or give a number or figure without any real basis, often just guessing or inventing it.
When asked how many people would attend, he just plucked a number out of the air and said fifty.
blow hot and cold
Sometimes seem to like someone or something and sometimes don’t, so that others are confused about how they really feel.
He blows hot and cold about moving abroad—one day he's excited, the next he doesn't want to go.
get wind of something
hear information that others hoped to keep secret
If the press gets wind of the scandal, it could ruin his career.
see how / which way the wind is blowing
To observe how a situation is developing before making a decision or taking action.
Before announcing his opinion at the meeting, he decided to see which way the wind was blowing.
playing with fire
doing something that could be dangerous
You're playing with fire if you keep lying to your boss about your work hours.
spreading like wildfire
Going around or becoming known very quickly and widely, often uncontrollably.
Rumors about the celebrity breakup are spreading like wildfire on social media.
in the heat of the moment
To do or say something impulsively, without thinking, because you are overwhelmed by strong emotions such as anger or excitement.
He said some things he didn't mean in the heat of the moment during their argument.
there’s no smoke without fire
If people are saying something is true and you don’t know whether it is true or not, it probably is true.
Everyone is talking about the manager leaving, and you know what they say: there’s no smoke without fire.
add fuel to the flames/fire
do something to make a bad situation worse
When they started arguing, his sarcastic comment only added fuel to the fire.
in deep water
in a difficult situation which is hard to deal with
After missing the deadline, the whole team was in deep water with the manager.
out of your depth
in a situation that you do not have the knowledge or skills to deal with
When I started my new job, I felt completely out of my depth during the first meeting.
jump / throw someone in at the deep end
To do something or make someone do something difficult without being given or giving them any help or preparation.
On my first day at the new job, they threw me in at the deep end by asking me to lead a big meeting.
in hot water
in a situation where people are angry with you or you are in trouble, especially because of something you have done.
After forgetting my boss's birthday, I found myself in hot water at work.
be between the devil and the deep blue sea
To be in a situation where you have to choose between two equally difficult or unpleasant options.
She was between the devil and the deep blue sea when she had to choose between losing her job or moving to another city.
be a drop in the ocean
be a very small amount in comparison to what is needed
Donating one dollar to the charity might be a drop in the ocean, but every bit helps.
kill two birds with one stone
to achieve two things with a single action
By picking up groceries on my way home from work, I killed two birds with one stone.
let the cat out of the bag
to reveal a secret, often by accident
I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about Sarah's surprise party.
drive/send sb round the bend
to make someone very annoyed or frustrated
The constant noise from the construction site is starting to drive me round the bend.
feel it in my bones
to sense or feel something instinctively, without needing proof
I feel it in my bones that something good is about to happen.
loud and clear
clearly and very definitely; easy to understand without any ambiguity.
The instructions were given loud and clear, so there was no confusion about what to do.
speak your mind
state your opinion very clearly and openly
Don't be afraid to speak your mind during the meeting if you disagree with the proposal.
matter-of-fact
without any feeling or emotion; showing no emotion when describing something, especially something surprising or upsetting.
She described the accident in a very matter-of-fact way, not showing any emotion.
won’t take no for an answer
refuses to accept refusal
No matter how many times I tried to decline, she won’t take no for an answer and insisted I join the team.
get a word in edgeways
manage to say something in a conversation
During the heated debate, I could barely get a word in edgeways because everyone was talking over each other.
beside the point
not relevant to the subject you are talking about
Whether you like the color or not is beside the point; we need to decide if we can afford the car.
missed the point
failed to understand the main thing
I think you missed the point of my argument; I wasn't talking about money at all.
doesn’t know the meaning of the word
It is pointless to talk to someone about a certain quality or behavior because it is not in their character; they are completely unfamiliar with it.
You can try telling Mark to take a break, but he doesn’t know the meaning of the word 'rest.'
word for word
using exactly the same words as were originally spoken or written; verbatim.
She repeated the instructions word for word so there would be no confusion.
small/fine print
the rules, restrictions, and conditions, which are often written in very small letters, especially in contracts or agreements, and may contain important information that is easy to overlook.
Before signing the contract, make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what you're agreeing to.
a tall order
a task, request, or favor that is difficult to accomplish or is unreasonable to expect.
Finishing this project by tomorrow is a tall order, but I'll do my best.
a matter of opinion
Something that people can have different opinions about; it suggests that the answer or viewpoint is subjective and not universally agreed upon.
Whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a matter of opinion; some people love it, others hate it.
a question mark (hanging) over
Nobody knows if it will continue to exist or not; there is uncertainty about the future or outcome of something.
There is a question mark hanging over the future of the company after the recent financial losses.
lingua franca
a language used for day-to-day public communication, which is not the speakers’ own language
In many international conferences, English serves as the lingua franca so that participants from different countries can communicate easily.
wouldn't go amiss
Would be very useful or welcome; something that is needed or would improve the situation.
A cup of tea wouldn't go amiss after that long walk.
if push comes to shove
If the situation becomes very difficult or desperate, this is what I can do or what will happen.
I don't want to borrow money, but if push comes to shove, I'll ask my parents for help.
if need be
if it is really necessary; if there is no other option; if required.
We can stay late to finish the project if need be.
duty bound
Feeling morally or legally obligated to do something; believing that it is your responsibility to act.
As a doctor, I felt duty bound to help the injured man, even though I was off duty.
need like I need a hole in the head
I don’t need it at all, and don’t want it
Another meeting on a Friday afternoon is something I need like I need a hole in the head.
dying to
really looking forward to or wanting something very much
I'm dying to see the new movie that just came out.
wouldn't be seen dead
would never do something (because you dislike it very much or think it is not appropriate)
She wouldn't be seen dead wearing those old-fashioned shoes.
do my own thing
do what I want without worrying about what others think
Even though everyone else wanted to go to the party, I decided to do my own thing and stayed home to read.
give anything
Be willing to do anything or make any sacrifice to achieve or obtain something.
I'd give anything to see my favorite band perform live.
in keeping with
appropriate or consistent with
The decorations at the party were in keeping with the winter theme.
wouldn't touch it with a barge pole
would never consider or get involved with something
When I saw how messy that project was, I said I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.
you're in luck
said when you get something good that you were not expecting
If you were hoping for tickets to the concert, you're in luck—I have an extra one right here.
not worth my while
Doing something is not beneficial or rewarding enough to justify the time or effort required.
Driving all the way across town for just a few dollars is not worth my while.
take your pick
choose whichever you want
There are so many desserts on the table, just take your pick and help yourself.
has seen better days
is old and not working so well
This old sofa has seen better days; the fabric is torn and the springs are sticking out.
out of date
old and not useful or correct any more
My phone is so out of date that it can't run the latest apps.
making up for lost time
Doing now what you did not have the opportunity to do previously; trying to catch up on missed experiences or opportunities.
After recovering from her illness, she started traveling the world, making up for lost time.
since/from the year dot
from the very beginning; for as long as anyone can remember; since a very long time ago.
They've lived in that old house since the year dot, and it's full of family memories.
be the shape of things to come
an indication of what is likely to become popular or standard in the future
Electric cars are predicted to be the shape of things to come in the automotive industry.
for the time being
temporarily; for now; until something changes or a permanent solution is found
We don't have a permanent manager yet, so I'll be in charge for the time being.
on the threshold of
something is likely to happen very soon
Scientists believe we are on the threshold of a major breakthrough in cancer research.
in the short/medium/long term
for a short, medium, or long period of time in the future; considering the effects or results over a specified duration.
Investing in renewable energy may be expensive now, but in the long term it will save money and help the environment.
only a matter of time
It will definitely happen, even though we cannot say exactly when.
With all the rain we've had lately, it's only a matter of time before the river floods.
early days yet
It’s too soon to say or decide; the outcome is not clear because not enough time has passed.
The new project just started last week, so it's early days yet to judge its success.
in the long run
a long time from now; eventually, after a long period has passed
Eating healthy may seem hard now, but in the long run it will benefit your health.
like there’s no tomorrow
To do something eagerly, intensely, or very quickly, as if there is no future or no chance to do it again.
She was eating like there’s no tomorrow after her long hike.
as if there was/were no tomorrow
To do something eagerly, quickly, or with great intensity, as though it is the last chance to do it.
She danced as if there were no tomorrow, not caring who was watching.
at the end of the day
something you say before stating a very important fact or idea
At the end of the day, it's your decision to make.
a sign of the times
something that shows that society now is worse than it was in the past
The fact that so many bookstores are closing is a sign of the times.
drive someone round the bend
to make someone very annoyed, frustrated, or angry, often because of repeated or irritating behavior.
The constant noise from the construction site is starting to drive me round the bend.
in the blink of an eye
in an extremely short time
The car disappeared in the blink of an eye before I could even react.
a bone of contention
something which people argue and disagree over
The division of household chores has always been a bone of contention between my parents.
as dry as a bone
very dry indeed
After weeks without rain, the riverbed was as dry as a bone.
rough and ready
crude and lacking sophistication
The shelter was rough and ready, but it kept us dry during the storm.
cool, calm and collected
relaxed, in control, not nervous
Even during the emergency, the nurse stayed cool, calm and collected and handled the situation perfectly.
to cut a long story short
to tell the main points, but not all the fine details
We missed our flight, had to sleep at the airport, and, to cut a long story short, we arrived two days late.
pass the buck
to shift responsibility or blame to someone else instead of accepting it oneself.
Whenever there's a problem at work, he always tries to pass the buck to his coworkers.
buck-passing
the act of blaming someone else or refusing to accept responsibility
The manager was criticized for buck-passing when the project failed instead of admitting his own mistakes.
give me a hard/rough/tough time
To make things difficult, unpleasant, or challenging for someone, often by criticizing, teasing, or causing trouble.
My boss always gives me a hard time when I make a small mistake at work.
makes all the difference (to something)
has a very good effect on a situation or a thing
Adding a little bit of lemon juice really makes all the difference to the flavor of this dish.
works/goes/runs like a dream
To function, operate, or proceed extremely well, smoothly, or successfully.
After the mechanic fixed my car, it runs like a dream now.
works like magic
works immediately and very well indeed
This stain remover works like magic; the spot disappeared in seconds.
goes from strength to strength
gets better and better
Since launching their new product line, the company has gone from strength to strength, expanding into new markets every year.
does the trick
solves a problem very well
If you have a headache, taking some aspirin usually does the trick.
is the be-all-and-end-all (of something)
is the most important thing (often used in the negative: not the be-all-and-end-all)
For some people, making money is the be-all-and-end-all of life, but I think there are more important things.
is / turns out to be a blessing in disguise
has a good effect even though at first it seemed it would be bad
Losing my job turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.
someone/something is a victim of their/its own success
Their or its success has negative effects as well as or instead of positive ones.
The small bakery became a victim of its own success when so many people wanted their pastries that they couldn't keep up with demand.
someone doesn’t have the ghost of a chance (of doing something)
They have no chance at all; it is extremely unlikely or impossible for them to succeed.
With no experience and no connections, he doesn't have the ghost of a chance of landing that job.
someone/something gives up the ghost
To stop working, functioning, or trying, often because of exhaustion, failure, or the realization that success is impossible.
After years of faithful service, my old laptop finally gave up the ghost and wouldn't turn on anymore.
someone/something leaves their/its mark (on someone/something)
They have or it has an effect (usually negative) that changes someone or something forever.
The war left its mark on the city, with many buildings still in ruins.
would go places
would be successful; is likely to achieve great things or advance in life or career
Everyone knew that Sarah would go places because of her determination and talent.
hit the big time
To become very successful, especially on a national or international scale, often resulting in fame and wealth.
After years of playing in small clubs, the band finally hit the big time when their single topped the charts.
made a go of
been very successful with
After several failed attempts, they finally made a go of their small bakery business.
work against the clock
To work very quickly because there is a limited amount of time to complete something.
The team had to work against the clock to finish the project before the deadline.
in no time at all
To do something very quickly; almost instantly.
She finished her homework in no time at all and went out to play.
call it a day
To decide to stop working on something, usually because enough has been done or it's time to finish.
We've been painting the house for hours; let's call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.
haven't had a minute to call my own
To be extremely busy, with no free time for oneself.
Ever since the new project started, I haven't had a minute to call my own.
there and then (or then and there)
To do something immediately, without any delay, at that exact moment.
When she offered me the job, I accepted there and then without hesitation.
at the crack of dawn
start very early in the morning
We had to leave at the crack of dawn to catch our flight.
once in a lifetime
never likely to happen again
Traveling to Antarctica was a once in a lifetime experience for me.
once in a blue moon
very rarely
We only go out to eat once in a blue moon because we prefer to cook at home.
once and for all
finally and definitely; to do something completely and decisively so that it does not have to be dealt with again
Let's solve this problem once and for all so we don't have to discuss it again.
off and on / on and off
sometimes, but not regularly or continuously
I've been studying French off and on for years, but I'm still not fluent.
from time to time
sometimes, but not regularly
I like to visit my grandparents from time to time, especially during the holidays.
nine times out of ten
almost always; in nearly every case or situation
Nine times out of ten, if you water your plants regularly, they will thrive.
goes/works/runs like clockwork
happens exactly as planned and without problems
The wedding ceremony went like clockwork, with every detail perfectly timed.
from scratch
to start from the very beginning, without using anything that already exists or any previous preparation.
She decided to bake the cake from scratch instead of using a mix.
put it down to experience
Learn from something bad that has happened instead of being upset by it.
When my first business failed, I decided to put it down to experience and try again with a better plan.
know where I stand
To understand your position or situation, especially in relation to someone else or a particular issue.
After our conversation, I finally know where I stand with my boss regarding the promotion.
get a kick out of something
to enjoy something very much or find it amusing
I get a real kick out of going for a run first thing in the morning before anyone else is up.
learnt my lesson
To realize, usually after a negative experience, that you should not repeat the same mistake.
After forgetting my umbrella and getting soaked, I learnt my lesson and always check the weather now.
teach him/her a lesson
To punish or show someone the consequences of their actions so that they will not repeat the same mistake.
After he lied to his parents, they grounded him for a week to teach him a lesson.
got the message
someone finally becomes aware of a fact (often used with unpleasant facts)
After being ignored all week, I finally got the message that she didn't want to talk to me.
set/put the record straight
Tell the true facts to someone who has believed a different set of facts up to that moment.
After hearing so many rumors, she decided to set the record straight and explain what really happened.
heard it on/through the grapevine
To hear news or information indirectly, often through gossip or rumors, rather than from an official or direct source.
I heard it through the grapevine that our manager is leaving the company next month.
a figment of your imagination
something you have imagined which is not true
The ghost you saw last night was just a figment of your imagination.
lost sight of
forgotten a central, important fact or truth about something
In the rush to finish the project, the team lost sight of the original goals.
what beats me
what I cannot understand
What beats me is how he managed to finish the project so quickly.
having second thoughts about
Decided something, but now am no longer sure about it.
She agreed to move abroad, but now she's having second thoughts about leaving her family behind.
the ins and outs of
the details of something; all the intricacies or specific information about how something works or is done.
Before you start the job, you should learn the ins and outs of the company’s procedures.
make it big
To achieve great success or become famous, especially in one's career or chosen field.
After years of playing in small clubs, she finally made it big when her song hit the charts.
make a big thing of
To treat something as very important or special, often by celebrating it or giving it a lot of attention.
My parents always make a big thing of my birthday, even though I tell them I don't need a party.
think big
have ambitious plans and ideas, and be keen to achieve a lot
If you want to succeed in business, you need to think big and not be afraid to take risks.
big deal
Said when something happens but you are not impressed or excited, even if others are.
So you got an A on your test—big deal, I got straight A's all year.
larger than life
Much more exciting and interesting than average people; having a personality or appearance that is very impressive or exaggerated.
The actor was truly larger than life, captivating everyone in the room with his stories and charisma.
looms large
Said of something which could happen and which is a huge worry for people.
The threat of climate change looms large in the minds of many young people today.
budge an inch
To change one's position or opinion even a little bit; to yield or compromise, even slightly.
No matter how much we argued, she wouldn't budge an inch on her decision.
miles away
not concentrating, but thinking about something else
Sorry, I didn't hear what you said—I was miles away thinking about my vacation.
see/spot that a mile off
It's very easy to see or recognize; something is extremely obvious.
You could see that he was lying a mile off—his story didn't make any sense.
sticks/stands out a mile
It's very easy to see or is extremely obvious.
That bright red car sticks out a mile in the parking lot full of gray vehicles.
a far cry from
very different from
Living in the city is a far cry from the quiet life I had in the countryside.
in small doses
You like someone or something, but only for short periods of time; too much of them can be overwhelming or annoying.
I can handle my little brother in small doses, but if we spend all day together, he drives me crazy.
a small fortune
a huge amount of money
She spent a small fortune on her wedding dress.
in all shapes and sizes
a wide variety of types, forms, or sizes; used to emphasize diversity.
At the pet store, you can find animals in all shapes and sizes, from tiny hamsters to large parrots.
an unknown quantity
A person or thing whose abilities, qualities, or potential are not yet known or have not been revealed.
The new player is an unknown quantity, so the coach isn't sure how he'll perform in the big game.
taking the law into their own hands
taking action which should be taken by the police or the courts
The neighbors took the law into their own hands when they started patrolling the streets at night.
have become a law unto themselves
are completely out of control and simply ignore the law
The local gangs have become a law unto themselves, doing whatever they want without fear of the police.
lay down the law
To be very firm and clear about rules or expectations, and to enforce them strictly.
When the kids started fighting, Mom had to lay down the law and tell them to behave.
bending the rules
making special exceptions; letting some people disobey the rules/laws
The coach was accused of bending the rules to let his star player join the team despite missing tryouts.
carry the can
accept the blame or responsibility alone, even though other people were also responsible
Even though the whole team made mistakes, it was Sarah who had to carry the can when the project failed.
get / let someone off the hook
To be freed or to free someone from responsibility, blame, or a difficult situation.
Even though he broke the vase, his parents decided to let him off the hook and didn't punish him.
leave someone to their own devices
Allow someone to act independently, without supervision or interference.
When you leave children to their own devices, they often come up with the most creative games.
are at/on the receiving end (of something, for example, a person’s anger/criticism)
To be the person who suffers from or is the target of someone else's anger, criticism, or other negative actions.
Whenever the boss is in a bad mood, I always find myself at the receiving end of his criticism.
are at someone’s beck and call
do everything they tell you to do, whenever they tell you to do it
She is at her boss’s beck and call, always ready to answer emails or run errands, no matter the time.
get your own way
persuade other people to let you do what you want
She always manages to get her own way in every argument, no matter what.
go to the polls
vote in a general election
Millions of citizens will go to the polls next week to choose their new president.
spin doctors
public relations officers who meet the press/media and present events in a way that suits them
After the politician's scandal, the spin doctors worked overtime to control the narrative.
hidden agenda
An undisclosed plan or motive behind someone's actions, often implying deceit or manipulation.
I think the new manager has a hidden agenda; he keeps making changes without explaining why.
I've come up against a brick wall.
Something is blocking me from doing what I want to do.
I've been trying to fix this computer for hours, but I've come up against a brick wall and can't figure out what's wrong.
I put my foot in it.
Said something tactless and embarrassing.
At the dinner party, I put my foot in it when I mentioned their recent breakup, not knowing they were trying to keep it private.
I'm in dire straits.
In a very difficult or dangerous situation.
After losing my job and getting sick, I'm in dire straits and don't know how I'll pay my bills.
I've dug myself into a hole.
Have myself caused a problem that will be difficult to escape from (informal).
After lying to my boss, I realized I've dug myself into a hole and now I don't know how to fix it.
I've spread myself too thin.
Am trying to do too many things at the same time, with the result that I can't give any of them the attention they need.
Between work, volunteering, and night classes, I've spread myself too thin and now I'm exhausted.
I've been left holding the baby.
Others have left me to deal with a problem alone.
When everyone else left the project early, I was left holding the baby and had to finish everything myself.
They've got me over a barrel.
They have put me in a situation where I have no choice or control over what I can do.
Since they already have my deposit, they've got me over a barrel and I can't back out of the deal.
I'm clutching at straws now.
Am in such a difficult situation that I will try anything.
I've tried every possible solution, but now I'm clutching at straws by asking random people for advice.
I've drawn a blank.
Am unable to find information or to achieve something I'd hoped for.
I tried to remember her name, but I've drawn a blank.
face the music
Accept criticism or punishment for what you have done.
After skipping class all week, Jake knew he would have to face the music when his parents found out.
Fact of life
An unpleasant situation which has to be accepted because it cannot be changed.
It's just a fact of life that sometimes things don't go the way we planned.
Easier said than done
Something you say when something seems like a good idea, but is difficult to actually do.
Quitting sugar completely is easier said than done, especially with all the tempting desserts around.
fed up (to the back teeth)
very annoyed or bored with something that has been happening for a long time
I'm fed up to the back teeth with all this rain—we haven't seen the sun in weeks!
at my wits' end
So worried, confused, or annoyed that you do not know what to do next.
After trying everything to stop the baby from crying, I was at my wits' end.
had it up to here
Have reached the limit of your patience or endurance with something.
I've had it up to here with all this noise from the construction next door.
have/throw a fit
react very angrily
When she saw the mess in the kitchen, she threw a fit and started yelling at everyone.
go off the deep end
suddenly become very angry or emotional
When he saw the mess in the kitchen, he went off the deep end and started yelling at everyone.
go spare
to become very angry or lose one's temper
If you break that vase, Mum will go spare!
do his nut
become very angry
When he saw the mess in the kitchen, he did his nut and started shouting at everyone.
blow a fuse
suddenly become very angry
When I told my dad I crashed the car, he blew a fuse and started yelling.
if someone's blood is up
They are very angry and may react in a violent way.
When the referee made a bad call, you could see that Jake's blood was up and he started shouting at everyone.
after someone's blood
want to catch someone in order to hurt or punish them
Ever since I broke his window, he's been after my blood.
out for blood
determined to find someone to attack or blame for something bad that has happened
After the team lost the championship, the fans were out for blood and demanded the coach be fired.
drive someone up the wall
To make someone very angry, irritated, or sometimes extremely bored.
The constant noise from the construction site drives me up the wall every morning.
drive/send someone round the bend/twist
To make someone very angry, annoyed, or sometimes extremely bored.
The constant noise from the construction site is starting to drive me round the bend.
rub someone up the wrong way
To annoy or irritate someone, often unintentionally.
I didn't mean to rub her up the wrong way, but my joke clearly upset her.
get/put someone's back up
To make someone annoyed or irritated.
His constant criticism really puts my back up during meetings.
ruffle someone's feathers
To make someone annoyed or upset, often by disturbing their routine or offending them.
He didn't mean to ruffle her feathers, but his comments about her work were a bit harsh.
put/send the cat among the pigeons
To do or say something that causes a lot of people to become angry, worried, or agitated.
When the manager announced there would be layoffs, it really put the cat among the pigeons in the office.
not be on speaking terms
be so angry with each other that they refuse to speak to each other
Ever since their argument last week, Sarah and Tom have not been on speaking terms.
give someone an earful
Tell someone how angry you are with them, usually in a loud or forceful way (informal).
My mom gave me an earful when she found out I had skipped school.
give someone a piece of your mind
To angrily tell someone what you really think, especially to express your disapproval or annoyance.
When I saw how messy the kitchen was, I gave my roommate a piece of my mind.
You could’ve fooled me!
You do not believe what someone says about something that you saw or experienced yourself.
He said he wasn't tired, but with those bags under his eyes, you could’ve fooled me!
There’s no accounting for taste(s)!
You can’t understand why someone likes or doesn’t like something.
He puts ketchup on his pizza, but I guess there’s no accounting for tastes!
If all else fails
If all other plans do not work.
If all else fails, we can always order pizza for dinner.
The lesser of two evils
It is the less unpleasant of two bad options.
When choosing between working late and coming in on the weekend, I picked working late because it was the lesser of two evils.
One thing just led to another
A series of events happened, each caused by the previous one.
We started talking over coffee, and before we knew it, one thing just led to another and we ended up spending the whole day together.
I’ll never live it down!
You think that you have done something bad or embarrassing that people will never forget.
After tripping and spilling coffee all over my boss during the meeting, I thought, 'I’ll never live it down!'
Strike while the iron is hot
Do something immediately while you have a good chance of success.
If you want that promotion, you should strike while the iron is hot and apply as soon as the position opens.
One way or another
You are not sure exactly how yet, but it will happen.
One way or another, we will finish this project before the deadline.
Over the top
More extreme than is necessary or appropriate.
Her reaction to the small mistake was really over the top; she started yelling and throwing things.
In your shoes
In your position; if I were you.
If I were in your shoes, I would talk to your manager about the problem.
At the top of my agenda
The most important priority for me.
Finishing this project is at the top of my agenda right now.
It’s just not on!
Not an appropriate way of behaving.
You can’t just take someone’s lunch from the fridge—it’s just not on!
knows inside out
knows every detail of it
She knows the software inside out, so if you have any questions, just ask her.
knows his stuff
has a very good knowledge of it
When it comes to computer programming, Jake really knows his stuff.
has a familiar ring to it
It sounds familiar; it seems like something you have heard or experienced before.
That story has a familiar ring to it—are you sure you haven't told me this before?
rings a bell
To sound familiar or remind someone of something, even if they can't remember the details.
That name rings a bell, but I can't quite place where I've heard it before.
haven’t (got) / don’t have a clue
To not know or understand something at all; to have no idea.
I haven’t got a clue how to solve this math problem.
haven’t (got) / don’t have the faintest idea
I really don’t know at all.
Sorry, I haven’t got the faintest idea where your keys are.
haven’t (got) / don’t have the foggiest (idea)
To have absolutely no knowledge or understanding about something; to not know at all.
Sorry, I haven't got the foggiest idea where your keys are.
can’t for the life of me
I can’t remember at all; used to emphasize that you are completely unable to recall or do something.
I can’t for the life of me remember where I put my keys last night.
a bit out of touch
Not being aware of the latest information, trends, or developments in a particular area.
Ever since I stopped working in tech, I feel a bit out of touch with the latest gadgets.
doesn’t ring any bells with me
I don’t think I’ve ever heard it before; it is unfamiliar.
That name doesn’t ring any bells with me, are you sure we’ve met before?
put two and two together
To figure something out or draw a logical conclusion from the information available.
When I saw her car outside his house, I put two and two together and realized they were dating.
got (hold of) the wrong end of the stick
came to the wrong conclusion
I think you got the wrong end of the stick—I wasn't criticizing you at all.
be on the breadline
To be very poor; to have very little money and be close to poverty.
After losing his job, he found himself on the breadline and struggling to pay rent.
live in the lap of luxury
To live an extremely comfortable and extravagant life, usually because of having a lot of money.
After winning the lottery, they lived in the lap of luxury with a mansion and private jet.
well off / well-to-do / well-heeled
having plenty of money
After landing that high-paying job, she became quite well off and bought a new house.
spend money like water
spend too much, often without thinking about it
Ever since he got his bonus, he has been spending money like water on clothes and gadgets.
tighten your belt
spend less than you did before, because you have less money
After losing his job, John had to tighten his belt and cut back on unnecessary expenses.
make a killing
earn a lot of money very easily
He made a killing when he sold his company to a big tech firm.
be a money spinner
be a successful way of making money
Their new online course has turned out to be a real money spinner for the company.
pay through the nose
To pay much more than a fair price; to pay an excessive amount of money for something.
We had to pay through the nose for concert tickets because they sold out so quickly.
a rip-off
something that is not worth the money that you paid for it
That concert ticket was a rip-off; I can't believe I paid $100 for such a short show.
spend a small fortune
To spend a large amount of money, often more than expected or considered reasonable.
We spent a small fortune on our vacation to Hawaii last year.
cost a small fortune
to cost a lot of money; to be very expensive
That designer handbag cost a small fortune, but she just had to have it.
make a small fortune
to earn or acquire a large amount of money, often more than expected
She made a small fortune selling handmade jewelry online during the holidays.
lose a small fortune
to lose a large amount of money, often unexpectedly or through bad luck or poor decisions.
He lost a small fortune when the stock market crashed last year.
pick up the tab/bill
pay for something, often something that is not your responsibility (informal)
Since it was my friend's birthday, I decided to pick up the tab for dinner.
at a considerable price
by sacrificing a lot or by doing something unpleasant in order to get it
She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor, but it came at a considerable price—years of hard work and little time for her family.
work put paid to
Stopped someone from doing something that they were planning to do.
I was going to go hiking this weekend, but work put paid to my plans.
paying the price for
experiencing the unpleasant consequences of something you have done
After staying up all night to finish the project, I paid the price for it the next day when I couldn't stay awake in class.
commit something to memory
make yourself remember something
Before the exam, I tried to commit all the important formulas to memory.
take a stroll/trip down memory lane
To remember or reminisce about happy or significant events from the past.
Every time we look through old photo albums, we take a stroll down memory lane and laugh about our childhood adventures.
jog someone’s memory
To help someone remember something they may have forgotten.
Looking at old photographs can sometimes jog my memory about childhood events.
in/within living memory
can be remembered by people still alive
There hasn't been a winter this cold in living memory.
come/spring to mind
to immediately think of something or someone when a particular topic is mentioned
When you mention classic novels, Pride and Prejudice immediately comes to mind.
slip your mind
to forget about something, often unintentionally or by accident
Sorry I missed your birthday—it completely slipped my mind.
bear/keep something in mind
To remember or consider something when making a decision or thinking about a situation.
When planning your budget, keep in mind that unexpected expenses can come up.
your mind goes blank
You suddenly cannot remember or think of anything, especially when you are expected to speak or act.
When the teacher called on me to answer the question, my mind went blank and I couldn't say a word.
cross your mind
To briefly think about something or have a thought occur to you, often unexpectedly or for a short moment.
Did it ever cross your mind that she might be telling the truth?
out of sight, out of mind
If you do not see someone or something, you are likely to forget about them or stop thinking about them.
After moving to a new city, I rarely thought about my old neighbors—it's true what they say, out of sight, out of mind.
something is on the tip of your tongue
You know something but can’t quite remember it or say it at the moment.
Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't remember it right now.
ring a bell
To sound familiar or remind you of something you have heard or seen before.
Does the name Sarah ring a bell to you? I feel like we've met her somewhere.
a train of thought
a series of connected ideas or thoughts that follow one another in a logical sequence.
She was explaining her plan when a loud noise interrupted her train of thought.
rack your brains
To think very hard or make a great effort to remember or solve something.
I've been racking my brains all day trying to remember where I put my keys.
toffee-nosed
Thinks he is of a high social class and looks down on people of lower class (negative)
Ever since she moved to the city, she's become so toffee-nosed and refuses to talk to her old friends.
putting on / giving yourself airs and graces
acting as if you were someone of a higher social class than you really are
Ever since she got that promotion, she's been putting on airs and graces and acting like she's better than the rest of us.
pillar of society
a solid, respectable and respected member of society
Everyone in town considers Mr. Thompson a pillar of society because of his charitable work and honesty.
rough diamond
a person who seems impolite or unrefined at first, but who is actually of good character or has hidden qualities.
At first, Jake seemed rude and blunt, but after working with him, I realized he was a real rough diamond.
down-and-outs
people who have no home, no money and no job, who live on the streets
The shelter provides food and beds for down-and-outs during the winter months.
keep up appearances
To continue to maintain an outward show of prosperity or normalcy, even when facing difficulties or financial problems.
Even after losing his job, Tom tried to keep up appearances by wearing his suit every day and pretending everything was fine.
high-flyer
A person who rises very quickly to a successful position, especially in their career or studies.
After only a year at the company, Sarah became known as a high-flyer because of her rapid promotions.
made a name for himself
became well-known or famous, usually through one's own efforts or achievements.
After years of hard work in the tech industry, he made a name for himself as an innovative software developer.
on his way up
rising to better and better positions
After getting promoted twice in one year, it's clear that John is on his way up in the company.
up-and-coming
becoming more and more popular or famous
That up-and-coming band is playing at the festival this weekend.
new blood
a new person from outside the company, often brought in to bring fresh ideas or energy.
The team needed new blood to help revitalize their marketing strategy.
keep a low profile
not draw attention to oneself; to remain unnoticed or avoid attracting attention.
After the scandal, the politician decided to keep a low profile for a while.
anybody who is anybody
all the important people
Anybody who is anybody in the fashion industry attended the gala last night.
the odd one out
Someone or something that is different from the others in a group.
When everyone wore black suits to the meeting, I felt like the odd one out in my bright red dress.
politically correct name
An acceptable and non-offensive way of referring to particular social groups; often used with a hint of criticism, suggesting that being overly careful with language to avoid offending anyone can be excessive or unnecessary.
Some people think using a politically correct name for every group is just common courtesy, while others find it unnecessary.
out of this world
extremely good or impressive
The chocolate cake at that bakery is out of this world; you have to try it!
second to none
the best; better than anything else
Her attention to detail is second to none; no one can match her precision.
a hard act to follow
So good or impressive that it is difficult for anyone else to match or surpass.
The previous manager was a hard act to follow, but I’ll do my best in this new role.
made for this room
perfectly suited for this room
This antique table looks like it was made for this room; it fits the space perfectly.
he gave as good as he got
He responded to criticism or attack with equal force.
When the debate got heated, he gave as good as he got and didn't back down from any argument.
like gold dust
very rare and valuable
Tickets to the concert were like gold dust; they sold out within minutes.
ground-breaking work
work that is innovative and introduces new ideas or methods
The scientist received an award for her ground-breaking work in renewable energy.
all sweetness and light
friendly and pleasant, but in a false or insincere way
She was all sweetness and light when the boss was around, but complained as soon as he left.
getting on my nerves
irritating or annoying me
The constant noise from the construction site is really getting on my nerves.
give me a hard time
To criticize, tease, or make things difficult for someone, often in a way that causes discomfort or guilt.
My friends always give me a hard time when I forget to reply to their messages.
poke fun at
to tease or mock someone, often in a playful or lighthearted way
My friends always poke fun at me for my terrible sense of direction.
to add insult to injury
to make a bad situation even worse
Not only did they lose the game, but to add insult to injury, their star player got hurt in the last minute.
cast aspersions on
To criticize someone or something unfairly or suggest that they are not honest or trustworthy, often in a subtle or indirect way (formal).
It's unfair to cast aspersions on her abilities just because she made one mistake.
out-and-out
completely or totally, especially used to emphasize negative qualities of people.
Everyone knew he was an out-and-out liar who couldn't be trusted.
asking for trouble
Doing something that is likely to cause problems or lead to negative consequences.
If you leave your car unlocked in this neighborhood, you're really asking for trouble.
give something your all
use all your energy and effort to do something
She gave the performance her all and received a standing ovation.
go all out
use a lot of energy and effort to do something
For her birthday party, we decided to go all out with decorations and food.
go out of your way to do something
try very hard to do something, usually something nice
She really went out of her way to make sure I felt welcome at the party.
pull your weight
work as hard as other people in a group
If you don't pull your weight, the whole team will struggle to finish the project on time.
by hook or by crook
using whatever methods are necessary
She was determined to get the tickets by hook or by crook, even if it meant waiting in line all night.
pull your finger out
make more of an effort (very informal)
If you don't pull your finger out, you'll never finish that project on time.
at a push
Probably possible, but it will be difficult.
We can fit five people in the car, but at a push we might be able to squeeze in six.
have a go
try to do something
I've never played tennis before, but I'd love to have a go.
have a bash at
try to do something (more informal way of saying have a go)
I've never baked bread before, but I think I'll have a bash at it this weekend.
went through the motions
Did something because you are expected to do it, not because you want to do it. In other words, you do it but without putting much effort or enthusiasm into it.
During the meeting, he just went through the motions and didn't contribute any new ideas.
child's play
extremely easy
For someone with your experience, fixing this computer will be child's play.
as easy as pie
extremely easy (informal)
The math homework was as easy as pie; I finished it in just ten minutes.
a piece of cake
extremely easy (informal)
The math test was a piece of cake; I finished it in just twenty minutes.
as easy as taking candy from a baby
Extremely easy; something that can be done with little or no effort.
Finishing that puzzle was as easy as taking candy from a baby for her.
a doddle
extremely easy (informal)
The math test was a doddle for her; she finished it in ten minutes.
heavy-going
difficult and needing a lot of effort
The textbook was so heavy-going that I had to reread each chapter twice to understand it.
making do
managing with something that isn’t as good as you would like
We didn't have enough chairs for everyone, so we made do with some old boxes.
give it a shot/whirl
To try something, especially for the first time, often without being sure of success (informal).
I've never played tennis before, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
get to grips with
make an effort to understand or to deal with a problem or situation
It took me a few weeks to really get to grips with the new software at work.
to be on the safe side
to take extra precautions or do something to avoid possible problems, even if it might not be strictly necessary.
I brought an umbrella with me, just to be on the safe side, even though the forecast said it wouldn't rain.
get to the bottom of
try to discover the truth about something
The manager promised to get to the bottom of the missing funds as soon as possible.
shed a great deal of light on
make something clearer; help people understand a situation
The new evidence shed a great deal of light on the cause of the accident.
brought to light
make unknown facts become known
The investigation brought to light several issues with the company's accounting practices.
come to light
unknown facts becoming known
After months of investigation, new evidence finally came to light that changed the direction of the case.
bring something to light
to reveal or make known facts or information that were previously hidden or unknown
The investigation helped bring several important details to light that had been overlooked.
shed/throw light on something
To help people understand a situation by providing new information or making something clearer.
The new evidence finally shed light on the cause of the accident.
light at the end of the tunnel
something makes you believe that a difficult and unpleasant situation is coming to an end
After months of job searching, I finally got an interview offer—it feels like there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
in the bag
certain to be achieved (informal)
With our team leading by three goals and only five minutes left, the victory is practically in the bag.
the answer to my prayers
something or someone that you have needed or hoped for for a long time, often appearing just when you need it most.
After months of searching for a job, this offer is the answer to my prayers.
wave a magic wand
to find or wish for an easy and immediate solution to a difficult problem, as if by magic
If I could just wave a magic wand, all our financial problems would disappear.
tie up a few loose ends
deal with the last few things that need to be done before something is completed
Before we leave for vacation, I need to tie up a few loose ends at work.
fall into place
To become clear, understandable, or organized; to happen in a satisfactory or desired way.
After weeks of confusion, everything finally fell into place and the project made sense.
pick up the pieces
to try to return to normal or recover after something bad has happened
After the company went bankrupt, it took years for the employees to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.
be in someone's good books
To be liked or approved of by someone, often because you have done something to please them.
After helping my boss finish the project ahead of schedule, I was definitely in her good books.
get on like a house on fire
To become very friendly with someone very quickly and get along extremely well.
Even though they'd just met, Sarah and Tom got on like a house on fire at the party.
keep/get/be/stay in touch with someone
To maintain communication or contact with someone.
Even after moving to different cities, we keep in touch with each other through emails and phone calls.
make it up to someone
do something good for someone you have done something bad to in the past
I'm so sorry I missed your birthday party; let me make it up to you by taking you out to dinner.
take a shine to someone
To like someone immediately or develop a fondness for them, often without a clear reason (informal).
It was obvious that the new puppy took a shine to my brother as soon as they met.
have a soft spot for someone
feel a lot of affection for one particular person, often without knowing why
Even though my little brother can be annoying, I have a soft spot for him.
be at loggerheads
to disagree strongly with each other, often in a way that cannot be easily resolved
The two managers have been at loggerheads over the new company policy for weeks.
be (talking) at cross-purposes (of two people or groups)
not understand each other because they are trying to do or say different things
During the meeting, it became clear that John and Sarah were talking at cross-purposes, as each thought the other was discussing a different project.
have it in for someone
To be determined to criticize, harm, or treat someone unfairly, often due to a personal grudge.
Ever since I accidentally broke her mug, I feel like my boss has it in for me.
have it out with someone
To confront someone directly in order to discuss and resolve a disagreement or problem.
After weeks of tension, I finally decided to have it out with my roommate about the mess in the kitchen.
two-time someone
have a romantic or sexual relationship with two people at the same time
She was devastated when she found out her boyfriend had been two-timing her for months.
keep someone/something at bay
prevent someone or something from coming near you or causing harm or trouble
She tried to keep her fears at bay by focusing on her work.
keep yourself to yourself
prefer to be on your own and avoid talking with or doing things with other people
Ever since he moved to the city, he tends to keep himself to himself and rarely joins us for lunch.
caught napping
got into trouble because they were not paying enough attention
The security guard was caught napping when the thief slipped past the entrance unnoticed.
going out on a limb
stating an opinion or doing something different from anyone else
She knew she was going out on a limb by suggesting such a radical solution at the meeting.
out on a limb
You are alone and lacking support from anyone else.
She knew she was out on a limb when she disagreed with the entire team.
led astray
Influenced so that someone does bad things or moves away from the correct or intended path.
He was led astray by his older friends and started skipping classes.
leave well alone
try not to change or improve something because this might make things worse
The software is working fine now, so let's leave well alone and not update it unnecessarily.
panic stations
a time or situation where you feel very anxious and have to act quickly (informal)
When the fire alarm went off during the meeting, it was panic stations as everyone rushed to evacuate the building.
necessary evil
something you do not like, but you agree that it must exist or happen
Filing taxes every year is a necessary evil if you want to avoid trouble with the government.
safe and sound
To be completely unharmed and in good health, especially after being in danger or a risky situation.
After the long journey through the storm, we were relieved to arrive safe and sound.
have a narrow escape
just manage to avoid danger or trouble
We had a narrow escape when our car skidded on the icy road but stopped just before hitting the tree.
do something by the skin of your teeth
only just succeed in doing something
I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth; I thought I was going to fail.
rather/too close for comfort
So close in distance or similar in amount that you are worried or frightened.
The lightning struck too close for comfort during the storm last night.
cut things fine
leave yourself only just enough time to do something
You always cut things fine when you leave for the airport just an hour before your flight.
something sets alarm bells ringing
Something causes you to feel worried or suspicious because it suggests there may be a problem.
When I noticed the sudden drop in sales, it really set alarm bells ringing for me.
take your life in(to) your hands
To do something very risky or dangerous, often with the possibility of serious harm.
You take your life in your hands every time you drive on those icy mountain roads.
your life is in someone's hands
That person can affect whether you live or die; you are completely dependent on their actions or decisions for your safety or survival.
During the surgery, my life was in the surgeon's hands and I had to trust their expertise.
hanging by a thread
in a very precarious or risky situation; likely to fail or collapse soon
After the latest round of layoffs, my job feels like it’s hanging by a thread.
on a knife-edge
in a very difficult situation and there are worries about the future
The outcome of the election was on a knife-edge until the very last votes were counted.
red tape
official rules and bureaucracy that make it difficult to do something
It took months to get the permit approved because of all the red tape.
be in the red
To have a negative amount in your bank balance; to owe more money than you have.
After paying all my bills this month, I am in the red and need to watch my spending.
catch someone red-handed
To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
The security guard caught the thief red-handed as he was trying to steal a wallet.
a red herring
something unimportant that takes attention away from the main subject
The detective realized the mysterious phone call was a red herring meant to distract him from the real suspect.
till I was blue in the face
Say the same thing repeatedly, but someone refuses to listen or nothing changes.
I explained the math problem to him till I was blue in the face, but he still didn't understand.
blue blood
belonging to the highest social class or being of aristocratic descent
Everyone at the party knew she had blue blood because of her family's long history of nobility.
blue-collar workers
workers who do physical work, especially in factories
Blue-collar workers often have to wear uniforms or protective gear on the job.
green with envy
very envious
When I saw her brand new sports car, I was green with envy.
got green fingers
is a very good gardener
My grandmother really has got green fingers; her garden is always full of beautiful flowers.
given the green light
given permission for something to start
After months of planning, the team was finally given the green light to launch the new product.
in the green belt
countryside around a town or city which is protected from building development
They bought a house in the green belt to enjoy peace and quiet away from the city.
white-collar workers
workers who work in offices, not doing physical work
Many white-collar workers spend most of their day in front of a computer.
in black and white
Written down or printed, not just spoken; something that is officially documented.
I need to see the contract in black and white before I agree to anything.
grey area
something that is a problem, and is not very clear because there are no rules
The legality of downloading music from certain websites is a grey area because the laws aren't always clear.
black hole
something which has no bottom, and everything put into it just disappears
My inbox is a black hole; emails go in and are never seen again.
I'm thrilled to bits
extremely happy
She was thrilled to bits when she found out she had passed her exams with flying colors.
get a (real) kick out of something
To greatly enjoy or find amusement in something; to take pleasure in an activity or situation (informal).
I get a real kick out of going for a run first thing in the morning before anyone else is up.
do something for kicks
do something because it is exciting, usually something dangerous (informal)
Some people do it for kicks, but I think skydiving is too risky.
jump for joy
be very happy and excited about something that has happened
When she heard she got the job, she couldn't help but jump for joy.
be floating/walking on air
To be extremely happy or elated, usually because something very good has happened.
After hearing that she got the job, she was walking on air for the rest of the week.
something makes your day
something that happens which makes you feel very happy or improves your mood significantly.
Getting a surprise call from my best friend really made my day.
out of sorts
slightly unhappy or slightly ill
She was feeling a bit out of sorts after staying up too late last night.
down in the dumps
unhappy (informal)
After failing his exam, he was down in the dumps for days.
it's not the end of the world
What has happened won’t cause any serious problems; things are not as bad as they seem.
Don't worry if you failed the test—it's not the end of the world, you can always try again.
grin and bear it
accept a situation you don’t like because you can’t change it
Even though the commute is long and tiring, I just grin and bear it because I need the job.
a misery guts
someone who complains all the time and is never happy (very informal)
Stop being a misery guts and try to enjoy the party for once.
sour grapes
being jealous about something you can’t have
When she said she didn't want the promotion anyway, it sounded like sour grapes to me.
puts a damper on
To make an event or situation less enjoyable, exciting, or successful.
The sudden rainstorm really put a damper on our picnic plans.
on the one hand
used to present one of two opposite facts or different ways of looking at the same issue
On the one hand, I want to save money, but on the other hand, I really need a new laptop.
on the other hand
used to present the opposite fact or a different way of looking at the same issue
I love living in the city because everything is close by. On the other hand, it can be really noisy at night.
be that as it may
An expression which means you accept that something is true, but it still does not change your opinion.
I know you worked hard on the project, be that as it may, we still need to make some changes.
to put it in a nutshell
indicates that you’re describing something as briefly as you can
To put it in a nutshell, we just don’t have enough money to continue the project.
pros and cons
advantages and disadvantages
Before making a decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
vicious circle
a problem that cannot be solved because it causes another problem that causes the first problem again
It's a vicious circle: she can't get a job without experience, but she can't get experience without a job.
can of worms
a problem which you do not want to deal with because it will cause trouble (informal)
Bringing up the budget cuts at the meeting opened a real can of worms that no one wanted to deal with.
acid test
a key test which will prove the value, quality or truth of something
The new software will face its acid test when thousands of users log in at the same time.
the other side of the coin
A different perspective or aspect of a situation, often one that contrasts with or opposes the original view.
Many people love working from home, but the other side of the coin is that it can be quite isolating.
tie yourself (up) in knots
To become very confused or anxious, especially when trying to explain or deal with something complicated.
She tied herself up in knots trying to explain the new policy to the team.
be brought/called to account
Be forced to explain your actions and (probably) punished.
After the financial scandal, the CEO was brought to account for his role in the company's losses.
give someone the benefit of the doubt
To choose to believe or trust someone, even though you are not sure if what they are saying or doing is true or honest.
Even though Tom was late again, his boss decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and assumed he had a good reason.
go round in circles
To make no progress in an argument or discussion; to keep talking about the same things without reaching a conclusion.
We went round in circles for hours during the meeting but never agreed on a solution.
won’t budge/give an inch
Won’t modify an opinion or agree to even small changes that another person wants.
No matter how much I argued, my boss wouldn’t budge on the deadline and wouldn’t give an inch.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Being apart from someone you love makes you love them more.
After spending a month away from her family, Jane realized that absence really makes the heart grow fonder.
Actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say.
He always promises to help, but never shows up. I guess actions speak louder than words.
There’s no point / It’s no good crying over spilt milk
There’s no point in getting upset over something bad that’s happened when you can’t change it.
I know you lost your phone, but there’s no point crying over spilt milk—let’s focus on getting you a new one.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
It is not a good idea to put all your efforts or all your money into one project as, if it fails, you may lose everything.
When investing, it's wise to not put all your eggs in one basket by diversifying your portfolio.
Many hands make light work
A job is done quickly and easily if plenty of people help.
We finished cleaning the park in no time because many hands make light work.
Blood is thicker than water
Family relationships are stronger than any other relationships.
Even though they argued, when her brother needed help, she remembered that blood is thicker than water and supported him.
Too many cooks spoil the broth
If too many people work on something, they will spoil it.
We had five people trying to design the logo, but in the end, too many cooks spoil the broth and it looked terrible.
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
People shouldn’t criticise other people for faults that they have themselves.
Before you point out her mistakes, remember that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
It’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s back
Something is the last in a series of unpleasant events, and which finally makes you feel that the situation cannot continue.
When my boss criticized my work again after a long week of overtime, it was the last straw that broke the camel’s back and I decided to quit.
While the cat’s away, the mice will play
When the person in authority is not there, other people will not do what they should do.
As soon as the boss left for vacation, the employees while the cat’s away, the mice will play and started taking longer lunch breaks.
Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves
If you don’t waste small sums of money, you’ll end up with plenty of money.
My grandmother always told me, 'Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves,' so I try to save even the smallest amounts.
Birds of a feather flock together
People who have similar characters or interests will often choose to spend time together.
You always see those two hanging out; I guess it's true what they say, birds of a feather flock together.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
It’s better to keep what you have rather than to risk losing it by trying to get more.
I was offered a new job, but I decided to stay at my current one because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
Other people always seem to be in a better situation than you.
She thinks life would be perfect if she moved to the city, but I told her that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Someone who spends all their time working becomes a boring person.
You should take a break and relax; remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
No such luck!
You’re disappointed you were not able to do something.
I hoped the meeting would be canceled, but no such luck!
The more, the merrier.
You’re happy for others to join your group or activity.
If you want to bring your friends to the party, go ahead—the more, the merrier!
You can say that again!
Used to express strong agreement with what someone has just said.
A: 'This weather is absolutely perfect for a picnic.' B: 'You can say that again!'
There’s nothing to it!
Used to say that something is very easy to do or understand.
Don’t worry about assembling the furniture—there’s nothing to it once you read the instructions.
Don’t make me laugh!
Used to express disbelief or skepticism, especially when someone suggests something that you think is unlikely, ridiculous, or impossible.
You think you can finish all that work by tomorrow? Don’t make me laugh!
How time flies!
You are surprised at how quickly time has passed.
I can't believe it's already June—how time flies!
It’s a small world.
You are surprised at a coincidence, e.g. meeting someone unexpectedly or discovering mutual friends.
I ran into my old college roommate while traveling in Japan—it’s a small world!
It’s neither here nor there.
It is not very important.
Whether we meet at 2 or 3 o’clock is neither here nor there—just let me know what works for you.
It’s six of one and half a dozen of the other.
There is no real difference between two choices or situations; both options are essentially the same.
Whether we take the highway or the back roads, it'll take about the same time—it’s six of one and half a dozen of the other.
I can take it or leave it.
You do not hate something, but you don’t particularly like it either.
When it comes to spicy food, I can take it or leave it; it doesn't really matter to me.
You name it.
Used to indicate that anything you can think of or mention is included; whatever you say or choose.
She’s traveled to Europe, Asia, Africa—you name it, she’s been there.
This is the life!
It’s great to relax and not to be at work.
Sitting by the pool with a cold drink in my hand, I thought, This is the life!
You haven’t lived!
Used humorously to say that someone has not experienced something enjoyable or exciting, and they should try it.
If you've never tried deep-fried ice cream, you haven’t lived!
It’s/That’s the story of my life!
Bad things always seem to be happening to me. (humorous)
I missed the bus by just a minute—that’s the story of my life!
Such is/That’s life!
Bad things happen and you cannot prevent them.
I missed the last train home, but that’s life—sometimes things just don’t go your way.
a pack of lies
completely untrue statements.
Everything he said about his job was a pack of lies; he never even worked there.
a slip of the tongue
a small mistake in speaking, usually when you say something you did not intend to.
When I called my teacher 'mom' in class, it was just a slip of the tongue.
That's a likely story!
Used to express disbelief or skepticism about what someone has said, implying that you think they are lying or exaggerating.
You finished all your homework in ten minutes? That's a likely story!
off-the-cuff remark
something said without preparation or thought.
During the meeting, he made an off-the-cuff remark that surprised everyone.
in the same breath
Say two things that contradict each other at the same time.
He told me he loved my cooking, but in the same breath said he preferred eating out.
small talk
conversation about unimportant or non-serious topics.
At the party, we made small talk about the weather before the main event started.
didn't ring true
did not seem to be true or believable.
His explanation about why he was late just didn't ring true to me.
couldn't think of anything to say
Unable to respond or speak, often due to being overwhelmed.
When the teacher called on me unexpectedly, I couldn't think of anything to say and just sat there in silence.
lost for words
unable to speak because of surprise or emotion.
When she saw the surprise party, she was completely lost for words.
he was on about
What he was talking about (very informal).
I had no idea what he was on about during the meeting; it all sounded like nonsense to me.
in a word
used to sum up your opinion in a short, direct way.
When asked how the meeting went, I said, in a word, disappointing.
for want of a better word
Not the exact or best word, but good enough for the situation.
He was, for want of a better word, obsessed with collecting rare stamps.
to coin a phrase
used when you use a phrase that is not original or sounds clichéd, often to acknowledge that what you are saying is a common expression.
It's not rocket science, to coin a phrase, but you do need to pay attention to the details.
taking the mick/mickey out of
Laughing at someone by copying funny things they do or say, often in a playful or teasing way.
He was taking the mick out of his brother by mimicking the way he dances.
make light of
To treat something serious as if it were not important or as a joke.
He tried to make light of his mistake during the meeting, but his boss was not amused.
no laughing matter
not something to laugh at, quite serious.
Failing the final exam is no laughing matter; you need to take it seriously.
It's no joke
Used to emphasize that a situation is serious, difficult, or not to be taken lightly.
It's no joke trying to find a job in this economy.
on the off-chance
because you hope you will do or find something or someone even if you do not think success is very likely
She stopped by the bakery on the off-chance that they might have some fresh croissants left.
against all the odds
despite a lot of problems making it unlikely that you will succeed
She managed to finish the marathon against all the odds, even though she injured her ankle halfway through.
take someone close to you for granted
Not to show you’re grateful to someone because they are with you so often.
Sometimes we take our family members for granted and forget to thank them for all they do.
a foregone conclusion
the result is obvious to everyone even before it happens
With their star player back in the lineup, it was a foregone conclusion that they would win the match.
coming a mile off
To be able to see or predict that something, usually something bad or obvious, is going to happen well in advance.
You could see that argument coming a mile off—they never agree on anything.
touch-and-go
A situation that is uncertain or risky, where the outcome is not clear and could go either way.
It was touch-and-go for a while during the surgery, but thankfully everything turned out fine.
no prizes for guessing
It is very easy to figure out or predict something; the answer is obvious.
No prizes for guessing who ate the last piece of cake—there are crumbs all over Tom's desk.
the cards are stacked against you
You are not likely to succeed because there are so many obstacles in your way.
With so little funding and no experience, the cards are stacked against us in this competition.
chancing your arm
taking a risk to achieve what you want (informal)
He knew it was a long shot, but he decided to chance his arm and ask for a promotion.
in the lap of the gods
is not something that you can control yourself
After submitting my application, whether I get the job or not is in the lap of the gods.
Don’t push your luck!
Don’t try too hard to get what you want and risk losing what you have achieved.
You already got a discount, so don’t push your luck by asking for free shipping too.
We’ll take pot luck.
We’ll take whatever is available without knowing if it will be good or not.
Since we didn't make a reservation, I guess we’ll take pot luck at the restaurant and hope for a table.
It’s the luck of the draw.
It’s a matter of chance and you have no control over it.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose—it’s the luck of the draw.
Just my luck!
You say this, usually humorously, to mean that you are always unlucky.
I missed the bus by one minute—just my luck!
You should be so lucky!
Used to express doubt or disbelief that something desired or hoped for will actually happen; implies that the thing is very unlikely.
You think you'll get tickets to the sold-out concert? You should be so lucky!
have a lot to answer for
To be responsible for causing many problems or negative situations.
Social media companies have a lot to answer for when it comes to the spread of misinformation.
something is not all it’s cracked up to be
is not as good as people say it is
The new restaurant was okay, but honestly, it wasn't all it’s cracked up to be.
someone/something has the edge over someone/something
is slightly better than
While both phones are impressive, I think the new model has the edge over its predecessor in terms of battery life.
leave a lot to be desired
is not as good as it should be or as we might expect; lacking in quality or satisfactory aspects.
The service at that restaurant leaves a lot to be desired; the waiter was rude and the food was cold.
have all the makings of
are likely to develop into; possess all the necessary qualities or ingredients for something to happen or succeed
This new project has all the makings of a huge success if we keep working hard.
on the big/expensive, etc. side
Slightly more than desired or expected in terms of size, cost, weight, or another quality.
This suitcase is on the heavy side, so you might want to pack a little less.
a dead loss
completely useless
After several failed attempts to fix the old printer, we realized it was a dead loss and decided to buy a new one.
throws the baby out with the bathwater
To eliminate or discard something valuable or important while trying to get rid of something unwanted.
When updating the software, make sure you don't throw the baby out with the bathwater by removing useful features along with the outdated ones.
gets/jumps/leaps on the bandwagon
To join others in doing something that is currently popular or successful, often in order to gain some benefit.
After seeing how popular the new social media app became, everyone at school jumped on the bandwagon and created an account.
plays devil’s advocate
To pretend to be against an idea or argument, often for the sake of debate or to encourage discussion.
Even though she agreed with the plan, Maria decided to play devil’s advocate to make sure everyone considered the risks.
drives someone to distraction
To make someone extremely annoyed, irritated, or bored.
The constant noise from the construction site drives me to distraction every morning.
makes an exhibition of themselves
To behave in a way in public that attracts attention and makes one look foolish or silly.
He always makes an exhibition of himself at parties by dancing on tables and shouting.
does something under false pretences
To do something by lying about your identity, intentions, or reasons, usually to deceive others.
He got the job under false pretences by claiming he had a degree he never earned.
never does anything by halves
always makes a great effort and does things very well, never only partially or carelessly.
When it comes to organizing events, Sarah never does anything by halves; she plans every detail perfectly.
is a laughing stock
are laughed at or mocked by everyone; someone who is ridiculed by others.
After his disastrous speech, the politician is a laughing stock among his colleagues.
bottom of the career ladder
in a low position in a work organisation or hierarchy
After graduating, she started at the bottom of the career ladder as an intern.
dead-end job
A job that offers little or no chance of advancement or improvement in position, salary, or skills.
He realized he was stuck in a dead-end job with no opportunities for promotion.
run-of-the-mill
ordinary, average, or not special in any way; boring or routine.
The movie was just run-of-the-mill; nothing about it really stood out.
get out of a rut
escape from a monotonous, boring situation
After working the same job for ten years, I needed to get out of a rut and try something new.
pulled out all the stops
made a great effort to do something well
The organizers pulled out all the stops to make sure the charity event was a huge success.
got the sack
was dismissed from his job
After arriving late too many times, he finally got the sack from his company.
stepped into his shoes
took over his job or responsibilities, especially after he left or was unable to continue.
After the manager retired, Sarah stepped into his shoes and led the team to success.
rushed off his feet
Very busy; having too much to do in a short period of time.
Ever since the sale started, the shop assistants have been rushed off their feet with customers.
had his work cut out
had something very difficult to do
With only two days to finish the project, he had his work cut out for him.
headhunted
invited to join a new workplace which had noticed his talents
After publishing her research, Maria was headhunted by several top universities.
climbed to the top of the career ladder
got to a top position in a work organisation or hierarchy
After years of hard work and dedication, she finally climbed to the top of the career ladder and became the CEO.
rushed off your feet
to be extremely busy, with too much to do and not enough time
We've been rushed off our feet ever since the sale started.
snowed under
To be extremely busy, with too much work to do.
I'm snowed under with assignments this week and barely have time to eat.
got my hands full
To be very busy or occupied with tasks, often to the point of being unable to take on anything else.
With three kids under five, I really got my hands full these days.
up to my eyes/ears in work
Extremely busy or overwhelmed with a large amount of work or tasks.
Sorry, I can't go out tonight—I'm up to my ears in work and need to finish this project.
on the go
very busy, always active
Between work, school, and taking care of the kids, I'm always on the go.
put on hold
left until a later date (usually used in the passive)
The project was put on hold due to budget cuts.
look great on paper
Describes something that seems perfect or impressive when considered theoretically or in writing, but may not work as well in real life.
The new marketing strategy looked great on paper, but it failed to attract any new customers.
behind the scenes
out of sight, hidden, or in a way that people are not aware of, often when something else is happening publicly
The actors are on stage, but a lot of hard work happens behind the scenes to make the show a success.
talk shop
talk about work when you are not at work
Even at the party, the engineers couldn't help but talk shop about their latest project.
look right/straight through someone
Behave as if you do not see someone, either because you do not notice them or because you are deliberately ignoring them.
When I waved at Sarah in the hallway, she just looked straight through me and kept walking.
leave someone in the lurch
To abandon someone in a difficult situation when they need your help or support.
I can't believe you would leave me in the lurch right before the big presentation.
give someone a hard/rough/tough time
to make things difficult or unpleasant for someone, often by criticizing, teasing, or challenging them.
My older brother always gives me a hard time about my taste in music.
keep a lid on something
To control or limit the level of something, especially to prevent it from increasing or becoming worse.
The government is trying hard to keep a lid on inflation this year.
let (yourself) go
either take less care of your appearance or relax completely and enjoy yourself
After her retirement, she really let herself go and stopped worrying about her hairstyle or clothes.
blow something out of (all) proportion
Behave as if something that has happened is much worse than it really is.
The media tends to blow minor incidents out of all proportion, making them seem like huge scandals.
thought nothing of it
Did something that other people found difficult very easily.
While everyone else was nervous about speaking in public, she thought nothing of it and delivered her speech confidently.
it brought a lump to my throat
moved me so much that I wanted to cry
Watching the old couple reunite after years apart brought a lump to my throat.
make the most of
take full advantage of something because it may not last long
We should make the most of this sunny weather and have a picnic in the park.
hanging in the balance
No one knows what will happen to it in the future; its outcome is uncertain.
The fate of the missing hikers is still hanging in the balance as the search continues.
faded/paled into insignificance
did not seem at all important when compared to something else
After seeing the devastation caused by the hurricane, my own problems paled into insignificance.
wouldn’t dream of
would never do something because we think it is wrong
I wouldn’t dream of lying to my parents about where I was last night.
come to terms with
start to accept emotionally and to deal with a difficult situation
After months of therapy, she finally came to terms with her father's passing.
a dark horse
someone who is clever or skilful in a way that no one knew or expected
No one thought Sarah would win the competition, but she turned out to be a dark horse and took first place.
a lone wolf
someone who does not mix socially with other people
Ever since college, Jake has been a lone wolf, preferring to work and travel by himself.
a cold fish
someone who is not very friendly and does not show their feelings
Even at the party, Mark was a cold fish, barely talking to anyone.
a guinea pig
someone who acts as a subject in an experiment or trial of something
They needed volunteers to test the new app, so I agreed to be a guinea pig.
a party animal
someone who loves parties and socialising
Jake is such a party animal; he goes out dancing every weekend and never misses a celebration.
a fly on the wall
someone who would love to be present to see or hear something private or secret without being noticed
I wish I could be a fly on the wall during their meeting to hear what they really think.
fly-on-the-wall
A documentary or style of filming that observes real-life situations as they happen, often unobtrusively or with hidden cameras, to capture authentic behavior.
The filmmaker used a fly-on-the-wall approach to show what really happens behind the scenes at the hospital.
bark is worse than his bite
He may seem fierce or tough, but he is not really as bad or as harsh as he appears.
Don't worry about the coach yelling; his bark is worse than his bite.
wouldn't hurt a fly
is totally harmless and would never hurt anyone
Everyone says that Tom wouldn't hurt a fly; he's the gentlest person I know.
travel bug
a strong desire to travel
Ever since her trip to Italy, she seems to have caught the travel bug and can't stop planning her next adventure.
got/taken the bit between her teeth
started to work or act in a very determined and energetic way, often after being hesitant or slow at first.
Once she got the bit between her teeth, there was no stopping her from finishing the project ahead of schedule.
given me free rein
given me complete freedom to act or make decisions as I see fit.
My boss has given me free rein to design the new marketing campaign however I want.
a little bird told me
Said when someone has told you a secret, but you do not want to say who.
A little bird told me that you're planning a surprise party for Sarah.
made a beeline for
went quickly and directly to
As soon as the doors opened, the kids made a beeline for the ice cream truck.
butterflies in my stomach
to feel very nervous or anxious, usually because you are about to do something important or exciting
Before going on stage for the first time, I had butterflies in my stomach.
made a real pig of myself
ate too much; overindulged in food, often to the point of feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.
At the buffet last night, I made a real pig of myself and tried every dessert they had.
chasing my tail
Doing a lot of activity or work but achieving little or making no real progress; being busy with unproductive tasks.
I've been chasing my tail all day, answering emails and making calls, but I haven't finished any of my important tasks.
start the ball rolling
to begin an activity or process and encourage others to participate or continue it
Let's start the ball rolling by introducing ourselves to the group.
the ball is in your court
You have to do something now before any progress can be made.
I've done all I can to help you, so now the ball is in your court.
on the ball
quick to understand and react
The new assistant is really on the ball; she catches every mistake before it becomes a problem.
do something off our own bat
on our own initiative, without being asked to by anyone else
She did it off her own bat and organized the whole event without waiting for instructions.
throw us a curveball
surprise us with an unexpected problem
Just when we thought the project was on track, the client threw us a curveball by changing the requirements.
play ball
co-operate in order to achieve something (usually used in a negative context)
If you don't play ball with the new management, you might lose your job.
on a level playing field
in a situation where everyone has the same opportunities and advantages; a fair situation
The new regulations are designed to ensure that all companies compete on a level playing field.
play your cards right
Behave in a smart or strategic way to achieve your desired outcome.
If you play your cards right, you might get promoted this year.
put/lay your cards on the table
Tell someone honestly what you think or what you plan to do.
It's time to put my cards on the table and tell you how I really feel about this project.
follow suit
do the same as everyone else has just done
When the first student started packing up early, the rest of the class quickly followed suit.
call someone's bluff
make someone prove that what they are saying is true or prove that they will really do what they say they will do
When Tom threatened to quit if he didn't get a raise, his boss decided to call his bluff and told him to hand in his resignation.
take the plunge
do something important or difficult that you’ve been thinking of doing for a long time
After years of thinking about it, I finally took the plunge and started my own business.
go back to square one
to return to the starting point of a process or project because previous efforts have failed or produced no results.
After our proposal was rejected, we had to go back to square one and come up with a completely new plan.
be wide of the mark
to be incorrect, inaccurate, or far from the intended target or answer
His guess about the cost of the repairs was wide of the mark; it ended up being much cheaper.
do something on the spur of the moment
do something suddenly, without planning
We decided to go to the beach on the spur of the moment and didn't even pack a lunch.
be on the cards
be likely to happen
A promotion could be on the cards for you if you keep working this hard.
your best bet
the best thing you can do to achieve the result you want
If you want to avoid traffic, your best bet is to leave early in the morning.
when the chips are down
when you are in a difficult situation, especially one which tests whether you can trust people
You really find out who your friends are when the chips are down.
makes your mouth water
Describes something, usually food, that looks, smells, or sounds so delicious that it makes you want to eat it immediately.
The smell of freshly baked bread always makes my mouth water.
has a sweet tooth
particularly likes sweet things
She definitely has a sweet tooth; she can't finish a meal without dessert.
whet your appetite
awaken a desire (for food or something else)
The chef's delicious appetizer really whet my appetite for the main course.
the icing on the cake
something that makes a good situation even better
Getting promoted was amazing, but receiving a bonus was the icing on the cake.
you can’t have your cake and eat it / you want to have your cake and eat it
Two good things are impossible to do or have at the same time; you can't enjoy both benefits without giving up one.
If you want to save money, you can’t have your cake and eat it by also spending a lot on luxury items.
leaves a sour taste in your mouth
To have an unpleasant memory or lingering bad feeling about something that happened.
The way the manager dismissed her concerns really left a sour taste in my mouth.
to the bitter end
see something through to the end even though it takes a long time and is difficult
Despite the challenges, she was determined to stick with the project to the bitter end.
have egg on your face
be left feeling stupid or embarrassed because of something you did
After announcing the wrong winner at the ceremony, the host really had egg on his face.
be the best/greatest thing since sliced bread
To be considered excellent, innovative, or extremely useful (informal).
Everyone in the office thinks the new project management app is the best thing since sliced bread.
be your bread and butter
Be an activity or job you do to get the money you need.
Freelance writing is my bread and butter, but I also enjoy painting in my free time.
bear fruit
produce a positive result
After months of hard work, their efforts finally bore fruit when they won the contract.
flavour of the month
something or someone that is very popular at the moment
That new singer is the flavour of the month, but I doubt people will remember her next year.
be past or pass your sell-by date
not wanted or used anymore because they are too old
Some people think that vinyl records are past their sell-by date, but collectors still love them.
caught in the act
seen doing something wrong or forbidden while actually doing it
The thief was caught in the act of breaking into the car by a passing police officer.
get her act together
organize herself more effectively
If she wants to pass her exams, she really needs to get her act together and start studying seriously.
get in on the act
to take part in something exciting or profitable, often after seeing others benefit from it
After seeing how much money people were making selling handmade crafts online, I decided to get in on the act too.
putting on an act
pretending, not being genuine
I could tell he was putting on an act when he said he wasn't upset.
balancing act
A situation where you try to give equal attention or importance to two or more different things, often with difficulty.
Being a working parent is a real balancing act between job responsibilities and family time.
clean up their act
To start behaving in a more acceptable or responsible way, especially by stopping bad habits or actions that others disapprove of.
After getting in trouble at work, he knew he had to clean up his act if he wanted to keep his job.
act your age
Don’t behave in a childish way; behave in a manner appropriate for your age.
Stop making silly faces in class and act your age.
acting the fool/goat
Behaving in a silly or playful way, often to make others laugh or to avoid being serious.
During the meeting, Tom kept acting the fool and making everyone laugh instead of focusing on the agenda.
hive of activity
a very busy place (like a beehive) with people working hard all the time
The kitchen was a hive of activity as everyone prepared food for the party.
out of action
Not working or unable to participate in normal activities, often due to illness, injury, or malfunction.
After spraining his ankle, Tom was out of action for the rest of the soccer season.
back in action
To be able to work, perform, or participate again after a break, injury, or pause.
After recovering from his knee surgery, the football player was finally back in action for the championship game.
get a slice/piece of the action
To take part in something exciting or profitable, often because others are already benefiting from it.
After hearing about the company's rapid growth, investors wanted to get a piece of the action before it was too late.
all talk and no action
Be someone who promises or says they will do a lot of exciting things, but doesn’t actually do them.
He’s all talk and no action when it comes to helping out—he always promises, but never shows up.
course of action
A way of acting or a plan that someone decides to take, especially in a formal or considered manner.
After much discussion, the committee decided that the best course of action was to postpone the event.
goes to the dogs
It goes from a good situation or condition to a bad one; deteriorates or declines in quality.
Ever since the new management took over, the company has gone to the dogs and lost most of its loyal customers.
put the cat among the pigeons
To do or say something that is likely to cause trouble, controversy, or a strong reaction among a group of people.
When the manager announced the new working hours, it really put the cat among the pigeons in the office.
not (enough) room to swing a cat
there is very little room or space somewhere
This apartment is so tiny, there's not enough room to swing a cat in the kitchen.
law of the jungle
a situation where people do whatever they want without caring about others, often in a selfish or ruthless way
In the world of high finance, it's often the law of the jungle—only the strongest survive.
a real can of worms
a very complicated, difficult, or problematic situation
Trying to fix the old computer turned into a real can of worms when we discovered all the hidden issues.
like water off a duck’s back
having no effect on someone, especially criticism or insults
No matter how much they tease him, it’s like water off a duck’s back; he just laughs it off.
running round like headless chickens
being very busy and active but not achieving anything useful or effective
During the product launch, everyone in the office was running round like headless chickens, but nothing actually got done.
snail mail
traditional postal mail (as opposed to email), often used humorously
I still love sending birthday cards through snail mail even though everyone else uses email.
put out feelers
make informal enquiries; talk to people unofficially to see if someone is interested
Before applying for the new position, she decided to put out feelers to see if the company was actually hiring.
bite the bullet
To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, instead of avoiding it.
Even though she was scared of the dentist, she decided to bite the bullet and make an appointment.
jump the gun
do something too soon, before you should do it
We jumped the gun and started the meeting before everyone arrived.
stick to your guns
Don’t let other people change your mind, ideas, or principles; to remain firm in your beliefs or decisions even when others try to persuade you otherwise.
Even though everyone disagreed with her, she decided to stick to her guns and follow her plan.
look daggers at someone
To look at someone in a very angry or hateful way.
When I accidentally spilled coffee on her report, she looked daggers at me for the rest of the meeting.
put the knife in
deliberately do or say something really hurtful to someone
She really put the knife in when she told him he was the worst manager she'd ever worked for.
twist the knife
do or say something which makes a bad or hurtful situation even worse
After I lost the game, my brother just had to twist the knife by reminding me of my last mistake.
have a shot at
to try (something), especially something new or challenging
Even though I've never painted before, I'd like to have a shot at creating my own artwork.
in the firing line
in a position where people can criticize or blame you
After the project failed, the manager found himself in the firing line during the meeting.
call the shots
be the person who makes all the important decisions
Ever since she was promoted to manager, Jane has been the one to call the shots in the office.
caught in the crossfire
Involved in a situation where people around you are arguing or fighting, often unintentionally becoming affected by their conflict.
During their heated debate, I got caught in the crossfire and ended up having to defend myself even though I wasn't involved.
hold fire
wait and not take action yet
Let's hold fire on making a decision until we have all the facts.
up in arms
angry and protesting loudly
The residents were up in arms when they heard about the plan to build a factory near their homes.
his own worst enemy
His own attitude or behavior will prevent him from reaching his goal.
John is his own worst enemy when it comes to work; he procrastinates so much that he misses important deadlines.
fighting a losing battle
trying to achieve something that you will probably fail to achieve
She knew she was fighting a losing battle when she tried to convince her boss to change his mind.
burn your bridges
do something that makes it impossible to go back to a situation you were in before
If you quit your job without notice and insult your boss, you really burn your bridges with that company.
have an axe to grind
To have a strong personal opinion, bias, or selfish motive that one wants to promote, often in a way that is not entirely objective.
She always seems to have an axe to grind when it comes to environmental issues.
when it comes to the crunch
when a situation becomes serious or difficult
Everyone says they'll help, but when it comes to the crunch, only a few people actually show up.
a chink in his armour
a weak point in someone's character, argument, or defenses that can be exploited or taken advantage of.
The lawyer found a chink in his armour during the cross-examination, which helped win the case.
have something on the brain
You can’t stop thinking or talking about one particular thing.
Ever since she started planning her wedding, she has it on the brain and talks about it nonstop.
pick someone's brains
ask for information or advice from a person who knows more about something than you do.
Can I pick your brains about the new software update? You always understand these things better than I do.
brain drain
the movement of highly skilled and educated people from their own country to another one where they are paid more.
Many doctors and engineers leave the country, contributing to the brain drain that affects the nation's development.
be a load/weight off your mind
To feel relieved because a worry or concern has been removed.
Finding out that my test results were negative was a real weight off my mind.
have/keep an open mind
Wait until you have all the facts before forming an opinion.
It's important to keep an open mind when learning about new cultures.
have a mind of its own
Used to describe a machine or object that seems to act independently or unpredictably, not following the user's intentions.
My old printer has a mind of its own; sometimes it prints, and sometimes it just makes strange noises.
make up your mind
To decide; to choose between options or come to a conclusion.
You need to make up your mind about which college you want to attend.
put/set someone's mind at rest
To help someone stop worrying or feeling anxious by providing reassurance or information.
The doctor was able to put my mind at rest by explaining that the symptoms were nothing serious.
at the back of your mind
Always in your mind although you don’t spend too much time thinking about it.
Even while enjoying the party, the thought of my upcoming exam was at the back of my mind.
in your mind’s eye
in your imagination or memory.
Whenever I miss my hometown, I just close my eyes and in my mind’s eye I can see the old streets and familiar faces.
blood and guts
very violent (used to describe films, stories, or situations with a lot of graphic violence).
He loves movies with blood and guts, but I prefer comedies.
in cold blood / in a cold-blooded way
done in a cruelly planned and unemotional way.
The crime was committed in cold blood, shocking the entire community.
like getting blood out of a stone
Very difficult to do, especially when trying to make someone give you information or something they don't want to give.
Trying to get him to talk about his feelings is like getting blood out of a stone.
gut feeling/reaction
An instinctive feeling or reaction that is not based on logical reasoning but rather on intuition.
Even though the deal looked good on paper, I had a gut feeling that something was off.
slog/sweat/work your guts out
To work extremely hard, often with great effort and determination.
She slogged her guts out to finish the project before the deadline.
relief in the air
A feeling or sense of relief that is noticeable or shared by a group of people in a particular place or situation.
After the announcement that the exams were canceled, there was relief in the air throughout the school.
up in the air
Not yet decided or settled; uncertain.
Our vacation plans are still up in the air because we haven't chosen a destination yet.
clear the air
To resolve misunderstandings or bad feelings between people, usually by talking openly about the issue.
After their argument, they decided to sit down and clear the air so they could work together again.
a breath of fresh air
something or someone that is new, different, and exciting, often bringing a refreshing change to a situation.
Her positive attitude was a breath of fresh air in the otherwise tense office.
out of the blue
completely unexpectedly
She called me out of the blue after years of no contact.
down-to-earth
very practical, realistic, and unpretentious; having a sensible and straightforward attitude.
Despite her fame, she remains down-to-earth and always treats everyone with respect.
come (back) down to earth with a bang
To suddenly return to reality after being excited, happy, or distracted, often in a way that is disappointing or sobering.
After winning the lottery, he came down to earth with a bang when he realized how much tax he had to pay.
bites the dust
To fail, break down, or die; to come to an end or be defeated.
Another one of my old laptops just bites the dust after years of use.
living on another planet
To be completely unaware of what is happening in the real world; to be out of touch with reality.
Sometimes I think my brother is living on another planet when he talks about his wild business ideas.
over the moon
You are extremely happy or delighted about something.
She was over the moon when she found out she got the job.
hits rock bottom
To reach the lowest or worst possible point in a situation.
After losing his job and his apartment, he really hit rock bottom before things started to improve.
find out how the land lies
To assess or investigate a situation before becoming involved or making a decision.
Before making any big decisions at the new job, I decided to find out how the land lies first.
upper-crust
They belong to a very high social class.
She was invited to the gala because her family is considered part of the upper-crust of society.
in the dark
not told important things that other people know
I was completely in the dark about the surprise party they were planning for me.
keeps you in the dark
not told important things that other people know
The manager always keeps us in the dark about upcoming changes in the company.
in your element
You are happy and relaxed in a situation because you are good at the things it involves.
When she's teaching a class, she is truly in her element.
out of your element
You feel unhappy or uncomfortable because you are not familiar with or good at the tasks or environment involved.
When I had to give a speech in front of the whole company, I felt out of my element.
long time no see
Used as a greeting when you meet someone you haven't seen for a long period.
Long time no see! How have you been since we graduated?
it's a long story
It’s complicated or takes too long to explain.
Why did you move to a new city? Well, it's a long story, but the short version is I got a new job.
how long is a piece of string?
That’s an impossible question to answer.
When asked how much it would cost to renovate the old house, the builder replied, 'how long is a piece of string?'
a list as long as your arm
A very long list indeed.
She has a list as long as your arm of things she wants to do before she turns thirty.
long-winded
Too long and boring (about a story, lecture, or speech).
The professor's explanation was so long-winded that half the class fell asleep.
a long haul
A task or process that is not going to be easy and will take a long time.
Finishing my degree was a long haul, but it was worth it in the end.
have a long face
To look sad, depressed, or disappointed.
Why do you have a long face? Did something bad happen at work?
go to great lengths
To make a very big effort to achieve something, often more than what is expected or necessary.
She went to great lengths to organize the perfect surprise party for her friend.
go to any lengths
To do whatever is necessary, even if it is difficult or extreme, to achieve a goal.
She would go to any lengths to protect her children from harm.
go a long way
To be very successful or make significant progress, often rising to a high level in one's profession or endeavors.
With her talent and determination, I'm sure she will go a long way in her career.
go back a long way
Have known each other for many years.
Sarah and I go back a long way; we were in kindergarten together.
come a long way
To have made significant progress or improvement over time.
She has come a long way since her first day on the job.
take a long, hard look
To examine or consider something very carefully and thoroughly, often in order to make an important decision or judgment.
Before making any changes to the project, we need to take a long, hard look at the current plan.
be on someone's back
constantly ask someone to do something or criticise them in an annoying way
My boss is always on my back about finishing the reports on time.
you wouldn't be sorry / you'd be pleased/glad/happy to see the back of someone/something
You'd be glad when someone leaves or something ends because you don't like that person or thing.
After months of dealing with the noisy neighbors, I was glad to see the back of them when they finally moved out.
could do something with one arm/hand tied behind your back
To be able to do something very easily, without much effort.
She's so good at math that she could solve these problems with one hand tied behind her back.
stab someone in the back
do something harmful to a person who trusted you, especially by betraying them secretly
I couldn't believe she would stab me in the back after all the help I gave her.
do something when/while someone's back is turned
do something while someone can't see what you are doing (usually something that person would not approve of)
The kids always get into trouble when their teacher's back is turned.
you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
If you help me, I'll help you; mutual assistance for mutual benefit.
If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours—I'll cover your shift today if you help me with my project next week.
know a place/person/thing like the back of your hand
To know a place, person, or thing extremely well; to be very familiar with it.
After living in Paris for ten years, I know the city like the back of my hand.
on the back burner
isn't being dealt with now but hasn't been totally forgotten
We had to put the renovation project on the back burner until we save up more money.
at/in the back of beyond
A place that is extremely remote or far away from any town or civilization.
My grandparents live in the back of beyond, so it takes hours just to get to the nearest store.
take a back seat
to allow someone or something else to become more important or prominent while you become less involved or less important.
After the birth of their child, her career had to take a back seat to family responsibilities.
came/fell off the back of a lorry
Used humorously to suggest that something was probably stolen, especially when its origin is suspicious or unclear.
When I asked where he got the designer bag, he just winked and said it fell off the back of a lorry.
by/through the back door
It comes in a way that is not honest or official.
He managed to get the job through the back door, without going through the proper interview process.
leant/bent over backwards
tried very hard to help or please someone, often more than is expected or necessary
She bent over backwards to make sure her guests were comfortable during their stay.
left without a backward glance
left with no regrets or sad feelings
After quitting her stressful job, she left without a backward glance and never looked back.
make yourself at home
To relax and behave as if you were in your own house; to feel comfortable and at ease in someone else's place.
Please come in and make yourself at home while I finish preparing dinner.
as safe as houses
extremely safe
You can trust this investment; it's as safe as houses.
come home to me
To become fully understood, realized, or appreciated, often after some time has passed.
It finally came home to me how much my parents had sacrificed for my education.
brought home to me
made me understand, usually something unpleasant
The dangers of texting while driving were brought home to me when I saw the aftermath of a car accident.
got my foot in the door
started working at a low level in an organisation because you want to get a better job in the same organisation later on
Even though the position was just an internship, I was happy that I got my foot in the door at the company.
hold the key to
to provide the explanation for something you could not previously understand; to be the crucial factor in solving a problem or mystery.
Improved communication holds the key to a successful relationship.
flew off the handle
reacted in a very angry way (informal)
When the printer jammed again, Sarah suddenly flew off the handle and started yelling at everyone in the office.
sit on the fence
delay making a decision or fail to choose between two alternatives
When it came time to vote, she decided to sit on the fence instead of choosing a side.
come down on one side or the other
To make a decision or choose between two options or opinions.
After hours of debate, the committee had to come down on one side or the other regarding the new policy.
hit the ceiling/roof
To react with sudden and intense anger.
When she saw the mess in the kitchen, she hit the ceiling and started yelling at everyone.
got out of bed on the wrong side
got up in a bad mood and stayed in a bad mood all day
Don't mind her grumpiness—she just got out of bed on the wrong side this morning.
burning the candle at both ends
To overwork yourself by doing too many things, especially by staying up late and getting up early, which can lead to exhaustion.
She’s been burning the candle at both ends trying to finish her project and take care of her family.
put me in the picture
explained the situation to me; gave me the necessary information to understand what is happening
I was confused about the new project, but my manager put me in the picture during our meeting.
take a leaf out of his girlfriend’s book
To copy or imitate something that someone else does, often because it has brought them success or advantage.
If he wants to improve his grades, he should take a leaf out of his girlfriend’s book and start studying every evening.
keep someone in the picture
To keep someone informed or updated about a situation or development.
Please keep me in the picture about any changes to the project schedule.
open your heart
To share your deepest feelings, thoughts, or emotions honestly and openly with someone.
Sometimes it's hard to open your heart after being hurt, but it's the only way to truly connect with others.
bare your heart/soul
To share your deepest, most personal or secret feelings, often of an emotional or dramatic nature, with someone else.
After years of keeping it to herself, she finally decided to bare her soul to her best friend.
pour your heart out
To share your deepest feelings, worries, or secrets with someone, often in an emotional way.
After the breakup, she poured her heart out to her best friend over coffee.
your heart misses/skips a beat
You suddenly feel so excited, surprised, or frightened that your heart seems to stop or beat faster for a moment.
When I saw the exam results posted, my heart skipped a beat before I found my name on the list.
someone’s heart is in the right place
someone is good even if they sometimes behave the wrong way
He can be a bit blunt, but his heart is in the right place and he always means well.
have a change of heart
To change your opinion or the way you feel about something.
At first, she didn't want to adopt the puppy, but after spending some time with it, she had a change of heart.
break someone’s heart
make someone very sad (often someone who loves you)
It would break her heart if you left without saying goodbye.
your heart sinks
You start to feel sad, disappointed, or worried, often because something bad or unexpected has happened.
When I saw the exam questions, my heart sank because I hadn't studied those topics.
a man/woman after my own heart
someone who you admire because they do or believe the same as you
When I heard she loved hiking as much as I do, I knew she was a woman after my own heart.
talk to someone heart-to-heart / have a heart-to-heart
have a serious conversation and express your feelings openly
After weeks of tension, I finally decided to have a heart-to-heart with my roommate about our issues.
take something to heart
To take something (usually criticism or advice) seriously and be deeply affected by it.
She took her teacher's comments to heart and worked hard to improve her writing.
lose heart
To stop believing that you can succeed; to become discouraged or lose confidence.
After failing the exam twice, she started to lose heart and considered giving up.
to your heart’s content
You do something as much as you want to because you enjoy it.
On weekends, I sleep to my heart’s content without worrying about alarms.
put your heart and soul into something
To put a great deal of effort, passion, and determination into something; to be fully committed and dedicated.
She put her heart and soul into the project, working late every night to make sure it was perfect.
set your heart on something / have your heart set on something
To be very determined to achieve or obtain something; to strongly desire something.
Ever since she was a child, she set her heart on becoming a doctor.
know something by heart / learn something off by heart
memorise something so that you can recite it perfectly
She can recite the poem by heart after practicing for weeks.
paths cross
to meet someone, often unexpectedly or by chance
I never expected our paths would cross again after college, but we ran into each other at the airport.
stuck in a rut
in a boring situation, with no hope of excitement, or future prospects
After working the same job for ten years, I feel like I'm stuck in a rut and need a change.
driving me round the bend
making me angry and frustrated
The constant noise from the construction site is really driving me round the bend.
right up your street/alley
perfect for you; exactly what interests you
If you love mystery novels, this new detective series will be right up your street.
middle-of-the-road
neither left-wing nor right-wing, has no radical views
The candidate's policies are very middle-of-the-road, appealing to voters who don't want extreme changes.
on the right/wrong track
Thinking or acting in a way that is likely to lead to success or the correct result (right track), or in a way that is likely to lead to failure or an incorrect result (wrong track).
If you keep practicing every day, you're definitely on the right track to becoming a great pianist.
an uphill battle/fight/struggle
a very difficult task
Convincing the board to approve the new project was an uphill battle from the start.
gone downhill
Something that used to be good has become worse over time.
Ever since the new manager took over, the service at this restaurant has really gone downhill.
off the beaten track
in a very isolated place
We found a charming little café off the beaten track that none of the tourists knew about.
at a crossroads
At a decisive or critical point where an important decision must be made that will have significant consequences.
After graduating from college, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether to start working or continue my studies.
a dead end
It has no future or prospects; a situation, job, or path that leads nowhere.
After working there for five years, I realized my job was a dead end with no chance for promotion.
go/get from A to B
to make simple or typical journeys, usually referring to the basic act of traveling from one place to another without complications.
This small car is perfect if you just need to get from A to B around the city.
put the village on the map
To make the village well-known or famous, especially when it was previously unknown.
The new art festival really put the village on the map, attracting visitors from all over the country.
hit the road
to start a journey or leave a place, especially by car or on a trip.
We should hit the road early tomorrow to avoid traffic.
road rage
violent incidents resulting from traffic disputes
He experienced a bout of road rage when another driver cut him off on the highway.
keep your head
keep calm, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation
Even when the fire alarm went off, Sarah managed to keep her head and guided everyone to safety.
lose your head
To panic or lose control of your emotions, especially in a stressful situation.
When the fire alarm went off, she didn't lose her head and calmly led everyone outside.
laugh/scream/shout your head off
To laugh, scream, or shout very loudly and energetically, often in an uncontrolled or exaggerated way (informal).
The kids laughed their heads off when the clown slipped on a banana peel.
be banging or hitting your head against a brick wall
To keep trying to achieve something that is very difficult or impossible, especially because other people are not cooperating or listening.
Trying to convince my boss to change his mind is like banging my head against a brick wall.
bring something to a head / something comes to a head
An unpleasant situation becomes so bad or intense that it must be addressed or resolved immediately.
The ongoing arguments between the two departments finally came to a head when the manager called a meeting to resolve the issues.
shouting their heads off
To shout very much and very loudly.
The kids were shouting their heads off during the birthday party, making it impossible to hear anything.
banging your head against a brick wall
To keep trying to achieve something that is very difficult or impossible, especially when your efforts are ignored or not successful.
Trying to convince my boss to change his mind is like banging my head against a brick wall.
came to a head
An unpleasant situation became so bad or intense that it had to be dealt with immediately.
The conflict between the two departments came to a head when both managers refused to compromise.
put ideas into someone’s head
make someone want to do something they had not wanted to do before (usually something foolish or unwise)
Don't put ideas into his head about skipping school—he hadn't even thought of it until you mentioned it.
get your head (a)round (usually – can’t get (my) head (a)round)
come to fully accept or understand something (informal)
I just can't get my head around the fact that they're moving to another country.
off the top of your head
without thinking about it for very long or looking at something that has been written about it
Can you tell me, off the top of your head, how many countries are in Europe?
turns heads
people notice that person because they look interesting or attractive
Whenever she walks into a room, she turns heads with her unique sense of style.
knock that on the head
put a stop to it (informal)
If you keep arguing, I'm going to knock that on the head right now.
keep his head above water
To manage to survive or cope, especially with work or financial difficulties, often just barely.
With all the bills piling up, he's struggling to keep his head above water these days.
bites/snaps their heads off
speaks to them angrily, often suddenly or without clear reason
Whenever he's stressed at work, he bites my head off for the smallest mistakes.
keep my head down
say as little as possible in order to avoid arguments
During the heated meeting, I decided to keep my head down and not get involved in the debate.
jazz it up
make something more lively or interesting
We decided to jazz it up by adding some colorful decorations to the room.
sang her heart out
sang with great passion or effort
At the talent show, she sang her heart out and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
sound like a broken record
To keep repeating the same thing over and over, often to the annoyance of others.
You sound like a broken record when you keep reminding me to clean my room every day.
music to my ears
something that is very pleasant or gratifying to hear
When my boss said I could leave early on Friday, it was music to my ears.
struck a chord
caused someone to feel sympathy, emotion, or enthusiasm
Her story about overcoming adversity really struck a chord with the audience.
changed his tune
changed his opinion or attitude
At first, he refused to help, but after seeing the results, he changed his tune and offered his support.
fine-tuning
making small improvements to something to make it as good as possible
The engineer spent hours fine-tuning the engine to get the best performance.
making a song and dance about
making an unnecessary fuss about something
She was making a song and dance about the tiniest mistake in the report.
set the stage for
create a situation that allows something else to happen
The new government policies set the stage for economic growth in the region.
making a spectacle of yourself
behaving in a way that attracts other people’s attention, usually because you are doing something stupid or silly
He was making a spectacle of himself by dancing wildly on the table at the wedding.
been in the spotlight
been the centre of attention, often in public media
Ever since the scandal broke, the politician has been in the spotlight and can't go anywhere without reporters following.
the curtain has fallen on
Used to indicate that something, such as a career, event, or period, has come to an end.
After thirty years in the music industry, the curtain has finally fallen on his remarkable career.
the show must go on
No matter what difficulties or setbacks occur, an activity or event must continue as planned.
Even though the lead actor was sick, the director insisted that the show must go on and the performance continued.
in line for
likely to get (used about something good)
After all his hard work, Tom is in line for a big promotion at his company.
out of line
not suitable, that should not have been said (or sometimes done)
His comment during the meeting was completely out of line and offended several people.
along the lines of
similar to; in a way that is like or resembles something else
He suggested something along the lines of what we did last year for the company picnic.
step out of line
behave in a way that is not what is expected of you
If you step out of line at school, you might get detention.
line of work
the type of job or profession someone has
In my line of work, I often have to travel to different countries.
go along/on the right lines
be doing something in a way that will bring good results
If you keep practicing every day, you are definitely going along the right lines to improve your skills.
along/on the same lines
of a similar kind (sometimes in a similar way)
Her presentation was along the same lines as the one we saw last week.
draw the line
To set a limit on what one is willing to do or accept; to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
I don't mind helping you move, but I draw the line at packing all your boxes for you.
draw the line at something
not do something because you think it is wrong or too extreme
I'm willing to help you move, but I draw the line at carrying your piano up three flights of stairs.
draw a line under something
decide that something is finished and you are not going to think about it again
After months of arguing, they finally agreed to draw a line under their past disagreements and move forward.
there is a fine/thin line between one thing and another
Two things are very similar, although the second thing is bad while the first is not.
There is a fine line between being confident and being arrogant.
drop me a line
send me a short letter, postcard or e-mail
When you get to Paris, please drop me a line so I know you arrived safely.
reading between the lines
To understand the hidden or unspoken meaning in something that is said or written.
When she said she was 'fine,' I tried reading between the lines and realized she was actually upset.
sign on the dotted line
To formally agree to something, usually by signing a legal or official document.
After months of negotiations, she finally decided to sign on the dotted line and buy the house.
the bottom line
the most important fact or the final outcome of a situation, especially after considering all the details.
After hours of discussion, the bottom line is that we need to cut costs if we want to stay in business.
stand on your own two feet
be independent; look after yourself
After graduating from college, I had to stand on my own two feet and find a job.
rushed off my feet
Extremely busy or overwhelmed with work or tasks; having a lot to do in a short amount of time.
I've been rushed off my feet all day trying to finish these reports before the deadline.
kept both feet on the ground
remained normal and realistic
Even after winning the lottery, she kept both feet on the ground and continued to live modestly.
got cold feet
became afraid to do something, especially at the last moment
She was all set to go skydiving, but she got cold feet right before boarding the plane.
find your feet
To become comfortable in a new situation or environment; to adjust and feel confident or capable.
It took me a few weeks to find my feet at the new job, but now I feel much more confident.
got off on the wrong foot
Our relationship started badly; to begin a relationship or activity in an unfavorable or awkward way.
We got off on the wrong foot during our first meeting, but things have improved since then.
under my feet
in my way, disturbing my activities
The kids were always under my feet while I was trying to cook dinner.
landed/fallen on his feet
been very lucky or successful in a difficult situation
After losing his job, Tom quickly found an even better one—he really landed on his feet.
got itchy feet
got a desire to travel
After a year in the same city, I got itchy feet and started planning my next adventure.
put my foot in it
accidentally said or did something very embarrassing or tactless, often without realizing it at the time.
I really put my foot in it when I asked her about her husband, not knowing they had just separated.
put your foot down
to assert your authority or make a firm decision, especially when refusing to allow something
When my kids refused to do their homework, I had to put my foot down and take away their video games.
followed in his father’s footsteps
took the same course of action as somebody else
After graduating from college, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a doctor.
dragging her heels
deliberately being slow
She was dragging her heels about finishing her homework because she didn't want to go to bed early.
digging their heels in
refusing to change their position or opinion, especially when others are trying to persuade them to do so.
Despite all the evidence, the committee members dug their heels in and refused to reconsider their decision.
keeps us on our toes
keeps us busy; makes us give our full energy to our work
Working in the emergency room really keeps us on our toes because you never know what will happen next.
go one better
do more or do something better than it has been done before
She decided to go one better than her brother by running a full marathon instead of a half marathon.
against our better judgement
although we did not think it was a sensible thing to do
We decided to adopt the stray dog against our better judgement, but he turned out to be a wonderful companion.
stand her in good stead
To be useful or beneficial to her in the future, especially in a way that helps her handle new situations or challenges.
Her years of volunteering will stand her in good stead when she applies for a job in social work.
thought better of
Decided not to do something after reconsidering, usually because it might not be a good idea.
She was about to confront her boss, but then she thought better of it and decided to wait.
second best
not as good as the thing you really want
Winning the silver medal felt like second best to her, since she had trained so hard for the gold.
get the best of both worlds
have the advantages of two different things at the same time
By working from home two days a week and going to the office the rest, I get the best of both worlds.
for the best
unpleasant now but will turn out well in the future
Losing that job was tough, but I think it was for the best in the end.
make the best of a bad job
Be positive about a situation that you do not like but cannot change.
Even though the weather ruined our picnic, we decided to make the best of a bad job and played board games indoors.
be on your best behaviour
make an effort to behave as well as possible
Please be on your best behaviour when we visit Grandma's house.
in a bad way
in a poor condition
After the accident, his car was really in a bad way and needed major repairs.
gone from bad to worse
got even worse than it was before
After the power went out, things went from bad to worse when the pipes burst and flooded the basement.
given it up as a bad job
Stopped trying to do something because it seemed pointless or too difficult to continue.
After hours of trying to fix the old computer, I finally gave it up as a bad job and called a technician.
if the worst comes to the worst
if the situation becomes very difficult or serious
If the worst comes to the worst, we can always call a taxi to get home.
I have a bone to pick with you
You have done something that has annoyed me, and we must discuss it.
Hey, I have a bone to pick with you about the mess you left in the kitchen.
bare bones
The most basic, essential, or fundamental aspects of something, without any extras or details.
The report only included the bare bones of the proposal, leaving out all the supporting data.
a chip on her shoulder
Blames other people for something negative that has happened to her and goes on carrying these feelings for ever.
Ever since she was passed over for that promotion, she's had a chip on her shoulder and snaps at anyone who brings up work.
a shoulder to cry on
Sympathy or support in time of trouble.
After her breakup, she really needed a shoulder to cry on, so I stayed with her all night.
stand shoulder to shoulder with you
Support you in a difficult time.
No matter what happens, I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with you when things get tough.
gave me the cold shoulder
Reacted to me in an unfriendly or cold way for no obvious reason.
When I tried to say hello, she just gave me the cold shoulder and walked away.
twisted my arm
Persuaded me to do something I didn’t really want to do.
I didn't want to go to the party, but Sarah twisted my arm and convinced me to join her.
keep/hold her at arm’s length
To maintain a distance or avoid becoming too close or involved with her.
Even though they work together, he always keeps her at arm’s length to avoid any office gossip.
pulling your leg
Joking or teasing someone by telling them something that is not true, usually in a playful way.
Don't worry, I'm just pulling your leg—there's no way you have to work this weekend.
hasn’t (got) a leg to stand on
Has nothing to support his claim or position.
After the evidence was presented, he hasn't got a leg to stand on in court.
push the boat out
spend a lot of money, usually because you are celebrating
For their anniversary, they decided to push the boat out and booked a luxury hotel suite.
rock the boat
do or say something that causes problems, usually when you try to change a situation that other people do not want to change
Please don't rock the boat during the meeting; the team finally agreed on a plan.
miss the boat
be too late to get something you want
I wanted to buy tickets to the concert, but I missed the boat and now they're sold out.
burn your boats/bridges
do something that makes it impossible for you to go back to the situation you were in before
When she quit her job and told off her boss, she really burned her bridges with that company.
be in the same boat
To be in the same, usually difficult, situation as someone else.
Don't worry about failing the test; we're all in the same boat and will have to retake it.
steer clear of
avoid someone or something because it is dangerous for you
You should steer clear of that neighborhood after dark.
sail close to the wind
to do something that is risky or almost illegal; to behave in a way that is nearly improper or dangerous.
He's always sailing close to the wind with his tax returns, claiming things he probably shouldn't.
be plain sailing
To be very easy or straightforward, without any difficulties.
Once we fixed the engine, the rest of the trip was plain sailing.
be in the doldrums
(of a business) be not very successful; (of a person) feel sad and without energy
Ever since the company lost its biggest client, it has been in the doldrums and profits have plummeted.
put/stick your oar in
Join a discussion or give your opinion when it is not wanted or when you are not invited (informal).
I wish you wouldn't always put your oar in when I'm talking to my boss.
show someone the ropes
To teach someone how to do a particular job or activity, especially by explaining the basic procedures and rules.
On my first day at the bakery, Sarah offered to show me the ropes so I wouldn't feel lost.
be a nervous wreck
To be extremely anxious, worried, or stressed, often to the point of being unable to function normally.
She was a nervous wreck before her big presentation at work.
clear the decks
To finish or remove all unnecessary tasks or obstacles in order to prepare for something important or to be ready for action.
Before starting the new project, we need to clear the decks and make sure all old files are archived.
be (all) at sea
To be confused or unsure about what to do; to feel lost or bewildered.
When the new software was introduced, I was all at sea trying to figure out how to use it.
as blind as a bat
Unable to see well; having very poor eyesight.
Without my glasses, I am as blind as a bat and can't read anything on the board.
like a bat out of hell
moving very fast indeed
When the fire alarm went off, everyone ran like a bat out of hell to get outside.
like a bear with a sore head
Very bad-tempered or irritable; acting in a grumpy or angry manner.
After staying up all night working, he came into the office like a bear with a sore head and snapped at everyone.
as free as a bird
To feel or be completely free, without any worries, restrictions, or responsibilities.
Now that school is over for the summer, I feel as free as a bird.
like a red rag to a bull
Something that is likely to make someone very angry or provoke a strong, negative reaction.
Mentioning his rival's name is like a red rag to a bull; he immediately gets furious.
like something the cat brought/dragged in
Looking very scruffy, untidy, or messy, as if one has been through a rough experience.
After the long flight and no sleep, I looked like something the cat dragged in when I arrived at the hotel.
as slippery as an eel
Describes someone who is difficult to catch, control, or pin down, often because they are evasive or constantly changing their position or attitude.
Whenever you try to get a straight answer from him, he’s as slippery as an eel and avoids the question.
like a fish out of water
uncomfortable because you are different from other people
When I moved to the new school, I felt like a fish out of water because I didn't know anyone.
as sly/cunning as a fox
Very clever, crafty, or deceitful, especially in achieving one's goals.
Don't trust him with your secrets—he's as sly as a fox when it comes to getting information out of people.
has eyes like a hawk
sees everything; never misses anything
My teacher has eyes like a hawk; she always notices when someone is cheating on a test.
as strong as an ox
very strong
Even at seventy years old, my grandfather is still as strong as an ox and can lift heavy boxes with ease.
as far as the eye could see
Extending over a vast area; visible for a great distance, often so far that the end cannot be seen.
The fields of sunflowers stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a sea of yellow.
as plain as the nose on your face
very easy to see or obvious to everyone
The answer to the problem was as plain as the nose on your face, but somehow everyone missed it.
as ugly as sin
very ugly indeed
That old building is as ugly as sin, but it's full of history.
as light as a feather
Extremely light in weight; almost weightless.
This new smartphone is as light as a feather, so I barely notice it in my pocket.
as heavy as lead
very heavy
The suitcase was as heavy as lead, and I could barely lift it onto the bed.
like the plague
To avoid someone or something completely because it is unpleasant or undesirable.
Ever since that incident, she avoids him like the plague.
a memory like a sieve
a very bad memory; the tendency to forget things easily.
He has a memory like a sieve—he can't even remember where he put his keys five minutes ago.
like greased lightning
very quickly indeed
When the bell rang, the students ran out of the classroom like greased lightning.
play it by ear
respond to the situation as it occurs, don’t decide what to do beforehand
We don’t have a set plan for the weekend, so let’s just play it by ear and see what we feel like doing.
play by ear
To do something without a plan, improvising as you go; in music, to play a tune by listening rather than reading sheet music.
We don't have a set schedule for the trip, so let's just play it by ear and see what we feel like doing each day.
couldn’t believe my ears
To be extremely surprised or shocked by what one hears.
When they announced my name as the winner, I couldn’t believe my ears.
goes in one ear and out the other
Said when someone doesn’t listen or pay attention, or forgets things immediately.
Whenever I tell my little brother to clean his room, it just goes in one ear and out the other.
I’m all ears
I’m very keen to hear what you have to tell me.
Go ahead and tell me your story, I’m all ears.
lip service
To express support or agreement for something verbally, but not follow through with actions.
The company paid lip service to environmental issues, but continued to pollute the river.
my lips are sealed
I shall keep the secret / tell no one
Don't worry, my lips are sealed—I won't tell anyone about your surprise party.
word of mouth
Information or recommendations passed from person to person through conversation rather than through written or formal means.
Most of our new customers hear about us through word of mouth.
mouth-watering / making my mouth water
Describes food that looks or smells so delicious that it makes you want to eat it immediately.
The smell of freshly baked bread was so mouth-watering that I couldn't resist buying a loaf.
poking/sticking your nose into other people’s business
To interfere in matters that do not concern you; to be nosy or meddlesome.
My neighbor is always sticking her nose into my affairs, asking about my job and my family.
turn your nose up at
To refuse something because you think it is not good enough for you; to show disdain or contempt for something.
She turned her nose up at the homemade cookies because they weren't from a fancy bakery.
gets right up everybody’s nose
annoys or irritates everyone
The way he constantly interrupts people really gets right up everybody’s nose.
in the teeth of
despite; in direct opposition to something or facing strong difficulty or resistance
The hikers continued their journey in the teeth of a fierce snowstorm.
by the skin of my teeth
To barely succeed at something or narrowly escape a disaster.
I passed the final exam by the skin of my teeth; I thought I was going to fail.
grit our teeth
To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation and deal with it with determination and perseverance.
We had to grit our teeth and keep working even though the project seemed impossible.
lying through his teeth
telling a deliberate lie
Everyone knew he was lying through his teeth when he said he had finished the project on time.
bit my tongue
remained silent; didn’t react
When my boss criticized my work unfairly, I just bit my tongue and didn’t say anything.
on the tip of my tongue
I know it and will be able to remember it very soon.
Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't recall it right now.
common ground
things we agree on; similar opinions and experience
Even though they disagreed on many issues, they found common ground in their love for music.
gaining ground
becoming more popular or accepted; making progress or advancing in a particular area.
Electric cars are really gaining ground as more people look for eco-friendly transportation options.
cut the ground from under the feet of
To make someone's position or argument weaker by doing or saying something more effective.
The lawyer cut the ground from under the feet of the opposing counsel by presenting new evidence.
hold/stand her ground
refuse to change her opinion or behaviour, especially when under pressure or in a difficult situation.
Even though everyone disagreed, she stood her ground and defended her decision.
on dangerous ground
To hold a view or opinion that will probably offend or upset people, or to be in a risky or sensitive situation.
You're on dangerous ground if you criticize her work in front of the whole team.
give ground
to change your opinion or accept the other side’s position, especially in an argument or negotiation
After hours of heated debate, the manager finally gave ground and agreed to some of the employees’ demands.
shifting her ground
changing her opinion or argument, especially in a discussion or debate.
During the debate, she kept shifting her ground whenever someone challenged her points.
gets a project/idea off the ground
To help a project or idea begin successfully or to get it started.
The team worked hard to get the new product off the ground before the holiday season.
gets in on the ground floor
become involved in something right at the beginning (and which is often successful later)
She got in on the ground floor of the tech startup and now she's a senior executive.
prepares the ground
create a good or suitable situation for something to take place
The new policy prepares the ground for future economic reforms.
wished the ground would swallow me up
Wished I could just disappear, usually because of embarrassment or shame.
When I realized my fly was open during the presentation, I wished the ground would swallow me up.
thick/thin on the ground
To be present in large numbers (thick) or very few (thin); used to describe the abundance or scarcity of something.
Good restaurants are thin on the ground in this part of town, so we usually cook at home.
suits me down to the ground
suits me perfectly; is exactly what I want or need.
Working from home suits me down to the ground because I don't have to commute.
gone to ground
To hide or disappear, especially to avoid being found or to escape attention.
After the scandal broke, the politician went to ground and refused to speak to the media.
stamping/stomping ground
A place where someone spent a lot of time, especially in their youth or earlier years; a familiar or favorite place.
This old café used to be my stomping ground when I was in college.
at her fingertips
immediately available or accessible
With all the latest research at her fingertips, the scientist was able to answer every question with ease.
keep your fingers crossed
To hope that things will happen in the way you want; to wish for good luck.
I'm waiting to hear back about the job interview, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
put his finger on
to identify or pinpoint exactly what is wrong or the cause of a problem
The mechanic couldn't put his finger on the reason why the car kept stalling.
lifts a finger
to make any effort to help, usually used in the negative to indicate someone is not helping at all
Even when the house was a mess, he never lifted a finger to clean up.
got his fingers burnt
Suffered as a result of an action; lost money or was hurt, often due to taking a risk or making a mistake.
He got his fingers burnt when he invested in that risky startup and lost all his savings.
given the thumbs up/down
To approve (thumbs up) or reject (thumbs down) something or someone.
The manager gave the thumbs up to our new marketing proposal, so we can start working on it right away.
sticks/stands out like a sore thumb
looks different from everything else in its environment (in a negative sense)
That bright red car stands out like a sore thumb in a parking lot full of black and gray vehicles.
as a rule of thumb
a general, useful rule or guideline based on experience rather than a strict law.
When baking bread, as a rule of thumb, I let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
given me a free hand
Allows me to take whatever action I want to; gives me complete freedom to make decisions or act as I see fit.
My boss has given me a free hand to redesign the website however I think is best.
turn his hand to
has the skill or ability to do unfamiliar jobs without any previous experience
Jake can turn his hand to anything—one day he's fixing cars, the next he's baking bread.
got out of hand
got out of control
The party got out of hand when too many people showed up and the neighbors called the police.
first-hand
Directly experienced or obtained personally, rather than through another person or source.
She wanted to see the results first-hand before making any decisions.
changed hands
been sold to a new owner
The old bookstore on Main Street has changed hands three times in the last decade.
have my hands full
am very busy / have a lot of things to do
With three young kids at home, I really have my hands full these days.
try my hand at
To attempt to do something for the first time, especially as an experiment or to see if one enjoys or is good at it.
I've always wanted to try my hand at painting, so I signed up for an art class.
keep my hand in
to continue practicing something so as not to lose skill or knowledge in it
Even though I don't play chess competitively anymore, I still keep my hand in by playing online once a week.
to hand
available; nearby
I always keep a notebook to hand in case I get a good idea.
give me a hand
help me, for example to carry or lift something
Could you give me a hand with these boxes? They're really heavy.
washed my hands of
stopped being involved in or took no further responsibility for something
After years of trying to help, I finally washed my hands of the whole situation.
get into gear
start working effectively or with energy
After a slow morning, the team finally got into gear and finished the project ahead of schedule.
real back-seat driver
someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism, especially when someone else is doing something
My brother is such a real back-seat driver; he keeps telling me how to park even though I'm the one behind the wheel.
put the brakes on
To slow down or stop something that is happening, especially to prevent it from continuing or getting out of control.
The company decided to put the brakes on its expansion plans due to the uncertain economy.
ticking over
working quietly and smoothly, without problems
Even though the boss is away, the office is still ticking over nicely.
let off steam
express strong emotions or energy by doing something active or noisy
After a stressful day at work, I let off steam by going for a long run.
programmed
always doing the same thing in the same way, like a computer
He wakes up at 6 a.m. every day, eats the same breakfast, and leaves for work at exactly 7—it's like he's programmed.
get your lines/wires crossed
to have a misunderstanding or miscommunication with someone, often resulting in confusion or mistakes.
We must have got our wires crossed because I thought the meeting was at 2, not 3.
are on the same wavelength as someone
You view the world or think in the same way as them.
It's so easy to work with Sarah because we are on the same wavelength about almost everything.
blow a fuse/gasket
To lose your temper and react very angrily to an event.
When the kids broke his favorite vase, he blew a fuse and started yelling.
give someone a buzz
To phone or call someone, usually in an informal or casual way.
I'll give you a buzz later to confirm the meeting time.
back-pedalling
beginning to say the opposite of what was said before; reversing a previous position
After realizing his statement was unpopular, the politician started back-pedalling during the interview.
put/throw a spanner in the works
To spoil something, such as a plan, or prevent it from succeeding.
We were all set to launch the new product next week, but the supplier delay really put a spanner in the works.
meltdown
a complete failure; a situation where everything goes wrong
The company had a financial meltdown after the stock market crash.
in the pipeline
being discussed, prepared, or planned but not public yet
The company has several new products in the pipeline that will be released next year.
make/pull a face
show that you do not like something by making an unpleasant expression
The child made a face when he tasted the sour lemon.
keep a straight face
not laugh or change your expression even though you want to laugh
It was so hard to keep a straight face when my friend told that ridiculous story.
put a brave face on something
pretend you are happy about something when you are not happy
Even though she was disappointed about not getting the job, she put a brave face on it during the family dinner.
take something at face value
Accept something as it appears, without questioning or doubting its truth or considering any hidden meaning.
You shouldn't take everything he says at face value; sometimes he exaggerates.
on the face of it
according to the appearance of something; as something seems at first glance, without deeper investigation
On the face of it, the proposal seems reasonable, but there may be hidden problems.
face to face
with another person in their presence rather than, say, by phone or letter
After months of video calls, it was great to finally meet face to face.
keep your hair on
Stay calm; don't get angry or upset.
Just keep your hair on, there's no need to shout about it.
tearing/pulling her hair out
To be extremely anxious, frustrated, or stressed, often because of a difficult or overwhelming situation.
She was tearing her hair out trying to meet the project deadline with so little time left.
didn't turn a hair
showed no reaction at all
When the fire alarm went off during the meeting, she didn't turn a hair and kept talking as if nothing had happened.
at each other's throats
arguing in a very angry way
The two coworkers were at each other's throats during the meeting, making it hard for anyone else to speak.
make a clean breast of it
To confess fully and honestly, especially about something one has done wrong, in order to relieve guilt.
After weeks of feeling guilty, he finally made a clean breast of it and told his boss about the mistake.
breathing down his neck
paying close attention to what he is doing in an annoying or threatening way
The manager kept breathing down my neck while I was finishing the report, which made me really nervous.
a real pain in the neck
Someone or something that is very annoying or bothersome.
My little brother can be a real pain in the neck when I'm trying to do my homework.
got it off his chest
told someone about something that was bothering him, usually a secret or worry, in order to feel relieved
After weeks of worrying, he finally got it off his chest and told his friend the truth.
ramming it down his throat
Forcing someone to accept or listen to your opinions or beliefs, often in an aggressive or insistent way.
He kept ramming it down my throat that his way was the only way to solve the problem.
giving him the cold shoulder
ignoring him in a deliberate way
After their argument, she started giving him the cold shoulder at work.
couldn't believe my eyes
To be extremely surprised or shocked by what one is seeing; to find something visually unbelievable.
When I saw the size of the cake, I couldn't believe my eyes.
couldn't keep my eyes off
couldn't stop looking at someone or something because they are very attractive, interesting, or captivating.
The painting was so beautiful that I couldn't keep my eyes off it.
catch her eye
get her attention; make her look at me
He tried to catch her eye across the crowded room, hoping she would notice him.
keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something or someone carefully.
Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?
turn a blind eye
ignore behaviour which you know is wrong
The teacher decided to turn a blind eye to the students whispering during the test.
with your eyes open
aware of all the problems or difficulties that could arise in a situation; fully informed before making a decision
She accepted the challenging job offer with her eyes open, knowing it would require long hours and hard work.
see eye to eye
to agree with someone or have the same opinion as them
My sister and I rarely see eye to eye when it comes to choosing a movie.
raised a few eyebrows
To cause surprise, shock, or mild disapproval among people.
Her decision to wear pajamas to the office definitely raised a few eyebrows among her coworkers.
run/cast your eye over
To have a quick look at something, usually to check or review it briefly.
Could you run your eye over this report before I send it to the manager?
on the blink
beginning to break down and go wrong, probably because it is old
My old laptop has been on the blink for weeks; it keeps shutting down unexpectedly.
have/keep one eye on
To observe or monitor something or someone carefully, often while doing something else.
While cooking dinner, I always keep one eye on the kids playing in the backyard.
didn't bat an eyelid
didn't react at all; showed no surprise, emotion, or concern in response to something unexpected or shocking.
When I told her the shocking news, she didn't bat an eyelid and just kept working.
caught my eye
Something that attracted my attention or made me notice it.
The bright red dress in the shop window immediately caught my eye as I walked by.
opened my eyes to
made me understand or realize something for the first time; made me aware of something I hadn't noticed before.
Traveling to different countries really opened my eyes to how diverse the world is.
a real eye-opener
an event or situation that I unexpectedly learnt something from
Visiting the developing country was a real eye-opener for me; I never realized how different life could be.