900个英语习语，含释义、音频与例句

掌握考试、商务及日常对话中常见习语：定义、语境例句、母语音频和30+语言即时翻译。

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在以下应用中练习这些内容English Idioms in Action

900个英语习语，含释义、音频与例句打开播放列表

912 个条目，可免费阅读

by/in leaps and bounds

very quickly; at a rapid pace or rate, especially in terms of progress or improvement.
非常快，尤其指进步或提升的速度。

Her English has improved by leaps and bounds since she moved to London.
自从她搬到伦敦后，她的英语水平有了突飞猛进的提高。
get a move on

hurry (often used as an order)
快点（常用于命令）

We need to get a move on if we want to catch the last train.
我们得快点，否则赶不上最后一班火车。
be on the run

try to avoid being caught (especially by the police)
试图躲避被抓（尤其是被警察抓住）

After escaping from prison, the fugitive was on the run for weeks before finally being captured.
越狱后，逃犯一直在逃，数周后最终被捕。
fast and furious

full of speed and excitement
充满速度与激情

The action in the movie was fast and furious from start to finish.
电影里的动作场面从头到尾都紧张刺激。
step by step

slowly; gradually, progressing in small stages rather than all at once.
慢慢地；逐步地，一步一步地前进，而不是一下子完成。

We learned how to solve the math problem step by step until everyone understood.
我们一步一步学会了解数学题，直到每个人都弄懂了。
drag your feet/heels

To deal with something slowly or delay taking action because you don’t really want to do it.
拖延或慢慢处理不想做的事

Whenever it's time to clean his room, he always drags his feet and takes forever to get started.
每次要打扫房间，他总是磨磨蹭蹭，很久才开始。
the word spread

the news went from one person to the next
消息在人们之间传开了

After the announcement, the word spread quickly throughout the office.
公告发布后，消息很快传遍了整个办公室。
keep track

continue to know what is happening to someone or something
持续了解某人或某事的情况

It's hard to keep track of all my appointments without a calendar.
没有日历很难记录所有的约会。
get off to a flying start

To begin an activity, project, or event very successfully or with a lot of momentum.
非常成功或充满动力地开始一项活动、项目或事件。

The new restaurant got off to a flying start, with every table booked for weeks.
新餐厅一开业就一帆风顺，几周内每张桌子都被订满了。
on the spot

immediately or in the place where something is happening or has just happened
立即或在事情发生的地方

The manager made the decision on the spot without consulting anyone else.
经理当场做出了决定，没有和其他人商量。
all over the place

in or to many places; scattered or disorganized
到处都是；杂乱无章

After the party, there were empty cups and plates all over the place.
聚会结束后，到处都是空杯子和盘子。
left, right and centre

happening in a lot of places or to a lot of people
在许多地方或对许多人发生

Complaints have been coming in left, right and centre since the new policy was introduced.
自新政策实施以来，投诉层出不穷。
reach / be at fever pitch

(used of emotions) to get so strong that people can’t control them
情绪变得非常强烈以至于无法控制

The excitement in the stadium reached fever pitch just before the final whistle.
体育场里的兴奋气氛在终场哨声前达到了顶点。
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.
处于最热闹或最活跃阶段；活动或事件正如火如荼进行。

By the time we arrived, the party was in full swing and everyone was dancing.
等我们到的时候，聚会正如火如荼，大家都在跳舞。
get/go beyond a joke

To become so serious or problematic that it is no longer funny or acceptable.
事情变得过于严重或麻烦，已经不像开玩笑那么简单。

The constant delays have gone beyond a joke; we need to find a solution now.
不断的拖延已经不是开玩笑的了，我们现在必须找到解决方案。
roll up your sleeves

to get ready to work hard, usually by preparing to tackle a difficult task or situation.
准备努力工作，通常是为了解决一个艰难的任务或情况。

It's time to roll up your sleeves and start cleaning the garage.
是时候卷起袖子开始清理车库了。
come at the drop of a hat

To do something immediately, without any hesitation or delay.
立刻做某事，毫不犹豫或拖延。

If you ever need help moving, just call me—I’ll come at the drop of a hat.
如果你需要搬家帮忙，只要打电话给我——我会马上过来。
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
试图像非常成功的前任一样做好本职工作

After the retirement of our legendary coach, the new manager has big shoes to fill.
在我们传奇教练退休后，新经理压力山大，需要接棒传奇。
wear lots of different hats

to do many different roles or tasks
身兼多职，承担许多不同的角色或任务

At our small startup, I wear lots of different hats—I'm the accountant, marketer, and sometimes even the janitor.
在我们的小型初创公司里，我身兼多职 —— 既是会计、市场人员，有时还要当清洁工。
have it in the bag

to be in a situation where you are certain to succeed
肯定会成功

After seeing the test questions, I knew I had it in the bag.
看到试题后，我知道我胜券在握。
bored the pants off

was extremely boring
极其无聊

That lecture on tax law bored the pants off everyone in the room.
那场关于税法的讲座让在场的每个人都快睡着了。
wears the trousers

is the person who makes decisions or is in control in a relationship, especially in a family or couple.
指在关系中、尤其是家庭或情侣中掌控或作决定的人。

Everyone knows that in their household, it's Sarah who wears the trousers.
大家都知道，在他们家，莎拉说了算。
keep your shirt on

Don’t get angry or upset; stay calm and patient.
不要生气或激动；保持冷静和耐心。

I know the traffic is bad, but keep your shirt on—we’ll get there eventually.
我知道堵车很严重，但请冷静点——我们最终会到的。
take my hat off to her

To express admiration or respect for her achievements or actions.
表达对她成就或行为的敬佩或尊重。

I really take my hat off to her for managing a full-time job and raising three kids on her own.
我真的佩服她，能一边全职工作，一边独自抚养三个孩子。
give you the shirt off his back

is willing to do anything to help another person, even at their own expense
愿意无私地帮助别人，甚至以自身为代价

If you ever needed help, John would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought.
如果你需要帮助，约翰会倾囊相助，毫不犹豫。
in pocket

having more money than when you started
比开始时有更多钱

After selling my old bike, I found myself in pocket by an extra $100.
卖掉旧自行车后，我发现自己赚了100美元。
out of pocket

having less money than when you started
变得比开始时钱更少

After paying for the repairs myself, I was out of pocket by nearly $500.
自己付了维修费用后，我亏了将近500美元。
pocketed

to take money from someone in a dishonest way
以不诚实的方式拿别人的钱

The cashier pocketed some of the change instead of putting it in the register.
收银员中饱私囊，没把零钱放进收银机。
dig deep into his pockets

to spend a lot of money, or give a lot of money away
花很多钱或慷慨解囊

When the charity needed more funds, John had to dig deep into his pockets to help them out.
当慈善机构需要更多资金时，约翰不得不慷慨解囊来帮助他们。
the salt of the earth

a very good and honest person
非常善良和诚实的人

My grandmother is truly the salt of the earth; she always helps her neighbors and never expects anything in return.
我的奶奶真是为人厚道，她总是帮助邻居，从不图回报。
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.
不惜一切代价，无论多么困难，为了达到某个目标或帮助某人。

She said she would go to the ends of the earth to find her lost dog.
她说她会千方百计找到她丢失的狗。
run to ground

discovered after a lot of searching
经过大量寻找后发现

After weeks of investigation, the detective finally ran the suspect to ground in a remote village.
经过数周的调查，侦探终于在一个偏远村庄找到了嫌疑人。
fall on stony ground

To be ignored, disregarded, or have no effect, especially when referring to advice, requests, or ideas.
被忽视或不起作用，尤其指建议、请求或想法没有被采纳。

Her suggestions for improving the workflow fell on stony ground during the meeting.
她提出改进工作流程的建议石沉大海，在会议上没人理会。
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.
随意报出一个数字，没有任何依据，通常只是猜测或编造。

When asked how many people would attend, he just plucked a number out of the air and said fifty.
当被问有多少人会来时，他就随口报了个数字，说五十。
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.
有时喜欢某人或某事，有时又不喜欢，让人摸不清真实的想法。

He blows hot and cold about moving abroad—one day he's excited, the next he doesn't want to go.
他对出国这事儿总是忽冷忽热——有时候很兴奋，有时候又不想去了。
get wind of something

hear information that others hoped to keep secret
听到了别人本想保密的信息

If the press gets wind of the scandal, it could ruin his career.
如果媒体闻到风声，他的事业可能会毁于一旦。
see how / which way the wind is blowing

To observe how a situation is developing before making a decision or taking action.
在做决定或采取行动前，先观察形势的发展。

Before announcing his opinion at the meeting, he decided to see which way the wind was blowing.
在会议上发表意见前，他决定先看风向。
playing with fire

doing something that could be dangerous
做可能很危险的事情

You're playing with fire if you keep lying to your boss about your work hours.
你要是继续对老板谎报工时就是在玩火。
spreading like wildfire

Going around or becoming known very quickly and widely, often uncontrollably.
指消息传播得非常快，广泛且不可控制。

Rumors about the celebrity breakup are spreading like wildfire on social media.
关于名人分手的谣言在社交媒体上迅速传开。
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.
在情绪激动时冲动地做或说某事。

He said some things he didn't mean in the heat of the moment during their argument.
他一时冲动说了些并非真心的话，在争吵中。
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.
如果大家都在说，往往是真有其事。

Everyone is talking about the manager leaving, and you know what they say: there’s no smoke without fire.
大家都在谈论经理要离职，你知道怎么说的：无风不起浪。
add fuel to the flames/fire

do something to make a bad situation worse
火上加油，使情况变得更糟

When they started arguing, his sarcastic comment only added fuel to the fire.
他们开始争吵时，他的讽刺评论只是在火上加油。
in deep water

in a difficult situation which is hard to deal with
处于难以应对的困境中

After missing the deadline, the whole team was in deep water with the manager.
错过了截止日期后，整个团队陷入了麻烦之中，被经理批评。
out of your depth

in a situation that you do not have the knowledge or skills to deal with
在自己知识或能力无法应对的情况下

When I started my new job, I felt completely out of my depth during the first meeting.
刚开始新工作时，我在第一次会议上感到完全力不从心。
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.
在没有帮助或准备的情况下做困难的事情。

On my first day at the new job, they threw me in at the deep end by asking me to lead a big meeting.
第一天上新工作，他们就让我被扔进深水区，要求我主持一个重要会议。
in hot water

in a situation where people are angry with you or you are in trouble, especially because of something you have done.
因为做错了事而陷入麻烦或被人责怪。

After forgetting my boss's birthday, I found myself in hot water at work.
忘记老板生日后，我在公司里惹上了麻烦。
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.
处于必须在两个同样困难或不愉快的选择中做决定的境地。

She was between the devil and the deep blue sea when she had to choose between losing her job or moving to another city.
她进退两难，要么失去工作，要么搬去另一个城市。
be a drop in the ocean

be a very small amount in comparison to what is needed
与所需相比只是很小的一部分

Donating one dollar to the charity might be a drop in the ocean, but every bit helps.
捐一美元给慈善机构可能只是沧海一粟，但每一份帮助都很重要。
kill two birds with one stone

to achieve two things with a single action
一举两得

By picking up groceries on my way home from work, I killed two birds with one stone.
我下班顺路买菜，这样就一举两得了。
let the cat out of the bag

to reveal a secret, often by accident
无意中泄露秘密

I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about Sarah's surprise party.
我一不小心就说漏了嘴，把莎拉的惊喜派对说出来了。
drive/send sb round the bend

to make someone very annoyed or frustrated
让某人非常恼火或抓狂

The constant noise from the construction site is starting to drive me round the bend.
工地的噪音已经开始让我抓狂了。
feel it in my bones

to sense or feel something instinctively, without needing proof
凭直觉感受到某事，无需证据

I feel it in my bones that something good is about to happen.
我有预感会有好事发生。
loud and clear

clearly and very definitely; easy to understand without any ambiguity.
非常清楚、毫无歧义；容易理解。

The instructions were given loud and clear, so there was no confusion about what to do.
指令下达得清清楚楚，所以没有任何疑问该怎么做。
speak your mind

state your opinion very clearly and openly
公开、直接地表达自己的观点

Don't be afraid to speak your mind during the meeting if you disagree with the proposal.
如果你不同意提案，开会时不要害怕直言不讳。
matter-of-fact

without any feeling or emotion; showing no emotion when describing something, especially something surprising or upsetting.
毫无情感地；用平静、冷静的方式描述，即使是令人震惊或难过的事情。

She described the accident in a very matter-of-fact way, not showing any emotion.
她以很平静的方式描述了事故，没有表现出任何情绪。
won’t take no for an answer

refuses to accept refusal
不接受拒绝

No matter how many times I tried to decline, she won’t take no for an answer and insisted I join the team.
无论我多少次想拒绝，她都不接受拒绝，坚持让我加入团队。
get a word in edgeways

manage to say something in a conversation
在交谈中插上话或发表意见

During the heated debate, I could barely get a word in edgeways because everyone was talking over each other.
在激烈的辩论中，我几乎无法插上话，因为大家都在抢着说话。
beside the point

not relevant to the subject you are talking about
与正在讨论的话题无关

Whether you like the color or not is beside the point; we need to decide if we can afford the car.
你是否喜欢这个颜色 并不重要，我们需要决定的是是否买得起这辆车。
missed the point

failed to understand the main thing
没有抓住重点

I think you missed the point of my argument; I wasn't talking about money at all.
我觉得你没有抓住重点，我根本没在谈钱。
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.
和某人谈论他们完全不具备的品质或行为是没有意义的，他们对此一无所知。

You can try telling Mark to take a break, but he doesn’t know the meaning of the word 'rest.'
你可以劝马克休息，但他根本不知道什么叫‘休息’。
word for word

using exactly the same words as were originally spoken or written; verbatim.
使用与原本所说或所写完全相同的词语；一字不差。

She repeated the instructions word for word so there would be no confusion.
她一字不差地重复了指示，以免混淆。
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.
合同中常以小字写的规则和条件，通常包含重要但容易被忽略的信息。

Before signing the contract, make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what you're agreeing to.
在签合同前，一定要仔细阅读小字部分，这样你才知道自己同意了什么。
a tall order

a task, request, or favor that is difficult to accomplish or is unreasonable to expect.
一个难以完成或不合理的任务或请求。

Finishing this project by tomorrow is a tall order, but I'll do my best.
明天前完成这个项目是个不小的挑战，但我会尽力。
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.
一个每个人都可以有不同看法的问题；这是主观的

Whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a matter of opinion; some people love it, others hate it.
菠萝该不该放在比萨上是见仁见智，有的人喜欢，有的人讨厌。
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.
没人知道它是否会继续存在；对未来或结果存在不确定性。

There is a question mark hanging over the future of the company after the recent financial losses.
公司未来存在疑问，因为最近的财务亏损。
lingua franca

a language used for day-to-day public communication, which is not the speakers’ own language
一种用于日常公共交流的语言，但并非说话者的母语

In many international conferences, English serves as the lingua franca so that participants from different countries can communicate easily.
在许多国际会议上，英语作为通用语言，使来自不同国家的与会者可以轻松交流。
wouldn't go amiss

Would be very useful or welcome; something that is needed or would improve the situation.
会非常有用或受欢迎；是所需的，或者能改善当前情况。

A cup of tea wouldn't go amiss after that long walk.
长时间步行后，来一杯茶再好不过了。
if push comes to shove

If the situation becomes very difficult or desperate, this is what I can do or what will happen.
如果情况变得非常困难或绝望，这就是我能做的或者会发生的事。

I don't want to borrow money, but if push comes to shove, I'll ask my parents for help.
我不想借钱，但如果实在没办法，我会向父母求助。
if need be

if it is really necessary; if there is no other option; if required.
如果有必要；如果没有其他选择。

We can stay late to finish the project if need be.
我们可以加班完成这个项目，如果有必要。
duty bound

Feeling morally or legally obligated to do something; believing that it is your responsibility to act.
感到有道德或法律义务去做某事；认为自己有责任采取行动。

As a doctor, I felt duty bound to help the injured man, even though I was off duty.
作为医生，我觉得自己有责任帮助受伤的人，尽管我当时不在值班。
need like I need a hole in the head

I don’t need it at all, and don’t want it
我根本不需要，也不想要

Another meeting on a Friday afternoon is something I need like I need a hole in the head.
星期五下午又开一个会，我需要它就像需要头上多一个洞一样。
dying to

really looking forward to or wanting something very much
非常期待或渴望某事

I'm dying to see the new movie that just came out.
我迫不及待想看刚上映的新电影。
wouldn't be seen dead

would never do something (because you dislike it very much or think it is not appropriate)
绝对不会做某事，因为非常讨厌或觉得不合适

She wouldn't be seen dead wearing those old-fashioned shoes.
她打死也不会穿那种老式的鞋子。
do my own thing

do what I want without worrying about what others think
按照自己的想法行事，不在乎他人怎么看

Even though everyone else wanted to go to the party, I decided to do my own thing and stayed home to read.
即使大家都想去参加派对，我还是决定我行我素，留在家里读书。
give anything

Be willing to do anything or make any sacrifice to achieve or obtain something.
愿意为实现某事付出一切或作出任何牺牲。

I'd give anything to see my favorite band perform live.
我愿意付出一切只为亲眼看一次我最喜欢的乐队现场演出。
in keeping with

appropriate or consistent with
与…相符，与…一致

The decorations at the party were in keeping with the winter theme.
派对的装饰与冬季主题相符。
wouldn't touch it with a barge pole

would never consider or get involved with something
绝不会考虑或涉及某事

When I saw how messy that project was, I said I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.
看到那个项目那么乱，我说我绝不会碰它。
you're in luck

said when you get something good that you were not expecting
用于形容意外获得好事情时

If you were hoping for tickets to the concert, you're in luck—I have an extra one right here.
如果你想要演唱会的门票，你运气真好——我这儿正好有一张多余的。
not worth my while

Doing something is not beneficial or rewarding enough to justify the time or effort required.
做某事付出的时间或精力不值得回报。

Driving all the way across town for just a few dollars is not worth my while.
仅为几块钱跑到城的另一头，不值得我花时间。
take your pick

choose whichever you want
随便挑选你喜欢的

There are so many desserts on the table, just take your pick and help yourself.
桌上有很多甜点，你随便挑一个自己拿吧。
has seen better days

is old and not working so well
旧了，用起来不太好

This old sofa has seen better days; the fabric is torn and the springs are sticking out.
这张旧沙发早已风光不再，布料破了，弹簧也露出来了。
out of date

old and not useful or correct any more
过时的，不再有用或正确

My phone is so out of date that it can't run the latest apps.
我的手机太过时了，根本无法运行最新的应用程序。
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.
弥补过去错失的经历或机会。

After recovering from her illness, she started traveling the world, making up for lost time.
康复后，她开始环游世界，弥补失去的时光。
since/from the year dot

from the very beginning; for as long as anyone can remember; since a very long time ago.
自古以来；从很久以前。

They've lived in that old house since the year dot, and it's full of family memories.
他们自古以来就住在那栋老房子里，里面充满了家庭回忆。
be the shape of things to come

an indication of what is likely to become popular or standard in the future
未来可能流行或成为标准的趋势

Electric cars are predicted to be the shape of things to come in the automotive industry.
预计电动汽车将成为未来的趋势。
for the time being

temporarily; for now; until something changes or a permanent solution is found
暂时；目前；直到情况改变或找到永久解决办法

We don't have a permanent manager yet, so I'll be in charge for the time being.
我们还没有正式的经理，所以暂时由我负责。
on the threshold of

something is likely to happen very soon
某事很快就会发生

Scientists believe we are on the threshold of a major breakthrough in cancer research.
科学家认为我们正处于癌症研究的重大突破门槛上。
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.
在未来的短期、中期或长期内；考虑在特定时期内的影响或结果。

Investing in renewable energy may be expensive now, but in the long term it will save money and help the environment.
可再生能源的投资现在可能很昂贵，但从长远来看会省钱并有助于环境。
only a matter of time

It will definitely happen, even though we cannot say exactly when.
这肯定会发生，只是不知道具体什么时候。

With all the rain we've had lately, it's only a matter of time before the river floods.
最近雨下得这么多，只是时间问题河流一定会泛滥。
early days yet

It’s too soon to say or decide; the outcome is not clear because not enough time has passed.
现在下结论还为时过早；因为时间还不够，结果尚不明朗。

The new project just started last week, so it's early days yet to judge its success.
新项目才刚开始一周，所以现在判断成败还为时尚早。
in the long run

a long time from now; eventually, after a long period has passed
从长远来看；经过很长时间之后

Eating healthy may seem hard now, but in the long run it will benefit your health.
现在健康饮食可能比较难，但从长远来看对你的健康有益。
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.
非常投入或疯狂地做某事，好像明天不存在一样。

She was eating like there’s no tomorrow after her long hike.
她在长途徒步后狼吞虎咽地吃着东西。
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.
以极大的热情或强度去做某事，就像没有明天一样。

She danced as if there were no tomorrow, not caring who was watching.
她跳舞仿佛没有明天，毫不在乎谁在看。
at the end of the day

something you say before stating a very important fact or idea
在陈述一个非常重要的事实或想法之前说的话

At the end of the day, it's your decision to make.
说到底，还是你自己做决定。
a sign of the times

something that shows that society now is worse than it was in the past
社会变得比过去更糟的表现

The fact that so many bookstores are closing is a sign of the times.
许多书店关门，这是时代的标志。
drive someone round the bend

to make someone very annoyed, frustrated, or angry, often because of repeated or irritating behavior.
让某人非常恼火、沮丧或生气，通常因为反复或令人烦躁的行为。

The constant noise from the construction site is starting to drive me round the bend.
施工现场持续的噪音快要把我逼疯了。
in the blink of an eye

in an extremely short time
转眼之间

The car disappeared in the blink of an eye before I could even react.
那辆车转眼之间就消失了，我还没来得及反应。
a bone of contention

something which people argue and disagree over
人们争论或有分歧的事情

The division of household chores has always been a bone of contention between my parents.
家务分工一直是我父母之间的争议焦点。
as dry as a bone

very dry indeed
干得不得了

After weeks without rain, the riverbed was as dry as a bone.
几周没下雨后，河床干得像骨头一样。
rough and ready

crude and lacking sophistication
粗糙且缺乏精致

The shelter was rough and ready, but it kept us dry during the storm.
这个避难所虽然简陋实用，但暴风雨时让我们保持干燥。
cool, calm and collected

relaxed, in control, not nervous
冷静、镇定、不紧张

Even during the emergency, the nurse stayed cool, calm and collected and handled the situation perfectly.
即使在紧急情况下，护士也能冷静应对，完美地处理了局面。
to cut a long story short

to tell the main points, but not all the fine details
讲重点而不说所有细节

We missed our flight, had to sleep at the airport, and, to cut a long story short, we arrived two days late.
我们错过了航班，在机场过夜，长话短说，我们晚到了两天。
pass the buck

to shift responsibility or blame to someone else instead of accepting it oneself.
把责任或过错推给别人，而不是自己承担。

Whenever there's a problem at work, he always tries to pass the buck to his coworkers.
每当工作出现问题，他总是试图把责任推给别人。
buck-passing

the act of blaming someone else or refusing to accept responsibility
把责任推给别人或拒绝承担责任

The manager was criticized for buck-passing when the project failed instead of admitting his own mistakes.
经理因在项目失败时进行推卸责任而受到批评，而不是承认自己的错误。
give me a hard/rough/tough time

To make things difficult, unpleasant, or challenging for someone, often by criticizing, teasing, or causing trouble.
给某人制造麻烦、让事情变得困难或不愉快，常常伴随批评或戏弄。

My boss always gives me a hard time when I make a small mistake at work.
我的老板总是为难我，哪怕我在工作中只是犯了个小错误。
makes all the difference (to something)

has a very good effect on a situation or a thing
对情况或事物产生很大的积极影响

Adding a little bit of lemon juice really makes all the difference to the flavor of this dish.
加一点柠檬汁真的能让这道菜的味道大为不同。
works/goes/runs like a dream

To function, operate, or proceed extremely well, smoothly, or successfully.
运作非常顺利、成功或高效。

After the mechanic fixed my car, it runs like a dream now.
修理工修好我的车后，现在开起来就像新的一样顺畅。
works like magic

works immediately and very well indeed
立刻见效，非常有效

This stain remover works like magic; the spot disappeared in seconds.
这个去污剂效果神奇，污渍几秒钟就消失了。
goes from strength to strength

gets better and better
越来越好，不断取得进步

Since launching their new product line, the company has gone from strength to strength, expanding into new markets every year.
自从推出新产品线以来，公司蒸蒸日上，每年都进入新市场。
does the trick

solves a problem very well
很有效地解决问题

If you have a headache, taking some aspirin usually does the trick.
如果你头疼，吃点阿司匹林通常很管用。
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)
最重要的事（常用于否定：不是唯一重要的）

For some people, making money is the be-all-and-end-all of life, but I think there are more important things.
对有些人来说，赚钱就是一切，但我认为还有更重要的事情。
is / turns out to be a blessing in disguise

has a good effect even though at first it seemed it would be bad
虽然一开始看起来不好，最后却带来好处

Losing my job turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.
失业反而是塞翁失马，焉知非福，因为这促使我创业。
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.
他们的成功也带来了负面影响。

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.
这家小面包店因为太受欢迎，需求量过大而成为了自己的成功的受害者。
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.
他们完全没有机会；成功几乎不可能或根本不可能。

With no experience and no connections, he doesn't have the ghost of a chance of landing that job.
没有经验也没有人脉，他根本没有可能得到那份工作。
someone/something gives up the ghost

To stop working, functioning, or trying, often because of exhaustion, failure, or the realization that success is impossible.
停止工作、运行或努力，通常由于筋疲力尽、失败或意识到成功不可能。

After years of faithful service, my old laptop finally gave up the ghost and wouldn't turn on anymore.
多年忠诚的使用后，我的老笔记本电脑终于彻底罢工，再也开不了机了。
someone/something leaves their/its mark (on someone/something)

They have or it has an effect (usually negative) that changes someone or something forever.
指产生了（通常为负面的）深远影响，使某人或某事被永久改变。

The war left its mark on the city, with many buildings still in ruins.
战争留下了无法抹去的痕迹，许多建筑至今仍然破败不堪。
would go places

would be successful; is likely to achieve great things or advance in life or career
前途无量；很可能在生活或事业上取得巨大成就

Everyone knew that Sarah would go places because of her determination and talent.
大家都知道Sarah 前途无量，因为她很有决心，也很有才华。
hit the big time

To become very successful, especially on a national or international scale, often resulting in fame and wealth.
取得巨大成功，尤其是在全国或国际舞台上，通常伴随名声和财富。

After years of playing in small clubs, the band finally hit the big time when their single topped the charts.
在小酒吧演出多年后，这支乐队终于一举成名，他们的单曲登上了排行榜榜首。
made a go of

been very successful with
取得了很大的成功

After several failed attempts, they finally made a go of their small bakery business.
在多次失败后，他们终于把小面包店办得有声有色。
work against the clock

To work very quickly because there is a limited amount of time to complete something.
由于时间有限而必须非常迅速地工作。

The team had to work against the clock to finish the project before the deadline.
团队不得不与时间赛跑，以便在截止日期前完成项目。
in no time at all

To do something very quickly; almost instantly.
做某事非常快；几乎立刻。

She finished her homework in no time at all and went out to play.
她一眨眼的功夫就做完了作业，出去玩了。
call it a day

To decide to stop working on something, usually because enough has been done or it's time to finish.
决定停止某项工作，通常是因为已经做得够多或者该结束了。

We've been painting the house for hours; let's call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.
我们已经刷了好几个小时的房子了，咱们就今天到此为止，剩下的明天再做吧。
haven't had a minute to call my own

To be extremely busy, with no free time for oneself.
非常忙碌，没有属于自己的时间。

Ever since the new project started, I haven't had a minute to call my own.
自从新项目开始后，我连一刻属于自己的时间都没有。
there and then (or then and there)

To do something immediately, without any delay, at that exact moment.
立刻做某事，毫不拖延。

When she offered me the job, I accepted there and then without hesitation.
她一给我提供工作，我就当场接受了，没有犹豫。
at the crack of dawn

start very early in the morning
一大早就开始

We had to leave at the crack of dawn to catch our flight.
我们必须一大早出发去赶飞机。
once in a lifetime

never likely to happen again
极少可能再次发生

Traveling to Antarctica was a once in a lifetime experience for me.
去南极旅行对我来说是一生一次的经历。
once in a blue moon

very rarely
非常少见

We only go out to eat once in a blue moon because we prefer to cook at home.
我们 出去吃饭 三年一次，因为我们更喜欢在家做饭。
once and for all

finally and definitely; to do something completely and decisively so that it does not have to be dealt with again
彻底最终地解决；彻底做某事，不再需要处理

Let's solve this problem once and for all so we don't have to discuss it again.
我们把这个问题一次性解决，以后就不用再讨论了。
off and on / on and off

sometimes, but not regularly or continuously
有时，但不规律或持续

I've been studying French off and on for years, but I'm still not fluent.
我断断续续学了多年法语，但还是不流利。
from time to time

sometimes, but not regularly
偶尔，但不是经常

I like to visit my grandparents from time to time, especially during the holidays.
我喜欢偶尔去看望祖父母，尤其是在节假日。
nine times out of ten

almost always; in nearly every case or situation
几乎总是；在大多数情况下

Nine times out of ten, if you water your plants regularly, they will thrive.
十有八九，如果你定期给植物浇水，它们就会茁壮成长。
goes/works/runs like clockwork

happens exactly as planned and without problems
一切如计划进行，毫无问题

The wedding ceremony went like clockwork, with every detail perfectly timed.
婚礼仪式像钟表一样顺利进行，每个细节都安排得很完美。
from scratch

to start from the very beginning, without using anything that already exists or any previous preparation.
从头开始，完全不依赖现有的任何东西。

She decided to bake the cake from scratch instead of using a mix.
她决定从零开始烤蛋糕，而不是用现成的蛋糕粉。
put it down to experience

Learn from something bad that has happened instead of being upset by it.
从不好的经历中吸取教训，而不是一直懊恼。

When my first business failed, I decided to put it down to experience and try again with a better plan.
第一次创业失败后，我决定把它当作一次经验，再带着更好的计划重新开始。
know where I stand

To understand your position or situation, especially in relation to someone else or a particular issue.
了解自己在某个人或某个问题上的位置或处境。

After our conversation, I finally know where I stand with my boss regarding the promotion.
谈话之后，我终于知道自己处于什么位置，关于升职的问题和老板的想法。
get a kick out of something

to enjoy something very much or find it amusing
非常喜欢或觉得某事有趣

I get a real kick out of going for a run first thing in the morning before anyone else is up.
我很喜欢一大早跑步，还没其他人起床的时候。
learnt my lesson

To realize, usually after a negative experience, that you should not repeat the same mistake.
通常在经历过负面经验后，意识到不应再犯同样错误。

After forgetting my umbrella and getting soaked, I learnt my lesson and always check the weather now.
忘记带伞被淋湿后，我吸取了教训，现在总会查天气。
teach him/her a lesson

To punish or show someone the consequences of their actions so that they will not repeat the same mistake.
为了让某人不再犯同样的错误而惩罚或让其看到后果。

After he lied to his parents, they grounded him for a week to teach him a lesson.
他对父母说谎后，被禁足一周，以此来给他一个教训。
got the message

someone finally becomes aware of a fact (often used with unpleasant facts)
某人终于意识到一个事实（通常是不愉快的事实）

After being ignored all week, I finally got the message that she didn't want to talk to me.
被她整周无视之后，我终于 明白了意思，她并不想和我说话。
set/put the record straight

Tell the true facts to someone who has believed a different set of facts up to that moment.
向一直误信其他事实的人说明真相。

After hearing so many rumors, she decided to set the record straight and explain what really happened.
听到那么多传言后，她决定澄清事实，解释事情的真实经过。
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.
通过间接途径获悉消息，通常来自流言蜚语而非官方渠道。

I heard it through the grapevine that our manager is leaving the company next month.
我听小道消息说我们经理下个月要离职。
a figment of your imagination

something you have imagined which is not true
你想象出来而并非真实的东西

The ghost you saw last night was just a figment of your imagination.
你昨晚看到的鬼只是你的想象产物。
lost sight of

forgotten a central, important fact or truth about something
忘记某件事情的核心或重要事实

In the rush to finish the project, the team lost sight of the original goals.
在赶着完成项目时，团队忽略了最初的目标。
what beats me

what I cannot understand
我无法理解的事情

What beats me is how he managed to finish the project so quickly.
我不明白他怎么能那么快完成项目。
having second thoughts about

Decided something, but now am no longer sure about it.
做了决定，但又开始犹豫

She agreed to move abroad, but now she's having second thoughts about leaving her family behind.
她同意出国，但现在对于离开家人又开始犹豫了。
the ins and outs of

the details of something; all the intricacies or specific information about how something works or is done.
事情的所有细节和具体操作方式。

Before you start the job, you should learn the ins and outs of the company’s procedures.
在开始工作之前，你应该了解公司的门道。
make it big

To achieve great success or become famous, especially in one's career or chosen field.
取得巨大成功或成名，特别是在自己的领域。

After years of playing in small clubs, she finally made it big when her song hit the charts.
在小型俱乐部演出多年后，她终于一举成名，她的歌曲登上了排行榜。
make a big thing of

To treat something as very important or special, often by celebrating it or giving it a lot of attention.
把某事当作很重要或特别，常常通过庆祝或特别关注它。

My parents always make a big thing of my birthday, even though I tell them I don't need a party.
我父母总是大张旗鼓地庆祝我的生日，虽然我告诉他们其实不用办派对。
think big

have ambitious plans and ideas, and be keen to achieve a lot
有雄心壮志并渴望取得很大成就

If you want to succeed in business, you need to think big and not be afraid to take risks.
如果你想在生意上取得成功，你需要有大格局，不要害怕冒险。
big deal

Said when something happens but you are not impressed or excited, even if others are.
当别人觉得某件事很重要或值得高兴时，你却不以为然。

So you got an A on your test—big deal, I got straight A's all year.
你考试拿了A？这有什么大不了的，我全年都是A。
larger than life

Much more exciting and interesting than average people; having a personality or appearance that is very impressive or exaggerated.
远比普通人更有趣和引人注目；拥有极具魅力或夸张的个性或外表。

The actor was truly larger than life, captivating everyone in the room with his stories and charisma.
这位演员真是光芒四射，用他的故事和魅力吸引了在场所有人。
looms large

Said of something which could happen and which is a huge worry for people.
形容可能发生并让人们非常担忧的事。

The threat of climate change looms large in the minds of many young people today.
气候变化的威胁在许多年轻人心中挥之不去。
budge an inch

To change one's position or opinion even a little bit; to yield or compromise, even slightly.
无论如何都不改变立场或意见；一点也不让步或妥协。

No matter how much we argued, she wouldn't budge an inch on her decision.
不管我们怎么争论，她都一寸不让地坚持自己的决定。
miles away

not concentrating, but thinking about something else
心不在焉，思绪飘到别处

Sorry, I didn't hear what you said—I was miles away thinking about my vacation.
不好意思，我没听到你说什么——我刚刚走神了，在想假期的事。
see/spot that a mile off

It's very easy to see or recognize; something is extremely obvious.
非常容易看出来或辨认出来；非常明显。

You could see that he was lying a mile off—his story didn't make any sense.
你一眼就能看出来他在撒谎——他的故事根本说不通。
sticks/stands out a mile

It's very easy to see or is extremely obvious.
非常容易看见或极其明显。

That bright red car sticks out a mile in the parking lot full of gray vehicles.
那辆亮红色的车在满是灰色车辆的停车场里格外显眼。
a far cry from

very different from
与...截然不同

Living in the city is a far cry from the quiet life I had in the countryside.
住在城市里和我以前在乡村的安静生活 截然不同。
in small doses

You like someone or something, but only for short periods of time; too much of them can be overwhelming or annoying.
你喜欢某个人或某事，但只能偶尔接触，太多会让你招架不住或觉得烦。

I can handle my little brother in small doses, but if we spend all day together, he drives me crazy.
我可以和我弟弟短时间相处，但整天在一起会让我抓狂。
a small fortune

a huge amount of money
一大笔钱

She spent a small fortune on her wedding dress.
她在婚纱上花了一大笔钱。
in all shapes and sizes

a wide variety of types, forms, or sizes; used to emphasize diversity.
各式各样的类型、形状或大小；用来强调多样性。

At the pet store, you can find animals in all shapes and sizes, from tiny hamsters to large parrots.
在宠物店，你可以找到各种各样的动物，从小仓鼠到大鹦鹉。
an unknown quantity

A person or thing whose abilities, qualities, or potential are not yet known or have not been revealed.
能力或潛力尚未被了解或展現的人或事物

The new player is an unknown quantity, so the coach isn't sure how he'll perform in the big game.
這位新球員是個未知數，教練不確定他在大賽中的表現會如何。
taking the law into their own hands

taking action which should be taken by the police or the courts
自行执法，而不是让警方或法院处理

The neighbors took the law into their own hands when they started patrolling the streets at night.
邻居们开始在夜晚巡逻，自己伸张正义。
have become a law unto themselves

are completely out of control and simply ignore the law
完全无法控制，公然无视法律

The local gangs have become a law unto themselves, doing whatever they want without fear of the police.
当地帮派无法无天，随心所欲，毫不惧怕警方。
lay down the law

To be very firm and clear about rules or expectations, and to enforce them strictly.
对规则或期望非常明确和严格，并严格执行。

When the kids started fighting, Mom had to lay down the law and tell them to behave.
当孩子们开始打架时，妈妈不得不严格管教，让他们好好表现。
bending the rules

making special exceptions; letting some people disobey the rules/laws
破例；允许某些人不遵守规定或法律

The coach was accused of bending the rules to let his star player join the team despite missing tryouts.
教练被指控为让主力队员入选球队而开了绿灯，尽管他错过了选拔。
carry the can

accept the blame or responsibility alone, even though other people were also responsible
独自承担责任或被责备，即便还有其他人也有责任

Even though the whole team made mistakes, it was Sarah who had to carry the can when the project failed.
虽然整个团队都有错误，但项目失败时，只有莎拉需要背黑锅。
get / let someone off the hook

To be freed or to free someone from responsibility, blame, or a difficult situation.
使某人摆脱责任、指责或困境。

Even though he broke the vase, his parents decided to let him off the hook and didn't punish him.
虽然他打碎了花瓶，但父母还是决定放他一马，没有惩罚他。
leave someone to their own devices

Allow someone to act independently, without supervision or interference.
允许某人独立行动，不加监督或干预。

When you leave children to their own devices, they often come up with the most creative games.
当你让孩子们自己玩耍时，他们常常能想出最有创意的游戏。
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.
成为别人愤怒、批评或负面行为的对象。

Whenever the boss is in a bad mood, I always find myself at the receiving end of his criticism.
每当老板心情不好时，我总是成了他的出气筒。
are at someone’s beck and call

do everything they tell you to do, whenever they tell you to do it
随叫随到、唯命是从

She is at her boss’s beck and call, always ready to answer emails or run errands, no matter the time.
她随时听从老板的差遣，无论什么时候都随时回复邮件或跑腿。
get your own way

persuade other people to let you do what you want
说服别人让自己如愿

She always manages to get her own way in every argument, no matter what.
她总能在每次争论中如愿以偿，无论发生什么。
go to the polls

vote in a general election
在大选中投票

Millions of citizens will go to the polls next week to choose their new president.
数以百万计的公民将在下周前往投票站，选出新总统。
spin doctors

public relations officers who meet the press/media and present events in a way that suits them
以有利方式向媒体传达消息的公关专家

After the politician's scandal, the spin doctors worked overtime to control the narrative.
在政客丑闻后，公关高手加班加点控制舆论走向。
hidden agenda

An undisclosed plan or motive behind someone's actions, often implying deceit or manipulation.
某人行为背后的隐秘计划或动机，通常暗示欺骗或操控。

I think the new manager has a hidden agenda; he keeps making changes without explaining why.
我觉得新经理有不可告人的动机，他不断做出改变却从不解释原因。
I've come up against a brick wall.

Something is blocking me from doing what I want to do.
有些事情阻碍着我做想做的事。

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.
我已经尝试修这台电脑几个小时了，但我遇到了死胡同，找不出问题所在。
I put my foot in it.

Said something tactless and embarrassing.
说了不合时宜或令人尴尬的话。

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.
在晚宴上，我说漏嘴了，提到了他们最近分手，没想到他们想保密。
I'm in dire straits.

In a very difficult or dangerous situation.
处于非常困难或危险的境地。

After losing my job and getting sick, I'm in dire straits and don't know how I'll pay my bills.
失业又生病后，我陷入了困境，不知道该如何支付账单。
I've dug myself into a hole.

Have myself caused a problem that will be difficult to escape from (informal).
自己制造了难以摆脱的麻烦。

After lying to my boss, I realized I've dug myself into a hole and now I don't know how to fix it.
在对老板撒谎之后，我意识到自找麻烦，现在不知道怎么补救。
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.
试图同时做太多事情，结果每件事都无法得到足够关注。

Between work, volunteering, and night classes, I've spread myself too thin and now I'm exhausted.
在工作、志愿服务和夜校之间，我把自己搞得太分散，现在已经精疲力竭了。
I've been left holding the baby.

Others have left me to deal with a problem alone.
被其他人丢下，独自承担问题

When everyone else left the project early, I was left holding the baby and had to finish everything myself.
当其他人都提前离开项目时，我被留下收拾烂摊子，只好自己完成所有事情。
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.
他们把我置于一个我没有选择或控制权的境地。

Since they already have my deposit, they've got me over a barrel and I can't back out of the deal.
既然他们已经拿到我的定金，我被他们卡住了，无法退出交易。
I'm clutching at straws now.

Am in such a difficult situation that I will try anything.
处于绝境，什么办法都愿意一试。

I've tried every possible solution, but now I'm clutching at straws by asking random people for advice.
我已经试过所有可能的方法，现在只好死马当活马医，向陌生人寻求建议。
I've drawn a blank.

Am unable to find information or to achieve something I'd hoped for.
无法找到信息或实现原本希望的事情。

I tried to remember her name, but I've drawn a blank.
我试着想起她的名字，但我脑子一片空白。
face the music

Accept criticism or punishment for what you have done.
为自己的所作所为接受批评或惩罚。

After skipping class all week, Jake knew he would have to face the music when his parents found out.
杰克整周都逃课，他知道父母发现后他必须要承担后果。
Fact of life

An unpleasant situation which has to be accepted because it cannot be changed.
必须接受、无法改变的不愉快情况。

It's just a fact of life that sometimes things don't go the way we planned.
有时候事情不如我们计划，这是人生的无可奈何。
Easier said than done

Something you say when something seems like a good idea, but is difficult to actually do.
说起来容易做起来难

Quitting sugar completely is easier said than done, especially with all the tempting desserts around.
彻底戒糖说起来容易做起来难，特别是到处都是诱人的甜点。
fed up (to the back teeth)

very annoyed or bored with something that has been happening for a long time
对长时间持续的事情非常厌烦或生气

I'm fed up to the back teeth with all this rain—we haven't seen the sun in weeks!
我已经受够了这连续不断的雨——我们好几个星期都没见到太阳了！
at my wits' end

So worried, confused, or annoyed that you do not know what to do next.
非常担心、困惑或烦恼，以至于不知道接下来该怎么办

After trying everything to stop the baby from crying, I was at my wits' end.
在试遍了所有方法还不能让孩子停止哭泣后，我已经束手无策了。
had it up to here

Have reached the limit of your patience or endurance with something.
对某事已经忍无可忍。

I've had it up to here with all this noise from the construction next door.
我已经忍无可忍旁边施工的噪音了。
have/throw a fit

react very angrily
非常生气地反应

When she saw the mess in the kitchen, she threw a fit and started yelling at everyone.
她看到厨房的乱七八糟时，大发雷霆，开始对大家大喊大叫。
go off the deep end

suddenly become very angry or emotional
突然变得非常生气或激动

When he saw the mess in the kitchen, he went off the deep end and started yelling at everyone.
他看到厨房的乱象时，大发雷霆，开始对大家大喊大叫。
go spare

to become very angry or lose one's temper
大发脾气或失去理智

If you break that vase, Mum will go spare!
如果你打破了那个花瓶，妈妈会气得跳脚！
do his nut

become very angry
变得非常生气

When he saw the mess in the kitchen, he did his nut and started shouting at everyone.
当他看到厨房的乱象时，气炸了，开始对大家大喊大叫。
blow a fuse

suddenly become very angry
突然大怒

When I told my dad I crashed the car, he blew a fuse and started yelling.
我告诉爸爸我把车撞了，他立刻勃然大怒，开始大吼。
if someone's blood is up

They are very angry and may react in a violent way.
他非常生气，可能会有激烈反应。

When the referee made a bad call, you could see that Jake's blood was up and he started shouting at everyone.
裁判做出错误判罚时，明显能看到杰克怒火中烧，开始对大家大喊大叫。
after someone's blood

want to catch someone in order to hurt or punish them
想抓住某人以便惩罚或伤害他

Ever since I broke his window, he's been after my blood.
自从我打破了他的窗户后，他一直想找我算账。
out for blood

determined to find someone to attack or blame for something bad that has happened
决心找人出气或报复某件坏事

After the team lost the championship, the fans were out for blood and demanded the coach be fired.
球队输掉冠军后，球迷们气愤难平，要求解雇教练。
drive someone up the wall

To make someone very angry, irritated, or sometimes extremely bored.
让某人非常生气、恼火或极度无聊。

The constant noise from the construction site drives me up the wall every morning.
工地的持续噪音每天早上都让我抓狂。
drive/send someone round the bend/twist

To make someone very angry, annoyed, or sometimes extremely bored.
让某人非常生气、恼火或极度无聊。

The constant noise from the construction site is starting to drive me round the bend.
工地持续的噪音开始让我抓狂了。
rub someone up the wrong way

To annoy or irritate someone, often unintentionally.
无意中惹恼或激怒某人。

I didn't mean to rub her up the wrong way, but my joke clearly upset her.
我本无意惹她生气，但我的玩笑显然让她不高兴了。
get/put someone's back up

To make someone annoyed or irritated.
让某人生气或恼火。

His constant criticism really puts my back up during meetings.
他不断的批评真的让我火大，特别是在会议上。
ruffle someone's feathers

To make someone annoyed or upset, often by disturbing their routine or offending them.
让某人生气或不满，通常是打乱了他们的习惯或冒犯了他们。

He didn't mean to ruffle her feathers, but his comments about her work were a bit harsh.
他并非有意要惹她生气，但他对她工作的评论有些苛刻。
put/send the cat among the pigeons

To do or say something that causes a lot of people to become angry, worried, or agitated.
做或说了让很多人生气、担忧、或激动的事

When the manager announced there would be layoffs, it really put the cat among the pigeons in the office.
当经理宣布裁员时，办公室里真是炸开了锅。
not be on speaking terms

be so angry with each other that they refuse to speak to each other
因为生气而互不理睬，不说话

Ever since their argument last week, Sarah and Tom have not been on speaking terms.
自从上周争吵后，Sarah和Tom 互不理睬。
give someone an earful

Tell someone how angry you are with them, usually in a loud or forceful way (informal).
对某人大声或严厉地表达自己的愤怒

My mom gave me an earful when she found out I had skipped school.
我妈妈发现我逃学后，狠狠地训了我一顿。
give someone a piece of your mind

To angrily tell someone what you really think, especially to express your disapproval or annoyance.
愤怒地表达你真实的想法，特别是表达不满或恼怒。

When I saw how messy the kitchen was, I gave my roommate a piece of my mind.
看到厨房那么乱，我直接数落了我的室友一顿。
You could’ve fooled me!

You do not believe what someone says about something that you saw or experienced yourself.
用于表示你对别人说的与你亲眼所见或亲身经历相反的话不信服。

He said he wasn't tired, but with those bags under his eyes, you could’ve fooled me!
他说他不累，但看他眼袋那么重，你当我是傻子吗！
There’s no accounting for taste(s)!

You can’t understand why someone likes or doesn’t like something.
你无法理解为什么某人喜欢或不喜欢某事。

He puts ketchup on his pizza, but I guess there’s no accounting for tastes!
他在披萨上放番茄酱，不过萝卜青菜，各有所爱！
If all else fails

If all other plans do not work.
如果其他办法都不行。

If all else fails, we can always order pizza for dinner.
如果实在不行，我们还可以点披萨当晚餐。
The lesser of two evils

It is the less unpleasant of two bad options.
两个坏选项中较不糟糕的那个。

When choosing between working late and coming in on the weekend, I picked working late because it was the lesser of two evils.
在加班和周末来上班之间选择时，我选了加班，因为这是两害相权取其轻。
One thing just led to another

A series of events happened, each caused by the previous one.
一连串事件，每件事都是由前一件引起的。

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.
我们一边喝咖啡一边聊天，结果顺理成章地一起度过了整天。
I’ll never live it down!

You think that you have done something bad or embarrassing that people will never forget.
你觉得自己做了件丢脸的事，别人永远不会忘记。

After tripping and spilling coffee all over my boss during the meeting, I thought, 'I’ll never live it down!'
在会议上我绊倒了，还把咖啡洒在老板身上，我心想：'这件事我一辈子都甩不掉！'
Strike while the iron is hot

Do something immediately while you have a good chance of success.
在有成功的好机会时立即行动。

If you want that promotion, you should strike while the iron is hot and apply as soon as the position opens.
如果你想要那份晋升，就应该抓住机会，职位一开放就申请。
One way or another

You are not sure exactly how yet, but it will happen.
你还不确定具体怎么做，但它会发生。

One way or another, we will finish this project before the deadline.
无论如何，我们会在截止日期前完成这个项目。
Over the top

More extreme than is necessary or appropriate.
比必要或合适的程度更夸张。

Her reaction to the small mistake was really over the top; she started yelling and throwing things.
她对小错误的反应真的太夸张了，开始大喊大叫，还扔东西。
In your shoes

In your position; if I were you.
处于你的立场；如果我是你。

If I were in your shoes, I would talk to your manager about the problem.
如果我处在你的位置，我会跟你的经理谈谈这个问题。
At the top of my agenda

The most important priority for me.
我最重要的优先事项。

Finishing this project is at the top of my agenda right now.
完成这个项目现在是我最优先考虑的事情。
It’s just not on!

Not an appropriate way of behaving.
不合适的行为方式。

You can’t just take someone’s lunch from the fridge—it’s just not on!
你不能随便拿别人的午餐—这样做太不合适了！
knows inside out

knows every detail of it
了如指掌

She knows the software inside out, so if you have any questions, just ask her.
她对这个软件了如指掌，有问题尽管问她。
knows his stuff

has a very good knowledge of it
对这方面非常了解

When it comes to computer programming, Jake really knows his stuff.
说到计算机编程，Jake真的很在行。
has a familiar ring to it

It sounds familiar; it seems like something you have heard or experienced before.
听起来很熟悉，好像你以前听过或经历过。

That story has a familiar ring to it—are you sure you haven't told me this before?
这个故事听起来很耳熟——你确定以前没跟我说过吗？
rings a bell

To sound familiar or remind someone of something, even if they can't remember the details.
听起来很熟悉，或者让人想起某事，即使记不起细节。

That name rings a bell, but I can't quite place where I've heard it before.
这个名字 听起来很熟悉，但我想不起来以前在哪里听过。
haven’t (got) / don’t have a clue

To not know or understand something at all; to have no idea.
完全不知道或不了解；一点头绪都没有。

I haven’t got a clue how to solve this math problem.
我完全没有头绪怎么解这道数学题。
haven’t (got) / don’t have the faintest idea

I really don’t know at all.
我完全不知道。

Sorry, I haven’t got the faintest idea where your keys are.
对不起，我完全不知道你的钥匙在哪里。
haven’t (got) / don’t have the foggiest (idea)

To have absolutely no knowledge or understanding about something; to not know at all.
对某事毫无了解或认知；完全不知道。

Sorry, I haven't got the foggiest idea where your keys are.
对不起，我一点头绪都没有你的钥匙在哪里。
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.
我怎么也想不起来；用来强调完全无法回忆或做某事。

I can’t for the life of me remember where I put my keys last night.
我怎么也想不起来昨晚把钥匙放哪儿了。
a bit out of touch

Not being aware of the latest information, trends, or developments in a particular area.
对某一领域的最新信息、趋势或发展不了解

Ever since I stopped working in tech, I feel a bit out of touch with the latest gadgets.
自从我不再从事科技行业后，我觉得自己有点跟不上潮流，不太清楚最新的电子产品。
doesn’t ring any bells with me

I don’t think I’ve ever heard it before; it is unfamiliar.
我觉得以前没听说过，对我来说很陌生。

That name doesn’t ring any bells with me, are you sure we’ve met before?
那个名字我一点印象都没有，你确定我们见过吗？
put two and two together

To figure something out or draw a logical conclusion from the information available.
根据已有的信息推理或得出合理结论。

When I saw her car outside his house, I put two and two together and realized they were dating.
当我看到她的车停在他家外面时，我就联想起来，意识到他们在约会。
got (hold of) the wrong end of the stick

came to the wrong conclusion
得出了错误的结论

I think you got the wrong end of the stick—I wasn't criticizing you at all.
我觉得你误会了——我根本没有在批评你。
be on the breadline

To be very poor; to have very little money and be close to poverty.
非常贫穷，接近贫困线。

After losing his job, he found himself on the breadline and struggling to pay rent.
失业后，他发现自己生活在贫困线边缘，很难支付房租。
live in the lap of luxury

To live an extremely comfortable and extravagant life, usually because of having a lot of money.
过着极度舒适和奢华的生活，通常因为拥有大量金钱。

After winning the lottery, they lived in the lap of luxury with a mansion and private jet.
中了彩票后，他们过上了奢华的生活，住别墅、坐私人飞机。
well off / well-to-do / well-heeled

having plenty of money
富有，有很多钱

After landing that high-paying job, she became quite well off and bought a new house.
找到高薪工作后，她变得很富裕，还买了一套新房。
spend money like water

spend too much, often without thinking about it
花钱如流水，毫无节制

Ever since he got his bonus, he has been spending money like water on clothes and gadgets.
自从他拿到奖金后，就开始花钱如流水地买衣服和电子产品。
tighten your belt

spend less than you did before, because you have less money
因为钱少了而减少开支

After losing his job, John had to tighten his belt and cut back on unnecessary expenses.
失业后，约翰不得不勒紧裤腰带，削减不必要的开支。
make a killing

earn a lot of money very easily
很容易赚到很多钱

He made a killing when he sold his company to a big tech firm.
他把公司卖给一家大型科技公司时，赚了大钱。
be a money spinner

be a successful way of making money
成为盈利的赚钱方式

Their new online course has turned out to be a real money spinner for the company.
他们的新在线课程成了公司的摇钱树。
pay through the nose

To pay much more than a fair price; to pay an excessive amount of money for something.
花费远高于合理价格，付出高昂代价

We had to pay through the nose for concert tickets because they sold out so quickly.
我们为了买到演唱会门票，不得不花了大价钱，因为票卖得太快了。
a rip-off

something that is not worth the money that you paid for it
花的钱不值得

That concert ticket was a rip-off; I can't believe I paid $100 for such a short show.
那张演唱会门票真是被宰了，我简直不敢相信为这样短的演出付了100美元。
spend a small fortune

To spend a large amount of money, often more than expected or considered reasonable.
花了很多钱，往往超出预期或不太合理。

We spent a small fortune on our vacation to Hawaii last year.
去年我们去夏威夷度假花了一大笔钱。
cost a small fortune

to cost a lot of money; to be very expensive
花费很多钱；非常昂贵

That designer handbag cost a small fortune, but she just had to have it.
那个设计师手袋花了一大笔钱，但她非要买不可。
make a small fortune

to earn or acquire a large amount of money, often more than expected
赚到或获得很多钱，通常比预期还多

She made a small fortune selling handmade jewelry online during the holidays.
她在假期通过网上卖手工首饰赚了一大笔钱。
lose a small fortune

to lose a large amount of money, often unexpectedly or through bad luck or poor decisions.
失去大量金钱，通常是意外或因为运气不好或做了错误决定。

He lost a small fortune when the stock market crashed last year.
他去年股市崩盘时损失了一小笔财富。
pick up the tab/bill

pay for something, often something that is not your responsibility (informal)
为某些东西买单，通常不是你的责任（非正式）

Since it was my friend's birthday, I decided to pick up the tab for dinner.
因为是我朋友的生日，我决定请客吃晚饭。
at a considerable price

by sacrificing a lot or by doing something unpleasant in order to get it
付出很大代价或做了不愉快的事才得到

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.
她实现了成为医生的梦想，但这是付出巨大代价——多年的辛苦和很少与家人在一起的时间。
work put paid to

Stopped someone from doing something that they were planning to do.
让某人计划泡汤。

I was going to go hiking this weekend, but work put paid to my plans.
我本来打算这个周末去徒步，但工作泡汤了我的计划。
paying the price for

experiencing the unpleasant consequences of something you have done
为自己做过的事情承担不愉快的后果

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.
为了完成项目，我熬夜到很晚，第二天在课堂上根本撑不住，这就是我自食其果。
commit something to memory

make yourself remember something
记住某事

Before the exam, I tried to commit all the important formulas to memory.
考试前，我努力把所有重要的公式都记在了脑子里。
take a stroll/trip down memory lane

To remember or reminisce about happy or significant events from the past.
回忆或怀念过去美好或有意义的时光。

Every time we look through old photo albums, we take a stroll down memory lane and laugh about our childhood adventures.
每次翻看旧相册，我们都会回忆往事，笑谈童年的冒险经历。
jog someone’s memory

To help someone remember something they may have forgotten.
帮助某人回忆起他们可能已经忘记的事情。

Looking at old photographs can sometimes jog my memory about childhood events.
看老照片有时能唤起我童年的记忆。
in/within living memory

can be remembered by people still alive
仍然在活着的人记忆中

There hasn't been a winter this cold in living memory.
在有生之年，还没有过这样寒冷的冬天。
come/spring to mind

to immediately think of something or someone when a particular topic is mentioned
在提到某个话题时立刻想到某事或某人

When you mention classic novels, Pride and Prejudice immediately comes to mind.
说到经典小说，傲慢与偏见立刻就浮现在我脑海中。
slip your mind

to forget about something, often unintentionally or by accident
无意中或不小心忘记某件事

Sorry I missed your birthday—it completely slipped my mind.
很抱歉我错过了你的生日——我完全忘了。
bear/keep something in mind

To remember or consider something when making a decision or thinking about a situation.
在做决定或考虑某种情况时记住或考虑某事。

When planning your budget, keep in mind that unexpected expenses can come up.
在计划预算时，请记住可能会有意外开销。
your mind goes blank

You suddenly cannot remember or think of anything, especially when you are expected to speak or act.
你突然什么都想不起来，尤其是在需要说话或行动时。

When the teacher called on me to answer the question, my mind went blank and I couldn't say a word.
当老师叫我回答问题时，我脑子一片空白，一句话都说不出来。
cross your mind

To briefly think about something or have a thought occur to you, often unexpectedly or for a short moment.
突然想到某事，通常很短暂或意外。

Did it ever cross your mind that she might be telling the truth?
你有没有想到她可能说的是真的？
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.
如果你看不见某人或某物，你很容易就会忘记他们。

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.
搬到新城市后，我很少想起以前的邻居——眼不见，心不烦这句话真的有道理。
something is on the tip of your tongue

You know something but can’t quite remember it or say it at the moment.
你知道某件事，但一时想不起来或说不出口。

Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't remember it right now.
她的名字就在我嘴边，但我现在就是想不起来。
ring a bell

To sound familiar or remind you of something you have heard or seen before.
听起来很熟悉，或让你想起你以前听过或见过的事情。

Does the name Sarah ring a bell to you? I feel like we've met her somewhere.
你觉得Sarah这个名字耳熟吗？我觉得我们好像在哪儿见过她。
a train of thought

a series of connected ideas or thoughts that follow one another in a logical sequence.
按逻辑顺序连贯的思想或想法。

She was explaining her plan when a loud noise interrupted her train of thought.
她正在解释自己的计划时，一个巨响打断了她的思路。
rack your brains

To think very hard or make a great effort to remember or solve something.
绞尽脑汁地思考或努力去记住或解决某事。

I've been racking my brains all day trying to remember where I put my keys.
我一整天都在绞尽脑汁地想钥匙放在哪里了。
toffee-nosed

Thinks he is of a high social class and looks down on people of lower class (negative)
自以为社会地位高，看不起别人（贬义）

Ever since she moved to the city, she's become so toffee-nosed and refuses to talk to her old friends.
自从她搬到城市后，就变得很摆架子，不愿和老朋友说话。
putting on / giving yourself airs and graces

acting as if you were someone of a higher social class than you really are
装作自己属于比实际更高的社会阶层

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.
自从升职以后，她就一直在摆架子，表现得好像比我们都厉害。
pillar of society

a solid, respectable and respected member of society
受人尊敬且备受推崇的社会中坚力量

Everyone in town considers Mr. Thompson a pillar of society because of his charitable work and honesty.
镇上的每个人都认为汤普森先生是社会的中流砥柱，因为他的慈善事业和诚实。
rough diamond

a person who seems impolite or unrefined at first, but who is actually of good character or has hidden qualities.
看起来粗鲁或没有修养，但其实内心善良或有潜力的人。

At first, Jake seemed rude and blunt, but after working with him, I realized he was a real rough diamond.
一开始杰克看起来很鲁莽，但和他共事后，我发现他是个真正的璞玉。
down-and-outs

people who have no home, no money and no job, who live on the streets
无家可归、无钱无工作的街头流浪者

The shelter provides food and beds for down-and-outs during the winter months.
收容所为流浪汉在冬季提供食物和床位。
keep up appearances

To continue to maintain an outward show of prosperity or normalcy, even when facing difficulties or financial problems.
即使在面对困难或经济问题时，仍然努力表现出一切正常或过得很好的样子。

Even after losing his job, Tom tried to keep up appearances by wearing his suit every day and pretending everything was fine.
即使失业后，汤姆仍试图维持体面，每天穿西装，假装一切安好。
high-flyer

A person who rises very quickly to a successful position, especially in their career or studies.
指在事业或学业上迅速崛起、很快取得成功的人。

After only a year at the company, Sarah became known as a high-flyer because of her rapid promotions.
在公司工作仅一年，莎拉就因为迅速升职而被认为是个新星。
made a name for himself

became well-known or famous, usually through one's own efforts or achievements.
通过自己的努力或成就变得有名或出名。

After years of hard work in the tech industry, he made a name for himself as an innovative software developer.
在科技行业多年辛勤工作后，他闯出了自己的一片天，成为一名创新的软件开发者。
on his way up

rising to better and better positions
职位节节高升

After getting promoted twice in one year, it's clear that John is on his way up in the company.
一年内连升两级，显然约翰在公司里步步高升。
up-and-coming

becoming more and more popular or famous
越来越受欢迎或出名

That up-and-coming band is playing at the festival this weekend.
那支新晋乐队将在本周末的音乐节演出。
new blood

a new person from outside the company, often brought in to bring fresh ideas or energy.
来自公司外部的新成员，通常带来新想法或活力。

The team needed new blood to help revitalize their marketing strategy.
团队需要新鲜血液来激活他们的营销策略。
keep a low profile

not draw attention to oneself; to remain unnoticed or avoid attracting attention.
不引人注意；保持低调或避免引起关注。

After the scandal, the politician decided to keep a low profile for a while.
丑闻后，这位政治家决定保持低调一段时间。
anybody who is anybody

all the important people
所有重要人物

Anybody who is anybody in the fashion industry attended the gala last night.
昨晚的时尚界晚宴来了所有大人物。
the odd one out

Someone or something that is different from the others in a group.
在群体中与其他人不同的人或事物。

When everyone wore black suits to the meeting, I felt like the odd one out in my bright red dress.
当大家都穿着黑色西装参加会议时，我穿着鲜红的裙子感觉自己像是异类。
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.
以一种被社会接受、不冒犯某些群体的方式称呼特定社会群体；常带有批评意味，暗示过度谨慎用词反而多余或不必要。

Some people think using a politically correct name for every group is just common courtesy, while others find it unnecessary.
有些人认为为每个群体使用政治正确的称呼只是礼貌，而有些人觉得没必要。
out of this world

extremely good or impressive
非常好或令人印象深刻

The chocolate cake at that bakery is out of this world; you have to try it!
那家面包店的巧克力蛋糕好吃得不得了，你一定要试试！
second to none

the best; better than anything else
最棒的；无与伦比

Her attention to detail is second to none; no one can match her precision.
她对细节的关注无可挑剔，没有人能与她的精准相比。
a hard act to follow

So good or impressive that it is difficult for anyone else to match or surpass.
优秀或令人印象深刻到难以被超越。

The previous manager was a hard act to follow, but I’ll do my best in this new role.
上任经理实在是难以超越，但我会尽力胜任新职位。
made for this room

perfectly suited for this room
仿佛是为这间房间量身定做的

This antique table looks like it was made for this room; it fits the space perfectly.
这张古董桌看起来就像是为这个房间量身定做的，尺寸非常合适。
he gave as good as he got

He responded to criticism or attack with equal force.
以同等的力度回应批评或攻击。

When the debate got heated, he gave as good as he got and didn't back down from any argument.
辩论激烈时，他针锋相对，毫不退让。
like gold dust

very rare and valuable
非常稀有且珍贵

Tickets to the concert were like gold dust; they sold out within minutes.
音乐会的门票一票难求，几分钟内就卖光了。
ground-breaking work

work that is innovative and introduces new ideas or methods
具有创新性并引入新观点或方法的工作

The scientist received an award for her ground-breaking work in renewable energy.
这位科学家因其在可再生能源领域的开创性工作获得了奖项。
all sweetness and light

friendly and pleasant, but in a false or insincere way
表面友好愉快，但其实虚伪或不真诚

She was all sweetness and light when the boss was around, but complained as soon as he left.
老板在时她总是笑脸相迎，可一走就开始抱怨。
getting on my nerves

irritating or annoying me
让我心烦或恼火

The constant noise from the construction site is really getting on my nerves.
施工现场的持续噪音真的让我很抓狂。
give me a hard time

To criticize, tease, or make things difficult for someone, often in a way that causes discomfort or guilt.
批评、调侃或为某人制造麻烦，常常让对方感到不适或内疚。

My friends always give me a hard time when I forget to reply to their messages.
每当我忘记回复消息时，朋友们总是拿我开玩笑。
poke fun at

to tease or mock someone, often in a playful or lighthearted way
以轻松或开玩笑的方式取笑某人

My friends always poke fun at me for my terrible sense of direction.
我的朋友们总是取笑我方向感很差。
to add insult to injury

to make a bad situation even worse
让糟糕的情况变得更糟

Not only did they lose the game, but to add insult to injury, their star player got hurt in the last minute.
他们不仅输掉了比赛，雪上加霜的是，核心球员还在最后一分钟受伤了。
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).
以不公正或含沙射影的方式质疑某人的诚信或能力。

It's unfair to cast aspersions on her abilities just because she made one mistake.
光因为她犯了一个错误就质疑她的能力是不公平的。
out-and-out

completely or totally, especially used to emphasize negative qualities of people.
彻头彻尾，完全的，通常用于强调人的负面特质。

Everyone knew he was an out-and-out liar who couldn't be trusted.
大家都知道他是个十足的骗子，根本不能信任。
asking for trouble

Doing something that is likely to cause problems or lead to negative consequences.
做某事很可能会引发问题或带来负面后果。

If you leave your car unlocked in this neighborhood, you're really asking for trouble.
你在这个社区把车不锁，简直就是自找麻烦。
give something your all

use all your energy and effort to do something
全力以赴，倾尽全部努力

She gave the performance her all and received a standing ovation.
她在表演中全力以赴，赢得了全场起立鼓掌。
go all out

use a lot of energy and effort to do something
倾尽全力去做某事

For her birthday party, we decided to go all out with decorations and food.
为了她的生日派对，我们决定全力以赴布置和准备食物。
go out of your way to do something

try very hard to do something, usually something nice
非常努力地去做某事，通常是好事

She really went out of her way to make sure I felt welcome at the party.
她真的特别用心让我在派对上感到被欢迎。
pull your weight

work as hard as other people in a group
和团队其他成员一样努力工作

If you don't pull your weight, the whole team will struggle to finish the project on time.
如果你不做好自己的份内工作，整个团队都会很难按时完成项目。
by hook or by crook

using whatever methods are necessary
不择手段地

She was determined to get the tickets by hook or by crook, even if it meant waiting in line all night.
她决心要拿到票，不择手段，哪怕要彻夜排队。
pull your finger out

make more of an effort (very informal)
更加努力（非常口语）

If you don't pull your finger out, you'll never finish that project on time.
如果你不加把劲，你永远也完不成那个项目。
at a push

Probably possible, but it will be difficult.
应该可以，但会很难。

We can fit five people in the car, but at a push we might be able to squeeze in six.
车里能坐五个人，勉强的话也许能挤下第六个人。
have a go

try to do something
尝试做某事

I've never played tennis before, but I'd love to have a go.
我以前从没打过网球，但我很想试一试。
have a bash at

try to do something (more informal way of saying have a go)
尝试做某事

I've never baked bread before, but I think I'll have a bash at it this weekend.
我以前从没烤过面包，但这个周末我想试试看。
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.
做某事只是因为被期待，而不是出于自己的意愿，且缺乏努力或热情。

During the meeting, he just went through the motions and didn't contribute any new ideas.
会议期间，他只是敷衍了事，没有提出任何新点子。
child's play

extremely easy
非常容易

For someone with your experience, fixing this computer will be child's play.
以你的经验，修这台电脑就是小菜一碟。
as easy as pie

extremely easy (informal)
非常容易（非正式）

The math homework was as easy as pie; I finished it in just ten minutes.
数学作业小菜一碟，我十分钟就做完了。
a piece of cake

extremely easy (informal)
非常容易（口语）

The math test was a piece of cake; I finished it in just twenty minutes.
这次数学考试小菜一碟，我二十分钟就做完了。
as easy as taking candy from a baby

Extremely easy; something that can be done with little or no effort.
极其容易；几乎不用费力就能完成的事情。

Finishing that puzzle was as easy as taking candy from a baby for her.
对她来说，完成那个拼图易如反掌。
a doddle

extremely easy (informal)
非常容易（口语）

The math test was a doddle for her; she finished it in ten minutes.
对她来说那场数学考试小菜一碟，十分钟就做完了。
heavy-going

difficult and needing a lot of effort
困难且需要很多努力

The textbook was so heavy-going that I had to reread each chapter twice to understand it.
这本教材太难啃了，我不得不每章都读两遍才能理解。
making do

managing with something that isn’t as good as you would like
将就使用不是很理想的东西

We didn't have enough chairs for everyone, so we made do with some old boxes.
我们没有足够的椅子，所以就将就用了一些旧箱子。
give it a shot/whirl

To try something, especially for the first time, often without being sure of success (informal).
尝试某事，尤其是第一次尝试，通常还不确定能否成功。

I've never played tennis before, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
我从没打过网球，但我愿意试一试。
get to grips with

make an effort to understand or to deal with a problem or situation
努力理解或应对某个问题或情况

It took me a few weeks to really get to grips with the new software at work.
我花了几个星期才真正掌握公司新软件。
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.
采取额外的预防措施以避免可能的问题，哪怕其实不一定有必要

I brought an umbrella with me, just to be on the safe side, even though the forecast said it wouldn't rain.
我带了一把伞，以防万一，虽然天气预报说不会下雨。
get to the bottom of

try to discover the truth about something
试图查明某事的真相

The manager promised to get to the bottom of the missing funds as soon as possible.
经理承诺会尽快查明资金丢失的真相。
shed a great deal of light on

make something clearer; help people understand a situation
使事情更清楚；帮助人们理解某种情况

The new evidence shed a great deal of light on the cause of the accident.
新证据为事故原因提供了大量线索。
brought to light

make unknown facts become known
揭露未知的事实

The investigation brought to light several issues with the company's accounting practices.
调查揭露了公司会计操作中的几个问题。
come to light

unknown facts becoming known
未知的事实被揭露出来

After months of investigation, new evidence finally came to light that changed the direction of the case.
经过几个月的调查，新的证据终于浮出水面，改变了案件的方向。
bring something to light

to reveal or make known facts or information that were previously hidden or unknown
揭示或公开之前隐藏或未知的事实或信息

The investigation helped bring several important details to light that had been overlooked.
调查帮助揭露了几个重要细节，这些细节之前被忽视了。
shed/throw light on something

To help people understand a situation by providing new information or making something clearer.
通过提供新信息或澄清某事来帮助人们理解情况。

The new evidence finally shed light on the cause of the accident.
新证据终于揭示了事故的原因。
light at the end of the tunnel

something makes you believe that a difficult and unpleasant situation is coming to an end
困境结束的希望

After months of job searching, I finally got an interview offer—it feels like there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
经过数月找工作，我终于收到面试邀请——感觉看到了曙光。
in the bag

certain to be achieved (informal)
一定能实现（非正式）

With our team leading by three goals and only five minutes left, the victory is practically in the bag.
我们的队伍领先三球，只剩五分钟，胜利几乎已经到手了。
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.
你长期渴望或需要的东西或人，通常在最需要的时候出现。

After months of searching for a job, this offer is the answer to my prayers.
经过几个月找工作，这个职位简直是及时雨。
wave a magic wand

to find or wish for an easy and immediate solution to a difficult problem, as if by magic
希望对难题能有一个简单而立竿见影的解决方法，像变魔术一样

If I could just wave a magic wand, all our financial problems would disappear.
要是我能挥动魔法棒，我们所有的财务问题都会消失。
tie up a few loose ends

deal with the last few things that need to be done before something is completed
处理事情完成前剩下的最后一点小事

Before we leave for vacation, I need to tie up a few loose ends at work.
在去度假之前，我需要在工作上处理一些收尾工作。
fall into place

To become clear, understandable, or organized; to happen in a satisfactory or desired way.
变得清晰、易懂或有条理；顺利或如愿地进行。

After weeks of confusion, everything finally fell into place and the project made sense.
经过几周的混乱后，一切终于顺理成章，项目变得明朗了。
pick up the pieces

to try to return to normal or recover after something bad has happened
在遭遇不幸后，努力恢复正常或重新振作

After the company went bankrupt, it took years for the employees to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.
公司破产后，员工们花了数年才重建生活，重新振作起来。
be in someone's good books

To be liked or approved of by someone, often because you have done something to please them.
常因做了让某人满意的事而受到他人的喜欢或认可。

After helping my boss finish the project ahead of schedule, I was definitely in her good books.
帮老板提前完成项目后，我在她心中加了分。
get on like a house on fire

To become very friendly with someone very quickly and get along extremely well.
很快变得非常要好，并且相处得非常融洽。

Even though they'd just met, Sarah and Tom got on like a house on fire at the party.
虽然刚认识，Sarah 和 Tom 在派对上一下子就成了好朋友。
keep/get/be/stay in touch with someone

To maintain communication or contact with someone.
与某人保持沟通或联系。

Even after moving to different cities, we keep in touch with each other through emails and phone calls.
即使搬到不同的城市，我们仍然通过邮件和电话保持联系。
make it up to someone

do something good for someone you have done something bad to in the past
对曾经亏欠的人做些好的事情以弥补

I'm so sorry I missed your birthday party; let me make it up to you by taking you out to dinner.
很抱歉我错过了你的生日派对，让我请你吃顿饭来补偿你吧。
take a shine to someone

To like someone immediately or develop a fondness for them, often without a clear reason (informal).
一下子对某人产生好感，常常没有明显原因

It was obvious that the new puppy took a shine to my brother as soon as they met.
很明显，这只小狗一见到我哥哥就喜欢上了他。
have a soft spot for someone

feel a lot of affection for one particular person, often without knowing why
特别喜欢某个人，往往说不清原因

Even though my little brother can be annoying, I have a soft spot for him.
虽然我弟弟有时很烦，但我对他总是格外疼爱。
be at loggerheads

to disagree strongly with each other, often in a way that cannot be easily resolved
彼此严重分歧，且难以解决

The two managers have been at loggerheads over the new company policy for weeks.
两位经理因新政策争执不下已有数周。
be (talking) at cross-purposes (of two people or groups)

not understand each other because they are trying to do or say different things
互相不理解，因为各自说的或做的事情不同

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.
会议期间，很明显约翰和莎拉在鸡同鸭讲，因为他们各自以为对方说的是不同的项目。
have it in for someone

To be determined to criticize, harm, or treat someone unfairly, often due to a personal grudge.
因为个人恩怨，执意针对、刁难或不公正对待某人。

Ever since I accidentally broke her mug, I feel like my boss has it in for me.
自从我不小心打碎了她的杯子，我感觉老板一直在针对我。
have it out with someone

To confront someone directly in order to discuss and resolve a disagreement or problem.
直接与某人面对面地讨论并解决分歧或问题。

After weeks of tension, I finally decided to have it out with my roommate about the mess in the kitchen.
经过几周的紧张，我终于决定和室友摊牌，谈谈厨房的乱象。
two-time someone

have a romantic or sexual relationship with two people at the same time
同时和两个人谈恋爱或发生性关系

She was devastated when she found out her boyfriend had been two-timing her for months.
当她发现男友已经脚踏两只船好几个月时，感到极度伤心。
keep someone/something at bay

prevent someone or something from coming near you or causing harm or trouble
防止某人或某物靠近你或带来麻烦和伤害

She tried to keep her fears at bay by focusing on her work.
她试图通过专注于工作来克服自己的恐惧。
keep yourself to yourself

prefer to be on your own and avoid talking with or doing things with other people
喜欢独处，避免与他人交谈或一起做事

Ever since he moved to the city, he tends to keep himself to himself and rarely joins us for lunch.
自从他搬到城市后，总是我行我素，很少和我们一起吃午饭。
caught napping

got into trouble because they were not paying enough attention
因为没有足够注意而惹上麻烦

The security guard was caught napping when the thief slipped past the entrance unnoticed.
保安在小偷悄悄溜进时被趁机溜过去。
going out on a limb

stating an opinion or doing something different from anyone else
发表独特观点或做出与众不同的举动

She knew she was going out on a limb by suggesting such a radical solution at the meeting.
她知道在会议上提出如此激进的解决方案是在冒风险。
out on a limb

You are alone and lacking support from anyone else.
你孤身一人，没有任何人的支持。

She knew she was out on a limb when she disagreed with the entire team.
当她反对整个团队时，她知道自己在孤军奋战。
led astray

Influenced so that someone does bad things or moves away from the correct or intended path.
被影响而做坏事或偏离正道。

He was led astray by his older friends and started skipping classes.
他被年长的朋友们带坏了，开始逃课。
leave well alone

try not to change or improve something because this might make things worse
不要去改变或改进某事，以免弄巧成拙

The software is working fine now, so let's leave well alone and not update it unnecessarily.
软件现在运行得很正常，所以我们还是别动为好，不要没必要地更新它。
panic stations

a time or situation where you feel very anxious and have to act quickly (informal)
让人感到非常焦虑、必须迅速行动的时刻或情境（口语）

When the fire alarm went off during the meeting, it was panic stations as everyone rushed to evacuate the building.
会议期间火警铃响时，大家都进入了一片混乱，争先恐后地疏散大楼。
necessary evil

something you do not like, but you agree that it must exist or happen
不喜欢但不得不接受或存在的事

Filing taxes every year is a necessary evil if you want to avoid trouble with the government.
每年报税是个不得不接受的坏事，否则会惹上麻烦。
safe and sound

To be completely unharmed and in good health, especially after being in danger or a risky situation.
在险境之后完全安然无恙、身体健康。

After the long journey through the storm, we were relieved to arrive safe and sound.
经过风暴的漫长旅程后，我们很庆幸能平安无事地到达。
have a narrow escape

just manage to avoid danger or trouble
勉强躲过危险或麻烦

We had a narrow escape when our car skidded on the icy road but stopped just before hitting the tree.
我们在汽车打滑差点撞到树时，死里逃生。
do something by the skin of your teeth

only just succeed in doing something
勉强成功；险些没做到

I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth; I thought I was going to fail.
我勉强通过了考试，原以为会失败。
rather/too close for comfort

So close in distance or similar in amount that you are worried or frightened.
距离太近或数量太接近，让人感到担忧或害怕。

The lightning struck too close for comfort during the storm last night.
昨晚暴风雨时，闪电打得让人心惊胆战地近。
cut things fine

leave yourself only just enough time to do something
只给自己留刚好足够的时间去做某事

You always cut things fine when you leave for the airport just an hour before your flight.
你总是卡着点去机场，只提前一小时出发。
something sets alarm bells ringing

Something causes you to feel worried or suspicious because it suggests there may be a problem.
某事让你感到担忧或怀疑，暗示可能存在问题。

When I noticed the sudden drop in sales, it really set alarm bells ringing for me.
当我注意到销售额突然下降时，这真的让我警觉起来。
take your life in(to) your hands

To do something very risky or dangerous, often with the possibility of serious harm.
做非常危险的事情，常常有严重伤害的可能。

You take your life in your hands every time you drive on those icy mountain roads.
你每次在那些结冰的山路上开车都在拿生命冒险。
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.
你的生命完全取决于另一个人的决定或行为。

During the surgery, my life was in the surgeon's hands and I had to trust their expertise.
手术过程中，我的生命掌握在外科医生手中，只能信任他们的专业。
hanging by a thread

in a very precarious or risky situation; likely to fail or collapse soon
处于非常危险或岌岌可危的境地；很快可能失败或崩溃

After the latest round of layoffs, my job feels like it’s hanging by a thread.
经历最近一轮裁员后，我的工作岌岌可危。
on a knife-edge

in a very difficult situation and there are worries about the future
处于非常艰难的境地，对未来感到担忧

The outcome of the election was on a knife-edge until the very last votes were counted.
直到最后一票被统计出来，选举结果一直悬而未决。
red tape

official rules and bureaucracy that make it difficult to do something
使事情难以进行的官方规定和繁琐的官僚程序

It took months to get the permit approved because of all the red tape.
因为各种繁文缛节，许可的审批花了好几个月。
be in the red

To have a negative amount in your bank balance; to owe more money than you have.
银行账户余额为负数；欠的钱比拥有的多。

After paying all my bills this month, I am in the red and need to watch my spending.
这个月付完所有账单后，我账户透支了，需要控制开销。
catch someone red-handed

To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
当场抓到某人做错事或非法的事。

The security guard caught the thief red-handed as he was trying to steal a wallet.
保安当场捉住小偷作案时，他正试图偷钱包。
a red herring

something unimportant that takes attention away from the main subject
转移注意力、掩盖真正问题的不重要的东西

The detective realized the mysterious phone call was a red herring meant to distract him from the real suspect.
侦探意识到那通神秘电话是烟雾弹，用来让他错过真正的嫌疑人。
till I was blue in the face

Say the same thing repeatedly, but someone refuses to listen or nothing changes.
反复说同样的话但无人理会或没有变化

I explained the math problem to him till I was blue in the face, but he still didn't understand.
我给他讲解数学题目，说破嘴皮，他还是没明白。
blue blood

belonging to the highest social class or being of aristocratic descent
属于最高社会阶层或是贵族出身

Everyone at the party knew she had blue blood because of her family's long history of nobility.
派对上的每个人都知道她有贵族血统，因为她家族有着悠久的贵族历史。
blue-collar workers

workers who do physical work, especially in factories
从事体力劳动的工人，尤其是在工厂工作的人

Blue-collar workers often have to wear uniforms or protective gear on the job.
蓝领工人往往需要穿制服或防护服工作。
green with envy

very envious
非常嫉妒

When I saw her brand new sports car, I was green with envy.
看到她全新的跑车时，我羡慕得发绿。
got green fingers

is a very good gardener
很擅长园艺

My grandmother really has got green fingers; her garden is always full of beautiful flowers.
我奶奶真的有绿色的手指，她的花园总是开满美丽的花。
given the green light

given permission for something to start
获准开始某事

After months of planning, the team was finally given the green light to launch the new product.
经过数月的策划，团队终于被获准推出新产品。
in the green belt

countryside around a town or city which is protected from building development
城市周围受到保护、禁止开发的郊区

They bought a house in the green belt to enjoy peace and quiet away from the city.
他们在绿化带买了房子，为了远离城市的喧嚣享受宁静。
white-collar workers

workers who work in offices, not doing physical work
在办公室工作，不从事体力劳动的员工

Many white-collar workers spend most of their day in front of a computer.
许多白领大部分时间都在电脑前工作。
in black and white

Written down or printed, not just spoken; something that is officially documented.
书面的或有正式文件记录的，而非口头的。

I need to see the contract in black and white before I agree to anything.
在同意之前，我需要看到合同白纸黑字。
grey area

something that is a problem, and is not very clear because there are no rules
因为没有明确规则而问题模糊、难以界定的情况

The legality of downloading music from certain websites is a grey area because the laws aren't always clear.
从某些网站下载音乐是否合法是一个灰色地带，因为法律并不总是明确的。
black hole

something which has no bottom, and everything put into it just disappears
一个没有底、投入什么都消失的东西

My inbox is a black hole; emails go in and are never seen again.
我的收件箱就是一个黑洞，邮件进去了就再也见不到。
I'm thrilled to bits

extremely happy
非常高兴，非常开心

She was thrilled to bits when she found out she had passed her exams with flying colors.
她得知自己考试高分通过时，高兴得跳了起来。
get a (real) kick out of something

To greatly enjoy or find amusement in something; to take pleasure in an activity or situation (informal).
很享受或觉得某事很有趣

I get a real kick out of going for a run first thing in the morning before anyone else is up.
我特别喜欢一大早独自出去跑步。
do something for kicks

do something because it is exciting, usually something dangerous (informal)
为了刺激或兴奋去做某事，通常有危险（口语）

Some people do it for kicks, but I think skydiving is too risky.
有些人为了寻求刺激去做，但我觉得跳伞太危险了。
jump for joy

be very happy and excited about something that has happened
因某件事非常高兴和兴奋

When she heard she got the job, she couldn't help but jump for joy.
当她得知自己得到了那份工作时，忍不住高兴得跳了起来。
be floating/walking on air

To be extremely happy or elated, usually because something very good has happened.
非常高兴或欣喜，通常因为发生了非常好的事情。

After hearing that she got the job, she was walking on air for the rest of the week.
听到自己得到了这份工作后，她高兴得像踩在云端，整周都很开心。
something makes your day

something that happens which makes you feel very happy or improves your mood significantly.
让你感到非常开心或显著提升心情的事情。

Getting a surprise call from my best friend really made my day.
接到好朋友的意外电话真的让我的一天变得美好。
out of sorts

slightly unhappy or slightly ill
有点不舒服或心情不佳

She was feeling a bit out of sorts after staying up too late last night.
她因为昨晚熬夜，今天感到有点不对劲。
down in the dumps

unhappy (informal)
情绪低落、不开心（口语）

After failing his exam, he was down in the dumps for days.
考试没及格后，他好几天都情绪低落。
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.
发生的事情并不会造成严重问题，事情没有看起来那么糟。

Don't worry if you failed the test—it's not the end of the world, you can always try again.
考试没通过也别担心—这不是世界末日，你还可以再试一次。
grin and bear it

accept a situation you don’t like because you can’t change it
接受一个你不喜欢但无法改变的情况

Even though the commute is long and tiring, I just grin and bear it because I need the job.
尽管通勤时间长又累，但我只能咬牙忍受，因为我需要这份工作。
a misery guts

someone who complains all the time and is never happy (very informal)
总是抱怨、从不满足的人

Stop being a misery guts and try to enjoy the party for once.
别再当牢骚鬼了，试着享受一下聚会吧。
sour grapes

being jealous about something you can’t have
对得不到的东西表示嫉妒

When she said she didn't want the promotion anyway, it sounded like sour grapes to me.
当她说反正不想要升职时，我觉得她是在吃酸葡萄。
puts a damper on

To make an event or situation less enjoyable, exciting, or successful.
使一件事情或场合变得不那么愉快或成功

The sudden rainstorm really put a damper on our picnic plans.
突然下起的雨真的扫了我们的兴，让野餐计划泡汤了。
on the one hand

used to present one of two opposite facts or different ways of looking at the same issue
用于表达同一问题的两个对立事实或不同观点

On the one hand, I want to save money, but on the other hand, I really need a new laptop.
一方面我想省钱，但另一方面，我真的需要一台新笔记本电脑。
on the other hand

used to present the opposite fact or a different way of looking at the same issue
用于表达相反的事实或同一问题的不同看法

I love living in the city because everything is close by. On the other hand, it can be really noisy at night.
我喜欢住在城市，因为一切都很方便。另一方面，晚上可能会很吵。
be that as it may

An expression which means you accept that something is true, but it still does not change your opinion.
表示你承认某事属实，但这并不改变你的看法的表达。

I know you worked hard on the project, be that as it may, we still need to make some changes.
我知道你在这个项目上很努力，即便如此，我们还是需要做一些修改。
to put it in a nutshell

indicates that you’re describing something as briefly as you can
简而言之，概括地说

To put it in a nutshell, we just don’t have enough money to continue the project.
简而言之，我们没有足够的资金继续这个项目。
pros and cons

advantages and disadvantages
优缺点

Before making a decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
在做决定之前，重要的是权衡每个选项的优缺点。
vicious circle

a problem that cannot be solved because it causes another problem that causes the first problem again
由于一个问题引发另一个问题，导致无法解决的困境

It's a vicious circle: she can't get a job without experience, but she can't get experience without a job.
这是个恶性循环：她没有经验找不到工作，没有工作又得不到经验。
can of worms

a problem which you do not want to deal with because it will cause trouble (informal)
你不想处理的问题，因为会带来更多麻烦

Bringing up the budget cuts at the meeting opened a real can of worms that no one wanted to deal with.
在会议上提起预算削减打开了一个潘多拉的盒子，大家都不想应对。
acid test

a key test which will prove the value, quality or truth of something
检验某事物价值、质量或真实性的关键测试

The new software will face its acid test when thousands of users log in at the same time.
新软件将在成千上万用户同时登录时迎来它的严峻考验。
the other side of the coin

A different perspective or aspect of a situation, often one that contrasts with or opposes the original view.
对同一件事的不同看法或方面，常常与原本的观点相反。

Many people love working from home, but the other side of the coin is that it can be quite isolating.
很多人喜欢在家工作，但事情的另一面是可能会感到很孤独。
tie yourself (up) in knots

To become very confused or anxious, especially when trying to explain or deal with something complicated.
在面对复杂的问题或解释时变得非常困惑或焦虑。

She tied herself up in knots trying to explain the new policy to the team.
她在向团队解释新政策时把自己绕晕了。
be brought/called to account

Be forced to explain your actions and (probably) punished.
被迫解释自己的行为，并可能受到惩罚。

After the financial scandal, the CEO was brought to account for his role in the company's losses.
在金融丑闻之后，CEO因其在公司亏损中的角色被追究责任。
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.
选择相信某人，即使不确定对方是否诚实或说的是真话。

Even though Tom was late again, his boss decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and assumed he had a good reason.
虽然汤姆又迟到了，但他的老板决定给他以怀疑的好处，相信他有正当理由。
go round in circles

To make no progress in an argument or discussion; to keep talking about the same things without reaching a conclusion.
在讨论或争论中没有进展，反复讨论相同的话题而得不到结论。

We went round in circles for hours during the meeting but never agreed on a solution.
我们在会议上兜圈子了几个小时，却始终没有达成解决方案。
won’t budge/give an inch

Won’t modify an opinion or agree to even small changes that another person wants.
无论别人怎么劝说，都坚持己见，一点都不让步。

No matter how much I argued, my boss wouldn’t budge on the deadline and wouldn’t give an inch.
不管我怎么争辩，老板在截止日期上一丝不让，毫不松口。
Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Being apart from someone you love makes you love them more.
与爱的人分离，会让你更加思念和珍惜对方。

After spending a month away from her family, Jane realized that absence really makes the heart grow fonder.
与家人分开一个月后，简体会到久别情更浓。
Actions speak louder than words

What people do is more important than what they say.
行动胜于言语

He always promises to help, but never shows up. I guess actions speak louder than words.
他总是承诺帮忙，但从不出现。我猜行动胜于言语。
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.
对于已经无法改变的事情，再难过也没有用。

I know you lost your phone, but there’s no point crying over spilt milk—let’s focus on getting you a new one.
我知道你丢了手机，但覆水难收——咱们还是想办法给你买一个新的吧。
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.
不要把所有精力或资金都投入一个项目，否则一旦失败，可能会失去一切。

When investing, it's wise to not put all your eggs in one basket by diversifying your portfolio.
投资时明智的做法是不要把鸡蛋都放在一个篮子里，需要分散投资。
Many hands make light work

A job is done quickly and easily if plenty of people help.
如果很多人帮忙，事情就能又快又容易完成。

We finished cleaning the park in no time because many hands make light work.
我们很快就清理完了公园，因为人多力量大。
Blood is thicker than water

Family relationships are stronger than any other relationships.
家庭关系比其他任何关系都更牢固。

Even though they argued, when her brother needed help, she remembered that blood is thicker than water and supported him.
虽然他们吵过架，但当她哥哥需要帮助时，她想到血浓于水，于是支持了他。
Too many cooks spoil the broth

If too many people work on something, they will spoil it.
人多手杂，反而把事情搞砸了。

We had five people trying to design the logo, but in the end, too many cooks spoil the broth and it looked terrible.
我们有五个人设计 logo，但最后因为人多手杂，看起来很糟糕。
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones

People shouldn’t criticise other people for faults that they have themselves.
不应指责别人自己也有的缺点。

Before you point out her mistakes, remember that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
在指出她的错误之前，记住人无完人，勿以短攻人。
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.
最后一件让人无法忍受的不愉快事情，成为压倒性的负担。

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.
在加班一周后，老板又批评我的工作，这就是压垮骆驼的最后一根稻草，我决定辞职。
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.
当有权威的人不在时，其他人就不守规矩。

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.
老板一去度假，员工们立刻就猫儿不在，老鼠作怪，开始延长午休时间。
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.
积少成多，省下小钱最终也能变成大钱。

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.
我奶奶总是说：'省小钱，聚大财'，所以我连最小的金额也会存起来。
Birds of a feather flock together

People who have similar characters or interests will often choose to spend time together.
性格或兴趣相似的人往往喜欢在一起。

You always see those two hanging out; I guess it's true what they say, birds of a feather flock together.
你总看到那两个人一起活动，看来的确应了那句话：物以类聚，人以群分。
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.
守住已有的比冒险去追求更多而失去更为明智。

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.
我得到了新工作的机会，但还是决定留在现有岗位，因为一鸟在手胜过双鸟在林。
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence

Other people always seem to be in a better situation than you.
别人看起来总是比自己更幸福。

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.
她觉得搬到城市生活一定完美，但我告诉她，邻家草坪总是更绿。
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

Someone who spends all their time working becomes a boring person.
只工作不娱乐的人会变得无趣。

You should take a break and relax; remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
你应该休息一下，放松放松；记住，只工作不娱乐会让人变得无聊。
No such luck!

You’re disappointed you were not able to do something.
你因为没能做成某事而感到失望。

I hoped the meeting would be canceled, but no such luck!
我希望会议能取消，但没那么幸运！
The more, the merrier.

You’re happy for others to join your group or activity.
人多更热闹

If you want to bring your friends to the party, go ahead—the more, the merrier!
如果你想带朋友来参加派对，尽管带来吧——人多更热闹！
You can say that again!

Used to express strong agreement with what someone has just said.
用于表达对别人刚说的话强烈认同。

A: 'This weather is absolutely perfect for a picnic.' B: 'You can say that again!'
A：'这种天气太适合野餐了。' B：'说得太对了！'
There’s nothing to it!

Used to say that something is very easy to do or understand.
用来表示某事非常容易做或理解。

Don’t worry about assembling the furniture—there’s nothing to it once you read the instructions.
别担心组装家具，很简单，只要看了说明书就行。
Don’t make me laugh!

Used to express disbelief or skepticism, especially when someone suggests something that you think is unlikely, ridiculous, or impossible.
用于表达不相信或怀疑，尤其当别人提出你认为不太可能、可笑或不可能的事情时。

You think you can finish all that work by tomorrow? Don’t make me laugh!
你觉得明天能完成这么多工作？别逗了!
How time flies!

You are surprised at how quickly time has passed.
你惊讶于时间过得如此之快。

I can't believe it's already June—how time flies!
真不敢相信已经六月了—时间过得真快！
It’s a small world.

You are surprised at a coincidence, e.g. meeting someone unexpectedly or discovering mutual friends.
对一种巧合感到惊讶，比如意外遇到某人或发现有共同的朋友。

I ran into my old college roommate while traveling in Japan—it’s a small world!
我在日本旅行时遇到了我大学时的室友——世界真小！
It’s neither here nor there.

It is not very important.
这并不是很重要。

Whether we meet at 2 or 3 o’clock is neither here nor there—just let me know what works for you.
我们2点还是3点见面无关紧要，你方便的时候告诉我即可。
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.
两种选择之间其实没有本质区别；本质上都一样。

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.
无论我们走高速还是小路，花的时间都差不多——大同小异。
I can take it or leave it.

You do not hate something, but you don’t particularly like it either.
你并不讨厌某事，但也并不特别喜欢它。

When it comes to spicy food, I can take it or leave it; it doesn't really matter to me.
对于辣的食物，无所谓；我没什么感觉。
You name it.

Used to indicate that anything you can think of or mention is included; whatever you say or choose.
用于表示你能想到的任何都包含在内。

She’s traveled to Europe, Asia, Africa—you name it, she’s been there.
她去过欧洲、亚洲、非洲——你说得出的地方，她都去过。
This is the life!

It’s great to relax and not to be at work.
能放松并且不用工作真是太好了。

Sitting by the pool with a cold drink in my hand, I thought, This is the life!
我坐在泳池边，手里拿着一杯冰饮，心想：这才叫生活！
You haven’t lived!

Used humorously to say that someone has not experienced something enjoyable or exciting, and they should try it.
幽默地表示某人没有体验过有趣或刺激的事情，应该去试试。

If you've never tried deep-fried ice cream, you haven’t lived!
如果你还没吃过炸冰淇淋，你还没真正体验过生活!
It’s/That’s the story of my life!

Bad things always seem to be happening to me. (humorous)
倒霉的事情总是发生在我身上（笑谈）。

I missed the bus by just a minute—that’s the story of my life!
我只差一分钟就赶上公交了——这就是我的人生！
Such is/That’s life!

Bad things happen and you cannot prevent them.
坏事总会发生，你无法阻止。

I missed the last train home, but that’s life—sometimes things just don’t go your way.
我错过了回家的最后一班车，但人生就是这样——有时事情并不如意。
a pack of lies

completely untrue statements.
完全虚假的言论。

Everything he said about his job was a pack of lies; he never even worked there.
他关于工作的所有说法都是一派胡言，他根本没在那里工作过。
a slip of the tongue

a small mistake in speaking, usually when you say something you did not intend to.
说话时无意间犯的小错误。

When I called my teacher 'mom' in class, it was just a slip of the tongue.
我在课堂上叫老师‘妈妈’，只是口误而已。
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.
用来表达对某人所说的话感到怀疑或不信任，暗示你认为他们在说谎或夸大。

You finished all your homework in ten minutes? That's a likely story!
你十分钟就做完了所有作业？鬼才信呢！
off-the-cuff remark

something said without preparation or thought.
未经准备或思考就说出的话。

During the meeting, he made an off-the-cuff remark that surprised everyone.
会议中，他发表了一句脱口而出的话，让大家都很意外。
in the same breath

Say two things that contradict each other at the same time.
同时说出自相矛盾的话

He told me he loved my cooking, but in the same breath said he preferred eating out.
他说喜欢我做的菜，但转眼又说他更喜欢在外吃饭。
small talk

conversation about unimportant or non-serious topics.
关于不重要或不严肃话题的交谈。

At the party, we made small talk about the weather before the main event started.
在聚会上，我们进行了关于天气的闲聊，直到主要活动开始。
didn't ring true

did not seem to be true or believable.
听起来不真实或不可信。

His explanation about why he was late just didn't ring true to me.
他关于迟到的解释让我觉得不太可信。
couldn't think of anything to say

Unable to respond or speak, often due to being overwhelmed.
因感到压力大而无法回应或说话。

When the teacher called on me unexpectedly, I couldn't think of anything to say and just sat there in silence.
老师突然叫到我时，我一下子脑子空白，只是安静地坐着。
lost for words

unable to speak because of surprise or emotion.
因惊讶或激动而说不出话。

When she saw the surprise party, she was completely lost for words.
当她看到惊喜派对时，她完全说不出话来。
he was on about

What he was talking about (very informal).
他在说什么（非常口语的说法）。

I had no idea what he was on about during the meeting; it all sounded like nonsense to me.
我完全听不懂他在说些什么，在会议上听起来就像是在胡说八道。
in a word

used to sum up your opinion in a short, direct way.
用一句话简要直接地总结你的看法。

When asked how the meeting went, I said, in a word, disappointing.
当被问会议如何时，我说，一句话，令人失望。
for want of a better word

Not the exact or best word, but good enough for the situation.
不是最准确或最佳的词，但在这种情况下已经足够了。

He was, for want of a better word, obsessed with collecting rare stamps.
他，说得委婉一点，对收集稀有邮票非常痴迷。
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.
用于表示你用的是俗语或常见的话，承认这是老生常谈。

It's not rocket science, to coin a phrase, but you do need to pay attention to the details.
这并不是什么高深的学问，俗话说，但你还是得注意细节。
taking the mick/mickey out of

Laughing at someone by copying funny things they do or say, often in a playful or teasing way.
用模仿他人好笑的行为或话语来取笑他们，通常是开玩笑或戏谑的方式。

He was taking the mick out of his brother by mimicking the way he dances.
他通过模仿哥哥跳舞的方式在取笑他。
make light of

To treat something serious as if it were not important or as a joke.
把严重的事情当作不重要或开玩笑对待。

He tried to make light of his mistake during the meeting, but his boss was not amused.
他试图在会议上轻描淡写自己的错误，但老板并不认为好笑。
no laughing matter

not something to laugh at, quite serious.
不是闹着玩的，十分严重。

Failing the final exam is no laughing matter; you need to take it seriously.
期末考试不及格可不是闹着玩的，你得认真对待。
It's no joke

Used to emphasize that a situation is serious, difficult, or not to be taken lightly.
用于强调某种情况很严重或困难，不能掉以轻心。

It's no joke trying to find a job in this economy.
不是闹着玩的，在这种经济形势下找工作。
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
抱着一丝希望，即使成功的可能性不大

She stopped by the bakery on the off-chance that they might have some fresh croissants left.
她顺路去了面包店，碰碰运气看还有没有新鲜羊角面包。
against all the odds

despite a lot of problems making it unlikely that you will succeed
尽管有很多问题使成功变得不太可能

She managed to finish the marathon against all the odds, even though she injured her ankle halfway through.
她克服重重困难跑完了马拉松，即使在途中扭伤了脚踝。
take someone close to you for granted

Not to show you’re grateful to someone because they are with you so often.
因为某人总是在你身边，所以不懂得感激对方。

Sometimes we take our family members for granted and forget to thank them for all they do.
有时候我们会把家人当作理所当然，忘了感谢他们所做的一切。
a foregone conclusion

the result is obvious to everyone even before it happens
结果在发生前就对所有人来说显而易见

With their star player back in the lineup, it was a foregone conclusion that they would win the match.
有了明星球员回归，他们会赢下比赛已是板上钉钉。
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.
能够提前预见到某事（通常是不好的或显而易见的事）会发生。

You could see that argument coming a mile off—they never agree on anything.
你完全可以一眼看出那场争吵早晚要来——他们从来没有达成一致。
touch-and-go

A situation that is uncertain or risky, where the outcome is not clear and could go either way.
一种不确定或有风险的情况，结果未明，可能向任何方向发展。

It was touch-and-go for a while during the surgery, but thankfully everything turned out fine.
手术期间，一度命悬一线，幸好最后一切安好。
no prizes for guessing

It is very easy to figure out or predict something; the answer is obvious.
很容易猜到或预测某事；答案很明显。

No prizes for guessing who ate the last piece of cake—there are crumbs all over Tom's desk.
一看就知道是谁吃了最后一块蛋糕——Tom桌子上到处都是蛋糕屑。
the cards are stacked against you

You are not likely to succeed because there are so many obstacles in your way.
你很难成功，因为有太多障碍在你面前。

With so little funding and no experience, the cards are stacked against us in this competition.
资金这么少，又没有经验，我们处处受限，这场比赛很难有胜算。
chancing your arm

taking a risk to achieve what you want (informal)
冒险去实现自己的目标

He knew it was a long shot, but he decided to chance his arm and ask for a promotion.
他知道成功机会不大，但还是冒险一试去争取升职。
in the lap of the gods

is not something that you can control yourself
不是你能控制的事情

After submitting my application, whether I get the job or not is in the lap of the gods.
提交申请后，能否获得这份工作已经听天由命了。
Don’t push your luck!

Don’t try too hard to get what you want and risk losing what you have achieved.
不要过分追求，冒险失去已经得到的东西。

You already got a discount, so don’t push your luck by asking for free shipping too.
你已经拿到折扣了，不要得寸进尺再要求免运费了。
We’ll take pot luck.

We’ll take whatever is available without knowing if it will be good or not.
我们会接受任何现有的东西，不知道好不好。

Since we didn't make a reservation, I guess we’ll take pot luck at the restaurant and hope for a table.
既然我们没预订餐桌，那就碰运气看看能不能有位子。
It’s the luck of the draw.

It’s a matter of chance and you have no control over it.
这是运气问题，你无法控制。

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose—it’s the luck of the draw.
有时候你赢，有时候你输——这就是看运气。
Just my luck!

You say this, usually humorously, to mean that you are always unlucky.
用来开玩笑地表示自己总是倒霉。

I missed the bus by one minute—just my luck!
我差一分钟没赶上公交车—真是我的运气！
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.
表示对某件希望发生的事情持怀疑或不相信态度；暗示这事极不可能发生。

You think you'll get tickets to the sold-out concert? You should be so lucky!
你觉得能买到那场售罄演唱会的票？想得美！
have a lot to answer for

To be responsible for causing many problems or negative situations.
对许多问题或负面情况负有责任。

Social media companies have a lot to answer for when it comes to the spread of misinformation.
社交媒体公司在虚假信息传播方面难辞其咎。
something is not all it’s cracked up to be

is not as good as people say it is
没有人们说得那么好

The new restaurant was okay, but honestly, it wasn't all it’s cracked up to be.
那家新餐厅还可以，但说实话，没那么好。
someone/something has the edge over someone/something

is slightly better than
略胜于

While both phones are impressive, I think the new model has the edge over its predecessor in terms of battery life.
虽然两款手机都很出色，但我觉得新款在电池续航方面略胜一筹。
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.
不如人们期望的那么好；质量或其他方面欠佳。

The service at that restaurant leaves a lot to be desired; the waiter was rude and the food was cold.
那家餐厅的服务差强人意；服务员很粗鲁，食物也是冷的。
have all the makings of

are likely to develop into; possess all the necessary qualities or ingredients for something to happen or succeed
具备成功或发生某事所需的一切条件或素质

This new project has all the makings of a huge success if we keep working hard.
如果我们继续努力，这个新项目有成为巨大成功的潜力。
on the big/expensive, etc. side

Slightly more than desired or expected in terms of size, cost, weight, or another quality.
比预期或理想的稍微大一点、贵一点、重一点或有其他特质。

This suitcase is on the heavy side, so you might want to pack a little less.
这个行李箱有点重，你可以少带一点东西。
a dead loss

completely useless
完全没有用处

After several failed attempts to fix the old printer, we realized it was a dead loss and decided to buy a new one.
多次尝试修理那台旧打印机都失败后，我们意识到它毫无用处，决定买新的。
throws the baby out with the bathwater

To eliminate or discard something valuable or important while trying to get rid of something unwanted.
在去除不需要的东西时，把有价值或重要的东西也一起丢掉。

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.
在更新软件时，千万不要因噎废食，把有用的功能也删掉了。
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.
为了获得好处而跟风做当下流行或成功的事。

After seeing how popular the new social media app became, everyone at school jumped on the bandwagon and created an account.
看到新社交应用变得这么火，学校里的人都跟风注册了账号。
plays devil’s advocate

To pretend to be against an idea or argument, often for the sake of debate or to encourage discussion.
为了促进讨论而假装反对某个观点。

Even though she agreed with the plan, Maria decided to play devil’s advocate to make sure everyone considered the risks.
虽然玛丽亚同意这个计划，但她决定扮演反对者，以确保大家都考虑到风险。
drives someone to distraction

To make someone extremely annoyed, irritated, or bored.
使某人极度恼火、烦躁或无聊。

The constant noise from the construction site drives me to distraction every morning.
施工现场持续的噪音每天早上都让我快要崩溃了。
makes an exhibition of themselves

To behave in a way in public that attracts attention and makes one look foolish or silly.
在公众场合行为引人注目，却让自己显得很愚蠢。

He always makes an exhibition of himself at parties by dancing on tables and shouting.
他总是在派对上出洋相，比如在桌子上跳舞、大声喊叫。
does something under false pretences

To do something by lying about your identity, intentions, or reasons, usually to deceive others.
通过谎称身份、意图或理由来做某事，通常为了欺骗他人。

He got the job under false pretences by claiming he had a degree he never earned.
他以虚假身份获得了这份工作，声称拥有从未获得的学位。
never does anything by halves

always makes a great effort and does things very well, never only partially or carelessly.
总是全力以赴，做事一丝不苟，从不敷衍了事。

When it comes to organizing events, Sarah never does anything by halves; she plans every detail perfectly.
说到组织活动，Sarah 从不做事敷衍，她对每个细节都安排得完美无缺。
is a laughing stock

are laughed at or mocked by everyone; someone who is ridiculed by others.
被所有人嘲笑；成为笑柄

After his disastrous speech, the politician is a laughing stock among his colleagues.
这位政客在灾难性的演讲后，成了笑柄，被同事们议论。
bottom of the career ladder

in a low position in a work organisation or hierarchy
在职场或层级结构中的最低位置

After graduating, she started at the bottom of the career ladder as an intern.
毕业后，她从职场的最底层做实习生开始。
dead-end job

A job that offers little or no chance of advancement or improvement in position, salary, or skills.
没有晋升或技能提升机会的工作。

He realized he was stuck in a dead-end job with no opportunities for promotion.
他意识到自己陷入了没有前途的工作，没有升职的机会。
run-of-the-mill

ordinary, average, or not special in any way; boring or routine.
普通、平凡、没有什么特别；无聊或例行公事。

The movie was just run-of-the-mill; nothing about it really stood out.
这部电影只是普普通通，没有什么特别出彩的地方。
get out of a rut

escape from a monotonous, boring situation
摆脱单调乏味的状况

After working the same job for ten years, I needed to get out of a rut and try something new.
在同一个岗位工作十年后，我需要跳出惯性思维，尝试一些新事物。
pulled out all the stops

made a great effort to do something well
付出了最大的努力把事情做好

The organizers pulled out all the stops to make sure the charity event was a huge success.
组织者们为了确保慈善活动取得巨大成功，拼尽全力。
got the sack

was dismissed from his job
被公司开除了

After arriving late too many times, he finally got the sack from his company.
因多次迟到，他最终被公司开除了。
stepped into his shoes

took over his job or responsibilities, especially after he left or was unable to continue.
接替了他的工作或责任，尤其是在他离开或无法继续之后。

After the manager retired, Sarah stepped into his shoes and led the team to success.
经理退休后，Sarah 接替了他的位置，带领团队取得了成功。
rushed off his feet

Very busy; having too much to do in a short period of time.
非常忙碌；在短时间内有太多事情要做。

Ever since the sale started, the shop assistants have been rushed off their feet with customers.
自从打折开始，店员们一直被忙得不可开交的顾客包围着。
had his work cut out

had something very difficult to do
面临非常艰巨的任务

With only two days to finish the project, he had his work cut out for him.
只有两天完成项目，他压力山大。
headhunted

invited to join a new workplace which had noticed his talents
因才华被新公司主动邀约加入

After publishing her research, Maria was headhunted by several top universities.
在发表了她的研究后，玛丽亚被多所顶尖大学挖走。
climbed to the top of the career ladder

got to a top position in a work organisation or hierarchy
在工作组织或职场层级中达到最高职位

After years of hard work and dedication, she finally climbed to the top of the career ladder and became the CEO.
经过多年的努力工作，她终于爬上了职业阶梯的顶端，成为了CEO。
rushed off your feet

to be extremely busy, with too much to do and not enough time
非常忙碌，事情太多时间不够用

We've been rushed off our feet ever since the sale started.
自从促销开始后，我们就一直忙得不可开交。
snowed under

To be extremely busy, with too much work to do.
非常忙，工作多得做不完。

I'm snowed under with assignments this week and barely have time to eat.
这周我忙得不可开交，连吃饭的时间都没有。
got my hands full

To be very busy or occupied with tasks, often to the point of being unable to take on anything else.
非常忙，任务缠身，几乎无法再承担任何事情。

With three kids under five, I really got my hands full these days.
三个不到五岁的孩子，让我最近真是忙得不可开交。
up to my eyes/ears in work

Extremely busy or overwhelmed with a large amount of work or tasks.
非常忙碌或因大量工作而不知所措。

Sorry, I can't go out tonight—I'm up to my ears in work and need to finish this project.
对不起，今晚我不能出去——我忙得不可开交，需要完成这个项目。
on the go

very busy, always active
非常忙碌，总是在活动

Between work, school, and taking care of the kids, I'm always on the go.
在工作、上学和照顾孩子之间，我总是忙个不停。
put on hold

left until a later date (usually used in the passive)
暂时搁置，推迟到以后

The project was put on hold due to budget cuts.
由于预算削减，项目被暂时搁置了。
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.
形容某事在理论上或计划中看起来完美或令人印象深刻，但现实中未必行得通。

The new marketing strategy looked great on paper, but it failed to attract any new customers.
新市场营销策略在纸面上看起来很好，但并没有吸引到新客户。
behind the scenes

out of sight, hidden, or in a way that people are not aware of, often when something else is happening publicly
不为人所见或隐藏的情况下，常常在公众面前发生事情时进行

The actors are on stage, but a lot of hard work happens behind the scenes to make the show a success.
演员们在舞台上，但许多辛勤工作都是在幕后完成的，才让演出成功。
talk shop

talk about work when you are not at work
在工作之外讨论工作

Even at the party, the engineers couldn't help but talk shop about their latest project.
即使在派对上，工程师们也忍不住聊工作，谈论他们最新的项目。
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.
表现得好像没看见某人，无论是因为没注意到还是故意忽略。

When I waved at Sarah in the hallway, she just looked straight through me and kept walking.
我在走廊向莎拉挥手时，她只是假装看不见我，继续走路。
leave someone in the lurch

To abandon someone in a difficult situation when they need your help or support.
在别人需要你帮助或支持的困难时刻抛弃他们。

I can't believe you would leave me in the lurch right before the big presentation.
我真不敢相信你会在重要演讲前把我撂在一边。
give someone a hard/rough/tough time

to make things difficult or unpleasant for someone, often by criticizing, teasing, or challenging them.
让某人为难或不舒服，通常通过批评、取笑或挑战他们。

My older brother always gives me a hard time about my taste in music.
我哥哥总是因为我的音乐品味取笑我。
keep a lid on something

To control or limit the level of something, especially to prevent it from increasing or becoming worse.
控制或限制某事，以防止其增加或恶化

The government is trying hard to keep a lid on inflation this year.
政府正努力控制今年的通货膨胀。
let (yourself) go

either take less care of your appearance or relax completely and enjoy yourself
不再在意自己的外表，或完全放松、尽情享受

After her retirement, she really let herself go and stopped worrying about her hairstyle or clothes.
退休后，她真的就不再打扮自己，也不再在意发型或衣着了。
blow something out of (all) proportion

Behave as if something that has happened is much worse than it really is.
把事情夸大地当作比实际更糟糕。

The media tends to blow minor incidents out of all proportion, making them seem like huge scandals.
媒体常常把一些小事件小题大做，让它们看起来像大丑闻一样。
thought nothing of it

Did something that other people found difficult very easily.
轻松完成别人觉得很难的事情。

While everyone else was nervous about speaking in public, she thought nothing of it and delivered her speech confidently.
当大家都紧张于公开演讲时，她一点也不在意，自信地完成了演讲。
it brought a lump to my throat

moved me so much that I wanted to cry
感动得想哭

Watching the old couple reunite after years apart brought a lump to my throat.
看到这对老夫妻多年后重逢，让我哽咽了。
make the most of

take full advantage of something because it may not last long
充分利用某事，因为它可能不会持续太久

We should make the most of this sunny weather and have a picnic in the park.
我们应该抓紧这段晴朗的天气，在公园野餐。
hanging in the balance

No one knows what will happen to it in the future; its outcome is uncertain.
没有人知道未来会发生什么；结果仍然不确定。

The fate of the missing hikers is still hanging in the balance as the search continues.
失踪登山者的命运仍然悬而未决，搜寻还在继续。
faded/paled into insignificance

did not seem at all important when compared to something else
与其他事情相比，显得毫无重要性

After seeing the devastation caused by the hurricane, my own problems paled into insignificance.
看到飓风造成的破坏后，我的问题显得微不足道。
wouldn’t dream of

would never do something because we think it is wrong
绝不会做某事，因为认为那是错误的

I wouldn’t dream of lying to my parents about where I was last night.
我做梦也不会对父母谎报昨晚的去向。
come to terms with

start to accept emotionally and to deal with a difficult situation
开始情感上接受并处理一件困难的事情

After months of therapy, she finally came to terms with her father's passing.
经过几个月的治疗，她终于接受了父亲的离世。
a dark horse

someone who is clever or skilful in a way that no one knew or expected
意外展现出聪明或技能的人

No one thought Sarah would win the competition, but she turned out to be a dark horse and took first place.
没人认为莎拉会赢得比赛，但她成了黑马，并拿下了第一名。
a lone wolf

someone who does not mix socially with other people
不与他人社交的人

Ever since college, Jake has been a lone wolf, preferring to work and travel by himself.
从大学开始，Jake就是个独来独往的人，喜欢一个人工作和旅行。
a cold fish

someone who is not very friendly and does not show their feelings
不太友好、较为冷漠且不表达感情的人

Even at the party, Mark was a cold fish, barely talking to anyone.
即使在聚会上，马克还是冷冰冰的，几乎不和任何人说话。
a guinea pig

someone who acts as a subject in an experiment or trial of something
在实验或测试中充当对象的人

They needed volunteers to test the new app, so I agreed to be a guinea pig.
他们需要志愿者测试新应用，于是我同意当小白鼠。
a party animal

someone who loves parties and socialising
喜欢参加派对和社交的人

Jake is such a party animal; he goes out dancing every weekend and never misses a celebration.
杰克真是个派对达人，每个周末都去跳舞，任何聚会都不会错过。
a fly on the wall

someone who would love to be present to see or hear something private or secret without being noticed
想要偷偷旁观或偷听秘密事情的人

I wish I could be a fly on the wall during their meeting to hear what they really think.
我真希望能做一只墙上的苍蝇，偷偷听听他们开会时的真实想法。
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.
一种观察现实生活情境的纪录片或拍摄风格，常通过隐蔽或隐藏摄像机，来捕捉真实行为。

The filmmaker used a fly-on-the-wall approach to show what really happens behind the scenes at the hospital.
导演采用了隐蔽拍摄的方式，展示医院幕后真实发生的故事。
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.
他看起来凶狠或严厉，其实并没有那么可怕。

Don't worry about the coach yelling; his bark is worse than his bite.
别担心教练在大声喊叫，他其实外强中干。
wouldn't hurt a fly

is totally harmless and would never hurt anyone
完全无害，绝不会伤害任何人

Everyone says that Tom wouldn't hurt a fly; he's the gentlest person I know.
大家都说汤姆连苍蝇都不舍得打，他是我认识最温和的人。
travel bug

a strong desire to travel
强烈的旅行欲望

Ever since her trip to Italy, she seems to have caught the travel bug and can't stop planning her next adventure.
自从去意大利旅行后，她似乎得了旅行瘾，总是计划下一次冒险。
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.
在开始时犹豫或缓慢后，突然变得非常坚定和有活力地工作或行动。

Once she got the bit between her teeth, there was no stopping her from finishing the project ahead of schedule.
一旦她下定决心大干一场，就没有什么能阻止她提前完成项目。
given me free rein

given me complete freedom to act or make decisions as I see fit.
完全放手让我自由发挥或做决定。

My boss has given me free rein to design the new marketing campaign however I want.
我的老板给了我完全自主权，让我可以随意设计新的市场推广方案。
a little bird told me

Said when someone has told you a secret, but you do not want to say who.
用于有人告诉了你一个秘密，但你不想透露是谁说的。

A little bird told me that you're planning a surprise party for Sarah.
小道消息告诉我你正在为莎拉策划一个惊喜派对。
made a beeline for

went quickly and directly to
迅速且直接地朝向

As soon as the doors opened, the kids made a beeline for the ice cream truck.
门一打开，孩子们就直奔冰淇淋车。
butterflies in my stomach

to feel very nervous or anxious, usually because you are about to do something important or exciting
在做重要或激动人心的事情前感到非常紧张或焦虑

Before going on stage for the first time, I had butterflies in my stomach.
第一次上台前，我有点儿 心里发慌。
made a real pig of myself

ate too much; overindulged in food, often to the point of feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.
吃得太多，过度进食，常常导致不适或尴尬

At the buffet last night, I made a real pig of myself and tried every dessert they had.
昨晚自助餐上，我吃撑了，尝了每一道甜点。
chasing my tail

Doing a lot of activity or work but achieving little or making no real progress; being busy with unproductive tasks.
做了很多事却没有什么实质进展；忙于低效事务。

I've been chasing my tail all day, answering emails and making calls, but I haven't finished any of my important tasks.
我整天都在忙得团团转，回复邮件、打电话，却没有完成任何重要任务。
start the ball rolling

to begin an activity or process and encourage others to participate or continue it
开始一项活动或过程，并鼓励他人参与或继续

Let's start the ball rolling by introducing ourselves to the group.
让我们通过自我介绍来打破僵局。
the ball is in your court

You have to do something now before any progress can be made.
现在要有进展就取决于你了。

I've done all I can to help you, so now the ball is in your court.
我已经尽我所能帮你了，现在轮到你行动了。
on the ball

quick to understand and react
反应敏捷，理解和反应都很快

The new assistant is really on the ball; she catches every mistake before it becomes a problem.
新来的助理真的很机灵，她在问题发生前就能发现每一个错误。
do something off our own bat

on our own initiative, without being asked to by anyone else
主动地，没有别人要求

She did it off her own bat and organized the whole event without waiting for instructions.
她 主动做了这件事，没有等指示就组织了整个活动。
throw us a curveball

surprise us with an unexpected problem
用意想不到的问题让我们吃惊

Just when we thought the project was on track, the client threw us a curveball by changing the requirements.
就在我们以为项目顺利进行时，客户抛出了一个意外难题，更改了需求。
play ball

co-operate in order to achieve something (usually used in a negative context)
为达成某事而合作（通常用于负面语境）

If you don't play ball with the new management, you might lose your job.
如果你不配合新管理层，可能会丢掉工作。
on a level playing field

in a situation where everyone has the same opportunities and advantages; a fair situation
每个人都有相同机会和优势的情况；一个公平的环境

The new regulations are designed to ensure that all companies compete on a level playing field.
新规旨在确保所有公司都能在同一起跑线上竞争。
play your cards right

Behave in a smart or strategic way to achieve your desired outcome.
采取聪明或有策略的行为，以实现你想要的结果。

If you play your cards right, you might get promoted this year.
如果你好好把握机会，今年或许能升职。
put/lay your cards on the table

Tell someone honestly what you think or what you plan to do.
坦诚地讲出你的想法或计划。

It's time to put my cards on the table and tell you how I really feel about this project.
现在是时候摊牌，告诉你我对这个项目的真实感受了。
follow suit

do the same as everyone else has just done
效仿他人刚做过的事情

When the first student started packing up early, the rest of the class quickly followed suit.
当第一个学生开始提前收拾东西时，其他同学也很快跟着照做。
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
让某人证明自己所说是真的，或真的做出承诺的事

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.
当汤姆威胁说如果不给加薪他就辞职时，老板决定揭穿他的虚张声势，让他提交辞呈。
take the plunge

do something important or difficult that you’ve been thinking of doing for a long time
做一件思考很久且重要或困难的事

After years of thinking about it, I finally took the plunge and started my own business.
思考多年后，我终于鼓起勇气创业了。
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.
由于先前的努力失败或没有成果，而重新回到起点。

After our proposal was rejected, we had to go back to square one and come up with a completely new plan.
提案被拒绝后，我们不得不从头开始，想出一个全新的计划。
be wide of the mark

to be incorrect, inaccurate, or far from the intended target or answer
不准确、错误或离正确答案很远

His guess about the cost of the repairs was wide of the mark; it ended up being much cheaper.
他对修理费用的猜测完全离谱，实际花费便宜得多。
do something on the spur of the moment

do something suddenly, without planning
突然做某事，没有计划

We decided to go to the beach on the spur of the moment and didn't even pack a lunch.
我们决定去海滩，一时冲动，甚至连午饭都没带。
be on the cards

be likely to happen
很可能发生

A promotion could be on the cards for you if you keep working this hard.
如果你继续这么努力，升职很有可能会发生。
your best bet

the best thing you can do to achieve the result you want
达成所需结果的最佳方法

If you want to avoid traffic, your best bet is to leave early in the morning.
如果你想避开堵车，最好的办法就是清晨出发。
when the chips are down

when you are in a difficult situation, especially one which tests whether you can trust people
当你处于困境时，尤其能考验你对他人的信任

You really find out who your friends are when the chips are down.
你会在关键时刻真正看清谁才是你的朋友。
makes your mouth water

Describes something, usually food, that looks, smells, or sounds so delicious that it makes you want to eat it immediately.
形容某样食物看起来、闻起来或听起来如此美味，让人忍不住想马上吃掉。

The smell of freshly baked bread always makes my mouth water.
新鲜烤面包的香气总是让我的口水直流。
has a sweet tooth

particularly likes sweet things
很喜欢吃甜食

She definitely has a sweet tooth; she can't finish a meal without dessert.
她绝对爱吃甜食，每顿饭都要有甜点才行。
whet your appetite

awaken a desire (for food or something else)
激发欲望（对食物或其他东西）

The chef's delicious appetizer really whet my appetite for the main course.
厨师的美味开胃菜真的打开了我的胃口，让我期待主菜。
the icing on the cake

something that makes a good situation even better
让本来就很好的情况变得更好

Getting promoted was amazing, but receiving a bonus was the icing on the cake.
升职已经很棒了，拿到奖金简直是锦上添花。
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.
魚與熊掌不可兼得；你無法同時擁有兩種好處而不用付出代價。

If you want to save money, you can’t have your cake and eat it by also spending a lot on luxury items.
如果你想省錢，就不能魚與熊掌兼得，還花很多錢買奢侈品。
leaves a sour taste in your mouth

To have an unpleasant memory or lingering bad feeling about something that happened.
对发生的事情怀有不愉快的回忆或不好的感觉。

The way the manager dismissed her concerns really left a sour taste in my mouth.
经理无视她的担忧，真的让我心里很不舒服。
to the bitter end

see something through to the end even though it takes a long time and is difficult
坚持到底，即使过程艰难且漫长

Despite the challenges, she was determined to stick with the project to the bitter end.
尽管遇到挑战，她还是决定把项目坚持做到底。
have egg on your face

be left feeling stupid or embarrassed because of something you did
由于自己做的事而感到尴尬或难堪

After announcing the wrong winner at the ceremony, the host really had egg on his face.
主持人在颁奖典礼上宣布错了获奖者，真的出洋相了。
be the best/greatest thing since sliced bread

To be considered excellent, innovative, or extremely useful (informal).
被认为是非常出色、创新或极其有用的东西

Everyone in the office thinks the new project management app is the best thing since sliced bread.
办公室里的每个人都觉得新项目管理应用是自切片面包以来最棒的发明。
be your bread and butter

Be an activity or job you do to get the money you need.
维持生计的主要工作或收入来源

Freelance writing is my bread and butter, but I also enjoy painting in my free time.
自由撰稿 是我的饭碗，但我业余时间喜欢画画。
bear fruit

produce a positive result
产生积极的结果

After months of hard work, their efforts finally bore fruit when they won the contract.
经过数月的努力，他们的付出终于有了回报，赢得了合同。
flavour of the month

something or someone that is very popular at the moment
当下非常受欢迎的人或事物

That new singer is the flavour of the month, but I doubt people will remember her next year.
那个新歌手现在是当红炸子鸡，但我怀疑明年还有人记得她。
be past or pass your sell-by date

not wanted or used anymore because they are too old
因为太老而不再被需要或使用

Some people think that vinyl records are past their sell-by date, but collectors still love them.
有些人认为黑胶唱片已经过时了，但收藏家们仍然喜欢它们。
caught in the act

seen doing something wrong or forbidden while actually doing it
当场被发现正在做错事或被禁止的事情

The thief was caught in the act of breaking into the car by a passing police officer.
小偷在撬车时被巡逻警察当场抓住了。
get her act together

organize herself more effectively
让自己变得更加有条理和高效

If she wants to pass her exams, she really needs to get her act together and start studying seriously.
如果她想通过考试，真的需要振作起来，认真学习。
get in on the act

to take part in something exciting or profitable, often after seeing others benefit from it
在看到他人受益后，参与某个令人兴奋或有利可图的事情

After seeing how much money people were making selling handmade crafts online, I decided to get in on the act too.
看见别人靠网上卖手工艺品赚了很多钱，我也决定搭上这班车。
putting on an act

pretending, not being genuine
假装，不真诚

I could tell he was putting on an act when he said he wasn't upset.
我能看出来他在装样子，说自己不难过。
balancing act

A situation where you try to give equal attention or importance to two or more different things, often with difficulty.
在需要同时兼顾两个或多个不同事务时，常常感到吃力的情况。

Being a working parent is a real balancing act between job responsibilities and family time.
作为职场父母，在工作与家庭之间的确是个平衡的艺术。
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.
开始以更可接受或负责的方式行事，尤其是改掉坏习惯。

After getting in trouble at work, he knew he had to clean up his act if he wanted to keep his job.
在工作出事后，他知道如果想保住工作，就得改过自新。
act your age

Don’t behave in a childish way; behave in a manner appropriate for your age.
不要表现得像个小孩子；要有符合你年龄的举止。

Stop making silly faces in class and act your age.
别在课堂上做鬼脸了，表现得成熟一点。
acting the fool/goat

Behaving in a silly or playful way, often to make others laugh or to avoid being serious.
以傻气或顽皮的方式行事，常常是为了逗别人笑或避免严肃。

During the meeting, Tom kept acting the fool and making everyone laugh instead of focusing on the agenda.
会议期间，汤姆一直在装傻逗乐，让大家发笑而不是专注于议程。
hive of activity

a very busy place (like a beehive) with people working hard all the time
非常忙碌、大家都在努力工作的地方

The kitchen was a hive of activity as everyone prepared food for the party.
厨房就像一个热闹的蜂巢，每个人都在为聚会准备食物。
out of action

Not working or unable to participate in normal activities, often due to illness, injury, or malfunction.
由于生病、受伤或故障而无法工作或参加正常活动。

After spraining his ankle, Tom was out of action for the rest of the soccer season.
汤姆扭伤脚踝后，本赛季都无法上场。
back in action

To be able to work, perform, or participate again after a break, injury, or pause.
在休息、受伤或暂停后能够重新工作、表演或参与。

After recovering from his knee surgery, the football player was finally back in action for the championship game.
在膝盖手术康复后，这位足球运动员终于重返赛场，参加了冠军争夺战。
get a slice/piece of the action

To take part in something exciting or profitable, often because others are already benefiting from it.
参与有利可图或令人兴奋的事情，尤其是在别人已经获益之后

After hearing about the company's rapid growth, investors wanted to get a piece of the action before it was too late.
听说公司发展迅速，投资者都想要分一杯羹，以免错过机会。
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.
只会说不付诸行动的人

He’s all talk and no action when it comes to helping out—he always promises, but never shows up.
他在帮忙这件事上总是光说不做——总是承诺，但从来不出现。
course of action

A way of acting or a plan that someone decides to take, especially in a formal or considered manner.
以正式或深思熟虑的方式决定采取的行动方式或计划。

After much discussion, the committee decided that the best course of action was to postpone the event.
经过多次讨论，委员会决定最好的 应对措施 是推迟活动。
goes to the dogs

It goes from a good situation or condition to a bad one; deteriorates or declines in quality.
从好的状况变坏，质量下降。

Ever since the new management took over, the company has gone to the dogs and lost most of its loyal customers.
自从新管理层接管后，公司一落千丈，失去了大部分忠实客户。
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.
做或说了很可能引起争议、麻烦或强烈反应的事。

When the manager announced the new working hours, it really put the cat among the pigeons in the office.
当经理宣布新工时时，真是捅了马蜂窝。
not (enough) room to swing a cat

there is very little room or space somewhere
空间极小，非常拥挤

This apartment is so tiny, there's not enough room to swing a cat in the kitchen.
这间公寓太小了，厨房里转身的地方都没有。
law of the jungle

a situation where people do whatever they want without caring about others, often in a selfish or ruthless way
指一个人们我行我素、不顾他人、常常自私或残忍的局面

In the world of high finance, it's often the law of the jungle—only the strongest survive.
在高端金融界，往往是弱肉强食的世界——只有强者才能生存。
a real can of worms

a very complicated, difficult, or problematic situation
非常复杂、困难或麻烦的情况

Trying to fix the old computer turned into a real can of worms when we discovered all the hidden issues.
试图修理那台旧电脑，一发现所有隐藏的问题后，简直就是一团乱麻。
like water off a duck’s back

having no effect on someone, especially criticism or insults
对某人毫无影响，尤其是批评或侮辱

No matter how much they tease him, it’s like water off a duck’s back; he just laughs it off.
无论别人怎么取笑他，他都毫不在意，只是笑一笑。
running round like headless chickens

being very busy and active but not achieving anything useful or effective
非常忙碌但毫无成效

During the product launch, everyone in the office was running round like headless chickens, but nothing actually got done.
产品发布期间，办公室里每个人都在像无头苍蝇般乱转，但实际上什么都没做成。
snail mail

traditional postal mail (as opposed to email), often used humorously
传统邮寄（与电子邮件相对），常带幽默意味

I still love sending birthday cards through snail mail even though everyone else uses email.
我还是喜欢用蜗牛邮件寄生日卡，即使现在大家都用电子邮件。
put out feelers

make informal enquiries; talk to people unofficially to see if someone is interested
非正式地打听；私下询问是否有人感兴趣

Before applying for the new position, she decided to put out feelers to see if the company was actually hiring.
在申请新职位之前，她决定先打听一下风声，看看公司是否真的在招聘。
bite the bullet

To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, instead of avoiding it.
勇敢并坚定地面对艰难或令人不快的情况，而不是回避它。

Even though she was scared of the dentist, she decided to bite the bullet and make an appointment.
虽然她很怕看牙医，但她决定要硬着头皮预约。
jump the gun

do something too soon, before you should do it
做事过早，操之过急

We jumped the gun and started the meeting before everyone arrived.
我们操之过急，在大家都到之前就开始了会议。
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.
不让别人改变你的想法或原则；在他人试图说服你时仍坚持自己的立场。

Even though everyone disagreed with her, she decided to stick to her guns and follow her plan.
尽管所有人都不同意，她还是决定坚持自己的立场，按计划行事。
look daggers at someone

To look at someone in a very angry or hateful way.
用非常愤怒或仇恨的目光看着某人。

When I accidentally spilled coffee on her report, she looked daggers at me for the rest of the meeting.
我不小心把咖啡洒在她的报告上，她整场会议一直在用杀人的眼神瞪着我。
put the knife in

deliberately do or say something really hurtful to someone
故意对某人说或做非常伤人的事情

She really put the knife in when she told him he was the worst manager she'd ever worked for.
她当着他的面说他是她遇到过最糟糕的经理，真的往伤口上撒盐了。
twist the knife

do or say something which makes a bad or hurtful situation even worse
让已经糟糕或令人难过的情况变得更糟

After I lost the game, my brother just had to twist the knife by reminding me of my last mistake.
我输了比赛后，哥哥还要往伤口上撒盐，提醒我最后那个失误。
have a shot at

to try (something), especially something new or challenging
尝试做某事，尤其是新鲜或有挑战的事情

Even though I've never painted before, I'd like to have a shot at creating my own artwork.
虽然我从未画过画，但我想试试自己创作一幅艺术品。
in the firing line

in a position where people can criticize or blame you
处于容易被他人指责或批评的位置

After the project failed, the manager found himself in the firing line during the meeting.
项目失败后，经理在会议中发现自己成为众矢之的。
call the shots

be the person who makes all the important decisions
做所有重要决定的人

Ever since she was promoted to manager, Jane has been the one to call the shots in the office.
自从晋升为经理后，Jane就是办公室里说了算的人。
caught in the crossfire

Involved in a situation where people around you are arguing or fighting, often unintentionally becoming affected by their conflict.
不知不觉中卷入他人的争吵或冲突，并受到牵连。

During their heated debate, I got caught in the crossfire and ended up having to defend myself even though I wasn't involved.
在他们激烈的争论中，我被牵连进争端，不得不为自己辩护，尽管我并未参与其中。
hold fire

wait and not take action yet
先观望，不采取行动

Let's hold fire on making a decision until we have all the facts.
我们先按兵不动，等有了所有事实再做决定。
up in arms

angry and protesting loudly
愤怒并大声抗议

The residents were up in arms when they heard about the plan to build a factory near their homes.
居民们听说要在他们家附近建工厂时，群情激奋。
his own worst enemy

His own attitude or behavior will prevent him from reaching his goal.
他自己的态度或行为阻碍了他实现目标。

John is his own worst enemy when it comes to work; he procrastinates so much that he misses important deadlines.
约翰在工作上总是自作自受，他不断拖延，导致错过重要截止日期。
fighting a losing battle

trying to achieve something that you will probably fail to achieve
试图达成很可能会失败的事情

She knew she was fighting a losing battle when she tried to convince her boss to change his mind.
她知道，她在试图说服老板改变主意时是在徒劳无功。
burn your bridges

do something that makes it impossible to go back to a situation you were in before
做了某事后，就无法再回到原来的状态

If you quit your job without notice and insult your boss, you really burn your bridges with that company.
如果你不打招呼就辞职，还侮辱老板，那你真的断了后路。
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.
有个人的目的或私心

She always seems to have an axe to grind when it comes to environmental issues.
她一谈到环保问题就好像总是有私心。
when it comes to the crunch

when a situation becomes serious or difficult
当情况变得严肃或困难时

Everyone says they'll help, but when it comes to the crunch, only a few people actually show up.
大家都说会帮忙，但到了关键时刻，真正出现的人只有几个。
a chink in his armour

a weak point in someone's character, argument, or defenses that can be exploited or taken advantage of.
某人在性格、论点或防御上的可被利用的弱点。

The lawyer found a chink in his armour during the cross-examination, which helped win the case.
律师在交叉盘问时找到了他的致命弱点，这帮助赢得了案件。
have something on the brain

You can’t stop thinking or talking about one particular thing.
无法停止一直想着或谈论某一件事。

Ever since she started planning her wedding, she has it on the brain and talks about it nonstop.
自从开始筹备婚礼后，她脑子里全是这件事，不停地谈论它。
pick someone's brains

ask for information or advice from a person who knows more about something than you do.
向比自己更懂的人请教或咨询。

Can I pick your brains about the new software update? You always understand these things better than I do.
我能向你请教一下新软件的更新吗？你总是比我懂这些。
brain drain

the movement of highly skilled and educated people from their own country to another one where they are paid more.
人才流失：指高学历、高技能的人才为了更高的报酬而移居到其他国家。

Many doctors and engineers leave the country, contributing to the brain drain that affects the nation's development.
许多医生和工程师离开了国家，加剧了影响国家发展的人才流失。
be a load/weight off your mind

To feel relieved because a worry or concern has been removed.
因为担忧或顾虑被解除而感到如释重负。

Finding out that my test results were negative was a real weight off my mind.
得知我的检测结果是阴性，真是如释重负。
have/keep an open mind

Wait until you have all the facts before forming an opinion.
在形成看法之前，先等到掌握所有事实。

It's important to keep an open mind when learning about new cultures.
在了解新文化时，保持开放的心态非常重要。
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.
用来形容某个机器或物品似乎会自行运作、不按使用者意愿行事。

My old printer has a mind of its own; sometimes it prints, and sometimes it just makes strange noises.
我的旧打印机好像有自己的想法；它有时候打印，有时候只发出奇怪的声音。
make up your mind

To decide; to choose between options or come to a conclusion.
决定；在选项间做出选择或得出结论。

You need to make up your mind about which college you want to attend.
你需要下定决心选择你想去的大学。
put/set someone's mind at rest

To help someone stop worrying or feeling anxious by providing reassurance or information.
通过安慰或提供信息，使某人放心、不再担心。

The doctor was able to put my mind at rest by explaining that the symptoms were nothing serious.
医生向我解释症状并不严重，从而让我的心安下来。
at the back of your mind

Always in your mind although you don’t spend too much time thinking about it.
虽然没有一直去想，但总是在脑海里。

Even while enjoying the party, the thought of my upcoming exam was at the back of my mind.
即使在享受派对时，我即将到来的考试也一直萦绕在脑海里。
in your mind’s eye

in your imagination or memory.
在你的想象或记忆中。

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.
每当我想念家乡时，只需闭上眼睛，在脑海里就能看到那些熟悉的街道和面孔。
blood and guts

very violent (used to describe films, stories, or situations with a lot of graphic violence).
非常暴力（用于形容带有大量血腥和暴力场面的电影、故事或情况）。

He loves movies with blood and guts, but I prefer comedies.
他喜欢充满血腥暴力的电影，但我更喜欢喜剧片。
in cold blood / in a cold-blooded way

done in a cruelly planned and unemotional way.
以冷酷无情、有计划且无感情的方式做成。

The crime was committed in cold blood, shocking the entire community.
这起犯罪是冷血犯下的，震惊了整个社区。
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.
非常难做到，尤其是当你试图让某人给你他们不愿意给的信息或东西时。

Trying to get him to talk about his feelings is like getting blood out of a stone.
想让他谈论自己的感受，就像挤石头里的水一样难。
gut feeling/reaction

An instinctive feeling or reaction that is not based on logical reasoning but rather on intuition.
不是基于逻辑推理，而是凭直觉的本能反应或感觉。

Even though the deal looked good on paper, I had a gut feeling that something was off.
虽然这笔交易在纸面上看起来不错，但我有一种直觉觉得哪里不对劲。
slog/sweat/work your guts out

To work extremely hard, often with great effort and determination.
非常努力地工作，常常付出巨大努力和决心。

She slogged her guts out to finish the project before the deadline.
她为了赶在截止日期前完成项目，拼死拼活地干。
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.
一群人在某个场合或情况下共同感受到的缓解或释然

After the announcement that the exams were canceled, there was relief in the air throughout the school.
宣布考试取消后，整个学校都充满了如释重负的气氛。
up in the air

Not yet decided or settled; uncertain.
尚未决定或还不确定。

Our vacation plans are still up in the air because we haven't chosen a destination yet.
我们的假期计划还悬而未决，因为我们还没有选定目的地。
clear the air

To resolve misunderstandings or bad feelings between people, usually by talking openly about the issue.
通过坦诚沟通解决误会或不愉快。

After their argument, they decided to sit down and clear the air so they could work together again.
吵完架后，他们决定坐下来化解误会，以便能够重新合作。
a breath of fresh air

something or someone that is new, different, and exciting, often bringing a refreshing change to a situation.
带来新鲜和积极变化的人或事物。

Her positive attitude was a breath of fresh air in the otherwise tense office.
她积极的态度在紧张的办公室里是一股清新的空气。
out of the blue

completely unexpectedly
完全出乎意料

She called me out of the blue after years of no contact.
她突然给我打了电话，几年都没有联系。
down-to-earth

very practical, realistic, and unpretentious; having a sensible and straightforward attitude.
非常务实、现实且谦逊；具有理智和直接的态度。

Despite her fame, she remains down-to-earth and always treats everyone with respect.
尽管她很有名，但她始终很接地气，总是尊重每个人。
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.
在兴奋、快乐或分心之后突然回到现实，通常是令人失望的。

After winning the lottery, he came down to earth with a bang when he realized how much tax he had to pay.
中彩票后，他被残酷地拉回现实，当他意识到要交的税有多少时。
bites the dust

To fail, break down, or die; to come to an end or be defeated.
失败、崩溃、报废或被击败

Another one of my old laptops just bites the dust after years of use.
我的又一台旧笔记本终于报废了，用了好多年。
living on another planet

To be completely unaware of what is happening in the real world; to be out of touch with reality.
完全脱离现实，对现实世界一无所知。

Sometimes I think my brother is living on another planet when he talks about his wild business ideas.
有时我觉得我弟弟在谈论他那些疯狂的商业想法时，简直就是活在另一个世界。
over the moon

You are extremely happy or delighted about something.
对某事非常高兴或兴奋。

She was over the moon when she found out she got the job.
她得知自己找到工作时，高兴得不得了。
hits rock bottom

To reach the lowest or worst possible point in a situation.
在某种情况下达到最低或最糟糕的地步。

After losing his job and his apartment, he really hit rock bottom before things started to improve.
失业又失去公寓以后，他真的跌到了谷底，才开始好转。
find out how the land lies

To assess or investigate a situation before becoming involved or making a decision.
在介入或做决定前先了解或调查情况。

Before making any big decisions at the new job, I decided to find out how the land lies first.
在新工作做出重大决定前，我决定先摸清情况。
upper-crust

They belong to a very high social class.
他们属于社会地位非常高的阶层。

She was invited to the gala because her family is considered part of the upper-crust of society.
她受邀参加晚宴，因为她的家族被认为是上流社会的一员。
in the dark

not told important things that other people know
被蒙在鼓里，不知道别人知道的重要事情

I was completely in the dark about the surprise party they were planning for me.
他们为我策划的惊喜派对让我完全被蒙在鼓里。
keeps you in the dark

not told important things that other people know
被隐瞒重要事情，别人知道你却不知道

The manager always keeps us in the dark about upcoming changes in the company.
经理总是把我们蒙在鼓里，不告诉我们公司即将发生的变化。
in your element

You are happy and relaxed in a situation because you are good at the things it involves.
你在一种情境中感到开心和放松，因为你很擅长相关的事情。

When she's teaching a class, she is truly in her element.
她上课时，真的是如鱼得水。
out of your element

You feel unhappy or uncomfortable because you are not familiar with or good at the tasks or environment involved.
因为不熟悉任务或环境而感到不舒服或不自在。

When I had to give a speech in front of the whole company, I felt out of my element.
当我不得不在全公司面前发表演讲时，我感到自己格格不入。
long time no see

Used as a greeting when you meet someone you haven't seen for a long period.
见到很久未见的人时的一种问候语。

Long time no see! How have you been since we graduated?
好久不见！自从毕业后你过得怎么样？
it's a long story

It’s complicated or takes too long to explain.
这件事很复杂或需要很长时间解释。

Why did you move to a new city? Well, it's a long story, but the short version is I got a new job.
你为什么搬到新城市？嗯，说来话长，简单来说就是因为我换了工作。
how long is a piece of string?

That’s an impossible question to answer.
这是一个无法回答的问题。

When asked how much it would cost to renovate the old house, the builder replied, 'how long is a piece of string?'
当被问及翻新老房子要花多少钱时，建筑师回答：谁知道呢？
a list as long as your arm

A very long list indeed.
非常长的清单。

She has a list as long as your arm of things she wants to do before she turns thirty.
她有一个长得不得了的清单，列着三十岁前想做的所有事情。
long-winded

Too long and boring (about a story, lecture, or speech).
（故事、讲座或演讲）冗长乏味。

The professor's explanation was so long-winded that half the class fell asleep.
教授的解释太啰嗦了，一半的学生都睡着了。
a long haul

A task or process that is not going to be easy and will take a long time.
一个不容易且需要很长时间的任务或过程。

Finishing my degree was a long haul, but it was worth it in the end.
完成我的学业是一场持久战，但最终是值得的。
have a long face

To look sad, depressed, or disappointed.
看起来很伤心、沮丧或失望

Why do you have a long face? Did something bad happen at work?
你为什么垂头丧气？工作上发生了什么不好的事吗？
go to great lengths

To make a very big effort to achieve something, often more than what is expected or necessary.
付出极大的努力来实现某事，常常超过预期或必要的程度。

She went to great lengths to organize the perfect surprise party for her friend.
她煞费苦心地为朋友举办一场完美的惊喜派对。
go to any lengths

To do whatever is necessary, even if it is difficult or extreme, to achieve a goal.
不惜一切代价去做任何必要的事，即使很困难或极端，只为实现目标。

She would go to any lengths to protect her children from harm.
她会不惜一切代价保护自己的孩子免受伤害。
go a long way

To be very successful or make significant progress, often rising to a high level in one's profession or endeavors.
非常成功或取得重大进展，通常在事业或努力中达到很高的水平。

With her talent and determination, I'm sure she will go a long way in her career.
凭借她的才华和决心，我相信她一定会在事业上走得很远。
go back a long way

Have known each other for many years.
认识多年。

Sarah and I go back a long way; we were in kindergarten together.
我和Sarah 认识很久了，我们从幼儿园就在一起。
come a long way

To have made significant progress or improvement over time.
随着时间推移取得了显著进步或提升。

She has come a long way since her first day on the job.
她进步很大，与刚开始工作时相比判若两人。
take a long, hard look

To examine or consider something very carefully and thoroughly, often in order to make an important decision or judgment.
非常仔细和全面地审视或考虑某事，通常是为了做出重要决定或判断。

Before making any changes to the project, we need to take a long, hard look at the current plan.
在对项目进行任何更改之前，我们需要认真审视当前的计划。
be on someone's back

constantly ask someone to do something or criticise them in an annoying way
不断地催促或挑剔某人，让人厌烦

My boss is always on my back about finishing the reports on time.
我的老板总是盯着我让我要按时完成报告。
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.
当某人离开或某事结束时你会高兴，因为你不喜欢那个人或事情。

After months of dealing with the noisy neighbors, I was glad to see the back of them when they finally moved out.
和吵闹的邻居相处几个月后，他们终于搬走时我很高兴终于摆脱了他们。
could do something with one arm/hand tied behind your back

To be able to do something very easily, without much effort.
能够很轻松地完成某事，不需费什么力气。

She's so good at math that she could solve these problems with one hand tied behind her back.
她数学太好了，这些题目闭着眼睛都能做出来。
stab someone in the back

do something harmful to a person who trusted you, especially by betraying them secretly
对信任自己的人做出伤害的事，特别是暗中背叛他

I couldn't believe she would stab me in the back after all the help I gave her.
我无法相信她会在我帮了她这么多之后背后捅我一刀。
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)
趁别人不注意时做某事（通常是对方不认可的事）

The kids always get into trouble when their teacher's back is turned.
孩子们总是趁老师不注意时惹麻烦。
you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

If you help me, I'll help you; mutual assistance for mutual benefit.
互相帮助、互惠互利。

If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours—I'll cover your shift today if you help me with my project next week.
如果你帮我，我也会帮你——今天我帮你代班，下周你帮我做项目。
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.
对某地、某人或某事物非常熟悉；了如指掌。

After living in Paris for ten years, I know the city like the back of my hand.
在巴黎生活了十年后，我对这座城市了如指掌。
on the back burner

isn't being dealt with now but hasn't been totally forgotten
暂时不处理，但还没有被遗忘

We had to put the renovation project on the back burner until we save up more money.
我们不得不把装修项目暂时搁置，直到我们攒够更多的钱。
at/in the back of beyond

A place that is extremely remote or far away from any town or civilization.
一个极其偏远，远离城镇或文明的地方。

My grandparents live in the back of beyond, so it takes hours just to get to the nearest store.
我祖父母住在穷乡僻壤，去最近的商店都要花上几个小时。
take a back seat

to allow someone or something else to become more important or prominent while you become less involved or less important.
让位于他人或其他事情，自身变得不那么重要

After the birth of their child, her career had to take a back seat to family responsibilities.
孩子出生后，她的事业不得不让位于家庭责任。
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.
幽默地形容某物可能是偷来的或来历不明。

When I asked where he got the designer bag, he just winked and said it fell off the back of a lorry.
当我问他名牌包是哪里来的时，他只是眨眨眼说是卡车上掉下来的。
by/through the back door

It comes in a way that is not honest or official.
以不正当或非官方的方式出现。

He managed to get the job through the back door, without going through the proper interview process.
他通过走后门得到了这份工作，没有经过正式的面试流程。
leant/bent over backwards

tried very hard to help or please someone, often more than is expected or necessary
非常努力地帮助或取悦某人，通常超过了预期或必要的程度

She bent over backwards to make sure her guests were comfortable during their stay.
她费尽心思地确保客人在入住期间感到舒适。
left without a backward glance

left with no regrets or sad feelings
毫无遗憾或难过地离开

After quitting her stressful job, she left without a backward glance and never looked back.
辞掉压力很大的工作后，她毫不留恋地离开，再也没有回头看。
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.
在别人家里也像在自己家一样感到放松自在。

Please come in and make yourself at home while I finish preparing dinner.
请进，把这里当自己家，我去准备晚餐。
as safe as houses

extremely safe
极其安全

You can trust this investment; it's as safe as houses.
你可以信任这个投资，它稳如泰山。
come home to me

To become fully understood, realized, or appreciated, often after some time has passed.
过了一段时间才完全明白、领悟或意识到某事

It finally came home to me how much my parents had sacrificed for my education.
我终于真正明白父母为我的教育付出了多少。
brought home to me

made me understand, usually something unpleasant
让我真正意识到，通常是不愉快的事情

The dangers of texting while driving were brought home to me when I saw the aftermath of a car accident.
当我看到车祸的惨状时，发短信开车的危险才真正让我意识到。
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
为了将来有更好的职位，先从低层岗位做起

Even though the position was just an internship, I was happy that I got my foot in the door at the company.
虽然只是实习岗位，我很高兴能打开公司大门。
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.
解决问题或谜题的关键因素

Improved communication holds the key to a successful relationship.
良好的沟通是成功关系的关键。
flew off the handle

reacted in a very angry way (informal)
以非常愤怒的方式反应（口语）

When the printer jammed again, Sarah suddenly flew off the handle and started yelling at everyone in the office.
当打印机又卡纸时，莎拉突然大发雷霆，开始对办公室里的每个人大喊大叫。
sit on the fence

delay making a decision or fail to choose between two alternatives
犹豫不决或在两者之间不做选择

When it came time to vote, she decided to sit on the fence instead of choosing a side.
到了投票的时候，她决定保持中立，而不是选边站。
come down on one side or the other

To make a decision or choose between two options or opinions.
在两个选项或观点之间做出决定或选择。

After hours of debate, the committee had to come down on one side or the other regarding the new policy.
经过几个小时的讨论，委员会不得不做出选择对新政策表态。
hit the ceiling/roof

To react with sudden and intense anger.
突然勃然大怒。

When she saw the mess in the kitchen, she hit the ceiling and started yelling at everyone.
当她看到厨房的乱象时，她直接大发雷霆，对大家大喊大叫。
got out of bed on the wrong side

got up in a bad mood and stayed in a bad mood all day
整天心情不好，一早醒来就如此

Don't mind her grumpiness—she just got out of bed on the wrong side this morning.
别在意她的坏脾气——她今天早上可能是起床时踩到左脚了。
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.
因为要做太多事情，熬夜早起，过度劳累而导致精疲力竭。

She’s been burning the candle at both ends trying to finish her project and take care of her family.
她一直在透支自己，既要完成项目又要照顾家人。
put me in the picture

explained the situation to me; gave me the necessary information to understand what is happening
向我说明了情况；给了我了解正在发生什么的必要信息

I was confused about the new project, but my manager put me in the picture during our meeting.
我对新项目感到困惑，但经理在会议上让我了解了情况。
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.
模仿或效仿他人，因为这样能带来成功或好处。

If he wants to improve his grades, he should take a leaf out of his girlfriend’s book and start studying every evening.
如果他想提高成绩，应当向女友学习，每天晚上都学习。
keep someone in the picture

To keep someone informed or updated about a situation or development.
让某人及时了解情况或进展。

Please keep me in the picture about any changes to the project schedule.
请随时让我知道项目进度的任何变化。
open your heart

To share your deepest feelings, thoughts, or emotions honestly and openly with someone.
真诚而坦率地与他人分享你最深的感受和想法。

Sometimes it's hard to open your heart after being hurt, but it's the only way to truly connect with others.
受过伤后有时很难敞开心扉，但那是真正与他人建立联系的唯一方式。
bare your heart/soul

To share your deepest, most personal or secret feelings, often of an emotional or dramatic nature, with someone else.
与他人分享你最深层、最私密的感受或秘密。

After years of keeping it to herself, she finally decided to bare her soul to her best friend.
多年来她一直隐瞒着，最终决定向最好的朋友敞开心扉。
pour your heart out

To share your deepest feelings, worries, or secrets with someone, often in an emotional way.
向某人倾诉你最深的感受、忧虑或秘密，通常非常情绪化。

After the breakup, she poured her heart out to her best friend over coffee.
分手后，她向闺蜜倾诉心声。
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.
你突然感到非常激动、惊讶或害怕，心脏仿佛停跳或加速了一下。

When I saw the exam results posted, my heart skipped a beat before I found my name on the list.
当我看到公布的考试成绩时，我心头一紧，直到在名单上找到自己的名字。
someone’s heart is in the right place

someone is good even if they sometimes behave the wrong way
一个人即使有时行为不当，本质上还是个好人

He can be a bit blunt, but his heart is in the right place and he always means well.
他有时候说话比较直，但心地善良，总是出于好意。
have a change of heart

To change your opinion or the way you feel about something.
改变对某事的看法或感受。

At first, she didn't want to adopt the puppy, but after spending some time with it, she had a change of heart.
起初，她不想收养那只小狗，但在相处一段时间后，她改变了主意。
break someone’s heart

make someone very sad (often someone who loves you)
让某人非常伤心（通常是爱你的人）

It would break her heart if you left without saying goodbye.
如果你不告而别，会伤透她的心。
your heart sinks

You start to feel sad, disappointed, or worried, often because something bad or unexpected has happened.
因为发生了糟糕或意外的事情而感到难过、失望或担心。

When I saw the exam questions, my heart sank because I hadn't studied those topics.
看到考题时，我心里一沉，因为我没复习这些内容。
a man/woman after my own heart

someone who you admire because they do or believe the same as you
你欣赏的与自己志同道合的人

When I heard she loved hiking as much as I do, I knew she was a woman after my own heart.
当我听说她也像我一样喜欢徒步时，我就知道她是志同道合的人。
talk to someone heart-to-heart / have a heart-to-heart

have a serious conversation and express your feelings openly
进行坦诚的交流，开放表达自己的感受

After weeks of tension, I finally decided to have a heart-to-heart with my roommate about our issues.
经过几周的紧张，我终于决定和室友促膝长谈，讨论我们的矛盾。
take something to heart

To take something (usually criticism or advice) seriously and be deeply affected by it.
把某事（通常是批评或建议）放在心上并受到深刻影响

She took her teacher's comments to heart and worked hard to improve her writing.
她把老师的话放在心上，努力提高自己的写作能力。
lose heart

To stop believing that you can succeed; to become discouraged or lose confidence.
失去信心或变得灰心

After failing the exam twice, she started to lose heart and considered giving up.
考试失败了两次后，她开始灰心，甚至考虑放弃。
to your heart’s content

You do something as much as you want to because you enjoy it.
因为喜欢，你可以尽情地做某事。

On weekends, I sleep to my heart’s content without worrying about alarms.
周末我睡个够，不用担心闹钟。
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.
全身心地投入到某件事中；非常投入和专注。

She put her heart and soul into the project, working late every night to make sure it was perfect.
她为这个项目倾注了全部心血，每晚加班到很晚，只为确保完美。
set your heart on something / have your heart set on something

To be very determined to achieve or obtain something; to strongly desire something.
非常渴望或坚定地想要实现某事。

Ever since she was a child, she set her heart on becoming a doctor.
她从小就立志成为医生。
know something by heart / learn something off by heart

memorise something so that you can recite it perfectly
将某事背得滚瓜烂熟，可以准确背诵出来

She can recite the poem by heart after practicing for weeks.
她练习了好几个星期，已经可以把这首诗倒背如流。
paths cross

to meet someone, often unexpectedly or by chance
偶然遇见某人，常常是出乎意料地

I never expected our paths would cross again after college, but we ran into each other at the airport.
我从没想到我们再次相遇会发生在大学毕业后，结果在机场碰上了。
stuck in a rut

in a boring situation, with no hope of excitement, or future prospects
处于无聊且没有前途的状态

After working the same job for ten years, I feel like I'm stuck in a rut and need a change.
在同一个岗位工作十年后，我觉得自己陷入了死循环，需要改变。
driving me round the bend

making me angry and frustrated
让我很生气和沮丧

The constant noise from the construction site is really driving me round the bend.
施工现场的持续噪音真的快要把我逼疯了。
right up your street/alley

perfect for you; exactly what interests you
非常适合你；正合你的胃口

If you love mystery novels, this new detective series will be right up your street.
如果你喜欢悬疑小说，这部新的侦探剧正合你的胃口。
middle-of-the-road

neither left-wing nor right-wing, has no radical views
既不偏左也不偏右，没有激进观点

The candidate's policies are very middle-of-the-road, appealing to voters who don't want extreme changes.
这位候选人的政策非常中庸，吸引了不希望有极端变革的选民。
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).
以有可能带来成功或正确结果的方式思考或行动（走在正确的道路上），或以可能导致失败或错误结果的方式（走在错误的道路上）。

If you keep practicing every day, you're definitely on the right track to becoming a great pianist.
如果你每天坚持练习，你肯定走在正确的道路上，会成为一名很棒的钢琴家。
an uphill battle/fight/struggle

a very difficult task
非常艰难的任务

Convincing the board to approve the new project was an uphill battle from the start.
说服董事会批准新项目一开始就是一场艰苦卓绝的战斗。
gone downhill

Something that used to be good has become worse over time.
曾经很好但随着时间变得更糟。

Ever since the new manager took over, the service at this restaurant has really gone downhill.
自从新经理上任后，这家餐厅的服务真的每况愈下。
off the beaten track

in a very isolated place
在非常偏僻的地方

We found a charming little café off the beaten track that none of the tourists knew about.
我们发现了一家远离游客的迷人小咖啡馆，游客们都不知道。
at a crossroads

At a decisive or critical point where an important decision must be made that will have significant consequences.
处于需要做出重大决定的关键时刻，这个决定将带来重大影响。

After graduating from college, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether to start working or continue my studies.
大学毕业后，我发现自己处于人生十字路口，不知道该工作还是继续深造。
a dead end

It has no future or prospects; a situation, job, or path that leads nowhere.
没有前途或希望；一种无出路的情况、工作或道路。

After working there for five years, I realized my job was a dead end with no chance for promotion.
在那里工作五年后，我意识到我的工作是死胡同，没有升职的机会。
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.
指简单、基础的出行，只是单纯从一个地方到另一个地方。

This small car is perfect if you just need to get from A to B around the city.
如果你只是需要在城市里从A点到B点，这辆小车非常合适。
put the village on the map

To make the village well-known or famous, especially when it was previously unknown.
让原本默默无闻的村庄变得出名或有名。

The new art festival really put the village on the map, attracting visitors from all over the country.
新的艺术节确实让这个村庄出了名，吸引了全国各地的游客。
hit the road

to start a journey or leave a place, especially by car or on a trip.
开始旅程或离开某地，尤其是开车或出门旅行。

We should hit the road early tomorrow to avoid traffic.
我们明天应该早点上路，这样可以避开堵车。
road rage

violent incidents resulting from traffic disputes
因交通纠纷引发的暴力事件

He experienced a bout of road rage when another driver cut him off on the highway.
在高速公路上被别人强行加塞时，他经历了一次路怒症。
keep your head

keep calm, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation
保持冷静，尤其在困难或危险的情况下

Even when the fire alarm went off, Sarah managed to keep her head and guided everyone to safety.
即使火警响了，Sarah还是保持冷静，带领大家安全撤离。
lose your head

To panic or lose control of your emotions, especially in a stressful situation.
在压力大时惊慌失措或情绪失控

When the fire alarm went off, she didn't lose her head and calmly led everyone outside.
火警响起时，她没有慌了神，而是冷静地带大家撤离。
laugh/scream/shout your head off

To laugh, scream, or shout very loudly and energetically, often in an uncontrolled or exaggerated way (informal).
非常大声且充满活力地笑、叫或喊，通常是不受控制或夸张的方式（口语）。

The kids laughed their heads off when the clown slipped on a banana peel.
小孩们看到小丑踩到香蕉皮时，笑得前仰后合。
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.
坚持去做一件很困难甚至不可能的事情，特别是因为别人不配合或不听。

Trying to convince my boss to change his mind is like banging my head against a brick wall.
试图说服我老板改变主意就像是对牛弹琴。
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.
糟糕的情况变得非常严重，必须立刻解决。

The ongoing arguments between the two departments finally came to a head when the manager called a meeting to resolve the issues.
两个部门之间不断的争论最终在经理召集会议解决问题时达到了顶点。
shouting their heads off

To shout very much and very loudly.
喊得声嘶力竭

The kids were shouting their heads off during the birthday party, making it impossible to hear anything.
孩子们在生日派对上喊得声嘶力竭，让人什么都听不见。
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.
不停努力去做一件非常困难甚至不可能的事，尤其是在努力被忽视或始终失败时。

Trying to convince my boss to change his mind is like banging my head against a brick wall.
试图说服我的老板改变主意就像在对牛弹琴。
came to a head

An unpleasant situation became so bad or intense that it had to be dealt with immediately.
糟糕的情况变得十分严重，必须立即处理。

The conflict between the two departments came to a head when both managers refused to compromise.
两个部门之间的冲突达到了顶点，当两位经理都拒绝妥协时。
put ideas into someone’s head

make someone want to do something they had not wanted to do before (usually something foolish or unwise)
让某人想做本来没想做的事（通常是不明智或愚蠢的事）

Don't put ideas into his head about skipping school—he hadn't even thought of it until you mentioned it.
别再给他灌输想逃学的念头了——他本来根本没想过，都是你一说才想到的。
get your head (a)round (usually – can’t get (my) head (a)round)

come to fully accept or understand something (informal)
完全接受或理解某事

I just can't get my head around the fact that they're moving to another country.
我实在无法理解他们要搬到其他国家这件事。
off the top of your head

without thinking about it for very long or looking at something that has been written about it
没有仔细思考或查阅相关资料

Can you tell me, off the top of your head, how many countries are in Europe?
你能不能马上答出来，欧洲有多少个国家？
turns heads

people notice that person because they look interesting or attractive
因外表有趣或吸引人而引人注目

Whenever she walks into a room, she turns heads with her unique sense of style.
每当她走进房间时，总是吸引所有目光，因为她独特的风格。
knock that on the head

put a stop to it (informal)
立刻制止（口语）

If you keep arguing, I'm going to knock that on the head right now.
你们再吵，我现在就要一刀两断。
keep his head above water

To manage to survive or cope, especially with work or financial difficulties, often just barely.
勉强维持生计，尤其是在经济或工作上遇到困难时。

With all the bills piling up, he's struggling to keep his head above water these days.
账单堆积如山，他最近在努力勉强过活。
bites/snaps their heads off

speaks to them angrily, often suddenly or without clear reason
生气地对他们说话，通常是突然的或没有明显原因

Whenever he's stressed at work, he bites my head off for the smallest mistakes.
他工作压力大时，总是因为小错误就对我发火。
keep my head down

say as little as possible in order to avoid arguments
尽量少说话以避免争吵

During the heated meeting, I decided to keep my head down and not get involved in the debate.
在那场激烈的会议中，我决定保持低调，不参与辩论。
jazz it up

make something more lively or interesting
让某事变得更加有趣或有活力

We decided to jazz it up by adding some colorful decorations to the room.
我们决定通过添加一些彩色装饰来点缀一下房间。
sang her heart out

sang with great passion or effort
倾注全部热情地唱歌

At the talent show, she sang her heart out and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
在才艺比赛上，她倾情演唱，赢得了观众的起立鼓掌。
sound like a broken record

To keep repeating the same thing over and over, often to the annoyance of others.
一遍又一遍重复同样的话，常常让别人感到烦躁。

You sound like a broken record when you keep reminding me to clean my room every day.
你每天都提醒我打扫房间，像复读机一样。
music to my ears

something that is very pleasant or gratifying to hear
令人听了非常高兴的事情

When my boss said I could leave early on Friday, it was music to my ears.
老板说我周五可以早退，这真是悦耳的音乐。
struck a chord

caused someone to feel sympathy, emotion, or enthusiasm
引起了某人的共鸣、情感或热情

Her story about overcoming adversity really struck a chord with the audience.
她关于克服困难的故事真的打动了观众。
changed his tune

changed his opinion or attitude
改变了意见或态度

At first, he refused to help, but after seeing the results, he changed his tune and offered his support.
一开始他拒绝帮忙，但看到结果后，他改变了看法并愿意提供支持。
fine-tuning

making small improvements to something to make it as good as possible
通过小的改进使某事尽善尽美

The engineer spent hours fine-tuning the engine to get the best performance.
工程师花了好几个小时在对引擎进行微调以获得最佳性能。
making a song and dance about

making an unnecessary fuss about something
小题大做

She was making a song and dance about the tiniest mistake in the report.
她因为报告里最小的错误都在小题大做。
set the stage for

create a situation that allows something else to happen
为某事的发生创造条件

The new government policies set the stage for economic growth in the region.
新的政府政策为该地区经济增长铺平了道路。
making a spectacle of yourself

behaving in a way that attracts other people’s attention, usually because you are doing something stupid or silly
以愚蠢或傻气的方式吸引他人注意，出洋相

He was making a spectacle of himself by dancing wildly on the table at the wedding.
他在婚礼上疯狂地在桌子上跳舞，出丑了。
been in the spotlight

been the centre of attention, often in public media
成为关注的焦点，常常出现在媒体上

Ever since the scandal broke, the politician has been in the spotlight and can't go anywhere without reporters following.
自从丑闻爆发以来，这位政客一直处于风口浪尖，无论走到哪里都有记者跟随。
the curtain has fallen on

Used to indicate that something, such as a career, event, or period, has come to an end.
用来表示某事，比如职业、生涯、事件或时期，已经结束。

After thirty years in the music industry, the curtain has finally fallen on his remarkable career.
在音乐行业工作三十年后，他的辉煌生涯终于落下帷幕。
the show must go on

No matter what difficulties or setbacks occur, an activity or event must continue as planned.
无论遇到什么困难或挫折，活动或事件都必须按计划继续进行。

Even though the lead actor was sick, the director insisted that the show must go on and the performance continued.
即使主演生病了，导演还是坚持演出必须继续，表演照常进行。
in line for

likely to get (used about something good)
很有可能得到好事

After all his hard work, Tom is in line for a big promotion at his company.
经过所有的努力，汤姆有望获得公司的重大升职。
out of line

not suitable, that should not have been said (or sometimes done)
不合适，不应该说或做的事

His comment during the meeting was completely out of line and offended several people.
他在会议上的评论非常过分，冒犯了几个人。
along the lines of

similar to; in a way that is like or resembles something else
类似于；以某种方式与别的东西相似

He suggested something along the lines of what we did last year for the company picnic.
他建议做一些类似于我们去年公司野餐时做的事情。
step out of line

behave in a way that is not what is expected of you
行为不符合对你的期待或规定

If you step out of line at school, you might get detention.
如果在学校越规越矩，你可能会被罚。
line of work

the type of job or profession someone has
某人从事的职业类型或行业

In my line of work, I often have to travel to different countries.
在我的行业里，我经常需要去不同的国家出差。
go along/on the right lines

be doing something in a way that will bring good results
以会带来好结果的方式做事

If you keep practicing every day, you are definitely going along the right lines to improve your skills.
如果你每天坚持练习，你就走在正确的道路上来提升你的技能。
along/on the same lines

of a similar kind (sometimes in a similar way)
类似的类型（有时以类似方式）

Her presentation was along the same lines as the one we saw last week.
她的演讲和我们上周看到的那个大同小异。
draw the line

To set a limit on what one is willing to do or accept; to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
设定自己可以接受或愿意做事情的底线；区分可以接受和不可接受的行为。

I don't mind helping you move, but I draw the line at packing all your boxes for you.
我不介意帮你搬家，但我有底线，不会帮你打包所有箱子。
draw the line at something

not do something because you think it is wrong or too extreme
因为认为做某事不对或太过分而拒绝做

I'm willing to help you move, but I draw the line at carrying your piano up three flights of stairs.
我愿意帮你搬家，但是要把钢琴搬到三楼我就划清界限了。
draw a line under something

decide that something is finished and you are not going to think about it again
决定某事已经结束，不再去想它

After months of arguing, they finally agreed to draw a line under their past disagreements and move forward.
经过数月争吵，他们终于同意翻篇，不再纠结于过去的分歧，继续前进。
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.
两件事非常相似，尽管第二件是坏的，而第一件不是。

There is a fine line between being confident and being arrogant.
自信和自大之间只有一线之隔。
drop me a line

send me a short letter, postcard or e-mail
给我发一封简短的信、明信片或电子邮件

When you get to Paris, please drop me a line so I know you arrived safely.
你到巴黎后，记得给我写封信，让我知道你安全到达了。
reading between the lines

To understand the hidden or unspoken meaning in something that is said or written.
理解话语或文字中隐藏的或未说出口的含义。

When she said she was 'fine,' I tried reading between the lines and realized she was actually upset.
当她说‘没事’时，我试着看懂字里行间，发现她其实很难过。
sign on the dotted line

To formally agree to something, usually by signing a legal or official document.
正式同意某事，通常是通过签署法律或官方文件。

After months of negotiations, she finally decided to sign on the dotted line and buy the house.
经过数月谈判，她终于决定签合同买下了这所房子。
the bottom line

the most important fact or the final outcome of a situation, especially after considering all the details.
最重要的事实或最终的结果，尤其是在考虑所有细节之后。

After hours of discussion, the bottom line is that we need to cut costs if we want to stay in business.
经过几个小时的讨论，最关键的是我们必须削减成本才能维持业务。
stand on your own two feet

be independent; look after yourself
独立自理；照顾自己

After graduating from college, I had to stand on my own two feet and find a job.
大学毕业后，我不得不独立生活并找工作。
rushed off my feet

Extremely busy or overwhelmed with work or tasks; having a lot to do in a short amount of time.
极为忙碌或被任务压得喘不过气；短时间内有许多事情要做。

I've been rushed off my feet all day trying to finish these reports before the deadline.
我今天一整天都忙得团团转，为了赶在截止日期前完成这些报告。
kept both feet on the ground

remained normal and realistic
保持谦虚和务实

Even after winning the lottery, she kept both feet on the ground and continued to live modestly.
即使中了彩票，她还是脚踏实地，继续过着简朴的生活。
got cold feet

became afraid to do something, especially at the last moment
临阵退缩，尤其在最后一刻害怕去做某事

She was all set to go skydiving, but she got cold feet right before boarding the plane.
她本来准备好去跳伞，但在登机前却临阵退缩了。
find your feet

To become comfortable in a new situation or environment; to adjust and feel confident or capable.
适应新环境并变得自信

It took me a few weeks to find my feet at the new job, but now I feel much more confident.
我花了几周才在新工作中站稳脚跟，但现在自信多了。
got off on the wrong foot

Our relationship started badly; to begin a relationship or activity in an unfavorable or awkward way.
我们的关系一开始就不顺利；以不利或尴尬的方式开始一段关系或活动。

We got off on the wrong foot during our first meeting, but things have improved since then.
我们第一次见面时开局不顺，但之后情况有所改善。
under my feet

in my way, disturbing my activities
碍事，妨碍我做事

The kids were always under my feet while I was trying to cook dinner.
孩子们总是碍事，我做饭的时候特别明显。
landed/fallen on his feet

been very lucky or successful in a difficult situation
在困境中非常幸运或成功

After losing his job, Tom quickly found an even better one—he really landed on his feet.
丢了工作后，汤姆很快找到了更好的工作—他真的是总能化险为夷。
got itchy feet

got a desire to travel
渴望去旅行

After a year in the same city, I got itchy feet and started planning my next adventure.
在同一个城市待了一年后，我就心痒想去旅行，开始计划下一次冒险。
put my foot in it

accidentally said or did something very embarrassing or tactless, often without realizing it at the time.
无意中说或做了非常尴尬或不得体的事情

I really put my foot in it when I asked her about her husband, not knowing they had just separated.
我真是说错话了，当时问她丈夫的事，却不知道他们刚刚分开。
put your foot down

to assert your authority or make a firm decision, especially when refusing to allow something
坚决维护自己的权威或做出果断决定，尤其是拒绝某事时

When my kids refused to do their homework, I had to put my foot down and take away their video games.
当孩子们不肯做作业时，我只好强硬起来，收走了他们的电子游戏。
followed in his father’s footsteps

took the same course of action as somebody else
步某人的后尘

After graduating from college, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a doctor.
大学毕业后，他跟随父亲的脚步成为了一名医生。
dragging her heels

deliberately being slow
故意拖延

She was dragging her heels about finishing her homework because she didn't want to go to bed early.
她磨蹭着不愿意完成作业，因为不想早点睡觉。
digging their heels in

refusing to change their position or opinion, especially when others are trying to persuade them to do so.
在别人试图劝说时，仍然坚持己见、拒绝改变立场。

Despite all the evidence, the committee members dug their heels in and refused to reconsider their decision.
尽管有所有证据，委员会成员仍然坚持己见，拒绝重新考虑他们的决定。
keeps us on our toes

keeps us busy; makes us give our full energy to our work
使我们保持忙碌；让我们全力以赴投入工作

Working in the emergency room really keeps us on our toes because you never know what will happen next.
在急诊室工作真的让我们时刻保持警惕，因为你永远不知道接下来会发生什么。
go one better

do more or do something better than it has been done before
做得比以前更好或超越他人

She decided to go one better than her brother by running a full marathon instead of a half marathon.
她决定更进一步，比她哥哥多跑一个全程马拉松，而不是半程。
against our better judgement

although we did not think it was a sensible thing to do
尽管我们知道这不是明智的做法

We decided to adopt the stray dog against our better judgement, but he turned out to be a wonderful companion.
我们明知不是明智之举，还是决定收养了那只流浪狗，但它却成了很棒的伙伴。
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.
对她未来有帮助，特别是在面对新情况或挑战时。

Her years of volunteering will stand her in good stead when she applies for a job in social work.
她多年的志愿服务经历将来在申请社会工作职位时一定大有帮助。
thought better of

Decided not to do something after reconsidering, usually because it might not be a good idea.
重新考虑后，决定不做某事，通常因为觉得这不是好主意。

She was about to confront her boss, but then she thought better of it and decided to wait.
她本来打算当面质问老板，但后来想了想还是决定再等等。
second best

not as good as the thing you really want
不如你真正想要的那样好

Winning the silver medal felt like second best to her, since she had trained so hard for the gold.
对她来说，赢得银牌仿佛就是退而求其次，因为她为金牌付出了很多努力。
get the best of both worlds

have the advantages of two different things at the same time
同时拥有两者的好处

By working from home two days a week and going to the office the rest, I get the best of both worlds.
每周在家工作两天，其余时间去办公室，我两全其美。
for the best

unpleasant now but will turn out well in the future
现在不愉快，将来却有好结果

Losing that job was tough, but I think it was for the best in the end.
失去那份工作很难受，但我觉得最终这是最好的结果。
make the best of a bad job

Be positive about a situation that you do not like but cannot change.
对你不喜欢但无法改变的情况保持积极态度。

Even though the weather ruined our picnic, we decided to make the best of a bad job and played board games indoors.
虽然天气破坏了我们的野餐，但我们决定将错就错，在屋里玩桌游。
be on your best behaviour

make an effort to behave as well as possible
尽力做到表现得最好

Please be on your best behaviour when we visit Grandma's house.
请在我们去奶奶家的时候，表现得最好。
in a bad way

in a poor condition
状况很糟

After the accident, his car was really in a bad way and needed major repairs.
事故后，他的车状况很糟，需要大修。
gone from bad to worse

got even worse than it was before
情况变得更加糟糕

After the power went out, things went from bad to worse when the pipes burst and flooded the basement.
停电后，雪上加霜的是管道爆裂，导致地下室被淹。
given it up as a bad job

Stopped trying to do something because it seemed pointless or too difficult to continue.
因为觉得没有希望或太难继续而放弃了。

After hours of trying to fix the old computer, I finally gave it up as a bad job and called a technician.
修理老电脑几个小时后，我终于放弃了，叫了技术员。
if the worst comes to the worst

if the situation becomes very difficult or serious
如果情况变得非常糟糕或严重

If the worst comes to the worst, we can always call a taxi to get home.
如果真的到了最糟的地步，我们还可以打车回家。
I have a bone to pick with you

You have done something that has annoyed me, and we must discuss it.
你做了一件让我不高兴的事，我们得谈谈。

Hey, I have a bone to pick with you about the mess you left in the kitchen.
嘿，我有点事要和你算账，就是你在厨房留下的那堆乱七八糟。
bare bones

The most basic, essential, or fundamental aspects of something, without any extras or details.
某事最基本、最核心的部分，没有任何多余或细节。

The report only included the bare bones of the proposal, leaving out all the supporting data.
报告只包含了提案的核心要点，省略了所有的支撑数据。
a chip on her shoulder

Blames other people for something negative that has happened to her and goes on carrying these feelings for ever.
把负面事情归咎于别人，并一直耿耿于怀。

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.
自从升职被拒后，她一直心里有疙瘩，谁一提工作就发火。
a shoulder to cry on

Sympathy or support in time of trouble.
在困难时刻给予同情或支持

After her breakup, she really needed a shoulder to cry on, so I stayed with her all night.
分手后，她真的需要一个可以依靠的肩膀，所以我整晚都陪着她。
stand shoulder to shoulder with you

Support you in a difficult time.
在困难时支持你。

No matter what happens, I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with you when things get tough.
无论发生什么，我都会在困难时刻一直 和你并肩作战。
gave me the cold shoulder

Reacted to me in an unfriendly or cold way for no obvious reason.
无缘无故地冷淡或不友好地对待我

When I tried to say hello, she just gave me the cold shoulder and walked away.
我试图打招呼时，她只是对我爱理不理，然后走开了。
twisted my arm

Persuaded me to do something I didn’t really want to do.
被劝说做了自己其实不想做的事。

I didn't want to go to the party, but Sarah twisted my arm and convinced me to join her.
我本来不想去聚会，但莎拉劝了我一番，我最终答应了。
keep/hold her at arm’s length

To maintain a distance or avoid becoming too close or involved with her.
与她保持距离，避免太过亲近或牵扯其中。

Even though they work together, he always keeps her at arm’s length to avoid any office gossip.
即使他们一起工作，他总是与她保持距离，以避免办公室闲话。
pulling your leg

Joking or teasing someone by telling them something that is not true, usually in a playful way.
以开玩笑的方式逗弄或戏弄某人，说一些不真实的话。

Don't worry, I'm just pulling your leg—there's no way you have to work this weekend.
别担心，我只是跟你开玩笑——你周末不需要上班。
hasn’t (got) a leg to stand on

Has nothing to support his claim or position.
没有任何可以支持他的说法或立场的依据。

After the evidence was presented, he hasn't got a leg to stand on in court.
证据呈上后，他在法庭上根本站不住脚。
push the boat out

spend a lot of money, usually because you are celebrating
为了庆祝而花很多钱

For their anniversary, they decided to push the boat out and booked a luxury hotel suite.
他们为了纪念日决定大手笔，订了一间豪华套房。
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
做或说某事引起麻烦，尤其是想改变别人不想改变的情况时

Please don't rock the boat during the meeting; the team finally agreed on a plan.
请在会议上不要捣乱，团队好不容易才达成一致。
miss the boat

be too late to get something you want
错过了获得想要东西的时机

I wanted to buy tickets to the concert, but I missed the boat and now they're sold out.
我本想买演唱会门票，但我错过了机会，现在已经卖光了。
burn your boats/bridges

do something that makes it impossible for you to go back to the situation you were in before
做了某事后，无法回到以前的状态

When she quit her job and told off her boss, she really burned her bridges with that company.
她辞职并当面批评了老板，算是彻底断了后路和那家公司。
be in the same boat

To be in the same, usually difficult, situation as someone else.
和他人处于同样（通常是艰难）的境地。

Don't worry about failing the test; we're all in the same boat and will have to retake it.
不用担心考试不及格；我们都同舟共济，需要重考。
steer clear of

avoid someone or something because it is dangerous for you
因为某人或某事对你有危险而避开他们

You should steer clear of that neighborhood after dark.
天黑后你应该避开那个社区。
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.
做有风险或几乎违法的事情；以几乎不当或危险的方式行事。

He's always sailing close to the wind with his tax returns, claiming things he probably shouldn't.
他总是玩火，在报税时申报不该申报的东西。
be plain sailing

To be very easy or straightforward, without any difficulties.
非常容易，毫无难度。

Once we fixed the engine, the rest of the trip was plain sailing.
修好引擎后，剩下的旅程轻而易举。
be in the doldrums

(of a business) be not very successful; (of a person) feel sad and without energy
处于低迷期或情绪低落

Ever since the company lost its biggest client, it has been in the doldrums and profits have plummeted.
自从公司失去最大客户后，一直处于低谷，利润大幅下滑。
put/stick your oar in

Join a discussion or give your opinion when it is not wanted or when you are not invited (informal).
在没人需要或没有被邀请时插嘴或发表意见（非正式）。

I wish you wouldn't always put your oar in when I'm talking to my boss.
我真希望你别总是插嘴，尤其是在我和老板说话的时候。
show someone the ropes

To teach someone how to do a particular job or activity, especially by explaining the basic procedures and rules.
教某人如何做某项工作或活动，尤其是说明基本流程和规则。

On my first day at the bakery, Sarah offered to show me the ropes so I wouldn't feel lost.
在我第一天到面包店时，莎拉主动带我熟悉流程，让我不会感到迷茫。
be a nervous wreck

To be extremely anxious, worried, or stressed, often to the point of being unable to function normally.
极度紧张、焦虑或压力大，以至于无法正常生活。

She was a nervous wreck before her big presentation at work.
她在重要的工作演讲前，紧张得要命。
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.
清除所有不必要的任务或障碍，以便为重要的事情做好准备。

Before starting the new project, we need to clear the decks and make sure all old files are archived.
在开始新项目之前，我们需要先清场，并确保所有旧文件都已归档。
be (all) at sea

To be confused or unsure about what to do; to feel lost or bewildered.
感到困惑或不知道该做什么；感到迷茫。

When the new software was introduced, I was all at sea trying to figure out how to use it.
引入新软件时，我一头雾水，不知道怎么用。
as blind as a bat

Unable to see well; having very poor eyesight.
视力很差，看不清东西。

Without my glasses, I am as blind as a bat and can't read anything on the board.
没有眼镜我就像瞎子一样，什么都看不清黑板上的字。
like a bat out of hell

moving very fast indeed
飞快地

When the fire alarm went off, everyone ran like a bat out of hell to get outside.
火警响起时，大家都飞快地跑到外面。
like a bear with a sore head

Very bad-tempered or irritable; acting in a grumpy or angry manner.
非常暴躁或易怒，表现得很生气。

After staying up all night working, he came into the office like a bear with a sore head and snapped at everyone.
熬夜工作后，他上班时就像炸药包一样，谁都骂。
as free as a bird

To feel or be completely free, without any worries, restrictions, or responsibilities.
感到完全自由，没有任何担忧、限制或责任。

Now that school is over for the summer, I feel as free as a bird.
现在学校放暑假了，我觉得自己像鸟儿一样自由。
like a red rag to a bull

Something that is likely to make someone very angry or provoke a strong, negative reaction.
极有可能激怒某人或引发强烈负面反应的事情。

Mentioning his rival's name is like a red rag to a bull; he immediately gets furious.
提起他的对手的名字就像火上浇油，他立刻暴怒。
like something the cat brought/dragged in

Looking very scruffy, untidy, or messy, as if one has been through a rough experience.
看起来很邋遢，狼狈不堪，就像刚经历了什么糟糕的事。

After the long flight and no sleep, I looked like something the cat dragged in when I arrived at the hotel.
长途飞行又没睡觉，我到酒店时看起来像刚被车撞过。
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.
形容某人难以捉摸、控制或确定立场，通常因为他们很狡猾或经常变换态度。

Whenever you try to get a straight answer from him, he’s as slippery as an eel and avoids the question.
每次你想要他给个明确答复，他就像泥鳅一样滑，总是回避问题。
like a fish out of water

uncomfortable because you are different from other people
因为与他人不同而感到不自在

When I moved to the new school, I felt like a fish out of water because I didn't know anyone.
刚转到新学校时，我感到格格不入，因为谁都不认识。
as sly/cunning as a fox

Very clever, crafty, or deceitful, especially in achieving one's goals.
非常聪明、狡猾或善于达到自己目标的人。

Don't trust him with your secrets—he's as sly as a fox when it comes to getting information out of people.
别把你的秘密告诉他——他在套别人信息时像狐狸一样狡猾。
has eyes like a hawk

sees everything; never misses anything
什么都看得见；从不遗漏任何细节

My teacher has eyes like a hawk; she always notices when someone is cheating on a test.
我的老师眼睛像鹰一样锐利，总能发现有人作弊。
as strong as an ox

very strong
非常强壮

Even at seventy years old, my grandfather is still as strong as an ox and can lift heavy boxes with ease.
即使七十岁了，我的祖父还是壮得像头牛，可以轻松搬起重箱子。
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.
绵延广阔，远远望去无边无际。

The fields of sunflowers stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a sea of yellow.
向日葵田一望无际，仿佛一片黄色的海洋。
as plain as the nose on your face

very easy to see or obvious to everyone
非常明显，人人都能看出来

The answer to the problem was as plain as the nose on your face, but somehow everyone missed it.
问题的答案一目了然，但不知怎么地大家都没发现。
as ugly as sin

very ugly indeed
极其丑陋

That old building is as ugly as sin, but it's full of history.
那座老建筑丑得要命，可是充满历史。
as light as a feather

Extremely light in weight; almost weightless.
极其轻盈，几乎没有重量。

This new smartphone is as light as a feather, so I barely notice it in my pocket.
这款新智能手机轻如羽毛，我几乎感觉不到它在口袋里。
as heavy as lead

very heavy
非常重

The suitcase was as heavy as lead, and I could barely lift it onto the bed.
这个手提箱重如铅，我几乎搬不上床。
like the plague

To avoid someone or something completely because it is unpleasant or undesirable.
因为某人或某事令人不愉快或不受欢迎而彻底避开。

Ever since that incident, she avoids him like the plague.
自从那件事之后，她像躲瘟疫一样躲着他。
a memory like a sieve

a very bad memory; the tendency to forget things easily.
记性非常差，容易忘事。

He has a memory like a sieve—he can't even remember where he put his keys five minutes ago.
他有金鱼记忆——五分钟前把钥匙放哪都记不得了。
like greased lightning

very quickly indeed
非常快

When the bell rang, the students ran out of the classroom like greased lightning.
铃声一响，学生们像闪电一样冲出了教室。
play it by ear

respond to the situation as it occurs, don’t decide what to do beforehand
根据情况随时应变，不预先决定做什么

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.
我们周末没有固定计划，所以我们可以见机行事，看想做什么。
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.
即兴发挥，随遇而安

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.
我们的行程没有具体计划，所以我们就见机行事，每天看想做什么就做什么。
couldn’t believe my ears

To be extremely surprised or shocked by what one hears.
对所听到的事情感到极其震惊或难以置信。

When they announced my name as the winner, I couldn’t believe my ears.
当他们宣布我是获胜者时，我简直不敢相信自己的耳朵。
goes in one ear and out the other

Said when someone doesn’t listen or pay attention, or forgets things immediately.
形容某人不听、不注意，或马上忘记别人说的话。

Whenever I tell my little brother to clean his room, it just goes in one ear and out the other.
每次我让弟弟打扫房间，他都是左耳进右耳出。
I’m all ears

I’m very keen to hear what you have to tell me.
我非常想听你要告诉我的事情。

Go ahead and tell me your story, I’m all ears.
开始讲你的故事吧，我洗耳恭听。
lip service

To express support or agreement for something verbally, but not follow through with actions.
口头表示支持或同意，但没有实际行动。

The company paid lip service to environmental issues, but continued to pollute the river.
公司只是对环保问题口头承诺，但依然污染河流。
my lips are sealed

I shall keep the secret / tell no one
我会保守秘密 / 不会告诉任何人

Don't worry, my lips are sealed—I won't tell anyone about your surprise party.
别担心，我守口如瓶——你生日派对的事我绝对不会说。
word of mouth

Information or recommendations passed from person to person through conversation rather than through written or formal means.
通过口头传播而非书面或正式渠道传递的信息或推荐。

Most of our new customers hear about us through word of mouth.
我们的大多数新客户都是通过口碑知道我们的。
mouth-watering / making my mouth water

Describes food that looks or smells so delicious that it makes you want to eat it immediately.
形容食物看起来或闻起来非常可口，让人立刻想吃。

The smell of freshly baked bread was so mouth-watering that I couldn't resist buying a loaf.
新鲜出炉的面包香味太诱人了，我忍不住买了一条。
poking/sticking your nose into other people’s business

To interfere in matters that do not concern you; to be nosy or meddlesome.
干涉与自己无关的事情；多管闲事，好管闲事。

My neighbor is always sticking her nose into my affairs, asking about my job and my family.
我的邻居总是喜欢插手我的私事，问我的工作和家庭。
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.
认为某物配不上自己而拒绝，或表现出轻蔑。

She turned her nose up at the homemade cookies because they weren't from a fancy bakery.
她因为不是高级面包店做的，对自制饼干嗤之以鼻。
gets right up everybody’s nose

annoys or irritates everyone
让所有人都感到烦恼或恼火

The way he constantly interrupts people really gets right up everybody’s nose.
他一直打断别人，真的很让大家受不了。
in the teeth of

despite; in direct opposition to something or facing strong difficulty or resistance
尽管；面对重大困难或阻力

The hikers continued their journey in the teeth of a fierce snowstorm.
登山者顶着猛烈的暴风雪继续前行。
by the skin of my teeth

To barely succeed at something or narrowly escape a disaster.
勉强成功或险些避开灾难。

I passed the final exam by the skin of my teeth; I thought I was going to fail.
我险之又险通过了期末考试，本以为会不及格。
grit our teeth

To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation and deal with it with determination and perseverance.
接受困難或不愉快的情況，並以決心和毅力去面對。

We had to grit our teeth and keep working even though the project seemed impossible.
我們不得不咬紧牙关繼續工作，即使這個項目看起來不可能完成。
lying through his teeth

telling a deliberate lie
睁着眼说谎

Everyone knew he was lying through his teeth when he said he had finished the project on time.
大家都知道他说自己按时完成项目是在睁着眼说谎。
bit my tongue

remained silent; didn’t react
保持沉默；没有反应

When my boss criticized my work unfairly, I just bit my tongue and didn’t say anything.
当老板不公平地批评我的工作时，我只好咬紧舌头，什么也没说。
on the tip of my tongue

I know it and will be able to remember it very soon.
我知道，很快就会想起来。

Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't recall it right now.
她的名字就在我嘴边，但我现在就是想不起来。
common ground

things we agree on; similar opinions and experience
我们达成一致的地方；相似的观点和经历

Even though they disagreed on many issues, they found common ground in their love for music.
尽管他们在许多问题上有分歧，但在对音乐的热爱上找到了共同点。
gaining ground

becoming more popular or accepted; making progress or advancing in a particular area.
变得越来越流行或被接受；在某个领域取得进展

Electric cars are really gaining ground as more people look for eco-friendly transportation options.
随着越来越多的人寻找环保出行方式，电动汽车正在逐渐普及。
cut the ground from under the feet of

To make someone's position or argument weaker by doing or saying something more effective.
通过更有力的做法或说法削弱某人的立场或论点。

The lawyer cut the ground from under the feet of the opposing counsel by presenting new evidence.
律师通过出示新证据，先发制人地击败了对方律师。
hold/stand her ground

refuse to change her opinion or behaviour, especially when under pressure or in a difficult situation.
在压力或困难情况下拒绝改变自己的观点或行为。

Even though everyone disagreed, she stood her ground and defended her decision.
即使大家都不同意，她仍然坚持立场，为自己的决定辩护。
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.
持有可能冒犯或惹怒他人的观点，或处于敏感和具有风险的情境中。

You're on dangerous ground if you criticize her work in front of the whole team.
你在团队面前批评她的工作，就是在踩雷区了。
give ground

to change your opinion or accept the other side’s position, especially in an argument or negotiation
在争论或谈判中，改变观点或接受对方立场

After hours of heated debate, the manager finally gave ground and agreed to some of the employees’ demands.
经过几个小时的激烈辩论，经理终于让步，同意了一些员工的要求。
shifting her ground

changing her opinion or argument, especially in a discussion or debate.
在讨论或辩论中不断改变自己的观点或立场。

During the debate, she kept shifting her ground whenever someone challenged her points.
在辩论中，她一遇到质疑就不断地改变立场。
gets a project/idea off the ground

To help a project or idea begin successfully or to get it started.
帮助一个项目或想法顺利启动

The team worked hard to get the new product off the ground before the holiday season.
团队努力工作，在假期季前把新产品推向市场。
gets in on the ground floor

become involved in something right at the beginning (and which is often successful later)
一开始就参与某事（后来通常会取得成功）

She got in on the ground floor of the tech startup and now she's a senior executive.
她从一开始就加入了这家科技创业公司，现在是高管。
prepares the ground

create a good or suitable situation for something to take place
为某事的发生创造有利条件

The new policy prepares the ground for future economic reforms.
新政策为未来经济改革打下基础。
wished the ground would swallow me up

Wished I could just disappear, usually because of embarrassment or shame.
真希望自己能消失，通常因为尴尬或羞愧。

When I realized my fly was open during the presentation, I wished the ground would swallow me up.
发现自己演讲时裤链开着，我真的恨不得找个地缝钻进去。
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.
数量非常多或非常少；用来形容某物的丰富或稀少。

Good restaurants are thin on the ground in this part of town, so we usually cook at home.
这附近的好餐厅凤毛麟角，所以我们通常在家做饭。
suits me down to the ground

suits me perfectly; is exactly what I want or need.
非常适合我；正是我想要或需要的。

Working from home suits me down to the ground because I don't have to commute.
在家工作正合我意，因为我不用通勤。
gone to ground

To hide or disappear, especially to avoid being found or to escape attention.
隐藏或消失，尤其是为了避免被发现或引起注意。

After the scandal broke, the politician went to ground and refused to speak to the media.
丑闻曝光后，那位政客销声匿迹，拒绝接受媒体采访。
stamping/stomping ground

A place where someone spent a lot of time, especially in their youth or earlier years; a familiar or favorite place.
某人曾经长时间待过的地方，尤其是在年轻时；熟悉或喜爱的地方。

This old café used to be my stomping ground when I was in college.
这家老咖啡馆曾是我大学时的常去之地。
at her fingertips

immediately available or accessible
立即可用或随时可获取

With all the latest research at her fingertips, the scientist was able to answer every question with ease.
有了所有最新的研究唾手可得，这位科学家能轻松回答每一个问题。
keep your fingers crossed

To hope that things will happen in the way you want; to wish for good luck.
希望事情按自己期望发展；祈求好运。

I'm waiting to hear back about the job interview, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
我在等面试回复，所以一直在祈祷好运。
put his finger on

to identify or pinpoint exactly what is wrong or the cause of a problem
准确找出问题或原因

The mechanic couldn't put his finger on the reason why the car kept stalling.
修理工无法说出确切原因为什么这辆车总是熄火。
lifts a finger

to make any effort to help, usually used in the negative to indicate someone is not helping at all
做出任何帮助的努力，通常用于否定句表示完全没有帮忙

Even when the house was a mess, he never lifted a finger to clean up.
即使家里一团糟，他也没有动一根手指去打扫。
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.
因冒险或犯错而受到损失或受害。

He got his fingers burnt when he invested in that risky startup and lost all his savings.
他在投资那个高风险初创公司时吃了亏，把所有积蓄都赔光了。
given the thumbs up/down

To approve (thumbs up) or reject (thumbs down) something or someone.
批准或拒绝某事或某人。

The manager gave the thumbs up to our new marketing proposal, so we can start working on it right away.
经理点头同意我们的新市场方案，所以我们可以马上开始了。
sticks/stands out like a sore thumb

looks different from everything else in its environment (in a negative sense)
与环境非常不协调（贬义）

That bright red car stands out like a sore thumb in a parking lot full of black and gray vehicles.
那辆亮红色的车在全是黑色和灰色车辆的停车场里，格外扎眼。
as a rule of thumb

a general, useful rule or guideline based on experience rather than a strict law.
基于经验的通用、有用的准则，不是严格的法律

When baking bread, as a rule of thumb, I let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
烤面包时，通常情况下，我会让面团发酵到体积变成原来的两倍。
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.
让我有完全的自由决定或采取任何行动。

My boss has given me a free hand to redesign the website however I think is best.
我的老板给了我完全的自主权，让我按照自己的想法重新设计网站。
turn his hand to

has the skill or ability to do unfamiliar jobs without any previous experience
有能力无经验就能胜任新工作

Jake can turn his hand to anything—one day he's fixing cars, the next he's baking bread.
杰克可以做任何事情——今天修车，明天烤面包。
got out of hand

got out of control
失去控制

The party got out of hand when too many people showed up and the neighbors called the police.
当来了太多人、邻居报警时，聚会就失去控制了。
first-hand

Directly experienced or obtained personally, rather than through another person or source.
亲自经历或获得，而不是通过他人或其他渠道。

She wanted to see the results first-hand before making any decisions.
她想要亲自看看结果再做决定。
changed hands

been sold to a new owner
被卖给了新主人

The old bookstore on Main Street has changed hands three times in the last decade.
主街上的老书店在过去十年里已经易主三次了。
have my hands full

am very busy / have a lot of things to do
非常忙 / 有很多事要做

With three young kids at home, I really have my hands full these days.
家里有三个小孩，这些天我真的忙得不可开交。
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.
首次尝试做某事，尤其是为了看看自己是否喜欢或擅长。

I've always wanted to try my hand at painting, so I signed up for an art class.
我一直想尝试一下绘画，因此报名了美术课。
keep my hand in

to continue practicing something so as not to lose skill or knowledge in it
持续练习某事以免失去技能或知识

Even though I don't play chess competitively anymore, I still keep my hand in by playing online once a week.
虽然我不再参加象棋比赛，但我仍然每周在线下棋来保持手感。
to hand

available; nearby
可用的；随手可得的

I always keep a notebook to hand in case I get a good idea.
我总是把笔记本放在手边，以防有好主意。
give me a hand

help me, for example to carry or lift something
帮我个忙，比如搬运或抬东西

Could you give me a hand with these boxes? They're really heavy.
你能帮我一把搬这些箱子吗？它们真的很重。
washed my hands of

stopped being involved in or took no further responsibility for something
停止参与或不再承担责任

After years of trying to help, I finally washed my hands of the whole situation.
多年来尝试后，我终于撇清了关系，不再管这件事。
get into gear

start working effectively or with energy
开始高效或有活力地工作

After a slow morning, the team finally got into gear and finished the project ahead of schedule.
慢吞吞的早晨过后，团队终于进入状态，提前完成了项目。
real back-seat driver

someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism, especially when someone else is doing something
喜欢在他人做事时提出多余建议或批评的人

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.
我哥哥就是个喜欢指手画脚的人，我开车时他总在一旁教我怎么停车。
put the brakes on

To slow down or stop something that is happening, especially to prevent it from continuing or getting out of control.
减缓或制止某事，防止其继续或失控

The company decided to put the brakes on its expansion plans due to the uncertain economy.
公司决定因经济不确定而踩刹车扩展计划。
ticking over

working quietly and smoothly, without problems
安静平稳地运作，没有问题

Even though the boss is away, the office is still ticking over nicely.
即使老板不在，办公室依然顺利运转。
let off steam

express strong emotions or energy by doing something active or noisy
通过做一些积极或吵闹的事情来发泄强烈情绪或能量

After a stressful day at work, I let off steam by going for a long run.
工作压力大的一天后，我会通过长跑来发泄情绪。
programmed

always doing the same thing in the same way, like a computer
总是以同样的方式做同样的事，就像机器人一样

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.
他每天早上六点起床，吃同样的早餐，七点准时出门上班——就像被设定好程序一样。
get your lines/wires crossed

to have a misunderstanding or miscommunication with someone, often resulting in confusion or mistakes.
与他人产生误会或沟通不畅，常导致混淆或错误。

We must have got our wires crossed because I thought the meeting was at 2, not 3.
我们一定是产生了误会，因为我以为会议在2点，而不是3点。
are on the same wavelength as someone

You view the world or think in the same way as them.
你与某人有相同的想法或看法

It's so easy to work with Sarah because we are on the same wavelength about almost everything.
和莎拉一起工作很容易，因为我们几乎在所有事情上都想法一致。
blow a fuse/gasket

To lose your temper and react very angrily to an event.
因某件事大发脾气，失去冷静。

When the kids broke his favorite vase, he blew a fuse and started yelling.
当孩子们打碎了他最喜欢的花瓶时，他大发雷霆，开始大声喊叫。
give someone a buzz

To phone or call someone, usually in an informal or casual way.
以随意的方式打电话给某人。

I'll give you a buzz later to confirm the meeting time.
我晚点会给你打个电话，确认下会议时间。
back-pedalling

beginning to say the opposite of what was said before; reversing a previous position
开始推翻之前所说的话，改变原先立场

After realizing his statement was unpopular, the politician started back-pedalling during the interview.
意识到自己的言论不受欢迎后，那位政客在采访中开始打退堂鼓。
put/throw a spanner in the works

To spoil something, such as a plan, or prevent it from succeeding.
破坏某事，例如计划，或阻止其成功。

We were all set to launch the new product next week, but the supplier delay really put a spanner in the works.
我们本来准备下周推出新产品，但供应商的延迟真的让计划泡汤了。
meltdown

a complete failure; a situation where everything goes wrong
彻底失败；一切都出错的情况

The company had a financial meltdown after the stock market crash.
股市崩盘后，公司经历了财务上的崩溃。
in the pipeline

being discussed, prepared, or planned but not public yet
正在讨论、准备或计划中但尚未公开

The company has several new products in the pipeline that will be released next year.
公司有几款新产品正在筹备中，将于明年发布。
make/pull a face

show that you do not like something by making an unpleasant expression
通过做出难看的表情来表达不喜欢

The child made a face when he tasted the sour lemon.
孩子尝到酸柠檬时皱起了脸。
keep a straight face

not laugh or change your expression even though you want to laugh
即使想笑也不笑或改变表情

It was so hard to keep a straight face when my friend told that ridiculous story.
我朋友讲那个荒唐故事时，我很难板着脸。
put a brave face on something

pretend you are happy about something when you are not happy
假装开心，尽管实际上并不高兴

Even though she was disappointed about not getting the job, she put a brave face on it during the family dinner.
虽然她因没得到那份工作而失望，但在家庭聚餐时还是强装笑脸。
take something at face value

Accept something as it appears, without questioning or doubting its truth or considering any hidden meaning.
接受表面现象，不质疑或考虑隐藏含义。

You shouldn't take everything he says at face value; sometimes he exaggerates.
你不应该照单全收他说的每一句话；有时候他会夸大。
on the face of it

according to the appearance of something; as something seems at first glance, without deeper investigation
根据表面现象；乍看之下，没有深入调查

On the face of it, the proposal seems reasonable, but there may be hidden problems.
乍一看，这个提案似乎合理，但可能隐藏着问题。
face to face

with another person in their presence rather than, say, by phone or letter
与他人当面，而非通过电话或信件

After months of video calls, it was great to finally meet face to face.
经过几个月的视频通话，终于面对面见面真是太好了。
keep your hair on

Stay calm; don't get angry or upset.
保持冷静；不要生气或烦躁。

Just keep your hair on, there's no need to shout about it.
只是别激动，没必要为这事大喊大叫。
tearing/pulling her hair out

To be extremely anxious, frustrated, or stressed, often because of a difficult or overwhelming situation.
因困难或压力情境而极度焦虑、烦躁或压力大。

She was tearing her hair out trying to meet the project deadline with so little time left.
她为了赶项目截止日期，急得团团转。
didn't turn a hair

showed no reaction at all
完全没有任何反应

When the fire alarm went off during the meeting, she didn't turn a hair and kept talking as if nothing had happened.
会议期间火警响起时，她面不改色，继续讲话，好像什么都没发生。
at each other's throats

arguing in a very angry way
激烈地争吵

The two coworkers were at each other's throats during the meeting, making it hard for anyone else to speak.
两位同事在会议上吵得不可开交，让其他人很难发言。
make a clean breast of it

To confess fully and honestly, especially about something one has done wrong, in order to relieve guilt.
坦白承认所有事实，特别是承认错误，以减轻内疚感。

After weeks of feeling guilty, he finally made a clean breast of it and told his boss about the mistake.
感到内疚了好几个星期后，他终于坦白交代了一切，把错误告诉了老板。
breathing down his neck

paying close attention to what he is doing in an annoying or threatening way
以令人不舒服或威胁的方式盯着某人或密切监视

The manager kept breathing down my neck while I was finishing the report, which made me really nervous.
经理一直在盯着我完成报告，这让我非常紧张。
a real pain in the neck

Someone or something that is very annoying or bothersome.
非常烦人或令人头疼的人或事。

My little brother can be a real pain in the neck when I'm trying to do my homework.
我弟弟在我写作业的时候真是一个大麻烦。
got it off his chest

told someone about something that was bothering him, usually a secret or worry, in order to feel relieved
向别人倾诉烦恼以感到释然

After weeks of worrying, he finally got it off his chest and told his friend the truth.
在担心了好几个星期后，他终于说出了心里话，把真相告诉了朋友。
ramming it down his throat

Forcing someone to accept or listen to your opinions or beliefs, often in an aggressive or insistent way.
强行把自己的观点或信仰强加给别人。

He kept ramming it down my throat that his way was the only way to solve the problem.
他一直强行灌输他的方法是解决问题的唯一方式。
giving him the cold shoulder

ignoring him in a deliberate way
故意忽视某人

After their argument, she started giving him the cold shoulder at work.
争吵之后，她开始在工作中对他爱理不理。
couldn't believe my eyes

To be extremely surprised or shocked by what one is seeing; to find something visually unbelievable.
对所看到的感到极其惊讶或震惊；觉得眼前的事难以置信。

When I saw the size of the cake, I couldn't believe my eyes.
看到蛋糕的尺寸时，我简直不敢相信自己的眼睛。
couldn't keep my eyes off

couldn't stop looking at someone or something because they are very attractive, interesting, or captivating.
由于某人或某物非常吸引人或迷人，无法将目光移开。

The painting was so beautiful that I couldn't keep my eyes off it.
这幅画太美了，我目不转睛地看着它。
catch her eye

get her attention; make her look at me
吸引她的注意

He tried to catch her eye across the crowded room, hoping she would notice him.
他试图在拥挤的房间里吸引她的目光，希望她会注意到他。
keep an eye on

To watch or monitor something or someone carefully.
仔细看护或监视某人或某事。

Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?
你可以帮我看一下包吗？我要去洗手间。
turn a blind eye

ignore behaviour which you know is wrong
对明知不对的行为视而不见

The teacher decided to turn a blind eye to the students whispering during the test.
老师决定对学生考试时的低声细语睁一只眼闭一只眼。
with your eyes open

aware of all the problems or difficulties that could arise in a situation; fully informed before making a decision
充分了解可能出现的问题或难题；做决定前心中有数

She accepted the challenging job offer with her eyes open, knowing it would require long hours and hard work.
她明知其中的艰辛，依然接受了这个具有挑战性的工作。
see eye to eye

to agree with someone or have the same opinion as them
与某人意见一致或持相同观点

My sister and I rarely see eye to eye when it comes to choosing a movie.
我和我姐姐在选电影时很少能意见一致。
raised a few eyebrows

To cause surprise, shock, or mild disapproval among people.
让人感到惊讶、震惊或有些不满。

Her decision to wear pajamas to the office definitely raised a few eyebrows among her coworkers.
她穿睡衣上班的决定确实让同事们很吃惊。
run/cast your eye over

To have a quick look at something, usually to check or review it briefly.
快速地检查或浏览一下某物。

Could you run your eye over this report before I send it to the manager?
你能在我发给经理之前帮我过目一下这份报告吗？
on the blink

beginning to break down and go wrong, probably because it is old
开始出毛病、出现故障，可能因为太旧了

My old laptop has been on the blink for weeks; it keeps shutting down unexpectedly.
我的旧笔记本已经出故障好几周了，一直无缘无故关机。
have/keep one eye on

To observe or monitor something or someone carefully, often while doing something else.
在做其他事情的同时留意某事或某人。

While cooking dinner, I always keep one eye on the kids playing in the backyard.
做晚饭时，我总是一边照看着在后院玩的孩子们。
didn't bat an eyelid

didn't react at all; showed no surprise, emotion, or concern in response to something unexpected or shocking.
毫无反应；对意外或震惊的事情毫无惊讶、情绪或关心。

When I told her the shocking news, she didn't bat an eyelid and just kept working.
当我告诉她这个令人震惊的消息时，她眼皮都没眨一下，继续工作。
caught my eye

Something that attracted my attention or made me notice it.
引起我注意或让我留意到的事情。

The bright red dress in the shop window immediately caught my eye as I walked by.
橱窗里那件鲜红色的连衣裙立刻吸引了我的注意。
opened my eyes to

made me understand or realize something for the first time; made me aware of something I hadn't noticed before.
让我第一次明白或意识到某事

Traveling to different countries really opened my eyes to how diverse the world is.
去不同的国家旅行真的让我大开眼界，了解了世界的多样性。
a real eye-opener

an event or situation that I unexpectedly learnt something from
让我意外学到东西的事件或情境

Visiting the developing country was a real eye-opener for me; I never realized how different life could be.
去发展中国家参观对我来说是一次大开眼界的经历，我从未意识到生活可以如此不同。