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List of 101 English Idioms
English Idiom #1
DON\'T GIVE UP THE DAY JOB
Explanation of English Idiom #1
YOU ARE NOT VERY GOOD AT THAT. YOU COULD DEFINITELY NOT DO IT PROFESSIONALLY.
Example of English Idiom #1
I REALLY LIKE THE WAY YOU SING BUT DON\'T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB.
English Idiom #2
A CASH COW
Explanation of English Idiom #2
AN EASY WAY TO EARN MONEY REGULARLY.
Example of English Idiom #2
INCOME TAX IS A REAL CASH COW FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
English Idiom #3
BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW
Explanation of English Idiom #3
TRYING TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS TOO DIFFICULT OR TIME CONSUMING TO FINISH.
Example of English Idiom #3
I\'M GLAD YOU WANT TO PREPARE THE REPORT BY YOURSELF. JUST BE SURE THAT YOU DON\'T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW.
English Idiom #4
CLEAR THE AIR
Explanation of English Idiom #4
DISCUSS SOMETHING THAT WAS CAUSING PEOPLE TO FEEL UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #4
THERE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING. I\'D LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED, JUST TO CLEAR THE AIR.
English Idiom #5
TURN YOUR BACK ON
Explanation of English Idiom #5
GIVE UP ON, OR ABANDON.
Example of English Idiom #5
I NEED YOUR HELP BUT YOU JUST TURNED YOUR BACK ON ME.
English Idiom #6
NOT CUT OUT FOR
Explanation of English Idiom #6
NOT SUITABLE FOR SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #6
HE TRIED MOUNTAIN CLIMBING BUT HE SIMPLY WAS NOT CUT OUT FOR IT.
English Idiom #7
SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
Explanation of English Idiom #7
THE VERY LAST, OR THE VERY WORST.
Example of English Idiom #7
THESE ARE THE LAST VOLUNTEERS WE COULD FIND. WE REALLY HAD TO SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL TO FIND THEM.
English Idiom #8
A CLASS ACT
Explanation of English Idiom #8
SOPHISTICATED, ABOVE AVERAGE.
Example of English Idiom #8
HE OFFERED TO HELP, EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN\'T KNOW ME. HE\'S A REAL CLASS ACT.
English Idiom #9
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT
Explanation of English Idiom #9
IMPROVE YOUR BEHAVIOR.
Example of English Idiom #9
IF YOU ARE EVER GOING TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS, YOU MUST START GETTING TO CLASS ON TIME AND DOING YOUR HOMEWORK. WHY DON\'T YOU CLEAN UP YOUR ACT?
English Idiom #10
GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER
Explanation of English Idiom #10
GET MORE ORGANIZED.
Example of English Idiom #10
YOU HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK EVERY DAY THIS WEEK. IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THIS JOB, YOU MUST GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER.
English Idiom #11
A PIECE OF THE ACTION
Explanation of English Idiom #11
PARTICIPATION IN AN ACTIVITY. OFTEN RELATED TO GAMBLING OR BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS.
Example of English Idiom #11
I HEARD THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN YOUR NEW INVESTMENT. IF YOU DON\'T MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN ON A PIECE OF THE ACTION.
English Idiom #12
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
Explanation of English Idiom #12
PEOPLE\'S INTENTIONS CAN BE JUDGED BETTER BY WHAT THEY DO THAN WHAT THEY SAY.
Example of English Idiom #12
English Idiom #13
IN THE AIR
Explanation of English Idiom #13
BEING DISCUSSED. GENERALLY OBVIOUS.
Example of English Idiom #13
THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING. SPRING IS IN THE AIR.
English Idiom #14
GO APE
Explanation of English Idiom #14
GO CRAZY.
Example of English Idiom #14
JACK WAS REALLY ANGRY. I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO GO APE.
English Idiom #15
A GREY AREA
Explanation of English Idiom #15
SOMETHING THAT IS DIFFICULT TO DEFINE.
Example of English Idiom #15
I RESEARCHED YOUR CASE BUT THERE ARE NOT ANY BLACK AND WHITE ANSWERS. YOUR SITUATION SEEMS TO FALL INTO A GREY AREA.
English Idiom #16
UP IN ARMS
Explanation of English Idiom #16
ANGRY.
Example of English Idiom #16
THE CROWD WAS AGITATED. EVERYONE WAS UP IN ARMS OVER THE GOVERNMENT DECISION.
English Idiom #17
BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF
Explanation of English Idiom #17
BE HAPPY WHEN A PERSON LEAVES.
Example of English Idiom #17
THAT GUY BOTHERS ME. I\'ll BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF HIM.
English Idiom #18
GIVE HIM CREDIT
Explanation of English Idiom #18
ACKNOWLEDGE AN ACHIEVEMENT OR CONTRIBUTION OF A PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #18
ALTHOUGH HE IS NOT EASY TO WORK FOR, YOU HAVE TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR MANAGING THE COMPANY WELL.
English Idiom #19
GO BEHIND SOMEONE\'S BACK
Explanation of English Idiom #19
DO SOMETHING WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE.
Example of English Idiom #19
DON\'T TRUST JANE. SHE ACTS FRIENDLY BUT SHE IS ALWAYS GOING BEHIND SOMEONE\'S BACK.
English Idiom #20
EACH TO HIS OWN
Explanation of English Idiom #20
EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO HIS OWN INDIVIDUAL OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #20
I CAN\'T SAY THAT I LIKE GEORGE\'S NEW FURNITURE. IT SEEMS VERY PLAIN AND UNCOMFORTABLE. OH WELL, EACH TO HIS OWN.
English Idiom #21
EAGER BEAVER
Explanation of English Idiom #21
ENTHUSIASTIC PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #21
JOHN DID ALL OF HIS HOMEWORK BEFORE SUPPER. HE SURE IS AN EAGER BEAVER.
English Idiom #22
EARLY BIRD
Explanation of English Idiom #22
A PERSON WHO IS EARLY FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
Example of English Idiom #22
SATOKO WAS IN CLASS 30 MINUTES BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. WHAT AN EARLY BIRD.
English Idiom #23
SCRATCH THE SURFACE
Explanation of English Idiom #23
EXAMINE ONLY A PART OF SOMETHING. UNCOVER ONLY A FEW FACTS ABOUT SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #23
CANCER RESEARCH IS A VERY LONG-TERM PROCESS. SO FAR, WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO SCRATCH THE SURFACE.
English Idiom #24
GIVE HIM THE SLIP
Explanation of English Idiom #24
LEAVE HIM. HIDE FROM HIM.
Example of English Idiom #24
I THINK THAT MAN IS FOLLOWING US. LET\'S GIVE HIM THE SLIP.
English Idiom #25
COLD SHOULDER
Explanation of English Idiom #25
TO TREAT SOMEONE IN AN UNFRIENDLY MANNER.
Example of English Idiom #25
I DON\'T THINK JIM LIKES ME. I TRIED TO SPEAK WITH HIM EARLIER BUT HE GAVE ME THE COLD SHOULDER.
English Idiom #26
GET THE BALL ROLLING
Explanation of English Idiom #26
START SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #26
ALL RIGHT EVERYONE, WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME PLANNING THIS PROJECT. NOW, IT\'S TIME TO GET THE BALL ROLLING.
English Idiom #27
JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON
Explanation of English Idiom #27
JOIN A POPULAR TREND OR ACTIVITY.
Example of English Idiom #27
I LIKE THAT NEW PROCEDURE AND I\'VE DECIDED TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON.
English Idiom #28
A LOSING BATTLE
Explanation of English Idiom #28
SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED.
Example of English Idiom #28
English Idiom #29
KEEP SOMETHING AT BAY
Explanation of English Idiom #29
KEEP SOMETHING AWAY.
Example of English Idiom #29
SARAH FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE SALESPERSON AT BAY.
English Idiom #30
SPILL THE BEANS
Explanation of English Idiom #30
TELL A SECRET.
Example of English Idiom #30
I WON\'T BE THE ONE TO SPILL THE BEANS.
English Idiom #31
BEGGARS CAN\'T BE CHOOSERS
Explanation of English Idiom #31
PEOPLE CANNOT COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING THEY GET FOR FREE.
Example of English Idiom #31
I DON\'T LIKE THE COLOR OF THE SWEATER SHE GAVE ME BUT, BEGGARS CAN\'T BE CHOOSERS.
English Idiom #32
FLESH AND BLOOD
Explanation of English Idiom #32
A RELATIVE.
Example of English Idiom #32
I MUST HELP HIM. AFTER ALL, HE\'S MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD.
English Idiom #33
GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT
Explanation of English Idiom #33
BELIEVE SOMEONE\'S STATEMENT, WITHOUT PROOF.
Example of English Idiom #33
THE TEACHER\'S EXPLANATION DID NOT SEEM LOGICAL, BUT I GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
English Idiom #34
A SAFE BET
Explanation of English Idiom #34
PROBABLY TRUE. WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #34
IT\'S A SAFE BET THAT YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS WILL IMPROVE QUICKLY IF YOU STUDY AT VANCOUVER ENGLISH CENTRE.
English Idiom #35
FIT THE BILL
Explanation of English Idiom #35
SEEMS CORRECT.
Example of English Idiom #35
THAT SEEMS TO FIT THE BILL. I\'LL TAKE IT.
English Idiom #36
BLACK AND BLUE
Explanation of English Idiom #36
BRUISED.
Example of English Idiom #36
HE WAS BEATEN UNTIL HE WAS BLACK AND BLUE.
English Idiom #37
IN COLD BLOOD
Explanation of English Idiom #37
WITH COMPASSION OR MERCY. USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH RUTHLESS MURDER.
Example of English Idiom #37
THE ASSASSIN WAS EVIL. HE KILLED HIM IN COLD BLOOD.
English Idiom #38
OUT OF THE BLUE
Explanation of English Idiom #38
UNEXPECTED.
Example of English Idiom #38
A GREAT IDEA JUST CAME TO ME OUT OF THE BLUE.
English Idiom #39
CALL SOMEONE\'S BLUFF
Explanation of English Idiom #39
MAKE SOMEONE PROVE WHAT THEY SAY.
Example of English Idiom #39
HE IMPLIED THAT HE WOULD TERMINATE MY CONTRACT BUT I CALLED HIS BLUFF.
English Idiom #40
ROCK THE BOAT
Explanation of English Idiom #40
CREATE PROBLEMS FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
Example of English Idiom #40
EVERYONE LIKES ANTONIO. HE DOESN\'T ROCK THE BOAT.
English Idiom #41
BY THE BOOK
Explanation of English Idiom #41
DOING SOMETHING ACCORDING TO THE RULES.
Example of English Idiom #41
HE IS A GOOD COP. HE DOES EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK.
English Idiom #42
GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT
Explanation of English Idiom #42
DISMISS OR TERMINATE SOMEONE.
Example of English Idiom #42
MR. SMITH IS AN EASY BOSS TO WORK FOR. HE DOESN\'T LIKE TO GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT.
English Idiom #43
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF
Explanation of English Idiom #43
LEARN ABOUT AND UNDERSTAND FULLY.
Example of English Idiom #43
WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT WE INTEND TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS.
English Idiom #44
OUT OF BOUNDS
Explanation of English Idiom #44
NOT PERMITTED.
Example of English Idiom #44
HANS WANTED TO ASK MARY OUT ON A DATE BUT I EXPLAINED THAT SHE IS OUT OF BOUNDS. MARY IS ENGAGED TO JACK.
English Idiom #45
BREAD AND BUTTER
Explanation of English Idiom #45
REGULAR INCOME.
Example of English Idiom #45
WE ARE VERY DEPENDENT ON OUR ADVERTISING REVENUE. IT\'S OUR BREAD AND BUTTER.
English Idiom #46
THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD
Explanation of English Idiom #46
A GOOD INVENTION OR INNOVATION.
Example of English Idiom #46
I LOVE THIS PAPER FOLDING MACHINE. IT\'S THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD.
English Idiom #47
GIVE ME A BREAK
Explanation of English Idiom #47
DON\'T EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE OR AGREE WITH THAT.
Example of English Idiom #47
YOU THINK THE TEACHER IS JOKING? GIVE ME A BREAK.
English Idiom #48
DON\'T HOLD YOUR BREATH
Explanation of English Idiom #48
DON\'T WAIT TOO LONG BECAUSE IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #48
YES, IT\'S POSSIBLE THAT THEY WILL LOWER TAXES BUT DON\'T HOLD YOUR BREATH.
English Idiom #49
CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN YOU COME TO IT
Explanation of English Idiom #49
DEAL WITH A PROBLEM IF AND WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY.
Example of English Idiom #49
I\'M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT A POSSIBLE DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY. ANYWAY, LET\'S CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT.
English Idiom #50
THE BUBBLE HAS BURST
Explanation of English Idiom #50
A PREVIOUSLY POSITIVE SITUATION HAS ENCOUNTERED A SERIOUS PROBLEM.
Example of English Idiom #50
LAST YEAR, THE STOCK MARKET WAS DOING VERY WELL. UNFORTUNATELY, IT SEEMS THAT THE BUBBLE HAS BURST.
English Idiom #51
THE BUCK STOPS HERE
Explanation of English Idiom #51
PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED HERE.
Example of English Idiom #51
A LOT OF PEOPLE TRY TO PASS PROBLEMS ON TO OTHER PEOPLE. AT MY DESK, HOWEVER, THE BUCK STOPS HERE.
English Idiom #52
BURN YOUR BRIDGES
Explanation of English Idiom #52
MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RETURN.
Example of English Idiom #52
BE POLITE WHEN YOU HAND IN YOUR RESIGNATION. AFTER ALL, YOU DON\'T WANT TO BURN YOUR BRIDGES.
English Idiom #53
MY EARS ARE BURNING
Explanation of English Idiom #53
I THINK SOMEONE IS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT ME.
Example of English Idiom #53
PIERRE IS TALKING AGAIN. MY EARS ARE BURNING.
English Idiom #54
PUT ON THE BACK BURNER
Explanation of English Idiom #54
LEAVE IT FOR LATER.
Example of English Idiom #54
I DON\'T THINK WE WILL HAVE TIME TO COMPLETE IT THIS YEAR. LET\'S PUT IT ON THE BACK BURNER.
English Idiom #55
SOMEONE MEANS BUSINESS
Explanation of English Idiom #55
SOMEONE IS SERIOUS
Example of English Idiom #55
WATCH OUT FOR HARRY. HE IS SOMEONE WHO MEANS BUSINESS.
English Idiom #56
AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON
Explanation of English Idiom #56
QUICKLY AND EASILY.
Example of English Idiom #56
NO PROBLEM. I CAN CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON.
English Idiom #57
HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT
Explanation of English Idiom #57
ENJOY SOMETHING WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT.
Example of English Idiom #57
JUAN CARLOS EXPECTED TO PASS WITHOUT STUDYING. UNFORTUNATELY, YOU CANNOT HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO.
English Idiom #58
A CLOSE CALL
Explanation of English Idiom #58
SOMETHING (USUALLY BAD) ALMOST HAPPENING.
Example of English Idiom #58
THAT CAR ALMOST HIT US. THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL.
English Idiom #59
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Explanation of English Idiom #59
THIS SHOULD STOP.
Example of English Idiom #59
I HAVE LISTENED TO HIS COMPLAINTS FOR YEARS BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
English Idiom #60
A FAT CAT
Explanation of English Idiom #60
A WEALTHY PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #60
FERNANDO HAS EVERYTHING HE NEEDS. HE\'S A REAL FAT CAT.
English Idiom #61
MY TWO CENT\'S WORTH
Explanation of English Idiom #61
MY HUMBLE OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #61
HE SEEMS LIKE A CORRUPT POLITICIAN. THAT\'S JUST MY TWO CENT\'S WORTH.
English Idiom #62
HANG OUT
Explanation of English Idiom #62
BE TOGETHER. SPEND TIME WITH EACH OTHER.
Example of English Idiom #62
HEY LAUREN, LET\'S GET TOGETHER AT THE STARBUCKS ON ROBSON. WE CAN JUST HANG OUT AND PRACTICE OUR ENGLISH.
English Idiom #63
A CHANGE OF HEART
Explanation of English Idiom #63
A CHANGED OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #63
AT ONE TIME, I SUPPORTED GEORGE BUSH. AS TIME WENT ON, HOWEVER, I HAD A CHANGE OF HEART.
English Idiom #64
GET SOMETHING OFF YOUR CHEST
Explanation of English Idiom #64
EXPLAIN SOMETHING THAT IS BOTHERING YOU.
Example of English Idiom #64
GARY, YOU DO NOT SEEM HAPPY. IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST?
English Idiom #65
DON\'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED
Explanation of English Idiom #65
DO NOT MAKE PLANS FOR SOMETHING THAT MIGHT HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #65
YES, I THINK WE WILL PROBABLY GET A RAISE IN PAY THIS YEAR. REMEMBER, THOUGH, DON\'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED.
English Idiom #66
A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER
Explanation of English Idiom #66
HE IS ANGRY ABOUT SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #66
I DON\'T KNOW WHY HE IS SO UNHAPPY. HE SEEMS TO HAVE A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER.
English Idiom #67
COME FULL CIRCLE
Explanation of English Idiom #67
A PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
Example of English Idiom #67
THE SALMON HAS RETURNED TO THE PLACE WHERE IT ORIGINALLY HATCHED. ITS LIFE CYCLE HAS COME FULL CIRCLE.
English Idiom #68
SQUEAKY CLEAN
Explanation of English Idiom #68
LEGITIMATE AND PROPER.
Example of English Idiom #68
WE CHECKED ALL OF HER REFERENCES. SHE IS SQUEAKY CLEAN.
English Idiom #69
IN THE CLEAR
Explanation of English Idiom #69
OUT OF TROUBLE.
Example of English Idiom #69
HIS INNOCENCE HAS BEEN PROVEN. HE IS IN THE CLEAR.
English Idiom #70
STEER CLEAR OF
Explanation of English Idiom #70
AVOID.
Example of English Idiom #70
SHE IS NOT VERY NICE. I THINK WE SHOULD STEER CLEAR OF HER.
English Idiom #71
ROUND THE CLOCK
Explanation of English Idiom #71
ALL DAY.
Example of English Idiom #71
HE IS A VERY HARD WORKER. HE USUALLY WORKS ROUND THE CLOCK.
English Idiom #72
TURN BACK THE CLOCK
Explanation of English Idiom #72
GO BACK IN TIME.
Example of English Idiom #72
I FEEL OLD. I WISH I COULD TURN BACK THE CLOCK.
English Idiom #73
LIKE CLOCKWORK
Explanation of English Idiom #73
WITH MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY.
Example of English Idiom #73
HE IS VERY PREDICTABLE. HE ALWAYS EATS AT THE SAME TIME, LIKE CLOCKWORK.
English Idiom #74
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
Explanation of English Idiom #74
THINK MORE REALISTICALLY
Example of English Idiom #74
HE DOES NOT RESPECT YOU AS MUCH AS YOU THINK. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE.
English Idiom #75
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
Explanation of English Idiom #75
ANOTHER VERSION OF A STORY OR EVENT.
Example of English Idiom #75
THE GLOBAL SUMMIT WILL ENCOURAGE MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, IT MIGHT RESULT IN VIOLENT PROTESTS.
English Idiom #76
LEFT OUT IN THE COLD
Explanation of English Idiom #76
LEFT UNAIDED OR UNPROTECTED.
Example of English Idiom #76
THEY DON\'T INCLUDE ME IN THEIR GROUP. I FEEL LEFT OUT IN THE COLD.
English Idiom #77
WITH FLYING COLORS
Explanation of English Idiom #77
WITH ENTHUSIASM AND EXUBERANCE.
Example of English Idiom #77
I CAN\'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL. I\'LL BE THERE WITH FLYING COLORS.
English Idiom #78
SCRAPE BY
Explanation of English Idiom #78
HAVE JUST ENOUGH BUT NOT MORE.
Example of English Idiom #78
OUR BUDGET IS NOT SATISFACTORY BUT WE WILL FIND A WAY TO SCRAPE BY.
English Idiom #79
A TOUGH COOKIE
Explanation of English Idiom #79
A STUBBORN, STRONG PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #79
DON\'T GET SHIRLEY UPSET. SHE IS A TOUGH COOKIE.
English Idiom #80
KEEP YOUR COOL
Explanation of English Idiom #80
DO NOT BECOME UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #80
RELAX. KEEP YOUR COOL.
English Idiom #81
LOSE YOUR COOL
Explanation of English Idiom #81
BECOME UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #81
DON\'T GET UPSET. IF YOU LOSE YOUR COOL, IT WILL MAKE MATTERS WORSE.
English Idiom #82
IN A TIGHT CORNER
Explanation of English Idiom #82
WITHOUT ANY GOOD OPTIONS.
Example of English Idiom #82
MILO HAS RUN OUT OF OPTIONS. IF HE TAKES ANY MORE CHANCE, HE MIGHT FIND HIMSELF IN A TIGHT CORNER.
English Idiom #83
A COUCH POTATO
Explanation of English Idiom #83
A LAZY PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #83
LUIS FERNANDO JUST WATCHES TELEVISION ALL DAY. HE IS REALLY A COUCH POTATO.
English Idiom #84
TAKE ITS COURSE
Explanation of English Idiom #84
A SITUATION DEVELOPS NATURALLY.
Example of English Idiom #84
THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO RELIEVE THE EFFECTS OF HER DISEASE. WE CAN ONLY WAIT AND LET THE ILLNESS TAKE ITS COURSE.
English Idiom #85
UP THE CREEK
Explanation of English Idiom #85
IN TROUBLE.
Example of English Idiom #85
I WARNED BILL BUT HE WOULD NOT LISTEN. NOW, HE IS UP THE CREEK.
English Idiom #86
CROCODILE TEARS
Explanation of English Idiom #86
EXAGGERATED OR FAKED SYMPATHY.
Example of English Idiom #86
SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS SORRY BUT SHE WAS NOT. IT WAS JUST CROCODILE TEARS.
English Idiom #87
WHEN IT COMES TO THE CRUNCH
Explanation of English Idiom #87
WHEN THERE ARE NO MORE POSSIBILITIES.
Example of English Idiom #87
VICTOR SEEMS TO HAVE A CASUAL POINT OF VIEW. WHEN IT COME TO THE CRUNCH, THOUGH, HE IS A REAL PROFESSIONAL.
English Idiom #88
A FAR CRY FROM
Explanation of English Idiom #88
VERY DIFFERENT FROM.
Example of English Idiom #88
HIS PERSONALITY IS A FAR CRY FROM HIS FATHER\'S.
English Idiom #89
OFF-THE-CUFF
Explanation of English Idiom #89
WITHOUT RESEARCH, PLANNING, OR CONSIDERING.
Example of English Idiom #89
I HAVEN\'T HAD TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT. MY OFF-THE-CUFF IMPRESSION, HOWEVER, IS TAT IT IS A GOOD IDEA.
English Idiom #90
CAN\'T CUT IT
Explanation of English Idiom #90
CANNOT DO IT.
Example of English Idiom #90
KIM SHOULDN\'T BE WORKING HERE. HE JUST CAN\'T CUT IT.
English Idiom #91
IN THE DARK
Explanation of English Idiom #91
IGNORANT.
Example of English Idiom #91
\'THEY DIDN\'T TELL ME ANYTHING. I FELT LIKE THEY HAD LEFT ME IN THE DARK.
English Idiom #92
A SHOT IN THE DARK
Explanation of English Idiom #92
A GUESS.
Example of English Idiom #92
I AM NOT SURE BUT I COULD TAKE A SHOT IN THE DARK.
English Idiom #93
CALL IT A DAY
Explanation of English Idiom #93
STOP.
Example of English Idiom #93
I\'M TIRED. LET\'S CALL IT A DAY.
English Idiom #94
LATE IN THE DAY
Explanation of English Idiom #94
TOO LATE, OR ALMOST TOO LATE.
Example of English Idiom #94
THE GOVERNMENT JUST DECIDE T BUY NEW HELICOPTERS BUT IT SEEMS A LITTLE LATE IN THE DAY TO MAKE SUCH A DECISION.
English Idiom #95
IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
Explanation of English Idiom #95
WITHOUT TRYING TO HIDE IT.
Example of English Idiom #96
THEY ROBBED THE BANK IN BROAD DAYLIGHT.
English Idiom #96
MAKE SOMEONE\'S DAY
Explanation of English Idiom #96
MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY.
Example of English Idiom #96
IF YOU WOULD GET A BETTER JOB, YOU WOULD MAKE SOMEONE\'S DAY.
English Idiom #97
WOULDN\'T BE CAUGHT DEAD
Explanation of English Idiom #97
WOULD NEVER.
Example of English Idiom #97
I HATE THAT DRESS. I WOULD NOT BE CAUGHT DEAD WEARING ANYTHING ELSE.
English Idiom #98
GET A RAW DEAL
Explanation of English Idiom #98
RECEIVES LESS THAN WHAT IS DESERVED.
Example of English Idiom #98
BE SURE TO READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SIGN IT. YOU DON\'T WANT TO GET A RAW.
English Idiom #99
RUNS DEEP
Explanation of English Idiom #99
ENTRENCHED, OR INGRAINED.
Example of English Idiom #99
HE LOVES HIS COUNTRY. PATRIOTISM RUNS DEEP IN HIS VEINS.
English Idiom #100
OUT OF YOUR DEPTH
Explanation of English Idiom #100
BEYOND YOUR EXISTING KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITY.
Example of English Idiom #100
YOU DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE IN THIS SUBJECT. ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU ARE NOT OUT OF YOUR DEPTH?
English Idiom #101
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END
Explanation of English Idiom #101
REGRETFULLY, WE ARE FINISHED.
Example of English Idiom #101
\'I HAVE ENJOYED READING THE VANCOUVER ENGLISH CENTRE LIST OF IDIOMS BUT ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END.
English Idiom #1
DON\'T GIVE UP THE DAY JOB
Explanation of English Idiom #1
YOU ARE NOT VERY GOOD AT THAT. YOU COULD DEFINITELY NOT DO IT PROFESSIONALLY.
Example of English Idiom #1
I REALLY LIKE THE WAY YOU SING BUT DON\'T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB.
English Idiom #2
A CASH COW
Explanation of English Idiom #2
AN EASY WAY TO EARN MONEY REGULARLY.
Example of English Idiom #2
INCOME TAX IS A REAL CASH COW FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
English Idiom #3
BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW
Explanation of English Idiom #3
TRYING TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS TOO DIFFICULT OR TIME CONSUMING TO FINISH.
Example of English Idiom #3
I\'M GLAD YOU WANT TO PREPARE THE REPORT BY YOURSELF. JUST BE SURE THAT YOU DON\'T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW.
English Idiom #4
CLEAR THE AIR
Explanation of English Idiom #4
DISCUSS SOMETHING THAT WAS CAUSING PEOPLE TO FEEL UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #4
THERE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING. I\'D LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED, JUST TO CLEAR THE AIR.
English Idiom #5
TURN YOUR BACK ON
Explanation of English Idiom #5
GIVE UP ON, OR ABANDON.
Example of English Idiom #5
I NEED YOUR HELP BUT YOU JUST TURNED YOUR BACK ON ME.
English Idiom #6
NOT CUT OUT FOR
Explanation of English Idiom #6
NOT SUITABLE FOR SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #6
HE TRIED MOUNTAIN CLIMBING BUT HE SIMPLY WAS NOT CUT OUT FOR IT.
English Idiom #7
SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
Explanation of English Idiom #7
THE VERY LAST, OR THE VERY WORST.
Example of English Idiom #7
THESE ARE THE LAST VOLUNTEERS WE COULD FIND. WE REALLY HAD TO SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL TO FIND THEM.
English Idiom #8
A CLASS ACT
Explanation of English Idiom #8
SOPHISTICATED, ABOVE AVERAGE.
Example of English Idiom #8
HE OFFERED TO HELP, EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN\'T KNOW ME. HE\'S A REAL CLASS ACT.
English Idiom #9
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT
Explanation of English Idiom #9
IMPROVE YOUR BEHAVIOR.
Example of English Idiom #9
IF YOU ARE EVER GOING TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS, YOU MUST START GETTING TO CLASS ON TIME AND DOING YOUR HOMEWORK. WHY DON\'T YOU CLEAN UP YOUR ACT?
English Idiom #10
GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER
Explanation of English Idiom #10
GET MORE ORGANIZED.
Example of English Idiom #10
YOU HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK EVERY DAY THIS WEEK. IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THIS JOB, YOU MUST GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER.
English Idiom #11
A PIECE OF THE ACTION
Explanation of English Idiom #11
PARTICIPATION IN AN ACTIVITY. OFTEN RELATED TO GAMBLING OR BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS.
Example of English Idiom #11
I HEARD THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN YOUR NEW INVESTMENT. IF YOU DON\'T MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN ON A PIECE OF THE ACTION.
English Idiom #12
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
Explanation of English Idiom #12
PEOPLE\'S INTENTIONS CAN BE JUDGED BETTER BY WHAT THEY DO THAN WHAT THEY SAY.
Example of English Idiom #12
English Idiom #13
IN THE AIR
Explanation of English Idiom #13
BEING DISCUSSED. GENERALLY OBVIOUS.
Example of English Idiom #13
THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING. SPRING IS IN THE AIR.
English Idiom #14
GO APE
Explanation of English Idiom #14
GO CRAZY.
Example of English Idiom #14
JACK WAS REALLY ANGRY. I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO GO APE.
English Idiom #15
A GREY AREA
Explanation of English Idiom #15
SOMETHING THAT IS DIFFICULT TO DEFINE.
Example of English Idiom #15
I RESEARCHED YOUR CASE BUT THERE ARE NOT ANY BLACK AND WHITE ANSWERS. YOUR SITUATION SEEMS TO FALL INTO A GREY AREA.
English Idiom #16
UP IN ARMS
Explanation of English Idiom #16
ANGRY.
Example of English Idiom #16
THE CROWD WAS AGITATED. EVERYONE WAS UP IN ARMS OVER THE GOVERNMENT DECISION.
English Idiom #17
BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF
Explanation of English Idiom #17
BE HAPPY WHEN A PERSON LEAVES.
Example of English Idiom #17
THAT GUY BOTHERS ME. I\'ll BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF HIM.
English Idiom #18
GIVE HIM CREDIT
Explanation of English Idiom #18
ACKNOWLEDGE AN ACHIEVEMENT OR CONTRIBUTION OF A PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #18
ALTHOUGH HE IS NOT EASY TO WORK FOR, YOU HAVE TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR MANAGING THE COMPANY WELL.
English Idiom #19
GO BEHIND SOMEONE\'S BACK
Explanation of English Idiom #19
DO SOMETHING WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE.
Example of English Idiom #19
DON\'T TRUST JANE. SHE ACTS FRIENDLY BUT SHE IS ALWAYS GOING BEHIND SOMEONE\'S BACK.
English Idiom #20
EACH TO HIS OWN
Explanation of English Idiom #20
EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO HIS OWN INDIVIDUAL OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #20
I CAN\'T SAY THAT I LIKE GEORGE\'S NEW FURNITURE. IT SEEMS VERY PLAIN AND UNCOMFORTABLE. OH WELL, EACH TO HIS OWN.
English Idiom #21
EAGER BEAVER
Explanation of English Idiom #21
ENTHUSIASTIC PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #21
JOHN DID ALL OF HIS HOMEWORK BEFORE SUPPER. HE SURE IS AN EAGER BEAVER.
English Idiom #22
EARLY BIRD
Explanation of English Idiom #22
A PERSON WHO IS EARLY FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
Example of English Idiom #22
SATOKO WAS IN CLASS 30 MINUTES BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. WHAT AN EARLY BIRD.
English Idiom #23
SCRATCH THE SURFACE
Explanation of English Idiom #23
EXAMINE ONLY A PART OF SOMETHING. UNCOVER ONLY A FEW FACTS ABOUT SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #23
CANCER RESEARCH IS A VERY LONG-TERM PROCESS. SO FAR, WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO SCRATCH THE SURFACE.
English Idiom #24
GIVE HIM THE SLIP
Explanation of English Idiom #24
LEAVE HIM. HIDE FROM HIM.
Example of English Idiom #24
I THINK THAT MAN IS FOLLOWING US. LET\'S GIVE HIM THE SLIP.
English Idiom #25
COLD SHOULDER
Explanation of English Idiom #25
TO TREAT SOMEONE IN AN UNFRIENDLY MANNER.
Example of English Idiom #25
I DON\'T THINK JIM LIKES ME. I TRIED TO SPEAK WITH HIM EARLIER BUT HE GAVE ME THE COLD SHOULDER.
English Idiom #26
GET THE BALL ROLLING
Explanation of English Idiom #26
START SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #26
ALL RIGHT EVERYONE, WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME PLANNING THIS PROJECT. NOW, IT\'S TIME TO GET THE BALL ROLLING.
English Idiom #27
JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON
Explanation of English Idiom #27
JOIN A POPULAR TREND OR ACTIVITY.
Example of English Idiom #27
I LIKE THAT NEW PROCEDURE AND I\'VE DECIDED TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON.
English Idiom #28
A LOSING BATTLE
Explanation of English Idiom #28
SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED.
Example of English Idiom #28
English Idiom #29
KEEP SOMETHING AT BAY
Explanation of English Idiom #29
KEEP SOMETHING AWAY.
Example of English Idiom #29
SARAH FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE SALESPERSON AT BAY.
English Idiom #30
SPILL THE BEANS
Explanation of English Idiom #30
TELL A SECRET.
Example of English Idiom #30
I WON\'T BE THE ONE TO SPILL THE BEANS.
English Idiom #31
BEGGARS CAN\'T BE CHOOSERS
Explanation of English Idiom #31
PEOPLE CANNOT COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING THEY GET FOR FREE.
Example of English Idiom #31
I DON\'T LIKE THE COLOR OF THE SWEATER SHE GAVE ME BUT, BEGGARS CAN\'T BE CHOOSERS.
English Idiom #32
FLESH AND BLOOD
Explanation of English Idiom #32
A RELATIVE.
Example of English Idiom #32
I MUST HELP HIM. AFTER ALL, HE\'S MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD.
English Idiom #33
GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT
Explanation of English Idiom #33
BELIEVE SOMEONE\'S STATEMENT, WITHOUT PROOF.
Example of English Idiom #33
THE TEACHER\'S EXPLANATION DID NOT SEEM LOGICAL, BUT I GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
English Idiom #34
A SAFE BET
Explanation of English Idiom #34
PROBABLY TRUE. WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #34
IT\'S A SAFE BET THAT YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS WILL IMPROVE QUICKLY IF YOU STUDY AT VANCOUVER ENGLISH CENTRE.
English Idiom #35
FIT THE BILL
Explanation of English Idiom #35
SEEMS CORRECT.
Example of English Idiom #35
THAT SEEMS TO FIT THE BILL. I\'LL TAKE IT.
English Idiom #36
BLACK AND BLUE
Explanation of English Idiom #36
BRUISED.
Example of English Idiom #36
HE WAS BEATEN UNTIL HE WAS BLACK AND BLUE.
English Idiom #37
IN COLD BLOOD
Explanation of English Idiom #37
WITH COMPASSION OR MERCY. USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH RUTHLESS MURDER.
Example of English Idiom #37
THE ASSASSIN WAS EVIL. HE KILLED HIM IN COLD BLOOD.
English Idiom #38
OUT OF THE BLUE
Explanation of English Idiom #38
UNEXPECTED.
Example of English Idiom #38
A GREAT IDEA JUST CAME TO ME OUT OF THE BLUE.
English Idiom #39
CALL SOMEONE\'S BLUFF
Explanation of English Idiom #39
MAKE SOMEONE PROVE WHAT THEY SAY.
Example of English Idiom #39
HE IMPLIED THAT HE WOULD TERMINATE MY CONTRACT BUT I CALLED HIS BLUFF.
English Idiom #40
ROCK THE BOAT
Explanation of English Idiom #40
CREATE PROBLEMS FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
Example of English Idiom #40
EVERYONE LIKES ANTONIO. HE DOESN\'T ROCK THE BOAT.
English Idiom #41
BY THE BOOK
Explanation of English Idiom #41
DOING SOMETHING ACCORDING TO THE RULES.
Example of English Idiom #41
HE IS A GOOD COP. HE DOES EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK.
English Idiom #42
GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT
Explanation of English Idiom #42
DISMISS OR TERMINATE SOMEONE.
Example of English Idiom #42
MR. SMITH IS AN EASY BOSS TO WORK FOR. HE DOESN\'T LIKE TO GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT.
English Idiom #43
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF
Explanation of English Idiom #43
LEARN ABOUT AND UNDERSTAND FULLY.
Example of English Idiom #43
WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT WE INTEND TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS.
English Idiom #44
OUT OF BOUNDS
Explanation of English Idiom #44
NOT PERMITTED.
Example of English Idiom #44
HANS WANTED TO ASK MARY OUT ON A DATE BUT I EXPLAINED THAT SHE IS OUT OF BOUNDS. MARY IS ENGAGED TO JACK.
English Idiom #45
BREAD AND BUTTER
Explanation of English Idiom #45
REGULAR INCOME.
Example of English Idiom #45
WE ARE VERY DEPENDENT ON OUR ADVERTISING REVENUE. IT\'S OUR BREAD AND BUTTER.
English Idiom #46
THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD
Explanation of English Idiom #46
A GOOD INVENTION OR INNOVATION.
Example of English Idiom #46
I LOVE THIS PAPER FOLDING MACHINE. IT\'S THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD.
English Idiom #47
GIVE ME A BREAK
Explanation of English Idiom #47
DON\'T EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE OR AGREE WITH THAT.
Example of English Idiom #47
YOU THINK THE TEACHER IS JOKING? GIVE ME A BREAK.
English Idiom #48
DON\'T HOLD YOUR BREATH
Explanation of English Idiom #48
DON\'T WAIT TOO LONG BECAUSE IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #48
YES, IT\'S POSSIBLE THAT THEY WILL LOWER TAXES BUT DON\'T HOLD YOUR BREATH.
English Idiom #49
CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN YOU COME TO IT
Explanation of English Idiom #49
DEAL WITH A PROBLEM IF AND WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY.
Example of English Idiom #49
I\'M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT A POSSIBLE DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY. ANYWAY, LET\'S CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT.
English Idiom #50
THE BUBBLE HAS BURST
Explanation of English Idiom #50
A PREVIOUSLY POSITIVE SITUATION HAS ENCOUNTERED A SERIOUS PROBLEM.
Example of English Idiom #50
LAST YEAR, THE STOCK MARKET WAS DOING VERY WELL. UNFORTUNATELY, IT SEEMS THAT THE BUBBLE HAS BURST.
English Idiom #51
THE BUCK STOPS HERE
Explanation of English Idiom #51
PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED HERE.
Example of English Idiom #51
A LOT OF PEOPLE TRY TO PASS PROBLEMS ON TO OTHER PEOPLE. AT MY DESK, HOWEVER, THE BUCK STOPS HERE.
English Idiom #52
BURN YOUR BRIDGES
Explanation of English Idiom #52
MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RETURN.
Example of English Idiom #52
BE POLITE WHEN YOU HAND IN YOUR RESIGNATION. AFTER ALL, YOU DON\'T WANT TO BURN YOUR BRIDGES.
English Idiom #53
MY EARS ARE BURNING
Explanation of English Idiom #53
I THINK SOMEONE IS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT ME.
Example of English Idiom #53
PIERRE IS TALKING AGAIN. MY EARS ARE BURNING.
English Idiom #54
PUT ON THE BACK BURNER
Explanation of English Idiom #54
LEAVE IT FOR LATER.
Example of English Idiom #54
I DON\'T THINK WE WILL HAVE TIME TO COMPLETE IT THIS YEAR. LET\'S PUT IT ON THE BACK BURNER.
English Idiom #55
SOMEONE MEANS BUSINESS
Explanation of English Idiom #55
SOMEONE IS SERIOUS
Example of English Idiom #55
WATCH OUT FOR HARRY. HE IS SOMEONE WHO MEANS BUSINESS.
English Idiom #56
AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON
Explanation of English Idiom #56
QUICKLY AND EASILY.
Example of English Idiom #56
NO PROBLEM. I CAN CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON.
English Idiom #57
HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT
Explanation of English Idiom #57
ENJOY SOMETHING WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT.
Example of English Idiom #57
JUAN CARLOS EXPECTED TO PASS WITHOUT STUDYING. UNFORTUNATELY, YOU CANNOT HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO.
English Idiom #58
A CLOSE CALL
Explanation of English Idiom #58
SOMETHING (USUALLY BAD) ALMOST HAPPENING.
Example of English Idiom #58
THAT CAR ALMOST HIT US. THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL.
English Idiom #59
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Explanation of English Idiom #59
THIS SHOULD STOP.
Example of English Idiom #59
I HAVE LISTENED TO HIS COMPLAINTS FOR YEARS BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
English Idiom #60
A FAT CAT
Explanation of English Idiom #60
A WEALTHY PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #60
FERNANDO HAS EVERYTHING HE NEEDS. HE\'S A REAL FAT CAT.
English Idiom #61
MY TWO CENT\'S WORTH
Explanation of English Idiom #61
MY HUMBLE OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #61
HE SEEMS LIKE A CORRUPT POLITICIAN. THAT\'S JUST MY TWO CENT\'S WORTH.
English Idiom #62
HANG OUT
Explanation of English Idiom #62
BE TOGETHER. SPEND TIME WITH EACH OTHER.
Example of English Idiom #62
HEY LAUREN, LET\'S GET TOGETHER AT THE STARBUCKS ON ROBSON. WE CAN JUST HANG OUT AND PRACTICE OUR ENGLISH.
English Idiom #63
A CHANGE OF HEART
Explanation of English Idiom #63
A CHANGED OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #63
AT ONE TIME, I SUPPORTED GEORGE BUSH. AS TIME WENT ON, HOWEVER, I HAD A CHANGE OF HEART.
English Idiom #64
GET SOMETHING OFF YOUR CHEST
Explanation of English Idiom #64
EXPLAIN SOMETHING THAT IS BOTHERING YOU.
Example of English Idiom #64
GARY, YOU DO NOT SEEM HAPPY. IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST?
English Idiom #65
DON\'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED
Explanation of English Idiom #65
DO NOT MAKE PLANS FOR SOMETHING THAT MIGHT HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #65
YES, I THINK WE WILL PROBABLY GET A RAISE IN PAY THIS YEAR. REMEMBER, THOUGH, DON\'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED.
English Idiom #66
A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER
Explanation of English Idiom #66
HE IS ANGRY ABOUT SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #66
I DON\'T KNOW WHY HE IS SO UNHAPPY. HE SEEMS TO HAVE A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER.
English Idiom #67
COME FULL CIRCLE
Explanation of English Idiom #67
A PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
Example of English Idiom #67
THE SALMON HAS RETURNED TO THE PLACE WHERE IT ORIGINALLY HATCHED. ITS LIFE CYCLE HAS COME FULL CIRCLE.
English Idiom #68
SQUEAKY CLEAN
Explanation of English Idiom #68
LEGITIMATE AND PROPER.
Example of English Idiom #68
WE CHECKED ALL OF HER REFERENCES. SHE IS SQUEAKY CLEAN.
English Idiom #69
IN THE CLEAR
Explanation of English Idiom #69
OUT OF TROUBLE.
Example of English Idiom #69
HIS INNOCENCE HAS BEEN PROVEN. HE IS IN THE CLEAR.
English Idiom #70
STEER CLEAR OF
Explanation of English Idiom #70
AVOID.
Example of English Idiom #70
SHE IS NOT VERY NICE. I THINK WE SHOULD STEER CLEAR OF HER.
English Idiom #71
ROUND THE CLOCK
Explanation of English Idiom #71
ALL DAY.
Example of English Idiom #71
HE IS A VERY HARD WORKER. HE USUALLY WORKS ROUND THE CLOCK.
English Idiom #72
TURN BACK THE CLOCK
Explanation of English Idiom #72
GO BACK IN TIME.
Example of English Idiom #72
I FEEL OLD. I WISH I COULD TURN BACK THE CLOCK.
English Idiom #73
LIKE CLOCKWORK
Explanation of English Idiom #73
WITH MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY.
Example of English Idiom #73
HE IS VERY PREDICTABLE. HE ALWAYS EATS AT THE SAME TIME, LIKE CLOCKWORK.
English Idiom #74
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
Explanation of English Idiom #74
THINK MORE REALISTICALLY
Example of English Idiom #74
HE DOES NOT RESPECT YOU AS MUCH AS YOU THINK. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE.
English Idiom #75
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
Explanation of English Idiom #75
ANOTHER VERSION OF A STORY OR EVENT.
Example of English Idiom #75
THE GLOBAL SUMMIT WILL ENCOURAGE MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, IT MIGHT RESULT IN VIOLENT PROTESTS.
English Idiom #76
LEFT OUT IN THE COLD
Explanation of English Idiom #76
LEFT UNAIDED OR UNPROTECTED.
Example of English Idiom #76
THEY DON\'T INCLUDE ME IN THEIR GROUP. I FEEL LEFT OUT IN THE COLD.
English Idiom #77
WITH FLYING COLORS
Explanation of English Idiom #77
WITH ENTHUSIASM AND EXUBERANCE.
Example of English Idiom #77
I CAN\'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL. I\'LL BE THERE WITH FLYING COLORS.
English Idiom #78
SCRAPE BY
Explanation of English Idiom #78
HAVE JUST ENOUGH BUT NOT MORE.
Example of English Idiom #78
OUR BUDGET IS NOT SATISFACTORY BUT WE WILL FIND A WAY TO SCRAPE BY.
English Idiom #79
A TOUGH COOKIE
Explanation of English Idiom #79
A STUBBORN, STRONG PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #79
DON\'T GET SHIRLEY UPSET. SHE IS A TOUGH COOKIE.
English Idiom #80
KEEP YOUR COOL
Explanation of English Idiom #80
DO NOT BECOME UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #80
RELAX. KEEP YOUR COOL.
English Idiom #81
LOSE YOUR COOL
Explanation of English Idiom #81
BECOME UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #81
DON\'T GET UPSET. IF YOU LOSE YOUR COOL, IT WILL MAKE MATTERS WORSE.
English Idiom #82
IN A TIGHT CORNER
Explanation of English Idiom #82
WITHOUT ANY GOOD OPTIONS.
Example of English Idiom #82
MILO HAS RUN OUT OF OPTIONS. IF HE TAKES ANY MORE CHANCE, HE MIGHT FIND HIMSELF IN A TIGHT CORNER.
English Idiom #83
A COUCH POTATO
Explanation of English Idiom #83
A LAZY PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #83
LUIS FERNANDO JUST WATCHES TELEVISION ALL DAY. HE IS REALLY A COUCH POTATO.
English Idiom #84
TAKE ITS COURSE
Explanation of English Idiom #84
A SITUATION DEVELOPS NATURALLY.
Example of English Idiom #84
THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO RELIEVE THE EFFECTS OF HER DISEASE. WE CAN ONLY WAIT AND LET THE ILLNESS TAKE ITS COURSE.
English Idiom #85
UP THE CREEK
Explanation of English Idiom #85
IN TROUBLE.
Example of English Idiom #85
I WARNED BILL BUT HE WOULD NOT LISTEN. NOW, HE IS UP THE CREEK.
English Idiom #86
CROCODILE TEARS
Explanation of English Idiom #86
EXAGGERATED OR FAKED SYMPATHY.
Example of English Idiom #86
SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS SORRY BUT SHE WAS NOT. IT WAS JUST CROCODILE TEARS.
English Idiom #87
WHEN IT COMES TO THE CRUNCH
Explanation of English Idiom #87
WHEN THERE ARE NO MORE POSSIBILITIES.
Example of English Idiom #87
VICTOR SEEMS TO HAVE A CASUAL POINT OF VIEW. WHEN IT COME TO THE CRUNCH, THOUGH, HE IS A REAL PROFESSIONAL.
English Idiom #88
A FAR CRY FROM
Explanation of English Idiom #88
VERY DIFFERENT FROM.
Example of English Idiom #88
HIS PERSONALITY IS A FAR CRY FROM HIS FATHER\'S.
English Idiom #89
OFF-THE-CUFF
Explanation of English Idiom #89
WITHOUT RESEARCH, PLANNING, OR CONSIDERING.
Example of English Idiom #89
I HAVEN\'T HAD TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT. MY OFF-THE-CUFF IMPRESSION, HOWEVER, IS TAT IT IS A GOOD IDEA.
English Idiom #90
CAN\'T CUT IT
Explanation of English Idiom #90
CANNOT DO IT.
Example of English Idiom #90
KIM SHOULDN\'T BE WORKING HERE. HE JUST CAN\'T CUT IT.
English Idiom #91
IN THE DARK
Explanation of English Idiom #91
IGNORANT.
Example of English Idiom #91
\'THEY DIDN\'T TELL ME ANYTHING. I FELT LIKE THEY HAD LEFT ME IN THE DARK.
English Idiom #92
A SHOT IN THE DARK
Explanation of English Idiom #92
A GUESS.
Example of English Idiom #92
I AM NOT SURE BUT I COULD TAKE A SHOT IN THE DARK.
English Idiom #93
CALL IT A DAY
Explanation of English Idiom #93
STOP.
Example of English Idiom #93
I\'M TIRED. LET\'S CALL IT A DAY.
English Idiom #94
LATE IN THE DAY
Explanation of English Idiom #94
TOO LATE, OR ALMOST TOO LATE.
Example of English Idiom #94
THE GOVERNMENT JUST DECIDE T BUY NEW HELICOPTERS BUT IT SEEMS A LITTLE LATE IN THE DAY TO MAKE SUCH A DECISION.
English Idiom #95
IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
Explanation of English Idiom #95
WITHOUT TRYING TO HIDE IT.
Example of English Idiom #96
THEY ROBBED THE BANK IN BROAD DAYLIGHT.
English Idiom #96
MAKE SOMEONE\'S DAY
Explanation of English Idiom #96
MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY.
Example of English Idiom #96
IF YOU WOULD GET A BETTER JOB, YOU WOULD MAKE SOMEONE\'S DAY.
English Idiom #97
WOULDN\'T BE CAUGHT DEAD
Explanation of English Idiom #97
WOULD NEVER.
Example of English Idiom #97
I HATE THAT DRESS. I WOULD NOT BE CAUGHT DEAD WEARING ANYTHING ELSE.
English Idiom #98
GET A RAW DEAL
Explanation of English Idiom #98
RECEIVES LESS THAN WHAT IS DESERVED.
Example of English Idiom #98
BE SURE TO READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SIGN IT. YOU DON\'T WANT TO GET A RAW.
English Idiom #99
RUNS DEEP
Explanation of English Idiom #99
ENTRENCHED, OR INGRAINED.
Example of English Idiom #99
HE LOVES HIS COUNTRY. PATRIOTISM RUNS DEEP IN HIS VEINS.
English Idiom #100
OUT OF YOUR DEPTH
Explanation of English Idiom #100
BEYOND YOUR EXISTING KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITY.
Example of English Idiom #100
YOU DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE IN THIS SUBJECT. ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU ARE NOT OUT OF YOUR DEPTH?
English Idiom #101
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END
Explanation of English Idiom #101
REGRETFULLY, WE ARE FINISHED.
Example of English Idiom #101
\'I HAVE ENJOYED READING THE VANCOUVER ENGLISH CENTRE LIST OF IDIOMS BUT ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END.
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