Everyday Idioms: Main List Idioms, with definitions or synonyms above board - honest, open ad lib - improvise, interpolate

after all - in spite of the situation, nevertheless against the grain - contrary to someone's feelings, principles all along - all the time all ears - eager to listen all of a sudden - suddenly all the same - no difference all thumbs - clumsy apple of one's eye - very dear, precious apple of discord - subject of envy or quarrel as a rule - usually as far as I know - if I have correct information as far as someone / something is concerned - concerning, in reference to as for / as to - concerning, in reference to as well - also, too at all - (not) in the smallest degree at first sight - from the first glance, at once, at first glance at odds with - in disagreement at random - without order at this point - at this time backseat driver - a passenger who tells you how to drive ballpark figure - approximate estimate (in figures) bark up the wrong tree - make a false assumption or wrong choice be about to do something - be close to doing something, be on the verge of doing something be all in - be extremely tired be back on one's feet - healthy again or better financially be behind the times - be old-fashioned, outdated be beside oneself - be very upset, nervous, worried be beside the point - be off the point be better off - be in a better situation (financially) be broke - have no money at all, be penniless, bankrupt be cut out to be someone; be cut out for it - have the ability to do something be hard on something / someone - treat roughly be high on one's list - be one of the most important things be in charge of something - be responsible for be in good health - be healthy be in poor health - not healthy be in good shape - be physically fit be in bad shape - be in bad state be in the red - be in debt be on one's way be on the point of something, be at the point of something - be on the verge of something, be close to doing something be out of date - be outdated Examples His business dealings are above board. The actor forgot his lines and ad libbed. I knew it! After all, I was right! He returned to his hometown after all. His plan goes against the grain with her because she doesn't like cheating. I knew about his little secret all along. I am all ears. All of a sudden, he refused to pay. If it's all the same to you, let's start at two. He can't fix anything, he's all thumbs. Her son is the apple of her eye. This question is an apple of discord in our family. As a rule, we offer a 5% discount. As far as I know, he stayed home all day. As far as I am concerned, both the book and the movie are good. As far as your report is concerned, we'll discuss it tomorrow. As for me, you can always rely on my support. As for your report, we'll discuss it tomorrow. He knows math and physics as well. He doesn't know French at all. I don't like it at all. It was love at first sight. At first sight, it seems easy to do. He is at odds with everyone! He chose those places at random. At this point, we can't turn back. His wife is a backseat driver always telling him how to drive. I can give you only a ballpark figure at this time. The detective was sure he got a suspect, but he was barking up the wrong tree. I was about to leave when you called. I was about to open the door but something stopped me. I'm all in, I'd better go to bed now. He's back on his feet after a long period of debt and unemployment. Some of the managers here are behind the times, their methods are not modern. She was beside herself with worry / with grief. What I said to him privately is beside the point. He'll be better off with a new job. I spent all my money, I'm broke. He is cut out to be a leader. She isn't cut out to be a surgeon. She isn't cut out for it. My son is hard on shoes, they don't last long with him. Life was pretty hard on Tom. A new car is high on my list of priorities. A new TV is not high on my list. He is in charge of marketing. She is in good health. She is in poor health. He exercises regularly and is in good shape. The patient is in bad shape. His affairs are in bad shape. Our sales were in the red last year. I'm on my way. He was on the point of death two years ago. She was on the point of telling him the truth, but his words stopped her. This information is out of date.

be out of sorts - in bad temper be pressed for time, for money - not have enough time, money be to blame - be responsible for a mistake, for something wrong be touch and go - be uncertain of the result be up and around / about - able to be out of bed after an illness be up to one's ears in (work) - very busy beat around the bush / beat about the bush - avoid giving a clear or definite answer beat one's brains out - make great efforts, often unsuccessfully before long - soon big shot - important person bite off more than one can chew - try to do more than one can bite the bullet - to accept painful but necessary action bite the dust - die, be killed, suffer defeat bite the hand that feeds one - to repay kindness with evil black sheep - a good-for-nothing member of the family blind date - a meeting of a man and woman arranged by friends blow it - lose the chance bottom line - main result / factor break someone's heart - hurt deeply break the ice - overcome shyness in making the first step break the news - tell new important facts bring home the bacon - earn the living for the family by all means - definitely, certainly by heart - by memorizing by hook or by crook - by any possible means by oneself (by myself, by himself, etc.) - alone, on one's own by the way - incidentally call a halt to something - terminate, stop something call a spade a spade - use plain, direct words call it a day - consider work finished for the day call the shots - to give orders, to be in control of something call the tune - to give orders, to be the most important person in some situation carry weight - be important castles in the air - daydreaming about success catch someone's eye - attract attention catch one's breath - stop and rest catch someone off guard - catch someone unprepared catch someone red-handed - find someone in the act of doing wrong close call - a narrow escape, a bad thing that almost happened come to one's senses - act normally and reasonably again come true - become reality cross one's mind - occur to someone cut corners - 1. to take a short-cut; 2. to limit one's spending do one's best - try very hard do one's bit - do what's needed do someone good - be good for someone do something behind someone's back - do (harmful) things secretively down to earth - practical draw the line - set a limit, impose a restriction

Leave him alone, he's out of sorts today. I'm pressed for time now. We are pressed for money at the moment. Who is to blame for this awful mistake? Tom is to blame for this mix-up. He was very sick, and for some time it was touch and go, but he is better now. He was sick for a month, but now he is up and around. I'm up to my ears in work. Stop beating around the bush! Get to the point! He beats his brains out at work, but his boss doesn't even notice his hard work. He will understand before long what a terrible mistake he has made. He is a big shot around here. I couldn't handle two jobs and family. I really bit off more than I could chew. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do what's necessary to do. Many of them bit the dust in that war. She is so ungrateful! She is biting the hand that feeds her! Their second son is the black sheep of the family, he is good for nothing. She refuses to go on a blind date again because she had bad experience. He understood that he blew it. The bottom line is, I don't have enough money. The news of her death broke his heart. The party was dull until someone broke the ice with a joke and we all laughed. CNN is breaking the news right now. He works very hard at several places to bring home the bacon. Do you need my help? - By all means. Learn this poem by heart for tomorrow. She will get what she wants by hook or by crook. She spent the evening by herself. He did it all by himself. By the way, I found the book that you recommended. His father called a halt to his activity. He always tells the truth and calls a spade a spade. We've been working for 10 straight hours. Let's call it a day. He calls the shots in this company. Since he was paying for it, he called the tune. His advice always carries weight here. Instead of working hard, he spends time building castles in the air. This picture caught my eye. I can't run, I need to catch my breath. He caught me off guard with his question. The manager caught the boy red-handed when he was stealing cigarettes. The speeding car almost hit the man. That was really a close call. He finally came to his senses, began to work hard and passed his exams. His dream came true when he met Kate. It never crossed my mind that he might be ill. He ran fast, cutting corners where he could. I have to cut corners this week. I did my best to help him in his work. I'll do my bit, you can count on me. Fresh air and exercise will do you good I hate people who do things behind my back. He did it behind my back again. He's quiet, sensible and down to earth. I draw the line at spending so much on food. He drew the line for her at $100 a

duty calls - must fulfill obligations easier said than done eat one's words - take back one's words even so - nevertheless, but every now and then - occasionally every other - every second one fall in love (with) - begin to love fall out of love - stop loving false alarm - untrue signal, untrue rumor a far cry from something - very different, almost opposite, not as good feel it in one's bones - expect something bad to happen feel like doing something - want to do, be inclined to do something few and far between - rare, scarce find fault with someone / something - criticize, complain about first things first - important things come before others fly off the handle - get angry follow in someone's footsteps - do the same thing foot the bill - pay the bill for good - forever for the time being - for now, at this time frame of mind - mental state from A to Z - completely, from beginning to end from now on - now and in the future from the word go - from the very beginning get a grip on oneself - take control of one's feelings get carried away - get too excited and enthusiastic about something get cold feet - be afraid to do something get even with someone - have one's revenge get in touch with someone - contact someone get lost - lose one's way Get lost! (slang) - Lay off! get mixed up - get confused get off someone's back - stop bothering someone get one's foot in the door - get an initial opportunity, make the first step in something (e.g. in getting a job) get on one's high horse - behave haughtily towards someone get out of hand - get out of control, beyond control get rid of someone / something - dispose of, discard get to the bottom of something - know deeply get to the point - speak directly about the subject, come to the point Give me a break! - Stop it! Enough! give someone a hand - help someone give someone a lift / a ride - take to some place by car give someone a piece of one's mind - criticize frankly go back on one's word - break a promise go for it - try to do a new thing go from bad to worse - become much worse go out of one's way - try very hard

day. He said, "Duty calls" and left for work. It's easier said than done, but I'll try to do it. He had to eat his words after her report. I work hard. Even so, I like my job. Every now and then I visit my old aunt. She washes her hair every other day. Tom fell in love with Sue at first sight. They soon fell out of love and divorced. I heard that he quit his job, but it was a false alarm. His second book wasn't bad, but it was a far cry from his first book. I feel it in my bones that something terrible is going to happen. I feel like going for a walk. I don't feel like working now, I'm tired. Her visits are few and far between. He finds fault with everybody. She always finds fault with my cooking. First things first: how much money do we have to pay right away? He flew off the handle and yelled at me. Igor followed in his father's footsteps, he became a doctor too. Her father footed the bill for the party. After her death, he left town for good. For the time being, this house is all right for us. I can't do it in this frame of mind. He knows this town from A to Z. From now on, I forbid you to go there. He was lying to all of us from the word go. Stop crying! Get a grip on yourself! He got carried away with opening a store and lost most of his money. I wanted to try it but got cold feet. I'll get even with him for everything! Get in touch with Mr. Smith for help. She got lost in the old part of town. I don't want to see you again. Get lost! I got mixed up, went the wrong way and got lost. Stop bothering me! Get off my back! Nina was able to get her foot in the door because her friend worked in that company. Every time I ask her to help me with typing, she gets on her high horse. If he gets out of hand again, call me right away. The situation is getting out of hand. He got rid of his old useless car. He usually gets to the bottom of things. Please get to the point, I don't have much time now. Come on, stop it! Give me a break! Can you give me a hand with cooking? Can you give me a lift to the bank? He gave her a ride in his new Porsche. She lost my umbrella again, so I gave her a piece of my mind about her carelessness. First he said he would help me, but then he went back on his word. If I were you, I would go for it. His business went from bad to worse. He goes out of his way to please her.

go to one's head - 1. make dizzy; 2. make too proud, conceited go to pieces - get very upset, fall apart go with the flow - lead a quiet life have a ball - have a good time have a bone to pick with someone - complain or discuss something unpleasant have a sweet tooth - love eating sweet things have a word with someone - talk to someone have words with someone - argue with someone have it in someone - have the ability have no business doing something - have no right to do something have one's back to the wall - be hard-pressed, on the defensive have one's hands full - be very busy have one's heart set on something - want something very much have pull - have influence (not) have the heart to do something - (not) have the courage to do something unpleasant hit the nail on the head - say exactly the right thing (not) hold it against someone - (not) blame somebody for doing something Hold it! - Stop! Wait! hold one's own - maintain oneself in a situation, behave as needed hold one's tongue - keep silent, refrain from speaking ill at ease - uncomfortable in advance - well before in a nutshell - in a few words

1. Champagne went to her head right away. 2. His acting success went to his head. She went to pieces when she heard it. She always goes with the flow. Yesterday we had a ball at the party. Mr. Brown, I have a bone to pick with you. My mail was lost because of you. He has a sweet tooth. Can I have a word with you? I had words with my coworker today because he used my computer again. Laura has it in her to be a good doctor. You have no business staying here without my permission. I had no choice, I had my back to the wall. He has his hands full with hard work. She has her heart set on going to New York. He has his heart set on Betty. Does he have pull with the director? I don't have the heart to tell him that he wasn't accepted, he'll be so unhappy. You hit the nail on the head when you said our company needs a new director. I lost his book, but he doesn't hold it against me.

Hold it! I forgot my key. He can hold his own in any situation. We need men who can hold their own. She can't hold her tongue at all. She felt ill at ease because of her cheap dress. He told her about his plan in advance. In a nutshell, my plan is to buy land. I'm staying at Tom's house. Write to me in care of Tom Gray, 321 Main Street, in care of someone - write to one person at the address of another Chicago, Illinois. in cold blood - mercilessly He killed her in cold blood. in fact - actually, in reality In fact, he works as a manager here. in general - generally, generally speaking In general, he likes to be alone. He described the place only in general. in hot water - in trouble, in a difficult situation (especially with He said a couple of unpleasant things about the boss's wife, and now he is in the law or one's superiors) hot water. in one's element - what one likes He's in his element when he's arguing. in other words - using other words In other words, you left her when she needed your help. in plain English - in simple, frank terms I didn't really like the concert. In plain English, the concert was terrible. the ins and outs - all information about something He knows the ins and outs of this business. in someone's shoes - in another person's position I'd hate to be in his shoes now. He lost his job, and his wife is in the hospital. in the long run - in the end In the long run, it'll be better to buy it. in the same boat - in the same situation Stop arguing with me, we're in the same boat and should help each other. in the clear - free from blame Pay the bill and you'll be in the clear. in time (to do something) - early enough, before something begins I came in time to have a cup of coffee before class. it goes without saying - should be clear without words It goes without saying that he must pay what he owes right away. it's time - should do it right away Hurry up, it's time to go. It's worth it. It's not worth it. It's (not) worth buying, visiting, Watch this film, it's worth it. Don't buy this coat, it is not worth it. This watching, etc. museum is worth visiting. This film is not worth watching. jump at the opportunity / chance - accept the opportunity eagerly His boss mentioned a job in Europe, and Peter jumped at the opportunity. just as soon - prefer, would rather I'd just as soon stay home, I'm tired. just in case - to be on the safe side Take an extra shirt, just in case. Just my luck! - Bad luck! / Hard luck! They lost my job application. Just my luck! keep an eye on someone / something - take care of, watch, look after Betty keeps an eye on my sons for me. I'll keep an eye on your dog.

keep a straight face - try not to laugh keep company - accompany keep in mind - consider, remember keep in touch - keep in contact with someone by calling, visiting, sending messages keep one's word - fulfill a promise keep someone posted - inform someone keep one's fingers crossed - hope that nothing will go wrong kill time - fill / spend empty time (not) know the first thing about something - not have any knowledge about something know the ropes - be very familiar with some business last-minute notice - a message (information, instruction) at the last moment leaving little or no time for preparation lay one's cards on the table - be frank and open lay one's life on the line - put oneself in a dangerous situation lead a dog's life - live in misery leave it at that - stop saying anything else about some matter, leave as it is leave word - leave a message let bygones be bygones - forget and forgive bad things in the past let go of something - release the hold let (it) go - forget bad experience, return to normal life let one's hair down - be relaxed and informal with other people let someone know - inform someone like father, like son - be like one's parent in something little by little - step by step, gradually a long shot - an attempt with little chance of success lose one's temper - become angry lose one's way - get lost lose track of someone - not know where someone is lucky break - a lucky chance make a living - earn money to provide for life make allowance(s) for something - take into consideration when judging make a point of - be sure to do something intentionally make ends meet - to have little money to live on make friends - become friends make fun of someone / something - laugh at, joke about not make head or tail of something - be unable to understand or decipher make no bones about it - say / do openly, without hesitation make room for someone - allow space for someone make sense - be logical make the most of something - do the best in the given situation make up one's mind - decide make yourself at home - be comfortable, feel at home a man of his word - a person who keeps promises mean well - have good intentions might as well - maybe it's a good idea

I tried to keep a straight face but failed. She keeps me company quite often. Keep in mind that he is not going to agree easily. Keep in touch with us, we may have new openings next week. Good-by and don't forget to keep in touch! You promised, now keep your word. Keep me posted about your plans. I have a job interview today. Keep your fingers crossed for me, will you? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I went to the show to kill time. I don't know the first thing about nuclear physics. He knows all the ropes in this company. His arrival was a last-minute notice, we didn't have time to prepare for it. Finally, we asked him to lay his cards on the table and tell us about his plans. He laid his life on the line to fulfill this task, but nobody appreciated his efforts. He leads a dog's life. I don't want to argue any further about it, let's leave it at that. Leave it at that! He left word for you to meet him at the airport at 6. Why don't you let bygones be bygones and forget about what he said? Let go of my hand or I'll call the guard. He's still in despair and can't let (it) go. You can't change anything, so let it go. She is always so formal. She never lets her hair down. Let me know when you find a job. Paul won a prize in a chess tournament. Great! Like father, like son! Little by little, they saved enough money for a new car. Checking the suspect's aunt was a long shot, but the detective was prepared to try anything. He loses his temper very often. I lost my way. Can you help me? I lost track of him years ago. He got his lucky break when he found that job. He works hard. His family is large, and he has to make a living somehow. Don't criticize him so hard, make allowance for his inexperience. Make a point of asking about his wife. Make it a point to be here by 10. His doesn't get much money. I wonder how he manages to make ends meet. Anton makes new friends easily. He made fun of her German accent. Everyone makes fun of him. I can't make head or tail of his letter. I'll make no bones about it: I don't like your attitude to work. We can make room for one more dog. What you say makes sense. Let's make the most of our vacation. Will you go there? Make up your mind. Come in please. Make yourself at home. You can depend on his promise to help. He's a man of his word. He meant well, but it turned out that he spoiled a couple of things for me. I might as well telephone him now.

missing person - someone who is lost and can't be located meet someone halfway - compromise with someone never mind - don't worry about it no go - impossible, futile, useless not a bit - not at all, not in the least not to mention - in addition to no wonder - not surprising now and again - occasionally odds and ends - a variety of small unimportant things or leftovers off the cuff - without preparation off the point - beside the point off the record - not for the public, unofficially off the top of one's head - without thinking or calculation; impromptu, from memory once and for all - decidedly on credit - not pay cash right away on edge - nervous, irritable on guard - on the alert on hand - available

The little boy disappeared. The police registered him as a missing person. He's reasonable and tries to meet his coworkers halfway, when possible. I'm terribly sorry. - Never mind. We tried to start the car again and again, but it was no go. Are you tired? - Not a bit. We have three dogs, not to mention two cats. He ate three big fish. No wonder he's sick. I meet them now and again at the bank. I needed to buy some odds and ends for the kitchen. Off the cuff, I can give you only a rough estimate. What I think about him is off the point. Strictly off the record, I think the director is going to get married soon. I can't give you the figure off the top of my head, but it may be around a thousand. You must quit smoking once and for all. He bought a car on credit. He's been on edge ever since she left. He's cautious and always on guard. Do you have a calculator on hand? On one hand, she knows quite a few poems by heart. On the other hand, she on one hand / on the one hand - considering one side of the question can't remember any dates. on one's own (on my own, on his own, etc.) - alone, by oneself, She likes to live and work on her own. She has been on her own for several independently years. on one's toes - alert, attentive, prepared for difficulties He was on his toes and produced a very good impression on them. on purpose - intentionally I didn't do it on purpose, it just happened so. on second thought - after thinking again I'd like to sit on the aisle. On second thought, I'd like a window seat. on the alert - on guard He's cautious and always on the alert. on the carpet - called in by the boss for criticism Yesterday the boss called her on the carpet for being rude to the coworkers. on the go - on the move, busy, active He is always on the go. on the off chance - unlikely to happen, but a small chance still exists On the off chance that you don't find him at work, here's his home address. on the other hand - considering the other side of the question I'd like to have a dog. On the other hand, my wife likes cats. on the spot - right there I decided to do it on the spot. on the spur of the moment - without previous thought / plan He bought this car on the spur of the moment, now he regrets it. on the tip of one's tongue - on the verge of saying but unable to His name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't remember it. remember on time - punctually, at the specified time Jim is always on time. out of one's mind - crazy If you think so, you're out of your mind. out of one's way - away from one's usual route I can't give you a lift to the bank, it's out of my way today. out of the question - not to be considered, impossible Paying him is out of the question! pack rat - a person who saves lots of unnecessary things Why does she keep all those things she never uses? - She is a pack rat. pay attention - note something, be attentive to something Pay attention to his words. pick a fight - start a quarrel He often tries to pick a fight with me. play one's cards right - choose the right steps in doing something If you play your cards right, he'll agree to your plan. potluck supper - a surprise meal, where nobody knows what dishes You know what happened at our last potluck supper? Everybody brought other guests will bring macaroni and cheese, apples, and beer! pull the wool over someone's eyes - deceive, mislead someone Are you trying to pull the wool over my eyes? It won't do you any good. put a damper on something - discourage She always puts a damper on my plans. put in a word for someone - say positive things about someone I'd be very grateful if you could put in a word for me when you speak to him. put one's best foot forward - try to show one's best qualities; He put his best foot forward during the interview. Put your best foot forward do one's best; do things as quicky as possible working at this project. put one's finger on it - indicate exactly, point out the exact cause, I can't put my finger on it. He was able to put his finger on the exact cause of fault, name, etc. the computer malfunction.

put one's foot down - object strongly put one's foot in it - do the wrong thing, make a fool of oneself quite a bit (of) - much, a lot of quite a few - many, a lot of rack one's brain - try hard to think read between the lines - find or understand the implied meaning Remember me to your family. - Say hello to your family for me. right away - immediately ring a bell - remind someone of something familiar but half-forgotten rock the boat - make the situation unstable rub elbows with / rub shoulders with - meet with, spend time together, mingle rub it in - to embarrass even more by reminding repeatedly of some mistake, failure, etc. rub someone the wrong way - irritate, annoy, make angry save face - try to change the negative impression produced save one's breath - stop useless talk scratch the surface - study something superficially search high and low - search everywhere see eye to eye - agree with each other see red - become very angry serve someone right - get what someone deserves serve one's purpose - be useful for some purpose a shot in the dark - a wild guess show promise - be promising sleep on it - postpone a decision till next morning a slip of the tongue - a mistake slip (from) one's mind - forget smell a rat - suspect something wrong so far - up to now so much the better - it's even better spill the beans - tell a secret (not) stand a chance - (not) have a chance stand to reason - be obvious, logical, naturally true straight from the shoulder - frankly, honestly, openly take a dim view of something - disapprove of something take a break - stop for rest take advantage of something - use for one's own benefit, to profit from take a stand (on something) - make a firm decision about something Take care! - Good-bye and be careful! take care of someone / something - look after, see that something is done properly take hold of something - hold, grasp something take into account - take into consideration, consider take it easy - relax, be calm take something for granted - accept as given take someone's breath away - to surprise, impress take one's time - do something without hurry take someone's word for it - believe take pains - try hard to do it well

Her father put his foot down when she said she wanted to marry Alan. He put his foot in it when he told the boss that his daughter wasn't pretty. I had quite a bit of trouble with that car. He wrote quite a few good stories. He racked his brain to solve the puzzle. His books are not easy to understand; you have to read between the lines. Please remember me to your family. It' very important to do it right away. Annabel Lee? Yeah, it rings a bell, but I can't place it right now. Peter always rocks the boat when we discuss the company's spending policy. He doesn't rub elbows with the rich and famous. I know I shouldn't have done it and I apologized. There is no need to rub it in. His remarks rub many coworkers the wrong way. He said a stupid thing and tried to save face by saying he misunderstood me. There's no use talking to him about his spending habits, so save your breath. He examines all the facts closely, he doesn't just scratch the surface. I searched high and low for my lost cat. They see eye to eye on many things. I don't see eye to eye with him. She sees red every time she remembers how he lied to her about it. It serves him right that he didn't get this job, he despised all other candidates. I doubt that hiring this man will serve your purpose. My answer was just a shot in the dark. This young actor shows promise. Don't make a decision now, sleep on it. It was just a slip of the tongue! It slipped my mind that she asked me to do it. I'm not sure what it is, but I smell a rat. So far, I have read 3 books by Stephen King. If he can pay cash, so much the better. Who spilled the beans about our plan? He doesn't stand a chance of getting it. It stands to reason that studying spelling will let you improve your writing skills. Don't try to spare his feelings, give it to him straight from the shoulder. My sister takes a dim view of the way I raise my children. Let's take a break, I'm tired. We took advantage of the low prices and bought a computer and a monitor. People need to take a stand on the issue of nuclear weapons. Take care now! See you tomorrow. Can you take care of my dog while I'm away? Tom takes good care of his car. Take hold of this rope and pull. You must take into account her old age. Take it easy, everything will be OK. Mother's love is always taken for granted by children. That great view took my breath away. Don't hurry. Take your time. Take my word for it, he won't go there. He took pains to make his report perfect.

take part in something - participate in something take place - happen take one's mind off things - distract from fixed ideas or gloomy thoughts take steps - take action, take measures take the words right out of someone's mouth - say the same before someone else says it take time - take a long time take time off - be absent from work take turns - alternate doing something one after another That's just the point. - That's it. that will do - it's enough the writing on the wall - a sign of future events (usually, trouble) (not) think much of something - not think highly of something till one is blue in the face - try very hard to be on the safe side - not take any chances to make a long story short - in short to say the least - to make the minimum comment about something try one's hand at something - try to do something new turn over a new leaf - make a fresh start in life, work turn the tide - reverse the course of events twist someone's arm - make someone agree under the weather - feeling a little ill, unwell up-and-coming - showing promise of future success up in arms - hostile to, in strong protest against something up in the air - undecided, unsettled up to date - modern, latest, current (not) up to par - (not) equal in standard used to do something - did something regularly in the past but not now walk on air - be very happy waste one's breath - speak uselessly, to no purpose watch one's step - be careful wet blanket - a pessimist, a killjoy who dampens enthusiasm or spoils everyone's fun What's the matter? - What is it? which way the wind blows - what the real situation is white lie - unimportant lie word for word - in the same words would rather - prefer

Mary is going to take part in the show. The accident took place on Oak Street. Go to a concert or a movie to take your mind off things. We need to take steps against it. I was about to say the same! You took the words right out of my mouth. It takes time to get used to a new place. He took time off to attend the wedding. We went to Minsk by car. We didn't get tired because we took turns driving That's just the point! I hate this job! Stop reading, that will do for now. The plane crashed. Tim said he saw the writing on the wall about that flight. I don't think much of her cooking. I repeated it till I was blue in the face! Take an extra key, just to be on the safe side. To make a long story short, we won. The film was boring and long, to say the least. I want to try my hand at painting. He promises to turn over a new leaf and quit alcohol for good. The new evidence turned the tide, and the defendant was acquitted of charges. They twisted his arm to sell the house. I'm a little under the weather today. He is an up-and-coming young lawyer who might help you with your case. The employees are up in arms about the new retirement rules. My vacation plans are still up in the air. His reports are always up to date. His behavior isn't up to par. He used to live on Maple Street. I used to play the piano when I was in school (but I don't play it now). He got the job and is walking on air now. Don't waste your breath trying to make him do it, he won't change his mind. Watch your step! Remember what a wet blanket he was last time? Please don't invite him again. What's the matter? What happened? He knows which way the wind blows and always acts accordingly. A white lie is told to spare your feelings. Tell me word for word what he said. I'd rather stay home today.