# tbl_idioms

idiom_text: above and beyond the call of duty
sentence: The fire-fighter received a medal for his action which went above and beyond the call of duty.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person does something which is above and beyond the call of duty, they show a greater degree of courage or effort than is usually required or expected in their job. 


idiom_text: more by accident than by design
meaning: Something that happens more by accident than (by) design is done without deliberate intention.
type: I
sentence:
  I became an interpreter more by accident than design; nobody else could speak the language of the refugees.


idiom_text: accidentally on purpose
sentence: I accidentally-on-purpose erased his email address so I couldn't contact him again.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something intentionally, but pretend it was an accident, you do it accidentally on purpose. 


idiom_text: an accomplished fact (also 'fait accompli')
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  Something that has been done or completed, before those affected by it can intervene or change it, is called an accomplished fact.


idiom_text: of your own accord
sentence: The boy went to see the owner of his own accord and admitted breaking the window.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something of your own accord, you do it spontaneously or willingly, without being influenced or forced by anyone. 


idiom_text: have an ace up your sleeve
sentence: I'm well prepared for the negotiations. I've got an ace up my sleeve
type: I
meaning:
  If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something in reserve with which you can gain an advantage. 


idiom_text: hold all the aces
sentence: Given the high unemployment figures in some countries, employers hold all the aces.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who holds all the aces is in a very strong position because they have more advantages than anyone else. 


idiom_text: Achilles heel
sentence: He's extremely intelligent, but his inability to speak in public is his Achilles heel
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a vulnerable area or a weak spot, in an otherwise strong situation, that could cause one's downfall or failure. 


idiom_text: acid test
sentence: The training course was very interesting but the acid test will come when I start my new job.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something as' the acid test' means that it will prove how effective or useful something is. 


idiom_text: acquired taste
sentence: Tony has always loved olives, but for me it was an acquired taste.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that you dislike when you first taste it, but begin to like after trying it several times, is an acquired taste. 


idiom_text: act of God
sentence: The insurance company refused to pay for the damage because it was caused by an act of God.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to an natural event or accident, for which no person is responsible (such as an earthquake, lightning and similar acts of nature). 


idiom_text: get your act together
sentence: You'd better get your act together if you want to find a job!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to get their act together, you mean that they need to organise their affairs more effectively in order to be more successful. 


idiom_text: add fuel to the flames
sentence: He forgot their wedding anniversary, and his apologies only added fuel to the flames
type: I
meaning:
  If you add fuel to the flames, you do or say something that makes a difficult situation even worse. 


idiom_text: much ado about nothing
type: I
meaning:
  When people make much ado about nothing, they make a lot of fuss about something which is not important. 

sentence:
  There was a meeting to discuss the name for the new playground. "Much ado about nothing" said my Dad!


idiom_text: after the fact
sentence: He said he realized he had put people in danger, but that was of no help after the fact.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is done after the fact, it done too late, after something  has actually happened, especially a crime or an accident. 


idiom_text: against one's better judgement
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something, even though you feel it is not a sensible thing to do, you do it against your better judgement. 

sentence:
  Bob persuaded her to go by car, against her better judgement, and she regretted it as soon as she saw the heavy traffic.


idiom_text: ahead of the pack
sentence: Our products will have to be more innovative if we want to stay ahead of the pack.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person or organisation is ahead of the pack, they are better or more successful than their rivals. 


idiom_text: set the alarm bells ringing / alarm bells start to ring
type: I
meaning:
  If something sets the alarm bells ringing, it makes you begin to worry, because it shows that there may be a problem. 

sentence:
  Alarm bells started to ring when the old lady next door didn't open her shutters all day and didn't answer her phone.


idiom_text: all along
type: I
meaning:
  If something has existed or been somewhere all along, it has been there all the time, from the beginning. 

sentence:
  I had been looking for my keys for some time before I realized they had been in my pocket all along.


idiom_text: all the better for (something)
sentence: You'll be all the better for a good night's rest.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are all the better for something, you benefit from it or feel much better as a result of it. 


idiom_text: all brawn and no brain
sentence: He's an impressive player to watch, but he's all brawn and no brain.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is physically very strong but not very intelligent is said to be all brawn and no brain. 


idiom_text: all clear
sentence: Dad says he's going to play golf again as soon as he gets the all clear from his doctor.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are allowed to do something after a check-up to make sure that everything is all right, you get the all clear. 


idiom_text: all hands on deck
sentence: As the opening day approached, it was all hands on deck to have everything ready in time.
type: I
meaning:
  When there is a need for all hands on deck, everyone must help, especially when there is a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time. 


idiom_text: all hell broke loose
sentence: All hell broke loose when it was announced that the plant was going to close down.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that all hell broke loose, you mean that there was a sudden angry or noisy reaction to something. 


idiom_text: of all people
sentence: As an artist, you, of all people, should support the new art gallery.
type: I
meaning:
  To use the term 'of all people' emphasizes that the person you mention, more than anyone else, is the one you would expect to do something. 


idiom_text: all things to all people
meaning: If you are all things to all people, you please or satisfy everyone.
type: I
sentence:
  She's exhausted trying to be a good wife, a good mother and a good teacher, but she can't be all things to all people.


idiom_text: all things being equal
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a probable situation if, in all other ways, the conditions remain unchanged or equal. All (other) things being equal, a reduction in the cost of transport should enable us to lower our prices.

sentence:
  All (other) things being equal, a reduction in the cost of transport should enable us to lower our prices.


idiom_text: all sizzle and no steak
type: I
meaning:
  Someone or something that turns out to be disappointing, after a promotional campaign or marketing operation which led us to expect something better, is called all sizzle and no steak. 

sentence:
  Because of the electoral promises he made, which so far he has failed to keep, many people call the new president 'all sizzle and no steak'.


idiom_text: all thumbs / all fingers and thumbs
sentence: Would you mind wrapping this for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs!
type: I
meaning:
  If you are all fingers and thumbs, you are awkward and clumsy and do things incorrectly. Would you mind wrapping this for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs!


idiom_text: up/down your alley
sentence: Alex loves reading, so the job in the bookshop is right up his alley.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is (right) up or down your alley, it is exactly the sort of thing that will suit your tastes or abilities. 


idiom_text: also-ran
sentence: He entered the contest hoping that he wouldn't end up as an 'also-ran'.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to an unsuccessful competitor whose performance is so much poorer than the winner's that it appears insignificant. 


idiom_text: alter ego
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  The term alter ego, which in Latin means 'other self', refers to a very close and trusted friend who is very like yourself.


idiom_text: ambulance chaser
sentence: Peterson and Scott are well-known ambulance chasers - that's how they make their money!
type: I
meaning:
  A lawyer who finds work by persuading people injured in accidents to claim money from the person who caused the accident is called an 'ambulance chaser'. 


idiom_text: anyone's call
sentence: "Who do you think will win?" "It's anyone's call."
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used when the result of a contest or election is difficult to predict. "Who do you think will win?" "It's anyone's call."


idiom_text: any port in a storm
sentence: The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of any port in a storm; all the others were full.
type: I
meaning:
  When you have no choice, any port in a storm refers to a solution you accept, which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable. 


idiom_text: apron strings
sentence: All his decisions are influenced by his mother. He's still tied to her apron strings.
type: I
meaning:
  If one person is tied to another's apron strings, they remain dependent at an age when they should be independent. 


idiom_text: give your right arm
sentence: I'd give my right arm to have an apartment on Central Park.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say "Id give my right arm for that", you mean that you want it a lot and would do almost anything to obtain it.  


idiom_text: armchair traveller
sentence: A surprising number of adventure books are bought by armchair travellers.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who reads books or watches TV programmes about other places and countries, but doesn't actually travel anywhere, is called an armchair traveller.  


idiom_text: asleep at the wheel
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that someone is asleep at the wheel, you mean that they are not sufficiently attentive, especially at a critical moment when vigilance is required. 

sentence:
  When the firemen arrived too late at the scene, the night watchman was accused of being asleep at the wheel. 


idiom_text: at all costs
sentence: The journalist was determined at all costs to get a report from the war zone.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are determined to obtain or achieve something at all costs, you want it regardless of the expense, effort or sacrifice involved. 


idiom_text: at this stage of the game
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to the current point reached in a process, activity or developing situation. 

sentence:
  At this stage of the game I think any further intervention would be unwise. Let's wait and see how things develop. 


idiom_text: automatic pilot
sentence: Fred's on automatic pilot today - he didn't even hear my question!
type: I
meaning:
  If you are on automatic pilot, you do something without thinking about it or having to pay attention, because you do it regularly. 


idiom_text: a rude awakening
meaning: If you get a rude awakening, you are forced to accept the unpleasant truth or reality.
type: I
sentence:
  She thought Charlie would want her back, but she got a rude awakening - he was already dating another girl. 


idiom_text: away with the fairies
sentence: It's no use trying to explain the problem to her - she's away with the fairies!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is away with the fairies is in such a dreamy state that they are not totally in touch with reality and give the impression of being slightly mad. 


idiom_text: have an axe to grind
type: I
meaning:
  If you have an axe to grind, you have personal reasons for becoming involved in something or adopting a particular attitude. 

sentence:
  It was decided that the best candidate would be selected by a recruitment agency who had no axe to grind within the company. 


idiom_text: leave somebody holding the baby.
sentence: When the angry customer started to complain, my colleague disappeared and left me holding the baby.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is left holding the baby, they are made responsible for a problem that others don't want to deal with. 


idiom_text: back-of-the-envelope calculation
sentence: I don't need the exact amount. Just give me a back-of-the-envelope calculation.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a quick approximate calculation done informally, as on the back of an envelope. 


idiom_text: (like the) back of one's hand
sentence: Of course I won't get lost. I know London like the back of my hand!
type: I
meaning:
  If you know something like the back of your hand, you are very familiar with it and know it in detail. 


idiom_text: back into shape
sentence: Eva decided she'd have to get back into shape before looking for a job.
type: I
meaning:
  To get yourself back into shape, you need to take some exercise in order to become fit and healthy again. 


idiom_text: back to the salt mines
sentence: We get two days off at Christmas and then it's back to the salt mines!
type: I
meaning:
  Saying that you have to go back to the salt mines is a humorous way of talking about returning to work, usually with some reluctance. 


idiom_text: back to square one
sentence: When the plans were refused, it was 'back to square one' for the architect.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is back to square one means that they have not succeeded in what they were trying to do, so they have to start again. 


idiom_text: back the wrong horse
sentence: When I voted for him I was convinced he would win, but I backed the wrong horse!
type: I
meaning:
  If you back or bet on the wrong horse, for example the loser in a contest, match or election, you support the wrong person. 


idiom_text: backhanded compliment
sentence: He said my presentation was "surprisingly clear". How's that for a backhanded compliment!
type: I
meaning:
  A remark that appears to express admiration but could also be interpreted as an insult is called a backhanded compliment. 


idiom_text: bad egg
sentence: I don't want my son to be friends with Bobby Smith. Bobby's a bad egg.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is a bad egg is an untrustworthy person often involved in trouble whose company should be avoided. 


idiom_text: bad hair day
sentence: What's wrong with Jenny? Is she having a bad hair day?
type: I
meaning:
  Originating as a humorous comment about one's hair being unmanageable, this term had broadened to mean 'a day when everything seems to go wrong'. What's wrong with Jenny?  Is she having a bad hair day?


idiom_text: badger someone
sentence: Sophie badgered her parents into buying her a new computer.
type: I
meaning:
  If you badger someone into doing something, you persistently nag or pester them until you obtain what you want. 


idiom_text: bag of tricks
sentence: Let's call on George and his bag of tricks; maybe he can help us solve the problem.
type: I
meaning:
  If you use your (whole) bag of tricks to do something, you try (all) the clever methods you know in order to succeed. 


idiom_text: in the bag
type: I
meaning:
  People use this expression when it becomes obvious that success or victory is going to be achieved. 

sentence:
  An hour before the polling stations closed, victory seemed in the bag for the Conservative candidate.


idiom_text: bait and switch
sentence: This store is famous for its bait and switch tactics.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a deceptive commercial practice of advertising a low-priced item to attract customers, then telling them that the product is out of stock and persuading them to buy a more expensive article. 


idiom_text: in the balance
sentence: The future of the company is in the balance while the takeover bid is being examined.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is in the balance, the situation is uncertain and it is not clear what is going to happen.  


idiom_text: balancing act
sentence: Many people, especially women, have to perform a balancing act between work and family.
type: I
meaning:
  When you try to satisfy two or more people or groups who have different needs, and keep everyone happy, you perform a balancing act. 


idiom_text: ball and chain
sentence: Our holiday home has become a ball and chain - it's too much work!
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a burden or problem that ties you down and prevents you from doing what you want. It can also refer to one's spouse. 


idiom_text: on the ball
sentence: We need someone who is really on the ball to head the fund-raising campaign.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are on the ball, you are aware of what is happening and are able to deal with things quickly and intelligently. 


idiom_text: whole new ball game
sentence: Email and text messaging have made communication a whole new ball game.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something as a whole new ball game means that it is a completely different situation due to a new set of circumstances. 


idiom_text: ballpark figure
sentence: I don't know exactly how much it will cost, but a ballpark figure would be around $100 000.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone gives a ballpark figure, they give an approximate number or a rough estimate of the cost of something. I don't know exactly how much it will cost, but a ballpark figure would be around $100 000.


idiom_text: (load of) baloney
sentence: That's a load of baloney! I don't believe a word of it!
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to idle talk, or pretentious, untrue or insincere statements that nobody can believe. 


idiom_text: bandit territory
type: I
meaning:
  A geographical area where law enforcement is practically impossible, because people ignore all rules, is called 'bandit territory'. 

sentence:
  There are a certain number of bandit territories in the world where travellers are advised not to go. 


idiom_text: jump on the bandwagon
type: I
meaning:
  If a person or organisation jumps on the bandwagon, they decide to do something when it is already successful or fashionable. 

sentence:
  When organic food became fashionable, certain stores were quick to jump on the bandwagon and promote it.  


idiom_text: bane of one's life
sentence: The heating system is always breaking down. It's the bane of my life!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is the bane of your life means that it is the cause of your problems or your unhappiness. 


idiom_text: bang one's head against a brick wall
sentence: I've been banging my head against a brick wall trying to explain the internet to my grandmother!
type: I
meaning:
  If you bang or knock your head against a brick wall, you continue vainly to try to achieve something in spite of several unsuccessful attempts. 


idiom_text: bare one's soul
sentence: Mike couldn't keep things to himself any longer. He decided to bare his soul to his best friend.
type: I
meaning:
  If you bare you soul (or heart) to someone, you reveal your innermost thoughts and feelings to them. 


idiom_text: barking up the wrong tree
sentence: The police are barking up the wrong tree if they think Joey stole the car - he can't drive!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is barking up the wrong tree is doing the wrong thing, because their beliefs or ideas are incorrect or mistaken.  


idiom_text: basket case
sentence: Jenny will turn into a basket case if this stressful situation continues.
type: I
meaning:
  A person whose agitated mental state leaves them helpless or unable to cope with things is called a basket case.  


idiom_text: bated breath
sentence: We waited with bated breath for the winner to be announced.
type: I
meaning:
  If you wait for something with bated breath, you are both anxious and excited about an imminent event. 


idiom_text: batten down the hatches
sentence: Here comes that trouble-making guy. Batten down the hatches!
type: I
meaning:
  When you batten down the hatches, you prepare yourself for trouble or a forthcoming difficult period, like a ship preparing for a storm. 


idiom_text: battle lines are drawn
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to say that opposing groups are ready to defend the reason behind the conflict. 

sentence:
  The battle lines have been drawn between those who accept the changes and those who are against the proposed reforms.  


idiom_text: battle of wills
sentence: When they separated, neither party would make concessions - it was a battle of wills.
type: I
meaning:
  A conflict, argument or struggle where both sides are determined to win is described as a battle of wills. 


idiom_text: be-all and end-all
sentence: Good schools are not the be-all and end-all of educating a child.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is not the be-all and end-all means that it is not what matters most or what is most essential. 


idiom_text: be that as it may
meaning: This expression means that what the speaker says may be true but it will not change the situation.
type: I
sentence:
  OK. Fewer people may come because of the bad weather, but be that as it may, it's too late to cancel the show. 


idiom_text: bear the brunt
sentence: When things go wrong, his assistant always has to bear the brunt of his anger.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who bears the brunt of something is the one who suffers the most when something bad or unpleasant happens. 


idiom_text: bear in mind
sentence: You must bear in mind that the cost of living is higher in New York.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person asks you to bear something in mind, they are asking you to remember it because it is important. 


idiom_text: beard the lion in his den
sentence: If he continues to refuse my calls, I'll have to beard the lion in his den.
type: I
meaning:
  If you visit someone important in the place where they work, in order to challenge him/her or obtain something, you beard the lion in his den. 


idiom_text: beat one's brain out
meaning: If someone beats their brains out, they try very hard to understand something or solve a problem.
type: I
sentence:
  My grandmother beats her brains out every evening trying to do the crossword puzzle in the newspaper.  


idiom_text: beat around the bush
sentence: Stop beating around the bush. Just tell me what has been decided!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to tell someone to say what they have to say, clearly and directly, even if it is unpleasant. 


idiom_text: beat/flog a dead horse
sentence: Mark is beating a dead horse trying to get his money reimbursed. The company has gone bankrupt!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is beating a dead horse means that they are wasting time and effort trying to do or achieve something that is impossible.  


idiom_text: beat a hasty retreat
sentence: The thief beat a hasty retreat as soon as he saw the security officer.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who beats a (hasty) retreat runs away or goes back hurriedly to avoid a dangerous or difficult situation. 


idiom_text: at someone's beck and call
sentence: Parents should not be at the beck and call of their children.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person is at someone's beck and call, they are always ready to do things for them or obey orders to please them. 


idiom_text: bee's knees
sentence: If you say "Chloe thinks she's the bee's knees" you mean that Chloe has a high opinion of herself.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone/something is the bee's knees means that the speaker thinks they are exceptionally good. 


idiom_text: been in/through the wars
sentence: He arrived in a car that looked as though it had been through the wars.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person or thing has been in or through the wars, they show signs of rough treatment, injury or damage. 


idiom_text: been there, done that
sentence: His suggestions produced a 'been there, done that' attitude which undermined his enthusiasm.
type: I
meaning:
  The expression is used to indicate that the speaker is familiar with the situation mentioned.  It can also refer to an attitude which reflects a certain boredom at the idea of repeating an experience that has lost its novelty. 


idiom_text: before the ink is dry
sentence: You can never tell when he's serious. He's capable of changing his mind before the ink is dry!
type: I
meaning:
  If people reach an agreement, and then change their minds immediately afterwards, the change occurs 'before the ink is dry'. 


idiom_text: before you know it
sentence: The doorbell rang, and before we knew it a surprise birthday party was under way!
type: I
meaning:
  If something takes place so suddenly that you don't have time to become aware of it, it happens before you know it or before you know where you are. 


idiom_text: before your very eyes
sentence: Before my very eyes, he took the rubbish and threw it into the neigbour's garden.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone does something before your very eyes, they do it in front of you, without attempting to hide what they are doing. 


idiom_text: beggars can't be choosers
sentence: "Beggars can't be choosers!"
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that you should not reject an offer if it is the only possibility you have. You have no choice. 


idiom_text: behind closed doors
sentence: The matter was discussed behind closed doors.
type: I
meaning:
  If something takes place behind closed doors, it is done privately, with no observers or intruders. 


idiom_text: behind the times
sentence: Jane doesn't have a mobile phone. She's completely behind the times.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is behind the times has old-fashioned ideas and does not keep up with modern life in general. 


idiom_text: ring a bell
sentence: John Bentley? The name rings a bell but I don't remember him.
type: I
meaning:
  If something rings a bell, it is vaguely familar to you, but you can't remember the exact details. John Bentley?  The name rings a bell but I don't remember him.


idiom_text: tighten your belt
sentence: Another bill? I'll have to tighten my belt this month!
type: I
meaning:
  If you need to tighten your belt, you must spend less money or be careful how you spend it because there is less available. Another bill? I'll have to tighten my belt this month!


idiom_text: under one's belt
sentence: You've got to have some work experience under your belt before you can hope to get a permanent job.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have something under your belt, you have acquired experience or have satisfactorily achieved something. 


idiom_text: bend the truth
meaning: If you bend the truth, you say something that is not entirely true.
type: I
sentence:
  Ok, I bent the truth a bit.  I told him it was my natural colour, but I didn't say that my hairdresser helped me to keep it natural!


idiom_text: benefit of the doubt
type: I
meaning:
  If you give someone the benefit of the doubt, you choose to believe that the person is innocent, honest or telling the truth, because there is no evidence to the contrary. 

sentence:
  Although he found it hard to believe Tom's explanation, the teacher decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.


idiom_text: bent out of shape
sentence: Don't get bent out of shape if you're delayed. We'll wait for you.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get bent out of shape, you become annoyed or upset about something that is usually not that important or cannot be avoided. 


idiom_text: beside yourself
sentence: He was beside himself with grief when he lost his son.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are beside yourself (with an emotion), you lose your self-control because of the intensity of the emotion you are feeling. 


idiom_text: best of both worlds
sentence: We live in the centre of town, but only 5 minutes from the beach. We have the best of both worlds.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person has the best of both worlds, they have the benefits and advantages of two different things. 


idiom_text: better late than never
type: I
meaning:
  When someone does something late, this remark means that it is better to do it late than not do it at all. Do you know what time it is? You promised you'd come early to help me - but better late than never I suppose!

sentence:
  Do you know what time it is? You promised you'd come early to help me - but better late than never I suppose!


idiom_text: better still/worse still
sentence: Not only did he get a great offer, but better still, a house and car come with the job.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to emphasize that although something is good, bad, etc., something else makes it even better, worse, etc. 


idiom_text: between the devil and the deep blue sea
type: I
meaning:
  If you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, you are in a situation where there are to equally unpleasant alternatives. 

sentence:
  When the new product didn't take off, the management was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea : develop a new marketing campaign or drop the product.


idiom_text: beyond redemption
sentence: With the latest scandal, his reputation is now beyond redemption.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is beyond redemption, it is in such a poor state that there is no hope of improvement or recovery. 


idiom_text: big picture
sentence: While each aspect is important, try not to forget the big picture.
type: I
meaning:
  If you talk about the big picture, you refer to the overall situation, or the project as a whole rather than the details. 


idiom_text: bill of health
sentence: All candidates for the position must produce a clean bill of health.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person has a clean bill of health, they have a report or certificate declaring that their health is satisfactory. 


idiom_text: binge drinking
sentence: Binge drinking is becoming a major problem in some European countries.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to heavy drinking where large quantities of alcohol are consumed in a short space of time, often among young people in rowdy groups. 


idiom_text: for the birds
sentence: As far as I'm concerned, his theory is for the birds.
type: I
meaning:
  If you think something is for the birds, you consider it to be uninteresting, useless or not to be taken seriously. 


idiom_text: take the biscuit
meaning: This expression refers to something very irritating or annoying.
type: I
sentence:
  After waiting for an hour, we were told that there were no seats left.  That really took the biscuit!


idiom_text: bite off more than you can chew
type: I
meaning:
  If you bite off more than you can chew, you try to do something that is too difficult for you, or more than you can manage. 

sentence:
  As soon as I started to translate the report, I realized that I had bitten off more than I could chew.


idiom_text: black sheep
sentence: Joe was the black sheep of the family, always getting into trouble
type: I
meaning:
  The black sheep is one who behaves very differently or badly, and is considered disreputable by the other members of the family. 


idiom_text: black tie event
sentence: I need to know if it's going to be a casual get-together or a black tie event
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a formal event at which men are required to wear a dinner jacket, or tuxedo, and a black bow tie. 


idiom_text: blamestorming
sentence: A blamestorming session took place following the unfavourable reviews in the press.
type: I
meaning:
  A discussion among a group of people who try to determine who or what is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called 'blamestorming'. 


idiom_text: blank cheque
sentence: Tom was given a blank cheque and told to negotiate the best deal possible.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorise them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation. 


idiom_text: wet blanket
sentence: Come on Mike! Don't be such a wet blanket. You're spoiling the party!
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to someone as a wet blanket means that they spoil other people's fun, or make an event less enjoyable than it could have been. 


idiom_text: blessing in disguise
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to something that is unpleasant at first but later turns out to have advantages. 

sentence:
  Missing the plane was a blessing in disguise - that's how he met his wife.  She was a hostess on the next flight!


idiom_text: blind alley
sentence: The suspect's 'revelations' lead the police up a blind alley.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go up a blind alley, you follow an ineffective course of action which leads nowhere or produces no results. 


idiom_text: blind leading the blind
type: I
meaning:
  This expression describes a person with very little ability trying to help or guide a person with no ability. 

sentence:
  Don't ask Sofia to translate it.  She hardly speaks a word of English herself. It would be the blind leading the blind.


idiom_text: blind someone with science
sentence: When you ask Tim for a simple explanation, he blinds you with science.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone tries to blind you with science, they confuse you with their knowledge by using difficult or technical words. 


idiom_text: blink of an eye
sentence: The pickpocket disappeared in the blink of an eye.
type: I
meaning:
  If something happens in the blink of an eye, it happens nearly instantaneously, with hardly enough time to notice it. 


idiom_text: blockbuster
sentence: The TV series was a blockbuster.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is outstanding, impressive or particularly successful, such as a film or a book ,is called a blockbuster. 


idiom_text: blow hot and cold
meaning: If you blow hot and cold about something, you constantly change your opinion about it.
type: I
sentence:
  The boss keeps blowing hot and cold about the marketing campaign - one day he finds it excellent, the next day he wants to make changes.


idiom_text: blow the whistle
sentence: He refused to blow the whistle on his boss for fear of losing his job.
type: I
meaning:
  If you report an illegal or socially-harmful activity to the authorities, and give information about those responsible for it, you blow the whistle or you are a whistle-blower. 


idiom_text: blow up in your face
meaning: When working on a plan or project, if it suddenly goes wrong or fails, it blows up in your face.
type: I
sentence:
  The trip was difficult to organise, but it blew up in his face when the airline company went on strike.


idiom_text: blue chip company
sentence: It's usually safe to invest in a blue chip company.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a company with a solid reputation for the quality of its products and the stability of its growth and earnings. 


idiom_text: blue in the face
sentence: I explained the situation until I was blue in the face but she wouldn't change her mind.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something until you are blue in the face, you try unsuccessfully to do something for a very long time. 


idiom_text: (scream) blue murder
sentence: The crowd started screaming blue murder when the football match was interrupted.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who screams blue murder shouts or complains very loudly as if something very serious has happened. 


idiom_text: in the same boat
sentence: When the factory closed down, the workers all found themselves in the same boat.
type: I
meaning:
  If two or more parties are in the same boat, they are in the same unpleasant or difficult situation. 


idiom_text: miss the boat
type: I
meaning:
  If you miss the boat, you fail to take advantage of an opportunity because you don't act quickly enough. 

sentence:
  I managed to get my order through before the end of the special offer - but I nearly missed the boat!


idiom_text: bodice-ripper
sentence: The novel is a bodice-ripper set in the French revolution.
type: I
meaning:
  A novel, usually on a historical theme, with a plot that involves romantic passion between a vulnerable heroine and a rich, powerful male character, is called a bodice-ripper. 


idiom_text: the mind boggles
sentence: She crossed the Atlantic alone - can you imagine? - the mind boggles!
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'the mind boggles' is used as a reaction to something you find amazing or difficult to understand. She crossed the Atlantic alone - can you imagine? - the mind boggles!


idiom_text: boil the ocean
sentence: “I expect you to do the job well but don’t try to boil the ocean!”
type: I
meaning:
  To “boil the ocean” means to waste time on a task or project that is unnecessary, not worth doing or impossible to achieve. 


idiom_text: bone to pick with someone
sentence: Mark wants to see the boss. He says he's got a bone to pick with him.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed with them and want to talk to them about it. 


idiom_text: you can't judge a book by its cover
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that you should not form an opinion about something from its appearance only. 

sentence:
  He leads a very simple life but in fact he's an extremely rich man.  - you can't judge a book by its cover.


idiom_text: lick somebody's boots
sentence: There's no need to lick the manager's boots. Just do your job!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that one person licks another person's boots means that they are trying to please that person, often in order to obtain something. 


idiom_text: too big for one's boots
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is getting too big for their boots is behaving as if they were more important than they really are. 

sentence:
  Tom's really getting too big for his boots since he got a promotion - he hardly says hello any more!


idiom_text: bored to tears (distraction/death/silly)
sentence: I could see that my son was bored to tears by the historical documentary.
type: I
meaning:
  If you find something so dull and uninteresting that it makes you sad enough to cry, you are bored to tears. 


idiom_text: I wasn't born yesterday
sentence: Stop inventing silly excuses. I wasn't born yesterday you know!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to indicate that you are not as foolish or as easily deceived as some people seem to think. 


idiom_text: botch up/ make a botch of
sentence: Danny tried to assemble the new desk, but he made a botch of it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you spoil something, or make a mess of it, by doing a job badly or incorrectly, you make a botch of it or you botch it up. 


idiom_text: bounce off the walls
sentence: Danny can't wait to start his new job. He's bouncing off the walls.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is very excited about something, or full of nervous energy, is said to be bouncing off the walls. 


idiom_text: bow and scrape
sentence: The President was greeted with much bowing and scraping.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is bowing and scraping means that they are being excessively polite or servile. 


idiom_text: brain drain
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  The departure of highly qualified people (scientists, engineers, etc.) for other countries, where they have better opportunities and usually better pay, is called the brain drain.


idiom_text: brains behind something
sentence: The police have arrested a man believed to be the brains behind the bank robbery.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is the brains behind a project or action is the person thought to have planned and organised everything. 


idiom_text: no-brainer
type: I
meaning:
  A decision or choice that requires little or no thought, because the best option is so obvious, is called a no-brainer. 

sentence:
  The choice was between a cash refund or having the amount credited to my account - it was a no-brainer.  I took the cash!


idiom_text: get down to brass tacks
type: I
meaning:
  When people get down to brass tacks, they start to discuss the essential aspects of a problem or situation. 

sentence:
  The situation was so serious that after a few polite exchanges they quickly got down to brass tacks.


idiom_text: know which side your bread is buttered
sentence: Jack never argues with his father-in-law. He knows which side his bread is buttered.
type: I
meaning:
  If you know which side your bread is buttered, you know where your interests lie or what will be to your advantage. 


idiom_text: break your back
type: I
meaning:
  If you work extremely hard, or put a lot of effort into achieving something, you break your back to do it. 

sentence:
  If you want the job done well, you should accept to pay more.  He's not going to break his back for such a low price!


idiom_text: break the back of the beast
meaning: If someone breaks the back of the beast, they succeed in overcoming a major difficulty.
type: I
sentence:
  After hours of effort, the technicians finally broke the back of the beast and turned the electricity back on again.


idiom_text: break a leg!
sentence: So tonight's the opening night? Break a leg!
type: I
meaning:
  This is a humorous way of wishing someone good luck, especially among stage performers. So tonight's the opening night?  Break a leg!


idiom_text: break the mould
sentence: After generations of doctors in the family, he broke the mould by becoming a fashion designer.
type: I
meaning:
  If you change what people expect from a (traditional) situation, especially by doing something original, you break the mould. 


idiom_text: breaking and entering
sentence: The two men were found guilty of breaking and entering.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to the fact of entering a building or home illegally by breaking open a window, door, etc. 


idiom_text: breathe down someone's neck
sentence: The atmosphere at work is not great; the boss keeps breathing down our necks all the time.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is breathing down your neck, they are watching you too closely and making you feel uncomfortable. 


idiom_text: bricks and mortar bricks and clicks
sentence: Click businesses are usually more flexible than brick-and-mortar operations.
type: I
meaning:
  An established trading company (office/shop) is referred to as a 'brick-and-mortar' business. 'Click companies' refer to internet-based operations. Companies which do both are called 'bricks and clicks'. 


idiom_text: bring nothing to the table
sentence: We'll never reach an agreement if we don't all bring something to the table.
type: I
meaning:
  If you participate in negotiations and bring nothing to the table, you have nothing of interest to offer the other side. 


idiom_text: broad daylight
type: I
meaning:
  If something happens in broad daylight, it takes place in the clear light of day when everyone can see what's going on. 

sentence:
  His car was stolen in front of the bank, in broad daylight, and apparently there was not one witness!


idiom_text: broad as it's long
sentence: Take the high-speed train, or fly and take a taxi? It's as broad as it's long.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that there is no real difference which alternative is chosen. Take the high-speed train, or fly and take a taxi? It's as broad as it's long.


idiom_text: broad strokes
sentence: In a few broad strokes he summed up the situation.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is described or defined with/in broad strokes, it is outlined in a very general way, without any details. 


idiom_text: the bubble has burst
sentence: The video game was a phenomenal success but the bubble has burst
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the bubble has burst means that the success of an idea, a product or a situation has suddenly stopped. 


idiom_text: pass the buck
sentence: Sam takes the easy way out. Whenever a problem arises, he immediately passes the buck!
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that someone is passing the buck, you are accusing them of not taking responsibility for a problem and expecting someone else to handle it. 


idiom_text: buckle down
sentence: If you want to pass your exams, you'll have to buckle down and do some serious work.
type: I
meaning:
  If you buckle down, you apply yourself with determination to hard work and give it hour full attention. 


idiom_text: nip in the bud
sentence: He wanted to be a clown, but his parents soon nipped that idea in the bud.
type: I
meaning:
  If you nip a problem or an unacceptable situation in the bud, you stop it at an early stage, before it develops or becomes worse. 


idiom_text: build bridges
sentence: A mediator is trying to build bridges between the local community and the owners of the new plant.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person builds bridges between opposing groups, they help them to cooperate and understand each other better. 


idiom_text: take the bull by the horns
type: I
meaning:
  To take the bull by the horns means that a person decides to act decisively in order to deal with a difficult situation or problem. 

sentence:
  When the argument turned into a fight, the bar owner took the bull by the horns and called the police.


idiom_text: bulldoze somebody into doing something
sentence: The immigrants we bulldozed into accepting the work.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is bulldozed into doing something is forced to do it, especially by being bullied or intimidated. 


idiom_text: bundle of nerves
sentence: My son is doing his driving test today. Needless to say he's a bundle of nerves!
type: I
meaning:
  If you describe someone as a bundle of nerves, you mean that they are very nervous, tense or worried. 


idiom_text: burn your bridges
meaning: If you burn your bridges, you do something that will be impossible to rectify in the future.
type: I
sentence:
  If you refuse the offer, be careful not to burn your bridges by insulting them.  They may make a better proposal later.


idiom_text: burn the candle at both ends
sentence: Scott looks exhausted - I'll bet he's been burning the candle at both ends lately.
type: I
meaning:
  If you burn the candle at both ends, you exhaust yourself by doing too much, especially going to bed late and getting up early. 


idiom_text: burn your fingers
sentence: Jack got his fingers burnt playing on the stock market.
type: I
meaning:
  If you burn your fingers (or get your fingers burnt), you suffer financially as a result of foolish behaviour. 


idiom_text: on the back burner
sentence: When Julie was offered a promotion she put her MBA plans on the back burner.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put a project or issue on the back burner, you decide to deal with it at a later date because you do not consider it to be that urgent or important. 


idiom_text: burning question
sentence: Who leaked the information? That's the burning question!
type: I
meaning:
  What everyone is asking, and what we all want to know about, is called the burning question. Who leaked the information? That's the burning question!


idiom_text: bury head in sand
sentence: It's no good burying your head in the sand. We've got a problem on our hands.
type: I
meaning:
  If you bury your head in the sand, you refuse to face the unpleasant reality by pretending that the situation doesn't exist. 


idiom_text: bury the hatchet
type: I
meaning:
  When people who have had a disagreement decide to forget their quarrel and become friends again, they bury the hatchet. 

sentence:
  I didn't agree with my colleague's decision, but for the sake of peace, I decided to bury the hatchet.


idiom_text: business as usual
sentence: It was business as usual at the supermarket the day after the hold-up.
type: I
meaning:
  After an unpleasant or unexpected event, this expression means that everything is continuing in a normal way, in spite of the difficulties. 


idiom_text: business before pleasure
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is considered preferable to finish one's work before going to relax and enjoy oneself. 

sentence:
  I'd love to have lunch with you  but I've got a report to finish - business before pleasure I'm afraid!


idiom_text: business is business
sentence: I'll hire your brother only if he is the best candidate. I'm sorry but business is business!
type: I
meaning:
  This is a way of saying that in financial and commercial matters, friendship or personal feelings should not be allowed to have any influence. 


idiom_text: busman's holiday
sentence: My husband is a chef, so for him time off with the family is often a busman's holiday!
type: I
meaning:
  A busman's holiday is when you spend your spare time or your holidays doing the same sort of activity as you do in your job. 


idiom_text: butter somebody up
sentence: He was so keen to get the job that he spent his time buttering up the boss.
type: I
meaning:
  When you butter someone up, you flatter them or you are very nice to them, especially if you want to obtain something. 


idiom_text: butter wouldn't melt in your mouth
sentence: The boy who stole the purse looked as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that someone looks as if butter wouldn't melt in their mouth, you mean that they look completely innocent, but that they are capable of doing unpleasant things. 


idiom_text: buy a lemon
sentence: The car I bought was a real lemon. It broke down two weeks later.
type: I
meaning:
  If buy something, especially a car, that is defective, unsatisfactory, constantly gives trouble or stops running after a short time, you buy a lemon. 


idiom_text: by degrees
sentence: By degrees their business relationship grew into friendship.
type: I
meaning:
  If something happens or develops by degrees, it happens gradually or little by little as time goes by. 


idiom_text: in cahoots with someone
sentence: There was a rumour that the Mayor was in cahoots with a chain of supermarkets.
type: I
meaning:
  If one person is in cahoots with another, they are working in close partnership, usually conspiring to do something dishonest. 


idiom_text: slice/share of the cake
sentence: Since profits are higher this year, the workers feel they deserve a bigger slice of the cake.
type: I
meaning:
  When people feel entitled to a share of the profits or benefits, they want a (larger) slice of the cake. 


idiom_text: have your cake and eat it
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone wants to have their cake and eat it means that they want the advantages of two alternative situations when only one is possible. 

sentence:
  Jack enjoys his comfort but is always complaining about the cost of things.  He can't have his cake and eat it.


idiom_text: cake/game is not worth the candle
sentence: He recorded an album but sold very few copies; the cake wasn't worth the candle.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the cake (or the game) is not worth the candle means that the advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved. 


idiom_text: call someone's bluff
type: I
meaning:
  If you call someone's bluff, you challenge them to do what they threaten to do (while believing that they will not dare to do it). 

sentence:
  After the neighbour's threats to demolish the fence, when Jack decided to call his bluff, there were no more complaints.


idiom_text: call a spade a spade
type: I
meaning:
  A person who calls a spade a spade speaks openly and truthfully about something, especially difficult matters. 

sentence:
  What I like about the new manager is that he calls a spade a spade - it makes things so much easier for everyone.


idiom_text: call the shots/ the tune
sentence: He shows a lot of authority but in fact it's his wife who calls the tune.
type: I
meaning:
  The person who calls the shots or the tune is the one who makes all the important decisions and is in control of the situation. 


idiom_text: can of worms
sentence: The discovery of the transfer of funds turned out to be a real can of worms
type: I
meaning:
  To describe a situation as a can of worms means that it is complicated, unpleasant and difficult to deal with. 


idiom_text: can't hold a candle to
sentence: John is very intelligent but he can't hold a candle to his brother Paul when it comes to sports.
type: I
meaning:
  If one person can't hold a candle to another, they are much less competent or do not perform as well as the other. 


idiom_text: can't for the life of me
sentence: I can't for the life of me remember the title of the book.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression can be used to say that it is impossible for you to do something, no matter how hard you try. 


idiom_text: can't hold a candle
sentence: John is very intelligent but he can't hold a candle to his brother Paul when it comes to sports.
type: I
meaning:
  If one person (or thing) can't hold a candle to another, they are much less competent or do not perform as well as the other. 


idiom_text: can't make omelette without breaking eggs
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is impossible to make important changes without causing some unpleasant effects. 

sentence:
  Some people will lose their jobs after the merger, but you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.


idiom_text: can't see the wood for the trees
sentence: The new manager found the situation so complicated that he couldn't see the wood for the trees.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone can't see the wood for the trees, they are so concentrated on the details that they can't see the situation as a whole. 


idiom_text: if the cap fits wear it
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  You can say 'if the cap fits, wear it' to let someone know that the critical remark they have just heard applies to them. "Are you referring to me?" "If the cap fits, wear it!"


idiom_text: put on your thinking cap
sentence: Now here's this week's quiz; it's time to put your thinking caps on!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to put their thinking cap on, you ask them to find an idea or solve a problem by thinking about it. 


idiom_text: play your cards right
sentence: If we play our cards right, we'll get the contract.
type: I
meaning:
  If you play your cards right, you do all that is necessary in order to succeed or to obtain what you want. 


idiom_text: put/lay one's cards on the table
sentence: It was time for me to put my cards on the table and reveal my true feelings.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put your cards on the table, you speak honestly and openly about your feelings and intentions. 


idiom_text: carrot and stick
sentence: Some parents use a carrot-and-stick approach to obtain good results from their children.
type: I
meaning:
  If you use a carrot-and-stick approach, you use the promise of reward and the threat of punishment to make someone work harder. 


idiom_text: carry the can
sentence: The author didn't turn up for the interview and his agent had to carry the can.
type: I
meaning:
  If you carry the can for another person, you accept blame or take responsibility for something that goes wrong, even if it is not your fault or only partly. 


idiom_text: carry the torch
sentence: He's been carrying the torch for Julie since their college days, before she married Ted.
type: I
meaning:
  If you carry the torch, you have strong feelings for someone with whom you do not or cannot have a relationship. 


idiom_text: carve out a niche
type: I
meaning:
  A person or company who carves out a niche concentrates on a particular segment of the market, to which they supply a product or service, and develop their expertise in that area. 

sentence:
  In today's competitive market it is better to carve out a niche and try to become the best in that area.


idiom_text: case in point
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to an example which serves to illustrate, support or prove a point which is currently under discussion. 

sentence:
  Not even the most talented athlete is guaranteed a long career.  The latest skiing accident is a case in point.


idiom_text: cash in your chips
sentence: Andy cashed in his chips as soon as business started to slow down.
type: I
meaning:
  If you cash in your chips, you sell something, especially shares, either because you need the money or because you think the value is going to fall. 


idiom_text: cast a wide net
sentence: The hospital cast a wide net in their search for compatible donors.
type: I
meaning:
  When trying to find something, if you cast a wide net, you cover an extensive area or use a wide range of sources. 


idiom_text: cast-iron stomach
sentence: I don't know how you can eat that spicy food. You must have a cast-iron stomach.
type: I
meaning:
  If you can eat all sorts of food and drink what you like, without any indigestion, discomfort or bad effects, it is said that you have a cast-iron stomach. 


idiom_text: cat can look at a king
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that nobody is so important that an ordinary person cannot look at or be curious about them.


idiom_text: fat cat
sentence: The place was full of fat cats on their big yachts.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to a rich and powerful person as a fat cat means that you disapprove of the way they use their money or power. 


idiom_text: cat in hell's chance
sentence: Because of the blizzard, the pilot didn't have a cat in hell's chance of landing safely.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that there is not a cat in hell's chance of someone doing or achieving something means that there is no chance at all. 


idiom_text: let the cat out of the bag
meaning: If you let the cat out of the bag, you reveal a secret, generally not intentionally.
type: I
sentence:
  When the child told her grandmother about the plans for her birthday, she let the cat out of the bag.


idiom_text: like the cat that ate the canary
sentence: When the boss complimented him on his work, Steve looked like the cat that ate the canary.
type: I
meaning:
  If, after an achievement or success, a person seems very self-satisfied or pleased with themselves, you can say that they look like the cat that ate the canary. 


idiom_text: like a scalded cat
sentence: As soon as he saw the policeman, he ran off like a scalded cat.
type: I
meaning:
  If something or something moves like a scalded cat, they move very fast, usually because they are frightened or shocked. 


idiom_text: like something the cat dragged in
sentence: My teenage son often looks like something the cat dragged in.
type: I
meaning:
  If you compare a person or thing to something the cat dragged in, you think they they look dirty, untidy or generally unappealing. 


idiom_text: like cat and dog
sentence: They fight like cat and dog but they're still together after 30 years.
type: I
meaning:
  Two people who fight or argue like cat and dog frequently have violent arguments, even though they are fond of each other. 


idiom_text: cat's whiskers (also: cat's pyjamas)
sentence: Ever since she got a promotion, she thinks she's the cat's whiskers!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to someone who considers themselves to be better than others in a particular area : beauty, competence, intelligence, sport, etc. 


idiom_text: catch 22
type: I
meaning:
  A catch 22 situation refers to a frustrating situation where you cannot do one thing without doing a second, and you cannot do the second before doing the first. 

sentence:
  I can't get a job without a work permit, and I can't get a work permit without a job.  It's a catch 22 situation!


idiom_text: caught in the crossfire
sentence: When the two taxi drivers started to argue, their passengers were caught in the crossfire.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are caught in the crossfire, you suffer the effects of an argument or dispute between two people or groups. 


idiom_text: wouldn't be caught dead/seen dead
type: I
meaning:
  If someone says that they wouldn't be caught or seen dead in a particular place or doing something, they mean that they would be too ashamed or embarrassed. 

sentence:
  My seven-year-old son thinks he's a big boy; he wouldn't be caught dead holding my hand in front of his friends!


idiom_text: throw caution to the wind
sentence: I decided to throw caution to the wind and invest in my best friend's new company
type: I
meaning:
  If you throw caution to the wind, you start taking risks and stop worrying about the danger involved. 


idiom_text: caveat emptor
sentence: Caveat emptor is a principle to be remembered when buying second-hand goods.
type: I
meaning:
  This Latin expression, which means 'let the buyer beware', is a warning to customers that goods are for sale 'as is'. The buyer is purchasing the articles at his/her own risk and is responsible for examining them beforehand. 


idiom_text: champ at the bit
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is champing at the bit is ready and eager to start an activity, and is showing impatience at being delayed. 

sentence:
  The press conference was delayed for such a long time that the journalists were champing at the bit.


idiom_text: take a chance
sentence: I may not be able to get through the traffic, but I'll take a chance on it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take a chance on something, you take action in the hope of success even though you know that the result may be negative. 


idiom_text: change the face of
sentence: Social networks have changed the face of modern communication.
type: I
meaning:
  When an innovation, discovery or event changes the face of something, it alters it completely or in a major way. 


idiom_text: change of heart
sentence: He was against charity, but he had a change of heart when he saw the plight of the homeless.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has a change of heart, they change their attitude or feelings, especially towards greater friendliness or cooperation. 


idiom_text: change horses in midstream
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If you change horses in midstream, you change your plan, or choose a new leader, in the middle of an important activity. Let's go through with the original plan; it's risky to change horses in midstream.


idiom_text: chapter and verse
sentence: The phrase is attributed to Oscar Wilde, although I can't give you chapter and verse.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to word-for-word details, or very specific facts, especially the exact place where the information can be found. 


idiom_text: chase you (own) tail
sentence: He's been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is still not ready.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is chasing their (own) tail is spending a lot of time and energy doing many things but achieving very little. 


idiom_text: old chestnut
sentence: The story about his boat capsizing has become an old chestnut!
type: I
meaning:
  A story, joke or an idea that has been repeated so often that it has lost its novelty is referred to as an 'old chestnut'. 


idiom_text: (no) spring chicken
sentence: "How old is the owner?" "I don't know, but she's no spring chicken!"
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is no spring chicken means that they are quite old or well past their youth. "How old is the owner?" "I don't know, but she's no spring chicken!"


idiom_text: chickens come home to roost
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that chickens have come home to roost, you mean that bad or embarrassing things done in the past by someone are now causing problems for that person. 

sentence:
  As tenants the couple were noisy and disorderly.  Now they can't find a place to rent.  The chickens have come home to roost!


idiom_text: too many chiefs, not enough Indians
sentence: The business wasn't successful. There were too many chiefs and not enough indians.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a situation where there are too many people giving instructions and not enough people doing the work. 


idiom_text: chill out
sentence: After a week of exams, the students needed to go and chill out.
type: I
meaning:
  When people chill out, often after a period of heavy work or nervous tension, they do something that helps them to calm down and relax for a while. 


idiom_text: chill wind
sentence: any building companies are facing the chill wind of the recession.
type: I
meaning:
  If you face or feel the chill wind of something, you are beginning to encounter the problems or trouble it causes. M


idiom_text: chime in
type: I
meaning:
  If you chime in, you interrupt or join a conversation, especially to repeat or agree with something. 

sentence:
  As I explained to the bus driver what had happened, the other passengers chimed in and gave their version.


idiom_text: Chinese arithmetic
sentence: When he tried to explain the rules of the game to me, it was like Chinese arithmetic!
type: I
meaning:
  If something is very complicated or difficult to understand, it is said to be like Chinese arithmetic. 


idiom_text: Chinese whispers
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a process by which a message or piece of information (especially gossip, rumours or scandalous news) is passed on from one person to another, and changes along the way, so that the final version is often very different from the original.


idiom_text: chink in someone's armour
sentence: The candidate's opponents are busy looking for chinks in his armour.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has a chink in their armour, they have a weakness that other people can take advantage of. 


idiom_text: chinwag
sentence: "How about having lunch together on Friday?" "OK, good idea, we can have a good old chinwag!"
type: I
meaning:
  If you have a chinwag with someone, you have an opportunity to chat with each other. "How about having lunch together on Friday?" "OK, good idea, we can have a good old chinwag!"


idiom_text: chip on your shoulder
sentence: He's got a chip on his shoulder because he's from a working-class family.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has a chip on their shoulder, the feel resentful because they feel they are being treated unfairly, especially because of their background, their sex or their colour. 


idiom_text: chip off the old block
sentence: James is a chip off the old block - he reacts the same way as his father.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is a chip off the old block resembles one of their parents in appearance, character or behaviour. 


idiom_text: had one's chips
sentence: After the second round, it looked as though Watson had had his chips.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone has had their chips means that they have completely failed in what they set out to achieve. 


idiom_text: chips are down
sentence: It's when the chips are down that Jack is at his best.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to people's behavior in a difficult or dangerous situation when action must be taken. 


idiom_text: chop and change
sentence: Don't chop and change all the time - just make up your mind!
type: I
meaning:
  If you chop and change, you constantly change your opinion, plans or methods and often cause confusion. 


idiom_text: Christmas comes but once a year
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that Christmas is a time of celebration that only happens once a year, and that we should mark the occasion by being generous to others, especially the less fontunate.


idiom_text: can't fight the city hall
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is useless to try to win a battle against a politician, establishment or bureaucracy in general. 

sentence:
  Brian decided it was a waste of energy trying to obtain a tax refund - you can't fight the city hall.


idiom_text: class act
sentence: Her career is just beginning but she's already a class act.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone, for example an athlete or entertainer, is a class act means that they are very good at what they do. 


idiom_text: claw one's way back
type: I
meaning:
  In a situation which has deteriorated, if you claw your way back, you gradually regain your former position through determination, energy and hard work. 

sentence:
  After a serious accident, the Olympic champion clawed his way back to the top, to the admiration of all.


idiom_text: clean slate
sentence: He was able to rebuild his life with a clean slate.
type: I
meaning:
  A clean slate is a record of your work or actions that does not show past mistakes and allows you to make a fresh start. 


idiom_text: clean as a whistle
sentence: Bob spent the afternoon washing and shining his car until it was as clean as a whistle.
type: I
meaning:
  Something as clean as a whistle is extremely clean. This can also mean that a person's criminal record is clean. 


idiom_text: clear the air
sentence: The atmosphere had become so unpleasant that he decided it was time to clear the air.
type: I
meaning:
  If you decide to clear the air, you try to remove the causes of fear, worry or suspicion by talking about the problem openly. 


idiom_text: clear the way
meaning: If you clear the way, you allow something to happen by removing what was preventing it.
type: I
sentence:
  Opening universities to women cleared the way fo them to have a career and participate actively in today's society.


idiom_text: clock in/out
sentence: I'm going to clock out early today. I've got a dental appointment
type: I
meaning:
  When you clock in or out, you record the time you arrive or leave your job by punching a time clock to show the number of hours you have worked. 


idiom_text: like clockwork
sentence: Meals are always served on time. In their home everything runs like clockwork.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone or something goes, runs or behaves like clockwork means that everything happens exactly as expected. 


idiom_text: close but no cigar
sentence: The ball touched the goal post - close but
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to an effort to do something which was a good attempt but not quite good enough to succeed. 


idiom_text: close to home
sentence: Alan looks embarrassed. Bob's comment must have been close to home.
type: I
meaning:
  If a remark or comment is close to home, it is so true, or it affects you so directly, that you feel uncomfortable. 


idiom_text: close (/dumb) as an oyster
sentence: Sophie will never repeat what you tell her. She's as close as an oyster.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is as close ( or 'dumb') as an oyster will never reveal something told in confidence, or betray a secret. 


idiom_text: cloud cuckoo land
sentence: Anyone who thinks these measures are going to solve the crisis is living in cloud-cuckoo-land!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to an imaginary unrealistic place where everything is perfect and impossible things can happen. 


idiom_text: cloud on the horizon
sentence: They are happily married and for the moment there appear to be no clouds on the horizon.
type: I
meaning:
  A problem or difficulty that is predictable, or seems likely to arise in the future, is called a cloud on the horizon. 


idiom_text: not have a clue
sentence: My wife's grandmother's maiden name? I don't have a clue!
type: I
meaning:
  If you don't have a clue about something, you don't know anything about it. My wife's grandmother's maiden name? I don't have a clue!


idiom_text: cog in the machine
sentence: The police quickly realized that the suspect was just a cog in the machine.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that someone is a cog in the machine, you mean that, while they are necessary, they only play a small part in an organisation or plan. 


idiom_text: cold turkey
sentence: When Dave decided to stop smoking, he did it cold turkey on January 1st
type: I
meaning:
  This term means to immediately and completely stop an addictive substance, a regular activity or a behavioural pattern, instead of ending it gradually. 


idiom_text: collect one's thoughts
sentence: Anne stopped to collect her thoughts before calling back the customer.
type: I
meaning:
  If you collect your thoughts, you try to think calmly and clearly in order to prepare yourself mentally for something. 


idiom_text: off colour
sentence: What's the matter with Tom? He looks a bit off colour today.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are off colour, you look or feel ill. What's the matter with Tom? He looks a bit off colour today.


idiom_text: come apart at the seams
sentence: Bob has had so many problems lately, he's coming apart at the seams.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is coming apart at the seams means that they are extremely upset or under severe mental stress. 


idiom_text: come hell or high water
sentence: Come hell or high water, I've got to be on time for the interview.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that you will do something come hell or high water, you mean that you will do it in spite of the difficulties involved. 


idiom_text: come in all shapes and sizes
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  Something that can be found in many different forms, types or varieties, comes in all shapes and sizes. Computers come in all shapes and sizes these days.


idiom_text: come into one's own
sentence: He's a talented violinist who has at last come into his own
type: I
meaning:
  When you come into your own, you finally obtain rightful recognition of your ability or talent and begin to have success. 


idiom_text: come to a bad end
sentence: If that boy doesn't change his ways, he'll come to a bad end.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone comes to a bad end, their actions lead to disastrous consequences which are sometimes deserved or predictable. 


idiom_text: come to the crunch
sentence: I'm running out of money. If it comes to the crunch, I'll sell my car.
type: I
meaning:
  To talk about what to do if or when a situation comes to the crunch means when it becomes critical and a decision has to be made. 


idiom_text: come to grief
sentence: Their plans for a golf course came to grief when it was decided to build a motorway.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something comes to grief, they either have an accident, are destroyed or end in failure. 


idiom_text: come to grips
sentence: After the initial shock, the patient began to come to grips with his disability.
type: I
meaning:
  If you come to grips with a problem or situation, you start to understand or deal with it properly. 


idiom_text: come to a head
sentence: The conflict came to a head yesterday when rioting broke out in the streets.
type: I
meaning:
  If a problem or difficult situation comes to a head, it reaches a point where action has to be taken. 


idiom_text: come to your senses
meaning: If you come to your senses you start to think clearly and behave sensibly.
type: I
sentence:
  She finally came to her senses and realized that public transport was faster than driving in the city.


idiom_text: come out of the woodwork
sentence: As soon as we added the swimming pool, our children had 'friends' coming out of the woodwork!
type: I
meaning:
  When things, or people, come out of the woodwork, they appear or emerge unexpectedly, as if from nowhere, and usually in large numbers. 


idiom_text: come out in the wash
sentence: Yes, he was furious when it happened, but don't worry - it'll all come out in the wash
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to tell someone not to worry about a mistake or problem because it won't have any serious effect and everything will work out all right. 


idiom_text: come up in the world
meaning: A person who has come up in the world is richer than before and has a higher social status.
type: I
sentence:
  My old school friend has bought an apartment overlooking Central Park.  She has certainly come up in the world.


idiom_text: come up roses
type: I
meaning:
  If things come up roses, the end result is successful or positive, even if there were difficult times. 

sentence:
  After several disappointments, everything seems to be coming up roses for the tennis player this year.


idiom_text: come with the territory
sentence: A successful actor has to expect intensive media coverage - that comes with the territory!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something comes with the territory means that it has to be accepted as part of a job or responsibility, even if it is unpleasant. 


idiom_text: come what may
sentence: Come what may, I'm going to tell my mother-in-law what I think of her!
type: I
meaning:
  If you declare that you will do something come what may, you are saying that you will do it whatever the consequences may be. 


idiom_text: (get) comeuppance
sentence: Any pupils found bullying the newcomers will soon get their comeuppance.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone gets their comeuppance, they receive the treatment they deserve (usually punishment or retribution) for their behaviour or actions. 


idiom_text: common ground
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to an area of shared beliefs, interests or mutual understanding between people or groups who often have disagreements. Any common ground among the Meditarranean countries will contribute to future unity.


idiom_text: common knowledge
sentence: You didn't know the intern was Jack's son? It thought it was common knowledge.
type: I
meaning:
  When information is well-known to everyone (particularly in a community or group), it is called common knowledge. You didn't know the intern was Jack's son? It thought it was common knowledge.


idiom_text: cook the books
sentence: The actor discovered after a while that his agent was cooking the books.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who cooks the books is one who changes the facts or figures in the financial accounts, often in order to steal money. 


idiom_text: that's the way the cookie crumbles
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  To say 'that's the way the cookie crumbles' means that is the way things are and nothing can be done about it - that's life!


idiom_text: cool one's heels
meaning: If you are left to cool your heels, someone keeps you waiting.
type: I
sentence:
  After rushing to be on time for my appointment, I was left to cool my heels in the waiting room for an hour.


idiom_text: copper-bottomed
sentence: He signed a coper-bottomed agreement with a distributor.
type: I
meaning:
  To describe something such as a plan, a contract or a financial arrangement as copper-bottomed means that it is completely safe or reliable. 


idiom_text: corner the market
sentence: By importing large quantities and selling at low prices, they have cornered the market.
type: I
meaning:
  If a company dominates an area of business, and leaves no room for competition, it is said to have cornered the market. 


idiom_text: corridors of power
sentence: The matter is the subject of much discussion in the corridors of power at the present time.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to the higher levels of government or administration where important decisions are made. 


idiom_text: couch potato
sentence: Don't be such a couch potato. There are better ways of spending your time than in front of the TV.
type: I
meaning:
  If you refer to someone as a couch potato, you criticize them for spending a lot of time sitting and watching television. 


idiom_text: cough up
sentence: He refused to say who attacked him until his father made him cough up the names.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have to cough up something, such as money or information,  you give it reluctantly or unwillingly. 


idiom_text: count your blessings
type: I
meaning:
  If you count your blessings, you focus your thoughts on all the good things in your life rather than on the negative ones. 

sentence:
  Whenever anyone in the family starts to complain, my mother always advises us to count our blessings.


idiom_text: cover your tracks
type: I
meaning:
  If you cover your tracks, you conceal or destroy evidence of what you have been doing or where you have been. 

sentence:
  Charlie was sorry he hadn't covered his tracks better when his wife discovered he had been unfaithful.


idiom_text: cover a multitude of sins
sentence: Loose-fitting clothes can cover a multitude of sins!
type: I
meaning:
  If something covers or hides a multitude of sins, it prevents others from seeing the less pleasant reality. 


idiom_text: why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?
type: I
meaning:
  This refers to not paying for something that you can obtain for free. (Sometimes refers to a decision not to marry when you can have the benefits of marriage without any commitment.) 

sentence:
  Rent is high so Bobby is still living with his parents.  He says : why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?


idiom_text: till the cows come home
sentence: You can ask me till the cows come home but I'm not buying you a scooter!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person could do something till the cows come home means that they could do it for a ong time. 


idiom_text: crack down on something
sentence: To reduce road accidents, it was decided to crack down on speeding.
type: I
meaning:
  If the authorities crack down on something, they enforce the law by taking severe measures to restrict undesirable or criminal actions. 


idiom_text: crack the whip
sentence: Every so often I'll crack the whip to make sure we meet the deadline.
type: I
meaning:
  If you crack the whip, you use your authority to make someone obey you or work more efficiently, usually by threatening them. 


idiom_text: cramp someone's style
sentence: I can't paint with people watching me - it cramps my style!.
type: I
meaning:
  If you cramp someone's style you do something to prevent them from behaving freely, or performing to the best of their ability. 


idiom_text: cream rises to the top
sentence: I knew you'd succeed. As the saying goes: 'cream rises to the top'!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone or something exceptionally good will eventually attract attention or stand out from the rest, just as cream rises to the top in coffee or tea. 


idiom_text: creative accounting
sentence: It was suggested that some creative accounting might help to attract investors.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to the presentation of a company's results in a way that, although generally legal, glosses over the problems and makes the results appear better than they are. 


idiom_text: creature comforts
sentence: I need my creature comforts. I don't know how I'd survive without air-conditioning in this climate!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to modern conveniences (such as hot water or central heating) that make life comfortable and pleasant. 


idiom_text: credibility gap
sentence: The growing credibility gap may lead to a serious loss of votes in the next elections.
type: I
meaning:
  The extent of disbelief, of the difference between what you are asked to believe and what you are able to believe, is called a credibility gap. 


idiom_text: cross to bear
sentence: Alzheimer's is a cross to bear for the whole family.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has a cross to bear have a serious problem or heavy responsibility that they must accept because they cannot change it. 


idiom_text: cross that bridge when we come to it
sentence: "What will happen if we can't repay the loan?" "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
type: I
meaning:
  This is another way of saying 'we will deal with that problem when it occurs and not worry about it before'. "What will happen if we can't repay the loan?" "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."


idiom_text: cross the line
sentence: He has an unpleasant habit of telling jokes that really cross the line.
type: I
meaning:
  If you cross the line, you go beyond the authorized limits and do something which is not acceptable. 


idiom_text: at cross purposes
type: I
meaning:
  If two people are at cross purposes, there is a misunderstanding as to what each one is talking about. 

sentence:
  Look, we seem to be at cross purposes. You're talking about 'sailing' boats, but I'm talking about 'selling' boats.


idiom_text: cross the Rubicon
type: I
meaning:
  If you cross the Rubicon, you make an irreversible decision or commit to a course of action that cannot be changed. 

sentence:
  After careful consideration, he decided to stop teaching and open an art gallery, knowing that he was crossing the Rubicon.


idiom_text: crux of the matter
sentence: The crux of the matter is that he's too old to live alone in that big house.
type: I
meaning:
  The main point or the most vital element of a discussion or argument is called the crux of the matter. 


idiom_text: cry wolf
sentence: There's Mary screaming again! Does she really have a problem or is she just crying wolf again?
type: I
meaning:
  To cry wolf is to call for help when you are not really in danger.  As a result, nobody believes you when you really need help. 


idiom_text: far cry from something
sentence: My tiny apartment in New York was a far cry from my parents' spacious house.
type: I
meaning:
  If one thing is a far cry from something else, they are very different from each other, especially in quality or size. 


idiom_text: no use crying over spilt milk
sentence: Sometimes I regret not accepting the offer, but it's no use crying over spilt milk.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is useless to complain or have regrets about something that is done and cannot be changed. 


idiom_text: crystal clear
sentence: There was no need to repeat the instructions. They were crystal clear.
type: I
meaning:
  A statement or expression that is easy to understand or has an obvious meaning is crystal clear or as clear as crystal. 


idiom_text: on cue
meaning: If something happens on cue, it happens at exactly the appropriate or expected moment.
type: I
sentence:
  My grandmother was blowing out the candles on her birthday cake when, right on cue, the flowers arrived.


idiom_text: cut both ways
meaning: Something that cuts both ways has both a positive and a negative effect at the same time.
type: I
sentence:
  Banning cars in the town centre can cut both ways : less traffic congestion but fewer customers in the shops.


idiom_text: cut the cackle
sentence: OK. It's time to cut the cackle and get down to business
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell a group of people to cut the cackle, you are asking them to stop talking aimlessly and start dealing with more important or serious matters. 


idiom_text: cut corners
sentence: I want the job well done - no cutting corners please!
type: I
meaning:
  Cutting corners means not following the correct procedure in order to save time, effort or money (often with unsatisfactory results). 


idiom_text: cut a dash
sentence: Wearing his uniform, my grandfather cut a dash on his wedding day.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person cuts a dash, they make a striking impression by their appearance and attractive clothes. 


idiom_text: cut and dried
sentence: When the new manager arrived, he didn't find the situation as cut and dried as he had expected.
type: I
meaning:
  If you refer to a situation, problem or solution as cut and dried, you mean that it is clear and straightforward with no likely complications. 


idiom_text: cut from the same cloth
meaning: If two people are cut from the same cloth, they are very similar in character or behaviour.
type: I
sentence:
  Although the brothers look alike, they are not cut from the same cloth. They each have their own personality.


idiom_text: cut the ground from under someone's feet
sentence: When we launched the new product, we cut the ground from under our competitors' feet.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone cuts the ground from under another's feet, they do something which weakens their position or spoils theiir plans. 


idiom_text: cut no ice
meaning: If something cuts no ice, it has no effect or makes no impression on someone.
type: I
sentence:
  Her explanation cut no ice with the teacher who said he would tolerate no more unjustified absences.


idiom_text: cut loose
sentence: He's thirty years old and still hasn't cut loose from his familiy
type: I
meaning:
  If someone cuts loose or is cut loose, they stop being influenced or controlled by another person or group. 


idiom_text: cut one's losses
sentence: The project is heading for failure. Let's cut our losses before it's too late.
type: I
meaning:
  If you end or withdraw from something that is already failing, in order to reduce the loss of money, time or effort invested in it, you cut your losses. 


idiom_text: cut one's own throat
sentence: Tony has already missed a lot of classes. He's cutting his own throat.
type: I
meaning:
  If you cut your own throat, you do something that will be the cause of your own failure or ruin your chances in the future. 


idiom_text: cut it/cut things fine
meaning: If you cut it/cut things fine, you leave barely enough time to do something.
type: I
sentence:
  You're counting just an hour between the airport and the train station - isn't that cutting things a bit fine?


idiom_text: not cut out for something
sentence: I started studying medicine but I quickly realized I wasn't cut out for it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are not cut out for something, you are not the sort of person to succeed or be happy in a particular activity. 


idiom_text: cut someone some slack
sentence: Our parents are very strict; I wish they'd cut us some slack now and then.
type: I
meaning:
  If you relax a rule, treat a person less severely or allow someone to do something which is normally not permitted, you cut them some slack. 


idiom_text: dab hand at something
sentence: Why don't you call Suzy? She's a dab hand at organizing barbecues.
type: I
meaning:
  If you're a dab hand at something, you're very good at doing it. Why don't you call Suzy? She's a dab hand at organizing barbecues.


idiom_text: put a damper on
sentence: The party was going great until the neighbour's complaints put a damper on it.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something puts a damper on a situation or event, they make it less successful or enjoyable. 


idiom_text: dance attendance
sentence: She's rich and famous and expects everyone to dance attendance on her.
type: I
meaning:
  If you dance attendance on somebody, you are constantly available for that person and attend to their wishes. 


idiom_text: call it a day
sentence: After one last phone call, I decided to call it a day.
type: I
meaning:
  To sey 'let's call it a day' is a way of suggesting that it is time to stop doing something, usually because of tiredness. 


idiom_text: daylight robbery
sentence: $10 for an orange juice? That's daylight robbery!
type: I
meaning:
  The term daylight robbery is used when the price of something is thought to be much too high. $10 for an orange juice? That's daylight robbery!


idiom_text: dead as a dodo
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is (as) dead as a dodo means that it is unquestionably dead or obsolete, or has gone out of fashion. (A dodo is a bird that is now extinct.) The floppy disk is an invention that is now (as) dead as a dodo.

sentence:
  (A dodo is a bird that is now extinct.) The floppy disk is an invention that is now (as) dead as a dodo.


idiom_text: dead in the water
sentence: Because of the crisis, the planned housing development is now dead in the water.
type: I
meaning:
  A plan or project that is dead in the water is at a standstill or has ceased to function and is unlikely to be reactivated in the future. 


idiom_text: dead man walking
sentence: Because of the way he handled the recent riots, the minister is a dead man walking.
type: I
meaning:
  A dead man walking is someone who will inevitably be in great trouble very soon, especially a person who is about to lose their job or position. 


idiom_text: dead right
sentence: This is a bad time to leave a job - you're dead right!
type: I
meaning:
  This is an emphatic way of telling someone that what they are saying is absolutely correct, without doubt. 


idiom_text: deep down
sentence: He appears to be indifferent to his success, but deep down he's very happy.
type: I
meaning:
  If you talk about how someone is, or feels, deep down, you are describing what they are like or what they really feel deep inside, behind the outward appearance. 


idiom_text: like a deer/rabbit caught in the headlights
sentence: Surprised by the journalist's question, he was like a deer caught in the headlights
type: I
meaning:
  When you are so surprised that you are momentarily confused or unable to react quickly, you are like a deer (or a rabbit) caught in the headlights. 


idiom_text: out of your depth
type: I
meaning:
  If you are out of your depth, you are in a situation which is too difficult for you, or which you know little about. 

sentence:
  She started building a website with little computer knowledge, so she was soon out of her depth and had to look for help.


idiom_text: left to one's own devices
sentence: When left to their own devices, many children watch TV and eat junk food.
type: I
meaning:
  If you leave someone to their own devices, you let them look after themselves, without help or supervision. 


idiom_text: devil's advocate
sentence: She decided to play devil's advocate just to see how strongly people felt about the project.
type: I
meaning:
  During a discussion or debate, if you play devil's advocate, you pretend to be against an idea or plan in order to determine the validity of the arguments in favour of it. 


idiom_text: devil is in the details
sentence: Framing a picture looks easy but the devil is in the details.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a task or a job which appears simple but is in fact more difficult to accomplish. 


idiom_text: devil makes hard work for idle hands
sentence: It's not good for kids to have nothing to do at the week-end; the devil makes work for idle hands!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that people who do not have enough to do are often tempted to do something wrong. 


idiom_text: devil take the hindmost
meaning: This expression means that you should think of yourself and not worry about other people.
type: I
sentence:
  When the boat capsized it was a case of 'the devil take the hindmost', but luckily they all survived.


idiom_text: between the devil and the deep blue sea
type: I
meaning:
  If you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, you are in a situation where there are two equally unacceptable alternatives. 

sentence:
  When the new product didn't take off, the company was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea : abandon the product or start a new marketing campaign.


idiom_text: dice are loaded
sentence: I applied for the job, but being a woman, and over forty, the dice were loaded against me.
type: I
meaning:
  If everything seems to work to your disadvantage, and you are not likely to succeed, the dice are loaded against you. 


idiom_text: die is cast
sentence: I've handed in my resignation, so now the die is cast!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the die is cast means that an irrevocable decision has been made that will determine the future. 


idiom_text: different kettle of fish
sentence: You may have good business relations, but living in that country is a different kettle of fish.
type: I
meaning:
  To describe a person, thing or situation as a different kettle of fish means that it is completely different from what was previously mentioned. 


idiom_text: different strokes for different folks
type: I
meaning:
  Each individual has their own tastes and requirements. What suits one person may not suit another. Alison really enjoys gardening, whereas Julie finds it a chore.  Different strokes for different folks!

sentence:
  Alison really enjoys gardening, whereas Julie finds it a chore. Different strokes for different folks!


idiom_text: dig in one's heels
sentence: My grandfather dug in his heels and refused to move to an apartment.
type: I
meaning:
  If you dig in your heels, you refuse to do something, especially if someone is trying to convince you to do so. 


idiom_text: dip toes in the water/ get one's feet wet
sentence: It will be a new experience for me, but I can't wait to get my feet wet!
type: I
meaning:
  If you dip your toes in the water, or get your feet wet, you start to do something new or unfamiliar, or explore new territory for the first time. 


idiom_text: do someone's dirty work
sentence: Life is easy for Harry. He always finds someone to do his dirty work!
type: I
meaning:
  To do somebody's dirty work means to do the unpleasant or difficult work that another person does not want to do. 


idiom_text: wash ones dirty linen in public
sentence: 'Argue in private. Don't wash your dirty linen in public.' was my grandmother's advice.
type: I
meaning:
  To wash one's dirty linen in public means to talk about unpleasant personal matters in the presence of others. 


idiom_text: disaster written all over
sentence: Mary's idea of a holiday with her in-laws has disaster written all over it!
type: I
meaning:
  If something, such as a plan or idea, has disaster written all over it, it is thought to be heading for complete failure, or will cause a lot of trouble. 


idiom_text: dive in headfirst
sentence: Tony accepted the project without realizing the time it would take; he always dives in headfirst!
type: I
meaning:
  If you begin something enthusiastically, without thinking about the possible consequences, you dive in headfirst. 


idiom_text: do a disappearing act
sentence: Just before the police arrived, the suspect did a disappearing act.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone does a disappearing act, they simply vanish, especially if they have done something wrong or dishonest. 


idiom_text: (not) do justice to
sentence: The photograph doesn't do her justice; she's much prettier than that.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that does not show the true value of someone or something does not do justice to them/it. 


idiom_text: do nothing by halves
sentence: When she cooks, it's a four-course meal - she does nothing by halves!
type: I
meaning:
  When a person does everything they are engaged in completely and thoroughly, they are said to do nothing by halves. 


idiom_text: just what the doctor ordered
sentence: A week-end in the sun - just what the doctor ordered!
type: I
meaning:
  If something is just what the doctor ordered, it is extremely pleasant and will help you feel better. 


idiom_text: a doddle
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If a task or activity is a doddle, it is very easy to do or perform. "How did it go?"  "No problem, it was a doddle."


idiom_text: dog-eat-dog
sentence: The business world is tough today. There's a general dog-eat-dog attitude.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to intense competition and rivalry in pursuit of one's own interests, with no concern for morality. 


idiom_text: dog and pony show
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  A dog and pony show is a marketing event or presentation which has plenty of style but not much content.


idiom_text: dog in the manger
sentence: She hates the guitar so she won't allow her son to learn to play it - a real dog in the manger!
type: I
meaning:
  A person referred to as a dog in the manger is someone who stops others from enjoying something he/she cannot use or doesn't want. 


idiom_text: give a dog a bad name
sentence: Tom was suspected as usual. Give a dog a bad name!
type: I
meaning:
  People who lose their reputation have difficulty regaining it  because others continue to blame or suspect them. 


idiom_text: small dog, tall weeds
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to refer to someone who does not have the ability or the resources necessary to perform a task. It may be too difficult for the trainee - small dog, tall weeds!


idiom_text: why keep a dog and bark yourself?
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that if someone or something can do a task for you, there's no reason to do it yourself. 

sentence:
  My grandmother has an electric mixer but she continues to make her cakes by hand. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?


idiom_text: dog's life
sentence: It's a dog's life working in the after-sales department.
type: I
meaning:
  People use this expression when complaining about a situation or job which they find unpleasant or unsatisfactory. 


idiom_text: go to the dogs
sentence: Some people think the company will go to the dogs if it is nationalized.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a company, organisation or country is going to the dogs means that it is becoming less successful or efficient then before. 


idiom_text: let sleeping dogs lie
sentence: Look - they've settled their differences. It's time to let sleeping dogs lie.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to let sleeping dogs lie, you are asking them not to interfere with a situation because they could cause problems. 


idiom_text: doggie bag
sentence: The portions were so big that I decided to ask for a doggie bag.
type: I
meaning:
  A bag provided by a restaurant so that you can take the leftover food home with you is called a doggie (or doggy) bag. 


idiom_text: in the doldrums
sentence: Despite the recent measures, the economy is in the doldrums.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person, a business or the economy in general is in the doldrums means that the situation is gloomy and that nothing new is happening. 


idiom_text: on the dole
sentence: Their father is on the dole so the family is living on a tight budget.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who receives financial assistance from the government when they are unemployed is on the dole. 


idiom_text: done deal
sentence: We're still considering several proposals, so it's not a done deal yet.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to refer to an agreement or decision which has been reached on a certain matter. 


idiom_text: done and dusted
meaning: When a project, task or activity is done and dusted, it is completely finished or ready.
type: I
sentence:
  I've nearly finished preparing the presentation.  When it's all done and dusted I'll be able to relax.


idiom_text: donkey's years
sentence: He knows the town inside out. He's been living here for donkey's years.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has been doing something for donkey's years, they have been doing it for a very long time. 


idiom_text: doom and gloom
sentence: Fortunately it's not doom and gloom for all businesses, in spite of the economic situation.
type: I
meaning:
  A general atmosphere of pessimism, and a feeling that the situation is not going to improve, is referred to as doom and gloom. 


idiom_text: door swings both ways
sentence: "You never call me." "You don't contact me either. The door swings both ways you know!"
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that the door swings both ways, you mean that the same principle or argument applies to both sides of a situation. 


idiom_text: doubting Thomas
sentence: I had to show him my membership card. What a doubting Thomas!
type: I
meaning:
  A 'doubting Thomas' is a person who will not believe something without proof, or without seeing it for themselves. 


idiom_text: down at heel
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is down-at-heel is someone whose appearance is untidy or neglected because of lack of money. The down-at-heel student I first met became a successful writer.


idiom_text: down payment
sentence: Emma and Paul are excited. They put a down payment on their first house yesterday.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone makes a down payment, they pay part of the total amount agreed when signing a purchase deal or contract. 


idiom_text: down to earth
sentence: Don't ask Suzy for help. She's fun, but not very down to earth.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is down to earth is not a dreamer but a realistic and practical person who has sensible reactions and expectations. 


idiom_text: down to the wire
sentence: There's nothing as exciting as watching a game that goes down to the wire.
type: I
meaning:
  If something such as project or a match goes down to the wire, the situation can change up until the last possible moment. 


idiom_text: all downhill/ downhill all the way
type: I
meaning:
  If something is all downhill or downhill all the way, it is very easy to achieve considering the difficulties encountered beforehand. 

sentence:
  The hardest part for the burglars was turning off the alarm system.  After that it was all downhill.


idiom_text: drastic times call for drastic measures
type: I
meaning:
  When faced with a difficult situation, it is sometimes necessary to take actions which in normal circumstances would appear extreme A

sentence:
  fter Johnny's third accident, his father confiscated his car. Drastic times call for drastic measures!


idiom_text: draw a line in the sand
sentence: That's it! We're going to draw a line in the sand and make this our final proposal.
type: I
meaning:
  If you draw a line in the sand, you establish a limit beyond which a certain situation or activity will not be accepted. 


idiom_text: dream ticket
sentence: Two world champions teaming up for the children's fund-raising project would be a dream ticket.
type: I
meaning:
  If you refer to two people as a dream ticket, you think they would work well together and be successful. 


idiom_text: dressed to kill
sentence: She arrived at the reception dressed to kill.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone, especially a woman, is dressed to kill, they are wearing very fashionable or glamorous clothes intended to attract attention. 


idiom_text: drive up the wall
sentence: I can't concentrate with all the noise - it's driving me up the wall.
type: I
meaning:
  If somebody or something drives you up the wall, they do something that greatly annoys or irritates you. 


idiom_text: drop a bombshell
sentence: The chairman dropped a bombshell when he announced the merger with the company's biggest rival.
type: I
meaning:
  If you drop a bombshell, you make an unexpected announcement which will greatly change a situation. 


idiom_text: drop names
sentence: There goes Jack dropping names again. People will get tired of listening to him!
type: I
meaning:
  When you drop names, you mention the names of famous people you know or have met in order to impress others. 


idiom_text: drop like a hot potato
sentence: As soon as the article was published, she dropped him like a hot potato.
type: I
meaning:
  If you drop someone or something like a hot potato, you leave them or immediately stop associating with them. 


idiom_text: dry (or dummy) run
sentence: Let's do a dry run of the ceremony to make sure everything goes smoothly.
type: I
meaning:
  If you organise a rehearsal, a trial exercise or a practice session of something, in realistic conditions, to see how well it will work before it is launched, you do a dry run. 


idiom_text: dumb as an oyster
sentence: Sophie will never repeat what you tell her. She's as dumb as an oyster.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is as dumb as an oyster will never reveal something told in confidence or betray a secret. 


idiom_text: dumbing down
type: I
meaning:
  If something, such as a television programme or a film production, is dumbed down, it is deliberately made less intelligent or less demanding in order to attract a larger audience. 

sentence:
  Some TV channels are dumbing down their programmes in an attempt to increase their audience ratings.


idiom_text: dry as dust
sentence: The ground was as dry as dust. / His speech was as dry as dust.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is as dry as dust is very dry indeed. This expression can also refer to something dull and uninteresting. 


idiom_text: dust bunnies
sentence: The house hadn't been cleaned in weeks. There were dust bunnies everywhere.
type: I
meaning:
  Dust bunnies are clumps of dust, usually found on the floor, in corners or under furniture, in places where the housework is not done regularly. 


idiom_text: dust has settled
sentence: After her difficult divorce, she waited until the dust had settled before making any plans.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the dust has settled means that the situation has become calmer after a series of unpleasant or chaotic events. 


idiom_text: throw dust in eyes
meaning: If you throw dust in someone's eyes, you prevent them from seeing the truth by misleading them.
type: I
sentence:
  He threw dust in the old lady's eyes by pretending to be a police officer, then stole her jewellery.


idiom_text: dyed-in-the-wool
sentence: Bob and Jane are dyed-in-the-wool ecologists who use only biodegradable products.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to describe a person who has fixed, uncompromising, deep-felt beliefs to which they are committed. 


idiom_text: eager beaver
type: I
meaning:
  The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous. 

sentence:
  The new accountant works all the time -  first to arrive and last to leave. He's a real eager beaver!


idiom_text: in one ear and out the other
sentence: I keep telling him about the risks but it goes in one ear and out the other. He never listens!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that information goes in one ear and comes out the other means that it is immediately forgotten or ignored. 


idiom_text: keep your ear to the ground
sentence: I'll keep my ear to the ground and as soon as there are any developments I'll call you.
type: I
meaning:
  If you keep your ear to the ground, you make sure that you are aware of all that is happening and being said. 


idiom_text: make your ears burn
sentence: The comments I overheard made my ears burn.
type: I
meaning:
  If something makes your ears burn, you are embarrassed by what you hear, especially if the conversation is about you. 


idiom_text: music to your ears
sentence: The compliments I received were music to my ears
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is music to your ears means that the information you receive makes you feel very happy. 


idiom_text: play it by ear
sentence: I'm not sure what attitude we should adopt so just let's play it by ear.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means to improvise or do something without preparation, according to the demands of the situation. (music : to play by remembering the tune, without printed music.) 


idiom_text: turn a deaf ear
sentence: I tried to explain the situation to the manager but he turned a deaf ear.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who turns a deaf ear to something such as a request or a complaint refuses to pay attention to it. 


idiom_text: easier said than done
sentence: Put the TV aerial on the roof? Easier said than done!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is easier said than done means that what is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it. Put the TV aerial on the roof? Easier said than done!


idiom_text: easy as pie
sentence: "How did the English test go?" "No problem, it was (as) easy as pie!"
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is (as) easy as pie is very easy to do. "How did the English test go?"  "No problem,  it was (as) easy as pie!"


idiom_text: eat, sleep and breathe something
sentence: He's an enthusiastic golfer; he eats, sleeps and breathes it!
type: I
meaning:
  If you eat, sleep and breathe something, you are so enthusiastic and passionate about it that you think about it constantly. 


idiom_text: eat someone alive
sentence: The boss will eat me alive if the report arrives late.
type: I
meaning:
  If you criticize someone severely because you are angry with them, you eat them alive. (You can also be eaten alive - bitten repeatedly -  by insects.) 


idiom_text: eat out of house and home
meaning: This is a humorous way of saying that someone is eating large quantities of your food.
type: I
sentence:
  I stock up with food when my teenage sons invite their friends over. They'd eat you out of house and home!


idiom_text: eat/dip into one's savings
sentence: I had to dip into my savings to have the car repaired.
type: I
meaning:
  If you eat or dip into your savings, you spend part of the money you have put aside for future use. 


idiom_text: eat out of someone's hand
sentence: She is so persuasive that she has people eating out of her hand in no time.
type: I
meaning:
  If you eat out of somebody's hand, you are eager to please and will accept to do anything that person asks. 


idiom_text: eat your words
meaning: If you eat your words, you have to admit that what you said before was wrong.
type: I
sentence:
  After predicting disastrous results, he had to eat his words when he saw the success of the new product.


idiom_text: economical with the truth
sentence: The politician was accused of being economical with the truth.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person is economical with the truth means that, without actually lying, they omit important facts or give incomplete information. 


idiom_text: edge of one's seat
sentence: Look at Bob! He's on the edge of his seat watching that rugby match!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is on the edge of their seat is very interested in something and finds it both extremely exciting and nerve-wracking. 


idiom_text: ego trip
sentence: His speech about creating an association to help the underprivileged was one long ego trip.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something primarily to draw attention to yourself and feel important or superior to others, you are on an ego trip. 


idiom_text: elbow grease
sentence: It took a considerable amount of elbow grease to renovate the old house.
type: I
meaning:
  If you use elbow grease, you need energy and strength to do physical work such as cleaning or polishing. 


idiom_text: in one's element
sentence: My brother, who is an estate agent, was in his element house-hunting for our parents.
type: I
meaning:
  When you are in your element, you are doing something that you do well, and you are enjoying yourself. 


idiom_text: elephant in the room
sentence: Let's face it, his work is unsatisfactory. It's an elephant in the room that we need to discuss.
type: I
meaning:
  A problem that no one wants to discuss, but is so obvious that it cannot be ignored, is called an elephant in the room. 


idiom_text: eleventh hour
sentence: Our team won after they scored a goal at the eleventh hour.
type: I
meaning:
  If something happens at the eleventh hour, it happens when it is almost too late, or at the last possible moment. 


idiom_text: embarrassment of riches
type: I
meaning:
  When there is much more of something than necessary, and it is difficult to make a choice, you have an embarrassment of riches. 

sentence:
  Our hosts presented us with an embarrassment of riches. There was so much food that we didn't know where to start!


idiom_text: make ends meet
sentence: Anne's salary is so low that she finds it hard to make ends meet.
type: I
meaning:
  If you find it difficult to pay for your everyday needs because you have very little money, it is hard for you to make ends meet. 


idiom_text: enough said
sentence: Your mother-in-law arrived unexpectedly last night? Enough said!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to indicate that you completely understand the situation and you do not need any further details. Your mother-in-law arrived unexpectedly last night?  Enough said!


idiom_text: err on the side of caution
type: I
meaning:
  When uncertain about what to do, if you err on the side of caution you do more than what is adequate rather than take any risks. 

sentence:
  When I'm not sure how much food to prepare, I tend to err on the side of caution and prepare far too much.


idiom_text: see error of ways
sentence: He talked to a counsellor who tried to make him see the error of his ways
type: I
meaning:
  When someone sees the error of their ways, they understand that what they are doing is wrong and accept to change their behaviour. 


idiom_text: in essence
sentence: In essence, lightning is a great big spark of electricity.
type: I
meaning:
  The term 'in essence' means 'basically', fundamentally' or 'essentially', and refers to the most important or essential facts. 


idiom_text: even keel
sentence: She managed to keep her life on an even keel in spite of the difficulties.
type: I
meaning:
  A situation or person who stays on an even keel manages to remain calm, stable and untroubled in all circumstances. 


idiom_text: even the score
sentence: When Jack discovered that Bob had cheated, he was determined to even the score.
type: I
meaning:
  When a person decides to even the score, they try to get their revenge on someone who has cheated or done them harm. 


idiom_text: even steven
sentence: The two boys shared equally the money they made delivering pizzas so now they're even stevens.
type: I
meaning:
  Two or more people who are even stevens are equal to each other.  None of them has more than the others; none is owed anything or has anything due. 


idiom_text: necessary evil
sentence: Vaccinations are a necessary evil if you want to travel.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that something is a necessary evil, you don't like it but you understand that it has to exist and be accepted. 


idiom_text: exception proves the rule
type: I
meaning:
  If something is different from a general belief or theory, it shows that the belief or theory is true. 

sentence:
  Most teenagers love fast food, but Ben is the exception that proves the rule - he's the only one of our children who insists on healthy food!


idiom_text: explore all avenues
sentence: We can't say it's impossible until we've explored all avenues.
type: I
meaning:
  If you explore all avenues, you try out every possibility in order to obtain a result or find a solution. 


idiom_text: in the eye of the storm
sentence: The minister was often in the eye of the storm during the debate on the war in Iraq.
type: I
meaning:
  A person or organisation who is in the eye of the storm is deeply involved in a difficult situation which affects a lot of people. 


idiom_text: one in the eye
sentence: My promotion was one in the eye for my ambitious colleague.
type: I
meaning:
  If an event or development is an unexpected disappointment or defeat for someone, you can say that it is one in the eye for that person. 


idiom_text: more than meets eye
sentence: They say it's just a disagreement, but we think there's more to it than meets the eye.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that something is more complicated or more interesting than it first appears. 


idiom_text: eyes in back of head
sentence: You need eyes in the back of your head to look after young children.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has eyes in the back of their head, they are very observant and notice everything happening around them. 


idiom_text: eyes on stalks
sentence: The child's eyes were on stalks as he watch the magician's performance.
type: I
meaning:
  If your eyes are on stalks when you look at something, they are wide open with surprise or amazement. 


idiom_text: face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
sentence: Not only was he rude but he had a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone has a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp means that you find them very unattractive because they have a screwed-up ugly expression on their face. 


idiom_text: face like a wet week-end
sentence: What's wrong with Pete? He's got a face like a wet week-end!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has a face like a wet week-end, they look sad and miserable. What's wrong with Pete? He's got a face like a wet week-end!


idiom_text: face value
meaning: If you take something at its face value, you assume that it is genuinely what it appears to be.
type: I
sentence:
  The car seems to be in good condition, but don't take it at its face value;  get a mechanic to check it out.


idiom_text: fact of the matter is
meaning: This expression is used to emphasize the reality of a situation, or what is really true.
type: I
sentence:
  His mother thinks Sammy needs help with his homework, but the fact of the matter is : Sammy is just lazy!


idiom_text: facts speak for themselves
sentence: No need to tell you that the situation is disastrous. The facts speak for themselves.
type: I
meaning:
  When the facts of a situation are so clear that no further explanation or extra details are necessary, the facts speak for themselves. 


idiom_text: fair and square
sentence: Gavin won the competition fair and square - there was no doubt about the result.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is obtained or won fair and square, it is done in an honest and open manner, the rules are respected and there is no cheating or lying. 


idiom_text: fair hearing
sentence: I can guarantee that you will get a fair hearing.
type: I
meaning:
  When accused of wrongdoing, if someone gets a fair hearing, they get an opportunity to present evidence or give their side of the story, usually in court. 


idiom_text: fair-weather friend
sentence: I thought I could count on Bill, but I've discovered he's just a fair-weather friend.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who acts as a friend when times are good, and is not there when you are in trouble, is called a fair-weather friend. 


idiom_text: fall between stools
type: I
meaning:
  If something falls between two stools, it is neither totally one thing nor another, and is therefore unsatisfactory. 

sentence:
  The book didn't sell because it fell between two stools.  It appealed neither to historians nor to the general public.


idiom_text: fall flat
sentence: He made a few attempts at humour during his speech but most of his jokes fell flat.
type: I
meaning:
  If a joke, a story or a form of entertainment falls flat, it does not amuse people, or fails to have the effect that was intended. 


idiom_text: fall from grace
sentence: The Finance Minister fell from grace as a result of a sex scandal.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone has fallen from grace means that they have done something wrong, immoral or unacceptable, and as a result  have lost their good reputation. 


idiom_text: fall into place
type: I
meaning:
  When different elements fall into place, they fit well together or become organised so that progress can be achieved in a satisfactory manner. 

sentence:
  The preparatory work was difficult but gradually everything fell into place and the project was finished on time.


idiom_text: fall on one's sword
meaning: If you fall on your sword, you accept the consequences of an unsuccessful or wrong action.
type: I
sentence:
  The organiser of the referendum resigned when the poor results were announced.  It was said that he' fell on his sword'.


idiom_text: fall over backwards
sentence: Sally's mother fell over backwards to make her wedding reception a memorable event.
type: I
meaning:
  If you fall over backwards to accomplish something, you do everything you possibly can to please and impress. 


idiom_text: fall short of
sentence: Sales of the new product fell short of the company's expectations.
type: I
meaning:
  If something proves inadequate or insufficient, or does not reach the required standard, it falls short of what is expected. 


idiom_text: false move
sentence: He is under close surveillance. If he makes one false move he'll be arrested.
type: I
meaning:
  In a dangerous or risky situation, if you make a false move, you do something which may have unpleasant consequences. 


idiom_text: false pretences
sentence: The journalist obtained the interview under false pretences.
type: I
meaning:
  If you obtain something under false pretences, you deceive others by lying about your identity, qualifications, financial or social position, in order to get what you want. 


idiom_text: take a fancy to
sentence: I think Paul has taken a fancy to the new intern!
type: I
meaning:
  If you take a fancy to someone or something, you develop a fondness for them or begin to like them. 


idiom_text: far from me be it
sentence: Far be it from me to chose your friends, but I think you should avoid that man.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that the speaker does not feel in a position to say or do something. (Usually said before giving advice or expressing an opinion.) 


idiom_text: fast track something
type: I
meaning:
  If you decide to fast track something, such as a task or project, you give it high priority so that the objective is reached as quickly as possible. 

sentence:
  In view of the number of homeless, it was decided to fast track the construction of low-cost housing.


idiom_text: fat chance
sentence: The boss is thinking of me for the job? Fat chance!
type: I
meaning:
  The expression fat chance is used to indicate that something is not very likely to happen. The boss is thinking of me for the job?  Fat chance!


idiom_text: fat hits the fire
sentence: The situation was already tense, but the fat hit the fire when Larry was accused of cheating.
type: I
meaning:
  When trouble breaks out, or a situation deteriorates as a result of something said or done, it is said that the fat hits the fire. 


idiom_text: to a fault
sentence: My aunt is generous to a fault, always ready to help anyone who claims to be in need.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone has a good quality to a fault means that they have a lot, or even too much, of that quality. 


idiom_text: feather in one's cap
sentence: The overwhelming victory of the team was a feather in the cap for the new manager.
type: I
meaning:
  To describe someone's achievement as a feather in their cap means that it is something they can be proud of. 


idiom_text: feather one's nest
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  To say of someone that they are feathering their nest means that they are taking advantage of their position in order to obtain money and enjoy have a comfortable life.


idiom_text: knock down with a feather
sentence: When I heard the name of the winner, you could have knocked me down with a feather!
type: I
meaning:
  To say 'you could have knocked me down with a feather' emphasizes the fact that you were extremely surprised. 


idiom_text: feed someone a line
type: I
meaning:
  If you feed someone a line, you tell them something that may not be quite true, often as an excuse. 

sentence:
  When I asked for a pay increase, the boss fed me a line about the number of contracts that had not been renewed.


idiom_text: feed the kitty
sentence: Come on! Every little helps. You should feed the kitty for a good cause!
type: I
meaning:
  If you feed the kitty, you contribute to a collection of money called a 'kitty' in order to help a good cause. 


idiom_text: feeding frenzy
type: I
meaning:
  A situation in which a lot of people attack, pursue or compete with each other in an excited or frantic way, because they all want to obtain something, is called a feeding frenzy. 

sentence:
  As soon as the reconstruction plan was announced, there was a feeding frenzy among major companies to obtain contracts


idiom_text: feet of clay
sentence: No one is perfect. Many successful people have feet of clay
type: I
meaning:
  If someone who is admired is found to have a weakness, fault or defect of character, they are said to have feet of clay. 


idiom_text: find one's feet
sentence: Our new trainee is beginning to find his feet.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone in a new position is finding their feet means that they are learning what to do and gaining self-confidence. 


idiom_text: get cold feet
sentence: I wanted to enter the competition but at the last minute I got cold feet.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get cold feet about something, you begin to hesitate about doing it; you are no longer sure whether you want to do it or not. 


idiom_text: have itchy feet
sentence: Scott never stays long anywhere. He's got itchy feet!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has itchy feet is someone who finds it difficult to stay in one place and likes to move often and discover new places. 


idiom_text: keep feet on ground
sentence: Success hasn't changed him. He has always kept his feet on the ground.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who keeps their feet on the ground continues to act in a sensible and practical way, even if they become successful. 


idiom_text: think on one's feet
sentence: Good lawyers need to be able to think on their feet when pleading a case.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who thinks on their feet is capable of making good decisions without previous thinking or planning. 


idiom_text: few and far between
sentence: Restaurants in this part of the country are few and far betwee
type: I
meaning:
  Items, places or events which are few and far between are rarely found or do not happen very often. 


idiom_text: play second fiddle
sentence: John resented having to play second fiddle to the sales manager when the company was restructured.
type: I
meaning:
  If you play second fiddle to someone, you accept to be second in importance to that person, or have a lower position. 


idiom_text: fiddling while Rome burns
sentence: His visit to the trade fair was 'fiddling while Rome burns' according to the strikers
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is fiddling while Rome burns means that they are doing unimportant things while there are serious problems to be dealt with. 


idiom_text: fifth wheel
sentence: Everyone seemed to have a specific role except me. I felt like a fifth wheel
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a person who find themselves in a situation where their presence is unnecessary and as a result they feel useless. 


idiom_text: fight a losing battle
sentence: The headmaster is fighting a losing battle trying to ban mobile phones at school.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is fighting a losing battle, they are trying to do something even when there is little chance of succeeding. 


idiom_text: fight shy
sentence: He had money problems for years but he fought shy of asking his children for help.
type: I
meaning:
  If you fight shy of something, such as a task, a problem or a duty, you want to avoid doing it or you are unwilling to confront it. 


idiom_text: figment of imagination
sentence: Other people saw the car, so it's not a figment of my imagination!
type: I
meaning:
  A figment of one's imagination is an appearance, event or incident that is not considered to be real but only imaginary. 


idiom_text: (get it down to) a fine art
meaning: When you learn to do something perfectly, you get it down to a fine art.
type: I
sentence:
  Entertaining her husband's business associates is not a problem for Jane;  she's got that down to a fine art!


idiom_text: fine-tooth comb
sentence: The police are examining the scene of the crime with a fine-tooth comb.
type: I
meaning:
  To go over something with a fine-tooth comb means to examine it closely and thoroughly so as not to miss any details. 


idiom_text: have a finger in every pie
meaning: If someone has a finger in every pie, they are involved in many activities.
type: I
sentence:
  For information about the activities in this town, you should talk to John Brown.  He's got a finger in every pie.


idiom_text: put a finger on something
sentence: The atmosphere at the meeting was strange, but Marie couldn't put a finger on the cause of it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are able to identify or understand something such as the cause of a problem or the solution to it, you put your finger on it. 


idiom_text: finger on the pulse
sentence: A successful investor keeps his finger on the pulse of international business.
type: I
meaning:
  If you keep your finger on the pulse, you are constantly aware of the most recent events or developments. 


idiom_text: all fingers and thumbs
sentence: Would you mind wrapping this for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs!
type: I
meaning:
  If  you are all fingers and thumbs, you are awkward and clumsy and do things incorrectly. Would you mind wrapping this for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs!


idiom_text: let slip through fingers
type: I
meaning:
  If you let something slip through your fingers, such as a good opportunity, you fail to obtain it or keep it. 

sentence:
  He should have accepted the job when it was offered. He let the opportunity slip through his fingers.


idiom_text: five finger discount
sentence: "How could he afford that watch?" "Who knows - perhaps with a five-finger discount?"
type: I
meaning:
  If somebody gets a five-finger discount, they take something without paying; in other words, they steal. "How could he afford that watch?"  "Who knows -  perhaps with a five-finger discount?"


idiom_text: firing line
sentence: The managing director of the bank is in the firing line since the fraud was discovered.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is in the firing line is in a position to be criticized because of their responsibilities or the position they hold. 


idiom_text: first base
sentence: If you go to the interview dressed like that, you won't get to first base!
type: I
meaning:
  When you get to (or reach) first base, you make progress or begin to have success with someone or something. 


idiom_text: fiirst come first served
sentence: Tickets for the match will be sold on a 'first come first served' basis.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that there will be no favouritism or preferential treatment. People will be served strictly in the order they arrive. 


idiom_text: (at) first hand
sentence: Getting to see the performance (at) first hand is much better than watching it on television.
type: I
meaning:
  If you experience something yourself directly, without any intermediary, you experience it (at) first hand. Getting to see the performance (at) first hand is much better than watching it on television.


idiom_text: first out of the gate
sentence: Sandra was so enthusiastic about the project that she was first out of the gate.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are first out of the gate, you are the first to make a start at something that others have also accepted to do. 


idiom_text: in the first place
sentence: Why didn't you tell me he was your boyfriend in the first place?
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is done or said in the first place is done or said at the beginning, before anything else. 


idiom_text: of the first water
sentence: The violinist gave a performance that was of the first water.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is of the first water is of the finest or most exceptional quality (like being compared to a diamond). 


idiom_text: plenty of other fish
type: I
meaning:
  To say this means that there are many other people just as good as the person mentioned. The candidate we selected refused the job?  Never mind - there are (plenty of) other fish in the sea!

sentence:
  The candidate we selected refused the job?  Never mind - there are (plenty of) other fish in the sea!


idiom_text: fish in troubled waters
type: I
meaning:
  If you fish in troubled waters, you try to gain advantages for yourself from a disturbed state of affairs. 

sentence:
  Between the declaration of independence and the first elections, some people were accused of fishing in troubled waters.


idiom_text: neither fish nor fowl
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to describe people or things that are difficult to classify, that are neither one thing nor another. 

sentence:
  Medical interns are neither fish nor fowl.  They are neither students nor fully qualified practitioners.


idiom_text: fishing expedition
meaning: If someone is on a fishing expedition, they are trying to obtain information in any way possible.
type: I
sentence:
  The lunch invitation was clearly  a fishing expedition to obtain information about his private life.


idiom_text: fit of pique
sentence: She left the table in a fit of pique.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who reacts by showing their resentment or annoyance when their pride has been wounded, or they feel insulted, is said to have a fit of pique. 


idiom_text: fit for purpose
sentence: The mayor promised that the new leisure centre would be ready on time and fit for purpose.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is suitable for a particular function and is fully operational is said to be fit for purpose. 


idiom_text: in fits and starts
sentence: You'll never make progress in English if you work in fits and starts.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something in fits and starts, you do it in an irregular manner, often stopping and starting again. 


idiom_text: five o'clock shadow
sentence: He looked tired and had a five o'clock shadow.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a patch of stubble on the face of a man who hasn't shaved for at least a day. 


idiom_text: flag of convenience
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If a ship, boat or yacht sails under a flag of convenience, it is registered in a foreign country in order to avoid regulations and taxes, and reduce operating costs.


idiom_text: flash in the pan
sentence: The manager hoped that the team's unexpected victory was not just a flash in the pan.
type: I
meaning:
  If you refer to somebody's success as a flash in the pan, you mean that it is not likely to be repeated. 


idiom_text: flea in one's ear
sentence: When Andy tried to put the blame on Pete, he was sent away with a flea in his ear.
type: I
meaning:
  After an attempt at something, if you are sent away with a flea in your ear, you are angrily reprimanded or humiliated. 


idiom_text: no flies on (someone)
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  To say that there are no flies on someone means that they are quick to understand and cannot be tricked or deceived easily. It's better to tell him all the facts.  There are no flies on him.


idiom_text: flight of fancy
sentence: He often has good ideas but his latest proposal is just a flight of fancy!
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to an idea or plan as a flight of fancy means that it is very imaginative but not at all practical or sensible. 


idiom_text: flog a dead horse
sentence: Mark is flogging a dead horse trying to get his money reimbursed. The company has gone bankrupt!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is flogging a dead horse means that they are wasting time and effort trying to do or achieve something that is not possible. 


idiom_text: fly-by-night
type: I
meaning:
  A fly-by-night person, business or venture is considered untrustworthy because they operate briefly and disappear overnight 

sentence:
  I bought it in one of those fly-by-night stores and now I can't exchange it.  The place has closed down.


idiom_text: fly by the seat of your pants
type: I
meaning:
  If you fly by the seat of your pants, you do something without any knowledge or experience, using only your instinct and hoping that you will succeed. 

sentence:
  Without any formal training, he decided to fly by the seat of his pants and try his luck in New York.


idiom_text: fly in the face of
sentence: His style of teaching flies in the face of the school's established methods.
type: I
meaning:
  If an action or statement flies in the face of something, it is completely opposite to what is usual or expected. 


idiom_text: on the fly
sentence: I'm so busy I usually have lunch on the fly.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something on the fly, you do it quickly, without thinking much about it, while doing something else. 


idiom_text: fly in the ointment
sentence: Tony's poor English was a fly in the ointment when he applied for the job.
type: I
meaning:
  A fly in the ointment refers to something that prevents a situation from being completely satisfactory. 


idiom_text: follow one's nose
sentence: The station is at the end of the road - just follow your nose.
type: I
meaning:
  If you follow your nose, you go straight ahead. This can also mean to follow your instinct in life. 


idiom_text: follow in someone's footsteps
sentence: Lily followed in her her mother's footsteps and became a teacher.
type: I
meaning:
  If you follow in someone's footsteps, for example a parent, you lead a similar life or do the same job. 


idiom_text: fool's errand
sentence: I realized it was a fool's errand to look for a bank in such an isolated region.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go on a fool's errand, you try to do something which is useless, unnecessary or has no chance of success. 


idiom_text: fool's paradise
sentence: Lisa is living in a fool's paradise if she thinks her boss is going to marry her.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is living in a fool's paradise, they are in a state of contentment that will not last because their happiness is based on illusion or false hope. 


idiom_text: my foot!
sentence: He said he had a summer home? My foot, I doubt if he owns a tent!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to show that you do not believe something that has just been said. He said he had a summer home? My foot, I doubt if he owns a tent!


idiom_text: foot in the door
sentence: With today's unemployment, it is difficult to get a foot in the door in any profession.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone has a foot in the door means that they have a small but successful start in something and will possibly do well in the future. 


idiom_text: foot in one's mouth
type: I
meaning:
  If you put your foot in your mouth, you do or say something that offends, upsets or embarrasses someone else. 

sentence:
  She really put her foot in her mouth when she mentioned the housewarming party - Andy hadn't been invited!


idiom_text: get a foothold
sentence: The contract got the firm a foothold in the local administration.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get a foothold somewhere, you secure a position for yourself in a business, profession or organisation. 


idiom_text: footloose and fancy free
sentence: John will never get married. He says he prefers to be footloose and fancy free.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is footloose and fancy free has few responsibilities or  commitments of any kind and feels free to do as they please. 


idiom_text: for the time being
sentence: Laura has left Ben and is living with her parents for the time being.
type: I
meaning:
  If you talk about how a situation is for the time being, you mean that it is temporary and will probably change in the future. 


idiom_text: force of habit
sentence: Why do I always park here? Out of force of habit I suppose.
type: I
meaning:
  When something is done out of force of habit, it has become automatic through frequent repetition. Why do I always park here? Out of force of habit I suppose.


idiom_text: forewarned is forearmed
meaning: This expression means that if you know something is going to happen, you can be prepared for it.
type: I
sentence:
  The Chairman is going to attend the meeting tomorrow.  Your presentation had better be good.  Forewarned is forearmed!


idiom_text: foul one's own nest
sentence: He fouled his own nest by wrongly accusing his boss.
type: I
meaning:
  If you act in a way that harms your own interests, your position or your reputation, you foul your own nest. 


idiom_text: free-for-all
sentence: It started as a serious debate but turned into a free-for-all.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to an uncontrolled situation such as a discussion, argument or fight where everyone present can do or say whatever they like. 


idiom_text: free lunch
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'there's no such thing as a free lunch' means that nothing is free. If somebody helps you, they always expect some form of payment in return. 

sentence:
  If you accept his offer, he'll be forever asking you for favours. There's no such thing as a free lunch!


idiom_text: of your own free will
sentence: He decided to tell the truth, and he did it of his own free will.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something of your own free will, you do it voluntarily, without any pressure from others. 


idiom_text: freeze someone out
sentence: Pablo was treated unfairly. He was frozen out of the project by the rest of the team.
type: I
meaning:
  If you deliberately isolate someone or prevent them from participating in a social or business activity by treating them unfairly or harshly, you freeze them out. 


idiom_text: French leave
sentence: Is Bill coming back for the closing speech or has he taken French leave?
type: I
meaning:
  If you leave an official or social event without notifying the person who invited you, you take French leave. 


idiom_text: Freudian slip
sentence: So you got the job - I'm so sad ... Sorry, I mean 'glad'!
type: I
meaning:
  A Freudian slip is a mistake made by a speaker which is considered to reveal their true thoughts or feelings. 


idiom_text: friends in high places
sentence: He wouldn't have succeeded without help from friends in high places.
type: I
meaning:
  If you know important or influential people in business or government, you have friends in high places. 


idiom_text: eat the frog/eat that frog!
sentence: “If you have to eat a frog, don’t look at it for too long.”
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to encourage someone do the most difficult or most unpleasant task of the day first, before anything else, rather than avoiding or postponing it. In that way nothing worse can happen all day. Original expression: 


idiom_text: frog in one's throat
sentence: Teaching was difficult today. I had a frog in my throat all morning.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has a frog in their throat has difficulty in speaking clearly because they have a cough or a sore throat. 


idiom_text: front runner
sentence: Who are the front runners in the coming elections?
type: I
meaning:
  In a contest, race or election, the front runner is the person who is most likely to succeed or win. 


idiom_text: out of the frying pan into the fire
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means to go from one difficult situation to another one which is usually even worse. 

sentence:
  The flight was delayed because of snow.  When the plane eventually took off, it had to turn back because of engine trouble - out of the frying pan into the fire!


idiom_text: full of hot air
sentence: Don't listen to Alex - he's full of hot air!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is full of hot air is full of nonsense and talks a lot without saying anything worthwhile. 


idiom_text: funny business
sentence: I've got suspicions about that association. I think they're up to some funny business.
type: I
meaning:
  A business which is conducted in a deceitful, dishonest or unethical manner is called funny business. 


idiom_text: fur coat and no knickers
sentence: Don't let her impress you. She's what we call 'fur coat and no knickers'!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who tries to appear distinguished but has no real class is referred to as 'fur coat and no knickers'. 


idiom_text: gift of the gab
sentence: As a politician, not only is he competent, but he has the gift of the gab too!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that somebody has the gift of the gab means that they are able to speak confidently and easily. 


idiom_text: game not worth the candle
sentence: He recorded an album but sold very few copies; the game wasn't worth the candle.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the game (or the cake) is not worth the candle means that the advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved. 


idiom_text: take a gander
sentence: Let's take a gander at the new shopping centre. Sally says it's fantastic.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take or have a gander at something, which is generally new or unusual, you have a look at it or go to check it out. 


idiom_text: gather dust
type: I
meaning:
  An idea, plan or project which is gathering dust is in fact stagnating or has not attracted attention for some time. 

sentence:
  Just before the elections, the outgoing mayor produced plans for a new bridge which had been gathering dust for several years.


idiom_text: all his geese are swans
sentence: Don't let him impress you. He always exaggerates. All his geese are swans.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to someone who constantly exaggerates the importance or the qualities of somebody or something. 


idiom_text: gentleman's agreement
sentence: It was a gentleman's agreement. I can't change my mind now!
type: I
meaning:
  When an agreement is neither written nor signed, because the two parties trust each other completely, it is called a gentleman's agreement. 


idiom_text: get a grip on yourself
sentence: After the initial shock, Lisa got a grip on herself and called an ambulance.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get a grip on yourself, you try to control your feelings so as to be able to deal with a situation. 


idiom_text: get away with murder
sentence: She has no control over her kids. They get away with murder.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who gets away with murder can do something unacceptable without being punished or criticized. 


idiom_text: get your feet wet
sentence: It will be a totally new experience for me but I can't wait to get my feet wet!
type: I
meaning:
  If you get your feet wet, you start to do something new or unfamiliar or explore new territory for the first time. 


idiom_text: get your fingers burnt
sentence: He got his fingers burnt so badly in the last elections that he decided to withdraw from politics.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone gets their fingers burnt, they suffer as a result of an unsuccessful action and are nervous about trying again. 


idiom_text: get your hands dirty
sentence: His willingness to get his hands dirty won the respect and approval of the whole team.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get your hands dirty in your job, you become involved in all aspects of it, including work that is physical, unpleasant or less interesting. 


idiom_text: get the message
type: I
meaning:
  When you get the message, you understand what someone is trying to tell you even if it is not stated clearly. 

sentence:
  Next time he asks you to replace him, tell him you've got an important appointment - he'll get the message.


idiom_text: get off my back!
sentence: Get off my back Liz! You've been making comments about my work all day!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to get off your back, you are annoyed and ask them to stop finding faults or criticizing you. 


idiom_text: get on your high horse
sentence: He got on his high horse when he was asked to show his membership card.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get on your high horse, you start behaving in a haughty manner, as though you should be treated with more respect. 


idiom_text: get one's just deserts
sentence: Liz got her just deserts when she was excluded from the committee; she is totally unreliable.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone gets their just deserts, they are rewarded or punished according to what they deserve. 


idiom_text: get a rise out of
sentence: He gets a rise out of his daughter by asking her about her latest diet.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make someone react angrily by jokingly saying something that you know will irritate them, you get a rise out of them. 


idiom_text: get someone by the short hairs
sentence: They are in no position to refuse; we've got them by the short hairs!
type: I
meaning:
  If you get (or have) someone by the short hairs, you put them in a difficult situation from which they cannot escape, so you have complete control over them. 


idiom_text: get something out of your system
sentence: Tell you parents how you feel - it's better to get it out of your system.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that you get rid of a strong emotion or desire by expressing it openly or trying to fulfill it. 


idiom_text: get the jitters
sentence: Some people get the jitters when they have to make a speech.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get or have the jitters, especially before an important event, you become very nervous or anxious and begin to shake. 


idiom_text: get your knickers in a twist
sentence: Don't get your knickers in a twist! Everything is under control.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get your knickers in a twist, you are angry, nervous or upset faced with a difficult situation. 


idiom_text: get to the bottom of
type: I
meaning:
  If you get to the bottom of a problem or mystery, you solve it by finding out the true cause of it. 

sentence:
  We have a problem of goods disappearing during transport. Hopefully the investigation will get to the bottom of it.


idiom_text: give benefit of doubt
type: I
meaning:
  If you give someone the benefit of doubt, you choose to believe that they are innocent, honest or telling the truth because there is no evidence to the contrary. 

sentence:
  Although he found it hard to believe Tom's explanation, the teacher decided to give him the benefit of doubt.


idiom_text: give as good as you get
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that you are prepared to treat people as badly as they treat you, and fight for your beliefs.


idiom_text: (not) give a hang
sentence: I'm not interested in football so I don't give a hang about which team wins.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do not give a hang about something, you are totally indifferent to it and do not care at all about it. 


idiom_text: give it a rest
sentence: All you talk about is politics - give it a rest ... please!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone tells you to give it a rest, they are asking you to stop doing something such as complaining or talking continuously. 


idiom_text: give the once-over
sentence: She gave the living-rom a quick once-over before opening the door to her guests.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give someone or something a quick visual examination, to see what they are like or to check if everything is all right, you give them the once-over. 


idiom_text: give a piece of your mind
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone exactly what you think, in a very angry manner, you give them a piece of your mind. 

sentence:
  Jack was so irritated by his neighbours' behaviour that he decided to give them a piece of his mind.


idiom_text: give the rough edge of your tongue
sentence: My boss was so angry that I really got the rough edge of his tongue.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give the (rough) edge of your tongue, you scold someone severely or speak to them very aggressively or rudely. 


idiom_text: give a run for money
sentence: We didn't win the match but we gave the other team a run for their money
type: I
meaning:
  If you give someone a run for their money, you present strong competition in circumstances where the other person expects to win easily. 


idiom_text: give the run-around
sentence: I'm trying to contact the manager, but every time I call the firm I'm given the run-around.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone gives you the run-around, they deliberately give you confusing information or evasive answers. 


idiom_text: give the shirt off one's back
sentence: Mike would give the shirt off his back to help a friend in difficulty.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to describe a kind-hearted or generous person who would give you anything he/she owns to help you. 


idiom_text: give or take (quantity)
sentence: The nearest town is about 100 miles away, give or take a few miles.
type: I
meaning:
  This term is used when expressing an amount or estimate that is not exactly right.  It means 'plus or minus', 'more or less', or 'approximately'. 


idiom_text: gizmo
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  The term 'gizmo' refers to a gadget or any small technological item which is unusual or novel, and for which the proper term is unknown or forgotten.


idiom_text: glass ceiling
sentence: Claire knew she would never break the glass ceiling and rise to a senior management position
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a discriminatory barrier perceived by women and minorities that prevents them from rising to positions of power or responsibility. 


idiom_text: glutton for punishment
sentence: You get seasick but you're going to travel by boat - you're a glutton for punishment!
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that someone is a glutton for punishment, you express your surprise that they continue to do something which they find unpleasant or difficult. 


idiom_text: gnomes of Zurich
sentence: The gnomes of Zurich refuse to cooperate with the investigating officials.
type: I
meaning:
  This is a disparaging term for Swiss bankers who control a lot of money, are said to be uninterested in the provenance of funds and protect their clients' identity. 


idiom_text: go against the grain
sentence: Having to import apples in an apple-growing region really goes against the grain!
type: I
meaning:
  If something goes against the grain, it is difficult to accept because it is very different from what is considered normal or natural. 


idiom_text: go against the tide
sentence: Bill can be difficult to work with; he constantly goes against the tide.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go against the tide (or the stream), you refuse to conform to current trends, or the opinions or behaviour of other people. 


idiom_text: go all out
sentence: The candidate went all out to obtain the nomination.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go all out to achieve or obtain something, you make a great effort, using all possible strength and resources 


idiom_text: go along for the ride
sentence: Not all the protesters were active in the movement - some just went along for the ride.
type: I
meaning:
  If you join a group of people you find interesting, without wanting to take an active part in their action, you go along for the ride. 


idiom_text: go down in history
sentence: The recent discovery will go down in history
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to an event that is so important or unusual that it will be recorded in history. 


idiom_text: go to extremes
meaning: People who go to extremes behave in a way that lacks moderation.
type: I
sentence:
  My parents tend to go to extremes.  They live on a tight budget and then they go on expensive holidays.


idiom_text: go to great lengths (or pains)
sentence: The two parties went to great lengths to reach an agreemen
type: I
meaning:
  When trying to achieve something, if you go to great lengths or great pains, you do everything that is possible in order to succeed. 


idiom_text: go the whole hog
meaning: When you go the whole hog, you do something thoroughly or completely.
type: I
sentence:
  The put up a few decorations for Christmas, then they decided to go the whole hog and buy a tree and all the trimmings.


idiom_text: go into overdrive
sentence: At the start of every new collection my imagination goes into overdrive.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something goes into overdrive, they begin to work very hard or start to perform intensely. 


idiom_text: go nuts
sentence: I think the old lady has gone nuts! It's very hot today and she's wearing a fur coat!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person has gone nuts means that they have become completely foolish, eccentric or mad. 


idiom_text: go off the rails
sentence: Given the unstable environment, it's a miracle that none of their children ever went off the rails.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone goes off the rails, they go out of control and begin to behave in a manner that is unacceptable to society. 


idiom_text: go off on a tangent
sentence: Sometimes when he's teaching, he goes off on a tangent and starts talking about his dog!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone goes off on a tangent, they change the subject completely in the middle of a speech or conversation. 


idiom_text: go overboard
sentence: We need to prepare the dining room for Christmas, but don't go overboard with the decorations.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go overboard, you are over-enthusiastic about something and do too much or behave in an excessive way. 


idiom_text: go pear-shaped
meaning: If a plan or project goes pear-shaped, it either goes wrong or it produces an undesirable result.
type: I
sentence:
  Jane organised a treasure hunt in the park for the kids but it all went pear-shaped and everyone was disappointed.


idiom_text: go to pieces
sentence: Jack nearly went to pieces when his son died in a car crash.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go to pieces, for example after a terrible shock, you are so upset or distressed that you cannot lead a normal life. 


idiom_text: go through the mill
sentence: When I was an intern, I was put through the mill. Nothing went unnoticed.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go through the mill, you experience a very difficult period, or are exposed to rough treatment. 


idiom_text: go through the motions
sentence: After his wife died, he tried to continue life as before, but he just went through the motions.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone goes through the motions, they do something because they have to, but without enthusiasm. 


idiom_text: going places
sentence: Even at college it was obvious that Paul was going places.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is going places means that they show talent and ability that will no doubt lead to a successful future. 


idiom_text: when the going gets tough
sentence: Tom has a positive attitude. He often says 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going'.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that when faced with a difficult or dangerous situation, strong people take action in order to solve the problem. 


idiom_text: golden handcuffs
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  The term golden handcuffs refers to a large sum of money or a generous financial arrangement granted to an executive as an incentive to stay in their job, or to ensure long-term cooperation after their departure.


idiom_text: golden handshake
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  A golden handshake is a generous sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire (sometimes given to encourage early retirement).


idiom_text: golden opportunity
meaning: A golden opportunity is a favourable time or an excellent occasion which should not be missed.
type: I
sentence:
  An internship in that company would be a golden opportunity for you - it might lead to a permanent job later.


idiom_text: golden parachute
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  A golden parachute is a clause in an executive's employment contract stating that the executive will receive certain large benefits if their employment is terminated.


idiom_text: golden rule
sentence: When travelling abroad, the golden rule is to respect the local customs
type: I
meaning:
  The most important rule or principle to be remembered when doing something is called the golden rule. 


idiom_text: good riddance!
sentence: Our horrible neighbour has moved house, and all I can say is 'good riddance'!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to express relief at becoming free of an unpleasant or unwanted person or thing. 


idiom_text: good walls make good neighbours
sentence: We try not to disturb the people next door. Good walls make good neighbours!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that respecting one another's privacy helps create a good relationship between neighbours. 


idiom_text: goose pimples
sentence: I was so scared that I had goose pimples all through the film!
type: I
meaning:
  If you have goose pimples, you are cold or so afraid that your skin is temporarily raised into little lumps. 


idiom_text: wild goose chase
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is sent on a wild goose chase, they waste their time looking for something that there is little chance of finding. 

sentence:
  They tried to find out who sent the anonymous complaint, but it turned out to be a wild goose chase.


idiom_text: play gooseberry
sentence: They invited me to join them but I didn't want to play gooseberry.
type: I
meaning:
  If you play gooseberry, you join or accompany two people who have a  romantic relationship and want to be alone. 


idiom_text: grasp at straws
sentence: In his search for a cure, he turned to a faith healer, knowing that he was grasping at straws.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are in a desperate situation and you grasp at straws, you try any method, even if it has little chance of success, in an attempt to find a solution. 


idiom_text: (not) let grass grow under your feet
type: I
meaning:
  If someone does not let the grass grow under their feet, they do not delay in getting something done. 

sentence:
  As soon as he received the permit, he started to build.  He never lets the grass grow under his feet!


idiom_text: gravy train
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is on the gravy train, they have found an easy way to make money, one that requires little effort and is without risk. 

sentence:
  Since the village has become fashionable, he charges for every photograph taken of his house - he's on a gravy train!


idiom_text: grease somebody's palm
sentence: In some countries, it is common practice to grease government officials' palms.
type: I
meaning:
  If you accuse someone of greasing somebody's palm, you are accusing them of giving money to someone in order to gain an unfair advantage or to obtain something they want. 


idiom_text: grease the skids
meaning: When you grease the skids, you facilitate something or smooth the way for its success.
type: I
sentence:
  Lunch was organised for the delegates before the meeting in order to grease the skids for the negotiations.


idiom_text: guilty pleasure
sentence: Reading gossip magazines is a guilty pleasure for many women… and some men too!
type: I
meaning:
  Enjoying something which is not generally held in high regard, while at the same time feeling a bit guilty about it, is called a guilty pleasure. 


idiom_text: grey area
sentence: The law concerning email is still a grey area in some countries.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something as a grey area means that it is not clear or easy to define, and is therefore difficult to deal with. 


idiom_text: grin and bear it
sentence: The only seat available is on a low-cost flight. You'll just have to grin and bear it!
type: I
meaning:
  When faced with a difficult or unpleasant situation, if you say that someone will have to grin and bear it, you mean that they will have to accept it without complaining. 


idiom_text: grin like a Cheshire cat
sentence: I knew she had succeeded when I saw her with a grin like a Cheshire cat.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone has a smile on their face because they are happy or satisfied about something, they grin like a Cheshire cat. 


idiom_text: keep your nose to the grindstone
type: I
meaning:
  A person who keeps their nose to the grindstone is someone who concentrates on working hard at his/her job, or studies. 

sentence:
  She was so determined to get into the college of her choice that she kept her nose to the grindstone all year.


idiom_text: grit your teeth
sentence: To reach safety I had to grit my teeth and wade through the mud.
type: I
meaning:
  When you are determined to do something in spite of the difficulties involved, you grit your teeth. 


idiom_text: groan inwardly
sentence: On his return, when Pete saw the pile of files on his desk, he groaned inwardly.
type: I
meaning:
  If you groan inwardly, you feel like expressing despair, disapproval or distress, but you remain silent. 


idiom_text: nurse/bear a grudge
sentence: Ever since I got a promotion, Sam has been holding a grudge against me.
type: I
meaning:
  If you nurse/bear a grudge against someone, you have a feeling of resentment or ill-will towards them. 


idiom_text: your guess is as good as mine
sentence: What happened between Bill and harry?" "Your guess is as good as mine!"
type: I
meaning:
  When talking to another person, 'your guess is as good as mine' means that neither of you knows the answer. "What happened between Bill and harry?" "Your guess is as good as mine!"


idiom_text: gut feeling
sentence: As I read the story, I had the gut feeling that the postman was lying ... and I was right!
type: I
meaning:
  If you have a gut feeling about something, you have a strong intuition that you cannot explain, but you're sure that you are right. 


idiom_text: gutter press
sentence: Of course the gutter press was quick to print a sensational version of the incident!
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to newspapers that print a lot of sensational stories about people's private lives. 


idiom_text: old habits die hard
sentence: My grandfather refuses to use a mobile phone - old habits die hard!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that people are often reluctant to change the way they do something, especially if they have been doing it for a long time. 


idiom_text: hair of the dog
sentence: Here, have a drop of this. It's a hair of the dog that bit you!
type: I
meaning:
  Using as a remedy a small amount of what made you ill, for example a drop of alcohol when recovering from drinking too much, is called 'a hair of the dog that bit you'. 


idiom_text: get in hair
sentence: I'd finish the report more quickly if my colleague wasn't getting in my hair all the time.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are getting in someone's hair, you are annoying them so much that they can't get on with what they are doing. 


idiom_text: let your hair down
sentence: Come on! We're not in the office now. You can let your hair down!
type: I
meaning:
  If you suggest that someone should let their hair down, you are telling them to relax and enjoy themselves. 


idiom_text: half a mind
sentence: I've half a mind to start up my own business but first I need some advice.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have half a mind to do something, you are thinking seriously about it but have not yet reached a decision. 


idiom_text: (you don't know the) half of it
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to tell someone that they know some of the facts but they don't know how bad the situation is. 

sentence:
  You don't know the half of it!  He was beating her and terrorizing the children.  That's why she left him.


idiom_text: hammer home
sentence: The police hammered home the dangers of drinking and driving.
type: I
meaning:
  If you hammer home a point or an argument, you repeat it often to make sure that it is fully understood. 


idiom_text: hammer and tongs
sentence: Our neighbours are going at it hammer and tongs again. They're constantly arguing.
type: I
meaning:
  If people are going at it hammer and tongs, they are arguing fiercely, with a lot of energy and noise. 


idiom_text: hand in glove
sentence: After the match, it was discovered that he was hand in glove with the referee.
type: I
meaning:
  Two or more people who are in collusion, or work in close association, are said to be hand in glove. 


idiom_text: hand it to someone
sentence: You've got to hand it to Sophie. She may be a snob, but her presentations are always excellent.
type: I
meaning:
  If  you hand it to someone, you admit, perhaps unwillingly, that they deserve credit or praise for their achievements. 


idiom_text: hand on a platter
sentence: He was appointed sales director in his father's company. The job was handed to him on a platter.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone get something easily, without having to make an effort to obtain it, it is handed to them on a platter. 


idiom_text: one hand washes the other (and together they wash the face)
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that when people cooperate and work well together, there is a better chance of a achieving results.


idiom_text: (all) hands on deck
sentence: As the opening day approached, it was all hands on deck to have everything ready in time.
type: I
meaning:
  When there is a need for all hands on deck, everyone must help, especially if there's a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time. 


idiom_text: in safe hands
sentence: I'll look after Jamie while you go shopping. Don' worry - he'll be in safe hands.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is in safe hands, it is being looked after by a reliable person or organisation, and is therefore at no risk. 


idiom_text: show of hands
sentence: How many people agree? Could we have a show of hands please?
type: I
meaning:
  A show of hands is a method of voting where people give their opinion by raising a hand. How many people agree?  Could we have a show of hands please?


idiom_text: hands tied
sentence: Mark deserves to earn more, but the manager's hands are tied by the recent salary agreement.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person has their hands tied, something such as an agreement or a rule is preventing them from doing what they would like to do. 


idiom_text: handbrake on a canoe
sentence: With no electricity, a refrigerator would be as much use as a handbrake on a canoe.
type: I
meaning:
  Is something is as much use as a handbrake on a canoe, it is completely useless or serves no purpose. 


idiom_text: handle with kid gloves
sentence: He is so determined to obtain her agreement that he is handling her with kid gloves.
type: I
meaning:
  If you handle someone with kid gloves, you treat them very carefully or tactfully, either because they are very important or because they are easily upset. 


idiom_text: hang in there
sentence: I know the atmosphere is very tense, but just hang in there and things will eventually calm down.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to encourage someone to persevere and not give up in spite of the difficult circumstances. 


idiom_text: hang on by fingernails
sentence: The restaurant is losing more and more customers; the owner is just hanging on by his fingernails.
type: I
meaning:
  When you hang on by the fingernails, you succeed in continuing to do something in a very difficult situation. 


idiom_text: hang out to dry
sentence: You'll get no help from Jack. He'll hang you out to dry if your plan fails.
type: I
meaning:
  If you abandon someone who is in difficulty, without giving any assistance or support, you hang them out to dry. 


idiom_text: hang up one's boots
sentence: Dad says he's going to hang up his boots at the end of the year.
type: I
meaning:
  When a sports player hangs up their boots, they stop playing and retire. (This expression is often used to refer to retirement in general.) 


idiom_text: happy camper
sentence: With his new job and his new car, Andy is a happy camper.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is a happy camper is generally content or satisfied with what is happening in their lives and has no complaints. 


idiom_text: run with the hare
type: I
meaning:
  If you run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, you want to stay on friendly terms with both sides in a quarrel. 

sentence:
  Bob always wants to keep everyone happy, but he can't run with the hare and  hunt with the hounds this time - the issue is too importan


idiom_text: harebrained idea
sentence: We'll never make any progress if you have nothing but harebrained ideas to offer!
type: I
meaning:
  A harebrained idea is an idea or suggestion that is considered to be silly, foolish or totally impractical. 


idiom_text: throw/toss one's hat in the ring
sentence: He finally threw his hat in the ring and announced that he was going to stand for election.
type: I
meaning:
  If you throw or toss your hat in the ring, you announce that you are going to enter a competition or take up a challenge. 


idiom_text: haul over the coals
sentence: He was hauled over the coals for the poor quality of his presentation.
type: I
meaning:
  If you haul someone over the coals, you reprimand them harshly because they have done something wrong or incorrectly. 


idiom_text: have down pat
sentence: I rehearsed my presentation until I had it down pat.
type: I
meaning:
  If you memorize or practise something until you know it perfectly or have it exactly right, you have it down pat. I rehearsed my presentation until I had it down pat.


idiom_text: have you gone out of your mind?
sentence: You're going to ask for a 100% increase in salary? Have you gone out of your mind?
type: I
meaning:
  If you ask someone if they have gone out of their mind, you think they are crazy, foolish or insane. You're going to ask for a 100% increase in salary? Have you gone out of your mind?


idiom_text: make hay while the sun shines
sentence: Successful athletes are advised to make hay while the sun shines
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used as an encouragement to take advantage of a good situation which may not last. 


idiom_text: head and shoulders above
sentence: The award winner was head and shoulders above the others
type: I
meaning:
  To say that one person is head and shoulders above the others means that they are much better than the rest  of them. 


idiom_text: old head on young shoulders
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a child or young person who thinks and expresses themselves like an older more-experienced person. 

sentence:
  When she heard Emily warning her brother to stay out of trouble, her mother thought : "That's an old head on young shoulders."


idiom_text: head against brick wall
sentence: I've been banging my head against a brick wall trying to explain the internet to my grandmother.
type: I
meaning:
  If you bang your head against a brick wall, you continue vainly to try and achieve something in spite of several unsuccessful attempts. 


idiom_text: head in the clouds
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If you have your head in the clouds, you are so absorbed by your thoughts that you are not paying attention to what is happening around you. He doesn't listen to the teacher - he's got his head in the clouds all the time!


idiom_text: head on a platter
meaning: If someone makes you so angry that you want them to be punished, you want their head on a platter.
type: I
sentence:
  He was so angry when he read the article about his family that he wanted the journalist's head on a platter.


idiom_text: head start
sentence: Bringing detailed maps of the area gave us a head start over the others in the treasure hunt.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have a head start, you have an advantage that enables you to make progress more quickly and have a greater chance of success. 


idiom_text: head over heels in love
sentence: Tony's only interest at the moment is Maria. He's head over heels in love with her!
type: I
meaning:
  When a person falls passionately in love with another, they are said to be head over heels in love. 


idiom_text: headless chicken
type: I
meaning:
  If a person rushes about like a headless chicken, they act in a disorderly way, without thinking or analyzing the situation carefully. 

sentence:
  As soon as the store opened, my mother started running around like a headless chicken, eager to find bargains.


idiom_text: hear a pin drop
sentence: People were listening so intently that you could hear a pin drop.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that you could hear a pin drop means that it is so silent you could hear the slightest noise. 


idiom_text: hear through the grapevine
sentence: "How did you hear that?" "Oh, through the grapevine as usual!"
type: I
meaning:
  If you hear of something through the grapevine, you learn about it informally, for example through friends or colleagues. "How did you hear that?" "Oh, through the grapevine as usual!"


idiom_text: heart in one's mouth
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has their heart in their mouth feels extremely anxious or nervous faced with a dangerous or unpleasant situation. 

sentence:
  Emma had her heart in her mouth when she saw her two-year-old son standing in front of the open window.


idiom_text: heart in right place
sentence: The old lady's cake wasn't wonderful but she's got her heart in the right place!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has their heart in the right place has kind feelings and good intentions, even if the results are not too good. 


idiom_text: heart of stone
sentence: She's not the person to go to if you've got problems - she's got a heart of stone!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who has a heart of stone is a cold person who shows others no understanding, sympathy or pity. 


idiom_text: heat is on
sentence: The project must be ready for next Friday, so the heat is on.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the heat is on means that you are under a lot of pressure to get something done, usually within a time limit. 


idiom_text: turn on/up heat
sentence: If the goods are not delivered this week, we'll have to turn on the heat.
type: I
meaning:
  If you turn on/up the heat on a person or organisation, you put pressure on them in order to obtain what you want. 


idiom_text: heavy hand
sentence: He ran the juvenile delinquent centre with a heavy hand.
type: I
meaning:
  Dealing with or treating people with a heavy hand means acting with discipline and severity, with little or no sensitivity. 


idiom_text: hedge your bets
sentence: The company hedged its bets by developing a second line of products.
type: I
meaning:
  If you hedge your bets, you choose two or more courses of action  in order to reduce the risk of loss or error. 


idiom_text: (all) hell broke loose
sentence: All hell broke loose when it was announced that the plant was going to close down.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that (all) hell broke loose means that there was a sudden angry, noisy reaction to something. 


idiom_text: (come) hell or high water
sentence: Come hell or high water I've got to be on time for the interview.
type: I
meaning:
  If you declare that you will do something come hell or high water, you mean that you will do it in spite of the difficulties involved. 


idiom_text: (go to) hell in a handcart
sentence: This used to be a nice place to live, but now the area is going to hell in a handcart.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something is going to hell in a handcart, their condition is poor and continues to deteriorate. 


idiom_text: hell-bent on something
sentence: Although he is still weak, he's hell-bent on playing the match.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are hell-bent on doing something, you are recklessly determined to do it, even if it is dangerous or stupid. 


idiom_text: herd mentality
type: I
meaning:
  People with the herd mentality tend to do what everyone else does, no matter how ridiculous or stupid. 

sentence:
  One example of herd mentality is when people rush to get on the first bus when there are several empty ones waiting.


idiom_text: herding cats
sentence: Organizing an outing for a group of people from different countries is like herding cats!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to the difficulty of coordinating a situation which involves people who all want to act independently. 


idiom_text: hide one's light
type: I
meaning:
  If you hide your light under a bushel, you are modest or do not reveal a talent, quality or skill you possess. 

sentence:
  So you play the saxophone in a club on Saturday nights - you really hide your light under a bushel, don't you!


idiom_text: hide multitude of sins
sentence: Loose-fitting clothes can cover a multitude of sins!
type: I
meaning:
  If something hides (or covers) a multitude of sins, it prevents people from seeing the less pleasant reality. 


idiom_text: high and dry
sentence: When her husband walked out on her, Amanda was left high and dry with two kids to raise.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are left high and dry, you find yourself in a difficult situation without help or resources. 


idiom_text: high and mighty
meaning: Someone who is high and mighty behaves in a haughty manner as though they were superior to others.
type: I
sentence:
  "Don't get all high and mighty!" said my grandmother to my cousin. "Everyone helps with the housework in this house."


idiom_text: highways and byways
sentence: He travelled the highways and byways looking for traces of his ancestors.
type: I
meaning:
  If you travel the highways and byways, you take large and small roads to visit every part of the country. 


idiom_text: my way or the highway
sentence: You don't have much choice when someone says 'it's my way or the highway'.
type: I
meaning:
  It you say to someone 'it's my way or the highway', you are telling that person that either they accept what you propose or they leave the project. 


idiom_text: up to the hilt
sentence: He was involved in the conspiracy to the hilt.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone does something (up) to the hilt, they do it completely, fully or to the maximum degree. 


idiom_text: hit and run accident
sentence: A hit-and-run accident deserves serious punishment.
type: I
meaning:
  When the driver of a vehicle hits another vehicle without stopping to provide help, identification or insurance, and fails to report the accident to the police, the collision is called a hit-and-run accident. 


idiom_text: hit the airwaves
sentence: The hospital was embarrassed when the patient hit the airways with his side of the story.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone hits the airwaves, they go on radio and/or TV to be interviewed or to promote something. 


idiom_text: hit the ground running
sentence: He intends to hit the ground running when he starts his new job.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone hits the ground running, they are ready and eager to start immediately on a new activity. 


idiom_text: hit the nail on the head
sentence: You hit the nail on the head when you said Mark had money problems. He's lost his job.
type: I
meaning:
  When you hit the nail on the head, you are absolutely right about something or have guessed the exact nature of a problem or situation. 


idiom_text: hit/strike pay dirt
sentence: Charlie finally hit pay dirt with his latent invention.
type: I
meaning:
  If you hit pay dirt, you are lucky and suddenly find yourself in a successful money-making situation. 


idiom_text: hit the panic button
sentence: Calm down! There's no need to hit the panic button yet!
type: I
meaning:
  When you hit or press the panic button, you raise the alarm too quickly or react too hastily in a difficult or stressful situation. 


idiom_text: hitch one's wagon to a star
sentence: At an early age she decided to hitch her wagon to a star and become famous.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who hitches their wagon to a star has great ambitions and is very determined to reach their goal. 


idiom_text: hive of activity
sentence: When I went to offer help, the kitchen was already a hive of activity.
type: I
meaning:
  A place where there are lots of things happening, and everyone is very busy, is called a hive of activity. 


idiom_text: hold your breath
sentence: I went for a second interview today - now I'm holding my breath!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is holding their breath, they are waiting anxiously or excitedly for something to happen or be announced. 


idiom_text: hold the fort
sentence: Rosie, could you hold the fort please while I go to the post office?
type: I
meaning:
  When you hold the fort, you look after a place or a business in the absence of the person who is normally in charge. 


idiom_text: hold good
sentence: The author's version of the event still holds good.
type: I
meaning:
  If something such as a statement, saying or theory holds good, it continues to be true, valid or applicable. 


idiom_text: hold your horses
sentence: Hold your horses! We need to get the customer's approval first!.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to hold their horses, you think they are doing something too fast and should slow down and not rush into further action. 


idiom_text: hold the reins
sentence: He's been holding the reins for over 20 years and intends to continue for as long as possible.
type: I
meaning:
  The person who holds the reins is someone who is in complete control of a company, firm or organisation. 


idiom_text: (not) hold water
sentence: The reasons given for the government's new measures just do not hold water.
type: I
meaning:
  If an explanation or argument does not hold water, it does not stand up to critical examination and can be shown to be unfounded. 


idiom_text: holier-than-thou
sentence: I can't stand the holier-than-thou attitude of some political candidates
type: I
meaning:
  The attitude of people who consider themselves to be more virtuous or morally superior to others can be called 'holier-than-thou'. 


idiom_text: hollow victory
sentence: Won in the absence of the major ski champions, his gold medal was a hollow victory.
type: I
meaning:
  A victory obtained in unsatisfactory conditions, which as a result seems worthless or without significance for the winner, is called a hollow victory. 


idiom_text: on the home stretch
sentence: Don't give up - we're on the home stretch now.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that you are on the home stretch means that you are approaching the end of something such as a task, a race or a journey. 


idiom_text: home truths
sentence: David needs to be told some home truths, whether he likes it or not!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell somebody some home truths, you tell them some unpleasant facts about themselves which are often difficult to accept. 


idiom_text: honeymoon is over
sentence: He was elected only six months ago, but the honeymoon is already over.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the honeymoon is over means that the initial period of friendship and cooperation between people, groups or organisations has ended. 


idiom_text: honour among thieves
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that even criminals have a sense of loyalty and they respect a certain code of behaviour. 

sentence:
  The bank robber refused to reveal the names of his accomplices which shows that there is honour among thieves.


idiom_text: by hook or by crook
sentence: I'll get my revenge, by hook or by crook!
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that you will do something by hook or by crook, you mean that you will succeed in doing it in whatever way is necessary, whether it is honest or not. 


idiom_text: hop, skip and jump
sentence: The school's just a hop, skip and a jump away from our new house.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a thing or place is only a hop, skip and a jump away from another means that they are very close to each other. 


idiom_text: hope against hope
meaning: If you hope against hope, you continue to hope even when the situation looks bad.
type: I
sentence:
  The whole building was destroyed by fire.  John's parents are hoping against hope that he escaped in time.


idiom_text: horns of a dilemma
type: I
meaning:
  If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you are faced with a choice between two equally unpleasant options. 

sentence:
  I'm on the horns of a dilemma; I have to choose between a boring job with a good salary or a more interesting job with a lower salary


idiom_text: horse of a different colour
type: I
meaning:
  To describe a person or a problem as a horse of a different colour means either that the person does things differently from others, or that the nature of the problem is entirely different. 

sentence:
  I expected to negotiate with the sales manager, but the chairman turned up - now he's a horse of a different colour!


idiom_text: dark horse
sentence: I can't say I know my neighbour. He's a bit of a dark horse.
type: I
meaning:
  If you refer to someone as a dark horse you mean that they are secretive or that little is known about them. 


idiom_text: flog a horse
sentence: Mark is flogging a dead horse trying to get his money reimbursed. The company has gone bankrupt.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is flogging (or beating) a dead horse means that they are wasting time and effort trying to do or achieve something that is impossible. 


idiom_text: horses for courses
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that because horses race better on a course that suits them, it is important to match people with suitable jobs or tasks. A person suited to one activity may not be suited to another. 

sentence:
  His experience in sales doesn't necessarily make him ideal for the job. Horses for courses, as the saying goes!


idiom_text: straight from horse's mouth
type: I
meaning:
  If you learn something straight from the horse's mouth, the information is given to you by someone who is directly involved. "How do you know Sam has resigned?" "I got it straight from the horse's mouth - Sam told me himself!"

sentence:
  "How do you know Sam has resigned?" "I got it straight from the horse's mouth - Sam told me himself!"


idiom_text: hot off the press
sentence: I just got it hot off the press; another bank has gone bankrupt.
type: I
meaning:
  If a news article, for example, is hot off the press, it has just been published and contains the most recent information on the subject. 


idiom_text: (not) give house room
sentence: I wouldn't give house room to that painting - it's grotesque!
type: I
meaning:
  If you refuse to give house room to someone or something, you do not accept them into your home because you dislike or disapprove of them. 


idiom_text: put house in order
sentence: You should put your house in order before telling me what to do!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to put their house in order, you are saying that they should organise their own affairs or take care of their own problems before giving advice to other people. 


idiom_text: household name
sentence: The product was so successful that its name became a household word in no time.
type: I
meaning:
  When the name of something becomes very familiar because it is so often used, it is called a household name or word. 


idiom_text: how the other half lives
sentence: He prefers not to know how the other half lives.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to the way of life of another social group. particularly people who are much richer or poorer than oneself. 


idiom_text: hunky-dory
sentence: "Need any help?" Everything's hunky dory, thanks."
type: I
meaning:
  Using the expression 'hunky dory' is an informal way of saying that everything is satisfactory and there are no problems. "Need any help?"  Everything's hunky dory, thanks."


idiom_text: break the ice
sentence: He started by telling a joke to break the ice.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who breaks the ice is someone who does or says something to make people relax in an uncomfortable situation. 


idiom_text: icing on the cake
sentence: Good news! I get the job ... and the icing on the cake is that I get a company car too!
type: I
meaning:
  If something is referred to as icing on the cake, it is an extra benefit that makes a good situation even better. 


idiom_text: identity theft
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  The crime of using another person's personal information (name, credit card number, etc.) without his/her knowledge, to set up and use bank accounts and credit facilities is known as identity theft.


idiom_text: if you can't stand the heat
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen' means that if you feel there is too much pressure, you can leave. 

sentence:
  Amid the growing tension the organiser declared : "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"


idiom_text: ill-gotten gains
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  Money, profit or benefits that are made in a dishonest or illegal manner are called ill-gotten gains. He won money by cheating and is now enjoying his ill-gotten gains.


idiom_text: infomania
type: I
meaning:
  If you are constantly checking and responding to email and text messages, you may be the victim of a recent addiction called infomania. 

sentence:
  The abuse of technology has lead to a state of infomania;  employees are becoming addicted to checking email and text messages during meetings.


idiom_text: in a class of one's own
sentence: As a singer, Maria Callas was in a class of her own.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is in a class of their own, they are unequalled and considered better than anyone else of their kind. 


idiom_text: in keeping with
sentence: We exchange presents at Christmas in keeping with tradition.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is in keeping with, for example, a style or tradition, it is suitable or appropriate in a particular situation. 


idiom_text: in the heat of the moment
sentence: I was so angry that in the heat of the moment I said things that I later regretted.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say or do something in the heat of the moment, you say or do it without pausing to think, at a time when you are experiencing unusually strong emotions such as anger, excitement, etc. 


idiom_text: in inverted commas
sentence: We were served a 'meal', in inverted commas, but we were too hungry to complain.
type: I
meaning:
  When describing something, if you use a word which you say is 'in inverted commas', you indicate that the word is not quite true or appropriate. 


idiom_text: in the long run
meaning: This term refers to something that will have effect over or after a long period of time.
type: I
sentence:
  Learning Chinese is going to be difficult, but it'll be worth it in the long run because it will help me to get a better job.


idiom_text: in the middle of nowhere
sentence: The campsite was in the middle of nowhere so I couldn't send you a postcard.
type: I
meaning:
  If a place is in the middle of nowhere, it is in a remote area, far from towns, villages or houses. 


idiom_text: in mint condition
sentence: The car is 10 years old but according to Tom it's in mint condition.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is in mint condition is in such perfect condition that it looks new or as good as new. 


idiom_text: in one's own sweet time
sentence: OK, I'll do it - but in my own sweet time!
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something in your own sweet time, you take as long as you please to do it, in spite of the wishes of others. 


idiom_text: in over your head
sentence: I accepted to organise the festival, but I quickly realized that I was in over my head.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are in over your head, you are involved in something that is too difficult for you to handle. 


idiom_text: in retrospect
sentence: In retrospect, we were not aware of the effects on the environment.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a past situation or event, particularly if your present opinion is different from the one you had at the time. 


idiom_text: in trouble with the law
sentence: The suspect has often been in trouble with the law.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is in trouble with the law, they are being questioned by the police in connection with something illegal or criminal. 


idiom_text: in vino veritas
sentence: After a few drinks he told us the whole story - in vino veritas!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression, which in Latin means 'in wine there is truth', is a way of saying that wine makes people less inhibited and leads them to speak more freely and reveal their true feelings. 


idiom_text: add insult to injury
sentence: Not only did he steal money from his best friend, he added insult to injury by damaging his car!
type: I
meaning:
  To add insult to injury means to make a bad situation worse by harming or upsetting someone you have already harmed in some other way. 


idiom_text: iron fist/hand
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to describe someone who, behind an appearance of gentleness, is inflexible and determined. 

sentence:
  To impose the necessary reforms, the leader used persuasion followed by force - an iron fist in a velvet glove.


idiom_text: irons in the fire
sentence: The travel agency is not his only venture - he's got more than one iron in the fire.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have a few, or many, irons in the fire, you are involved in several projects at the same time. 


idiom_text: itchy feet
sentence: Andrew's got itchy feet again. He says he's going to teach in China for a few years.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has itchy feet is someone who finds it difficult to stay in one place and likes to travel and discover new places. 


idiom_text: itching (or itchy) palm
sentence: He's said to have an itching palm - he does nothing without payment!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who has an itching palm is greedy for money, for example tips or commission (as if putting money in the palm of their hand would ease the itch). 


idiom_text: it's anyone's call
sentence: "Who do you think will win?" "It's anyone's call."
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used when the result of a contest or election is difficult to predict. "Who do you think will win?"  "It's anyone's call."


idiom_text: kangaroo court
sentence: Calm down please! Is this a meeting or a kangaroo court?
type: I
meaning:
  A kangaroo court is an illegal tribunal set up by a group of people who have taken the law into their own hands and conduct trials which deny fundamental justice. 


idiom_text: keep your back covered
sentence: You'd better make a copy of that letter to keep your back covered.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something in case a problem arises later for which you might be blamed, you keep your back covered. 


idiom_text: keep one's feet on the ground
type: I
meaning:
  A person who keeps their feet on the ground continues to act in a sensible and practical way, even if they become successful. 

sentence:
  His invention was an instant success but he kept his feet on the ground and invested his money very wisely


idiom_text: keep finger on pulse
sentence: A successful investor keeps his finger on the pulse of international business.
type: I
meaning:
  If you keep a finger on the pulse, you are constantly aware of the most recent events or developments. 


idiom_text: keep head above water
sentence: Business has been slow, but we've managed to keep our head above water.
type: I
meaning:
  To keep one's head above water means to try to survive by staying out of debt, for example a small business. 


idiom_text: keep a level head
sentence: All through the hijacking the pilot kept a level head.
type: I
meaning:
  If you keep a level head,  you remain calm and sensible no matter  how difficult or distressful the situation may be. 


idiom_text: keep the lid on
sentence: The company tried to keep a lid on the negotiations but word got out to the press.
type: I
meaning:
  If you keep the lid on something, you hide it or control it to prevent people from finding out about it. 


idiom_text: keep nose to the grindstone
type: I
meaning:
  A person who keeps their nose to the grindstone is someone who concentrates on working  or studying hard. 

sentence:
  She was so determined to get into the college of her choice that she kept her nose to the grindstone all year.


idiom_text: keep options open
sentence: The offer sounds good, but keep your options open until you're sure it's the best choice.
type: I
meaning:
  When you keep your options open, you postpone making a decision so that you can choose among several possible courses of action. 


idiom_text: keep in proportion
sentence: Yes, we've got a problem, but let's try to keep things in proportion.
type: I
meaning:
  If you react to a situation in a sensible way, without exaggerating the importance or seriousness of the facts, you keep things in proportion. 


idiom_text: keep a stiff upper lip
sentence: When she heard the bad news, she kept a stiff upper lip.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person keeps a stiff upper lip, they contain their emotion and do not let other people see their feelings. 


idiom_text: keep up appearances
sentence: He continued to keep up appearances even when business was bad.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who keeps up appearances maintains an outward show of prosperity or well-being in order to hide their difficulties from others. 


idiom_text: keep up with Joneses
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who tries to keep up with the Joneses tries to have the same possessions or social achievements as someone else. 

sentence:
  First the Browns moved their children to an expensive school.  Now the Smiths have done the same.  It's silly how some people feel they have to keep up with the Joneses!


idiom_text: keep wolf from door
sentence: My grandparents earned barely enough money to keep the wolf from the door.
type: I
meaning:
  To keep the wolf from the door you need to have enough money to buy food and other basic essentials in order to survive. 


idiom_text: put the kibosh on
sentence: The bank's refusal to grant him a loan put the kibosh on Jack's project.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something to prevent a plan or activity from happening or developing, you put the kibosh on it. 


idiom_text: kick up a fuss
sentence: The service was so slow in the restaurant that several customers began to kick up a fuss.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who kicks up a fuss creates a disturbance, especially by complaining or protesting about something. 


idiom_text: kick yourself
sentence: I could have kicked myself for forgetting Emily's birthday.
type: I
meaning:
  If you feel like kicking yourself, you are angry with yourself for something you have or have not done. 


idiom_text: kill with kindness
type: I
meaning:
  When you are excessive in your efforts to be helpful or generous, you can harm someone, or kill them with kindness. 

sentence:
  The children are overweight, but their grandmother continues to give them chocolates and cookies - she'll kill them with kindness!


idiom_text: kindred spirit
sentence: The immediately felt they were kindred spirits and became close friends.
type: I
meaning:
  People who have a lot in common and share the same beliefs, attitudes and feelings are kindred spirits. 


idiom_text: kiss goodbye to something
sentence: There will be no bonus this year, so I can kiss goodbye to that car I wanted!
type: I
meaning:
  If you accept as certain that you will not get something that you want, you kiss (or say) goodbye to it. 


idiom_text: on its knees
sentence: The civil war brought the country to its knees.
type: I
meaning:
  When something such as a country or organisation is on its knees, or brought to its knees, it is in a very weak situation. 


idiom_text: knock sense into
type: I
meaning:
  When you knock sense into somebody, you use strong words or methods in order to get that person to stop behaving stupidly. 

sentence:
  When Jason announced that he was going to drop out of college, his uncle managed to knock some sense into him.


idiom_text: know which way the wind is blowing
sentence: Before we decide on anything, we need to know which way the wind is blowing.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is advisable to know how a situation is developing in order to be prepared for any changes. 


idiom_text: kowtow to someone
sentence: Mark refused to kowtow to the committee and decided to work as a consultant.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are very respectful and submissive, giving way to the wishes of a person or organisation in authority in order to please them, you kowtow to them. 


idiom_text: labour of love
sentence: Preparing Christmas dinner for the family is what my mother calls a labour of love.
type: I
meaning:
  A task that is done for your own pleasure and satisfaction and not for reward or profit is called a labour of love. 


idiom_text: land on your feet
sentence: Don't worry about Bob. He always lands on his feet.
type: I
meaning:
  If you land on your feet, you make a quick recovery after a difficulty such as a business failure, an illness, a loss, etc. 


idiom_text: landslide victory
sentence: Major newspapers predict a landslide victory for the Democratic Party.
type: I
meaning:
  The victory of a candidate or a political party by an overwhelming majority is called a landslide victory. 


idiom_text: larger than life
sentence: He was a larger-then-life character, both onstage and behind the scene.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is larger than life attracts special attention because they are very impressive or unusually remarkable in their appearance, behaviour or personality. 


idiom_text: last but not least
sentence: And now, last but not least, here is the final candidate.
type: I
meaning:
  When introducing a number of people, this expression is used to assure the audience that the last person mentioned is no less important than those previously named. 


idiom_text: last thing on one's mind
sentence: I'm so busy that food is the last thing on my mind.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that something is the last thing on your mind, you mean that it is not an important matter at all, especially when you have more serious problems to consider. 


idiom_text: last resort
sentence: I still haven't found a hotel for the night; I can always sleep in the car as a last resort!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that you would so something as a last resort means that it is the last thing you would do if you were desperate and all other courses of action had failed. 


idiom_text: last straw
sentence: After a long day of negotiations with the protesters, the traffic jam was the last straw!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that this is the latest unpleasant event and that you cannot tolerate the situation any longer. 


idiom_text: laugh all the way to the bank
sentence: If we fail to renew the contract, our competitors will be laughing all the way to the bank.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who makes a lot of money easily, especially through someone else's stupidity, is said to laugh all the way to the bank. 


idiom_text: laugh off
sentence: She overheard her colleague's critical remark, but she laughed it off.
type: I
meaning:
  When you laugh about something that has upset or hurt you, to make it seem less important or to try to show that you do not care, you laugh it off. 


idiom_text: laughing stock
sentence: If you wear that to school you'll be the laughing stock of the class!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who does something stupid or ridiculous which causes others to laugh becomes a laughing stock. 


idiom_text: law of the jungle
sentence: Some businesses today seem to be governed by the law of the jungle.
type: I
meaning:
  A situation in which people are prepared to use unscrupulous methods in order to succeed or survive is called the law of the jungle. 


idiom_text: law onto themselves
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is a law onto themselves, they do things their own way and ignore what is generally considered as acceptable. 

sentence:
  They're against discipline and allow their children complete freedom - they're a law onto themselves.


idiom_text: lay it on the line
meaning: If you speak frankly and make something very clear, you lay it on the line.
type: I
sentence:
  The boss laid it on the line and told Jimmy that if he arrived late for work again he would lose his job.


idiom_text: lead up garden path
type: I
meaning:
  If someone leads you up the garden path, they deceive you by making you believe something which is not true. 

sentence:
  I still haven't got the promotion I was promised.  I think my boss is leading me up the garden path!


idiom_text: learn the hard way
sentence: His refusal to accept any help meant that he had to learn the hard way.
type: I
meaning:
  If you learn the hard way, you learn through your own experience, good and bad, rather than from the advice or guidance of others. 


idiom_text: leave the door open
sentence: Both parties left the door open for further negotiations.
type: I
meaning:
  If you leave the door open, you behave in such a way as to allow the possibility of further action. 


idiom_text: leave no stone unturned
sentence: The management left no stone unturned in their efforts to find a solution to the crisis.
type: I
meaning:
  If you try everything possible in order to achieve or to find something, you leave no stone unturned. 


idiom_text: leave well alone
sentence: It would be hard to get a better deal. Let's just leave well alone.
type: I
meaning:
  If you leave well alone, you decide not to interfere with or change something that is acceptable or adequate. 


idiom_text: led by the nose
sentence: Jack has always been led by the nose by his mother.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is led by the nose is dominated or controlled by a person or group who makes them do exactly what they want. 


idiom_text: left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  To say that 'the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing' means that within a group or organisation, communication is so bad that one person doesn't know what another person is doing.


idiom_text: left hanging in the air
sentence: No solution was proposed during the meeting so the question was left hanging in the air.
type: I
meaning:
  If a problem or issue is left hanging in the air (or in mid-air), no decision has been taken so it remains without a solution. 


idiom_text: left to own devises
sentence: When left to their own devices, many children watch TV and eat junk food.
type: I
meaning:
  If you leave someone to their own devices, you leave them to look after themselves, with any help or supervision. 


idiom_text: (buy) a lemon
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If you buy something, especially a car, that is defective, unsatisfactory, constantly gives problems or stops running after a short time, you buy a lemon. The car I bought was a real lemon. It broke down two weeks later.


idiom_text: less is more
sentence: Simplicity is fashionable today. Less is more.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression, used particularly in architecture and design, conveys the idea that things that are simple in style and smaller in size are better. 


idiom_text: lesser of two evils
meaning: If you choose the lesser of two evils, you opt for the less unpleasant of two poor options.
type: I
sentence:
  I didn't want to go. Choosing the train instead of driving was the lesser of two evils; at least I could relax on the way.


idiom_text: let me bounce this off you
sentence: I think I've found a way of making money. Let me bounce this off you.
type: I
meaning:
  You can say this when you present an idea or plan to someone in order to test their reaction or obtain feedback. 


idiom_text: let off steam
sentence: Let's bring the kids to the playground so they can let off steam.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who lets off steam releases surplus energy or strong feelings either through intense physical activity or by talking in an unrestrained manner. 


idiom_text: let ride
type: I
meaning:
  When you decide to do nothing about a particular situation and allow it to remain as it is, you let it ride. 

sentence:
  Bill didn't like the way his wife spoke to the operator, but he let it ride because he didn't want another quarrel.


idiom_text: licence to print money
sentence: The contract to supply computers to schools was a licence to print money.
type: I
meaning:
  An officially authorized activity which enables people to make a lot of money without much effort is called a licence to print money. 


idiom_text: lick/smack your lips
sentence: He was licking his lips at the idea of the money he was going to make.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is licking (or smacking) their lips is showing that they are excited about something and are eager for it to happen. 


idiom_text: lick and promise
sentence: She gave the kitchen a lick and a promise before she ran to catch the bus.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give something a lick and a promise, you make a quick attempt to clean it, with the intention of doing it more thoroughly later. 


idiom_text: lick into shape
sentence: I've got to lick this place into shape before my in-laws arrive.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make an effort to put someone or something into satisfactory condition or appearance, you lick them into shape. 


idiom_text: lick someone's boots
sentence: Sam is licking the manager's boots in the hope of obtaining a pay rise.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that one person is licking another's boots means that they are trying to please that person, often in order to obtain something. 


idiom_text: lick one's wounds
sentence: Poor Harry is licking his wounds after being dropped from the team.
type: I
meaning:
  When a person licks their wounds, they try to recover their confidence or spirits after a defeat, failure or disappointment. 


idiom_text: lie way in/out
sentence: He lied his way into a well-paid position.
type: I
meaning:
  If you obtain something or get out of a situation by telling lies, you lie your way in or out of it. 


idiom_text: lie through teeth
sentence: I saw him breaking the window. If he denies it, he's lying through his teeth.
type: I
meaning:
  If you lie through your teeth, you lie openly and brazenly, knowing that what you are saying is completely false. 


idiom_text: white lie
sentence: Some parents prefer to tell their children a white lie rather than announce bad news.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell a white lie, you say something which is not true in order to protect someone or to avoid hurting their feelings. 


idiom_text: life of riley
sentence: He married a millionaire, and since then he's been living the life of Riley!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who lives the life of Riley has a comfortable and enjoyable life, without having to make much effort. 


idiom_text: life is just a bowl of cherries
sentence: Now that he's retired, my grandfather says 'life is just a bowl of cherries'.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that life is pleasant and uncomplicated. (This phrase is often used ironically to mean the opposite.) 


idiom_text: (not) lift a finger
sentence: Many people saw the boy falling off his bike but not one of them lifted a finger.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who does not lift a finger makes no effort to help or provide assistance when it is needed. 


idiom_text: light at end of tunnel
sentence: Sales dropped heavily last year but we're beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
type: I
meaning:
  If you see light at the end of the tunnel, you see signs of hope for the future after a long period of difficulty. 


idiom_text: light years ahead
sentence: We've got to invest more in research - our competitors are light years ahead!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something is light years ahead, they are far more advanced in terms of development or progress. 


idiom_text: lights on but no one home
sentence: Forget about Andy today - the lights are on but no one is home!
type: I
meaning:
  This is a humorous way of referring to someone who is lacking intelligence or sanity, or to someone who is simply preoccupied and not paying attention. 


idiom_text: see in a new light
sentence: After listening to my colleague, I began to see things in a new light.
type: I
meaning:
  If you see something in a new light, you view it in a way that makes you change the opinion you had before. 


idiom_text: shed light
meaning: If you shed light on something, you help to explain it or make it easier to understand;
type: I
sentence:
  It was hoped that the testimony of the witnesses would shed light on the circumstances of the accident.


idiom_text: like it or lump it!
sentence: We're spending a week this summer with your grandparents - like it or lump it!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to like it or lump it,  you mean that they will have to accept something even if they don't like it, because the situation is not going to change. 


idiom_text: bottom line
sentence: The bottom line is that part of the manufacturing will be outsourced.
type: I
meaning:
  If you use the term bottom line in an explanation or discussion , you refer to the most essential point or the conclusion reached. 


idiom_text: line of least resistance
meaning: If you opt for the line of least resistance, you choose the easiest way of doing something.
type: I
sentence:
  To make sure the children would stay inside, he chose the line of least resistance and rented a film.


idiom_text: read between lines
sentence: Reading between the lines, I'd say that the situation is worse than expected.
type: I
meaning:
  To read between the lines means to understand the real meaning of what is written or said, without need for any further detail. 


idiom_text: lip service
type: I
meaning:
  If you pay lip service to an idea or cause, you give verbal support or approval, but fail to actually do anything. 

sentence:
  In spite of promising equal pay for women, the management is suspected of paying lip service to the promotion of women's rights


idiom_text: smack/lick one's lips
sentence: They were smacking their lips at the idea of the money they were going to make.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person is smacking or licking their lips means that they are showing that they are excited about something and are eager for it to happen. 


idiom_text: lipstick on a pig
sentence: Flowers will not improve that ugly bridge; every one agrees that it's lipstick on a pig.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that trying to 'dress up' something unappealing or ugly, in a vain attempt to make it look better, is like putting lipstick on a pig. 


idiom_text: live a lie
sentence: To hide his humble origins, he told his wife he had no family and spent his life living a lie.
type: I
meaning:
  If you spend your life hiding something important about yourself, or inventing something which is not true, you live a lie. 


idiom_text: live from hand to mouth
sentence: Most families in that area live from hand to mouth.
type: I
meaning:
  If you live from hand to mouth, you don't have any money to save because whatever you earn is spent on food and other essentials. 


idiom_text: live in an ivory tower
sentence: You're completely out of touch - it's time to come out of your ivory tower and see what's going on!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who lives in an ivory tower has a lifestyle that preserves them from the problems and difficulties experienced by others. 


idiom_text: live on borrowed time
sentence: After heart surgery, many patients feel that they're living on borrowed time.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a period of time after an illness or accident which could have caused death. 


idiom_text: live out of suitcase
sentence: Sarah's job involves so much travelling that she lives out of a suitcase.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who lives of a suitcase travels a lot, moving from place to place, and is therefore restricted to the contents of their suitcase. 


idiom_text: live to fight another day
sentence: He was defeated in the final match but he lived to fight another day.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that even though you have had a negative experience, you will have another chance in the future to try again. 


idiom_text: live up to reputation
meaning: If someone or something lives up to its reputation, it is as good, or as bad, as people say.
type: I
sentence:
  The guesthouse lived up to its reputation; the owners were as friendly and hospitable as we had been told.


idiom_text: loan shark
sentence: The young immigrant was beaten because he was late paying back money to a loan shark.
type: I
meaning:
  A loan shark is a person who lends money at extremely high interest rates to people who are unable to obtain a loan from the bank. 


idiom_text: by a long chalk/shot
sentence: The matter hasn't been settled yet, not by a long chalk!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means 'not at all' and is used to emphasize a statement, especially a negative one. 


idiom_text: look before you leap
sentence: Don't decide too quickly. Look before you leap!
type: I
meaning:
  This is something you say when advising someone to think carefully about the possible problems before doing something. 


idiom_text: look on bright side
sentence: OK. You know nobody. But look on the bright side - you'll make lots of new friends!
type: I
meaning:
  If you look on the bright side, you view a mostly unpleasant situation in a positive and optimistic way and the see the favourable aspects. 


idiom_text: look down one's nose
sentence: Intellectuals often look down their noses at amusement parks and such.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone looks down their nose at a person or thing, they consider that person or thing as inferior. 


idiom_text: look out for n°1
sentence: Andy's father told him that looking out for number one should be his first priority.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take care of yourself first, and look after your own interests rather than those of other people, you look out for number one. 


idiom_text: loose cannon
sentence: Keep an eye on Jamie. He tends to turn into a loose cannon when he has a few drinks.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is referred to as a loose cannon cannot be completely trusted because of unpredictable and irresponsible behaviour which can cause trouble. 


idiom_text: loose end
sentence: When the meeting was cancelled at the last minute, Julie unexpectedly found herself at a loose end.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is at a loose end has some spare time, and feels quite bored by having nothing in particular to do. 


idiom_text: lose one's marbles
sentence: The old man is acting very strangely. He seems to have lost his marbles.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone loses their marbles, they become mentally confused, or no longer behave sensibly or rationally. 


idiom_text: lose the plot
sentence: His instructions were so long and confusing that I just lost the plot!
type: I
meaning:
  If a situation becomes so confusing that you are unable to understand what is happening or what you are supposed to do, you lose the plot. 


idiom_text: lose your shirt
sentence: He lost his shirt when the bank want bankrupt.
type: I
meaning:
  If you lose your shirt, you lose all your money or possessions, especially as a result of speculation or gambling. 


idiom_text: (not) lose sleep
sentence: I've mislaid the book but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
type: I
meaning:
  When something happens that in your opinion is not a cause for worry, you can say that you will not lose (any) sleep over it. 


idiom_text: lose track of time
sentence: Whenever I start surfing on the web, I lose track of time.
type: I
meaning:
  When you give all your attention to something and become so engrossed in it that you don't realize what time it is, you lose track of time. 


idiom_text: lose train of thought
sentence: Now where was I? I'm afraid I've lost my train of thought.
type: I
meaning:
  If you forget what you were saying, for example after a disturbance or interruption, you lose your train of thought. Now where was I? I'm afraid I've lost my train of thought.


idiom_text: lost ball in high weeds
sentence: The new intern in a lost ball in high weeds - he has no idea now to begin the task he's been given.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is totally confused, and doesn't know what they are doing or how to do it, is a lost ball in high weeds. 


idiom_text: love me, love my dog
sentence: Harry didn't like Sally's best friend, but Sally said : 'love me, love my dog!'
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that if someone loves you, they must love everything about you, including everyone and everything you love. 


idiom_text: no love lost
sentence: There is no love lost between the Conservatives and Democrats.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that there is no love lost between two people or organisations means that they do not like each other at all. 


idiom_text: not for love or money
sentence: I would not try bungee jumping for love or money!
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that you cannot or will not do something for love or money, you mean that you will not do it under any circumstances. 


idiom_text: low-hanging fruit
sentence: Teenagers are low-hanging fruit for fashionable mobile devices.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something as a low-hanging fruit means that it is a target that can be easily reached, or a goal that can  be accomplished with a minimum of effort. 


idiom_text: lower than a snake's belly
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is lower than a snake's belly means that they are bad, dishonest or have very low moral standards. 

sentence:
  Anyone who is capable of taking advantage of young vulnerable children is lower than a snake's belly.


idiom_text: luck of the draw
sentence: The samples distributed varied in size and value; it was the luck of the draw.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something that happens as the luck of the draw means that it is the result of pure chance, with no possibility of choice. 


idiom_text: lull before the storm
sentence: The sales start on January 1st. The quiet period before that is just the lull before the storm.
type: I
meaning:
  A period of unnatural calm before a difficult time or violent activity is called the lull before the storm. 


idiom_text: lump in your throat
sentence: The speech was so touching that I had a lump in my throat.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have a lump in your throat, you have a tight feeling in your throat because of a strong emotion such as sadness or gratitude. 


idiom_text: make a big thing of
sentence: It's Jack's birthday but he doesn't want to make a big thing of it, so please don't mention it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you attach a lot of importance to something, or make it a special occasion, you make a big thing of it. 


idiom_text: make the best of things
sentence: The apartment was badly located, but the rent was low, so they decided to make the best of things.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make the best of things, you react in a positive way to an unsatisfactory situation that you cannot change and do the best you can with it. 


idiom_text: make or break
sentence: The assignment will make or break his career.
type: I
meaning:
  Circumstances or events that will make or break someone or something will cause either total success or total ruin. 


idiom_text: make the cut
sentence: After intensive training, Sarah made the cut and joined the team.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make the cut, you reach a required standard or succeed in passing from one round of a competition to another. 


idiom_text: make exhibition of
sentence: Get down off the table Fred! You're making an exhibition of yourself!
type: I
meaning:
  When someone behaves in such a foolish way in public that they look ridiculous, they make an exhibition of themselves. 


idiom_text: make flesh/skin crawl
sentence: Just talking about snakes makes my flesh crawl!
type: I
meaning:
  Something that makes your flesh (or skin) crawl fills you with disgust or makes you feel very nervous. 


idiom_text: make inroads
sentence: Foreign cars have made inroads into the European market.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something makes inroads, for example in a new field or area, they advance successfully or make progress. 


idiom_text: make a monkey out of
sentence: That's enough teasing. Don't make a monkey out of him.
type: I
meaning:
  If you humiliate someone by making them appear ridiculous or foolish, you make a monkey (out) of that person. 


idiom_text: make a mountain out of a molehill
sentence: Stop making mountains out of molehills! It's not a major problem.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone makes a mountain out of a molehill, they make a small, unimportant problem seem much more serious than it is. 


idiom_text: make no bones about
sentence: I made no bones about it. I told him his offer was unacceptable.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make no bones about something, you don't hesitate to say what you think in a frank and open way. 


idiom_text: (can't) make an omelette without ...
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is impossible to make important changes without causing some unpleasant effects. 

sentence:
  Some people will lose their jobs after the merger but you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.


idiom_text: make a pig's ear of
sentence: Gary offered to paint the kitchen but he made a pig's ear of it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make a  pig's ear of something, you do a task or a chore very badly or make a complete mess of it. 


idiom_text: make a point of
sentence: The singer made a point of thanking the musicians and the technicians.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make a point of doing something, you make an effort to do what you think is the right thing to do. 


idiom_text: make right noises
sentence: Sam seemed to approve of the idea; he certainly made all the right noises.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make the right noises, you behave as if you support or agree with something by making suitable or conventional remarks. 


idiom_text: make it snappy
sentence: Fetch me a bandage and make it snappy!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone tells you to make it snappy, they are asking you very sharply to hurry up  or be quick about something. 


idiom_text: make someone see reason
type: I
meaning:
  If you make someone see reason, you persuade them to stop acting foolishly and behave more sensibly. 

sentence:
  He wanted to drop out of medical school in his fourth year but his uncle managed to make him see reason.


idiom_text: make a song and dance
sentence: OK, you don't like carrots. Don't make a song and dance about it!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone complains in an annoying way or becomes unnecessarily excited about something unimportant, they make a song and dance about it. 


idiom_text: make up for lost time
sentence: Progress has stopped because of bad weather, but we are determined to make up for lost time.
type: I
meaning:
  If you make up for lost time, you increase your efforts or work harder to complete something or meet a deadline. 


idiom_text: matter of time
sentence: Restrictive measures will have to be introduced. It's just a matter of time.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that it is only or just a matter of time before (or until) something happens, it is certain to happen or will inevitably take place, although you do not know when. 


idiom_text: mean business
meaning: If someone means business, they are serious about what they announce.
type: I
sentence:
  The boss says that in future any missing material will be reported to the police, and he looks as though he means business.


idiom_text: taste of one's own medicine
sentence: People who always late should be given a taste of their own medicine.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you treat them in the same unpleasant way that they have treated you. 


idiom_text: meet halfway
sentence: We can't agree to all your conditions but we could perhaps agree to meet half-way.
type: I
meaning:
  If you meet someone half way, you accept to make a compromise and give them part of what they are trying to obtain. 


idiom_text: meet-and-greet
sentence: The new mayor is going to schedule a meet-and-greet reception for the residents.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a reception (often informal) where a public figure or important person can introduce themselves and talk to the guests. 


idiom_text: megaphone diplomacy
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If the media, through press releases, interviews and announcements, is instrumental in facilitating dialogue between two or more countries, this is called megaphone diplomacy.


idiom_text: trip down memory lane
type: I
meaning:
  If you take a trip (stroll or walk) down memory lane, you remember pleasant things that happened in the past. 

sentence:
  Every Christmas is a trip down memory for the family when our parents take out the photograph albums.


idiom_text: middle of the road (MOR)
sentence: He's a successful middle-of-the-road entertainer. My mother wouldn't miss a show!
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to anything moderate, unadventurous or inoffensive that avoids extremes and appeals to the majority of people. 


idiom_text: burn the midnight oil
sentence: Tony is working hard for his exams. He's been burning the midnight oil all week.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who burns the midnight oil stays up very late at night in order to finish a piece of work. 


idiom_text: might is right
sentence: There are many leaders today who believe that might is right.
type: I
meaning:
  This saying expresses the belief that being the most powerful person or country gives you the right to do whatever you want. 


idiom_text: milk of human kindness
sentence: She's a wonderful person - full of the milk of human kindness.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who has, or is full of, the milk of human kindness, is naturally kind and compassionate to others. 


idiom_text: go/put through the mill
sentence: When I was an intern, I was put through the mill. Nothing went unnoticed.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go (or are put) through the mill, you experience a very difficult period, or are exposed to rough treatment. 


idiom_text: millstone around neck
sentence: The money he borrowed became a millstone around his neck.
type: I
meaning:
  Something described as a millstone around your neck refers to a problem or responsibility that becomes a burden and a source of worry. 


idiom_text: (not) mince words
sentence: Come on John! Tell us what you really think - and don't mince your words.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who does not mince their words expresses their opinions, ideas or thoughts very clearly, even if they offend others by doing so. 


idiom_text: mind over matter
type: I
meaning:
  The mental power to influence one's body and overcome physical difficulties is said to be a question of mind over matter. 

sentence:
  He know he could not be cured, but he managed to live until the baby was born - a case of mind over matter.


idiom_text: mind of your own
sentence: The boy doesn't need any advice; he's got a mind of his own.
type: I
meaning:
  If you have a mind of your own, you are capable of forming an opinion and making decisions without being influenced by others. 


idiom_text: mind your own business! (rude)
sentence: Don't tell me what to do - just mind your own business!
type: I
meaning:
  Telling someone to mind their own business is a (rude) way of saying that they are too interested in what others are doing, or that they are interfering in something that does not concern them. 


idiom_text: mind your Ps and Qs
sentence: Politeness is very important to my grandparents, so mind your Ps and Qs.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to mind their Ps and Qs, you are advising them to be careful about how they behave and what they say. 


idiom_text: (not) in right mind
sentence: Emily wasn't in her right mind the day she bought that outfit. It doesn't suit her at all!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is not in their right mind means that they are not behaving in a logical or sensible way. 


idiom_text: miss the point
meaning: If you miss the point you fail to understand the essential part of what has been said.
type: I
sentence:
  Sam missed the point.  It's not the job that's the problem, it's the amount of work it involves for one person.


idiom_text: (not) miss a trick
sentence: The old lady next door will know if Bill is there or not - she never misses a trick!
type: I
meaning:
  If a person never misses a trick, they are very alert and aware of everything that is happening around them. 


idiom_text: mix business with pleasure
meaning: When people mix business with pleasure, they combine work and leisure or social activities.
type: I
sentence:
  Seminars or training sessions that include leisure activities are a good way of mixing business and pleasure.


idiom_text: mixed feelings
type: I
meaning:
  When you have mixed feelings about something, you react to it with conflicting emotions; you are happy and unhappy at the same time. 

sentence:
  I had mixed feelings about leaving the company. I was excited about my new job but sad to be leaving my colleagues.


idiom_text: moment of truth
sentence: The moment of truth has arrived - I'm going to serve my first soufflé!
type: I
meaning:
  A critical or decisive time when you face the reality of a situation, and find out if your efforts have succeeded, is called the moment of truth. 


idiom_text: money burns a hole in your pocket
sentence: As soon as she's paid she goes shopping. Money burns a hole in her pocket!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that money burns a hole in somebody's pocket means that they are eager to spend it quickly or extravagantly. 


idiom_text: money laundering
sentence: Certain countries have been accused of facilitating money laundering.
type: I
meaning:
  When people launder money, they manage to conceal the source of illegally-obtained money so that it is believed to be legitimate. 


idiom_text: more money than sense
sentence: He celebrated the birth of the baby by buying a sports car. He's got more money than sense!
type: I
meaning:
  If you have more money than sense, you have a lot of money which you waste by spending it in a foolish manner. 


idiom_text: put money where mouth is
type: I
meaning:
  If you put your money where your mouth is, not only do you express your interest, you give financial support to causes that you believe in. 

sentence:
  If people are really interested in helping the underprivileged, they should put their money where their mouth is.


idiom_text: see colour of someone's money
sentence: I want to see the colour of his money before shipping the goods.
type: I
meaning:
  If you want to see the colour of somebody's money, you want to be sure that the person in question has enough money to pay you before you accept to do something. 


idiom_text: throw money at
sentence: The refugee problem cannot be solved just by throwing money at it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you throw money at something, you try to solve a problem by spending money on it, without using any other methods. 


idiom_text: throw good money after bad
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who spends additional money on something that was already considered a bad investment is said to throw good money after bad. 

sentence:
  Buying a second-hand computer and then spending money to have it repaired is throwing good money after bad!


idiom_text: reach for the moon
sentence: Jenny is talented and ambitious; she always tends to reach for the moon.
type: I
meaning:
  If you reach for the moon, you are very ambitious and try to achieve something even it it is difficult. 


idiom_text: moonlight flit
sentence: Just before the rent was due he did a moonlight flit.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who does a moonlight flit leaves a place quickly and in secret, usually to avoid paying debts. 


idiom_text: more fun than a barrel of monkeys
sentence: The TV quiz was more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
type: I
meaning:
  If something is very amusing or enjoyable, you can say that it is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. 


idiom_text: more heat than light
sentence: The meeting that was held to discuss the problem generated more heat than light!
type: I
meaning:
  If a discussion or debate generates more heat than light, it causes anger or intense reaction but doesn't clarify anything. 


idiom_text: more than meets the eye
sentence: He said that he had simply sold his shares, but I think there's more to it than meets the eye.
type: I
meaning:
  When something is more complicated, difficult or interesting than it appears, it is said that there is more (to it) than meets the eye. 


idiom_text: more power to elbow
sentence: "I've left my job and I'm going to work free-lance from now on." Well, more power to you!"
type: I
meaning:
  This is said to express praise or encouragement to someone for doing something. "I've left my job and I'm going to work free-lance from now on." "Well, more power to  you!"


idiom_text: all mouth and no trousers
meaning: This is said of someone who talks a lot about doing something but never actually does it.
type: I
sentence:
  He keeps saying he's going to resign and travel around the world, but he's all mouth and no trousers.


idiom_text: move the goalposts
meaning: During a course of action, if someone moves the goalposts they change the rules or conditions.
type: I
sentence:
  Our objectives have been set for next year. Let's hope the boss doesn't move the goalposts halfway through.


idiom_text: move heaven and earth
sentence: I promise I will move heaven and earth to get a work permit for you.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that you will move heaven and earth means that you are prepared to do everything that is possible to achieve something. 


idiom_text: move in same circles
sentence: I've never met the Duchess personally. We don't move in the same circles!
type: I
meaning:
  When people move in the same circles, they socialize with others who have a similar background, interests or lifestyle. 


idiom_text: move up in the world
sentence: Rachel Jones has moved up in the world since we were kids.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who moves up in the world becomes more important in society or successful in their career. 


idiom_text: movers and shakers
sentence: Mover and shakers are assembling in Brussels for the summit.
type: I
meaning:
  The term movers and shakers refers to people in power who take an active part in making things happen. 


idiom_text: much obliged
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  Some people use this expression to say that they are very grateful. "It's raining Mr. Brown - take my umbrella."  "Much obliged."


idiom_text: murder something
sentence: I'm so hot and thirsty I could murder a cool drink
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that you could murder something, such as food or drink, you mean that you want it very much. 


idiom_text: murphy's law
sentence: We've tried to prepare for every possible incident, but remember Murphy's law ...!
type: I
meaning:
  Referring to Murphy's law expresses a sentiment of bad luck and the idea that if anything can go wrong, it will. 


idiom_text: mutton dressed as lamb
sentence: The style doesn't suit her - it has a mutton-dressed-as-lamb effect on her!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a middle-aged woman who tries to look younger by dressing in clothes designed for younger people. 


idiom_text: my way or highway
sentence: You don't have much choice when someone says: 'it's my way or the highway.'!
type: I
meaning:
  If you say to someone 'it's my way or the highway', you are telling them that either they accept to do as you say or they leave the project. 


idiom_text: nailing jelly to the wall
sentence: Keeping track of his movements is like nailing jelly to the wall.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is like nailing jelly to the wall  means that it is extremely difficult to do, if not impossible. 


idiom_text: name is mud
sentence: His name is mud now after the revelations in the newspaper.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person's name is mud means that they have acquired a bad reputation because of something they have done or said. 


idiom_text: name (written) on it
sentence: That dress would be perfect for you - it's got your name on it!
type: I
meaning:
  If something has someone's name (written) on it, it is intended for that person or it is ideally suited to them. 


idiom_text: neck and neck
sentence: At the moment the two teams are neck and neck for the Word Cup.
type: I
meaning:
  In a contest or competition, when two competitors reach the same level, they are neck and neck, so it is impossible to say who will win. 


idiom_text: stick one's neck out
type: I
meaning:
  If a person sticks their neck out, they draw attention to themselves by saying or doing something that others are afraid to do. 

sentence:
  Julie stuck her neck out and said that the sales target would be impossible to reach without extra staff.


idiom_text: needs must (when the devil drives)
sentence: I'd rather stay with you than attend the conference, but needs must ...!
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'needs must (when the devil drives)' means that  you are sometimes forced by circumstances to do something that you do not want to do. 


idiom_text: needle in haystack
sentence: Finding a pub in Dublin without knowing its name is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something as a needle in a haystack means that it is very difficult or impossible to find. 


idiom_text: never looked back
sentence: Since the day she decided to work from home, she has never looked back.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that you never looked back, you mean that after an event which changed your life for the better, you continue to be happy with the situation. 


idiom_text: never rains but it pours
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to comment on the fact that when something bad happens, other bad things often happen too, and make the situation even worse. 

sentence:
  First he forgot his briefcase, then he lost his wallet, and when he reached the car park, his car had been stolen - it never rains but it pours!


idiom_text: never say die
sentence: Keep going - it's too soon to give up. Never say die!
type: I
meaning:
  You can say 'never say die' to encourage someone to persevere in their efforts and not give up or abandon their project. 


idiom_text: new to this game
sentence: I want to join Facebook but I don't know how to start. I'm new to this game.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that you are new to this game means that you have never been involved in this sort of activity before. 


idiom_text: new lease of life
sentence: Moving closer to his children has given him a new lease of life.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has a new lease of life has a chance to live longer or with greater enjoyment or satisfaction. 


idiom_text: can't put new wine in old bottles
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that you should not try to combine new concepts or innovations with an old or long-established framework or system. 

sentence:
  You'll never get that program to work on your father's old computer.  You can't put new wine in old bottles!


idiom_text: next best thing
meaning: If you can't have exactly what you want, the next best thing is the best alternative possible.
type: I
sentence:
  The camera I wanted was far too expensive so I opted for a cheaper one that was the next best thing.


idiom_text: in the nick of time
sentence: The child was standing in front of the open window. His mother caught him in the nick of time.
type: I
meaning:
  If something happens in the nick of time, it happens at the last minute, when it is nearly too late. 


idiom_text: nine-day wonder
sentence: His sudden departure was a nine-day wonder but he was soon forgotten.
type: I
meaning:
  An event which is a nine-day wonder causes interest, surprise or excitement for a short time, but it doesn't last. 


idiom_text: dressed up to nines
sentence: Caroline must be going to a party - she's dressed up to the nines.
type: I
meaning:
  To describe someone as dressed up to the nines means that they are wearing very smart or glamorous clothes. 


idiom_text: nitty-gritty
type: I
meaning:
  When people get down to the nitty-gritty, they begin to discuss the most important points or the practical details. 

sentence:
  I was interested in the project, but we didn't get down to the nitty-gritty until his partner arrived.


idiom_text: no dice
sentence: "Can you lend me your car?" "Sorry, no dice!"
type: I
meaning:
  If someone asks you for something and you reply 'no dice!', you mean that it is impossible or it can't be done. "Can you lend me your car?"  "Sorry, no dice!"


idiom_text: no great shakes
sentence: He's a good actor but his last film was no great shakes.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone or something is no great shakes means that they are useless, ineffective or not very good. 


idiom_text: no holds barred
sentence: It's a live talk show with no holds barred, which is not to everyone's taste.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression, which derives from wrestling, is used to describe something done with no restraints, limits or rules of conduct. 


idiom_text: no two ways about it
sentence: There are no two ways about it. You can't accept the money, so you must give it back.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that there are no two ways about something means that there is only one suitable ay of dealing with something. 


idiom_text: nodding terms
sentence: We haven't made any friends yet but we're on nodding terms with our neighbours.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are on nodding terms with someone, you don't know them very well, just well enough to say 'hello' when you meet them. 


idiom_text: non sequitur
type: I
meaning:
  This Latin term refers to a statement which does not seem to be a logical follow-up to the previous statement or argument. 

sentence:
  After announcing the merger, the chairman began talking about global warming which seemed a complete non sequitur.


idiom_text: none the wiser
sentence: I tried to understand the voting system but I was none the wiser after Joe's explanation.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do not know more about something after obtaining an explanation, or if you fail to find information on the subject, you are none the wiser. 


idiom_text: use one's noodle
sentence: How did I figure that out? I just used my noodle!
type: I
meaning:
  If you use your noodle, you use your brain or your common sense. How did I figure that out? I just used my noodle!


idiom_text: not for all the tea in China
sentence: I wouldn't live there for all the tea in China.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that you would not do something for all the tea in China means that you would not do it under any conditions. 


idiom_text: not give the time of day
sentence: Sarah's parents dislike her boyfriend so much they won't even give him the time of day!
type: I
meaning:
  If you dislike someone so strongly that you ignore them and refuse to speak to them, you do not give them the time of day. 


idiom_text: not the only pebble on the beach
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is not the only pebble on the beach means that they are not the only person worth considering. 

sentence:
  He thinks his refusal to join the team will cause problems, but there are other alternatives ...he's not the only pebble on the beach!


type: I
idiom_text:
  not the brightest bulb in the box not the sharpest knife in the drawer not the sharpest tool in the shed

meaning:
  ‘Sharp’ and ‘bright’ both mean ‘clever’ or ‘intelligent’. These are a few of the expressions used to say that someone is not very intelligent. There are many others. 

sentence:
  Max has failed the exam for the third time! He's obviously not the brightest bulb in the box! Nobody was surprised when Johnny misunderstood the message. We all know he’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer!


idiom_text: strike right note
meaning: If you strike (or hit) the right note, you say or do something suitable or appropriate
type: I
sentence:
  He struck the right note with his future mother-in-law when he brought her a book on gardening - her favourite hobby!


idiom_text: nothing doing
sentence: Work on Sunday? Nothing doing!
type: I
meaning:
  This term means that there is no way you would accept to do what is proposed. Work on Sunday?  Nothing doing!


idiom_text: nothing to write home about
sentence: Okay, she's written a couple of books, but nothing to write home about.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is nothing to write home about means that it is not of great interest or importance. 


idiom_text: nothing ventured, nothing gained
meaning: You cannot expect to achieve anything is you risk nothing.
type: I
sentence:
  He's going to ask his boss for a promotion even though he has little chance of obtaining satisfaction.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained!


idiom_text: now you're talking!
sentence: "If we take the underground we'll avoid the traffic" "Now you're talking!"
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to show encouragement or agreement with something that has just been said, for example a good idea. 


idiom_text: number cruncher
sentence: She's a number cruncher who perfectly understands the organisation's financial situation.
type: I
meaning:
  This is a humorous way of referring to someone who is an accountant or who is very good at working with numbers and calculations. 


idiom_text: off the peg
sentence: He can't afford to have his suits made to measure so he buys them off the peg.
type: I
meaning:
  Clothes that are bought off the peg are purchased in a standard size in a shop and are not made specially for you. 


idiom_text: off your rocker
sentence: You're going to give all your money away? You're off your rocker!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone that they are off their rocker, you think they are completely crazy. You're going to give all your money away?  You're off your rocker!


idiom_text: off the top of your head
sentence: "How much do you think it will cost?" "Off the top of my head I'd say around $1000."
type: I
meaning:
  To say something off the top of your head means that you are giving an immediate reaction, and not a carefully considered opinion, so it might not be correct. "How much do you think it will cost?" "Off the top of my head I'd say around $1000."


idiom_text: oldest trick in the book
type: I
meaning:
  A well-known and much-used trick, which is still effective today, is called the oldest trick in the book. 

sentence:
  He made a noise to attract my attention while his accomplice stole my wallet - the oldest trick in the book!


idiom_text: olive branch
sentence: The protesters finally accepted the olive branch extended to them.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person or organisation holds out an olive branch to another, they show that they want to end a disagreement and make peace. 


idiom_text: on ice
sentence: Plans for the nuclear power station have been put on ice.
type: I
meaning:
  If a project or plan is put on ice, all further action has been suspended or postponed for an indefinite period of time. 


idiom_text: on the lookout
sentence: Being a collector, he's always on the lookout for interesting items.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are on the lookout for something, you are constantly watchful and attentive  so as not to miss it. 


idiom_text: one fell swoop
sentence: The three houses were demolished at one fell swoop.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is accomplished at (or in) one fell swoop, it is done in a single action, usually rapidly and ruthlessly. 


idiom_text: one good turn deserves another
meaning: If someone helps you, it is natural and right to help them in return.
type: I
sentence:
  We helped Alex and Sara when they moved into their new house, just as they helped us last year; one good turn deserves another.


idiom_text: one step ahead
sentence: The company is successful because they're always one step ahead of their competitors.
type: I
meaning:
  When you are one step ahead of someone else, you achieve something faster than they do, or you have a slight advantage over them. 


idiom_text: one's number is up
sentence: The police have located the escaped prisoner so it looks as if his number is up!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that one's number is up means that either a person is in serious difficulty and something bad is going to happen, or the time has come when they will die. 


idiom_text: one's own undoing
sentence: If he continues to gamble like that, it will be his own undoing.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something that is the cause of your own failure, loss or downfall, it is your own undoing. You can blame nobody but yourself. 


idiom_text: only to be expected
sentence: The teacher was angry because you cheated at the exam? That was only to be expected!
type: I
meaning:
  If an event or outcome is only to be expected, it is most likely to happen. The teacher was angry because you cheated at the exam? That was only to be expected!


idiom_text: open the floodgates
sentence: It is feared that easing price controls will open the floodgates to inflation.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something opens the floodgates, they release something that had previously been held under control. 


idiom_text: open/reopen old wounds
sentence: He carefully avoided the subject so as not to open old wounds.
type: I
meaning:
  If you open or reopen old wounds you revive memories of an unpleasant event, situation or dispute that took place in the past. 


idiom_text: open-and-shut case
sentence: He was caught driving the stolen car. It's an open-and-shut case.
type: I
meaning:
  An open-and-shut case is one where the facts are so clear that the matter can be dealt with or solved easily. 


idiom_text: opposite number
type: I
meaning:
  A person who holds the same position as oneself in another company or organisation is called one's opposite number. 

sentence:
  I spoke to my opposite number in several local companies and we all agreed to join the anti-pollution campaign.


idiom_text: ostrich strategy/policy
sentence: Adopting an ostrich strategy will only make matters worse - we've got to find a solution.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who adopts an ostrich strategy or policy chooses to ignore or evade an obvious problem in the hope that it will resolve itself or disappear. 


idiom_text: other side of the coin
type: I
meaning:
  When you want to mention a different or contradictory aspect of a situation, you refer to the other side of the coin. 

sentence:
  The house is lovely and spacious, but the other side of the coin is that it is far from shops and schools.


idiom_text: other things being equal
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a probable situation if the conditions elsewhere remain unchanged or equal. 

sentence:
  Other things being equal, a reduction in the cost of transport should enable us to lower our prices.


idiom_text: out of character
sentence: The way she panicked was out of character for such a normally calm person.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something that is out of character, it is unlike your usual behaviour or not what is expected from you. 


idiom_text: out on a limb
sentence: Jack was out on a limb with his proposal - nobody supported his idea.
type: I
meaning:
  If you go out on a limb, you do something risky or unsupported by others, which leaves you in a difficult position. 


idiom_text: out to lunch
sentence: He's hopeless as a leader - considered as 'out to lunch' by the group.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is out to lunch means that they seem to be either unaware of what's going on around them, or unable to understand what is happening. 


idiom_text: out of the picture
sentence: We were beaten in the semi-finals, so that's us out of the picture!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person or group is out of the picture means that they have been eliminated in a contest or tournament. 


idiom_text: out of sync
sentence: The traffic lights are out of sync and causing a lot of confusion.
type: I
meaning:
  If two movements or actions are out of sync, they are not coordinated and are not taking place at the same time or at the same speed. 


idiom_text: out of touch
sentence: I've been out of touch with Jenny since we left college.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are out of touch, you no longer communicate with someone, or you are unaware of recent developments. 


idiom_text: out of this world
sentence: The hotel was very comfortable and the food was out of this world.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something as out of this world means that you think it is extremely good or impressive. 


idiom_text: at the outside
sentence: "How long will it take to get there?" "I'd say two hours at the outside."
type: I
meaning:
  When talking about the length of time or the amount of money necessary to do something, at the outside indicates the highest estimate or the largest amount. "How long will it take to get there?" "I'd say two hours at the outside."


idiom_text: over-egg the pudding
sentence: Keep your report simple. Don't over-egg the pudding.
type: I
meaning:
  If you try to improve something excessively by adding unnecessary details, you over-egg the pudding. 


idiom_text: over dead body
sentence: "Mum, can I get by nose pierced?" "Over my dead body!"
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used by someone who absolutely refuses to allow someone to do something. "Mum, can I get by nose pierced?"  "Over my dead body!"


idiom_text: over and done with
sentence: I wasn't easy, but I had to announce the bad news, so now that's over and done with.
type: I
meaning:
  If something difficult or unpleasant is over and done with, it has now been successfully accomplished, so you don't have to worry about it any longer. 


idiom_text: over the hill
sentence: Gran! You say you're over the hill, but you're a super cook!
type: I
meaning:
  If a person is over the hill, they have reached an age when they can no longer perform as well as before. 


idiom_text: overplay your hand
type: I
meaning:
  If you overplay your hand, you are overconfident and spoil your chances of success by trying to obtain too much. 

sentence:
  Sam is hoping for a bonus for his good results, but he may be overplaying his hand if he asks for a promotion.


idiom_text: overshoot the mark
sentence: He overshot the mark by about 20%
type: I
meaning:
  If you make a mistake as a result of misjudging something (situation, distance, amount, etc.), you overshoot the mark. 


idiom_text: overstep the mark
sentence: Jenny is angry with her son. He overstepped the mark when he called his grandfather an 'old fool'.
type: I
meaning:
  If you overstep the mark, you go too far and upset someone by saying something or behaving in a way that is unacceptable. 


idiom_text: close as an oyster
sentence: Sophie will never repeat what you tell her. She's as close as an oyster.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is as close as an oyster will never reveal something told in confidence or betray a secret. 


idiom_text: the world is your oyster
sentence: She left college feeling that the world was her oyster.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that you are free and able to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities that life has to offer. 


idiom_text: put through their paces
sentence: During the presentation, the machine was put through its paces.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put someone or something through their paces, you test their ability to do something by making them perform certain actions. 


idiom_text: packed like sardines
sentence: The bus was very crowded - we were packed like sardines!
type: I
meaning:
  If a group of people are packed like sardines, they are pressed together tightly and uncomfortably because there is not enough space. 


idiom_text: pad the bill
sentence: Check the invoice carefully before paying - he tends to pad the bill!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone pads the bill, they add false items to a bill or invoice in order to increase the total amount. 


idiom_text: paint into a corner
type: I
meaning:
  If you paint yourself into a corner, you put yourself into a situation that restricts what you can do or say. 

sentence:
  Carole told her boss she was busy on Friday evening. She realized she had painted herself into a corner when he said : 'Too bad! I was going to give you two tickets for the opera."


idiom_text: (press) panic button
sentence: Calm down! There's no need to press the panic button yet!
type: I
meaning:
  If you hit or press the panic button, you raise the alarm too quickly or react too hastily in a difficult or stressful situation. 


idiom_text: paper over cracks
sentence: The measures taken to reduce unemployment are just paper over the cracks.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is papering over the cracks means that they are concealing a problem rather than dealing with it effectively. 


idiom_text: paper tiger
sentence: He threatens to take strong action but he's just another paper tiger.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a person, organisation or country that is less powerful or threatening than they appear to be. 


idiom_text: paper trail
sentence: The police found a paper trail which lead to the author of the hoax.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person or organisation leaves a paper trail, they leave evidence in writing or in document form that will serve as proof of their actions. 


idiom_text: on paper
sentence: His plan looks good on paper but I'm not convinced it will work.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that an idea, plan or scheme seems good on paper means that it looks good in theory or in writing but may not work when put into practice. 


idiom_text: par for the course
meaning: If something is par for the course, it is typical of what to expect in that particular situation.
type: I
sentence:
  I spent the week-end working on the project but nobody showed any appreciation.  That's par for the course in this firm.


idiom_text: part and parcel
sentence: I'm an events manager. Travelling is part and parcel of my job.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is part and parcel of an activity or role is a key component or an essential element that cannot be avoided. 


idiom_text: partner in crime
sentence: Sam was my partner in crime. He hid my son's bicycle until his birthday.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who helps you to plan something dishonest or unlawful is called your partner in crime. (This expression can be used jokingly as in the example  below.) 


idiom_text: party is over
sentence: I had a wonderful time here but the party's over and I must get back to work.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that the party is over means that a period of happiness, freedom, enjoyment etc. has come to an end, and life is going to return to normal. 


idiom_text: throw pearls to pigs/ cast pearls before swine
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is wasteful to offer something valuable or useful to someone who does not understand or appreciate it. 

sentence:
  She had a beautifully trained voice but the audience didn't listen - talk about throwing pearls to pigs!


idiom_text: square peg in round hole
sentence: He was a bad choice for the job - a square peg in a round hole.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person is a square peg in a round hole means that they are not suitable for the job they are doing or the situation they are in. 


idiom_text: take down a peg
sentence: He was too proud. Somebody had to take him down a peg.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take someone down a peg, you make that person realize that they are not as important as they think they are. 


idiom_text: pen pusher
sentence: Those pen pushers have no idea what it's like on a building site
type: I
meaning:
  A person who does work that requires little action, just office work, and who lacks operating experience, is called a pen pusher. 


idiom_text: penny drops
sentence: The teasing continued for some time until the penny dropped and the boy realized it was a joke!
type: I
meaning:
  When a person has difficulty understanding or realizing something, and then the penny drops, they finally understand. 


idiom_text: in for a penny, in for a pound
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that once you start doing something, you might just as well do it wholeheartedly and not stop at half-measures. 

sentence:
  Joe finally accepted to be on the committee, then he accepted to be the chairman. "In for a penny, in for a pound'." he said!


idiom_text: turn up like a bad penny
sentence: I try to avoid Jane, but wherever I go she turns up like a bad penny!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone turns up like a bad penny, they appear at a place or event where they are not welcome or not wanted. 


idiom_text: put in the right perspective
sentence: If Tom could see things in their right perspective, the situation would be less stressful for him.
type: I
meaning:
  When people see or put things in their right perspective, they keep in proportion all the elements of a situation, without exaggerating the importance of any aspect. 


idiom_text: pervert the course of justice
sentence: The suspect was accused of trying to pervert the course of justice.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person perverts the course of justice, they tell a lie or prevent the police from finding out the truth about something. 


idiom_text: pester power
sentence: Pester power leads busy parents to buy more and more for their children.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to the power children exert over their parents by continually nagging or pestering them until they accept to buy advertised toys or fashionable products. 


idiom_text: pick brains
sentence: Could we have lunch together? I'd like to pick your brains about something.
type: I
meaning:
  If you pick someone's brains, you ask questions about a particular subject in order to obtain advice or information. Could we have lunch together? I'd like to pick your brains about something.


idiom_text: pick a fight
sentence: Our new neighbour seizes every occasion to pick a fight.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who picks a fight deliberately looks for an opportunity to start a quarrel or begin an argument. 


idiom_text: pick holes
sentence: Why don't you make a suggestion instead of picking holes in all my ideas!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone picks holes in something such as a plan, an idea or a proposal, they criticize it or try to find fault with it. 


idiom_text: pick up the pieces
sentence: After fire destroyed their house, it took them a long time to pick up the pieces.
type: I
meaning:
  After a disastrous event, if you pick up the pieces you do what you can to get the situation back to normal again. 


idiom_text: a picture is worth a thousand words
sentence: Look at the picture of the crash! A picture is worth a thousand words isn't it?
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that a picture can give just as much information as a large amount of descriptive text. 


idiom_text: eat humble pie
meaning: If you eat humble pie, you are forced to admit that you were wrong and apologize.
type: I
sentence:
  After openly criticizing Bill's work, Fred had to eat humble pie when Bill was elected 'salesman of the year'.


idiom_text: piece of the action
sentence: The songwriter thought the show would be a success so he wanted a piece of the action.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone wants a piece of the action, they want to participate in what other people are doing and benefit from it. 


idiom_text: put lipstick on a pig
sentence: Flowers on that ugly old bridge would be (like putting) lipstick on a pig!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that to 'dress up' something unappealing or ugly, in a vain attempt to make it look better, is like putting lipstick on a pig. Flowers on that ugly old bridge would be (like putting) lipstick on a pig!


idiom_text: pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  You should be satisfied when you have enough; if you are too greedy, like a hog, you risk losing everything.


idiom_text: pigs might fly
sentence: My grandmother buying a computer? ... Yeah! ... and pigs might fly!
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'pigs might fly' expresses disbelief, or the idea that miracles might happen but are extremely unlikely. My grandmother buying a computer? ... Yeah! ... and pigs might fly!


idiom_text: pillar to post
sentence: When the factory closed down, Benny moved from pillar to post in search of a new job.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person, usually someone in difficulty, goes from pillar to post, they move constantly from place to place. 


idiom_text: at a pinch
sentence: The hall can seat 50 people comfortably, and a few more at a pinch.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something could be done at a pinch means that it would be possible to do it if absolutely necessary. 


idiom_text: pink elephants
sentence: No more drinks for me please, otherwise I'll be seeing pink elephants!
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to hallucinations or strange imaginary things seen by people as a result of heavy drinking or the use of narcotics. 


idiom_text: have pins and needles
sentence: I lay curled up for so long that I had pins and needles in my legs.
type: I
meaning:
  To have pins and needles is to have a tingling sensation in a part of the body, for example an arm or a leg, when it has been in the same position for a long time. 


idiom_text: place in the sun
sentence: She finally found a place in the sun with the triumph of her latest book.
type: I
meaning:
  If you find a place in the sun, you reach a position which provides you with wealth and happiness, or whatever you have been hoping to obtain in life. 


idiom_text: plan B
meaning: Plan B is an alternative solution to be adopted if one's original plan does not succeed.
type: I
sentence:
  The idea is to get a caterer to provide the food.  If that's too expensive, plan B is to organise a buffet with the help of friends.


idiom_text: plastic smile
sentence: A receptionist greeted customers with a plastic smile.
type: I
meaning:
  A person with a plastic smile is wearing a forced smile which makes them appear happier that they really are. 


idiom_text: a lot on your plate
sentence: It's not a good time to discuss the problem with David. He's got a lot on his plate at the moment.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has a lot on their plate, they are extremely busy or have several problems to handle at the same time. 


idiom_text: play cat and mouse
sentence: He's difficult to work for, always playing cat and mouse with the employees.
type: I
meaning:
  To play cat and mouse with someone means to treat them alternately cruelly and kindly, so that they do not know what to expect. 


idiom_text: play by ear
sentence: It's hard to know how the situation will develop. Let's just play it by ear.
type: I
meaning:
  To play by ear means to improvise or act without preparation, according to the demands of the situation. (Music : to play by remembering the tune, without printed music.) 


idiom_text: play footsie
sentence: Pete says they were playing footsie at the office Christmas lunch
type: I
meaning:
  If you play footsie with someone, you touch their feet lightly, especially under the table, to show your interest. 


idiom_text: play to the gallery
sentence: It's no secret that he got elected by playing to the gallery.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who plays to the gallery tries to gain popularity by behaving in a way that will appeal to the majority. 


idiom_text: play the game
sentence: Not all website owners play the game. Some download content from other sites without permission.
type: I
meaning:
  If you play the game, you accept to do things according to generally-accepted customs or code of behaviour. 


idiom_text: play games with someone
sentence: Look, stop playing games with us. Just tell us if you're interested in the project or not.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are not completely honest, or behave in a way that is insincere, evasive or intentionally misleading, you are playing games with someone. 


idiom_text: play the market
sentence: It's always tempting to play the market, but it's more risky at the present time.
type: I
meaning:
  If you play the market, you buy stocks and shares in the hope of making a profit when you sell them. 


idiom_text: play into someone's hands
type: I
meaning:
  If you play into someone's hands, you do exactly what your opponent or enemy wants you to do, so that they gain an advantage over you. 

sentence:
  When the leaders of the protest movement became violent, they played right into the hands of the police.


idiom_text: play possum
sentence: Sarah's not asleep. She's just playing possum because she doesn't want to come swimming.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone plays possum, they pretend to be dead or asleep in order to avoid something they don't want to do. 


idiom_text: play for time
sentence: He decided to play for time in the hope that the price would decrease.
type: I
meaning:
  If you play for time, you try to delay or prevent something from happening in order to gain an advantage. 


idiom_text: play a waiting game
sentence: The cat keeps its eye on the bird, carefully playing a waiting game.
type: I
meaning:
  If you play a waiting game, you deliberately delay taking action in order to be able to act more effectively later. 


idiom_text: (not) playing with a full deck (of cards)
sentence: Old Mrs.Whitehead was not playing with a full deck when she bought that fancy lawnmower!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is not playing with a full deck (of cards) lacks intelligence or does not have full mental abilities. 


idiom_text: pleased/proud as punch
sentence: Danny was as proud as punch when he won the tennis match.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is as pleased or as proud as punch is delighted or feels very satisfied about something. 


idiom_text: pluck out of the air
type: I
meaning:
  To pluck something out of the air means to say a name, date, number, etc. spontaneously, without thinking about it. "What are we going to call the cat?"  I just plucked a name out of the air and said: " How about Daisy?"

sentence:
  "What are we going to call the cat?"  I just plucked a name out of the air and said: " How about Daisy?"


idiom_text: plug something
sentence: He has accepted to appear on the show if he can plug his new book.
type: I
meaning:
  If you promote something by talking about it favourably, for example during a radio or TV interview, you plug it. 


idiom_text: pocket of resistance
meaning: A small group of people you resist change or disagree with a proposal form a pocket of resistance.
type: I
sentence:
  The new boss wants to introduce job-sharing, but there's a pocket of resistance in the sales department.


idiom_text: point of no return
type: I
meaning:
  When you reach the point of no return, you must continue what you have started, because you have gone so far that it is impossible to go back. 

sentence:
  I've resigned from teaching and decided to become a writer. Now I've reached the point of no return and must work on the book I am writing.


idiom_text: come/get to the point
sentence: We don't need a long explanation Barry. Just get to the point!
type: I
meaning:
  If you come or get the point, you reach or concentrate on the essential part or the heart of the matter. 


idiom_text: politically correct
sentence: Most people today make a conscious effort to be politically correct.
type: I
meaning:
  When people are politically correct, they carefully choose the language they use in order to avoid offending particular groups of people. 


idiom_text: is the Pope Catholic?
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This is a sarcastic way of answering a question in the affirmative when the answer is obviously 'yes'. "Do birds fly?" "Of course they do.  Is the Pope Catholic?"


idiom_text: pot calling the kettle black
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used in a situation where a person with a fault criticizes someone else for having the same fault. 

sentence:
  After being disqualified for not obeying the rules, the player accused another competitor of cheating; it was the pot calling the kettle black!


idiom_text: small potatoes
meaning: Something that is small potatoes is considered to be unimportant or insignificant.
type: I
sentence:
  Her first publication was considered small potatoes but her new book has lead to a change of opinion.


idiom_text: pound the pavement
sentence: Charlie is out there pounding the pavement since he lost his job.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who pounds the pavement walks the streets or goes from company to company, usually in search of employment. (You can also pound the pavement in an effort to raise funds or gain support for a cause.) 


idiom_text: pour cold water on
sentence: The committee poured cold water on the idea of accepting new members.
type: I
meaning:
  If you pour cold water on someone's plans, opinions or ideas, you discourage them by showing little enthusiasm or expression your misgivings. 


idiom_text: pour water into a sieve
sentence: Danny's mother used to say that teaching him good behaviour was like pouring water into a sieve.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone spends time or energy trying to do something that is inefficient or useless, it is like pouring water into a sieve. 


idiom_text: power behind the throne
sentence: It's essential to be on good terms with his wife. Apparently she's the power behind the throne.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone with no apparent authority who has great influence over the person officially in charge is said to be the power behind the throne. 


idiom_text: preaching to the converted
sentence: Talking to athletes about the virtues of sport is preaching to the converted.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who preaches to the converted is encouraging people to support an idea that they already agree with. 


idiom_text: prepare the ground
sentence: The two foreign ministers prepared the ground for negotiations.
type: I
meaning:
  When you prepare the ground, you try to make it easier for a future event or action to happen or be accepted. 


idiom_text: pretty as a picture
sentence: The young bride looked (as) pretty as a picture in her beautiful dress.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is (as) “pretty as a picture’ is very attractive or appealing in appearance. The young bride looked (as) pretty as a picture in her beautiful dress.


idiom_text: price oneself out of the market
sentence: He was so eager to make money that he priced himself out of the market.
type: I
meaning:
  If you price yourself out of the market, you charge such a high price for your goods or services that nobody wants to buy them. 


idiom_text: prime of one's life
sentence: At the age of 75, the singer is not exactly in the prime of his life!
type: I
meaning:
  The prime of one's life is the time in a person's life when they are the most successful, or in their best physical condition. 


idiom_text: get your priorities right/straight
meaning: If you put things in the right order of importance, you get your priorities right.
type: I
sentence:
  Dad!  Your health is more important than the state of the garden.  You must get your priorities right!


idiom_text: prod into (doing)
sentence: She was ideal for the job, but I had to prod her into applying for the position.
type: I
meaning:
  If you prod someone into doing something, you make a hesitant person do something that they are reluctant to do. 


idiom_text: prolong the agony
sentence: Please don't prolong the agony. Just tell me whether I've been accepted or not.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone prolongs the agony, they make an unpleasant or tense situation last longer than necessary. 


idiom_text: proper 'do'
sentence: Bob says he'd be happy with a civil wedding and a drink afterwards, but Maggie wants a proper do.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a social event with formal clothes and top-class catering, organised to celebrate something. 


idiom_text: pull a fast one
meaning: To pull a fast one means to gain an advantage over someone by deceiving them.
type: I
sentence:
  The street vendor pulled a fast one on Tom.  He sold him a big bunch of roses but wrapped a smaller bunch while Tom was taking out his wallet.


idiom_text: pull the other one (it's got bells on)
sentence: You have a date with George Clooney? Yeah - now pull the other one!
type: I
meaning:
  After hearing an unlikely story, this is a way of telling the speaker that you neither believe what they say nor whatever they may say next. You have a date with George Clooney? Yeah - now pull the other one!


idiom_text: pull the rug
type: I
meaning:
  If you pull the rug from under someone's feet, you suddenly and unexpectedly remove all help or support. 

sentence:
  When Andy's mother stopped sending him money, she pulled the rug from under his feet and forced him to find a job.


idiom_text: like pulling teeth
sentence: Getting him to talk about his job was like pulling teeth!
type: I
meaning:
  Something that is like pulling teeth is extremely difficult to obtain, especially if trying to extract information from someone. 


idiom_text: punch above your weight
meaning: If you punch above your weight, you try to perform at a level that is beyond your ability.
type: I
sentence:
  She submitted her idea for the 'invention of the year' award, knowing that she was punching above her weight.


idiom_text: push the envelope
sentence: Some TV producers really push the envelope when they expose people's private lives.
type: I
meaning:
  When you push the envelope, you do something in an extreme way or exceed the limits of what is considered acceptable. 


idiom_text: push one's luck
type: I
meaning:
  If you push your luck, you try to get more than what you have already obtained and risk spoiling the situation. 

sentence:
  You've got your father's permission to go to the concert.  Don't push your luck by trying to borrow his car!


idiom_text: if push comes to shove
sentence: There should be enough room for everyone, but if push comes to shove we can go to the hotel.
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'if push comes to shove' refers to what you will do if the situation becomes critical and you have to take action. 


idiom_text: pushing up the daisies
sentence: Old Johnny Barnes? He's been pushing up the daisies for over 10 years!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is pushing up the daisies means that they are dead. Old Johnny Barnes? He's been pushing up the daisies for over 10 years!


idiom_text: put a spanner in the works
sentence: A new motorway was planned but a group of ecologists managed to put a spanner in the works.
type: I
meaning:
  To put a spanner in the works (or throw a (monkey) wrench) means to cause problems and prevent something from happening as planned. 


idiom_text: put it mildly
sentence: She's 3 years old and already able to read. That's promising, to put it mildly!
type: I
meaning:
  If you put it mildly, you express your opinion or reaction in a controlled way, without exaggeration. 


idiom_text: put on a brave face
sentence: Even in the worst of times she put on a brave face.
type: I
meaning:
  When confronted with difficulties, if you put on a brave face, you try to look cheerful and pretend that the situation is not as bad as it is. 


idiom_text: put foot in one's mouth
meaning: If you put your foot in your mouth, you say something that offends, upsets or embarrasses someone.
type: I
sentence:
  She really put her foot in her mouth when she mentioned the housewarming party - Andy hadn't been invited.


idiom_text: put head on the block
type: I
meaning:
  If you put yourself in a dangerous situation where you risk losing your job or your reputation if things go wrong, you put your head on the block. 

sentence:
  Jenny asked me to recommend her son for the job, but I'm not putting my head on the block for someone I hardly know.


idiom_text: put your heart into
sentence: Paul was determined to make a success of the project. He put his heart and soul into it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put your heart (and soul) into something, you are very enthusiastic and invest a lot of energy and hard work in it. 


idiom_text: put in one's place
sentence: The new trainee is not in a position to criticize our methods. He needs to be put in his place!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone causes offence or irritation by speaking or behaving in an inappropriate manner, you put them in their place by letting them know that they are not as important as they seem to believe. 


idiom_text: put in a good word
sentence: If you apply for the job, I'll put in a good word for you.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put in a good word for someone, you say positive things in support of that person in order to help them. 


idiom_text: put in the picture
sentence: Some changes were made during your absence. Let me put you in the picture.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give somebody all the information necessary to enable them to fully understand a situation, you put them in the picture. 


idiom_text: put on the spot
sentence: The reporter was put on the spot when he was asked to reveal his source.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put someone on the spot, you put them in a difficult position, for example by asking difficult questions which they cannot avoid. 


idiom_text: put out feelers
sentence: The politician put out feelers to test public reaction to his proposals.
type: I
meaning:
  Before doing something, if you try to discover what other people thnk about it by making discreet enquiries, you put out feelers. 


idiom_text: put out to pasture
sentence: He's in good health and he feels it's too early to be put out to pasture.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone has been put out to pasture means that they have been forced to retire or give up their responsibilities. 


idiom_text: put pants on one leg at a time
sentence: Don't be scared to speak to him. He puts his pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone puts their pants on one leg at a time means that the person is a human being no different from enyone else. 


idiom_text: put two and two together
sentence: Forget your explanation. She won't believe you. She can put two and two together!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who can put two and two together is capable of reaching the right conclusion based on the information they have. 


idiom_text: put words in mouth
sentence: You're putting words in my mouth. I did not say I saw Mr. Brown. I said I saw his car!
type: I
meaning:
  If you claim that someone has said something, or suggest what they should say, you are putting words in their mouth. 


idiom_text: Pyrrhic victory
type: I
meaning:
  A victory that is obtained at a tremendous cost, or causes such a great loss that it is not worth winning, is called a Pyrrhic victory. 

sentence:
  It was a Pyrrhic victory.  The shop owner won the lawsuit but went bankrupt because of the legal expenses involved.


idiom_text: race against time
sentence: It was a race against time to get everything ready for the inauguration.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone is in a race against time, they have to work very quickly in order to do or finish something before a certain time. 


idiom_text: rack one's brains
meaning: If you rack your brains, you try very hard to think of something or to remember something.
type: I
sentence:
  Christmas is always a hassle for me.  I have to rack my brains every year to find ideas for presents.


idiom_text: on the rack
sentence: The suspect was put on the rack by the police but he did not confess to anything.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are in a stressful situation, having to answer a lot of questions or wait for a decision, you are on the rack. 


idiom_text: from rags to riches
sentence: By renovating old houses in the right places, he went from rags to riches.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person goes from rags to riches, they start off being very poor and become very rich and successful. 


idiom_text: take a rain check
sentence: Do you mind if I take a rain check on that lunch invitation? I'm going to be away all week.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that you take a rain check means that you cannot accept an invitation or offer now, but you will be happy to accept it later. Do you mind if I take a rain check on that lunch invitation? I'm going to be away all week.


idiom_text: raise eyebrows
sentence: When the boss arrived in jeans, there were a lot of raised eyebrows.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who raises their eyebrows at something shows surprise or disapproval  by the expression on their face. 


idiom_text: raise the roof
sentence: The concert was such a success, the audience raised the roof.
type: I
meaning:
  When people raise the roof, they make a lot of noise by cheering, shouting, whistling or clapping their hands. 


idiom_text: raise/lower one's sights
sentence: He had to lower his sights and accept a less well-paid job than what he hoped for.
type: I
meaning:
  If you raise/lower your sights, your raise or lower your expectations, or you are more or less ambitious. 


idiom_text: rake over the ashes
meaning: When people rake over the ashes, they discuss an unpleasant event which took place in the past.
type: I
sentence:
  My grandfather's business went bankrupt years go, but he still rakes over the ashes from time to time.


idiom_text: rap on the knuckles
sentence: Andy got a rap on the knuckles for coming home late.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone gets a rap on/across the knuckles, they are punished or reprimanded, but not very severely, as a reminder not to do something again. 


idiom_text: take the rap
sentence: The whole class had to take the rap for the disorder.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take the rap for something, you accept blame or punishment for it, even if you have not done it. 


idiom_text: raring to go
sentence: The kids can't wait to go camping. They're raring to go!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is raring to go, they are very eager and enthusiastic about the idea of doing something. 


idiom_text: smell a rat
sentence: The profits announced are abnormally low. I smell a rat.
type: I
meaning:
  To say 'I smell a rat' means that you suspect that something is wrong, or that someone is doing something dishonest or incorrect. 


idiom_text: rats in the attic
sentence: She keeps repeating the same question. I think she's got rats in the attic.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that someone has rats in the attic, you mean that they are a bit mad or that their behaviour is eccentric. 


idiom_text: rather you than me
sentence: "I have to announce the bad new to the child's parents." "Oh dear, rather you than me."
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to express sympathy with someone who has to do something unpleasant or difficult, and you would not like to be in their situation. 


idiom_text: read the riot act
sentence: Dad read us the riot act when we messed up his tool-shed.
type: I
meaning:
  If you declare with force and authority that something must stop, and announce the consequences if it happens again, you read the riot act. 


idiom_text: ready and waiting
sentence: There was a vast amount of food ready and waiting for the guests.
type: I
meaning:
  Something or someone that is ready and waiting is prepared and available for a particular task or occasion. 


idiom_text: recharge one's batteries
sentence: Sam is completely overworked. He needs a holiday to recharge his batteries.
type: I
meaning:
  When you recharge your batteries, you take a break from a tiring or stressful activity in order to relax and recover your energy. 


idiom_text: recipe for disaster
sentence: Our two families together for Christmas? Sounds like a recipe for disaster
type: I
meaning:
  If you refer to a plan or idea as a recipe for disaster, you think it is likely to produce bad results. Our two families together for Christmas? Sounds like a recipe for disaster!


idiom_text: put the records straight
sentence: An interview on television enabled the actress to set the records straight about her health.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put or set the records straight, you provide facts or an explanation to correct a mistake or misunderstanding. 


idiom_text: red flag to a bull
sentence: Don't mention Tom's promotion to Mike. It would be like a red flag to a bull!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a statement or action is like a red flag to a bull means that it is sure to make someone very angry or upset. 


idiom_text: red herring
sentence: Look, bureaucracy is a red herring. How to deal with the crisis is the important issue today.
type: I
meaning:
  A red herring is a fact or argument introduced into a discussion which draws attention away from the main point. 


idiom_text: red light district
sentence: A photograph of the politician taken in a red-light district caused a scandal.
type: I
meaning:
  An area of a town or city where there is a concentration of sex shops, prostitution, strip clubs, etc. is known as the red light district. 


idiom_text: red tape
sentence: If there wasn't so much red tape, the company would be up and running already.
type: I
meaning:
  The term red tape refers to official rules and bureaucratic paperwork that prevent things from being done quickly. 


idiom_text: redress the balance
meaning: An effort to redress the balance is an attempt to make things equal.
type: I
sentence:
  With too few girls entering university, the authorities declared that an effort would be made to redress the balance.


idiom_text: regain one's composure
sentence: It took her a while to regain her composure after hearing the insulting remarks.
type: I
meaning:
  If you regain your composure, you calm down and control your emotions again after a stressful or upsetting event. 


idiom_text: regain one's feet
sentence: John helped his father to regain his feet when he tripped on the steps.
type: I
meaning:
  If you regain your feet, you stand up again after stumbling or falling. This expression can also mean that you are once again financially solvent after a difficult period. 


idiom_text: rest is history
type: I
meaning:
  This is a way of saying that there is need to finish a story because everyone knows what happened next. 

sentence:
  Facebook was launched in 2004, was initially restricted to students from Harvard, and the rest is history ...


idiom_text: ride coattails
sentence: He rode his uncle's coattails in the hope of being elected.
type: I
meaning:
  If you use your connections with someone successful in order to achieve fame or success for yourself, without any personal effort, you ride their coattails. 


idiom_text: ride roughshod over
sentence: The government rode roughshod over all opposition to the new measures.
type: I
meaning:
  If you ride roughshod over something, you behave in a harsh or thoughtless manner, or you treat a situation with contempt. 


idiom_text: ride it out ride out the storm
sentence: His business was hit by the recession but he managed to ride it out.
type: I
meaning:
  If you manage to survive a dangerous or very unpleasant situation, like a ship sailing through a storm, you ride it out. 


idiom_text: let something ride
type: I
meaning:
  When you decide to do nothing about a particular situation and allow it to remain as it is, you let it ride. 

sentence:
  Bill didn't like the way his wife spoke to the operator, but he let it ride to avoid another quarrel


idiom_text: right up your alley
sentence: You like cooking do you? This book will be right up your alley.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is right up your alley, it is the sort of thing you like or have knowledge about. You like cooking do you?  This book will be right up your alley.


idiom_text: a rip-off
sentence: $10 for an orange juice? That's a rip-off!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is a rip-off means that it costs much more than it should. $10 for an orange juice?  That's a rip-off!


idiom_text: ripple effect
sentence: An increase in the price of oil will have a ripple effect on the economy as a whole.
type: I
meaning:
  When an action has an effect on something, which in turn effects something else, it is said to have a ripple effect. 


idiom_text: rise to the occasion
meaning: If you rise to the occasion, you manage to do something successfully in difficult circumstances.
type: I
sentence:
  When her boss broke his leg, Julie had to represent the company at the congress, and she rose to the occasion extremely well


idiom_text: road rage
sentence: A number of accidents today are a direct result of road rage.
type: I
meaning:
  Aggressive driving habits sometimes resulting in violence against other drivers is called road rage. 


idiom_text: rob the cradle
sentence: My uncle Ted is dating a twenty-year-old girl. That's really robbing the cradle!
type: I
meaning:
  If you rob the cradle, you have a romantic relationship with someone who is much younger than yourself. 


idiom_text: rob Peter to pay Paul
sentence: David borrowed from a friend to pay his overdraft, a typical case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone robs Peter to pay Paul, they pay one debt with money borrowed from someone else, thus creating another debt. 


idiom_text: (don't) rock the boat
sentence: After the recent riots, it was decided not to rock the boat by introducing strict measures.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone not to rock the boat, you are asking them to do nothing that might cause trouble or upset a stable situation. 


idiom_text: rocket science
sentence: Bob will explain how it works. Don't worry - it's not rocket science!
type: I
meaning:
  If you say 'it's not rocket science' or 'no need to be a rocket scientist', you are emphasizing that something presents no major difficulty. 


idiom_text: roll with the punches
sentence: The atmosphere has become very aggressive. We'll just have to roll with the punches.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone has to roll with the punches, they have to deal with a difficult situation by being flexible. 


idiom_text: when in Rome, do as the Romans do
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that you should adopt the customs of the people or country you are visiting, and behave in the same way.


idiom_text: rooted to the spot
sentence: Joe stood rooted to the spot as the plane landed on the water.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are so shocked, surprised or scared that you are rooted to the spot, you reaction is so strong that you are unable to move. 


idiom_text: rotten apple
sentence: It is said that in any profession there is always a rotten apple.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a person who is considered to be dishonest or immoral and has a bad influence on others in the group. 


idiom_text: rough diamond
sentence: He's a great guy but a bit of a rough diamond!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is good-natured but lacks polished manners and/or education is said to be a rough diamond. 


idiom_text: rough justice
sentence: The way the player was treated by the media was very rough justice!
type: I
meaning:
  Treatment or justice that does not seem fair, or is too severe, is called 'rough justice', especially if it is not legal. 


idiom_text: take the rough with the smooth
sentence: Life isn't always easy; you have to learn to take the rough with the smooth.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take the rough with the smooth, you accept what is unpleasant or difficult as well as what is pleasant or easy. 


idiom_text: rub shoulders with
sentence: In her in public relations, she sometimes rubs shoulders with famous people.
type: I
meaning:
  If you rub shoulders with someone, you have an opportunity to meet and talk to that person, especially someone wealthy, famous or distinguished. 


idiom_text: rubber hits the road
sentence: The plan sounds good. I'd like to be there when the rubber hits the road.
type: I
meaning:
  The moment when you put a theory into practice, or actually apply what you have learned, is when the rubber hits the road. 


idiom_text: run riot
sentence: I dread the arrival of my sister with her kids - she always allows them to run riot.
type: I
meaning:
  If people run riot, the behave in a frenzied, uncontrolled manner, running around in all directions. 


idiom_text: run round in circles
sentence: Running round in circles will get us nowhere - we need to set up a plan.
type: I
meaning:
  People who run round in circles have difficulty in achieving something because of lack of organisation. 


idiom_text: run a taut ship
sentence: The director of the scout camp runs a taut ship.
type: I
meaning:
  When a group or organisation is run in a well-ordered and disciplined manner, the person in charge runs a taut (or tight) ship. 


idiom_text: run-of-the-mill
sentence: The story wasn't very interesting - just a run-of-the-mill romance with a happy ending.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is described as run-of-the-mill, there is nothing special or outstanding about it;  it is just ordinary or average. 


idiom_text: run out of steam
sentence: The anti-immigrant movement seems to be running out of steam.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that a person, a process or an organised event is running out of steam, you mean that there is a loss of impetus, energy or enthusiasm. 


idiom_text: running battle
type: I
meaning:
  If two people or groups have a running battle with each other, they argue or disagree about something over a long period of time. 

sentence:
  There's been a running battle between the local authorities and the population over the school bus route.


idiom_text: saddled with debt
meaning: If you are saddled with debt, the amount of money that you owe is a financial burden.
type: I
sentence:
  Be careful.  If you buy a house that is too expensive, you could be saddled with debt for many years.


idiom_text: safety in numbers
sentence: None of the group went sightseeing alone, knowing there was safety in numbers.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that being part of a group makes people feel more secure and more confident when taking action. 


idiom_text: sail close to the wind
sentence: He seems to invest his money well although he often sails close to the wind.
type: I
meaning:
  If you sail close to the wind, you do something dangerous or act just within the limits of what is legal or acceptable. 


idiom_text: sail through
sentence: The English test was no problem for Pedro. He sailed through it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam, you succeed in doing it without difficulty. 


idiom_text: take wind out of sails
sentence: The manager's rejection of our marketing strategy really took the wind out of our sails.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something takes the wind out of your sails, they make you feel less confident by doing or saying something that you do not expect. 


idiom_text: rub salt into wound
type: I
meaning:
  If you are in a difficult or unpleasant situation, and somebody rubs salt into the wound, they do or say something to make things worse. 

sentence:
  The separation from Julie was already difficult for Alex. Mentioning her new boyfriend just rubbed salt into the wound.


idiom_text: take with pinch of salt
sentence: Tony tends to exaggerate. I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a piece of information should be taken with a pinch (or grain) of salt means that the information may not be accurate or true. 


idiom_text: same page/wavelength
sentence: We rarely argue. We're generally on the same wavelength.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are on the same page or the same wavelength as someone else, you have the same understanding or think in a similar way. 


idiom_text: by the same token
sentence: Teenagers should be less rebellious, but by the same token, parents should be more understanding.
type: I
meaning:
  If you apply the same rule to different situations, you judge them by the same token, or in a similar way. 


idiom_text: sauce for the goose
type: I
meaning:
  The saying 'what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander' means that what is appropriate for one person should also be appropriate for the other person concerned. 

sentence:
  Women should earn the same salary as men for the same job. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander!


idiom_text: save your breath
sentence: I've already given him the same advice and he won't listen, so you might as well save your breath.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to save their breath, you are telling them not to waste their time speaking because their words will have no effect. 


idiom_text: save the day
type: I
meaning:
  If you find a solution to a serious problem, and ensure the success of something that was expected to fail, you save the day. 

sentence:
  The dog ate the apple pie I had made for my guests, but my sister saved the day by making one of her speedy desserts!


idiom_text: save face
sentence: They allowed him to save face by accepting his resignation.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone saves face, they manage to avoid humiliation or embarrassment and preserve their dignity and the respect of others. 


idiom_text: saved by the bell
sentence: Saved by the bell! A friend arrived just when I realized I had no money for the parking meter.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are saved by the bell, something happens at the last minute to rescue you from a difficult situation. 


idiom_text: scales fall from your eyes
meaning: When the scales fall from your eyes, you finally understand the truth about something.
type: I
sentence:
  It was only when he was arrested for theft that the scales fell from my eyes and I realized where his money came from.


idiom_text: scarce as hen's teeth
sentence: Take enough supplies. Water is as scarce as hen's teeth where you're going!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that something is as scarce as hen's teeth emphasizes that it is extremely rare, to the point of non-existence. 


idiom_text: school of hard knocks
sentence: He never went to college but the school of hard knocks made him a shrewd businessman.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who goes through the school of hard knocks learns through the positive and negative experiences of life rather than through a formal classroom education. 


idiom_text: scrape the bottom of the barrel
type: I
meaning:
  If you scrape the bottom of the barrel, you use the worst or the least satisfactory ideas, things or people because you have no choice. 

sentence:
  When they started to recruit, they had to scrape the bottom of the barrel because the best people has already found jobs elsewhere


idiom_text: scream blue murder
sentence: The crowd started screaming blue murder when the football match was interrupted.
type: I
meaning:
  People who scream blue murder shout or complain very loudly as if something very serious has happened. 


idiom_text: scrimp and save
sentence: The parents scrimped and saved for years so that their children could have a college education.
type: I
meaning:
  If you scrimp and save, you spend as little as possible over a certain period of time in order to save money. 


idiom_text: sea legs
sentence: It takes a while in a new job to find your sea legs.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has sea legs is used to walking on a moving ship, or has the ability to adjust to a new situation. 


idiom_text: seal of approval
sentence: We can't conclude the deal without the director's seal of approval.
type: I
meaning:
  If a project or contract receives a seal of approval, it receives formal support or approval from higher authorities. 


idiom_text: seamy side of life
sentence: Social workers really see the seamy side of life.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to the most unpleasant, disreputable or sordid aspects of life that we normally do not see (just as the stitched seams of clothes are generally not seen). 


idiom_text: second nature
sentence: Skiing is second nature to Harry. He grew up in a ski resort.
type: I
meaning:
  If something you do is second nature to you, it is something that you do easily or automatically because you have done it so often or for so long. 


idiom_text: seeing is believing
sentence: Mark says bananas grow in his garden, but seeing is believing!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that when you see something you can be sure it exists, or that what you have been told is really true. 


idiom_text: sell down the river
meaning: If you sell someone down the river, you betray a person who trusts you.
type: I
sentence:
  When the trade union signed the salary agreement, the workers felt they had been sold down the river.


idiom_text: sell ice to Eskimos
sentence: It's not surprising he was named 'salesman of the year'. He could sell ice to Eskimos!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to describe a person who has the ability to persuade someone to accept something totally unnecessary or useless. 


idiom_text: sell your soul
sentence: He'd sell his soul to get an interview.
type: I
meaning:
  This is a humorous way of saying that you would be willing to do something morally or legally wrong to obtain what you want. 


idiom_text: send about one's business
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone, in an irritated or unfriendly way, to go away, you send them about their business. 

sentence:
  An insurance company representative keeps calling on my mother, but I told her to send  him about his business.


idiom_text: send up a trial balloon
sentence: The idea seemed excellent but when they sent up a trial balloon the reaction was very negative.
type: I
meaning:
  If you test something such as an idea, a project or a product, to see how people respond to it, you send up a trial balloon. 


idiom_text: senior moment
sentence: I found the phone in the cupboard. I must have had a senior moment!
type: I
meaning:
  A momentary lapse of memory, especially in older people, or an absent-minded action such as putting the cereals in the refrigerator, is humorously referred to as having a senior moment. 


idiom_text: separate sheep from goats
sentence: Examining job applications is the first stage in separating the sheep from the goats.
type: I
meaning:
  If you separate the sheep from the goats, you examine a group of people and decide which are suitable and which are not. 


idiom_text: set you back
sentence: Changing the heating system will set us back about $5000.
type: I
meaning:
  The sum of money something sets you back is the amount it costs you. Changing the heating system will set us back about $5000.


idiom_text: set in one's ways
sentence: My grandmother has the same routine every day. She is very set in her ways.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is set in their ways is unable or unwilling to change their ideas, habits or methods, often because they are old. 


idiom_text: set the records straight
sentence: An interview on television enabled the actress to set the records straight about her health.
type: I
meaning:
  If you set the records straight, you provide facts or an explanation to correct a mistake or misunderstanding. 


idiom_text: shape of things to come
sentence: Do you think speed-dating is the shape of things to come?
type: I
meaning:
  If something, such as a trend or fashion, is the shape of things to come, it is a sign of what is likely to be used or enjoyed by many people in the future. 


idiom_text: shape up or ship out
sentence: When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve, they will have to leave their job. 


idiom_text: in bad shape
sentence: Have you seen Terry recently? He's really in bad shape.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is in bad shape is in poor physical condition. Have you seen Terry recently? He's really in bad shape.


idiom_text: all shapes and sizes
sentence: Computers come in all shapes and sizes nowadays.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that can be found in many different forms, types or varieties, comes in all shapes and sizes. 


idiom_text: get back into shape
sentence: She booked into gym classes, determined to get back into shape.
type: I
meaning:
  To get yourself back into shape, you need to take exercise in order to become fit and healthy again. 


idiom_text: sharp practice
sentence: That company is under investigation for sharp practice so it's better to avoid dealing with them.
type: I
meaning:
  Trying to achieve something by using underhand, deceitful or dishonourable means, that are barely within the law, is called sharp practice. 


idiom_text: shelf life
sentence: Dairy products has quite a short shelf life.
type: I
meaning:
  If something such as food, drink or medicine has a particular shelf life, it must be used or sold before the end of that period of time. 


idiom_text: that ship has sailed
sentence: Is the offer still open?' 'Sorry, that ship has sailed - you missed your chance!'
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'that ship has sailed' means that a particular opportunity has passed by and now it's too late. 'Is the offer still open?'  'Sorry, that ship has sailed - you missed your chance!'


idiom_text: shoe is on the other foot
type: I
meaning:
  When the circumstances have reversed and one person is now doing what the other did in the past, you can say that the shoe is on the other foot. 

sentence:
  I used to advise my children to eat healthy food.  Now my daughter is a nutritionist and the shoe in on the other foot - she advises me!


idiom_text: in someone's shoes
sentence: Tom's sales have dropped by 30% this month. I wouldn't like to be in his shoes!
type: I
meaning:
  To talk about being in someone's shoes means to imagine how you would react if you were in a similar situation. 


idiom_text: where the shoe pinches
type: I
meaning:
  When people talk about 'where the shoe pinches', they are referring to an area that is often a source of problems or difficulties. 

sentence:
  She's sure the public transport system works perfectly, but she'll find out where the shoe pinches when she starts using it!


idiom_text: shoot yourself in the foot
meaning: If you shoot yourself in the foot you do or say something which is against your own interests.
type: I
sentence:
  When Lea was asked at the interview if she had any weaknesses, she really shot herself in the foot the way she answered.


idiom_text: shop around
sentence: You can usually save money by shopping around.
type: I
meaning:
  If you shop around, you visit a number of shops selling similar articles in order to compare the prices. 


idiom_text: window shopping
sentence: I haven't been paid yet, so I can only go window shopping.
type: I
meaning:
  When people go window shopping, they look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything. 


idiom_text: short end of stick
sentence: They reached an agreement but Sophie felt she got the short end of the stick.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get the short end of the stick, you are treated unfairly or receive less than what is due or deserved. 


idiom_text: shot in the dark
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to a question or statement as a shot in the dark means that it is a complete guess, but at the same time it might be close to the truth. 

sentence:
  He didn't know which players had been selected, so mentioning Carter's name was just a shot in the dark..


idiom_text: shotgun approach
type: I
meaning:
  If you use a shotgun approach, you cover a wide range in a non-selective, haphazard and inefficient manner. 

sentence:
  Identifying a specific segment of the market as our target will be more effective than a shotgun approach.


idiom_text: shoulder surfing
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  The practice of looking over somebody's shoulder when they are using a computer, cash dispenser or other electronic device, in order to obtain personal information (identification, account number, password, etc.) is called shoulder surfing.


idiom_text: shouting match
meaning: An argument or debate where people shout loudly at each other is called a shouting match.
type: I
sentence:
  The debate between the two politicians turned into a shouting match which spoiled the event for viewers.


idiom_text: show one's true colours
sentence: In times of crisis people show their true colours.
type: I
meaning:
  When a person shows their true colours, their behaviour reveals their real nature, with their qualities and/or weaknesses. 


idiom_text: shut the stable door when the horse has bolted
type: I
meaning:
  If you shut the stable door after the horse has bolted, you try to prevent something bad from happening when it is already too late. 

sentence:
  Jack decided to insure the contents of his apartment after it was burgled. Now that's shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted!


idiom_text: sign own death warrant
sentence: When he decided to drop out of college, he signed his own death warrant.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something that causes your own downfall, or prevents you from being successful, you sign your own death warrant. 


idiom_text: sign on dotted line
sentence: I consulted a lawyer before signing on the dotted line.
type: I
meaning:
  If you sign on the dotted line, you formally give your consent to something by signing an official document. 


idiom_text: signed, sealed, and delivered
sentence: It is hoped that the agreement will be signed, sealed and delivered before the end of the week.
type: I
meaning:
  When an agreement, contract or treaty is signed, sealed and delivered, all the legal documents are in order. 


idiom_text: significant other
sentence: Harry says he makes no decisions without consulting his significant other.
type: I
meaning:
  The term 'significant other' refers to a person, such as a spouse, partner or lover, with whom you have a long-term relationship. 


idiom_text: silver lining
meaning: A silver lining refers to the good or pleasant side-effects of an unpleasant situation.
type: I
sentence:
  'Every cloud has a silver lining' means that there is a positive or hopeful side to every unpleasant situation.


idiom_text: born with silver spoon in your mouth
sentence: Alice never has to worry about money; she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth means that their family is very rich and privileged. 


idiom_text: silver-tongued
type: I
meaning:
  A silver-tongued person is a smooth talker who speaks so convincingly that they manage to persuade others to do what they want. 

sentence:
  A silver-tongued salesman persuaded my mother to buy a new washing machine although the one she had was fine!


idiom_text: since time immemorial
sentence: I don't know when that bridge was built. It's been there since time immemorial.
type: I
meaning:
  If something has existed since time immemorial, it has been there for such a long time that nobody can recall a time without it. 


idiom_text: sing a different tune
type: I
meaning:
  If somebody sings a different tune, they change their opinion about something, or their attitude towards something. 

sentence:
  He had no sympathy for people out of work until he lost his own job;  now he's singing a different tune.


idiom_text: sink or swim
sentence: The sink-or-swim attitude in the company can be very difficult for young recruits.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone has to sink or swim, they have to do something alone, and their success or failure depends entirely on their own efforts. 


idiom_text: siphon off
sentence: It was discovered that he had siphoned off money from the business into an account in a tax haven.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone siphons something off, they transfer something from one place to another, often illegally. 


idiom_text: sitting pretty
sentence: He sold his shares at a good time so he's now sitting pretty and enjoying life.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is sitting pretty is in a good or fortunate situation, especially compared to others who are not so lucky. 


idiom_text: six of one and half a dozen of the other
sentence: I didn't know who to vote for. It was six of one and half a dozen of the other!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that there is no real difference between two choices; both are equally good or equally bad. 


idiom_text: skating on thin ice
sentence: Don't mention that subject during the negotiations or you could be skating on thin ice.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are skating on thin ice, you are doing or saying something risky, or something that could cause trouble. 


idiom_text: skeleton staff/crew
type: I
meaning:
  If a business or organisation works with a skeleton staff, it is run with the smallest number of people necessary. 

sentence:
  The office is closed the week after Christmas but there will be a skeleton staff to handle essential operations.


idiom_text: skin a cat
sentence: How about trying a different method? There's more than one way to skin a cat you know!
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'there's more than one way to skin a cat' means that there are many different ways of achieving something. How about trying a different method? There's more than one way to skin a cat you know!


idiom_text: skin someone alive
sentence: If that kid damages my again, I'll skin him alive!
type: I
meaning:
  If you are angry and threaten to skin someone alive, you mean that you are going to punish them severely. 


idiom_text: by the skin of your teeth
sentence: He passed the driving test by the skin of his teeth!
type: I
meaning:
  To do something by the skin of our teeth means that you just manage to do it, but that you almost fail. 


idiom_text: (put) skin in the game
sentence: I got good news today. Apparently a serious investor is willing to put skin in the game.
type: I
meaning:
  If you put skin in the game, you show your confidence in a company by making a considerable investment or a financial commitment. 


idiom_text: the sky's the limit
sentence: "How successful do you think the project will be?" "Who knows ... the sky's the limit!"
type: I
meaning:
  To say the sky's the limit means that there is no limit to the possibility of success or progress for someone or something. "How successful do you think the project will be?" "Who knows ... the sky's the limit!"


idiom_text: slap on the wrist
sentence: I got a slap on the wrist from my wife for leaving the kitchen in a mess.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get a slap on the wrist, you receive mild punishment, or you are reprimanded for something you have done. 


idiom_text: sledgehammer to crack a nut
type: I
meaning:
  Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut means using disproportionate force to solve a problem. He called the police because his neighbour was rude? - now that's using a sledgehammer to crack a nut!

sentence:
  He called the police because his neighbour was rude? - now that's using a sledgehammer to crack a nut!


idiom_text: sleep on it
sentence: I suggest you sleep on it. You can give me your decision tomorrow.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take time (until the next day) to think something over before making a decision, you sleep on it. 


idiom_text: sleeping/silent partner
sentence: He works alone but his business is partly financed by a sleeping partner.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a person who invests in a business without taking an active part in its management, and whose association with the enterprise is not public knowledge. 


idiom_text: sling mud
sentence: During election campaigns, candidates often sling mud at each other.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is slinging mud at another person means that they are trying to damage that person's reputation by saying bad things about them. 


idiom_text: give someone the slip
sentence: The police were on his trail, but he managed to give them the slip.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give somebody the slip, you manage to hide or get away from the person who is following you. 


idiom_text: slippery as an eel
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is as slippery as an eel means that they are difficult to catch and they manage to avoid answering questions. 

sentence:
  The man was as slippery as an eel.  He was arrested for theft several times but was never convicted.


idiom_text: slush fund
sentence: A large commission taken from the slush fund ensured the success of the negotiations.
type: I
meaning:
  A slush fund is an account or fund in politics or business where money is set aside for various unofficial purposes, often unethical or even illegal. 


idiom_text: (as) sly as a fox
sentence: Be wary of that insurance salesman. He's known to be as sly as a fox.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is as sly as a fox is cunning and clever at getting what they want, especially by deceiving or tricking people. 


idiom_text: small fry
type: I
meaning:
  People or organisations that are considered unimportant can be referred to as small fry. This term can also refer to young children. 

sentence:
  The police seized a large quantity of drugs, and some small fry, but not the organisers they were hoping to catch.


idiom_text: smoke signals
sentence: All the smoke signals seem to indicate that the company is going to be taken over.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that there are smoke signals means that there are indications that something is probably going to happen. 


idiom_text: smoke and mirrors
sentence: The outgoing president used smoke and mirrors to make the situation look better.
type: I
meaning:
  An attempt to conceal or distort the truth (like a magician) in order to confuse people is called smoke and mirrors. 


idiom_text: smokescreen
sentence: His travel business was just a smokescreen for his political activities.
type: I
meaning:
  A smokescreen is an action or tactic intended to conceal or divert attention from your real intentions or activities. 


idiom_text: smokestack industry
sentence: Smokestack industries are no longer authorized in residential areas.
type: I
meaning:
  Industries involved in heavy manufacturing such as the production of iron and steel, especially if they cause a lot of pollution, are called smokestack industries. 


idiom_text: snail mail
sentence: More and more people are using e-mail rather than the traditional postal service, snail mail.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to the standard system of mail delivery, or postal service, considered very slow compared to electronic mail. 


idiom_text: snap decision
sentence: Completely overworked, he suddenly turned off his computer and made a snap decision to go swimming.
type: I
meaning:
  A quick decision based on an impulse, without taking time to weigh the consequences, is called a snap decision. 


idiom_text: snatch victory from the jaws of defeat
sentence: With a last-minute goal, the team snatched victory form the jaws of defeat.
type: I
meaning:
  If you manage to win something such as a match or a contest, when you are on the verge of losing, you snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. 


idiom_text: sneak preview/peek
sentence: Television reporters were given a sneak preview of the next episode.
type: I
meaning:
  A sneak preview (or sneak peek) is a special viewing of a film or art production given to a select audience before being shown to the general public. 


idiom_text: snowed under
sentence: With the 'flu epidemic, doctors and nurses are completely snowed under.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is snowed under has so many things to do, usually work, that they unable to cope with it all. 


idiom_text: social butterfly
sentence: Jessica is constantly out and about; she's a real social butterfly.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has a lot of friends and acquaintances and likes to flit from one social event to another is called a social butterfly. 


idiom_text: soft option
type: I
meaning:
  If you choose the easiest course of action available, which is usually not very effective, you take a soft option. 

sentence:
  Their father took a soft option and confiscated the skateboard for the week-end, hoping his sons would stop quarrelling.


idiom_text: soften the blow
type: I
meaning:
  When someone tries to soften the blow, they do something to make an unpleasant event or action easier to accept. 

sentence:
  In spite of the extra payments given to soften the blow, the loss of their jobs was a catastrophe for the miners.


idiom_text: sound/smell fishy
sentence: Do you believe what she said? Her story sounds fishy to me!
type: I
meaning:
  If something sounds or smells fishy, you are suspicious about it. Do you believe what she said? Her story sounds fishy to me!


idiom_text: from soup to nuts
sentence: She told us the whole story, from soup to nuts.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something from soup to nuts, you do it all the way through, from the beginning to the end (like from the first to the last course of a meal). 


idiom_text: sour grapes
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone's attitude is 'sour grapes' means that they are trying to make others believe that something they cannot have is of no importance. 

sentence:
  When she didn't get the job she said she wasn't interested in it anyway, but that's just sour grapes!


idiom_text: sow seeds of suspicion
type: I
meaning:
  If someone's behaviour, or something they say, sows the seeds of suspicion, it leads people to suspect that they are guilty. 

sentence:
  The fact that the boy spent a lot of money after the burglary sowed the seeds of suspicion in the neigbours' minds.


idiom_text: sow wild oats
sentence: He was advised to sow his wild oats before he got married.
type: I
meaning:
  A person, usually a man, who sows their wild oats goes through a period of carefree pleasure-seeking while they are young. 


idiom_text: spanner in the works
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something throws a spanner (or a wrench) in the works, they do something that causes problems and prevents the success of a plan or event. 

sentence:
  The two companies were keen to sign the agreement before anything happened to throw a spanner in the works.


idiom_text: spare-part surgery
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  Spare-part surgery refers to surgery in which a diseased or non-functioning organ is replaced with a transplanted or artificial organ.


idiom_text: speak off the cuff
sentence: Politicians are usually careful not to speak off the cuff.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say something off the cuff, you say it spontaneously, without previous thought or preparation. 


idiom_text: speak out of turn
sentence: At the first meeting I was afraid of speaking out of turn.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone speaks out of turn, either they intervene at the wrong moment or they say something tactless or inappropriate. 


idiom_text: speak softly and carry a big stick
sentence: As a leader he recommends the 'speak softly and carry a big stick' method.
type: I
meaning:
  If you speak softly and carry a big stick, you express your views in a quite non-aggressive manner, but you make it clear that you are in a position to use force if necessary. 


idiom_text: speak same language
sentence: We work well together because we speak the same language.
type: I
meaning:
  If two or more people speak the same language, they have similar opinions or ideas, so they understand each other very well. 


idiom_text: speak volumes
sentence: The happy smile on the child's face when he opened the box spoke volumes about my choice of gift.
type: I
meaning:
  If something speaks volumes, it expresses a reaction or opinion very clearly, with no need for words. 


idiom_text: speed networking
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a relatively new urban trend which consists in making a potential business contact by briefly talking to a series of people at an organised event and exchanging contact details.


idiom_text: spick and span
sentence: The apartment must be spick and span before our guests arrive.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something, usually a place, as spick and span means that it is very clean, neat and tidy. 


idiom_text: spin doctor
sentence: For a long time spin doctors lead us to believe that the situation was under control.
type: I
meaning:
  A spin doctor is a press agent or a public relations officer employed to promote a favourable interpretation of events in business or politics. 


idiom_text: spinach cinema
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  Films that are neither exciting nor interesting but are considered educational or uplifting, in the same way as certain foods are good for your health, are referred to as spinach cinema.


idiom_text: spiral out of control
sentence: Some items were expensive but we were careful not to let the costs spiral out of control.
type: I
meaning:
  When difficulties or costs spiral out of control, they get worse or increase continuously, creating a situation that becomes difficult to manage. 


idiom_text: spitting in the wind
sentence: You'll never make him change his mind. You're just spitting in the wind.
type: I
meaning:
  If you spend time trying to do something that is impossible to achieve, you are said to be spitting in the wind. 


idiom_text: sponge off someone
type: I
meaning:
  If you sponge off someone, you live at the expense of another person, accepting their hospitality without sharing the costs or doing something in return. 

sentence:
  Amy has been sponging off her grandparents for the past two months. She neither shares the expenses nor helps in the house.


idiom_text: spoon feed
sentence: Some teachers tend to spoon-feed their pupils.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person is spoon-fed, they are helped too much rather than encouraged to think by themselves or use their own initiative. 


idiom_text: spread like wildfire
sentence: As soon as the nomination was announced, the news spread like wildfire.
type: I
meaning:
  If something such as news, rumours or gossip spreads like wildfire, it becomes widely known very fast. 


idiom_text: spread one's wings
sentence: There comes a time when young people must be encouraged to spread their wings.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone spreads their wings, they become independent, begin to use their abilities and develop their interests. 


idiom_text: spread oneself too thin
sentence: Don't spread yourself too thin or you'll get nowhere.
type: I
meaning:
  If you spread yourself too thin, you do too many things at the same time and can't do any of them well. 


idiom_text: no spring chicken
sentence: "How old is the owner?" "I don't know, but she's no spring chicken."
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is no spring chicken means that they are quite old or well past their youth. "How old is the owner?"  "I don't know, but she's no spring chicken."


idiom_text: on the spur of the moment
sentence: He decided on the spur of the moment to buy flowers for his wife.
type: I
meaning:
  If you do something on the spur of the moment, you do it as soon as you think of it, spontaneously, without any planning. 


idiom_text: stab in the back
sentence: His best friend stabbed him in the back by voting against him.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone stabs you in the back, they betray you by doing something harmful to you when you thought you could trust them. 


idiom_text: stand in good stead
sentence: Being able to speak another language will stand you in good stead when looking for a job.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a skill, an ability or previous experience will stand you in good stead means that it will be beneficial to you in the future. 


idiom_text: stand the test of time
sentence: The teaching method has stood the test of time. It is still used in schools today.
type: I
meaning:
  If something stands the test of time, people continue to find it valuable or useful after many years. 


idiom_text: starter marriage
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  A starter marriage is a short-lived first marriage that ends in divorce with no kids, no property and no regrets.


idiom_text: state of the art
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If something is described as state-of-the-art, it is the most advanced model currently available, incorporating the latest and best technology.


idiom_text: stay one jump ahead
sentence: He is a successful journalist because he always stays one jump ahead of the others.
type: I
meaning:
  If you stay one jump ahead, you keep an advantage over others by making sure you are better informed or taking action before they do. 


idiom_text: steal a march
type: I
meaning:
  If you steal a march on someone, you do something in an unexpected or secret way that enables you to gain an advantage over them. 

sentence:
  We were able to steal a march on other retailers by immediately offering a 10% reduction on orders received the first day.


idiom_text: steal someone's thunder
type: I
meaning:
  If you steal someone's thunder you take their idea or plan and draw attention and praise away from them by presenting it first. 

sentence:
  Fred had developed a plan to reduce production costs, but the manager stole his thunder by announcing Fred's idea at the regional meeting.


idiom_text: it's a steal!
sentence: He's selling it for $20? At that price it's a steal!
type: I
meaning:
  If you find something that you want for a very low price, much lower than what it is worth, you can say 'it's a steal!'. He's selling it for $20?  At that price it's a steal!


idiom_text: steamed up
sentence: Calm down - there's no need to get all steamed up about it!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone gets steamed up about something, they become very angry, excited or enthusiastic about it. 


idiom_text: step on the gas
sentence: We'd better step on the gas and get these figures printed. The meeting starts in half an hour.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone tells you to step on the gas, they are encouraging you to accelerate or hurry up in order to get something done quickly. 


idiom_text: step on someone's toes
sentence: I could offer some advice but I'm afraid of stepping on someone's toes.
type: I
meaning:
  If you annoy or irritate someone by intervening in a situation that is their responsibility, you step on their toes. 


idiom_text: sterner stuff
sentence: I was surprised to see him so upset. I thought he was made of sterner stuff.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is made of sterner stuff, they have a strong character and are better able to deal with difficulties than others. 


idiom_text: stew in your own juice
sentence: Ricky spent last night in prison for starting a fight - let him just stew in his own juice!
type: I
meaning:
  If you let someone stew in their own juice, you leave them to worry about the consequences of their own actions. 


idiom_text: stick on one's throat
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If something sticks in your throat (or craw), it is very difficult to accept and makes you angry or resentful. The way he treats women really sticks in my throat!


idiom_text: stick something out
sentence: Life is difficult here, but Luke is going to stick it out because he is determined to succeed.
type: I
meaning:
  If you stick something out, you continue to endure it in spite of the difficulties or unpleasant aspects of the situation. 


idiom_text: stick to your last
sentence: Why don't you stick to your last and let me handle this matter.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to stick to their last, you are asking them to restrict their intervention or comments to an area where they have knowledge and experience, and to keep away from areas where they know nothing. (A 'last' is used in making and repairing shores.) 


idiom_text: sticking point
sentence: The choice of distributor was a sticking point in the negotiations.
type: I
meaning:
  A sticking point is a controversial issue that causes an interruption or blocks progress in discussions or negotiations. 


idiom_text: stickler for the rules
sentence: Be sure to use the proper form. Mr. Brown is a stickler for the rules.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is a stickler for the rules is a disciplinarian who demands strict observance of the rules or procedures. 


idiom_text: sting someone for
sentence: Not only was the lunch boring but I was stung for $25!
type: I
meaning:
  If you sting someone for an amount of money, you make them pay for something, usually in a deceitful manner. Not only was the lunch boring but I was stung for $25!


idiom_text: stir up a hornet's nest
sentence: His letter to the Board stirred up a real hornet's nest.
type: I
meaning:
  If you stir up a hornet's nest, you do something which causes a commotion and provokes criticism and anger. 


idiom_text: stir-crazy
sentence: After several days in quarantine, people were going stir-crazy.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person goes stir-crazy, they become very agitated or nervous because they have been confined to a place for too long. 


idiom_text: stool pigeon
sentence: I don't trust Jack. I think he's a stool pigeon for the management.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who acts as an informer, especially one who gives information to the police or the authorities, is called a stool pigeon. 


idiom_text: stop dead in one's tracks
sentence: When Steve saw the snake, he stopped dead in his tracks.
type: I
meaning:
  If you stop dead in your tracks, you stop suddenly because you are frightened or totally surprised. 


idiom_text: stop at nothing
sentence: He's stop at nothing if there was a possibility of making money.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who would stop at nothing would do anything, even something illegal or immoral, to obtain what they want. 


idiom_text: stop the rot
sentence: There was so much conflict in the office that a new manager was appointed to stop the rot.
type: I
meaning:
  When you prevent a situation from deteriorating, especially in business or politics, you stop the rot. 


idiom_text: a storm is brewing
sentence: As soon as we saw Pete's face, we knew there was a storm brewing.
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that a storm is brewing, you mean that the atmosphere indicates that there is going to be trouble, probably with outbursts of anger or emotion. 


idiom_text: a storm in a teacup
sentence: They were arguing about who should go to the supermarket, but it was just a storm in a teacup.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to something as a storm in a teacup means that people are making a lot of unnecessary fuss or getting excited about something unimportant. 


idiom_text: cut a long story short
sentence: To cut a long story short, Anne and Jim are getting a divorce.
type: I
meaning:
  When talking about something, if you say 'to cut a long story short', you indicate that you are going to say what is essential rather than go into the details. 


idiom_text: (same) old story
sentence: It's always the same old story: we do all the work and the boss takes all the credit!
type: I
meaning:
  A common occurrence, or something that happens regularly or always in the same way, is called an old story or the same old story. 


idiom_text: straight as a ramrod
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is (as) straight as a ramrod is a person who keeps a straight back and looks very serious. 

sentence:
  When my grandfather invited us for dinner, he used to sit straight as a ramrod at the head of the table.


idiom_text: strange bedfellows
sentence: A car manufacturer and a bakery - strange bedfellows don't you think?
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to the unusual or unlikely association of two or more people, companies or states. 


idiom_text: street-smart / streetwise
sentence: The kids living in this area are all street-smart - they're in less danger than us.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is street-smart or streetwise has enough experience and knowledge about life in the city to be able to deal with difficult or dangerous situations. 


idiom_text: by no stretch of the imagination
sentence: By no stretch of the imagination could he be called handsome.
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'by no stretch of the imagination' means 'however hard you may try to believe or imagine it'. 


idiom_text: strictly business
sentence: Yes we had lunch together but it was strictly business.
type: I
meaning:
  An appointment or event that is entirely devoted to business, with no leisure or relaxation, is called strictly business. 


idiom_text: strike while the iron is hot
meaning: If you strike while the iron is hot, you act immediately because now is the ideal time to do it.
type: I
sentence:
  The price of property has dropped.  It's a good time to buy.  You should strike while the iron is hot.


idiom_text: strike pay dirt
sentence: Charlie finally struck pay dirt with his latest invention.
type: I
meaning:
  If you strike pay dirt, you are lucky and suddenly find yourself in a successful money-making situation. 


idiom_text: strike/hit a raw nerve
sentence: You struck a raw nerve when you mentioned divorce. They're separating.
type: I
meaning:
  If something you say strikes or hits a raw nerve, it upsets someone because they are very sensitive about the subject. 


idiom_text: strike the right note
meaning: If you strike or hit the right note, you say or do something suitable or appropriate.
type: I
sentence:
  He struck the right note with his future mother-in-law when he gave her a book on gardening - her favourite hobby!


idiom_text: string someone along
meaning: If you string someone along, you deliberately mislead them about your intentions.
type: I
sentence:
  Bob finally realized that Mary had just been stringing him along; she had no intention of marrying him.


idiom_text: another string to your bow
type: I
meaning:
  If you have another string to your bow, you have another skill or possible course of action if everything else fails. 

sentence:
  As well as her excellent qualifications, she's got another string to her bow to help her find a job.  She speaks fluent Chinese.


idiom_text: no strings attached
sentence: I managed to get a loan with no strings attached.
type: I
meaning:
  An offer 'with no strings attached' is an offer made without conditions or restrictions, and requires nothing in return. 


idiom_text: struck dumb
sentence: The accused was struck dumb when the verdict was announced
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is struck dumb, they are unable to speak because they are so surprised, shocked or frightened by something. 


idiom_text: stubborn as a mule
sentence: His friends advised him to accept the offer, but you know Larry - he's as stubborn as a mule!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is as stubborn as a mule, they are very obstinate and unwilling to listen to reason or change their mind. 


idiom_text: stuck in a time warp
sentence: This place seem to be stuck in a time warp. It's exactly as it was in the 1950's.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that has not changed at all from some time in the past, when everything else has, is caught or stuck in a time warp. 


idiom_text: on the stump
sentence: On the stump for months, the candidates attended meeting after meeting.
type: I
meaning:
  Before an election, when  politicians are campaigning for support and votes, they are on the stump. 


idiom_text: sublime to ridiculous
sentence: An opera followed by a Mr. Muscle contest is going from the sublime to the ridiculous!
type: I
meaning:
  If something goes from the sublime to the ridiculous, it deteriorates in quality from serious or admirable to absurd or unimportant. 


idiom_text: sugar the pill
type: I
meaning:
  If you sugar the pill, you try to make some unpleasant news more acceptable by saying something pleasant at the same time. 

sentence:
  When Tim's parents announced that he was going to boarding school, they tried to sugar the pill by telling him he'd be home at the week-ends.


idiom_text: survival of the fittest
sentence: I plant some flowers in the spring and hope for the best - it's the survival of the fittest!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that the most able, or those best capable of adapting to particular conditions, will survive. 


idiom_text: suss out
sentence: Ask Jack to explain - he's got it all sussed out!
type: I
meaning:
  If you suss out something, such as a problem or a situation, you examine it and manage to understand it. 


idiom_text: swallow one's pride
sentence: When Jill failed the exam, she had to swallow her pride and repeat the course.
type: I
meaning:
  If you swallow your pride, you accept something humiliating or embarrassing, for example having to admit that you are wrong, or that you have less knowledge that you thought. 


idiom_text: sweat of your brow
sentence: I got a comfortable lifestyle by the sweat of my brow - I owe it to nobody but myself!
type: I
meaning:
  If you earn or achieve something by the sweat of your brow, you do it through hard work and no help. 


idiom_text: sweetheart deal
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  The term sweetheart deal is used to refer to an abnormally lucrative arrangement between two parties. Opponents say the contract was awarded to the builder as part of a sweetheart deal, and is therefore illegal.


idiom_text: swelled/swollen head
sentence: Larry's promotion has given him a swelled/swollen head!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who has a swelled or swollen head has become proud or conceited, usually because of a recent success. 


idiom_text: swim against the tide
sentence: Perhaps it's because she always swims against the tide that her books are successful.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is doing or saying the opposite to most other people is said to be swimming against the tide. 


idiom_text: get into the swing of things
sentence: It'll be more fun when you get into the swing of things.
type: I
meaning:
  When you get into the swing of something, you become involved in it or get used to it and begin to enjoy it. 


idiom_text: swings and roundabouts
sentence: The more you earn, the more tax you pay. It's swings and roundabouts.
type: I
meaning:
  What you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts. This expression means that there are as many advantages as there are disadvantages, or what is lost in one area can be gained in another. 


idiom_text: swishing (party)
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  Swishing is the name given to a recent fashion phenomenon - a party organised to swap second hand clothes.  Everyone takes along clothes they no longer wear and people can then choose the ones they want.


idiom_text: tail wagging the dog
sentence: If you let your children decide on everything, it will be a case of the tail wagging the dog!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to a situation where there is a reversal of roles, with the small or minor element having a controlling influence on the most important element. 


idiom_text: take a back seat
sentence: He decided it was time to take a back seat and let someone younger run the club.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take a back seat you choose to have a less important function and become less involved in something. 


idiom_text: take it on the chin
sentence: When his contract was not renewed, Mark took it on the chin.
type: I
meaning:
  When you take it on the chin, you are brave and accept adversity, criticism or defeat without complaining. 


idiom_text: take cover
sentence: As soon as the explosion was heard, people ran to take cover.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone takes cover, they hide from a danger, or bad weather, in a place where they find protection. 


idiom_text: take one's cue
sentence: The waiter took his cue from Jack and starting serving the drinks.
type: I
meaning:
  When you take your cue from someone, you wait for a signal or follow someone's example, so as to know what to do yourself or when to act. 


idiom_text: take a dim view of
meaning: If you take a dim view of something, you disapprove of it.
type: I
sentence:
  When Harry and Sally decided to live together without getting married, their grandparents took a dim view of the situation.


idiom_text: take the easy way out
sentence: The weather conditions were so bad that Mary took the easy way out and cancelled her appointment.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take the easy way out, you choose the easiest way to deal with a difficult situation, even if it is not the best solution. 


idiom_text: take with a grain of salt
sentence: I hear the tuition fees are going to be reduced, but that should be taken with a grain of salt.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that certain information should be taken with a grain of salt means that you doubt its accuracy. 


idiom_text: take the law into your own hands
type: I
meaning:
  If, instead of calling the police, you act personally against someone who has done something wrong, you take the law into your own hands. 

sentence:
  Instead of calling the police, he took the law into his own hands and confronted the youth who had stolen his son's scooter.


idiom_text: take leave of your senses
sentence: You're going skiing in this blizzard? Have you taken leave of your senses?
type: I
meaning:
  To say to someone 'have you taken leave of your senses?' means that you think their behaviour is crazy. You're going skiing in this blizzard? Have you taken leave of your senses?


idiom_text: take one's life into one's hands
sentence: If you drive home on this icy road, you'll be taking your life in your hands.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that someone is taking their life in their hands means that they are taking the risk of being killed. 


idiom_text: take a load off one's mind
sentence: When the company closed down, finding a new job took a load off Tom's mind.
type: I
meaning:
  If something takes a load (or weight) off someone's mind, it brings great relief because a problem has been solved. 


idiom_text: take matters into your own hands
sentence: When Susan saw the lack of progress, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take matters into your hands, you take action yourself rather than waiting for others to intervene. 


idiom_text: take the mickey out of
sentence: Jessica's dad is always taking the mickey out of her about the time she spends styling her hair.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take the mickey out of someone, you tease them or make fun of their behaviour, sometimes in an unkind way. 


idiom_text: take your mind off
type: I
meaning:
  If an activity takes your mind off something that is worrying you, it helps you to stop thinking about it for a while. 

sentence:
  Sarah was worrying about the result of the test so Tom took her to the cinema to take her mind off it.


idiom_text: take pains
sentence: Great pains were taken to ensure the security of the athletes.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take pains to do something, you try very hard or make a special effort to do it as well as possible. 


idiom_text: take the plunge
sentence: Mark and Emily finally took the plunge and opened a guesthouse.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take the plunge, you finally decide to venture into something you really want to do, in the spite of the risks involved. 


idiom_text: take shape
sentence: My new website is beginning to take shape.
type: I
meaning:
  When something such as a plan or project begins to take shape, it starts to become organised and acquire a definite form. 


idiom_text: take as read
sentence: We're getting married in September and you take it as read that you are all invited.
type: I
meaning:
  Something that does not need to be discussed because it is already understood or agreed upon can be taken as read. 


idiom_text: take in good part
sentence: He got a lot of teasing about his promotion but he took it in good part.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who takes something in good part reacts to it in a good-humoured way, without taking offence. 


idiom_text: take in your stride
sentence: When the take-over was announced, Tom stayed calm and took it in his stride.
type: I
meaning:
  When, in a difficult situation, you take things in your stride, you deal with the situation calmly and without any special effort. 


idiom_text: take lying down
sentence: Jack won't take the accusation lying down - he'll fight to defend his reputation.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take something lying down, you suffer as a result of an offensive act without reacting or protesting. 


idiom_text: (not) take no for an answer
sentence: My grandmother insisted that we stay for dinner and wouldn't take no for an answer.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who will not take no for an answer is very insistent in the way they make their request or offer and is unwilling to accept a refusal. 


idiom_text: take offline
sentence: Peter, you're confusing things, so let's take that offline shall we?
type: I
meaning:
  If you suggest that a subject be taken offline (during a meeting for example), you consider that it is a separate issue and should be discussed at another time. 


idiom_text: take a stand
type: I
meaning:
  If you take a stand, you adopt a firm position on an issue and publicly declare whether or not you support it. 

sentence:
  The politician was asked to take a stand on the government's proposed measures to curb illegal immigration.


idiom_text: take the sting out of something
sentence: A comforting voice and sympathetic attitude can take the sting out of bad news.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take the sting out of something, you manage to reduce the severity or unpleasantness of something. 


idiom_text: take to the cleaners
sentence: When the company Tom had invested in went bankrupt, he realized he had been taken to the cleaners.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is taken to the cleaners, they lose a lot of money in an unfair way, usually by being robbed or cheated. 


idiom_text: take to something like a duck to water
sentence: When Sophie first tried skiing, she took to it like a duck to water.
type: I
meaning:
  If you take to something like a duck to water, you do it naturally and easily, without fear or hesitation. 


idiom_text: take two to tango
sentence: Okay, I've heard Fred's side of the story - but it takes two to tango!
type: I
meaning:
  You say this when you think that a difficult situation or argument cannot be the fault of one person alone. 


idiom_text: take under your wing
sentence: I owe a lot to Tom who took me under his wing when I first arrived.
type: I
meaning:
  If you offer guidance and protection to someone younger or less experienced, you take them under your wing. 


idiom_text: talk shop
sentence: I never go out with my colleagues because we inevitably end up talking shop.
type: I
meaning:
  If you talk shop, you talk about your work or business in a social situation with someone you work with, and make the conversation boring for the others present. 


idiom_text: on tap
sentence: You can find a multitude of useful resources on tap on the internet.
type: I
meaning:
  If something is on tap, it is easily obtained or available for immediate use, like water from a tap. 


idiom_text: tar baby
sentence: He was advised not to get involved in the controversy which was considered a 'tar-baby' issue.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a sticky situation or problem for which it is virtually impossible to find a solution. 


idiom_text: tar with the same brush
sentence: Don't hang around with those guys or you'll be tarred with the same brush.
type: I
meaning:
  When a person is tarred with the same brush, they are regarded as having the same faults or bad qualities as those they associate with. 


idiom_text: teach someone a lesson
sentence: The next time she arrives late, she'll find the door closed. That'll teach her a lesson!
type: I
meaning:
  If you teach somebody a lesson, you do something to punish them for behaving badly and make them understand that they should not do it again. 


idiom_text: (you can't) teach an old dog new tricks
sentence: Your grandfather will never use a smart phone. You can't teach an old dog new tricks!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that someone who is used to doing things in a certain way will find it difficult to change their habits. 


idiom_text: tech savvy
sentence: Many students are more tech-savvy than their teachers.
type: I
meaning:
  People who are tech savvy have sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be comfortable using computers and other electronic devices. 


idiom_text: by the skin of one's teeth
sentence: The traffic was so heavy I thought I'd miss the train, but I caught it by the skin of my teeth.
type: I
meaning:
  If you manage to do something by the skin of your teeth, you succeed in doing it but you almost fail. 


idiom_text: teething problems
sentence: We had some teething problems when we first opened the bookshop, but now everything is okay.
type: I
meaning:
  The difficulties encountered during the initial stage of an activity or project are called teething problems. 


idiom_text: test the waters
sentence: You should go to a gym class to test the water before enrolling.
type: I
meaning:
  If you test the water(s), you try to find out how acceptable or successful something is before becoming involved in it. 


idiom_text: text-walking
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a recently-developed and somewhat dangerous habit of walking while texting a message on a mobile phone, completely unaware of what is happening around you. 

sentence:
  In recent months there has been an increase in the number of serious accidents involving text-walkers.


idiom_text: thank one's lucky stars
sentence: I can thank my lucky stars I wasn't on the train that crashed.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone says they can thank their lucky stars, they are expressing heartfelt gratitude or feeling particularly fortunate. 


idiom_text: there's one born every minute
sentence: He really believed the boy found the money on the street? There's one born every minute!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that there are many people in the world who are stupid or easily fooled. He really believed the boy found the money on the street? There's one born every minute!


idiom_text: thick as thieves
sentence: Chris always takes Danny's side. They're as thick as thieves.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that two people are as thick as thieves means that they are very close friends who are very loyal to each other. 


idiom_text: through thick and thin
type: I
meaning:
  If someone does something through thick and thin, they do it in spite of all the difficulties and problems. 

sentence:
  Bob is famous today, but Tom is still his best friend, the one who supported him through thick and thin.


idiom_text: thin end of the wedge
sentence: According to the media, today's outsourcing is just the thin end of the wedge.
type: I
meaning:
  To refer to an event or action as the thin end of the wedge means that it is thought to be the beginning of something that will become more serious. 


idiom_text: a thin line
sentence: There's a thin line between showing concern and being indiscreet - so don't overdo it!
type: I
meaning:
  When there is a thin (or fine) line between feeling or situations, there is a point where it is difficult to distinguish between them. 


idiom_text: things are looking up
sentence: Andy has got two job interviews next week so things are looking up.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that things are looking up means that the situation is improving and you feel more positive about the future. 


idiom_text: think again
sentence: Your apartment is well located; you should think again before selling it.
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to think again, you advise them to reconsider the situation and perhaps change their decision. 


idiom_text: think on your feet
sentence: Good lawyers need to be able to think on their feet when pleading a case.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who thinks on their feet is capable of adjusting rapidly to new developments and making quick decisions, 


idiom_text: think the sun rises and sets on someone
sentence: She adores her husband - she thinks the sun rises and sets on him!
type: I
meaning:
  If you consider someone to be the most wonderful person in the world, you think the sun rises and sets on them. 


idiom_text: thorn in your side
sentence: Jane finds her mother-in-law very irritating, a real thorn in her side!
type: I
meaning:
  If you say that someone is a thorn in your side, you mean that they continually irritate or annoy you. 


idiom_text: throw a bone
sentence: The old man can't help very much but Bill throws him a bone now and then to keep him happy
type: I
meaning:
  If you throw someone a bone, you say something kind or reward them in some way to make them feel good. 


idiom_text: throw it over the wall
sentence: You can't just manufacture a product then throw it over the wall to the sales department!
type: I
meaning:
  If someone throws something over the wall, they deal with part of a problem or project, then pass the responsibility to another person or department without any communication or coordination. 


idiom_text: throw a tantrum
sentence: My sister's little boy is always throwing tantrums - he's thoroughly spoilt!
type: I
meaning:
  If a person, especially a child, throws a tantrum, they become angry and behave in an unreasonable way. 


idiom_text: throw in the towel
meaning: If you throw in the towel, you admit that you cannot succeed.
type: I
sentence:
  After unsuccessfully competing in several championships, she decided to throw in the towel and go back to college.


idiom_text: throw a wobbly/wobbler
sentence: He's very calm - not the sort of man to throw a wobbly if he doesn't have a clean shirt!
type: I
meaning:
  When someone, usually a capricious person, throws a wobbly, they have a fit of nerves or bad temper and lose all self-control. 


idiom_text: all thumbs
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  If you are all (finger and) thumbs, you are awkward and clumsy and do things incorrectly. Would you mind wrapping this for me? I'm all (fingers and) thumbs.


idiom_text: tide has turned
meaning: When a trend has changed from one thing to another, the tide has turned.
type: I
sentence:
  Before, people wanted to live in residential suburbs; now the tide has turned and warehouses are being converted into fashionable loft apartments.


idiom_text: tide over
type: I
meaning:
  If you tide someone over, you support them through a difficult period for a certain length of time. 

sentence:
  With this weather it's impossible to get to the shops, but we have enough food to tide us over until next week.


idiom_text: tie yourself up in knots
sentence: Sandy tied herself up in knots trying to explain the rules of the game
type: I
meaning:
  If you tie yourself up in knots, you become totally confused or confuse others when trying to explain something. 


idiom_text: walk a tightrope
type: I
meaning:
  If a person is walking a tightrope, they are in a difficult situation where they must act carefully. 

sentence:
  The management is walking a tightrope in their efforts both to keep the costs down and satisfy the trade unions.


idiom_text: time is ticking away
sentence: We need to intervene before it's too late. Time's ticking away.
type: I
meaning:
  The expression 'time is ticking away' can be used when you see the minutes or seconds going by as the clock ticks, especially when you are waiting anxiously for something to happen. 


idiom_text: time-honoured practice
sentence: Guests were greeted according to a time-honored practice.
type: I
meaning:
  A custom that is universally respected, or a traditional way of doing something, is called a time-honoured practice. 


idiom_text: tip of the iceberg
sentence: Journalists say that the report on corruption only examines the tip of the iceberg.
type: I
meaning:
  The tip of the iceberg is the part that is known of a problem or situation which is thought to be much more serious. 


idiom_text: toe the line
sentence: If you want to stay in this school, you'll have to learn to toe the line.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone toes the line, they obey the rules and accept the principles laid down by a person, group or organisation. 


idiom_text: toing and froing
sentence: After months of toing and froing, a compromise was reached between the two parties.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is toing and froing is either repeatedly going from one place to another and coming back, or is constantly changing their mind about something. 


idiom_text: token gesture
meaning: To make a token gesture means to show a small sign of appreciation.
type: I
sentence:
  As a token gesture of gratitude for her neighbourly advice, he gave Mrs.Smith a plant for her garden.


idiom_text: tomorrow's another day
sentence: For the moment you need some rest; tomorrow's another day.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that even if everything is not satisfactory at present, there will be opportunity for things to improve. 


idiom_text: slip of the tongue
sentence: Did I say 'blow down'? - Sorry, I meant 'slow down'. that was a slip of the tongue!
type: I
meaning:
  A slip of the tongue is a small spoken error or mistake. Did I say 'blow down'? - Sorry, I meant 'slow down'. that was a slip of the tongue!


idiom_text: on the tip of tongue
sentence: What's that actor's name? I know it ... it's on the tip of my tongue!
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a word or answer is on the tip of your tongue, means that you're sure you know it but have difficulty finding it. What's that actor's name? I know it ... it's on the tip of my tongue!


idiom_text: tongue in cheek
sentence: Peter's remark was taken more seriously than intended. It was supposed to be tongue in cheek.
type: I
meaning:
  If you describe a remark as 'tongue in cheek' you mean that it is not meant to be taken seriously; it is meant to be funny or ironic. 


idiom_text: tongue-tied
sentence: At the start of the interview I was completely tongue-tied!
type: I
meaning:
  If you are tongue-tied, you have difficulty in expressing yourself because you are nervous or embarrassed. 


idiom_text: tongues are wagging
sentence: The photograph of the couple that appeared in a magazine really set tongues wagging.
type: I
meaning:
  When tongues are wagging, people are beginning to spread gossip or rumours, often about someone's private life. 


idiom_text: top dog
sentence: She's top dog in cosmetics today.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that a person, group or country is top dog means that they are better or more powerful than others. 


idiom_text: toss up
sentence: Both boxers are in excellent condition. It's a toss-up which of them will win.
type: I
meaning:
  When there are two options or possibilities to choose from, and both are equally good, the choice between the two is called a toss-up (like tossing a coin). 


idiom_text: (at the) touch of a button
sentence: From now on the nursing staff can be alerted at the touch of a button.
type: I
meaning:
  If you can do something at the touch of a button, you can do it very easily, often thanks to technology. 


idiom_text: touch wood / knock on wood
sentence: The order will be confirmed shortly - touch wood!
type: I
meaning:
  This humorous expression, based on superstition, is used to avoid bad luck, often while touching something made of wood. 


idiom_text: tough as old boots
sentence: I was served a steak as tough as old boots.
type: I
meaning:
  If something, specially meat, is (as) tough as old boots, it is hard to cut and difficult to chew.  (This can also refer to a person who is strong either physically or in character.) 


idiom_text: tough cookie
sentence: I'm not worried about Jason's future - he's a tough cookie!
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is a tough cookie is one who is self-confident and ambitious and will do what is necessary to get what they want. 


idiom_text: tower of strength
sentence: All during my illness, my sister was a tower of strength.
type: I
meaning:
  The term tower of strength is used to describe a person who is very helpful and supportive during difficult times. 


idiom_text: trade secret
sentence: "Can you give me the recipe for your lemon meringue pie?" " No way - that's a trade secret!"
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to the secrecy of a company's production methods but is often used teasingly. "Can you give me the recipe for your lemon meringue pie?"  " No way - that's a trade secret!"


idiom_text: tread water
sentence: I've been treading water for the past year hoping to find a better job.
type: I
meaning:
  If you are treading water, your situation remains stationary in spite of your efforts, with no sign of any progress. 


idiom_text: trial and error
sentence: Some of the best cooks learn by trial and error.
type: I
meaning:
  Attempting to achieve a satisfactory result by testing and eliminating various methods until the best one is found is called trial and error. 


idiom_text: tried and tested
sentence: There's no risk involved. The method has been tried and tested.
type: I
meaning:
  If a method has been tried and tested, it can be trusted because it has been used successfully in the past and is known to work. 


idiom_text: trilemma
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  This term is used for a situation which is even more difficult than a dilemma, because a choice must be made between three options that seem equally undesirable.


idiom_text: truth will out
sentence: I don't know if the police gave the full details, but inevitably truth will out.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that despite efforts to conceal the facts, the truth cannot be hidden forever. 


idiom_text: try someone's patience
sentence: His constant interruptions began to try the teacher's patience.
type: I
meaning:
  If you find it difficult to be patient with someone because of their irritating attitude or behaviour, you can say that they are trying your patience. 


idiom_text: tug at the heartstrings
sentence: The hospital's plea for donors tugged at the heartstrings of millions of viewers.
type: I
meaning:
  Something or someone who tugs at the heartstrings causes others to feel a great deal of pity or sadness. 


idiom_text: tunnel vision
sentence: Our manager has tunnel vision. He sees no reason to change anything.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person has tunnel vision, they focus on only one aspect of something, or they are unable to see more than one way of doing things. 


idiom_text: turkeys voting for Christmas
sentence: Expecting them to accept a decrease in salary would be like turkeys voting for Christmas.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is used to say that a particular option is unlikely to be chosen because it would not be in the interest of the people concerned.  (In many countries people eat turkey at Christmas.) 


idiom_text: (not) turn a hair
sentence: When the police came to arrest him, he didn't turn a hair.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone does not turn a hair, they show no emotion in circumstances where a reaction is expected. 


idiom_text: turn the tables
sentence: The success of our new product has turned the tables on our competitors.
type: I
meaning:
  If you turn the tables on a person or organisation, you reverse the situation so as to be in a position of superiority. 


idiom_text: turn on/up the heat
sentence: If the goods are not delivered this week, we'll have to turn up the heat.
type: I
meaning:
  If you turn on or up the heat on someone, you put pressure on them in order to obtain what you want. 


idiom_text: turn up one's nose
sentence: He's out of work, but he turns up his nose at any job he's offered.
type: I
meaning:
  If you turn up your nose at something, you reject it because you think it is not good enough for you. 


idiom_text: twenty-four-seven
sentence: The tourist office provided a list of 24-7 supermarkets in the area.
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to something which is available or happens twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 


idiom_text: twist in the wind
sentence: He walked out of the press conference and left his agent twisting in the wind.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is left to twist in the wind, they are left to face a difficult situation without any assistance or support. 


idiom_text: two can play at that game
sentence: He refuses to take my call? Tell him two can play at that game!
type: I
meaning:
  You say this to tell someone that you can behave towards them in the same unpleasant way that they have behaved towards you. He refuses to take my call?  Tell him two can play at that game!


idiom_text: two-faced
sentence: I don't trust Billy. I find him two-faced.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is two-faced is deceitful or insincere;  they will say one thing to your face and something else when you are not there. 


idiom_text: two-time someone
sentence: Sally left Harry when she discovered he was two-timing her.
type: I
meaning:
  If one person two-times another, they cheat on their partner by having a romantic relationship with another person at the same time. 


idiom_text: two's company, three's a crowd
sentence: I'd rather not come to the cinema with you, thanks. Two's company ...!
type: I
meaning:
  This is said of two people, particularly lovers, who would prefer to be alone together rather than to have someone else with them. 


idiom_text: wait for the cat to jump
sentence: Let's wait for the cat to jump before we decide.
type: I
meaning:
  If you wait for the cat to jump, or to see which way the cat jumps, you delay taking action until you see how events will turn out. 


idiom_text: waiting game
sentence: Our competitors are not reacting. They're playing a waiting game.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who plays a waiting game delays taking any action or making any decision because they prefer to wait and see how things develop, usually in the hope that this will put them in a stronger position. 


idiom_text: waiting for a raindrop in the drought
sentence: For many people, finding a job these days is like waiting for a raindrop in the drought.
type: I
meaning:
  When someone is waiting for a raindrop in the drought, they are waiting and hoping for something that has little chance of happening. 


idiom_text: waiting in the wings
sentence: There are many young actors waiting in the wings ready to show their talent.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in their job or position. 


idiom_text: walk all over someone
sentence: You must learn to defend yourself. Don't let him walk all over you!
type: I
meaning:
  If one person walks all over another, they treat them very badly or unkindly, especially by showing no consideration for their cares or needs. 


idiom_text: walk on air
sentence: Sophie has been walking on air since her painting won first prize.
type: I
meaning:
  When you are happy or excited because of a pleasant event that makes you feel as if you were floating, you are walking on air. 


idiom_text: walk and chew gum
sentence: Why did you hire that guy? He can't walk and chew gum at the same time!
type: I
meaning:
  If you can walk and chew gum (at the same time), you are able to do more than one thing at a time. (This expression is often used negatively to indicate incompetence) Why did you hire that guy?  He can't walk and chew gum at the same time!


idiom_text: walk into lion's den
sentence: After the failure of the negotiations, he had to walk into the lion's den and face the Press.
type: I
meaning:
  If you walk into the lion's den, you find yourself in a difficult situation in which you have to face unfriendly or aggressive people. 


idiom_text: walking on air
sentence: Sophie has been walking on air since her painting won the first prize.
type: I
meaning:
  When you are happy and excited because of a pleasant event that makes you feel as if you are floating, you are walking on air. 


idiom_text: walking encyclopaedia
sentence: The origin of Halloween? Ask Jill - she's a walking encyclopaedia!
type: I
meaning:
  This term refers to a person who is very knowledgeable about a lot of subjects. The origin of Halloween?  Ask Jill - she's a walking encyclopaedia!


idiom_text: in/through the wars
sentence: He arrived in a car that looked as if it had been in the wars.
type: I
meaning:
  If a person or thing has been in (or through) the wars, they show signs of rough treatment, injury or damage. 


idiom_text: watch one's step
sentence: There is zero tolerance in this school for bad behaviour, so watch your step!
type: I
meaning:
  If you tell someone to watch their step, you are advising them to be careful how they behave in order to avoid getting into trouble. 


idiom_text: in hot water
type: I
meaning:
  To say that somebody is in hot water means that they have done something wrong and people are angry with them. 

sentence:
  Simon has been in hot water since his boss discovered that he had been using the internet for personal purposes.


idiom_text: water down
type: I
meaning:
  If you water down something such as a report, declaration or proposal, you try to make it weaker or less likely to cause anger. 

sentence:
  When announcing the rejection of the proposal, he tried to water down the committee's negative comments.


idiom_text: water off a duck's back
sentence: He's been warned of the dangers of smoking but it's like water off a duck's back.
type: I
meaning:
  Criticism or comments which have no effect on someone is referred to as being ''like water off a duck's back'. 


idiom_text: water under the bridge
sentence: They had a serious disagreement in the past, but that's water under the bridge today.
type: I
meaning:
  If something difficult or unpleasant took place in the past but is no longer important, it is referred to as water under the bridge. 


idiom_text: wave a dead chicken
type: I
meaning:
  When faced with a serious problem, if you take steps that you  know in advance will be futile, to show that you made an effort, you wave a dead chicken. 

sentence:
  The TV set was permanently damaged, but the technician decided to wave a dead chicken to satisfy the old lady before announcing the bad news.


idiom_text: wax lyrical
sentence: My grandfather and his friends started to wax lyrical about the 'good old days'.
type: I
meaning:
  When you wax lyrical about something, you speak enthusiastically about it in a poetic or sentimental way. 


idiom_text: ways and means
sentence: All ways and means will be used to provide assistance to the survivors.
type: I
meaning:
  To say that there are ways and means of achieving something means that there are several methods which will produce the desired result. 


idiom_text: weak at the knees
sentence: The shock of the announcement make me go weak at the knees!
type: I
meaning:
  Someone who is weak at the knees is (temporarily) barely able to stand because of emotion, fear or illness. 


idiom_text: weal and woe
sentence: We all get our share of weal and woe in life.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression refers to the good and bad times, the joys and sorrows, or prosperity and misfortune. 


idiom_text: wear out one's welcome
sentence: Alan and Sue invited us to stay on for a few days but we didn't want to wear out our welcome.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone wears out their welcome, they stay too long as a guest, causing inconvenience to their host. 


idiom_text: weigh pros and cons
sentence: They weighed the pros and cons of the house before signing.
type: I
meaning:
  If you weigh the pros and cons, you consider the advantages and disadvantages, the arguments for or against something. 


idiom_text: weigh your words
sentence: At the press conference he spoke very clearly, weighing his words.
type: I
meaning:
  If you weigh your words, you choose your words carefully in order to express exactly what you mean and avoid any misunderstanding. 


idiom_text: what makes someone tick
sentence: He's a strange man. It's hard to figure out what makes him tick.
type: I
meaning:
  When you try to understand what motivates someone or makes them behave the way they do, you want to know what makes them tick. 


idiom_text: whatever floats your boat
sentence: You're going to spend your honeymoon in Alaska? Well, whatever floats your boat!
type: I
meaning:
  Although you don't quite agree with someone, it's their choice and you think they should so whatever makes them happy. You're going to spend your honeymoon in Alaska? Well, whatever floats your boat!


idiom_text: wheeling and dealing
sentence: Since the beginning of the election campaign, there's been a lot of wheeling and dealing going on.
type: I
meaning:
  Someone accused of wheeling and dealing is thought to be involved in complicated, if not dishonest, deals in business or politics. 


idiom_text: when the going gets tough, the tough get going
sentence: Tom has a positive attitude. He often says 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going!'.
type: I
meaning:
  When faced with a difficult or dangerous situation, and the going gets tough, strong people take action to solve the problem. 


idiom_text: while the going is good
type: I
meaning:
  If you take action while the going is good, you do something before the situation changes and it is no longer possible. 

sentence:
  There's a 50% discount on subscriptions this month.  I think I'll subscribe while the going is good.


idiom_text: whistle in the dark
sentence: Bob looks confident but he's just whistling in the dark; he knows he's going to lose his job.
type: I
meaning:
  If you whistle in the dark, you try to hide your fear and pretend to be brave in a scary or dangerous situation. 


idiom_text: whistle-blower
sentence: The poor working conditions were reported by a whistle-blower.
type: I
meaning:
  If you report an illegal or socially harmful activity to the authorities, and give information about those responsible for it, you are a whistle-blower. 


idiom_text: white elephant
sentence: The new cultural centre is a real white elephant. It's so isolated that nobody goes there!
type: I
meaning:
  If you call something a white elephant, you consider it useless although it may have cost a lot of money. 


idiom_text: give a wide berth
sentence: The only way to avoid traffic jams is to give the town centre a wide berth.
type: I
meaning:
  If you give someone or something a wide berth, you stay at a prudent distance from them in order to avoid unwanted consequences. 


idiom_text: wide off the mark
sentence: The price offered was wide off the mark; it was sold for ten times more!
type: I
meaning:
  If something is (or falls) wide off the mark, it is incorrect or inadequate, or it is not what was expected. 


idiom_text: widow's peak
sentence: -
type: I
meaning:
  A V-shaped point formed by the hair in the centre of the forehead is called a widow's peak. (was believed to be a sign of early widowhood)


idiom_text: at will
sentence: He's so rich, he travel the world at will.
type: I
meaning:
  When it is possible to do something at will, you can do it as and when you please, wherever and whenever you wish, without limit or restriction. 


idiom_text: win by a nose
sentence: One second ahead of the others, he won by a nose.
type: I
meaning:
  When there is a very slight difference between the winner and the other competitors, victory is won by a nose. 


idiom_text: win-win
sentence: There were smiles all round when the contract was signed - it was a win-win situation.
type: I
meaning:
  The term win-win refers to a situation or proposition where both or all parties benefit from the outcome. 


idiom_text: wind up in the wrong hands
sentence: Put the plans away carefully. We don't want them to wind up in the wrong hands.
type: I
meaning:
  If something winds up in the wrong hands, it comes into the possession of someone undesirable, for example an opponent or a competitor. 


idiom_text: get wind of
sentence: The chairman didn't want the press to get wind of the takeover before the agreement was signed.
type: I
meaning:
  If you get wind of something, you hear about something you were unaware of, usually a private or secret matter. 


idiom_text: knock/take wind out of sails
sentence: The manager's rejection of our marketing strategy really took the wind out of our sails.
type: I
meaning:
  If someone or something knocks or takes the wind out of your sails, they make you feel less confident by doing or saying something that you do not expect. 


idiom_text: know which way wind blows
sentence: Before we decide on anything, we need to know which way the wind is blowing.
type: I
meaning:
  This expression means that it is advisable to know how a situation is developing, or what the tendency is, in order to be prepared for any changes. 


idiom_text: window on the world
sentence: The internet has become a window on the world.
type: I
meaning:
  When something provides an opportunity to observe and learn about people and life in other countries, it is called a window on the world. 


idiom_text: winning ways
sentence: My grandson is hard to resist - he's got such winning ways.
type: I
meaning:
  A person who has winning ways has a charming or persuasive manner of gaining the affection of others or obtaining what they want. 


idiom_text: wipe the slate clean
type: I
meaning:
  If you wipe the slate clean, you make a fresh start and forget all past offences, disagreements or mistakes. 

sentence:
  When their father died, Bob and his brother decided to wipe the slate clean and forget the old family quarrels.


idiom_text: wipe that smile off
sentence: This is a very serious matter, so wipe that smile off your face!
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is often used by parents or people in authority to indicate that the situation is not amusing at all. 


idiom_text: get wires crossed
sentence: We must have got our wires crossed. I thought we were to meet at the hotel.
type: I
meaning:
  If people get their wires crossed, they misunderstand each other or are confused about what was said. 


idiom_text: wise after the event
type: I
meaning:
  When someone realizes, after something has happened, what could have been done to prevent it from happening, they are wise after the event. 

sentence:
  In retrospect, I suppose I should have realized the boy was in difficulty and offered to help, but it's easy to be wise after the event.


idiom_text: wise up to
sentence: When Mike finally wised up to the methods being used, he resigned from the company.
type: I
meaning:
  If you wise up or get wise to something, you become fully aware of  the facts and are no longer fooled. 


idiom_text: wish the ground would swallow you up
type: I
meaning:
  When you are so embarrassed by something that you would like to disappear, you wish the ground would swallow you up. 

sentence:
  When I realized I was reading the wrong report, I stood there in front of the group wishing the ground would swallow me up!


idiom_text: your wish is my command
sentence: Breakfast in bed? Your wish is my command!
type: I
meaning:
  This is a humoristic way of saying that you are willing to do whatever the other person asks. Breakfast in bed?  Your wish is my command!


idiom_text: wishful thinking
sentence: I think his health is improving a little, but perhaps that's just wishful thinking on my part.
type: I
meaning:
  Wishful thinking means believing that something that you want to happen is really happening or will happen, even though it is neither true nor likely. 


idiom_text: wither on the vine
sentence: Let's hope the recent efforts towards peace will not wither on the vine.
type: I
meaning:
  If something withers on the vine, it comes to an end or ceases to exist because people do not support or encourage it. 


idiom_text: wolf in sheep's clothing
sentence: Be careful. He looks kind but in fact he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
type: I
meaning:
  To describe someone as a wolf in sheep's clothing means that although they look harmless, they are really very dangerous. 


idiom_text: wooden spoon
sentence: Our team got the wooden spoon in this year's tournament.
type: I
meaning:
  The person who finishes last in a race or competition receives an imaginary prize called the wooden spoon. 


idiom_text: wool-gathering
sentence: Justin spent the whole afternoon wool-gathering. He must be in love
type: I
meaning:
  A person who is wool-gathering is daydreaming and not concentrating on what his happening;  their thoughts are elsewhere. 


idiom_text: (not) get a word in edgeways
sentence: I tried to give my opinion, but I couldn't get a word in edgeways.
type: I
meaning:
  During a discussion, if you can't get a word in edgeways, you can't say something because the others are talking so much. 


idiom_text: words fail me
sentence: "What do you think of Bob's attitude?" "Words fail me!"
type: I
meaning:
  This expression is often used when someone is so shocked, surprised or touched by something that they don't know what to say. "What do you think of Bob's attitude?"  "Words fail me!"


idiom_text: have your work cut out
sentence: I've got a month to reorganise the accounts department. I have my work cut out for me!
type: I
meaning:
  If you have to face a difficult task or a challenging situation, you have your work cut out for you. 


idiom_text: work like a charm
sentence: I tried cleaning it with vinegar and it worked like a charm!
type: I
meaning:
  If something such as a product or method works like a charm, it functions very well or has the desired effect. 


