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101 idioms

This document provides explanations and examples of 59 common English idioms. The idioms cover a wide range of topics and include sayings about work, money, food, relationships, and more. Examples show how each idiom is typically used in everyday speech.

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

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101 idioms

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