This document provides definitions for various common English expressions related to learning. It defines expressions such as "to learn the hard way" meaning to learn from one's own unpleasant experiences rather than advice; "to know something like the back of one's hand" meaning to be very familiar with something; and "to learn the ropes" meaning to teach someone how to do a specific job. The document seeks to improve the reader's understanding of idiomatic expressions used in discussions about learning, education, and acquiring skills or knowledge.

1. LEARNING EXPRESSIONS

2. What does the expression mean?
We told them not to
take that road. But
they ignored us and
ended up stuck in
traffic for to hours. It
seems that some
people just have to
learn the hard way.
To learn from
someone´s own
unpleasant
experiences rather
than from the advice
of others

3. What does the expression mean?
I spend so much time
on campus that I
know it like the back
of my hand
To be very familiar
with something

4. What does the expression mean?
He can´t come a top
manager if he doesn´t
work his way through
the junior positions
first; after all, you
have to learn to walk
before you can run
To possess the skills
and knowledge
needed to be able to
deal with sth/sb

5. What does the expression mean?
The project we were
given was tough, so I
was taken by surprise
when I found out that
I had passed with
flying colours.
To do very well

6. What does the expression mean?
Since it´s her first
week here, can you
show the new girl the
ropes?
To teach sb how to do
a specific job

7. What does the expression mean?
The experience
taught me a powerful
lesson – no more last
minute cramming
before the exam
To experience the
negative effects of
your actions and
improve future
behaviour

8. What does the expression mean?
You should ask my
cousin about opening
a restaurant. He’s
been running one for
decades, so he
knows all the angles.
To be very familiar
with sth

9. What does the expression mean?
The French course
George is attending
covers a lot of ground
but that was expected
since its guarantees
success.
To deal with a great
amount of information

10. What does the expression mean?
How are you coping
with your course?
Have you managed to
catch up?
To improve so as to
reach the same level
as sb or sth else

11. What does the expression mean?
No matter how much
studying I’ve been
doing, I barely
scraped through the
exam. I was very
close to failing with a
54% result.
To succeed in doing
sth but with difficulty

12. What does the expression mean?
She wants to brush
up on her Spanish
before her trip to
Argentina.
To quickly improve
your skill or
knowledge of
something you have
already learnt but
partly forgotten

13. What do the idioms mean?
Knowing Charlotte,
she’s probably poring
over some book
To look at or read
something carefully
for a long time

14. What does the expression mean?
Jack used to spend
more time in
detention than in
class. In fact, he
dropped out of school
in year nine.
To leave school or
university without
finishing your studies

15. What does the expression mean?
Jack retook year nine
later and sailed
through his university
entry exams. He even
qualified for a
scholarship
To succeed in a test
or exam very easily.

16. What does the expression mean?
Professor Ward was
very good at putting
his ideas across and I
caught on very
quickly.
To convey a message
clearly
To understand or realize
sth

17. HOW MANY EXPRESSIONS DO YOU
REMEMBER?