English Idioms | Sayings | Proverbs

Business Idioms (Cont. 2)

2008-06-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Business Idioms (Cont. 2)pay off- to succeed, to yield good resultsI hope that our plans for the new business will pay off.pay off a debt/loan- to finish paying back the money that one has borrowed from a bank/store etc.The furniture manufacturer was unable to pay off their loan so they went out of business. piece/slice of the action- a share in the activity or the

Business Idioms (Cont.)

2008-06-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Business Idioms (Cont.)fill the bill- to be just what is neededThe new machine should fill the bill for what we need to finish the job.float (someone) a loan- to loan someone moneyI asked the bank to float me a loan so that I could buy a new car.gain ground- to go forward, to make progressOur company is gaining ground in its attempt to be the best in the industry.get a

Business Idioms

2008-06-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)Business Idioms across the board- including everyone or everythingThe computer company decided to give the workers an across-the-board increase in their salary.adjourn a meeting- to end a meetingWe adjourned the meeting until the next day.at a loss- at less than the cost, at a financial lossEverything was on sale but at a loss so the prices were very low.bail a company

Mouth and Teeth Idioms

2008-06-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Mouth and Teeth Idiomsgive (someone) a tongue-lashing- to give someone a severe scoldingThe mother gave her daughter a tongue-lashing when she got home from school.give voice to (something)- to speak out about somethingThe small organization gives voice to many of the poor people in the city.gnash one's teeth- to grind one's teethI often gnash my teeth when I am

Mouth and Teeth Idioms

2008-06-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Mouth and Teeth Idioms acquire a taste for (something)- to develop a liking for a particular food/drink/or somethingRecently my friend has acquired a taste for expensive neckties.armed to the teeth- to be fully armed, to have many weaponsThe robbers were armed to the teeth when they robbed the bank.as scarce as hen's teeth- very scarce or nonexistentCheap apartment

Idiom Quizzes - Sports

2008-06-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - SportsChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:We were unable to (make any advances) in our meeting to hire thereplacement coach.(a) beat the gun (b) carry the ball (c) get to first base (d) get off to aflying startAnswer(c) get to first baseThe coach already had (several things against him) when it was decidedthat he should be

Sports Idioms

2008-06-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sports Idiomsacross the board- applying to all (in horse racing a bet where an equal amount of money is placed on a horse to finish in any top winning position)The workers received an across the board wage increase and most of them were happy.arrow in one's quiver- have a number of resources or strategies that one can followHis ability with languages was another arrow

black Idioms

2008-06-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings)Idiom Quizzes - ColorsChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:The girl was (very pleased) that she was chosen to represent her class at the competition.(a) blacked out (b) tickled pink (c) green with envy (d) out of the blueAnswer(b) tickled pinkMy boss is not very flexible and he always sees things (as either good or

Color Idioms

2008-06-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings) Color Idiomsas black as a skillet- very blackMy hands were as black as a skillet when I finished working on the car engine.as black as a stack of black cats- very blackThe little boy was as black as a stack of black cats after playing outside all day.as black as a sweep- very dirty/black (a chimney sweep cleans chimneys and becomes very

Body Idioms

2008-06-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings) Body Idiomsable to breathe easily/freely again- able to relax after a busy and stressful timeI was able to breathe easily again when I knew that I would not miss my flight.as broad as a barn door- very broad/fatThe flight attendant at the airport was as broad as a barn door.as dry as a bone- very dryThe river bed was as dry as a bone at the

Idioms beginning with V

2008-06-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings)Idioms beginning with Vvanish into thin air- disappear without leaving a traceThe university student vanished into thin air and was never seen again.variety is the spice of life- life is made more interesting by doing new or different thingsMy grandmother believed that variety is the spice of life and is always starting new projects.vent

Idiom Quizzes - U

2008-06-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com) Idiom Quizzes - UChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:I have (had enough of) his bad manners so I don`t want to meet him anymore.(a) had it under oath with (b) had it up the river with no paddle with (c) had it up my sleeve with (d) had it up to here withAnswer(d) had it up to here with Repairing motors is (suitable for him) so he enjoys his

Up Idioms

2008-06-21T00:55:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings) up Idioms up a blind alley- on a route that leads nowhere, at a dead endThe police were up a blind alley in their search for evidence of the crime.up against- having trouble withHe came up against many problems when he went to university.up against (something)- close toThe ladder was standing up against the tree in the yard.up and about-

Idioms beginning with U

2008-06-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com -English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms beginning with U ugly duckling- an ugly or plain child who grows up to be attractiveShe was an ugly duckling when she was a child but now she is very beautiful.unaccustomed to (someone or something)- not used to someone or somethingThe man was unaccustomed to waking up early in the morning.under Idiomsunder a cloud- depressed, sadShe

Take Idioms

2008-06-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings) take Idiomstake a backseat to (someone or something)- to accept a poorer or lower position than someone, to be second to someone or somethingI had to take a backseat to my boss when we went on the business trip.take a bath (on something)- to come to financial ruin, to lose much money on somethingMy aunt took a bath on the stock market last

See Idioms

2008-06-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings)See Idioms see a man about a dog- to leave for some unmentioned purpose (often to go to the restroom)I drank several cups of coffee and I soon had to stop my car to see a man about a dog.see about (something)- to check into somethingI am going to see about getting the book before next week.see double- to see two of everything instead of oneI

Say Idioms

2008-06-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms beginning with SAYsay a mouthful- to say something of great importance/meaning/length"You certainly said a mouthful," I said when my friend began to tell me about his complaint.say grace- to say a prayer of thanks before or after a mealThe bride's father was asked to say grace before the wedding banquet.say one`s piece- to say openly what one thinksI said my

S Idioms

2008-06-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms beginning with Ssack out- to go to bed, to go to sleepI sacked out as soon as I arrived home last evening.a sacred cow- something that is never criticized or laughed at even if it sometimes deserves to beThe medical insurance system is a sacred cow of the government and is never criticized by anyone.sadder but wiser- unhappy but educated (said about someone or

Idiom Quizzes - R

2008-06-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - RChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:He is (taking a chance) that he will become sick.(a) rubbing it in (b) running a risk (c) raising eyebrows (d) racking his brainsAnswer(b) running a riskThe antique phonograph that I found is the (genuine thing).(a) rough guess (b) real McCoy (c) rat race (d) raw dealAnswer(b) real McCoyOur

R Idioms

2008-06-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms beginning with Ra race against time- a rush to beat a deadlineIt was a race against time to rescue the miners who were trapped in the mine.rack one`s brains- to try hard to think or remember somethingI have been racking my brains all day trying to remember the man's name.racked with pain- to be suffering from severe painThe man was racked with pain after he fell

Birds Idioms

2008-06-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Birds Idiomsan albatross (around someone's neck)- a problem that prevents someone from succeedingThe man's lack of a university degree was an albatross around his neck and prevented him from being promoted.as a duck takes to water- easily and naturallyThe little boy started to swim just as a duck takes to water.as bald as a coot- completely baldThe man in the gas

Idioms beginning with A

2008-06-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms beginning with AA bit much If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.A chain is no stronger than its weakest link This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.A day late and a dollar short (USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too

What is a phrasal verb / proverb?

2008-06-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)What is a phrasal verb?A phrasal verb is a verb which is a combination of a verb and an adverb, a verb and a preposition, and a verb with an adverb and a preposition. It can have a literal meaning that is easy to understand because the meaning is clear from the words that are used in the phrasal verb itself. It can also have an idiomatic meaning which cannot easily be

Heart Idioms (cont.)

2008-06-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)heart goes out to (someone)- to feel great sympathy for someoneMy heart goes out to the victims of the recent hurricane.heart is dead set against (something)- to be totally against somethingMy mother's heart is dead set against my plan to go to art school.heart is in one's mouth- to feel very nervous or frightened or have strong emotions about somethingMy heart was in my

Heart Idioms

2008-06-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

(idioms-sayings.blogspot.com - English Idioms & Sayings)HEART IDIOMSaching heart - a feeling of sadness that one has when love has been lost or has fadedThe young woman spent the weekend alone with her aching heart.after one`s own heart- to be well-liked for agreeing with one`s own feelings/interests/ideasMy new boss loves to go fishing. He is a man after my own heart.at heart- basically,

Leg and Foot Idioms

2008-06-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)Leg and Foot IdiomsAchilles' heel (of someone or something)- the weak part of a person/place/system/argument which can easily be attacked or criticizedThe lack of skilled workers was the Achilles' heel of the government's plans to prepare for the Olympics.at one`s heels- close behind someoneThe large car was at my heels during my drive into town.back on one`s feet- to

What is an idiom?

2008-06-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) What is an idiom?An idiom is a combination of words that has a meaning that is different from the meanings of the individual words themselves. It can have a literal meaning in one situation and a different idiomatic meaning in another situation. It is a phrase which does not always follow the normal rules of meaning and grammar.To sit on the fence can literally mean

Q Idioms

2008-06-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Q Idiomsquake in one's boots- to be afraid, to shake from fearI was quaking in my boots when my boss told me to come to his office.queer as a three-dollar bill- to be very strangeThe woman is the strangest person that I have ever seen and she is as queer as a three-dollar bill.quick and dirty- fast and cheap, fast and carelessThe method that the company chose to cut

Play Idioms

2008-06-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Play Idiomsplay a joke/trick on (someone)- to do a joke/trick that affects someoneThe boy played a trick on his teacher.play along with (someone or something)- to agree to cooperate with someone's planI decided to play along with my friend and his crazy plan to buy a horse.play around/about with (someone or something)- to engage in some play with someone or somethingThe

P Idioms

2008-06-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms start with Ppack a punch/wallop- to provide a burst of energy/power/excitementThe storm packed a wallop and did much damage to the coast.a pack of lies- a series of liesEverything that the man said was a pack of lies and nobody believed him.pack them in- to attract a lot of peopleThe new restaurant is able to pack them in with its new and exciting menu.packed in

Idiom Quizzes - O

2008-06-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - OChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:We used (various materials) from around the office to make the desk.(a) on and off (b) odds and ends (c) once in a while (d) out of sortsAnswer(b) odds and endsThe politician told him (unofficially) that he would not be a candidate.(a) off the record (b) on a shoestring (c) once in a blue

O Idioms

2008-06-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms start with Ooccur to (someone)- to come into someone's mind (an idea or thought)It occurred to me that I will not be able to meet my friend on Saturday because I have to go to the airport to meet someone else.ocean(s) of (something)- a very large amount of somethingThere was oceans of food at the party.odd man out- an unusual person or thingI always feel that I

Idiom Quizzes - N

2008-06-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - NChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:Building the highway in the mountains was (very difficult) for the workers.(a) nobody`s fool (b) a narrow escape (c) nipped in the bud (d) no bed of rosesAnswer(d) no bed of roses He studies very hard so (of course) he always does well.(a) never mind (b) no wonder (c) no picnic (d) now

N Idioms

2008-06-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms start with Nnail down (someone or something)- to make certain/sure of somethingI am trying to nail down the exact time that we can meet with our supplier.a nail in (someone's) coffin- something that will harm someoneFighting with his boss was a nail in my friend's coffin. He will not get a promotion now.naked eye- the human eye (with no binoculars etc.)It was

100 most frequently used idioms - part 4

2008-06-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) 75 -100 of 100 most frequently used idioms rule out (someone or something)- to decide against or eliminate someone or somethingThe police ruled out the man as a possible bank robber.We decided to rule out Monday as the day to have our meeting.run into (trouble/problems/difficulty/an issue)- to experience something, to encounter somethingThe mechanic ran into trouble

100 most frequently used idioms - part 3

2008-06-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)51 -75 of 100 most frequently used idiomsin general- in most situations or circumstancesIn general, most of the people in our apartment are happy with the new manager.in order to- for the purpose ofThey have decided to close down the school for the summer in order to do some major repairs.in other words- in a different (usually more direct) way"In other words, if you do

100 most frequently used idioms - part 2

2008-06-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) 26-50 of 100 most frequently used idiomsfind out (something)- to learn or discover somethingMy mother is angry at me because she found out that I had quit my French class.first of all- the very first thingFirst of all we prepared the garden and then we planted the seeds.for good- permanentlyThe city will close the public swimming pool for good next week.for sure-

100 most frequently used idioms - part 1

2008-06-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) 1-25 of 100 most frequently used idioms about to (do something)- to be on the point of doing somethingI was about to leave when the phone rang.according to (someone or something)- as said or told by someone, in agreement with something, in the order of something, in proportion to somethingAccording to our teacher, there will be no class next week.We did everything

Quizzes - Proverbs/Sayings

2008-06-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Quizzes - Proverbs/SayingsChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:The supervisor told the man that (what he does is more important than what he says) and he must not be late for work again.(a) all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (b) a bad workman blames his tools (c) actions speak louder than words (d) there's no accounting for tasteAnswer(c) actions speak louder than

V, W, Y Sayings

2008-06-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings starts with V, W, Yvariety is the spice of life- life is made more interesting by doing new or different thingsThe three women believe that variety is the spice of life and they are always traveling to new places and trying new things.walls have ears- be careful what you say because someone may be listeningWe were told that walls have ears when our supervisor

T sayings

2008-06-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) SAYINGS START WITH Ttall oaks from little acorns grow- everything has a small beginning before becoming bigThe large chain of supermarkets began with one small country store but tall oaks from little acorns grow and it was now the largest supermarket chain in the world.tell the truth and shame the devil- it is better to tell the truth even though there may be good

R, S Sayings

2008-06-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) SAYINGS START WITH R, Sthe road to hell is paved with good intentions- you may have good intentions but if you do not put them into practice you will achieve bad resultsThe man wanted to be successful at his new job but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. He was always late and he was fired from the job.a rolling stone gathers no moss- someone who often

O, P Sayings

2008-06-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings start with O, Pold habits die hard- it is hard to stop doing something that has become a habit even if you want to stop itOld habits die hard and it is very difficult for my grandfather to change some of his habits.once bitten, twice shy- if something goes wrong one time then you will be careful about doing the same thing againOnce bitten, twice shy and because

M, N Sayings

2008-06-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings Start with M, Nmake hay while the sun shines- to take advantage of opportunities and good conditions while you canWe wanted to make hay while the sun shines so we tried to finish the outside work while the weather was good.many hands make light work- a job is done easily if a lot of people share in the workMany hands make light work and when the three men worked

J, L Sayings

2008-06-15T03:17:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings start with J, Ljump out of the frying pan and into the fire- to leave one dangerous or bad situation for a situation that is worseMy friend jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. He changed jobs and had more problems in his new job than in his old one.just what the doctor ordered- something that is good for someone to have or to doThe holiday was just

H, I Sayings

2008-06-15T03:14:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings start with H, Ihalf a loaf is better than none- having part of something is better than having nothingHalf a loaf is better than none and you should be happy to get part of the refund back rather than nothing at all.haste makes waste- time gained in doing something rapidly will be lost if you must do it again to correct your mistakesHaste makes waste I thought

F, G Sayings

2008-06-15T03:10:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings starts with F, Ga faint heart never won a lady- a shy or timid person must be bold to attract the woman that he likesThe man must be more aggressive if he wants to find a girlfriend. He should remember that a faint heart never won a lady.familiarity breeds contempt- knowing a person closely for a long time sometimes leads to bad feelingsFamiliarity breeds

Sayings start with D, E

2008-06-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings start with D, Edevil take the hindmost- everybody must look after their own interests or safetyThe man's attitude was the devil take the hindmost and he never helped his friends when they needed help.die is cast- a decision has already been made and you cannot change itWe have decided to move to Paris. Now the die is cast and we cannot change our plans.different

C sayings

2008-06-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings Starts with C cat has nine lives- cats are very strong and can survive many accidents or problemsThe president of the small country survived crisis after crisis just like a cat with nine lives.charity begins at home- one should help one's family or close friends before helping other peopleThe man was always doing volunteer work. He did not understand that

B sayings

2008-06-15T02:55:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Sayings start with Bbad news travels fast- people are quicker to pass on bad news than good newsBad news travels fast and the man heard about the job layoffs a week before the official announcement.a bad workman blames his tools- someone blames his tools or the material that he is working with for his own bad workThe carpenter was angry that his saw did not cut well. As

A Sayings

2008-06-15T02:07:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)absence makes the heart grow fonder- being away from someone makes you like him or her even moreAbsence makes the heart grow fonder and when the young man went away to university he missed his girlfriend even more.actions speak louder than words- what you do is more important than what you sayThe politician promised to do many things but he never did anything. But

Idiom Quizzes - M

2008-06-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - MChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:The couple spend too much money so it is very difficult to (keep within their budget) on one salary.(a) make a bundle (b) make ends meet (c) make themselves at home (d) make wavesAnswer(b) make ends meet He (is very serious) when he says that he will do something.(a) means business (b)

M Idioms

2008-06-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) M Idiomsmad as a hatter- crazyMy neighbor is mad as a hatter and we never know what she will do next.mad as a hornet- very angryOur boss was mad as a hornet when we saw him at the meeting yesterday.made for each other- two people are very well suited romanticallyThe young couple are made for each other and seem to be very happy.made to measure- made especially to fit

Idiom Quizzes - L

2008-06-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - LChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:She is working as a cashier for the first time so it will take some time for her to (become accustomed to the job).(a) let her hair down (b) let bygones be bygones (c) learn the ropes (d) lay it on thickAnswer(c) learn the ropes He is (very wealthy) and never has to worry about looking for

L Idioms

2008-06-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) L Idiomsa labor of love- something done for personal pleasure and not for moneyThe man's book is a labor of love and he doesn`t expect to make any money from it.lace into (someone)- attack or scold someoneThe mother laced into her child when he came home late from the movie.lace into (something)- devour/eat foodWe laced into our dinner as soon as we entered the

Idiom Quizzes - K

2008-06-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - KChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:He has been (working very hard) recently so that he can go on a nice holiday.(a) keeping his fingers crossed (b) keeping his nose to the grindstone (c) keeping his nose clean (d) kicking the habitAnswer(b) keeping his nose to the grindstone He (memorized all) of the players on the football

K Idioms

2008-06-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) K IDIOMS kangaroo court- an illegal court formed by a group of people to settle a dispute among themselvesThe men were convicted by a kangaroo court in the town and nobody agreed with the decision.Katie bar the door- get ready for trouble, a desperate situation is at handThe gang arrived at the hotel and were ready to come in and fight. "Katie bar the door."keel over-

Idiom Quizzes - I

2008-06-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - IChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:He feels that he is (doing the same thing every day) so he is frustrated with his job.(a) in the dark (b) in seventh heaven (c) in a rut (d) in hot waterAnswer(c) in a rut After the class he was (in a hurry) to go home.(a) in the swim (b) in the doghouse (c) in a rush (d) in

I Idioms

2008-06-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) I IDIOMSidiot box- television setMy friend sits in front of the idiot box all day and never gets any work done.if looks could kill- used when someone makes an unfriendly look or frowns at someoneIf looks could kill then the horrible way that the woman looked at me would have killed me instantly.if so- if that is the caseThe lawyer said that he wants to meet us this

Idiom Quizzes - H

2008-06-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - HChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:We (had a lot of fun) at the sports festival last weekend.(a) harped on something (b) had a ball (c) had half a mind (d) hit the spotAnswer(b) had a ball "Please (wait a minute). I`m not ready yet."(a) have a head on your shoulders (b) have a fit (c) hold the reins (d) hold your

H Idioms

2008-06-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) H Idiomshad best (do something)- should do something, ought to do somethingI had best go home soon as I want to get up early tomorrow morning.had better (do something)- should do something, ought to do somethingI had better go now or I will be late for class.hail from (somewhere)- originally come from somewhereMy father hails from a small farming community.the hair of

Idiom Quizzes - G

2008-06-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - GChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:The man is working very hard to (get a promotion).(a) get cold feet (b) go Dutch (c) go overboard (d) get aheadAnswer(d) get aheadWe plan to move so we must (throw away) our old furniture.(a) get a kick out of (b) give rise to (c) get rid of (d) get wind ofAnswer(c) get rid ofThe couple (

G Idioms

2008-06-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) G Idiomsgain ground- to go forward, to make progressThe toy company is gaining ground in their effort to sell more products.game that two can play- a good or bad strategy that two competing sides can both useThe insults from my friend are a game that two can play and if she wants to continue then so can I.gang up on (someone)- to attack someone in a groupThe children

Idiom Quizzes - F

2008-06-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Idiom Quizzes - FChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:The number of visitors to the museum has begun to (decrease) recently.(a) force their hand (b) fall into a trap (c) fill the bill (d) fall offAnswer(d) fall off The man recently lost his job so we (feel pity for) his family.(a) feel sorry for (b) fall back on (c) fight tooth and nail for (d) fork money out

F idioms

2008-06-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) F idiomsface down (someone)- to confront someone boldly, to defy someoneWe decided to face down our competitors and were able to stay in business.face the music- to accept the consequences of somethingThe boy must face the music for his actions very soon.face to face- in personI had a face-to-face meeting with my supervisor to talk about my job performance.face up to (

Idiom Quizzes - E

2008-06-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - EChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:My friend is always (pushing me on) when I am angry about something.(a) egging me on (b) excusing himself (c) eating crow (d) eating his wordsAnswer(a) egging me onHer mother gave her (a scolding) when she returned home late from school.(a) every other (b) an earful (c) an eagle eye (d)

E Idioms

2008-06-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) E IDIOMSeach and every- every"I want each and every student to bring his or her textbook tomorrow."eager beaver- a person who is always eager to work hard or do extra workMy colleague is an eager beaver and is always ready to work hard when we need him.eagle eye- an eye with sharp visual powersThe woman watched her young child with an eagle eye.an ear to the ground-

Idiom Quizzes - D

2008-06-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - DChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:"Please pass me that hammer. I think it should (work well) to fix this drawer."(a) do a double take (b) do its thing (c) do the trick (d) do the honorsAnswer(c) do the trick The parents had to (set a limit) and refused to give their son any more money.(a) drive a hard bargain (b) draw the

D Idioms

2008-06-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) D IDIOMSdaily grind- the everyday work routineMy father is tired of the daily grind of working and will retire soon.dance to a different tune- to change one's behavior or attitudeOur boss began dancing to a different tune when his head salesman decided to quit.dance with death- to do something that is very riskyThe teenagers were dancing with death when they began to

Idiom Quizzes - C

2008-06-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idiom Quizzes - CChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:My father must (eliminate) fat from his diet because of his health.(a) cancel out (b) cover up (c) cut out (d) carry overAnswer(c) cut outLet`s (stop work) for today and come back tomorrow.(a) carry coals to Newcastle (b) catch some Z's (c) call it quits (d) come acrossAnswer(c)

Come Idioms

2008-06-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Come Idiomscome a cropper- to failThe man came a cropper in the chess tournament and that is why he is sad.come a long way- to make great progressThe manager has come a long way and has learned many things about his new company.come about- to happenEverybody believes that the plans for the new community center will never come about.come across (someone or something)- to

Close Idioms

2008-06-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Close Idiomsclose at hand- to be within reachThe day that the new coach would be chosen was now close at hand.close call/shave- an accident that almost happens but does not happenI had a close call this morning when the truck almost hit me.close in on (someone or something)- to overwhelm or surround someone or somethingThe soldiers quickly closed in on the enemy

Clear Idioms

2008-06-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Clear Idiomsclear of (something)- to be not touching somethingWe checked that the ladder was clear of the electrical wires before we painted the house.clear out (of somewhere)- to leave, to get out (usually quickly or abruptly)We cleared out of the building as soon as our class was over.clear out (something)- to clean somewhere, to remove somethingWe cleared out the

Catch Idioms

2008-06-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Catch Idiomscatch-22- a situation which contradicts itself, a paradoxical situationIt was a catch-22 situation and if I went to work there would be problems but if I did not go to work there would also be problems.catch a cold- to become sick with a coldI caught a cold because of the rain and the cold weather.catch-as-catch-can- in any way possibleWe are in the middle

Cast Idioms

2008-06-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Cast Idiomscast around/about for (someone or something)- to look for someone or somethingWe have been casting around for a new file clerk in our company.cast aspersions on (someone)- to make insulting remarks about someoneThe woman is always casting aspersions on her colleagues at work.cast doubts on (someone or something)- to cause someone or something to be doubtedThe

Carry Idioms

2008-06-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) CARRY IDIOMScarry a lot of weight with (someone or something)- to be very influential with someone or a group of peopleThe man's education and experience carry a lot of weight in the university.carry a tune- to be able to sing accurately, to have musical abilityThe girl in the music class cannot carry a tune.carry coals to Newcastle- to bring something of which there is

C Idioms

2008-06-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) C IDIOMScalm down- to relaxThe woman finally calmed down after the accident.cancel (something) out- to destroy the effect of somethingThe overeating by the girl cancelled out the benefits of her exercise.can of worms- a complicated situation or problemThe lawsuit opened up a can of worms for the company.can't do anything with (someone or something)- to be unable to

Call Idioms

2008-06-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) CALL IDIOMScall a meeting- to request that a meeting be heldThe board of directors will call a meeting for next week.call a meeting to order- to officially start a meetingThe president called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.call a spade a spade- to speak bluntlyThe supervisor called a spade a spade when he criticized the employee for being lazy.call for (someone)- to

Idiom quizzes - B

2008-06-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) IDIOM QUIZZES - BChoose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:I am going to go to night school to (review) my English.(a) bundle up (b) brush up on (c) bottle up (d) bring to mindAnswer(b) brush up onI wish my friend would say exactly what he means rather than (talking and not getting to the point).(a) brewing a plot (b) beating his head against the

By Idioms

2008-06-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) BY IDIOMS by a mile- by a great distanceThe runner won the race by a mile.by a whisker/hair- just barely, by a very small amountThe marathon runner won the race by a whisker.by all accounts- from all reports, from what everyone is sayingBy all accounts the new manager is a very good person.by all appearances- apparently, according to what one seesBy all appearances the

Bring Idioms

2008-06-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) BRING IDIOMSbring about (something)- to make something happenThe two company presidents worked hard to bring about the joining of their two companies.bring around (someone)- to bring someone for a visitI asked my friend to bring his new girlfriend around for a visit.bring down the house- to cause much laughter in the audienceThe comedian brought down the house with his

Break Idioms

2008-06-14T04:51:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) BREAK IDIOMSbreak a habit- to end a habitMy sister worked very hard to break her habit of eating too much chocolate.break a law- to fail to obey a lawThe young man broke the law when he drove his friend's car without a proper license.break a record- to set a new record that is better than an old oneThe team tried hard to break a record during the last week of the

Blow Idioms

2008-06-14T03:50:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) BLOW IDIOMSblow a fuse- to burn out a fuse, to become angryWe quickly replaced the old fuse when our house blew a fuse last night.My friend blew a fuse when I told him that I had lost his bookblow one`s own horn- to praise oneselfMy friend is always blowing his own horn and is very annoying at times.blow one's top/stack- to become very angryThe customer blew his stack

B idioms (5)

2008-06-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

bite off more than one can chew- to try to do more than one is able to doI bit off more than I can chew by agreeing to do another assignment.bite one's nails- to be nervous or anxious about somethingThe children were biting their nails as they waited for the results of the test.bite one's tongue- to try not to say something that you really want to sayI had to bite my tongue and not tell our boss

B idioms (4)

2008-06-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) B IDIOMS (4)better off- to be in a better situation than beforeHe would be better off if he sold his old car and bought a new one.between a rock and a hard place- to be in a very difficult positionWe were between a rock and a hard place in our effort to solve the problem.between the devil and the deep blue sea- to be in a very difficult positionThe mayor was between the

B idioms (3)

2008-06-14T03:37:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) B IDIOMSbelabor the point- to spend too much time on a point of discussionI tried not to belabor the point but I needed to explain things in detail for everyone to understand.below average- to be lower or worse than averageThe amount of rain was below average during the winter.belt (something) out- to sing/play a song with lots of energyThe man stood up and belted out

B idioms (2)

2008-06-14T03:34:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) B IDIOMS (2)becoming on/to (someone)- to make someone look goodThe red dress looked very becoming on my girlfriend.(no) bed of roses- a situation that is happy and comfortable (usually used in the negative)The new job was very difficult and certainly no bed of roses.(have a) bee in one`s bonnet- to have an idea that continually occupies one`s thoughts.My friend has a

Beat Idioms

2008-06-14T03:32:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) BEAT IDIOMSbeat a hasty retreat- to retreat or withdraw very quicklyThe soldiers beat a hasty retreat when the guerrillas attacked them.beat a path to (someone's) door- to come to someone in great numbersThe customers beat a path to the door of the computer game store.beat around the bush- to speak indirectly or evasively"Stop beating around the bush and give us your

Bear Idioms

2008-06-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Bear Idiomsbear/hold a grudge (against someone)- to continue to be angry at someone, to resent someoneThe woman continued to bear a grudge against her friend for many years.bear fruit- to yield or give resultsThe girl's hard work began to bear fruit when she won the dance contest.bear in mind- to consider that something is soWe have to bear in mind that the child is

Be Idioms

2008-06-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) Be Idiomsbe a new one on (someone)- to be something one has not heard before and something that is difficult to believeIt was a new one on me when my friend said that he was studying Russian.be all ears- to listen eagerly and carefullyThe boy was all ears when the teacher described the circus.be all things to all people- to be everything that is wanted by all peopleThe

B Idioms (back Idioms)

2008-06-14T01:36:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)bad blood (between people)- unpleasant feelings between peopleThere was much bad blood between the three brothers.bad-mouth (someone or something)- to say bad things about someone or somethingThe supervisor has the habit of bad-mouthing her boss.bag of tricks- a collection of special techniques or methodsThe teacher has a bag of tricks to keep her students occupied.bail

Back Idioms

2008-06-14T01:32:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)back and forth- backwards and forwards, first one way and then the other wayThe argument went back and forth before the judge made a decision.back down (from someone or something)- to fail to carry through on a threat to do somethingThe government backed down from their plan to sell the national airline.back in circulation- to be available to the public again (a library

Idiom quizzes - A

2008-06-14T01:14:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)Choose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:He is (not very good) when he tries to repair something in his house.(a) all thumbs (b) about time (c) all ears (d) an arm and a legAnswer(a) all thumbsHe was (all ready to) leave the house when his friend came over.(a) at ease to (b) about to (c) at heart to (d) at loggerheads toAnswer(b) about toThe

At Idioms (3)

2008-06-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)at random- without sequence or orderThe members of the team were chosen at random from among the regular players.at risk- to be in dangerThe children were at risk of getting sick when the disease spread in the school.at sea- to be on the sea, to be away on a voyage on the oceanWhen my grandfather was a young man he was at sea for several months.at sea (about something)-

At Idioms (2)

2008-06-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)at every turn- everywhere one looksThere was a tour group at every turn when we visited Rome.at face value- from outward appearancesThe antique table is worth very little money at face value.at fault- to be responsible or to be to blame for somethingThe truck driver was at fault for the terrible accident.at first- at the beginningAt first I did not want to go to a movie

At Idioms

2008-06-14T01:01:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)at a loss- to be in a state of uncertainity or bewildermentWe were at a loss about what to do with the computer that was having problems.at a loss (for words)- to be speechless, to be unable to speakI was at a loss for words when I finally saw my mother after several years.at a sitting- at one timeWe finished all of the food at a sitting.at a stretch- continuouslyMy

Ask Idioms

2008-06-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)ask for the moon- to ask for too muchThe woman asks for the moon but is never able to get what she wants.ask for trouble- to behave in a way that trouble is likelyThe boy is asking for trouble if he misses another class.ask (someone) out- to ask a person for a dateMy friend finally asked out the woman at the bank.asleep at the switch- to not be alert to an opportunityI

As Idioms

2008-06-14T00:54:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)as a last resort- if everything else failsAs a last resort we decided to borrow some money from my father to buy the car.as a matter of fact- actuallyAs a matter of fact we have been to the history museum many times.as a result of (something)- because of something that has happenedAs a result of the car accident my friend could not work for several months.as a rule-

A Idioms (2)

2008-06-14T00:50:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings)allow for (someone or something)- to plan to have enough of something, to plan on the possibility of somethingWe must allow for enough time to go to the stadium.along with (someone or something)- in addition to someone or somethingI went to the concert along with my friend.amount to (something)- to become successfulThe boy will never amount to anything if he does not

all Idioms

2008-06-14T00:25:00.000-07:00

(English Idioms & Sayings) all along - all the time I knew all along that my friend would not get the promotion. all at oncesuddenly, without warning All at once the fire alarm rang and we had to leave the buildingall day long - the whole day She has been sitting and waiting for the mail to arrive all day long. all ears - to be eager to listen to someone