on-going phrases / idioms/ sayings

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ahead of the pack
If we want to stay ahead of the pack, we’ll have to increase our marketing budget.
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To be more successful than the competition
If we want to stay ahead of the pack, we’ll have to increase our marketing budget.
Back to square one
To make this software finally work, we have to go back to square one.
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To start something over again because a previous attempt failed
To make this software finally work, we have to go back to square one.
Ballpark number/figure
To give you a ballpark figure, how much the border wall to Mexico is going to cost, I’d say about 30 million dollars.
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A very inexact estimate
To give you a ballpark figure, how much the border wall to Mexico is going to cost, I’d say about 30 million dollars.
Big picture
Working on all these details, we have lost sight of the big picture.
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Everything that is involved with a particular situation
Working on all these details, we have lost sight of the big picture.
By the book
We told our auditors that we do everything by the book.
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To do things exactly according to the rules or the law
We told our auditors that we do everything by the book.
Corner the market
Amazon more or less corners the online retailing market.
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To dominate a particular market
Amazon more or less corners the online retailing market.
Cut-throat
Competition in the food retailing business is cut-throat.
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Very intense, aggressive, and merciless competition
Competition in the food retailing business is cut-throat.
Easy come, easy go
I lost 500 Euros in a poker game last night, but that’s life – easy come, easy go.
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Something gained easily is also lost easily
I lost 500 Euros in a poker game last night, but that’s life – easy come, easy go.
Game plan
What is our game plan for dealing with our new competitor?
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A strategy or plan for achieving success
What is our game plan for dealing with our new competitor?
Get down to business
Now that everyone’s here, let’s get down to business and start with the presentation.
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Stop making small talk and start talking about serious business topics
Now that everyone’s here, let’s get down to business and start with the presentation.
Get something off the ground
Now that we have finished the planning phase, we’re eager the get the project off the ground.
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ground To start something (e.g. a project or a business)
Now that we have finished the planning phase, we’re eager the get the project off the ground.
Go down the drain
All our efforts in entering this new market went down the drain.
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Something is wasted or lost
All our efforts in entering this new market went down the drain.
Go the extra mile
To give our customers the best shopping experience, we go the extra mile.
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To do more than what people expect
To give our customers the best shopping experience, we go the extra mile.
Hands are tied
I’d love to help you, but my hands are tied.
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Not being free to behave in the way that you would like
I’d love to help you, but my hands are tied.
In a nutshell
In a nutshell, we will run out of cash in three months time.
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Using as few words as possible
In a nutshell, we will run out of cash in three months time.
In full swing
Construction of our new production site is in full swing now.
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At a stage when the level of activity is at its highest
Construction of our new production site is in full swing now.
In the driver’s seat
Being offered the position of managing director, I’ll soon be in the driver’s seat
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To be in charge or in control of a situation
Being offered the position of managing director, I’ll soon be in the driver’s seat
Keep one’s eye on the ball
We should not diversify our product offering too much, but rather keep our eyes on the ball.
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To give something one’s full attention and to not lose focus
We should not diversify our product offering too much, but rather keep our eyes on the ball.
Learn the ropes
I’m learning the ropes in my new position.
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Learn the basics of something (e.g. a job)
I’m learning the ropes in my new position.
Long shot
Winning the lottery is a long shot.
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Something that has a very low probability of happening
Winning the lottery is a long shot.
No-brainer
Making money working for an investment bank is a no-brainer.
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Something that is really obvious or easy
Making money working for an investment bank is a no-brainer.
No strings attached
They will let you try the product for free with no strings attached
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Something is given without involving special demands or limits
They will let you try the product for free with no strings attached
Not going to fly
This product is definitely not going to fly.
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Something isn’t expected to work out
This product is definitely not going to fly.
On the same page
Let’s go over the contract details once more to make sure we’re on the same page.
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To be in agreement about something
Let’s go over the contract details once more to make sure we’re on the same page.
Out in the open
Our financials our out in the open anyway.
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Something that is public knowledge and not secret anymore
Our financials our out in the open anyway.
Put all one’s eggs in one basket
It’s not smart to invest in American tech stocks only and put all one’s eggs in one basket.
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To rely on only one thing to bring success
It’s not smart to invest in American tech stocks only and put all one’s eggs in one basket.
Put the cart before the horse
Trying to find an investor without having a business plan is like putting the cart before the horse.
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To do or think about things in the wrong order
Trying to find an investor without having a business plan is like putting the cart before the horse.
Raise the bar
The iPhone raised the bar for smartphone makers.
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To set standards or expectations higher
The iPhone raised the bar for smartphone makers.
Red tape
The new law is going to create a lot of red tape.
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Official rules and processes that seem excessive and unnecessary
The new law is going to create a lot of red tape.
Rock the boat
Don’t rock the boat until the negotiations are finished
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To do or say something that will upset people or cause problems
Don’t rock the boat until the negotiations are finished
Safe bet
It’s a safe bet that computer processor speed will more than triple within the next 10 years.
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Something that is certain to happen
It’s a safe bet that computer processor speed will more than triple within the next 10 years.
Same boat
None of us has any money left, so we’re all in the same boat.
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To be in the same difficult situation as someone else
None of us has any money left, so we’re all in the same boat.
See eye to eye
My boss doesn’t see eye to eye with me about our marketing campaign
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To agree with somebody
My boss doesn’t see eye to eye with me about our marketing campaign
See something through
I want to see this project through before taking on another one.
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To continue until something is finished
I want to see this project through before taking on another one.
Sever ties
We had to sever ties with several suppliers due to poor product quality.
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To end a relationship
Shoot something down
You shouldn’t shoot down your co-workers ideas during a brainstorming session.
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To reject something (e.g. an idea or a proposal)
You shouldn’t shoot down your co-workers ideas during a brainstorming session.
Smooth sailing
Once our largest competitor went out of business, it was smooth sailing.
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A situation where success is achieved without difficulties
Once our largest competitor went out of business, it was smooth sailing.
Stand one’s ground
They tried to cut my travel budget, but I stood my ground.
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To not change one’s opinion or position
They tried to cut my travel budget, but I stood my ground.
Take the bull by the horns
My mid-level managers constantly delayed projects, so I took the bull by the horns and fired several of them.
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To directly confront a difficult situation in a brave and determined way
My mid-level managers constantly delayed projects, so I took the bull by the horns and fired several of them.
Talk someone into something
I was reluctant to redesign our website, but my employees talked me into it.
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To convince someone to do something
I was reluctant to redesign our website, but my employees talked me into it.
Talk someone out of something
We wanted to take on more debt, but our CFO talked us out of it.
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To convince someone not to do something
We wanted to take on more debt, but our CFO talked us out of it.
The elephant in the room
We should have discussed our pending litigation, but no one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room.
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An obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to discuss
We should have discussed our pending litigation, but no one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room.
Think outside the box
Our current approach will get us nowhere. We have to think outside the box.
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To think of creative, unconventional solutions instead of common ones.
Our current approach will get us nowhere. We have to think outside the box.
Time’s up
I think his time’s up as the CEO.
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Time for something or someone has ended.
I think his time’s up as the CEO.
Touch base
I will touch base with you later today.
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To make contact with someone.
I will touch base with you later today.
Twist someone’s arm
My boss thought the budget was a little high, so I had to twist his arm to get him to agree to it.
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To convince someone to do something that he or she does not want to do
My boss thought the budget was a little high, so I had to twist his arm to get him to agree to it.
to deal with
Our new department head will deal with the training of new staff members.
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To handle, work on
Our new department head will deal with the training of new staff members.
to take over
Tom will take over the sales department and become its new manager.
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o get control or responsibility for something
Tom will take over the sales department and become its new manager.
to Look into
We are now looking into new software to use in our training.
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To investigate, learn more about
We are now looking into new software to use in our training.
to look up to
Many of our co-workers look up to Jill, and she is well-liked by her customers as well.
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To respect
Many of our co-workers look up to Jill, and she is well-liked by her customers as well.
to look for sth
They are looking for a candidate who can speak both Chinese and Portuguese.
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To search
They are looking for a candidate who can speak both Chinese and Portuguese.
To look through
They had to look through all of last month’s receipts to find the one they wanted.
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To search many things
They had to look through all of last month’s receipts to find the one they wanted.
to catch on
Jim learns quickly, therefore he caught on after trying only two times.
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To finally understand, to understand something that other people already understand
Jim learns quickly, therefore he caught on after trying only two times.
to get ahead
My boss told me that if I wanted to get ahead, I would need to work a little harder.
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To move up in position, improve your career
My boss told me that if I wanted to get ahead, I would need to work a little harder.
to drop in (ON sb) (OR for sth e.g. for a drink)
I am always nervous when our CEO drops in.
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To make an unexpected visit
I am always nervous when our CEO drops in.
drop off
At the end of summer there was a drop off in sales of bottled water.
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A sharp decrease
At the end of summer there was a drop off in sales of bottled water.
drop off sth
The new receptionist dropped our plans off on her way home.
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To deliver
The new receptionist dropped our plans off on her way home.
to fill in
You can’t go on to page 2 until you fill in every answer on page 1.
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To write or type an item on a form
You can’t go on to page 2 until you fill in every answer on page 1.
to fill in
When the president is away, the vice president will fill in.
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To do a job or hold a position temporarily
When the president is away, the vice president will fill in.
to bring up an issue
Whenever we have a meeting, our manager brings up the fact that we are improving every month.
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To say or introduce a topic or issue
Whenever we have a meeting, our manager brings up the fact that we are improving every month.
to break down
The new security system seemed confusing until Mary broke it down into five easy steps.
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to explain something or divide something into parts down
The new security system seemed confusing until Mary broke it down into five easy steps.
to hold up
The bad weather is holding progress up on the new bridge.
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To cause a delay
The bad weather is holding progress up on the new bridge.
to turn down
Larry turned down a job at another company so that he could continue his work here
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To handle, work on
Larry turned down a job at another company so that he could continue his work here
to think through
The marketing team did not think it through carefully before giving the product such a silly name.
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o consider carefully and thoroughly
The marketing team did not think it through carefully before giving the product such a silly name.
to spell out
Don misunderstood the question so we had to spell it out for him.
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To say something in a simple way
Don misunderstood the question so we had to spell it out for him.
to point out
Everyone at the meeting was surprised when she pointed out the accounting department’s mistake.
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To indicate or show something
Everyone at the meeting was surprised when she pointed out the accounting department’s mistake.
to cut down
We will be cutting down the electricity bill by installing solar panels.
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To reduce, make something less
We will be cutting down the electricity bill by installing solar panels.
to Cut out
Last year we cut out spending on TV commercials in order to increase spending on radio commercials.
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To completely remove or erase
Last year we cut out spending on TV commercials in order to increase spending on radio commercials.
to call off / to cancel
The department meeting was called off this week so please use your time wisely.
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To cancel
The department meeting was called off this week so please use your time wisely.
to chip in for sth
If everyone chips in, we will be able to finish the job by lunch time.
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To give some help
If everyone chips in, we will be able to finish the job by lunch time.
Put off
The construction on the new building was put off because of all the rain this summer.
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To postpone, delay
The construction on the new building was put off because of all the rain this summer.
to put in
I was putting a lot of effort into cooking dinner
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to apply effort
I was putting a lot of effort into cooking dinner
To step in
I agreed to step in for Jim at the meeting.
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to take over a position
I agreed to step in for Jim at the meeting.
to turn to
He turned to his boss for advice on the merger.
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to seek advice or herlp
He turned to his boss for advice on the merger.
To count on
The board always counts on its staff for good results.
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to depend on
The board always counts on its staff for good results.
to set up
No one knew who set this meeting up.
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to plan or make
No one knew who set this meeting up.
to run this by
I would like to run this by my client.
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to talk to or inform
I would like to run this by my client.
the best of both worlds
I want the best of both worlds at work.
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means you can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.
I want the best of both worlds at work.
‘Speak of the devil’
Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.”
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this means that the person you’re just talking about actually turns up at that moment.
Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.”
Once in a blue moon
I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon
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an event that happens infrequently.
I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon
When pigs fly
When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room
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something that will never happen.
When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room
A piece of cake’
The English test was a piece of cake.
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something is very easy
The English test was a piece of cake.
‘Let the cat out of the bag’
I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans
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to accidentally reveal a secret
I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans
'To feel under the weather'
I feel under the weather this Monday morning.
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to not feel well
I feel under the weather this Monday morning.
'To add insult to injury'
To add insult to injury the car drove off without stopping after knocking me off my bike
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To make a situation worse
To add insult to injury the car drove off without stopping after knocking me off my bike
'To break a leg'
I told him to break a leg before his theater performance.
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To wish someone good luck (often said to actors before they perform on stage)
I told him to break a leg before his theater performance.
'A penny for your thoughts'
I'll give you a penny for your thoughts.
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A way of asking what someone is thinking
I'll give you a penny for your thoughts.
'At the drop of a hat'
He came to the office on Sunday at the drop of a hat
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Without any hesitation
He came to the office on Sunday at the drop of a hat
'Barking up the wrong tree'
He was barking up the wrong tree when he said that his ex-wife stole his car.
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Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person
He was barking up the wrong tree when he said that his ex-wife stole his car.
'Best thing since sliced bread'
The iphone is the best thing since sliced breads.
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A good invention or idea.
The iphone is the best thing since sliced breads.
'Bite off more than you can chew'
He bit off more than he can chew with this new project proposal.
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To take on a task too big
He bit off more than he can chew with this new project proposal.
'Cross the bridge when you come to it'
We will cross that bridge when we have to when it comes to declaring bankruptcy.
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Deal with a problem if it arises
We will cross that bridge when we have to when it comes to declaring bankruptcy.
Devil's Advocate
I hate to be the devil's advocate but what if he is right?
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To present a counter argument
I hate to be the devil's advocate but what if he is right?
A chain is as good as its weakest link
when it comes to teams, we are only as good as our weakest link in the chain.
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The proverb has a literal meaning, although the 'weakest link' referred to is figurative and usually applies to a person or technical feature rather than the link of an actual chain.
when it comes to teams, we are only as good as our weakest link in the chain.
A drop in the bucket
One individual's struggles are only a drop in the bucket of a society's issues
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A very small proportion of the whole.
One individual's struggles are only a drop in the bucket of a society's issues
A fish out of water
Most people feel like a fish out of water in a new country
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Someone who is in a situation they are unsuited to.
Most people feel like a fish out of water in a new country
A feather in one's cap
completing graduate studies was a feather in her cap
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A symbol of honour and achievement.
completing graduate studies was a feather in her cap
A fly in the ointment
His complaining was a fly in the ointment during our vacation
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A small but irritating flaw that spoils the whole.
His complaining was a fly in the ointment during our vacation
baby boomer
baby boomers are driving the real estate market these days.
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A person born during the temporary peak in the birth-rate that occurred in several countries following WWII, notably the USA and the UK.
baby boomers are driving the real estate market these days.
bringing home the bacon
she always brought home the bacon at the end of the month
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To earn money, particularly for one's family; to be successful, especially financially successful.
she always brought home the bacon at the end of the month
call a spade a spade
when someone is rude, you should call a spade a spade.
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To speak plainly - to describe something as it really is.
when someone is rude, you should call a spade a spade.
can't hold a candle to
He can't even hold a candle to his manager's leadership skills
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To compare badly to an known authority - to be unfit even to hold a subordinate position.
He can't even hold a candle to his manager's leadership skills
putting the cart before the horse
Buying a home before having a stable job is putting the cart before the horse.
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Reverse the accepted or logical order of things.
Buying a home before having a stable job is putting the cart before the horse.
cat got your tongue
the cat got her tongue when the police questioned her.
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A question addressed to someone who is inexplicably silent.
the cat got her tongue when the police questioned her.
Catch 22
try to please everyone often is a catch 22
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A paradox in which the attempt to escape makes escape impossible.
try to please everyone often is a catch 22
chit chat
there is always chit chat in the coffee shop
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Casual smalltalk or gossip.
there is always chit chat in the coffee shop
close, but not cigar
he almost got a promotion, close but no cigar.
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Fall just short of a successful outcome and get nothing for your efforts.
he almost got a promotion, close but no cigar.
coin a phrase
he coined the phrase, "close but no cigar"
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To create a new phrase.
he coined the phrase, "close but no cigar"
cookie cutter
having a house and a car is such a cookie-cutter approach these days
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Originally, a utensil for cutting shaped pieces out of dough. More recently, characterising a lack of originality.
having a house and a car is such a cookie-cutter approach these days
From day one
I hope management realizes that our deadlines are very tight. We need to hire more people immediately. We’ve been short-handed from day one.
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This means “since the beginning.” You often hear the phrase from day one used in the workplace to talk about something that has been true since the very first day a project or business began.
I hope management realizes that our deadlines are very tight. We need to hire more people immediately. We’ve been short-handed from day one.
Learning curve
She is welcome to join our team, but there will be a steep learning curve.
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A learning curve is used to describe the progress someone has to make to gain experience or learn a new skill set. A steep learning curve indicates the task may be difficult and therefore take more effort.
She is welcome to join our team, but there will be a steep learning curve.
On a shoestring
It’s going to be a challenge doing such a big project on a shoestring but we’ll try our best.
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When you do something on a shoestring, you’re working on a tight budget or with very little money.
It’s going to be a challenge doing such a big project on a shoestring but we’ll try our best.
The eleventh hour
The project manager won’t be pleased about them changing the design at the eleventh hour.
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The eleventh hour is used to describe something that’s done or happens at the last minute.
The project manager won’t be pleased about them changing the design at the eleventh hour.
Run around in circles
The deadline is coming up, but we’ve been running around in circles because the client keeps changing their mind about the design.
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To run around in circles means to keep doing something without achieving any real results. In other words, you’re doing a lot of unnecessary work but not getting anywhere.
The deadline is coming up, but we’ve been running around in circles because the client keeps changing their mind about the design.
Go the extra mile
Anyone would be glad to have Pam on their team. She’s a great team player and is always willing to go the extra mile.
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To go the extra mile means to give more effort or do more than what’s expected of you.
Anyone would be glad to have Pam on their team. She’s a great team player and is always willing to go the extra mile.
funny business
He’s been involved in some funny business, so I won’t vote for him.”
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This expression refers to dishonest/deceptive action. For example, if there’s a politician who was involved in corruption and using money illegally,
He’s been involved in some funny business, so I won’t vote for him.”
business as usual
he leaders of a country might be trying to change the laws about health care, but in the hospitals it’s business as usual.
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This means the typical, ordinary way of doing things – nothing is different from normal activity.
he leaders of a country might be trying to change the laws about health care, but in the hospitals it’s business as usual.
Every cloud has a silver lining
there's a silver lining in this business going bankrupt.
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Every bad things has something good or compensating about it
there's a silver lining in this business going bankrupt.
Down to the wire
It's down to the wire when it comes to this merger.
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To the last moment or final possibility (often used when a competition is very close or you are under time pressure)
It's down to the wire when it comes to this merger.
To be fishy
His business tactics seem fishy
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To be ethically questionable
His business tactics seem fishy
Come hell or high water
Come hell or high water, they're going to push through with this strategic plan.
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Regardless of the effort or cost
Knock on wood
Knock on wood, no one will be fired.
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Hopefully
Knock on wood, no one will be fired.
Mum's the word
Mum's the word when it comes to his promotion.
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It is secret
Snowed under
I am snowed under at work and at home.
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To be very busy
I am snowed under at work and at home.
Go out on a limb
Susan went out on a limb when she lied for Samantha.
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To make a special effort and take a personal risk in order to support someone
Susan went out on a limb when she lied for Samantha.
the whole nine yards
When it comes to planning weddings, wedding planners are expected to do the whole nine yards
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Everything. All of it.
When it comes to planning weddings, wedding planners are expected to do the whole nine yards
To hear something straight from the horse's mouth
I know this because I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
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To hear something from the authoritative source.
I know this because I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
Taste of your own medicine
now that you have had a taste of your own medicine, you will treat people better,
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Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else
now that you have had a taste of your own medicine, you will treat people better,
Take with a grain of salt
take all advice with a grain of salt.
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This means not to take what someone says too seriously.
take all advice with a grain of salt.
Steal someone's thunder
Jim stole my thunder in the meeting.
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To take the credit for something someone else did.
Jim stole my thunder in the meeting.
Sit on the fence
the board is still sitting on the fence about the merger.
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This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision.
the board is still sitting on the fence about the merger.
Put wool over other people's eyes
many scammers will try to put the wool over people's eyes.
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This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.
many scammers will try to put the wool over people's eyes.
Miss the boat
he missed the boat on the promotion.
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to miss a chance
he missed the boat on the promotion.
Let sleeping dogs lie
at the dinner, let sleeping dogs lie when it comes to politics.
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Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or complications.
at the dinner, let sleeping dogs lie when it comes to politics.
Last straw
it was the last straw, then he fired him.
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The final problem in a series of problems.
it was the last straw, then he fired him.
Jump on the bandwagon
Many people join the bandwagon when their team starts winning.
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Join a popular trend or activity.
Many people join the bandwagon when their team starts winning.
It takes two to tango
it takes two to tango when it comes to a good partnership.
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Actions or communications need more than one person
it takes two to tango when it comes to a good partnership.
Elvis has left the building
Elvis has left the building, it's time to start thinking of finding a new job.
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The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Elvis has left the building, it's time to start thinking of finding a new job.
Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched
don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch, don't buy a house without a steady job.
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This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".
don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch, don't buy a house without a steady job.
Play it by ear
Let's play it by ear and see what happens at the meeting.
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Playing something by ear means that rather than sticking to a defined plan, you will see how things go and decide on a course of action as you go along.
A Doubting Thomas
There's always a doubting thomas in every group
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a skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something.
There's always a doubting thomas in every group
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand
We are going to be a house divided if we don't work together
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Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.
We are going to be a house divided if we don't work together
Apple of My Eye
His daughter was the apple of his eye
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Someone who is cherished above all others.
His daughter was the apple of his eye
Buy A Lemon
She bought a lemon when she bought that old house.
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To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.
She bought a lemon when she bought that old house.
Cast Iron Stomach
He has a cast iron stomach when it comes to eating raw foods.
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Someone who has no problems, complications or ill effects with eating anything or drinking anything.
He has a cast iron stomach when it comes to eating raw foods.
Crack Someone Up
She cracked me up with her celebrity impressions.
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to make someone laugh
She cracked me up with her celebrity impressions.
Dead Ringer
Susan is a dead ringer for Jackie Kennedy.
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100% identical. A duplicate.
Susan is a dead ringer for Jackie Kennedy.
Doozy
that presentation was a doozy.
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Something outstanding
Dry Run
They always do a dry run before opening night.
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To rehearse something
They always do a dry run before opening night.
Everything But The Kitchen Sink
They described everything but the kitchen sink.
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Almost everything and anything has been included
They described everything but the kitchen sink.
Feeding Frenzy
The press go into a feeding frenzy when it comes to tabloid stories
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An aggressive attack on someone by a group.
The press go into a feeding frenzy when it comes to tabloid stories
Flash In The Pan
his career was a flash in the pan.
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Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end.
his career was a flash in the pan.
Get Your Walking Papers
He got his walking papers last week.
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to get fired
Graveyard Shift
most people hate working the graveyard shift.
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Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8:00 am. The time of the day when most other people are sleeping.
most people hate working the graveyard shift.
Hell in a Handbasket
bitcoin looks to be like hell in a hand basket.
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Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
bitcoin looks to be like hell in a hand basket.
to back up
most servers back up their data nowadays.
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to save something on a seperate drive/file/location.
most servers back up their data nowadays.
to bail out
Big banks got a huge bail out package from the government
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to financially help someone avoiding bankruptcy
Big banks got a huge bail out package from the government
to bring forward
He brought forward his proposal during our lunch meeting
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to present or introduce (a subject) for discussion
He brought forward his proposal during our lunch meeting
burn out
I was burnt out after this week's conferences and delegations.
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To be exhausted from work
I was burnt out after this week's conferences and delegations.
cash in on
most celebrities cash in on their notoriety.
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to taker advantage or to exploit
most celebrities cash in on their notoriety.
to close down
the mall closed down after the fire.
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if a business or organization closes down or someone closes it down, it stops operating
the mall closed down after the fire.
contract out to
the company contracted out its jobs.
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to agree by contract to pay someone outside an organization to perform (a job)
the company contracted out its jobs.
copy in somebody
Please copy in Mike, he needs to know the agenda minutes
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to inform someone of something (usually via email - ccing)
Please copy in Mike, he needs to know the agenda minutes
to draw up
we drew up the contract last month.
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to draft a contract or plan
we drew up the contract last month.
to drum up
he was drumming up support for his latest scheme.
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to encourage support for something or someone
he was drumming up support for his latest scheme.
to measure up to
she could never measure up to her sister
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o be good enough, or as good as someone or something else:
she could never measure up to her sister
to meet up
let's meet up this week and talk about your promotion
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an informal meeting or gathering
let's meet up this week and talk about your promotion
pencil in
I'll pencil you in for later today.
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to arrange for something to happen or for someone to do something on a particular date or occasion, knowing that the arrangement might be changed later
I'll pencil you in for later today.
to stay behind
he asked me to stay behind at the office this weekend.
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to stay in an space after a meeting has ended
he asked me to stay behind at the office this weekend.
to smarten up
they need to smarten up if they want to achieve anything.
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o make (someone or something) smarter or more aware
they need to smarten up if they want to achieve anything.
to wind up
To wind up on the other side of the rainbow, you must work hard.
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arrive or end up in a specified state, situation, or place.
you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs
his business idea can take you from zero to hundred in just a few years but you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.
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o have to go through something seemingly not nice for a good result
his business idea can take you from zero to hundred in just a few years but you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.
young blood
the only problem with this committee is that they do not feel the need to incorporate the young blood in their decision-making processes.
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new members that provide various new schemes and ideas for the organization
the only problem with this committee is that they do not feel the need to incorporate the young blood in their decision-making processes.
you can’t win them all
To be very frank, I am very disappointed that they did not give me the post of the manager as I feel I truly deserved it after 5 years of work experience. Oh well, you can’t win them all you see.
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indicates the reality that it is not possible to always succeed
To be very frank, I am very disappointed that they did not give me the post of the manager as I feel I truly deserved it after 5 years of work experience. Oh well, you can’t win them all you see.
you’ve made your bed, now lie in it
Don’t come back when it is all over and you have nowhere to go. Once you’ve made your bed, you’ll have to lie in it.
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to make a decision and to accept the consequences of those decisions
Don’t come back when it is all over and you have nowhere to go. Once you’ve made your bed, you’ll have to lie in it.
yes man
You really can’t trust what Donald might say in front of the boss. Everyone knows that he is just a yes man and I am not even sure if he has his own views on anything.
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a person who only agrees with the crowd or a group of people in order to please them or look good in front of them
You really can’t trust what Donald might say in front of the boss. Everyone knows that he is just a yes man and I am not even sure if he has his own views on anything.
you are what you eat
To stay healthy, it’s best to keep off junk food. You are what you eat.
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if you eat good food you will be healthy, if you eat bad food you will be unhealthy
To stay healthy, it’s best to keep off junk food. You are what you eat.
yesterday’s man
The officer is retiring from his job next month, soon he will be a yesterday’s man.
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someone especially a politician whose career is finished
The officer is retiring from his job next month, soon he will be a yesterday’s man.
your sins will find you out
He usually cheats his customers by selling duplicate material, and now he lost his business completely, truly said, your sins will find you out.
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things you do wrong will become known.
He usually cheats his customers by selling duplicate material, and now he lost his business completely, truly said, your sins will find you out.
yoke around neck
Try to stop the fighting of two people was a yoke around his neck, they both hurt him badly, for coming in between.
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a trouble for someone.
Try to stop the fighting of two people was a yoke around his neck, they both hurt him badly, for coming in between.
when in Rome, do as the Romans
My mother always told us that when in Rome, do as the Romans. That is how today we are able to get along with any kind of people.
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to copy popular culture in order to blend in
My mother always told us that when in Rome, do as the Romans. That is how today we are able to get along with any kind of people.
when it rains, it pours
The restaurant owners had the best of everything at one point. But you know what they say, when it rains, it pours. Today they are left with absolutely nothing.
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to have a good or bad news enlarged by circumstances
The restaurant owners had the best of everything at one point. But you know what they say, when it rains, it pours. Today they are left with absolutely nothing.
whet one’s appetite
The advertisements shown are meant to whet your appetite to buy those products.
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A reason which increases your interest in something.
The advertisements shown are meant to whet your appetite to buy those products.
when the chips are down
She’s the person you would like to have around when the chips are down
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when a situation is urgent or desperate.
She’s the person you would like to have around when the chips are down
work like a beaver
Ahead of the Diwali festival, she worked like a beaver to clean out all the closets.
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work very energetically and hard.
Ahead of the Diwali festival, she worked like a beaver to clean out all the closets.
silence is golden
Do not tell your mom that I broke her vase! Remember, silence is golden
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it is often better to say nothing at all
Do not tell your mom that I broke her vase! Remember, silence is golden
shades of grey
Tina’s story to the police on how she got mugged was different shades of grey as it was not consistent.
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refers to a situation where things are not really clear
Tina’s story to the police on how she got mugged was different shades of grey as it was not consistent.
as different as chalk and cheese
Despite James and John being identical twins, their characters were as different as chalk and cheese.
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for two things to be completely different from each other
Despite James and John being identical twins, their characters were as different as chalk and cheese.
full of beans
Upon hearing the good news, Mary was definitely full of beans.
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to be optimistic or enthusiastic
Upon hearing the good news, Mary was definitely full of beans.
from pillar to post
Failing to get a satisfactory answer from her doctor, Mary went from pillar to post searching for a cure for her illness.
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to move from one place to another with no purpose and direction
Failing to get a satisfactory answer from her doctor, Mary went from pillar to post searching for a cure for her illness.
butter up
Mary’s nice compliments about her not so nice boss made it clear that she was just trying to butter him up.
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to flatter someone so as to get something in return from them
Mary’s nice compliments about her not so nice boss made it clear that she was just trying to butter him up.
wet behind the ears
From the way the soldier handled the gun, everyone could tell that he was wet behind the ears.
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to be new at something or somewhere and so lack the necessary experience
From the way the soldier handled the gun, everyone could tell that he was wet behind the ears.
kill the goose that lays the golden egg
By selling off his business, Alex killed the goose that lays the golden egg.
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to destroy something that is profitable to you mostly because of greed.
By selling off his business, Alex killed the goose that lays the golden egg.
in a pickle
Seeing as the deadline was looming and Grace was yet to round up the project, she realised she was in a pickle.
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to be in a difficult situation
Seeing as the deadline was looming and Grace was yet to round up the project, she realised she was in a pickle.
apple polisher
Even with her boss looking very untidy, Mel still complimented her and this showed her to be an apple polisher.
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a person who tries to get favours from those in authority through flattery
Even with her boss looking very untidy, Mel still complimented her and this showed her to be an apple polisher.
chill to the marrow
The movie gave me a chill to the marrow. I am not recommending it to anyone. It is horrible.
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to be very cold
The movie gave me a chill to the marrow. I am not recommending it to anyone. It is horrible.
break the mould
His method of teaching physics breaks the mould.
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to do something different from what is expected
His method of teaching physics breaks the mould.
feel the pinch
Since Farrokh was made redundant, we’ve really felt the pinch. We can’t even afford to buy the kids new shoes.
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experience financial hardship
Since Farrokh was made redundant, we’ve really felt the pinch. We can’t even afford to buy the kids new shoes.
keep your hair on
The general kept his hair on during the meeting this time.
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to request someone to stay calm and not get annoyed
The general kept his hair on during the meeting this time.
just what the doctor ordered
I was so hungry, and that meal was absolutely delicious! It was just what the doctor ordered.
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exactly what was wanted or needed
I was so hungry, and that meal was absolutely delicious! It was just what the doctor ordered.
blow your own trumpet
The crew tried to blow their own trumpet but the manager did not buy their story.
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to say things that makes your own self or kin look good
The crew tried to blow their own trumpet but the manager did not buy their story.
spine-tingling
The movie has the most spine-tingling end that you would never be able to guess.
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to be very horrific
The movie has the most spine-tingling end that you would never be able to guess.
page-turner
The book is a page-turner and now I cannot take a break until I complete reading it.
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a thrilling book
The book is a page-turner and now I cannot take a break until I complete reading it.
household name
The character is a household name because people are able to identify with the struggles that he faces.
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The character is a household name because people are able to identify with the struggles that he faces.
The character is a household name because people are able to identify with the struggles that he faces.
the last thing I want
The report showed up all the flaws in the project, and that was the last thing I wanted!
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I especially don’t want or didn’t want
The report showed up all the flaws in the project, and that was the last thing I wanted!
memory like a sieve
I’m so sorry I forgot your birthday – I’ve got a memory like a sieve!
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poor memory
I’m so sorry I forgot your birthday – I’ve got a memory like a sieve!
if it’s the last thing I do
I am going to get this house cleaned today if it’s the last thing I do.
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indicates determination to achieve something
I am going to get this house cleaned today if it’s the last thing I do.
not the sharpest tool in the shed
Joe doesn’t seem to understand that we’re working to a different schedule now, since the workload has doubled. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
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someone who is not very clever, according to others
Joe doesn’t seem to understand that we’re working to a different schedule now, since the workload has doubled. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
a trip to the sun
My dream has always been to settle in Australia. But I know it’s like a trip to the sun. I just have to make peace with this place.
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something which is very unlikely
My dream has always been to settle in Australia. But I know it’s like a trip to the sun. I just have to make peace with this place.
touch off
The presentation touched off a very important point and I would like to spend some time talking about it.
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to ignite a thought
The presentation touched off a very important point and I would like to spend some time talking about it.
in the cross hairs
The man was in the cross hairs from the very beginning of the interrogation.
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in a position where one might receive severe criticism
The man was in the cross hairs from the very beginning of the interrogation.
out of sight, out of mind
The company’s top managers do not consider these government policy changes and important for their strategic planning. It is out of sight, out of mind for them but that is not a good thing in any way.
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to not stay an active issue when something is not immediately visible
The company’s top managers do not consider these government policy changes and important for their strategic planning. It is out of sight, out of mind for them but that is not a good thing in any way.
if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours
The government cannot expect any progress in the society with a “if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” attitude.
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to return a favour for a favour
The government cannot expect any progress in the society with a “if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” attitude.
no news is good news
The exam results are not yet out and I feel no news is good news.
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to assume that since there is no news, it will not be bad news
The exam results are not yet out and I feel no news is good news.
money doesn’t grow on trees
The kids need to understand that even though they have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths, that money doesn’t grow on trees.
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to have to put an effort in earning money
The kids need to understand that even though they have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths, that money doesn’t grow on trees.
learn to walk before you run
The plan will gradually get the company the revenue that they need to sustain in this market but you need to learn to walk before you run.
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to progress gradually
The plan will gradually get the company the revenue that they need to sustain in this market but you need to learn to walk before you run.
still waters run deep
Though he rarely speaks in class, still waters run deep.
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to have passion or furore underneath a calm expression
Though he rarely speaks in class, still waters run deep.
look before you leap
You better check out the costs that you will have to incur through the duration of this lawsuit before filling it. It is always better to look before you leap.
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to make sure that everything is alright before doing something important which you cannot revert
You better check out the costs that you will have to incur through the duration of this lawsuit before filling it. It is always better to look before you leap.
many hands make light work
The workers gathered when the company was facing financial trouble to raise capital and proved that many hands make light work.
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to come together for a cause
The workers gathered when the company was facing financial trouble to raise capital and proved that many hands make light work.
strike while the iron is hot
The study plans were such that it required you to read when your mind was fresh, strike while the iron is hot.
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to take advantage of a situation
The study plans were such that it required you to read when your mind was fresh, strike while the iron is hot.
absence makes the heart grow fonder
The couple reunited after almost a year and understood that the absence had made their hearts grow fonder.
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to miss and love someone more when they are not around
The couple reunited after almost a year and understood that the absence had made their hearts grow fonder.
familiarity breeds contempt
The couple could not stay together long after their wedding because familiarity breeds contempt.
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to start disliking something when one gets to know too much about it
The couple could not stay together long after their wedding because familiarity breeds contempt.
there’s no time like the present
The master chef always told me that there’s no time like the present to start working on your signature dish.
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right now is the best time
The master chef always told me that there’s no time like the present to start working on your signature dish.
a watched pot never boils
daughter from the war zone yet because a watched pot never boils.
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if you wait for something to happen it takes longer
daughter from the war zone yet because a watched pot never boils.
discretion is the greater part of valour
The man I admire the most has always taught me that discretion is the greater part of valour.
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to be quiet about it after helping someone out
The man I admire the most has always taught me that discretion is the greater part of valour.

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