Idioms & Phrasal Verbs

A A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush a proverb saying that something you already have is better than something you might get. You know, I was looking for a new job for a very long time, and now two jobs appear at the same time! But Ill keep the one that came first. You know, like people say A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. A close call a situation in which something bad almost happened A car almost hit me this morning! Its was really a close call! About to on the point of doing something I was about to take a shower when the telephone rang. Actions speak louder than words a proverb saying that its better to do something about a problem than just talk about it. When Susan started complaining about everything, Robert just coldly said Actions speak louder than words. Act high-and-mighty act proud and powerful; act haughtily I definitely cant stand Mathew! Hes always acting high-and-mighty toward everyone! Act out perform in or as if in a play; realize in action That day was horrible! In the end, the bandits started acting out their dirty plans. Act up misbehave Whats wrong with Michael? Hes been acting up all day long! Agree with someone about something or someone hold the same opinion as someone else about someone or something I spoke out my opinions to the group. But unfortunately, they didnt agree with me. Agree with something or someone look good or go well with something or someone else A - I dont think this hairdo agrees with you! B - Now I think you got changed very well, your dress really agrees with your shoes. All along all the time I knew all along that your brother wasnt telling us the whole story! All of a sudden something happening quickly, without advance warning Today the weather was so fine, but all of a sudden it became cloudy and started raining. Apply for solicit; be a candidate for Mary has been applying for a lot of jobs, but its been no use until now. As a matter of fact actually; in fact As a matter of fact, I think the politicians could do more about the poor. As long as because something else is happening at the same time; since As long as youre going to the drugstore you could buy me some aspirins. As plain as the nose on your face obvious

I cant believe you dont know why Sara is so angry at you! Its as plain as the nose on your face! As usual as commonly or habitually happens As usual, I slept late last Saturday morning. At all used to emphasize a negative expression I watched that film on TV, but I didnt like it at all. At least according to the lowest possible assessment; not less than Some people dont believe in flying saucers, but I think this subject is at least worth debating. At long last after a lengthy or troublesome wait or delay That was a hard weather indeed, and at long last the winter was over. At most at the maximum Shirley says shes ready for that exam, but she didnt study. Im sure shes gonna get only B or C at most! At once immediately; instantly Its getting late, if you want to go out, you should go at once. At the end of ones rope be at the limit of ones patience Im already at the end of my rope for trying to persuade John to apply for a job. At the ready available for immediate use During that terrible war, the soldiers were always with their guns at the ready to fire. At the top of ones lungs as loudly as one can Though Carol shouted at the top of her lungs to get Richards attention, it was useless, he kept his way home anyway. At (the) worst under the most negative circumstances, estimation or interpretation At worst, the storm will make us postpone the trip. At will just as or when one wishes Dont worry, eat the cookies at will! Theres enough for every one! B Be a turn on be sexually exciting Dont you think that girl is really a turn on? Be all ears be acutely attentive Ok if you want to tell me what happened, Im all ears. Be at the end of ones ropes be at the limit of ones patience Ive been trying to talk Mariah into studying more. It was useless and Im already at the end of my ropes! Be broke be without money Id really like to buy that digital camera, but Im broke. Be fed up (with someone or something) be unable or unwilling to put up with someone or something any longer

The manager of that company was fed up with their complaints, so she fired them all. Be hard on something treat roughly, use roughly My little brother is always hard on his shoes. Look at this pair, they were new a month ago! Be history (1) leave. (2) no longer exist ( in a location, in ones estimation, in life ) Its already 11:00! Im history! I have to be at school at 11:30! You wrecked your brothers car? Youre history! Hes gonna get you killed! Be hung over be suffering from unpleasant physical effects following the heavy use of alcohol One of the worst things in drinking a lot is that youll be undoubtedly hung over the morning after. Be in good spirits be in a particular mood or an emotional state characterized by vigor an animation It seems that Ellen is in good spirits today, shes doing her job so lively. Be off be leaving; be departing Hey, guys, sorry but Im off! Ill have to wake up very early tomorrow! Be short of something lack something If I werent so short of money Id go the movies with you! Be ticked off be angry George seems really ticked off this morning. He must have had a bad night. Note: A very common synonym is To be pissed off which is sometimes considered a vulgar expression. Be to blame be responsible for something bad or unfortunate Dont punish John for breaking the plates. Hes not to blame! Be up to ones ear have many things to do; be overloaded Id like to go to Janes party, but unfortunately I cant. Im up to my ears in work right now Be up to something do something one shouldnt do Saras been smiling to herself all morning, I think shes up to something, but I dont know what it is. Be/get on ones high horse become disdainful, superior or conceited in attitude toward someone else Tom loves to give high parties, but he always gets on his high horse when someone criticizes his parties. Be way off base be absolutely incorrect; be completely wrong I cant believe you think that Jane will apologize for her remarks. Youre way off base. Beat/flog a dead horse continue pursuing a cause that has no hope of success Its no use talking about this subject. Were just beating a dead horse! Beat around the bush hesitate in speech John is always beating around the bush when his mother asks him whether he was cutting classes. Beat ones brain out exert or expand great mental effort Anthony beat his brains out during the examinations.

Behind someones back do something secretly and in a malicious manner A Im surprised! Ive known that Robert is talking about me behind my back! B You told me you would help me win that girl, but you went behind my back! Bend over backwards make an extremely great effort to get something The teacher seems be crazy! He asked us to get feathers of 20 different bird species for the biology class, I had to bend over backwards to get it! Bend someones ear talk to someone incessantly Robert is a good guy, but when I meet him hes starts bending my ear for hours. Better late than never its better that something happens late than never Hey carol, I thought you wouldnt come! Ok! Better late than never! Big deal (1) something of great importance or consequence. (2) (used as an exclamation of indifference) Whats the big deal if you dont sign up for the competition? Big deal if shes capable of speaking five languages, I really dont care! Birds of a feather flock together a proverb meaning that people of the same kind seem to attract one another Loraines been hanging out with some really strange people. But like they say birds of a feather flock together. Bite off more than one can chew decide or agree to do more what one can finally accomplish Bettys been really tired, I think shes biting off more than she can chew for working so much. Blank out on something forget something suddenly I hate when I blank out on someones name, especially my friends names. Blow ones top/stack loose ones temper Jack blew his top when his girlfriend didnt want to go to the movies with him. Blow something (all ) out of proportion exaggerate I think you shouldnt believe everything Julie says. She tends to blow everything all out of proportion! Brand new said of something being in a fresh and unused condition; completely new Man, if I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is to buy a brand new car and hit the road! Break a leg! Good luck! (A way of wishing someone good luck for believing that saying good luck could be a jinx) I heard you will make a speech today, before 1.000 people. So, break a leg! Break down (1) surrender to demands or emotions. (2) Stop working Elizabeth is a very emotive person. Shes always breaking down and crying. My cars just broken down again. I just cant stand it any longer! Break into invade When we got into our apartment last night, we realized that someone had broken into it. Then, we called the police Break out in a cold sweat start perspiring suddenly because of a great fear That night was really terrible! I broke out in a cold sweat when I heard steps in the kitchen. Break the news to someone disclose sensitive and emotional information to someone Last Saturday I ruined my fathers car. And Ill have to break the news to him sooner or later. Break up with someone end a romantic relationship with someone; ditch Alice and Tom made a nice couple. But unexplainably Alice broke up with Tom some weeks ago Bring out publish or produce Ive been working on a book for years. Fortunately, I think Ill be able to bring it out next week. Bring up introduce into discussion I know youre kind of upset about what happened. But thats not a good time bring it up. Brush up on something review something in order to make it fresh again in ones mind Im going to give a speech tomorrow. So Id better brush up on my notes. Bug off get out Cmon! Bug off! Get outta my way! Burn the midnight oil work or study very late at night Steve is going to France next month, but his French is not that good, since hes a very busy person hes been burning the midnight oil to improve it. By chance without any plan, accidentally Ellen and Robert met by chance on a plane and got married some weeks ago. By heart by memorizing My cousin Loraine has quite a good memory, she knows a lot of phone numbers by heart.

C call in summon for assistance or consultation; require someones presence The police were called in to stop the violent riots. call in sick telephone and inform those who are in charge at work that one is sick and cannot come Where is Jennifer? She knows we have a meeting this morning! Did she call in sick again? call on someone visit someone Catherines friends call on her every weekend. call someone down reprimand someone The English teacher called the pupils down for mispronouncing the words. call something off cancel; postpone This morning I felt like taking a walk, But I had to call it off because of the heavy rain. calm down become calm; relax Cindy was very nervous, then, I asked her to calm down. calm someone or something down cause someone or something to be calm Elizabeth was very angry at her brother, then I tried to calm her down. carry out put into practice or effect; execute Some employees were fired cause they didnt want to carry out their functions. catch ones breath rest so as to be able to continue an activity; rest for a moment John and Larry ran a lot to take the bus, when they finally reached it, they had to stop and catch their breath. change ones mind reverse a previously held opinion or an earlier decision I was happy to know that Alice would come to the party with us, but unfortunately shes changed her mind. check someone or something off to mark or cross out the name of a person or thing on a list When I was at the supermarket, I started checking some items off as I was buying them. cheer someone up make a sad person happy (also includes oneself ) A - When I last saw Mary, she was so unhappy, then I tried to cheer her up. B Usually, I can sheer myself up on days like this, but not today. cheer up become happy Sheer up! Everything will be alright! clean up ones act improve ones behavior or performance I really didnt like the way you behaved last night. I think you should clean up your acts! cool it! calm down hey, cool it! Im sure that everything will be alright! come clean with someone be honest with someone ( and confess the truth ) Come clean with me. Did you see who has stolen my bicycle?

come into ones mind to do something decide to do something suddenly (without any advance warning ) I was at the party with Sara; but suddenly it came into her mind to go away and she really did it. come up with suggest; propose When the teacher asked the pupils what a Burgage was, only one student could come up with the right answer. cost an arm and a leg have an excessively high price It cost me an arm and lag to buy a new car. cry over spilt milk regret in vain what cannot be undone or rectified You should be more responsible for your deeds, now its no use crying over spilt milk. cut corners economize My father always tried to teach us how to cut corners. cut down on something or doing something reduce the amount of something or doing something My uncle is having health problems. He told me that he would cut down on smoking. But I think he should stop smoking forever. D dash off leave, go away hurriedly Well, guys, the talk is good, but Ive gotta dash off right away. die out vanish; disappear from earth The dodos were ancient birds that died out since the late 17ht century. do away with something throw something away; get rid of something I dont think your father will like these dresses, youd better do away with them. do ones best do the greatest effort that one can I always did my best to learn English. do ones bit - make an individual contribution toward an overall effort Alices brothers always refuse doing their bit when shes cleaning up the house. do someone good be beneficial for someone I think you should go out and try to have some fun, it will do you good. do without be without something; live without something If theres no butter for our bread, well do without. doll up - dress oneself smartly and often ostentatiously, especially for a special occasion Were only going to a barbecue, theres no reason for you to be all dolled up! doze off fall asleep You shouldnt watch television until late at night, you always doze off in front of it. dress up wear formal or fancy clothes They dressed up and went to the cocktail. E

eat ones words retract something that one has said Mathew insisted that a Phrasal Verb is not something common in a written text, but he had to eat his words when I showed him a lot of up-to-date magazines in English. eat out of someones hand be manipulated or dominated by someone I dont think Jane would be capable of dumping her boyfriend, she eats out of his hand! end up doing something have to do something one has tried to get out of doing I didnt want to go on that trip with them, but they insisted so much that I ended up going anyway. every now and then occasionally; from time to time Every now and then I like to take a walk downtown. every other alternate Charles is a very busy person, so he studies English every other day, not every day. F face the music confront and uncomfortable situation; accept the consequences of ones own actions. You shouldnt have given that high party when your parents were out. Now youll have to face the music. face to face in each others presence; in direct communication Those were really bad moments. We were face to face with death during the earthquake. fair shake a fair chance When I was selected for the job interview they only spent three minutes with me! I really wasnt given a fair shake! fall in love (with someone or something) become enamored ( of someone or something ) Jessica fell in love with Bart .When they fell in love they though it would last forever. feel like doing something have the inclination or desire to something Mary really feels like going to the United States. She has a lot of friends living there. feel like oneself sense oneself as being in ones normal state of health or spirits I think theres something wrong with me. I just dont feel like myself today. feel up to something or doing something be able ( health or ability ) to do something; feel like doing something A - I should go along with my parents on that travel, but I really dont feel up to it now! B - Do you feel up to playing cards with me now? figure out discover; decide I think you should figure out what youll need before travelling abroad. fill in write on the blank spaces on a paper Please, fill in this form while I check your papers. find out discover; identify Please, try to find out your name on this list. fish for a compliment try to get a compliment; talk as if trying to get a compliment

Silvia was showing me her paintings and talked about them for an entire hour, she sure was fishing for a compliment! fit in be in harmony; agree I did everything I could, but that new student isnt really fitting in with the class flip out become crazy; go crazy Sandra was always a very good person, but suddenly, she flipped out and became a serial killer. fool around spend some time idly Larrys father is really furious! He says Larry does nothing but fooling around and getting home too late at night. for a change a sarcastic way of saying that something happens the same way that has already happened; as usual A For a change, John came to class late again! B Thats the fourth time in the week that I see Jack completely drunk! Yes, for a change! for free without charge; without the due merit Amanda is really angry at Paul! He says hes in love, but he doesnt even phone her! I think he wants her love for free. for good permanently; forever Theyre moving to Europe for good. for sure indeed; certainly Dont worry about the exams! Well pass for sure! for the time being for the current time; for the present time I really need a new computer; but I think this one will do for the time being. fork out pay Im really crazy about that car, but I dont have any buck to fork out for it! frame of mind mental state; mood Alice always waits for her father to be in a good frame of mind before showing him her report cards! freak out panic, lose control Ellen was so frightened that I thought she would easily freak out. G get a hold of oneself get control of ones emotions Hey, try to get a hold of yourself, you dont need to be so furious! get after someone tell someone to do something; urge or scold Every time Bob goes to the beach, his girlfriend has to get after him to take his sunglasses. get (all) bent out of shape become very angry My neighbor got all bent out of shape when someone broke his windows with a tennis ball. get along with someone or something manage with someone or something How do you get along with your feelings? the old man asked her.

get by succeed in managing; survive The crisis is hard, but we can get by if we economize. get cold feet be afraid to do something John has got an excellent English, but hes very shy, so he always gets cold feet when he has to speak English. get down to give ones attention to Get down to work! We still have a lot to do! get on someones nerves annoy someone Get out of my way! youre starting to get on my nerves talking like this! get ones act together get organized Get your act together, I cant stand you messes any more! get real become realistic, be serious I know youre in love with Amanda. But, get real! Shes about to get married next week! get rid of something destroy; throw away; sell I dont like these shoes at all, Im going to get rid of them right now! get someone killed kill someone; cause someones death (also includes oneself) A - The soldiers almost got him killed when he was trying to escape the prison. B Youll end up getting yourself killed for drinking so much. get started start; get going We still have to do our homework. What about getting started right now? get stoned - to get intoxicated by use of drugs, get drunk These days lots of teenagers think that getting stoned is the way out. Actually, its just a long way down to death! get the hang of something learn how to do something; learn how to deal with something My uncle bought a computer 3 months ago and hes still trying to get the hang of it. give off emit There are some chemical changes that give off energy. give up (doing something) desist from doing something A - After many years, he finally gave up smoking. B - Winners never give up! go by elapse; pass Time goes by and some things stay the same. go for have a special liking for Jennifer really goes for classic music. go for it! be courageous and do something I know you've been thinking about asking for a raise. Dont worry and go for it! go off on someone to shout angrily at someone Brian went off on his little brother because he threw away his copybooks.

go off the deep end (1) become upset and irrational. (2) become crazy Larry went off the deep end when he saw his girlfriend with another man. I always saw Peter as a very strange person. But now Im sure that he really went off the deep end. go in one ear and out the other said of a waste of time in trying to make someone aware of something Silvia is being very impolite lately. But its no use trying to talk to her, it all goes in one ear and out the other! go through undergo a happening or a situation; experience My sisters been very nervous. Thats because shell go through a job interview tomorrow. go together date on a steady basis ( said of two people in a relationship ) Steve and Sonia are always close to each other. Do you think theyre going together? goes without saying some things are so obvious that they dont have to be mentioned Caroline is an excellent student, it goes without saying that her parents are very proud of her. grow up become and adult Some people do such ridiculous things that they dont seem to have grown up. grow out of something develop or come into existence from something I cant believe that that violent riot grew out of a foolish clash. H had better ( d better) should do something; ought to do something Wed better go now, or well be late for class. hang around ( with someone ) spend time idly; loiter After work, I always hang around with some friends and talk about many things. hang in there remain persistent despite difficulties I know youre already fed up with your job. But try to hang in there until you find another! hang out ( with someone ) keep company with someone or something Cindys father demanded her to stop hanging out with that crowd of boys. have a bad hair day said of someone whose hair looks messy and poorly styled Susan refuses to go out right now. She says shes having a bad hair day! have a screw loose behave in an eccentric manner; be insane, crazy Jim is a very strange person, sometimes I think he has a screw loose. have a good head on ones shoulder said of someone whos very intelligent and rational Denis always had a good head on his shoulders. Im sure hell find the right solution for this problem. have a (good) shot at something or at doing something have a good possibility at success in something Do you think Diane has a good shot at getting that job? have a weakness for something have a passion for something Did you see that girl over there? What a beautiful blonde! I sure have weakness for tall blondes!

have on wear She was having on a beautiful dress at that party. have ones heart set on something want something eagerly My sister has her heart set on seeing a Steven Spielbergs movie. have to do with be concerned or associated with I dont have anything to do with your affairs! have/get something done arrange for someone to do something for oneself The roof of Toms house was damaged in a storm last night. Today he had it repaired. hear from someone to get a letter, a telephone call or transmitted communication from someone My sister lives in the United States. We always hear from her at least twice a month. high and low here and there; everywhere Where were you anyway? I looked high and low for you! hit the books study specially with concentrated effort If you hadnt hit the books, you wouldnt have aced the exams. Note: to ace is a very popular slang that means to receive a grade of A on. hit the bottle engage in drinking alcoholic beverages I dont know whats happening to Larry. Hes been hitting the bottle almost every night! hit the bulls eye be successful in a choice I think you hit the bulls eye for deciding to accept that job. hit the nail on the head be exactly right Now you hit the nail on the head saying that Jimmy would never apply for that job, hes very lazy! hit the road leave Hey guys, its getting late. Its time to hit the road. hit upon something discover something that will be useful in a certain case Hes looking for a way to go to university without having to quit his job. I guess hell end up hitting upon the right solution. hold ones own maintain oneself in You dont need to worry about her, Im quite sure that she can hold her own in her new job. hold ones horses wait patiently instead of going forward Mary was so impatient to leave, then I had to ask her to hold her horses, since there was plenty of time before our train left. hold something against someone blame someone for something for a period of time Sara is a very nice person, she never holds something against anyone. hook up with be dating with someone for a short time Did you know that Mary hooked up with Fred last night? They make a very beautiful couple. how come how is it that...?; why?; (interj. used to express surprise )

How come you are so late? I if worse comes to worst in the worst possible case Im sure well get there in time to take the bus. Besides, if worse comes to worst we can take the train. in advance before; ahead of time If you want to go to the movies, you should buy your tickets in advance. in charge of something responsible for something John couldnt go out this morning, hes was in charge of the arrangements for the meeting at the office. in fact actually; as a matter of fact; sincerely In fact, I think that parents play a very important role in their childrens personality. in ones element doing something one likes and is able to do very well No wonder Tom works in a zoo, he is really in his element when hes dealing with animals. in the raw nude; naked That tears it! My cousin is staying in my house this week and I think hes nuts! This morning I saw him walking around in the raw as if it was one of the most common things in the world! in time to be at a place at the right time to do something Unfortunately, I couldnt come for dinner, but I arrived in time to have dessert with you. J jack of all trades a person who can do many different kinds of work I do like when George comes to help me. Hes really a jack of all trades! jazz something up make something more exciting or livelier though Jack is a very good actor, hes looking for a way to jazz his plays up. jump to conclusions form an opinion or a judgement hastily Hey, dont jump to conclusions! That strange noise in our bedroom was not what it seemed. just about almost; very nearly Mary is very fast when doing her job, shes started only some minutes ago and her job is just about done. just as soon something should happen rather than another I promised Mary to take her to the movies, but Im short of money, then I phoned her and said that I was sick. So Id just as soon she didnt see me right now. K keep an eye on something or someone watch in the sense of take care of Im going to buy something to eat at that snack bar. Could you keep an eye on my books, please? keep up with something or someone match something or someone in success Do you think my little brother will keep up with the new class?

kick out expel, force out If you show your face here again I'll kick you out! kind of rather; somewhat Im kind of hungry, lets go get something to eat! kiss up to someone flatter someone in order to get something Now I now why Jane always has the best results in her tests. Shes always kissing up to the teacher. know the ropes be very familiar with the routine and procedures of a place, such as those of a workplace Jack is still making mistakes in his new job, I hope hell know the ropes as soon as possible. L lay down the law establish strict rules Im tired of so much noise early in the morning! Now Ill lay down the law! Nobody makes any noise until I wake up! leaf through something turn the pages, as if in searching or browsing Please, Leaf through this phone book and try to find the number were looking for. let down disappoint Im really sorry, I didnt mean to let you down. let someone off the hook set someone free from a responsibility Okay, Ill let you off the hook this time. But dont think that its always going to be this way. little by little gradually Its sad that Michael has broken his leg in the accident, but I think that little by little hell start walking again. look after take care of I asked Jane to look after my little brothers while I was washing my car. look down on someone or something view someone or something as unworthy Those playboys looked down on the man who was asking for food on the corner. look for seek; search for The police were looking for the murderer. look forward to something or doing something anticipate with pleasure; expect; hope for Janes always been looking forward to going abroad. look to expect My friend is abroad. Im really looking to hear from him. look up to admire They all looked up to that old man reciting those poems. lose ones temper become angry I dont like to walk my dog, its so messy that I always end up losing my temper. love at first sight said of a situation where two people fall in love upon first glance

With my grandfather and grandmother it was love at first sight, and they still love each other. M make a mountain out of a molehill exaggerate a minor problem Dont worry about the books you forgot in Janes house, youre just making a mountain out of a molehill! make friends get friendship with people Cindy is a very talkative girl. I think thats why she makes so many friends. make fun of someone or something ridicule something or someone; laugh at George is always making fun of the others, but he really doesnt tolerate when the others make fun of him. make oneself at home be comfortable ( as if in ones own home ) You dont need to be nervous for coming to my office. Make yourself at home! make short work of something do something quickly The boys made short work of running away when they broke the neighbors window. make something do use something one has instead of getting something else that could be better Theres no cream for my coffee, so Ill have to make milk do. make something into a bigger deal than it is exaggerate a situation I think you should forgive Sara this time. Youre making this into a bigger deal than it is. make sure establish something without doubt; make certain; be sure (that) Unfortunately, robberies take place everywhere nowadays. Make sure you locked all the doors before going out. make the most of something get as much as possible out of something; do the best one can do in a situation I think you made the most of your five days in Paris. You saw everything there. make up ones mind decide to do something; choose something in place of something else Some friends invited me to a trip, but Im still trying to make up my mind. make up with someone resolve a quarrel with someone I asked John to make it up with Robert, for theyve always been very close friends. mess ( something ) up put into disarray; cause disorder My house is a mess! I only left my children alone for a few minutes, and they messed it up! might as well its a good idea to do something, although not of major importance It will be a long time until the next bus comes, so I think we might as well go on foot! mix someone up confuse someone Stop asking so much! Your questions are just mixing him up! mix someone up with someone else confuse one person with another John and Teddy are twins, and I always mix John up with his brother or vice versa. N

no laughing matter said of a serious situation Thats no laughing matter. I need to find Susan before she takes that bus, or Ill never see her again. no matter it doesnt matter; regardless of I will go with you, no matter what you do. no wonder its not surprising No wonder Jessica is so angry, her parents forbade her to go to the club! Nothing risked, nothing gained a proverb saying that if someone doesnt risk to get something theyll never get it at all Im gonna tell Jane that I love her, and lets see what she says. You know, Nothing risked, nothing gained! not on your life absolutely not; not for any reason whatsoever Not on your life! Said Jane when Bob asked her to look after his ten children last weekend. not to have a prayer have no possibility of success in something You dont have a prayer of beating John at chess! Hes much better than you! not to mention omitting to say anything about something I cant go to Steves house now. I have a lot of things to do, not to mention take my little brother to school. not to sleep a wink not to sleep much as necessary Man, what a horrible night! I didnt sleep a wink! now and then occasionally Now and then Mary goes shopping with some friends. O on credit pay in regular payments stead of paying cash for a purchase These days if you buy something on credit, it gets more expensive than if you pay cash. on leave officially allowed to be absent from work I knew your sister is on leave because of the sprained ankle, I hope shell be better tomorrow. on second thought said in reconsideration of a decision or opinion previously made I think we should go to club right away! Well, on second thought, lets take a snack before! on strike absent from work specially in protest for better conditions The workers are planning to go on strike tomorrow. on tenterhooks in a state of uneasiness, suspense or anxiety Please dont keep me on tenterhooks and tell me the whole story! on the alert - watchful and prepared for danger, emergency, or opportunity The birdwatchers were on the alert for a rare species. on the other hand looking at the other side of the question Michael is a very intelligent guy, but on the other hand, hes a very lazy student. on time punctual; punctually

I always try to be on time for my obligations once in a blue moon seldom; rarely; almost never I dont usually go to a mall. Only once in a blue moon. out of it in a daze; perplexed You look really out of it! Whats the matter? out of the blue from an unexpected or unforeseen source; at a completely unexpected time; unexplainably Everything was all right, but out of the blue, she started screaming at everybody. out of the question impossible; beyond consideration This idea that we go swimming this morning is out of the question, its too much cold out there! out of this world extraordinary; superb Hey, buddy! This dinner is out of this world! P pass for be accepted as or believe to be Sara seems so young that she could even pass for a teenager! pass off offer, sell or put into circulation (an imitation) as genuine That man was passing off a glass as a gemstone. pass up let go by; reject I cant believe that he passed up a chance for promotion! pick someone up fetch someone or something from a place Im glad you decided to go to the party with me! At what time shall I pick you up? piece of cake something very easy to do Samanthas been studying so much that passing that exam was a piece of cake. poker time a time at which an activity is to begin Hey friends! I guess its poker time! pop the question propose marriage Bob seems to love Karen a lot, but I think he wont pop the question so easily. pull oneself together get control of ones emotional state Youve got to pull yourself together, or they wont allow you to enter the party again! pull someones leg kid someone, tease You just saw Stuarts wife with another guy? Are you pulling my leg? pull the wool over someones eyes deceive someone Sara was sure that her husband was pulling the wool over her eyes when he said he would be at a meeting all night long. put something off postpone; cancel You shouldnt have put off your appointment with Alice. put someone through something to cause someone to undergo something

Robert is really angry with Dona, she is always putting him through a lot of troubles. put someone through a/the wringer subject someone to undergo a strenuous and emotional experience You shouldnt have left me alone in that strange place. You really put me through a wringer! put something over on someone deceive someone Jack is a liar. Hes always putting something over on us! put up with tolerate Larry is a very boring guy. Im not putting up with him anymore! Q quite a few many I love dance music, so I have quite a few dance music CDs. R red-handed in the act of committing something wrong Those thieves were caught red-handed when they tried to rob the bank. rely on something or someone place or have faith or confidence on something or someone Are you sure we can rely on this old car to get us home? right away right now; immediately That dog is dangerous, Id better warn my sister not to enter that house right away. right on (interj.) used as an exclamation of encouragement, support or enthusiastic agreement Right on dude! Lets go to that party tonight! rip off steal; rob Mr. Seth was ripped off while he was closing the store last night. rob the cradle date someone whos much younger than oneself; be dating a baby. Freds girlfriend seems to be young enough to be his daughter. Hes really robbing the cradle! rub someone the wrong way annoy; irritate John is a very boring person, I think how he mast have rubbed everyone the wrong way at that party! rub up on something refresh ones knowledge of something Tomorrow Im going to meet some Frenchmen, then Id better rub up on my French. run away (from someone or something ) flee from someone or something Our dog is really kind of strange, its always running away from the cats. run short of something get without something The car is running short of gas, wed better turn at the gas station. S scarf out eat a lot No wonder you feel sick! Youve just scarfed out on that entire pie!

see about take the responsibility to do something; make arrangements for My friends decided to have a picnic on Sunday. And Ill see about the food see red be extremely angry George must have seen red when they told him he wouldnt take part in the competition. see someone or something off see someone or something leave When we were about to fly back home, our friends went to the airport to see us off. see someone or something through understand the true character or nature of someone; comprehend I really miss my last girlfriend. She was the only one who could see me through. send for (someone) request someone to come by means of a message or messenger John is getting worse, wed better send for the doctor right now. shake something up mix something by shaking The dinner is almost ready, Ill shake up the salad dressing before serving it. show off (to someone) display or behave in an ostentatious or conspicuous way; boast A - I dont like Caroline. Shes always showing off when she is with us. B - Jeffreys is always showing off to the girls, but they dont even know hes alive. show ones face make an appearance Dont show your face on my property again or Ill call the police! show ones true colors reveal ones true personality After a few glasses of drink, everybody starts showing his true colors! show promise give the impression of being able to do something in the future Sue is very good at computers, she shows promise of being a very good programmer. show someone or something off (to someone) show someone or something to someone proudly After getting a new girlfriend, Stuart is always showing her off to everyone. show time the time at which an activity is to begin Hey guys, come on! Hurry up, cause its show time! sleep like a log sleep soundly Though our little children sometimes scream at the top of their lungs, my husband manages to sleep like a log. slow down decrease the speed Hey, youd better slow down or well have a crash! sooner or later at some time; eventually; irreversibly Its no use hiding away, sooner or later youll have to face the facts. spaced out in a daze; perplexed What happened to Larry? He looks spaced out this morning! speak out (about someone or something) express oneself about someone or something We asked him to speak out about the accident. But he refused to do it.

speak up speak loud enough to be audible When you phone Ms. Catherine, youll have to speak up, cause she kind of death. split up end a romantic relationship After so many years of marriage, Richard and Beth split up. spread out open to a fuller extend or width The woman started spreading out the tablecloth to receive the guests for breakfast. stand a chance have the possibility Mathew is always skipping classes, so I dont think he stands a chance of passing. stand on ones own feet be independent or responsible for oneself My cousin wants to live alone, he thinks he stands on his own feet to do something like this. start over begin again; start again We messed our homework up so much that we had to start over. stay away (from someone or something) avoid contact with someone or something Stay away from that dog! Its very fierce. straight from the shoulder frankly Its always easy to get what Albert says, he always speaks straight from the shoulder. strike up start something ( such as a conversation ) Trying to strike up a conversation with that girl was a real mistake! Shes much too conceited! sure thing a certainty Did you know that Michael is a candidate for the next elections? Yes I did, I think his victory is a sure thing. T take a dim view of something have a poor opinion of something; not agree with something I really take a dim view of the way some parents raise children. take a glimpse at something to take a look at; analyze something even minimally Ive got a new Homepage on the internet. Take a glimpse at it and tell me whether you liked it. take ( a period of time ) off be absent from work for a period of time Man, Im too tired to go on working like this, I need to take at least two weeks off. take advantage of something use something for ones own benefit Friday is holiday. So Ill take advantage of the long weekend and study a lot, cause I dont wanna flunk the exam. take after someone resemble in appearance, personality or character I think I took after my father in appearance, but our personalities are quite different. take it out on someone or something blame someone or something for something else by deeds of mistreatment Hey man, I know you must have had a bad day, but that's no reason to take it out on me! take it easy calm down; let things flow Take it easy, You dont need to worry about John. Im sure hes alright.

take off (av.) start flying I spent some time at the airport so that I could see the aircrafts taking off. take ones time do something slowly; not hurry to do something Take your time! We still have much time before our bus leaves. take place happen; occur When the war took place; millions of people got into despair. take something into account take something into consideration; consider something I think you shouldnt let Albert quit the company, take into account his abilities to deal with computers, it wont be that easy to find someone as good as him. take something with a grain of salt only half believe something someone says Though Alice is a very nice person, you should take everything she says with a grain of salt. take turns do something alternately with other persons When my brothers left for New York, they preferred to take turns driving, so they wouldnt get tired. talk big brag; talk boastfully Its really hard to stand Sandy, shes always talking big and showing off! talk down depreciate ( by talking ) Dont talk down my intentions! You dont know what youre talking about! talk shop talk about ones work Hey guys, lets not talk shop here, we came to this pub just to forget about it! talk someone into doing something convince someone to do something ( by talking ) How could I let you talk me into watching that terrible film! talk something over with someone discuss something with someone ( especially in order to solve a problem ) My brother is always late for class, I think Ill talk it over with him. thanks to on account of; because of I finally got the job I was looking for; thanks to a friend of mine who told me about it. that does/tears it! Thats all I can tolerate! ( used to express impatience ) A That does it! My car just broke down again! If I had money to buy a new one, Id do it right now! B That tears it! Thats the last time I invite Carol to go to the movies with me! Shes always late! the blind leading the blind said of a situation where an inexperienced person is being instructed by someone equally inexperienced Tom is teaching Jennifer how to drive? Thats a real case of the blind leading the blind! thin down become thinner Alice is eating less, she wants to thin down until next summertime. think something over think about something carefully (especially in order to reach a decision) Dont worry Ill give you some time to think this matter over.

think twice consider something carefully If I were you, Id think twice before going on such a dangerous travel. tie the knot get married Nancy and Steve are going to tie the knot next month. till one is blue in the face until one can say nothing else to convince someone of something Henry talked to his son till he was blue in the face, but it was useless; hes going to quit school anyway. to say the least to make the minimum comment about something or someone My brother always refuses to study more. I think he doesnt worry about it! To say the least. to someones face in the view or hearing of someone Henry is really a very naughty child. He said terrible things to the teacher to her face! too rich for ones blood much too expensive for someone to afford Id really like to travel round the world, but this kind of thing is too rich for my blood! turn someone on attract someone sexually Blond girls really turn me on! turn up appear I have lost my slippers, and they havent turned up yet. U under way in progress; already initiated Ellen is a very lazy girl! She always turns up to help in something when its already under way or almost done! up ones sleeve hidden but ready to be used at the right time Sara thinks she can deceive me, but what she doesnt know is that I have some tricks up my sleeve. up to someone (to do something) its ones responsibility to do something I think its up to you to decide whether youll give the party or not. V volunteer for something submit oneself for some task Many candidates volunteered for the job. W walk arm in arm walk with ones arm curled through someone elses arm Ive just seen Patricia and Peter walking arm in arm. Do you think theyre dating? walk out on desert or abandon After having a violent argument with Jennifer, David just walked out on her. waste ones breath talk uselessly Youre just wasting you breath when you tell John not to cut classes. Hell do it anyway. what gives? Whats going on? Whats happening? What gives? You look so sad!

what it takes the necessary expertise or qualities needed for success Hey, man, you dont need to worry! Im sure youve got what it takes to succeed in your new job. whats going on? what is happening? Whats going on? Ive just seen a lot of people running desperately! whats the matter? whats wrong? Whats the matter with you? You look so angry! wind up come or bring to a finish; end I just cant believe I wound up this boring job! work out turn out all right in the end You dont need to worry, Im sure that everything will work out. worked up extremely angry That does it! You dont need to be that worked up just because I forgot the garage door open! would rather ( d rather ) prefer Jane invited me to her party, but Id rather stay home, though I know that Janes parties are very good. write something down make a note of something Please, write down what I tell you. Y yell out cry out; shout loudly The neighbors dog was yelling out all night long. Z zip something up close a zipper Youd better zip up your jacket. Its too much cold here. zoom in (on someone or something) (1) move in to a close-up picture of someone or something using a zoom lens or a similar lens. (2 ) (computer science) move the focus toward an object in order to show it closer. The camera zoomed in on the love scene. Ive dealt with some photo editing programs, but I cant zoom in on some pictures. zoom out (on something ) - (computer science) move the focus away from an object in order to show it in a more distant position. Hey, please, could you come and help me zoom out on these drawings. zoom through (something) pass through a town or other locations very fast. We didnt stop. We just zoomed through those towns.