English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

8/7/2019 English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

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English Idioms&

IdiomaticExpressions

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To be on the safe side: to do something in order to be certain to avoid anunpleasant situation

To take a leak (informal): to urinate

To wee: to urinate (used by or to children)

To take a dump (informal not polite): to pass solid waste from thebowels

Call of nature: a need to use the toilet (used especially humorously)

Relieve yourself: a polite expression meaning to urinate (often usedhumorously)

To be caught/stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea: to have twochoices but both of them are equally unpleasant or inconvenient

Other examples: to be caught between a rock and a hard place/to be onthe horns of a dilemma

Predicament: a difficult or unpleasant situation in which you do not knowwhat to do, or in which you have to make a difficult choice

Catch-22 (situation): an impossible situation that you cannot solvebecause you need to do one thing in order to do a second thing, but you

cannot do the second thing until you have done the first

- Its a Catch-22 situation without experience you cant get a job andwithout a job you cant get experience.

Hobsons choice: a situation in which there is only one thing you can do,so you do not really have any choice at all

Wishy-washy: someone who is wishy-washy does not have firm or clearideas and seems unable to decide what they want used to showdisapproval

Put sb down: to criticize someone and make them feel silly or stupid (SYN:belittle, humiliate)

White lies: a lie that you tell someone in order to protect them or avoidhurting their feelings

Behead/decapitate: cut off someones head as a punishment

To dishonor (formal): to make your family, country, profession etc lose the

respect of other people

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To damage/ruin/tarnish/destroy sbs reputation

Lose face: if you lose face, you do something which makes you seemweak, stupid etc, and which makes people respect you less

Save face: to do something that will stop you from looking stupid orfeeling embarrassed

Grease sbs palm: to give someone money in a secret or dishonest way inorder to persuade them to do somethingTo go bananas: to become very angry or excited

To flatter sb: to praise someone in order to please them or get somethingfrom them, even though you do not mean it

Lick sbs boots: to obey someone completely because you are afraid ofthem or want to please them

Butter sb up: to say nice things to someone so that they will do what youwant

To sweet-talk sb into doing something (informal): to persuade someone todo something by talking to them nicely and making them feel good

Apple polisher: someone who tries to gain something, become popular etcby praising or helping someone else without being sincere

To soft-soap sb: to say nice things to someone in order to persuade themto do something

Kiss sbs ass (AmE)/arse (BrE) (informal - not polite): to be too nice tosomeone who can give you something you want used to showdisapproval

Kiss up to somebody (American English informal): to try to pleasesomeone in order to get them to do something for you used to showdisapproval SYN: suck up to (BrE informal)

Ladies' room (AmE)/the ladies (BrE): a womens toilet

Men's room (AmE)/gents (BrE): a men's toilet

Red herring: a fact or idea that is not important but is introduced to takeyour attention away from the points that are important

To drag your feet/heels (informal): to take too much time to do somethingbecause you do not want to do it

To leave the past behind/What's done cannot be undone

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Fact-finding trip/visit/mission etc: an official trip, visit etc during which youtry to find out facts and information about something for yourorganization, government etc

To send sb after the wild goose chase => a situation where you arelooking for something that does not exist or that you are very unlikely tofind, so that you waste a lot of time

To be flogging a dead horse: to be wasting time or effort by trying to dosomething that is impossible

To come up with some cock and bull stories => Cock and bull story (BrE):a story or excuse that is silly and unlikely but is told as if it were true

To give somebody the runaround (informal): to deliberately avoid givingsomeone a definite answer, especially when they are asking you to dosomething

To bluff: to pretend something, especially in order to achieve what youwant in a difficult or dangerous situation

Hot air: things that someone says that are intended to sound impressivebut do not really mean anything or are not true

Bullshit: something that is stupid and completely untrue (SYN: rubbish)

To play a prank/a game on sb

Youre putting me on! (esp AmE) / You're kidding me!

To feign: to pretend to have a particular feeling or to be ill, asleep etc

Sb was punk'd => He was punk'd means someone played a practical trickon him. He was fooled. It's a manufactured word that comes from a TVshow called 'Punk'd'.

To make a fool of sb: to deliberately do something to make someone elseseem stupid

To poke a joke/fun at sb: to make fun of someone in an unkind way

String somebody along: to deceive someone for a long time by makingthem believe that you will help them, that you love them etc

Make a dogs breakfast of something (BrE informal): to do something verybadly

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A dogs dinner (BrE informal): something that is meant to be impressive orfashionable but that other people think is not

Why a dog's breakfast is synonymous with mess or muddle

and dog's dinner with smartness isn't clear at all. It appears that the

two phrases were coined entirely independently of each other.

To blow something/to screw something/to goof up something: to do sillythings that may cause trouble

To blunder/to mess up something/to fuck up something: to make a bigmistake, especially because you have been careless or stupid

To have egg on one's face: if someone, especially someone in authority,has egg on their face, they have been made to look stupid by something

embarrassing

To put one's foot in one's mouth (AmE)/to put one's foot in it (BrE): to saysomething without thinking carefully, so that you embarrass or upsetsomeone

Make an exhibition/spectacle of yourself: to behave in a silly orembarrassing way

To get off on the wrong foot: to start a job, relationship etc badly bymaking a mistake that annoys people

To cut one's own throat: to behave in a way that is certain to harm you,especially because you are proud or angry

Piss sb off (BrE spoken not polite):

1. To annoy someone very much

- The way she treats me really pisses me off.

2. Used to say 'no' or to refuse to do something

Cook sb's goose: to do something that spoils someone's plans andprevents them from succeeding

Not be your cup of tea: to not be the type of thing that you like or whatyou're interested in

Right up/down sbs alley/right up sb's street (BrE): exactly right for sb

Down in the mouth/dumps (informal): unhappy

Cheesed off (BrE): bored and annoyed with something

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To be on the edge (informal): to be behaving in a way that makes it seemas if you are going crazy

Peeved (informal): annoyed

To feel blue/to be blue (informal): to feel/be depressed

To be under the weather (informal): slightly ill

Give sb a piece of one's mind: to express one's opinion strongly; to voiceone's disagreement or dissatisfaction

Let sb down: to disappoint someone by failing to do what you agreed todo or were expected to do

Get sb down: if something gets you down, it makes you feel unhappy ordepressed

Get on sbs nerves/get sbs back up: to annoy sb, especially by doingsomething all the time

Be on a downer (BrE): to be sad or experiencing a series of sad events

Wet Blanket (informal): someone who seems to want to spoil otherpeoples fun, for example by refusing to join them in something enjoyable

that they are doing

Moaning Minnie: someone who is never satisfied and is alwayscomplaining

Get under sbs skin (informal): if someone gets under your skin, theyannoy you, especially by the way they behave

To be/get carried away: to be so excited, angry, interested etc that you areno longer really in control of what you do or say, or you forgeteverything else

Cat got your tongue?/Lost your tongue? => If someone asks if the cat hasgot your tongue, they want to know why you are not speaking whenthey think you should.

Get something off your chest: to tell someone about something that hasbeen worrying or annoying you for a long time, so that you feel betterafterwards (SYN: talk your heart out to sb/pour out your heart/pour outyour soul/spill it out)

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Blow off steam (AmE)/let off steam(BrE): get rid of your anger,excitement, or energy in a way that does not harm anyone by doingsomething active

Blow/clear the cobwebs away: to do something, especially go outside, in

order to help yourself to think more clearly and feel better

Save/keep something for a rainy day: to save something, especiallymoney, for a time when you will need it

A shoulder to cry on: someone who gives you sympathy

Drugs/narcotics: grass/marijuana/joint/spliff/hash/heroin/cocaine/opium

(Its) nothing personal/don't take it personal => used to tell someone thatyou are not criticizing them

Pun: an amusing use of a word or phrase that has two meanings, or ofwords that have the same sound but different meanings (SYN: play onwords)

Step on sbs toes: to offend or upset someone, especially by trying to dotheir work

Be on sb's back (informal): to criticize someone several times in anannoying way

Get/put sbs back up (BrE informal): to annoy someone

Pick on somebody/something: to behave in an unfair way to someone, forexample by blaming them or criticizing them unfairly

To bug sb: to annoy someone

Bug: to put a bug (small piece of electronic equipment) somewheresecretly in order to listen to conversations

- Do you think the room is bugged?

To pester/nag sb: to annoy someone, especially by asking them manytimes to do something

To eavesdrop: to deliberately listen secretly to other peoplesconversations

To bug the conversation: to put a bug (small piece of electronicequipment) somewhere secretly in order to listen to conversations

To ditch sb/something:

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1. To stop having something because you no longer want it

2. To end a romantic relationship with someone

3. To not go to school, a class etc when you should (AmE informal) SYN:

skip (BrE)

4. To leave someone you are with in a place without telling them you aregoing (AmE informal)

You've hit the nail on the head! (informal): used to say that what someonehas said is exactly right

Hit the bull's-eye:

1. Lit: to hit the very center of a circular target.

2. Fig: to achieve the goal perfectly.

In a pigs eye! (AmE spoken): used to show that you do not believe whatsomeone is saying

Be all fingers and thumbs (BrE)/be all thumbs (AmE informal)/butterfingers(informal): clumsy, awkward

A lame duck: a person, business etc that is having problems and needs

help

A lame duck president/governor/legislature etc (informal): a president,governor etc with no real power because his or her period in office willsoon end

To step down/step aside (your job) : to resign (your job)

To abdicate: to give up the position of being king or queen

Cut somebody down to size/put somebody in their place: to make

someone realize that they are not as important, successful etc as theythink they are

Go beyond a limit/go over a limit/cross the line: exceed a limit

Somebody will/would/should etc go far: used to say that you thinksomeone will be successful in the future

- He was the best student in his year, and everyone was sure he would gofar.

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It serves somebody right: used to say that you think someone deservessomething unpleasant that happens to them, because they have beenstupid or unkind

Cut your coat according to your cloth: to spend only as much money as

you can afford

Bite off more than you can chew: to try to do more than you are able to do

Give somebody/get the cold shoulder: to behave in an unfriendly waytowards someone that you know (V: to cold-shoulder sb)

To receive a cold/chilly welcome: to get the cold shoulder

Get uppish/uppity with sb: to behave as if you are more important thanyou really are, or not to show someone enough respect

To hang out with sb: to date sb

She's my steady => a boyfriend or girlfriend that someone has beenhaving a romantic relationship with for a long time (AmE old-fashionedinformal)

Sell (sb) out (informal): to not do what you have promised someone youwill do or what you should do because you will get more advantages foryourself if you do something else

Cut the ground from under sbs feet: to make someone or their ideasseem less impressive by having better ideas yourself or doing somethingbefore they do

Teach somebody a lesson (informal): if someone or something teachesyou a lesson, you are punished for something you have done, so that youwill not want to do it again

Get above yourself: to think you are better or more important than youreally are

Be/get too big for your boots (informal): to be too proud of yourself

Nouveau riche: having only recently become rich and spending a lot ofmoney used to show disapproval - SYN: new rich (AmE)

Gross! : Disgusting!

Jeepers/jeepers creepers (US and Canadian slang): a mild exclamation ofsurprise

Yuck: used to show that you think something is very unpleasant

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- Lets catch up on some news.

Time flies (also the hours/the days etc fly): used to say that a period oftime seems to pass very quickly

Lifes too short: used to say that you should not waste time doingsomething or worrying about something

To suck sb or something dry/to bleed something or sb dry/white: toremove all useful, valuable qualities or possessions from a person,thing or place

Keep up the good work/job

Not give a damn (about somebody/something): to not care at all aboutsomeone or something

Live off somebody/something: to get your income or food from a supply ofmoney or from another person

To turn up at a place: to arrive at a place, especially in a way that isunexpected

To show up at a place: to arrive, especially at the place where someone iswaiting for you

To keep something under your hat (informal): to keep something secret

Scorching/baking/roasting hot (also boiling/broiling hot ) (AmE) :usedabout weather that is very hot

Goose pimples (esp BrE)/goose bumps (esp AmE)/goose flesh (esp BrE):small raised spots on your skin that you get when you are cold orfrightened

Get/have cold feet (informal): to suddenly feel that you are not brave

enough to do something you planned to do

Chattering: if your teeth are chattering, you are so cold or frightened thatyour teeth are knocking together

To get pins & needles is your leg/hand => an uncomfortable feeling, oftenin your foot or your leg, which you get especially when you have notmoved part of your body for a long time, and the supply of blood hasstopped flowing properly

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To give somebody the creeps: if a person or place gives you the creeps,they make you feel nervous and a little frightened, especially becausethey are strange => So you get the creeps.

My leg is asleep => an arm or leg that is asleep has been in one position

for too long, so you cannot feel it properly

Make sbs hair stand on end: to make someone very frightened

Speak of the devil/talk of the devil (BrE): used when someone you havejust been talking about walks into the room where you are

Burn your bridges/boats (informal): to do something with the result thatyou will not be able to return to a previous situation again, even if youwant to

Speaking of which: by the way

All his geese are swans => He constantly exaggerates the importance ofa person or thing

Wouldnt say boo to a goose: an expression used to describe a shy quietperson

Chicken-hearted (adj)/chicken/timid/yellow/yellow bellied: lacking courage,coward

Goosestep: a way of marching by soldiers, in which they lift their legsquite high and do not bend their knees

Keep your shirt on & stay away from stuffed shirts & if you're unlucky tolose your shirt & you have lost your money, roll up your shirt sleeves &find a friend who is willing to offer you his shirt off his back. =>

Keep your shirt/hair on: used to tell someone who is becoming angry thatthey should stay calm (SYN: chill out/easy/take it easy/cool off/calmdown)

Stuffed shirt: someone who behaves in a very formal way and thinks thatthey are important

To lose your shirt: to lose a lot of money

Roll your sleeves up: to start doing a job even though it is difficult or youdo not want to do it

Not have a leg to stand on (informal): to be in a situation where you

cannot prove or legally support what you say

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To have a leg up on sb: to have an advantage over someone

Give somebody a leg-up (BrE): to help someone succeed in their job

Connection: people who you know who can help you, especially because

they are in positions of power

Pull strings/pull wires (AmE): to secretly use your influence with importantpeople in order to get what you want or to help someone else

To cost an arm and a leg: to have a price that is much too high

Pull sbs leg: to tell someone something that is not true, as a joke

On your last legs:

1. Very tired

2. Very ill and likely to die soon (informal)

To have one foot in the grave: to be near death because of being very oldor very ill used humorously

Sbs/somethings days are numbered: used to say that someone orsomething cannot live or continue for much longer

Shake a leg: used to tell someone to hurry, or quickly start doingsomething

To rip sb off: to take words, ideas etc from someone elses work and usethem in your own work as if they were your own ideas (SYN: plagiarize)

To pull the wool over sbs eyes: to deceive someone by not telling thetruth

To do a snow job on sb => an act of making someone believe somethingthat is not true (AmE informal)

To put sb on the hook/hot water: to put sb in a dangerous or difficultsituation

To have your back to/against the wall (informal): to be in a difficultsituation with no choice about what to do

To make sb the scapegoat: someone who is blamed for something badthat happens, even if it is not their fault (SYN: whipping boy)

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Acronym: a word made up from the first letters of the name of somethingsuch as an organization. For example, NATO is an acronym for theNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization.

To break your back (informal): to put a lot of effort into doing something

The ball is in sbs court: it is their turn to take action or to reply

Break the back of something: to finish the main or worst part of something

Showtime:

1. The time that a play or film will begin in a theatre or cinema

2. The time when an activity should begin (AmE informal)

- The party's over.

Its (a case of) the tail wagging the dog: used to say that an unimportantthing is wrongly controlling a situation

To toot your own horn/to blow your own horn (AmE)/blow your owntrumpet (esp BrE): to talk a lot about your own achievements used toshow disapproval (informal)

To turn your stomach: to make you feel sick, upset or disgusted

Snake/snake in the grass (informal): someone who cannot be trusted(SYN: sly, cunning, crafty)

Somebody has a sharp tongue => they speak in a very disapproving waywhich often upsets people

Silver tongue (literary): if you have a silver tongue, you can talk in a waythat makes people like you or persuades them that you are right

Silver-tongued: good at talking to people and making them like you, or

persuading them to do what you want (SYN: charming)

Give the (rough) of one's tongue: If you give the (rough) edge of yourtongue, you scold someone severely or speak to them very aggressivelyor rudely.

Pull the plug on sb:

1. Lit: to turn off someone's life-support system in a hospital.

2. Fig: to put an end to someone's activities or plans

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Turn a blind eye (to something): to deliberately ignore something that youknow should not be happening

An eye-opener: an experience from which you learn something surprisingor new

To rack your brain/to beat your brains out/to cram your brain: to try veryhard to remember or think of somethingTo close/shut your eyes to something: to ignore something or pretend thatyou do not know it is happening

To grit your teeth:

1. To use all your determination to continue in spite of difficulties

2. To bite your teeth together, especially when you are in pain, angry, orunder pressure

To grind your teeth: to rub your upper and lower teeth together, making anoise

Dont waste your breath/save your breath: used to say that someone willnot be able to persuade someone else, so there is no point in trying

The best of both worlds: a situation in which you have the advantages oftwo different things without any of the disadvantages

To have your cake and eat it (BrE)/to have your cake and eat it too (AmEspoken): to have all the advantages of something without itsdisadvantages

To spice sth up: to add interest or excitement to something

To creep up on/behind sb/sth: to surprise someone by walking up behindthem silently

Invitations

- Would you like to have dinner with me?

- Do you like/want to have dinner with me?

- How about having dinner with me?

- Let's have dinner together.

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- We'd like to invite you (you and your) round/over (for dinner at myplace).

- I'm having a party on Thursday.

- Can you come?

- Can you make it?

- Do you think you can make it/come?

- Please try to make it.

- Would you come to the party on?

- Why don't you join us?

- We are having a birthday party on Thursday. Would you like to come?

- I'll be so happy to have you in my party.

- May I have the honor to invite you to my birthday party?

- I was wondering if you could possibly attend my party on Thursday.

- I have two tickets to . Would you like to go with me?

Accepting the invitation

- It's an honor.

- It'll be my pleasure.

- Sure! I'd be glad/happy/pleased to (come).

- That sounds fun/great.

- It's nice/sweet/kind of you to invite me.

- It's sweet of you to invite me.

- It's kind of you to invite me.

- I'd love/like to.

- Thanks for inviting me.

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Beefcake: a strong attractive man with large muscles

Cheesecake (old-fashioned): photographs of pretty women with fewclothes on

Beef head: an individual with a head too large for their body

- You beef head! Lay off & leave me alone!

To beef something up: to improve something or make it more interesting,more important etc

- They beefed up the offer with another thousand bucks.

Better luck next time: used to say that you hope someone will be moresuccessful the next time they try to do something

On the shelf (BrE old-fashioned): too old to get married (It is usedespecially for women, but we can use it for men as well.)

Spinster: an unmarried woman, usually one who is no longer young andseems unlikely to marry

Bachelor: a man who has never been married

Your better half/other half (old-fashioned): used humorously to mean yourhusband or wife

Big cheese/fish/noise: an important and powerful person in anorganization used humorously

Big deal (spoken): an important or exciting event or situation

Big gun (informal): a person or company that has a lot of power andinfluence

To play in the big leagues (figurative): to be involved in something oflarge or important proportions

Bigwig (informal): an important person

Big shot (informal): someone who has a lot of power or influence in acompany or an area of business

Bigmouth (informal): someone who cannot be trusted to keep secrets(SYN: gossip)

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Big Man on Campus (AmE informal): an important and popular malestudent at a college or university, especially someone who is good atsports

Big name(s): famous

Big spender/big time spender: sb who spends a lot of money

Big time (informal): the position of being very famous or important, forexample in the entertainment business or in politics

To hit/reach the big time: to become very famous and successful

A/the big wheel (informal): an important person

Big z's: sleep

Woolgathering: idle or absent-minded indulgence in fantasy; daydreaming

To be sarcastic: saying things that are the opposite of what you mean, inorder to make an unkind joke or to show that you are annoyed

To tell on sb: to tell someone in authority about something wrong thatsomeone you know has done used especially by children

Advice/Suggestion:

- I'm so sorry.

- If I were you, I'd rather take a painkiller.

- Take a painkiller.

- (Maybe) You should see a doctor.

- It's best/important/a good idea/good to take a painkiller.

- I suggest you take a painkiller.

- I suggest taking a pill.

- Why don't you take a painkiller?

- You could always take a painkiller for a headache.

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- What about/How about taking a painkiller?

Responses:

- That's a good/great idea.

- That sounds good/great.

- I've never thought of that.

- Thanks for the advice/suggestion.

- It didn't come to/cross my mind.

- Why not?

To drive somebody up the wall/round the bend/out of their mind (spokeninformal): to make someone feel very annoyed

To get on sbs nerves (informal): if someone gets on your nerves, theyannoy you, especially by doing something all the time

To get in sbs hair (informal): to annoy someone, especially by alwaysbeing near them

Ill eat my hat: used to emphasize that you think something is not true orwill not happen => Example: If the Democrats win the election, Ill eat myhat!

I eat my heart out for her/My heart is bleeding for her. => I want her verymuch.

My heart bleeds (for sb): if your heart bleeds for sb who is in trouble, you

feel sadness and sympathy for them

To eat your words: to admit that what you said was wrong

I feel/look like a million bucks (esp AmE informal): to feel or look veryhealthy, happy, and beautiful

To be walking on air/clouds/To be on top of the world: to be feelingextremely happy

To turn somebody away:

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1. To refuse to let someone enter a place or join an organization, forexample because it is full

2. To refuse to give someone sympathy, help, or support

One of a kind: the only one of a particular type of thing

To follow your nose (informal): to go straight forward or continue in thesame direction

A kick up the arse/backside (BrE informal)/a kick in the butt/pants (AmEinformal): If you give someone a kick up the arse, you do or saysomething to try to stop them being lazy (offensive)

All you need is a kick in the pants.

To keep one's eye on the ball: to remain alert to the events occurringaround oneself

To burn the midnight oil: to work or study until late at night

To burn the candle at both ends (informal): to get very tired by doingthings until very late at night and getting up early in the mornings

To stay up: to not go to bed at the time you would normally go to bed

Night owl (informal): someone who enjoys and prefers staying awake allnight

Early bird/early riser: someone who always gets up very early in themorning

To play + adjective with/on sb => to play innocent/clever/smart/fool/deadwith/on sb

A square peg in a round hole (informal): someone who is in a job orsituation that is not suitable for them

To have what it takes to be a CEO/to have the qualities for a CEO/to havethe making of CEO/to have the material for a CEO (CEO: Chief ExecutiveOfficer => the person with the most authority in a large company)

To be cut out for something/to be cut out to be something (usually inquestions and negatives): to have the qualities that you need for aparticular job or activity

- In the end, I decided I wasnt cut out for the army.

- Are you sure youre really cut out to be a teacher?

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To make the cut: to meet or come up to a required standard; to succeed;to be chosen out of a field of candidates or possibilities

To have qualities & potential of

To jump the queue/line: to go to the front rather than joining the end of aqueue/line

Queue-jumping: when someone unfairly gets something before otherpeople who have been waiting longer

To jump down sbs throat (informal): to suddenly speak angrily tosomeone

Lovey-dovey (informal): behaviour that is lovey-dovey is too romantic

To jump at the opportunity/to grab/grasp/seize the opportunity: to dosomething very eagerly when you have the chance

A jumped-up person (BrE informal): a jumped-up person thinks they aremore important than they really are, because they have improved theirsocial position

Timeserver (informal): someone who does the least amount of workpossible in their job

Opportunist: one who takes advantage of any opportunity to achieve anend, often with no regard for principles or consequences used to showdisapproval

To know which side your bread is buttered (on) (informal): to know whichpeople to be nice to in order to get advantages for yourself

He knows where/which side his bread is buttered.

To butter sb up (informal): to say nice things to someone so that they willdo what you want

A rolling stone gathers no moss: used to say that someone who oftenchanges jobs, moves to different places etc is not able to have anypermanent relationships or duties

To jump/leap to a conclusions/a conclusion: to decide something is truewithout knowing all the facts, especially when you are wrong

To jump to sb's defence: to quickly defend someone

To jump a light/the lights/red lights/red traffic lights: to drive through redtraffic lights without stopping

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To be out of words: to be shocked and unable to speak about sth

Words fail me (spoken): used to say that you are so surprised, angry, orshocked that you do not know what to say

To go out of your mind/to lose your mind (informal): to become mentally illor very worried, bored etc (SYN: to go crazy)

To be tongue-tied: to be unable to talk in a relaxed way because you feelnervous or embarrassed

To give sb your word(s): to promise sb

Take my word for it: believe me; what I say is true

(You) mark my words! (spoken): used to tell someone that they shouldpay attention to what you are saying because it is true and important andwill happen in the future

Obstinate: determined not to change your ideas, behaviour, opinions etc,even when other people think you are being unreasonable (SYN: stubborn)

I can't thank you enough:a polite expression of gratitudeBully: someone who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurtsomeone who is weaker

Bully sb into (doing something):

1. To threaten to hurt someone or frighten them, especially someonesmaller or weaker

2. To put pressure on someone in order to make them do what you want

To put the word about/around/out/round: to tell people a new piece ofnews

Words/news/rumours get about/around/round: words/news/rumoursspread fast within a lot of people

A storm in a teacup (BrE)/a tempest in a teapot (AmE): an unnecessaryexpression of strong feelings about something that is very unimportant

To take the words (right) out of sbs mouth (spoken): if someone takes thewords out of your mouth, they have just said what you were going to say

You can say that again! : used to say that you completely agree with

someone

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(Upon) my word! (spoken old-fashioned): used when you are verysurprised

Heavens!/Good Heavens!/Heavens above!: used to express surprise,especially when you are annoyed

To have a word with sb: to talk to someone quickly, especially becauseyou need their advice about something or you want to tell them to dosomething

To break your word: to break your promise

To bite your tongue: to stop yourself saying something because you knowit would not be sensible to say it

To bite your lip => because you are upset or not sure what to say

To eat humble pie/to eat crow (AmE): to admit that you were wrong andsay that you are sorry

Tongue twister: a word or phrase that is difficult to say quickly

Example: She sell sea shells on the sea shore.

To get your tongue round/around something (informal): to be able to say adifficult word or phrase

To loosen sbs tongue: to make someone talk more than usual, especiallyabout things they should not talk about

- Dont stick your tongue out. Its rude!

To set tongues wagging: to do something that people will talk about in anunkind way

- Angelas divorce will certainly set tongues wagging.

With (your) tongue in (your) cheek: if you say something with your tonguein your cheek, you say it as a joke, not seriously

Sarcastic: saying things that are the opposite of what you mean, in orderto make an unkind joke or to show that you are annoyed

- I thought so, she said with a sarcastic smile.

To bottle sth up: to deliberately not allow yourself to show a strong feelingor emotion

- He bottled up his anger.

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- A burden is lifted off my shoulder.

- She has quitted her job/She quitted her job.

- The doctor said it was just the flu. What a relief!/That's a relief.

To give somebody a buzz (informal): to telephone someone

To give somebody a ring (BrE informal): to make a telephone call tosomeone

To bump into sb: to meet someone who you know, when you were notexpecting to (SYN: run into)

- Nice bumping into you!/ What a coincidence!/ Fancy seeing you here!(BrE)

Well I never!/never (BrE spoken): used when you are very surprised bysomething

To give somebody the rough side/edge of your tongue (old fashioned):toscold someone severely or speak them angrily

To answer (sb) back: to reply in a rude way to someone that you aresupposed to obey

Youve made your bed and you must lie on it (spoken): used to say thatyou must accept the results of your actions, even if they are bad

To face the music: to accept criticism or punishment for something thatyou have done

To be tough/hard on sb: to criticize someone in a way that is unfair, or tobe too strict with them

To rebuke sb (sharply) (formal): to speak to someone severely aboutsomething they have done wrong (SYN: reprimand)

If the cap fits (, wear it) (BrE)/ if the hat/shoe fits (, wear it) (AmE):something that you say to tell someone that if they are guilty ofsomething bad, they should accept criticism.

- Look, I didn't say who was to blame for this mess - but if the cap fits,wear it.

To set sbs teeth on edge: if a sound or taste sets your teeth on edge, itgives you an uncomfortable feeling in your mouth

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To get a word in edgeways (BrE)/edgewise (AmE): to get a chance to saysomething

To put words into sbs mouth (spoken): to tell someone what you thinkthey are trying to say, in a way that annoys them

To be slow/quick on the uptake (informal): to be slow or fast atunderstanding something

Complaining

To fill out a complaint to the manager

- This car is a pain in the neck. It's always breaking down

- You're always talking in the class.

- You always come to the class late.

- It's too

- I can't stand

- I could kick myself. I'm always losing my keys.

- It drives me mad/crazy/go banana/go up the wall.

- Your dog always barks in the middle of the night.

- I wish you wouldn't come to the class late.

- I wish you would listen to me more.

- I wish + sb+ would + base form of the verb

Nasty: someone who is nasty behaves in an unkind and unpleasant way

Louse (informal): someone who is nasty and unpleasant

- I'm very annoyed with...

- I can't stand her/verb + ing

- I was/am a little disappointed.

- It was a little/bit disappointing.

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- I wasn't/am not very pleased/happy with...

- He's always/constantly + verb+ ing

- He keeps on + verb +ing

- I'm sick/tired of + verb + ing

- I'm bored/fed up with + verb + ing

- I hate...

- It really gets me down

- Noun/ verb + ing really gets me down.

- This traffic (etc) is killing me.

-You're playing the music so loud. Do you think you can keep it down/turnit down/keep your voice down?

- You have the habit of leaving the kitchen in mess often having yourmeals.

- You're always messing up the kitchen.

Responses:

1. Giving an excuse: I'm sorry, I didn't realize it might bother you.

2. Admitting a mistake: You know what? I forgot to clean up the kitchen.

3. Making an offer: I'll clean up the next time before I leave the kitchen.

4. Making a promise: It won't happen again. / I promise I'll / I'll make

sure

- What is sb like? (appearance/personality)

- What does sb look like? (Appearance: clothing, hair, eyes, face, height,weight)

The soul of the parties. (outgoing)

- He's sb much fun to be with.

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Extrovert/extravert: someone who is active and confident, and who enjoysspending time with other peopleIntrovert: someone who is quiet and shy, and does not enjoy being withother people

To wear your heart on your sleeve (informal): to show your true feelingsopenly (SYN: open, frank, candid)

- She's sad looking/quiet/isolated/keeps himself to himself

Hermit: someone who lives alone and has a simple way of life, usually forreligious reasons

Light-hearted: easy-going, carefree

Hypocrite: someone who pretends to have certain beliefs or opinions thatthey do not really have used to show disapproval

Two-faced (adjective) (informal): changing what you say according to whoyou are talking to, in a way that is insincere and unpleasant used toshow disapproval

To stick to your guns (informal): to refuse to change your mind aboutsomething, even though other people are trying to persuade you that youare wrong

Determined/stubborn/obstinateTo put your foot down: to say very firmly that someone must dosomething or must stop doing something

Dominant: controlling or trying to control other people or things used toshow disapproval (SYN: domineering, bossy)

To wear the trousers (BrE)/to wear the pants (AmE informal): to be theperson in a family who makes the decisions

Strong-willed: knowing exactly what you want to do and being determinedto achieve it, even if other people advise you against it (OPP: weak-willed)

Decisive: someone who is decisive is good at making decisions quicklyand with confidence (OPP: indecisive)

Resolute: doing something in a very determined way because you havevery strong beliefs, aims etc (OPP: irresolute)

Ambitious: determined to be successful, rich, powerful etc

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High-flier/high flyer: someone who has a lot of ability and a strong wish tobe successful and is therefore expected to achieve a lot

To climb the ladder(AmE): to advance in ones career through promotions

Self-assured: calm and confident about what you are doing (OPP: hesitant)

To be demanding: expecting a lot of attention or expecting to have thingsexactly the way you want them, especially in a way that is not fair

Dynamic: full of energy and new ideas, and determined to succeed (SYN:energetic)

Hyperactive: someone, especially a child, who is hyperactive is too active,and is not able to keep still or be quiet for very long

Competitive: determined or trying very hard to be more successful thanother people or businesses

Go-getter: someone who is likely to be successful because they are verydetermined and have a lot of energy

Arrogant: behaving in an unpleasant or rude way because you think youare more important than other people

Proud: very pleased with what you, your family, or your country have

achieved, or of something you own

To toot your own horn/to blow your own horn (AmE)/blow your owntrumpet (esp BrE): to talk a lot about your own achievements used toshow disapproval (informal)

To be boastful: to talk too proudly about yourself (OPP: modest)

Brag: to talk too proudly about what you have done, what you own etc used to show disapproval (SYN: boast)

Snobbish/snobby: behaving in a way that shows you think you are betterthan other people because you are from a higher social class or knowmore than they do

Conceited: someone who is conceited thinks they are very clever, skilful,beautiful etc used to show disapproval (SYN: vain)

Self-centred (BrE)/self-centered (AmE): paying so much attention toyourself that you do not notice what is happening to other people (SYN:selfish, egocentric)

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Narrow-minded: unwilling to accept or understand new or different ideas,opinions, or customs (SYN: prejudiced) (OPP: broadminded)

Egoist/egotist: a person who considers themselves to be better or moreimportant than other people

Short-sighted: not considering the possible effects in the future ofsomething that seems good now used to show disapproval (OPP: far-sighted)

A cry for help: something someone says or does that shows that they arevery unhappy and need help

To shed crocodile tears: if someone sheds crocodile tears, they seem sad,sorry, or upset, but they do not really feel this way

I cross my heart (and hope to die)! : (spoken informal): used to say thatyou promise that you will do something, or that what you are saying istrue (SYN: I swear)

- Do you swear on your honour (promise very strongly) that you will nevertell anyone?

Apologizing

- I'm sorry.

- I'm sorry I'm late.

- I'm sorry for being late.

- I apologize for being late.

- Forgive me for being late.

- I'd like to apologize for...

- My mistake, sorry

- My bad, sorry.

- Excuse me.

- Excuse me, please.

- Pardon me.

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- I'm terribly/so/ever so/awfully sorry.

- I feel terrible/bad.

- I'm afraid I spilled coffee on the table cloth.

- I'm afraid I broke your vase.

Responses:

- It's ok/all right.

- That's ok/all right.

- That's quite all right.

Its/thats all right: used to reply to someone who thanks you or says theyare sorry about something

- Never mind.

- No big deal.

- No problem.

- It doesn't matter.

- Not at all.

- It's nothing.

- Not a bit.

- No need to apologize.

- That doesn't matter.

- Don't mention it.

- Take it easy.

- Don't worry about it.

- Not to worry.

- (Just) forget about it.

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- Don't worry, these things will/do happen.

Swindle: to get money from someone by deceiving them (SYN: cheat)

Fraud: the crime of deceiving people in order to gain something such asmoney or goods

Hustler (esp AmE): someone who tries to trick people into giving themmoney

Fussy: very concerned about small, usually unimportant details, anddifficult to please (SYN: obsessive)

Meticulous: very careful about small details, and always making sure thateverything is done correctlyPerfectionist: someone who is not satisfied with anything unless it iscompletely perfect

Materialistic: concerned only with money and possessions rather thanthings of the mind such as art, religion, or moral beliefs used to showdisapproval (SYN: money oriented)

Weak-minded: showing little intelligence, or easily persuaded (SYN:feeble-minded) (OPP: strong-minded)

Mercenary (adjective): only interested in the money you may be able toget from a person, job etc

Mercenary (noun): a soldier who fights for any country or group that willpay him

Moody: changing quickly from being in a good temper to being in a badtemper (SYN: temperamental)

Unstable: someone who is unstable changes very suddenly so that you do

not know how they will react or behave (SYN: unpredictable)

Spontaneous: someone who is spontaneous does things without planningthem first used to show approval

Impulsive: someone who is impulsive does things without considering thepossible dangers or problems first

Compulsive: compulsive behaviour is very difficult to stop or control, andis often a result of or a sign of a mental problem

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OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder): a form of mental illness in which aperson does the same thing again and again and cannot stop doing it, forexample washing their hands many times a day

Deceitful: someone who is deceitful tells lies in order to get what they

want (SYN: dishonest, insincere)

Trustworthy: able to be trusted and depended on (SYN: reliable)

Impressionable: someone who is impressionable is easily influenced,especially because they are young

To be a pushover (informal): to be easy to persuade, influence, or defeat

Obedient: always doing what you are told to do, or what the law, a rule etcsays you must do used to show approval

Yes-man: someone who always agrees with and obeys their employer,leader etc in order to gain some advantage used to show disapproval

Passive: someone who is passive tends to accept things that happen tothem or things that people say to them, without taking any action

Gullible: too ready to believe what other people tell you, so that you areeasily tricked

Simple/simpleton (old-fashioned): someone who has a very low level ofintelligence

Modest: someone who is modest does not want to talk about their abilitiesor achievements (SYN: humble) (OPP: immodest, boastful)

Persistent: continuing to do something, although this is difficult, or otherpeople warn you not to do it

Clingy/clinging: someone who is clingy is too dependent on anotherperson, and will often hold on to them used to show disapproval

Pushy: someone who is pushy does everything they can to get what theywant from other people used to show disapproval

Impetuous: tending to do things very quickly, without thinking carefullyfirst, or showing this quality (SYN: impulsive)

To be hasty: to do something too soon, without careful enough thought

To think twice: to think very carefully before deciding to do something,

because you know about the dangers or problems

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Tolerant: allowing people to do, say, or believe what they want withoutcriticizing or punishing them (OPP: intolerant)

Patient: able to wait calmly for a long time or to accept difficulties,peoples annoying behaviour etc without becoming angry (OPP: impatient)

Excitable: becoming excited too easily

To cope with sth: to succeed in dealing with a difficult problem or situation

To tolerate/bear/stand sth: to be able to accept something unpleasant ordifficult, even though you do not like it

- I can't stand + noun/ verb + ing

Rebellious: deliberately not obeying people in authority or rules ofbehavior

Unmanageable: difficult to control or deal with

Ungovernable (formal): feelings or types of behaviour that areungovernable are impossible to control

Unruly: violent or difficult to control (SYN: wild)

Revolutionary: relating to a political or social revolution

Absent-minded: likely to forget things, especially because you are thinkingabout something else (SYN: forgetful)

Alzheimers disease (also Alzheimer's): a disease that affects the brain,especially of old people, and that gradually makes it difficult to move, talk,or remember things (SYN: dementia)

Conscientious: careful to do everything that it is your job or duty to do(SYN: responsible)

To be accountable to/for: responsible for the effects of your actions andwilling to explain or be criticized for themDiligent: someone who is diligent works hard and is careful and thorough

Shoe/shoeing/shod/shoed

Shoelace: a thin piece of material, like string, that goes through holes inthe front of your shoes and is used to fasten them (SYN: lace, shoestring)

Shoe: to put a horseshoe on a horse

Shod (adjective): wearing shoes of the type mentioned

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Flat shoes/heeled shoes/high-heeled shoes/gym shoes/tennis shoes

Flats (AmE): a pair of womens shoes with very low heels

Slip-ons: shoes that do not have a fastening

Lace-up (esp BrE): shoes that are fastened with laces

To do up/tie up/lace up your shoelaces: to fasten your shoelaces

To undo shoelaces: to open shoelaces

- I didn't realize that my shoelaces had come undone

Spikes: shoes with metal points on the bottom, worn by people who runraces, play golf etc

Spike heels: a pair of womens shoes with very high thin heels

To be in sbs shoes: to be in someone elses situation, especially a badone

- I wouldn't wish to be in her shoes.

To be/get called on the carpet (AmE informal): to be criticized by someone

in authority because you have done something wrong

- If I were you/in your shoes/in your place, I'd + verb

To step into/fill sbs shoes: to do a job that someone else used to do, anddo it as well as they did

Shoehorn shoe-horn: a curved piece of metal or plastic that you put insidethe back of a shoe when you put it on, to help your heel go in easily

Shoe tree: a piece of wood or metal shaped like the inside of a shoe, for

putting inside a shoe to keep its shape when it is not being worn

On a shoestring (informal): if you do something on a shoestring, you do itwithout spending much money

The birthday girl/boy (informal): the person whose birthday it is- Here comes the birthday boy!

Let the cat out of the bag: to tell someone a secret, especially withoutintending to

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To spill the beans (informal): to tell someone something that you want tokeep secret (SYN: to give something away)

Complimenting

- Marzie, bangs/fringe looks nice/good on you.

Bangs (AmE): hair cut straight across your forehead (SYN: fringe BrE)

- You look pretty whatever you wear.

- I like the way (that) you do your hair.

- I like the way (that) you dress yourself.

- I like the way you walk, talk, smile.

- What a lovely hairdo/haircut/hairstyle!

- What a beautiful T-shirt you have on/you are wearing.

Becoming: a piece of clothing, a hairstyle etc that is becoming makes youlook attractive

- Your haircut is very (much) becoming on you.Smart: smart clothes, buildings etc are clean, tidy, and attractive (SYN:sharp AmE)

Classy: fashionable and expensive

- Your coat/jacket looks very classy/smart.

To be in harmony with: to agree with another idea, feeling etc, or lookgood with other things

- Your boots match/go with your dress.

- Your hairstyle goes with your face/complexion.

- You really look beautiful.Complexion: the natural colour or appearance of the skin on your face

A dark/fair complexion

A healthy/clear/spotty complexion

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Spotty (BrE informal): someone who is spotty has small raised red markson their skin, especially on their face

Fishy (informal): seeming bad or dishonest (SYN: suspicious)

Overdo in giving compliments is considered fishy.

Responses:

- It is nice/sweet of you to say so.

- Why, thank you!

- Oh, really? Thanks!

- I'm flattered.

- Take it if you like it.

- It's yours, take it!

- I'm glad you enjoyed it.

To fish for compliments: to try to make someone say something nice

about you, usually by first criticizing yourself used to show disapproval- What do you think of my new dress?

- How do like my new hairstyle?

- Oh, go on/come on, you're just saying that.

Youre putting me on! (esp AmE spoken): used to tell someone that youthink they are joking

- Oh, come on

- You're not serious.

- I'm being perfectly honest with you.

- I don't believe you.

You shouldn't go too far in giving compliments to people or

exaggerate.

Scope: the opportunity to do or develop something

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- Little scope for further reduction in workforce

To be a trial (to/for sb): to be difficult to deal with, and worrying orannoying

- My brothers and I were always a real trial to my parents.

To be well/ideally/perfectly positioned: to be in a situation in which youwill be able to do something successfully

- We are well/ideally/perfectly positioned to take advantage of the growthin demand.

To put somebody off (BrE): to make you dislike something or not want todo something

To spill your guts (AmE informal): to tell someone all about your privatelife, or about a personal secretTo cry over spilt milk: to waste time feeling sorry about an earlier mistakeor problem that cannot be changed

The Fifth Amendment: a part of the constitution of the united states whichstates that you do not have to give information in a court of law whichcould be used against you, and that you cannot be put in prison or haveyour property taken away without a proper legal trial (no one can becompelled to talk against themselves)

To plead/take the Fifth (Amendment): to refuse to give informationagainst yourself in a court of law. People in the US sometimes use thisexpression humorously when they do not want to answer a question

- I plead the Fifth, Jack said, when his wife wanted to know where he hadbeen.

Spill it! : to reveal information about sth

Meeting & Greeting

- How are you?

- How are you doing?

- How are things going?

- How's life?

- How is it going?

- How's everything?

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Long time, no see (spoken): used humorously to say hello when you havenot seen someone for a long time

- How are you getting on?

- Are you doing ok?

- How have you been?

- How is it with you?

Responses:

- Fine/ok/cool/so so.

So so: neither very good nor very bad (SYN: average)

- Can't complain.

- Couldn't be better.

- Not very well.

- Not very good.

Wet blanket (informal): someone who seems to want to spoil otherpeoples fun, for example by refusing to join them in something enjoyablethat they are doing

To have your heart/sights set on something: to want to do something verymuch, or to be aiming to do something

Bad blood (between): angry or bitter feelings between people

- There has been bad blood between the two families for years.

To be on good/bad/friendly etc terms (with somebody): if you are on good,bad etc terms with someone, you have a good, bad etc relationship withthem

To be the picture of health/innocence/despair etc: to look veryhealthy/innocent/despaired etc

- Head bowed and sobbing, she was the picture of misery.

- There is not a dishonest bone is his body: I know him; he is not a liar.

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Five o'clock shadow: the dark colour on a mans chin where the hair hasgrown during the day

Stubble: short stiff hairs that grow on a mans face if he does not shave

Barefaced/bare-faced: used to describe a remark or action that is clearlyuntrue or unpleasant, and that shows that you do not care aboutoffending someone (SYN: blatant, boldfaced/bold-faced)

- Why are you telling such barefaced/boldfaced lies?

Saying good-bye

- I should be going now.

- I gotta go.

- Im off now.

- See you/ya.

- See you later.

- Cheers. (BrE informal)

- I must go.

- Good bye.

- Bye.

- Bye-bye.

- Bye now.

- Bye for now.

- I have to go/leave now.

- I'm gone.

- I'm outta/out of here.

- I've got to fly.

- I have to get going.

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- Could I be excused? (formal)

- Could you excuse me, please? (formal)

- I must be off.

- It's time to move along/push off/shove off.

- See you.

- I'll be seeing you.

- Be seeing you.

- Seeing you.

- Good night.

- Night. (informal)

- Nanight! (informal)

- Night night! (informal)

- Ta-ta. (BrE informal)

- Ciao.

- Adios.

- Good day.

- Have a good day.

- Can't you stay a little longer?

- That's too soon.

- Why so soon?

- You've just arrived.

- It's a shame you're leaving now.

- It was really nice to see you again.

- I was so glad to see you again.

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- It's been really nice seeing you again.

- Me too.

- So was I.

- Same here!

- You too.

- Yes it was. It was my pleasure.

- My pleasure.

- Stay/keep in touch.

- I'll call you.

- I'll give you a ring.

- I'll give you a buzz.

- I'll phone you.

- I'm looking forward to seeing you/to hearing from you.

- Fancy seeing you here! (BrE spoken)

(Its a) small world especially spoken used to express surprise when youunexpectedly meet someone you know or find out that someone has anunexpected connection to you

- What a surprise!

- Look who's here!

High-rise building: high-rise buildings are tall buildings with many levels

Block of flats: a large building divided into separate flats

Apartment complex: a group of buildings containing apartments

Skyscraper: a very tall modern city building

Apartment block (BrE)/apartment house (AmE)/apartment building: a largebuilding containing many apartments

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Condominium (esp AmE)/condo (AmE informal): one apartment in abuilding with several apartments, each of which is owned by the peopleliving in it

Homeowner(s) association: a homeowner association (abbrev. HOA) is an

organization created by a real estate developer for the purpose ofcontrolling the appearance and managing any common-area assets duringthe marketing, managing, and selling of homes and sites in a residentialsubdivision

Compound: an area that contains a group of buildings and is surroundedby a fence or wall

Tenement (building/house/block): a large building divided intoapartments, especially in the poorer areas of a city

What possessed somebody (to do something)? (spoken): used to say thatyou cannot understand why someone did something stupid

What/why/how etc on earth ...? (spoken): used to ask a question when youare very surprised or angry

- What on earth did you do that for?

What/how/why/where etc the hell? (spoken not polite): used to show thatyou are very surprised or angry

- How the hell are we going to do that?

Where/how/who etc the heck? (spoken informal)

Maintenance: the repairs, painting etc that are necessary to keepsomething in good condition

- The cost of repairs and maintenance

Dues: regular payments you make to an organization of which you are a

member (SYN: fees)

To have a say: to participate and express your ideas

Appreciation

- It's/That's very kind/good/sweet/nice of you.

- I appreciate your offer/offering.

- That would/That'd be nice.

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- I appreciate it very much.

- I very much/really appreciate it.

- You're very kind/nice.

Responses:

- (Please) don't mention it.

- You're most welcome.

- It's a/been a pleasure.

- My pleasure.

Be my guest (spoken): used to give someone permission to do

what they have asked to do

Gratitude

- Thank you very much/so much/so very much.

- I'm most grateful/thankful.

- I (really) appreciate it.

- Cheers! (BrE informal)

- Thanks!

- Thanks very much.

- Thanks a lot/a ton/a million.

- Thank you very much, indeed.

- Many thanks.

Ta (BrE informal): thank you

Responses:

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- It was nothing (at all).

- Glad to be of help.

- I'm glad to do it.

- (It was my) pleasure.

- It's been a pleasure.

- It's a pleasure.

- No problem.

- You're welcome.

- That's (quite) all right.

- Don't mention it.

- That's ok.

- Ahha.

Promising

Asking for a promise

- Can I rely on/depend on/count on you to + verb?

- Can I count on you to pay me back the money?

- Can I be sure that you me back the money next week?

Making a promise

- Promise.

- I promise (you).

- I promise to

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- I promise I'll

- I promise (you) that + subject + verb

- I guarantee (that)

- I can assure you (that)

- I give you my word

Your word of honour: a very serious promise that what you are saying istrue

- I wont try to see you again. I give you my word of honour.

- You can be sure (that)

- Absolutely.

- Definitely.

- Of course.

- That's for sure.

- Sure.

- You can rely on/depend on/count on me.

- I won't let you down.

- I won't disappoint you.

Red tape: official rules that seem unnecessary and prevent things frombeing done quickly and easily

Bureaucracy: a complicated official system that is annoying or confusingbecause it has a lot of rules, processes etc

To join/combine forces (with somebody/something): to work together so

that you can deal with a problem, be more powerful etc

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To have your hands full: to be very busy or too busy

Not to pull any/your punches: to express disapproval or criticism clearly,without trying to hide anything

To climb/jump/get on the bandwagon: to start doing or saying somethingthat a lot of people are already doing or saying used to show disapproval

To draw a veil over something: to deliberately keep something unpleasantor embarrassing from being known

To put somebody on the spot: to deliberately ask someone a question thatis difficult or embarrassing to answer

To keep/hold somebody at arms length: to avoid developing arelationship with someone

be in the running/out of the running: to have some hope or no hope ofwinning a race or competition:

To be in the running/out of the running (for sth): to have some hope or nohope of winning a race or competition

- Whos in the running for the world title this year?

To turn a deaf ear (to something): to be unwilling to listen to what

someone is saying or asking

To sweep/brush something under the carpet/to sweep something underthe rug (AmE): to try to keep something a secret, especially somethingyou have done wrong

The ball is in sbs court: it is their turn to take action or to reply

To mean business (informal): to be serious about doing something even ifit involves harming someone

Jobs for the boys (BrE): when someone in an important position gives workto their friends, especially when this gives the friends an unfair advantage

- The council chief was suspended over allegations of jobs for the boys.I take my hat off to somebody (informal)/hats off to somebody (informal):used to say you admire someone very much because of what they havedone

To be out of favour (with somebody): when someone or something is notliked or approved of by people

To run the gauntlet: to be criticized or attacked by a lot of people

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To keep faith with somebody/something: to continue to support or believein a person, organization, idea or to do what you promised to do in aparticular thing

To drive a wedge between somebody: to make the relationship between

two people or groups worseTo sit on the fence: to avoid saying which side of an argument yousupport or what your opinion is about a particular subject

Good faith: when a person, country etc intends to be honest and sincereand does not intend to deceive anyone

- The company had acted in good faith.

To hold/stand your ground: to refuse to change your mind aboutsomething, even though people are opposing you

To extend/offer/hold out etc an olive branch (to somebody): to do or saysomething in order to show that you want to end an argument withsomeone

To add fuel to the fire/flames: to make an argument or disagreementworse

- Rather than providing a solution, their statements merely added fuel tothe fire.

Hand in glove/hand and glove (AmE): closely connected with someone,especially in an illegal activity

- Far from being independent, the government and media work hand inglove.

Requests

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Can you?

Please

Could/will/would you please?

I'd like you to

Could I ask you to + verb?

Could/can you do me a favour?

Could you possibly?

Could I possibly?

Could I possibly ask you to?

Would you be kind enough to?

Do you think you could?

I wonder if you could possibly?

I was wondering if you could possibly?

Do you mind + verb + ing?

Would you mind + verb + ing?

Would you mind if I + verb + ed?

Would you mind if I asked you to?

Responses:

Okay.

All right.

Certainly.

Of course.I'd be glad/happy to.

Sure.

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Sure, why not?

By all means.

Definitely.

Yes please. What can I do for you?

Yes. What?

No, I wouldn't mind.

No, of course not.

No, not at all.

No problem.

No trouble at all.

Refusing a request:

I'd like/love to, but I'm afraid I can't

I'm sorry, I can't.

I'm sorry, I can't. I'm busy on

I'm awfully sorry, but

There are some expressions that have been talked about inthe class, but I didn't find any definition for them in any

dictionary or any webpage. They seem not be existing at all.

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I don't know, maybe I'm wrong and I don't have enoughknowledge to talk about that.

Here are those expressions (I just put the definitions thatprofessor Shams has given us in front of them):

Big John: a police officer

- She went pale like a dead nail => She became off-colour (ill).

- Never trust a man with a beard.

To be walking on the moon: to be feeling extremely happy

- They grow for their own boots.

- You're a fine one!

Tacky (I don't know what it is supposed to mean.)

Sticky: clingy

- Death becomes you!

Ladder-climber: someone who is successful in their job

Speaking of the goose

To have influence: to have a leg up

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

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