Posted on 07-10-2024 by thaylem | 96 views
Break the ice
Meaning: To make people feel more comfortable in a social setting.
Example: "At the party, I tried to break the ice by sharing a funny story."
A piece of cake
Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
Example: "For me, learning new languages is a piece of cake."
Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Something that is very expensive.
Example: "The hotel I stayed in cost an arm and a leg, but it was worth it."
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: "When my friend said I was stressed because of work, he hit the nail on the head."
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To stay up very late working on something.
Example: "I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my assignment on time."
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret by accident.
Example: "I let the cat out of the bag when I told my sister about her surprise party."
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy or joyful.
Example: "I was on cloud nine when I found out I had passed the IELTS exam."
In the same boat
Meaning: To be in the same situation as someone else.
Example: "During the lockdown, we were all in the same boat, stuck at home."
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: "I go hiking once in a blue moon, but I really enjoy it when I do."
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling unwell.
Example: "I couldn’t attend the meeting because I was feeling under the weather."
Hit the books
Meaning: To study hard.
Example: "I had to hit the books every day to prepare for my IELTS test."
Go the extra mile
Meaning: To make an extra effort to achieve something.
Example: "If you want to achieve your dreams, you need to go the extra mile."
Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
Example: "Don’t worry, I’m just pulling your leg – I didn’t mean it!"
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely.
Example: "I decided to bite the bullet and take the difficult exam."
Blow off steam
Meaning: To release pent-up energy or stress.
Example: "After a tough week, I like to blow off steam by going for a run."
Sit on the fence
Meaning: To be undecided or not commit to a decision.
Example: "When my friends argued about where to go on holiday, I just sat on the fence."
Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What someone does is more important than what they say.
Example: "He always talks about being helpful, but actions speak louder than words."
A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but later turns out to be good.
Example: "Losing my job was a blessing in disguise – it gave me the push I needed to start my own business."
Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working on something.
Example: "After studying for six hours, I decided to call it a day."
Go with the flow
Meaning: To be relaxed and accept things as they come without stress.
Example: "When traveling, I like to go with the flow and enjoy spontaneous plans."
Get out of hand
Meaning: To become uncontrollable.
Example: "The party got out of hand when too many people showed up."
Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: "She accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise trip."
Cut corners
Meaning: To do something poorly or quickly to save time or money.
Example: "When they built the bridge, they cut corners, which led to safety issues."
Take with a grain of salt
Meaning: To not take something too seriously.
Example: "I take his advice with a grain of salt because he tends to exaggerate."
Burn bridges
Meaning: To destroy relationships or opportunities.
Example: "He left his job on bad terms, completely burning his bridges."
Through thick and thin
Meaning: To stay by someone's side no matter what happens.
Example: "We’ve been best friends through thick and thin."
A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking.
Example: "You seem quiet – a penny for your thoughts?"
Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the point quickly.
Example: "Let's cut to the chase – how much will the repair cost?"
In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Something that happens very quickly.
Example: "The holidays went by in the blink of an eye."
Hit the ground running
Meaning: To start something and proceed at a fast pace with enthusiasm.
Example: "After graduating, she hit the ground running in her new career."
Bend over backwards
Meaning: To make a great effort to help someone.
Example: "I bent over backwards to make sure they were comfortable during their stay."
Keep your fingers crossed
Meaning: To hope for good luck or a positive outcome.
Example: "My exam results come out next week; I’m keeping my fingers crossed."
Put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: To rely on a single plan or opportunity.
Example: "Investing all your money in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket."
Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity.
Example: "I wanted to apply for that job, but I missed the boat – the deadline was yesterday."
It takes two to tango
Meaning: Both parties are responsible for a situation.
Example: "They both need to work on their relationship; it takes two to tango."
Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To accomplish two tasks with one action.
Example: "By going for a run to the store, I killed two birds with one stone – exercise and shopping."
The ball is in your court
Meaning: It is now up to you to make a decision or take action.
Example: "I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court."
Be a big fish in a small pond
Meaning: Someone who is important or powerful in a small group but not in a larger context.
Example: "He’s a big fish in a small pond, but he might struggle in a larger city."
On the fence
Meaning: Being undecided about something.
Example: "I’m still on the fence about which university to attend."
To call it a night
Meaning: To stop doing something for the evening.
Example: "After finishing the presentation, I decided to call it a night."