BUSINESS ENGLISH VOCABULARY

Presentations
Word audience body language chart diagram flip chart graph guidelines handout key point marker microphone O.H.T. Meaning Group of listeners or spectators Communication through facial expressions, body movements, etc. Sheet of information in the form of a table, graph or diagram. Graphic representation of a situation e.g. the results of an action. Pad of large paper sheets on a stand for presenting information. Diagram showing the relation between variable quantities. Advice or instructions given in order to guide or direct an action. Written information (report etc.) given to people at a presentation. Essential or main point. Pen with felt tip used for writing on a whiteboard. Electrical instrument used to amplify the speaker's voice. Overhead transparency : sheet of film with an image or printed information for overhead projector. What one wants to achieve; aim Brief description or presentation. Device that projects an O.H.T. onto a screen. Short presentation of the main points. Rod or stick used to indicate things on a map, screen, etc. Flat, reflective blank surface on which films, slides, etc. are projected. Phrases used to help focus the audience's attention on different parts of a presentation.

objective outline overhead projector overview pointer screen signposting language

slide summarize topic transparency visual aids whiteboard

Small photographic transparency. Make a summary of the essential points; sum up. Subject of a discussion or talk. Image or information printed on transparent plastic or film. Aids such as charts, slides, etc. used at a presentation. Flat white board on which to write or draw with markers.

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Business - Work
(page 1 : ace bricks )

ace up your sleeve hold all the aces

If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something in reserve with which you can gain an advantage. Our new product is an ace up our sleeve. A person who holds all the aces is in a very strong position because they have more advantages than anyone else. Given the high unemployment rates today, employers hold all the aces. A lawyer who finds work by persuading people injured in accidents to claim money from the person who caused the accident is called an'ambulance chaser'. Peterson and Scott are well-known ambulance chasers - that's how they make their money! Saying that hyou have to go back to the sale mines is a humorous way of talking about returning to work, usually with some reluctance. We get two days off at Christmas and then it's back to the salt mines! This term refers to a deceptive commercial practice of advertising a low-priced item to attract customers, then telling them that the product is out of stock and persuading them to buy a more expensive article. This store is famous for its bait and switch tactics. To say that a person or organization is in the black means

ambulance chaser

back to the salt mines

bait and switch

in the black

that they are financially sound, have a positive balance on their account and that they owe no money. black market The black market refers to the illegal buying and selling of goods or currencies. Be careful of what you buy on the black market - it's not always good quality. A discussion among a group of people who try to determine who or what is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called 'blamestorming'. A blamestorming session took place following the unfavourable reviews in the press. If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorize them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation. Tom was given a blank cheque and told to negotiate the best deal possible. This term refers to a company with a solid reputation for the quality of its products and the stability of its growth and earnings. It's usually safe to invest in a blue chip company. If a situation or business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal. There are not secret negotiations. Our dealings have always been above board. When people get down to brass tacks, they start to discuss the essential aspects of a problem or situation. The situation was so serious that after a few polite exchanges they quickly got down to brass tacks. If you work extremely hard, or put a lot of effort into achieving something, you break your back to do it. If you want the job done well, you should accept to pay more. He's not going to break his back for such a low price! An established trading company (office/shop) is referred to as a 'brick-and-mortar' business. 'Click companies' refer to internet-based operations. Companies which do both are called 'bricks and clicks'. Click businesses are usually more flexible than brick-and-mortar operations.

blamestorming

blank cheque

blue chip company

above board

get down to brasstacks

break your back

bricks and mortar / bricks and clicks

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - B
(page 1 : leave holding baby bad shape)

leave somebody holding the baby. back-room boys

If someone is left holding the baby, they are made responsible for a problem that others don't want to deal with. When the angry customer started to complain, my colleague disappeared and left me holdingthe baby. This term refers to people who do important work but have no contact with the public. Back-room boys don't always receive the credit they deserve for their work. This expression refers to a quick approximate calculation done informally, as on the back of an envelope. I don't need the exact amount. Just give me a back-of-theenvelope calculation. An isolated place located far from any town is said to be in the back of beyond. It took us hours to find Jack's house. He lives in the back of beyond. If you know something like the back of your hand, you are very familiar with it and know it in detail. Of course I won't get lost. I know London like the back of my hand! To get yourself back into shape, you need to take some exercise in order to become fit and healthy again. Eva decided she'd have to get back into shape before looking for a job. If you are back on your feet, after an illness or an accident, you are physically healthy again. My grandmother had a bad 'flu but she's back on her feet again. Saying that hyou have to go back to the sale mines is a humorous way of talking about returning to work, usually with some reluctance. We get two days off at Christmas and then it's back to the salt mines! To say that someone is back to square one means that they have not succeeded in what they were trying to do, so they have to start again. When the plans were refused, it was 'back to square one' for the

back-of-theenvelope calculation back of beyond

(like the) back of one's hand back into shape

back on your feet back to the salt mines

back to square one

architect. back to the wall back the wrong horse If you have your back to the wall, you are in serious difficulty. With his back to the wall, the supplier had to accept the deal. If you back or bet on the wrong horse, for example the loser in a contest, match or election, you support the wrong person. When I voted for him I was convinced he would win, but I backed the wrong horse! A remark that appears to express admiration but could also be interpreted as an insult is called a backhanded compliment. He said my presentation was "surprisingly clear". How's that for a backhanded compliment! A passenger in a car who gives unwanted advice to the driver is called a backseat driver. I can't stand backseat drivers like my mother-in-law! To refer to someone as a bad egg means that they cannot be trusted. I don't want my son to be friends with Bobby Smith. Bobby's a bad egg. Originating as a humorous comment about one's hair being unmanageable, this term had broadened to mean 'a day when everything seems to go wrong'. What's wrong with Jenny? Is she having a bad hair day? A person who is in bad shape is in poor physical condition. I really am in bad shape. I must do more exercise.

backhanded compliment

backseat driver bad egg

bad hair day

(in) bad shape

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - C
(cahoots ... candle)

in cahoots with someone

If one person is in cahoots with another, they are working in close partnership, usually conspiring to do something dishonest. There was a rumour that the Mayor was in cahoots with a chain of supermarkets. To refer to something as a piece of cake means that you consider it to be very easy. The English test was a piece of cake!

piece of cake

slice/share of the cake

When people feel entitled to a share of the profits or benefits, they want a (larger) slice of the cake. Since profits are higher this year, the workers feel they deserve a bigger slice of the cake. To say that someone wants to have their cake and eat it means that they want the advantages of two alternative situations when only one is possible. Jack enjoys his comfort but is always complaining about the cost of things. He can't have his cake and eat it. Things that sell like hot cakes sell quickly or in large quantities. Her books always sell like hot cakes. To say that the cake (or the game) is not worth the candle means that the advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved. He recorded an album but sold very few copies; the cake wasn't worth the candle. A calculated risk is a risk taken with full knowledge of the dangers involved. The company took a calculated risk when they hired Sean straight out of college. If you call someone's bluff, you challenge them to do what they threaten to do (while believing that they will not dare to do it). After the neighbour's threats to demolish the fence, when Jack decided to call his bluff, there were no more complaints. When people temporarily stop doing something or put an end to an activity, they call it quits. OK, we're all exhausted, so let's call it quits for today. A person who calls a spade a spade speaks openly and truthfully about something, especially difficult matters. What I like about the new manager is that he calls a spade a spade it makes things so much easier for everyone. The person who calls the shots or the tune is the one who makes all the important decisions and is in control of the situation. He shows a lot of authority but in fact it's his wife who calls the tune. To describe a situation as a can of worms means that it is complicated, unpleasant and difficult to deal with. The discovery of the transfer of funds turned out to be a real can of worms. If you burn the candle at both ends, you exhaust yourself by

have your cake and eat it

sell like hot cakes cake/game is not worth the candle calculated risk

call someone's bluff call it quits

call a spade a spade call the shots/ the tune can of worms

burn the

candle at both ends

doing too much, especially going to bed late and getting up early. Scott looks exhausted - I'll bet he's been burning the candle at both ends lately.

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - D
(page 1 : dab dead)

dab hand at something put a damper on

If you're a dab hand at something, you're very good at doing it. Why don't you call Suzy? She's a dab hand at organizing barbecues. If someone or something puts a damper on a situation or event, they make it less successful or enjoyable. The party was going great until the neighbour's complaints put a damper on it. If you dance attendance on somebody, you are constantly available for that person and attend to their wishes. She's rich and famous and expects everyone to dance attendance on her. If you dance to someone's tune, you do whatever that person tells you to do. He is the company's major shareholder so the management has to dance to his tune. If someone is kept or left in the dark about something, they are not informed about it. The personnel was kept in the dark about the merger until the last minute. If you darken somebody's door, you come as an unwanted or unwelcome visitor. Just get out of here and never darken my door again! To sey 'let's call it a day' is a way of suggesting that it is time to stop doing something, usually because of tiredness. After one last phone call, I decided to call it a day. If something is a day late and a dollar short, it comes too late and is not good enough. They offered me an internship when I had already found a job - a day late and a dollar short! The term daylight robbery is used when the price of

dance attendance

dance to someone's tune in the dark

darken someone's door call it a day

day late and a dollar short

daylight

robbery dead as a dodo

something is thought to be much too high. $10 for an orange juice? That's daylight robbery! To say that something is (as) dead as a dodo means that it is unquestionably dead or obsolete, or has gone out of fashion.
(A dodo is a bird that is now extinct.)

The floppy disk is an invention that is now (as) dead as a dodo. dead as a doornail This expression is used to stress that a person or thing is very definitely dead. They've started fighting again, so the peace agreement is now as dead as a doornail. Something that is certain to happen or be achieved is a dead cert. After such praise, his appointment as captain of the team is a dead cert. This expression refers to a project or scheme which has been abandoned or is certain to fail. The new cinema is going to be a dead duck because it's too far away from the town centre. A plan or project that is dead in the water is at a standstill or has ceased to function and is unlikely to be reactivated in the future. Because of the crisis, the planned housing development is now dead in the water.

dead cert

dead duck

dead in the water

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - E
(page 9: eager eat crow)

eager beaver

The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous. The new accountant works all the time - first to arrive and last to leave. He's a real eager beaver! Someone who has eagle eyes see or notices things more easily than others. Tony will help us find it - he's got eagle eyes! To say that information goes in one ear and comes out the othermeans that it is immediately forgotten or ignored. I keep telling him about the risks but it goes in one ear and out the other. He never listens!

eagle eyes

in one ear and out the other

keep your ear to the ground lend an ear

If you keep your ear to the ground, you make sure that you are aware of all that is hapening and being said. I'll keep my ear to the ground and as soon as ther are any developments I'll call you. If you lend an ear to someone, you listen carefully and sympathetically. I'll lend you an ear if you want to talk about it. If something makes your ears burn, you are embarrassed by what you hear, especially if the conversation is about you. The comments I overheard made my ears burn. To say that something is music to your ears means that the information you receive makes you feel very happy. The compliments I received were music to my ears. This expression means to improvise or do something without preparation, according to the demands of the situation. (music : to play by remembering the tune, without printed music.) I'm not sure what attitude we should adopt so just let's play it by ear. A person who turns a deaf ear to something such as a request or a complaint refuses to pay attention to it. I tried to explain the situation to the manager but he turned a deaf ear. If you earmark something, you assign it to a particular person or reserve it for a specific use. A certain number of chairs were earmarked for the conference room. This expression refers to the possibility of earning a salary while in training. Become an apprentice and get paid while in training. Earn while you learn! To say that something is easier said than done means that what is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it. Put the TV aerial on the roof? Easier said than done! You can 'easy does it!' when you want something to be done slowly and carefully. "Easy does it" said my husband as the sofa was carried through the hall door.

make your ears burn

music to your ears play it by ear

turn a deaf ear

earmark something

earn while you learn

easier said than done

easy does it!

easy as pie

Something that is (as) easy as pie is very easy to do. "How did the English test go?" "No problem, it was (as) easy as pie!" If you eat crow, you admit that you were wrong about something and apologize. He had no option but to eat crow and admit that his analysis was wrong.

eat crow

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - F
(page 1 : face facts)

face like a bulldog chewing a wasp face like thunder face like a wet weekend face only a mother could love face that would stop a clock face the music face value

To say that someone has a face like a bulldog chewing a waspmeans that you find them very unattractive because they have a screwed-up ugly expression on their face. Not only was he rude but he had a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp! If someone has a face like thunder, they look very angry. When Dad is really angry, he has a face like thunder! If someone has a face like a wet week-end, they look sad and miserable. What's wrong with Pete? He's got a face like a wet week-end! This is a humoristic way of saying that someone is ugly or unattractive. The poor guy has a face only a mother could love. Someone who has a face that would stop a clock has a shockingly unattractive face. You'll recognize him - he's tall and thin, with a face that would stop a clock! If you have to face the music, you have to accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions. He was caught stealing. Now he has to face the music. If you take something at its face value, you assume that it is genuinely what it appears to be. The car seems to be in good condition, but don't take it at its face value; get a mechanic to check it out. If you have a poker face, you show no emotion at all. All during the trial the criminal kept a poker face.

poker face

straight face If you keep a straight face, you look serious although you

really want to laugh. Our teacher was dressed so strangely that it was hard to keep a straight face! fact of the matter is This expresssion is used to emphasize the reality of a situation, or what is really true. His mother thinks Sammy need help with his homework, but the fact of the matter is : he's just lazy! When the facts of a situation are co clear that no further explanation or extra details are necessary, the facts speak for themselves. No need to tell you that the situation is disastrous. The facts speak for themselves.

facts speak for themselves

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - G
(page 1 : gab get ducks)

gift of the gab

To say that somebody has the gift of the gab means that they are able to speak confidently and easily. As a politician, not only is he competent, but he has the gift of the gab too! To say that the game (or the cake) is not worth the candle means that the advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved. He recorded an album but sold very few copies; the game wasn't worth the candle. If you take or have a gander at something, which is generally new or unusual, you have a look at it or go to check it out. Let's take a gander at the new shopping centre. Sally says it's fantastic. If someone gatecrashes, they attend a private social event without being invited. We need volunteers to keep an eye out for gatecrashers tonight. An idea, plan or project which is gathering dust is in fact stagnating or has not attracted attention for some time. Just before the elections, the outgoing mayor produced plans for a new bridge which had been gathering dust for several years. This expression refers to someone who constantly exaggerates the importance or the qualities of somebody or something.

game not worth the candle

take a gander

gatecrash

gather dust

all his geese are swans

Don't let him impress you. He always exaggerates. All his geese are swans. gentleman's agreement When an agreement is neither written nor signed, because the two parties trust each other completely, it is called a genteman's agreement. It was a gentleman's agreement. I can't change my mind now! If you get a grip on yourself, you try to control your feelings so as to be able to deal with a situation. After the initial shock, Lisa got a grip on herself a nd called an ambulance. This slang expression means to pay attention or take notice of something. Hey! Get a load of that outfit! If someone tells you to get a move on, they are asking you to hurry up. You'd better get a move on or you'll miss the bus! If you say that someone got a raw deal, you think they were treated unfairly or badly. When Gary lost his job after organizing the merger, he really got. a raw deal! Someone who gets away with murder can do something unacceptable without being punished or criticized. She has no control over her kids. They get away with murder. If you get your act together, you organize your affairs better than you have done previously and deal with things more efficiently. Jack's plan won't work unless he gets his act together. If you are allowed to do something after a check-up to make sure that everything is all right, you get the all clear. Dad says he's going to play golf again as soon as he gets the all clear from his doctor. If someone gets the axe, they lose their job. When a company is restructured, the senior staff are often the first to get the axe. If you get cold feet about something, you begin to hesitate about doing it; you are no longer sure whether you want to do it or not. I wanted to enter the competition but at the last minute I got cold feet.

get a grip on yourself

get a load of

get a move on get a raw deal

get away with murder get your act together

get/give the all clear

get the axe

get cold feet

get cracking

When you get cracking, you start doing something immediately. I'd better get cracking or I'll never

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - H
(page 1 : habit half)

old habits die hard

This expression means that people are often reluctant to change the way they do something, especially if they have been doing it for a long time. My grandfather refuses to use a mobile phone - old habits die hard! Using as a remedy a small amount of what made you ill, for example a drop of alcohol when recovering from drinking too much, is called 'a hair of the dog that bit you'. Here, have a drop of this. It's a hair of the dog that bit you! If you avoid or miss something by a hair's breadth, you only just manage to escape from a danger. A slate fell off the roof and missed the child by a hair's breadth. If you are getting in someone's hair, you are annoying them so much that they can't get on with what they are doing. I'd finish the report more quickly if my colleague wasn't getting in my hair all the time. If someone does not have a hair out of place, their appearance is perfect. Angela is always impeccably dressed - never a hair out of place. If you suggest that someone should let their hair down, you are telling them to relax and enjoy themselves. Come on! We're not in the office now. You can let your hair down! If someone is tearing their hair out, they are extremely agitated or distressed about something. I've been tearing my hair out all morning trying to find the error. If you split hairs, you pay too much attention to differences that are very small or unimportant. If we start splitting hairs, we'll never reach an agreement! A person who is hairy at the heel is thought to be untrustworthy or even dangerous. Rumour has it that the owner of the club is a bit hairy at the

hair of the dog

hair's breadth

get in hair

(not) hair out of place let your hair down

tear hair out

split hairs

hairy at the heel

heel. hale and hearty Someone, especially an old person, who is hale and hearty is in excellent health. My grandmother is still hale and hearty at the age of ninety. This expression refers to a significant part of the effort or work needed to achieve something. We've already obtained a loan for the project - that's half the battle! If you have or keep half an eye on something, you watch it without giving it your full attention. She kept half an eye on the TV screen while she was preparing dinner. If you have half a mind to do something, you are thinking seriously about it but have not yet reached a decision. I've half a mind to start up my own business but first I need some advice.

half the battle

half an eye

half a mind

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - I
break the ice icing on the cake A person who breaks the ice is someone who does or says something to make people relax in an uncomfortabe situation. He started by telling a joke to break the ice. If something is referred to as icing on the cake, it is an extra benefit that makes a good situation even better. Good news! I get the job ... and the icing on the cake is that I get a company car too! The crime of using another person's personal information (name, credit card number, etc.) without his/her knowledge, to set up and use bank accounts and credit facilities is known as identity theft. Some people consider television to lack educational value and refer to it as the idiot box. He spends all his free time in front of the idiot box. This expression means that if a system or method works well, you shouldn't change it. We're not touching our alarm system. As the saying goes : if it ain't broke, don't fix it! The expression 'if you can't stand the heat, get out of the

identity theft

idiot box

if it ain't broke don't fix it if you

can't stand the heat ignorance is bliss

kitchen'means that if you feel there is too much pressure, you can leave. Amid the growing tension the organizer declared : "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!" This means that if you don't know about a problem or unpleasant fact, you won't worry about it. I didn't know our neighbour was an escaped prisoner until the police arrrived - ignorance is bliss! Money, profit or benefits that are made in a dishonest or illegal manner are called ill-gotten gains. He won money by cheating and is now enjoying his ill-gotten gains. This is a humorous way of referring to something which is very strong, powerful or concentrated. I've got an industrial-strength headache this morning! If you are constantly checking and responding to email and text messages, you may be the victim of a recent addiction calledinfomania. The abuse of technology has lead to a state of infomania; employees are becoming addicted to checking email and text messages during meetings.

ill-gotten gains industrial strength infomania

in cahoots If one person is in cahoots with another, they are working in close partnership, usually conspiring to do something dishonest. There was a rumour that the mayor was in cahoots with a chain of supermarkets. in a class of one's own in dire straits in essence If someone is in a class of their own, they are unequalled and considered better than anyone else of their kind. As a singer, Maria Callas was in a class of her own. If a person or organization is in dire straits, they are in a very difficult situation. The loss of major contracts has put the company in dire straits. The term in essence means 'basically', fundamentally' or 'essentially' and refers to the most important or essential facts. In essence, lightning is a great big spark of electricity.

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - J
jack of all trades A jack of all trades is a person who can do many different things but is not very good at any one of them..

I'm looking for a skilled worker, not a jack-of-all-trades. jaw drops jazz something up je ne sais quoi get the jitters If someone's jaw drops, they show total amazement. When the prize was announced, the winner's jaw dropped. If you jazz something up, you add something to try to improve it or make it more stylish. The dress needs a scarf or a necklace to jazz it up. This expression (in French: 'I don't know what') is used to refer to a good quality that is difficult to describe. The place has a certain 'je ne sais quoi' that really attracts me. If you get (or have) the jitters, especially before an important event, you become very nervous or anxious and begin to shake. Some people get the jitters when they have to make a speech. When you help someone to remember something they have forgotten, you jog their memory. You don't remember who was with us that day? Here's a photograph to jog your memory. By saying to somebody 'join the club!', you express sympathy for an unpleasant experience that you have had too. "Oh no! My wallet has been stolen." "Join the club!" This expression means that you should not form an opinion based on outward appearances only. She looks self-confident but don't judge by appearances. 'Don't judge a book by its cover' means that you should not form an opinion based on appearance only. He leads a very simple life but in fact he's very wealthy. You can't judge a book by its cover. A person who is juggling frogs is trying to deal with many different tasks at the tame time and finding the situation difficult. I've got so many things to do at the moment, I feel like I'm juggling frogs! If you do a juggling act, you try to do different things in a way that is satisfactory for all concerned. For many women, managing a career and looking after a family can be quite a juggling act. If a person or organization jumps on the bandwagon, they decide to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.

jog someone's memory join the club!

(don't) judge by appearances (don't) judge book by cover juggle frogs

juggling act

jump on bandwagon

When organic food became popular, certain stores were quick to jump on the bandwagon and promote it. jump to conclusions A person who jumps to conclusions reaches a decision or makes a judgement too fast, before taking the time to check out all the facts. We haven't got the full story yet so let's not jump to conclusions. When you jump in (or are thrown in) at the deep end, you do something without any help or preparation, in an area where you have little or no experience. He got a job as a salesman, for which he had no training, so he just had to jump in at the deep end. If you jump the gun, you do something too soon or take premature action based on incomplete information. He ordered a new car before the job was confirmed - now that's jumping the gun!

jump in the deep end

jump the gun

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - K
kangaroo court A kangaroo court is an illegal tribunal set up by a group of people who have taken the law into their own hands and conduct trials which deny fundamental justice. Calm down please! Is this a meeting or a kangaroo court? If someone is as keen as mustard, they are very eager, enthusiastic or motivated. We should ask Emily to join the team. She's as keen as mustard. If you keep someone at arm's length, you do not allow yourself to become too friendly with them. It's not easy to become friends with Sophie; she tends to keep everyone at arm's length. If you do something in case a problem arises later for which you might be blamed, you keep your back covered. You'd better make a copy of that letter to keep your back covered. If someone is able to keep body and soul together, they manage to survive. He was unemployed and homeless, but somehow he managed to keep body and soul together. People who keep a civil tongue express themselves in polite

keen as mustard keep at arm's length keep your back covered keep body and soul together keep a civil

tongue

terms. Don't speak ro rudely! You must learn to keep a civil tongue in all circumstances. If you keep your ear to the ground, you make sure that you are aware of all that is happening and being said. We don't know what has been decided, but Jack is keeping his ear to the ground! A person who keeps their feet on the ground continues to act in a sensible and practical way, even if they become successful. His invention was an instant success but he kept his feet on the ground and invested his money very wisely. If you keep a finger on the pulse, you are constantly aware of the most recent events or developments. A successful investor keeps his finger on the pulse of international business. If you keep your fingers crossed, you hope that something will be successful. I'm doing my driving test tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me! To keep one's head above water means to try to survive by staying out of debt, for example a small business. Business has been slow, but we've managed to keep our head above water. If you keep a level head, you remain calm and sensible no matter how difficult or distressful the situation may be. All through the hijacking the pilot kept a level head. If you keep the lid on something, you hide it or control it to prevent people from finding out about it. The company tried to keep a lid on the negotiations but word got out to the press. A person who keeps a low profile tries not to attract public attention. The inventor is a discreet man who keeps a low profile. A person who keeps their nose clean behaves well and avoids trouble. He spent a term in prison a few years ago but he's kept his nose clean ever since.

keep your ear to the ground keep one's feet on the ground

keep finger on pulse

keep fingers crossed keep head above water

keep a level head keep the lid on

keep a low profile keep your nose clean

keep nose to the grindstone

A person who keeps their nose to the grindstone is someone who concentrates on working or studying hard. She was so determined to get into the college of her choice that she kept her nose to the grindstone all year.

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - L
labour of love A task that is done for your own pleasure and satisfaction and not for reward or profit is called a labour of love. Preparing Christmas dinner for the family is what my mother calls a labour of love. A person or organization in difficulty and unable to manage without help is called a lame duck. Some banks have become lame ducks recently. A lame excuse is an explanation which is weak and unconvincing. If you're scared to do it, just say so. Don't just invent some lame excuse! This is a humorous way of saying that someone is still alive. Hi there! Glad to see you're still in the land of the living! If you land on your feet, you make a quick recovery after a difficulty such as a business failure, an illness, a loss, etc. Don't worry about Bob. He always lands on his feet. The victory of a candidate or a political paarty by an overwhelming majority is called a landslide victory. Major newspapers predict a landslide victory for the Democratic Party. A person who is larger than life attracts special attention because they are very impressive or unusually remarkable in their appearance, behaviour or personality. He was a larger-then-life character, both onstage and behind the scene. If you lash out at somebody, you attack them, usually verbally. On the ninth hole, Pete suddenly lashed out at Scott and accused him of cheating. When introducing a number of people, this expression is used to assure the audience that the last person mentioned is no less important than those previously named.

lame duck lame excuse

land of the living land on your feet landslide victory larger than life

lash out

last but not least

And now, last but not least, here is the final candidate. last legs If you are on your last legs, you are in a very weak condition or about to die. I was so sick that I felt as though I was on my last legs! If you say that something is the last thing on your mind, you mean that it is not an important matter at all, especially when you have more serious problems to consider. I'm so busy that food is the last thing on my mind. To say that you would so something as a last resort means that it is the last thing you would do if you were desperate and all other courses of action had failed. I still haven't found a hotel for the night; I can always sleep in the car as a last resort! This expression means that this is the latest unpleasant event and that you cannot tolerate the situation any longer. After a long day of negotiations with the protesters, the traffic jam was the last straw! Something described as the last word is the most recent or most fashionable in its category. Steve's new computer is the last word in technology. A person who makes a lot of money easily, especially through someone else's stupidity, is said to laugh all the way to the bank. If we fail to renew the contract, our competitors will be laughing all the way to the bank.

last thing on one's mind last resort

last straw

last word

laugh all the way to the bank

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - M
mad as a hatter To say that someone is as mad as a hatter means that they are very strange or insane. The old lady next door is as mad as a hatter. She says the strangest things! A person who is made of money is very rich and can buy whatever they want. Hey! I can't afford that much. I'm not made of money! If you behave so stupidly that you appear ridiculous, you make an ass of yourself. Tom made an ass of himself by singing a love song outside

made of money make an ass of yourself

Laura's door! make a beeline for If you make a beeline for something, you hurry directly towards it. They were so hot and thirsty they made a beeline for the cool drinks. If you attach a lot of importance to something, or make it a special occasion, you make a big thing of it. It's Jack's birthday but he doesn't want to make a big thing of it, so please don't mention it. If you make the best of things, you react in a positive way to an unsatisfactory situation that you cannot change and do the best you can with it. The apartment was badly located, but the rent was low, so they decided to make the best of things. If something makes your blood boil, it makes you really angry. His condescending attitude made my blood boil! If something makes your blood run cold, it shocks or scares you a lot. The look in the prisoner's eye made my blood run cold! If you make no bones about something, you don't hesitate to say something in a frank and open way. I made no bones about it. I told him his offer was unacceptable. Circumstances or events that will make or break someone or something will cause either total success or total ruin. The assignment will make or break his career. If you make cold calls, you telephone potential customers from a list of people you do now know. In my first job I had to make cold calls using the telephone directory. When someone makes a comeback, they succeed in returning to their former successful career. After devoting several years to her children, she made a comeback on Broadway. If you make the cut, you reach a required standard or succeed in passing from one round of a competition to another. After intensive training, Sarah made the cut and joined the team.

make a big thing of

make the best of things

make blood boil make blood run cold make no bones about something make or break

make cold calls

make a comeback

make the cut

make your ears burn

If something makes your ears burn, you are embarrassed by what you hear, especially if the conversation is about you. The comments I overheard made my ears burn. If you find it difficult to pay for your everyday needs because you have very little money, it is hard for you to make ends meet. Anne's salary is so low that she finds hard to make ends meet. When someone behaves in such a foolish way in public that they look ridiculous, they make an exhibition of themselves. Get down off the table Fred! You're making an exhibition of yourself!

make ends meet

make exhibition of

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - N
nailing jelly to the wall name is mud To say that something is like nailing jelly to the wall means that it is extremely difficult to do, if not impossible. Keeping track of his movements is like nailing jelly to the wall. Tp say that a person's name is mud means that they have acquired a bad reputation because of something they have done or said. His name is mud now after the revelations in the newspaper. If something has somenoe's name (written) on it, it is intended for that person or it is ideally suited to them. That dress would be perfect for you - it's got your name on it! If you say that something is a necessary evil, you don't like it but you understand that it has to exist and be accepted. Vaccinations are a necessary evil if you want to travel. In a contest or competition, when two competitors reach the same level, they are neck and neck, so it is impossible to say who will win. At the moment the two teams are neck and neck for the Word Cup. If you call someone a pain in the neck, you think they are very irritating or annoying. She's a pain in the neck the way she keeps complaining! If a person sticks their neck out, they draw attention to themselves by saying or doing something that others are

name (written) on it necessary evil

neck and neck

pain in the neck stick one's neck out

afraid to do. Julie stuck her neck out and said that the sales target would be impossible to reach without extra staff. needs must (when the devil drives) The expression 'needs must (when the devil drives)' means that you are sometimes forced by circumstances to do something that you do not want to do. I'd rather stay with you than attend the conference, but needs must ...! To refer to something as a needle in a haystack means that it is very difficult or impossible to find. Finding a pub in Dublin without knowing its name is like looking for a needle in a haystack. People or things that are difficult to classify because they are neither one thing nor another are 'neither fish nor fowl'. Interns are neither fish nor fowl. They are neither students nor fully qualified practitioners. Something which is neither here nor there is unimportant or irrelevant. Why the problem wasn't discovered earlier is neither here nor there. What's important now is to find a solution. Someone who has nerves of steel is not afraid in difficult or dangerous situations. Fire-fighters need to have nerves of steel. If you get on someone's nerves, you annoy or irritate them a great deal. The children next door are so noisy they're getting on my nerves. If you have a nest egg, you have a reserve of money which you put aside for future needs. Our parents consider the money from the sale of their house as a nest egg for their old age.

needle in haystack

neither fish nor fowl

neither here nor there

nerves of steel

get on one's nerves nest egg

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - O
odds and ends Odds and ends are small articles, or bits and pieces of all sorts, usually of little value. I keep my odds and ends in this drawer. If one person is at odds with another, they disagree with each other.

at odds

Sam is at odds with his father over the purchase of a new tractor. off colour off the cuff If you are off colour, you look or feel ill. What's the matter with you Tom? You look a bit off colour today. If you speak off the cuff, you say something without any previous thought or preparation. He handles off-the-cuff interviews very well. If you do something on the off chance, you think there might be a slight possibility of success. I went into the supermarket on the off chance that I would find a map. Clothes that are bought off the peg are purchased in a standard size in a shop and are not made specially for you. He can't afford to have his suits made to measure so he buys them off the peg. If you say something off the record, you do not want anyone to repeat it publicly. His comment was made off the record, and shouldn't have been published. If you tell someone that they are off their rocker, you think they are completely crazy. You're going to give all your money away? You're off your rocker! To say something off the top of your head means that you are giving an immediate reaction, and not a carefully considered opinion, so it might not be correct. "How much do you think it will cost?" "Off the top of my head I'd say around $1000." Something that is in the offing is likely to appear or happen soon. Apparently a new law on minimum wages is in the offing. If a person pours oil on troubled waters, they do or say something to calm a tense situation. James is a good negotiator, and is always able to pour oil on troubled waters. This expression means that experience is invaluable when one is faced with a difficult task. The case calls for an experienced lawyer, an old dog for a hard road.

on the offchance

off the peg

off the record

off your rocker

off the top of your head

in the offing

pour oil on troubled waters old dog for hard road

old wives' tale

A traditional belief or idea which has been proved wrong by science is called an old wives' tale. The belief that chocolate causes acne is an old wives' tale. A well-known and much-used trick, which is still effective today, is called the oldest trick in the book. He made a noise to attract my attention while his accomplice stole my wallet - the oldest trick in the book! If a person or organization holds out an olive branch to another, they show that they want to end a disagreement and make peace. The protesters finally accepted the olive branch extended to them. This expression means that it is impossible to make important changes without causing some unpleasant effects. Some people will lose their jobs after the merger but you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.

oldest trick in the book

olive branch

can't make omelette

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - P
put through theirpaces pack of lies If you put someone or something through their paces, you test their ability to do something by making them perform certain actions. During the presentation, the machine was put through its paces. A large number of untruthful statements is referred to as a pack of lies. The story about her unhappy childhood turned out to be a pack of lies. If a person or organization is ahead of the pack, they are better or more successful than their rivals. Our products will have to be more innovative if we are to stay ahead of the pack. If you pack something in, you abandon it or give it up. She found city life so stressful, she decided to pack it in and move to the country.

ahead of the pack

pack something in

packed like If a group of people are packed like sardines, they are pressed sardines together tightly and uncomfortably because there is not enough space. The bus was very crowded - we were packed like sardines!

pad the bill

If someone pads the bill, they add false items to a bill or invoice in order to increase the total amount. Check the invoice carefully before paying - he tends to pad the bill! If you paddle your own canoe, you do what you want to do without help or interference from anyone. He decided to paddle his own canoe and set up his own business. If you are paid peanuts, you have a very low salary. Jenny has a very interesting job, but she's paid peanuts. If you paint the town red, you go out and enjoy a lively evening in bars, night-clubs, etc. To celebrate the victory, the team's supporters painted the town red. If you paint yourself into a corner, you put yourself into a situation that restricts what you can do or say. Carole told her boss she was busy on Friday evening. She realized she had painted herself into a corner when he said : 'Too bad! I was going to give you two tickets for the opera." If you hit or press the panic button, you raise the alarm too quickly or react too hastily in a difficult or stressful situation. Calm down! There's no need to press the panic button yet! If you are caught with your pants down, you are caught doing something bad or forbidden. Our neighbours were caught fiddling with the electricity meter caught with their pants down! To say that someone is papering over the cracks means that they are concealing a problem rather than dealing with it effectively. The measures taken to reduce unemployment are just paper over the cracks. This term refers to a person, organization or country that is less powerful or threatening than they appear to be. He threatens to take strong action but he's just another paper tiger.

paddle own canoe paid peanuts paint the town red paint into a corner

(press) panic button (caught with) pants down paper over cracks

paper tiger

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - Q
quaking in one's boots When someone is extremely scared, it is said that they arequaking in their boots. When he saw the crocodiles in the water, he started quaking in his boots.

in a quandary

If you are in a quandary, you find it difficult to decide what to do. The job offered is less interesting but better paid. I'm in a quandary about what to do. To say that you can't put a quart into a pint pot means that you cannot fit something too big into a small space, or that you are trying to do something impossible. You'll never get that into the suitcase. You can't put a quart into a pint pot! Someone who has a quick temper gets angry very easily. He makes me nervous - he's got such a quick temper. If you do something surprisingly fast, you do it as quick as a dog can lick a dish. He packed his bag as quick as a dog can lick a dish. If something is done on the QT, it is done quietly or discreetly. They got married on the QT last summer and told nobody. To say that there is no quick fix to a problem means that there is no simple solution. There is no quick fix for unemployment; major reforms are necessary. If someone is quick off the mark, they are quick to react to an event or take advantage of an opportunity. You've got to be quick off the mark when stores announce special offers. Someone who is quick or slow on the uptake is quick or slow to understand what is meant. Please explain the problem in simple words - I'm a bit slow on the uptake! When someone is as quiet as a mouse, they make no noise at all. The burglar was a quiet as a mouse as he moved around the house. When people temporarily stop doing something or put an end to an activity, they call it quits. OK, we're all exhausted, so let's call it quits for today.

quart into a pint pot

quick temper quick as a dog can lick a dish on the QT (no) quick fix

quick off the mark

quick/slow on the uptake quiet as a mouse call it quits

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - R

race against time

When someone is in a race against time, they have to work very quickly in order to do or finish something before a certain time. It was a race against time to get everything ready for the inauguration. If you rack your brains, you try very hard to think of something or to remember something. Christmas is always a hassle for me. I have to rack my brains every year to find ideas for presents. If something goes to rack and ruin, it deteriorates or falls into serious decline until it reaches a state of complete destruction. When the factory closed down, the building was to left to go to rack and ruin. If you are in a stressful situation, haivng to answer a lot of questions or wait for a decision, you are on the rack. The suspect was put on the rack by the police but he did not confess to anything. When someone is suffering from severe pain, they are racked with pain. The soldier was so badly injured that he was racked with pain. If a person goes from rags to riches, they start off being very poor and become very rich and successful. By renovating old houses in the right places, he went from rags to riches. To say that you take a rain check means that you cannot accept an invitation or offer now, but you will be happy to accept it later. Do you mind if I take a rain check on that lunch invitation? I'm going to be away all week. This expression is used to comment on the fact that when something bad happens, other bad things often happen too, and make the situation even worse. First he forgot his briefcase, then he lost his wallet, and when he reached the car park, his car had been stolen - it never rains but it pours! If it's raining cats and dogs, it is raining very heavily. We'll have to cancel the picnic I'm afraid - it's raining cats and dogs. Someone who raises their eyebrows at something shows surprise or disapproval by the expression on their face. When the boss arrived in jeans, there were a lot of raised eyebrows.

rack one's brains

go to rack and ruin on the rack

racked with pain from rags to riches

take a rain check

it never rains but it pours

raining cats and dogs raise eyebrows

raise the roof raise/lower one's sights

When people raise the roof, they make a lot of noise by cheering, shouting, whistling or clapping their hands. The concert was such a success, the audience raised the roof. If you raise/lower your sights, your raise or lower your expectations, or you are more or less ambitious. He had to lower his sights and accept a less well-paid job than what he hoped for. When people rake over the ashes, they discuss an unpleasant event which took place in the past. My grandfather's business went bankrupt years go, but he still rakes over the ashes from time to time. If you rake in the money, you make money in large quantities. Bob's businesss is so successful, he's raking in the money.

rake over the ashes

rake in money

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - S
get the sack / be sacked saddled with debt If someone gets the sack, they lose their job, usually because they have done something wrong. Charlie got the sack when his boss caught him stealing. If you are saddled with debt, the amount of money that you owe is a financial burden. Be careful. If you buy a house that is too expensive, you could be saddled with debt for many years. To say that something is a safe bet means that it is very likely to happen. It's a safe bet that you'll get a good job if you graduate from one of the top universities. If something is in safe hands, it is being looked after by a reliable person or organization, and is therefore at no risk. I'll look after Jamie while you go shopping. Don' worry - he'll be in safe hands. If you do something to be on the safe side, you do it as a precaution, to avoid any risks. I think I locked the door but I'll check again to be on the safe side. This expression means that being part of a group makes people feel more secure and more confident when taking action.

safe bet

safe hands

safe side

safety in numbers

None of the group went sightseeing alone, knowing there was safety in numbers. sail close to the If you sail close to the wind, you do something dangerous wind or act just within the limits of what is legal or acceptable. He seems to invest his money well although he often sails close to the wind. sail through If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam, you succeed in doing it without difficulty. The English test was no problem for Pedro. He sailed through it. If someone or something takes the wind out of your sails, they make you feel less confident by doing or saying something that you do not expect. The manger's rejection of our marketing strategy really took the wind out of our sails. If you are in a difficult or unpleasant situation, and somebody rubs salt into the wound, they do or say something to make things worse. The separation from Julie was already difficult for Alex. Mentioning her new boyfriend just rubbed salt into the wound.

take wind out of sails

rub salt into wound

salt of the earth To describe someone as the salt of the earth means that they are kind, honest and reliable. Mrs. Brown is the salt of the earth, always ready to give a helping hand. take with pinch ofsalt To say that a piece of information should be taken with a pinch (or grain) of salt means that the information may not be accurate or true. Tony tends to exaggerate. I take everything he says with a pinch of salt. If two or more people are in the same boat, they are in the same unpleasant or difficult situation. When the factory closed down, the workers all found themselves in the same boat.

in the same boat

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - T
tail wagging the dog This expression refers to a situation where there is a reversal of roles, with the small or minor element having a controlling influence on the most important element. If you let your children decide on everything, it will be a case of the

tail wagging the dog! on somebody's tail take a back seat If you are on somebody's tail, you are following them closely. The suspect hasn't been arrested yet, but the police are on his tail. If you take a back seat you choose to have a less important function and become less involved in something. He decided it was time to take a back seat and let someone younger run the club. If an incident or event takes the bloom off something, it spoils it or makes it less enjoyable. Their noisy argument in the middle of the party took the bloom off the atmosphere. To take the bull by the horns means that a person decides to act decisively in order to deal with a difficult situation or problem. When the argument turned into a fight, the bar owner took the bull by the horns and called the police. When you take it on the chin, you are brave and accept adversity, criticism or defeat without complaining. When his contract was not renewed, Mark took it on the chin. If you take your courage in both hands, you make yourself do something very brave. When I saw the child in the burning house, I took my courage in both hands and ran inside. When someone takes cover, they hide from a danger, or bad weather, in a place where they find protection. As soon as the explosion was heard, people ran to take cover. When you take your cue from someone, you wait for a signal or follow someone's example, so as to know what to do yourself or when to act. The waiter took his cue from Jack and starting serving the drinks. If you take a dim view of something, you disapprove of it. When Harry and Sally decided to live together without getting married, their grandparents took a dim view of the situation. When you relax, or do things at a comfortable pace, you take it easy. It's nice to slow down at the week-end and take it easy. If you take the easy way out, you choose the easiest way to deal with a difficult situation, even if it is not the best solution.

take the bloom off something take the bull by the horns

take it on the chin take your courage in both hands take cover

take one's cue

take a dim view of take it easy

take the easy way

out take a fancy

The weather conditions were so bad that Mary took the easy way out and cancelled her appointment. If you take a fancy to someone or something, you develop a fondness for them or begin to like them. I think Paul has taken a fancy to the new intern! When someone takes the floor, they rise to make a speech or presentation. 'When I take the floor, my speech will be short.' he said. To say that certain information should be taken with a grain of saltmeans that you doubt its accuracy. I hear the tuition fees are going to be reduced, but that should be taken with a grain of salt.

take the floor take with a grain of salt

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - U
ugly as sin This expression is used to refer to people or things that are considered to be very unattractive. Have you seen the new neighbour's dog? It's as ugly as sin! If you are in uncharted waters, you are in a situation that you have never experienced before, so you don't know what's going to happen. In some countries, democracy is an adventure into uncharted waters. If you have something under your belt, you have acquired experience or have satisfactorily achieved something. You've got to have some work experience under your belt before you can hope to get a permanent job. Someone or something that is under (close) scrutiny is being watched or examined carefully. The police are keeping the suspect under close scrutiny. If a person goes under the knife, they have surgery. I'm not worried about the anaesthetic. I've been under the knife several times. If someone is under your thumb, they are completely under your control or influence. Nobody ever protests. He has the whole group under his thumb. If you are under the weather, you are not feeling very well. You look a bit under the weather. What's the matter?

uncharted waters

under one's belt

under close scrutiny under the knife under your thumb under the weather

unmitigated disaster

An unmitigated disaster is a complete failure or a total catastrophe. The organization of the tournament was an unmitigated disaster! This expression means that you cannot undo what has been done, so you must live with the consequences of your actions. If you tell someone that they can do something until hell freezes over, you mean that they can do it forever but they won't obtain what they want. You can ask until hell freezes over; I will not allow you to go bungee-jumping! If you present someone with plain facts, without trying to embellish or soften the reality, you give them the unvarnished truth. Tell me how the accident happened, and I want the unvarnished truth. If someone is up and about, they are out of bed or have recovered after an illness. She was kept in hospital for a week but she's up and about again. If something is (right) up or down your alley, it is exactly the sort of thing that will suit your tastes or abilities. Alex loves reading, so a job in a bookshop is right up his alley. If you are on the up and up, you are becoming increasingly successful. The architect has been on the up and up since he designed a building in Dubai. If you are up in arms about something, you are very angry. The population was up in arms over the demolition of the old theatre.

(you can't) unring a bell until hell freezes over

unvarnished truth

up and about

up/down one's alley on the up and up

up in arms

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - V
vanish into thin air If something vanishes into thin air, it disappears completely in a mysterious way. The diamonds vanished into thin air - nobody knows what happened to them.

variety is the spice of life

This expression means that life is more interesting when you try to do different things. Since they retired, my parents have been trying out all sorts of new activities. Variety is the spice of life! When you vent your spleen, you release or express all your anger about something. Whenever Harry is angry about new government measures, he vents his spleen by writing to newspapers. This expression means that you cannot expect to achieve anything if you risk nothing. He's going to ask his boss for a promotion even though he has little change of obtaining satisfaction - nothing ventured, nothing gained! This term is a humoristic way of referring to someone who is not very tall. High shelves are difficult for vertically challenged shoppers. If you have a vested interested in a situation or event, you expect to benefit or gain an advantage from it. Tony has a vested interest in Fred's promotion; he hopes to get his job! When the solution to a problem creates another problem similar to the original, or makes it worse, so that the process starts all over again, the situation is called a vicious circle. I borrowed money to reimburse Paul. Now I've got to reimburse the bank, with interest. It's a vicious circle. If you take a dim view of something, you do not approve of it. When Harry and Sally decided to live together without getting marrried, their grandparents took a dim view of the situation. If you are full of vim and vigour, you have lots of vitality, energy and enthusiasm. After a relaxing holiday, my parents came back full of vim and vigour. This expression, which in Latin means 'in wine there is truth', is a way of saying that wine makes people less inhibited and leads them to speak more freely and reveal their true feelings. After a few drinks he told us the whole story - in vino veritas! The knowledge that you have done the right thing, or that you have acted in a moral way, is sufficient reward and you

vent your spleen

nothing ventured, nothing gained

vertically challenged vested interest

vicious circle

dim view

vim and vigour

in vino veritas

virtue is its own reward

should not expect more. by virtue of The term by virtue of means 'due to', 'because of' or 'on account of' something. The old lady got the most comfortable armchair by virtue of her age. If someone does something commendable, not deliberately but because they have no choice, and pretends to be doing it willingly and happily, they make a virtue of necessity. When, because of the high price of petrol, I decided to walk to work instead of taking my car, I made a virtue of necessity. Two or more groups or organizations who are in complete agreement are said to speak with one voice. For once the government and the trade unions are speaking with one voice. If you are the only person to express a warning or an opinion on a matter which is ignored by most others, you are a voice in the wilderness. For many years she was a voice in the wilderness protesting against child labour. If you vote with your feet, your show your dislike or disapproval of something by leaving. If the conference is boring, people will probably vote with their feet.

make a virtue of necessity

with one voice

voice in the wilderness

vote with one's feet

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - W
(page 1 : on the wagon walk a tightrope)

on the wagon

Someone who is on the wagon is no longer drinking alcohol. No wine for me please - I'm on the wagon. If you wait for the cat to jump, or to see which way the cat jumps,you delay taking action until you see how events will turn out. Let's wait for the cat to jump before we decide. A person who plays a waiting game delays taking any action or making any decision because they prefer to wait and see how things develop, usually in the hope that this will put them in a stronger position. Our competitiors are not reacting. They're playing a waiting

wait for the cat to jump

waiting game

game. waiting for a raindrop in the drought When someone is waiting for a raindrop in the drought, they are waiting and hoping for something that has little chance of happening. For many people, finding a job these days is like waiting for a raindrop in the drought. If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in their job or position. There are many young actors waiting in the wings ready to show their talent. If one person walks all over another, they treat them very badly or unkindly, especially by showing no consideration for their cares or needs. You must learn to defend yourself. Don't let him walk all over you! A person's profession or position in society is known as their walk of life. There were people from all walks of life among the protesters. When you are happy or excited because of a pleasant event that makes you feel as if you were floating, you are walking on air. Sophie has been walking on air since her painting won first prize. If you can walk and chew gum (at the same time), you are able to do more than one thing at a time. (This expression is often used negatively to indicate incompetence) Why did you hire that guy? He can't walk and chew gum at the same time! If you walk on eggshells with someone, you are careful not to hurt or offend them. She's so sensitive, you have to walk on eggshells with her all the time. If you walk into the lion's den, you find yourself in a difficult situation in which you have to face unfriendly or aggressive people. After the failure of the negotiations, he had to walk into the lion's den and face the Press. This expression means that respecting one another's privacy helps create a good relationship between

waiting in the wings

walk all over someone

walk of life

walk on air

walk and chew gum

walk on eggshells

walk into lion's den

good walls make good

neighbours

neighbours. We try not to disturb the people next door. Good walls make good neighbours. If a person is walking a tightrope, they are in a difficult or delicate situation where they must act carefully. The management is walking a tightrope in their efforts both to keep the costs down and satisfy the trade unions.

walk a tightrope

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - W
(page 1 : on the wagon walk a tightrope)

on the wagon

Someone who is on the wagon is no longer drinking alcohol. No wine for me please - I'm on the wagon. If you wait for the cat to jump, or to see which way the cat jumps,you delay taking action until you see how events will turn out. Let's wait for the cat to jump before we decide. A person who plays a waiting game delays taking any action or making any decision because they prefer to wait and see how things develop, usually in the hope that this will put them in a stronger position. Our competitiors are not reacting. They're playing a waiting game. When someone is waiting for a raindrop in the drought, they are waiting and hoping for something that has little chance of happening. For many people, finding a job these days is like waiting for a raindrop in the drought. If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in their job or position. There are many young actors waiting in the wings ready to show their talent. If one person walks all over another, they treat them very badly or unkindly, especially by showing no consideration for their cares or needs. You must learn to defend yourself. Don't let him walk all over you!

wait for the cat to jump

waiting game

waiting for a raindrop in the drought

waiting in the wings

walk all over someone

walk of life

A person's profession or position in society is known as their walk of life. There were people from all walks of life among the protesters. When you are happy or excited because of a pleasant event that makes you feel as if you were floating, you are walking on air. Sophie has been walking on air since her painting won first prize. If you can walk and chew gum (at the same time), you are able to do more than one thing at a time. (This expression is often used negatively to indicate incompetence) Why did you hire that guy? He can't walk and chew gum at the same time! If you walk on eggshells with someone, you are careful not to hurt or offend them. She's so sensitive, you have to walk on eggshells with her all the time. If you walk into the lion's den, you find yourself in a difficult situation in which you have to face unfriendly or aggressive people. After the failure of the negotiations, he had to walk into the lion's den and face the Press. This expression means that respecting one another's privacy helps create a good relationship between neighbours. We try not to disturb the people next door. Good walls make good neighbours. If a person is walking a tightrope, they are in a difficult or delicate situation where they must act carefully. The management is walking a tightrope in their efforts both to keep the costs down and satisfy the trade unions.

walk on air

walk and chew gum

walk on eggshells

walk into lion's den

good walls make good neighbours

walk a tightrope

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List - X-Y-Z

xerox subsidy This term refers to the habit of using the photocopier at work for personal use. A certain percentage of photocopies are in fact xerox subsidies. yellow bellied A person who is yellow-bellied is cowardly, or not at all hrave.

The bus was full of yellow-bellied passengers who disappeared when the driver was attacked by two youths. yoke around one's neck An obligation, commitment or restraint that becomes an oppressive burden is called a yoke around one's neck. When John lost his job, the repayments on the house became a yoke around his neck. This expression is used to tell someone that they know some of the facts but they don't know how bad the situation is. You don't know the half of it! He was beating her and terrorizing the children. That's why she left him. When talking to another person, your guess is as good as minemeans that neither of you knows the answer. "What happened to the coffee machine?" "Your guess is as good as mine!" This is a humoristic way of saying that you are willing to do whatever the other person asks. Breakfast in bed? Your wish is my command! If you zero in on something, you focus all your attention on that particular thing. The boss immediately zeroed in on the sales figures. If an activity or a certain type of behaviour is given zero tolerance, it will not be accepted, not even once. The authorities have announced zero tolerance for smoking in public buildings.

your don't know the half of it your guess is as good as mine your wish is my command zero in on something zero tolerance