A hot potato

Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking

about and which is usually disputed

A penny for your thoughts

A way of asking what someone is thinking

Actions speak louder than words

People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what

they say.

Add insult to injury

To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an
unfavorable situation.

An arm and a leg

Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.

At the drop of a hat

Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.

Back to the drawing board

When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

Ball is in your court

It is up to you to make the next decision or step

Barking up the wrong tree

Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person

Be glad to see the back of

Be happy when a person leaves.

Beat around the bush

Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

Best of both worlds

Meaning: All the advantages.

Best thing since sliced bread

A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
Bite off more than you can chew
To take on a task that is way to big.

Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first.

Burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric
lighting.

Can't judge a book by its cover

Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.

Caught betwools
When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.

Costs an arm and a leg

This idiom is used when something is very expensive.

Cross that bridge when you come to it

Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.

Cover spilt milk

When you complain about a loss from the past.

Curiosity killed the cat

Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.

Cut corners
When something is done badly to save money.

Cuthe mustard [possibly derived from "cut the muster"]

To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to
compete or participate.

Cvil's Advocate
To present a counter argument

Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched

This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that
might not happen".
Don't give up the day job
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it
professionally.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Do not put all your resources in one possibility.

Drastic times call for drastic measures

When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.

Elvis has left the building

The show has come to an end. It's all over.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.

Far cry from

Very different from.

Feel a bit under the weather

Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.

Give the benefit of the doubt

Believe someone's statement, without proof.

Hear it on the grapevine

This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.

Hit the nail on the head

Do or say something exactly right

Hit the sack / sheets / hay

To go to bed.

In the heat of the moment

Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.

It takes two to tango

Actions or communications need more than one person

Jump on the bandwagon

 Join a popular trend or activity.

Keep something at bay

Keep something away.

Kill two birds with one stone

This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same
time.

Last straw
The final problem in a series of problems.

Let sleeping dogs lie

Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in
trouble or complications.

Let the cat out of the bag

To share information that was previously concealed

Make a long story short

Come to the point - leave out details

Method to my madness
An assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there
actually is structure to it.

Miss the boat

This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance

Not a spark of decency

Meaning: No manners

- Not playing with a full deck

Someone who lacks intelligence.

- Off ones rocker

Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled

state of mind, senile.
- On the ball

When someone understands the situation well.

- Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Happens very rarely.

- Picture paints a thousand words

A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.

- Piece of cake

A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.

- Put wool over other peoples eyes

This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.

- See eye to eye

This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on
something.

- Sit on the fence

This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a

decision.

- Speak of the devil

This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about
arrives.

- Steal someones thunder

To take the credit for something someone else did.

- Take with a grain of salt

This means not to take what someone says too seriously.

- Taste of your own medicine

Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you

have done to someone else.

- To hear something straight from the horses mouth

To hear something from the authoritative source.

- Whole nine yards

Everything. All of it.

- Wouldnt be caught dead

Would never like to do something

- Your guess is as good as nine

To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question

Idiom Meaning

A blessing in disguise a good thing that seemed bad at first

A dime a dozen Something common

Beat around the bush Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortabl

Better late than never Better to arrive late than not to come at all

Bite the bullet To get something over with because it is inevitable

Break a leg Good luck

Call it a day Stop working on something

Cut somebody some slack Don't be so critical

Cutting corners Doing something poorly in order to save time or money

Easy does it Slow down

Get out of hand Get out of control

Get something out of your system Do the thing you've been wanting to do so you can move on

Get your act together Work better or leave

Give someone the benefit of the doubt Trust what someone says

Go back to the drawing board Start over

Hang in there Don't give up

Idiom Meaning

Hit the sack Go to sleep

It's not rocket science It's not complicated

Let someone off the hook To not hold someone responsible for something

Make a long story short Tell something briefly

Miss the boat It's too late

No pain, no gain You have to work for what you want

On the ball Doing a good job

Pull someone's leg To joke with someone

Pull yourself together Calm down

So far so good Things are going well so far

Speak of the devil The person we were just talking about showed up!

That's the last straw My patience has run out

The best of both worlds An ideal situation

Time flies when you're having fun You don't notice how long something lasts when it's fun

To get bent out of shape To get upset

To make matters worse Make a problem worse

 Idiom Meaning

Under the weather Sick

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it Let's not talk about that problem right now

Wrap your head around something Understand something complicated

You can say that again That's true, I agree

Your guess is as good as mine I have no idea

COMMON ENGLISH IDIOMS &

EXPRESSIONS
These English idioms are used quite regularly in the United States. You may not hear them
every day, but they will be very familiar to any native English speaker. You can be confident
using any of them when the context is appropriate.

Idiom Meaning

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush What you have is worth more than what you might have later

A penny for your thoughts Tell me what you're thinking

A penny saved is a penny earned Money you save today you can spend later

A perfect storm the worst possible situation

A picture is worth 1000 words Better to show than tell

Actions speak louder than words Believe what people do and not what they say
Idiom Meaning

Add insult to injury To make a bad situation worse

Barking up the wrong tree To be mistaken, to be looking for solutions in the wrong place

Birds of a feather flock together People who are alike are often friends (usually used negative

Bite off more than you can chew Take on a project that you cannot finish

Break the ice Make people feel more comfortable

By the skin of your teeth Just barely

Comparing apples to oranges Comparing two things that cannot be compared

Costs an arm and a leg Very expensive

Do something at the drop of a hat Do something without having planned beforehand

Do unto others as you would have them do unto Treat people fairly. Also known as "The Golden Rule"
you

Don't count your chickens before they hatch Don't count on something good happening until it's happened

Don't cry over spilt milk There's no reason to complain about something that can't be

Don't give up your day job You're not very good at this
Idiom Meaning

Don't put all your eggs in one basket What you're doing is too risky

Every cloud has a silver lining Good things come after bad things

Get a taste of your own medicine Get treated the way you've been treating others (negative)

Give someone the cold shoulder Ignore someone

Go on a wild goose chase To do something pointless

Good things come to those who wait Be patient

He has bigger fish to fry He has bigger things to take care of than what we are talking

He's a chip off the old block The son is like the father

Hit the nail on the head Get something exactly right

Ignorance is bliss You're better off not knowing

It ain't over till the fat lady sings This isn't over yet

It takes one to know one You're just as bad as I am

It's a piece of cake It's easy

It's raining cats and dogs It's raining hard

Kill two birds with one stone Get two things done with a single action
Idiom Meaning

Let the cat out of the bag Give away a secret

Live and learn I made a mistake

Look before you leap Take only calculated risks

On thin ice On probation. If you make another mistake, there will be trou

Once in a blue moon Rarely

Play devil's advocate To argue the opposite, just for the sake of argument

Put something on ice Put a projet on hold

Rain on someone's parade To spoil something

Saving for a rainy day Saving money for later

Slow and steady wins the race Reliability is more important than speed

Spill the beans Give away a secret

Take a rain check Postpone a plan

Idiom Meaning

Take it with a grain of salt Dont take it too seriously

The ball is in your court It's your decision

The best thing since sliced bread A really good invention

The devil is in the details It looks good from a distance, but when you look closer, there
problems

The early bird gets the worm The first people who arrive will get the best stuff

The elephant in the room The big issue, the problem people are avoiding

The whole nine yards Everything, all the way.

There are other fish in the sea It's ok to miss this opportunity. Others will arise.

There's a method to his madness He seems crazy but actually he's clever

There's no such thing as a free lunch Nothing is entirely free

Throw caution to the wind Take a risk

You can't have your cake and eat it too You can't have everything

You can't judge a book by its cover This person or thing may look bad, but it's good inside
FAMILIAR ENGLISH IDIOMS &
PROVERBS
These English idioms and proverbs are familiar and easily understood by native English
speakers, but they are not usually used in everyday conversation. If you haven't mastered the
more frequent idioms yet, they are a better place to start, but if you're already familiar with those
expressions, the idioms below will further spice up your English.

Idiom Meaning

A little learning is a dangerous thing People who don't understand something fully are da

A snowball effect Events have momentum and build upon each other

A snowball's chance in hell No chance at all

A stitch in time saves nine Fix the problem now because it will get worse later

A storm in a teacup A big fuss about a small problem

An apple a day keeps the doctor away Apples are good for you

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure You can prevent a problem with little effort. Fixing it
harder.

As right as rain Perfect

Bolt from the blue Something that happened without warning

Burn bridges Destroy relationships

Idiom Meaning

Calm before the storm Something bad is coming, but right now it's calm

Come rain or shine No matter what

Curiosity killed the cat Stop asking questions

Cut the mustard Do a good job

Don't beat a dead horse Move on, this subject is over

Every dog has his day Everyone gets a chance at least once

Familiarity breeds contempt The better you know someone the less you like him

Fit as a fiddle In good health

Fortune favours the bold Take risks

Get a second wind Have more energy after having been tired

Get wind of something Hear news of something secret

Go down in flames Fail spectacularly

Haste makes waste You'll make mistakes if you rush through something
Idiom Meaning

Have your head in the clouds Not be concentrating

He who laughs last laughs loudest I'll get you back for what you did

Hear something straight from the horse's mouth Hear something from the person involved

He's not playing with a full deck He's dumb

He's off his rocker He's crazy

He's sitting on the fence He can't make up his mind

It is a poor workman who blames his tools If you can't do the job, don't blame it on others

It is always darkest before the dawn Things are going to get better

It takes two to tango One person alone isn't responsible. Both people are

Jump on the bandwagon Follow a trend, do what everyone else is doing

Know which way the wind is blowing Understand the situation (usually negative)

Leave no stone unturned Look everywhere

Let sleeping dogs lie Stop discussing an issue

Idiom Meaning

Like riding a bicycle Something you never forget how to do

Like two peas in a pod They're always together

Make hay while the sun shines Take advantage of a good situation

On cloud nine Very happy

Once bitten, twice shy You're more cautious when you've been hurt before

Out of the frying pan and into the fire Things are going from bad to worse

Run like the wind Run fast

Shape up or ship out Work better or leave

Snowed under Busy

That ship has sailed It's too late

The pot calling the kettle black Someone criticizing someone else he is just as bad

There are clouds on the horizon Trouble is coming

Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones People who are morally questionable shouldn't critic
 Idiom Meaning

Through thick and thin In good times and in bad times

Time is money Work quickly

Waste not, want not Don't waste things and you'll always have enough

We see eye to eye We agree

Weather the storm Go through something difficult

Well begun is half done Getting a good start is important

When it rains it pours Everything is going wrong at once

You can catch more flies with honey than you can with You'll get what you want by being nice
vinegar

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink You can't force someone to make the right decision

You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs There's always a cost to doing something

INSTRUMENTS IDIOMS

BLOWING HIS OWN TRUMPET: When someone boasts about their own talents, abilities and
achievements. ( SE JACTA DE SUS PROPIOS TALENTOS).

HIT THE RIGHT NOTE / STRIKE THE RIGHT NOTE

you speak or act in a way that has a positive effect on people.

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO: This is used to
suggest that when things go wrong, both sides are involved and
neither party is completely innocent.

FIT AS A FIDDLE: this is used to describe someone who

is in perfect health.

WITH BELLS ON: This means to arrive somewhere happy

and delighted to attend.

LIKE A BROKEN RECORD: Used to describe

someone who keeps talking about the same story over and over again.

AND ALL THAT JAZZ: This means that everything

related to or similar is included.

MUSIC TO MY EARS: When you hear exactly what you

wanted to hear.

YOU CANT UNRING A BELL: This means that

once something has been done, it cannot be changed and you have to
live with the consequences.

MARCH TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN

DRUM
When someone does things the way they want to, without taking
anybody else or anything else into consideration.

Ive tried talking to him but he wont listen. All he knows is how
to march to the beat of his own drum! Why dont you try?
SWAN SONG
This expression is used to describe a final act before dying or ending
something

I am going to resign tomorrow. This project was my swan song and

now that it has been completed, I will leave.

RING A BELL

If something rings a bell, it sounds familiar, but you cant remember the
exact details.

Harry Bertram? That name rings a bell, but Im not sure if it was
definitely him.

STRIKE A CHORD
Used to describe something that is familiar to you, reminds you of
something or is connected to you somehow.
That poem really struck a chord in me, it reminded me of my youth so
much.

CHANGE YOUR TUNE / SING A

DIFFERENT TUNE
When someone changes their opinion or their idea of something
particular.

Youve definitely changed your tune since the last time I saw you!
You used to hate this town!

FACE THE MUSIC

You say this when someone has to accept the negative consequences
of something that has happened.

Im not ready to face the music. I need to figure it out for

myself before I speak to them.
FOR A SONG

If you buy or sell something for a song, it means it is very cheap.

I cant believe I managed to buy all of this for a song, maybe the
shopkeeper didnt know what theyre really worth!

PLAY BY EAR
This means to deal with something in an impromptu manner, without
guidelines or rules. It refers to playing music without using written
connotation.

I dont know what Im going to say when she gets here, Ill just play it
by ear.

SEE YOU ON THE BIG DRUM

A goodnight phrase used for children.
Okay, get some sleep now. See you on the big drum.

AS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE
Used to describe something that is extremely clean.

He may come across as someone who couldve been involved in that

robbery, but I have checked his records and theyre as clean as a
whistle.

BLOW THE WHISTLE / WHISTLE

BLOWER

If you report an illegal or harmful activity to the authorities and give

information about those responsible, then you are blowing the
whistle and would be referred to as a whistle blower.

John refused to make a statement for the police. He was afraid of

losing his job if he blew the whistle on his boss.
CALL THE TUNE

This is used to describe the person who makes the important decisions
about something.

Im afraid I cant help you sir. Barbara calls the tune around here, so
youd have to speak to her.

PLAY SECOND FIDDLE

This is used to describe the person who takes a subordinate role
behind someone more important.

Youre much more experienced than he is, I dont understand why you
continue to play second fiddle. You deserve a higher position in the
company!
WHISTLE FOR IT
If someone says this to you, it means they are determined to ensure
that you dont get what you are after.

You can whistle for it as much as you like, this is an heirloom of our
family and will stay with us!

CLEAR AS A BELL
If something is as clear as a bell, it is very clear or easy to understand.

His instructions were as clear as a bell, everyone knew exactly what

they were supposed to do.

FIDDLE WHILE ROME BURNS

This is used when people are procrastinating or wasting their time on
unimportant matters while there are more serious problems to be dealt
with.

The management committee seems to be fiddling while Rome

burns, they havent shown any signs of taking immediate action.

JAZZ SOMETHING UP
Used when someone is trying to improve something or add more style
to it.

This dress looks so dull on its own, maybe I should jazz it up a bit with
this scarf.
CHIME IN
Used when someone interrupts or joins in a conversation, especially to
repeat or agree with something.

I was telling the police officer what had happened, but

everyone chimed in and started giving their versions of the story, and
he couldnt hear what I was saying!

DRUM INTO ONES HEAD

When you teach someone how to do something through constant
repetition.

Our teacher drummed into our heads how important it is to

understand the history of our own country.

TICKLE THE IVORY

This is a humorous way of talking about playing the piano.

My mother used to love playing the piano. Shed tickle the

ivory whenever she had a chance.
JAM SESSION / JAMMING

Playing music with various instruments in an improvised and informal

setting.

A few of my friends came over to my house yesterday, and we had

the most amazing jam session.

We were jamming last night, and I came up with a brilliant idea for a
new song!

FINE TUNING
Used to describe small adjustments made to improve something or to
make it work better.

My motorbike is almost ready. My dad is quite happy with it, but I think
it needs a little more fine tuning.
WHISTLE-STOP TOUR
When someone visits a number of places quickly, only stopping at
each for a short period of time.

Were going to visit my family up North for the weekend, but its only
going to be a whistle-stop tour, as we have so many relatives to visit
there!

WHISTLING IN THE DARK

When someone believes in a positive result, even though everybody
else is sure it will not happen.

He seems pretty determined that hes going to win the race, but
judging from who he is up against, I think hes only whistling in the
dark.

WHISTLING DIXIE
If someone is whistling Dixie, they talk about things in a more positive
way than the reality. Mainly used in the US.

He heard what the doctor had to say, but he still seems to

be whistling Dixie.

MAKE A SONG AND DANCE ABOUT

SOMETHING
When someone makes a big deal out of, or a fuss over, something that
isnt that important.
I wish shed stop making such a song and dance about me moving
out, its not a big deal.

ELEVATOR MUSIC

Pleasant but boring pre-recorded music that is usually played in public

places.

I usually like his songs, but his new album just sounds like elevator
music!

DRUM UP SUPPORT / BUSINESS /

INTEREST
Try to get extra support/business/interest by various means.

Ive been trying to drum up support for the local Womens Rights
campaign by speaking to people in the neighbourhood.
 We need to try and drum up some interest from the local residents,
otherwise well never be able to go ahead with our building plans!

WET YOUR WHISTLE

To drink something alcoholic

Why dont you join us tonight and wet your whistle? Its been a long
time since we went out together!

TRUMPET SOMETHING
To deliberately broadcast some news so everyone can hear, with the
intent to boast about something.

He hasnt stopped trumpeting his promotion ever since he got it last

month! Its very annoying.

MARCH TO THE SAME TUNE / SING

FROM THE SAME SONGSHEET
When everyone follows the same plan, or says the same thing (can be
used in the negative form too)

I would say the reason why our business is failing is because

everyone is not marching to the same tune!

He is always singing from the same songsheet as others. Ive

never heard him come up with his own original idea!
1. PUT / GET YOUR THINKING CAP ON
To engage your mind and think in a serious manner.

Right, we need to figure out how were going to solve this problem
before mum and dad get back, so lets put our thinking caps on!
2. DRAW A BLANK
To get no response from someone when they are asked a question.

I asked him about his plans for Christmas, but I just drew a blank.
He didnt seem to understand what I was asking him!
3. BACK TO BASICS
An approach that uses traditional ideas and methods which have been
successful in the past.

They seem to prefer having everything back to basics in their

office. They have minimal use of advanced technology, but
apparently find everything simpler and easier to manage.
4. AS EASY AS ABC
Something that is very simple or easy.

That jigsaw puzzle is as easy as ABC, I dont understand why

youve been struggling with it for so long.
5. COPYCAT
Used to describe someone who copies another persons work.

I dont like talking to her about my wedding plans because shes

such a copycat! I know shell steal my ideas and use them for her
own wedding.
6. COVER A LOT OF GROUND
When a lot of work needs to be completed. If there is a lot of research
to be done, or material to get through.

Our team have done so well over the past two weeks, weve
managed to cover so much ground that I feel this programme
may be ready by the end of this month!
 We have to complete our research within the next month. We
still have a lot of ground to cover, and I fear we may not get
everything done in time.
7. COUNT NOSES
To count the number of people around you (generally used on a school
trip, to check for missing students).

My grandmother was constantly counting noses at the birthday

party. I think she felt responsible for all the children there!
8. EAGER BEAVER
Someone who works hard and is very enthusiastic.

Mary is such an eager beaver, she always the first one to do

whatever the boss asks. I think shes hoping for a promotion!

9. DROP OUT OF SCHOOL (phrasal verb) / DROPOUT (noun)

To stop attending school completely (leave without graduating).
 She dropped out of school at the age of 14 to help her sick
grandmother at home, but now she runs her own successful
nursing home for the elderly!
Hes a dropout, I cant see him being anything successful with his
current reputation.
10. SHOW OF HANDS
Raising hands to vote about something.

With a show of hands, who would prefer to have longer working

days but a shorter working week?
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11. LEARN (SOMETHING) BY HEART / OFF BY HEART
To memorise something so well, that it can be written or recited without
thinking.

I cant believe you learnt the whole Macbeth play by heart! Well
done!
She learnt all the compositions by Beethoven off by heart!
12. BOOKWORM
This is used to describe someone who reads a lot, all the time.

You wont be able to convince her to come out with us, shes a
real bookworm and will probably stay in to read!
13. FROM THE OLD SCHOOL / OF THE OLD SCHOOL
Holding attitudes or ideas that were popular and important in the past,
but which are no longer considered relevant or in-line with modern
trends.

She was a teacher of the old school and believed in strict

discipline.
My grandmother is from the old school, she made her children
make their own lunches and walk to school.
14. THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
Learning through difficult experiences in life, as opposed to a formal,
classroom education.

I wasnt able to go to college, but I learnt a lot in the school of

hard knocks, it taught me a lot about life.
15. A FOR EFFORT
Giving someone recognition for trying hard to do something even
though they may not be successful.

Jenny definitely deserves an A for effort, she put so much work

into her entry for the competition.
16. SCHOOL SOMEONE IN SOMETHING
To train, discipline or coach someone in something.

She schooled her brother in patience.

17. CUT CLASS / PLAY HOOKY / SKIP CLASS
When someone plays truant and does not go to their lessons.

David has been cutting class again; I havent seen him in any of
our French lessons for the past week!
They played hooky at college so they could be first in line for the
concert tickets.
The teacher told his parents that hed been skipping classes!
Hes not allowed to go out with us now.
18. SCHOOL OF THOUGHT
A particular philosophy, or a way of thinking about something.

One school of thought holds that cats cause allergic reactions.

19. TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL / TELL TALES
To gossip or spread rumours.

I wish Gina wouldnt tell tales out of school so much, people find
it hard to believe anything she says now, even if she is telling the
truth!
20. YOU CANT TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS
This means it is difficult to make someone change the way they do
something when they have been doing it the same way for a very long
time.

Jeremy tries so hard to show me how the computer works, but he

doesnt understand that you cant teach an old dog new tricks!
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21. THE OLD SCHOOL TIE / OLDBOY NETWORK
The way in which men who have been to the same expensive private
school, help each other to find good jobs.

The old school tie still has enormous power in most City
companies.
They dont make any effort to find a job for themselves, the
oldboy network does it all for them.
22. BRAINSTORM
To try to develop an idea or think of new ideas.

Lets all separate into groups and try to brainstorm as many

suggestions as possible for the next school play.
23. AN OLD HEAD ON YOUNG SHOULDERS
A child or young person who thinks and talks like an older person who
has more life experience.

Emily doesnt fit in with the children at her school, shes definitely
an old head on young shoulders. She talks to them like a parent
or teacher would!
24. CALL THE ROLL / TAKE THE ROLL
To call the names of a group of people (or students) and expect them
to respond to show they are present.
 Jamie called the roll on the coach before we left to make sure
that everyone had arrived.
25. CRACK A BOOK
To open a book to study (usually used in a negative sense).

I kept telling my mum I didnt need to study too hard for this exam
because its easy, she wouldnt listen to me though. She insisted
I crack a book every evening!
26. CRANK OUT A PAPER
To write a paper or essay in a mechanical way.

I had to crank out a new paper every week to pass this course. It
was really hard work!
27. FILL IN THE BLANKS
To supply missing words or information (this can be used in
conversation or writing).

I wasnt here when the argument happened, so John filled in the

blanks for me.
28. LEARN BY ROTE
To learn something by memorising it without giving any thought to what
is being learnt.

They had to learn the lyrics to two new songs by rote just before
the show.
29. LEARN THE ROPES
To learn how to do a job properly, or how things work.

It took me a while to learn the ropes in this law firm, some of their
procedures are so complicated.
30. LEARN ONES LESSON
To suffer a bad experience and know not to do it again.

I thought I was being funny by mocking Peter in front of everyone,

but the way he reacted was so horrible. Ive definitely learnt
my lesson to not make a joke at someone elses expense!
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31. TEACH SOMEONE A LESSON
To do something to someone in order to punish them for something
theyve done.

The boys next door wouldnt stop playing pranks on the poor
elderly couple across the road, so I played a prank on them to
teach them a lesson!

32. PASS WITH FLYING COLOURS

To pass (a test) easily with a high score.

I have some exciting news: I passed my driving test with flying

colours!
33. SCHOOLBOY ERROR
A very basic or foolish mistake.

He made a schoolboy error when he passed some of the

responsibilities to Jonah, who took all the credit for everything
theyd done.
34. A QUICK LEARNER
Someone who is able to learn a new skill or task very quickly.

Kelly is a very quick learner; she has only been here for a week
so far and has already taken on most of the previous secretarys
roles!
35. UNIVERSITY OF LIFE
The daily life and work where you learn more than you would by going
to university.

My grandfather began to work on the family farm when he was

fourteen and learnt everything from the university of life.
36. SINGLE FILE
A line of people with one person standing behind another.

We didnt have any issues with crowd control at all. Everyone was
eager to get an autograph from the band, but they waited patiently
in single-file.
37. MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR/OF SOMETHING
To fulfil the requirements for/of something.

Unfortunately, I didnt meet all their requirements for that job, so

I didnt get it.
38. MAKE THE GRADE
To be satisfactory and of an expected level.

I didnt make the grade for the final assignment, so I have to do it

all over again!
39. HIT THE BOOKS
To begin to study hard.

I hit the books as soon as I knew the date of the exam.

40. HAVE ONES NOSE IN A BOOK
To be reading a book.

He always has his nose in a book, I wish hed be a bit more

sociable sometimes!
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41. GOOF OFF / GOOF AROUND
To waste time, procrastinate.
 He spent all of last week goofing around, and now hes panicking
the day before the test!

42. TEACHERS PET

A teachers favourite student.

She always gets really good marks, I bet its because

shes teachers pet.