b2Vocabulary Pack

Idioms & Expressions

Everyday idioms and set phrases that don't translate literally.

77 words

English vocabulary

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77 words

Definitions in: English

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1
to call the shotsidiominformal
Used to describe who is in control or making the important decisions in a situation.
Around here, the manager calls the shots, not the assistants.
Around here, the manager makes the decisions, not the assistants.
2
to get cold feetidiominformal
Used when someone becomes nervous and hesitant about doing something they had planned.
He was all set to propose, but he got cold feet at the last minute.
He was all set to propose, but he lost his nerve at the last minute.
3
to be in hot wateridiominformal
Used to describe being in trouble or facing serious criticism for something you did.
He's in hot water with his boss after missing the deadline again.
He's in trouble with his boss after missing the deadline again.
4
to ring a bellidiominformal
Used when something sounds vaguely familiar, though you can't quite remember the details.
That name rings a bell, but I can't remember where I've heard it.
That name sounds familiar, but I can't remember where I've heard it.
5
to pull stringsidiominformal
Used when someone uses their personal influence or connections to get an advantage.
He pulled a few strings to get his nephew a job at the firm.
He used his connections to get his nephew a job at the firm.
6
to get out of handidiomneutral
Used when a situation becomes difficult or impossible to control.
The party got out of hand once the neighbours started complaining.
The party became uncontrollable once the neighbours started complaining.
7
to be all earsidiominformal
Used to say that you are listening eagerly and giving your full attention.
Tell me what happened — I'm all ears.
Tell me what happened — I'm listening eagerly.
8
to give someone the cold shoulderidiominformal
Used when someone deliberately ignores another person or treats them unkindly.
Ever since our argument, she's been giving me the cold shoulder.
Ever since our argument, she's been deliberately ignoring me.
9
to be in the darkidiomneutral
Used when someone has not been told about something and lacks important information.
The staff were kept completely in the dark about the merger.
The staff were kept completely uninformed about the merger.
10
to twist someone's armidiominformal
Used when you persuade or pressure someone to do something they were reluctant to do.
I didn't want to go out, but they twisted my arm.
I didn't want to go out, but they persuaded me.
11
to be on the ballidiominformal
Used to describe someone who is alert, competent and quick to understand things.
The new receptionist is really on the ball — nothing gets past her.
The new receptionist is really sharp — nothing gets past her.
12
to drop the ballidiominformal
Used when someone makes a mistake or fails to handle a responsibility properly.
We really dropped the ball on that order and lost the client.
We really failed to handle that order properly and lost the client.
13
to be up in the airidiominformal
Used to describe something that is uncertain and not yet decided.
Our holiday plans are still up in the air because of work.
Our holiday plans are still undecided because of work.
14
to be snowed underidiominformal
Used when someone has so much work that they can barely cope.
I'd love to help, but I'm completely snowed under this week.
I'd love to help, but I'm completely overwhelmed with work this week.
15
to hit the roadidiominformal
Used to say that you are leaving or starting a journey.
It's getting late, so we'd better hit the road.
It's getting late, so we'd better get going.
16
to put yourself in someone's shoesidiomneutral
Used to suggest imagining how another person feels in their particular situation.
Before you judge her, try to put yourself in her shoes.
Before you judge her, try to imagine how she feels.
17
to make ends meetidiomneutral
Used to describe managing to live on the money you have, especially when it is barely enough.
With rent so high, it's hard to make ends meet on one salary.
With rent so high, it's hard to manage financially on one salary.
18
the icing on the cakeidiominformal
Used to describe an extra good thing that makes an already good situation even better.
Winning was great, and the trophy was just the icing on the cake.
Winning was great, and the trophy was just an added bonus.
19
to go with the flowidiominformal
Used to describe being relaxed and accepting a situation as it develops, rather than resisting it.
We had no fixed plans; we just decided to go with the flow.
We had no fixed plans; we just decided to take things as they came.
20
to play it by earidiominformal
Used when you decide how to handle a situation as it happens, instead of planning ahead.
We don't know what the weather will do, so let's play it by ear.
We don't know what the weather will do, so let's decide as we go.
21
to keep an eye onidiomneutral
Used to mean watching someone or something carefully to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Could you keep an eye on my bag while I get a coffee?
Could you watch my bag while I get a coffee?
22
to cut someone some slackidiominformal
Used to ask someone to be less critical or strict with another person.
He's new here, so cut him some slack.
He's new here, so go easy on him.
23
a long shotidiominformal
Used to describe an attempt or plan that is unlikely to succeed.
Applying for that scholarship is a long shot, but worth a try.
Applying for that scholarship is unlikely to succeed, but worth a try.
24
a no-braineridiominformal
Used to describe a decision that is so obvious it requires no thought.
At half the price with better features, choosing it was a no-brainer.
At half the price with better features, choosing it was an obvious decision.
25
a game changeridiomneutral
Used to describe something that significantly changes a situation or the way things are done.
Working from home has been a real game changer for our family.
Working from home has been a real turning point for our family.
26
to be down to earthidiominformal
Used to describe someone who is practical, sensible and not pretentious.
Despite her fame, she's remarkably down to earth.
Despite her fame, she's remarkably modest and approachable.
27
a tough cookieidiominformal
Used to describe a strong, determined person who is not easily upset or defeated.
Don't worry about her — she's a tough cookie.
Don't worry about her — she's very resilient.
28
a fish out of wateridiominformal
Used to describe someone who feels uncomfortable because they are in an unfamiliar situation.
At the formal dinner, in my jeans, I felt like a fish out of water.
At the formal dinner, in my jeans, I felt completely out of place.
29
to be out of the loopidiominformal
Used when someone is not aware of information that others in a group have.
Since I was on leave, I'm completely out of the loop about the changes.
Since I was on leave, I'm completely unaware of the changes.
30
a dark horseidiominformal
Used to describe someone whose abilities or intentions are little known but may surprise people.
I never knew you could sing — you're a real dark horse!
I never knew you could sing — you're full of surprises!
31
to break the bankidiominformal
Used, often in the negative, to talk about whether something costs more than you can afford.
A nice dinner out won't break the bank.
A nice dinner out won't be too expensive for us.
32
food for thoughtidiomneutral
Used to describe an idea or piece of information that is worth thinking about seriously.
Her lecture gave me a lot of food for thought.
Her lecture gave me a lot to think about.
33
to be on the same wavelengthidiominformal
Used when two people understand each other well and think in a similar way.
We work well together because we're on the same wavelength.
We work well together because we think alike.
34
a ballpark figureidiominformal
Used to ask for or give a rough estimate, especially of a number or cost.
I don't need the exact cost — just give me a ballpark figure.
I don't need the exact cost — just give me a rough estimate.
35
to have your hands fullidiominformal
Used when someone is very busy and has as much to deal with as they can manage.
With three young kids, she really has her hands full.
With three young kids, she's certainly kept very busy.
36
to be at the end of your ropeidiominformal
Used when someone has no more patience or strength to deal with a difficult situation.
After months of his excuses, I'm at the end of my rope.
After months of his excuses, I have no patience left.
37
on the tip of my tongueidiominformal
Used when you are about to remember a word or name but cannot quite recall it.
Her name is on the tip of my tongue — give me a second.
I almost remember her name — give me a second.
38
a slap on the wristidiominformal
Used to describe a punishment that is much milder than it should be.
For such a serious crime, he got off with a slap on the wrist.
For such a serious crime, he got off with a very light punishment.
39
a wake-up callidiomneutral
Used to describe an event that makes people realise they must take action about a problem.
His heart attack was a real wake-up call to start exercising.
His heart attack was a real jolt that made him start exercising.
40
a steep learning curveidiomneutral
Used to describe a situation where you have to learn a lot quickly and it is difficult.
The new software has a steep learning curve, but it's worth it.
The new software is hard to learn at first, but it's worth it.
41
to keep your fingers crossedidiominformal
Used to express that you are hoping for a good outcome or good luck.
I've got my interview tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed for me.
I've got my interview tomorrow, so wish me luck.
42
a recipe for disasteridiominformal
Used to describe a situation or plan that is very likely to go badly wrong.
Tired drivers and icy roads are a recipe for disaster.
Tired drivers and icy roads are almost certain to cause problems.
43
to take a rain checkidiominformal
Used to politely decline an invitation now while suggesting you might accept it later.
I can't make dinner tonight, but can I take a rain check?
I can't make dinner tonight, but could we do it another time?
44
the talk of the townidiominformal
Used to describe a person or thing that everyone in a place is talking about.
Their lavish wedding was the talk of the town for weeks.
Their lavish wedding was what everyone was talking about for weeks.
45
to add fuel to the fireidiomneutral
Used when an action or comment makes an already bad or tense situation even worse.
Criticising her in public just added fuel to the fire.
Criticising her in public just made the conflict worse.
46
a drop in the oceanidiominformal
Used to describe an amount that is tiny and insignificant compared with what is needed.
My donation is just a drop in the ocean, but every bit helps.
My donation is tiny compared with what's needed, but every bit helps.
47
to go back to the drawing boardidiominformal
Used when a plan has failed and you must start again from the beginning.
The design didn't work, so it's back to the drawing board.
The design didn't work, so we have to start over.
48
neck and neckidiominformal
Used to describe a competition in which the rivals are exactly level.
The two candidates are neck and neck in the polls.
The two candidates are exactly level in the polls.
49
a slippery slopeidiomneutral
Used to describe a course of action that is likely to lead to something bad or out of control.
Borrowing to pay off debts is a slippery slope.
Borrowing to pay off debts leads gradually to disaster.
50
to weather the stormidiomneutral
Used to describe surviving a difficult period until conditions improve.
Many small firms struggled to weather the storm of the recession.
Many small firms struggled to survive the difficult period of the recession.
51
a tall orderidiominformal
Used to describe a task that is difficult to achieve or expects a lot from someone.
Finishing the whole report by tomorrow is a tall order.
Finishing the whole report by tomorrow is a very demanding task.
52
to bite your tongueidiominformal
Used when you stop yourself from saying something you really want to say.
I wanted to argue, but I bit my tongue to keep the peace.
I wanted to argue, but I held back to keep the peace.
53
off the top of my headidiominformal
Used when giving an answer immediately from memory, without checking or thinking carefully.
Off the top of my head, I'd say there were about fifty people.
Just guessing from memory, I'd say there were about fifty people.
54
to throw caution to the windidiomneutral
Used when someone stops being careful and takes a risk.
She threw caution to the wind and booked a one-way ticket abroad.
She abandoned all caution and booked a one-way ticket abroad.
55
a safe betidiominformal
Used to describe a choice or prediction that is very likely to be right or successful.
If you want a reliable car, that brand is a safe bet.
If you want a reliable car, that brand is a reliable choice.
56
at the drop of a hatidiominformal
Used to describe doing something immediately and without hesitation.
She'll help anyone at the drop of a hat.
She'll help anyone instantly, without hesitation.
57
to be over the moonidiominformal
Used to describe being extremely pleased or delighted about something.
She was over the moon when she heard she'd got the job.
She was absolutely delighted when she heard she'd got the job.
58
to keep your chin upidiominformal
Used to encourage someone to stay positive during a difficult time.
I know it's hard right now, but keep your chin up.
I know it's hard right now, but stay positive.
59
a couch potatoidiominformal
Used to describe a lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television.
Since he retired, he's become a complete couch potato.
Since he retired, he's become completely inactive in front of the TV.
60
to have a sweet toothidiominformal
Used to describe someone who loves eating sweet foods.
I've always had a sweet tooth, so I can't resist dessert.
I've always loved sweet things, so I can't resist dessert.
61
in full swingidiomneutral
Used to describe an event or activity that is at its busiest and most active stage.
By the time we arrived, the party was in full swing.
By the time we arrived, the party was at its liveliest.
62
to get your act togetheridiominformal
Used to tell someone to organise themselves and start behaving more effectively.
If he doesn't get his act together, he'll fail the course.
If he doesn't sort himself out, he'll fail the course.
63
to bend the rulesidiominformal
Used to describe allowing something that is not normally permitted, without fully breaking the rules.
They bent the rules a little and let us check in early.
They relaxed the rules a little and let us check in early.
64
a white elephantidiomneutral
Used to describe an expensive thing that is useless and costs a lot to maintain.
The new stadium became a white elephant after the team left.
The new stadium became a costly, useless burden after the team left.
65
once bitten, twice shyproverbneutral
Used to say that a bad experience makes you cautious about repeating it.
After being cheated last time, she's wary now — once bitten, twice shy.
After being cheated last time, she's wary now — a bad experience makes you cautious.
66
to be at a crossroadsidiomneutral
Used to describe a point at which an important decision about the future must be made.
After graduating, I felt I was at a crossroads in my life.
After graduating, I felt I was at an important turning point in my life.
67
the salt of the earthidiomneutral
Used to describe a person who is genuinely good, honest and reliable.
Her parents are the salt of the earth — always ready to help.
Her parents are thoroughly good, decent people — always ready to help.
68
to clear the airidiomneutral
Used to describe talking openly to remove tension or misunderstanding between people.
Let's sit down and clear the air before this gets worse.
Let's sit down and resolve our tension openly before this gets worse.
69
to have a lot on your plateidiominformal
Used to describe having many tasks, problems or responsibilities to deal with.
I won't bother her with this — she's got a lot on her plate already.
I won't bother her with this — she already has a lot to deal with.
70
to put your foot in your mouthidiominformal
Used when someone says something tactless or embarrassing by accident.
I really put my foot in my mouth by asking about her ex-husband.
I really embarrassed myself by accidentally asking about her ex-husband.
71
break a legidiominformal
A way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance or a big event.
You're going to be brilliant tonight — break a leg!
You're going to be brilliant tonight — good luck!
72
to wrap your head around somethingidiominformal
Used when you are trying to fully understand something difficult or confusing.
I still can't wrap my head around how the new system works.
I still can't fully understand how the new system works.
73
a hot potatoidiominformal
Used to describe a controversial issue that people are reluctant to deal with.
Immigration has become a real political hot potato.
Immigration has become a real political minefield.
74
when pigs flyidiominformal
Used to say that something will never happen.
He'll apologise when pigs fly.
He will never apologise.
75
a drop in the bucketnoun phraseneutralAmerican English
American English idiom for a very small, insignificant amount compared with what is actually needed.
The donation was generous, but it's just a drop in the bucket next to what the hospital needs.
The donation was generous, but it is tiny compared with what the hospital needs.
76
at the end of your tetherprepositional phraseneutralBritish English
British English idiom for having no patience, energy or resources left to cope with a situation.
After three sleepless nights with the baby, she was at the end of your tether.
After three sleepless nights with the baby, she had no patience or energy left.
77
pigs might flyphraseinformalBritish English
British English expression used to say sarcastically that something is extremely unlikely or impossible.
He says he'll pay me back tomorrow — yeah, and pigs might fly.
He says he'll pay me back tomorrow — sure, that will never happen.

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Idioms are where a language comes alive – and where learners often get left behind. This pack pulls back the curtain on the fixed expressions, proverbs and figurative phrases native speakers reach for without thinking. Taking your English past the literal, it helps you catch the real meaning behind an everyday phrase and drop the right one into a conversation yourself.

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