1. ring a bell A: Do you know April O’Neil? B: Hmm. Maybe. That name rings a bell. Definition = is familiar to you but you can’t remember where you heard it 2. on the one hand / on the other hand On the one hand, Peter’s roommate is kind. On the other hand, he’s quite messy. Definition = (expression used to when considering the advantages and disadvantages of sth) 3. have/keep an open mind I tried to keep an open mind about Allan even though I’d heard some bad things about him. Definition = be openminded 4. on the tip of your tongue His name was on the tip of my tongue… but I couldn’t remember it. Definition = used to say you are almost able to remember something, but you can’t 5. a hangover (noun) / hung-over (adj) Tyler was too hung-over from last night’s party to go to work. Definition = unwell from drinking too much alcohol on the previous day 6. ~ish Let’s meet around 4ish. Definition = used to make sth more vague and less exact 7. fed up I’m fed up with my neighbour’s dog. Definition = so angry that you can no longer tolerate any more of sth 8. Big deal! It takes you 15 minutes to walk to school? Big deal! Definition = a sarcastic expression meaning that sth is actually NOT a big deal. 9. Give sb a hand My dad gave me a hand with my homework. Definition = helped you 10. let the cat out of the bag It was going to be a surprise party, until Todd let the cat out of the bag. Definition = told the secret so other people found out too early 11. give it a shot If you think you can make the team, then give it a shot. Definition = give it a try 12. No way! A: George, I’m pregnant. B: No way! Definition = similar to “that can’t be possible!” / “I don’t believe you!” 13. The more the merrier. A: Can I invite my brother? B: Sure. The more the merrier.Definition = used to say that the more of sth there is, the better it will be. 14. give it your all Even though I lost the race, I gave it my all. Definition = tried your hardest 15. first-hand I saw the accident happen, first-hand. Definition = you experienced it personally 16. a dead end Let’s not take this path. It leads to a dead end. Definition = a place with only an end 17. time flies Time flies when you’re having fun. Definition = time passes quickly 18. pull sb’s leg “You have 6 brothers? You’re pulling my leg!” Definition = same as “You’re joking!” 19. have sth on your mind When Dana has something on her mind, she likes to go for a long walk by herself. Definition = to have a certain topic in your thoughts 20. keep track I use my watch to keep track of time. Definition 21. from scratch My aunt made the cake from scratch. Definition = from nothing (without any already-prepared materials) 22. off the top of your head He asked me to tell him a joke, but I couldn’t think of one off the top of my head. Definition = using only the ideas you have in your head at that moment 23. learn your lesson The boy learned his lesson. He’ll never play with fire again. Definition = to learn sth important about life from making a mistake/doing something wrong 24. keep/bear in mind The professor told his students to keep in mind that they only have 50 minutes to complete the test. Definition = not forget; remember 25. speak your mind Timmy was afraid to speak his mind in front of his schoolmates. Definition = say what you honestly feel 26. Just my luck! It rained on my only day off. Just my luck! Definition = expression used when sth unlucky happens to you. It implies that unlucky things happen to you, thus your luck is bad luck 27. There’s nothing to it. Why don’t you make a simple website for your business? There’s nothing to itDefinition = it’s very easy; it’s a piece of cake 28. get out of hand The house party got out of hand, so we had to call the police. Definition = got out of control 29. cut a long story short To cut a long story short, Lisa and I have had some interesting experiences together. Definition = to make a long story shorter so it takes less time to say 30. a piece of cake The test was a piece of cake. I finished it in 20 minutes. Definition = very easy 31. break the ice At the start of the meeting, Mike tried to break the ice by telling a joke. Definition = to initiate social interaction/conversation. (Note: the ‘ice’ is that cold feeling when no one is talking or people don’t know each other. You break the ice by beginning to speak or starting an activity (e.g. telling a joke, or doing a warm-up activity)) 32. go out of your way to do sth I went out of my way to help Jenny find an apartment, and she didn’t even say thanks! Definition = to take extra time to make an additional effort to do sth 33. cross your mind The thought never even crossed my mind. Definition = to think about sth; to consider sth 34. road rage I don’t like being in the car with Gary. He has difficulty controlling his road rage. Definition = extreme anger when driving 35. go on about The old man went on about his school days for nearly an hour. Definition = to speak for too long about sth uninteresting 36. slip your mind I was going to return the library books today after work, but the thought slipped my mind. Definition = used to say you forgot to do sth 37. have/throw a fit The baby threw a fit when I took his toy away. Definition = to get angry and begin acting like an angry child 38. The ball is in your court The ball is in their court now. Let’s wait for their decision. Definition = used to say that YOU now have control of the situation 39. make your day Finding a fifty-dollar bill on the ground made my day. Definition = used to say that sth made your day special (and great). 40. a rip off / to rip sb off Six dollars for a cup of coffee?! What a rip off!Definition = sth very over-priced 41. get a kick out of sth I get a kick out of reading science fiction novels. Definition = to get enjoyment from sth 42. catch sb’s eye The bright advertisement caught my eye. Definition = to grab sb’s attention and make them look at sth 43. jump the gun I jumped the gun and asked Gail to marry me. She said she wasn’t sure what to say. Definition = to do sth too soon. 44. give sb a piece of your mind The angry worker gave his boss a piece of his mind. Definition = to speak angrily to sb about sth bad they have done 45. cross your fingers Kate crossed her fingers and hoped it wouldn’t rain on her wedding day. Definition = (Westerners cross their fingers when they want good luck) 46. cost (sb) an arm and a leg The designer handbag cost her an arm and a leg. Definition = to cost a LOT of money 47. be in hot water Ken was in hot water about forgetting his wedding anniversary. Definition = to be in trouble 48. in a bind Susan is really in a bind. She has two essays due tomorrow and she hasn’t started either of them. Definition = in a difficult situation; stuck in a difficult situation 49. an eye-opener The film on global warming was a real eye-opener for Tom. Definition = sth that makes you see or think about sth differently from then on 50. let off steam Ted plays squash when he needs to let off steam. Definition = to release anger and frustration 51. read between the lines You can figure out the author’s opinion by reading between the lines. Definition = to find the hidden meaning in sth that is written or said 52. go all out We went all out and booked a five-star hotel for our trip. Definition = to use all of your energy or resources (e.g. money in the above example) to do sth 53. out of line Mark’s comment was out of line. He shouldn’t have said that to a client. Definition= inappropriate; not in accordance with how sb is supposed to behave 54. be on sb’s back My manager is on my back about being at work on time. Definition = to persistently urge sb to do (or not to do) sth 55. would not be seen/caught dead I wouldn’t be seen dead wearing an ugly dress like that. Definition = used to say that you would NEVER do sth 56. have mixed feelings Larry has mixed feelings about his new job. Definition = to be unsure about sth 57. draw a blank When asked for her postal code, Amy drew a blank. Definition = to be unable to remember anything 58. You name it. A: Daddy, can I have anything on the menu? B: Sure. You name it, you got it. Definition = synonym of ‘whatever you want’; anything 59. know your stuff Jim has been a mechanic for 20 years. He really knows his stuff. Definition = to know sth well 60. left, right and centre Businesses were closing in town left, right and centre. Definition = everywhere 61. a change of heart After seeing a mouse on the floor, I had a change of heart about eating at the restaurant. Definition = a change of feeling; used to say you changed your mind about sth 62. a long haul Peter told his boss that he wouldn’t quit. He’s in it for the long haul. Definition = the long road; the option that takes the most time 63. be man enough George was the only one man enough to admit he had made a mistake. Definition = strong enough in character, or strong enough as a man 64. be second to none The apple pie at this restaurant is second to none. Definition = the best 65. know/learn the ropes It took me a month to learn the ropes at my new job. Definition = the process of learning about sth so you are comfortable with it 66. a breath of fresh air The new employee, Gail, is a breath of fresh air in the office. Definition = sth new that adds life and energy to a situation 67. get your act together The coach told me that if I didn’t get my act together, I’d be kicked off the team.Definition = start behaving properly 68. set your heart on sth Eric has his heart set on participating in the Olympics. Definition = to be firmly resolved to do sth 69. take sb/sth for granted Keith took it for granted that his girlfriend would always stay with him. Then, one day, she was gone. Definition = to assume too confidently that you’ll have sth in the future or forever 70. play it by ear A: How long will you stay in Australia? B: I’m not sure. I’m just going to play it by ear. Definition = to improvise; to not make a plan but decide what to do as you do it 71. put all your eggs in one basket Greg invested his money in a few different areas. He didn’t want to put all his eggs in one basket. Definition = to put all of sth you have in the same area (note: generally viewed as a bad thing to do) 72. Birds of a feather (flock together) A: It’s funny that all of Kate’s friends are attractive. B: So is she. I guess birds of a feather flock together. Definition = similar people tend to spend time with each other. 73. have second thoughts I’m starting to have second thoughts about my new apartment. Definition = to have doubts 74. pay the price for sth Don’t touch my stuff. If you do, you’ll pay the price. Definition = to suffer as a consequence of doing sth 75. a basket case Darryl’s ex-wife is a total basket case. Definition = a crazy person; a nut 76. on the dot We arrived at 8 o’clock on the dot. Definition = exactly 77. not have a clue I don’t have a clue where Nunavut is. Definition = to have no idea or absolutely no knowledge (about sth) 78. have a shot at Our team has a shot at winning the championship. Definition = has a chance 79. the word spread It took only an hour for word to spread around the office that John had been fired. Definition = for some news to spread (“the word” = some news) 80. safe and sound I arrived home from my trip safe and sound.Definition = safe 81. be a pain (in the neck) My brother is a real pain in the neck sometimes. Definition = to be annoying/irritating 82. be in the same boat The governments of Portugal and Greece are in the same boat. They both need financial assistance. Definition = to be in the same situation 83. be/feel at home After two years, James felt at home in Prague. Definition = to feel comfortable, as if you were in your home or hometown 84. be in sb’s good books Ryan is not in his father’s good books right now because he scratched his car. Definition = to be on someone’s good side; to be thought of as someone’s friend or ally 85. get out of bed on the wrong side I’d avoid talking with Bob today. He must’ve got out of bed on the wrong side. Definition = to wake up in a bad mood 86. up-and-coming Roger is an up-and-coming hockey player from Toronto. Definition 87. get into gear You’d better get into gear or you’ll be late. Definition = hurry up; start moving at a faster speed 88. out of the blue One day, out of the blue, I received a letter from my former schoolmate. Definition = unscheduled; without previous warning 89. set the record straight In a TV interview, the politician set the record straight about his experiences in the military. Definition = to clarify what is true/factual about a story or thing 90. keep an eye on The security guard kept an eye on the suspicious man. Definition = watch closely; monitor 91. a grey area Because of a grey area in his job description, Peter was not exactly sure what all of his responsibilities were. Definition = a vague area; an unclear area; an area that is neither black nor white 92. get/let sb off the hook Luckily for her, the policeman let Jane off the hook for parking her car in a no-parking zone. Definition = to let someone go free instead of holding them responsible for sth bad93. out of sight, out of mind. Jim was happy when his ex-girlfriend moved out of his apartment — out of sight, out of mind. Definition = this means that if you do not see someone regularly, you will stop thinking about them. 94. give sb the cold shoulder Ted gave his ex-girlfriend the cold shoulder when he saw her at the party. Definition = to ignore sb 95. The ins and outs It took Alan a year to learn all the ins and outs of his job. Definition = to know all aspects of sth; to know completely how sth works 96. line of work The fireman said that injuries were common in his line of work. Definition = job field; type of work 97. make do I forgot to buy groceries so I had to make do with what was left in the fridge. Definition = to survive/get by with what you have at that moment 98. get sth off your chest A: Keith, there’s something I need to get off my chest. B: What’s bothering you? Tell me. Definition = to say something serious or difficult that you have been thinking about for a while. 99. know sth like the back of your hand Takeshi knows the streets of Kyoto like the back of his hand. Definition = to be very familiar with sth 100. in the bag After scoring their fourth goal, the victory was in the bag. Definition = certain to be secured/obtained; 101. be on the ball Greg isn’t on the ball today. He keeps making silly mistakes. Definition = to be thinking well and reacting quickly 102. off and on / on and off Tara and Mike have been seeing each other off and on for a year now. Definition = intermittently 103. for the time being I plan to move into my own apartment in September. For the time being, I’m staying with friend Doug. Definition = just for the present moment 104. burn your bridges Jack tried to be kind to his boss when he quit in job because he didn’t want to burn his bridges. Definition = ruin a relationship, resulting in you being unable to return somewhere105. get/be given the sack / sack (verb) Alan got the sack for repeatedly coming into work late. Definition = to be fired 106. on the back burner The project was put on the back burner while the company focused on a more immediate problem. Definition = set as a lower priority 107. get cold feet It’s normal to get cold feet before your wedding day. Definition = to become nervous/frightened right before sth you had planned to do 108. hit rock bottom After being fired and then kicked out of his apartment, Jake really hit rock bottom. Definition = to be in the lowest situation, e.g. without money or friends. to be in the unhappiest situation of your life 109. talk shop Everyone agreed not to talk shop at the staff party. Definition = to talk about work-related things 110. start/get the ball rolling It’s time we start the ball rolling on the new project. Definition = to take the first step to begin a process 111. get your foot in the door Janice took a position as an administrative assistant to get her foot in the door at the famous fashion company. Definition = to complete the first step towards achieving an opportunity 112. well-off / well-to-do Lloyd comes from a well-to-do family. His friends often ask to borrow money from him. Definition = rich; wealthy 113. pull your weight Lisa had to work extra hard because a few members of the team weren’t pulling their weight. Definition = to do your share of the work; to contribute your share of effort 114. a gut feeling I have a gut feeling that something bad is going to happen today. Definition = an intuitive feeling 115. if need be If need be, we can take a taxi home. Definition = If necessary,.. 116. in the middle of nowhere Their car broke down in the middle of nowhere. Definition = in a place far away from anywhere known to you 117. go with the flow Jake didn’t want to go to another bar, but everyone else did, so he went with the flow. Definition = to let yourself to be guided by the choices of others118. play your cards right If Linda plays her cards right, she could be the department manager by next year. Definition = make the appropriate moves/choices 119. follow in sb’s footsteps Bill chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a dentist. Definition = follow someone else’s path 120. have your heart set on sth Alan has his heart set on participating in the 2020 Olympics. Definition = to be firmly resolved to do sth 121. You can say that again! A: I met your boss today. He’s a real jerk. B: You can say that again! Definition = expression that means that you definitely agree with what was just said. 122. I’m all ears A: Doug, I’ve discovered the meaning of life. B: Really? I’m all ears. Definition = I’m listening intently. 123. small talk After some small talk, the interview began. Definition = discussion about light topics such as the weather 124. put sth on hold Greg had to put his weekend plans on hold and go into the office on Saturday for a few hours. Definition = to postpone sth 125. common ground The two boys had some common ground: they both loved football. Definition = something held in common; a common interest or trait 126. politically (in)correct Marcel told a politically incorrect joke at the company party. No one laughed. Definition = politically correct = worded in a sensitive way that will not harm the audience 127. have had it up to here “I’ve had it up to here with this mess! Clean your room now!” Definition = I’m fed up; I’ve had enough; something said when you cannot handle anymore of something that is aggravating you 128. have your work cut out If we want to finish this by Friday, then we’ve really got our work cut out for us. Definition = expression that means you have a lot of work to do in little time 129. get the picture A: The fight was horrible. One man kept punching the other again and again and again– B: OK. That’s enough. I get the picture. Definition = to understand what is being illustrated or explained130. see eye to eye Mike and his father don’t see eye to eye on the issue of abortion. Definition = to agree on sth; to have the same views on sth 131. call it a day It’s already 6 pm. Let’s call it a day. Definition = expression said near the end of a day which means “That’s enough for today. Let’s end and go home.” 132. twist sb’s arm I really had to twist my sister’s arm to get her to pick me up from the airport. Definition = to make a great effort to convince sb to do sth for you 133. bring sth to light The report brought some previously unknown facts to light about the causes of cancer. Definition = to make something previously unknown become known 134. be in the dark / keep sb in the dark Most of the employees were kept in the dark about the merger until the last minute. Definition = to be uninformed; to not be told know what’s happening 135. go up in smoke After breaking his leg, Darryl’s dream to play professional hockey went up in smoke. Definition = to be wasted; to become impossible; when the chances of sth happening burn away 136. go downhill After his wife divorced him, Victor’s life really went downhill. Definition = decline; become worse 137. at your fingertips With the World Wide Web, people have a vast amount of information at their fingertips. Definition = directly accessible 138. poke fun at The kids poked fun at George because he was wearing his t-shirt backwards. 139. Easier said than done. A: You should get a girlfriend who’s beautiful AND kind. B: Easier said than done. Definition = expression that means that sth is much easier to SAY than actually accomplish. 140. the bottom line A: Doctor, what’s the bottom line? B: If you don’t quit smoking, you’ll die within a year. Definition = the final result 141. call the shots The boss told Janet to call the shots while he was away. Definition = to make the decisions 142. know/learn sth by heart Hank knows every Elvis song by heart. Definition= to memorize sth 143. get a move on If we don’t get a move on, we’ll miss the bus. Definition = to start moving; to start going 144. miss the point “You missed the point. The book was about the problems of capitalism, not how to make money.” Definition = to fail to grasp the most important part of sth 145. hold/stand your ground Although their enemy outnumbered them, the soldiers stood their ground. Definition = to stay in your position without running away. 146. be child’s play The tennis match was child’s play for Ben. Definition = a piece of cake; something so easy a child could do it 147. be only a matter of time The scientist said it’s only a matter of time before a big earthquake hits California. Definition = used to say that sth will inevitably happen (sooner or later) 148. push your luck A: Dad, can I have another ice cream cone? B: Don’t push your luck, kid. Definition = to expect continued good fortune 149. raise (a few) eyebrows Francine’s short skirt raised a few eyebrows. Definition = to make people slightly shocked or surprised 150. a matter of opinion The best restaurant in Europe is, of course, a matter of opinion. Definition = sth that is subjective 151. be that as it may A: Tyler is such a selfish guy. B: Be that as it may, he’s your brother. You have to love him. Definition = expression that means “even though that is true” / “even so, ..” 152. if/when push comes to shove If push comes to shove, I’ll be here to support you. Definition = if/when the situation becomes difficult/intense 153. against your better judgement Against his better judgement, Jim let his friend drive home drunk. Definition = sth you did even though, at that time, you thought it was wrong thing to do 154. add insult to injury To add insult to injury, Greg’s wife left him for his best friend. Definition = to make an insulting situation even worse 155. the last straw When the boss told me to come in to work on Saturday, that was the last straw. Definition= the final thing that causes sth to collapse or sb to lose their temper/get angry 156. be up in the air Jim’s vacation plans were still up in the air. Definition = for sth to be undecided; undetermined 157. not have the faintest/foggiest idea I don’t have the faintest idea where Wollongong is. Definition = to not know sth at all 158. the icing on the cake Paula enjoyed the concert, and getting to meet the artist backstage after the show was the icing on the cake. Definition = an additional thing that makes sth good become great 159. get/jump/leap on the bandwagon Janet doesn’t normally watch hockey but she jumped on the bandwagon because her city’s team was in the playoffs. Definition = to join the crowd; to do what most other people are doing 160. the fine/small print My father reads the fine print on every contract he signs. Definition = the information typed in a smaller font, usually on a contract 161. stuck/be in a rut The singer was stuck in a rut. All of her recent songs sounded the same. Definition = to be in a situation in which you cannot make any progress 162. run-of-the-mill Kate is a waitress at a run-of-the-mill bar and restaurant in London. Definition = typical 163. face the music Tina knew that one day her parents would see her tattoo and then she’d have to face the music. Definition = to take responsibility for what you have done 164. to keep sth/sb at bay Bodyguards kept the reporters at bay while the movie stars entered the theatre. Definition = to keep a threat away from coming too near 165. be up in arms People were up in arms [about/over] the government’s plan to raise the retirement age. Definition = in an uproar; very angry 166. bite your tongue Jack bit his tongue while his manager criticized his performance. Definition = to refrain from saying sth because you don’t think it would be a good idea 167. leave a lot to be desired The design of our office building leaves a lot to be desired. Definition = is unsatisfactory 168. off the beaten track Mike and Mary had dinner a quiet restaurant off the beaten track in Paris.Definition = away from the area most people visit/go 169. pick sb’s brains Mike is a marketing genius. People often invite him to lunch or dinner so they can pick his brains. Definition = to ask someone many questions so you can learn from him/her 170. whet your appetite The 30-second trailer was designed to whet people’s appetites. Definition = to make people want more; to stimulate your appetite so you desire more 171. sour grapes A: People with nice cars just want attention. B: That sounds like sour grapes because you can’t afford one. Definition = expression that means something was said out of jealousy 172. a blessing in disguise Losing his job turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Afterward, Roger found his dream job. Definition = a good thing that first appears as a bad thing 173. give sb the benefit of the doubt I told the teacher that it wasn’t me who broke the window. Thankfully, he gave me the benefit of the doubt. Definition = to choose to believe sth good about sb instead of believing sth bad (when you have the choice to believe either) 174. jog sb’s memory Jeff said he couldn’t remember the song’s lyrics, but hearing the first few words jogged his memory. Definition = to make sb remember sth 175. foot the bill George agreed to foot the bill for dinner. Definition = to pay the bill for sth 176. have it in for sb A: Why are you hiding from your brother? B: He has it in for me. He knows I lost his football. Definition = to be very angry at sb 177. be in the red The company has been in the red since September. Definition = at a deficit; running at a loss; losing money 178. get/catch wind of sth Once the school principal caught wind of the problem, she called a teachers’ meeting. Definition = to learn about some news; 179. a rule of thumb As a rule of thumb, I don’t eat food that smells bad. Definition = a personal principle 180. be on the same wavelength The group members were all on the same wavelength, so they were able to finish their project quickly. Definition= to think in a similar way to others 181. up to speed After her holiday, it took Kate a few hours to get back up to speed on the recent developments in her company. Definition = to be updated; to not be behind; to have all the current information 182. play devil’s advocate Although Jim is against the death penalty, he told his friend he was for it just to play devil’s advocate. Definition = to argue against sb just so you can hear your opponent’s reasoning 183. bend/lean over backwards Lisa bent over backwards to get her brother a job in her company, so she was surprised to learn he quit today. Definition = to make a great effort to do sth or help sb 184. pass the buck The politician passed the buck onto someone else instead of accepting responsibility for the problem. Definition = to pass blame onto sb else 185. take the plunge Jerry has finally decided to take the plunge. Tomorrow he’s going to start looking for an office job. Definition = begin an important/difficult task that you’ve been thinking about for a long time (note: to plunge is into dive into something) 186. call sb’s bluff When Mike heard his friend say she knew all of the world’s capitals, he called her bluff and asked her to name the capital of Mozambique. Definition = to make sb prove that what they are saying is true 187. have a chip on your shoulder Tim has had a chip on his shoulder about businesswomen since he lost his job to a woman three years ago. Definition = to have anger about sth that happened in the past 188. breathe down sb’s neck Jim found it hard to focus on his work with his boss breathing down his neck. Definition = to watch sb very closely (often in an annoying way) 189. climb to the top of the career/corporate ladder Having children can be an obstacle for women who want to climb (to the top of) the corporate ladder. Definition = to advance in a company by being promoted to the top 190. red tape Mark’s visa application was held up for six months because of red tape. Definition = rules and regulations that prevent you from achieving sth easily 191. give sb free rein When his father died, Mark was given free rein to do whatever he liked with the family business.Definition = to give sb full control of sth 192. the be-all-and-end-all Getting into Harvard Law School became the be-all-and-end-all of Tony’s existence. Definition = the only thing that matters; sth so good that it will end the search for sth better 193. blow sth out of proportion The media blew the story out of proportion. Definition = exaggerate sth; to make sth seem much more significant that it really is 194. bury the hatchet Susan and Mike agreed that it was time to bury the hatchet. They apologized and decided to be friends again. Definition = to stop fighting and become friendly. (A hatchet is a small axe.)