Casual English: Idioms 101 - 200
| www.speakmethod.com |
||
|
Casual English: Idioms 101 - 200 |
|
| Return to Class |
Learn everyday expressions and speak casually. | Sign in |
| Idiom |
Definition |
Sense |
Example |
| running
in place |
not moving forward, not
achieving, staying the same |
negative |
I have been trying to get
a new job for three months, but I feel that I'm running in place.
Maybe
I need to have someone look at my resume. |
| see
the writing on the wall |
to know the truth, to see a
truth that has become clear due to a new situation or new
information |
neutral |
I know that your roommate
signed the lease with you, but he has packed all of his
things. You
have to see the
writing on the wall. He's going to move out. |
| shot
in the dark |
an attempt made without solid
knowledge or experience |
neutral |
I have never worked on this
kind of project, but I can take a shot in the dark and let you know
how I think we can proceed. |
| slack
off |
to behave in a lazy way, to
stop doing regular work |
negative |
If you keep slacking off, the
manager is going to give you a formal reprimand. |
| take
____ by storm |
to become very popular or
successful |
positive |
His paintings are incredible,
and he's taking the
art world by storm. The galleries are asking for
his pieces. |
| team
spirit |
enthusiasm for the team you
are on |
positive |
Let's show some team spirit! Work
together positively and get the project done. |
| tell
me about it! |
I agree with you! |
positive, in agreement |
You think that professor is a
snob? Tell me about it!
I think he has a huge ego. |
| think
big |
to imagine that something can
become very successful or much larger than it currently is |
positive |
You have a nice part-time
income from your small business, but maybe you should think big and talk
to investors. |
| say
something under ____ breath |
to say something very
quietly, usually as if talking to oneself |
neutral to negative |
The salesman was very polite
to my boss, but when my boss walked away from him, the
salesman said "idiot"
under his breath. |
| when
hell freezes over |
never |
negative |
You're crazy to think that I
owe you money. I'll send you a check when hell freezes over. |
Idioms 101 - 200 Course |
Idioms 181-200 Main Page |