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300 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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come apart at the seams |
Don’t come apart at the seams. Look for another job.
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get cold feet
------------ v.) be afraid at the last minute, lose confidence |
I always get cold feet. I’ll be in this dead-end job ’til I kick the bucket.
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dead-end job
------------ n.) position with no future |
I always get cold feet. I’ll be in this dead-end job ’til I kick the bucket.
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kick the bucket
------------ v.) die |
I always get cold feet. I’ll be in this dead-end job ’til I kick the bucket.
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sell oneself short
------------ v.) underestimate oneself |
Don’t sell yourself short. Maybe your boss will give you a promotion. Tell him you want
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talk turkey
------------ v.) discuss seriously, in a business-like manner |
Don’t sell yourself short. Maybe your boss will give you a promotion. Tell him you want
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Hyper
------------ adj.) very energetic, anxious, unable to sit still |
He’s hyper lately. I don’t know why he’s so keyed up.
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keyed up
------------ adj.) tense, anxious, nervous |
He’s hyper lately. I don’t know why he’s so keyed up.
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bite off more than one can chew
------------ v.) try to do more than one can physically or mentally handle |
I think he bit off more than he could chew when he took this job. He doesn’t know if he’s coming or going.
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know if one is coming or going (neg.)
------------ v.) be able to think clearly, know what to do |
I think he bit off more than he could chew when he took this job. He doesn’t know if he’s coming or going.
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run around in circles
------------ v.) act confused, do a lot but accomplish little |
He keeps running around in circles. He better simmer down and get a grip on himself.
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simmer down
------------ v.) become calm, quiet |
He keeps running around in circles. He better simmer down and get a grip on himself.
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get a grip on oneself
------------ v.) take control of one’s feelings |
He keeps running around in circles. He better simmer down and get a grip on himself.
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lose one’s marbles
------------ v.) go insane, act irrationally |
It’s too late. Frankly, I think he’s already lost his marbles.
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pound the pavement
------------ v.) look for a job |
John’s going to be pounding the pavement if he doesn't stop shooting the breeze all day.
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shoot the breeze
------------ v.) talk idly or gossip |
John’s going to be pounding the pavement if he doesn't stop shooting the breeze all day.
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get under someone’s skin
------------ v.) annoy, bother, upset |
He’s starting to get under the boss’s skin. He is up to here with John.
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up to here with
------------ adj.) disgusted with another’s continual behavior |
He’s starting to get under the boss’s skin. He is up to here with John.
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on the spot
------------ adj. or adv.) in a difficult or embarrassing situation |
I hope the boss doesn’t put me on the spot about John. He’ll probably give me the third degree.
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the third degree
------------ n.) prolonged questioning |
I hope the boss doesn’t put me on the spot about John. He’ll probably give me the third degree.
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squeal
------------ v.) inform |
I know you don’t have the heart to squeal on him but I think you have to come clean.
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have the heart to (neg.)
------------ v.) be pitiless or thoughtless enough |
I know you don’t have the heart to squeal on him but I think you have to come clean.
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come clean
------------ v.) tell the truth |
I know you don’t have the heart to squeal on him but I think you have to come clean.
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put one’s finger on
------------ v.) find precisely, remember exactly |
I can’t put my finger on why business is bad. It’s a hard nut to crack. Do you go overboard when you buy merchandise?
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hard (tough) nut to crack
------------ n.) something difficult to do or understand |
I can’t put my finger on why business is bad. It’s a hard nut to crack. Do you go overboard when you buy merchandise?
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go overboard
------------ v.) overact, be reckless |
Do you go overboard when you buy merchandise?
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carried away
------------ adj.) adversely influenced by strong emotions |
Sometimes I get carried away but I usually buy within reason.
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within reason
------------ adv. or adj.) sensible, reasonable; reasonably |
Sometimes I get carried away but I usually buy within reason.
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pinpoint
------------ v.) find exact location or cause |
Let’s try to pinpoint it. Is your rent too high?
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make one’s hair stand on end
------------ v.) frighten, horrify |
What I pay would make your hair stand on end.
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pull up stakes
------------ v.) move to another location |
If that’s the problem, maybe you should pull up stakes.
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goner
------------ n.) someone in a lot of trouble |
I ’m a goner. My new project bombed.
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bomb
------------ v.) fail, be unsuccessful |
I ’m a goner. My new project bombed.
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go over big
------------ v.) be very successful |
I thought it would go over big with the boss. Why did it go up in smoke?
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go up in smoke
------------ v.) disappear, fail to materialize |
I thought it would go over big with the boss. Why did it go up in smoke?
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from left field
------------ adv.) unexpectedly; with an odd or unclear connection to the subject |
A problem arose from left field, and now I’m back to square one.
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square one
------------ n.) the beginning |
A problem arose from left field, and now I’m back to square one.
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ballpark figure
------------ n.) approximate amount |
How much will it cost now? Can you give me a ballpark figure?
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back to the drawing board
------------ adv.) ready to start over, refine or rethink an idea |
I won’t know for another week. Meantime, I have to get back to the drawing board.
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get up on the wrong side of the bed
------------ v.) be in a bad mood |
Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?
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out of sorts
------------ adj.) in a bad mood, irritable |
I’m out of sorts because I can’t find the nincompoop who botched up the report.
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nincompoop
------------ n.) a stupid person, a fool |
I’m out of sorts because I can’t find the nincompoop who botched up the report.
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botch up
------------ v.) make a big mistake, ruin |
I’m out of sorts because I can’t find the nincompoop who botched up the report.
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rough
------------ adj.) approximate |
I asked for a rough estimate but it was way off base.
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off base
------------ adj.) inaccurate |
I asked for a rough estimate but it was way off base.
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pin someone down
------------ v.) make someone tell the truth or agree to something |
So now you can’t pin anyone down because they’re all passing the buck.
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pass the buck
------------ v.) shift responsibility to others |
So now you can’t pin anyone down because they’re all passing the buck.
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in black and white
------------ adj.) in writing |
Next time I’ll put everything in black and white.
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song and dance
------------ n.) excuses |
Don’t give me a song and dance. It ’s time you stood on your own two feet.
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stand on one’s own two feet
------------ v.) be independent |
Don’t give me a song and dance. It’s time you stood on your own two feet.
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give it one’s best shot
------------ v.) try very hard |
I gave it my best shot but any ideas I’ve had, you’ve shot full of holes.
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shoot full of holes
------------ v.) find great fault with |
I gave it my best shot but any ideas I’ve had, you’ve shot full of holes.
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up to par (neg.)
------------ adv. or adj.) meeting normal standards |
Your ideas haven’t been up to par lately. That’s why I’ve thrown cold water on them.
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throw cold water on
------------ v.) discourage |
Your ideas haven’t been up to par lately. That’s why I’ve thrown cold water on them.
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call on the carpet
------------ v.) reprimand |
I’ve been upset because I’ve been called on the carpet. The boss is cracking down.
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crack down
------------ v.) become more strict |
I’ve been upset because I’ve been called on the carpet. The boss is cracking down.
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smooth something over
------------ v.) make better or more pleasant |
I ’ll try to smooth things over.
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get a load of
------------ v.) have a good look at |
Get a load of that kid. She’s always in hot water.
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kid
------------ n.) young person |
Get a load of that kid. She’s always in hot water.
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in hot water
------------ adj.) in trouble |
Get a load of that kid. She’s always in hot water.
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a handful
------------ n.) a lot of trouble |
She’s a handful. I think she’s spoiled. She is the apple of her father’s eye.
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spoiled
------------ adj.) getting and expecting everything one wants |
She’s a handful. I think she’s spoiled. She is the apple of her father’s eye.
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apple of one’s eye
------------ n.) someone special, usually a son or daughter |
She’s a handful. I think she’s spoiled. She is the apple of her father’s eye.
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hit the nail on the head
------------ v.) arrive at the correct answer, make a precise analysis |
You hit the nail on the head! Her family gets a kick out of her.
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get a kick out of
------------ v.) enjoy |
You hit the nail on the head! Her family gets a kick out of her.
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in stitches
------------ adj.) laughing |
She keeps them in stitches, but they give in too much.
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give in
------------ v.) do as others want, surrender |
She keeps them in stitches, but they give in too much.
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track down
------------ v.) search for |
I’ve been trying to track down some old friends.
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keep in touch
------------ v.) communicate, talk or write to each other |
Haven’t you kept in touch with them?
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lose track of someone
------------ v.) lose contact, not know where someone is |
Haven’t you kept in touch with them?
We lost track of each other. |
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come across
------------ v.) find or meet by chance |
Didn’t you ever come across any of them?
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settle down
------------ v.) live a quiet, normal life |
Didn’t you ever come across any of them?
A few. Some have settled down, some are tied down, some are living it up and others are in a rut. |
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tied down
------------ adj.) restricted by family or job responsibilities |
Didn’t you ever come across any of them?
A few. Some have settled down, some are tied down, some are living it up and others are in a rut. |
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live it up
------------ v.) pursue pleasure, have a good time |
Didn’t you ever come across any of them?
A few. Some have settled down, some are tied down, some are living it up and others are in a rut. |
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in a rut
------------ adj.) always doing the same thing |
Didn’t you ever come across any of them?
A few. Some have settled down, some are tied down, some are living it up and others are in a rut. |
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chew the fat
------------ v.) chat, talk idly |
I hope one day you’ll all be able to chew the fat together.
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down-to-earth
------------ adj.) having good sense, practical, unpretentious |
I like your friend. She’s down-to-earth.
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swell
------------ adj.) terrific |
I like your friend. She’s down-to-earth.
I know. She’s swell. We really hit it off. |
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hit it off
------------ v.) enjoy one another’s company, get along |
I like your friend. She’s down-to-earth.
I know. She’s swell. We really hit it off. |
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turn one off
------------ v.) disgust, bore, repel |
I don’t like her other friend. She really turns me off.
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buddy-buddy
------------ adj.) very friendly |
I’m surprised they’re so buddy-buddy.
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give (get) the cold shoulder
------------ v.) be unfriendly to, ignore |
I saw her the other day and she gave me the cold shoulder.
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put someone on
------------ v.) tease, pretend, exaggerate |
You’re putting me on!
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the size of it
------------ n.) the way it is |
You’re putting me on!
No—that’s about the size of it. |
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spitting image
------------ n.) exact resemblance |
Your kid's the spitting image of you.
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chip off the old block
------------ n.) child who looks or acts like his or her parent |
He’s a chip off the old block. He takes after my side of the family. He’s nobody’s fool.
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take after
------------ v.) resemble or act like a parent or relative |
He’s a chip off the old block. He takes after my side of the family. He’s nobody’s fool.
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nobody’s fool
------------ n.) smart, competent person |
He’s a chip off the old block. He takes after my side of the family. He’s nobody’s fool.
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name someone after
------------ v.) give a child the name of an admired person |
Whom did you name him after?
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well-off
------------ adj.) rich, wealthy |
Whom did you name him after?
A relative who’s very well-off. |
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off and on
------------ adv.) occasionally |
Do you still see him?
Off and on. We steer clear of him now because he looks down his nose at us. |
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steer clear of someone
------------ v.) avoid |
Do you still see him?
Off and on. We steer clear of him now because he looks down his nose at us. |
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look down one’s nose at
------------ v.) think someone is worthless or unimportant, show contempt |
Do you still see him?
Off and on. We steer clear of him now because he looks down his nose at us. |
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have a mind of one’s own
------------ v.) be able to think independently |
He doesn’t have a mind of his own.
That’s true. His wife leads him around by the nose. |
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lead one around by the nose
------------ v.) have full control of, make someone do what you want |
He doesn’t have a mind of his own.
That’s true. His wife leads him around by the nose. |
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give someone a piece of one’s mind
------------ v.) say what you really think when angry |
Why doesn’t he give her a piece of his mind? I’d put my foot down.
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put one’s foot down
------------ v.) object strongly, take firm preventive action |
Why doesn’t he give her a piece of his mind? I’d put my foot down.
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at odds
------------ adj.) in disagreement |
She’s always at odds with him. They never see eye to eye.
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see eye to eye
------------ v.) have the same opinion, agree |
She’s always at odds with him. They never see eye to eye.
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put down
------------ v.) make someone look bad, criticize |
I know she always puts him down.
He should stick up for himself. |
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stick up for
------------ v.) defend, help, support |
I know she always puts him down.
He should stick up for himself. |
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false alarm
------------ n.) warning or report that’s untrue |
Is it a false alarm or is their marriage really on the rocks?
Well, the marriage has been on shaky ground but they haven’t split up yet. |
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on the rocks
------------ adj.) breaking up, ruined |
Is it a false alarm or is their marriage really on the rocks?
Well, the marriage has been on shaky ground but they haven’t split up yet. |
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on shaky ground
------------ adj.) unstable |
Is it a false alarm or is their marriage really on the rocks?
Well, the marriage has been on shaky ground but they haven’t split up yet. |
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split up
------------ v.) separate |
Is it a false alarm or is their marriage really on the rocks?
Well, the marriage has been on shaky ground but they haven’t split up yet. |
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at fault
------------ adj.) responsible, to blame |
I wonder who’s at fault?
I don’t know but I don’t think they’re on the same wavelength. |
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on the same wavelength
------------ adj.) communicating, thinking similarly |
I wonder who’s at fault?
I don’t know but I don’t think they’re on the same wavelength. |
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make the best of
------------ v.) accept a bad situation and do as well as possible under circumstances |
If I know her, she’s making the best of it. I hope she works things out.
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work out
------------ v.) find an answer, solve |
If I know her, she’s making the best of it. I hope she works things out.
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old flame
------------ n.) former girlfriend or boyfriend |
Was that your old flame?
Yeah—we met on a blind date. |
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blind date
------------ n.) date arranged for two people who don’t know each other |
Was that your old flame?
Yeah—we met on a blind date. |
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fall for
------------ v.) begin to love, have strong emotions for |
Did you fall for her?
Like a ton of bricks. I stopped playing the field and asked her to go steady. |
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like a ton of bricks
------------ adv.) strongly, forcefully |
Did you fall for her?
Like a ton of bricks. I stopped playing the field and asked her to go steady. |
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play the field
------------ v.) go out with many people romantically |
Did you fall for her?
Like a ton of bricks. I stopped playing the field and asked her to go steady. |
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go steady
------------ v.) go out with only one person romantically |
Did you fall for her?
Like a ton of bricks. I stopped playing the field and asked her to go steady. |
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pop the question
------------ v.) ask to marry |
Did you ever pop the question?
Sure, but at first she couldn’t make up her mind. Then she turned me down. |
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make up one’s mind
------------ v.) decide |
Did you ever pop the question?
Sure, but at first she couldn’t make up her mind. Then she turned me down. |
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turn someone down
------------ v.) reject |
Did you ever pop the question?
Sure, but at first she couldn’t make up her mind. Then she turned me down. |
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wet blanket
------------ n.) person who discourages others from having fun |
I know John’s a wet blanket and puts a damper on everything. He has no get up and go.
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put a damper on
------------ v.) discourage, spoil a person’s fun |
I know John’s a wet blanket and puts a damper on everything. He has no get up and go.
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get up and go
------------ n.) ambition, energy, enthusiasm |
I know John’s a wet blanket and puts a damper on everything. He has no get up and go.
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fix someone up
------------ v.) arrange a date for |
Fix him up with Mary. She’s a live wire. I used to have a crush on her myself, but she
dumped me. |
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live wire
------------ n.) active, exciting person |
Fix him up with Mary. She’s a live wire. I used to have a crush on her myself, but she
dumped me. |
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have a crush on
------------ v.) be attracted to |
Fix him up with Mary. She’s a live wire. I used to have a crush on her myself, but she
dumped me. |
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dump
------------ v.) get rid of, reject |
Fix him up with Mary. She’s a live wire. I used to have a crush on her myself, but she
dumped me. |
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stand someone up
------------ v.) fail to keep an appointment or date |
What if she stands John up?
He’ll yell bloody murder. |
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yell (scream) bloody murder
------------ v.) express loud, emotional anger |
What if she stands John up?
He’ll yell bloody murder. |
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a knockout
------------ n.) a beautiful person or thing |
I know she’s a knockout and he’s nuts about her but he’s playing with fire.
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nuts about
------------ adj.) in love with, enthusiastic about |
I know she’s a knockout and he’s nuts about her but he’s playing with fire.
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play with fire
------------ v.) invite danger, trouble |
I know she’s a knockout and he’s nuts about her but he’s playing with fire.
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twist someone around one’s finger
------------ v.) influence someone easily |
She twists him around her little finger and leads him on. He’s at her beck and call.
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lead on
------------ v.) insincerely encourage |
She twists him around her little finger and leads him on. He’s at her beck and call.
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at one’s beck and call
------------ adj.) always ready to do as ordered |
She twists him around her little finger and leads him on. He’s at her beck and call.
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put someone on a pedestal
------------ v.) idolize, worship |
Why does he put her on a pedestal?
Because she plays up to him and pours it on thick. |
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play up to someone
------------ v.) flatter or please for selfish reasons |
Why does he put her on a pedestal?
Because she plays up to him and pours it on thick. |
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pour (spread, put, lay) it on thick
------------ v.) flatter profusely, exaggerate |
Why does he put her on a pedestal?
Because she plays up to him and pours it on thick. |
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sourpuss
------------ n.) a disagreeable person who seldom smiles |
She’s a sourpuss. How does he put up with her?
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put up with
------------ v.) patiently accept, endure |
She’s a sourpuss. How does he put up with her?
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wear the pants
------------ v.) be the boss of a family |
I think she wears the pants in the family. She keeps tabs on everything.
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keep tabs on
------------ v.) watch, check |
I think she wears the pants in the family. She keeps tabs on everything.
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out of line
------------ adj.) not usual, incorrect, unacceptable |
If he steps out of line, she’ll fix his wagon. She pushes him around.
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fix one’s wagon
------------ v.) make trouble for someone, retaliate |
If he steps out of line, she’ll fix his wagon. She pushes him around.
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push someone around
------------ v.) boss, make a person do what you want |
If he steps out of line, she’ll fix his wagon. She pushes him around.
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weigh one’s words
------------ v.) be careful of what one says |
He has to weigh his words when he talks to her.
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rule the roost
------------ v.) be the dominant one in the family |
You can see she rules the roost.
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lemon
------------ n.) merchandise that doesn’t work |
It’s too bad he bought a lemon.
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handy
------------ adj.) can fix things; useful |
It’s too bad he bought a lemon.
Yeah, but I think he’s handy. I’m all thumbs. |
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all thumbs
------------ adj.) can’t fix things; clumsy |
It’s too bad he bought a lemon.
Yeah, but I think he’s handy. I’m all thumbs. |
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fall apart
------------ v.) deteriorate; stop working properly |
Anything I get falls apart. Then I have to cough up money to get it fixed.
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cough up
------------ v.) give money unwillingly; give up a secret |
Anything I get falls apart. Then I have to cough up money to get it fixed.
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have a fit
------------ v.) become upset |
I’m having a fit. I have to scrape together some dough. My TV is on the blink.
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scrape together
------------ v.) get money little by little |
I’m having a fit. I have to scrape together some dough. My TV is on the blink.
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dough
------------ n.) money |
I’m having a fit. I have to scrape together some dough. My TV is on the blink.
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on the blink
------------ adj.) not working |
I’m having a fit. I have to scrape together some dough. My TV is on the blink.
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high and low
------------ adv.) every place |
I’ve looked high and low for my wallet.
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mess
------------ n.) disorderly, cluttered condition; bad or confused situation |
This place is a mess.
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straighten out (up)
------------ v.) put in order |
This place is a mess.
I’ll straighten it out. You pile everything up and scatter things around. You’re a slob. |
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pile up
------------ v.) accumulate; put things on top of each other |
You pile everything up and scatter things around. You’re a slob.
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scatter around
------------ v.) carelessly put in different places |
You pile everything up and scatter things around. You’re a slob.
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slob
------------ n.) person who isn’t clean and neat |
You pile everything up and scatter things around. You’re a slob.
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turn up
------------ v.) appear |
It’ll turn up. It’s probably right under my nose.
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right under one’s nose
------------ adv.) in an obvious, nearby place |
It’ll turn up. It’s probably right under my nose.
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hit the sack
------------ v.) go to bed |
I’m tired. Let’s hit the sack.
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boob tube
------------ n.) television set |
Your boob tube is on its last legs. The picture is going haywire.
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on one’s last legs
------------ adj.) at the end of one’s strength or usefulness |
Your boob tube is on its last legs. The picture is going haywire.
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haywire
------------ adj.) broken, confused, awry |
Your boob tube is on its last legs. The picture is going haywire.
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on the fritz
------------ adj.) not working correctly, out of order |
It’s been on the fritz lately. I hope it doesn’t bite the dust before payday.
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bite the dust
------------ v.) die, disappear |
It’s been on the fritz lately. I hope it doesn’t bite the dust before payday.
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fiddle around
------------ v.) work without a definite plan or knowledge |
Let me fiddle around with it. Maybe I can doctor it up.
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doctor up
------------ v.) fix superficially or temporarily |
Let me fiddle around with it. Maybe I can doctor it up.
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kiss something goodbye
------------ v.) see something ruined or lost |
Let me fiddle around with it. Maybe I can doctor it up.
Uh oh, I can kiss that goodbye. |
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from scratch
------------ adv.) from the very beginning; starting with raw materials |
We’ll have to start from scratch to spruce up this house. It’s really going to pot.
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spruce up
------------ v.) clean, redecorate |
We’ll have to start from scratch to spruce up this house. It’s really going to pot.
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go to pot
------------ v.) deteriorate; become undisciplined, unkempt |
We’ll have to start from scratch to spruce up this house. It’s really going to pot.
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scrounge around
------------ v.) look in a lot of places for a certain item |
Maybe we could scrounge around for some second-hand furniture and other stuff.
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second-hand
------------ adj.) not new, previously used |
Maybe we could scrounge around for some second-hand furniture and other stuff.
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stuff
------------ n.) things |
Maybe we could scrounge around for some second-hand furniture and other stuff.
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elbow room
------------ n.) enough space to be comfortable |
I would like to make the house larger. We could use some mere elbow room. I’m beginning to feel hemmed in.
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hemmed in
------------ adj.) crowded, cramped, uncomfortable |
I would like to make the house larger. We could use some mere elbow room. I’m beginning to feel hemmed in.
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dig up
------------ v.) find, recall, discover |
Forget it. Where are we going to dig up the loot for major repairs?
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loot
------------ n.) money |
Forget it. Where are we going to dig up the loot for major repairs?
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pad
------------ n.) apartment |
If you want a decent pad in that city, you have to pay under the table.
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under the table
------------ adv.) illegal money transaction, such as paying a bribe |
If you want a decent pad in that city, you have to pay under the table.
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wild goose chase
------------ n.) absurd or hopeless search |
You’re led on a wild goose chase if you look for an apartment in the papers.
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run-down
------------ adj.) in bad condition |
The apartment I saw today was so run-down.
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elbow grease
------------ n.) strength for cleaning |
The apartment I saw today was so run-down.
Maybe you could improve it if you use a lot of elbow grease. |
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spic and span
------------ adj.) very clean, very neat |
Nothing will help. I like everything spic and span. When anything is topsy-turvy, it turns my stomach.
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topsy-turvy
------------ adj.) upside down, in disarray |
Nothing will help. I like everything spic and span. When anything is topsy-turvy, it turns my stomach.
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turn someone’s stomach
------------ v.) get someone sick and upset |
Nothing will help. I like everything spic and span. When anything is topsy-turvy, it turns my stomach.
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break up
------------ v.) separate |
They were only married for a year before they broke up.
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beef
------------ n.) complaint |
They were only married for a year before they broke up.
What was her beef? |
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hit the bottle
------------ v.) drink alcohol |
She said he was hitting the bottle too much.
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patch up
------------ v.) fix |
Do you think they’ll patch things up?
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turn over a new leaf
------------ v.) change one’s conduct for the better |
Do you think they’ll patch things up?
Only if he turns over a new leaf. |
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keep on
------------ v.) continue |
He’s going to keep on drinking. He has no will power.
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will power
------------ n.) strength of mind |
He’s going to keep on drinking. He has no will power.
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go cold turkey
------------ v.) stop abruptly |
He can do it if he goes cold turkey.
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a nag
------------ n.) a persistently urging person |
He’s a nag. He keeps hounding me.
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hound
------------ v.) continually bother, go after |
He’s a nag. He keeps hounding me.
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in the same boat
------------ adv. or adj.) in a similar situation |
I’m in the same boat. He won’t get off my back. He has a one-track mind.
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get off one’s back
------------ v.) leave someone alone, don’t bother |
I’m in the same boat. He won’t get off my back. He has a one-track mind.
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one-track mind
------------ n.) mind focused on a single idea |
I’m in the same boat. He won’t get off my back. He has a one-track mind.
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call the shots
------------ v.) be in charge, give orders |
Well, you call the shots. You have to draw the line somewhere.
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draw the line
------------ v.) set a limit |
Well, you call the shots. You have to draw the line somewhere.
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knock it off
------------ v.) stop |
Maybe I should tell him to knock it off.
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take a powder
------------ v.) leave quickly, run away |
I just wish he’d take a powder.
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pill
------------ n.) an annoying, disagreeable person |
He's a pill. He keeps harping on the same thing.
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harp on
------------ v.) dwell on one subject, repeat, persist |
He's a pill. He keeps harping on the same thing.
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nitpick
------------ v.) look for very minor errors or problems |
He also nitpicks. It drives me up a wall.
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drive someone up a wall
------------ v.) make someone crazy |
He also nitpicks. It drives me up a wall.
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sit right (neg.)
------------ v.) be acceptable |
It doesn’t sit right with me either. I don’t like splitting hairs.
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split hairs
------------ v.) make trivial, unnecessary distinctions |
It doesn’t sit right with me either. I don’t like splitting hairs.
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take something to heart
------------ v.) consider seriously |
I shouldn’t take it to heart, but he’s going to send me to the looney bin.
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looney bin
------------ n.) insane asylum |
I shouldn’t take it to heart, but he’s going to send me to the looney bin.
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bone to pick with someone
------------ n.) complaint, dispute, argument |
I have a bone to pick with you.
Okay. Let’s clear the air. What are you getting at? |
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clear the air
------------ v.) calm anger and remove misunderstanding |
I have a bone to pick with you.
Okay. Let’s clear the air. What are you getting at? |
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get at
------------ v.) mean, hint |
I have a bone to pick with you.
Okay. Let’s clear the air. What are you getting at? |
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chip on one’s shoulder
------------ n.) quarrelsome attitude, quick to anger |
You always have a chip on your shoulder.
I’m sorry. I don’t mean to get your goat. |
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get one’s goat
------------ v.) make someone disgusted, annoyed, angry |
You always have a chip on your shoulder.
I’m sorry. I don’t mean to get your goat. |
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dish out
------------ v.) criticize, abuse, scold |
It seems you can dish it out but you can’t take it.
Don’t worry. In the future, I’ll start whistling a different tune. |
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take it
------------ v.) endure trouble, criticism, abuse, pressure |
It seems you can dish it out but you can’t take it.
Don’t worry. In the future, I’ll start whistling a different tune. |
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whistle a different tune
------------ v.) change one’s attitude, contradict previous ideas |
It seems you can dish it out but you can’t take it.
Don’t worry. In the future, I’ll start whistling a different tune. |
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make a monkey out of someone
------------ v.) cause to look foolish |
He made a monkey out of me with his wisecracks about my abilities.
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wisecrack
------------ n.) sarcastic or nasty remark |
He made a monkey out of me with his wisecracks about my abilities.
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flip one’s lid
------------ v.) get angry; go crazy; become very excited |
Don’t flip your lid. Let bygones be bygones.
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Let bygones be bygones.
------------ Forget differences that happened in the past. |
Don’t flip your lid. Let bygones be bygones.
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Not on your life.
------------ Definitely not, no way. |
Don’t flip your lid. Let bygones be bygones.
Not on your life. I’m going to settle the score. |
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settle the score
------------ v.) retaliate, pay someone back for a past hurt |
Don’t flip your lid. Let bygones be bygones.
Not on your life. I’m going to settle the score. |
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man-to-man
------------ adj.) frank, direct |
You should have a man-to-man talk and have it out instead of trying to get even.
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have it out with someone
------------ v.) discuss a conflict or misunderstanding with the other person involved |
You should have a man-to-man talk and have it out instead of trying to get even.
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get even
------------ v.) get revenge, settle the score |
You should have a man-to-man talk and have it out instead of trying to get even.
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the last straw
------------ n.) the last insult or injury that one can endure |
That was the last straw. I don’t like people making fun of me.
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make fun of
------------ v.) ridicule |
That was the last straw. I don’t like people making fun of me.
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shrug off
------------ v.) not be bothered or hurt, dismiss |
Just shrug it off. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
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make a mountain out of a molehill
------------ v.) make a big problem out of a small one |
Just shrug it off. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
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the fur will fly, make the fur fly
------------ v.) create a disturbance |
If he does it again, the fur will fly.
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make waves
------------ v.) upset the status quo, create a disturbance |
If he does it again, the fur will fly.
Don’t make waves. |
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|
nip in the bud
------------ v.) prevent at the start |
If I don’t nip it in the bud, he’ll keep doing it.
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bury the hatchet
------------ v.) make peace, stop arguing |
If I were you, I’d bury the hatchet.
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jump down someone’s throat
------------ v.) criticize angrily, hastily |
Why does he always jump down your throat?
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fair and square
------------ adj. or adv.) honest; honestly |
Why does he always jump down your throat?
I don’t know. I try to be fair and square but all I get is a kick in the pants. |
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kick in the pants (teeth)
------------ n.) rejection, criticism |
Why does he always jump down your throat?
I don’t know. I try to be fair and square but all I get is a kick in the pants. |
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|
knock one’s head against the wall
------------ v.) waste time in futile effort to improve or change something |
I try to be fair and square but all I get is a kick in the pants. I feel like I’m knocking my head against the wall.
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serve someone right
------------ v.) give due punishment |
It serves you right because you allow him to walk all over you.
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walk all over someone
------------ v.) take advantage of someone |
It serves you right because you allow him to walk all over you.
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rub something in
------------ v.) constantly refer to a mistake or fault |
Don’t rub it in. I don’t like getting the short end of the stick.
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short end of the stick
------------ n.) unfair, unequal treatment |
Don’t rub it in. I don’t like getting the short end of the stick.
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|
bum ticker
------------ n.) weak or diseased heart |
If he didn’t have a bum ticker, I’d put him in his place.
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|
put someone in his or her place
------------ v.) scold someone for rude, improper behavior |
If he didn’t have a bum ticker, I’d put him in his place.
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|
do something rash
------------ v.) take drastic action |
Don’t do anything rash. I think you have to bite your tongue when he’s on the warpath.
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|
bite one’s tongue
------------ v.) keep oneself from speaking |
Don’t do anything rash. I think you have to bite your tongue when he’s on the warpath.
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|
on the warpath
------------ adj.) very angry, looking for trouble |
Don’t do anything rash. I think you have to bite your tongue when he’s on the warpath.
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|
make a federal case out of something
------------ v.) overreact, take strong measures for a minor problem |
He doesn’t have to make a federal case out of it.
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|
lulu
------------ n.) a person with unconventional, exaggerated behavior; an eccentric character |
I know he’s a lulu. He doesn’t give a hoot whom he bawls out.
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give a hoot (neg.)
------------ v.) care |
I know he’s a lulu. He doesn’t give a hoot whom he bawls out.
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|
bawl out
------------ v.) reprimand |
I know he’s a lulu. He doesn’t give a hoot whom he bawls out.
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turn the tables
------------ v.) reverse the situation |
They turned the tables on him. He finally got a dose of his own medicine.
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give someone a dose of his or her own medicine
------------ v.) treat someone the same way he or she treats others |
They turned the tables on him. He finally got a dose of his own medicine.
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|
get what is coming to one
------------ v.) get what one deserves - good or bad |
I’m glad he got what was coming to him. Who lowered the boom? Did you get to the bottom of it?
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|
lower the boom
------------ v.) stop completely; punish strictly |
I’m glad he got what was coming to him. Who lowered the boom? Did you get to the bottom of it?
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|
get to the bottom of
------------ v.) find out the real cause |
I’m glad he got what was coming to him. Who lowered the boom? Did you get to the bottom of it?
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|
backbone
------------ n.) courage |
It was his sister. She had the backbone to stand up to him.
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|
stand up to someone
------------ v.) be brave, courageously confront someone |
It was his sister. She had the backbone to stand up to him.
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|
start the ball rolling
------------ v.) take the initiative, begin an action |
I’m glad she started the ball rolling. He’ll have to be careful from now on.
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|
|
mudslinging
------------ n.) making malicious remarks to damage someone’s reputation |
It’s too bad his political opponents resorted to mudslinging. I hate to see someone raked over the coals.
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|
|
rake over the coals
------------ v.) scold, reprimand, blame |
It’s too bad his political opponents resorted to mudslinging. I hate to see someone raked over the coals.
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|
|
put through the wringer
------------ v.) cause severe stress |
They really put him through the wringer. They had the gall to hit below the belt.
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|
|
gall
------------ n.) shameless, insolent attitude |
They really put him through the wringer. They had the gall to hit below the belt.
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|
|
hit below the belt
------------ v.) hurt someone cruelly and unfairly |
They really put him through the wringer. They had the gall to hit below the belt.
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|
|
take something lying down
------------ v.) suffer without a fight |
He won’t take it lying down. He’ll go down swinging.
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|
go down swinging
------------ v.) lose but fight until the end |
He won’t take it lying down. He’ll go down swinging.
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|
|
say (cry) "uncle”
------------ v.) admit defeat |
You’re right. He won’t say "uncle.”
|
|
|
backseat driver
------------ n.) passenger who tells you how to drive |
Why is he such a backseat driver when he rides with me?
Because you’re a road hog. |
|
|
road hog
------------ n.) person who takes too much room on the road |
Why is he such a backseat driver when he rides with me?
Because you’re a road hog. |
|
|
Come off it.
------------ Stop kidding, boasting or making believe. |
Come off it.
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|
|
in nothing flat
------------ adv.) quickly, in a short time |
It’s true. Everyone honks his horn at you. In nothing flat, you could be side-swiped.
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|
|
side-swipe
------------ v.) hit the side of a car |
It’s true. Everyone honks his horn at you. In nothing flat, you could be side-swiped.
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|
smack into
------------ v.) collide, hit |
I never smacked into anyone or had a fender-bender.
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|
|
fender-bender
------------ n.) dent in the fender; minor accident |
I never smacked into anyone or had a fender-bender.
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|
|
total
------------ v.) completely ruin |
You’re lucky your car hasn’t been totalled.
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|
|
a mouthful
------------ n.) a true and impressive statement |
You said a mouthful.
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|
|
let the cat out of the bag
------------ v.) tell a secret |
She let the cat out of the bag.
She’s a blabbermouth. |
|
|
blabbermouth
------------ n.) person who tells secrets and talks a lot |
She let the cat out of the bag.
She’s a blabbermouth. |
|
|
blow the whistle
------------ v.) expose, betray |
She didn’t mean to blow the whistle on him.
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|
|
fume
------------ v.) be angry |
He’s fuming anyway. He’ll have hard feelings about this for a long time. Alice: He brought it on himself. He egged her on.
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|
|
hard feelings
------------ n.) anger, bitterness |
He’s fuming anyway. He’ll have hard feelings about this for a long time. Alice: He brought it on himself. He egged her on.
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|
|
bring on
------------ v.) cause, produce |
He brought it on himself. He egged her on.
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|
|
egg someone on
------------ v.) urge, excite, push |
He brought it on himself. He egged her on.
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|
|
dwell on
------------ v.) talk and think about something all the time |
Don’t dwell on it. Maybe it will blow over.
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|
|
blow over
------------ v.) end, pass |
Don’t dwell on it. Maybe it will blow over.
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|
|
hold up
------------ v.) delay, postpone |
I don’t want to hold you up. I see you’re in a rush.
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|
|
in a rush
------------ adj. or adv.) in a hurry |
I don’t want to hold you up. I see you’re in a rush.
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|
|
in the doghouse
------------ adj.) in trouble |
If I don’t get to work soon, I’ll be in the doghouse. My job is a pain in the neck.
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|
|
pain in the neck
------------ n.) bothersome, annoying thing or person |
If I don’t get to work soon, I’ll be in the doghouse. My job is a pain in the neck.
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|
|
bookworm
------------ n.) person who reads a lot |
You’re a bookworm. Why don’t you go back to school?
I should look into it. What do you think I should take up? |
|
|
look into
------------ v.) investigate, check |
You’re a bookworm. Why don’t you go back to school?
I should look into it. What do you think I should take up? |
|
|
take up
------------ v.) begin an activity or hobby |
You’re a bookworm. Why don’t you go back to school?
I should look into it. What do you think I should take up? |
|
|
up to someone
------------ n.) someone’s choice |
That’s up to you. Pick a job where you can make a lot of money.
Maybe computer science would do the trick. |
|
|
do the trick
------------ v.) be successful, achieve a good result |
That’s up to you. Pick a job where you can make a lot of money.
Maybe computer science would do the trick. |
|
|
figure out
------------ v.) try to understand, solve |
I can’t figure out why he’s buttering me up. |
