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250 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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get (someone’s) goat |
I can’t believe the boss is giving Judith the day before Christmas off, when he refused to let me take the day off. That really gets my goat!
The one thing that really gets my husband’s goat is when he finds a parking place and someone else comes along and steals it. |
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get (something) off (one’s) chest
------------ to disclose or talk about something that is bothering or worrying one |
I’ve had something on my mind all day that I just have to tell you. I will feel better when I get it off my chest.
You look very troubled about something. Why don’t you talk about it and get it off your chest? |
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get (something) through (one’s) head
------------ to understand something that is difficult, especially because it is a shock, unwanted, or unexpected |
How many times do I have to tell you, I’m not going back to college? When will you get it through your head that I want to go to work instead?
Tom couldn’t seem to get it through his head that his company was letting him go after so many years of faithful service. |
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get a handle on (something)
------------ to find a way to deal with a problem or difficult situation |
I’m trying to get a handle on my job search, so I’m updating my resume and asking my old teachers for letters of recommendation.
Margaret’s babysitting job was difficult at first, but she got a handle on the children after she promised to read them a story. |
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get a leg up
------------ to make a good start on some activity or project |
It took a long time, but you’ve finally got a leg up on your college degree. It shouldn’t take you much longer to finish.
I’m going to get a leg up on next year’s budget by planning several months in advance. |
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get a move on
------------ to hurry |
Get a move on! Everyone is waiting for you.
We asked the waiter to bring our check twenty minutes ago. I sure wish that he would get a move on! |
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get a word in edgewise
------------ to insert a word or sentence into an otherwise one-sided conversation |
Elizabeth talked on and on. No one else got a chance to tell her what he or she thought because they couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
Jerry finally got a word in edgewise when Tony stopped talking to take a drink. |
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get by
------------ to just barely manage, financially (sentence 1) or with one’s work or responsibilities (sentence 2) |
We’re getting by now, but if we get an unexpected bill it would bankrupt us.
I’m getting by the best way I know how: by working hard. |
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get caught/be left holding the bag/ leave (someone) holding the bag
------------ to make someone the scapegoat; to be blamed for something that was not one’s fault or was only partly one’s fault |
The other team members left, Bill was left holding the bag, trying to explain a bad project.
Christine helped Tim invent a scheme to cheat people out of their money and it went wrong. She left town and Tim got caught holding the bag. |
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get down to brass tacks/business/ the nitty gritty
------------ to get serious or practical about something |
I think we’ve fooled around with this plan long enough. It’s time to get down to brass tacks.
The meeting should have started fifteen minutes ago. I have another appointment in an hour, and I wish we would get down to business. Your ideas in this report are hard to understand. Why not take out all the useless information and get down to the nitty gritty? |
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get it in the neck
------------ to receive something unpleasant, such as criticism or punishment |
I thought I was doing a fine job until I was fired because the boss didn’t like my work. I sure got it in the neck.
Frank thought they were the best of friends. Then one day for no apparent reason, she stopped speaking to him. He really got it in the neck |
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get off (one’s) high horse
------------ to stop acting superior |
Ted really acts like he thinks he’s the boss around here. He’d better get off his high horse pretty soon or he’ll have no friends.
Who do you think you are coming in here and ordering me around like this? Get off your high horse! |
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get off/go scot-free
------------ to escape the proper or expected punishment; to be acquitted of a crime |
Everyone knew the man had committed the crime, but he was found not guilty on a technicality and never spent a day in jail. He got off scot-free.
The thief had been caught too many times, but this time he would not go scot-free. He would spend years in prison. |
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get to the bottom of (something)
------------ to understand something completely by sorting through all the facts or information |
The detective had all the facts, but he couldn’t piece them together yet. He wasn’t certain what had happened, but he knew he would eventually get to the bottom of it.
Mark’s parents could tell he was getting into some kind of trouble. They confronted him and said they wanted to get to the bottom of the situation. |
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get to the point
------------ to speak or write concisely and directly |
That fellow never wastes your time talking about unimportant things. He immediately gets to the point.
People seem to get to the point much more quickly when they write e-mail compared to a traditional letter. |
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get the message
------------ to understand something that is only hinted at, perhaps because it is unpleasant |
You can stop hinting that you don’t want my company. I get the message, and I won’t bother you again.
Jacqueline never answered the many letters the young man sent to her. She wondered when he would get the message that she wasn’t interested in hearing from him. |
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get this show on the road
------------ to get started |
We’ve been waiting for hours, and I’m ready to get started. Let’s get the show on the road.
I can’t wait any longer. If we don’t get the show on the road, I’m going to have to schedule this meeting for another day. |
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get up on the wrong side of the bed
------------ to be in a bad mood from the beginning of the day |
Don’t be upset that Peggy got angry with you; she’ll cool off soon. She always has a short temper when she gets up on the wrong side of the bed.
I’m sorry I yelled at you. I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. |
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get/give (someone) the cold shoulder
------------ to ignore someone intentionally |
Margie and Steve used to be close friends, but now every time they meet, she gives him the cold shoulder.
When we bought our new house, we thought everyone would welcome us to the neighborhood. But people give us the cold shoulder when we try to be friendly and neighborly. |
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get/give (someone) the go-ahead
------------ to get or give permission to proceed |
The kids asked their mother for permission to set up a lemonade stand. Her lemon tree was full of lemons, so she gave them the go-ahead.
Playing baseball in the middle of the work day sounds like a great idea, but you should probably get the go-ahead from our boss before we start. |
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get/give (someone) the green light
------------ to get or give permission to proceed |
The planning stage of the project was complete and we got the green light to start construction.
The boss gave them the green light to order all the equipment they needed. |
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get/give (someone) the sack
------------ to be fired from one’s job |
John lost his job yesterday. He got the sack.
Marie has two small children to support. You can’t just give her the sack. What is she going to do for money? I was sacked from my last job for showing up late every day. |
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get/give (someone) the short end of the
------------ STICK||to get (give someone) the unfair or less advantageous part of a deal or arrangement |
Martha agreed to babysit the children while Henry went shopping. Martha had much more work to do than Henry did. She got the short end of the stick.
Look out for your interests and speak up if you think you’re getting an unfair deal. Don’t let them give you the short end of the stick. |
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get/give (someone) the third degree
------------ to be questioned in great detail |
My parents didn’t believe that I’d spent the evening at the library. They gave me the third degree, questioning me about when I had arrived and left and what I’d done while I was there.
When it was revealed that the candidate had been arrested some years before, he got the third degree from the newspaper reporters. He had to answer question after question. |
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get/give (someone/something) short shrift
------------ to make quick work of something or to give little time to someone |
The secretary preferred working with people directly. She was an excellent secretary but she gave short shrift to typing up notes and preparing reports.
I haven’t much time for incompetent fools like Sam. I gave him short shrift when he came in here asking for a pay raise. |
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get/give someone/something a fair shake
------------ to give someone or something a chance to prove itself |
Don’t dismiss this place so quickly; spend a little time getting used to it. Give it a fair shake.
You accuse me of stealing money from the store, but you don’t give me a chance to tell you my side of the story. You’re not giving me a fair shake. |
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get/give the go-ahead
------------ to receive or grant permission to proceed |
The planning stage of the project was complete and we got the go-ahead to start construction.
The staff got the go-ahead from their boss to organize a birthday party for their colleague. |
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get/have (something) down pat
------------ to do something repeatedly until one knows how to do it without a mistake; to perfect an activity |
Lynn worked on her dance routine until she could practically do it in her sleep. She had it down pat.
Practice saying your speech again and again. I want to be sure you get it down pat. |
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get/hit (something) on the nose
------------ to do or understand something perfectly |
That’s the right answer! You really got it on the nose.
Joannie’s argument made perfect sense to me—she really hit it on the nose. |
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get/lend (someone) a hand
------------ to help someone |
I need some help lifting these boxes. Who can give me a hand?
They gave him a hand with his rent and utility bills while he was unemployed. |
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get-up-and-go
------------ physical energy |
I’ve been so tired lately. I don’t have any energy. I’ve lost my get-up-and-go.
This breakfast cereal claims that it gives you enough get-up-and-go to last you until lunchtime. Contrary to popular belief, moderate exercise stimulates a person to have more get up and go. It doesn’t fatigue the body. |
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go against the grain
------------ to be contrary to someone’s nature |
I’ll get you out of trouble this one time, but don’t ask me to do it again. It goes against the grain for me to help you when you should take responsibility for your own actions.
Terry noticed that the cashier in the store had given him too much change, and he went back immediately to return it. It would have gone against the grain for Terry to keep the money. |
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go around in circles
------------ to be confused or lost; to make no progress |
The directions to Arthur’s house were so muddled and confused, he had us lost and going around in circles.
The instructions for how to put the toy together were not explained clearly at all. Mary went around in circles trying to figure them out. |
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go bananas/ drive (someone) bananas
------------ to go crazy; to no longer be able to cope with a situation. To drive someone bananas means to annoy or irritate someone. |
I’ll go bananas if I have to sit for a whole evening and listen to that man talk on and on about his coin collection. It’s boring to everyone but him.
The woman told her husband that the children were driving her bananas. He would have to look after them for the evening while she went out to a movie with some friends. |
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go broke
------------ to run out of money completely; to become penniless |
You can go broke buying Christmas presents for your children with today’s high prices!
The drugstore on the corner is going out of business next week. The owner went broke. |
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go for broke
------------ to risk everything |
The gambler was down to his last hundred dollars. He decided to go for broke, and he put the last of his money on one hand of cards.
Jan went for broke and invested all her money in the playwright’s new play. If it was a success, she would be rich. If it was a flop, she would be penniless. |
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go haywire
------------ to malfunction; to break down |
The robot worked fine until it tried to maneuver around the corner and went haywire. Its arms started to spin around, its head fell off, and it started shooting sparks out of its control panel.
When the man heard that his doctor’s appointment was cancelled, he went haywire. He shouted that he would never go to the doctor again, and left. |
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go it alone
------------ to travel some path or do some activity by oneself, often something dangerous or risky |
I tried to go it alone on completing the project, but I just couldn’t do it. I had to get someone to help me.
The mountain climber said his route up the mountain is too dangerous for anyone but the most experienced person, so he won’t take anyone with him. He is going it alone. |
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go off half-cocked
------------ to do or say something in haste or without adequate planning or preparation |
I know your daughter is late, but before you go off half-cocked, give her a chance to tell you her side of the story.
Dick thought up a scheme to get rich quick, but he didn’t put much planning into it. He went off halfcocked, got into financial trouble, and made a fool of himself. |
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go off the deep end
------------ to become deeply involved with someone or something before one is ready; to go crazy |
Peter went off the deep end when he met Marilyn. After just two months, they are already engaged to be married.
Sometimes it’s easy to get overly excited about something new and different and go off the deep end. |
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go out on a limb
------------ to take a risk |
You have embarrassed and disappointed me several times before. Don’t ask me to go out on a limb for you again.
They went out on a limb and lent him the money he asked for even though he was a poor risk. They could have lost all their money. |
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go over like a lead balloon
------------ to be completely unsuccessful, contrary to expectations; to fail |
The car company introduced a new model that was supposed to be amazing, but it went over like a lead balloon. Nobody wanted to buy it.
That actor has been in several great movies, but his latest film will probably go over like a lead balloon. It’s just terrible! |
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go over with a bang
------------ to be extremely successful |
The author’s latest book was more popular than he expected. In fact, it went over with a bang.
The fast-food restaurant’s new chicken sandwich went over with a bang. Everyone was asking for it. |
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go overboard
------------ to go to excess; to do too much |
You have to be careful when decorating cakes. It’s easy to go overboard and put on too much icing, too many decorations and too many colors.
Don’t go overboard on these new, modern styles. If you spend all your clothing allowance on them, you may be sorry when the fashion changes. |
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go to pieces
------------ to fall apart physically or emotionally; to lose one’s self-control |
Roger thought he was no longer in love with Amanda, but when he saw her again he went to pieces. He sat down and cried.
I think you’re going to need some new shoes soon. Those shoes you are wearing now are going to pieces. |
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go to pot/seed
------------ to fall into disrepair; to deteriorate from lack of attention |
The house has really fallen into disrepair. It’s too bad they let it go to seed like that.
George really neglects his appearance nowadays. He has let himself go to pot. |
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go to town
------------ To do something with maximum enthusiasm; to splurge |
When they bought an old house, they added a new bathroom, a modern kitchen, a sun porch and two new bedrooms. They really went to town fixing up their house.
Since Alice was paying for her own wedding, she decided to spare no expense. She really wanted to go to town on her wedding arrangements. |
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go to the dogs
------------ to fall into disrepair; to deteriorate |
This restaurant used to be so fashionable and classy, but it has gone to the dogs since it changed management.
This neighborhood is going to the dogs—the homeowners aren’t keeping their houses or their yards in good repair. It’s a shame. |
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go up in smoke
------------ to disappear; to be ruined |
Judy had planned carefully and put in a lot of time building her career. Then she made one foolish mistake, and saw all her hard work go up in smoke.
The family managed to escape from the burning house. As they stood outside in the cold, they watched their house go up in smoke. Larry expected to finish college and start a small company of his own, but all his plans went up in smoke when he lost his scholarship. |
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go whole hog
------------ to spare nothing; to do something with maximum enthusiasm |
The company went whole hog on the luncheon. They included both soup and salad on the menu, a choice of three main dishes and several desserts, and they paid for all the drinks, too.
When it comes to outfitting my car, I believe in going whole hog. I always get cruise control, extra padded seats, stereo, all the little luxuries. |
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go with the flow
------------ to take a relaxed attitude towards life |
Life has its ups and downs. You shouldn’t spend your time worrying. Just go with the flow.
I wish I could learn to go with the flow more. Whenever I have a problem at school, I get all stressed out. |
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golden age
------------ a time when something is at its best |
The 1930s were the golden age of radio, when everyone gathered around in the evenings to listen. After television took over, radio became secondary.
The golden age of American literature began at the turn of the 20th century. |
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good egg
------------ a person who is basically good or sound, but who may be slightly peculiar or idiosyncratic |
Sometimes Tim seems a little strange, but he really is a good egg.
George knew that Stuart was too cautious to drink very much, so George asked him to be a good egg and drive him home. |
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good grief!
------------ an expletive that means “This is ridiculous!” or “I’ve had enough!” |
Good grief! All you do is complain.
The children were jumping around, chasing after each other, and running around their mother until she couldn’t stand it anymore. She lost her temper and yelled, “Good grief! I wish you would behave yourselves!” |
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good samaritan
------------ a person who helps someone in trouble without thought of personal gain |
Be a good Samaritan and volunteer some of your free time to help out at the hospital.
Sometimes you have to resist the urge to be a good Samaritan and think about your own safety. You can’t pick up a strange hitchhiker in your car. |
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grasp at straws
------------ to act in desperation with little hope of success |
Henry tried everything he could think of to change Martha’s mind, even tried things that he knew wouldn’t work. He knew he was grasping at straws.
The thief told the judge one excuse after another. It was obvious that he was desperate and grasping at straws. |
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gravy train
------------ an effortless time or job; a life of luxury |
Scott got himself a job where he won’t have to work very hard. He’s really riding the gravy train.
They made some very wise and profitable investments, and now they can retire and live off the interest. They’re on the gravy train. |
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gray matter
------------ brain tissue and, by extension, intelligence |
Anyone can see that his idea won’t work. Doesn’t he have any gray matter upstairs?
When it comes to gray matter, David got more than his fair share. He is clearly the smartest student in the class. |
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green around the gills
------------ sick to one’s stomach; nauseated |
The sight of blood always makes me green around the gills. I always get sick to my stomach.
How can you eat uncooked meat? Doesn’t that make you green around the gills? |
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green thumb
------------ natural ability to grow plants |
Amy really has a green thumb. Everything she plants in her garden grows so well.
You must have quite a green thumb. Your flowers are always so beautiful and healthy-looking. |
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grim reaper
------------ death |
We’ll all die in the end. You can’t cheat the grim reaper.
Their grandmother was a very superstitious person and relied heavily on her intuition. She was convinced that she was about to die because she felt the grim reaper breathing down her neck. |
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grin and bear it
------------ to accept or endure a bad situation |
Steve doesn’t particularly like his job, but he’s going to have to grin and bear it until he can find a new one.
I’ve had more than I can take from that idiot. I’m not going to grin and bear it for one more minute. |
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give (one’s) right (body part) for/to do (something)
------------ to want something very much |
I want that car so badly. I’d give my right arm for that car.
Veronica wants so badly to spend her vacation on the beach, she said she’d give her right leg to go to Hawaii. |
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give (someone) a hard time
------------ to be difficult with someone; to give someone unnecessary difficulty |
Patricia had not done a good job on the report, and she thought her boss would just ask her to redo it. Instead, gave her a hard time and wouldn’t stop talking about it. He gave her a hard time about the report.
The students gave the new teacher a hard time on his first day. They dropped their books, passed notes while he was talking, and were generally uncooperative. |
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give (someone) a piece of (one’s) mind
------------ to confront someone who has behaved badly |
Joan was upset with Bill and she told him just what she thought of him. She really gave him a piece of her mind.
I can’t believe that they let their dog loose in my garden. I’m going over there right now to tell them that if I find that dog in my yard again, I’ll call the police. I’m going to give them a piece of my mind! |
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give (someone) a ring
------------ to call someone on the telephone |
When Sally arrived, she found a telephone in the airport and gave her mother a ring.
I’ll be home by the phone all morning. Give me a ring when you get a chance. |
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give (someone) a snow job
------------ to give someone a description of something or someone that is unrealistically attractive and positive |
The English teacher was trying to find students to help with the publication of the school newspaper. She gave us a snow job about how much fun it would be and how little work it was—in fact, it was very hard work.
Richard tried to get Marsha to go out with his friend Don. Richard told Marsha that Don was good-looking, had a great personality and was rich. Richard gave Marsha a snow job, because Don turned out to be none of those things. |
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give (someone) a taste of (his/her) own medicine
------------ to treat someone the same way they treat others (especially when they are strict, unfair, or unkind) |
She has treated everyone very unfairly. I wish that someone would give her a taste of her own medicine.
He always criticizes his colleagues for making careless mistakes. So after he accidentally started a fire in the office, they were really able to give him a taste of his own medicine. |
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give (someone) a/some song and dance
------------ to give someone an overly dramatic or unbelievable excuse |
Don’t give me a song and dance about how difficult it was for you to get this work done on time—I know you’ve been goofing off.
We went to collect the rent from Paul, but he gave us some song and dance about not having the money right now. |
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give (someone) the cold shoulder
------------ to be unfriendly to somebody |
Audrey tried to make up with Josh after their fight, but Josh didn’t respond. He gave her the cold shoulder.
Beatrice was forced to find a new photography club when the members of her old club gave her the cold shoulder. They wouldn’t talk to her at all. |
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give (someone) the shirt off (one’s) back
------------ to give (figuratively) someone all one’s possessions; to be very generous |
The young woman’s parents had denied themselves luxuries and vacations to provide for her. They had given her the shirts off their backs to give her a good life.
I know I can always depend on my friend Henry. I can call him whenever I need help. . |
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give (someone/something) a wide berth
------------ to allow a lot of space between oneself and someone or something else when passing |
The children never walked on the south side of the road because they would have had to walk right past a frightening guard dog. They gave that dog a wide berth.
They couldn’t tell if the driver was ready to back the truck up or whether he even saw them in his rear-view mirror. Just to be safe, they gave the truck a wide berth when they crossed the street behind it. |
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give in
------------ to surrender |
The workers refused to give in and accept the unfair contract, so the strike continued.
The parents tried to resist their children’s pleas for sweets, but the kids were so cute that the parents were forced to give in. |
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give someone a bum steer
------------ bad advice or instructions |
My stockbroker really gave me a bum steer. I bought a stock he recommended and it did nothing but go down.
Kim stopped at a gas station for directions to city hall. The mechanic told her how to get there, but he gave her a bum steer and she got lost again. |
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hair’s breadth
------------ a very narrow amount |
The cars turned suddenly to avoid a collision. They missed each other by a hair’s breadth.
Bill came so close to the edge that he was only a hair’s breadth away from falling over the cliff. |
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half a mind to do (something)
------------ inclined or disposed to do something; to have almost decided to do something |
Beth has been so cold and rude to me lately, I have half a mind not to invite her to my party.
Roger was tired of his job and frequently threatened to leave the company. He had half a mind to quit, sell his house, and sail to Europe. |
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half the battle
------------ half the work or effort |
Once you narrow down the topic for your dissertation, that’s half the battle. Doing the research and writing it is the other half.
I finally bought all the materials to build those bookshelves. That’s half the battle. |
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half-baked
------------ poorly planned or thought out |
John suggested some half-baked idea to get rich quick. Anyone with any brains could see that it wouldn’t work.
You come in here and present some half-baked plan to reorganize the company and fire half of the employees. That won’t go over too well with the workers! |
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hand in glove
------------ close or intimate |
Tom and Kate were made for each other. They go hand in glove.
Those two workhorses pull that plow as though they were one animal. They work together hand in glove. |
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hand over fist
------------ extremely quickly |
In the ten years we owned that house, we were never able to get it into good repair. We poured money into it hand over fist, but nothing helped.
Paul’s candy was such a success at the fair, his stall was always busy with buyers. He was taking in money hand over fist, faster than he could count it. |
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hand to mouth
------------ to live in poor conditions from day to day; to be impoverished |
When Brad lost his regular job, he had to take any temporary one that came along, and he never knew when he’d find another. He lived hand to mouth.
Some people in areas affected by drought live a handto-mouth existence. They collect what little food they can and never have enough to save some for another day. |
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handle/treat (someone) with kid gloves
------------ to treat someone cautiously or gently because he or she is easily hurt or angered |
The boss is a difficult person to persuade—you have to approach her very carefully and put your ideas forward in just the right way. She has to be handled with kid gloves.
You can come right out and tell me what the problem is. There’s no need to handle me with kid gloves. |
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hanky panky
------------ sexual misconduct (sentence 1); mischievous behavior or activity (sentence 2); or suspicious activity (sentence 3) |
The woman knew that her husband sometimes met with friends, both male and female, from before they were married, but she felt confident that there was no hanky panky going on with any of the women.
The children’s mother thought that the children were just a little too quiet. She thought they must be up to some hanky panky. The manager in charge of the warehouse suspected that someone was stealing some of the equipment stored there. There was definitely some hanky panky going on. |
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hang-up
------------ an obsession, problem, or concern about something |
Alan refused to let Jan pay for her movie ticket, even though the two were not on a date. Alan has a hangup about what is socially acceptable and who should pay.
Please don’t use that kind of language or tell that kind of joke around me. I’m old-fashioned, and I guess I have a hang-up about such crude behavior, especially in mixed company. |
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happy-go-lucky
------------ carefree |
Nothing depresses Charlie—he always sees the bright side of life. He’s really a happy-go-lucky guy.
Sometimes sad events happen, and you just have to learn to deal with them along with the good times. Life can’t always be happy-go-lucky. |
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hard act to follow
------------ a person or thing that is so good that the person or thing that follows may not measure up to the same standard |
The last manager of this department was hardworking and well-liked by everyone. I doubt anyone else will be as good as she was—she will be a hard act to follow.
My job here is fun, stimulating, and the pay is good. If I ever leave, it will be a hard act to follow. |
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hard/tough row to hoe
------------ a difficult task |
Going to medical school is not going to be easy. In fact, it will be a tough row to hoe.
Life can be a hard row to hoe. You have to put a roof over your head and food on the table, and it’s not easy for anyone. |
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have (some) time on (one’s) hands
------------ to have free time with nothing to do |
Can I help you fix a few things around the house today? I have some time on my hands until after dinner.
The children will get into trouble if they have too much time on their hands. We need to find something to keep them busy. |
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have (some) time to kill
------------ to have a period of time to pass while waiting for some future event |
I expected the plane to leave at 4:30 but it has been delayed. Now I have some time to kill while I wait for the plane.
Sarah arrived at the meeting early. She had time to kill so she read a magazine. |
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have a screw loose/loose screw
------------ to be harmlessly crazy |
Sometimes Mr. Simpson talks to himself, and sometimes he imagines that he sees creatures from outer space. I think he has a screw loose.
The old lady on the bench will tell you the story of her life if you give her a chance. I imagine she’s just lonely or she has a loose screw somewhere. |
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have bats in one’s belfry
------------ harmlessly crazy or eccentric |
You must have bats in your belfry if you think your parents will let you see that movie.
Don’t listen to her. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She has bats in her belfry. |
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have egg on (one’s) face
------------ to be or appear to be embarrassed |
I can tell by the way you look that you’ve been caught doing something naughty. You have egg on your face.
Andy sure had egg on his face when he realized he had made a fool of himself at the party. |
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have hell to pay
------------ (to be) in serious trouble |
I don’t know how the accident happened, but the car fender is ruined. I’m going to have hell to pay when I get home.
Your parents told you not to be late getting home again. If you don’t get home on time tonight, you’ll have hell to pay. |
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have second thoughts
------------ to begin to have doubts; to question and reexamine a decision |
After you have decided to get married, it’s not unusual to have second thoughts and wonder whether you are really ready for such a big step.
I know we’ve already made the commitment to buy that house, but now I’m having second thoughts about it. Are you sure it was a wise decision? |
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have someone in/be in stitches
------------ to make someone laugh very hard |
We hired a very funny clown to perform at the company picnic. He had the children in stitches from beginning to end.
The movie was hilarious. We couldn’t stop laughing. We were in stitches. |
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have the last laugh
------------ to outsmart or get revenge on someone who thinks he or she has been clever |
The boys thought they had tricked the girls by locking them in the kitchen, but he girls had the last laugh when the boys got hungry and realized they couldn’t get in.
Mark was lazy and decided to let Roger do most of the work. But Roger had the last laugh because, in the end, Mark got none of the credit. |
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have/got it made
------------ to have no problems; to have achieved success |
Elaine has a great job, a nice home, and a good family. She doesn’t need anything else; I think she’s really got it made.
Remember Larry, the artist? He married a wealthy woman and now he doesn’t have to do odd jobs to support himself anymore. He has it made. |
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head and shoulders above
------------ at a much higher level |
Lisa’s work is outstanding and no one’s comes close to being so good. Her work is head and shoulders above everyone else’s.
This performance of the play was head and shoulders above the previous performance. The actors really did an excellent job this time. |
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head honcho
------------ a person with power in a company or organization |
If you want to spend that kind of money on your project, you’ll probably have to get permission from the head honchos. If I were you, I’d make an appointment with your boss.
The director wanted to include a big battle scene in his movie, but the head honchos at the studio wouldn’t allow it. |
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head over heels in love
------------ very much in love; uncontrollably in love |
Richard fell in love with Pamela the first time he saw her, and now he can’t think about anything else. He is head over heels in love with her.
In the 1960s, many young girls in the United States and Europe fell head over heels in love with the pop singers the Beatles. |
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hear (something) through the grapevine
------------ to hear a rumor that may or may not be true |
No one knows it yet, but I found out that the boss is about to quit. I can’t tell you who told me, but let’s just say I heard it though the grapevine.
“How did you find out Karen was going to have a baby?” I asked. “I heard it through the grapevine,” answered Julie. |
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heart to heart
------------ serious and intimate |
I have to talk to you about something that is serious and very important to both of us. I want to have a heart-to-heart talk with you.
You always make a joke about everything, and you never talk to me seriously about things that are important. Don’t you ever talk heart to heart with anyone? |
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heavyweight
------------ a person who is important and influential; a leader in a particular field |
The two important and well-known authors John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway are heavyweights in American literature.
You cannot dismiss the importance and influence of heavyweight Steven Spielberg on the movie industry. His use of high-tech visual effects has become the new standard for action films. |
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hem and haw
------------ to hesitate to say something directly |
Andrew wanted to ask Gail to marry him but he couldn’t find the words. He stood there, hat in hand, hemming and hawing.
You don’t have to be afraid to tell me what happened. |
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hit or miss
------------ unplanned or random; equally likely to succeed or fail |
Sometimes Ann is at home when I drop by to visit her, and sometimes she’s not. It’s hit or miss catching her at home.
The repairman’s work is hit or miss. Sometimes the machine works when he’s finished fixing it, and sometimes it doesn’t. |
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hit pay dirt
------------ to find something of great value |
They invested their money in oil wells in Texas and they hit pay dirt. Now they’re the richest people I know.
Chuck went off to Alaska looking to hit pay dirt, but I don’t think he’s going to find what he wants. Everything worth finding has already been claimed. |
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hit the jackpot
------------ to get rich or find something of value |
Mabel always bought one lottery ticket in the hopes that one day she would hit the jackpot and never have to work again.
I went to the library not expecting to find any of the books that were on my list, but I hit the jackpot. I managed to find all seven of them. |
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hit the nail on the head
------------ to come to the right conclusion |
Henry wouldn’t tell his wife what was wrong, but when she asked him if he had lost his job, she could tell by the look on his face that she had hit the nail on the head.
We sat around the table trying to figure out why the project wasn’t working. Everyone suggested ideas and possibilities. When Leslie outlined what she thought the problem was, we could all see that she had hit the nail on the head. |
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hit the sack
------------ to go to bed |
I’m really tired—I can’t keep my eyes open any longer. I’m going to hit the sack.
After a hard day, Richard decided to hit the sack even though it was only 8:00 p.m. |
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hit the spot
------------ to satisfy in just the right way |
The boys were sweating from planting trees in the hot sun. When their mother brought them some cold lemonade to drink, it really hit the spot.
I think I’d like something to eat after the theater. A little light supper after the play will just hit the spot. |
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hitch/thumb a ride
------------ to solicit a ride in someone’s (a stranger’s) car; to hitchhike |
Julian had no car, but he needed to visit his mother in the hospital in another town, so he hitched a ride.
The boys had no way to get to the beach, about 60 miles away. They decided to stand by the side of the highway and thumb a ride. |
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hold (one’s) horses
------------ to stay calm or be patient when someone wants to hurry |
The children were ready to go, but their father was not. They kept bothering him until he told them to hold their horses.
Now just hold your horses. I know you’re in a hurry, but you can’t go outside without your coat on in this chilly weather. |
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hold (one’s) own
------------ to be able to withstand opposition or attack; to do just as well as other people |
Sarah may be the smallest child in the class, but when it comes to defending herself, she can hold her own.
We didn’t think Mark was very good at speaking, but he really held his own in that debate. |
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hold (one’s) tongue
------------ to refrain from speaking |
Ella wanted to talk to Bob immediately, but there were too many people around, so she held her tongue and waited until they were alone.
The young boy began shouting at his mother, and she lost her temper and told him to hold his tongue. She told him it was not polite to talk to anyone like that. I’ve listened to you criticizing him and I’ve held my tongue, but I can’t any longer. Now I’m going to tell you some of the positive sides of his character. |
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hold (someone/something) at bay
------------ to prevent someone or something that is threatening or attacking from being able to advance |
The hen held the dog at bay while her baby chicks ran for safety.
They held the soldiers at bay with their swords for as long as they could, but in the end, they were defeated. |
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hold the fort
------------ to take care of a place or to keep an activity going while someone is away |
The manager left the store to go to lunch. She asked the sales clerk to hold the fort while she was gone.
I got the party started and then discovered that I had to leave to get some more food. I asked my friend to hold the fort until I got back. |
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hold water
------------ to be credible or sound; to stand up to scrutiny; to make sense |
The politician argued that they had to raise taxes, but the reasons he gave didn’t hold water.
Two scientists claimed that they had achieved fusion at room temperature. Other scientists wanted to test the theory to see if it would hold water. |
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hook, line, and sinker, fall for/ swallow (something)
------------ to believe something completely, usually in the sense of being fooled |
The children made up such a believable story that their mother fell for it hook, line and sinker.
The salesman was such a smooth talker, he could make anyone believe his stories. People always swallowed them hook, line and sinker. |
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hooked
------------ addicted |
When he started smoking, Keith didn’t believe that the nicotine in cigarettes was addictive, but now he is hooked on it.
I love reading detective stories, and I read at least two every week. I’m hooked on them. |
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hopping mad
------------ very angry |
When Bill found out that Sandra had blamed her mistake on him, he was hopping mad and threatened to tell their boss about all of the things she had done wrong.
The basketball player was hopping mad when the referee didn’t call the other team’s foul, but he knew that getting angry would only get him ejected from the game. |
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horse around
------------ to play a little roughly |
Don’t forget we’re in a library, boys. People are trying to read quietly and concentrate on their work. Stop horsing around.
The children should not horse around in the garage. There are too many dangerous tools in there. |
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horse of another color
------------ a situation or plan which represents a change from what was expected or assumed |
Yesterday you said you wanted to go to the movies with a friend, and I assumed you meant a girlfriend. If you want to go with Ken, that’s a horse of another color.
At first, the unions accepted management’s offer of a 10% pay raise until they realized that management meant to spread the raise over four years instead of over two. To the unions, that was a horse of another color. |
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horse sense
------------ common sense (sentence 1) or shrewdness; cleverness (sentence 2) |
You just don’t have any horse sense when it comes to looking after yourself. You stay up late, don’t get enough sleep and eat poorly.
I took my father along when I went to shop for a new car. He has real horse sense and can spot a good deal. |
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hot under the collar
------------ very angry |
When Tammy tried to blame the mistake on Sue, Sue got hot under the collar.
I get hot under the collar every time I remember how rude the bank manager was to us. |
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huff and puff
------------ to be out of breath (sentence 1) or to threaten ineffectually (sentence 2) |
All the runners were out of breath and were huffing and puffing by the end of the marathon.
Mrs. Rene returned to the shop to complain about the service she had gotten from a new sales clerk. After she left, the manager told the sales clerk not to be too concerned. “Mrs. Rene is always huffing and puffing about something or other. She doesn’t really mean anything by it,” said the manager. |
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if/when push comes to shove
------------ if the situation becomes serious |
The president isn’t a forceful woman, but if push comes to shove, she stands firm and lets her feelings be known.
I thought my parents wouldn’t support my beliefs because mine were different from theirs, but when push came to shove, they were right there in my corner fighting for me. |
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in a bind/fix/jam
------------ in a difficult situation or position |
Can I borrow $10 from you? I’m in a bind. The banks have closed and I need to stop at the supermarket on the way home.
Sam is really in a fix. He accepted a job last Friday that he doesn’t particularly want because he didn’t think he would get a better offer. Now he has been offered a job he wants, but he doesn’t know how to get out of the first job. I’m in a jam. I have a doctor’s appointment at the same time as I have to pick the children up from school. Do you think you could get the children for me? |
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in a nutshell
------------ concisely; in a few words |
You can’t go to the movies tonight because tomorrow is a school day, you’re supposed to be saving your money, and you just went to the movies last night. Now, if you want it in a nutshell, the answer is no.
We’re eager to find out what her plans are. Tell us in a nutshell: is she going or not? |
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in a pinch
------------ in an emergency; if necessary |
My car has only six seats but it can carry eight people in a pinch.
We would prefer one large double room at the hotel, but two small ones will be all right in a pinch. |
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in a rut
------------ in a boring routine |
I’m tired of this job. I do the same old thing day in and day out. I’m in a rut.
Don’t let yourself get into a rut. Try something new from time to time, and you won’t get bored. |
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in black and white
------------ in print or in writing |
You can’t agree to buy or sell a house with just a handshake. The agreement has to be in black and white.
I didn’t believe what you were telling me was true, but here it is in the newspaper in black and white. |
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in dutch (with)
------------ in trouble |
My parents said I’d better get home on time or I’ll be in Dutch.
The boys got in Dutch with the teacher when they didn’t turn in their homework. |
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in full swing
------------ at the peak of activity or intensity |
Julie arrived about 30 minutes late and the party was already in full swing.
The meeting started at 4:00 p.m. It was still in full swing when the assistant manager arrived a little after 6:00. |
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in hot water
------------ in trouble |
Cheryl borrowed her mother’s best silk blouse without permission and spilled soda on it. She knew she’d be in hot water when she got home.
I got in hot water with my parents because I failed mathematics. |
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in over (one’s) head
------------ beyond one’s capability (sentence 1); to have taken on more than one can cope with (sentence 2) |
Tim can’t compete with these people. They are much more capable in their field than he is. He’s in way over his head.
Be careful how much work you take on. Don’t promise to do more than you can handle. Don’t get in over your head. |
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in seventh heaven
------------ blissfully happy |
Cindy met Roger three weeks ago and fell madly in love with him. She’s been in seventh heaven ever since.
We’ve been in seventh heaven knowing that we’re going to have a baby. |
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in the bag
------------ a sure thing; success is assured |
The personnel director said that I was the best candidate for the job and that if I pass the typing test tomorrow, the job is in the bag.
I know you think the scholarship is in the bag, but don’t get your hopes up too high. |
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in the black
------------ making a profit |
The company lost money the first four years but now it’s making money and is finally in the black.
The government hasn’t been in the black for the last 20 years. It has been spending more money than it brings in through taxes. Although we aren’t losing money, we’re not in the black either. We’re just breaking even. |
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in the chips/money
------------ having lots of money |
I would quit work and spend the rest of my life travelling around the world if I were in the chips.
You children are asking for so many Christmas presents, you’d think I was in the money. |
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in the doghouse
------------ in someone’s bad graces; in trouble |
Frank looked at his watch and realized that he was over an hour late for an appointment with his wife. “I’m really going to be in the doghouse this time,” he said.
Dianne used her mother’s car without permission and now she’s in the doghouse. |
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in the long run
------------ in the end; after a long time has passed (sentence 1); after weighing all the advantages and disadvantages (sentence 2) |
Jenny couldn’t decide whether to study accounting or law at college. She didn’t know which major she would be happier with in the long run. She might grow to dislike one or the other in 20 years.
Brian had his own car, but he chose to take the train to work every day even though it took more time. It was easier in the long run because he didn’t have to tolerate traffic jams, pay for gas, or look for parking. |
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in the loop
------------ informed |
Sharon had worked with the same team for nearly two years, but she still didn’t feel like she was in the loop. She still had to ask for information from her colleagues.
I’d be happy to let you work on that project by yourself, but I’d like to know how you’re progressing. Remember to keep me in the loop, please. |
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in the nick of time
------------ at the last moment, just before something bad happens |
The accident victim was near death, but the ambulance arrived in the nick of time and the paramedic saved her.
We ran as fast as we could toward the bus stop and got there just as the bus was pulling to a stop. We got there in the nick of time. |
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in the pink
------------ in good health or good condition |
After several days in the hospital, Paul wanted to go home. He told the doctor he was feeling in the pink and there was no reason for him to stay any longer.
I always get my car serviced on time. That way it stays in the pink and I don’t have to worry about it breaking down. |
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in the red
------------ losing money; not making a profit |
Many governments operate year after year in the red. They simply keep borrowing money against the taxes they expect to collect in the future.
Some years my business makes a profit, but other years I’m in the red. |
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in the same boat
------------ in the same bad situation |
Jake and I both lost our jobs yesterday. Now we’re in the same boat.
Our landlord raised the rent on our apartments, and none of us can afford to stay here any longer. We’re all in the same boat. |
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in/out of (one’s) element
------------ in one’s most comfortable or favorite environment |
Diana is in her element when she’s in the classroom. She’s a natural teacher.
I love being in the country. When I’m in the city, I’m lost. I’m out of my element. |
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in/out of the mainstream
------------ in the group that represents the majority; out of the mainstream means on the edge of the majority |
Andy Warhol was a painter whose work is representative of the Pop Art period. He was in the mainstream of Pop Art painting.
That politician advocates very extreme views that are entirely different from most of the other politicians. He is out of the mainstream of current politics. |
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it’s all greek to me
------------ incomprehensible or unintelligible |
I’m not very good at understanding the directions on how to assemble these modern-day toys. They’re all Greek to me.
Can you tell me what this page says? I don’t even know if it’s right side up or upside down. It’s all Greek to me. |
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it’s no skin off (someone’s) nose
------------ it has no effect on someone or it is of no concern to someone |
I think you’re crazy to spend your money on that car, but it’s your decision. It’s no skin off my nose.
Don’t tell me what to do with my life. It’s no skin off your nose if I choose to quit school. |
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ivory tower
------------ an isolated environment where one is out of touch with everyday reality; a place of retreat where one concentrates on intellectual rather than everyday matters |
The boss felt that he couldn’t consider Richard for the difficult job of manager because Richard seemed out of touch with the workers. He was isolated in his ivory tower.
When the professors complained that the students couldn’t meet the academic standards of the past, they were told that they should come out of their ivory tower. More students attend the university now and it can’t be as selective as it used to be. |
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jack of all trades
------------ a person who knows a little about a lot of different subjects or activities, but not a lot about any one of them |
Walt is good at so many things: he can fix the plumbing and wiring in his house, he fixed his roof when it leaked, he installed his washer and dryer, and he paints the house when it needs it. He’s really a jack of all trades.
The position in the company required someone who knew everything about a very narrow subject. They weren’t looking for a jack of all trades. |
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john hancock
------------ one’s signature |
If you’ll just put your John Hancock on this line at the bottom of the contract, you can drive the car away right now.
They sent the check back because he forgot to put his John Hancock on it. |
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johnny-come-lately
------------ a newcomer |
You can’t expect to join the company, take over immediately, and not cause some hard feelings. To the workers, you’re a Johnny-come-lately.
The author of the book was under attack because he was a Johnny-come-lately to the field and didn’t have the reputation that the older, more established authors had. |
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jump the gun
------------ to do something prematurely; to start early, before all the preparations have been made. |
You can’t begin the project yet. You’re going to have to wait until the plan is thoroughly developed. Don’t jump the gun.
You bought your son a football and he’s only six weeks old. Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun a little? |
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jumping-off point
------------ a starting place or inspiration |
Kelly used her mother’s lasagna recipe as a jumpingoff point, but added her favorite ingredients to make it the way she liked it.
Joe used sheet music as a jumping-off point for his song. He played the tune as written, but added to it as he went. |
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junk food
------------ food that is relatively unhealthy, high in sugar and fat and lacking in vitamins, minerals and other body-building components |
My children seem to live on junk food: hamburgers, French fries, milkshakes, chips, cakes, cookies, candy, and soda pop.
The parents brought snacks for the children to eat. The school had asked them to bring healthy foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, yogurt and cheese. They asked them not to bring junk food. |
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just/only the tip of the iceberg
------------ the smallest, evident part of something that is much greater but hidden from view; more to a situation than one can see at the moment |
This latest scandal in the government is only the tip of the iceberg. I’m convinced that there is much more corruption than what has been uncovered so far.
The police arrested the man they thought was guilty of the robbery. While they had him in jail, they began to uncover information that linked him to many of the robberies that had taken place over the last few years. This latest robbery was just the tip of the iceberg. |
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kangaroo court
------------ a court set up outside the regular legal system; staged trial where the outcome is set from the beginning |
The rancher and his friends tried and convicted the horse thieves in a kangaroo court rather than let the sheriff take them to jail for a trial according to the law.
The political protesters had been tried and found guilty in a court of law, and when the verdict was read, they claimed that the jury and judge had not been impartial, and that they had been tried in a kangaroo court. |
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keep (one’s) cool
------------ to stay calm under stress; not to become angry |
I know you’re angry, but you’ve got to try to control yourself. Keep your cool and don’t lose your temper.
It’s particularly important to keep your cool in a traffic jam. It’s so easy to get angry and have an accident. |
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keep (one’s) eyes peeled
------------ to be alert and watchful; to look very carefully for something or someone |
I’m looking for a special edition of a book, and I haven’t found it anywhere. When you’re in the bookstore, please keep your eyes peeled for it, will you?
They planned to meet Joe on a crowded corner at lunchtime. He hadn’t arrived yet, but as people walked toward the corner, they kept their eyes peeled for him. |
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keep (one’s) fingers crossed
------------ to hope for something; to wish for luck |
Jane wasn’t sure that she had passed the test, but she was keeping her fingers crossed.
They are keeping their fingers crossed that the rain holds off and doesn’t spoil the picnic they have planned. |
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keep (one’s) head above water
------------ to just barely manage to stay ahead, financially (sentence 1) or with one’s work or responsibilities (sentence 2) |
Mrs. Robinson has three children to support and she doesn’t make very much money at her job. She is barely keeping her head above water.
Peter is having a difficult time at the university because he wasn’t very well prepared academically, but he is somehow managing to keep his head above water. |
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keep (one’s) nose to the grindstone
------------ to work hard without rest |
You will succeed if you keep working hard, but you have to keep your nose to the grindstone.
Kim is studying constantly now because she has final exams next week. She’s in her room keeping her nose to the grindstone. |
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keep (one’s) shirt on
------------ to stay calm or be patient when someone wants to hurry |
Will you keep your shirt on, Bob? You won’t get there any faster if you drive too fast and cause a car accident.
I know you’re hungry, but dinner won’t be ready for another ten minutes. Just keep your shirt on! |
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keep (one’s) wits about (one)
------------ to pay attention and be ready to react |
If she wants to do well in her job interview, she can’t daydream—she’ll have to keep her wits about her.
When I travel, I’m always careful to keep my things with me in crowded places. I keep my wits about me. |
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keep (someone) at arm’s length
------------ to keep someone at a distance emotionally |
You can’t expect people to be very friendly to you when you always keep them at arm’s length.
Craig thinks that if he keeps everyone at arm’s length, he won’t fall in love and get hurt. |
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keep (something) under (one’s) hat
------------ to keep something secret |
Don’t tell Richard anything you don’t want everyone else to know. It’s impossible for him to keep anything under his hat.
I’m not telling anyone yet, but Tom and I are getting married. Keep it under your hat, okay? |
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keep the ball rolling
------------ to maintain momentum; to keep some process going |
The principal has done so much and worked so hard to improve this school. Who’s going to keep the ball rolling when she retires?
Mr. Preston had managed to motivate his employees to higher production levels, and he wanted to keep them going. He wondered how he could keep the ball rolling. |
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keep up with the joneses
------------ to have the same standard of living as one’s friends and neighbors do |
My wife seems to think that we should buy our children cars of their own just because most of our friends do. She seems to think we have to keep up with the Joneses.
Keeping up with the Joneses can be very expensive. Every time your neighbor improves his home or buys a new car, you feel you have to, too. |
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keyed up
------------ full of nervous anticipation; anxious; tense |
Stop pacing the floor. Relax. Why are you so keyed up?
Charles was so keyed up waiting for the wedding to begin that when it finally did, he dropped the wedding ring. |
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kick the bucket
------------ to die |
I plan on spending all my money before I kick the bucket. I’m not going to leave a penny of it to my relatives.
Your father hasn’t yet made a will. He doesn’t plan on kicking the bucket anytime soon. The old woman was a person everyone in the neighborhood disliked. There were not too many mourners when she kicked the bucket. |
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kick up (one’s) heels
------------ to have a lively and fun time, usually at a party or dance |
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are certainly having a good time at the party. They haven’t kicked up their heels like this for years.
Put down your work, get out of the house, and come to the dance. Why don’t you kick up your heels for a change? |
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kill two birds with one stone
------------ to accomplish two objectives with one action |
I have to go to New York on business this Friday, and I’ve needed to get some new suits for some time. Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone: I’ll attend to my business in New York on Friday and Monday and do some shopping over the weekend.
I need to get rid of all the old baby clothes I had for my children when they were small. Since you are about to have your first baby, why don’t I give the clothes to you? We’ll kill two birds with one stone. |
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knee-high to a grasshopper
------------ very young |
I was just knee-high to a grasshopper when I first went fishing with my father. I couldn’t have been more than five years old.
Look how small these pants are! I must have been knee-high to a grasshopper the last time I wore them. |
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knock/throw (someone) for a loop/ knocked/thrown for a loop
------------ to shock, surprise, or astound someone |
The teacher threw me for a loop when she told me I had failed the exam. I thought I had done so well.
Alan was knocked for a loop when he found out he had won $5,000 in the lottery. |
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know the ins and outs
------------ to be familiar with the details and hidden meanings of an activity or situation |
When you travel to a foreign country, it is wise to hire a guide if you don’t know the ins and outs of the place.
American businesses often hire host country nationals to help them do business in foreign countries because the host country nationals know the ins and outs of doing business with their own countrymen. |
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know the ropes
------------ to be familiar with a task or situation |
Let Marilyn help you get the manuscript published the first time. She knows the ropes and she’ll save you a lot of time and effort.
You have to know the ropes if you want to get hired in this city. Employers are looking for people with connections and know-how, not untried youngsters fresh out of college. |
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knuckle down
------------ to do one’s work seriously; to apply oneself fully; to get busy |
The young man hadn’t been studying very much and now he was failing his courses. The student advisor told him he would have to knuckle down if he wanted to avoid being expelled.
Mary frequently complains that she doesn’t have enough time to finish her work. But if she would spend less time chatting and just knuckle down, she would get it done. |
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knuckle under
------------ to submit or give in to pressure |
Don’t let society beat you down or make you be the way everyone else is. Don’t knuckle under.
The mob leader promised that they would never make him reveal his partners in crime, no matter how badly they treated him. He swore he would never knuckle under. |
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labor of love
------------ something done out of affection or great interest |
Martha loves to knit sweaters for her children. She could buy them for less money than it costs her to make them, but they are a labor of love for her.
When Ralph built a wagon for his son, he picked out the wood himself, carefully sanded each piece, and handpainted it with more coats of paint than necessary. Building the wagon was a labor of love because it was for his son. |
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lame duck
------------ a person who holds an office but has little real influence because he or she has not been reelected |
After an election, a lame duck congress often gets a lot of serious work done because the members who have been voted out are no longer running for office and no longer have to worry about pleasing their constituents.
The board of directors chose a new chairman to take over running the company. The old chairman had a few weeks left before he had to step aside, but his workers no longer feared him because he was a lame duck. |
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last but not least
------------ the final item on a list, but not the least important |
If you want to borrow my car, you have to follow the rules. First, you must obey the speed limit, fill up the gas tank before you bring it back, and bring it back before I need it tomorrow. Last but not least, you may not drive it if you have been drinking alcohol.
John accomplished a lot in his lifetime. He was a teacher and an activist for the poor, he wrote several books, and last but not least, he raised four successful children. |
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last/final straw
------------ the final thing; the thing or action that is too much or goes too far |
Constance finally quit her job because the boss asked her to make the coffee and act as a hostess, even though she was hired as an accountant. The last straw came when the boss asked her to go out and buy his family’s Christmas presents and then complained because she couldn’t get her work done.
First the builder dropped paint on their new carpet, then he backed his ladder through their window. When he backed his truck over their prized flowerbed, it was the final straw, and they told him not to come back. |
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last-ditch effort
------------ a very strenuous final attempt |
I’m going to try a last-ditch effort to uproot this old oak tree myself before I call the tree company to come and do it by machine.
Ronnie slipped and fell as he ran to catch the baseball, but when he looked up, the ball was still sailing through the air. Ronnie got up and made a last-ditch effort to catch the ball. |
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laugh all the way to the bank
------------ to be proved right or successful in the face of scorn, particularly as regards money |
No one wanted to invest in Paul’s scheme to make money, because they thought it sounded crazy. When it worked, he laughed all the way to the bank.
People think Mrs. Walker is silly to save money now for her retirement, but she’ll laugh all the way to the bank when she has a comfortable lifestyle later. |
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lay (one’s) cards on the table
------------ to be open and honest; to reveal everything |
They didn’t understand what Mr. Palmer’s plan would lead to or why he was trying to involve them, so finally they asked him to lay his cards on the table.
When the boss had been strangely quiet for several weeks, the workers knew that something must have been going on. One day she called a meeting and told them that now she could lay her cards on the table. |
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lay an egg
------------ to do something embarrassing |
I really laid an egg when I asked that elderly woman how old she was. I was just curious, but I should have known it was the wrong thing to do.
Everyone stopped talking and looked at the young man in disbelief when he asked Mr. Thomas about his salary. The young man had really laid an egg. |
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lay down the law
------------ to set rules and regulations |
The boss had noticed that the employees frequently took more time than they were allowed for lunch and coffee breaks. The boss knew he had to put a stop to it, so he called a meeting and laid down the law.
The teacher decided that he would no longer tolerate late homework, coming late to class, or chatting during class. When the students were all in their seats, he laid down the law. |
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lead (someone) around by the nose
------------ to dominate someone; to force someone to do something |
The department chairman runs the department, and no one else has any say in how things are done. He leads everyone by the nose.
The students seem to be in control of what’s going on in the classroom. They lead the teacher around by the nose. |
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learn the ropes
------------ to become familiar with a task or situation |
The bank manager told the new trainee to keep his eyes open and watch what the other tellers did until he learned the ropes.
I’m willing to work long hours and I’ll work for free. I’m anxious to learn the ropes of this business. |
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leave (someone) high and dry
------------ abandoned or stranded; helpless |
Bob got a ride to the party with his friends, but they left without him and he had no way to get home. They left him high and dry.
When you buy a package vacation trip through a travel agency, be sure that it is a company that has a good reputation. Too many companies have gone out of business, leaving those who have already paid their money high and dry. |
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leave (someone) holding the bag
------------ to leave somebody with unwanted responsibility |
If I invest my money with you and things go badly, I want to make sure you’re going to take responsibility. I don’t want you to leave me holding the bag.
Laura took a risk and it failed, and she was left holding the bag. |
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leave (someone)/ get left in the lurch
------------ to abandon someone to a difficult situation, forcing him or her to take all the responsibility |
The builder hired several carpenters and electricians to work on the building, but he left them in the lurch when it came time to pay them.
The company went bankrupt and the stockholders got left in the lurch. They had to pay all the outstanding bills. Where were you at four o’clock? I thought you were going to attend the meeting and help us with the difficult decisions that needed to be made. You shouldn’t have left us in the lurch like that. |
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leave (someone)/get left out in the cold
------------ to shun someone; to exclude someone from a place or activity |
Mary seemed not to care for anyone else’s feelings, and managed to offend just about everyone. Eventually she got left out in the cold and no one included her in their plans or parties.
I don’t know what I did wrong, but I’d like to make up for it. Please don’t leave me out in the cold. |
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leave no stone unturned
------------ to search everywhere |
The boss called the employees together for a meeting. He said he didn’t know who was stealing from the company, but that he would leave no stone unturned until he found out who it was.
The police looked everywhere for the prisoner who had escaped. They left no stone unturned, but they were unable to find him. |
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leave well enough alone
------------ to accept a situation as it is; to avoid trying to improve a situation one’s actions might make it worse |
Her work isn’t perfect, but your criticism might just make the situation worse. I recommend that you leave well enough alone.
I’m a perfectionist, so I can never leave well enough alone. Sometimes that is okay, but sometimes it causes me nothing but trouble. |
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lend/give (someone) an/(one’s) ear
------------ to listen to someone |
The boss walked into the coffee room where we were chatting and asked us to lend him an ear. He wanted us to listen to what he had to say.
All the children pulled on the teacher’s skirt, begging to hear the news. She finally told them that if they gave her an ear, she would tell them what they wanted to hear. |
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let (someone/something) slip through (someone’s) fingers
------------ to lose something because one takes too much time to consider the situation |
They had the opportunity to make a lot of money, but they didn’t act quickly enough and the chance slipped through their fingers.
When Mike asked Irene to marry him, she told him she wanted time to think it over. But she waited too long and Mike married someone else. She let him slip through her fingers. |
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let sleeping dogs lie
------------ to not look for trouble or stir up a troublesome situation |
The situation seems to have resolved itself, and I’m not going to bring it up again. I’m going to let sleeping dogs lie.
The politician resigned his office before his colleagues could bring charges of misconduct against him. After that, they let sleeping dogs lie and didn’t pursue the matter. |
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let the cat out of the bag
------------ to reveal a secret |
When Rachel decided she was going to quit her job, she told her best friend but she didn’t want to let the cat out of the bag. Rachel told her friend not to tell anyone.
The children put their money together to buy their mother a birthday present, but the youngest child became excited and couldn’t keep from telling his mother what they had bought. His brothers and sisters told him he shouldn’t have let the cat out of the bag. |
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letter perfect
------------ exactly right |
The boss was always happy with Meg’s typing because it was letter perfect.
The actor practiced his lines over and over so that he wouldn’t make any mistakes on stage. He wanted to get his lines letter perfect. |
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life of riley
------------ the good life; a comfortable life |
When Henry retires, he plans to live the life of Riley. He won’t have to work and he’ll be able to putter around the garden every day.
Mrs. Hartley lived the life of Riley until her husband died and she had to take on two jobs to support herself. |
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like water off a duck’s back
------------ having no effect on someone |
Patricia never takes criticism personally. She accepts it and doesn’t feel hurt—it’s like water off a duck’s back.
When I told my husband that the storm had ripped off a large part of our roof, the news was like water off a duck’s back. He said, “It could have been worse.” |
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live and let live
------------ to live without interference from other; to not interfere with the lives of others |
They were very good neighbors because they never complained or worried about how other people looked after their houses. Their attitude was live and let live.
Don’t tell me how to run my life and I won’t tell you how to run yours. Let’s live and let live. |
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live in the lap of luxury
------------ to be very comfortable because one is well-off financially |
Because she was the richest movie star in the business, she had a magnificent house, servants, cars and clothes. She was living in the lap of luxury.
If this business deal succeeds, we’ll never have to worry about money again. We’ll be living in the lap of luxury. |
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lock, stock, and barrel
------------ everything; the entirety |
When the farmer moved away, he sold his land, his farmhouse, his livestock and all his equipment. He sold everything lock, stock, and barrel.
The shop owner arrived at his shop one morning to find that thieves had stolen all his merchandise. They had cleaned him out lock, stock, and barrel. |
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long shot
------------ an attempt at something that has only a small chance of being successful |
The newspaper reporter didn’t know where the actor was staying. It was a long shot, but he guessed that it would be a hotel near the movie studio. He found the actor at the second hotel he called.
When they found a house that they really wanted to buy, they called the owners, but found out that they were not interested in selling. It had been a long shot, so they weren’t too disappointed. |
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look down (one’s) nose at (someone/something)
------------ to be snobbish about someone or something |
The well-off people in this city look down their noses at taking public transportation. They only take taxis.
The girl’s parents would not let her marry the young man because he was from a lower social class. They looked down their noses at him. |
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look like the cat that swallowed the canary
------------ to have a knowing and self-satisfied smile on one’s face; to be pleased with oneself, often because one has done something which one knows was wrong but which was very enjoyable |
The clever businessman had just completed a very profitable deal for a very good price, and he was very pleased with himself. He looked like the cat that swallowed the canary.
When the teacher came into the classroom, the students sat there looking like cats that swallowed the canaries. The teacher knew the students must be planning something mischievous. |
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look sharp
------------ to have a neat and orderly appearance (sentence or to have a stylish appearance (sentence 2) |
The army drill sergeant shouted at his troops to stand straight, pull in their stomachs, put their heads up and pull their shoulders back. Then he yelled, “Look sharp.”
The boss used to be a pretty sloppy dresser, but now he wore stylish slacks, silk ties, nice shoes, and top- quality jackets. He really looked sharp. |
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look/feel like death warmed over
------------ to look/feel ill or exhausted |
Sue looked like death warmed over when we went to see her in the hospital after her surgery.
I stayed up for three nights straight studying for my philosophy exam and now I feel like death warmed over. |
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lose (one’s) cool
------------ to become angry |
When another soccer player tripped Mary and the referee didn’t notice, Mary lost her cool and shoved the other girl back.
I know you think Tom stole your idea, but you can’t lose your temper in this meeting. Don’t lose your cool. |
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lose/hold (one’s) temper
------------ to become suddenly angry. To hold one’s temper means to remain calm when irritated. |
The children’s mother was tired of asking them to pick up their toys. Finally, she lost her temper and yelled at them.
Joel was a calm and quiet person who never became visibly angry. Even when pushed, he was always able to hold his temper. |
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low man on the totem pole
------------ the person of lowest rank |
Sheila eventually wanted to become a manager, but since she had just joined the company, she would have to be low man on the totem pole for now.
Chris was happy when he finally got a promotion in the company. He was no longer low man on the totem pole. |
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lucky dog/stiff
------------ a lucky person |
They got to the airport late and, because there were no more economy seats left, they got to sit in first class for no extra charge. They sure were lucky dogs.
Carl has relatives who own a car dealership, so he always gets a good deal when he buys a new car. He’s a lucky stiff. |
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make (one’s) blood boil
------------ to cause someone to become extremely angry |
I had told Fred never to borrow my car without permission again, but he did it anyway. That makes my blood boil.
The secretary could hardly believe what one of the office workers had said about her. She was angrier than she could ever remember being before. It made her blood boil. |
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make (one’s) mouth water
------------ to make one salivate in anticipation of something good |
The chocolate in the display window looks delicious. It makes my mouth water.
Charles had been saving his money, and now he was so close to being able to buy the sports car he wanted, it made his mouth water. He could practically taste it. |
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make (something) from scratch
------------ to make something by putting together the separate basic components, rather than using a mix or kit or buying something pre-made |
My mother never buys cake mixes or ready-made cookies at the supermarket. She always buys the flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, and makes cakes and cookies from scratch.
George didn’t use a kit from a store to build a playhouse for his children. Instead, he designed the playhouse himself, bought all the materials he needed, and made it from scratch. |
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make a clean breast of it
------------ to admit and explain some wrongdoing; to confess something |
The thief admitted to the judge that he was guilty and told him the whole story of his crime. He made a clean breast of it.
The children had lied about taking the candy without permission. They eventually went to their father and made a clean breast of it, telling him everything. |
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make a long story short
------------ to summarize; to tell only the main points |
To make a long story short, I think your idea is terrible.
He tried to make a long story short, but she wouldn’t let him finish. |
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make a mountain out of a molehill
------------ to exaggerate the importance of something; to react more strongly to a situation than is reasonably called for |
I know you feel hurt because Jean didn’t invite you to her wedding, but it was a very small wedding, with just family members and very close friends. You’re making a mountain out of a molehill if you get upset about it.
The clerk gave me the wrong item, then he charged me the wrong price and gave me the wrong change. Should I complain to the manager about him, or am I making a mountain out of a molehill? |
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make ends meet
------------ to manage financially; to have enough money for one’s basic needs |
We can hardly pay the rent, buy enough food, and keep the children in clothing. We’re barely making ends meet.
Roger was unable to support his family on his teacher’s salary. He made ends meet by taking a second job. |
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make heads or tails of (something)
------------ to understand something |
I can’t hear you clearly because the telephone connection is bad. I can’t make heads or tails of what you’re saying.
First Louise turned the book one way, then the other. She couldn’t make heads or tails of the picture she was looking at. |
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make or break
------------ to be the deciding factor in whether something succeeds or fails |
The Smiths were about to sell their house, but the buyers didn’t like the color. The Smiths decided to give it a new coat of paint at no extra cost, in case painting the house might make or break the deal.
Susan decided to study for the test through the night. She knew that her grade on this test would make or break her chances of getting admitted to graduate school. |
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make the grade
------------ to meet standards; to be satisfactory |
Of the ten semifinalists in the competition, only three made the grade to become finalists.
At the end of many manufacturing processes, people check the quality of the goods produced. If the final products don’t make the grade, they have to be thrown out. |
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make tracks
------------ to leave, usually quickly |
We have no reason to stay around, so let’s get going. Let’s make tracks.
The boys were playing catch when they accidentally broke one of Mr. Carson’s front windows. You’ve never seen two boys make tracks as fast as they did. |
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mark time
------------ to wait out one’s time by doing the minimum and without progressing |
Richard isn’t interested in making a career out of the army. He’s just putting in the minimum amount of time, marking time until he can leave.
Carol doesn’t particularly care for the job she has now, so she’s decided to mark time until the job she really wants comes along. |
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method to (one’s) madness
------------ explanation; forethought or logic |
There is some method to her madness. It’s just difficult to understand her way of doing things.
There is a method to my madness. I like to work on difficult jobs in the morning, when I have the most energy. I save all the simple, boring tasks in the evening, when I need less brain power. |
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midas touch
------------ the ability to make money or to be successful at everything one becomes involved in |
Everything Linda does is a success. She really has the Midas touch.
When it comes to investing money and buying stocks, they have the Midas touch. It seems like everything they buy goes up in value. |
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millstone around (one’s) neck
------------ a burden or handicap, or a source of worry or concern |
My elderly parents’ house is a millstone around my neck. They are unable to keep it up and I have to do all the repairs myself or pay someone to do them for me. I wish they would sell the house and rent an apartment instead.
This year’s taxes have become a millstone around my neck. If I had just gotten them done early, they wouldn’t be stressing me out now. |
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mind (one’s) own business
------------ to not inquire about, become involved in, or interfere with other people’s affairs |
Sarah started to ask them some very personal questions. They told her to mind her own business.
They were just sitting on the bus bench, minding their own business, when a stranger approached them and started telling them his life story. |
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miss the boat
------------ to miss an opportunity because one is too late |
I saw the furniture advertised on sale, but I didn’t get to the store in time to buy it. I missed the boat on that one.
Daniel plans to apply for college at the last possible moment. If he doesn’t allow himself enough time, he’s going to miss the boat. |
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money to burn
------------ extra money; money to spend however one likes |
The company managers are taking us all out to an expensive restaurant for lunch. They must have money to burn!
I have to be careful how I spend my money. I don’t have money to burn. |
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monkey around
------------ to play like a monkey, i.e., climb on or examine things with curiosity |
The children have to play in their bedroom. The living room is not for them to monkey around in.
Steve likes to monkey around with old cars to see if he can fix them. |
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monkey business
------------ suspicious activity (sentence 1) or mischievous activity (sentence 2) |
The boss wasn’t sure, but he suspected that there was some monkey business going on with the company accounts.
The children had become very quiet in the playroom and their mother decided it was time to see what kind of monkey business they were up to. |
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more (something) than (one) bargained for
------------ more than one expected |
I agreed to join a book club because the saleswoman said I didn’t have to buy any book I didn’t want, but I was shocked when I learned I had to spend a certain amount of money every month. It was more of a commitment than I bargained for.
I thought you were looking forward to being in the army. Was it more work than you bargained for? |
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more than meets the eye
------------ some hidden aspect to a situation |
I can’t see any reason why this man on the telephone is trying to give me a free vacation. There’s more here than meets the eye.
When Jerry had received a letter saying that the company was letting him go, the reason the letter gave was a lack of work, but Jerry had been busier than ever these last few months. He thought to himself, “There’s more to this than meets the eye.” |
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move heaven and earth
------------ to try very hard to do something |
The young man was accused of a terrible crime. His parents were convinced that he was innocent and swore they would move heaven and earth to get him acquitted.
Linda’s daughter is getting married on Friday, the same day Linda gets back from an out-of-town business trip. She will move heaven and earth to get to the wedding on time. |
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neck of the woods
------------ an area; a place |
I don’t recognize you and I know just about everyone in this town. You must not be from this neck of the woods.
Excuse me. Can you give me directions? I’m not familiar with this neck of the woods. |
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need (something) like (one) needs a hole in the head
------------ to have absolutely no need for something |
Bonita arrived at work to find a new stack of papers on her desk. “I need more work like I need a hole in the head,” she complained.
Don’t subscribe to another magazine, since you already receive more magazines than you can possibly read. You need a new magazine like you need a hole in the head. |
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nip (something) in the bud
------------ to stop something before it becomes big or involved; to stop something before it gets much of a start |
My three-year-old son has become rude and demanding. I don’t like his bad behavior and I’m going to nip it in the bud before it gets any worse.
The boss wasn’t happy with a few of his workers who had begun to leave the office before quitting time. He was afraid they would fall into the habit of leaving early if he didn’t nip it in the bud, so he told them they would have to stop. |
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nix (something)
------------ to cancel an idea or plan; to reject or forbid something |
I thought it was an excellent idea, but he nixed it. Now we are back to where we started.
Every time I ask my parents if I can visit my cousins, they nix my request. They think my cousin is a bad influence on me. |
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no rhyme or reason
------------ logic; explanation |
Linda didn’t understand why George had done what he did, so she asked him if there was any rhyme or reason for his behavior.
I was walking quietly down the street when I saw this dog sitting inside its yard. Then, with no rhyme or reason, the dog jumped over the fence and bit me. |
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none of (one’s) business
------------ private; not for anybody else to know |
You keep asking me how much money I have, but I don’t want to tell you. It’s none of your business.
I wish my sister would stop asking questions about my personal life. It’s none of her business. |
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not (one’s) cup of tea
------------ not to suit someone; not to one’s liking |
I like going to parks and doing things outdoors. Going to museums and galleries just isn’t my cup of tea.
The man JoAnn met at the party was nice, but he wasn’t her cup of tea. |
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not have a leg to stand on
------------ to be in an indefensible situation or to have no support for an argument or case |
Some of the workers accused Louis of stealing from the company, but they didn’t have a leg to stand on. He had never stolen from the company and they had no proof that he had.
Stop trying to persuade me that you didn’t start the fight. You don’t have a leg to stand on. All the children saw the whole thing, and they told me exactly how it happened. Having a leg to stand on lends support to something, and not having a leg to stand on means support is lacking. |
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not hold (one’s) breath
------------ to not wait for something to happen because it probably won’t happen soon, if at all |
Shirley said she would come, but don’t hold your breath. She often doesn’t show up, even when she says she will.
I’m hoping they will decide to buy the house, but I’m not holding my breath. So many things can go wrong with the deal. |
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not hold a candle to (someone)
------------ not equal to someone or something; when two persons or things are compared, the first one is clearly inferior to the second one |
This house doesn’t hold a candle to the one we looked at yesterday. The one we saw yesterday was practically twice the size and had much better light. |
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not know (someone) from adam |
Who is that speaking at the podium? Is it the chairman? I don’t know him from Adam. |
