Idioms and Phrases: Meaning, Usage In Sentences, Usage in Sentences

Idioms and phrases are a type of figurative language that add color and expression to our language. They are a combination of words that have a meaning that is different from the meanings of the individual words. For example, the phrase "kick the bucket" means to die.

In terms of exams, idioms and phrases can be particularly useful for the following:

• English language exams: idioms and phrases can demonstrate a high level of vocabulary and understanding of the language.
• Writing exams: idioms and phrases can add variety and interest to written compositions.
• Oral exams: idioms and phrases can be used to demonstrate fluency and confidence in speaking.
  
  

It is important to note that idioms and phrases should be used appropriately and in the correct context. Using idioms and phrases that are not familiar to the listener or reader can cause confusion or be misinterpreted.

Definition of Idiom and Phrase:

• Break a leg - an expression used to wish someone good luck, often said to performers before a show.
  Example: "Good luck on your presentation, John. Break a leg!"
  
  
• Bite the bullet - to face a difficult or unpleasant situation head on.
  Example: "I don't want to go to the dentist, but I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and make an appointment."
  
  
• Barking up the wrong tree - making a mistake by pursuing the wrong course of action.
  Example: "If you think I stole your pen, you're barking up the wrong tree."
  
  
• Bend over backwards - to make a lot of effort to help or please someone.
  Example: "I appreciate that you're willing to bend over backwards to help me out."
  
  
• Cat got your tongue - an expression used when someone is unusually quiet or not speaking.
  Example: "Why are you so quiet today? Cat got your tongue?"
  
  
• Cry over spilled milk - to complain or be upset about something that can't be changed.
  Example: "I know you're upset about the broken vase, but there's no use crying over spilled milk."
  
  
• Cost an arm and a leg - to be very expensive.
  Example: "I'd love to buy that car, but it would cost me an arm and a leg."
  
  
• Cut to the chase - to get to the most important point without wasting time.
  Example: "Can you please cut to the chase and tell me what happened?"
  
  
• Easier said than done - something that is difficult to do despite being easy to say.
  Example: "I know you say you'll stop smoking, but it's easier said than done."
  
  
• Every cloud has a silver lining - there is always something positive in a negative situation.
  Example: "I know you lost your job, but every cloud has a silver lining. This could be an opportunity for you to find something better."
  
  
• "Fishing for compliments" - trying to get someone to give you a compliment.
  Example: "I can tell you're fishing for compliments, but you look great today."
  
  
• "Get cold feet" - to become nervous or uncertain about doing something.
  Example: "I was all set to propose to her, but I got cold feet at the last minute."
  
  
• "Get the ball rolling" - to start something happening.
  Example: "We need to get the ball rolling on this project if we want to meet our deadline."
  
  
• "Give the benefit of the doubt" - to assume that someone is telling the truth or acting in good faith. Example: "I know he's made mistakes in the past, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt."
  
  
• "Go the extra mile" - to make a greater effort than is required.
  Example: "I really appreciate that you're willing to go the extra mile to help me with this project."
  
  
• "Hang in there" - to remain strong and persistent in the face of adversity.
  Example: "I know things are tough right now, but just hang in there. It will get better."
  
  
• "Hit the nail on the head" - to say or do something exactly right.
  Example: "In the heat of the moment" - acting impulsively without thinking about the consequences.
  
  
• "In the same boat" - to be in a similar situation as someone else.
  Example: "I know you're struggling with your finances, but don't worry, we're all in the same boat."
  
  
• "It's not rocket science" - something that is easy to understand or do.
  Example: "I know you're worried about the math test, but it's not rocket science. Just study and you'll do fine."
  
  
• "Jump on the bandwagon" - to join a popular trend or movement.
  Example: "I know you're not usually interested in politics, but don't you want to jump on the bandwagon and vote in the election?"
  
  
• "Kill two birds with one stone" - to accomplish two things with one action.
  Example: "I'm going to the store to buy groceries, and I'll kill two birds with one stone by picking up my dry cleaning while I'm there."
  
  
• "Let the cat out of the bag" - to reveal a secret.
  Example: "I can't believe she let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party."
  
  
• "Let sleeping dogs lie" - to leave something alone and not make it worse.
  Example: "I know you're angry about what he said, but it's best to just let sleeping dogs lie and move on."
  
  
• "Like a chicken with its head cut off" - acting in a panicked or confused way.
  Example: "I can't believe how he's acting, he's running around like a chicken with its head cut off."
  
  
• "Loan a hand" - to help someone.
  Example: "I can see you're struggling, let me loan a hand."
  
  
• "Look a gift horse in the mouth" - to be ungrateful for something given as a gift.
  Example: "I know you're not happy with the color of the shirt, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
  
  
• "Make a mountain out of a molehill" - to make a big deal out of something minor.
  Example: "I know you're upset, but don't make a mountain out of a molehill. It's not that big of a deal."
  
  
• "Miss the boat" - to miss an opportunity.
  Example: "I can't believe you're not going to the concert, you're gonna miss the boat."
  
  
• "Money doesn't grow on trees" - money is not easily obtained.
  Example: "I know you want a new video game, but money doesn't grow on trees."
  
  
• "More than one way to skin a cat" - there are many ways to achieve a goal.
  Example: "I know you're struggling with this problem, but remember, there's more than one way to skin a cat."
  
  
• "Mum's the word" - keep a secret.
  Example: "I trust you can keep this secret, mum's the word."
  
  
• "Nip it in the bud" - to stop a problem before it becomes worse.
  Example: "I can see that this argument is getting out of hand, let's nip it in the bud."
  
  
• "Off the hook" - to be released from a responsibility or obligation.
  Example: "I'm glad you finished the project, you're off the hook now."
  
  
• "On the ball" - tobe well-organized and efficient.
  Example: "I can always count on you to get things done, you're really on the ball."
  
  
• "On the same page" - to be in agreement or understanding with someone.
  Example: "I want to make sure we're all on the same page before we start the meeting."
  
  
• "Out of the frying pan and into the fire" - to leave a bad situation and enter a worse one.
  Example: "I thought quitting my job would solve my problems, but it's like I've gone from the frying pan into the fire."
  
  
• "Out of the loop" - to not have access to important information.
  Example: "I feel like I'm out of the loop, can you fill me in on what's been happening?"
  
  
• "Over the top" - excessive or extreme.
  Example: "I know you're excited, but that's a bit over the top."
  
  
• "Pain in the neck" - a person or thing that is difficult to deal with.
  Example: "I can't believe how much of a pain in the neck this project has been."
  
  
• "Pass the buck" - to avoid responsibility by passing it to someone else.
  Example: "I can't believe he's trying to pass the buck and blame it on me."
  
  
• "Playing with fire" - to take a dangerous risk.
  Example: "I know you're excited about this opportunity, but don't forget you're playing with fire."
  
  
• "Raining cats and dogs" - raining heavily.
  Example: "I can't believe how hard it's raining, it's like cats and dogs out there."
  
  
• "Read between the lines" - to understand the hidden meaning or subtext of something.
  Example: "I know she's not saying it outright, but you have to read between the lines to see what she's really saying."
  
  
• "Ride shotgun" - to sit in the front passenger seat of a car.
  Example: "I'll sit in the back, you can ride shotgun."
  
  
• "Roll with the punches" - to adapt to changing circumstances.
  Example: "I know things aren't going as planned, but we have to roll with the punches."
  
  
• "Rub salt in the wound" - to make a bad situation worse by bringing attention to it.
  Example: "I know you're feeling down, but don't rub salt in the wound by reminding her of her mistakes."
  
  
• "Sell like hotcakes" - to sell quickly and in large quantities.
  Example: "I can't believe how quickly these tickets are selling, they're going like hotcakes."
  
  
• "Speak of the devil" - a coincidence when the person you were just talking about appears.
  Example: "I was just talking about you and here you are, speak of the devil."
  
  
• "Throw in the towel" - to give up or quit.
  Example: "I know it's tough, but don't throw in the towel just yet, we can still win this.""Throw caution to the wind" - to act without considering the consequences. Example: "I know it's risky, but let's throw caution to the wind and go for it."
  
  
• "Throw money at the problem" - to try to solve a problem by spending money.
  Example: "I know you want to fix the issue, but throwing money at the problem isn't going to solve anything."
  
  
• "Toe the line" - to conform to rules or expectations.
  Example: "I know you want to be creative, but you need to toe the line and follow the company's guidelines."
  
  
• "Tooth and nail" - to fight or struggle fiercely.
  Example: "I know you're determined to win, but don't fight tooth and nail, it's not worth it."
  
  
• "Two peas in a pod" - two people who are very similar or get along well.
  Example: "I'm so glad you and your sister get along so well, you're like two peas in a pod."
  
  
• "Under the weather" - to be slightly ill or feeling unwell.
  Example: "I'm not feeling well, I think I'm a bit under the weather."
  
  
• "Up in the air" - unresolved or uncertain.
  Example: "I know you're waiting for an answer, but the decision is still up in the air."
  
  
• "Wake-up call" - something that makes you realize something important.
  Example: "I know you've been ignoring the problem, but this is a wake-up call that it needs to be addressed."
  
  
• "Wash your hands off" - to dissociate oneself from a situation or responsibility.
  Example: "I know you're not happy with the outcome, but you need to wash your hands off and move on."
  
  
• "Watch your back" - to be cautious and aware of potential danger.
  Example: "I know the situation is tense, so watch your back."
  
  
• "Wear your heart on your sleeve" - to be open and transparent about your emotions.
  Example: "I know you're passionate about this, but try not to wear your heart on your sleeve."
  
  
• "With flying colors" - to pass something with success.
  Example: "I know you're worried about the test, but you'll pass with flying colors."
  
  
• "Wrap your head around" - to understand something complex.
  Example: "I know the concept is difficult, but try to wrap your head around it."
  
  
• "Wrong side of the bed" - having a bad or grumpy attitude.
  Example: "I can tell you're in a bad mood, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"
  
  
• "Actions speak louder than words" - actions have greater impact than words.
  Example: "I know you're saying you're sorry, but actions speak louder than words."
  
  
• "Add fuel to the fire" - to make a bad situation worse.
  Example: "I know you're angry, but don't add fuel to the fire by arguing."
  
  
• "All bark and no bite" - to talk big but do nothing.
  Example: "I know you're talking big, but you're all bark and no bite."
  
  
• "All ears" - to be attentive and ready to listen.
  Example: "I know you have something to say, I'm all ears."
  
  
• "All in the same boat" - to be in the same situation as others.
  Example: "I know you're struggling, but we'reall in the same boat and we'll get through it together."
  
  
• "All talk, no action" - to say something but not do anything about it.
  Example: "I know you have good ideas, but you're all talk and no action."
  
  
• "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" - eating healthy can prevent illness.
  Example: "I know you don't like vegetables, but remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away."
  
  
• "An axe to grind" - a personal or selfish motive.
  Example: "I know you're taking sides, but remember, you have an axe to grind."
  
  
• "An elephant in the room" - an obvious problem or issue that is not being addressed.
  Example: "I know you're avoiding the topic, but there's an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed."
  
  
• "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" - it's better to prevent a problem than to fix it later. Example: "I know you don't want to take the time to maintain the equipment, but remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
  
  
• "Anchors aweigh" - a naval command to weigh anchor.
  Example: "It's time to set sail, anchors aweigh!"
  
  
• "At a crossroads" - a point where a decision needs to be made.
  Example: "I know you're unsure what to do, but remember, you're at a crossroads and a decision needs to be made."
  
  
• "At the end of the day" - when everything is considered.
  Example: "I know you're feeling down, but at the end of the day, you'll be fine."
  
  
• "At the drop of a hat" - to act quickly and without hesitation.
  Example: "I know you're ready to go, you're ready to act at the drop of a hat."
  
  
• "Back to square one" - to return to the beginning.
  Example: "I know you're struggling with the project, but don't worry, we can always go back to square one."
  
  
• "Baker's dozen" - thirteen.
  Example: "I know you want a dozen, but I'll give you a baker's dozen to be safe."
  
  
• "Barking up the wrong tree" - pursuing a mistaken course of action.
  Example: "I know you're accusing me of stealing, but you're barking up the wrong tree."
  
  
• "Beating a dead horse" - to persist in discussing something that has already been settled.
  Example: "I know you're trying to make your point, but you're just beating a dead horse."
  
  
• "Bite off more than you can chew" - to take on more than you can handle.
  Example: "I know you're excited about this project, but don't bite off more than you can chew."
  
  
• "Bit the dust" - to die or fail.
  Example: "I know the relationship didn't work out, but don't worry, it's not the end of the world, it just bit the dust."
  
  
• "Blood is thicker than water" - family relationships are stronger than others.
  Example: "I know you're upset with your brother, but remember, blood is thicker than water."
  
  
• "Break a leg" - good luck.
  Example: "Good luck with your audition, break a leg!"
  
  
• "Bring home the bacon" - to earn a living or make a success.
  Example: "I know you're working hard, but don't forget to bring home the bacon."
  
  
• "Burn the candle at both ends" - to work or play excessively, often leading to exhaustion.
  Example: "I know you want to do well, but don't burn the candle at both ends, you need to rest."
  
  
• "Butter someone up" - to flatter someone in order to gain favor.
  Example: "I know you're trying to get a promotion, but don't butter your boss up too much, it may come across as insincere."
  
  
• "Call it a day" - to stop working for the day.
  Example: "I think we've done enough for today, let's call it a day."
  
  
• "Call the shots" - to make the decisions.
  Example: "I know you're the leader, but don't forget to listen to others, you don't have to call all the shots."
  
  
• "Can't judge a book by its cover" - appearances can be deceiving.
  Example: "I know he looks rough, but remember, you can't judge a book by its cover."
  
  
• "Can't make an omelet without breaking eggs" - achieving something difficult will often require sacrifices.
  Example: "I know you're unhappy with the situation, but remember, you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs."
  
  
• "Carrying coals to Newcastle" - to take something where it is already abundant.
  Example: "I know you're trying to sell water in the desert, but it's like carrying coals to Newcastle."
  
  
• "Catch more flies with honey" - being nice is more effective than being harsh.
  Example: "I know you're upset, but remember, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."
  
  
• "Caught between a rock and a hard place" - to be in a difficult or impossible situation.
  Example: "I know you're struggling with the decision, but remember, you're caught between a rock and a hard place."
  
  
• "Change of heart" - to change one's mind.
  Example: "I know you said you didn't want to go, but you've had a change of heart and now you want to attend."
  
  
• "Charity begins at home" - one should take care of one's own family before helping others.
  Example: "I know you want to volunteer, but remember, charity begins at home and you need to take care of your own family first."
  
  
• "Cheat death" - to narrowly avoid death.
  Example: "I can't believe how lucky you were, you cheated death on that accident."
  

Q1. The team has been working hard for months, but they still have a long way to go before they can say they've reached the finish line.

• Reached the end point
• Completed the task
• Given up
• Started a new task

Answer:  Reached the end point

Q2. The new employee was told to not rock the boat and just follow the company's established procedures.

• Make waves
• Be disruptive
• Be innovative
• Be in a hurry

Answer: Make waves

Q3. The CEO's speech was so boring that it put half of the audience to sleep.

• Exciting
• Engaging
• Dull
• Confusing

Answer: Dull

Q4. The company's profits have been on the rise, but they are still playing it safe and not taking any big risks.

• Taking major chances
• Being cautious
• Being reckless
• Not caring about the outcome

Answer: Being cautious

Q5. She has a real chip on her shoulder about her past experiences and it affects her interactions with her colleagues.

• Feeling proud
• Holding a grudge
• Feeling superior
• Feeling inferior

Answer: Feeling Proud

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