Acid test
Idiom
Proves the effectiveness of something.
Example
The final interview was the acid test for the new training program.
CEFR idiom glossary
B2 Idioms & Expressions
Broader idiomatic range for discussion, opinion, and more natural fluent expression.
Add insult to injury
Idiom
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
Example
Missing the bus and then getting soaked in the rain really added insult to injury.
Against the clock
Idiom
Being rushed and having little time to complete something.
Example
The engineers were working against the clock to fix the bridge.
At the drop of a hat
Idiom
Without any hesitation; instantly.
Example
She would help a friend at the drop of a hat.
Back to the basics
Idiom
An approach that uses traditional ideas that have previously worked.
Example
After the failed campaign, the team went back to the basics.
Bide one's time
Idiom
Waiting for further developments before taking action or making decisions.
Example
She decided to bide her time and wait for a better opportunity.
Big cheese
Idiom
Influential person
Example
Everyone waited for the big cheese to approve the budget.
Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Idiom
Better to be satisfied with what you have than risk losing it by trying to get something better.
Example
I took the job offer because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Blackball
Idiom
Exclude or ostracize someone socially. Reject someone.
Example
The club tried to blackball him after the argument.
Blow up in the face
Idiom
A plan or project that suddenly fails.
Example
Their shortcut blew up in their face when the client complained.
Blue blood
Idiom
From noble, aristocratic or wealthy family.
Example
He comes from blue blood, but he lives very simply.
Blue collar
Idiom
Working in a manual labor job.
Example
My uncle worked blue collar jobs his whole life.
Blue ribbon
Idiom
Superior quality or distinction. The best of a group.
Example
The bakery won the blue ribbon at the county fair.
Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
Idiom
Born into a rich and affluent family.
Example
She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and never had to worry about money.
Broken watch is right twice a day
Idiom
When something is lucky or successful but undeserving.
Example
He guessed the answer correctly, but a broken watch is right twice a day.
Buckle down
Idiom
Working hard with determination and full attention.
Example
You need to buckle down if you want to pass the exam.
Butter up
Idiom
Flatter someone, usually because you want something from them.
Example
He tried to butter up the teacher before asking for an extension.
Calling time
Idiom
Deciding to end something.
Example
After ten years, the owners are finally calling time on the restaurant.
Cash cow
Idiom
Dependable source of income.
Example
That video game series has become a cash cow for the company.
Cat burglar
Idiom
Thief who climbs into buildings.
Example
The police believed a cat burglar had entered through the upstairs window.
Chase your tail
Idiom
Spend a lot of time and energy but achieve nothing.
Example
We spent all morning chasing our tails and solved nothing.
Close to home
Idiom
A comment that is true and makes you uncomfortable.
Example
Her comment about debt hit a little too close to home.
Cross that bridge when you come to it
Idiom
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.
Example
Do not worry about the interview yet; we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
Crunch time
Idiom
When an important decision needs to be made by.
Example
It is crunch time for the team as the deadline gets closer.
Cut corners
Idiom
When something is done quickly, and typically badly, to save money.
Example
The builder cut corners, and the roof started leaking.
Cut the mustard
Idiom
To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate.
Example
His first draft did not cut the mustard.
Cut to the chase
Idiom
Getting to the point.
Example
Let's cut to the chase and discuss the budget.
Dead duck
Idiom
Plan or event that has failed or is certain to fail and therefore not worth discussing.
Example
Without enough votes, the proposal is a dead duck.
Dead wood
Idiom
People or things that are no longer useful or necessary.
Example
The company cleared out the dead wood during the restructuring.
Deliver the goods
Idiom
Do what is expected or required.
Example
The new manager promised results and really delivered the goods.
Devil's Advocate
Idiom
To present a counter argument.
Example
I am only playing devil's advocate to test your argument.
Don't count your chickens before they've hatched
Idiom
Don't make plans for something that might not happen.
Example
Do not count your chickens before they've hatched; the contract is not signed yet.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Idiom
Don't make everything dependent on only one thing.
Example
It is safer not to put all your eggs in one basket when you invest.
Drastic times call for drastic measures
Idiom
When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
Example
When the floodwaters rose, drastic times called for drastic measures.
Drawing a blank
Idiom
Get no response from someone when you ask them a question or to have no answer yourself.
Example
When the teacher asked the date, I was drawing a blank.
Eat, sleep & breathe something
Idiom
Being so enthusiastic and passionate about something that you think about it all the time.
Example
She eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball during the season.
Elvis has left the building
Idiom
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Example
The lights are out and the doors are locked, so Elvis has left the building.
Explore all avenues
Idiom
Investigating or examining every option.
Example
Before we cancel the trip, let’s explore all avenues.
Fever pitch
Idiom
When a feeling is very intense and exciting.
Example
Excitement reached fever pitch before the final whistle.
First out of the gate
Idiom
Being the first one to make a start at something
Example
Our company was first out of the gate with a working prototype.
Fish out of water
Idiom
Feeling uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings
Example
I felt like a fish out of water at the formal dinner.
Foot in the door
Idiom
Small but good start with the possibility of a bright future.
Example
That internship could give you a foot in the door.
Full of beans
Idiom
Excited or very energetic and lively.
Example
The children were full of beans after the party.
Getting sacked (or axed, or fired)
Idiom
To lose your job.
Example
He was devastated after getting sacked from his first job.
Getting the show on the road
Idiom
Putting a plan or idea into action.
Example
We have talked enough, so let’s get the show on the road.
Give the benefit of the doubt
Idiom
Believe someone's statement, without proof.
Example
I will give her the benefit of the doubt until we know the facts.
Give the green light
Idiom
Provide permission to proceed.
Example
The board finally gave the green light to the expansion.
Going places
Idiom
Demonstrating talent and ability that will lead to success.
Example
With talent like that, she is really going places.
Golden boy
Idiom
Young man idolized for a great skill, typically in sport.
Example
He became the golden boy of the team after scoring the winning goal.
Grass is always greener on the other side
Idiom
The alternative solution may seem better even if that isn't always the case.
Example
He envies his brother's job, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
Green with envy
Idiom
Extremely jealous or full of envy.
Example
She was green with envy when she saw the new car.
Grey area
Idiom
Unclear or undefined.
Example
The law is still a grey area in cases like this.
Having one's heart set on something
Idiom
Possessing a determination to achieve something.
Example
He has his heart set on studying medicine.
Hear it on the grapevine
Idiom
Hear something through informal or unofficial means, like gossip.
Example
I heard it on the grapevine that they are getting married.
Here today, gone tomorrow
Idiom
When desirable things, such as money or happiness, are temporary.
Example
The bonus was here today, gone tomorrow once the bills arrived.
High time
Idiom
When something should have been done already and is overdue.
Example
It is high time we repaired the front gate.
Hit the nail on the head
Idiom
Do or say something exactly right.
Example
You hit the nail on the head with that suggestion.
Hot potato
Idiom
To speak of a current issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed.
Example
The minister tried to avoid the hot potato of pension reform.
Hour of need
Idiom
When someone really needs something – their last chance.
Example
A true friend helps you in your hour of need.
In due course
Idiom
Everything will happen when it is supposed to or at the appropriate time.
Example
You will receive the documents in due course.
In the black
Idiom
In profit.
Example
After months of losses, the shop is finally in the black.
In the heat of the moment
Idiom
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
Example
In the heat of the moment, she said things she did not mean.
In the nick of time.
Idiom
Just before it is too late.
Example
We arrived in the nick of time to catch the train.
In the red
Idiom
In debt with your bank. To have a negative bank balance or to owe money to the bank.
Example
After paying the repairs, my account was in the red.
In the wrong place at the wrong time
Idiom
When something unlucky happens that would not normally have happened.
Example
The witness was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It takes two to tango
Idiom
Actions or communications need more than one person.
Example
Do not blame only him; it takes two to tango.
Itchy feet
Idiom
Strong impulse to travel or go somewhere.
Example
After six months in one place, she started getting itchy feet.
Judge a book by its cover
Idiom
Judge something primarily on appearance.
Example
You should not judge a book by its cover.
Jump on the bandwagon
Idiom
Join a popular trend or activity.
Example
Many brands jumped on the bandwagon after the app became popular.
Keeping your finger on the pulse
Idiom
Being constantly aware of current developments.
Example
A good manager keeps a finger on the pulse of the team.
Kept in the dark
Idiom
Not knowing the secrets or truth.
Example
We were kept in the dark about the merger until the last minute.
Last straw
Idiom
The final problem in a series of problems that leads to a bad thing happening.
Example
When he forgot our anniversary, it was the last straw.
Learn something off by heart
Idiom
Memorize so well, that it can be written or recited without thinking.
Example
We had to learn the poem off by heart.
Learn the ropes
Idiom
Learn how to do a job or task properly.
Example
It took me a month to learn the ropes at my new job.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Idiom
Leave a situation undisturbed, since it would otherwise result in trouble or complications.
Example
Do not bring up the old argument again; let sleeping dogs lie.
Let the cat out of the bag
Idiom
Share information that was previously concealed.
Example
Sam let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Lick one's wounds
Idiom
Trying to regain confidence after a defeat.
Example
After losing the election, he went home to lick his wounds.
Like clockwork
Idiom
Happens at very regular times or intervals without fail.
Example
The buses arrive like clockwork every morning.
Living on the breadline
Idiom
Having very little income.
Example
After losing his job, he was living on the breadline.
Long arm of the law
Idiom
Far-reaching power of the authorities.
Example
He thought he had escaped, but the long arm of the law caught up with him.
Make my day
Idiom
Something that makes me very happy or satisfies me.
Example
A letter from an old friend would make my day.
Make or break
Idiom
Circumstances causing total success or total failure.
Example
This interview could make or break her career.
Make the grade
Idiom
Be satisfactory or at an accepted level.
Example
His work was good, but it did not quite make the grade.
Making headway
Idiom
Making progress in what you are trying to do.
Example
Scientists are making headway in cancer research.
Match made in heaven
Idiom
Relationship that is likely to be happy and successful.
Example
They are a match made in heaven.
Miss the boat
Idiom
Miss a chance or opportunity.
Example
If you wait any longer, you will miss the boat.
Off to a flying start
Idiom
Something that is immediately successful or has begun well.
Example
The new restaurant is off to a flying start.
On the ball
Idiom
When someone understands the situation well or is doing well.
Example
The new assistant is really on the ball.
On the rocks
Idiom
Relationship experiencing problems.
Example
Their marriage was on the rocks for months.
Once in a blue moon
Idiom
Happens very rarely or once in a lifetime.
Example
We only go to that beach once in a blue moon.
Only time will tell
Idiom
The truth, answer or result, will be revealed at some future point.
Example
Only time will tell whether the new plan works.
Out of the blue
Idiom
Appear suddenly from nowhere and without warning.
Example
Out of the blue, she called after ten years.
Penny for your thoughts
Idiom
A way of asking what someone is thinking.
Example
You look distracted, so penny for your thoughts.
Picture paints a thousand words
Idiom
Visual presentations are far more descriptive than words.
Example
One photo of the damage paints a thousand words.
Pop the question
Idiom
Propose marriage to someone.
Example
He plans to pop the question on their anniversary.
Pot calling the kettle black
Idiom
Hypocritically criticize or accuse someone else is as guilty as as the person criticizing.
Example
You calling me lazy is the pot calling the kettle black.
Pressed for time
Idiom
Being rushed or not having enough time to complete something.
Example
I am pressed for time, so let's keep this short.
Pull the plug
Idiom
Terminate or discontinue something.
Example
The company pulled the plug on the failed project.
Pull wool over other people's eyes
Idiom
Deceive someone into thinking well of them.
Example
He tried to pull wool over other people’s eyes with fake numbers.
Put your thinking cap on
Idiom
Engage your mind and think in a serious manner.
Example
Put your thinking cap on and solve this clue.
Rags to riches
Idiom
Becoming very rich whilst starting very poor.
Example
The story follows a true rags-to-riches journey.
Rat race
Idiom
Exhausting and repetitive routine.
Example
He left the city because he was tired of the rat race.
Red flag
Idiom
Signal or indication that something is not working properly of correctly.
Example
His refusal to answer simple questions was a red flag.
Red tape
Idiom
Set of rules and/or regulations that slow or stop progress.
Example
The project was delayed by endless red tape.
Road hog
Idiom
Dangerous driver.
Example
That road hog nearly forced us off the highway.
School of thought
Idiom
Particular philosophy or way of thinking about something.
Example
There is one school of thought that supports the change and another that rejects it.
Seeing red
Idiom
React with uncontrollable rage.
Example
He was seeing red by the time the argument ended.
Silver screen
Idiom
Film industry
Example
She has always wanted to see her name on the silver screen.
Sink or swim
Idiom
Fail or succeed.
Example
When the funding was cut, it became sink or swim for the startup.
Sit on the fence
Idiom
Unable or unwilling choose or make a decision.
Example
You cannot sit on the fence forever; choose a side.
Sleeping (or silent) partner
Idiom
Person who has put money into a business or venture but who is not involved in running it.
Example
The investor remained a silent partner and never ran the business himself.
Snowed under
Idiom
Having too much to do.
Example
I am snowed under with deadlines this week.
Speak of the devil
Idiom
When the person you have just been talking about arrives.
Example
Speak of the devil, here comes Max now.
Speaks volumes
Idiom
Express a reaction without words.
Example
The silence after his speech spoke volumes.
Spill the beans
Idiom
Reveal a secret.
Example
Do not spill the beans about the surprise yet.
Standing the test of time
Idiom
Something that lasts or continues to work well for a long time.
Example
That design has stood the test of time.
Storm in a teacup
Idiom
Exaggerate a problem.
Example
The whole argument turned out to be a storm in a teacup.
Straight from the horse's mouth
Idiom
From the authoritative source.
Example
I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
Take with a grain (or pinch) of salt
Idiom
Not to take what someone says too seriously. Be skeptical about something.
Example
Take his promises with a grain of salt.
The big time
Idiom
The top level of a profession
Example
Winning that role took her into the big time.
The moment of truth
Idiom
When an important decision is made or the truth about something is revealed.
Example
When the results were announced, it was the moment of truth.
The time is ripe
Idiom
The right or most opportune moment to do something.
Example
The time is ripe to expand into new markets.
Thinking on your feet
Idiom
Adjusting quickly to change and making fast decisions.
Example
Teachers get good at thinking on their feet.
This day and age
Idiom
These or modern times.
Example
In this day and age, most people use smartphones for banking.
Tickled pink
Idiom
Very pleased, thrilled or delighted about something.
Example
My grandmother was tickled pink when she saw the baby.
Tie the knot
Idiom
Get married.
Example
They are going to tie the knot in June.
Time after time (time and time again)
Idiom
Do something repeatedly
Example
He made the same mistake time after time.
Time heals all wounds (or time is a great healer)
Idiom
Feelings of hurt (usually emotional) will go away after some time has passed.
Example
The breakup hurt at first, but time heals all wounds.
Time is of the essence
Idiom
When meeting a deadline is very important or critical.
Example
Please sign today because time is of the essence.
Time on one's hands (or side)
Idiom
When you can afford to wait before doing or achieving something.
Example
We still have time on our side, so there is no need to rush.
Tongue-tied
Idiom
Difficulty in expressing yourself because of nervousness or embarrassment.
Example
I get tongue-tied whenever I speak to her.
Too much (free) time on one's hand
Idiom
When someone doesn't have enough to do.
Example
He started inventing problems because he had too much time on his hands.
Top banana
Idiom
Most important person in a group.
Example
In that office, Nina is the top banana.
Top dog
Idiom
Most important person.
Example
After the merger, he became the top dog.
Tough cookie
Idiom
Very determined person.
Example
Do not worry about Jo; she is a tough cookie.
Tricks of the trade
Idiom
Clever or expert way of doing something.
Example
The old carpenter taught me a few tricks of the trade.
True colors
Idiom
Someone's actual character.
Example
During the crisis, he showed his true colors.
Up in smoke
Idiom
Something that ends before getting a result.
Example
Months of planning went up in smoke after the permit was denied.
Walk out on someone
Idiom
Leave a partner and end the relationship.
Example
He walked out on his family when the children were young.
Well-oiled machine
Idiom
Unit of people or a group of things working well together.
Example
After years of practice, the team worked like a well-oiled machine.
Whale of a time
Idiom
Enjoying something thoroughly.
Example
The children had a whale of a time at the fair.
White as a sheet (or ghost)
Idiom
In a state of great fear or anxiety.
Example
She went white as a sheet when she heard the news.
White collar
Idiom
Office worker.
Example
He left construction for a white-collar banking job.
White elephant
Idiom
Expensive item that's costly to maintain and not particularly useful.
Example
That huge old house became a white elephant after the family moved out.
White lie
Idiom
Little or harmless lie told to be polite and avoid hurting someone's feelings.
Example
I told a white lie about loving the gift so she would not feel bad.
With bells on
Idiom
When you are delighted and eager to go somewhere.
Example
If you invite Maya to the concert, she will be there with bells on.
Wouldn't be caught dead
Idiom
Would never like to do something.
Example
She wouldn't be caught dead wearing that outfit.
Year in, year out
Idiom
Happens every year for many years in a row.
Example
They return to the same lake year in, year out.
Yellow-bellied
Idiom
Coward
Example
Everyone called the bully yellow-bellied when he ran away from the fight.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks
Idiom
People used to doing things a certain way are often unable to change their ways.
Example
My grandfather still refuses to use email because you can't teach an old dog new tricks.