Professional Documents
Culture Documents
50 Idiomatic Expresssions You Must Know
50 Idiomatic Expresssions You Must Know
The correct use of idiomatic expressions will earn you merit points when you write your essays.
1 ace
Get an "A" on a test, homework assignment, project, etc.
I heard that Susie aced the test yesterday
2 As easy as a pie
very easy
The test was as easy as a pie.
3 at the eleventh hour
at the last minute; almost too late.
He finished the project at the eleventh hour and he nearly lost his job.
4 all ears
eager to hear what someone has to say.
Tell me about your latest trip overseas. I’m all ears.
5 be broke
be without money.
I need to borrow some money. I am broke.
6 be on the go
be very busy (going from one thing or project to another).
I am very tired. I've been on the go since 5 in the morning.
7 beat
exhausted; very tired
I need a break after this. I'm beat!"
12 call it a day
stop work for the day.
The labourers call it a day after working for five hours on the field.
David did not go to Australia. He changed his mind when he heard that his mother is ill.
16 cost (someone) an arm and a leg cost a lot;
be very expensive.
This car costs him an arm and a leg. He has to get another job to help pay for it.
17 couch potato
someone who spends too much time watching TV.
You are becoming a couch potato. You need to get out and do some exercise.
18 Don't count your chickens until (before) they hatch (they've hatched) Don't assume that
something will happen until it has happened.
I think you should not count your chickens until they’ve hatched. Wait till the boys win the competition
this Sunday.
24 get it
understand something (often negative).
I don’t get it. Could you please explain it to me again?
25 get on one's nerves
irritate someone; make someone upset.
His constant chatter is getting on my nerves. Please tell him to keep quiet.
26 get out of hand:
become out of control; become badly managed.
The situation is getting out of hand. The relief centre can only hold forty people but we have one
hundred people to care for.
28 Hard-headed
have one's hands full stubborn; inflexible; unwilling to change.
41 Rain or shine
no matter what the weather
"We're leaving for Cameron Highlands, rain or shine."