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UPDATED: More detailed now available here: >> List of 101 English Idioms English Idiom #1 DON'T GIVE UP THE DAY JOB Explanation of English Idiom #1 YOU ARE NOT VERY GOOD AT THAT. YOU COULD DEFINITELY NOT DO IT PROFESSIONALLY. Example of English Idiom #1 "I REALLY LIKE THE WAY YOU SING BUT DON'T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB." English Idiom #2 A CASH COW Explanation of English Idiom #2 AN EASY WAY TO EARN MONEY REGULARLY. Example of English Idiom #2 "INCOME TAX IS A REAL CASH COW FOR THE GOVERNMENT." English Idiom #3 BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW Explanation of English Idiom #3 TRYING TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS TOO DIFFICULT OR TIME CONSUMING TO FINISH. Example of English Idiom #3 "I'M GLAD YOU WANT TO PREPARE THE REPORT BY YOURSELF. JUST BE SURE THAT YOU DON'T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW." English Idiom #4 CLEAR THE AIR Explanation of English Idiom #4 DISCUSS SOMETHING THAT WAS CAUSING PEOPLE TO FEEL UPSET. Example of English Idiom #4 "THERE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING. I'D LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED, JUST TO CLEAR THE AIR." English Idiom #5 TURN YOUR BACK ON Explanation of English Idiom #5 GIVE UP ON, OR ABANDON. Example of English Idiom #5 "I NEED YOUR HELP BUT YOU JUST TURNED YOUR BACK ON ME." English Idiom #6 NOT CUT OUT FOR Explanation of English Idiom #6 NOT SUITABLE FOR SOMETHING. Example of English Idiom #6 "HE TRIED MOUNTAIN CLIMBING BUT HE SIMPLY WAS NOT CUT OUT FOR IT." English Idiom #7 SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL Explanation of English Idiom #7 THE VERY LAST, OR THE VERY WORST. Example of English Idiom #7 "THESE ARE THE LAST VOLUNTEERS WE COULD FIND. WE REALLY HAD TO SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL TO FIND THEM." English Idiom #8 A CLASS ACT Explanation of English Idiom #8 SOPHISTICATED, ABOVE AVERAGE. Example of English Idiom #8 "HE OFFERED TO HELP, EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN'T KNOW ME. HE'S A REAL CLASS ACT." English Idiom #9 CLEAN UP YOUR ACT Explanation of English Idiom #9 IMPROVE YOUR BEHAVIOR. Example of English Idiom #9 "IF YOU ARE EVER GOING TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS, YOU MUST START GETTING TO CLASS ON TIME AND DOING YOUR HOMEWORK. WHY DON'T YOU CLEAN UP YOUR ACT?" English Idiom #10 GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER Explanation of English Idiom #10 GET MORE ORGANIZED. Example of English Idiom #10 "YOU HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK EVERY DAY THIS WEEK. IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THIS JOB, YOU MUST GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER." English Idiom #11 A PIECE OF THE ACTION Explanation of English Idiom #11 PARTICIPATION IN AN ACTIVITY. OFTEN RELATED TO GAMBLING OR BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS. Example of English Idiom #11 "I HEARD THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN YOUR NEW INVESTMENT. IF YOU DON'T MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN ON A PIECE OF THE ACTION." English Idiom #12 ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS Explanation of English Idiom #12 "PEOPLE'S INTENTIONS CAN BE JUDGED BETTER BY WHAT THEY DO THAN WHAT THEY SAY." Example of English Idiom #12 English Idiom #13 IN THE AIR Explanation of English Idiom #13 BEING DISCUSSED. GENERALLY OBVIOUS. Example of English Idiom #13 "THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING. SPRING IS IN THE AIR." English Idiom #14 GO APE Explanation of English Idiom #14 GO CRAZY. Example of English Idiom #14 "JACK WAS REALLY ANGRY. I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO GO APE." English Idiom #15 A GREY AREA Explanation of English Idiom #15 SOMETHING THAT IS DIFFICULT TO DEFINE. Example of English Idiom #15 I RESEARCHED YOUR CASE BUT THERE ARE NOT ANY BLACK AND WHITE ANSWERS. YOUR SITUATION SEEMS TO FALL INTO A GREY AREA." English Idiom #16 UP IN ARMS Explanation of English Idiom #16 ANGRY. Example of English Idiom #16 "THE CROWD WAS AGITATED. EVERYONE WAS UP IN ARMS OVER THE GOVERNMENT DECISION." English Idiom #17 BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF Explanation of English Idiom #17 BE HAPPY WHEN A PERSON LEAVES. Example of English Idiom #17 THAT GUY BOTHERS ME. I'll BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF HIM." English Idiom #18 GIVE HIM CREDIT Explanation of English Idiom #18 ACKNOWLEDGE AN ACHIEVEMENT OR CONTRIBUTION OF A PERSON." Example of English Idiom #18 "ALTHOUGH HE IS NOT EASY TO WORK FOR, YOU HAVE TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR MANAGING THE COMPANY WELL." English Idiom #19 GO BEHIND SOMEONE'S BACK Explanation of English Idiom #19 DO SOMETHING WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE. Example of English Idiom #19 "DON'T TRUST JANE. SHE ACTS FRIENDLY BUT SHE IS ALWAYS GOING BEHIND SOMEONE'S BACK." English Idiom #20 EACH TO HIS OWN Explanation of English Idiom #20 EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO HIS OWN INDIVIDUAL OPINION. Example of English Idiom #20 "I CAN'T SAY THAT I LIKE GEORGE'S NEW FURNITURE. IT SEEMS VERY PLAIN AND UNCOMFORTABLE. OH WELL, EACH TO HIS OWN." English Idiom #21 EAGER BEAVER Explanation of English Idiom #21 ENTHUSIASTIC PERSON. Example of English Idiom #21 "JOHN DID ALL OF HIS HOMEWORK BEFORE SUPPER. HE SURE IS AN EAGER BEAVER." English Idiom #22 EARLY BIRD Explanation of English Idiom #22 A PERSON WHO IS EARLY FOR AN APPOINTMENT. Example of English Idiom #22 "SATOKO WAS IN CLASS 30 MINUTES BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. WHAT AN EARLY BIRD." English Idiom #23 SCRATCH THE SURFACE Explanation of English Idiom #23 EXAMINE ONLY A PART OF SOMETHING. UNCOVER ONLY A FEW FACTS ABOUT SOMETHING. Example of English Idiom #23 "CANCER RESEARCH IS A VERY LONG-TERM PROCESS. SO FAR, WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO SCRATCH THE SURFACE." English Idiom #24 GIVE HIM THE SLIP Explanation of English Idiom #24 LEAVE HIM. HIDE FROM HIM. Example of English Idiom #24 "I THINK THAT MAN IS FOLLOWING US. LET'S GIVE HIM THE SLIP." English Idiom #25 COLD SHOULDER Explanation of English Idiom #25 TO TREAT SOMEONE IN AN UNFRIENDLY MANNER. Example of English Idiom #25 "I DON'T THINK JIM LIKES ME. I TRIED TO SPEAK WITH HIM EARLIER BUT HE GAVE ME THE COLD SHOULDER." English Idiom #26 GET THE BALL ROLLING Explanation of English Idiom #26 START SOMETHING. Example of English Idiom #26 "ALL RIGHT EVERYONE, WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME PLANNING THIS PROJECT. NOW, IT'S TIME TO GET THE BALL ROLLING." English Idiom #27 JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON Explanation of English Idiom #27 JOIN A POPULAR TREND OR ACTIVITY. Example of English Idiom #27 "I LIKE THAT NEW PROCEDURE AND I'VE DECIDED TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON." English Idiom #28 A LOSING BATTLE Explanation of English Idiom #28 SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED. Example of English Idiom #28 English Idiom #29 KEEP SOMETHING AT BAY Explanation of English Idiom #29 KEEP SOMETHING AWAY. Example of English Idiom #29 "SARAH FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE SALESPERSON AT BAY." English Idiom #30 SPILL THE BEANS Explanation of English Idiom #30 TELL A SECRET. Example of English Idiom #30 "I WON'T BE THE ONE TO SPILL THE BEANS." English Idiom #31 BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS Explanation of English Idiom #31 PEOPLE CANNOT COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING THEY GET FOR FREE. Example of English Idiom #31 "I DON'T LIKE THE COLOR OF THE SWEATER SHE GAVE ME BUT, BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS." English Idiom #32 FLESH AND BLOOD Explanation of English Idiom #32 A RELATIVE. Example of English Idiom #32 "I MUST HELP HIM. AFTER ALL, HE'S MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD." English Idiom #33 GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT Explanation of English Idiom #33 BELIEVE SOMEONE'S STATEMENT, WITHOUT PROOF. Example of English Idiom #33 "THE TEACHER'S EXPLANATION DID NOT SEEM LOGICAL, BUT I GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT." English Idiom #34 A SAFE BET Explanation of English Idiom #34 PROBABLY TRUE. WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN. Example of English Idiom #34 "IT'S A SAFE BET THAT YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS WILL IMPROVE QUICKLY IF YOU STUDY AT VANCOUVER ENGLISH CENTRE." English Idiom #35 FIT THE BILL Explanation of English Idiom #35 SEEMS CORRECT. Example of English Idiom #35 "THAT SEEMS TO FIT THE BILL. I'LL TAKE IT." English Idiom #36 BLACK AND BLUE Explanation of English Idiom #36 BRUISED. Example of English Idiom #36 "HE WAS BEATEN UNTIL HE WAS BLACK AND BLUE." English Idiom #37 IN COLD BLOOD Explanation of English Idiom #37 WITH COMPASSION OR MERCY. USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH RUTHLESS MURDER. Example of English Idiom #37 "THE ASSASSIN WAS EVIL. HE KILLED HIM IN COLD BLOOD." English Idiom #38 OUT OF THE BLUE Explanation of English Idiom #38 UNEXPECTED. Example of English Idiom #38 "A GREAT IDEA JUST CAME TO ME OUT OF THE BLUE." English Idiom #39 CALL SOMEONE'S BLUFF Explanation of English Idiom #39 MAKE SOMEONE PROVE WHAT THEY SAY. Example of English Idiom #39 "HE IMPLIED THAT HE WOULD TERMINATE MY CONTRACT BUT I CALLED HIS BLUFF." English Idiom #40 ROCK THE BOAT Explanation of English Idiom #40 CREATE PROBLEMS FOR OTHER PEOPLE. Example of English Idiom #40 "EVERYONE LIKES ANTONIO. HE DOESN'T ROCK THE BOAT." English Idiom #41 BY THE BOOK Explanation of English Idiom #41 DOING SOMETHING ACCORDING TO THE RULES. Example of English Idiom #41 "HE IS A GOOD COP. HE DOES EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK." English Idiom #42 GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT Explanation of English Idiom #42 DISMISS OR TERMINATE SOMEONE. Example of English Idiom #42 "MR. SMITH IS AN EASY BOSS TO WORK FOR. HE DOESN'T LIKE TO GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT." English Idiom #43 GET TO THE BOTTOM OF Explanation of English Idiom #43 LEARN ABOUT AND UNDERSTAND FULLY. Example of English Idiom #43 "WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT WE INTEND TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS." English Idiom #44 OUT OF BOUNDS Explanation of English Idiom #44 NOT PERMITTED. Example of English Idiom #44 "HANS WANTED TO ASK MARY OUT ON A DATE BUT I EXPLAINED THAT SHE IS OUT OF BOUNDS. MARY IS ENGAGED TO JACK." English Idiom #45 BREAD AND BUTTER Explanation of English Idiom #45 REGULAR INCOME. Example of English Idiom #45 "WE ARE VERY DEPENDENT ON OUR ADVERTISING REVENUE. IT'S OUR BREAD AND BUTTER." English Idiom #46 THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD Explanation of English Idiom #46 A GOOD INVENTION OR INNOVATION. Example of English Idiom #46 "I LOVE THIS PAPER FOLDING MACHINE. IT'S THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD." English Idiom #47 GIVE ME A BREAK Explanation of English Idiom #47 DON'T EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE OR AGREE WITH THAT. Example of English Idiom #47 "YOU THINK THE TEACHER IS JOKING? GIVE ME A BREAK." English Idiom #48 DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH Explanation of English Idiom #48 DON'T WAIT TOO LONG BECAUSE IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN. Example of English Idiom #48 "YES, IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THEY WILL LOWER TAXES BUT DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH." English Idiom #49 CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN YOU COME TO IT Explanation of English Idiom #49 DEAL WITH A PROBLEM IF AND WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY. Example of English Idiom #49 "I'M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT A POSSIBLE DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY. ANYWAY, LET'S CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT." English Idiom #50 THE BUBBLE HAS BURST Explanation of English Idiom #50 A PREVIOUSLY POSITIVE SITUATION HAS ENCOUNTERED A SERIOUS PROBLEM. Example of English Idiom #50 "LAST YEAR, THE STOCK MARKET WAS DOING VERY WELL. UNFORTUNATELY, IT SEEMS THAT THE BUBBLE HAS BURST." English Idiom #51 THE BUCK STOPS HERE Explanation of English Idiom #51 PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED HERE. Example of English Idiom #51 "A LOT OF PEOPLE TRY TO PASS PROBLEMS ON TO OTHER PEOPLE. AT MY DESK, HOWEVER, THE BUCK STOPS HERE." English Idiom #52 BURN YOUR BRIDGES Explanation of English Idiom #52 MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RETURN. Example of English Idiom #52 "BE POLITE WHEN YOU HAND IN YOUR RESIGNATION. AFTER ALL, YOU DON'T WANT TO BURN YOUR BRIDGES." English Idiom #53 MY EARS ARE BURNING Explanation of English Idiom #53 I THINK SOMEONE IS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT ME. Example of English Idiom #53 "PIERRE IS TALKING AGAIN. MY EARS ARE BURNING." English Idiom #54 PUT ON THE BACK BURNER Explanation of English Idiom #54 LEAVE IT FOR LATER. Example of English Idiom #54 "I DON'T THINK WE WILL HAVE TIME TO COMPLETE IT THIS YEAR. LET'S PUT IT ON THE BACK BURNER." English Idiom #55 SOMEONE MEANS BUSINESS Explanation of English Idiom #55 SOMEONE IS SERIOUS Example of English Idiom #55 "WATCH OUT FOR HARRY. HE IS SOMEONE WHO MEANS BUSINESS." English Idiom #56 AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON Explanation of English Idiom #56 QUICKLY AND EASILY. Example of English Idiom #56 "NO PROBLEM. I CAN CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON." English Idiom #57 HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT Explanation of English Idiom #57 ENJOY SOMETHING WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT. Example of English Idiom #57 "JUAN CARLOS EXPECTED TO PASS WITHOUT STUDYING. UNFORTUNATELY, YOU CANNOT HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO." English Idiom #58 A CLOSE CALL Explanation of English Idiom #58 SOMETHING (USUALLY BAD) ALMOST HAPPENING. Example of English Idiom #58 "THAT CAR ALMOST HIT US. THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL." English Idiom #59 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Explanation of English Idiom #59 THIS SHOULD STOP. Example of English Idiom #59 "I HAVE LISTENED TO HIS COMPLAINTS FOR YEARS BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH." English Idiom #60 A FAT CAT Explanation of English Idiom #60 A WEALTHY PERSON. Example of English Idiom #60 "FERNANDO HAS EVERYTHING HE NEEDS. HE'S A REAL FAT CAT." English Idiom #61 MY TWO CENT'S WORTH Explanation of English Idiom #61 MY HUMBLE OPINION. Example of English Idiom #61 "HE SEEMS LIKE A CORRUPT POLITICIAN. THAT'S JUST MY TWO CENT'S WORTH. English Idiom #62 HANG OUT Explanation of English Idiom #62 BE TOGETHER. SPEND TIME WITH EACH OTHER. Example of English Idiom #62 "HEY LAUREN, LET'S GET TOGETHER AT THE STARBUCKS ON ROBSON. WE CAN JUST HANG OUT AND PRACTICE OUR ENGLISH." English Idiom #63 A CHANGE OF HEART Explanation of English Idiom #63 A CHANGED OPINION. Example of English Idiom #63 "AT ONE TIME, I SUPPORTED GEORGE BUSH. AS TIME WENT ON, HOWEVER, I HAD A CHANGE OF HEART." English Idiom #64 GET SOMETHING OFF YOUR CHEST Explanation of English Idiom #64 EXPLAIN SOMETHING THAT IS BOTHERING YOU. Example of English Idiom #64 "GARY, YOU DO NOT SEEM HAPPY. IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST?" English Idiom #65 DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED Explanation of English Idiom #65 DO NOT MAKE PLANS FOR SOMETHING THAT MIGHT HAPPEN. Example of English Idiom #65 "YES, I THINK WE WILL PROBABLY GET A RAISE IN PAY THIS YEAR. REMEMBER, THOUGH, DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED." English Idiom #66 A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER Explanation of English Idiom #66 HE IS ANGRY ABOUT SOMETHING. Example of English Idiom #66 "I DON'T KNOW WHY HE IS SO UNHAPPY. HE SEEMS TO HAVE A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER. English Idiom #67 COME FULL CIRCLE Explanation of English Idiom #67 A PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED. Example of English Idiom #67 "THE SALMON HAS RETURNED TO THE PLACE WHERE IT ORIGINALLY HATCHED. ITS LIFE CYCLE HAS COME FULL CIRCLE." English Idiom #68 SQUEAKY CLEAN Explanation of English Idiom #68 LEGITIMATE AND PROPER. Example of English Idiom #68 "WE CHECKED ALL OF HER REFERENCES. SHE IS SQUEAKY CLEAN." English Idiom #69 IN THE CLEAR Explanation of English Idiom #69 OUT OF TROUBLE. Example of English Idiom #69 "HIS INNOCENCE HAS BEEN PROVEN. HE IS IN THE CLEAR." English Idiom #70 STEER CLEAR OF Explanation of English Idiom #70 AVOID. Example of English Idiom #70 "SHE IS NOT VERY NICE. I THINK WE SHOULD STEER CLEAR OF HER." English Idiom #71 ROUND THE CLOCK Explanation of English Idiom #71 ALL DAY. Example of English Idiom #71 "HE IS A VERY HARD WORKER. HE USUALLY WORKS ROUND THE CLOCK." English Idiom #72 TURN BACK THE CLOCK Explanation of English Idiom #72 GO BACK IN TIME. Example of English Idiom #72 "I FEEL OLD. I WISH I COULD TURN BACK THE CLOCK." English Idiom #73 LIKE CLOCKWORK Explanation of English Idiom #73 WITH MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY. Example of English Idiom #73 "HE IS VERY PREDICTABLE. HE ALWAYS EATS AT THE SAME TIME, LIKE CLOCKWORK." English Idiom #74 WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE Explanation of English Idiom #74 THINK MORE REALISTICALLY Example of English Idiom #74 "HE DOES NOT RESPECT YOU AS MUCH AS YOU THINK. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE." English Idiom #75 THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN Explanation of English Idiom #75 ANOTHER VERSION OF A STORY OR EVENT. Example of English Idiom #75 "THE GLOBAL SUMMIT WILL ENCOURAGE MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, IT MIGHT RESULT IN VIOLENT PROTESTS." English Idiom #76 LEFT OUT IN THE COLD Explanation of English Idiom #76 LEFT UNAIDED OR UNPROTECTED. Example of English Idiom #76 "THEY DON'T INCLUDE ME IN THEIR GROUP. I FEEL LEFT OUT IN THE COLD." English Idiom #77 WITH FLYING COLORS Explanation of English Idiom #77 WITH ENTHUSIASM AND EXUBERANCE. Example of English Idiom #77 "I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL. I'LL BE THERE WITH FLYING COLORS." English Idiom #78 SCRAPE BY Explanation of English Idiom #78 HAVE JUST ENOUGH BUT NOT MORE. Example of English Idiom #78 "OUR BUDGET IS NOT SATISFACTORY BUT WE WILL FIND A WAY TO SCRAPE BY." English Idiom #79 A TOUGH COOKIE Explanation of English Idiom #79 A STUBBORN, STRONG PERSON. Example of English Idiom #79 "DON'T GET SHIRLEY UPSET. SHE IS A TOUGH COOKIE." English Idiom #80 KEEP YOUR COOL Explanation of English Idiom #80 DO NOT BECOME UPSET. Example of English Idiom #80 "RELAX. KEEP YOUR COOL." English Idiom #81 LOSE YOUR COOL Explanation of English Idiom #81 BECOME UPSET. Example of English Idiom #81 "DON'T GET UPSET. IF YOU LOSE YOUR COOL, IT WILL MAKE MATTERS WORSE." English Idiom #82 IN A TIGHT CORNER Explanation of English Idiom #82 WITHOUT ANY GOOD OPTIONS. Example of English Idiom #82 "MILO HAS RUN OUT OF OPTIONS. IF HE TAKES ANY MORE CHANCE, HE MIGHT FIND HIMSELF IN A TIGHT CORNER." English Idiom #83 A COUCH POTATO Explanation of English Idiom #83 A LAZY PERSON. Example of English Idiom #83 "LUIS FERNANDO JUST WATCHES TELEVISION ALL DAY. HE IS REALLY A COUCH POTATO. English Idiom #84 TAKE ITS COURSE Explanation of English Idiom #84 A SITUATION DEVELOPS NATURALLY. Example of English Idiom #84 "THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO RELIEVE THE EFFECTS OF HER DISEASE. WE CAN ONLY WAIT AND LET THE ILLNESS TAKE ITS COURSE." English Idiom #85 UP THE CREEK Explanation of English Idiom #85 IN TROUBLE. Example of English Idiom #85 "I WARNED BILL BUT HE WOULD NOT LISTEN. NOW, HE IS UP THE CREEK." English Idiom #86 CROCODILE TEARS Explanation of English Idiom #86 EXAGGERATED OR FAKED SYMPATHY. Example of English Idiom #86 "SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS SORRY BUT SHE WAS NOT. IT WAS JUST CROCODILE TEARS." English Idiom #87 WHEN IT COMES TO THE CRUNCH Explanation of English Idiom #87 WHEN THERE ARE NO MORE POSSIBILITIES. Example of English Idiom #87 "VICTOR SEEMS TO HAVE A CASUAL POINT OF VIEW. WHEN IT COME TO THE CRUNCH, THOUGH, HE IS A REAL PROFESSIONAL." English Idiom #88 A FAR CRY FROM Explanation of English Idiom #88 VERY DIFFERENT FROM. Example of English Idiom #88 "HIS PERSONALITY IS A FAR CRY FROM HIS FATHER'S." English Idiom #89 OFF-THE-CUFF Explanation of English Idiom #89 WITHOUT RESEARCH, PLANNING, OR CONSIDERING. Example of English Idiom #89 "I HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT. MY OFF-THE-CUFF IMPRESSION, HOWEVER, IS TAT IT IS A GOOD IDEA." English Idiom #90 CAN'T CUT IT Explanation of English Idiom #90 CANNOT DO IT. Example of English Idiom #90 "KIM SHOULDN'T BE WORKING HERE. HE JUST CAN'T CUT IT." English Idiom #91 IN THE DARK Explanation of English Idiom #91 IGNORANT. Example of English Idiom #91 'THEY DIDN'T TELL ME ANYTHING. I FELT LIKE THEY HAD LEFT ME IN THE DARK." English Idiom #92 A SHOT IN THE DARK Explanation of English Idiom #92 A GUESS. Example of English Idiom #92 "I AM NOT SURE BUT I COULD TAKE A SHOT IN THE DARK." English Idiom #93 CALL IT A DAY Explanation of English Idiom #93 STOP. Example of English Idiom #93 "I'M TIRED. LET'S CALL IT A DAY." English Idiom #94 LATE IN THE DAY Explanation of English Idiom #94 TOO LATE, OR ALMOST TOO LATE. Example of English Idiom #94 "THE GOVERNMENT JUST DECIDE T BUY NEW HELICOPTERS BUT IT SEEMS A LITTLE LATE IN THE DAY TO MAKE SUCH A DECISION." English Idiom #95 IN BROAD DAYLIGHT Explanation of English Idiom #95 WITHOUT TRYING TO HIDE IT. Example of English Idiom #96 "THEY ROBBED THE BANK IN BROAD DAYLIGHT." English Idiom #96 MAKE SOMEONE'S DAY Explanation of English Idiom #96 MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY. Example of English Idiom #96 "IF YOU WOULD GET A BETTER JOB, YOU WOULD MAKE SOMEONE'S DAY." English Idiom #97 WOULDN'T BE CAUGHT DEAD Explanation of English Idiom #97 WOULD NEVER. Example of English Idiom #97 "I HATE THAT DRESS. I WOULD NOT BE CAUGHT DEAD WEARING ANYTHING ELSE." English Idiom #98 GET A RAW DEAL Explanation of English Idiom #98 RECEIVES LESS THAN WHAT IS DESERVED. Example of English Idiom #98 "BE SURE TO READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SIGN IT. YOU DON'T WANT TO GET A RAW." English Idiom #99 RUNS DEEP Explanation of English Idiom #99 ENTRENCHED, OR INGRAINED. Example of English Idiom #99 "HE LOVES HIS COUNTRY. PATRIOTISM RUNS DEEP IN HIS VEINS." English Idiom #100 OUT OF YOUR DEPTH Explanation of English Idiom #100 BEYOND YOUR EXISTING KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITY. Example of English Idiom #100 "YOU DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE IN THIS SUBJECT. ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU ARE NOT OUT OF YOUR DEPTH?" English Idiom #101 ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END Explanation of English Idiom #101 REGRETFULLY, WE ARE FINISHED. Example of English Idiom #101 'I HAVE ENJOYED READING THE VANCOUVER ENGLISH CENTRE LIST OF IDIOMS BUT ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END."
 
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Hi, It is deemed among many people that the word family  stands for " f ather a nd m other l L ove  y ou". I wonder if this in-very-widespread-use word stands for the mentioned phrase or not. I'd be so thankful if anyone help me Iman
 
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Would this be an acceptable form?
 
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hi! what would native English speakers say in a customer service situation when telling customers that they hope to see them return to their shop/premises again in the future? This is basically like the 'we hope you enjoyed your flight and hope to see you onboard again' type of thing but a lot shorter... 'welcome back anytime'.... thanks Johan
 
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Hi, I have read a paragraph in "the violent bear it away" by O'connor and i found the meaning of "ast" nowhere. Please help me by the meaning of this word. This paragraph is like this: "where we going?" Trawater asked after they had walked out of the business streets and were passing between rows of grey bulbous houses with sooty porches that overhung the sidewalks. "Listen," he said, hitting at his uncle's hip, "I never ast to come." "You would have ast to come soon enough," the old man muttered.
 
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Hi, There are sometimes some organisations which appreciate their staff in a form of a written paper for their effort in that company or organisation. What do we call that piece of writing? Is that an appreciation letter or appreciation form? Thank you in advance, Iman
 
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Keep working, keep on working, keep on forgetting, keep forgetting, keep screaming, keep on screaming, keep doing, keep on doing, keep making, keep on making.... what's the difference between 'keep' and 'keep on'...?
 
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I know that "realia" is plural. What could be used as a singular form?
 
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Would this make sense to you? If not, can you kindly correct me using proper conjunctions? One that you need in life is not a watch but a compass, but rather a mirror that you can see yourself through. (What I wanted to say is we don't need a watch but a compass. But mirror is more important to have than a compass.)
 
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To come through in the clutch ...How do you understand this expression? Could you please help me with it?
 
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Reading dictionary, I saw the explanation of "very is used with nouns in order to specify an extreme position or extreme point in time." I pored over the word "extreme" to find the meaning of "extreme position" and "extreme point" but I couldn't find any proper explanation which is correspond to "extreme positon" and "extreme point" What are the meanings of "extreme time" and "extreme position"???
 
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Hi, I'm a newbie here. I have difficulty using these adjectives: "continued", "continuous", "continuing", "continual". Could someone tell me how to use them correctly? Thank you.
 
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How to use "instead" correctly? Can I say the follow sentences like that : 1) New York is not a small city. It is quite big instead. 2) I would rather to use a real gun to shoot alien instead of using a water gun. 3) California is beautiful instead of like my friends said that it is darkness. 4) Which one you like better(or should I use more?Or it is fine with better?), ice cream of potato chips? I prefer to have an ice cream instead. Thanks so much.
 
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Hi An author of a book about magic writes about performing some special rituals. She says that performing the given ritual " not only enhances our spaces, spirits, and life conditions with positivity and sparkle, it also helps heal and transmute the energy of the entire planet". To me the word " enhance " means here " fill ". It fills our spaces and spirits (probably entities living in a house) and .... with some positive energy and "life" I suppose. I'm also wondering whether "life conditions" can mean just "life", life in general?
 
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Hello, The following is the "of" definition of Longman Dictionary. In the mind, here the "of" shows that the thing is as a result of "spiders" and "them". The Longman dictionary regards the "spiders" and "them" as the end of the thing. I think it to be wrong in logic. Ask your witness. 12used after some adjectives that describe feelings, to show who or what the feeling is directed towards: He's always been frightened of spiders. Most children want their parents to feel proud of them.
 
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Hello, Does "a way of doing something" mean: a way in which something is done? If that so, I can not give the "of" a definition to show what it shows. Could any native speaker help me to do this? Thank you for your help.
 
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Hello, I have a decade conundrum at the "concern" in the following sentence. {This article concerns a man who was wrogly imprisoned.} The "concern" here not means : have the man as a subject, but this article is as a result of the man. In simple, "No the man, No this article." I need your confirmation and if that so, I want to say that in my country, all of the dictionary which lead the man's learning English, only to leave us in the wrong idea of the "concern" and no one is immune to the wrong idea. .Thank you for your help.
 
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Could somebody help me, please, with that? "The secrecy computation is the clue." I am intersted why is not here secret computation, I have looked to the dictionary, but there I found only secrecy as a noun, but it seems me used as the adjective.
By janajjanaj  
 
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Can't have your cake and eat it
 
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Hi guys! I'm here again with one little query.  Lately I've been developing a project that I want to suggest to the company I work for.  Even though I can't say much about the project, the idea is to offer a new services to this target market: Foreign residents of a city who do not speak the language of the city Tourists who do not speak the language of the city they visit Tourists that speak the language of the city they visit So the name I thought was “name of the city + OUTSIDERS” Ex: Paris Outsiders The thing is that a Canadian friend of mine told me that "Outsiders" has a bad connotation in English. That I shouldn’t call this new service like that. She suggested “name of the city + FOREIGNERS”. Do u think as well that Outsiders has a bad connotation? Thank u very much!!!
By brank87enoon  
 
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Hi, "Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin", Is it just a meaningless train or words? Does "Chinny chin", etc. make sense to native speakers? mus-te
 
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Please read the following passage: "The shamanism is dying gradually due in part to the fact that the tropical rain forests are dying around the edges." I've already checked the definition of the phrase "around the edges", and yet I see no matching result(it only means something definitive when phrased as "rough around the edges"). Does it mean that the rain forests are diminishing because the "outskirts" of it is being exploited?
 
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when do we use "Mentioned not" and "its ok"??????
 
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Hi. "With his Bishop searing down the h1-a8 diagonal, White threatens to penetrate Black's position with Ra8." What does sear mean here? Thanks in advance!
By soheil1enoon  
 
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Hi, QUOTE-> k = a / [ Ncos(latitude)] This scale factor does not depend on the longitude. k = 1 on the equator and the value increases latitude <-UNQUOTE Sorry for this piece of maths (I just cannot explain what my query is about without using this equasion). My question is about the underlined part of the sentence... If it were "the value grows as the latitude increases", it would be simple and understandable to me.... If you could comment on the grammatical "construct" ... VALUE INCREASES LATITUDE/LONGITUDE mus-te...
 
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