zilch: nothing.
A: "How much money do you have?"
B: "Zilch. I'm broke until payday."
Zip your lip!: keep something secret; promise not to tell what has just been said.
"What I told you is really important, so zip your lip!"
a yes-man: someone who tries to get approval by agreeing with everyone.
A: "Why does the boss think Arnold is so intelligent?"
B: "Because Arnold is a yes-man. He agrees with everything the boss says!"
You don't say!: Really? / Is that really true?
A: "Have you heard the news? Jessica got married!"
B: "You don't say!"
You've got to be kidding!: You can't be serious! (What you said can't be true.
What you said is very surprising/hard to believe.) "
A: "Did you know that Bob quit his job?"
B: "You've got to be kidding!"
yucky: terrible; distasteful; very unpleasant.
"Don't eat the soup at the cafeteria. It's yucky!"
yummy: delicious.
"Have you tried the cookies that Jonathan baked? They're yummy!"
Was my face red!: I was very embarrassed.
"When I got to the meeting I noticed that I was wearing one black sock
and one brown one. Was my face red!"
wear out one's welcome: make someone uncomfortable by visiting too long.
A: "Can't you stay two or three more days?"
B: "No. I don't want to wear out my welcome."
wet behind the ears: inexperienced and naive.
"Don't include Fred as part of the bargaining team.He's just started
working here and is still too wet behind the ears."
What for?: Why?
A: "Come here for a minute. I need you."
B: "What for?"Note: "What" and "for" can be separated--with "for" at the end of the question:
B: "What do you need me for?"
What's up?: What's new? What's happening?
"Hi, Dave. What's up?"
a white lie: a lie that is told to avoid offending someone or hurting his / her feelings.
"The cake that Susan made tasted terrible, but I knew that
she made it because she wanted to please me, so when she
asked if I liked it, I told a white lie and said it was good."
wishy-washy: uncommitted; without an opinion of one's own.
"Don't be so wishy-washy. Tell us how you really feel."
with bells on: very eagerly; with the feeling that one will have a very good time.
A: "Are you going to Sandra's party?"
B: "I'll be there with bells on!"
would ('d) just as soon: would ('d) rather; prefer.
"I know we have a lot of work to do, but I'm tired. I'd just as soon leave
and finish tomorrow. Is that OK with you?"
under the weather: ill; sick; unwell.
"Ted was feeling under the weather yesterday, so he decided not to go to work."
until hell freezes over: forever.
"Chris can practice the piano until hell freezes over, but he'll never play
well because he's tone-deaf."Note: This expression is used to describe something that will not
change, no matter how long or how often it's done.
until you're blue in the face: forever.
"You can talk until you're blue in the face, but I won't change my mind."
Note: This expression is used in the same way as "until hell freezes over."
update: make current; add information to show what has happened recently.
"I need to update my résumé. It doesn't show what I've done during the last year."
upside down: with the bottom part on top and the top part on bottom.
"Put the glasses upside down in the dishwasher. If you don't do that,
they'll fill with water and you'll have to dry them by hand."
used to (+ V): an action that was true in the past but is not true now.
"Jane used to live in Austin, Texas. She lives in San Francisco now."
take it easy: relax.
"I don't have any special vacation plans. I'm just going to take it easy."
tell a white lie: say something that isn't true in order not to hurt or offend someone.
"The cake that Susan made tasted terrible, but I knew that she
made it because she wanted to please me, so when she asked
if I liked it, I told a white lie and said it was good."
toss something: throw something away; put something in the trash.
"These shoes are worn out. I guess I'll have to toss them."
tough: difficult.
"Question number three is a tough one.Do you know the answer?"
There, there.: expression of comfort.
"There, there. Everything's going to be OK."
tight-fisted: very frugal; unwilling to spend money unnecessarily.
A: Do you think Charlie will donate any money to the activities fund?
B: No way! He's too tight-fisted!
a tightwad: someone who is very frugal and unwilling to spend money unnecessarily.
A: Will Charlie donate any money to the activities fund?
B: Absolutely not! He's a real tightwad!"
tricky: easily confused or misunderstood.
"This problem is tricky. I don't really understand it."
two-faced: deceitful; disolyal; someone who pretends to be a friend but isn't.
"I thought he was my friend, but he's two-faced. He says nice things
to me when we're together, but makes jokes about me when we aren't.
__ -savvy: knowledgeable about ___ .
"If you're having problems with your hard disk, talk to Jim.
He's very computer-savvy. "
schmooze: make relaxed, casual conversation.
"No, we weren't talking about anything important.
We were just schmoozing."
shoot the breeze: make relaxed, casual conversation.
"No, we weren't talking about anything important.
We were just shooting the breeze."
sleep on it: take at least a day to think about something before making a decision.
"The job that you're offering me sounds really good, but I'd like
to sleep on it before giving you my final decision."
a snap: something that's very easy to do.
A: "Is your job difficult?"
B: "No, actually it's a snap. In fact, it's so easy that it's a little bit boring."
Someone's made his/her own bed; now let him/her lie in it.: Someone has caused
his/her own problems; he/she will have to solve them himself/herself.
A: Jim upset everyone when he got angry at the meeting. Can we do anything
to make the situation better?B: No. He's made his own bed; now let him lie in it."
sooner or later: eventually.
"You've been working too hard for too long. If you don't relax a little,
sooner or later you're going to get sick."
sort of: rather; somewhat.
"I think I'll lie down. I feel sort of dizzy."
so-so: fair; not particularly good.
A: "How're you doing?"
B: "So-so. I've been better, but I've also been worse."
state of the art: using the latest technology.
"The company is very proud of the equipment in its
computer room. It's state of the art."
Step on it!: Hurry up!
"Step on it! The taxi will be here at any time and you're not even dressed!"
R and R: rest and relaxation (a vacation).
"I think you're working too hard, Dave. You need some R and R."
rain or shine: (describing something scheduled) no matter what the weather is.
"We're leaving tomorrow, rain or shine."
rain cats and dogs: rain very hard.
"You can't leave just now! It's raining cats and dogs
and you don't have an umbrella or raincoat!"
read someone's mind: know what someone is thinking.
A: "I'll be you're thinking of what you're going to have for dinner."
B: "Hey, did you read my mind?"
A: "No. I just know that you're always hungry and lunch was several hours ago!"
rub someone the wrong way: irritate someone; bother or annoy someone.
"All my little brother says is 'Why?' Usually I'm patient with him,
but sometimes all his questions rub me the wrong way."
run-down: (1) not well; weak; fatigued.
"Are you eating regularly and getting enough sleep? You look run-down."
run-down: (2) in poor condition; needing repair.
"This must be a poor neighborhood. All the buildings look really run-down."
quite a few: several; numerous.
"I don't think I can meet you after work. I have quite a few errands that I have to do."
a quick study: someone who learns new things quickly and easily.
A: "Annie seems to be doing well at her new job."
B: "I'm not surprised. She's a quick study
OK: (1) yes (to show agreement--often reluctant agreement).
A: "Come on, Al. We really need your help!"
B: "Oh, OK; I may be crazy, but I'll help you."
OK: (2) neither good nor bad; so-so.
A: "How was the movie?"
B: "OK, I guess, but I've seen better ones."
OK: (3) in satisfactory condition; well.
A: "You look awfully pale. Are you OK?"
B: "Actually, I'm not. I have a terrible headache. "
OK: (4) approve (verb).
A: "Did your boss OK your vacation plans?"
B: "No, but he said that taking them two weeks later would be all right.
on the dot: exactly at a given time.
"We're leaving at 9:00 on the dot. If you're late, we'll go without you."
on time: at the scheduled time.
"It's getting late. You'd better hurry if you want to get to work on time."
(on the) cutting edge: using the most recent technology.
"The university's computer lab is (on the) cutting edge. It has
all the latest hardware and software."
once in a while: occasionally; from time to time.
A: "Would you like coffee or tea?"
B: "Coffee, please. I drink tea once in a while, but I generally drink coffee."
over one's head: too difficult or complicated for someone to understand.
"This explanation of cgi scripting is over my head.
Can you explain it in a less technical way?"
No way!: Absolutely not! / Definitely not!
A: "You didn't open this letter addressed to me, did you?"
B: "No way! I'd never read look at else's mail!"
nosh: snack.
"There's plenty in the refrigerator if you want something to nosh on."
Not on your life!: Absolutely not! (a strong "no").
A: "Someone said you cheated on the test. Did you?"
B: "Not on your life!"
now and then: occasionally; from time to time.
A: "Do you see Jennifer often?"
B: "No, not really. I see her now and then, but not regularly."
nuke: heat in a microwave.
"If your coffee's cold, just nuke it for about a minute."
nuts: crazy.
A: "Stuart says some really strange things sometimes."
B: "Sometimes? All the time! He's nuts!"
macho: super masculine / masculine to an extreme (in appearance and behavior).
"Her husband would never agree to help with the housework;
he's too macho to do that."
make a mountain out of a molehill: make something seem much more important than it really is.
"Calm down. There's really nothing to worry about.
You're making a mountain out of a molehill."
make up one's mind: decide what to do.
A: Where are you going on your vacation?
B: Maybe Canada, maybe Mexico. I can't make up my mind."
lend someone a hand: help someone.
"I can't do this alone. Can you lend me a hand?"
leave well enough alone: do nothing (because doing something would make things worse).
"Don't tell Jim how to discipline his children. Leave well enough alone."
a let-down: a disappointment; something that's very disappointing.
"It must've been quite a let-down not to be chosen for that job.
I know you really hoped you would get it."
Let sleeping dogs lie.: Don't cause problems by doing something when it isn't necessary.
"I know that what Julie said made you angry, but let sleeping dogs lie.
If you say or do anything, you'll only make things worse."
live from hand to mouth: survive on very little money; have only enough money
to pay for basic needs.
"Chuck and Alice are living from hand to mouth since Chuck lost his job."
live and let live: don't unnecessarily make things difficult;
do as you wish and let others do as they wish.
"I'm not going to criticize Alice's family just because their habits
are a little strange. My motto is 'Live and let live.'"
a low blow: a big disappointment.
A: "Fred seems depressed. Is he OK?"
B: "He's OK, but not good. It was a low blow for him to be laid off from his job."
lousy: terrible; very bad.
"Why did you speak so rudely to your grandmother? That was a lousy thing to do!"
keep an eye on: check something regularly.
"You're busy, so you'll need to keep an eye on the time.
Remember that we have to leave at 4:30."
keep an eye out for: watch for.
"I'll keep an eye out for John. If I see him, I'll tell him you want to talk to him."
keep one's chin up: remain brave and confident in a difficult situation;
don't despair or worry too much.
"I know that things have been difficult for you recently,
but keep your chin up. Everything will be better soon."
keep one's nose to the grindstone: stay diligent; steadily work hard,
without breaks or an uneven pace.
"If I keep my nose to the grindstone, I should be finished by the end of the day."
keep/stay in touch (with someone): remain informed (about someone) / in contact (with someone) by writing, calling, sending e-mail, etc. on a regular basis.
"I haven't seen Frank for two or three years but we keep (stay) in touch by e-mail."
keep one's fingers crossed: hope for the best.
A: "How did you do on the test?"
B: "I think I passed, but I won't know until tomorrow.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed!"
kid (noun): child.
A: "You have three kids, don't you?"
B: "That's right. I have two girls and a boy."
kid (verb): playfully say something that isn't true.
"I was kidding when I said my teacher was a monster. She's strict,
but she's actually a very nice person."
kind of: rather; more or less; a little.
"I'm feeling kind of hungry. I think I'll make myself a sandwich."
a klutz: an awkward, uncoordinated person.
"Don't ask Jeff to dance with you. He's a real klutz and will probably step on your feet!"
a know-it-all: someone who acts as if he/she knows everything--as if no one
can tell him/her anything that he/she doesn't already know.
"Don't try to make any suggestions to Bob. He's a know-it-all
and won't pay attention to anything you say."
know something backwards and forwards: know/understand something
completely and thoroughly.
"If you have a question about html tags, ask Susan. She knows html
backwards and forwards."
know something inside out: know/understand something thoroughly.
"If you have a question about grammar, ask Dr. Martin. She knows grammar inside out."
jump all over someone: severely criticize / find fault with someone.
A: "What's wrong with Joe?"
B: "He's feeling bad because his boss jumped all over him this morning."
jump the gun: do something before it's time to do it.
A: "How did Marsha know about the party? It was supposed to be a surprise."
B: "Chuck jumped the gun. Without thinking, he said, 'I'm bringing the cake at your party;
I hope you like it!"
jump to conclusions: decide something too quickly and without thinking about it or
considering all the facts.
A: "Angela just doesn't like me. She won't even say hello."
B: "You're jumping to conclusions. Actually, she's very shy."
junk mail: unsolicited mail (usually advertisements for something you're not interested in).
"I didn't have any letters today--only junk mail.ة
if I had my druthers: if I could do what I wanted/preferred.
"If I had my druthers, I'd stay home from work today."
in over one's head: in a situation that is too much / too difficult for one to manage.
"Do you have time to help me? I thought I could do this myself,
but I'm afraid I'm in over my head. I just can't handle things alone."
inside out: with the inner part on the outside and the outer part on the inside.
"Why are you wearing your tee shirt inside out?"
in stock: in supply and available to buy / sell.
"I'm sorry, but we just sold our last pair of hiking boots. If you come back
at the end of the week, however, we should have some more in stock.
in the black: profitable; not showing a financial loss.
"What did you do to increase profit and eliminate losses?
We've been in the black for two months in a row."
in the red: unprofitable; showing a financial loss.
"We have to do something to increase profit and decrease losses.
We've been in the red for two months in a row."
in time: not late.
"I thought I was going to be late for my flight, but it was delayed, so I was still in time."
had ('d) better: be obliged to; should (strong).
"You'd better leave soon. If you don't, you'll miss your bus."
hassle (noun): a troublesome situation; something troublesome that interrupts one's normal routine.
"I know it's a hassle to complete this form now, but Mr. Rogers
needs it in his office by the end of the day."
hard feelings: anger; animosity; bitter feelings.
A: "I'm sorry that Jim got the job instead of you."
B: "I have no hard feelings toward him; I know that he had stronger qualifications."
hard-headed: stubborn; inflexible; unwilling to change.
"I don't think Julie will change her mind. She's pretty hard-headed."
hassle (verb): annoy; bother; interrupt one's normal routine.
"If you'd stop hassling me, I might get this finished on time!"
have one's hands full: be extremely busy.
A: "Will you be able to help us this afternoon?"
B: "I'm afraid not. I'll have my hands full trying to finish my research paper."
have/has ('ve/'s) got: have/has.
"Dave's got a son whose name is Benjamin and a daughter whose name is Shannon."
have something down pat: know/understand something completely and thoroughly.
"I know I did well on the test. I had all the material down pat."
head honcho: person in charge; top boss.
"Dave's the head honcho of the ESL Cafe on the Web."
hit the books: study.
"I wish I could go to the movies, but I've got to hit the books."
hit the hay: go to bed; go to sleep.
"It's late, so I guess I'll hit the hay."
hit the sack: go to bed.
"I'm really tired. I think I'll hit the sack."
How come?: Why? (statement word order).
"How come you weren't at the party?"
get going: leave.
"Look at the time! I'd better get going!"
get it: understand something (often negative).
"I don't get it. What do you mean?"
get a kick out of something: find something amusing.
"I really get a kick out of listening to children talk. They say some very funny things."
get lost!: go away
"I wish he'd get lost and stop bothering me. I don't want to talk to him!"
get on one's nerves: irritate someone; make someone upset.
"I know you like that song, but it's getting on my nerves. Can you play something else?"
get a move on: hurry
"If you don't want to be late, you'd better get a move on."
get one's wires crossed: be confused or mistaken about something.
A: "Bill said there was a meeting this morning. Don't we have one?"
B: "No. The meeting's tomorrow. I guess Bill got his wires crossed."
get out of hand: become out of control; become badly managed.
"Your absences are getting out of hand, Bob. You'd better do something quickly to improve the situation if you want to keep your job."
Get real!: Be realistic! / Don't be naive.
A: "I'm going to Las Vegas. I know I'll win a lot of money!"
B: "Get real! You'll probably lose a lot of money!"
get up and go: energy.
"I'm really tired. I don't have any get up and go."
give someone a hand (1): help someone.
"I can't do this alone. Can you give me a hand?"
give someone a hand (2): applaud (to show respect or appreciation for someone/something).
"Dave's done a wonderful job with The ESL Café on the Web.
Let's give him a hand!"
a (real) go-getter: a (very) ambitious, hard-working person.
"I'm not surprised that Jean finished before anyone else. She's a real go-getter."
go with the flow: take things as they come.
"There's no need to worry. Everything will be OK if you just go with the flow."
grab a bite: get something to eat.
"I'm really hungry. Would you like to grab a bite with me?"
green: inexperienced.
"I don't think you can depend on Jack to do that job by himself. He's too green."
far-fetched: difficult to accept; difficult to believe.
"That story's pretty far-fetched. Nobody's going to believe it."
feel blue: feel sad and depressed.
"I'm feeling blue because I haven't had any mail except bills for a long, long time."
fire someone: dismiss someone from a job because of poor performance.
"If you continue to be late for work, the company will fire you."
feel puny: feel unwell, ill.
"Ted was feeling puny yesterday, so he decided not to go to work."
fender-bender: automobile accident.
"Traffic was really slow on the freeway this morning
because of a fender-bender in one of the westbound lanes."
for ages: for a very long time.
"Where's Marie? I haven't seen her for ages."
an eager beaver: a person who is always willing to volunteer or do extra work.
"Jan is certainly an eager beaver. Any time there's work to be done,
she's the first to say she'll help."
Easy does it!: Be very careful! / Don't do anything too fast or too hard!
A: "I'm going to move the table just a little further from the window."
B: "Easy does it! If you move too fast, you might knock over the plant!"
an egghead: a very intelligent person.
"Jake didn't make very good grades in school, but his sister was a real egghead."
elbow grease: hard work; effort.
"Yes, the car is pretty dirty, but it'll look nice again with a little elbow grease."
every other _____ : alternately; omitting the second one in each group of two.
"In your essays, please write on every other line. That will make the
essays much easier to read."
Don't count your chickens until (before) they hatch (they've hatched).: Don't assume
that something will happen until it has happened.
A: I'm sure that I'm going to win a lot of money in Las Vegas."
B: "Don't count your chickens until they hatch!"
dicey: uncertain; taking too much of a chance.
A: A friend of mine says I can make a lot of moneyif I buy stock
in the XYZ company. Should I do it?B: I wouldn't if I were you. The chances for success are too dicey."
call it a day: stop work for the day.
"It's late and you've accomplished a lot. Why don't you call it a day?"
can't make heads or tails of something: can't understand something at all;
find something confusing and illogical.
"I can't make heads or tails of your e-mail. Were you having problems
with your computer?"
bad-mouth: say unkind, unflattering, embarrassing (and probably untrue) things about someone.
A: "I don't believe what Bob said. Why is he bad-mouthing me?"
B: "He's probably jealous of your success."
be a piece of cake: be very easy.
A: "Bob said the test was difficult, but I thought it was a piece of cake.""
be all ears: be eager to hear what someone has to say.
A: "I just got an e-mail message from our old friend Sally."
B: "Tell me what she said. I'm all ears!"
be broke: be without money.
"No, I can't lend you ten dollars. I'm completely broke until payday."
A bit much
If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link
This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.
A day late and a dollar short
(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.
A bit much
If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link
This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.
A day late and a dollar short
(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.
A fool and his money are soon parted
This idiom means that people who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly. 'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an alternative form of the idiom.
A bit much
If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link
This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.
A day late and a dollar short
(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.
A fool and his money are soon parted
This idiom means that people who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly. 'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an alternative form of the idiom.
A fool at 40 is a fool forever
If someone hasn't matured by the time they reach forty, they never will.
have a big mouth
Definition: somebody who tells secrets, who is a gossip
Don't talk to Mary she has a big mouth.
If you didn't have such a big mouth, I'd tell you my secrets.
have a bee in your bonnet
Definition: have an obsession, something that always remains in your thoughts and efforts
She has a bee in her bonnet that health care must change.
If I have a bee in my bonnet, I have to do everything I can until I can make it happen.
have a bone to pick with someone
Definition: have something (usually a complaint) that you want to discuss with someone
I have a bone to pick with you. Just a moment, let's talk.
Tom's looking for Pete because he's got a bone to pick with him.
have a brush with something
Definition: have brief contact, or experience with someone or something
I had a brief brush with Jack and I didn't like it.
He's had a brief brush with unemployment.
have a chip on your shoulder
Definition: be in a bad mood and challenging people to fight
Don't take him seriously, he just has a chip on his shoulder.
Yes, I have a chip on my shoulder! What are YOU going to do about it?!
have a close call
Definition: be close to danger
I had a close call yesterday and was almost in an accident.
She's had a few close calls in her life.
have a familiar ring
Definition: sound familiar, as if you've heard it before
That story has a familiar ring. Did we read that last year?
Her experiences have a familiar ring. I guess everybody goes through that.
have a good head on your shoulders
Definition: have common sense, be sensible
Jack has a good head on his shoulders. Don't worry about him.
I think you have a good head on your shoulders. You should trust your decision.
have a green thumb
Definition: be very good at gardening
Alice obviously has a green thumb. Look at that garden!
My wife has a green thumb, so I let her do all the gardening.
have a heart
Definition: be compassionate or generous and forgiving with somebody
Don't hold that against her. Have a heart!
I think he'll have a heart and forgive you.
have a heart of gold
Definition: be generous and sincere
Mary has a heart of gold. I just love her.
The teacher has a heart of gold with her students.
have a heart of stone
Definition: be cold and unresponsive, unforgiving
Don't make him angry. He has a heart of stone.
I can't believe how he treats his children. He's got a heart of stone.
have an ax to grind
Definition: complain about something often
He has an ax to grind against his health care provider.
I know you have an ax to grind against Agatha, but stop complaining!
have an in with someone
Definition: have special access to someone (often used at work)
She has an in with the boss. Let her ask him for permission.
I wish I had an in with the director so I could get a promotion.
have a one-track mind
Definition: always thinking about one thing
He has a one track mind. He can't talk about anything besides golf.
Do you have a one-track mind?
have a soft spot in your heart for someone or something
Definition: love or adore a thing or person
I've got a soft spot in my heart for Maria Callas.
He has a soft spot in his heart for pinball!
have a sweet tooth
Definition: like sweets too much
I know you have a sweet tooth, but you need to be careful.
I need to watch my weight, especially because I have a sweet tooth.
have clean hands
Definition: to without guilt, guiltless
Don't blame him, he has clean hands.
The man claimed to have clean hands in the crime.
have egg on one's face
Definition: be embarrassed after having done something very stupid
I had egg on my face after I asked that stupid question.
I don't think he realizes he has egg on his face
What's Up? I hope you are having a good day today.
When I meet my friends, that's what I say: "What's Up?"
Of course, this phrase means "Hello, how are you?"
"What's Up" is an idiom. An idiom is a phrase that has a different meaning than the words in it. You cannot understand an idiom by knowing each word in it. You must understand it as a whole-- as a phrase.
Native speakers use hundreds of idioms everyday. We don't even think about it.
To understand a native speaker, you absolutely MUST learn idioms.
**How Will You Learn Idioms?
Unfortunately, you don't learn idioms from textbooks or schools. But you can learn them.
To start, buy a Dictionary of American Idioms. Use it to understand idioms you hear in movies and conversations. Keep these new idioms in a notebook, and review them quickly everyday.
Movies are great for learning idioms. In fact, many of our most common idioms come from movies.
You'll also learn idioms from REAL conversations between native speakers. Try to record two native speakers talking to each other. Then use the recording to learn idioms.
Finally, be patient. It takes time to learn idioms, but you can do it.
You then speak and understand the real English that is used by native speakers.
Good luck,
Put up with sth
با كسي ساختن
With open arms
با آغوش باز
Finger a thing
با چيزي ور رفتن
Face the reality
با حقايق مواجه شدن
Be razed to the ground
با خاك يكسان شدن
Suck up to sb
بادمجان دور قاب چيدن
At full speed
با سرعت تمام
On a full stomach
با شكم پر
Live in genteel poverty
با سيلي صورت خود را سرخ نگه داشتن
With one's nose in the air
با فيس و افاده
Carry on with sb
با كسي رويهم ريختن
There you go again!
باز كه شروع كردي؟
I was not born yesterday
بچه كه نيستم
Be a dirty mouth
بد دهان بودن
Die for sth
براي چيزي مردن
The idioms and expressions below are some of the most common in English. The example sentences show how idioms are used in context. Have fun!
1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.
3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!
8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.
9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.
11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.
14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.
15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.
16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!
17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.
18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand
19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.
20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.
22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.
24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.
25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient
| Have a bee in one's bonnet | A person who has a bee in their bonnet has an idea which constantly occupies their thoughts. "She's got a bee in her bonnet about moving to New York." |
| Beyond one's wildest dreams | If something is beyond your wildest dreams, it is better than you imagined or hoped for. "The research team received a grant from the government that was beyond their wildest dreams." |
| Blood, sweat and tears | A project or action which involves blood, sweat and tears requires a lot of effort and hard work. "His success wasn't due to luck; it was blood, sweat and tears all the way." |
| Have something on the brain | If you have something on the brain, you think or talk about it constantly. "Stop talking about golf. You've got golf on the brain!" |
| Dig in your heels | If you dig in your heels, you refuse to do something, especially if someone is trying to convince you to do so. "My grandfather dug in his heels and refused to move to an apartment." |
| An eager beaver | The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous. "The new accountant works all the time - first to arrive and last to leave - a real eager beaver!" |
| Explore all avenues | If you explore all avenues, you try out every possibility in order to obtain a result or find a solution. "We can't say it's impossible until we've explored all avenues." |
| Fight tooth and nail | If you fight tooth and nail for something, you fight with all your energy. "The Transport Minister fought tooth and nail to have to have the proposed road safety law accepted." |
| Fly by the seat of your pants | If you fly by the seat of your pants, you do something without knowledge or experience, using only your instinct and hoping that you will succeed. "Without any formal training, he decided to fly by the seat of his pants and try his luck in New York." |
| Go to great lengths | When trying to achieve something, if you go to great lengths, you do everything that is possible in order to succeed. "The two parties went to great lengths to reach an agreement." |
| Go into overdrive | If someone or something goes into overdrive, they begin to work very hard or start to perform intensely. "At the start of every new collection, my imagination goes into overdrive." |
| Keep your nose to the grindstone | A person who keeps their nose to the grindstone is someone who concentrates on working hard at his job. |
| Have one's heart set on something | Someone who has their heart set on something wants it very much. "From an early age Tiger had his heart set on becoming a professional golfer." |
| Hell-bent on something | If you are hell-bent on doing something, you are recklessly determined to do it, even if it's dangerous or stupid. "Although he is still weak, he's hell-bent on playing the match." |
| Hitch one's wagon to a star | Someone who hitches their wagon to a star has great ambitions and is very determined to reach their goal. "At an early age she decided to hitch her wagon to a star and become rich and famous." |
| Kill two birds with one stone | If you kill two birds with one stone, you succeed in doing two things at the same time. "By studying on the train on the way home every week-end, Claire kills two birds with one stone." |
| Make hay while the sun shines | This expression is used as an encouragement to take advantage of a good situation which may not last. Successful sportsmen are advised to make hay while the sun shines. |
| Make headway | If you make headway, you make progress in what you are trying to achieve. "Investigators have made little headway in their search for the causes of the catastrophe." |
| Mean business | If someone means business, they are serious about what they announce. "The boss says that in future any missing material will be reported to the police, and he looks as though he means business." |
| Pester power | This expression refers to the power children exert over their parents by continually nagging or pestering them until they accept to buy advertised toys or fashionable products. "Pester power leads busy parents to buy more and more for their children." |
| Pull out all the stops | If you pull out all the stops, you do everything you can to make something successful. "We'll have to pull out all the stops to get the store ready for the opening day." |
| Reach for the moon | If you reach for the moon, you are very ambitious and try to achieve something even if it's difficult. |
| Raise/lower your sights | If you raise or lower your sights, you raise or lower your expectations, or you are more or less ambitious.. "He had to lower his sights and accept a less well-paid job than what he had hoped for." |
| Sink one's teeth into something | If you sink your teeth into something, you do it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. "When Julie got promoted, she immediately sank her teeth into her new job." |
| Stand on your own two feet | If you stand on your own two feet, you are independent and need no help from anyone. "When young people leave home, they learn to stand on their own two feet." |
| Stand one's ground | If you stand your ground, you maintain your position and refuse to yield or give way. "He claimed innocence and stood his ground in spite of the repeated accusations." |
| Stick to one's guns | If you stick to your guns, you show determination when faced with opposition. "The government stuck to its guns in spite of the criticism." |
| The sky's the limit | To say "the sky's the limit" means that there is no limit to the possibility of success or progress for someone or something. "How successful do you think the project will be? Who knows... the sky's the limit!" |
| Waiting in the wings | If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in their job or position. "There are many young actors waiting in the wings, ready to show their talent." |
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Answering the phone
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Problems
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Put up with sth
با كسي ساختن
With open arms
با آغوش باز
Finger a thing
با چيزي ور رفتن
Face the reality
با حقايق مواجه شدن
Be razed to the ground
Suck up to sb
بادمجان دور قاب چيدن
At full speed
با سرعت تمام
On a full stomach
با شكم پر
Live in genteel poverty
با سيلي صورت خود را سرخ نگه داشتن
With one's nose in the air
با فيس و افاده
Carry on with sb
با كسي رويهم ريختن
There you go again!
باز كه شروع كردي؟
I was not born yesterday
بچه كه نيستم
Be a dirty mouth
بد دهان بودن
Die for sth
براي چيزي مردن
با خاك يكسان شدن
معرفی:سید مهدی موسوی فوق لیسانس آموزش زبان انگلیسی از دانشگاه اصفهان و مدرس کانون زبان ایران مراکز تربیت معلم مشهد دانشگاه علمی کاربردی دانشکده فنی منتظری مشهدو همچنین موسسه پاراکس میباشد.او سابقه تدریس در دانشگاه آزاد و موسسه فرهنگی آموزشی زبانسرا و شکوه شعبه مشهد را نیز دارد.وی در این وبلاگ سعی دارد تا لحظات خوش و همراه با سرگرمی برای همه علاقمندان به زبان انگلیسی فراهم آورد و امیدوار است تا بدینوسیله بتواند گامی را در جهت پیشبرد فرآیند آموزش و یادگیری زبان انگلیسی بردارد.