Vocabulary
1,235Entries
Showing 50 of 1,235 (page 19).
Describes something happening all at once or in a single, sudden action
“The company laid off staff IN ONE FELL SWOOP”
In a situation that is too difficult for you to deal with
“I'm IN OVER MY HEAD with this project”
Immediately and without difficulty
“The children got ready IN SHORT ORDER”
Laughing a lot or uncontrollably
“The comedian had us all IN STITCHES”
Something like a mood that everybody can feel
“You could feel the tension IN THE AIR”
Certain to be achieved or won; secured
“The election is IN THE BAG”
Making a profit; not in debt
“Fortunately, our business is IN THE BLACK”
Uninformed, a state of ignorance
“The family had been KEPT IN THE DARK”
On trial in court, especially in a criminal case
“The accused man was placed IN THE DOCK”
Regarded with disfavor, especially due to a mistake or wrongdoing
“Tom was IN THE DOGHOUSE all weekend”
In control of a situation
“The consumer is IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT”
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment
“I said it IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT”
Beyond human control; left to fate or chance
“His recovery is now IN THE LAP OF THE GODS”
Be aware of the information
“Katy was happy that her friends kept her IN THE LOOP”
In a very remote place; far from any city or town
“We got lost IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE”
Just before it is too late; at the last possible moment
“We arrived IN THE NICK OF TIME”
Be very healthy
“She's IN THE PINK after her recovery”
Owing money to the bank; not making a profit
“The company has been IN THE RED for two years”
In the same difficult situation
“We're all IN THE SAME BOAT - we all have the same problem”
Exercising strict or harsh control over others
“The dictator ruled with AN IRON FIST”
Accepting a situation as it is, even if it's not ideal
“IT IS WHAT IT IS, and no amount of arguing will change it”
Actions or communications need more than one person; both parties are responsible
“IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO, you know”
Something should have happened sooner; it is finally happening
“Well, IT'S ABOUT TIME you arrived!”
I don't understand anything about this (usually because it's complex or technical)
“This computer manual is ALL GREEK TO ME”
Indicate that a specific task is simple and easy to undertake
“Learning to ride a bike is simple, IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY”
A place of intellectual isolation, where experts focus on theory rather than real-world issues
“Professors in their IVORY TOWER often debate theories”
Someone who can do many different things
“He's A JACK OF ALL TRADES”
Very crowded; filled to capacity
“The stadium was JAM PACKED”
Join others in doing or supporting something because it is fashionable or likely to be successful
“Everyone is JUMPING ON THE BANDWAGON”
Act too soon
“He JUMPED THE GUN with the announcement”
Make a judgment without having all the facts
“Don't JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS”
Occurring soon
“Summer is JUST AROUND THE CORNER”
Used to express bad luck or misfortune (sarcastic)
“JUST MY LUCK - it's raining today”
The law should be applied impartially, without bias
“JUSTICE IS BLIND”
An unofficial or illegal court
“The villagers held A KANGAROO COURT”
Remain determined despite all adversity
“KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP”
Watch someone or something carefully; take care of something
“Can you KEEP AN EYE ON my bag?”
Don't make something complicated
“KEEP IT SIMPLE”
Keep someone at a distance; avoid becoming too friendly with someone
“She KEEPS everyone AT ARM'S LENGTH”
Keep something away; prevent something from approaching
“She's trying to KEEP her worries AT BAY”
Stay positive and cheerful in a difficult situation
“KEEP YOUR CHIN UP - things will get better”
Hope for good luck or success
“I'm KEEPING my FINGERS CROSSED for the exam results”
Die
“The old horse KICKED THE BUCKET”
Achieve two things with a single action
“I KILLED TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE by going to the bank and post office in one trip”
Said to avoid bad luck
“KNOCK ON WOOD, I haven't gotten sick”
Amaze or impress someone greatly
“This movie will KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF”
Be familiar with how something works
“She really KNOWS THE ROPES”
Work done for pleasure rather than reward
“Restoring the old car was A LABOUR OF LOVE”
Finally
“And LAST BUT NOT LEAST, John”
The final difficulty that makes a situation unbearable
“The rude comment was THE LAST STRAW”
PreviousNext
