Education

on the drawing board

Meaning: in the initial planning or design stage.

Example: The manager raised the second item on his agenda, admitting it was still on the drawing board. Read on

alma mater

Meaning: the school, college, or university that one attended or in which one has studied

Example: He was delighted when he was offered the position of professor of English at his alma mater. Read on

tick off

Meaning: to make a mark next to items on a list that have been completed

Example: I would like to tick off some more items on my list before going home. Read on

piece of writing

Meaning: the work of a writer, anything expressed in letters of the alphabet (especially when considered from the point of view of style and effect)

Example: The editorial was a fine piece of writing. Read on

hit the books

Meaning: to study very hard

Example: I have an exam tomorrow, I need to hit the books tonight. Read on

back to the drawing board

Meaning: back to the planning stage

Example: My experiment was a failure, so I'm back to the drawing board. Read on

ABC

Meaning: the alphabet (See example 1 and 2)

Example: My little son now has started learning ABC in school. Read on