Important Idioms

Page 12 of 26

run across

Meaning: meet someone by accident

Example: While cleaning my house, I ran across a book I'd lost. Read more ➺


in mint condition

Meaning: something used that looks new

Example: She was cautious about buying the vintage t-shirt sight unseen, but the seller assured her it was in mint condition. Read more ➺


where the rubber meets the road

Meaning: when you have to face your challenges

Example: John had an excellent idea for a project, but his colleagues weren't sure what would happen where the rubber meets the road. Read more ➺


on board

Meaning: be physically on a plane, ship, vehicle, train, or rocket

Example: Let's get Phoebe on board for the Madison project. After all, it is her area of expertise. Read more ➺


leaps and bounds

Meaning: progress very quickly

Example: Regan's reading skills are coming on in leaps and bounds with the new teacher. Read more ➺


cut the cord

Meaning: to end a connection with someone

Example: In order to achieve true independence, developing countries must cut the cord and stop asking for financial aid from the developed countries. Read more ➺


brain drain

Meaning: the migration of highly skilled or trained people from a particular country

Example: The slowdown in the advanced countries triggered a reverse brain drain to developing countries. Read more ➺


take a cue from

Meaning: to do what is recommended by someone else

Example: I'm not good at belly dance, so I'll take my cue from you. Read more ➺


get the sack (boot, axe)

Meaning: be dismissed from the job

Example: If you can't do your job properly, you're going to get the sack. Read more ➺


part and parcel

Meaning: something that is a basic or essential element of the whole

Example: Darkness is part and parcel of the night. Read more ➺


Share
Share