Important Idioms

Page 13 of 26

take it up/down a notch

Meaning: apply more effort to achieve a goal

Example: The team got through to the quarter-finals. Now they need to take it up a notch to get to the semis. Read more ➺


rest assured

Meaning: emphasizing that there is no need to worry

Example: You can rest assured that the transaction will be completed by the close of business today. Read more ➺


halfway house

Meaning: mid-point in recovery, treatment, or progress

Example: Frank has gone into a halfway house after 27 years in prison. Read more ➺


spick and span

Meaning: neat and clean

Example: The house was spick and span when the guests arrived. Jane must have been cleaning for hours. Read more ➺


come to think of/about it

Meaning: something that has just occurred to us as we speak

Example: Come to think of it, add potatoes and carrots to the list. Read more ➺


the smell of an oily rag

Meaning: a slim or frugal amount  

Example: When we were students, we didn't have much money and we got by on the smell of an oily rag most days. Read more ➺


anything but

Meaning: by no means

Example: We went to see that new action film on Thursday night and it was anything but good, in fact, I fell asleep. Read more ➺


square peg in a round hole

Meaning: a person who doesn't fit into societies norm

Example: How he got the job I will never know. He's like a square peg in a round hole. Read more ➺


at odds

Meaning: In conflict or disagreement with someone or something.

Example: The two politicians are often at odds over economic policy, leading to heated debates. Read more ➺


stand in a good stead

Meaning: to be of advantage to someone

Example: His years of experience in the spoken English field has stood him in good stead. Read more ➺


Share
Share