Important Idioms

Page 16 of 26

put the brakes on

Meaning: to stop or slow down an activity

Example: The economic situation is not looking good because of Brexit and this making the Prime Minister put the brakes on international investments. Read more ➺


kick the habit

Meaning: to overcome an addiction especially of an addiction like drugs

Example: Even after trying so hard, I could not kick the habit of drinking. Read more ➺


stands to reason

Meaning: to reach a logical conclusion

Example: The company stands to reason that the project will take at least another six months to conclude given that none of the managers have a better grip on the work. Read more ➺


too close to call

Meaning: a margin that is too close to determine a winner

Example: There are only a few minutes left in the match and it is too close to call. Read more ➺


when hell freezes over

Meaning: impolite way of saying "it will never happen"

Example: I guess, she will forgive you when hell freezes over. Read more ➺


not at all

Meaning: a polite response when someone says "thank you" - as a synonym for "you're welcome"

Example: Thank you so much for helping with my move. Not at all. Read more ➺


make do

Meaning: to cope with something even though the circumstances are not ideal

Example: I will make do without all of the research and send you a proposal by the end of the day. Read more ➺


leg it

Meaning: an informal way of telling someone to run in order to evade capture

Example: We were trespassing on their property. When the alarm went off we had to leg it or we would be caught. Read more ➺


stand out

Meaning: extend beyond or above a surface

Example: The blood vessels in the back of his right leg stood out. Read more ➺


over and above

Meaning: in addition to

Example: Firefighters always go over and above to ensure that people are safe. Read more ➺


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