Important Idioms
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Meaning: abbreviate a long explanation into a short one
Example: To make a long story short, he still stays in the apartment but now it is owned by someone else. Read more ➺
Meaning: To miss a chance.
Example: I delayed too long and missed the boat on getting early bird tickets. Read more ➺
Meaning: State of alertness or watchfulness, especially due to anticipation of danger or surprise.
Example: The security guards remained on the qui vive throughout the night. Read more ➺
Meaning: something that is very different from something else
Example: The apartment they live in now is a far cry from the huge mansion they once used to have. Read more ➺
Meaning: done precisely
Example: The announcement of chief guest's arrival at the school annual function was timed to a T. Read more ➺
Meaning: a win-win situation
Example: "If you decide to live here you get the greenery of the countryside and the amenities of urban life. Its the best of both worlds, really." Read more ➺
Meaning: get what one deserves
Example: After the supervisor was suspended, many workers felt that he got his just deserts. Read more ➺
Meaning: In small amounts at a time.
Example: The donations came in dribs and drabs, so the charity had to wait months to reach its goal. Read more ➺
Meaning: to take care of every detail, even minor ones
Example: I had dotted all the i's and crossed the t's, so I wondered why my application was rejected. Read more ➺
Meaning: A person who unexpectedly wins or succeeds, especially when little is known about them.
Example: Jason was hardly mentioned during the race, but he became the dark horse and won the election. Read more ➺
