F1 … take on
… take on
… She decided to take on a new challenge.
… The company has taken on several new employees.
… take on to accept a responsibility, challenge, or job; also, to compete against someone.
… take on
/ take on
… She decided to take on a new challenge.
/ She decided to take on a new challenge.
… She decided to take on a new challenge.
… The company has taken on several new employees.
/ The company has taken on several new employees.
… The company has taken on several new employees.
F2 … take over
… take over
… A larger firm took over the company last year.
… Who will take over when the manager retires?
… take over to gain control of something or assume responsibility for it.
… take over
/ take over
… A larger firm took over the company last year.
/ A larger firm took over the company last year.
… A larger firm took over the company last year.
… Who will take over when the manager retires?
/ Who will take over when the manager retires?
… Who will take over when the manager retires?
F3 … have what it takes to be
… have what it takes to be
… I think she has what it takes to be a great leader.
… Do you have what it takes to be a doctor?
… have what it takes to be to possess the qualities, skills, or abilities necessary to become something.
… have what it takes to be
/ have what it takes to be
… I think she has what it takes to be a great leader.
/ I think she has what it takes to be a great leader.
… I think she has what it takes to be a great leader.
… Do you have what it takes to be a doctor?
/ Do you have what it takes to be a doctor?
… Do you have what it takes to be a doctor?
F4 … tell it like it is
… tell it like it is
… She always tells it like it is.
… I appreciate people who tell it like it is.
… tell it like it is to speak honestly and directly about the facts.
… tell it like it is
/ tell it like it is
… She always tells it like it is.
/ She always tells it like it is.
… She always tells it like it is.
… I appreciate people who tell it like it is.
/ I appreciate people who tell it like it is.
… I appreciate people who tell it like it is.
F5 … You are telling me.
… You are telling me.
… “This project is exhausting.” “You are telling me!”
… “The traffic was terrible.” “You are telling me!”
… You are telling me. an expression used to show strong agreement with what someone has said.
… You are telling me.
/ You are telling me.
… “This project is exhausting.” “You are telling me!”
/ “This project is exhausting.” “You are telling me!”
… “This project is exhausting.” “You are telling me!”
… “The traffic was terrible.” “You are telling me!”
/ “The traffic was terrible.” “You are telling me!”
… “The traffic was terrible.” “You are telling me!”
F6 … in that
… in that
… He is fortunate in that he has a supportive family.
… The plan is unusual in that it relies entirely on volunteers.
… in that because; for the reason that.
… in that
/ in that
… He is fortunate in that he has a supportive family.
/ He is fortunate in that he has a supportive family.
… He is fortunate in that he has a supportive family.
… The plan is unusual in that it relies entirely on volunteers.
/ The plan is unusual in that it relies entirely on volunteers.
… The plan is unusual in that it relies entirely on volunteers.
F7 … that is that
… that is that
… I’ve made my decision, and that is that.
… We’re leaving at six, and that is that.
… that is that used to indicate that a matter is settled and no further discussion is needed.
… that is that
/ that is that
… I’ve made my decision, and that is that.
/ I’ve made my decision, and that is that.
… I’ve made my decision, and that is that.
… We’re leaving at six, and that is that.
/ We’re leaving at six, and that is that.
… We’re leaving at six, and that is that.
F8 … all thumbs
… all thumbs
… I’m all thumbs when it comes to fixing things.
… He felt all thumbs while sewing on a button.
… all thumbs very clumsy, especially when using one’s hands.
… all thumbs
/ all thumbs
… I’m all thumbs when it comes to fixing things.
/ I’m all thumbs when it comes to fixing things.
… I’m all thumbs when it comes to fixing things.
… He felt all thumbs while sewing on a button.
/ He felt all thumbs while sewing on a button.
… He felt all thumbs while sewing on a button.
F9 … turn thumbs down on
… turn thumbs down on
… The committee turned thumbs down on the proposal.
… Voters turned thumbs down on the tax increase.
… turn thumbs down on to reject, disapprove of, or refuse something.
… turn thumbs down on
/ turn thumbs down on
… The committee turned thumbs down on the proposal.
/ The committee turned thumbs down on the proposal.
… The committee turned thumbs down on the proposal.
… Voters turned thumbs down on the tax increase.
/ Voters turned thumbs down on the tax increase.
… Voters turned thumbs down on the tax increase.
F10 … be tickled pink
… be tickled pink
… My grandmother was tickled pink when I visited her unexpectedly.
… The children were tickled pink to hear that school had been canceled.
… be tickled pink to be very pleased or delighted.
… be tickled pink
/ be tickled pink
… My grandmother was tickled pink when I visited her unexpectedly.
/ My grandmother was tickled pink when I visited her unexpectedly.
… My grandmother was tickled pink when I visited her unexpectedly.
… The children were tickled pink to hear that school had been canceled.
/ The children were tickled pink to hear that school had been canceled.
… The children were tickled pink to hear that school had been canceled.
F11 … tie down
… tie down
… Having a pet can tie you down.
… The contract tied the company down for five years.
… tie down to limit someone’s freedom; also, to secure something firmly.
… tie down
/ tie down
… Having a pet can tie you down.
/ Having a pet can tie you down.
… Having a pet can tie you down.
… The contract tied the company down for five years.
/ The contract tied the company down for five years.
… The contract tied the company down for five years.
F12 … against time
… against time
… The rescue team worked against time to find survivors.
… We are racing against time to finish the project.
… against time working in a hurry because there is very little time available.
… against time
/ against time
… The rescue team worked against time to find survivors.
/ The rescue team worked against time to find survivors.
… The rescue team worked against time to find survivors.
… We are racing against time to finish the project.
/ We are racing against time to finish the project.
… We are racing against time to finish the project.
F13 … make good time
… make good time
… We made good time and arrived before noon.
… The train made good time despite the bad weather.
… make good time to travel or progress quickly.
… make good time
/ make good time
… We made good time and arrived before noon.
/ We made good time and arrived before noon.
… We made good time and arrived before noon.
… The train made good time despite the bad weather.
/ The train made good time despite the bad weather.
… The train made good time despite the bad weather.
F14 … tip off
… tip off
… Someone tipped off the police about the robbery.
… His nervous behavior tipped me off that something was wrong.
… tip off to give someone secret information or a warning.
… tip off
/ tip off
… Someone tipped off the police about the robbery.
/ Someone tipped off the police about the robbery.
… Someone tipped off the police about the robbery.
… His nervous behavior tipped me off that something was wrong.
/ His nervous behavior tipped me off that something was wrong.
… His nervous behavior tipped me off that something was wrong.
F15 … watch your tongue
… watch your tongue
… Watch your tongue when speaking to your teacher.
… You’d better watch your tongue around your grandmother.
… watch your tongue be careful about what you say; avoid rude or offensive remarks.
… watch your tongue
/ watch your tongue
… Watch your tongue when speaking to your teacher.
/ Watch your tongue when speaking to your teacher.
… Watch your tongue when speaking to your teacher.
… You’d better watch your tongue around your grandmother.
/ You’d better watch your tongue around your grandmother.
… You’d better watch your tongue around your grandmother.
F16 … top dog
… top dog
… After the merger, he became the top dog in the company.
… That team has been the top dog in the league for years.
… top dog the person or group with the highest rank, power, or success.
… top dog
/ top dog
… After the merger, he became the top dog in the company.
/ After the merger, he became the top dog in the company.
… After the merger, he became the top dog in the company.
… That team has been the top dog in the league for years.
/ That team has been the top dog in the league for years.
… That team has been the top dog in the league for years.
F17 … topsy-turvy
… topsy-turvy
… My schedule has been topsy-turvy all week.
… The economy was left topsy-turvy after the crisis.
… topsy-turvy in a state of confusion, disorder, or upside-down arrangement.
… topsy-turvy
/ topsy-turvy
… My schedule has been topsy-turvy all week.
/ My schedule has been topsy-turvy all week.
… My schedule has been topsy-turvy all week.
… The economy was left topsy-turvy after the crisis.
/ The economy was left topsy-turvy after the crisis.
… The economy was left topsy-turvy after the crisis.
F18 … keep in touch
… keep in touch
… Let’s keep in touch after graduation.
… I still keep in touch with my childhood friends.
… keep in touch to continue communicating with someone.
… keep in touch
/ keep in touch
… Let’s keep in touch after graduation.
/ Let’s keep in touch after graduation.
… Let’s keep in touch after graduation.
… I still keep in touch with my childhood friends.
/ I still keep in touch with my childhood friends.
… I still keep in touch with my childhood friends.
F19 … tug-of-war
… tug-of-war
… The budget debate became a political tug-of-war.
… The children enjoyed a game of tug-of-war.
… tug-of-war a struggle between two sides competing for control or advantage.
… tug-of-war
/ tug-of-war
… The budget debate became a political tug-of-war.
/ The budget debate became a political tug-of-war.
… The budget debate became a political tug-of-war.
… The children enjoyed a game of tug-of-war.
/ The children enjoyed a game of tug-of-war.
… The children enjoyed a game of tug-of-war.
F20 … tune in on
… tune in on
… Millions of viewers tuned in on the final game.
… Be sure to tune in on tonight’s special program.
… tune in on to listen to or pay close attention to something, especially a broadcast.
… tune in on
/ tune in on
… Millions of viewers tuned in on the final game.
/ Millions of viewers tuned in on the final game.
… Millions of viewers tuned in on the final game.
… Be sure to tune in on tonight’s special program.
/ Be sure to tune in on tonight’s special program.
… Be sure to tune in on tonight’s special program.
F21 … talk turkey
… talk turkey
… Let’s stop joking and talk turkey.
… It’s time for both sides to talk turkey about the budget.
… talk turkey to discuss something seriously and honestly, especially business matters.
… talk turkey
/ talk turkey
… Let’s stop joking and talk turkey.
/ Let’s stop joking and talk turkey.
… Let’s stop joking and talk turkey.
… It’s time for both sides to talk turkey about the budget.
/ It’s time for both sides to talk turkey about the budget.
… It’s time for both sides to talk turkey about the budget.
F22 … turn down
… turn down
… She turned down the job offer.
… Could you turn down the TV?
… turn down to reject, refuse, or lower the level of something.
… turn down
/ turn down
… She turned down the job offer.
/ She turned down the job offer.
… She turned down the job offer.
… Could you turn down the TV?
/ Could you turn down the TV?
… Could you turn down the TV?
F23 … turn ~ off
… turn ~ off
… Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
… His rude behavior turned me off.
… turn ~ off to stop a machine or device from operating; also, to cause someone to lose interest.
… turn ~ off
/ turn ~ off
… Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
/ Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
… Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
… His rude behavior turned me off.
/ His rude behavior turned me off.
… His rude behavior turned me off.
F24 … twist one’s arm
… twist one’s arm
… Nobody had to twist my arm to accept the invitation.
… She twisted his arm into joining the team.
… twist one’s arm to persuade someone to do something they do not want to do.
… twist one’s arm
/ twist one’s arm
… Nobody had to twist my arm to accept the invitation.
/ Nobody had to twist my arm to accept the invitation.
… Nobody had to twist my arm to accept the invitation.
… She twisted his arm into joining the team.
/ She twisted his arm into joining the team.
… She twisted his arm into joining the team.
F25 … put in one’s two cents
… put in one’s two cents
… Before we make a decision, I’d like to put in my two cents.
… Everyone was discussing the problem, so I put in my two cents.
… put in one’s two cents to give one’s opinion, especially when it was not requested.
… put in one’s two cents
/ put in one’s two cents
… Before we make a decision, I’d like to put in my two cents.
/ Before we make a decision, I’d like to put in my two cents.
… Before we make a decision, I’d like to put in my two cents.
… Everyone was discussing the problem, so I put in my two cents.
/ Everyone was discussing the problem, so I put in my two cents.
… Everyone was discussing the problem, so I put in my two cents.
F26 … six feet under
… six feet under
… His grandfather has been six feet under for many years.
… The old legend says the pirate is six feet under on the island.
… six feet under dead and buried in a grave.
… six feet under
/ six feet under
… His grandfather has been six feet under for many years.
/ His grandfather has been six feet under for many years.
… His grandfather has been six feet under for many years.
… The old legend says the pirate is six feet under on the island.
/ The old legend says the pirate is six feet under on the island.
… The old legend says the pirate is six feet under on the island.
F27 … dressed to the nines
… dressed to the nines
… Everyone was dressed to the nines at the wedding.
… She arrived dressed to the nines in an elegant gown.
… dressed to the nines wearing very fashionable or formal clothes.
… dressed to the nines
/ dressed to the nines
… Everyone was dressed to the nines at the wedding.
/ Everyone was dressed to the nines at the wedding.
… Everyone was dressed to the nines at the wedding.
… She arrived dressed to the nines in an elegant gown.
/ She arrived dressed to the nines in an elegant gown.
… She arrived dressed to the nines in an elegant gown.
F28 … forty winks
… forty winks
… I took forty winks after lunch.
… A few forty winks helped me feel refreshed.
… forty winks a short sleep or nap.
… forty winks
/ forty winks
… I took forty winks after lunch.
/ I took forty winks after lunch.
… I took forty winks after lunch.
… A few forty winks helped me feel refreshed.
/ A few forty winks helped me feel refreshed.
… A few forty winks helped me feel refreshed.
F29 … at sixes and sevens
… at sixes and sevens
… The office was at sixes and sevens after the reorganization.
… Everything was at sixes and sevens following the storm.
… at sixes and sevens confused, disorganized, or in disorder.
… at sixes and sevens
/ at sixes and sevens
… The office was at sixes and sevens after the reorganization.
/ The office was at sixes and sevens after the reorganization.
… The office was at sixes and sevens after the reorganization.
… Everything was at sixes and sevens following the storm.
/ Everything was at sixes and sevens following the storm.
… Everything was at sixes and sevens following the storm.
F30 … second to none
… second to none
… Her cooking skills are second to none.
… The university’s research facilities are second to none.
… second to none as good as or better than all others.
… second to none
/ second to none
… Her cooking skills are second to none.
/ Her cooking skills are second to none.
… Her cooking skills are second to none.
… The university’s research facilities are second to none.
/ The university’s research facilities are second to none.
… The university’s research facilities are second to none.
F31 … catch-22
… catch-22
… I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience. It’s a catch-22.
… It’s a catch-22 situation because I need money to start a business, but I need a business to make money.
… catch-22 a situation in which a solution is impossible because of contradictory rules or conditions.
… catch-22
/ catch-22
… I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience. It’s a catch-22.
/ I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience. It’s a catch-22.
… I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience. It’s a catch-22.
… It’s a catch-22 situation because I need money to start a business, but I need a business to make money.
/ It’s a catch-22 situation because I need money to start a business, but I need a business to make money.
… It’s a catch-22 situation because I need money to start a business, but I need a business to make money.
F32 … a fifth wheel
… a fifth wheel
… I felt like a fifth wheel at their date.
… He felt like a fifth wheel when all his friends brought their partners.
… a fifth wheel a person who is unnecessary or feels left out in a group.
… a fifth wheel
/ a fifth wheel
… I felt like a fifth wheel at their date.
/ I felt like a fifth wheel at their date.
… I felt like a fifth wheel at their date.
… He felt like a fifth wheel when all his friends brought their partners.
/ He felt like a fifth wheel when all his friends brought their partners.
… He felt like a fifth wheel when all his friends brought their partners.
F33 … behind the eight ball
… behind the eight ball
… After losing his job, he was behind the eight ball.
… We were behind the eight ball after the project fell behind schedule.
… behind the eight ball in a difficult situation or at a disadvantage.
… behind the eight ball
/ behind the eight ball
… After losing his job, he was behind the eight ball.
/ After losing his job, he was behind the eight ball.
… After losing his job, he was behind the eight ball.
… We were behind the eight ball after the project fell behind schedule.
/ We were behind the eight ball after the project fell behind schedule.
… We were behind the eight ball after the project fell behind schedule.
F34 … the eleventh hour
… the eleventh hour
… They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.
… The government passed the budget at the eleventh hour.
… the eleventh hour the last possible moment before it is too late.
… the eleventh hour
/ the eleventh hour
… They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.
/ They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.
… They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.
… The government passed the budget at the eleventh hour.
/ The government passed the budget at the eleventh hour.
… The government passed the budget at the eleventh hour.
F35 … fix one’s wagon
… fix one’s wagon
… Don’t worry. I’ll fix his wagon.
… The coach promised to fix the team’s wagon after the embarrassing loss.
… fix one’s wagon to punish someone or make sure they suffer the consequences of their actions.
… fix one’s wagon
/ fix one’s wagon
… Don’t worry. I’ll fix his wagon.
/ Don’t worry. I’ll fix his wagon.
… Don’t worry. I’ll fix his wagon.
… The coach promised to fix the team’s wagon after the embarrassing loss.
/ The coach promised to fix the team’s wagon after the embarrassing loss.
… The coach promised to fix the team’s wagon after the embarrassing loss.
F36 … all walks of life
… all walks of life
… People from all walks of life attended the festival.
… The organization helps individuals from all walks of life.
… all walks of life people from many different backgrounds, occupations, and social groups.
… all walks of life
/ all walks of life
… People from all walks of life attended the festival.
/ People from all walks of life attended the festival.
… People from all walks of life attended the festival.
… The organization helps individuals from all walks of life.
/ The organization helps individuals from all walks of life.
… The organization helps individuals from all walks of life.
F37 … hold water
… hold water
… His explanation doesn’t hold water.
… The theory failed to hold water under close examination.
… hold water to be logical, convincing, or valid.
… hold water
/ hold water
… His explanation doesn’t hold water.
/ His explanation doesn’t hold water.
… His explanation doesn’t hold water.
… The theory failed to hold water under close examination.
/ The theory failed to hold water under close examination.
… The theory failed to hold water under close examination.
F38 … water down
… water down
… The committee watered down the proposal.
… The publisher asked the author to water down the controversial chapter.
… water down to make something weaker, less effective, or less intense.
… water down
/ water down
… The committee watered down the proposal.
/ The committee watered down the proposal.
… The committee watered down the proposal.
… The publisher asked the author to water down the controversial chapter.
/ The publisher asked the author to water down the controversial chapter.
… The publisher asked the author to water down the controversial chapter.
F39 … by way of
… by way of
… We stopped in Kyoto by way of Osaka.
… I’d like to say a few words by way of introduction.
… by way of through; by means of; as a route to.
… by way of
/ by way of
… We stopped in Kyoto by way of Osaka.
/ We stopped in Kyoto by way of Osaka.
… We stopped in Kyoto by way of Osaka.
… I’d like to say a few words by way of introduction.
/ I’d like to say a few words by way of introduction.
… I’d like to say a few words by way of introduction.
F40 … earn one’s way through school
… earn one’s way through school
… She earned her way through school by working part-time.
… He earned his way through school as a waiter.
… earn one’s way through school to pay for one’s education by working while attending school.
… earn one’s way through school
/ earn one’s way through school
… She earned her way through school by working part-time.
/ She earned her way through school by working part-time.
… She earned her way through school by working part-time.
… He earned his way through school as a waiter.
/ He earned his way through school as a waiter.
… He earned his way through school as a waiter.
F41 … the worse for wear
… the worse for wear
… My shoes are looking a little worse for wear.
… After years of use, the old building was the worse for wear.
… the worse for wear slightly damaged, tired, or in poor condition from use or age.
… the worse for wear
/ the worse for wear
… My shoes are looking a little worse for wear.
/ My shoes are looking a little worse for wear.
… My shoes are looking a little worse for wear.
… After years of use, the old building was the worse for wear.
/ After years of use, the old building was the worse for wear.
… After years of use, the old building was the worse for wear.
F42 … under the weather
… under the weather
… Tom stayed home because he was under the weather.
… I’m feeling a little under the weather today.
… under the weather feeling slightly ill or unwell.
… under the weather
/ under the weather
… Tom stayed home because he was under the weather.
/ Tom stayed home because he was under the weather.
… Tom stayed home because he was under the weather.
… I’m feeling a little under the weather today.
/ I’m feeling a little under the weather today.
… I’m feeling a little under the weather today.
F43 … what’s what
… what’s what
… It takes time to learn what’s what in a new job.
… He quickly figured out what’s what around the office.
… what’s what the true facts about a situation; how things really are.
… what’s what
/ what’s what
… It takes time to learn what’s what in a new job.
/ It takes time to learn what’s what in a new job.
… It takes time to learn what’s what in a new job.
… He quickly figured out what’s what around the office.
/ He quickly figured out what’s what around the office.
… He quickly figured out what’s what around the office.
F44 … who’s who
… who’s who
… The banquet was attended by a who’s who of business leaders.
… The event attracted the who’s who of the art world.
… who’s who a group of important or well-known people.
… who’s who
/ who’s who
… The banquet was attended by a who’s who of business leaders.
/ The banquet was attended by a who’s who of business leaders.
… The banquet was attended by a who’s who of business leaders.
… The event attracted the who’s who of the art world.
/ The event attracted the who’s who of the art world.
… The event attracted the who’s who of the art world.
F45 … get wind of
… get wind of
… We got wind of the merger before it was announced.
… The reporters got wind of the scandal.
… get wind of to hear about or learn of something, especially a secret.
… get wind of
/ get wind of
… We got wind of the merger before it was announced.
/ We got wind of the merger before it was announced.
… We got wind of the merger before it was announced.
… The reporters got wind of the scandal.
/ The reporters got wind of the scandal.
… The reporters got wind of the scandal.
F46 … by word of mouth
… by word of mouth
… The restaurant became popular by word of mouth.
… Most of their customers come by word of mouth.
… by word of mouth communicated through spoken conversation rather than writing or media.
… by word of mouth
/ by word of mouth
… The restaurant became popular by word of mouth.
/ The restaurant became popular by word of mouth.
… The restaurant became popular by word of mouth.
… Most of their customers come by word of mouth.
/ Most of their customers come by word of mouth.
… Most of their customers come by word of mouth.
F47 … in so many words
… in so many words
… He didn’t say I was fired in so many words.
… She never admitted her mistake in so many words.
… in so many words clearly and directly, without ambiguity.
… in so many words
/ in so many words
… He didn’t say I was fired in so many words.
/ He didn’t say I was fired in so many words.
… He didn’t say I was fired in so many words.
… She never admitted her mistake in so many words.
/ She never admitted her mistake in so many words.
… She never admitted her mistake in so many words.
F48 … leave word
… leave word
… Please leave word if you’re going to be late.
… She left word that she would return tomorrow.
… leave word to leave a message for someone.
… leave word
/ leave word
… Please leave word if you’re going to be late.
/ Please leave word if you’re going to be late.
… Please leave word if you’re going to be late.
… She left word that she would return tomorrow.
/ She left word that she would return tomorrow.
… She left word that she would return tomorrow.
F49 … work out
… work out
… I work out at the gym three times a week.
… Everything worked out in the end.
… work out to develop successfully; to have a satisfactory result.
… work out
/ work out
… I work out at the gym three times a week.
/ I work out at the gym three times a week.
… I work out at the gym three times a week.
… Everything worked out in the end.
/ Everything worked out in the end.
… Everything worked out in the end.
F50 … work out
… work out
… We need to work out the problem.
… Can you work out the total cost?
… work out to exercise in order to improve physical fitness.
… work out
/ work out
… We need to work out the problem.
/ We need to work out the problem.
… We need to work out the problem.
… Can you work out the total cost?
/ Can you work out the total cost?
… Can you work out the total cost?
