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Longman
Essential Idioms in English
Robert J. Dixson
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
FOREWORD
Idiomatic ｅxpressions have long played an important role in the English
language. In fact, the use of idioms is so widespread that an understanding of
these ｅxpressions is essential to successful communication, whether in
listening, speaking, reading, or writing.
The student may learn grammar and, with time, acquire adequate vocabulary,
but without a working knowledge of such idioms as above all, to get along, on
the whole, to look up, etc., even the best student's speech will remain awkward
and ordinary.
Of course, the idioms selected for study should have practical value and be
within the student's ability to comprehend. Such ｅxpressions as to set the
world on fire or to wash one's dirty laundry in public may be very colorful,
but they do little to help the student achieve fluency in English.
Teachers of English have long recognized that idiomatic ｅxpressions add grace
and exactness to the language. The alert teacher will make their study an
integral part of the teaching process. However, learning such ｅxpressions is
never an easy task for the student learning English as a second or foreign
language. Attempts to translate literally from the student's native tongue
usually lead to roundabout ｅxpression of meaning and, more often, to
confusion.
For this reason, only basic idioms have been included in this book,
appropriately named Essential Idioms in English, New Edition. Furthermore,
it was decided not to burden the student with discussion of the origins of
idioms. There is no need to define the exact nature of an idiom except to
assume that it is a phrase that has a meaning different from the meanings of
its individual parts. This helps to explain why it is often difficult to translate
an idiom from one language to another without incurring some change in
meaning or usage.
For the purposes of this book, two-word verbs are included in the general
category of idioms. A two-word verb is a verb whose meaning is altered by he
addition of a particle (a preposition used with a verb to form an idiomatic
ｅxpression.) to look, for example, may become to look up or to look over, each
having its own special meaning. When a two-word verb can be separated by a
noun or pronoun, the symbol (S) for separable is inserted in the definition.
Sentences illustrating both separable and nonseparable forms are included in
the examples.
Experienced ESL and EFL teachers will agree, for the most part, with the
selection of idioms in this text. However, it should be recognized that any
selection is somewhat arbitrary because the range is so great. Some teachers
might prefer to omit certain idioms and to add others not included, but all
should appreciate the attempt to make Essential idioms in English, New
Edition as representative as possible.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 1 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
Mention should be made of a unique feature that adds to the usefulness of this
book: Appendix II is a listing of the idioms in the text with their equivalents in
Spanish, French, and German. Having these equivalents should give the
student a surer grasp of the meaning of the English idioms and greater
confidence in using them.
This fourth revision of Essential Idioms in English, New Edition has
undergone several important changes. The text has been restored to the
original three-section format: Elementary (lessons 1-13), Intermediate (lesion
14-27), and Advanced (lessons 28-39). As would be expected, new idioms have
been included and outdated idioms have been removed. Lessons in all sections
review and build upon idioms introduced in earlier lessons. In some cases,
notes that explain special usage or meaning are provided after the definitions,
and related idiomatic forms are listed. New types of exercises provide greater
variety in activity from one section to another. Finally, there is an answer key
in the back of the book for all multiple-choice, matching, true-false, and fillin-the-blank exercises.
SECTION onE --- ELEMENTARY
LESSON 1
to get in/to get on: to enter or to board a vehicle
To get in is used for cars; to get on is used for all other forms of transportation.
o It's easiest to get in the car from the driver's side. The door on the other
side doesn't work well.
o I always get on the bus to work at 34th Street.
to get out of/to get off: to leave or to descend from a vehicle.
To get out of is used for cars; to get off is used for all other forms of
transportation.
o Why don't we stop and get out of the car for a while?
o Helen got off the train at the 42nd Street terminal.
to put on: to place on oneself (usually said of clothes) (S)
o Mary put on her coat and left the room.
o Put your hat on before you leave the house.
to take off: to remove (usually said of clothes) (S)
o John took off his jacket as he entered the office.
o Take your sweater off. The room is very warm.
to call up: to telephone (also: to give some one a call) (S)
To call can be used instead of to call up, as in the first example below.
o I forgot to call up Mr. Jones yesterday. I'd better call him now.
o Call me up tomorrow, Jane. We'll arrange a time to have lunch together.
o I promise to give you a call as soon as I arrive in New York.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to turn on: to start or cause to function (also: to switch on) (S)
o Please turn on the light; it's too dark in here.
o Do you know who turned the air conditioning on?
to turn off: to cause to stop functioning (also: to switch off, to shut off) (S)
Turn on and turn off, as well as their related forms, are used for things that
flow, such as electricity, water, gas, etc.
o Please turn off the light when you leave the room.
o Are you really listening to the radio, or should I turn it off?
right away: very soon; immediately (also: at once)
o Dad says that dinner will be ready right away, so we'd better wash our
hands and set the table.
o Tell Will to come to my office right away. I must see him immediately.
o Stop playing that loud music at once!
to pick up: to lift form the floor, table, etc., with one's fingers (S)
o Harry picked up the newspaper that was on the front doorstep.
o Could you pick your toy up before someone falls over it?
sooner or later: eventually, after a period of time
o If you study English seriously, sooner or later you'll become fluent.
o I'm too tired to do my homework now; I'm sure I'll do it sooner or later.
to get up: to arise, to rise from a bed; to make someone arise (S)
For the last definition a noun phrase must separate the verb and particle.
o Carla gets up at seven o'clock every morning.
o At what time should we get the children up tomorrow?
at first: in the beginning, originally
o At first English was difficult for him, but later he made great progress.
o I thought at first that it was Sheila calling, but then I realized that it
was Betty.
LESSON 2
to dress up: to wear formal clothes, to dress very nicely
o We should definitely dress up to go to the theater.
o You don't have to dress up for Mike's party.
at last: finally, after a long time.
o We waited for hours and then the train arrived at last.
o Now that I am sixteen, at last I can drive my parents' car.
as usual: as is the general case, as is typical
o George is late for class as usual. This seems to happen every day.
o As usual, Dora received first prize in the swimming contest. It's the
third consecutive year that she has won.
to find out: get information about, to determine (S)
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
This idiom is separable only when a pronoun is used, as in the second example.
o Will you please try to find out what time the airplane arrives?
o I'll call right now to find it out.
to look at: give one's attention to; to watch
o The teacher told us to look at the blackboard and not at our books.
o I like to walk along a country road at night and look at the stars.
to look for: to try to find, to search for
An adverb phrase such as all over can be put between the verb and
preposition, as in the second example, however, the idiom cannot be
separated by a noun or pronoun.
o He's spent over an hour looking for the pen that he lost.
o So there you are! We've looked allover for you.
all right: acceptable, fine; yes, okay
This idiom can also be spelled alright in informal usage.
o He said that it would be all right to wait in her office until she returned.
o Do you want me to turn off the TV? Alright, if you insist.
all along: all the time, from the beginning (without change)
o She knew all along that we'd never agree with his plan.
o You're smiling! Did you know all along that I'd give you a birthday
present?
little by little: gradually, slowly (also: step by step)
o Karen's health seems to be improving little by little.
o If you study regularly each day, step by step your vocabulary will
increase.
to tire out: to make very weary due to difficult conditions or hard effort (also:
to wear out) (S)
o The hot weather tired out the runners in the marathon.
o Does studying for final exams wear you out? It makes me feel worn out!
to call on: to ask for a response from; to visit (also: to drop in on)
o Jose didn't know the answer when the teacher called on him.
o Last night several friends called on us at our home.
o Shy don't we drop in on Sally a little later?
never mind: don't be concerned about it; ignore what was just said
o When he spilled his drink on my coat, I said, "Never mind. It needs to
be cleaned anyway."
o So you weren't listening to me again. Never mind; it wasn't important.
LESSON 3
to pick out: to choose, to select (S)
o Ann picked out a good book to give to her brother as a graduation gift.
o Johnny, if you want me to buy you a toy, then pick one out now.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to take one's time: to do without rush, not to hurry
This idiom is often used in the imperative form. (See the first example)
o There's no need to hurry doing those exercises. Take your time.
o William never works rapidly. He always takes his time in every thing
that he does.
to talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with others (S)
o We talked over Carla's plan to install an air conditioner in the room,
but we couldn't reach a decision.
o Before I accepted the new job offer, I talked the matter over with my
life.
to life down: to place oneself in a flat position, to recline
o If you are tired, why don't you lie down for an hour or so?
o The doctor says that Grace must lie down and rest for a short time
every afternoon.
to stand up: to rise from a sitting or lying position (also: to get up)
o When the president entered the room, everyone stood up.
o Suzy, stop rolling around on the floor; get up now.
to sit down: to be seated (also: take a seat)
o We sat down on the park bench and watched the children play.
o There aren't any more chairs, but you can take a seat on the floor.
all (day, week, month, year) long: the entire day, week, month, year
o I've been working on my income tax forms all day long. I've hardly had
time to eat.
o It's been raining all week long. We haven't seen the sun since last
Monday.
by oneself: alone, without assistance
o Francis translated that French novel by himself. No one helped him.
o Paula likes to walk through the woods by herself, but her brother
prefers to walk with a companion.
on purpose: for a reason, deliberately
This idiom is usually used when someone does something wrong or unfair.
o Do you think that she didn't come to the meeting on purpose?
o It was no accident that he broke my glasses. He did it on purpose.
to get along with: to associate or work well with; to succeed or manage in
doing (also: to get on with)
o Terry isn't getting along with her new roommate; they argue
constantly.
o How are you getting on with your students?
to make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect
This idiom is often used with adjectives to show the degree of importance.
o It makes a big difference to me whether he likes the food I serve.
o Does it make any difference to you where we go for dinner?
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o No, it doesn't make any difference.
o It makes no difference to Lisa either.
to take out: to remove, to extract (S); to go on a date with (S) (also to go
out with)
o Student, take out your books and open them to page twelve.
o Did you take Sue out last night?
o No, she couldn't go out with me.
LESSON 4
to take part in: to be involved in, to participate in (also: to be in on)
o Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
o I didn't want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent.
at all: to any degree (also: in the least)
o Larry isn't at all shy about expressing his opinions.
o When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, "Not in the least.
I'm full of energy."
to look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc. (S)
o Ellen suggested that we look up Lee's telephone number in the
directory.
o Students should try to understand the meaning of a new word from
context before looking the word up in the dictionary.
to wait on: to serve in a store or restaurant
o A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop.
o The restaurant waitress asked us, "Has anyone waited on you yet?
at least: a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
o I spend at least two hours every night on my studies.
o Mike claims that he drinks at least a quart of water every day.
so far: until now, until the present time (also: up to now, as of yet)
This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense.
o So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good
luck continues.
o How many idioms have we studied in this book up to now?
o As of yet, we have not had an answer from him.
to take a walk, stroll, hike, etc.: to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc.
A stroll involves slow, easy walking; a hike involves serious, strenuous walking.
o Last evening we took a walk around the park.
o It's a fine day. Would you like to take a stroll along Mason Boulevard?
o Let's take a hike up Cowles Mountain this afternoon.
to take a trip: to go on a journey, to travel
o I'm so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip.
o During the summer holidays, the Thompsons took a trip to Europe.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to try on: to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying (S)
o He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one.
o Why don't you try these shoes on next?
to think over: to consider carefully before deciding (S)
o I'd like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow?
o You don't have to give me your decision now. Think it over for a while.
to take place: to occur, to happen according to plan
o The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall.
o I thought that the celebration was taking place at John's house.
to put away: to remove from slight, to put in the proper place (S)
o Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet.
o John put the notepad away in his desk when he was finished with it.
LESSON 5
to look out: to be careful or cautious (also: to watch out)
Both of these idioms can occur with the preposition for.
o "Look out!" Jeffrey cried as his friend almost stepped in a big hole in
the ground.
o Look out for reckless drivers whenever you cross the street.
o Small children should always watch out for strangers offering candy.
to shake hands: to exchange greetings by clasping hands
o When people meet for the first time, they usually shake hands.
o The student warmly shook hands with his old professor.
to get back: to return (S)
o Mr. Harris got back from his business trip to Chicago this morning.
o Could you get the children back home by five o'clock?
to catch cold: to become sick with a cold of the nose for throat
o If you go out in this rain, you will surely catch cold.
o How did she ever catch cold in such warm weather?
to get over: to recover from an illness; to accept a loss or sorrow
o It took me over a month to get over my cold, but I'm finally well now.
o It seems that Mr. Mason will never get over the death of his wife.
to make up one's mind: to reach a decision, to decide finally
o Sally is considering several colleges to attend, but she hasn't made up
her mind yet.
o When are you going to make up your mind about your vacation plans?
to change one's mind: to alter one's decision or opinion
o We have changed our minds and are going to Canada instead of
California this summer.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Matthew has changed his mind several times about buying a new cat.
for the time being: temporarily (also: for now)
o For the time being, Janet is working as a waitress, but she really hopes
to become an actress soon.
o We're living in an apartment for now, but soon we'll be looking for a
house to buy.
for good: permanently, forever
o Ruth has returned to Canada for good. She won't ever live in the United
States again.
o Are you finished with school for good, or will you continue your studies
some day?
to call off: to cancel (S)
o The referee called off the soccer game because of the darkness.
o The president called the meeting off because she had to leave town.
to put off: to postpone (S)
o Many student's put off doing their assignments until the last minute.
o Let's put the party off until next weekend, okay?
in a hurry: hurried, rushed (also: in a rush)
o Alex seems in a hurry; he must be late for his train again.
o She's always in a rush in the morning to get the kids to school.
LESSON 6
under the weather: not feeling well, sick
o John stayed home from work because he was feeling under the weather.
o When you cat cold, you feel under the weather.
to hang up: to place clothes on a hook or hanger (S); to replace the receiver
on the phone at the end of a conversation (S)
o Would you like me to hang up your coat for you in the closet?
o The operator told me to hang the phone up and call the number again.
to count on: to trust someone in time of need (also: to depend on)
o I can count on my parents to help me in an emergency.
o Don't depend on Frank to lend you any money; he doesn't have any.
to make friends: to become friendly with others
o Patricia is a shy girl and doesn't make friends easily.
o During the cruise Ronald made friends with almost everyone on the
ship.
out of order: not in working condition
o The elevator was out or order, so we had to walk to the tenth floor of
the building.
o We couldn't use the soft drink machine because it was out of order.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to get to: to be able to do something special; to arrive at a place, such as
home, work, etc. for the second definition, do not use the preposition to with
the words home or there.
o The children got to stay up late and watch a good movie for the family.
o I missed the bus and couldn't get to the office until ten o'clock.
o When are you planning to get home tonight?
few and far between: not frequent, unusual, rare
o The times that our children get to stay up late are few and far between.
o Airplane travel is very safe because accidents are few and far between.
to look over: to examine, to inspect closely (also: to go over, to read over,
to check over) (S)
Go over is different from the other forms because it is not separable.
o I want to look my homework over again before I give it to the teacher.
o The politician went over his speech before the important presentation.
o You should never sign any legal paper without checking it over first.
to have (time) off: to have free time, not to have to work (also: to take
time off (S))
The related form (S) to take time off is used when someone makes a decision
to have free time, sometimes when others might not agree with the decision.
o Every morning the company workers have time off for a coffee break.
o Several workers took the afternoon off to go to a baseball game.
to go on: to happen; to resume, to continue (also: to keep on)
o Many people gathered near the accident to see what was going on.
o I didn't mean to interrupt you. Please go on.
o The speaker kept on talking even though most of the audience had left.
to put out: extinguish, to cause to stop functioning (S)
To put out has the same meaning as to turn off (Lesson 1) for a light fixture.
o No smoking is allowed in here. Please put out your cigarette.
o The fire fighters worked hard to put the brush fire out.
o Please put out the light before you leave. Okay, I'll put it out.
all of a sudden: suddenly, without warning (also: all at once)
o All of a sudden Ed appeared at the door. We weren't expecting him to
drop by.
o All at once Millie got up and left the house without any explanation.
LESSON 7
to point out: to show, to indicate, to bring to one's attention (S)
o What important buildings did the tour guide point out to you?
o The teacher pointed out the mistakes in my composition.
o A friend pointed the famous actor out to me.
to be up: to expire, to be finished
This idiom is used only with the word time as the subject.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o "The time is up," the teacher said at the end of the test period.
o We have to leave the tennis court because our hour is up; some other
people want to use it now.
to be over: to be finished, to end (also: to be through)
This idiom is used for activities and events.
o After the dance was over, we all went to a restaurant.
o The meeting was through ten minutes earlier than everyone expected.
on time: exactly at the correct time, punctually
o I thought that Margaret would arrive late, but she was right on time.
o Did you get to work on time this morning, or did rush hour traffic delay
you?
in time to: before the time necessary to do something
o We entered the theater just in time to see the beginning of the movie.
o The truck was not able to stop in time to prevent an accident.
to get better, worse, etc.: to become better, worse, etc.
o Heather has been sick for a month, but now she is getting better.
o This medicine isn't helping me. Instead of getting better, I'm getting
worse.
to get sick, well, tired, busy, wet, etc.: to become sick, well, tired, busy,
wet, etc.
This idiom consists of a combination of get and various adjectives.
o Gerald got sick last week and has been in bed since that time.
o Every afternoon I get very hungry, so I eat a snack.
had better: should, ought to, be advisable to
This idiom is most often used in contracted form (I'd better).
o I think you'd better speak to Mr. White right away about this matter.
o The doctor told the patient that he'd better go home and rest.
would rather: prefer to (also: would just as soon)
o Would you rather have the appointment this Friday or next Monday?
o I would just as soon go for a walk as watch TV right now.
to all it a day/night: to stop working for the test of the day/night
o Herb tried to repair his car engine all morning before he called it a day
and went fishing.
o We've been working hard on this project all evening; let's call it a night.
To figure out: to solve, to find a solution (S); to understand (S)
o How long did it take you to figure out the answer to the math problem?
o I was never able to figure it out.
to think of: to have a (good or bad) opinion of
This idiom is often used in the negative or with adjectives such as much and
highly.
o I don't think much of him as a baseball player; he's a slow runner and a
poor hitter.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 10 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o James thinks highly of his new boss, who is a kind and helpful person.
LESSON 8
to be about to: to be at the moment of doing something, to be ready
This idiom is often sued with the adverb just.
o I was just about to leave when you telephoned.
o Oh, hi, John. We're just about to eat dinner.
to turn around: to move or face in the opposite direction (S); to completely
change the condition of (S)
o The man turned his car around and drove back the way he came.
o The company has been very successful since the new business manager
was able to turn it around.
to take turns: to alternate, to change people while doing something
o During the trip, Darlene and I took turns driving so that neither of us
would tire out.
o I have to make sure that my two sons take turns playing the video game.
to pay attention (to): to look at and listen to someone while they are
speaking, to concentrate
o Please pay attention to me while I'm speaking to you!
o You'll have to pay more attention in class if you want to get a good
grade.
to brush up on: to review something in order to refresh one's memory
o Before I traveled to Mexico, I brushed up on my Spanish; I haven't
practiced it since high school.
o In order to take that advanced mathematics class, Sidney will have to
brush up on his algebra.
over and over (again): repeatedly (also: time after time, time and
again)
o The actress studied her lines in the movie over and over until she knew
them well.
o Children have difficulty remembering rules, so it's often necessary to
repeat them over and over again.
o Time and again I have to remind Bobby to put on his seatbelt in the car.
to wear out: to use something until it has no value or worth anymore, to
make useless through wear (S)
o When I wear out these shoes, I'll have to buy some that last longer.
o What do you do with your clothes after your wear them out?
to throw away: to discard, to dispose of (S)
o I generally throw away my clothes when I wear them out.
o Don't throw the magazines away; I haven't read them yet.
to fall in love: to begin to love
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
This idiom is used with the ｅxpression at first sight to indicate a sudden
interest in love.
o Ben and Sal fell in love in high school, and got married after graduation.
o Have you ever fallen in love at first sight?
to go out: to stop functioning; to stop burning; to leave home or work (also:
to step out)
o The lights went out all over the city because of an electrical problem.
o The campers didn't have to put out the fire because it went out by itself.
o Gary isn't here right now; he went out to the store for a moment.
o I have to step out of the office briefly to pick up a newspaper.
out of the question: impossible, not feasible
o Stephen told Deborah that it was out of the question for her to borrow
his new car.
o Don't expect me to do that again. It's absolutely out of the question.
to have to do with: to have some connection with or relationship to
o Ralph insisted that he had nothing to do with breaking the window.
o What does your suggestion have to do with our problem?
LESSON 9
to wake up: to arise from sleep, to awaken (S)
Compare wake up and get up (Lesson 1) as used in the first example.
o Marge woke up this morning very early, but she did not get up until
about ten o'clock.
o My alarm clock wakes me up at the same time every day.
to be in charge of: to manage, to have responsibility for
o Jane is in charge of the office while Mrs. Haig is a business trip.
o Who is in charge of arrangements for the dance next week?
as soon as: just after, when
o As soon as it started to snow, the children ran outside with big smiles
on their faces.
o I'm busy now, but I'll meet you as soon as I've finished this work.
to get in touch with: to communicate with, to contact
o You can get in touch with him by calling the Burma Hotel.
o I've been trying all morning to get in touch with Miss Peters, but her
phone is always busy.
to have a good time: to enjoy oneself
o We all had a good time at the class reunion last night.
o Did you have a good time at the park? I really enjoyed it.
in no time: very quickly, rapidly
This idiom can be used with the idiom at all to add emphasis to the certainty
of the statement.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Mac said that he'd be ready to leave in no time.
o We thought that the meeting would take two hours, but it was over in
no time at all.
to cut down on: to reduce, to lessen (also: to cut back on)
o In order to lose weight, you have to cut down on your intake of sugar.
o The doctor told me to cut back on exercise until my back injury heals.
quite a few: many
o Quite a few students were absent yesterday; in fact, more than half of
them were not there.
o We did not expect many people to attend to affair, but quite a few of
our friends actually came.
used to: formerly did, had the habit of
This idiom is used to indicate a past situation, action, or habit that does not
exist in the present. The idiom is always followed by a simple verb form.
o I used to live in New York, but I moved to California two years ago.
o Kim used to smoke cigarettes, but she stopped the habit last month.
to be used to: be accustomed to
This idiom refers to a situation, action, or habit that continues in the present.
The idiom is always followed by a noun or gerund phrase.
o He is used to this climate now, so the changes in temperature do not
affect him much.
o I am used to studying in the library, so it's difficult for me to study at
home now.
to get used to: to become used to, to become adjusted to
This idiom describes the process of change that allows someone to be used to
a situation, action, or habit.
o It took Yoshiko a long time to get used to the food that her American
host family served her.
o Mark can't seem to get used to wearing contact lenses; recently he's
been wearing his glasses a lot.
back and forth: in a backward and forward motion
o The restless lion kept pacing back and forth along the front of its cage.
o Grandmother finds it relaxing to sit in her rocking chair and move back
and forth.
LESSON 10
to make sure: to be sure, to ascertain (also: to make certain)
o Please make sure that you turn off the radio before you go out.
o Could you make certain of the time? I don't want to miss that TV show.
now and then: occasionally, sometimes (also: now and again, at times,
from time to time, off and on, once in a while)
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
Both now and then and once in a while can be preceded by the adjective every.
Another idiom with the same meaning and form is every so often.
o I don't see him very often, but (every) now and then we arrange to have
lunch together.
o Gary gets a cold (every) once in a while even though he takes good care
of himself.
o Every so often my brother and I get together for a camping trip.
o I like to sleep late in the morning from time to time.
to get rid of: to eliminate, to remove; to discard, to throw away
o Jerry tried hard to get rid of the stain on his shirt, but he never
succeeded.
o The stain was so bad that Jerry finally had to get rid of his shirt.
every other (one): every second (one), alternate (ones)
o I play tennis with my father every other Saturday, so I usually play
twice a month.
o There were twenty problems in the exercise, but the teacher told us
only to do every other one. Actually, doing ten problems was difficult
enough.
to go with: to match, to compare well in color to design; to date, to
accompany (also: to go out with)
For the first definition, adverbs such as well and poorly are often used.
o That striped shirt goes well with the gray pants, but the pants go poorly
with those leather shoes.
o Eda went with Richard for about six months, but now she is going out
with a new boyfriend.
first-rate: excellent, superb
o The food served in that four-star restaurant is truly first-rate.
o The Beverly Hills Hotel provides first-rate service to its guests.
to come from: to originate from
This idiom is commonly used in discussion of one's home town, state, or
country.
o What country in South American does she come from? She comes from
Peru.
o I just learned that he really comes from Florida, not Texas.
o Where did this package come from? The mail carrier brought it.
to make good time: to travel a sufficient distance at a reasonable speed
The adjective excellent can also be used.
o on our last trip, it rained the entire time, so we didn't make good time.
o We made excellent time on our trip to Florida; it only took eighteen
hours.
to mix up: to stir or shake well (S); to confuse, to bewilder (S)
For the second definition, the passive forms to be mixed up or to get mixed up
are often used.
o You should mix up the ingredients well before you put them in the pan.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o The teacher's poor explanation really mixed the students up.
o The students think it's their fault that they are mixed up so often.
to see about: to give attention or time to (also: to attend to, to see to)
o Who is going to see about getting us a larger room for the meeting?
o I'll see to arranging music for the wedding of you attend to the
entertainment.
to make out: to do, to succeed, to progress
o Charlie didn't make out very well on his final examinations. He may
have to repeat one or more classes.
o How did Rachelle make out on her acting audition in Hollywood
yesterday?
by heart: by memorizing
o He knows many passages form Shakespeare by heart.
o Do you know all the idioms you have studied in this book by heart?
LESSON 11
to keep out: not to enter, not allow to enter (S)
o There was a large sign outside the door that said, "Danger! Keep out!"
o I've told you to keep the dog out of the house.
to keep away (from): to stay at a distance (from) (S); to avoid use of (also:
stay away from)
o Please be sure to keep the children away from the street!
o The signs on the burned-out house said, "Keep Away! Danger Zone."
o It's important for your health to stay away from dangerous drugs.
to find fault with: criticize, to complain about something
o It is very easy to find fault with the work of others, but more difficult to
accept criticism of one's own work.
o Mrs. Johnson is always finding fault with her children, but they really
try to please their mother.
to be up to: to be responsible for deciding; to be doing as a regular activity
The second definition is most often used in a question as a form of greeting.
o I don't care whether we go to the reception or not. It's up to you.
o Hi, George. I haven't seen you in a while. What have you been up to?
ill at ease: uncomfortable or worried in a situation
o Speaking in front of a large audience makes many people feel ill at ease.
o My wife and I were ill at ease because our daughter was late coming
home from a date.
to do over: to revise, to do again (S)
A noun or pronoun must separate the two parts of this idiom.
o You'd better do the letter over because it is written so poorly.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Jose made so many mistakes in his homework that the teacher made
him do it over.
to look into: to investigate, to examine carefully (also: to check into)
o The police are looking into the matter of the stolen computers.
o The congressional committee will check into the financial dealings of
the government contractor.
to take hold of: to grasp, to grip with the heads
o You should take hold of the railing as you go down those steep stairs.
o The blind man took hold of my arm as I led him across the street.
to get through: to finish, to complete
This idiom is followed either by the –ing form of a verb (a gerund) or by the
preposition with.
o I didn't get through studying last night until almost eleven o'clock.
o At what time does your wife get through with work every day?
from now on: from this time into the future
o Mr. Lee's doctor told him to cut down on eating fatty foods from now
on, or else he might suffer heart disease.
o I'm sorry that I dropped by at a bad time. From now on I'll call you first.
to keep track of: to keep or maintain a record of; to remember the location
of
o Steve keeps track of all the long-distance telephone calls related to his
business that he makes from his house.
o With seven small children, how do the Wilsons keep track of all of them?
to be carried away: to be greatly affected by a strong feeling (S)
This idiom can also be used with get instead of be.
o Paula and Leanne were carried away by the sad movie that they saw
together.
o James got carried away with anger when his roommate crashed his
new car into a telephone pole.
LESSON 12
up to date: modern; current, timely
Hyphens (-) separate the parts of this idiom when it precedes a noun form, as
in the third example. The verb to update derives from this idiom.
o The president insisted that the company bring its aging equipment up
to date.
o This catalog is not up to date. It was published several years ago.
o The news program gave an up-to-date account of the nuclear accident.
The newscaster said that he would update the news report every half
hour.
out of date: not modern; not current, not timely; no longer available in
published form
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
Again, hyphens separate the parts of this idiom when it precedes a noun form
as, in the second example. The passive verb to be outdated derives from this
idiom.
o Many people buy new cars when their old cars become out of date.
o I don't know why Gene likes to wear out-of-date cloth. His clothes are
so outdated that even his girlfriend hesitates to be seen with him.
o This book can't be ordered any more because it is out of date.
to blow up: to inflate, to fill with air (S); to explode, to destroy (or be
destroyed) by explosion (S)
o Daddy, could you please blow up this balloon for me?
o When the airplane crashed into the ground, it blew up immediately.
o The military had to blow the missile up in midair when it started to go
the wrong way.
to catch fire: to begin to burn
o Don't stand too close to the gas stove. Your clothes may catch fire.
o No one seems to know how the old building caught fire.
to burn down: to burn slowly, but completely (usually said of candles); to
destroy completely by fire (S)
o There was a large amount of wax on the table where the candles had
burned down.
o The fire spread so quickly that the firefighters could not prevent the
whole block of buildings from burning down.
to burn up: to destroy completely by fire (S); to make angry or very annoyed
(S) (also to tick off)
To burn up and to burn down (previous idiom) share the same definition but
also have different definitions.
o She didn't want anyone to see the letter, so she burned it up and threw
the ashes away.
o It really burns me up that he borrowed my car without asking me first.
o Mike got ticked off that his friends never offered to help him move to
his new apartment. He had to do everything himself.
to burn out: to stop functioning because of overuse; to make tired from too
muck work (S)
o This light bulb has burned out. Could you get another one?
o Studying all day for my final exams has really burned me out.
to make good: to succeed
o He is a hard worker, and I'm sure that he will make good in that new
job.
o Alma has always made good in everything that she has done.
stands to reason: to be clear and logical
This idiom is almost always used with the pronoun subject it and is followed
by a that clause.
o It stands to reason that a person without experience.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o It stands to reason that he isn't going to pass the course if he never
studies.
to break out: to become widespread suddenly
o An epidemic of measles broke out in Chicago this past week.
o If a nuclear war ever breaks out, it is unlikely that many people will
survive.
o The news says that a large fire has broken out in a huge chemical plant.
as for: regarding, concerning (also: as to)
o As for the money, we will simply have to borrow some more from the
bank.
o There is no doubt as to her intelligence; she's the smartest one in the
class.
to feel sorry for: to pity, to feel compassion for (also: to take pity on)
o Don't you feel sorry for someone who has to work the night shift?
o I helped drive Pierre around when he broke his foot because I took pity
on him.
LESSON 13
to break down: to stop functioning
Compare this idiom with to burn out in Lesson 12. To burn out means that
electrical equipment becomes hot from overuse and stops functioning. To
break down means that something stops functioning mechanically, whether
from overuse or not.
o I just bought my new car yesterday and already it has broken down.
o The elevator broke down, so we walked all the way up to the top floor.
to turn out: to become or result; to appear, to attend (also: to come out)
The noun form turnout derives from the second definition of the idiom.
o Most parents wonder how their children will turn out as adults.
o Hundreds of people came out for the demonstration against new taxes.
o What was the turnout for the public hearing on the education reforms?
once in a blue moon: rarely, infrequently
o Snow falls on the city of San Diego, California, once in a blue moon.
o once in a blue moon my wife and I eat at a very expensive restaurant.
to give up: to stop trying, to stop a bad habit (S); to surrender (S)
o I'm sure that you can accomplish this task. Don't give up yet!
o If you give up smoking now, you can certainly live a longer life.
o The soldiers gave themselves up in the face of a stronger enemy forces.
to cross out: to cancel by marking with a horizontal lines (S)
o The teacher crossed out several incorrect words in Tanya's composition.
o I crossed the last line out of my letter because it had the wrong tone to
it.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to take for granted: not to appreciate fully (S); to assume to be true without
giving much thought (S)
A noun or pronoun often follows the verb take.
o John took his wife for granted until once when he was very sick and
needed her constant attention for a week.
o He spoke English so well that I took it for granted he was an American.
o He took for granted that I wasn't American because I spoke English so
poorly!
to take into account: to consider a fact while evaluating a situation (S)
Again, a noun or pronoun often follows the verb take.
o The judge took the prisoner's young age into account before sentencing
him to three months in jail.
o Educators should take into account the cultural backgrounds of
students when planning a school curriculum.
to make clear: to clarify, to explain (S)
o Please make clear that he should never act so impolitely again.
o The supervisor made it clear to the workers that they had to increase
their productivity.
clear-cut: clearly stated, definite, apparent
o The president's message was clear-cut: the company had to reduce
personnel immediately.
o Professor Larsen is well known for his interesting and clear-cut
presentations.
to have on: to be wearing (S)
o How do you like the hat which Grace has on today?
o When Sally came into the room, I had nothing on except my shorts.
to come to: to regain consciousness; to equal, to amount to
o At first they thought that the man was dead, but soon he came to.
o The bill for groceries at the supermarket came to fifty dollars.
to call for: to require; to request, to urge
o This cake recipe calls for some baking soda, but we don't have any.
o The member of Congress called for new laws to regulate the banking
industry.
SECTION TWO --- INTERMEDIATE
LESSON 14
to eat in/to eat out: to eat at home/to eat in a restaurant
o I feel too tired to go out for dinner. Let's eat in again tonight.
o When you eat out, what restaurant do you generally go to?
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
cut and dried: predictable, known beforehand; boring
o The results of the national election were rather cut and dried; the
Republicans won easily.
o A job on a factory assembly line is certainly cut and dried.
to look after: to watch, to supervise, to protect (also: to take care of, to
keep an eye on)
o Grandma will look after the baby while we go to the lecture.
o Who is going to take care of your house plants while you are away?
o I'd appreciate it if you'd keep an eye on my car while I'm in the store.
to feel like: to have the desire to, to want to consider
This idiom is usually followed by a gerund (the –ing form of a verb used as a
noun).
o I don't feel like studying tonight. Let's go to a basketball game.
o I feel like taking a long walk. Would you like to go with me?
once and for all: finally, absolutely
o My daughter told her boyfriend once and for all that she wouldn't date
him anymore.
o once and for all, john has quit smoking cigarettes.
to hear from: to receive news or information from
To hear from is used for receiving a letter, telephone call, etc., from a person
or organization.
o I don't hear from my brother very often since he moved to Chicago.
o Have you heard from the company about that new job?
to hear of: to know about, to be familiar with; to consider
The second definition is always used in the negative.
o When I asked for directions to Mill Street, the police officer said that
she had never heard of it.
o Byron strongly disagreed with my request by saying, "I won't hear of
it!"
to make fun of: to laugh at, to joke about
o They are making fun of Carla's new hair style. Don't you think that it's
really strange?
o Don't make fun of Jose's English. He's doing the best he can.
to come true: to become reality, to prove to be correct
o The weatherman's forecast for today's weather certainly came true.
o Everything that the economists predicted about the increased cost of
living has come true.
as a matter of fact: really, actually (also: in fact)
o Hans thinks he knows English well but, as a matter of fact, he speaks
very poorly.
o I didn't say that. In fact, I said quite the opposite.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to have one's way: to arrange matters the way one wants (especially when
someone else doesn't want to same way) (also: to get one's way)
o My brother always wants to have his way, but this time our parents
said that we could do what I wanted.
o If Sheila doesn't get her way, she becomes very angry.
to look forward to: to expect or anticipate with pleasure
This idiom can be followed by a regular noun or a gerund.
o We're greatly looking forward to our vacation in Mexico.
o Margaret never looks forward to going to work.
LESSON 15
inside out: with the inside facing the outside
o Someone should tell little Bobby that his shirt is inside out.
o The high winds ruined the umbrella by blowing it inside out.
upside down: with the upper side turned toward the lower side
o The accident caused on car to turn upside down, its wheels spinning in
the air.
o one of the students was only pretending to read her textbook; the
teacher could see that the book was actually upside down.
to fill in: to write answers in (S); to inform, to tell (S)
For the second definition, the idiom can be followed by the preposition on and
the information that someone is told.
o You should be careful to fill in the blanks on the registration form
correctly.
o Barry was absent from the meeting, so I'd better fill him in.
o Has anyone filled the boss in on the latest public relation disaster?
to fill out: to complete a form (S)
This idiom is very similar to the first definition above. To fill in refers to
completing various parts of a form, while to fill out refers to completing a form
as one whole item.
o Every prospective employee must fill out an application by giving name,
address, previous jobs, etc.
o The teenager had some trouble filling the forms out by himself, so his
mother helped him.
to take advantage of: to use well, to profit from; to use another person's
weaknesses to gain what one wants
o I took advantage of my neighbor's superior skill at tennis to improve
my own ability at the game.
o Teddy is such a small, weak child that his friends take advantage of
him all the time. They take advantage of him by demanding money
and making him do things for them.
no matter: regardless of
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
This idiom is a shortened form of it doesn't matter. It is followed by a question
word such as how, where, when, who, etc.
o No matter how much money he spends on his clothes, he never looks
well dressed.
o No matter where that escaped prisoner tries to hide, the police will find
him sooner or later.
to take up: to begin to do or study, to undertake (S); to occupy space, time,
or energy (S)
o After today's exam, the class will be ready to take up the last chapter in
the book.
o The piano takes up too much space in our living room. However, it
would take too much time up to move it right now; so we'd better wait
until later.
to take up with: to consult someone about an important matter (S)
The important matter follows the verb take, while the person consulted
follows with.
o Can I take the problem up with you right now? It's quite urgent.
o I can't help you with this matter. You'll have to take it up with the
manager.
to take after: to resemble a parent or close relative (for physical appearance
only, also: to look like)
o Which of your parents do you take after the most?
o Sam looks like his father, but he takes after his mother in personality.
in the long run: eventually, after a long period of time
This idiom is similar in meaning to sooner or later (Lesson 1). The difference
is that in the long run refers to a more extended period of time.
o In the long run, the synthetic weave in this carpet will wear better than
the woolen one. You won't have to replace it so soon.
o If you work hard at your marriage, you'll find out that, in the long run,
your spouse can be your best friend in life.
in touch: having contact
o James will be in touch with us soon to relay the details of the plan.
o I certainly enjoyed seeing you again after all these years. Let's be sure to
keep in touch.
out of touch: not having contact; not having knowledge of
o Marge and I had been out of touch for years, but then suddenly she
called me up the other day.
o Larry has been so busy that he seems out of touch with world events.
LESSON 16
on one's toes: alert, cautious
This idiom is usually used with the verbs stay and keep.
o It's important for all the players on a soccer team to stay on their toes.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o We'd better keep on our toes while we're walking along the dark
portions of this street.
to get along: to make progress; to manage to live in a certain state of health
o Juan is getting along very well in his English studies.
o How is Mr. Richards getting along after his long illness?
hard of hearing: partially deaf, not able to hear well
o You'll have to speak a little louder. Mrs. Evans is hard of hearing.
o Please don't shout. I'm not hard of hearing.
o Listening to loud music too much can make you hard of hearing.
to see eye to eye: to agree, to concur
o I'm glad that we see eye to eye on the matter of the conference location.
o A husband and wife don't always see eye to eye with each other, but a
good marriage can survive small disagreements.
to have in mind: to be considering, to be thinking (S)
o I don't want to see a movie now. I have in mind going to the park.
o It's up to you what we eat tonight. Do you have anything in mind?
to keep in mind: to remember, not to forget (S) (also: to bear in mind)
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632
o I didn't know that Paula doesn't like vegetables. We should bear that in
mind next time we invite her for dinner.
o Please keep in mind that you promised to call Stan around noon.
for once: this one time, for only one time
o For once I was able to win a game of golf against Steve, who is a much
better player than I am.
o Dad, for once would you please let me drive the new car?
to go off: to explode; to sound as an alarm; to leave suddenly without
explanation
o The accident happened when a box of firecrackers went off accidentally.
o For what time did you set the alarm clock to go off tomorrow morning?
o Vince went off without saying good-bye to anybody; I hope he wasn't
angry.
to grow out of: to outgrow, to become too old for; to be a result of
o He still bites his nails now and then, but soon he'll grow out of the
habit.
o The need for the salary committee grew out of worker dissatisfaction
with the pay scale.
to make the best of: to do the best that one can in a poor situation
o If we can't find a larger apartment soon, we'll just have to make the best
of it right here.
o Even though the Martinez family is having financial problems, they
make the best of everything by enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to cut off: to shorten by cutting the ends (S); to disconnect or stop suddenly
(S)
o The rope was two feet longer than we needed, so we cut off the extra
length.
o The operator cut our long-distance phone conversation off after two
minutes.
to cut out: to remove by cutting (S); to stop doing something (S) (for the
second definition, also: to knock it off)
For the second definition, the idiom is usually separated by the pronoun it.
o The child likes to cut out pictures form the newspaper and to paste
them in a notebook.
o He kept bothering her, so finally she told him to cut it out. However, he
wouldn't knock it off until her larger brother appeared.
LESSON 17
to blow out: to explode, to go flat (for tires); to extinguish by blowing (S)
o on our trip to Colorado, one of the car tires blew out when it hit a large
hole in the road.
o Little Joey wasn't able to blow all the candles out, so his big sister
helped him.
to become of: to happen to (a missing object or person)
This idiom is always used in a clause beginning with what.
o What has become of my pencil? I had it ten minutes ago, but now I
can't find it.
o I wondered what became of you. I looked around the shopping center
for two hours, but I couldn't find you at all.
to shut up: to close for a period of time (S); to be quiet, to stop talking
The second definition of this idiom is impolite in formal situations.
o During the hurricane, all the store owners shut their shops up.
o Bob's sister told him to shut up and not say anything more about it.
o The student got into big trouble for telling his teacher to shut up.
have got: to have, to possess
o Curtis has got a bad cold. He's sneezing and coughing a lot.
o How much money have you got with you right now?
have got to: must (also: have to)
o She has got to go to Chicago today to sign the contract papers.
o I have to be back home by two o'clock or my wife will feel ill at ease.
to keep up with: to maintain the same speed or rate as
o Frieda works so fast that no one in the office can keep up with her.
o You'll have to walk more slowly. I can't keep up with you.
on the other hand: however, in contrast
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Democracies provide people many freedoms and privileges. on the
other hand, democracies suffer many serious problems such as crime
and unemployment.
o My sister takes after my father in appearance. on the other hand, I take
after my mother.
to turn down: to reduce in brightness or volume (S); to reject, to refuse (S)
o Please turn down the radio for me. It's too loud while I'm studying.
o Laverne wanted to join the military but the recruiting officer turned her
application down because Laverne is hard of hearing in one ear.
fifty-fifty: divided into two equal parts
o Let's go fifty-fifty on the cost of a new rug for our apartment.
o The political candidate has a fifty-fifty chance of winning the election.
to break in: gradually to prepare something for use that is new and stiff (S);
to interrupt (for the second definition, also: to cut in)
o It is best to break a new car in by driving it slowly for the first few
hundred miles.
o While Carrie and I were talking, Bill broke in to tell me about a
telephone call.
o Peter, it's very impolite to cut in like that while others are speaking.
a lost cause: a hopeless case, a person or situation having no hope of positive
change.
o It seems that Charles will never listen to our advice. I suppose it's a lost
cause.
o The police searched for the missing girl for two weeks, but finally gave
it up as a lost cause.
o Children who have committed several crimes as teenagers and show no
sorrow about their actions are generally lost causes.
above all: mainly, especially
o Above all, don't mention the matter to Gerard; he's the last person we
should tell.
o Sheila does well in all her school subjects, but above all in mathematics.
Her math scores are always over 95 percent.
LESSON 18
to do without: survive or exist without something (also: to go without)
With prices so high now, I'll have to do without a new suit this year.
o As a traveling salesperson, Monica can't do without a car.
o It's a shame that so many poor people in the world have to go without
basic necessities of life such as nutritious food and suitable shelter.
according to: in the order of; on the authority of
o The students on the football team were ranked according to height,
from shortest to tallest.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o According to my dictionary, you are using that word in your essay
incorrectly.
to be bound to: to be certain to, to be sure to
This idiom is used when the occurrence of an event seems inevitable or
unavoidable.
o We are bound to be late if you don't hurry up.
o With the economy improving now, their business is bound to make
more money this year.
for sure: without doubt (also: for certain)
o In the dark, I couldn't tell for sure whether it was Polly or Sarah who
drove by.
o I now for certain that Gene will move back to Washington next month.
to take for: to perceive or understand as (S)
This idiom is usually used when someone is mistakenly perceived. A noun or
pronoun must separate the idiom.
o Because of his strong, muscular body, I took him for a professional
athlete. As it turns out, he doesn't play any professional sports.
o What do you take me for --- a fool? I don't believe what you're saying at
all.
to try out: to test, to use during a trial period (S)
o You can try out the new car before you decide to buy it.
o I can let you try the computer out for a few days before you make a
decision.
to tear down: to destroy by making flat, to demolish (S)
o The construction company had to tear down the old hotel in order to
build a new office building.
o The owners had to tear the house down after it burned down in a fire.
to tear up: to rip into small pieces (S)
o Diedre tore up the letter angrily and threw all the pieces into the trash
can.
o He told the lawyer to tear the old contract up and then to prepare a
new one.
to go over: to be appreciated or accepted
This idiom is usually followed by the adverb well. (I Lesson 6 this idiom has
the meaning to review, as in the second sentence of the second example
below.)
o The teacher's organized lessons always go over well with her students.
o The comedian's jokes weren't going over well; the audience wasn't
laughing much at all. I think that the comedian should go over his
material more carefully before each act.
to run out of: to exhaust the supply of, not to have more of
o We ran out of gas right in the middle of the main street in town.
o It's dangerous to run out of water if you are in an isolated area.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
at heart: basically, fundamentally
This idiom is used to describe the true character of a person.
o James sometimes seems quite unfriendly, but at heart he's a good
person.
o The Fares often don't see eye to eye, but at heart they both love each
other very much.
about to: ready to, just going to
o We were about to leave the house when the phone rang.
o I'm sorry that I broke in. What were you about to say?
LESSON 19
to bite off: to accept as a responsibility or task
This idiom is often used when one accepts more responsibility than one can
handle alone. It is usually used in the form to bite off more than one can chew.
o When I accepted the position of chairman, I didn't realize how much I
was biting off.
o When James registered for 18 units in his last semester at college, he
bit off more than he could chew.
to tell apart: to distinguish between (also: to pick apart, to tell from) (S)
o The two brothers look so much alike that few people can tell them
apart.
o That copy machine is so good that I can't pick the photocopy and the
original apart.
o Most new cars are very similar in appearance. It's almost impossible to
tell one from another.
all in all: considering everything
o There were a few problems, but all in all it was a well-organized
seminar.
o Leonard got a low grade in one subject, but all in all he's a good student.
to pass out: to distribute (also: to hand out) (S); to lose consciousness
The verbal idiom to hand out can be made into the noun handout to refer to
items that are distributed in a class or meeting.
o Please help me pass out these test papers; there must be a hundred of
them.
o Alright, students, here are the class handouts for this week.
o The weather was so hot in the soccer stadium that some of the fans in
the stands passed out.
to go around: to be sufficient or adequate for everyone present; to circulate,
to move from place to place
o We thought that we had bought enough food and drink for the party,
but actually there wasn't enough to go around.
o There's a bad strain of influenza going a
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to be in (the/one's) way: to block or obstruct; not to be helpful, to cause
inconvenience (for both, also: to get in the/one's way)
o Jocelyn couldn't drive through the busy intersection because a big truck
was in the way.
o Our small child tried to help us paint the house, but actually he just got
in our way.
to put on: to gain (pounds or weight) (S); to present, to perform (S)
o Bob has put on a lot of weight recently. He must have put at least
fifteen pounds on.
o The Youth Actor's Guild put on a wonderful version of Romeo and
Juliet at the globe Theater.
to put up: to tolerate, to accept unwillingly
o The employee was fired because his boss could not put up with his
mistakes any longer.
o While I'm studying, I can't put up with any noise or other distractions.
in vain: useless, without the desired result
o All the doctors' efforts to save the injured woman were in vain. She was
declared dead three hours after being admitted to the hospital.
o We tried in vain to reach you last night. Is your phone out of order?
day in and day out: continuously, constantly (also: day after day; for
longer periods of time, year in and year out and year after year)
o During the month of April, it rained day in and day out.
o Day after day I waited for a letter from him, but one never came.
o Year in and year out, the weather in San Diego is the best in the nation.
to catch up: to work with the purpose of fulfilling a requirement or being
equal to others
The idiom is often followed by the preposition with and a noun phrase. It is
similar in meaning to keep up with from Lesson 17.
o The student was absent from class so long that it took her a long time to
catch up.
o If you are not equal to others, first you have to catch up with them
before you can keep up with them.
Lesson 20
to hold still: not to move (S)
o Please hold still while I adjust your tie.
o If you don't hold that camera still, you'll get a blurred picture.
to know by sight: to recognize (S)
This idiom is used when the person has been seen previously but is not known
personally. The person must be used to separate the idiom.
o I have never met our new neighbors; I simply know them by sight.
o The woman said that she would know the thief by sight if she ever saw
him again.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to be the matter: to be unsatisfactory, to be improper, to be wrong
In a question, this idiom is used with what or something. In an answer,
something or nothing is usually used.
o A: What is the matter, Betty? You look very upset.
o B: Yes, something is the matter. I've lost my purse!
o A: Is something the matter, Charles? You don't look well.
o B: No, nothing is the matter. I'm just a little under the weather.
to bring up: to rear, to raise from childhood (S); to mention, to raise an issue,
to introduce a topic (S)
o Parents should bring up their children to be responsible members of
society.
o Sarah wanted to bring the scheduling problem up at the club meeting,
but finally she decided against doing so.
o one of the students brought up an interesting point related to the
subject in our textbook.
to get lost: to become lost; to go away in order not to bother
The second definition provides a very informal, even rude, meaning that
should be used only with close friends. It is sometimes used in a joking
manner.
o While driving in Boston, we got lost and drove many miles in the wrong
direction.
o Todd kept bothering me while I was studying, so I told him to get lost.
o Lisa joked that she wanted her sister to get lost forever.
to hold up: to delay, to make late (S); to remain high in quality
o A big accident held up traffic on the highway for several hours.
o Deidre is amazed at how well her car has held up over the years.
to run away: to leave without permission; to escape
o The young couple ran away and got married because their parents
wouldn't permit it.
o That cat is just like a criminal --- it runs away from anyone who tries to
come near!
to rule out: to refuse to consider, to prohibit (S)
o Heather ruled out applying to college in Texas because she would
rather go to school in Canada.
o I'd like to watch a good movie on TV tonight, but a ton of homework
rules that out.
by far: by a great margin, clearly
o Jacquie is by far the most intelligent student in our class.
o This is by far the hottest, most humid summer we've had in years.
to see off: to say good-bye upon departure by train, airplane, bus, etc. (also:
to send off) (S)
A noun or pronoun must divide the idiom.
o We are going to the airport to see Peter off on his trip to Europe.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o When I left for Cincinnati on a business trip, no one came to the train
station to send me off.
to see out: to accompany a person out of a house, building, etc. (S)
A noun or pronoun must again divide the idiom.
o The Johnsons were certain to see their guests out as each one left the
party.
o Would you please see me out to the car? It's very dark outside.]
no wonder: it's no surprise that, not surprisingly
This idiom derives form reducing it is no wonder that…
o No wonder the portable heater doesn't work. It's not plugged into the
electrical outlet!
o Jack has been out of town for several weeks. No wonder we haven't
seen him recently.
LESSON 21
to go up: to increase (also: to drive up); to be constructed, to be erected
The second definition is the same as the one for to put up in Lesson 19, except
that go up is not used with a noun object.
o Economists are predicting that consumer prices are going up. Inflation
always has a tendency to drive up the cost of products.
o A new office is going up in the downtown area. A major construction
company is putting it up.
to go up to: to approach (also: to come up to, to walk up to, to run up to,
to drive up to, etc.)
The related forms have the same meaning, but the type of movement is
different.
o After the lecture, several people in the audience went up to the speaker
to congratulate her.
o The little girl came up to me and shook my hand as if she had known
me for years.
o Bill's friend didn't want to admit that they had gotten lost, but finally he
agreed to drive up to a gas station and inquire about the correct route.
to hand in: to submit or deliver something that is due (S)
o Every student has to hand in an original composition each week of the
semester.
o All the salepeople hand their weekly reports in on Friday.
in case: in order to be prepared if
When the idiom occurs at the end of the sentence (the second example), then
the meaning is in order to be prepared if something happens. The
"something" might be an accident, a delay, etc.
o You'd better close the windows in case it rains.
o We should be sure to leave for the airport early, just in case.
o Cynthia, take one of your books in case you have some time to read on
our trip.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to take apart: to disassemble, to separate the parts of something (S)
A noun or pronoun usually divides this idiom.
o It is much easier to take a watch apart than it is to assemble it.
o The engine had a serious problem, so the mechanic had to take it apart
completely in order to fix it.
to put together: to assemble (S)
A noun or pronoun usually divides this idiom. The preposition back is used
when something has been disassembled and then is being reassembled, as in
the second example.
o Todd followed the directions on the box but he couldn't manage to put
the bicycle together properly.
o After the teenager took the broken video game apart and fixed it, he
was unable to put it back together again.
to be better off: to be in a more favorable condition or situation
The opposite of this idiom is to be worse off.
o Jim would be better off staying at home because of his cold.
o You'd be much better off working in an office than in a factory.
o The economies of some nations are worse off than they were several
decades ago.
to be well-off: to have enough money to enjoy a comfortable life, to be rich
(also: to be well-to-do)
o They live in the best section of town in a large home; they are very welloff.
o By the time I reach the age of fifty-five, I hope to be well-to-do and to
travel frequently.
to take by surprise: to surprise, to amaze, to astonish (S)
A noun or pronoun usually divides this idiom.
o The offer of a high-paying position with another company took me by
surprise.
o The president's announcement that the university was in financial
trouble didn't take anyone by surprise.
to keep in touch with: to maintain contact with (also: to stay in touch
with)
This idiom should be compared with to get in touch with in Lesson 9.
o You can telephone me every few days, and in that way we can keep in
touch with each other.
o He promised to stay in touch with us while he was abroad. However, we
were very disappointed that he never did get in touch with us.
to name after: to give the same name as another (S)
o Helen's parents named Helen after her grandmother.
o My grandson is named after Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the
United States.
to hold on: to grasp tightly or firmly; to wait, to be patient
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
The second definition is often used when someone is talking on the telephone.
o The little girl held on to her mother's hand and refused to let go as they
walked through the large crowd of people.
o (on the telephone) Could you please hold on a moment while I get a
pencil and paper?
o Come on, Mike, hold on. I can't get ready so quickly.
LESSON 22
to stop by: to visit or stop somewhere briefly in order to do something
o James had to stop by the registrar's office to submit a transcript
request form.
o Let's stop by the supermarket and pick up a few grocery items.
to drop (someone) a line: to write a note to someone (S)
o As soon as I get to Florida, I'll drop you a line and tell you about my
new job.
o If you have time, drop me a line now and then while you're traveling.
to come across: to meet or find unexpectedly (also: to run across); to be
perceived or judged as (also: to come off)
o While Cheryl was cleaning the attic, she came across some very old
coins. It took her by surprise to run across something like that.
o Jeff's boss comes across as a tough, unpleasant person, but actually Jeff
says that he is a good employer.
o Some people come off quite differently than they really are.
to stand for: to represent, to signify; to tolerate
The second definition is usually used in a negative sense. The meaning is the
same as to put up with in Lesson 19.
o on the American flag, each start stands for one of the fifty states, and
each stripe stands for one of the original thirteen colonies of the 1800s.
o The citizens wouldn't stand for the increase in crime in their city, so
they hired more police officers and built another jail.
to stand a chance: to have the possibility of accomplishing something
This idiom is often used with an adjective such as good or excellent. It also
occurs in the negative, sometimes with the adjective much.
o The New York baseball team stands a good chance of winning the
World Series this year.
o Because John doesn't have any previous work experience, he doesn't
stand a chance of getting that job.
o The woman injured in the serious train accident doesn't stand much
chance of surviving.
to take pains: to work carefully and conscientiously
o She takes pains to do everything well; she's our best employee.
o He took great pains with his last assignment because he needed to get
an excellent grade to pass the class.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to look on: to watch as a spectator, to observe
o Hundreds of people were looking on as the police and firefighters
rescued the passengers in the wrecked train.
o I stayed with my son at his first soccer practice and looked on as the
coach worked with the boys.
to look up to: to admire, to respect greatly
o Children will most certainly look up to their parents if the children are
brought up well.
o Everyone looks up to the director of our department because he is a
kind and generous person.
to look down on: to feel superior to, to think of someone as less important
o People who are in positions of power should be careful not to look
down on those who work for them.
o Why does Alma look down on Mario just because his family is so poor?
to take off: to leave the ground (for airplanes); to leave, often in a hurry
The noun form takeoff derives from this idiom.
o The plane took off over an hour late. The passengers had to buckle their
seatbelts during takeoff.
o Do you have to take off already? You just arrive an hour ago!
to pull off: to succeed in doing something difficult (S); to exit to the side of a
highway
o The group of investors pulled off a big deal by buying half the stock in
that company. I wonder how they pulled it off before the company
could prevent it.
o The motorist pulled off when the police officer turned on the red lights
and the siren.
to keep time: to operate accurately (for watches and clocks)
This idiom is usually used with adjectives such as good and perfect.
o Although this is a cheap watch, it keeps good time.
o The old clock keeps perfect time; it's never fast or slow.
LESSON 23
to make do: to manage, to cope
This idiom is used when a person must accept a substitute that is not the most
suitable.
o Pearl doesn't have a clean blouse so she has to make do with the one
she wore yesterday.
o During difficult economic times, many people have to make do with
less.
to give birth to: to bear a human being or animal
o Jane's mother has just given birth to twin girls.
o The zoo's Siberian tiger just gave birth to a baby cub.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 33 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
close call: a situation involving a narrow escape from danger (also: close
shave)
o Bob, that car nearly hit us! What a close call.
o We had a close call when a small fire in our kitchen almost spread to
the rest of the house.
to get on one's nerves: to annoy or disturb (also: to bug)
o Laura loves to talk to anyone. Sometimes her chatter really gets on my
nerves.
o Jack asked his neighbor to turn down the stereo because it was bugging
him and he couldn't concentrate.
to put down: to suppress, to quell (S); to criticize unfairly (S)
o The police arrived just in time to put down the disturbance before it got
very serious.
o Fred tries his best at playing tennis. You shouldn't put him down like
that.
to go for: to be sold at a certain price; to seek or strive for
o This dress probably goes for about $50, don't you think?
o Peter was going for first place in the swim meet, but he wasn't able to
do better than third place.
to go in for: to have as an interest, such as a sport or hobby (also: to go for,
to be into, to get into)
o Hal goes in for tennis while his wife goes for painting and sculpture.
o What sports are you into? I don't have any time to get into sports.
to stay up: to remain awake, not to go to bed
o I want to stay up tonight and watch a late movie on TV.
o He stays up every night until after one o'clock, preparing his homework.
to stay in: to remain at home, not to go out
An idiom with the opposite meaning is to stay out.
o on a rainy day, I like to stay in and read.
o Young people are able to stay out late at night and get very little sleep.
to take over: to assume control or responsibility for (S); to do or perform
again (S)
The meaning of the second definition is almost the same as do over in Lesson
11. also for the second definition, a noun or pronoun must divide the idiom.
o That large investment company specializes in taking over smaller
businesses that are in financial trouble.
o Most students didn't do well on the important test, so the instructor let
them take it over.
o Little Mickey didn't have much chance to hit the baseball during
practice, so the coach let him take his turn over.
to show up: to appear, to arrive; to be found or located (also for the second
definition: to turn up)
o It really gets on my nerves that Ursula shows up late for every meeting.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 34 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Willie hopes that the watch he lost last Sunday shows up soon.
o We've looked everywhere for that book, but it hasn't turned up yet.
to clean out: to empty, to tidy by removing (S); to steal, to rob (S); to buy or
purchase all of something (S)
o It's time for you to clean out your closet so that you can store more
things in there.
o A burglar entered my apartment while I was gone and cleaned me out.
He took over $200 in cash and jewelry.
o Thousands of shoppers cleaned out the store that had gone bankrupt
and was selling all its remaining products at very reduced prices.
LESSON 24
to knock out: to make unconscious (S); to impress or attract greatly (S)
This idiom can be made into the noun form knockout for both definitions.
o The prizefighter knocked out his opponent with one punch in the first
five seconds of the first round. It was the fastest knockout in boxing
history.
o Linda's beautiful appearance and slender figure really knock me out.
Isn't she a real knockout tonight?
to knock one self out: to work very hard (sometimes too hard) to do
something
A reflexive pronoun must divided the idiom.
o She really knocked herself out trying to pass that difficult class.
o Don't knock yourself out during practice. Save your strength for the
competition later.
to carry out: to accomplish, to execute (S) (also: to go through with)
o It's easy to write down a plan for losing weight, but much harder to
carry it out.
o Charles promised to go through with his plan to enroll in graduate
school and get an advanced degree.
to run into: to meet someone unexpectedly; to crash or collide into (also: to
bump into)
o It was a shock to run into an old friend from high school recently.
o The drunk driver was slightly injured when he ran into a telephone
pole.
to set out: to start traveling toward a place (also: to set off, to heat out); to
arrange or display neatly (also: to lay out) (S)
o We set out for the top of the mountain at dawn. Unfortunately, as we
set off, it started to snow heavily, so we decided to head out again later.
o The children tried to set out the dishes on the table, but their dad had
to help to lay the dishes out properly.
to draw up: to create by drawing, such as a map (S); to prepare documents
or legal papers (S)
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 35 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Max asked me to draw up a map to the party so that he wouldn't get
lost.
o Our lawyer agreed to draw the contract up as soon as possible.
give and take: compromise, cooperation between people
o Give and take is an important element of a successful marriage.
o Most business negotiations involve give and take between the parties
involved.
to drop out of: to stop attending; to withdraw from
This idiom can be made into the noun form dropout.
o Some students drop out of secondary school early in order to get jobs.
However, such dropouts often regret their decision later in life.
o Two more baseball teams have dropped out of the youth league due to a
lack of players.
to believe in: to accept as true, have faith in
o Some people believe in being honest in all human affairs, while others
accept the need to lie in order to get one's way.
o Throughout the history of man, some cultures have believed in one god
while others have believed in the existence of many gods.
to cheer up: to make happier, to feel less sad (S)
o We all tried to cheer up the little boy when he stared to cry.
o After the death of Deanne's husband, it was difficult to cheer her up at
all.
to make sense: to be sensible or reasonable
o It makes sense to wait until a sunny day to visit the park together.
o That Jimmy ran away from home suddenly doesn't make sense to any
of us.
LESSON 25
to burst out: to depart quickly (also: to storm out); to act suddenly
For the second definition, this idiom is usually followed by a gerund form such
as laughing, crying, singing, etc.
o Faye and Debbie were so angry at each other that one of them burst out
the front door of the house and the other stormed out the back door.
o It was so funny to see a little baby in the audience burst out crying
when the choir group burst out singing at the start of the recital.
to get away: to get free, to escape
o We always try to get away from the noise and heat of the city for a
month or two each summer.
o No one knows how the suspected criminal got away from the police.
to get away with: to avoid punishment for
o Jonathan tries to get away with coming late to work almost every day;
someday he'll suffer the consequences.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Terence can't continue to put his friends down like that and expect to
get away with it forever.
to serve (someone) right: to receive one's just punishment (S)
This idiom is usually used at the beginning of a sentence after the subject it.
Compare the following examples with those in the previous idiom above.
o It serves Jonathan right to be fired from his job.
o It serves Terence right that none of his friends are willing to help him
move to a new apartment.
to keep up: to prevent from sleeping (S); to continue maintaining (speed,
level of work, condition, etc.) (S)
o Could you please turn down the TV volume? You're keeping up the
children.
o If we can keep up this speed, we should arrive there in about two hours.
o James is so proud of his daughter for getting mostly A's in school. He's
certain that she can keep up the good work.
o The Federal Reserve Bank hopes to keep the value of the dollar up at
least through the rest of the year.
to keep up with: to have current knowledge of; to understand as an
explanation
This idiom should be compared to the meaning of to keep up with in Lesson 17.
o Evan keeps up with world affairs by reading a new magazine each week.
o I understand a lot of the Spanish language, but I can't keep up with the
fast conversation in this Mexican film.
to stand out: to be easily visible or noticeable (also: to stick out)
This idiom is used for someone or something that is different from all others.
o Her bright red hair makes her stand out from others in the group.
o Brandon Styles is a tall, distinguished gentleman who sticks out in any
crowd.
to let on: to reveal or tell what you know, to hint
o We are going to the movies tonight and we don't want Doris to go. If
you see her, make sure not to let on.
o They asked me not to let on to Ted that we're planning the birthday
party; it's supposed to be a big surprise.
to go wrong: to fail, to result badly
o Something went wrong with the engine, so we had to have the car
towed to a garage.
o Shawn should have been here over an hour ago; I'm certain that
something went wrong.
to meet (someone) halfway: to compromise with someone
o Steve wanted $4,500 for his car, and Gwen offered $4,000. They met
each other halfway and agreed on $4,250.
o After a long process of give and take, the owners of the company agreed
to meet the workers halfway by providing some additional health
benefits but no wage increase.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to check up on: to examine with the purpose of determining condition (also:
to check on)
This idiom has the related noun form checkup.
o The government always checks up on the background of employees who
are hired for sensitive military projects.
o The doctor wants me to have a thorough medical checkup as part of a
preventive medicine program.
to stick up: to point or place upwards (S); to rob (S)
o You should put some water on your hair. It's sticking up in the back.
o A masked thief stuck up a grocery store in the neighborhood last night.
LESSON 26
to come about: to happen
o I didn't find any explanation in the newspaper about how the political
coup came about.
o The flood came about as a result of the heavy winter rains.
to bring about: to cause to happen
This idiom is used to indicate who or what caused something to come about.
o John brought about the accident because of his carelessness.
o The heavy rains we have each spring bring about serious flooding.
to build up: to increase slowly, to make stronger gradually (S)
o They built up their savings account so that they could buy a new house.
o The professional athlete exercises regularly to build her strength up.
to die down: to decrease, to lessen in strength
o The hurricane became a less serious tropical storm when its winds died
down.
o We let the fire in the fireplace die down and enjoyed watching the
embers as they glowed in the dark.
to fade away: to diminish gradually in time or distance
o The memory of that unpleasant experience has slowly faded away.
o The music of the band gradually faded away as the parade passed
down the street.
to die out: not to exist anymore; to be in the process of disappearing
o Scientists still are not sure exactly why the dinosaurs died out.
o That strange, new style of dancing is slowly dying out.
to make out: to read or see clearly (S); to prepare a legal document, such as
a will, a check, etc. (S)
o The letter was so poorly handwritten that I couldn't make out many of
the words.
o Harold, please make the check out to Acme Piano Company.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 38 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to live up to: to fulfill (a standard or promise)
o It was clear that the lazy student would never live up to his family's
expectations.
o It surprised us that the car salesperson lived up to all the promises he
made.
to stick to: to adhere to (a promise), to follow or obey (a set of rules,
procedures, etc.)
o He made a promise to his wife to quit smoking and drinking, and so far
he has stuck to it.
o All organizations expect their employees to stick to established work
rules and procedures.
o If you try hard to stick to your principles, then you'll be able to live up
to them.
to stick it to: to cheat, to take unfair advantage of (also: to rip off, the
ripoff)
o Be careful in doing business with that salesperson. He'll stick it to you
at the first opportunity.
o The car dealership certainly ripped me off when I bought this car. It
has caused me trouble constantly.
o You paid over $400 for that jacket? What a ripoff!
to stand up for: to insist on, to demand; to defend, to support
o If you don't stand up for your rights in court, the lawyers will try to
stick it to you.
o Frank stood up for his friend, who was being put down by other
teenagers nearby.
to cut corners: to economize, to save money
o Most students live on limited budgets and have to cut corners
whenever possible.
o The Livingstons have nine children, so it is essential that they cut
corners at all times.
LESSON 27
to take on: to employ, to hire (S); to accept responsibility for, to undertake
o That factory is taking a lot of new employees on for its new production
line.
o Would you be willing to take on the task of organizing the next
company picnic?
to take down: to remove from an elevated place (S); to write what is said, to
note
o We should take the pictures down from the wall and clean off the dust.
o The secretary took down everything that was said at the meeting.
to fall through: to fail to materialize, not to succeed
This idiom is usually used with the noun plan or plans as the subject.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 39 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Our plan to travel to Europe last summer fell through when we were
unable to save up enough money.
o Felix made plans to have a party for everyone in his office, but they fell
through at the last moment.
to give in: to surrender, to stop resisting
o Completely surrounded by our soldiers, the enemy finally gave in.
o Management gave in to the strikers' demands and agreed to a
shortened work week.
to give off: to release, to produce, to release
o When water boils, it gives off stream.
o The flowers in this garden give off a strange odor.
to give out: to distribute; to become exhausted or depleted (also: to run out)
The first definition has the same meaning as the second definition of to pass
out in Lesson 19.
o An usher stood at the door of the theater giving out programs.
o I couldn't finish the ten-mile race because my energy gave out.
o Jeff plans to stay in Las Vegas and gamble until his money runs out.
to have it in for: to want revenge on, to feel hostile towards (also: to hold a
grudge against)
o Martina expects to lose her job because her boss has had it in for her
for a long time.
o The teacher has held a grudge against Al ever since the time that he
insulted her in front of the class.
to have it out with: to quarrel with, to confront
o I am going to have it out with Jack about all the times that he has told
us lies.
o Ben had it out with his roommate about coming back home so late and
making a lot of noise.
to hold off: to delay, or to be delayed, in occurring (S)
This idiom has the same meaning as to put off in Lesson 5 when a noun or
pronoun is used as an object, as in the second example.
o If the rain holds off for a few more days, they can finish planting the
rest of the crop.
o The judge agreed to hold off making a decision until new evidence
could be introduced into court.
to hold out: to endure, to be sufficient; to survive by resisting; to persist in
one's efforts
The first definition for to hold out has the opposite meaning of the second
definition for to give out (seventh idiom, this lesson).
o If our supply of food and water holds out, we plan to camp here for
another week. However, whenever it gives out, we'll have to leave.
o That nation's troops cannot hold out much longer against the superior
forces of the enemy.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o The valuable football player held out for more money before signing a
new contract with his team.
to hold over: to extend, to keep for a longer time (S)
o They are going to hold over that movie for another week because so
many people are coming to see it.
o Let's hold discussion of this problem over until our next meeting.
SECTION THREE --- ADVANCED
LESSON 28
to let up: to slacken, to lessen in intensity; to relax or ease one's effort (also:
related idiom: to take it easy)
o If the rain doesn't let up soon, we won't be able to have our picnic.
o When Jane is working, she never lets up for a moment.
o Jane should take it easy or she'll get exhausted.
to lay off: to abstain from, stop using as a habit; to release or discharge from
a job (also: related idiom: to let go) (S)
o If you're trying to lose weight, you should lay off sweet things.
o If business continues to be slow, we will have to lay off some workers.
o It will be necessary to let the youngest employees go first.
to bring out: to show or introduce (to the public) (S); to make available (S)
o Most automobile companies bring out new models each year.
o My mother brought some snacks out for my friends and me to have.
to bring back: to return a bought or borrowed item (also: to take back) (S)
To bring back is used when you are speaking at the place that speaking at
another place.
o Ma'am, our store policy is that you can bring back the dress as long as
you have your sales receipt.
o You can borrow my car if you promise to bring it back by six o'clock.
o I have to take this book back to the library today.
to wait up for: to wait until late at night without going to bed
o Don't wait up for me. I may be back after midnight.
o We waited up for our son until two o'clock in the morning before we
called the police.
to leave (someone or something) alone: not to disturb, to stay away
from (S) (also: to let alone)
o Leave the baby alone for a while and she may go to sleep.
o After the cat had scratched Peter twice, he let it alone.
let along: and certainly not (also: not to mention, to say nothing of)
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 41 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
Let alone is used after negative forms. The example that follows let alone is
much less possible than the example that precedes let alone.
o I'm too sick today to walk to the kitchen, let alone to go to the zoo with
you.
o He doesn't even speak his own language well, let alone French.
to break off: to terminate, to discontinue (S)
o After war began, the two countries broke off diplomatic relations.
o Elsa and Bob were once engaged, but they have already broken it off.
to wear off: to disappear gradually
o My headache isn't serious. It will wear off after an hour or so.
o The effect of the painkilling drug didn't wear off for several hours.
to wear down: to become worn gradually through use (also: to wear away,
to wear through) (S)
Compare with to wear out (to become useless from wear) in Lesson 8.
o If you drag your feet while you walk, you'll wear down your shoes
quickly.
o The pounding of ocean waves against the coast gradually wears it away.
o Johnny has worn through the seat of his pants.
o Helga threw away that dress because she had worn it out.
on the whole: in general, in most ways (also: by and large)
o He is, on the whole, a good student.
o By and large, I agree with your suggestions.
touch and go: risky, uncertain until the end
o The complicated medical operation was touch and go for several hours.
o The outcome of the soccer final was touch and go for the entire match.
LESSON 29
to work out: to exercise; to develop, to devise (a plan) (S)
o Jane works out at the fitness center every other morning before going
to school.
o The advertising department worked out a plan to increase company
sales.
o We couldn't come up with a good plan for solving the problem, but we
agree to work it out at a later date.
to back up: to drive or go backwards (S); to defend, to support (S); to return
to a previous thought
o I couldn't back my car up because there was a bicycle in the driveway
behind me.
o Ursula asked her friends to back her up when she went to court to fight
a ticket for an illegal lane change on the highway.
o Wait a minute. Could you back up and say that again?
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 42 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to back out: to drive a vehicle out of a parking space (S); to withdraw
support, to fail to fulfill a promise or obligation
o The parking lot attendant had to back another car out before he could
get to mine.
o We were all ready to sign the contracts when one of the parties to the
agreement backed out.
to have one's heart set on: to desire greatly, to be determined to
o She has her heart set on taking a trip abroad. She's been thinking about
it for months.
o Todd has his heart set on going to medical school and becoming a
doctor.
to buy up: to buy the complete stock of (S)
o Before the hurricane struck, residents bought up all the food and water
in local stores.
o The government plans to buy up all surplus grain in order to stabilize
the price.
to buy out: to purchase a business or company (S); to purchase all of a
person's chares or stock (S)
This idiom is similar in meaning to take over in Lesson 23.
o Larger companies often buy out smaller companies that are having
financial difficulties.
o Mr. Lee has been trying for come time to buy his partner out so that he
can control the company by himself.
to sell out: to sell all items (S); to arrange for the sale of a company or
business (S)
o That store is closing its doors for good and is selling out everything this
weekend.
o If my new business enterprise is successful, I'll sell it out for a few
million dollars.
to catch on: to become popular or widespread; to understand, to appreciate
a joke
This idiom is often used with the preposition to for the second definition.
o Fashions of the past often catch on again among young people.
o When the teacher speaks quickly like that, can you catch on easily?
o His joke was very funny at the time, but when I told it to others later,
nobody seemed to catch on. I had to tell the joke again before anyone
could catch on to it.
to be cut out for: to have the necessary skills or talent for
The idiom is most often used in the negative or in questions.
o John is certainly not cut out for the work of a trial lawyer.
o Are you certain that you are cut out for that kind of job.
to throw out: to discard (S); to remove by force (S); to refuse to consider, to
reject (S)
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Instead of throwing out our paper waste in the office, we should recycle
it.
o When a fight broke out between two people on the dance floor, the
management threw them out.
o The judge threw the case out because there was insufficient evidence to
try the defendant successfully.
to throw up: to erect or construct quickly (S); to vomit (S)
o The Red Cross threw up temporary shelters for the homeless victims of
the earthquake.
o The ill patient is unable to digest her food properly, so she is throwing
all of it up.
to clear up: to make understandable (also: to straighten out) (S); to
become sunny
o The teacher tried to clear up our confusion about the meaning of the
difficult paragraph in the reading.
o It's rather cloudy this morning. Do you think that it will clear up later?
LESSON 30
to slow down: to go, or cause to go, more slowly (also: to slow up) (S)
This idiom can be used both with and without an object.
o The car was going so fast that the motorist couldn't slow it down
enough to make the sharp curve.
o You're eating too fast to digest your food well. Slow down!
o Slow up a bit! You're talking so quickly that I can't catch on well.
to dry up: to lose, or cause to lose, all moisture (S); to be depleted
o Every summer the extreme heat in this valley dries the stream up.
o All funds for the project dried up when the local government faced
budget crisis.
to dry out: to lose, or cause to lose, moisture gradually (S); to stop drinking
alcohol in excess (also: to sober up)
o Martha hung the towel outside on the clothesline in order to dry it out.
o Some people go to alcohol recovery centers in order to dry out.
to be up to (something): to be doing something; to be planning or plotting
something, scheming
The first definition usually takes the form of a question.
o Hi, Jake. I haven't seen you in a long time. What have you been up to?
o Those boys hiding behind the building must be up to something bad.
to beat around the bush: to avoid discussing directly, to evade the issue
o Our boss beats around the bush so much that no one in the office
knows exactly what he wants us to do.
o Instead of beating around the bush, Melinda explained her objection in
very clear terms.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 44 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to come to an end: to end, to stop
This idiom is used with finally and never when some activity lasts too long.
o The meeting finally came to an end at ten o'clock in the evening.
o Even though my friend seemed to enjoy the movie, I thought that it
would never come to an end.
to put an end to: to cause to end, to terminate in a definite manner (also: to
do away with)
o The dictatorial government put an end to organized opposition in the
country by making it illegal to form a political party.
o It may never be possible to do away with all forms of prejudice and
discrimination in the world.
to get even with: to seek revenge, to retaliate
This idiom is similar in meaning to to have it in for in Lesson 27.
o Bill has had it in for his boss for a long time. He told me he's planning
to get even with his boss by giving some company secrets to a
competitor.
o I want to get even with Steve for beating me so badly in tennis last time.
The scores were 6-1 and 6-2.
to fool around: to waste time (also: to screw around); to joke, not to be
serious
o The teacher got angry because her students were fooling around and
couldn't finish their work before the end of class.
o Sometimes I wish that Pat would stop fooling around so much and talk
about something more interesting to others.
to look out on: to face, to overlook
o We really enjoy our new apartment that looks out on a river.
o Their rear window looks out on a lovely garden.
to stir up: to cause anger (S); to create (trouble or difficulty) (S)
o The senseless murder of a small child stirred up the whole
neighborhood.
o The boss is in a bad mood today so don't stir her up with any more
customer complaints.
to take in: to visit in order to enjoy (S); to decrease the size of clothes (S); to
deceive, to fool (S)
o We decided to take in Toronto on our trip to Canada, and that is where
we took in the most memorable outdoor stage play we have ever seen.
o Lois lost so much weight that she had her skirts and slacks taken in by
her tailor.
o The fraudulent investment advisor took everyone in with his sincere
manner and generous promises. Most investors lost all their money.
LESSON 31
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 45 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to go through: to undergo, to experience; to consume, to use (also: to use
up)
The first definition is used when someone is having some hardship or
difficulty.
o I can't believe what she went through to get that job. She had four
interviews with the hiring committee in one week!
o Frank said that they had gone through all the toilet paper in the house,
but Steve couldn't believe that they had used it all up.
to go without saying: to be known without the need to mention
This idiom occurs with a that-clause, often with the pronoun it as the subject.
o It goes without saying that you shouldn't drive quickly in bad weather.
o That he will gain weight if he continues to eat and drink so much goes
without saying.
to put (someone) on: to mislead by joking or tricking (S)
This idiom is usually used in a continuous tense form. A noun object must
divide the idiom.
o Don't worry. I wouldn't expect you do all that work by yourself. I'm just
putting you on.
o Jack can't be serious about what he said. He must be putting us on.
to keep one's head: to remain calm during an emergency
o When the heater caused a fire, Gloria kept her head and phoned for
assistance right away; otherwise, the whole house might have burned
down.
o When the boat starting sinking in heavy seas, the crew members kept
their heads and led the passengers to the lifeboats.
to lose one's head: not to think clearly, to lose one's self-control
o When Mel saw a god in the street right in front of his car, he lost his
head and drove onto the sidewalk and into a tree.
o If the politician hadn't gotten stirred up and lost his head, he never
would have criticized his opponent unfairly.
narrow-minded: not willing to accept the ideas of others (the opposite of
narrow minded is broad-minded)
o Narrow-minded people tend to discriminate against groups of people
with which they have nothing in common.
o Ted is so broad-minded that he has almost no standards by which he
judges others.
to stand up: to withstand use or wear; to fail to appear for a date or social
engagement (S)
o My old car has stood up well over the years. I haven't had any major
problems at all.
o Janet was very angry because her new boyfriend stood her up on their
second date. She waited over an hour for him before returning home.
to get the better of: to win or defeat by gaining an advantage over someone
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 46 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Jim doesn't seem very athletic at tennis, but if you're not careful, he'll
get the better of you.
o Lynn gets frustrated when Bruce gets the better of her in arguments.
No matter what she says, he always has a clever response.
to break loose: to become free or loose, to escape
o During the bad storm, the boat broke loose from the landing and
drifted out to sea.
o one bicyclist broke loose from the pack of racers and pulled ahead
towards the finish line.
on edge: nervous, anxious; upset, irritable
o Cynthia was on edge all day about the important presentation she had
to give to the local citizens group.
o I don't like being around Jake when he's on edge like that. Someone
should tell him to calm down and relax.
to waste one's breath: not be able to convince someone
This idiom is used when someone is wasting time trying to convince another
person. The idiom to save one's breath is related and means not to waste
effort trying to convince someone.
o Don't argue with Frank any longer. You are wasting your breath trying
to get him to agree with you.
o I have already decided what I'm going to do. You can't change my mind,
so save your breath.
to cut short: to make shorter, to interrupt (S)
o The moderator asked the speaker to cut short his talk because there
wasn't much time remaining for questions from the audience.
o We were very unfortunate when we received bad news from home that
forced us to cut our trip short.
LESSON 32
to step in: to become involved or concerned with something; to enter a place
for a brief time (also: to step into)
o When the children started fighting on the play-ground, a teacher had to
step in and stop the fight.
o The supervisor asked one of the employees to step in her office for a
moment.
o Would you step into the hallway so that I can show you the information
posted on the bulletin board?
to step down: to retire or leave a top position, to resign
o Next May the principal will step down after thirty-five years of service
to the school.
o The angry shareholders wanted the company president to step down
because of the stock scandal.
to step on: to treat severely, to discipline; to go faster, to work more quickly
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 47 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
For the second definition, the idiom is followed by the pronoun it.
o Sometimes it's necessary to step on children when they do something
dangerous.
o We're going to be late for the movies. You'd better step on it!
a steal: very inexpensive, a bargain
This idiom is often used in an exclamation using what.
o I can't believe that I paid only $2,000 for this three year-old car. What
a steal!
o Scott considered it a steal when he bought a complete bedroom set for
only $99.
to play up to: to behave so as to gain favor with someone
o The other students in the class resent Jim because he plays up to the
teacher in order to get better grades.
o When my children asked me to go shopping for a new video game, I
knew why they had been playing up to me all morning.
more or less: approximately, almost; somewhat, to a certain degree
o Although your bedroom feels smaller, it's more or less the same size as
mine.
o Ted more or less agreed with our decision to put off the meeting until
more members could show up. At least he didn't object strongly.
to screw up: to confuse, to scramble (S); to cause problems in (S)
o Chris had trouble finding Jane's apartment because the addresses of
the buildings screwed him up.
o Instead of fixing the television set, the technician screwed it up even
more.
to goof up: to perform badly, to make a mistake (also: to mess up, to slip
up)
o I really goofed up on the exam today; did you mess up, too?
o Karen slipped up when she forgot to deposit money into her checking
account.
to go off the deep end: to get very angry and do something hastily
o Just because you had a serious argument with your supervisor, you
didn't have to go off the deep end and resign, did you?
o When Dan's wife demanded a divorce, he went off the deep end again.
This time he was shouting so that the whole neighborhood could hear.
to lose one's touch: to fail at what one used to do well
o Milton used to be the best salesman at the car dealership, but recently
he seems to have lost his touch.
o I used to play tennis very well, but today you beat me easily. I must be
losing my touch.
in hand: under firm control, well managed
o The copilot asked the pilot if he had the plane in hand or whether he
needed any help navigating through the severe thunderstorm.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o The police officer radioed to the station that she had the emergency
situation in hand and didn't require any assistance.
on hand: available, nearby
This idiom is often followed by in case.
o I always keep some extra money on hand in case I forget to get cash
from the bank.
o The concert organizers arranged to have some security guards on hand
in case there were any problems during the performance.
LESSON 33
to kick (something) around: to discuss informally (over a period of time)
(S) (also: to toss around)
o At first my friends were reluctant to consider my suggestion, but they
finally were willing to kick it ground for a while.
o Herb thought that we should kick around the idea of establishing a
special fund for supporting needy members of the club.
on the ball: attentive, competent, alert
o Jim was the only one who caught that serious error in the bookkeeping
statements. He's really on the ball.
o Ella was certainly on the ball when she remembered to reconfirm our
fight arrangements. All the rest of us would have forgotten.
to make up: to meet or fulfill a missed obligation at a later time (S); to create,
to invent (an idea) (S); to apply cosmetics to (S); to comprise, to be composed
of
Note that all of the definitions are separable except the last one.
o The teacher allowed several students who missed the exam to make it
up during the next class.
o The little boy made up a bad excuse for wearing his dirty shoes in the
house, so his mother punished him.
o Dee was able to make her face up in half the normal time because she
didn't use much makeup.
o Two separate bodies --- the House of Representatives and the Senate --
- make up the Congress of the United States.
to make up with: resolve differences with
This idiom is used for differences of opinion between friends and lovers.
o Gundula made up with her roommate after their serious
misunderstanding about arrangements for the party.
o After the bad quarrel the two lovers kissed and made up with each
other.
to pull together: to gather, to collect (information) (S); to gain control of
one's emotions (S)
A reflexive pronoun must e used for the second definition.
o The reporter pulled together information from several sources in
preparing the newspaper article.
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ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Mr. Simpson was so frightened when he heard footsteps behind him on
the lonely, dark street that it took several minutes to pull himself
together.
to be looking up: to appear promising or optimistic, to be improving
This idiom is used in a continuous tense, very often with the subject things.
o The board chairman is glad to report that things are looking up for the
company after several years of declining sales.
o Prospects for building that new library in the downtown area are
looking up.
to kick the habit: to stop a bad habit
o once a child becomes accustomed to chewing his nails, it's difficult kick
the habit.
o The doctor advised the heavy cigarette smoker that her heart had
become damaged and that she should kick the habit right away.
to cover up: to conceal, to hide (S)
This idiom is used for events which are potentially embarrassing to one's
reputation, as well as against the law. The noun coverup can be formed.
o The office worker tried to cover up his crimes, but everyone knew that
he had been stealing office supplies all along.
o The political coverup of the bribery scandal failed and was reported by
all the major media.
to drop off: to fall asleep; to take to a certain location (S); to decrease (for
the third definition, also: to fall off)
o My mother dropped off during the boring television show; her head
was nodding up and down.
o I don't mind dropping you off at the store on my way to work.
o Business has been dropping off rapidly recently, but fortunately it
hasn't been falling off as quickly as for our competitors.
to turn over: to place upside down (S); to flip, to turn upside down; to pass
or give control to someone (S)
o the teacher asked the students to turn the answer sheet over and to
write a short essay on the back.
o The car was going too fast around the corner and turned over twice.
o Mr. Collins has decided to turn over his jewelry store to his son at the
end of the year.
to go through channels: to send a request through the normal way
This idiom can be used with the adjective proper.
o If you go through proper channels in this company, it's sometimes
impossible to get anything done quickly.
o The police told the important civic leader that even she had to go
through channels in reporting the burglary of her house.
last straw: the final event in a series of unacceptable actions
This idiom is always used with the definite article the.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 50 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o When John asked to borrow money from me for the fourth time, it was
the last straw. I finally told him that I couldn't lend him any more.
o I can't believe that my roommate left the door to our department
unlocked again. It's the last straw; I'm moving out.
LESSON 34
to get cold feet: to become unable or afraid to do something
This idiom is usually used in the case of an important or dangerous action.
o Karl was supposed to marry Elaine this weekend, but at the last
moment he got cold feet.
o only one of the rock climbers got cold feet when the group reached the
base of the hundred-meter cliff.
to trade in: to receive credit for the value of an old item towards the
purchase of a new item (S)
This idiom is used to form the noun trade-in.
o The car dealership offered me $1,000 for my old car if I traded it in for
a new model.
o The appliance company was offering a $50 trade-in during the special
promotion for its new line of refrigerators.
face-to-face: direct, personal; directly, personally (written without hyphens)
This idiom can be used both as an adjective (the first definition) and as an
adverb (the second definition).
o The workers' representatives had a face-to-face meeting with
management to resolve the salary issue.
o The stepmother and her teenage soon talked face to face about his
troubles in school.
to be with (someone): to support, to back (also: to go along with); to
understand or follow what someone is saying
o Although others thought that we shouldn't go along with Jerry, I told
Jerry that I was with him on his proposal for reorganizing the staff.
o After turning left at the traffic light, go two blocks and turn right on
Madison. After three more blocks, turn right again. Are you still with
me?
to be with it: to be able to focus or concentrate on (also: to get with it)
To be with it in the negative has the same meaning as to feel out of it. The
related form to get with it is used in commands.
o Jack's really with it today. I've never seen him play such good soccer.
o You've done only a small amount of work in two hours. You're not with
it today, are you?
o It's no excuse to say that you feel out of it. We need everyone's help on
this, so get with it!
to fall for: to fall in love quickly; to be fooled or tricked by
o Samantha and Derek never expected to fall for each other like they did,
but they got married within two weeks of having met.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 51 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o The Masons wanted to believe their son, but unfortunately they had
fallen for his lies too many times to be deceived once again.
it figures: it seems likely, reasonable, or typical
This idiom is either followed by a that-clause or by no other part of grammar.
o It figures that the children were willing to help with the yardwork only
if they received a rewarded for doing so.
o When I told Evan that his secretary was unhappy about not getting a
raise, he said that it figured.
to fill (someone) in: to inform, to give background information to (also: to
clue in) (S)
This idiom is often followed by the preposition on and a noun phrase
containing the pertinent information.
o Could you fill me in on what is going to be discussed at tomorrow's
meeting?
o Not having been to the convention, my associate asked me to clue him
in on the proceedings.
to make (someone) tick: to motivate to behave or act in a certain way (S)
This idiom is used within a what-clause.
o If a salesperson knows what makes a customer tick, he will be able to
sell a lot of merchandise.
o It's been impossible for us to figure out what makes our new boss tick.
One moment she seems pleasant and then the next moment she's upset.
to cover for: to take someone's place temporarily, to substitute for; to
protect someone by lying or deceiving
o Go ahead and take your coffee break. I'll cover for you until you return.
o The criminal made his wife cover for him when the police asked if the
man had been home all day. She swore that he had been there.
to give (someone) a break: to provide a person with another opportunity
or chance (S); not to expect too much work from (S); not to expect someone to
believe (S)
Command forms are most common with this idiom. For the third definition,
the pronoun me must be used.
o The driver pleaded with the police officer to give him a break and not
issue him a ticket for speeding.
o When the students heard how much homework the teacher wanted
them to do over the holiday, they begged, "Give us a break, Professor
Doyle!"
o Oh, Jim, give me a break! That's a terrible excuse for being late.
to bow out: to stop doing as a regular activity, to remove oneself from a
situation
The related idiom to want out indicates that someone desires to bow out.
o She bowed out as the school's registrar after sixteen years of service.
o one of the two partners wanted out of the deal because they couldn't
agree on the terms of the contract.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 52 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
LESSON 35
to pin on: to find guilty of a crime or offense (S) (also: to hang on)
This idiom is divided by a noun phrase containing the crime or offense. The
accused person is mentioned after the preposition on.
o The prosecuting attorney tried to pin the murder on the victim's
husband, but the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty."
o I wasn't anywhere near the window when it got broken. You can't pin
that on me.
to get a rise out of: to provoke a response from
This idiom is usually used when someone is teased into responding in anger or
annoyance.
o You can kid me all day about my mistake, but you won't get a rise out
of me.
o I got a rise out of Marvin when I teased him about his weight. Marvin
weighs over two-hundred pounds.
to stick around: to stay or remain where one is, to wait
This idiom is used when someone is waiting for something to happen or for
someone to arrive
o Todd had to stick around the house all day until the new furniture was
finally delivered in the late afternoon.
o Why don't you stick around for a while and see if Sarah eventually
shows up?
to pick up the tab: to pay the cost or bill
This idiom applies when someone pays for the cost of another person's meal,
tickets, etc.
o The advertising manger is flying to Puerto Rico for a conference, and
her firm is picking up the tab.
o The government picked up the tab for the visiting dignitary. It paid for
all of the lodging and meals, as well as transportation, during his stay.
by the way: incidentally
This idiom is used when someone thinks of something further in the course of
a conversation.
o Movies are my favorite form of entertainment. Oh, by the way, have
you seen the new picture that's playing at the Bijou?
o Vera's been divorced for three years now. She told me, by the way, that
she never plans to remarry.
to go to town: to do something with enthusiasm and thoroughness
o Our interior decorator really went to town in remodeling our living
room. I'm afraid to ask how much it's going to cost.
o Charlie really went to town on his research project. He consulted over
forty reference works and wrote a ninety-page report.
to let slide: to neglect a duty (S); to ignore a situation (S)
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 53 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o Terry knew that she should have paid the electric bill on time instead of
letting it slide. Now the utility company has turned off her service.
o When he tried to get a rise out of me by mentioning my failure to
receive a promotion at work, I just let it slide.
search me: I don't know (also: beats me)
This idiom is used informally, usually as a command form.
o When Elmer asked his wife if she knew why the new neighbors left their
garage door open all night, she responded, "Search me."
o When I asked Dereck why his girlfriend wasn't at the party yet, he said,
"Beats me. I expected her an hour ago."
to get off one's chest: to express one's true feelings (S)
This idiom is used when someone has long waited to express themselves.
o Ellen felt a lot better when she finally talked to a counselor and got the
problem off her chest.
o Faye hasn't shared her concern about her marriage with her husband
yet. I think that she should get it off her chest soon.
to live it up: to spend money freely, to live luxuriously
o Kyle and Eric saved up money for two years so that they could travel to
Europe and live it up.
o After receiving a large inheritance from a rich aunt, I was able to live it
up for years.
to liven up: to energize, to make more active (also: to pick up)
o The teacher occasionally took the class on field trips just to liven things
up a bit.
o The animals in the zoo began to liven up when evening came and the
temperatures dropped.
o Many people have to drink coffee every morning just to pick themselves
up.
to have a voice in: to share involvement in
o The new vice-president was promised that she would have a voice in
developing the company's international expansion.
o The students are trying to have a voice in college affairs by gaining
representation on administrative committees.
LESSON 36
to check in: to register at a hotel or motel; to leave or deposit for
transporting or safekeeping (S)
The adjective form check-in derives from this idiom.
o Courtney arrived in town at mid-day and promptly checked in at the
Plaza Hotel. The hotel permitted an early check-in time.
o There dozens of people at the airline counters waiting to check their
bags in for their flights.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 54 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to check out: to pay the bill at a hotel or motel and then leave; to investigate,
to examine (S)
The adjective form check-out derives from this idiom.
o The latest you should check out of the hotel is 12 noon. However, in
your case, we can set a special check-out time of 2:00 P.M.
o The police received a call from someone claiming to have witnessed a
murder. The police sent two detectives to check the call out right away.
to take at one's word: to accept what one says as true, to believe
o When he offered to be responsible for the fund raiser, I took him at his
word. Now he's saying that he's not available to do it.
o You should be careful about taking her at her word. She's been known
to say one thing but to do another.
to serve (the/one's) purpose: to be useful, to suit one's needs or
requirements
o I don't have a screwdriver to open this, but I think that a knife will
serve the purpose.
o Jane prefers working to studying, so it served her purpose to drop out
of school and take that job.
in the worst way: very much, greatly
o Jim and Claudia want to have children in the worst way. They are
trying very hard to conceive.
o Because Umer ahs relatives in Turkey, he wants to visit there in the
worst way.
to cop out: to avoid one's responsibility, to quit
This idiom is an informal version of the second definition to back out (lesson
29). The noun form copout means an excuse for avoiding responsibility.
o Evelyn had agreed to help us with arrangements for the party, but she
copped out at the last minute.
o I can't believe that Cindy offered such an explanation for failing to show
up. What a poor copout!
to line up: to form a line; to arrange to have, to manage to obtain (S)
o The moviegoers lined up in front of the theater showing the most
popular film of the summer.
o Rob is going to schedule the famous author to speak at the convention
if he can line her up in time.
to lose one's cool: to get excited, angry, or flustered
o Despite the boos from some in the audience, the actors on stage never
lost their cool.
o Although the group of skiers were in danger form an apparent
avalanche, their ski guide never lost his cool.
to leave open: to delay making a decision on (S)
o In making up the job announcement, the firm decided to leave the
salary open until a qualified candidate was found.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 55 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o We know that the annual summer camp will be held in August, but let's
leave the exact dates open for now.
to turn on: to interest greatly, to excite (S)
The idiom with the opposite meaning is to turn off. These idioms are used to
form the nouns turnon and turnoff.
o Does great art turn you on? I find going to a museum and viewing
classic works of art a real turnon.
o Going to a bar and having silly conversation with strangers really turns
me off. In fact, most bar scenes are really turnoffs to me.
to miss the boat: to lose an opportunity, to fail in some undertaking
o The precious metals market was looking up several months ago, but
unfortunately most investors missed the boat.
o Mr. Vlasic's new business went bankrupt within a short time. He really
missed the boat by opening a tanning salon near the beach.
to think up: to invent, to create (also: to dream up)
This idiom is often used for an unusual or foolish thought.
o Who thought up the idea of painting the living room walls bright red?
o When asked by the teacher why she was late, the student dreamed up a
plausible excuse.
LESSON 37
to throw (someone) a curve: to introduce an unexpected topic, causing
embarrassment (S)
o The first week of class was going very well until a student threw the
teacher a curve by suggesting that the textbook was too difficult.
o The director asked us in advance to stick to the meeting agenda and not
to throw him any curves.
to make waves: to create a disturbance, usually by complaining
This idiom is similar in meaning to the previous idiom, but the emphasis is on
the aspect of complaining rather than causing embarrassment.
o In most companies, an employee who makes waves is not appreciated.
o The meeting was going smoothly until one of the participants made
waves about the newly revised compensation package.
to carry on: to continue as before; to conduct, to engage in; to behave in an
immature manner
o Even in the face of disaster, the inhabitants carried on as though
nothing had happened.
o The business associates decided to carry on their discussion in the
hotel bar instead of the conference room.
o I can't believe that John carried on so much just because his dog died.
He looked depressed and cried for weeks after it happened.
not on your life: absolutely not (also: no way)
This idiom is used as a kind of exclamation by itself.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 56 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o You're asking me to invest in that poorly rated company just because
you know the son of the president? Not on your life!
o When a friend tried to get Mark to jump out of a plane with a parachute,
he immediately responded, "No way!"
to cover ground: to be extensive, to discuss much material
Forms such as a lot of, too much, too little are used before the noun ground.
o That national commission's report on urban ghettos covers a lot of
ground. Many of the recommendations are too costly to implement.
o In his first lecture on Greek philosophers, I thought that our professor
covered too little ground.
to mind the store: to be responsible for an office while others are gone
o It seems that all of our employees are taking a lunch break at the same
time. I wonder who's minding the store.
o Lynne agreed to mind the store while the others went outside to watch
the parade passing by.
to throw the book at: to punish with full penalty, to be harsh on
o Because the criminal was a repeat offender, the judge threw the book at
him with heavy fines and a long prison term.
o My boss threw the book at me when he discovered that I had been
using company time for personal business. I was severely reprimanded
and forced to make up the lost time.
to put one's foot in: to say or do the wrong thing
This idiom is used with the noun phrase one's mouth or the pronoun it.
o Fred really put his foot in his mouth when he called his supervisor by
the wrong name.
o I really put my foot in it when I forgot my girlfriend's birthday and
didn't buy her anything. She almost lost her cool.
to be up for grabs: to become available to others
this idiom is used when something is highly desirable to many other people.
o When one of the full-time contract instructors stepped down, her nice
office overlooking the river was up for grabs.
o Did you know that Senator Stone is retiring and that her Senate seat is
up for grabs?
to show off: to display one's ability in order to attract attention (S); to let
others see, to expose to public view (S)
This idiom can form the noun showoff for the first definition.
o Elizabeth is an excellent swimmer, but I don't like the way she shows
off in front of everyone. It's very obvious that she enjoys being a
showoff.
o Jacquie showed her large wedding ring off to all her friends.
to learn the ropes: to become familiar with routine procedures at work or
school
o The job applicant didn't have much previous experience or knowledge,
but she seemed intelligent enough to learn the ropes quickly.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 57 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
o It took the new schoolteacher a year to learn the ropes regarding
administrative and curricular matters.
to keep one's fingers crossed: to hope to have good results, to hope that
nothing bad will happen
This idiom reflects the way people cross their fingers to hope for good luck.
o Let's keep our fingers crossed that we got passing grades on that
college entrance exam.
o Jerry kept his fingers crossed that the good weather would hold up for
the picnic he was planning for the coming weekend.
LESSON 38
to land on one's feet: to recover safely form an unpleasant or dangerous
situation
o After a series of personal and professional difficulties, it's amazing that
George has landed on his feet so quickly.
o Some young adults get into so much trouble at school that they are
never able to land on their feet again. They drop out before graduating.
to dish out: to distribute in large quantity (S); to speak of others in a critical
manner (S)
o Mary's mom dished out two or three scoops of ice cream for each child
at the birthday party.
o Larry can't seem to take any criticism of his actions but he certainly
likes to dish it out.
to get through to: to communicate with, to make someone understand (also:
to break through to)
This idiom has the meaning of to make someone "catch on" (Lesson 29, eighth
idiom, the first definition)
o Some of the students in my reading class understand English so poorly
that it is difficult to get through to them.
o The doctors have never succeeded in breaking though to Mr. Ames,
who is a silent and secretive patient.
to keep one's word: to fulfill a promise, to be responsible
An idiom with the opposite meaning is to break one's word.
o Suzanne kept her word to me not to let on to others that I intend to
step down next month.
o Thomas always intends to keep his word, but invariably the end result
is that he breaks his word. He just isn't capable of being a responsible
person.
to be over one's head: to be very busy, to have too much to do (also: to be
up to one's ears); to be beyond one's ability to understand
o I'd love to take a week off for a hiking trip, but at the moment I am over
my head in work. Maybe next week when I'm only up to my ears!
o It was impossible for the tutor to get through to Bill about the physics
problem because the subject matter was over Bill's head.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 58 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to ask for: to deserve, to receive a just punishment (also: to bring upon)
o If you drink alcohol and then drive a car, you're only asking for trouble.
o Don't complain about your cut in salary. You asked for it by refusing to
heed our repeated warnings not to be late and inefficient.
to be a far cry from: to be very different from
o I enjoyed visiting Seattle, but it was a far cry from the ideal vacation
spot I expected.
o Ned is enjoying his new job, but his responsibilities are a far cry from
what he was told they would be.
by all means: certainly, definitely, naturally (also: of course); using any
possible way or method
o If the Johnsons invite us for dinner, then by all means we have to
return the invitation. Of cause, we don't have to invite their children,
too.
o In order to ensure its survival, the ailing company has to obtain an
infusion of cash by all means.
to get out from under: to restore one's financial security, to resolve a
difficult financial obligation
o After years of struggling to get ahead, the young couple finally got out
from under their debts.
o The ailing company, succeeding in obtaining the necessary cash, was
able to get out from under its financial burdens.
to take the bull by the horns: to handle a difficult situation with
determination
This idiom is usually used when someone has been postponing an action for
some time and finally wants or needs to resolve it.
o After three years of faithful service, Jake decided to take the bull by the
horns and ask his boss for a raise.
o Vic has been engaged to Laura for a long time now, and I know that he
loves her. He should take the bull by the horns and ask her to marry
him.
to give (someone) a hand: to assist, to aid, to help (also: to lend
someone a hand) (S)
o Would you give me a hand lifting this heavy box?
o When Terry's car broke down at night on the highway, no one would
stop to lend her a hand.
to give (someone) a big hand: to clap one's hands in applause, to applaud
(S)
o After the talented new vocalist had sung her number, the audience
gave her a big hand.
o Should we give a big hand to each beauty contestant is as she is
introduced, or should we wait until all the introductions are finished?
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 59 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
LESSON 39
to goof off: to waste time, to be idle
o Some of the workers in our office always goof off when the boss is out.
o on Saturday afternoons, I like to go to a movie or just goof off at home.
to talk back to: to answer in a rude manner, to speak to disrespectfully
o Billy, if you talk back to me like that once more, you're going to spend
the rest of the day in your room.
o The school principal had to reprimand the child for talking back to her
teacher.
to be in: to be popular or fashionable; to be available at one's work or home
o Most young people tend to want anything that is in at the time, but a
few don't care about current trends.
o Could you please tell me when Mrs. Zachary will be in? I'd like to talk to
her soon.
to be out: to be unpopular or no longer in fashion; to be away from one's
work or home
o These days, designer jeans are in and long skirts are out.
o I'm sorry, Mr. Jensen is out at the moment. Could I take a message?
to draw the line at: to determine to be unacceptable, to refuse to consider
o I don't mind helping him with his homework, but I draw the line at
writing a term paper for him.
o The conference organizers tried to accommodate the needs of the
various interest groups, but they drew the line at extending the
conference by two day.
to get out of line: to disobey or ignore normal procedures or rules (also: to
step out of line)
o When a child gets out of line in that teacher's class, she uses the oldfashioned method of making the child sit in the corner of the room.
o Any employee who steps out of line by coming to work in an
unacceptable condition will be fired.
dry run: rehearsal, practice session
o The college president requested a dry run of the graduation ceremony
in order to ensure that all aspects went smoothly.
o Before the manager present the reorganizational plans to the board of
directors, he did several dry runs of his presentation.
to play by ear: to play music that one has heard but never read (S); to
proceed without plan, to do spontaneously (S)
The pronoun it is often used with the second definition.
o That pianist can play most popular music by ear. She never needs to
read sheet music.
o My husband wanted to plan our trip carefully, but I argued that it was
more fun if we played it by ear.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 60 -
ESSENTIAL IDIOMS IN ENGLISH by ROBERT J. DIXSON
to be in (someone's) shoes: to be in another person's position, to face the
same situation as another person
o If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't take too many classes this semester.
o When his boss finds out about that accounting error, I wouldn't want to
be in his shoes.
to keep after: to remind constantly, to nag
o Lynn always has to keep after her children about cleaning up their
rooms and doing chores around the house.
o Lon is so forgetful that it's necessary to keep after him about every little
thing.
to fix up: to repair or put back in good condition (S); to arrange a date or an
engagement for another person (S)
o Instead of buying an expensive new home, we decided to buy an older
home and fix it up ourselves.
o Since my visiting friend didn't have a date for dinner, I fixed her up
with a male friend of mine. They got along very well together.
to be had: to be victimized or cheated
o When the jeweler confirmed that the diamonds that the woman had
purchased abroad were really fake, she exclaimed, "I've been had!"
o The angry customer complained about being overcharged at the store,
asserting that this was the third time that he had been had.
PRENTICE HALL REGENTS Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632 - 61 -
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