Come a long way
To make a great amount of progress overtime
“The podcast has come a long way since it first started ten years ago.”
28/06/2019
The ball is in someone’s court
It is someone’s responsibility to do something or take a decision now. For example, when you have done your bit and it’s now the other person’s turn to make a move.
“In my latest blogpost, I have put forward several ideas for you to keep your English afloat this summer. The ball is in your court now.”
27/06/2019
No strings attached
To show that an offers carries no special conditions or something unpleasant you have to accept as part of it
“In Salem (Massachusetts), Sidewalk Talk volunteers listen with no strings attached.”
26/06/2019
Have a soft spot for
To be particularly fond of someone or something
“They have a soft spot for Canada and travel there as often as they can.”
25/06/2019
Get-up-and-go
If you have get-up-and-go, you have a positive attitude, energy and drive to take action.
“This project needs people with lots of get-up-and-go.”
24/06/2019
On another note
Changing the subject
“….I’ll send in the reports tomorrow.
On another note, we are all meeting up for after-work drinks on Friday. You are more than welcome.”
21/06/2019
Have a think
(British) Think about something carefully
“Let me have a think about it and I’ll get back to you.”
20/06/2019
Nothing to write home about
Mediocre, not exciting
“The play was nothing to write home about, a bit of a waste of time and money really.”
19/06/2019
I can’t make head nor tail of something
I don’t understand it at all.
“I can’t make her nor tail of the lyrics of this song but I love the tune.”
18/06/2019
Fair enough
To show you accept it when someone says something reasonable.
A: “I don’t mind doing overtime today as long as I can take an afternoon off next week.”
B: “Fair enough.”
17/06/2019
Up to no good
Doing something bad, illegal or immoral
“The neighbours feared that the group of teens hanging out in the street were up to no good and called the police.”
14/06/2019
Keep to a/the minimum
to limit to the smallest amount possible
“The doctor told her patient to keep his alcohol intake to a minimum.”
13/06/2019
At hand
Or close at hand. Very near, accessible when needed.
“Always keep tissues close at hand when young kids are around.”
12/06/2019
Lose your nerve
To lose the courage to do something that you were planning to do.
“Just before going into the classroom to meet a group of students, the girl lost her nerve and couldn’t face up to it.”
11/06/2019
Miss the point
Fail to understand what is important in a message
“But you are missing the point, the main idea in her speech is that we can and should do something to stop global warming.”
10/06/2019
(Have) a craving for
To crave or have a craving for something means to have a strong desire for something.
“My workmate had a craving for chocolate this morning and quickly popped out to the shops to get some.”
07/06/2019
That takes the biscuit
It is too much. The most annoying thing in a series of things. (US- the cake)
“Late as usual and now you want us to start all over again. That really takes the biscuit!”
06/06/2019
(It) gives me the shivers
It makes me feel frightened
“The way that man looked at the girls gave me the shivers. He shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near a school.”
05/06/2019
Ice-breaker
Apart from a ship that breaks ice in frozen waters, an ice-breaker can be something that someone says or does to make it easier to start a conversation among people who meet for the first time.
“As an ice-breaker, the teacher handed out small pieces of paper where the students had to write three activities they were into, and then walk around and share.”
04/06/2019
Few and far between
Not happening very often
“Screenings of films in their original version are few and far between in this city.”
03/06/2019
Clases de Inglés en Vitoria – Gasteiz. Particulares y grupos reducidos.