200 common English idioms

1. to add insult to injury

Explanation: to worsen a bad situation

My boyfriend broke up with me and to add insult to injury, he announced it on Facebook.






2. the apple doesn't fall far from the tree

Explanation: a child learns from its parents both in terms of behaviour and in physical
characteristics

She lies just as much as her father – the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.




3. a bad apple

Explanation: same as “ a rotten apple” -- a bad or corrupt person in a group

Most of the employees are reliable, but there are a few bad apples.

4. to bark up the wrong tree

Explanation: adopt a wrong method or go to a wrong path to achieve something

He's barking up the wrong tree if he thinks I'll help him cheat on his exam.

5. to be the be-all and end-all

Explanation: the essential part of a situation

It's not the be-all and end-all if you don't finish the report today.





6. to beat around the bush

Explanation: same as “to beat about the bush” – to avoid talking about something embarrassing

Please stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is.

7. been there, done that

Explanation: express some past experience which one is overfamiliar with

I'm not going to drive that distance just to save a few pennies – been there, done that.

8. behind closed doors

Explanation: something takes place secretly

The entire trial happened behind closed doors.

9. behind the scenes

Explanation: things happen out of sight

The leaders of the organisation seem to get on, but no one knows what happens behind the
scenes.





10. to be below the belt

Explanation: to be unfriendly and unfair



Her remarks about my personal life were a bit below the belt.

11. to bend over backwards

Explanation: put in one’s all power to do something

Some people were unfriendly, but others really bent over backwards to help me.

12. the best of both worlds

Explanation: it is beneficial for two differing situations

She lives in a small village that isn't far from the city, so she gets the best of both worlds.

13. to bite off more than one can chew

Explanation: try to do something one is not capable to do

I was happy to accept the extra work, but now I think I've bitten off more than I can chew.

14. to bite the bullet

Explanation: face an unpleasant situation which one cannot avoid

I hate dental checkups, but I haven't had one in ages, so I'll just have to bite the bullet.

15. to be a blessing in disguise

Explanation: an unfortunate situation which turns out to bring advantages

Losing my job was a blessing in disguise, because it motivated me to start my own business.

16. Break a leg!

Explanation: wish one good luck

I heard you have an audition later – break a leg!

17. to break the ice

Explanation: do or say something that relieves an embarrassing or the strained atmosphere

He made a joke just to break the ice.

18. to bring somebody into line

Explanation: make someone obey you

He used to misbehave a lot, but his new teacher brought him into line.

19. to burn one's bridges

Explanation: do something which worsens the situation and makes it irreversible

When she quit her first job, she also swore at her boss, so she definitely burnt her bridges.

20. to burn the candle at both ends

Explanation: go to bed late and get up early

He's burning the candle at both ends arriving home late, but then getting up at 5am.

21. to bury one's head in the sand

Explanation: escape from the unpleasant reality

The manager prefers to bury his head in the sand than actually solve problems.

22. by the skin of one's teeth

Explanation: successfully finish something only by a small margin

He passed his driving test by the skin of his teeth.

23. to call it a day

Explanation: decide to stop doing something

Even though we hadn't quite finished the assignment, we decided to call it a day.

24. to catch somebody in the act

Explanation: discover someone’s wrongdoing or crime

There was no denying that she was stealing from the company – I caught her in the act several
times.

25. to catch somebody off guard

Explanation: make one feel surprised

I was caught off guard in the interview when they started asking me technical questions.

26. to cause/create a stir

Explanation: make people shock

It caused quite a stir when our otherwise serious boss died her hair purple.

27. to be the centre of attention

Explanation: do something that arises everyone’s interest

She doesn't want a big wedding because she doesn't like being the centre of attention.

28. to come to light

Explanation: become known by people

After the director resigned, it came to light that he'd been embezzling money.

29. to cost an arm and a leg

Explanation: be very expensive

She crashed my car and it cost an arm and a leg to get it fixed.

30. to be a couch potato

Explanation: a metaphor to describe a lazy person who spends a lot of time watching TV and
does not have an active life

Stop being a couch potato and go out and get some exercise!

31. count one's chickens (before they hatch)

Explanation: one should not depend on something too much before it happens for real

Don't count your chickens before they hatch – you haven't got the promotion yet.





32. the crack of dawn

Explanation: at daybreak

Farmers normally need to be up at the crack of dawn to start work.

33. to cut corners

Explanation: do something cursorily to save time and money

The builders cut corners when they renovated the house and now lots of things need to be
repaired.

34. to cut somebody some slack

Explanation: not to judge one as seriously as you usually would as one is having problems

He only started here this week, so you should cut him some slack.

35. to cut ties

Explanation: end a relationship

She decided to cut ties with her family when she moved abroad.

36. to dodge a bullet

Explanation: have a narrow escape from an unpleasant situation

I definitely dodged a bullet by not going out with him – he's now cheating on his girlfriend.

37. down-to-earth

Explanation: be realistic and practical

Despite her fame and fortune she's remained very down-to-earth.

38. to draw the line

Explanation: define what one is willing to accept or do

I don't mind a few books being left on the table, but I draw the line at dirty dishes!

39. to drive somebody up the wall

Explanation: infuriate someone

I can't wait for my brother to get a job and move out, because he's driving me up the wall!

40. to drop a bombshell

Explanation: make a sudden announcement

The senator dropped a bombshell yesterday when he announced his resignation.

41. the elephant in the room

Explanation: a metaphoric idiom saying an obvious controversial issue which nobody wants to
discuss

At the meeting nobody mentioned the elephant in the room, which was that our boss was clearly
drunk.

42. to fall on deaf ears

Explanation: something be ignored

Parents' advice to their children often falls on deaf ears.

43. to fall to pieces

Explanation: one is not able to think clearly or control his or her emotions due to something bad
happening

I don't think she should become a nurse because she tends to fall to pieces in a crisis.

44. to fight a losing battle

Explanation: try to do something when there is hardly any chance to succeed

I keep asking my boss for a raise, but I think I'm fighting a losing battle





45. to be fit as a fiddle

Explanation: one being very healthy and strong

Her grandfather is almost 90, but he's fit as a fiddle.






46. flat out

Explanation: do one’s best




We need to work flat out if we want to finish on time.




47. to be a fly on the wall

Explanation: one would like to be an observer without being noticed



I'd love to be a fly on the wall when she tells our boss that she's quitting.





48. to follow in somebody's footsteps

Explanation: to do the same thing as someone else especially one’s family members did

He plans to follow in his father's footsteps and become a lawyer as well.






49. food for thought

Explanation: something worth considering or pondering

Your suggestion has provided us some food for thought.





50. for the time being

Explanation: for the present

I might move to a big city next year, but for the time being I'm happy living here.

51. to get a kick from / out of something

Explanation: to gain pleasure or excitement from someone or something



He gets a kick out of playing practical jokes on his co-workers.





52. to get cracking

Explanation: to do something quickly




We should really get cracking if we want to finish this report on time.





53. to get into the swing of things

Explanation: to get used to an activity and be more efficient in doing it

I only started my new job a week ago, so I'm still getting into the swing of things.





54. to get off to a bad start

Explanation: not be successful at the beginning of something



I want to arrive on time on my first day, because I don't want to get off to a bad start with my
boss.





55. to get one's bearings

Explanation: to recognise or figure out one’s orientation or position



I got confused after the roundabout and it took me a while to get my bearings again.

56. to get one's money's worth

Explanation: to receive good value which is considered equal to or greater than that of someone
expected



He always eats a lot if there's a buffet because he wants to get his money's worth.

57. to get the hang of something

Explanation: to learn a new skill



I found ice skating very hard in the beginning, but after a couple of hours I got the hang of it.

58. to get to the bottom of something

Explanation: to look for the true cause or explanation of a mysterious issue

We don't know who lit the fire, but the police are trying to get to the bottom of it. 





59. to get wind of something

Explanation: to be aware of a piece of information which has been kept as a secret

The company doesn't want the press to get wind of its financial problems.

60. to give somebody the benefit of the doubt

Explanation: to believe what one said even though you are not sure about whether it is true

There was a good chance that she was lying to me, but I decided to give her the benefit of the
doubt.

61. to give somebody the cold shoulder

Explanation: to treat someone in an unfriendly way or deliberately ignore someone

Jane is annoyed with Tom, so now she's giving him the cold shoulder.





62. to give somebody the runaround

Explanation: to deliberately avoid giving someone useful information or information someone

wants

The phone company gave me the runaround when I called to ask about the additional charges.

63. to give the go-ahead

Explanation: to approve something

Please don't start until I give the go-ahead.

64. to give the green light

Explanation: to give permission for someone to do something



We can begin work on the project once our boss gives us the green light.




65. the glass ceiling

Explanation: a metaphoric expression that means there is an invisible barrier which keeps one
from rising to upper levels

Women in the corporate world often struggle to break through the glass ceiling.





66. to go AWOL

Explanation: AWOL is an abbreviation for “absent without official leave”. The whole idiom means
one is absent without permission

The new employee went AWOL after a week.


67. to go cold turkey

Explanation: To stop a habit



He used to smoke two packets of cigarettes a day, and then he went cold turkey and never
smoked again.

68. to go it alone

Explanation: to do something without assistance

After four years with the band, she decided to go it alone and launch her solo career.

69. to go like clockwork

Explanation: something happens as planned

We were worried something would go wrong, but in the end everything went like clockwork. 




70. to go the extra mile

Explanation: to pay extra effort to achieve something

She got promoted because she always goes the extra mile.

71. to go through a rough patch

Explanation: to experience many problems for a time

Their business is going through a rough patch, but I think they have enough savings to survive.





72. to go to great lengths

Explanation: to pay a lot of effort to achieve something

My accountant went to great lengths to make sure I understood everything.






73. to go with the flow

Explanation: let things happen rather than altering it

Today I'm just going to go with the flow and not make any plans.





74. to grin and bear it

Explanation: to accept a bad or difficult situation without complaining

I really don't want to go to my cousin's wedding, but I'll have to grin and bear it.

75. one's hands are tied

Explanation: one are not freely to behave in the way one wants to



I wish I could help you, but I don't make the rules, so unfortunately my hands are tied.





76. to have a lot one's plate

Explanation: to have too many things to deal with

Thank you for the offer, but I'm afraid I have to decline as I have a lot on my plate at the moment.

77. to have a lump in one's throat

Explanation: to have a tight feeling in one’s throat because one would like to cry

I didn't cry, but I did have a lump in my throat when I had to say goodbye.





78. to have a sweet tooth

Explanation: to have a liking for sweet foods

I'm sure it was Mary who ate all the cookies at the party, because she definitely has a sweet
tooth.

79. to have been around the block

Explanation: to have a lot of experience in a particular area

You won't be able to fool the new manager – he's been around the block and will know what
you're doing.





80. to have friends in high places

Explanation: to have friends from high social class or have great influence



He must have friends in high places because he definitely doesn't have the experience for that
job.





81. to have one's cake and eat it too

Explanation: to enjoy two good things at the same time which is impossible to happen in reality



If you want good grades, you can't go out every night – you can't have your cake and eat it too.





82. to have one's head in the clouds

Explanation: not be realistic

It isn't a good idea to start a business with him, because he always has his head in the clouds.

83. to have the gift of the gab

Explanation: to be able to speak eloquently

You have the gift of the gab, so I think you'd make a good salesman.





84. to have ups and downs

Explanation: one has experienced both good and bad situations

Her life may seem perfect, but I'm sure even she has ups and downs.





85. to have/get butterflies in one's stomach

Explanation: to feel very nervous

I always have butterflies in my stomach when I have to speak in front of an audience.

86. to be head over heels (in love)

Explanation: to devote in love

Two years ago they were head over heals in love, so I'm surprised that they're getting divorced.





87. to hit the books

Explanation: to study very hard

I have an important exam next week, so I really need to hit the books this weekend.

88. to hit the nail on the head

Explanation: to do an exactly right thing

When Tim said that most people want to learn English without making any effort, he hit the nail on
the head.

89. to be in good hands

Explanation: something is in the care of a capable person

My lawyer was recommended to me by my best friend, so I'm sure I'm in good hands.





90. to be in hot water

Explanation: to be in trouble

The company is in hot water because it didn't pay its taxes.

91. to be in somebody's good books

Explanation: one is pleased with you

I'm being very careful at work because I want to stay in my boss's good books.





92. to be in the red

Explanation: to spend more than one earns

The company is currently in the red, but the board is confident things will improve next year.

93. to be in the same boat

Explanation: be at the same difficult situation as others

Being unemployed is hard, but remember that lots of people are in the same boat at the moment.




94. the ins and outs

Explanation: the details of something



I want to learn the ins and outs of the industry before I start my own business.

95. to judge a book by its cover

Explanation: a metaphoric expression that means judging one’s value by looking at one’s outward
appearance

She seems rather serious because of her clothes, but you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.





96. to keep a close eye on something

Explanation: to observe or monitor something or someone closely

Our new dog often chews the cushions, so please keep a close eye on him when he's inside.




97. to keep a straight face

Explanation: not to laugh or smile even though one finds something hilarious

It was hard to keep a straight face during my boss's embarrassing speech.

98. to keep one's chin up

Explanation: to be cheerful even though one is in difficult situation

She lost her job recently, but she's trying to keep her chin up.





99. to keep one's end of the bargain

Explanation: to do what one has promised in a bargain

We've done the work that we promised and now we're just hoping that they keep their end of the
bargain.

100. to keep one's word

Explanation: to do what one has promised

Don't worry, John always keeps his word, so I know he'll come.





101. to kill two birds with one stone

Explanation: be able to achieve two things with one action

Cycling to work is killing two birds with one stone, because it's both economical and good for
you.





102. to know the right people

Explanation: to know an important person who can help one achieve something easier

It's hard to be successful in this industry unless you know the right people.





103. to be the last/final straw

Explanation: the last in a series of bad thing that makes a situation intolerable

When he arrived late the third time, it was the last straw, so he got fired.

104. to learn by rote

Explanation: to memorizing things by repetition

If you just learn things by rote, you often won't remember them in the long term.

105. to learn the ropes

Explanation: to learn the basics of performing a task

Don't be too hard on the new intern – she's still learning the ropes.





106. to let off steam

Explanation: to get rid of something by doing something

I often go for a run to let off steam after a busy day at work.






107. to let the cat out of the bag

Explanation: to let out of a secret carelessly

We organised a surprise birthday party for Mary, but Tom let the cat out of the bag the day before.

108. to be like looking for a needle in a haystack

Explanation: there is little hope to find something in a large searching area

Trying to find him in this crowd will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

109. to be like riding a bike

Explanation: a skill that once learnt will not be forgotten

I haven't gone swimming in years, but people say it's like riding a bike.

110. to be like two peas in a pod

Explanation: two people with very similar appearance

They're like two peas in a pod, so it's not surprising people often think they're brothers.





111. to line one's (own) pockets

Explanation: to make money dishonestly

The managers lined their own pockets while they paid their workers less than minimum wage.

112. to live in the moment

Explanation: to enjoy the pleasure one attains at present

You should try to live in the moment more and not worry so much about the future.





113. to look on the bright side

Explanation: to remain cheerful about a bad situation by looking at its bright side

It's raining, but look on the bright side – now you have an excuse not to go for a run.

114. to make a name for oneself

Explanation: to become famous

She's made a name for herself as an interior designer, and now charges very high rates.





115. to make a scene

Explanation: to vent one’s anger publicly



I know you're upset, but please don't make a scene here in the supermarket.





116. to make ends meet

Explanation: to have enough money to buy things one needs

She needs to work two jobs to make ends meet.






117. to make one's mouth water

Explanation: to make one feel hungry at the sight of food or by thinking about food

Just thinking of that Thai restaurant makes my mouth water.






118. to make the first move

Explanation: to take action before anybody does

He has a crush on one of his classmates, but he's shy and doesn't want to make the first move.





119. to make the headlines

Explanation: to become famous by appearing in the news

The singer made the headlines again yesterday after he was caught drink driving.

120. to make waves

Explanation: to upset people by doing something differently

This company prefers it if employees conform to the rules and don't make waves.





121. to miss the point

Explanation: to fail to understand something important

Although he said that he understood what I was saying, it was clear that he missed the point.





122. to be neck and neck

Explanation: two competitors are level with each other and have equal chance to win

It's unclear who will win because two cyclists are currently neck and neck.

123. no pain, no gain

Explanation: the more effort one puts in, the greater value one will get

My gym sessions are exhausting, but no pain, no gain.





124. to not be one's cup of tea

Explanation: not what one is interested in



He likes going to the gym, but sports like football aren't really his cup of tea.

125. to not be up to scratch

Explanation: something not reaching the standard



I think he's having some personal problems, because his work hasn't been up to scratch lately.


126. to not believe one's eyes

Explanation: to be shocked by something one saw

When I saw him on a date with his ex-girlfriend's sister, I couldn't believe my eyes.





127. to not have a chance in hell

Explanation: to not have any chance of successfully achieving something

There isn't a chance in hell we'll get the contract after that disastrous presentation.





128. to not lift a finger

Explanation: to be too lazy to do something

He promised to helped me paint the house, but he didn't lift a finger the whole day.


129. to be nothing to write home about

Explanation: to indicate something that is not special at all

I wouldn't spend money to see that movie – it was nothing to write home about.





130. on a roll

Explanation: to have the success that seems likely to continue



The project was difficult in the beginning, but once we got on roll, everything went smoothly.




131. to be on edge

Explanation: to be nervous

She was really on edge while she waited for her test results.





132. to be on one's guard

Explanation: to be very careful not to get into a dangerous situation



There are sometimes snakes in this area, so be on your guard.

133. to be on the ball

Explanation: to be aware of the development of things

Mary's assistant is always on the ball, even under pressure.






134. to be on the tip of one's tongue

Explanation: to almost recall something

The answer was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't think of it at the trivia night.

135. once in a blue moon

Explanation: something happens very rarely

His sister lives abroad, so he only sees her once in a blue moon.

136. to be out of shape

Explanation: in a poor physical condition



The football player was really out of shape after his long holiday.





137. out of the blue

Explanation: something happens unexpectedly



I hadn't heard from her in years, and then she called me out of the blue.





138. to be out of touch

Explanation: to lack the latest knowledge about something



Politicians are often out of touch with the problems that ordinary citizens face.





139. to be over the moon

Explanation: to be overjoyed



When he learnt that he had received a scholarship, he was over the moon.

140. to pass with flying colours

Explanation: to achieve something with extremely good result



She didn't just do well on the exam – she passed with flying colours.




141. to pay one's way

Explanation: to pay for oneself



His parents don't have much money, so he's paying his way through college.





142. to pay the price

Explanation: to experience something bad because one has made a mistake



Tom got rather drunk last night and now he's paying the price.





143. to pay through the nose

Explanation: to pay too much for something

You'll pay through the nose if you want a hotel room there with a nice view.





144. to be a piece of cake

Explanation: to indicate something is an easy task



The test was a piece of cake – I didn't even need to study for it.




145. to be plain/smooth sailing

Explanation: to be easy and proceed without difficulties

Once we've organised the venue for the event, everything else should be plain sailing.





146. to play devil's advocate

Explanation: to oppose or attack an idea

He likes playing devil's advocate in internet forums just to see how people will react.

147. to play it safe

Explanation: to do something without taking risks

Taking risks in business can be worthwhile, but sometimes it's best just to play it safe.





148. to pour money down the drain

Explanation: to waste money on something useless



Buying a new car like that is just pouring money down the drain.


149. to pull one's weight

Explanation: to do something as hard as others do


If you don't start pulling your weight around here, I'm afraid we'll have to let you go.




150. to pull somebody's leg

Explanation: to tell something or fool someone in a humorous way



Did you really run a marathon, or are you pulling my leg?

151. to put/throw a spanner in the works

Explanation: to do something which obstructs the progress

Our road trip was going well until Bill put a spanner in the works by refusing to drive.

152. to put in a good word for somebody

Explanation: to say something good about someone in order to boost his or her reputation

I'm looking for a job, so I asked my sister to put in a good word for me at her company.





153. to put one's finger on something

Explanation: to figure out the exact reason of something

There's something about her that I don't like, but I can't put my finger on it.




154. to put the finishing touches to something

Explanation: to add final details to polish something

Once the builders put the finishing touches to the kitchen, we'll be able to move in.

155. rain or shine

Explanation: to definitely do something whatever happens

I've been busy lately, but I'll be at the party rain or shine.

156. to rest on one's laurels

Explanation: to be complacent about one’s achievement and stop paying effort to anything else



Some universities rest on their laurels and simply rely on their reputation to attract new students.





157. to ring a bell

Explanation: to make someone remember something vaguely



I haven't seen that movie, but the name rings a bell.





158. to rock the boat

Explanation: to do something which will disturb the stable situation



Major change won't occur if people are too scared to rock the boat.

159. to rub somebody up the wrong way

Explanation: to annoy someone by accident



I'm not exactly sure why, but my friend's boyfriend has always rubbed me up the wrong way.





160. to be rushed off one's feet

Explanation: to be very busy



They really should hire more staff in this restaurant – all the waiters are rushed off their feet.

161. to scrimp and save

Explanation: to live in a very frugal way




Some people are envious of our house, but we really had to scrimp and save to be able to buy it.




162. to see the light at the end of the tunnel

Explanation: to indicate it is almost at the end of a difficult situation



I'm less stressed about my dissertation now, because I'm starting to see the light at the end of the
tunnel.




163. to sell like hot cakes

Explanation: to be bought quickly and in large quantities



Those new phones with the fancy cameras have been selling like hot cakes.





164. to send shockwaves through something

Explanation: to surprise or upset a lot of people



The news about the school fire sent shock waves through the community.

165. to set the record straight

Explanation: to reveal the fact which has been reported inaccurately

The politician agreed to do the interview because she wanted to set the record straight regarding
recent rumours.

166. to shoot/kill the messenger

Explanation: a metaphoric expression to describe the act of blaming the one who carries the bad
news



Don't be angry at your friend for telling you the news – that would be shooting the messenger.





167. a shoulder to cry on

Explanation: someone who is sympathetic about one’s problem


She only calls me when she needs a shoulder to cry on.





168. to shout something from the rooftops

Explanation: to publicly tell an exciting or bad news

I don't mind if you tell your husband my news, but please don't shout it from the rooftops.

169. to show one's true colours

Explanation: to reveal one’s true self rather than what one seems to be



We were good friends until she started to show her true colours.





170. to be sick and tired of something

Explanation: to be frustrated of doing something



I'm sick and tired of always having to pick up after my housemate.




171. to sit tight

Explanation: to remain in the same place and wait patiently

Investors have been told to sit tight until the economy improves.

172. to slip one's mind

Explanation: to be forgotten



I had planned to go to the post office when I was out, but it slipped my mind.

173. to snap out of something

Explanation: to get away from an unhappy mood

You've been in a bad mood all day – I hope you snap out of it soon.





174. to be snowed under with something

Explanation: to have too much work to do

I haven't done much exercise recently because I've been snowed under with work.




175. to be sound asleep

Explanation: to sleep deeply and silently



The kids wanted to stay up late, but they were sound asleep by 9 o'clock.





176. to spill the beans

Explanation: to reveal a secret to others



John was having an affair, and his colleague spilled the beans to his wife.





177. to spread like wildfire

Explanation: something to be known quickly



The virus has been spreading like wildfire through the prison.




178. to start from scratch

Explanation: to start doing something from the very beginning



My laptop with my assignment on it was stolen, so I'll have to start from scratch.





179. to take a rain check

Explanation: to refuse an offer right now but with the hope of accepting it later



Can I take a rain check on that drink?

180. to take a turn for the worse

Explanation: a situation changes and becomes worse



The team was winning initially, but things took a turn for the worse in the second half.

181. to take one's breath away

Explanation: to be very exciting or surprising



The stunning view from the window really took my breath away.




182. to take somebody under one's wing

Explanation: to protect and take care of someone



When I started my new job, one of my colleagues luckily took me under his wing.


183. to take something with a pinch/grain of salt

Explanation: to interpret things with skepticism

He likes to exaggerate, so I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.

184. to teach somebody a lesson

Explanation: to punish someone due to things he or she has done so that he or she will not do it
again

I have a dreadful hangover today – that'll teach me a lesson.




185. through thick and thin

Explanation: in spite of difficulties

Good friends support each other through thick and thin.




186. to throw in the towel

Explanation: to give up



I've started taking squash lessons, but I'm not improving, so I think I'm going to throw in the
towel.




187. to toe the line

Explanation: to conform to the rules of a place



You need to toe the line if you want to remain employed here.




188. to touch wood

Explanation: to say in order to prevent having bad luck



My apartment has never been burgled – touch wood!




189. under the table

Explanation: to be in secret

She gets paid under the table so she doesn't have to pay taxes.





190. under the weather

Explanation: to feel unwell or not in a good mood



Tom went out drinking last night and today he's feeling a bit under the weather.





191. to be under way

Explanation: something to be in progress



Plans are already under way to build a new highway.





192. to be up for something

Explanation: would like to do something




Would you be up for going to the movies later?

193. to be up in the air

Explanation: something that is still uncertain

Mary is considering going back to university, but her plans are still up in the air.

194. to be up to one's eyeballs in something

Explanation: to be occupied by something

I don't think you should go shopping if you're up to your eyeballs in credit card debt.





195. to be value for money

Explanation: something is well worth spending money on



I don't recommend buying that apartment, because I don't think it's value for money.





196. to waste one's breath

Explanation: to give advice which may probably be ignored



I tried explaining to him why he was wrong, but I was clearly wasting my breath.





197. to win/earn/score/get brownie points

Explanation: to get compliment for something one has done

She's only staying late because she's trying to win brownie points with her boss.





198. to win hands down

Explanation: to win a competition very easily

The young tennis player was decidedly better than her opponent and won the match hands down.

199. to be wishful thinking

Explanation: to hope for something which is very unlikely to come true

He thought he'd pass the exam without studying, but that was wishful thinking.





200. your guess is as good as mine

Explanation: to emphasis one has no idea about the answer to a question



I have no idea why Jane didn't come to class today – your guess is as good as mine.