Idioms from worksheet 1
To pretend not to notice something.
What is: to turn a blind eye
When it's raining hard
What is: raining cats and dogs
Rather than sticking to a defined plan, you will see how things go and decide on a course of action as you go along.
What is: play it by ear
Pursuing a line of thought or course of action that is misguided.
What is: barking up the wrong tree
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
What is: a blessing in disguise
To stop doing something for the day
What is: to call it a day
Saying that you’re completely awful at something.
What is: can't do something to save my life.
We use the expression to refer to something that is incredibly unlikely.
What is: fat chance
The phrase refers to something that happens very infrequently.
What is: a blue moon
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.
To try to achieve peace with an enemy
A person whose mannerisms or appearance are considered more outlandish than those of other people.
What is: larger than life
Someone who is experienced at what they are doing.
What is: know the ropes
When you have taken on a project or task that is beyond what you are capable of
What is: bite off more than you can chew
Feeling ill/sick.
What is: under the weather
To brag or boast about one's own achievements
What is: to blow one's own trumpet/horn
Someone who criticizes someone else for something they they themselves are guilty of.
What is: pot calling the kettle black
A heroic man who typically comes to the rescue of a female.
What is: knight in shining armor.
Laughing so hard that your sides hurt.
What is: in stitches
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
What is: beating around the bush
Something designed to distract or throw someone off a trail.
What is: a red herring
Someone who is completely crazy
What is: mad as a hatter
When something (or someone) is causing extreme exasperation and annoyance.
What is: driving me up the wall.
Used to describe someone who is not being realistic.
What is: head in the clouds
To accomplish two different things at the same time.
What is: kill two birds with one stone