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Piece of cake
"The math test was a piece of cake."
Something that is easy or simple to do.
Break the ice
“That joke really broke the ice at the conference; we all relaxed afterward.”
Go the extra mile
Example: She went the extra mile and got our seats upgraded even though she didn’t have to.
Meaning: To do extra work or put in extra effort.
Back against the wall
He owes money to everyone - he really has his back against the wall now.
Being in a difficult or tough situation where one's resources are confined and limited, and one is under pressure or in immediate danger.
Smart Cookie
"Katie is such a smart cookie, she can make any project a success."
Somebody who has got a strong personality or who is quite smart.
Run around in circles
Example: My boss has me running around in circles with unnecessary tasks that aren't getting us anywhere.
Meaning: To put effort into something while making little or no progress.
Spill the beans
Example: I already know you did it. Your best friend spilled the beans.
Meaning: To tell a secret.
Having an Ace up the sleeve
Example: I thought he was definitely going to lose but he had an ace up his sleeve and caught up in points.
Meaning: To have a hidden or untold advantage.
Take it with a grain of salt
Example: He lies a lot so take what he says with a grain of salt.
Meaning: Don’t believe it to be 100% true.
Pain in the neck
Oh, he’s such a pain in the neck! Always just when I’m going home, he gives me some extra work to do.
An irritating, annoying person
On the line
Example: I invested my life savings in this business and have everything on the line.
Meaning: To risk something or have something at risk.
Lone Wolf
Jack became a real lone wolf since his wife passed away last year. He never goes out.
Someone who prefers his own company and does not like socialising.
Get out of hand
Example: I meant to just have a small party but too many people came and it quickly got out of hand.
Meaning: When a situation gets out of control.
On the table
Example: If your offer is still on the table, I'd like to accept the job.
Meaning: Available, the offer is still possible.
Blessing in disguise
Example: I hated that assignment but it was a blessing in disguise since it taught me things that I use for the job I have now.
Meaning: Something that seems bad but provides some benefit.
It´s not rocket science
Example: Of course, I figured it out. It's not rocket science.
Meaning: It's not as difficult as you might think.
Chatterbox
My son always gets detentions in school for talking in class, he is such a chatterbox.
Meaning: A person who talks a lot.
Bite the bullet
"decisions have to be taken and as director you have got to bite the bullet"
Cheapskate
He is a cheapskate when it comes to his clothes. He’s never bought a new shirt or a new pair of trousers in all the years that I’ve known him.
Meaning: A person who doesn’t like spending money
Double-edged sword
"reductions in taxation are a double-edged sword when used as a device to create jobs"
Busybody
My next-door neighbour is a real busybody. He´s always talking about me.
A person who expresses great interest in other people’s private lives
Dark horse
I didn’t know Nick could play the guitar so well. He is a real dark horse!
someone who has greater abilities than he shows or than other people are aware of
Cut corners
Example: This is an important project so don't cut any corners on this one.
Meaning: To skip steps or not do things completely.
Step up one´s game
Example: You need to step up your game if you want a promotion this year.
Meaning: To work harder or perform better.
Down-to-earth
Despite his wealth, he was a down-to-earth man. He was very generous and had a kind heart.
Meaning: someone who is practical and close to reality, who accepts other people as equal.