1
being loyal and supportive, even in difficult or challenging times (4)
hint: thick
through thick and thin
Example: We’ve been through thick and thin together, and I know I can always count on you.
get married (3)
hint: tie
tie the knot
Example: They’re finally tying the knot after dating for years.
time passes quickly (2)
hint: time
time flies
Example: It’s hard to believe we’ve been friends for 10 years. Time flies!
Wait patiently and remain in one place. (2)
hint: tight
Sit tight
Example: Sit tight while I go get the car. I’ll be back in a few minutes.
reveal a secret or confidential information (3)
hint: beans
Spill the beans
Example: He spilled the beans and told everyone about the surprise party.
happening suddenly and unexpectedly (4)
hint: blue
out of the blue
Example: I hadn’t heard from him in years, and then he called me out of the blue.
something that is not one’s preference or interest.
hint: cup
not my cup of tea
Example: I know he loves action movies, but they’re not my cup of tea.
summarize a story or situation (5)
hint: story
make a long story short
Example: To make a long story short, I missed my flight and had to stay in a hotel overnight.
to hope for a positive outcome or good luck (4)
hint: fingers
Keep your fingers crossed
Example: Keep your fingers crossed for me, I have a job interview tomorrow.
Stay positive and hopeful even in difficult circumstances. (4)
hint: chin
Keep your chin up
Example: I know things are tough right now, but keep your chin up. Things will get better.
in the same difficult or challenging situation as someone else.
hint: boat
in the same boat
Example: We’re all struggling to make ends meet. We’re in the same boat.
hear information through rumors or gossip (5)
hint: hear
hear it on the grapevine
Example: I heard on the grapevine that the company is laying off employees next month.
Do more than is expected or required. (4)
hint: mile
Go the extra mile
Example: If you want to impress your boss, go the extra mile and finish the project ahead of schedule.
Assume the best about someone’s intentions, even if they seem suspicious. (7)
hint: benefit
Give someone the benefit of the doubt
Example: I don’t think he stole my phone. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and look for it before accusing him.
Working late into the night. (4)
hint: burn
Burn the midnight oil
Example: I have a deadline tomorrow, so I’ll be burning the midnight oil tonight.
tease or joke with someone, often by making them believe something that is not true (3)
hint: leg
pull someone’s leg
Example: He said he won the lottery, but I think he’s pulling my leg.
to have enough money to cover basic expenses (3)
hint: make
make ends meet
Example: She works two jobs to make ends meet and support her family.
a sign of hope or relief after a difficult situation (7)
hint: light
Light at the end of the tunnel
Example: Even though I’m struggling with this project, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The deadline is approaching and soon it will be finished.
happening very quickly or suddenly (6)
hint: eye
in the blink of an eye
Example: The accident happened in the blink of an eye. It was over before we even realized what had happened.
in trouble or facing negative consequences (3)
hint: water
In hot water
Example: He’s in hot water with his boss because he missed a deadline.
a difficult task or situation that requires a lot of effort and persistence to overcome.
hint: battle
uphill battle
Example: Getting a new business off the ground is always an uphill battle, but with a good plan and hard work, it can be done.
to be skeptical or doubtful about something (7)
hint: salt
take it with a pinch of salt
Example: I heard that John won the lottery, but I’m taking it with a pinch of salt. He’s known for telling tall tales.
a general guideline or rule based on experience (3)
hint: rule
rule of thumb
Example: As a rule of thumb, I always arrive 15 minutes early to appointments.
understand the hidden or implied meaning of something (4)
hint: read
Read between the lines
Example: I think there’s more going on than what she’s saying. I need to read between the lines.
Say something embarrassing or inappropriate. (6)
hint: foot
Put your foot in your mouth
Example: I put my foot in my mouth when I accidentally insulted her cooking.