Idioms
Break the ice
At the party, Sarah told a joke to break the ice and get everyone laughing.
To make a start in conversation in a social setting
She don't like going to the movies.
She doesn't like going to the movies.
Change the underlined word by adding an antonym for the word.
The cat is playful.
The cat is lazy.
I sat in the waiting room, flipping through a magazine while glancing at the clock. The receptionist was answering phone calls and occasionally looking at the patients. A woman with a worried expression was pacing back and forth, frequently checking her phone.
The woman is likely anxious about someone’s appointment or health status and is waiting for news.
During the movie, the hero's line about "following your dreams" felt like a cliché, as it’s a phrase we hear often in stories and films without much originality.
a phrase that is no longer very effective or meaningful because of being used too often
Let the cat out of the bag
I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party for Lisa.
To reveal a secret or surprise by accident.
Me and he went to the store together.
He and I went to the store together.
Change the underlined word by adding an antonym for the word.
She was excited for the trip.
She was nervous for the trip.
As I walked into the coffee shop, the aroma of fresh pastries filled the air. I glanced at the line and saw my friend sitting at a table with her laptop open, typing furiously. I smiled, knowing she was probably working on a deadline.
My friend is likely busy and focused on finishing an important assignment.
Despite the challenges they faced, Sarah remained steadfast in her commitment to the project, working tirelessly to ensure its success no matter the obstacles.
firm and unchanging
Hit the nail on the head
When Maria said the project failed due to poor communication, she really hit the nail on the head.
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
There going to the concert tomorrow night.
They’re going to the concert tomorrow night.
Change the underlined word by adding an antonym for the word.
He completed with assignment with ease.
He completed the assignment with difficulty.
The rain was pouring down outside as I curled up on the couch with a blanket. I could hear the thunder rumbling in the distance, and my cat was purring softly beside me. I felt cozy and relaxed as I flipped through the pages of my book.
I am enjoying a peaceful day indoors, seeking comfort from the stormy weather outside.
When the final whistle blew and their team won the championship, the fans erupted into jubilant cheers, celebrating their victory with joyful shouts and songs.
feeling great joy; filled with gladness and rejoicing; happy enough to shout
Throw in the towel
After several failed attempts to fix the car, Tom decided to throw in the towel and call a mechanic.
To give up; to admit defeat.
Each of the students have completed their assignments.
Each of the students has completed their assignments.
Change the underlined word by adding an antonym for the word.
The coach was frustrated with the players.
The coach was satisfied with the players.
The school hallway was buzzing with chatter as students rushed to their lockers. I noticed a group huddled together, whispering and glancing at the classroom door. I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach, wondering what was happening.
The students may be gossiping or sharing news about something significant that just occurred in class.
After a long week of performing the same monotonous tasks at work, Jenna felt that her job had turned into nothing but drudgery, lacking any excitement or challenge.
dull, uninteresting work
Bite the bullet
After putting it off for weeks, John decided to bite the bullet and visit the dentist.
To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.
If I was you, I would study harder for the exam.
If I were you, I would study harder for the exam.
Change the underlined word by adding an antonym for the word.
She felt a rush of tranquility before the test.
She felt a rush of anxiety before the test.
At the pet store, I watched as a child pointed excitedly at a fluffy kitten in the window. The child's eyes sparkled with joy as they tugged on their parent’s sleeve. I could see the parent smiling, but there was a hint of hesitation in their expression.
The parent is likely considering whether they can get a pet, but they might have concerns about the responsibility it entails.
As he spoke in front of the large audience, Mark began to falter in his delivery, stumbling over his words when he lost his place in the speech
to hesitate