phr v
change around
move things so that they are in different places or positions
knock off
stop working
go to your head
if success goes to your head, it makes you think that you are better or more important than you really are
not see the wood for the trees
used for saying that someone cannot understand what is important in a situation because they are thinking too much about small details
a leopard can't change its spots
used for saying that someone will never change their behaviour or character
change out of
take off the clothes or a piece of clothing you are wearing and put on different ones
knuckle down
start working hard, especially when you should have done this earlier
have your wits about you
be able to think quickly and make sensible decisions
to think and react quickly when something dangerous or difficult happens unexpectedly:
She managed to keep her wits about her and escaped unharmed.
put two and two together
guess what is happening or what something means based on what you have seen or heard
all mod cons
all modern conveniences, the machines and pieces of equipment in your house that make life easy and comfortable
do up
repair, paint and improve an old building, car, boat/
fasten (an item of clothing)
press ahead/ on (with)
continue doing smth in a determined way, despite difficulties, opposition or interruptions
in the dark (about)
not knowing very much about something, because other people are keeping it secret from you
round the bend
to make someone very bored or very angry:
My mother's been driving me around the bend.
break the mould
change a situation by doing something that is very different from what most people usually do or have done in the past
crop up
appear or happen suddenly or unexpectedly
while away
spend time in a relaxed way when you have nothing to do
know what’s what
know the important facts about a situation
split hairs
argue or worry about very small details or differences that are not important
change your tune
change your opinion or attitude
drive in
start doing smth in a very enthusiastic way
wind down
end or finish smth gradually
gradually reduce work before stopping completely
relax after a period of excitement of worry
not have a leg to stand on
to be in a situation in which you cannot prove something
take stock (of)
spend some time thinking about the situation you are in before you decide what to do next
have a change of heart
change your opinion about something or decide not to do something you were planning to do