100 Most Frequent Idioms

about to (do something)

- to be on the point of doing something

I was about to leave when the phone rang.

according to (someone or something)

- as said or told by someone, in agreement with something, in the order of something, in

proportion to something

According to our teacher, there will be no class next week.

We did everything according to the terms of our agreement.

account for (something)

- to provide an explanation or answer for something

The bad weather accounts for the fact that few people came to the meeting.

after all

- considering the fact that something happened, something that is usually assumed

"You don't need to phone him. After all, he never phones you."

all of a sudden

- suddenly, without advance warning

All of a sudden it became cloudy and began to rain.

as a matter of fact

- actually

"As a matter of fact, we have been to the history museum many times."

as far as

- to the extent or degree of something

 As far as I know the movie will start in a few minutes.

as for

- with regard to, concerning

"As for me, I think that I will return home now."

as if

- in the same way that something would be, that

The drink tastes as if it were made with orange juice.

It seemed as if the whole town came to the concert.

as long as

- provided that, on condition that

"As long as you promise to be careful you can borrow my car."

as soon as

- just after something, when

I phoned my friend as soon as I finished dinner.

as to

- with regard to, according to

"As to your question, I will answer it tomorrow."

The players were put into groups as to their ability.

as well

- in addition, also, too

I plan to take a computer course this summer as well.

as well as

- in addition to
 "Please bring your swimming suit as well as your towel."

back and forth

- backwards and forwards, first one way and then the other way

The argument went back and forth before the judge made a decision.

better off

- to be in a better situation than before

My friend would be better off if he sold his old car and bought a new one.

break down (something)

- to divide something into parts, to separate something into simpler substances

We tried to break down the problem for further study.

The sugar began to break down soon after it was swallowed.

break up

- to separate, to divide into groups or pieces, to put an end to something

Nobody wanted to break up their groups.

We usually break up into small groups during our class.

by the way

- incidentally

"By the way, could you please bring your laptop computer tomorrow."

carry out (something)

- to put something into action, to accomplish something, to do something

The scientist wanted to carry out several experiments before discussing the new medicine.

come on!

- please, hurry, go faster

 "Come on, I only have a few minutes before I must go."
"Come on, stop doing that."

come up

- to happen unexpectedly

I will not be able to go to the party if something else comes up.

come up with (something)

- to produce or find a thought/idea/answer

I tried to come up with a name for the new magazine.

deal with (something)

- to be concerned with something, to take action about something

We will deal with the boxes tomorrow.

end up (doing something or going somewhere)

- to do something that one had not planned to do, to go somewhere one had not planned to go

We ended up going to a restaurant after the movie last night.

figure out (someone or something)

- to try to understand someone or something, to solve something

I finally figured out how to use the new DVD player.

fill in (something)

- to write words in blank spaces

"Please fill in this form and give it to the receptionist."

find out (something)

- to learn or discover something

My mother is angry at me because she found out that I had quit my French class.
 first of all

- the very first thing

First of all we prepared the garden and then we planted the seeds.

for good

- permanently

The city will close the public swimming pool for good next week.

for sure

- without doubt, certainly, surely

"I will go to the movie with you for sure next week."

get back to (something)

- to return to something

I was happy to get back to my work after my holiday.

get into (something)

- to become interested or involved in something

I do not want to get into an argument with my friend.

We will get into the details of the plan tomorrow.

get into (somewhere)

- to enter somewhere

My friend wants to get into a good university.

I bumped my head as I was getting into the car.

get out of (somewhere)

- to leave somewhere, to escape from somewhere

I want to hurry and get out of my house.

 get rid of (something)

- to give or throw something away, to sell or destroy something, to make a cold or fever
disappear

I bought a new television set so I want to get rid of the old one.

get through (something)

- to complete something, to finish something

My friend is having trouble getting through her final exams.

I have much reading that I must get through before tomorrow.

go ahead

- to begin to do something

"Let`s go ahead and start now. We can`t wait any longer."

go on

- to continue

The game will probably go on for an hour after we leave.

go over (something)

- to examine or review something

The accountant will go over the books tomorrow.

We plan to go over that question tomorrow.

go through (something)

- to discuss something, to look at something, to do something

The teacher decided to go through the exercise before the test.

go with (something)

- to choose one thing rather than another

We decided to go with the small rental car rather than the large one.
 hang out (somewhere/with someone)

- to spend one`s time with no great purpose, to spend leisure time with friends

Recently my friend has been hanging out with a group of people who are not a good influence on
him.

have (something) to do with (something)

- to be about something, to be on the subject of something, to be related to something

"The book has something to do with cooking but I am not sure if you will like it."
That problem has nothing to do with me.

hold on

- to wait a minute, to stop, to wait and not hang up the phone

"Please hold on for a minute while I lock the window."

in a way

- to a certain extent, a little, somewhat

In a way I want to go to the new restaurant but in a way I don`t really care.

in case

- if, if something should happen

I will take my umbrella in case it rains.

in common

- shared together or equally, in use or ownership by all

I had nothing in common with the other members of the class.

in detail

- giving all the details, item by item

The saleswoman explained about the new product in detail.

 in effect

- for practical purposes, basically

The man's silence was in effect a way of disagreeing with the other people in the meeting.

in fact

- actually, the truth is

The man has been to China before. In fact he has been there three times.

in favor of (someone or something)

- to approve or support someone or something

Everybody is in favor of the new police chief.

My company is not in favor of changing our holiday schedule.

in general

- in most situations or circumstances

In general, most of the people in our apartment are happy with the new manager.

in order to

- for the purpose of

They have decided to close down the school for the summer in order to do some major repairs.

in other words

- in a different (usually more direct) way

"In other words, if you do not finish the assignment by Wednesday you will not pass the course."

in place

- in the proper place or location

Everything in the room was in place when we arrived for the meeting.
 in some ways

- in some unspecified way or manner, by some unspecified means

In some ways I know what my friend means but in some ways I do not.

in terms of (something)

- with regard to something

In terms of our agreement with the other company we were not allowed to sell the products
online.

in time

- early enough

I did not come home in time to meet my cousin.

keep (someone or something) in mind

- to remember and think about someone or something

I told my co-workers to keep the new starting time for work in mind.

kind of

- somewhat, more or less, moderately

I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night.

look for (something)

- to try to find something, to hunt/search for something

My friend has been looking for her credit card all morning but she can`t find it.

look up (something)

- to search for something in a dictionary or other book

I will look up my friend's name in the telephone book.

I looked up the word in the dictionary.
 make a difference

- to cause a change in a situation

It does not make a difference whether our boss comes to the meeting or not.

make sense

- to seem reasonable

His new proposal really does make sense.

make sure

- to make certain, to establish something without a doubt

I want to make sure that my friend is going to meet me tomorrow.

more or less

- somewhat, to some extent

I more or less have decided to study business next year.

no matter

- regardless

No matter how hard that I try, my piano teacher is never satisfied.

not at all

- certainly not

I am not at all happy with my new computer.

of course

- certainly, definitely, naturally

"Of course you can use my car if you want to."

on the other hand

 - however, in contrast, looking at the opposite side of a matter

He is very intelligent but on the other hand he is very lazy and always gets low marks at school.

on time

- at the scheduled time, exactly at the correct time, punctually

Our train arrived exactly on time.

once again

- again, one more time, once more

I tried once again to phone my boss at his home .

open to (something)

- to be agreeable to learn or hear about new ideas or suggestions

Most members of the class were open to the teacher's ideas.

pick up (something)

- to get or receive something

I will pick up my dry cleaning tomorrow.

I picked up a copy of the newspaper at the station.

point out (someone or something)

- to explain or call attention to someone or something

My teacher was very kind when she pointed out the mistakes that I had made.

put out (something)

- to produce or make something (a product/brochure/report/CD/movie/paper)

The company puts out a newsletter every month for the employees.

regardless of (something)

- without considering or thinking about something, without regard to something

 Regardless of the weather we are going to go fishing tomorrow morning.

right away

- immediately

"I forgot to bring my book but I will go home and get it right away."

rule out (someone or something)

- to decide against or eliminate someone or something

The police ruled out the man as a possible bank robber.

We decided to rule out Monday as the day to have our meeting.

run into (something - a fact/trouble/problems/difficulty)

- to experience something, to encounter something

The mechanic ran into trouble when he was fixing my car.

I ran into some interesting facts when I was researching my essay.

set up (something)

- to establish something, to provide the money for something

The newspaper company provided the money to set up the new travel magazine.
The company set up a unique situation to test the new product.

show up

- to appear, to arrive, to be present

"What time did your friend show up for the party?"

so far

- until now

So far no one has entered the speech contest at the television station.

so to speak

- as one might or could say, this is one way to say something

We had a good time at the restaurant, so to speak, although the service was not very good.

sort of (something)

- to be almost something, to be similar to something, to be not quite something

"Did you finish cleaning the kitchen?"

"Sort of, but not really."

stick with (something)

- to continue doing something, to not quit something

My brother has been able to stick with his trumpet lessons since he was a child.

take advantage of (someone or something)

- to use someone or something for one's own benefit

We took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to the beach.

take care of (someone or something)

- to look after or give attention to someone or something

You should take care of your health or you will become sick.

take out (something)

- to remove something from somewhere, to extract something

The teacher told us to take out our books.

I took out some onions from the refridgerator.

take over (something)

- to take control of something, to take command of something

The large company wants to take over some of the small companies in our area.

take place

- to happen, to occur
 The soccer game took place on the coldest day of the year.

to the extent that

- to the degree that, in so far as

I plan to provide information about the new company policy to the extent that I am familiar with
it.

turn in (something)

- to give something to someone, to hand something to someone

I arrived at school early so that I could turn in my essay.

turn out

- to be found or known, to prove to be true

It turned out that more people came to the party than we expected.

up to

- until, as far as a certain point, approaching a certain point

Up to last week I had never been inside a bowling alley.

There were probably up to thirty people at the meeting.

up to (someone) to decide/do (something)

- to be responsible to choose or decide something

It is up to the company president to decide when the meeting will start.

used to

- accustomed to

My friend is not used to living in such a big city.

with respect to (something)

- referring to something, concerning something

 I do not know what the company will do with respect to the old computer system.

work out (for the best)

- to end successfully

I hope that everything will work out for my friend when she moves to London next week.
Idioms, with definitions or дорогой, драгоценный, - in disagreement He is at
synonyms Examples зеница ока apple of discord - odds with everyone! не в
Translation above board - subject of envy or quarrel ладах at random - without
honest, open His business This question is an apple of order He chose those places
dealings are above board. discord in our family. яблоко at random. наугад, без
честный, открытый ad lib - раздора as a rule - usually As плана at this point - at this
improvise, interpolate The a rule, we offer a 5% time At this point, we can't
actor forgot his lines and ad discount. как правило as far turn back. на данном этапе
libbed. импровизировать as I know - if I have correct backseat driver - a passenger
after all - in spite of the information As far as I know, who tells you how to drive
situation, nevertheless I he stayed home all day. His wife is a backseat driver
knew it! After all, I was right! насколько я знаю as far as always telling him how to
He returned to his someone / something is drive. пассажир, который
hometown after all. все- concerned - concerning, in указывает, как вести
таки, все же, в конце reference to As far as I am машину ballpark figure -
концов against the grain - concerned, both the book approximate estimate (in
contrary to someone's and the movie are good. As figures) I can give you only a
feelings, principles His plan far as your report is ballpark figure at this time.
goes against the grain with concerned, we'll discuss it приблизительное оценка (в
her because she doesn't like tomorrow. что касается цифрах) bark up the wrong
cheating. против чьих-то кого-то, чего-то as for / as to tree - make a false
чувств, принципов, - concerning, in reference to assumption or wrong choice
желаний all along - all the As for me, you can always The detective was sure he
time I knew about his little rely on my support. As for got a suspect, but he was
secret all along. все время, your report, we'll discuss it barking up the wrong tree.
всегда all ears - eager to tomorrow. что касается, напасть на ложный след be
listen I am all ears. весь относительно as well - also, about to do something - be
внимание all of a sudden - too He knows math and close to doing something, be
suddenly All of a sudden, he physics as well. тоже, также on the verge of doing
refused to pay. неожиданно at all - (not) in the smallest something I was about to
all the same - no difference If degree He doesn't know leave when you called. I was
it's all the same to you, let's French at all. I don't like it at about to open the door but
start at two. все равно, без all. совсем (не) at first sight - something stopped me. быть
разницы all thumbs - clumsy from the first glance, at once, готовым сделать что-то,
He can't fix anything, he's all at first glance It was love at собираться сделать что-то
thumbs. неуклюжий, first sight. At first sight, it be all in - be extremely tired
неумелый apple of one's eye seems easy to do. с первого I'm all in, I'd better go to bed
- very dear, precious Her son взгляда, сразу же, на now. очень устать be back
is the apple of her eye. очень первый взгляд at odds with on one's feet - healthy again
or better financially He's back the most important things A pressed for time, for money -
on his feet after a long period new car is high on my list of not have enough time,
of debt and unemployment. priorities. A new TV is not money I'm pressed for time
встать на ноги после high on my list. быть в now. We are pressed for
трудного времени be начале списка нужных money at the moment. не
behind the times - be old- вещей be in charge of хватать времени, денег и
fashioned, outdated Some of something - be responsible др. be to blame - be
the managers here are for He is in charge of responsible for a mistake, for
behind the times, their marketing. быть something wrong Who is to
methods are not modern. ответственным за что-то be blame for this awful mistake?
отстать от жизни, быть in good health - be healthy Tom is to blame for this mix-
несовременным, She is in good health. иметь up. винить за ошибку,
устаревшим be beside хорошее здоровье be in неправильные действия be
oneself - be very upset, poor health - not healthy She touch and go - be uncertain
nervous, worried She was is in poor health. иметь of the result He was very
beside herself with worry / слабое здоровье be in good sick, and for some time it was
with grief. быть вне себя от shape - be physically fit He touch and go, but he is better
волнения, горя be beside exercises regularly and is in now. на грани; неясно, куда
the point - be off the point good shape. быть в хорошей повернется be up and
What I said to him privately форме, быть в порядке be around / about - able to be
is beside the point. не по in bad shape - be in bad state out of bed after an illness He
существу, не относится к The patient is in bad shape. was sick for a month, but
делу be better off - be in a His affairs are in bad shape. now he is up and around.
better situation (financially) быть в плохом состоянии, встать на ноги, поправиться
He'll be better off with a new не в порядке, не в форме be up to one's ears in (work)
job. в лучшей ситуации be in the red - be in debt Our - very busy I'm up to my ears
(материально) be broke - sales were in the red last in work. по уши в (делах,
have no money at all, be year. быть убыточным be on работе) beat around the
penniless, bankrupt I spent one's way I'm on my way. bush / beat about the bush -
all my money, I'm broke. быть уже в пути: Я уже еду. avoid giving a clear or
быть без гроша, быть be on the point of definite answer Stop beating
совсем без денег, something, be at the point of around the bush! Get to the
разориться be cut out to be something - be on the verge point! ходить вокруг да
someone; be cut out for it - of something, be close to около beat one's brains out -
have the ability to do doing something He was on make great efforts, often
something He is cut out to be the point of death two years unsuccessfully He beats his
a leader. She isn't cut out to ago. She was on the point of brains out at work, but his
be a surgeon. She isn't cut telling him the truth, but his boss doesn't even notice his
out for it. быть созданным words stopped her. быть на hard work. очень стараться
для какой-то работы be грани чего-то, на грани (часто безуспешно) before
hard on something / сделать что-то be out of long - soon He will
someone - treat roughly My date - be outdated This understand before long what
son is hard on shoes, they information is out of date. a terrible mistake he has
don't last long with him. Life устаревший be out of sorts - made. скоро, в скором
was pretty hard on Tom. не in bad temper Leave him времени big shot -
беречь что-то, кого-то be alone, he's out of sorts important person He is a big
high on one's list - be one of today. быть не в духе be shot around here. важная
персона bite off more than разбить чье-то сердце, вещи своими именами call
one can chew - try to do сильно огорчить break the it a day - consider work
more than one can I couldn't ice - overcome shyness in finished for the day We've
handle two jobs and family. I making the first step The been working for 10 straight
really bit off more than I party was dull until someone hours. Let's call it a day.
could chew. переоценить broke the ice with a joke and считать работу
свои силы, пытаться we all laughed. преодолеть законченной на этот день
сделать непосильное bite неловкость при первом call the shots - to give orders,
the bullet - to accept painful знакомстве break the news - to be in control of something
but necessary action tell new important facts CNN He calls the shots in this
Sometimes you just have to is breaking the news right company. распоряжаться,
bite the bullet and do what's now. сообщить важную иметь контроль над чем-то
necessary to do. стиснуть новость bring home the call the tune - to give orders,
зубы и терпеть bacon - earn the living for the to be the most important
мучительное, но family He works very hard at person in some situation
необходимое bite the dust - several places to bring home Since he was paying for it, he
die, be killed, suffer defeat the bacon. обеспечивать called the tune.
Many of them bit the dust in семью by all means - распоряжаться, быть
that war. умереть, быть definitely, certainly Do you главным в какой-то
убитым, потерпеть need my help? - By all ситуации carry weight - be
поражение bite the hand means. обязательно, important His advice always
that feeds one - to repay конечно by heart - by carries weight here. иметь
kindness with evil She is so memorizing Learn this poem вес castles in the air -
ungrateful! She is biting the by heart for tomorrow. daydreaming about success
hand that feeds her! наизусть by hook or by crook Instead of working hard, he
отплатить злом на добро - by any possible means She spends time building castles
black sheep - a good-for- will get what she wants by in the air. (строить)
nothing member of the hook or by crook. любым воздушные замки catch
family Their second son is the путем, любым способом by someone's eye - attract
black sheep of the family, he oneself (by myself, by attention This picture caught
is good for nothing. himself, etc.) - alone, on my eye. привлечь чье-то
паршивая овца blind date - one's own She spent the внимание catch one's breath
a meeting of a man and evening by herself. He did it - stop and rest I can't run, I
woman arranged by friends all by himself. один, в need to catch my breath.
She refuses to go on a blind одиночку, сам, сам по себе перевести дух,
date again because she had by the way - incidentally By остановиться и
bad experience. свидание the way, I found the book передохнуть catch someone
вслепую blow it - lose the that you recommended. off guard - catch someone
chance He understood that кстати call a halt to unprepared He caught me off
he blew it. потерять шанс something - terminate, stop guard with his question.
bottom line - main result / something His father called a застать врасплох catch
factor The bottom line is, I halt to his activity. someone red-handed - find
don't have enough money. остановить, прекратить что- someone in the act of doing
итог, основной момент то call a spade a spade - use wrong The manager caught
break someone's heart - hurt plain, direct words He always the boy red-handed when he
deeply The news of her tells the truth and calls a was stealing cigarettes.
death broke his heart. spade a spade. называть поймать за руку, когда
делал плохое close call - a практичный, that something terrible is
narrow escape, a bad thing приземленный draw the going to happen. нутром
that almost happened The line - set a limit, impose a чувствовать, что случится
speeding car almost hit the restriction I draw the line at плохое feel like doing
man. That was really a close spending so much on food. something - want to do, be
call. что-то плохое, что едва He drew the line for her at inclined to do something I
не случилось come to one's $100 a day. установить feel like going for a walk. I
senses - act normally and границу дозволенного, don't feel like working now,
reasonably again He finally положить предел duty calls I'm tired. быть склонным к
came to his senses, began to - must fulfill obligations He занятию чем-то few and far
work hard and passed his said, "Duty calls" and left for between - rare, scarce Her
exams. взяться за ум, work. долг обязывает easier visits are few and far
прийти в себя come true - said than done It's easier said between. слишком редкие
become reality His dream than done, but I'll try to do it. find fault with someone /
came true when he met легче сказать, чем сделать something - criticize,
Kate. осуществиться cross eat one's words - take back complain about He finds fault
one's mind - occur to one's words He had to eat his with everybody. She always
someone It never crossed my words after her report. брать finds fault with my cooking.
mind that he might be ill. назад свои слова even so - критиковать кого-то, что-то,
прийти в голову cut corners nevertheless, but I work придираться first things first
- 1. to take a short-cut; 2. to hard. Even so, I like my job. - important things come
limit one's spending He ran тем не менее every now and before others First things
fast, cutting corners where then - occasionally Every now first: how much money do
he could. I have to cut and then I visit my old aunt. we have to pay right away?
corners this week. 1. срезать время от времени every сначала главное fly off the
углы, идти напрямик; 2. other - every second one She handle - get angry He flew off
ограничить расходы do washes her hair every other the handle and yelled at me.
one's best - try very hard I day. через один fall in love разозлиться (вдруг) follow
did my best to help him in his (with) - begin to love Tom fell in someone's footsteps - do
work. сделать все, что смог in love with Sue at first sight. the same thing Igor followed
do one's bit - do what's влюбиться (в) fall out of love in his father's footsteps, he
needed I'll do my bit, you can - stop loving They soon fell became a doctor too. идти
count on me. сделать out of love and divorced. по стопам, делать то же
положенное do someone разлюбить false alarm - самое foot the bill - pay the
good - be good for someone untrue signal, untrue rumor I bill Her father footed the bill
Fresh air and exercise will do heard that he quit his job, for the party. заплатить по
you good принести пользу but it was a false alarm. счету for good - forever After
do something behind ложная тревога a far cry her death, he left town for
someone's back - do from something - very good. навсегда for the time
(harmful) things secretively I different, almost opposite, being - for now, at this time
hate people who do things not as good His second book For the time being, this
behind my back. He did it wasn't bad, but it was a far house is all right for us. на
behind my back again. cry from his first book. данное время frame of mind
делать (вредные) дела за далеко не такой хороший, - mental state I can't do it in
спиной down to earth - как feel it in one's bones - this frame of mind.
practical He's quiet, sensible expect something bad to умонастроение from A to Z -
and down to earth. happen I feel it in my bones completely, from beginning
to end He knows this town initial opportunity, make the gave her a ride in his new
from A to Z. полностью, от first step in something (e.g. Porsche. подвезти кого-то
начала до конца from now in getting a job) Nina was give someone a piece of
on - now and in the future able to get her foot in the one's mind - criticize frankly
From now on, I forbid you to door because her friend She lost my umbrella again,
go there. впредь from the worked in that company. so I gave her a piece of my
word go - from the very получить начальную mind about her carelessness.
beginning He was lying to all возможность, сделать высказать, что на уме,
of us from the word go. с первый шаг в чем-то критиковать go back on
самого начала get a grip on (например, в получении one's word - break a promise
oneself - take control of работы) get on one's high First he said he would help
one's feelings Stop crying! horse - behave haughtily me, but then he went back
Get a grip on yourself! towards someone Every time on his word. нарушить свое
контролировать свои I ask her to help me with слово, обещание go for it -
чувства get carried away - typing, she gets on her high try to do a new thing If I were
get too excited and horse. вести себя you, I would go for it.
enthusiastic about something высокомерно get out of пробовать новое дело go
He got carried away with hand - get out of control, from bad to worse - become
opening a store and lost beyond control If he gets out much worse His business
most of his money. слишком of hand again, call me right went from bad to worse.
увлечься чем-то get cold away. The situation is getting становиться все хуже go out
feet - be afraid to do out of hand. выйти из-под of one's way - try very hard
something I wanted to try it контроля get rid of someone He goes out of his way to
but got cold feet. побояться / something - dispose of, please her. очень стараться
сделать get even with discard He got rid of his old go to one's head - 1. make
someone - have one's useless car. избавиться от dizzy; 2. make too proud,
revenge I'll get even with him кого-то, чего-то get to the conceited 1. Champagne
for everything! расквитаться bottom of something - know went to her head right away.
с кем-то get in touch with deeply He usually gets to the 2. His acting success went to
someone - contact someone bottom of things. добраться his head. 1. вызвать
Get in touch with Mr. Smith до сути чего-то get to the головокружение; 2.
for help. связаться с кем-то point - speak directly about возгордиться - Успех
get lost - lose one's way She the subject, come to the вскружил ему голову. go to
got lost in the old part of point Please get to the point, pieces - get very upset, fall
town. потерять дорогу Get I don't have much time now. apart She went to pieces
lost! (slang) - Lay off! I don't перейти к сути дела, начать when she heard it. сильно
want to see you again. Get говорить по существу Give расстроиться go with the
lost! Исчезни! Уйди! get me a break! - Stop it! flow - lead a quiet life She
mixed up - get confused I got Enough! Come on, stop it! always goes with the flow.
mixed up, went the wrong Give me a break! Прекрати! плыть по течению, жить без
way and got lost. перепутать Хватит! give someone a hand волнений have a ball - have
get off someone's back - stop - help someone Can you give a good time Yesterday we
bothering someone Stop me a hand with cooking? had a ball at the party.
bothering me! Get off my помочь кому-то give отлично провести время
back! перестать приставать, someone a lift / a ride - take have a bone to pick with
отстать от кого-то get one's to some place by car Can you someone - complain or
foot in the door - get an give me a lift to the bank? He discuss something
unpleasant Mr. Brown, I have влияние (not) have the heart Tom Gray, 321 Main Street,
a bone to pick with you. My to do something - (not) have Chicago, Illinois. писать
mail was lost because of you. the courage to do something адресату по адресу другого
иметь претензии к кому-то unpleasant I don't have the человека (у которого
have a sweet tooth - love heart to tell him that he остановился) in cold blood -
eating sweet things He has a wasn't accepted, he'll be so mercilessly He killed her in
sweet tooth. быть unhappy. (не) хватает духа cold blood. хладнокровно in
сластеной, любить сладкое сделать неприятное hit the fact - actually, in reality In
have a word with someone - nail on the head - say exactly fact, he works as a manager
talk to someone Can I have a the right thing You hit the here. фактически, в
word with you? поговорить nail on the head when you действительности in general
с кем-то have words with said that! попасть в точку, - generally, generally
someone - argue with сказать очень правильную speaking In general, he likes
someone I had words with вещь (not) hold it against to be alone. He described the
my coworker today because someone - (not) blame place only in general. в
he used my computer again. somebody for doing общем, вообще, обычно in
крупно поговорить с кем-то something I lost his book, but hot water - in trouble, in a
have it in someone - have the he doesn't hold it against me. difficult situation (especially
ability Laura has it in her to (не) держать зла на кого-то with the law or one's
be a good doctor. иметь Hold it! - Stop! Wait! Hold it! superiors) He said a couple of
нужные качества have no I forgot my key. unpleasant things about the
business doing something - Остановитесь! Стойте! hold boss's wife, and now he is in
have no right to do one's own - maintain oneself hot water. в беде, в
something You have no in a situation, behave as трудном положении
business staying here needed He can hold his own (особенно с законом или
without my permission. in any situation. We need начальством) in one's
нечего (вам) здесь делать, men who can hold their own. element - what one likes He's
незачем здесь находиться и постоять за себя, in his element when he's
др. have one's back to the утвердиться в чем-то hold arguing. в своей стихии in
wall - be hard-pressed, on one's tongue - keep silent, other words - using other
the defensive I had no refrain from speaking She words In other words, you
choice, I had my back to the can't hold her tongue at all. left her when she needed
wall. быть прижатым к молчать, держать язык за your help. другими словами
стене, под давлением, зубами, придержать язык ill in plain English - in simple,
вынужден защищаться have at ease - uncomfortable She frank terms I didn't really like
one's hands full - be very felt ill at ease because of her the concert. In plain English,
busy He has his hands full cheap dress. не по себе in the concert was terrible.
with hard work. быть очень advance - well before He told проще говоря, без
занятым have one's heart her about his plan in обиняков the ins and outs -
set on something - want advance. заранее in a all information about
something very much She nutshell - in a few words In a something He knows the ins
has her heart set on going to nutshell, my plan is to buy and outs of this business.
New York. He has his heart land. кратко, вкратце in care входы и выходы, вся
set on Betty. очень хотеть of someone - write to one информация о чем-то in
получить что-то have pull - person at the address of someone's shoes - in another
have influence Does he have another I'm staying at Tom's person's position I'd hate to
pull with the director? иметь house. Write to me in care of be in his shoes now. He lost
his job, and his wife is in the - prefer, would rather I'd just wrong I have a job interview
hospital. на месте другого, в as soon stay home, I'm tired. today. Keep your fingers
положении другого in the предпочитать, охотно just in crossed for me, will you? I'll
long run - in the end In the case - to be on the safe side keep my fingers crossed for
long run, it'll be better to buy Take an extra shirt, just in you. надеяться, что все
it. в конечном счете in the case. на всякий случай Just пройдет гладко kill time - fill
same boat - in the same my luck! - Bad luck! / Hard / spend empty time I went to
situation Stop arguing with luck! They lost my job the show to kill time. убить
me, we're in the same boat application. Just my luck! время (not) know the first
and should help each other. Мне всегда не везет! keep thing about something - not
в таком же положении in an eye on someone / have any knowledge about
the clear - free from blame something - take care of, something I don't know the
Pay the bill and you'll be in watch, look after Betty keeps first thing about nuclear
the clear. вне претензий in an eye on my sons for me. I'll physics. ничего не знать по
time (to do something) - keep an eye on your dog. какой-то теме know the
early enough, before последить за, присмотреть ropes - be very familiar with
something begins I came in за keep a straight face - try some business He knows all
time to have a cup of coffee not to laugh I tried to keep a the ropes in this company.
before class. вовремя, straight face but failed. знать все ходы и выходы
заранее, чтобы успеть что- стараться не рассмеяться, last-minute notice - a
то сделать до начала чего- сохранять невозмутимый message (information,
то it goes without saying - вид keep company - instruction) at the last
should be clear without accompany She keeps me moment leaving little or no
words It goes without saying company quite often. time for preparation His
that he must pay what he составить компанию keep in arrival was a last-minute
owes right away. не стоит и mind - consider, remember notice, we didn't have time
говорить, само собой it's Keep in mind that he is not to prepare for it. сообщение
time - should do it right away going to agree easily. иметь (информация, инструкция)
Hurry up, it's time to go. в виду keep in touch - keep в последний момент, из-за
пора (сделать что-то) It's in contact with someone by чего мало или нет времени
worth it. It's not worth it. It's calling, visiting, sending на подготовку lay one's
(not) worth buying, visiting, messages Keep in touch with cards on the table - be frank
watching, etc. Watch this us, we may have new and open Finally, we asked
film, it's worth it. Don't buy openings next week. Good- him to lay his cards on the
this coat, it is not worth it. by and don't forget to keep table and tell us about his
This museum is worth in touch! держаться в plans. сказать честно,
visiting. This film is not worth контакте, поддерживать открыть карты lay one's life
watching. оно того стоит, контакт с кем-то keep one's on the line - put oneself in a
оно того не стоит; (не) стоит word - fulfill a promise You dangerous situation He laid
покупать, посещать, promised, now keep your his life on the line to fulfill
смотреть и т.д. jump at the word. держать слово keep this task, but nobody
opportunity / chance - accept someone posted - inform appreciated his efforts.
the opportunity eagerly His someone Keep me posted ставить жизнь на карту lead
boss mentioned a job in about your plans. держать a dog's life - live in misery He
Europe, and Peter jumped at кого-то в курсе событий leads a dog's life. влачить
the opportunity. ухватиться keep one's fingers crossed - жалкое существование
за возможность just as soon hope that nothing will go leave it at that - stop saying
anything else about some little chance of success подружиться make fun of
matter, leave as it is I don't Checking the suspect's aunt someone / something - laugh
want to argue any further was a long shot, but the at, joke about He made fun
about it, let's leave it at that. detective was prepared to try of her German accent.
Leave it at that! перестать anything. попытка с Everyone makes fun of him.
далее упоминать (о минимальными шансами высмеивать кого-то, что-то
предмете спора), оставить на успех lose one's temper - not make head or tail of
как есть leave word - leave a become angry He loses his something - be unable to
message He left word for you temper very often. understand or decipher I
to meet him at the airport at разозлиться lose one's way - can't make head or tail of his
6. оставить сообщение let get lost I lost my way. Can letter. не в состоянии
bygones be bygones - forget you help me? потерять понять, разобрать что-то
and forgive bad things in the дорогу lose track of make no bones about it -
past Why don't you let someone - not know where say / do openly, without
bygones be bygones and someone is I lost track of him hesitation I'll make no bones
forget about what he said? years ago. потерять кого-то about it: I don't like your
не ворошить прошлое let go из виду lucky break - a lucky attitude to work. сказать
of something - release the chance He got his lucky break прямо, не скрывая
hold Let go of my hand or I'll when he found that job. отношения make room for
call the guard. отпустить, не счастливый случай make a someone - allow space for
держать let (it) go - forget living - earn money to someone We can make room
bad experience, return to provide for life He works for one more dog.
normal life He's still in hard. His family is large, and потесниться, освободить
despair and can't let (it) go. he has to make a living место для кого-то make
You can't change anything, somehow. зарабатывать на sense - be logical What you
so let it go. освободиться от жизнь make allowance(s) for say makes sense. иметь
тяжелого переживания let something - take into смысл make the most of
one's hair down - be relaxed consideration when judging something - do the best in
and informal with other Don't criticize him so hard, the given situation Let's
people She is always so make allowance for his make the most of our
formal. She never lets her inexperience. учитывать, vacation. извлечь лучшее из
hair down. держаться делать поправку, скидку на данной ситуации make up
неофициально let someone что-то make a point of - be one's mind - decide Will you
know - inform someone Let sure to do something go there? Make up your
me know when you find a intentionally Make a point of mind. принять решение
job. известить кого-то like asking about his wife. Make make yourself at home - be
father, like son - be like one's it a point to be here by 10. comfortable, feel at home
parent in something Paul считать обязательным для Come in please. Make
won a prize in a chess себя сделать что-то make yourself at home. будьте как
tournament. Great! Like ends meet - to have little дома a man of his word - a
father, like son! какой отец, money to live on His doesn't person who keeps promises
такой и сын little by little - get much money. I wonder You can depend on his
step by step, gradually Little how he manages to make promise to help. He's a man
by little, they saved enough ends meet. сводить концы с of his word. хозяин своего
money for a new car. концами make friends - слова, держит слово mean
понемногу, постепенно a become friends Anton makes well - have good intentions
long shot - an attempt with new friends easily. He meant well, but it turned
out that he spoiled a couple without preparation Off the live and work on her own.
of things for me. хотеть cuff, I can give you only a She has been on her own for
сделать, как лучше might as rough estimate. без several years. один, сам по
well - maybe it's a good idea I подготовки off the point - себе, самостоятельно on
might as well telephone him beside the point What I think one's toes - alert, attentive,
now. может быть неплохо about him is off the point. не prepared for difficulties He
missing person - someone относится к делу off the was on his toes and
who is lost and can't be record - not for the public, produced a very good
located The little boy unofficially Strictly off the impression on them.
disappeared. The police record, I think the director is бдительный, собранный on
registered him as a missing going to get married soon. не purpose - intentionally I
person. пропавший человек для публики, didn't do it on purpose, it
(т.е. разыскивается) meet неофициально off the top of just happened so. нарочно, с
someone halfway - one's head - without thinking целью on second thought -
compromise with someone or calculation; impromptu, after thinking again I'd like to
He's reasonable and tries to from memory I can't give you sit on the aisle. On second
meet his coworkers halfway, the figure off the top of my thought, I'd like a window
when possible. идти на head, but it may be around a seat. подумав, по зрелом
компромисс с кем-то never thousand. без обдумывания размышлении on the alert -
mind - don't worry about it или подсчета; без on guard He's cautious and
I'm terribly sorry. - Never подготовки, по памяти once always on the alert.
mind. неважно, ничего, не and for all - decidedly You настороже, начеку,
беспокойтесь no go - must quit smoking once and бдительный, наготове,
impossible, futile, useless We for all. раз и навсегда on внимательный on the carpet
tried to start the car again credit - not pay cash right - called in by the boss for
and again, but it was no go. away He bought a car on criticism Yesterday the boss
бесполезный, credit. в кредит on edge - called her on the carpet for
безнадежный, тщетный not nervous, irritable He's been being rude to the coworkers.
a bit - not at all, not in the on edge ever since she left. вызвать на ковер on the go -
least Are you tired? - Not a нервный, раздраженный on on the move, busy, active He
bit. ничуть not to mention - guard - on the alert He's is always on the go. в
in addition to We have three cautious and always on движении, на ходу,
dogs, not to mention two guard. настороже, начеку, активный on the off chance -
cats. не говоря уж no бдительный on hand - unlikely to happen, but a
wonder - not surprising He available Do you have a small chance still exists On
ate three big fish. No wonder calculator on hand? под the off chance that you don't
he's sick. неудивительно, рукой on one hand / on the find him at work, here's his
что now and again - one hand - considering one home address.
occasionally I meet them side of the question On one маловероятно, но все же
now and again at the bank. hand, she knows quite a few небольшой шанс on the
время от времени odds and poems by heart. On the other hand - considering the
ends - a variety of small other hand, she can't other side of the question I'd
unimportant things or remember any dates. с like to have a dog. On the
leftovers I needed to buy одной стороны on one's other hand, my wife likes
some odds and ends for the own (on my own, on his own, cats. с другой стороны on
kitchen. мелочи, остатки, etc.) - alone, by oneself, the spot - right there I
обрезки off the cuff - independently She likes to decided to do it on the spot.
на месте, сразу on the spur выбрать правильные шаги в название и др., попасть в
of the moment - without каком-то деле potluck точку put one's foot down -
previous thought / plan He supper - a surprise meal, object strongly Her father
bought this car on the spur where nobody knows what put his foot down when she
of the moment, now he dishes other guests will bring said she wanted to marry
regrets it. под влиянием You know what happened at Alan. решительно
момента on the tip of one's our last potluck supper? воспротивиться put one's
tongue - on the verge of Everybody brought macaroni foot in it - do the wrong
saying but unable to and cheese, apples, and thing, make a fool of oneself
remember His name is on the beer! ужин вскладчину, He put his foot in it when he
tip of my tongue, but I just никто не знает, что told the boss that his
can't remember it. вертится принесут другие pull the daughter wasn't pretty.
на языке, вот-вот вспомню wool over someone's eyes - сделать глупость, сказать
on time - punctually, at the deceive, mislead someone глупость, попасть впросак
specified time Jim is always Are you trying to pull the quite a bit (of) - much, a lot
on time. вовремя, в wool over my eyes? It won't of I had quite a bit of trouble
назначенное время out of do you any good. обмануть, with that car. много, сильно
one's mind - crazy If you ввести в заблуждение put a quite a few - many, a lot of
think so, you're out of your damper on something - He wrote quite a few good
mind. сумасшедший out of discourage She always puts a stories. много rack one's
one's way - away from one's damper on my plans. brain - try hard to think He
usual route I can't give you a охладить пыл put in a word racked his brain to solve the
lift to the bank, it's out of my for someone - say positive puzzle. напрячь мозги read
way today. не по пути out of things about someone I'd be between the lines - find or
the question - not to be very grateful if you could put understand the implied
considered, impossible in a word for me when you meaning His books are not
Paying him is out of the speak to him. замолвить easy to understand; you have
question! не может быть и словечко put one's best foot to read between the lines.
речи pack rat - a person who forward - try to show one's читать между строк
saves lots of unnecessary best qualities; do one's best; Remember me to your
things Why does she keep all do things as quicky as family. - Say hello to your
those things she never uses? possible He put his best foot family for me. Please
- She is a pack rat. тот, кто не forward during the interview. remember me to your family.
выбрасывает старые или Put your best foot forward Передавайте привет от
ненужные вещи pay working at this project. меня вашей семье. right
attention - note something, стараться показать свои away - immediately It' very
be attentive to something лучшие качества; делать important to do it right away.
Pay attention to his words. все возможное; выполнять сразу же, немедленно ring
обратить внимание pick a как можно быстрее put a bell - remind someone of
fight - start a quarrel He one's finger on it - indicate something familiar but half-
often tries to pick a fight with exactly, point out the exact forgotten Annabel Lee? Yeah,
me. начать ссору play one's cause, fault, name, etc. I it rings a bell, but I can't
cards right - choose the right can't put my finger on it. He place it right now.
steps in doing something If was able to put his finger on напоминает что-то
you play your cards right, the exact cause of the знакомое, но полузабытое
he'll agree to your plan. computer malfunction. точно rock the boat - make the
сыграть правильно, указать причину, ошибку, situation unstable Peter
always rocks the boat when other They see eye to eye on books by Stephen King. до
we discuss the company's many things. I don't see eye сих пор, пока, к
spending policy. раскачивать to eye with him. настоящему моменту so
лодку, вести к соглашаться друг с другом; much the better - it's even
нестабильности rub elbows сходиться во взглядах see better If he can pay cash, so
with / rub shoulders with - red - become very angry She much the better. еще лучше
meet with, spend time sees red every time she spill the beans - tell a secret
together, mingle He doesn't remembers how he lied to Who spilled the beans about
rub elbows with the rich and her about it. приходить в our plan? проболтаться
famous. близко общаться с ярость, очень сильно (not) stand a chance - (not)
кем-то rub it in - to злиться serve someone right have a chance He doesn't
embarrass even more by - get what someone deserves stand a chance of getting it.
reminding repeatedly of It serves him right that he нет шансов stand to reason -
some mistake, failure, etc. I didn't get this job, he be obvious, logical, naturally
know I shouldn't have done it despised all other true It stands to reason that
and I apologized. There is no candidates. поделом кому- studying spelling will let you
need to rub it in. ставить в то serve one's purpose - be improve your writing skills.
еще более неловкое useful for some purpose I очевидно, логично, что
положение doubt that hiring this man straight from the shoulder -
напоминаниями об will serve your purpose. frankly, honestly, openly
ошибке, неудаче rub служить цели, отвечать Don't try to spare his
someone the wrong way - цели, годиться a shot in the feelings, give it to him
irritate, annoy, make angry dark - a wild guess My straight from the shoulder.
His remarks rub many answer was just a shot in the честно, откровенно take a
coworkers the wrong way. dark. догадка, dim view of something -
раздражать, злить кого-то предположение, ответ disapprove of something My
save face - try to change the наугад, наобум show sister takes a dim view of the
negative impression promise - be promising This way I raise my children. не
produced He said a stupid young actor shows promise. одобрять что-то take a
thing and tried to save face подавать надежды sleep on break - stop for rest Let's
by saying he misunderstood it - postpone a decision till take a break, I'm tired.
me. спасать репутацию save next morning Don't make a сделать перерыв для
one's breath - stop useless decision now, sleep on it. отдыха take advantage of
talk There's no use talking to отложить решение до something - use for one's
him about his spending следующего утра a slip of own benefit, to profit from
habits, so save your breath. the tongue - a mistake It was We took advantage of the
не трать слова попусту just a slip of the tongue! low prices and bought a
scratch the surface - study обмолвка (ошибка) slip computer and a monitor.
something superficially He (from) one's mind - forget It воспользоваться
examines all the facts closely, slipped my mind that she возможностью с пользой
he doesn't just scratch the asked me to do it. забыть для себя take a stand (on
surface. изучать smell a rat - suspect something) - make a firm
поверхностно search high something wrong I'm not decision about something
and low - search everywhere sure what it is, but I smell a People need to take a stand
I searched high and low for rat. подозревать обман, on the issue of nuclear
my lost cat. искать везде see чуять недоброе so far - up weapons. занять четкую
eye to eye - agree with each to now So far, I have read 3 позицию по какому-то
вопросу Take care! - Good- the show. принять участие в предзнаменование
bye and be careful! Take care чем-то take place - happen (обычно, беды) (not) think
now! See you tomorrow. The accident took place on much of something - not
Всего хорошего! Берегите Oak Street. иметь место, think highly of something I
себя. take care of someone / случиться take one's mind don't think much of her
something - look after, see off things - distract from cooking. быть невысокого
that something is done fixed ideas or gloomy мнения о чем-то till one is
properly Can you take care of thoughts Go to a concert or a blue in the face - try very
my dog while I'm away? Tom movie to take your mind off hard I repeated it till I was
takes good care of his car. things. отвлечь(ся) от blue in the face! стараться
позаботиться о ком-то, чем- навязчивых идей или до посинения to be on the
то, присмотреть за take hold мрачных мыслей take steps safe side - not take any
of something - hold, grasp - take action, take measures chances Take an extra key,
something Take hold of this We need to take steps just to be on the safe side. на
rope and pull. держать, against it. принимать меры всякий случай to make a
взяться за, схватить take take the words right out of long story short - in short To
into account - take into someone's mouth - say the make a long story short, we
consideration, consider You same before someone else won. короче говоря to say
must take into account her says it I was about to say the the least - to make the
old age. принять во same! You took the words minimum comment about
внимание take it easy - right out of my mouth. something The film was
relax, be calm Take it easy, сказать то же самое чуть boring and long, to say the
everything will be OK. не раньше, чем другой least. самое малое, что
волнуйся take something for говорящий take time - take a можно сказать try one's
granted - accept as given long time It takes time to get hand at something - try to do
Mother's love is always taken used to a new place. занять something new I want to try
for granted by children. много времени take time off my hand at painting.
принимать как должное - be absent from work He попробовать себя в чем-то
take someone's breath away took time off to attend the turn over a new leaf - make a
- to surprise, impress That wedding. взять отгул take fresh start in life, work He
great view took my breath turns - alternate doing promises to turn over a new
away. захватить дух от something one after another leaf and quit alcohol for
впечатления take one's time We went to Minsk by car. We good. начать заново (жизнь,
- do something without hurry didn't get tired because we новое дело) turn the tide -
Don't hurry. Take your time. took turns driving делать по reverse the course of events
делать что-то не торопясь очереди, меняться местами The new evidence turned the
take someone's word for it - That's just the point. - That's tide, and the defendant was
believe Take my word for it, it. That's just the point! I hate acquitted of charges.
he won't go there. поверить this job! В этом-то и дело. повернуть вспять ход
кому-то на слово take pains that will do - it's enough Stop событий twist someone's
- try hard to do it well He reading, that will do for now. arm - make someone agree
took pains to make his report достаточно the writing on They twisted his arm to sell
perfect. прилагать усилия, the wall - a sign of future the house. выкручивать
чтобы сделать хорошо take events (usually, trouble) The руки, давить на кого-то
part in something - plane crashed. Tim said he under the weather - feeling a
participate in something saw the writing on the wall little ill, unwell I'm a little
Mary is going to take part in about that flight. under the weather today.
нездоровится up-and- your step in this business.
coming - showing promise of поступать благоразумно,
future success He is an up- осмотрительно wet blanket
and-coming young lawyer - a pessimist, a killjoy who
who might help you with dampens enthusiasm or
your case. spoils everyone's fun
многообещающий, Remember what a wet
подающий надежды up in blanket he was last time?
arms - hostile to, in strong Please don't invite him again.
protest against something пессимист, зануда, который
The employees are up in гасит энтузиазм и портит
arms about the new всем удовольствие What's
retirement rules. the matter? - What is it?
протестовать против, What's the matter? What
сопротивляться up in the air happened? В чем дело?
- undecided, unsettled My which way the wind blows -
vacation plans are still up in what the real situation is He
the air. еще не определено knows which way the wind
up to date - modern, latest, blows and always acts
current His reports are accordingly. какова
always up to date. реальная ситуация white lie
современный, с - unimportant lie A white lie
современными данными is told to spare your feelings.
(not) up to par - (not) equal невинная ложь word for
in standard His behavior isn't word - in the same words Tell
up to par. (не) в норме, me word for word what he
ниже нормы used to do said. дословно, дословный
something - did something would rather - prefer I'd
regularly in the past but not rather stay home today.
now He used to live on предпочитать
Maple Street. I used to play
the piano when I was in
school (but I don't play it
now). в прошлом обычно
делал что-то, но сейчас нет
walk on air - be very happy
He got the job and is walking
on air now. летать от
счастья waste one's breath -
speak uselessly, to no
purpose Don't waste your
breath trying to make him do
it, he won't change his mind.
тратить усилия зря, попусту
тратить слова watch one's
step - behave prudently, be
careful You have to watch