Idioms

To do or say something that eases tension and gets people talking comfortably in an unfamiliar social situation.

to ignore an unpleasant reality hoping it will go away

to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end

temporarily, until circumstances change

To make more effort than is expected or required.

To adjust calmly to circumstances or prevailing behavior instead of resisting them.

to start a new job or project with immediate energy and effectiveness, without needing a slow start

To gain a remarkably favorable result, usually unexpectedly or through luck.

to produce exactly the intended effect or be correct

To describe or identify something exactly right.

during the beginning stages of something

under the control or responsibility of someone

over a long period of time; eventually

at the latest moment when success is still possible

over a short period of time; in the near future

To learn how to do a job or task properly.

to be undecided or avoid choosing between two options or sides

used to introduce the first of two contrasting points or sides of an argument

used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative

In agreement or sharing the same understanding.

thinking and understanding in the same way; in agreement

Feeling exceptionally happy and satisfied, especially after a success.

exactly the same person or thing, despite appearing to have two identities

completely impossible or not permitted

to make it easier for something else to happen or develop

to offer something for consideration in a discussion or negotiation

continuously, throughout all twenty-four hours of the day

to be a trait shared by members of a family

to commit yourself formally by signing an agreement

to continue with a plan despite difficulties or doubt

to try something cautiously before committing fully to it

A situation in which you enjoy the advantages of two different things at the same time.

a comfortable, enjoyable way of living, often with few worries

the best or most enjoyable part of an event or period

An extra good thing that makes a good situation even better.

later events are already familiar or easily assumed, so they need no further telling

all the facts about a situation, including ones not yet known

clear and unmistakable signs that failure or disaster is coming

a guess or attempt with very little chance of success

affecting everyone or everything equally

To make a bad situation or an argument worse.

to stay better prepared than others by anticipating future needs

similar to; roughly in the style or manner of

equipped with a very large number of weapons and ready for conflict

a thought or worry that you are vaguely aware of but not focusing on

immediately and with no hesitation when an opportunity or prompt appears

to start planning or designing again after an idea or attempt has failed

to prepare yourself and your resources for an approaching difficult situation

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been avoiding.

to get past the main obstacle so that the remaining work becomes easier

to do something new and different that sets a new standard

to reduce or remove the difference between two things or groups

to work so hard and long that you exhaust yourself

To stay up very late working or studying.

strictly following the rules or official procedures

to feel intensely ready to begin after being forced to wait

to remove distractions or unfinished tasks so you are ready for action

to advance step by step through the ranks of a company

to perform well enough for a particular need or expectation

sleeping so deeply that you are completely unaware of your surroundings

feeling sad, discouraged, or low in spirits

to be selected, often by chance, for an unwanted task or outcome

To accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions.

be abandoned, neglected, or fail before completion

experience financial pressure because money has become scarce

an initial opportunity that may lead to bigger things

To pay for something, especially something expensive.

from the very beginning of an activity or process

to begin operating successfully after the planning stage

to defeat someone or gain control over a person or feeling

to receive a favorable selection or approval decision

To make someone feel distinctly uneasy, frightened, or repelled.

to escape or evade someone who is following or pursuing you

to start following a particular course of action

to perform the required actions without real interest, effort, or belief

to deteriorate severely from an earlier, better condition

the most important part of achieving something

To succeed in the end after others have mocked, doubted, or opposed you.

to have an advantage or more control than someone else

to flee quickly from a threatening or difficult situation

to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure

to control a budget and decide how money may be spent

noticeably irritated or angry

living or working at an intense pace often associated with excitement and risk

being planned or developed and expected to happen soon

Owing money or operating at a financial loss.

said almost at the same time or as part of the same statement

to fix the last small problems in a plan, process, or product

To join a popular trend or activity because many others are doing it.

to do just enough work to keep a business running, without growth or improvement

to prevent conflict and maintain calm between people or groups

to earn or manage just enough to avoid poverty, hunger, or serious hardship

to try to match the lifestyle of the people around you

stay alert and focused on what matters in the task

remain realistic and sensible despite success or exciting possibilities