like the cat that got the cream (British & Australian) also like the cat that ate the canary (American)20154

like the cat that got the cream (British & Australian) also like the cat that ate the canary (American)
if someone looks like the cat that got the cream, they annoy other people by looking very pleased with themselves because of something good that they have done Of course Mark got a glowing report so he was sitting there grinning like the cat that got the cream

Mick McCarthy is delighted with summer. Mick McCarthy spent the entire summer looking like the cat who got the cream

a curate's egg (British)20153

a curate's egg (British)

something which has both good and bad parts
Usage notes: A curate is a priest. There is a joke about a curate who was given a bad egg and said that parts of the egg were good because he did not want to offend the person who gave it to him.

Kill the goose that lays the golden egg(s) 20152

Kill the goose that lays the golden egg(s).

Prov. To destroy something that is profitable to you. Fred's wife knew he wasn't happy in his job, even though it paid well; still, she felt that advising him to leave it would be killing the goose that laid the golden eggs.
The danger is that this panhandling ordinance will inadvertently kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

have egg on one's face 20151

have egg on one's face
Fig. to be embarrassed by something one has done. (As if one went out in public with a dirty face.) I was completely wrong, and now I have egg on my face. She's really got egg on her face!

'Teach your grandmother to suck eggs' 20150

'Teach your grandmother to suck eggs'

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When people say 'don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs', they mean that people shouldn't try to teach someone who has experience or is an expert in that area.

over-egg the pudding (British)20149

over-egg the pudding (British)
to spoil something by trying too hard to improve it As a director, I think he has a tendency to over-egg the pudding, with a few too many gorgeous shots of the countryside

upset the applecart 20148

upset the applecart
to cause trouble, especially by spoiling someone's plans I don't want to upset the applecart now by asking you to change the date for the meeting.

fruits of one's labor(s)20147

fruits of one's labor(s)
Fig. the results of one's work. We displayed the fruits of our labor at the county fair. What have you accomplished? Where is the fruit of your labors

a bite of the cherry (British & Australian)20146

a bite of the cherry (British & Australian)
a part of something good, especially when there is not enough for everyone who wants it Job-sharing would give twice as many people a bite of the cherry

'Sour grapes' 20145

'Sour grapes'

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When someone says something critical or negative because they are jealous, it is a case of sour grapes

People person 20144

People person
Someone who enjoys interacting with people as part of their job

Haste makes waste 20143

Haste makes waste. If something is done too quickly, it may be done carelessly and need to be redone

Going places 20142

Going places To say that someone is going places means that they show
talent and ability that will no doubt lead to a successful future.
"Even at college it was obvious that Paul was going places

Full of hot air 20141

Full of hot air A person who full of hot air is full of nonsense and talks a lot
without saying anything worthwhile.
"Don't listen to Tony. He's full of hot air!"

All sizzle and no steak 20140

All sizzle and no steak Someone or something that turns out to be disappointing, after a
promotional campaign or marketing operation which led us to expect
something better, is called all sizzle and no steak.
"Because of all the electoral promises he made, which so far he has failed
to keep, many people call the new president "all sizzle and no steak".

Toing and froing 20139

Toing and froing Someone who is toing and froing is either repeatedly going from
one place to another and coming back, or is constantly changing
their mind about something.
"After months of toing and froing, a compromise was reached
between the two parties."

shopping therapy 20138

shopping therapy This term refers to the idea that buying things can make you
feel better.
"A little shopping therapy can usually cheer up bored
teenagers."

Come to grief 20137

Come to grief
If someone or something comes to grief, they have an accident, are
destroyed or end in failure.
"Their plans for a golf course came to grief when it was decided to build
a motorway."

Blow away the cobwebs 20136

Blow away the cobwebs If something blows away the cobwebs, it makes you feel
more lively and refreshes your ideas.
"Let's get out of the house. A walk on the beach will blow away
the cobwebs!"

even in the best of times 20135

even in the best of times
even when things are good; even when things are going well. It is hard to get high-quality leather even in the best of

Do justice 20134

do justice to something
1. . Fig. to do something well; to represent or portray something accurately. Sally did justice to our side in the contract negotiations. This photograph doesn't do justice to the beauty of the mountains.
2. Fig. to eat or drink a great deal. Bill always does justice to the turkey on Thanksgiving. The party didn't do justice to the roast pig. There were nearly ten pounds left over.
See also: justice

these picture dont do any justice to the true beauty of the island

stand a chance (of doing something)20133

stand a chance (of doing something)
to have a chance of doing something. Do you think I stand a chance of winning first place? Everyone stands a chance of catching the disease.

incumbent 20132

1. Imposed as an obligation or duty; obligatory: felt it was incumbent on us all to help.
2. Lying, leaning, or resting on something else: incumbent rock strata.
3. Currently holding a specified office: the incumbent mayor.
n.

teamwork 20131

Cooperative effort by the members of a group or team to achieve a common goal.

Effortless 20130

Calling for, requiring, or showing little or no effort. See Synonyms at easy.

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effort·less·ly adv.

acknowledged 20129

·knowl·edged (k-nljd)
adj.
Commonly accepted or recognized.

likeness 20128

copy, portrait
2 : appearance, semblance
3 : the quality or state of being like : resemblance

SAVVY 20127

Practical understanding or shrewdness: a banker known for financial savvy.

an uphill battle/fight/struggle also an uphill job/task 20126

an uphill battle/fight/struggle also an uphill job/task
if something you are trying to do is an uphill struggle, it is very difficult, often because other people are causing problems for you Environmentalists face an uphill struggle convincing people to use their cars less. We're trying to expand our business, but it's an uphill battle

catch someone's eye and get someone's eye20125

catch someone's eye and get someone's eye
1. Fig. to establish eye contact with someone; to attract someone's attention. The shiny red car caught Mary's eye. When Tom had her eye, he smiled at her.
2. Fig. to appear and attract someone's interest. A small red car passing by caught my eye. One of the books on the top shelf caught my eye, and I took it down to look at it.

there is no need to feel superior to everyone else 20124

you shouldnt look down your nose at everyone else

look down your nose at something/somebody (informal)20123

look down your nose at something/somebody (informal)
to think that someone is less important than you or that something is not good enough for you I always felt that she looked down her nose at us because we spoke with strong accents and hadn't been to college

smash 20122

Smash 1
Definition: To break in pieces by violence; to dash to pieces; to crush.

Smash 2
Definition: To break up, or to pieces suddenly, as the result of collision or pressure.


Smash 3
Definition: A breaking or dashing to pieces; utter destruction; wreck.


Smash 4
Definition: Hence, bankruptcy.


smash 5
Definition: a conspicuous success; "that song was his first hit and marked the beginning of his career"; "that new Broadway show is a real smasher"; "the party went with a bang"


smash 6
Definition: the act of colliding with something; "his crash through the window"; "the fullback''s smash into the defensive line"


smash 7
Definition: a hard return hitting the tennis ball above your head


smash 8
Definition: a serious collision (especially of motor vehicles)


smash 9
Definition: a vigorous blow; "the sudden knock floored him"; "he took a bash right in his face"; "he got a bang on the head"


smash 10
Definition: break suddenly into pieces, as from a violent blow; "The window smashed"


smash 11
Definition: break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over; "Smash a plate"


smash 12
Definition: overthrow or destroy (something considered evil or harmful); "The police smashed the drug ring after they were tipped off"


smash 13
Definition: hit hard; "He smashed a 3-run homer"


smash 14
Definition: collide or strike violently and suddenly; "The motorcycle smashed into the guard rail"


smash 15
Definition: hit (a tennis ball) in a powerful overhead stroke


smash 16
Definition: damage or destroy as if by violence; "The teenager banged up the car of his mother"


smash 17
Definition: humiliate or depress completely; "She was crushed by his refusal of her invitation"; "The death of her son smashed her"


smash 18
Definition: hit violently; "She smashed her car against the guard rail"


smash 19
Definition: reduce to bankruptcy; "My daughter''s fancy wedding is going to break me!"; "The slump in the financial markets smashed him"


smash 20
Definition: with a loud crash; "the car went smash through the fence"

inactive 20121

not active: as a (1) : sedentary (2) : indolent, sluggish b (1) : being out of use (2) : relating to or being members

elusive 20120

Tending to elude capture, perception, comprehension, or memory: "an invisible cabal of conspirators, each more elusive than the archterrorist [himself]" (David Kline).
Difficult to define or describe: "Failures are more finely etched in our minds than triumphs, and success is an elusive, if not mythic, goal in our demanding society"

lifeless 20119

Having no life; inanimate.
2. Having lost life; dead. See Synonyms at dead.
3. Not inhabited by living beings; not capable of sustaining life.
4. Lacking vitality or animation; dull: a lifeless party

as well as 20118

including; in addition to

Explanation: Used to add something to a list of things or actions

Examples: You'll need strong boots as well as your backpack. - John, Jack and Sam are coming as well as our friends from Boston

test for yourself 20117

pruebalo por ti mismo

get into the habit. 20116

get into the habit...

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Ana has got into the habit of not eating enough before going to bed

soothe 20115

1. To calm or placate.
2. To ease or relieve (pain, for example).
v.intr.
To bring comfort, composure, or relief.

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exertion 20114

The act or an instance of exerting, especially a strenuous effort.

at some time sharp 20113

at some time sharp
exactly at the time named. You must be here at noon sharp. The plane is expected to arrive at seven forty-five sharp.
See also: some, time

hold youy piece 20112

shut up

hold on 20111

hold on
1. To maintain one's grip; cling.
2. To continue to do something; persist.
3. To wait for something wanted or requested, especially to keep a telephone connection open.

Rats abandon a sinking ship. and like rats abandoning a sinking ship 2010

Rats abandon a sinking ship. and like rats abandoning a sinking ship

Prov. You can tell when something is about to fail because large numbers of people begin to leave it. (Can imply that the people who leave are "rats," that is, selfish and disloyal.) Jill: The company next door must be going bankrupt. Jane: How do you know? Jill: All its employees are resigning. Rats abandon a sinking ship

pure and simple and plain and simple 20109

pure and simple and plain and simple

absolutely; without further complication or elaboration. I told you what you must do, and you must do it, pure and simple. Will you kindly explain to me what it is, pure and simple, that I am expected to do? Just tell me plain and simple, do you intend to go or don't you

would not do something for all the tea in China (old-fashioned)20108

would not do something for all the tea in China (old-fashioned)

if you say that you would not do something for all the tea in China, you mean that nothing could persuade you to do it I wouldn't be a teacher for all the tea in China.

raise the bar 20107

raise the bar

Fig. to make a task a little more difficult. (As with raising the bar in high jumping or pole vaulting.) Just as I was getting accustomed to my job, the manager raised the bar and I had to perform even better.

overstep the mark 20106

overstep the mark
to upset someone by doing or saying more than you should You overstepped the mark when you shouted at your mother.

where the sun don't shine 2105

where the sun don't shine

Sl. in a dark place, namely the anus. I don't care what you do with it. Just put it where the sun don't shine. For all I care you can shove it where the sun don't shine

Half the truth is often a whole lie 20104

Half the truth is often a whole lie.
Prov. If you do not tell the whole truth, you can mislead people just as if you tell them an outright lie. Jill: You lied to me. Jane: I did not. Everything I said was true. Jill: But you didn't tell me the whole story. And half the truth is often a whole lie.

'At the end of your tether' 20103

'At the end of your tether'

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If you are at the end of your tether, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance

no salesman will call 20102

no salesman will call
a phrase indicating that no salesman will visit or contact you if you make an inquiry about a product. All inquiries are confidential and no salesman will call.

from all corners of the world and from the four corners of the earth 2101

from all corners of the world and from the four corners of the earth

Fig. from all places in the world. People came from all corners of the world to attend the conference.

go to the mat 2100

go to the mat

- argue strongly on behalf of someone or something

The coach would always go to the mat for his players when they were having problems.

first out of the gate 2099

first out of the gate

- be the first person to begin a project

He was first out of the gate in the effort to raise money for the new concert hall.

at this stage of the game 2098

at this stage of the game

- at some point, at some time during an activity

At this stage of the game I don't think that we should spend more money on the project

cook something to perfection 2097

cook something to perfection

to cook something perfectly. John cooked my steak to perfection. The entire dinner was cooked to perfection!

hang/hold on like grim death (British & Australian informal)2096

hang/hold on like grim death (British & Australian informal)
to hold something very tightly, usually because you are frightened that you will fall Darren always drives the bike and I sit behind him, hanging on like grim death.
See also: death, grim, hang, like

press something together 2095

press something together
to use pressure to close or unite things. He pressed his lips together and would say no more. Why are his lips pressed together so tightly?

be near the knuckle (British informal) 2094

be near the knuckle (British informal)
if a joke or a remark is near the knuckle, it is about sex in a way that some people find offensive Some of his jokes were a bit near the knuckle and, unfortunately, I was watching the show with my parents.

rise to the challenge 2093

rise to the challenge
Fig. to accept a challenge. (Usually in reference to success with the challenge.) You can depend on Kelly to rise to the challenge. We were not able to rise to the challenge and we lost the contract

'All eyes on me' 2092

'All eyes on me'

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If all eyes are on someone, then everyone is paying attention to

and all that jazz 2091

and all that jazz
and all that stuff; and all that nonsense. I need some glue, paper, string, and all that jazz to make a kite. She told me I was selfish, hateful, rude, ugly, and all that jazz

800 pound gorilla' 2090

800 pound gorilla'

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The 800-pound gorilla is the dominant force in an industry (the classic example is Microsoft in the computer industry.)

All over the map' 2089

All over the map'

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If something like a discussion is all over the map, it doesn't stick to the main topic and goes off on tangents.

head and shoulders above someone or something 2088

head and shoulders above someone or something
Fig. clearly superior to someone or something. (Often with stand, as in the example.) This wine is head and shoulders above that one. John stands head and shoulders above Bob.
See also: above, and, head, shoulder

'All hell broke loose' 2087

'All hell broke loose'

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When all hell breaks loose, there is chaos, confusion and trouble.

on the hour 2086

on the hour

At every hour exactly; one o'clock, two o'clock, and so on. For example, The shuttle to New York departs on the hour . An extension of this idiom is every hour on the hour , meaning every time the clock's big hand reaches twelve, as in The bus passes by the house every hour on the hour .

under someone's wing(s)2085

under someone's wing(s)
Fig. receiving someone's care and nurturing. (*Typically: get someone ~; have some-one ~; take someone ~.) John wasn't doing well in geometry until the teacher took him under her wing. I had a number of the new workers under my wing for a few weeks.

in jeopardy 2084

in jeopardy
to be at risk; to be at peril. John puts himself in jeopardy every time he goes skydiving. I was in jeopardy when my car broke down on the deserted road

dawn on 2083

Definition: realize something; understand something after a period of time

Explanation: Used when saying that a person has understood something after an unusually long period of time.

Examples: It finally dawned on him that she was going to leave him. - It just dawned on me that you really don't care about buying that new house.

Related Resources:

hot on your heels 2082

hot on your heels also close on your heels
1. following directly behind someone She headed inside the house with her brother hot on her heels. Related vocabulary: in hot pursuit (of somebody/something)
2. very near to someone in rank They know we're hard on their heels and that they've got to win their next three games to make the playoffs.

PROMISE HIM THAT THE SITUATION WOULD NOT BE REPEAtED IN THE FUTURE ]word}20081

I GAVE HIM MY WORD THAT THERE WOULD BE NO REPETITION OF THE SITUATION IN THE FUTURE

be up and running: (for a technological process) be operational; be ready to use .2080

18. be up and running: (for a technological process) be operational; be ready to use .
"Dave's ESL Cafe on the Web has been up and running since December 1995."