My - Expressions and idioms

jumble

*(noun)* meaning: An untidy and confused mixture of things, feelings, or ideas example: - He rummaged through the jumble of papers on his desk - A jumble of thoughts/ideas *(verb)* meaning: To mix things together untidly example: - Her closes were all jumbled up in the suitcase - Her closes were all jumbled together in the suitcase - It's really disapointing when you try to speak it out loud and it sounds all jumbled and people look at you sternly. But in my own mind, I'm fluent and flawless.

sparked

*(verb)* meaning: to cause the start of something, especially an argument or fighting example: - This proposal will almost certainly spark another countrywide debate about immigration. - The recent interest-rate rises have sparked new problems for small businesses. - The visit of the G20 leaders sparked off (= caused the start of) mass demonstrations. - They agreed that the discussions sparked by #MeToo are long overdue. *(noun)* meaning: a very small piece of fire that flies out from something that is burning, or one that is made by rubbing two hard things together, or a flash of light made by electricity example: - Sparks were flying out of the bonfire and blowing everywhere. - You can start a fire by rubbing two dry pieces of wood together until you produce a spark.

carry off

1. To complete or do something successfully, especially when faced with obstacles. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carry" and "off." I never expected to carry off the party once the caterer suddenly quit, but everyone seems to have had a great time! 2. To steal something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carry" and "off." I think someone carried off our new porch furniture—it's nowhere in sight! Ethel forgot to put that expensive necklace in the safe, and one of the party guests carried it off. 3. To physically move someone or something away from a certain location. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carry" and "off." Luckily, the lifeguard was able to rescue Dan after the current carried him off. 4. To win a prize or contest. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carry" and "off." Everyone was shocked when that little-known band carried off the night's biggest award. 5. To cause one's death. A noun or pronoun can be used between "carry" and "off." Unfortunately, the injuries from the accident were so severe that they carried him off.

rush in

meaning 1: To enter some place hurriedly or quickly example: I rushed in the house to pick up my wallet. meaning 2: To cause someone to enter some place in a hurry example: We were late for the concert, so the ushers rushed us in. meaning 3: To do something impulsively or without careful consideration; act rashly example: It's best to shop around a bit rather than rushing in and buying the first car you see.

halfway

meaning: (being) at a place that is the same distance from two other places, or in the middle of something example: - We're almost halfway there. - At the halfway point of the race, he began to pull away. - We're about halfway through the renovation.

year-round

meaning: - happening or continuing throughout the year. - occurring, effective, employed, staying, or operating for the full year (not seasonal) example: - Among the best places for cider is Boa Vista Orchards, which is open year-round. - We hire about 9 employees, some seasonally some year-round and they in turn take their paychecks and spend them on local goods and services - Without good nutritional food year-round, these bees can't survive

Break down

Breaking down means to completely stop working if you refer to a thing, or to lose control of your emotions if you refer to a person. The two meanings have the same idea, as people who break down in tears or under stress often have a hard time concentrating on other tasks. example: - I had the worst luck yesterday, when my car engine broke down in the middle of the highway and I had to deal with my boss breaking down under stress after the big deal went bad. - It's okay to break down crying every once in a while, because crying can make you release hormones that improve your mood afterwards.

a shot in the dark

meaning: - A guess or estimate with very little or no assurance as to its accuracy - An attempt that is not expected to succeed or has very little chance of working - A very general attempt; a wild guess example: - Well, this is just a shot in the dark, but I'm going to say that the answer to the question is 52. - It was really just a shot in the dark when I tried to fix our washing machine, but I was actually able to get it working again on my first try! - It was just a shot in the dark. I had no idea I was exactly correct. - Come on, try it. Even a shot in the dark may win

be (caught) between a rock and a hard place

meaning: - Facing two equally unpleasant, dangerous, or risky alternatives, where the avoidance of one ensures encountering the harm of the other - To be in a very difficult situation and to have to make a hard decision (same as "between the devil and the deep blue sea") example: - I was between a rock and a hard place, for if I didn't take out another loan—and go deeper into debt—I could not pay off the debts I already owed. - You were really between a rock and a hard place when you had to choose between your career and your relationship - I couldn't make up my mind. I was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Fired vs. laid off vs. terminated

meaning: - Fire: If someone is fired, they are being let go for cause. - Lay off: If someone is laid off, they're being let go for reasons other than performance — the company was restructuring or having financial problems and eliminated the job. (In other words, it's about the job itself, not the person. At least officially.) So don't go around telling people that you were fired if you were actually laid off. - Terminate: Could be either. But don't say it — it sounds ridiculous. example: - 100,000 federal workers will be laid off to reduce the deficit

feet of clay

meaning: a weakness or hidden flaw in the character of a greatly admired or respected person example: - He was disillusioned to find that even Lincoln had feet of clay - When the coach was arrested for drunken driving, the students realized that their hero had feet of clay

Break the news to someone

If you know something new and share it with other people, you break the news to them. This phrase is usually used when you have bad news, however, because you will likely break someone's heart when you tell them. Most people who break the news have to do it reluctantly, if they choose to do it at all. example: - I have so much respect for doctors because they have to break the bad news to patients and their family members so often. - Ellen wanted to keep the news quiet for as long as possible, but Tom broke the news of their breakup anyway. - Juan didn't know how to break the news of the car accident to Jennifer over the phone, so he texted her instead. - How did you break the news to your team and how did they respond initially?

turn up vs. show up

In USA, "turn up" is mostly used with non-human objects, and "show up" for human example: - Did you misplaced your keys? Don't worry, I'm sure it will turn up eventually - I'll show up before you In UK, "turn up" is used for everything example: - I doubt he's gonna turn up anywhere near here again tonight - I'm not sure when I'll turn up

have a soft spot for

meaning: - Have a tender or sentimental feeling for - To feel that you like someone very much example: - There are a few places that I have a soft spot for - First off, I don't have much of a soft spot for this type of people - We've been friends since childhood, so I really have a soft spot in my heart for her - I always try to avoid eating fast food, but there are a few fast food places that I really have a soft spot for because they make me remember my childhood

under the wire

meaning: - If someone does something under the wire, they do it at the last possible moment - Just in time example: - They got in under the wire just before the entry requirements for the training program changed - I turned in my report just under the wire - Bill was the last person to get in the door. He got in under the wire - All right that's our presentation. I think we just made it under the wire.

the apple of my eye

meaning: something that you value very highly example: - my son is the apple of my eye - he was just the apple of my eye - He's, as they say, the apple of my eye

off the hook

meaning: - If you are off the hook, you have escaped from a difficult situation - Freed from an obligation example: - John's agreed to go to the meeting in my place so that lets me off the hook. - I'll let you off the hook this time, but never again - I couldn't get myself off the hook no matter what I tried - I'm not letting you off the hook that easily - You need to let yourself off the hook a little bit - I'll take a ride with my sister, so you are off the hook!

loaded to the brim filled to the brim

The brim is the top of a container, like the edge of a cup. Also, if a cup is brimming, it's full. This word has a couple meanings related to fullness. If a cup is full, it's filled to the brim. The brim is the top. Containers such as buckets and pitchers have brims too. Also, the bucket is brimming if it's totally full. A brimming container is likely to spill. People can brim too: you can be brimming with enthusiasm or happiness. Like a cup about to spill, you can't quite contain yourself when you're brimming with joy.

lifespan

meaning: the length of time for which a person, animal, or thing exists: example: - The average human lifespan in the developed countries has increased over the last hundred years. - The project's lifespan is estimated at about five years.

Break free

Similar to times when you break the mold or break from tradition, breaking free means to disregard previous constraints or limits on you, whether they are physical or emotional. When you break free of something, you are usually overcoming obstacles or barriers. example: - Troy was finally able to break free from his money problems after he paid off all his debt. - After years of planning, the felon broke free from jail with a little help from his friends. - Break free from the mental barriers that are preventing you from achieving your goals!

look over one's shoulder

meaning: - If you say that someone is looking over their shoulder, you mean that they feel anxious all the time about what someone may do to them. - keeping watch for danger or threats to oneself. - to worry or think about the possibility that something bad might happen, that someone will try to cause harm, etc. example: - When a company makes people redundant, those who are left behind start looking over their shoulder. - Bob's a little paranoid. He's always looking over his shoulder. - You have to be looking over your shoulder in this business.

out of the question

meaning: - Not possible - Having no chance - Not permitted example: - Driving is out of the question as long as the engine is busted - We've sunk too much time and money into this project as it is, so starting again from scratch is out of the question - I'm sorry, but having a part here is absolutely out of the question - I'm sorry, but your taking my car is out of the question - You can't go to Florida this spring. We can't afford it. It's out of the question.

settle down

meaning: - Settle down is largely about self-control, managing oneself or one's affairs - Get yourself under control synonym: to calm down example: - That one is somewhere along this settling-down period - The children soon settled down and started their work - Eventually I'd like to settle down and have a family, but not yet - This place is full of women and they're still settling down

call the shots

meaning: - To dictate how a situation or agenda proceeds, as from a position of authority - to decide on the course of action - to be in charge example: - My staff has to do what I say because I'm the boss, and I call all the shots here! - Mom calls the shots for Thanksgiving dinner, so you better get her approval for any dish you want to bring. - Why do you have to call all the shots? - Do what you're told. I'll call the shots.

grab/have a bite (to eat)

meaning: - To grab/have a bite (to eat) means to get something to eat - Some food example: - We're in a hurry to get there, so we'll just grab a bite to eat at a fast-food place

with a start

meaning: - a sudden, springing movement from a position - a sudden, involuntary jerking movement of the body example: - to awake with a start - I woke up from that nightmare with a start, disoriented and crying - He entered in the room with a start asking what's wrong with her

and the like

meaning: - and other similar things - and similar things; et cetera. example: - Many students are also keeping fit through jogging, aerobics, weight training, and the like - There are courts for tennis and badminton and the like - Let's not forget that the city has in fact already created a robust bureaucracy and has developed additional liaison roles to support veterans, refugees, sports, housing and the like.

off the beaten path

meaning: - away from the frequently traveled routes; - not known or popular with many people example: - We wanted to find a camping site that was a little bit off the beaten path. - All the turists in Itally don't want to go off the beaten path, they want to go to the most famous places. - He lives way off the beaten path in a little creepy house. - Join us next week as we take a look at how one small town is finding success, and that success is coming, despite being way off the beaten path. - I get off the beaten path to see some art in the open desert.

help yourself

example: - Help yourself to any of these cards - Help yourself to some juice - Please, help yourself to the free food and drink that will be there after the meeting - We have some promotional information at the back, so feel free to help yourself to that

be not one for

example: - Normally, I'm not one for confrontation, but when it comes to books and literature, I'd fight my arguments to the death - I'm not one for long-winded answers, so I'll stop here

it proved to be

example: - The actor proved to be a credible singer in his first musical role - The initiation process proved to be too much, so my gut told me to walk away, so, I quit

make a scene

meaning: - complain noisily, behave badly, etc. especially in a public place - to make a public display or disturbance example: - When John found a fly in his drink, he started to create a scene - Oh, John, please don't make a scene. Just forget about it. - Please don't create a scene in public - Joan made a scene when the restaurant lost her dinner reservation - I asked her to be quiet and not make a scene

out of the gate out (of) the (starting) gate

meaning: - immediately - at or from the very start position example: - We're aiming to be the first one out of the gate with mixed-reality technology - I was a bit slow out of starting gate to find what I wanted to study in college, but by my second year I felt really confident in my degree. - Out the gate, the company's latest video game console has proven wildly popular - Could a little more work and time be spent designing and building the service so that it works for everyone right out of the gate, instead of having to course-correct halfway through building or during implementation?

settle in

meaning: - to become familiar with somewhere new, such as a new house, job, or school, and to feel comfortable and happy there - to become accommodated with ones surroundings - "Settle in" is almost about giving up control. You settle in to a comfy chair, or into your relaxing vacation. You settle in at home after a rough day at work. When you are settled in, it implies comfort, lack of needing to control anything, just being comfortable in the moment where and how your are. translation: estabelecer-se em example: - When the Texans started settling in the area, they become fair game as well - I'm finally feeling comfortable at my new job. I've begun to settle in. - You had some people from Maryland that were settling in this area and claiming to be from Maryland and they would begin to resolve that dispute through two surveyors, Lewis and Clark - I was settling in and all was going well and then Dr. Knipling announced that he was retiring

take up

meaning: - to fill a particular amount of space or time - If you take up an activity or a subject, you become interested in it and spend time doing it, either as a hobby or as a career. example: - These files take up a lot of disk space - I'll try not to take up too much of your time - The car takes up the whole picture - Most of the garage space is taken up with his music kit - He did not want to take up a competitive sport

hold it against someone

meaning: - to have a grudge against somebody because of some specific thing they have done - to not forgive somebody because of some specific thing they have done example: - He left me at the altar, but he was pressured into the marriage in the first place, so I don't hold it against him. - I'm so sorry, I've crashed your car. I hope you don't hold it against me.

to pitch in

meaning: - to help out; to contribute or assist - to start doing something as part of a group, especially something helpful example: - If we all pitch in together, it shouldn't take too long - When I bought this house, all my friends pitched in to help fix it up - My brother pitched in with an offer of help. - After we had seen the video everyone started pitching in with comments on its faults - Maybe we all could pitch in about twenty-five dollars to get him a gift

to crack down on

meaning: - to start dealing with bad or illegal behaviour in a more severe way - to take strong action to stop something - To address or control something more strictly than in the past. - A period of stricter control of something. When used as a noun, the phrase is usually written as one word example: - The library is cracking down on people who lose their books - The law limits engine idling to four minutes, but there aren't enough police officers to crack down on the problem - After years of leniency, the school is finally cracking down on plagiarism - After years of leniency, there's finally been a crackdown on plagiarism at the school

could use sth

meaning: - used to say that you would like something - used to say that something or someone needs something example: - I could use some help putting these decorations up if you're not too busy. - "Can I get you anything?" "Thanks. I could use a drink." - Their website could use an upgrade. - I could use some help over here!

cut corners

meaning: - when you "cut corners" that means that you do something cheaply or quickly in a way that you skip things which are important - to do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way example: - We're not going to cut corners when it comes to our security - The govener often cut corners when they build public schools (the buildings are made from cheap materials and they don't have up to date technology, so it's no good for the students) reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YvQKfIMUrs&feature=youtu.be

handful

meaning: An amount of something that can be held in one hand example: - He pulled out a handful of coins from his pocket - They only invite a handful of people to join each year, so I was flattered

Have Eyes Bigger than Your Stomach

meaning: Having eyes bigger than your stomach means that you look at and wish you could eat more food that you actually can. example: - He has eyes bigger than his stomach, and always eats too much when we go to the buffet.

turn up

meaning: If a better situation or an opportunity to do something turns up, it happens or becomes available unexpectedly or in a way that was not planned example: - Don't worry about it - something will turn up, you'll see. - This job turned up just when I needed it. - I expect a new job will turn up soon. - We don't have a house at the moment, but I'm sure something will turn up. - This opportunity turned up at just the right time for me.

under the weather

meaning: If someone is or feels under the weather, they feel ill example: - I'm feeling a bit under the weather - I think I'm getting a cold

Catch someone's eye

meaning: If something appeals to a person, it catches their eye example: - I was walking down the street when the pink car caught my eye.

too bad & pitty & shame

meaning: If you say something is too bad, you can mean either that you feel sympathy about a problem, or that you do not. The difference is in what is being talked about and the way that you say it translation: - que pena - é uma pena example: - It's too bad that you can't come to see Mark in his school play - "I can't come on Friday." "That's too bad — I've already bought the tickets, so you'll still have to pay." - "I failed the test." "Oh, that's too bad — can you take it again?" - That's too bad about your sister losing her job - You can't come to the party? Too bad - She's resigned? Oh, what a shame - "I'm sorry to tell you that the cat died today." "What a pity!" - "The cake is ruined!" "What a shame!" - What a pity you can't attend our party tonight - What a pity we can't be friends - It's a pity you didn't contact us first

to be into something

meaning: If you're into something, it means you really like it. example: - I'm into listening to music. - Kate's really into classical music.

get ahold of

meaning: Literally, to grab and hold onto someone with one's hands. example: - The police officer got ahold of the suspect before he could run away - My sister got ahold of me at our mother's funeral to keep herself from breaking down in tears. meaning: To successfully make contact and communicate with someone. example: - I wasn't able to get ahold of my brother over the weekend, I hope he's alright. meaning: To gain total control, influence, or power over someone. example: - Well, once major corporations get ahold of politicians, it's easy to predict where that senator's or congressperson's interests will lie. - Addiction seems to have completely gotten ahold of John. meaning: To capture someone's attention, interest, or imagination. example: - Her latest novel got ahold of me and didn't let go until I'd read it cover to cover.

shortsighted

meaning: Not thinking enough about how an action will affect the future example: - It was a shortsighted decision - It is very shortsighted of the government not to invest in technological research - The plan was dangerously shortsighted

In the Public Eye

meaning: Someone or something is in the public eye if lots of people are paying attention to it. This almost always requires media coverage. example: - The actor is in the public eye now because of his arrest, but soon everyone will forget about him.

Turn a Blind Eye

meaning: Someone who turns a blind eye ignores something that is happening - usually something terrible, usually because they have something to gain example: - The police turns a blind eye to the drug smuggling operation because the drug lords pay the police chiefs every month.

Without Batting an Eye

meaning: Something that you do without batting an eye is something that you do not have to think about before doing it. This idiom is usually used to describe people who have views different from the majority example: - Mary did not even bat an eye when the tutor said that her hourly price would be $500/hour. In this example, hiring someone for $500/hour is very rare. Because Mary did not even stop to think about it, the idiom draws attention to her wealth (or at least, her willingness to spend and invest in herself).

In my mind's eye

meaning: Something that you imagine example: - In my mind's eye, working online is like sipping cold drinks on a warm beach.

every now and then

meaning: Sometimes, but not regularly example: - We still get together for lunch every now and then

the lesser of two evils

meaning: The less offensive of two undesirable options example: - Both options are unpalatable, but the lesser of two evils, in this case, is selling the house. - Polls show that the candidate is not well-liked, but is viewed as the lesser of two evils.

Have Eyes in the Back of One's Head

meaning: This phrase describes someone who always seems to know what is happening, even if they are not there. example: - I tried to pull a prank on my brother but my mother found out! It was like she had eyes in the back of her head.

know the drill

meaning: To be familiar with what happens or what needs to be done, without having to be told. example: - OK everyone, you know the drill! Stand beside your bunks and do not speak unless spoken to. - The boss usually goes off on a tirade like this every week or so, but we all know the drill at this point—it's just a big show.

up for

meaning: To be up for something means to want to do it example: - Are you up for going to the movies with us? - I'm not really up for doing anything tonight, I'm too tired synonym: =>to feel like doing example: - Do you feel like going to the museum? =>be in the mod for example: - I'm not in the mood for (going to) a museum today

clog

meaning: To become blocked or filled so that movement or activity is slowed or stopped, or to cause this to happen example: - Too much cholesterol clogs up your arteries - The gutters are clogged up with leaves - The streets were clogged with people - During rush hour, downtown streets are clogged with commuters - The pipes were clogged

Cry one's eyes out

meaning: To cry so much that you cannot cry anymore example: - when he heard his parents were in a serious car crash, he cried his eyes out before going to sleep

hit rock bottom

meaning: To reach the lowest or worst point of a decline example: - I knew I had hit rock bottom when I missed my son's birthday party. That's when I knew I needed to get help. - It's been falling in price for weeks, but I think the stock has finally hit rock bottom

hang out

meaning: To spend a lot of time in a place or with someone example: - It means that the people you hang out with determine who you are. - Do you still hang out at the pool hall? - They spend the hole day hanging out by the pool - I don't know why he hangs out with James, they've got nothing in common - Haven't you got anything better to do than hang out at the shopping centre? - The cool kids wanted to hang out with me

through thick and thin

meaning: Under all circumstances, no matter how difficult. example: - They stuck together through thick and thin - Do you know somebody who's stood by your side through thick and thin in 2017? - I will always love you, and stay connected to you through thick and thin

What's the drill?

meaning: What is going on here? - Bill: I just came in. What's the drill? Tom: We have to carry all this stuff out to the truck. - "What's the drill?" asked Mary. "Why are all these people sitting around like this?" meaning: What are the rules and procedures for doing this? - Bill: I need to apply for new license plates. What's the drill? Is there a lot of paperwork? Clerk: Yes, there is. - Bill: I have to get my computer repaired. Who do I talk to? What's the drill? Bob: You have to get a purchase order from Fred.

off the top of my head

meaning: Without thinking too much, to answer straight away, from memory example: - What's the capital of Mauritania?" "I don't know off the top of my head, but I could go and look it up

topple over

meaning: [to something very tall] to fall over example: - I was afraid that Jymi's stack of blocks would topple over - The stack of books toppled over and ended up as a jumbled mess on the floor

the odds are

meaning: the probability that a particular thing will or will not happen (= how likely it is) example: - If you drive a car all your life, the odds are that you'll have an accident at some point. - There are heavy odds against people succeeding in such a bad economic climate. - The overall odds of winning a lottery prize are 1 in 13. - The odds are stacked against a woman succeeding in the business (= it is not likely that a woman will succeed). - The odds are that it will rain today.

what are the odds

meaning: the probability that a particular thing will or will not happen (= how likely it is) example: - What are the odds of him being re-elected? (= do you think he will be) - So what are the odds of either of those happening?

take part

meaning: to be actively involved in something with other people example: - All the children took part in the Thanksgiving play - The plutocracy may be a meritocracy, but increasingly you have to be born on the top rung of the ladder to even take part in that race. - If patients want to take part in these trials, they only have to contact us

between the devil and the deep blue sea

meaning: to be in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action (same as "be between a rock and a hard place") example: - He had a dilemma on his hands. He was clearly between the devil and the deep blue sea

like a deer in the headlights

meaning: to be so frightened or surprised that you cannot move or think example: - We might, for example, just freeze, like a deer in the headlights, when someone asks us to lie or to cheat. - And I said, "That's not indecent then I want you to drop your trousers right now and get in the same pose". He looked like a deer in the headlights. - Each time they asked him a question he was like a deer caught in the headlights.

be of use

meaning: to be useful example: - Maybe his advice will be of use to you when you're older. - I hope this reminder will be of use to you as you think about your classes - It's just a thing of beauty that's not really going to be of use - That's a very old way of thinking, which may be not of use for our contemporary purposes. - I hope that these series are of use to you. I certainly know that it's been important to me throughout my intellectual development

carry away

meaning: to become so excited about something that you do not control what you say or do: example: - There's far too much food - I'm afraid I got a bit carried away. - The manager warned his young players not to get carried away by the emotion of the occasion. -

call off

meaning: to cancel example: - The sales manager decided to call off his trip to NY due to personal reasons

set sth off

meaning: to cause an activity or event, often a series of events, to begin or happen: example: - The court's initial verdict in the police officers' trial set off serious riots.

snip

meaning: to cut something with scissors, usually with small, quick cuts example: - Have you seen the scissors? I want to snip off this loose thread. - I snipped out the article and gave it to her. For "Snip vs Trim": https://wikidiff.com/trim/snip

be at odds

meaning: to disagree example: - They're at odds over the funding of the project. - Her version of events was at odds with (= very different from) the police report. - Science and Society, despite these achievements, are often at odds. - Seemingly, your objectives are not at odds with each other

squeeze something out of someone/something

meaning: to get or obtain something from someone with difficulty, or to cause something to happen by a continuous and difficult effort: example: - He used various tricks to squeeze money out of his father in England. - Small businesses are being squeezed out of the neighborhood by developers.

come about

meaning: to happen, or start to happen example: - How did the problem come about in the first place? - It all came about to fast!

make a call

meaning: to make a decision example: - Will Mak ever make a call on coming to the US or not? - Yes, I wish Mak would make the call too, I really want to go to the US

light a fire under sb

meaning: to make someone act quickly or forcefully, especially someone who has not been doing enough before example: - The coach tried to light a fire under the team in his halftime speech. - I want to tell you all of this not to discourage you. I am telling you all of this because I want to light a fire under you. - We used this to lit a fire under the leader for that team. - Your passion for this job, quite frankly, lit a fire under me to do it with the same enthusiasm as you do.

come forward

meaning: to offer to give help or information: example: - No witnesses to the accident have come forward yet, despite the police appeal. - Nobody has yet come forward with any information relating to the girl's death. - We have not had anybody come forward to say they have done a lot of research - There will be a provision in this plan that requires us to come forward with more spending cuts if the savings we promised don't materialize. - I'm just waiting for one of you to come forward and say you agree - Many of the world's biggest emitters have come forward with new climate plans of their own.

put off

meaning: to postpone example: - The sales manager decided to put off his trip to NY until next month

lean (sth) against/on sth

meaning: to sit or stand with part of your body touching something as a support example: - He leaned against the wall. - She leaned her head on his shoulder. - I leaned the wood against the wall. - I need something to lean my back against. - Don't lean on me.

call it a day

meaning: to stop working for the day example: - You've been studying hard - I think you should call it a day. - Great job guys, you've done a lot of work today. Now let's call it a day and go home

to put it mildly

meaning: used for saying that something is much more extreme than your words suggest example: - It has been a remarkable day, to put it mildly

all too often

meaning: used for saying that something makes you sad or upset because it happens more often than you think it should example: - All too often, parents leave their children at home alone - We see this problem all too often - We need to do something to make the text memorable. All too often learners read a text and then forget all about it

what's the drill for sth?

meaning: used to ask what the usual, correct way of doing or getting something is: example: - What's the drill for getting paid for my expenses?

sure enough

meaning: used to introduce a statement that confirms something previously predicted example: - "If that is how women are in California, one day I wanna move to California." - And sure enough, she ended up in California - After I did the drill, I turned around to see if they were serious, and, sure enough, they were laughing and tiptoeing through the mud

if I were in your shoes

meaning: used when you want to tell someone what you would do in their situation example: - If I were in your shoes, I think I'd write to her rather than try to explain over the phone

with flying colors

meaning: very easily, very successfully, with notable victory or success example: - She passed the exam with flying colors - Our product met the customer's requirements with flying colors - I wished you all would pass your challenges with flying colors

a whole lot

meaning: very much example: - Unfortunately, there is really not a whole lot that can be done to avoid this situation. - Things were about to get a whole lot worse. - He didn't like them a whole lot.

more than anything

synonym: - very much - very badly example: - I wanted to believe her more than anything, but I couldn't - More than anything (in the world), I'd like to visit Paris again

right off the bat

synonym: Immediately, instantly, without hesitation example: - It's September and still hot outside. You don't even need those things yet. Besides, you can't expect everything to be ready right off the bat. It's a new apartment and they are still finishing things off. - The new manager demanded new office furniture right off the bat - I can't tell you how many right off the bat, but I can find out reference: http://idioms.languagesystems.edu

more often than not

synonym: usually example: - In winter it rains a lot, and more often than not, you are carrying an umbrella - More often than not, a student will come up with the right answer - In winter the days are very short, and more often than not, you are driving with your headlights on

get the hang of

translation: Pegar o jeito meaining: To learn to handle something with some skill, through practice or diligence, which can lead to an almost unconscious performance thereof example: - Driving feels awkward when you're new to it, but it's easy once you get the hang of it.

back in the day

translation: antigamente meaning: At a time in the past that is remembered with fondness or nostalgia example: - Back in the day, I used to spend my summers exploring or playing with friends. Now I'm in the office every day. - Back in the day, we had an apartment with a swimming pool - That was back in the day when you watched "Wizard of Oz" once a year

seemingly

translation: aparentemente example: - He remains confident and seemingly untroubled by his recent problems - The factory closure is seemingly inevitable - Seemingly, your objectives are not at odds with each other - To suffer such faceless, seemingly random cruelty, harden the softest hearts

yield the right-of-way (to) / yeld (to)

translation: dar a preferencia example: - At an intersection without signs or signals, you should yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the right - You're supposed to yield to the driver on your right synonym: =>give way (to) example: - You must give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing this road

gear sth to/towards sb/sth

translation: to design or organize something so that it is suitable for a particular purpose, situation, or group of people Example: - From brand new events to tweaks on familiar favourites, the changes are geared towards making events faster, bigger, more exciting and more watchable. - Most public places are simply not geared to the needs of people with disabilities. - The workshops are geared towards helping people to become more employable. - These advertisements are geared towards a younger audience.