All Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Come down with

(v.) Get sick with a specific illness Ex: Every year, many people __________________ the flu during flu season (between October and May).

gird your loins

(v.) Prepare yourself for something difficult or challenging Ex: _______________________! We have the final tomorrow, and I heard it's going to be really hard!

Quit/go cold turkey

(v.) suddenly stopping a habit that is bad for you Ex: My doctor said to give up smoking, so I'm going to _______________________.

put up with

(v.) to accept unpleasant behavior or an unpleasant situation, although you do not like it Ex: I ___________________ you and your bad habits because I love you!

Be there for sb

(v.) to be available to provide help and support for someone Ex: It's important for brothers and sisters to _____________________ each other when life gets hard.

Stab me in the back

(v.) to betray someone; to do something bad to someone who trusts you Ex: I thought Mindy was my friend until she decided to ________________________ and stole my boyfriend!

Swept him off his feet

(v.) to cause someone to fall suddenly and completely in love with you Ex: She ________________________________ the first time they met. It was love at first sight.

meet me halfway

(v.) to compromise; to agree to do part of what someone wants if that person will do part of what you want Ex: Could you _____________________? You said the price is $300, but I offered $200. How about we agree on $250?

Keep her head above water

(v.) to deal with a difficult situation, especially one in which you have financial problems, and just manage to survive Ex: The full-time student had to work three part-time jobs just to ______________________________.

Have butterflies in my stomach

(v.) to feel nervous and maybe excited Ex: Before a presentation, I _________________________. *note: you can also say that someone "gives you butterflies"

hit it off

(v.) to get along very well with someone Ex: Can I fix you up with my brother? I know you'll ______________ right away!

Tie the knot

(v.) to get married Ex: We're going to ___________________ in July. You're all invited!

Keep your fingers crossed

(v.) to hope that things will happen in the way that you want them to Ex: _________________________ for me! I have an interview at my dream company tomorrow.

Looking sharp

Being well-dressed Ex: ________________, Becky! I love your outfit.

Bottoms up!

Cheers! What people say before drinking alcohol together. Ex: *Clink glasses* _______________________!

Break the ice

Do or say something that starts a conversation and makes people feel less shy when they first meet. Ex: Americans often talk about the weather to __________________________ when they first meet.

For the time being

For now, but not permanently Ex: ________________________, I am focusing on improving my English. Once I can communicate better, I'll look for a job.

You are what you eat.

It is important to eat good food in order to be healthy and fit. Ex: I always feel terrible after eating fast food. I guess ________________.

Bring sth/sb up

MULTIPLE MEANINGS (1) raise (children) Ex: Parents ___________ their children in many different ways. (2) mention, start to talk about Ex: Please don't ____________ that topic. It's so unpleasant! Transitive & Separable

Out of shape

Not physically fit Ex: After the holidays, he got _______________. He was eating a lot of unhealthy food and didn't take the time to exercise.

(Every) now and then

Occasionally; sometimes Ex: My husband doesn't like sweet things, but he'll have some dessert __________________________.

At the drop of a hat

Right away; at once; without delay; willing at any moment Ex: Emergency room doctors need to be ready to see patients _____________________________ when they are "on call."

Under the weather

Sick Ex: She's been feeling _______________, so she won't go to school today.

Sleep like a log/baby

Sleep very well Ex: I always have so much energy because I ______________________________ every night.

It's about time

Something finally happened later than expected. Often used to show that you are annoyed something didn't happen sooner. Ex: A: Aaron just called me back. B: _______________! You left a message three weeks ago!

No pain, no gain.

Suffering (pain) is necessary in order to achieve something. Ex: I hate exercising, but _________________.

All that glitters is not gold

Things are not always as good as they seem. If something looks good on the outside, it does not mean that it is good on the inside. Ex: A: This apartment seems great! Three bedrooms and two baths for $1500 a month. B: Be careful! ___________________! It might be a scam...

Get in/into shape

To be in the process of being stronger and physically fit (usually by exercising and losing weight) Ex: On January 1st, many people decide that it's their new year's resolution to ___________.

Cat got your tongue?

Why aren't you talking? Ex: Did you hear my question? Why aren't you answering? ____________________________

Quench your thirst (thirst-quenching)

a refreshing drink, makes you feel less thirsty after you drink it Ex: A cold glass of lemonade can really _______________ on a hot day.

On my case

always criticizing someone or telling them what to do Ex: The doctor has really been _____________ about my smoking. She says I need to kick the habit.

Touch-and-go

an uncertain situation Ex: Doctors say it's ____________ whether he'll make it through the surgery.

stick to your ribs

filling and hearty Ex: Steak and potatoes really __________________.

(make) enough to feed an army

make a lot of food Ex: Are we having guests for dinner? You made _____________________.

Once and for all

now and for the last time Ex: __________________, John has quit smoking cigarettes. He swears he will never smoke again.

The straw that broke the camel's back

one final problem that, added to previous troubles, has a very big negative effect Ex: She always ate unhealthy food but never had any health problems. When she started drinking more alcohol, it was ______________________, and she started to have high blood pressure and heart disease.

Pay through the nose

pay too much for something Ex: Brides usually ___________________ for wedding dresses because it's such an important day in their lives.

sleep on it

postpone a decision while giving it some thought Ex: I'm not sure what the best choice is. Let's ______________ and decide tomorrow.

Throw sth away/out

put in the trash, discard You can ____________ that food. It's already expired. Transitive & Separable

Night owl

someone who likes to stay awake late at night Ex: He's such a __________________. He always sends me emails at 2 am.

When pigs fly

something that will never happen Ex: A: When will you clean your room, Johnny? B: __________________! I hate cleaning!

Lay sb off

stop employment (by employer) Ex: The company may need to _______________ some workers because their profits have fallen. Transitive & Separable

Dragging her heels/feet

to act slowly or reluctantly Ex: My landlord is ________________ about fixing the air conditioning. If she doesn't do it soon, I'm going to refuse to pay rent.

Sit on the fence

to avoid making a decision or choice between two options Ex: You must not _____________! It's important to make a decision and stick to it.

Out of breath/winded

to be breathing quickly because you have been running, walking fast, etc. Ex: He was late for his appointment, so he ran up the stairs. He was _____________ when he arrived.

is on cloud nine

to be extremely happy and excited Ex: He ___________________________ because he just got engaged!

Can't hold a candle to

to be not as good as something Ex: I didn't like his new shoes. They _______________________ his old ones.

Her heart's in the right place

to be well-meaning and kindhearted; to have good intentions even though mistakes happen Ex: I'm a vegan, but my grandma keeps sending me milk chocolate. __________________________, but I wish she'd send vegan chocolate!

Nod off

to begin sleeping Ex: The lecture was so boring that many students started to _________________.

Play it by ear

to do something without planning in advance Ex: A: When should we meet tomorrow? B: I'm not sure when I'll be free. Let's _________________. I'll call you when I finish work.

Pig out

to eat a lot Ex: Americans always ____________________ on Thanksgiving.

spoil your appetite

to eat something that will stop you feeling hungry when it's meal-time Ex: Don't _____________________ and eat that bagel! Breakfast will be in 30 minutes.

Eat like a bird

to eat very little Ex: Those kids ___________________. Their parents have so much trouble getting them to eat enough!

Bite the bullet

to force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult, or to be brave in a difficult situation Ex: I hate going to the dentist, but I have a cavity, so I'll just have to _________________ and go.

Take a turn for the worse

to get worse/sicker Ex: The patient's condition started to ________________last night.

Get a move on

to hurry up Ex: Let's ____________________! If we don't leave now, we'll be late.

Miss the boat

to miss an opportunity or chance Ex: In California, people need to register to vote at least 15 days before the election. If you wait too long to register, you might _____________________.

not sleep a wink

to not sleep at all Ex: They have a new baby, so they did __________________ last night.

whip up

to prepare (a meal) quickly Ex: If you're hungry, I would _______________ some dinner.

Work up a sweat

to start sweating (usually because of exercise); to put a lot of energy or effort into a task Ex: We go to the gym and ______________ lifting weights every evening.

melt in your mouth

to taste delicious and feel very soft in your mouth Ex: Those cookies are so good! They really ______________.

On the same page

to think in a similar way, to have the same knowledge, or the same understanding about a situation as others do. Ex: Before we start the new lesson, let's review what we learned last time so that we're all ____________________.

Lose sleep over (something)

to worry about something Ex: I know you're worried about your presentation tomorrow, but try not to __________________________ it. Worrying isn't helpful.

watch their weight/count calories

trying to lose weight by being careful about what you eat Ex: A lot of people start to ________________ after New Year's Day.

Back to square one

(Adv.) to start over, or to go back to the beginning Ex: Our computer crashed and we lost the report. Now it's ____________________.

Runs in the family

(v.) If a quality, ability, disease, etc. ____________, many members of the family have it Ex: Being bad at math _____________________! The father and son both have trouble with the subject.

Make up (a test/assignment)

(v.) To take a test or complete an assignment that you missed because you were absent Ex: Professor, can I ____________ last week's test? I was sick that day.

Take a shot

(v.) To try or guess at something Ex: If you don't know the answer, just _________________!

Air your dirty laundry in public

(v.) To talk about your private disagreements or embarrassing matters in public, often while arguing Ex: A: MOOOM, Rachel hit me. B: He hit me first, Mom! C: Hush, don't ______________________! We'll resolve this at home.

Get down to business

(v.) When it's time to start seriously focusing on the actual work Ex: Enough chit-chat, let's ______________________ and start the meeting.

has eyes in the back of his head

(v.) to be able to know everything that's happening around you Ex: I swear my dad __________________________________! He always knows when I'm playing video games instead of doing homework.

Cut me some slack

(v.) to be less strict with someone because they are going through a difficult time Ex: I was supposed to fail that class because I missed two exams, but the professor decided to ___________________ because I told her that I had been very sick.

Cut/ skip/ ditch class

(v.) to choose not to go to class without having a good reason for being absent Ex: The 12th grade students decided to _________________ to see their favorite band in concert. Then, they got in trouble with their parents and the school.

Keep/stay in touch with

(v.) to continue to talk or write to someone Ex: I know you're moving away, but please ___________________________ me! I'll miss you.

Pick your brain

(v.) to get information by asking questions of a more experienced person Ex: I'm thinking of going into accounting. Could I ______________________ about the job?

Go the extra mile

(v.) to give more effort or do more than what's expected of you Ex: They both got promoted because they always _____________________________.

Think sth over

consider Ex: I need to _____________ it ____________ before I make a decision. Transitive & Separable

Talk sth over

discuss Ex: I'm not sure what to do. Can we ________ the problem __________? Transitive & Separable

Give sth up

quit doing something or quit trying Ex: My doctor told me I need to _____________ eating unhealthy food. Transitive & Separable

It's not the end of the world.

something is not as terrible as it seems to be Ex: I know it seems really horrible that you failed the test, but I promise you that ______________________. In 5 years, you won't even remember that this happened.

Put up with sth*

to accept or continue to accept an unpleasant situation or experience, or someone who behaves unpleasantly Ex: I ___________________ you and your bad habits because I love you! Transitive & Inseparable

Look up to sb

to admire and respect someone Ex: I __________________ my sister. She's my role model. Transitive & Inseparable

Get by

to be able to live or deal with a situation with difficulty Ex: It's hard to ______________ in a new country when you don't know the language, but it gets easier with time. Intransitive

Watch out for sth/sb

to be careful of something Ex: In warm, humid weather, you should ___________________________ mosquitos! Transitive & Inseparable

Count on sb

to be confident that you can depend on someone Ex: I hope my daughter feels that she can always _____________ me. I always want to support her. Transitive & Inseparable

Take after sb

to be similar to an older member of your family Ex: They ____________ their parents. All of them have brown hair and brown eyes and love playing sports! Transitive & Inseparable

Put sth off

to decide or arrange to do something at a later time Ex: It's not a good idea to ______________ doing your homework. Transitive & Separable

Get over sth

to get better after an illness, or feel better after something or someone has made you unhappy Ex: It can be hard to _________________ a breakup, especially if you were together for a long time. Transitive & Inseparable

Look down on sb

to think that someone is less important than you Ex: Don't ______________________ Tim just because he's a new employee! He'll has a lot of valuable experience from his last job. Transitive & Inseparable

Get rid of sth

to throw something away or give something to someone because you do not want it now Ex: In the US, it's common to do spring cleaning. We clean up our houses and _________________ old clothes that we don't wear anymore. Transitive & Inseparable

Cheer sb up

make happier Ex: I wanted to ___________ my son, so I bought him his favorite candy. Transitive & Separable

Get through sth

pass or assist someone in passing (a difficult or testing experience or period) Ex: We hope to ____________________ 2020 and have a better year in 2021! Transitive & Inseparable

Call sb back

return a telephone call Ex: I know you don't have time to talk on the phone right now, so could you _________ me __________ later? Transitive & Separable

Take a catnap

sleep for a short time during the day Ex: I'm exhausted, and it's only 12 pm. I think I'll _____________ during my lunch hour.

make your mouth water (mouthwatering)

smelling, looking, or sounding delicious Ex: His cookies ______________________.

Sawing logs

snore Ex: She's sleeping on the couch because her husband is __________________________ again.

An acquired taste

something that you dislike at first, but that you start to like after you have tried it a few times Ex: For my daughter, avocado was _________________. She didn't like it until the 10th time she tried it.

Got up on the wrong side of the bed

started the day in a bad mood that continues now Ex: Wow! He really ___________________________ today! He just yelled at me during the meeting for no good reason.

Show up

to arrive where you have arranged to meet somebody or do something Ex: In the US, we say it's "fashionably late" if you __________ to a party a few minutes after it starts. Intransitive

Be into sb/sth*

to be interested in Ex: Could you ____________ her? You always blush whenever you see her! Transitive & Inseparable

Turn into sth/sb

to change and become someone or something different, or to make someone or something do this Ex: In 2020, most teachers had to _________________ online educators! Transitive & Inseparable

Come over

to come to a place, especially somebody's house, to visit for a short time Ex: Do you want to _______________ and watch the presidential debate with me? Intransitive

Stick to sth

to continue doing or using something and not change to anything else Ex: A: You love music so much and you play the guitar so well! Why don't you try singing? B: My singing voice is terrible! I think I should ________________ playing the guitar! Transitive & Inseparable

Pick on sb

to criticize, punish, or be unkind to the same person often and unfairly Ex: Bullies often _______________ other children who are different in some way. For example, they may tease a girl because she's smart and gets the highest grades in the class. Transitive & Inseparable

Call sth off

to decide that a planned event or activity will not happen because it is not possible, useful, or wanted now Ex: We need to _________________ the meeting because the boss is sick. Transitive & Separable

Stand up for sb/ sth

to defend or support a particular idea or a person who is being criticized or attacked Ex: True friends ________________ each other when someone is picking on them. Transitive & Inseparable

Grow up

to develop into an adult Ex: When our children ____________, we hope they will be open-minded and considerate. Intransitive

Work out

to do exercises to make your body stronger Ex: I'm going to the gym to ________________. Intransitive

Fill in for sb

to do someone else's work for them because they cannot or will not do it themselves Ex: I can't come to work tomorrow. Would you __________________ me? Transitive & Inseparable

Pig out on sth*

to eat too much Ex: On American holidays, we always _________________ pies, bread, mashed potatoes, etc. Transitive & Inseparable

Hang up

to end a phone call Ex: I have to ___________. I'm getting another call. Intransitive

Head over heels (in love with)

(adj.) Very much in love with Ex: He falls in love so easily! He met a woman last night and he's already _______________!

Head over heels

(adj.) Very much in love with Ex: Those two are _____________________! When they're together they don't notice anything else happening around them.

Burned-out/ Burnt-out

(adj.) tired and unmotivated because of too much stress and work Ex: Many teachers and students feel ________________ at the end of the semester. After a few weeks of break, they are ready to start again!

Attached/Joined at the hip

(adj.) two people always spend time together Ex: Fred and Susie are _____________________. I always see them together.

Two peas in a pod

(adj.) very similar, either in appearance or personality Ex: My sisters are ____________________. They look like twins even though they're 3 years apart.

On the rocks

(adj.) when a relationship is in a bad situation and may soon end Ex: Their relationship has been ______________ for months. I wonder if they're going to break up.

Through thick and thin

(adv) in every situation; in good times and in bad times Ex: A true friend will be by your side ________________.

From the ground up

(adv.) If you build a business or project from zero or from the bottom Ex: Bill Gates built Microsoft ____________________________.

By the book

(adv.) doing it strictly according to the rules, policies or the law Ex: The manager is really strict. She always does everything ___________________.

behind his back

(adv.) secretly and in a dishonest way; without someone knowing Ex: He's such a gossip! He always talks about his boss ______________________.

Hang out

(informal) to spend a lot of time in a place Ex: Come to the beach and ____________ with us! We'll be here till 5 pm. Intransitive

be into

(inseparable phrasal verb) to be interested in Ex: Could you ____________ her? You always blush whenever you see her!

fall for

(inseparable phrasal verb) to fall in love with Ex: It's a bad idea to ______________ your co-worker! It might be hard to keep things professional at work.

Match made in heaven

(n.) A relationship that is likely to be happy and successful because the couple seems perfect for each other. Ex: My grandparents were a ________________________. They were happily married for 60 years.

A diamond in the rough

(n.) Someone or something that has great potential, but isn't refined and polished. Ex: That old guitar is ____________________. If you change the strings and polish the wood, it will sound and look great!

A blessing in disguise

(n.) Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but results in something good happening. Ex: I was so sad when I was laid off from my job, but it was _____________________. I was able to find a job I liked even more at a new company.

Helicopter parent

(n.) a parent who is closely involved with their child's life and tries to control it too much, especially their child's education Ex: I'm a total _________________! I can't step back and let my daughter make her own mistakes.

A fish out of water

(n.) a person who feels uncomfortable because he/she is in an unfamiliar place Ex: When I first moved to Ethiopia, I felt like ______________________, but after a year, I felt at home.

Music to my ears

(n.) information that makes you happy / pleased Ex: A: Hey, honey. I have good news! I'm pregnant! B: That's _____________! I can't wait to be a dad!

Your own flesh and blood

(n.) one's family Ex: You should forgive your sister. She's ________________________________________.

A shoulder to cry on

(n.) someone who is willing to listen to your problems and give you sympathy, emotional support, and encouragement Ex: If you need ________________________, I'm here for you.

what makes ________ tick

(n.) what makes someone behave in a particular way; a person's motivations Ex: After 20 years of marriage, you've probably learned _____________ your partner ________.

Writer's block

(n.) when you can't think of what to write or how to continue with your writing Ex: When I have ___________________, I like to talk to a friend about my ideas. Then, I can write down the words I said.

your other/better half

(n.) your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, romantic partner Ex: Where's _______________? I thought she would be coming to the party with you tonight.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

(proverb) If you eat healthy food, you won't get sick.

Time flies when you're having fun.

(proverb) When you are enjoying something, time seems to move more quickly. Ex: A: Is it already 8? I can't believe 5 hours have passed! B: Well, _________________!

Hit the nail on the head

(v.) Do or say something exactly right Ex: You __________________ when you said this company is competitive.

Call it a day

(v.) When your work has been completed for the day, or when you decide to stop working on an activity Ex: Woah, it's already 7:00 pm. Let's _________________ and continue tomorrow.

Cram for a test

(v.) study at the last minute; study a lot of information at one time Ex: Tonight is going to be a very long night because I need to _________________ tomorrow.

Cut corners

(v.) taking shortcuts and using the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to do something Ex: He got fired because he was lazy and always _____________________.

Think outside the box

(v.) think in a new and different way Ex: Our advertising firm is looking to hire someone who can _______________________. You know, someone with fresh and creative ideas.

Climb the corporate ladder

(v.) to advance in a company by getting promotions Ex: This company is so competitive. Everyone is just trying to _________________________!

Have a bun in the oven

(v.) to be pregnant Ex: Both of them _______________________. They're both due in May.

Break up (with)

to end a romantic relationship Ex: They fight all the time, but they don't want to _____________. They love each other. Intransitive

Check sth out

to examine something or get more information about it in order to be certain that it is true, safe, or suitable, to go to a place in order to see what it is like Ex: You should _________________ the neighborhood before you buy a house there. Transitive & Separable

Fall for sb*

to fall in love with Ex: It's a bad idea to ______________ your co-worker! It might be hard to keep things professional at work. Transitive & Inseparable

Go out

to leave a place in order to go somewhere else Ex: Let's _________________ to eat tonight. Intransitive

have a sweet tooth

to love of sugar or sweet things Ex: I _____________________. I can never resist chocolate.

Clean sth up

to make a person or place clean and tidy Ex: Please __________________ your room before your grandparents come over! Transitive & Separable

Come by

to make a short visit to a place, in order to see somebody Ex: If you ______________ my work tomorrow, I'll give you a discount on some furniture. Intransitive

Get together (with)

to meet in order to discuss something or to spend time together Ex: Do you want to ____________ next weekend? Maybe we can go hiking. Intransitive

Get back (to)

to return to someone or something Ex: I'd better ____________________. I've been away from work for too long. Intransitive

Speak up

to say something in a louder voice so that people can hear you Ex: Can you _________________? I couldn't hear what you said. Intransitive

Pull an all-nighter

to stay awake all night (usually to study) Ex: Ricky has a final tomorrow, so he'll probably _________________ tonight.

Kick the habit

to stop doing something harmful that you have done for a long time Ex: After 10 years of smoking, I think it's finally time to __________________.

Get away with sth

to succeed in doing something bad or wrong without being punished or criticized Ex: My baby brother is so cute! No one can get mad at him, so he can ______________________ anything! Transitive & Inseparable

your eyes were bigger than your stomach

to take more food than you can eat Ex: I think _________________________________. Can you really eat everything on your plate?

Drop sb/sth off

to take someone or something to a place, usually by car as you travel somewhere else Ex: I need to _________________ my daughter ___________ at school. Transitive & Separable

Catch up (with)

to talk to someone you have not seen for a while to discover what they have been doing. Ex: I haven't seen you in ages! Let's get together next weekend and ____________. Intransitive

Call sb up

to telephone someone Ex: I should __________ him ___________. We haven't talked in a long time. Transitive & Separable

Check up on sb/sth

to try to discover what someone is doing in order to be certain that that person is doing what they should be doing Ex: I need to _____________________ my son while he's doing online learning. He likes to play video games during his Zoom class. Transitive & Inseparable

Show off

to try to make other people admire your abilities or achievements in a way which is annoying Ex: He just bought a new car. He's going to drive to his friend's house so he can ____________ a little bit. Intransitive

Hold on

to wait (especially on the telephone) Ex: _____________! I'll be with you in a moment. Intransitive

(Money) burning a hole in my pocket

very eager to spend money Ex: I didn't need new shoes, but I bought them anyways. I got paid last week, and the money was _____________________.

(Money) burning a hole in my pocket

very eager to spend money Ex: I didn't need new shoes, but I bought them anyways. I got paid last week, and the money was _____________________.

At the crack of dawn

very early in the morning, especially at the time when the sun first appears; bright and early Ex: Young babies often wake up _____________________, before their parents want to be awake.

so hungry I could eat a horse

very hungry Ex: I didn't have time to eat lunch. Now, I'm _______________________________.

Once in a blue moon

very rarely Ex: Tariq's sister lives in Egypt, and he lives in California, so he can only see her ______________________.

piping hot

very warm Ex: Careful! That soup is _______________! Let it cool down a bit.

Tie up loose ends

(v.) to complete something that is almost finished by doing some last small tasks Ex: I'm almost done working for the day. I'll give you a call after I ________________ a few ___________.

Touch base with

(v.) to contact someone to update them about something Ex: I'll _______________________ you after the meeting to let you know how it went.

Follow in her footsteps

(v.) to do the same thing as someone else did previously Ex: She wants to be just like her mom. She will __________________________________ and become a doctor too.

Ace the test

(v.) to get a very high score (an A) on a test Ex: I studied so hard, I know I'll _____________!

Had a falling out

(v.) to have a serious argument and often stop talking to each other Ex: They ______________________ and now they refuse to be together at Thanksgiving.

(Don't) let the cat out of the bag

(v.) to let a secret out in the open · to allow something that is hidden to be revealed Ex: I bought my husband the video game he really wants for his birthday. Don't _____________________! I want it to be a surprise.

Be the spitting image of sb

(v.) to look extremely similar to someone Ex: I think the baby is going to ________________________ her mother!

Add fuel to the fire

(v.) to make a bad situation worse Ex: Please don't yell at me. I'm having a bad day already, and you're going to _________________________!

Racking my brain

(v.) to make a great effort to think of or remember something Ex: I'm _________________________, but I just can't think of the answer.

Think on your feet

(v.) to make a quick decision or give an answer quickly Ex: Job interviews can be hard because you need to ____________________.

Learn (something) by heart

(v.) to memorize something Ex: I need to __________the irregular past tense verbs ___________ before my quiz next week.

take _____ for granted

(v.) to not show that you are grateful for someone or something, and forget that you are lucky to have them Ex: Remember not to ________ your friends ____________. We should show them that we appreciate them.

Brush up on (something)

(v.) to review something in order to refresh one's memory Ex: You should ________________ math before you take the SAT.

Bury the hatchet

(v.) to stop an argument and become friends again, to make up after a fight Ex: Let's _______________ and be friends again.

Drop out (of school)

(v.) to stop going to school before finishing your degree Ex: He had to _____________________ to help take care of his family.

Hit the books

(v.) to study hard Ex: I have a final next week, so I'd better _______________ this weekend.

Bring me up to speed

(v.) to update someone; to give someone all the latest information about something Ex: I missed work yesterday because I was sick. Could you ________________________________?

Burn the candle at both ends

(v.) to work or study from early in the morning until late at night and so get very little rest Ex: If you ____________________ for a long time, you might make yourself sick! Everyone needs some time to relax.

Learn the ropes

(v.) used in situations where someone, usually a new coworker, needs to learn the basics of how something is done. Ex: It takes most new employees a couple of weeks to ____________________.

A close call

when something bad almost happens, but doesn't Ex: My grandfather had a _______________ yesterday. He had a heart attack when he was home alone. Luckily, we found him quickly and got him to the hospital in time.

Fill sth out

write information on a form (the whole form) Ex: Could you help me __________ this job application? Transitive & Separable

Walk a mile in his shoes (also, put yourself in his shoes)

you should try to understand someone before criticizing them Ex: I know it seems like he's a lazy worker, but ____________________________. He's also a full-time student and a dad. That's why he's so tired at work.

Fits like a glove

fits extremely well Ex: You need to buy that dress! It ______________________.

On the house

free of charge at a restaurant. Ex: I'm sorry we brought you the wrong food. Please have this dessert __________________.

On the mend

getting better after an illness or injury Ex: He broke his leg, and now he's ______________. He can get his cast off in two more days.

Hit the hay/sack

go to bed in order to sleep Ex: I have to wake up early tomorrow, so I'd better ________________.

Break a leg

good luck (especially before a performance or presentation) Ex: I heard you have a job interview tomorrow. __________________!

In the doghouse

in a bad situation because someone is angry at you; in trouble with someone (usually your husband or wife) Ex: A: Why is Tom looking so sad? B: He's _________________ because he lied to his wife last week.

Fix up with

(Separable phrasal verb) to arrange for two people to meet so that they might begin a romantic relationship Ex: Can I _______ you ___________my sister? You're both single, and I think you'd get along great!

Get cold feet

(V.) To get nervous and back out at the last minute (usually from getting married) Ex: A: Why is Tom looking so sad? B: He's afraid that his fiancée is going to _________________ and cancel the wedding.

Like father, like son/ Like mother, like daughter

A son is often similar to his father/ a daughter is often similar to her mother Ex: He's so bad at math! _______________________! His father was too!

Call it a day

Decide to stop working for the day Ex: Let's ___________________! We got a lot done already, and I'm hungry for dinner.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Different people have different ideas about what's beautiful Ex: I didn't like his suit at the wedding, but you know, ______________________________________.

Don't cry over spilled milk

Don't get upset over something that has happened and cannot be changed Ex: _____________________________________! You didn't get the job, but that's in the past. Focus on applying for the next job.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop

Expecting something bad to happen as the result of something that has already happened Ex: My forgetful sister took my video camera on her trip. Now, I'm ________________________. I expect her to call and tell me she's lost it.

In (good) shape

Healthy and physically fit Ex: She's _____________! She goes to the gym every day, so she's really strong.

Get along (with)

If two or more people _______________________, they like each other and are friendly to each other Ex: The brothers don't _______________. They are always arguing. Intransitive

Take care of sb

Looking after someone (especially children, the elderly, the sick, or pets) Ex: It's a lot of work to _________________ a puppy! Transitive & Inseparable

Pick sth/sb up

MULTIPLE MEANINGS: (1) lift Ex: Can you help me __________ this box? (2) go to (someone's house) and transport them in your car to another location. Ex: Can you __________ me __________ and take me to work? (3) to learn something without trying Ex: If you go to Spain, you'll _____________ some Spanish. Transitive & Separable

Blood is thicker than water

This means you believe that family connections are always more important than other types of relationship Ex: You should never take your family for granted. You know, ________________!

Drag on

To last longer than expected; when time passes slowly because something is boring Ex: She hates going to company meetings because they always __________________ and last an hour longer than they should.

Kill time

To pass time while waiting for something else to happen Ex: She listens to podcasts to ____________ while she's driving or waiting for an appointment.

Break in

To wear something new (especially shoes) until they feel comfortable Ex: Ouch! These new shoes hurt my feet. I need to _________ them___________!

Bright and early

Very early in the morning; at the crack of dawn Ex: On hot days, it's best to go for a run _______________.

A clean bill of health

a statement that someone is healthy (usually by a doctor), or that something is in good condition Ex: His doctor gave him __________________ three weeks after his surgery.

Up and about

able to walk around (especially after in being in bed because of an illness) Ex: Marco had the flu last week, but he's already _______________ and back to work.

Help sb out

assist (someone) Ex: Could you ______ me ___________? I can't carry this box alone. Transitive & Separable

In the nick of time

at the last possible moment, only just in time Ex: He registered for the class ______________________. Five minutes later it was full.

Fill sth in

complete by writing in a blank space (usually one item on the form) (separable) Ex: Please ____________ your name on this line. Transitive & Separable

Cost/pay an arm and a leg

cost/pay a lot of money Ex: My new shoes cost __________________________, but they were worth it! They're so cute!

Take your time

do something slowly in a relaxed way; opposite of hurry or rush Ex: You have a whole hour to take the test, so ________________. You don't need to rush and answer too quickly.

Give sth away

donate, get rid of by giving Ex: She lost weight, so she is going to ___________ her clothes that no longer fit her. Transitive & Separable

Drink like a fish

drink a lot of alcohol Ex: Many people ___________________ on St. Patrick's Day. It's tradition!

wolf/scarf down

eat up a meal quickly Ex: The children always ____________________ lunch after a soccer game. The exercise makes them hungry.

Day in and day out

every day, all day; continuously (often for something boring) Ex: During the month of April, it rained _______________________.

a feast fit for a king

excellent, luxurious, of high quality Ex: For Thanksgiving, we eat _________________________.

Out like a light

fall asleep quickly, suddenly unconscious Ex: Sorry I didn't answer your call yesterday. I was so tired that I went to bed at 9PM, and I was __________________.

Figure sth out

find the solution to a problem (often through effort) Ex: Did you __________ why your boss never came to work today? I hope nothing is wrong! Transitive & Separable