Try a short comparison, check the explanation, then open a lesson for more examples. These expressions have different meanings, even when they fit a similar topic.

Work, study and your limits

Working late, taking on too much and giving up describe different stages of a difficult task. Choose the expression that explains what the person actually does.

Try it: Ravi studies until 2 a.m. to finish one assignment. Which expression describes the late-night work?

Check the explanation

Burn the midnight oil. Spread yourself too thin means dividing your effort among too many commitments; throw in the towel means giving up.

Listening and discussion

Listening closely, understanding an unstated message and testing an argument are different conversation skills. These expressions are useful when discussing ideas with other people.

Try it: Leela supports a plan but raises objections to test its weaknesses. Which expression fits?

Check the explanation

Play devil’s advocate. All ears describes readiness to listen; read between the lines means noticing a message that is implied rather than stated.

Risk and decisions

Taking a personal risk is different from ignoring caution or accepting the result of an action. Compare the speaker’s attitude before choosing an expression.

Try it: An employee supports an unpopular proposal despite the risk of criticism. Which expression emphasizes that personal risk?

Check the explanation

Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind suggests acting without normal caution; let the chips fall where they may means accepting the outcome.

Surprises, success and endings

An event can be unexpected, unusually successful or deliberately brought to an end. These expressions describe different outcomes; they are not interchangeable.

Try it: An old friend calls after ten years without any warning. Which expression describes the surprise?

Check the explanation

Out of the blue. Hit the jackpot describes a great success or lucky gain; pull the plug means stopping something such as a project.

Choices and first impressions

Ask why someone makes a choice: are they following a trend, judging by appearances or looking for variety? Each situation calls for a different expression.

Try it: A plain-looking café serves excellent food. Which saying warns against judging it by its appearance?

Check the explanation

You can’t judge a book by its cover. Jump on the bandwagon means joining a popular trend; variety is the spice of life praises trying different experiences.

Conflict and relationships

Expressing anger, receiving the same unpleasant treatment you gave others and damaging future relationships are different consequences of conflict. These expressions often carry a critical tone.

Try it: Someone leaves a job by insulting everyone, making a future return difficult. Which expression fits?

Check the explanation

Burn bridges. Vent your spleen means expressing anger; get a taste of your own medicine means experiencing treatment similar to what you gave someone else.

Secrets, silence and ignoring problems

Keeping quiet does not always mean ignoring a problem. Compare an instruction to stop talking, revealing a secret and deliberately overlooking something wrong.

Try it: A manager knows about a rule being broken but chooses to ignore it. Which expression describes that choice?

Check the explanation

Turn a blind eye. Spill the beans means reveal a secret; zip your lip tells someone to be quiet and can sound rude.

Look beyond the literal words

An idiom’s words can create a picture that differs from the intended message. Check the context before interpreting a phrase as a literal instruction or description.

Try it: A friend says “Break a leg!” just before your performance. What do they mean?

Check the explanation

Good luck. Not out of the woods yet means difficulties or danger remain; X marks the spot identifies a location, literally or figuratively.

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