English expression
Drag your feet
Meaning
Delay doing something because you do not really want to do it.
In a sentence
We are dragging our feet about sorting the storage cupboard.
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
Say more with an idiom.
Go beyond the literal words. Learn what everyday expressions mean—and how to use them.
THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
Explore the idiom collection.
English expression
Down the drain
Meaning
Wasted or lost, with no useful result.
In a sentence
Without a backup, a week of editing went down the drain.
English expression
Do your homework
Meaning
To research and prepare carefully before dealing with a situation.
In a sentence
We did our homework before choosing a venue, checking access and available space.
English expression
Dig your heels in
Meaning
To refuse to change your position when others try to persuade you.
In a sentence
He dug his heels in and refused to move the meeting time.
English expression
Dead in the water
Meaning
Unable to continue successfully and very unlikely to succeed.
In a sentence
Without a venue or funding, the original festival plan was dead in the water.
English expression
Cut from the same cloth
Meaning
Having very similar qualities, attitudes or ways of behaving.
In a sentence
The two tutors are cut from the same cloth: patient, practical and encouraging.
English expression
Come to a head
Meaning
To reach a stage where a developing problem must be dealt with.
In a sentence
The room-booking problem came to a head when two groups arrived at once.
English expression
Come in handy
Meaning
To be useful when needed.
In a sentence
Keep the spare cable; it may come in handy during the workshop.
English expression
Come a long way
Meaning
To improve or develop greatly from an earlier position.
In a sentence
Your spoken English has come a long way since the first session.
English expression
Chase rainbows
Meaning
To pursue hopes or goals that cannot realistically be achieved.
In a sentence
The mentor felt we were chasing rainbows by waiting for a perfect opportunity with no drawbacks.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
One small step, every day.
Use what you have learned in a short daily activity or a language game.