THE IDIOM COLLECTION
Go beyond the literal words. Learn what everyday expressions mean—and how to use them.
THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
To change your expressed opinion completely, often because the new position benefits you.
He criticised the project, then changed his tune when his own design was selected.
To speak plainly and honestly about something, even when the truth is unpleasant.
Let us call a spade a spade: the timetable leaves too little time for the main task.
A phrase used to introduce an additional point or a new topic.
By the way, did you receive the revised timetable?
By any method possible.
We were determined to get the show ready by hook or by crook.
To contribute something useful, such as a skill, idea or resource.
Each volunteer brings a different skill to the table.
To be noticeably new and different from the usual pattern.
The theatre group broke the mould by letting visitors choose the ending.
To become very angry.
He blew a fuse when he discovered that the booking had been cancelled.
To fail, come to an end or stop working.
Our old printer finally bit the dust during the busiest week.
In a difficult situation where the available choices are unattractive.
We were between a rock and a hard place: cancel the event or pay for a much smaller venue.
To depart slightly from the rules in a way someone considers minor or acceptable.
The organiser bent the rules and accepted one application a few minutes late.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Use what you have learned in a short daily activity or a language game.
