THE IDIOM COLLECTION
Go beyond the literal words. Learn what everyday expressions mean—and how to use them.
THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
According to how something first appears or what it directly says, without looking for a hidden meaning.
I took her reply at face value and assumed the date was confirmed.
To avoid allowing someone to become too close or friendly with you.
She was polite but kept the new acquaintance at arm’s length.
Feeling well again after being unwell or out of sorts.
By Monday, I felt as right as rain and was ready to return to the club.
Extremely calm, especially when others might expect you to be nervous or upset.
She answered the unexpected questions as cool as a cucumber.
Very difficult to understand.
The booking instructions were as clear as mud until someone showed us an example.
An additional skill, interest or resource that gives you another useful option.
Learning basic design gave me another string to my bow.
Many different social backgrounds, occupations and ways of living.
The community choir welcomes people from all walks of life.
Despite serious difficulties and a very low apparent chance of success.
Against all odds, the small team finished the exhibition before the doors opened.
A repeating chain in which one problem causes another that makes the first problem worse.
Rushing caused mistakes, and fixing them left less time and forced more rushing—a vicious circle.
A clear, typical example of a particular situation or pattern.
The mix-up was a textbook case of unclear responsibilities.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Use what you have learned in a short daily activity or a language game.
