THE IDIOM COLLECTION
Go beyond the literal words. Learn what everyday expressions mean—and how to use them.
THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
To damage a relationship or remove an option in a way that makes returning or reconciling difficult.
She burned her bridges with the company by insulting her boss before quitting.
To take a risk and act without worrying about the consequences.
They threw caution to the wind and entered the costume contest.
A small visible or known part of something much larger, often a problem.
The recent data leak was just the tip of the iceberg—more security flaws were later discovered.
Extremely happy or joyful.
She’s been on cloud nine ever since she got the job offer from her dream company.
To try to make someone believe something untrue as a joke; to tease someone playfully in this way.
“My cat has learned to do the washing-up.” “Are you pulling my leg?”
A humorous or informal way to say someone has died.
In the comedy, the miser worries about who will inherit his fortune when he kicks the bucket.
To be in trouble or facing difficulties, especially for doing something wrong.
He’s in hot water with his boss for missing the meeting without notice.
To go to bed or go to sleep.
I’m exhausted—time to hit the sack and get some rest.
To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action; to make a wrong assumption.
If you think I’m the one who broke the vase, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Very expensive; costing a lot of money.
That designer handbag costs an arm and a leg, but she bought it anyway.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Use what you have learned in a short daily activity or a language game.
