Language/English/Vocabulary/Useful-Sentenses
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Here are some very useful English expressions that will make you sound like a native. Try to guess the meaning of each idiom and click on the link to check if you were right. Feel free to edit this page and add more useful expressions. 📚 After mastering these expressions, you can also explore other related topics such as English "Any and No" usage, English "Not...as such" phrases, and asking for directions in English. 🌐 This article will be more suited to advanced & intermediate levels in English. Happy learning! 😊
A hot potato[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed
- Example: The staff is not speaking on this topic as it is a political hot potato.
A penny for your thoughts[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: A way of asking what someone is thinking
- Example: Bob, you look very happy. A penny for your thought?
Acid Test[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Acid test proves the effectiveness of something.
- Example: I practiced hard today but the acid test will come when the trainer will assess our solo performance.
Actions speak louder than words[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
- Example: You keep saying that you will repair the window. Remember that actions speak louder than words.
Add insult to injury[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
- Example: He said my clothes didn't suit me. Then, to add insult to injury he said I had to lose some weight...
An arm and a leg[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
- Example: The food is really good but it costs you an arm and a leg.
At the drop of a hat[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
- Example: I hate to speak in public while she would get up on stage at the drop of a hat.
Be glad to see the back of[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Be happy when a person leaves.
- Example: After Christmas, John was glad to see the back of it.
Beat around the bush[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Not speaking directly about the issue.
- Example: Just ask me, don’t beat around the bush!
Best of both worlds[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: All the advantages.
- Example: I have the best of both worlds because I live in the country side while being very close to the city center.
Best thing since sliced bread[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
- Example: I’ve bought a new smartphone, it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, I cannot believe I ever lived without it.
Bite off more than you can chew[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: To take on a task that is way to big.
- Example: Don’t bite off more than you can chew – you will not be able to deal with that issue...
Blessing in disguise[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Something good that isn't recognized at first.
- Example: Being caught in that traffic jam was a blessing in disguise. If I hadn't missed my train, I would have been on that train accident.
Chase your tail[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving little.
- Example: He's been chasing his tail all week but the job is not done yet.
Explore all avenues[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: Trying out every possibility to get a result.
- Example: If we really want this to be done, we have to explore all avenues.
Whole bag of tricks[edit | edit source]
- Meaning: trying all the clever means to achieve something.
- Example: It was really hard to sort that out even after applying the whole bag of tricks.
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Videos[edit | edit source]
Useful English Words & Phrases to Speak Like a Native - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Learn 15 UNUSUAL but VERY USEFUL English Vocabulary Words ...[edit | edit source]
8 Useful Phrases With Let - Business English Vocabulary - YouTube[edit | edit source]
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