英文慣用語

“Have a chip on your shoulder”

To be resentful and easily offended because you feel unfairly treated.

“Go against the grain”

To be contrary to someone’s usual beliefs, preferences, or habits.

“Be out of the woods”

To be free from the main danger or difficulty, especially after a crisis.

“Be on the back foot”

To be at a disadvantage and forced to react rather than take the initiative.

“Put a brave face on it”

To appear cheerful or confident despite feeling upset or afraid.

“The writing is on the wall”

There are clear signs that something bad is going to happen.

“Take something in your stride”

To deal calmly with a difficulty without letting it upset you.

“Have your work cut out”

To face a task that will require a lot of effort.

“Let the dust settle”

To wait until confusion or strong feelings have calmed before acting.

“Keep your head above water”

To manage to survive or cope, especially with financial or work difficulties.

“Put someone on the spot”

To make someone answer a difficult question or decide before they are ready.

“Be a fly on the wall”

To watch or hear a situation without being noticed.

“Read someone like a book”

To understand someone’s thoughts or feelings very easily.

“Get the wrong end of the stick”

To misunderstand what someone means.

“Play your cards right”

To act wisely and use your opportunities well to succeed.

“Have a soft spot for someone”

To feel particular affection for someone or something.

“Sweep something under the rug”

To hide or ignore a problem instead of dealing with it.

“Steal someone’s thunder”

To take attention or praise away from someone by acting before them.

“Put your foot in your mouth”

To say something embarrassing or tactless by accident.

“Go off on a tangent”

To start talking or thinking about a subject unrelated to the main topic.

“Get your wires crossed”

To misunderstand each other or confuse information.

“Have an ace up your sleeve”

To have a secret advantage or plan that you can use when needed.

“Take the wind out of someone’s sails”

To make someone feel less confident or enthusiastic.

“Be snowed under”

To have more work than you can easily manage.