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22 Modern and Popular English Idioms for Advanced Learners

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Introduction

confused by idioms

Idioms are expressions that don't mean exactly what the words say but have a figurative meaning understood through common use. They are essential for achieving fluency in English, especially at an advanced level. Idioms add color and expressiveness to the language and are a key part of everyday communication. For non-native speakers, understanding and using contemporary idioms can significantly enhance their ability to communicate effectively and naturally in English.

Throw someone under the bus

To "throw someone under the bus" means to betray someone for personal gain. It often involves sacrificing someone else to save oneself from trouble.

  • Examples:
    • During the group discussion, Sarah threw Tom under the bus to avoid criticism.
    • In an attempt to save his own job, he threw his colleagues under the bus during the review meeting.

Bend over backwards

To "bend over backwards" is to make a great effort to help someone. It implies going out of one's way to provide assistance or accommodate someone else's needs.

  • Examples:
    • Jack bent over backwards to ensure the project was completed on time.
    • The teacher bent over backwards to help students understand the material.

Thriving in the Workplace

Move the needle

To "move the needle" refers to making a significant difference in a situation or project. It suggests a change that is noticeable enough to measure or see.

  • Examples:
    • Introducing the new product line really moved the needle on our market share.
    • Despite numerous attempts, the marketing campaign failed to move the needle on customer engagement.

Low-hanging fruit

The term "low-hanging fruit" is used to describe achieving the easiest tasks first to show quick results. It implies picking the most accessible opportunities to gain momentum.

  • Examples:
    • We should focus on the low-hanging fruit during our initial rollout.
    • The consultant recommended harvesting the low-hanging fruit to improve our quarterly results.

Overcoming Obstacles

Jump through hoops

To "jump through hoops" means to go through a lot of difficult procedures or obstacles. It often implies dealing with many challenges to achieve a goal.

  • Examples:
    • We had to jump through hoops to get the necessary permits for the new building.
    • The new law requires companies to jump through hoops to comply with regulations.

Push the envelope

"Push the envelope" refers to extending the limits of what is possible, often in creative or innovative ways.

  • Examples:
    • The new tech startup is pushing the envelope with its innovative software.
    • The director pushed the envelope with her avant-garde filmmaking style.

Recognizing Achievements and Setbacks

Turn the corner

To "turn the corner" means to recover from a difficult situation, often signaling a positive change in circumstances.

  • Examples:
    • After months of declining sales, the company finally turned the corner with its new product.
    • The patient turned the corner after a critical phase of the treatment.

Back to the drawing board

Going "back to the drawing board" means starting over after a failed attempt, often with the intention of developing a new strategy or approach.

  • Examples:
    • Our initial design was not effective, so it was back to the drawing board.
    • After the prototype failed, the team had to go back to the drawing board.

Time Management and Opportunities

Beat the clock

To "beat the clock" means to finish something before a deadline, often involving a race against time to complete a task.

  • Examples:
    • The team worked nights to beat the clock on the project deadline.
    • She managed to beat the clock and submit her application just in time.

Seize the day

"Seize the day" encourages taking advantage of an opportunity without delay, emphasizing the importance of acting in the moment.

  • Examples:
    • He seized the day and turned his hobby into a successful business.
    • When she saw the chance for promotion, she seized the day and applied for the position.

Discerning Truths and Lies

Pull the wool over someone's eyes

To "pull the wool over someone's eyes" means to deceive someone, often by providing misleading information or creating illusions.

  • Examples:
    • He tried to pull the wool over her eyes with a fake excuse.
    • The con artist pulled the wool over their eyes for months.

The last straw

"The last straw" refers to the final problem in a series of problems that finally causes one to lose patience or reach a breaking point.

  • Examples:
    • The last straw was when he forgot her birthday.
    • Losing the contract was the last straw for the struggling business.

Read between the lines

To "read between the lines" means to understand the hidden meaning or unspoken context behind something, often requiring intuition or insight.

  • Examples:
    • You need to read between the lines of the official statement to understand the real issue.
    • She said she was fine, but reading between the lines, I could tell she was upset.

Talk the talk and walk the walk

To "talk the talk and walk the walk" means to back up one's words with actions, demonstrating consistency between what one says and does.

  • Examples:
    • Many politicians talk the talk during their campaigns, but few walk the walk once elected.
    • The new manager not only talks the talk but also walks the walk, leading by example.

Expressing Opinions and Decisions

Sit on the fence

To "sit on the fence" means to delay making a decision or taking a side, often due to indecision or desire to remain neutral.

  • Examples:
    • When it came to the controversial issue, many preferred to sit on the fence rather than express an opinion.
    • He's been sitting on the fence about moving to a new city for months now.

The elephant in the room

"The elephant in the room" refers to a big problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion.

  • Examples:
    • The budget deficit was the elephant in the room during the meeting.
    • Everyone avoided talking about the layoffs, the elephant in the room.

Personal Growth and Change

Turn over a new leaf

To "turn over a new leaf" means to change one's behavior for the better, often implying a significant personal improvement or transformation.

  • Examples:
    • After his health scare, he turned over a new leaf and started exercising regularly.
    • She turned over a new leaf and became more punctual and reliable at work.

Go the extra mile

To "go the extra mile" means to do more than what is required or expected, often to achieve excellence or ensure complete satisfaction.

  • Examples:
    • She always goes the extra mile for her clients, ensuring their complete satisfaction.
    • To win the competition, you'll need to go the extra mile in your preparation.

Dealing with Difficulties and Setbacks

Against all odds

"Against all odds" means to succeed despite very low probability, highlighting triumph in the face of adversity.

  • Examples:
    • Against all odds, he recovered fully from his injuries.
    • She completed the project on time against all odds, despite the lack of resources.

A double-edged sword

"A double-edged sword" refers to something that has both positive and negative effects, illustrating the complexity of certain benefits.

  • Examples:
    • Technology is a double-edged sword; it simplifies life but also creates dependency.
    • His attention to detail is a double-edged sword, beneficial in quality control but detrimental in time management.

Encouraging Action and Initiative

Step up to the plate

To "step up to the plate" means to take responsibility for doing something, especially in a challenging situation.

  • Examples:
    • When the lead actor fell ill, the understudy stepped up to the plate and delivered a stellar performance.
    • It's time for someone to step up to the plate and lead the project to completion.

Break new ground

"Break new ground" means to do something innovative that has not been done before, emphasizing pioneering efforts.

  • Examples:
    • The research team broke new ground with their recent discovery.
    • The new policy breaks new ground in the fight against climate change.

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Conclusion

The mastery of idioms is crucial in achieving advanced English fluency, as they enrich communication and expressiveness. This article has explored various idioms that navigate social dynamics, workplace environments, and personal growth among other areas. Learners are encouraged to actively incorporate these idioms into their daily communication to achieve a more nuanced and native-like expression, thus enhancing their overall language skills.

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