111 Advanced English Idioms in Context

hello everyone and welcome back to English with Lucy today I have got a mammoth video for you as I'm sure you've seen in the title you are going to learn 111 idioms but actually there might be a couple more in there you'll have to see now I'm sure you've got ants in your pants I'm sure you're very excited to start this lesson that was an idiom number one but before we get started I have got the most fantastic free gift for you to download right now in this lesson we're going to discuss over 111 idioms with the pronunciation with the definition and an example well I have created a free ebook to go with today's lesson it contains all of the information and loads of quizzes so that you can test your understanding of the idioms if you'd like to download that free ebook that I've made especially for this lesson all you've got to do is click on the link in the description box you enter your name and your email address you sign up to my mailing list and then the free ebook will arrive directly in your email inbox after that you've joined the PDF Club you will automatically receive all of my free weekly lesson PDFs along with all of my news course updates and offers it's a free service and you can unsubscribe at any time okay let's get started with the idioms so to make this easier for you and more comprehensive I've separated today's idioms into various categories so that everything is nice and organized for you it also looks beautiful in the ebook my aim is to train you to have idioms ready for any situation I think that the best place to start is to learn some idioms to talk about different levels of happiness and excitement number one in seventh heaven this means extreme extremely happy or joyful she was in seventh heaven after finding out she was pregnant two to paint the town red to go out and enjoy oneself by engaging in Lively activities after their exams Oliver and his mates decided to paint the town red by hitting as many pubs as they could three over the moon this means extremely delighted or thrilled when he received his dream job offer he was over the moon with excitement four similar on cloud nine this is a state of complete happiness or Euphoria Tabitha was on cloud nine when she found out her mum was coming for a visit Five On Top of the World feeling extremely successful confident and happy I just landed the lead part in a play I'm on top of the world six to have a whale of a time to have an extremely enjoyable and exciting time during their vacation they had a whale of a Time exploring the beautiful beaches and seven to have the time of one's life to have an exceptionally enjoyable or memorable experience With The Wind in their hair and the ocean beneath their boards they surfed having the time of Their Lives full of the joys of spring this is slightly more old-fashioned to be extremely happy cheerful or full of enthusiasm even though the rain showed no signs of letting up she sat in her cozy chair with her book full of the joys of spring nine to make one's day this is to greatly please or Delight someone receiving a handwritten letter from her favorite author made her day and number 10 to conclude this section in raptures about or over in raptures about and raptures over in a state of extreme Delight or excitement about something the audience was in Raptors over the hilarious performance by The Improv Comedy act let's move on to our next topic we also like to use idioms to talk about our overall health so let's have a look at some of my favorites we have number 11 to kick the bucket this is to die or pass away no Bob isn't coming to the reunion he kicked the bucket last spring 12 a clean bill of health this is a statement or certification of being in good health after a thorough medical examination the doctor gave me a clean bill of health 13. like death warmed up looking extremely ill or unhealthy Sarah caught a terrible cold but went to work anyway despite looking like death warmed up 14 as fit as a fiddle this means in excellent physical health and condition John exercises regularly to remain as fit as a fiddle at the ripe old age of 86 15 to go under the knife this is to undergo surgery or a medical operation 16. to have one foot in the grave this is to be near death or in very poor health after his heart attack Tom felt like he had one foot in the grave and wasn't about to waste a single moment 17. to recharge one's batteries this is to take a break and rest to regain energy and strength Julia decided it was finally time to have a weekend getaway to recharge her batteries 18 as right as rain this is imperfect order or condition perfectly fine although she had been feeling unwell after a good night's sleep she woke up feeling as right as rain number 19 as fresh as a daisy this is feeling or appearing refreshed and energetic I felt as fresh as a daisy after my long shower followed by a warm cup of tea 20. as pale as a ghost or as pale as death not a death as death this is having a very pale complexion often due to fear illness or shock the loud crashing sound downstairs caused Jane to turn as pale as a ghost number 21. a bag of bones if someone looks like a bag of bones they are very thin typically with prominent bones visible she felt like a bag of bones after losing weight unintentionally okay next topic I'm British it's going to be the weather weather is always a big topic here in the UK so it's no surprise that we have loads and loads of idioms that utilize different natural phenomena 22 to kick up a storm this is to cause a significant commotion or controversy the scandalous Revelation kicked up a storm of media frenzy sparking intense public interest 23. the Calm before the storm this is a period of relative peace or Tranquility before a more turbulent or difficult situation arises the office seemed quiet but everyone knew it was just the Calm before the storm of the new product launch 24. to steal someone's Thunder this is to take attention or credit away from someone by doing or saying something that outshines or Eclipses their achievement or idea Phyllis had prepared an elaborate surprise but Jan's unexpected announcement stole her Thunder 25 were there smoke there's fire this means if there are signs or indications of a problem or issue it is likely that a problem or issue exists rumors about layoffs that the company have been circulating and where their smoke there's fire 26. to throw caution to the wind to act without considering the possible risks or Consequences despite the warnings he threw caution to the wind quite literally and went skydiving for the first time 27 to Chase rainbows the pursue unrealistic or unattainable goals or dreams instead of focusing on practical career options he spent his life chasing rainbows and never achieved stability 28. a storm and a teacup that's so British we love the weather and we also love tea a storm and a tea cup this is a situation that is exaggerated or blown out of proportion making it seem more significant or serious than it actually is the argument between the colleagues turned out to be a storm in a teacup and was quickly resolved 29. snowed under this is overwhelmed with a large amount of work tasks or responsibilities with the approaching exams she was completely snowed under and had to study late into the night 30. to have one's head in the clouds this is to be daydreaming or not paying attention to or not being aware of what is happening around oneself during the meeting Pierre seemed to have her head in the clouds and didn't contribute much 31. to take a rain check this is to decline an offer or invitation at the present time but suggest doing it at a later date sorry I can't make it tonight can I take a rain check and reschedule okay next topic now I tend to catch the travel bug from time to time and I'm sure a lot of you do too so let's learn some idioms related to travel as well as some idioms that utilize travel related vocabulary starting with number 32 first for adventure this is a strong desire or craving for exciting and daring experiences my group of friends and I planned an epic road trip to satisfy our Collective thirst for adventure 33. off the Beaten Track this means in a remote or Less Traveled location away from the mainstream or popular tourist areas they decided to go camping in a small village off the Beaten Track to escape the crowds 34 to have itchy feet this is to have a strong desire or restlessness to travel or explore new place is after staying in the same city for years we had itchy feet and wanted to experience new cultures 35. to get away from it all this is to escape or to take a break from one's usual routine or responsibilities often in search of relaxation escaping to a remote tropical island is the perfect way to get away from it all 36. to hit the road this is to begin a journey or trip usually by driving it's time to hit the road and start our next adventure we can also use this one to say we are leaving it's time to hit the road see you tomorrow 37 hustle and bustle this is busy and noisy activity often associated with a crowded or Lively environment the city center was full of hustle and bustle with people rushing around 38 to catch some raids this is to spend time in the sun often to relax or sunbathe they headed to the beach to catch some rays and enjoy the warm summer weather 39 a mile a minute this is at a very fast or rapid Pace quickly and energetically she talks a mile a minute but always has something interesting to say 40 in the same boat this means in the same situation or predicament as others facing a common challenge or circumstance we may have different backgrounds but during tough times we're all in the same boat 41 right up one street this is perfectly suited or aligned with one's interests or preferences with her passion for cooking this culinary class is going to be right up her street okay next topic time we also have loads of idioms to talk about time and getting tasks done we don't have a moment to lose so let's get on with the first one we have 42 Round the Clock this means all day and all night without stopping my mum was a nurse who often worked Round the Clock to take care of her patients 43. to call it a day or to call it a night this is to stop what you're doing but because you don't want to do any more or you think you have done enough after hours of negotiations that were going around in circles they decided to call it a night 44 the Moment of Truth this is the time when a person or thing is tested or a decision has to be made the job interview had arrived and it was the moment of truth to Showcase his skills and qualifications 45 love this one donkey's years this means a very long time he's been telling that same joke for donkey's years but it still manages to get a few laughs 46. once in a blue moon this means very rarely he doesn't eat out often it only happens once in a blue moon 47 Round the Corner this is very near or happening soon the deadline for this project is just around the corner so we need to pick up the pace 48 like clockwork this means happening exactly as planned without any trouble or delay the wedding went like clockwork with every detail perfectly timed okay these next three are all quite similar in meaning we have 49 down to the wire meaning until the last possible moment with only seconds left on the clock the game went down to the wire keeping Spectators on edge 50 at the 11th hour at the last possible moment the deal was saved at the 11th Hour when an unknown investor stepped in with the necessary funds and 51 in the nick of time this means just in time or at the last possible moment he arrived at the airport in the nick of time just as his flight was due to depart okay next topic who doesn't enjoy gossiping about love and relationships well these idioms will be perfect for your next chin wag let's start with number 52 to fall Head Over Heels this is to fall deeply in love or to become infatuated with someone or something like an animal when she saw the adorable puppy she fell head over heels and knew she had to adopt it 53. the apple of one's eye this is someone or something that is cherished or highly valued by someone else his daughter is the apple of his eye he adores her 54 to tie the knot this is to get married or enter into a formal Union after years of dating they decided it was time to finally tie the knot 55 distill one's heart this is to Captivate or charm someone in a way that they fall in love or become deeply attracted her infectious laughter and warm personality instantly stole his heart 56. to pop the question this is to propose marriage to someone with the diamond ring hidden in his coat pocket he planned the perfect moment to pop the question 57 to play hard to get this is to act uninterested in order to increase one's desirability or attractiveness to another person it was clear she was interested but she couldn't resist playing hard to get adding to the excitement 58 to hit it off with someone this is to have an instant connection or rapport with someone from the moment they met they hit it off and became close friends 59 to be stood up this is to be intentionally or unexpectedly left waiting for someone who doesn't show up for a planned meeting or date Glenda arrived at the restaurant eagerly only to be stood up by her date and 60 a match made in heaven this is a couple or pairing that is perfectly suited for each other and seems destined to be together with their shared interests and values they truly are a match made in heaven 61. an old flame this is a past romantic partner or love interest when Marcia moved back to her hometown she reconnected with an old flame from sixth form okay next topic we have so many color related idioms you've actually already seen a couple but let's go over some of the most common 62 to get the green light this is to receive permission to proceed with a project or action we finally got the green light to start the new marketing campaign 63 out of the blue this is suddenly and unexpectedly I hadn't heard from him in years but then he called me out of the blue 64. Green With Envy this is very jealous or envious she was Green With Envy when she saw her friend's new car 65. to be tickled pink this is to be very pleased or amused Tony was tickled pink by the surprise party his friends threw for him at the office 66 golden opportunity this is an excellent opportunity that is not likely to be repeated this job is a golden opportunity for someone with a background in journalism like yourself 67. rose-colored or Rose tinted spectacles this is an optimistic perception of something or a really positive perspective often used when we look back in the past note that you can also say glasses instead of spectacles she always sees the world through Rose tinted spectacles but sometimes I feel she really needs a reality check there's a bonus idiom there reality check this is an event or situation that brings a person back to the harsh or practical realities of Life 68. a gray area this is a situation not clearly defined or that falls between two extremes their relationship was undefined existing in a gray area between friendship and romance 69 to be caught red-handed this is to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong my daughter was caught stealing biscuits red-handed or should I say biscuit-faced 70. yellow-bellied or just yellow this means cowardly or easily scared he was too yellow-bellied to confront his boss about the ongoing issues he faced and last one for this topic on a silver platter if you are given something on a silver platter it's given to you without having to work or make an effort for it he expected success to come to him effortlessly always wanting things served on a silver platter okay new topic like colors animals are also really popular subjects in idioms and luckily they tend to be some of the best ones let's look at number 72 Eager Beaver this is a person who is enthusiastic energetic and eager to work or participate Rommel is always the first one to volunteer for new projects he is such an eager beaver 73 to take the bull by the horns this is to confront a difficult or challenging situation directly and decisively instead of avoiding the issue he decided to take the bull by the horns and address the problem head-on 74. to let the cat out of the bag this is to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information unintentionally or carelessly my dad couldn't contain his excitement and let the cat out of the bag about our vacation destination 75 until the cows come home this means for a very long time indefinitely Or Without a definite end I know you want to play video games until the cows come home but eventually you need to do your homework 76 to drop like flies this is to rapidly decrease in number or weaken significantly often due to illness or other negative factors during the flu season people were dropping like flies and the hospital was overwhelmed 77 to hold one's horses this is to be patient wait or stop rushing I know you're excited but hold your horses let's make a plan first 78 is to pig out to pig out this means to eat excessively or indulge in large quantities of food often in an uncontrolled manner after weeks of dieting he decided to pig out and enjoy a cheap day with all his favorite snacks 79 is to smell a rat this is to suspect or sense that something is wrong or suspicious Carolina's instincts told her to be cautious as she began to smell a rat in their business dealings A.T did you hear this one at the start to have ants in one's pants this is to be unable to sit still or to be restless due to impatience excitement or anxiety I've Got Ants in My Pants about this presentation tomorrow help me calm down 81. to have other or bigger fish to fry this is to have more important or pressing matters to attend to to be preoccup fight with other tasks or concerns sorry I can't join you for dinner tonight I have other fish to fry with this project deadline okay new topic next up we have some incredible idioms that are perfect for describing people specifically people with unique character traits let's start with 82 Chatterbox this is a person who talks a lot my little niece is such a chatterbox she can talk for hours about the most random things 83. Loose Cannon and my husband sometimes calls me loose as in a short for Lucy Canon this is a person who behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredictable manner often causing damage or danger he's a loose cannon you never know what he might say or do next 84. wet blanket this is a person who spoils other people's Fun by failing to join in with or by disapproving of their activities don't invite him to the party he's such a wet blanket 85 to blow one's own trumpet this is to boast or brag about one's own abilities or achievements he never misses an opportunity to blow his own trumpet 86. the salt of the earth this is a person or people of great kindness reliability or honesty she's the salt of the earth always ready to help those in need 87. fair weather friend this is a person who is only a friend when circumstances are Pleasant or profitable when I was rich I had many friends but I found out most of them were just fair weather friends number 88 is a jack of all trades this is a person who can do many different types of work but who is not necessarily very competent at any of them we often call it a jack of all trades but a master of none an example he's a jack of all trades he can fix anything in the house 89 a worry wart this is a person who tends to worry a lot habitually and also needlessly don't be such a worry wart everything will be fine number 90 is an armchair critic this is a person who offers advice or an opinion on something in which they have no expertise or involvement he's an armchair critic always talking about football but never playing it and number 91 the last in this topic free spirit this is a person who lives according to their own wishes and beliefs unconstrained by society's conventions Shannon's a true free spirit finding joy and Simple Pleasures and embracing life's Little Adventures okay now let's learn some common idioms that utilize numbers there are loads of these idioms as well so we're going to just scratch the surface right now we have number 92 to dress to the nines this is to dress in a stylish elegant or glamorous manner you can also say to dress to kill as well but no numbers involved there my mum always dresses to the nines for special occasions like parties and weddings number 93 is to put two and two together this is to infer or to do something by combining or connecting available information or Clues when she saw the muddy Footprints and wet raincoat she put two and two together and realized he'd been outside in the rain number 94 in two minds this is to be uncertain or undecided to have conflicting thoughts or opinions about something my uncle was in two minds about accepting the job offer because it meant moving to a different city 95 9-5 that works well didn't it this is referring to regular office or business hours a typical full-time job he works a nine to five job from Monday to Friday and enjoys his weekends off 96 is back to square one or back at square one this is returning to the beginning or starting point of a task or process often due to a lack of progress or a setback after the computer crashed and deleted all the files they had to start the project back at square one 97 the third degree this is intense or thorough questioning often to extract information or elicit a confession detective Roberts gave the suspect the third degree relentlessly questioning and probing for answers to solve the case 98 two left feet this is lacking coordination or being clumsy especially when it comes to dancing of physical activities I can't dance I've got two left feet and always end up stepping on my partner's toes 99 two peas in a pod this means two people or things that are very similar or nearly identical often used to describe close friends or siblings they have the same taste in music fashion and hobbies they're like two peas in a pod 100. 40 Wings this is a short nap or brief period of sleep usually during the day I'll just lie down and take 40 weeks before dinner I'm feeling a bit tired and number 101 second to none this is unmatched or unrivaled the best or highest quality their customer service is second to none they always go above and beyond to assist their clients okay of course I saved the best for last let's learn some food related idioms we have 102 to bring home the bacon this is to earn a living or provide financial support for oneself or one's family he took on multiple jobs to bring home the bacon and save up for his dream holiday 103 one's bread and butter this is a person's primary source of income or livelihood writing is her bread and butter you should read some of her early Works masterpieces 104 is a bad egg this is a person who is dishonest or untrustworthy watch out for him he's not known to be a bad egg who can't be trusted 105 the cream of the crop this means the best or finest individuals or things in a particular group or category the Olympic Games bring together athletes who are considered the cream of the crop in their respective Sports 106 to Spill the Beans you often hear to Spill the tea as well that's much more modern though often heard on YouTube this is to reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept confidential do you know who spilled the beans about their Affair 107 love this one not one's cup of tea this is something that one doesn't enjoy have an interest in or find appealing horror films are not her cup of tea she prefers a Cheesy rom-com 108 in a nutshell this is in a concise or summarized form briefly and clearly she explained the entire situation in a nutshell highlighting only the relevant points 109 to eat Humble Pie this is to admit one's mistake or defeat and show humility or remorse after realizing his error he had to eat Humble Pie and apologize for his rude Behavior 110 egg on one's face this is to be embarrassed or humiliated by making a mistake or being proven wrong his incorrect prediction left him with egg on his face when the opposite outcome occurred and number one one one in a pickle this is in a difficult complicated or problematic situation we're in a pickle the car broke down and we're late for an important meeting right those were your 111 idioms plus a few extra through and there for you too well done for getting this far in the lesson now if you want to learn these and retain these for life and test your understanding you need to download the free ebook I made specifically for this lesson just click on the link in the description box it's there waiting for you that's it from me today I hope you enjoyed this lesson I hope you learned something I would be surprised if you didn't learn something don't forget I have developed amazing English courses we've got B1 B2 C1 and our pronunciation program to see those visit English with lucy.com or click on the links in the description box I will see you soon for another lesson [Music] thank you [Music]

Channel: English with Lucy

Views: 534,017

Keywords: #Grammar, #EnglishGrammar, #LearnEnglish

Id: 81IED6Vl6GI

Length: 30min 28sec (1828 seconds)

Published: Thu Jul 06 2023