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Showing posts with label Idioms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Idioms. Show all posts

October 21, 2011

English Expressions and Idioms with "Work"

Idioms and Expressions With "Work"
IdiomMeaningExamples
All in a day's workA usual part of the job / routine; nothing special.Air raids and artillery barrages were all in a day's work for the soldiers.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boyYou need to have fun in order to be a happy, healthy person.Go out and have fun! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Close (good) enough for government workDone just well enough.There was little time left, but it was good enough for government work.
Dirty workNecessary, but uninteresting, or difficult work.
Dishonest or underhanded actions; treachery.
Everybody knows about all the dirty work they do in that project.
Get down to work / businessTo stop relaxing; start to seriously conduct business.We're running behind schedule. Now, stop joking and let's get down to work!
Get worked up (over something)To become angry / annoyed / agitated about something.He seemed to get worked up over the new policy.
Make short /fast / light work of somethingTo finish something quicklyHe made short work of his breakfast so that he would not be late for work.
Make hard work of (doing) somethingTo work in a way which makes it more difficult than it should beThe repair took a long time because they made hard work of it.
Work against the clockTo work fast because there is a limited period of time to do somethingWe had to work against the clock since the deadline was very close.
Work away (at something)To continue to work industriously at somethingThey kept working away despite of the rain.
Work like a horse/a slave/a beaver/a muleTo work very hardHe was exhausted after having to work like a horse all day.
Work out for the bestTo finish wellDon't worry. Things will work out for the best.
Work someone or something overTo give someone or something a thorough examination.The doctor worked my father over but couldn't find anything wrong.
Throw a monkey wrench in the worksTo cause a disturbance in something that seems clear and understandableLet's talk to him about our plan. I'm sure he won't throw a monkey wrench in the works.
Work wonders (with someone or something)To be very helpful with someone or somethingThe new coach has worked wonders with the team. They have won five matches fo far.


  1. I'm afraid we have to .... The report is due the day after tomorrow.
    English Expressions and Idioms with Work
    1. work out for the best
    2. work it over
    3. work against the clock
    4. make hard work of it
  2. Being a single parent, she has to ... to support her children.
    1. work her over
    2. get worked up
    3. work out for the best
    4. work like a horse
  3. We only have 10 minutes. You'd better ... of it.
    1. make fast work
    2. make hard work
    3. work away
    4. work out
  4. Dealing with customers' complaints is ... for her. It's part of her job.
    1. a work of art
    2. all in a day's work
    3. a work out
    4. dirty work
  5. I think you should go out and have some fun. ....
    1. Don't work against the clock.
    2. Make hard work of it.
    3. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
    4. Throw a monkey wrench in the works.
  6. The medicine has ... with him. He is recovering.
    1. worked over
    2. worked wonders
    3. worked up
    4. work away
  7. Despite of my carelessness, I was lucky that everything ....
    1. worked against the clock
    2. worked me over
    3. worked out for the best
    4. worked away
  8. The room redecoration finished two days before the event. Although the time was short, it was ....
    1. working up
    2. a work-away
    3. close enough for government work
    4. a work-over


Reference: The Free Dictionary

October 04, 2011

Vocabulary: English Idioms and Expressions with "Put"

Idioms and Expressions With "Put"
IdiomMeaningExample
Put a brave face / front on somethingTo behave confidently, or as if someone were happy.
Id: Bersikap percaya diri, atau seolah-olah bahagia
Despite his troubles, he always tried to put a brave face on them.
Put a cap on somethingTo limit something.
Id: Membatasi sesuatu.
He suggested that we put a cap on spending in every department.
Put a damper / dampener on somethingTo make something not enjoyable.
Id: Membuat sesuatu kurang (tidak) bisa dinikmati.
The news about the loss of her father had put a damper on the party.
Put a lid on somethingTo stop something.
Id: Menghentikan sesuatu.
Please put a lid on it! I'm trying to concentrate.
Put a plug in (for someone or something)To favor or advertise for someone or something.
Id: Memuji; mengiklankan sesuatu.
If you talk to the new manager, please put a plug in for me.
Put / Get something across (to someone)To make something clear; to convince someone of something.
Id: Memperjelas; meyakinkan seseorang tentang sesuatu.
You need a different approach to get the difficult subject across to your class.
Put all one's eggs in one basketTo make things dependent on only one thing.
Id: Bergantung pada satu hal saja.
She should have diversified her investment instead of putting all her eggs in one basket.
Put something asideTo decide not to deal with something; to save something for future use.
Mengesampingkan / menyimpan sebagai cadangan.
Every student puts aside Rp15,000.- a month for the vacation.
Put something awayTo save; to return something to its place.
Id: Menyimpan; mengembalikan sesuatu pada tempatnya.
Please put the books away when you finish reading.
Put one's best foot forwardTo perform at one's best.
Id: Tampil sebaik-baiknya.
It's the final round. Make sure you put your best foot forward.
Put someone downTo criticize someone.
Id: Mengkritik seseorang.
She's always putting others down during meetings.
Put down rootsTo settle; to establish a permanent residence.
Id: Menetap di suatu tempat.
The people moved east and put down roots in Tengger mountain range.
Put one's foot down (about someone or something)To assert something strongly.
Id: Bertindak tegas.
My father put his foot down and told me not to go home late.
Put (something) forthTo put more effort.
Id: Berusaha lebih keras lagi.
If you want to succeed you should put forth.
Put (something) forwardTo propose an idea.
Id: Mengajukan gagasan.
The plan that he put forward in the meeting was accepted by the board of director.
Put hand in pocketTo give money to charity.
Id: Memberikan uang untuk amal.
Kind hearted people are always willing to put their hands in their pockets.
Put one's house in orderTo put one's business or affairs into good order, to solve one's problems.
Id: Melakukan pembenahan; memecahkan masalah.
The new manager has to put his house in order if he wants the business to survive.
Put something in a nutshellTo say / explain something concisely.
Id: Menjelaskan secara ringkas.
Can you put this long explanation in a nutshell?
Put in an appearanceTo appear briefly at a place or an event.
Id: Datang untuk waktu yang sebentar.
I only intended to put in an appearance at the party, and left before long.
Put somebody in the pictureTo explain to someone what is happening.
Id: Menjelaskan apa yang terjadi.
I didn't know what was going on in that room until he put me in the picture.
Put something on the lineTo risk failure.
Id: Beresiko gagal.
He puts his reputation on the line by signing the agreement.
Put money up (for something)To give the funding for something.
Id: Mendanai sesuatu.
The manager finally agreed to put the money up for the campaign.
Put your money where your mouth isTo do something rather than to just talk about it.
Id: Mengerjakan sesuatu tidak hanya membicarakannya.
Critics sometimes have to learn how to put their money where their mouth is.
Put (stick) one's nose in To interfere in someone's business.
Id: Mencampuri urusan orang.
I wish she wouldn't put her nose in other people's affairs.
Put somebody / something on a pedestalTo behave as if one person is more important than others.
Id: Bersikap seolah seseorang lebih penting dari orang lain.
Villagers often put their religious leaders on a pedestal without questioning their words or authority.
Put on airs (Give oneself air)To pretend to be better than one really is.
Id: Berpura-pura lebih mampu dari yang sebenarnya.
She's just putting on airs. Let's see what she can do.
Put something on the cuffTo purchase on credit.
Id: Membeli secara kredit.
Are you going to pay cash or put them on the cuff?
Put on the dog / the ritzTo make things special or dress formally for an event.The Minister will come the day after tomorrow. We are busy putting on the dog for his coming.
Put someone on the spotTo ask someone forthright questions.
Id: Bertanya tanpa tedeng aling-aling.
He rather put her on the spot by asking whether she wanted a lift.
Put oneself outTo make oneself inconvenient.
Id: Membuat diri tidak nyaman.
Don't bother. You do not need to put yourself out at all.
Put someone upTo provide accommodation.
Id: Menyediakan akomodasi.
We put him up for several days and showed him around.
Put your shoulder to the wheelTo work hard.
Id: Bekerja keras.
Let's put our shoulder to the wheel and hope we can finish before the deadline.
Put the bite on someoneTo try to get money from someone.
Id: Mencoba memeras seseorang.
When I began to trust her, she tried to put the bite on me.
Put the finger on someoneTo accuse / identify someone.
Id: Menuduh / mengidentifikasi seseorang.
Don't put the finger on me for something I never did.
Put the heat / screws on someoneTo pressure someone to do something.
Id: Memaksa / menekan seseorang.
The manager often puts the heat on his staff to work overtime.
Put the moves / the make / the hard word on someoneTo try to seduce someone.
Id: Mencoba merayu seseorang.
When I noticed that he was putting the moves on Eka last night, I left.
Put the roses in somebody's cheeksTo make someone look fit and healthy.
Id: Membuat seseorang tampak sehat.
You should do more exercise to put the roses back in your cheeks.
Put someone or something through (to someone)To connect by telephone.
Id: Menyambungkan lewat telpon.
Hold on, please. I'll put you through to him.
Put somebody through the millTo test someone by asking difficult questions.
Id: Menguji seseorang dengan memberi pertanyaan sulit.
The manager put me through the mill on the day of the interview.

Reference: The Free Dictionary - Idioms

September 17, 2011

English Idioms and Expressions With 'GET'

Idioms and Expressions With "Get"
IdiomMeaningExample
Get a bang / charge / kick out of To receive great pleasure from someone or something; enjoy greatlyI get a bang out of my new video game. It's really fun.
Get (someone's) driftTo understand what someone has said or impliedCan you explain it again, please? I don't get your drift.
Get a fix onTo understand somethingListen well and you will get a fix on it.
Get a grip (on yourself)To control your emotions and remain calmAs a teacher, you have to get a grip on yourself.
Get a grip / handle (on something)To understand how to deal with somethingWith his experience, I'm sure he will always get a grip on any possible problem.
Get a lifeTo have fun; to do something differentWhen we are bored, we often spend an evening out and get a life.
Get a life!Find something more important / interesting to do or say!How could you say that stupid thing? Get a life!
Get a line onTo get information about someone or do somethingYou need to read the manual and get a line on how to solve the problem.
Get a load off one's mindTo relieve one's mind of a problem or a worryI was relieved. The good news got the load off my mind.
Get a load of someone or somethingTo get a good look at someone or something (that is very surprising or attractive)Get a load of Alya. I can hardly recognize her in that dress.
Get a toeholdTo get a position to begin an activity or effortIt took the business approximately 2 years to get a toehold in our city.
Get away withTo escape the consequences of (a blameworthy act)Don't be silly. No one can get away with crimes.
To get down on someoneTo criticize someoneDuring the meeting, she got down on me about the plan.
Get down to something / business / workTo start doing something seriouslyStop talking. It's time to get down to work.
Get faceTo be taken seriouslyIt's usual that young people seldom get face.
Get in one's faceTo annoy or provoke someoneDon't get in my face. I have work to do.
Get in one's hairTo annoy someone, especially by being near them for a long periodWith the kids getting in my hair, I wasn't able to finish the proposal.
To get in on the actTo become involved in something interestingIt's time for you to get in on the act. Do your best.
Get / go into a huddleTo form a group away from other people to discuss something secretlyThere's no need to get into a huddle. We'd better talk to the boss about it.
Get in the swing of thingsto become more social and up-to-date.It seemed difficult for him to get in the swing of things since his wife passed away.
Get into (off on) somethingTo enjoy something greatlyMy son seems to get off on his new computer game.
Get just deserts / lumpsTo get what one deservesIf you treat others badly, you'll get your just deserts.
Get knotted! / Get lost!Something you say when you feel annoyed and want someone to go awayYou have really got on my face. Now, get lost!
Get nose out of jointto resent that one has been slighted, neglected, or insulted.Cheer up. Don't get your nose out of joint easily. He didn't mean that.
Get off one's caseto stop criticizing and annoying someoneGet off my case! Don't you have another thing to do?
Get (down) off one's high horseto become humble; to be less haughty.He is the kind of a leader who always gets off his high horse.
Get on soapboxTo express strong opinions, especially about something boringSomehow I often miss those times when my father would start getting on his soapbox about teenagers.
Get out with lifeTo survive a serious incident or accidentThe crash was fatal, but I was lucky enough to get out with my life.
Get one's teeth intoTo start to do something (with dedication)You need to get your teeth into it or you won't finish on time.
Get one's goatTo annoy or bother someoneTini was sent out. I think she really got our teacher's goat.
Get sea legsTo get used to a new situationIt always takes time for a shy girl like her to get sea legs.
Get short shriftTo get little attentionIt's usual that schools in rural areas get short shrift from the government.
Get the goods on someoneTo get incriminating evidence against someoneShe won't get away with it once I get the goods on her.
Get some weight off feetTo sit downI'm tired of standing. I wish we had a place to get some weight off our feet.
Get the axeTo lose a job; to stop workingWhen he got the axe, he didn't give up and started his own business.
Get the hang ofTo succeed in learning how to do something after practising itHow long did it take you to get the hang of driving?
Get the kinks outTo be chosenShe was lucky to get the nod and have a chance to go abroad.
Get the nodTo be chosenShe was lucky to get the nod and have a chance to go abroad.
Get under skinTo annoy or irritate someoneBoy students are often annoying, but don't let them get under your skin
Reference: The Free Dictionary - Idioms

September 09, 2011

English Idioms and Expressions With "Have"

English Idioms and Expressions with HAVE
Idioms and Expressions with "Have"
IDIOMMEANINGEXAMPLE
Have a big mouthTo be a gossiper; to be a person who tells secrets.She has a big mouth. She told her friends about the meeting.
Have a card up sleeveTo have an advantage that other people do not know about.Having a card up his sleeve, he remained calm and waited for the right time to speak.
Have a bee in bonnetTo talk a lot about something thought to be important.
  • Martin has a bee in his bonnet about recycling.

  • She has a bee in her bonnet that a new system must be adopted.

  • Have a bone to pick with (someone)To have a disagreement to discuss with someone; to have something to argue about with someone.I've got a bone to pick with you. Where is the money you owe me?
    Have a brush with (something)To have a brief contact with something; to have an experience with something.She had a close brush with the law. She was nearly arrested for speeding.
    Have a chip on shoulderTo blame other people for something bad and to continue to be angry about it.Even though he went to university, he's always had a chip on his shoulder about his poor upbringing.
    Have a close call (Have a close shave)To be close to danger; To have a narrow escape from something dangerous.I almost got struck by a speeding car. It was a close call. He also had a close call yesterday and was almost in a car accident.
    Have a familiar ring[for a story or an explanation] To sound familiar; you've heard it before.The story has a familiar ring. I've heard it many times before.
    Have a tiger (bear) by the tailTo be associated with something powerful and potentially dangerous; to have a very difficult problem to solve.We've had a tiger by the tail ever since we signed the loan agreement.
    Have a good head on shoulders To have common sense; to be sensible and intelligent.I always have a good head on my shoulders. Don't worry about me.
    Have a green thumbTo be good at gardening; To have the ability to grow plants well.My daughter has a green thumb. Look at our garden.
    Have a heartTo be compassionate or generous and forgiving with people.Let's hope she has a heart and forgive you.
    Have a heart of goldTo be generous, sincere, and friendly.Many people have a heart of gold. They are always willing to help others.
    Have a heart of stoneTo be cold, unresponsive, unforgiving, and unfriendly.Don't annoy her. She has a heart of stone.
    Have an ax to grind To complain about something.May I talk to you? I have an ax to grind.
    Have an in with someoneTo have special access to someone ( at work). He had an in with the manager so he could get a promotion quickly.
    Have a one-track mindTo think entirely about one subject.She has a one-track mind. She can only talk about jewelry.
    Have a soft spot in heartTo have a fondness for someone, something, or an animal.He owns several aquariums. He's got a soft spot in his heart for fish.
    Have a sweet toothTo desire to eat many sweet foods-especially candy and pastries.You should watch your weight, especially because you have a sweet tooth.
    Have clean handsTo be without guilt, guiltless.The police took him in, but let him go after questioning because he had clean hands.
    Have egg on faceTo be embarrassed by something one has done. (As if one went out in public with a dirty face.)I was completely wrong, and now I have egg on my face.
    Have eyes in the back of headTo seem to be able to sense what is going on behind or outside of one's field of vision.The students believed their teacher had eyes in the back his head.
    Have mixed feelings To be both pleased and not pleased about something at the same time.He seemed to have mixed feelings about leaving. He enjoyed staying with us but he had to go.
    Have money to burn To have a lot of money and spend large amounts on things that are not necessary.When it comes to Lebaran days, people seem to have money to burn.
    Have hands tiedTo be prevented from doing something.He can't help. He has his hands tied by his boss.
    Have head in the cloudsTo not pay attention, be unaware of what is going on from fantasies or daydreams. During lessons, you should not have your head in the clouds.
    Have tail between legs To be frightened or afraid of doing something. He seemed to lack courage. He went away with his tail between his legs and didn't tell her that she'd been wrong.
    Have other fish to fryTo have other opportunities; to have more important things to do.Please make it short. I have other fish to fry.
    Have in handsTo have the responsibility for someone or something.I'm sorry I won't be able to come. I have many things in my hands.
    have the Midas touchTo have the ability to be successful, especially the ability to make money easily.The girl seems to have the Midas touch. She can get new clients easily.
    Have the presence of mind to do To have the calmness and ability to act sensibly in an emergency or difficult situation.She had the presence of mind to hold on the rope tightly.
    Have stardust in eyesTo be uncritically or unrealistically optimistic.The Commander seemed to have stardust in his eyes and decided to continue the attack.
    Have one foot in the graveTo be almost dead.The Commander seemed to have stardust in his eyes and decided to continue the attack.
    Reference: The Free Dictionary: Idioms

    August 27, 2011

    Vocabulary Exercise: How Much Do You Know About Computer?

    Vocabulary Exercise: How Much Do You Know About Computer?Type of Test: Matching Vocabulary Test
    Subject: Computer Vocabulary
    No. of Test Items: 15 (Fifteen)
    Directions: How Much Do You Know About Computer?" Match each word on the left column to the correct definition on the right. Good luck.

    English for Computer Students
    NameDescription
    ComputerA semiconductor device used to build the hardware of a computer
    HardwareThe part of a visual display unit (VDU) on which the program, data, and graphics may be seen
    Input DeviceA device which transmits or displays processed data, e.g. a printer, disk drive, or VDU screen
    MicrochipA list of instructions used by the computer to perform user’s requirements
    Program A device that allows data to be passed into the computer
    Mouse An automatic electronic medium to store, collect and process data
    Central Processing UnitInformation that has been prepared for a specific purpose
    DataA memory device consisting of a flat disk covered with a magnetic coating on which information is stored
    MonitorA system of interconnected components or circuits
    Output DeviceMain component of a computer, that executes individual program instructions and controls the operation of other parts
    ExtensionA device moved by hand used to point at a location on a computer screen
    NetworkThe computer equipment and its peripherals (the physical components of a computer system)
    MenuA worldwide network of computer networks using the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
    DiskA string of characters beginning with a period and followed by one or more letters which is a part of a computer filename
    InternetA list of options available to a computer user

    August 29, 2010

    English Idioms and Expressions With "ALL"

    English Idioms and Expressions With ALLWhat is an idiom (ideeum)? An idiom is an expression, word, or phrase whose sense means something different from what the words literally imply. Idioms usually do not translate well. In some cases, when an idiom is translated into another language, either its meaning is changed or it is meaningless. On this post, we are going to learn common idioms using "ALL", including their closest meaning(s) in Bahasa Indonesia.
    Happy learning.

    IDIOMSMEANINGINDONESIANEXAMPLE
    All-nighterWork or study all nightBekerja/belajar semalam-suntukPulling an all-nighter before exams is not a good habit.
    All overVery fond (of something)Sangat menyukai sesuatuShe's all over the latest fashions.
    All shook upExtremely excited, worried, or disturbed about somethingSangat senang, khawatir, atau terganggu oleh sesuatuShe's all shook up about her mother's illness.
    All that and then someMore than what has been mentionedLebih dari yang sudah dikatakanHe did all that and then some to get the new job.
    Go all the wayDo something completelyMengerjakan dengan sepenuhnyaThey went all the way for the championship.
    Dash it all!Expression used when very upsetUngkapan yang dipakai saat merasa sangat kecewaDash it all! I didn't do well in the test.
    For all I knowBased on what I know (mostly implying displeasure)Setahu saya (umumnya untuk mengisyaratkan kekecewaanFor all I know, the government will increase the fuel price this month.
    Free for allCrazy, free, non-restricted activity (generally a fight)Gila, Bebas (biasanya untuk pertarunganIt was a free for all! Everyone went crazy!
    Have it all togetherBe very poised, successfulSangat mapan, suksesHe has it all together. The house, the wife, the kids, the great job - everything!
    Hold all the acesHave all the advantagesUnggul, memiliki keuntungan atau kendaliUnfortunately, Rita holds all the aces right now. We'll have to do what she says.
    Know all the anglesBe very clever about somethingSangat pandai dalam suatu halHe knew all the angles and answered our questions satisfactorily.
    Not all thereNot intelligent, not completely focused on an activityKurang cerdas, tidak benar-benar fokus pada sesuatuThe student was not all there. He couldn't answer my questions.
    Of all the nerve!Expression of anger at someone's behaviorUngkapan kemarahan atas perilaku seseorangOf all the nerve! Did you see how she treated me?
    Once and for allFinally (usually putting an end to something)Akhirnya (dipakai untuk mengakhiri sesuatuWe need to stop this conflict once and for all!
    Pull out all the stopsMake every possible effortmelakukan segala upayaI pulled out all the stops on the test.
    Can't win them all.Expression of acceptance after a loss or disappointmentUngkapan setelah mengalami kekecewaan atau kekalahanYou did your best in the match and I'm proud of you. You can't win them all.