English idioms

His internet has gone … strength … strength in the last six months. He’s making a lot of money now.

from/to

The flood ruined our old kitchen, but it was a blessing ... disguise, because the insurance company paid for a completely new one.

In

This new model is not the be—all and end—all … digital cameras, but it certainly has many technical features that others do not have.

of

Your offer to drive us to the airport makes all the difference … our travle plans

to

Your plan to persuade Lela to join the committee worked … magic

like

The photocopier has completely … the ghost. We need a new one

given up

I didn’t think I … ghost of a … of passing the exam, but I did

had the/chance

My new motorbike … a dream; it’s fast, but so smooth and quiet.

works/goes/runs like

You’d better stop talking, or you’ll dig yourself into deeper …

hole

I hoped I’d find the address I needed in the library, but I drew a …

blank

If you take on any more work, you’ll be spreading yourself far too …

thin

Stranded on the island with no money and no luggage, we were well aware that we were in dire …

straits

The police explored a number of leads, but each time they came up against a brick …

wall

Not having enough savings to set up a business was a major stumbling …

block

I wish I could leave my job, but they’ve got me over a …

barrel

I’ve been busy at work, but I can see the light at the end of the …

tunnel

Sarah wanted to … a magic wand and make her son happy again.

wave

Just wait while I tie up these … ends, then I’ll go to the match with you

loose

When her parents gave her some money, it was like the answer to her …

prayers

I’ve never tried yoga before, but I’d be happy to give … a shot

it

The job isn’t in the … till you’ve had an offer in writing

bag

This research may shed fresh … on the causes of asthma in children

light

As I listened to the evidence, everything began to … into place

fall

I’d like to try that new bowling alley. Let’s … this evning

give it a whirl

I’m finding it quite hard … my new role at work

to get to grips with

When the business failed, Paul vanished, leaving his partner …

to pick up the pieces

Some important new evidence … in the last few days

has come to light

I hope that we’ll be able … what’s been going on

to get to the bottom of

New medical research … the causes of heart attacks

has shed light on

As soon as I met Joshua’s family, everything ..

fell into place

In the investigation into their accounts, a number of errors…

have been brought to light

Yes, I know. One minute she was angry, the next minute she was …

all sweetness and light

Yes, apparently they’re ..

like gold dust

Yes. It’s …

second to none

Yes, she’s certainly …

a hard act to follow

They criticised her very strongly, but she … as good as she … and made them shut up

gave/got

This dining table is just … for this room. The wood matches the doors perfectly.

made

Why are you … me such a … time? I know I was wrong, but I said I’m sorry. I can’t do it any more

giving/hard

We stayed at a luxurious five-star hotel. It was out of ….

this world

Yes, I think he’s just…

asking for trouble/asking for it