Idioms - Unit 5,6

take sth with a pinch salt

to doubt/consider sth untrue

at death's door

about to die

off colour

unwell

full of beans

very lively and energetic

go downhill

to get worse in quality, health, status etc.

nothing but skin and bone

very thin

a shadow of one's former self

weaker or less capable than one used to be

up and about

active after an illness

as strong as an ox

very strong and fit

ripe old axe

very old age

kick the bucket

to die

alive and kicking

still alive and active

touch and go

uncertain

the writing is on the wall

a sign/warning of dangerous, unhappiness, failure, etc

hold one's own

to manage despite difficulties/obstacles

grin from ear to ear

to smile broadly

there's life in the old dog yet

one is still physically/mentally energetic despite old age

as blind as a bat

blind or unable to see well

have (got) one foot in the grave

to be near death

run out of steam

to lose the energy that one had previously

the top of the ladder

the highest position in one's profession

down-and-out

person with no job or home

live rough

to live under unpleasant conditions

as poor as a church mouse

extremely poor

from rags to riches

from being very poor to being very rich

up-and-coming

likely to become successful

right hand man

close and trusted assistant

call the shots

to make the important decisions

the jet set

group of rich and fashionable people who are interested in enjoyment

the slippery slope

sth that is difficult to stop once it has begun and which usually ends badly

have (got) several irons in the fire

to have several options/projects at the same time

at full stretch

using all one's energy to do sth

a dead end

sth which leads nowhere and has no future

adopt a low profile

to avoid public attention

take a back seat

to take a position of less importance/influence

the rat race

the struggle for success, especially in a large city

(the) big guns

important and powerful people

have time on one's hand

to have spare time

do one's own thing

to do whatever one wants

keep up with the Joneses

to be in competition with other people for a higher social standard