C1 Advanced - Idioms

A blessing in disguise

Something that seems bad at first but results in a positive outcome later.

At the drop of a hat

Instantly, immediately, or without any hesitation.

Back to the drawing board

To start over from the beginning because a previous plan or attempt failed.

Barking up the wrong tree

Pursuing a mistaken line of thought or course of action.

Bite the bullet

To face a difficult, inevitable situation with courage and get it over with.

Burn the midnight oil

To work or study late into the night.

Call it a day

To stop working on something, either for the day or temporarily.

Cry over spilled milk

To waste time worrying or complaining about past mistakes that cannot be changed.

Cut corners

To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often sacrificing quality or safety.

Cut to the chase

To get directly to the point without wasting time on unimportant details.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Every difficult or negative situation has a positive or hopeful aspect.

Face the music

To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.

Get out of hand

To become chaotic, unmanageable, or out of control.

Hit the nail on the head

To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

In the loop

Informed about or involved in a group’s progress or decisions.

Leave no stone unturned

To try every possible course of action or look everywhere to achieve something.

Let the cat out of the bag

To accidentally reveal a secret.

On the fence

Undecided between two choices or options.

On the same page

Thinking in a similar way or having the same understanding as others.

Once in a blue moon

Happening very rarely.

Piece of cake

Something that is exceptionally easy to do.

Play devil’s advocate

To argue against an idea solely to provoke deeper discussion or tests its validity.

Put all yours eggs in one basket

To risk everything on a single venture, plan, or course of action.

Read between the lines

To understand the hidden or implied meaning behind what is said or written.

See eye to eye

To agree fully with someone else.

Take with a grain of salt

To view information with skepticism and not accept it as completely accurate.

Through thick and thin

Supporting or staying with someone through all hardships, difficulties, and successes.

Under the weather

Feeling slightly sick, unwell, or tired.

Up in the air

Unresolved or undecided; uncertain.

Your guess is as good as mine

To have absolutely no idea or knowledge about a specific situation or outcome.