Idioms

love(s) the sound of his own voice

someone who talks a lot and enjoys hearing themselves talk

doesn't suffer fools gladly

not patient or tolerant of people who seem silly or not very clever

tough as old boots

very strong and able to cope with pain, problems, or criticism

on the surface

when you only look at the obvious or outward appearance of something

play it cool

to stay calm and not show your feelings or excitement

under his/her thumb

completely controlled or influenced by someone else

has a quick temper

becomes angry easily and often

mad as a hatter

very strange or crazy

thick as two short planks

very stupid or not very intelligent

creature of habit

someone who always does things in the same way and likes routine

live wire

an energetic, lively person who makes things more exciting

bright spark

a clever or inventive person who comes up with good ideas

soft touch

someone who is easy to persuade to give money, help, or favours

unknown quantity

someone or something whose abilities or qualities are not yet known

salt of the earth

a very kind, honest, and good person who people respect

scum of the earth

a person or people considered very bad or evil

nobody's fool

not easily tricked or fooled; very sensible and careful

nasty piece of work

an unpleasant or cruel person

cold fish

someone who is unfriendly and shows little emotion

man of his word

someone who always keeps their promises

has sb's (best) interests at heart

cares about someone and wants what is best for them

go out of your way

make a special effort to do something, even if it is difficult

go to great lengths

do everything possible to achieve something

hold the family together

keep a family united and stable, especially in difficult times

be there for sb

support someone when they need help or comfort

a shoulder to cry on

someone you can talk to and cry to when you are upset

turn to sb/sth

seek help, support, or comfort from someone or something

set sb apart (from sb)

make someone different or special compared to others

give/lend (sb) a helping hand

help someone, usually in a practical way

thank your lucky stars

feel very grateful because something bad did not happen

have things/it (all) your own way

always want situations or decisions to be exactly as you want

put your foot down

be firm and refuse to accept something you disagree with

sure of yourself

confident and not doubtful about your abilities or opinions

stop at nothing

do anything, even extreme or unpleasant things, to succeed

walk all over sb

treat someone badly or unfairly because they are too weak to protest

push sb around

control or treat someone in a bossy and unfair way

pick on sb

continually tease, bully, or criticise someone unfairly

stick up for sb/yourself

defend someone or yourself when they are being treated unfairly

not lift a finger (to do sth)

do nothing to help or take any action

take it for granted (that…)

expect something as if it is normal and never think about how lucky you are

twist sb round your little finger

completely control or persuade someone easily

get round sb

persuade someone to do what you want, often by being friendly or clever

win sb over

gradually make someone support or like you

be made for each other

two people who suit each other perfectly and are very compatible

tie the knot

get married

meet your partner halfway

both people in a relationship compromise or make concessions

drive a wedge between you

cause disagreement or problems in a relationship

clear the air

talk honestly and openly to solve a problem or misunderstanding

walk away

leave a situation or argument without solving it immediately

in the heat of the moment

during a sudden emotional reaction, when you are angry or excited

store sth up

allow problems or worries to build up because they are not talked about

live in each other's pockets

spend almost all your time together, with no personal space

go through a bad/sticky patch

experience a difficult or unhappy period

holding sb back

preventing someone from developing or succeeding

piling up

accumulating or increasing in quantity, often in a way that becomes a problem

do as you please

behave however you want, without worrying about others

answer to no one

not have to obey or explain yourself to anyone else

mess sb around/about

treat someone in a careless or unfair way, especially in a relationship

let sb down

disappoint someone by failing to do what you promised

finish with sb

end a romantic relationship with someone

doesn't bear thinking about

something so unpleasant that you do not want to imagine it

break‑up

the end of a romantic relationship