idioms unit 6

up-and coming

likely to become successful

from rags to riches

from being poor to bring very rich

as poor as a church mouse

extremely poor

live rough

to live under unpleasant conditions

down-and-out

person with no job or home

the top of the ladder

the highest position in one’s profession

keep up with the joneses

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

do one’s own thing

to do whatever one wants

have time on one’s hand

to have spare time

the big guns

important or poweful people

the rat race

the struggle for success, especially in large cities

take a back seat

to take a position of less importance/ influence

adopt a low profile

to avoid public attention

a dead end

sth which leads nowhere and has no future

at full stretch

using all one’s energy to do sth

have (got) several irons in the fire

to have several options/ projects at the same time

the slipery slope

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

the jet set

a group of rich and fashionable people who are interested in enjoyment

call the shots

to make important decision (shots)

right hand man

close and trusted assistant