Unit 4: IDIOMS

Down in the dumps

Unhappy

Keep in the dark

To keep someone uninformed

All it’s cracked up to be

As good, enjoyable, impressive, or worthwhile as it is reputed or said to be. Often but not always used in the negative

Catch one’s eye

To attract one’s attention, often by making eye contact

Right up one’s street

Ideally suited to one’s interests

Take it/things easy

To be relaxed; to not expend too much effort. Often used as an imperative

Off the beaten track

Little-known, or in a remote or lesser-known area

Come down to earth with a bump

To remember or consider reality when one is fantasizing or being overly optimistic

In one’s element

In the state of doing something that one is very comfortable with or proficient

The crack of dawn

The moment at which the sun first rises

Get away from it all

To escape one’s everyday life and problems, typically by taking a vacation

Run-of-the-mill

Common, standard, or average

As brown as a berry

Having tanned skin because of prolonged sun exposure

(One’s)/ the best bet

The action or idea that is most likely to be successful

Over the moon

Get in(to) the swing of it/things

To become comfortable with something and begin to enjoy it or do it more proficiently

Steer clear of

To avoid someone or something

Let (one’s) hair down

To cease acting formally or conservatively; to ignore or relinquish one’s inhibitions or reservations

A new lease of life

An occasion or oppotunity for a renewed enjoyment in, ethusiam for, or appreciation of one’s life