Advanced English Collocations and Idioms (C1-C2 Level)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering C1 and C2 level collocations and idioms across themes including thinking, learning, change, time, work, and nature.

Take into account

To consider a specific factor or element.

Give an account of

To narrate or provide a report of something.

By all accounts

According to everything that has been heard or reported.

Hang in the balance

In an uncertain or undecided state.

Pick one's brain

To ask for someone's opinion or advice because they know more about a subject.

Rack your brain(s)

To think very hard or brainstorm.

Against the clock

Working under time pressure.

Like clockwork

Happening very regularly and smoothly.

Date back to

To have existed since a specific time in the past.

Out of place

Unsuitable or inappropriate for a particular situation.

Run its course

To develop and finish in a natural way.

On end

Happening continuously for a long period.

Drop a hint

To suggest something or give a signal.

Make a move

To leave a location.

Make a point of doing sth

To make something a habit or a routine practice.

Read sb like a book

To understand someone's thoughts and feelings perfectly.

Speak highly of

To praise or speak very well of something or someone.

Give sb the green light

To give permission to proceed with something.

Sore point

A subject that makes someone feel angry or uncomfortable.

Spread yourself too thin

Attempting to do many different things at the same time.

Go places

To be likely to be successful in the future.

Drag your feet/heels

To act or work slowly because you do not want to do something.

A blessing in disguise

Something that seems bad at first but results in something good happening later.

Food for thought

An idea or information that makes you think seriously and carefully.

In the pipeline

Currently being planned, discussed, or prepared.

A flash in the pan

A success that is quick and short-lived, rather than lasting.

Up to scratch

Reaching the required standard.

A drop in the ocean

A very small amount compared to the total amount needed.

Spill the beans

To reveal a secret.

Burn your boats

To do something that makes it impossible to return to a previous state.