Thẻ ghi nhớ: IDIOMS - OPINIONS ON PEOPLE AND ACTIONS | Quizlet

have a lot to answer for

are the main cause of the problems Example: Parents who don't control their children have a lot to answer for.

something is not all it's cracked up to be

is not as good as people say it is Example: That restaurant is not all it's cracked up to be.

something has the edge over someone/something

is slightly better than Example: This computer has the edge over other models because it has such a huge hard drive.

leave a lot to be desired

is not as good as it should be / as we might expect (formal) Example: Her spoken English leaves a lot to be desired.

have all the makings of

are likely to develop into Example: The recent events have all the makings of a big political scandal.

on the big/expensive, etc. side

heavier than you want it to be Example: This suitcase is a bit on the heavy side.

a dead loss

completely useless Example: This remote control's a dead loss.

rough and ready

crude and lacking sophistication Example: The accommodation was a bit rough and ready.

throws the baby out with the bathwater

change things, but lose good things as well as bad Example: The new manager throws the baby out with the bathwater when making changes.

gets/jumps on the bandwagon

get involved in something already very successful Example: Everyone gets on the bandwagon when a trend becomes popular.

plays devil's advocate

pretend to be against an idea so that others discuss it Example: He always plays devil's advocate in meetings to stimulate debate.

drives someone to distraction

make someone very angry or very bored Example: Her constant complaining drives me to distraction.

makes an exhibition of themselves

do things in public that make them look stupid Example: He made an exhibition of himself at the party last night.

does something under false pretences

tell lies about who they are or what they're doing Example: She joined the club under false pretences.

never does anything by halves

always make a great effort and do things very well Example: When she organizes a party, she never does anything by halves.

is a laughing stock

are laughed at / mocked by everyone Example: After that mistake, he became a laughing stock in the office.