idioms and phrases

get sb/sth up and running

get started and working correctly

before one can say “Jack Robinson”

immediately

game to do sth

willing to do sth new, dangerous

get cracking

start immediately

get to first base

first step of sth in a course of action

in the first flush of youth

very young

in the doldrums

subdued, depressed

bend over backwards

make every effort

earn brownie points

win favour

back to the drawing board

back to square one

in this day and age

at the present time

keep sb wrapped in cotton wool

overprotect

say one’s piece

say exactly what one thinks

the will be the day

that would be very surprising

feel the pinch

suffer discomfort from the lack of money

up in the air

not decided yet

work one’s fingers to the bone

work very hard

a bone of contention

ongoing/ unresolved matter

left holding the baby

force to take over one’s responsibilities

twist one’s arm

force sb do sth they dont want to

make heavy weather of sth

make a task seem more difficult than it really is

keep sth under wraps

keep secret

just what the doctor ordered

exactly what one needs

down tools

refuse to continue working (esp going on strike)

at the drop of a hat

immediately without warning

as dull as ditchwater

boring

take to sth like a duck to water

easily, has natural ability to do sth (first try)