Oxford Idioms Lesson 1
A1
Meaning: Best. Of best quality. Used as an adjective.
Examples:
“A1 Steak Sauce”
“Our product is A1 quality.”
from A to B
Meaning: from the first step to the second.
Examples:
“For you cars are a luxury, but for me they are just a way to go from A to B.”
from A to Z
Meaning: covering everything
Examples:
“We are an A to Z travel agency; we cover everything, not just booking.”
“He knows everything about music, from A to Z.”
taken aback
Meaning: to be surprised by someone’s rudeness.
Examples:
“Honestly, I was a little taken aback when you asked me how much I make.”
“Don’t be taken aback, but you made a small mistake here.”
(As easy as) ABC
Meaning: complete beginner information.
Examples:
Jackson Five song: ABC
“Footwork is the ABCs of boxing.”
“She doesn’t even know the ABCs of finance.”
“Japanese pronunciation is easy as ABC.”
not above
Meaning: Willing to do something immoral or wrong. Usually something small.
Examples:
“I’m not above using AI to do my homework sometimes.”
“I’m not above making a fake police report [to get revenge].”
“Don’t act like you are above lying on your resume.”