This is lesson 7 from Idiom Part 2. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idiom Part 2- Lesson 7
1- It fits like a glove= to be the perfect size and shape for someone
I love these pants because they fit like a glove and they’re so comfortable.
2- Roll up one’s sleeves= Prepare to fight or work
My father said he would roll up his sleeves and take on anyone who laid a finger on us
3- Do or make everything on a shoestring= You do or make something by using very little money
The film was made on a shoestring.
4- Pull something out of the hat/bag = to do something unexpected that suddenly improves a bad situation
So, England are losing 1 – 0 with two minutes to go. They really need to pull something out of the hat now.
5- Get shirty= sb who gets angry easily
Don’t get shirty with me – this is your fault, not mine
6- To be in sb’s shoe= to be in the same situation as someone else, especially an unpleasant situation
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
7- Talking through his hat= to talk about something without understanding what you are talking about
Nothing of what he said made sense – he was talking through his hat.
8- At the drop of the hat= do sth immediately without stopping to think about it
People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days.
9- Keep it under your hat= keep something a secret.
Look, if I tell you something, will you promise to keep it under your hat?
10- Tighten one’s belts= to spend less money than you did before because you have less money
I’ve had to tighten my belt since I stopped working full-time.
11- Pull your socks up= make an effort to improve one’s work, performance, or behavior
He has to pull his socks up if he wants to stay in the team.
12- Take my hat off to someone= To give (someone) praise or credit
Richard’s going to replace the heating system in his house all by himself. I take my hat off to him. I’d never do it without professional help.
Note: similar idiom is “I hand it to him”
13- Up one’s sleeves= (of a strategy, idea, or resource) kept secret and in reserve for use when needed.
He was new to the game but had a few tricks up his sleeve.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Idioms Related To Color Black/White and Red/Blue
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 1 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 1, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 1 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.