This is lesson 21 from Idiom Part 3. 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 3- Lesson 21- Idioms about Power & Influence
1- The corridor of power = A place or environment where important decisions are made, typically in politics or high-level business.
After years of hard work, he finally gained access to the corridor of power.
2- Power has gone to her head = Someone has become arrogant or overconfident after gaining power or success.
Ever since she got promoted, power has gone to her head.
3- Fall under the influence = To be affected or controlled by someone or something.
He started skipping classes after he fell under the influence of a bad crowd.
4- Friends in high places = People you know who have important or influential positions.
He got the job easily because he has friends in high places.
5- Put in a good word for you = To recommend someone positively to another person, usually to help them get something.
Don’t worry, I’ll put in a good word for you with the manager.
6- Twist my arm = To persuade someone to do something they are reluctant to do.
I didn’t want to go to the party, but she twisted my arm.
7- Movers and shakers = People who have power and influence in a particular field.
The event was packed with movers and shakers from the tech industry.
8- Get the upper hand = To gain control or an advantage over someone.
After hours of negotiation, the buyer finally got the upper hand.
9- Throw his weight around = To use one’s authority or influence aggressively or inappropriately.
Ever since his promotion, he’s been throwing his weight around.
10- At your beck and call = Ready to do whatever someone asks, immediately.
She expects the staff to be at her beck and call all day.
11- Lay down the law = To assert authority strictly.
The teacher had to lay down the law after the students kept talking in class.
12- Hold the fort = To take responsibility or manage something temporarily in someone’s absence.
Can you hold the fort while I step out for lunch?
13- Call the shots = To be in charge or make the decisions.
In this project, Sarah calls the shots because she has the most experience.
14- Carry a lot of weight = To have a lot of influence or importance.
His opinion carries a lot of weight in the company’s decision-making process.
15- Pull a few strings = To use your influence or connections to get something done.
I managed to pull a few strings to get tickets to the concert.
16- Eat out of the palm of (my) hand = To be completely under someone’s control or influence.
The new puppy eats out of my hand already and listens to everything I say!
17- Take advantage of someone = To unfairly exploit someone’s kindness or situation.
Don’t let anyone take advantage of you just because you’re nice.
18- Take a tough line = To adopt a strict or firm approach.
The manager decided to take a tough line on lateness to improve discipline.
19- Pass the buck = To avoid responsibility by blaming someone else.
Instead of fixing the problem, he just passed the buck to his assistant.
20- Twist someone around (your) little finger = To easily persuade or control someone.
She’s so charming she can twist anyone around her little finger.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 3 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 3, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 3 page.
English Fluency Resources
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