English idioms

1. To not break the bank.

For example:

Going out for a drink in the pub won't break the bank. Not be too expensive

2. Hard cash

For example: They don't accept credit cards, we will need hard cash.

Money in the form of coins or notes paper money

3. Ready cash

For example: We have a lot of investments but we need ready cash to pay the bills.

Money that is available to spend.

4. The other side of the coin

For example: Running a web site is fun, but the other side of the coin is that it costs a lot of money.

The opposite view of something.

5. To buy a lemon. For example: "That car he bought is a real lemon." To buy something that proves to be worthless.

6. To buy a pig in a poke. For example:"That car he bought is a real pig in a poke." To buy something that proves to be worthless.

7. "To buy the farm." For example: "He bought the farm last week." To die.

8. To pay one's way. For example: "He's a good friend, he always pays his way." To contribute one's share of the expenses.

9. To be all over the shop. For example: 1) "His papers were all over the shop." 2) "I've looked for it all over the shop, but I still can't find it." 1) To be in complete disarray. 3) To look everywhere for something.

10. Down in the mouth   When someone is down in the mouth, they look unhappy, discouraged or depressed.

"You look a bit down in the mouth. What's the matter?"

11. Full of the joys of spring   If you are full of the joys of spring, you are  happy, enthusiastic   and full of energy.   "Barbara is full of the joys of spring at the moment! Has she got a new boyfriend?"

12. Happy-go-lucky   If you are a happy-go-lucky person, you are cheerful and carefree all   the time.   "He's a happy-go-lucky sort of guy - always in good humour."

13. Walk on air   When you are happy and excited because of a pleasant event that   makes you feel as if you are floating, you are walking on air.   "Sophie has been walking on air since her painting won the first   prize."

14.Honeymoon period.

For example: The new CEO is enjoying a honeymoon period. None of the shareholders critisized him.

A short period of time when starting something new, when no one criticizes you.

15.A fact of life

For example: An unpleasant fact or situation which people accept because they cannot change it.

Stress is a fact of life.

16.according to (someone or something)

- as said or told by someone, in agreement with something, in the order of something, in proportion to something

According to our teacher, there will be no class next week. We did everything according to the terms of our agreement.

17.after all

- considering the fact that something happened, something that is usually assumed

"You don't need to phone him. After all, he never phones you."

18.as soon as

- just after something, when

I phoned my friend as soon as I finished dinner.

19.as to

- with regard to, according to

"As to your question, I will answer it tomorrow." The players were put into groups as to their ability.

20.as well

- in addition, also, too

I plan to take a computer course this summer as well.

21.as well as (someone or something)

- in addition to someone or something

"Please bring your swimming suit as well as your towel."

22.back and forth

- backwards and forwards, first one way and then the other way

The argument went back and forth before the judge made a decision.

23.better off

- to be in a better situation than before

My friend would be better off if he sold his old car and bought a new one.

24.break down (something)

- to divide something into parts, to separate something into simpler substances

We tried to break down the problem for further study. The sugar began to break down soon after it was swallowed.

25.break up

- to separate, to divide into groups or pieces, to put an end to something

Nobody wanted to break up their groups. We usually break up into small groups during our class.

26.by the way

- incidentally

"By the way, could you please bring your laptop computer tomorrow."

27.carry out (something)

- to put something into action, to accomplish something, to do something

The scientist wanted to carry out several experiments before discussing the new medicine.

28.come on!

- please, hurry, go faster

"Come on, I only have a few minutes before I must go." "Come on, stop doing that."

29.come up

- to happen unexpectedly

I will not be able to go to the party if something else comes up.

30.come up w.ith (something)

- to produce or find a thought/idea/answer

I tried to come up with a name for the new magazine.

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