all hell will let loose Meaning a situation suddenly becomes noisy and violent, usually with a lot of people arguing or fighting ▪ describes and outlines what usually happens when destructive and violent events occur ▪ there are high chances that the situation at hand will lead to uproar and confusion among the parties involved ▪ could at times act as a threat to inform someone of the repercussions that would follow depending on the situation ▪ represents an event that turns out to be uncontrollable and noisy as a result of aggressive fighting or quarrelling ▪ uproar and confusion ▪ Example Sentences All hell will let loose when the caged animals break out of their cages. 1. Regardless of the calmness in the bar, all hell will let loose if a fight between drunkards begins. 2. Do not deny the mob their rights, or else all hell will let loose. 3. In a physical confrontation, the first reaction is what decides whether or not all hell will let loose. 4. Please don’t take her into the party fold, or all hell will let loose. 5. This big guy walked up to the bar and hit Freddie, and suddenly all hell broke loose. 6. Source: theidioms.com hit the road also, hit the trail (US) Meaning depart ▪ leave ▪ begin a journey ▪ set out on a trip ▪ get underway ▪ Example Sentences We’d better pack the car and hit the road before it gets dark. 1. I’d love to stay and have dinner, but I’d better hit the road. 2. Come on, let’s hit the road before rush hour kicks in. 3. Jim was being loud and obnoxious so, the bartender told him to hit the road. 4. The hunter hit the trail as the first rays of the sun broke through the trees. 5. Source: theidioms.com alma mater Meaning the school, college, or university that one attended or in which one has studied ▪ Friday, August 27, 2021 9:20 PM New Section 1 Page 1 studied the official anthem of a school, college, or university ▪ a metaphorical Latin phrase presently used to identify a school, college, or university that one formerly attended or graduated ▪ Alma mater literally means ‘mother who nourishes or fosters.’ ▪ Example Sentences He was delighted when he was offered the position of professor of English at his alma mater. 1. Mark visited his alma mater last week. 2. Harvard Law School is the alma mater of former US President Barack Obama. 3. Her alma Mater invited actress Scarlett Johansson to chat with students and encourage them. 4. He enjoyed his four years at his alma mater, but it is time to move on. 5. Source: theidioms.com a hard nut to crack also, a tough nut to crack Meaning | Synonyms a problem that is difficult to solve ▪ a person that is difficult to deal with ▪ someone or something that is difficult to understand ▪ a person hard to get to know or to get close to ▪ Example Sentences She’s such a tough nut to crack. Nobody seems to be able to get through to her. 1. The game on Saturday is against the current champions, so it will be a hard nut to crack. 2. The new boss is really hard to figure out. He’s going to be a tough nut to crack. 3. Good luck trying to get the new guidelines past the head teacher. He’s a hard nut to crack. 4. Alison has been dating Stan for two years and she still feels like she doesn’t know him at times. He must be a tough nut to crack. 5. My father loves doing the crossword every day. Sometimes he gets a clue that is a hard nut to crack. 6. Mathematics turned out to be a hard nut to crack for students in the examination. 7. The mysterious murder case seems a hard nut to crack for police as the officials are still groping in the dark. 8. The first four tasks were the toughest nut to crack. 9. Jazz is always a tough nut to crack, whether you are playing, recording or even listening. 10. Source: theidioms.com ahead of the curve also, behind the curve (negative form) Meaning | Synonyms better than others ▪ ahead of current trends or thinking ▪ in front of others with a new idea ▪ ground - breaking in innovation New Section 1 Page 2 ground - breaking in innovation ▪ to be more innovative or advanced than others ▪ Example Sentences His ideas are so innovative, he is way ahead of the curve. He might end up running the company at this rate. 1. He sold his shares in Nokia and put it into Apple, because he realised they were ahead of the curve. 2. She is so ahead of the curve with her dress sense. 3. The gym was brand new and way ahead of the curve with the latest equipment and techniques. 4. The United States of America is way ahead of the curve in the invention of new technologies. 5. To be a pollution free country, the Bhutan is ahead of the curve. 6. Origin Source: theidioms.com apple pie order Meaning | Synonyms neat and tidy in the arrangement ▪ everything in the correct place ▪ clean ▪ ordered or in perfect order ▪ sterile ▪ Example Sentences My mother is always cleaning. The house is in apple - pie order. 1. Everything still has to be in apple - pie order, even though he left the army years ago. 2. When I opened the fridge, everything was arranged in apple - pie order. 3. They entered the operating theatre and could see that all the instruments they needed were laid out in apple - pie order, ready for them to begin the day. 4. Source: theidioms.com anything but Meaning | Synonyms by no means ▪ it’s not the case at all ▪ certainly not ▪ the opposite of what you imagined ▪ didn’t turn out as planned ▪ nothing like it should have been ▪ Example Sentences We went to see that new action film on Thursday night and it was anything but good, in fact, I fell asleep. 1. My daughter was anything but a sound sleeper, she kept me awake all night most of the first year. 2. He has no idea about money. He said it would be a cheap holiday; it turned out to be anything but. 3. The new boss is anything but charming when I met him. 4. Our meeting schedule is anything but definite. New Section 1 Page 3 Our meeting schedule is anything but definite. 5. Source: theidioms.com a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor Meaning | Synonyms a proverb that means easy situations can never improve you or make you better ▪ the harsh conditions of life make a person tougher and more capable ▪ challenging experiences often give the best lessons of life ▪ Example Sentences You are just cutting days in the comfort of your home and spending your parents’ money. You need to really get out and face the actual life. Remember, a smooth sea has never made a skilled sailor. 1. “You’re just bragging of your life being so smooth and all. Maybe you’re forgetting that smooth seas never make a skilled sailor.” 2. “I know you are going through a divorce and are having a pretty hard time making ends meet for you and your son. But then, you’re only getting stronger. Rough seas make great sailors after all! 3. Source: theidioms.com at odds Meaning | Synonyms to disagree about something ▪ to argue about a matter ▪ two things that seem to be opposites ▪ in conflict ▪ at variance ▪ in disagreement or dispute ▪ arguing ▪ Example Sentences They are at odds about the fundraiser that I being held on Saturday. 1. We are at odds about how to punish our son for skipping school. I take the matter much more seriously than my husband does. 2. They are definitely at odds about how to run the company. This is causing the stakeholders to lose faith in them. 3. Her beaming smile was at odds with the rumours that I had heard about her quick temper. 4. His piercing blue eyes are at odds with the rest of his features. 5. His speech during the meeting is completely at odds with what we discussed last week. 6. Source: theidioms.com a fish out of water Meaning | Synonyms being uncomfortable and restless ▪ falling into the state of confusion ▪ to feel awkward due to a specific/strange situation ▪ being in an unusual situation ▪ not feeling relaxed ▪ away from the familiar environment ▪ Example Sentence New Section 1 Page 4 away from the familiar environment ▪ Example Sentence Our new teacher looked like a fish out of the water, nobody was aware of the issue. 1. We had no clue how to make Phil comfortable with the new management. He was looking like a fish out of the water. 2. Sara has certainly not looked like a fish out of water in the mathematics lecture, since she is taking some online classes to improve her concepts. 3. Martin had never been to a supermarket before, so he was looking like a fish out of water when his mother asked him to bring some stuff to cook 4. Source: theidioms.com aftermath Typically, “aftermath” meant to describe the period of time after something bad has happened. Meaning the effects of something traumatic ▪ the consequences of an event ▪ after effects ▪ Synonyms result ▪ consequences ▪ outcome ▪ upshot ▪ repercussion ▪ Example Sentences A lot of countries sent help in the aftermath of the earthquake. 1. There are numerous videos online that show the aftermath of the tsunami that hit Thailand a few years ago. 2. Our family had to stand together in the aftermath of the scandal. 3. We are all waiting to see what the aftermath of the fight will be. 4. Source: theidioms.com trouble shared is trouble halved Variants a trouble shared is a trouble halved ▪ a problem shared is a problem halved ▪ a worry shared is a worry halved ▪ Meaning | Synonyms the intensity of the issue can be lowered down by discussion ▪ seeking help can solve the problems faster ▪ talking someone reliable and trustworthy about our concerns can create better options for us ▪ a bad situation can be settled down with the help of counseling ▪ Example Sentences Don’t hesitate to share your problems with me. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved. 1. Sara should tell someone about what she is going through because trouble shared is trouble halved. 2. New Section 1 Page 5 shared is a problem halved. Sara should tell someone about what she is going through because trouble shared is trouble halved. 2. The best option is to share your feelings with your mother. A worry shared is a worry halved. 3. A psychiatrist can help Lidia to recover from the trauma, tell her that a trouble shared is a trouble halved. 4. I want to know why you are so anxious. Let me make you feel good – trouble shared is trouble halved. 5. Source: theidioms.com all roads lead to Rome Meaning | Synonyms all the routes are directed towards the center ▪ there is more than one way to achieve the same thing ▪ variety of methods will yield the same result in the end ▪ exactly the same outcome can be produced using many different ways ▪ there are many different routes to reach the same destination ▪ Example Sentences Take any route of your choice because all roads lead to Rome. 1. All roads lead to Rome, so whether you draw from the top or from the bottom, it will give you the same drawing. 2. Some people have to memorize while others can remember by just going through it once. In the long run, all roads lead to Rome. 3. Sam always uses a shorter method to get the right answer as all roads lead to Rome. 4. Origin Source: theidioms.com apples to oranges Meaning | Synonyms the items that cannot be compared with each other ▪ an unfair comparison ▪ two things that belong to different classes ▪ things that are completely different ▪ possessing non - identical attributes ▪ in contrast ▪ Example Sentences We cannot compare Sara and Salina. They are apples and oranges. 1. I can’t think about leaving my two kids at home all alone. They are just apples and oranges. 2. Our new chef is just amazing while the previous one was not skilled, they are apples and oranges. 3. They were twins, but apples and oranges. 4. To compare Italian food with Mexican food is to compare apples with oranges. 5. They were a mismatching couple; it was like apples and oranges. 6. Source: theidioms.com get on nerves Meaning | Synonyms New Section 1 Page 6 Meaning | Synonyms tick someone off ▪ being annoying for someone ▪ to become unbearable for someone ▪ to irritate someone to a great extent ▪ to bother and distract someone during work ▪ rub up the wrong way ▪ Example Sentences Put your mobile phone in a silent mode – its loud ringtone is getting on my nerves. 1. Stop laughing! You are getting on my nerves. 2. Tom’s idea to go swimming on the dirty beach was pathetic. He is getting on my nerves. 3. It used to get on my nerves when I saw someone sleeping during the working hours. 4. Whenever I go to study my younger sister starts getting on my nerves by crying so loud. 5. I saw your best friend usually gets on your nerves, but you never resist her. 6. Source: theidioms.com as a result Meaning | Synonyms the outcome of something that you have done. ▪ a result of anything that is willingly done by you ▪ the consequence of your own deed ▪ because of the occurrence of something ▪ it is the indication of the effect due to a cause ▪ consequently ▪ accordingly ▪ thus ▪ so ▪ therefore ▪ Example Sentences As a result of this mishap, he was not on work for a week. 1. David twisted his arms and, as a result, he won’t be taking part in the basketball tournament. 2. Tom died as a result of an accident. 3. Several houses were shattered as a result of the heavy storm. 4. Jackson misbehaved with his boss; as a result, he lost the job. 5. He took too many loans and as a result, he went bankrupt. 6. Many local citizens died as a result of a bomb blast. 7. Lots of fishes and other sea creatures had died as a result of the crude oil spilling. 8. Source: theidioms.com a black day Meaning | Synonyms it is a day on which something terrible has happened ▪ a day of a bad incident ▪ New Section 1 Page 7 it is a day on which something terrible has happened ▪ a day of a bad incident ▪ a day of grieve ▪ a day when something disastrous happens to someone ▪ Example Sentences My grandmother told me that it is a black day tomorrow. 1. She grieved for her aunt’s death anniversary. It was her black day 2. It was a black day for girls when the local shopping center closed down. 3. When we heard the news that our favorite Teacher had died, the entire school knew it was going to be a black day for all of us. 4. Every normal person has a black day at least once in their lifetime. 5. against the grain Meaning | Synonyms a difficult path to be followed ▪ something which is contradicting our wishes ▪ action performed unwillingly ▪ hard to accept or do something as it is against our rules ▪ things we don’t do in the usual manner ▪ in the opposite way or perpendicular to the direction of the fibers of something like a piece of wood, meat etc. See example number 6. ▪ Example Sentences It is against the grain for me to tackle dishonest people. 1. It goes against the grain to accept that she is going to change her bad behavior with others. 2. Sometimes we must take steps that go against the grain. 3. Carol is always loyal, and it went against the grain for her to become disloyal. 4. John goes against the grain by making a cake instead of pizza this time. 5. Don’t cut that wood against the grain, it will be rough around the edges. 6. Source: theidioms.com apples to apples Meaning | Synonyms having a fair comparison between the two things ▪ comparing the things which can be compared with each other, not the ones which don’t fit the specific criteria of each other ▪ contrasting the similar things ▪ finding out the difference between the two similar things ▪ items that can be practically compared with each other ▪ Example Sentences To find out who is stronger is the apples to apples measure their capability to win the first prize in the field of Olympics. 1. I have no idea who is going to win the fashion show, both the girls dress up so well, it is the apples to apples measure of their styling techniques. 2. Finding out the speed of the two big cars which are equal in size and possess other similar attributes is the apples to apples 3. Source: theidioms.com act of God Meaning | Synonyms New Section 1 Page 8 Meaning | Synonyms an occurrence of out of control natural forces in action ▪ an act legitimately acknowledged as being outside of any human control ▪ Example Sentences No matter how strong you are but you can’t stop the acts of God. 1. The only way I get to fail that exam is if there is an act of God because I prepared well for it. 2. We can agree that Hurricane Florence was an act of God. 3. Jack is an evil man now only an act of God can change him. 4. That was a strong earthquake – you can’t predict the acts of God. 5. Source: theidioms.com a sight for sore eyes Meaning a way of saying that you are happy to see someone ▪ a way of expressing that you think someone is good looking ▪ something that you are happy to look at ▪ the idiom also means something that is unpleasant to look at (opposite meaning in British version) ▪ Example Sentences I can’t believe that I haven’t seen you in a year! You are a sight for sore eyes. 1. There is Peter with a tray of food, it is a sight for sore eyes! I am starving! 2. The bottles of water, at the end of the long race, was a sight for sore eyes. 3. June, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes! I have missed you. 4. That pretty girl is a sight for sore eyes. 5. That monstrosity of a building is a sight for sore eyes, it blocks our whole view of the beach. (Opposite meaning) 6. That ugly dress that you are wearing is a sight for sore eyes, please don’t wear it again. (Opposite meaning) 7. Source: theidioms.com all the best Meaning a polite way to end a letter or email ▪ all of the best, meaning the entire number of the highest quality of something ▪ when you are saying goodbye to someone and you are conveying your best wishes ▪ Example Sentences We would like to wish you all the best in the year to come. 1. The players that are on stage are all of the best hockey players that the school has. 2. When he left to go on his trip, his parents wished him all the best, meaning that they wished him well and only wanted good things to befall him. 3. “We wish you and your family all the best in this new chapter of your career.” The letter from my dad’s company read when he took a new job 4. New Section 1 Page 9 befall him. “We wish you and your family all the best in this new chapter of your career.” The letter from my dad’s company read when he took a new job in another city. 4. Our principal said that he would take all of the best writers to the conference in Los Angeles next weekend, I hope that I am good enough to join them. 5. Source: theidioms.com as simple as that Meaning extremely easy to understand or comprehend ▪ not complicated at all ▪ so easy and not more difficult than that ▪ Example Sentences There can be no exceptions. Every new recruit has to undergo an orientation course, it’s as simple as that. 1. Without enough business, the company shouldn’t hire any more workers, as simple as that. 2. Take the straight end of the hammer and hit it on the level surface of nail while keeping the pointy edge of nail on the wood. Simple as that! 3. Being a website developer is not as simple as that. It requires commitment and dedication. 4. Industry can lower import costs for any country as required products start to get manufactured in the country. It’s as simple as that. 5. China’s rise to global power is not as simple as that. They have achieved this through hard work, dedication and with a commitment to success. 6. Source: theidioms.com all day long Meaning the whole day, throughout the entire day ▪ doing something for a considerably long duration of time ▪ representing abundant availability of some item or emotion ▪ something continuing for a long time seemingly since always ▪ Example Sentences The beggar had to beg all day long before getting enough money to feed his hungry children. 1. It has been raining cats and dogs all day long. 2. After his innocence was proved he remains happy all day long yet careful. 3. You can find shells of multiple shapes, colors and sizes on the beach all day long. 4. Have no doubt that kicking on the shins is going to be a yellow card all day long. 5. The police worked very hard all day long to minimize the rampage of the advancing protestors. 6. You can happily yet unproductively spend all day long in the never - ending world of social media. 7. Source: theidioms.com all that glitters is not gold New Section 1 Page 10 all that glitters is not gold Meaning the shining outer look of something is not a consistent sign of its real character ▪ not everyone that appears good, turns out to be good ▪ not everything that is apparently glittery is precious ▪ something that looks to be perfect but not in real ▪ Example Sentences My grandmother advised me to be careful about making new friends because all that glitters is not gold. 1. After being cheated by many handsome guys, she finally realised that all that glitters is not gold. 2. I know that Christie is a beautiful girl but don’t forget all that glitters is not gold. 3. Mark recently bought an attractive wrist - watch, and it stopped after few weeks. All that glitters is not gold. 4. I never prefer to wear a bling rather I like being relaxed – all that glitters is not gold! 5. all that glitters is not gold Meaning the shining outer look of something is not a consistent sign of its real character ▪ not everyone that appears good, turns out to be good ▪ not everything that is apparently glittery is precious ▪ something that looks to be perfect but not in real ▪ Example Sentences My grandmother advised me to be careful about making new friends because all that glitters is not gold. 1. After being cheated by many handsome guys, she finally realised that all that glitters is not gold. 2. I know that Christie is a beautiful girl but don’t forget all that glitters is not gold. 3. Mark recently bought an attractive wrist - watch, and it stopped after few weeks. All that glitters is not gold. 4. I never prefer to wear a bling rather I like being relaxed – all that glitters is not gold! 5. Origin Source: theidioms.com a stitch in time saves nine Meaning do not wait to deal with a specific problem or you risk it getting much worse later on ▪ it’s better to find solution of any trouble on time before it becomes worse ▪ small action taken on right time may prevents difficulty to be bigger later ▪ Example Sentences John said to his brother, ” You better bring your car to the shop while it’s still running, because a stitch in time saves nine“. 1. The timely investigation could be prevented the major malfunction in New Section 1 Page 11 The timely investigation could be prevented the major malfunction in computers. Someone truly said that a stitch in time saves nine. 2. Resolve a small problem on time may prevent a big trouble it’s like the old saying “a stitch in time saves nine“. 3. It seems that something wrong with my car, it’s better to get its check - up as a stitch in time saves nine. 4. There is an old saying that a stitch in time saves nine and I think it’s better to compromise earlier instead of dispute with your neighbour. 5. Prime Minister summed up the speech in the saying “a stitch in time saves nine“. 6. Source: theidioms.com all the rage Meaning when something is the height of popularity ▪ it implies that the fashion will be short lived and has no staying power ▪ Example Sentences My parents used to love the Beatles. They were all the rage when they were teenagers. 1. These bell - bottom pants were all the rage in the 1960s. 2. Tribal tattoos used to be all the rage. Now people are just stuck with silly symbols on their bodies. 3. Don’t worry about the new restaurant down the street. It is all the rage now, but the customers will come back to us eventually. 4. Source: theidioms.com and so on also, and so forth Meaning and related stuff ▪ a list goes on in a same way ▪ a different way of saying et cetera ▪ used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other items that can still be added ▪ Example Sentences I enjoy outdoor sports like swimming, surfing, hiking and so on. 1. ‘We’ll See,’ Trump Says on North Korea. And Iran. And Nafta. And So On. 2. We are going to organise a beautiful birthday party for my mom. We will have cake, champagne, balloons and so on. 3. I like reading books like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and so on. 4. Her favourite things to eat are chips, chocolates, cookies and so on. It is no wonder that she is so unhealthy. 5. He enjoys traveling to exotic locations like Thailand, Morocco, Vietnam and so on. 6. I have to pack, clean up, sell the house and so on before we can move to a new country. 7. Source: theidioms.com a voice crying in the wilderness Meaning New Section 1 Page 12 Meaning to say something that is not popular ▪ to express an idea that is not accepted by others ▪ to say something that is not considered acceptable by a group or a society ▪ Example Sentences The tales are interesting if you are into that kind of thing but for me it is like listening to a voice crying in the wilderness. 1. I was like a voice crying in the wilderness when I tried to expos what my bosses had done in order to keep the entire processing unit under wraps. 2. Even though he is one of the most renowned physics teacher, his opinion was like a voice crying in the wilderness in this project. 3. I feel like a voice crying in the wilderness when I am trying to talk to my parents to move to the city with me. 4. He had warned about the economic collapse but at that time his pleas were like a voice crying in the wilderness. 5. Source: theidioms.com at the drop of a dime also, at the drop of a hat Meaning something that can happen very fast without hesitation ▪ a quick thing to get done without planning ▪ Example Sentences The play can begin at the drop of a dime, you just need to say the word. 1. I have hired such nannies for my children at the drop of a dime, she is nothing special. 2. You speak as if you have such talented people at the drop of a dime. 3. I am not asking you to get this done at the drop of a dime. Please take your time but give me the best work possible. 4. I have to get to the workshop or my boss will kick me out at the drop of a dime. 5. I am usually able to get this done at the drop of a dime but just not able to figure out what is going on this time. 6. She knows her craft well and can get it done for you at the drop of a dime. 7. Source: theidioms.com carry on Meaning to continue with something ▪ to continue with a task until completion ▪ to behave enthusiastically and in an uncontrolled manner maybe even due to excessive worry or nervousness ▪ to react to a situation more than it is necessary ▪ a small bag that passengers try to keep with them at all times during travelling (carry - on) ▪ Example Sentences After the huge earthquake the children are still carrying on with their shock. 1. New Section 1 Page 13 shock. Kids really carry on after getting a scolding from their parents. 2. Despite office policy, Don and Cindy have been secretly carrying on! 3. Lufthansa allows fairly large weight limits for carry - on. 4. Air traffic rules clearly state that all carry - on luggage must be securely stored in the cabin. 5. During the military coup, all the industry was advised to carry on as per their usual routine. 6. James may carelessly carry on spending his fathers’ money but it will surely run out one day. 7. After the roundabout, carry on for 12 km towards the north. 8. Source: theidioms.com at the same time Meaning used to refer to two or more things occurring together ▪ to refer to another alternative to be considered in addition to that which has already been mentioned ▪ all at once; simultaneously ▪ Example Sentences My mother has the ability to make me laugh and cry at the same time. 1. In as much as we will do everything to help him succeed, at the same time, we want him to appreciate the benefit of hard work. 2. Mary and Martha arrived at the concert at the same time. 3. Though I want the kids to be serious with their academic work, at the same time I want them to engage in sports and other extracurricular activities. 4. It takes a lot of practice to get the dancers to move at the same time. 5. Alex can be very stern and at the same time, she is quite warm, friendly and approachable. 6. I don’t want to come across as rude but at the same time, I do not want to have people walk all over me 7. Source: theidioms.com all set Meaning to refer a state of being ready for an event ▪ to be prepared for an occurrence ▪ for something to be finished or to refer to a situation that has been handled ▪ Example Sentences After putting the luggage in the trunk, we were all set to go on our vacation. 1. John put on his helmet and he was all set for the motorcycle race. 2. The mechanic finished working on the engine and informed us we were all set to continue on our trip. 3. After signing out his personal effects, Matt was all set to leave the prison as a free man. 4. Everyone put on their best dresses and were all set to attend the wedding of the year. 5. With her hair in place and the beautiful dress she had on, Cassidy was all set to go on her date with Adam 6. Source: theidioms.com a burnt child dreads the fire New Section 1 Page 14 a burnt child dreads the fire Meaning everyone avoids repeating a hurting experience again in life ▪ when you are once beaten by someone or something, you always avoid getting intact with that thing again ▪ a person becomes more cautious when he or she gets hurt with something and secure him for the next time ▪ Example Sentences After his first accident, Sam is quite careful in driving now because a burnt child dreads a fire. 1. I always prefer to keep a fire extinguisher at home once I have seen a fire caught in my office as a burnt child dreads the fire. 2. He was wary of new marriage after his divorce because a burnt child dreads the fire. 3. He never considered my advice to drive slowly, unless the accident happened with him. Someone has said the truth a burnt child dreads the fire. 4. A dog tried to bite me, and then I was so scared. A burnt child dreads the fire so I hate dogs now. 5. as different as chalk and cheese Meaning for two things to be completely different from each other ▪ to have nothing in common with someone or something else ▪ to lack similarity when compared with someone or something ▪ Example Sentences Despite James and John being identical twins, their characters were as different as chalk and cheese. 1. What he does in public and how in acts in private are as different as chalk and cheese. 2. Aside their names, the two teachers had nothing in common and could be said to be as different as chalk and cheese. 3. England in the Summer and England in the Winter are as different as chalk and cheese. 4. It’s safe to say that Lisa’s night job and her day job are as different as chalk and cheese. 5. Source: theidioms.com apple polisher Meaning a flatterer; toady ▪ a person who tries to get favours from those in authority through flattery ▪ a person who seeks for promotion or rewards from higher ups by singing their praises or complimenting them ▪ a person who mostly says false things to those in authority in order to get something in return ▪ Example Sentences Even with her boss looking very untidy, Mel still complimented her and this showed her to be an apple polisher. 1. Michael is such an apple polisher. New Section 1 Page 15 Michael is such an apple polisher. 2. It’s not good to be seen as an apple polisher as people would always doubt your intentions. 3. It is better to be honest with people than to tell them false things and be taken as an apple polisher. 4. It’s not good to polish the apple for your teacher for getting extra marks. 5. I will never polish the apple for my boss, I believe in honesty and hard working. 6. I can’t be an apple polisher of such nutter, we need to protest. 7. Source: theidioms.com a lot on my plate Synonyms | Variants too much on my plate ▪ enough on my plate ▪ so much on my plate ▪ Meaning to have so many things to do at one time ▪ being overwhelmed from having so many things to handle at the same time ▪ to have a lot of things happening in your life at the same time ▪ Example Sentences This week will be so hectic as I have a lot on my plate. 1. Being a mom, a teacher and an athlete means I always have a lot on my plate every time. 2. Lisa has a lot on her plate and that is why she is always busy. 3. Undertaking a Masters program ensures that you always have a lot on your plate. 4. Martin’s job as the head of the hospital makes him have a lot on his plate all the time. 5. With final exams, IELTS test and entrance exam, He’s got too much on his plate already 6. “I wonder how do you manage so much on your plate?” 7. Now I feel relax all the day long, because I don’t have enough on my plate these days. 8. I had too much on my plate, so I couldn’t talk to my family last week. 9. Source: theidioms.com at sixes and sevens Meaning used to express a situation of uncertainty or confusion ▪ to be in complete disarray ▪ a state of confusion or bewilderment ▪ referring to disagreement between two parties ▪ Example Sentences I don’t want to be at sixes and sevens with you. 1. Without the main character, the show would have been at sixes and sevens. 2. After the power failure, everyone has been left at sixes and sevens. 3. Her weird attitude has left me at sixes and sevens as to what the matter could be. 4. After the president’s announcement, we were all left at sixes and New Section 1 Page 16 After the president’s announcement, we were all left at sixes and sevens. 5. The flood had destroyed all the road signs, leaving drivers and commuters at sixes and sevens. 6. Source: theidioms.com head and shoulders above (the rest/the competition, etc.) Meaning significantly better than everybody else in the field ▪ on a level above the others ▪ way out ahead of the race ▪ superior to the competition in some important way ▪ having an advantage over the other competitors/participants ▪ the best, the winner, the most popular, successful, productive, etc. ▪ Example Sentences I’m so proud of our boy, Johnny – he was head and shoulders above the rest of his class in his school project. 1. If you train harder and longer than everybody else, you’ll be head and shoulders above the competition by the time the race comes around. 2. In the race for the presidency, the democratic candidate was head and shoulders above the republican candidate. 3. There’s no competition; our team is simply head and shoulders above the rest. 4. You are head and shoulders above the other applicants. You will definitely get the job. 5. This is the best laptop to buy. For your needs it is head and shoulders above all the others in your price range. 6. If you want to be head and shoulders above the rest, you must work very hard. 7. Source: theidioms.com a trip to the sun Meaning something which is very unlikely ▪ some task or activity or anything which is impossible to achieve ▪ something which is never going to happen ▪ Example Sentences My dream has always been to settle in Australia. But I know it’s like a trip to the sun. I just have to make peace with this place. 1. Getting a job in USA for me is like a trip to the sun. Hence I have stopped thinking about it. 2. “Oh please, stop it! It’s not like you want a trip to the sun. Its just a sky diving that you wish to do. Make it happen.” 3. For me, waking up early in the morning is not less than a trip to the sun. 4. Don’t build castle in the air of becoming a rich man overnight, earning money without hard work is like a trip to the sun. 5. Climbing on Mount Everest is a trip to the sun. 6. 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