Everyday Idioms: Main List
учебно-методический материал по английскому языку на тему

Idioms, with definitions or synonyms

Examples

Translation

above board - honest, open

His business dealings are above board.

честный, открытый

ad lib - improvise, interpolate

The actor forgot his lines and ad libbed.

импровизировать

after all - in spite of the situation; nevertheless

I knew it! After all, I was right! He returned to his hometown after all.

все-таки; все же; в конце концов

against the grain - contrary to someone's feelings, principles

His plan goes against the grain with her because she doesn't like cheating.

против чьих-то чувств, принципов, желаний

all along - all the time

I knew about his little secret all along.

все время; всегда

all ears - eager to listen

I am all ears.

весь внимание

all of a sudden - suddenly

All of a sudden, he refused to pay.

неожиданно

all the same - no difference

If it's all the same to you, let's start at two.

все равно; без разницы

all thumbs - clumsy

He can't fix anything, he's all thumbs.

неуклюжий, неумелый

apple of one's eye - very dear, precious

Her son is the apple of her eye.

очень дорогой, драгоценный; зеница ока

apple of discord - subject of envy or quarrel

This question is an apple of discord in our family.

яблоко раздора

as a rule - generally, usually

As a rule, we offer a 5% discount.

как правило

as far as I know - if I have correct information

As far as I know, he stayed home all day.

насколько я знаю

as far as someone / something is concerned - concerning; in reference to

As far as I am concerned, both the book and the movie are good. As far as your report is concerned, we'll discuss it tomorrow.

что касается кого-то, чего-то

as for / as to - concerning; in reference to

As for me, you can always rely on my support. As for your report, we'll discuss it tomorrow.

что касается; относительно

as well - also; too

He knows math and physics as well.

тоже; также

at all - (not) in the smallest degree

He doesn't know French at all. I don't like it at all.

совсем (не)

at first sight - from the first glance; at once; at first glance

It was love at first sight. At first sight, it seems easy to do.

с первого взгляда; сразу же; на первый взгляд

at odds with - in disagreement

He is at odds with everyone!

не в ладах

at random - without order or plan

He chose those places at random.

наугад; без плана

at this point - at this time

At this point, we can't turn back.

на данном этапе

backseat driver - a passenger who tells you how to drive

His wife is a backseat driver always telling him how to drive.

пассажир, который указывает, как вести машину

ballpark figure - approximate estimate (in figures)

I can give you only a ballpark figure at this time.

приблизительное оценка (в цифрах)

bark up the wrong tree - make a false assumption or wrong choice

The detective was sure he got a suspect, but he was barking up the wrong tree.

напасть на ложный след

be about to do something - be close to doing something; be on the verge of doing something

I was about to leave when you called. I was about to open the door, but something stopped me.

быть готовым сделать что-то; собираться сделать что-то

be all in - be extremely tired

I'm all in, I'd better go to bed now.

очень устать

be back on one's feet - be healthy again or better financially

He's back on his feet after a long period of debt and unemployment.

встать на ноги после трудного времени

be behind the times - be old-fashioned, outdated

Some of the managers here are behind the times; their methods are not modern.

отстать от жизни; быть несовременным, устаревшим

be beside oneself - be very upset, nervous, worried

She was beside herself with worry / with grief.

быть вне себя от волнения, горя

be beside the point - be off the point

What I said to him privately is beside the point.

не по существу; не относится к делу

be better off - be in a better situation (financially)

He'll be better off with a new job.

в лучшей ситуации (материально)

be broke - have no money at all; be penniless, bankrupt

I spent all my money, I'm broke.

быть без гроша; быть совсем без денег; разориться

be cut out to be someone; be cut out for it - have the ability to do something

He is cut out to be a leader. She isn't cut out to be a surgeon. She isn't cut out for it.

быть созданным для какой-то работы

be hard on something or someone - treat roughly

My son is hard on shoes; they don't last long with him. Life was pretty hard on Tom.

не беречь что-то или кого-то

be high on one's list - be one of the most important things

A new car is high on my list of priorities. A new TV is not high on my list.

быть важным; быть в начале списка нужных вещей

be in charge of something - be responsible for

He is in charge of marketing.

быть ответственным за что-то

be in good health - be healthy

She is in good health.

иметь хорошее здоровье

be in poor health - be not healthy

She is in poor health.

иметь слабое здоровье

be in good shape - be physically fit

He is in good shape because he exercises regularly.

быть в хорошей форме; быть в порядке

be in bad shape - be in bad state

The patient is in bad shape. His affairs are in bad shape.

быть в плохом состоянии, не в порядке, не в форме

be in the red - be in debt

Our sales were in the red last year.

быть убыточным

be on one's way

I'm on my way.

быть уже в пути: Я уже еду.

be on the point of something, be at the point of something - be on the verge of something; be close to doing something

He was on the point of death two years ago. She was on the point of telling him the truth, but his words stopped her.

быть на грани чего-то; на грани сделать что-то

be out of date - be outdated

This information is out of date.

устаревший

be out of sorts - be in bad temper

Leave him alone, he's out of sorts today.

быть не в духе

be pressed for time, for money - not to have enough time, money

I'm pressed for time now. We are pressed for money at the moment.

не хватать времени, денег и др.

be to blame - be responsible for a mistake, for something wrong

Who is to blame for this awful mistake? Tom is to blame for this mix-up.

быть виноватым за ошибку, за неправильные действия

be touch and go - risky; dangerous; uncertain of the result

He was very sick, and for some time it was touch and go, but he is better now.

рискованный, опасный; на грани; неясно, куда повернется

be up and around / about - able to be out of bed after an illness

He was sick for a month, but now he is up and around.

встать на ноги; поправиться

be up to one's ears in (work) - be very busy

I'm up to my ears in work.

быть по уши в (делах, работе)

beat around the bush; beat about the bush - avoid giving a clear or definite answer

Stop beating around the bush! Get to the point!

ходить вокруг да около

beat one's brains out - make great efforts, often unsuccessfully

He beats his brains out at work, but his boss doesn't even notice his hard work.

очень стараться (часто безуспешно)

before long - soon

He will understand before long what a terrible mistake he has made.

скоро, в скором времени

big shot - important person

He is a big shot around here.

важная персона

bite off more than one can chew - try to do more than one can

I couldn't handle two jobs and family. I really bit off more than I could chew.

переоценить свои силы; пытаться сделать непосильное

bite the bullet - accept painful but necessary action

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and to do what's necessary to do.

стиснуть зубы и терпеть мучительное, но необходимое

bite the dust - die; be killed; suffer defeat

Many of them bit the dust in that war.

умереть; быть убитым; потерпеть поражение

bite the hand that feeds one - repay kindness with evil

She is so ungrateful! She is biting the hand that feeds her!

отплатить злом на добро

black sheep - a good-for-nothing member of the family

Their second son is the black sheep of the family; he is good for nothing.

паршивая овца

blind date - a meeting between a man and a woman (who have never met before) arranged by their friends

She refuses to go on a blind date again because she had bad experience.

свидание вслепую

blow it - lose the chance

He understood that he blew it.

потерять шанс

bottom line - main result; main factor

The bottom line is, I don't have enough money.

итог; основной момент

break someone's heart - hurt deeply

The news of her death broke his heart.

разбить чье-то сердце; сильно огорчить

break the ice - overcome shyness in making the first step

The party was dull until someone broke the ice with a joke, and we all laughed.

преодолеть неловкость при первом знакомстве

break the news - tell new important facts

CNN is breaking the news right now.

сообщить важную новость

bring home the bacon - earn the living for the family

He works very hard at several places to bring home the bacon.

обеспечивать семью

by all means - definitely, certainly

Do you need my help? - By all means.

обязательно, конечно

by heart - by memorizing

Learn this poem by heart for tomorrow.

наизусть

by hook or by crook - by any possible means

She will get what she wants by hook or by crook.

любым путем, любым способом

by oneself (by myself, by himself, etc.) - alone; on one's own

She spent the evening by herself. He did it all by himself.

один; в одиночку

by the way - incidentally

By the way, I found the book that you recommended.

кстати

call a halt to something - terminate, stop something

His father called a halt to his activity.

остановить, прекратить что-то

call a spade a spade - use plain, direct words

He always tells the truth and calls a spade a spade.

называть вещи своими именами

call it a day - consider work finished for the day

We've been working for ten straight hours. Let's call it a day.

считать работу законченной на этот день

call the shots - give orders; be in control of something

He calls the shots in this company.

распоряжаться, иметь контроль над чем-то

call the tune - give orders; be the most important person in some situation

Since he was paying for it, he called the tune.

распоряжаться; быть главным в какой-то ситуации

carry weight - be important

His advice always carries weight here.

иметь вес

castles in the air - daydreaming about success

Instead of working hard, he spends time building castles in the air.

(строить) воздушные замки

catch someone's eye - attract attention

This picture caught my eye.

привлечь чье-то внимание

catch one's breath - stop and rest

I'm too tired to run further. I need to catch my breath.

перевести дух; остановиться и передохнуть

catch someone off guard - catch someone unprepared

He caught me off guard with his question.

застать врасплох

catch someone red-handed - find someone in the act of doing wrong

The manager caught the boy red-handed when he was stealing cigarettes.

поймать за руку, когда делал плохое

close call - a narrow escape; a bad thing that almost happened

The speeding car almost hit the man. That was really a close call.

что-то плохое, что едва не случилось

come to one's senses - act normally and reasonably again

He finally came to his senses, began to work hard, and passed his exams.

взяться за ум; прийти в себя

come true - become reality

His dream came true when he met Kate.

осуществиться

cross one's mind - occur to someone

It never crossed my mind that he might be ill.

прийти в голову

cut corners - 1. take a short-cut; 2. limit one's spending

He ran fast, cutting corners where he could. I have to cut corners this week.

1. срезать углы; идти напрямик; 2. ограничить расходы

do one's best - try very hard

I did my best to help him in his work.

сделать все, что смог

do one's bit - do what's needed

I'll do my bit, you can count on me.

сделать положенное

do someone good - be good for someone

Fresh air and exercise will do you good

принести пользу

do something behind someone's back - do (harmful) things secretively

I hate people who do things behind my back. He did it behind my back again.

делать (вредные) дела за спиной

down to earth - practical

He's quiet, sensible, and down to earth.

практичный, приземленный

draw the line - set a limit; impose a restriction

I draw the line at spending so much on food. He drew the line for her at $100 a day.

установить границу дозволенного; положить предел

duty calls - must fulfill obligations

He said, "Duty calls", put on his coat, and left for work.

долг обязывает

easier said than done

It's easier said than done, but I'll try to do it.

легче сказать, чем сделать

eat one's words - take back one's words

He had to eat his words after her report.

брать назад свои слова

even so - nevertheless; but

I work hard. Even so, I like my job.

тем не менее

every now and then - occasionally

Every now and then I visit my old aunt.

время от времени

every other - every second one

She washes her hair every other day.

через один; каждый второй

fall in love (with) - begin to love

Tom fell in love with Sue at first sight.

влюбиться (в)

fall out of love - stop loving

They soon fell out of love and divorced.

разлюбить

false alarm - untrue signal; untrue rumor

I heard that he quit his job, but it was a false alarm.

ложная тревога

a far cry from something - not nearly as good

His second book wasn't bad, but it was a far cry from his first book.

далеко не такой хороший, как

feel it in one's bones - expect something bad to happen

I feel it in my bones that something terrible is going to happen.

нутром чувствовать, что случится плохое

feel like doing something - want to do; be inclined to do something

I feel like going for a walk. I don't feel like working now, I'm tired.

быть склонным к занятию чем-то

few and far between - rare, scarce

Her visits are few and far between.

слишком редкие

find fault with someone or something - criticize; complain about

He finds fault with everybody. She always finds fault with my cooking.

критиковать кого-то или что-то; придираться

first things first - important things come before others

First things first: how much money do we have to pay right away?

сначала главное

fly off the handle - get angry

He flew off the handle and yelled at me.

разозлиться (вдруг)

follow in someone's footsteps - do the same thing

Igor followed in his father's footsteps. He became a doctor too.

идти по стопам; делать то же самое

foot the bill - pay the bill

Her father footed the bill for the party.

заплатить по счету

for good - forever

After her death he left town for good.

навсегда

for the time being - for now; at this time

For the time being, this house is all right for us.

на данное время

frame of mind - mental state

I can't do it in this frame of mind.

умонастроение

from A to Z - completely; from beginning to end

He knows this town from A to Z.

полностью; от начала до конца

from now on - now and in the future

From now on I forbid you to go there.

впредь

from the word go - from the very beginning

He was lying to all of us from the word go.

с самого начала

get a grip on oneself - take control of one's feelings

Stop crying! Get a grip on yourself!

контролировать свои чувства

get carried away - get too excited and enthusiastic about something

He got carried away with opening a store and lost most of his money.

слишком увлечься чем-то

get cold feet - be afraid to do something

He wanted to try it, but he got cold feet at the last moment.

побояться сделать

get even with someone - have one's revenge

I'll get even with him for everything!

расквитаться с кем-то

get in touch with someone - contact someone

Get in touch with Mr. Smith for help.

связаться с кем-то

get lost - lose one's way

She got lost in the old part of town.

потерять дорогу

Get lost! (slang) - Lay off!

I don't want to see you again. Get lost!

Исчезни! Уйди!

get mixed up - get confused

I got mixed up, went the wrong way, and got lost.

перепутать

get off someone's back - stop bothering someone

Stop bothering me! Get off my back!

перестать приставать; отстать от кого-то

get one's foot in the door - get an initial opportunity; make the first step in something (e.g., in getting a job)

Nina was able to get her foot in the door because her friend worked in that company.

получить начальную возможность; сделать первый шаг в чем-то (например, в получении работы)

get on one's high horse - behave haughtily towards someone

Every time I ask her to help me with typing, she gets on her high horse.

вести себя высокомерно

get out of hand - get out of control, beyond control

If he gets out of hand again, call me right away. The situation is getting out of hand.

выйти из-под контроля

get rid of someone or something - dispose of; discard

He got rid of his old useless car.

избавиться от кого-то или чего-то

get to the bottom of something - know deeply

He usually gets to the bottom of things.

добраться до сути чего-то

get to the point - speak directly about the subject; come to the point

Please get to the point, I don't have much time now.

перейти к сути дела; начать говорить по существу

Give me a break! - Stop it! Enough!

Come on, stop it! Give me a break!

Прекрати! Хватит!

give someone a hand - help someone

Can you give me a hand with cooking?

помочь кому-то

give someone a lift; give someone a ride - take someone to some place by car

Can you give me a lift to the bank? He gave her a ride in his new Porsche.

подвезти кого-то (куда-то)

give someone a piece of one's mind - criticize frankly

She lost my umbrella again, so I gave her a piece of my mind about her carelessness.

высказать, что на уме; критиковать

go back on one's word - break a promise

First he said he would help me, but then he went back on his word.

нарушить свое слово, обещание

go for it - make an attempt at something new; give it a try

If I were you, I would go for it. Go for it! Give it a try!

сделать попытку в чем-то новом; попробовать новое дело

go from bad to worse - become much worse

His business went from bad to worse.

становиться все хуже

go out of one's way - try very hard

He goes out of his way to please her.

очень стараться

go to one's head - 1. make dizzy; 2. make too proud, conceited

1. Champagne went to her head right away. 2. His acting success went to his head.

1. вызвать головокружение; 2. возгордиться - Успех вскружил ему голову.

go to pieces - get very upset; fall apart

She went to pieces when she heard it.

сильно расстроиться

go with the flow - lead a quiet life

She always goes with the flow.

плыть по течению; жить без волнений

have a ball - have a good time

Yesterday we had a ball at the party.

отлично провести время

have a bone to pick with someone - complain or discuss something unpleasant

Mr. Brown, I have a bone to pick with you. My mail was lost because of you.

иметь претензии к кому-то

have a sweet tooth - love eating sweet things

He has a sweet tooth.

быть сластеной; любить сладкое

have a word with someone - talk to someone

Can I have a word with you?

поговорить с кем-то

have words with someone - argue with someone

I had words with my coworker today because he used my computer again.

крупно поговорить с кем-то

have it in someone - have the ability

Laura has it in her to be a good doctor.

иметь нужные качества

have no business doing something - have no right to do something

You have no business staying here without my permission.

нечего (вам) здесь делать; незачем здесь находиться и др.

have one's back to the wall - be hard-pressed; on the defensive

I had no choice, I had my back to the wall.

быть прижатым к стене, под давлением; вынужден защищаться

have one's hands full - be very busy

He has his hands full with hard work.

быть очень занятым

have one's heart set on something - want something very much

She has her heart set on going to New York. He has his heart set on Betty.

очень хотеть получить что-то

have pull - have influence

Does he have pull with the director?

иметь влияние

(not) have the heart to do something - (not) have the courage to do something unpleasant

I don't have the heart to tell him that he wasn't accepted; he'll be so unhappy.

(не) хватает духа сделать неприятное

hit the nail on the head - say exactly the right thing

You hit the nail on the head when you said that!

попасть в точку; сказать очень правильную вещь

(not) hold it against someone - (not) blame somebody for doing something

I lost his book, but he doesn't hold it against me.

(не) держать зло на кого-то

Hold it! - Stop! Wait!

Hold it! I forgot my key.

Остановитесь! Стойте!

hold one's own - maintain oneself in a situation; behave as needed

He can hold his own in any situation. We need men who can hold their own.

постоять за себя; утвердиться в чем-то

hold one's tongue - keep silent; refrain from speaking

She can't hold her tongue at all.

молчать; держать язык за зубами; придержать язык

ill at ease - uncomfortable

She felt ill at ease because of her cheap dress.

не по себе

in advance - well before

He told her about his plan in advance.

заранее

in a nutshell - in a few words

In a nutshell, my plan is to buy land.

кратко, вкратце

in care of - write to one person at the address of another person

I'm going to stay at Tom's house in Chicago. Write to me in care of Tom Gray, 321 Main Street, Chicago, Illinois.

писать адресату по адресу другого человека (у которого остановился)

in cold blood - mercilessly

He killed her in cold blood.

хладнокровно

in fact - actually; in reality

In fact, he works as a manager here.

фактически; в действительности

in general - generally; generally speaking

In general, he likes to be alone. He described the place only in general.

в общем; вообще; обычно

in hot water - in trouble; in a difficult situation (especially with the law or one's superiors)

He said a couple of unpleasant things about the boss's wife, and now he is in hot water.

в беде; в трудном положении (особенно с законом или начальством)

in one's element - what one likes

He's in his element when he's arguing.

в своей стихии

in other words - using other words

In other words, you left her when she needed your help.

другими словами

in plain English - in simple, frank terms

I didn't really like the concert. In plain English, the concert was terrible.

проще говоря; без обиняков

the ins and outs - all information about something

He knows the ins and outs of this business.

входы и выходы, вся информация о чем-то

in someone's shoes - in another person's position

I wouldn't want to be in his shoes now. He lost his job, and his wife is in the hospital.

на месте другого; в положении другого

in the long run - in the end

In the long run, it will be better to buy it.

в конечном счете

in the same boat - in the same situation

Stop arguing with me. We're in the same boat and should help each other.

в таком же положении

in the clear - free from blame

Pay the bill, and you'll be in the clear.

вне претензий

in time (to do something) - early enough; before something begins

I came in time to have a cup of coffee before class.

вовремя; заранее, чтобы успеть что-то сделать до начала чего-то

it goes without saying - should be clear without words

It goes without saying that he must pay what he owes right away.

не стоит и говорить; само собой

it's time - should do it right away

Hurry up, it's time to go.

пора (сделать что-то)

It's worth it. It's not worth it. It's (not) worth buying, visiting, watching, etc.

Watch this film, it's worth it. Don't buy this coat, it is not worth it. This museum is worth visiting. This film is not worth watching.

оно того стоит; оно того не стоит; (не) стоит покупать, посещать, смотреть и т.д.

jump at the opportunity - accept the opportunity eagerly

His boss mentioned a job in Europe, and Peter jumped at the opportunity.

ухватиться за возможность

just as soon - prefer; would rather

I'd just as soon stay home, I'm tired.

предпочитать; охотно

just in case - to be on the safe side

Take an extra shirt, just in case.

на всякий случай

Just my luck! - Bad luck! Hard luck!

They lost my job application. Just my luck!

Мне всегда не везет!

keep an eye on someone or something - take care of; watch; look after

Betty keeps an eye on my sons for me. I'll keep an eye on your dog.

последить за; присмотреть за

keep a straight face - try not to laugh

I tried to keep a straight face but failed.

стараться не рассмеяться; сохранять невозмутимый вид

keep company - accompany

She keeps me company quite often.

составить компанию

keep in mind - bear in mind; consider; remember

Keep in mind that he is not going to agree easily.

иметь в виду; учитывать; помнить

keep in touch - keep in contact with someone by calling, visiting, sending messages

Good-by and don't forget to keep in touch! Keep in touch with us. We may have new openings next week.

держаться в контакте; поддерживать контакт с кем-то

keep one's word - fulfill a promise

You promised, now keep your word.

держать слово

keep someone posted - inform someone

Keep me posted about your plans.

держать кого-то в курсе событий

keep one's fingers crossed - hope that nothing will go wrong

I have a job interview today. Keep your fingers crossed for me, will you? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

надеяться, что все пройдет гладко

kill time - fill time; spend empty time

I went to the show to kill time.

убить время

not to know the first thing about something - not to have any knowledge about something

I don't know the first thing about nuclear physics.

совсем ничего не знать по какой-то теме

know the ropes - be very familiar with some business

He knows all the ropes in this company.

знать все ходы и выходы

last-minute notice - a message (information, instruction) at the last moment leaving little or no time for preparation

His arrival was a last-minute notice. We didn't have time to prepare for it.

сообщение (информация, инструкция) в последний момент, из-за чего мало или нет времени на подготовку

lay one's cards on the table - be frank and open

Finally, we asked him to lay his cards on the table and tell us about his plans.

сказать честно; открыть карты

lay one's life on the line - put oneself in a dangerous situation

He laid his life on the line to fulfill this task, but nobody appreciated his efforts.

ставить свою жизнь на карту; рисковать

lead a dog's life - live in misery

He leads a dog's life.

влачить жалкое существование

leave it at that - stop saying anything else about some matter; leave as it is

I don't want to argue any further about it, so let's leave it at that. Leave it at that!

перестать далее упоминать (о предмете спора); оставить как есть

leave word - leave a message

He left word for you to meet him at the airport at six o'clock.

оставить сообщение

let bygones be bygones - forget and forgive bad things in the past

He said that to you many years ago. Forgive him. Let bygones be bygones.

не ворошить прошлое; забыть старые обиды

let go of something - release the hold

Let go of my hand, or I'll call the guard.

отпустить; не держать

let (it) go - forget bad experience; return to normal life

He's still in despair and can't let go. You can't change anything, so let it go.

освободиться от тяжелого переживания

let one's hair down - be relaxed and informal with other people

She is always so formal. She never lets her hair down.

держаться неофициально

let someone know - inform someone

Let me know when you find a job.

известить кого-то

like father, like son - be like one's parent in something

Paul won a prize in a chess tournament. Great! Like father, like son!

какой отец, такой и сын

little by little - step by step; bit by bit; gradually

Little by little, they saved enough money for a new car.

понемногу, постепенно

a long shot - an attempt with little chance of success

Checking the suspect's aunt was a long shot, but the detective was prepared to try anything.

попытка с минимальными шансами на успех

lose one's temper - become angry

He loses his temper very often.

разозлиться

lose one's way - get lost

I lost my way. Can you help me?

потерять дорогу

lose track of someone - not to know where someone is

I lost track of him years ago.

потерять кого-то из виду

lucky break - a lucky chance

He got his lucky break when he found that job.

счастливый случай

make a living - earn money to provide for life

He works hard. His family is large, and he has to make a living somehow.

зарабатывать на жизнь

make allowance(s) for something - take into consideration when judging

Don't criticize him so hard; make allowance for his inexperience.

учитывать, делать поправку, скидку на что-то

make a point of - be sure to do something intentionally

Make a point of asking about his wife's health. Make it a point to be here by ten o'clock.

считать обязательным для себя сделать что-то

make (both) ends meet - be able to live on the income one has; live within one's means

He doesn't have much money. I wonder how he manages to make ends meet.

сводить концы с концами; жить по средствам

make friends - become friends

Anton makes new friends easily.

подружиться

make fun of someone or something - laugh at; joke about

He made fun of her German accent. Everyone makes fun of him.

высмеивать кого-то или что-то

not to make head or tail of something - be unable to understand or decipher

I can't make head or tail of his letter.

не в состоянии понять или разобрать что-то

make no bones about it - say openly, without hesitation

I'll make no bones about it: I don't like your attitude to work.

сказать прямо, не скрывая отношения

make room for someone - allow space for someone

We can make room for one more dog.

потесниться; освободить место для кого-то

make sense - be logical

What you say makes sense.

иметь смысл

make the most of something - do the best in the given situation

Let's make the most of our vacation.

извлечь лучшее из данной ситуации

make up one's mind - decide

Will you go there? Make up your mind.

принять решение

make yourself at home - be comfortable; feel at home

Come in, please. Make yourself at home.

будьте как дома

a man of his word - a person who keeps promises

You can depend on his promise to help. He's a man of his word.

хозяин своего слова; держит слово

mean well - have good intentions

He meant well, but it turned out that he spoiled a couple of things for me.

хотеть сделать, как лучше

might as well - maybe it's a good idea

I might as well telephone him now.

может быть неплохо

missing person - someone who is lost and can't be located

The little boy disappeared. The police registered him as a missing person.

пропавший человек (т.е. разыскивается)

meet someone halfway - compromise with someone

He's reasonable and tries to meet his coworkers halfway when possible.

идти на компромисс с кем-то

never mind - don't worry about it

I'm terribly sorry. - Never mind.

не беспокойтесь; неважно

no go - impossible, futile, hopeless, useless

We tried to start the car again and again, but it was no go.

невозможный, тщетный, безнадежный, бесполезный

not a bit - not at all; not in the least

Are you tired? - Not a bit.

ничуть; нисколько

not to mention - in addition to

We have three dogs, not to mention two cats.

не говоря уже о

no wonder - not surprising

He ate three big fish. No wonder he's sick.

неудивительно, что

now and again - occasionally; now and then

I meet them now and again at the bank.

время от времени

odds and ends - a variety of small unimportant things or leftovers; bits and pieces

I went to the store because I needed to buy some odds and ends for my kitchen.

разрозненные мелочи; остатки, обрезки; всякая всячина

off the cuff - without preparation

Off the cuff, I can give you only a rough estimate.

без подготовки

off the point - beside the point

What I think about him is off the point.

не относится к делу

off the record - not for the public; unofficially

Strictly off the record, I think the director is going to get married soon.

не для публики; неофициально

off the top of one's head - without thinking or calculation; impromptu; from memory

I can't give you the figure off the top of my head, but it may be around a thousand.

без обдумывания или подсчета; без подготовки; по памяти

once and for all - decidedly

You must quit smoking once and for all.

раз и навсегда

on credit - not having to pay cash right away

He bought a car on credit.

в кредит; не нужно платить наличными сразу

on edge - nervous, irritable

He's been on edge ever since she left.

нервный, раздраженный

on guard - on the alert

He's cautious and always on guard.

настороже, начеку; бдительный

on hand - available

Do you have a calculator on hand?

под рукой

on one hand; on the one hand - considering one side of the question

On one hand, she knows quite a few poems by heart. On the other hand, she can't remember any dates.

с одной стороны

on one's own (on my own, on his own, etc.) - alone; by oneself; independently

She likes to live and work on her own. She has been on her own for several years.

один; сам по себе; самостоятельно

on one's toes - alert, attentive, prepared for difficulties

He was on his toes and produced a very good impression on them.

бдительный, внимательный, собранный

on purpose - intentionally

I didn't do it on purpose, it just happened so.

нарочно; с целью

on second thought - after thinking again

I'd like to sit on the aisle. On second thought, I'd like a window seat.

подумав; по зрелом размышлении

on the alert - on guard

He's cautious and always on the alert.

настороже, начеку; бдительный, внимательный

on the carpet - called in by the boss for criticism

Yesterday the boss called her on the carpet for being rude to the coworkers.

вызвать на ковер

on the go - on the move; busy, active

He is always on the go.

в движении, на ходу; активный

on the chance; on the off chance - in case; unlikely to happen, but there's still a small chance

On the chance that you don't find him at work, here's his home address. We went there on the off chance of seeing John.

на случай если; маловероятно, но все же есть небольшой шанс (добавление off уменьшает вероятность)

on the other hand - considering the other side of the question

I'd like to have a dog. On the other hand, my wife likes cats.

с другой стороны

on the spot - right there

I decided to do it on the spot.

на месте, сразу

on the spur of the moment - without previous thought or plan

He bought this car on the spur of the moment, and now he regrets it.

под влиянием момента; без обдумывания или плана

on the tip of one's tongue - on the verge of saying but unable to remember

His name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't remember it.

вертится на языке; вот-вот вспомню

on time - punctually; at the specified time

Jim is always on time.

вовремя; в назначенное время

out of one's mind - crazy

If you think so, you're out of your mind.

сумасшедший

out of one's way - away from one's usual route

I can't give you a lift to the bank, it's out of my way today.

не по пути

out of the question - not to be considered; impossible

Paying him is out of the question!

не может быть и речи

pack rat - a person who saves lots of unnecessary things

Why does she keep all those things she never uses? - She is a pack rat.

тот, кто не выбрасывает старые или ненужные вещи

pay attention - note something; be attentive to something

Pay attention to his words.

обратить внимание

pick a fight - start a quarrel

He often tries to pick a fight with me.

начать ссору

play one's cards right - choose the right steps in doing something

If you play your cards right, he'll agree to your plan.

сыграть правильно; выбрать правильные шаги в каком-то деле

potluck supper - a surprise meal where nobody knows what dishes other guests will bring

You know what happened at our last potluck supper? Everybody brought macaroni and cheese, apples, and beer!

ужин вскладчину; никто не знает, что принесут другие

pull the wool over someone's eyes - deceive, mislead someone

Are you trying to pull the wool over my eyes? It won't do you any good.

обмануть, ввести в заблуждение

put a damper on something - discourage

She always puts a damper on my plans.

охладить пыл

put in a word for someone - say positive things about someone

I'd be very grateful if you could put in a word for me when you speak to him.

замолвить словечко

put one's best foot forward - try to show one's best qualities; do one's best; do things as quickly as possible

He put his best foot forward during the interview. Put your best foot forward working at this project.

стараться показать свои лучшие качества; делать все возможное; выполнять как можно быстрее

put one's finger on it - indicate exactly; point out the exact cause, fault, name, etc.

I can't put my finger on it. He was able to put his finger on the exact cause of the computer malfunction.

точно указать причину, ошибку, название и др.; попасть в точку

put one's foot down - object strongly

Her father put his foot down when she said she wanted to marry Alan.

решительно воспротивиться

put one's foot in it / into it; put one's foot in one's mouth - do or say the wrong thing; make a blunder; make a fool of oneself

He put his foot in it when he told the boss that his younger daughter wasn't pretty at all.

сделать или сказать глупость; попасть впросак; сесть в калошу; опростоволоситься

quite a bit (of) - much; a lot (of)

I had quite a bit of trouble with that car.

много; сильно

quite a few - many; a lot of

He wrote quite a few good stories.

много; большое количество

rack one's brain - try hard to think

He racked his brain to solve the puzzle.

напрячь мозги

read between the lines - find or understand the implied meaning

His books are not easy to understand. You have to read between the lines.

читать между строк

Remember me to your family. - Say hello to your family for me.

Please remember me to your family.

Передавайте привет от меня вашей семье.

right away - immediately

It' very important to do it right away.

сразу же; немедленно

ring a bell - remind someone of something familiar but half-forgotten

Annabel Lee? Yes, it rings a bell, but I can't place it right now.

напоминает что-то знакомое, но полузабытое

rock the boat - make the situation unstable

Peter always rocks the boat when we discuss the company's spending policy.

раскачивать лодку; вести к нестабильности

rub elbows with; rub shoulders with - spend time together; mingle

He doesn't rub elbows with the rich and famous.

близко общаться с кем-то

rub it in - embarrass even more by reminding repeatedly of some mistake, failure, etc.

I know I shouldn't have done it, and I apologized. There is no need to rub it in.

ставить в еще более неловкое положение напоминаниями об ошибке, неудаче

rub someone the wrong way - irritate, annoy; make angry

His remarks rub many coworkers the wrong way.

раздражать; злить кого-то

save face - try to change the negative impression produced

He said a stupid thing, and then he tried to save face by saying he misunderstood me.

сохранить лицо, т.е. пытаться изменить произведенное негативное впечатление

save one's breath - stop useless talk

There's no use talking to him about his spending habits, so save your breath.

не тратить слова попусту

scratch the surface - study something superficially

He examines all the facts closely, he doesn't just scratch the surface.

изучать поверхностно

search high and low - search everywhere

I searched high and low for my lost cat.

искать везде

see eye to eye - agree with each other

They see eye to eye on many things. I don't see eye to eye with him.

соглашаться друг с другом; сходиться во взглядах

see red - become very angry

She sees red every time she remembers how he lied to her about it.

приходить в ярость; очень сильно злиться

serve someone right - get what someone deserves

It serves him right that he didn't get that job. He despised all the other candidates.

поделом кому-то

serve one's purpose - be useful for some purpose

I doubt that hiring this man will serve your purpose.

служить цели; отвечать цели; годиться

a shot in the dark - a wild guess

My answer was just a shot in the dark.

догадка, предположение; ответ наугад, наобум

show promise - be promising

This young actor shows promise.

подавать надежды

sleep on it - postpone a decision till next morning

Don't make a decision now. Sleep on it.

отложить решение до следующего утра

a slip of the tongue - a mistake

It was just a slip of the tongue!

обмолвка (ошибка)

slip (from) one's mind - forget

It slipped my mind that she asked me to do it.

забыть

smell a rat - suspect deceit; suspect that something is wrong

I'm not sure what it is, but I smell a rat.

подозревать обман; чуять подвох; чуять недоброе

so far - up to now

So far, I have read three books by Stephen King.

до сих пор; пока; к настоящему моменту

so much the better - it's even better

If he can pay cash, so much the better.

еще лучше

spill the beans - tell a secret

Who spilled the beans about our plan?

проболтаться

stand a chance - have a chance (usually, have no chance)

He doesn't stand a chance of getting it. They don't stand a chance of winning the game.

иметь шанс (обычно, не иметь шансов)

stand to reason - be obvious, logical, naturally true

It stands to reason that studying spelling will let you improve your writing skills.

очевидно, что; логично, что

straight from the shoulder - frankly, honestly, openly

Why should you spare his feelings? Give it to him straight from the shoulder.

честно, откровенно, открыто

take a dim view of something - disapprove of something

My sister takes a dim view of the way I raise my children.

не одобрять что-то

take a break - stop for rest

Let's take a break, I'm tired.

сделать перерыв для отдыха

take advantage of something - use for one's own benefit; to profit from

We took advantage of the low prices and bought a computer and a monitor.

воспользоваться возможностью с пользой для себя

take a stand (on something) - make a firm decision about something

People need to take a stand on the issue of nuclear weapons.

занять четкую позицию по какому-то вопросу

Take care! - Good-bye and be careful!

Take care now! See you tomorrow.

Всего хорошего! Берегите себя.

take care of someone or something - look after; see that something is done properly

Can you take care of my dog while I'm away? Tom takes good care of his car.

позаботиться о ком-то или чем-то; присмотреть за

take hold of something - hold, grasp something

Take hold of this rope and pull.

держать, взяться за, схватить

take into account - take into consideration; consider

You must take into account her old age.

принять во внимание

take it easy - relax; be calm

Take it easy, everything will be OK.

не волнуйся; расслабься

take something for granted - accept as given

Mother's love is always taken for granted by children.

принимать как должное

take someone's breath away - surprise or impress someone

That great view took my breath away.

захватить дух от впечатления

take one's time - do something without hurry

Don't hurry. Take your time.

делать что-то не торопясь

take someone's word for it - believe

Take my word for it, he won't go there.

поверить кому-то на слово

take pains - try hard to do it well

He took pains to make his report perfect.

прилагать усилия, чтобы сделать хорошо

take part in something - participate in something

Mary is going to take part in the show.

принять участие в чем-то

take place - happen

The accident took place on Oak Street.

иметь место, случиться

take one's mind off things - distract from fixed ideas or gloomy thoughts

Go to a concert or a movie to take your mind off things.

отвлечь(ся) от навязчивых идей или мрачных мыслей

take steps - take action; take measures

We need to take steps against it.

принимать меры

take the words right out of someone's mouth - say the same before someone else says it

I was about to say the same! You took the words right out of my mouth.

сказать то же самое чуть раньше, чем другой говорящий

take time - take a long time

It takes time to get used to a new place.

занять много времени

take time off - be absent from work

He took time off to attend the wedding.

взять отгул

take turns - alternate doing something one after another

We went to Minsk by car. We didn't get tired because we took turns driving

делать по очереди; меняться местами

That's just the point. - That's it.

That's just the point! I hate this job!

В этом-то и дело.

that will do - it's enough

Stop reading; that will do for now.

достаточно

the writing on the wall - a sign of future events (usually, trouble)

The plane crashed. Tim said he saw the writing on the wall about that flight.

предзнаменование (обычно, беды)

not to think much of something - not to think highly of something

I don't think much of her cooking.

быть невысокого мнения о чем-то

till one is blue in the face - try very hard

I repeated it till I was blue in the face!

стараться до посинения

to be on the safe side - not to take any chances

Take an extra key, just to be on the safe side.

на всякий случай

to make a long story short - in short

To make a long story short, we won.

короче говоря

to say the least - to make the minimum comment about something

The film was boring and long, to say the least.

сказать самое малое, что можно сказать

try one's hand at something - test one's abilities in something new

I want to try my hand at painting. She decided to try her hand at writing stories.

попробовать себя в чем-то новом

turn over a new leaf - make a fresh start in life, in work

He promises to quit alcohol for good and to turn over a new leaf.

начать заново (жизнь, новое дело)

turn the tables - reverse the situation (exchanging places with the opponent)

He beat me at chess twice last week. But now I hope to turn the tables (on him).

круто изменить ситуацию (поменявшись местами, ролями с противником)

turn the tide - reverse the course of events

The new evidence turned the tide, and the defendant was acquitted of charges.

резко изменить ход событий; повернуть вспять ход событий

twist someone's arm - force someone to agree

They twisted his arm to sell the house.

выкручивать руки; давить на кого-то

under the weather - feeling a little ill, a little unwell

I'm a little under the weather today.

немного нездоровится

up-and-coming - showing promise of future success

He is an up-and-coming young lawyer who might help you with your case.

многообещающий, подающий надежды

up in arms - hostile to; in strong protest against something

The employees are up in arms about the new retirement rules.

против чего-то; протестовать против; сопротивляться

up in the air - undecided, unsettled

My vacation plans are still up in the air.

еще не определено

up to date - modern, latest, current

His reports are always up to date.

современный, с современными данными

(not) up to par - (not) equal in standard

His behavior isn't up to par.

(не) в норме; (ниже чем) по стандарту

used to do something - did something regularly in the past but not now

He used to live on Maple Street. I used to play the piano when I was in school (but I don't play it now).

в прошлом обычно делал это, но теперь нет

walk on air - be very happy

He has been offered a great job. He is walking on air now.

летать от счастья

waste one's breath - speak uselessly, to no purpose

Don't waste your breath trying to make him do it. He won't change his mind.

тратить усилия зря; попусту тратить слова

watch one's step - behave prudently; be careful

You have to watch your step in this business.

поступать благоразумно, осмотрительно

wet blanket - a pessimist, a killjoy who dampens enthusiasm and spoils everyone's fun

Remember what a wet blanket he was last time? Please don't invite him again.

пессимист, зануда, который гасит энтузиазм и портит всем удовольствие

What's the matter? - What is it?

What's the matter? What happened?

В чем дело?

which way the wind blows - what the real situation is

He knows which way the wind blows and always acts accordingly.

какова реальная ситуация

white lie - unimportant lie

A white lie is told to spare your feelings.

невинная ложь

word for word - in the same words

Tell me word for word what he said.

дословно; дословный

would rather - prefer

I'd rather stay home today.

предпочитать