Kill two birds with one stone: produce two useful results by just doing one action.Examples: Biking to work kills two birds with one stone. It saves money travelling and will help to lose weight. John learned the words to his part in the play while peeling potatoes. He was killing two birds with one stone.
The acid test: A test which will really prove the value, quality, or truth of something.Examples: The acid test for the vaccine will be its performance in African countries where malaria is raging more fiercely than in Colombia. The new show was well received but viewing figures for the next episode will be the real…
Hold all the aces: If you say that someone holds all the aces, you mean that they are in a very strong position because they have more advantages and more power than anyone else.Examples: How can I advance in my career when my competitor holds all the aces? In a situation like this, it’s the…
a babe in the woods: Someone who does not know much and can easily be deceived.Examples of A BABE IN THE WOODS He was a babe in the woods when he first came to London. But when the playoffs started, he was a babe in the woods.
breadwinner: a person who earns a livelihood, especially one who also supports dependents.Examples of BREADWINNER As long as I am the breadwinner in this house, I have the right to make some rules for everyone who lives here. Being a single mother was very difficult for Sheila – she was the breadwinner, the house cleaner,…
bad egg: a person who is bad, dishonest, or unreliable; a good-for-nothing.Examples of BAD EGG Despite his reputation, John’s boss is not really such a bad egg – after all, he did promote John to a better paying position last year. She’s a bad egg, I’m afraid – we caught her stealing from the office…
you never know: You say you never know when you mean that it is possible that something might happen although it seems very unlikely:Examples of YOU NEVER KNOW Because you never know when you’re going to get an urge to knit in a dark place. You never know who’s going to show up on the…
give or take: possibly a little more or less than the amount or time mentioned:Examples of GIVE OR TAKE It’ll be ready at 7:00, give or take a few minutes. It cost $200, give or take.
In all honesty: Said when expressing your opinion honestly, seriously, or truthfully: Examples of IN ALL HONESTY In all honesty, I do have some criticisms to make. You can certainly apply for the job, but, in all honesty, I don’t think you’ll get it.
easier said than done: You say easier said than done when you think that what has been suggested is very difficult:Examples of EASIER SAID THAN DONE That’s easier said than done at this time of year for Payne and dozens like her. Attempting to slow down the best offense in the league is easier said…