SOME USEFUL IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

 1. To add fuel to fire: to worsen the situation

My maternal uncle's words added fuel to the fire and the duel between my mother and father did not stop.


2. To cut a sorry figure: to create a bad impression

His weird answers cut a sorry figure before the examiner. 


3. To cut no ice: fail to impress

The principal knew that notorious student and his excuses cut no ice with him.


4. To cut to the quick: to hurt intensely

Her filthy remarks cut him to the quick.


5. To eat one's words: to make someone admit to withdraw or deny a statement

I said that he would never win, but I had to eat my words.


6. To face the music:  get punishment

You will later have to face the music over your wrong moves.


7. To fall short of : to be less than the required

My this month's savings are falling short of Rs.2000/-. 


8. To feather one's own nest : to meet one's own interest

Some politicians use public funds to feather their own nests.


9. To fight shy of : to avoid/ to keep away from

before this contest, I had always fought shy of group discussions.


10. To find fault with: to blame

He never admits his mistakes rather tries to find fault with others. 


11. To get into hot water: to get into difficulty

Make your moves carefully else you will get into hot water.


12. To get wind of: to get news about something

I don't want my team-mates to get wind of the fact that I will not join them in the project.


13. To give oneself airs: to be self-important

She is very rich but she never gives herself airs.


14. To go through fire and water: to undertake risk or trouble

He started this business by going through fire and water.


15. To go to the dogs: to be ruined

The country's economy will soon go to the dogs owing to the involvement of corrupt leaders.


16. To go without saying: to be very clear 

It goes without saying that inflation is affecting the poorer sections of society most.


17. To grease the palm of: to bribe

He got his work done by greasing the palm of the officer.


18. To have a hand in : to be involved in

Though he got penalised, but he didn't have a hand in the matter.


19. To hold one's tongue: to become silent

He could have interfered in the matter, but he chose to hold his tongue.


20. To keep abreast of: to keep oneself informed

Please keep me abreast of any changes in the schedule.


21. Keep one's fingers crossed:  to hope for a good outcome

Although he failed twice earlier, but this time he has kept his fingers crossed.


22. To keep pace with: to move at an equal speed

Income should be increased in order to keep pace with the expenses.


23.To take advantage of: to gain through another person's ignorance or innocence

Don't share your personal affairs with her. She will take advantage of your bad situation.


24. To take pains: to make efforts

Teachers take pains for the best results of students.


25. To your heart’s content: doing something  (for pleasure) for as long as you want to

My friend let the beggar eat to his heart's content.


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