Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)

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jake flake

jake flake  {n.},  {slang}
A boring person whose company is usually not wanted.
Please don't invite Turner, he is a jake flake.
Categories:bother noun slang



jack of all trades

jack of all trades  {n.},  {informal} (Often followed by "master of none.")
A person who is knowledgeable in many areas. Can be used as praise, or as a derogatory remark depending on the context and the intonation.
Peter is a jack of all trades; he can survive anywhere!
"How come Joe did such a sloppy job?" Mary asked. "He's a jack of all trades," Sally answered.



jack up

jack up  {v.}
1. To lift with a jack.
The man jacked up his car to fit a flat tire.
2.  {informal}
To make (a price) higher; raise.
Just before Christmas, some stores jack up their prices.
Categories:informal verb



before one can say Jack Robinson

illustration for section: before one can say Jack Robinson
before one can say Jack Robinson  {adv. cl.},  {informal}
Very quickly; suddenly. — An overused phrase.
Before I could say Jack Robinson, the boy was gone.
Categories:adverb informal



race to stand still

To be so far behind in one's work that one must exert an effort similar to that needed to win a race in order simply not to fall even further behind.
"Could you review this book for us, Professor Brown?" the editor asked. "Unfortunately, no," the professor answered. "I'm so behind in my work that I am racing to stand still."
Categories:verb work



unbosom oneself

unbosom oneself  {v. phr.}
To confess one's personal thoughts or feelings; disclose private information to a confidante.
Once she was at home with her mother, she unbosomed herself of all her troubles.
Categories:verb



under a cloud

under a cloud  {adj. phr.}
1. Under suspicion; not trusted.
Joyce has been under a cloud since her roommate's bracelet disappeared.
The butcher is under a cloud because the inspectors found his scales were not honest.
2. Depressed, sad, discouraged.
Joe has been under a cloud since his dog died.
Categories:adjective



up to no good

up to no good  {adv. phr.}
Intending to do something bad; perpetrating an illicit act.
We could tell from the look on Dennis the Menace's face that he was once again up to no good.
Categories:adverb



up to one's ears

up to one's ears  {adv. phr.}
Immersed in; covered with.
"Around final examination time," Professor Brown explained, "I am always up to my ears in work."
Categories:adverb time



up to one's neck

up to one's neck  {adv. phr.}
Overwhelmed with; submerged in.
"During the summer season in our cottage by the lake," the Allens complained, "we are usually up to our necks in uninvited guests."
Categories:adverb