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

Make flashcards from these items, print/use them as a reference, save/share your cart with everyone
Flashcards test for this set by: definition/description




more often than not

more often than not  {adv. phr.}
More than half the time; fifty-one or more times out of a hundred; not quite usually, but fairly regularly.
Nancy comes over on Saturday more often than not.
Ben is a fairly good runner. He wins more often than not.
Categories:adverb time



monkey business

monkey business  {n.},  {slang},  {informal}
1. Any unethical, illegitimate, or objectionable activity that is furtive or deceitful, e.g., undercover sexual advances, cheating, misuse of public funds, etc.
There is a lot of monkey business going on in that firm; you'd better watch out who you deal with!
2. Comical or silly actions; goofing off.
Come on boys, let's cut out the monkey business and get down to work!



knotty problem

knotty problem  {n. phr.}
A very complicated and difficult problem to solve.
Doing one's income tax properly can present a knotty problem.
Categories:noun



run that by me again!

run that by me again!  {v. phr.},  {informal command}
Repeat what you just said, as I couldn't understand you.
"Run that by me again," he cried. "This telephone connection is very bad."
Categories:verb



run short

run short  {v. phr.}
1. To not have enough.
Bob asked Jack to lend him five dollars because he was running short.
We are running short of sugar.
Compare: RUN OUT.
2. To be not enough in quantity.
We are out of potatoes and the flour is running short.
Categories:verb



run away with

1a. To take quickly and secretly, especially without permission; steal.
A thief ran away with Grandma's silver teapot.
Syn.: MAKE OFF.
1b. To go away with; elope.
Mary said that if her parents wouldn't let her marry Phil, she would run away with him.
1c. To take hold of; seize.
The boys thought they saw a ghost in the old house last night; they let their imagination run away with them.
2. To be much better or more noticeable than others in; win easily.
Our team ran away with the game in the last half.
The fat comedian ran away with the TV show.
Compare: STEAL THE SHOW.
Categories:verb



under the weather

under the weather  {adv. phr.}
In bad health or low spirits.
Mary called in today asking for a sick day as she is under the weather.
Categories:adverb



up a tree

up a tree  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.}
1. Hunted or chased into a tree; treed.
The dog drove the coon up a tree so the hunter could shoot him.
2.  {informal} in trouble; having problems; in a difficulty that it is hard to escape or think of a way out of.
John's father has him up a tree in the checker game.
Compare: UP THE CREEK.



until all hours

until all hours  {adv. phr.}
Until very late at night.
He is so anxious to pass his exams with flying colors that he stays up studying until all hours.
Categories:adverb



vibrations

vibrations or vibes  {n.}
Psychic emanations radiating from an object, situation, or person.
I don't think this relationship will work out — this guy has given me bad vibes.
Categories:noun relationship