Flashcards based on "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" set

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1 of 10


rag trade

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[rag trade]  {n. phr.}
The clothing industry.
My brother is working in the rag trade, manufacturing dresses.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


pare down

Categories: money verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[pare down]  {v. phr.}
To limit; economize; reduce.
With a smaller income per month, the family had to pare down their household expenses.
Categories: money verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


parrot-fashion

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[parrot-fashion]  {adv.}
Like a parrot; by rote memorization and without any understanding.
The candidate delivered a speech that was prepared for him and he read it parrot-fashion.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


make a killing

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[make a killing]  {v. phr.}
To earn or suddenly win a very large sum of money.
Herb bought a lot of soybean stock when the price was low and sold it when the price went up. Small wonder he made a huge killing.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


make a living

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[make a living]  {v. phr.}
To earn one's livelihood.
If you're good at your job, you can make a better living than if you don't know what you're doing.
It is easier to make a living in the United States than in many other countries.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


keep one's own counsel

Categories: formal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[keep one's own counsel]  {v. phr.},  {formal}
To keep your ideas and plans to yourself.
John listened to what everyone had to say in the discussion, but he kept his own counsel.
Although everybody gave Mrs. O'Connor advice about what to do with her house, she kept her own counsel.
Categories: formal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


keep pace

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[keep pace]  {v. phr.}
To go as fast; go at the same rate; not get behind.
When they go for a walk, Johnny has to take long steps to keep pace with his father.
When Billy was moved to a more advanced class, he had to work hard to keep pace.
Compare: [KEEP UP] (2a).
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


in case of

Categories: preposition
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[in case of] also [in the event of]  {prep.}
In order to meet the possibility of; lest there is; if there is; if there should be.
Take your umbrellas in case of rain.
The wall was built along the river in case of floods.
Categories: preposition
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


in common

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[in common]  {adv. phr.}
Shared together or equally; in use or ownership by all.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith own the store in common.
The four boys grew up together and have a lot in common.
The swimming pool is used in common by all the children in the neighborhood.
Compare: [COMMON GROUND].
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


quick study

Categories: noun study time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[quick study]  {n. phr.}
One who acquires new skills and habits in record time.
Sue is new at her job but people have confidence in her because she is a quick study.
Categories: noun study time
A Dictionary of American Idioms