Flashcards based on "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" set
Prev Next
1 of 10
Sharp vision like that of an eagle; the ability to notice even the tiniest details.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
Attention directed to the way things are going, or seem likely to go, or to the way people feel and think.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
. ear to the ground
[ear to the ground] {n. phr.}, {informal}
Attention directed to the way things are going, or seem likely to go, or to the way people feel and think.
The city manager kept an ear to the ground for a while before deciding to raise the city employees' pay.
Reporters keep an ear to the ground so as to know as soon as possible what will happen.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
To admit you are mistaken or defeated; take back a mistaken statement.
Compare: [BACK DOWN], [EAT HUMBLE PIE], [EAT ONE'S WORDS].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
. eat crow
[eat crow] {v. phr.}
To admit you are mistaken or defeated; take back a mistaken statement.
John had boasted that he would play on the first team; but when the coach did not choose him, he had to eat crow.
Fred said he could beat the new man in boxing, but he lost and had to eat crow.
Compare: [BACK DOWN], [EAT HUMBLE PIE], [EAT ONE'S WORDS].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
To move back; go back. — Usually used with a group as subject.
Compare: [DROP BACK], [GIVE WAY].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
. fall back
[fall back] {v.}
To move back; go back. — Usually used with a group as subject.
The army fell back before their stubborn enemies.
The crowd around the hurt boy fell back when someone shouted "Give him air!"
Compare: [DROP BACK], [GIVE WAY].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
To reach the time when a bill or invoice is to be paid.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
To do more than look natural in acting a part; pretend too much; exaggerate.
Compare: [LAY IT ON].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
. ham it up
[ham it up] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To do more than look natural in acting a part; pretend too much; exaggerate.
When Tom told the teacher he was too sick to do homework, he really hammed it up.
The old-fashioned movies are funny to us because the players hammed it up.
Compare: [LAY IT ON].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
To admit the excellence of; give credit or praise to.
Syn.: [TAKE OFF ONE'S HAT TO].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
. hand it to
[hand it to] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To admit the excellence of; give credit or praise to.
You have to hand it to Jim; he is very careful and hard-working in all he does.
The teacher said, "I hand it to Jane for the way she managed the Music Club."
Syn.: [TAKE OFF ONE'S HAT TO].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong way.
2. {informal}
To change from one thought or idea to another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are talking about to something different.
Compare: [OFF THE TRACK].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
. jump the track
[jump the track] {v. phr.}
1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong way.
The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident.
The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing fell down.
2. {informal}
To change from one thought or idea to another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are talking about to something different.
Bob didn't finish his algebra homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the new girl in class.
Compare: [OFF THE TRACK].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
1. To kick.
2. To try suddenly to hit.
3. To attack with words.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
. lash out
[lash out] {v.}
1. To kick.
The horse lashed out at the man behind him.
2. To try suddenly to hit.
The woman lashed out at the crowd with her umbrella.
3. To attack with words.
The senator lashed out at the administration.
The school newspaper lashed out at the unfriendly way some students treated the visiting team.
A Dictionary of American Idioms