Expression Cards
816 cards available.
idiom
to take the cake
Meaning
to be the best or most impressive thing in a situation
Example
Out of all the new projects, his idea **took the cake**.
idiom
to take the high road
Meaning
to choose the most ethical or moral path, even when others don’t
Example
She decided to **take the high road** and not respond with anger.
idiom
to take the law into one’s own hands
Meaning
to punish someone personally instead of letting the authorities handle it
Example
The villagers **took the law into their own hands** when the thief escaped.
idiom
to teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning
to try to teach someone something they are set in their ways about
Example
It’s hard to **teach an old dog new tricks** when it comes to new technology.
idiom
To tell the truth
Meaning
To speak honestly or openly.
Example
**To tell the truth**, I never liked that movie.
idiom
to tell you the truth
Meaning
used to introduce an honest or surprising opinion
Example
**To tell you the truth**, I didn’t enjoy the party.
idiom
to the letter
Meaning
exactly as instructed
Example
She followed her teacher’s advice **to the letter**.
idiom
to think outside the box
Meaning
to think creatively or unconventionally
Example
In solving AI problems, it is essential to **think outside the box**.
idiom
to throw one's hat into the ring
Meaning
to announce one’s candidacy or intention to compete in something
Example
He decided to **throw his hat into the ring** and run for mayor.
idiom
to tip the scales
Meaning
to influence the outcome of a situation
Example
One witness’s statement **tipped the scales** in favor of the defendant.
idiom
To toe the line
Meaning
To follow rules or policies strictly, often without questioning
Example
The senator was expected to **toe the line** and support the party’s stance.
idiom
to turn the tide
Meaning
to reverse the direction of events, especially to improve a difficult situation
Example
The new leadership has really **turned the tide** for the company’s performance.
idiom
to wear one's heart on one's sleeve
Meaning
to openly show one's emotions or feelings
Example
He really **wears his heart on his sleeve**, you can tell exactly how he feels.
idiom
to weather the storm
Meaning
to successfully overcome a difficult or challenging situation
Example
Despite the economic downturn, the company managed **to weather the storm** and stay profitable.
idiom
to weigh the pros and cons
Meaning
to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Example
Before making a final decision, it's important to **weigh the pros and cons**.
phrasal-verb
toast to
Meaning
to raise a glass to honor or celebrate someone or something
Example
Let's **toast to** our hard work and success!
idiom
toe the line
Meaning
to obey rules or follow the official policy
Example
All members are expected to **toe the line** with party policy.
idiom
toe the party line
Meaning
to follow the official policies or opinions of one’s political party
Example
Members of parliament are expected to **toe the party line** during the vote.
idiom
tomorrow is another day
Meaning
you can start fresh again tomorrow
Example
Don’t worry about your mistakes, **tomorrow is another day**.
idiom
tone down
Meaning
to make something less forceful or intense
Example
Could you **tone down** the colors in that slide?
phrasal-verb
tone down for
Meaning
to soften your language or behavior for a situation
Example
She **tones down for** audiences who prefer straightforward facts.
phrasal-verb
tone up
Meaning
to make muscles stronger and more defined
Example
He goes jogging every morning to **tone up** his body.
idiom
too big to fail
Meaning
a company or institution that is so important that it is unlikely to fail
Example
Many financial institutions were considered **too big to fail** during the 2008 financial crisis.
idiom
Too many cooks spoil the broth
Meaning
When too many people try to manage something, it can fail.
Example
If everyone keeps giving their opinion, remember that **too many cooks spoil the broth**.