Expression Cards: idiom
29 cards available.
idiom
under a cloud
Meaning
being suspected or in trouble
Example
He left the company **under a cloud** after the scandal.
idiom
under construction
Meaning
in the process of being developed or built
Example
Our new website is still **under construction**.
idiom
under false pretenses
Meaning
by lying or misleading someone
Example
He got the job **under false pretenses**.
idiom
under investigation
Meaning
being examined or looked into by authorities for possible wrongdoing
Example
The suspect is currently **under investigation** for his involvement in the crime.
idiom
under oath
Meaning
having sworn to tell the truth in court
Example
He lied **under oath** and was charged with perjury.
idiom
under pressure
Meaning
to be in a stressful situation with a lot of demands
Example
She performs well even when she’s **under pressure**.
idiom
under someone's nose
Meaning
in an obvious place or situation where someone should have noticed
Example
The keys were **under my nose** the whole time on the kitchen table.
idiom
under someone's thumb
Meaning
completely under someone's control
Example
He's **under his boss's thumb** and can't make his own decisions.
idiom
under the gun
Meaning
under pressure to perform or complete something
Example
We were **under the gun** to meet the deadline for the report.
idiom
under the hood
Meaning
behind the surface; the underlying mechanism or system
Example
Developers love to see what’s **under the hood** of a new app.
idiom
under the knife
Meaning
to have surgery
Example
She has to go **under the knife** for her knee problem.
idiom
under the microscope
Meaning
being examined very closely
Example
The new policy is **under the microscope** by analysts.
idiom
under the pump
Meaning
to be under a lot of pressure or stress
Example
The team has been **under the pump** to meet the project deadline.
idiom
under the radar
Meaning
unnoticed or undetected
Example
He stayed **under the radar** during the investigation.
idiom
Under the spotlight
Meaning
Receiving public attention or scrutiny.
Example
The editor has been **under the spotlight** after the controversial article.
idiom
under the stars
Meaning
in the open air, outside, especially at night
Example
We slept **under the stars** by the lake.
idiom
under the table
Meaning
done secretly or dishonestly, often involving money
Example
He was paid **under the table** to avoid taxes.
idiom
under the weather
Meaning
feeling ill or unwell
Example
I didn’t go to work because I felt **under the weather**.
idiom
Unicorn company
Meaning
A startup valued at over one billion dollars.
Example
Becoming a **unicorn company** is every founder’s dream.
idiom
united we stand, divided we fall
Meaning
people are stronger when they work together
Example
Remember, **united we stand, divided we fall**.
idiom
up against the wall
Meaning
to be in a very difficult or desperate situation
Example
The company is **up against the wall** financially after the recent losses.
B2 idiom
up in the air
Uncertain or undecided
Meaning
Uncertain or undecided
Example
The plans for the project are still up in the air.
idiom
up to speed
Meaning
to have the latest information or be fully informed
Example
I’ll get you **up to speed** on the new system tomorrow.
idiom
upgrade your mindset
Meaning
to adapt one’s thinking for modern changes or innovation
Example
In the age of AI, it’s vital to **upgrade your mindset**.