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Salir
1-
along the lines of something
2-
front burner
3-
to backfire
4-
bank job
5-
behind bars
6-
to carry out
7-
on one's heels
8-
crackdown
9-
to face up to
10-
to hinge on
11-
in broad daylight
12-
to knock off
13-
to lie in wait
14-
to nab
15-
on shaky ground
16-
on the floor
17-
the powers that be
18-
to shoot down
19-
to get around
20-
underway
along the lines of something
Frase
uk flag
/ɐlˈɑːŋ ðə lˈaɪnz ʌv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

of the same type as something else or closely resembling it

example
Ejemplo
Click on words
The new initiative is along the lines of previous sustainability projects, focusing on renewable energy and waste reduction
The artist's latest work is along the lines of abstract expressionism, with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
What is the origin of the idiom "along the lines of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "along the lines of something" originated from the concept of following a particular course, direction, or pattern. It is mainly used to suggest similarity or resemblance to a specific idea, concept, or example. In other words, the phrase conveys the idea of aligning or conforming to a certain model or framework, implying that the thing being discussed shares similarities with the mentioned concept or example, although not necessarily identical.

front burner
Sustantivo
uk flag
/fɹˈʌnt bˈɜːnɚ/
(tema de máxima urgencia)

(tema de máxima urgencia)

prioridad máxima

Idiom
Informal

a state of high priority where something is dealt with immediately or given the most attention

What is the origin of the idiom "front burner" and when to use it?

The idiom "front burner" comes from cooking, where a stove has multiple burners. The front burners are used for pots and pans that need immediate attention because they are more easily accessible and typically deal with the most urgent cooking tasks. In contrast to the back burners, which hold food that can simmer or be delayed, the front burner is associated with high priority. Metaphorically, the term "front burner" was adopted in the 20th century to describe issues, tasks, or concerns that require immediate focus and priority, similar to how the front burners are used for things that need constant monitoring.

Información Gramatical:

Sustantivo Compuesto
to backfire
to backfire
Verbo
b
b
a
æ
ck
k
f
f
i
r
r
e
salir el tiro por la culata

salir el tiro por la culata

to have a result contrary to what one desired or intended

Información Gramatical:

Intransitivo
bank job
Sustantivo
uk flag
/bˈæŋk dʒˈɑːb/
(atraco a banco)

(atraco a banco)

robo de banco

Disapproving
Informal
Specialized

a robbery or heist involving a bank, typically involving the illegal act of stealing money or valuables from a bank

Información Gramatical:

Sustantivo Compuesto
behind bars
behind bars
Adverbio
uk flag
/bɪhˌaɪnd bˈɑːɹz/
(detrás de las rejas)

(detrás de las rejas)

tras las rejas

Formal
Idiom

used to refer to someone who is imprisoned or serving time in prison

What is the origin of the idiom "behind bars" and when to use it?

The idiom "behind bars" originated from the physical structure of prisons, where prisoners are confined within cells that are typically equipped with bars or solid doors. The use of bars as a means of imprisonment has been prevalent throughout history, dating back to ancient times. The phrase is used to refer to individuals who have been convicted of a crime and are serving a prison sentence or awaiting trial while being detained.

to carry out
Verbo
uk flag
/ˈkæri ˈaʊt/
(realizar)

(realizar)

llevar a cabo

to execute a decision, order, or directive

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
Estado Frasal
separable
verbo de la frase
carry
partícula de la frase
out
on {one's} [heels]
on one's heels
Frase
uk flag
/ˌɑːn wˈʌnz hˈiːlz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

closely following or pursuing someone or something, often in a persistent or bothersome manner

What is the origin of the idiom "on one's heels" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "on one's heels" can be traced back to the literal interpretation of the word "heels" as the back part of the foot. Historically, it referred to the act of someone following closely behind another person, much like a person following in the footsteps of the one in front. This phrase is used in various contexts or occasions to describe a situation where someone feels constantly pursued, monitored, or bothered by another person or entity. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical instances of being closely followed or hounded.

crackdown
Sustantivo
c
k
r
r
a
æ
ck
k
d
d
o
a
w
ʊ
n
n
(ofensiva)

(ofensiva)

represión

a severe and often sudden enforcement of law or regulations, typically to suppress or control specific activities, behaviors, or groups perceived as problematic or threatening

to face up to
to face up to
Verbo
uk flag
/fˈeɪs ˈʌp tuː/
confrontar

confrontar

to confront and deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation directly and courageously

avoid

Información Gramatical:

Estado Frasal
inseparable
verbo de la frase
face
partícula de la frase
up to
to hinge on
to hinge on
Verbo
uk flag
/hˈɪndʒ ˈɑːn/
(basarse en)

(basarse en)

depender de

(of an outcome, decision, or situation) to depend entirely on a particular factor or set of circumstances

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
Estado Frasal
inseparable
verbo de la frase
hinge
partícula de la frase
on
in broad daylight
Frase
uk flag
/ɪn bɹˈɔːd dˈeɪlaɪt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

at a time when everyone can witness something

What is the origin of the idiom "in broad daylight" and when to use it?

The idiom "in broad daylight" has its origin in the literal meaning of daylight, referring to the period of time during which the sun is visible and illuminates the surroundings. The phrase signifies that something is happening or occurring openly, visibly, and without concealment, typically during the daytime when visibility is high. It implies that an action or event is taking place in a public or exposed manner, without any attempt to hide or disguise it. The idiom is commonly used to emphasize the audacity or brazenness of an act that occurs in plain view, often suggesting a lack of concern for consequences or a belief that one can act with impunity.

to knock off
Verbo
uk flag
/nˈɑːk ˈɔf/
(robar)

(robar)

sustraer

to take something illegally without permission

Información Gramatical:

Estado Frasal
separable
verbo de la frase
knock
partícula de la frase
off
to lie in wait
Frase
uk flag
/lˈaɪ ɪn wˈeɪt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to secretly wait for the right time to catch or attack an enemy or prey

What is the origin of the idiom "lie in wait" and when to use it?

The phrase "lie in wait" is an idiom that means to secretly wait for the right time to catch or attack an enemy, prey, or target. The origin of this phrase is rooted in the idea of predators or hunters lying hidden and still, ready to seize their moment to strike.

to nab
to nab
Verbo
n
n
a
æ
b
b
(detener)

(detener)

atrapar

to catch someone because they are suspected of doing something wrong

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
on shaky ground
on shaky ground
Frase
uk flag
/ˌɑːn ʃˈeɪki ɡɹˈaʊnd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

in an uncertain or unstable situation that is likely to fail or collapse

What is the origin of the idiom "on shaky ground" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "on shaky ground" is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of standing on ground that is not firm or stable, such as on loose soil or an uneven surface. The phrase is often used to describe situations where there is a risk of failure or uncertainty, such as a struggling business or a relationship experiencing problems. It can also be used in personal situations, such as when someone is unsure of their footing or in a dangerous physical situation.

on the floor
Frase
uk flag
/ɑːnðə flˈoːɹ/
N/A

N/A

used to refer to an idea, proposal, or issue that is formally presented or under discussion in a meeting, especially in a legislative or organizational context

the powers that be
the powers that be
Frase
uk flag
/ðə pˈaʊɚz ðæt bˈiː/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

the individuals or groups who hold the most authority or influence in a particular organization, community, or situation

What is the origin of the idiom "the powers that be" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "the powers that be" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Romans, where it is used to refer to God's authority. Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to refer to any powerful or influential group or individual.

to shoot down
Verbo
uk flag
/ʃˈuːt dˈaʊn/
echar por tierra a alguien

echar por tierra a alguien

to be too harsh on someone just to prove that their ideas are wrong or stupid

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
Estado Frasal
separable
verbo de la frase
shoot
partícula de la frase
down
to get around
Verbo
uk flag
/ɡɛt ɐɹˈaʊnd/
(sortear)

(sortear)

superar

to find a way to overcome a problem or obstacle

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
Estado Frasal
inseparable
verbo de la frase
get
partícula de la frase
around
underway
Adjetivo
u
ə
n
n
d
d
e
ɜ
r
r
w
w
a
e
y
ɪ
(en marcha)

(en marcha)

en curso

currently happening

¡Felicidades! !

Aprendiste 20 palabras de Lesson 4. Para mejorar el aprendizaje y revisar el vocabulario, ¡comienza a practicar!

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