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English Vocabulary in Use - Advanced /

094. Idioms For Everyday Situations and Feelings

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Quitter
1-
like a dream
2-
like clockwork
3-
up and running
4-
to fall into place
5-
to look up
6-
nightmare
7-
to throw
8-
to get one's wires crossed
9-
on top of the world
10-
on cloud nine
11-
to be over the moon
12-
to be made for somebody or something
13-
fed up to the back teeth with something
14-
(down) in the dumps
15-
down in the mouth
like a dream
like a dream
Adverbe
uk flag
/lˈaɪk ɐ dɹˈiːm/
(sans accroc)

(sans accroc)

comme un rêve

Idiom
Informal

without any problems or issues

What is the origin of the idiom "like a dream" and when to use it?

The idiom "like a dream" likely originated from the idea of dreams being perfect, smooth, or idealized experiences, often without any problems. In the past, dreams were often associated with pleasant, flawless occurrences, so describing something as happening "like a dream" suggests that it unfolded effortlessly and without trouble. Over time, this comparison became commonly used to describe things that worked out in an almost perfect or flawless way, much like how dreams can feel idealized or effortless.

like clockwork
like clockwork
Phrase
uk flag
/lˈaɪk klˈɑːkwɜːk/
N/A

N/A

Approving
Idiom

in a way that is very regular or precisely as planned

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "like clockwork" can be traced back to the mechanical clocks that were prevalent before the advent of digital timekeeping. These clocks contained intricate mechanisms that allowed them to keep time accurately and consistently. The phrase likely emerged from the observation of the smooth and precise movements of clockwork mechanisms, which served as a metaphor for something happening in a regular and predictable manner.

up and running
Adjectif
uk flag
/ˌʌp ænd ɹˈʌnɪŋ/
N/A

N/A

functioning correctly after being started or repaired

to [fall] into place
to fall into place
Phrase
uk flag
/fˈɔːl ˌɪntʊ plˈeɪs/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to manage to proceed as planned or produce the desired result

What is the origin of the idiom "fall into place" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "fall into place" likely comes from the idea of puzzle pieces fitting together to form a complete picture. This idiom is used to describe a situation where things start to work out as planned, often unexpectedly or without much effort.

to look up
verbe
uk flag
/lʊk ˈʌp/
(prendre un tournant positif)

(prendre un tournant positif)

s'améliorer

to show signs of improvement

Informations Grammaticales:

Intransitif
Statut Phrasal
inseparable
verbe de la phrase
look
particule de la phrase
up
nightmare
nom
n
n
i
gh
t
t
m
m
a
ɛ
r
r
e
(situation cauchemardesque)

(situation cauchemardesque)

cauchemar

a situation or experience that is extremely unpleasant, difficult, or challenging

to throw
verbe
th
θ
r
r
o
w
(déroger)

(déroger)

dérouter

to cause someone to feel confused or perplexed, often by introducing unexpected information

Informations Grammaticales:

Transitif
to [get|have] {one's} wires crossed
to get one's wires crossed
Phrase
uk flag
/ɡɛt hæv wˈʌnz wˈaɪɚz kɹˈɔst/
N/A

N/A

Humorous
Idiom
Informal

to fail to correctly understand or interpret what someone said

What is the origin of the idiom "get one's wires crossed" and when to use it?

The idiom "get one's wires crossed" likely originates from the early days of telegraphy and telephony when wires and cables were used to transmit messages. If the wires were crossed or tangled, it would result in a miscommunication or garbled message at the receiving end. The term was later used in informal conversations to humorously acknowledge a misunderstanding or mix-up, often with no one to blame for the confusion.

on top of the world
on top of the world
Phrase
uk flag
/ˌɑːn tˈɑːp ʌvðə wˈɜːld/
N/A

N/A

Approving
Idiom

(of a person) feeling really happy or satisfied

What is the origin of the idiom "on top of the world" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "on top of the world" can be traced back to the concept of physical elevation and the association of being at the highest point. Over time, the phrase has evolved to be used in various contexts to describe moments of personal achievement, happiness, or contentment. It is often employed when individuals experience a significant success or accomplishment in their professional, academic, or personal lives.

on cloud nine
on cloud nine
Phrase
uk flag
/ˌɑːn klˈaʊd nˈaɪn/
N/A

N/A

Approving
Idiom
Informal

tremendously excited about something

What is the origin of the idiom "on cloud nine" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the phrase "on cloud nine" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century. It is commonly used in romantic contexts to describe the elation of being in love or experiencing a deep emotional connection. It can also be used to express sheer happiness and contentment in general.

to [be] over the moon
to be over the moon
Phrase
uk flag
/biː ˌoʊvɚ ðə mˈuːn/
N/A

N/A

Approving
Idiom
Informal

to be extremely happy or excited about something

What is the origin of the idiom "over the moon" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "over the moon" can be traced back to early 20th-century England. The exact origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the idea that the moon is associated with a sense of wonder and enchantment. This idiom can be used to express intense happiness in relationships, such as falling in love or experiencing a significant milestone.

to be made for somebody or something
Phrase
uk flag
/biː mˌeɪd fɔːɹ ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to be a perfect fit for something needs or desires

What is the origin of the idiom "be made for someone or something" and when to use it?

The idiom "be made for someone or something" originated from the concept of being specifically designed or created to suit a particular person or purpose. The phrase conveys the idea that someone or something possesses qualities, characteristics, or attributes that perfectly align with the needs, preferences, or abilities of a specific individual or situation. It suggests a sense of ideal compatibility or suitability, indicating a natural or intended match.

(fed up|sick) to the back teeth (with|of|about) {sth}
fed up to the back teeth with something
Phrase
uk flag
/fˈɛd ˌʌp ɔːɹ sˈɪk tə ðə bˈæk tˈiːθ wɪð ɔːɹ ʌv ɔːɹ ɐbˌaʊt ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

very annoyed with a situation that has gone on for an extended period of time

What is the origin of the idiom "fed up to the back teeth" and when to use it?

The phrase "fed up to the back teeth" is an idiomatic expression that originates from English-speaking regions, particularly in the United Kingdom. It is a figurative way of expressing extreme frustration or annoyance with something or someone. This expression can be used in various situations, such as expressing discontent with repetitive tasks at work, dealing with ongoing conflicts, experiencing continuous delays or disruptions, or feeling overwhelmed by a specific problem. It serves as a vivid and emphatic way to convey a deep level of irritation or exasperation.

(down|) in the dumps
(down) in the dumps
Phrase
uk flag
/dˌaʊn ɪnðə dˈʌmps/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

very sad and hopeless

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

The origin of the phrase "in the dumps" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. It is commonly employed in informal conversations and everyday language to express one's own feelings or to empathize with others experiencing sadness or disappointment. This phrase can be used when discussing personal struggles, such as after a breakup, during a period of grief, or when feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges.

down in the mouth
down in the mouth
Phrase
uk flag
/dˌaʊn ɪnðə mˈaʊθ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

feeling sad or discouraged

What is the origin of the idiom "down in the mouth" and when to use it?

The phrase "down in the mouth" originated in the late 18th or early 19th century, describing someone who appears sad or dejected based on the physical expression of a drooping mouth. It can be used to describe someone feeling low after a setback, someone expressing their dissatisfaction or frustration, or someone who is generally feeling downcast.

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