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Quitter
1-
along the lines of something
2-
at large
3-
front burner
4-
to backfire
5-
bank job
6-
behind bars
7-
capitol hill
8-
to carry out
9-
to come forward
10-
on one's heels
11-
crackdown
12-
crook
13-
cutback
14-
to face up to
15-
heist
16-
to hinge on
17-
in broad daylight
18-
to jump-start
19-
to knock off
20-
to lie in wait
21-
to nab
22-
on shaky ground
23-
on the floor
24-
the powers that be
25-
private eye
26-
to shoot down
27-
to get around
28-
underway
along the lines of something
Phrase
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
Exemple
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.

at large
at large
Adjectif
uk flag
/æt lˈɑːɹdʒ/
(en cavale)

(en cavale)

en fuite

having escaped, especially from confinement

front burner
nom
uk flag
/fɹˈʌnt bˈɜːnɚ/
(en priorité)

(en priorité)

priorité maximale

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.

Informations Grammaticales:

Nom Composé
to backfire
to backfire
verbe
b
b
a
æ
ck
k
f
f
i
r
r
e
(se retourner contre)

(se retourner contre)

avoir l’effet inverse que prévu

to have a result contrary to what one desired or intended

Informations Grammaticales:

Intransitif
bank job
nom
uk flag
/bˈæŋk dʒˈɑːb/
(vol à la banque)

(vol à la banque)

cambriolage de banque

Disapproving
Informal
Specialized

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

Informations Grammaticales:

Nom Composé
behind bars
behind bars
Adverbe
uk flag
/bɪhˌaɪnd bˈɑːɹz/
(en prison)

(en prison)

derrière les barreaux

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.

capitol hill
nom
uk flag
/kˈæpɪɾəl hˈɪl/
(Capitole)

(Capitole)

Colline du Capitole

a hill in Washington, D.C., where the Capitol Building sits and Congress meets

to carry out
verbe
uk flag
/ˈkæri ˈaʊt/
(mettre en œuvre)

(mettre en œuvre)

exécuter

to execute a decision, order, or directive

Informations Grammaticales:

Transitif
Statut Phrasal
separable
verbe de la phrase
carry
particule de la phrase
out
to come forward
verbe
uk flag
/kˈʌm fˈoːɹwɚd/
(venir en avant)

(venir en avant)

se manifester

make oneself visible; take action

on {one's} [heels]
on one's heels
Phrase
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
nom
c
k
r
r
a
æ
ck
k
d
d
o
a
w
ʊ
n
n
(action sévère)

(action sévère)

répression

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

crook
crook
nom
c
k
r
r
oo
ʊ
k
k
(escroc)

(escroc)

malfaiteur

someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime

cutback
nom
c
k
u
ə
t
t
b
b
a
æ
ck
k
(découpe)

(découpe)

réduction

the act of reducing the amount of something

to face up to
to face up to
verbe
uk flag
/fˈeɪs ˈʌp tuː/
faire face à

faire face à

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

avoid

Informations Grammaticales:

Statut Phrasal
inseparable
verbe de la phrase
face
particule de la phrase
up to
heist
heist
nom
h
h
ei
s
s
t
t
(casse, cambriolage)

(casse, cambriolage)

vol

‌an act of violently stealing something valuable, especially from a shop or bank

to hinge on
to hinge on
verbe
uk flag
/hˈɪndʒ ˈɑːn/
(être conditionné par)

(être conditionné par)

dépendre de

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

Informations Grammaticales:

Transitif
Statut Phrasal
inseparable
verbe de la phrase
hinge
particule de la phrase
on
in broad daylight
Phrase
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 jump-start
verbe
uk flag
/dʒˈʌmpstˈɑːɹt/
(démarrer)

(démarrer)

relancer

start or re-start vigorously

to knock off
verbe
uk flag
/nˈɑːk ˈɔf/
(voler)

(voler)

dérober

to take something illegally without permission

Informations Grammaticales:

Statut Phrasal
separable
verbe de la phrase
knock
particule de la phrase
off
to lie in wait
Phrase
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
verbe
n
n
a
æ
b
b
(interpeller)

(interpeller)

attraper

to catch someone because they are suspected of doing something wrong

Informations Grammaticales:

Transitif
on shaky ground
on shaky ground
Phrase
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
Phrase
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
Phrase
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.

private eye
nom
uk flag
/pɹˈaɪvət ˈaɪ/
(enquêteur privé)

(enquêteur privé)

détective privé

someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information

to shoot down
verbe
uk flag
/ʃˈuːt dˈaʊn/
(démolir)

(démolir)

démonter

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

Informations Grammaticales:

Transitif
Statut Phrasal
separable
verbe de la phrase
shoot
particule de la phrase
down
to get around
verbe
uk flag
/ɡɛt ɐɹˈaʊnd/
(contourner)

(contourner)

se débrouiller

to find a way to overcome a problem or obstacle

Informations Grammaticales:

Transitif
Statut Phrasal
inseparable
verbe de la phrase
get
particule de la phrase
around
underway
Adjectif
u
ə
n
n
d
d
e
ɜ
r
r
w
w
a
e
y
ɪ
(en train de se réaliser)

(en train de se réaliser)

en cours

currently happening

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Vous avez appris 28 mots sur Lesson 4. Pour améliorer l'apprentissage et réviser le vocabulaire, commencez à pratiquer !

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