lost cause

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bG9zdCBjYXVzZQ&hash=a690352591da91d96db6ec15a8496d3151ae30a7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "the last straw" is used to describe a situation or event that becomes the final and decisive factor leading to a particular outcome, often a negative or breaking point. It originates from the proverbial expression "the straw that broke the camel's back," which refers to the idea that a camel can carry a heavy load, but adding one more straw will cause it to collapse.

What is the origin of the idiom "the last straw" and when to use it?

the (last|final) straw

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGhlIGxhc3Qgc3RyYXc&hash=e8a8a5d36ed72d9eb5e4a2a6f3228d203e8b0be2&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "gray area" is derived from the color gray, which is often associated with ambiguity and uncertainty. It has been used in the English language for many years to describe situations or issues that are not clearly defined, making it challenging to establish precise boundaries or categorize them definitively.

What is the origin of the idiom "gray area" and when to use it?

gray area

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Z3JheSBhcmVh&hash=46d034fad8d0b6ff69a55a731285db9ce00bddf4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to [level] the playing field

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbGV2ZWwgdGhlIHBsYXlpbmcgZmllbGQ&hash=b053ad02a2c65f442eb985dbf4dfc10c69360eae&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

slippery slope

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2xpcHBlcnkgc2xvcGU&hash=e141339d51f1ebdd435b7e87a98a8e586d323028&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

A wake-up call is a service provided by hotels or businesses to alert guests at a specified time, usually to ensure they wake up for a particular event or appointment. The service involves a staff member or automated system calling the guest’s room at the designated time, often in the morning. Wake-up calls are typically requested when checking into a hotel and can be set for a specific time. Some phone systems or mobile apps also offer similar features to help individuals wake up by setting alarms or reminders.

What is a "wake-up call"?

wake-up call

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2FrZS11cCBjYWxs&hash=771556d393cb7d2ba07bd1e5252682d656d1f485&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "a fine line" originated from the literal concept of a line, which is a narrow and distinct mark or boundary. In a figurative sense, the phrase refers to a subtle or delicate distinction between two similar or closely related things. It is used to highlight the idea that there is a small margin or difference that separates two concepts, actions, or outcomes, often implying that the boundary can easily be crossed or misunderstood.

What is the origin of the idiom "a fine line" and when to use it?

a (fine|thin) line

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YSBmaW5lIGxpbmU&hash=f7e9a4afbbdbd7e30bda800d31ca7ff0dbe09c8e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "itchy feet" is thought to have originated from the sensation of restlessness or a strong desire to travel or explore new places. The phrase implies a feeling of discomfort or an impulse to move and go on an adventure. It's often used to describe a person who cannot stay in one place for long and is eager to embark on a journey, whether for leisure or exploration.

What is the origin of the idiom "itchy feet" and when to use it?

itchy feet

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aXRjaHkgZmVldA&hash=130defede1aebf8aebbf77aa5f08b1c3c1592f23&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "long shot" originated from the world of sports, particularly horse racing. In horse racing, a "long shot" refers to a horse with low odds of winning, often considered an unlikely or speculative bet. Over time, this term extended to various contexts and is now used figuratively to describe something that has a low probability of success or is unlikely to happen.

What is the origin of the idiom "long shot" and when to use it?

long shot

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bG9uZyBzaG90&hash=3568aa2e9d25a8ee7fb26e564256e9815d5be4b0&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The exact origin of the idiom "raw deal" is not definitively known, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States during the early 20th century. It is associated with American English and has been commonly used in informal speech and writing. The phrase gained popularity and became more widely known through its usage in various contexts, including literature, film, and everyday conversations. The phrase is commonly used in informal conversations, everyday discussions, or even in more formal contexts to express a sense of dissatisfaction or a perception of being on the receiving end of an unjust treatment.

What is the origin of the idiom "raw deal" and when to use it?

raw deal

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cmF3IGRlYWw&hash=4e6a231c38b207a53bfd20ec641749db4d348e90&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

sore point

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c29yZSBwb2ludA&hash=e277346f6884ee2aa8c8148e3763d007cd7f2ff9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The origin of the idiom "wishful thinking" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The combination of the words "wish" and "thinking" formed a phrase that encapsulated the human tendency to engage in hopeful or fanciful thoughts that may not align with reality. Over time, the phrase has become a commonly used expression to describe the act of holding optimistic beliefs or desires without a solid foundation in evidence or probability.

What is the origin of the idiom "wishful thinking" and when to use it?

wishful thinking

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2lzaGZ1bCB0aGlua2luZw&hash=f6f1484aab33dbb7378f0ff4f6547b8ab2f9dd29&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

foregone conclusion

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Zm9yZWdvbmUgY29uY2x1c2lvbg&hash=642f15244326d0d30e361a69ebdc3a6fb7bdc71d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

(last|final) resort

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bGFzdCByZXNvcnQ&hash=91daca7b959a939d1162cbfeb002648a10c3939a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "on second thought" originated in the English language, but its specific origin is difficult to trace. It is a common expression used to convey the idea of reconsidering or revising one's initial thoughts or opinions. The phrase likely emerged from the natural tendency of individuals to reflect and reevaluate their perspectives after having some time to think or gather additional information. It is commonly used when someone reevaluates their initial thoughts, judgments, or decisions after further reflection or consideration.

What is the origin of the idiom "on second thought" and when to use it?

on second thought

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b24gc2Vjb25kIHRob3VnaHQ&hash=2498bed58850f7b6dd27f22e4630cfb76573061f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

saving grace

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2F2aW5nIGdyYWNl&hash=81d95cab1b553ed1b13630e5714556e3e78fda83&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

mixed blessing

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bWl4ZWQgYmxlc3Npbmc&hash=1e76a8adcd94e075f7578bb07c049b0f30aabb63&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "cold feet" is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century. One theory suggests that it originated from the physical sensation of having cold feet, which can cause discomfort and unease. This physical discomfort was metaphorically extended to describe a psychological state of hesitation or reluctance. Another theory relates the phrase to theatrical slang, where actors nervous before a performance would have cold feet due to reduced blood flow caused by anxiety. It is often used in discussions about commitments, decisions, or actions that require courage or resolve.

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

cold feet

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Y29sZCBmZWV0&hash=9904bc639e7bb0a2508f27267d6fd8c6a776b7d5&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

hooked

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aG9va2Vk&hash=20be1c5e0aa2fd2278c838ea7d4f24fa61d0175b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

outcry

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b3V0Y3J5&hash=5cfc11271497f8a3ca5119403ad902849e80402d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

spiritualism

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3Bpcml0dWFsaXNt&hash=cbccabb3a4a49a4cf6e3680fa038b29024b15e9d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

hoax

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aG9heA&hash=1e1081e8aad59124bf9eb25550673f08b7d29649&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

bedridden

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmVkcmlkZGVu&hash=627938229d31a1583a7af35f1d347fd33cb67a14&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to clutch

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2x1dGNo&hash=dda28895dbbf3260401d5dcbfe28b362ac383d9c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

handcuff

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGFuZGN1ZmY&hash=310cbe39d7b64504630ce1912e5fe3ac922ae22b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to dismiss

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZGlzbWlzcw&hash=cc0973b5187c7fbd808e319955b50b249217e65b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to withstand

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gd2l0aHN0YW5k&hash=864909ee36f0d3b6a628ff8b3131edb9dce87e3a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

acute

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YWN1dGU&hash=4c8fef2c6e4f5827da8bf07c5ed896e191b84e07&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to collapse

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY29sbGFwc2U&hash=37ced9d3d146ef6a1425ddf1948e30e95534255f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

inauspicious

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW5hdXNwaWNpb3Vz&hash=ee6be9fc6888001492d5ea01f0029cbe4ed7a1ee&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

thoughtful

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGhvdWdodGZ1bA&hash=791cc456e0aceafeef88c6122b9bcb30503562aa&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

eccentric

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZWNjZW50cmlj&hash=df5480df6911bb5d85e81cf1d985ceb7032a953b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

uncanny

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dW5jYW5ueQ&hash=177e2c3b90f91100376cc48aeb2ddb990674e3a0&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

deduction

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZGVkdWN0aW9u&hash=ec97037c421a4d3c467858480ad56189cc6ded54&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

skeptical

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2tlcHRpY2Fs&hash=1d09e73e6082a75deceac69be6285f0b30db1cf3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

Here you will find the vocabulary from Unit 4 in the Headway Advanced coursebook, such as "hoax", "lost cause", "bedridden", etc.

Vocabolario "Unità 4" di Headway Avanzato