pattern

Describing Qualities - Suitability & Unsuitability

Explore English idioms regarding suitability and unsuitability with examples like "hit the spot" and "fish out of water".

Review

Flashcards

Quiz

Start learning
English Idioms used to Describe Qualities
{one's} face [fit]
one's face fit
[sentence]

used to a person who is considered to be the right person for a particular job or position

Ex: She got the promotion because her face fit, not because she had the most experience. 
Close
Sign in
up {one's} alley

very compatible with one's abilities or tastes

Ex: This role is right up your alley; it needs creativity and good people skills. 
Close
Sign in
to [be] cut out for {sth}

to have all the necessary qualities that makes one suitable for a particular job, role, etc.

Ex: She's cut out for management; she stays calm and knows how to lead people. 
Close
Sign in
to [be] made for {sb/sth}

to be a perfect fit for something needs or desires

Ex: This app is made for people who hate complicated schedules. 
Close
Sign in
to [fill|fit] the bill

to meet the required criteria or to be suitable for a particular purpose or situation

Ex: We need a quiet room for the interview, and this office should fit the bill. 
Close
Sign in
to [have] {one's} name (written|) on it

to perfectly match someone's interests or needs

Ex: This scholarship has your name on it; it supports language teachers working online. 
Close
Sign in
to [suit] {sb} (right|) down to the ground

to be a type of thing that makes one feel satisfied or enjoyed

Ex: Working from home suits me down to the ground. 
Close
Sign in
to [hit] the spot

to satisfy a craving or desire, especially for food or drink

Ex: That cold lemonade really hit the spot after the long walk. 
Close
Sign in
a match made in heaven

said of two people who are considered perfect for one another

Ex: Mia and Daniel are a match made in heaven; they understand each other without saying much. 
Close
Sign in
just what the doctor ordered

something that is exactly what is needed or required in a certain situation

Ex: After such a stressful week, a quiet weekend was just what the doctor ordered. 
Close
Sign in
fish out of water

a person in an unfamiliar situation or environment in which they feel uncomfortable

Ex: At the formal dinner, I felt like a fish out of water. 
Close
Sign in
to [fit] {sb/sth} like a glove

to be the ideal size, shape, situation, environment, etc. for someone or something

Ex: The jacket fits him like a glove. 
Close
Sign in
to [strike|hit] a false note

to do or say something that is considered wrong or unsuitable for a particular situation

Ex: His joke struck a false note at such a serious meeting. 
Close
Sign in
to [strike|hit] the right note

to do or say something that is considered right or suitable for a particular situation

Ex: Her speech struck the right note: warm, honest, and not too formal. 
Close
Sign in
to [slip] through {one's} fingers

to gradually become lost or impossible to keep

Ex: The opportunity slipped through his fingers. 
Close
Sign in
to [cut] it
to cut it
[phrase]

to be adequate, satisfactory, or good enough for a particular purpose or situation

Ex: That cheap umbrella just doesn't cut it in heavy rain. 
Close
Sign in
right up {one's} alley

exactly suited to someone's interests, skills, taste, or abilities

Ex: This history tour is right up your alley. 
Close
Sign in
out of {one's} league

used to indicate that a task, challenge, or situation is beyond one's capabilities or skill level

Ex: This project is out of my league without a senior engineer to help. 
Close
Sign in
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app