(of a situation) completely under one's control
The idiom "in hand" originated from Old English and has its roots in the literal sense of physically holding or grasping something in one's hand. The word "hand" has been used in various languages throughout history to signify control, power, or possession. It is frequently used in professional settings, such as business, project management, or organizational contexts, to indicate that a task or project is under control and progressing well.
to not hesitate to do or say what one truly wants
The idiom "make no bones about something" originated from the medieval practice of divination, where bones were used to predict the future. It is used to refer to being straightforward, direct, and unambiguous in expressing one's opinions, intentions, or feelings about something.
a subject over which people disagree
The idiom "bone of contention" has roots in medieval English, where it originated from the literal meaning of a "bone" as an object of dispute or contention between two dogs. The phrase evolved to describe any contentious issue or subject that serves as a cause for disagreement or conflict between individuals or groups. Over time, it transitioned from its literal origins to a metaphorical usage, becoming a common expression in the English language to denote a central point of disagreement or conflict.
about to happen very soon
![to [jump|leap] out of {one's} skin](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/52109/original/?type=jpeg)
to become extremely scared or surprised, causing a strong physical reaction
The idiom "jump out of one's skin" likely emerged from the natural physiological response of the human body to sudden surprises or shocks. The phrase "jump out of one's skin" is used in various contexts to describe moments of extreme surprise, shock, or fright. It is commonly employed in storytelling, informal conversations, and descriptive writing to vividly depict the intensity of a person's reaction to a startling event.
used to refer to someone who is extremely thin, often in an unattractive and unhealthy way
The phrase "skin and bone" is an idiomatic expression that originated as a descriptive comparison. It emphasizes the thinness of a person by comparing them to the bare minimum of flesh, consisting only of skin and bone. It is used to describe someone who is extremely thin, to the point where their skeletal structure is prominent and visible. It suggests that the person lacks significant muscle mass and body weight.
![to [save] {one's} [skin|neck|hide|bacon]](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/45124/original/?type=jpeg)
to help a person get out of a situation that involves danger or difficulty
The idiom "save one's skin" has origins in the idea of preserving one's physical well-being or avoiding harm. It is a figurative expression used to describe actions taken to ensure one's safety or protect oneself from danger, often at the expense of others or in challenging situations.
(of two things) to be closely connected to one another, particularly in a way that one of them causes the occurrence of another
The idiom "go hand in hand" is derived from the physical act of two people walking or moving together while holding each other's hands. This literal practice of walking hand in hand signifies unity, cooperation, and mutual support. The idiom extends this idea to describe situations where two elements or factors are closely connected and work together in a harmonious or complementary manner, often reinforcing each other's influence. Its origin lies in the universal gesture of physical connection and cooperation.
to make a person or thing better
Grammatical Information:
to better or increase someone or something's quality, strength, value, etc.
Grammatical Information:
to change the appearance, character, or nature of a person or object
Grammatical Information:
to repair a work of art, building, etc. so that it is in a good condition again
Grammatical Information:
to develop from a simple form to a more complex or sophisticated one over an extended period
Grammatical Information:
to make a society, law, system, or organization better or more effective by making many changes to it
Grammatical Information:
to cause something to change
Grammatical Information:
to develop into a more advanced or improved stage
Grammatical Information:
to go back to a previous state, condition, or behavior
Grammatical Information:
![to [chop] and [change]](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44366/original/?type=jpeg)
to keep changing one's behavior or opinions in an abrupt manner
The origin of the idiom "chop and change" is believed to have emerged from the world of sports, particularly cricket. In cricket, "chop" refers to hitting the ball with a chopping motion, while "change" refers to switching positions or tactics. The idiom metaphorically represents the act of continuously altering one's approach or strategy, much like a cricketer changing their shot or position on the field. It is often used to highlight the lack of stability, reliability, or commitment displayed by an individual.
![to [pull] {one's} socks up](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/43152/original/?type=jpeg)
to try one's best to improve something that is not good or satisfactory enough
the point or situation from which one starts to do something
The idiom "square one" is believed to have originated in the game of Snakes and Ladders, where players who land on a snake's head are sent back to the beginning of the game. In modern usage, it can refer to any situation where a person or group has to start over from the beginning. It can apply to personal or professional contexts, and can refer to both minor and major setbacks.
Grammatical Information:
![to [go] from strength to strength](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40393/original/?type=jpeg)
to become more and more successful with the passage of time
The phrase "go from strength to strength" is believed to have originated from the Bible, specifically from Psalm 84:7, which reads "They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." The phrase suggests that someone or something is becoming increasingly successful or powerful, building on previous achievements and continuing to improve over time.
to reverse the position of something, making what was on top now at the bottom and vice versa
Congratulations! !
You learned 26 words from Insight Advanced - Unit 1 - 1A. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.
Review
Flashcards
Spelling
Quiz
