Review

Unit 1 - Lesson 2

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idea

clue

off the top of one's head

offhand

to hear of

to know something like the back of one's hand

sure

positive

by heart

10-

to know somebody or something inside out

11-

next to nothing

12-

faint

13-

certain

Idea

[ noun ]

aɪ

iə

a suggestion or thought about something that we could do

Clue

[ noun ]

a piece of evidence that leads someone toward the solution of a crime or problem

Off the top of one's head

[ phrase ]

/ˈɔf ðə tˈɑːp ʌv wˈʌnz hˈɛd/

Idiom

Informal

from one's memory, without spending time to carefully consider or think

What is the origin of the idiom "off the top of one's head" and when to use it?

The idiom "off the top of one's head" originates from the idea that information or ideas are presented without deep thought or prior planning. It is used to describe providing a quick response or answer based on one's immediate knowledge or intuition, rather than relying on research or careful consideration. This phrase emphasizes spontaneity and a lack of formal preparation.

Offhand

[ Adverb ]

without any preparation or prior thought

Grammatical Information:

interrogative adverb

To hear of

[ Verb ]

/hˈɪɹ ʌv/

to know about somebody or something because one has received information or news about them

Grammatical Information:

transitive

Phrasal Status

inseparable

phrase's verb

hear

phrase's particle

to [know] {sth} like the back of {one's} hand

To know something like the back of one's hand

[ phrase ]

/nˈoʊ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ lˈaɪk ðə bˈæk ʌv wˈʌnz hˈænd/

Idiom

Informal

to be well-informed about or completely familiar with something

What is the origin of the idiom "know something like the back of one's hand" and when to use it?

The idiom "know something like the back of one's hand" suggests that someone is intimately familiar with a subject or topic, just as they are with the physical features of their own hand. It implies a deep and thorough knowledge of the subject. This expression is used to emphasize how well someone knows or understands something, indicating a high level of familiarity and expertise.

Sure

[ Adjective ]

(of a person) feeling confident about something being correct or true

uncertain

Positive

[ Adjective ]

(of a person) having no doubt about something

By heart

[ phrase ]

/baɪ hˈɑːɹt/

by relying only on one's memory

To know somebody or something inside out

[ phrase ]

/nˈoʊ ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɪnsˈaɪd ˈaʊt/

Idiom

Informal

to have very good knowledge or understanding about someone or something

What is the origin of the idiom "know someone or something inside out" and when to use it?

The idiom "know someone or something inside out" suggests an in-depth understanding or familiarity with a person, object, or subject. It implies knowing every detail, characteristic, or aspect thoroughly, as if one has explored its inner workings. This expression is used to emphasize a high level of knowledge, expertise, or familiarity with someone or something. It signifies that the individual has a comprehensive understanding, leaving no hidden aspects or mysteries.

Next to nothing

[ phrase ]

/nˈɛkst tə nˈʌθɪŋ/

Collocation

to a degree that is very little and close to nothing

Faint

[ Adjective ]

eɪ

difficult to see, hear, smell, etc.

Certain

[ Adjective ]