ACT English and World Knowledge - Useful Idioms

to be wise enough to avoid certain behaviors or thoughts

to do something too earlier than its right time

to expand one's knowledge, experiences, or perspectives, often by exploring new places, ideas, or cultures, with the aim of gaining a broader understanding of the world

to provide clarification, understanding, or insight into a topic, situation, or problem

a significant difference between two things, often in a disappointing or unfavorable way

determined or fully committed to pursuing a particular course of action

to refrain from speaking or expressing one's thoughts or opinions

to fail to deal with all aspects of a problem, topic, etc.

to create a situation in which it is easier for one to do something or for something to happen

an area that is near a place in which someone resides

constantly paying attention to a person or thing to prevent a problem, danger, etc.

to benefit from two opposing or contradictory situations or options at the same time

the state in which one is completely free to do or say what one desires

to be easily used or adapted for a particular purpose or activity

used to indicate that after a key event, the following developments are well-known or self-explanatory

to be placed in a less important or weaker position compared to that of someone else

to experience a period of financial or personal difficulty

firmly determined and focused on the task at hand

a point in a person's life or a situation where they must make a critical decision or choose between two different options or paths

no longer popular, accepted, or supported by others

to twist and rub one's hands together out of distress or worry

to get or do what one wants despite the odds or other people's desires

to enjoy or use something as much or as often as one can

to produce correct musical sounds by one's voive voice

something that proves useful or valuable for a given purpose

used to refer to someone who has become more comfortable or confident in conversing with people

the limits of human knowledge or understanding, representing areas that remain unknown or unexplored

in a sudden and unexpected manner, emphasizing the element of surprise

to appeal to someone's particular interests or preferences

not being aware of recent information about something

to feel relief or relaxation because a period of worry, stress, or anticipation has passed

to be occupied by a large number of things

in a way that goes unnoticed or avoids attracting any attention

(of a business) to reach a point that yields no success due to the profit being almost as equal as the costs

(with reference to two things) in contrast to each other instead of correspondence

to use something for personal gain in an unfair or dishonest manner

the obvious meaning or worth of something, without looking deeper

the opposite or contrasting aspect of a situation, idea, or argument

to make unfavorable remarks about someone

to be dismissed or expelled from a place, job, or position

to do something without real interest, feeling, or effort

to have a significant impact or influence on something

a point at which a drastic change occurs in a situation, especially one that makes it improve

to assume without question that something is true

in a similar or identical situation to someone else, particularly a difficult or unpleasant one

an unexpected or unusual occurrence or event that alters the course of events