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1-
in a rut
2-
dead-end job
3-
to take on
4-
to snow under
5-
to talk shop
6-
self-employed
7-
pittance
8-
fortune
9-
high-powered
10-
run-of-the-mill
11-
to throw somebody in (at) the deep end
12-
deadline
13-
against the clock
14-
to be up to one's ears in something
15-
to take it easy
16-
career ladder
in a rut
phrase
uk flag
/ɪn ɐ ɹˈʌt/
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Idiom
Informal

in the same situation for such a long time that it is no longer appealing

example
Example
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After working the same job for years, he felt like he was in a rut and needed a new challenge.
They realized their relationship was in a rut, so they decided to plan more exciting activities together.
What is the origin of the idiom "in a rut" and when to use it?

The idiom "in a rut" originated from the image of a wheel stuck in a deep groove or rut, making it difficult to move or change direction. This phrase is used figuratively to signify the state of being stuck in a monotonous, unproductive, or unchanging routine, with little variation or progress. It suggests a sense of stagnation and the need for a change.

dead-end job
dead-end job
noun
uk flag
/dˈɛdˈɛnd dʒˈɑːb/
Disapproving
Idiom

a job that does not provide one with the chance to advance to a better position or job

What is the origin of the idiom "dead-end job" and when to use it?

The phrase "dead-end job" originated in the early 20th century, and it refers to a job that offers few opportunities for advancement or growth. The idiom "dead-end job" is used to describe a job that provides little or no opportunity for career advancement or personal growth. It is often associated with low-paying, menial work that is seen as unfulfilling or unsatisfying.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
to take on
Verb
uk flag
/tˈeɪk ˈɑːn/

to accept something as a challenge

Grammatical Information:

Phrasal Status
separable
phrase's verb
take
phrase's particle
on
to snow under
to snow under
Verb
uk flag
/snˈoʊ ˈʌndɚ/

to overwhelm someone or something with an excessive amount of work, tasks, requests, or messages, often causing a feeling of being stressed

Grammatical Information:

Phrasal Status
separable
phrase's verb
snow
phrase's particle
under
to [talk] shop
to talk shop
phrase
uk flag
/tˈɔːk ʃˈɑːp/
Idiom

to have work-related discussions outside of work, particularly when it is annoying or inappropriate

What is the origin of the idiom "talk shop" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "talk shop" is unclear, but it likely dates back to at least the 19th century. The word "shop" here refers to a workplace or profession, and the phrase "talk shop" means to discuss work-related topics. It is typically used to describe a conversation that is focused on work-related topics, often between colleagues or people in the same profession.

self-employed
self-employed
Adjective
uk flag
/sˈɛlfɛmplˈɔɪd/

working for oneself rather than for another

salaried
pittance
noun
p
p
i
ɪ
tt
t
a
ə
n
n
c
s
e

a sum of money that is very insufficient

fortune
fortune
noun
f
f
o
ɔ
r
r
t
ʧ
u
ə
n
n
e

a very large sum of money

high-powered
Adjective
uk flag
/ˌhaɪˈpaʊɝd/

having exceptional strength, influence, or capabilities

run-of-the-mill
run-of-the-mill
Adjective
uk flag
/ɹˈʌnʌvðəmˈɪl/
Disapproving
Informal

very average and without any notable qualities

to throw somebody in (at) the deep end
phrase
uk flag
/θɹˈoʊ ˌɛsbˈiː æt ðə dˈiːp ˈɛnd/

to put someone in a difficult or challenging situation without providing any help or guidance

deadline
noun
d
d
ea
ɛ
d
d
l
l
i
n
n
e

the latest time or date by which something must be completed or submitted

against the clock
against the clock
phrase
uk flag
/ɐɡˈɛnst ðə klˈɑːk/
Idiom

as quickly as one possibly can because there is not much time available

What is the origin of the idiom "against the clock" and when to use it?

The idiom "against the clock" originated from the world of sports, specifically from track and field events. In these events, athletes compete to achieve the fastest time or set a new record. The phrase "against the clock" refers to the idea of competing against time itself, as the clock measures and records the duration of the performance. It is commonly used in professional settings such as project management, business, and emergency situations, where deadlines play a crucial role.

to be up to one's ears in something
phrase
uk flag
/biː ˌʌp tʊ wˈʌnz ˈɪɹz ˈaɪz nˈɛk ɪn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
Idiom
Informal

to be involved with something that is too challenging or demanding for one to handle

What is the origin of the idiom "be up to one's ears in something" and when to use it?

The idiom "be up to one's ears in something" originates from the visual image of being so deeply immersed or surrounded by a situation, task, or responsibility that it feels as if one's ears, eyes, or neck are almost submerged or overwhelmed. This figurative expression is often used to describe situations where someone is heavily involved in an activity or problem, sometimes to their detriment due to the level of commitment or the challenges involved.

to [take] it easy
to take it easy
phrase
uk flag
/tˈeɪk ɪt ˈiːzi/
Collocation

to try to be calm and relaxed and possibly rest

(career|corporate) ladder
career ladder
phrase
uk flag
/kɚɹˈɪɹ kˈɔːɹpɚɹət lˈædɚ/
Idiom

the different levels of jobs and responsibilities that people can move up in their chosen profession as they gain more experience and skills

What is the origin of the idiom "career ladder" and when to use it?

The idiom "career ladder" is a metaphorical expression that compares a person's career progression to climbing a ladder. It has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century. It is used to describe the steps or stages of career advancement within a profession or organization, where each step represents a higher level of responsibility, authority, or salary.

Congratulations! !

You learned 16 words from Face2Face Advanced - Unit 5 - 5C. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.

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