1.Be in the air 将要发生的事情
The feeling or idea that something new is about to happen or is going to change.
Example: From the arguments going on at the meeting, it seems that a change in policy is in the air.
2 Clear the air 消除误会
To settle a dispute and restore good relations
Example: We had a meeting with the workers, and I think we’ve cleared the air now.
3 Cost an arm and a leg 极其昂贵
To be very expensive
Example: I love that fur coat. However, I don’t think I’m going to buy it because it costs an arm and a leg.
4 A bad egg 缺乏道德的人
Somebody who has no moral principles and should be avoided
Example: You mustn’t lend Tim money, he’s a bad egg. You’ll never see him or your money again!
5 In the Bag 稳操胜券
Said of an achievement which is secure
Example: We have the deal in the bag. The client came in this morning to sign the agreement.
6 In the balance 未知的,不可预测的
Said when the outcome of a situation is unknown or unpredictable
Example: His career as a pilot is in the balance, as his eyesight does not seem good enough.
7 Drive a hard bargain 极力讨价还价
To have the negotiating strength and skills to get the most advantageous price and conditions
Example: Amanda is negotiating the best price from the suppliers. She drives a hard bargain.
8 Ring a bell 看上去或听起来非常熟悉
To look, sound or seemfamiliar
Example: That face rings a bell, where have I seen him before?
9 Tighten one’s belt 节衣缩食
To cut down on spending because there is less income than before
Example: Now you are out of work, you’ll have to tighten your belt and give up buying new clothes and going out so often.
10 Kill two birds with one stone 一石二鸟
To complete two tasks together, with less effort than doing them separately
Example: Since I’d gone to the store to buy some bread, I thought of killing two birds with one stone and invited Mr. Biggs to the party.
11 Be in a black mood 情绪极差
To be so negative about everything that it is impossible for anyone to reason with him/her
Example: My father has been in a black mood for days, we dare not say anything to him.
12 New blood 新成员
New people brought into an organization to introduce different and original ideas
Example: It was decided to bring new blood into the school by employing teachers with the latest training.
14 Get to the bottom of something 弄清真相
To find out the truth about something
Example: I’m trying to get to the bottom of why David left without saying goodbye.
15 A piece of cake 轻松的事
Something which is very easy to do
Example: Here…let me put the batteries in for you. It’s a piece of cake.
16 Pay a call 拜访
To visit somebody
Example: As we’re in this neighborhood, we might as well pay the Jacksons a call, we haven’t seen them for ages.
17 By chance 偶然, 意外的
Unexpectedly; with no prior planning
Example: By chance, I bumped into my wife in the shopping mall
18 Round the clock 夜以继日的
To do something continuously, without a break or pause
Example: The ambulance services worked round the clock hauling people trapped in the building to safety.
19 Keep one’s cool 保持冷静
To stay calm in a difficult situation
Example: If the traffic is jamed, the only thing to do is keep your cool, or get out of the car and walk!
20 In a tight corner 处于困境
In an extremely difficult situation
Example: Whenever I get into a tight corner, I try to rely on quick thinking to get out of it.
21 Keep in the dark 隐瞒
To keep something secret
Example: We know my brother has a new girlfriend, but he's keeping her name in the dark.
22 Fall on deaf ears 不加理睬的, 不听取
Not to take any notice of what is said
Example: The city council’s order that garbage should be put in the bins fell on deaf ears; the sidewalks are still littered with trash!
23 Take things easy 放轻松
To relax
Example: It's better for our health to take things easy than to worry about problems all the time.
24 Eat like a horse 吃得很多
To eat a lot; to have a very big appetite
Example: Fred eats like a horse. When I was a growing lad like him, I used to eat a lot, too.
25 Catch one’s eye 吸引某人注意
To attract somebody’s attention
Example: A movement behind the curtain caught my eye – I thought it was a burglar and rushed out of the room!
