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If we want to stay ahead of the pack, we’ll have to increase our marketing budget. start learning
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To be more successful than the competition If we want to stay ahead of the pack, we’ll have to increase our marketing budget.
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To make this software finally work, we have to go back to square one. start learning
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To start something over again because a previous attempt failed To make this software finally work, we have to go back to square one.
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To give you a ballpark figure, how much the border wall to Mexico is going to cost, I’d say about 30 million dollars. start learning
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To give you a ballpark figure, how much the border wall to Mexico is going to cost, I’d say about 30 million dollars.
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Working on all these details, we have lost sight of the big picture. start learning
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Everything that is involved with a particular situation Working on all these details, we have lost sight of the big picture.
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We told our auditors that we do everything by the book. start learning
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To do things exactly according to the rules or the law We told our auditors that we do everything by the book.
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Amazon more or less corners the online retailing market. start learning
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To dominate a particular market Amazon more or less corners the online retailing market.
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Competition in the food retailing business is cut-throat. start learning
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Very intense, aggressive, and merciless competition Competition in the food retailing business is cut-throat.
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I lost 500 Euros in a poker game last night, but that’s life – easy come, easy go. start learning
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Something gained easily is also lost easily I lost 500 Euros in a poker game last night, but that’s life – easy come, easy go.
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What is our game plan for dealing with our new competitor? start learning
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A strategy or plan for achieving success What is our game plan for dealing with our new competitor?
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Now that everyone’s here, let’s get down to business and start with the presentation. start learning
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Stop making small talk and start talking about serious business topics Now that everyone’s here, let’s get down to business and start with the presentation.
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Get something off the ground Now that we have finished the planning phase, we’re eager the get the project off the ground. start learning
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ground To start something (e.g. a project or a business) Now that we have finished the planning phase, we’re eager the get the project off the ground.
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All our efforts in entering this new market went down the drain. start learning
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Something is wasted or lost All our efforts in entering this new market went down the drain.
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To give our customers the best shopping experience, we go the extra mile. start learning
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To do more than what people expect To give our customers the best shopping experience, we go the extra mile.
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I’d love to help you, but my hands are tied. start learning
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Not being free to behave in the way that you would like I’d love to help you, but my hands are tied.
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In a nutshell, we will run out of cash in three months time. start learning
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Using as few words as possible In a nutshell, we will run out of cash in three months time.
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Construction of our new production site is in full swing now. start learning
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At a stage when the level of activity is at its highest Construction of our new production site is in full swing now.
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Being offered the position of managing director, I’ll soon be in the driver’s seat start learning
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To be in charge or in control of a situation Being offered the position of managing director, I’ll soon be in the driver’s seat
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Keep one’s eye on the ball We should not diversify our product offering too much, but rather keep our eyes on the ball. start learning
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To give something one’s full attention and to not lose focus We should not diversify our product offering too much, but rather keep our eyes on the ball.
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I’m learning the ropes in my new position. start learning
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Learn the basics of something (e.g. a job) I’m learning the ropes in my new position.
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Winning the lottery is a long shot. start learning
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Something that has a very low probability of happening Winning the lottery is a long shot.
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Making money working for an investment bank is a no-brainer. start learning
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Something that is really obvious or easy Making money working for an investment bank is a no-brainer.
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They will let you try the product for free with no strings attached start learning
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Something is given without involving special demands or limits They will let you try the product for free with no strings attached
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This product is definitely not going to fly. start learning
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Something isn’t expected to work out This product is definitely not going to fly.
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Let’s go over the contract details once more to make sure we’re on the same page. start learning
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To be in agreement about something Let’s go over the contract details once more to make sure we’re on the same page.
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Our financials our out in the open anyway. start learning
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Something that is public knowledge and not secret anymore Our financials our out in the open anyway.
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Put all one’s eggs in one basket It’s not smart to invest in American tech stocks only and put all one’s eggs in one basket. start learning
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To rely on only one thing to bring success It’s not smart to invest in American tech stocks only and put all one’s eggs in one basket.
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Put the cart before the horse Trying to find an investor without having a business plan is like putting the cart before the horse. start learning
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To do or think about things in the wrong order Trying to find an investor without having a business plan is like putting the cart before the horse.
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The iPhone raised the bar for smartphone makers. start learning
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To set standards or expectations higher The iPhone raised the bar for smartphone makers.
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The new law is going to create a lot of red tape. start learning
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Official rules and processes that seem excessive and unnecessary The new law is going to create a lot of red tape.
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Don’t rock the boat until the negotiations are finished start learning
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To do or say something that will upset people or cause problems Don’t rock the boat until the negotiations are finished
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It’s a safe bet that computer processor speed will more than triple within the next 10 years. start learning
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Something that is certain to happen It’s a safe bet that computer processor speed will more than triple within the next 10 years.
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None of us has any money left, so we’re all in the same boat. start learning
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To be in the same difficult situation as someone else None of us has any money left, so we’re all in the same boat.
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My boss doesn’t see eye to eye with me about our marketing campaign start learning
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My boss doesn’t see eye to eye with me about our marketing campaign
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I want to see this project through before taking on another one. start learning
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To continue until something is finished I want to see this project through before taking on another one.
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We had to sever ties with several suppliers due to poor product quality. start learning
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You shouldn’t shoot down your co-workers ideas during a brainstorming session. start learning
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To reject something (e.g. an idea or a proposal) You shouldn’t shoot down your co-workers ideas during a brainstorming session.
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Once our largest competitor went out of business, it was smooth sailing. start learning
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A situation where success is achieved without difficulties Once our largest competitor went out of business, it was smooth sailing.
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They tried to cut my travel budget, but I stood my ground. start learning
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To not change one’s opinion or position They tried to cut my travel budget, but I stood my ground.
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Take the bull by the horns My mid-level managers constantly delayed projects, so I took the bull by the horns and fired several of them. start learning
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To directly confront a difficult situation in a brave and determined way My mid-level managers constantly delayed projects, so I took the bull by the horns and fired several of them.
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Talk someone into something I was reluctant to redesign our website, but my employees talked me into it. start learning
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To convince someone to do something I was reluctant to redesign our website, but my employees talked me into it.
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Talk someone out of something We wanted to take on more debt, but our CFO talked us out of it. start learning
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To convince someone not to do something We wanted to take on more debt, but our CFO talked us out of it.
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We should have discussed our pending litigation, but no one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room. start learning
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An obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to discuss We should have discussed our pending litigation, but no one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room.
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Our current approach will get us nowhere. We have to think outside the box. start learning
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To think of creative, unconventional solutions instead of common ones. Our current approach will get us nowhere. We have to think outside the box.
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I think his time’s up as the CEO. start learning
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Time for something or someone has ended. I think his time’s up as the CEO.
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I will touch base with you later today. start learning
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To make contact with someone. I will touch base with you later today.
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My boss thought the budget was a little high, so I had to twist his arm to get him to agree to it. start learning
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To convince someone to do something that he or she does not want to do My boss thought the budget was a little high, so I had to twist his arm to get him to agree to it.
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Our new department head will deal with the training of new staff members. start learning
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Our new department head will deal with the training of new staff members.
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Tom will take over the sales department and become its new manager. start learning
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o get control or responsibility for something Tom will take over the sales department and become its new manager.
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We are now looking into new software to use in our training. start learning
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To investigate, learn more about We are now looking into new software to use in our training.
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Many of our co-workers look up to Jill, and she is well-liked by her customers as well. start learning
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Many of our co-workers look up to Jill, and she is well-liked by her customers as well.
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They are looking for a candidate who can speak both Chinese and Portuguese. start learning
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They are looking for a candidate who can speak both Chinese and Portuguese.
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They had to look through all of last month’s receipts to find the one they wanted. start learning
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They had to look through all of last month’s receipts to find the one they wanted.
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Jim learns quickly, therefore he caught on after trying only two times. start learning
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To finally understand, to understand something that other people already understand Jim learns quickly, therefore he caught on after trying only two times.
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My boss told me that if I wanted to get ahead, I would need to work a little harder. start learning
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To move up in position, improve your career My boss told me that if I wanted to get ahead, I would need to work a little harder.
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to drop in (ON sb) (OR for sth e.g. for a drink) I am always nervous when our CEO drops in. start learning
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To make an unexpected visit I am always nervous when our CEO drops in.
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At the end of summer there was a drop off in sales of bottled water. start learning
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At the end of summer there was a drop off in sales of bottled water.
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The new receptionist dropped our plans off on her way home. start learning
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The new receptionist dropped our plans off on her way home.
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You can’t go on to page 2 until you fill in every answer on page 1. start learning
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To write or type an item on a form You can’t go on to page 2 until you fill in every answer on page 1.
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When the president is away, the vice president will fill in. start learning
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To do a job or hold a position temporarily When the president is away, the vice president will fill in.
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Whenever we have a meeting, our manager brings up the fact that we are improving every month. start learning
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To say or introduce a topic or issue Whenever we have a meeting, our manager brings up the fact that we are improving every month.
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The new security system seemed confusing until Mary broke it down into five easy steps. start learning
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to explain something or divide something into parts down The new security system seemed confusing until Mary broke it down into five easy steps.
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The bad weather is holding progress up on the new bridge. start learning
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The bad weather is holding progress up on the new bridge.
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Larry turned down a job at another company so that he could continue his work here start learning
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Larry turned down a job at another company so that he could continue his work here
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The marketing team did not think it through carefully before giving the product such a silly name. start learning
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o consider carefully and thoroughly The marketing team did not think it through carefully before giving the product such a silly name.
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Don misunderstood the question so we had to spell it out for him. start learning
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To say something in a simple way Don misunderstood the question so we had to spell it out for him.
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Everyone at the meeting was surprised when she pointed out the accounting department’s mistake. start learning
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To indicate or show something Everyone at the meeting was surprised when she pointed out the accounting department’s mistake.
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We will be cutting down the electricity bill by installing solar panels. start learning
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To reduce, make something less We will be cutting down the electricity bill by installing solar panels.
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Last year we cut out spending on TV commercials in order to increase spending on radio commercials. start learning
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To completely remove or erase Last year we cut out spending on TV commercials in order to increase spending on radio commercials.
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The department meeting was called off this week so please use your time wisely. start learning
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The department meeting was called off this week so please use your time wisely.
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If everyone chips in, we will be able to finish the job by lunch time. start learning
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If everyone chips in, we will be able to finish the job by lunch time.
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The construction on the new building was put off because of all the rain this summer. start learning
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The construction on the new building was put off because of all the rain this summer.
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I was putting a lot of effort into cooking dinner start learning
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I was putting a lot of effort into cooking dinner
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I agreed to step in for Jim at the meeting. start learning
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I agreed to step in for Jim at the meeting.
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He turned to his boss for advice on the merger. start learning
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He turned to his boss for advice on the merger.
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The board always counts on its staff for good results. start learning
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The board always counts on its staff for good results.
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No one knew who set this meeting up. start learning
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No one knew who set this meeting up.
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I would like to run this by my client. start learning
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I would like to run this by my client.
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I want the best of both worlds at work. start learning
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means you can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time. I want the best of both worlds at work.
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Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.” start learning
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this means that the person you’re just talking about actually turns up at that moment. Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.”
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I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon start learning
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an event that happens infrequently. I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon
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When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room start learning
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something that will never happen. When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room
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The English test was a piece of cake. start learning
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The English test was a piece of cake.
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‘Let the cat out of the bag’ I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans start learning
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to accidentally reveal a secret I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans
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'To feel under the weather' I feel under the weather this Monday morning. start learning
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I feel under the weather this Monday morning.
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'To add insult to injury' To add insult to injury the car drove off without stopping after knocking me off my bike start learning
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To make a situation worse To add insult to injury the car drove off without stopping after knocking me off my bike
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I told him to break a leg before his theater performance. start learning
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To wish someone good luck (often said to actors before they perform on stage) I told him to break a leg before his theater performance.
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'A penny for your thoughts' I'll give you a penny for your thoughts. start learning
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A way of asking what someone is thinking I'll give you a penny for your thoughts.
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He came to the office on Sunday at the drop of a hat start learning
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He came to the office on Sunday at the drop of a hat
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'Barking up the wrong tree' He was barking up the wrong tree when he said that his ex-wife stole his car. start learning
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Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person He was barking up the wrong tree when he said that his ex-wife stole his car.
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'Best thing since sliced bread' The iphone is the best thing since sliced breads. start learning
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A good invention or idea. The iphone is the best thing since sliced breads.
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'Bite off more than you can chew' He bit off more than he can chew with this new project proposal. start learning
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To take on a task too big He bit off more than he can chew with this new project proposal.
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'Cross the bridge when you come to it' We will cross that bridge when we have to when it comes to declaring bankruptcy. start learning
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Deal with a problem if it arises We will cross that bridge when we have to when it comes to declaring bankruptcy.
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I hate to be the devil's advocate but what if he is right? start learning
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To present a counter argument I hate to be the devil's advocate but what if he is right?
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A chain is as good as its weakest link when it comes to teams, we are only as good as our weakest link in the chain. start learning
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The proverb has a literal meaning, although the 'weakest link' referred to is figurative and usually applies to a person or technical feature rather than the link of an actual chain. when it comes to teams, we are only as good as our weakest link in the chain.
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One individual's struggles are only a drop in the bucket of a society's issues start learning
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A very small proportion of the whole. One individual's struggles are only a drop in the bucket of a society's issues
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Most people feel like a fish out of water in a new country start learning
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Someone who is in a situation they are unsuited to. Most people feel like a fish out of water in a new country
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completing graduate studies was a feather in her cap start learning
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A symbol of honour and achievement. completing graduate studies was a feather in her cap
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His complaining was a fly in the ointment during our vacation start learning
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A small but irritating flaw that spoils the whole. His complaining was a fly in the ointment during our vacation
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baby boomers are driving the real estate market these days. start learning
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A person born during the temporary peak in the birth-rate that occurred in several countries following WWII, notably the USA and the UK. baby boomers are driving the real estate market these days.
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she always brought home the bacon at the end of the month start learning
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To earn money, particularly for one's family; to be successful, especially financially successful. she always brought home the bacon at the end of the month
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when someone is rude, you should call a spade a spade. start learning
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To speak plainly - to describe something as it really is. when someone is rude, you should call a spade a spade.
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He can't even hold a candle to his manager's leadership skills start learning
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To compare badly to an known authority - to be unfit even to hold a subordinate position. He can't even hold a candle to his manager's leadership skills
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putting the cart before the horse Buying a home before having a stable job is putting the cart before the horse. start learning
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Reverse the accepted or logical order of things. Buying a home before having a stable job is putting the cart before the horse.
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the cat got her tongue when the police questioned her. start learning
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A question addressed to someone who is inexplicably silent. the cat got her tongue when the police questioned her.
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try to please everyone often is a catch 22 start learning
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A paradox in which the attempt to escape makes escape impossible. try to please everyone often is a catch 22
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there is always chit chat in the coffee shop start learning
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Casual smalltalk or gossip. there is always chit chat in the coffee shop
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he almost got a promotion, close but no cigar. start learning
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Fall just short of a successful outcome and get nothing for your efforts. he almost got a promotion, close but no cigar.
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he coined the phrase, "close but no cigar" start learning
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he coined the phrase, "close but no cigar"
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having a house and a car is such a cookie-cutter approach these days start learning
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Originally, a utensil for cutting shaped pieces out of dough. More recently, characterising a lack of originality. having a house and a car is such a cookie-cutter approach these days
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I hope management realizes that our deadlines are very tight. We need to hire more people immediately. We’ve been short-handed from day one. start learning
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This means “since the beginning.” You often hear the phrase from day one used in the workplace to talk about something that has been true since the very first day a project or business began. I hope management realizes that our deadlines are very tight. We need to hire more people immediately. We’ve been short-handed from day one.
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She is welcome to join our team, but there will be a steep learning curve. start learning
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A learning curve is used to describe the progress someone has to make to gain experience or learn a new skill set. A steep learning curve indicates the task may be difficult and therefore take more effort. She is welcome to join our team, but there will be a steep learning curve.
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It’s going to be a challenge doing such a big project on a shoestring but we’ll try our best. start learning
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When you do something on a shoestring, you’re working on a tight budget or with very little money. It’s going to be a challenge doing such a big project on a shoestring but we’ll try our best.
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The project manager won’t be pleased about them changing the design at the eleventh hour. start learning
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The eleventh hour is used to describe something that’s done or happens at the last minute. The project manager won’t be pleased about them changing the design at the eleventh hour.
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The deadline is coming up, but we’ve been running around in circles because the client keeps changing their mind about the design. start learning
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To run around in circles means to keep doing something without achieving any real results. In other words, you’re doing a lot of unnecessary work but not getting anywhere. The deadline is coming up, but we’ve been running around in circles because the client keeps changing their mind about the design.
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Anyone would be glad to have Pam on their team. She’s a great team player and is always willing to go the extra mile. start learning
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To go the extra mile means to give more effort or do more than what’s expected of you. Anyone would be glad to have Pam on their team. She’s a great team player and is always willing to go the extra mile.
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He’s been involved in some funny business, so I won’t vote for him.” start learning
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This expression refers to dishonest/deceptive action. For example, if there’s a politician who was involved in corruption and using money illegally, He’s been involved in some funny business, so I won’t vote for him.”
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he leaders of a country might be trying to change the laws about health care, but in the hospitals it’s business as usual. start learning
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This means the typical, ordinary way of doing things – nothing is different from normal activity. he leaders of a country might be trying to change the laws about health care, but in the hospitals it’s business as usual.
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Every cloud has a silver lining there's a silver lining in this business going bankrupt. start learning
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Every bad things has something good or compensating about it there's a silver lining in this business going bankrupt.
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It's down to the wire when it comes to this merger. start learning
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To the last moment or final possibility (often used when a competition is very close or you are under time pressure) It's down to the wire when it comes to this merger.
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His business tactics seem fishy start learning
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To be ethically questionable His business tactics seem fishy
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Come hell or high water, they're going to push through with this strategic plan. start learning
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Regardless of the effort or cost
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Knock on wood, no one will be fired. start learning
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Knock on wood, no one will be fired.
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Mum's the word when it comes to his promotion. start learning
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I am snowed under at work and at home. start learning
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I am snowed under at work and at home.
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Susan went out on a limb when she lied for Samantha. start learning
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To make a special effort and take a personal risk in order to support someone Susan went out on a limb when she lied for Samantha.
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When it comes to planning weddings, wedding planners are expected to do the whole nine yards start learning
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When it comes to planning weddings, wedding planners are expected to do the whole nine yards
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To hear something straight from the horse's mouth I know this because I heard it straight from the horse's mouth. start learning
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To hear something from the authoritative source. I know this because I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
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Taste of your own medicine now that you have had a taste of your own medicine, you will treat people better, start learning
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Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else now that you have had a taste of your own medicine, you will treat people better,
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Take with a grain of salt take all advice with a grain of salt. start learning
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This means not to take what someone says too seriously. take all advice with a grain of salt.
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Jim stole my thunder in the meeting. start learning
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To take the credit for something someone else did. Jim stole my thunder in the meeting.
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the board is still sitting on the fence about the merger. start learning
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This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision. the board is still sitting on the fence about the merger.
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Put wool over other people's eyes many scammers will try to put the wool over people's eyes. start learning
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This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them. many scammers will try to put the wool over people's eyes.
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he missed the boat on the promotion. start learning
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he missed the boat on the promotion.
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at the dinner, let sleeping dogs lie when it comes to politics. start learning
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Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or complications. at the dinner, let sleeping dogs lie when it comes to politics.
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it was the last straw, then he fired him. start learning
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The final problem in a series of problems. it was the last straw, then he fired him.
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Many people join the bandwagon when their team starts winning. start learning
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Join a popular trend or activity. Many people join the bandwagon when their team starts winning.
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it takes two to tango when it comes to a good partnership. start learning
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Actions or communications need more than one person it takes two to tango when it comes to a good partnership.
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Elvis has left the building Elvis has left the building, it's time to start thinking of finding a new job. start learning
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The show has come to an end. It's all over. Elvis has left the building, it's time to start thinking of finding a new job.
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Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch, don't buy a house without a steady job. start learning
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This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen". don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch, don't buy a house without a steady job.
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Let's play it by ear and see what happens at the meeting. start learning
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Playing something by ear means that rather than sticking to a defined plan, you will see how things go and decide on a course of action as you go along.
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There's always a doubting thomas in every group start learning
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a skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something. There's always a doubting thomas in every group
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A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand We are going to be a house divided if we don't work together start learning
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Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out. We are going to be a house divided if we don't work together
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His daughter was the apple of his eye start learning
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Someone who is cherished above all others. His daughter was the apple of his eye
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She bought a lemon when she bought that old house. start learning
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To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away. She bought a lemon when she bought that old house.
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He has a cast iron stomach when it comes to eating raw foods. start learning
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Someone who has no problems, complications or ill effects with eating anything or drinking anything. He has a cast iron stomach when it comes to eating raw foods.
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She cracked me up with her celebrity impressions. start learning
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She cracked me up with her celebrity impressions.
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Susan is a dead ringer for Jackie Kennedy. start learning
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100% identical. A duplicate. Susan is a dead ringer for Jackie Kennedy.
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that presentation was a doozy. start learning
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They always do a dry run before opening night. start learning
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They always do a dry run before opening night.
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Everything But The Kitchen Sink They described everything but the kitchen sink. start learning
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Almost everything and anything has been included They described everything but the kitchen sink.
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The press go into a feeding frenzy when it comes to tabloid stories start learning
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An aggressive attack on someone by a group. The press go into a feeding frenzy when it comes to tabloid stories
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his career was a flash in the pan. start learning
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Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end. his career was a flash in the pan.
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He got his walking papers last week. start learning
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most people hate working the graveyard shift. start learning
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Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8:00 am. The time of the day when most other people are sleeping. most people hate working the graveyard shift.
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bitcoin looks to be like hell in a hand basket. start learning
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Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster. bitcoin looks to be like hell in a hand basket.
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most servers back up their data nowadays. start learning
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to save something on a seperate drive/file/location. most servers back up their data nowadays.
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Big banks got a huge bail out package from the government start learning
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to financially help someone avoiding bankruptcy Big banks got a huge bail out package from the government
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He brought forward his proposal during our lunch meeting start learning
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to present or introduce (a subject) for discussion He brought forward his proposal during our lunch meeting
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I was burnt out after this week's conferences and delegations. start learning
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To be exhausted from work I was burnt out after this week's conferences and delegations.
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most celebrities cash in on their notoriety. start learning
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to taker advantage or to exploit most celebrities cash in on their notoriety.
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the mall closed down after the fire. start learning
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if a business or organization closes down or someone closes it down, it stops operating the mall closed down after the fire.
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the company contracted out its jobs. start learning
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to agree by contract to pay someone outside an organization to perform (a job) the company contracted out its jobs.
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Please copy in Mike, he needs to know the agenda minutes start learning
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to inform someone of something (usually via email - ccing) Please copy in Mike, he needs to know the agenda minutes
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we drew up the contract last month. start learning
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to draft a contract or plan we drew up the contract last month.
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he was drumming up support for his latest scheme. start learning
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to encourage support for something or someone he was drumming up support for his latest scheme.
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she could never measure up to her sister start learning
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o be good enough, or as good as someone or something else: she could never measure up to her sister
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let's meet up this week and talk about your promotion start learning
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an informal meeting or gathering let's meet up this week and talk about your promotion
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I'll pencil you in for later today. start learning
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to arrange for something to happen or for someone to do something on a particular date or occasion, knowing that the arrangement might be changed later I'll pencil you in for later today.
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he asked me to stay behind at the office this weekend. start learning
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to stay in an space after a meeting has ended he asked me to stay behind at the office this weekend.
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they need to smarten up if they want to achieve anything. start learning
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o make (someone or something) smarter or more aware they need to smarten up if they want to achieve anything.
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To wind up on the other side of the rainbow, you must work hard. start learning
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arrive or end up in a specified state, situation, or place.
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you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs his business idea can take you from zero to hundred in just a few years but you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. start learning
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o have to go through something seemingly not nice for a good result his business idea can take you from zero to hundred in just a few years but you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.
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the only problem with this committee is that they do not feel the need to incorporate the young blood in their decision-making processes. start learning
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new members that provide various new schemes and ideas for the organization the only problem with this committee is that they do not feel the need to incorporate the young blood in their decision-making processes.
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To be very frank, I am very disappointed that they did not give me the post of the manager as I feel I truly deserved it after 5 years of work experience. Oh well, you can’t win them all you see. start learning
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indicates the reality that it is not possible to always succeed To be very frank, I am very disappointed that they did not give me the post of the manager as I feel I truly deserved it after 5 years of work experience. Oh well, you can’t win them all you see.
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you’ve made your bed, now lie in it Don’t come back when it is all over and you have nowhere to go. Once you’ve made your bed, you’ll have to lie in it. start learning
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to make a decision and to accept the consequences of those decisions Don’t come back when it is all over and you have nowhere to go. Once you’ve made your bed, you’ll have to lie in it.
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You really can’t trust what Donald might say in front of the boss. Everyone knows that he is just a yes man and I am not even sure if he has his own views on anything. start learning
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a person who only agrees with the crowd or a group of people in order to please them or look good in front of them You really can’t trust what Donald might say in front of the boss. Everyone knows that he is just a yes man and I am not even sure if he has his own views on anything.
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To stay healthy, it’s best to keep off junk food. You are what you eat. start learning
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if you eat good food you will be healthy, if you eat bad food you will be unhealthy To stay healthy, it’s best to keep off junk food. You are what you eat.
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The officer is retiring from his job next month, soon he will be a yesterday’s man. start learning
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someone especially a politician whose career is finished The officer is retiring from his job next month, soon he will be a yesterday’s man.
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your sins will find you out He usually cheats his customers by selling duplicate material, and now he lost his business completely, truly said, your sins will find you out. start learning
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things you do wrong will become known. He usually cheats his customers by selling duplicate material, and now he lost his business completely, truly said, your sins will find you out.
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Try to stop the fighting of two people was a yoke around his neck, they both hurt him badly, for coming in between. start learning
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Try to stop the fighting of two people was a yoke around his neck, they both hurt him badly, for coming in between.
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when in Rome, do as the Romans My mother always told us that when in Rome, do as the Romans. That is how today we are able to get along with any kind of people. start learning
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to copy popular culture in order to blend in My mother always told us that when in Rome, do as the Romans. That is how today we are able to get along with any kind of people.
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The restaurant owners had the best of everything at one point. But you know what they say, when it rains, it pours. Today they are left with absolutely nothing. start learning
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to have a good or bad news enlarged by circumstances The restaurant owners had the best of everything at one point. But you know what they say, when it rains, it pours. Today they are left with absolutely nothing.
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The advertisements shown are meant to whet your appetite to buy those products. start learning
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A reason which increases your interest in something. The advertisements shown are meant to whet your appetite to buy those products.
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She’s the person you would like to have around when the chips are down start learning
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when a situation is urgent or desperate. She’s the person you would like to have around when the chips are down
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Ahead of the Diwali festival, she worked like a beaver to clean out all the closets. start learning
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work very energetically and hard. Ahead of the Diwali festival, she worked like a beaver to clean out all the closets.
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Do not tell your mom that I broke her vase! Remember, silence is golden start learning
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it is often better to say nothing at all Do not tell your mom that I broke her vase! Remember, silence is golden
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Tina’s story to the police on how she got mugged was different shades of grey as it was not consistent. start learning
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refers to a situation where things are not really clear Tina’s story to the police on how she got mugged was different shades of grey as it was not consistent.
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as different as chalk and cheese Despite James and John being identical twins, their characters were as different as chalk and cheese. start learning
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for two things to be completely different from each other Despite James and John being identical twins, their characters were as different as chalk and cheese.
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Upon hearing the good news, Mary was definitely full of beans. start learning
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to be optimistic or enthusiastic Upon hearing the good news, Mary was definitely full of beans.
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Failing to get a satisfactory answer from her doctor, Mary went from pillar to post searching for a cure for her illness. start learning
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to move from one place to another with no purpose and direction Failing to get a satisfactory answer from her doctor, Mary went from pillar to post searching for a cure for her illness.
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Mary’s nice compliments about her not so nice boss made it clear that she was just trying to butter him up. start learning
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to flatter someone so as to get something in return from them Mary’s nice compliments about her not so nice boss made it clear that she was just trying to butter him up.
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From the way the soldier handled the gun, everyone could tell that he was wet behind the ears. start learning
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to be new at something or somewhere and so lack the necessary experience From the way the soldier handled the gun, everyone could tell that he was wet behind the ears.
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kill the goose that lays the golden egg By selling off his business, Alex killed the goose that lays the golden egg. start learning
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to destroy something that is profitable to you mostly because of greed. By selling off his business, Alex killed the goose that lays the golden egg.
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Seeing as the deadline was looming and Grace was yet to round up the project, she realised she was in a pickle. start learning
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to be in a difficult situation Seeing as the deadline was looming and Grace was yet to round up the project, she realised she was in a pickle.
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Even with her boss looking very untidy, Mel still complimented her and this showed her to be an apple polisher. start learning
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a person who tries to get favours from those in authority through flattery Even with her boss looking very untidy, Mel still complimented her and this showed her to be an apple polisher.
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The movie gave me a chill to the marrow. I am not recommending it to anyone. It is horrible. start learning
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The movie gave me a chill to the marrow. I am not recommending it to anyone. It is horrible.
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His method of teaching physics breaks the mould. start learning
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to do something different from what is expected His method of teaching physics breaks the mould.
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Since Farrokh was made redundant, we’ve really felt the pinch. We can’t even afford to buy the kids new shoes. start learning
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experience financial hardship Since Farrokh was made redundant, we’ve really felt the pinch. We can’t even afford to buy the kids new shoes.
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The general kept his hair on during the meeting this time. start learning
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to request someone to stay calm and not get annoyed The general kept his hair on during the meeting this time.
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just what the doctor ordered I was so hungry, and that meal was absolutely delicious! It was just what the doctor ordered. start learning
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exactly what was wanted or needed I was so hungry, and that meal was absolutely delicious! It was just what the doctor ordered.
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The crew tried to blow their own trumpet but the manager did not buy their story. start learning
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to say things that makes your own self or kin look good The crew tried to blow their own trumpet but the manager did not buy their story.
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The movie has the most spine-tingling end that you would never be able to guess. start learning
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The movie has the most spine-tingling end that you would never be able to guess.
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The book is a page-turner and now I cannot take a break until I complete reading it. start learning
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The book is a page-turner and now I cannot take a break until I complete reading it.
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The character is a household name because people are able to identify with the struggles that he faces. start learning
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The character is a household name because people are able to identify with the struggles that he faces. The character is a household name because people are able to identify with the struggles that he faces.
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The report showed up all the flaws in the project, and that was the last thing I wanted! start learning
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I especially don’t want or didn’t want The report showed up all the flaws in the project, and that was the last thing I wanted!
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I’m so sorry I forgot your birthday – I’ve got a memory like a sieve! start learning
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I’m so sorry I forgot your birthday – I’ve got a memory like a sieve!
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if it’s the last thing I do I am going to get this house cleaned today if it’s the last thing I do. start learning
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indicates determination to achieve something I am going to get this house cleaned today if it’s the last thing I do.
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not the sharpest tool in the shed Joe doesn’t seem to understand that we’re working to a different schedule now, since the workload has doubled. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. start learning
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someone who is not very clever, according to others Joe doesn’t seem to understand that we’re working to a different schedule now, since the workload has doubled. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
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My dream has always been to settle in Australia. But I know it’s like a trip to the sun. I just have to make peace with this place. start learning
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something which is very unlikely My dream has always been to settle in Australia. But I know it’s like a trip to the sun. I just have to make peace with this place.
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The presentation touched off a very important point and I would like to spend some time talking about it. start learning
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The presentation touched off a very important point and I would like to spend some time talking about it.
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The man was in the cross hairs from the very beginning of the interrogation. start learning
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in a position where one might receive severe criticism The man was in the cross hairs from the very beginning of the interrogation.
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out of sight, out of mind The company’s top managers do not consider these government policy changes and important for their strategic planning. It is out of sight, out of mind for them but that is not a good thing in any way. start learning
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to not stay an active issue when something is not immediately visible The company’s top managers do not consider these government policy changes and important for their strategic planning. It is out of sight, out of mind for them but that is not a good thing in any way.
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if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours The government cannot expect any progress in the society with a “if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” attitude. start learning
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to return a favour for a favour The government cannot expect any progress in the society with a “if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” attitude.
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The exam results are not yet out and I feel no news is good news. start learning
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to assume that since there is no news, it will not be bad news The exam results are not yet out and I feel no news is good news.
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money doesn’t grow on trees The kids need to understand that even though they have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths, that money doesn’t grow on trees. start learning
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to have to put an effort in earning money The kids need to understand that even though they have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths, that money doesn’t grow on trees.
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learn to walk before you run The plan will gradually get the company the revenue that they need to sustain in this market but you need to learn to walk before you run. start learning
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The plan will gradually get the company the revenue that they need to sustain in this market but you need to learn to walk before you run.
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Though he rarely speaks in class, still waters run deep. start learning
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to have passion or furore underneath a calm expression Though he rarely speaks in class, still waters run deep.
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You better check out the costs that you will have to incur through the duration of this lawsuit before filling it. It is always better to look before you leap. start learning
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to make sure that everything is alright before doing something important which you cannot revert You better check out the costs that you will have to incur through the duration of this lawsuit before filling it. It is always better to look before you leap.
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many hands make light work The workers gathered when the company was facing financial trouble to raise capital and proved that many hands make light work. start learning
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to come together for a cause The workers gathered when the company was facing financial trouble to raise capital and proved that many hands make light work.
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strike while the iron is hot The study plans were such that it required you to read when your mind was fresh, strike while the iron is hot. start learning
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to take advantage of a situation The study plans were such that it required you to read when your mind was fresh, strike while the iron is hot.
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absence makes the heart grow fonder The couple reunited after almost a year and understood that the absence had made their hearts grow fonder. start learning
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to miss and love someone more when they are not around The couple reunited after almost a year and understood that the absence had made their hearts grow fonder.
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familiarity breeds contempt The couple could not stay together long after their wedding because familiarity breeds contempt. start learning
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to start disliking something when one gets to know too much about it The couple could not stay together long after their wedding because familiarity breeds contempt.
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there’s no time like the present The master chef always told me that there’s no time like the present to start working on your signature dish. start learning
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right now is the best time The master chef always told me that there’s no time like the present to start working on your signature dish.
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a watched pot never boils daughter from the war zone yet because a watched pot never boils. start learning
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if you wait for something to happen it takes longer daughter from the war zone yet because a watched pot never boils.
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discretion is the greater part of valour The man I admire the most has always taught me that discretion is the greater part of valour. start learning
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to be quiet about it after helping someone out The man I admire the most has always taught me that discretion is the greater part of valour.
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