frase singles

7/29/2019 Frase Singles

1/8

l. He was clearly taken aback. = startled, surprised, disconcerted

2. They're about to come. = on the point of

3. It's about time he came = the right time; at last.

4. We can't afford to go to Italy this year. = can't find enough time or money.

5. Be your age. Act your age. = don't behave in a childish way.

6. It's ages since I saw you. = a long time.

7. In the open air. = out of doors.

8. She was accused of putting on airs. = behaving as if she was more important.9. They are alive and kicking. = still living and active.

10. They found him, all the same. = nevertheless; yet; in spite of that.

11. They're to be found all over the world. = everywhere.

12. All in all, I don't see why they shouldn't do it. = when everything isconsidered

13. They will arrive any minute now. = very soon.

14. And the job? It's as good as done. = practically finished

l5. As it were = so to speak.

16. You asked for it. = You were deserving all this.

17. Give me a light, please. = fire, please.

18. A silly ass. = a stupid, foolish person.

19. At any rate, his mind is made up now. = whatever happens; at least.

20. You'll get fifty pounds, at best. = in the most favourable condition.

21. Tomorrow we'll discuss the matter at length. = for a long time; in greatdetail.

22. His bark is worse than his bite.

23. The crisis is here to stay. = for a long time.

24. He doesn't know what he's in for, poor chap. = what bad experience he'sgoing to suffer.

25. I'd like to have it down in black and white. = in writing.

26. A blind alley. = a situation that doesn't lead to any success or advantage.

27. The music had really blown their minds. = it caused them great mentalexcitement.

28. He came out of the blue. = quite unexpectedly. = all of a sudden.

29. He's always boasting about his money. = showing off.30. When it comes to telling the truth he makes no bones about it. = says it

without restrain or delay.

31. Stop bossing me about. = telling me what I have to do.

32. Anybody can see it's brand new. = absolutely new.

33. Break the news gently to him. = tell him the news carefu11y.

34. Try to bring home to him the danger involved. = make him understand.

35. I can't bring myself to do it. = I'm not decided yet.

36. I can't understand how they managed to rob the bank in broad daylight.

37. I can't lend you the five pounds, I'm broke myself. = I have no money.

38. To be like a bull in a china shop. = act in a rough awkward manner.

39. She burst into tears when they took him away.

40. Stop beating about the bush and tell us where it's hidden. = delay talking

about what's important.41. That's my own business.

42. That's none of your business.

43. May I borrow your ladder? By all means. = Of course.

44. The will is by no means satisfactory for him. = not at all.

45. She likes to be by herself. = alone, on her own.

46. He said a few words by way of introduction.

47. Stop calling him names. = saying unpleasant things to him.

48. First I'll call the register to see if anyone is missing.

49. And to cap it all, I got a fine too. = on top of everything. (introducingsth. undesirable).

50. His idea didn't catch on. = wasn't successful.

5l. He's very thorough, he never leaves anything to chance. = doesn't wantunnecessa&y risks.

52. You haven't got a chance. = no possibility.

53. I've changed my mind, I'll do it. = I have a different opinion now.


2/8

54. I'll have smoked salmon today for a change.

55. Cheer up, everything will be all right. = be happy.

56. The bus missed him, but it was a close shave. = just avoided

57. You can come out, the coast is clear.

58. Her dreams have come true.

59. I'll go there come what may. = whatever happens.

60. Comparisons are odious.

61. That's more than I can cope with. = deal successfully with.

62. There's a tobacconist just round the corner.

63. He likes to crack a joke from time to time.

64. The roads in our countly are a crying shame.

65. Thursday is my day off. = free day.

66. We had our riding lessons every other day. = every second day.

67. He comes to see her, day in and day out. = every day.

68. Come and see me one of these days.

69. It's a deal. = we accept the agreement.

70. Oh dear! There they are again.

71. It doesn't make any difference.

72. As different as chalk to cheese.73. That'll do, thanks. = that will be enough, or suitable.

74. Do me a favour. = help me.

75. I can't do without her. = I can't manage without her.

76. I'll do my best. = All I can do.

77. We qucstioned him, but we drew a blank. = failed to discover anything.

78. One must know where to draw the line. = to stop.

79. You are driving me mad.

80. What are you driving at? = What do you mean?

81. I'll drop her a line to let her know of our arrival.

82. Don't play dumb with me.

83. What on earth are you taLking about?

84. He eats out of her hand = He is in her power.

85. I'll take you to that restaurant and you'll eat your fill of prawns.

86. She's on edge today. = worried and anxious.

87. We broke even. = We had our losses balanced by our gains.

88. I'm up to my eyes in work at present.

89. He has an eye for horses.

90. Who's given you that black eye?

91. I could hardly keep a straight face at the wedding.

92. Let's face it, we're ruined = let's adrnit it.

93. It's always conforting to have somebody to fall back when you are in need.

94. He fell for it. = he was easily deceived.

95. He fell for her like a ton of bricks. = fall in love with.96. He's taken a fancy to you. = he likes you very much.

97. It isn't my fault.

98. I feel like swimming.

99. He was feeling a little under the weather. = sad depressed

100. What do you think about his new book? It fills a gap.

101. Fill her up. = fill the tank.

102. I hope our daughter passes her exam. Keep your fingers crossed.

103. I'll do it first thing in the morning.

104. How are you today? Fit as a fiddle. = great, very well.

105. I'll fix it up in a minute. = I'll mend it.

106. His success was only a flash in the pan. = didn't last long.

107. I haven't the foggiest idea. = no idea at all.

108. Things were going too far, so I had to put my foot down. = stop.

109. The funny thing is that I'd never seen her before.


3/8

ll0. I know who the murderer is and he won't get away with it. = he'll pay forit.

111. He got even with her. = to get back at, take revenge.

112. Can you tell me how to get in touch with him? = contact him.

113. Don't go to that place again or you'll get into trouble. = you'll haveproblems.

114. Let's get it straight, I won't stand for that sort of thing in may class.

1l5. They get on very well.116. Albert's got married. Get on with you! = That's impossible.

117. He got his own back at last. = to take revenge.

118. Get rid of that horrible dress, please.

119. Well, he got wind of it somehow. = he learnt some details.

120. I'm going to give up smoking. = stop.

121. He goes in for stampcollecting. = he has this hobby.

122. He went out of his way to please us.

123. We'll go out on a spree tonight.

124. He was as good as his word = kept his promises.

125. This time I'll stay for good = for ever.

126. For goodness' sake, stop taL&ing.

127. She's gone all gooseflesh.128. It gives me gooseflesh.

129. He hasn't got the guts to do it. = he's not courageous enough.

130. Keep your hair on. = don't lose your temper.

131. On the other hand (On the one hand.., on the other hand..)

132. Why don't you try your hand at cooking?

133. I wish we could lay hands on him. = catch him.

134. Hands up! Stick them up!

135. That money will come in handy. = will be useful.

136. Hang it all! = Damn it!

137. No hard feelings? No hard feelings.

138. The thief ran offwith the police hard on his heels.

139. That's hardly in your line. = not your style

140. To pass round the hat. = ask for money.

141. We had a very good time at the party.

142. We can have fun at the circus.

143. I'll have it out with her. = I'll discuss the matter with her.

144. It has nothing to do with me. = it has no connection with me.

145. Have you done with the lawnmower. = have you finished?

146. Have a go at it yourself. = try.

147. He has a sweet tooth. = he likes sweet things.

148. Keep your head whatever happens. = keep calm.

149. Whoever put that idea into your head?

150. Two heads are better than one.

15l. She'll break her father's heart.

152. He learnt his lesson by heart. = memorizing it.

153. John has set his heart on becoming a doctor. = he wishes it strongly.

154. She's a girl after my own heart. = I like what she is like.

l55. She cried her heart out when her father died

156. I can see you've taken your job to heart. = you are devoted to it totally.

157. Mary has a heart of gold / stone.

158. When he saw them coming, he took to his heels. = escaped

159. Go to hell.

160. I can't always be there to help you out.

161. Here and now. = right away.

162. They don't hit it offvery well. Don't get on very well.163. They tried to convince him, but he held his own. = didn't change.

164. He was begimling to be homesick. = wishing to be home.

165. Be careful, he's getting hot under the collar. = getting angry, touchy.


4/8

166. How goes it? How are things? How are you doing? (USA).167. Are you in a hurry?168. He was feeling a little ill at ease. = unconfor&able, uneasy, worried.169. He was taken ill.170. I've turned my desk inside out looking for my pen. = I've searchedcarefully.171. Ask him the money now. You have to strike while the iron is hot.172. You've hit the jackpot. = You've been very lucky now.

173. What a jam he's got into. = problems.174. Sorry I'm late, I was in a traffic jam.175. I'll be back in a jiffy. = in a second.176. In the circumstances, we must try to make the best of a bad job.177. He jumped down my throat when I told him I hadn't paid yet.178. Don't jump to conclusions, please.179. You'd better keep him at bay. = control him.180. Keep an eye on the baby while I go in, to get some stamps.181. It's very easy once you have the knack of it. There's a knack in it. =dexterity.182. He knitted his brow when she asked him for more money.

183. You ought to know better than to go swimming on such a cold day. = youshouldn't be so careless.

184. The last but one.185. Last but not least.186. He kept laughing up his sleeve. = laughing to himself, being amusedsecretly.187. It's no laughing matter.188. Have you read his new book? I've only leafed it through.189. The soldiers are on leave today.

190. He's on sick leave.19l. Leave me alone.192. He left word for you to meet him at the station.193. There are five left.194. I'll lend you a hand195. He can't ride a bike, let alone a motorbike. = and what's more unlikely.

196. That's a good way of letting off steam. = giving free expression of one'sfeelings.197. Never let a pal down. = fail, abandon.198. Can you give me a lift? = let me go in your car.

199. He couldn't live up to his reputation.200. I'm longing to play chess with you. = wishing.201. I'm looking forward to meeting her. = waiting anxiously.202. They're a good lot. = good people.203. It was love at first sight.204. I have a lump in my throat. = I'm very sad / worried.205. He's as mad as a haner. Queer in the attic. Off the rails206. I'II make a point of it. = I'll bear in mind.207. I make a point of telling the truth. = It's my habit

208. She usually has a diffiicult time trying to make (both) ends meet. = havemoney at the end of each month.209. They've made it up. = They're friends again.210. Make yourself at home.211. We have to make upfor the time lost. = recover212. Have you made up your mind yet? = have you taken a decision yet?.213. If he goes on like that, he'll never make it. = succeed in life.214. I don't know whether I'll be able to make it. = to be in time.215. That man makes me sick. = I dislike him.216. She knows how to make the most of her good looks.

217. I've made friends with him already.218. Why are you making such a fuss about a trifle like that? = showing so muchinterest.

219. He makes a living as a car salesman.220. He managed to get there in time.221. He'll never do it, you mark my words. = remember.222. As a matter of fact nothing has been decided yet.


5/8

223. What's the matter?224. What's the matter with him?225. Be careful, he means business. (USA) = he's talking seriously.226. I meant well. = my intention was good.227. I'll meet you halfway. = split the difference.228. Mind your own business.229. I have half a mind to finish it now. = I feel like finishing it.230. There are three missing.

231. That isn't yours, you've got mixed up.232. I'm not in the mood for it now. = I don't feel like doing it now.233. Why is he so moody today? = touchy, quicktempered.234. If you come to London, visit the National Gallery. It's a must. = it'sworth visiting it.235. It's getting on my nerves.236. Nice to see you. = Pleased to see you.237. In the nick of time. = at the last moment, just in time.238. We must nip it in the bud, before it is too late. = to put an end to.239. I had to get rid of him; he kept poking his nose into my business.240. Why are you so nosey?

241. Nothing doing. = There are no chances.242. Every now and then. = From time to time.

243. We've got your number. = We know you well.244. He's always looking after number one. = himsehf.245. His days are numbered. = his life is nearly finished.246. This girl is nuts. = This girl is crackers (crazy).247. Nuts! = rubbish! = Nonsense!248. The odds are that he'll never come back again. = It's most likely.249. Piety is not at odds with gaiety and good humour. = is not in disagreement.

250. I went in, and oddly enough there was nobody there. = surprisingly.251. It was something new. Something off the beaten track. = not common.252. It was an excellent speech offthe cuff. = improvised253. Her sister is an old maid = a spinster, a maiden lady.254. But I didn't come by car. I came on foot.255. On no account must she open that door. = under no circumstances.

256. On second thoughts, I'd rather stay at home. = thinking it twice.257. Once in a blue moon. = hard1y ever.258. Once upon a time. (beginning of the tails for children).259. I'll tell you once and for all, stop bothering me. = now and for the last

time.260. She understood me at once. = immediately.261. You'll do as I tell you, or else. = obey, or you'll suffer theconsequences.262. I've told you over and over again not to be late. repeated1y.263. He's going to throw a parly on his birthday.264. Did she pass her exam?265. Let's paint the town red tonight. Oh, I'm already past it. = no longercapable.

266. We'll have to take him down a peg or two. = make him less arrogant.267. In for a penny, in for a pound = once something is begun, we must go on andfinish it.268. A pretty penny. = a good sum of money.269. A penny for your thoughts.270. Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves.271. The penny's dropped = Now he has understood the joke.272. Peter has pinned all his hopes on his grandson.273. He likes playing host. = he likes inviting people.274. When are you going to take the plunge? = take a decision to do something

risky or difficult.275. They asked him pointblank if he intended to keep his word = in a verydirect way.

276. Practice makes perfect.277. Sit near them and prick up your ears. = listen very closely.278. Pull yourself together, please. = compose yourself.279. He was seriously ill last winter, but he pulled through. = recovered.


6/8

280. He'll pull your alibi to pieces in no time. = destroy.281. I put it down to lack of information. = attribute to.282. I'd like to put in a word for her. = say something in her favour.283. Put yourself at ease. = make yourself at home.284. Your brother put himself out for us while we were in London.285. I'll put you to the test.286. I'm sure they can put you up this weekend = give lodging.287. I won't put up with it any longer. I won't stand it.

288. Be careful with him, he's really quicktempered.289. To be very quicklslow on the uptake. = Quick/slow to understand anythingnew290. Don't rack your brains. = don't think so hard.291. These belts are the rage now. = very fashionable.292. It never rains but it pours.293. At random. = without any plan or pattern.294. He saw red when they overcharged him at the shop. = got furious.295. They caught him redhanded = just as he was doing a crime.296. I left my briefcase behind so I had to retrace my steps.297. I'll do it right away. = immediately.

298. It rings a bell. = it's familiar to me.299. I know I was wrong, but please stop rubbing it in. = don't keep talking

about it.300. He rubs me up the wrong way. = I can't stand him.301. If we rule out the first one, we are left with two possibilities. = do notconsider.302. The engine is running smoothly now.303. I wouldn't like to run him down, but he's a complete disaster. = denigratehim.

304. We've run out of petrol. = we have no petrol left.305. Two days running. = one after the other without a break.306. I don't like taking the tube in the rush hour. = when it is very crowded307. They gave him the sack. = dismissed him.308. He got sacked for being too lazy. = to be sacked, dismissed309. We're saving up for a rainy day. = for a time of misfortune.

310. He's b en a bit careless, to say the least. = to say no more than this.311. She was scared stiff of her teachers. = frightened to death.312. That's an open secret. = it is widely known.313. I'll do it when I see fit. = when I consider suitable.

314. He went to the station to see her off. = to say goodbye.315. We can see through your little tricks. = guess your dubious intentions.316. (It) serves you right. = you have the just punishment or fate.317. It sets my teeth on edge. = it annoys me; it gives me the shivers.318. He put his foot in it. = he did something unintentionally but offendingsomebody.319. Stop showing off, please. = behaving ostentatiously.320. I have never lost sleep about it. = not to get worried to much.321. I slept like a log last night. = I slept very well, soundly.

322. He has something up his sleeve. = some secret plans.323. Sorry, a slip of the tongue. = something said by mistake.324. I didn't post your letter, it just slipped my mind = I forgot doing it.325. Smashing! = fabulous! = great! = fantasticl = colossal!326. He spoke highly of you.327. He's always sponging on me. = asking me money.328. On the spot. = immediately. That very moment.329. The news spread like wildfire.330. A lot is at stake. = risked331. It stands to reason. = It's reasonable.

332. Stone deaf, stone blind stone dead, stone cold etc...333. Go straight on, and then take the third turning to the right.334. It's the last straw... = the final and most severe difficulty.

335. It's our chance to strike it rich. = obtain wealth or other materialadvantage esp. unexpccted.336. Swallow your pride and ask them home.337. We sweated our guts out, but we finished it. = we worked hard


7/8

338. Take it easy, my friend.339. I'm sure you can take this exam in your stride. = without effort.340. They take it for granted you're going to give them one. = certain tohappen.341. They took advantage of her good nature. = made use of her kindness fortheir own profit.342. The dream is beginning to take shape. = to be expressed in real form.343. The news took away his breath.

344. Don't take offence, please.345. Take your time, there's no hurry.346. I'd rather not take sides for the moment.347. They took you in. = they deceived you.348. He took the scene in, at a glance. = understood the situation immediately.349. I have the impression they're taLking at crosspurposes.350. He's a mere talker.351. Becareful, he'sinabadtempertoday.352. Sorry I lost my temper.353. The crisis is in, and there's no gening away from it.354. I've thought better of it and I won't take any action.

355. Don't think it twice, it's all right. = don't doubt about it.356. Think it over and let me know your decision soon.

357. Third time lucky.358. That gives one, food for thought. = provides material for consideration.359. Are we still in time? = not late.360. He likes to be on time. = punch&al; at the arranged time.361. We'll live there for the time being. = for the moment.362. It's high time. It's about time (+ past) = it's necessaly at this moment,without delay

363. Time is up. = time is finished364. I have it on the tip of my tongue.365. To be tired out. = dogtired. = exhausted.366. Hold your tongue. = shut up.367. Too good to be true. = that's so wonderfiJl, I can't believe it.368. He's a little touchy today. = quickly offended

369. It's the talk of the town. = the subject of everyone's conversation.370. That's a nasty trick they've played you.371. The trouble is, I haven't got any either.372. He didn't turn a hair when the bomb exploded

373. That's a nasty turn.374. He turned a deaf ear to her entreaties.375. She turned her back on him.376. Things have taken a turn for the better.377. I can get twice as much from the other parly.378. It's up to you. = it depends on you.379. What are you up to? = What are your plans?380. Upside down.381. This book will come in useful.

382. He's vanished into thin air.383. Variety is the spice of life.384. That's a vicious circle.385. You'll be getting into hot wata if you do that again. = you'll haveproblems.386. I'm afraid you poured cold water on his plans.387. He felt like a fish out of water in his new post. = ill at ease.uncomfortable.388. You are in the way. = disturbing.389. It's also yours in a way.

390. This way, please.391. You are not right. It's the other way round.392. Weather permitting.

393. You've put on weight.394. They're quite well off. = wealthy. = rich.395. A welltodo district. Very elegant.396. What about a cup of coffee?


8/8

397. What's up? = What's the matter?

398. If the worst comes to the worst, we'll always have your money.

399. Don't get me wrong. = don't misunderstand me.

400. You got it wrong. = you misunderstood it.

401. What's wrong with it? = that's quite all right, isn't it?

402. Two wrongs don't make a right. = a second wrong doesn't improve matters.

403. A little while.

404. Once in a while. = occasionally, a few times.

405. It's worth your while going there. The book's worth reading.

406. He can whistle for it. = wait for a long time.

407. Finally it was them who won the day. = who were victorious.

408. It's easy to be wise after the event.

409. Don't pay any attention to me today, I'm at my wits' end. = not knowingwhat to do or say.

410. Touch wood.

411. My wife always has the last word.

412. In a word, my answer is "no".

413. By word of mouth. = not in writing.

414. I'll make him to eat his words.

415. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

416. It's a small world.

417. Everything is going wrong for me today.

418. You've never had it so good. = It's your best moment.

419. When I mentioned the parly, he was all ears. = listening attentively.

420. That robber is behind bars. = in prison.

421. His friends double crossed him. = betrayed him.

422. I'm fed up with your poor grades at school. = disgusted.

423. Shall we go fiftyfifty on the cost of the gift? = share equally.

424. You hit the nail on the head when you said that. = say the right thing.

425. I kill time on the train by reading a book.

426. You must always be on your toes during the exam. = be alert.

427. Her clothes were out of date. = not fashionable.

428. I will just pop in for a visit, this afternoon. = unannounced visit.

429. I know he was pulling my leg when he told me that story. = teasing, joking.

430. It is raining cats and dogs. = raining heavily.

431. It was a slap in the face not to be invited to the party. = insult.

432. Let me sleep on it before I decide. = consider carefully.

433. Step on the gas, or we'll be late. = hurry up, increase your speed.

434. Don't throw in the towel, try a little harder.

435. The history books are very up to date. = modern.

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