Action Idioms
Phrase
carry out unpleasant or difficult things
do the dirty work
Cleaning our bathroom is not fun. Too bad I always seem to have to do the dirty work.
Cleaning our bathroom is not fun. Too bad I always seem to have to do the dirty work.
Phrase
to set a limit at something; to decide when a limit has been reached
draw the line
Where do you draw the line on smartphone use? There was a time when checking your smartphone at the dinner table was considered offensive. But social norms and behaviors change as we adapt to technologies.
Where do you draw the line on smartphone use? There was a time when checking your smartphone at the dinner table was considered offensive. But social norms and behaviors change as we adapt to technologies.
Phrase
giving something your full attention, esp. a television, computer, or mobile device
In China’s vast metropolises heavy traffic jams and long commute times mean millions spend hours glued to their smartphones and in need of diversion. Mini movies give them a little escape in their hectic lifestyles.
Phrase
get rid of held-back energy or emotions
let off steam
Will people give up watching hockey because of the fighting? Players like fights because they allow them to let off steam. Staged fights can be planned in advance for either tactical or retaliatory reasons.
Will people give up watching hockey because of the fighting? Players like fights because they allow them to let off steam. Staged fights can be planned in advance for either tactical or retaliatory reasons.
Phrase
make known a secret carelessly or by mistake.
Maybe your co-worker accidentally let the cat out of the bag. (It happens.) In any case, your boss got wind that your last few “doctor’s appointments” have actually been interviews. Can you walk away unscathed?
Phrase
do not be tricked into thinking otherwise
The hippopotamus is widely considered to be the No. 1 most dangerous animal in Africa. They may look like goofy, awkward oafs, but make no mistake: nearly everything about the hippopotamus is deadly.
Phrase
make clear or supply additional information
shed light on
Upon his death, Albert Einstein's brain was photographed and dissected into 240 parts. Scientists are now looking through the material for anatomical quirks that would help shed light on the physicist's genius.
Upon his death, Albert Einstein's brain was photographed and dissected into 240 parts. Scientists are now looking through the material for anatomical quirks that would help shed light on the physicist's genius.
Phrase
be able to understand something
These days we're surrounded by large numbers. We're told that there are 7-billion humans on Earth, and that there are upwards of 300-billion stars in the Milky Way. Good luck trying to wrap your head around that!