Hello Aspirants.
Welcome to Online English Section with explanation in AffairsCloud.com. Here we are providing here some important idioms and phrases, which is BASED ON IBPS PO/CLERK/LIC AAO/RRB & SSC CGL EXAM and other competitive exams.
to pick out: to choose, to select
- Ann picked out a good book to give to her brother as a graduation gift.
- Johnny, if you want me to buy you a toy, then pick one out
to take one’s time: to do without rush, not to hurry
This idiom is often used in the imperative form. (See the first example)
- There’s no need to hurry doing those exercises. Take your time.
- William never works rapidly. He always takes his time in every thing that he does.
to talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with others
- We talked over Carla’s plan to install an air conditioner in the room, but we couldn’t reach a decision.
- Before I accepted the new job offer, I talked the matter over with my life.
to life down: to place oneself in a flat position, to recline
- If you are tired, why don’t you lie down for an hour or so?
- The doctor says that Grace must lie down and rest for a short time every afternoon.
to stand up: to rise from a sitting or lying position (also: to get up)
- When the president entered the room, everyone stood up.
- Suzy, stop rolling around on the floor; get up
to sit down: to be seated (also: take a seat)
- We sat down on the park bench and watched the children play.
- There aren’t any more chairs, but you can take a seat on the floor.
all (day, week, month, year) long: the entire day, week, month, year
- I’ve been working on my income tax forms all day long. I’ve hardly had time to eat.
- It’s been raining all week long. We haven’t seen the sun since last Monday.
by oneself: alone, without assistance
- Francis translated that French novel by himself. No one helped him.
- Paula likes to walk through the woods by herself, but her brother prefers to walk with a companion.
on purpose: for a reason, deliberately
This idiom is usually used when someone does something wrong or unfair.
- Do you think that she didn’t come to the meeting on purpose?
- It was no accident that he broke my glasses. He did it on purpose.
to get along with: to associate or work well with; to succeed or manage in doing (also: to get on with)
- Terry isn’t getting along with her new roommate; they argue constantly.
- How are you getting on with your students?
to make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect
This idiom is often used with adjectives to show the degree of importance.
- It makes a big difference to me whether he likes the food I serve.
- Does it make any difference to you where we go for dinner?
- No, it doesn’t make any difference.
- It makes no difference to Lisa either.
to take out: to remove, to extract ; to go on a date with (also to go out with)
- Student, take out your books and open them to page twelve.
- Did you take Sue out last night?
- No, she couldn’t go out with
