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.
Idioms and Phrases
to do without: survive or exist without something (also: to go without)
With prices so high now, I’ll have to do without a new suit this year.
- As a traveling salesperson, Monica can’t do without a car.
- It’s a shame that so many poor people in the world have to go without basic necessities of life such as nutritious food and suitable shelter.
according to: in the order of; on the authority of
- The students on the football team were ranked according to height, from shortest to tallest.
- According to my dictionary, you are using that word in your essay incorrectly.
to be bound to: to be certain to, to be sure to
This idiom is used when the occurrence of an event seems inevitable or unavoidable.
- We are bound to be late if you don’t hurry up.
- With the economy improving now, their business is bound to make more money this year.
for sure: without doubt (also: for certain)
- In the dark, I couldn’t tell for sure whether it was Polly or Sarah who drove by.
- I now for certain that Gene will move back to Washington next month.
to take for: to perceive or understand as
This idiom is usually used when someone is mistakenly perceived. A noun or pronoun must separate the idiom.
- Because of his strong, muscular body, I took him for a professional athlete. As it turns out, he doesn’t play any professional sports.
- What do you take me for — a fool? I don’t believe what you’re saying at all.
to try out: to test, to use during a trial period
- You can try out the new car before you decide to buy it.
- I can let you try the computer out for a few days before you make a decision.
to tear down: to destroy by making flat, to demolish
- The construction company had to tear down the old hotel in order to build a new office building.
- The owners had to tear the house down after it burned down in a fire.
to tear up: to rip into small pieces
- Diedre tore up the letter angrily and threw all the pieces into the trash can.
- He told the lawyer to tear the old contract up and then to prepare a new one.
to go over: to be appreciated or accepted
his idiom is usually followed by the adverb well. (I Lesson 6 this idiom has the meaning to review, as in the second sentence of the second example below.)
- The teacher’s organized lessons always go over well with her students.
- The comedian’s jokes weren’t going over well; the audience wasn’t laughing much at all. I think that the comedian should go over his material more carefully before each act.
to run out of: to exhaust the supply of, not to have more of
- We ran out of gas right in the middle of the main street in town.
- It’s dangerous to run out of water if you are in an isolated area.
at heart: basically, fundamentally
This idiom is used to describe the true character of a person.
- James sometimes seems quite unfriendly, but at heart he’s a good person.
- The Fares often don’t see eye to eye, but at heart they both love each other very much.
about to: ready to, just going to
- We were about to leave the house when the phone rang.
- I’m sorry that I broke in. What were you about to say?
