Click on the topics to learn the idioms then scroll down to do the tasks.
Conflict and violence phrasal verbs
wipe out = destroy, massacre
talk back = answer in an impolite way
back out = not to keep one’s promise
hand over sg. = give up control of sg.
hold back = restrain, prevent from doing sg.
die down = become less intense, decrease
break up = stop (fight, disperse a crowd)
blow up = explode
hold out against = resist
do away with = get rid of sb.
fall out with = argue
pay off = bribe
Plans and decisions phrasal verbs
allow for = consider when making a decision
opt out = change your mind and not do sg. eventually
think ahead = think carefully about the future
think over = think carefully about an idea
sleep on = wait with a decision until the next day
weigh up = think about the advantages and disadvantages
chicken out = give up sg. out of fear
bargain for = be prepared for sg.
think through = think carefully
be set against = oppose sg.
run by sb. = ask for sb.’s opinion
plan ahead = make plans about the future
Decision idioms
shilly-shally = hesitate
sleep on it = take some time to think it over
be in two minds = have difficulty in deciding
be in a quandary = be in dilemma
get cold feet = chicken out
chop and change = constantly change opinion
beat around the bush = avoid talking about sg unpleasant
blow hot and cold = talk differently about sg.
drag one’s feet = delay a decision
hem and haw = avoid giving a clear answer
Mind idioms
change sb’s mind = decide to do it in a different way
cross sb’s mind = think about it suddenly
give sb a piece of your mind = express your disapproval angrily
Out of sight, out of mind. = If you don’t see sb., you will forget him/her.
Never mind. = Don’t worry.
read sb.’s mind = guess sb.’s thoughts
take a load off sb.’s mind = relieve sb of a worry
put sb’s mind at ease = reassure sb.
be the last thing on sb’s mind = the least important
at the back of sb’s mind = unconsciously
Power and authority phrasal verbs
go ahead with = start to do sg.
back sb. up = support
enter into = accept and do
carry out = put into practice or effect
break away = stop being part
do away with = abolish, get rid of
clamp down on = limit sg.
bring in = introduce
stand/stick by = support
stand for = compete in an election
stand up for = defend sg. you believe in
stand up to sb. = confront, defy sb.
The gossip column
gossip column = section of newspaper full of gossips
bad-mouth sb. = speak critically and disloyally
back-fence talk = rumour/gossip
What’s the buzz? = What’s the current gossip?
be the talk of the town = be in the centre of gossip
A little bird told me… = It is said to me by someone
There is no smoke without fire. = There must be something in the gossip.
mudslinging = dirty attack on sb.
juicy/ hot gossip = very interesting gossip
air dirty linen/laundry = reveal embarrassing private matters
I hear it on the grapevine = I heard it as a word of mouth
a telltale = malevolent gossipy person