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Idiomatic expressions

July 27, 2016 - pdf

Here is a list of idiomatic expressions.

Break up with

To break up with someone is to cut off all relations with them.

Though she has cheated on him, he does not want to break up with her.

In turn

In turn means ‘as a consequence’ or ‘in return’.

The CEO reprimanded the manager who in turn reprimanded his subordinates.

Make someone’s day

If something makes your day, it makes you very happy.

The news of my son’s appointment as the District Collector made my day.

Heave a sigh of relief

Take a long breath to express relief

Students heaved a sigh of relief when the examination was over.

Be accustomed to

If you are accustomed to something you are used to it.

Somebody’s heart sinks

When your heart sinks, you lose all hope.

My heart sank when I heard that I had failed the test.

Be badly shaken

When you are badly shaken, you are very upset.

She was badly shaken when she heard that her mother was suffering from cancer.

Trail along behind

To trail along behind is to walk very slowly.

The old woman was trailing along behind the others.

In a pickle

When you are in a pickle you are in difficulty.

You will land yourself in a pickle if you don’t change your bad habits.

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