Australia Network - Nexus - English Bites Library - Common Expressions

take a back seat

Someone or something that takes a back seat is not given as much attention as something that has become more important. They assume a less important position.

My hobbies will have to take a back seat when the baby arrives.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Fishermen who risk using the town jetty will have to take a back seat to an increasing number of grand tourism ideas for Triabunna.

take a chance

To take a chance is to do something risky, something that might fail.

You should take a chance and invest your money in a new venture.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Jabiru's water system has been flushed with chlorine and is now safe to drink. Christine McGuire's son is back at school but the family is not taking any chances. I'm not going to drink it.

take a leaf out

To take a leaf out of someone's book is to follow their example and do what they do.

You should take a leaf out of her book and stop smoking.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

As an Australian living in Malaysia, I've taken a leaf out of my Australian experience, and I'm collecting indigenous species to South-East Asia.

take a liking to

If you take a liking to something, you start to enjoy it or begin to like it.

I took a liking to olives when I was in my thirties.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

And the diggers over there took a liking to it...

take account of

To take account of something is to consider it when making a decision.

You must take account of price increases when we do next year's budget.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It might have effects if insurance companies take account of that information or employers and so on.

take at face value

To take something at face value is to accept it exactly as it appears or is said.

Don't take everything he says at face value. He always exaggerates.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Walfertan have made a commitment to undertake the work. We can only take that on face value and can only enforce it through the licence conditions if necessary.

take centre stage

To take centre stage is to be the most important person or thing.

Education is the issue taking centre stage in this election campaign.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The ethanol issue took centre stage at a major grains conference held last week in Melbourne.

take each day as it comes

If you take something as it comes, you accept it as it is.

It's busy at work this month, but I just take it as it comes.

take for granted

not value something because it is always there

These days we take electricity for granted.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Living with me is hard, living in there is hard, so I never take for granted anything ever again.

To take something for granted also means to assume that it will happen or is true.

I took it for granted that I would get the job.

take it

tolerate it

After a while she couldn't take it and left the job.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

When you can't take it any more, just can't bear to hear one more negative thing, just ask him about that Goofy cartoon.

take it for a burn

To take a vehicle for a burn is to take it for a drive, especially a fast drive.

He took his motorbike for a burn.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Can we take it for a burn?

take it upon yourself

If you take something upon yourself, you decide to do it, often without asking anyone if you should.

He took it upon himself to collect the mail for the office every morning.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

And actually the local volunteer social club from the Mill took it upon themselves to clean it up.

take its toll

cause damage; have a bad effect

Smoking is taking its toll on his health.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The worsening drought is taking its toll on remote communities, but many people are still reluctant to ask for help.

take matters into your own hands

do something yourself instead of waiting for someone else to do it

The government won’t clean up this mess, so we’ll have to take matters into our own hands.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

So did you feel like you had to take matters into your own hands?

take on board

To take something on board is to consider it or understand it.

I'll take that on board when I'm making the decision.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

But the Minister says the government's taken all concerns on board and the talking won't be over until each declaration is assessed.

take part

To take part is to join in or become part of a group doing something.

She's taking part in the school play.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Today I've got my daughter and my granddaughters. They're taking part and also my son in law.

take place

happen

The exam will take place at nine in the morning.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Friday evenings or even after work at night, quite often people, a lot of business transactions take place on an evening, or people resolve their problems - they'll do it over there at Church Point.

take shape

Something that takes shape develops far enough for you to see what it will become.

The building at the end ot the street is taking shape.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

As the building took shape on Bennelong Point, it became not only a focal point for Sydney, but also a political target.

take someone down a peg or two

To take someone down a peg or two is to make them realise they are not as good or powerful as they think they are.

It's time she was taken down a peg or two and stopped ordering people around.

Another form of this expression, brought down a peg or two, is used in Mynah Menace 11/9/02.

It may not be possible to eradicate this pest, but at least he can be brought down a peg or two.

take someone to task

To take someone to task is to tell someone off or criticise them strongly.

The boss is going to take her to task over this matter.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

There have been a few situations they have and then I've taken them to task, and so the matter has been resolved.

take something in your stride

If you take something in your stride, you deal with it without fuss.

He took the loss of his job in his stride and began to research new business opportunities straight away.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

This year, money won't be flowing into the town. Taking disaster in his stride, John reckons there's always next year.

take the gloss off

diminish; make something less good

The injury to their star player has taken the gloss off their win.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

With pristine panoramas as far as the eye can see, it's nature at its peak. But a prickly pest is threatening to take the gloss off this picture-perfect environment.

take your breath away

surprise; astonish; amaze

Seeing the pyramids in real life took my breath away.

take your hat off

When you say that you take your hat off to someone, you are expressing your admiration for what they have done.

I take my hat off to the the pople who helped in the rescue effort.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

They went from Kokoda right on down to the sea. So you take your hat off... ..take your hat off to these guys and just look back and think, "Gee, if I was 21, could I have done that?" I don't think so.

taking a break

having a holiday

I'm looking forward to taking a break next week.

taking root

Something that is taking root is becoming established.

Mobile phones are taking root in all age groups.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Yes, another only-in-America business concept which is taking root here, driven by two young women with profit margins to envy.

taking steps

taking action

The police are taking steps to combat crime in the area.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Thailand is taking steps to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

talk is cheap

We use the expression talk is cheap when it’s easy to talk about an issue, but difficult to actually do something about it

In planning public transport talk is cheap.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:.

However, when it comes to the river, talk is cheap and water is expensive.

talk it up

say positive things about something

For this project to be successful, we need to talk it up.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Talk it up, you know, use role models. Because it can be a great independent life.

tell their own story

Something that tells its own story shows something without the need for any explanation.

The ruined buldings and fallen trees tell their own story.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The deserted dugouts and the dead cars tell their own story.

thank my lucky stars

To thank your lucky stars is to extremely grateful.

I thank my lucky stars that I've never had a really serious illness.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

So I'm thanking my lucky stars I got to work with someone like that.

that's it

The expresssion that's it is used to say that something is finished.

Well, that's it for today.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Well that's it from us this week.

That's it is also used as a way of agreeing with what someone has just said.

I think the computer is infected with a virus.
Yes, that's it - nothing else would randomly erase files.

the fruits of their labour

the good results of their hard work

They're going to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

. Not only did they win, but they sat down to enjoy the fruits of their labour after the judges departed.

the lot

everything

I went to the zoo and I saw the lot.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

She had the operation, the chemotherapy, the vomiting, the hair loss - the lot.

the norm

If something is the norm, it's what's normal or usual.

Working from 9 till 5 is the norm.

these days

nowadays; at the present time in comparison with an earlier time

Teenagers these days get things too easily.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Another major feature of the national park these days is the cultural heritage of the traditional owners.

thin end of the wedge

The phrase thin end of the wedge refers to a small change that is the start of something much bigger.

Privatising essential services like electricity and water is the thin end of the wedge - soon everything will be run by the private sector, including education.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

But it's the thin end of the wedge for farmers, who are asking consumers to join in a campaign which they believe could save their industry.

thin on the ground

If something is thin on the ground then it is rare - there aren't many of them.

Cafes are thin on the ground in the outback.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It’s like the blacksmiths. There’s still a few around the place if you actually look for them. I always say we’re getting a bit thin on the ground.

think on your feet

think very quickly; think under pressure

You have to think on your feet when a student asks an awkward question.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

This job is one of those jobs where you have to think on your feet...

think outside the square

To think outside the square or box is to think in a different way.

Successful people are often able to think outside the square and come up with original ideas.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It's been a really tough year and I think we have just got to look outside the square in years like this, and we thought, well, there's an ocean of saltwater out there and deep drains everywhere. Why not grow seaweed?

think twice

To think twice means to consider something carefully before you do it.

You should think twice about going out with him.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

And has that made you think twice about your own conduct on the road?

thorn in your side

A thorn in your side is a continuing problem.

His lack of effort is a thorn in our side.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

But stakeholders agree quick action is needed to nip the pest in the bud before the Flinders is left with a permanent thorn in its side.

throw caution to the wind

To throw caution to the wind means to do something without worrying about the risks or results.

I'm going to throw caution to the windand move to another city.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

And has that made you think twice about your own conduct on the road? It did for a while and then you do throw caution to the wind, don't you?

thrown in the deep end

To be thrown in the deep end is to have to do something difficult that you are not prepared for or know little about

During my first week in the new job I was really thrown in the deep end.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

They read about it see it and think it's a good thing and think it sounds very romantic, and then they get out here and they are sort of half chucked in the deep end a little bit.

thumbs-up

approval; saying that something is a success

I've just got the thumbs-up from the boss for the new project.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Now not only do the Perth couple have a wooden boat that will last them a lifetime, but they've also received the thumbs-up from the designer.

tide is turning

The expression tide is turning is used to say that things are changing.

The tide is turning in local politics.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Free mass plastic bags handouts look destined for the rubbish dump of history. Around Australia, and indeed around the world, various places have put up the barricades against the humble plastic bag. But now, it appears that the tide is turning and a backlash has begun against simply bagging the bag.

tight knit

bound together by close social ties; friendly and intimate; tending to keep together

Our family is very tight knit.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I struggle because I'm a 1st year student but because of the tight knit community that we have I think we get along really well and it helps.

tight rein

To keep a tight rein on something is to have a lot of control over it.

He keeps a tight rein on the finances.

tilt at windmills

To tilt at windmills is to waste your time attacking enemies that don't exist.

He thinks lots of people are trying to get rid of him, but he's really just tilting at windmills.

time and time again

Time and time again means many times or very often.

I've told you time and time again to do the dishes.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Time and time again there's very strong evidence that it has a real health impact.

time has stood still

things have not changed; things have remained old-fashioned

The old cars still being driven in Cuba make it feel as if time has stood still.

time on your hands

time to spare; time to do things

With a full time job and small children, I don't have any time on my hands.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

This is the story of three men, all retired, and with too much time on their hands...

time will tell

You say time will tell to mean that the consequences of something will be clear after a period of time.

Time will tell if we've made the right decision.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It is a really competitive market and you've got not only a large independent section, you've got two major competitors, so I think competition is here for a long time. Only time will tell.

tip of the iceberg

The expression the tip of the iceberg describes any thing or act that reflects only a small part of the whole thing.

The amount of drugs siezed at the airport is just the tip of the iceberg.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We believe it's unlimited, you know, it's just a tip of the iceberg for using dogs.

to date

up to the present time

To date we've had no problems with the car.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We've done a lot of dummy runs to date, so we're fairly comfident we've got it right.

to die for

If something is to die for it is extremely desirable.

She makes cake that are to die for.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I have been involved with the Melbourne Cup for over 30 years. How can I explain the Melbourne Cup? It's the best, best of flowers in Flemington. It's absolutely to die for.

to go

still remaining

There's still an hour to go before work is over.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Now I'm studying physiotherapy in uni. And one semester to go.

to the letter

To do something to the letter is to follow instructions exactly and with attention to every detail.

I followed his instructions to the letter.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

What do you believe is the secret behind making a good cake?
I believe it's following the recipe to the letter.

to the nth degree

as much as possible

I will support you to the nth degree.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We have a reputation of having good, pristine, high-quality food and produce. And we have to protect that to the nth degree.

to the trained eye

to an expert who knows what to look for

To the trained eye, every person's fingerprints are obviously different.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

To the trained eye, these coloured dots present a clear indication of the animal's overall health.

to the tune of

The expression to the tune of is a way of emphasising a large amount or how much something has cost.

We were paying rent to the tune of five hundred dollars a week.

The expression is used in Woodcutters 23/11/04

In the mid-1800s there were thousands of people splitting timber and it was the biggest part of the timber industry here to the tune of something like 15 million shingles exported every year.

to this day

up to now

To this day she has had a coffee every morning.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The people in this area now know my standards, know my requirements. And I must say that to this day, not one of them has stepped out of line.

toey (informal)

nervous; anxious

I was a bit toey before I had to give the speech.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Even if I have a day off with rough weather, I'm sort of a bit toey, but now it's just ridiculous, I'm right at the end of my tether, really.

Tom, Dick and Harry

Tom, Dick and Harry is a way of referring generally to ordinary people that you don't know.

You don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry to come to the party.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I've got five friends buried here. Other people have asked me but we can't accommodate everyone. I mean you can't have every Tom, Dick and Harry buried here.

too many cooks spoil the broth

The saying too many cooks spoil the broth means that if too many people try to do something it won't be done very well.

took her place

To take someone's place is to replace them or do what they had previously done.

When he goes on holidays, we need someone to take his place.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

He always knew that it was a childhood dream of mine to be in the pageant, so when his wife was pregnant this year and she couldn't be in the pageant, I took her place.

took its toll

had a bad effect

Drinking and smoking heavily took its toll and he died young.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The constant noise took its toll. Barry says he began suffering extreme stress.

top-flight

first class; superior; the best

He's a top-flight surgeon.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

... they've always appreciated their top-flight medical cover.

toss-up

A toss-up is a situation where what is going to happen is not yet decided.

I don't know what to choose - it's a toss-up between the blue and the black.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We made a swinging bridge. And to get it there, we had to swim this river to take the ropes across to get it started. And they reckoned it was full of crocodiles. It was a bit of a toss-up who was gonna take this rope across. No-one was game!

treasure trove

A treasure trove is a place that is full of something good.

The library is a treasure trove of information.

trial and error

Trial and error refers to a way of working something out by doing something again and again until you find the right way.

I didn't know how to do it at first, but after a bit of trail and error I learned how.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

You have to make sure it's cooked in the middle but you can't put a skewer in to test it so it all becomes trial and error, and tap on the top and hope to God it's worked.

trials and tribulations

difficulties and trouble

The movie is about the trials and tribulations of growing up.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Each one's different, each one's had its own trials and tribulations as we've put them back together, the same as raising a family.

tried and true

Something that has already been successful or that you know will work is called tried and true.

This is a tried and true recipe for chicken noodle soup.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The difficulty is balancing the unknown with the tried and true popular hits.

try your hand

attempt something for the first time

I'd like to try my hand at making bread.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

People are learning about some of the traditional garments that people had - hair belts, the head rings that the ladies used to carry bowls on top of their head. Spears and spear throwers and how they're actually used. It's even a great chance for people that are on the tour to try their hand at some of these traditional activities like spear throwing…

try your luck

To try your luck is to try something hoping that you will succeed.

I'm going to try my luck at the casino.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

In 1818, when a gentleman called Mr Mak Sai Ying decided to come here and try out his luck in business.

tucked away

hidden; out of sight

I found his toys tucked away behind the books.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Tucked away in a city side street, the South Australian Forensic Science Centre is instrumental in helping police solve crimes.

turn it around

change its direction

We're playing badly, but if we turn our performance around we could still win.

turn of speed

To say that someone has a turn of speed is to say that they are able to suddenly run faster or to accelerate.

He put on a turn of speed near the finish line to win the race.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Look he’s got an amazing turn of speed, but he’s also got a fair bit of poise attached to his movements. He’s also a fantastic tackler of opposition players and I guess that’s where he’s earnt his spot.

turn over a new leaf

The expression turn over a new leaf means to change the way you've behaved in the past and become a better person.

He's turned over a new leaf and is never late for work anymore.

turn the screw / turn of the screw

To turn the screw is to apply more pressure to someone who is already suffering or under pressure.

The low price for wheat is another turn of the screw for farmers suffering from the drought.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

In 1965, the Coalition defeated Labor and the new Public Works Minister Davis Hughes turned the screw.

turn the tables

To turn the tables on somebody is to do something which gives you an advantage over them that they used to have over you.

The beat us by three goals last year, but this year we turned the tables and won by three goals.

turn your back on

To turn your back on someone or something is to ignore them or to refuse to help.

When he won the lottery and became rich, he turned his back on his old friends.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It's going to take help from the Federal Government, and for years they've turned their back on the problem.

turn your hand to

To turn your hand to something is to start doing it, usually with some success.

She's good at everything she turns her hand to.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

18 year-old James Hanlon has been writing since he was 12. A couple of years ago he turned his hand to hip hop.

turned on its head

Something that is turned on its head is changed completely.

The place has been turned on its head since the new boss arrived.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I want to check out a tiny township that gets turned on its head for one day each year - Carrathool, down on the Murrumbidgee River. It plays host to the Bough Races - one of the last remaining genuine bush race meets, with a cup worth $10,000.

turned sour

went bad; became unpleasant

Living in the big city turned sour after he lost his job.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

But Chum Vidgen's dream of running cattle and growing bananas and sugar cane has turned sour.

turned stomachs

made people feel sick

The bad smell turned stomachs.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

But there've been many times when the ship has turned stomachs.

turning point

A turning point is an important moment of change.

The arrival of my first child was a turning point in my life.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We think it is a turning point in subversive entertainment.

turning up in droves

arriving in large numbers

People are turning up in droves for the football game.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Tired of buying their produce at supermarkets, consumers are dragging out their trolleys and turning up in droves at a new version of a very old tradition - the farmers' market.

turns over

uses this total amount of money

Our shop turns over ten thousand dollars a week, but we only make a few hundred dollars profit.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

This market alone turns over $100 million a year.


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