Идиомы
{tab=A}
(feel) at home
- чувствовать себя как дома
Example:
“Come on in. Sit down and feel at home.”
abide by (something)
- придерживаться правил
Example:
If you want to be a member of this club, you are to abide by its rules.
able to breathe easily again
- вздохнуть свободно
Example:
When Hillary paid her bank loan, she was able to breathe easily again.
able to do (something) blindfolded
- делать что-то вслепую, делать что-то легко и быстро
Example:
Jim has always been a skilled worker; he does his job blindfolded.
able to take a joke
- уметь посмеяться над собой
Example:
Not everybody is able to take a joke; I, for example, can’t stand when people make fun of me.
about time
- пора бы
Example:
I am very annoyed with you; it’s about time you minded your own business.
about to (do something)
- собираться делать что-то
Example:
We were about to leave the house when it started to rain.
above and beyond
- больше, чем требуется; больше, чем нужно
Example:
I appreciate your kindness; you did above and beyond to help me.
above reproach
- безупречный (ая, ое), вне критики
Example:
Bill is a well-mannered young man; his behavior is above reproach.
above suspicion
- вне подозрения
Example:
Henry acted as if he were above suspicion, but I am sure he is guilty.
absent-minded
- рассеянный
Example:
I don’t think much of Jack; he is so absent-minded.
according to Hoyle
- согласно правилам, делать что-либо строго по правилам
Example:
According to Hoyle, the in-patients are not allowed to leave the hospital grounds.
acid test
- серьёзное испытание, пробный камень
Example:
The money problem was an acid test in their relationships.
acquire a taste for (something)
- приобрести вкус к чему-либо
Example:
Having visited an art gallery, he acquired a taste for modern art.
across the board
- равный для всех и для всего
Example:
The owner of the house increased the rent across the board, and all the tenants had to pay 50 dollars more.
act high and mighty
- вести себя высокомерно и властно
Example:
Stella acted high and mighty that’s why no one liked her.
act one's age
- вести себя по взрослому
Example:
My niece is in her early thirties, but she prefers not to act her age.
act up
- вести себя плохо
Example:
The students often act up during the breaks.
add fuel to the fire
- подлить масла в огонь
Example:
I wanted to calm him down, but my words only added fuel to the fire.
add insult to injury
- наносить новые оскорбления
Example:
I felt pretty bad because my car had broken down, and instead of feeling sorry for me my father added insult to injury.
add up
- подсчитывать, складывать, находить сумму
Example:
In vain George was trying to add up the figures, but they just wouldn’t add up.
add up (to something)
- означать что-то, являться результатом чего-то
Example:
The information you gave us doesn’t mean anything; it doesn’t add up.
advise against (something)
- разубедить, отсоветовать
Example:
We were advised against putting up a tent, the weather being very cold and nasty.
afraid of one's own shadow
- бояться собственной тени
Example:
Don’t be a coward; it’s silly of you to be afraid of your own shadow.
after a fashion
- до известной степени, некоторым образом, кое-как
Example:
Jack did his home assignment after a fashion but certainly not very well.
after all
- в конце концов, после всего
Example:
I didn’t know what language classes to elect, but then I made up my mind to take French after all.
after all
- в конечном счёте
Example:
Mother doesn’t need to help Phil get dressed. After all, he is a big boy.
after all is said and done
- наконец, после всего
Example:
After all is said and done, they have shown a very good performance.
after hours
- после закрытия, после окончания работы
Example:
Fanny always has a lot of work in the office so she stays after hours.
after the fact
- после случившегося
Example:
“It is after the fact that you say you are sorry. Don’t you know you have caused a lot of trouble?”
against one's will
- против чьей-то воли
Example:
I don’t want you to do it against your will.
against the clock
- торопиться что-либо сделать пока не поздно
Example:
They worked against the clock to complete the job.
ahead of one's time
- опередивший своё время, свою эпоху (во взглядах, поступках и т.д.)
Example:
Newton’s ideas in physics were very much ahead of his time.
ahead of the game
- делать больше, чем необходимо
Example:
The company secretary did more work that day to be ahead of the game the next day.
ahead of time
- раньше времени, раньше срока
Example:
I asked the permission of my boss to leave work ahead of time.
air (something) out
- проветривать что-либо
Example:
I’d like to put the rugs outside to air them out.
air one's grievances
- жаловаться прилюдно
Example:
During the war their houses were destroyed so they couldn’t but air their grievances to the journalists.
air one`s dirty laundry/linen in public
- выносить сор из избы, перемывать грязное бельё при всех
Example:
It pleased Greg immensely to air other people’s dirty laundry in public.
alive and well/kicking
- быть живым и здоровым
Example:
At the age of 95 my Uncle Tobias is still alive and kicking.
all along
- всё время
Example:
Jeremy has known about my problems all along.
all at once
- внезапно, без предупреждения
Example:
All at once the lightning struck and it started to pour.
all day long
- весь день
Example:
Mary has been working in the garden all day long.
all ears
- быть готовым выслушать кого-либо
Example:
If you want me to hear you out, I am all ears.
all for (someone or something)
- быть целиком за
Example:
I was all for going on a picnic, the day being so sunny.
all in
- быть очень усталым
Example:
Having spent long hours at the computer, Jill was all in.
all in a day's work
- часть того, что нужно делать; что-то ожидаемое
Example:
It was all in a day's work when the police arrested the criminal.
all in all
- суммарно, в целом
Example:
There were twelve people all in all at the parents’ meeting that day.
all in one piece
- целым и невредимым
Example:
As we packed all the breakable things carefully, we hoped that they would arrive all in one piece.
all manner of (someone or something)
- всевозможные люди или вещи
Example:
Len has to do all manner of things and get in touch with all manner of people at work.
all night long
- всю ночь напролёт
Example:
I couldn’t sleep well because people were shouting outside my window all night long.
all of a sudden
- внезапно, вдруг
Example:
We were watching television when all of a sudden the electricity went off.
all over but the shouting
- окончательное решение, закончиться раз и навсегда
Example:
It will be all over but the shouting for you if you reject their job offer.
all over the place
- везде, повсеместно
Example:
I looked all over the place for my textbook.
all right
- хорошо, нормально
Example:
Will it be all right for me to join you?
all set
- всё готово (можно начинать)
Example:
It was all set and we decided to start on our journey.
all sweetness and light
- казаться хорошим, невинным
Example:
Outwardly Celia is all sweetness and light, but I know she is not that good.
all systems go
- всё готово (первоначально использовалось при запуске ракеты)
Example:
It is all systems go, so we can begin to install the new equipment.
all talk (and no action)
- одни разговоры, а дела нет
Example:
I wouldn’t rely on Paul; he is all talk and no action.
all the rage
- последний писк (о моде)
Example:
I strongly advise you to buy these jeans; they are all the rage of the season.
all the time
- постоянно, всё время
Example:
My friend Oliver goes to the health club all the time.
all thumbs
- неловкий, неуклюжий (все пальцы на руке – большие)
Example:
Little Sam broke a cup and his Mom said he was all thumbs.
all to the good
- всё к лучшему
Example:
“It is all to the good that you walked out on your boy friend”, my mother said.
all told
- всё вместе, всё включительно
Example:
All told, there are six rooms in the house including the kitchen.
all-out-effort
- большое, значительное усилие
Example:
Lionel made an all-out-effort to remain calm.
allow for (someone or something)
- рассчитывать, планировать
Example:
I think you ought to allow for some time to get to the airport in time.
along with (someone or something)
- вместе с кем-то, в дополнение к чему-то
Example:
Sarah has decided to go on a river trip along with her brother.
amount to (something)
- быть успешным
Example:
I am afraid you will never amount to anything if you don’t work hard.
amount to the same thing
- быть одинаковым, иметь тот же эффект
Example:
You can either take a taxi or go by bus; it will amount to the same thing.
an arm and a leg
- огромная сумма денег
Example:
Their new house will cost them an arm and a leg.
answer to (someone)
- отвечать перед кем-либо, объяснять свои действия
Example:
Bill lived on his own; he had no family and consequently no one to answer to.
any number of (someone or something)
- достаточное количество
Example:
“You always have any number of excuses for missing your classes.
appear out of nowhere
- внезапно появиться, появиться ниоткуда
Example:
A big lorry appeared out of nowhere and splashed mud all over me.
apple of (one`s) eye
- любимчик (зеница ока)
Example:
Her little son is the apple of her eye.
argue for the sake of arguing/argument
- спорить ради спора
Example:
William likes to argue for the sake of arguing.
arm in arm
- под руку (идти под руку)
Example:
Amiss and Cora were walking arm in arm in the park.
armed and dangerous
- вооружен и опасен
Example:
The criminal was suspected of being armed and dangerous.
armed to the teeth
- вооружен до зубов
Example:
The police stopped a car. The man in the car was armed to the teeth.
around the clock
- 24 часа, сутки
Example:
Most of the supermarkets in big American cities work around the clock.
arrive on the scene
- прибыть на место происшествия
Example:
Tim dialed 911 and the police arrived on the scene almost at once.
as a last resort
- последняя мера, последнее средство (когда всё остальное испробовано)
Example:
As a last resort John decided to take a loan from the bank.
as a matter of fact
- фактически
Example:
As a matter of fact cinema is the most popular entertainment for millions of people.
as a result of (something)
- в результате
Example:
Ben didn’t study well during the term and as a result of his laziness he failed his exams.
as a rule
- как правило
Example:
On the weekends I sleep longer as a rule.
as far as
- насколько (я знаю, понимаю)
Example:
As far as I know, the Morgans left the town long ago.
as far as possible
- на сколько возможно
Example:
“I’ll do everything to rescue the girl; I’ll go as far as possible”.
as good as one's word
- быть верным своему слову
Example:
Never give a promise which you are not able to keep; be as good as your word.
as long as
- если, при условии
Example:
I can let you have my umbrella as long as you can promise not to lose it.
as luck would have it
- случайно
Example:
As luck would have it, I met Hillary outside the cafe. I hadn’t seen her for ages..
as one
- все, как один
Example:
The audience stood up as one and began to applaud the actors.
as such
- как таковой, в таком виде
Example:
“As such, I can’t possibly sign your application. You’ll have to re-write it”.
as the crow flies
- по прямой между двух местностей (так же прямо, как летит птица)
Example:
As the crow flies, it is not more than 3 miles between his house and the station.
as usual
- как обычно
Example:
As usual, at the theatre they prefer to sit in the front rows.
as well as
- тоже, также как
Example:
Kevin bought a thick magazine as well as several books to while away the time during the journey.
as yet
- до настоящего времени
Example:
As yet, we know nothing about his intentions.
ask (someone) out
- назначать свидание
Example:
After a good deal of hesitation John finally asked Mary out.
ask for the moon
- желать недостижимого
Example:
You will never get what you want, so it’s no use asking for the moon.
ask for trouble
- напрашиваться на неприятности
Example:
“Leave me alone; you are asking for trouble.”
asleep at the switch
- не распознать ситуацию, упустить удобный случай
Example:
I suppose Emma was asleep at the switch. She missed her chance of getting a promotion.
assault and battery
- нападение с причинением увечья
Example:
Several men were arrested for assault and battery after the fight in the park.
at (someone's) earliest convenience
- для чьего-либо или для собственного удобства (по первому зову)
Example:
“I will visit you at your earliest convenience, I promise.”
at (someone's) service
- к услугам кого-либо, в чьём-то распоряжении
Example:
If you stay at a good hotel, all the members of the staff will be at your service day and night.
at (someone`s) beck and call
- быть на побегушках у кого-либо
Example:
Cinderella was at her step-mother’s beck and call.
at a loss
- быть в растерянности
Example:
Paul might have been at a loss whom to turn to for help.
at a loss (for words)
- не находить нужных слов
Example:
All of a sudden Jim started to insult me, and I was at a loss for words to talk back.
at a sitting
- в один приём, за один раз
Example:
The cake was so tasty that we finished all of it at a sitting.
at a stretch
- непрерывно, подряд
Example:
It is very seldom that I can enjoy my holiday for three weeks at a stretch.
at all costs
- любой ценой
Example:
He was determined to secure his treasures at all costs.
at any rate
- во всяком случае
Example:
"At any rate, Peter was able to prove his innocence”.
at bay
- на расстоянии
Example:
Anna doesn’t like Jake; she intends to keep him at bay.
at best
- в лучшем случае
Example:
My teacher told me that I had two weeks at best in which to finish writing my essay.
at cross-purposes
- разные цели
Example:
It seems my friend and her husband are at cross-purposes; they often argue about everything.
at death's door
- на пороге смерти
Example:
It was only at death’s door that Timothy could confess his fault.
at ease
- раскованно; свободно; удобно, как дома
Example:
I always feel at ease in the presence of my friends.
at every turn
- на каждом шагу, куда не взглянешь
Example:
The streets of the small town were full of cars; there were cars, big and small, at every turn.
at face value
- номинальная, реальная стоимость
Example:
Olaf’s new car was worth a lot of money at face value.
at fault
- быть виновным
Example:
I wondered who was at fault for the loss of valuable books.
at first
- вначале, с начала
Example:
At first Ron wanted to go on a river trip with us, but then he changed his mind.
at first blush
- на первый взгляд
Example:
At first blush Samuel seemed to be kind and decent, but he turned out to be quite mean.
at hand
- близко, под рукой
Example:
When I am working, I prefer to have everything close at hand.
at heart
- в глубине души
Example:
I thought her to be a bit tough, but now I know she is very vulnerable at heart.
{tab=B}
(have a) bee in one`s bonnet
- всё время думать об одном и том же, зациклиться на чём-то одном
Example:
Miss Merryweather had a bee in her bonnet about traveling around the world.
(no) bed of roses
- (не) ложе из роз (о не благоприятной ситуации)
Example:
"I don’t think your married life will be a bed of roses."
a brush with the law
- столкновение с законом
Example:
Sam had a brush with the law because of a petty crime.
back and forth
- туда сюда, взад и вперёд, в ту и другую сторону
Example:
Lionel nervously paced the room back and forth.
back down (from someone or something)
- отступаться, отказываться от чего-либо
Example:
I saw that Ann was right, so I decided to back down from further arguing.
back in circulation
- вернуть в обращение, снова стать доступным
Example:
The textbooks are back in circulation; the students have returned them to the library.
back in circulation
- вернуться к прежней жизни (обычно после разрыва отношений с кем-либо)
Example:
It’s good that Larry has broken up with Maggie; he is back in circulation now.
back of beyond
- самый отдалённый участок, глушь (у чёрта на куличках)
Example:
I could hardly imagine that Lucy lived so far, practically at the back of beyond.
back on one`s feet
- снова встать на ноги (вернуть себе прежнее положение)
Example:
Ms. Drurry has undergone a serious operation and now she is back on her feet.
back out (of something)
- отказаться от обещания
Example:
Stacy backed out of her promise to assist us in our experiments.
back the wrong horse
- поставить не на ту лошадь, т.е. сделать неверный выбор
Example:
This is not the car I really want. I’m afraid I have backed the wrong horse having bought it.
back to square one
- вернуться к началу чего-либо
Example:
Kelly was back to square one in her desire to renew her project.
back to the drawing board
- начать с чистого листа, начать всё с начала
Example:
Cora must have failed to achieve good results in her experiment so she had to go back to the drawing board.
back to the salt mines
- вернуться к чему-либо с большой неохотой, например к работе, которую не хочется делать
Example:
The work was tedious; they finished their coffee and went back to the salt mines.
back up (someone or something)
- поддержать кого-либо или что-либо
Example:
Collin’s proposal was silly that’s why nobody backed it up.
back-to-back
- одно событие, непосредственно следующее за другим
Example:
There were two back-to-back lectures on Art today because the lecturer had been ill the previous week.
bad blood (between people)
- вражда, неприязненные отношения между людьми
Example:
Derek and his cousin are not on speaking terms; there is much bad blood between them.
bad-mouth (someone or something)
- оговаривать кого-то, отзываться плохо о чем-либо
Example:
Their neighbor Mr. Cannon is a mean person; he has the habit of bad-mouthing everybody.
bag of tricks
- разнообразные приёмы, трюки (мешок хитростей)
Example:
If a teacher works with small children, she should have a bag of tricks to keep them busy.
bail (someone or something) out
- выручить из беды
Example:
Jack is in a fix. I don’t see any reason why we can’t bail him out.
bail (someone) out
- брать на поруки, вносить залог
Example:
The parents of the young delinquent had to pay much money to bail him out of prison.
bail out (of something)
- отказываться от чего-либо, прыгать с парашютом
Example:
Nick hesitated a second before bailing out of the plane.
balance the books
- подводить баланс
Example:
The job of an accountant is to balance the books of his company.
ball of fire
- сгусток энергии (об активном и энергичном человеке)
Example:
Though my Aunt Lora is 75 she is a ball of fire; she does a lot of things about the house.
bang/beat one's head against the wall
- биться головой о стену, делать что-либо безнадёжное
Example:
Jim gave up any attempts to prove his innocence; he didn’t want to bang his head against the wall.
bank on (someone or something)
- рассчитывать на кого-то или что-то
Example:
You know you can always bank on me for help.
baptism of fire
- крещение огнём ( первый опыт часто трудный или неприятный)
Example:
When I started my own small business, I went through a baptism of fire.
bargain for (something)
- рассчитывать, принимать что-либо во внимание
Example:
My father’s financial support was more than I had bargained for.
bargain on (something)
- планировать или ожидать чего-либо
Example:
I didn’t bargain on having so many relatives staying in my house at the same time.
barge in on (someone or something)
- прерывать, встревать в разговор, навязываться
Example:
I hate people to barge in on me when I am doing something important.
be into (something)
- интересоваться чем-то, быть вовлечённым во что-то
Example:
My little brother is very much into chess and draughts.
be of the persuasion that (something) is so
- быть убеждённым в правильности чего-то
Example:
Choosing a career is a difficult task and I am of the persuasion that it is really so.
be off
- уходить, убегать
Example:
I am sorry I can’t talk to you now; I must be off.
be off on the wrong foot
- плохо начать что-то делать, испортить отношения
Example:
He tried to reason with his sister, but it seemed that they were off on the wrong foot already.
be off to a bad start
- плохо начать что-то делать
Example:
Our trip to Manchester was off to a bad start when our bus broke down in the middle of the way.
be that as it may
- будь, что будет
Example:
"Be that as it may, I am not going to let you give up your career."
be the case
- доподлинный случай или ситуация
Example:
"It might have been the case before, but now we are going to act differently".
be the death of (someone)
- погибель, крах, серьёзная проблема
Example:
"If you eat too many sweets, it may be the death of your teeth," my mother said.
be to blame
- быть виноватым
Example:
The boy said he was not to blame for the broken window; it was not his fault.
bear (someone or something) in mind
- иметь что-либо или кого-либо в виду
Example:
Wanda ought to bear this risky affair in mind; it might be a fraud, for all I know.
{tab=C}
(have the) cheek to do something
- иметь наглость сделать что-либо
Example:
"You have broken my camera and now you have the cheek to tell me that you didn’t do it."
(in) care of (someone)
- послать на чьё–либо имя корреспонденцию для другого лица
Example:
"I will send you a letter in care of your parents. O.K?"
(not one`s) cup of tea
- что-либо, что (не) нравиться
Example:
"Washing the dishes is not my cup of tea, so I’d rather my sister did it."
(one's) chickens have come home to roost
- беда бедою отзовётся (то плохое, что желаете другому вернётся к вам)
Example:
Margaret’s chickens have come home to roost and she has to take responsibility for what she has done.
a case in point
- смысл чего-либо; пример, иллюстрирующий что-либо
Example:
"Let me give you a case in point, an example that illustrates my argument."
a case of mistaken identity
- ошибиться, принять одного человека за другого
Example:
I tapped the girl on the shoulder, thinking it was my friend, but it was a case of mistaken identity.
a come-down
- понижение (по службе), уменьшение доходов, влияния
Example:
Ronald’s recent status is a come-down; he used to be invited to big functions but is now ignored.
a copycat
- подражатель (чьей-либо работы или действий)
Example:
The young man was accused of being a copycat of the pictures of great masters.
a course of action
- ход дела, порядок, направление
Example:
The three men decided on their course of action before they set out on a boat trip.
a credit to (someone or something)
- быть честью и славой для кого-либо или чего-либо
Example:
The Math teacher was a credit to the school where he worked.
{tab=D}
a dime a dozen
- небольшая ценность чего-либо, "грош цена"
Example:
Tim bought a few used magazines; they were a dime a dozen.
a dose of one's own medicine
- отплатить той же монетой
Example:
"You needn’t feel hurt; you got a dose of your own medicine."
a doubting Thomas
- человек, который во всём сомневается, "Фома неверующий"
Example:
Fred is a doubting Thomas; he always needs a strong proof to believe something.
a drag on (someone)
- обуза для кого-либо
Example:
"Could you possibly take me to an outing with you? I shan’t be a drag on you, I promise."
daily grind
- кропотливый ежедневный труд
Example:
It was the daily grind of working in the mine that was wearing him out.
dance to a different tune
- изменить своё поведение или отношение
Example:
"When you learn the truth, you’ll be dancing to a different tune."
dance with death
- рисковать
Example:
The mountaineer was dancing with death when he tried to conquer the highest peak in the world.
dare (someone) to do (something)
- подзадоривать кого-либо сделать что-либо
Example:
"I dare you to jump the stream!"
dark horse
- малоизвестный политик "тёмная лошадка"
Example:
Though the Tory candidate was a dark horse he won the election effortlessly.
darken (someone's) door
- навещать кого-либо, приходить куда-либо
Example:
Miss Davidson was prudent; she never darkened the door of any shady emporium.
{tab=E}
an ear to the ground
- пристальное внимание к тому, что происходит
Example:
Mrs. Spencer had an ear to the ground and knew everything that was going on in her son’s family.
an end in itself
- цель сама по себе
Example:
For Bob painting is an end in itself, and he never shows his pictures to anybody.
each and every
- каждый
Example:
Each and every student had to take a test that day.
eager beaver
- человек много и охотно работающий, "трудоголик"
Example:
Sam is not at all an eager beaver; he hates hard work.
eagle eye
- зоркий глаз, "орлиный глаз"
Example:
Alan kept an eagle eye upon all Carry’s activities.
earful
- нагоняй, выговор
Example:
The boss gave one of his employees earful when the latter came to work late.
early bird
- человек, встающий рано, "ранняя пташка", "жаворонок"
Example:
"I hate getting up early; I am not an early bird, I must confess."
early bird catches the worm
- кто рано встаёт, тому бог подаёт
Example:
Getting up early proved to her the truth of the old saying that the early bird catches the worm. She was able to do a lot of work.
early on
- в начале, на раннем этапе
Example:
They had a family reunion early on that Sunday.
earn one's keep
- оправдывать своё содержание работой
Example:
I stayed with a host family and helped them about the house in order to earn my keep.
{tab=F}
a fair shake
- обхождение, хорошее отношение
Example:
At the job interview Steve was given a fair shake.
a falling-out (with someone)
- разногласие, ссора с кем-либо
Example:
Clarissa had a falling-out with her best friend, but they were able to make it up pretty soon.
a far cry from (something)
- большая разница, отличное от чего-либо
Example:
Lord, what a far cry from this man to this woman, he thought.
a feather in one`s cap
- то, чем можно гордиться; предмет гордости, достижение
Example:
He thinks it will be a feather in his cap to cure a difficult cardiac case.
a fine how-do-you-do
- затруднительное положение
Example:
The car broke down on a country road and they were in a fine how-do-you-do.
a fine-toothed/tooth comb
- ничего не упускающая, тщательная проверка; поиск
Example:
The police went over the area with a fine-toothed comb, but they could not find anybody.
a fish out of water
- человек не в своей стихии, "рыба без воды"
Example:
The woman was like a fish out of water at the fashion show.
a flight of fancy
- полёт фантазии
Example:
It is Sam’s flight of fancy to go to the North Pole.
a foot in the door
- благоприятная возможность
Example:
"I think you can get a foot in the door if you act quickly."
a force to be reckoned with
- сила, с которой приходиться считаться
Example:
This young artist is a force to be reckoned with in the artistic world.
{tab=H}
(go) haywire
- разваливаливаться, плохо работать, "барахлить"
Example:
My computer went haywire so I need to buy a new one.
(in) high gear
- на полной скорости, полным ходом (о приготовлениях)
Example:
The preparations for his parents visit were in high gear when they called that they couldn’t come.
(live) hand-to-mouth
- жить очень бедно, "перебиваться с хлеба на квас"
Example:
After her husband’s death Silvia was living a hand-to-mouth existence.
(not) have a clue (about something)
- (не) знать (не) иметь представление о чем-либо
Example:
I have no clue what happened that day.
(not) have a snowball's chance in hell
- не иметь не единого шанса
Example:
We didn't have a snowball's chance in hell to get the information we wanted.
(not) have anything to do with someone
- (не) иметь ничего общего с кем-либо
Example:
I don’t have anything to do with Pam; she isn’t trustworthy.
(not) hear of (something)
- не позволять что-либо, "и слышать не хочу"
Example:
"I won’t hear of your talking to me like that."
(one's) hair stands on end
- сильно испугаться, "волосы встали дыбом"
Example:
Miranda’s hair stood on end. She was so scared that she sat rooted to her wheelchair unable to move or think.
(one's) hands are tied
- быть не в состоянии помочь, “руки связаны”
Example:
Mark knew he was not able to help his friend because his hands were tied.
(the) high life
- роскошная жизнь
Example:
Ms. Bonfire had been living the high life when her husband left her for a younger woman.
{tab=I}
(not) in so many words
- именно этими словами; ясно, недвусмысленно
Example:
The house owner threatened in so many words to raise the rent.
idiot box
- телевизор
Example:
My brother sits glued to the idiot box all day long.
if looks could kill
- убийственный злобный взгляд; "если бы взглядом можно было убить"
Example:
If looks could kill, then the look he gave me would have killed me at once.
if so
- раз так, в таком случае
Example:
He won’t die unless we abandon him; and if so, we will be answerable for his death.
if the shoe fits, wear it
- если вы принимаете замечание на свой счёт, пусть будет так; "на воре шапка горит"
Example:
Ann was mortally offended by my harmless remark. I looked at her and said that if the shoe fits, wear it.
if worst comes to worst
- в худшем случае, на худой конец
Example:
Even if worst comes to worst, she has got enough to live on for six months at least.
ill at ease
- чувствовать себя неловко, нервничать
Example:
I saw that Jimmy felt ill at ease and decided not to tell him about his failure.
ill will
- недоброжелательность, неприязнь
Example:
John and George are rivals, and there is much ill will between them.
ill-disposed to (do something)
- проявлять нежелание делать что-либо
Example:
They seem to be ill-disposed to cooperate with us.
ill-gotten gains
- добытый нечестным путём
Example:
"I am sure Mr. Bobtail’s wealth is ill-gotten gains."
{tab=J}
a jack-of-all-trades
- мастер на все руки
Example:
Tom is a jack-of-all-trades and master of none.
jack up (something)
- поднять цены; поднять что-либо при помощи домкрата
Example:
It is difficult to rent a good house for a decent price; the owners have jacked up their prices.
jam on the brakes
- нажать на тормоза
Example:
On seeing a big truck Tim jammed on the brakes, but it was too late.
jam-packed
- переполненный
Example:
I usually take a bus to go to work, but it is always jam-packed during rush hours.
Jekyll and Hyde
- кто-либо, сочетающий в себе хорошее и плохое
Example:
My ex-husband is like Jekyll and Hyde. One minute he is all smiles but the next minute he is irritated.
jockey for position
- не стесняться в средствах для достижения цели
Example:
"I don’t think it’s the right time to jockey for position when the company is in a hole."
jog (someone's) memory
- помогать кому-либо вспомнить, напомнить
Example:
In old days torture was used to jog the prisoners’ memory especially of those who would not betray their friends.
John Doe
- воображаемый истец в судебном процессе
Example:
They use the name "John Doe" as the name of a person who is applying for something.
John Henry/John Hancock
- чья-либо подпись
Example:
"In order to receive the money you ought to sign your John Henry here."
Johnny-come-lately
- новоприбывший
Example:
Sam is a Johnny-come-lately, and he doesn’t really know what is going on here.
{tab=K}
(a fine) kettle of fish
- неудовлетворительная ситуация, неразбериха
Example:
"This is a fine kettle of fish. What will we do without the water in our house?"
a kick-off
- старт, начало
Example:
They decided to have a kick-off for the electoral campaign two months before the elections.
a kickback
- незаконно выплаченные деньги, взятка
Example:
The company had to give Deputy Mayor a kickback in order to win the market.
a knock-down-drag-out fight
- отчаянная драка или спор
Example:
Their knock-down-drag-out fight lasted for half an hour.
a knockout
- сногшибательная женщина
Example:
Wella thought that she was a knockout, but Tim didn’t share her optimistic opinion.
a know-it-all
- всезнайка
Example:
Jacob is a know-it-all that’s why I don’t think much of him.
a known fact
- известный факт
Example:
It is a known fact that it’s better to do well than to say well.
a known quantity
- известная величина
Example:
The new teacher is a known quantity in the school because she worked here before.
kangaroo court
- неправедный суд, незаконное разбирательство
Example:
"I refuse to be convicted by a kangaroo court!"
Katie, bar the door
- заприте дверь (будьте готовы к неприятностям)
Example:
A few holigans are ready to break into the bar and start a fight. "Katie, bar the door.
{tab=L}
a labor of love
- бескорыстный или безвозмездный труд
Example:
My volunteer work at the Animal Shelter is a labor of love because I am fond of animals.
a lame duck
- неудачник, "несчастненький"
Example:
The prospect of his daughter’s life being spent among lame ducks worried him.
a last-ditch effort
- последнее усилие
Example:
Adam made a last-ditch effort to persuade his friend not to immigrate to Canada.
a law unto oneself
- сам себе закон
Example:
"Don’t think you are a law unto yourself; your behavior is outrageous."
a leading question
- наводящий вопрос
Example:
The students didn’t know what kind of answer to give, so the teacher started asking leading questions.
a left-handed compliment
- неуклюжий, двусмысленный комплимент
Example:
Julia didn’t like her new jacket and hated her friend to give her a left-handed compliment.
a leg man
- посыльный, курьер
Example:
Horace has been working as a leg man for a big company since he graduated from high school.
a license to (do something)
- лицензия, разрешение на деятельность
Example:
George was happy to have got a license to work as a window dresser.
a little bird told me
- мне стало известно по секрету, "сорока на хвосте принесла"
Example:
A little bird told me that my Mom would give me a nice present for my birthday.
a little bit
- немного, чуточку
Example:
I only had a little bit to eat this morning and now I feel awfully hungry.
{tab=M}
(get or become) mixed up
- растеряться или запутаться
Example:
The old man becomes mixed up when he tries to use a cell phone.
a man-about-town
- светский человек
Example:
Alec is a man-about-town and a good mixer; he likes to mess around.
a match for (someone)
- быть под стать кому-либо
Example:
The Russian football team was a match for the French one.
a matter of course
- само собой разумеющееся, в порядке вещей
Example:
They did things as a matter of course and never thought about the consequence.
a matter of fact
- реальная действительность
Example:
It is a matter of fact that the old building should be pulled down as soon as possible.
a matter of life and death
- вопрос жизни и смерти, жизненно важный вопрос
Example:
"Do be serious for just five minutes! After all, it is a matter of life and death."
a matter of opinion
- спорный вопрос
Example:
It is a matter of opinion as where to house the new art gallery.
a matter-of-fact manner/way
- простое изложение фактов
Example:
The witness described the accident in a matter-of-fact manner.
a Mecca for (something)
- Мекка, святое место
Example:
The vast forests in Siberia is a Mecca for people who like hunting.
a meeting of minds
- полное согласие
Example:
Fortunately we had a meeting of minds about our common project.
{tab=N}
a nail in (someone's) coffin
- что-либо, что может навредить кому-либо ("вбить гвоздь в чей-либо гроб")
Example:
"Fighting with him will only be a nail in your coffin. It won’t get you anywhere."
a narrow escape
- опасное, рискованное положение, быть "на волоске от гибели"
Example:
"That was a narrow escape," said Alice very frightened at the sudden change.
a needle in a haystack
- "иголка в стоге сена"; то, что очень трудно найти
Example:
Looking for the lost letter among the hundreds of other letters is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
a nervous Nellie
- застенчивый, нерешительный человек
Example:
I think Daniel is a nervous Nellie; he is so shy he won’t say boo to a goose.
a nest egg
- сумма денег, отложенная на чёрный день
Example:
Weber liked to keep a little nest egg for himself.
a new broom sweeps clean
- новая метла по-новому метёт
Example:
"A new brush sweeps clean" means that a person with a new perspective can make great changes.
a new deal
- дать шанс начать всё сначала
Example:
The owner of a small business was given a new deal as he was able to get a loan from the bank.
a new hire
- новый сотрудник
Example:
The secretary in the firm was a new hire, and she was not very good at her job.
a new lease on life
- обновлённый взгляд на жизнь
Example:
George found new enthusiasm and energy for his job, in other words he had a new lease on life.
a new person
- (стать) новым человеком, измениться
Example:
Horace is a new person now that he has quit worrying about his job.
{tab=O}
(as) old as the hills
- очень старый
Example:
I decided not to buy that house because it looked as old as the hills.
(the) odd (something)
- нечётный, непарный; необычный, странный
Example:
What an odd thing to say!
a once-over
- беглый взгляд или осмотр
Example:
The doctor gave the patient a once-over and pronounced him to be getting better.
a one-armed bandit
- игровой автомат, "однорукий бандит"
Example:
William is always short of money because he spends a lot of time with a one-armed bandit.
a one-night stand
- одноразовое мероприятие
Example:
The amateur drama performers played a one-night stand in the park.
a one-track mind
- думать только об одном, "заклиниться" на одном
Example:
Joanna is a workaholic and has a one-track mind. All she thinks about is her work.
an oddball
- чудак, своеобразно мыслящий человек
Example:
Adam Smith is an oddball, and very often he doesn’t act like other people.
an odor of sanctity
- ореол святости
Example:
There is an odor of sanctity in the Lincoln Cathedral.
an old hand at (doing something)
- опытный в чём-либо, знаток чего-либо
Example:
You can rely on him; he is an old hand at repairing cars.
an open book
- лёгкий для понимания
Example:
James is an open book; it is easy to know what he thinks or feels about things.
{tab=P}
a pack of lies
- сплошная ложь
Example:
"Everything that you have told your friends is a pack of lies, and I hope they won’t believe you."
a pain in the neck/ass
- надоедливый, раздражающий, возмущающий (человек)
Example:
Peter is very annoying; he is a regular pain in the neck.
a passport to (something)
- доступ куда-либо
Example:
Steven had a university education, and it was a passport to find a good job.
a past master at (something)
- знаток своего дела, непревзойдённый мастер
Example:
The mechanic is a past master at repairing all kinds of cars.
a pat on the back
- похвалить
Example:
The teacher gave Mark a pat on the back because he passed a very difficult test.
a pay-off
- отдача (в результате работы), вознаграждение
Example:
I expect to get a pay-off from the research I am doing.
a peeping Tom
- чересчур любопытный человек
Example:
Willy is a regular peeping Tom; it gives him immense pleasure to spy on people in their homes.
a penny for one`s thoughts
- О чём это вы задумались?
Example:
"A penny for your thoughts," Jim said. "My thoughts are not worth anything because I was thinking of you," Wanda replied.
a penny saved is a penny earned
- пенни сбережённое – всё равно, что заработанное, "копейка рубль бережёт"
Example:
"It’s easier to spend money than to earn it. But you should remember "A penny saved is a penny earned".
a pep talk
- слова поддержки, ободрения
Example:
The Dean gave the students a pep talk before their finals.
{tab=Q}
quake in one's boots
- трястись от страха
Example:
While walking along a dark alley, Tony was quaking in his boots.
queer as a three-dollar bill
- очень странный (как банкнота в 3 доллара)
Example:
What John showed me is the strangest thing I have ever seen; it is as queer as a three-dollar bill.
quick and dirty
- сделанный на скорую руку, тяп-ляп
Example:
The methods that the firm has chosen to cut expenses are quick and dirty.
quick as a flash
- с быстротой молнии, в мгновение ока
Example:
The lightening struck a tree in the garden; it happened quick as a flash.
quick as a wink
- очень быстро, молниеносно
Example:
I turned around to look at the speeding car, and quick as a wink it was gone.
quick as greased lightning
- очень быстро, мгновенно
Example:
My dog started chasing a cat, but the cat jumped up the fence quick as greased lightning.
quick on the draw
- быстро реагирующий, прыткий
Example:
The man was quick on the draw; he drew a gun and began shooting.
quick on the trigger
- импульсивный, быстро реагирующий
Example:
John is quick on the trigger; he acts and responds very fast.
quick on the uptake
- понятливый, смышлёный
Example:
In spite of his age, the little boy is quick on the uptake and does sums very well.
quiet as a mouse
- тихий как мышь
Example:
"Stay where you are till I come back and be as quiet as a mouse."
{tab=R}
a race against time
- стремление выиграть время
Example:
It was a race against time as I was trying to meet the grant requirements.
a rain check
- бесплатный билет на ранее отложенное мероприятие
Example:
They were given a rain check for the performance that was cancelled because of the death of the leading actor.
a rain check
- просьба или обещание принять приглашение как-нибудь в другой раз
Example:
I couldn’t reject my aunt’s invitation to stay with her, so I decided to take a rain check.
a raw deal
- несправедливо суровое отношение
Example:
Ron got a raw deal; he was treated unfairly, I am sure.
a regular guy
- славный малый, молодчина
Example:
John is a regular guy; he gets along with everyone in the office.
a ripple of excitement
- волна возбуждённого шёпота
Example:
When he finished speaking, a long ripple of excitement passed through the audience.
a ripple of protest
- незначительный протест
Example:
There was only a ripple of protest when our boss made us stay at work after office hours.
a risk of rain/showers/thunderstorms
- возможность того, что пойдёт дождь; будет ливень, гроза
Example:
There was a risk of thunderstorms and they decided not to go the mountains that day.
a road-hog
- водитель, мешающий проезду другого транспорта
Example:
Leo is a regular road-hog; he always uses more than his share of the road.
a rolling stone
- перекати-поле (человек, который всё время переезжает с места на место)
Example:
James is a rolling stone type of person; you never know his whereabouts.
{tab=S}
(can’t) stand (someone or something)
- не выносить кого-либо что-либо
Example:
I can’t stand porridge.
(not a) snowball’s chance in hell
- никакого шанса, ни малейшего шанса
Example:
If I thought that I had a snowball's chance in hell to get the job, I would apply for it.
(not to be) sneezed at
- пренебрежительно относиться, не считать важным
Example:
Helen’s project is important; it’s nothing to be sneezed at.
(on the) spur of the moment
- не раздумывая, под влиянием минуты, внезапно
Example:
Jenny’s blood was up, and on the spur of the moment she told her husband a lot of things she shouldn’t have.
a sacred cow
- что-либо никогда не подвергающееся критике
Example:
The ideas of my boss are a sacred cow that should never be criticized or laughed at.
a second thought
- дальнейшие соображения, пересмотр решения
Example:
"On second thought maybe I should join you to go on an excursion."
a shoo-in
- бесспорная кандидатура, “верняк”
Example:
Mr. Parker is a shoo-in to win the election.
a shot in the arm
- прилив энергии
Example:
I did a lot of work yesterday probably because of a shot in the arm.
a shot in the dark
- случайный догадка, догадка сделанная наобум
Example:
I imagined that his intentions were not quite decent though on my part it was a shot in the dark.
a show of hands
- голосование поднятием рук
Example:
It was proposed that we vote by a show of hands.
{tab=T}
(the) third degree
- допрос с пристрастием, допрос с применением пытки
Example:
Mary’s husband is extremely jealous and she is often given the third degree.
a taste of (something)
- почувствовать вкус чего-либо
Example:
Adam got a taste of playing cricket while he was on holiday in Manchester.
a taste of things to come
- образец грядущих событий
Example:
The rent increase was a taste of things to come with the new owner of our apartment house.
a tempest in a teapot
- волнение из-за пустяков, “буря в стакане воды”
Example:
“Your difficulty is just a tempest in a teapot, and I am sure it will dissolve in a few days.”
a thorn in (someone's) side
- источник постоянного раздражения или неприятностей; “бельмо на глазу’
Example:
Julia was his brother’s wife and a thorn in his side.
a tough act to follow
- превосходное исполнение
Example:
Her performance of Desdemona was a tough act to follow in every sense.
a tough break
- неудачное событие, злоключение
Example:
“It was a tough break; my date didn't show up.”
a tower of strength
- надёжная опора
Example:
Sam is an affectionate husband who has been a tower of strength to Marcia all those years.
table a motion
- отложить обсуждение чего-либо (во время собрания)
Example:
They decided to table a motion to discuss the security issue at another meeting.
tag along with (someone)
- плестись за кем-либо
Example:
I saw two little kids tagging along with their mother.
{tab=U}
ugly duckling
- гадкий утёнок
Example:
Nancy was the ugly duckling in her family, until she grew up.
unaccustomed to (someone or something)
- быть непривычным для кого-либо чего-либо
Example:
On the hike Bob soon got tired, because he was unaccustomed to walking.
under (close) scrutiny
- под пристальным вниманием
Example:
The ex-criminal was under close scrutiny of the police.
under a cloud
- быть в подавленном состоянии
Example:
Jenny has been under a cloud of depression since her parrot escaped.
under arrest
- быть под арестом
Example:
Bob Oliver was seen breaking into the neighbor’s cottage, and he soon found himself under arrest.
under certain circumstances/conditions
- при определённых условиях
Example:
Under no conditions are the students permitted to use cheat sheets at the exams.
under construction
- строящийся (объект)
Example:
We had to take the train to work while the expressway was under construction.
under control
- под контролем
Example:
The fire fighters soon took the fire in the restaurant under control.
under cover
- под прикрытием, тайно
Example:
The police officer Marlow did his work under cover.
under fire
- под огнём (критики)
Example:
The police officer was under fire for not conducting the interrogation properly.
{tab=V}
vanish into thin air
- исчезнуть, раствориться в воздухе
Example:
Joe’s new camera just vanished into thin air and was never seen again.
variety is the spice of life
- разнообразие – острота жизни
Example:
It is believed that variety is the spice of life and I think it is true.
vent one's spleen
- избавиться от раздражения или злобы
Example:
I am very angry at the manager’s suggestion to transfer me to another department and I haven’t been able to vent my spleen so far.
verge on (something)
- граничить с чем-либо
Example:
The flood may verge on becoming a real disaster if the water rises a few more meters.
very last
- самый последний
Example:
I was lucky to have bought the very last tickets to the show.
very thing
- то, что надо
Example:
A couple of rugs is the very thing that I need to make my den comfortable.
very well
- очень хорошо
Example:
“Very well, I will do as you say.”
vicious circle
- заколдованный круг, порочный круг
Example:
Jane takes a lot of medicine to cure her asthma; I am afraid she might develop another illness from the medicine and will thus be caught in a vicious circle.
vim and vigor
- настойчивость, сила и энергия
Example:
My Grandfather is over seventy, but he is still full of vim and vigor.
vote down
- отклонить что-либо при голосовании
Example:
The question of opening a casino was raised and was immediately voted down.
{tab=W}
(a) word to the wise
- умный понимает с полуслова
Example:
The boss had once spoken to Jerry about being late all the time, and he supposed that a word to the wise was enough.
(be at one's) wit’s end
- быть в растерянности
Example:
Mary was at her wit’s end whether to tell her husband about the incident or not.
(have) what it takes
- иметь способность или мужество
Example:
Steve really has what it takes to be successful in his career.
(not) worth a cent
- (не) стоить ни гроша
Example:
The house is falling to pieces and is not worth a cent.
wade into
- нападать, присоединяться к (драке)
Example:
Paul was quick to wade into the boys with his fists flying.
wait on (someone) hand and foot
- делать всё возможное для кого-либо, служить верой и правдой
Example:
Moira is a spoiled child because her parents wait on her hand and foot.
wait tables
- подавать еду (в ресторане или кафе)
Example:
To earn some pocket money Tina was waiting tables in the college cafeteria.
wait up (for someone)
- ждать кого-либо (не ложиться спать)
Example:
When I lived with my parents, either my mother or my father always waited up for me when I went out.
wait with bated breath
- ждать с нетерпением; ждать, затаив дыхание
Example:
Jack waited with bated breath for the results of his medical tests.
wait-and-see attitude
- нерешительная, выжидательная позиция
Example:
If you are uncertain about something, it’s always wise to take a wait-and-see attitude.
{tab=X}
X marks the spot
- обозначение точного места
Example:
They looked at the map and saw that X marked the spot where the plane had crashed.
{tab=Y}
X marks the spot
- обозначение точного места
Example:
They looked at the map and saw that X marked the spot where the plane had crashed.
{tab=Z}
zero hour
- решительный час, час принятия решения, начало действия
Example:
On the day of the examination, as the zero hour was approaching, I grew more and more restless.
zero hour
- час начала атаки
Example:
Zero hour for the bombers to take off was the early hours of the morning.
zero in on
- сосредоточиться
Example:
We decided to zero in on grammar first.
zero in on
- прицелиться, нацелить
Example:
Big guns were zeroed in on the enemy fort.
zero-sum game
- выигрышно-проигрышная ситуация при которой, если выигрывает один, то неизменно проигрывает другой
Example:
It was a zero-sum game between the salesperson and the customer, and we couldn’t tell who would win and who would lose.
zonk out
- быстро заснуть, “вырубиться”
Example:
I couldn’t get a coherent word out of Stan as he had zonked out.
zoom in on (someone or something)
- электронное увеличение изображения во время фотографирования
Example:
The photographer zoomed in on the butterfly which was sitting on a flower.
{/tabs}
