sock away = to save money
live from hand to mouth = to live with just enough money to survive
live off the fat of the land = to life from the products of nature
make hay while the sun is shining = earn money and save while you have the
opportunity
in the twinkling of an eye = instantly, immediately
as free as a bird = completely free and without responsibilities
get one's ducks in a row = to do all the necessary preparations in order to do
something
salt of the earth = simple, honest person without pretensions
on the spur of the moment = deciding something without thinking
about it
by the seat of one's pants = improvising and learning as you go
money to burn = money to waste
the powers that be = phrase used to speak about those in power
tag along = to follow or go with others
throw in the towel = to quit
jack-of-all-trades = person who does many different types of jobs
not able to see the forest for the trees = become so focused on
details that you lose knowledge of the more important things in life
tilt at windmills = to work on things or dedicate oneself to impossible
tasks
get a new lease on life = to develop a new attitude towards life
the prime of life = the best period of one's life
throw something down the drain = to waste something
lose one's marbles = to go crazy
Write the letter of the correct meaning
for each idiom (in bold phrase). Consider
the context clues. The first one has been
done for you.
• refusal to see or listen
______1. My parents will foot the bill for my • misbehaving, acting in a
birthday party.
______2. Tony and Luisa will finally tie the knot
wild way
in June. • made a thoughtless remark
______3. Sam was down in the dumps after • lost an opportunity
he wrecked his bicycle. • got angry
______4. Sarah put her foot in her mouth
when she was talking to our teacher.
• pay for
______5. I really missed the boat when I • Unknowing
turned down the chance to work after • feeling very sad
school.
• get married
______6. I got the brush-off from Susan when I
tried to ask her where she was last • excited and happy
night.
______7. Mickey is in the dark about our plans
to throw a surprise birthday party for
him.
______8. The children were bouncing of the
walls when the baby-sitter tried to put
them to bed.
______9. The students were flying high on the
last day of school.
______10. My sister lost her cool when she
discovered I had spilt chocolate milk
on her new sweater.
