Advanced Idiomatic Expressions and Collocations
Unit 2 C1 Advanced Idiomatic Expressions and Collocations
Idiomatic expressions and collocations are essential for sounding more natural and fluent in English. Below are some advanced idioms and collocations, along with their meanings and example sentences to help you incorporate them into your language use.
Idiomatic Expressions
Bite the bullet
- Meaning: To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.
- Example Sentence: After months of uncertainty, the company had to bite the bullet and lay off several employees to stay afloat.
The ball is in your court
- Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
- Example Sentence: I’ve given you all the information you need; now the ball is in your court to decide how to proceed.
Burn the midnight oil
- Meaning: To work late into the night.
- Example Sentence: She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her research paper before the deadline.
Throw in the towel
- Meaning: To give up or admit defeat.
- Example Sentence: After several unsuccessful attempts to fix the problem, he finally threw in the towel and called a professional.
Hit the nail on the head
- Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
- Example Sentence: When she said that communication was the issue, she hit the nail on the head—everyone had been avoiding the real problem.
Break the ice
- Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting, making people feel more comfortable.
- Example Sentence: He told a joke to break the ice at the beginning of the meeting.
Under the weather
- Meaning: To feel slightly ill or unwell.
- Example Sentence: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m going to rest and take it easy.
Collocations
Make a difference
- Meaning: To have a significant effect on a situation or the outcome.
- Example Sentence: Volunteering at the shelter really made a difference in the lives of the animals.
Raise an issue
- Meaning: To bring up a topic or problem for discussion.
- Example Sentence: During the meeting, she raised the issue of staff shortages in the department.
Take into account
- Meaning: To consider or remember something when judging a situation.
- Example Sentence: When planning the project, you need to take into account the possible delays due to weather.
Set the record straight
- Meaning: To correct a false story; to provide accurate information.
- Example Sentence: I’d like to set the record straight about the rumors regarding the company’s financial situation.
Come to terms with
- Meaning: To accept something difficult or unpleasant.
- Example Sentence: It took her a long time to come to terms with the loss of her best friend.
Pay attention to
- Meaning: To focus on or take notice of something.
- Example Sentence: It’s important to pay attention to detail when reviewing financial documents.
Bear in mind
- Meaning: To remember or consider something.
- Example Sentence: Bear in mind that this is just a draft, and changes will be made before the final version.
How to Use These Expressions and Collocations Effectively
Practice in Context: Try to use these idiomatic expressions and collocations in your writing and speaking. The more you practice, the more naturally they will come to you.
Identify Situations: Think about situations where these expressions or collocations would be appropriate. For example, you might “bite the bullet” when facing a tough decision at work, or “break the ice” when meeting new colleagues.
Create Your Own Sentences: Write your own sentences using each idiom or collocation. This helps reinforce their meanings and how they can be applied in different contexts.
Discussion and Feedback: Pair up with a classmate and take turns using these expressions in conversation. Provide feedback to each other on the accuracy and naturalness of usage.