A - idioms

I was reluctant at first, but I finally decided to accept the offer.

I don’t like learning languages. I really want to learn English fast, but I have to accept the fact that it takes time.

No matter how careful you are, accidents will happen.

According to custom, it’s the groom that has to pay for the wedding reception.

The project is not perfect, yet. I am sure that if we put our heads together we will manage to achieve a desired effect.

Peter is a really hard worker and always manages to achieve the goals he sets for himself.

Laura is 40 and incredibly irresponsible. It’s high time she started acting her age.

Our managers had a really heated discussion during our last weekly meeting. Peter’s interference only added fuel to the flames.

To make things worse, he added insult to injury.

My flat is all white. I am considering redecorating. Some colour would definitely add variety to the interior.

Kate had put a lot of work into the project, but unfortunately it fell through and she had to admit defeat in the end.

I agree with you after a fashion. He shouldn’t have done that but it seems he had no choice.

I called him again and again and no one answered.

I told my sister that I absolutely hated blue, but she decided to paint our sitting room blue against my will.

It is against the law to buy alcohol if you are under 18.

He was really ahead of his time in terms of employing women, quite unusual at the turn of the last century.

Samantha is only six but she still makes her way back home from school all alone.

All in all, we are happy with how it worked out. It could have been much worse.

I was writing my essay last night but my computer crashed. I lost all my work and had to start all over again.

Italy is known all over the world for its pastas and pizzas.

All rights for the book are reserved. Copying is not allowed.

I do all sorts of things at work, run errands, assist managers, and organise meetings.

We had many problems while preparing the wedding, but in the end, it all worked out fine! All’s well that ends well!

As a secretary, she has to run errands, prepare tea and coffee, organise meetings and so on.

I would like to manage projects, organise conferences, and those kinds of things.

I will not let you go on holiday on your own and that’s the end of the matter.

"Kate: Do you fancy a drink tonight?
Sam: I’d love to but I can’t. I’ve already made some other plans.
Kate: No problem, another time."

"Kate: I’m looking for the new book by Mac Ewan, have you got it?
Peter: Yes, it’s on the shelf over there, help yourself.
Kate: Thanks.
Peter: Any luck?
Kate: Yes, I’ve found it already. Many thanks."

There’s nothing interesting on TV today, but I’m so bored that I can see any old thing.

We are going away for a year, on a round the world trip. We are very well prepared, but anything can happen when you travel for such a long time.

Anything is possible, when you really want it.

I always wanted to work in this company so I decided to apply for the job they advertised yesterday.

Are you all right? You look rather pale today! Are you sure you don’t want the afternoon off?

We are currently experiencing a developing arms race between the main political powers in the world.

I read the book twice and finally arrived at the conclusion that the ending is rather disappointing.

I really don’t understand the purpose of studying dance at university level. What kind of career can you get out of that? It really is art for art’s sake.

As a general rule, we do not employ students, but as you seem to have all the relevant experience we are happy to make an exception for you.

I really don’t want to ask John for help. I’d rather try to solve the problem myself. I’ll wait until tomorrow and if nothing happens I will ask him, as my last resort.

As a matter of fact, I didn’t know that they were together.

Kasia grew up in the USA. As a result, she speaks English fluently.

As a rule of a thumb, we don’t work with students. You could try and apply when you graduate.

Kate, so good to see you! And of course you are as beautiful as ever.

As far as I know this book is out of print but you could always try to find it in some second hand bookstores.

As far as possible I will try to help you out, but I can’t promise anything.

It really is as likely as not that you will not pass your driving licence test the first time you take it.

As long as I live, I haven’t seen anything like that!

As luck would have it, the weather was good.

I’ve already done 25 exercises and have to do as many again to go to finish my home work.

We are really pleased with your progress and involvement in the role. As regards to your holidays, I regret to inform you that we can’t spare you at the moment. It will have to wait until later.

I am as right as rain.

Please send me the form as soon as possible. Without it we are unable to process you payment.

As the case may be, we might arrive a bit later.

As things stand, it might be difficult to manage on time.

She’s late as usual.

I have twice as much cooking to do now because Peter invited the Browns over for dinner.

I thought it was Kate, but it turned out to be someone else. The girl looked just like her at a distance.

There were 25 people at the last lecture, at a guess.

At a later stage, we will all be taking part in the project.

We can only do it at a profit. We are not a charity.

He went off at a run.

We are progressing at a steady pace and will manage on time.

I absolutely love Coldplay. I just have to get tickets for their next concert, at absolutely all costs.

At all events, we will finish the project on time, no worries.

She is a perfectionist at all points.

The plane landed about 30 minutes ago so they will be coming out at any moment now.

At any rate, we can’t afford any mistakes, you will have to do it again.

I can meet you at any time. I am free all day on Friday.

At 98, she is at death’s door.

I felt the pain at every step.

I went to look at a flat that I wanted to buy. At first glance, it seemed quite nice, but it turned out to be in a very bad condition.

I have a deadline tomorrow and still so much to do! If I work at full speed, chances are I’ll manage on time, though.

At least I have finished the first half, just 50 more pages to go.

I can’t sleep at night so I read books or watch movies.

Kate! Come here at once! Why are you making me wait so long? I really don’t have time!

I chose the book totally at random and it turned out to be absolutely fantastic.

I do appreciate it is very important but you have to realise that I am unable accept the task at such a short notice. There is simply not enough time to cover everything.

I am at your command. Just tell me what needs doing.

I am doing it at Kate’s request. I owe her a favour.

Alison works as a marketing manager but she studied performing arts. At the bottom of her heart, she really is an artist.

I got promoted, but at the cost of my personal life.

We had to get up at the crack of dawn to be able to catch the plane.

I am really sorry but I didn’t have time to look at your essay yet. I will do at the earliest opportunity though, I promise!

At the end of the year we always have much more work to do.

We are going away for a short break this weekend. It’s supposed to be a real outdoor trip and we are staying in a tent. So we are fully at the mercy of the weather! Let’s hope it doesn’t rain.

We are very sorry, but the book is not available at the moment. You could come back next week. Chances are we will have it.

I am currently at the point of nervous breakdown. I really can’t take it any more.

I decided to say what I thought at the risk of losing my job.

They did it at the same time.

I was absolutely speechless at the sight of the painting.

I didn’t like him at all at the start of the play, but my approach changed later on.

We are at the very top of the building. You need to take a lift.

I couldn’t stand her speaking at the top of her voice all the time. She was extremely loud and it really didn’t help my awful headache.

My granddad was born at the turn of the century.

We will never manage to finish it at this rate.