Phrases & Expressions 16

idiom C1 | (at) full throttle

moving or progressing as fast as possible

(at) full throttle — idiom C1 | ↪ synonyms: go all in/all out, push hard, accelerate, commit fully | go full throttle on a project/campaign/launch • go full throttle with energy/passion/confidence/speed • decide to/suddenly/fearlessly go full throttle

↪ to proceed with maximum effort, speed, or intensity; to commit fully to an action, plan, or goal without holding back (⇒ it originates from mechanical language, e.g., engines, but is now widely used metaphorically)

idiom — B2 (spoken, informal, teasing, rhetorical) • synonyms: why so quiet?, tongue-tied?, speechless?, lost for words?, struck dumb?

a playful or sarcastic question asked when someone is unexpectedly silent or refuses to speak; used to prompt a response or highlight awkward silence

idiom C1 also hard/close on someone's heels (figurative, journalistic, competitive, narrative) • synonyms: be close behind, be right after, be in pursuit, be gaining on, be breathing down someone’s neck

to follow someone very closely, either physically or in terms of competition, progress, or pursuit; to be just behind someone in achievement, movement, or timing

idiom C2 (figurative, journalistic, competitive, sports-related) • synonyms: tied, evenly matched, in a dead heat, shoulder to shoulder, level • be / remain / run / stay neck and neck

so close in progress, performance, or score that it’s impossible to tell who is ahead; in a dead heat or tight race

idiom & phrasal verb with pull verb [T ] informal

to get control of your emotions or actions after being very upset

idiom C1 (emotional, narrative, conversational) • synonyms: speechless, stunned, overwhelmed, dumbstruck, at a loss for words • • be / feel / stand / remain lost for words

unable to speak or respond because of strong emotion, surprise, or confusion; temporarily speechless due to being overwhelmed

idiom C1 (social, strategic, journalistic, behavioral) • synonyms: stay under the radar, lie low, avoid attention, keep out of sight, remain discreet

to deliberately avoid attracting attention or publicity; to behave in a discreet, unobtrusive, or inconspicuous way, especially to avoid trouble or scrutiny

idiom US informal (also do someone a favor) • synonyms: do me a favor, help me out, lend me a hand, back me up, give me a break

to do someone a favor, especially as a gesture of goodwill or friendship; to help someone out, often informally and without expecting anything in return

idiom C2 (narrative, introspective, emotional, literary) • synonyms: deep in thought (⇒ to be deeply absorbed in thinking about a subject or problem, often involving careful or profound contemplation), absorbed, reflective

mentally absorbed in one’s own thoughts, often to the point of being unaware of surroundings; deeply reflective or contemplative

idiom C2 • synonyms: lost in thought (⇒ mentally absorbed in one’s own thoughts, often to the point of being unaware of surroundings; deeply reflective or contemplative)

giving all of your attention to what you are thinking or talking about, and not noticing anything else

idiom C2 informal • synonyms: stand up, make sense, be valid, be convincing • an argument that holds water; a theory/story that doesn’t hold water

to be logical, consistent, or reasonable; to be true or valid after being closely examined (⇒ it is often used in informal contexts to describe whether an argument, excuse, or theory is logical or convincing)

hold water idiom C2 informal | ↪ synonyms: doesn’t make sense, falls apart, is flawed, lacks credibility, doesn’t add up • argument / theory / excuse / explanation doesn’t hold water • say / point out / prove that something doesn’t hold water

↪ to be illogical, flawed, or unconvincing; used to describe an argument, explanation, or theory that fails under scrutiny or lacks credibility

idiom C1 • synonyms: only time will tell, we’ll have to wait and see, not yet clear, the jury is still out • it remains to be seen whether / if / how / what / when • it remains to be seen what will happen; it remains to be seen if the plan works

used to say that something is not yet known or certain and will be clear only in the future

idiom C1 • (be) on (the) air • opposite: (be) off (the) air

(BROADCAST) broadcasting on television or radio

idiom C1 • also: be taken off the air (⇒ more formal; suggests external action, e.g. censorship or network decision); be yanked off the air (⇒ emotionally charged, often seen in media headlines; implies abruptness, controversy, and sometimes scandal)

to not be broadcasting on television or radio (⇒ neutral and widely used in media contexts; can refer to scheduled breaks, technical issues, or the end of a show’s run; often contrasted with “on the air")

idiom C1 • also: be off the air (⇒ the most common and neutral; used in both technical contexts — “the program is not broadcasting”, and metaphorically — “absent from public discourse”); be yanked off the air (⇒ implies abruptness, controversy, or drama)

to be removed from broadcasting by decision of a network, authority, or regulatory body; often implies cancellation, censorship, or strategic withdrawal (⇒ this phrase is more formal than “be off the air”)

idiom C2 • also: be off the air (⇒ the most common and neutral; may be temporary, scheduled, or incidental); be taken off the air (⇒ more formal; suggests external action, e.g. censorship or network decision)

to be suddenly and forcefully removed from broadcasting, often due to controversy, scandal, or abrupt decision; implies drama, urgency, or backlash

idiom B2 US (informal, slang, offensive) • synonyms: no kidding!, obviously!, you don’t say!, really?, seriously?, no way! • No shit? Tell me more!

an expression of surprise, often used as a joke when someone has told you something that is very obvious

expression C1-C2 (slang, informal, emphatic) • synonyms: I’m not kidding!, This is for real!, No joke!, Dead serious!, I swear!

used to emphasize that something is absolutely true, serious, or impressive — often in response to disbelief or to underscore authenticity. It can also express surprise or admiration, depending on tone

idiom C2 (informal, sarcastic, humorous, confrontational) • synonyms: well, duh; no duh; thanks, Captain Obvious; you don’t say; really?

a sarcastic response used to mock someone for stating something blatantly obvious or self-evident, as if it were a clever insight

idiom C2 • synonyms: endure silently, tolerate, put up with, tough it out, suffer through • grin and bear it during pain / discomfort / criticism / boredom / injustice • grin and bear it despite frustration / fatigue / unfairness

to endure an unpleasant or difficult situation with patience and without complaining — often because it’s unavoidable or temporary

idiom C1 • synonyms: face the pain, tough it out, get it over with, take the hit, do the hard thing • bite the bullet and apologize/endure • bite the bullet and move on/confront • bite the bullet and take responsibility/accept reality

to force yourself to do something unpleasant, difficult, or painful because it is necessary or unavoidable — often requiring courage or mental strength

idiom C1 • synonyms: accept responsibility, take the consequences, bite the bullet • face the music after failure/mistake/scandal • finally/bravely/reluctantly face the music • face the music and apologize/endure • someone faces the music from critics

to accept and confront the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions — especially when those consequences are inevitable, deserved, or long avoided

idiom C1 (emotional, conversational, evaluative, disillusioning) • someone’s bubble is burst by reality/facts/criticism/rejection

to shatter someone’s illusions, hopes, or excitement by revealing an unpleasant truth or reality; to bring someone back to earth from a state of unrealistic optimism or fantasy

idiom C1 (also: come back to earth / bring someone back down to earth / come down to earth) • synonyms: return to reality, get real, be brought back to earth, face facts

to return to a realistic or practical mindset after a period of excitement, fantasy, or idealism; also, to make someone else regain perspective or awareness of real-life challenges

idiom C1 (also have both feet on the ground) • synonyms: remain realistic, stay grounded, keep perspective

to remain practical, humble, and emotionally grounded — especially when experiencing success, excitement, or change; it suggests resisting arrogance, fantasy, or impulsiveness

idiom C1 • synonyms: daydream, be lost in thought, be disconnected • someone has their head in the clouds and ignores / forgets / overlooks reality • head-in-the-clouds attitude / thinking / personality / behavior

to be dreamy, unrealistic, or unaware of practical matters — often because one is absorbed in personal thoughts, fantasies, or idealistic ideas

idiom C1 • synonyms: upstage, outshine, dominate, be the highlight, take center stage • steal the show at a concert/wedding/meeting • completely/unexpectedly steal the show • a show-stealer/scene-stealer/spotlight-grabber

to attract the most attention or praise in a performance, event, or situation — often unexpectedly or by outperforming others

idiom C2 • synonyms: a welcome change, a refreshing presence, a spark of life, a revitalizing force, a new perspective • be/feel/seem like a breath of fresh air • bring/offer/provide a breath of fresh air • a breath of fresh air in art/relationships

someone or something that is refreshingly new, different, or invigorating — especially in contrast to what is dull, oppressive, or repetitive

idiom C1 • synonyms: revitalize, rejuvenate, refresh, reinvigorate, renew • breathe (new) life into a project/idea • breathe new life into art/relationships • breathe life into an old tradition/custom • someone/something breathes life into something

to bring new energy, ideas, or enthusiasm to something that has become dull, stagnant, outdated, or ineffective — often resulting in renewal, improvement, or transformation

idiom C1 (also turn the spotlight on something) • synonyms: highlight, expose, draw attention to, bring into focus, shed light on • media/report/documentary puts the spotlight on something • put the spotlight on someone’s actions/past/role/impact

to direct public attention or scrutiny toward a particular issue, person, or situation; to highlight or expose something, often to provoke awareness, discussion, or accountability

idiom C1 (also tread a tightrope, live on a tightrope) • synonyms: walk a fine line, tread carefully, be on thin ice • walk a tightrope between two options (e.g. work and family) • constantly/carefully/dangerously walk a tightrope

to be in a situation that requires extreme care and precision, especially when balancing between conflicting demands, risks, or expectations; to navigate a precarious or delicate position

idiom C1 US (UK take something with a pinch of salt) • synonyms: be skeptical, question the validity, treat cautiously, reserve judgment • take (someone’s) claims/story/advice/promises with a grain of salt • take everything you hear with a grain of salt

to view a statement or piece of information with skepticism or caution, understanding that it may not be entirely true, accurate, or trustworthy

idiom C2 (also to the memory of someone) • synonyms: in tribute to, in honor of, to commemorate, as a memorial to, in remembrance of

used to honor or remember someone who has died, often through a symbolic act, dedication, or public gesture; it expresses reverence and the desire to preserve someone’s legacy or spirit

idiom B2 • synonyms: in tribute to, in memory of, to honor someone, in recognition of, as a dedication • hold a ceremony/event/dinner/concert in someone’s honor • name/dedicate/build/write something in someone’s honor

to do something as a tribute or gesture of respect, admiration, or remembrance for someone — often through events, dedications, or symbolic actions

idiom C2 • synonyms: honor, commemorate, salute, recognize, celebrate

to publicly express admiration, gratitude, or respect for someone’s achievements, character, or legacy — often through speech, writing, ceremony, or symbolic gesture

idiom C1 formal • synonyms: honor someone, offer condolences, pay tribute, show respect, commemorate • pay your respects at a funeral / memorial / grave / ceremony • pay your respects to the deceased / family / legacy / tradition

to show respect or honor to someone, especially by attending a funeral, visiting a grave, or offering condolences; also used more broadly to express admiration or tribute

idiom C1 • synonyms: may they rest, eternal rest, sleep peacefully, be at peace, farewell, lie in peace • rest in peace, dear friend / beloved father / brave soul • may you rest in peace; rest in peace in heaven; rest in peace forever

a respectful phrase used to express hope or blessing that someone who has died will find peace in the afterlife; often abbreviated as RIP and used in obituaries, gravestones, and condolences

idiom C1 formal (it is a passive form, and its basic form is “to lay someone to rest”) • synonyms: be buried, be interred, be mourned, be put to rest, be laid in the ground, be entombed • figurative synonyms: be resolved, be settled, be put behind

↪ to be buried after a funeral; to be finally put to rest, often used in the context of a person’s body after death or metaphorically for unresolved issues or conflicts

idiom C1 informal • synonyms: be suspicious, sense foul play • smell a rat when/about/in something; I/we smell a rat; begin to smell a rat; smell a rat and investigate

suspect that something is wrong or dishonest; feel that someone is hiding the truth or acting suspiciously

idiom [C1 ] • synonyms: be nothing like, differ greatly • be a far cry from reality/expectations/ideal; a far cry from what was promised/used to be; clearly/painfully a far cry from the truth

to be very different from something, especially in a way that is surprising, disappointing, or emphasizes contrast

idiom C1 (colloquial variant: something's gotta give) • synonyms: something must change, pressure point • something has to give soon/eventually; realize/admit something has to give; something has to give in this situation/system; before it breaks

used when a situation cannot continue as it is and some change or compromise is inevitable

idiom C1 colloquial (also something has to give) • synonyms: something's gotta change, can't go on like this • something's gotta give soon/before it breaks; feel/yell something's gotta give; in this mess/setup; or else; and fast

used informally to express that a situation is under too much pressure and some change is bound to happen

idiom C1 • think outside the box = think creatively, unconventionally • encourage/inspire/require thinking outside the box; ability to think outside the box to solve problems; praised for thinking outside the box

to think creatively and unconventionally; to approach problems or ideas in an original, non-traditional way

idiom C1 • push the envelope = go beyond limits, innovate boldly • push the envelope in design/tech/art; dare to push the envelope; praised for pushing the envelope of imagination/innovation

to go beyond accepted boundaries or limits; to innovate or experiment in a bold, unconventional, or risky way — especially in creative, technological, or performance contexts

idiom C2 • synonyms: win, prevail, triumph • come out on top in a race/debate/election; fight to come out on top; only one can come out on top; come out on top against all odds

to win or succeed in a competition, conflict, or challenging situation; to emerge as the best or victorious

idiom C2 • synonyms: lose control, unravel, break down • lose your grip on reality/sanity/power; start to lose your grip; feel like you're losing your grip; lose your grip emotionally/mentally

to lose control, understanding, or emotional stability regarding a situation, person, or reality

idiom C2 • synonyms: lose touch with reality, go mad, dissociate • lose your grip on reality after trauma/grief; feel like you're losing your grip on reality; completely lose your grip on reality

to become unable to distinguish what is real from what is imagined; to lose touch with facts, logic, or shared perception due to emotional, psychological, or cognitive disruption

idiom C1 • synonyms: release, move on, detach • let go of anger/past/control; let someone go from a job/relationship; learn to let go; let go and move on; let go gracefully

to release physical, emotional, or mental hold on something; to stop holding, controlling, or being attached to an idea, emotion, or situation

idiom C1 • synonyms: release, move on, detach • let go of anger/past/control; let someone go from a job/relationship; learn to let go; let go and move on; let go gracefully

to release physical, emotional, or mental hold on someone; to stop holding, controlling, or being attached to a person