Common English Idioms and Phrases

Idioms with "Come"

Comes easily – not be difficult

Comes across – seems

Came off – happen successfully

Came across – find by chance

Coming down with – start feeling ill

Come along – arrive

Come under – experiencing something bad

Come up – a problem arises

Came up – an opportunity becomes available

Come to mind - occurred to me

Came first – win/be the most important

Comes across – seems

When it comes – on the subject of

How come? - why?

Idioms with "Take"

Take care of – look after

Taken to – started to like

Take them on board – accept them

Take time out – stop and rest

Taken on – agreed to

Take it from me – believe me

Take your time - don’t rush

Take note of – pay attention

Take things personally – be offended

Take your mind off – stop you thinking about

Take the initiative

Takes the easy way out – takes shortcuts

Take effect – have an impact

Take a risk

Idioms with "Set"

Set of guidelines

Set the record straight – tell the truth after a lie

Set in her ways – unwilling to change

Set fire to – start burning

Tv sets – televisions

Set about – started

Set foot in – started doing something

Set back – delay

Setting up – starting (a business)

Set my mind at rest – stopped worrying

Be all set – be ready

Set off – begin (a journey)

Set-to – an argument

Idioms with "Keep"

Keep off – not go into an area

Keep up – move at the same speed as

Keep up – continue doing

Keep going - don’t stop

Keep me posted

Keeps track of – monitor

Keep something down – stop the size of something from increasing

Keeps to – stays with

Keep his word

Keep away

Keeps a low profile – not get noticed

Keep an eye on – watch something

Keep your opinion to yourself

Keep their cool – not get angry

Other Idioms and Phrases

People and Relationships

Although he won't know the answer, there is no harm in asking.

Harold and his wife appear to have nothing in common with each other.

John imposed on us by coming to the party uninvited.

Jane complimented me on my new hairstyle.

She took offence when you said she was fat.

Your brother bears a resemblance to Elvis Presley.

Abilities and Skills

He isn't competent to do the job.

I am not cut out for the outdoor life.

I can't make sense of his handwriting at all.

Opinions and Beliefs

I can't be alone in believing that there is life on other planets.

Health and Lifestyle

His doctor told him to cut down on smoking cigarettes.

Time and Events

Jack didn't give any explanation for his absence the previous day.

It came as no surprise to her that she had been fired.

Money and Possessions

I was always short of money as a student.

It would be a waste of money to buy him an expensive toy.

Many people will go to great lengths to get rich.

Places and Travel

Some new flats are under construction in the town centre.

Rules and Regulations

There is a total ban on alcoholic drinks in the stadium.

Nature and the Environment

Many ecologists have expressed their concern about the new problem.

The river burst its bank during the storm.

Technology and Equipment

It would be in the interests of the company to upgrade its computers.

The computer room is at the disposal of postgraduate students.

Miscellaneous

Ballroom dancing is not popular with young people nowadays.

Board games are not very popular today.

Everyone who is in favour of the excursion should say no.

Everyone came to the party, with the exception of Karen.

Everyone failed the exam, with the exception of Sally.

It didn't occur to me that he was lying.

I was rather taken aback by the exam.

I have no objection to your going out.

I am not to blame for the bus's late arrival.

I was at a loss for words when I saw the damage to my cars.

I was surprised at the sight of Gill covered in mud.

I have no objection to your bringing Julie to the party.

Mr Green prides himself on his beautiful garden.

Mozart has been credited with writing this symphony.

Roy wore a hat in the vain hope that no one would notice his new haircut.

The play fell short of my expectations.

There's no point in trying to open it with that key.

The van was being driven by Bill, not Jim, when it crashed.

The letter was not of your concern.

The defendant insisted on his lawyer's being present before answering any questions.

There is a demand for mathematics teachers in schools.

The bad weather put paid to their holiday plans.

There was little response to the police appeal for information.

The book doesn't come across to me as being very optimistic.

The new teacher met with the students' approval.

They will not take into consideration any late applications for the post.

The heavy rain resulted in flooding in many areas.

There was hardly anyone at my party.

We have to come to terms with our limitations.

Without a timetable, I have no way of knowing what time the bus will come.

Young people take everything for granted these days.