Essential English Idioms and Phrases for Daily Communication

Essential English Idioms and Phrases

• A tiempo: If you are on time, you are not late.
• Al instante: I completed the project in no time at all.
• Hacer pasar mal a alguien: She left the company because her boss was giving her a really hard time.
• No hay tiempo que perder: He could be here any second, so there is no time to lose.
• Cuestión de tiempo: Your paintings are incredible. It is only a matter of time before you become famous.
• No tiene límites: He is already a special talent. If he continues, then the sky is the limit now.
• Raramente: My dad is working in Scotland and he visits home once in a blue moon, every couple of years.
• Dejar de soñar: I know you want to become a famous footballer, but don't chase rainbows; you are not good enough.
• Salario bajo: My job is not bad, but the problem is that I get paid peanuts and I cannot pay for everything.
• Despedir: She got the sack for always being late.
• Enseñar a alguien a hacer algo: Jack has been here doing the same work for years, so he will show you the ropes.
• Trabajar tan duro como otros: Your team members feel you have not been pulling your weight.

Professional and Situational Expressions

• Estar pendiente de todo: We need someone who is really on the ball to answer questions from the press.
• Te apoyo: Don't worry if some people disagree with you. I am in your corner.
• Descalificado: Wait until you have heard the instructions. Don't jump the gun.
• Ventaja: I think I will begin working early in order to get a head start.
• Dar golpes bajos: It wasn't fair of you to say that. That is hitting below the belt.
• Tirar la toalla: My brother was so fed up with his manager that he threw in the towel and quit his job.
• Salvados por la campana: I was asked a difficult question by my teacher and I was saved by the bell.
• No saber nada sobre algo: My best friend kept me in the dark about his plan of starting a new business.
• A voleo: He took a shot in the dark and guessed the correct answer on the test.
• Ser una caja de sorpresas: Having never won a race, she was a dark horse to win the gold medal in the 100 meters.
• Muy oscuro: There wasn't any light, so it was pitch dark and I couldn't see anything.
• Lado oscuro: These issues represent the dark side of globalization.