Idioms

pay the piper: face the consequences for something you've done.

"I stayed up too late tonight. Tomorrow I'll have to pay the piper."

pooped: very tired; exhausted.

"I went to bed really early last night. I was pooped!"

pop quiz: unannounced short test.

"You shouldn't have missed class yesterday. We had a pop quiz."

pull an all-nighter: study or work all night without getting any sleep.

A: "You look really tired."
B: "I am. I pulled an all-nighter to get ready for the meeting this morning."

pull someone's leg: tease someone by trying to make her/him believe something
that's exaggerated or untrue.

A: "Wow! Carl has done some really amazing things!"
B: "Don't believe everything he tells you. He was probably pulling your leg."

Idioms

pay the piper: face the consequences for something you've done.

"I stayed up too late tonight. Tomorrow I'll have to pay the piper."

pooped: very tired; exhausted.

"I went to bed really early last night. I was pooped!"

pop quiz: unannounced short test.

"You shouldn't have missed class yesterday. We had a pop quiz."

pull an all-nighter: study or work all night without getting any sleep.

A: "You look really tired."
B: "I am. I pulled an all-nighter to get ready for the meeting this morning."

pull someone's leg: tease someone by trying to make her/him believe something
that's exaggerated or untrue.

A: "Wow! Carl has done some really amazing things!"
B: "Don't believe everything he tells you. He was probably pulling your leg."

25 Common English Idioms for Students of English

Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!

English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
English Expression 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.

English Expression 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
English Expression 5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
English Expression 7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!
English Expression 8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.
English Expression 9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
English Expression 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.
English Expression 11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
English Expression 12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
English Expression 13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.
English Expression 14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.
English Expression 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.
English Expression 16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!
English Expression 17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.
English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand
English Expression 19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.
English Expression 20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
English Expression 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.
English Expression 22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.
English Expression 24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.
English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!

25 Common English Idioms for Students of English

Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!

English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
English Expression 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.

English Expression 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
English Expression 5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
English Expression 7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!
English Expression 8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.
English Expression 9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
English Expression 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.
English Expression 11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
English Expression 12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
English Expression 13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.
English Expression 14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.
English Expression 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.
English Expression 16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!
English Expression 17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.
English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand
English Expression 19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.
English Expression 20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
English Expression 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.
English Expression 22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.
English Expression 24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.
English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!

Idioms

jump all over someone: severely criticize / find fault with someone.

A: "What's wrong with Joe?"
B: "He's feeling bad because his boss jumped all over him this morning."

jump the gun: do something before it's time to do it.

A: "How did Marsha know about the party? It was supposed to be a surprise."
B: "Chuck jumped the gun. Without thinking, he said, 'I'm bringing the cake at your party;
I hope you like it!"

jump to conclusions: decide something too quickly and without thinking about it or
considering all the facts.

A: "Angela just doesn't like me. She won't even say hello."
B: "You're jumping to conclusions. Actually, she's very shy."

junk mail: unsolicited mail (usually advertisements for something you're not interested in).

"I didn't have any letters today--only junk mail."

Idioms

jump all over someone: severely criticize / find fault with someone.

A: "What's wrong with Joe?"
B: "He's feeling bad because his boss jumped all over him this morning."

jump the gun: do something before it's time to do it.

A: "How did Marsha know about the party? It was supposed to be a surprise."
B: "Chuck jumped the gun. Without thinking, he said, 'I'm bringing the cake at your party;
I hope you like it!"

jump to conclusions: decide something too quickly and without thinking about it or
considering all the facts.

A: "Angela just doesn't like me. She won't even say hello."
B: "You're jumping to conclusions. Actually, she's very shy."

junk mail: unsolicited mail (usually advertisements for something you're not interested in).

"I didn't have any letters today--only junk mail."

Idiom of the week

When pigs fly: something that will never ever happen
ex. I will marry him when pigs fly.

Idiom of the week

When pigs fly: something that will never ever happen
ex. I will marry him when pigs fly.

Idioms

hassle (noun): a troublesome situation; something troublesome that interrupts one's normal routine.

"I know it's a hassle to complete this form now, but Mr. Rogers
needs it in his office by the end of the day."

 hassle (verb): annoy; bother; interrupt one's normal routine.

"If you'd stop hassling me, I might get this finished on time!

 hit the books: study.

"I wish I could go to the movies, but I've got to hit the books."

 hit the hay: go to bed; go to sleep.

"It's late, so I guess I'll hit the hay."

 hit the sack: go to bed.

"I'm really tired. I think I'll hit the sack."

How come?: Why? (statement word order).

"How come you weren't at the party?"

Idioms

hassle (noun): a troublesome situation; something troublesome that interrupts one's normal routine.

"I know it's a hassle to complete this form now, but Mr. Rogers
needs it in his office by the end of the day."

 hassle (verb): annoy; bother; interrupt one's normal routine.

"If you'd stop hassling me, I might get this finished on time!

 hit the books: study.

"I wish I could go to the movies, but I've got to hit the books."

 hit the hay: go to bed; go to sleep.

"It's late, so I guess I'll hit the hay."

 hit the sack: go to bed.

"I'm really tired. I think I'll hit the sack."

How come?: Why? (statement word order).

"How come you weren't at the party?"

Idioms: animals

Tim Bowen takes the bull by the horns as he explores the widespread use of animal idioms in society.

The important contribution that animals have always made to human society is reflected in the number of idiomatic expressions containing references to animals. Many of them have negative connotations: a dog’s life (a life full of misery and troubles), make a pig of yourself (=ponerse morado, eat far too much food at one time), the black sheep (the odd one out in a family or a group who is disapproved of by the others). Others have more positive associations: to keep the wolf from the door (=ir tirando, to earn enough money to buy food and other essentials), to take the bull by the horns (to deal with a problem in a direct and confident way, even though there is some risk in doing this), to break your duck (to be successful after a series of failures).

As the credit crunch(=escasez de crédito) dominates the headlines, animal idioms have been much in evidence in the press. Reckless bankers who have made huge personal fortunes out of activities that have hurt millions have been described as fat cats (=pez gordo), and the results of their activities as the chickens coming home to roost (=if you say that chickens are coming home to roost, you mean that bad or silly things done in the past are beginning to cause problems, you have to face the consequences of your mistakes or bad deeds, negative results of the actions becoming clear). Many people, however, seem to regard an economic slump as the elephant in the room (=el verdadero problema, something which is obvious but most people choose to ignore) and, indeed, some people don't give a monkey’s (=don’t care, I don´t give a shit)) about economics and high finance and say the whole thing is a clear case of the tail wagging the dog (=,a bad situation brought about when something important is controlled by someone or something less important).

Note

THE CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME TO ROOST -- Chickens scratch around in the barnyard, in the fields and woods during the day. But at night they come home to the hen-house to roost. This saying is comparing a person's evil or foolish deeds to chickens. If a person does wrong, the "payback" might not be immediate. But at some point, at the end of the day, those "chickens" will come home to roost. "One has to face the consequences of one's past actions. In English, the proverb goes back to Chaucer's 'Parson's Tale' (c 1390). It was also know to Terence (about 190-159 B.C.) First attested in the United States in the 'Life of Jefferson S. Batkins' (1871). The proverb is found in varying forms: Curses, like chickens, come home to roost; Sooner or later chickens, come home to roost..." From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).La idea es que una mala acción es devuelta a su creador, como un boomerang, que tarde o temprano recibirá su merecido, en forma inevitable, tal como las gallinas regresan al gallinero por la noche. Como "el que la hace la paga".Otra versión de "aquellos polvos trajeron estos lodos".quien siembra vientos recoge tempestades.

If criminals get more rights, the tail will be wagging the dog.(=minority will be controlling the majority)
It is like the tail wagging the dog when the receptionist is able to control everything in the office.(=a situation where a small part controls the whole thing

Idioms: animals

Tim Bowen takes the bull by the horns as he explores the widespread use of animal idioms in society.

The important contribution that animals have always made to human society is reflected in the number of idiomatic expressions containing references to animals. Many of them have negative connotations: a dog’s life (a life full of misery and troubles), make a pig of yourself (=ponerse morado, eat far too much food at one time), the black sheep (the odd one out in a family or a group who is disapproved of by the others). Others have more positive associations: to keep the wolf from the door (=ir tirando, to earn enough money to buy food and other essentials), to take the bull by the horns (to deal with a problem in a direct and confident way, even though there is some risk in doing this), to break your duck (to be successful after a series of failures).

As the credit crunch(=escasez de crédito) dominates the headlines, animal idioms have been much in evidence in the press. Reckless bankers who have made huge personal fortunes out of activities that have hurt millions have been described as fat cats (=pez gordo), and the results of their activities as the chickens coming home to roost (=if you say that chickens are coming home to roost, you mean that bad or silly things done in the past are beginning to cause problems, you have to face the consequences of your mistakes or bad deeds, negative results of the actions becoming clear). Many people, however, seem to regard an economic slump as the elephant in the room (=el verdadero problema, something which is obvious but most people choose to ignore) and, indeed, some people don't give a monkey’s (=don’t care, I don´t give a shit)) about economics and high finance and say the whole thing is a clear case of the tail wagging the dog (=,a bad situation brought about when something important is controlled by someone or something less important).

Note

THE CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME TO ROOST -- Chickens scratch around in the barnyard, in the fields and woods during the day. But at night they come home to the hen-house to roost. This saying is comparing a person's evil or foolish deeds to chickens. If a person does wrong, the "payback" might not be immediate. But at some point, at the end of the day, those "chickens" will come home to roost. "One has to face the consequences of one's past actions. In English, the proverb goes back to Chaucer's 'Parson's Tale' (c 1390). It was also know to Terence (about 190-159 B.C.) First attested in the United States in the 'Life of Jefferson S. Batkins' (1871). The proverb is found in varying forms: Curses, like chickens, come home to roost; Sooner or later chickens, come home to roost..." From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).La idea es que una mala acción es devuelta a su creador, como un boomerang, que tarde o temprano recibirá su merecido, en forma inevitable, tal como las gallinas regresan al gallinero por la noche. Como "el que la hace la paga".Otra versión de "aquellos polvos trajeron estos lodos".quien siembra vientos recoge tempestades.

If criminals get more rights, the tail will be wagging the dog.(=minority will be controlling the majority)
It is like the tail wagging the dog when the receptionist is able to control everything in the office.(=a situation where a small part controls the whole thing

Illness idioms

1. hoarse voice. When your ❛throat is sore and you cannot speak well due to illness❜, you have a hoarse voice. Hoarseness is a common symptom of a cold or flu, but can also be a warning sign for other conditions.
Example: I could hardly understand Luigi on the phone. He had a hoarse voice.

2. splitting headacheA splitting headache is ❛an extremely bad or severe headache❜.
Example: Could you please be quiet? I have a splitting headache.

3. Cold hands, warm heart.As someone who almost always has cold hands, I naturally thought that this English proverb was a nice one. It means that ❛people whose hands are usually cold have kind and loving personalities❜. Since people who are ill often have cold hands too, it makes a nice addition to this idiom list.Example: Oh, Louise, your hands are cold. You know what they say, don’t you? Cold hands, warm heart.

4. to be fit as a horse / to be fit as a fiddleThe English idioms to be as fit as a horse or to be as fit as a fiddle are expressions that you can use to say that someone is ❛very healthy❜.Example: I am not sick. In fact, I am as fit as a fiddle!

5. to be knocked outWhen you are ❛extremely tired and/or unable to do anything❜, you are knocked out.Example: I expected that I could return to work after a week, but this flu has really knocked me out. 

6. to be sick as a dogSomeone who is ❛extremely ill❜ is as sick as a dog.Example: When you called me last night, I could hardly get of out bed to answer the telephone. I was as sick as a dog!

7. to be on the road to recoverySomeone who is on the road to recovery is ❛recovering from an illness❜.Example: Good news! I am on the road to recovery and should be back at work by next Monday.

Illness idioms

1. hoarse voice. When your ❛throat is sore and you cannot speak well due to illness❜, you have a hoarse voice. Hoarseness is a common symptom of a cold or flu, but can also be a warning sign for other conditions.
Example: I could hardly understand Luigi on the phone. He had a hoarse voice.

2. splitting headacheA splitting headache is ❛an extremely bad or severe headache❜.
Example: Could you please be quiet? I have a splitting headache.

3. Cold hands, warm heart.As someone who almost always has cold hands, I naturally thought that this English proverb was a nice one. It means that ❛people whose hands are usually cold have kind and loving personalities❜. Since people who are ill often have cold hands too, it makes a nice addition to this idiom list.Example: Oh, Louise, your hands are cold. You know what they say, don’t you? Cold hands, warm heart.

4. to be fit as a horse / to be fit as a fiddleThe English idioms to be as fit as a horse or to be as fit as a fiddle are expressions that you can use to say that someone is ❛very healthy❜.Example: I am not sick. In fact, I am as fit as a fiddle!

5. to be knocked outWhen you are ❛extremely tired and/or unable to do anything❜, you are knocked out.Example: I expected that I could return to work after a week, but this flu has really knocked me out. 

6. to be sick as a dogSomeone who is ❛extremely ill❜ is as sick as a dog.Example: When you called me last night, I could hardly get of out bed to answer the telephone. I was as sick as a dog!

7. to be on the road to recoverySomeone who is on the road to recovery is ❛recovering from an illness❜.Example: Good news! I am on the road to recovery and should be back at work by next Monday.

Idioms

A CASH COW (= negocio de grandes ganancias)
Explanation of English Idiom #2
AN EASY WAY TO EARN MONEY REGULARLY.
Example of English Idiom #2
"INCOME TAX IS A REAL CASH COW FOR THE GOVERNMENT."

TURN YOUR BACK ON
Explanation of English Idiom #5
GIVE UP ON, OR ABANDON.
Example of English Idiom #5
"I NEED YOUR HELP BUT YOU JUST TURNED YOUR BACK ON ME."
(v.) = volver la espalda a, no hacer caso a, dar la espalda a.
Ex: We can choose to turn our backs on these principles with fatuous arguments which posit their anachronism and the nonexistent intelligence of computing machinery.

NOT CUT OUT FOR 
Explanation of English Idiom #6
NOT SUITABLE FOR SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #6
"HE TRIED MOUNTAIN CLIMBING BUT HE SIMPLY WAS NOT CUT OUT FOR IT."
(v.) = estar hecho para, ser lo de Uno, tener madera de.
Ex: If you consider eating out a couple times a week a necessity rather than a lark, you aren't cut out for living on a shoestring

SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
Explanation of English Idiom #7
THE VERY LAST, OR THE VERY WORST.
Example of English Idiom #7
"THESE ARE THE LAST VOLUNTEERS WE COULD FIND. WE REALLY HAD TO SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL TO FIND THEM."

scrape + the bottom of the barrel

(v.) = estar en las últimas, tocar fondo.

Ex: Well, friends, we were really scraping the bottom of the barrel, and there was no joy, no joy at all. 

IN THE AIR 
Explanation of English Idiom #13
BEING DISCUSSED. GENERALLY OBVIOUS.
Example of English Idiom #13
"THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING. SPRING IS IN THE AIR."

Idioms

A CASH COW (= negocio de grandes ganancias)
Explanation of English Idiom #2
AN EASY WAY TO EARN MONEY REGULARLY.
Example of English Idiom #2
"INCOME TAX IS A REAL CASH COW FOR THE GOVERNMENT."

TURN YOUR BACK ON
Explanation of English Idiom #5
GIVE UP ON, OR ABANDON.
Example of English Idiom #5
"I NEED YOUR HELP BUT YOU JUST TURNED YOUR BACK ON ME."
(v.) = volver la espalda a, no hacer caso a, dar la espalda a.
Ex: We can choose to turn our backs on these principles with fatuous arguments which posit their anachronism and the nonexistent intelligence of computing machinery.

NOT CUT OUT FOR 
Explanation of English Idiom #6
NOT SUITABLE FOR SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #6
"HE TRIED MOUNTAIN CLIMBING BUT HE SIMPLY WAS NOT CUT OUT FOR IT."
(v.) = estar hecho para, ser lo de Uno, tener madera de.
Ex: If you consider eating out a couple times a week a necessity rather than a lark, you aren't cut out for living on a shoestring

SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
Explanation of English Idiom #7
THE VERY LAST, OR THE VERY WORST.
Example of English Idiom #7
"THESE ARE THE LAST VOLUNTEERS WE COULD FIND. WE REALLY HAD TO SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL TO FIND THEM."

scrape + the bottom of the barrel

(v.) = estar en las últimas, tocar fondo.

Ex: Well, friends, we were really scraping the bottom of the barrel, and there was no joy, no joy at all. 

IN THE AIR 
Explanation of English Idiom #13
BEING DISCUSSED. GENERALLY OBVIOUS.
Example of English Idiom #13
"THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING. SPRING IS IN THE AIR."

Idioms

to give yourself airs/to put on airs  Darse aires
All in all En conjunto
To make allowances for sth/sb Tener algo en cuenta/ser indulgente con algn
Let alone Y (mucho) menos
I can't afford new clothes, let alone a holiday. No me puedo permitir ropa nueva, y mucho menos unas vacaciones.
to make amends (to sb) (for sth) Compensar (a algn) (por algo)
How can I ever make amends for it? ¿Cómo podré compensarte?
Not to go amissNo venir mal
A new pair of shoes wouldn't go amiss. No me vendria mal un par de zapatos nuevos.
to have ants in your pants (coloq) Ser un culo inquieto
Appearances can be deceptive Las apariencias engañan
To argue the toss Volver a discutir un asunto ya decidido
To be up in arms (about/over sth) Estar en pie de guerra (a causa de algo)
Absent without leave Ausente sin permiso
To get the axe (coloq) 
ser despedido
To give sb the axe (coloq) 
Despedir a algn

Idioms

to give yourself airs/to put on airs  Darse aires
All in all En conjunto
To make allowances for sth/sb Tener algo en cuenta/ser indulgente con algn
Let alone Y (mucho) menos
I can't afford new clothes, let alone a holiday. No me puedo permitir ropa nueva, y mucho menos unas vacaciones.
to make amends (to sb) (for sth) Compensar (a algn) (por algo)
How can I ever make amends for it? ¿Cómo podré compensarte?
Not to go amissNo venir mal
A new pair of shoes wouldn't go amiss. No me vendria mal un par de zapatos nuevos.
to have ants in your pants (coloq) Ser un culo inquieto
Appearances can be deceptive Las apariencias engañan
To argue the toss Volver a discutir un asunto ya decidido
To be up in arms (about/over sth) Estar en pie de guerra (a causa de algo)
Absent without leave Ausente sin permiso
To get the axe (coloq) 
ser despedido
To give sb the axe (coloq) 
Despedir a algn

Idioms. Click the highlighted words to hear the pronunciation.

Goose bumps (poner la piel de gallina)caused by a physical or emotional sensation 

"I was so touched by the movie that I started getting goose bumps all over my arms."
"When she told me that she loved me, I got goose bumps."
"I get goose bumps anytime I'm scared."
"John told us a story and everyone got goose bumps."

A: "Did you watch the speech?"
B: "No, I missed it. Was it good?"
A: "It was so touching that I got goose bumps everywhere."

It Serves You Right: If you say "it serves you right", you're telling someone that their problem is the result of their own bad behaviour.You got what you deserve." (=Te lo mereces)

"It serves you right. You were not nice to him."

"It serves him right. He can't expect to win when he cheats during the game."

"It serves you right. You got what you deserved."

A. "Can you believe Kim got fired from work?"
B. "Serves her right. She was always late or calling in sick."
A. "I guess you're right, but I hope she finds a new joB."
B. "Me too."

Idioms. Click the highlighted words to hear the pronunciation.

Goose bumps (poner la piel de gallina)caused by a physical or emotional sensation 

"I was so touched by the movie that I started getting goose bumps all over my arms."
"When she told me that she loved me, I got goose bumps."
"I get goose bumps anytime I'm scared."
"John told us a story and everyone got goose bumps."

A: "Did you watch the speech?"
B: "No, I missed it. Was it good?"
A: "It was so touching that I got goose bumps everywhere."

It Serves You Right: If you say "it serves you right", you're telling someone that their problem is the result of their own bad behaviour.You got what you deserve." (=Te lo mereces)

"It serves you right. You were not nice to him."

"It serves him right. He can't expect to win when he cheats during the game."

"It serves you right. You got what you deserved."

A. "Can you believe Kim got fired from work?"
B. "Serves her right. She was always late or calling in sick."
A. "I guess you're right, but I hope she finds a new joB."
B. "Me too."