IDIOMS AND PHRASES

What does “be privy to” mean? Learn with movie clips.

Definition English idiom – “the ins and outs” This idiomatic expression functions as a plural noun and refers to all the details or something or all the details of how something works. For example – After a few months in the job, I now know all the ins and outs. Clip 1 Merry Switchmas

Definition English idiom – “take a shine to (someone)” This idiom means to like someone a lot immediately. It can mean to like someone in a friendly way or in a romantic way. For example – “My new boss has really taken a shine to me and I think I might get a promotion

Definition English idiom – “up to speed” This idiom means to have the latest knowledge or information about something. How to use it Use get to mean becoming informed: “I need to get up to speed on this project.” Use bring or get to mean informing someone: “Can you bring me up to speed

Definition English idiom – “catch a break” This idiom is mainly used in the USA and means to have some good luck. It is quite common to use this idiom in the negative form to complain about having bad luck. For example – “First my car broke down, and now my phone isn’t working.

Definition English idiom – “can’t win with (someone)” This idiom is used to express frustration at being unable to please someone no matter what effort is made. “When I offer to help, he gets annoyed. When I don’t, he complains. I really can’t win with him.” Clip 1 Friends  – Season 2 Episode 5 (1995)

Definition English idiom – “take it all in” This idiom means to fully focus on and appreciate a moment or situation without thinking about anything else. For example – “The views at the top of the mountain were so incredible that I had to stop for a moment to take it all in.” Clip

Definition English idiom – “all hell breaks loose” If all hell breaks loose, then a situation becomes chaotic, violent or out of control. For example – When the fire alarm went off, all hell broke loose in the building. Clip 1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 -(2011)   Harry, Ron, and

Definition English idiom – “(if/when) push comes to shove” This idiom is used when a situation becomes very serious or bad, and you have to take action or make a decision. For example – “If push comes to shove, we can use our savings to pay for the rent.” Clip 1 Scandal – Season

Definition Also – “have ice water in (one’s) veins” If someone is described as having ice in their veins, then they are a person who is able to stay very calm and not get nervous even in stressful situations. It is commonly used in sporting contexts. For example – “The 18 year old tennis player