all in good time

 all in good time

= something will happen when the appropriate moment arrives

I know you are eager to travel around the world, but you need to save your money first. All in good time.

I understand you want a promotion immediately, but you need to demonstrate your skills first. All in good time.

I know you want to have kids soon, but let’s enjoy our time together as a couple first. All in good time.

I know you're eager to lose weight quickly, but sustainable change takes time. All in good time.

I know you want to make new friends instantly, but building relationships takes effort. All in good time.

Some synonyms and alternative phrases for "all in good time":

 

At the right moment

When the time is right

Eventually

In time

At the appropriate time

When the opportunity arises

Gradually 

At the right hour

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

on the ball

on the ball

(idiom)

= to be alert, sharp, and efficient

Examples

Mark impressed everyone with how quickly he adapted to the job. He’s definitely on the ball.

My new secretary is really on the ball; he really knows what I need.

The customer service representative was definitely on the ball, resolving my problems immediately.

Reference

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/on-the-ball

Here are more examples of using "on the ball":

She’s always on the ball during meetings, providing insightful ideas and solutions.

The teacher is very on the ball, noticing when students need extra help.

If you want to succeed in this fast-paced environment, you need to be on the ball.

The project manager is on the ball, ensuring that deadlines are met without sacrificing quality.

Some synonyms for "on the ball":

Alert

Sharp

Aware

Attentive

Quick-witted

Efficient

Competent

Proactive

Diligent

Responsive

English Odyssey

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jeffrey.cytc.en_odyssey

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

 

make a clean sweep

 make a clean sweep

= to achieve a total or overwhelming victory, often by winning all available positions, awards, or matches 

My favorite football team made a clean sweep in the competitions, winning every match without conceding any goals to their opponents.

After a thorough review, the committee made a clean sweep of outdated policies, implementing new guidelines to improve efficiency.

In the election, the candidate made a clean sweep, winning all the districts and securing a landslide victory.

The detective made a clean sweep in the investigation, solving every case assigned to him within a month.

Some synonyms for "make a clean sweep":

Achieve a total victory 

Sweep the board 

Dominate 

Claim all prizes

Overwhelm the competition

Finish with a clean slate

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

kick the can down the road

kick the can down the road

= to postpone or defer a decision or action, especially when it involves dealing with a difficult problem

The government kept kicking the can down the road regarding the financial deficit, hoping it would improve in a few years.

She kept kicking the can down the road with her debt, thinking she could manage it later, but it only grew larger.

The management decided to kick the can down the road on the project deadline, believing that more time would lead to better results.

Many countries have been kicking the can down the road when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, failing to make significant commitments.

Some synonyms for "kick the can down the road":

Postpone

Defer

Delay

Shift responsibility

Avoid action

Sidestep

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

down to the wire

down to the wire

(idiom)

= until the very last moment

Examples

I think the 2024 United States presidential election will go right down to the wire.

The match will probably come down to the wire. I am not sure which team will win at this moment.

I was not sure which computer I wanted to buy, and when it came down to the wire, I chose the most expensive one.

Reference

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/down-to-the-wire

Here are more examples of using "down to the wire":

The project deadline is approaching, and it looks like we’ll finish it down to the wire.

The negotiations continued down to the wire before both sides finally reached an agreement.

The race was so close that it came down to the wire, with only seconds separating the first and second place.

She studied for her exams right down to the wire, cramming in the final hours before the test.

Some synonyms for the idiom "down to the wire":

To the last minute

Until the end

At the eleventh hour

Right up to the deadline

Until the final moment

Close to the finish

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

 

in broad daylight

 in broad daylight

=  something occurred during the daytime, emphasizing visibility and openness  

The thief broke into my house in broad daylight, showing a complete lack of fear or concern for being caught.

The robbery took place in broad daylight, shocking the neighborhood.

The car was stolen in broad daylight, highlighting the audacity of the thieves.

The protest was organized in broad daylight to ensure maximum visibility and support.

Some synonyms and similar phrases for "in broad daylight":

In plain sight  

During the day 

Clearly visible

In clear light

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

chasing rainbows

 chasing rainbows

= pursuing unrealistic goals 

Peter spent years chasing rainbows, trying to become a famous football player despite lacking talent.

Sarah has been chasing rainbows by attempting to become a pop star, even though she struggles to carry a tune.

Lisa dreams of traveling the world on a shoestring budget, chasing rainbows as she hopes to visit every country despite her financial constraints.

Synonyms for "chasing rainbows":

Pursuing pipe dreams

Following illusions

Seeking unattainable goals

Chasing fantasies 

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

You know the drill

 You know the drill

= You are familiar with a procedure or routine and understand what actions are expected of you.

Mark knows the drill because he has worked there as a software engineer for more than ten years.

After months of training, Sarah knows the drill and quickly moves through her workout routine.

The firefighters know the drill and respond swiftly to any alarm.

The players know the drill when it comes to their practice schedule and game strategies.

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

keep (something) under one's hat

 keep (something) under one's hat

= to keep something a secret 

Our company has decided to acquire this startup, so we need to keep it under our hats until the official announcement.

I have a surprise party planned for her birthday, so I need to keep it under my hat.

She got a promotion but decided to keep it under her hat until her colleagues were informed.

They’re working on a new project, but they’re keeping it under their hats to avoid any leaks.

Some synonyms for "keep (something) under one's hat":

Keep it a secret

Maintain confidentiality

Keep it to oneself

Hold back

Keep it quiet

Keep it under wraps 

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

get one’s hands dirty

 get one’s hands dirty

= to engage in manual and hard work. 

As a boss, he still gets his hands dirty and helps his team achieve their goals.

As a startup founder, she often gets her hands dirty, taking on various roles from marketing to product development to ensure the company's success.

The teacher believes in experiential learning, encouraging students to get their hands dirty in the science lab to better understand the concepts.

Even after years of running the family business, he still gets his hands dirty, helping out in the workshop whenever needed.

Some synonyms for "get one’s hands dirty":

Engage in hard work

Get involved 

Roll up one’s sleeves

Participate actively 

Dive in

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

be cooking with gas

 be cooking with gas

= to be making good progress.

After discussing it in the meeting, we came up with many good ideas, and our project was cooking with gas.

Once we settled on our strategy, the team was cooking with gas and completed the project ahead of schedule.

Once I got into my fitness routine, I was cooking with gas, seeing results faster than I expected.

Some synonyms for "cooking with gas" that convey the idea of making good progress:

 

In the zone

Making strides

Moving ahead

In full swing

On track

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

fish or cut bait

 fish or cut bait

= to make a decision or take action instead of hesitating or procrastinating

The fund manager needs to decide whether to subscribe to this IPO today. It’s time to fish or cut bait.

We have been talking about moving to Japan to live for a few months. I think it’s time to fish or cut bait.

The team has been brainstorming ideas for weeks. It’s time to fish or cut bait and choose a direction for the project.

We’ve been talking about planning a vacation for months, but nothing’s been booked yet. It’s time to fish or cut bait and make a decision.

The coach needs to decide whether to stick with the current strategy or try something new. It’s time to fish or cut bait before the playoffs start.

Some synonyms and similar phrases for "fish or cut bait":

Make a decision

Take action 

Decide or defer

Act or abandon

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

cut the mustard

 cut the mustard

= to meet expectations or perform well

I set a goal to run a marathon this year, and after months of training, I believe I can cut the mustard.

After several interviews, I'm confident that my skills and experience will help me cut the mustard for this position.

The band practiced tirelessly, and their performance last night showed they can definitely cut the mustard.

Everyone contributed their best ideas, and together we really cut the mustard on this project.

Some synonyms for "cut the mustard":

Meet expectations

Perform well

Succeed

Stand out 

Live up to the standard

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

in the hot seat

 in the hot seat

= being in a difficult or uncomfortable situation where one faces pressure, scrutiny, or criticism

The CEO was in the hot seat when all the reporters questioned him about his company's corruption scandals.

During the debate, the politician found himself in the hot seat as voters pressed him on his controversial policies.

The coach was in the hot seat after his team's disappointing performance in the championship game.

She felt in the hot seat when her colleagues confronted her about the project's delays.

Some synonyms for "in the hot seat":

Under scrutiny

In the spotlight

Facing pressure

In a tight spot

On the hot seat

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

by a nose

 

by a nose  

= to win by a very small amount

English Odyssey 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jeffrey.cytc.en_odyssey 

Examples

I just won the game by a nose. 

In the marathon, Mark won the race by a nose, narrowly beating his rivals.

The horse I bet on won by a nose.

Reference

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20a%20nose

Here are more examples of using "by a nose":

The team won the championship match by a nose, securing their title in the final seconds.

In the final lap, the cyclist pulled ahead and won the race by a nose.

The chef's dish won the competition by a nose, impressing the judges just a bit more than the others.

Some synonyms for "by a nose":

By a whisker

By a hair

Narrowly

By a slim margin

Just barely

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

a penny for your thoughts

 a penny for your thoughts

= to inquire about someone's thoughts or opinions

I can see you're worried. A penny for your thoughts—what's bothering you?

You’ve been quiet for a while. A penny for your thoughts on the new project?

You’ve been staring out the window for a while. A penny for your thoughts about our vacation plans

I noticed you're contemplating something serious. A penny for your thoughts on what to do next?

Some synonyms and alternative phrases for "a penny for your thoughts":

What’s on your mind?

I'd love to hear your opinion.

Care to share your thoughts?

What are you thinking?

Tell me what you're pondering.

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

first and foremost

 first and foremost

= the most important point

First and foremost, safety must be our top priority when undertaking the construction project.

First and foremost, customer satisfaction is our primary goal in this business.

First and foremost, education is essential for personal and professional growth.

First and foremost, time management is crucial for meeting project deadlines.

Some synonyms and alternative phrases for "first and foremost":

Primarily

Most importantly

In the first place

First of all

Chiefly

Above all

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

fall on my sword

 fall on my sword

=  to admit defeat and take responsibility for a mistake or failure

After missing the sales target, Mark decided to fall on his sword and take full responsibility for the team's shortcomings.

After their team lost the championship game, the coach fell on his sword, admitting that his strategies had not been effective.

Realizing she had been unfair to her friend, Lisa decided to fall on her sword and apologize for her behavior.

After receiving a poor grade on the exam, Tom fell on his sword and approached his professor to discuss what he could have done differently.

Some synonyms and similar phrases for "fall on my sword":

Take the blame

Own up

Accept responsibility

Face the music

Take the heat

Admit defeat 

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

in the pipeline

 in the pipeline

= something is in progress

The app is currently in the pipeline and will be released next week.

The new marketing strategy is in the pipeline and should be implemented by next month.

Several projects are currently in the pipeline, including updates to our website.

The film is in the pipeline and is expected to hit theaters by summer.

Some synonyms for "in the pipeline":

In development

Underway

In the works

In production

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

from pillar to post

 from pillar to post

= to be moved or sent around in a chaotic or confusing manner

During the earthquake, tourists were moved from pillar to post as flights were canceled and rerouted.

After the storm, the residents were sent from pillar to post as emergency services struggled to restore order.

During the renovation, we were shuffled from pillar to post as the construction schedule kept changing.

In the aftermath of the merger, employees felt like they were being sent from pillar to post without clear communication about their roles.

Some synonyms for "from pillar to post":

Back and forth

To and fro 

Here and there

Round and round

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS