Resources > Orientation

Interning in the US

Introduction
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Part 1 Idioms A to D
Part 2 Idioms E to H
Part 3 Idioms I to L
Part 4 Idioms M to Q
Part 5 Idioms R to V
Part 6 Idioms W to Z

www.fusia.net/idiom

Part 1 Idioms A to D

Across the board
Meaning: Applying to all.
Example: “Profits are down across the board.”

Ahead of the curve
Meaning: Being willing to take on new ideas and remaining better than others
Example: “I’m always ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion.”

Against all odds
Meaning: Despite difficult circumstances.
Example: “Against all odds, he succeeded.”

Ballpark figure
Meaning: An estimated number or value.
Example: “Can you give me a ballpark figure.”

Bells and whistles
Meaning: Additional features that are attractive but not essential.
Example: “My new car has all the bells and whistles.”

Bottom line
Meaning: The essential point or crucial factor of consideration.
Example: “The bottom line is that we need to fix systemic issues before we can see real change.”

Break even
Meaning: Completing tasks/obligations, typically in a very short timeframe.
Example: “Everything is due next week. It’s crunch time!”

Breakthrough
Meaning: A way to describe a major discovery or innovation.
Example: I’ve just had a breakthrough in my research.

Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: Doing something that is more than what you can handle
Example: “I bit off more than I could chew when I accepted this assignment.”

Burst your bubble
Meaning: To tell someone disappointing news
Example: “Sorry to burst your bubble, but your engine died.”

Cat got your tongue
Meaning: A question phrase used towards someone who is not speaking.
Example: “What, cat got your tongue?”

Can I borrow you for a minute?
Meaning: It means to ask for someone’s help
Example: “Can I borrow you for a minute?”(usually said in a standalone sentence).

Carry over
Meaning: Retain something when moving to a new environment/context.
Example: My coding ability carried over to my new job.

Carry on
Meaning: Continue
Example: Carry on with your singing, don’t mind me.

Call off
Meaning: To cancel or stop.
Example: “Let’s call off the plans for today, it’s going to rain.”

Comparing apples to oranges
Meaning: Making a comparison when it does not make sense to do so.
Example: Comparing Chinese food to Mexican food is like comparing apples to oranges.

Common ground
Meaning: Qualities/views that are held and shared by multiple parties, especially if they are opposing.
Example: Let’s stop arguing and try to find some common ground.

Cool your jets
Meaning: To not get too excited.
Example: “Don’t be so excited, cool your jets!”

Crunch time
Meaning: Final product/presentation.
Example: “What are the deliverables?”

Cut to the chase
Meaning: Asking someone to be direct.
Example: “Just cut to the chase!”

Dead serious
Meaning: You are not joking.
Example: “I’m dead serious about being a doctor.”

Deliverables
Meaning: Goods or services to be provided upon completion of a task or project.
Example: “John handed in all his deliverables for the week.”

Dead last
Meaning: Finishing in last place.
Example: “We came in dead last.”

Downtime
Meaning: A period when people are relaxing and not working.
Example: I like to play guitar in my downtime.

Draw the line
Meaning: Setting a boundary or limit
Example: I’m drawing the line here.