Exam core B1–B2

spill the beans To reveal a secret or disclose private information, usually accidentally or before the right moment. bite the bullet To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been putting off. break the ice To do or say something that relieves initial awkwardness and gets a conversation or event started. under the weather Slightly ill or not feeling well. a piece of cake Something very easy to do. cost an arm and a leg To be extremely expensive. let the cat out of the bag To reveal a secret, usually carelessly or by mistake. once in a blue moon Very rarely; almost never. the ball is in your court It is now your turn to act or make the next decision. burn the midnight oil To work or study late into the night. barking up the wrong tree Pursuing a mistaken idea or blaming the wrong person or cause. beat around the bush To avoid saying something directly; to approach a topic indirectly. kill two birds with one stone To achieve two goals with a single action. a blessing in disguise Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be beneficial. cut corners To do something in the cheapest or easiest way, sacrificing quality or safety. hit the nail on the head To describe a situation or problem exactly right. miss the boat To lose an opportunity by being too slow to act. pull someone's leg To tease someone playfully by making them believe something untrue. speak of the devil Said when a person appears just as they are being talked about. the last straw The final small problem that makes a situation unbearable. throw in the towel To give up; to admit defeat. in hot water In trouble; facing punishment or serious criticism. practice makes perfect Repeated practice is the way to master a skill. don't judge a book by its cover Do not judge the worth of something or someone by appearance alone. get out of hand To become uncontrollable; to escalate beyond what was intended. a dime a dozen (US) Anything that is common, inexpensive, and easy to get or available anywhere. back to the drawing board Revising something (such as a plan) from the beginning, typically after it has failed. best of both worlds A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits. break a leg A wish of good luck to theatre performers before going on stage, due to the belief amongst those in theatre that being wished "good luck" is call it a day To declare the end of a task. cold feet Not going through with an action, particularly one which requires long term commitment, due to fear, uncertainty and doubt. couch potato A lazy person. elephant in the room An obvious, pressing issue left unaddressed due to its sensitive nature. fish out of water Refers to a person who is in unfamiliar, and often uncomfortable surroundings. head over heels Be smitten, infatuated. off the hook To escape a situation of responsibility or obligation, or, less frequently, danger. through thick and thin Through all obstacles in a path; in good times and bad times. to steal someone's thunder To preempt someone and rob them of gravitas or attention. To take credit for something someone else did. the whole nine yards Everything; all the way. actions speak louder than words Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review. barking dogs seldom bite People who threaten or complain loudly often don't take action. better late than never Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review. blood is thicker than water Family ties are stronger than any other relationship curiosity killed the cat Excessive curiosity can lead to trouble or danger easier said than done Plans are simpler to propose than to execute every cloud has a silver lining Bad situations have some good aspects haste makes waste Rushing leads to mistakes and loss it takes two to tango Both share responsibility. let sleeping dogs lie Avoid reviving a past conflict or issue no pain, no gain Effort and struggle are necessary for success once bitten, twice shy Having been hurt once, someone is more cautious next time. out of the frying pan and into the fire To move from a bad situation to a worse one the early bird catches the worm Those who act early have an advantage over others. time flies Time passes quickly. more or less Approximately or almost a great deal A large amount or extent of something add insult to injury Make a bad situation worse. after all used to indicate a final decision or conclusion and so on Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. as a whole Considering all parts together at last finally, after a long time at the end of the day When everything is taken into consideration. at times Occasionally or on some occasions birds of a feather People with similar interests. break up Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. clean up to make something clean and tidy come true Happen or become real as expected or desired devil's advocate Someone who argues against an idea to test its validity face the music Deal with the negative consequences of something. fall asleep to lose consciousness and enter a state of sleep fed up Extremely annoyed or frustrated for life Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. get in to become involved or included in something go down in flames Fail completely and dramatically go off to happen or become successful go the extra mile Do more than what is required or expected go wrong to fail or have an unfavorable outcome had better should do something to avoid trouble or problems hang on to wait or be patient for a short time in addition Also, besides what has been mentioned in other words Meaning the same thing, but expressed differently in the first place Initially or from the beginning in touch having regular contact or communication jump on the bandwagon Follow popular trend. keep an eye on Watch or monitor someone or something closely leave no stone unturned To thoroughly investigate or search every possible option look out be careful or beware make a difference Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. move on to stop focusing on something and continue with life on a regular basis Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. on board supporting or participating in a project on cloud nine Very happy. on the ball Performing well and being in control of a situation on the one hand Introducing a point in contrast to another on the other hand Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. on the street available or known to the public on the way happening or done during a journey or process on thin ice In a precarious or risky situation once again Happening or done another time or something used to indicate a vague or uncertain alternative other than Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. out of the blue By surprise. point out To indicate or bring attention to something rain cats and dogs Rain heavily. run out to use or finish something completely see eye to eye Have similar views. sit on the fence Avoid making a decision. smell a rat Suspect that something is wrong or deceitful so far until now or a specified point so far so good Everything is going well up to this point tell the truth Say something honest and factual third wheel An unwanted or awkward person in a group of two throw caution to the wind Be reckless. tip of the iceberg A small part of a larger, often hidden problem too bad expressing regret or disappointment turn out happen or end in a certain way up in the air Unresolved. up to something involved in a secret or possibly dishonest activity wear one's heart on one's sleeve Openly show one's feelings or emotions when in Rome, do as the Romans do Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. when pigs fly something is extremely unlikely to happen wolf in sheep's clothing Someone who appears harmless but has evil intentions word of mouth Information or recommendation spread by people talking to each other hit the sack To go to bed. end up To bring to a conclusion. take over To assume control of something, such as a business or enterprise, and sometimes by force. sum up To produce a total by adding. go ahead To proceed with; to begin. slow down To decelerate. set out To explain something, or give exact details, usually in writing. you can't have your cake and eat it too You cannot enjoy two things that are mutually exclusive a bit more a small amount additional a bit of something a small amount or part of something access to something ability to use or get something a great deal better much improved or more satisfactory a great deal of something A large amount or quantity of something aim to do something Intend or plan to accomplish something a little bit Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. a little more a small additional amount along with somebody Accompanying someone a lot more a significantly greater amount or degree alternative to something An option in place of another apart from excluding or in addition to something a range of something A variety or selection of things a wide range of something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. as if nothing had happened Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. as much as to the same extent or degree as soon as possible at the earliest opportunity at risk Vulnerable to harm or danger attached to somebody closely accompanying or following someone a variety of something Many different types of something be about to do something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. be going on Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. be known as somebody Have a particular reputation or name benefit from something To gain an advantage or profit from a situation be supposed to do something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. be supposed to be something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. break up with somebody End a romantic relationship with someone can't afford something lacks the financial resources to buy or do something can't afford to do something lack the financial means to do something care for somebody To look after and provide for someone's needs caused by something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. check somebody out Investigate or observe someone to learn more about them choose to do something Decide to perform an action clean something up make something tidy or organized click on something to select or activate something on a computer screen come up with something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. compared with something Considered in relation to something else concentrate on something Focus one's attention or effort on something consist of somebody to be made up of someone decide on something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. depending on contingent on something developing countries nations with lower economic output and standards of living due to somebody caused by someone's action or decision economic growth An increase in a country's production of goods and services even if despite a possibility that even though Despite something being true exactly the same Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. experience in something Skill or knowledge gained from doing something fail to do something be unable to accomplish something far more much greater in amount or degree far more important Significantly more important or significant far more opportunities A significantly greater number of chances or possibilities far too exceedingly or unacceptably far too much homework An excessive amount of homework for a while Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. for free without paying any money for instance used to give an example a job for life A permanent position with long-term security for long for a prolonged period for some time Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. get on with somebody to have a good relationship with someone get to know somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. get used to something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. get used to doing something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. global warming The gradual increase in Earth's temperature due to human activity go ahead with something to proceed or continue with a plan or action growth in something Increase or expansion in a particular area or field have no idea Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. have something in common Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. have something in common with somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. have something in common with something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. hear of somebody know someone exists or have knowledge of them heart disease Any disorder of the heart high street main street of a town, lined with shops and businesses higher education Education beyond high school, typically at a university or college if I were you giving advice from the speaker's perspective in addition to somebody Besides someone, also considering their role or contribution in charge of somebody Responsible for someone's actions or well-being in contrast introduces a comparison that highlights a difference in contrast to somebody Compared to someone, showing a difference in favour of somebody Supporting or approving of someone in general Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. in order of something according to a particular sequence or priority in order to do something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. in particular Especially or notably in public Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. in recent years During the years immediately before the present time in response to something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. in terms of something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. in the case of something Regarding or with respect to a particular situation in the form of somebody As or in the character of someone in this case used to indicate a specific situation or exception in time before a deadline or expected moment in time for something Before a deadline or scheduled event in time to do something Before a deadline or scheduled event be in touch Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. get in touch To contact or communicate with someone keep in touch Maintain regular communication with someone in touch with somebody having regular contact or communication with someone leave somebody out Exclude someone from a group or activity likely to do something probably will do something look forward to something Feel excited or pleased about something that will happen make something up invent or fabricate something manage to do something Succeed in doing something with difficulty or effort mean to do something intend to do something more and more Increasing in amount or degree move on to something start doing something new no longer not existing or happening anymore not any longer Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. not even Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. not necessarily not always or inevitably not only Used to indicate an addition to something on my own independently, without help from others on their own Independently, without help or guidance on your own Without help or support from others on the streets homeless or living without a fixed address or somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. or somewhere in a location that is not specified or two an indefinite small number a day or two a short period of time a moment or two a short period of time a pound or two a small amount of weight ought to should or is expected to out there Existing or available in the world over the years during a long period of time over time gradually or as time passes participate in something To take part or engage in an activity point of view A person's perspective or opinion on something point something out To draw attention to something prepared to do something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. primary school A school for children between ages 5 and 11 prime minister Head of government in a country put something up to display or hang something quite a good player Someone with a high level of skill quite a long time a considerable period raise money Collect funds for a purpose raise money for something Collect funds to support a cause or project rather than Used to indicate a preference or alternative reaction to something Response or feeling caused by an event relate to something have a connection or relevance to something relating to something connected or associated with something related to something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. respect for somebody Admiration and esteem for a person result in something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. rise in something increase in amount or level a rise in the number of visitors Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. run out of something To use up or exhaust a supply of something search engine A program that finds and lists relevant documents on the internet secondary school school for students between elementary and college levels set something up to arrange or organize something succeed in doing something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. suffer from something Experience or be affected by a problem or illness sure to do something certain or likely to do something take somebody on to employ or hire someone take up something start doing an activity or hobby take up too much room To occupy more space than is available or desired take something up start doing an activity take up golf start playing golf as a hobby tend to do something have a habit or inclination to do something tend to be something Have a natural tendency or inclination thanks to somebody because of someone's help or action that's it That is all there is or nothing more can be done the case A situation or circumstance to do with somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. be to do with somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. have to do with somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. together with In addition to or accompanying something turn out to be something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. turn something up increase the volume or intensity of something unable to do something lacking the skill or ability to perform a task up to 60 miles per hour Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. way of life A person's typical behavior and habits well known Famous or widely recognized work on something to make an effort to improve or create something work something out Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. wrong with somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. you see used to seek agreement or confirmation account for something explain or justify something accused of something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. act as something To function or serve as something aimed at somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. aimed at doing something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. all the way completely or to the fullest extent a means of something a way or method to achieve something a means of communication A method or system for conveying information a means of transport a vehicle or system for traveling appeal to somebody to attract or interest someone apply to somebody to be relevant or suitable for a person as far as I am concerned From my perspective or opinion as for somebody regarding or concerning someone associated with something connected or linked to something associated with doing something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. at once happening or done immediately at present Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. at some point at a certain time or stage at this point Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. at this stage Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. awareness of something Knowledge or understanding of a particular issue or situation back somebody up support or confirm someone's statement be charged with something be officially accused of a crime be charged with doing something be accused or suspected of doing something be derived from something originate or come from something be expected to do something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. be known to do something have a reputation for doing something be made up of something Consist or be composed of something be surrounded by somebody To be accompanied or encircled by someone be to blame Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. be to blame for something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. both sides Parties involved in a conflict or negotiation both sides of the argument All aspects or viewpoints of a debate or discussion on both sides on two opposing sides of an issue or situation bound to do something certain or likely to do something bound to be something Certain to be something bring somebody up raise and care for a child by now at the present time, considering what has happened before call for something to demand or request something case study A detailed analysis of a person, situation, or event come across somebody Meet or encounter someone by chance a dream come true Something that is very desirable and has finally happened concerned about something Worried or anxious about a particular issue concerned with something Involved or interested in something confidence in somebody Faith in someone's abilities or character contribute to something Help or add to something control over somebody Power or influence to direct someone's actions cope with something Deal successfully with a difficult situation decline in something become less in amount or degree a decline in student numbers a decrease in the number of students dependent on somebody needing someone's help or support draw attention to somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. engage in something participate or take part in an activity engaged in something involved or participating in an activity ever since(…) from a particular time in the past until now exposure to something The state of being affected or influenced by something far from something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. far from doing something not doing something at all figure somebody out understand someone's character or behavior find yourself doing something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. get into something become involved or interested in an activity get over something recover from a difficulty or emotional setback get rid of somebody to make someone leave or go away go on to do something Continue to the next activity or task go through something experience or endure a difficult or unpleasant situation human being A person, emphasizing their humanity human rights Fundamental rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to in action Engaged in an activity or process in advance Before something happens or is needed in an attempt to do something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. in part To some extent or degree in place properly positioned or arranged in relation to somebody concerning or regarding someone in spite of something Despite something happening or being true in the near future Soon, in a short period of time in turn one after the other in a series or sequence investment in something Expenditure of money or resources to gain future benefits loads of something a large quantity of something mental health A person's overall emotional and psychological well-being no doubt Certainly or undoubtedly nothing but Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. one another mutually, to each other on the basis of something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. opposed to something Against or disagreeing with something or so used to show that something is approximate potential for something Likelihood or possibility of something happening pretty much Almost or very nearly prior to before something happens prove to be something Show oneself to be a certain thing through experience or evidence put something forward To propose or suggest an idea or plan put something together To assemble or create something quality of life General well-being, including physical, emotional, and social aspects ranging from including a variety of things prices ranging from €25 to €60 Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. regarded as something Considered to be a certain thing relevant to somebody important or interesting to a particular person rely on somebody depend on someone for help or support role model A person whose behavior is imitated or admired short of something lacking a sufficient amount of something so as to do something in order to achieve a particular purpose sort somebody out to help someone solve their problems stick to something Continue doing or using something subject to something influenced or affected by something sum something up To summarize or describe something briefly take advantage of somebody To exploit or benefit from someone's situation or weakness take something into account Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. take over from somebody Replace someone in a role or position that is Used to confirm or emphasize something the vast majority of something Almost all of something turn into something Change or transform completely up to somebody Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review. when it comes to something Regarding or in relation to something when it comes to doing something Common English phrase; full definition pending editorial review.