idioms (T-Z)

wear thin – become less patient

• I can’t be late again; my boss’s patience is beginning to wear thin.

on the tip of your tongue – something you can almost remember

• The answer is on the tip of my tongue.

bite your tongue – stop yourself from saying a bad or negative thing

• I bit my tongue when Jack said he needed to borrow money again.

be over the top – outrageous behaviors

• Jane quitting her job when she is already in debt is over the top.

on top of something – handle a situation well

• Mike is really on top of all of the assignments. He’s the first one done each day.

be in touch – talk to someone at some time

• I’ll be in touch with you next Tuesday.

keep track – stay well informed of something

• Make sure to keep track of your checking account balance.

be up against – someone or something that makes things difficult for you

• I’m up against a difficult exam tomorrow.

be up to something – plan something, usually in secret

• I think Jane is up to something. Every time I see her, she acts suspiciously.

have the upper hand – to have power or advantage over someone

• The tall boxer had the upper hand during the match because of his long reach.

be out of the way – a long distance from other typical places

• The tourist destination is a long way from the city.

pull your weight – work just as much as other group members

• Sherri’s teammates complained she wasn’t pulling her weight.

don’t get me wrong – something you say before expressing criticism, but you don’t want people to think it is too strong

• Don’t get me wrong, I think Jack is smart. Sometimes, though, he just doesn’t use common sense.

put years on / take years off – make someone look older / make someone look younger

• Shaving your beard has taken years off you.

catch some z’s – to get some sleep

• I’m so tired. I need to catch some z’s.