Oxford Idioms Unit 1

not yet free from difficulties or problems

Answer explanation

Eg. The situation is improving, but we're not out of the woods yet.

deliberately become less actively involved in sth, and stop trying to control things.

Answer explanation

Eg. I'll probably take a back seat and let Macro do most of the work.

used to tell sb that you suddenly felt sad or worried about sth

Answer explanation

Eg. My heart sank when I saw the hotel room they'd given us.

used to say you are not surprised that sth is true

Answer explanation

Eg. 'Pete and Sue have split up. Mmm. I thought as much'

find it very difficult to do sth

Answer explanation

=> be hard pressed/ pushed/ put to do sth

Eg. I would be hard pressed to name all the countries in Europe.

used to say that sb is in a bad mood

Answer explanation

Eg. I think Ann got out of bed on the wrong side this morning.

sth that makes you upset, angry, or embarrassed when sb mentions it

Answer explanation

Eg. Don't ask her about her essay- it's a bit of a sore point because she got a very low mark for it.

Money is a sore point between us

accidentally say sth that embarrasses, upsets, or annoys sb.

Answer explanation

Eg. I put my foot in it the other day at Linda's house- I asked her if Mia was her mother, but she said Mia is her sister.

used to say that you think sb deserves sth unpleasant that happens to them

Answer explanation

It serves sb right (for doing st)

Eg. "He won't even talk to me." " Serves you right for lying to him."

It serves John right that Dave threw him out of his party last night. He was acting so rudely!

not do any work at all

Answer explanation

Eg. I never did a stroke of work for exams at college. Consequently, I got a low mark. Serves me right, I supposed.