~~~~~~*A*~~~~~~ a beauty The expression a beauty is slang for something that is highly valued. Our new car is a beauty. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Now the fridge is a beauty. It runs on gas, used to be kerosene. a bit rough Something that is a bit rough is unfair. The penalty decision was a bit rough. a blast Something that is a blast is a lot of fun. Flying in a plane is a blast. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: So that was incredibly exciting, especially coming from Alice Springs which is quite remote, to go there and be immersed in this kind of incredibly kind of cutting edge and really exciting field, yeah, that was really a blast. a dip a swim I enjoy a dip on a hot day. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Just came out with the boys for a bit of a dip. a far cry from very different from something This new car is a far cry from my old bicycle. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: For pets and owners alike, sledding is a far cry from the traditional run through the local park or walk around the block a go To give something a go means to give it a chance, or a try. I'll give that new face cream a go. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: At a public meeting he managed to convince about a dozen people from the town of 300 to give his idea a go. a hell of a lot a large amount I've got a hell of a lot of work to do. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: They're just like the full-sized locomotives but in miniature. You have to steam them up, you have to shovel coal while you're driving along. You have to make sure the water level is still the same so in many senses it's just the same as driving a big one, and a hell of a lot lighter. a helping hand / a hand help; assistance The charity offers a helping hand to the homeless. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: And then - I remember the date - on the January 20, 1955, Dad wanted a hand in the shop so he said, "Come down for a few years and help me in our general store," but it's turned out 51 years later, I'm still here. a must something that must be experienced This new film is a must. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Fishermen crave it and for tourists a taste is a must and that taste is catching on. a picture of health If someone is a picture of health they look very healthy. You're a picture of health today. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: 10 years on, Glenys is a picture of health but her world was rocked three years ago with another call from Jo. a steal a bargain These shoes are a steal at five dollars. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: About 60 locals have put what they could into buying the building - a steal at $33,000. a storm brewing big problems coming in the future There is a storm brewing in the office. about to To be about to do something is to be going to do it very soon or in the near future. I'm about to go to bed. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Along with his partner, musician Wendy Rule, Llewellyn Griffiths is now about to embark on a worldwide selling trip. across the board over the whole range of things Prices have fallen across the board. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Trades areas, I think the whole raft of trades, you can start at the construction trades, electrical trades, across the board. act like a sheep To act like a sheep is to follow without thinking. She always acts like a sheep and buys the latest fashion. add another string to your bow To add another string to your bow is to have another thing you can do if what you are already doing fails. You can't go through life with just one skill. You need to add another string to your bow. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The Walcha district has been renowned for its sheep, its cattle, its timber, and having some of the lowest temperatures in New South Wales. Today, it is adding another string to its bow with its art. ad-hoc not planned; happening when necessary We have meetings here on an ad hoc basis. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: We do things often in a very ad hoc way. We need to do that better. against all the odds in spite of huge difficulties; even though it looked impossible Against all the odds, she became president. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Against all the odds, he survived. akin to similar to; having the same qualities Cricket is akin to baseball because they are both summer games that used a bat and ball. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The human technology equivalent is something akin to breast cancer screenings, although this horse test is much broader, and can be used as regularly as every fortnight. all but almost; just about; nearly I’ve all but finished writing the report. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Paul Schembri, from the Canegrowers Association, says the devastating mix of poor weather, low prices, competition from Brazil and crop disease have pushed many farmers deep into the red and all but out of business. The expression all but can also be used to mean all except. I answered all but the last two questions on the test. all clear The all clear is an indication that a situation is no longer dangerous. The doctor has given me the all clear and I'll be back to work soon. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Until the all clear is given, Tennant Creek residents are being asked to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on potential mozzie breeding areas. all done up dressed elaborately for an occasion She got all done up for the wedding. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Love the clothing. I'm not all done up tonight, but I love the 20s Charleston gear. all in a day's work not unusual; part of the ordinary rountine Dealing with people who are drunk is just all in a day's work to policemen in this area. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But for black tracker Jimmy James, solving famous murders and hunting prison escapees was all in a day's work. all manner of all sorts of; all kinds of; many different types There are all manner of solutions to this problem. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: So you're saying accounts, client information, emails: all manner of sensitive information can be gotten? all of a sudden suddenly All of a sudden she decided to go out. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: one computer, is certainly mind-boggling complexity, but when you then strap together a million - a hundred million them and allow them to connect to each other live, all of a sudden you've created this monstrous system… all the go very popular (informal) SMS text messages are all the go. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Adventure tourism is all the go. all up adding everything together All up your bill comes to $150. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: In true accountant style, Alan Shadgett has kept all the paperwork, and he says all up it's cost him around $30,000. all walks of life all kinds of jobs and backgrounds People from all walks of life enjoy watching football. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: we get all walks of people that come through here. along those lines similar I liked the style of their house - perhaps we could build one along those lines. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Hopefully in a few years time the girls can start getting some crowds and start getting some match payments and contracts - something along those lines, but it is improving and we can only hope for it to get better. amounts to adds up to; seems to be; is Not feeding your pets amounts to cruel treatment. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Every time one of those children of the parents that I met in some of these locations three decades ago is in difficulty at school, is getting in trouble with the law, this amounts to a breach of the Australian ethic and idea of a fair go. and that et cetera; and so on; other things like that I like driving anything fast - motorbikes, speedboats and that. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Yeah, it's been really rewarding just, like, growing up with them and just being able to experience other cultures and being, yeah, tolerant of these other cultures and customs and that. anybody's guess When it's anybody's guess when no-one really knows what the facts are. It's anybody's guess how many kangaroos there are in Australia. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: There could be hand grenades, detonators - anything from bazooka shells to artillery shells - and hopefully they're all kept in a safe and secure state. But 60 years down the track it's anybody's guess. appear out of thin air To appear out of thin air is to appear suddenly and unexpectedly as if out of nowhere. She expects money to just appear out of thin air. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: By turning the camera on or off people could be made to vanish or appear out of thin air, and superimposing two scenes made transparent ghosts gradually appear and then fade away. apple of my eye The apple of somebody's eye is a person who is loved the most, usually a child. My daughter is the apple of my eye. apple pie order If we say that things are in apple pie order, we mean that they are in excellent condition. My health is in apple pie order. appreciate in value become more valuable; increase in price Property is something that will always appreciate in value. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: She says while they may appear a low cost option, relocatable homes rarely appreciate in value and are more expensive than conventional housing in the long term. armed with To be armed with something is to have something that can be used to achieve something. Armed with his improved English, he applied for a university course in Australia. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Armed with camcorders, a stills camera and a microphone, Michael and Drew are out to prove that ghosts exist and can be found all over Tasmania. as a rule mostly; often enough for it to appear to be a rule As a rule, cars have four wheels, but some British models have only three. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: As a rule, it's generally an older person's sport. as if as though; in a way that suggests He looked as if he would cause trouble. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: To get blokes to sing - it is very hard - and they think they can't sing but I get them to go something like DAY-OH DAY- AY-AY-OH DAYLIGHT COME AND ME WANNA GO HOME and so you ask the blokes to sing that and it's as if it's like not a song! as safe as houses very safe Investing in bank shares is as safe as houses. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: He grew up in the area and he says the precious Aldinga Scrub will be as safe as houses. as such Here , as such means literally or in the usual sense of the word. There is no hotel as such in the town, but you can find accomodation at the caravan park. because of what something is I am the main contributor and, as such, I should be paid the most. in itself; as it is I'm not interested in money as such, but I do like the things it can buy. as the crow flies The expression as the crow flies refers to the shortest distance between two points measured in the air above the ground. The top of the next hill is only a kilometre away as the crow flies, but it's twice that distance when you have to walk down into the valley and up the other side. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It was, and is, our greatest river. Our centre of myth and legend, our Mississippi or Amazon. But it drains the world’s flattest and driest continent and weaves like a drunken sailor, taking three miles to travel one mile, as the crow flies. as well in addition to; too They sell tea as well as coffee. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Well, my father was a world champion and my great uncle was a world champion as well so it's been in my family all my life. at a crossroads at a point in time when a decision must be made or when something different is about to happen She's at a crossroads in her life. She either starts a family or takes the promotion. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: In WA, as in all of Australia's southern states, the wild-caught abalone industry is at a crossroads. at all in any way I'm not at all confused. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: In the last year or so, I've spent several thousand dollars on these seven-inches. It has never gotten me down at all. at bay To hold something at bay is to stop it from doing damage. I held the lion at bay with a chair. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: No plant is fireproof, but there are plants which are less flammable and better suited to holding the fire at bay. at close quarters close together; within a short distance I want to move to a position at close quarters to the nest so I can film the birds feeding their babies. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Living at close quarters in work camps along the rail route, fitting into the team is a key part of handling the tough conditions. at home To be at home means to feel comfortable and relaxed in a place. He's at home in the water. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: He's usually more at home on a harvester, so for Cameron Tubby, this isn't your average crop. at its peak at its best; at the highest point Her career is at its peak. at odds with not in agreement with I'm at odds with my boss about how much I should be paid. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: While the ponies are now a managed herd, conservationists argue that their presence is at odds with the founding principles of national parks. at once At once can mean immediately. I want you to do this at once. Or it can mean at the same time. I can't understand if you all talk at once. at stake at risk; in jeopardy The soldiers put their lives at stake during the battle. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: With all of science, there are large egos involved and scientists have a lot at stake. at the drop of a hat immediately; without hesitation He can recite the whole poem at the drop of a hat. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: And so we devoted last year to building that relationship so that now, at the drop of a hat, so to speak, we can actually relate to her either here or where she lives and on the telephone and, as she gets a little bit older, by computer - by email as well. at the eleventh hour at the last minute; very late We came up with a solution at the eleventh hour. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Now the action at the moment is piecemeal and at the eleventh hour for loggerhead turtles, it's not good enough. at the end of the day finally; when everything is taken into account At the end of the day a decision has to be made. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The tracking and the following of paperwork and if the stock are accurately branded and clearly branded at the end of the day we can locate them and identify them by their registered brands and earmarks at the end of your tether To be at the end of your tether is have no more patience left. I was really at the end of my tether and lost my temper. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Even if I have a day off with rough weather, I'm sort of a bit toey, but now it's just ridiculous, I'm right at the end of my tether, really. at the expense of causing damage or loss to something or somebody We could make more clothes for the market, but only at the expense of quality. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But is this trend at the expense of the local traditional shopping strip? at the forefront in a leading position This new computer game will put us at the forefront of the industry. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: This institution has always been at the forefront of research, and was one of the first biological centres in the world to make all living plant material and herbarium records available via the internet. at the heart of At the heart of means at the centre of, the most important part of something. At the heart of the matter is his lack of money. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: At the heart of Steve Johnston's concern is the McArthur River Mine. at the moment now; at this time; presently At the moment I'm reading this example. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: We are sort of, I guess, stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment that we're only getting the same type of flower constantly, season after season. at their feet needing them; prepared to be generous to them; admiring them The brilliant young doctors had the medical world at their feet. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: In fact, any young person wanting to be trained in traditional trades has the manufacturing and construction worlds at their feet, according to many employers. at worst taking the least hopeful view; the worst thing that can happen is You might as well buy a lottery ticket - at best you win a million dollars and at worst you've wasted only a few dollars. ~~~~~~*B*~~~~~~ back a winner To back a winner means to bet on a winner, or to support something that does well. To back means to bet money on a horse. We backed a winner by investing in a successful movie. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It might not be Las Vegas but combined with the mining resurgence, locals who've kept their money on Broken Hill now think they’ve backed a winner. back flip When someone changes what they said they they were going to do, we call it a back flip and even use it as a verb. He's back flipped on his promise to stop smoking. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The Optometrists' Association says the government's back flip will do far more harm than good. back of beyond outback; bush; remote country My first job was in a tiny community in the back of beyond. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: They may have been living in the back of beyond, but two-way radio and the postal service kept them in touch. back on the menu back on the list of things to eat or do Now that it’s summer, ice-cream is back on the menu. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Here, beef is back on the menu. back then in the past Back then things were much better. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Just to see how they did it back then and we're almost going back the same way now looking for more natural products instead of the synthetic products that they're putting into creams and potions and lotions. back to business return to normal; go back doing ordinary things It's back to business for school children next week when the holidays finish. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: So we're talking about that in the human sense and the natural sense so we, so kids can see that it's part of the natural process and we have to cope with it, and nature gets back to business pretty quickly. bad press Something that gets bad press has bad things said about it publicly or receives unfavourable media coverage. Michael Jackson has had some bad press. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Like many introduced species - the cane toad, the rabbit, the European carp the Indian or common mynah gets bad press. bark is worse than his bite We say that someone's bark is worse than their bite when someone is not as dangerous or angry as they seem. He threatens to do all sorts of things, but his bark is worse than his bite. battler Battler is an Australian term for someone who is struggling to make a living. He's a battler from the bush. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The ‘Etona’ was built in 1898 for the Anglican Bishop of Adelaide, as a mission boat, bringing religion to the battlers along the Murray. baulk at To baulk at something is to refuse to do something. She baulked at the offer of extra work. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The issue of cost is something many customers baulk at. be sold To be sold is to be convinced by something. I am sold on this new idea of yours. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Linda Pickett came back and tried out a one-line pitch on fellow saleswoman Jane Walker, something about convenience and coffee. Both were sold. be with somebody in spirit To be with somebody in spirit is to be thinking about them when you can't be with them. I won't be able to make it to the wedding, but I'll be with you in spirit. bear in mind don't forget about; keep in mind; think about You should bear in mind that the traffic will be heavy at the time you want to get to the airport. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Probably the first one we will do, bearing in mind the way the traffic is moving, is probably a multi decking to the car park outside. bear/feel the brunt To bear or feel the brunt of something is to suffer the most from it or have to deal with its worst effects. The south of the city will bear the brunt of the approaching storm. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: This study is concentrating on dugongs off the southern Queensland coast, because they're closest to urban developments and will feel the brunt of man-made impacts. beat someone hollow To beat someone hollow is to beat them in a contest easily. The polls say that the government will be beaten hollow in the coming election. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: What's the best thing you like about spending time with your friends here? Winning bridge? Beating them hollow. begs the question Something that begs the question makes you want to ask a particular question. Alll this talk about build a new public transport system begs the question of where the money for it is coming from. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The Government has now funded Relationships Australia to support overseas adopted children. Indeed Relationships Australia beat East Meet West for the tender to do the work. But that begs a deeper question, partly political, partly ideological, but simply put, who knows best what overseas kids go through? behind bars in jail He'll be behind bars for the rest of his life for committing murder. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: At seven years of age, Maddalin's big question is answered and she's unfazed that her new-found dad is behind bars. behind the wheel When you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, you are driving it. You shouldn't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Most weekends you'll find her under the bonnet or behind the wheel of her high performance Commodore getting ready for her next race. bells and whistles attractive extra features This new car has air conditioning and all the bells and whistles. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It won't have all the latest bells and whistles and you won't be playing the latest computer games on these bent on determined to She is bent on finishing her studies this year. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Back in the 1960s and 1970s, surfers bent on discovering new breaks stumbled upon a small farming area perched on the spectacular coastline of the Margaret River region. bet your bottom dollar be certain You can bet your bottom dollar that it will rain today. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But, while there’s a simple, cheap and dirty solution available, you can bet your bottom dollar we’ll just leave the toxic time- bomb ticking away. better part of most of; the greater part of I’ve been studying for the better part of five years. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Not only did he promote asthma drugs, he took them himself for the better part of twenty years. better still even better; more than just better I got a new job and, better still, double the money I used to be paid. beyond the scope outside the range; beyond the area of control Politics is really beyond the scope of sports teams. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But any long-term solution to water shortages could lie beyond the scope of government. beyond their means too expensive for them The cost of that house is beyond their means. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But running the organisation is beyond their means. big guns Big guns are people who are the most successful at what they do in their field. There are a lot of big guns at the writers' festival. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: She knows she is competing against some big guns to get her show on the road. big slice large part A big slice of my time is spent with the children. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: And it all adds up to a big slice of the economy. big smoke the city I'm leaving the country to try my luck in the big smoke. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But it's just three years ago that its licence to sell fermented and spiritous liquors was transferred by an investor to the big smoke. bigger than Ben Hur We use the expression bigger than Ben Hur to say that something is extravagant or extremely large. Ben Hur was a famously expensive, large-scale movie. If you invite all those people the party will be bigger than Ben Hur. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: In America, horse racing is literally bigger than Ben Hur, contributing more to the US economy than the film industry. bit of a drag Something that is a bit of a drag is boring, tiresome or unpleasant. Learning English can be a bit of a drag. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Good during the winter but summer's a bit of a drag. Makes you earn a beer. bite the bullet do something you don't want to do; do something unpleasant you can't avoid I'm going to have to bite the bullet and pay my debts. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: I would definitely encourage them. Really the benefits'd far outweigh any problems we've had out here. And just to bite the bullet and go for it because it's very rewarding. bitten by the bug To be bitten by the bug is to have a sudden strong interest in something. Since going overseas last year he's been bitten by the travelling bug. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Like hundreds of people over the past decade, Rob Alexandre has been bitten by the wine bug. black market illegal market Drugs are sold on the black market. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Collectors warn any harsher restrictions may just promote a black market. black sheep A member of the family who is unusual or considered a failure is called the black sheep. He's the black sheep of the family - he left school early and became an actor. blanch at To blanch at something is to find it shocking. To blanch is to become white or go pale. People are supposed to go pale when they are shocked by something. I can watch the surgery. I don't blanch at the sight of blood. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: He says the island has an international profile and something like an eco-lodge or floating hotel would attract up-market, international visitors prepared to pay premium prices ordinary holiday-makers would blanch at. blessing and a curse Something that is a blessing and a curse has good aspects and bad aspects. Living in another country can be a blessing and a curse. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Working from home is a blessing and a curse and I've found the only way to make it work is to a) have hobbies and b) give yourself excuses to regularly get out of the house. blot on the landscape A blot on the landscape is something that spoils the look of a place. Some say that the new wind farm is a blot on the landscape. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It's totally inappropriate. It's going to be a blot on the landscape. blown away To be blown away is to be amazed or impressed. This new computer game will blow them away. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: When I was fishing I used to take friends and people I knew and it used to blow them away, this scenery and that. blue In Australian slang, a blue is a fight or argument. To have a blue with someone means to argue with them. We had a blue about who was doing most of the houswork. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Did you get into some really good blues with people? bode well If something bodes well it is a good sign. This new project bodes well for the future of the town. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: While all this bodes well for the State, Bernard Salt warns the increased population growth is unlikely to last forever, but he believes its slowing is at least a few years away. body of evidence A body of evidence is a collection of evidence. It's all the things known about a certain subject. The body of evidence about smoking makes it clear that it is definitely not good for your health. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: There's a growing body of evidence that it does have cardiovascular benefits bone of contention A bone of contention is a matter which causes disagreement or controversy. Class sizes have been a bone of contention among teachers for many years. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: And then there's the hat issue. I think that's a real bone of contention with younger women, because they're very aware that in Queensland you must wear a hat, but not if there's a gale-force wind. booked out completely reserved There is no room in this hotel - we are booked out. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Because accommodation is so tight, entire hotels were booked out years ago, several tent cities have been built to handle the overflow. born and bred To be born and bred is to born and brought up in the one place. He's Jakarta born and bred. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Author Jeff Duncombe is Campbell Town born and bred. bottom line The bottom line is the most important thing to be worried about or the most important conclusion. This expression comes from the last or bottom line of an account that tells you how much money you have made. The bottom line is that our team has to win this game to stay in the competition. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Bottom line, can it be done? brain drain A brain drain refers to intelligent and well-qualified people leaving a country to work overseas. The country's brain drain will damage the economy in the long term. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The key finding is that there is no brain drain in Australia… brainchild A person’s brainchild is their original idea. English Bites is Barry Mitchell's brainchild. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The Certificate of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Skills program is the brainchild of psychologist Louise Earnshaw. break down the barriers To break down the barriers means getting rid of the things that block your way and that make it difficult or impossible to do something. We need to break down the barriers of racial prejudice. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: I think the fact that we've got three Indigenous women in the parliament in the Northern Territory also breaks down the barrier and educates our children in remote Aboriginal communities that political life is not impossible. break new ground To break new ground is to do or discover new things. Our lab is breaking new ground in AIDS research. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Single mum and full-time Child Safety Support Officer Carmel Knox is one of six women breaking new ground. break the ice To break the ice is to make people feel relaxed. We often use this expression to talk about formal meetings or parties. People drink at parties to help break the ice. break wind The expression break wind is a polite way of saying fart. It's best not to break wind during a job interview. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Ah Ma loved her brandy and she had this knack of breaking wind while everyone was watching TV. breaking with tradition doing something new; changing the usual way of doing something We're breaking with tradition and getting married on the beach breath of fresh air A breath of fresh air is something or someone that is new, different and exciting. Our new staff members are a breath of fresh air. breathe down someone's neck pay too much attention to what someone is doing I can't study with people breathing down my neck. breathe easily/freely again You breathe easiky again when a crisis is over and you don't need to worry anymore. I can breathe easily again now that I know exactly where the children are. breathe your last die Late in the afternoon the president breathed his last. breather A breather is a break or a rest. I'll just take a breather before I finish the job. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: On the Derwent at daybreak, this workhorse of the Southern Ocean takes a breather. breathing space A breathing space is a time to rest. I need a breathing space before I begin a new book. breeze in succeed easily Everyone expects the American basketball team to breeze in. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: And that's one extra race the NSW Pacific Dragons didn't need to do after breezing into the final. bridges the gap allows two groups to come together; makes it eaiser to move from one thing to another This new proposal should help bridge the gap between the warring parties. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: I feel like my jewellery bridges the gap between art and fashion. bright idea A bright idea is a clever idea. To be bright means to be clever or smart. Sometimes we say something is a bright idea, but we mean the opposite. Whose bright idea was it to park their car in my way? In this example, we’re really saying that it was a stupid idea.This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Joanna Gair's bright idea means paper maker Darren Simpson spends a fair bit of his working day sorting through kangaroo poo in search of the best nuggets. bring home the bacon To bring home the bacon is to be successful or to earn the money for a family. I have to go to work to bring home the bacon. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It's like our Logies, our Oscars, our Golden Globes, our Tony Awards. It's the big one, really, and we're here to bring home the bacon, quite frankly. bring out the best Something that brings out the best in someone makes them show their best qualities. A disaster often brings out the best in people. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: A venue like this helps bring out the best in its local music community, but also provides a venue for overseas music. bring someone down a peg or two To bring someone down a peg or two is to make them realise they are not as good or powerful as they think they are. It's time she was brought down a peg or two and stopped ordering people around. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It may not be possible to eradicate this pest, but at least he can be brought down a peg or two. bring us to our senses make us behave sensibly Sometimes we need a shock to bring us to our senses. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Will it take an Internet meltdown to bring us to our senses? brush up on improve or revise what you know People use English Bites to brush up on their English. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It's not just for the blokes locals like Astrid Skene can also be found brushing up on their power tool know-how. buck stops here/ with you the final responsibility is yours He's the coach of the team, so the buck stops with him. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: I think it's good when things go well being captain. There's a lot of pressure on you and you have to make the final moves and I guess if things don't work out the buck stops with you, so, there's a fair bit of pressure on buck the system To buck the system is to obstinately resist authority or object strongly to it. How does she manage to buck the system and take so much time off? This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Well, if I am bucking the system, we are bucking the system because the system isn't working for us. buggered Buggered is slang for damaged or broken. This computer is buggered. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But you must have had some injuries over the years. Oh, yeah. Buggered knees and shoulders and that. burn the candle at both ends To burn the candle at both ends is to work too much doing too many things or always be getting up early and going to bed late. I'm exhausted. I've been burning the candle at both ends lately. business as usual When we say that it’s business as usual, we mean that things continue as normal, often despite some trouble. It's business as usual at the markets, despite the fire there last night. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It was business as usual at Simon Hurwood's Brisbane practice. business end The business end of something is the most important part. The finals are the business end of the football season. buy into If you buy into something you believe it. I don't buy into any of that new age nonsense. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: When I was at school I was told that I wasn't gonna be anything other than a mother at an early age of 16 or something, um, so I should learn how to do food and nutrition and sewing. I didn't buy into it at all. by and large mostly; generally By and large the crowd is well behaved. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: By and large in the Sydney area, life was peaceful, but what happened to cause trouble were (sic) convicts stealing artefacts. by any means definitely not; in no way at all We might be in front , but we haven't won by any means. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: We're not perfect, by any means. by far to a large degree; by a long way This is by far the best example. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It's my favourite shark by far. by foot by walking He's going to cross Africa by foot. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour in the south-west is accessible only by foot, plane or boat. by the look of it judging from what seems to be; apparently We're going to be late by the look of it. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Some large pieces came down there, by the looks of it. by the same token for the same reason or reasons A desalination plant will be good in that it will provide drinking water, but by the same token it could ruin the fishing industry by making the sea too salty. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: We're too big to eat and they don't really want to waste their venom on us but, by the same token, if they're provoked they will defend themselves. by the way This expression is used to introduce something you have just thought of. I saw him yesterday, oh, by the way did you know that he's quit his job? This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: I think that any form of singing in Australia is elitist in a lot of ways. Mainly because of this audition process and the fact that you have to be really good and by the way I'm very supportive of that kind of singing. ~~~~~~*C*~~~~~~ call it a day If you call it a day, you decide to stop doing something. I know we haven't finished, but I'm getting too tired to concentrate properly. Let's call it a day. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But now one long-standing partnership is coming to an end. Caller James Reid has decided to call it a day: rounding up dancers and a young family is all a bit much. call the shots To call the shots is to be in control. I'm not the one who calls the shots around here. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Coordinating part of a 40-man track-laying team, the West Australian calls the shots on what to do when things go wrong. cannot hold a candle to Someone or something that cannot hold a candle to someone or something else is not nearly as good as the person or thing they are being compared to. Women play great tennis, but they can't hold a candle to the top male players. cap off complete; provide the final piece that pleases Some people say a glass of wine caps off the perfect meal. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: And to cap off the living canvas, one hundred and fifty artless critics. capture the imagination Something that captures the imagination is something that makes you very interested or fascinated by something. Digital technology has captured the imagination of a generation. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Tales of terror like those from the Port Arthur convict settlement, captured the imagination of Michael Phillips from an early age. cark it Cark it is slang. It means to die. My goldfish carked it. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: If I were to cark it, they'd have somebody come to the house and say well Mrs Pharo hasn't answered the phone or we don't know where she is, could you check? carry the can To carry the can is to acept the blame or responsibility for something. It's not fair that only teachers are expected to carry the can for the poor performance of the students. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Broomrape is not a problem for us as farmers, it is everyone else's problem but we are the ones carrying the can. cash cow A cash cow is an excellent source of income. It’s something that can be relied on to always makes lots of money. The gambling industry has become a cash cow for governments in Australia. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The Tasmanian Government is looking to these areas as a cash cow and not really taking their responsibilities for management of the areas very seriously. cash in make money from; turn to advantage Let’s cash in on the property boom and sell our house now. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Having had this event thrust on them by the gods, Ceduna is cashing in on its moment in the shade. cat got your tongue To ask someone has the cat got your tongue? is the same as asking 'why don't you say something?'. What's up - has the cat got your tongue? catch on become popular Using mobile phones has really caught on in the last decade. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Michael Noad has discovered that while the males sing a common tune, any variation that proves a hit with the females will quickly catch on. catch on realise something; notice something It took me a while to catch on. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: According to an Adelaide University study, parents are often slow to catch on when their child is depressed. catch up with meet with people you know and talk to them I must catch up with my old school friends. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: While Rob Gilfillan guides the young kids across the Burleigh Heads sand and then along the scenic route his daughters use the squad to catch up with friends… cat's whiskers The cat's whiskers refers to the best thing, person or idea. He thinks he's the cat's whiskers caught red-handed To be caught red-handed is to be caught in the act of doing something wrong. He was caught red-handed taking money from the till. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: We haven't actually caught anybody red-handed, as it were. We've had reports of vandalism and disturbance to the site, and in each case we followed those up. caught the eye attracted the attention Her performance caught the eye of the producer. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The research and development of Paul's violins caught the eye of the Shanghai Violin Company, China's biggest producer of violins. caught up in To be caught up in something is to be involved against your will. How did we get caught up in this mess? This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: Clive Linnett's concerns are shared by many other farmers, who fear they're caught up in something more than drought. championed by supported and promoted by The fight to save the environment is championed by many famous people. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: many Greek and Italian families continued to grow and process fruit for pickling and for oil mainly for their own use and since the '80s, the oil and pickled olives market has been growing, championed by hobby farmers and food lovers. chances are it's likely Chances are that the government will win the election. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But chances are Dave's no ordinary plesiosaur. change the face change dramatically; make it look very different The writings of Karl Marx changed the face of politics. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: If it could be done, then it would be a tremendous breakthrough that would change the face of science. chequered history A chequered history is a varied history - the combination of the good, bad, interesting and unusual things that have happened to something or somebody. This old house has had a chequered history. This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: But for all its chequered history, it's the stories told by the pictures in the collection that are the most fascinating. child's play very easy Driving an automatic car is child's play. chip in To chip in is to contribute or help. Are you going to chip in to help buy a present for Sue who's retiring next week? This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: The Lions Bay Rotary Club in Adelaide, which specialises in reconditioning electric wheelchairs for charity, chipped in when they heard of Danielle's need. [...]... come to grips begin to understand and deal with a problem We have to come to grips with the problem of unemployment Another form of this expression is get to grips I'm going to try to get to grips with English tenses This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: It's hard for the whole community to come to grips with it, there's quite a long healing process after anything like this and the... different expectations I felt some culture shock when I went overseas to study This is how the expression is used in one of our stories: I think initially they find the culture shock Because, well, in English classes back at home, they can only learn so much about the actual culture cup of tea thing that you like Working on the weekends is not my cup of tea This is how the expression is used in one . senses? brush up on improve or revise what you know People use English Bites to brush up on their English. This is how the expression is used in one of our. drag Something that is a bit of a drag is boring, tiresome or unpleasant. Learning English can be a bit of a drag. This is how the expression is used in one of