Idioms ( thành ngữ ) IDIOMS (THÀNH NG )    Thành ng : là các từ, cụm từ được sử dụng phổ biếnămàăýănghĩaăcủaănóăkhôngăđơnăthuần làănghĩaăđenăcủa các từ ghép lạiămàăthư ng hiểuătheoănghĩaăbóng.ăTrongăTiếng Việt ta cũngăcóărất nhiều thành ngữ nhưăthế này. Ví d : mặt hoa da phấn Tươngătự nhưăvậy trong Tiếng Anh các em có thể thấy những cụm từ như: over the moon (không phải là qua mặtătrĕngămàăthànhăngữ nàyăđể chỉ tâm trạngăđangărất hạnh phúc, tiếng Việt mình có thể làă“đangălângălângătrênămây”.) Vì thành ngữ được hiểu theo nghĩaăbóng nên khi dịch các thành ngữ phần lớn ta không thể dịchătươngăđươngătừng từ mà phải hiểuăđượcăýănghĩaăcủa thành ngữ đóăvàătìmănhững cách diễnăđạt phù hợp. Một số ví dụ về thành ngữ trong tiếng anh: Idiomsă(ThƠnhăng ) 1.Waterăoffăaăduck’săback 2. On top of the world 3. Bark up the wrong tree Meaningăandăexampleă(ụănghĩaăvƠăvíăd ) Đâyălàămột thành ngữ thư ngădùngăđể chê trách, hoặc phê phán, hàm ý "không có tác dụng gì vớiăai"ătươngăđươngăvới thành ngữ trong Tiếng Việtălàă“nướcăđổ đầu vịt”. E.g: I must have told her a hundred times that she mustn’t do that.But it’swater off a duck’s back. She just keeps on doing it. Thànhăngữănàyăkháăquenăthuộcăvớiăchúngăta,ănhưngăýănghĩaăcủaănóă là gì? “Toăbeăonătopăofătheăworld” diễnătảătâmătrạngăđangărấtăhạnhăphúc,ă lângălângă(giốngănhư over the moon.ăTiếngăViệtăcủaăchúngătaăcũngăcóă cụmătừătươngătựănhưăthếănày: "lâng lâng trên mây".) E.g: She’d had such a good birthday party. She felt on top of the world. Nghĩaăcủaăthànhăngữ nàyănếuămớiănhìnăquaătranhăcácăemăcóăthểăthấyă chúăchóăđãăsủaăsaiăcây.ăNhưngăthànhăngữălàăhiểuătheoănghĩaăbóngănênă nghĩaăcủaănóălàă"đãăhiểuăsai,ăhoặcănhầmămộtăvấnăđềăgì". E.g: S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 1 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) They thought that she didn’t want to go to the disco because she didn’t like dancing. But they were barking up the wrong tree. It was because she didn’t like the flashing lights. 4. On the tip of my tongue Khi chúng ta nói “it’săonătheătipăofămyătongue”cóănghĩaălàămìnhă khôngăthểănhớăraăđượcăđiềuăgìăđóămặcădùăchắcăchắn mìnhăđãăbiếtăvềă điềuăđó. E.g: - What’s the name of the guitarist we were talking about yesterday? - Oh, dear. I can’t remember. It’s on the tip of my tongue. I know it begins with V- Valent no, Valiant. That’s it, Valiant. 5. Come out of one's shell Khi ta nói “He’săcomeăoutăofăhisăshell”cóănghĩaălàăanhăấyăđãăbớt nhút nhát và bắtăđầuăhòaăđồngăhơn.ăTiếng Việt củaămìnhăcũngăcóăcáchăliênă tư ngătươngătự.ăCâuănhưă“ăthuămìnhăvàoătrongăvỏ ốc”ăcóănghĩaălàăthuă mình lại, trầmătínhăvàăítăhòaăđồng thì thành ngữ “come out of your shell”làăngược lại “ra khỏi vỏ ốc củaămình.” E.g: She was very shy when she first went to her new school, but she soon came out of her shell. 6. Hit the nail on the head 7. Change your mind Thànhăngữănàyăcóănghĩaălàă“đãămôătảămộtăvấnăđềărấtăchínhăxác”,ă tươngătựănhưătrongătiếngăViệtăcóăthànhăngữă“đánhăđúngătrọngătâm”,ă “gãiăđúngăchỗăngứa” E.g: - I think the main problem in this area is the lack of a good bus service. -You’re right. You’ve hit the nail on the head. Thànhăngữănàyălàă“thayăđổiăýănghĩ,ăquanăđiểmăhoặcăquyếtăđịnh"ăcủaă bạnăvềămộtăvấnăđềăgì. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 2 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) E.g: - I didn’t expect to see you here! I thought you were going to the cinema this afternoon. - I know, but it’s such a lovely day. I’ve changed my mind. I felt like being out in the sunshine. 8. Break the ice 9. Lend me a hand 10. A big fish in a small pond Thành ngữ nàyăthư ngădùngăđể diễn tả làm một việcăgìăđóăđể giúp mọiăngư iăthưăgiãnăvàăthoảiămái,ăđặc biệt khi mới gặp. E.g: - How did you get on at your singles group? - We were all a bit embarrassed; because it was the first time we had met. But Tom broke the ice by getting us all to say our names and what our favourite TV programs were. Taăcóăthànhăngữă“lend somebody a hand”ănghĩaălàă“giúpăđỡăai”.ă TiếngăViệtăcũngăcóăthànhăngữătượngătựă“giúp…mộtătay.” E.g: Can someone lend me a hand with these shopping bags please?They are too heavy for me to carry by myself. Thànhăngữănàyănghĩaăđenălàă“mộtăconăcá toătrongămộtăchiếcăaoănhỏ”,ă câuănóiănàyăkháăquenăthuộcăvớiăngư iăViệtăNam.ăCâuănàyăngụăýălàă ngư iănàoăđóăcóămộtăvịătríăquanătrọngănhưngăchỉălàătrongămộtătổăchức,ă hoặcăcơăquanănhỏ,ănếuăhọăđếnămộtănơiălớnăhơnăvịătríăcủaăhọăsẽăbớtăquană trọngăđi. E.g: - How is Janet enjoying secondary school? - She likes it now. But it’s so different from her primary school.It took her a while to get used to the change. She used to be a big fish in a small pond but now she's at a much bigger school. Nguồn: tienganh123.com S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 3 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) NGHƾA IDIOM Apple of his eye. VÍ DỤ Ngư iăhoặcăvậtărấtăđượcăyêuăthích. The little girl is the apple of her grandfather's eye. A little bird told me that there is A little bird told Mộtăbíămật,ăkhiăngư iătaăkhôngămuốnănóiă one more piece of cake in the me rằngămìnhăbiếtăđiềuăgìăđó. fridge. Oh, that's a piece of cake - let me try. A piece of cake Điềuăgìăđóărấtădễăthựcăhiện. Card up your sleeve Cóămộtăđiềuăbíămậtămàăbạnăcóăthểătậnă dụngăsauănày. Finding a needle Khóătìmăkiếm,ănhưămòăkimăđáyăbể in a haystack She still has one card up her sleeve – she knows the director. Finding that book, is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Go the extra mile Khiăbạnăvượtăquáămứcămongăđợiă(củaă ngư iăkhác) Going Green Tr ănênăquanătâmăđếnămôiătrư ng,ătáiăchế,ă sửădựngănĕngălượngăxanh,ăthứcăĕnăvàăcácă Are you going green? sảnăphẩmăđượcăchếăbiếnăhữuăcơă… House of cards Kếăhoạchăkhôngăkhảăthi,ăcóănhiềuăkhảă nĕngălàăsẽăthấtăbại I expect you, my son, to go the extra mile. You built that boat like a house of cards, I am not getting in! It’sărainingăcatsă Tr iămưaărấtăto and dogs Did you bring an umbrella? It's raining cats and dogs outside! New York minute Diễnăraăhoặcătrôiăquaărấtănhanh My life passed by like a New York minute. No man is an Aiăcũngăcầnăhỗătrợăvàăgiúpăđỡ You cannot fight them all alone, no man is an island, let us help S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 4 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) island Saved by the bell you. Đượcăcứuănguyăđúngălúcăkhỏiămộtătìnhă huốngăkhóăkhĕnăhayănguyăhiểm I was saved by the bell, didn't have to answer the hard question. There's no point Well, what's happened is behind Chẳngăíchăgìăkhiămãiăbuồnăchánăvìămộtălỗiă crying over spilt us. There is no point in crying over lầmăkhôngăthểăsửaăchữa,ăkhắcăphụcăđược milk spilt milk now. 'Til the cows come home Phảiăđợiăch ătrongămộtăkhoảngăth iăgian rấtădài. I am going to wait here 'til the cows come home. Under the weather Cảmăthấyăkhôngăkhỏeălắm. You don't look so good, are you feeling under the weather? A Drop In The Bucket =ăhạtămuốiăbỏăbiển. "I'd like to do something to change the world but whatever I do seems like a drop in the bucket." A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned =ă1ăxuătiếtăkiệmăcũngănhưă1ăxuălàmăra "I'm going to give you $20 but I want you to put it in the bank; a penny saved is a penny earned!" A Piece Of Cake =ădễănhưăĕnăcháo "Do you think you will win your tennis match today?" Answer: "It will be a piece of cake." Actions Speak Louder Than Words =ăhànhăđộngăcóăgiáătrịăhơnăl iănói "Don't tell me how to do this; show me! Actions speak louder than words." Add Fuel To The Fire =ăthêmădầuăvàoălửa "I would like to do something to help, but I don't want to add fuel to the fire." Cost An Arm And A Leg =ătrảă1ăcáiăgiáăcắtăcổ,ătốnărấtănhiềuătiền "Be careful with that watch; it cost me an arm and a leg." Arm In Arm = tay trong tay "What a nice afternoon. We walked arm in arm along the beach for hours." Beating Around The Bush =ăvòngăvoătamăquốc "If you want to ask me, just ask; don't beat around the bush." Better Late Than Never =ăthàătrễăcònăhơnăkhông S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 5 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) "Sorry I was late for the meeting today; I got stuck in traffic." Answer: "That's okay;better late than never." Birds Of A Feather Flock Together =ăngưuătầmăngưu,ămãătầmămã "Look; the volleyball players are eating at the same table together, as always." Answer: "Birds of a feather flock together." Bite Your Tongue =ăcốăgắngăimălặng "Whenever that professor says something I don't like, I have to bite my tongue." Blood Is Thicker Than Water =ă1ăgiọtămáuăđàoăhơnăaoănướcălã "When my best friend and my brother got in a fight I had to help my brother; blood is thicker than water." Burn Your Bridges =ăđốtăcầuăcủaămình,ătứcălàătựălàmămấtăđiăcơăhộiăcủaămình "I wish you hadn't been rude to that man just now; he is very important in this town and you shouldn't go around burning bridges." Burning The Candle At Both Ends =ăvắtăkiệtăsứcăraăđểălàmăviệc "Ever since this new project started I have been burning the candle at both ends. I can't take much more of it." Call It Off =ăhủyăbỏ "Tonight's game was called off because of the rain." Curiosity Killed The Cat =ăsựătòămòăcóăthểărấtănguyăhiểm "Hey, I wonder what's down that street; it looks awfully dark and creepy." Answer: "Let's not try to find out. Curiosity killed the cat." Don't Count Your Chickens Until They're Hatched =ătrứngăchưaăn ăđãăđếmăgà "Next Friday I will be able to pay you back that money I owe you." Answer: "I won't becounting my chickens..." Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket =ăđừngăbỏătấtăcảătrứngăvàoă1ărổ,ătứcăhãyăchiaăđềuă nhữngănguyăcơăraănhiềuănơiăđểăgiảmărủiăro "The best way to gamble is to only bet small amounts of money and never put all your eggs in one basket." From Rags To Riches =ătừănghèoăkhổătr ăthànhăcựăphú "My uncle is a real rags to riches story." Great Minds Think Alike =ătưătư ngălớnăgặpănhau "I have decided that this summer I am going to learn how to scuba dive." Answer: "Me too! I have already paid for the course. Great minds think alike!" It Takes Two To Tango =ăcóălửaămớiăcóăkhói "Her husband is awful; they fight all the time." Answer: "It takes two to tango." S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 6 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Let Sleeping Dogs Lie =ăđừngăgợiălạiănhữngăchuyệnăkhôngăhay "I wanted to ask her what she thought of her ex-husband, but I figured it was better tolet sleeping dogs lie." Neither A Borrower, Nor A Lender Be =ăđừngăchoămượnătiền,ăcũngăđừngămượnătiền "Could you lend me twenty dollars?" Answer: "Sorry, neither a borrower nor a lender be." Everybody Is On The Same Page =ămọiăngư iăđềuăhiểuăvấnăđề "Before we make any decisions today, I'd like to make sure that everyone is on the same page." Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind =ăxaămặtăcáchălòng "I meant to read that book, but as soon as I put it down, I forgot about it." Answer: "Out of sight, out of mind." Practice Makes Perfect =ăcàngătậpăluyệnănhiềuăcàngăgiỏi "You see how quickly you are getting better at the piano! Practice makes perfect!" Put Your Foot In Your Mouth =ătựăháămiệngămắcăquai,ănóiălỡăl i "Let's all be very careful what we say at the meeting tomorrow. I don't want anyoneputting their foot in their mouth." M TS THÀNH NG PHÂN THEO CH Đ NUMBER One - at one time: th iăgianănàoăđóăđãăqua - back to square one: tr lại từ đầu - be at one with someone: thống nhất với ai - be/getăoneăupăonăsomeone:ăcóăưuăthế hơnăai - for one thing: vì 1 lý do - aăgreatăoneăforăsth:ăđamămêăchuyện gì - have one over th eight: uống quá chén - all in one, all rolled up into one: kết hợp lại - it'săallăoneă(toăme/him):ănhưănhauăthôi - myăoneăandăonlyăcopy:ăngư i duy nhất - a new one on me: chuyện lạ - one and the same: chỉ là một - one for the road: ly cuối cùng trướcăkhiăđi - one in the eye for somone: làm gai mắt - one in a thousand/milion: mộtăngư i tốtătrongăngànăngư i S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 7 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) - a one-nightăstand:ă1ăđêmăchơiăb i - oneăofătheăboy:ăngư i cùng hội - one of these days: chẳng bao lâu - one of those days: ngày xui xẻo - one too many: quá nhiềuărượu - a quick one: uốngănhanhă1ălyărượu Two - beăinătwoăminds:ăchưaăquyếtăđịnhăđược - for two pins: xém chút nữa - in two shakes: 1 loáng là xong - putătwoăandătwoătogether:ăđoánăchắcăđiều gì - twoăbitesăof/atătheăcherry:ăcơăhội đến 2 lần - two/ten a penny: dễ kiếmăđược Other numbers - at sixs and sevens: tình rạng rối tinh rối mù - knockăsomoneăforăsix:ăđánhăbại ai - aănineădayăwonder:ă1ăđiều kỳ lạ nhấtăđ i - a nine-to-five job: công việc nhàm chán - on cloud nine: trên 9 tầng mây - dressesăupătoătheănines:ăĕnămặc bảnh bao - ten to one: rất có thể - nineteen to the dozen: nói huyên thuyên COLOUR Black - be in the black: có tài khoản - black anh blue: bị bầm tím - aăblackădayă(forăsomeone/sth):ăngàyăđenătối - blackăice:ăbĕngăđen - a black list: sổ đen - a black look: cái nhìn giận dữ - a black mark: một vếtăđen,ăvếtănhơ - a/the black sheep 9of the family): vếtănhơăcủaăgiaăđình,ăxãăhội - inăsomeone'săblackăbooks:ăkhôngăđược lòng ai - in black and white: giấy trằng mựcăđen - not as black as one/it is panted: không tồi tệ nhưăngư i ta vẽ v i S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 8 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Blue - blue blood: dòng giống hoàng tộc - a blue-collarăworker/job:ălaoăđộng chân tay - a/the blue-eyedăboy:ăđứaăconăcưng - aăboilăfromătheăblue:ătinăsétăđánh - disapear/vanish/go off into the blue: biến mất tiêu - once in a blue moon: rất hiếm. hiếm hoi - out of the blue: bất ng - scream/cry blue muder: cực lực phảnăđối - till one is blue in the face: nói hết l i Green - be green: còn non nớt - aăgreenăbelt:ăvòngăđaiăxanh - give someone get the green light: bậtăđènăxanh - greenăwithăenvy:ătáiăđiăvìăghen - haveă(got)ăgreenăfingers:ăcóătayălàmăvư n Grey - go/turn grey: bạcăđầu - grey matter: chất xám Red - be/go/turnăasăredăasăaăbeetroot:ăđỏ nhưăgấcăvìăngượng - be in the red: nợ ngân hàng - (catch soomeone/be caught) red-handed: bắt quả tang - theăredăcarpet:ăđónăchàoănồng hậu - aăredăherring:ăđánhătrống lãng - aăredăletterăday:ăngàyăđángănhớ - see red: nổi giận bừng bừng White - as white as a street/ghost: trắng bệt - a white-collar worker/job: nhậnăviênăvĕnăphòng - a white lie: l i nói dối vô hại ANIMALS - badger someone: mè nheo ai - makeăaăbigăofăoneself:ăĕnăuống thô tục - anăeagerăbeaver:ăngư i tham việc S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 9 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) - aăbusyăbee:ăngư i làm việc lu bù - have a bee in one's bonest: ám ảnh chuyện gì - make a bee-line foe something: nhanh nhảu làm chuyện gì - the bee's knees: ngon lành nhất - anăearlyăbird:ăngư i hay dậy sớm - aăhomeăbird:ăngư i thích nhà - aăloneăbird/worf:ăngư i hay nhà - anăoddăbird/fish:ăngư i quái dị - a rare bird: của hiếm - a bird's eye view: nhìn bao quát/nói vắn tắt - bud someone: quấy rầy ai - take the bull by the horns: không ngạiăkhóăkhĕn - have butterflies in one's stomach: nôn nóng - a cat nap: ngủ ngày - lead a cat and dog life: sốngănhưăchóăvới mèo - let the cat out of theăbag:ăđể lộ bí mật - not have room to swing a cat: hẹpănhưălỗiămũi - not have a cat in hell's change: chẳngăcóăcơămay - playăcatăandămouseăwithăsomeone:ăchơiămèoăv n chuột - putătheăcatăamongătheăpigeons:ălàmăhưăbộtăhưăđư ng - a dog in the manger: cho già ngậmăxươngă(koămuốn ai sử dụng cái mình ko cần) - dog tired: mệt nhoài - top dog: kẻ thống trị - a dog's life: cuộc sống lầm than - go to the dogs: sa sút - letăsleepingădog'sălie:ăđừng khêu lại chuyệnăđãăqua - donkey's years: th i gian dài dằng dặc - do the donkey's work: làm chuyện nhàm chán - aălameăduck:ăngư i thất bại - a sitting duck: dễ bị tấn công - aăcoldăfish:ăngư i lạnh lùng - aăfishăoutăofăwater:ăngư i lạc lõng - have other fish to fry: có chuyện fải làm - a fly in the oinment: con sâu làm rầu nồi canh - not hurt a fly: chẳng làm hại ai - thereăareănoăfliesăonăsomeone:ăngư iăngônălanhăđáoăđể - can't say boo to a goose: hiềnănhưăcụcăđất - ****ăsomeone'săgoose:ălàmăhưăkế hoạchă(hưăbộtăhưăđư ng) - a wild goose chase: cuộc tìm kiếm vô vọng - a guineaăpig:ăngư i tự làm vật thí nghiệm S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 10 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) OTHER Oneăgoodăturnădeservesăanotheră(Ĕnămiếng trả miếng) Who breaks, pays (Bắn súng không nên thì phảiăđềnăđạn) Two securities are better than one (Cẩn tắcăvôăưu) Slow and sure (Chậm mà chắc) Threats do not always lead to blows (Chó sủa là chó không cắn) If the cab fits then wear it (Có tật giật mình) Money makes the mare go (Có tiềnămuaătiênăcũngăđược) Where'săthere'sălife,ăthere'săhopeă(Cònănước còn tát) A lie has no legs (Giấuăđầuălòiăđuôi) We have goneătooăfarătoădrawăbackă(Đâmălaoăthìăphải theo lao) Inăforăaăpenny,ăinăforăaăpoundă(Đượcăvoiăđòiătiên) Tell me the company you keep, and I will tell you what you see (Gần mựcăthìăđen,ăgầnăđènăthìă sáng) It never rains but it pours (Họaăvôăđơnăchí) If youăeatătheăfruit,ăyouăhaveătoăthinkăaboutătheăoneăwhoăgrowsătheătreeă(Ĕnăquả nhớ kẻ trồng cây) We reap what we sow (Gieo gió gặt bão) THere's no smoke without fire (Không có lửa sao có khói) Who makes excuses, himself excuses (Lạy ông tôi bụi này) One scabby sheep is enough to spoil the whole flock (Con sâu làm rầu nồi canh) To kill two birds with one stone (Nhất cữ lưỡng tiện) S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 11 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) To let the wolf into the fold (Nuôi ong tay áo) Constantădroppingăwearsăstoneă(Nước chảyăđáămòn) A miss is as good as a mile (Sai mộtălyăđiămột dặm) Aăflowăwillăhaveăanăebbă(Sôngăcóăkhúcăngư i có lúc) Grasp all, lose all (Tham thì thâm) Time lost is never found (Th i gi đãămất thì không tìm lạiăđược) Bitter pills may have blessed effects (Thuốcăđắng dã tật) Beginning is the difficulty (Vạn sự kh iăđầu nan) Travelingăformsăaăyoungămană(Điămộtăngàyăđàng,ăhọc một sàng khôn) No guide, no realization (Không thầyăđố mày làm nên) More Better late than never (muộnăcònăhơnăko) Halfăaăloafăisăbetterăthanănoăbreadă(méoămóăcóăhơn ko) Health is better than wealth (Sức khỏeăquýăhơnăvàng) Birdsăofăaăfeatherăflockătogetheră(Đồngăthanhătươngăứng,ăđồngăkhíătươngăcầu) To run with the hare and hold with the hounds (Bắt cá hai tay) Many a little makes a mickle (Kiếnăthaălâuăcũngăđấy tổ) Where there is a will, there is a way (Có chí thì nên) Actions speak louder than words = Nói ít làm nhiều; Beauty is only skin-deep = Tốt gỗ hơnătốtănướcăsơn; Caution is the parent of safety = Cẩn tắc vô áy náy; S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 12 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Do not judge a man by his looks = Không nên trông mặt mà bắt hình dong; The early bird catches the worm = Trâu chậm uốngănướcăđục; The empty vessel makes the greatest sound = Thùng rỗng kêu to. - Aăyearăcare,ăaăminuteăruină:ăkhônăbaănĕm,ădại một gi - Drunkenness reveals what soberness concealsă:ărượu vào l i ra, tửu nhập ngôn xuất - Fool's haste is no speed : nhanh nhoảngăđoảng, thậtăthàăhư - God will not buy everething : giàu sang không mang lại hạnh phúc - Grasp all, lose all : tham thì thâm - Handsome is as handsome does : cái nếtăđánhăchếtăcáiăđẹp - Like father like son : cha nào con nấy - Love me love my dog : yêu ai yêu cả đu ngăđi,ăghétăaiăghétăcả tông họ hàng - No wisdom like silence : không có sự thông minh nào bằng im lặng - Nothingăventure,ănothingăwină:ăđuợcăĕnăcả, ngã về không - Out of sight , out of mind : xa mặt cách lòng - So many men, so many minds : mỗi ngu i một ý - Where there is a will, there is a way : có chí thì nên - Who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl : gần mựcăthìăđenăgầnăđènăthìăsáng - You never know your luck: dịpămayăkhôngăđến hai lần S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 13 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) THÀNHăNG ăTHEOăALPHABET A ThƠnhăng GiảiăthíchăvƠăcáchăs ăd ng Against the clock If you do something against the clock, you are rushed and have very little time to do it. All clear All ears All in your head Answer for Argue the toss Asking for trouble At all costs Nghĩaăti ngăVi tă t ngăđ ng Đuaăvớiăth iăgian Ex: They are working against the clock to have the presentation ready for Monday. If you are allowed to do something after a checkup to make sure that everything is all right, you get the all clear. Ex: Dad says he's going to play golf as soon as he gets the all clear from his doctor." To say that you are all ears means that you are listening very attentively. Ex: Of course I want to know - I'm all ears! If something is all in your head, it is not real. It is in your imagination. Trongătư ngătượngă củaăbạnăthôi! Ex: Don't be silly. Nobody is trying to harm you. It's all in your head!" If someone has to answer for something, they have to accept responsibility for their actions. Chịuătránhănhiệm Ex: He will have to answer for his dishonesty. If you argue the toss, you dispute a decision or choice which has already been made. Nói điănóiălại Ex: The final choice was made yesterday, so don'targue the toss now! Someone who is asking for trouble is behaving stupidly and is likely to have problems. Tựătìmărắcărối Ex: Driving fast on these roads is really asking for trouble! If you are determined to obtain or achieve something at all costs, you want it regardless of the expense, effort or sacrifice involved. Bằngămọiăgiá S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 14 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Ex: The journalist was determined at all costs to get a report from the war zone." B Leave somebody holding the baby A bad egg A bad hair day In bad shape In the bag In the balance If someone is left holding the baby, they are made responsible for a problem that others don't want to deal with. Ex: When the angry customer started to complain, my colleague disappeared and left me holding the baby." To refer to someone as a bad egg means that they cannot be trusted. Ex: I don't want my son to be friends with Bobby Smith. Boby's a bad egg." Originating as a humorous comment about one's hair being unmanageable, this term has broadened to mean a day when everything seems to go wrong'. Ex: What's wrong with Jenny? Is she having a bad hair day? A person who is in bad shape is in poor physical condition. Ex: I really am in bad shape. I need to get some exercise. If you think something is in the bag, you are almost certain it will be achieved. Đểălạiă“việcărắcărối”ă choăaiăđóădọn (trong côngăviệc) Ngư iăkhôngăđángă tin Mộtăngàyătồiătệ Trongăthểătrạngă khôngătốt Nắmăchắcătrongătay Ex: An hour before the polling stations closed, victory seemed in the bag for the Conservative candidate. If something is in the balance, it means the situation is uncertain and it is not clear what is Đưaălênăbànăcân going to happen. Ex: The future of the company is in the S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 15 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Balancing act balance while the takeover bid is being examined. When you try to satisfy two or more people or groups who have different needs, and keep everyone happy, you perform a balancing act. Have a ball Ex: Many people have to perform a balancing actbetween work and family. If you have a ball, you enjoy yourself. That's the way the ballbounces Ex: The party was great. We had a ball. Things don't always work out as planned, and there's nothing we can do about it - that's life! Bar fly Bear something in mind It beats me! Behind closed doors Behind the times Behind bars Làmădâuătrĕmăhọ Cuộcăsốngălàăthế Ex: He didn't get the prize he expected, but never mind - that's the way the ball bounces. A bar fly refers to someone who spends a lot of time drinking in bars and pubs. Ex: You'll find Johnny down at the pub - he's a real bar fly! If someone asks you to bear something in mind, they are telling you to remember it Luônăghiănhớărằng because it is important. Ex: You must bear in mind that the cost of living is higher in New York." This expression is used to express surprise at something that you find difficult to understand. Ex: It beats me how he can live in that horrible apartment! If something takes place behind closed doors, it is done privately, with no observers or intruders. Ex: The matter was discussed behind closed doors. A person who is behind the times has oldfashioned ideas and does not keep up with modern life in general. Đằngăsauăbứcămàn Lỗiăth i Ex: Jane doesn't have a mobile phone. She's completely behind the times. Someone who is behind bars is in prison. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 16 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Tighten your belt Ex: If you hang around with that gang, you'll find yourself behind bars in no time. If you need to tighten your belt, you must spend your money carefully. Bet your bottom dollar Ex: Another bill? I'll have to tighten my belt this month! If you bet your bottom dollar on something, you are absolutely certain of it. Better late than never Better safe than sorry Think better of something It's beyond me Big cheese Big picture For the birds Ex: Jack is very punctual. You can bet your bottom dollar he'll be here at 9 o'clock on the dot. When someone does something late, this remark means that it's better to do it late than not do it at all. "Do you know what time it is? You promised you'd come early to help me - but better late than never I suppose!" It's better to be too cautious than to be careless and have regrets later. "Let's book tickets in advance - better safe than sorry!" If you think better of something, you decide not to do something that you intended doing. Thắtăchặtăhầuăbao Cóăcònăhơnăkhông Đểăcoiăsaoăđã Ex: I wanted to go shopping, but when I saw the crowded car park, I thought better of it." The expression "it's beyond me" means: "it's impossibleăforămeătoăunderstand.” Thậtăkhóăhiểu Ex: It's beyond me why Mary wants to marry John. This expression refers to a person who has a lot of power and influence in an organization. Ngư iăcóăảnhăhư ng Ex: Tom's father is a big cheese in the oil industry. To refer to the big picture means the overall situation, or the project as a whole, rather than the details. Chiếnălượcătổngăthể Ex: While each aspect is important, try not to forget the big picture. If you think something is for the birds, you consider it to be uninteresting, useless, or not S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 17 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) to be taken seriously. Kill two birds with one stone. Bite the hand that feeds you Bite your tongue Make your blood boil Make your blood run cold Lick someone's boots Ex: As far as I'm concerned, his theory is for the birds! If you kill two birds with one stone, you succeed in doing two things at the same time. If you bite the hand that feeds you, you are unfriendly or do harm to someone who is kind to you. If you bite your tongue, you try not to say what you really think or feel. Ex: It was difficult for me not to react; I had to bite my tongue. If something makes your blood boil, it makes you really angry. Ex: His condescending attitude made my blood boil! If something makes your blood run cold, it shocks or scares you a lot. Ex: The look in the prisoner's eyes made my blood run cold. To say that one person licks another person's bootsmeans that they are trying to please that person, often in order to obtain something. Mộtămũiătênăbắnă chếtă2ăconănhạn Nuôi ong tay áo Uốnălưỡiăbảyălầnă trướcăkhiănói Giậnăsôiămáu Sợă(sốc)ălạnhăxươngă sống Nịnhăhót Ex: He wants to get the job, so he clicks the boss’săboots. On the bottle Business is business A person who drinks alcoholic drinks often and regularly is on the bottle. Ex: Joe went on the bottle when he lost his job. This is a way of saying that in financial and commercial matters, friendship or personal feelings should not be allowed to have any influence. Sángăxỉnăchiềuăsay Côngăviệcălàăcôngă việc! Ex: I'll hire your brother only if he is the best candidate. I'm sorry but business is business!" S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 18 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) A piece of cake Slice of the cake Sell like hot cakes Can of worms Play your cards right Put/lay one's cards on the table Carrot and stick Carry the can (for someone else) C To refer to something as a piece of cake means that you consider it to be very easy. Dễănhưăĕnă bánh Ex: The English test was a piece of cake! When people feel entitled to a share of the benefits or profits, they want a (larger) slice of the cake. Ex: Since profits are higher this year, the workers feel they deserve a bigger slice of the cake. Things that sell like hot cakes sell quickly or in Bánănhưătômă large quantities. tươi To describe a situation as a can of worms means that it is complicated, unpleasant and difficult to “Mộtăđốngă deal with. rắcărối”ă (việcălộnă Ex: The discovery of the transfer of funds turned xộnăkhóăgiảiă out to be a real can of worms." quyết) This means that you do all that is necessary in order to succeed. Dùngăđúngă chiêuăthức Ex: If we play our cards right, we'll get the contract. If you put your cards on the table, you speak honestly and openly about your feelings and Lậtăngửaă intentions. ván bài Ex: Let's clear the air and put our cards on the table. If you use a carrot-and-stick approach, you use the promise of reward and the threat of punishment to make somebody work harder. Câyăgậyăvàă củăcàărốt Ex: Some parents use a carrot-andstick approach to obtain good results from their children. If you carry the can for another person, you accept blame or take responsibility for something that goes wrong, even if it is not your fault or only partly. Ex: The author didn't turn up for the interview and his agent had to carry the can. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 19 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) A cash cow Cat-and-dog life A product or service which is a regular source of income for a company is called a cash cow. Ex: His latest invention turned out to be a real cash cow. This term refers to a life in which partners are constantly or frequently quarrelling. Ex: They lead a cat-and-dog life. I don't know why they stay together." Catch somebody's eye If someone catches your eye, you find them attractive. Cause a stir Change the face of something Change of heart Chase rainbows Too many chiefs, not enough Indians. Chinese whispers Ex; The pretty girl near the door caught his eye. If something causes a stir, it creates an atmosphere of excitement or great interest. Nhưăchóăvớiă mèo thuăhútăaiăđó tạoăsựăsôiă động Ex: The arrival of the actress caused quite a stir in the village. When an innovation, discovery or event changes the face of something, it alters it completely or in a major way. Thayăđổiăbộă mặtăcủa... Ex: Social networks have changed the face of modern communication." If someone has a change of heart, they change their attitude or feelings, especially towards greater friendliness or cooperation. Thay lòng đổiădạ Ex: He was against charity, but he had a change of heart when he saw the plight of the homeless. Someone who is chasing rainbows is trying to get something they will never obtain. Ex: She's trying to get into Harvard but I think she'schasing rainbows. This expression refers to a situation where there are too many people giving instructions and not enough people doing the work. Ex: The business wasn't successful. There were too many chiefs and not enough Indians. This term refers to a process by which a message or piece of information (especially gossip, rumors or scandalous news) is passed on from one person to another, and changes along the way, so that the final version is often very Chạyătheoă ảoătư ng Thầyănhiềuă hơnăthợ Tam sao thấtă bản S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 20 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) different from the original. Clear the air Not have a clue Cold calls Off colour Corner a market Crocodile tears Cross the line Cross your mind Cut one's losses If you decide to clear the air, you try to remove the causes of fear, worry or suspicion by talking about them openly. Bàyătỏăhếtă nỗiălòng Ex: The atmosphere had become so unpleasant that he decided it was time to clear the air. If you don't have a clue about something, you don't know anything about it. khôngăbiết Ex: My wife's grandmother's maiden name? I don't have a clue! If you make cold calls, you telephone potential customers from a list of people you do not know. Ex: In my first job I had to make cold calls using the telephone directory. If you are off colour, you are looking or feeling ill. Ex: You should get some rest. You look a bit off color. If a company dominates an area of business, and leaves no room for competition, it is said to havecornered the market. Ex: By importing large quantities and selling at low prices, they have cornered the market." To shed crocodile tears means to shed false tears or show insincere grief. Ex: Caroline pretended to be sad but we all knew her tears were crocodile tears. If you cross the line you go beyond the authorized limits and do something which is not acceptable. Ex: He has an unpleasant habit of telling jokes that really cross the line." If an idea or thought crosses your mind, you suddenly think of it. Xanhănhưă tàuăláăchuối Chiếmălĩnhă thịătrư ng Nướcămắtăcáă sấu Vượtărào Ýănghĩă thoáng qua Ex: It has just crossed my mind that the shops are closed today. If you end or withdraw from something that is already failing, in order to reduce the loss of S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 21 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) money, time or effort invested in it, you cut your losses. Cut it out! Cutting edge Ex: The project is heading for failure. Let's cut our losses before it's too late." If you say cut it out to someone, you are telling them to stop doing something. Ex: I've had enough of your insinuations, so just cut it out! This expression refers to the newest, most advanced stage in the development of something. Giaiăđoạnă caoăđiểm Ex: The company is at the cutting edge of aeronautics. Dance to someone's tune D If you dance to someone's tune, you do whatever that person tells you to do. Hùa theo (ai đó) He is the company's major shareholder so the management has to dance to his tune. In the dark Darken someone's door Dead in the water Dead loss Dead wood If someone is kept or left in the dark about something, they are not informed about it . Ex: The personnel were kept in the dark about the merger until the last minute. If you darken someone's door, you come as an unwanted or unwelcome visitor. Giữăbíămật Khôngăm iă màătới Ex: Just get out of here, and never darken my door again!" A plan or project that is dead in the water is at a standstill or has ceased to function and is unlikely to be reactivated in the future. Ex: Because of the crisis, the planned housing development is now dead in the water. Someone or something described as a dead loss is absolutely useless or a complete failure. sựăthấtăbạiă hoàn toàn Ex: When it comes to gardening, my brother is a dead loss. The term dead wood refers to people or things which are no longer considered useful or S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 22 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) necessary. Dead to the world Deep pockets Ex: The new manager wants to reduce costs by cutting out the dead wood. A person who is dead to the world is fast asleep. Ex: Don't worry. You won't disturb him. He's dead to the world! A person or organization who has deep pockets has a lot of money. Ex: Andy's business is not doing well at the moment. He says he needs a friend with deep pockets. To do someone's dirty work means to do the Do someone's dirtywork unpleasant or difficult work that the other person does not want to do. Do more harm than If the effect of an action is more damaging than helpful, it does more harm than good." good Dog's life Every dog has its day Go to the dogs Ex: Giving him money did more harm than good he spent it on alcohol. People use this expression when complaining about a situation or job which they find unpleasant or unsatisfactory. Ex: It's a dog's life working in the after-sales department. This expression means that everyone can be successful at something at some time in their life. Ex: I didn't win this time, but I'll be lucky one day. Every dog has its day! To say that a company, organization or country isgoing to the dogs means that it is becoming less successful or efficient than before. Ngủăgàăngủă gật Dày túi Làmăchuyệnă hạiănhiềuă hơnălợi Aiăcũngăcóă mộtăth iă (th iăhuyă hoàng) Let sleeping dogs lie Ex: Some think the company will go to the dogs if it is nationalized. If you tell somebody to let sleeping dogs lie, you are asking them not to interfere with a situation because they could cause problems. A done deal Ex: Look - they've settled their differences. It's time tolet sleeping dogs lie. This expression is used to refer to an agreement or S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 23 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) decision which has been reached on a certain matter. Down to earth Ex; We're still considering several proposals, so it's nota done deal yet. Someone who is down to earth is not a dreamer but a realistic and practical person who has sensible reactions and expectations. Dressed to kill Ex: Don't ask Suzy for help. She's fun, but not very down to earth. When someone, especially a woman, is dressed to kill, they are wearing very fashionable or glamorous clothes intended to attract attention. Drink like a fish Ex: She arrived at the reception dressed to kill. A person who drinks like a fish is a heavy drinker or one who drinks a lot. Drop like flies To be dying for something A sitting duck Ex: I'm nervous if Joe drives when we go out because he drinks like a fish! If people drop like flies, they fall ill or die in large numbers. Ex: There's an epidemic of flu at the moment. Senior citizens are dropping like flies. If you are dying for something, you have a strong desire for it. Ex: I'm dying for a cup of tea! A sitting duck is an easy target, a person who is easy to deceive. Thựcătế Uốngănhưăhũă chìm Chếtănhưărạ khao khát điềuăgì Ngư iădễădãi Ex: The young girl was a sitting duck for the photographer. Eagle eyes E Someone who has eagle eyes sees or notices things more easily than others. In one ear and out the other Ex: Tony will help us find it - he's got eagle eyes! To say that information goes in one ear and out the other means that it is immediately forgotten or ignored. Nghe tai này lọtătaiăkia Ex: I keep telling him about the risks but it goes in one ear and out the other. He never listens to S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 24 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Make one's ears burn anyone! If something makes your ears burn, you are embarrassed by what you hear, especially if the conversation is about you. Ex: The comments I overheard made my ears burn. Music to your ears To say that something is music to your ears, means that the information you receive makes you feel very happy. Earn while you learn Easier said than done Easy as pie Eat /dip into one's savings A bad egg At the eleventh hour Even the score This expression refers to the possibility of earning a salary while in training. Ex: Become an apprentice and get paid while in training. Earn while you learn!" To say that something is easier said than done means that what is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it. Ex: Put the TV aerial on the roof? Easier said than done! To say that something is easy as pie means that it is very easy to do. Ngheămuốnănổă tai luôn Mậtăngọtăchếtă ruồi Họcămàăđượcă trảătiền Nóiădễăhơnă làm Dễănhưăĕnă bánh Ex: How did the English test go? - No problem - it was easy as pie! If you eat or dip into your savings, you spend part of the money you have put aside for future use. Ex: I had to dip into my savings to have the car repaired. To refer to someone as a bad egg means that they cannot be trusted. Ex: I don't want my son to be friends with Bobby Smith. Bobby's a bad egg. If something happens at the eleventh hour, it happens when it is almost too late, or at the last possible moment. Phútăthứă90 Ex: Our team won after they scored a goal at the eleventh hour. When a person decides to even the score, they try to get their revenge on someone who has cheated Trảăđũa S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 25 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) or done them harm. Look someone in theeyes Keep a straight face Fair and square Fast track something On the fence Fight a losing battle Fight/argue like cat and dog Have other fish to fry Ex: When Jack discovered that Bob had cheated, he was determined to even the score. If you look someone in the eye, or eyes, you look Nhìnăthẳngăvàoă at them directly so as to convince them that you are mắt telling the truth, even though you may be lying. F If you keep a straight face, you look serious although you really want to laugh. Làmămặtă nghiêm If something is obtained or won fair and square, it is done in an honest and open manner, the rules are respected and there is no cheating or lying. Ex: Peter won the competition fair and square there was no doubt about the result. If you decide to fast track something, such as a task or project, you give it high priority so that the objective is reached as quickly as possible. In view of the number of homeless, it was decided to fast track the construction of low-cost housing. When faced with a choice, a person who is on the fence has not yet reached a decision. Lưỡngălự Ex: The candidates have such similar ideas that many electors are still on the fence. If someone is fighting a losing battle, they are trying to do something even when there is little chance of succeeding. Cònănướcăcònă tát The headmaster is fighting a losing battle trying to ban mobile phones at school. Two people who fight or argue like cat and dogfrequently have violent arguments, even though they are fond of each other. Chửiă(đánh)ă nhauănhưăchóă vớiămèo. Ex: They fight like cat and dog but they're still together after 30 years. If you have other fish to fry, you have more important things to do. Ex: I don't think he'll attend the office party; he's got other fish to fry. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 26 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Fit the bill If someone or something fits the bill, they are exactly right for a particular situation. On the fly Ex: They wanted a quiet place for the week-end and the country inn just fitted the bill. If you do something on the fly, you do it quickly, without thinking much about it, while doing something else. Flying start Ex: I'm so busy I usually have lunch on the fly. If something gets off to the flying start, it is immediately successful. Follow in someone's footsteps Follow suit Ex: Sales of the book got off to a flying start and exceeded our expectations." If you follow in someone's footsteps (for example a parent), you lead a similar life or do the same job. Ex: Lily followed in her mother's footsteps and became a teacher. If you follow suit, you do the same as somebody else has just done. A foot in the door Ex: The first robber held up his hands. The other twofollowed suit. If you say that someone has a foot in the door, you mean that they have a small but successful start in something and will possibly do well in the future. Get a foothold Ex: With today's unemployment, it's difficult to get a foot in the door in any profession." If you get a foothold somewhere, you secure a position for yourself in a business, profession or organisation. Force of habit Free as a bird Theo chân ai Có chân trong (cóăngư iăhỗă trợăbênătrong) Ex: The contract got the firm a foothold in the local administration. When something is done out of force of habit, it has become automatic through frequent repetition. Ex: Why do I always park here? It's force of habit I suppose. If someone is free as a bird, they are completely free to do as they please. Tựădoănhưă chimăsổălồng Ex: My dad's very happy - he's free as a bird since S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 27 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) A free hand Friends in high places Front runner Full of beans Full of hot air Funny business he retired. If you have a free hand, you have permission to make your own decisions, especially in a job. Ex: My boss has given me a free hand in the choice of agent. If you know important or influential people in business or government, you have friends in high places. Bạnăbèăcóăchứcă quyền Ex: He wouldn't have succeeded without help from friends in high places. In a contest, race or election, the front runner is the person who seems most likely to succeed or win. Ex: Who are the front runners in the coming elections? A person who is full of beans is lively, active and healthy. Ex: He may be getting old but he's still full of beans! A person who full of hot air is full of nonsense and talks a lot without saying anything worthwhile. Ex: Don't listen to Tony. He's full of hot air! An activity which is conducted in a deceitful, dishonest or unethical manner is called funny business. Tào lao Côngăviệcăkinhă doanhăbấtă chính Ex: I've got suspicions about that association. I think they're up to some funny business. All his geese are swans G This expression refers to someone who constantly exaggerates the importance of somebody or something. Nổă(nóiă khoát) Ex: Don't let him impress you. He always exaggerates; all his geese are swans!" Gentleman'sagreement When an agreement is neither written nor signed, because the two parties trust each other completely, it is called a gentleman's agreement. Ex: It was a gentleman's agreement. I can't change my mind now! S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 28 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Get your ducks in a row Get into gear Get your hands dirty Get on in years Get the message Get the sack Get off the hook This expression means that you are trying to get things well organized. Ex: We need to get our ducks in a row if we want our project to succeed. When a person or activity gets into gear, they start to work or become effective. Ex: Immediately after the announcement, a group of protesters got into gear. If you get your hands dirty in your job, you become involved in all aspects of it, including work that is physical, unpleasant or less interesting. Ex: His willingness to get his hands dirty won the respect and approval of the whole team. Someone who is getting on in years is growing old. Ex: My grandmother is getting on in years. She's no longer able to prepare Christmas dinner without help. If you get the message, you understand what someone is trying to tell you, even if it is expressed in actions or gestures rather than words. Giàărồi Hiểuăýă đồ Ex: When Tony pointed at his watch, I got the message - it was time to leave for the airport." If someone gets the sack, they lose their job, usually because they have done something wrong. Ex: Charlie got the sack when his boss caught him stealing. If you do something wrong and manage to get off the hook, you avoid punishment or blame. Tránhăbịă mắcăcâu Ex: Barry was questioned by the police but his lawyer managed to get him off the hook. Get on your high horse If you get on your high horse, you start behaving in a haughty manner, as though you should be treated with more respect. Get the better of someone Ex: He got on his high horse when he was asked to show his membership card. If someone or something gets the better of you, they defeat you. Thắngă thế Ex: She went on a diet but it didn't last long - her S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 29 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Get to the bottom of something Get a move on Get out of hand Get the show on the road Give it a rest! Give someone a hard time Give someone the runaround Go against the tide Go bananas love of chocolate got the better of her! If you get to the bottom of a problem or mystery, you solve it by finding out the true cause of it. Ex: We have a problem of goods disappearing during transport. Hopefully the investigation will get to the bottom of it. If someone tells you to get a move on, they are asking you to hurry up. Ex: You'd better get a move on or you'll miss the bus! If a person or a situation gets out of hand, they cannot be controlled any longer. Ex: During the student demonstration, things got out of hand and several shop windows were broken. If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show on the road. Tìm ra gốcăcủaă vấnăđề Ngoài tầmăkiểmă soát Ex: OK! We've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road! If someone tells you to give it a rest, they are asking you to stop doing something such as complaining or talking continuously. Ex: All you talk about is politics - give it a rest...please! If you give someone a hard time, you annoy them or make things difficult for them. Làm khó aiăđó Ex: Susan says the pupils in her new school are giving her a hard time. If someone gives you the run-around, they deliberately give you confusing information or evasive answers. Vòng vo tamăquốc Ex: I'm trying to contact the manager, but every time I call the firm I'm given the run-around. If you go against the tide, you refuse to conform to current trends, or the opinions or behavior of other people. Điăngượcă xuăhướng Ex: Bill can be difficult to work with; he constantly goes against the tide. If someone becomes very emotional and starts S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 30 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) behaving in a crazy way, they go bananas. Go to extremes Go hand in hand Go off the rails, Go out of business Go the whole hog Golden opportunity Golden rule Gone with the wind Green light Ex: If you announce that you're going to drop out of school, your parents will go bananas! People who go to extremes behave in a way which lacks moderation. Ex: My parents tend to go to extremes. They live on a tight budget and then they go on expensive holidays. If two or more things go hand in hand, they are associated or often happen at the same time. Cựcăđoan Song song Ex: In big cities poverty and violence often go hand in hand. If someone goes off the rails, they go out of control and begin to behave in a manner that is Trậtă unacceptable to society. đư ngă ràyă(điă Ex: Given the unstable environment, it's a miracle sai that none of their children ever went off the rails. hướng) If a shop, firm or enterprise goes out of business, it closes down or goes bankrupt. Ex: If the new road bypasses the town, a lot of shops will go out of business. When you go the whole hog, you do something thoroughly or completely. Ex: They put up a few decorations for Christmas, then they decided to go the whole hog and buy a tree and all the trimmings. A golden opportunity is a favorable time or excellent occasion which should not be missed. The most important rule or principle to be remembered when doing something is called the golden rule. Ex: When travelling abroad, the golden rule is to respect the local customs. If something has gone with the wind, it has disappeared forever. Ex: I lost everything during the crisis. My savings are gone with the wind! If you give or get the green light, you give or get a signal or permission to do something. Cơăhộiă vàng Cuốnă theo chiềuăgió Bậtăđènă S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 31 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) xanh Prepare the ground Ex: We're ready to launch the campaign as soon as weget the green light. To prepare the ground means that you try to make it easier for a future event or action to happen. Xây dựngănềnă tảng H had better hair stand on end Should Ex: You had better go now or you will be late for class. She became frightened hale and hearty Ex: Her hair would stand on end every time she watched a horror movie. Well and strong half the battle Ex: My uncle is a hale and hearty fellow who never gets sick. Difficult hand down Ex: Getting them to come to the meeting will be half the battle. Arrange to give after death Ex: She plans to hand down her jewelry to her daughter. hang loose Relax heads will roll Ex: Just hang loose for another few days. People will be punished Ex: Some heads will roll when the boss looks at the costs this month. home free Sợădựngă tóc gáy Chuẩnă bị hậuăsự “Rơiă đầu”ă(bịă phạt,ăbịă trách mắng) A definite success Ex: The new promotion plan is home free. I if worst comes to If the worst scenario occurs worst Ex: If worst comes to worst we must cancel our vacation. Trong trư ngă hợpăxấuă S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 32 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) nhất in a fog Confused in a hole Ex: He is always in a fog and never seems to know what is going on. In trouble in a spot Ex: He really is in a hole now that he has problems at work. In a difficult situation in a word Ex: He will be in a spot if he cannot pass the entrance exams. Briefly in and out Ex: In a word, I think that you need to study more. Ahead of time Ex: They bought the tickets in advance so that they could get good seats. coming in and going out in deep Ex: The boss has been in and out of his office the entire day. Deeply involved in short supply Ex: They are really in deep with each other. Less than the amount needed in stock Ex: These days the amount of oil is in short supply. Available in the bag Ex: The new paints are in stock. Settled in the long run Ex: Everything is in the bag. There is nothing to worry about. Over time in the red Ex: The company lost money but should be okay in the long run. Losing money in the works Ex: The company has been in the red since last year. being planned in advance Mùăm Nói tóm lại Điăraăđiă vô Trong tầmătay Theoăth iă gian Ex: The new line of products is in the works. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 33 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) jack-of-alltrades jazz up jerking someone around jump all over someone jump at jump on someone J Someone who can do many things Ex: That guy is a jack-of-all-trades. Brighten up Ex: We need to jazz up this boring room. Causing someone trouble Ex: Recently it seems like everyone is jerking me around. Scold me Quayă(aiăđó)ă nhưădế Ex: For no reason, he began to jump all over me Quickly accept Ex: She knew that he would jump at the chance to go to Japan. Scold just about Ex: The boss would jump on him for even a small mistake. Nearly just so Ex: I waited just about one hour for her to come. Close to perfect Ex: She always makes sure that her hair is just sobefore she goes out. K keep a secret Not tell others keep after Ex: You should keep a secret about your new job. Keep reminding keep an eye on Ex: You should keep after her to do her homework. Watch keep at Ex: Keep an eye on my bicycle while I order some coffee. Continue Giữăbíămật Ex: He has decided to keep at his studies at the university. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 34 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) keep books Keep records of money gained and spent keep down Ex: She used to keep books for a small company. Control keep house Ex: The students were told to keep down the noise. Look after household keep in touch Ex: She likes to keep house more than working for a company. Stay in contact keep one's head Ex: I have always tried to keep in touch with my friends. Stay calm when there is trouble or danger keep one's mouth shut keep one's nose clean Giữăbìnhătĩnh Be quiet Ex: She was very angry and told him to keep his mouth shut. Stay out of trouble keep one's word Ex: He has been managing to keep his nose cleansince he moved to the new town. fulfill her promise keep pace with Ex: She never can keep her word. Go as fast as Giữăl iăhứa Theoăkịp Ex: It was difficult to keep pace with the other students. lady killer L Man who some women find very charming and attractive lady's man Ex: The man in the movie was a lady killer. Man who is popular with women laid back Ex: He is a lady's man and always seems to have a lot of women interested in him. Calm and relaxed laid up Ex: You need to be more laid back. Confined to bed Đàoăhoa S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 35 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) land on one's feet last minute Ex: He has been laid up for a few days because of a cold. come out of a bad situation successfully He always manages to land on his feet. There is no more time luck out Ex: I usually put off writing my papers until the last minute. Fortunate lash out Ex: If you luck out in Las Vegas, you can make a lot of money. verbally abuse Nướcătớiăchânămớiănhảy Ex: He began to lash out at the man who was sitting next to him. M made a hit was popular make a bundle Ex: Her cake made a hit at the party. make a lot of money make a day of it Ex: He could make a bundle on the stock market this year. stay the entire day make a difference Ex: We decided to make a day of it at the park. change anything make a go of Ex: It does not seem to make a difference if we talk or not. achieve success in make a killing Ex: He is trying to make a go of the business even though he is losing money. make a lot of money make a living Ex: You can make a killing in Las Vegas. make enough money Ex: You cannot make a living at your present job. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 36 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) make a mountain make a big problem out of a small one Chuyệnănhỏ xé to out of a molehill Ex: Try not to make a mountain out of a molehill. make a name for become famous Tạoătênătuổi oneself Ex: She is trying to make a name for herself in the field of literature. make a run for it leave quickly make waves Ex: I think that she will make a run for it as soon as the class finished. cause trouble Tạoăsóngăgió Ex: Try not to make waves around the office. N neck and neck nearly equal Ngang nhau nest egg Ex: The two teams were neck and neck in the game. amount of money saved new blood Ex: He has a good nest egg in the bank. fresh energy nice out Ex: The new employee sure has added new blood to this company. nice weather no bed of roses Ex: It sure is nice out today. not easy no deal Ex: Trying to work at two jobs is no bed of roses. not agreed to no doubt Ex: He almost bought the car but in the end the sale was no deal. no uncertainty no end to Ex: There is no doubt which team will win this year. no finish point Thayămáuă(đổiănhânăsựă mới) Khôngăphảiăthảmăhồng Khôngăcònănghiăng ăgìă nữa Khôngălốiăra S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 37 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) no show no way no wonder Ex: There appears to be no end to this project. Absent Ex: I think that she will be a no show. No way to fit all those things in that purse. not surprising Ex: Since he stayed up all night, it is no wonder that he is tired. O odds and ends off again, on again Various items Ex: We made games for the students using odds and ends from around the house. Uncertain off and on Ex: The plans for the party were off again, on again. Intermittently off base Ex: It has been raining off and on since this morning. Inaccurate off color Ex: He was really off base on his estimate of the budget. Inappropriate and offensive off one's back Ex: He likes to tell off color jokes at work. The police officer was off duty when the incident occurred. Away and not bother me off the hook Ex: I wish he would stay off my back. Out of trouble old hat Ex: He is off the hook now that they realized it was not his mistake. Boring and unchanging on a diet Ex: Her job has become old hat. trying to lose weight off duty Giàăcảălỗiăth i Ĕnăkiêng S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 38 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) on credit Ex: Are you on a diet or something? Using a credit card on easy street Ex: She decided to buy the table on credit. Financially comfortable on one's back Ex: He has been on easy street since he sold his business. bothering someone on one's shoulders Ex: She has been on his back all week to get a new job. One’săresponsibility on purpose Ex: The mistakes made in the department were on his shoulders. Intentionally on the ball Ex: I think that she spilled the drink on purpose. Intelligent on the block Ex: He is really on the ball. For sale on the dot Ex: The office building is on the block. Exactly on time on the go She usually arrives at work on the dot. Busily moving around on the other hand Lẻoăđẻoăđằngă sau Gánhănặngătrênă vai Ex: He has been on the go since early this morning. in contrast on the whole once in a while Ex: She is intelligent but on the other hand she is very lazy. In general Occasionally out of control Ex: We go to that restaurant once in a while to eat Japanese food. Chaotic Ex: Yeah, but it was out of control. Loạn,ăngoàiă tầmăkiểmăsoát P S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 39 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) pan out become reality pass away Ex: I hope that your plans to go back to school pan out. Die Ex: The old leader is expected to pass away soon. pass on give away pass out Ex: She tries to pass on her old clothes to her younger sister. faint pay attention Ex: She is going to pass out if she drinks any more sake. focus on and listen pay off Ex: You should pay attention to what the teacher is saying. reduce the balance owed to zero on pay off Ex: The homeowner was able to pay off the loan early. be successful pay off Ex: The business plan began to pay off and the profits of the company increased. bribe pick someone up Ex: The company tried to pay off the politician. come and get someone pop for something Trả hếtănợ Đưaăhốiălộ Ex: What time do you want me to pick you up? buy put off Ex: It is my turn to pop for the doughnuts. delay put the moves on Ex: Yeah, I usually put off doing homework until the last minute. seduce Quyếnărũăai Ex: You should give up trying to put the moves on her. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 40 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) R raise eyebrows cause surprise rip off Ex: These crazy clothes should raise eyebrows at the office tomorrow. overpriced item run short Ex: This car was really a rip off. not have enough rough time Ex: If we don’tăorderăsuppliesănow,ăweăwillă probablyrun short. hard time run the show red ink ream someone out ran out of gas Chau mày (ngạcănhiên) Ex: We have had a rough time this winter. make the decisions It seems as if the boss really likes to run the show. debt Ex: The company has been in red ink from the beginning. yell at him Ex: The boss decided to ream him out for his bad report. lost momentum Chạyăhếtăga Ex: The politician ran out of gas during the campaign. S saddled with debt save face save one's breath save one's skin burdened with debt Ex: The company has been saddled with debt. protect his reputation Ex: The manager was able to save face when he showed that the loss of money was outside of his control. remain silent Ex: You should save your breath because I do not believe you anyway. avoid trouble Ex: He quit the company during the scandal in order tosave his skin. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 41 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) screw around waste time screw up Ex: Do not screw around at work. make a mistake short on funds Ex: If you screw up one more time, I will fire you. sell completely Our best products seem to sell out very quickly. low on money shot down Ex: I am kind of short on funds now. disagreed with steamed up Ex: Everyone shot down my idea. Angry sell out Nóng lên Ex: Don't get so steamed up over the issue. T take a back seat accept a lower position take a stand on Ex: I had to take a back seat for the benefit of the company. be decisive on take a trip Ex: The President decided to take a stand on the tax issue. Go take advantage of Ex: We plan to take a trip to Japan in July. benefit from take back Ex: Take advantage of the beautiful weather and go to the beach. Revoke take care of Ex: He had to take back what he said about his boss. give attention to take care of Ex: You should take care of your health. deal with take down Ex: She had to take care of the paperwork. Write Rútălạiă(l iă đãănói) Ex: Please take down many notes during the lecture. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 42 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) take on Hire take over Ex: The company is expected to take on more employees next year. take control of take roll Ex: The larger bank is expected to take over the smaller bank. check attendance take stock take the company public Ex: I'm going to take roll now. count the items of merchandise or supplies in stock The store usually has to take stock every three months. sell shares of the company to the general public team player Ex: The owner needed more money and decided totake the company public. someone who works well with others the inside track Ex: He is really a team player. the advantage over others throw more money at Ex: He knows the manager so he has the inside trackfor getting the new job. try to solve the problem by spending more money on tight spot Ex: The product may do better in the market if wethrow more money at it. difficult situation turn over Ex: The new product is not selling as well as expected and has put the company in a tight spot. rate of sale to move on Ex: The new product turnover has been incredible. to seduce Quĕngătiềnă vôăviệcăgì Ex: I am going to try to move on Joan next Saturday. U ugly duckling Unattractive under a cloud Ex: She was an ugly duckling when she was a child. under suspicion Vịtăconăxấuă xí Ex: The politician has been under a cloud over the S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 43 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) under a cloud possibility of taking bribes. depressed under cover Ex: He has been under a cloud since he lost his job. in disguise Ex: The detective went under cover to look for the drug dealers. under one's nose in an obvious place under one's thumb under one's wing Ex: He found his wallet under his nose. under his control Ex: He is only a salesman but he has his boss under his thumb. underăone’săcare Ex: He took the new employee under his wing. under the table in secret and illegally up front Ex: He paid some money under the table in order to get his product exported into the country. Honest upper hand Ex: He was up front about the condition of the car. advantage ups and downs Ex: The union members have the upper hand in the negotiations. moments of good and bad fortune up to someone use up Ngayătrướcă mắt Trongăsựă bảoăbọcăcủaă aiăđó Hốiălộ Thắngăthế Baăchìmăbảyă Ex: He is having a few ups and downs but generally he nổi is doing well. her decision Tùyăaiăđó It is up to her when it is time to leave. completely use Ex: They had to use up the paper before ordering more. vicious circle V unbroken sequence of cause and effect Vòngănhânăquả Ex: Drinking alcohol, becoming depressed and then drinking even more is S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 44 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) voted down an example of a vicious circle. defeated Ex: The election results showed the governor wasvoted down. walk all over W control and take advantage of walk away with Ex: She is always trying to walk all over him. Steal walk on air Ex: Someone tried to walk away with the office computer. be happy Ex: She is going to walk on air when he gives her the diamond ring. warm up to waste one's breath watch it watch one's P's and Q's way the wind blows become friendly with Ex: She could easily warm up to the new student. speak pointlessly Ex: Do not waste your breath trying to change her mind. be careful Ex: I think you should watch it if you travel to that city. be well-behaved Ex: The teacher told him to watch his P's and Q's. situation occurs wear down Ex: The vacation plans will depend on which way the wind blows. exhaust weigh on Ex: Try not to wear down the employees with a long speech. concern and worry weigh one's words Lên mây (vui/ăđã/ă hạnhăphúcă quá) Ex: The upcoming college entrance exam began toweigh on her. think about what you will say Cânănhắc Uốnălưỡiă7ă S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 45 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Ex: You should weigh your words before you tell her. well-off Wealthy what's up Ex: The owner of the restaurant is certainly well-off. is happening what's with Ex: She really wants to know what's up. what is happening with work out Ex: Hey, what's with the manager today. Exercise work out Ex: She likes to work out at the gym. Develop write off Ex: They needed to work out the plans of the new product. remove the expense of what's what Ex: They were able to write off the money spent on entertainment. one thing from another Ex: It is hard to tell what's what at an auction. Y year-round yellow-bellied you bet you bet your boots Z zero balance zero hour lầnătrướcă khi nói Chuyệnăxảyă raăkếătiếp the entire year without closing The supermarket is now open year-round. Cowardly He is a yellowbellied person. Of course You bet I am angry with you. Of course You bet your boots I am angry with you. no money was owed My credit card statement showed azero balance. the scheduled time S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 46 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) The computer was installed at zero hour. focused on Our boss quickly zeroed in on the problem. zeroed in on M TăS ăTHÀNHăNG ăTI NGăANHăT NGăT ăTI NGăVI T - Xaămặtăcáchălòng:ăOutăofăsight,ăoutăofămind - Taiăváchămạchărừng:ăWallsăhaveăears - Yêuăchoăroiăchoăvọt,ăghétăchoăngọtăchoăbùi:ăSpareătheărod,ăspoilătheăchild - Củaărẻălàăcủaăôi:ăTheăcheapestăisătheădearest 1. AiăgiƠuăbaăhọ,ăaiăkhóăbaăđời - Every dog has its/ his day - The longest day must have an end - The morning sun never lasts a day 2. Ba hoa chích chòe - Talk hot air - Have a loose tongue 3. Bi tămìnhăbi tăta,ătrĕmătr nătrĕmăthắng - He who sees through life and death will meet most success 4. Cảăthèmăchóngăchán - Soon hot, soon cold 5. Cầmăđènăchạyătr ớcăôătô - Runăbeforeăone’săhourseătoămarket - Rushăintoăhellăbeforeăone’săfather 6. Cóăt tăgi tămình S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 47 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) - There’sănoăpeaceăforătheăwicked 7. DưătrƠngăxeăcátăbiểnăđông - Build something on sand - Fish in the air - Beat the air 8. ĐưănóiălƠălƠm - So said so done 9. Épădầuăépămỡ,ăaiănỡăépăduyên - Love cannot be forced/ compelled 10. G yăôngăđ păl ngăông - Makeăaărodăforăone’săownăback 11. Ĕnăcháoăđáăbát - Bite the hands that feed - Eaten bread is soon forgotten 12. Họcăvẹt - Learn something by rote 13. ệchăkỉăhạiănhơn - It is an ill turn that does no good to anyone 14. Kénăcáăchọnăcanh - Pick and choose 15. Khẩuăph tătơmăxƠ - A honey tongue, a heart of gall 16. Khôngăbi tăthìăd aăc tămƠănghe S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 48 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) - If you cannot bite, never show your teeth - The less said the better 17. LƠmădơuătrĕmăhọ - Have to please everyone 18. M uăs ătạiănhơn,ăthƠnhăs ătạiăthiên - Man proposes, God disposes 19. Nĕmăthìăm ờiăhọa - Once in a blue moon 20. Phépăvuaăthuaăl ălƠng - Custom rules the law 21. Quaăcầuărútăván - Burnăone’săboats/ăbridges 22. R ợuăvƠoălờiăra - Drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals 23. Suyăb ngătaăraăb ngăng ời - A wool-seller knows a wool buyer 24. S ăth tămấtălòng - Nothing stings like truth 25. Taăv ătaătắmăaoăta Dùătrongădùăđ căaoănhƠăv năh n - There’sănoăplaceălikeăhome 26. Tẩmăngẩmăch tăvoi - Dumb dogs are dangerous S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 49 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) - Still water runs deep - Be ware of silent dog and still water 27. U năl ỡiăbảyălầnătr ớcăkhiănói - First think, then speak - Second thoughts are best - Think today, speak tomorrow 28. Vạchăáoăchoăng ờiăxemăl ng - Tell tales out of school 29. Xanhăv ăđ ălòng - A fair face my hide a foul heart - Appearances are deceptive 30. Yêu nhau yêu cảăđ ờngăđi GhétăaiăghétăcảătôngăchiăhọăhƠng - Love me love my dog - He that loves the tree loves the branch •ăChíălớnăthư ng gặp nhau, Great minds think alike •ăđồngăthanhătươngăứng,ăđồngăkhíătươngăcầu.ă“Ngưuătầmăngưu,ămãătầmămã” Birds of the same feather stick together •ăSuyăbụng ta ra bụngăngư i. A thief knows a thief as a wolf knows a wolf •ăĔnăquả nhớ kẻ trồng cây. Gratitude is the sign of noble souls •ăMáuăchảy, ruột mềm. When the blood sheds, the heart aches •ăMột giọtămáuăđàoăhơnăaoănước lã. Blood is much thicker than water. •ăMột nụ cư i bằngămư i thang thuốc bổ. Laugh and grow fat. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 50 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Laughter is the best medicine. •ăĐừng chế nhạoăngư i Laugh and the world will laugh with you •ăCư iăngư iăhômătrước,ăhômăsauăngư iăcư i He, who has last laugh, laughs best He who laughs last, last best •ăLòiănóiălàăbạc, im lặng là vàng Speech is silver, but silence is golden •ăCânăl iănóiătrước khi nói – Uốnălưỡi 7 lầnătrước khi nói Words must be weighed, not counted. •ăĐoànăkết thì sống, chia rẽ thì chết. United we stand, divided we fall •ăĐiămộtăngàyăđàng,ăhọc một sàng khôn. Travelling forms a young man •ăTaiăngheăkhôngăbằng mắt thấy A picture worths a thousand words An ounce of image is worth a pound of performance. •ăVạn sự kh iăđầu nan. It is the first step that counts •ăCóăcôngămàiăsắt có ngày nên kim Practice makes perfect •ăCóăchí,ăthìănên There’săwill,ăthere’săway Vouloirăc’estăpouvoir •ăChớ để ngày may những gì mình có thể làm hôm nay. Makes hay while sunshines. •ăTrèoăcaoătéănặngă(đau) The greater you climb, the greater you fall. •ăThamăthìăthâm grasp all, lose all. •ăThamăthực, cực thân. Donă‘tăbiteăoffămoreăthanăyouăcanăchew •ăDĩăhoàăviăquý. Judge not, that ye be not judged •ă hiền gặp lành. One good turn deserves another •ăĔnătheo thu , theo th i. Other times, other manner •ăĐiăvới bụt mặcăáoăcàăsa,ăđiăvới ma mặc áo giấy. Pay a man back in the same coin •ăTayălàmăhàmănhai no pains, no gains •ăPhiăthương,bất phú nothing ventures, nothing gains •ăMỗi th i, mỗi cách Other times, other ways •ăTúngăthế phải tùng quyền S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 51 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Neccessity knows no laws. •ăCùngătắc biến, biến tắc thông. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. •ăMưuăsự tại nhân, thành sự tại thiên Man propose, god dispose •ăMạnh vì gạo, bạo vì tiền The ends justify the means. Stronger by rice, daring by money. •ăTrongăkhốn khó, mới biết bạn hiền Hard times show whether a friend is a true friend •ăYêuănênătốt, ghét nên xấu. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder •ăDục tốc bấtăđạt Haste makes waste. •ăcóămới, nớiăcũ New one in, old one out. •ăCuả thiên, trả địa. Ill-gotten, ill-spent •ăDễ được, dễ mất. Easy come, easy goes. •ăNóiădễ , Khó làm . Easier said than done. •ăCònănước, còn tát. Whileăthere’sălife,ăthere’săhope. •ăXaămặt, cách lòng. Out of sight, out of mind Long absent, soon forgotten •ăĐừngăxétăđoánăngư i qua bề ngoài Do not judge the book by its cover Do not judge poeple by their appearance •ăThắng là vua, thua là giặc. Losers are always in the wrong •ăĐenătình,ăđỏ bạc. Lucky at cards, unlucky in love •ăGieoănhânănào,ăGặt quả đó What goes round goes round •ăKhôngăgìătuyệtăđối What goes up must goes down •ăThùngărổng thì kêu to. The empty vessel makes greatest sound. •ăHoạ vôăđonăchí. Misfortunes never comes in singly. •ăCóătật thì hay giật mình. He who excuses himself, accuses himself •ăTìnhăyêuălàămùăquáng. Affections blind reasons. Love is Blind. •ăCáiănếtăđánhăchếtăcáiăđẹp. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 52 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Beauty dies and fades away but ugly holds its own •ăChếtăvinhăcònăhơnăsống nhục. Better die a beggar than live a beggar Better die on your feet than live on your knees •ăCóăcònăhơnăkhông. Something Better than nothing If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have •ăL iănóiăkhôngăđiăđôiăvới việc làm. Do as I say, not as I do •ăSinhăsự, sự sinh. Donă‘tătroubleătroubleătillătroubleătrouuublesăyou •ăRượu vào, l i ra. Drunkness reveals what soberness conceallls •ăTránhăvoiăchẳng xấu mặt nào. For mad words, deaf ears. •ăThánhănhânăđãiăkẻ khù kh . Fortune smiles upon fools •ăTr i sinh voi, sinh cỏ. God never sends mouths but he sends meat •ăPhòngăbịnh,ăhơnăchửa bịnh Good watch prevents misfortune •ăHữu xạ tự nhiênăhương. Good wine needs no bush •ăĐánhăchết cái nết hong chừa.(?) Habit is the second nature •ăĐènănhàăaiănấy sáng. Half the world know not how the other haaalf lives •ăCáiănếtăđánhăchếtăcáiăđẹp. Handsome is as handsome does Beauty in the eye of the beholder. •ăGiận quá, mất khôn Hatred is as blind as love •ăĐiếc không sợ súng. He that knows nothing doubts nothing •ăNoăbụng đóiăconămắt. His eyes are bigger than his belly •ăLiệuăcơmăgắp mắm, liệu con gả chồng. Honesty is the best policy Ifăweăcan’tăasăweăwould,ăweămustădoăasăweăcan •ăMiệng hùm, gan sứa. Ifăyouăcannotăbite,ăneverăshowăyourăteethă(don’tăbark) •ăLắm mối tối nằm không. Ifăyouărunăafterătwoăhares,ăyou’llăcatchănone •ăĐãătrótăthìăphải trét. If you sell the cow, you will sell her milk too •ăXemăviệc biếtăngư i. Judge a man by his work S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 53 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) •ăChaănào,ăconănấy. Like father, like son •ăĔnămiếng trả miếng. Measure for measure; Tit For Tat; An Eye For An Eye, a Tooth For A Tooth. •ăViệcăngư i thì sáng, việc mình thi quang Men are blind in their own cause •ăKhôngăvàoăhangăcọp sao bắtăđược cọp con. Neck or nothing •ăTrĕmăngheăkhôngăbằng mắt thấy. Observations is the best teacher •ăConăsâuălàmăsầu nồi canh. One drop of poison infects the whole of wine •ăSaiămộtălyăđiămột dặm. One false step leads to another •ăTh iăgianăqua,ăcơăhội khó tìm lại. Opportunities are hard to seize •ăImălặng tứcălàăđồng ý. Silence gives consent •ăChínăngư i,ămư i ý. So many men, so many minds •ăLực bất tòng tâm. So much to do, so little get done. •ăNgư i thâm trầmăkínăđáoăthư ngălàăngư i có bảnălĩnhăhơnăngư i. Still waters running deep •ăCàngăđôngăcàngăvui. The more, the merrier •ăKhôngăcó lửa sao có khói. There is no smoke without fire Where ther is smoke, there is fire •ăTaiăvách,ămạch rừng. Two wrongs do not make a right Walls have ears •ăGieoăgió,ăgặt bão We reap as we sow •ăCóăTật, giật mình He who excuses himself, accuses himself •ăVắng chủ nhà, gà mọcăđuôiătôm. When the cat is away, the mice will play •ăDậuăđổ, bìm leo. When the tree is fallen, everyone run to it with his axe •ăBénămùiăuống nữa. Chứng nào tật nấy. Who drinks, will drink again •ăHyăVọng Hão Huyền Don’tăcountăyourăchickenăbeforeătheyăhatch.ă(Đừngăđ măgƠătr ớc khi nó nở) Don’tălookăatătheăgiftăinătheăhorseămouth.ă(Đừng nhìn quà tặng từ trong miệng ngựa) S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 54 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) 1. Easy come, easy go: Củaăthiênătrảăđịa. 2. Seeing is believing: Taiăngheăkhôngăbằngămắtăthấy. 3. Easier said than done: Nói thìădễ,ălàmăthìăkhó. 4. One swallow does not make a summer: Mộtăconăénăkhôngălàmănênămùaăxuân. 5. Time and tide wait for no man: Th iăgi ăthấmăthoátăthoiăđưa 6 . Grasp all, lose all: Tham thì thâm 7. Let bygones be bygones: Hãyăđểăchoăquáăkhứălùiăvàoădĩăvãng 8. Hand some is as handsome does: Cáiănếtăđánhăchếtăcáiăđẹp. 9. When in Rome, do as the Romes does: Nhậpăgiaătuỳătục 10. Clothes does not make a man: Manhăáoăkhôngălàmănênăthầyătu. 11.ăDon’tăcountăyourăchickens, before they are hatch: ChưaăđỗăôngăNghèăđãăđeăHàngătổng 12. A good name is better than riches: Tốtădanhăhơnălànhăáo 13. Call a spade a spade: Nóiăgầnănóiăxaăchẳngăquaănóiăthật 14.ăBeggar’săbagsăareăbottomless:Lòngăthamăkhôngăđáy 15. Cut your coat according your clothes: Liệuăcơmăgắpămắm 16. Bad news has wings: S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 55 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) Tiếngădữăđồnăxa 17. Doing nothing is doing ill: Nhànăcưăviăbấtăthiện 18. A miss is as good as a mile: Saiămộtăliăđiămộtădặm 19. Empty vessels make a greatest sound: Thùngărỗngăkêuăto 20. A good name is sooner lost than won: Muaădanhăbaăvạn,ăbánădanhăbaăđồng 21. A friend in need is a friend indeed: Gianănamămớiăhiểuăbạnăbè 22. Each bird loves to hear himself sing: Mèoăkhenămèoădàiăđuôi 23. Habit cures habit: Lấyăđộcătrịăđộc 24. Honesty is best policy: Thậtăthàălàăchaăquỷăquái 25. Great minds think alike: Tưătư ngălớnăgặpănhau 26. Go while the going is good: Hãyăchớpălấyăth iăcơ BÀI T P 1. I adore my little niece. She really __________. a) is the apple of my eye b) is a bad egg c) is a hard nut to crack d)ăisn’tămyăcupăofătea (Tôiăthựcăsựărấtăngưỡngămộăcháuăgáiănhỏăcủaătôi.ăTôiărấtăyêuăquýăvàătựăhàoăvềănó.) 2. That boy Jack is a bad influence on my son, Timmy. Jack really is __________. a) the apple of my eye b) a hard nut to crack c) a bad egg d) a piece of cake S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 56 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) (CậuăbéăJackăđóăđãălàmăhưăconătôi.ăThằngăbéăthựcăsựălàăkhôngăngoan) 3. This test is so easy. __________. a)ăIt’săaăhardănutătoăcrack b)ăIt’săaăpieceăofăcake c)ăIt’sătheăbigăcheese d)ăItăisn’tămyăcup of tea (Bàiăkiểmătraănàyăthựcăsựărấtădễ) 4. Footballăisn’tă__________.ăIăfindăitătooăaggressiveăsoăIădon’tăenjoyăit. a) a piece of cake b) the big cheese c) my cup of tea d) a bad egg (Bóngăđáăkhôngăphảiălàăs ăthíchăcủaătôi.ăTôiăthấyămônăthểăthaoănàyăkhá bạoălựcănênătôiăkhôngă thích.) 5. Marco has all the power in the office, he makes all the decisions around here and everyone isăveryăpoliteătowardsăhim.ăHe’să__________. a) the big cheese b) a piece of cake c) a hard nut to crack d) the apple of my eye (Marcoănắmăgiữăquyềnăhànhălớnă ăcôngăty,ăôngătaănắmăquyềnăquyếtăđịnhătấtăcảăvàămọiăngư iăđềuă phảiălễăphépăvớiăôngăta.) 6. I’dălikeătoăgetătoăknowăKerryăbetterăbutăshe’să__________.ăSheădoesn’tăreallyălikeăpeople getting close to her. a) a bad egg b) a hard nut to crack c) a piece of cake d) the big cheese (TôiăđãăcốăgắngăđểăhiểuărõăvềăKerryăhơnănhưngăcôăấyăthựcăsựălàărấtăkhóăgần,ăcôăấyăkhôngăthíchăaiă đếnăgầnămìnhăhết.) Answers 1. I adore my little niece. She really __________. a) is the apple of my eye ậ This idiom is used to say you really like someone or are very proud of them. Thành ngữ này dùng để nói về một ai đó bạn rất yêu quý và tự hào. 2. That boy Jack is a bad influence on my son, Timmy. Jack really is __________. c) a bad egg ậ Aă‘badăegg’ăisăusedătoădescribeăsomeoneăwhoăisn’tăaăgoodăperson. Thành ngữ này miêu tả về tính cách không tốt của một ai đó. 3. This test is so easy. __________. b)ăIt’săaăpieceăofăcakeăậ Thisămeansă‘veryăeasy’. Ý nói một điều gì đó khá dễ dàng. 4. Footballăisn’tă__________.ăI findăitătooăaggressiveăsoăIădon’tăenjoyăit. c) my cup of tea ậ Ifă youă sayă footballă ‘isn’tă myă cupă ofă tea’,ă ită meansă that youă don’tă likeă it. Khi nói rằng ‘football isn’t my cup of tea’ có nghƿa là bạn không hề thích bóng đá. 5. Marco has all the power in the office, he makes all the decisions around here and everyone isăveryăpoliteătowardsăhim.ăHe’să__________. a)the big cheese ậ This means Marco is a very important person in the office.‘Marco là người có vị trí quan trọng trong công ty’. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 57 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) 6. I’dălikeătoăgetătoăknowăKerryăbetterăbutăshe’să__________.ăSheădoesn’tăreallyălikeăpeople getting close to her. b) a hard nut to crack ậ This refers to something difficult or someone that is difficult to get to know. Thành ngữ này miêu tả về một điều gì đó khó nhận biết, một người nào đó khó gần, khó tìm hiểu. 1. If you feel sad because your boyfriend or girlfriend leaves you, you may be suffering from _____________. a) a sore heart b) a painful heart c) heartache d) a pain in your heart (Nếuăbạnăcảmăthấyăbuồnăvìăbịăbạnătrai/bạnăgáiăr iăbỏ,ăđiềuăđóăcóănghĩaălàăbạnăđangăphảiăchịuă đựngămộtănỗiăđauărấtălớn) 2. MyăgrandmaăisătheăkindestăwomanăIăknow,ăshe’dădoăanythingăforăanybody.ăShe really has a heart of ___________. a) gold b) silver c) steel d) stone (Bàătôiălàămộtăngư iăphụănữătốtăbụngănhấtămàătôiătừngăgặp.ăbàălàmăbấtăkỳăviệcăgìăđểăgiúpămọiă ngư i.ăBàăthậtăsựălàăngư iăcóătráiătimănhânăhậu) 3. I never get on with Fiona. When I heard she was going to be my new boss my heart _________. a) sink b) sunk c) sinked d) sank (Tôiăchưaăbaoăgi ăcóăquanăhệătốtăvớiăFiona.ăKhiăngheătinăcôătaăsắpătr ăthànhăsếpăcủaătôi,ătôiăthựcă sựărấtăbuồn) 4. Whatădoesătheăfollowingămean?ă‘Whenăheăgaveăupărunningăheăsaidăităwas becauseăhisăheartăjustăwasn’tăinăităanymore’. a) He felt ill b) He felt bored and not interested c) He wanted to move away d) He wanted to do something else (Khiăanhătaăbỏăviệcăchạyăbộ,ăanhătaăcóănóiărằngăanhătaăkhôngăcònăhứngăthúăgìăvớiăviệcăđóănữa) 5. When Tony moved into his apartment in the heart of town, which part of town did he move to? a) The suburbs b) On the outskirts of town c) In the commuter belt d) The centre of town S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 58 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) 6. Weătalkedătoăeachăotherăallănightăandăresolvedăsomeăofăourăproblems.ăIt’săgood to have a proper ____________ sometimes. a) heart-to-heart b) heart-to-head c) head-to-heart d) head-to-head (Chúngătôiănóiăchuyệnăsuốtăđêmăvàăđãăgiảiăquyếtăđượcăhếtămọiăkhúcămắcăgiữaăchúngătôi.ăThậtătốtă khiăđôiălúcăcóămộtăcuộcănóiăchuyệnăchânăthànhănhưăthế.) Answer 1, c) – heartache – if you feel a sense of sadness, sorrow or regret, you can say your heart aches. Khiăcảmăthấyăphiềnămuộn,ăđauăkhổăhoặcătiêcănuối,ăbạnăcóăthểădùngă“heartăaches”. (Bạnăchỉăcóăthểănóiărằngămìnhăbịăđauăhọngă(soreăthroat)ănhưngăkhôngăthểănóiă“soreăheart”,ăcóăthểă nóiăbạnăcóămộtăchiếcărĕng đauă(aăpainfulătooth)ănhưngăkhôngăthểănóiă“aăpainfulăheart”. 2, a) – to have a heart of gold – ifăyouăareăveryăkind,ăweăsayăyouăhaveăaă‘heartăofăgold’.ăNếuăbạnă làămộtăngư iărấtătốtăbụng,ăchúngătaănóiăbạnăcóă“aăheartăofăgold”. (Nếuănóiă“aăheartăofăstone”ăcóănghĩaălàănóiăđếnămộtăaiăđóăvôăcùngălạnhălùng,ăvôăcảm. 3, d)- sank – ifăyouăhearăsomeăbadănews,ăkhiănhậnăđượcămộtătinăbuồnănàoăđóă– your heart sinks. Trongăcâuănày,ăsửădụngăthểăquáăkhứăcủaăsinkă– sank. 4, b) – He felt bored and not interested – if your heart is not in something, you feel bored and not interested.ăKhiănóiă“toăbeănotăinăsomething”ăcóănghĩaălàăbạnăđãăkhôngăcònăhứngăthúăvàăchánănảnă vớiăviệcăgìăđó. 5, d) – The centre of town – Ifăyouăwantătoădescribeătheăveryăcentreăofătown,ăyouăcanăsayă‘theă heartăofătown’.ăNếuăbạnămuốnămiêuătảămộtănơiănàoăđóă ătrungătâmăcủaăthànhăphố,ăchúngătaăcóăthểă dùngă“theăheartăofătown. 6, a) – heart-to-heart – a serious conversation where close friends talk honestly about their feelings is called a heart-to-heart.ăMộtăcuộcănóiăchuyệnămàănhữngăngư iăbạnăthanăthiếtăcóăthểă thoảiămáiăchiaăsẻăvềăcảmăxúcăthậtăcủaămình. Exercise 1: Read the definitions(1-7) below of some idioms. For each definition. Two of the expressions (ac) have been invented, but one is the correct idiom. Can you identify it? 1) To fail to take an opportunity because you didn't act quickly enough a.Wake up at the end of the film b.Buy yesterday's newspaper c.Miss the boat 2)What people actually do is more important (or a better indication of their true feelings) than what the say a.Doing is above talking b.Actions speak louder than words S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 59 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) c.A foot on the stairs beats a word in the air 3)If something bad is being said about someone, or if something seems bad, there is probably a good reason for it a.There's no smoke without fire b.No mouth without teeth c.No car without wheels 4) To avoid taking responsibility by saying that someone else is responsible a.Pass the chocolate b.Pass the buck c.Pass the wine 5)Something is not going to continue for much longer(ex :a person is going to lose their job soon ) a.Their days are numbered b.Their bottle is almost empty c.Their milkshake is finished 6) An activity or situation(especially a job or career )in which there is a lot of competition and people are too busy to relax themselves a.Rat hole b,Rat food c.Rat race 7)Don't expect or wait for something(usually something good) to happen ,because it probably won't happen a.Don't stand with your mouth open b.Don't hold your breath c.Don't hold your hands out Exercise 2: now choose the correct answer for each of the questions below 1) What is "wet blanket"? a.Someone who spoils other people's fun by being negative and complaining b.Something that looks impressive but is really just an illusion c.Something that makes your face or head look very different 2)What does it mean if you "keep someone posted"? a.You make sure they can't come near you (or at least not often) S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 60 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) b.you give them up-to-date information about what is happening c.You make sure they have enough to eat and drink 3)What does it mean if someone has "guts" (or has "the guts" to do something) a.They are courageous b.They are angry c.They are ỉntelligent 4)What does "sell your soul" mean? a.to sell something that is important to you but not to anyone b.To mix your personal life with your working life c.to do something that against your beliefs (ex .for money) 5)what does it mean if something is"like watching paint dry'? a.It is very difficult b.It is very easy c.It is very boring 6)What does it mean if something is"set in stone" a.It is extremely old b.it cannot be changed or altered c.It is dirty 7)When might someone say"in a nutshell"? a.If they are about to give you a short summary of some information b.If they are about to tell you about something someone did that they think was very bad c.If they are about to tell you a joke Exercise 3: Complete the sentences below with the appropriate idioms from Exercise 1 and 2 .You may need to change the verbs forms 1."I don't know how much longer I can keep working here.Sure,the money is good,but the company does so many unethical things.I feel like I've_____________.What I'd really like to do is leave the_rat race__________and just go and live on a beach somewhere,but then how would I pay the bills?" "Yeah,right,you've been saying that for at least 5 years.May be you like the job more than you think.After all,_ Actions speak louder than words________" 2."I heard that my boss's________,and that he might be fired by the end of the month.Do you think I'll be asked to replace him?" "Well,I wouldn't _ ________I think they'll probably recruit someone from outside to instead" S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 61 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) 3."You were on the phone talking to her for almost a hour,so what did she say?" "____________that her vacation was good but very expensive" 4."What was the basketball game like?" "It was awful,I was almost falling asleep-it was like _______.And then Jimmy made it even worse by starting to tell me all about his problems.What a______________!" 5."I really wanted to take that Spanish class,but I ______.I didn't call the college untill yesterday,and by then it was full.What about your Spanish class?I guess it's full too?" "Well,yeah,there are only supposed to be fifteen students,but that's not_______.There's a chance they might decide to let a couple more in.I'll________,ok?" 6."I've been hearing some funny things about Peter.Two different people told me he's in some kind of trouble with the police.I'm not sure whether to believe it." "Well,I wouldn't be suprised. _________" 7."Sarah, can't you see that none of these problems are my fault?" "But you're in charge!" "Yes,but Jo and Mike are running the project. That should be obvious" "Oh, come on, stop_________! Why don't you have_____to admit that you have made mistakes?" Key: Exercise 1: Read the definitions(1-7) below of some idioms.For each definition.Two of the expressions(a-c) have been invented ,but one is the correct idiom,Can you identify it? 1) To fail to take an opportunity because you didn't act quickly enough a.Wake up at the end of the film b.Buy yesterday's newspaper c.Miss the boat 2)What people actually do is more important(or a better indication of their true feelings ) than what the say a.Doing is above talking b.Actions speak louder than words c.A foot on the stairs beats a word in the air 3)If something bad is being said about someone, or if something seems bad,there is probably a S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 62 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) good reason for it a.There's no smoke without fire b.No mouth without teeth c.No car without wheels 4) To avoid taking responsibility by saying that someone else is responsible a.Pass the chocolate b.Pass the buck c.Pass the wine 5)Something is not going to continue for much longer(ex :a person is going to lose their job soon ) a.Their days are numbered b.Their bottle is almost empty c.Their milkshake is finished 6) An activity or situation(especially a job or career )in which there is a lot of competition and people are too busy to relax themselves a.Rat hole b,Rat food c.Rat race 7)Don't expect or wait for something(usually something good) to happen ,because it probably won't happen a.Don't stand with your mouth open b.Don't hold your breath c.Don't hold your hands out Exercise 2: now choose the correct answer for each of the questions below 1) What is "wet blanket"? a.Someone who spoils other people's fun by being negative and complaining b.Something that looks impressive but is really just an illusion c.Something that makes your face or head look very different 2)What does it mean if you "keep someone posted"? a.You make sure they can't come near you (or at least not often) b.you give them up-to-date information about what is happening c.You make sure they have enough to eat and drink S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 63 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) 3)What does it mean if someone has "guts" (or has "the guts" to do something) a.They are courageous b.They are angry c.They are ỉntelligent 4)What does "sell your soul" mean? a.to sell something that is important to you but not to anyone b.To mix your personal life with your working life c.to do something that against your beliefs (ex .for money) 5)what does it mean if something is"like watching paint dry'? a.It is very difficult b.It is very easy c.It is very boring 6)What does it mean if something is"set in stone" a.It is extremely old b.it cannot be changed or altered c.It is dirty 7)When might someone say"in a nutshell"? a.If they are about to give you a short summary of some information b.If they are about to tell you about something someone did that they think was very bad c.If they are about to tell you a joke Exercise 3: Complete the sentences below with the appropriate idioms from Exercise 1 and 2 .You may need to change the verbs forms 1."I don't know how much longer I can keep working here.Sure,the money is good,but the company does so many unethical things.I feel like I've_ sold my soul____________.What I'd really like to do is leave the_rat race__________and just go and live on a beach somewhere,but then how would I pay the bills?" "Yeah,right,you've been saying that for at least 5 years.May be you like the job more than you think.After all,_ Actions speak louder than words________" 2."I heard that my boss's_ days are counted_______,and that he might be fired by the end of the month.Do you think I'll be asked to replace him?" "Well,I wouldn't _hold my breath________I think they'll probably recruit someone from outside to instead" S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 64 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) 3."You were on the phone talking to her for almost a hour,so what did she say?" "__ In a nutshell __________that her vacation was good but very expensive" 4."What was the basketball game like?" "It was awful,I was almost falling asleep-it was like_ watching paint dry_______.And then Jimmy made it even worse by starting to tell me all about his problems.What a__wet blanket____________!" 5."I really wanted to take that Spanish class,but I_ Miss the boat______.I didn't call the college untill yesterday,and by then it was full.What about your Spanish class?I guess it's full too?" "Well,yeah,there are only supposed to be fifteen students,but that's not_ set in stone_.There's a chance they might decide to let a couple more in.I'll_keep you posted_______,ok?" 6."I've been hearing some funny things about Peter.Two different people told me he's in some kind of trouble with the police.I'm not sure whether to believe it." "Well,I wouldn't be suprised. There's no smoke without fire________" 7."Sarah,can't you see that none of these problems are my fault?" "but you're in charge!" "Yes,but Jo and Mike are running the project.That should be obvious" "Oh,come on,stop_ Pass the buck________!Why don't you have_ guts____to admit that you have made mistakes?" Câu hỏi 1: Either you accept this offer or you don't. It's all or ______ . A. sweetness B. own C. nothing D. hands E. all Câu hỏi 2: We'll have to assess the candidates but, all ______ being equal, I'd prefer to have a young dynamic person. A. sweetness B. own C. nothing D. things E. alls Câu hỏi 3: We had some problems at first but now all is ______ and light between us. S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 65 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) A. sweetness B. eyes C. guns D. hands E. all Câu hỏi 4: He really wants that promotion. He's going all ______ to get it. A. sweetness B. own C. nothing D. things E. all Câu hỏi 5: The job sounds wonderful but you have to remember that all that glitters is not ______ . A. place B. singing C. systems D. gold E. out Câu hỏi 6: John is completely lost in that job. He's all at ______ with that type of work. A. work B. rounder C. jazz D. hours E. sea Câu hỏi 7: The workers were very unhappy about the news. The union rep came to see me all ______ blazing. A. right B. eyes C. guns D. hours E. sea Câu hỏi 8: The neighbours have complained that we make too much noise at all ______ of the day and night. A. work B. rounder C. jazz D. hours E. told Câu hỏi 9: Let's get started. All ______ go! A. place B. singing S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 66 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) C. systems D. things E. out Câu hỏi 10: There were 123 people at the seminar, all ______ . A. place B. singing C. systems D. gold E. Told 1. This lovely new dress fits like a...... A. glove B. gauntlet C. gown D. treat 2. Investors have taken........from the improving economic situation A. consolation B. courage C. heart D. meaning 3. We at Buyrite throw down the......to competitors to match us for price, quality and service A. gauntlet B. mitten C. sword D. hat 4. The designer refuses to gild the ....., prefering clean, simple lines for his creation A. Lily B. flower C. rose D. daisy 5. For busy people in today's society, lifestyle management is gaining .................. A. points B. speed C. terrain D. ground 6. The art teacher gave the children a free.....in their creative compositions A.offer B. gift C. kick D. hand Key: 1. Fit (sb) like a glove (of a coat, dress, etc.): be the perfect size or shape for sb 2. take heart from sth: feel more positive about sth, especially when you thought you had no chance of achieving sth 3. Trow down the gauntlet: invite sb to compete with you, challenge sb 4. gild the lily: try to improve sth which is already perfect, and so spoil it. 5. gain ground: (of an idea, development, etc.): become more popular or successful S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 67 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) 6. give sb a free hand:give sb permission or oppurtunity to do what they want in work, plans... 1.Debbie is the black .... of the family, having left home at 17 to live with her boyfriend A. Pig B. Bird C. Sheep D. Dog 2. I didn't tell her to apologise. She did it of her own... A. Accord B. Mind C. soul D. Heart 3. When you are famous, you and your family become .... property A. Earth B. Public C. Danger D.Community 4. Many predictors think that the end of the world is at..... A. Hand B. Leg C.Head D. Face 5. His behaviour was very rude. I was really at the end of my.... A. Rope B. Heart C.Knife D. Soul 6. The money my parents left me will .... in handy when i have a finâncil problem A. Go B. Appear C. Come D. Bring 7. I've been on.... nine since i heard i had passed the exam A. Happiness B. Sky C. Universe D. Cloud 8. We expect your son to pass the final exam with flying..... A. Flag B. Color C. Symbol D. Medal 9. The escaped prisoner fought ...... before he was finally overpowered A. Black and white B. Body and soul C. Dog and cat D. Tooth and nail 10. Thanks for sending me those flowers. They really made my .... A. Day B. Light C. Happiness D. Hope Key: black sheep of the family: the worst member of the family of one's own accord: by one's own choice, without coercion public property: what everybody knows, public information S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 68 | 69 Idioms ( thành ngữ ) at hand: happening or present at this time = rất gần at the end of one's rope: to have no patience or energy to tolerate something anymore come in handy: (for St) to be useful. be on cloud nine: to be very happy with flying colors ( or colour ): if you pass something with flying colours (colors), you pass easily, with a very high mark or grade. tooth and nail: if someone will fight tooth and nail for something, they will not stop at anything to get what they want =>chiếnăđấu ác liệt make one's day = làm cho ai hạnh phúc to make SO happy or to be a source of satisfaction Ngoài ra các em có thể làm thêm bài tập tạiăđây:ă http://dinhluyen2704.violet.vn/present/list/cat_id/6354135 S ư u ă t ầ m , t ổ n g h ợ p P a g e 69 | 69