Idiomatic and Phrasal Expressions Flashcards

What does 'get the ball rolling' mean in a work context?

Answer: Start an activity or process

'Get the ball rolling' means to start or initiate something.

If someone is described as 'a quick study,' what does it mean?

Answer: They learn new things rapidly

'A quick study' describes someone who learns or picks up new skills very quickly.

What does the phrasal verb 'take off' mean in 'Her career really took off after that promotion'?

Answer: Became very successful quickly

In this context, 'took off' means to become very successful or grow rapidly.

When someone says 'it's not rocket science,' they mean the task is:

Answer: Not difficult to understand

'It's not rocket science' means something is not as complicated as it might seem.

What does 'cut corners' mean in 'The contractor cut corners to save money'?

Answer: Take shortcuts that reduce quality

'Cut corners' means to do something poorly or cheaply by skipping important steps.

If someone 'lets the cat out of the bag,' what have they done?

Answer: Accidentally revealed a secret

'Let the cat out of the bag' means to accidentally reveal a secret or surprise.

What does 'go back to the drawing board' suggest in a professional setting?

Answer: Start the planning process over from the beginning

'Go back to the drawing board' means to abandon the current plan and start fresh.