1000 CÂU VIẾT LẠI DẠNG IDIOM – BÌNH BOONG

1. Smoking is frowned upon in this restaurant.

- frown on/upon sth: phản đối cái gì

2. When she sold the jewelry at such a low price she was taken for a ride.
- take sb for a ride: lừa ai

3. We’d been thinking about giving them our backing for some time.
- give sb one’s backing: giúp đỡ/ hỗ trợ ai

4. You’ll just have to take pot luck.

- take pot luck: tuỳ cơ ứng biến

5. Nowadays goods are often bought on credit.

- buy sth on credit: mua chịu

6. What he told me whetted my appetite for the rest of story.

- whet one’s appetite for sth: kích thích sự hứng thú của ai đối với

7. It can’t/ couldn’t have been Tom that you saw in the department store.
- can’t/couldn’t have p2: chắc chắn đã không làm gì trong quá khứ

8. It’s time you accepted that you have grown out of that sort of activity.
- grow out of: không còn phù hợp với

9. In the end, I had no regrets about taking/ having taken an English course last summer.
- have no regrets about Ving: không hối hận về

10. Detectives had closed the book on the Hornsey murders case three years previously.
- close the book on: kết thúc/ chấm dứt

11. The mistake in the accounts (only) came to light when after/once the figures were rechecked.
The mistake in the accounts didn’t come to light until/till the figures were rechecked.
- come to light: được phơi bày

12. I had set my heart on becoming/ having become a teacher of English when I was a little girl.
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I had had my heart set on becoming/ having become a teacher of English when I was a little girl.
- set one’s heart on Ving/ have one’s heart set on Ving: quyết tâm làm gì

13. More dustbins have been put around (in order/so as) to prevent people (from) throwing rubbish in the
streets.
- prevent sb from Ving: ngăn chặn ai đó làm gì

14. Julie may have been under the impression that you would check the report.
- under the impression: có cảm tưởng rằng

15. The landslides are believed to have resulted from recent floods (by experts).
- result from: do

16. An is in his element at the beach as he loves swimming.

- in one’s element: đúng sở trường

17. The drunken man was driving at such a (fast/high) speed/pace that there was no way he was going to
stop.
- at a high/fast speed/ pace: với tốc độ cao

18. I’ve weighed up the pros and cons, and I’ve decided not to go.
- weigh up the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu nhược điểm

19. The young actress had butterflies in her stomach before the audition.
- have butterflies in one’s stomach: bồn chồn, lo lắng

20. The assistant showed me two laptops, neither of which I liked very much.
- neither of N: trong cái nào trong số

21. My sister would sooner I hadn’t taken her motorbike to school yesterday.
- would sooner S had p2: muốn ai đó làm gì trong quá khứ

22. Gerald was always short of money until/before he married that rich businesswoman.
- short of money: thiếu tiền

23. I caught a glimpse of Jude Law in the street.

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- caught a glimpse of sb: bắt gặp ai

24. These people joined the club with a view to fostering better relations within the community.
- with a view to Ving: để làm gì

25. What really gets me down is this continual wet weather.

- get sb down: làm ai buồn chán

26. The artist appeared to find his subject matter very inspiring.
- find sth adj: thấy cái gì đó như thế nào

27. It goes without saying that you’ll be paid handsomely for your work.
- it goes without saying that: rất rõ ràng

28. You should have asked me for permission to borrow my book/ shouldn’t have borrowed my book without
asking for my permission.
- should have p2: lẽ ra nên làm gì trong quá khứ

29. They were all ears to the president’s speech.

- be all ears to sth: lắng nghe cái gì

30. The operation left Simon feeling weaker than he (had) expected/ his expectation(s).
- so sánh hơn: adj/ adv ngắn + er than

31. We are thankful to the doctors and nurses for what they have contributed/ contribute/ contributed to
preventing/ the prevention of COVID-19.
- contribute to sth: đóng góp cho cái gì

32. So great was Henry’s desire for fame that he participated in a reality show.
- Đảo ngữ của so: So + adj + tobe + S + that

33. Harry said that selling the property was out of the question.
- out of the question: không thể

34. Had it not been for the cost, I would have moved to London.
(Had it not been for: Nếu không có/ vì)

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35. On arrival/arriving at the airport, the team were given a warm welcome by their fans.
(give sb a warm welcome: đón tiếp ai nồng nhiệt)

36. Judy managed to look on the bright side – even in the most difficult situations.
(look on the bright side: tích cực)

37. Fred is so talented (a man) that most critics look up to him.

(look up to: tôn trọng)

38. There is no difference between Jane's and John's opinion on the matter.
(there is no difference between: không có sự khác biệt giữa)

39. Doctors are now saying (that) there's nothing wrong with drinking a glass of wine daily.
(there’s nothing wrong with: không có vấn đề gì với)

40. The other lighters in my collection are more common than this one.
(so sánh hơn: more adj/adv than)

41. Tommy's failure in his exam was put down to the fact that he was nervous/ his nervousness.
(be put down to: được cho là do)

42. I’m glad you've (now) come to your senses and agree that your parents are right.
(come to one’s senses: ngẫm lại/ tỉnh trí lại)

43.I’ve come to/ arrived at/ reached the conclusion that teaching is not the right profession for me.
(come to/ arrive at/ reach the conclusion: đi đến kết luận)

44. Could you give an account of your whereabouts last night, Mr. Johnson?
(give an account of: tả về)

45. Surely nobody likes being made fun of in public.

(like Ving: thích làm gì)

46. She is by no means poor; in fact, she is quite rich.

(by no means: không hề)

47. He takes pride in his work.

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(take pride in: tự hào về)

48. Five people took part in the discussion.

(take part in: tham gia vào)

49. To everyone’s surprise, John left the meeting early.

(To one’s surprise: ai đó rất ngạc nhiên khi)

50. Peter was on the point of leaving the office when his boss asked him to type up a report.
(on the point of: sắp sửa làm gì)

51. Her new novel is/was nothing like as interesting as her previous one.
(nothing like as adj/adv as: còn lâu mới bằng)

52. I really must have my car repaired soon.

(have sth done: có cái gì được làm bởi ai)

53. I could never have succeeded if you hadn’t helped me.

(Câu điều kiện loại 3: S could have p2 if S had p2)

54. It's not worth asking George to help.

(not worth ving: không đáng làm gì)

55. Margaret has a reputation for being a very good cook.

(have a reputation for Ving: có tiếng là)

56. You must take steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
(take steps: thực hiện các biện pháp)

57. You must be wondering why it has been so long since I contacted you.
(Sau since là QKĐ, vế còn lại là HTHT)

58. The restaurant manager thought that they ran the risk of losing all their customers if service didn’t
improve.
(run the risk of: có nguy cơ)

59. Alistar’s poor sprint times put/ have put paid to his chance(s) of being selected for the team.
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(put paid to: phá hoại)

60. I can’t make head nor tail of the plot of the book.
(not make head nor tail of: không hiểu gì)

61. She strenuously denied taking the money despite evidence to the contrary.
(evidence to the contrary: bằng chứng ngược lại)

62. We were powerless to stop him.

(be powerless to V: bất lực khi làm gì)

63. If you persist in causing trouble, we shall be forced to dismiss you.

(persist in Ving: cứ tiếp tục làm gì)

64. He was noted for his generosity.

(be noted for: nổi tiếng về)

65. Kevin had always both feet on the ground with a sensible and practical attitude towards life.
(both feet on the ground: nhạy bén/ khôn ngoan)

66. Bruce likened the situation at work to a family argument.

(liken sth to sth: ví cái gì với cái gì)

67. Mary had a craving for jelly when she was pregnant.
(have a craving for: thèm)

68. Sarah made a very good impression on the interview panel.

(make a good impression on: gây ấn tượng tốt đối với ai)

69. Organic vegetables are said to do wonders for your health.

(do wonders for: có lợi cho)

70. Since the advertisement, we have been swamped with applications.

(be swamped with: tràn ngập)

71. Provided (that) pandas have a special diet, they survive.

(provided that = if: nếu/ miễn là)
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72. I can’t believe he came out with that to her face.
(come out with: thốt ra/ nói ra)

73. Tom got the wrong end of the stick and so made a terrible mistake.
(get the wrong end of the stick: hiểu lầm)

74. Tom poked fun at Alice’s new hairstyle.

(poke fun at: trêu chọc)

75. I’m sick to death of having to write everything out in triplicate.

(sick to death of ving: chán ngấy)

76. Only when he took off his hat did I recognize Mike.
(Only when S V + TĐT + S +V)

77. I have no objection to you finding my wedding speech.

(have no objection to Ving: không phản đối làm gì)

78. She was under the assumption/ impression that the tribe wouldn’t understand her.
(under the assumption/ impression: có cảm tưởng là)

79. She will be showered with congratulations if she wins.

(shower sb with sth: cho ai rất nhiều cái gì)

80. I didn’t take sides during their disagreement because I liked both of them.
(take sides: đứng về phe nào)

81. It strikes me that prices have gone up a lot this year.

(strike sb that: việc gì đó gây ấn tượng với ai)

82. Mr. Bean attributed his success to hard work.

/ Mr. Bean claimed that his success was attributed to (his) hard work.
(attribute sth to sth: coi cái gì là do cái gì)

83. He was green with envy when he saw his brother’s new car.
(green with envy: ghen tỵ)
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84. She wants to distance herself from the scandal caused by her husband’s remarks.
(distance oneself from: tránh xa/ không liên quan đến cái gì)

85. I did not mean to upset you.

(mean to V: có ý định làm gì)

86. It will take us at least 30 minutes to get to the airport.

(at least: ít nhất)

87. I tried to have a word with Jack about the problem but he was too busy.
(have a word with sb: nói chuyện với ai)

88. Nothing can be compared with her sacrifice.

(be compared with: so với)

89. Maybe I didn’t make myself clear/ make it clear/ make (clear) exactly what I mean our relationship is
over.
(make it clear: làm rõ)

90. All the work I have to do is getting on top of me.

(get on top of sb: vượt quá sức của ai)

91. It came as a shock to John to hear that he had failed his driving test.
(come as a shock to sb: ai đó rất ngạc nhiên)

92. It is essential that you (should) be on time for you interview.

(Cấu trúc hiện tại giả định: essential that S (should) Vnt)

93. You are an idiot to refuse Richard’s offer of a loan.

(an idiot: kẻ ngốc)

94. She tied herself up in knots when she tried to explain to me how the photocopier was operated.
(tie oneself up in knots: tự làm khó mình)

95. Put your previous failures behind you and think of what your next venture might be.
(put sth behind sb: bỏ lại cái gì)
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96. His decision to retire early brought the curtain down on his distinguished career.
(bring the curtain down on: chấm dứt)

97. You are at liberty to lodge a written complaint about it.

(lodge a complaint about: đâm đơn kiện)

98. It was Peter who drew my attention to the mistake.

(draw one’s attention to: hướng sự chú ý của ai về)

99. If you happen to be in London, please come and see me.

(happen to V: có lỡ làm gì)

100. I’ve weighed up the pros and cons and I...

(weigh up the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu nhược điểm)

101. When I heard her speak, it made a profound impact on me.

102. It wasn’t in favor of the idea.
103. It never crossed my mind that we would have legal problems.
104. The disagreement is a storm in a teacup.
105. Defence alliances are as old as the hills.
106. The teacher had a cow when she realized nobody had done the homework.
107. His unconvincing denial of the accusation led me to believe that he was guilty.
108. If you have a problem, why don’t you get if off your chest now?
109. There was nothing whatsoever emergency services could do on reaching the crash victim.
110. I took issue with him about how best we should proceed.
111. Her work didn’t conform to what were considered acceptable standards.
112. They will take age and experience into account when they decide the salary.
113. Anna was sure Tom was lying through his teeth about what happened.
114. Sharon and I are not on speaking terms with each other.
115. His choice (what choice he has) for further education is dependent on/ upon his exam results.
116. If by chance you are placed (or you find yourself) under arrest, you don’t have to say anything.
117. He finally got into the swing of the new working condition.
118. I have difficulty (in) reading his handwriting.
119. I bought it on the spur of the moment.
120. You put your foot in in/ your mouth when you asked him where his wife was.
121. I don’t like him because he has a big mouth.
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122. I’d rather have had the last laugh, though!
123. There is very little to choose between the two bicycles.
124. We took warm clothes in anticipation of the weather getting cold.
125. He failed the exam as much out of lack of revision as misunderstanding the questions.
126. My sister attaches much importance to eating healthy food.
127. What on earth possessed you to do something as dangerous as that?
128. The police caught the thieves red-handed.
129. The Member of Parliament did everything he could to take advantage of the situation.
130. George is insistent on finishing the project.
131. I don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about.
132. There is nothing out of the ordinary about this.
133. Treating customers with a lack of efficiency reflects badly on the company.
134. He doesn’t have much flair for mending things.
135. Everything was planned with the utmost care by the organizers.
136. It suddenly dawned on him that he was never going to see her again.
137. As a young musician, Tim modeled himself on one of his heroes.
138. Not a single word did she say when she left.
139. He can’t possibly pass the driving test.
140. The concert was no doubt boring to me.
141. The teacher congratulated Lucie on having done an excellent job.
142. We could just make him out in the crowd.
143. You’ve done nothing but moon around all day.
144. The food is out of this world at that new restaurant.
145. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that the economy is in serious trouble.
146. Don’t decide right away – sleep on it and ring me next week.
147. They arrived at their destination safe and sound.
148. Not a tear did she shed when the story ended in tragedy.
149. The community sang the recently elected mayor’s praises.
150. Why do you pick holes in everything I do?
151. Only when he took off his hat did I recognize Mike.
152. I have no objection to you/your filming my wedding speech.
153. She was under the assumption/ impression that the tribe wouldn’t understand her.
154. She will be showered with congratulations if she wins.
155. I didn’t take sides during their disagreement because I liked both of them.
156. He is widely regarded as the best man for the job.
157. The suspect could not account for the fact that he had sand on his boots.
158. Sally came up with the best solution.
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159. You should make allowances for the fact that he hasn’t spoken French for years. / for his not speaking
French for years.
160. It was inevitable that he would fail his driving test.
161. He may take an option of taking early retirement.
162. He didn’t contribute (anything) to the conversation.
163. The success of our local theater has put our city on the map.
164. The signposts were confusing, which made us lose our way.
165. Coal production/ the coal produced has been halved in the last twenty years.
166. Some interesting new information has come to light.
167. Tom was banned from playing in the two matches.
168. I am dying to see her again.
169. She was so beautiful that I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
170. She is a student having a head for figures.
171. The black rhino is threatened with extinction.
172. Thomas was kept in the dark about the company’s new projects.
173. When they broke the news, she did not turn a hair.
174. He makes sure that he distances himself from policies he disagrees with.
175. “It doesn’t matter where the money goes as long as the people are real beneficiaries.”
176. Julian takes pride in his stamps collection.
177. He ran away with the impression/ idea that he could do anything he liked around here.
178. It’s high time you stood on your own two feet.
179. I spent a week travelling through France.
180. The destruction of villages for lare mining concessions has been leaving many people with no
alternative, no other source of income, no livelihood.
181. I’ve gone off that program because I’ve watched it too often.
(go off: không còn thích nữa)

182. Why don’t you two bury the hatchet and become friends again?
(bury the hatchet: làm hoà)

183. At your age, you should have learnt to stand on your own (two) feet, Henry.
(stand on one’s own two feet: tự lập)

184. The figures have given the lie to rumors that the company is on the rocks.
(give the lie to: chứng tỏ cái gì là không đúng
On the rocks: gặp trục trặc; trên bờ vực tan vỡ)

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185. It drives me around the bend when Laura interrupts every conversation.
(drive sb around/ round the bend: khiến ai bực mình)

186. I should have made a point of writing down the telephone number.
(make a point of Ving: chủ động làm gì)

187. Police are waning people to be on the lookout for forged notes which are currently in circulation.
(on the lookout for: cảnh giác cái gì)

188. The Rainbow Disco is out of bounds to students at this school.

(out of bounds to/for sb: không cho ai vào)

189. She can’t get used to studying every evening.

(get used to Ving: quen với)

190. Jane wishes/wished she had spoken more politely to the old lady.
(wish S had p2: ước ở quá khứ)

191. We are on good terms with both of John’s parents.

(on good terms with: hoà hợp, ăn ý với)

192. John has turned over a new leaf since he came out of prison.
(turn over a new leaf: cải tà quy chính; thay đổi hoàn toàn)

193. The interviewers will take it for granted that you have found out something about the company and the
job.
(take sth for granted: coi cái gì là điều hiển nhiên)

194. When it comes to technical knowledge, I am no match for Mary.

(when it comes to sth: về cái gì
Be no match for: không phải là đối thủ của)

195. Linda is very quick on the uptake so she won’t be taken in, whatever they say.
(quick on the uptake: lanh lợi)

196. Sam was so crazy about stamps that he spent a lot of money on them every month. (SPLASHED)
→ So strong was Sam's craze/desire/craving/... for stamps that he splashed out on them every month.
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(splash out on: chi rất nhiều tiền vào/ rất đầu tư vào cái gì)

197. Winning the prize has made him very conceited. (HEAD)
→ Winning that prize has gone to his head.
(go to one’s head: khiến ai kiêu ngạo/ tự phụ)

198. The boy thought very hard but he couldn’t remember the answer. (RACKED)
→ The boy racked his brain(s) but he couldn't remember the answer.
(rack one’s brain(s): vắt óc suy nghĩ)

199. I just need to finish this work and then I’ll call you. (WAY)
→ I just need to get this work out of the way and then I’ll call you.
(get sth out of the way: hoàn thành cái gì)

200. Any correspondence from the Canberra office must be dealt with before other matters. (PRIORITY)
→ Any correspondence from the Canberra office must take/ be given priority over other matters.
(take/ be given priority over sth: ưu tiên cái gì)

201. Ours is the only company allowed to import these chemicals. (MONOPOLY)
→ Our company holds/has the/a monopoly over/on the import of these chemicals.
(have/ hold a monopoly over/ on sth: có độc quyền về)

202. We shouldn’t have wasted so much time waiting for the film star to turn up. (WORTH)
→ It was not worth wasting so much time waiting for the film star to turn up.
(worth Ving: đáng làm gì)

203. The organizers disregarded the former president’s presence at the ceremony. (TOOK)
→ The organizers did not take any notice of/ took no notice of the former president's presence at the
ceremony.
(take notice of: chú ý đến)

204. From time to time, we spend our weekend at the lake. (AGAIN)
→ We spend our weekends at the lake time/now and again.
(time/ now and again: thi thoảng)

205. When the official part of the meeting ended, everyone rushed to the buffet. (CLOSE)
→ When the official part of the meeting came to a close, everyone rushed to the buffet.
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(come to a close: kết thúc)

206. Because the gym increased its fees last month, I am no longer a member. (UP)
→ If the gym hadn’t put up its fees last month, I would still be a member.
(put up: tăng)

207. Our boss is absolutely determined not to give us the pay rise. (INTENT)
→ Our boss is intent on not giving us the pay rise.
(be intent on Ving: có ý định làm gì)

208. I really don’t know what you’re talking about. (FAINTEST)

→ I don't have the faintest idea about what you are talking.
(not have the faintest idea about: không biết gì về)

209. There’s no point arguing about this small detail, in my opinion. (WORTH)
→ This small is not worth arguing about, in my opinion.
(worth Ving: xứng đáng làm gì)

210. The film script was very different from the novel it was based on. (RESEMBLANCE)
→ The film script bore no resemblance to the novel it was based on.
(bear resemblance to: giống với)

211. It took me some time to understand fully what happened. (WHILE)

→ It was a while before/until I fully understood what had happened.
(a while: một khoảng thời gian)

212. It looks as though the thieves escaped in a while Mercedes van. (GETAWAY)
→ The thieves may have made their getaway in a white Mercedes van.
(make one’s getaway: tẩu thoát)

213. Can I speak to you privately for a new minutes? (WORD)

→ Can I have a private word with you for a few minutes?
(have a word with sb: nói chuyện với ai)

214. I was amazed because there were no problems throughout the holiday. (WENT)
→ To my amazement, nothing went wrong throughout the holiday.
(to one’s N chỉ cảm xúc: ai đó rất như thế nào
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Go wrong: gặp trục trặc)

215. He really wanted to impress the interviewers. (DESPERATE)

→ He was desperate to give the interviewers a good impression.
(give sb a good impression: gây ấn tượng tốt với ai)

216. Don’t run away with the idea that this job is easy. (CONCLUSION)
→ Don’t jump/ leap to the conclusion that this job is easy.
(jump/ leap to the conclusion: vội đi đến kết luận)

217. They say the ice in Antarctica is getting thinner all the time. (SAID)
→ The ice in Antarctica is said to be getting thinner all the time.
(bị động đặc biệt: S2 + V1 bị động + to V2)

218. It was wrong of you not to tell me that information. (KEPT)

→ You should not have kept that information from me.
(keep sth from sb: giấu không cho ai biết)

219. We managed to escape just before the whole building caught on fire. (HAD)
→ No sooner had we managed to escape than the whole building caught on fire.
(No sooner had S p2 than S Ved: vừa mới ... thì ... )

220. The coach’s tactics were directly responsible for the team’s defeat. (CONSEQUENCE)
→ The team’s defeat was the/ a direct consequence of the coach’s tactics.
(a direct consequence of: là kết quả trực tiếp của)

221. She was very relieved when she realized that her bag hadn’t been stolen. (BREATHED)
→ She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that her bag hadn't been stolen.
(breathe a sigh of relief: thở phào nhẹ nhõm)

222. His holiday is at exactly the same time as mine. (COINCIDES)

→ His holiday time coincides with mine.
(coincide with: trùng với)

223. The accident victim was having increasing diffculty in breathing. (DIFFICULT)
→ The accident victim was finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.
(find it adj to V: thấy như thế nào khi làm gì)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 15
224. The Prime Minister felt it appropriate to make a statement. (FIT)
→ The Prime Minister saw/thought fit to make a statement.
(see/ think fit to sth: quyết định làm gì)

225. He is said to be a very hard bargainer. (REPUTATION)

→ He has a reputation for being a very hard bargainer.
(have a reputation for: có tiếng là)

226. It is not likely that the effects of global warming can be reversed. (LIKELIHOOD)
→ There is little/ not much likelihood of reversing the effects of global warming.
(there is little/ not much likelihood of Ving: không có khả năng làm gì)

227. Some people tend to do better in a pressurized working environment. (CONSTANT)

→ Some people work better when they are under constant pressure at work.
(under constant pressure: chịu áp lực liên tục)

228. The car was redesigned, and as a result, sales rose rapidly. (RESULTED)
→ The successful redesigning of the car resulted in a rapid rise in sales.
(result in: dẫn đến)

229. Unless you tell the truth, the school trip wil be cancelled. (MEAN)
→ Your failure to tell the truth will mean the cancellation of the school trip.
(mean: đồng nghĩa là/ dẫn đến)

230. The warmth of her welcome surprised me. (ABACK)

→ I was taken aback by her warm welcome.
(take sb aback: khiến ai ngạc nhiên)

231. If you had heard the politician speak, you’d think he had won the election. (AS)
→ The politician spoke as if/though he had won the election.
(as if/ as though S had p2: cứ như thể - ở quá khứ)

232. It was a mistake for you to accept his offer. (ACCEPTED)

→ You shouldn’t have accepted his offer.
(shouldn’t have p2: lẽ ra không nên làm gì trong quá khứ)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 16

233. He really disappointed me when breaking the promise to help me out. (TEETH)
→ He really kicked me in the teeth when breaking the promise to help me out.
(kick sb in the teeth: khiến ai thất vọng)

234. The mistake in the accounts had not been noticed until the figures were re-checked. (LIGHT)
→ The mistake in the accounts only came to light when the figures were re-checked.
(come to light: được phơi bày)

235. Have a look at this picture; it may help you to remember something. (JOG)
→ Have a look at this picture; it may help you to jog your memory.
(jog one’s memory: gợi ai về nhớ)

236. Terry and I started arguing about the situation in the Middle East. (INTO)
→ I got into an argument with Terry about the situation in the Middle East.
237. You’ve got to persuade the editor not to publish that story. (OUT)
→ You’ve got to talk the editor out of publishing that story.
238. I’d discuss this with Phil before making a final decision. (DISCUSSION)
→ I’d have/hold a discussion with Phil about this before making a final decision.
239. Tom and Barbara aren’t talking to each other at the moment. (TERMS)
→ Tom and Barbara aren’t on speaking terms at the moment.
250. It could get cold at night, so take some warm clothes. (IN)
→Take some warm clothes in case it gets cold at night.
251. The only reason I haven’t moved to London yet is the cost. (FOR)
→ Had it not been for the cost, I would already have moved to London.
252. Ian was ill yesterday, so he didn’t go to school. (WEATHER)
→ Ian was under the weather yesterday, so he didn’t go to school.
253. The doctor’s advice was to just wait and see what happened and the baby would be fine. (NATURE)
→ The doctor said that we should let nature take its course and the baby would be fine.
254. What do you think was the reason for the failure? (DOWN)
→ What do you put the failure down to?
255. They painted the wall very well. (MADE)
→ They made a good job of painting the wall.
256. We suppose the new models are about ten thousand dollars. (VICINITY)
→ The new models are supposed to be in the vicinity of thousand dollars.
257. There are several categories of people who don’t have to pay the new tax. (EXEMPT)
→ Several categories of people are exempt from paying the new tax
258. I forgot my friend’s birthday last week and do not know how to make it up to her. (AMENDS)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 17
→ I do not know to make amends for forgetting my friend’s birthday last week.
259. Since his wife gave birth to twins, Steve has felt truly happy. (NINE)
→ Steve has been on cloud nine since his wife gave birth to twins.
260. They are having problems because they did not take out medical insurance. (COST)
→ They are counting the cost because medical insurance was not taken out.
We’re now counting the cost of not taking out medical insurance.
261. Her daughter is determined to become brain surgeon. (HEART)
→ Her daughter has set her heart on becoming a brain surgeon.
262. Is it possible to walk from the hotel to the city centre? (WITHIN)
→ Is the city centre within walking distance of the hotel?
263. I don’t mind what you wear so long as it’s appropriate for the ocassion. (CONSEQUENCE)
→ It is of no/little consequence to me what you wear as long as it’s appropriate for the ocassion.
264. The new salesman tried to fulfill every requirement his director had. (TUNE)
→ The new salesman tried to dance to his director’s tune.
265. Given that he was no experience, will Frank be able to do this job? (AFFECT)
→ Will Frank’s lack of experience affect his ability to do this job?
266. I was strongly impressed by the performance of that singer. (MADE)
→ The performance of that singer made a strong impression on me.
267. The rain was coming down in torrents. (CATS)
→ It was raining cats and dogs.
268. We get on very well with out next-door neighbors. (TERMS)
→ We are on good terms with our next-door neighbors.
269. Calling Jim is pointless, because his phone is out of order. (NO)
→ There is no point (in) calling Jim because his phone is out of order.
/ It is no use calling Jim because his phone is out of order.
270. This matter is none of your business. (CONCERN)
→ This matter doesn't concern you/ is of no concern to you.
271. I think you’ve completely misunderstood me. (STICK)
→ I think you’ve got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
272. This house is very different from the little flat we used to live in. (CRY)
→ This house is a far cry from the little flat we used to live in.
273. If anyone succeeds in solving the problem, it will probably be him. (LIKELY)
→ He is the most likely person to succeed in solving the problem.
274. He was raised by his aunt and uncle. (BROUGHT)
→ He was brought up by his aunt and uncle.
275. From the point of view of educatiom, his childhood years had been well spent. (TERMS)
→ In terms of education, his childhood years had been well spent.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 18
276. Mr and Mrs Smith never agree on how to bring up their children. (EYE)
→ Mr. and Mrs. Smith never see eye to eye on how to bring up their children.
277. The stories he tells about his school days are unbelievable. (BEYOND)
→ The stories he tells about his school days are beyond belief.
278. I read a newspaper article last year which was very similar to this one. (BEARS)
→ I read a newspaper article last year which bears a striking resemblance/ strong similarity to this one.
279. There’s not enough room for us. Nor is there any room for any guests. (LET ALONE)
→ There’s not enough room for us, let alone any guests.
280. She was very relieved to know that her son was out of danger. (BREATHED)
→ She breathed a sigh of relief to know that her son was out of danger.
281. After Covid-19, many people find it increasingly difficult to live on the money they earn. (ENDS)
→ After Covid-19, many people find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
282. John has a lot of experience in travelling, so he can arrange this trip very easily. (EYES)
→ John has a lot of experience in traveling, so he can arrange this trip with his eyes closed/ shut.
283. None of us was expecting to have a fifteen-minute test on English this morning. (BLUE)
→ This morning’s fifteen-minute test on English came out of the blue for every one of us.
284. Jane’s father became extremely angry when he knew she had broken his crystal vase. (STACK)
→ Jane's father blew his stack when he knew she had broken his crystal vase.
285. John is a bit too ill to go out. (UP)
→ John doesn’t feel up to going out.
It's time we started to go through these cupboards.
What do you think was the reason for this downfall?
The company’s efforts were of no avail in securing a bank loan.
286. I assume you’ve checked your facts carefully. (READ)
→ I take it as read that you’ve checked your facts carefully.
287. You’ve got to persuade the editor not to publish that story. (OUT)
→ You've got to talk the editor out of publishing that story.
288. It’s time we began to sort through these cupboards. (START)
→ It’s time we made a start on sorting through these cupboards.
289. What do you think was the reason for this failure? (DOWN)
→ What do you put this failure down to?
290. The company tried unsuccessfully to secure a bank loan. (AVAIL)
→ The company’s efforts were of/ to no avail in securing a bank loan.
291. Tom and Barbara aren’t talking to each other at the moment. (TERMS)
→ Tom and Barbara aren't on speaking terms at the moment.
292. The journalist pretended that she was a parent of one of the children. (FALSE)
→ The journalist gave/got/had the false impression that she was a parent of one of the children.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 19
293. I never thought that we’d have legal problems. (CROSSED)
→ It never crossed my mind that we'd have legal problems.
294. Sebastian is never in top form in the mornings. (BEST)
→ Sebastian is never at his best in the mornings.
295. City-dwellers often get depressed nowadays. (PRONE)
→ City-dwellers are prone to getting depressed nowadays.
296. This kitchen table is also the desk where I work. (DOUBLES)
→ This kitchen table doubles as the desk where I work.
297. You can’t just suddenly decide to go on a safari. You need to plan things very carefully. (SPUR)
→ You can't decide to go on a safari on the spur of the moment. You need to plan things very carefully.
298. She still hasn’t really recovered from losing her job in August. (BEING)
→ She still really hasn't got over being made redundant in August.
299. Nobody really expected Glen to do so well in his Biology exams. (TAKEN)
→ Everyone was taken aback that Glen did so well in his Biology exams.
300. You can’t expect everything to run on an even keel all the time. (SMOOTH)
→ You have to learn to take the rough with the smooth.
/You can't expect to have a smooth run all the time.
301. The public were up in arms over the proposals change to privacy law. (OUTCRY)
→ There was a public outcry over the proposed changes to privacy law.
302. There is less chance that Olsen will become champion after his recent defeat. (BLOW)
→ Olsen's recent defeat dealt a blow to his chances of becoming champion.
303. The new lecturer was unpopular with his students. (TAKE)
→ The students didn't take to their new lecturer.
304. It was Walter Raleigh who introduced potatoes and tobacco into England. (OWE)
→ England owes the introduction of potatoes and tobacco to Walter Raleigh.
305. You can’t possibly expect me to have supper ready by 8 o’clock. (NO QUESTION)
→ There's no question of me having supper ready by 8 o'clock/ there is no question of supper being ready by
8 o'clock.
306. In the end, I felt I had been right to leave the club. (REGRETS)
→ In the end, I had no regrets about leaving the club.
307. I first visited Rome ten years ago. (HAS)
→ It has been ten years since my first visit to Rome.
308. All of us are excited about our trip to China next month. (LOOKING)
→ Everyone is looking forward to our trip to China next month.
309. The architecture here makes me think of the buildings in Amsterdam. (REMINDS)
→ The architecture here reminds me of the buildings in Amsterdam.
310. Tina was too frightened to stay in the house on her own. (BEEN)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 20
→ Tine would have stayed in the house on her own had she not been so frightened.
311. Thick fog prevented the plane from landing. (UNABLE)
→ The plane was unable to land because of thick fog.
(be unable to V: không thể làm gì)

312. Membership of the club is open to anyone over eighteen. (THAN)

→ Anyone who is more than eighteen years of age can be a member of the club.
(more than: hơn; số + year(s) of age: bao nhiêu tuổi)

313. I prefer driving to travelling by train. (RATHER)

→ I prefer to drive rather than travel by train.
(prefer to V rather than V: thích làm gì hơn làm gì)

314. “This problem must be solved immediately!” said the Managing Director. (FIND)
→ “Please take immediate action/ measures/ steps to find a solution to this problem!” said the Managing
Director.
(take action/ measures/ steps: thực hiện các biện pháp)

315. Students with an ID card won’t have to pay to get in. (ADMITTED)
→ Students with an ID card will be admitted free of charge.
(free of: không phải làm gì)

316. There are worries regarding the poor quality of the water. (EXPRESSED)
→ Concerns are being expressed in regard to the poor quality of the water.
(express concerns in regard to: bày tỏ sự quan tâm/ lo lắng về)

317. If you hadn’t changed our original agreement, everything would have been fine. (STUCK TO)
→ Were you to have stuck to our original agreement, everything would have been fine.
(stick to sth: tuân theo)

318. I think you should have some consideration for those who don’t have lives at privilege as yours.
(SPARE)
→ I think you should spare a thought for those whose lives aren’t as privileged as yours.
(spare a thought for: cân nhắc)

319. Expressing feeling is not permitted in her family. (FROWN)

→ In her family, expressing feelings/ any expression of feeling is frowned upon.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 21
(frown upon: phản đối)

320. Tony shouldn’t believe his girlfriend because her account of accident was too implausible. (BUY)
→ Were I Tony, I wouldn't buy into his girlfriend's account of accident.
(buy into: tin vào)

321. Jack and I obviously think very different from one another. (WAVELENGTH)
→ Jack and I are not on the same wavelength as you can see.
(on the same wavelength: đồng quan điểm)

322. Joe didn’t think it was wrong of him to quit at such short notice. (QUALMS)
→ Joe had no qualms about quitting at such short notice.
(have no qualms about Ving: không có chút băn khoăn nào về)

323. Being dismissed didn’t seem to bother him. (DISMISSAL)

→ He seemed to take his dismissal in his stride.
(take sth in one’s stride: vượt qua dễ dàng)

324. His son bears a striking resemblance to him. (CARBON)

→ His son is a carbon copy of him.
( a carbon copy of sb: giống hệt)

325. The 2000s saw the rise to fame of his famous female singer. (NAME)
→ His famous female singer made a name for herself/ made her name in the 2000s.
(make a name for oneself: nổi tiếng)

326. The effects of the gale were felt mainly along the south coast. (BRUNT)
→ The south coast bore/took/suffered the brunt of the gale.
(bear/ take/ suffer the brunt of: hứng chịu nặng nề/ lãnh trọn cái gì)

327. It’s impossible to predict how long it will take the business to make a great deal of profit. (TELLING)
→ There is no telling how long it will take the business to become lucrative.
(there is no telling: không thể nào biết được)

328. She cannot make her mind up about whether to stay up or sleep. (TORN)
→ She was torn between staying up and turning in.
(be torn between sth and sth: bị giằng xé giữa)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 22
329. His argument was irrelevant to the case being discussed. (NOTHING)
→ His argument had nothing to do with the case being discussed.
(have nothing to do with: không liên quan đến)

330. The father was over the moon when his son was born. (PUNCH)
→ The father was as pleased as punch on birth of his son.
(as pleased as punch: rất vui, hài lòng)

331. I don’t mind if you stay my house tonight. (PUTTING)

→ I’m not averse to putting you up tonight.
(put sb up: cho ai ở nhờ)

332. Seeing that Tuan was determined to get the job, I knew he is serious about his future. (BUSINESS)
→ In light of Tuan's determination to get the job, I knew he means business when it comes (/with
regard/respect) to his future.
(mean business: nghiêm túc)

333. If you want, you can leave. (LIBERTY)

→ You are at liberty to leave as you wish.
(at liberty to V: tự do làm gì)

334. The young lady was so angry that no one confessed to having broken her vase. (BREAST)
→ The young lady was beside herself with anger/rage that no one made a clean breast of it and owned
up to having broken the vase.
(make a clean breast of: thừa nhận)

335. The present government has never promised to lower taxation. (TIME)
→ At no time has the present government promised to lower taxation.
(at no time = never: không bao giờ)

336. William tried to remain impartial in the quarrel between his two cousins. (SIDES)
→ William tried not to take sides in the quarrel between his two cousins.
(take sides: đứng về bên nào)

337. Everybody in the audience stood to applaud the actor’s performance. (STANDING)
→ The actor was given a standing ovation for his performance.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 23
(give sb a standing ovation: đứng ai hoan hô/ nhiệt liệt hoan nghênh/ cho ai một tràng pháo tay)

338. The villagers said they opposed the plans for the new shopping centre. (DISAPPROVAL)
→ The villagers expressed/showed/ voiced their disapproval of the plans for the new shopping centre.
(express/show/voice one’s disapproval of: bày tỏ sự phản đối về)

339. I wasn’t at all surprised when I heard that Sophie had been promoted. (HEAR)
→ It came as no surprise to me to hear about Sophie’s promotion.
(it comes as no surprise to sb to V: ai đó không ngạc nhiên khi làm gì)

340. The handling of the matter has been heavily criticized by the press. (SCORN)
→ The press has poured scorn on the handling of the matter.
(pour scorn on: dè bỉu, chỉ trích)

341. My father was very disappointed when I failed to get into university. (BITTER)
→ My failure to get into university led to my father's bitter disappointment.
(bitter disappointment: thất vọng tràn trề)

342. Joanne has a rather unsatisfactory relationship with her sisters. (GET)
→ Joanne doesn’t get on well with/ get along with her sisters.
(get on well with = get along with: hoà hợp/ ăn ý với ai)

343. The committee decided that the crash was not the pilot’s fault. (BLAME)
→ The committee decided that the pilot was not to blame for the crash./ decided not to blame the pilot for the
crash.
(to blame for: chịu trách nhiệm cho)

344. Judy was the only one who answered the question correctly. (APART)
→ Everyone got the answer wrong/ incorrect apart from Judy.
(apart from: ngoại trừ)

345. If we tried to force him to repay the debt, we would be wasting of time. (POINT)
→ There was no point (in) trying to force him to pay the debt.
(there is no point in Ving: thật vô ích khi làm gì)

346. You must eat less sugar. (INTAKE)

→ You must limit/ reduce intake of sugar.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 24
(intake of sth: lượng hấp thụ cái gì)

347. He has finally come to accept that it is impossible to get something for nothing. (DAWNING)
→ It is finally dawning on him that there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
(it dawns on sb sth: ai đó nhận ra rằng)

348. He seemed to be enjoying himself very much. (APPEARANCE)

→ He gave every appearance of having a whale of a time.
(give every appearance of ving: mọi vẻ bề ngoài của ai đó đều cho thấy
have a whale of a time: có 1 khoảng thời gian rất vui vẻ)

349. You’d better say goodbye to your friend now. (LEAVE)

→ It’s high time you took leave of your friend.
(take leave of: tạm biệt ai)

350. Obviously, he has spent all his earnings on gambling. (AWAY)

→ It is obvious that he has gambled away all his earnings.
(gamble away: cờ bạc hết sạch tiền)

351. The purpose of this research program is to increase knowledge of science. (AT)
→ This research program aims at pushing back the frontiers of science.
(push back the frontiers of: mở rộng/ khám phá nhiều hơn về)

352. He was too frightened to admit that he had broken the window. (OWN)
→ So frightened was he that he couldn't own up to having broken the window.
(own up to Ving: thừa nhận làm gì)

353. Jane was bored, so he headed to the gym to work out. (HIT)
→ Being at a loose end/loose ends, she hit the gym.
(at a loose end: rảnh rỗi; hit the gym: đi tập gym)

354. I was very shocked that they ended up hitting each other in front of the children. (BLOWS)
→ It came as a big/great shock to me that they came to (/exchange) blows in front of the children.
(come to blows: đánh nhau)

355. Jonas is no longer shy when singing to large audience. (PACKED)

→ Jonas grew accustomed to singing to packed houses.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 25
(packed houses: đông người/ đám đông)

356. If it hadn’t rained cats and dogs, the event would have happened as intended. (TORRENTIAL)
→ Were it hadn't been for the torrential rain, the event would have gone according to plan.
(the torrential rain: mưa to
go according to plan: diễn ra theo đúng kế hoạch)

357. Attendance at the additional evening lectures is not obligatory for students. (UNDER)
→ Students are under no obligation to attend the additional evening lectures.
(under no obligation to V: không có nghĩa vụ phải làm gì)

358. You cannot find pottery like this in any other part of the country. (TYPE)
→ This is the only part of the country where this type of pottery can be found.
(type of sth: loại)

359. All are eligible for the contest. There is no discrimination of race and sex. (REGARDLESS)
→ All are eligible for taking part in the contest regardless of race and sex.
(regardless of: bất kể, bất chấp)

360. As a result of the bad weather, there may be delay to some international flights. (SUBJECT)
→ Due to the bad weather, some international flights are subject to possible delay.
(subject to sth: phải chịu)

361. We were very much surprised to learn that Brian had become a monk. (TO)
→ To our surprise, brian had become a monk, Brian had become a monk.
(to one’s N chỉ cảm xúc: ai đó rất như thế nào khi)

362. His failure to complete the task made his boss angry. (WALL)
→ His failure to complete the task drove his boss up the wall.
(drive sb up the wall: khiến ai bực mình)

363. If her father hadn’t retired, she wouldn’t have taken over his work. (STEPPED)
→ But for her father's retirement, she wouldn't have stepped into his shoes.
(step into one’s shoes: kế vị)

364. You are responsible for locking the gate. (DOWN)

→ It is down to you to lock the gate.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 26
(It’s down to sb to V: ai đó có trách nhiệm làm gì)

365. He has never got angry in this way. (HEAD)

→ At no time has he lost his head in this way.
(lose one’s head: tức giận)

366. She was worried wondering how she’d manage it all in the time. (WITS)
→ She was at her wits' end wondering how she'd manage it all in the time.
(at one’s wits’ end: bế tắc, tuyệt vọng, bó tay)

367. Thanks to recent research, the causes of the disease have been found. (CAST)
→ Recent research has cast light on/ onto the causes of the disease.
(cast light on: làm sáng tỏ)

368. The police say that the circumstances of her death are suspicious. (TREATING)
→ The police are treating the circumstances of her death with suspicion.
(treat something with suspicion: xem xét cái gì với sự nghi ngờ)

369. They have narrowed the many applicants down to three. (SHORT)
→ Three applicants have been on the short list./ have been short-listed.
(on the short list: lọt vào vòng trong)

370. He made unsuccessful attempt to buy the company. (WITHOUT)

→ He tried/ attempted to buy the company without success.
(without success: mà không thành công)

371. We were lucky to find somewhere to park so quickly. (STROKE)

→ It was a stroke of luck that we found somewhere to park so quickly.
(a stroke of luck: thật may)

372. She was dismissed because her typing was poor. (LOST)
→ She lost her job because her tying was poor.
(lose one’s job: mất việc)

373. In the area, Thailand is much better than all other countries in football. (SHOULDERS)
→ In the area, Thailand stands/is head and shoulders above all other countries in football.
(be/ stand head and shoulders above sb: giỏi hơn)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 27
374. The claim to provide the best service in business, but I think that can be questioned. (DISPUTE)
→ The claim to provide the best service in business, but I think that can be in dispute (/open to dispute).
(in dispute/ open to dispute: đang được tranh cãi)

375. You should punish him severely so that others will be afraid to behave as he did. (EXAMPLE)
→ You should make an example of him so that others will be afraid to behave as he did.
(make an example of sb: phạt ai để làm gương)

376. The boy does whatever his father wants in an obedient way. (ATTENDANCE)
→ The boy dances attendance on his father.
(dance attendance on sb: phục tùng ai, nghe theo ai răm rắp)

377. I really regret to have lost the opportunity to get the promotion. (BOAT)
→ I really regret to have missed the boat to get the promotion.
(miss the boat: bỏ lỡ cơ hội)

378. Thanks to the surgeons’ quick acts, his eyesight was saved. (GOOD)
→ If it hadn't been for the surgeons' quick acts, his eyesight would have gone for good.
(for good: mãi mãi)

379. It seemed the young man was feeling bitter about his family background. (SHOULDER)
→ The young man appeared be having a chip on his shoulder about his family background.
(have a chip on one’s shoulder: tức giận)

380. The public reaction to the design of the new theater turned out to be bitterly critical. (TEETH)
→ The way the public reacted to the design of the new theater turned out to be like a kick in the teeth.
(like a kick in the teeth: một đòn đau đớn)

381. It’s bad you didn’t try to do your share of the job. (WEIGHT)
→ You should have pulled your weight in the job.
(pull one’s weight: chịu trách nhiệm về phần việc của mình)

382. His mother’s heart sank when she heard the news of his accident. (PIECES)
→ On hearing the news of his accident, his mother went to pieces.
(go to pieces: suy sụp)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 28

383. I felt as if she was trying to deceive us. (IN)
→ I had the feeling that she was trying to take us in.
(take sb in: lừa ai)

384. My mother, who is a professional estate agent, is more than willing to house-hunt for our parents.
(ELEMENT)
→ A professional estate agent, my brother is really in his element house-hunting for our parents.
(in one’s element: đúng sở trường của ai)

385. I can’t understand why our team have performed so badly recently. (POOR)
→ It doesn’t make a sense to me why our team have given (/put on) such poor performances recently.
(give/ put on performances: biểu diễn/ trình diễn)

386. It is a good idea for a retired craftsman to do something occasionally to keep his skills. (HAND)
→ It is advisory that a retired craftsman (should) sometimes keep his hand in.
(keep one’s hand in: giữ vững phong độ)

387. We were surprised to see that he got mad at our decision. (RED)
→ Much to our surprise, he saw red at our decision.
(see red: tức giận)

388. Sally showed absolutely no fear when climbing the wall. (DISREGARD)
→ Sally showed total disregard for her own safety when climbing the wall.
(disregard for sth: coi thường)

389. I don’t want to be disturbed at all this morning! (ACCOUNT)

→ On no account am I to be disturbed this morning!
(on no account + TĐT + S + V: với bất kì lý do gì .... cũng không ....)

390. He is so ambitious – he’s determined that he’ll be successful in the company. (MARK)
→ He is determined to make his mark in the company.
(make one’s mark: thành công)

391. It’s more than a fornight since anyone saw Julian. (LAST)
→ Julian was last seen 2 weeks ago.
(last: lần cuối)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 29

392. The team is the same as it was for the last Saturday’s match. (CHANGES)
→ There have been no changes to/ in the team since last Saturday’s match.
(
393. Clarie suddenly realized what a blunder she had made. (DAWNED)
→ It suddenly dawned on Clair what a blunder she had made.
394. We won’t get to the airport in less than 30 minutes. (LEAST)
→ It will take us at least 30 minutes to get to the airport.
395. Reading is the key to enter the treasure of knowledge. (YOU)
→ As long as you read, you can enter the treasure of knowledge.
396. The new theatre is extremely ugly and spoils the view of the village. (BLOT)
→ The new theatre is a blot on the landscape and spoils the view of the village.
397. Your attitude to life would be greatly improved by regular exercise. (WONDERS)
→ Regular exercise would do wonders for the way you look at life.
398. It is as yet unclear whether a new sports centre is being planned or not. (SEEN)
→ It remains to be seen whether there are any plans for a new sports centre or not.
399. Mary is far superior to me in terms of technical knowledge. (MATCH)
→ When it comes to technical knowledge, I am no match for Mary.
400. Anthony wasn’t at all discouraged by this bad experience. (PUT)
→ This bad experience didn’t put Anthony off in the least.
401. The houses that were very close to the blast were badly damaged. (IMMEDIATE)
→ The houses in the immediate vicinity of the blast were badly damaged.
402. They were married last year. (MAN)
→ They became man and wife last year.
403. He admits he’s not one of the important members of the organization. (COG)
→ He admits he's just a small cog in the big wheel.
404. You’ve been deceived by them. (RIDE)
→ You’ve been taken a for ride by them.
405. It didn’t take us long to finish doing the accounts. (SHORT)
→ We made short work of doing the accounts.
406. Would you give us your answer as soon as possible. (CONVENIENCE)
→ Please respond at your earliest convenience.
Sorry, I lost track of time.
407. It's one thing to think there's a demand for your product and another to actually make a sale. (WORLD)
→ There’s a world of difference between thinking there’s a demand for your product and actually making a
sale.
408. I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise it was so late. (TRACK)
→ Sorry, I didn’t follow the track of time.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 30
409. The anti-smoking advertisement does not stop people from smoking. (INEFFECTIVE)
→ The anti-smoking advertisement is ineffective in stopping people from smoking.
410. There is a possibility that you may be able to get a grant. (ELIGIBLE)
→ We are pleased to say/inform you that you may be eligible for a grant.
411. These rainy Monday morning make me feel miserable. (GET)
→ These rainy Monday mornings get me down.
412. You have said exactly the right thing. (NAIL)
→ You have hit the nail on the head.
413. He maintained his position against his adversary. (GROUND)
→ He held/ stood his ground against his adversary.
414. Since she met that boy, she’s been thinking only about him. (WRAPPED)
→ Since she met that boy, she's been wrapped up in him.
415. My husband will be angry when I tell him. (ROOF)
→ My husband will hit the roof when I tell him.
416. Having to get up so early is so irritating. (NECK)
→ Having to get up so early is a pain in the neck.
417. It’s likely they were delayed in a traffic jam. (UP)
→ It's likely they were held up in a traffic jam.
418. My dad is not happy with me at all because he heard me swearing. (BOOKS)
→ I am not in my dad's good books because he heard me swearing.
419. We can’t possibly imagine how we are going to afford a new car. (REMOTEST)
→ We haven't the remotest idea how we're going to afford a new car.
420. There don’t seem to be many talented athletes at the moment. (PAUCITY)
→ There seem to be a paucity of talented athletes at the moment.
421. Some people will do anything to lose weight. (LENGTHS)
→ Some people will go to great lengths to lose weight.
422. He didn’t mention our previous conversation at all. (REFERENCE)
→ He made no reference to our previous conversation.
423. He felt extremely tired after staying up very late to finish his school project. (OIL)
→ He felt extremely tired after burning the midnight oil to finish his school project.
424. She is very good at arranging flowers. (FLAIR)
→ She has a flair for arranging flowers.
425. When I was awarded the first prize, I didn’t know what to say. (WORDS)
→ When I was awarded the first prize, I was at a loss for words.
426. Spending two weeks in hospital was very different from lying on the beach! (CRY)
→ Spending two weeks in hospital was a far cry from lying on the beach!
427. The parents of that girl are furious about her expulsion. (ARMS)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 31
→ That’s the girl whose parents are up in arms about her expulsion.
428. I’m finding it difficult to cope with all the work I have to do. (TOP)
→ All the work I have to do is getting on the top of me.
429. I wouldn’t confront the manager if I were you. (HORNS)
→ I wouldn’t lock horns with the manager if I were you.
430. He was arrested when they caught him driving a stolen vehicle. (ACT)
→ Being caught in the act of driving a stolen vehicle, he was arrested.
431. David played the main role when the proposal was drafted. (INSTRUMENTAL)
→ David was instrumental in the drafting of the proposal.
432. They were never aware that something was wrong. (TIME)
→ At no time were they aware that something was wrong.
433. I sorry I said that your new hat looked like a lampshade. (BACK)
→ I take back what I said about your new hat looking like a lampshade.
434. We decided to stay for longer because we were so thrilled by the place. (PROLONG)
→ We decided to prolong our stay so thrilled were we by the place.
435. Competitors were amazed by how shrewdly he conducted his business affairs. (MARVELED)
→ Competitors marveled at the shrewdness with which /at how shrewdly he conducted his business affairs.
436. I’m not sure which year saw the abolition of capital punishment in this country. (DID)
→ I’m not sure when they did away with capital punishment in this country.
437. I wish I hadn’t said that to her. (TAKE)
→ If only I could take back what I said to her.
438. If children were allowed to do what they wanted, they would probably play computer games all day.
(OWN)
→ If children were allowed to get/ have their own way/ were left to their own devices, they would probably
play computer games all day.
439. If Tom hadn’t acted promptly to extinguish the fire, there might have been more damage to the house.
(IN)
→ But for Tom's prompt action in putting out the fire, there might have been more damage to the house.
440. Initially, everybody believed his story but now they think he was lying. (UP)
→ He is now thought to have made up the story.
441. We don’t agree on how to raise children. (EYE)
→ We don’t see eye to eye on how to raise children.
442. The news of his success in the examination pleased his parents very much. (THAT)
→ The news that he succeeded/ was successful in the examination pleased his parents very much.
443. There are several categories of people who don’t have to pay the tax. (EXEMPT)
→ There are several categories of people who are exempt from paying the tax.
444. She wasn’t speaking seriously. (TONGUE)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 32
→ She was speaking with her tongue in her cheek.
445. Why are you blaming me? (FAULT)
→ Why are you finding fault with me?
446. Most people seem to think that I will be next to be promoted. (LINE)
→ Most people seem to think that I am in line for a promotion.
447. Paul wanted to be famous so much that he participated in a reality show. (DESIRE)
→ So great was Paul’s desire for fame that he participated in a reality show.
448. The police have put a barrier around the building to keep people out. (CORDONED)
→ The building has been cordoned off by the police.
449. He was unable to take part in the tournament because of nagging injury. (RULED)
→ A nagging injury ruled him out of the tournament.
450. Troops are not allowed to go into the town’s pub and bars. (BOUNDS)
→ The town’s pubs and bars are out of bounds to/ for troops.
451. Bill reckoned that his success was due to incredible luck. (PUT)
→ Bill put his success down to incredible luck.
452. They’re faced with the choice of two alternatives. (HORNS)
→ They’re on the horns of a dilemma.
453. I suddenly realized the meaning of a “freebie”. (DAWNED)
→ It suddenly dawned on me what the meaning of a “freebie” was.
454. I feel certain that there will be a new government after the election. (BOUND)
→ In my opinion, there is bound to be a new government after the election.
455. I didn’t realize how much she was influenced by her mother. (EXTENT)
→ I didn’t realize the extent to which she was influenced by her mother.
456. When they started their trek, they had no idea how bad the weather would become. (OUTSET)
→ Nobody realized at the outset of the trek how bad the weather would become.
457. The footballer injured his knee, so that was the end of his hopes of a first team place. (PAID)
→ The footballer’s knee put paid to his hopes of a first team place.
458. I inherited this clock from my father and it belonged to his grandfather before that. (DOWN)
→ This clock was handed down from my grandfather to my father and, in turn, to me.
459. It has been difficult for the children to accept their parents’ separation. (COME)
→ The children are finding it difficult to come to terms with their parents' separation.
460. If Marc hadn’t taken up politics, he might have become a famous art historian. (NAME)
→ If Marc hadn’t taken up politics, he might have made a name for himself as an art historian.
461. One of our philosophers is supposed to have said this. (ATTRIBUTED)
→ This (saying) is attributed to one of our philosophers.
(be attributed to sth/ sb: được cho là do)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 33

462. A government official leaked the story to the world press. (WIND)
→ The world press got wind of the story from a government official.
(get wind of: nghe lỏm/ nghe phong thanh từ)

463. He's becoming very successful. (PLACES)

→ He's going places.
(go places: thành công)

464. Peter grimaced as he swallowed the foul-tasting medicine. (PULLED)

→ Peter pulled a face as he swallowed the foul-tasting medicine.
(pull a face: nhăn mặt)

465. Since the advertisement, we’ve had more applications than we can deal with. (SWAMPED)
→ Since the advertisement, we have been swamped with applications.
(be swamped with: tràn ngập)

467. It wasn’t until last week that the minister admitted he was wrong. (ERROR)
→ Only last week did the minister realize his error.
(realize one’s error: nhận ra lỗi sai)

468. Although the manager is sluggish, he is a smooth speaker. (GIFT)

→ Sluggish as the manager is, he has the gift of the gab.
(have the gift of the gab: giỏi ăn nói)

469. Getting upset over Michael’s departure is pointless. (TEARS)

→ There is no point (in) shedding tears over Michael’s departure.
(shed tears over: rơi lệ vì)

470. I have become extremely good at missing the rush hour over the last few weeks (FINE)
→ I have got missing the rush hour down to a fine art last few weeks.
(get sth down to a fine art: giỏi làm gì)

471. Vanessa was taken on by a big law firm as soon as she graduated. (LANDED)
→ On graduation,Vanessa landed a job with a big law firm.
(land a job: có được việc)

472. At the end of the concert, Mariah Carey got everyone in the audience to sing along with her.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 34
(SINGING)
→ At the end of the concert, Mariah Carey had everyone in the audience singing along with her.
(have someone Ving: khiến cho ai làm gì)

473. I will never regret telling the truth. (SPADE)

→ Not for a moment will I regret calling a spade a spade.
(call a spade a spade:
474. It was Jane who came up with the idea for the sales promotion. (BRAINS)
→ Jane was the brains behind/of the sales promotion.
475. Doing regular exercise often helps improve your attitude to life. (DO)
→ Many a time does doing regular exercise do wonders for your outlook on life.
476. That week, the train was late everyday except for Friday. (RUN)
→ Only once did the train run on time that week and that was Friday.
477. I really think you should be more assertive about your rights. (UP)
→ It’s about time you stood up for your rights more.
478. Graham took back his words on noticing there were fresh strawberries on the menu. (TUNE)
→ Graham changed his tune/ sang a different tune when he noticed fresh strawberries were on the menu.
479. Paul couldn’t stop thinking about the argument he had had with his brother. (WENT)
→ Paul went over and over the argument he had had with his brother.
480. My grandmother would always make us eat everything on our plates when we visited her. (WASTE)
→ Nothing we were given to eat was allowed to go to waste when we visited my/our grandmother.
481. The committee members said they would remain loyal to the chairman. (PLEDGED)
→ The committee members pledged their loyalty to the chairman.
482. The villagers prepared themselves to withstand the coming storm. (BRACED)
→ The villagers braced themselves for the coming storm.
483. The challenger just wasn’t talented enough to provide a good contest with the reigning champion.
(MATCH)
→ The challenger just was no match for the reigning champion.
484. They could not warn people by electronic mail because that might spread the computer virus. (FEAR)
→ They could not warn people by electronic mail for fear that it might spread the computer virus.
485. Daniel’s habit of taking risks doesn’t fit in with his image as a family man. (COMPATIBLE)
→ Daniel's habit of taking risks is not compatible with his image as a family man.
486. We will have to do with one tent and a few biscuits instead of a luxury hotel and lavish meals. (IN
PLACE)
→ We'll have to do with one tent and a few biscuits in place of a luxury hotel and lavish meals.
487. The results aren’t satisfactory considering her long and rigorous training. (ACCOUNT)
→ The results aren't satisfactory taking into account/when you take into account her long and rigorous
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 35
training.
488. You will certainly encounter a lot of difficulties if you opt for a lone expedition. (BOUND)
→ You are bound to encounter a lot of difficulties if you opt for a lone expedition.
489. David really confides in Mr. Palmer’s greater experience. (CONFIDENT)
→ David is really confident of Mr Palmer's greater experience.
490. Shannon doesn’t think much of the book. (LOW)
→ Shannon has a low opinion of the book.
491. It is recommended that you take water with you as well as few and far between in this area. (LEST)
→ Travellers to this area are advised to carry water lest wells (should) be thin on the ground.
492. Nobody expected it of him but Sam was laid off. (RANKS)
→ Against all expectations Sam joined the ranks of the unemployed.
493. Getting to work should be much easier once the new underground line is ready. (COMMUTING)
→ The new underground line should make commuting plain sailing.
494. Although the signs are optimistic, there are imminent dark clouds. (TEETH)
→ On the horizon/ cards are dark clouds in the teeth of optimistic signs.
495. We only ingratiated ourselves with our teacher because Katie insisted. (CURRIED)
→ It was at Katie’s insistence that we curried favour with our teacher.
496. The witnesses’ evidence didn’t give a clear picture of the events at the party. (SHED)
→ The witnesses’ evidence failed to shed light on what had happened at the party.
497. Lending Sally so much money was a rather foolish thing to do. (BETTER)
→ You should have known better than to lend Sally so much money.
498. The role played by the PR company in securing the government contract was never acknowledged
officially. (OFFICIAL)
→ At no time was there (any/ an) official acknowledgement of the role the PR company played securing the
government contract.
499. I could tell by the tone of his voice how serious the situation was. (HOME)
→ The tone of his voice brought (it) home to me how serious the situation was.
500. No special payments have been received by my client. (RECEIPT)
→ My client has not been in receipt of any special payments.
501. I knew nothing about the rebellion that they were planning. (DARK)
→ I was (kept) in the dark about the rebellion that they were planning.
502. He would do almost anything to win the girl's hand. (LENGTHS)
→ He would go to great lengths to win the girl's hand.
503. The desserts in this restaurant are the very best I have ever eaten and no mistake. (SECOND)
→ The desserts in this restaurant are second to none I have ever eaten and no mistake.
504. The disrespect John showed for the professor aggravated me so I had to take a walk to calm down.
(HACKLES)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 36
→ The disrespect John showed for the professor made my hackles rise so I had to take a walk to calm down.
505. He was finally able to adjust himself to the new working condition. (SWING)
→ He finally got into the swing of the new working condition.
506. After the game, the children headed straight toward John, who was severing cold drinks. (BEELINE)
→ After the game, the children made a beeline for John, who was severing cold drinks.
507. The first part of his plan was to ingratiate himself with the members of the committee. (FAVOUR)
→ The first part of his plan was to curry favour with the members of the committee.
508. I made an embarrassing mistake by asking John how his dog was when it’s been dead for three months.
(CLANGER)
→ I dropped a clanger by asking John how his dog was when it’s been dead for three months.
509. Russ’s opinions on the new management policies were very different from those of his fellow workers.
(ODDS)
→ Russ was at odds with his fellow workers over the new management policies.
510. Tom’s presence at parties adds to everyone’s enjoyment. (SOUL).
→ Tom is the life and soul of the parties.
511. He deals calmly with everything. (STRIDE)
→ He takes everything in his stride.
512. Many companies were immediately affected by the new regulations. (EFFECT)
→ The new regulations had an immediate effect on many companies
513. Being her only niece, Mary is very precious to her. (APPLE)
→ Being her only niece, Ann is the apple of her eye.
514. I used to be familiar with every corner of this school. (HAND)
→ I used to know this school like the back of my hand.
515. John and she arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at the same time. (COINCIDED)
→ John’s arrival in Ho Chi Minh City coincided hers.
516. She did very well on her final exams. (COLORS)
→ She passed her final exams with flying colors.
517. His name does not sound familiar to me at all. (BELL)
→ His name does not ring a bell with me at all.
518. Recent research has changed theories about the causes of bird flu. (LIGHT)
→ Recent research has shed/ cast/ thrown light on the causes of bird flu.
519. If you remember, I was the one who started this project in 1995. (CAST)
→ If you cast your mind back, I was the one who started this project in 1995.
520. He protested that he had always kept his promises to me. (GONE)
→ He protested that he had never gone back on his promises to me.
521. She still hasn’t really recovered from losing her job in August. (BEING)
→ She still really hasn’t got over being laid off from her job in August.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 37
522. None us us was expecting to have a test this morning. (BLUE)
→ This morning’s test came out of the blue for all of us.
523. No one welcomes those who always express their opinions about the things they had little knowledge of.
(CRITIC)
→ No one welcomes those who are armchair critic.
524. Everyone is criticizing the government for its poor unemployment record. (COME)
→ The government has come in for criticism over its unemployment record.
525. I haven’t realized yet what winning this race means. (SUNK)
→ I haven't sunk in yet that I have won this trace.
526. I was really frightened by that horror film. (TERRIFYING)
→ I found the horror film terrifying.
527. The root cause of the problem is an economic one. (UNDERLYING)
→ The underlying cause of the problem is economic one.
528. Building the hydro-electric one is of supreme importance. (OVER-RIDING)
→ Build the hydro-electric one is of over-riding importance.
529. The plane appears to be breaking up in mid-air. (DISINTEGRATING)
→ The plane appears to be disintegrating in mid-air
530. The operation will not leave you with an ugly scar. (DISFIGURING)
→ The operation will not give you any disfiguring marks.
531. Tam likes to be his own boss. He never agrees to be treated less importantly than anyone less.
(FIDDLE)
→ Tam likes to be his own boss. He never agrees to play second fiddle to anyone else.
532. The standard of her homework is no longer acceptable. (SCRATCH)
→ Recently, her homework has not been up to scratch.
533. If nothing unfortunate happens, I’ll see you next week. (WELL)
→ All being well, I'll see you next week.
534. They hate each other intensely. (SWORN)
→ They are sworn enemies.
535. Your story is different from the facts. (TIE)
→ Your story doesn't tie in with the facts.
536. Although I don’t speak Italian very well, I understood the general meaning of what she said. (DRIFT)
→ Although I don’t speak Italian very well, I caught/got/followed the drift of what she said.
537. George seems to have been putting his website together for a long time. (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
→ George’s website seems to have ben under construction for a long time.
538. When it comes to punctuality, Fiona really takes after her mother. (CONCERNED)
→ As far as punctuality is concerned, Fiona really takes after her mother.
539. You only have a short time to do this work, so don’t waste time. (CLOCK)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 38
→ You are working against the clock, so don't waste time.
540. You got started on the new project immediately. (TIME)
→ You lost no / little time in starting / getting started on the new project.
541. The man claimed that he had been nowhere near the factory at the time of the break-in. (TO)
→ The man claimed not to have been anywhere near the factory at the time of the break-in.
542. Being in prison seems to have changed Kevin’s behavior for the better. (LEAF)
→ Kevin has turned over a new leaf since he got out of prison.
543. I only called the police when I had tried everything else. (RESORT)
→ I only called the police as a last resort.
544. Women in this factor work under the same conditions as men. (TERMS)
→ Women in this factory work on the same terms as men.
545. I don’t think he’s likely to telephone this late at night. (DOUBT)
→ I doubt whether he will telephone this late at night (or not).
546. I assumed that you would ask for a reference. (GRANTED)
→ I took it for granted that you would ask for a reference.
547. The ferry timetable can alter depending on the weather. (SUBJECT)
→ The ferry timetable is subject to alteration depending on the weather.
548. There was loud applause as he left the stage. (ACCOMPANIMENT)
→ He left the stage to the accompaniment of loud applause.
549. City-dwellers often get depressed nowadays. (PRONE)
→ City-dwellers are prone to getting depressed nowadays.
550. Carol doesn’t claim to have a lot of musical talent. (PRETENCE)
→ Carol makes no pretence of having a lot of musical talent.
551. When Sharon was just seventeen, she ran away to get married to Tom. (ELOPED)
→ When Sharon was just seventeen, she eloped with Tom.
552. Unless we can obtain more information, we can’t process your claim. (FORTHCOMING)
→ Unless further information is forthcoming, we can't process your claim.
553. I am so busy at the moment that I can’t take on any extra work. (PLATE)
→ I have such a lot/ so much on my plate at the moment that I can’t take on any extra work.
554. We were elated by the birth of our first grandchild. (MOON)
→ We were over the moon when our first grandchild was born.
555. He will not be put off taking that trip to China. (DETER)
→ Nothing will deter him from taking that trip to China.
556. There wasn’t a single ticket left for the concert so we couldn’t go. (SELL-OUT)
→ The concert was a complete sell-out, so we couldn't go.
557. Our classmates were extremely happy when we got three medals at 21st Olympic competition. (TAILS)
→ Our classmates were like a dog with two tails when we got three medals in the 21st Olympic competition.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 39
558. Miss Hoai should have been praised by her boss when she finished the project. (BACK)
→ Miss Hoai’s boss should have given her a pat on the back when she finished the project.
559. Mr Son has been a gardener for years so let’s consult his opinion first. (PICK)
→ Let’s pick Mr Son's brains because of his wealth of experience as a gardener.
560. The woman didn’t have faith in the director’s crazy ideas. (STOCK)
→ The woman took no stock in the director's crazy ideas.
561. I am beginning to understand the new computer system. (GRASP)
→ I am beginning to get a grasp of the new computer system.
562. He makes sure that he isn’t associated with policies he disagrees with. (DISTANCES)
→ He makes sure that he distances himself from policies he disagrees with.
563. I’m constantly amused by Rosemary’s ridiculous ideas. (SOURCE)
→ Rosemary's ridiculous ideas are a constant source of amusement to me.
564. Mike is never reluctant to make tough decisions as a manager. (SHRINKS)
→ Mike never shrinks from making tough decisions as a manager.
565. Nobody helped me at all. (FINGER)
→ Nobody lifted a finger to help me.
566. We suddenly decided to go away for the weekend. (SPUR)
→ We decided to go away for the weekend on the spur of the moment.
567. Is it possible to walk from the hotel to the city center? (WITHIN)
→ Is ithe hotel within walking distance of the city center??
568. We agreed that each of us would do the washing-up on alternate days. (TURNS)
→ We agreed that we would take turns doing the washing-up.
569. I wonder where Harry is now – I haven’t seen him for years. (BECOME)
→ I wonder what has become of Harry - I haven't seen him for years.
570. If you have children, you have to change your whole lifestyle. (MEANS)
→ Having children means changing your whole lifestyle.
571. I’m expecting to be promoted soon. (BANKING)
→ I'm banking on being promoted.
572. I’m afraid your coming has been a complete surprise – I wasn’t expecting you till next week. (HOP)
→ I’m afraid you have caught me on the hop – I wasn’t expecting you till next week.
573. He won’t let anyone touch his records. (OBJECTS)
→ He objects to anyone touching his records.
574. He didn’t think much of the musical show yesterday. (OPINION)
→ He had a low opinion of the musical show yesterday.
575. I had to go to an expert and ask her to advise me. (SEEK)
→ I was forced to seek advice from an expert.
576. The manager praised one particular player. (SINGLED)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 40
→ One particular player was singled out for praise by the manager.
577. The entire staff demanded Ken’s immediate reinstatement. (BE)
→ The entire staff demanded Ken (should) be reinstated immediately.
578. In my country all adults are obliged to vote. (OBLIGATORY)
→ In my country voting is obligatory for all adults.
579. She’ll probably be elected. (STANDS)
→ She stands a good chance of being elected.
580. The first sign of the disease is a feeling of faintness. (ONSET)
→ The onset of the disease is (indicated/showed by) a feeling of faintness.
581. Eventually, Jim admitted that he was responsible for the error. (OWNED)
→ Eventually, Jim owned up to being responsible for the error.
582. It was hard not to start laughing when she started to sing. (FACE)
→ It was hard to keep a straight face when she started to sing.
583. Mr. Green is always punctual. (DEAD)
→ Mr. Green is always dead on time.
584. If you hope to be a good driver, you mustn’t break the traffic regulations. (ABIDE)
→ If you hope to be a good driver, you must abide by the traffic regulations.
585. If the weather is fine, we may go camping at the weekend. (PERMITTING)
→ We may go camping at the weekend, weather permitting.
586. It is a foregone conclusion that Mark will get the job. (SAYING)
→ It goes without saying that Mark will get the job.
587. Most people know that becoming an actor is difficult. (COMMON)
→ It is common knowledge that becoming an actor is difficult.
588. In my opinion, computers are more trouble than they’re worth. (HINDRANCE)
→ In my opinion, computers are more of a hindrance than a help.
589. It’s much easier than everyone makes out. (NOTHING)
→ It is nothing like as difficult as everyone makes out.
590. This should be retuned to the sender of this letter as soon as possible. (UNDERSIGNED)
→ Please return this letter to the undersigned without delay.
591. The police need to establish the vehicle’s precise speed at the moment of impact. (FAST)
→ The police need to establish precisely how fast the vehicle was going at the moment of impact.
592. Any correspondence from the Canberra office must be dealt with before other matters. (PRIORITY)
→ Correspondence from the Canberra office must take/ be given priority over other matters.
593. Don’t panic about something so trivial. (MOUNTAIN)
→ Don‘t make a mountain out of a molehill.
594. Building societies will have to guard against their rivals. (LAURELS)
→ Building societies will be unable to sit/ rest on their laurels.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 41
595. Your empty promises won’t have any effect on her. (ICE)
→ →Your empty promises won't cut any ice with her.
596. Linda was very nervous, which made her look like a bashful girl. (CAME)
→ Such was Linda's nervousness that she came over as a bashful girl.
597. As soon as the funds ran out, they had to abandon the scheme. (PETERED)
→ The instant the funds petered out, they had to abandon the scheme.
598. David was responsible for the family business as soon as his father retired. (CHARGE)
→ Scarcely had his father retired when David took charge of the family business.
599. Your encouragement helped to make things less grievous after such a heavy loss. (CUSHION)
→ Your encouragement that helped to cushion the blow after such a heavy loss.
600. He tried hard but couldn’t compensate for what he had done. (AMENDS)
→ Try as he might, he couldn't make amends for what he had done.
601. Experts think that all dogs evolved from wolves. (DESCENDED)
→ All dogs are thought to have been descended from wolves by experts.
(be descended from: tiến hoá từ)

602. We didn’t learn he still managed to live with very little money as a waiter until later. (EKED)
→ Not until later did we learn he still eked out a living as a waiter.
(eke out a living/ existence: xoay sở để sống)

603. Nobody is certain if the project will be permitted to continue. (GO-AHEAD)

→ It’s still touch and go whether the project will be given/ get the go-ahead or not.
(give sb the go-ahead: cho phép ai)

604. He was too frightened to admit that he had broken the window. (OWN)
→ So frightened was he that he couldn't own up to having broken the window.
(own up to Ving: thừa nhận làm gì)

605. I wish he would stop criticizing my work .(FAULT)

→ I’d sooner he stopped finding fault with my work.
(find fault with: bắt lỗi)

606. Zoe always makes spontaneous decisions concerning her travel plans. (ACTS)
→ Zoe always acts on impulse when making decisions concerning her travel plans.
(act on impulse: hành động bốc đồng)

607. When I grow up, I’m going to be really important. (CAT)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 42
→ When I grow up, I'm going to be a fat cat.
(a fat cat: nguời quan trọng/ quyền lực)

608. He really upset everyone when he told them his secret. (PIGEONS)
→ He really set/put the cat among the pigeons when he told them his secret.
(put/set the cat among the pigeons: làm ai buồn)

609. You may think you are talented but horses will always show you are not. (PEG)
→ No matter how tallent you think you're, horses will always bring you down a peg.
(take/bring somebody down a peg (or two): làm ai bớt kiêu ngạo/ vênh váo)

610. I avoided mentioning Jack’s demotion as I realized that it might upset him. (SLEEPING)
→ Realizing that mentioning Jack's demotion might upset him, I let sleeping dogs lie.
(let sleeping dogs lie: để quá khứ ngủ yên; cho qua mọi chuyện; không muốn sinh chuyện)

611. It is important that we have to get the team to comply with the rules. (LINE)
→ It is of importance that we have to get the team to toe the line.
(toe the line: tuân thủ luật lệ)

612. They designed the stadium to make hooliganism impossible. (SUCH)

→ The stadium was designed in such a way as to stamp/ rule/ iron out hooliganism.
(stamp/ rule/ iron out: loại bỏ)

613. My friend took no notice of my advice. (DEAF)

→ My friend turned a deaf ear to my advice.
(turn a deaf ear to sth: nhắm mắt làm ngơ)

614. Some airlines cheat people by charging them too much for tickets. (RIP)
→ Some airlines rip people off by charging them too much for tickets.
(rip someone off: lừa ai)

615. They believe that the hotel was quite near the beach. (THROW)
→ The hotel is believed to have been just a stone's throw from/away from the beach.
(a stone’s from/ away from: gần)

616. We would always take great care when flying at night. (WITS)
→ We always used to keep/have our wits about us when flying at nights.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 43
(keep/ have one’s wits about sb: cảnh giác/ thận trọng/ tỉnh táo)

617. She was concentrating so hard on her work that she didn’t notice when I came in. (WRAPPED)
→ She was so wrapped up in her work that she didn’t notice when I came in.
(be wrapped up in: chìm đắm vào)

618. The price of the house has been reduced as much as possible because the owner needs some money.
(BONE)
→ The house has been cut/pared to the bone because the owner needs some money.
(cut/ pare sth to the bone: cắt giảm tối đa)

619. Don’t say anything negative about her hair because she’s very sensitive and might be offended by your
remarks. (OFFENCE)
→ Don't say anything negative about her hair because she's very sensitive and might take offence at your
remarks.
(take offence at: phản đối/ dễ bị phật ý bởi)

620. I have got such a lot of work at the moment that I can’t afford to take the day off. (SNOWED)
→ I am snowed under with work at the moment so I can’t afford to take the day off.
(be snowed under with: bận túi bụi với)

621. Please don’t tell anyone but I’m handing in my resignation this afternoon. (HAT)
→ You’d better keep this under your hat but I’m handing in my resignation this afternoon.
(keep sth under one’s hat: giữ bí mật)

622. Brian was about to blurt out my secret when I attracted his attention. (EYE)
→ Had I not caught his eye, he would have blurted out my secret.
(catch one’s eye: thu hút sự chú ý của ai)

623. Someone rang the police with information about an impending robbery. (TIPPED)
→ The police were tipped off about an impending robbery.
(tip sb off about sth: báo/ mách cho ai về cái gì)

624. Paul meant well so you mustn’t be offended by his comments. (AMISS)
→ Please don’t take Paul’s comments amiss because he meant well.
(take sth amiss: phật ý vì cái gì)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 44

625. Some improvements will have to be made if you all want to pass this exam. (SOCKS)
→ You will all have to pull up your socks if you want to pass this exam.
(pull one’s socks up: cố gắng hết sức)

626. No one listened to what the politician was saying last night. (EARS)
→ What the politician was saying fell on deaf ears last night.
(fall on deaf ears: bị bỏ ngoài tai)

627. He is very good at cooking spaghetti. (DAB)

→ He is a dab hand at/ with cooking spaghetti.
(a dab hand at/with: giỏi làm gì)

628. Jonh feels his colleages despite him for not having a degree. (LOOK)
→ John feels his colleagues look down on him for not having a degree.
629. He certainly won’t have finished before next week. (POSSIBILITY)
→ There is no/ little possibility that he will have finished before next week.
630. He couldn’t explain the difference between the two sets of instructions. (ACCOUNT)
→ He couldn't give an account of/ account for the difference between the two sets of instructions.
631. He owed his success to his uncle. (INDEBTED)
→ He was indebted to his uncle for his success.
632. The film didn’t come up to my expectations. (SHORT)
→ The film fell short of my expectations.
633. She had a low opinion of his poetry. (MUCH)
→ She didn't think much of his poetry.
634. I promised him that the situation would not be repeated in the future. (WORD)
→ I gave him my word that there would be no repetition of the situation in the future.
635. I was not surprised to hear that Harry had failed his driving test. (SURPRISE)
→ It came as no surprise to me to hear that Harry had failed his driving test.
636. I can't tell the difference between them; they're identical. (APART)
→ I can't tell them apart; they're/ look the same.
637. I feel I am not being treated fairly. (RAW)
→ I feel I am getting/ being given a raw deal.
638. There is not that much difference between irony and sarcasm. (LINE)
→ There is a fine line between irony and sarcasm.
639. They laid most of the blame on Margret. (FOR)
→ Marget came in for most of the blame.
640. I shouldn’t think Carol will want to come. (WHETHER)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 45
→ I doubt whether Carol will want to come (or not).
641. Katy hasn’t been feeling well lately. (RUN)
→ Katy has been running down lately.
642. There is no room for error in our business. (AFFORD)
→ We cant afford error in our business.
643. My father is really very angry when he finds out that I’ve lost the car keys. (WALL)
→ My father goes up the wall when he finds out that I've lost the car keys.
644. When he was a child, he loved dismantling things- to see how they worked. (PIECES)
→ When he was a child, he loved taking things to pieces to see how they worked.
645. When they broke the news, she stayed perfectly calm and controlled . (HAIR)
→ When they broke the news, she didn't turn a hair.
646. People say that there’s hardly any difference between love and hatred. (LINE)
→ People say there’s a fine line between love and hatred.
647. The fox was unsuccessful in reaching the grapes. (VAIN)
→ The fox tried in vain to reach the grapes.
648. The president arranged for me to use his chauffeur-driven car whenever I liked. (DISPOSAL)
→ The president placed/put his chauffeur-driven car at my disposal.
649. Everybody made fun of him because he’d his hair cut so short. (MICKEY)
→ Everybody took the mickey out of him because he'd cut his hair so short.
650. It was a simple trick, but the teacher was taken in by it. (FOR)
→ It was a simple trick, but the teacher fell for it/ was taken for a ride by it.
651. I really admire you for your improvement. (HAT)
→ I take my hat off to you for your improvement
652. David feels uncomfortable in front of all those people. (ILL)
→ David seems/ is/ looks really ill at ease in front of all those people.
653. Don’t be upset by what she said. (HEART)
→ Don’t take what she said to heart.
654. Don't pay any attention to what she says. (NOTICE)
→ Don’t take any notice of what she says.
655. You couldn’t do anything more stupid than to give up your job now. (HEIGHT)
→ It would be the height of your stupidity to give up your job now.
656. My father is not feeling well these days. (WEATHER)
→ My father is under the weather these days.
657. Tom’s presence at the party always adds to everyone’s enjoyment. (SOUL)
→ Tom is the life and soul of the party.
658. I’m going to have a problem because of this change of plan. (POSE)
→ This change of plan is going to pose a problem for/to me.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 46
659. Have a look at this picture. It may help you to remember something. (JOG)
→ Have a look at this picture. It may help you to jog your memory.
660. They sent him to prison for three years. (SENTENCED)
→ He was sentenced to three years in prison/ three years’ imprisonment.
661. They arrived at the station with only a minute to spare. (NICK)
→ They arrived at the station in the nick of time.
662. Talking to her is useless - she doesn’t respond. (WALL)
→ Talking to her like banging your head against a brick wall.
663. The town hall has approved the plans for the new sports centre. (GREEN)
→ The town hall has given the green light to the plans for the new sports center.
664. You’d better get hurry if you want to be on time for the performance. (SKATES)
→ You’d better get your skates on if you want to be on time for the performance.
665. My boss criticized me for not keeping my deadlines. (COALS)
→ My boss hauled me over the coals for not keeping my deadlines.
666. For two years, the company was in a difficult position making nothing but losses. (RIDE)
→ For two years, the company had a bumpy ride making nothing but losses.
667. We’d better prepare ourselves right away. They’ve arrived. (GEAR)
→ We’d better get into gear. They’ve arrived.
668. Doing two jobs is making him become stressful all the time. (STRAIN)
→ Doing two jobs is putting a great strain on him.
669. Whatever happens I’m determined to find out the truth. (BOTTOM)
→ Whatever happens I’m determined to get to the bottom of this.
670. After half an hour of small talk, we should talk about the important part now. (BUSINESS)
→ After half an hour of small talk, we should get down to business now.
671. “William is a very private person,” remarked Amanda . (KEPT)
→ Amanda remarked that William kept himself to himself.
672. She took a risk for the ex-convict when she got him the job with the company she works at. (NECK)
→ She really stuck her neck out for the ex-convict when she got him the job with the company she works at.
673. Jane always does things in the last minute. (HOUR)
→ Jane always does things at the eleventh hour.
674. Experience has taught me not to trust people too much. (HARD)
→ I have learned the hard way not to trust people too much.
675. You won’t tell anyone about it, will you? (HAT)
→ You will keep it under your hat, won't you?
676. Dad got really angry when I told him about the fight. (DEEP)
→ Dad went off deep end when I told him about the fight.
677. I’m not happy with you – have you been telling lies about me? (PICK)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 47
→ I have got a bone to pick with you - have you been telling lies about me?
678. Joe should have kept quiet instead of arguing with dad. (TONGUE)
→ Joe should have held his tongue instead of arguing with dad.
679. It was too foggy for us to get an aerial view of Paris. (EYE)
→ If it hadn't been so foggy, we could have got a bird's eye view of Paris.
680. You will soon see that the boss is not as unpleasant as he seems at first. (WORSE)
→ The boss’s bark is worse than his bite; you'll soon see.
681. Steady work is sure to be rewarded eventually. (RUN)
→ Steady work is sure to be rewarded in the long run.
682. We have more important things to do at the moment. (FISH)
→ We have other fish to fry at the moment.
683. Costs must be reduced to the minimum if the company is to survive the current economic downturn.
(BONE)
→ Costs must be cut to the bone if the company is to survive the current economic downturn.
684. The bottle must not be laid on its side. (UPRIGHT)
→ The bottle must be kept/ placed in an upright position.
685. What Rachel does in her spare time doesn't concern me. (BUSINESS)
→ It's none of my business what Rachel does in her spare time.
686. It was touch and go whether he recovered or not. (BALANCE)
→ It was in the balance whether he recovered or not.
687. The way he took everything he did for granted really annoyed her. (BACK)
→ The way he took everything he did for granted really got/put her back up.
688. I heard a rumour that they are getting married. (GRAPEVINE)
→ I heard through the grapevine they are getting married.
689. Mr. Brown has been a gardener for years so let's consult his opinion first. (BRAINS)
→ Let's pick Mr.Brown's brain because of his wealth of experiece as a gardener.
690. He gets very annoyed when you criticize him. (BULL)
→ That you criticize him is like a red rag to a bull.
691. Not a word came out of her mouth. (LOST)
→ She was LOST FOR WORDS/ She had lost her tongue
692. He modestly understated his part in the rescue. (DOWN)
→ He modestly played down his part in the rescue.
693. Someone paid 5 thousand pounds for the painting. (WENT)
→ The painting went for 5 thousand pounds.
694. All the people in Japan speak Japanese. (BUT)
→ There is no one in Japan speaking other languages but Japanese.
695. They’ve been arguing about the motor-way extension for years. (BONE)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 48
→ The motorway extension has been a bone of contention for years.
696. Every possible effort was made by the orphanage to find the boy’s parents. (STONE)
→ The orphanage left no stone unturned in their attempt to find the boy's parents.
697. I don’t feel like going to the party. (MOOD)
→ I’m not in the mood for going to the party.
698. With five children to look after, her aunt is extremely busy. (HANDS)
→ With five children to look after, her aunt has a lot on her hands/ has her hands full.
699. The ships were hardly visible through the thick fog. (MAKE)
→ You could hardly make out the ships through the thich fog.
700. The acrobats performed well at the circus. (GAVE)
→ The acrobats gave a good performance at the circus.
701. There is no need to make such a fuss about it. (SONG)
→ There is no need to make such a song and dance about it.
702. The banking world was changing minute by minute. (WIND)
→ A wind of change was blowing through the banking world.
703. Sam was really anxious, waiting to see if he had got a place in the cricket team. (TENTERHOOKS)
→ Sam was on tenterhooks, waiting to see if he had got a place in the cricket team.
704. I think people who help the old, sick and homeless are very honest people. (SALT)
→ I think people who help the old, sick and homeless are the salt of the earth.
705. There is a considerable number of choices on offer in this brochure. (ARRAY)
→ There is a vast/ wide/ impressive array of choices on offer in this brochure./ This brochure has a vast array
of choices.
706. That young man used to be a drug addict. (MONKEY)
→ That young man used to have a monkey on his back.
(have a monkey on one’s back: nghiện thuốc phiện)

707. That guy was a secret enemy. (SNAKE)

→ That guy was a snake in the grass.
(a snake in the grass: kẻ ném đá giấu tay)

708. He’s got a hoarse voice. (FROG)

→ He’s got a frog in his throat.
(get/have a frog in one’s throat: bị khan tiếng)

709. The new science building should soon be finished. (WAY)

→ The new science building is well underway.
(underway: đang được thực hiện)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 49
710. The new musical has delighted theatre audiences throughout the country. (STORM)
→ The new musical has taken theatre audiences (throughout the country) by storm.
(take sb/sw by storm: có được sự yêu thích của ai)

711. It is rather early for us to make any definite plans. (STAGE)

→ We cannot make any definite plans at this stage.
(at this stage: ở giai đoạn này)

712. I think it’s going to rain all day. (SET)

→ I think the rain has set up for the day.
(set up for: sắp xảy ra)

713. Everyone who comes to the city notices the beauty of its architecture. (FAILS)
→ No one who comes to the city fails to notice the beauty of its architecture.
(fail to V: không làm gì)

714. After such a long time together they are still happily married. (TEST)
→ Their marrige has stood the test of time.
(stand the test of time: chịu được sự thử thách của thời gian)

715. We want you to inform all the details. (INS)

→ We want you to inform the ins and outs.
716. You don’t take on more than one can handle. (CHEW)
→ You don’t bite off more than you can chew.
717. She was delighted with her new car. (PINK)
→ She was tickled pink with her new car.
718. After six-year relationship, Martha and Billy have decided to get married. (KNOT)
→ After a six-year relation, Martha and Billy have decided to tie the knot.
719. Our luggage has been stolen! (RUN)
→ Someone has run off with our luggage.
720. I’m sure the robbery has nothing to do with my son. (MIXED)
→ My son was not mixed up in the robbery, I can assure you.
721. Our supplies of firewood will soon finished. (LOW)
→ We are running low on our supplies of firewood.
722. The Wrights don’t have much money to live in comfort. (ENDS)
→ The Wrights don’t have much money to make ends meet.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 50
723. Will you please stay with me for a while? (COMPANY)
→ Will you please keep me company for a while?
724. He got angry because we all disagreed with him. (TEMPER)
→ He lost his temper because we all disagreed with him.
725. Teaching doesn’t suit her. (CUT)
→ She is not really cut out for teaching.
726. He is very likely to come. (PROBABILITY)
→ In all probability, he will come.
727. We should waste no words talking that stubborn guy. (BREATH)
→ We should save our breath by not talking to that stubborn guy.
728. Why do I always get the boring jobs? (DONKEY)
→ I’m fed up with/ tired of/ bored with doing the donkey work.
729. In her previous job, Mara was a picture restorer. (WORK)
→ Mara used to work as a picture restorer.
730. Any personal involvement on the part of the Prime Minister in this scandal would be disastrous.
(CAUGHT)
→ If the Prime Minister got caught up in this scandal, it would be disastrous.
731. We never purchase small quantities as we would make less profit. (BULK)
→ We always buy in bulk (in order/ so as) to make more profit.
732. To put it bluntly, we are making no progress with this rehabiliation scheme. (STANDSTILL)
→ To put it bluntly, this rehabilitation scheme is at a standstill.
733. It’s terrible to think that in three day’s time our holiday will be over and we’ll have to return to our tiring
job. (GRINDSTONE)
→ It’s terrible to think that in three day’s time our holiday will be over and we’ll have to get back to the
grindstone.
734. The terrible scream frightened me. (BLOOD)
→ The terrible scream make my blood run cold.
735. He always makes everything look so difficult. (WEATHER)
→ He always makes heavy weather of everything.
736. You have to be more co-operative! Your colleagues won’t respect you. (ESTEEM)
→ You will not be held in esteem by your colleagues unless you become more co-operative
737. At the moment I only have time to think about my university thesis. (PREOCCUPIED)
→ At the moment, I am preoccupied with my university thesis.
738. She did everything possible to save her marriage. (POWER)
→ She did everything in her power to save her marriage.
739. My husband and I had a row about buying a car. (WORDS)
→ I had words with my husband about buying a car.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 51
740. The government’s plan to privatise the railways met with strong opposition from passangers. (CAME)
→ The government’s plan to privatise the railways came up against strong opposition from passengers.
741. The firm went bankrupt after failing to win the contract. (LIQUIDATION)
→ The firm went into liquidation after failing to win the contract.
742. That scene was so frightening I had to look away. (BEAR)
→ That scene was so frightening I couldn't bear watching it.
743. She was miserable when her mother made her give away all her childhood toys. (PARTED)
→ She was miserable to have parted with all her childhood toys.
744. The standard of her homework is no longer acceptable. (SCRATCH)
→ Recently, her homework hasn’t been up to scratch.
745. Harry was close to winning the big race. (ACE)
→ Harry came within an ace of winning the big race.
746. Was the exam OK? (WELL)
→ Did the exam go well?
747. He feels bitter and inferior because he didn’t go to university. (CHIP)
→ He’s got a ship on his shoulder because he didn’t go to university.
748. He imitated George Bush and some other politicians in a humorous way. (TOOK)
→ He took George Bush and other politicians off.
749. I suspected him when he started being so helpful. (RAT)
→ I smelt a rat when he started being so helpful.
750. He doesn’t appreciate his wife. (GRANTED)
→ He takes his wife for granted.
751. Returning from the battle, they had no money left. (RUB)
→ Returning from the battle, they didn't have two pennies to rub together.
752. I was very lucky to escape from that crash. (COUNT)
→ I count myself very lucky to have escaped from that crash.
753. Our boss is absolutely determined not to give us that pay rise. (INTENT)
→ Our boss is intent on not giving us that pay rise.
754. I’d thought about it for some time and decided to try to do something. (A GO)
→ I'd thought about it for some time and decided to give it a go.
755. It was disgraceful that Barbara refused to help one of her oldest and closest friends. (BACK)
→ It was disgraceful that Barbara turned her back on one of her oldest and closest friends.
756. This is the procedure. (FOLLOWS)
→ The procedure is as follows.
757. Make yourself at home. (CEREMONY)
→ Don’t stand on ceremony.
758. He is a generous person. (NAME)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 52
→ Generosity is his middle name.
759. I think his theory is logical and clear. (STANDS)
→ I think his theory stands to reason.
760. I learnt a lot of the language simply by listening to the other people. (FAIR)
→ I pick up a fair amount/knowledge/bit of the language simply by listening to the other people.
761. I can visit my friend in Japan at any time. (OPEN)
→ I have an open invitation to visit my friend in Japan.
762. I promise that I will return the money to you. (HONOUR)
→ I give you my word of honour that I will return the money to you.
763. It’s very difficult for him to bring up a family when he is unemployed. (PICNIC)
→ Bringing up a family when he is unemployed is no picnic for him.
764. The system used the most advanced techniques at the time. (ART)
→ The system used state of the art techniques at the time.
765. Who gave you my name and address? (TOUCH)
→ Who put you in touch with me?
766. The prisoner escaped from his cell in the middle of the night. (LOOSE)
→ The prisoner broke/ got loose from his cell in the middle of the night.
767. I couldn’t help smiling when he told me of his plan. (STRAIGHT)
→ I couldn't keep a straight face when he told me of his plan.
768. I’d made up my mind, but at the last minute I lost my confidence. (FEET)
→ I'd made up my mind, but at the last minutes I got/had cold feet.
769. That matter can be postponed until the committee meets next week. (LEFT)
→ That matter can be left over until the committee meets next week.
770. You shouldn’t take to people who will not listen. (FALL)
→ You shouldn't fall for people who will not listen.
771. I think that your question is very easy. (CAKE)
→ I think that your question is a piece of cake.
772. We had to stop building when there was no more money. (OUT)
→ When we run out of money, we had to stop building.
773. I couldn’t make Julie give a definite answer. (PIN)
→ I couldn't pin Julie down to a definite answer.
774. The annual general meeting of the village bowls club was well-attended. (TURNOUT)
→ There was a good turnout for the annual general meeting of the village bowls club.
775. He denied the accusation unconvincingly, which made me think that he was guilty. (LED)
→ His unconvincing denial led me to believe that he was guilty.
776. My husband has had to earn the income since I broke my leg. (BACON)
→ My husband has brought home the bacon since I broke my leg.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 53
777. The teacher got extremely upset when she realized nobody had done the homework. (COW)
→ The teacher had a cow when she realized nobody had done the homework.
778. Francis chose computing rather than marketing for his next course. (PREFERENCE)
→ Francis opted for computing in preference to marketing for his next course.
779. My brother is deeply in love with his new girlfriend. (HEELS)
→ My brother is/ falls head over heels in love with his new girlfriend.
780. Follow this advice and you will find yourself in trouble. (WATER)
→ follow this advice and you will find yourself in hot water.
781. He has done stupid things before, but this is really annoying. (BISCUIT)
→ He has done stupid things before, but this really take the biscuits.
782. I know I can convince Dave that I’m right about this matter. (BRING)
→ I know I can bring Dave round to my way of thinking on this matter.
783. When you lose someone you love, everything else seems pointless. (PALES)
→ When you lose someone you love, everything else pales in comparison.
784. Kids and seniors are much more prone to infection than others. (PICK)
→ Kids and seniors pick up infections much more easily than others.
785. What’s the point of all this furniture? (AID)
→ What is all this furniture in aid of?
786. The children painted the bedroom very well. (MADE)
→ The children made a good job of painting the bedroom.
787. I just cannot decide whether to buy that car or not. (MINDS)
→ I am in two minds about whether to buy that car or not.
788. Before you start working on the projects, first finish doing the minor jobs. (DECKS)
→ Before you start working on the projects, first clear the decks.
789. His latest film is not nearly as good as his earlier ones. (PATCH)
→ His latest film is not a patch on his earlier ones.
790. Of all the teams competing in this year’s World Cup, England is in a league of its own. (FAR)
→ England is by far and away the strongest team in the competition.
791. Jack and I obviously think very differently from one another. (WAVELENGTH)
→ Jack and I are on a different wavelength as you can see.
792. With constant practice, you’ll be a much better pianist than the others. (SHOULDERS)
→ If you practice constantly, you’ll be/stand head and shoulders above other pianists.
793. Saying something is not the same as doing it. (WORLD)
→ There is a world of difference between saying something and doing it.
794. It was blindingly obvious that he knew nothing about the subject. (MILE)
→ It stood out a mile that he knew nothing about the subject.
795. Susie couldn't stop crying when her pet rabbit died. (FLOODS)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 54
→ Susie was in floods of tears when her pet rabbit died
796. Talking to her is useless - she doesn’t respond. (HEAD)
→ Talking to her is like banging your head against a brick wall.
797. As I expected, my designs have outdone the designs of other architects. (COCKED)
→ As I expected, my designs have knocked the designs of other architect into a cocked hat.
798. As a young girl, I was strongly infatuated with my teacher of Spanish. (HAD)
→ As a young girl, I had a crush on my teacher of Spanish.
799. The basic problem is lack of money. (DOWN)
→ What it boils down to is lack of money.
800. When the waiters started to clean the tables, we knew that they wanted us to leave. (MESSAGE)
→ When the waiters started to clean the tables, we got the message that they wanted us to leave.
801. I didn’t understand every detail of the lesson but I understood it generally. (GIST)
→ I didn't understand every detail of the lesson but I got the gist of it.
802. Jimmy’s mother can’t stop talking about his achievements. (PRIDE)
→ Jimmy's mother swelled with pride when talking about his achievements.
803. He likes to give the impression that he’s a perfect angel, but I know all about his past. (WHITE)
→ He pretends to be whiter than white, but I know all about his past.
804. She should see a doctor; she bruised herself terribly when she fell down the stairs. (BLACK)
→ She'd better see a doctor; she is black and blue after falling down the stairs.
805. I’m not very popular with Uncle Edward at the moment. (BOOKS)
→ I'm in Uncle Edward's black books at the moment.
806. Jun never answers my questions. (MONTH)
→ Jun answers my questions not in a month of Sundays.
807. No, I don’t hate him for what he did. (BEAR)
→ No, I bear him no ill will for what he did.
808. Jane did go wrong in the past but now she has a chance to make it right again. (CLEAN)
→ Jane did go wrong in the past but now she can start with a clean slate.
809. Harry tricked me and made me pay for the whole meal. (PULLED)
→ Harry pulled a fast one on me and made me pay for the whole meal.
810. In my opinion, there’s nothing else in the world to compare with the Parthenon. (CLASS)
→ The Parthenon is in a class of its own in my opinion.
811. I think he knows what good manners are after your little speech today. (THING)
→ I think you taught him a thing or two about good manners today.
812. I know Liam so well that I always know what he’s thinking. (BOOK)
→ I can read Liam like a book, I know him so well.
813. Jane always does things in the last minute. (HOUR)
→ Jane always does things at the eleventh hour.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 55
814. Experience has taught me not to trust people too much. (HARD)
→ I have learned the hard way not to trust people too much.
815. You won’t tell anyone about it, will you? (HAT)
→ You will keep it under your hat, won't you?
816. Dad got really angry when I told him about the fight. (DEEP)
→ Dad went off deep end when I told him about the fight.
817. He was shabbily dressed and a little drunk as well. (HEEL)
→ Not only was he down at heel, but also a little drunk.
818. Whatever you do, don’t annoy the boss when we ask for a rise. (UP)
→ Under no circumstances should you get the boss's back up when we ask for a rise.
819. She wanted to object, but she kept quiet for the sake of peace. (LIP)
→ She wanted to object but she bit her lip for the sake of peace.
820. Nobody knows for sure whether he’s stupid or just very lazy. (BONE)
→ It is open to question whether he's stupid or bone idle.
821. Do you have to be good at math for this job? (GOOD)
→ Do you have to have a good head for math for this job?
822. Joe should have kept quiet instead of arguing with dad. (HELD)
→ Joe should have held his tongue instead of arguing with dad.
823. I told him to leave when he said that. (DOOR)
→ I showed him the door when he said that.
824. Don’t tell him or you’ll spoil the surprise. (GIVE)
→ Don't tell him or you'll give the show away.
825. Al Pacino gave the best performance of all as the bride’s father. (STOLE)
→ Al Pacino stole the show with his performance as the bride's father.
826. When it comes to money, I saw what he was really like. (COLORS)
→ He showed his true colors when it came to money.
827. Could you explain everything about the job to the new secretary tomorrow? (ROPES)
→ Do you mind showing the new secretary the ropes tomorrow?
828. I don’t wish to appear more important than you, but I have this to say. (UPSTAGE)
→ I don't wish to upstage you, but I have this to say.
829. The shops are near our house. (STONE)
→ The shops are just a stone's throw away.
830. He’s so wealthy he doesn’t even know what to do with his money. (BURN)
→ He's so wealthy he has got money to burn.
831. I have other, more important things to do, you know. (FRY)
→ I have got other fish to fry, you know.
832. They have quite a lot money saved for their retirement. (NEST)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 56
→ They have quite a nest egg for their retirement.
833. You are going to have a difficult time finishing by six o’clock. (CUT)
→ You are going to have your work cut out to finish by six o'clock.
834. He completely changed his opinion on the subject of tax reform. (U-TURN)
→ He did a complete U-turn on the subject of tax reform.
835. Jim made a big mistake when he went into business with that crook. (WRONG)
→ Jim took a wrong turning when he went into business with that crook.
836. Speaking plainly and honestly, I wouldn’t dream of hiring him. (FINE)
→ Not to put too fine a point on it I wouldn't dream of hiring him.
837. I’m going to correct that misunderstanding as soon as I see her. (RIGHT)
→ I'm going to put her right as soon as I see her.
838. You should wait until Mike is here to defend himself, Sharon. (TRY)
→ You shouldn't try Mike in his absence, Sharon.
839. You must let her tell her side of the story before you judge her. (PLEAD)
→ You must let her plead her case before you judge her.
840. She managed to stay out of trouble since being released from prison. (CLEAN)
→ She managed to keep her nose clean since being released from prison.
841. Jacky Jones was accused of the robbery by a police informer. (FINGER)
→ A police informer put the finger on Jacky Jones for the robbery.
842. Nobody has decided yet whether the new computer system is useful or not. (OUT)
→ The jury is still out on whether the new computer system is useful or not.
843. Their problems are all self-inflicted, if you ask me. (MAKING)
→ Their problems are all of their own making, if you ask me.
844. Mum is in charge of finances in our family, so you’ll have to ask her for the money. (STRING)
→ Mum holds the purse strings in our family, so you'll have to ask her for the money.
845. I know you hate watching football but try it out for once. (WHIRR)
→ I know you hate watching football but give it a whirl for once.
846. It’s a quick and simple job; why do you always spend longer than necessary on it? (MEAL)
→ It's a quick and simple job; why do you always make a meal of it?
847. Everyone is talking about the Beckhams these days. (TALK)
→ The Beckhams are the talk of the town these days.
848. The small village sustained most of the impact of the attack. (BRUNT)
→ The small village bore the brunt of the attack.
849. I wish I had voted for the liberal candidate. (CAST)
→ I wish I had cast my vote for the liberal candidate.
850. His work doesn’t meet the required standards. (SCRATCH)
→ His work isn't really up to scratch.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 57
851. He untied the boat and let it go without saying anything to anybody. (ADRIFT)
→ He cast the boat adrift without saying anything to anybody.
852. She doubted my ability to make a success of the operation. (DOUBT)
→ She cast doubt on my ability to make a success of the operation.
853. The accident spoiled the game. (SHADOW)
→ The accident cast a shadow over the game.
854. His questioning didn’t bring out any new evidence in the case. (LIGHT)
→ His questioning cast no further light on the case.
855. The police asked her to try and remember the night of the crime. (MIND)
→ The police asked her to cast her mind back to the night of the crime.
856. The director is looking everywhere for a new lead actor. (NET)
→ The director has cast his net wide in the search for a new lead actor.
857. How dare he call me incompetent! (NERVE)
→ He had the nerve to call me incompetent!
858. Has he gone mad? (LEAVE)
→ Has he taken leave of his senses?
859. Charles disappeared one day and no one’s seen him since. (BLUE)
→ Charles vanished into the blue one day and no one's seen him since.
860. That horrible hotel was our last choice. (PORT)
→ That horrible hotel was a case of any port in a storm.
861. Jill became really jealous when I got a place at Oxford. (GREEN)
→ Jill turned green with envy when I got a place at Oxford.
862. I would not say no to a free weekend in that hotel. (NOSE)
→ I would not turn my nose up at a free weekend in that hotel.
863. The jury found the accused man guilty. (VERDICT)
→ The jury brought in a verdict of guilty against the accused man.
864. The press revealed the truth after a long period of speculation. (OPEN)
→ The press brought the truth out into the open after a long period of speculation.
865. With the qualifications you certainly don’t have to be forced into a decision, Sandy. (OPTIONS)
→ With your qualifications you certainly keep your options open, Sandy.
866. Now it’s up to you to do something about the situation. (BALL)
→ Now the ball is in your court to do something about the situation.
867. Why did you decide to do such a stupid thing? (HEAD)
→ Why did you take it into your head to do such a stupid thing?
868. It will be a difficult task to persuade him. (DOING)
→ It will take some doing to persuade him.
869. Brazil won the 2002 World Cup easily. (PUSHOVER)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 58
→ The 2002 World Cup was a pushover for Brazil.
870. I can do that automatically, without even thinking about it. (EYES)
→ I can do that with my eyes closed.
871. It’s not easy to work and be a mother, but people often forget that. (PICNIC)
→ Working and being a mother is no picnic but people often forget that.
872. Can you look after the place while I pop out for ten minutes? (HOLD)
→ Can you hold the fort while I pop out for ten minutes?
873. We‘ve got problems with the new machine, but they will soon be fixed. (TROUBLES)
→ We are having teething troubles with the new machine, but they will soon be fixed.
874. The new restaurant has little to recommend it. (GOING)
→ The new restaurant doesn't have much going for it.
875. There is nothing Maurice wants more than to be a professional musician. (SIGHTS)
→ Maurice has set his sights on being a professional musician.
876. People may need the company of others, but some prefer their own. (ANIMAL)
→ Although man is a social animal, some people prefer their own company.
877. Dad has changed his mind completely and says you can take the car after all. (TURN)
→ Dad has done/ made a 180-degree turn and says you can take the car after all.
878. The factory workers were upset about the planned budget cuts. (ARMS)
→ The factory workers were up in arms about the planned budget cuts.
879. She doesn’t feel comfortable with strangers. (EASE)
→ She doesn't feel at ease with strangers.
880. I think his experiments will succeed this time. (FRUIT)
→ I think his experiments will bear fruit this time.
881. My brother is very attached to his stamp collection, and keeps it locked up. (DEAR)
→ My brother holds his stamp collection very dear, and keeps it locked up.
882. A true patriot would willingly die for his country. (LAY)
→ A true patriot would lay down his life for his country.
883. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to try and help us. (BACKWARDS)
→ He bent over backwards to help us.
884. The two sides met with a view to settling the problem. (IRONING)
→ The two sides met with a view to ironing out the problem.
885. In this company, nobody’s job is regarded as important. (COG)
→ Everyone is just a cog in the machine as far as this company's concerned.
886. Trapeze artists who perform without a net must have tremendous courage. (STEEL)
→ Trapeze artists must have nerves of steel to perform without a net.
887. Erik is never happier than when he’s out on the lake in his boat. (ELEMENT)
→ Erik is in his element when he's out on the lake in his boat.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 59
888. The negotiator achieved the impossible when he got both sides to meet for talks. (SQUARED)
→ The negotiator squared the circle by getting got both sides to meet for talks.
889. If you peel some potatoes it will get us started. (WHEELS)
→ You can set the wheels in motion by peeling some potatoes.
(set the wheels in motion:
890. You just don’t think at all, giving a lift to perfect strangers. (ATOM)
→ You don't have any atom of sense, giving a lift to perfect strangers.
(not have any atom of sense: không hiểu tý gì)

891. It took a lot of time and effort to get Ron’s new business started. (GROUND)
→ It took a lot of time and effort to get Ron's new business off the ground.
(get sth off the ground: bắt đầu)

892. It’s a shame to quit now that you have come so far. (TOWEL)
→ Don't throw in the towel now that you have come so far.
(throw in the towel: bỏ cuộc)

893. The Prime Minister felt it appropriate to make a statement. (FIT)

→ The Prime Minister saw fit to make a statement.
(see fit to V: cảm thấy thích hợp làm gì)

894. If I were you, I wouldn’t trust him to do the job properly. (MONEY)
→ If I were you, I wouldn't put my money on him to do the job properly.
(put one’s money on sb: tin tưởng ai)

895. He says he didn’t know, so we ‘ll just have to take his word for it. (BENEFIT)
→ We'll just have to give him the benefit of the doubt as he says he didn't know.
(give sb the benefit of the doubt: tạm tin ai)

896. Could you take a quick look at this letter before I post it? (RUN)
→ Could you run your eye over this letter before I post it?
(run one’s eye over sth: xem qua)

897. I’m sure that once he’s learned the system, he’ll perform well. (OWN)
→ I'm sure that he 'll come into his own once he's learned the system.
(come into one’s own: trở nên thành công)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 60

898. If necessary, I’ll testify in court. (CRUNCH)
→ If it comes to the crunch, I'll testify in court.
(If/ when it comes to the crunch: nếu cần)

899. He’s the clumsiest person in the world when it comes to mending anything. (THUMBS)
→ He's all fingers and thumbs when it comes to mending anything.
(all fingers and thumbs: vụng về)

900. It’s a thriller that has you riveted all the way through. (SUSPENSE)
→ It's a thriller that keeps you in suspense all the way.
(keep sb in suspense: khiến ai hồi hộp)

901. I am not happy with you. (BONE)

→ I have a bone to pick with you.
(have a bone to pick with sb: có vấn đề tranh chấp với ai)

902. William is a very private person. (HIMSELF)

→ William keeps himself to himself.
(keep oneself to oneself: không thích giao tiếp)

903. The police think the robbery was an inside job. (HALLMARKS)
→ The robbery has all the hallmarks of an inside job, according to the police.
(have all the hallmarks of sth: thể hiện đầy đủ tính chất của)

904. Debbie is the only one who knows everything there is to know in this office. (ROPES)
→ The only one in this office who knows the ropes is Debbie.
(know the ropes: biết rành cách làm)

905. The least we can do is talk about his ideas for a while before we decide. (KICK)
→ The least we can do is kick his ideas around for a while before we decide.
(kick sth around: bàn luận)

906. The Jones and Smith families seem always to be at loggerheads. (BLOOD)
→ There seems to be bad blood between the Jones and the Smith families.
(be bad blood: ác cảm, mối bất hoà)

907. I know we all make mistakes but did you really have to marry him? (ERR)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 61
→ I know to err is human but did you really have to marry him?
(to err is human: ai cũng phải có sai lầm/ nhân vô thập toàn)

908. “The headmasters should not allow older boys to pick on the juniors.” said Mrs. Brown. (GANG)
→ Mrs. Brown criticized the headmaster for allowing older boys to gang up on the juniors.
(gang up on: hùa nhau trêu chọc)

909. Many people say that nine times out of ten the law makes no sense. (ASS)
→ It is often said that the law is an ass because it actually makes no sense.
(the law is an ass: (phê phán hoặc chê trách về) hệ thống pháp luật không hợp lý hoặc không công bằng)

910. Roy and Jackie never seem to have anything but good to say about each other. (MUTUAL)
→ Roy and Jackie have a mutual admiration society by the sounds of it.
(mutual admiration society: ngưỡng mộ và khen ngợi/ tâng bốc lẫn nhau)

911. Wanting what other people have is a waste of time, energy and money. (JONESES)
→ Trying to keep up with the Joneses is a waste of time, energy and money.
(keep up with the Joneses: theo kịp/ cạnh tranh với người khác)

912. The situation has been grossly exaggerated, I’m afraid. (BLOWN)
→ The situation has been blown out of all proportion, I'm afraid.
(get/blow something out of proportion: phức tạp/ phóng đại quá mức)

913. Although the article may make sense, I think it’s making too much of the point. (POINT)
→ The article may make sense, but I think it's laboring the point too much.
(labor the point: lặp đi lặp lại một ý kiến hoặc thông điệp một cách quá mức hoặc không cần thiết.)

914. Mr. Atkinson is a very well – respected member of the community. (ESTEEM)
→ Mr. Atkinson is held in very high esteem by the community.
(hold sb in high esteem: kính trọng ai)

915. I’m having a hard time finding a second-hand petrol pump for my car. (HANDS)
→ I'm having a hard time laying my hands on a second-hand petrol pump for my car.
(lay one’s hands on sth: tìm kiếm)

916. Although they tried hard to convince her, Claire would not change her opinion. (FAST)
→ Try as they might to convince her, Claire held fast to her opinion.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 62
(hold fast to: nghe theo/ trung thành với)

917. Can you look after the shop for a couple of hours tomorrow? (FORT)
→ Can you hold the fort at the shop for a couple of hours tomorrow?
(hold the fort: đảm nhận trách nhiệm hoặc giữ vị trí khi người khác tạm rời xa)

918. Derek does not appreciate that Lisa risked her career to save his job. (CAREER)
→ Derek does not appreciate that Lisa laid her career on the line to save his job.
(lay sth on the line: hy sinh, đặt cái gì vào nguy hiểm)

919. Why don’t you be frank with us and tell us what‘s on your mind? (LAY)
→ Why don't you lay your cards on the table and tell us what's on your mind?
(lay one’s cards on the table: thẳng thắn, nói rõ ý kiến của mình)

920. To clear up misunderstanding, he wrote to the press to deny any involvement in the affair. (RECORD)
→ To set the record straight, he wrote to the press to deny any involvement in the affair.
(To set the record straight: Để nói lại cho đúng/ đính chính lại thông tin/ tránh hiểu lầm)

921. For the first couple of years in the business, we were happy just to cover our costs. (EVEN)
→ We were happy to break even for the first couple of years in the business.
(break even: hoà vốn)

922. Julie forgets everything you tell her. (EAR)

→ Whatever you tell Julie goes in one ear and out the other.
(go in one ear and out the other: không nhớ gì cả)

923. The new restaurant has terrific food. (WORLD)

→ The food is out of this world at that new restaurant.
(out of this world: tuyệt vời)

924. Couldn’t they find anyone better than Rosa to represent them? (BOTTOM)
→ They must have scraped the bottom of the barrel if Rosa's representing them.
(scrape the bottom of the barrel: tạm chấp nhận)

925. I hardly remember the house where I lived as a child. (HAZY)

→ I only have a hazy recollection of the house where I lived as a child.
(have a hazy recollection of: có kí ức mờ nhạt về cái gì)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 63
926. A good way to forget one’s problems is to listen to music. (MIND)
→ Listening to music is a good way of taking one's mind off one's problems.
(take one’s mind off: quên đi)

927. We must remember that the economy is in serious trouble. (SIGHT)

→ We mustn't lose sight of the fact that the economy is in serious trouble.
(lose sight of: quên cái gì)

928. Her troubles were written clearly on the face. (ETCHED)

→ Her face was etched with deep lines of worry.
(be etched with deep lines of worry: hằn lên những nỗi lo)

929. I’ve filled in so many tax-forms I can do them in my sleep. (ART)

→ I've got tax-forms down to a fine art, I've filled in so many.
(get sth down to a fine art: giỏi làm gì)

930. Why do some people make such a great fuss of the simplest situation? (DRAMA)
→ Why do some people make a drama out of the simplest situation?
(make a drama out of sth: phóng đại, cường điệu, quan trọng hoá cái gì)

931. Just because his brother is a criminal doesn’t mean Gareth is one, too. (BRUSH)
→ You shouldn't tar Gareth with the same brush as his brother.
(tar sb with the same brush as sb: vơ đũa cả nắm)

932. You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance. (COVER)

→ Judging a book by its cover can often be misleading.
(judge a boon by its cover: trông mặt mà bắt hình dong)

933. He told us an amusing story about his trip to Finland. (ACCOUNT)

→ He gave us an amusing account of his trip to Finland.
(give sb an account of: kể về)

934. Residents are trying to persuade the company to relocate the factory. (PRESSURE)
→ Residents are trying to bring pressure to bear on the company to relocate the factory.
(bring pressure to bear on: thuyết phục bằng cách tạo sức ép)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 64

935. Many countries have yet to promise to abolish the use of landmines. (UNDERTAKING)
→ Many countries have yet to give their undertaking to abolish the use of landmines.
(give one’s undertaking: hứa)

936. Pam always maintains her composure in any crisis. (HEAD)

→ Pam always keeps her head in any crisis.
(keep one’s head: giữ bình tĩnh)

937. Readjusting one’s life after a personal tragedy can be a very slow process. (PIECES)
→ Picking up the pieces after a personal tragedy can be a very slow process.
(pick up the pieces: trở lại cuộc sống bình thường)

938. Staying cheerful in times of trouble is not something everyone can do. (SPIRITS)
→ Keeping one's spirits up in times of troubles is not something everyone can do.
(keep one’s spirits up: Luôn giữ lạc quan)

939. If you don’t follow his advice, you will pay far more than necessary. (NOSE)
→ You will pay through the nose if you don't follow his advice.
(pay through the nose: trả giá rất đắt)

940. She regards everyone who’s not a member of her family as inferior. (DOWN)
→ She looks down on everyone who isn't a member of her family.
(look down on: coi thường)

941. I should think very carefully before I made that decision, if I were you. (LEAP)
→ You should look before you leap that decision.
(look before you leap: ăn phải nhai, nói phải nghĩ)

942. Rachel worked miracles to get Jackie the editor’s job in her company. (HEAVEN)
→ Rachel moved heaven and earth to get Jackie the editor's job in her company.
(move heaven and earth: khuấy đảo trời đất/dùng đủ mọi biện pháp/xoay sở đủ trò)

943. He gets annoyed when you refer to his family backgrounds. (SKIN)
→ It gets under his skin when you refer to his family backgrounds.
(get under one’s skin: làm ai bực mình)

944. Alexander the Great controlled most of the ancient world. (SWAY)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 65
→ Alexander the Great held sway over most of the ancient world.
(hold sway over: kiểm soát)

945. Barry is determined to have a holiday in the States this year. (SET)
→ Barry has set his mind/ heart on having a holiday in the States this year.
(set one’s mind/ heart on: quyết tâm)

946. In no time, the new chairman was doing exactly what the board wanted. (EATING)
→ In no time, the board had the new chairman eating out of their hand.
(have somebody eating out of your hand: khiến cho ai tin vào/ làm những điều họ muốn)

947. Carolyn‘s just another of those people fighting a lost cause, I’m afraid. (BLEEDING)
→ Carolyn's just another bleeding heart, I'm afraid.
(bleeding heart: những người đa sầu đa cảm)

948. Philip worked his very hardest to get through his exams. (NECK)
→ Philip broke his neck to get through his exams.
(break one’s neck: cố gắng hết sức)

949. Wendy suddenly felt petrified when the lights went out and she was left in the dark. (COLD)
→ Wendy's blood ran cold when the lights went out and she was left in the dark.
(one’s blood run cold: ai đó rất sợ hãi)

950. Jenny couldn’t relax at all during the interview. (BUNDLE)

→ Jenny was a bundle of nerves during the interview.
(a bundle of nerves: bồn chồn, lo lắng)

951. The audience didn’t stop laughing for two hours during Reluctant Heroes. (STITCHES)
→ The play Reluctant Heroes had the audience in stitches for well over two hours.
(have sb in stitches: khiến ai cười rất nhiều)

952. They sent new instructions with very little warning and that caused a lot of trouble. (NOTICE)
→ New instructions were sent at short notice and that caused a lot of trouble.
(at short notice: không báo trước/ trong thời gian ngắn)

953. In my opinion, his remarks were totally unsuitable for the occasion. (KEEPING)
→ In my opinion, his remarks were not in keeping with the occasion.
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 66
(in keeping with: phù hợp với)

954. We’re nearly finished, we’ve just got a couple of small things to do before we leave. (LOOSE)
→ There are just some loose ends to tie up before we leave.
(some/ a few loose ends to tie up: còn vài chi tiết nhỏ nữa là xong)

955. The Managing Director arrived just as the meeting was about to end, as usual. (CLOSE)
→ The Managing Director arrived just as the meeting was drawing to a close, as usual.
(draw to a close: kết thúc, chấm dứt)

956. In a feeble attempt to make everyone relax, John cracked a joke. (ICE)
→ In a feeble attempt to break the ice, John cracked a joke.
(break the ice: làm quen)

957. Her parents have forbidden her to go to pubs. (SET)

→ She is forbidden by her parents to set foot in pubs.
(set foot in: đặt chân vào)

958. I think we‘ve got the worst part of this work done. (BACK)
→ I think we've broken the back of this work.
(break the back of sth: hoàn tất/ làm xong phần việc khó nhất)

959. You would have enjoyed yourself if you had come to Cuba with us. (LIFE)
→ You would have had the time of your life if you had come to Cuba with us.
(have the time of one’s life: trải qua những ngày thăng hoa nhất trong cuộc đời mình)

960. My teacher doesn’t like me and never leaves me alone. (IN)

→ My teacher has it in for me and never leaves me alone.
(have (got) it in for sb: muốn gây khó dễ cho ai vì ghét)

961. To be frank, I’m not looking forward to spending the whole summer with them. (RELISH)
→ To be frank, I don't relish the idea/ thought of spending the whole summer with them.
(relish the idea/ thought of Ving: thích cảnh làm gì)

962. The delegate spoke in great detail about the changes. (LENGTH)
→ The delegate spoke at great length about the changes.
(at great length: rất chi tiết)
HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 67
963. Why don’t we split the taxi fare? (HALVES)
→ Let's go halves on the taxi fare.
(go halves on: chia đôi phí/ tiền về)

964. The cheque they got helped enormously to pay for their honeymoon. (WAY)
→ The cheque they got went a long way towards paying for their honeymoon.
(go a long way towards: đóng góp đáng kể cho)

965. The firm had a lot of success in the soft drinks market. (KILLING)
→ The firm made a killing in the soft drinks market.
(make a killing in: thắng lớn)

966. There are several other people ready to do this job if you can’t. (WINGS)
→ If you can't do this job, there are several people waiting in the wings who can.
(wait in the wings: chờ thời cơ/ sẵn sàng thế chỗ)

967. You will have no success if you think you can make her change her mind. (LOSING)
→ You are fighting a losing battle if you think you can make her change her mind.
(fight a losing battle: đánh một trận mà biết chắc là sẽ thua)

968. Punk fashion was at its peak in the late seventies. (HEYDAY)
→ Punk fashion was in its heyday in the late seventies.
(in one’s heyday: thời hoàng kim)

969. They were totally unprepared for my arrival. (UNAWARES)

→ They were caught unawares by my arrival.
(catch sb unawares: làm ai bất ngờ)

970. Resigning to annoy your boss is really only hurting yourself and you know it. (NOSE)
→ Resigning to annoy your boss is like cutting off your nose to spite your face and you know it.
(cut off your nose to spite your face: giận quá mất khôn)

971. His father left him no money in his will. (CUT)

→ His father cut him off without a penny when he died.
(cut sb off without a penny: không còn 1 xu dính túi)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 68

972. Her remark took me completely by surprise. (GUARD)
→ Her remark caught me completely off guard.
(catch sb off guard: làm ai bất ngờ)

973. You are leaving very late if you want to be at the airport on time. (FINE)
→ You're cutting it fine if you want to be at the airport on time.
(cut it fine: vừa kịp lúc)

974. He doesn’t know what’s happening in the theatre world any more. (TOUCH)
→ He has lost touch with what's happening in the theatre world./ He is out of touch with what's happening in
the theatre world any more.
(lose touch with/ out of touch with: không biết/ mất liên lạc với)

975. If anyone asks you, just tell them you didn’t know. (PLEAD)
→ Just plead ignorance if anyone asks you.
(plead ignorance: tự nhận mình ngu)

976. Working in the mines all those years affected his health. (TOLL)
→ Working in the mines all those years took a heavy toll on his health.
(take a heavy toll on sth: ảnh hưởng xấu đến cái gì)

977. He wouldn’t stop saying flattering things about me at the reception. (PAYING)
→ He kept on paying me compliments at the reception.
(pay sb compliments: khen ngợi ai)

978. By agreeing to help him out financially, you’ll only be causing problems for yourself. (GRAVE)
→ You will only be digging your own grave by agreeing to help him out financially.
(dig one’s own grave: rước hoạ vào thân)

979. The military parade was just the government showing its power before the elections. (MUSCLES)
→ The military parade was just the government flexing its muscles before the elections.
(flex one’s muscles: thể hiện sức mạnh/ quyền lực)

980. Were he to speak in a clearer fashion, I could follow his argument. (THREAD)
→ Were he to speak in a clearer fashion, I would not lose the thread of his argument.
(lose the thread of sth: mất mạch lạc)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 69

981. I didn’t think much of what Tom suggested. (STORE)
→ I didn’t set much store by Tom’s suggestion.
(set great/considerable/ much store by something: coi trọng cái gì)

982. He shot the bottles from the top of the wall, one by one. (OFF)
→ He picked off the bottles from the top of the wall, one by one.
(pick off: bắn)

983. Carter was not popular at work because he never associated with anyone. (ALOOF)
→ Carter was not popular at work because he always kept himself aloof from everyone.
(keep oneself aloof from: tránh xa, xa lánh)

984. He has tons of money since he won the lottery. (FILTHY)

→ He is filthy rich since he won the lottery.
(filthy rich: rất giàu có)

985. Don still has very little experience so we should be patient. (EARS)
→ Don is still wet behind the ears so we should be patient.
(wet behind the ears: non nớt, thiếu kinh nghiệm)

986. The two brothers have been quarrelling about the property for years. (LOGGERHEADS)
→ The two brothers have been at loggerheads over the property for years.
(at loggerheads over sth: tranh cãi về)

987. I’d prefer not to discuss our problems in front of our friends. (DIRTY)
→ I’d sooner we didn’t wash our dirty linen in front of our friends.
(wash one’s dirty linen: bàn luận vấn đề nhạy cảm)

988. The boss is in a really bad mood today. (BED)

→ The boss gets out of the bed on the wrong side today.
(get out of the bed on the wrong side: khó ở)

989. He reserved positions and defeated him. (TABLES)

→ He turned the tables on him and defeated him.
(turn the tables on sb: lật ngược tình thế)

990. I was assured of success, then he withdrew his support. (RUG)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 70
→ I was assured of success, then he pulled the rug out from under my feet.
(pull the rug from under one’s feet: ngừng việc hỗ trợ)

991. It‘s rather a dull plat, but I think a coat of paint will make it a lot brighter. (JAZZ)
→ It’s rather a dull plat, but I think a coat of paint will jazz it up nicely.
(jazz sth up: làm sinh động)

992. That Chinese porcelain vase is sold for a price far below its true value, if you ask me. (SONG)
→ That Chinese porcelain vase is going for a song if you ask me.
(go for a song: bán rẻ)

993. After fifty years of isolation, they’ve begun opening up to the west in the hope of receiving
financial assistance. (OVERTURES)
→ After fifty years of isolation, they’ve begun making overtures to the west in the hope of receiving financial
assistance.
(make overtures to sth: đàm phán/ kết thân với)

994. When he realized she was heir to a fortune, his whole attitude towards her changed. (TUNE)
→ He completely changed his tune when he realized she war heir to a fortune.
(change one’s tune: đổi ý)

995. I felt like a new person after I‘d had my hip operation. (LEASE)
→ My hip operation gave me a new lease on life.
(give sb a new lease on/of life: cho ai 1 sức sống mới)

996. The guide book speaks highly of this hotel. (SEAL)

→ The guide book gives the hotel its seal of approval.
(give sth one’s seal of approval: chấp nhận chính thức)

997. He will be the one to accept responsibility for this affair. (CAN)
→ He will be the one to carry the can for this affair.
(carry the can: chịu trách nhiệm)

998. We will only be able to afford a holiday if we are very strict with our expenses. (REIN)
→ We will only be able to afford a holiday if we keep a tight rein on our expenses.
(keep a tight rein on: kiểm soát chặt chẽ)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 71

999. The documentary made me realize how poor many people are in other parts of the world. (HOME)
→ The documentary brought home to me how poor many people are in other parts of the world.
(bring home to sb: làm ai hiểu ra)

1000. Andrew rarely says how good he is at things, even though he’s very talented. (BLOW)
→ Andrew rarely blows his own trumpet/ horn, even though he’s very talented.
(blow one’s own trumpet/ horn: khoe khoang)

HỌC TIẾNG ANH CÙNG BÌNH BOONG 72