Idioms

To [blank_start]take[blank_end] something [blank_start]lying down[blank_end] is to endure something unpleasant without fighting back.

They do not want to see mere [blank_start]hot air[blank_end] from politicians.

The student [blank_start]dug[blank_end] her [blank_start]heels in[blank_end] and refused to obey the instructions.

To make something illegal pursuing justice is to [blank_start]take the law into one's own hands[blank_end].

When our homeland is in danger, everything is allowed save [blank_start]sitting on the fence[blank_end].

I'm [blank_start]up in arms[blank_end] about the President's announcement. I think we cannot consent to it.

If Coca Cola keeps putting up their prices, people will [blank_start]vote with their feet[blank_end] and choose Manaos.

A long-lasting struggle is a [blank_start]running battle[blank_end].

Her pleas for mercy [blank_start]fell on deaf ears[blank_end]; the judge gave her the maximum sentence.

The [blank_start]grass roots[blank_end] of a political party or an organization are the ordinary people of it, as contrasted with the leaders or the member of the elite.

A member willing to take an unpopular position [blank_start]behind closed doors[blank_end] may be dissuaded by the fear that his or her position may shortly be made public.

Lastly, after a couple of hours, we started our way back to the shelter to [blank_start]call it a day[blank_end]. We had had a very positive experience that helped us make new friends and encourage future sporty encounters.

Because of my position against religion, I've many times been told that I'll go to hell, and that sort of things. But those threats will [blank_start]cut no ice with[blank_end] me.

Those who assert the importance of police forces in the street assure that without the coercive power of the State, [blank_start]the law of the jungle[blank_end] would apply.

[blank_start]chapter and verse[blank_end]: very specifically detailed, in reference to sources of information.

We must stop acting as prosecutors, since we are not really qualified to [blank_start]sit in judgment[blank_end].

A [blank_start]real bone of contention[blank_end] for the government was the reform of the Civil Code. It found as many advocates as detractors.

The last time they tried to discuss how to solve a problem, they [blank_start]went round in circles[blank_end] and didn't reach any solution.

In politics, sometimes you have to assimilate into another movement or give up some unrealistic demands in order to achieve something. On the other hand, being instransigent instead of pragmatic may put you in a situation in which you are [blank_start]fighting a losing battle[blank_end], being completely unable to reach any target.

I've been [blank_start]racking my brain[blank_end] trying to recall where we put the key.

Yes, it's true that the former president didn't manage to solve the problem of insecurity, poverty and education. But it's [blank_start]easier said than done[blank_end].

To discuss work matters at social events or situations that are not related to work is to [blank_start]talk shop[blank_end].

Usually I can bear him, but the other day he [blank_start]got on my nerves[blank_end] (irritated me).

To blame someone else for one's own faults is to [blank_start]pass the buck[blank_end].

When you say "to put it mildly", it's because you'll [blank_start]mince your words[blank_end].

To [blank_start]get a grip on yourself[blank_end] is to control yourself.

Your last question sort of [blank_start]threw me off balance[blank_end] (confused me, disoriented me).

I felt like scolding her, but I [blank_start]held my tongue[blank_end] (supressed my impulse).

The teacher repeated the point three times just to [blank_start]drive[blank_end] it [blank_start]home[blank_end]. I hope this really [blank_start]drives[blank_end] the importance of safety [blank_start]home[blank_end] to you. The accident [blank_start]drove[blank_end] [blank_start]home[blank_end] the importance of wearing seatbelts to everyone concerned.

Eliminate confusion, dispel controversy or emotional tension, as in His letter has [blank_start]cleared the air[blank_end]; we now know where he stands.

If something someone says [blank_start]rings hollow[blank_end], it does not sound true or sincere.

Concisely, in a few words, as in Here's our proposal. [blank_start]In a nutshell[blank_end], we want to sell the business to you.

If we [blank_start]put our heads together[blank_end] I know we can come up with a design that really works.

To get a process started. If I [blank_start]started the ball rolling[blank_end], then other people would help. Who else would [blank_start]start the ball rolling[blank_end]? I [blank_start]started the ball rolling[blank_end], but no one helped me with the project.

It's time to [blank_start]put our thinking caps on[blank_end], children. All right now, let's [blank_start]put on our thinking caps[blank_end] and do some arithmetic.