Page 165 - English Vocabulary In Use upper intermediet and advance

80 Idioms connected with problematic situations

Problems and difficulties
idiom literal phrase
to be in a fix = be in difficulty
to be in a tight corner = be in a situation that is hard to get out of
to be in a muddle = be confused/mixed up
(these three go together as all having be + in + a)
Reacting in situations
Three pairs of more or less opposite idioms.
to take a back seat z to take the bull by the horns
[not do anything; let [act positively to face and attack
others act instead] the problem]
to stir things up z to pour oil on troubled waters
[dolsay things that [do/say things that calm the
make matters worse] situation down]
to keep one's cards close z to lay one's cards on the table
to one's chest [be very open, state exactly what
[hold back information] your position is]

Idioms related to situations based on get

This has to be done by next week; we must get our act together before it's too late.
[organise ourselves to respond; informal]
We need a proper investigation to get to the bottom of things. [find the true explanation
for the state of affairs]
It's quite difficult to get people to sit up and take notice. [make them pay attention]
I'm trying to get a grasp of what's happening; it's not easy. [find out / understand]

Changes and stages in situations

The tide has turned for us; We can see light at the end
better days are ahead. of the tunnel at last.
I'm afraid we've just come to a dead end with our plans.
I think I've reached a turning-point in my career.

Some idioms connected with easing the situation
The government and the unions have buried the hatchet for the time being. [made
peace / stopped fighting each other]
All that trouble last year was just swept under the carpet in the end. [ignored 1
deliberately forgotten, without solving it]
You should say sorry. It would go a long way. [would help a lot]

160 English Vocabulary in Use