If someone loses complete control of their behavior or emotions, then you can say that they have gone off the rails. We use the expression go off the rails to refer to someone who has started to behave in a strange or abnormal way. In many cases, their actions are considered to be inappropriate or unacceptable compared to their usual standards.
If someone used to be in a better position than you in terms of wealth, power or overall advantage, but now you are in a better position than them, then the tables have turned. We say that the tables have turned when the roles between two people (or groups of people) have reversed and are now the opposite of what they used to be.
If you say something off the top of your head, you speak without giving too much thought to the accuracy or quality of your ideas. We use this expression when we want to say something on the spot, but when we are not certain that the information is entirely correct.
If you’re faced with two choices that are equal in value or appeal, then you can say it’s six of one, half dozen of the other. We use this idiom when we cannot decide between two options because there is not one that is noticeably better than the other.
The English word “budget” is complex. There are many ways to use it, and it is often misused by non-native speakers.
When you say humour me, you are asking someone to simplify what they are saying. It implies that you know that the other person might find it silly or pointless. It is an expression that shows humility.
If someone beats around the bush, they do not talk about a subject in an open or direct way. Instead, they may talk about a lot of irrelevant or unimportant details to avoid getting to the main point.
If you have a project or task to do, and you have a very limited amount of time to finish it, then you can say that you're in a race against time.
If you completed a task at the last acceptable moment, then you completed it in the nick of time.
If you have something in the bag, it means that you are sure that you will achieve it or acquire it. We usually use this expression to predict a future success that seems certain or, at least, highly probable.
This expression can be used in a variety of situations, although it is better suited to informal contexts. For example:
If you blow something out of proportion, then you make it seem more important than it actually is. We use this expression when someone overreacts or exaggerates the seriousness of a situation. As a result, the situation is given more attention than it deserves.
When you learn the ropes, you learn how to do a particular task or activity. We use the expression learn the ropes when we are in the process of gathering basic knowledge and experience about how to perform a task or job.
We use the expression train of thought to refer to the process of thinking about a sequence of connected ideas. We often use this expression to refer to an uninterrupted flow of ideas, or the development of a line of reasoning in our mind.
When someone is on the ball, they pay close attention to the details of an activity or project. As a result, they are usually knowledgeable and quick to respond to changes.
When something takes a toll on you, it has a negative impact on your physical or emotional state. The impact usually happens slowly over time.
When you cut back on something, you reduce the amount of money, time or energy that you spend on it. If you decide to cut back on an activity, it’s likely because it was being done in excess.
If you want to be organized, you have to stay on top of your work. When you stay on top of something, you follow it closely to make sure that you're up to date. This means that you are fully in control of the situation and can react quickly if something changes.
If you start a new project with the intention to work hard immediately, then you hit the ground running. We use this expression when we are prepared to start a project right from the beginning, with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and efficiency.
When we look at the big picture, we view a situation as a whole. We do not focus on the small details of its individual parts.
Have you ever accomplished two different tasks with one single effort? If so, you made efficient use of your time and killed two birds with one stone. This expression can be used in both personal and professional contexts. For example:
