Idioms

Idiom - a group of words whose meaning cannot be predicted from the meanings of the constituen words, as for example (It was raining) cats and dogs.

Learn English idioms to speak more confidently and understand real English conversations.

    have nothing/anything to do with 

1. to prefer not to associate or be associated with someone or something. 

    I don't like Mike so I won't have anything to do with the books he writes. 

2. to not involve someone or something

    Bob will have nothing to do with Mary since she quit her job.

    in the picture

1. well-informed

    Please, keep me fully in the picture. 

2. aware of what is going on

    John found out about the plan. He's in the picture, so take care.

    Nothing for me, thanks.

1. to decline a serving of food or drink

    Waiter: Would you care for dessert? 

    Bob: Nothing for me, thanks. 

 2. do not want any of what was offered

     Bob: We have beer and wine. Which would you like? 

     Mary: Nothing for me, thanks.

     cross the line 

1. to change from being acceptable to being unacceptable

     I thought the jokes crossed the line and were basically embarrassing.

2. to do something wrong 

     If you steal someone's idea, you have absolutely crossed the line.

    You can't judge a book by its cover.

1. something that you say which means you cannot judge the quality or character of 

  someone or something just by looking at them 

    She doesn't look very intelligent, but you can't judge a book by its cover.

     an arm and a leg

 1. a lot of money 

     Everything the restaurant offers tastes good, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

     Usage notes: usually used with the verbs cost, pay, and charge