Idioms & Fixed Expressions

WORD LIST
Word List
All words with definitions and examples
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PRACTICE
Write the Word
Definition-to-word practice for handwriting
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ANSWER KEY
Answer Key
Correct answers for the practice sheet
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Idioms & Fixed Expressions

Word List

Word Definition Example
Kick the bucket to die (informal, humorous)He almost kicked the bucket when he tried extreme skiing.
Bite the bullet to endure a painful or difficult situation with courageShe had to bite the bullet and work through the night.
Burn bridges to permanently destroy a relationship or opportunityHe resigned rudely and burned his bridges with the company.
Ballpark figure a rough approximate number or estimateCan you give me a ballpark figure for the project cost?
The tip of the iceberg a small visible part of a much larger problemThese complaints are just the tip of the iceberg.
At the end of your rope having no more patience or strength to deal with somethingAfter three sleepless nights, she was at the end of her rope.
Count your chickens to plan for something that has not happened yet (usually a warning)Don't count your chickens before the deal is signed.
Bite off more than you can chew to take on more than you can handleHe bit off more than he could chew managing three teams.
Sit on the fence to avoid taking a position on a controversial issuePoliticians often sit on the fence on sensitive issues.
Pull your weight to do your fair share of the workEveryone in the team needs to pull their weight.
Road map a plan showing how to achieve a goal step by stepThe government published a road map for economic recovery.
Grey area a situation that is unclear or has no definitive rulesThe legal status of the new drug remains a grey area.

Idioms & Fixed Expressions — Practice

Write the word

  1. to die (informal, humorous)
  2. to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage
  3. to permanently destroy a relationship or opportunity
  4. a rough approximate number or estimate
  5. a small visible part of a much larger problem
  6. having no more patience or strength to deal with something
  7. to plan for something that has not happened yet (usually a warning)
  8. to take on more than you can handle
  9. to avoid taking a position on a controversial issue
  10. to do your fair share of the work
  11. a plan showing how to achieve a goal step by step
  12. a situation that is unclear or has no definitive rules

Idioms & Fixed Expressions — Answer Key

Write the word

  1. Kick the bucket
  2. Bite the bullet
  3. Burn bridges
  4. Ballpark figure
  5. The tip of the iceberg
  6. At the end of your rope
  7. Count your chickens
  8. Bite off more than you can chew
  9. Sit on the fence
  10. Pull your weight
  11. Road map
  12. Grey area