Match the idiom with the correct definition.

a) to find hidden meaning in something said or written
b) to be quick to understand and to react to things
c) to directly face and deal with a difficult situation
d) something that has a very low probability of happening
e) when there is no end to the possibilities of something
f) to be fired, to get the sack, to be let go

1. a long shot - - ? - a) b) c) d) e) f)
2. on the ball - - ? - a) b) c) d) e) f)
3. to get the boot - - ? - a) b) c) d) e) f)
4. to read between the lines - - ? - a) b) c) d) e) f)
5. the sky's the limit - - ? - a) b) c) d) e) f)
6. take the bull by the horns - - ? - a) b) c) d) e) f)

Now complete the following sentences with an expression from the previous exercise.

1. I didn't sleep well last night and I'm not really today.
2. It's time to and get this job done.
3. Poor old Jonny from the accounts department last week. I think they’re going to let 4 or 5 more employees go before the end of the year.
4. Pepito thought the transfer to the company’s office in Hawaii was a bit of , but he decided to apply anyway.
5. When we have the new online payment system in place, to the amount of money we can make.
6. After listening to what she said, if you , you can begin to see what she really means.

Match the idiom with the correct definition.

a) when you do not have any control over a situation
b) this means that a solution isn't effective or that something won’t work. If it’s an idea or a project, for example, you could also say that it ‘doesn’t have legs’.
c) means that a company is making a profit.
d) 24 hours a day.
e) to completely end a relationship.

1. sever ties - - ? - a) b) c) d) e)
2. round-the-clock - - ? - a) b) c) d) e)
3. not going to fly – - ? - a) b) c) d) e)
4. in the black - - ? - a) b) c) d) e)
5. hands are tied – - ? - a) b) c) d) e)

Now complete the following sentences with an expression from the previous exercise.

1. We have online customer service on our website.
2. I wish I could give you a promotion, but .
3. I don't think that idea's . Let's keep brainstorming other solutions.
4. We haven’t made a lot of money this year, but at least we’re .
5. We had to with our Chinese supplier due to a drop in production quality.