1.Clear the air 消除误会

To settle a dispute and restore good relations

Example: We had a meeting with the workers, and I think we’ve cleared the air now。

2.Be in the air 将要发生的事情

The feeling or idea that something new is about to happen or is going to change。

Example: From the arguments going on at the meeting, it seems that a change in policy is in the air。

3.A bad egg 缺乏道德的人

Somebody who has no moral principles and should be avoided

Example: You mustn’t lend Tim money, he’s a bad egg. You’ll never see him or your money again!

4.Cost an arm and a leg 极其昂贵

To be very expensive

Example: I love that fur coat. However, I don’t think I’m going to buy it because it costs an arm and a leg。

5.In the balance 未知的，不可预测的

Said when the outcome of a situation is unknown or unpredictable

Example: His career as a pilot is in the balance, as his eyesight does not seem good enough。

6.In the Bag 稳操胜券

Said of an achievement which is secure

Example: We have the deal in the bag. The client came in this morning to sign the agreement。

7.Drive a hard bargain 极力讨价还价

To have the negotiating strength and skills to get the most advantageous price and conditions

Example: Amanda is negotiating the best price from the suppliers. She drives a hard bargain。

8.Ring a bell 看上去或听起来非常熟悉

To look, sound or seem familiar

Example: That face rings a bell, where have I seen him before?

9.Tighten one’s belt 节衣缩食

To cut down on spending because there is less income than before

Example: Now you are out of work, you’ll have to tighten your belt and give up buying new clothes and going out so often。

10.Kill two birds with one stone 一石二鸟

To complete two tasks together, with less effort than doing them separately

Example: Since I’d gone to the store to buy some bread, I thought ofkilling two birds with one stone and invited Mr. Biggs to the party。

11.Be in a black mood 情绪极差

To be so negative about everything that it is impossible for anyone to reason with him/her

Example: My father has been in a black mood for days, we dare not say anything to him。

12.Feeling blue 感到无精打采

Feeling sad or depressed

Example: She’s feeling blue, because the man she loves is far away。

13.New blood 新成员

New people brought into an organization to introduce different and original ideas

Example: It was decided to bring new blood into the school by employing teachers with the latest training。

14.Get to the bottom of something 弄清真相

To find out the truth about something

Example: I’m trying to get to the bottom of why David left without saying goodbye。

15.A piece of cake 轻松的事

Something which is very easy to do

Example: Here…let me put the batteries in for you. It’s a piece of cake。

16.Pay a call 拜访

To visit somebody

Example: As we’re in this neighborhood, we might as well pay the Jacksons a call, we haven’t seen them for ages。

17.Round the clock 夜以继日的

To do something continuously, without a break or pause

Example: The ambulance services worked round the clock hauling people trapped in the building to safety。

18.By chance 偶然，意外的

Unexpectedly; with no prior planning

Example: By chance, I bumped into my wife in the shopping mall

19.Keep one’s cool 保持冷静

To stay calm in a difficult situation

Example: If the traffic is jamed, the only thing to do is keep your cool, or get out of the car and walk!

20.In a tight corner 处于困境

In an extremely difficult situation

Example: Whenever I get into a tight corner, I try to rely on quick thinking to get out of it。