Daily Idioms From CSS Past Papers December 28, 2020

 

Daily Idioms From CSS Past Papers December 28, 2020

1976

1)  In the doldrums

"Depressed, dull and listless"

Examples:

• Dean's in the doldrums for most of every winter.
• He's been in the doldrums ever since she left him.

2) Dole out / on the dole

"receiving payment from the government, as relief"

Examples:

• They couldn't afford any luxuries while living on the dole.
• I got out my wallet and began to dole out the money.

3) At cross purposes

"When people are at cross purposes, they misunderstand each other or have different or opposing objectives With aims or goals that conflict or interfere with one another."

Examples:

• I'm afraid the two departments are working at cross purposes.
• I think we're talking at cross-purposes.

4) Check by jowl

"in close intimacy, side by side"

Examples:

• The guests, packed cheek by jowl, parted as he entered.
•  She has to live cheek by jowl with oiks, people with tattoos and stolen videos.

5) Plain sailing

"Easy going; straightforward, unobstructed progress"

Examples:

• The first few months were difficult, but I think it's plain sailing from here on.
• This is not to say that it will all be plain sailing.