This lesson trains 15 C2 idioms on Art. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
As dry as dust
Extremely dull and boring.
The history lecture was delivered in a very monotonous way.
Have your name in lights
To become famous.
The young actress was starring in a major Hollywood film.
Give sb a big hand
To applaud someone enthusiastically.
The audience cheered loudly after the final performance.
Keep sb on the edge of their seat
To make someone feel excited and anxious about what will happen next.
The thriller movie kept the audience in suspense until the final scene.
Bring the house down
To make an audience react with great enthusiasm or laughter.
The comedian's final joke had everyone cheering and clapping loudly.
Go down a storm
To be very successful and enthusiastically received.
The new comedy show was a huge hit with the audience.
The brainchild of sb
An idea or invention created by a particular person.
The revolutionary recycling system was the idea of a young environmental engineer.
Rolling in the aisles
Laughing very hard and uncontrollably.
The comedian's routine about office life had the entire audience in hysterics.
Be centre stage
To be the main focus of attention.
The new product launch was the main event at the conference.
Think outside the box
To think in a creative or unconventional way.
The marketing team needed fresh ideas that no competitor had tried before.
Play to the gallery
To behave in a way that tries to please the public or audience rather than doing what is right.
The politician made dramatic promises just to win votes.
Hit the right note
To do or say something that is exactly appropriate.
The speech was perfectly suited to the occasion and moved the audience.
Push the envelope
To go beyond the usual limits and try new things.
The designers were encouraged to create completely original concepts.
Tread the boards
To work as an actor in the theater.
She had performed on stage for more than twenty years.
Blue-sky thinking
Creative, imaginative ideas without practical limitations.
The innovation team was asked to generate completely new concepts without worrying about cost.