This lesson trains 21 C2 idioms on Daily Life. 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.
Full of the joys of spring
Very happy and lively.
After the good news she could not stop smiling.
Fair enough.
Used to accept a statement or suggestion as reasonable.
He suggested splitting the cost equally and she agreed.
As happy as Larry
Extremely happy.
After winning the lottery he could not stop smiling.
Be all smiles
To be very happy and friendly in appearance.
Despite the difficult negotiations, the CEO greeted everyone warmly at the reception.
Between you and me
Used to introduce confidential information that should not be shared.
I shouldn't really tell you this, but the company is planning major layoffs.
Nook and cranny
Every small place or corner.
The cleaners searched the entire building thoroughly.
Down in the dumps
Feeling sad or depressed.
After losing the contract she felt very low for several days.
There's a lot to be said for
There are many good reasons for something.
Living in a small town has many advantages.
Hustle and bustle
Busy and noisy activity.
The city streets were full of people rushing to work.
Hard-and-fast rules
Strict rules that cannot be changed.
The safety regulations had to be followed exactly with no exceptions.
Fall over yourself to do sth
To be very eager to do something.
The reporters were desperately trying to get interviews with the celebrity.
Face-saving
Intended to protect someone's reputation or dignity.
The company offered a generous redundancy package to avoid public criticism.
Blow your own trumpet
To boast about your own achievements.
He kept talking about how successful his latest deal had been.
The chattering classes
Educated, middle-class people who like to discuss and criticize social and political issues.
The latest government scandal was the main topic of conversation among journalists and academics.
A lone voice
The only person expressing a particular opinion.
Most of the committee agreed with the plan, but one member disagreed strongly.
Enter into the spirit of sth
To join in an activity with enthusiasm.
The whole team dressed up for the office party and enjoyed themselves fully.
Be heavy-going
Difficult and not enjoyable.
The long technical manual was hard to understand.
Same difference
Used to say that two things are essentially the same even if they appear different.
Whether we call it a delay or a postponement, the result is the same.
A back-seat driver
A passenger who gives unwanted advice to the driver or tries to control the situation.
Even though he was not driving, he kept telling the driver what to do.
Be on a high
To be very happy or excited.
After the successful presentation she felt elated.
Of like mind
Having the same opinion.
The committee members all agreed on the proposal.