This lesson trains 50 C2 idioms on Emotions. 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.
Give me a break!
Used to show annoyance or disbelief at something unreasonable.
He asked for another extension after already receiving three.
For all sb cares
Used to show that someone is completely indifferent to a situation.
He didn't even bother to reply to the urgent email about the deadline.
Go down like a lead balloon
To be received very badly or fail completely.
The new advertising campaign was poorly received by the target audience.
See the light
To understand or accept something after a period of doubt.
After months of disagreement she finally understood the other point of view.
Have stars in your eyes
To be very idealistic or excited about a future possibility.
The young actress dreamed of becoming a Hollywood star.
Fat chance
Very little or no chance at all (used sarcastically).
He hoped the boss would give him extra time off, but it was impossible.
Have a heart
Used to ask someone to be kind or merciful.
The children begged their father to let them stay up late.
Get the shock of your life
To be extremely surprised or frightened.
When the alarm suddenly went off in the middle of the night she was terrified.
It will all end in tears.
A warning that a current course of action will lead to trouble or sadness.
The friends decided to invest all their savings in a risky cryptocurrency scheme.
You may well ask!
Used to show that a question is very reasonable or that the answer is surprising or complicated.
When asked why the project was delayed for months, the manager sighed.
Make sb's toes curl
To cause a strong feeling of embarrassment or discomfort.
The awkward speech at the wedding made everyone feel uneasy.
As silent as the grave
Completely silent.
After the shocking announcement no one spoke for several minutes.
Lose the plot
To become confused or lose control of a situation.
When the pressure became too great the manager started making irrational decisions.
Tell me about it!
An expression of agreement showing that the speaker has experienced the same frustrating situation.
My colleague was complaining about the endless paperwork required for the new contract.
You've got me there.
Used when you do not know the answer to a question.
When asked about the exact date of the event she could not remember.
Be your heart's desire
To be exactly what one wants most.
The new house was everything she had ever dreamed of.
Clear the air
To resolve a misunderstanding or tension by discussing it openly.
After the heated argument, the colleagues sat down to talk and restore harmony.
Happy-go-lucky
Relaxed and not worrying about the future.
He never planned anything and just took life as it came.
Feel hard done by
To feel unfairly treated.
After the bonus was given only to senior staff, the junior employees felt cheated.
Go to your head
To make someone conceited or overconfident.
The sudden fame made the young singer arrogant.
Prick your ears up
To suddenly start listening carefully because something interesting has been said.
When she heard her name mentioned, she began paying close attention.
Put sb's nose out of joint
To annoy or offend someone.
The promotion of a younger colleague upset the senior employee.
A face like thunder
A very angry or bad-tempered facial expression.
When he heard the bad news, his expression became furious.
A fate worse than death
Something extremely bad or unpleasant.
Being forced to work in the terrible conditions was unbearable.
Cry buckets
To cry a lot.
The emotional ending of the film left half the audience in tears.
Fall through the floor
To be extremely surprised or shocked.
When she heard the final price of the house she could hardly believe it.
Hit the spot
To be exactly what is needed or wanted.
The hot soup was perfect on the cold day.
Take heart
To feel encouraged.
The positive feedback from the clients gave the team new confidence.
My heart bleeds
Used sarcastically to show that one does not feel sorry for someone.
He was late again and blamed traffic for the third time this week.
Go spare
To become very angry.
When he heard the car had been damaged he was furious.
At a loss for words
Unable to think of anything to say.
The unexpected compliment left her speechless.
Prey on your mind
To worry you continuously.
The unfinished report kept bothering him all weekend.
Not half
Used to emphasize that something is very good or very bad.
The concert was extremely enjoyable.
As red as a beetroot
Having a very red face, usually from embarrassment or anger.
When everyone turned to look at him after the mistake, his face turned bright red.
Harden your heart
To become unsympathetic or cruel.
Despite the pleas for mercy, the judge remained strict.
Sick to death of sth
Extremely tired of something and annoyed by it.
She was fed up with the constant delays and excuses.
Not know whether you're coming or going
To be very confused or overwhelmed.
With so many deadlines and meetings, she felt completely disoriented.
A heart of stone
A complete lack of sympathy or kindness.
The judge showed no mercy despite the emotional pleas.
Have a good mind to
To be strongly inclined to do something.
She was so angry that she almost told him exactly what she thought.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
There is something positive in every bad situation.
Although the project was delayed, the team learned valuable new skills.
Be hard put to
To find it very difficult to do something.
She struggled to find the right words to describe her feelings.
Not know the half of it
To be unaware of how bad or serious a situation really is.
She thought the problem was small, but the full story was much worse.
Look on the bright side.
To try to see the positive aspects of a difficult situation.
Even though the flight was delayed, at least they had time to rest.
Your heart goes out to sb
To feel great sympathy for someone.
When she heard about the family's tragedy she felt very sorry for them.
Fall for sb hook, line and sinker
To believe something completely or fall in love without any doubt.
She accepted every word he said without questioning it.
Give your right arm for
To want something very much and be willing to make a big sacrifice to get it.
She had always dreamed of performing on that famous stage.
Be in two minds
To be undecided.
She could not decide whether to accept the job offer or not.
A sth and a half
Used to emphasize that something is very impressive or extreme.
The party was extremely enjoyable.
Put your foot in it
To say or do something that causes embarrassment or offense.
He accidentally mentioned the surprise party in front of the person it was for.
Be a bolt from the blue
To be completely unexpected.
The announcement of the sudden resignation shocked the entire board.