This lesson trains 10 C2 idioms on Personal Development. 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.
Read sb's mind
To know exactly what someone is thinking.
She knew he wanted to leave early without him saying anything.
Fall from grace
To lose status or reputation after a period of success.
The famous actor's career collapsed after the scandal.
An inside job
A crime committed by someone who works for or is trusted by the victim.
The theft was clearly carried out by someone who knew the security system.
The life and soul of the party
The most lively and entertaining person at a social event.
Everyone enjoyed his jokes and stories.
A glass ceiling
An invisible barrier that prevents certain groups, especially women, from advancing to higher positions.
Despite her qualifications, she was repeatedly passed over for promotion.
Big fish in a small pond
A person who is important or successful in a small or limited environment but would be less significant in a larger one.
She was the star performer in the local theater but struggled in the national competition.
There's more to sth than meets the eye
Something is more complicated or interesting than it first appears.
The simple-looking gadget had many hidden advanced features.
Under cover of darkness
Secretly, at night.
The thieves entered the building while everyone was asleep.
Call a spade a spade
To speak honestly and directly without avoiding unpleasant truths.
He told the team exactly what was wrong with their performance without softening his words.
The spitting image
To look exactly like another person.
The baby looked exactly like his father.