This lesson trains 38 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.
C'est la vie.
That's life; such is life (used when something disappointing happens).
The flight was cancelled and there was no alternative until the next day.
Knock sb for six
To surprise or shock someone very strongly.
The unexpected bad news left her completely stunned.
Cry your heart out
To cry very hard.
The emotional film left many viewers in tears.
Make your blood boil
To make someone extremely angry.
The unfair treatment of the junior staff made her furious.
Wear your heart on your sleeve
To show your feelings openly.
He never hid his emotions and everyone knew exactly how he felt.
Like a bear with a sore head
In a very bad mood and easily irritated.
He hadn't slept well and snapped at everyone in the office.
The green-eyed monster
Jealousy.
His success made some of his colleagues envious.
It doesn't float my boat
Something does not interest or appeal to me.
She tried the new extreme sport but found it boring.
Have a sinking feeling
To have a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.
When the phone rang at midnight she immediately worried.
Be like a dog with two tails
To be extremely happy.
When she heard she had won the scholarship she could not stop smiling.
Drop a bombshell
To announce something shocking or unexpected.
The CEO suddenly revealed that the company was closing its main factory.
Out of your mind
Crazy or extremely worried.
The idea of jumping from the plane terrified her.
Burst a blood vessel
To become extremely angry.
When he heard the careless mistake had cost the company thousands, he almost ____.
Like the cat that got the cream
Looking very pleased with oneself.
After receiving the promotion, he could not stop smiling.
Be a bundle of nerves
To be very anxious or tense.
Before the important exam she could not sit still.
Blow your mind
To impress or surprise someone very strongly.
The virtual reality experience was so realistic that it left everyone speechless.
Hopping mad
Extremely angry.
When the package arrived damaged he was furious.
Kick yourself
To be annoyed with yourself for making a mistake.
He forgot to buy the tickets and the concert was sold out.
Not lose sleep over sth
Not to worry about something.
The small mistake was not important enough to cause concern.
Your heart isn't in sth
You do not really want to do something or care about it.
She tried to study but she was not interested in the subject.
Be no joke
To be a serious matter.
Losing the contract was a major setback for the company.
Be not half
Used to emphasize that something is very good or very bad.
The new restaurant was extremely expensive.
Like a deer caught in the headlights
Frozen with fear or surprise and unable to move.
When the boss suddenly asked her to present the report, she could not think of anything to say.
A wet blanket
A person who spoils other people's enjoyment by being negative.
He kept complaining during the celebration and ruined the atmosphere.
In your heart of hearts
In your deepest feelings or thoughts.
She knew deep down that the decision was wrong.
Like the cat that ate the canary
Looking very pleased or smug after doing something clever or getting what one wanted.
After winning the big contract, the salesman could not stop smiling.
As keen as mustard
Very eager or enthusiastic.
The new apprentice was full of energy and wanted to learn everything.
Your heart is in your boots
To feel very sad, worried, or discouraged.
When she saw the long list of errors in the report, she felt completely disheartened.
Have half a mind to
To be considering doing something.
She was so annoyed that she almost complained to the manager.
Hard to swallow
Difficult to believe or accept.
The explanation seemed too convenient to be true.
Have the time of your life
To enjoy yourself very much.
The holiday in the mountains was the best she had ever had.
Bête noire
A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or fears.
Public speaking remained her greatest fear despite years of practice.
That's a turn-up for the books
A surprising and unexpected development.
The underdog team won the championship against all predictions.
Be blown away by sth
To be extremely impressed or surprised by something.
The audience watched the virtual reality demonstration in complete amazement.
I'll believe it when I see it.
Used to express doubt about something until it actually happens.
The company promised a major bonus if targets were met, but the staff remained skeptical.
To say the least
Used to say that something is an understatement.
The service was slow and the food was cold.
Not have the heart to
To be unable to do something because it would be unkind.
She could not tell her grandmother the bad news.
Be taken aback
To be surprised or shocked by something unexpected.
The team had been preparing for months, but the last-minute change in the project requirements caught everyone off guard.