This lesson trains 42 C2 idioms on Society. 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.
Lose face
To be embarrassed or lose dignity in front of others.
The manager's mistake in front of the clients damaged his reputation.
A black mark
A lasting record of disapproval or failure.
His late arrival was noted in his personnel file.
Do me a favour
Used to ask someone to do something or to express disbelief.
Could you please pass me the file?
Poacher turned gamekeeper
A person who once broke the rules but now enforces them.
The former hacker was now working for the cybersecurity company.
Of the same mind
Having the same opinion.
Both partners agreed on the best course of action.
Lay it on with a trowel
To exaggerate praise or flattery excessively.
The boss kept telling the employee how brilliant he was even though the work was ordinary.
War-torn country
A country that has suffered greatly because of war.
The nation was still recovering from years of conflict and destruction.
The first lady of sth
The most famous or important woman in a particular field.
She was widely regarded as the leading female scientist of her generation.
An Aladdin's cave
A place full of wonderful or valuable treasures.
The old antique shop was packed with rare books, jewelry, and vintage furniture.
A chip off the old block
A person who is very similar to one of their parents.
The son had the same quick wit and business sense as his father.
Public enemy number one
The person or thing considered the greatest threat to society.
The notorious criminal was at the top of the police wanted list.
Fair's fair
Used to say that a situation is just or that people should be treated equally.
Everyone had worked hard, so the bonus was shared equally.
Too much information!
Used to say that someone has given more personal details than wanted.
He started describing his medical problems in great detail.
A contradiction in terms
A phrase that contains two opposite ideas, making it meaningless.
Calling the event a "peaceful riot" made no sense.
In broad daylight
Happening openly and without any attempt to hide.
The robbery took place in the middle of the afternoon on a busy street.
Go out on the town
To go out and enjoy yourself, especially in the evening.
The group decided to celebrate the successful project by going to restaurants and clubs.
Worship at the altar
To admire or follow someone or something with extreme devotion.
Many young entrepreneurs treated the billionaire tech founder as an infallible role model.
It's not cricket
Something that is unfair or not according to accepted rules.
Cancelling the event at the last minute without telling anyone was completely unacceptable.
I wouldn't trust sb as far as I could throw them.
I do not trust someone at all.
The salesman seemed dishonest and unreliable.
Play second fiddle
To have a less important role than someone else.
Although she was very talented, she was always given supporting parts in the orchestra.
Be in the public eye
To be well known and often seen in the media.
The celebrity had to be careful about everything she said or did.
Fly the nest
To leave home and live independently.
The children had grown up and moved away to start their own lives.
Plus ça change
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
New management promised big reforms, but the daily problems remained exactly the same.
The conventional wisdom
The generally accepted view or opinion.
Most experts believed the economy would improve, but the data showed otherwise.
Give sb a wide berth
To avoid someone or something deliberately.
After the argument, she decided to stay away from her difficult colleague for a while.
Come clean
To tell the truth about something after hiding it.
After weeks of denial, he finally admitted the mistake.
Go with a swing
To be lively and enjoyable.
The party was a great success with music and dancing all night.
Bring to book
To punish or make someone explain their actions.
The corrupt officials were finally forced to account for their misuse of public funds.
Mind your back
A warning to be careful because someone is passing behind you or there is potential danger.
In the crowded corridor, people kept bumping into each other.
No prizes for guessing sth
It is very obvious.
Everyone could see who was responsible for the mistake.
Footloose and fancy-free
Free to do what one wants without responsibilities.
After finishing university he had no job or commitments.
Join the ranks of
To become part of a particular group.
After years of hard work she finally became a senior manager.
New kid on the block
A person who is new to a place or situation.
The young designer had just joined the fashion house and was still learning the company culture.
Squeaky-clean
Completely honest and morally pure.
The new candidate had an impeccable record with no scandals.
An ivory tower
A place or situation where people are isolated from the practical problems of ordinary life.
The university researchers had no contact with the real-world application of their work.
Nobody in their right mind
No sensible person would do something.
Only a crazy person would jump off the bridge.
Be all over sb like a rash
To follow or contact someone excessively and annoyingly.
After the viral video, fans began sending messages and showing up at events nonstop.
Hot off the press
Very new or fresh news or information.
The latest edition of the newspaper had just been printed.
Be nobody's fool
To be intelligent and not easily deceived.
She quickly saw through the salesman's tricks.
Grey vote
The voting power of older people.
Politicians were trying to win the support of pensioners.
Amid mounting calls
While an increasing number of people are demanding something.
Public pressure for transparency grew stronger every day as more evidence emerged.
Get the red card
To be dismissed or sent off for breaking rules.
The player received a second yellow card and was ordered off the field.