This is the sixth of twelve pages (6/12) of alphabetically organized idiomatic expressions. These expressions begin with the letters I-J-K and L. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a challenging quiz about these idiomatic expressions.
- in a nutshell – briefly; in a few words.
Example: In a nutshell, we’re moving to Spain. - in favor of – supporting or approving something.
Example: Are you in favor of the new policy? - in hot water – in trouble.
Example: He’s in hot water for skipping class. - in no time – very soon or quickly.
Example: We’ll finish this in no time. - in person – physically present, not virtually or by phone.
Example: I want to thank her in person. - in store – planned or expected to happen.
Example: You never know what’s in store for you. - in the dark – not informed or unaware.
Example: I’m in the dark about the meeting schedule. - in the long run – over a long period of time.
Example: It’s more expensive now, but cheaper in the long run. - in the same boat – in the same situation (usually bad).
Example: We’re all in the same boat—nobody studied. - iron out – to resolve or fix (usually problems or disagreements).
Example: Let’s iron out the details tomorrow. - join the club – used to say others share the same problem.
Example: Tired? Join the club! - jump to conclusions – to decide something without enough evidence.
Example: Don’t jump to conclusions before hearing the facts. - keep an eye on – to watch closely or monitor.
Example: Can you keep an eye on my bag? - keep an eye out (for) – to watch for something to appear.
Example: Keep an eye out for the delivery truck. - keep on (with) – to continue doing something.
Example: Keep on practicing and you’ll improve. - keep track of – to monitor or stay informed.
Example: I use an app to keep track of my workouts. - keep up with – to stay at the same level as someone/something.
Example: She walks so fast I can’t keep up with her. - kill time – to do something while waiting.
Example: I read a book to kill time at the airport. - know like the back of one’s hand – to know very well.
Example: I know this neighborhood like the back of my hand. - lay off – to fire someone from a job.
Example: The company laid off 200 workers. - learn the ropes – to learn how to do a job or task.
Example: It took me a week to learn the ropes. - leave out – to exclude or omit.
Example: You left out the most important detail! - leave alone – to not disturb or bother.
Example: He asked to be left alone. - let someone down – to disappoint someone.
Example: I promised to help and I won’t let you down. - let up – to become less severe (rain, pain, etc.).
Example: We’ll leave when the rain lets up. - look after – to take care of.
Example: She looks after her younger brother. - look for – to try to find something.
Example: I’m looking for my keys. - look forward to – to feel excited about something in the future.
Example: I’m looking forward to the weekend. - look into – to investigate.
Example: I’ll look into that complaint right away.