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Idiomatic Expressions 11 (T)

This is the eleventh of twelve pages (11/12) of alphabetically organized idiomatic expressions. These expressions all begin with the letter T. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a challenging quiz about these idiomatic expressions.

  • take a short cut – to choose a quicker or easier way to do something or reach a place
    We took a short cut through the park and got there faster.
  • take off (1) – to leave the ground (airplane)
    The plane took off at exactly 9:00 a.m.
    take off (2) – to become successful or popular quickly
    Her business really took off after she launched her new product.
    take off (3) – to remove (especially clothing)
    He took off his shoes when he came in.
  • take over – to assume control of something
    The company was taken over by a larger corporation.
  • take part (in) – to participate
    Are you going to take part in the race this year?
  • take the plunge – to do something difficult or risky after thinking about it
    After years of thinking, she finally took the plunge and started her own business.
  • take time off (from) – to take a break from work or a routine
    He took time off from work to travel.
  • take up – to begin a new hobby or activity
    I took up painting last year.
  • talk down to – to speak to someone as if they are less intelligent
    Don’t talk down to me—I understand what you’re saying.
  • talk into – to persuade someone to do something
    He talked me into going to the party.
  • talk out of – to persuade someone not to do something
    She talked him out of quitting his job.
  • talk over – to discuss something
    We need to talk over the details before we decide.
  • tear oneself away from something – to force yourself to stop doing something enjoyable
    She tore herself away from the TV to study.
  • tear up – to destroy something by ripping it into pieces OR to start crying
    He tore up the letter after reading it.
    She teared up during the sad movie.
  • tell apart – to distinguish the difference between two or more things
    I can’t tell the twins apart.
  • things are looking up – the situation is improving
    Don’t worry—things are looking up!
  • think over – to consider something carefully
    Let me think it over before I answer.
  • throw away – to discard
    I threw away my old shoes.
  • throw cold water on – to discourage or be negative about an idea
    He threw cold water on our vacation plans.
  • throw the book at someone – to punish someone severely
    The judge threw the book at the repeat offender.
  • try on – to put on clothing to see if it fits
    Try on that jacket and see if it suits you.
  • try out – to test something to see how it works
    I want to try out this new recipe.
  • try out (for) – to audition or compete for a spot on a team, play, etc.
    He’s trying out for the school play.

Idiomatic Expressions 11

Choose the best meaning for the expression in bold.

1 / 15

I always take a short cut to avoid traffic.

2 / 15

The new fashion brand took off last year.

3 / 15

She took off her jacket as it got warmer.

4 / 15

He will take over as manager next month.

5 / 15

Are you going to take part in the meeting?

6 / 15

She finally took the plunge and moved abroad.

7 / 15

He took time off from work to relax.

8 / 15

I took up yoga to reduce stress.

9 / 15

Don’t talk down to me!

10 / 15

She talked me into going with her.

11 / 15

I tried to talk him out of quitting.

12 / 15

We should talk over our travel plans.

13 / 15

It was hard to tear myself away from the party.

14 / 15

I can’t tell them apart—they’re identical twins!

15 / 15

Don’t throw cold water on her idea.

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