Idioms - Ngôn ngữ anh | Trường Đại học Thái Bình Dương

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1/ Tổng hợp các idiom thường gặp trong đề thi
THPT Quốc Gia
UMBER IDIOMS
One
at one time: thời gian nào đó đã qua
back to square one: trở lại từ đầu
be at one with someone: thống nhất với ai
be/get one up on someone: có ưu thế hơn ai
for one thing: vì 1 lý do
a great one for sth: đam mê chuyện gì
have one over th eight: uống quá chén
all in one, all rolled up into one: kết hợp lại
it’s all one (to me/him): như nhau thôi
my one and only copy: người duy nhất
a new one on me: chuyện lạ
one and the same: chỉ là một
one for the road: ly cuối cùng trước khi đi
one in the eye for somone: làm gai mắt
one in a thousand/milion: một người tốt trong ngàn người
a one-night stand: 1 đêm chơi bời
one of the boy: người cùng hội
one of these days: chẳng bao lâu
one of those days: ngày xui xẻo
one too many: quá nhiều rượu
a quick one: uống nhanh 1 ly rượu
Two
be in two minds: chưa quyết định được
for two pins: xém chút nữa
in two shakes: 1 loáng là xong
put two and two together: đoán chắc điều gì
two bites of/at the cherry: cơ hội đến 2 lần
two/ten a penny: dễ kiếm được
Other numbers
at sixs and sevens: tình rạng rối tinh rối mù
knock somone for six: đánh bại ai
a nine day wonder: 1 điều kỳ lạ nhất đời
a nine-to-five job: công việc nhàm chán
on cloud nine: trên 9 tầng mây
dresses up to the nines: ăn mặc bảnh bao
ten to one: rất có thể
nineteen to the dozen: nói huyên thuyên
COLOUR IDIOMS
Black
be in the black: có tài khoản
black anh blue: bị bầm tím
a black day (for someone/sth): ngày đen tối
black ice: băng đen
a black list : sổ đen
a black look: cái nhìn giận dữ
a black mark: một vết đen, vết nhơ
a/the black sheep 9of the family): vết nhơ của gia đình, xã hội
in someone’s black books: không được lòng ai
in black and white: giấy trằng mực đen
not as black as one/it is panted: không tồi tệ như người ta vẽ vời
Blue
blue blood: dòng giống hoàng tộc
a blue-collar worker/job: lao động chân tay
a/the blue-eyed boy: đứa con cưng
a boil from the blue: tin sét đánh
disapear/vanish/go off into the blue: biến mất tiêu
once in a blue moon: rất hiếm. hiếm hoi
out of the blue: bất ngờ
scream/cry blue muder: cực lực phản đối
till one is blue in the face: nói hết lời
Green
be green: còn non nớt
a green belt: vòng đai xanh
give someone get the green light: bật đèn xanh
green with envy: tái đi vì ghen
have (got) green fingers: có tay làm vườn
Grey
go/turn grey: bạc đầu
grey matter: chất xám
Red
be/go/turn as red as a beetroot: đỏ như gấc vì ngượng
be in the red: nợ ngân hàng
(catch soomeone/be caught) red-handed: bắt quả tang
the red carpet: đón chào nồng hậu
a red herring: đánh trống lãng
a red letter day: ngày đáng nhớ
see red: nổi giận bừng bừng
White
as white as a street/ghost: trắng bệt
a white-collar worker/job: nhận viên văn phòng
a white lie: lời nói dối vô hại
ANIMALS IDIOMS
badger someone: mè nheo ai
make a big of oneself: ăn uống thô tục
an eager beaver: người tham việc
a busy bee: người làm việc lu bù
have a bee in one’s bonest: ám ảnh chuyện gì
make a bee-line foe something: nhanh nhảu làm chuyện gì
the bee’s knees: ngon lành nhất
an early bird: người hay dậy sớm
a home bird: người thích ở nhà
a lone bird/worf: người hay ở nhà
an odd bird/fish: người quái dị
a rare bird: của hiếm
a bird’s eye view: nhìn bao quát/nói vắn tắt
bud someone: quấy rầy ai
take the bull by the horns: không ngại khó khăn
have butterflies in one’s stomach: nôn nóng
a cat nap: ngủ ngày
lead a cat and dog life: sống như chó với mèo
let the cat out of the bag: để lộ bí mật
not have room to swing a cat: hẹp như lỗi mũi
not have a cat in hell’s change: chẳng có cơ may
play cat and mouse with someone: chơi mèo vờn chuột
put the cat among the pigeons: làm hư bột hư đường
a dog in the manger: cho già ngậm xương (ko muốn ai sử dụng cái mình ko cần)
dog tired: mệt nhoài
top dog: kẻ thống trị
a dog’s life: cuộc sống lầm than
go to the dogs: sa sút
let sleeping dog’s lie: đừng khêu lại chuyện đã qua
donkey’s years: thời gian dài dằng dặc
do the donkey’s work: làm chuyện nhàm chán
a lame duck: người thất bại
a sitting duck: dễ bị tấn công
a cold fish: người lạnh lùng
a fish out of water: người lạc lõng
have other fish to fry: có chuyện fải làm
a fly in the oinment: con sâu làm rầu nồi canh
not hurt a fly: chẳng làm hại ai
there are no flies on someone: người ngôn lanh đáo để
can’t say boo to a goose: hiền như cục đất
**** someone’s goose: làm hư kế hoạch (hư bột hư đường)
a wild goose chase: cuộc tìm kiếm vô vọng
a guinea pig: người tự làm vật thí nghiệm
2/ Một số Idiom thường gặp thi đại học khác
One good turn deserves another (Ăn miếng trả miếng)
Who breaks, pays (Bắn súng không nên thì phải đền đạn)
Two securities are better than one (Cẩn tắc vô ưu)
Slow and sure (Chậm mà chắc)
Threats do not always lead to blows (Chó sủa là chó không cắn)
If the cab fits then wear it (Có tật giật mình)
Money makes the mare go (Có tiền mua tiên cũng được)
Where’s there’s life, there’s hope (Còn nước còn tát)
A lie has no legs (Giấu đầu lòi đuôi)
We have gone too far to draw back (Đâm lao thì phải theo lao)
In for a penny, in for a pound (Được voi đòi tiên)
Tell me the company you keep, and I will tell you what you see (Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì sáng)
It never rains but it pours (Họa vô đơn chí)
If you eat the fruit, you have to think about the one who grows the tree (Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây)
We reap what we sow (Gieo gió gặt bão)
THere’s no smoke without fire (Không có lửa sao có khói)
Who makes excuses, himself excuses (Lạy ông tôi ở bụi này)
One scabby sheep is enough to spoil the whole flock (Con sâu làm rầu nồi canh)
To kill two birds with one stone (Nhất cữ lưỡng tiện)
To let the wolf into the fold (Nuôi ong tay áo)
Constant dropping wears stone (Nước chảy đá mòn)
A miss is as good as a mile (Sai một ly đi một dặm)
A flow will have an ebb (Sông có khúc người có lúc)
Grasp all, lose all (Tham thì thâm)
Time lost is never found (Thời giờ đã mất thì không tìm lại được)
Bitter pills may have blessed effects (Thuốc đắng dã tật)
Beginning is the difficulty (Vạn sự khởi đầu nan)
Traveling forms a young man (Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn)
No guide, no realization (Không thầy đố mày làm nên)
More
Better late than never (muộn còn hơn ko)
Half a loaf is better than no bread (méo mó có hơn ko)
Health is better than wealth (Sức khỏe quý hơn vàng)
Birds of a feather flock together (Đồng thanh tương ứng, đồng khí tương cầu)
To run with the hare and hold with the hounds (Bắt cá hai tay)
Many a little makes a mickle (Kiến tha lâu cũng đấy tổ)
Where there is a will, there is a way (Có chí thì nên)
Actions speak louder than words = Nói ít làm nhiều;
Beauty is only skin-deep = Tốt gỗ hơn tốt nước sơn;
Caution is the parent of safety = Cẩn tắc vô áy náy;
Do not judge a man by his looks = Không nên trông mặt mà bắt hình dong;
The early bird catches the worm = Trâu chậm uống nước đục;
The empty vessel makes the greatest sound = Thùng rỗng kêu to.
A year care, a minute ruin : khôn ba năm, dại một giờ
Drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals : rượu vào lời ra, tửu nhập ngôn xuất
Fool’s haste is no speed : nhanh nhoảng đoảng, thật thà hư
God will not buy everething : giàu sang không mang lại hạnh phúc
Grasp all, lose all : tham thì thâm
Handsome is as handsome does : cái nết đánh chết cái đẹp
Like father like son : cha nào con nấy
Love me love my dog : yêu ai yêu cả đuờng đi, ghét ai ghét cả tông họ hàng
No wisdom like silence : không có sự thông minh nào bằng im lặng
Nothing venture, nothing win : đuợc ăn cả, ngã về không
Out of sight , out of mind : xa mặt cách lòng
So many men, so many minds : mỗi nguời một ý
Where there is a will, there is a way : có chí thì nên
Who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl : gần mực thì đen gần đèn thì sáng
You never know your luck: dịp may không đến hai lần
Tham khảo chi tiết 100 idioms thành ngữ tiếng anh quan trọng hay gặp trong đề thi (p2):
Idiom thường gặp
Nghĩa
Ví dụ
rainning cats and dog
rain heavily: Mưa tầm tã, Mưa
nặng hạt
It’s raining cats and dogs = It’s raining heavily
chalk and cheese
very different from each other:
Khác biệt
I don’t have anything in common with my
brother. We’re like chalk and cheese.
here and there
everywhere
I have been looking here and there for the gift
I bought for my girlfriend
a hot potato
something that is difficult
ordangerous to deal with (vấn đề
nan giải, nóng hổi)
The abortion issue is a political hot potatoin
the US.
at the drop of a hat
immediately, instantly (Ngay
lập tức)
If you need me, just call me. I can come at
the drop of a hat.
back to the drawing board
time to start from the beginning;
it is time to to
plan something over again (bắt
đầu lại)
My plans to create a tiny car made of glasses
were unsuccessful, so I guess it’s back to the
drawing board for me.
beat about the bush
avoiding the main topic, not
speaking directly about the issue
(nói vòng vo, lạc đề)
Stop beating about the bush and answer my
question.
best thing since sliced bread
a good invention or innovation, a
good idea or
plan (ý tưởng hay, tốt)
Portable phones are marketed as the best
thing since sliced bread; people think they are
extremely good.
burn the midnight oil
to stay up working, especially
studying late at night (thức
khuya làm việc, học bài)
I will have a big exam tomorrow so I’ll be
burning the midnight oil tonight.
caught between two stools
when someone finds it difficult
to choose between two
alternatives (lưỡng lự, không
biết lựa chọn cái nào, do dự)
I was caught between two stools when I
hadto choose which shirt to hang out with my
girlfriends.
break a leg
good luck! ( thường dùng để
chúc may mắn )
I have heard that you’r gonna take a test
tomorrow, break a leg, my friend!
hit the books
to study (học)
I can’t go out tonight. I’ve got to hit the
books. I’m having an exam tomorrow.
let the cat out of the bag
to reveal a secret or a surprise
by accident ( để lộ bí mật)
It’s a secret. Try not to let the cat out of the
bag.
when pigs fly
something will never happen
(chuyện viễn vông, không
tưởng)
I think he’ll pay you back your money – when
pigs fly
scratch someone’s back
help someone out with the
assumption that they
will return the favor in the future
(giúp đỡ người khác với hy vọng
họ sẽ giúp lại mình)
“You scratch my back and I will scratch yours
later,” the customer said when we talked
about the new sales contact.
hit the nail on the head
do or say something exactly right
(nói chính xác,làm chính xác)
Mike hit the nail on the head when he said
most people can use a computer without
knowing how it works.
take sb/sth for granted
coi nhẹ
One of the problems with relationships is that
after a while you begin to take each other for
granted!!
take sth into account/consideration
to remember to consider
something (tính đến cái gì, xem
xét việc gì)
We will take your long year of service into
account when we make our final decision.
put sb/sth at somebody’s disposal
to make someone or
something available to someone
(có sẵn theo ý muốn của ai)
I’d be glad to help you if you need me. I put
myself at your disposal.
splitting headache
a severe headache (đau đầu
như búa bổ)
I’ve got a splitting headache. I’m going
upstairs for a nap.
on the house
không phải trả tiền
I went to a restaurant last night. I was the ten
thousandth customer, so my dinner was on
the house.
off the peg
may sẵn (quần áo)
If I buy trousers off the peg, they’re always
too short.
hit the roof = go through the roof =
hit the ceiling
to suddenly become angry (giận
dữ)
I’m afraid he will hit the roof when he finds
out our vacation is canceled
bring the house down
làm cho cả khán phòng vỗ tay
nhiệt liệt
G-Dragon brought the house down. He really
brought down the house with his fantastic
song
pay through the nose
to pay too much for something
(trả giá quá đắt)
If you want a decent wine in a restaurant ,
you to have to pay through the nose for it.
by the skin of someone’s teeth
sát sao, rất sát
I got through calculus math by the skin of my
teeth.
pull someone’s leg
chọc ai
You don’t mean that. You’re just pulling my
leg.
it strike someone as/that a strange
lấy làm lạ
It strikes as a strange to me that he failed the
exam because he is so smart and diligent a
student.
high and low = here and there
everywhere
I have been searching high and low for the
gift I bought for my girlfriend.
the more, the merrier
càng đông càng vui
Can I bring some friends with me. Yeah sure,
the more, the merrier.
spick and span
ngăn nắp, gọn gàng
The kitchen was spick and span as ever,
every surface wiped down and everything in
its place.
every now and then
sometimes
Every now and then, I want to be alone.
part and parcel
integral, crucial (quan trọng,thiết
yếu)
Being recognised in the street is all part and
parcel of being famous.
go to someone’s head
khiến ai kiêu ngạo
Too much success will go to her head.
once in a blue moon
rất hiếm (rare)
Once in a blue moon, I stop thinking about
her. If only she knew how much I loved her.
few and far between
rare (hiếm gặp)
Go and tell her that you love her! That kind of
girl is really few and far between
be on the wagon
kiêng rượu
Bob’s old drinking buddies complained that
he was no fun when he went on the wagon
on the spot
immediately (ngay lập tức)
I will be there on the spot.
on the verge of = on the brink of = in
the edge
bên bờ vực
We have to protect elephants. They are on
the verge of extinction.
led someone by the nose
to control someone and make
them do exactly what you want
them to do (nắm đầu, dắt mũi ai)
They simply didn’t know what they were
doing and they were led by the nose by a
manipulative government
at the eleventh hour
vào phút chót
She always turned her term paper in at the
eleventh hour.
find fault with
chỉ trích, kiếm chuyện, bắt lỗi
It is very easy to find fault with the work
others.
off and on/ on and off
không đều đặn, thỉnh thoảng
We don’t often go there- just off and on.
make believe
giả bộ, giả vờ
I tried to make believe she was happy, but
knew deep down it was not true.
make good time
di chuyển nhanh, đi nhanh
We made good time and were at the hotel by
lunch time.
look daggers at someone
giận giữ nhìn ai đó
Their relationship is not free and easy but at
least he is no longer looking daggers at her.
be out of the question
không thể được
You cannot get married until you are 18, it’s
out of the question.
all at once
suddenly: bất thình lình
All at once, there was a loud banging on the
door.
blow someone’s trumpet
bốc phét, khoác lác
Anyone will tell you she’s one of the best
journalist we’ve got, although she’d never
blow her trumpet.
sleep on it
suy nghĩ thêm về điều gì đó
You don’t have to give me your decision now.
Sleep on it, and let me know tomorrow.
fight tooth and claw/nail
đánh nhau dữ dội, cấu xé nhau
We fought tooth and claw to retain our share
of business.
play tricks/jokes on
chọc phá, trêu ghẹo, chơi khăm
The kids are always play jokes on their
teachers
down the drain
đổ sông đổ biển (công sức, tiền
bạc)
It’s just money down the drain.
smell a rat
hoài nghi, linh cảm chuyện
không ổn
The minute I came in, I smelled a rat.
the last straw
giọt nước tràn ly
When she showed up late a third time, that
was the last straw. We had to fire her.
get the hang of something
nắm bắt được, sử dụng được
I’ll teach you how to use
the design program you’ll get the hang of it
after a while
hard of hearing
lãng tai, nặng tai
Tom is hard of hearing. Therefore, we have to
speak loudly so that he can hear us.
keep an eye on
coi chừng, ngó chừng
Please keep an eye on my baby while I’m out
for a while.
have a bee in one’s bonnet (about
something)
đặt nặng chuyện gì, chấp nhất
chuyện gì
She has a bee in her bonnet about going to
America.
get/have cold feet
mất hết can đảm, chùn bước
I’m worried my members in this page may be
getting cold feet about the university entrance
exam. Therefore, I will try my best to help
them overcome this severe exam.
on second thoughts
suy nghĩ kĩ
On second thoughts, it was a dumb movie.
in vain
vô ích
Government agents tried in vain kidnap him.
chip in
quyên góp, góp tiền
If everyone chips in, we will be able to buy
her a nice present.
off someone’s head
điên, loạn trí
The old man has been off his head for at
least a year.
run an errand
làm việc vặt
I’ve got to run an errand. I’ll be back in a
minute.
jump the traffic lights
vượt đèn đỏ
They ignore people who jumps the traffic
lights.
fly off the handle
dễ nổi giận, phát cáu
No one will fly off the handle for no reason.
the apple of someone’s eyes
đồ quý giá của ai
You are the apple of my eyes
bucket down
mưa xối xả, mưa to
It’s been bucketing down all day.
close shave = narrow escape
thoát chết trong gang tấc
Phew, that was a close shave. I was so lucky.
drop a brick
lỡ lời, lỡ miệng
I dropped a brick when talking with my best
friend, and now she doesn’t want to talk to
me.
get butterflies in someone’s
stomach
cảm thấy bồn chồn
I always get butterflies in my stomach when it
comes to taking test
off the record
không chính thức, không được
công bố
What the president said is not to be printed.
It’s off the record
someone’s cup of tea
thứ mà ta thích
SNSD is my cup of tea. They are so beautiful
and talented. Especially Seohyun, she looks
so cute
cut it fine
đến sát giờ
Only allowing half an hour to get from the
station to the airport is cutting it fine, isn’t it?
golden handshake
món tiền hậu hĩnh dành cho
người sắp nghỉ việc
The manager got early retirement and a
600,000$ golden handshake when the
company was restructed.
put on an act
giả bộ, làm bộ
We’ve known you are a good swimmer –
stop putting on an act.
come to light
được biết đến, được phát hiện,
được đưa ra ánh sáng.
Four soldiers have faced charges since the
scandal came to light last fall
take things to pieces
tháo ra từng mảnh
Men like to take things to pieces and putthem
together.
put someone’s foot in it
gây nhầm lẫn, bối rối, phạm một
sai lầm gây bối rối
I really put my foot in it when I asked her
about her job. I didn’t know she’d just been
fired.
pull someone’s weight
nỗ lực, làm tròn trách nhiệm
The rest of the team complained that Sarah
wasn’t pulling her weight.
make ends meet
xoay sở để kiếm sống
I have to work at two jobs to make ends
meet.
get the hold of the wrong end of the
stick
hiểu nhầm ai đó
I think I must explain to her that she got hold
of the wrong end of the stick again.
cut and dried
cuối cùng, không thể thay đổi, rõ
ràng, dễ hiểu
Although a deal has been agreed, it is not yet
cut and dried
stay/keep on someone’s toe
cảnh giác, thận trọng
We had better keep on our toes while we’re
walking along the dark portions of this street.
see eye to eye
đồng tình
I’m glad that they see eye to eye on the
matter of the conference location.
have in mind
đang suy tính, cân nhắc
I don’t want to see a movie now, I have in
mind going to the park.
a lost cause
hết hy vọng, không thay đổi
được gì
It seems that Charles will give it up. I suppose
he is a lost cause.
to be bound to
chắc chắn
You’re bound to be late if you don’t hurry.
at heart
thực chất, cơ bản (basically,
fundamentally)
James sometimes seems quite unfriendly but
at heart he’s a good person.
to know by sight
nhận ra (recognize)
The woman said that she would know the
thief by sight if she ever saw him again.
now and then = now and again = at
times = from time to time = off and
on = once in a while = every so
often
thỉnh thoảng, không thường
xuyên
Josh does stop by the store every now and
then, but I haven’t seen him lately.
to take pains
làm việc cẩn thận và tận tâm
She takes pains to do everything well.
to make do
xoay sở, đương đầu (to
manage, to cope)
During difficult economic times, many people
have to make do with less.
on probation
trong thời gian quản chế
While Anne was on probation, she reported to
the police regularly
face the music
chịu trận
Mary broke a dining-room window and had to
face the music when her father got home
sell/go like hot cakes
bán đắt như tôm tươi
The book has only just been published
andcopies are already selling like hot cakes
in both Britain and America.
it never rains but it pours
good or bad things do not just
happen a few at atime, but in
large numbers all at once (họa
vô đơn chí)
First of all it was the car breaking down, then
the fire in the kitchen and now Mike’s
accident. It never rains but it pours!
salt and pepper
màu t c hoa râm ó
He has a salt and pepper beard.
down and out
thất cơ lỡ vận
True friends always stand by you when you’re
down and out.
| 1/19

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1/ Tổng hợp các idiom thường gặp trong đề thi THPT Quốc Gia UMBER IDIOMS One
– at one time: thời gian nào đó đã qua
– back to square one: trở lại từ đầu
– be at one with someone: thống nhất với ai
– be/get one up on someone: có ưu thế hơn ai
– for one thing: vì 1 lý do
– a great one for sth: đam mê chuyện gì
– have one over th eight: uống quá chén
– all in one, all rolled up into one: kết hợp lại
– it’s all one (to me/him): như nhau thôi
– my one and only copy: người duy nhất
– a new one on me: chuyện lạ
– one and the same: chỉ là một
– one for the road: ly cuối cùng trước khi đi
– one in the eye for somone: làm gai mắt
– one in a thousand/milion: một người tốt trong ngàn người
– a one-night stand: 1 đêm chơi bời
– one of the boy: người cùng hội
– one of these days: chẳng bao lâu
– one of those days: ngày xui xẻo
– one too many: quá nhiều rượu
– a quick one: uống nhanh 1 ly rượu Two
– be in two minds: chưa quyết định được
– for two pins: xém chút nữa
– in two shakes: 1 loáng là xong
– put two and two together: đoán chắc điều gì
– two bites of/at the cherry: cơ hội đến 2 lần
– two/ten a penny: dễ kiếm được Other numbers
– at sixs and sevens: tình rạng rối tinh rối mù
– knock somone for six: đánh bại ai
– a nine day wonder: 1 điều kỳ lạ nhất đời
– a nine-to-five job: công việc nhàm chán
– on cloud nine: trên 9 tầng mây
– dresses up to the nines: ăn mặc bảnh bao
– ten to one: rất có thể
– nineteen to the dozen: nói huyên thuyên COLOUR IDIOMS Black
– be in the black: có tài khoản
– black anh blue: bị bầm tím
– a black day (for someone/sth): ngày đen tối – black ice: băng đen – a black list: sổ đen
– a black look: cái nhìn giận dữ
– a black mark: một vết đen, vết nhơ
– a/the black sheep 9of the family): vết nhơ của gia đình, xã hội
– in someone’s black books: không được lòng ai
– in black and white: giấy trằng mực đen
– not as black as one/it is panted: không tồi tệ như người ta vẽ vời Blue
– blue blood: dòng giống hoàng tộc
– a blue-collar worker/job: lao động chân tay
– a/the blue-eyed boy: đứa con cưng
– a boil from the blue: tin sét đánh
– disapear/vanish/go off into the blue: biến mất tiêu
– once in a blue moon: rất hiếm. hiếm hoi
– out of the blue: bất ngờ
– scream/cry blue muder: cực lực phản đối
– till one is blue in the face: nói hết lời Green – be green: còn non nớt
– a green belt: vòng đai xanh
– give someone get the green light: bật đèn xanh
– green with envy: tái đi vì ghen
– have (got) green fingers: có tay làm vườn Grey
– go/turn grey: bạc đầu – grey matter: chất xám Red
– be/go/turn as red as a beetroot: đỏ như gấc vì ngượng
– be in the red: nợ ngân hàng
– (catch soomeone/be caught) red-handed: bắt quả tang
– the red carpet: đón chào nồng hậu
– a red herring: đánh trống lãng
– a red letter day: ngày đáng nhớ
– see red: nổi giận bừng bừng White
– as white as a street/ghost: trắng bệt
– a white-collar worker/job: nhận viên văn phòng
– a white lie: lời nói dối vô hại ANIMALS IDIOMS
– badger someone: mè nheo ai
– make a big of oneself: ăn uống thô tục
– an eager beaver: người tham việc
– a busy bee: người làm việc lu bù
– have a bee in one’s bonest: ám ảnh chuyện gì
– make a bee-line foe something: nhanh nhảu làm chuyện gì
– the bee’s knees: ngon lành nhất
– an early bird: người hay dậy sớm
– a home bird: người thích ở nhà
– a lone bird/worf: người hay ở nhà
– an odd bird/fish: người quái dị – a rare bird: của hiếm
– a bird’s eye view: nhìn bao quát/nói vắn tắt
– bud someone: quấy rầy ai
– take the bull by the horns: không ngại khó khăn
– have butterflies in one’s stomach: nôn nóng – a cat nap: ngủ ngày
– lead a cat and dog life: sống như chó với mèo
– let the cat out of the bag: để lộ bí mật
– not have room to swing a cat: hẹp như lỗi mũi
– not have a cat in hell’s change: chẳng có cơ may
– play cat and mouse with someone: chơi mèo vờn chuột
– put the cat among the pigeons: làm hư bột hư đường
– a dog in the manger: cho già ngậm xương (ko muốn ai sử dụng cái mình ko cần) – dog tired: mệt nhoài
– top dog: kẻ thống trị
– a dog’s life: cuộc sống lầm than – go to the dogs: sa sút
– let sleeping dog’s lie: đừng khêu lại chuyện đã qua
– donkey’s years: thời gian dài dằng dặc
– do the donkey’s work: làm chuyện nhàm chán
– a lame duck: người thất bại
– a sitting duck: dễ bị tấn công
– a cold fish: người lạnh lùng
– a fish out of water: người lạc lõng
– have other fish to fry: có chuyện fải làm
– a fly in the oinment: con sâu làm rầu nồi canh
– not hurt a fly: chẳng làm hại ai
– there are no flies on someone: người ngôn lanh đáo để
– can’t say boo to a goose: hiền như cục đất
– **** someone’s goose: làm hư kế hoạch (hư bột hư đường)
– a wild goose chase: cuộc tìm kiếm vô vọng
– a guinea pig: người tự làm vật thí nghiệm
2/ Một số Idiom thường gặp thi đại học khác
• One good turn deserves another (Ăn miếng trả miếng)
• Who breaks, pays (Bắn súng không nên thì phải đền đạn)
• Two securities are better than one (Cẩn tắc vô ưu)
• Slow and sure (Chậm mà chắc)
• Threats do not always lead to blows (Chó sủa là chó không cắn)
• If the cab fits then wear it (Có tật giật mình)
• Money makes the mare go (Có tiền mua tiên cũng được)
• Where’s there’s life, there’s hope (Còn nước còn tát)
• A lie has no legs (Giấu đầu lòi đuôi)
• We have gone too far to draw back (Đâm lao thì phải theo lao)
• In for a penny, in for a pound (Được voi đòi tiên)
• Tell me the company you keep, and I will tell you what you see (Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì sáng)
• It never rains but it pours (Họa vô đơn chí)
• If you eat the fruit, you have to think about the one who grows the tree (Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây)
• We reap what we sow (Gieo gió gặt bão)
• THere’s no smoke without fire (Không có lửa sao có khói)
• Who makes excuses, himself excuses (Lạy ông tôi ở bụi này)
• One scabby sheep is enough to spoil the whole flock (Con sâu làm rầu nồi canh)
• To kill two birds with one stone (Nhất cữ lưỡng tiện)
• To let the wolf into the fold (Nuôi ong tay áo)
• Constant dropping wears stone (Nước chảy đá mòn)
• A miss is as good as a mile (Sai một ly đi một dặm)
• A flow will have an ebb (Sông có khúc người có lúc)
• Grasp all, lose all (Tham thì thâm)
• Time lost is never found (Thời giờ đã mất thì không tìm lại được)
• Bitter pills may have blessed effects (Thuốc đắng dã tật)
• Beginning is the difficulty (Vạn sự khởi đầu nan)
• Traveling forms a young man (Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn)
• No guide, no realization (Không thầy đố mày làm nên) More
• Better late than never (muộn còn hơn ko)
• Half a loaf is better than no bread (méo mó có hơn ko)
• Health is better than wealth (Sức khỏe quý hơn vàng)
• Birds of a feather flock together (Đồng thanh tương ứng, đồng khí tương cầu)
• To run with the hare and hold with the hounds (Bắt cá hai tay)
• Many a little makes a mickle (Kiến tha lâu cũng đấy tổ)
• Where there is a will, there is a way (Có chí thì nên)
• Actions speak louder than words = Nói ít làm nhiều;
• Beauty is only skin-deep = Tốt gỗ hơn tốt nước sơn;
• Caution is the parent of safety = Cẩn tắc vô áy náy;
• Do not judge a man by his looks = Không nên trông mặt mà bắt hình dong;
• The early bird catches the worm = Trâu chậm uống nước đục;
• The empty vessel makes the greatest sound = Thùng rỗng kêu to.
• A year care, a minute ruin : khôn ba năm, dại một giờ
• Drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals : rượu vào lời ra, tửu nhập ngôn xuất
• Fool’s haste is no speed : nhanh nhoảng đoảng, thật thà hư
• God will not buy everething : giàu sang không mang lại hạnh phúc
• Grasp all, lose all : tham thì thâm
• Handsome is as handsome does : cái nết đánh chết cái đẹp
• Like father like son : cha nào con nấy
• Love me love my dog : yêu ai yêu cả đuờng đi, ghét ai ghét cả tông họ hàng
• No wisdom like silence : không có sự thông minh nào bằng im lặng
• Nothing venture, nothing win : đuợc ăn cả, ngã về không
• Out of sight , out of mind : xa mặt cách lòng
• So many men, so many minds : mỗi nguời một ý
• Where there is a will, there is a way : có chí thì nên
• Who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl : gần mực thì đen gần đèn thì sáng
• You never know your luck: dịp may không đến hai lần
Tham khảo chi tiết 100 idioms thành ngữ tiếng anh quan trọng hay gặp trong đề thi (p2): Idiom thường gặp Nghĩa Ví dụ
rain heavily: Mưa tầm tã, Mưa rainning cats and dog
It’s raining cats and dogs = It’s raining heavily nặng hạt
very different from each other:
I don’t have anything in common with my chalk and cheese Khác biệt
brother. We’re like chalk and cheese.
I have been looking here and there for the gift here and there everywhere I bought for my girlfriend something that is difficult
The abortion issue is a political hot potatoin a hot potato
ordangerous to deal with (vấn đề nan giải, nóng hổi) the US. immediately, instantly ( Ngay
If you need me, just cal me. I can come at at the drop of a hat lập tức) the drop of a hat.
time to start from the beginning; My plans to create a tiny car made of glasses it is time to to back to the drawing board
were unsuccessful, so I guess it’s
plan something over again (bắt back to the đầu lại) drawing board for me. avoiding the main topic, not
Stop beating about the bush and answer my beat about the bush
speaking directly about the issue (nói vòng vo, lạc question. đề)
a good invention or innovation, a Portable phones are marketed as the best best thing since sliced bread good idea or
thing since sliced bread; people think they are plan (ý tưởng hay, tốt) extremely good.
to stay up working, especially
I will have a big exam tomorrow so I’l be burn the midnight oil
studying late at night (thức khuya làm việc, học bài)
burning the midnight oil tonight.
when someone finds it difficult I was caught between two stools when I to choose between two caught between two stools
alternatives (lưỡng lự, không
hadto choose which shirt to hang out with my
biết lựa chọn cái nào, do dự) girlfriends.
good luck! ( thường dùng để
I have heard that you’r gonna take a test break a leg chúc may mắn )
tomorrow, break a leg, my friend!
I can’t go out tonight. I’ve got to hit the hit the books to study (học)
books. I’m having an exam tomorrow.
to reveal a secret or a surprise It’s a secret. Try not to let the cat out of the let the cat out of the bag
by accident ( để lộ bí mật) bag. something will never happen
I think he’l pay you back your money – when when pigs fly
(chuyện viễn vông, không tưởng) pigs fly help someone out with the assumption that they
“You scratch my back and I will scratch yours scratch someone’s back
will return the favor in the future later,” the customer said when we talked
(giúp đỡ người khác với hy vọng about the new sales contact. họ sẽ giúp lại mình)
Mike hit the nail on the head when he said
do or say something exactly right hit the nail on the head
most people can use a computer without
(nói chính xác,làm chính xác) knowing how it works.
One of the problems with relationships is that take sb/sth for granted coi nhẹ
after a while you begin to take each other for granted!! to remember to consider
We will take your long year of service into
take sth into account/consideration something (tính đến cái gì, xem xét việc gì)
account when we make our final decision. to make someone or
I’d be glad to help you if you need me. I put
put sb/sth at somebody’s disposal something available to someone
(có sẵn theo ý muốn của ai) myself at your disposal.
a severe headache (đau đầu
I’ve got a splitting headache. I’m going splitting headache như búa bổ) upstairs for a nap.
I went to a restaurant last night. I was the ten on the house không phải trả tiền
thousandth customer, so my dinner was on the house.
If I buy trousers off the peg, they’re always off the peg may sẵn (quần áo) too short.
hit the roof = go through the roof = to suddenly become angry (giận I’m afraid he will hit the roof when he finds hit the ceiling dữ) out our vacation is canceled
G-Dragon brought the house down. He really
làm cho cả khán phòng vỗ tay bring the house down nhiệt liệt
brought down the house with his fantastic song
to pay too much for something If you want a decent wine in a restaurant , pay through the nose (trả giá quá đắt)
you to have to pay through the nose for it.
by the skin of someone’s teeth
I got through calculus math by the skin of my sát sao, rất sát teeth.
You don’t mean that. You’re just pulling my pull someone’s leg chọc ai leg.
It strikes as a strange to me that he failed the
it strike someone as/that a strange lấy làm lạ
exam because he is so smart and diligent a student.
I have been searching high and low for the high and low = here and there everywhere
gift I bought for my girlfriend.
Can I bring some friends with me. Yeah sure, the more, the merrier càng đông càng vui the more, the merrier.
The kitchen was spick and span as ever, spick and span ngăn nắp, gọn gàng
every surface wiped down and everything in its place. every now and then sometimes
Every now and then, I want to be alone.
integral, crucial (quan trọng,thiếtBeing recognised in the street is all part and part and parcel yếu) parcel of being famous. go to someone’s head khiến ai kiêu ngạo
Too much success wil go to her head.
Once in a blue moon, I stop thinking about once in a blue moon rất hiếm (rare)
her. If only she knew how much I loved her.
Go and tell her that you love her! That kind of few and far between rare (hiếm gặp)
girl is really few and far between
Bob’s old drinking buddies complained that be on the wagon kiêng rượu
he was no fun when he went on the wagon on the spot
immediately (ngay lập tức) I will be there on the spot.
on the verge of = on the brink of = in bên bờ vực
We have to protect elephants. They are on the edge the verge of extinction. to control someone and make
They simply didn’t know what they were led someone by the nose
them do exactly what you want doing and they were led by the nose by a
them to do (nắm đầu, dắt mũi ai) manipulative government
She always turned her term paper in at the at the eleventh hour vào phút chót eleventh hour.
It is very easy to find fault with the work find fault with
chỉ trích, kiếm chuyện, bắt lỗi others. off and on/ on and off
không đều đặn, thỉnh thoảng
We don’t often go there- just off and on.
I tried to make believe she was happy, but make believe giả bộ, giả vờ
knew deep down it was not true.
We made good time and were at the hotel by make good time di chuyển nhanh, đi nhanh lunch time.
Their relationship is not free and easy but at look daggers at someone giận giữ nhìn ai đó
least he is no longer looking daggers at her.
You cannot get married until you are 18, it’s be out of the question không thể được out of the question.
All at once, there was a loud banging on the all at once suddenly: bất thình lình door.
Anyone will tell you she’s one of the best blow someone’s trumpet bốc phét, khoác lác
journalist we’ve got, although she’d never blow her trumpet.
You don’t have to give me your decision now. sleep on it
suy nghĩ thêm về điều gì đó
Sleep on it, and let me know tomorrow.
We fought tooth and claw to retain our share fight tooth and claw/nail
đánh nhau dữ dội, cấu xé nhau of business.
The kids are always play jokes on their play tricks/jokes on
chọc phá, trêu ghẹo, chơi khăm teachers
đổ sông đổ biển (công sức, tiền down the drain
It’s just money down the drain. bạc)
hoài nghi, linh cảm chuyện smell a rat không ổn
The minute I came in, I smelled a rat.
When she showed up late a third time, that the last straw giọt nước tràn ly
was the last straw. We had to fire her. I’ll teach you how to use get the hang of something
nắm bắt được, sử dụng được
the design program – you’ll get the hang of it after a while
Tom is hard of hearing. Therefore, we have to hard of hearing lãng tai, nặng tai
speak loudly so that he can hear us.
Please keep an eye on my baby while I’m out keep an eye on coi chừng, ngó chừng for a while.
have a bee in one’s bonnet (about đặt nặng chuyện gì, chấp nhất She has a bee in her bonnet about going to something) chuyện gì America.
I’m worried my members in this page may be
getting cold feet about the university entrance get/have cold feet
mất hết can đảm, chùn bước
exam. Therefore, I will try my best to help
them overcome this severe exam. on second thoughts suy nghĩ kĩ
On second thoughts, it was a dumb movie. in vain vô ích
Government agents tried in vain kidnap him.
If everyone chips in, we will be able to buy chip in quyên góp, góp tiền her a nice present. off someone’s head
The old man has been off his head for at điên, loạn trí least a year.
I’ve got to run an errand. I’ll be back in a run an errand làm việc vặt minute.
They ignore people who jumps the traffic jump the traffic lights vượt đèn đỏ lights. fly off the handle dễ nổi giận, phát cáu
No one will fly off the handle for no reason. the apple of someone’s eyes đồ quý giá của ai You are the apple of my eyes bucket down mưa xối xả, mưa to
It’s been bucketing down all day. close shave = narrow escape
thoát chết trong gang tấc
Phew, that was a close shave. I was so lucky.
I dropped a brick when talking with my best drop a brick lỡ lời, lỡ miệng
friend, and now she doesn’t want to talk to me.
get butterflies in someone’s
I always get butterflies in my stomach when it cảm thấy bồn chồn stomach comes to taking test
không chính thức, không được What the president said is not to be printed. off the record công bố It’s off the record
SNSD is my cup of tea. They are so beautiful someone’s cup of tea thứ mà ta thích
and talented. Especially Seohyun, she looks so cute
Only allowing half an hour to get from the cut it fine đến sát giờ
station to the airport is cutting it fine, isn’t it?
món tiền hậu hĩnh dành cho
The manager got early retirement and a golden handshake người sắp nghỉ việc
600,000$ golden handshake when the company was restructed.
We’ve known you are a good swimmer – put on an act giả bộ, làm bộ stop putting on an act.
được biết đến, được phát hiện, Four soldiers have faced charges since the come to light được đưa ra ánh sáng.
scandal came to light last fall
Men like to take things to pieces and putthem take things to pieces tháo ra từng mảnh together.
gây nhầm lẫn, bối rối, phạm một I really put my foot in it when I asked her put someone’s foot in it
about her job. I didn’t know she’d just been sai lầm gây bối rối fired. pull someone’s weight
The rest of the team complained that Sarah
nỗ lực, làm tròn trách nhiệm wasn’t pulling her weight.
I have to work at two jobs to make ends make ends meet xoay sở để kiếm sống meet.
get the hold of the wrong end of the hiểu nhầm ai đó
I think I must explain to her that she got hold stick
of the wrong end of the stick again.
cuối cùng, không thể thay đổi, rõ Although a deal has been agreed, it is not yet cut and dried ràng, dễ hiểu cut and dried
We had better keep on our toes while we’ stay/keep on someone’s toe re cảnh giác, thận trọng
walking along the dark portions of this street.
I’m glad that they see eye to eye on the see eye to eye đồng tình
matter of the conference location.
I don’t want to see a movie now, I have in have in mind đang suy tính, cân nhắc mind going to the park.
hết hy vọng, không thay đổi
It seems that Charles will give it up. I suppose a lost cause được gì he is a lost cause. to be bound to chắc chắn
You’re bound to be late if you don’t hurry.
thực chất, cơ bản (basically,
James sometimes seems quite unfriendly but at heart fundamental y)
at heart he’s a good person.
The woman said that she would know the to know by sight nhận ra (recognize)
thief by sight if she ever saw him again.
now and then = now and again = at
times = from time to time = off and thỉnh thoảng, không thường
Josh does stop by the store every now and
on = once in a while = every so xuyên
then, but I haven’t seen him lately. often to take pains
làm việc cẩn thận và tận tâm
She takes pains to do everything well.
xoay sở, đương đầu (to
During difficult economic times, many people to make do manage, to cope) have to make do with less.
While Anne was on probation, she reported to on probation
trong thời gian quản chế the police regularly
Mary broke a dining-room window and had to face the music chịu trận
face the music when her father got home
The book has only just been published sell/go like hot cakes bán đắt như tôm tươi
andcopies are already selling like hot cakes in both Britain and America.
good or bad things do not just
First of all it was the car breaking down, then happen a few at atime, but in it never rains but it pours
the fire in the kitchen and now Mike’s
large numbers all at once (họa vô đơn chí)
accident. It never rains but it pours! salt and pepper màu tóc hoa râm
He has a salt and pepper beard.
True friends always stand by you when you’re down and out thất cơ lỡ vận down and out.