My hands are tied
A manager wants to approve your request, but company policy gives her no permission. Which phrase explains her lack of freedom to act?
4-second sample
American, British, Australian
English dictation exercises
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Off the top of my head
Someone asks for last year's exact sales figure, but you have no report in front of you. Which phrase can qualify your answer from memory?
6-second sample
American, British, Australian
On the back burner
You still want to redesign the office, but an urgent customer problem must come first. Which phrase shows that the redesign is delayed, not abandoned?
3-second sample
American, British, Australian
On thin ice
An employee has ignored two warnings and is late again. Which phrase shows that another mistake could bring serious consequences?
6-second sample
American, British, Australian
Set your heart on
Your friend wants one particular university place so much that every alternative feels disappointing. Which expression describes that emotional commitment?
4-second sample
American, British, Australian
Smooth sailing
The first stage was difficult, but every later step worked without delay or confusion. Which phrase describes that trouble-free progress?
5-second sample
American, British, Australian
Take your mind off something
You are waiting anxiously for test results, and a funny film gives you two hours of relief. Which phrase describes this change of attention?
4-second sample
American, British, Australian
On the line
A failed presentation could cost a manager her position. Which phrase shows that her job faces a serious risk?
5-second sample
American, British, Australian
Out of the ordinary
A normally quiet street is filled with musicians at sunrise. Which phrase describes this noticeable departure from the usual pattern?
4-second sample
American, British, Australian
Play it by ear
Tomorrow's picnic depends on unpredictable weather, so you will decide after seeing the sky. Which phrase describes that flexible approach?
4-second sample
American, British, Australian
Pull your weight
Four people share a project, and each completes a reasonable part instead of leaving the work to others. Which idiom describes that fair contribution?
4-second sample
American, British, Australian
Put into perspective
A cost sounds enormous until you learn it is less than one percent of the total budget. Which phrase describes what that comparison does?
5-second sample
American, British, Australian
Ring a bell
You recognise a person's name but cannot remember where you heard it. Which phrase expresses that incomplete feeling of recognition?
5-second sample
American, British, Australian
Spur of the moment
You pass a theatre, see two available tickets, and immediately decide to attend. Which phrase describes that sudden unplanned decision?
4-second sample
American, British, Australian
