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English idioms and listening practice

You may know every word in an idiom and still miss what the speaker means. Start with the situation, then listen for the phrase as a whole.

  • 86 lessons
  • B1 to C2
  • 3 accents

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64 lessons
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Filtered by Level: B2 Remove Level filter Clear all
IDIOM B2 12 min

Grey area

A company policy explains business travel but says nothing about combining a work trip with one personal day. The rule is not clearly allowed or forbidden. What is this situation?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Hand in your notice

You have accepted another job, but your contract requires four more weeks of work. What do you give your employer to formally begin the leaving process?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Hands full

You are caring for a sick child while finishing two urgent reports. A colleague asks whether you can lead another project. How can you explain that you are already too busy?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Have a word

A mistake in a report needs discussing, but you do not want to raise it in front of the whole team. How can you ask the writer for a short private conversation?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Head start

You receive the reading list a month before everyone else and finish two books before the course begins. What kind of advantage do you have?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Hit and miss

A bus arrives exactly on time some mornings and twenty minutes late on others. You cannot plan around it with confidence. How can you describe the service?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

In one go

A report usually takes you three short sessions, but today you read the entire document without stopping. How can you describe completing it as one continuous action?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

In the loop

A project changes while you are away, but your colleague sends every update. Which phrase shows that you remain informed and included?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

In the running

Three candidates remain after the final interview, and any one of them could get the job. How can you describe their continuing chance?

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Video IDIOM B2 12 min

In your element

Your quiet friend becomes lively and confident while organising a complex event. Which phrase shows that this activity suits her perfectly?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

It goes without saying

Everyone understands that a borrowed camera must be returned safely, but you still want to emphasise it politely. Which expression introduces that obvious expectation?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Jump the gun

A company announces a product before the final safety test is complete. Which idiom criticises acting before the right moment?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Keep an eye out

Your parcel could arrive at any moment while you are in another room. What can you ask a friend to do?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Might as well

The bus will not arrive for an hour, and walking takes twenty minutes. How can you casually suggest the most logical choice?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

On the same page

Before work begins, everyone agrees about the goal, deadline, and responsibilities. Which phrase describes that shared understanding?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

One-off

A company pays a special bonus this month but will not repeat it. Which British English expression shows that the payment happens only once?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Play safe

Traffic is unpredictable, so you take an earlier train to avoid missing your flight. Which expression describes this cautious choice?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Singing your praises

Have you ever chosen a course because several people could not stop talking about how good the teacher was?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Take advantage of

Using a free course is sensible, but using a helpful colleague unfairly is not. How can one expression describe both situations?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Take for granted

You assume the shop opens on Sunday without checking, and you rarely thank the friend who always helps. Which expression fits both mistakes?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

Take it out on someone

A difficult meeting makes someone angry, and later they shout at a family member who did nothing wrong. Which expression describes this unfair redirection?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

The ball is in your court

You have sent the proposal and answered every question. Nothing else can happen until the client responds. Whose responsibility is the next move?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

The bottom line

A long meeting produces dozens of details, but everyone needs one clear conclusion. Which phrase brings the discussion back to what matters most?

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IDIOM B2 12 min

The elephant in the room

Everyone at dinner speaks politely, although two guests have stopped talking to each other. The problem is obvious, but nobody mentions it.

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What this family trains

What to practise

Choose an expression you want to understand. Read its meaning and examples, then try the first dictation free.

Recognise an expression inside a complete sentence. Listen once for the message, then replay to catch the words around the idiom.

Decide when the expression fits. Compare the examples and notes on tone before using it in a conversation of your own.

Why it is hard to hear

What to listen for

Words can run together in a recording. If the phrase is familiar on paper but hard to hear, compare one short part with the transcript, then replay without reading.

A literal interpretation may not fit the situation. Check who is speaking and what has happened before deciding what an idiom means.

Start here

Suggested starting points

Choose a level that fits you. You can return to the full list at any time.

  1. Start at B1

    Take it easy

    Take it easy means to rest and avoid hard effort. It means to calm down and stop worrying. It also means goodbye between friends.

    12 min · Open lesson
  2. Then try C1

    A matter of time

    A new café is already popular, and you are confident it will need a bigger space, but you do not know when. Which phrase expresses that expectation?

    12 min · Open lesson
  3. Stretch at C2

    On the line

    A failed presentation could cost a manager her position. Which phrase shows that her job faces a serious risk?

    12 min · Open lesson

Level progression

From B1 to C2

Check the lesson count at each level before choosing where to start.

  1. B1 1 lesson

    Start with a familiar situation and a short sentence. Check the meaning before trying dictation.

  2. B2 64 lessons

    Compare expressions used at work and in everyday conversation. Pay attention to the words around the idiom.

  3. C1 14 lessons

    Use the tone and contrast notes to decide why one expression fits better than another.

  4. C2 7 lessons

    Look closely at implied meaning. Use the test to check exact wording after you understand the message.

Accent note

Compare the available voices

Choose from the accents shown for the current clip. Mixed changes the voice between clips where alternatives are available. To compare voices, replay the same sentence in another available accent.

Questions learners ask

Before you start

Should I learn idioms from a list?

A list can introduce useful expressions. Follow it with a complete example and a recording so you can connect the meaning with how the phrase sounds.

Why focus on one expression?

It gives you time to understand its meaning, compare situations, and hear it in more than one sentence before moving on.

Can I use every idiom at work?

Check the tone and usage notes first. An expression that fits a relaxed conversation may sound too casual or dismissive in a formal one.

What if I know the idiom but miss words?

Look at the marked words. You may have missed a sound, an ending, or a spelling detail. Replay that part, compare with the transcript, then try without reading.

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