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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

Choose a short lesson

86 lessons
IDIOM C1 12 min

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?

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IDIOM C1 12 min

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?

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IDIOM C1 12 min

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?

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IDIOM C1 12 min

On thin ice

An employee has ignored two warnings and is late again. Which phrase shows that another mistake could bring serious consequences?

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IDIOM C1 12 min

Set your heart on

Your friend wants one particular university place so much that every alternative feels disappointing. Which expression describes that emotional commitment?

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IDIOM C1 12 min

Smooth sailing

The first stage was difficult, but every later step worked without delay or confusion. Which phrase describes that trouble-free progress?

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IDIOM C1 12 min

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?

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Video IDIOM C2 12 min

On the line

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

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IDIOM C2 12 min

Out of the ordinary

A normally quiet street is filled with musicians at sunrise. Which phrase describes this noticeable departure from the usual pattern?

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IDIOM C2 12 min

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?

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IDIOM C2 12 min

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?

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IDIOM C2 12 min

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?

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IDIOM C2 12 min

Ring a bell

You recognise a person's name but cannot remember where you heard it. Which phrase expresses that incomplete feeling of recognition?

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IDIOM C2 12 min

Spur of the moment

You pass a theatre, see two available tickets, and immediately decide to attend. Which phrase describes that sudden unplanned decision?

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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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