NHỮNG THÀNH NGỮ TIẾNG ANH HAY GẶP TRONG ĐỀ THI

NHỮNG THÀNH NGỮ TIẾNG ANH HAY GẶP TRONG ĐỀ THI

1. RAINING CATS AND DOGS: rain heavily (Mưa nặng hạt)
Ex:–> It’s raining cats and dogs = It’s raining heavily
2. CHALK AND CHEESE: very different from each other (rất khác nhau)
Ex:–> I don’t have anything in common with my brother. We’re like chalk and cheese.
3. HERE AND THERE: everywhere
Ex:–> I have been searching here and there for the gift I bought for my girlfriend.
4. A HOT POTATO: something that is difficulut or dangerous to deal with ( vấn đề
nan giải )
Ex:–> The abortion issue is a hot potato in the US
5. AT THE DROP OF A HAT: immediately, instantly ( Ngay lập tức)
Ex:–> If you need me, just call me. I can come at the drop of a hat.
6. BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD:
Ex:–>.
7. BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH: avoiding the main topic, not speaking directly about
the issue (nói vòng vo, lạc đề)
Ex:–> Stop beating about the bush and answer my question.
8. BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD: a good invention or innovation, a good
idea or plan
Ex:–> Portable phones are marketed as the best thing since sliced bread; people think
they are extremely good.
9. BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL: to stay up working, especially studying late at
night (thức khuya làm việc, học bài)
Ex:–> I will have a big exam tomorrow so I’ll be burning the midnight oil tonight.
10. CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO STOOLS: when someone finds it difficult to
choose between two alternatives (tiến thoái lưỡng nan)
11. BREAK A LEG : good luck! ( thường dùng để chúc may mắn )
Ex:–> I have heard that you’r gonna take a test tomorrow, break a leg, dude!!! (sounds
funny hah???)
12. HIT THE BOOKS : to study (học)

Ex:–> I can’t go out tonight. I’ve got to hit the books. I’m having an exam tomorrow.
13. WHEN PIGS FLY : something will never happen (điều vô tưởng, không thể xảy
ra, nhớ là “pigs” đừng nhầm với con vật khác nhé)
14. 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)
Ex:–> “You scratch my back and I will scratch yours later,” the customer said when
we talked about the new sales contact.
15. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD : do or say something exactly right (nói chính
xác, làm chính xác)
Ex:–> Mike hit the nail on the head when he said most people can use a computer
without knowing how it works.
16. TAKE SOMEONE/SOMETHING FOR GRANTED: coi nhẹ
Ex:–> One of the problems with relationships is that after a while you begin to take


each other for granted!!
17. TAKE SOMETHING INTO ACCOUNT/ CONSIDERATION: to remember to
consider something (tính đến cái gì, xem xét việc gì)
Ex:–> We will take your long year of service into account when we make our final
decision.
18. PUT SOMEONE/SOMETHING AT SOMEONE’S DISPOSAL: to make
someone or something available to someone (có sẵn theo ý muốn của ai)
Ex:–> I’d be glad to help you if you need me. I put myself at your disposal.
19. SPLITTING HEADACHE: a severe headache (đau đầu như búa bổ) (khi ra thi sẽ
hỏi từ “Splitting”)
Ex:–> I’ve got a splitting headache. I’m going upstairs for a nap.
20. ON THE HOUSE: không phải trả tiền
Ex:–> I went to a restaurant last night. I was the ten thousandth customer, so my
dinner was on the house.

21. HIT THE ROOF = GO THROUGH THE ROOF = HIT THE CEILING: to
suddenly become angry (giận dữ)
Ex:–> I”m afraid he will hit the roof when he finds out our vacation is canceled
22. MAKE SOMEONE’S BLOOD BOIL: làm ai sôi máu, giận dữ
23. BRING DOWN THE HOUSE: làm cho cả khán phòng vỗ tay nhiệt liệt
Ex:–> G-Dragon brought the house down. He really brought down the house with his
fantastic song.
24. PAY THROUGH THE NOSE: to pay too much for something (trả giá quá đắt)
Ex:–> If you want a decent wine in a restaurant , you to have to pay through the nose
for it.
25. BY THE SKIN OF ONE’S TEETH: sát sao, rất sát
Ex:–> I got through calculus math by the skin of my teeth.
Ex:–> I got to the airport a few minutes late and missed the plane by the skin of my
teeth.
26. PULL SOMEONE’S LEG: chọc ai
Ex:–> You don’t mean that. You’re just pulling my leg.
27. IT STRIKE SOMEBODY AS/THAT A STRANGE: lấy làm lạ
Ex:–> It strikes as a strange to me that he failed the exam because he is so smart and
diligent a student.
28. TAKE IT AMISS: to understand as wrong or insulting, or misunderstand (hiểu
lầm)
Ex:–> Would you take it amiss if I told you I thought you look lovely? I was afraid
you’d take it the wrong way.
29. HIGH AND LOW = HERE AND THERE: everywhere
Ex:–> I have been searching high and low for the gift I bought for my girlfriend.
30. THE MORE, THE MERRIER: càng đông càng vui
Ex:–> Can I bring some friends with me?Yeah sure, the more, the merrier.
31. SPICK AND SPAN: ngăn nắp gọn gàng
32. EVERY NOW AND THEN: sometimes
Ex:–> Every nowand then, I want to be alone.

33. PART AND PARCEL: integral, crucial ( thiết yếu, quan trọng)
34. GO TO ONE’S HEAD: khiến ai kiêu ngạo
Ex:–> Too much success will go to her head.
35. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: rất hiếm (rare)


Ex:–> Once in a blue moon, I stop thinking about her. If only she knew how much I
loved her.
36. FEW AND FAR BETWEEN : rare (hiếm gặp)
Ex:–> Go and tell her that you love her! That kind of girl is really few and far between
37. ON THE SPOT:(1) immediately (ngay lập tức)
Ex:–> I expect you to be on the post when and where trouble arises
(2): in trouble; in a difficult situation (gặp rắc rối)
Ex:–> I hate to be on the spot when it’s not my fault
38. ON THE VERGE OF = ON THE BRINK OF = IN THE EDGE OF: trên bờ vực
(cẩn thận với giới từ “on” và “in” nhé!)
Ex:–> Unless we take measures to protect tigers, they will be on the verge of
extinction. (lưu ý: take measures: đưa ra biện pháp)
39. IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS: good or bad things do not just happen a few
at a time, but in large numbers all at once (họa vô đơn chí)
Ex:–> First of allit was the car breaking down, then the fire in the kitchen and now
Mike’saccident
40. BE ON THE WAGON: kiêng rượu
Ex:–> Bob’s old drinking buddies complained that he was no fun when he went on the
wagon
41. LED SOMEBODY BY THE NOSE: to control someone and make them do exactly
what you want them to do (nắm đầu, dắt mũi ai)
Ex:–> They simply didn’t know what they were doing and they were led by the nose
by a manipulative government
42. AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR: vào phút chót

Ex:–> She always turned her term paper in at the eleventh hour.
42. SELL/GO LIKE HOT CAKES: bán đắt như tôn tươi
Ex:–> The book has only just been published andcopies are already selling like hot
cakes in both Britain and America.
43. FIND FAULT WITH: chỉ trích, kiếm chuyện, bắt lỗi
Ex:–> It is very easy to find fault with the work others.
44. OFF AND ON/ ON AND OFF: không đều đặn, thỉnh thoảng
Ex:–> We don’t often go there- just off and on.
45. MAKE BELIEVE: giả bộ, giả vờ
Ex:–> I tried to make believe she was happy, but knew deep down it was not true.
46. MAKE GOOD TIME: di chuyển nhanh, đi nhanh.
Ex:–> We made good time and were at the hotel by lunch time.
47. LOOK DAGGERS AT SOMEONE: giận giữ nhìn ai đó
Ex:–> Their relationship is not free and easy but at least he is no longer looking
daggers at her.
48. BE OUT OF THE QUESTION: không thể được
Ex:–> You cannot get married until you are 18, it’s out of the question.
49. ALL AT ONCE = suddenly: bất thình lình
Ex:–> All at once, there was a loud banging on the door.
50. BLOW ONE’S TRUMPET: bốc phét, khoác lác
Ex:–> Anyone will tell you she’s one of the best journalist we’ve got, although she’d
never blow her trumpet.
51. SLEEP ON IT: suy nghĩ thêm về điều gì đó.
Ex:–> You don’t have to give me your decision now. Sleep on it, and let me know


tomorrow.
52. FIGHT TOOTH AND CLAW/NAIL: đánh nhau dữ dội, cấu xé nhau
Ex:–> We fought tooth and claw to retain our share of business.
53. PLAY TRICKS/JOKES ON: chọc phá, trêu ghẹo, chơi khăm

Ex:–> The kids are always play jokes on their teachers.
54. DOWN THE DRAIN: đổ sông đổ biển (công sức, tiền bạc)
Ex:–> It’s just money down the drain.
55. SMELL A RAT: hoài nghi, linh cảm chuyện không ổn
Ex:–> The minute I came in, I smelled a rat.
56. THE LAST STRAW: giọt nước tràn ly
Ex:–> When she showed up late a third time, that was the last straw. We had to fire
her.
57. GET THE HAND OF SOMETHING: nắm bắt được, sử dụng được
Ex:–> After three weeks of using this computer, I think I’ve finally got the hand of it.
58. HARD OF HEARING: lãng tai, nặng tai
Ex:–> Tom is hard of hearing. Therefore, we have to speak loudly so that he can hear
us.
59. KEEP AN EYE ON: coi chừng, ngó chừng
Ex:–> Please keep an eye on my baby while I’m out for a while.
60. HAVE A BEE IN ONE’S BONNET (ABOUT SOMETHING): đặt nặng chuyện gì,
chấp nhất chuyện gì
Ex:–> She has a bee in her bonnet about going to America.
61. GET/HAVE COLD FEET: mất hết can đảm, chùn bước
Ex:–> 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. ^O^ *tặng các Fans dethithu.net*
62. ON SECOND THOUGHTS: suy nghĩ kĩ
Ex:–> On second thoughts, it was a dumb movie.
63. IN VAIN: uổng công, vô ích
Ex:–> Government agents tried in vain kidnap him.
64. CHIP IN: khuyên góp, góp tiền
Ex:–> If everyone chips in, we will be able to buy her a nice present.
65. OFF ONE’S HEAD: điên, loạn trí
Ex:–> The old man has been off his head for at least a year.

66. RUN AN ERRAND: làm việc vặt
Ex:–> I’ve got to run an errand. I’ll be back in a minute.
67. JUMP THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS: vượt đèn đỏ
Ex:–> They ignore people who jumps the traffic lights.
68. FLY OFF THE HANDLE: dễ nổi giận, phát cáu
Ex:–> No one will fly off the handle for no reason.
69. THE APPLE OF ONE’S EYES: đồ quý giá của ai
Ex:–> You are the apple of my eyes ^O^
70. BUCKET DOWN: mưa xối xả, mưa to
Ex:–> It’s been bucketing down all day.
71. CLOSE SHAVE = NARROW ESCAPE: thoát chết trong gang tấc
Ex:–> Phew, that was a close shave. I was so lucky.
72. DROP A BRICK : lỡ lời, lỡ miệng


Ex:–> I dropped a brick when talking with my best friend, and now she doesn’t want
to talk to me.
73. GET BUTTERFLIES IN ONE’S STOMACH: cảm thấy bồn chồn
Ex:–> I always get butterflies in my stomach when it comes to taking test
74. OFF THE RECORD: không chính thức, không được công bố
Ex:–> What the president said is not to be printed. It’s off the record
75. ONE’S CUP OF TEA: thứ mà ta thích
Ex:–> SNSD is my cup of tea. They are so beautiful and talented. Especially Seohyun,
she looks so cute
76. CUT IT FINE: đến sát giờ
Ex:–> Only allowing half an hour to get from the station to the airport is cutting it fine,
isn’t it?
77. GOLDEN HANDSHAKE: món tiền hậu hĩnh dành cho người sắp nghỉ việc
Ex:–> The manager got early retirement and a 600,000$ golden handshake when the
company was restructed.

78. PUT ON AN ACT: giả bộ, làm bộ
Ex:–> We’ve known you are a good swimmer – stop putting on an act.
79. COME TO LIGHT: được biết đến, được phát hiện, được đưa ra ánh sáng.
Ex:–> Four soldiers have faced charges since the scandal came to light last fall
80. TAKE THINGS TO PIECES: tháo ra từng mảnh
Ex:–> Men like to take things to pieces and put them together.
81. PUT ONE’S FOOT IN IT: gây nhầm lẫn, bối rối, phạm một sai lầm gây bối rối
Ex:–> I really put my foot in it when I asked her about her job. I didn’t know she’d
just been fired.
82. PULL ONE’S WEIGHT: nỗ lực, làm tròn trách nhiệm
Ex:–> The rest of the team complained that Sarah wasn’t pulling her weight.
83. MAKE ENDS MEET: xoay sở để kiếm sống
Ex:–> I have to work at two jobs to make ends meet.
84. GET THE HOLD OF THE WRONG END OF THE STICK: hiểu nhầm ai đó
Ex:–> I think I must explain to her that she got hold of the wrong end of the stick
again.
85. CUT AND DRIED: cuối cùng, không thể thay đổi, rõ ràng, dễ hiểu
Ex:–> Although a deal has been agreed, it is not yet cut-and-dried.
Ex:–> The human rights issue is by no means cut-and-dried.
86. STAY/KEEP ON ONE’S TOE: cảnh giác, thận trọng
Ex:–> We had better keep on our toes while we’re walking along the dark portions of
this street.
87. SEE EYE TO EYE: đồng tình
Ex:–> I’m glad that they see eye to eye on the matter of the conference location.
88. HAVE IN MIND: đang suy tính, cân nhắc
Ex:–> I don’t want to see a movie now, I have in mind going to the park.
89. A LOST CAUSE: hết hy vọng, không thay đổi được gì
Ex:–> It seems that Charles will give it up. I suppose he is a lost cause.
90. TO BE BOUND TO: chắc chắn
Ex:–> You’re bound to be late if you don’t hurry.

91. AT HEART: thực chất, cơ bản (basically, fundamentally)
Ex:–> James sometimes seems quite unfriendly but at heart he’s a good person.
92. TO KNOW BY SIGHT: nhận ra (recognize)


Ex:–> The woman said that she would know the thief by sight if she ever saw him
again.
93. NOW AND THEN = NOW AND AGAIN = AT TIMES = FROM TIME TO TIME
= OFF AND ON = ONCE IN A WHILE = EVERY SO OFTEN : sometimes (thỉnh
thoảng, không thường xuyên)
94. TO TAKE PAINS: làm việc cẩn thận và tận tâm
Ex:–> She takes pains to do everything well.
95. TO MAKE DO: xoay sở, đương đầu (to manage, to cope)
Ex:–> During difficult economic times, many people have to make do with less.
96. CLOSE CALL = CLOSE SHAVE = NARROW ESCAPE: thoát được nguy hiểm
trong gang tấc, mém chết!
97. SELL SOMEONE SHORT: đánh giá thấp
98. FACE THE MUSIC: chịu trận
Ex:–> Mary broke a dining-room window and had to face the music when her father
got home.
99. LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG: to reveal a secret or a surprise by accident
( để lộ bí mật)
Ex:–> It’s asecret. Try not to let the cat out of the bag.
100. ON PROBATION: trong thời gian quản chế
Ex:–> While Anne was on probation, she reported to the police regularly.
Ex:–> John was on probation for a year.
Thành ngữ tiếng Anh (idioms) hay gặp trong đề thi
1.ONCE IN A WHILE/ AT TIMES/NOW AND THEN/ FROM TIME TO TIME
thỉnh thoảng
2. ONCE IN THE BLUE MOON hiếm khi, năm thì mười hoạ

3. LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK’S BACK như nước đổ đầu vịt
4. AS OLD AS THE HILLS xưa như trái đất ( rất cũ)
5. GET OUT OF BED ON THE WRONG SIDE bực dọc, cáu kỉnh
6. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIGHT = OPTIMISTIC = SANGUINE lạc quan
7. BE UNDER THE WEATHER khó ở, cảm thấy không khoẻ
8. BY AND LARGE/ IN GENERAL/ ON THE WHOLE nhìn chung
9. MAKE A PIG OF ONESELF ăn uống tham lam
10. AS QUIET AS A MOUSE/ AS MUTE AS A FISH câm như hến
11. BREAK A LEG : good luck! ( thường dùng để chúc may mắn )
Ex:–> I have heard that you’r gonna take a test tomorrow, break a leg, dude!!! (sounds
funny hah???)
12. HIT THE BOOKS : to study (học)
Ex:–> I can’t go out tonight. I’ve got to hit the books. I’m having an exam tomorrow.
13. WHEN PIGS FLY : something will never happen (điều vô tưởng, không thể xảy
ra, )
14. 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)


Ex:–> “You scratch my back and I will scratch yours later,” the customer said when
we talked about the new sales contact.
15. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD : do or say something exactly right (nói chính
xác, làm chính xác)
Ex:–> Mike hit the nail on the head when he said most people can use a computer
without knowing how it works.
16. TAKE SOMEONE/SOMETHING FOR GRANTED: coi nhẹ
Ex:–> One of the problems with relationships is that after a while you begin to take
each other for granted!!
17. TAKE SOMETHING INTO ACCOUNT/ CONSIDERATION: to remember to

consider something (tính đến cái gì, xem xét việc gì)
Ex:–> We will take your long year of service into account when we make our final
decision.
18. PUT SOMEONE/SOMETHING AT SOMEONE’S DISPOSAL: to make
someone or something available to someone (có sẵn theo ý muốn của ai)
Ex:–> I’d be glad to help you if you need me. I put myself at your disposal.
19. SPLITTING HEADACHE: a severe headache (đau đầu như búa bổ) (khi ra thi sẽ
hỏi từ “Splitting”)
Ex:–> I’ve got a splitting headache. I’m going upstairs for a nap.
20. ON THE HOUSE: không phải trả tiền
Ex:–> I went to a restaurant last night. I was the ten thousandth customer, so my
dinner was on the house.
21. HIT THE ROOF = GO THROUGH THE ROOF = HIT THE CEILING: to
suddenly become angry (giận dữ)
Ex:–> I”m afraid he will hit the roof when he finds out our vacation is canceled
22. MAKE SOMEONE’S BLOOD BOIL: làm ai sôi máu, giận dữ
23. BRING DOWN THE HOUSE: làm cho cả khán phòng vỗ tay nhiệt liệt
Ex:–> G-Dragon brought the house down. He really brought down the house with his
fantastic song.
24. PAY THROUGH THE NOSE: to pay too much for something (trả giá quá đắt)
Ex:–> If you want a decent wine in a restaurant , you to have to pay through the nose
for it.
25. BY THE SKIN OF ONE’S TEETH: sát sao, rất sát
Ex:–> I got through calculus math by the skin of my teeth.
Ex:–> I got to the airport a few minutes late and missed the plane by the skin of my
teeth.
26. PULL SOMEONE’S LEG: chọc ai
Ex:–> You don’t mean that. You’re just pulling my leg.
27. IT STRIKE SOMEBODY AS/THAT A STRANGE: lấy làm lạ
Ex:–> It strikes as a strange to me that he failed the exam because he is so smart and

diligent a student.
28. TAKE IT AMISS: to understand as wrong or insulting, or misunderstand (hiểu
lầm)
Ex:–> Would you take it amiss if I told you I thought you look lovely? I was afraid
you’d take it the wrong way.
29. HIGH AND LOW = HERE AND THERE: everywhere
Ex:–> I have been searching high and low for the gift I bought for my girlfriend.


30. THE MORE, THE MERRIER: càng đông càng vui
Ex:–> Can I bring some friends with me?Yeah sure, the more, the merrier.
31. SPICK AND SPAN: ngăn nắp gọn gàng
32. EVERY NOW AND THEN: sometimes
Ex:–> Every nowand then, I want to be alone.
33. PART AND PARCEL: integral, crucial ( thiết yếu, quan trọng)
34. GO TO ONE’S HEAD: khiến ai kiêu ngạo
Ex:–> Too much success will go to her head.
35. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: rất hiếm (rare)
Ex:–> Once in a blue moon, I stop thinking about her. If only she knew how much I
loved her.
36. FEW AND FAR BETWEEN : rare (hiếm gặp)
Ex:–> Go and tell her that you love her! That kind of girl is really few and far between
37. ON THE SPOT:(1) immediately (ngay lập tức)
Ex:–> I expect you to be on the post when and where trouble arises
(2): in trouble; in a difficult situation (gặp rắc rối)
Ex:–> I hate to be on the spot when it’s not my fault
38. ON THE VERGE OF = ON THE BRINK OF = IN THE EDGE OF: trên bờ
vực (cẩn thận với giới từ “on” và “in” nhé!)
Ex:–> Unless we take measures to protect tigers, they will be on the verge of
extinction. (lưu ý: take measures: đưa ra biện pháp)

39. IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS: good or bad things do not just happen a
few at a time, but in large numbers all at once (họa vô đơn chí)
Ex:–> First of allit was the car breaking down, then the fire in the kitchen and now
Mike’saccident
40. BE ON THE WAGON: kiêng rượu
Ex:–> Bob’s old drinking buddies complained that he was no fun when he went on the
wagon
41. LED SOMEBODY BY THE NOSE: to control someone and make them do
exactly what you want them to do (nắm đầu, dắt mũi ai)
Ex:–> They simply didn’t know what they were doing and they were led by the nose
by a manipulative government
42. AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR: vào phút chót
Ex:–> She always turned her term paper in at the eleventh hour.
42. SELL/GO LIKE HOT CAKES: bán đắt như tôn tươi
Ex:–> The book has only just been published andcopies are already selling like hot
cakes in both Britain and America.
43. FIND FAULT WITH: chỉ trích, kiếm chuyện, bắt lỗi
Ex:–> It is very easy to find fault with the work others.
44. OFF AND ON/ ON AND OFF: không đều đặn, thỉnh thoảng
Ex:–> We don’t often go there- just off and on.
45. MAKE BELIEVE: giả bộ, giả vờ
Ex:–> I tried to make believe she was happy, but knew deep down it was not true.
46. MAKE GOOD TIME: di chuyển nhanh, đi nhanh.
Ex:–> We made good time and were at the hotel by lunch time.
47. LOOK DAGGERS AT SOMEONE: giận giữ nhìn ai đó
Ex:–> Their relationship is not free and easy but at least he is no longer looking
daggers at her.


48. BE OUT OF THE QUESTION: không thể được

Ex:–> You cannot get married until you are 18, it’s out of the question.
49. ALL AT ONCE = suddenly: bất thình lình
Ex:–> All at once, there was a loud banging on the door.
50. BLOW ONE’S TRUMPET: bốc phét, khoác lác
Ex:–> Anyone will tell you she’s one of the best journalist we’ve got, although she’d
never blow her trumpet.
51. SLEEP ON IT: suy nghĩ thêm về điều gì đó.
Ex:–> You don’t have to give me your decision now. Sleep on it, and let me know
tomorrow.
52. FIGHT TOOTH AND CLAW/NAIL: đánh nhau dữ dội, cấu xé nhau
Ex:–> We fought tooth and claw to retain our share of business.
53. PLAY TRICKS/JOKES ON: chọc phá, trêu ghẹo, chơi khăm
Ex:–> The kids are always play jokes on their teachers.
54. DOWN THE DRAIN: đổ sông đổ biển (công sức, tiền bạc)
Ex:–> It’s just money down the drain.
55. SMELL A RAT: hoài nghi, linh cảm chuyện không ổn
Ex:–> The minute I came in, I smelled a rat.
56. THE LAST STRAW: giọt nước tràn ly
Ex:–> When she showed up late a third time, that was the last straw. We had to fire
her.
57. GET THE HAND OF SOMETHING: nắm bắt được, sử dụng được
Ex:–> After three weeks of using this computer, I think I’ve finally got the hand of it.
58. HARD OF HEARING: lãng tai, nặng tai
Ex:–> Tom is hard of hearing. Therefore, we have to speak loudly so that he can hear
us.
59. KEEP AN EYE ON: coi chừng, ngó chừng
Ex:–> Please keep an eye on my baby while I’m out for a while.
60. HAVE A BEE IN ONE’S BONNET (ABOUT SOMETHING): đặt nặng chuyện
gì, chấp nhất chuyện gì
Ex:–> She has a bee in her bonnet about going to America.

61. GET/HAVE COLD FEET: mất hết can đảm, chùn bước
Ex:–> 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. ^O^ *tặng các Fans dethithu.net*
62. ON SECOND THOUGHTS: suy nghĩ kĩ
Ex:–> On second thoughts, it was a dumb movie.
63. IN VAIN: uổng công, vô ích
Ex:–> Government agents tried in vain kidnap him.
64. CHIP IN: khuyên góp, góp tiền
Ex:–> If everyone chips in, we will be able to buy her a nice present.
65. OFF ONE’S HEAD: điên, loạn trí
Ex:–> The old man has been off his head for at least a year.
66. RUN AN ERRAND: làm việc vặt
Ex:–> I’ve got to run an errand. I’ll be back in a minute.
67. JUMP THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS: vượt đèn đỏ
Ex:–> They ignore people who jumps the traffic lights.


68. FLY OFF THE HANDLE: dễ nổi giận, phát cáu
Ex:–> No one will fly off the handle for no reason.
69. THE APPLE OF ONE’S EYES: đồ quý giá của ai
Ex:–> You are the apple of my eyes ^O^
70. BUCKET DOWN: mưa xối xả, mưa to
Ex:–> It’s been bucketing down all day.
71. CLOSE SHAVE = NARROW ESCAPE: thoát chết trong gang tấc
Ex:–> Phew, that was a close shave. I was so lucky.
72. DROP A BRICK : lỡ lời, lỡ miệng
Ex:–> I dropped a brick when talking with my best friend, and now she doesn’t want
to talk to me.
73. GET BUTTERFLIES IN ONE’S STOMACH: cảm thấy bồn chồn

Ex:–> I always get butterflies in my stomach when it comes to taking test
74. OFF THE RECORD: không chính thức, không được công bố
Ex:–> What the president said is not to be printed. It’s off the record
75. ONE’S CUP OF TEA: thứ mà ta thích
Ex:–> SNSD is my cup of tea. They are so beautiful and talented. Especially Seohyun,
she looks so cute
76. CUT IT FINE: đến sát giờ
Ex:–> Only allowing half an hour to get from the station to the airport is cutting it fine,
isn’t it?
77. GOLDEN HANDSHAKE: món tiền hậu hĩnh dành cho người sắp nghỉ việc
Ex:–> The manager got early retirement and a 600,000$ golden handshake when the
company was restructed.
78. PUT ON AN ACT: giả bộ, làm bộ
Ex:–> We’ve known you are a good swimmer – stop putting on an act.
79. COME TO LIGHT: được biết đến, được phát hiện, được đưa ra ánh sáng.
Ex:–> Four soldiers have faced charges since the scandal came to light last fall
80. TAKE THINGS TO PIECES: tháo ra từng mảnh
Ex:–> Men like to take things to pieces and put them together.
81. PUT ONE’S FOOT IN IT: gây nhầm lẫn, bối rối, phạm một sai lầm gây bối rối
Ex:–> I really put my foot in it when I asked her about her job. I didn’t know she’d
just been fired.
82. PULL ONE’S WEIGHT: nỗ lực, làm tròn trách nhiệm
Ex:–> The rest of the team complained that Sarah wasn’t pulling her weight.
83. MAKE ENDS MEET: xoay sở để kiếm sống
Ex:–> I have to work at two jobs to make ends meet.
84. GET THE HOLD OF THE WRONG END OF THE STICK: hiểu nhầm ai đó
Ex:–> I think I must explain to her that she got hold of the wrong end of the stick
again.
85. CUT AND DRIED: cuối cùng, không thể thay đổi, rõ ràng, dễ hiểu
Ex:–> Although a deal has been agreed, it is not yet cut-and-dried.

Ex:–> The human rights issue is by no means cut-and-dried.
86. STAY/KEEP ON ONE’S TOE: cảnh giác, thận trọng
Ex:–> We had better keep on our toes while we’re walking along the dark portions of
this street.
87. SEE EYE TO EYE: đồng tình
Ex:–> I’m glad that they see eye to eye on the matter of the conference location.


88. HAVE IN MIND: đang suy tính, cân nhắc
Ex:–> I don’t want to see a movie now, I have in mind going to the park.
89. A LOST CAUSE: hết hy vọng, không thay đổi được gì
Ex:–> It seems that Charles will give it up. I suppose he is a lost cause.
90. TO BE BOUND/SURE/CERTAIN TO DO SMTH: chắc chắn
Ex:–> You’re bound to be late if you don’t hurry.
91. AT HEART: thực chất, cơ bản (basically, fundamentally)
Ex:–> James sometimes seems quite unfriendly but at heart he’s a good person.
92. TO KNOW BY SIGHT: nhận ra (recognize)
Ex:–> The woman said that she would know the thief by sight if she ever saw him
again.
93. NOW AND THEN = NOW AND AGAIN = AT TIMES = FROM TIME TO
TIME = OFF AND ON = ONCE IN A WHILE = EVERY SO OFTEN : sometimes
(thỉnh thoảng, không thường xuyên)
94. TO TAKE PAINS: làm việc cẩn thận và tận tâm
Ex:–> She takes pains to do everything well.
95. TO MAKE DO: xoay sở, đương đầu (to manage, to cope)
Ex:–> During difficult economic times, many people have to make do with less.
96. CLOSE CALL = CLOSE SHAVE = NARROW ESCAPE: thoát được nguy
hiểm trong gang tấc, mém chết!
97. SELL SOMEONE SHORT: đánh giá thấp
98. FACE THE MUSIC: chịu trận

Ex:–> Mary broke a dining-room window and had to face the music when her father
got home.
99. LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG: to reveal a secret or a surprise by accident (
để lộ bí mật)
Ex:–> It’s asecret. Try not to let the cat out of the bag.
100. ON PROBATION: trong thời gian quản chế, tập sự ( công việc)
Ex:–> While Anne was on probation, she reported to the police regularly.
Ex:–> John was on probation for a year.
101. RAIN CATS AND DOGS: rain heavily (Mưa nặng hạt)
Ex:–> It’s raining cats and dogs = It’s raining heavily
102. CHALK AND CHEESE: very different from each other (rất khác nhau)
Ex:–> I don’t have anything in common with my brother. We’re like chalk and cheese.
103. HERE AND THERE: everywhere
Ex:–> I have been searching here and there for the gift I bought for my girlfriend.
104. A HOT POTATO: something that is difficulut or dangerous to deal with ( vấn đề
nan giải )
Ex:–> The abortion issue is a hot potato in the US
105. AT THE DROP OF A HAT: immediately, instantly ( Ngay lập tức)
Ex:–> If you need me, just call me. I can come at the drop of a hat.
106. BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD:
Ex:–>.
107. BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH: avoiding the main topic, not speaking directly
about the issue (nói vòng vo, lạc đề)
Ex:–> Stop beating about the bush and answer my question.
108. BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD: a good invention or innovation, a


good idea or plan
Ex:–> Portable phones are marketed as the best thing since sliced bread; people think
they are extremely good.

109. BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL: to stay up working, especially studying late at
night (thức khuya làm việc, học bài)
Ex:–> I will have a big exam tomorrow so I’ll be burning the midnight oil tonight.
110. CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO STOOLS: when someone finds it difficult to
choose between two alternatives (tiến thoái lưỡng nan)
111. LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER như gà mắc tóc
112. A BIG FISH IN A SMALL POND thằng chột làm vua sứ mù
113. MAKE HEAVY WEATHER OF khổ vì, điêu đứng vì
114. JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS kết luận vôi vã
115. WITHOUT FAIL Chắc chắn, nhất định

1

IDIOMS
A hot potato

2

A lost cause

MEAN
Something that is
difficulut or dangerous to
deal with ( vấn đề nan
giải )
Hết hy vọng, không thay
đổi được gì

Eg
The abortion issue is a hot

potato in the US.

It seems that charles will
give it up. I suppose he is a
lost cause.
3 All at once =
Bất thình lình
All at once, there was a loud
suddenly
banging on the door.
4 At heart
Thực chất, cơ bản
James sometimes seems quite
(basically,
unfriendly but at heart he’s a
fundamentally)
good person.
5 At the drop of a hat Immediately, instantly
If you need me, just call me. I
( Ngay lập tức)
can come at the drop of a
hat.
6 At the eleventh hour Vào phút chót
She always turned her term
paper in at the eleventh hour.
7 Back to the drawing Time to start from the
My plans to create a tiny car
board
beginning; it is time to to made of glasses were
plan something over

unsuccessful, so I guess it’s
again (bắt đầu lại)
back to the drawing board
for me.
8 Be on the wagon
Kiêng rượu
Bob’s old drinking buddies
complained that he was no
fun when he went on the
wago.
9 Be out of the
Không thể được
You cannot get married until
question
you are 18, it’s out of the
question.
10 Beat about the bush Avoiding the main topic, Stop beating about the bush
not speaking directly
and answer my question.
about the issue (nói vòng


11 Best thing since
sliced bread

vo, lạc đề)
A good invention or
innovation, a good idea
or plan

12 Blow one’s trumpet

Bốc phét, khoác lác

13 Break a leg

Good luck! ( thường
dùng để chúc may mắn )

14 Bring down the
house

Làm cho cả khán phòng
vỗ tay nhiệt liệt

15 Bucket down

Mưa xối xả, mưa to

16 Burn the midnight
oil

To stay up working,
especially studying late
at night (thức khuya làm
việc, học bài)
Sát sao, rất sát

17 By the skin of one’s
teeth

18 Caught between two When someone finds it
stools
difficult to choose
between two alternatives
(tiến thoái lưỡng nan)
19 Chalk and cheese
Very different from each
other (rất khác nhau)

Portable phones are
marketed as the best thing
since sliced bread, people
think they are extremely
good.
Anyone will tell you she’s
one of the best journalist
we’ve got, although she’d
never blow her trumpet.
I have heard that you’r
gonna take a test tomorrow,
break a leg, dude!!! (sounds
funny hah???).
G-dragon brought the house
down. He really brought
down the house with his
fantastic song.
-It’s been bucketing down all
day
I will have a big exam

tomorrow so i’ll be burning
the midnight oil tonight.
- I got through calculus math
by the skin of my teeth.
-I got to the airport a few
minutes late and missed the
plane by the skin of my teeth.

I don’t have anything in
common with my brother.
We’re like chalk and cheese.
If everyone chips in, we will
be able to buy her a nice
present.

20 Chip in

Khuyên góp, góp tiền

21 Close call = Close
shave = Narrow
escape
22 Close shave =
Narrow escape

Thoát được nguy hiểm
trong gang tấc, mém
chết!
Thoát chết trong gang tấc -Phew, that was a close
shave. I was so lucky

23 Come to light

Được biết đến, được phát Four soldiers have faced
hiện, được đưa ra ánh
charges since the scandal
sáng.
came to light last fall.

24 Cut and dried

Cuối cùng, không thể
thay đổi, rõ ràng, dễ hiểu

25 Cut it fine

Đến sát giờ

26 Down the drain

Đổ sông đổ biển (công
sức, tiền bạc)

27 Drop a brick

Lỡ lời, lỡ miệng

28 Every now and then

Sometimes

29 Face the music

Chịu trận

30 Few and far
between

Rare (hiếm gặp)

31 Fight tooth and
claw/nail

Đánh nhau dữ dội, cấu
xé nhau

-I dropped a brick when
talking with my best friend,
and now she doesn’t want to
talk to me.
Every now and then, I want
to be alone.
Mary broke a dining-room
window and had to face the
music when her father got
home.
Go and tell her that you love
her! That kind of girl is
really few and far between.

We fought tooth and claw to
retain our share of business.

32 Find fault with

Chỉ trích, kiếm chuyện,
bắt lỗi

It is very easy to find fault
with the work others.

33 Fly off the handle

Dễ nổi giận, phát cáu

34 Get butterflies in
one’s stomach

Cảm thấy bồn chồn

35 Get the hand of
something

Nắm bắt được, sử dụng
được

36 Get the hold of the
wrong end of the
stick
37 Get/have cold feet

Hiểu nhầm ai đó

No one will fly off the
handle for no reason.
I always get butterflies in my
stomach when it comes to
taking test.
After three weeks of using
this computer, i think i’ve
finally got the hand of it.
I think i must explain to her
that she got hold of the
wrong end of the stick again.
I’m worried my members in

Mất hết can đảm, chùn

-Although a deal has been
agreed, it is not yet cut-anddried.
-The human rights issue is by
no means cut-and-dried.
Only allowing half an hour
to get from the station to the
airport is cutting it fine, isn’t
it?.
It’s just money down the
drain.

bước

38 Go to one’s head
39 Golden handshake

40 Hard of hearing
41 Have a bee in one’s
bonnet (about
something)
42 Have in mind

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.
Khiến ai kiêu ngạo
Too much success will go to
her head.
Món tiền hậu hĩnh dành
The manager got early
cho người sắp nghỉ việc
retirement and a 600,000$
golden handshake when the
company was restructed.
Lãng tai, nặng tai
Tom is hard of hearing.
Therefore, we have to speak
loudly so that he can hear us.
Đặt nặng chuyện gì, chấp She has a bee in her bonnet

nhất chuyện gì
about going to america.
Đang suy tính, cân nhắc

43 Here and there

Everywhere

44 High and low = here
and there

Everywhere

45 Hit the books

To study (học)

46 Hit the nail on the
head

Do or say something
exactly right (nói chính
xác, làm chính xác)

47 Hit the roof = go
through the roof =
hit the ceiling

To suddenly become
angry (giận dữ)

48 In vain

Uổng công, vô ích

49 It never rains but it
pours

50 It strike somebody
as/that a strange

I don’t want to see a movie
now, I have in mind going to
the park.
I have been searching here
and there for the gift I
bought for my girlfriend.
I have been searching high
and low for the gift i bought
for my girlfriend.
I can’t go out tonight. I’ve
got to hit the books. I’m
having an exam tomorrow.
Mike hit the nail on the head
when he said most people
can use a computer without
knowing how it works.
I”m afraid he will hit the
roof when he finds out our
vacation is canceled.

Government agents tried in
vain kidnap him.
Good or bad things do
First of allit was the car
not just happen a few at a breaking down, then the fire
time, but in large
in the kitchen and now
numbers all at once (họa mike’saccident.
vô đơn chí)
Lấy làm lạ
It strikes as a strange to me
that he failed the exam
because he is so smart and
diligent a student.


51 Jump the traffic
lights
52 Keep an eye on

Vượt đèn đỏ

53 Led somebody by
the nose

To control someone and
make them do exactly
what you want them to
do (nắm đầu, dắt mũi ai)

Coi chừng, ngó chừng

54 Let the cat out of the To reveal a secret or a
bag
surprise by accident ( để
lộ bí mật)
55 Look daggers at
Giận giữ nhìn ai đó
someone
56 Make believe

Giả bộ, giả vờ

57 Make ends meet

Xoay sở để kiếm sống

58 Make good time

Di chuyển nhanh, đi
nhanh.

59 Make someone’s
blood boil
60 Now and then =
Now and again = At
times = From time
to time = Off and on
= Once in a while =

Every so often
61 Off and on/ On and
off

Làm ai sôi máu, giận dữ

62 Off one’s head

Điên, loạn trí

63 Off the record
64 On probation

65 On second thoughts

They ignore people who
jumps the traffic lights.
Please keep an eye on my
baby while i’m out for a
while.
They simply didn’t know
what they were doing and
they were led by the nose by
a manipulative government.
It’s asecret. Try not to let the
cat out of the bag.
Their relationship is not free
and easy but at least he is no
longer looking daggers at
her.

I tried to make believe she
was happy, but knew deep
down it was not true.
I have to work at two jobs to
make ends meet.
We made good time and were
at the hotel by lunch time.

Sometimes (thỉnh
thoảng, không thường
xuyên)

Không đều đặn, thỉnh
thoảng.

We don’t often go there- just
off and on.

The old man has been off his
head for at least a year.
Không chính thức, không What the president said is
được công bố
not to be printed. It’s off the
record.
Trong thời gian quản chế -While anne was on
probation, she reported to
the police regularly.
-John was on probation for a
year.
Suy nghĩ kĩ

On second thoughts, it was a
dumb movie.


66 On the house

Không phải trả tiền

67 On the spot

(1) immediately (ngay
lập tức)

I went to a restaurant last
night. I was the ten
thousandth customer, so my
dinner was on the house.
I expect you to be on the
post.

(2): in trouble; in a
difficult situation (gặp
rắc rối)

I hate to be on the spot when
it’s not my fault when and
where trouble arises.

68 On the verge of = on Trên bờ vực (cẩn thận
the brink of = in the với giới từ “on” và “in”

edge of
nhé!)
69 Once in a blue moon Rất hiếm (rare)

70 One’s cup of tea

Thứ mà ta thích

71 Part and parcel

Integral, crucial ( thiết
yếu, quan trọng)

72 Pay through the
nose

To pay too much for
something (trả giá quá
đắt).
Chọc phá, trêu ghẹo,
chơi khăm
Nỗ lực, làm tròn trách
nhiệm

73 Play tricks/jokes on
74 Pull one’s weight
75 Pull someone’s leg

Chọc ai

76 Put on an act

Giả bộ, làm bộ

77 Put one’s foot in it

Gây nhầm lẫn, bối rối,
phạm một sai lầm gây
bối rối

78 Put
someone/something
at someone’s
disposal

To make someone or
something available to
someone (có sẵn theo ý
muốn của ai)

Unless we take measures to
protect tigers, they will be on
the verge of extinction. (lưu
ý: take measures: đưa ra
biện pháp).
Once in a blue moon, i stop
thinking about her. If only
she knew how much i loved
her.
SNSD is my cup of tea. They

are so beautiful and talented.
Especially seohyun, she
looks so cute.

If you want a decent wine in
a restaurant , you to have to
pay through the nose for it.
The kids are always play
jokes on their teachers.
The rest of the team
complained that sarah wasn’t
pulling her weight.
You don’t mean that. You’re
just pulling my leg.
We’ve known you are a good
swimmer – stop putting on
an act.
I really put my foot in it
when i asked her about her
job. I didn’t know she’d just
been fired.
I’d be glad to help you if you
need me. I put myself at your
disposal.


79 Raining cats and
dogs
80 Run an errand
81 Scratch someone’s

back

It’s raining cats and dogs.
= It’s raining heavily
I’ve got to run an errand. I’ll
be back in a minute.
Help someone out with
“You scratch my back and i
the assumption that they will scratch yours later”,
will return the favor in
the customer said when we
the future (giúp đỡ người talked about the new sales
khác với hy vọng họ sẽ
contact.
giúp lại mình)

82 See eye to eye

Đồng tình

83 Sell someone short
84 Sell/ Go like hot
cakes

Đánh giá thấp
Bán đắt như tôm tươi

85 Sleep on it

Suy nghĩ thêm về điều gì

đó.

86 Smell a rat

Hoài nghi, linh cảm
chuyện không ổn
Ngăn nắp gọn gàng
A severe headache (đau
đầu như búa bổ) (khi ra
thi sẽ hỏi từ “Splitting”)

87 Spick and span
88 Splitting headache

89 Stay/keep on one’s
toe
90

91

92
93
94

Rain heavily (Mưa nặng
hạt)
Làm việc vặt.

Cảnh giác, thận trọng

I’m glad that they see eye to
eye on the matter of the
conference location.
The book has only just been
published andcopies are
already selling like hot cakes
in both Britain and America.
You don’t have to give me
your decision now. Sleep on
it, and let me know
tomorrow.
The minute i came in, i
smelled a rat.
I’ve got a splitting headache.
I’m going upstairs for a nap.

We had better keep on our
toes while we’re walking
along the dark portions of
this street.
Take it amiss
To understand as wrong
Would you take it amiss if i
or insulting, or
told you i thought you look
misunderstand (hiểu lầm) lovely? I was afraid you’d
take it the wrong way.
Take
Coi nhẹ!!
One of the problems with

someone/something
relationships is that after a
for granted
while you begin to take each
other for granted.
Take something into To remember to consider We will take your long year
account/
something (tính đến cái
of service into account when
consideration
gì, xem xét việc gì)
we make our final decision.
Take things to pieces Tháo ra từng mảnh
Men like to take things to
pieces and put them together.
The apple of one’s
Đồ quý giá của ai
You are the apple of my


eyes
95 The last straw

Giọt nước tràn ly

96 The more, the
merrier

Càng đông càng vui

97 To be bound to

Chắc chắn

98 To know by sight

Nhận ra (recognize)

99 To make do

Xoay sở, đương đầu (to
manage, to cope).

10 To take pains
0
10 When pigs fly
1

Làm việc cẩn thận và tận
tâm.
Something will never
happen (điều vô tưởng,
không thể xảy ra, nhớ là
“pigs” đừng nhầm với
con vật khác nhé)

eyes.
When she showed up late a
third time, that was the last
straw. We had to fire her.

Can i bring some friends
with me?Yeah sure, the more,
the merrier.
You’re bound to be late if
you don’t hurry.
The woman said that she
would know the thief by sight
if she ever saw him again.
During difficult economic
times, many people have to
make do with less.
She takes pains to do
everything well.

NHỮNG CÂU THÀNH NGỮ THÔNG DỤNG TRONG TIẾNG ANH
1. Fire is a good servant but a bad master - Đừng đùa với lửa
2. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence - Đứng núi này trông núi nọ
3. When in the Rome, do as the Romans do - Nhập gia tuỳ tục
4. A picture is worth a thousand words - Nói có sách, mách có chứng
5. Actions speak louder than words - Làm hay hơn nói
6. One good turn deserves another - Ở hiền gặp lành
7. He who laughs today may weep tomorrow - Cười người chớ vội cười lâu. Cười người hôm
trước hôm sau người cười.
8. Man proposes, God disposes - Mưu sự tại nhân, thành sự tại thiên

9. A rolling stone gathers no moss - Nhất nghệ tinh, nhất thân vinh/Trăm hay không bằng tay quen
10. A miss is as good as a mile - Sai một ly đi một dặm
11. A flow will have an ebb - Sông có khúc người có lúc

12. Diligence is the mother of good fortune - Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim
13. You scratch my back and i'll scratch yours - Có qua có lại mới toại lòng nhau
14. Grasp all, lose all - Tham thì thâm
15. A blessing in disguise - Trong cái rủi có cái may
16. Where there's life, there's hope - Còn nước còn tát
17. Birds of a feather flock together - Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã
18. Necessity is the mother of invention - Cái khó ló cái khôn
19. One scabby sheep is enough to spoil the whole flock - Con sâu làm rầu nồi canh
20. Together we can change the world - Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi
cao
21. Send the fox to mind the geese - Giao trứng cho ác
22. As poor as a church mouse - Nghèo rớt mồng tơi
23. A bad begining makes a good ending - Đầu xuôi, đuôi lọt
24. There's no smoke without fire - Không có lửa sao có khói
25. Love me, love my dog - Yêu nhau yêu cả đường đi, ghét nhau ghét cả tông ti họ hàng
26. It is the first step that costs - Vạn sự khởi đầu nan
27. A friend in need is a friend indeed - Gian nan mới hiểu lòng người
28. Rats desert a falling house - Cháy nhà mới ra mặt chuột
29. Tit For Tat - Ăn miếng trả miếng
30. New one in, old one out - Có mới, nới cũ
31. Ring out the old, ring in the new - Tống cựu nghênh tân
32. Don't count your chickens before they hatch - Đếm cua trong lỗ
33. Make hay while the sun shines - Việc hôm nay chớ để ngày mai
34. Handsome is as handsome does - Tốt gỗ hơn tốt nước sơn


35. Bitter pills may have blessed effects - Thuốc đắng dã tật
36. Blood is thicker than water - Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã
37. Make hay while the sun shines - Việc hôm nay chớ để ngày mai
38. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth - Ăn miếng trả miếng

39. A clean hand wants no washing - Cây ngay không sợ chết đứng
40. Neck or nothing - Không vào hang cọp sao bắt được cọp con
41. Cleanliness is next to godliness - Nhà sạch thì mát, bát sạch ngon cơm
42. Cut your coat according to your cloth - Liệu cơm gắp mắm
43. Never say die - Chớ thấy sóng cả mà ngã tay chèo
44. Constant dripping wears away stone - Nước chảy đá mòn
45. Men make houses, women make homes - Đàn ông xây nhà, đàn bà xây tổ ấm
46. The proof of the pudding is in the eating - Đường dài mới biết ngựa hay
47. So many men, so many minds - Chín người, mười ý
48. Fine words butter no parsnips - Có thực mới vực được đạo
49. Too many cooks spoil the broth - Lắm thầy nhiều ma
50. Carry coals to Newcastle - Chở củi về rừng
51. Nothing ventured, nothing gained - Phi thương bất phú
52. Still waters run deep - Tẩm ngẩm tầm ngầm mà đấm chết voi
53. Make your enemy your friend - Hóa thù thành bạn
54. Stronger by rice, daring by money - Mạnh vì gạo, bạo vì tiền
55. Words must be weighed, not counted - Uốn lưỡi bảy lần trước khi nói
56. Fire proves gold, adversity proves men - Lửa thử vàng, gian nan thử sức
57. Live on the fat of the land - Ngồi mát ăn bát vàng
58. Empty vessels make the most sound - Thùng rỗng kêu to


59. Words are but Wind - Lời nói gió bay
60. Make a mountain out of a molehill - Việc bé xé to
61. When the blood sheds, the heart aches - Máu chảy, ruột mềm
62. Every Jack has his Jill - Nồi nào vung nấy/Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã/Rau nào sâu nấy
63. More haste, less speed - Dục tốc bất đạt
64. Don't let the fox guard the hen house - Giao trứng cho ác
65. Beauty dies and fades away - Cái nết đánh chết cái đẹp

1. sell / go like hot cakes : bán đắt như tôm tươi
e.g. During the days when the temperature dropped under 10oC, electric heaters sold
/ went like hot cakes in the Northern cities of Vietnam.
Suốt những ngày nhiệt độ tụt xuống dưới 10oC, lò sưởi điện tử bắt đắt hàng như
tôm tươi ở các thành phố miền Bắc Việt Nam.
2. find fault with : chỉ trích, kiếm chuyện, bắt lỗi
e.g. It is very easy to find fault with the work of others.
Rất dễ mà chỉ trích công việc của người khác.
3. off and on / on and off : không đều đặn, thỉnh thoảng
e.g. We don't go there often - just off and on.
Tụi tôi không đến đó đều đặn, chỉ thỉnh thoảng thôi.
4. make believe : giả bộ, giả vờ
e.g. I tried to make believe she was happy, but knew deep down it wasn't true.
Tôi cố làm bộ rằng cô ta hạnh phúc, nhưng tận trong đáy lòng tôi biết không
đúng vậy.
5. make good time : di chuyển nhanh, đi nhanh (trong một lữ hành)
e.g. We made good time and were at the hotel by lunchtime.
Tụi tôi đi nhanh nên ngay trước giờ ăn trưa đã có mặt tại khách sạn.

Practice: Use one of the five expressions above to fill in each space.
1. He could always _____ something, either in my writing or in my personality.
2. We _____ on our trip to Florida last month.


3. The book has only just been published and copies are already _____ in both Britain
and America.
4. We've been going out together for five years, _____.
5. George _____ that he was sick so that he would not have to go to school.
1. pull someone's leg : trêu chọc ai đó.
e.g. He never seems to be serious when talking with me. He is always trying to pull

my legs.
Nó có vẻ chẳng bao giờ nghiêm túc khi nói chuyện với tao. Nó luôn luôn tìm
cách trêu chọc tao.
2. hit the roof / ceiling : rất giận dữ.
e.g. Ranieri returned, saw the mess, and hit the roof.
Ranieri trở về, thấy đống lộn xộn và rất giận dữ.
3. look daggers at someone : giận dữ nhìn ai đó.
e.g. Their relationship is not free and easy but at least Red is no
longer looking daggers at her.
Quan hệ của họ không thoải mái và dễ chịu, nhưng tối thiểu Red không còn hay
giận dữ nhìn cổ.
4. be out of question : không thể được.
e.g. You can't go in that old shirt - it's out of the question.
Mày không thể cố mặc cái đầm cũ kỹ đó vô - Thật không thể được.
5. all at once : thình lình
e.g. All at once there was a loud banging on the door.
Thình lình có một tiếng dộng lớn vào cái cửa.

Practice: Use one of the five expressions above to fill in each space.
1. When I asked him whether he could go with us, he said that it was _____ at this
time of year.
2. _____ the sky became dark and it started to rain.
3. I haven't won, have I? You're _____.
4. He _____ the security guard of the supermarket when this man asked him to open
his bag.
5. The teacher _____ when she knew that more than ten students cheated in her test.


1. blow one's trumpet : bốc phét, khoác lác
e.g. Anyone will tell you she's one of the best journalists we've got, although she'd

never blow her trumpet.
Ai cũng sẽ nói với anh rằng cổ là một trong những nhà báo giỏi nhất mà chúng
tôi tuyển dụng, dù rằng cổ chẳng bao giờ khoác lác (về điều đó .

2. sleep on it : suy nghĩ thêm về điều đó
e.g. You don't have to give me your decision now. Sleep on it, and let me know
tomorrow.
Anh không cần cho tôi biết quyết định của anh ngay bây giờ. Hãy suy nghĩ thêm
và cho tôi biết ngày mai.

3. fight tooth and claw / nail : đánh nhau dữ dội, cấu xé nhau
e.g. We fought tooth and nail to retain our share of the business.
Chúng tôi cấu xé nhau để giữ cổ phần doanh nghiệp.

4. take into account / consideration : xem xét, xét đến
e.g. In judging her work you should take into account / consideration that she has
been quite sick recently.
Khi phê phán công việc của cổ, anh nên xem xét rằng gần đây cổ bị bệnh.

5. play tricks / jokes on : trêu chọc, chọc phá
e.g. The older boys are always playing tricks / jokes on Carl. They hide his hat,
steal his books, etc.
Mấy thằng con trai lớn hơn luôn luôn chọc phá Carl. Chúng giấu nón, ăn cắp
sách vở của nó, v.v...

Practice: Use one of the five expressions above to fill in each space.
1. The two groups of bullies _____ before the police cam last night.
2. I really hate my boss because he keeps _____ - saying that he is the number-one
businessman in the whole country.

3. The kids are always _____ their teachers.
4. Coursework is _____ as well as exam results.
5. You should _____ and give me your answer at the end of this month.

1. drop someone a line / note : viết thư cho ai (thư ngắn)
e.g. Drop me a line / note when you get there.
Hãy viết cho tôi vài dòng thư khi anh đến đó nhé.
2. know someone / something like the back of one's hand : rõ như lòng bàn tay, biết
tường tận
e.g. This is where I grew up. I know this area like the back of my hand.
Đây là nơi tôi trưởng thành. Tôi biết rõ vùng nơi như lòng bàn tay.
3. down the drain : đổ sông đổ biển (nghĩa bóng)
e.g. It's just money down the drain.
Đó chỉ là tiền đổ sông đổ biển.
4. once and for all : một lần mà thôi, lần chót mà thôi, dứt khoát
e.g. I told him once and for all that I wouldn't go there.
Tao bảo nó một lần chót rằng tao không chịu tới đó.
5. have / get one's own way : làm theo điều mình muốn (thích)
e.g. If Helen doesn't have / get her own way, she gets very angry.
Nếu Helen không làm được như nó muốn, nó trở nên rất tức tối.

Practice: Use one of the five expressions above to fill in each space.
1. She always _____ in the end.
2. We need to settle this _____.
3. Remember to remind him to _____ me _____ when you come to Thailand to visit
him.
4. I regret buying this second-hand car. It was a lot of money _____.
5. He has been working at this museum for more than 30 years and _____.