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B2 FIRST · VOCABULARY · IDIOMS

Idioms: time, money and decisions

Idioms like once in a blue moon, cost an arm and a leg and sleep on it.

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your vocabulary teacher
Finn says

These idioms come up all the time in everyday conversation – talking about how often you do things, how much things cost and how you make decisions. They're great for Speaking Part 1 and for informal emails to a friend. Most idioms are informal: they sound natural when you speak and in informal emails, articles and reviews, but can sound out of place in an essay or a report. Look at the label next to each one.

Time

once in a blue moon
very rarely 🗣 Speaking & informal writing
I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.
in the nick of time
just in time, at the last moment 🗣 Speaking & informal writing
We arrived in the nick of time.
better late than never
it is better to do something late than not at all 🗣 Speaking & informal writing
He finally apologised – better late than never!

Money

cost an arm and a leg
be very expensive 🗣 Speaking & informal writing
That phone cost an arm and a leg.
a rip-off
something that costs much more than it should 🗣 Speaking & informal writing
Ten euros for a coffee? What a rip-off!
save for a rainy day
save money for a time when you might need it ✍️ Also in essays & reports
It's wise to save something for a rainy day.
make ends meet
have just enough money to live ✍️ Also in essays & reports
Many families struggle to make ends meet.

Decisions

sleep on it
wait until the next day before deciding 🗣 Speaking & informal writing
I'm not sure – let me sleep on it.
the ball is in your court
it is your turn to decide or act 🗣 Speaking & informal writing
I've made my offer – the ball is in your court.
sit on the fence
avoid choosing one side ✍️ Also in essays & reports
You can't sit on the fence forever.
a blessing in disguise
something that seems bad but turns out to be good ✍️ Also in essays & reports
Missing the train was a blessing in disguise.

Say it with an idiom

The same idea, first in plain English, then with an idiom.

  • Plain: I rarely eat fast food.With an idiom: I eat fast food once in a blue moon.Perfect for Speaking Part 1.
  • Plain: The concert tickets were very expensive.With an idiom: The concert tickets cost an arm and a leg.Informal and vivid.
  • Plain: Many people don't earn enough to live.With an idiom: Many people struggle to make ends meet.Neutral enough for an essay.
  • Plain: Losing that job turned out to be good for me.With an idiom: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.Works in speaking and writing.
Finn the puffin, smiling kindly
Finn's exam tip

In Speaking Part 1, the examiner often asks how often you do things. 'Once in a blue moon' or 'every now and then' sound much more natural than 'not very often'.

Quick check

Choose the best answer.

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