2026-08-28 영어 관용구와 구동사 종합 마스터 세션

Session Overview

이번 세션에서는 일상생활·감정·사회적 상황·속담 등 다양한 맥락에서 쓰이는 200여 개의 영어 관용구와 구동사를 학습했습니다. ‘piece of cake’처럼 친숙한 표현부터 ‘Catch 22’, ‘Hoyle’s rules’처럼 문화적 배경 지식이 필요한 심화 표현까지 폭넓게 다루었습니다. 이 표현들을 문맥과 함께 익혀 원어민과의 실제 대화에서 자신 있게 활용해 보세요.

📦 Phrasal Verbs & Chunks

Hang in there — 버텨, 포기하지 마

• The exam is tough, but hang in there — you’re almost done.
  • 시험이 힘들지만 버텨 — 거의 다 왔어.

A: I’ve been studying for ten hours and I want to quit.

B: Hang in there — the test is tomorrow morning.

Are you decent? — 들어가도 되나요? (옷을 입고 있나요?)

• She knocked and called, ‘Are you decent?’ before opening the door.
  • 그녀는 문을 열기 전에 노크하며 ‘들어가도 돼?‘라고 불렀다.

A: Are you decent? I’m coming in with your laundry.

B: Yeah, come on in, I’m fully dressed.

Icing on the cake — 금상첨화, 덤으로 좋은 것

• Getting a bonus was icing on the cake after my promotion.
  • 승진에 보너스까지 받은 건 금상첨화였다.

A: We won the championship and the crowd gave us a standing ovation.

B: That ovation was truly icing on the cake!

I’m dead serious — 진짜 진심이야

• I’m dead serious — quit your job and start your own business.
  • 진짜 진심이야 — 직장 그만두고 사업 시작해.

A: Are you actually moving to another country?

B: I’m dead serious. I leave next month.

Meet me halfway — 서로 양보하자, 중간에서 만나자

• I’ll lower my price if you meet me halfway on delivery costs.
  • 배송비를 반반 부담하면 내가 가격을 낮출게.

A: I can’t agree to all your terms.

B: Just meet me halfway and we’ll have a deal.

Keep out of this — 이 일에 끼어들지 마

• This is between me and Jake, so keep out of this.
  • 이건 나와 제이크 사이의 일이니 끼어들지 마.

A: Let me help you settle this argument with your sister.

B: No, please keep out of this — it’s personal.

Mind your own business — 네 일이나 신경 써

• When he asked about my salary, I told him to mind his own business.
  • 그가 내 월급을 묻자 나는 네 일이나 신경 쓰라고 했다.

A: Why did you break up with your boyfriend?

B: Mind your own business, please.

Bumper to bumper — 차가 꽉 막혀서 (범퍼가 맞닿을 정도로)

• Traffic was bumper to bumper on the highway this morning.
  • 오늘 아침 고속도로가 차로 꽉 막혔다.

A: Why are you so late to the meeting?

B: The road was bumper to bumper for two hours.

Catch you later — 나중에 봐, 다음에 봐

• I have to run to class — catch you later!
  • 수업 가야 해 — 나중에 봐!

A: Are you leaving already?

B: Yeah, gotta go — catch you later!

Once-in-a-lifetime chance — 일생에 한 번뿐인 기회

• Studying abroad at Oxford is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
  • 옥스퍼드에서 유학하는 건 일생에 한 번뿐인 기회야.

A: Should I audition for that Broadway show?

B: Absolutely — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance!

Everything came out wrong — 모든 게 잘못됐어, 말이 다 꼬였어

• I tried to apologize, but everything came out wrong.
  • 사과하려 했는데 말이 다 꼬여버렸어.

A: Why is she upset with you now?

B: I tried to explain, but everything came out wrong.

Fair is fair — 공평한 건 공평한 거야

• You worked more hours, so fair is fair — you get a bigger share.
  • 네가 더 많이 일했으니 공평한 건 공평한 거야 — 더 많이 가져가.

A: Why should I pay the same if I ate less?

B: Fair is fair — let’s split it by what we ordered.

Sticky fingers — 손버릇이 나쁜, 도벽이 있는

• The manager fired him because he had sticky fingers at the register.
  • 매니저는 그가 금전 등록기에서 손버릇이 나빠 해고했다.

A: Someone keeps taking snacks from my desk.

B: I think Jake has sticky fingers — I’d keep your stuff locked up.

Save face — 체면을 지키다

• He blamed the weather to save face after losing the game.
  • 그는 경기에서 진 후 체면을 지키려고 날씨 탓을 했다.

A: Why did he give such a weird excuse for missing the deadline?

B: He needed to save face in front of the whole team.

If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all — 하나를 보면 다 알 수 있어

• These tourist shops are boring — if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.
  • 이 관광 상점들은 지루해 — 하나를 보면 다 아는 거야.

A: Should we visit another souvenir market?

B: Nah, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

On the house — 서비스로, 무료로

• The waiter smiled and said dessert was on the house.
  • 웨이터는 웃으며 디저트는 서비스라고 했다.

A: How much do I owe for the extra coffee?

B: Nothing — it’s on the house. Enjoy!

Wouldn’t do any harm — 해가 될 건 없어

• Asking for a raise wouldn’t do any harm — the worst is a no.
  • 연봉 인상을 요청해도 해가 될 건 없어 — 최악은 거절이잖아.

A: Should I email the professor to ask for an extension?

B: It wouldn’t do any harm to try.

Penny-pincher — 구두쇠

• He’s such a penny-pincher that he reuses paper towels.
  • 그는 너무 구두쇠라 종이타월을 재사용한다.

A: Did Tom really bring his own coffee to the café?

B: Yes, he’s a total penny-pincher.

Take the fifth — 묵비권을 행사하다, 진술을 거부하다

• When asked where he was, he decided to take the fifth.
  • 어디 있었냐고 묻자 그는 묵비권을 행사하기로 했다.

A: Did you eat the last slice of pizza?

B: I’m going to take the fifth on that one.

Tongue-tied — 말문이 막힌

• She got tongue-tied when she met her favorite celebrity.
  • 그녀는 좋아하는 연예인을 만나자 말문이 막혔다.

A: How did your speech go?

B: Terrible — I got completely tongue-tied on stage.

Drop the subject — 그 얘기 그만해, 화제를 바꿔

• He was clearly upset, so she decided to drop the subject.
  • 그가 분명히 화난 것 같아서 그녀는 그 얘기를 그만하기로 했다.

A: Can we just drop the subject? I don’t want to argue anymore.

B: Fine, let’s talk about something else.

A stitch in time saves nine — 제때 한 땀이 아홉 땀을 아낀다 (호미로 막을 걸 가래로 막는다)

• Fix that small leak now — a stitch in time saves nine.
  • 그 작은 누수를 지금 고쳐 — 호미로 막을 걸 가래로 막는 법이야.

A: It’s just a tiny crack in the wall — I’ll deal with it later.

B: Don’t wait. A stitch in time saves nine.

A friend in need is a friend indeed — 어려울 때 친구가 진짜 친구다

• She helped me move when no one else would — a friend in need is a friend indeed.
  • 아무도 도와주지 않을 때 그녀가 이사를 도와줬어 — 어려울 때 친구가 진짜 친구야.

A: Jake stayed up all night helping me finish my project.

B: A friend in need is a friend indeed — he’s a keeper.

Here’s mud in your eye — 건배! (격식 없는 건배 표현)

• He raised his glass and said, ‘Here’s mud in your eye!’
  • 그는 잔을 들며 ‘건배!‘라고 외쳤다.

A: Here’s mud in your eye — congrats on the new job!

B: Cheers! I couldn’t have done it without your support.

Money makes the mare go — 돈이 있어야 일이 된다

• They finally approved the project once the budget came through — money makes the mare go.
  • 예산이 확보되자 드디어 프로젝트가 승인됐어 — 돈이 있어야 일이 되는 법이지.

A: Why did the contractor suddenly start working so fast?

B: We paid upfront — money makes the mare go.

I’ll say — 그러게 말이야, 정말 그래

• ‘That concert was amazing!’ ‘I’ll say — best show I’ve ever seen.’
  • ‘그 콘서트 정말 대단했어!’ ‘그러게 말이야 — 내가 본 최고의 공연이었어.’

A: This summer heat is absolutely brutal.

B: I’ll say — I’ve never sweated this much in my life.

Lightning never strikes the same place twice — 같은 불운이 두 번 찾아오지 않는다

• I doubt I’ll fail again — lightning never strikes the same place twice.
  • 또 실패할 것 같지 않아 — 같은 불운이 두 번 오지 않잖아.

A: Are you worried about another car accident on that road?

B: Not really — lightning never strikes the same place twice.

The squeaky wheel gets the oil — 삐걱거리는 바퀴가 기름을 얻는다 (우는 아이 젖 준다)

• He kept complaining and finally got a refund — the squeaky wheel gets the oil.
  • 그는 계속 항의했고 결국 환불을 받았다 — 우는 아이 젖 주는 법이야.

A: How did she get a room upgrade at the hotel?

B: She asked three times — the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Break the ice — 어색한 분위기를 깨다

• He told a funny joke to break the ice at the first meeting.
  • 그는 첫 만남에서 어색한 분위기를 깨려고 재미있는 농담을 했다.

A: Everyone at the party looks so awkward and quiet.

B: Let’s play a quick game to break the ice.

Piece of cake — 식은 죽 먹기, 매우 쉬운 일

• The driving test was a piece of cake for her.
  • 운전 면허 시험은 그녀에게 식은 죽 먹기였다.

A: How was the math quiz?

B: A piece of cake — I finished in ten minutes.

Cost an arm and a leg — 엄청나게 비싸다

• That luxury watch cost an arm and a leg.
  • 그 명품 시계는 엄청나게 비쌌다.

A: Did you buy tickets for the concert?

B: No, they cost an arm and a leg.

Hit the nail on the head — 핵심을 찌르다, 정확히 맞추다

• Your analysis really hit the nail on the head.
  • 네 분석이 정말 핵심을 정확히 찔렀어.

A: I think the problem is poor communication between teams.

B: You hit the nail on the head — that’s exactly it.

Spill the beans — 비밀을 누설하다

• Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
  • 깜짝 파티에 대한 비밀을 누설하지 마.

A: Did you tell anyone about the new product launch?

B: I accidentally spilled the beans to my coworker.

Under the weather — 몸이 좋지 않은

• She called in sick because she was feeling under the weather.
  • 그녀는 몸이 좋지 않아 결근 전화를 했다.

A: You look pale — are you okay?

B: I’m a bit under the weather. Probably just a cold.

Burn the midnight oil — 밤새워 공부하다/일하다

• She burned the midnight oil to finish her thesis.
  • 그녀는 논문을 완성하기 위해 밤새워 작업했다.

A: When did you sleep? You look exhausted.

B: I had to burn the midnight oil for the deadline.

Cut corners — 절차를 무시하고 대충 하다

• The builder cut corners, and the roof started leaking.
  • 건축업자가 대충 공사를 했더니 지붕에서 물이 새기 시작했다.

A: Why did the app crash on launch day?

B: The team cut corners during testing.

Bite the bullet — 이를 악물고 참다

• I hated the dentist, but I bit the bullet and made an appointment.
  • 치과가 싫었지만 이를 악물고 예약했다.

A: I really don’t want to apologize to him.

B: Just bite the bullet and get it over with.

Blessing in disguise — 전화위복

• Losing that job was a blessing in disguise — I found a better one.
  • 그 직장을 잃은 건 전화위복이었어 — 더 좋은 곳을 찾았거든.

A: I’m devastated that I missed the flight.

B: It might be a blessing in disguise — that flight got delayed six hours.

Call it a day — 오늘은 여기서 마치다

• We’ve been working for eight hours — let’s call it a day.
  • 여덟 시간이나 일했으니 오늘은 여기서 마치자.

A: We’re not going to finish this report tonight.

B: Agreed — let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.

Get out of hand — 걷잡을 수 없게 되다

• The argument got out of hand and someone called the police.
  • 말다툼이 걷잡을 수 없게 되어 누군가 경찰을 불렀다.

A: The kids’ game is getting really loud and wild.

B: Yeah, things are starting to get out of hand.

Give someone the benefit of the doubt — 의심스럽지만 일단 믿어주다

• She seemed late on purpose, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt.
  • 일부러 늦은 것 같았지만 일단 믿어주기로 했다.

A: Do you think he’s telling the truth about being sick?

B: I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt this time.

Go back to the drawing board — 처음부터 다시 시작하다

• The client rejected our proposal, so we had to go back to the drawing board.
  • 고객이 제안서를 거절해서 처음부터 다시 시작해야 했다.

A: The prototype completely failed the safety test.

B: Back to the drawing board — let’s rethink the whole design.

Hang on — 잠깐 기다려, 버텨

• Hang on — let me double-check the address before we leave.
  • 잠깐만 — 출발 전에 주소를 다시 확인할게.

A: I’m about to send the email to all staff.

B: Hang on — there’s a typo in the subject line.

Hit the sack — 잠자리에 들다

• I’m exhausted — I’m going to hit the sack early tonight.
  • 너무 피곤해 — 오늘은 일찍 잠자리에 들 거야.

A: Are you coming to the late-night movie?

B: No, I need to hit the sack — work starts at six.

Jump on the bandwagon — 유행을 따르다, 대세에 편승하다

• Everyone started using that app, so he jumped on the bandwagon too.
  • 모두가 그 앱을 쓰기 시작하자 그도 대세에 편승했다.

A: You’re doing intermittent fasting now too?

B: I know, I totally jumped on the bandwagon.

Keep your chin up — 힘내, 기운 내

• Keep your chin up — things will get better soon.
  • 기운 내 — 곧 좋아질 거야.

A: I failed the interview again. I feel hopeless.

B: Keep your chin up — the right job is coming.

Leave no stone unturned — 모든 수단을 다 써보다

• The detective left no stone unturned in the investigation.
  • 형사는 수사에서 모든 수단을 다 동원했다.

A: We still can’t find her missing cat.

B: Let’s leave no stone unturned — check every room again.

Let the cat out of the bag — 비밀을 (실수로) 누설하다

• He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
  • 그가 깜짝 파티에 대한 비밀을 실수로 누설해 버렸다.

A: How does Maria already know about her birthday party?

B: Sorry — I let the cat out of the bag by accident.

Make ends meet — 근근이 생계를 유지하다

• With two part-time jobs, she barely makes ends meet.
  • 두 개의 파트타임 일을 하며 그녀는 겨우 생계를 유지한다.

A: Is Tom doing okay financially?

B: He’s struggling — can barely make ends meet.

No pain, no gain — 고통 없이 얻는 것도 없다

• Training hurts, but no pain, no gain.
  • 훈련은 힘들지만 고통 없이 얻는 것도 없다.

A: My legs are killing me after yesterday’s workout.

B: No pain, no gain — keep going!

Out of the blue — 갑자기, 예고 없이

• Out of the blue, she received a job offer from abroad.
  • 갑자기 그녀는 해외에서 채용 제안을 받았다.

A: Did you expect your ex to call you last night?

B: Not at all — it came completely out of the blue.

Over my dead body — 내 눈에 흙이 들어가기 전엔 안 돼

• You’ll sell this house over my dead body.
  • 내 눈에 흙이 들어가기 전엔 이 집 절대 못 팔아.

A: Dad, I want to drop out of university.

B: Over my dead body — you’re finishing that degree.

Play it by ear — 상황을 봐가며 하다

• We don’t have a set plan — we’ll just play it by ear.
  • 정해진 계획은 없어 — 상황 보면서 하자.

A: What’s the plan if it rains during the picnic?

B: Let’s just play it by ear and see what happens.

Pull someone’s leg — 놀리다, 농담하다

• Don’t worry — I was just pulling your leg.
  • 걱정 마 — 그냥 놀린 거야.

A: Wait, is our flight really cancelled?

B: Ha! I’m just pulling your leg. We’re good.

Put all your eggs in one basket — 한 곳에 모든 것을 걸다

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket — apply to several schools.
  • 한 곳에 모든 것을 걸지 마 — 여러 학교에 지원해.

A: I only applied to one company for my internship.

B: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket — apply to more.

Raining cats and dogs — 비가 억수같이 쏟아지다

• It’s raining cats and dogs — grab an umbrella before you go.
  • 비가 억수같이 쏟아지고 있어 — 나가기 전에 우산 챙겨.

A: Should we walk to the restaurant?

B: No way — it’s raining cats and dogs out there.

Read between the lines — 행간을 읽다, 속뜻을 파악하다

• She didn’t say she was angry, but you could read between the lines.
  • 그녀는 화났다고 말하진 않았지만 행간을 읽을 수 있었다.

A: His email was very polite, but something felt off.

B: You have to read between the lines — he’s clearly unhappy.

Rule of thumb — 경험에서 나온 대략적인 기준

• As a rule of thumb, drink eight glasses of water a day.
  • 경험상, 하루에 물 여덟 잔을 마시는 것이 좋습니다.

A: How long should I bake this chicken?

B: As a rule of thumb, about 30 minutes at 180°C.

See eye to eye — 의견이 일치하다

• My sister and I don’t always see eye to eye on politics.
  • 제 언니와 저는 정치에 대해 항상 의견이 일치하지는 않아요.

A: Do you and Tom agree on the new plan?

B: Not really — we rarely see eye to eye.

Sit on the fence — 중립을 지키다, 어느 쪽도 편들지 않다

• You can’t sit on the fence forever; you must choose a side.
  • 언제까지나 중립만 지킬 수는 없어요. 한쪽을 선택해야 해요.

A: Are you for or against the new policy?

B: I’m still sitting on the fence about it.

Speak of the devil — 호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다 (얘기하던 사람이 마침 나타날 때)

• Speak of the devil — we were just talking about you!
  • 호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다더니 — 방금 당신 얘기 하고 있었어요!

A: I was just about to call Mark.

B: Speak of the devil — he just walked in!

Steal someone’s thunder — 남의 주목이나 영광을 가로채다

• She stole my thunder by announcing the news before I could.
  • 그녀가 내가 발표하기도 전에 소식을 알려서 내 주목을 가로챘어요.

A: Did you get to share your promotion news?

B: No — my coworker stole my thunder at the meeting.

Take with a grain of salt — 액면 그대로 믿지 않다, 반신반의하다

• Take his reviews with a grain of salt — he always exaggerates.
  • 그의 리뷰는 그대로 믿지 마세요 — 그는 항상 과장하는 편이에요.

A: The report says the economy is booming.

B: Take that with a grain of salt — it’s biased.

Through thick and thin — 좋을 때나 나쁠 때나, 어떤 어려움도 함께

• True best friends stick together through thick and thin.
  • 진정한 친구는 좋을 때나 나쁠 때나 함께해요.

A: You’ve supported me through everything. Thank you.

B: Of course — I’m here through thick and thin.

Throw in the towel — 포기하다

• Don’t throw in the towel now — you’re almost there!
  • 지금 포기하지 마세요 — 거의 다 왔잖아요!

A: I can’t solve this problem. I give up.

B: Don’t throw in the towel — let me help you.

Time flies — 시간이 빨리 지나가다

• Time flies when you’re having fun with good friends.
  • 좋은 친구들과 즐겁게 지낼 때는 시간이 정말 빨리 가요.

A: Can you believe it’s already December?

B: I know — time flies when you’re this busy!

Turn a blind eye — 못 본 척하다, 묵인하다

• The manager turned a blind eye to the team’s constant tardiness.
  • 매니저는 팀의 잦은 지각에 못 본 척했어요.

A: Did you see Jake leave two hours early again?

B: The boss just turns a blind eye to it.

Up in the air — 미정이다, 불확실하다

• Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
  • 우리의 휴가 계획은 아직 미정이에요.

A: Have you decided where to move yet?

B: No, everything is still up in the air.

Water under the bridge — 이미 지나간 일, 다시 문제 삼을 필요 없는 과거

• We had a big fight last year, but it’s water under the bridge now.
  • 작년에 크게 다퉜지만, 이제는 다 지나간 일이에요.

A: Are you still upset about what happened?

B: No, it’s water under the bridge for me.

When pigs fly — 절대 일어나지 않을 일 (돼지가 날 때나)

• He’ll apologize when pigs fly — he never admits he’s wrong.
  • 그는 절대 사과 안 할 거예요 — 자기가 틀렸다고 절대 인정 안 해요.

A: Do you think they’ll ever get back together?

B: When pigs fly — they ended things badly.

Wild goose chase — 헛수고, 불가능한 것을 쫓는 일

• Looking for parking downtown turned into a wild goose chase.
  • 시내에서 주차 공간을 찾는 것이 완전한 헛수고가 됐어요.

A: Did you find the document she mentioned?

B: No — it was a complete wild goose chase.

Word of mouth — 입소문

• The small restaurant grew popular through word of mouth alone.
  • 그 작은 식당은 오직 입소문만으로 유명해졌어요.

A: How did you hear about this great café?

B: Word of mouth — my friend recommended it.

Your guess is as good as mine — 나도 모른다, 당신과 마찬가지로 전혀 모른다

• Your guess is as good as mine — I have absolutely no idea.
  • 나도 전혀 모르겠어요.

A: When will the new policy be approved?

B: Your guess is as good as mine, honestly.

Back to square one — 원점으로 돌아가다

• The deal fell through, so we’re back to square one.
  • 거래가 무산되어 우리는 원점으로 돌아갔어요.

A: Did the client approve the final design?

B: No — we’re back to square one again.

Barking up the wrong tree — 잘못된 방향으로 노력하다, 엉뚱한 사람을 의심하다

• If you think I took your keys, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
  • 제가 열쇠를 가져갔다고 생각하신다면 잘못 짚으신 거예요.

A: I think Jake caused the system error.

B: You’re barking up the wrong tree — it was a software bug.

Beat around the bush — 핵심을 피하다, 빙빙 돌려 말하다

• Stop beating around the bush and just tell me the truth.
  • 빙빙 돌려 말하지 말고 사실대로 말해 주세요.

A: So… the thing is… I kind of forgot…

B: Stop beating around the bush — what happened?

Best of both worlds — 두 가지 장점을 모두 누리다

• Working from home gives me the best of both worlds.
  • 재택근무는 두 가지 장점을 모두 누리게 해줘요.

A: You work remotely but still get to visit the office?

B: Exactly — it’s the best of both worlds!

Bite off more than you can chew — 감당할 수 없을 만큼 많이 맡다

• Taking five classes at once — you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
  • 한꺼번에 다섯 수업을 듣다니 — 감당하기 힘든 일을 벌인 거예요.

A: I agreed to manage three big projects this month.

B: Don’t bite off more than you can chew!

Burning bridges — 관계를 완전히 끊어버리다, 돌아올 수 없게 하다

• Don’t quit by burning bridges — you may need those contacts later.
  • 관계를 끊어버리며 그만두지 마세요. 나중에 필요할 수도 있어요.

A: I want to yell at my boss before I quit.

B: Don’t burn bridges — stay professional.

Can’t judge a book by its cover — 겉모습으로 판단할 수 없다

• He looked unfriendly, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.
  • 그는 불친절해 보였지만, 겉모습으로 판단해서는 안 돼요.

A: That new student looks really arrogant to me.

B: Don’t judge a book by its cover — talk to them first.

Catch 22 — 진퇴양난, 어느 쪽을 선택해도 문제인 딜레마

• No experience, no job — no job, no experience. It’s a total catch 22.
  • 경험 없이는 취업이 안 되고, 취업 없이는 경험을 못 쌓는 진퇴양난이에요.

A: They want experience but won’t hire beginners.

B: Classic catch 22 — it’s so frustrating.

Chew the fat — 잡담하다, 수다 떨다

• We spent the whole afternoon chewing the fat over coffee.
  • 우리는 커피를 마시며 오후 내내 수다를 떨었어요.

A: What did you and your neighbor talk about?

B: Oh, we just chewed the fat for a while.

Chin up — 힘내, 기운 내

• Chin up — things will get better very soon, I promise.
  • 힘내요 — 곧 나아질 거예요, 약속해요.

A: I failed the exam again. I feel so down.

B: Chin up! You can retake it next month.

Come hell or high water — 무슨 일이 있어도, 어떤 어려움도 불사하고

• Come hell or high water, I will finish this marathon.
  • 무슨 일이 있어도 이 마라톤을 완주할 거예요.

A: What if the weather is terrible on race day?

B: Come hell or high water, I’ll cross that finish line.

Cry over spilled milk — 이미 엎질러진 물을 두고 후회하다

• There’s no point crying over spilled milk — let’s just move forward.
  • 이미 엎질러진 물을 두고 후회해봤자 소용없어요. 앞으로 나아갑시다.

A: I can’t believe I missed that opportunity.

B: Don’t cry over spilled milk — find the next one.

Cut to the chase — 핵심만 말하다, 본론으로 들어가다

• Let’s cut to the chase — what’s your final offer?
  • 본론으로 들어가죠 — 최종 제안이 뭔가요?

A: There are several things I want to discuss, but—

B: Please cut to the chase — we’re short on time.

Devil’s advocate — 반대 의견을 일부러 제시하는 사람 (논의를 위해)

• Let me play devil’s advocate — what if the entire plan fails?
  • 반대 의견을 한번 내볼게요 — 계획 전체가 실패하면 어떻게 하죠?

A: I think we should all just agree on this plan.

B: I’ll play devil’s advocate — what are the risks?

Down to earth — 현실적인, 소박하고 꾸밈없는

• Despite her fame, she’s incredibly down to earth.
  • 유명함에도 불구하고 그녀는 매우 소박하고 현실적이에요.

A: Is the new CEO approachable or intimidating?

B: Very down to earth — you’ll enjoy talking to him.

Drastic times call for drastic measures — 극단적인 상황에는 극단적인 조치가 필요하다

• We must cut the budget by half — drastic times call for drastic measures.
  • 예산을 절반으로 삭감해야 해요 — 극단적인 상황에는 극단적인 조치가 필요하니까요.

A: Should we really close half of our branches?

B: Drastic times call for drastic measures, I’m afraid.

Easy does it — 천천히 해, 조심해서 해

• Easy does it — don’t rush or you’ll make a mistake.
  • 천천히 해요 — 서두르면 실수할 수 있어요.

A: I’m trying to move this heavy cabinet quickly.

B: Easy does it — take your time.

Every dog has its day — 누구에게나 좋은 날이 온다

• Don’t lose hope — every dog has its day.
  • 희망을 잃지 마세요 — 누구에게나 좋은 날이 오니까요.

A: I never seem to win anything at all.

B: Don’t worry — every dog has its day.

Face the music — 결과를 책임지다, 비판이나 처벌을 감수하다

• He made the mistake, so now he must face the music.
  • 그가 실수를 했으니, 이제 그 결과를 책임져야 해요.

A: Should I tell the boss I broke the equipment?

B: Yes — better to face the music now.

Fall by the wayside — 도중에 포기하다, 흐지부지 사라지다

• Many great ideas fall by the wayside without proper support.
  • 제대로 된 지원 없이는 훌륭한 아이디어도 중간에 흐지부지돼요.

A: What happened to that fitness challenge we started?

B: It fell by the wayside after the first week.

Feel like a million bucks — 기분이 매우 좋다, 최상의 컨디션이다

• After a good night’s sleep, I feel like a million bucks.
  • 숙면 후에는 기분이 정말 최고예요.

A: How do you feel after your spa day?

B: I feel like a million bucks — totally refreshed!

Fish out of water — 물 밖에 난 물고기, 어색하고 불편한 상황에 놓인 사람

• At the formal gala, I felt like a complete fish out of water.
  • 공식 갈라 행사에서 저는 완전히 어색하고 불편했어요.

A: How was your first day at the finance company?

B: I felt like a total fish out of water.

Fit as a fiddle — 매우 건강하다

• My grandfather is 80 years old but fit as a fiddle.
  • 제 할아버지는 80세이지만 매우 건강하세요.

A: How is your dad recovering from his surgery?

B: He’s fit as a fiddle — back to hiking already!

Flea market — 벼룩시장

• I found a vintage lamp at the flea market for five dollars.
  • 벼룩시장에서 단돈 5달러에 빈티지 램프를 찾았어요.

A: Where did you get that cool old record player?

B: At the flea market — it was a great deal!

Food for thought — 생각할 거리

• That documentary gave me a lot of food for thought.
  • 그 다큐멘터리는 많은 생각할 거리를 줬어요.

A: Did the lecture change your opinion at all?

B: Not entirely, but it was real food for thought.

Get a taste of your own medicine — 자업자득, 같은 방식으로 당하다

• He was rude to everyone and finally got a taste of his own medicine.
  • 그는 모두에게 무례하게 굴다가 결국 자업자득을 당했어요.

A: The office bully is now being excluded by everyone.

B: He’s getting a taste of his own medicine!

Give the cold shoulder — 냉대하다, 무시하다

• She’s been giving me the cold shoulder since our argument.
  • 우리가 다툰 이후로 그녀는 나를 냉대하고 있어요.

A: Why isn’t Amy talking to you anymore?

B: She’s giving me the cold shoulder — I don’t know why.

Go the extra mile — 더 많은 노력을 기울이다, 기대 이상으로 하다

• She always goes the extra mile to help her students succeed.
  • 그녀는 학생들이 성공할 수 있도록 항상 한 발 더 나아가요.

A: Why do customers love that service rep so much?

B: She always goes the extra mile for everyone.

Grease someone’s palm — 뇌물을 주다

• He had to grease the official’s palm to get the permit approved.
  • 그는 허가증을 받으려고 관리에게 뇌물을 줘야 했어요.

A: How did they get approval so quickly?

B: Word is they greased someone’s palm.

Green with envy — 질투심으로 가득 차다

• I was green with envy when she showed me her new car.
  • 그녀가 새 차를 보여줬을 때 나는 질투심으로 가득 찼어요.

A: Did you see Jake’s new apartment downtown?

B: Yes — I’m absolutely green with envy!

Gut feeling — 직감

• My gut feeling told me not to sign that contract.
  • 직감적으로 그 계약에 서명하지 말라는 느낌이 들었어요.

A: Do you think we should trust this new supplier?

B: I have a gut feeling something’s not right.

Hand to mouth — 그날 벌어 그날 먹는, 빠듯하게 살다

• After losing his job, he lived hand to mouth for months.
  • 직장을 잃은 후 그는 몇 달 동안 빠듯하게 살았어요.

A: Are you saving any money these days?

B: Not really — I’m living hand to mouth right now.

Have a blast — 매우 즐거운 시간을 보내다

• We had a total blast at the concert last night.
  • 어젯밤 콘서트에서 정말 즐거운 시간을 보냈어요.

A: How was the birthday party?

B: We had a total blast — it was amazing!

Head over heels — 완전히 빠지다, 깊이 사랑에 빠지다

• He’s head over heels in love with his new girlfriend.
  • 그는 새 여자친구에게 완전히 반해 있어요.

A: Tom seems so distracted lately. Is he okay?

B: He’s head over heels — just started dating someone.

Hit the books — 공부하다

• I need to hit the books tonight for tomorrow’s big exam.
  • 내일 큰 시험 때문에 오늘 밤 열심히 공부해야 해요.

A: Want to go out tonight?

B: I can’t — I have to hit the books.

Hit the road — 출발하다, 떠나다

• We need to hit the road by 6 a.m. to beat the traffic.
  • 교통 체증을 피하려면 오전 6시까지는 출발해야 해요.

A: Ready? We have a long drive ahead of us.

B: Let’s hit the road before it gets too late.

Hold your horses — 잠깐 기다려, 서두르지 마

• Hold your horses — we haven’t heard everyone’s opinion yet.
  • 잠깐만요 — 아직 모든 사람의 의견을 들어보지 않았잖아요.

A: I’m going to submit the report right now.

B: Hold your horses — let me proofread it first.

In the same boat — 같은 처지에 있다

• We’re all in the same boat, so let’s work together.
  • 우리 모두 같은 처지니까, 함께 힘을 합쳐봐요.

A: I’m so stressed about this deadline too.

B: We’re all in the same boat — let’s help each other.

Keep your fingers crossed — 행운을 빌다

• Keep your fingers crossed that I get the job!
  • 제가 취업이 되도록 행운을 빌어주세요!

A: Your interview results come out tomorrow, right?

B: Yes! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Kill two birds with one stone — 일석이조, 한 번에 두 가지를 해결하다

• I’ll kill two birds with one stone by exercising during my commute.
  • 출퇴근 시간에 운동을 해서 일석이조를 노릴게요.

A: Can we stop at the store on the way to Mom’s?

B: Good idea — we’ll kill two birds with one stone.

Know the ropes — 요령을 알다, 방법을 알다

• Ask Sarah — she really knows the ropes around here.
  • Sarah에게 물어보세요 — 그녀가 여기 요령을 잘 알아요.

A: I’m new here. Can you show me around?

B: Sure! I know the ropes — just follow me.

Last straw — 인내의 한계, 더 이상 참을 수 없게 만드는 마지막 한 방울

• His constant lateness was the last straw — I finally fired him.
  • 그의 계속되는 지각이 한계를 넘게 했어요 — 결국 그를 해고했어요.

A: Why did you finally break up with him?

B: His lying was the last straw for me.

Leave well enough alone — 잘 돌아가고 있는 것은 건드리지 마라, 그냥 두다

• The system works fine — just leave well enough alone.
  • 시스템이 잘 작동하고 있으니 그냥 내버려 두세요.

A: Should I try to optimize the code even further?

B: It works perfectly — leave well enough alone.

let sleeping dogs lie — 긁어 부스럼 만들지 마라 (문제를 일부러 건드리지 않다)

• Just let sleeping dogs lie and don’t bring up the old argument.
  • 그냥 긁어 부스럼 만들지 말고 예전 다툼은 꺼내지 마.

A: Should I ask my boss about the raise I missed last year?

B: I’d let sleeping dogs lie — things are good now.

lightning fast — 번개처럼 빠른

• The new computer processes data lightning fast.
  • 새 컴퓨터는 데이터를 번개처럼 빠르게 처리한다.

A: How did she finish the marathon already?

B: She runs lightning fast — always has.

look before you leap — 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라 (행동하기 전에 신중히 생각하다)

• Look before you leap — research the company before quitting your job.
  • 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라 — 회사를 그만두기 전에 잘 알아봐.

A: I’m signing the lease tomorrow without even visiting the apartment.

B: Look before you leap — you might really regret it.

lose your touch — 감각을 잃다, 예전 솜씨가 없어지다

• He hasn’t played piano in years and fears he’s lost his touch.
  • 그는 몇 년째 피아노를 치지 않아 감각을 잃었을까 봐 걱정한다.

A: My soufflé fell flat for the third time in a row.

B: Don’t worry — you haven’t lost your touch yet.

make waves — 파장을 일으키다, 물의를 빚다

• The new policy really made waves throughout the department.
  • 새 정책은 부서 전체에 큰 파장을 일으켰다.

A: Are you going to report the issue to upper management?

B: I don’t want to make waves, but someone has to.

Midas touch — 손대는 것마다 성공시키는 능력

• She has the Midas touch — every business she starts becomes a success.
  • 그녀는 손대는 것마다 성공한다 — 창업하는 사업마다 잘 된다.

A: His third startup just got acquired for millions.

B: That guy truly has the Midas touch.

mum’s the word — 비밀을 지키다, 아무에게도 말하지 않기로 하다

• We’re throwing a surprise party, so mum’s the word.
  • 깜짝 파티를 열 거니까, 아무한테도 말하지 마.

A: Did you hear about the big announcement tomorrow?

B: Yes, but mum’s the word until the meeting.

neck and neck — 막상막하인, 아슬아슬하게 동등한

• The two runners were neck and neck in the final lap.
  • 두 선수는 마지막 바퀴에서 막상막하였다.

A: Who’s winning the election right now?

B: The candidates are neck and neck — too close to call.

nest egg — 노후 대비 저축, 비상금

• She’s been building her nest egg by saving a little each month.
  • 그녀는 매달 조금씩 저축하며 노후 자금을 모아왔다.

A: Are you ready to retire early?

B: Almost — my nest egg just needs a couple more years.

never look a gift horse in the mouth — 공짜로 받은 것에 불평하지 마라

• Don’t complain about the free upgrade — never look a gift horse in the mouth.
  • 무료 업그레이드에 불평하지 마 — 공짜로 받은 것에 불평하면 안 되지.

A: The hotel room is nice, but I wish the view were better.

B: Never look a gift horse in the mouth — it was free!

no-brainer — 너무 쉬운 결정, 생각할 필요도 없는 것

• Accepting a higher salary with better benefits is a no-brainer.
  • 더 높은 급여에 더 좋은 복리후생이라면 당연히 받아야지.

A: Should I take the job offer closer to home?

B: That’s a total no-brainer — say yes!

not my cup of tea — 내 취향이 아니다

• Horror movies are not my cup of tea — I prefer comedies.
  • 공포 영화는 내 취향이 아니야 — 나는 코미디가 좋아.

A: Want to go camping this weekend?

B: Honestly, sleeping outdoors is not my cup of tea.

off the hook — 곤경에서 벗어나다, 책임을 면하다

• The charges were dropped, so he got off the hook completely.
  • 혐의가 취하되어 그는 완전히 곤경에서 벗어났다.

A: Did you have to explain the mistake to the client?

B: No — my manager let me off the hook this time.

on thin ice — 위험한 상황에 있다, 살얼음판을 걷다

• He’s on thin ice after missing three deadlines in a row.
  • 그는 마감을 연속으로 세 번 놓쳐서 위험한 상황에 처해 있다.

A: I think I offended the boss in today’s meeting.

B: You’re on thin ice — go apologize now.

out of the frying pan into the fire — 갈수록 태산, 더 큰 곤경으로 빠지다

• Quitting that job only to find a worse one was out of the frying pan into the fire.
  • 그 직장을 그만뒀더니 더 나쁜 곳으로 가게 됐어 — 갈수록 태산이었지.

A: I left my stressful job and ended up with an even worse boss.

B: That’s straight out of the frying pan into the fire!

pace yourself — 무리하지 않고 페이스를 조절하다

• Pace yourself during the marathon — don’t sprint at the very start.
  • 마라톤에서 페이스를 조절해 — 처음부터 전력 질주하지 마.

A: I’ve been working 14-hour days to finish this project.

B: Pace yourself — you’ll burn out before it’s done.

paint the town red — 신나게 마음껏 놀다

• It’s her birthday, so let’s go out and paint the town red tonight!
  • 오늘 그녀의 생일이니까, 오늘 밤 신나게 놀아보자!

A: We finally finished the project — what should we do?

B: Let’s paint the town red to celebrate!

pass the buck — 책임을 남에게 떠넘기다

• Stop passing the buck — you made the decision, so own it.
  • 책임 전가 그만해 — 네가 결정한 거니까 책임져.

A: The project failed because the marketing team dropped the ball.

B: Don’t pass the buck — we all share the responsibility.

pat on the back — 칭찬, 격려

• The manager gave the whole team a pat on the back for finishing early.
  • 매니저는 팀이 일찍 끝낸 것에 대해 칭찬해 줬다.

A: You deserve a pat on the back for handling that so well.

B: Thanks — it was a really tough situation to navigate.

pay through the nose — 터무니없이 비싼 값을 치르다

• We paid through the nose for front-row concert tickets.
  • 우리는 앞줄 콘서트 티켓에 터무니없이 비싼 값을 치렀다.

A: How much did the car repair end up costing?

B: We paid through the nose — nearly two thousand dollars.

perk up — 기운을 차리다, 생기를 되찾다

• She perked up immediately after hearing the good news.
  • 그녀는 좋은 소식을 듣자마자 기운을 차렸다.

A: You look exhausted — are you okay?

B: I’ll perk up after a good cup of coffee.

pick someone’s brain — 아이디어나 조언을 구하다

• Can I pick your brain about the best way to negotiate a raise?
  • 급여 인상 협상을 잘하는 방법에 대해 조언을 구해도 될까?

A: You’ve started a business before — can I pick your brain?

B: Of course — let’s grab coffee and talk it through.

pile on — (비판 등을) 계속 퍼붓다, 가담하다

• After the mistake went public, everyone started to pile on with criticism.
  • 실수가 알려지자 모두가 비판을 퍼붓기 시작했다.

A: The whole office piled on after Tom’s error.

B: That’s not fair — he already feels bad enough.

play with fire — 위험한 짓을 하다

• Skipping the safety checks is really playing with fire.
  • 안전 점검을 건너뛰는 건 정말 위험한 짓이다.

A: I’m thinking of investing all my savings in one stock.

B: That’s playing with fire — diversify at least a little.

point of no return — 돌이킬 수 없는 지점

• Once we sign the contract, we’ve reached the point of no return.
  • 계약서에 서명하면 돌이킬 수 없는 지점에 이른다.

A: Are you sure you want to quit your stable job?

B: I’ve hit the point of no return — I already handed in my notice.

poke your nose into — 참견하다, 남의 일에 끼어들다

• Please don’t poke your nose into my personal decisions.
  • 내 개인적인 결정에 참견하지 마세요.

A: Why are you always poking your nose into my business?

B: I’m just worried about you — I’ll back off.

push the envelope — 한계를 뛰어넘다, 경계를 확장하다

• This designer always pushes the envelope with her bold creations.
  • 이 디자이너는 대담한 작품으로 항상 한계를 뛰어넘는다.

A: Our new product design feels a bit too conventional.

B: Let’s push the envelope — something bold could set us apart.

put the cart before the horse — 순서가 바뀌다, 본말이 전도되다

• Planning the party before finalizing the guest list is putting the cart before the horse.
  • 초대 명단도 정하기 전에 파티를 계획하는 건 순서가 바뀐 거야.

A: I already ordered furniture for the apartment I haven’t rented yet.

B: You’re totally putting the cart before the horse!

quick on the uptake — 이해가 빠르다

• She’s quick on the uptake — she mastered the new software in an hour.
  • 그녀는 이해가 빨라서 새 소프트웨어를 한 시간 만에 익혔다.

A: How’s the new intern doing so far?

B: She’s very quick on the uptake — barely needs any guidance.

quiet as a mouse — 쥐 죽은 듯이 조용한

• The baby finally fell asleep, so we moved quiet as a mouse.
  • 아기가 드디어 잠들어서 우리는 쥐 죽은 듯이 조용히 움직였다.

A: Did you sneak in late last night?

B: I tried to be quiet as a mouse so I wouldn’t wake you.

rack your brain — 머리를 짜내다, 열심히 생각하다

• I’ve been racking my brain trying to remember her name.
  • 나는 그녀의 이름을 기억해 내려고 머리를 짜내고 있다.

A: Where on earth did I leave my keys?

B: I’ve been racking my brain too — try the kitchen counter.

rain on someone’s parade — 남의 기분을 망치다, 찬물을 끼얹다

• I hate to rain on your parade, but the concert just got cancelled.
  • 기분 망치게 하고 싶지 않지만, 콘서트가 취소됐어.

A: I don’t want to rain on your parade, but the flight is delayed.

B: Oh no — hopefully not by too many hours.

rise and shine — 일어나서 활기차게 하루를 시작하다

• Rise and shine — we have a big day ahead of us!
  • 일어나 활기차게 시작해 — 오늘 바쁜 하루가 기다리고 있어!

A: Rise and shine! Breakfast is on the table!

B: Already? Just five more minutes, please.

rock the boat — 현 상태를 흔들다, 불필요하게 문제를 일으키다

• He didn’t want to rock the boat by proposing major changes.
  • 그는 큰 변화를 제안해서 현 상태를 흔들고 싶지 않았다.

A: Should I suggest restructuring the whole team to the director?

B: Be careful — you don’t want to rock the boat unnecessarily.

Rome wasn’t built in a day — 로마는 하루아침에 이루어지지 않았다 (큰일은 시간이 걸린다)

• Don’t rush the renovation — Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  • 리모델링을 서두르지 마 — 로마는 하루아침에 이루어지지 않았어.

A: I’ve been learning guitar for a month and I’m still terrible!

B: Rome wasn’t built in a day — just keep practicing.

rule the roost — 주도권을 쥐다, 집안의 실권자가 되다

• In that household, the grandmother clearly rules the roost.
  • 그 집안에서는 할머니가 주도권을 쥐고 있다.

A: Who makes all the big decisions in your family?

B: Definitely my mom — she rules the roost.

run out of steam — 기력이 다하다, 동력을 잃다

• The project ran out of steam just before the final deadline.
  • 프로젝트는 최종 마감 직전에 동력을 잃었다.

A: How’s the brainstorming session going in there?

B: We ran out of steam about an hour ago.

save for a rainy day — 어려울 때를 대비해 저축하다

• I always put a portion of my paycheck away to save for a rainy day.
  • 나는 항상 월급의 일부를 어려울 때를 대비해 저축한다.

A: Should I spend my whole bonus on a vacation?

B: Maybe save some for a rainy day first.

scrape the bottom of the barrel — 밑바닥을 긁다, 최악의 것을 이용할 수밖에 없다

• With only two candidates left, we’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel.
  • 지원자가 두 명밖에 남지 않아서 밑바닥을 긁는 상황이다.

A: This is the last applicant for the position.

B: We’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel here.

see the light — 깨닫다, 이해하다, 진실을 보다

• After months of struggling alone, she finally saw the light and asked for help.
  • 몇 달간 혼자 힘들게 버티다가 그녀는 마침내 깨닫고 도움을 요청했다.

A: I finally see the light — I should have delegated this from the start.

B: Better late than never!

sell like hotcakes — 불티나게 팔리다

• The limited-edition sneakers sold like hotcakes on the first day.
  • 한정판 운동화는 첫날부터 불티나게 팔렸다.

A: How’s the new product launch going?

B: It’s selling like hotcakes — we already restocked twice.

send mixed signals — 엇갈린 신호를 보내다

• She said she was interested but keeps canceling plans — she’s sending mixed signals.
  • 그녀는 관심 있다고 했지만 계속 약속을 취소해 — 엇갈린 신호를 보내고 있어.

A: Does my manager want me to take initiative or wait for instructions?

B: He’s sending mixed signals — just ask him directly.

shake a leg — 서두르다

• Shake a leg or we’ll miss the last train!
  • 서둘러, 아니면 마지막 기차 놓쳐!

A: The movie starts in ten minutes!

B: I know — shake a leg and grab your coat!

shoot for the moon — 높은 목표를 세우다, 큰 꿈을 꾸다

• She decided to shoot for the moon and apply to the top universities.
  • 그녀는 큰 꿈을 품고 최상위 대학에 지원하기로 했다.

A: Should I apply for a role I’m not fully qualified for?

B: Shoot for the moon — the worst they can say is no.

shoot the breeze — 잡담하다, 수다 떨다

• We spent the whole afternoon on the porch shooting the breeze.
  • 우리는 오후 내내 현관에서 수다를 떨었다.

A: What were you two talking about for so long?

B: Nothing important — just shooting the breeze.

shot in the dark — 어림짐작, 근거 없는 추측

• Guessing the password was a shot in the dark, but it actually worked.
  • 비밀번호를 어림짐작으로 맞혀봤는데, 맞았다.

A: How did you know the answer without any information?

B: It was a total shot in the dark — I just got lucky.

show your true colors — 본색을 드러내다

• Under pressure, he showed his true colors and blamed everyone else.
  • 압박을 받자 그는 본색을 드러내며 모두를 탓했다.

A: He seemed supportive, but he turned on us when things got hard.

B: He finally showed his true colors.

sick and tired — 완전히 지치고 질리다

• I’m sick and tired of repeating myself at every single meeting.
  • 나는 매 회의마다 같은 말을 반복하는 것에 완전히 질렸다.

A: Are you okay? You seem really frustrated today.

B: I’m sick and tired of these constant system crashes.

sink or swim — 성공 아니면 실패, 자력으로 해내야 하다

• His first week at the new job was sink or swim — no one guided him.
  • 새 직장 첫 주는 자력으로 해내야 했다 — 아무도 도와주지 않았다.

A: Are you nervous about your first day on the trading floor?

B: A little — it really feels like sink or swim from day one.

sleep on it — 하룻밤 자고 결정하다, 시간을 두고 생각하다

• It’s a big decision — let’s sleep on it before we commit.
  • 큰 결정이야 — 결정하기 전에 하룻밤 자고 생각해 보자.

A: Should I accept the job offer today?

B: Sleep on it first — there’s no rush until tomorrow.

smell a rat — 수상한 낌새를 채다, 뭔가 이상하다고 느끼다

• When the deal seemed too good to be true, I started to smell a rat.
  • 거래가 너무 좋아 보이자 뭔가 수상하다는 낌새를 챘다.

A: Something about this investment opportunity feels off.

B: I smell a rat too — let’s investigate before committing.

smooth sailing — 순조로운 진행, 아무 문제 없는 상황

• After the initial hiccups, the project was smooth sailing.
  • 처음의 어려움 이후 프로젝트는 순조롭게 진행됐다.

A: How’s the new system working out so far?

B: Smooth sailing — no issues at all since launch.

snake in the grass — 뒤에서 해를 끼치는 음흉한 사람

• She turned out to be a snake in the grass, leaking our plans to rivals.
  • 그녀는 음흉한 사람으로 드러났다 — 우리 계획을 경쟁사에 누설했다.

A: I trusted him with some very sensitive information.

B: Be careful — he’s a real snake in the grass.

snowed under — 일에 치이다, 할 일이 너무 많아 압도되다

• I’m completely snowed under with emails and deadlines this week.
  • 이번 주는 이메일과 마감이 너무 많아서 완전히 치이고 있다.

A: Can you help me review this report today?

B: I’m totally snowed under right now — can it wait till Friday?

sold down the river — 배신당하다

• He felt sold down the river when his partner revealed their secret deal.
  • 파트너가 비밀 거래를 폭로했을 때 그는 배신당했다고 느꼈다.

A: My own colleague took credit for my idea in the meeting.

B: That’s awful — you were completely sold down the river.

something to write home about — 특별히 주목할 만한 것, 자랑할 만한 것

• The food was decent, but nothing to write home about.
  • 음식은 괜찮았지만, 특별히 자랑할 만한 건 아니었다.

A: How was the new restaurant everyone’s been talking about?

B: It was fine, but nothing to write home about.

speak volumes — 많은 것을 말해주다, 충분히 설명이 되다

• His silence during the criticism spoke volumes about his true feelings.
  • 비판을 받는 동안 그의 침묵은 그의 진짜 감정을 충분히 말해줬다.

A: She didn’t say a word when he was accused.

B: Her silence speaks volumes, doesn’t it?

stand your ground — 입장을 고수하다, 물러서지 않다

• When they pressured him to lower the price, he stood his ground.
  • 그들이 가격을 낮추라고 압박했지만 그는 입장을 고수했다.

A: They’re trying to change the contract terms at the last minute.

B: Stand your ground — don’t accept changes you didn’t agree to.

steal the show — 관심을 독차지하다, 주목을 한몸에 받다

• The opening act stole the show with an absolutely incredible performance.
  • 오프닝 공연자가 믿기지 않는 무대로 관심을 독차지했다.

A: Who was the standout performer at the event?

B: Honestly, the new kid totally stole the show.

stick to your guns — 자신의 입장을 굳게 지키다

• Everyone disagreed with her plan, but she stuck to her guns.
  • 모두가 그녀의 계획에 반대했지만 그녀는 자신의 입장을 굳게 지켰다.

A: The committee is pushing back hard on your proposal.

B: I know, but I’m sticking to my guns — the data supports it.

Straight from the horse’s mouth — 직접 믿을 만한 출처에서 들은 (확실한 정보)

• I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth — she’s getting promoted.
  • 직접 확실한 출처에서 들었어 — 그녀가 승진한대.

A: How do you know the meeting was cancelled?

B: Straight from the horse’s mouth — the manager told me.

Strike while the iron is hot — 기회가 왔을 때 바로 행동하다

• You should apply now and strike while the iron is hot.
  • 지금 지원해 — 기회가 왔을 때 바로 행동해야 해.

A: Should I wait before making an offer?

B: No, strike while the iron is hot!

Swear by — ~을 굳게 믿다, 강력히 추천하다

• My grandmother swears by honey and lemon for a sore throat.
  • 우리 할머니는 목이 아플 때 꿀과 레몬을 강력히 추천하셔.

A: What do you use for headaches?

B: I swear by this herbal tea — it always works.

Tailspin — 급격한 혼란 또는 하락 상태

• The company went into a tailspin after the CEO resigned.
  • CEO가 사임한 후 회사가 급격히 혼란에 빠졌다.

A: How’s the project going?

B: It’s in a tailspin — everything went wrong at once.

Take a hike — 저리 가!, 꺼져!

• When he kept bothering her, she told him to take a hike.
  • 그가 계속 귀찮게 하자 그녀는 그에게 꺼지라고 했다.

A: Can I borrow money again?

B: Take a hike — you never paid me back last time.

Take the bull by the horns — 어려운 상황을 과감히 맞서다

• She decided to take the bull by the horns and confront her boss.
  • 그녀는 용감하게 상사와 직접 맞서기로 결심했다.

A: The problem keeps getting worse.

B: We need to take the bull by the horns and fix it now.

Take the high road — 도덕적으로 올바른 길을 택하다, 품위 있게 행동하다

• Even when criticized unfairly, he chose to take the high road.
  • 불공정한 비판을 받아도 그는 품위 있게 행동하기로 했다.

A: He said some nasty things about you.

B: I’ll take the high road and not respond.

Talk turkey — 솔직하고 진지하게 이야기하다

• Let’s sit down and talk turkey about the budget issues.
  • 앉아서 예산 문제에 대해 솔직하게 얘기합시다.

A: Are you serious about this deal?

B: Yes — let’s talk turkey and work out the details.

Taste of your own medicine — 자신이 한 대로 당해보다

• He got a taste of his own medicine when his prank backfired.
  • 그의 장난이 역효과를 내어 자신이 한 대로 당했다.

A: He’s upset that she ignored his calls.

B: He got a taste of his own medicine — he did the same to her.

Thick-skinned — 둔감한, 비판에 상처받지 않는

• You need to be thick-skinned to work in a competitive industry.
  • 경쟁이 치열한 업계에서 일하려면 비판에 강해야 해.

A: The critics were really brutal to her.

B: She’s thick-skinned — negative reviews don’t bother her.

Think outside the box — 창의적으로 생각하다

• We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.
  • 이 문제를 해결하려면 창의적으로 생각해야 해.

A: The usual approach isn’t working at all.

B: Let’s think outside the box and try something new.

Through the grapevine — 소문으로, 간접적으로 듣다

• I heard through the grapevine that they’re closing the office.
  • 소문으로 그 사무실이 문을 닫는다고 들었어.

A: Did you hear about the merger?

B: Yes, I heard through the grapevine last week.

Throw a wrench in the works — 일을 방해하다, 망치다

• The unexpected strike threw a wrench in the works.
  • 예상치 못한 파업이 일을 망쳐놓았다.

A: Why was the product launch delayed?

B: A supply issue threw a wrench in the works.

Tie the knot — 결혼하다

• They finally tied the knot after dating for six years.
  • 그들은 6년 동안 사귄 후 드디어 결혼했다.

A: Did you hear about Jake and Amy?

B: Yes! They tied the knot last Saturday.

Time is money — 시간은 돈이다

• Let’s skip unnecessary meetings — time is money.
  • 불필요한 회의는 건너뛰자 — 시간은 돈이야.

A: Can we discuss this later?

B: No, time is money — let’s decide right now.

To a fault — 지나칠 정도로

• She is generous to a fault and gives away too much.
  • 그녀는 지나칠 정도로 관대해서 너무 많이 베풀어.

A: Why is he always so cautious about every little thing?

B: He’s careful to a fault — even tiny decisions take forever.

Too good to be true — 사실이라기엔 너무 좋은

• The deal sounded too good to be true, so I walked away.
  • 그 거래는 사실이라기엔 너무 좋아 보여서 거절했다.

A: They’re offering free rent for an entire year!

B: That sounds too good to be true — read the fine print.

Touch-and-go — 아슬아슬한, 결과가 불확실한

• It was touch-and-go for a while, but the patient recovered.
  • 한동안 아슬아슬했지만 환자는 회복했다.

A: Did the negotiation work out in the end?

B: It was touch-and-go, but we finally reached a deal.

Turn over a new leaf — 새 출발을 하다, 행동을 바꾸다

• After the setback, he decided to turn over a new leaf.
  • 좌절 후 그는 새 출발을 하기로 결심했다.

A: He used to be so unreliable.

B: I know, but he’s turned over a new leaf since then.

Twist someone’s arm — 압력을 가하다, 억지로 설득하다

• She had to twist my arm to get me to join the committee.
  • 그녀는 나를 위원회에 참여시키려고 설득해야 했다.

A: Did you actually want to go to the party?

B: Not really — they had to twist my arm.

Under the table — 비밀리에, 불법으로

• The contractor was paid under the table to avoid taxes.
  • 그 계약자는 세금을 피하기 위해 비밀리에 돈을 받았다.

A: How does he afford that lifestyle on his salary?

B: Rumor has it he’s getting paid under the table.

Until hell freezes over — 절대로 (그런 일은 일어나지 않는다)

• I’d wait until hell freezes over before apologizing to him.
  • 그에게 사과하느니 절대로 그럴 일은 없다.

A: Will she ever forgive him?

B: Not until hell freezes over — she’s absolutely furious.

Up a creek without a paddle — 큰 곤경에 처하다

• I forgot my wallet and was up a creek without a paddle.
  • 지갑을 잊어버려서 완전히 곤경에 처했다.

A: Did you back up your files before the crash?

B: No, and now I’m up a creek without a paddle.

Up to your ears — 일에 파묻히다, 너무 바쁘다

• I’m up to my ears in work this week — can we reschedule?
  • 이번 주에는 일에 파묻혀 있어 — 일정을 바꿀 수 있을까?

A: Can you help me move this weekend?

B: Sorry, I’m up to my ears in deadlines right now.

Walk on eggshells — 눈치를 보다, 조심스럽게 행동하다

• Everyone walks on eggshells around him when he’s in a bad mood.
  • 그가 기분이 나쁠 때 모두 눈치를 보며 조심한다.

A: Why is everyone so quiet in the office today?

B: The boss is angry — we’re all walking on eggshells.

Walking dictionary — 걸어 다니는 사전 (아는 게 많은 사람)

• Ask her — she’s a walking dictionary and knows every word.
  • 그녀한테 물어봐 — 걸어 다니는 사전이라 모르는 단어가 없어.

A: I can’t find this vocabulary word anywhere.

B: Ask Tim — he’s a walking dictionary.

Waste not, want not — 낭비하지 않으면 궁핍하지 않다

• She saves all her leftovers — waste not, want not.
  • 그녀는 남은 음식을 다 보관해 — 낭비하지 않으면 궁핍하지 않는다.

A: Should I throw out these old clothes?

B: Donate them instead — waste not, want not.

Wet behind the ears — 풋내기인, 경험이 없는

• He’s still wet behind the ears and needs more training.
  • 그는 아직 풋내기라 더 많은 훈련이 필요하다.

A: Should we give him the big project?

B: He’s too wet behind the ears for that responsibility.

White lie — 선의의 거짓말

• She told a white lie so she wouldn’t hurt his feelings.
  • 그녀는 그의 기분을 상하게 하지 않으려고 선의의 거짓말을 했다.

A: Did you tell her you liked her cooking?

B: It was a white lie — I didn’t want to be rude.

Wild and woolly — 무질서하고 통제하기 어려운

• The early days of the startup were wild and woolly.
  • 스타트업 초창기는 무질서하고 혼란스러웠다.

A: How was the music festival?

B: Wild and woolly — total chaos, but so much fun.

Win hands down — 압도적으로 이기다

• She won hands down — her presentation was clearly the best.
  • 그녀가 압도적으로 이겼어 — 발표가 단연 최고였거든.

A: Who won the cooking competition?

B: She won hands down — no one even came close.

Wishful thinking — 근거 없는 낙관, 희망 사항

• Hoping for a raise without working harder is just wishful thinking.
  • 더 열심히 하지 않고 인상을 바라는 건 그냥 희망 사항이야.

A: Maybe they’ll extend the deadline for us.

B: That’s wishful thinking — they never do.

Witch hunt — 마녀사냥, 무고한 사람을 박해하는 것

• The internal investigation turned into a full-on witch hunt.
  • 내부 조사가 완전한 마녀사냥이 되어버렸다.

A: They’re blaming everyone in the whole department.

B: It’s a witch hunt — no one is actually at fault.

Wolf in sheep’s clothing — 양의 탈을 쓴 늑대

• He seemed friendly, but he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
  • 그는 친절해 보였지만 양의 탈을 쓴 늑대였다.

A: I trusted that investor completely.

B: He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing — be very careful.

Woodwork — (come out of the woodwork) 갑자기 나타나다

• When she won the lottery, relatives came out of the woodwork.
  • 그녀가 복권에 당첨되자 친척들이 갑자기 나타났다.

A: Why are so many people contacting him suddenly?

B: They always come out of the woodwork when someone gets famous.

Word to the wise — 현명한 사람에게 하는 충고 (한마디면 충분하다)

• A word to the wise — double-check everything before submitting.
  • 현명한 충고 하나 — 제출 전에 모든 것을 다시 확인해.

A: Any advice before my interview tomorrow?

B: Word to the wise — research the company thoroughly.

Work like a charm — 완벽하게 효과가 있다

• This remedy worked like a charm — I feel better already.
  • 이 치료법이 완벽하게 효과가 있었어 — 벌써 나아진 느낌이야.

A: Did the new marketing strategy help at all?

B: It worked like a charm — sales doubled this month!

Work your fingers to the bone — 뼈 빠지게 일하다

• She worked her fingers to the bone to support her family.
  • 그녀는 가족을 부양하기 위해 뼈 빠지게 일했다.

A: Why does he look so completely exhausted?

B: He’s been working his fingers to the bone all month.

Worth one’s salt — 능력 있는, 제몫을 하는

• Any teacher worth their salt knows how to motivate students.
  • 능력 있는 교사라면 학생들에게 동기를 부여할 줄 안다.

A: Is she actually a good accountant?

B: She’s worth her salt — she never makes mistakes.

Wrong side of the bed — 기분이 나쁘게 하루를 시작하다

• He must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed — he’s so grumpy.
  • 그는 기분 나쁘게 하루를 시작한 것 같아 — 엄청 심술궂게 굴고 있어.

A: Why is she so irritable this morning?

B: She got up on the wrong side of the bed, I think.

X marks the spot — X가 그 지점을 표시한다 (목표 위치)

• Look at the map — X marks the spot where the treasure is buried.
  • 지도를 봐 — X가 보물이 묻힌 곳을 표시하고 있어.

A: Where exactly should we start digging?

B: Right here — X marks the spot!

Yellow streak — 겁쟁이 기질

• He has a yellow streak and avoids any kind of conflict.
  • 그는 겁쟁이 기질이 있어서 어떤 갈등도 피하려 해.

A: Why didn’t he stand up for himself at the meeting?

B: He has a yellow streak — he never does.

Yes man — 무조건 동의하는 사람, 예스맨

• Don’t be a yes man — share your honest opinion.
  • 예스맨이 되지 마 — 솔직한 의견을 말해.

A: Does he ever disagree with the boss?

B: Never — he’s a total yes man.

You can say that again — 완전 동의해, 맞아 맞아

• “That concert was incredible!” “You can say that again!”
  • “그 콘서트 정말 대단했어!” “완전 동의해!”

A: This summer heat is absolutely unbearable.

B: You can say that again — I’m completely melting!

You reap what you sow — 뿌린 대로 거둔다

• He failed the exam because he never studied — you reap what you sow.
  • 그는 공부를 안 해서 시험에 떨어졌어 — 뿌린 대로 거두는 거야.

A: He’s shocked his team doesn’t respect him.

B: You reap what you sow — he never respected them first.

Young blood — 신선한 아이디어를 가진 젊은 사람들

• The company needs some young blood to stay competitive.
  • 회사가 경쟁력을 유지하려면 젊은 피가 필요하다.

A: Why did they hire so many new graduates this year?

B: They want young blood with fresh, creative ideas.

Your own worst enemy — 자기 자신의 최대의 적 (스스로를 망치는 사람)

• Stop overthinking everything — you’re your own worst enemy.
  • 그만 생각 좀 해 — 넌 네 자신의 최대의 적이야.

A: He keeps sabotaging his own opportunities.

B: I know — he’s his own worst enemy.

Zero tolerance — 무관용 (원칙)

• The school has zero tolerance for bullying of any kind.
  • 그 학교는 어떤 형태의 따돌림에도 무관용 원칙을 적용한다.

A: What happens if someone cheats on the exam?

B: Zero tolerance policy — they’re expelled immediately.

Zero in on — ~에 집중하다, 정확히 겨냥하다

• The detective zeroed in on the main suspect very quickly.
  • 형사는 빠르게 주요 용의자에 집중했다.

A: Where should we focus our research efforts?

B: Let’s zero in on the most common customer complaints.

Zone out — 멍하니 있다, 집중을 잃다

• I zoned out during the long meeting and missed the key points.
  • 긴 회의 중에 멍하니 있다가 핵심 사항을 놓쳤다.

A: Did you hear what the professor just said?

B: No, I totally zoned out — can you tell me?

Apple of my eye — 눈에 넣어도 아프지 않을 사람 (매우 소중한 사람)

• Her granddaughter is the apple of her eye.
  • 손녀는 그녀에게 눈에 넣어도 아프지 않을 사람이다.

A: Why does she spoil that child so much?

B: He’s the apple of her eye — she just can’t help it.

At loose ends — 할 일 없이 지내다, 방황하다

• Since retiring, he’s been at loose ends and doesn’t know what to do.
  • 은퇴한 후 그는 할 일 없이 방황하고 있다.

A: You seem really bored lately.

B: I am — I’ve been at loose ends since I finished the project.

Back against the wall — 궁지에 몰리다

• With no options left, his back was against the wall.
  • 선택지가 없어 그는 완전히 궁지에 몰렸다.

A: Why did he finally agree to their terms?

B: His back was against the wall — he had no other choice.

Bad egg — 나쁜 사람, 말썽꾼

• One bad egg can ruin the atmosphere for the whole team.
  • 한 명의 나쁜 사람이 팀 전체의 분위기를 망칠 수 있다.

A: Why was he fired so quickly after joining?

B: He was a bad egg — always causing trouble for everyone.

Ball is in your court — 이제 네가 결정할 차례야

• I’ve made my offer — the ball is in your court now.
  • 난 제안을 했어 — 이제 결정은 네 차례야.

A: I told her exactly how I feel about her.

B: Good — the ball is in her court now.

Bark up the wrong tree — 엉뚱한 곳에서 찾다, 잘못 짚다

• If you think I took your pen, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
  • 내가 네 펜을 가져갔다고 생각한다면 완전히 잘못 짚은 거야.

A: Is she the one responsible for the error?

B: You’re barking up the wrong tree — talk to the manager.

Beat the clock — 시간 내에 해내다

• We barely beat the clock and submitted the report on time.
  • 가까스로 시간 내에 보고서를 제출했다.

A: Did you finish the proposal before the deadline?

B: Yes! We beat the clock by just two minutes.

Behind closed doors — 비밀리에, 문을 닫고

• The real decisions were made behind closed doors.
  • 실제 결정은 비밀리에 이루어졌다.

A: Do you know what they discussed at that meeting?

B: No idea — it all happened behind closed doors.

Bent out of shape — 화가 나다, 기분이 상하다

• She got bent out of shape over a minor misunderstanding.
  • 그녀는 사소한 오해로 기분이 상했다.

A: Why is he so upset with everyone today?

B: He’s bent out of shape because no one invited him.

Best foot forward — 최선을 다하다, 좋은 인상을 주다

• Put your best foot forward at the interview tomorrow.
  • 내일 면접에서 최선을 다해 좋은 인상을 줘.

A: I’m really nervous about meeting the new clients.

B: Just put your best foot forward — you’ll do great.

big cheese — 중요한 인물, 큰손

• He’s the big cheese around here, so treat him well.
  • 그는 여기서 중요한 인물이니 잘 대해줘.

A: Who approved the entire budget by himself?

B: The big cheese did — no one else has that authority.

bite your tongue — 말을 참다, 하고 싶은 말을 꾹 참다

• I had to bite my tongue during the meeting to avoid an argument.
  • 언쟁을 피하려고 회의 중에 말을 꾹 참아야 했어.

A: His idea is terrible, isn’t it?

B: Just bite your tongue — the boss absolutely loves it.

black sheep — 집안의 말썽꾼, 집단에서 따돌림받는 사람

• Tom was the black sheep of the family, always causing trouble.
  • 탐은 집안의 말썽꾼으로, 항상 문제를 일으켰어.

A: Why doesn’t Jake ever come to family dinners?

B: He’s the black sheep — it’s a long story.

blue blood — 귀족 혈통, 명문가 출신

• She carries herself with confidence — she’s blue blood through and through.
  • 그녀는 자신감 있게 행동해 — 완전 귀족 혈통이야.

A: Is her family really that influential?

B: Absolutely — pure blue blood going back centuries.

bolt from the blue — 청천벽력, 전혀 예상치 못한 충격적인 소식

• His sudden resignation came as a bolt from the blue to everyone.
  • 그의 갑작스러운 사직은 모두에게 청천벽력 같은 소식이었어.

A: Did you hear the company is shutting down?

B: What?! That’s a complete bolt from the blue!

bone to pick — 따질 것이 있다, 불만이 있다

• I have a bone to pick with you about missing the deadline.
  • 마감일을 놓친 것에 대해 너한테 따질 게 있어.

A: Hey, do you have a minute to talk?

B: Sure — do you have a bone to pick with me?

born with a silver spoon in your mouth — 부유한 집안에서 태어나다, 금수저를 물고 태어나다

• He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never struggled financially.
  • 그는 금수저를 물고 태어나 돈 걱정을 한 번도 안 했어.

A: He’s never worked a part-time job in his life.

B: Of course — he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

bread and butter — 생계 수단, 주된 수입원

• Teaching is her bread and butter, not just a hobby.
  • 가르치는 일은 그녀의 생계 수단이지, 단순한 취미가 아니야.

A: Why does she take so many tutoring jobs?

B: It’s her bread and butter — she pays rent with it.

break a leg — 행운을 빌다 (특히 공연 전에)

• Break a leg at your audition today — you’ve practiced so hard.
  • 오늘 오디션에서 행운을 빌어 — 정말 열심히 연습했잖아.

A: I’m so nervous about tonight’s performance.

B: Don’t worry — break a leg out there!

bring home the bacon — 돈을 벌어오다, 생계를 책임지다

• He works two jobs to bring home the bacon for his family.
  • 그는 가족을 위해 두 가지 일을 하며 돈을 벌어.

A: Why does he never take a day off?

B: Someone has to bring home the bacon around here.

broad daylight — 대낮에, 백주대낮에

• The robbery happened in broad daylight right outside the bank.
  • 강도 사건이 은행 바로 앞 대낮에 일어났어.

A: Can you believe someone stole the car?

B: Right — in broad daylight, no less!

brown noser — 아첨꾼, 윗사람에게 빌붙는 사람

• Everyone knows he’s a brown noser — always praising the manager.
  • 그가 아첨꾼이라는 건 다 알아 — 항상 매니저를 칭찬하거든.

A: Why is Sarah suddenly so nice to the boss?

B: She’s a total brown noser — wants a promotion.

brush up on — 복습하다, 실력을 다시 갈고닦다

• I need to brush up on my Spanish before the trip to Mexico.
  • 멕시코 여행 전에 스페인어를 복습해야 해.

A: The client meeting next week will be in French.

B: I’d better brush up on my French fast then.

bull in a china shop — 덤벙대는 사람, 상황을 망치는 눈치 없는 사람

• He walked into the negotiation like a bull in a china shop.
  • 그는 협상장에 덤벙대며 들어왔어.

A: How did the sensitive meeting go?

B: He was a bull in a china shop — ruined everything.

burn the candle at both ends — 무리하게 일하다, 과도하게 에너지를 소모하다

• She’s been burning the candle at both ends and is now completely exhausted.
  • 그녀는 무리하게 일을 해서 이제 완전히 지쳤어.

A: You look terrible — are you okay?

B: I’ve been burning the candle at both ends all week.

bury the hatchet — 화해하다, 싸움을 끝내다

• After months of fighting, the two neighbors finally buried the hatchet.
  • 몇 달간의 다툼 끝에 두 이웃은 마침내 화해했어.

A: Are you still fighting with your brother?

B: No, we buried the hatchet last weekend.

butter someone up — 아첨하다, 비위를 맞추다

• He was buttering his boss up all week hoping for a raise.
  • 그는 인상을 바라며 일주일 내내 상사에게 아첨했어.

A: Why is he suddenly bringing the manager coffee every day?

B: He’s buttering her up — wants a promotion.

by and large — 대체로, 전반적으로

• By and large, the project was a great success for the whole team.
  • 전반적으로, 그 프로젝트는 팀 전체에게 큰 성공이었어.

A: Was the event worth all the effort we put in?

B: By and large, yes — the audience loved it.

call a spade a spade — 직설적으로 말하다, 사실을 있는 그대로 말하다

• Let me call a spade a spade — this plan simply will not work.
  • 직설적으로 말할게 — 이 계획은 그냥 안 돼.

A: Should I soften the feedback a bit?

B: No, just call a spade a spade and be honest.

calm before the storm — 폭풍 전의 고요, 큰 사건 전의 조용한 시기

• The office was unusually quiet — it felt like the calm before the storm.
  • 사무실이 유난히 조용했어 — 마치 폭풍 전의 고요 같았어.

A: Why is everything so peaceful today?

B: Enjoy it — it’s just the calm before the storm.

carpeting the town — 도시를 신나게 돌아다니다, 흥청망청 즐기다

• They spent Saturday carpeting the town, hitting every bar and club.
  • 그들은 토요일에 도시를 신나게 돌아다니며 모든 바와 클럽을 다녔어.

A: What did you do for your birthday last night?

B: We went carpeting the town — so much fun!

carry the torch — 전통이나 사명을 이어받다, 계속 이어나가다

• She carries the torch for women’s rights just like her mother did.
  • 그녀는 어머니처럼 여성 권리를 위한 사명을 이어받았어.

A: Who will lead the movement after he retires?

B: His daughter will carry the torch, I’m sure.

cast a spell — 마법을 걸다, 완전히 매혹시키다

• The city’s beauty cast a spell on me the moment I arrived.
  • 내가 도착하는 순간 그 도시의 아름다움이 나를 매혹시켰어.

A: Why do you love Paris so much?

B: It just cast a spell on me — I can’t explain it.

cast the first stone — 먼저 비난하다, 남을 판단하다

• Don’t cast the first stone unless your own record is perfect.
  • 네 자신의 기록이 완벽하지 않다면 먼저 비난하지 마.

A: Everyone’s criticizing him for that mistake.

B: Let’s not cast the first stone — we’ve all made errors.

catch red-handed — 현행범으로 잡다, 범행 중에 잡다

• The security guard caught him red-handed stealing from the store.
  • 경비원이 그가 가게에서 훔치는 현장을 잡았어.

A: How did they prove he was the one lying?

B: They caught him red-handed with the documents.

caught in the crossfire — 양쪽 싸움에 휘말리다, 중간에 끼다

• The new intern was caught in the crossfire between two feuding managers.
  • 새 인턴은 두 매니저의 갈등 사이에 휘말렸어.

A: Why does she look so stressed out today?

B: She’s caught in the crossfire of their argument.

chasing rainbows — 헛된 꿈을 좇다, 실현 불가능한 것을 추구하다

• Waiting to become famous overnight is just chasing rainbows.
  • 하룻밤 새 유명해지길 기다리는 건 그냥 헛된 꿈이야.

A: He still thinks he’ll win the lottery someday.

B: He’s just chasing rainbows at this point.

chip on your shoulder — 억울함이나 불만을 오래 품다, 피해의식을 갖다

• He still has a chip on his shoulder about being passed up for promotion.
  • 그는 승진에서 제외된 것에 대한 억울함을 여전히 품고 있어.

A: Why is he always so defensive in meetings?

B: He’s had a chip on his shoulder since the layoffs.

clam up — 갑자기 입을 닫다, 말을 뚝 끊다

• She clammed up the moment the detective started asking questions.
  • 탐정이 질문하기 시작하자 그녀는 갑자기 입을 닫았어.

A: Did he explain why he was late?

B: No — he just clammed up completely.

close shave — 아슬아슬하게 위기를 모면하다, 간발의 차이

• That was a close shave — the car nearly hit us at the intersection!
  • 아슬아슬했어 — 교차로에서 차가 우릴 칠 뻔했잖아!

A: How was the drive home last night?

B: A real close shave on the highway — very scary.

cock and bull story — 황당한 거짓말, 말도 안 되는 변명

• He told some cock and bull story about why he missed the deadline.
  • 그는 마감일을 놓친 것에 대해 황당한 변명을 늘어놓았어.

A: Did he explain his absence at all?

B: Yeah — a total cock and bull story, no one believed him.

come clean — 솔직하게 털어놓다, 자백하다

• He finally came clean about breaking the window last week.
  • 그는 마침내 지난주에 창문을 깬 것을 솔직하게 털어놓았어.

A: Do you think she’ll ever admit what she did?

B: I think she’ll come clean eventually.

cook someone’s goose — 누군가를 망치다, 곤경에 빠뜨리다

• Lying to the boss really cooked his goose this time.
  • 상사에게 거짓말을 해서 이번엔 정말 그를 망쳤어.

A: He submitted a completely fake report?

B: Yeah — that really cooked his goose with management.

cool as a cucumber — 매우 침착하다, 냉정하다

• Despite the total chaos, she remained cool as a cucumber.
  • 완전히 혼란스러운 상황에도 그녀는 매우 침착했어.

A: Weren’t you nervous during that big presentation?

B: Not at all — I was cool as a cucumber.

count your blessings — 감사한 점들을 생각하다, 복을 세어보다

• Things could be so much worse — you should count your blessings.
  • 훨씬 더 나쁠 수도 있었어 — 감사한 점들을 생각해봐.

A: I’m so frustrated I didn’t get the raise.

B: Count your blessings — at least you still have a job.

crack of dawn — 새벽, 동이 틀 무렵

• We woke up at the crack of dawn to catch the early flight.
  • 이른 비행기를 타기 위해 우리는 새벽에 일어났어.

A: When did you start hiking this morning?

B: At the crack of dawn — wanted to beat the crowd.

crocodile tears — 거짓 눈물, 위선적인 슬픔

• Her apology felt like crocodile tears — she clearly wasn’t sorry.
  • 그녀의 사과는 거짓 눈물 같았어 — 진심이 아닌 게 분명했어.

A: She cried when she heard the news.

B: Those were crocodile tears — she never liked him.

cry wolf — 거짓 경보를 울리다, 자꾸 거짓말을 하다

• He cried wolf so many times that nobody believes him anymore.
  • 그가 너무 자주 거짓 경보를 울려서 이제 아무도 그를 믿지 않아.

A: He says there’s an emergency again.

B: He’s always crying wolf — I’ll just ignore it.

curiosity killed the cat — 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다

• Don’t snoop through her files — curiosity killed the cat, you know.
  • 그녀의 파일을 뒤지지 마 — 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다고.

A: I just really want to know what’s in that box.

B: Leave it alone — curiosity killed the cat.

dark horse — 다크호스, 예상 밖의 강자

• The dark horse candidate won the election by a landslide.
  • 다크호스 후보가 선거에서 압도적으로 이겼어.

A: Who do you think will win the tournament?

B: I’m betting on the dark horse — keep an eye on Team C.

dead as a doornail — 완전히 죽다, 완전히 끝나다

• That old business model is dead as a doornail — time to change.
  • 그 오래된 비즈니스 모델은 완전히 끝났어 — 바꿀 때야.

A: Is there any chance of saving the project?

B: No — it’s dead as a doornail, unfortunately.

devil may care — 무모하다, 태평스럽다, 결과를 개의치 않다

• He has a devil-may-care attitude that worries his parents constantly.
  • 그는 태평스러운 태도를 가지고 있어서 부모님이 항상 걱정해.

A: He quit his job without another one lined up.

B: That’s his devil-may-care style — always has been.

diamond in the rough — 원석, 아직 다듬어지지 않았지만 잠재력이 있는 사람

• The new employee is a diamond in the rough — just needs some training.
  • 새 직원은 원석이야 — 훈련만 받으면 돼.

A: Do you really think she has potential here?

B: Definitely — she’s a diamond in the rough.

dilly-dally — 꾸물거리다, 시간을 낭비하다

• Stop dilly-dallying and finish your homework before dinner.
  • 꾸물거리지 말고 저녁 전에 숙제를 끝내.

A: We are going to be so late!

B: Stop dilly-dallying and just get in the car.

dog eat dog — 약육강식, 치열한 경쟁이 있는

• The startup world is dog eat dog — only the strongest survive.
  • 스타트업 세계는 약육강식이야 — 가장 강한 자만 살아남아.

A: Is the fashion industry really that competitive?

B: It’s dog eat dog — very brutal out there.

down in the dumps — 우울하다, 기분이 처지다

• She’s been down in the dumps since her team lost the championship.
  • 팀이 우승에서 지고 나서 그녀는 내내 우울해하고 있어.

A: How’s Jake doing these days?

B: He’s down in the dumps — broke up with his girlfriend.

drop a bombshell — 충격적인 소식을 전하다, 폭탄 발언을 하다

• She dropped a bombshell by announcing she was quitting the firm.
  • 그녀는 회사를 그만두겠다고 발표하며 충격적인 소식을 전했어.

A: Did anything happen at the all-hands meeting?

B: Yes — the CEO dropped a bombshell about major layoffs.

Dutch treat — 각자 내다, 더치페이

• We decided to make it a Dutch treat since no one wanted to pay for all.
  • 아무도 전부 내고 싶지 않아서 더치페이를 하기로 했어.

A: Are you treating me to lunch today?

B: Let’s do Dutch treat — I’m a bit short on cash.

eagle eye — 날카로운 눈, 세심한 관찰력

• With her eagle eye, she spotted the typo in the contract immediately.
  • 그녀의 날카로운 눈으로 계약서의 오타를 즉시 발견했어.

A: How did you find that mistake so fast?

B: I’ve always had an eagle eye for detail.

easy come, easy go — 쉽게 얻은 것은 쉽게 잃는다

• He spent his entire bonus in one week — easy come, easy go.
  • 그는 보너스를 일주일 만에 다 썼어 — 쉽게 얻은 것은 쉽게 잃는 거지.

A: He already lost all his gambling winnings?

B: Easy come, easy go — that’s just how it is.

eleventh hour — 마지막 순간, 막바지

• He submitted the report at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline.
  • 그는 마감 직전인 마지막 순간에 보고서를 제출했어.

A: Did you manage to finish the proposal on time?

B: Barely — it was a real eleventh hour save.

empty vessel — 빈 수레, 실력 없는 사람이 더 떠든다

• He talks constantly in meetings but contributes nothing — a true empty vessel.
  • 그는 회의에서 계속 말하지만 아무것도 기여하지 않아 — 진짜 빈 수레야.

A: Why does he always talk the most in every meeting?

B: Empty vessel — makes the most noise.

every cloud has a silver lining — 모든 어려움에는 희망이 있다, 나쁜 일에도 좋은 면이 있다

• Losing that job was hard, but every cloud has a silver lining.
  • 그 일자리를 잃은 건 힘들었지만, 나쁜 일에도 좋은 면이 있어.

A: My flight got cancelled — this whole day is ruined.

B: Every cloud has a silver lining — you get an extra day here.

eye for an eye — 눈에는 눈, 이에는 이 (보복)

• He believed in an eye for an eye and eventually got his revenge.
  • 그는 눈에는 눈을 믿었고 결국 복수를 했어.

A: Should we retaliate after what they did to us?

B: An eye for an eye just creates more conflict in the end.

fall head over heels — 깊이 사랑에 빠지다

• He fell head over heels for her the very first time they met.
  • 그는 처음 만났을 때 그녀에게 깊이 사랑에 빠졌어.

A: Is it getting serious between those two?

B: Definitely — he fell head over heels immediately.

feather in your cap — 자랑스러운 성취, 명예로운 업적

• Winning that award was a real feather in her cap.
  • 그 상을 받은 것은 그녀에게 정말 자랑스러운 성취였어.

A: Getting published in that journal is huge for you.

B: Definitely a feather in my cap — I’m so proud.

fishy — 수상하다, 의심스럽다

• Something seems fishy about his story — I really don’t believe him.
  • 그의 이야기가 수상한 것 같아 — 믿기 어려워.

A: He says he was home alone all night.

B: That sounds fishy to me — let’s double-check.

fly on the wall — 몰래 지켜보는 사람, 비밀 관찰자

• I wish I were a fly on the wall during that private meeting.
  • 그 비공개 회의를 몰래 지켜볼 수 있으면 좋겠어.

A: What do you think they discussed behind closed doors?

B: I wish I’d been a fly on the wall in there.

foot the bill — 비용을 부담하다

• My dad offered to foot the bill for our entire dinner.
  • 아버지가 저녁 식사 전체 비용을 내겠다고 하셨어요.

A: Who’s going to foot the bill for the office party?

B: I think the company will cover it this time.

forbidden fruit — 금단의 열매 (하면 안 되기에 더 매력적으로 느껴지는 것)

• That video game felt like forbidden fruit during exam season.
  • 시험 기간에 그 비디오 게임은 금단의 열매처럼 느껴졌어요.

A: I keep craving the dessert I’m not supposed to eat.

B: It’s always the forbidden fruit that tempts us most.

for crying out loud — 제발, 도대체 (답답함이나 짜증을 표현할 때)

• For crying out loud, just make a decision already!
  • 제발, 그냥 결정을 내려버려요!

A: I still can’t decide which shirt to wear.

B: For crying out loud, just pick one and go!

full of beans — 활기가 넘치는, 에너지가 넘치는

• The kids were full of beans after their afternoon nap.
  • 아이들은 낮잠을 자고 나서 활기가 넘쳤어요.

A: How is Tommy this morning?

B: He’s full of beans — already running around the yard.

get a grip — 침착해지다, 자제력을 되찾다

• Take a deep breath and get a grip before the presentation.
  • 발표 전에 심호흡하고 침착해요.

A: I’m so nervous I can’t think straight right now.

B: Get a grip — you’ve prepared well and you’ll do great.

get off your high horse — 잘난 척 그만하다, 거드름 피우지 마라

• Get off your high horse and listen to what others are saying.
  • 잘난 척 그만하고 다른 사람들 말을 들어보세요.

A: I don’t think anyone here is as experienced as I am.

B: Get off your high horse — everyone has something to contribute.

get out of dodge — 빠르게 그 자리를 피하다, 위험한 곳에서 도망치다

• As soon as the storm warning hit, we decided to get out of dodge.
  • 폭풍 경보가 떴을 때 우리는 바로 그 자리를 떠나기로 했어요.

A: The boss is in a terrible mood today.

B: We should get out of dodge before he finds us.

get the ball rolling — 일을 시작하다, 첫발을 내딛다

• Let’s get the ball rolling by scheduling a kickoff meeting.
  • 킥오프 미팅을 잡아서 일을 시작해봅시다.

A: We’ve been talking about this plan for weeks now.

B: Agreed — let’s get the ball rolling today.

get the picture — 이해하다, 상황을 파악하다

• After a few examples, she finally got the picture.
  • 몇 가지 예시를 듣고 나서 그녀는 드디어 이해했어요.

A: We need to be more careful with our budget from now on.

B: I get the picture — no more unnecessary spending.

get wind of — 소문을 듣다, 낌새를 채다

• He got wind of the surprise party but pretended to be shocked.
  • 그는 깜짝 파티 소식을 미리 들었지만 놀란 척했어요.

A: How did the manager know about our complaint?

B: She must have gotten wind of it through someone.

give a wide berth — 멀리 피하다, 가까이 가지 않다

• I always give that aggressive dog a wide berth on my walk.
  • 산책할 때 저는 그 사나운 개를 항상 멀리 피해요.

A: Should we talk to him now?

B: Better give him a wide berth — he’s clearly upset.

give credit where credit is due — 공이 있는 사람에게 공을 인정하다

• We must give credit where credit is due — Sara solved everything.
  • 공이 있는 사람에게 인정해줘야 해요 — 사라가 모든 것을 해결했어요.

A: The report turned out really well this quarter.

B: Give credit where credit is due — James did most of the writing.

glass house — 유리집 (남을 비판하기 전에 자신을 먼저 돌아봐야 한다는 의미)

• People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
  • 유리집에 사는 사람은 돌을 던지면 안 돼요.

A: He keeps criticizing others for being late to meetings.

B: He lives in a glass house — he’s never on time himself.

go with the flow — 흐름에 맡기다, 자연스럽게 따라가다

• Don’t stress about the itinerary — just go with the flow.
  • 일정 때문에 스트레스받지 말고 그냥 흐름에 맡겨요.

A: What if our plans change at the last minute?

B: No worries — I’ll just go with the flow.

Good Samaritan — 선한 사마리아인 (어려운 이를 자발적으로 돕는 사람)

• A Good Samaritan helped me change my flat tire in the rain.
  • 비 속에서 한 선한 사마리아인이 제 타이어를 갈아주었어요.

A: My bag ripped and everything spilled on the street.

B: A Good Samaritan stopped and helped me pick it all up.

grasp at straws — 지푸라기라도 잡으려 하다, 절박하게 매달리다

• At that point, we were just grasping at straws to save the deal.
  • 그 시점에서 우리는 계약을 살리려고 지푸라기라도 잡으려 했어요.

A: Do you think blaming the weather will help your case?

B: I know, I’m just grasping at straws here.

green horn — 풋내기, 경험이 없는 신참

• Be patient with him — he’s still a greenhorn in the industry.
  • 그에게 인내심을 가져요 — 그는 아직 업계의 풋내기예요.

A: Why did he make such a basic mistake on the report?

B: Cut him some slack — he’s a greenhorn.

hair of the dog — 해장술 (숙취 해소를 위해 술을 조금 더 마시는 것)

• He ordered a beer at breakfast, claiming it was hair of the dog.
  • 그는 아침에 맥주를 주문하며 해장이라고 했어요.

A: I feel absolutely terrible after last night.

B: Some swear by hair of the dog, but water works better.

half-baked — 충분히 생각하지 않은, 미완성인 (계획·아이디어 등)

• Don’t pitch that half-baked idea to the investors yet.
  • 그 덜 익은 아이디어를 아직 투자자들에게 제안하지 마세요.

A: What did you think of his proposal in today’s meeting?

B: Honestly, it felt pretty half-baked to me.

hand over fist — 엄청나게 빠른 속도로 (특히 돈을 버는 것)

• Her online store is making money hand over fist this season.
  • 그녀의 온라인 스토어는 이번 시즌에 돈을 엄청나게 벌고 있어요.

A: How’s the new restaurant doing since it opened?

B: They’re raking in cash hand over fist — always fully booked.

hang tough — 버티다, 굳건히 견디다

• Just hang tough through the difficult training and it will pay off.
  • 힘든 훈련을 굳건히 버티면 반드시 결과가 나올 거예요.

A: I don’t know if I can keep going with this anymore.

B: Hang tough — you’re almost at the finish line.

hard nut to crack — 다루기 어려운 사람이나 문제

• The new math problem proved to be a hard nut to crack.
  • 새 수학 문제는 정말 다루기 어려운 것으로 판명됐어요.

A: Have you figured out what the client actually wants?

B: Not yet — he’s a real hard nut to crack.

have a chip on your shoulder — 피해의식을 갖다, 불만을 품고 있다

• He’s had a chip on his shoulder since he was passed over for promotion.
  • 그는 승진에서 빠진 이후로 계속 피해의식을 갖고 있어요.

A: Why is he always so defensive in team meetings?

B: He has a chip on his shoulder about being overlooked last year.

have eyes in the back of your head — 뒤에서 일어나는 일도 꿰뚫어 보다

• My teacher seemed to have eyes in the back of her head.
  • 우리 선생님은 뒤에서 일어나는 일도 꿰뚫어 보는 것 같았어요.

A: How did mom know we snuck out last night?

B: She has eyes in the back of her head, I’m telling you.

have the last laugh — 최후의 승자가 되다, 결국 웃는 사람이 되다

• They mocked her idea, but she had the last laugh when it succeeded.
  • 사람들이 그녀의 아이디어를 비웃었지만 성공하고 나서 그녀가 최후에 웃었어요.

A: Everyone doubted you when you first started this business.

B: I know, but I had the last laugh in the end.

head in the clouds — 공상에 잠기다, 현실감이 없다

• Stop daydreaming — you’ve had your head in the clouds all morning.
  • 공상 그만해요 — 오전 내내 딴 생각만 하고 있었잖아요.

A: Did you hear what I just said to you?

B: Sorry, my head was in the clouds — can you repeat that?

hear a pin drop — 쥐 죽은 듯 조용하다

• The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop.
  • 방이 너무 조용해서 바늘 떨어지는 소리도 들릴 것 같았어요.

A: What was the atmosphere like during the announcement?

B: You could hear a pin drop — everyone was holding their breath.

heart of gold — 마음씨가 금 같은, 매우 선한 마음

• Despite her tough exterior, she has a heart of gold.
  • 거친 외면에도 불구하고 그녀는 마음씨가 매우 고와요.

A: He donated his entire bonus to the local shelter.

B: That man truly has a heart of gold.

heaven forbid — 절대 그런 일이 없어야 할 텐데 (안 좋은 일을 언급할 때)

• Heaven forbid something goes wrong on the day of the event.
  • 행사 당일에 무슨 일이 생기지 않았으면 좋겠어요.

A: What if the power goes out during the live show?

B: Heaven forbid — let’s make sure we have a backup generator.

high and dry — 곤경에 빠진, 아무런 도움 없이 방치된

• When the driver didn’t show up, we were left high and dry.
  • 기사가 나타나지 않아서 우리는 꼼짝없이 곤경에 처했어요.

A: Did your partner finish their part of the project?

B: They quit and left me completely high and dry.

high on the hog — 호화롭게 살다, 풍족하게 살다

• After winning the lottery, they lived high on the hog for years.
  • 복권에 당첨된 후 그들은 수년간 호화롭게 살았어요.

A: They’ve been traveling first class everywhere lately.

B: Yeah, they’re really living high on the hog these days.

hit rock bottom — 밑바닥을 치다, 최저점에 이르다

• He hit rock bottom before finally deciding to seek help.
  • 그는 밑바닥을 치고 나서야 마침내 도움을 구하기로 했어요.

A: When did you decide to turn your life around?

B: When I hit rock bottom — I knew something had to change.

hold your ground — 자신의 입장을 고수하다, 굴하지 않다

• Hold your ground during negotiations and don’t take the first offer.
  • 협상 중에 자신의 입장을 고수하고 첫 번째 제안을 받아들이지 마세요.

A: They’re pressuring me to lower my price significantly.

B: Hold your ground — your work is worth what you’re asking.

hot air — 허풍, 실속 없는 말

• His grand promises turned out to be nothing but hot air.
  • 그의 거창한 약속들은 그저 허풍으로 드러났어요.

A: He said he’d fix everything by next week.

B: Don’t believe it — that’s all hot air.

hot potato — 뜨거운 감자 (다루기 곤란한 문제나 상황)

• The budget cuts became a hot potato nobody wanted to handle.
  • 예산 삭감은 아무도 다루고 싶지 않은 뜨거운 감자가 됐어요.

A: Who’s going to deal with the major client complaint?

B: It’s a hot potato — everyone keeps passing it around.

hour of need — 가장 필요할 때, 어려울 때

• True friends are always there for you in your hour of need.
  • 진정한 친구는 가장 어려울 때 곁에 있어줘요.

A: She dropped everything to help me move apartments.

B: That’s what real friends do — they show up in your hour of need.

Hoyle’s rules — 정식 규칙에 따라, 올바른 방법으로

• We played the card game strictly according to Hoyle’s rules.
  • 우리는 카드 게임을 엄격하게 정식 규칙에 따라 진행했어요.

A: Can we just make up our own rules for this game?

B: I’d rather follow Hoyle’s rules so there’s no argument later.

hush money — 입막음 돈, 비밀 유지를 위해 지불하는 돈

• The scandal revealed that hush money had been paid to keep things quiet.
  • 스캔들은 조용히 덮기 위해 입막음 돈이 지불됐다는 것을 드러냈어요.

A: Why did that witness never come forward?

B: Rumor has it they were paid hush money.

in a nutshell — 간단히 말해서, 요약하자면

• In a nutshell, the project failed because of poor communication.
  • 간단히 말해서, 프로젝트는 소통 부재 때문에 실패했어요.

A: Can you explain the whole situation to me quickly?

B: In a nutshell, we ran out of budget before finishing.

in over your head — 감당할 수 없는 상황에 처하다

• She realized she was in over her head with the complicated legal case.
  • 그녀는 복잡한 법적 사건을 감당할 수 없다는 것을 깨달았어요.

A: How’s the new job going so far?

B: Honestly, I think I’m in over my head.

in the bag — 확실히 이긴, 따 놓은 당상

• After the final goal, the championship was completely in the bag.
  • 마지막 골이 들어가고 나서 챔피언십은 따 놓은 당상이었어요.

A: Do you think we’ll win the contract?

B: It’s in the bag — they absolutely loved our proposal.

in the dark — 모르는 상태에 있다, 정보를 얻지 못하다

• Management kept us completely in the dark about the merger.
  • 경영진은 합병에 대해 우리를 완전히 모르는 상태로 두었어요.

A: Did you know about the layoffs happening next month?

B: Not at all — I was completely in the dark.

iron will — 강철 같은 의지, 철의 의지력

• She finished the marathon through sheer iron will despite her injury.
  • 그녀는 부상에도 불구하고 강철 같은 의지로 마라톤을 완주했어요.

A: How did he manage to quit smoking cold turkey?

B: Pure iron will — he made up his mind and never looked back.

it takes two to tango — 손바닥도 마주쳐야 소리가 난다 (양쪽 다 책임이 있다)

• Don’t blame only her — it takes two to tango in any argument.
  • 그녀만 탓하지 마세요 — 어떤 다툼이든 손바닥도 마주쳐야 소리가 나요.

A: He keeps insisting it was entirely her fault.

B: Well, it takes two to tango — he’s not innocent either.

jack of all trades — 다방면에 재주가 있는 사람

• Our new hire is a real jack of all trades — coding, design, marketing.
  • 우리 신입은 코딩, 디자인, 마케팅까지 다방면에 재주가 있어요.

A: Can you handle both the website and social media accounts?

B: Sure — I’m a jack of all trades, leave it to me.

jump the gun — 너무 성급하게 행동하다, 섣부르게 나서다

• He jumped the gun by announcing the deal before it was finalized.
  • 그는 계약이 확정되기 전에 발표해서 너무 성급했어요.

A: I already told everyone we got the funding.

B: You jumped the gun — nothing is officially confirmed yet.

jury is still out — 아직 결론이 나지 않다, 판단이 서지 않다

• The jury is still out on whether the new policy will actually work.
  • 새 정책이 실제로 효과가 있을지 아직 결론이 나지 않았어요.

A: What do you think of the new manager so far?

B: The jury is still out — it’s only been two weeks.

keep a straight face — 웃음을 참다, 진지한 표정을 유지하다

• It was hard to keep a straight face during his overly serious speech.
  • 그의 지나치게 진지한 연설 동안 웃음을 참기가 힘들었어요.

A: Did you laugh when he tripped on stage?

B: I barely kept a straight face — it was so funny.

keep body and soul together — 근근이 살아가다, 겨우 생계를 유지하다

• During the recession, many families struggled to keep body and soul together.
  • 경기 침체 동안 많은 가정이 근근이 살아가기 위해 애썼어요.

A: How did you manage after losing your job last year?

B: Freelance work helped me keep body and soul together.

keep mum — 입을 다물다, 비밀을 지키다

• Keep mum about the surprise party — don’t tell anyone.
  • 깜짝 파티에 대해 입을 다물어요 — 아무에게도 말하지 마세요.

A: Do you know what gift they’re planning to give her?

B: I do, but I’m keeping mum — it’s a surprise.

keep your shirt on — 침착하게 기다려라, 서두르지 마라

• Keep your shirt on — the food will be ready in five minutes.
  • 좀 기다려요 — 음식이 5분 안에 나올 거예요.

A: When is the package going to arrive already?

B: Keep your shirt on — it’ll be here by noon.

kick the bucket — 죽다 (구어체)

• He jokingly said he wanted to travel the world before he kicked the bucket.
  • 그는 죽기 전에 세상을 여행하고 싶다고 농담처럼 말했어요.

A: What’s at the top of your bucket list?

B: I want to see the Northern Lights before I kick the bucket.

knee-high to a grasshopper — 아주 어릴 때부터, 매우 어린 (어린 아이를 묘사)

• I’ve known her since she was knee-high to a grasshopper.
  • 저는 그녀가 아주 어릴 때부터 알고 지냈어요.

A: Has he always had such a passion for music?

B: Since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, he was always singing.

knock on wood — 나무를 두드리다 (불운을 막기 위해), 제발 그렇게 되길

• Everything is going smoothly this month — knock on wood!
  • 이번 달에는 모든 게 순조롭게 되고 있어요 — 제발 계속 그러길!

A: Have you had any car trouble lately?

B: Not yet, knock on wood — it’s been running perfectly.

know which way the wind blows — 형세를 파악하다, 상황의 흐름을 읽다

• A smart politician always knows which way the wind blows.
  • 영리한 정치인은 항상 형세를 파악해요.

A: Do you think the company will change its policy soon?

B: Watch the leadership — they know which way the wind blows.

labor of love — 돈이 아닌 애정으로 하는 일

• Writing her first novel was truly a labor of love.
  • 첫 소설을 쓰는 것은 정말 애정으로 하는 일이었어요.

A: You spent three years on that painting without selling it?

B: It was a labor of love — I did it purely for myself.

laid back — 여유롭다, 느긋하다

• The new manager is very laid back and easy to work with.
  • 새 매니저는 매우 여유롭고 함께 일하기 편해요.

A: Is the new teacher strict about deadlines?

B: Not at all — she’s super laid back and very understanding.

large and in charge — 주도권을 쥐고 있는, 실권을 가진

• With the CEO away, she was large and in charge of all decisions.
  • CEO가 자리를 비운 동안 그녀가 모든 결정을 주도했어요.

A: Who’s running things while the boss is on vacation?

B: Tom is large and in charge until she gets back.

last resort — 최후의 수단

• Taking out a loan should be your last resort, not your first option.
  • 대출은 첫 번째 선택이 아니라 최후의 수단이어야 해요.

A: Should we ask the client for more time?

B: Only as a last resort — let’s try to finish on schedule first.

laughing stock — 웃음거리, 조롱의 대상

• His bizarre outfit made him the laughing stock of the whole office.
  • 그의 이상한 복장이 그를 사무실 전체의 웃음거리로 만들었어요.

A: He actually wore pajamas to the formal dinner last night.

B: He became the laughing stock of the entire company.

Lead by example — 모범을 보이다

• A good manager always leads by example.
  • 좋은 관리자는 항상 모범을 보인다.

A: How do you get your team to stay motivated?

B: I try to lead by example — I never ask them to do what I won’t.

Leap of faith — 불확실하지만 용기 있게 시도하는 것; 믿음의 도약

• Quitting her stable job was a real leap of faith.
  • 안정적인 직장을 그만두는 것은 진정한 믿음의 도약이었다.

A: Are you really going to move abroad without a job lined up?

B: Yes — sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith.

Length and breadth — 전역; 이곳저곳 모두

• She has traveled the length and breadth of South Korea.
  • 그녀는 한국 전역을 여행했다.

A: Do you know this country well?

B: I’ve driven its length and breadth — I know it inside out.

Let bygones be bygones — 지난 일은 잊고 화해하다

• After years of silence, they finally let bygones be bygones.
  • 수년간의 침묵 끝에 그들은 마침내 지난 일을 잊고 화해했다.

A: Are you still upset about what happened last year?

B: No, I think it’s time to let bygones be bygones.

Light at the end of the tunnel — 힘든 상황 끝에 보이는 희망

• After months of debt, he finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
  • 수개월간의 빚 끝에 그는 마침내 희망의 빛을 보았다.

A: This renovation has been going on forever — I’m exhausted.

B: Hang in there, there’s light at the end of the tunnel now.

Like father, like son — 부전자전

• He became an engineer just like his dad — like father, like son.
  • 그는 아버지처럼 엔지니어가 됐다 — 부전자전이다.

A: Your son is already obsessed with cars, just like you!

B: What can I say? Like father, like son.

Lion’s share — 가장 큰 몫; 대부분

• The senior partner took the lion’s share of the profits.
  • 선임 파트너가 이익의 가장 큰 몫을 가져갔다.

A: How was the inheritance divided among the siblings?

B: The eldest got the lion’s share, as usual.

Live and let live — 자신도 살고 남도 살게 하라; 서로의 방식을 존중하다

• She never judges her neighbors’ choices — she believes in live and let live.
  • 그녀는 이웃의 선택을 판단하지 않는다 — 서로 존중하며 사는 것을 믿는다.

A: Don’t you think their lifestyle is a bit odd?

B: Not my business — live and let live.

Long shot — 가능성이 낮은 시도; 희박한 가능성

• Getting the contract is a long shot, but we should try.
  • 계약을 따내는 건 가능성이 낮지만, 시도해봐야 한다.

A: Do you think we’ll win the competition?

B: It’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened.

Look like a million bucks — 아주 멋져 보이다; 근사하게 보이다

• She walked into the room and looked like a million bucks.
  • 그녀가 방에 들어섰을 때 아주 근사해 보였다.

A: Wow, that suit fits you perfectly!

B: Thanks — I wanted to look like a million bucks for the interview.

Lose your head — 당황하여 이성을 잃다; 침착함을 잃다

• Don’t lose your head during the presentation — just breathe.
  • 발표 중에 침착함을 잃지 마세요 — 그냥 숨을 쉬세요.

A: I completely panicked when they started asking hard questions.

B: Try not to lose your head next time — stay calm.

Mad as a hatter — 완전히 미친; 제정신이 아닌

• After three sleepless nights, he was mad as a hatter.
  • 3일 밤을 잠 못 잔 후, 그는 완전히 제정신이 아니었다.

A: Did you see what your uncle did at the wedding?

B: I know — he’s mad as a hatter sometimes.

Make a mountain out of a molehill — 작은 일을 크게 부풀리다; 침소봉대하다

• Stop making a mountain out of a molehill — it’s just a tiny scratch.
  • 침소봉대하지 마세요 — 그냥 작은 흠집일 뿐이에요.

A: I made a small typo in the report — I’m so embarrassed!

B: Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill — just correct it.

March to the beat of a different drum — 남들과 다른 방식으로 살다; 자신만의 길을 가다

• She’s always marched to the beat of a different drum, ignoring trends.
  • 그녀는 항상 자신만의 길을 걸어왔으며, 유행을 무시했다.

A: Why does he always do things so differently from everyone else?

B: He just marches to the beat of a different drum — that’s him.

Mark my words — 내 말을 기억해 두어라; 두고 보라

• Mark my words — that young player will be a star someday.
  • 내 말을 기억해 두어라 — 저 어린 선수가 언젠가 스타가 될 것이다.

A: Do you really think that small company will succeed?

B: Mark my words — they’ll be huge within three years.

Master of none — 어느 것도 제대로 못하는 사람 (jack of all trades, master of none에서 유래)

• He dabbles in everything but ends up a master of none.
  • 그는 모든 것에 손을 대지만 결국 어느 것도 제대로 못한다.

A: I’m trying to learn guitar, painting, and coding all at once.

B: Careful — spread too thin and you’ll be a master of none.

Meaning of life — 삶의 의미

• Philosophers have debated the meaning of life for centuries.
  • 철학자들은 수백 년 동안 삶의 의미에 대해 논쟁해왔다.

A: What do you think the meaning of life actually is?

B: I think it’s different for every person — there’s no single answer.

Meet your maker — 죽다 (완곡어); 하나님 앞에 서다

• He drove so recklessly I thought he’d meet his maker on the highway.
  • 그가 너무 무모하게 운전해서 고속도로에서 죽을 것 같다고 생각했다.

A: That cliff jump looked absolutely terrifying!

B: I was sure I was going to meet my maker up there.

Melt in your mouth — 입에서 녹다; 아주 부드럽고 맛있다

• This dark chocolate is so smooth it just melts in your mouth.
  • 이 다크 초콜릿은 너무 부드러워서 입에서 그냥 녹는다.

A: How’s the steak at that new steakhouse?

B: It literally melts in your mouth — you have to try it.

Method to the madness — 겉으로는 혼란스러워 보이지만 나름의 이유나 계획이 있다

• His chaotic schedule looks crazy, but there’s a method to the madness.
  • 그의 혼란스러운 일정은 미쳐 보이지만, 나름의 방법이 있다.

A: Why are you organizing the files in such a strange way?

B: Trust me — there’s a method to the madness, I promise.

Mind your p’s and q’s — 예의 바르게 행동하다; 언행을 조심하다

• At the formal dinner, remember to mind your p’s and q’s.
  • 공식 만찬에서는 예의 바르게 행동하는 것을 잊지 마세요.

A: I’m so nervous about meeting the CEO tonight.

B: Just mind your p’s and q’s and you’ll make a great impression.

Misery loves company — 불행한 사람은 같은 처지의 동료를 원한다

• After failing the exam, she called her friend who also failed — misery loves company.
  • 시험에 떨어진 후 같이 떨어진 친구에게 전화했다 — 불행은 친구를 원한다.

A: Why do you keep venting to me about your bad day?

B: Well, misery loves company — you had a bad day too!

Money to burn — 쓰고도 남을 만큼의 돈; 여유 자금이 넘치다

• After his big promotion, he had money to burn and bought a yacht.
  • 대폭 승진한 후 그는 돈이 남아돌아 요트를 샀다.

A: Did he really book a five-star hotel for a one-night trip?

B: Of course — that guy has money to burn.

Monkey business — 장난; 부정직한 행동; 엉뚱한 짓

• The teacher warned the class: no monkey business during the exam.
  • 선생님은 시험 중에 장난치지 말라고 학생들에게 경고했다.

A: Something seems off with the company’s financial reports.

B: You’re right — I suspect some monkey business is going on.

Mother lode — 대박; 엄청난 양의 귀중한 것

• The researchers struck the mother lode of ancient artifacts.
  • 연구자들은 고대 유물의 대박을 발견했다.

A: How was the flea market?

B: We hit the mother lode — vintage records, rare books, everything!

Move heaven and earth — 온갖 노력을 다하다; 불가능해 보이는 일도 해내다

• She moved heaven and earth to get her son into a good school.
  • 그녀는 아들을 좋은 학교에 보내기 위해 온갖 노력을 다했다.

A: Do you think he can finish the project by Friday?

B: He’ll move heaven and earth to make that deadline.

Mudslinging — 비방; 중상모략; 인신공격

• The election campaign quickly turned into mudslinging on both sides.
  • 선거 운동은 양측의 비방으로 금세 더러워졌다.

A: Did you watch last night’s political debate?

B: It was pure mudslinging — no real policy discussion at all.

Mum is the word — 비밀을 지키다; 아무에게도 말하지 않다

• Don’t tell anyone about the surprise party — mum is the word.
  • 깜짝 파티에 대해 아무에게도 말하지 마세요 — 비밀이에요.

A: Should I mention the merger to the other team?

B: Absolutely not — mum is the word until Friday’s announcement.

Naked truth — 꾸밈없는 진실; 있는 그대로의 진실

• She told him the naked truth about why the proposal was rejected.
  • 그녀는 제안서가 거절된 이유에 대해 있는 그대로의 진실을 말했다.

A: Be honest — is my business idea actually good?

B: You want the naked truth? It needs a lot more work.

Needle in a haystack — 건초더미에서 바늘 찾기; 매우 찾기 어려운 것

• Finding that one email in the archive is like finding a needle in a haystack.
  • 아카이브에서 그 이메일 하나를 찾는 건 건초더미에서 바늘 찾기나 다름없다.

A: Have you found the missing file yet?

B: Not yet — it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Never say never — 절대로 안 된다고 하지 마라; 가능성을 열어두다

• She swore she’d never get married, but never say never!
  • 그녀는 절대 결혼하지 않겠다고 했지만, 절대란 없다!

A: Would you ever consider moving to a small town?

B: Never say never — life can surprise you.

Night owl — 밤에 활동적인 사람; 올빼미형 인간

• As a night owl, she does her best writing after midnight.
  • 올빼미형 인간인 그녀는 자정 이후에 글을 가장 잘 쓴다.

A: How are you already done with so much work today?

B: I’m a total night owl — I worked until 3 a.m.

Nine days’ wonder — 잠깐 화제가 됐다가 곧 잊혀지는 것

• That viral dance challenge was just a nine days’ wonder — nobody does it now.
  • 그 바이럴 댄스 챌린지는 잠깐 화제였을 뿐 — 지금은 아무도 안 한다.

A: Remember how everyone was obsessed with that new app last month?

B: Total nine days’ wonder — nobody even mentions it now.

No love lost — 서로 좋아하지 않다; 사이가 좋지 않다

• There’s no love lost between the two rival coaches.
  • 두 라이벌 코치 사이에는 사이가 전혀 좋지 않다.

A: Do your old boss and the new director get along?

B: There’s no love lost between those two, believe me.

Nose to the grindstone — 열심히 일하다; 쉬지 않고 일에 집중하다

• Keep your nose to the grindstone and you’ll pass the exam.
  • 열심히 공부하면 시험에 합격할 것이다.

A: Any big plans for this weekend?

B: No — nose to the grindstone until this report is done.

Not playing with a full deck — 정신이 온전하지 않다; 제정신이 아닌

• He made such bizarre decisions that people thought he wasn’t playing with a full deck.
  • 그가 너무 기이한 결정을 내려서 사람들은 그가 제정신인지 의심했다.

A: Did you hear what he said in the meeting today?

B: I know — it’s like he’s not playing with a full deck.

Off the beaten path — 인적이 드문 곳; 일반적이지 않은 방법이나 장소

• They discovered a charming café completely off the beaten path.
  • 그들은 인적이 드문 곳에서 매력적인 카페를 발견했다.

A: Any recommendations for our trip to Japan?

B: Skip the tourist spots — go somewhere off the beaten path.

Off the top of your head — 즉흥적으로; 준비 없이 생각나는 대로

• Off the top of my head, I’d say the project needs two more weeks.
  • 즉흥적으로 말하자면, 프로젝트는 2주 더 필요할 것 같아요.

A: How many clients do we have right now, roughly?

B: Off the top of my head, I’d say around two hundred.

Oil and water — 서로 맞지 않는 것; 물과 기름 같은 관계

• Those two colleagues are like oil and water — they never agree.
  • 저 두 동료는 물과 기름 같아서 절대 의견이 맞지 않는다.

A: Should we pair Jake and Sara for the project?

B: I wouldn’t — those two are like oil and water.

Old habit dies hard — 오랜 습관은 고치기 어렵다

• He still writes paper lists even with his smartphone — old habits die hard.
  • 그는 스마트폰이 있는데도 종이 메모를 쓴다 — 오랜 습관은 고치기 어렵다.

A: Are you still waking up at 5 a.m. even on weekends?

B: I can’t help it — old habits die hard.

On cloud nine — 구름 위에 있는 것처럼 매우 행복하다; 기쁨에 넘치다

• She was on cloud nine after getting the job offer.
  • 취업 제안을 받은 후 그녀는 기쁨에 넘쳤다.

A: You look absolutely thrilled today — what happened?

B: I got accepted to my dream school — I’m on cloud nine!

On pins and needles — 안절부절못하다; 초조하게 기다리다

• She was on pins and needles waiting for the exam results.
  • 그녀는 시험 결과를 기다리며 안절부절못했다.

A: How are you feeling before the big audition?

B: I’m on pins and needles — I can barely sit still.

On the dot — 정확히 (정시에); 칼같이

• The train departed at 8 o’clock on the dot.
  • 기차는 8시 정각에 칼같이 출발했다.

A: When should I arrive for the client meeting?

B: Be there at 9 on the dot — they hate tardiness.

Once in a blue moon — 아주 드물게; 가끔씩

• She only visits her hometown once in a blue moon.
  • 그녀는 아주 드물게만 고향을 방문한다.

A: Do you ever eat junk food?

B: Only once in a blue moon — I try to eat healthy.

One step at a time — 한 번에 한 걸음씩; 차근차근

• Learning a new language is hard, but take it one step at a time.
  • 새로운 언어를 배우는 건 어렵지만, 차근차근 해나가세요.

A: I feel completely overwhelmed by this new project.

B: Just take it one step at a time and you’ll be fine.

Open a can of worms — 골치 아픈 문제를 일으키다; 판도라의 상자를 열다

• Bringing up the salary issue really opened a can of worms.
  • 급여 문제를 꺼내는 것은 정말 골치 아픈 문제를 일으켰다.

A: Should I ask management why the policy changed?

B: Be careful — that could open a can of worms.

Out of the woods — 위험이나 어려움에서 벗어나다

• The patient is recovering, but he’s not out of the woods yet.
  • 환자는 회복 중이지만, 아직 위험에서 완전히 벗어난 것은 아니다.

A: Is the company doing better after last quarter’s losses?

B: A little better, but we’re not out of the woods just yet.

Pack a punch — 강한 효과나 힘을 가지다; 강력하다

• This small chili pepper really packs a punch — use it sparingly.
  • 이 작은 고추는 정말 강력해서 조금만 쓰세요.

A: How was the espresso at that new café?

B: It packs a punch — one shot and I was wide awake!

Paddle your own canoe — 자립하다; 스스로 알아서 하다

• At 30, it’s time to paddle your own canoe and stop asking for help.
  • 30살이 됐으면 스스로 알아서 할 때가 됐다, 도움을 구하는 것을 그만하고.

A: Should I ask my parents for money again?

B: No — it’s time to paddle your own canoe.

Pass with flying colors — 우수한 성적으로 통과하다; 뛰어나게 합격하다

• She studied hard and passed the bar exam with flying colors.
  • 그녀는 열심히 공부해서 변호사 시험을 우수한 성적으로 통과했다.

A: How did your driving test go yesterday?

B: I passed with flying colors — didn’t make a single error!

Pay the piper — 행동의 결과를 받아들이다; 대가를 치르다

• He skipped every class and now has to pay the piper at exam time.
  • 그는 수업을 모두 빠졌고 이제 시험 때 그 대가를 치러야 한다.

A: He spent all his savings on gadgets and now he’s broke.

B: Eventually you have to pay the piper.

Peekaboo — 까꿍 (아기와 하는 숨바꼭질 놀이)

• The baby laughed every time his dad played peekaboo with him.
  • 아빠가 까꿍 놀이를 할 때마다 아기가 웃었다.

A: How do you keep the baby entertained for so long?

B: Simple — just play peekaboo. Works every single time.

Penny for your thoughts — 무슨 생각을 하고 있니? (상대방의 생각을 물을 때 쓰는 표현)

• You’ve been staring out the window — a penny for your thoughts.
  • 창밖을 멍하니 바라보고 있네요 — 무슨 생각을 하고 있나요?

A: You’ve been so quiet all evening.

B: Sorry — a penny for your thoughts? Tell me what’s on your mind.

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones — 자신도 흠이 있으면 남을 비판하지 마라

• Before criticizing her, remember: people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
  • 그녀를 비판하기 전에 기억하세요: 자신도 흠이 있으면 남을 비판하지 마라.

A: He keeps pointing out everyone else’s mistakes at work.

B: He should remember — people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Pick of the bunch — 무리 중 최고; 가장 뛰어난 것이나 사람

• Out of all the candidates, she was clearly the pick of the bunch.
  • 모든 후보들 중에서 그녀가 단연 최고였다.

A: Which of the new recruits impresses you the most?

B: Definitely Mia — she’s the pick of the bunch.

Picture paints a thousand words — 백문이 불여일견; 그림 하나가 천 마디 말보다 낫다

• Instead of a long report, she used a chart — a picture paints a thousand words.
  • 긴 보고서 대신 그녀는 차트를 사용했다 — 백문이 불여일견이니까.

A: Should I describe the data in text or include a graph?

B: Use the graph — a picture paints a thousand words.

Pipe dream — 실현 불가능한 꿈; 허황된 꿈

• Becoming a professional athlete felt like a pipe dream, but he kept training.
  • 프로 선수가 되는 것은 허황된 꿈처럼 느껴졌지만, 그는 계속 훈련했다.

A: I want to write a novel and retire by 40.

B: It’s not a pipe dream if you start working toward it now.

play devil’s advocate — 반대 의견을 일부러 제시하다 (논의를 위해)

• I’ll play devil’s advocate and argue against the proposal.
  • 제가 악마의 변호인 역할을 해서 그 제안에 반대 주장을 해볼게요.

A: Everyone agrees the new plan is perfect.

B: Let me play devil’s advocate — what about the costs?

play hardball — 강경하게 밀어붙이다, 단호하게 협상하다

• The union decided to play hardball during the contract negotiations.
  • 노조는 계약 협상에서 강경하게 밀어붙이기로 결정했다.

A: They still won’t lower their price.

B: Fine — then we play hardball and walk away.

play your cards right — 상황을 영리하게 이용하다, 잘 처신하다

• If you play your cards right, you could get promoted this year.
  • 잘 처신한다면 올해 승진할 수도 있어요.

A: Do you think I can land that big client?

B: Play your cards right and you definitely can.

plenty of fish in the sea — 세상에 사람은 많다 (실연 후 위로할 때)

• Don’t worry about the breakup — there are plenty of fish in the sea.
  • 이별 걱정 마세요 — 세상에 사람은 많아요.

A: I can’t believe she broke up with me.

B: There are plenty of fish in the sea, trust me.

plow ahead — 어려움에도 불구하고 계속 나아가다

• Despite the setbacks, the team decided to plow ahead with the project.
  • 차질에도 불구하고 팀은 프로젝트를 계속 밀고 나가기로 했다.

A: There are so many obstacles in our way.

B: We need to plow ahead and not give up now.

pocket change — 푼돈, 별것 아닌 금액

• For a millionaire, a thousand dollars is just pocket change.
  • 백만장자에게 천 달러는 그냥 푼돈이다.

A: The repair only cost fifty dollars.

B: That’s pocket change — just get it fixed now.

point the finger — ~을 탓하다, 비난하다

• Don’t point the finger at others when you made the mistake.
  • 당신이 실수를 했을 때 다른 사람을 탓하지 마세요.

A: Who broke the printer?

B: Everyone keeps pointing the finger at Tom.

polish up — 다듬다, 갈고닦다

• She spent the weekend polishing up her presentation skills.
  • 그녀는 주말에 발표 실력을 갈고닦았다.

A: Your resume looks pretty good already.

B: I want to polish it up before sending it out.

pony up — (마지못해) 돈을 내다

• It’s time to pony up for your share of the rent.
  • 임대료 본인 몫을 낼 때가 됐어요.

A: I really don’t want to pay for the repairs.

B: You broke it, so you have to pony up.

poor man’s — ~의 저렴한 버전, 싸구려 ~

• This café is basically a poor man’s Starbucks.
  • 이 카페는 기본적으로 스타벅스의 저렴한 버전이야.

A: What do you think of this budget smartphone?

B: It’s a poor man’s iPhone, but it works fine.

pop the question — 청혼하다

• He finally popped the question at their favorite restaurant.
  • 그는 마침내 그들이 가장 좋아하는 레스토랑에서 청혼했다.

A: Did Jake say anything special last night?

B: He popped the question! I said yes!

pot calling the kettle black — 똥 묻은 개가 겨 묻은 개 나무란다

• He criticized her for being late — that’s the pot calling the kettle black.
  • 그는 그녀가 늦었다고 비난했다 — 그야말로 똥 묻은 개가 겨 묻은 개 나무라는 격이다.

A: She says I’m always disorganized at work.

B: That’s the pot calling the kettle black — her desk is a disaster!

pound of flesh — 가혹한 요구, 냉정한 채무 이행

• The bank wanted its pound of flesh even after we explained our situation.
  • 은행은 우리 상황을 설명한 후에도 냉정하게 채무 이행을 요구했다.

A: Are they giving you any flexibility on the payment?

B: No — they want their pound of flesh no matter what.

practice makes perfect — 연습이 완벽함을 만든다

• Keep rehearsing your speech — practice makes perfect.
  • 계속 연설 연습을 하세요 — 연습이 완벽함을 만드니까요.

A: I’m still making so many mistakes on the guitar.

B: Don’t worry — practice makes perfect, just keep going.

preach to the choir — 이미 동의하는 사람에게 설득하려 하다

• You don’t need to convince me — you’re preaching to the choir.
  • 저를 설득할 필요 없어요 — 이미 동의하고 있는 사람한테 말하는 거예요.

A: Exercise is really important for your health.

B: I know — you’re preaching to the choir here.

press your luck — 운을 지나치게 믿고 무리하다

• You’ve already won three times tonight — don’t press your luck.
  • 오늘 밤 이미 세 번이나 이겼어요 — 운을 너무 믿지 마세요.

A: Should I ask the boss for another day off?

B: Don’t press your luck — you just had a week off.

pretty penny — 상당한 금액, 큰돈

• That antique table must have cost a pretty penny.
  • 저 앤티크 테이블은 꽤 큰돈을 줬을 거예요.

A: How much was that new laptop?

B: It cost a pretty penny, but it’s worth every cent.

pride goes before a fall — 자만하면 망한다

• He bragged about never losing, but pride goes before a fall.
  • 그는 한 번도 진 적 없다고 자랑했지만, 자만하면 망하는 법이다.

A: He thinks he’ll easily win the championship.

B: Pride goes before a fall — he should stay humble.

pull a fast one — 속임수를 쓰다, 사기 치다

• He tried to pull a fast one by quietly changing the contract terms.
  • 그는 계약 조건을 몰래 바꿔서 속임수를 쓰려고 했다.

A: Why did the client change the terms last minute?

B: I think they were trying to pull a fast one on us.

pull rank — 직위를 이용해 압력을 가하다

• The manager pulled rank to get the project approved immediately.
  • 그 매니저는 프로젝트를 즉시 승인받기 위해 직위를 이용했다.

A: How did you get that prime parking spot?

B: I pulled rank — one of the perks of being director.

pull strings — 연줄을 이용하다, 뒤에서 영향력을 행사하다

• She pulled some strings to get her son into the top school.
  • 그녀는 아들을 명문 학교에 넣기 위해 연줄을 이용했다.

A: How did you get tickets to that sold-out show?

B: A friend pulled some strings for me.

pull your weight — 자기 몫의 일을 하다

• Everyone needs to pull their weight on this team project.
  • 이 팀 프로젝트에서는 모두가 자기 몫의 일을 해야 해요.

A: Jake hasn’t contributed anything this whole week.

B: He really needs to start pulling his weight.

pump iron — 역기를 들다, 웨이트 트레이닝을 하다

• He pumps iron at the gym every morning before work.
  • 그는 매일 아침 출근 전에 헬스장에서 역기를 든다.

A: How did you get so muscular in six months?

B: I’ve been pumping iron every single day.

punch the clock — 출퇴근 시간을 기록하다, 그냥 형식적으로 일하다

• He just punches the clock and doesn’t really care about the work.
  • 그는 그냥 출퇴근 시간만 기록할 뿐 일에는 신경 쓰지 않는다.

A: Does he seem passionate about his job?

B: Not at all — he just punches the clock every day.

pure as the driven snow — 매우 순수한, 결백한

• She acts pure as the driven snow, but don’t be fooled.
  • 그녀는 매우 순수한 척하지만, 속지 마세요.

A: Do you completely trust the new accountant?

B: He’s not exactly pure as the driven snow, be careful.

push come to shove — 막판에 몰리면, 최악의 경우에는

• If push comes to shove, we can always request a deadline extension.
  • 최악의 경우에는 항상 마감 연장을 요청할 수 있어요.

A: What if we can’t finish the report on time?

B: If push comes to shove, we’ll work through the weekend.

put a sock in it — 조용히 해, 닥쳐

• Will you just put a sock in it? I’m trying to concentrate.
  • 좀 조용히 해줄래요? 집중하려고 하는데.

A: I told you this would happen! I knew it all along!

B: Put a sock in it — let’s just focus on fixing it.

put on a brave face — 용감한 척하다, 힘든 걸 내색하지 않다

• She put on a brave face despite her deep disappointment.
  • 그녀는 크게 실망했음에도 불구하고 힘든 걸 내색하지 않았다.

A: How is she coping after losing the competition?

B: She’s putting on a brave face, but she’s really hurting.

put the pedal to the metal — 전속력으로 달리다, 최대한 빠르게 하다

• We need to put the pedal to the metal to meet the deadline.
  • 마감일을 맞추려면 최대한 빠르게 진행해야 해요.

A: We only have two days left to finish this!

B: Then let’s put the pedal to the metal and get it done.

put your best foot forward — 최선을 다하다, 좋은 인상을 주려고 노력하다

• Make sure to put your best foot forward at the job interview.
  • 취업 면접에서 반드시 최선을 다하세요.

A: I’m so nervous about meeting his parents tomorrow.

B: Just put your best foot forward and be yourself.

quaking in your boots — 몹시 두려워하다, 겁에 질려 떨다

• The new employee was quaking in his boots before the big presentation.
  • 그 신입 직원은 중요한 발표 전에 겁에 질려 떨고 있었다.

A: You look really nervous about the final exam.

B: I’m quaking in my boots — it’s worth 40% of my grade.

quench your thirst — 갈증을 해소하다

• A cold glass of water is the best way to quench your thirst on a hot day.
  • 더운 날 갈증을 해소하는 가장 좋은 방법은 차가운 물 한 잔이다.

A: I’ve been hiking for hours and I’m so thirsty.

B: Here, drink this water and quench your thirst first.

quick fix — 임시방편, 빠른 해결책

• Hiring more staff is just a quick fix, not a real solution.
  • 직원을 더 고용하는 것은 임시방편일 뿐 진짜 해결책이 아니다.

A: Can we just patch the software bug for now?

B: Sure, but remember it’s only a quick fix.

quid pro quo — 주고받기, 대가를 바라는 거래

• The deal was clearly a quid pro quo — support my bill and I’ll back yours.
  • 그 거래는 분명히 주고받기였다 — 내 법안을 지지하면 나도 당신 것을 지지하겠다고.

A: Why did he suddenly agree to help you?

B: Nothing’s free with him — it’s always a quid pro quo.

quote unquote — 이른바, 소위 (인용 부호를 강조할 때)

• He gave me a quote unquote ‘friendly warning’ that felt like a real threat.
  • 그는 나에게 이른바 ‘친절한 경고’를 해줬는데 진짜 협박처럼 느껴졌다.

A: What did the boss call the layoffs?

B: He called it a quote unquote ‘strategic restructuring.’

rake in the dough — 돈을 많이 벌다

• That new food truck is raking in the dough every single weekend.
  • 그 새 푸드트럭은 매주 말 돈을 엄청나게 벌고 있다.

A: How is her online store doing these days?

B: She’s raking in the dough — it’s a huge success.

rank and file — 일반 구성원, 평 대원

• The rank and file workers strongly disagreed with management’s decision.
  • 일반 직원들은 경영진의 결정에 강하게 반대했다.

A: Does everyone support the new policy?

B: The rank and file are actually pretty upset about it.

rat race — 치열한 경쟁 사회

• She quit her job and moved to the countryside to escape the rat race.
  • 그녀는 치열한 경쟁 사회에서 벗어나기 위해 직장을 그만두고 시골로 이사했다.

A: Why did you leave your high-paying city job?

B: I was exhausted by the rat race — life is too short.

rattle your cage — 화나게 하다, 신경 건드리다

• Sorry if my comment rattled your cage — I didn’t mean to upset you.
  • 제 말이 신경을 건드렸다면 미안해요 — 화나게 하려는 게 아니었어요.

A: Why is he so angry and distracted today?

B: I said something that really rattled his cage, I think.

reach for the stars — 높은 목표를 향해 도전하다

• Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars — you’re more capable than you think.
  • 높은 목표에 도전하는 것을 두려워하지 마세요 — 당신은 생각보다 훨씬 능력 있어요.

A: Is it even realistic to aim for the top university?

B: Always reach for the stars — you might surprise yourself.

read the riot act — 엄하게 꾸짖다, 단단히 경고하다

• The coach read the riot act to the team after their terrible performance.
  • 코치는 팀의 형편없는 경기 후에 엄하게 꾸짖었다.

A: How did the manager react to the missed deadline?

B: He read the riot act to the entire department.

red herring — 주의를 딴 데로 돌리는 것, 가짜 단서

• The suspect’s alibi turned out to be a complete red herring.
  • 용의자의 알리바이는 결국 완전한 가짜 단서였다.

A: Is the missing money really the key clue here?

B: That might be a red herring — look somewhere else.

red tape — 관료적 절차, 번거로운 규정

• We lost weeks cutting through the red tape to get the permit approved.
  • 허가를 받기 위해 관료적 절차를 처리하느라 몇 주를 낭비했다.

A: Why is the new project taking so long to start?

B: There’s so much red tape we have to get through first.

reinvent the wheel — 이미 있는 것을 처음부터 다시 만들다

• Don’t reinvent the wheel — just use the existing library.
  • 이미 있는 것을 처음부터 다시 만들지 마세요 — 기존 라이브러리를 쓰세요.

A: I’m building a new scheduling system from scratch.

B: Why reinvent the wheel? There are great tools already.

resting on your laurels — 과거의 성공에 안주하다

• You can’t rest on your laurels — the competition never stops improving.
  • 과거의 성공에 안주할 수 없어요 — 경쟁자들은 멈추지 않고 발전하고 있으니까요.

A: We had a record-breaking year — time to relax!

B: Don’t rest on your laurels; next year will be even tougher.

right as rain — 완전히 건강한, 아무 문제 없는

• After a week of rest, she was right as rain again.
  • 일주일 동안 쉬고 나서 그녀는 완전히 건강을 회복했다.

A: How are you feeling after your flu last week?

B: I’m right as rain now — totally back to normal.

right hand man — 오른팔, 가장 믿을 수 있는 조력자

• Sarah has been the CEO’s right hand man for over ten years.
  • 사라는 10년 넘게 최고 경영자의 오른팔이었다.

A: Who does the director rely on the most?

B: Tom is his right hand man — handles absolutely everything.

rise to the occasion — 상황에 맞게 훌륭히 대처하다

• When the lead singer fell ill, the backup vocalist rose to the occasion.
  • 리드 싱어가 아팠을 때 백업 보컬이 상황에 맞게 훌륭히 대처했다.

A: Can the new manager handle this crisis alone?

B: I believe she’ll rise to the occasion — she’s strong.

road to nowhere — 아무 성과도 없는 길, 막다른 상황

• This strategy feels like a road to nowhere — we need a new plan.
  • 이 전략은 아무 성과도 없는 길처럼 느껴져요 — 새로운 계획이 필요해요.

A: We’ve been negotiating for six months with no result.

B: This is a road to nowhere — let’s try a different approach.

rock solid — 매우 견고한, 흔들리지 않는

• Their business partnership is rock solid — nothing can break it.
  • 그들의 사업 파트너십은 매우 견고해서 아무것도 깰 수 없다.

A: Can we fully trust this foundation for the building?

B: Absolutely — it’s rock solid and built to last forever.

roll with the punches — 어려움에 유연하게 대처하다, 잘 적응하다

• Things didn’t go as planned, but we learned to roll with the punches.
  • 계획대로 되지 않았지만 우리는 어려움에 유연하게 대처하는 법을 배웠다.

A: The client keeps changing the requirements every week.

B: We just have to roll with the punches and stay flexible.

room to breathe — 여유 공간, 자유롭게 할 수 있는 여지

• The new schedule gives our team more room to breathe between deadlines.
  • 새 일정은 팀에게 마감일 사이에 좀 더 여유를 줘요.

A: I feel so overwhelmed by all these tasks at once.

B: You need room to breathe — let’s delegate a few things.

rope in — 끌어들이다, 참여시키다

• She roped in her friends to help decorate for the birthday party.
  • 그녀는 생일 파티 장식을 도와달라고 친구들을 끌어들였다.

A: How did you get so many volunteers for the event?

B: I roped in everyone from my contact list.

rough around the edges — 완전하지 않은, 세련되지 못한 면이 있는

• The new hire is rough around the edges but shows real potential.
  • 그 신입 직원은 세련되지 못한 면이 있지만 진짜 잠재력을 보여줘요.

A: What do you think of the new job candidate overall?

B: He’s rough around the edges, but very talented and eager.

rub salt in the wound — 상처에 소금을 뿌리다, 이미 나쁜 상황을 더 악화시키다

• Criticizing her work after she already failed was rubbing salt in the wound.
  • 그녀가 이미 실패한 후 작업을 비판하는 것은 상처에 소금을 뿌리는 격이었다.

A: He told her she should have prepared much better.

B: Why rub salt in the wound? She already feels terrible.

run amok — 난동을 부리다, 통제 불능 상태가 되다

• The children ran amok at the birthday party while the parents chatted.
  • 부모들이 이야기를 나누는 동안 아이들은 생일 파티에서 난동을 부렸다.

A: What happened at the school event yesterday?

B: The kids completely ran amok — it was total chaos.

run-of-the-mill — 평범한, 특별할 것 없는

• The movie was totally run-of-the-mill — nothing special about it at all.
  • 그 영화는 완전히 평범했어요 — 특별한 게 전혀 없었어요.

A: How was the new restaurant you tried last night?

B: Pretty run-of-the-mill — I probably won’t go back.

safe and sound — 무사히, 안전하게

• The hikers returned safe and sound after being lost for several hours.
  • 등산객들은 몇 시간 동안 길을 잃은 후 무사히 돌아왔다.

A: Did your daughter make it home okay last night?

B: Yes, she arrived safe and sound about an hour ago.

sail close to the wind — 위험을 무릅쓰다, 규칙의 경계에서 아슬아슬하게 행동하다

• That financial deal was sailing close to the wind — barely legal.
  • 그 금융 거래는 경계선에서 아슬아슬했어요 — 겨우 합법적이었어요.

A: Is his business strategy considered too risky?

B: He always sails close to the wind but somehow pulls through.

salt of the earth — 선량하고 성실한 사람, 소박하고 믿을 수 있는 사람

• Our neighbors are the salt of the earth — always there when you need them.
  • 우리 이웃들은 선량하고 성실한 사람들이에요 — 필요할 때 항상 곁에 있어요.

A: What’s your grandfather like as a person?

B: He’s the salt of the earth — honest, kind, and hardworking.

Save your breath — 말해봤자 소용없다, 입 다물어

• Save your breath — he’s already made up his mind.
  • 말해봤자 소용없어 — 그는 이미 결심했거든.

A: Should I try to convince him one more time?

B: Save your breath; he never listens to anyone.

Scarce as hen’s teeth — 매우 희귀한, 거의 찾아볼 수 없는

• Good affordable housing is scarce as hen’s teeth in this city.
  • 이 도시에서 저렴한 좋은 주택은 찾아보기 정말 힘들다.

A: Did you find any vintage records at the flea market?

B: No, they’re scarce as hen’s teeth these days.

School of hard knocks — 힘든 경험을 통해 배우는 인생의 학교

• He learned everything about business from the school of hard knocks.
  • 그는 사업에 관한 모든 것을 인생의 쓴맛을 겪으며 배웠다.

A: Did you go to college to learn all that?

B: No — just the school of hard knocks.

Scrape by — 간신히 살아가다, 겨우 버티다

• We scraped by on one salary for nearly two years.
  • 우리는 거의 2년간 한 사람 월급으로 간신히 버텼다.

A: How are you managing without a second income?

B: We’re scraping by, but it’s really stressful.

Scratch the surface — 표면만 건드리다, 겉만 훑다

• We’ve barely scratched the surface of this research topic.
  • 우리는 이 연구 주제의 겉만 살짝 건드렸을 뿐이다.

A: Have you finished reading all the data?

B: Not even close — I’ve only scratched the surface.

Sealed with a kiss — 키스로 봉인된, 사랑을 담아 (편지 끝에 쓰는 표현)

• She ended every love letter sealed with a kiss.
  • 그녀는 모든 연애편지를 ‘사랑을 담아’로 끝맺었다.

A: How did she sign off on the letter?

B: Sealed with a kiss — it was very sweet.

Second nature — 몸에 밴 습관, 제2의 천성

• After years of practice, speaking English became second nature.
  • 수년간 연습한 후, 영어로 말하는 것이 몸에 배었다.

A: Doesn’t it take effort to type that fast?

B: Not anymore — it’s second nature to me now.

Second thought — 재고, 다시 한번 생각함

• On second thought, let’s take the train instead of driving.
  • 다시 생각해 보니, 운전 대신 기차를 타자.

A: Are you sure you want to quit your job today?

B: On second thought, maybe I should wait a month.

See red — 화가 머리끝까지 나다, 격분하다

• She saw red when she found out someone took credit for her work.
  • 누군가 자신의 공을 가로챘다는 걸 알았을 때 그녀는 격분했다.

A: How did the coach react to the bad call?

B: He saw red and started yelling at the referee.

Seize the day — 현재를 즐겨라, 기회를 잡아라 (카르페 디엠)

• Seize the day and apply for that dream job right now.
  • 지금 당장 꿈의 직장에 지원하며 기회를 잡아라.

A: I keep putting off starting my own business.

B: Seize the day — you’ll regret waiting too long.

Sell out — 매진되다; 신념을 저버리다, 배신하다

• The concert tickets sold out within minutes of going on sale.
  • 콘서트 티켓은 판매 시작 후 몇 분 만에 매진되었다.

A: Can we still buy tickets for Friday’s show?

B: No, they sold out yesterday afternoon.

Send packing — 쫓아내다, 내쫓다

• The security guard sent the trespassers packing immediately.
  • 경비원은 침입자들을 즉시 내쫓았다.

A: What happened to that pushy salesperson?

B: The manager sent him packing in two minutes.

Separate the wheat from the chaff — 좋은 것과 나쁜 것을 가려내다

• The tough audition was designed to separate the wheat from the chaff.
  • 힘든 오디션은 진짜 실력자와 그렇지 않은 사람을 가려내기 위한 것이었다.

A: How do they pick the best candidates from hundreds?

B: The written test separates the wheat from the chaff.

Set in stone — 확정된, 변경 불가능한

• Nothing is set in stone yet, so we can still adjust the schedule.
  • 아직 확정된 건 없으니, 일정을 조정할 수 있어.

A: Is the deadline set in stone?

B: No, we can push it back if necessary.

Shake things up — 변화를 주다, 기존 방식을 뒤흔들다

• The new director wants to shake things up with a fresh approach.
  • 새 감독은 신선한 접근 방식으로 변화를 주길 원한다.

A: Why did they bring in someone from outside the company?

B: They needed to shake things up after years of stagnation.

Shape up or ship out — 정신 차리지 않으면 나가라

• The coach told the underperforming players to shape up or ship out.
  • 코치는 부진한 선수들에게 정신 차리거나 나가라고 했다.

A: He keeps showing up late and missing deadlines.

B: Tell him: shape up or ship out — no more chances.

Sharp as a tack — 매우 영리한, 눈치가 빠른

• Even at eighty, my grandfather is sharp as a tack.
  • 할아버지는 여든 살에도 여전히 매우 총명하시다.

A: Can she still solve those complex puzzles?

B: Absolutely — she’s sharp as a tack at any age.

Shawshank style — 영화 ‘쇼생크 탈출’처럼 끈질기게 조금씩 해내는 방식

• He escaped the dead-end job Shawshank style — slowly and patiently.
  • 그는 막다른 직장에서 쇼생크 방식으로 — 서서히, 끈질기게 — 탈출했다.

A: How did he finally get out of that toxic situation?

B: Shawshank style — one small careful step at a time.

Ship has sailed — 때가 지났다, 기회를 이미 놓쳤다

• I wanted to apologize, but that ship has sailed.
  • 사과하고 싶었지만, 이미 때가 지나버렸다.

A: Should we invest in that startup now?

B: That ship has sailed — valuations tripled last year.

Shirt off your back — 매우 관대한, 자신의 것까지 내어주는

• Tom would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.
  • 톰은 망설임 없이 자신의 것까지 내어줄 사람이야.

A: Is he really that generous with everyone?

B: Yes, he’d give you the shirt off his back.

Shoot yourself in the foot — 스스로 망치다, 자멸하다

• He shot himself in the foot by arriving late to the interview.
  • 그는 면접에 늦게 도착해 스스로 기회를 망쳤다.

A: Did she get the promotion she wanted?

B: No — she shot herself in the foot by arguing with management.

Short and sweet — 짧고 간결한

• Keep the presentation short and sweet — no more than ten minutes.
  • 발표를 짧고 간결하게 해 줘 — 10분을 넘기지 마.

A: How long should my acceptance speech be?

B: Short and sweet — two minutes is plenty.

Shotgun wedding — 예상치 못한 임신으로 인한 급작스러운 결혼

• It was a shotgun wedding, but they’ve been happy for twenty years.
  • 급하게 치른 결혼이었지만, 그들은 20년간 행복하게 살았다.

A: Why did they get married so suddenly last spring?

B: Between us, everyone suspects it was a shotgun wedding.

Shoulder the blame — 책임을 지다, 비난을 감수하다

• The team leader shouldered the blame even though it wasn’t her fault.
  • 팀장은 자신의 잘못이 아님에도 책임을 졌다.

A: Who’s going to take responsibility for the failed launch?

B: The manager offered to shoulder the blame himself.

Show your hand — 패를 보여주다, 속내를 드러내다

• Don’t show your hand during negotiations — stay calm and unreadable.
  • 협상 중에 속내를 드러내지 마 — 침착하게 표정을 숨겨.

A: Should I tell them our maximum budget upfront?

B: Never — don’t show your hand too early.

Sick to death — 정말 지겹다, 진절머리 나다

• I’m sick to death of hearing the same excuses every week.
  • 매주 똑같은 변명을 듣는 게 정말 지겨워.

A: Another three-hour Monday meeting?

B: I’m sick to death of these pointless gatherings.

Side by side — 나란히, 함께

• They worked side by side for a decade without a single argument.
  • 그들은 10년 동안 단 한 번의 다툼도 없이 나란히 일했다.

A: How did those two build such a successful company?

B: They did it side by side as equal partners from day one.

Sight for sore eyes — 오랜만에 보는 반가운 얼굴/모습

• After six months abroad, her family was a sight for sore eyes.
  • 6개월간의 해외 생활 후, 가족들의 얼굴은 정말 반가웠다.

A: You’re finally back from your long trip!

B: You’re a sight for sore eyes — I’ve missed you all.

Silk purse out of a sow’s ear — 형편없는 재료로 좋은 것을 만들 수 없다, 불가능한 일

• You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear with that tiny budget.
  • 그 작은 예산으로는 형편없는 재료로 좋은 걸 만들어낼 수 없어.

A: Can we fix that terribly written script by tomorrow?

B: You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

Silver lining — 불행 중 다행, 어두운 상황 속의 희망

• Losing that job had a silver lining — I finally started my own business.
  • 그 직장을 잃은 것은 불행 중 다행이었어 — 덕분에 내 사업을 시작했거든.

A: The conference got cancelled due to bad weather.

B: The silver lining is we saved a lot of money on travel.

Simple as pie — 매우 쉬운, 식은 죽 먹기

• Setting up the new app is simple as pie — just follow three steps.
  • 새 앱 설정은 정말 쉬워 — 그냥 세 단계만 따라하면 돼.

A: Is the new checkout process hard to figure out?

B: Simple as pie — even my grandma figured it out.

Sit tight — 참고 기다리다, 그 자리에 꼼짝 말고 있다

• Just sit tight — the doctor will be with you shortly.
  • 그냥 기다려 — 곧 의사 선생님이 오실 거야.

A: Should we move to a different waiting area?

B: Sit tight — they’ll call your name any minute.

Six of one, half a dozen of the other — 도긴개긴, 피차일반, 어느 쪽이나 마찬가지

• Driving or taking the bus? It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other.
  • 운전이나 버스나? 어차피 피차일반이야.

A: Should we go with option A or option B?

B: It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other — both work fine.

Skid row — 빈민가, 사회 밑바닥

• He spent years on skid row before finally turning his life around.
  • 그는 인생을 바꾸기 전 몇 년을 빈민가에서 보냈다.

A: Where did he live before he became a famous author?

B: He was on skid row for a while — sleeping rough.

Sky’s the limit — 한계가 없다, 가능성이 무한하다

• With your talent and dedication, the sky’s the limit.
  • 너의 재능과 헌신으로라면, 가능성은 무한해.

A: How far do you think she can go in her career?

B: The sky’s the limit for someone that driven and talented.

Sleight of hand — 손재주, 교묘한 눈속임

• The magician’s sleight of hand left the entire audience speechless.
  • 마술사의 교묘한 손재주에 온 관객이 말을 잃었다.

A: How did he make the coin disappear so cleanly?

B: Pure sleight of hand — he’s trained for years.

Slip of the tongue — 말실수, 실언

• Calling her by the wrong name was just a slip of the tongue.
  • 그녀를 다른 이름으로 부른 건 그냥 말실수였어.

A: Did you really mean to reveal the surprise on live TV?

B: No! It was a slip of the tongue — I’m so embarrassed.

Slow and steady wins the race — 느리더라도 꾸준히 하면 결국 이긴다

• Slow and steady wins the race — keep saving a little each month.
  • 느리더라도 꾸준히 하면 이겨 — 매달 조금씩 계속 저축해.

A: I feel so far behind everyone else my age.

B: Remember: slow and steady wins the race — keep going.

Smell the coffee — 현실을 직시하다, 정신을 차리다

• It’s time to smell the coffee and face the real problem head-on.
  • 이제 현실을 직시하고 진짜 문제에 정면으로 맞설 시간이야.

A: He still thinks everything at work is going fine.

B: Someone needs to help him smell the coffee.

Smoke and mirrors — 연막, 눈속임, 실체 없는 겉모습

• Their glossy pitch was all smoke and mirrors — no real product existed.
  • 그들의 화려한 발표는 완전한 눈속임이었어 — 실제 제품이 없었다.

A: That company looks incredibly successful online.

B: It’s smoke and mirrors — they’re nearly bankrupt.

Smooth operator — 능수능란한 사람, 말 잘하고 세련된 사람

• He charmed every client in the room — a real smooth operator.
  • 그는 방 안의 모든 고객을 매료시켰어 — 진짜 능수능란한 사람이야.

A: How did he talk his way out of trouble again?

B: He’s a smooth operator — always finds the perfect words.

✅ Check Yourself

Q1. We sat in ____ traffic for over three hours on the highway.

• bumper to bumper
• smooth sailing
• raining cats and dogs
• up in the air

Q2. The new company policy is still ____; the CEO hasn’t made a final decision.

• up in the air
• in the bag
• set in stone
• touch-and-go

Q3. The manager smiled and said the dessert was ____ for everyone at the table.

• on the house
• under the table
• word of mouth
• off the hook

Q4. I have a huge exam tomorrow, so I’m going to ____ tonight.

• burn the midnight oil
• hit the sack
• call it a day
• cut corners

Q5. Losing his keys on top of everything else was the ____; he finally sat down and cried.

• last straw
• point of no return
• blessing in disguise
• bolt from the blue

Q6. Stop ____ and just tell me what you really mean.

• beating around the bush
• cutting to the chase
• spilling the beans
• breaking the ice

Q7. He seemed friendly at first, but he ____ when the business deal went sour.

• showed his true colors
• lost his touch
• saved face
• stood his ground