1. On good terms
Meaning – Having a friendly or pleasant relationship (with someone)
Usage – One should always try to be on good terms with one’s boss.
2. Steal the show
Meaning – Win everyone’s praise
Usage – The opening band totally stole the show tonight—they were amazing.
3. Measure up
Meaning – To meet a particular requirement, standard, or expectation
Usage – I didn't get the job, after all, I guess I just didn't measure up.
4. Doctor the account
Meaning – To manipulate the account
Usage – He doctored the account to impress the investors.
5. Darkhorse
Meaning – An unexpected winner
Usage – Nobody thought Ajay could win the race after breaking his leg last year, but he turned out to be a dark horse and won the first prize.
6. Face the music
Meaning – To experience negative repercussions for one's actions or words, especially those that one would expect to incur punishment
Usage – I told you not to try to sneak in, and now that you've been caught, you're just going to have to face the music.
7. In the red
Meaning – Losing money/to owe money
Usage – We're back in the red because sales are way down this quarter.
8. In lieu of
Meaning – Despite
Usage – In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the scholarship fund.
9. Beat around/about the bush
Meaning – To speak vaguely or euphemistically so as to avoid talking directly about an unpleasant or sensitive topic
Usage – Don't beat around the bush—just tell me the truth.
10. Bring about
Meaning – Cause
Usage – The landmark civil rights case will bring about great societal change.
11. At sixes and sevens
Meaning – In disorder or confusion
Usage – I'm at sixes and sevens now that the whole schedule has been rearranged.
12. Lose head
Meaning – Panic
Usage – During the verbal spat with him, I lost my head and said something I regret.
13. Take to task
Meaning – To criticize severely/to punish
Usage – My dad took me to task over my terrible report card.
14. Sit in judgment
Meaning – To judge or decide if somebody is wrong or right, even if you have no right to do so
Usage – What gives you the right to sit in judgment over us?
15. Leave in the lurch
Meaning – To desert someone
Usage – I'll really be left in the lurch if the manager decides to quit before this project is finished.
Verifying, please be patient.