you cannot make something excellent from poor material
The old engine is beyond repair; you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
Register: traditional. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
leave suddenly, often to avoid responsibility
The customer did a runner without paying.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
lively and energetic
The children were full of beans after breakfast.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
become annoyed
She got the hump when nobody replied.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
have a look
Let’s have a butcher’s at the new design.
Register: Cockney rhyming slang/informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
once involved, commit fully
We had started the renovation, so it was in for a penny, in for a pound.
Register: neutral. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
remain silent
Keep mum about the surprise until Friday.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
become confused or behave irrationally
I nearly lost the plot when the computer crashed again.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
so pleasant to eat that one wants more
These biscuits are dangerously moreish.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
looking for a romantic or sexual partner
They went out on the pull after work.
Register: informal/adult. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.