How can I learn idioms: relationships and communication in English?

The most effective way is spaced repetition: practice this deck of 29 flashcards using the Flashcards, Learn, Write, and Match modes. The system shows you each word right before you're about to forget it, so you retain it long-term instead of just memorizing it for a test.

How many words are in the idioms: relationships and communication deck?

This deck has 29 cards at level B2, each with pronunciation audio and an example sentence.

Do I need an account to practice idioms: relationships and communication in English?

No. You can practice for free without creating an account. If you sign in, your progress is saved automatically and you can keep studying from any device.

Resources

Lecciones de gramática Por temas Flash cards Lecturas Glosario Falsos amigos ¿Cuál usar?Sufijos Prefijos

Discover your level Blog

All decks

ESEN

Idioms: relationships and communication

Learn the idioms English speakers use to talk about relationships, conversations, and how people treat each other.

B229 cards

How do you want to practice?

Flashcards

Flip each card and rate how well you remembered it. That is how we learn when to show it to you again.

Learn

A quiz that adapts to your pace: multiple choice that progresses to typing the answer.

Write

Listen to the word and type it. Great for practicing spelling and pronunciation.

Match

Match the words against the clock. A fun, low-pressure way to review.

Terms in this deck

break the news
to tell someone important, often difficult, news
get along like a house on fire
to get along extremely well with someone
have a heart-to-heart
to have an honest, personal conversation
keep someone posted
to keep someone updated with new information
lend an ear
to listen to someone talk about their problems
bury the hatchet
to end a conflict and become friends again
give someone the cold shoulder
to deliberately ignore someone
mend fences
to repair a damaged relationship
on good terms
having a friendly relationship with someone
put words in someone's mouth
to claim someone said something they didn't actually say
get the wrong end of the stick
to misunderstand something completely
talk behind someone's back
to say negative things about someone when they're not there
break the silence
to say something after a period of quiet
get a word in edgewise
to manage to say something when someone else won't stop talking
small talk
light, casual conversation about unimportant things
straight from the horse's mouth
information from the person directly involved, so reliable
wear your heart on your sleeve
to openly show your emotions to others
take someone's word for it
to believe what someone says without needing proof
read someone like a book
to understand someone's thoughts and feelings very easily
spill the beans
to reveal a secret, often accidentally
have words with someone
to argue with someone about something
clear the air
to resolve a disagreement or misunderstanding by talking openly
cut someone some slack
to not judge someone too harshly
two-way street
something that requires effort from both people involved
birds of a feather flock together
saying that similar people tend to become friends
a shoulder to cry on
a person who comforts you when you're upset
keep in touch
to continue communicating with someone over time
put yourself in someone's shoes
to imagine how someone else feels in their situation
give someone a piece of your mind
to tell someone angrily exactly what you think about something they did

How to study this deck

These idioms describe friendships, conflicts and reconciliations: "bury the hatchet", "give someone the cold shoulder", "mend fences". Learn the ones used for positive relationships and those describing tension. Practice telling an argument and how it was resolved, using at least three of these expressions.

The trickiest words

bury the hatchet: it means to make peace after a conflict.
give someone the cold shoulder: it means to deliberately ignore someone.
keep someone posted: it means to keep someone updated on news.

Examples in context

I have to break the news to my parents.
I'll keep you posted on the results.
It's time to mend fences with your brother.
I think you got the wrong end of the stick.
I'm not good at small talk.
His mother can read him like a book.
Let's clear the air before the trip.
She's always been a shoulder to cry on.

Mini dialogue

A: Did you and Ana make up?
B: Yes, we buried the hatchet last week.
A: She gave me the cold shoulder for months.
B: Now we are on good terms. I will keep you posted.