cut to the chase
To skip unnecessary details and go straight to the main point.
Example: Let's cut to the chase — are you accepting the offer or not?
C111 words · Advanced
Conversation Idioms vocabulary — C1
Conversation idioms for signalling doubt and disagreement, with phrases like cut to the chase, play devil's advocate and a case in point.
11 questions
Words in this set
11play devil's advocate
To argue the opposite side of a debate deliberately, just to test the argument.
Example:
Let me play devil's advocate — what if the plan actually fails?
go off on a tangent
To start talking about something unrelated to the original topic.
Example:
He kept going off on a tangent instead of answering the question.
drop a hint
To suggest something indirectly instead of stating it openly.
Example:
She kept dropping hints about wanting a puppy for her birthday.
strike up a conversation
To begin talking with someone, often a stranger, in a casual way.
Example:
She struck up a conversation with the woman next to her on the train.
get a word in edgeways
To manage to say something when someone else is talking constantly.
Example:
He talked so much that I couldn't get a word in edgeways.
read someone the riot act
To speak angrily to someone to warn them strongly to stop doing something wrong.
Example:
Dad read us the riot act for coming home so late.
not to put too fine a point on it
Used before saying something bluntly or directly, without softening it.
Example:
Not to put too fine a point on it, the report was a disaster.
pardon my French
Said as an apology right after using rude or offensive language.
Example:
That was, pardon my French, a stupid idea.
a case in point
A specific example that clearly proves or illustrates what you are saying.
Example:
Traffic here is terrible — today's jam is a case in point.
at a loss for words
Unable to think of anything to say, usually because of shock or strong emotion.
Example:
The generous gift left her completely at a loss for words.
