# Conversation Idioms Advanced

https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary/idioms-expressions-c1-everyday-conversation-vocab

- CEFR: C1 (Advanced)
- Theme: Idioms & Expressions
- Words: 20
- Premium: no
- Locked: no

Conversation idioms for signalling doubt and disagreement, with phrases like cut to the chase, play devil's advocate and a case in point.

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## Word list

* **cut to the chase**: To skip unnecessary details and go straight to the main point. — “Let's **cut to the chase** — are you accepting the offer or not?”
* **play devil's advocate**: To argue the opposite side of a debate deliberately, just to test the argument. — “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. — “He kept **going off on a tangent** instead of answering the question.”
* **drop a hint**: To suggest something indirectly instead of stating it openly. — “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. — “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. — “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. — “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. — “**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. — “That was, **pardon my French**, a stupid idea.”
* **a case in point**: A specific example that clearly proves or illustrates what you are saying. — “Traffic here is terrible — today's jam is **a case in point**.”
* **a bundle of nerves**: Extremely anxious and unable to relax, especially before something important. — “She was **a bundle of nerves** before walking on stage.”
* **at the mercy of**: Completely dependent on someone or something else, with no control over what happens. — “Stranded on the island, they were **at the mercy of** the weather.”
* **burst into tears**: To suddenly start crying, often without warning. — “She **burst into tears** when she heard the news.”
* **seething with anger**: Extremely angry, often while trying to appear calm on the outside. — “He sat **seething with anger** through the entire meeting.”
* **taken aback**: Very surprised or shocked by something unexpected. — “I was **taken aback** by how rude the waiter was.”
* **at a loss for words**: Unable to think of anything to say, usually because of shock or strong emotion. — “The generous gift left her completely **at a loss for words**.”
* **champing at the bit**: Extremely eager and impatient to start doing something. — “The runners were **champing at the bit** at the starting line.”
* **grit your teeth**: To force yourself to keep going through something difficult or painful without complaining. — “She **gritted her teeth** and finished the marathon despite the pain.”
* **put on a brave face**: To hide how upset or worried you really are and appear calm or positive instead. — “She **put on a brave face** for the kids, even though she was scared.”
* **feel torn**: To be unable to decide between two choices because you care strongly about both. — “I **feel torn** between the new job and staying with my current team.”

## Related

- Vocabulary library: https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary
- Section guide: https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary/llms.txt