a lone wolf
Someone who prefers working and spending time on their own rather than with a group.
Example: He's always been a lone wolf, avoiding team projects.
B216 words · Upper-intermediate
People & Character vocabulary — B2
People and character idioms for describing trustworthiness and skill, with phrases like a jack of all trades, a wolf in sheep's clothing and a bad apple.
16 questions
Words in this set
16a jack of all trades
A person who can competently do many different kinds of tasks or jobs.
Example:
As a jack of all trades, he fixes the plumbing, wiring, and even the roof.
an old soul
A young person who has an unusually mature, wise, or thoughtful character.
Example:
Even as a child, she seemed like an old soul.
a people pleaser
Someone who tries very hard to keep everyone happy, sometimes at their own expense.
Example:
As a people pleaser, she finds it hard to say no.
a hard nut to crack
A person who is difficult to understand or persuade, or a problem that is tricky to solve.
Example:
The new client is a hard nut to crack — he never reveals what he wants.
a wolf in sheep's clothing
Someone who appears friendly or harmless but is actually dangerous or dishonest.
Example:
He seemed charming, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
a diamond in the rough
Someone with great qualities or potential that are not yet obvious or fully developed.
Example:
The coach spotted a diamond in the rough on the school team.
a wet blanket
Someone who spoils other people's fun or enthusiasm.
Example:
Don't be a wet blanket — come and enjoy the party!
a smooth talker
Someone who is persuasive and charming in speech, sometimes in an insincere way.
Example:
Don't trust him too quickly — he's a smooth talker.
a go-getter
An ambitious, energetic person who works hard to succeed.
Example:
She's a real go-getter, always chasing the next opportunity.
a man of few words
Someone who speaks very little.
Example:
He is a man of few words and every one of them counts.
a live wire
Someone full of energy and enthusiasm.
Example:
The new receptionist is a live wire and the office needed one.
a doubting Thomas
Someone who refuses to believe anything without proof.
Example:
There is always a doubting Thomas at the back of the room.
a bad apple
One dishonest person who spoils a whole group.
Example:
A bad apple in a small team is impossible to hide.
a straight arrow
Someone honest and conventional.
Example:
He is a straight arrow and would not know how to lie.
a mother hen
Someone who fusses over other people protectively.
Example:
She is a mother hen with every new starter in the building.
