idioms# get down to business
To start doing something at once, seriously, to really begin something. Also, get down to it.
enespañol# ponerse a ello
idioms# the big picture
It means the main idea, the situation as a whole. It can be used with many different verbs such as look, see, get, overlook, understand…
enespañol# la idea general / la visión de conjunto
idioms# go back to square one
To go back to the initial point, to start over from the very beginning. Also, go back to the drawing board. en español# volver a la casilla de salida We are losing focus here. Let’s go back to square one to see it under a new light Our current political situation is so controversial that…
idioms# off the table
When something is off the table it means it is no longer up for discussion and a final decision has been made. It can also mean that a certain offer is no longer good. en español# fuera de toda discusión Are we sure on this? The Italian vacation is definitely off the table? Debating whether…
idioms# in the long run
After a long period of time. Eventually, in the end. Also, in the long term. en español# a largo plazo Maybe he needs just a little more time. He’ll figure it out in the long run Acquiring real estate is seen as one of the best investments in the long run by those who favor…
idioms# hit the books
To study hard. en español# hincar los codos, empollar If you want to get into Med School you’ll need to hit the books harder than ever You’d better start hitting the books if you want be ready for finals When I was in high school I used to hit the books but then everything changed…
idioms# go to great lengths
To work or try very hard towards achieving something. To really make an effort and do more than the average. en español# hacer todo lo posible, currárselo mucho My sister-in-law is so weird sometimes. She went to great lengths to have her daughter appointed cheerleader Almodóvar always goes to great lengths to make his films memorable…
idioms# keep your eye on the ball
To remain alert, to be focused on the task at hand. Also, keep one’s eye on the ball. en español# estar atento/a, no perder de vista el objetivo If you don’t keep your eye on the ball you will miss many business opportunities I swear I was keeping my eye on the ball but I…
idioms# break the news
Break the news to somebody, to make something known by everybody. Sometimes it can also convey the same meaning as drop the bomb, as in tell somebody shocking or unexpected news. Also, break it (to somebody). en español# dar la noticia, anunciar I know it is common knowledge and I am not breaking the news…
idioms# the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
It means that a child is somehow similar to his or her parents. Este idiom se entiende bastante bien de forma literal porque si lo traducimos obtenemos algo como «la manzana nunca cae lejos del árbol». en español# de casta le viene al galgo A — Have you heard? Mary is becoming a doctor, like…