Idioms

To reach the required standard; to perform well enough to succeed, meet expectations, or prove oneself capable (most often heard in the negative, "can't cut the mustard").

Something that seems bad or unfortunate at first but turns out to have a good or beneficial result.

To start or act before the proper time or before you are allowed to; to do something prematurely or hastily, pre-empting the signal or the right moment.

A light remark made when a person who has just been mentioned unexpectedly appears or gets in touch. It marks a coincidence with mock surprise, and no longer carries any serious sense of alarm.

To give up, concede, or admit defeat.

An obvious, major problem or awkward truth that everyone present can see but nobody wants to name or discuss.

To tease, fool, or deceive someone in a playful, good-natured way.

To be extremely expensive; to require a painfully large amount of money.

To work or study late into the night.

To pursue a mistaken line of thought or action; to direct one's effort, suspicion, or energy at the wrong target.