An idiom is a group of words in a fixed order that has a special meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own. We cannot change the order of the words. When learning idioms, it’s best to learn them as complete units rather than as individual words.
Idioms are most common in everyday conversation and in journalism. By learning how to use idioms in conversation, you will sound more natural and fluent. Here are five idioms we have selected to improve your vocabulary.
1. lose track: to no longer know what is happening, or not remember something
Examples: I was so busy that I lost track of the time.
Can you remember what question we were working on? I’ve lost track.
I’ve lost track of how many times we’ve been there.
These examples use the simple past form of the verb ‘lose’.
Have you ever been so engaged in an activity that you lost track of the time? (= you no longer knew what time it was) What were you doing when you lost track of the time?
2. track record: all of a person’s or organization’s achievements, successes, or failures, which show how well they have done something in the past (Longman dictionary)
Examples: This coach has an impressive track record of creating winning teams.
We’re looking for someone with a good track record in improving efficiency.
She has a proven track record in building restaurant businesses.
A person can have a good track record or a bad track record. Do you think a person’s track record is a reliable indicator of how well he or she will perform in the future?
If you can relate this idiom to your own life, it becomes more meaningful. Ask yourself this question: Do you have a proven track record of, in, or for (doing) something?
3. keep/stay abreast of something: to make sure you know all the most recent facts about a subject or situation SYNONYM: keep up to date
Examples:
It’s important to keep abreast of new developments in technology.
Employers have to keep abreast of changes in employment law.
Teachers have a responsibility to keep abreast of new developments in education.
If you keep abreast of recent trends and developments in your industry, you can anticipate changes and adapt to them. In addition, keeping up-to-date can help you identify growth opportunities within a specific market. Do you allocate time each month to keep abreast of the latest trends in your industry?
4. an acquired taste: something that you dislike at first, but that you start to like after you have tried it a few times
Examples: For many people, raw oysters are an acquired taste because of their slippery texture.
Anchovies are an acquired taste because of their smoky, salty, and fishy taste.
Do you think that certain types of blue cheese such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort and Stilton are an acquired taste? Many people would answer yes to this question. What about whisky? Do you think whisky is an acquired taste?
5. on balance: after considering all the relevant facts or arguments
We use ‘on balance’ when we are stating an opinion and want to indicate that we have taken everything into consideration. For example, if you were asked whether casinos do more harm than good, you would want to carefully consider both the positive and negative aspects of casinos before providing your opinion. Do the benefits of job creation outweigh the financial hardship to families caused by compulsive gambling? After considering this question, you would use ‘on balance’ when stating your opinion.
Here are some more examples:
He’s made a few mistakes, but on balance he’s been a good Prime Minister.
On balance, the new product is reliable, despite one or two problems.
I think on balance we’ve had a good year.
By using idioms, you will widen the range of your vocabulary. However, you shouldn’t overuse idioms in conversation because they will make your speech sound unnatural.
