You are on page 1of 8

Right -expressions

Ten expressions with "right"

The right/wrong way round


This expression is a great one and means to have something in the correct position. If you
have children, you will know that they often have their clothes on “the wrong way round”.

To serve someone right


This expression is directed towards someone who has something unpleasant happen to them.
When we say this expression, we feel that the person in some way deserved what happened to
them and we don’t have any sympathy for them.

To be right under your nose


When we use this expression, we are saying that the answer to something is clear or can be
seen clearly. Sometimes we use it to complain, meaning, I was looking for something and, in
the end, it was right there in front of me.

To make all the right noises


This expression means that you say all the things that you are expected to say and even
sometimes when you do not mean them. Someone who makes all the right noises may have
some motivation behind what they are saying and may not be genuine, however they get
favour with someone because they make them feel good.

To be within your rights

If you are within your rights, it means that you are morally or legally allowed to get, have or
do something. Basically, you are being reasonable to claim for something so you should do it.

By rights
This common expression means that if the situation was fair or just. So, a synonym of this
would be fairness or justice. Therefore, we can use by rights a lot to show someone that you
are being reasonable, and that the situation should be fairer.

In the right
In a situation where someone has acted in a way which is morally or legally correct then they
are “in the right”. This expression is usually used in situations where there is an argument or
disagreement and you want to show which person has acted correctly.

As right as rain
When someone is “as right as rain”, it means that they are feeling healthy or well again. We
often use this expression to tell someone that if they follow your advice or if they do
something positive for their health then they will recover from feeling bad.

Right on time
This idiomatic expression is commonly used to express that someone has arrived or
something has happened exactly at the time required or agreed on. We use this a lot in

1
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI
everyday English, especially at work when there are deadlines.

To buy or own the rights


Finally, we use this last expression to talk about ownership of permission from the author to
use their material. It is very common to buy the rights to something when you are working in
marketing, as you may need to use a song or video clip in one of your advertising campaigns.

Expressions in context
In the last part of today’s episode I am going to give you some example sentences to put them
into context.

Expression Example
The right way round I think you have put that shirt on the wrong way round.
To serve someone right John stole money from the company and got fired. Serves
him right for being so dishonest.
To be right under your nose I have been looking for my stapler all day and it was right
under my nose.
To make all the right noises Brian made all the right noises and in the end he got the
promotion, even though he wasn’t the best candidate.
To be within your rights The company is well within its rights to claim
compensation for the damaged inventory.
By rights By rights, we should receive a bonus for all the extra
hours we have done.
In the right John made the accounting mistake and tried to blame in on
Mary, who was completely in the right.
As right as rain Look, once you have had a holiday you should feel less
stressed and you will be right as rain.
Right on time I was right on time to the meeting yesterday, for the first
time in a month.
To buy/own the rights The company owns the rights to this catalogue of songs
and we plan on profiting from them for the next 10 years.

Idioms and expressions with eye

Apple of Someone's Eye 


The expression apple of my eye is often used when referring to family
members, or those who are closest to us to mean that they are someone's
favorite person or object.

Jennifer is the apple of her father's eye. He's so proud of her.


01:03
My Mercedes is the apple of my eye.

Bird's-eye View 
2
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI
Bird's-eye view refers to a viewpoint from which one can see a wide area. This
idiom is often used figuratively to mean that someone can see a situation from
a wider perspective.

His bird's-eye view of the market will help us beat our competitors.
The hotel provides a lovely bird's-eye view over the bay.

Catch Someone's Eye 


Catch someone's eye indicates that someone or something has gained
attention.

I caught the server's eye. He'll be with us shortly.


That house on Elm street certainly caught my eye. Should we talk a look inside?

Cry One's Eyes Out 


Crying one's eyes out is an idiom used for very sad events in one's life. It
means to cry for a very long time in a desperate manner such as at the loss of a
loved one.

I think you just need to cry your eyes out to get it all out of your system.
Maria's crying her eyes out. I wonder what happened?

Eagle Eye 
Someone with an eagle eye has the ability to see important details and notice
mistakes.

Show it to the editor. She has an eagle eye and will catch any mistake.
Luckily, Tom's eagle eye saw the discounted sweater I was looking for.

Feast One's Eyes on Something 


If you feast your eyes on something, you enjoy the sight of something. This
idiom is often used to boast about a possession of which you are very proud.

Feast your eyes on my new watch. Isn't it beautiful?!


I can't stop feasting my eyes on my new car. 

Get a Black Eye 


If you get a black eye, you receive a bruise from something around the eye.
This idiom can also be used figuratively to mean to suffer a defeat.

I got a black eye when I bumped into the door.


3
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI
I guess we got a black eye trying to compete with that big corporation.

Get Stars in One's Eyes 


Some young people get stars in their eyes because they become obsessed
about show business.

Ever since Janet got the lead role in the high school play, she's got stars in her eyes.
Just because you are handsome doesn't mean you need to get stars in your eyes.

Give Someone the Eye 


People will run when you give them the eye because you look at someone in an
accusatory or disapproving manner.

The teacher was giving me the eye during the test. I guess he thought I might cheat.
Don't give me the eye! You're the one who caused this mess.

Have Eyes Bigger than Your Stomach 


Unfortunately, it's easy to put on weight if you have eyes bigger than your
stomach because you desire more food than you can eat.

Little children tend to have eyes bigger than their stomachs.


I remember one crazy night when my best friend had eyes bigger than his stomach.
He ordered more than six different meals!

Have Eyes in the Back of One's Head 


If you have eyes in the back of your head, you are be able to see what is going
on. This can be frustrating because others might think they are being secretive
and are not noticed.

My mom had eyes in the back of her head. I never got away with anything.
Do you have eyes in the back of your head? How did you notice that?

Hit the Bull's-eye 


When a person hits the bull's-eye, they hit the center of the target. This
expression is also used figuratively to express an impressive result.

I think we hit the bull's-eye with our new product line.


You've hit the bull's-eye by getting that job.

In the Public Eye 

4
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI
If you are in the public eye, you are in a position where the public can observe
your actions, so be very careful!

You'll be in the public eye if you take that job.


Hollywood actors are all in the public eye.

Keep One's Eye on the Ball 


People who can keep their eye on the ball remain concentrated, especially in a
work situation.

You need to keep your eye on the ball, no matter how long it takes, to succeed.
His ability to keep his eye on the ball assured his eventual success.

Turn a Blind Eye to Someone or Something 


Unfortunately, some people turn a blind eye to someone and show that they
are willingly to ignore something wrong.

Just turn a blind eye to Ted. He'll never change.


I'm going to turn a blind eye to that problem for the moment.

Without Batting an Eye 


Most parents help their children without batting an eye because they do it
without hesitation.

He purchased the $2 million home without batting an eye.


John made the decision without batting an eye.

Idioms With "Eye" Quiz 

FIll in the gaps with a word to complete these sentences with expressions
using eye:

1. Our boss has an ______ eye because he catches mistakes that others
miss.
2. Let's take a ______ view of this situation to make sure we don't miss
anything.
3. It's surprising how many young people get ______ in their eyes and move
to Hollywood to start a career.
5
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI
4. I ordered this cake, but it's too much. I'm afraid I have eyes that are
bigger than my ______.
5. My daughter is the ______ of my eye.
6. I think you hit the ______ when you made that investment. Today, you
are a millionaire!
7. She gave her daughter $500 without ______ an eye because she trusts
her to spend it wisely.
8. Would you please stop giving me the ______! You're making me nervous!
9. I got a ______ eye when I fell last week.
10. Politicians are always in the ______ eye

Idioms with Place

have one's heart in the To have good intentions.


right place

lightning never strikes A lucky or unusual event is unlikely to occur again in the same way.
twice in the same place

Between a Rock and a To face a difficult situation and remain in a tight spot one after another,
Hard Place Or face some difficulty in making the right decision that would deliver
no harm

come from a good place To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.

not a hair out of place The appearance, condition, presence of a subject which is ideal, almost

6
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI
perfect

in the right place at the At a location where something good is about to happen at just the time
right time of its occurrence; lucky; fortunate; able to obtain a benefit due to
circumstances, rather than due to merit.

put someone in his place Remind someone of his or her position.

? in place New phrase for self isolation

all over the place Everywhere, especially chaotically or in such a way as to make a mess.

all over the place like a Moving about randomly.


mad woman's custard

between a rock and a Having the choice between two unpleasant or distasteful options; in a
hard place predicament or quandary.

everything seemed to fall after all that effort, it seemed to be made in the shade
right into place.

fall about the place to laugh uncontrollably

fall into place To assume a clear and complete form when separate elements come
together; to be realised.

final resting place grave

find one's place To discover one's vocation, purpose, and/or sense of belonging to or


passion for something.

Heart's in the Right Place To have a kind heart and good intentions even in an unpleasant situation

in the first place To begin with; earlier; first; at the start.

in the wrong place at the Describing actions or activities that the speaker considers inappropriate,
wrong time misdirected, or unlikely to yield good results.

out of place Not in the proper situation or arrangement, or inappropriate for the
circumstances.

out of place She comes in out of the storm with not a hair out of place.

place in the sun Recognition, fame.

7
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI
place of business A place where business is conducted, such as an office or a single shop
in a franchise.

pride of place The best position.

put somebody in his place To bring somebody down; to humble or insult.

put someone in their place To bring somebody down; to humble or rebuke.

qui part à la chasse perd Variante de qui va à la chasse perd sa place.


sa place

qui va à la chasse perd Qui quitte sa place doit s'attendre à la retrouver occupée à son retour.
sa place

reach at my place fast We are getting late so reach at my place fast.

sticking-place The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or


emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking
point.

the place to be A great, trendy, or perfectly suitable place

there's no place like home one feels the most comfortable at home

there's no place like home Home is everything - also from "Wizard of Oz"

wrong place at the wrong Noun form of in the wrong place at the wrong time.
time

8
OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY – UNIT 5 IOANNA
PAPADAKI

You might also like