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Category: idioms

  • Put a Band-Aid on It.

    🗓️ Idiom: Put a Band-Aid on It (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To fix a problem quickly without solving the real cause.
    • It means giving a temporary or surface-level solution.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The developer just put a Band-Aid on the bug instead of fixing the broken logic.
    • Restarting the server helped, but it’s just a Band-Aid. The code needs to be rewritten.
    • They keep putting Band-Aids on the software instead of building a stable system.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from the brand “Band-Aid,” which is used for covering small cuts. In business, it means covering up a problem instead of solving the deeper issue.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    Adding a quick patch to stop the error message is just __________. We need to fix the code properly.

    Answer

    putting a Band-Aid on it

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “put a Band-Aid on it”:

    A) To fix the root cause of a problem
    B) To avoid fixing anything
    C) To apply a short-term fix that doesn’t solve the main issue
    D) To improve user design

    Answer

    C) To apply a short-term fix that doesn’t solve the main issue

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “They applied a temporary patch, but the system problem is still there.” → Change the sentence using: put a Band-Aid on it

    Answer

    They put a Band-Aid on it, but the system problem is still there.

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  • Bump in the Road

    🗓️ Idiom: Bump in the Road (n)

    💬 Meaning

    • A small problem or delay in a process.
    • It means a minor difficulty that doesn’t stop overall progress.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The team faced a bump in the road with the new software but fixed it quickly.
    • Every big project hits a bump in the road at some point.
    • We had a small bump in the road during testing, but the launch is still on track.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from driving. A “bump in the road” is a small obstacle that might slow you down but doesn’t stop you. In business, it means a temporary setback.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    We hit a small __________ when the system crashed, but it was fixed fast.

    Answer

    bump in the road

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “bump in the road”:

    A) A major failure
    B) A long journey
    C) A small problem or delay
    D) A new opportunity

    Answer

    C) A small problem or delay

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “They had a small issue during development, but the team kept going.” → Change the sentence using: bump in the road

    Answer

    They hit a bump in the road during development, but the team kept going.

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  • Put Out Fires

    🗓️ Idiom: Put Out Fires (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To deal with urgent problems as they happen.
    • It means fixing things quickly instead of planning ahead.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • I spent the whole day putting out fires caused by system errors.
    • Managers often put out fires instead of working on long-term goals.
    • She’s good at staying calm while putting out fires at work.

    🏛️ Origin

    The idiom comes from firefighting, where putting out real fires is urgent and stressful. In business, it means reacting quickly to solve problems before they get worse.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The IT team spent the whole day __________ after the new update caused login issues.

    Answer

    putting out fires

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “put out fires”:

    A) To schedule meetings
    B) To fix urgent technical problems
    C) To delete old files
    D) To install new software

    Answer

    B) To fix urgent technical problems

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “The developer spent the day solving sudden system crashes.” → Change the sentence using: put out fires

    Answer

    The developer spent the day putting out fires.

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  • Code Monkey

    🗓️ Idiom: Code Monkey (n)

    💬 Meaning

    • A programmer who writes code but has little input into decisions.
    • It can suggest someone doing simple or repetitive coding tasks.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • He left the job because he didn’t want to be just a code monkey.
    • Code monkeys often feel left out of big-picture planning.
    • This startup values creativity. They don’t treat developers like code monkeys.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase comes from tech slang. “Code” refers to programming, and “monkey” humorously suggests someone doing repetitive tasks. It can be used jokingly or critically, depending on the context.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    She wants to design software, not just work as a __________ doing small tasks.

    Answer

    code monkey

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “code monkey”:

    A) A software manager
    B) A highly creative programmer
    C) A developer doing basic or repetitive tasks
    D) A tech recruiter

    Answer

    C) A developer doing basic or repetitive tasks

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “He was only given basic programming tasks with no creative control.” → Change the sentence using: code monkey

    Answer

    He was treated like a code monkey with no creative control.

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  • Go Pair-Shaped

    🗓️ Idiom: Go Pear-Shaped (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To go badly or fail after starting well.
    • It means a plan or situation suddenly goes wrong.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • Everything was fine until the software update went pear-shaped.
    • The product launch went pear-shaped due to a server crash.
    • Their plan to expand quickly went pear-shaped when funding was cut.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom is British in origin and became common in the 20th century. The exact source is unclear, but “pear-shaped” refers to something that is no longer balanced or neat — like a situation that has gone wrong.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The software rollout started smoothly, but everything __________ when the servers crashed.

    Answer

    went pear-shaped

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “go pear-shaped”:

    A) To improve suddenly
    B) To slow down on purpose
    C) To go wrong or fail unexpectedly
    D) To get more organized

    Answer

    C) To go wrong or fail unexpectedly

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “The system update failed and caused unexpected problems.” → Change the sentence using: go pear-shaped

    Answer

    The system update went pear-shaped and caused unexpected problems.

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  • Learning Curve

    🗓️ Idiom: Learning Curve (n)

    💬 Meaning

    • The time and effort it takes to learn something new.
    • A steep learning curve means it’s hard to learn at first.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • There was a steep learning curve when I started using the new software.
    • Switching to a new system always comes with a learning curve.
    • The platform is easy to use and has a gentle learning curve.

    🏛️ Origin

    The idiom comes from graphs in education and business that show how learning improves over time. The shape of the “curve” shows whether something is easy or hard to learn.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    Learning the new project management tool had a steep __________.

    Answer

    learning curve

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “learning curve”:

    A) The cost of a training course
    B) How quickly someone learns something
    C) A type of graph in marketing
    D) The best way to teach others

    Answer

    B) How quickly someone learns something

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “It took time and effort to learn the new accounting system.” → Change the sentence using: learning curve

    Answer

    The new accounting system had a steep learning curve.

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  • Plug and Play

    🗓️ Idiom: Plug and Play (adj)

    💬 Meaning

    • Easy to set up and start using immediately.
    • It means a product works right away, without needing extra setup.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The new printer is plug and play — just connect it and it works.
    • We designed a plug-and-play system to help users get started fast.
    • Their software is fully plug and play, requiring no installation steps.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase comes from computer hardware. Devices that were “plug and play” could be used right after being connected, without manual setup. In business and tech, it now describes tools or systems that are simple to use right away.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    Clients love the __________ features of our device because setup is instant.

    Answer

    plug and play

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “plug and play”:

    A) Difficult to set up
    B) Works right away without setup
    C) Needs expert support
    D) Used only for gaming

    Answer

    B) Works right away without setup

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “You can start using the tool right after connecting it.” → Change the sentence using: plug and play

    Answer

    The tool is plug and play — you can use it right after connecting.

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  • Turnkey Solution

    🗓️ Idiom: Turnkey Solution (n)

    💬 Meaning

    • A complete product or service that is ready to use immediately.
    • It means everything is already prepared and no extra work is needed.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The client wanted a turnkey solution for their online store.
    • Our software package is a turnkey solution. Just install and start using.
    • We offer turnkey solutions so businesses don’t have to build systems from scratch.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from real estate and construction. A “turnkey” house is ready to move into. Just turn the key. In business and tech, it means a product or service that is ready for immediate use.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    They needed a __________ to launch their new e-commerce platform quickly.

    Answer

    turnkey solution

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “turnkey solution”:

    A) A service that requires major setup
    B) A product that is hard to install
    C) A complete, ready-to-use solution
    D) A temporary workaround

    Answer

    C) A complete, ready-to-use solution

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “The company wanted a ready-made system that worked immediately.” → Change the sentence using: turnkey solution

    Answer

    The company wanted a turnkey solution.

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  • Get Up to Speed

    🗓️ Idiom: Get Up to Speed (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To learn or catch up on something so you can work effectively.
    • It means reaching the same level of knowledge or progress as others.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The new developer is getting up to speed with our software tools.
    • Before the meeting, I need to get up to speed on the latest updates.
    • We gave the intern a week to get up to speed before assigning tasks.

    🏛️ Origin

    The idiom comes from driving or machines, where something must “get up to speed” to run smoothly. In business and tech, it means becoming informed of the latest updates, or getting ready to perform well.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The IT team helped the new hire __________ with the company’s tools.

    Answer

    get up to speed

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “get up to speed”:

    A) To slow down
    B) To improve quickly
    C) To become informed and ready
    D) To forget something

    Answer

    C) To become informed and ready

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “She learned what she needed so she could join the project.” → Change the sentence using: get up to speed

    Answer

    She got up to speed so she could join the project.

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  • Ride The Wave

    🗓️ Idiom: Ride the Wave (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To take advantage of a growing trend or success.
    • It means using current momentum to continue doing well.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • Our app is riding the wave of growing demand for remote work tools.
    • By riding the wave of interest in green tech, the company increased profits.
    • Startups that are riding the AI wave are getting more funding.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from surfing, where a person rides a wave to move forward. In business, it means taking advantage of a rising trend or situation to grow or succeed.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    They’re __________ of online education to grow their platform quickly.

    Answer

    riding the wave

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “riding the wave”:

    A) Starting something slowly
    B) Using a current success or trend
    C) Avoiding a problem
    D) Ending a project

    Answer

    B) Using a current success or trend

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “They are taking advantage of the growing interest in their product.” → Change the sentence using: ride the wave

    Answer

    They are riding the wave of growing interest in their product.

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