Idioms

Above and beyond – more than what is normally required. The off-duty policeman chased and caught the bag snatcher; his action was above and beyond what was expected of him since he was not on duty at that time.   Beyond the call of duty – in addition to what is required in the normal course of performing one’s job.  The fireman went back to the burning house to rescue the cat; he acted beyond his call of duty.   Above suspicion – having a reputation for honesty that no one would suspect you of wrongdoing. The teacher was elected club treasurer because she is known to be completely above suspicion.   Ace in a hole – something or someone held in reserve to turn things around later. The new recruit is the team’s ace in the hole to improve their standing in the sports competition this year.   Acid test – a test whose result is considered to be conclusive or beyond doubt. The DNA result will be the acid test that will determine if the authorities caught the real culprit in the crime. Across the board – Shared equally by everyone. The company management decided to give salary increases to the employees across the board. Act as someone –  to act or perform, temporarily or permanently, in the capacity of someone else. I’ll act as your interim trainer until your regular trainer comes back from his business trip in the province.   Act of God – an event for which no person is responsible for; a natural event such as typhoon, earthquake, volcanic eruption, lightning, and similar acts of nature. The insurance company did not pay for the damage to their properties because it was caused by an act of God.   Act of war – an intentional act of hostility or violence so severe that war is considered to be an appropriate response. The attack on the Twin Towers in New York was considered by the Americans as an act of war by the terrorists.   Add fuel to the fire – to do something that makes a bad situation worse. The customer is already agitated so do not add fuel to the fire by ignoring his plea for help.   Afraid of one’s own shadow – easily suspicious or frightened. Since you told him of the hair-raising urban legend above the jail escapee he has become afraid of his own shadow. .  After all is said and done – when everything is discussed and acted on. After all is said and done, everyone went home satisfied with the result of the town meeting.   After hours – after the regular or normal time. Jim and Tom hang around the cocktail lounge after hours.   After the fact – after an incident has occurred. Jake expressed remorse for his crime after the fact.   Against someone’s will – to do something without a person’s agreement or consent. You cannot force him to join your activities against his will.   Against the clock – in a race with time; to get something done with urgency.  The doctors operated on the accident victim against the clock