A hidden agenda

When somebody has a hidden agenda, they have a secret motive for doing something.

• It would be foolish of us to believe everything that she says. I really suspect that she has a hidden agenda.

Of course

Of course means ‘without any doubt’ or ‘certainly’.

• ‘Can you help you?’ ‘Of course.’
• ‘Could you get me something to drink?’ ‘Of course.’

Here are some common idiomatic expressions beginning with letter A. Each expression is followed by its meaning and example sentences.

As for

As for means ‘with regard to’ or ‘concerning’.

Here are some common idioms in English.

Back to the drawing board

An expression used to suggest that you have to start working on something again because an attempt or experiment has failed.

Here are some common idiomatic expressions in English. Each idiom is followed by its meaning. Example sentences are also given.

Bull in a china shop

Take the shine off

To take the shine off something is to make it seem less good.

Take a shine to

To take a shine to something is to develop a liking for it.

Good at / bad at / clever at

The expression good at is used to talk about things that you enjoy or excel at doing. After good at, you can use a noun or an –ing form. Note the preposition: we use at, not in.