Functional language

A BOLT FROM THE BLUE

To refer to something as a bolt from the blue means that it happened completely unexpectedly.

The chairman's resignation came as a bolt from the blue!

A TURN UP FOR THE BOOKS

An unexpected piece of good fortune.

Well, that's a turn-up for the books - I never thought he'd get the job.

APOLOGISING

I would like to apologise for (any inconvenience this may cause/ this caused).

I am very sorry about...

How stupid / careless / thoughtless of me.

That's my fault.

Please don't be mad at me.

Please accept my (sincerest) apologies.

ASKING FOR INFORMATION

Could you please tell me about…?

It would be possible to know... ?

I wonder if you could tell me...

I'd like to know..(Got / Have you) any idea...? 

I don't suppose you (would) know...? 

I wonder if someone could tell me...?

BE STILL, MY BEATING HEART

Expression of excitement when seeing the object of one's romantic affections.

Originally used with the swooning earnestness of women's poetry of the Romantic period. Now more often used ironically, about suitors who are indisputably unsuitable.

BUDGET

A total amount you have for any activity

CAUGHT UNAWARES

If someone is caught unawares, they are surprised and unprepared for what happens.

The security guard moved so silently that the thief was caught unawares

CLOSING LINE

If you need any further information/ details/ If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me / please do not hesitate to contact me (at any time)

Formal letters: I look forward to hearing more from you

Should you need any further information, please do no hesitate to contact me

COMPLAINING

Unfortunately,… / I was surprised to find that

DEBT

Assumption to pay some money

DOUBLE TAKE

Someone who does a double take looks again in surprise at something unexpected.

He did a double take when he saw his wife in a restaurant with another man.

DROP A BOMBSHELL

If someone makes an unexpected or shocking announcement, they drop a bombshell.

Her new husband dropped a bombshell when he announced that he was already the father of three children!

GIVING BAD NEWS

We regret to inform you that…

Unfortunately...

I´m very sorry to tell you..

GIVING INFORMATION

In reply to your questions,… / In reply to your first/ second/ last question,…

GLOBALIZATION

The process where the Economy and the Comunications are around the world

INFLUENZA

A disease caused by virus

IT BEATS ME!

This expression is used to express surprise at something that you find difficult to understand,

It beats me how he can live in that horrible apartment!

IT'S BEYOND ME

The expression "it's beyond me" means: "it's impossible for me to understand"

It's beyond me why Mary wants to marry John.

JAW DROPS

If someone's jaw drops, they show total amazement.

When the prize was announced, the winner's jaw dropped.

JUMP OUT OF YOUR SKIN

If you jump out of your skin, you are extremely surprised or shocked. 

Jane nearly jumped out of her skin when the horse put its head through the window!

KNOCK SOMEBODY WITH A FEATHER

To say "you could have knocked me down with a feather" emphasizes the fact that you were extremely surprised.

When I heard the name of the winner, you could have knocked me down with a feather!

KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF

If something amazes you, or impresses you greatly, it knocks your socks off.

The magnitude of the project will knock the socks off everyone in the office.

LIKELY STORY

This expression is used to say that you do not believe what has just been said.

He said he'd found the money on the street - that's a likely story!

LO AND BEHOLD

This term is used to express surprise, especially at a sudden or unexpected appearance.

I was watering the flowers, when lo and behold, there was the watch I'd lost!

LOAN

The act of lending, for example money

MAKING ARRANGEMENTS

I am free on the fifteenth, if that is convenient with you

Shall we meet at the Theatre's door on Friday?

Can we make it this Saturday?

MENTIONING OTHER PEOPLE

Give my regards to…

MIND BOGGLES

The expression "the mind boggles" is used as a reaction to something you find amazing or difficult to understand. It is very difficult to understand or imagine

The mind boggles at the thought of what you could do with all that money.

MORTGAGE

The money is lent by a Bank for buying a house

NINE-DAY WONDER

An event which is a nine-day wonder causes interest, surprise or excitement for a short time, but it doesn't last.

His sudden departure was a nine-day wonder but he was soon forgotten.

OPENING GREETING

To whom it may concern, 

Dear John/ Mr Smith/ Mrs Smith/ Ms Smith/ Miss Smith/ Dr Smith, Hi John,

OPENING LINE

I’m writing to you about/ in connection with/ to…

With reference to your letter of....

I am writing with regard to...

ORDERING/DEMANDING ACTION

Please get back to me as soon as you can

OUT OF THE BLUE

If something happens out of the blue, it happens unexpectedly.

An epilepsy seizure can take place out of the blue

PIGS MIGHT FLY

To say pigs might fly expresses disbelief, or the idea that miracles might happen but are extremely unlikely. 

My grandmother buying a computer? ...Yeah! ...and pigs might fly!

PROMISING FUTURE ACTION

We’ll send you the original documents by courier.

RAISE YOUR EYEBROWS

If you raise your eyebrows at something, you show surprise or disapproval by the expression on your face. 

When the boss arrived in jeans, there were a lot of raised eyebrows.

RATE

At business means the money you can loose or earn in a contract

RESOURCES

At Economical way the money you can have for a business

ROOTED TO THE SPOT

If you are so shocked, surprised or scared that you are rooted to the spot, your reaction is so strong that you are unable to move.

Joe stood rooted to the spot as the plane landed on the water.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

This expression means that when you see something, you can be sure it exists, or that what you have been told is really true.

Mark says bananas grow in his garden, but seeing is believing!

SIGNING OFF - FINAL GREETING

CU (See you) / Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely / Sincerely yours

SMALL WORLD

This expression is used by someone who is surprised to meet familiar people, events or situations in unexpected places.

Wow! It's a small world. I never expected to meet a neighbour on a transatlantic flight!

STOP DEAD IN YOUR TRACKS

If you stop dead in your tracks, you stop suddenly because you are frightened or surprised. 

When Steve saw the snake, he stopped dead in his tracks.

STRUCK DUMB

If someone is struck dumb, they are unable to speak because they are so surprised, shocked or frightened by something.

The accused was struck dumb when the verdict was announced.

TALKING ABOUT DOCUMENTS

Please see the attachment for further details

THERE'S NO ACCOUNTING FOR TASTE

This expression is used to indicate surprise at another person's likes or dislikes

She fell in love with a guy who's short, fat, bald and poor ... well, there's no accounting for taste!

UPPER CLASS

A class of rich people

WONDERS WILL NEVER CEASE

This saying is used to express pleasure or surprise at something.

Idioms are increasingly popular with learners of English. Wonders will never cease!

WORDS FAIL ME

This expression is often used when someone is so shocked, surprised or touched by something that they don't know what to say.

What do you think of Bob's attitude?" "Words fail me!