IELTS Vocabulary – Part 126

Game of Chicken: A conflict situation in which neither side will back down for fear of seeming cowardly (chicken).

Sentence – EU diplomats said the outcome of the game of chicken between governments and banks was uncertain, but some forecast a last-minute deal on a 50 percent write-down.

Get A Charley Horse: To develop a cramp in the arm or the leg.

Sentence – Mama told me that whenever you get a charley horse, you should get up and walk.

Get A Word In Edgewise: Be able to say something while someone else is talking a lot.

Sentence – For a logical man, not able to get a word in edgewise, Vienna became a complete turnoff.

Get Along (with Someone): To have a satisfactory relationship.

Sentence – I simply can’t get along without a secretary.

Get Bent Out of Shape: Become angry, upset.

Sentence – You’re still not worrying about validation, so don’t get bent out of shape over and unclosed tags.

Get the Runaround: Be given an unclear or evasive answer to a question.

Sentence – The reporter tried to get a clear answer from the senator regarding her stance on immigration, but he just got the runaround.

Get In on the Ground Floor: Invest in or join something while it is still small.

Sentence – This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a dynamic and focused team working on a brand new project.

Get in Shape: Undertake a program of physical conditioning; exercise regularly.

Sentence – Yoga can reduce stress levels. But anyone who thinks they are going to get in shape sitting in the lotus position or any other pose is deluded.

Get Off Scot Free: Be accused of wrongdoing but pay no penalty at all.

Sentence – My younger sister caused endless trouble as a child, but because she was the baby of the house, she usually got off scot-free.

Get One’s Ducks in a Row: Have everything organized; get oneself organized.

Sentence – We need to get our ducks in a row to ensure that there are no problems at home while we’re gone on our trip.

Get One’s Hands Dirty: To do the unpleasant parts of a job.

Sentence – The public can’t be allowed to think that I, a senate hopeful, would ever dirty my hands with a tax-evasion scheme such as that.

Get Someone’s Goat: To irritate someone deeply.

Sentence – That guy just gets my goat every time he opens his mouth.

Get To Grips With: To begin to understand and deal with something.

Sentence – I should have the report ready for you by this afternoon, I just need to come to grips with this new software update first.

Get the Ball Rolling: Do something to begin a process.

Sentence – I think it will be easier to become comfortable driving now that I’ve gotten the ball rolling with driving lessons.

Get the Picture: Understand what’s happening.

Sentence – OK, I get the picture. I’ll start looking for somewhere else to stay.

Get Carried Away: Become overly enthusiastic.

Sentence – He sometimes would get carried away and invite more than his allotted guests, which generated some irritation among members.

Get the Sack, Be Sacked: To be fired.

Sentence – I tried so hard to do a good job in Mrs. Smith’s garden, but I got the sack anyway.

Get the Third Degree: To be questioned in great detail about something.

Sentence – My boyfriend is so controlling that I always get the third degree if I go anywhere or see anyone without him.