What if I told you that the English language has a peculiar way of expressing the concept of responsibility? Yes, idiomatic expressions! These charming expressions often illustrate complex concepts like responsibility in a unique and vibrant manner. For English learners, these idioms not only enhance understanding but also offer cultural insights. Ready to embrace the power of English idioms and make your language learning journey more exciting?
Now, let’s step into the world of 23 popular idioms connected to responsibility!
1. Carry the can: To take responsibility for an unpleasant situation.
Example: He refused to carry the can for the team’s failure.
2. Wear the trousers: To be the one who makes decisions.
Example: It’s clear in their relationship that she wears the trousers.
3. Hold the fort: To be in charge while the person responsible is away.
Example: I’m going on vacation. Can you hold the fort while I’m away?
4. On your watch: During the time when you are in charge.
Example: The project failed on your watch. You need to explain why.
5. Own up to something: To admit or confess something.
Example: She owned up to having lost the documents.
6. Step up to the plate: To take action when something needs to be done.
Example: When the team leader quit, Jon stepped up to the plate.
7. Your neck on the line: To risk your reputation or your position by doing something or supporting someone.
Example: I put my neck on the line for you and this is how you repay me?
8. Take the bull by the horns: To deal with a difficult situation in a very direct manner.
Example: It’s time you took the bull by the horns and confronted him.
9. Call the shots: To make decisions, to be in charge.
Example: It’s the boss who calls the shots, not me.
10. Take someone under your wing: To help, guide, or protect someone.
Example: The manager took the new intern under his wing.
11. To shoulder the burden: To take on a responsibility or burden.
Example: He shouldered the burden of looking after his younger siblings.
12. Bear the brunt: To suffer the worst part of something unpleasant.
Example: The customer service team bore the brunt of the complaints.
13. Step into someone’s shoes: To take over the duties or responsibilities of another person.
Example: When she retires, who will step into her shoes?
14. The buck stops here: The person in charge has to make the decisions and accept the responsibility for those decisions.
Example: As a team leader, the buck stops with me.
15. Rise to the occasion: To succeed in dealing with a difficult situation.
Example: The team rose to the occasion and finished the project on time.
16. In the driver’s seat: In control or in charge of a situation.
Example: Now that she’s been promoted, she’s in the driver’s seat.
17. At the helm: In a position of leadership or control.
Example: With a new director at the helm, we can expect some positive changes.
18. Run a tight ship: To control a business or other operation firmly and effectively.
Example: Our new manager runs a tight ship.
19. In someone’s hands: Under someone’s control or responsibility.
Example: The fate of the project is in your hands now.
20. Put your foot down: To use your authority to stop something.
Example: The teacher had to put her foot down when the students became too noisy.
21. To stand on your own two feet: To be independent and able to take care of yourself.
Example: After college, I was ready to stand on my own two feet.
22. Steer the ship: To lead or be in charge.
Example: He’s been steering the ship for the last decade, guiding our team through many challenges.
23. Keep your nose clean: To stay out of trouble.
Example: He’s been keeping his nose clean ever since he got that warning.
In conclusion, idioms related to responsibility offer a colorful way to articulate various aspects of this complex concept. They make the language vibrant and the conversation enjoyable. These idioms, once mastered, will help you sound more like a native English speaker.
