Idioms — Set 10

Set 10 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: have a soft spot for someone, be at odds with someone, go back a long way, keep someone at arm's length, get on like a house on fire. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. have a soft spot for someone · idiom/hæv ə sɔft spɑt fɚ ˈsʌmwʌn/

   to have a strong feeling of affection for someone

   Sabine can never say no to her youngest newphew because she has a soft spot for him.

   Origin: From the 1800s — refers to a tender, soft place in the heart, the part more easily moved by affection.

2. be at odds with someone · idiom/bi ət ɑdz wɪð ˈsʌmwʌn/

   to be in disagreement with someone

   Although they come from a very similar background, Mike and Tom have always been at odds with each other about almost everything.

   Origin: From 16th-century English — 'odds' means uneven, contrary positions in betting or argument.

3. go back a long way · idiom/ɡoʊ bæk ə lɔŋ weɪ/

   to know someone or be friends for a long time

   Brian and Mike go back a long way. They've known each other since they were kids.

   Origin: A 20th-century informal expression — friendship measured as a long distance traveled together backward in time.

4. keep someone at arm's length · idiom/kip ˈsʌmwʌn ət ɑrmz lɛŋθ/

   to avoid becoming friendly with someone; keep some distance

   They wanted to keep her at arm's length because they did not really trust her.

   Origin: Used since the 1500s — keeping someone literally one arm's length away prevents physical or emotional closeness.

5. get on like a house on fire · idiom/ɡɛt ɔn laɪk ə haʊs ɔn ˈfaɪɚ/

   to have a good relationship with someone; get along well

   You have so much in common that I am sure you will get on like a house on fire once you meet.

   Origin: From the 1800s — when wooden houses caught fire, flames spread quickly, like a fast-growing friendship.