have a close call, be in someone's good books, be all ears, keep your eyes peeled, give someone an inch, and they’ll take a mile: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 79. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. have a close call · idiom/hæv ə kloʊs kɔl/

   to narrowly avoid a dangerous or bad situation

   I had a close call when a car ran a red light—I barely managed to stop in time.

   Origin: From American baseball — a 'close call' was a referee's ruling so close to wrong it nearly went the other way.

2. be in someone's good books · idiom/ɪn ˈsʌmwʌnz ɡʊd bʊks/

   to be in someone’s favor or receive their approval

   I finished my work early and helped my boss with a project, so now I’m in her good books.

   Origin: From the 1700s — merchants kept lists of customers who were trustworthy in 'good books' and others in 'bad books.'

3. be all ears · idiom/bi ɔl ɪrz/

   to listen attentively

   Tell me all the details about your trip—I’m all ears!

   Origin: From the 1700s — exaggerates listening so intensely that a person becomes nothing but ears, ready to absorb every word.

4. keep your eyes peeled · idiom/kip jʊr aɪz pild/

   to stay alert and watch carefully

   Keep your eyes peeled for a gas station; we’re running low on fuel.

   Origin: From the early 1800s — possibly from politicians shouting 'keep your eyes peeled' to alert supporters at events.

5. give someone an inch, and they’ll take a mile · idiom/ɡɪv ˈsʌmwʌn ən ɪntʃ ənd ðeɪl teɪk ə maɪl/

   if you give someone a little freedom, they will take advantage of it

   I let my little brother borrow my bike once, and now he thinks he can take it anytime—give him an inch, and he’ll take a mile.

   Origin: Used since the 1500s — describes how small freedoms granted to people are quickly stretched into much bigger ones.