CAE Idioms People

He's a bit of a yes-man.

• He always obeys his boss.

• He is very optimistic.

• He is always ready to help.

He is a self-made man.

• He comes from money.

• He is rich and successful because he worked hard.

• He is poor but hard-working.

The chattering classes refers to...

• Educated people who enjoy discussions.

• Uneducated people who talk too much.

• People who like to socialize.

People from the grassroots are...

• Ordinary people in politics or sports.

• Local people.

• City-dwellers.

He is a whizzkid.

• He is very funny.

• Young person, successful and skilled.

• He loves to pull pranks on people.

The silent majority are the people who...

• Are very influential.

• Pull strings from the shadows.

• Don't express their opinion publicly.

What is a man in a grey suit?

• People who are very interested in fashion.

• People who dress very well.

• People in politics or business, powerful and unknown.

She's the office busybody.

• She is interested in people's private affairs.

• The is very friendly.

• The is always punctual.

He's a real chatterbox!

• He is a very sociable person.

• He talks too much!

• He always gives very good advice.

He is a dark horse. I didn't know he was rich.

• He doesn't talk about himself.

• He is very wealthy.

• He is pessimistic.