30 - I can talk about politics

• come/be under fire = be criticized severely for sth you have done
• quick/slow off the mark = fast/slow in reacting to a situation
• add up = seem reasonable or logical (used mainly in a negative sense)
• pluck sth out of the air = say a name, number, etc. without giving it any thought
• capitalize on sth = gain a further advantage for yourself from a situation
• stop the rot = stop a bad situation from getting worse
• talk sth up = describe or discuss sth in a way that makes it sound better than it is
• neck and neck = (of two people or groups) level with each other in a race or competition
• in the final analysis = used to state a basic truth after everything has been discussed and considered
• boil down to sth = if a situation or problem boils down to one thing, that thing is the main point in the situation, or the main cause of the problem
• a war of words = a bitter argument between groups over a period of time
• put your house in order = make necessary changes or improvements in your business, way of life, etc.
• not give/budge/move an inch = refuse to change an opinion, decision, etc.
• jump/climb on the bandwagon = join others in doing or saying sth that is popular and fashionable in order to make yourself popular
• give sb the benefit of the doubt = treat sb as if their behaviour is honest or correct, even though you are not certain that it is
• have a field day = (often used of the media) be given the opportunity to do sth you enjoy, especially when it causes trouble for sb else
• run and run = if sth is likely to run and run, it is likely to continue for a long time
• bode well/ill for sb/sth = be a good/bad sign for sb/sth