TECHNOLOGY IDIOMS

BREAK THE MOULD

To do something differently, after it has been done in the same way for a long time.She broke the mould by insisting on becoming a doctor instead of a nurse.

(Often + of) A new TV show is about to be launched which aims to break the mould of the usual daytime programs.

BLIND SOMEONE WITH SCIENCETo explain something to someone in a very complicated way, in order to impress them rather than help them understand.I think he decided to blind us with science because he didn’t want us asking any difficult questions.

MOVE WITH THE TIMESTo change your ideas or behaviour as the world or the situation changes.The legal system needs to move with the times.

BE SOMEBODY’S GUINEA PIGIf someone is used as a guinea pig, new ideas or products are tested on them.They’re looking for volunteers to act as guinea pigs for a new AIDS vaccine.

ONCE IN A BLUE MOONRarely, once in a very long time.We only see our daughter once in a blue moon.

TURN THE CLOCK BACKTo try to return to the past.Let us turn back the clock and pretend we are living at the turn of the century; the time that our story takes place.

COME DOWN TO EARTHTo become realistic; to become alert of what is going on around one.We came down to earth with a bump when we got back from our holidays to find we had a burst pipe.

REINVENT THE WHEELDo something again, from the beginning, especially in a needless or inefficient effort.You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; read up on what others have done.

Why reinvent the wheel when there are drugs already on the market which are effective?

IT DOESN’T TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTISTIf you say that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand or do something, you mean that it’s obvious. (usually to do + something).It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you treat her well, she’ll be happier.

STAND THE TEST OF TIME

To continue to work well over a long period of time.Look for software that has stood the test of time, not something new and unproven.

To remain popular or respected for a long time.Very little drama from this period has stood the test of time.

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