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Unpleasant Traits Vocabulary Set in Personality: Full and Detailed List

The 'Unpleasant Traits' vocabulary set in 'Personality' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...

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be penny-wise and pound-foolish

/bi ˈpɛni waɪz ænd paʊnd ˈfuːlɪʃ/

Example:

He tried to save money by buying cheap parts for his car, but ended up spending more on repairs. He was penny-wise and pound-foolish.

cold fish

/koʊld fɪʃ/

Example:

He's a bit of a cold fish, so don't expect much warmth from him.

a piece of work

/ə piːs əv wɜrk/

Example:

He's really a piece of work, always causing trouble.

a dog in the manger

/ə dɔɡ ɪn ðə ˈmeɪndʒər/

Example:

Don't be a dog in the manger; if you're not going to read the book, let someone else borrow it.

off your rocker

/ɔf jʊər ˈrɑkər/

Example:

You must be off your rocker to think that plan will work.

be (as) nutty as a fruitcake

/bi əz ˈnʌt.i əz ə ˈfruːt.keɪk/

Example:

My aunt is as nutty as a fruitcake, but we love her.

loose cannon

/luːs ˈkæn.ən/

Example:

He's a real loose cannon; you never know what he's going to do next.

have bats in the belfry

/hæv bæts ɪn ðə ˈbɛl.fri/

Example:

My old neighbor seems to have bats in the belfry; she talks to her garden gnomes.

(as) mad as a hatter

/əz mæd əz ə ˈhætər/

Example:

My uncle has always been (as) mad as a hatter, always coming up with the wildest ideas.

blow hot and cold

/bloʊ hɑt ənd koʊld/

Example:

He keeps blowing hot and cold about the new project, so I don't know what he really wants.

be the nature of the beast

/bi ðə ˈneɪtʃər əv ðə biːst/

Example:

Dealing with constant changes is just the nature of the beast in this industry.

a bad egg

/ə bæd ɛɡ/

Example:

Be careful with him; he's a bad egg.

out of your mind

/aʊt əv jʊər maɪnd/

Example:

You must be out of your mind to think that's a good idea.

behind the times

/bɪˈhaɪnd ðə taɪmz/

Example:

My grandfather is a bit behind the times when it comes to technology.
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