Lesson 09 · Decisions

Idioms about decisions

Learn four useful English idioms about decisions through slow listening, clear examples, multilingual support and retrieval practice.

LEVEL 2B112 min

Meet the idioms in context

Read once for the general meaning. Then read again and notice the highlighted expressions.

Speed

0:000:00

Choose 0.50× or 0.75× for slow listening. The pitch stays natural. Voices generated with Aura-2.

Maya Have you decided whether to accept the job abroad?

Leo I’m still on the fence. The opportunity is exciting, but it’s a big move.

Maya Why don’t you sleep on it before you answer?

Leo I have analysed everything. At some point I need to go with my gut.

Maya And if it feels right, you can take the plunge.

Leo You’re right. I think I’m ready to say yes.

Open your toolbox

Meaning, tone, natural grammar and a memory hook for every expression.

on the fence

neutralspoken & writtenBrE & AmE

unable to decide between two options

Picture it: Build a clear mental picture from “on the fence” and connect it to this meaning: unable to decide between two options.

I’m still on the fence about moving abroad.
Several voters remain on the fence.

Common mistake: Treat “on the fence” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

sleep on it

neutralspoken & writtenBrE & AmE

wait until the next day before making a decision

Picture it: Build a clear mental picture from “sleep on it” and connect it to this meaning: wait until the next day before making a decision.

It’s a big offer, so I’ll sleep on it.
Don’t answer now — sleep on it.

Common mistake: Treat “sleep on it” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

go with your gut

neutralspoken & writtenBrE & AmE

trust your instinct when deciding

Picture it: Build a clear mental picture from “go with your gut” and connect it to this meaning: trust your instinct when deciding.

I compared the options and then went with my gut.
When the facts are equal, go with your gut.

Common mistake: Treat “go with your gut” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

take the plunge

neutralspoken & writtenBrE & AmE

finally make a bold or important decision

Picture it: Build a clear mental picture from “take the plunge” and connect it to this meaning: finally make a bold or important decision.

We took the plunge and started our own business.
She finally took the plunge and booked the trip.

Common mistake: Treat “take the plunge” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

Idioms about decisions

Meet the idioms in context

Open your toolbox

on the fence

sleep on it

go with your gut

take the plunge

Practise for retrieval

1 · Match the meaning

2 · Complete the sentence

3 · Choose and notice

4 · Over to you

Take the lesson with you

Lesson, practice and answer key

Dialogue and example sentences

Meet the idioms in context

Open your toolbox

on the fence

sleep on it

go with your gut

take the plunge

Practise for retrieval

1 · Match the meaning

2 · Complete the sentence

3 · Choose and notice

4 · Over to you

Take the lesson with you

Lesson, practice and answer key

Dialogue and example sentences

Create your free toolbox