Essential fixed phrases to know

目を向ける

[me o mukeru]

direct attention, pay attention to

笛を演奏する

[fue wo ensou suru]

flute performance

締め切りが延びる

[shimekiri ga nobiru]

prolonged drought

締め切りが早まる

[shimekiri ga hayamaru]

shortened deadline

締め切りを延ばす

[shimekiri wo nobasu]

extend the term

締め切りを早める

[shimekiri wo hayameru]

shorten the term

耳を澄ます

[mimi o sumasu]

listen attentively

耳にする

[mimi ni suru]

overhear

耳を貸す

[mimi o kasu]

listen, pay attention to listening

耳に入る

[mimi ni hairu]

audible / reaches the ear

耳を塞ぐ

[mimi o fusagu]

cover your ears

肩を落とす

[kata o otosu]

disappointed, shoulders slumped

肩の荷が下りる

[kata no ni ga oriru]

relieved, a burden lifted

肩を持つ

[kata o motsu]

bias, favoritism

腕がいい

[ude ga ii]

skilled / skillful

腕を磨く

[ude o migaku]

cultivate skills