A bit much
If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.
A fool and his money are soon parted
This idiom means that people who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly.
'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an alternative form of the idiom.
A little bird told me
If someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them.
A OK
If things are A OK, they are absolutely fine.
A poor man's something
Something or someone that can be compared to something or someone else, but is not as good is a poor man's version; a writer who uses lots of puns but isn't very funny would be a poor man's Oscar Wilde.
A1
If something is A1, it is the very best or finest.
Abide by a decision
If you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though you might disagree with it.
About face
If someone changes their mind completely, this is an about face. It can be used when companies, governments, etc, change their position on an issue.
Above board
If things are done above board, they are carried out in a legal and proper manner.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
This idiom means that when people are apart, their love grows stronger.
Achilles' heel
A person's weak spot is their Achilles' heel.
Acid test
An acid test is something that proves whether something is good, effective, etc, or not.
Across the board
If something applies to everybody, it applies across the board.
Against the Grain
If doing something goes against the grain, you're unwilling to do it because it contradicts what you believe in, but you have no real choice.
Agony aunt
An agony aunt is a newspaper columnist who gives advice to people having problems, especially personal ones.
Ahead of the pack
If you are ahead of the pack, you have made more progress than your rivals.
Albatross around your neck
An albatross around, or round, your neck is a problem resulting from something you did that stops you from being successful.
All and sundry
This idiom is a way of emphasising 'all', like saying 'each and every one'.
All ears
If someone says they're all ears, they are very interested in hearing about something.
All hell broke loose
When all hell breaks loose, there is chaos, confusion and trouble.
All over the place
If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the place.
All over the shop
If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the shop.
All skin and bone
If a person is very underweight, they are all skin and bone, or bones.
All talk and no trousers
(UK) Someone who is all talk and no trousers, talks about doing big, important things, but doesn't take any action.
All the tea in China
If someone won't do something for all the tea in China, they won't do it no matter how much money they are offered.
Alter ego
An alter ego is a very close and intimate friend. It is a Latin phrase that literally means 'other self'.
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride
If someone is always a bridesmaid, never a bride, they never manage to fulfill their ambition- they get close, but never manage the recognition, etc, they crave.
Ambulance chaser
A lawyer who encourages people who have been in accidents or become ill to sue for compensation is an ambulance chaser.
Amen
Some use 'Amen' or 'Amen to that' as a way of agreeing with something that has just been said.
An old flame
An old flame is a person that somebody has had an emotional, usually passionate, relationship with,who is still looked on fondly and with affection.
Ants in your pants
If someone has ants in their pants, they are agitated or excited about something and can't keep still.
Apple of your eye
Something or,more often, someone that is very special to you is the 'apple of your' eye.
Arm and a leg
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive.
As a rule
If you do something as a rule, then you usually do it.
As cold as ice
This idiom can be used to describe a person who does not show any emotion.
As cool as a cucumber
If someone is as cool as a cucumber, they don't get worried by anything.
As mad as a hatter
This simile means that someone is crazy or behaves very strangely. In the past many people who made hats went insane because they had a lot of contact with mercury.
As neat as a new pin
This idiom means tidy and clean.
As one man
If people do something as one man, then they do it at exactly the same time or in complete agreement.
As the actress said to the bishop
(UK)This idiom is used to highlight a sexual reference, deliberate or accidental.
As the crow flies
This idiom is used to describe the shortest possible distance between two places.
At a loose end
(UK) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it.
At death's door
If someone looks as if they are at death's door, they look seriously unwell and might actually be dying.
At loggerheads
If people are at loggerheads, they are arguing and can't agree on anything.
At loose ends
(USA) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it.
At odds
If you are at odds with someone, you cannot agree with them and argue.
At sea
If things are at sea, or all at sea, they are disorganized and chaotic.
At the coalface
If you work at the coalface, you deal with the real problems and issues, rather than sitting in a office discussing things in a detached way.
At the drop of a hat
If you would do something at the drop of a hat, you'd do it immediately.
At the end of your rope
(USA) If you are at the end of your rope, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance.
At the end of your tether
(UK) If you are at the end of your tether, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance.
At your wit's end
If you're at your wit's end, you really don't know what you should do about something, no matter how hard you think about it.
Avowed intent
If someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to attempt to reach a certain goal, this is their avowed intent.
Awe inspiring
Something or someone that is awe inspiring amazes people in a slightly frightening but positive way.
AWOL
AWOL stands for Absent Without Leave, or Absent Without Official Leave. Orignially a military term, it is used when someone has gone missing without telling anyone or asking for permission.
Axe to grind
If you have an axe to grind with someone or about something, you have a grievance, a resentment and you want to get revenge or sort it out.
Idioms Beginning With 'B'
~ B ~
Babe in arms
A babe in arms is a very young child, or a person who is very young to be holding a position.
Babe in the woods
A babe in the woods is a naive, defenceless, young person.
Baby boomer
(USA) A baby boomer is someone born during 1945-1965, a period when the population was growing fast.
Back burner
If an issue is on the back burner, it is being given low priority.
Back foot
(UK) If you are on your back foot, you are at a disadvantage and forced to be defensive of your position.
Back the wrong horse
If you back the wrong horse, you give your support to the losing side in something.
Back to square one
If you are back to square one, you have to start from the beginning again.
Back to the drawing board
If you have to go back to the drawing board, you have to go back to the beginning
and start something again. Backseat driver
A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person
performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong
or unwelcome. Bad blood
If people feel hate because of things that happened in the past, there is bad blood
between them. Bad egg
A person who cannot be trusted is a bad egg. Good egg is the opposite.
Bad taste in your mouth
If something leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth, you feel there is
something wrong or bad about it.
Bad workers always blame their tools
"A bad worker always blames their tools" - If somebody does a job badly or loses
in a game and claimsthat they were let down by their equipment, you can use this
to imply that this was not the case. Baker's dozen
A Baker's dozen is 13 rather than 12. Bald as a coot
A person who is completely bald is as bald as a coot. Ball is in your court
If the ball is in your court, it is up to you to make the next decision or step.
Ballpark figure
Aballparkfigureisaroughorapproximatenumber (guesstimate) to give a
general idea of something, like a rough estimate for a cost, etc. Banana republic
Banana republic is a term used for small countries that are dependent on a single
crop or resource and governed badly by a corrupt elite. Baptism of fire
A baptism of fire was a soldier's first experience of shooting.
Any unpleasant
experience undergone, usually where it is also a learning experience, is a baptism
of fire. Bar fly
A bar fly is a person who spends a lot of time drinking in different bars and pubs.
Barefaced liar
A barefaced liar is one who displays no shame about lying even if they are
exposed.
Bark is worse than their bite
Someone who's bark is worse than their bite may well get angry and shout, but
doesn't take action. Barking up the wrong tree
If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely
misunderstood something or are totally wrong. Barrel of laughs
If someone's a barrel of laughs, they are always joking and you find them funny.
Basket case
If something is a basket case, it is so bad that it cannot be helped.
Bat an eyelid
If someone doesn't bat an eyelid, they don't react or show any emotion when
surprised, shocked, etc. Be that as it may
Be that as it may is an expression which means that, while you are prepared to
accept that there is some truth in what the other person has just said, it's not
going to change your opinions in any significant manner.
Be up the spout
(UK) If a woman is up the spout, she is pregnant. Bean counter
A bean counter is an accountant. Beard the lion in his own den
If you confront a powerful or dangerous rival on their territory, you are bearding
the lion in his own den. Beat about the bush
If someone doesn't say clearly what they mean and try to make it hard to
understand, they are beating about (around) the bush.
Beat someone to the draw
(USA) If you beat someone to the draw, you do someone before they do.
Beating a dead horse
(USA) If someone is trying to convince people to do or feel something without any
hope of succeeding, they're beating a dead horse. This is used when someone is
tryingtoraiseinterestinanissuethat no-onesupports anymore; beating a dead
horse will not make it do any more work. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder means that different people will find different
thingsbeautiful and that the differencesof opinion don't matter greatly.
Beck and call
Someone who does everything for you, no matter when you ask, is at your beck
and call. Bedroom eyes
Someone with bedroom eyes has a sexy look in their eyes. Bee in your bonnet
If someone is very excited about something, they have a bee in their bonnet.
Bee's Knees
If something is the bee's knees, it's outstanding or the best in its class.
Beeline for
If you make a beeline for a place, you head there directly. Behind closed doors
If something happens away from the public eye, it happens behind closed doors.
Behind someone's back
If you do something behind someone's back, you do it without telling them.
Behind the times
Someone that is behind the times is old-fashioned and has ideas that are regarded
as out-dated.
Believe in the hereafter
A belief in the hereafter is a belief in the afterlife, or life after death. It is,
therefore, associated with religions and the soul's journey to heaven or to hell,
whichever way being just deserts for the person based on how they led their life.
Bells and whistles
Bellsand whistlesare attractive features that things like computer programs have,
though often a bit unnecessary. Below par
If something isn't up to standard, or someone isn't feeling or doing very well, they
are below par. Below the belt
If someone says something that is cruel or unfair, it is below the belt, like the
illegal punches in boxing. Best thing since sliced bread
If something is the best thing since sliced bread, it is excellent. ('The greatest
thing since sliced bread' is also used.)
Bet your bottom dollar
(USA) If you can bet your bottom dollar on something, you can be absolutely sure
about it.
Better safe than sorry
This idiom is used to recommend being cautious rather than taking a risk.
Better the devil you know
This is the shortened form of the full idion, 'better the devil you know than the
devil you don't', and means that it is often better to deal with someone or
something you are familiar with and know, even if they are not ideal, than take a
risk with an unkown person or thing. Between a rock and a hard place
If you are caught between a rock and a hard place, you are in a position where you
have to choose between unpleasant alternatives, and your choice might cause you
problems; you will not be able to satisfy everyone. Between the devil and the deep blue sea
If you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, you are in a dilemma;
a difficult choice. Between the lines
If you read between the lines, you find the real massage in what you're reading or
hearing,ameaningthatisnotavailablefromaliteral interprtation of the words.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
If something's beyond a shadow of a doubt, then absolutely no doubts remain
about it. Beyond belief
If peoplebehaveinsuch a way that you find it almost impossible to accept that
they actually did it, then you can say that their behaviour was beyond belief.
Beyond our ken
Ifsomething'sbeyondyourken,itisbeyondyour understanding.
Beyond the pale
Ifsomething'sbeyondthepale,itistooextremetobe acceptable morally or
socially.
Big Apple
(USA) The Big Apple is New York. Big bucks
If someone is making big bucks, they are making a lot of money.
Big cheese
The big cheese is the boss. Big fish
An important person in a company or an organisation is a big fish.
Big fish in a small pond
A big fish in a small pond is an important person in a small place or organisation.
Big hitter
A big hitter is someone who commands a lot of respect and is very important in
their field. Big picture
The big picture of something is the overall perspective or objective, not the fine
detail. Big time
This can be used to with the meaning 'very much'- if you like something big time,
you like it a lot. Bigger fish to fry
If you aren't interested in something because it isn't important to you and there
are more important things for you to do, you have bigger fish to fry.
Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' is a proverb meaning that it is better
to have something that is certain than take a risk to get more, where you might
lose everything. Bird's eye view
If you have a bird's eye view of something, you can see it perfectly clearly.
Bird-brain
Someone who has a bird-brain, or is bird-brained, is stupid. Birds and the bees
If a child is taught about the birds and the bees, they are taught about sex.
Birds of a feather flock together
This idiom means that people with similar interests will stick together.
Birthday suit
If you are in your birthday suit, you are naked. Bit part
If someone has a small or unimportant role in something, they have a bit part.
Bit player
A bit player has a small or unimportant role in something. Bite off more than you can chew
If you bite off more than you can chew, you take on more responsibilities than you
can manage. 'Don't bite off more than you can chew' is often used to advise people
against agreeing to more than they can handle. Bite the bullet
If you have to bite the bullet, you have to accept or face something unpleasant
because it cannot be avoided. Bite the dust
This is a way of saying that somebody has died, especially if they are killed
violently like a soldier in battle. Bits and bobs
Bits and bobs are small, remnant articles and things- the same as odds and ends.
Bitter end
If you do something to the bitter end, you do it to the very end, no matter how
unsuccessful you are. Bitter pill to swallow
A bitter pill to swallow is something that is hard to accept. Black and white
When it is very clear who or what is right and wrong, then the situation is black
and white.
Black as Newgate's knocker
(UK) If things are as black as Newgate's knocker, they are very bad. Newgate was
an infamous prison in England, so its door knocker meant trouble.
Black hole
If there is a black hole in financial accounts, money has disappeared.
Black sheep
Someone who is the black sheep doesn't fit into a group or family because their
behaviour or character is not good enough. Blessing in disguise
If some bad luck or misfortune ultimately results in something positive, it's a
blessing in disguise. Blind as a bat
If you are in total darkness and can't see anything at all, you are as blind as a bat.
Blood and thunder
An emotional speech or performance is full of blood and thunder.
Blood is thicker than water
This idiom means that family relationships are stronger than others.
Blood out of a stone
If something is like getting blood out of a stone, it is very difficult indeed.
Blood, sweat and tears
If something will take blood, sweat and tears, it will be very difficult and will
require a lot of effort and sacrifice. Blow a gasket
If you blow a gasket, you get very angry. Blow hot and cold
If you blow hot and cold on an idea, your attitude and opinion keeps changing; one
minute you are for it, the next you are against.
Blow off steam
(USA) If you blow off steam, you express your anger or frustration.
Blow the cobwebs away
If you blow the cobwebs away, you make sweeping changes to something to bring
fresh views and ideas in. Blow your stack
If you blow your stack, you lose your temper. Blue blood
Someone with blue blood is royalty. Blue-eyed boy
Someone's blue-eyed boy is their favourite person. Bolt from the blue
If something happens unexpectedly and suddenly, it is a bolt from the blue.
Bone of contention
If there is an issue that always causes tension and arguments, it is a bone of
contention. Bone to pick
If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed about something they
have done and want to tell them how you feel. Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
If you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you are born into a rich family.
Bottom line
In accountancy, the bottom line is net income, and is used idiomatically to mean
the conclusion. Box and dice
Box and dice means everything.
Box clever
(UK) If you box clever, you use your intelligence to get what you want, even if you
have to cheat a bit. Brass monkey
If it's brass monkey weather, or cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass
monkey, it is extremly cold. Brass tacks
If you get down to brass tacks, you get down to the real business.
Break a leg
This idiom is a way of wishing someone good luck. Break even
If you break even, you don't make any money, but you don't lose any either.
Break ground
If you break ground, or break new ground, you make progress, taking things into a
new area or going further than anyone has gone before. 'Ground-breaking' is used
an adjective. Break the ice
Whenyoubreaktheice,yougetoveranyinitial embarrassment or shyness when
you meet someone for the first time and start conversing.
Break your duck
(UK) If you break your duck, you do something for the first time.
Breathe your last
When you breathe your last, you die. Brighten up the day
If something brightens up your day, something happens that makes you feel
positive and happy all day long. Bring someone to book
If somebody is brought to book, they are punished or made to account for
something they have done wrong. Bring the house down
Somethingthatbringsthehousedownisacclaimedand praised vigorously.
Broad church
If an organisation is described as broad church, it is tolerant and accepting of
different opinions and ideas. Broad strokes
If something is described or defined with broad stokes, then only an outline is
given, without fine details. Brown nose
Whensomeonetriestomakethemselvespopularwith somebody, usually in a
position of authority, especially by flattering them, they are brown nosing.
Brownie points
If you try to earn Brownie points with someone, you do things you know will please
them.
Brush under the carpet
If you brush something under the carpet, you are making an attempt to ignore it,
or hide it from others. Bull in a China shop
If someone behaves like a bull in a China shop, they are clumsy when they should
be careful.
Bun in the oven
If a woman has a bun in the oven, she is pregnant. Burn the candle at both ends
Someone who burns the candle at both ends lives life at a hectic pace, doing
things which are likely to affect their health badly. Burn the midnight oil
If you stay up very late working or studying, you burn the midnight oil.
Burn your bridges
If you burn your bridges, you do something that makes it impossible to go back
from the position you have taken. Bury the hatchet
If you bury the hatchet, you make peace with someone and stop arguing or
fighting.
Bury your head in the sand
Ifsomeoneburiestheirheadinthesand,theyignore something that is obviously
wrong.
Busman's holiday
A busman's holiday is when you spend your free time doing the same sort of work
as you do in your job. Busted flush
Someone or something that had great potential but ended up a useless failure is a
busted flush.
By a hair's breadth
If a person escapes from some danger by a hair's breadth, they only just managed
to avoid it. The breadth is the thickness of a hair, so they probably feel somewhat
lucky because the margin between success and what could easily have been failure
was so close.
By a long chalk
(UK) If you beat somebody by a long chalk, you win easily and comfortably.
By a whisker
If you do something by a whisker, you only just manage to do it and come very
near indeed to failing. By hook or by crook
If you are prepared to do something by hook or by crook, you are willing to do
anything, good or bad, to reach your goal. By the book
If you do something by the book, you do it exactly as you are supposed to.
By the skin of your teeth
If you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just manage to do it and
come very near indeed to failing. By word of mouth
If something becomes known by word of mouth, it gets known by being talked
about rather than through publicity or advertising, etc. Call a spade a spade
A person who calls a spade a spade is one speaks frankly and makes little or no
attempt to conceal their opinions or to spare the feelings of their audience.
Call the shots
If you call the shots, you are in charge and tell people what to do.
Can of worms
If an action can create serious problems, it is opening a can of worms.
Can't hold a candle
If something can't hold a candle to something else, it is much worse.
Card up your sleeve
If you have a card up your sleeve, you have a surprise plan or idea that you are
keeping back until the time is right. Carrot and stick
If someone offers a carrot and stick, they offer an incentive to do something
combined with the threat of punishment. Carry the can
If you carry the can, you take the blame for something, even though you didn't do
it or are only partly at fault. Cash in your chips
If you cash in your chips, you sell something to get what profit you can because
you think its value is going to fall. It can also mean 'to die'. Cast doubt on
If you make other people not sure about a matter, then you have cast doubt on it.
Cast your mind back
If somebody tells you to cast your mind back on something, they want you to think
about something that happened in the past, but which you might not remember
very well, and to try to remember as much as possible. Castles in the air
Plans that are impractical and will never work out are castles in the air.
Cat among the pigeons
If something or someone puts, or sets or lets, the cat among the pigeons, they
create a disturbance and cause trouble. Cat nap
If you have a short sleep during the day, you are cat napping. Cat's whiskers
Something excellent is the cat's whiskers. Catch as catch can
This means that people should try to get something any way they can.
Change horses in midstream
If people change horses in midstream, they change plans or leaders when they are
in the middle of something, even though it may be very risky to do so.
Charity begins at home
This idiom means that family members are more important than anyone esle, and
should be the focus of a person's efforts. Chase rainbows
If someone chases rainbows, they try to do something that they will never achieve.
Cherry pick
If people cherry pick, they choose things that support their position, while ignoring
things that contradict it. Chew the cud
If you chew the cud, you think carefully about something. Chew the fat
If you chew the fat with someone, you talk at leisure with them.
Chickenfeed
If something is small or unimportant, especially money, it is chickenfeed.
Chinese walls
Chinese walls are regulatory information barriers that aim to stop the flow of
informationthatcouldbemisused,especiallyinfinancial corporations.
Chinese whispers
(UK) When a story is told from person to person, especially if it is gossip or
scandal, it inevitably gets distorted and exaggerated. This process is called Chinese
whispers.
Chip off the old block
If someone is a chip off the old block, they closely resemble one or both of the
parents in character. Cigarette paper
If you cannot get or put a cigarette paper between people, they are so closely
bonded that nothing will separate them or their positions on issues.
Clapham omnibus
(UK) The man on the Clapham omnibus is the ordinary man in the street.
Clean as a whistle
If something is as clean as a whistle, it is extremely clean, spotless. It can also be
usedtomean'completely',thoughthismeaningisless common nowadays.
Clean bill of health
If something or someone has a clean bill of health, then there's nothing wrong;
everything's fine. Clean slate
If you start something with a clean slate, then nothing bad from your past is taken
into account. Clear as mud
If something is as clear as mud, then it is very confusing and unclear.
Cliffhanger
If something like a sports match or an election is a cliffhanger, then the result is so
close that it cannot be predicted and will only be known at the very end.
Close but no cigar
(USA) If you are close but no cigar, you are close to success, but have not got
there. Close call
If the result of something is a close call, it is almost impossible to distinguish
between the parties involved and to say who has won or whatever.
Close the stable door after the horse has bolted
If people try to fix something after the problem has occurred, they are trying to
close the stable door after the horse has bolted. 'Close the barn door after the
horse has bolted' is alternative, often used in American English. Closed book to me
If a subject is a closed book to you, it is something that you don't understand or
know anything about. Cloud cuckoo land
If someone has ideas or plans that are completely unrealistic, they are living on
cloud cuckoo land. Cloud nine
If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy. ('cloud seven' is a less common
alternative)
Cloud of suspicion
If a cloud of suspicion hangs over an individual, it means that they are not
believed or are distrusted. Cloud on the horizon
If you can see a problem ahead, you can call it a cloud on the horizon.
Clutch at straws
If someone is in serious trouble and tries anything to help them, even though their
chances of success are probably nil, they are clutching at straws.
Coals to Newcastle
(UK) Taking, bringing, or carrying coals to Newcastle is doing something that is
completely unnnecessary. Cock and bull story
A cock and bull story is a lie someone tells that is completely unbelievable.
Cold feet
If you get cold feet about something, you lose the courage to do it.
Cold fish
A cold fish is a person who doesn't show how they feel. Cold light of day
If you see things in the cold light of day, you see them as they really are, not as
you might want them to be. Cold sweat
If something brings you out in a cold sweat, it frightens you a lot.
Cold turkey
If someone suddenly stops taking drugs, instead of slowly cutting down, they do
cold turkey. Collateral damage
Accidental or unintended damage or casualties are collateral damage.
Collect dust
If something is collecting dust, it isn't being used any more.
Come a cropper
(UK) Someone whose actions or lifestyle will inevitably result in trouble is going to
come a cropper. Come clean
If someone comes clean about something, they admit to deceit or wrongdoing.
Come rain or shine
If I say I'll be at a place COME RAIN OR SHINE, I mean that I can be relied on to
turn up; nothing, not even the vagaries of British weather, will deter me or stop
me from being there. Come what may
If you're prepared to do something come what may, it means that nothing will stop
or distract you, no matter how hard or difficult it becomes. Comfort zone
It is the temperature range in which the body doesn't shiver or sweat, but has an
idiomatic sense of a place where people feel comfortable, where they can avoid the
worries of the world. It can be physical or mental. Constitution of an ox
If someone has the constitution of an ox, they are less affected than most people
by things like tiredness, illness, alcohol, etc. Corner a market
If a business is dominant in an area and unlikely to be challenged by other
companies, it has cornered the market. Couch potato
A couch potato is an extremely idle or lazy person who chooses to spend most of
their leisure time horizontal in front of the TV and eats a diet that is mainly junk
food.
Could eat a horse
If you are very hungry, you could eat a horse. Crash a party
If you crash a party, or are a gatecrasher, you go somewhere you haven't been
invited to.
Cream of the crop
The cream of the crop is the best there is. Crocodile tears
If someone cries crocodile tears, they pretend to be upset or affected by
something.
Cry your eyes out
If you cry your eyes out, you cry uncontrollably. Cry-baby
A cry-baby is a person who gets emotional and cries too easily.
Curate's egg
(UK) If something is a bit of a curate's egg, it is only good in parts.
Curiosity killed the cat
As cats are naturally curious animals, we use this expression to suggest to people
thatexcessivecuriosityisnotnecessarilyagoodthing, especially where it is not
their business.
Curve ball
(USA) If something is a curve ball, it is deceptive. Cut and dried
If something is cut and dried, then everything has already been decided and, in
the case of an opinion, might be a little stale and predictable.
Cut it fine
If you cut it fine, you only just manage to do something- at the very last moment.
'Cut things fine' is the same. 'Cut it a bit fine' is a common variation.
Cut off your nose to spite your face
If you cut off your nose to spite your face, you do something rash or silly that ends
up making things worse for you, often because you are angry or upset.
Cut the Gordian knot
If some cuts the Gordian knot, they solve a very complex problem in a simple way.
Cut the mustard
(UK) If somebody or something doesn't cut the mustard, they fail or it fails to
reach the required standard. Cut to the chase
If you cut to the chase, you get to the point, or the most interesting or important
part of something without delay. Cut to the quick
If someone's cut to the quick by something, they are very hurt and upset indeed.
Cut your teeth on
The place where you gain your early experience is where you cut your teeth.
Cutting edge
Something that is cutting edge is at the forefront of progress in its area.
Daft as a brush
(UK) Someone who is daft as a brush is rather stupid.
Damp squib
(UK) If something is expected to have a great effect or impact but doesn't, it is a
damp squib. Dark horse
If someone is a dark horse, they are a bit of a mystery. Daylight robbery
If you are overcharged or underpaid, it is a daylight robbery; open, unfair and hard
to prevent. Rip-off has a similar meaning. Dead and buried
If something is dead and buried, it has all long been settled and is not going to be
reconsidered. Dead as a dodo
If something's dead as a dodo, it is lifeless and dull. The dodo was a bird that lived
the island of Mauritius. It couldn't fly and was hunted to extinction.
Dead as a Doornail
This is used to indicate that something is lifeless. Dead duck
If something is a dead duck, it is a failure. Dead heat
If a race ends in a dead heat, two or more finish with exactly the same result.
Dead in the water
If something is dead in the water, it isn't going anywhere or making any progress.
Dead men's shoes
If promotion or success requires replacing somebody, then it can only be reached
by dead men's shoes' by getting rid of them. Dead to the world
If somebody's fast asleep and completely unaware of what if happening around
them, he or she's dead to the world. Dear John letter
A letter written by a partner explaining why they are ending the relationship is a
Dear John letter.
Death of a thousand cuts
If something is suffering the death of a thousand cuts, or death by a thousand
cuts, lots of small bad things are happening, none of which are fatal in themselves,
but which add up to a slow and painful demise.
Death warmed up
(UK) If someone looks like death warmed up, they look very ill indeed. ('death
warmed over' is the American form) Derring-do
If a person shows derring-do, they show great courage. Devil finds work for idle hands
When people say that the devil finds work for idle hands, they mean that if people
don't have anything to do with their time, they are more likely to get involved in
trouble and criminality. Devil is in the detail
When people say that the devil in the detail, they mean that small things in plans
and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on.
Devil's advocate
If someone plays Devil's advocate in an argument, they adopt a position they don't
believe in just for the sake of the argument Die is cast
If the die is cast, a decision has been made that cannot be altered and fate will
decide the consequences. Discerning eye
If a person has a discerning eye, they are particularly good at judging the quality
of something.
Do a runner
(UK) If people leave a restaurant without paying, they do a runner.
Do their dirty work
Someone who does someone's dirty work, carries out the unpleasant jobs that the
first person doesn't want to do. Someone who seems to enjoy doing this is
sometimes known as a 'henchman'.
Dog and pony show
(USA)Adogandponyshowisapesentationorsome marketing that has lots of
style, but no real content. Dog days
Dog days are very hot summer days. Dog eat dog
In a dog eat dog world, there is intense competition and rivalry, where everybody
thinks only of himself or herself.
Dog in the manger
(UK) If someone acts like a dog in the manger, they don't want other people to
have or enjoy things that are useless to them. Dog tired
If you are dog tired, you are exhausted. Dog's dinner
Something that is a dog's dinner is a real mess. Dog's life
If some has a dog's life, they have a very unfortunate and wretched life.
Dog-eared
If a book is dog-eared, it is in bad condition,with torn pages, etc.
Doggy bag
If you ask for a doggy bag in a restaurant, they will pack the food you haven't
eaten for you to take home. Doldrums
If a person is in the doldrums, they are depressed. If a project or something
similar is in the doldrums, it isn't making any progress. Don't judge a book by the cover
This idiom means that you should not judge something or someone by
appearances, but should look deeper at what is inside and more important.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth
This means that if you are given something, a present or a chance, you should not
waste it by being too critical or examining it too closely. Don't upset the applecart
If you are advised not to upset the applecart, you are being told not to disturb the
way things are done because it might ruin things. Don't hold your breath
If you are told not to hold your breath, it means that you shouldn't have high
expectations about something.
Don't wash your dirty laundry in public
(UK) People, especially couples, who argue in front of others or involve others in
their personal problems and crises, are said to be washing their dirty laundry in
public; making public things that are best left private. (In American English, 'don't
air your dirty laundry in public' is used.)
Done to death
If a joke or story has been done to death, it has been told so often that it has
stopped being funny. Donkey's years
This idiom means 'a very long time'. Doormat
A person who doesn't stand up for themselves and gets treated badly is a doormat.
Double Dutch
(UK)IfsomethingisdoubleDutch,itiscompletely incomprehensible.
Double whammy
A double whammy is when something causes two problems at the same time, or
when two setbacks occur at the same time. Double-edged sword
If someone uses an argument that could both help them and harm them, then
they are using a two-edged sword; it cuts both ways. Down and out
If someone is down and out, they are desperately poor and need help.
Down at heel
Someone who is down at heel is short of money. ('Down in heel' is used in
American English) Down for the count
If someone is down for the count, they have lost a struggle, like a boxer who has
been knocked out. Down in the doldrums
If somebody's down in the doldrums, they are depressed and lacking energy.
Down in the dumps
If someone's down in the dumps, they are depressed. Down the pan
If something has gone down the pan, it has failed or been ruined.
Down the tubes
If something has gone down the tubes, it has failed or been ruined.
Down to the wire
(USA) If something goes down to the wire, like a competition, then it goes to the
very last moment before it is clear who has won. Drag your feet
If someone is dragging their feet, they are taking too long to do or finish
something, usually because they don't want to do it. Draw a blank
If you try to find something out and draw a blank, you don't get any useful
information. Draw the line
When you draw the line, you set out limits of what you find acceptable, beyond
which you will not go. Dressed to the nines
If you are in your very best clothes, you're dressed to the nines.
Drink like a fish
If someone drinks like a fish, they drink far too much alcohol. Drive a wedge
If you drive a wedge between people, you exploit an issue so that people start to
disagree.
Drop in the Ocean
A drop in the ocean implies that something will have little effect because it is small
and mostly insignificant.
Drunk as a lord
(UK) Someone who is very drunk is as drunk as a lord. Dry as a bone
If your lawn is as dry as a bone, the soil is completely dry.
Duck soup
(USA) If something is duck soup, it is very easy. Duck to water
If you take to something like a duck to water, you find when you start that you
have a natural affinity for it.
Dull as ditchwater
(UK) If something is as dull as ditchwater, it is incredibly boring. A ditch is a long
narrow hole or trench dug to contain water, which is normally a dark, dirty colour
and stagnant (when water turns a funny colour and starts to smell bad). (In
American English,'things are 'dull as dishwater'.)
Dunkirk spirit
(UK) Dunkirk spirit is when people pull together to get through a very difficult
time.
Dutch auction
If something is sold by setting a price, then reducing it until someone buys it, it is
sold in a Dutch auction. It can also mean that something is changed until it is
accepted by everyone. Dutch courage
Dutch courage is the reckless bravery caused by drinking too much.
Dutch uncle
A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice. Dwell on the past
Thinking too much about the past, so that it becomes a problem is to dwell on the
past.
Dyed in the wool
A person with dyed in the wool beliefs, has very strong opinions that will not be
affected by what others think. Dyed-in-the-wool
If someone is a dyed-in-the-wool supporter of a political party, etc, they support
them totally, without any questions.
Idioms Beginning With 'E'
~ E ~
Each to their own
Differentpeoplehavedifferentpreferences.InAmerican English, 'Each to his own'
is more common. Eager beaver
A person who is extremely keen is an eager beaver. Eagle eyes
Someone who has eagle eyes sees everything; no detail is too small.
Early bath
(UK) If someone has or goes for an early bath, they quit or lose their job or
positionearlierthanexpectedbecausethingshavegone wrong.
Early bird catches the worm
The early bird catches the worm means that if you start something early, you
stand a better chance of success. Easier said than done
If something is easier said than done, it is much more difficult than it sounds. It is
often used when someone advises you to do something difficult and tries to make
it sound easy. Easy as pie
If something is easy as pie, it is very easy indeed. Easy come, easy go
This idiom means that money or other material gains that come without much
effort tend to get spent or consumed as easily.
Eat crow
(USA) If you eat crow, you have to admit that you were wrong about something.
Eat humble pie
Ifsomeoneapologisesandshowsalotofcontritionfor something they have
done,they eat humble pie. Eat like a bird
If someone eats like a bird, they eat very little. Eat like a horse
Someone who eats like a horse, eats a lot. Eat like a pig
If some eats like a pig, they either eat too much or they have bad table manners.
Economical with the truth
(UK) If someone, especially a politician, is economical with the truth, they leave
out information in order to create a false picture of a situation, without actually
lying.
Egg on your face
If someone has egg on their face, they are made to look foolish or embarrassed.
Elbow grease
If something requires elbow grease, it involves a lot of hard physical work.
Elbow room
If you haven't got enough elbow room, you haven't got enough space.
Elephant in the room
An elephant in the room is a problem that everyone knows very well but no one
talks about because it is taboo, embarrassing, etc. Eleventh Hour
If something happens at the eleventh hour, it happens right at the last minute.
Even keel
If something is on an even keel, it is balanced. Even Stevens
If everything is equal between people, they are even Stevens. Every cloud has a silver lining
People sometimes say that every cloud has a silver lining to comfort somebody
who's having problems. They mean that it is always possible to get something
positive out of a situation, no matter how unpleasant, difficult or even painful it
might seem.
Every man for himself
If it's every man for himself, then people are trying to save themselves from a
difficult situation without trying to help anyone else. Every man jack
If every man jack was involved in something, it is an emphatic way of saying that
absolutely everybody was involved. Every Tom, Dick and Harry
If every Tom, Dick and Harry knows about something, then it is coomon
knowledge.
Every trick in the book
If you try every trick in the book, you try every possible way, including dishonesty
and deceit, to get what you want. Explore all avenues
If all avenues are being explored, then every conceivable approach is being tried
that could possibly get the desired result. Eye for an eye
Thisisanexpressionforretributivejustice,wherethe punishment equals the crime. -
word
The F-word is a euphemism for 'fuck'. Face like thunder
If someone has a face like thunder, they are clearly very angry or upset about
something. Face the music
If you have to face the music, you have to accept the negative consequences of
something you have done wrong. Face value
If you take something at face value, you accept the appearance rather than
looking deeper into the matter. Facts of life
When someone is taught the facts of life, they learn about sex and reproduction.
Fair and square
If someone wins something fair and square, they follow the rules and win
conclusively.
Fair crack of the whip
(UK) If everybody has a fair crack of the whip, they all have equal opportunities to
do something.
Fair shake of the whip
(USA) If everybody has a fair shake of the whip, they all have equal opportunities
to do something. Fairweather friend
A fairweather friend is the type who is always there when times are good but
forgets about you when things get difficult or problems crop up.
Fall off the back of a lorry
(UK) If someone tries to sell you something that has fallen of the back of a lorry,
they are trying to sell you stolen goods. Fall on your sword
If someone falls on their sword, they resign or accept the consequences of some
wrongdoing.
Familiarity breeds contempt
This means that the more you know something or someone, the more you start to
find faults and dislike things about it or them. Fast and furious
Thingsthathappenfastandfurioushappenveryquickly without stopping or
pausing. Fat chance!
This idiom is a way of telling someone they have no chance. Fat head
A fat head is a dull, stupid person. Fat hits the fire
When the fat hits the fire, trouble breaks out. Fat of the land
Livingoff thefatof theland meanshavingthebest of everything in life.
Fate worse than death
Describing something as a fate worse than death is a fairly common way of
implying that it is unpleasant. Feather in your cap
A success or achievement that may help you in the future is a feather in your cap.
Fed up to the back teeth
When you are extremely irritated and fed up with something or someone, you are
fed up to the back teeth. Feel at home
Ifyoufeelrelaxedandcomfortablesomewhereorwith someone, you feel at
home. Feel free
If you ask for permission to do something and are told to feel free, the other
person means that there is absolutely no problem Feeling Blue
If you feel blue, you are feeling unwell, mainly associated with depression or
unhappiness.
Feet on the ground
A practical and realistic person has their feet on the ground. Fiddle while Rome burns
If people are fiddling while Rome burns, they are wasting their time on futile things
while problems threaten to destroy them.
Fifth columnist
(UK) A fifth columnist is a member of a subversive organisation who tries to help
an enemy invade.
Fifth wheel
(USA) A fifth wheel is something unneccesary or useless. Fighting chance
If you have a fighting chance, you have a reasonable possibility of success.
Fine tuning
Small adjustments to improve something or to get it working are called fine
tuning.
Fine words butter no parsnips
This idiom means that it's easy to talk, but talk is not action. Finger in the pie
If you have a finger in the pie, you have an interest in something.
Fingers and thumbs
If you are all fingers and thumbs, you are being clumsy and not very skilled with
your hands. Fire away
If you want to ask someone a question and they tell you to fire away, they mean
that you are free to ask what you want. Fire on all cylinders
If something is firing on all cylinders, it is going as well as it could.
First come, first served
This means there will be no preferential treatment and a service will be provided to
those that arrive first. First out of the gate
When someone is first out of the gate, they are the first to do something that
others are trying to do. Fish out of water
If you are placed in a situation that is completely new to you and confuses you,
you are like a fish out of water.
Fishy
If there is something fishy about someone or something, there is something
suspicious; a feeling that there is something wrong, though it isn't clear what it is.
Fit as a fiddle
If you are fit as a fiddle, you are in perfect health. Fit for a king
If something is fit for a king, it is of the very highest quality or standard.
Fit of pique
If someone reacts badly because their pride is hurt, this is a fit of pique.
Fit the bill
If something fits the bill, it is what is required for the task. Flash in the pan
If something is a flash in the pan, it is is very noticeable but doesn't last long, like
mostsingers,whoareverysuccessfulforawhile,then forgotten.
Flat out
If you work flat out, you work as hard and fast as you possibly can.
Fleet of foot
If someone is fleet of foot, they are very quick. Flesh and blood
Your flesh and blood are your blood relatives, especially your immediate family.
Flogging a dead horse
(UK) If someone is trying to convince people to do or feel something without any
hope of succeeding, they're flogging a dead horse. This is used when someone is
tryingtoraiseinterestinanissuethat no-onesupports anymore; beating a dead
horse will not make it do any more work. Flowery speech
Flowery speech is full of lovely words, but may well lack substance.
Fly off the handle
If someone flies off the handle, they get very angry. Fly on the wall
If you are able to see and hear events as they happen, you are a fly on the wall.
Football's a game of two halves
(UK) If something's a game of two halves, it means that it's possible for someone's
fortunes or luck to change and the person who's winning could end up a loser.
For a song
If you buy or sell something for a song, it is very cheap.
For donkey's years
(UK) If people have done something, usually without much if any change, for an
awfully long time, they can be said to have done it for donkey's years.
For kicks
If you do something for kicks, or just for kicks, you do it purely for fun or thrills.
For my money
This idiom means 'in my opinion'. For the time being
For the time being indicatesthat an action or state will continue into the future,
but is temporary. I'm sharing an office for the time being. Forbidden fruit
Something enjoyable that is illegal or immoral is forbidden fruit.
Foregone conclusion
If the result of, say, a football match is a foregone conclusion, then the result is
obvious before the game has even begun.
Forest for the trees
(USA) If someone can't see the forest for the trees, they get so caught up in small
details that they fail to understand the bigger picture. Foul play
Ifthepolicesuspectfoulplay,theythinkacrimewas committed.
Fourth estate
This is an idiomatic way of describing the media, especially the newspapers.
Freudian Slip
If someone makes a Freudian slip, they accidentally use the wrong word, but in
doing so reveal what they are really thinking rather than what they think the other
person wants to hear.
From pillar to post
If something is going from pillar to post, it is moving around in a meaningless way,
from one disaster to another. From rags to riches
Someone who starts life very poor and makes a fortune goes from rags to riches.
From scratch
This idiom means 'from the beginning'. From soup to nuts
If you do something from soup to nuts, you do it from the beginning right to the
very end.
From the horse's mouth
If you hear something from the horse's mouth, you hear it directly from the person
concerned or responsible.
From the sublime to the ridiculous
If something declines considerably in quality or importance, it is said to have gone
from the sublime to the ridiculous. From the word go
Fromthewordgomeansfromtheverybeginningof something.
Full Monty
(UK) If something is the Full Monty, it is the real thing, not reduced in any way.
Full of the joys of spring
If you are full of the joys of spring, you are very happy and full of energy.
Full swing
If a something is in full swing, it is going or doing well. Fullness of time
If something happens in the fullness of time, it will happen when the time is right
and appropriate
'G'
~ G ~
Game plan
A game plane is a strategy. Get along famously
If people get along famously, they have an exceedingly good relationship.
Get on your soapbox
If someone on their soapbox, they hold forth (talk a lot) about a subject they feel
strongly about.
Get out of bed on the wrong side
If you get out of bed on the wrong side, you wake up and start the day in a bad
mood for no real reason. Get the ball rolling
If you get the ball rolling, you start something so that it can start making progress.
Get the green light
If you get the green light to do something, you are given the necessary
permission, authorisation. Get up and go
If someone has lots of et up and go, they are have lots of enthusiasm and energy.
Get your feet wet
If you get your feet wet, you gain your first experience of something.
Get your hands dirty
If you get your hands dirty, you become involved in something where the realities
might compromise your principles. Ghost of a chance
If something or someone hasn't got a ghost of a chance, they have no hope
whatsoever of succeeding. Ghostly presence
You can feel or otherwise sense a ghostly presence, but you cannot do it clearly
only vaguely. Gift of the gab
If someone has the gift of the gab, they speak in a persuasive and interesting way.
Gilded cage
If someone is in a gilded cage, they are trapped and have restricted or no
freedom,buthaveverycomfortablesurroundings-many famous people live in
luxury but cannot walk out of their house alone.
Give it some stick
(UK) If you give something some stick, you put a lot of effort into it.
Give someone a piece of your mind
If you give someone a piece of your mind, you criticise them strongly and angrily.
Give someone stick
(UK) If someone gives you stick, they criticise you or punish you.
Give up the ghost
People give up the ghost when they die. Glutton for punishment
If a person is described as a glutton for punishment, the happily accept jobs and
tasks that most people would try to get out of. A glutton is a person who eats a
lot.
Go against the grain
Apersonwhodoesthingsinanunconventionalmanner, especially if their methods
are not generally approved of, is said to go against the grain.
Such an individual
can be called a maverick. Go awry
If things go awry, they go wrong. Go bust
If a company goes bust, it goes bankrupt. Go Dutch
If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal.
Go pear-shaped
If things have gone wrong, they have gone pear-shaped. Go round in circles
If people are going round in circles, they keep dicussing the same thing without
reaching any agreement or coming to a conclusion.
Go spare
(UK) If you go spare, you lose your temper completely. Go the whole hog
If you go the whole hog, you do something completely or to its limits.
Go with the flow
If you go with the flow, you accept things as they happen and do what everyone
else wants to do. Golden rule
The golden rule is the most essential or fundamental rule associated with
something.
Gone for a burton
(UK) If something's gone for a burton, it has been spoiled or ruined. If a preson
has gone for a burton, they are either in serious trouble or have died.
Gone pear-shaped
(UK) If things have gone pear-shaped they have either gone wrong or produced an
unexpected and unwanted result. Gone to pot
If something has gone to pot, it has gone wrong and doesn't work any more.
Gone to the dogs
If something has gone to the dogs, it has gone badly wrong and lost all the good
things it had. Good antennae
Someone with good antennae is good at detecting things. Good egg
A person who can be relied on is a good egg. Bad egg is the opposite.
Good spell
A spell can mean a fairly or relatively short period of time; you'll hear weather
forecasts predict a dry spell. Sports commentators will say that a sportsperson is
goingthroughagoodspellwhenthey'reperforming consistently better than they
normally do. Good time
If you make good time on a journey, you manage to travel faster than expected.
Good walls make good neighbours
Your relationship with your neighbours depends, among other things, on
respecting one another's privacy. Goody two-shoes
A goody two-shoes is a self-righteous person who makes a great deal of their
virtue.
Grab the bulls by its horns
If you grab (take) the bull by its horns, you deal head-on and directly with a
problem.
Grasp the nettle
(UK) If you grasp the nettle, you deal bravely with a problem. Grass roots
This idioms is often used in politics, where it refers to the ordinary people or
voters. It can be used to mean people at the bottom of a hierarchy.
Grass widow
A grass widow is a woman whose husband is often away on work, leaving her on
her own. Graveyard shift
If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift. Gravy train
If someone is on the gravy train, they have found and easy way to make lots of
money.
Grease monkey
A grease monkey is an idiomatic term for a mechanic. Grease someone's palm
If you grease someone's palm, you bribe them to do something. Greased lightning
If something or someone moves like greased lightning, they move very fast
indeed. Great guns
If something or someone is going great guns, they are doing very well.
Great unwashed
This is a term used for the working class masses. Great white hope
Someone who is expected to be a great success is a great white hope.
Greek to me
If you don't understand something, it's all Greek to you.
Green fingers
(UK) Someone with green fingers has a talent for gardening. Green light
If you are given the green light, you are given approval to do something.
Green thumb
(USA) Someone with a talent for gardening has a green thumb. Green-eyed monster
Thegreen-eyedmonsterisanallegoricalphrasefor somebody's strong jealousy
Greenhorn
A greenhorn or someone who is described simply as green lacks the relevant
experience and knowledge for their job or task Grey area
A grey/gray area is one where there is no clear right or wrong. Grey matter
Grey/gray matter is the human brain.
Grey pound
(UK) In the UK, the grey pound is an idiom for the economic power of elderly
people.
Grin like a Cheshire cat
If someone has a very wide smile, they have a grin like a Cheshire cat.
Guinea-pig
If you are a guinea-pig, you take part in an experiment of some sort and are used
in the testing. Gung Ho
If someone is gung ho about something, they support it blindly and don't think
about the consequences.
Idioms Beginning With 'H'
~ H ~
Hair of the dog
If someone has a hair of the dog, they have an alcoholic drink as a way of getting
rid of a hangover, the unpleasant effects of having drunk too much alcohol the
night before. It is commonly used as a way of excusing having a drink early on in
the day.
Hammer and tongs
If people are going at it hammer and tongs, they are arguing fiercely. The idiom
can also be used hen people are doing something energetically. Hand in glove
If people are hand in glove, they have an extremely close relationship.
Hand to mouth
Someone who's living from hand to mouth, is very poorand needs the little money
they have coming in to cover their expenses. Handwriting like chicken scratch
If your handwriting is very hard to read, it is like chicken scratch.
Hang in the balance
If an outcome is hanging in the balance, there are at least two possibilities and it is
impossible to predict which will win out. Hang out to dry
If you hang someone out to dry, you abandon them when they are in trouble.
Hangdog expression
A hangdog expressionis one where the person's showing their emotions very
clearly, maybe a little too clearly for your liking. It's that mixture of misery and
self-pity that is similar to a dog when it's trying to get something it wants but
daren't take without permission. Hanged for a sheep as a lamb
This is an expression meaning that if you are going to get into trouble for doing
something, then you ought to stop worrying and should try to get everything you
can before you get caught.
Hard cheese
(UK) Hard cheese means hard luck. Hard of hearing
Someone who's hard of hearing is a bit deaf. Hard sell
If someone putsa lot of pressure on you to do or buy something, they are hard
selling it.
Haste makes waste
This idiom means that if you try to do something quickly, without planning it,
you're likely to end up spending more time, money, etc, doing it.
Hat trick
Three successes one after the other is a hat trick. Hatchet job
A piece of criticism that destroys someone's reputation is a hatchet job.
Have a trick up your sleeve
If you have a trick up your sleeve, you have a secret strategy to use when the
time is right. Having a gas
If you're having a gas, you are having a laugh and enjoying yourself in company.
He'll rue the day
He'll rue the day that he crossed me. This means that the person will one day
bitterly regret what they have done. Head is in the clouds
If a person has their head in the clouds, they have unrealistic, impractical ideas.
Head on the block
If someone's head is on the block, they are going to be held responsible and suffer
the consequences for something that has gone wrong. Head over heels in love
When someone falls passionately in love and is intoxicated by the feeling has fallen
head over heels in love. Heads will roll
If headswill roll, people will be punished or sacked for something that has gone
wrong. Headstrong
A headstrong person is obstinate and does not take other people's advice readily.
Hear a pin drop
If there is complete silence in a room, you can hear a pin drop. Heart of gold
Somone with a heart of gold is a genuinely kind and caring person.
Heaven knows
If you ask someone a question and they say this, they have no idea.
Heavenly bodies
The heavenly bodies are the stars. Heavy-handed
If someone is heavy-handed, they are insensitive and use excessive force or
authority when dealing with a problem. Hedge your bets
If you hedge your bets, you don't risk everything on one opportunity, but try more
than one thing. Hell for leather
If you do something hell for leather, especially running, you do it as fast as you
can.
Hell in a handcart
If something is going to hell in a handcart, it is getting worse and worse, with no
hope of stopping the decline. Herding cats
If you have to try to co-ordinate a very difficult situation, where people want to do
very different things, you are herding cats. Here today, gone tomorrow
Money, happiness and other desirable things are often here today, gone tomorrow,
which means that they don't last forever. High-handed
Ifsomeoneishigh-handed,theybehavearrogantlyand pompously.
Hit the fan
When it hits the fan, or, more rudely, the shit hits the fan, serious trouble starts.
Hit the hay
When you hit the hay, you go to bed. Hit the roof
If you lose your temper and get very angry, you hit the roof. Hit the sack
When you hit the sack, you go to bed. Hoist with your own petard
If you are hoist with your own petard, you get into trouble or caught in a trap that
you had set for someone else. Hold all the aces
If you hold all the aces, you have all the advantages and your opponents or rivals
are in a weak position.
Hold the baby
(UK) If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the baby.
Hold the bag
(USA)Ifsomeoneisresponsible forsomething,theyare holding the bag.
Hold your horses
If someone tells you to hold your horses. you are doing something too fast and
they would like you to slow down. Hollow victory
A hollow victory is where someone wins something in name, but are seen not to
have gained anything by winning. Home stretch
The home stretch is the last part of something, like a journey, race or project.
Home, James
(UK) This is a cliched way of telling the driver of a vehicle to start driving. It is
supposed to be an order to a chauffeur (a privately employed driver).
Honest truth
If someone claims that something is the honest truth, they wish to sound extrasincere
about something. Honours are even
If honours are even, then a competition has ended with neither side emerging as a
winner.
Hook, line, and sinker
If somebody accepts or believes something hook, line, and sinker, they accept it
completely.
Hope against hope
If you hope against hope, you hope for something even though there is little or no
chance of your wish being fulfilled. Hope in hell
If something hasn't got a hope in hell, it stands absolutely no chance of
succeeding.
Horns of a dilemma
If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you are faced with two equally unpleasant
options and have to choose one. Horse of a different color
(USA) If something is a horse of a different color, it's a different matter or
separate issue altogether. Horses for courses
Horses for courses means that what is suitable for one person or situation might
be unsuitable for another. Hostile takeover
If a company is bought out when it does not want to be, it is known as a hostile
takeover.
Hot ticket
(USA) A hot ticket is something that is very much in demand at the moment.
Hot water
If you get into hot water, you get into trouble. How come
If you want to show disbelief or surprise about an action, you can ask a question
using 'how come'. How come he got the job? (You can't believe that they gave the
job to somebody like him)
How do you like them apples
(USA) This idiomatic expression is used to express surprise or shock at something
thathashappened.Itcanalsobeusedtoboastabout something you have done.
How long is a piece of string
If someone has no idea of the answer to a question, they can ask 'How long is a
piece of string?' as a way of indicating their ignorance. Hue and cry
Hue and cry is an expression that used to mean all the people who joined in
chasing a criminal or villain. Nowadays, if you do something without hue and cry,
you do it discreetly and without drawing attention.
Idioms Beginning With 'I'
~ I ~
I hereby give notice of my intention
Hereby is used sometimes in formal, official declarations and statements to give
greater force to the speaker' or the writer's affirmation. People will say it
sometimes to emphasise their sincerity and correctness.
I should cocoa
(UK) This idiom means 'I should think so'. I'll eat my hat
You can say this when you are absolutely sure that you are right to let the other
person know that there is no chance of your being wrong. I've got a bone to pick with you
Ifsomebodysaysthis,theymeanthattheyhavesome complaint to make against
the person they are addressing.
If you'll pardon my French
(UK) This idiom is used as a way of apologising for swearing. Ill-gotten gains
Ill-gotten gains are profits or benefits that are made either illegally or unfairly.
In a cleft stick
If you are in a cleft stick, you are in a difficult situation, caught between choices.
In a flash
If something happens in a flash, it happens very quickly indeed.
In a jam
If you are in a jam, you are in some trouble. In a nutshell
This idiom is used to introduce a concise summary. In a pickle
If you are in a pickle, you are in some trouble or a mess. In all honesty
If you saysomethinginallhonesty,youaretelling the complete truth. It can be
used as a way of introducing a negative opinion whilst trying to be polite; in all
honesty, I have to say that I wasn't very impressed. In an instant
If something happens in an instant, it happens very rapidly. In cold blood
If something is done in cold blood, it is done ruthlessly, without any emotion.
In dire straits
If you're in dire straits, you're in serious trouble or difficulties.
In donkey's years
'I haven't seen her in donkey's years.' - This means for a very long time.
In dribs and drabs
If people arrivein dribs and drabs, they come in small groups at irregular intervals,
instead of all arriving at the same time. In for a penny, in for a pound
If something is worth doing then it is a case of iIn for a penny, in for a pound,
which means that when gambling or taking a chance, you might as well go the
whole way and take all the risks, not just some. In my bad books
If you are in someone's bad books, they are angry with you.
Likewise, if you are in
their good books, they are pleased with you. In my book
This idiom means 'in my opinion'. In my good books
If someone is in your good books, you are pleased with or think highly of them at
the momnent.
In over your head
If someone is in over their head, they are out of the depth in something they are
involved in, and may end up in a mess. In stitches
If someone is in stitches, they are laughing uncontrollably. In tandem
If people do things in tandem, they do them at the same time. In the black
If your bank account is in credit, it is in the black.
In the club
(UK) If a woman's in the club, she's pregnant. 'In the pudding club' is an
alternative form. In the dock
If someone is in the dock, they are on trial in court. In the doghouse
If someone is in the doghouse, they are in disgrace and very unpopular at the
moment.
In the family way
If a woman is in the family way, she is pregnant. In the long run
This means 'over a long period of time', 'in the end' or 'in the final result'.
In the offing
If something is in the offing, it is very likely to happen soon. In the pink
If you are in very good health, you are in the pink. In the pipeline
If something's in the pipeline, it hasn't arrived yet but its arrival is expected.
In the red
If your bank account is overdrawn, it is in the red. In the soup
If you're in the soup, you're in trouble. In the swim
If you are in the swim, you are up-to-date with and fully informed about
something.
In the twinkling of an eye
If something happens in the twinkling of an eyeE, it happens very quickly.
In two minds
If you are in two minds about something, you can't decide what to do.
In your face
If someone is in your face, they are direct and confrontational. (It is sometime
written 'in yer face'colloquially) In your sights
If you have someone or something in your sights, they are your target to beat.
Indian file
If people walk in Indian file, they walk in a line one behind the other.
Indian giver
An Indian giver gives something, then tries to take it back. Indian summer
If there is a period of warmer weather in late autumn, it is an Indian summer.
Into thin air
If something vanishes or disappears without trace, it vanishes into thin air; no-one
knows where it has gone. Iron fist
Someone who rules or controls something with an iron fist is in absolute control
and tolerates no dissent. An iron fist in a velvet glove is used to describe someone
who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. 'Mailed fist' is an
alternative form. Irons in the fire
A person who has a few irons in the fire has a number of things working to their
advantage at the same time.
It ain't over till the fat lady sings
This idiom means that until something has officially finished, the result is
uncertain.
It cost an arm and a leg
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive indeed.
It cost the earth
If something costs the earth, it is very expensive indeed. It's no use crying over spilt milk
This idiom means that getting upset after something has gone wrong is pointless;
it can't be changed so it should be accepted. It's six of one and half-a-dozen of the other
This is an idiom used when there is little or no difference between two options.
Ivory tower
People who live in ivory towers are detached from the world around them.
Jack Frost
If everything has frozen in winter, then Jack Frost has visited. Jack-of-all-trades
A jack-of-all-trades is someone that can do many different jobs.
Jane Doe
Jane Doe is a name given to an unidentified female who may be party to legal
proceddings, or to an unidentied person in hospital, or dead.
John Doe is the male equivalent.
Jersey justice
(UK) Jersey justice is very severe justice. Jet-black
To emphasise just how black something is, such as someone's hair, we can call it
jet-black.
Jobs for the boys
Where people give jobs, contracts, etc, to their friends and associates, these are
jobs for the boys. Job’s comforter
Someonewhosaystheywanttocomfort,butactually discomforts people is a Job's
comforter. (Job's is pronounced 'jobes', not 'jobs') Jockey for position
If a number of people want the same opportunity and are struggling to emerge as
the most likely candidate,they are jockeying for position. John Doe
John Doe is a name given to an unidentified male who may be party to legal
proceddings, or to an unidentied person in hospital, or dead.
Jane Doe is the female equivalent.
John Q Public
(USA) John Q Public is the typical, average person. Johnny-come-lately
A Johnny-come-lately is someone who has recently joined something or arrived
somewhere, especially when they want to make changes that are not welcome.
Juggle frogs
If you are juggling frogs, you are trying to do something very difficult.
Jump on the bandwagon
Ifpeoplejumponthebandwagon,theygetinvolvedin something that has
recently become very popular. Jump the gun
If you start something too early, you jump the gun. Jump the gun
If you jump the gun, you start doing something before the appropriate time.
Jump through hoops
If you are prepared to jump through hoops for someone, you are prepared to
make great efforts and sacrifices for them.
Jungle out there
If someone says that it is a jungle out there, they mean that the situation is
dangerours and there are no rules. Jury's out
Ifthejury'soutonanissue,thenthereisnogeneral agreement or consensus on
it.
Just coming up to
If the time is just coming up to nine o'clock, it means that it will be nine o'clock in
a very few seconds. You'll hear them say it on the radio in the morning.
Just deserts
If a bad or evil person gets their just deserts, they get the punishment or suffer
the misfortune that it is felt they deserve. Just in the nick of time
If you do somethingin the nick of time, you just manage to do it just in time, with
seconds to spare. Just off the boat
Ifsomeoneisjustofftheboat,theyarenaiveand inexperienced.
Kangaroo court
When people take the law into their own hands and form courts that are not legal,
these are known as kangaroo court.
Keen as mustard
(UK) If someone is very enthusiatic, they are as keen as mustard.
Keep abreast
Ifyoukeepabreastofthings,youstayinformedabout developments.
Keep at bay
If you keep someone or something at bay, you maintain a safe distance from
them.
Keep body and soul together
If you earn enough to cover your basic expenses, but nothing more than that, you
earn enough to keep body and soul together. Keep mum
If you keep mum about something, you keep quiet and don't tell anyone.
Keep posted
If you keep posted about something, you keep up-to-date with information and
developments.
Keep your chin up
(UK) This expresion is used to tell someone to have confidence. Keep your ear to the ground
If you keep your ear to the ground, you try to keep informed about something,
especially if there are rumours or uncertainties. Keep your eye on the ball
If you keep your eye on the ball, you stay alert and pay close attention to what is
happening.
Keep your hair on
Keep your hair on is advice telling someone to keep calm and not to over-react or
get angry.
Keep your head above water
If you are just managing to survive financially, you are keeping your head above
water.
Keep your nose clean
If someone is trying to keep their Nose Clean, they are trying to stay out of trouble
by not getting involved in any sort of wrong-doing. Keep your pecker up
If someone tells you to keep your pecker up, they are telling you not to let your
problems get on top of you and to try to be optimistic. Keep your shirt on!
This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down. Keep your wig on!
(UK) This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down. Keeping your options open
Is someone's keeping her or his options open, they aren't going to restrict
themselves or rule out any possible course of action. Kettle of fish
A pretty or fine kettle of fish is a difficult problem or situation. Kick in the teeth
Bad news or a sudden disappointment are a kick in the teeth.
Kick something into the long grass
If an issue or problem is kicked into the long grass, it is pushed aside and hidden
in the hope that it will be forgotten or ignored. Kick the bucket
When someone kicks the bucket, they die. Kid gloves
If someone is handled with kid gloves, they are given special treatment and
handled with great care.
Kill two birds with one stone
When you kill two birds with one stone, you resolve two difficulties or matters with
a single action. Kindred spirit
A kindred spirit is someone who feels and thinks the way you do.
Kiss of death
The kiss of death is an action that means failure or ruin for someone, a scheme, a
plan, etc. Kith and kin
Your kith and kin are your family; your next of kin are close relations you
nominate to deal with your affairs in the event of your death on a document, like a
passport.
Knee-jerk reaction
A knee-kerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation.
Know full well
When you know full well, you are absolutely sure that you know.
Know the ropes
Someone who is experienced and knows how the system works know the ropes.
Know which side one's bread is buttered on
If you know which side one's bread is buttered on, you know where your interests
lie and will act accordingly to protect or further them. Know your place
Apersonwhoknowstheirplacedoesn'ttrytoimpose themselves on others.
~ L ~
Labor of love
A labor of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing
it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise. Labour of love
A labour of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in
doing it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise. Lame duck
If something or someone is a lame duck, they are in trouble. Land of nod
If someone has gone to the land of nod, they have fallen asleep or gone to bed.
Lap of the gods
If something is in the lap of the gods, it is beyond our control and fate will decide
the outcome. Larger than life
If something is excessive or exaggerated, it is larger than life. Last hurrah
If an elderly person does something special before they die, it is a last hurrah.
Last straw
The last straw is the final problem that makes someone lose their temper or the
problem that finally brought about the collapse of something. It comes from an
Arabic story, where a camel was loaded with straw until a single straw placed on
the rest of the load broke its back. Last-ditch
A last-ditch attempt is a desperate attempt that will probably fail anyway.
Law unto yourself
If somebody's a law unto themselves, they do what they believe is right regardless
of what is generally accepted as correct. Lay down the law
If someone lays down the law, they tell people what to do and are authoritarian.
Lead someone up the garden path
If someone leads you up the garden path, they deceive you, or give you false
information that causes you to waste your time. 'Lead someone down the garden
path' is also used.
Leave no stone unturned
If you look everywhere to find something, or try everything to achieve something,
you leave no stone unturned. Leave well alone
If you leave something well alone, you keep a safe distance from it, either
physically or metaphorically.
Left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
If the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, then communication
within a company, organisation, group, etc, is so bad that people don't know what
the others are doing. Left in the dark
If you are left in the dark about something, you aren't given the information that
you should have.
Legend in your own lunchtime
Somebody who becomes a legend in their own lifetime acquires fame, but often
only to a select or specialist audience, while they are still alive. Let bygones be bygones
If people decide to let bygones be bygones, they decide to forget old problems or
grievances they have with each other. Let sleeping dogs lie
If someone is told to let sleeping dogs lie, it means that they shouldn't disturb a
situation as it would result in trouble or complications. Let the cat out of the bag
If you accidentally reveal a secret, you let the cat out of the bag.
Let the devil take the hindmost
This idiom means that you should think of yourself and not be concerned about
other people; look after yourself and let the devil take the hindmost.
Level playing field
If there's a level playing field everybody is treated equally. Lie through your teeth
Someone who is always lying, regardless of what people know, lies through their
teeth.
Light years ahead
If you are light years ahead of others, you are a long way in front of them in terms
of development, success, etc. Lightning rod
Someone or something that attracts a lot of negative comment, often diverting
attention from other probolems, is a lightning rod. Like a beached whale
Once a whale is on a beach, it cannot get back into the easily, so if you are
completely stuck somewhere and can't get away, you are stranded like a beached
whale.
Like a cat that got the cream
If someone looks very pleased with themselves and happy, they look like a cat that
got the cream.
Like a duck to water
If someone has a natural talent for something and enjoys it, they take to it like a
duck to water.
Like a fish needs a bicycle
If someone needs something like a Fish Needs a Bicycle, they do not need it at all,
originally a feminist slogan: A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.
Like a fish out of water
If someone feels like a fish out of water, they are very uncomfortable in the
situation they are in.
Like a rat deserting a sinking ship
If people leave a company because they know that it's about to have serious
problems, or turn their back on a person about to be in a similar situation, they are
said to be like rats deserting a sinking ship. Like lambs to the slaughter
Ifsomebodydoessomethingunpleasantwithoutany resistance, they go like lambs
to the slaughter.
Like taking candy from a baby
(USA) If something is like taking candy from a baby, it is very easy to do.
Like the clappers
If something is going like the clappers, it is going very fast. Like there's no tomorrow
If you do something like there's no tomorrow, you do it fast or energetically.
Lily-livered
Someone who is lily-livered is a coward. Lines of communication
Lines of communication are the routes used to communicate by people or groups
whoareinconflict;agovernmentmightopenlinesof communication with
terrorists if it wished to negotiate with them. Lip service
When people pay lip service to something, they express their respect, but they
don't act on their words, so the respect is hollow and empty. Live wire
A person who is very active, both mentally and physically, is a live wire.
Loan shark
A loan shark lends money at very high rates of interest. Lock the stable door after the horse has bolted
If someone takes action too late, they do this; there is no reason to lock an empty
stable.
Lock, stock and barrel
This is an expressions that means 'everything'; if someone buys a company lock,
stock and barrel, they buy absolutely everything to do with the company.
Long in the tooth
If someone is long in the tooth, they are a bit too old to do something.
Long time no see
Long time no see means that the speaker has not seen that person for a long time.
Look after number 1
You are number one, so this idiom menas that you should think about yourself
first, rather than worrying about other people.
Look before you leap
This idiom means that you should think carefully about the possible results or
consequences before doing something. Look out for number one
If you look out for number one, you take care of yourself and your interests, rather
than those of other people. Lose the plot
If someone loses the plot, they have stopped being rational about something.
Lose your lunch
(UK) If you lose your lunch, you vomit. Lose your marbles
If someone has lost their marbles, they've gone mad. Lower the bar
If people change the standards required to make things easier, they lower the bar.
Lower your sights
If you lower your sights, you accept something that is less than you were hoping
for.
Luck of the draw
To have the 'Luck of the draw' is to win something in a competition where the
winner is chosen purely by chance.
Idioms Beginning With 'M'
~ M ~
Mad as a badger
If someone is as mad as a badger, they are crazy.
Mad as a hornet
(USA) If someone is as mad as a hornet, they are very angry indeed.
Mad as a March hare
Someone who is excitable and unpredictable is as mad as a March hare.
Mailed fist
Someone who rules or controls something with a mailed fist is in absolute control
and tolerates no dissent. A mailed fist in a velvet glove is used to describe
someone who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. 'Iron fist'
is an alternative form.
Major league
Something major league is very important. Make a killing
If you make a killing, you do something that makes you a lot of money.
Make a mint
If someone is making a mint, they are making a lot of money. Make a monkey of someone
If you make a monkey of someone, you make them look foolish.
Make a mountain out of a molehill
Ifsomebodymakesamountainoutofamolehill,they exagerate the importance or
seriousness of a problem. Make a pitch
If you make a pitch for something, you make a bid, offer or other attempt to get it.
Make a request
If you request something, or make a request, you are asking for something you
want or need. Make an enquiry
If you make an enquiry, you ask for general information about something.
Make bets in a burning house
(USA) If people are making bets in a burning house, they are engaged in futile
activity,whileseriousproblemsaroundthemaregetting worse.
Make ends meet
If somebody finds it hard to make ends meet, they have problems living on the
money they earn. Make hay
If you make hay, or may hay while the sun shines, you take advantage of an
opportunity as soon as it arises and do not waste time. Make headway
If you make headway, you make progress. Make no bones about it
If somebody make no bones about a scandal in their past, they are open and
honest about it and show no shame or embarrassment. Make waves
If someone makes waves, they cause a lot of trouble. Make your blood boil
If something makes your blood boil, it makes you very angry. Make your hair stand on end
If something makes your hair stand on end, it terrifies you. Man in the street
The man in the street is an idiom to describe ordinary people, especially when
talking about their opinions and ideas. Man of letters
A man of letters is someone who is an expert in the arts and literature, and often a
writer too. Man of means
A man, or woman, of means is wealthy. Man of straw
A weak person that can easily be beaten of changed is a man of straw.
Man of the cloth
A man of the cloth is a priest. Man's best friend
This is an idiomatic term for dogs. Man's man
A man's man is a man who does things enjoyed by men and is respected by other
men.
Mark my words
Mark my wordsisan expression used to lend an air of seriousness to what the
speaker is about to say when talking about the future. You often hear drunks say it
before they deliver some particularly spurious nonsense. Marked man
A marked man is a person who is being targetted by people who want to do them
harm or cause them trouble. Matter of life and death
If something is a matter of life and death, it is extremely important.
Mealy-mouthed
A mealy-mouthed person doesn't say what they mean clearly. Meet someone halfway
If you meet someone halfway, you accept some of their ideas and make
concessions.
Meet your expectations
If something doesn't meet your expectations, it means that it wasn't as good as
you had thought it was going to be; a disappointment. Meet your match
If you meet your match, you meet a person who is at least as good if not better
than you are at something. Memory like a sieve
If somebody can't retain things for long in his or her memory and quickly forgets,
he or she has a memory like a sieve. A sieve has lots of tiny holes in it to let
liquids out while keeping the solids inside.
Memory like an elephant
'An elephant never forgets' is a saying, so if a person has a memory like an
elephant, he or she has a very good memory indeed. Mickey Mouse
If something is Mickey Mouse, it is intellectually trivial or not of a very high
standard. Midas touch
If someone has the Midas touch, they make a lot of money out of any scheme they
try.
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow Big or great things start very small. Millstone round your neck
A millstone around your neck is a problem that prevents you from doing what you
want to do. Mind the gap
Mind the gap is an instruction used on the Underground in the UK to warn
passengers to be careful when leaving the tube or train as there is quite a distance
between the train and the platform. Mind Your P's and Q's
If you are careful about the way you behave and are polite, you mind Your P's and
Q's.
Mint condition
If something is in mint condition, it is in perfect condition. Misery guts
A misery guts is a person who's always unhappy and tries to make others feel
negative.
Miss is as good as a mile
A miss is as good as a mile means that if you fail, even by the smallest margin, it
is still a failure. Miss the boat
If you miss the boat, you are too late to take advantage of an opportunity.
Money laundering
If people launder money, they get money made illegally into the mainstream so
that it is believed to be legitimate and clean. Money to burn
If someone is very rich, they have money to burn. Monkey business
If children get up to monkey business, they are behaving naughtily or
mischievously. This is the same as MONKEYING AROUND. Moot point
If something's a moot point, there's some disagreement about it; a debatable
point.
More haste, less speed
The faster you try to do something, the more likely you are to make mistakes that
make you take longer than it would had you planned it. More than one string to their bow
A person who has more than one string to their bow has different talents or skills
to fall back on. Move the goalposts
When people move the goalposts, they change the standards required for
something to their advantage. Mover and shaker
A person who is a mover and shaker is a highly-respected, key figure in their
particular area with a lot of influence and importance. Mud in your eye
This is a way of saying 'cheers' when you are about to drink something, normally
alcohol.
Mud-slinging
If someone is mud-slinging, they are insulting someone and trying to damage that
person's reputation. Muddy the waters
If somebeodymuddiesthewaters,heorshemakesthe situation more complex or
less clear.
Music to my ears
If something someone says is music to your ears, it is exactly what you had
wanted to hear.
Mutton dressed as lamb
Mutton dressed as lamb is term for middle-aged or elderly people trying to look
younger.
My hands are full
If your hands are full, you have so much to do that you cannot take on any more
work, responsibilities and so on. My hands are tied
If your hands are tied, you are unable to act for some reason. Nature abhors a vacuum
This idiom is used to express the idea that empty or unfilled spaces are unnatural
as they go against the laws of nature and physics. Neck and neck
If two competitors or candidates, etc, are neck and neck, then they are very close
and neither is clearly winning. Neck of the woods
If someone talks about their neck of the woods, they mean the area where they
live.
Needle in a haystack
If trying to find something is like looking for a needle in a haystack, it means that
it is very difficult, if not impossible to find among everything around it.
Neither fish nor fowl
Something or someone that is neither fish nor fowl doesn't really fit into any one
group. Nest egg
If you have some money saved for the future, it is a nest egg. Never a rose without the prick
This means that good things always have something bad as well; like the thorns on
the stem of a rose. New blood
If something needs new blood, it has become stale and needs new ideas or people
to invigorate it.
New brush sweeps clean
'A new brush sweeps clean' means that someone with a new perspective can make
great changes. However, the full version is 'a new brush sweeps clean, but an old
brush knows the corners', which warns that experience is also a valuable thing.
Sometimes 'broom' is used instead of 'brush'. New lease of life
If someone finds new enthusiasm and energy for something, they have a new
lease of life.
New man
(UK) A New man is a man who believes in complete equality of the sexes and
shares domestic work equally.
New York minute
(USA) If something happens in a New York minute, it happens very fast.
Newfangled
People who don't like new methods, technologies, etc, describe them as
newfangled, which means new but not as good or nice as the old ones.
Nick of time
If you do something in the nick of time, you do it at the very last minute or
second.
Nip it in the bud
If you nip something in the bud, you deal with a problem when it is still small,
before it can grow into something serious. Nitty gritty
If people get down to the nitty gritty, they concentrate on the most important and
serious issues. No bed of roses
If something isn't a bed of roses, it is difficult. No can do
No can do means that the speaker can't do whatever it is that has been asked of
him or her.
No great shakes
If someone is no great shakes at something, they are not very good at it.
No holds barred
If there are no holds barred, there are no rules of conduct; you can do anything.
No ifs or buts
Ifs and Buts is a term used to describe the reasons people give for not wanting to
do something. To show that you don't wish to accept any excuses, you can tell
somebody that you wish to hear no ifs or buts Here IF & BUT have become nouns
No love lost
If there is no love lost between two people they have a strong enmity towards or
hate for the other and make no effort to conceal it. No quarter
This means without mercy. We can say no quarter given or asked.
No question
This idiom means that something is certain or definite. No questions asked
If something is to be done and no questions asked, then it doesn't matter what
methods are used or what rules are broken to ensure that it gets done.
No spring chicken
If someone is no spring chicken, they aren't very young. No time for
If you have no time for an activity, you have absolutely no desire to spend or
waste any time doing it. You can have no time for people, too.
No time like the present
If people say that there's no time like the present , they believe that it is far better
to do something now than to leave it for later, in which case it might never get
done.
No time to lose
Ifthere'snotimetolose,thenit'stimetogetstarted otherwise it won't be
finished on time. Not all there
If someone isn't all there, they are a little bit stupid or crazy.
Not cricket
(UK) If something is not cricket, it is unfair. Not enough room to swing a cat
If a room is very small, you can say that there isn't enough room to swing a cat in
it.
Not much cop
Describing a film or something as not much cop is a way of saying that you didn't
think much of it. Not my cup of tea
If something is not your cup of tea, you don't like it very much. Not to be sneezed at
If something is not to be sneezed at, it should be taken seriously.
Notch on your belt
A success or achievement that might help you in the future is a notch on your belt.
Number cruncher
A number cruncher is an accountant or someone who is very good at dealing with
numbers and calculations. Odds and ends
Odds and ends are small, remnant articles and things- the same as bits and bobs.
Off colour
If someone looks off colour/color, they look ill. Off the chart
If something goes off the chart, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or bad,
for something. Off the cuff
If you do something off the cuff, you do it without any preparation.
Off the hook
If someone is off the hook, they have avoided punishment or criticism for
something they have done. Off the rails
If someone has gone off the rails, they have lost track of reality.
Off the scale
If something goes off the scale, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or bad,
for something. Off the wall
Something that is off the wall is unconventional.
Off your rocker
(UK) Someone who is off their rocker is crazy. Off-hand
Off-hand means without preparation. People say that they don't know the answer
off-hand, meaning that they don't know it at that time. Old hat
If something's old hat, it seems rather old fashioned and dated. Oldest trick in the book
The oldest trick in the book is a well-known way of deceiving someone, though still
effective. Olive branch
If you hold out or offer an olive branch, you make a gesture to indicate that you
want peace.
On a fishing expedition
If someone is on a fishing expedition, they are trying to get information, often
using incorrect or improper ways to find things out.
On Carey Street
(UK) If someone is on Carey Street, they are heavily in debt or have gone
bankrupt. On hold
If something is on hold, no action is being taken. On ice
If plans are put on ice, they are delayed and no action will be taken for the
foreseeable future. On tenterhooks
This means that she is waiting impatiently and excitedly for something.
On the blink
(UK) Is a machine is on the blink, it isn't working properly or is out of order.
On the blower
(UK) If someone is on the blower, they are on the phone. On the case
If someone is on the case, they are dealing with a problem. On the dot
If someone says that they're leaving at seven on the dot, don't be late; they mean
at exactly seven o'clock.
On the fiddle
(UK) Someone who is stealing money from work is on the fiddle, especially if they
are doig it by fraud. On the fly
If you do things on the fly, you do things without preparation, responding to
events as they happen.
On the game
(UK) A person who is on the game works as a prostitute. On the ground
Events on the ground are where things are actually happening, not at a distance.
On the level
If someone is honest and trustworthy, they are on the level. On the map
If a place becomes widely known, it is put on the map. A place that remains
unknown is off the map.
On the never-never
(UK) If you buy something on the never-never, you buy it on long-term credit.
On the nod
Someone who has taken a lot of drugs and is barely conscious is on the nod.
On the right foot
If you start something or set off on the right foot, you get off to a good start.
On the shelf
If something like a project is on the shelf, nothing is being done about it at the
moment. On the sly
If someone does something on the sly, they do it furtively or secretly.
On the stump
When politicians are campaigning for support and votes, they are on the stump.
On the take
(UK) Someone who is stealing from work is on the take. On the tip of your tongue
If a word is on the tip of your tongue, you know you know the word, but you just
can't quite remember it at the moment.
On the trot
(UK) This idiom means 'consecutively'; I'd saw them three days on the trot, which
means that I saw them on three consecutive days. On the up and up
If you are on the up and up, you are making very good progress in life and doing
well.
On the wagon
If someone is on the wagon, they have stopped drinking alcohol.
On top of the world
If you are on top of the world, everything is going well for you. On your high horse
When someone is on their high horse, they are being inflexible, arrogant and will
not make any compromises. On your last legs
If someone's on their last legs, they're close to dying. Once bitten, twice shy
If somebody is said to be once bitten twice shy, it means that someone who has
been hurt or who has had something go wrong will be far more careful the next
time.
One bad apple
The full form of this proverb is 'one bad apple spoils the barrel', meaning that a
bad person, policy, etc, can ruin everything around it.
One fell swoop
If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity,
usually swiftly and ruthlessly.
One man's meat is another man's poison
This idiom means that one person can like something very much, but another can
hate it.
One over the eight
(UK) Someone who is one over the eight is drunk. One-man band
If one person does all the work or has all the responsibility somewhere, then they
are a one-man band. One-off
A one-off event only happens once and will not be repeated. Open all hours
If a shop or suchlike is open all hours, it only closes, if at all, terribly late.
Open book
If a person is an open book, it is easy to know what they think or how they feel
about things.
Opening a can of worms
If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems
and is, on balance, probably going to cause more trouble than it's worth.
Opportunity knocks but once
This idiom means that you only get one chance to achieve what you really want to
do.
Out and about
If someone is out and about, they have left their home and are getting things done
that they need to do. Out like a light
If you are out like a light, you fall fast asleep. Out of pocket
If you are out of pocket on a deal, you have lost money. Out of sight, out of mind
Out of sight, out of mind is used to suggest that someone will not think or worry
about something if it isn't directly visible or available to them.
Out of sorts
If you are feeling a bit upset and depressed, you are out of sorts.
Out of the blue
If something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and unexpectedly.
Out of the frying pan, into the fire
If you get out of one problem, but find yourself in a worse situation, you are out of
the frying pan, into the fire. Out to lunch
If someone's out to lunch, they are crazy or out of touch. Over a barrel
If someone has you over a barrel, they have you in a position where you have no
choice but to accept what they want. Over the Counter
Medicinesand drugsthat can be sold without a doctor's prescription are sold over
the counter. Over the moon
If you are over the moon about something, you are overjoyed. Over your head
If something is over your head, or goes over your head, it is too complex or
difficult for you to understand. Pain in the neck
If someone is very annoying and always disturbing you, they are a pain in the
neck. Pain in the butt, or pain in the ass (USA), and Pain in the arse (UK) are less
polite alternative forms. Paint the town red
If you go out for a night out with lots of fun and drinking, you paint the town red.
Paint yourself into a corner
(USA) If someone paints themselves into a corner, they get themselves into a
mess. Paper tiger
A paper tiger is a person, country, institution, etc, that looks powerful, but is
actually weak. Par for the course
If something is par for the course, it is what you expected it would be. If it is
above par, it is better, and if it is below par, it is worse. Parrot fashion
If you learn something parrot fashion, you learn it word for word. A parrot is a bird
from South America that can talk. Part and parcel
If something is part and parcel of your job, say, it is an essential and unavoidable
part that has to be accepted. Pass muster
If something passes muster, it meets the required standard. Pass the buck
If you pass the buck, you avoid taking responsibility by saying that someone else
is responsible.
Pass the time of day
If you pass the time of day with somebody, you stop and say hello, enquire how
they are and other such acts of social politeness. Pay on the nail
If you pay on the nail, you pay promptly in cash. Pay through the nose
If you pay through the nose for something, you pay a very high price for it.
Pecking order
The pecking order is the order of importance or rank. Peeping Tom
A peeping Tom is someone who likes spy on people when they are naked or having
sex: a voyeur.
Pen is mightier than the sword
The idiom 'the pen is mightier than the sword' means that words and
communication are more powerful than wars and fighting. Penny wise, pound foolish
Someone who is penny wise, pound foolish can be very careful or mean with small
amounts of money, yet wasteful and extravagant with large sums.
Perfidious Albion
England is known to some as perfidious Albion, implying that it is not trustworthy
in its dealings with foreigners. Perish the thought
Perish the thought is an expression meaning that you really hope something will
not happen. Pick up the tab
A person who pays for everyone picks up the tab. Pie in the sky
If an idea or scheme is pie in the sky, it is utterly impractical. Piece of cake
If something is a piece of cake, it is really easy. Pig in a poke
If someone buys a pig in a poke, they buy something without checking the
conditionit wasin, usually finding out later that it was defective.
Pigs might fly
If you think something will never happen or succeed, you can say that 'pigs might
fly' (or 'pigs can fly' and 'pigs will fly'- the idiom is used in many forms)
Pin money
(UK) If you work for pin money, you work not because you need to but because it
gives you money for extra little luxuries and treats.
Pink pound
(UK) In the UK, the pink pound is an idiom for the economic power of gay people.
Pipe dream
A pipe dream is an unrealistic, impractical idea or scheme. Piping hot
If food is piping hot, it is very hot indeed.
Plain as a pikestaff
(UK) If something is as plain as a pikestaff, it is very clear. Plain as the nose on your face
If something is as plain as the nose on your face, it is very clear and obvious.
Plain sailing
If something is relatively easy and there are no problems doing it, it is plain
sailing. Plastic Smile
When someone is wearing a plastic smile, they are appear to be happier with a
situation or events than they actually are. This is actually a description of the
forced smile you might see in many photographs. Play hardball
If someone plays hardball, they are very agressive in trying to achieve their aim.
Play havoc
Playinghavocwithsomethingiscreatingdisorderand confusion; computer viruses
can play havoc with your programs. Play it by ear
If you play it by ear, you don't have a plan of action, but decide what to do as
events take shape. Play second fiddle
If you play second fiddle, you take a subordinate role behind someone more
important. Pointy-heads
Pointy-heads are supposed intellectuals or experts, but who don't really know that
much.
Pop your clogs
When someone pops their clogs, they die. Pork barrel
Pork barrel politics involves investing money in an area to get political support
rather than using the money for the common good. Pot-luck
If you take pot-luck, you take whatever happens to be available at the time.
Powder your nose
If somebody goes to powder your nose, it is a euphemism for going to the lavatory
(toilet). Powers that Be
The Powers that Be are the people who are in charge of something.
Primrose path
The primrose path is an easy and pleasurable lifestyle, but one that ends in
unpleasantness and problems. Proclaim it from the rooftops
If something is proclaimed from the rooftops, it is made as widely known and as
public as possible. Prodigal son
A prodigal son is a young man who wastes a lot on money on a lavish lifestyle. If
the prodigal son returns, they return to a better way of living. Pull in the reins
When you pull in the reins, you slow down or stop something that has been a bit
out of control. Pull no punches
If you pull no punches, you hold nothing back. Pull someone's leg
If you pull someone's leg, you tease them, but not maliciously. Pull strings
If you pull strings, you use contacts you have got to help you get what you want.
Pull the other one, it's got brass bells on
This idiom is way of telling somebody that you don't believe them. The word 'brass'
is optional.
Pull the wool over someone's eyes
If you pull the wool over someone's eyes, you deceive or cheat them.
Pull up your socks
If you aren't satified with someone and want them to do better, you can tell them
to pull up their socks. Pull your finger out!
If someone tells you to do this, they want you to hurry up. Pull your punches
If you pull your punches, you don't do something as hard as you could, or don't
criticise someone as much as you could. Pull your weight
If someone is not pulling their weight, they aren't making enough effort, especially
in group work. Punching bag
A punching bag (or punch bag) is a person who gets a lot of unfair criticism.
Pup's chance
A pup's chance is no chance.
Push the envelope
Thismeanstogotothelimits,todosomethingtothe maximum possible.
Pushing up the daisies
If someone is said to be pushing up the daisies, they are dead. Put all your eggs in one basket
If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk everything on a single opportunity
which, like eggs breaking, could go wrong. Put or get someone's back up
If you put or get someone's back up, you annoy them. Put somebody's nose out of joint
If you put someone's nose out of joint, you irritate them or make them angry with
you.
Put your foot down
When someone puts their foot down, they make a firm stand and establish their
authority on an issue. Put your foot in it
Ifyouputyourfootinit,youdoorsaysomething embarrassing and tactless or
get yourself into trouble. Putting the cart before the horse
Whenyouputthecartbeforethehorse,youaredoing something the wrong way
round.
Pyrrhic victory
A Pyrrhic victory is one that causes the victor to suffer so much to achieve it that it
isn't worth winning.
Idioms Beginning With 'Q'
~ Q ~
Queen of Hearts
A woman who is pre-eminent in her area is a Queen of Hearts.
Queer fish
(UK) A strange person is a queer fish. Queer Street
If someone is in a lot of trouble, especially financial, they are in Queer Street.
Queer your pitch
If someone queers your pitch, they interfere in your affairs and spoil things.
Queue jumping
Someone who goes to the front of a queue instead of waiting is jumping the
queue.
Quick as a flash
If something happens quick as a flash, it happens very fast indeed.
Quick buck
If you make some money easily, you make a quick buck. Quick on the trigger
Someone who is quick on the trigger acts or responds quickly.
Quids in
(UK) If somebody is quids in, they stand to make a lot of money from something.
Quiet as a mouse
If someone's as quiet as a mouse, they make absolutely no noise
Rack and ruin
If something or someone goes to rack and ruin, they are utterly destroyed or
wrecked. Rags to riches
Someone who starts life very poor and becomes rich, goes from rags to riches.
Raining cats and dogs
When it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining very heavily. Rainy day
If you save something, especially money, for a rainy day, you save it for some
possible problem or trouble in the future.
Raise Cain
(USA) If someone raises Cain, they make a big fuss publicly, causing a
disturbance.
Rather you than me
Rather you than me is an expression used when someone has something
unpleasant or arduous to do. It is meant in a good natured way of expressing both
sympathy and having a bit of a laugh at their expense. Raw deal
If you get a raw deal, you are treated unfairly. Read someone the riot act
If you read someone the riot act, you give them a clear warning that if they don't
stop doing something, they will be in serious trouble. Real trooper
A real trooper is someone who will fight for what they believe in and doesn't give
up easily.
Recipe for disaster
A recipe for disaster is a mixture of people and events that could only possibly
result in trouble. Red herring
If something is a distraction from the real issues, it is a red herring.
Red letter day
A red letter day is a one of good luck, when something special happens to you.
Red light district
The red light district is the area of a town or city where there is prostitution, sex
shops, etc. Red mist
If someone sees red or the red mist, they lose their temper and self-control
completely.
Red rag to a bull
If something is a red rag to a bull, it is something that will inevitably make
somebody angry or cross. Red tape
Thisisanegativetermfortheofficialpaperworkand bureaucracy that we have to
deal with. Reinvent the wheel
If someone reinvents the wheel, they waste their time doing something that has
already been done by other people, when they could be doing something more
worthwhile.
Rest is gravy
(USA) If the rest is gravy, it is easy and straightforward once you have reached
that stage.
Rest on your laurels
If someone rests on their laurels, they rely on their past achievements, rather than
trying to achieve things now. Revenge is sweet
When you are happy to be proved right, then you know that revenge is sweet.
Rewrite history
If you rewrite history, you change your version of past events so as to make
yourself look better than you would if the truth was told. Rice missionary
A rice missionary gives food to hungry people as a way of converting them to
Christianity. Rich as Croesus
Someone who is as rich as Croesus is very wealthy indeed. Right as rain
If things are right as rain, then everything is going well in your life.
Right royal
(UK) A right royal night out would be an extremely exciting, memorable and fun
one.
Ring a bell
If something rings a bell, it reminds you of something you have heard before,
though you may not be able to remember it very well. A name may ring a bell, so
you know you have heard the name before, but cannot place it properly.
Ringside seat
If you have a ringside seat, you can observe something from a very close and clear
position.
Rob Peter to pay Paul
If you rob Peter to pay Paul, you try to solve one problem, but create another in
doing so, often through short-term planning. Rock the boat
If you rock the boat, you destabilise a situation by making trouble. It is often used
as advice; 'Don't rock the boat'. Rocket science
If something is not rocket science, it is not very complicated or difficult to
understand. This idiom is normally used in the negative.
Rolling in the aisles
If the audience watching something are laughing loudly, the show has them rolling
in the aisles.
Rome was not built in a day
This idiom means that many things cannot be done instantly, and require time and
patience.
Rooted to the spot
If someone is rooted to the spot, they canot move, either physically or they cannot
think their way out of a problem. Rough diamond
A rough diamond is a person who might be a bit rude but who is good underneath
it all.
Rough-hewn
If something, especially something made from wood or stone, is rough-hewn, it is
unfinished or unpolished. Round the bend
If someone has gone round the bend, they have stopped being rational about
something. If something drives you round the bend, it irritates you or makes you
angry.
Round the houses
If you go round the houses, you do something in an inefficient way when there is a
quicker, more convenient way. Rub someone up the wrong way
If you annoy or irritate someone when you didn't mean to, you rub them up the
wrong way.
Ruffle a few feathers
If you ruffle a few feathers, you annoy some people when making changes or
improvements. Rule of thumb
Rule of thumb means approximately. Run before you can walk
If someone tries to run before they can walk, they try to do something requiring a
high level of knowledge before they have learned the basics.
Run circles around someone
If you can run circles around someone, you are smarter and intellectually quicker
than they are. Run out of gas
If a campaign, project, etc, runs out of gas, it loses energy and momentum, and
progress slows or halts. Run rings around someone
If you run rings around someone, you are so much better than them that they
have no chance of keeping up with you. Run the gauntlet
If somebody is being criticised harshly by a lot of people, they are said to run the
gauntlet.
Run the show
If someone runs the show, they like to be in control and make all the decisions.
Run-of-the-mill
If something is run-of-the-mill, there is nothing exceptional about it- it is ordinary
or average. Running on empty
If you are exhausted but keep going, you are running on empty.
~ S ~
Sacred cow
Something that is a sacred cow is held in such respect that it cannot be criticised
or attacked. Safe and sound
If you arrive safe and sound, then nothing has harmed you on your way.
Safe bet
A proposition that is a safe bet doesn't have any risks attached. Safe pair of hands
A person who can be trusted to do something without causing any trouble is a safe
pair of hands.
Sail close to the wind
If you sail close to the wind, you take risks to do something, going close to the
limit of what is allowed or acceptable.
Sail under false colours
Someone who sails under false colours (colors) is hypocritical or pretends to be
something they aren't in order to deceive people. Salad days
Your salad days are an especially happy period of your life. Salt of the earth
People who are salt of the earth are decent, dependable and unpretentious.
Save face
Ifsomeonesavesface,theymanagetoprotecttheir reputation.
Save someone's bacon
If something saves your bacon, it saves your life or rescues you from a desperate
situation. People can also save your bacon. Save your skin
If someone saves their skin, they manage to avoid getting into serious trouble.
Saved by the bell
If you are saved by the bell, you are rescued from a danger or a tricky situation
just in time. Saving grace
Ifsomeonehassomecharacterdefects,buthasa characteristic that compensate
for their failings and shortcomings, this is their saving grace. Say when
People say this when pouring a drink as a way of telling you to tell them when
there's enough in your glass. Say-so
If you do something on someone else's say-so, you do it on the authority, advice
or recomendation.
Scales fall from your eyes
When the scales fall from your eyes, you suddenly realise the truth about
something. Scarlet woman
Thisidiomisusedasapejorativetermforasexually promiscuous woman,
especially an adulteress. Scent blood
If you can scent blood, you feel that a rival is having difficulties and you are going
to beat them. Scraping the barrel
When all the best people, things or ideas and so on are used up and people try to
make do with what they have left, they are scraping the barrel. Scream blue murder
If somone shouts very loudly in anger, or fear, they scream blue murder.
Screw loose
If someone has a screw loose, they are crazy. Searching question
A searching question goes straight to the heart of the subject matter, possibly
requiring an answer with a degree of honesty that the other person finds
uncomfortable. Second wind
Ifyouovercometirednessandfindnewenergyand enthusiasm, you have second
wind.
See the light
When someone sees the light, they realise the truth. Seen better days
If something's seen better days, it has aged badly and visibly compared to when it
was new. The phrase can also be used to describe people. Sell down the river
If you sell someone down the river, you betray their trust. Sell like hot cakes
If a product is selling very well, it is selling like hot cakes. Sell your birthright for a mess of pottage
If a person sells their birthright for a mess of pottage, they accept some trivial
financialorothergain,butlosesomethingmuchmore important. 'Sell your soul
for a mess of pottage' is an alternative form. Sell your soul
If someone sells their soul, their betray the most precious beliefs.
Send someone to Coventry
(UK) If you send someone to Coventry, you refuse to talk to them or co-operate
with them.
Separate the sheep from the goats
If you separate the sheep from the goats, you sort out the good from the bad.
Separate the wheat from the chaff
When you separate the wheat from the chaff, you select what is useful or valuable
and reject what is useless or worthless. Set in stone
If something is set in stone, it cannot be changed or altered. Set the wheels in motion
When you set the wheels in motion, you get something started. Set your sights on
If you set your sights on someone or something, it is your ambition to beat them
or to achieve that goal. Seven sheets to the wind
If someone is seven sheets to the wind, they are very drunk. Seventh heaven
If you are in seventh heaven, you are extremely happy. Shades of meaning
Shades of meaning is a phrase used to describe the small, subtle differences in
meaning between similar words or phrases; 'kid' and 'youth' both refer to young
people, but carry differing views and ideas about young people. Shake a leg
If you shake a leg, you are out of bed and active.
Shanks's pony
(UK) If you go somewhere by Shanks's pony, you walk there. Sharp cookie
Someone who isn't easily deceived or fooled is a sharp cookie. Shifting sands
If the sands are shifting, circumstances are changing. Shilly-shally
If people shilly-shally, they can't make up their minds about something and put off
the decision.
Shipshape and Bristol fashion
If things are shipshape and Bristol fashion, they are in perfect working order.
Shoestring
If you do something on a shoestring, you try to spend the absolute minimum
amount of money possible on it. Shoot yourself in the foot
If you shoot yourself in the foot, you do something that damages your ambition,
career, etc. Short Shrift
If somebody gives you short shrift, they treat you rudely and brusquely, showing
no interest or sympathy. Shot in the dark
If you have a shot in the dark at something, you try something where you have
little hope of success. Sick as a dog
If somebody's as sick as a dog, they throw up (=vomit) violently.
Sick as a parrot
If someone's sick as a parrot about something, they are unhappy, disappointed or
depressed about it. Sick to death
If you are sick to death of something, you have been exposed to so much of it that
you cannot take any more. Sight to behold
If something is a sight to behold, it means that seeing it is in some way special,
either spectacularly beautiful or, equally, incredibly ugly or revolting, etc.
Silly season
The silly season is midsummer when Parliament is closed and nothing much is
happening that is newsworthy, which reduces the press to reporting trivial and
stupid stories. Silver surfer
A silver surfer is an elderly person who uses the internet. Since time immemorial
If something has happened since time immemorialL, it's been going on for such a
long time that nobody can remember a time without it. Sitting duck
A sitting duck is something or someone that is easy to criticise or target.
Sixes and sevens
If something is all at sixes and sevens, then there is a lot of disagreement and
confusion about what should be done. Sixty-four-thousand-dollar-question
The sixty-four-thousand-dollar-question is the most important question that can be
asked about something. Skeleton in the closet
If someone has a skeleton in the closet, they have a dark, shameful secret in their
past that they want to remain secret. Sleep like a baby
If you sleep very well, you sleep like a baby. Sleight of hand
Sleight of hand is the ability to use your hands in a clever way, like a magician
performing tricks you can't see. Slim chance
A slim chance is a very small chance. Slippery customer
A person from whom it is difficult to get anything definite or fixed is a slippery
customer. Slippery slope
A slippery slope is where a measure would lead to further worse measures.
Slough of despond
If someone is very depressed or in despair, they're in a slough of despond.
Small beer
If something is small beer, it's unimportant. Small fry
If someone is small fry, they are unimportant. The term is often used when the
police arrest the less important criminals, but are unable to catch the leaders and
masterminds. Smart Alec
A smart Alec is a conceited person who likes to show off how clever and
knowledgeable they are. Smell a rat
If you smell a rat, you know instinctively that something is wrong or that someone
is lying to you. Smoke like a chimney
Someone who smokes very heavily smokes like a chimney. Smoke the peace pipe
If people smoke the peace pipe, they stop arguing and fighting. Smokestack industry
Heavy industries like iron and steel production, especially if they produce a lot of
pollution, are smokestack industries. Smoking gun
A smoking gun is definitive proof of someone's guilt. Smooth as a baby's bottom
If something is smooth as a baby's bottom, it has a regular, flat surface.
Snake in the grass
Someone who is a snake in the grass betrays you even though you have trusted
them.
Snake oil salesperson
A person who promotes something that doesn't work, is selling snake oil.
So on and so forth
And so on and so forth mean the same as etcetera (etc.). Sod's law
Sod's law states that if something can go wrong then it will. Soft soap someone
If you soft soap someone, you flatter them. Some other time
If somebody says they'll do something some other time, they mean at some
indefinite time in the future, possibly never, but they certainly don't want to feel
obliged to fix a specific time or date. Something nasty in the woodshed
Something nasty in the woodshed means that someone as a dark secret or an
unpleasant experience in their past. Sound as a bell
If something or someone is as sound as a bell, they are very healthy or in very
good condition. Spanner in the works
(UK) If someone puts or throws a spanner in the works, they ruin a plan. In
American English, 'wrench' is used instead of 'spanner'. Speak of the devil!
If you are talking about someone and they happen to walk in, you can use this
idiom as a way of letting them know you were talking about them.
Spend a penny
(UK) This is a euphemistic idiom meaning to go to the toilet. Spend like a sailor
Someone who spends their money wildly spends like a sailor. Spick and span
If a room is spick and span, it is very clean and tidy. Spill the beans
If you spill the beans, you reveal a secret or confess to something.
Spinning a line
When someone spins you a line, they are trying to deceive you by lying.
Spinning a yarn
When someone spins you a yarn, they are trying to deceive you by lying.
Spirit of the law
The spirit of the law is the idea or ideas that the people who made the law wanted
to have effect. Spit blood
If someone is spitting blood, they are absolutely furious. Spitting image
If a person is the spitting image of somebody, they look exactly alike.
Split hairs
If people split hairs, they concentrate on tiny and unimportant details to find fault
with something.
Square Mile
(UK) The Square Mile is the City, the financial area of London. Square peg in a round hole
If somebody's in a situation, organisation, etc, where they don't fit in and feel out
of place, they are a square peg in a round hole. Stand in good stead
If something will stand you in good stead, it will probably be advantageous in the
future.
Stars and stripes
The stars and stripes is the American flag. Stars in your eyes
Someone who dreams of being famous has stars in their eyes. State of the art
If something is state of the art, it is the most up-to-date model incorporating the
latest and best technology. Status quo
Someone who wants to preserve the status quo wants a particular situation to
remain unchanged. Steal someone's thunder
If someone steals your thunder, they take the credit and praise for something you
did.
Steer clear of
If you steer clear of something, you avoid it. Stem the tide
If people try to stem the tide, they are trying to stop something unpleasant from
getting worse, usually when they don't succeed. Stick out like a sore thumb
If something sticks or stands out like a sore thumb, it is clearly and obviously
different from the things that are around it. Stick to your guns
If you stick to your guns, you keep your position even though people attack or
criticise you. Stick-in-the-mud
A stick-in-the-mud is someone who doesn't like change and wants things to stay
the same. Sticking point
A sticking point is a controversial issue that blocks progress in negotiations, etc,
where compromise is unlikely or impossible.
Sticky wicket
(UK) If you are on a sticky wicket, you are in a difficult situation.
Stiff upper lip
(UK) If you keep your emotions to yourself and don't let others know how you feel
when something bad happens, you keep a stiff upper lip. Stiff-necked
A stiff-necked person is rather formal and finds it hard to relax in company.
Still in the game
If someone is still in the game, they may be having troubles competing, but they
are not yet finished and may come back. Stitch in time saves nine
A stitch in time saves nine means that if a job needs doing it is better to do it now,
because it will only get worse, like a hole in clothes that requires stitching.
Stone dead
This idiom is a way of emphasing that there were absolutely no signs of life.
Storm in a teacup
If someone exaggerates a problem or makes a small problem seem far greater
than it really is, then they are making a storm in a teacup. Straw that broke the camel's back
The straw that broke the camel's back is the problem that made you lose your
temper or the problem that finally brought about the collapse of something.
Streets ahead
If people are streets ahead of their rivals, they are a long way in front.
Stroll down memory lane
If you take a stroll down memory lane, you talk about the past or revisit places
that were important to you in the past. Strong as an ox
Someone who's exceedingly strong physically is said to be as strong as an ox.
Stubborn as a mule
Someone who will not listen to other people's advice and won't change their way of
doing things is as stubborn as a mule. Sure as eggs is eggs
These means absolutely certain, and we do say 'is' even though it is grammatically
wrong. Swansong
Aperson'sswansongistheirfinalachievementor public appearance.
Swear like a sailor
Someone who is foul-mouthed and uses bad language all the time, swears like a
sailor.
Swear like a trooper
Someone who is foul-mouthed and uses bad language all the time, swears like a
trooper. Sweat blood
If you sweat blood, you make an extraordinary effort to achieve something.
Sweep things under the carpet
If people try to ignore unpleasant things and forget about them, they sweep them
under the carpet. Swim against the tide
If you swim against the tide, you try to do something that is very difficult because
there is a lot of opposition to you. Swim with the fishes
Ifsomeoneisswimmingwiththefishes, theyaredead, especially if they have
been murdered. 'Sleep with the fishes' is an alternative form. Swimmingly
If things are going swimmingly, they are going very well.
~ T ~
Take a leaf out of someone's book
If you take a leaf out of someone's book, you copy something they do because it
will help you. Take a straw poll
If you take a straw poll, you sound a number of people out to see their opinions on
an issue or topic. Take it on the chin
If you take something on the chin, something bad happens to you and you take it
directly without fuss.
Take someone down a peg
If someone is taken down a peg (or taken down a peg or two), they lose status in
the eyes of others because of something they have done wrong or badly.
Take someone for a ride
If you are taken for a ride, you are deceived by someone. Take someone to the woodshed
If someone is taken to the woodshed, they are punished for something they have
done.
Take the bull by its horns
Taking a bull by its horns would be the most direct but also the most dangerous
way to try to compete with such an animal. When we use the phrase in everyday
talk, we mean that the person we are talking about tackles their problems directly
and is not worried about any risks involved. Take the rough with the smooth
People say that you have to take the rough with the smooth, meaning that you
have to be prepared to accept the disadvantages as well of the advantages of
something. Taken as read
If something can be taken as read, it is so definite that it's not necessary to talk
about it.
Talk of the town
When everybody is talking about particular people and events, they are he talk of
the town.
Talk out of the back of your head
If someone is talking out of the back of their head, they are talking rubbish.
Talk out of your hat
If someone is talking out of their hat, they're talking utter rubbish, especially if
compounded with total ignorance of the subject on which they are pontifcating.
Talk shop
If you talk shop, you talk about work matters, especially if you do this outside
work.
Talk the hind legs off a donkey
A person who is excessively or extremely talkative can talk the hind legs off a
donkey. Tall order
Something that is likely to be hard to achieve or fulfil is a tall order.
Tall story
A tall story is one that is untrue and unbelievable. Tally ho!
(UK) This is an exclamation used for encouragement before doing something
difficult or dangerous. Taste blood
If someone has tasted blood, they have achieved something and are encouraged
to think that victory is within their grasp. Teething problems
The problems that a project has when it's starting are the teething problems.
That is the way the cookie crumbles
"That's the way the cookie crumbles" means that things don't always turn out the
way we want.
The ball's in your court
If somebody says this to you, they mean that it's up to you to decide or take the
next step.
The be all and end all
The phrase 'The be all and end all' means that a something is the final, or ultimate
outcome or result of a situation or event. The common weal
If something is done for the common weal, it is done in the interests and for the
benefit of the majority or the general public. The grass is always greener
This idiom means that what other people have or do looks preferable to our life.
The complete phrase is 'The grass is always greener on the other side of the
fence'.
The more the merrier
The more the merrier means that the greater the quantity or the bigger the
number of something, the happier the speaker will be. The penny dropped
Whenthepennydrops,someonebelatedlyunderstands something that everyone
else has long since understood. The sands of time
The sands of time is an idiom meaning that time runs out either through
something reaching an end or through a person's death. It comes from the sand
used in hourglasses, an ancient way of measuring time. The short straw
If you take the short straw, you lose a selection process, which means that you
have to do something unpleasant. The world and his wife
If the world and his wife were somewhere, then huge numbers of people were
present.
Their bark is worse than their bite
If someone's bark is worse than their bite, they get angry and shout and make threats, but don't actually do anything.
There are many ways to skin a cat
This is an expression meaning there are many different ways of doing the same
thing.
There's no such thing as a free lunch
This idiom means that you don't get things for free, so if something appears to be free, there's a catch and you'll have to pay in some way.
There's the rub
The meaning of this idiom is 'that's the problem'.
Thick and fast
If things are happening thick and fast, they are happening so fast they seemed to be joined together.
Thick as thieves
If people are thick as thieves, they are very close friends who have no secrets from each other.
Thick-skinned
If a person is thick-skinned, they are not affected by critisism.
Thin as a rake
A rake is a garden tool with a long, thin, wooden handle, so someone very thin is thin as a rake.
Thin end of the wedge
The thin end of the wedge is something small and seemingly unimportant that will lead to something much bigger and more serious.
Thin line
If there's a thin line between things, it's hard to distinguish them- there's a thin line between love and hate.
Thin-skinned
If somebody is thin-skinned, they are very sensitive to any sort of criticism.
Think the world of
To hold something or someone in very high esteem. To love or admire immensely.
Those who live by the sword die by the sword
This means that violent people will be treated violently themselves.
Three sheets to the wind
If someone is three sheets to the wind, they are drunk.
Thrilled to bits
If you are thrilled to bits, you are extremely pleased or excited about something.
Through thick and thin
If a friend helps you through thick and thin, they help you through the good and the bad times, regardless of the difficulties and circumstances.
Through thick and thin
If someone supports you through thick and thin, they support you during good times and bad.
Throw a sickie
If you pretend to be ill to take a day off work or school, you throw a sickie.
Throw down the gauntlet
Throw down the gauntlet is to issue a challenge to somebody.
Throw in the towel
If you throw in the towel, you admit that you are defeated or cannot do something.
Throw someone to the wolves
If someone is thrown to the wolves, they are abandoned and have to face trouble without any support.
Throw the baby out with the bath-water
If you get rid of useful things when discarding inessential things, you throw the baby out with the bath-water.
Throw the book at someone
If you throw the book at someone, you punish them as severely as possible.
Thumbs down & thumbs up
If something gets the thumbs up, it gets approval, while the thumbs down means disapproval.
Tie the knot
When people tie the knot, they get married.
Tight ship
If you run a tight ship, you control something strictly and don't allow people much freedom of action.
Tighten your belt
If you have to tighten your belt, you have to economise.
Till you're blue in the face
If you do something till you're blue in the face, you do it repeatedly without achieving the desired result until you're incredibly frustrated.
Tilt at windmills
A person who tilts at windmills, tries to do things that will never work in practice.
Time of your life
If you're having the time of your life, you are enjoying yourself very much indeed.
Time-honoured practice
A time-honoured practice is atraditional way of doing something that has become almost universally accepted as the most appropriate or suitable way.
Tip of the iceberg
The tip of the iceberg is the part of a problem that can be seen, with far more serious problems lying underneath.
Tipping point
Small changes may have little effect until they build up to critical mass, then the next small change may suddenly change everything. this is the tipping point.
Tired and emotional
(UK)Thisidiomisaeuphemismusedtomean'drunk', especially when talking about politicians.
To a fault
If something does something to a fault, they do it excessively. So someone who is generous to a fault is too generous.
To a man
If a group of people does, believes, thinks, etc, something to a man, then they all do it.
To a T
If something is done to a T, it is done perfectly.
To err is human, to forgive divine
This idiom is used when someone has done something wrong, suggesting that they should be forgiven.
To little avail
If something is to little avail, it means that, despite great efforts, something ended in failure, but taking comfort from the knowledge that nothing else could have been done to avert or avoid the result.
To the end of time
To the end of time is an extravagant way of saying 'forever'.
To the ends of the earth
If someone will go to the ends of the earth for something, no distance is too great for them they are so determined to get it.
Toe the line
If someone toes the line, they follow and respect the rules and regulations.
Tomorrow's another day
This means that things might turn out better or that there might be another opportunity in the future.
Toot you own horn
If someone toot their own horn, they like to boast about their achievements.
Top dog
The most important or influential person is the top dog.
Top notch
If something is top notch, it's excellent, of the highest quality or standard.
Touch wood
If someone says 'Touch wood' before they do something, they are wishing for good luck.
Touch-and-go
If something is touch-and-go, it is very uncertain; if someone is ill and may well die, then it is touch-and-go.
Tough cookie
A tough cookie is a person who will do everything necessary to achieve what they
want.
Tread the boards
When someone treads the boards, they perform on stage in a theatre.
Tread water
If someone is treading water, they are making no progress.
Tried and tested
If a method has been tried and tested, it is known to work or be effective because it has been successfully used long enough to be trusted.
True blue
A person who is true blue is loyal and dependable, someone who can be relied on in all circumstances.
Truth will out
Truth will out means that, given time, the facts of a case will emerge no matter how people might try to conceal them.
Turf war
If people or organisations are fighting for control of something, it is a turf war.
Turn the other cheek
If you turn the other cheek, you are humble and do not retaliate or get outwardly angry when someone offends or hurts you, in fact, you give them the opportunity to re-offend instead and compound their unpleasantness.
Twenty-four seven
Twenty-four seven or 24/7 means all the time, coming from 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Twinkling of an eye
If something happens in the twinkling of an eye, it happens very quickly.
Two left feet
A person with two left feet can't dance.
Two-faced
Someone who is two-faced will say one thing to your face and another when you're not there.
U-turn
If a government changes its position radically on an issue, especially when they have promised not to do so, this is a U-turn.
Ugly duckling
An ugly duckling is a child who shows little promise, but who develops later into a real talent or beauty.
Uncharted waters
If you're in uncharted waters, you are in a situation that is unfamiliar to you, that you have no experience of and don't know what might happen.
Uncle Sam
(USA) Uncle Sam is the government of the USA.
Under a cloud
If someone is suspected of having done something wrong, they are under a cloud.
Under false colours
If someone does something under false colours/colors, they pretend to be something they are not in order to deceive people so that they can succeed.
Under fire
If someone is being attacked and cricised heavily, they are under fire.
Under the table
Bribes or illegal payments are often described as money under the table.
Under the weather
If you are feeling a bit ill, sad or lack energy, you are under the weather.
Under the wire
(USA) If a person does something under the wire, they do it at the last possible moment.
Under your breath
If you say something under your breath, you whisper or say it very quietly.
Under your nose
If something happens right in front of you, especially if it is surprising or audacious, it happens under your nose.
Unwavering loyalty
Unwavering loyalty does not question or doubt the person or issue and supports them completely.
Up in the air
If a matter is up in the air, no decision has been made and there is uncertainty about it.
Up sticks
(UK)If you up sticks,you leave somewhere,usually permanently and without warning- he upped sticks and went to work abroad.
Up the ante
If you up the ante, you increase the importance or value of something, especially where there's an element of risk as the term comes from gambling, where it means to increase the stake (the amount of money bet).
Up the creek
If someone or something is up the creek, they are in real trouble. 'Up the creek without a paddle' is an alternative, and 'up shit creek (without a paddle)' is a ruder form.
Up the duff
(UK) If a woman is up the duff, she's pregant.
Up the spout
(UK) If something has gone up the spout, it has gone wrong or been ruined.
Up the stick
(UK) If a woman is up the stick, she's pregant.
Up the wall
If someone goes up the wall, they get very angry.
Up to scratch
If something doesn't come up to scratch, it doesn't meet the standard required or
expected.
Up to snuff
If something isn't up to snuff, it doesn't meet the standard expected.
Up to speed
If you bring someone up to speed, you update them on something.
Up to the neck
If someone's in something up to the neck, they are very involved in it, especially when it's something wrong.
Upper crust
The upper crust are the upper classes and the establishment.
Upper hand
If you have the upper hand, you have the advantage.
Upset the apple cart
If you upset the apple cart, you cause trouble and upset people.
~ V ~
Vale of tears
This vale of tears is the world and the suffering that life brings.
Velvet glove
This idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is determined and inflexible underneath.
Vicar of Bray
(UK) A person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray.
Vicious circle
A vicious circle is a sequence of events that make each other worse- someone drinks because they are unhappy at work, then loses their job...
Virgin territory
If something is virgin territory, it hasn't been explored before.
Waiting in the wings
If someone is waiting in the wings, or in the wings, they are in the background, but nearby, ready to act on short notice.
Walk on eggshells
If you have to walk on eggshells when with someone, you have to be very careful because they get angry or offended very easily.
Wallflower
A woman politician given an unimportant government position so that the government canpretendit takes women seriously is a wallflower.
Warpath
If someone is on the warpath, they are very angry about something and will do anything to get things sorted the way they want.
Warts and all
If you like someone warts and all, you like them with all their faults.
Wash your hands of something
If you wash your hands of something, you disassociate yourself and accept no responsibility for what will happen.
Waste not, want not
If you don't waste things, you are less likely to end up lacking.
Watching paint dry
If something is like watching paint dry, it is really boring.
Water off a duck's back
If criticism or something similar is like water off a duck's back to somebody, they aren't affected by it in the slightest.
Water over the dam
(USA) If something has happened and cannot be changed, it is water over the dam.
Water under the bridge
Ifsomethingbelongstothepastandisn'timportantor troubling any more, it is water under the bridge.
Watering hole
(UK) A watering hole is a pub.
Wear sackcloth and ashes
If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes.
Weather a storm
If you weather a storm, you get through a crisis or hard times.
Wet behind the ears
Someone who is wet behind the ears is either very young or inexperienced.
Wet blanket
A wet blanket is someone who tries to spoil other people's fun.
What will be will be
The expression what will be will be is used to describe the notion that fate will decide the outcome of a course of events, even if action is taken to try to alter it.
What's your take on that?
This idiom is way of asking someone for their opinion and ideas.
What's good for the goose is good for the gander
This idiom means that the sexes should be treated the same way and not be subjected to different standards.
When in Rome, do as the Romans
This idiom means that when you are visiting a different place or culture, you should try to follow their customs and practices.
Where the rubber meets the road
(USA) Where the rubber meets the road is the most important point for something, the moment of truth. An athlete can train all day, but the race is where the rubber meets the road and they'll know how good they really are.
Where there's a will, there's a way
This idiom means that if people really want to do something, they will manage to find a way of doing it.
Whet your appetite
If something whet your appetite, it interests you and makes you want more of it.
Which came first the chicken or the egg?
This idiomatic expression is used when it is not clear who or what caused something.
While the cat's away, the mouse will play
People whose behaviour is strictly controlled go over the top when the authority is not around, which is why most teenagers have parties when their parents have gone on holiday. The parents are the scary authority figures, but the cat's away and the kids are the mice partying and enjoying their freedom.
White as a sheet
A bad shock can make somebody go as white as a sheet.
White elephant
A white elephant is an expensive burden; something that costs far too much money to run, like the Millennium Dome in the UK.
Who wears the pants?
(USA) The person who wears the pants in a relationship is the dominant person who controls things.
Who wears the trousers?
(UK) The person who wears the trousers in a relationship is the dominant person who controls things.
Wide berth
If you give someone a wide berth, you keep yourself well away from them because they are dangerous.
Wide of the mark
If you are wide of the mark, you are either wrong or not close to understanding it.
Will-o’-the-wisp
Something that deceives by its appearance is a will-o’-the- wisp; it looks good, but turns out to be a disappointment.
Win by a nose
If somebody wins by a nose, they only just beat the others.
Window dressing
If something is done to pretend to be dealing with an issue or problem, rather than actually dealing with it, it is window dressing.
Winner takes all
If everything goes to the winner, as in an election, the the winner takes all.
With a heavy hand
If someone does something with a heavy hand, they do it in a strict way, exerting a lot of control.
With child
(UK) If a woman's with child, she's pregnant.
Wither on the vine
If something withers on the vine, it fails to get the intended result, doesn't come to fruition.
Wolf in sheep's clothing
A wolf in sheep's clothing is something dangerous that looks quite safe and innocent.
Wood for the trees
(UK) If someone can't see the wood for the trees, they get so caught up in small details that they fail to understand the bigger picture.
Word of mouth
If something becomes known by word of mouth, it is because people are talking about it, not through publicity, etc.
Word of the law
The word of the law means that the law is interpreted in an absolutely literal way which goes against the ideas that the lawmakers had wished to implement.
Words fail me
If words fail you, you can't find the words to express what you are trying to say.
Work like a dog
If you work like a dog, you work very hard.
Work your fingers to the bone
If you work your fingers to the bone, you work extremely hard on something.
Work your socks off
If you work your socks off, you work very hard.
World at your feet
Ifeverythingisgoingwellandthefuturelooksfullof opportunity, you have the world at your feet.
World is your oyster
When the world is your oyster, you are getting everything you want from life.
Worm information
If you worm information out of somebody, you persuade them to tell you something they wanted to keep from you.
Worm's eye view
A worm's eye view of something is the view from below, either physically or socially.
Worse for wear
If something's worse for wear, it has been used for a long time and, consequently, isn't in very good condition. A person worse for wear is usually drunk.
Worse things happen at sea
This idiomatic expression is used as a way of telling someone not to worry so much about their problems.
Wouldn't touch it with a bargepole
(UK) If you wouldn't touch something with a bargepole, you would not consider being involved under any circumstances. (In American English, people say they wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole)
Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole
(USA) If you wouldn't touch something with a ten-foot pole, you would not consider being involved under any circumstances. (In British English, people say they wouldn't touch it with a bargepole)
Wrench in the works
(USA) If someone puts or throws a wrench, or monkey wrench, in the works, they ruin a plan. In British English, 'spanner' is used instead of 'wrench'.
Writ large
If something is writ large, it is emphasised or highlighted.
Writing on the wall
If the writing's on the wall for something, it is doomed to fail.
Written all over your face
If someone has done something wrong or secret, but cannot hide it in their expression, it is written all over their face.
Wrong end of the stick
If someone has got the wwrong end of the stick, they have misunderstood what someone has said to them.
Wrong foot
If you start something on the wrong foot, you start badly.
X factor
The dangers for people in the military that civilians do not face, for which they receive payment, are known as the X factor.
X marks the spot
This is used to say where something is located or hidden.
X-rated
If something is x-rated, it is not suitable for children.
Beginning With 'Y'
~ Y ~
Yah boo sucks
Yah boo & yah boo sucks can be used to show that you have no sympathy with someone.
Yellow press
The yellow press is a term for the popular and sensationalist newspapers.
Yellow streak
If someone has a yellow streak, they are cowardly about something.
Yellow-bellied
A yellow-bellied person is a coward.
Yen
If you have a yen to do something, you have a desire to do it.
Yes-man
Someone who always agress with people in authority is a yes- man.
Yesterday's man or Yesterday's woman
Someone, especially a politician or celebrity, whose career is over or on the decline is yesterday's man or woman.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink
This idiom means you can offer something to someone, like good advice, but you cannot make them take it.
You can say that again
If you want to agree strongly with what someone has said, you can say 'You can say that again' as a way of doing so.
You can't have your cake and eat it
This idiom means that you can't have things both ways. For example, you can't have very low taxes and a high standard of state care.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
If something isn't very good to start with, you can't do much to improve it.
You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs
This idiom means that in order to achieve something or make progress, there are often losers in the process.
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
This idiom means that if you do something for me, I'll return the favour.
You what?
This is a very colloquial way of expressing surprise or disbelief at something you have heard. It can also be used to ask someone to say something again.
Young blood
Young people with new ideas and fresh approaches are young blood.
Young Turk
A Young Turk is a young person who is rebellious and difficult to control in a company, team or organisation.
Your name is mud
If someone's name is mud, then they have a bad reputation.
Zero hour
The time when something important is to begin is zero hour.
Zero tolerance
If the police have a zero tolerance policy, they will not overlook any crime, no matter how small or trivial.
 |
| Concise Dictionary of English Idioms with Meaning Free Online |
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