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IDIOM DICTIONARY

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~IDIOM DICTIONARY~

~ A ~

-A bit much

If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.

-A chain is no stronger than its weakest link

This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the

weakest person or part can always damage or break them.

-A day late and a dollar short

(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.

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 fool at 40 is a fool forever

If someone hasn't matured by the time they reach forty, they never will.

A hitch in your giddy-up

If you have a hitch in your giddy-up, you're not feeling well. ('A hitch in your

gittie-up' is also used.)

A lick and a promise

If you give something a lick and a promise, you do it hurriedly, most often

incompletely, intending to return to it later.

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 little learning is a dangerous thing

A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert

than they really are.eg. he said he'd done a course on home electrics, but when

he tried to mend my table lamp, he fused all the lights! I think a little learning is

a dangerous thing

A long row to hoe

Something that is a long row to hoe is a difficult task that takes a long time.

A lost ball in the high weeds

A lost ball in the high weeds is someone who does not know what they are doing,

where they are or how to do something.

A OK

If things are A OK, they are absolutely fine.

A penny for your thoughts

This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about.

A penny saved is a penny earned

This means that we shouldn't spend or waste money, but try to save it.

A picture is worth a thousand words

A picture can often get a message across much better than the best verbal

description.

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.

A pretty penny

If something costs a pretty penny, it is very expensive.

A problem shared is a problem halved

If you talk about your problems, it will make you feel better.

A rising tide lifts all boats

This idiom, coined by John F Kennedy, describes the idea that when an economy

is performing well, all people will benefit from it.

A rolling stone gathers no moss

People say this to mean that that an ambitious person is more successful than a

person not trying to achieve anything. Originally it meant the opposite and was

critical of people trying to get ahead.

A slice off a cut loaf is never missed

Used colloquially to describe having sexual intercourse with someone who is not

a virgin, especially when they are in a relationship. The analogy refers to a loaf

of bread; it is not readily apparent, once the end has been removed, exactly how

many slices have been taken.('You never miss a slice from a cut loaf' is also

used.)

A steal

If something is a steal, it costs much less than it is really worth.

A still tongue keeps a wise head

Wise people don't talk much.

A watched pot never boils

Some things work out in their own time, so being impatient and constantly

checking will just make things seem longer.

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.

Abject lesson

(India) An abject lesson serves as a warning to others. (In some varieties of

English 'object lesson' is used.)

About as useful as a chocolate teapot

Someone or something that is of no practical use is about as useful as a

chocolate teapot.

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.

Above par

Better than average or normal

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

This idiom means that when people are apart, their love grows stronger.

Accident waiting to happen

If something is an accident waiting to happen, there's definitely going to be an

accident or it's bound to go wrong. ('Disaster waiting to happen' is also used.)

Ace in the hole

An ace in the hole is something other people are not aware of that can be used

to your advantage when the time is right.

Ace up your sleeve

If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something that will give you an

advantage that other people don't know about.

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.

Across the ditch

(NZ) This idiom means on the other side of the Tasman Sea, used to refer to

Australia or New Zealand depending on the speaker's location.

Across the pond

(UK) This idiom means on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, used to refer to

the US or the UK depending on the speaker's location.

Act of God

An act of God is something like an earthquake or floods that human beings

cannot prevent or control.

Act of war

An act of war is a action that is either intended to start a war or that is

interpreted as being sufficient cause for a war.

Actions speak louder than words

This idiom means that what people actually do is more important than what they

say- people can promise things but then fail to deliver.

Adam's apple

The Adam's apple is a bulge in the throat, mostly seen in men.

Add fuel to the fire

If people add fuel to the fire, they make a bad situation worse.

Add insult to injury

When people add insult to injury, they make a bad situation even worse.

After your own heart

A person after your own heart thinks the same way as you.

Against the clock

If you do something against the clock, you are rushed and have very little time to

do it.

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.

Age before beauty

When this idiom is used, it is a way of allowing an older person to do something

first, though often in a slightly sarcastic way.

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.

Ahead of time

If something happens ahead of time, it happens early or before the set time.

Air your dirty laundry in public

If you air your dirty laundry in public, you reveal aspects of your private life that

should really remain private, by telling a secret, arguing in public, etc.

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.

Alike as two peas

If people or things are as alike as two peas, they are identical.

Alive and kicking

If something is active and doing well, it is alive and kicking. (It can be used for

people too.)

All along

If you have known or suspected something all along, then you have felt this from

the beginning.

All and sundry

This idiom is a way of emphasising 'all', like saying 'each and every one'.

All bark and no bite

When someone talks tough but really isn't, they are all bark and no bite.

All bets are off

(USA) If all bets are off, then agreements that have been made no longer apply.

All dressed up and nowhere to go

You're prepared for something that isn't going to happen.

All ears

If someone says they're all ears, they are very interested in hearing about

something.

All eyes on me

If all eyes are on someone, then everyone is paying attention to them.

All fingers and thumbs

If you're all fingers and thumbs, you are too excited or clumsy to do something

properly that requires manual dexterity. 'All thumbs' is an alternative form of the

idiom.

All hat, no cattle

(USA) When someone talks big, but cannot back it up, they are all hat, no

cattle.('Big hat, no cattle' is also used.)

All heart

Someone who is all heart is very kind and generous.

All hell broke loose

When all hell breaks loose, there is chaos, confusion and trouble.

All in a day's work

If something is all in a day's work, it is nothing special.

All in your head

If something is all in your head, you have imagined it and it is not real.

All mod cons

If something has all mod cons, it has all the best and most desirable features. It

is an abbreviation of 'modern convenience' that was used in house adverts.

All mouth and trousers

(UK) Someone who's all mouth and trousers talks or boasts a lot but doesn't

deliver. 'All mouth and no trousers' is also used, though this is a corruption of

the original.

All my eye and Peggy Martin

(UK) An idiom that appears to have gone out of use but was prevalent in the

English north Midlands of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire from at least

the turn of the 20th century until the early 1950s or so. The idiom's meaning is

literally something said or written that is unbelievable, rumor, over embellished,

the result of malicious village gossip etc.

All of the above

This idiom can be used to mean everything that has been said or written,

especially all the choices or possibilities.

All over bar the shouting

When something is all over bar the shouting, the outcome is absolutely

certain.('All over but the shouting' is also used.)

All over the map

(USA) If something like a discussion is all over the map, it doesn't stick to the

main topic and goes off on tangents.

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 over the show

If something is all over the show, it's in a complete mess.An alternative to 'All

over the shop'.

All roads lead to Rome

This means that there can be many different ways of doing something.

All set

If you're all set, you are ready for something.

All sixes

If something is all sixes, it doesn't matter how it's done; it's the same as 'six of

one and half a dozen of the other'.

All skin and bone

If a person is very underweight, they are all skin and bone, or bones.

All square

If something is all square, nobody has an advantage or is ahead of the others.

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 that glitters is not gold

This means that appearances can be deceptive and things that look or sound

valuable can be worthless. ('All that glistens is not gold' is an alternative.)

All the rage

If something's all the rage, it is very popular or fashionable at the moment.

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.

All your eggs in one basket

If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk everything at once, instead of

trying to spread the risk. (This is often used as a negative imperative- 'Don't put

all your eggs in one basket'. 'Have your eggs in one basket' is also used.)

All's fair in love and war

This idiom is used to say that where there is conflict, people can be expected to

behave in a more vicious way.

All's well that ends well

If the end result is good, then everything is good.

All-singing, all-dancing

If something's all-singing, all-dancing, it is the latest version with the most up-to-

date features.

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 apple a day keeps the doctor away

Eating healthy food keeps you healthy.

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.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

This expression means that is is better to try to avoid problems in the first place,

rather than trying to fix them once they arise.

And all that jazz

This idiom means that everything related or similar is included.

Angry as a bear

If someone is as angry as a bear, they are very angry.('Angry as a bear with a

sore foot' is also used.)

Angry as a bull

If someone is as angry as a bull, they are very angry.

Answers on a postcard

This idiom can be used to suggest that the answer to something is very obvious

or that the person would really like to hear what people think.

Ants in your pants

If someone has ants in their pants, they are agitated or excited about something

and can't keep still.

Any port in a storm

This means that in an emergency any solution will do, even one that would

normally be unacceptable.

Any Tom, Dick or Harry

If something could be done by any Tom, Dick or Harry, it could be done by

absolutely anyone.

Apple of your eye

Something or, more often, someone that is very special to you is the 'apple of

your' eye.

Apple pie order

Everything is in perfect order and tidy if it is in apple pie order.

Apples and oranges

Tis used when people compare or describe two totally different things. ('Apples

to oranges' is also used.)

Apples for apples

An apples for apples comparison is a comparison between related or simialr

things. ('Apples to apples' is also used.)

Apron strings

A man who is tied to a woman's apron strings is excessively dependent on her,

especially when it is his mother's apron strings.

Argue the toss

(UK) If you argue the toss, you refuse to accept a decision and argue about it.

Arm and a leg

If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive.

Armchair critic

An armchair critic is someone who offers advice but never shows that they could

actually do any better.

Armed to the teeth

If people are armed to the teeth, they have lots of weapons.

Around the clock

If something is open around the clock, it is open 24 hours a day. For example,

an airport is open around the clock.

Arrow in the quiver

An arrow in the quiver is a strategy or option that could be used to achieve your

objective.

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 cold as stone

If something is as cold as stone, it is very cold. If a person is as cold as stone,

they are unemotional.

As cool as a cucumber

If someone is as cool as a cucumber, they don't get worried by anything.

As good as new

If something has been used but is still in extremely good condition, it is as good

as new.

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 mad as a wrongly shot hog

(USA) If someone is as mad as a wrongly shot hog, they are very angry. (Same

as, Angry as a bear or Angry as a bull).

As much use as a chocolate fire-guard

A fire-guard is used in front of a fireplace for safety. A chocolate fire-guard is of

no use. An alternative to 'As much use as a chocolate teapot'.

As much use as a chocolate teapot

Something that is as much use as a chocolate teapot is not useful at all.

As much use as a handbrake on a canoe

This idiom is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless.

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.

As you sow, so shall you reap

This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or

good things if you do good things.

Asleep at the switch

If someone is asleep at the switch, they are not doing their job or taking their

responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the wheel' is an alternative.

Asleep at the wheel

If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their

responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative.

At a drop of a dime

(USA) If someone will do something at the drop of a dime, they will do it

instantly, without hesitation.

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 a loss

If you are at a loss, you are unable to understand or comply.

At a snail's pace

If something moves at a snail's pace, it moves very slowly.

At arm's length

If something is at arm's length, it is a safe distance waway from you.

At cross purposes

When people are at cross purposes, they misunderstand each other or have

different or opposing objectives.

At daggers drawn

If people are at daggers drawn, they are very angry and close to violence.

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 each other's throats

If people are at each other's throats, they are fighting, arguing or competing

ruthlessly.

At full tilt

If something is at full tilt, it is going or happening as fast or as hard as possible.

At large

If a criminal is at large, they have not been found or caught.

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 bottom of the totem pole

(USA) If someone is at the bottom of the totem pole, they are unimportant.

Opposite is at the top of the totem pole.

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 the day

This is used to mean 'in conclusion' or 'when all is said and done'.

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 the fore

In a leading position

At the top of my lungs

If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly as you possibly can.

At the top of the list

If something is at the top of the list, it is of highest priority, most important,

most urgent, or the next in one's line of attention.

At the top of your lungs

If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly as you possibly can.

At the top of your voice

If you talk, shout or sing at the top of your voice, you do it as loudly as you can.

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.

At your wits' end

If you are at your wits' end, you have no idea what to do next and are very

frustrated.

Average Joe

An average Joe is an ordinary person without anything exceptional about them.

Avowed intent

If someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to attempt to reach a

certain goal, this is their avowed intent.

Away with the fairies

If someone is away with the fairies, they don't face reality and have unrealistic

expectations of life.

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. In American

English, it is 'ax'.

~ 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 in the years after the end of the Second

World War, a period when the population was growing very 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 number

Something that's a back number is dated or out of fashion.

Back the wrong horse

If you back the wrong horse, you give your support to the losing side in

something.

Back to back

If things happen back to back, they are directly one after another.

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.

Back to the salt mine

If someone says they have to go back to the salt mine, they have to return to

work.

Back to the wall

If you have your back to the wall, you are in a difficult situation with very little

room for manoeuvre.

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 Apple

A person who is bad and makes other bad is a bad apple.

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 hair day

If you're having a bad hair day, things are not going the way you would like or

had planned.

Bad mouth

(UK) When you are bad mouthing,you are saying negative things about someone

or something.('Bad-mouth' and 'badmouth' are also used.)

Bad shape

If something's in bad shape, it's in bad condition. If a person's in bad shape, they

are unfit or unhealthy.

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 claims that they were let down by their equipment, you can use

this to imply that this was not the case.

Bag of bones

If someone is a bag of bones, they are very underweight.

Bag of nerves

If someone is a bag of nerves, they are very worried or nervous.

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

A ballpark figure is a rough or approximate number (guesstimate) to give a

general idea of something, like a rough estimate for a cost, etc.

Balls to the walls

(USA) If you do something balls to the wall, you apply full acceleration or

exertion.

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.

Banana skin

(UK) A banana skin is something that is an embarrassment or causes problems.

Bandit territory

An area or an industry, profession, etc, where rules and laws are ignored or

flouted is bandit territory.

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.

Bare your heart

If you bare your heart to someone, you tell them you personal and private

feelings. ('Bare your soul' is an alternative form of the idiom.)

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.

Barkus is willing

This idiom means that someone is willing to get married.

Barrack-room lawyer

(UK) A barrack-room lawyer is a person who gives opinions on things they are

not qualified to speak about.

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.

Bated breath

If someone says they're waiting with bated breath, they're very excited and find it

difficult to be patient.('Baited breath' is a common mistake.)

Batten down the hatches

If you batten down the hatches, you prepare for the worst that could happen to

you.

Battle of nerves

A battle of nerves is a situation where neither side in a conflict or dispute is

willing to back down and is waiting for the other side to weaken. ('A war of

nerves' is an alternative form.)

Be all ears

If you are all ears, you are very eager to hear what someone has to say.

Be careful what you wish for

If you get things that you desire, there may be unforeseen and unpleasant

consequences.('Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true.' and 'Be careful

what you wish for; you may receive it.' are also used.)

Be on the pig's back

If you're on the pig's back, you're happy / content / in fine form.

Be out in force

If people are out in force, they are present somewhere in large numbers.

Be out in left field

(USA) To be out in left field is not to know what's going on. Taken from baseball,

when youngsters assign less capable players to the outfield where the ball is less

likely to be hit by a young player. In business, one might say, 'Don't ask the new

manager; he's out in left field and doesn't know any answers yet.'

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 true blue

If a person/object/situation is considered to be 'true blue', it is considered

genuine.

Be up the spout

(UK) If a woman is up the spout, she is pregnant.

Bean counter

A bean counter is an accountant.

Bear fruit

If something bears fruit, it produces positive results.

Bear market

A bear market is a period when investors are pessimistic and expect financial

losses so are more likely to sell than to buy shares.

Bear the brunt

People who bear the brunt of something endure the worst of something bad.

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 something before they do.

Beat swords into ploughshares

If people beat swords into ploughshares, they spend money on humanitarian

purposes rather than weapons. (The American English spelling is 'plowshares')

Beat the daylights out of someone

If someone beats the daylights out of another person, they hit them repeatedly.

('Knock' can also be used and it can be made even stronger by saying 'the living

daylights'.)

Beat the rap

If you beat the rap, you escape conviction and punishment for a crime or

something you have done wrong.

Beat to the punch

If you beat someone to the punch, you act before them and gain an advantage.

Beat your brains out

If you beat your brains out, you think hard about something but cannot solve,

understand or remember it.

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 trying to raise interest in an issue that no-one supports 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 things beautiful and that the differences of opinion don't matter greatly.

Beauty is only skin deep

This idiom means that appearances can be deceptive and something that seems

or looks good may turn out to be bad.

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.

Been in the wars

(UK) If someone has been in the wars, they have been hurt or look as if they

have been in a struggle.

Been there, done that

People say this when they have already experienced what is being discussed.

Beer and skittles

(UK) People say that life is not all beer and skittles, meaning that it is not about

self-indulgence and pleasure.

Before the ink is dry

If people make an agreement or contract and then the situation changes very

quickly, it changes before the ink is dry.

Before you can say Jack Robinson

The term Jack Robinson represents 'a short amount of time'. When you do

something before you can say Jack Robinson, you do it very quickly.

Beg the question

In philosophy "to beg the question" is to assume something to be true that has

not yet been proved. I have seen the idiom also to mean that a question is crying

out to be asked.

Beggars can't be choosers

This idiom means that people who are in great need must accept any help that is

offered, even if it is not a complete solution to their problems.

Behind bars

When someone is behind bars, they are in prison.

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 eight ball

A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape.

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

Bells and whistles are attractive features that things like computer programs

have, though often a bit unnecessary.

Bells on

(USA) To be somewhere with bells on means to arrive there happy and delighted

to attend.

Belly up

If things go belly up, they go badly wrong.

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.

Belt and braces

(UK) Someone who wears belt and braces is very cautious and takes no risks.

Belt and suspenders

(USA) Someone who wears belt and suspenders is very cautious and takes no

risks.

Bend over backwards

If someone bends over backwards, they do everything they can to help someone.

Bend someone's ear

To bend someone's ear is to talk to someone about something for a long-enough

period that it becomes tiresome for the listener.

Benjamin of the family

The Benjamin of the family is the youngest child.

Beside the point

If something is beside the point, it's not relevant to the matter being discussed

or considered.

Beside themselves

If people are beside themselves, they are very worried or emotional about

something.

Beside yourself

If you are beside yourself, you are extremely angry.

Best of a bad bunch

The best that could be obtained from a list of options that were not exactly what

was required.

Best of both worlds

If you have the best of both worlds, you benefit from different things that do not

normally go together.

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 half

Your better half is your husband or wife.

Better late than never

This idiom suggests that doing something late is better than not doing it at all.

Better safe than sorry

This idiom is used to recommend being cautious rather than taking a risk.

Better than a kick in the teeth

If something is better than a kick in the teeth, it isn't very good, but it is better

than nothing.

Better than a stick in the eye

If something is better than a stick in the eye, it isn't very good, but it is better

than nothing.

Better the devil you know

This is the shortened form of the full idiom, '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 unknown 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 you and me and the cat's whiskers

This idiom is used when telling someone something that you want them to keep

secret.

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 people behave in such 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

If something's beyond your ken, it is beyond your understanding.

Beyond the black stump

(AU) An Australian idiom idicating that even if you go as far as you can, the

black stump is still a little further.

Beyond the pale

If something's beyond the pale, it is too extreme to be 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 Easy

(USA) The Big Easy is New Orleans, Louisiana

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 girl's blouse

A person who is very weak or fussy is a big girl's blouse.

Big hitter

A big hitter is someone who commands a lot of respect and is very important in

their field.

Big nose

If someone has a big nose, it means they are excessively interested in everyone

else's business.

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 between your teeth

If you take or have the bit between your teeth, you take or have control of a

situation. (Bit = piece of metal in a horse's mouth)

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 someone's head off

If you bite someone's head off, you criticise them angrily.

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.

Bite your lip

If you have to bite your lip, you have to make a conscious effort not to react or

to keep quiet about something that displeases you.

Bite your tongue

If you bite your tongue, you refrain from speaking because it is socially or

otherwise better not to.

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 blue

This means bruised, either physically or metaphorically.

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.

Blackball

If you vote against allowing someone to be a member of an organisation or

group, you are blackballing him or her.

Blank cheque

If you are given a blank cheque, you are allowed to use as much money as you

need for a project.

Bleeding edge

Similar to 'cutting edge', this implies a technology or process that is at the

forefront or beyond current practices. However, because it is unproven, it is

often dangerous to use (hence the 'bleeding').

Bleeding heart

A bleeding heart is a person who is excessively sympathetic towards other

people.

Bless your pointy little head

This expression is used as to patronise someone, especially when they don't

realise that they're not very clever.('Bless your pointes little head' is also used.)

Blessing in disguise

If some bad luck or misfortune ultimately results in something positive, it's a

blessing in disguise.

Blind acceptance

If people accept thing blindly, they accept them without questioning them at all.

Blind as a bat

If you are in total darkness and can't see anything at all, you are as blind as a

bat.

Blind leading the blind

When the blind are leading the blind, the people in charge of something don't

know anything more than the people they are in charge of, when they should

have greater knowledge.

Blind-sided

If you are blind-sided, an event with a negative impact takes you completely by

surprise.

Blink of an eye

If something happens in the blink of an eye, it happens so fast it is almost

impossible to notice it.

Blood and thunder

An emotional speech or performance is full of blood and thunder.

Blood from a turnip

It is impossible to get something from someone if they don't have it, just as you

cannot get blood from a turnip.

Blood is thicker than water

This idiom means that family relationships are stronger than others.

Blood is worth bottling

(AU) If an Australian says to you "Your blood is worth bottling", he/she is

complimenting or praising you for doing something or being someone very

special.

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 by blow

A blow-by-blow description gives every detail in sequence.

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 me down

People say '(well,) blow me down' when you have just told them something

surprising, shocking or unexpected. ('Blow me down with a feather' is also

used.)

Blow off steam

(USA) If you blow off steam, you express your anger or frustration.

Blow out of the water

If something, like an idea, is blown out of the water, it is destroyed or defeated

comprehensively.

Blow smoke

(USA) If people blow smoke, they exaggerate or say things that are not true,

usually to make themselves look better.

Blow the cobwebs away

If you blow the cobwebs away, you make sweeping changes to something to

bring fresh views and ideas in.

Blow the whistle

If somebody blows the whistle on a plan, they report it to the authorities.

Blow your mind

Something that will blow your mind is something extraordinary that will amaze

you beyond explanation.

Blow your own horn

If you blow your own horn, you boast about your achievements and abilities.

('Blow your own trumpet' is an alternative form.)

Blow your own trumpet

If someone blows their own trumpet, they boast about their talents and

achievements. ('Blow your own horn' is an alternative form.)

Blow your stack

If you blow your stack, you lose your temper.

Blow your top

If someone blows their top, they lose their temper.

Blue blood

Someone with blue blood is royalty.

Blue-eyed boy

Someone's blue-eyed boy is their favourite person.

Bob's your uncle

(UK) This idiom means that something will be successful: Just tell him that I

gave you his name and Bob's your uncle- he'll help you.

Body politic

A group of people organised under a single government or authority (national or

regional) is a body politic.

Bold as brass

Someone who is as bold as brass is very confident and not worried about how

other people will respond or about being caught.

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.

Boot is on the other foot

When the boot's on the other foot, a person who was in a position of weakness is

now in a position of strength.

Born to the purple

Someone who is born to the purple is born in a royal or aristocratic family.

("Born in the purple" is also used.)

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.

Both ends meet

If you make both ends meet, you live off the money you earn and don't go into

debt.

Bottom line

In accountancy, the bottom line is net income, and is used idiomatically to mean

the conclusion.

Bounce ideas

If you bounce ideas off someone, you share your ideas with them to know

whether they think they would work.

Bounce off the walls

If someone's bouncing off the walls, they are very excited about something.

Bouquet of orchids

Id someone deserves a bouquet of orchids, they have done something worthy of

praise.

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.

Boxing and coxing

If people are boxing and coxing, they are sharing responsibilities so that one of

them is working while the other isn't. It can also be used when couples are

sharing a house, but their relationship has broken down and when one is at

home, the other stays out.

Boys in blue

The boys in blue are the police.

Brain surgery

If something is not brain surgery, it isn't very complicated or difficult to

understand or master.

Brass monkey

If it's brass monkey weather, or cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass

monkey, it is extremely cold.

Brass neck

(UK) Someone who has the brass neck to do something has no sense of shame

about what they do.

Brass tacks

If you get down to brass tacks, you get down to the real business.

Bread and butter

Bread and butter issues are ones that affect people directly and in a very

important way.

Breadwinner

Used to describe the person that earns the most money. For example - She's the

breadwinner in the family.

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 back of the beast

If you break the back of the beast, you accomplish a challenge.

Break the ice

When you break the ice, you get over any initial 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.

Break your heart

If someone upsets you greatly, they break your heart, especially if they end a

relationship.

Breathe down your neck

If someone follows you or examines what you're doing very closely, they are

breathing down your neck.

Breathe life into

If you breathe life into something, you give people involved more energy and

enthusiasm again. ('Breathe new life' is also used.)

Breathe your last

When you breathe your last, you die.

Bridge the gap

If you bridge the gap, you make a connection where there is a great difference.

Bright and breezy

When someone is cheerful and full of energy, they are bright and breezy.

Bright as a button

A person who is as bright as a button is very intelligent or smart.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

If someone's bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, they are full of energy and

enthusiasm.

Brighten up the day

If something brightens up your day, something happens that makes you feel

positive and happy all day long.

Bring a knife to a gunfight

If someone brings a knife to a gunfight, they are very badly prepared for

something.

Bring home the bacon

A person who brings home the bacon earns the money that a family live on.

Bring on board

To make people embrace the ideas intended by the leader or agree to join a team

or project is to bring them on board.

Bring someone to book

If somebody is brought to book, they are punished or made to account for

something they have done wrong.

Bring someone to heel

If you bring someone to heel, you make them obey you.('Call someone to heel' is

also used.)

Bring the house down

Something that brings the house down is acclaimed and praised vigorously.

Bring to the table

If you bring something to the table, you make a contribution or an offer in a

discussion or negotiation..

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.

Broke as a joke and it ain't funny

This idiom in my opinion describes how it's not funny to be without a cent and

just uses broke and joke as rhyming words that help explain this idiom a lot

better.

Broken record

When someone sounds like a broken record, they keep on repeating the same

things. ('Stuck record' is also used.)

Brown nose

When someone tries to make themselves popular with somebody, usually in a

position of authority, especially by flattering them, they are brown nosing.

Browned off

To be tired of or fed up with

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.

Buggles' turn

(UK) If it Buggles' turn, someone gets promotion through length of service

rather than ability, especially in the British civil service.

Bull in a China shop

If someone behaves like a bull in a China shop, they are clumsy when they

should be careful.

Bull market

A bull market is a period when investors are optimistic and there are

expectations that good financial results will continue.

Bull session

If you have a bull session, you have an informal group discussion about

something.

Bull-headed

If you're a bull-headed, you're stubborn or inflexible.

Bums on seats

The people who have paid to watch a performance are bums on seats.

Bun in the oven

If a woman has a bun in the oven, she is pregnant.

Bundle of nerves

Someone who is a bundle of nerves is very worried or nervous.

Bur under my saddle

A bur under your saddle is something that annoys you or spurs you into

action.('Burr' is an alternative spelling.)

Burn rubber

If you burn rubber, you drive very fast to get somewhere.

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.

Burn your fingers

If you burn your fingers, you suffer a loss or something unpleasant as the result

of something you did, making you less likely to do it again.

Burning question

A burning question is something we all want to know about.

Burst at the seams

To be filled to or beyond normal capacity: This room will be bursting at the

seams when all the guests arrive.

Bury the hatchet

If you bury the hatchet, you make peace with someone and stop arguing or

fighting.

Bury your head in the sand

If someone buries their head in the sand, they ignore 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.

Bust my chops

When someone says that they're not going to bust their chops, it means they are

not going to work that hard or make much effort.

Busted flush

Someone or something that had great potential but ended up a useless failure is

a busted flush.

Busy as a beaver

If you're as busy as a beaver, you're very busy indeed.

Busy as a bee

If you are as busy as a bee, you are very busy indeed.

Butt naked

If someone is butt naked, they have no clothes on at all, often when they can be

seen.

Butt of a joke

If something or someone becomes the butt of a joke it or they are not taken

seriously anymore.

Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth

If someone looks as if butter wouldn't melt in their mouth, they look very

innocent.

Butterfingers

Someone who has butterfingers is clumsy and drops things.

Butterflies in your stomach

The nervous feeling before something important or stressful is known as

butterflies in your stomach.

Button your lip

If you button your lip, you keep quiet and don't speak. It is also used as a way of

telling someone to shut up.

Buy the farm

When somebody has bought the farm, they have died.

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 and large

By and large means usually or generally.

By cracky

A term used by rural folks in years past to emphasize a matter of importance or

urgency. An example: 'By cracky, you need to get out there in the field with that

mule and plow and finish the sod-busting before dark.'

By dint of

This means 'as a result of' or 'because of': It would be good to think he'd risen to

position of Chief Executive by dint of hard work.

By heart

If you learn something by heart, you learn it word for word.

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 leaps and bounds

Something that happens by leaps and bounds happens very quickly in big steps.

By the back door

If something is started or introduced by the back door, then it is not done openly

or by following the proper procedures.

By the book

If you do something by the book, you do it exactly as you are supposed to.

By the by

This is used as a way of introducing an incidental topic in a conversation or to

say that something is irrelevant. ('By the bye' is also used.)

By the numbers

If something is done by the numbers, it is done in a mechanical manner without

room for creativity.

By the same token

If someone applies the same rule to different situations, they judge them by the

same token: If things go well, he's full of praise, but, by the same token, when

things go wrong he gets furious.

By the seat of your pants

If you do something by the seat of your pants, you achieve something, but only

by a narrow margin or do something without advance preparation.

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.

~ C ~

Cake's not worth the candle

If someone says that the cake's not worth the candle, they mean that the result

will not be worth the effort put in to achieve it.

Calf lick

A calf lick is the weird parting in your fringe where your hair grows in a different

direction, usually to one side.

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 it a day

If you call it a day, you stop doing something for a while, normally at least until

the following day.

Call on the carpet

If you are called on the carpet, you are summoned for a reprimand by superiors

or others in power.

Call the dogs off

If someone calls off their dogs, they stop attacking or criticising someone.

Call the shots

If you call the shots, you are in charge and tell people what to do.

Call the tune

The person who calls the tune makes the important decisions about something.

Calm before the storm

A calm time immediately before period of violent activity or argument is the calm

before the storm.

Can of worms

If an action can create serious problems, it is opening a can of worms.

Can't dance and it's too wet to plow

(USA) When you can't dance and it's too wet to plow, you may as well do

something because you can't or don't have the opportunity to do anything else.

Can't do it for toffee

If you can't so something for toffee, you are incapable of doing something

properly or to any sort of standard.

Can't hack it

Unable to perform an act, duty, job etc. (example: I have to quit my job as a

computer technician; I just can't hack it.)

Can't hold a candle

If something can't hold a candle to something else, it is much worse.

Can't see the forest for its trees

If someone can't see the forest for its trees, they are too focused on specific

details to see the picture as a whole.

Canary in a coal mine

(UK) A canary in a coal mine is an early warning of danger.

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.

Carpetbagger

A carpetbagger is an opportunist without any scruples or ethics, or a politican

who wants to represent a place they have no connection with.

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.

Carry the day

If something carries the day, it wins a battle (the sense is that the battle has

been long and could have gone either way) or competition for supremacy.

Case by case

If things are done case by case, each situation or issue is handled separately on

its own merits and demerits.

Case in point

Meaning an instance of something has just occurred that was previously

discussed. For instance, a person may have told another that something always

happens. Later that day, they see it happening, and the informer might say, 'case

in point'.

Cash cow

A product, business, etc, that generates a continuous flow of money or a high

proportion of overall profits is a cash cow.

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 a long shadow

Something or someone that casts a long shadow has considerable influence on

other people or events.

Cast aspersion

If you cast aspersion, you try to blacken someone's name and make people think

badly of them.

Cast doubt on

If you make other people not sure about a matter, then you have cast doubt on

it.

Cast iron stomach

A person with a cast iron stomach can eat or drink anything without any ill

effects.

Cast pearls before swine

If you cast pearls before swine, you offer something of value to someone who

doesn't appreciate it- 'swine' are 'pigs'.

Cast sheep's eyes at

If you cast sheep's eyes at at someone, you look lovingly or with longing at them.

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.

Cast your net widely

If you cast your net widely, you use a wide range of sources when trying to find

something.

Casting vote

The casting vote is a vote given to a chairman or president that is used when

there is a deadlock.

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 and dog life

If people lead a cat and dog life, they are always arguing.

Cat burglar

A cat burglar is a skillful thief who breaks into places without disturbing people

or setting off alarms.

Cat fur and kitty britches

(USA) When I used to ask my grandma what was for dinner, she would say 'cat

fur and kitty britches'. This was her Ozark way of telling me that I would get what

she cooked. (Ozark is a region in the center of the United States)

Cat got your tongue?

If someone asks if the cat has got your tongue, they want to know why you are

not speaking when they think you should.

Cat nap

If you have a short sleep during the day, you are cat napping.

Cat's lick

(Scot) A cat's lick is a very quick wash.

Cat's pajamas

(USA) Something that is the cat's pajamas is excellent.

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.

Catch hell

If you catch hell, you get into trouble or get scolded. ('Catch heck' is also used.)

Catch some z's

If you catch some z's, you get some sleep.

Catch someone red-handed

If someone is caught red-handed, they are found doing something wrong or

illegal.

Catch-22

Catch-22 is a situation where conflicting rules make the desired outcome

impossible. It comes from a novel by the American author Joseph Heller, in

which pilots would not have to fly missions if they were mentally ill, but not

wanting to fly dangerous missions was held to be proof of sanity, so they had to

fly anyway. ('Catch 22', without the hyphen, is also used.)

Caught with your hand in the cookie jar

(USA) If someone is caught with his or her hand in the cookie jar, he or she is

caught doing something wrong.

Chalk and cheese

Things, or people, that are like chalk and cheese are very different and have

nothing in common.

Champ at the bit

If someone is champing at the bit, they are very eager to accomplish something.

('Chomping at the bit' is also used.)

Champagne taste on a beer budget

Someone who lives above their means and likes things they cannot afford has

champagne taste on a beer budget.

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.

Change of heart

If you change the way you think or feel about something, you have a change of

heart.

Change tack

If you change tack, you use a different method for dealing with something.

Change your tune

If someone changes their ideas or the way they talk about them, they change

their tune.

Chaps my ass

When something/someone really annoys you, it chaps your ass.

Chapter and verse

When you know something very well, and can quote it, you know it chapter and

verse.

Charity begins at home

This idiom means that family members are more important than anyone else,

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.

Chase your tail

If you are chasing your tail, you are very busy but not being very productive.

Cheap as chips

(UK) If something is very inexpensive, it is as cheap as chips.

Cheap at half the price

If something's cheap at half the price, it's very cheap indeed.

Cheap shot

A cheap shot is an unprincipled criticism.

Cheat death

If someone cheats death, they narrowly avoid a major problem or accident.

Cheek by jowl

If things or people are cheek by jowl, they are very close together.

Cherry pick

If people cherry pick, they choose things that support their position, while

ignoring things that contradict it.

Chew on a bone

If someone is chewing on a bone, he or she is thinking about something intently.

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.

Child's play

If something is child's play, it is very easy and simple.

Chinese walls

Chinese walls are regulatory information barriers that aim to stop the flow of

information that could be misused, especially in financial 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.

Chip on your shoulder

If someone has a chip on their shoulder, they are resentful about something and

feel that they have been treated badly.

Chop and change

If things chop and change, they keep changing, often unexpectedly.

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.

Circle the wagons

(USA) If you circle the wagons, you stop communicating with people who don't

think the same way as you to avoid their ideas. It can also mean to bring

everyone together to defend a group against an attack.

Circling the drain

If someone is circling the drain, they are very near death and have little time to

live. The phrase can also describe a project or plan or campaign that that is on

the brink of failure.

Class act

Someone who's a class act is exceptional in what they do.

Clean as a whistle

If something is as clean as a whistle, it is extremely clean, spotless. It can also

be used to mean 'completely', though this meaning is less common nowadays. If

somebody is clean as a whistle, they are not involved in anything illegal.

Clean bill of health

If something or someone has a clean bill of health, then there's nothing wrong;

everything's fine.

Clean break

If you make a clean break, you break away completely from something.

Clean hands

Someone with clean hands, or who keeps their hands clean, is not involved in

illegal or immoral activities.

Clean sheet

When someone has a clean sheet, they have got no criminal record or problems

affecting their reputation. In football and other sports, a goalkeeper has a clean

sheet when let no goals in.

Clean slate

If you start something with a clean slate, then nothing bad from your past is

taken into account.

Clean sweep

If someone makes a clean sweep, they win absolutely everything in a competition

or contest.

Clean your clock

If you clean your clock, you beat someone decisively in a contest or fight.

Clear as a bell

If something is as clear as a bell, it is very clear or easy to understand.

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.

Climb on the bandwagon

When people climb on the bandwagon they do something because it is popular

and everyone else is doing it.

Climb the greasy pole

Advance within an organisation - especially in politics.

Cling to hope

If people cling to hope, they continue to hope though the chances of success are

very small.

Close at hand

If something is close at hand, it is nearby or conveniently located.

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. It can also

mean that you very nearly have a serious accident or get into trouble.

Close shave

If you have a close shave, you very nearly have a serious accident or get into

trouble.

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.

Close to your heart

If something is close to your heart, you care a lot about it. ('Dear to your heart'

is an alternative.)

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.

Cloth ears

If you don't listen to people, they may suggest you have cloth ears.

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.

Clutch play

If an activity is referred to as a clutch play, it means that the activity was the key

to the success or failure of the venture. For instance, a clutch play in a baseball

game may be striking out a batter with the bases loaded.

Coals to Newcastle

(UK) Taking, bringing, or carrying coals to Newcastle is doing something that is

completely unnecessary.

Coast is clear

When the coast is clear, the people supposed to be watching you are not there

and you are able to move or leave.

Cock a snook

To make a rude gesture by putting one thumb to the nose with the fingers

outstretched.

Cock and bull story

A cock and bull story is a lie someone tells that is completely unbelievable.

Cock in the henhouse

This is used to describe a male in an all-female environment.

Cock of the walk

A man who is excessively confident and thinks he's better than other people is

the cock of the walk.

Cold day in hell

This is used as a prediction there is no chance some event or condition will ever

happen.'There will be a cold day in hell before he manages it.'

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 shoulder

If you give or show someone the cold shoulder, you are deliberately unfriendly

and unco-operative towards them.

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.

Colder than a witches tit

If it is colder than a witches tit, it is extremely cold outside.

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.

Color bar

Rules that restrict access on the basis of race or ethnicity are a color bar.

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 hell or high water

If someone says they'll do something come hell or high water, they mean that

nothing will stop them, no matter what happens.

Come of age

When something comes of age it develops completely and reaches maturity.

When someone comes of age, they reach adulthood or fulfill their potential.

Come on hard

If you come on hard, you are aggressive in your dealing with someone.

Come on the heels of

If something comes on the heels of something, it follows very soon after it.

Come out in the wash

If something will come out in the wash, it won't have any permanent negative

effect.

Come out of the woodwork

When things come out of the woodwork, they appear unexpectedly. ('Crawl out

of the woodwork' is also used.)

Come out of your shell

If someone comes out of their shell, they stop being shy and withdrawn and

become more friendly and sociable.

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 to a head

If events reach a crisis point, they come to a head.

Come to bear

If something comes to bear on you, you start to feel the pressure or effect of it.

Come to call

If someone comes to call, they respond to an order or summons directly.

Come to grips

If you come to grips with a problem or issue, you face up to it and deal with it.

Come to heel

If someone comes to heel, they stop behaving in a way that is annoying to

someone in authority and start being obedient.

Come up roses

If things come up roses, they produce a positive result, especially when things

seemed to be going badly at first.

Come up smelling of roses

(UK) If someone comes up smelling of roses, they emerge from a situation with

their reputation undamaged.

Come up trumps

When someone is said to have 'come up trumps', they have completed an activity

successfully or produced a good result, especially when they were not expected

to.

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.

Come with the territory

If something comes with the territory, it is part of a job or responsibility and just

has to be accepted, even if unpleasant.

Comes with the territory

If something comes with the territory, especially when undesirable, it is

automatically included with something else, like a job, responsibility, etc.('Goes

with the territory' is also used.)

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.

Connect the dots

When you connect the dots, you understand the connections and relationships.

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.

Cook someone's goose

If you cook someone's goose, you ruin their plans.

Cook the books

If people cook the books, they keep false accounts to make money illegally or

avoid paying tax.

Cook up a storm

If someone cooks up a storm, they cause a big fuss or generate a lot of talk

about something.

Cool as a cat

To act fine when you a actually scared or nervous

Cool your heels

If you leave someone to cool their heels, you make them wait until they have

calmed down.

Coon's age

(USA) A very long time, as in 'I haven't seen her in a coon's age!'

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.

Couldn't give two hoots

If you couldn't give two hoots about something, you don't care at all about it.

Count sheep

If people cannot sleep, they are advised to count sheep mentally.

Count your blessings

When people count their blessings, they concentrate on all the good things in

their lives instead of the negative ones.

Country mile

(USA) A country mile is used to describe a long distance.

Cover all the bases

If you cover all the bases, you deal with all aspects of a situation or issue, or

anticipate all possibilities. ('Cover all bases' is also used.)

Crack a nut with a sledgehammer

If you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you apply too much force to achieve a

result. ('Jackhammer' is also used.)

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.

Cream rises to the top

A good person or idea cannot go unnoticed for long, just as cream poured in

coffee or tea eventually rises to the top.

Creature comforts

If a person said "I hate camping. I don't like giving up my creature comforts." the

person would be referring, in particular, to the comfortable things he/she would

have at home but not when camping. At home, for example, he/she would have

complete shelter from the weather, a television, a nice comfortable warm bed,

the ability to take a warm bath or shower, comfortable lounge chairs to relax in

and so on. The person doesn't like giving up the material and psychological

benefits of his/her normal life.

Crème de la crème

The crème de la crème is the very best of something.

Crocodile tears

If someone cries crocodile tears, they pretend to be upset or affected by

something.

Crooked as a dog's hind leg

Someone who is very dishonest is as crooked as a dog's hind leg.

Cross swords

When people cross swords, they argue or dispute. This expression is used when

some groups accuse each other for non-adherence to norms. Actually no sword

is used but the tempo of the argument is high enough to cause worsening of the

already bad situation. It is a tussle (vehement struggle without use of arms)

between the parties to establish supremacy.

Cross that bridge when you come to it

If you will cross that bridge when you come to it, you will deal with a problem

when it arises, but not until that point

Cross to bear

If someone has a cross to bear, they have a heavy burden of responsibility or a

problem that they alone must cope with.

Crossing the Rubicon

When you are crossing the Rubicon, you are passing a point of no return. After

you do this thing, there is no way of turning around. The only way left is forward.

Crunch time

When people, companies, etc, have to make an important decision that will have

a considerable effect on their future, it is crunch time.

Cry wolf

If someone cries wolf, they raise a false alarm about 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.

Cuckoo in the nest

Is an issue or a problem, etc, is a cuckoo in the nest, it grows quickly and

crowds out everything else.

Cupboard love

(UK) To show love to gain something from someone

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 that excessive curiosity is not necessarily a good thing, especially where

it is not their business.

Curry favour

If people try to curry favour, they try to get people to support them. ('Curry favor'

is the American spelling.)

Curve ball

(USA) If something is a curve ball, it is deceptive.

Cut a long story short

This idiom is used as a way of shortening a story by getting to to the end or the

point.

Cut a rug

To cut a rug is to dance.

Cut above

If a person is described as a cut above other people, they are better in some

way.

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 and run

If people cut and run, they take what they can get and leave before they lose

everything.

Cut corners

If people try to do something as cheaply or as quickly as possible, often

sacrificing quality, they are cutting corners.

Cut down the tall poppies

(AU) If people cut down the tall poppies, they criticise people who stand out from

the crowd.

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 someone some slack

To relax a rule or make an allowance, as in allowing someone more time to

finish something.

Cut the Gordian knot

If someone 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 coat according to your cloth

If you cut your coat according to your cloth, you only buy things that you have

sufficient money to pay for.

Cut your losses

If you cut your losses, you avoid losing any more money than you already have

by getting out of a situation before matters worsen.

Cut your teeth on

The place where you gain your early experience is where you cut your teeth.

Cute as a bug

(USA) If something is as cute as a bug, it is sweet and endearing.

Cuts no ice

If something cuts no ice, it doesn't have any effect or influence.

Cutting edge

Something that is cutting edge is at the forefront of progress in its area.

~ D ~

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.

Dancing on someone's grave

If you will dance on someone's grave, you will outlive or outlast them and will

celebrate their demise.

Dark horse

If someone is a dark horse, they are a bit of a mystery.

Davey Jones' locker

Davey Jones' locker is the bottom of the sea or resting place of drowned

sailors.('Davy Jones' locker' is an alternative spelling.)

Day in the sun

If you have your day in the sun, you get attention and are appreciated.

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.

Days are numbered

When someone’s days are numbered, they are expected to die soon.

Dead air

When there is a period of total silence, there is dead air.

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 even

If people competing are dead even, they are at exactly the same stage or moving

at exactly the same speed.

Dead from the neck up

Someone who's dead from the neck up is very stupid indeed.

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 level best

If you try your dead level best, you try as hard as you possibly could to do

something.

Dead man walking

A dead man walking is someone who is in great trouble and will certainly get

punished, lose their job or position, etc, soon.

Dead meat

This is used as a way of threatening someone: You'll be dead meat if you don't go

along.

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 right

This means that something or someone is absolutely correct, without doubt.

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.

Dead wrong

If someone is dead wrong, they are absolutely in error, absolutely incorrect or of

incorrect opinion.

Deaf as a post

Someone who is as deaf as a post is unable to hear at all.

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)

Decorate the mahogany

(USA) When someone buys a round a pub or bar, they decorate the mahogany;

putting cash on the bar.

Deep pockets

If someone has deep pockets, they are wealthy.

Deep pockets but short arms

Someone who has money but never puts his hand in his pocket to pay for

anything has deep pockets but short arms.

Deer in the headlights

When one is caught offguard and needs to make a decision, but cannot react

quickly.

Deliver the goods

Do what is required, come up to expectations. For example, Kate delivered the

goods and got us the five votes we needed. This phrase alludes to delivering an

order of groceries or other items. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]

Demon weed

Tobacco is the demon weed.

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 may care

If you live a devil-may-care life it means you are willing to take more risks than

most people.

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

Diamond in the rough

A diamond in the rough is someone or something that has great potential, but

isn't not refined and polished.

Die is cast

If the die is cast, a decision has been made that cannot be altered and fate will

decide the consequences.

Different kettle of fish

If something is a different kettle of fish, it is very different from the other things

referenced.

Different ropes for different folks

(USA) This idiom means that different people do things in different ways that suit

them.

Different strokes for different folks

(USA) This idiom means that different people do things in different ways that suit

them.

Dig way down deep

When someone digs way down deep, they look into their inner feelings to see

how they feel about it.

Dig your heels in

If you dig your heels in, you start to resist something.

Dime a dozen

(USA) If something is a dime a dozen, it is extremely common, possibly too

common.

Dine on ashes

I someone is dining on ashes he or she is excessively focusing attention on

failures or regrets for past actions.

Dinosaur

A dinosaur is a person who is thought to be too old for their position.

Dip your toes in the water

If you dip your toes in the water, you try something tentatively because you are

not sure whether it will work or not.

Dirty dog

A dirty dog is an untrustworthy person.

Discerning eye

If a person has a discerning eye, they are particularly good at judging the quality

of something.

Discretion is the better part of valour

This idiom means that it is often better to think carefully and not act than to do

something that may cause problems.

Dish the dirt

If you dish the dirt on something or someone, you make unpleasant or shocking

information public.

Do a Devon Loch

(UK) If someone does a Devon Loch, they fail when they were very close to

winning. Devon Loch was a horse that collapsed just short of the winning line of

the Grand National race.

Do a Lord Lucan

(UK) If someone disappears without a trace or runs off, they do a Lord Lucan.

(Lord Lucan disappeared after a murder)

Do a runner

(UK) If people leave a restaurant without paying, they do a runner.

Do as you would be done by

Treat and respect others as you would hope to be respected and treated by them.

Do the needful

(India) If you do the needful, you do what is necessary.

Do the running

(UK) The person who has to do the running has to make sure that things get

done. ('Make the running' is also used.)

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'.

Do's and don't's

The do's and don't's are what is acceptable or allowed or not within an area or

issue, etc.

Dodge the bullet

If someone has dodged a bullet, they have successfully avoided a very serious

problem.

Dog and pony show

(USA) A dog and pony show is a presentation or some 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.

Dog-whistle politics

(AU) When political parties have policies that will appeal to racists while not

being overtly racist, they are indulging in dog-whistle politics.

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.

Dollars for doughnuts

(USA) If something is dollars for doughnuts, it is a sure bet or certainty.

Don't bite the hand that feeds

When someone says this to you, they are trying to tell you not to act against

those on whom you depend.

Don't catch your chickens before they're hatched

This means that you should wait until you know whether something has

produced the results you desire, rather than acting beforehand. ('Don't count

your chickens until they've hatched' is an alternative.)

Don't cry over spilt milk

When something bad happens and nothing can be done to help it people say,

'Don't cry over spilt milk'.

Don't give up the day job

This idiom is used a way of telling something that they do something badly.

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 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 know whether to wind a watch or bark at the moon

If you don't know what to do, you don't know whether to wind a watch or bark at

the moon.

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 mention the war

This means that you shouldn't speak about things that could cause an argument

or tension.This idiom was used in a classic episode of the much-loved British

comedy series Fawlty Towers. As a consequence if you use this phrase in Britain,

listeners will understand you to be referring to Germans, or just start laughing.

Don't push my buttons!

This can be said to someone who is starting to annoy you.

Don't shoot the messenger

This phrase can be used when breaking some bad news to someone and you

don't want to be blamed for the news. ('Don't kill the messenger' is also used.)

Don't stand there with curlers in your hair

This means 'don't keep me waiting'. It's said to someone who is taking too long to

get moving.

Don't sweat the small stuff

(USA) This is used to tell people not to worry about trivial or unimportant issues.

Don't take any wooden nickels

(USA) This idiom is used to advise people not to be cheated or ripped off.

Don't throw bricks when you live in a glass house

Don't call others out on actions that you, yourself do. Don't be a hypocrite.

Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you

Don't go looking for trouble or problems- let them come to you.

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 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 work

Donkey work is any hard, boring work or task.

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.

Dot all the i's and cross all the t's

If you dot all the i's and cross all the t's, you do something very carefully and

thoroughly.

Double Dutch

(UK) If something is double Dutch, it is completely incomprehensible.

Double take

If someone does a double take, they react very slowly to something to show how

shocked or surprised they are.

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 double-edged sword sword; it cuts both ways.

Doubting Thomas

A Doubting Thomas is someone who only believes what they see themselves, not

what they are told.

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 in the mouth

If someone is down in the mouth, they look unhappy or depressed.

Down the drain

If something goes down the drain, especially money or work, it is wasted or

produces no results.

Down the hatch

This idiom can be said before drinking alcohol in company.

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.

Down-to-earth

Someone who's down-to-earth is practical and realistic. It can also be used for

things like ideas.

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.

Drag your heels

If you drag your heels, you either delay doing something or do it as slowly as

possible because you 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 a line in the sand

If you draw a line in the sand, you establish a limit beyond which things will be

unacceptable.

Draw a long bow

If someone draws a long bow, they lie or exaggerate.

Draw the line

When you draw the line, you set out limits of what you find acceptable, beyond

which you will not go.

Draw the shortest straw

If someone draws the shortest straw, they lose or are chosen to do something

unpleasant.

Dress someone down

If you dress someone down, you scold them.

Dress to kill

When someone is dressed to kill, they are dressed very smartly.

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.

Drive home

The idiomatic expression 'drive home' means 'reinforce' as in 'The company

offered unlimited technical support as a way to drive home the message that

customer satisfaction was its highest priority.'

Drive someone up the wall

If something or someone drives you up the wall, they do something that irritates

you greatly.

Drive you spare

If someone or something drives you spare, it is extremely annoying.

Driven by a motor

This is used to describe people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when

they talk excessively: 'they act as if driven by a motor.'

Drop a bombshell

If someone drops a bombshell, they announce something that changes a

situation drastically and unexpectedly.

Drop a dime

(USA) If you tell someone to drop a dime, you're suggesting he or she telephone

you at some future time.

Drop in the bucket

(USA) A drop in the bucket is something so small that it won't make any

noticeable difference.

Drop in the ocean

A drop in the ocean implies that something will have little effect because it is

small and mostly insignificant.

Drop into your lap

If something drops into your lap, you receive it suddenly, without any warning.

('Fall into your lap' is also used.)

Drop like flies

This means that something is disappearing very quickly. For example, if you said

people were dropping like flies, it would mean that they were dying off, quitting

or giving up something rapidly.

Drop someone a line

If you drop someone a line, you send a letter to them.

Drop the ball

If someone drops the ball, they are not doing their job or taking their

responsibilities seriously enough and let something go wrong.

Dropped like a hot cake

If something is dropped like a hot cake, it is rejected or disposed of very quickly.

Drown your sorrows

If someone gets drunk or drinks a lot to try to stop feeling unhappy, they drown

their sorrows.

Drunk as a lord

(UK) Someone who is very drunk is as drunk as a lord.

Drunker than a peach orchard boar

(USA) Southern US expression - Very drunk, as when a boar would eat fermented

peaches that have fallen from the tree.

Dry as a bone

If your lawn is as dry as a bone, the soil is completely dry.

Dry as snuff

If something is as dry as snuff, it is very dry indeed.

Dry run

A dry run is a full rehearsal or trial exercise of something to see how it will work

before it is launched.

Dry spell

If something or someone is having a dry spell, they aren't being as successful as

they normally are.

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.

Ducks in a row

(USA) If you have your ducks in a row, you are well-organized.

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'.)

Dumb as a rock

If you are dumb as a rock, you have no common sense and are stupid.

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 treat

If something like a meal is a Dutch treat, then each person pays their own share

of the bill.

Dutch uncle

A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice.

Dutch wife

A Dutch wife is a long pillow or a hot water bottle.

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

If someone is a dyed-in-the-wool supporter of a political party, etc, they support

them totally, without any questions.

~ E ~

Each to their own

Different people have different preferences. In American 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

position earlier than expected because things have gone 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.

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise

It means that sleeping well and not staying up late will help you out physically

and financially.

Earn a living

To make money Ex: We need to get a good job to earn a decent living.

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 ABC

Something that is as easy as ABC is very easy or simple.

Easy as beans

Something that is so easy that anyone can do it is easy as beans.

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.

Easy peasy

(UK) If something is easy peasy, it is very easy indeed. ('Easy peasy, lemon

squeezy' is also used.)

Eat crow

(USA) If you eat crow, you have to admit that you were wrong about something.

Eat humble pie

If someone apologises and shows a lot of contrition for 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.

Eat my hat

People say this when they don't believe that something is going to happen e.g. 'If

he passes that exam, I'll eat my hat!'

Eat someone alive

If you eat someone alive, you defeat or beat them comprehensively.

Eat your heart out

If someone tells you to eat your heart out, they are saying they are better than

you at something.

Eat your words

If you eat your words, you accept publicly that you were wrong about something

you said.

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.

Empty vessels make the most noise

The thoughtless often speak the most.

End in smoke

If something ends in smoke, it produces no concrete or positive result. This

expression refers to the boasting by a person, of having put in a lot of efforts by

him, for a particular cause or to attain a result which is very difficult to be done

by any person. (This mainly refers to an investigation of a crime or solving a

serious offence or a mystery). But at the end, when the desired result is not

obtained, his claims are found to be false and not worth mentioning. So, he

looses his credibility.

Etched in stone

Something, especially rules and customs, that cannot be changed at all is said

to be etched in stone.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while

This expression means that even if people are ineffective or misguided,

sometimes they can still be correct just by being lucky.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day

This is used when people get lucky and are undeservedly successful.('Even a

stopped clock is right twice a day' is also used.)

Even keel

If something is on an even keel, it is balanced.

Even Stevens

If everything is equal between people, they are even Stevens.

Even the dogs in the street know

(Irish) This idiom is used frequently in Ireland, and means something is so

obvious that even the dogs in the street know it.

Every ass likes to hear himself bray

This means that people like the sound of their own voice.

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 dog has its day

This idiom means that everyone gets their moment to shine.

Every man and his dog

A lot of people - as in sending out invitations to a large number of people

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 has his price

Anyone's opinion or support can be bought, everyone's principles have a limit.

Every man jack

If every man jack was involved in something, it is an emphatic way of saying that

absolutely everybody was involved.

Every nook and cranny

If you search every nook and cranny, you look everywhere for something.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry

If every Tom, Dick and Harry knows about something, then it is common

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.

Everybody and their uncle

This basically means a lot of people or too many people; everybody and their

uncle was there.

Everything but the kitchen sink

If people include everything but the kitchen sink, they include every possibility,

regardless of whether they are useful.

Exception that proves the rule

This expression is used by many to indicate that an exception in some way

confirms a rule. Others say that the exception tests the rule. In its original legal

sense, it meant that a rule could sometimes be inferred from an exemption or

exception. In general use, the first meaning predominates nowadays, much to

the annoyance of some pedants.

Explore all avenues

If all avenues are being explored, then every conceivable approach is being tried

that could possibly get the desired result.

Eye candy

When a person is very attractive, they can be described as eye candy - sweet to

look at!

Eye for an eye

This is an expression for retributive justice, where the punishment equals the

crime.

Eye- wash

This expression 'eye-wash' is generally used to cover up the anxiety of a person

who is seeking a concrete reply or justification for an act or an event that had

affected his personal image or caused him a loss. The affected person usually

represents his case to the higher-ups and puts forth his demands for redressal.

But the authority, in order to avoid embarassment to his organisation or to

himself, is not in a position to expose the entire material or evidence which in

turn tell upon the credibility of the organisation. In such circumstances, he will

usually call for an investigation to satisfy the complainant, but will not be keen

in disposing the case. The authority will drag on the issue, (at the same time

pretending to be serious) until the seriousness of the issue dies down and no

finality is reached. So, ' The investigation on the issue by the authority is an eye-

wash'.

Eye-opener

Something surprising, unexpected which reveals the truth about something or

someone.

Eyes are bigger than one's stomach

If someone's eyes are bigger than their stomach, they are greedy and take on

more than they can consume or manage.

~ F ~

Face like thunder

If someone has a face like thunder, they are clearly very angry or upset about

something.

Face only a mother could love

When someone has a face only a mother could love, they are ugly.

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.

Face your demons

If you face your demons, you confront your fears or something that you have

been trying hard to avoid.

Facts of life

When someone is taught the facts of life, they learn about sex and reproduction.

Failure is the mother of success

Failure is often a stepping stone towards success.

Faint heart never won fair lady

This means that you will not get the partner of your dreams if you lack the

confidence to let them know how you feel.

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.

Fair thee well

Meaning completely and fully: I am tied up today to a fair-thee-well.

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 by the wayside

To fall by the wayside is to give up or fail before completion.

Fall from grace

If a person falls from grace, they lose favor with someone.

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 off the turnip truck

(USA) If someone has just fallen off the turnip truck, they are uninformed, naive

and gullible. (Often used in the negative)

Fall off the wagon

If someone falls off the wagon, they start drinking after having given up

completely for a time.

Fall on our feet

If you fall on your feet, you succeed in doing something where there was a risk

of failure.

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.

Famous last words

This expression is used as a way of showing disbelief, rejection or self-

deprecation.'They said we had no chance of winning- famous last words!'

Fast and furious

Things that happen fast and furious happen very quickly without stopping or

pausing.

Fat cat

A fat cat is a person who makes a lot of money and enjoys a privileged position

in society.

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

Living off the fat of the land means having the best 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.

Feast today, famine tomorrow

If you indulge yourself with all that you have today, you may have to go without

tomorrow.

Feather in your cap

A success or achievement that may help you in the future is a feather in your

cap.

Feather your own nest

If someone feathers their own nest, they use their position or job for personal

gain.

Feathers fly

When people are fighting or arguing angrily, we can say that feathers are flying.

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

If you feel relaxed and comfortable somewhere or with 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

Feel like a million

If you feel like a million, you are feeling very well (healthy) and happy.

Feel the pinch

If someone is short of money or feeling restricted in some other way, they are

feeling the pinch.

Feeling blue

If you feel blue, you are feeling unwell, mainly associated with depression or

unhappiness.

Feet of clay

If someone has feet of clay, they have flaws that make them seem more human

and like normal people.

Feet on the ground

A practical and realistic person has their feet on the ground.

Fence sitter

Someone that try to support both side of an argument without committing to

either is a fence sitter.

Few and far between

If things are few and far between, they happen very occasionally.

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 unnecessary or useless.

Fight an uphill battle

When you fight an uphill battle, you have to struggle against very unfavourable

circumstances.

Fight tooth and nail

If someone will fight tooth and nail for something, they will not stop at anything

to get what they want. ('Fight tooth and claw' is an alternative.)

Fighting chance

If you have a fighting chance, you have a reasonable possibility of success.

Find your feet

When you are finding your feet, you are in the process of gaining confidence and

experience in something.

Fine and dandy

(UK) If thing's are fine and dandy, then everything is going well.

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 in the hole!

This is used as a warning when a planned explosion is about to happen.

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.

First port of call

The first place you stop to do something is your first port of call.

Fish in troubled waters

Someone who fishes in troubled waters tries to takes advantage of a shaky or

unstable situation. The extremists were fishing in troubled waters during the

political uncertainty in the country.

Fish or cut bait

(USA) This idiom is used when you want to tell someone that it is time to take

action.

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 like a glove

If something fits like a glove, it is suitable or the right size.

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.

Fit to be tied

If someone is fit to be tied, they are extremely angry.

Five o'clock shadow

A five o'clock shadow is the facial hair that a man gets if he doesn't shave for a

day or two.

Flash in the pan

If something is a flash in the pan, it is very noticeable but doesn't last long, like

most singers, who are very successful for a while, then forgotten.

Flat as a pancake

It is so flat that it is like a pancake- there is no head on that beer it is as flat as

a pancake.

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

trying to raise interest in an issue that no-one supports 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 by the seat of one's pants

If you fly by the seat of one's pants, you do something difficult even though you

don't have the experience or training required.

Fly in the ointment

A fly in the ointment is something that spoils or prevents complete enjoyment of

something.

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.

Fly the coop

When children leave home to live away from their parents, they fly the coop.

Fly the flag

If someone flies the flag, they represent or support their country. ('Wave the flag'

and 'show the flag' are alternative forms of this idiom)

Foam at the mouth

If you foam at the mouth, you are very, very angry.

Follow your nose

When giving directions, telling someone to follow their nose means that they

should go straight ahead.

Food for thought

If something is food for thought, it is worth thinking about or considering

seriously.

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me

This means that you should learn from your mistakes and not allow people to

take advantage of you repeatedly.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread

This idiom is used where people who are inexperienced or lack knowledge do

something that more informed people would avoid.

Foot in mouth

This is used to describe someone who has just said something embarrassing,

inappropriate, wrong or stupid.

Foot in the door

If you have or get your foot in the door, you start working in a company or

organisation at a low level, hoping that you will be able to progress from there.

Foot the bill

The person who foots the bill pays the bill for everybody.

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 England

(UK) A person who talks for England, talks a lot- if you do something for

England, you do it a lot or to the limit.

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 Pete's sake

This is used as an exclamation to show exasperation or irritation.

For the birds

If something is worthless or ridiculous, it is for the birds.

For the love of Pete

Usually used in exasperation, as in 'Oh, for the love of Pete!'

For the time being

For the time being indicates that 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.

Fortune knocks once at every man's door

Everyone gets one good chance in a lifetime.

Foul play

If the police suspect foul play, they think a crime was committed.

Four corners of the earth

If something goes to, or comes from, the four corners of the earth, it goes or

comes absolutely everywhere.

Four-eyes

A person who wears glasses

Four-square behind

If someone stands four-square behind someone, they give that person their full

support.

Fourth estate

This is an idiomatic way of describing the media, especially the newspapers.

Free rein

If someone has a free rein, they have the authority to make the decisions they

want without any restrictions. ('Free reign' is a common mistake.)

Free-for-all

A free-for-all is a fight or contest in which everyone gets involved and rules are

not respected.

French leave

To take French leave is to leave a gathering without saying goodbye or without

permission.

Fresh from the oven

If something is fresh from the oven, it is very new.

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.

Friendly footing

When relationships are on a friendly footing, they are going well.

Frog in my throat

If you have a frog in your throat, you can't speak or you are losing your voice

because you have a problem with your throat.

From a different angle

If you look at something from a different angle, you look at it from a different

point of view.

From Missouri

(USA) If someone is from Missouri, then they require clear proof before they will

believe something.

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 bottom of your heart

If someone does something from the bottom of their heart, then they do it with

genuine emotion and feeling.

From the get-go

(USA) If something happens from the get-go, it happens from the very beginning.

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

From the word go means from the very beginning of something.

Full as a tick

If you are as full as a tick, you have eaten too much.

Full bore

If something is full bore, it involves the maximum effort or is complete and

thorough.

Full circle

When something has come full circle, it has ended up where it started.

Full Monty

(UK) If something is the Full Monty, it is the real thing, not reduced in any way.

Full of beans

If someone's full of beans, they are very energetic.

Full of hot air

Someone who is full of hot air talks a lot of rubbish.

Full of oneself

Someone who acts in a arrogant or egotistical manner is full of himself/herself.

Full of piss and vinegar

Someone who's full of piss and vinegar is full of youthful energy.

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.

Full throttle

If you do something full throttle, you do it with as much speed and energy as you

can.

Fullness of time

If something happens in the fullness of time, it will happen when the time is

right and appropriate.

Fur coat and no knickers

Someone with airs and graces, but no real class is fur coat and no knickers.

Fuzzy thinking

Thinking or ideas that do not agree with the facts or information available

~ G ~

Game on

When someone says 'Game on!', it means that they are accepting a challenge or

ready to get something done.

Game plan

A game plan is a strategy.

Garbage fee

A garbage fee is a charge that has no value and doesn't provide any real service.

Garbage in, garbage out

If a computer system or database is built badly, then the results will be bad.

Gardening leave

(UK) If someone is paid for a period when they are not working, either after they

have given in their notice or when they are being investigated, they are on

gardening leave.

Gather pace

If events gather pace, they move faster.

Gather steam

If something gathers speed, it moves or progresses at an increasing speed.

Get a grip

If you get a grip, you control your emotions so that they don't overwhelm you.

Get a handle on

When you get a handle on something, you come to understand it.

Get a sheepskin

Getting a sheepskin (or your sheepskin) means getting a degree or diploma.

(Sheepskin refers to the parchment that a degree is printed on- parchment

comes from sheepskin.)

Get along famously

If people get along famously, they have an exceedingly good relationship.

Get away scot-free

If someone gets away scot-free, they are not punished when they have done

something wrong. ('Get off scot-free' is an alternative.)

Get away with murder

If you get away with murder, you do something bad and don't get caught or

punished.('Get away with blue murder' is also used.)

Get back on the horse that bucked you

When you start drinking again after being hungover from drinking the previous

night.

Get in on the act

If people want to get in on the act, they want to participate in something that is

currently profitable or popular.

Get in on the ground floor

If you get in on the ground floor, you enter a project or venture at the start

before people know how successful it might be.

Get it in the neck

(UK) If you get it in the neck, you are punished or criticised for something.

Get it off your chest

If you get something off your chest, you confess to something that has been

troubling you.

Get my drift

If you get someone's drift, you understand what they are trying to say. ('Catch

their drift' is an alternative form.)

Get off the ground

If a project or plan gets off the ground, it starts to be put into operation.

Get on like a house on fire

If people get on like a house on fire, they have a very close and good

relationship.

Get on your nerves

If something gets on your nerves, it annoys or irritates you.

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 axe

If you get the axe, you lose your job. ('Get the ax' is the American spelling.)

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 the monkey off your back

If you get the monkey off your back, you pass on a problem to someone else.

Get the nod

(UK) If you get the nod to something, you get approval or permission to do it.

Get the picture

If you get the picture, you understand a situation fully.

Get the show on the road

If you get the show on the road, you put a plan into operation or begin

something.

Get to grips

If you get to grips with something, you take control and do it properly.

Get up and go

If someone has lots of get up and go, they have lots of enthusiasm and energy.

Get wind of

If you get wind of something, you hear or learn about it, especially if it was

meant to be secret.

Get your ducks in a row

If you get your ducks in a row, you organise yourself and your life.

Get your feathers in a bunch

If you get your feathers in a bunch, you get upset or angry about something.

Get your feet wet

If you get your feet wet, you gain your first experience of something.

Get your goat

If something gets your goat, it annoys you.

Get your hands dirty

If you get your hands dirty, you become involved in something where the

realities might compromise your principles. It can also mean that a person is

not just stuck in an ivory tower dictating strategy, but is prepared to put in the

effort and hard work to make the details actually happen.

Get your head around something

If you get your head around something, you come to understand it even though

it is difficult to comprehend.

Get your teeth into

If you get your teeth into something, you become involved in or do something

that is intellectually challenging or satisfying. ('Dig you teeth into' and 'sink your

teeth into' are also used.)

Get your wires crossed

If people get their wires cross, they misunderstand each other, especially when

making arrangements. ('Get your lines crossed' is also used.)

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.

Gild the lily

If you gild the lily, you decorate something that is already ornate.

Gilded cage

If someone is in a gilded cage, they are trapped and have restricted or no

freedom, but have very comfortable surroundings- many famous people live in

luxury but cannot walk out of their house alone.

Girl Friday

A girl Friday is a female employee who assists someone without any specific

duties.

Give a big hand

Applaud by clapping hands. 'Let's give all the contestents a big hand.'

Give a dog a bad name

A person who is generally known to have been guilty of some offence will always

be suspected to be the author of all similar types of offence. Once someone has

gained a bad reputation, it is very difficult to lose it.

Give and take

Where there is give and take, people make concessions in order to get things

they want in negotiations.

Give as good as you get

If you give as good as you get, you are prepared to treat people as badly as they

treat you and to fight for what you believe.

Give it some stick

(UK) If you give something some stick, you put a lot of effort into it.

Give me a hand

If someone gives you a hand, they help you.

Give me five

If someone says this, they want to hit your open hand against theirs as a way of

congratulation or greeting.

Give someone a leg up

If you give someone a leg up, you help them to achieve something that they

couldn't have done alone.

Give someone a piece of your mind

If you give someone a piece of your mind, you criticise them strongly and

angrily.

Give someone a run for their money

If you can give someone a run for the money, you are as good, or nearly as

good, as they are at something.

Give someone enough rope

If you give someone enough rope, you give them the chance to get themselves

into trouble or expose themselves. (The full form is 'give someone enough rope

and they'll hang themselves)

Give someone stick

(UK) If someone gives you stick, they criticise you or punish you.

Give someone the runaround

If someone gives you the runaround, they make excuses and give you false

explanations to avoid doing something.

Give the nod

(UK) If you give the nod to something, you approve it or give permission to do it.

Give up the ghost

People give up the ghost when they die. Machines stop working when they give

up the ghost.

Give your eye teeth

If you really want something and would be prepared to sacrifice a lot to get it,

you would give your eye teeth for it.

Given the day that's in it

(Irish) This idiom is used when something is obvious because of the day that it

occurs: traffic, for example would be busy around a football stadium on game

day, given the day that's in it. On any other day the traffic would be

unexplainable, but because its game day its obvious why there is traffic.

Glass ceiling

The glass ceiling is the discrimination that prevents women and minorities from

getting promoted to the highest levels of companies and organisations.

Glory hound

A glory hound is a person seeking popularity, fame and glory.

Gloves are off

When the gloves are off, people start to argue or fight in a more serious way.

('The gloves come off' and 'take the gloves off' are also used. It comes from

boxing, where fighters normally wear gloves so that they don't do too much

damage to each other.)

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.

Gnaw your vitals

If something gnaws your vitals, it troubles you greatly and affects you at a very

deep level. ('Gnaw at your vitals' is also used.)

Go against the grain

A person who does things in an unconventional manner, 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 bananas

If you go bananas, you are wild with excitement, anxiety, or worry.

Go blue

If you go blue, you are very cold indeed. ('Turn blue' is an alternative form.)

Go bust

If a company goes bust, it goes bankrupt.

Go by the board

When something has gone by the board, it no longer exists or an opportunity has

been lost.

Go by the boards

If something goes by the boards, it fails to get approved or accepted.

Go down like a cup of cold sick

(UK) An idea or excuse that will not be well accepted will go down like a cup of

cold sick.

Go down like a lead balloon

(UK) If something goes down like a lead balloon, it fails or is extremely badly

received.

Go down swinging

If you want to go down swinging, you know you will probably fail, but you refuse

to give up.

Go down without a fight

If someone goes down without a fight, they surrender without putting up any

resistance.

Go Dutch

If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal.

Go fly a kite

(USA) This is used to tell someone to go away and leave you alone.

Go for broke

If someone goes for broke, they risk everything they have for a potentially

greater gain.

Go for the jugular

If you go for the jugular, you attack someone where they are most vulnerable.

Go fry an egg

(USA) This is used to tell someone to go away and leave you alone.

Go hand in hand

If things go hand in hand, they are associated and go together.

Go nuts

If someone goes nuts, they get excited over something.

Go off on a tangent

If someone goes off on a tangent, they change the subject completely in the

middle of a conversation or talk.

Go over like a lead balloon

(USA) If something goes over like a lead balloon, it will not work well, or go over

well.

Go overboard

If you go overboard, you do something excessively.

Go pear-shaped

If things have gone wrong, they have gone pear-shaped.

Go play in traffic

This is used as a way of telling someone to go away.

Go round in circles

If people are going round in circles, they keep discussing the same thing without

reaching any agreement or coming to a conclusion.

Go south

If things go south, they get worse or go wrong.

Go spare

(UK) If you go spare, you lose your temper completely.

Go tell it to birds

This is used when someone says something that is not credible or is a lie.

Go the distance

If you go the distance, you continue until something ends, no matter how

difficult.

Go the extra mile

If someone is prepared to go the extra mile, they will do everything they can to

help or to make something succeed, going beyond their duty what could be

expected of them .

Go the whole hog

If you go the whole hog, you do something completely or to its limits.

Go through the motions

When you go through the motions, you do something like an everyday routine

and without any feelings whatsoever.

Go to seed

If someone has gone to seed, they have declined in quality or appearance.

Go to the wire

If someone goes to the wire, they risk their life, job, reputation, etc, to help

someone.

Go to your head

If something goes to your head, it makes you feel vain. If alcohol goes to your

head, it makes you feel drunk quickly.

Go under the hammer

If something goes under the hammer, it is sold in an auction.

Go west

If something goes west, it goes wrong. If someone goes west, they die.

Go with the flow

If you go with the flow, you accept things as they happen and do what everyone

else wants to do.

Go-to guy

A go-to guy is a person whose knowledge of something is considerable so

everyone wants to go to him or her for information or results.

Going concern

A successful and active business is a going concern.

Going Jesse

(USA) If something is a going Jesse, it's a viable, successful project or

enterprise.

Going overboard

If you go overboard with something, then you take something too far, or do too

much.

Golden handshake

A golden handshake is a payment made to someone to get them to leave their

job.

Golden rule

The golden rule is the most essential or fundamental rule associated with

something. Originally, it was not a general reference to an all purpose first rule

applicable to many groups or protocols, but referred to a verse in the Bible

about treating people they way you would want them to treat you, which was

considered the First Rule of behavior towards all by all.

Golden touch

Someone with a golden touch can make money from or be successful at anything

they do.

Gone fishing

If someone has gone fishing, they are not very aware of what is happening

around them.

Gone for a burton

(UK) If something's gone for a burton, it has been spoiled or ruined. If a person

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 as gold

If children are as good as gold, they behave very well.

Good egg

A person who can be relied on is a good egg. Bad egg is the opposite.

Good fences make good neighbours

This means that it is better for people to mind their own business and to respect

the privacy of others. ('Good fences make good neighbors' is the American

English spelling.)

Good hand

If you are a good hand at something, you do it well.

Good Samaritan

A good Samaritan is a persoon wh helps others in need.

Good shape

If something's in good shape, it's in good condition. If a person's in good shape,

they are fit and healthy.

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 going through a good spell when they're performing consistently better than

they normally do.

Good time

If you make good time on a journey, you manage to travel faster than you

expected.

Good to go

Someone or something that meets one's approval. 'He is good to go.' 'The idea

you had is good to go.'

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.

Grain of salt

If you should take something with a grain of salt, you shouldn't necessarily

believe it all. ('pinch of salt' is an alternative)

Grasp the nettle

(UK) If you grasp the nettle, you deal bravely with a problem.

Grass may be greener on the other side but it's just as hard to mow

'The grass may be greener on the other side but it's just as hard to mow' is an

expression used to mean a person's desire to have that which another person

has in the belief it will make their life easieris false as all situations come with

their own set of problems.

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.

Grease the skids

If you grease the skids, you facilitate 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 Scott

An exclamation of surprise.

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 around the gills

If someone looks green around the gills, they look ill.

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 with envy

If you are green with envy, you are very jealous.

Green-eyed monster

The green-eyed monster is an allegorical phrase for 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 Cardinal

Someone who is a Grey Cardinal exerts power behind the scenes, without

drawing attention to himself or herself.

Grey cells

'Grey cells' means 'brain' Eg: Use your grey cells to understand it

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.

Grey suits

The men in grey suits are people who have a lot of power in business or politics,

but aren't well-known or charismatic.

Grin and bear it

If you have to grin and bear it, you have to accept something that you don't like.

Grin like a Cheshire cat

If someone has a very wide smile, they have a grin like a Cheshire cat.

Grinds my gear

Something that is very annoying grinds your gear.

Grist for the mill

Something that you can use to your advantage is grist for the mill. ('Grist to the

mill' is also used.)

Guinea-pig

If you are a guinea-pig, you take part in an experiment of some sort and are

used in the testing.

Gunboat diplomacy

If a nation conducts its diplomatic relations by threatening military action to get

what it wants, it is using gunboat diplomacy.

Gung ho

If someone is gung ho about something, they support it blindly and don't think

about the consequences.

~ H ~

Hail-fellow-well-met

Someone whose behavior is hearty, friendly and congenial.

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.

Hairy at the heel

(UK) Someone who is hairy at the heel is dangerous or untrustworthy.

Hale and hearty

Someone who is hale and hearty is in very good health.

Half a loaf is better than no bread

It means that getting part of what you want is better than getting nothing at all.

Half a mind

If you have half a mind to do something, you haven't decided to do it, but are

thinking seriously about doing it.

Half-baked

A half-baked idea or scheme hasn't not been thought through or planned very

well.

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 in hand

Hand in hand= work together closely When people in a group, say in an office or

in a project, work together with mutual understanding to achieve the target, we

say they work hand in hand. There is no lack of co-operation and each

synchoranises the activity with that of the other.

Hand that rocks the cradle

Women have a great power and influence because they have the greatest

influence over the development of children- the hand that rocks the cradle. ('The

hand that rocks the cradle rules the world' is the full form.)

Hand to mouth

Someone who's living from hand to mouth, is very poor and needs the little

money they have coming in to cover their expenses.

Hands down

If someone is better hands down than everyone else, they are much better.

Handwriting like chicken scratch

If your handwriting is very hard to read, it is like chicken scratch.

Hang by a thread

If something hangs by a thread, there is a very small chance indeed of it being

successful or surviving.

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 expression is 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.

Happy medium

If you reach a happy medium, you are making a compromise; reaching a

conclusion or decision.

Happy-go-lucky

If someone is happy-go-lucky, they don't worry or plan and accept things as they

happen.

Hard as nails

A person who is as hard as nails is either physically tough or has little or no

respect for other people's feelings.

Hard by

"Hard by" means mean "close to" or "near".

Hard cheese

(UK) Hard cheese means hard luck.

Hard of hearing

Someone who's hard of hearing is a bit deaf.

Hard on someone's heels

If you are hard on someone's heels, you are close to them and trying to catch or

overtake them. ('Hot on someone's heels' is also used.)

Hard sell

If someone puts a lot of pressure on you to do or buy something, they are hard

selling it.

Hard to come by

If something is hard to come by, it is difficult to find.

Hard up

If you are hard up, you have very little money.

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 ball

If you have a ball, you have a great time, a lot of fun.

Have a bash

If you have a bash at something, you try to do it, especially when there isn't

much chance of success.

Have a blast

It means "to have a lot of fun".

Have a crack

If you have a crack at something, you try to do it. If someone is attempting to do

something and they are unsuccessful, you might say, "Let me have a crack at it"

suggesting that you might be successful at performing the task. ('Take a crack'

is also used.)

Have a go

If you have a go, you try to do something, often when you don't think you have

much chance of succeeding.

Have a heart

If someone has a heart, they arekind and sympathetic. If you say, 'Have a heart'

to someone, you are asking them to be understanding and sympathetic.

Have a ripper

If you have a ripper of a time, you enjoy yourself.

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.

Have no truck with

If you have no truck with something or someone, you refuse to get involved with

it or them.

Have the floor

If someone has the floor, it is their turn to speak at a meeting.

Have the guts

Someone who has enough courage to do something has the guts to do it.

Have your cake and eat it too

If someone wants to have their cake and eat it too, they want everything their

way, especially when their wishes are contradictory.

Have your collar felt

If someone has their collar felt, they are arrested.

Have your fill

If you have had your fill, you are fed up of somebody or something.

Have your lunch handed to you

If you have you lunch handed to you, you are outperformed and shown up by

someone better.

Have your moments

Someone who has his or her moments exhibits a positive behavior pattern on an

occasional basis but not generally.

Have your tail up

If someone has their tail up, they are optimistic and expect to be successful.

Have your work cut out

If you have your work cut out, you are very busy indeed.

Having a gas

If you're having a gas, you are having a laugh and enjoying yourself in company.

Hay is for horses

This idiom is used as a way of telling children not to say the word 'hey' as in hey

you or hey there.

He that travels far knows much

People who travel widely have a wide knowledge.

He who hesitates is lost

If one waits too long, the opportunity vanishes.

Head for the hills

If people head for the hills, they run away from trouble.

Head is in the clouds

If a person has their head in the clouds, they have unrealistic, impractical ideas.

Head is mince

(Scot) When someone's thoughts are in a state of abject confusion, especially

when facing a severe dilemma, their head is mince.

Head nor tail

If you can't make head nor tail of something, you cannot understand it at all or

make any sense of it.

Head on a spike

If someone wants a head on a spike, they want to be able to destroy or really

punish a person.

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.

Head south

If something head south, it begins to fail or start going bad.'The project

proceeded well for the first two months, but then it headed south.'

Heads will roll

If heads will 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.

Healthy as a horse

If you're as healthy as a horse, you're very healthy.

Heap coals on someone's head

To do something nice or kind to someone who has been nasty to you. If someone

felt bad because they forgot to get you a Christmas gift, for you to buy them a

specially nice gift is heaping coals on their head. ('Heap coals of fire' is also

used.)

Hear a pin drop

If there is complete silence in a room, you can hear a pin drop.

Hear on the grapevine

To receive information indirectly through a series of third parties, similar to a

rumour.

Heart in the right place

If someone's heart is in the right place, they are good and kind, though they

might not always appear to be so.

Heart in your boots

If you're heart is in your boots, you are very unhappy.

Heart in your mouth

If your heart is in your mouth, then you feel nervous or scared.

Heart isn't in it

If your heart is not in something, then you don't really believe in it or support it.

Heart misses a beat

If your heart misses a beat, you are suddenly shocked or surprised. ('Heart skips

a beat' is an alternative)

Heart of glass

When someone has a heart of glass, they are easily affected emotionally.

Heart of gold

Someone with a heart of gold is a genuinely kind and caring person.

Heart of steel

When someone has a heart of steel, they do not show emotion or are not

affected emotionally.

Heart-to-heart

A heart-to-heart is a frank and honest conversation with someone, where you

talk honestly and plainly about issues, no matter how painful.

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 for very long.

Hide nor hair

When there's no trace of something or a person, you haven't seen hide nor hair

of it or them.('Neither hide nor hair' is also used.)

Hiding to nothing

If people are on a hiding to nothing, their schemes and plans have no chance of

succeeding. 'Hiding to nowhere' is an alternative.

High and dry

If you are left high and dry, you are left alone and given no help at all when you

need it.

High and low

If you search high and low, you look everywhere for something or someone.

High and mighty

The high and mighty are the people with authority and power. If a person is high

and mighty, they behave in a superior and condescending way.

High as a kite

If someone's as high as a kite, it means they have had too much to drink or are

under the influence of drugs.

High on the hog

To live in great comfort with lots of money.

High-handed

If someone is high-handed, they behave arrogantly and pompously.

High-wire act

A high-wire act is a dangerous or risky strategy, plan, task, etc.

Highway robbery

Something that is ridiculously expensive, especially when you have no choice but

to pay, is a highway robbery.

Himalayan blunder

A Himalayan blunder is a very serious mistake or error.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty

After something has gone wrong, it is easy to look back and make criticisms.

Hit a nerve

If something hits a nerve, it upsets someone or causes them pain, often when it

is something they are trying to hide.

Hit and miss

Something that is hit and miss is unpredictable and may produce results or may

fail.

Hit me with your best shot

If someone tells you to hit them with your best shot, they are telling you that no

matter what you do it won't hurt them or make a difference to them.

Hit rock bottom

When someone hits rock bottom, they reach a point in life where things could

not get any worse.

Hit rough weather

If you hit rough weather, you experience difficulties or problems.

Hit the airwaves

If someone hits the airwaves, they go on radio and TV to promote something or

to tell their side of a story.

Hit the books

If you hit the books, you study or read hard.

Hit the bull's-eye

If someone hits the bull's-eye, they are exactly right about something or achieve

the best result possible. "Bulls-eye" and "bullseye" are alternative spellings.

Hit the ceiling

If someone hits the ceiling, they lose their temper and become very angry.

Hit the fan

When it hits the fan, or, more rudely, the shit hits the fan, serious trouble starts.

Hit the ground running

If someone hits the ground running, they start a new job or position in a very

dynamic manner.

Hit the hay

When you hit the hay, you go to bed.

Hit the mark

If someone hits the mark, they are right about something.

Hit the nail on the head

If someone hits the nail on the head, they are exactly right about something.

Hit the road

When people hit the road, they leave a place to go somewhere else.

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.

Hive of worker bees

A hive of worker bees is a group of people working actively and cooperatively.

Example: The classroom was a hive of worker bees.

Hobson's choice

A Hobson's choice is something that appears to be a free choice, but is really no

choice as there is no genuine alternative.

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) If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the bag.

Hold the fort

If you hold the fort, you look after something or assume someone's

responsibilities while they are away.

Hold the torch

If you hold the torch for someone, you have an unrequited or unspoken love.

Hold water

When you say that something does or does not 'hold water', it means that the

point of view or argument put forward is or is not sound, strong or logical. For

e.g., 'Saying we should increase our interest rates because everyone else is

doing so will not hold water'.

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.

Hold your own

If you can hold your own, you can compete or perform equally with other people.

Hold your tongue

If you hold your tongue, you keep silent even though you want to speak.

Holier-than-thou

Someone who is holier-than-thou believes that they are morally superior to other

people.

Hollow leg

Someone who has a hollow leg eats what seems to be more than his stomach

can hold.

Hollow victory

A hollow victory is where someone wins something in name, but are seen not to

have gained anything by winning.

Holy smoke!

This is a way of expressing surprise: "Holy smoke! Look at all of those geese!"

Home and hearth

'Home and hearth' is an idiom evoking warmth and security.

Home is where you lay your hat

Wherever you are comfortable and at ease with yourself is your home,

regardless where you were born or brought up.('Home is where you lay your

head' and 'Home is where you hang your hat' are also used.)

Home stretch

The home stretch is the last part of something, like a journey, race or project.

Home sweet home

This is said when one is pleased to be back at one's own home.

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). The full

phrase is 'Home, James, and don't spare the horses'.

Honest truth

If someone claims that something is the honest truth, they wish to sound extra-

sincere about something.

Honor among thieves

If someone says there is honor among thieves, this means that even corrupt or

bad people sometimes have a sense of honor or integrity, or justice, even if it is

skewed. ('Honour among thieves' is the British English version.)

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.

Hop, skip, and a jump

If a place is a hop, skip, and a jump from somewhere, it's only a short distance

away.

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.

Hornets' nest

A hornets' nest is a violent situation or one with a lot of dispute. (If you create

the problem, you 'stir up a hornets' nest'.)

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.

Horse trading

Horse trading is an idiom used to describe negotiations, especially where these

are difficult and involve a lot of compromise.

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 air

Language that is full of words but means little or nothing is hot air.

Hot as blue blazes

If something's as hot as blue blazes, it's extremely hot.

Hot as Hades

If something's as hot as Hades, it's extremely hot.

Hot button

(USA) A hot button is a topic or issue that people feel very strongly about.

Hot foot

If you hot foot it out of a place, you leave very quickly, often running.

Hot ticket

(USA) A hot ticket is something that is very much in demand at the moment.

Hot to trot

If someone is hot to trot, they are sexually aroused or eager to do something.

Hot under the collar

If you're hot under the collar, you're feeling angry or bothered.

Hot water

If you get into hot water, you get into trouble.

Hot-blooded

Someone who is hot-blooded is easily excitable or passionate.

Hot-headed

A hot-headed person gets angry very easily. (The noun 'hothead' can also be

used.)

Hour of need

A time when someone really needs something, almost a last chance, is their hour

of need.

House of cards

Something that is poorly thought out and can easily collapse or fail is a house of

cards.

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 that has happened. It can also be used to boast about 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.

How's tricks?

This is used as a way of asking people how they are and how things have been

going in their life.

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.

Hung the moon

If you refer to someone as having hung the moon, you think they are extremely

wonderful, or amazing, or good.

Hungry as a bear

If you are hungry as a bear, it means that you are really hungry.

Hunky Dory

If something is hunky dory, it is perfectly satisfactory, fine.

~ 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 may be daft, but I'm not stupid

I might do or say silly things occasionally, but in this instance I know what I am

doing (Usually used when someone questions your application of common-

sense).

I should cocoa

(UK) This idiom comes from 'I should think so', but is normally used sarcastically

to mean the opposite.

I'll cross that road when I come to it

I'll think about something just when it happens, not in advance.

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

If somebody says this, they mean that they have some complaint to make against

the person they are addressing.

I've got your number

You have made a mistake and I am going to call you on it. You are in trouble (a

threat). I have a disagreement with you. I understand your true nature.

Icing on the cake

This expression is used to refer to something good that happens on top of an

already good thing or situation.

Idle hands are the devil's handiwork

When someone is not busy, or being productive, trouble is bound to follow.

If at first you don't succeed try try again

When you fail, try until you get it right!

If I had a nickel for every time

(USA) When someone uses this expression, they mean that the specific thing

happens a lot. It is an abbreviation of the statement 'If I had a nickel for every

time that happened, I would be rich'

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Any attempt to improve on a system that already works is pointless and may

even hurt it.

If Mohammed won't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed

If something cannot or will not happen the easy way, then sometimes it must be

done the hard way.

If the cap fits, wear it

This idiom means that if the description is correct, then it is describing the

truth, often when someone is being criticised. ('If the shoe fits, wear it' is an

alternative)

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride

This means that wishing for something or wanting it is not the same as getting

or having it.

If you are given lemons make lemonade

Always try and make the best out of a bad situation. With some ingenuity you can

make a bad situation useful.

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen

Originally a Harry S. Truman quote, this means that if you can't take the

pressure, then you should remove yourself from the situation.

If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows

If you wish to be associated with a particular high risk and/or high profile

situation and benefit from the rewards of that association, you have to accept

the consequences if things go wrong - you cannot dissociate yourself.

If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas

This means that if you become involved with bad company, there will be negative

consequences.

If you lie down with the Devil, you will wake up in hell

This means that if you become involved with bad company, there will be negative

consequences.

If you will

'If you will' is used as a way of making a concession in a sentence: He wasn't a

very honest person, a liar if you will. Here, it is used a way of accepting that the

reader or listener might think of the person as a liar, but without commit the

writer or speaker to that position fully.

If you'll pardon my French

(UK) This idiom is used as a way of apologising for swearing.

Ill at ease

If someone is ill at ease, they are worried or uncomfortable.

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 fix

If you are in a fix, you are in trouble.

In a flash

If something happens in a flash, it happens very quickly indeed.

In a fog

If you're in a fog, you are confused, dazed or unaware.

In a heartbeat

If something happens very quickly or immediately, it happens in a heartbeat.

In a jam

If you are in a jam, you are in some trouble. If you get out of a jam, you avoid

trouble.

In a jiffy

If something happens in a jiffy, it happens very quickly.

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 a rut

In a settled or established pattern, habit or course of action, especially a boring

one.

In a tick

(UK) If someone will do something in a tick, they'll do it very soon or very

quickly.

In a tight spot

If you're in a tight spot, you're in a difficult situation.

In all honesty

If you say something in all honesty, you are telling 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 another's shoes

It is difficult to know what another person's life is really like, so we don't know

what it is like to be in someone's shoes.

In apple-pie order

If something is in apple-pie order, it is very neat and organised.

In broad daylight

If a crime or problem happens in broad daylight, it happens during the day and

should have been seen and stopped.

In cahoots

If people are in cahoots, they are conspiring together.

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 arrive in dribs and drabs, they come in small groups at irregular

intervals, instead of all arriving at the same time.

In droves

When things happen in droves, a lot happen at the same time or very quickly.

In for a penny, in for a pound

If something is worth doing then it is a case of in 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 full swing

If things are in full swing, they have been going for a sufficient period of time to

be going well and very actively.

In high gear

(USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in

high gear, they are feverishly on the fast track.

In high spirits

If someone is in high spirits, they are in a very good mood or feeling confident

about something.

In his cups

If someone is in their cups, they are drunk.

In hot water

If you are in hot water, you are in serious trouble.

In light of

'In light of' is similar to 'due to'.

In like Flynn

Refers to Errol Flynn's popularity with women in the 40's. His ability to attract

women was well known throughout the world. ('In like flint' is also used.)

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 moment.

In one ear and out the other

If something goes in one ear and out the other, you forget it as soon as you've

heard it because it was too complicated, boring etc.

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 perfect form

When something is as it ought to be. Or, when used cynically, it may refer to

someone whose excesses are on display; a caricature.

In rude health

(UK) If someone's in rude health, they are very healthy and look it.

In so many words

This phrase may be used to mean 'approximately' or 'more or less'. I think it may

have a sarcastic connotation in that the individual listening needed 'so many

words' to get the point. It also may suggest the effort on the part of the speaker

to explain an unpleasant truth or difficult concept.

In someone's pocket

If a person is in someone's pocket, they are dependent, especially financially, on

them.

In spades

(UK) If you have something in spades, you have a lot of it.

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 that vein

If you do something in that (or this) vein, you do it in the same distinctive

manner or style.

In the bag

If something is in the bag, it is certain that you will get it or achieve it

In the ballpark

This means that something is close to the adequate or required value.

In the black

If your bank account is in credit, it is in the black.

In the cards

If something is in the cards, it is bound to occur, it is going to happen, or it is

inevitable.

In the catbird seat

(USA) If someone is in the catbird seat, they are in an advantageous or superior

position.

In the clear

If someone is in the clear, they are no longer suspected of or charged with

wrongdoing.

In the clink

(UK) If someone is in the clink, they are in prison.

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 driver's seat

If you are in the driver's seat, you are in charge of something or in control of a

situation.

In the face of

If people act in the face of something, they do it despite it or when threatened by

it.

In the family way

If a woman is in the family way, she is pregnant.

In the flesh

If you meet or see someone in the flesh you actually meet or see them, rather

than seeing them on TV or in other media.

In the gravy

If you're in the gravy, you're rich and make money easily.

In the hole

If someone is in the hole, they have a lot of problems, especially financial ones.

In the hot seat

If someone's in the hot seat, they are the target for a lot of unwelcome criticism

and examination.

In the know

If you are in the know, you have access to all the information about something,

which other people don't have.

In the lap of luxury

People in the lap of luxury are very wealthy and have have everything that money

can buy.

In the long run

This means 'over a long period of time', 'in the end' or 'in the final result'.

In the loop

If you're in the loop, you are fully informed about what is happening in a certain

area or activity.

In the lurch

If you are left in the lurch, you are suddenly left in an embarrassing or tricky

situation.

In the making

When something is in the making, it means it is in the process of being made.

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 saddle

If you're in the saddle, you are in control of a situation.

In the same boat

If people are in the same boat, they are in the same predicament or trouble.

In the short run

This refers to the immediate future.

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 swing

If things are in the swing, they are progressing well.

In the tall cotton

A phrase that expresses good times or times of plenty and wealth as tall cotton

means a good crop.

In the twinkling of an eye

If something happens in the twinkling of an eye, it happens very quickly.

In the zone

If you are in the zone, you are very focused on what you have to do.

In turn

This means one after the other. Example: She spoke to each of the guests in

turn.

In two minds

If you are in two minds about something, you can't decide what to do.

In your blood

A trait or liking that is deeply ingrained in someone's personality and unlikely to

change is in their blood. A similar idiom is 'in his DNA.'

In your element

If you are in your element, you feel happy and relaxed because you are doing

something that you like doing and are good at. "You should have seen her when

they asked her to sing; she was in her element."

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.

Ins and outs

If you know the ins and outs of something, you know all the details.

Into each life some rain must fall

This means that bad or unfortunate things will happen to everyone at some time.

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.

Is Saul also among the prophets?

It's a biblical idiom used when somebody known for something bad appears all of

a sudden to be doing something very good.

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 never rains but it pours

'It never rains but it pours' means that when things go wrong, they go very

wrong.

It takes a village to raise a child

It takes many people to teach a child all that he or she should know.

It takes two to tango

This idiom is used to suggest that when things go wrong, both sides are involved

and neither side is completely innocent.

It's an ill wind that blows no good

This is said when things have gone wrong; the idea being that when bad things

happen, there can also be some positive results.

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 not the size of the dog in fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog

Usually refering to a small dog attacking a larger animal, this means that

fierceness is not necessarily a matter of physical size, but rather

mental/psychological attitude.

It's not the size of the man in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the man

This idiom means that determination is often more important than size,

strength, or ability. ('It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the

fight in the dog.' is also used.)

It's your funeral

The other person has made a decision that you think is bad. However, it is their

choice; it is their funeral.

Itch to

If you are itching to do something, you are very eager to do it.

Itchy feet

One gets itchy feet when one has been in one place for a time and wants to

travel.

Ivory tower

People who live in ivory towers are detached from the world around them.

~ J ~

Jack Frost

If everything has frozen in winter, then Jack Frost has visited.

Jack the Lad

A confident and not very serious young man who behaves as he wants to without

thinking about other people is a Jack the Lad.

Jack-of-all-trades

A jack-of-all-trades is someone that can do many different jobs.

Jam on your face

If you say that someone has jam on their face, they appear to be caught,

embarrassed or found guilty.

Jam tomorrow

(UK) This idiom is used when people promise good things for the future that will

never come.

Jane Doe

Jane Doe is a name given to an unidentified female who may be party to legal

proceedings, or to an unidentified person in hospital, or dead. John Doe is the

male equivalent.

Jekyll and Hyde

Someone who has a Jekyll and Hyde personality has a pleasant and a very

unpleasant side to the character.

Jersey justice

(UK) Jersey justice is very severe justice.

Jet set

Very wealthy people who travel around the world to attend parties or functions

are the jet set.

Jet-black

To emphasise just how black something is, such as someone's hair, we can call

it jet-black.

Job's comforter

Someone who says they want to comfort, but actually discomforts people is a

Job's comforter. (Job's is pronounced 'jobes', not 'jobs')

Jobs for the boys

Where people give jobs, contracts, etc, to their friends and associates, these are

jobs for the boys.

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.

Jog my memory

If you jog someone's memory, you say words that will help someone trying to

remember a thought, event, word, phrase, experience, etc.

John Doe

John Doe is a name given to an unidentified male who may be party to legal

proceedings, or to an unidentified person in hospital, or dead. Jane Doe is the

female equivalent.

John Q Public

(USA) John Q Public is the typical, average person.

Johnny on the spot

A person who is always available; ready, willing, and able to do what needs to be

done.('Johnny-on-the-spot' is also used.)

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.

Joined at the hip

If people are joined at the hip, they are very closely connected and think the

same way.

Judge, jury and executioner

If someone is said to be the judge, jury, and executioner, it means they are in

charge of every decision made, and they have the power to be rid of whomever

they choose.

Juggle frogs

If you are juggling frogs, you are trying to do something very difficult.

Jump down someone's throat

If you jump down someone's throat, you criticise or chastise them severely.

Jump on the bandwagon

If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has

recently become very popular.

Jump the gun

If you jump the gun, you start doing something before the appropriate time.

Jump the shark

Said of a salient point in a television show or other activity at which the

popularity thereof begins to wane: The Flintstones jumped the shark when a man

from outer space came to visit them. The expression derives from an episode of

the television sitcom 'Happy Days' in which Fonzie, clad in leather jacket and on

water skis, jumps over a shark. That episode was widely seen as the beginning of

the end for the formerly popular series.

Jump through hoops

If you are prepared to jump through hoops for someone, you are prepared to

make great efforts and sacrifices for them.

Jump to a conclusion

If someone jumps to a conclusion, they evaluate or judge something without a

sufficient examination of the facts.

Jumping Judas!

An expression of surprise or shock.

Jungle out there

If someone says that it is a jungle out there, they mean that the situation is

dangerous and there are no rules.

Jury's out

If the jury's out on an issue, then there is no general agreement or consensus on

it.

Just around the corner

If something is just around the corner, then it is expected to happen very soon.

Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined

Things, especially education, that affect and influence us in our childhood shape

the kind of adult we turn out to be. (There are various versions of this, like 'As

the twig is bent, the tree's inclined' and 'As the twig is bent, so the tree inclines',

'As the twig is bent so is the tree inclined')

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 for the heck of it

When someone does something just for the heck of it, they do it without a good

reason.

Just for the record

If something is said to be just for the record, the person is saying it so that

people know but does not necessarily agree with or support it.

Just in the nick of time

If you do something in the nick of time, you just manage to do it just in time,

with seconds to spare.

Just off the boat

If someone is just off the boat, they are naive and inexperienced.

Just what the doctor ordered

If something's just what the doctor ordered, it is precisely what is needed.

~ K ~

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 enthusiastic, they are as keen as mustard.

Keep abreast

If you keep abreast of things, you stay informed about 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 in touch

If you keep in touch with someone, you keep communicating with them even

though you may live far apart.

Keep it on the Q T

If you keep something on the Q T, you keep it quiet or secret.('Q-T' is also used.)

Keep it under your hat

If you keep something under your hat, you keep it secret.

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 someone at arm's length

If you keep someone or something at arm's length, you keep a safe distance

away from them.

Keep someone on their toes

If you keep someone on their toes, you make sure that they concentrate on what

they are supposed to do.

Keep the wolf at bay

If you keep the wolf at bay, you make enough money to avoid going hungry or

falling heavily into debt.

Keep up with the Joneses

People who try to keep up with the Joneses are competitive about material

possessions and always try to have the latest and best things.

Keep your chin up

(UK) This expression is used to tell someone to have confidence.

Keep your cool

If you keep your cool, you don't get excessively excited or disturbed in a bad

situation.

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 eye on the prize

This means that you should keep your focus on achieving a positive end result.

Keep your eyes peeled

If you keep your eyes peeled, you stay alert or watchful.

Keep your fingers crossed

If you are keeping your fingers crossed, you are hoping for a positive outcome.

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

If you keep your head, you stay calm in times of difficulty.

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 nose to the grindstone

If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you work hard and seriously.

Keep your options open

If someone's keeping their options open, they aren't going to restrict themselves

or rule out any possible course of action.

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 powder dry

If you keep your powder dry, you act cautiously so as not to damage your

chances.

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.

Kettle of fish

A pretty or fine kettle of fish is a difficult problem or situation.

Kick a habit

If you kick a habit, you stop doing it.

Kick away the ladder

If someone kicks away the ladder, they remove something that was supporting or

helping someone.

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 ballistics

It means you realise the intensity of a situation. For example, there is too much

unemployment now, so the prime minister must kick the ballistics and change

his policy.

Kick the bucket

When someone kicks the bucket, they die.

Kick up your heels

(USA) If you kick up your heels, you go to parties or celebrate something.

Kick your heels

(UK) If you have to kick your heels, you are forced to wait for the result or

outcome of something.

Kicked to touch

Touch is a zone of the playing field in Rugby. Kicked to touch means the ball was

put safely out of play. Idiomatic usage usually means a person has deftly avoided

an issue in argument.

Kid gloves

If someone is handled with kid gloves, they are given special treatment and

handled with great care.

Kill the goose that lays the golden egg

If you kill the goose that lays the golden egg, you ruin something that is very

profitable.

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.

King of the castle

The king of the castle is the person who is in charge of something or in a very

comfortable position compared to their companions.

King's ransom

If something costs or is worth a king's ransom, it costs or is worth a lot of

money.

Kiss and tell

If people kiss and tell, they disclose private or confidential information.

Kiss of death

The kiss of death is an action that means failure or ruin for someone, a scheme,

a plan, etc.

Kiss something goodbye

If someone tells you that you can kiss something goodbye, you have no chance

of getting or having it.

Kissing cousin

A kissing cousin is someone you are related to, but not closely.

Kitchen-sink

(UK) Kitchen-sink drama deals with ordinary people's lives.

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-jerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation.

Knickers in a twist

When your knickers are in a twist, you are angry and snappish over something

trivial. 'Whenever he loses his car keys, he gets his knickers in a twist.'

Knight in shining armour

A knight in shining armour is someone who saves you when you are in great

trouble or danger.

Knit your brows

If you knit your brows, you frown or look worried.

Knock 'em dead

'Knock 'em dead' is used as a way of wishing someone luck before they give a

performance or have to appear before people, as in an interview, etc. ('em =

them)

Knock on wood

This idiom is used to wish for good luck. ('Touch wood' is also used.)

Knock something on the head

If you knock something on the head, you stop it or stop doing it.

Knock the pins from under someone

If someone knocks the pins from under you, they let you down.

Knock your block off

To punch someone in the face Eg : The next time you do something like that I'm

going to "knock your block off".

Knock your socks off

If something knocks your socks off, it amazes and surprises you, usually in a

positive way.

Know a hawk from a handsaw

If someone knows a hawk from a handsaw, they are able to distinguish things

and assess them.

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 where all the bodies are buried

Someone who by virtue of holding a position of trust with an organization for a

long period of time has come to know many of the secrets that others in more

powerful positions would rather be kept secret knows where the bodies are

buried. An implication is that the person knowing these secrets will use that

knowledge to secure something of value for him- or herself.

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 which way the wind blows

This means that you should know how things are developing and be prepared for

the future.

Know your onions

If someone is very well-informed about something, they know their onions.

Know your place

A person who knows their place doesn't try to impose themselves on others.

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101

~ 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.

Landslide victory

A landslide victory is a victory in an election by a very large margin.

Lap dog

A lap dog is a person who is eager to please another at the expense of his or her

own needs in order to maintain a position of privilege or favor.

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 laugh

The person who has the last laugh ends up with the the advantage in a situation

after some setbacks.

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.

Laugh a minute

Someone who is a laugh a minute is very funny.

Laugh to see a pudding crawl

(UK) Someone who would laugh to see a pudding crawl is easily amused and will

laugh at anything.

Laugh up your sleeve

If you laugh up your sleeve, you laugh at someone secretly.

Laughing stock

If someone becomes a laughing stock they do something so stupid or wrong that

no one can take them seriously and people scorn and laugh at them.

Laughter is the best medicine

Laughing is often helpful for healing, especially emotional healing.

Law unto yourself

102

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.

Lead with the chin

If someone leads with their chin, they speak or behave without fear of the

consequences.

Lean and mean

An organisation that is lean and mean has no excess or unnecessary elements

and is very competitive.

Learn the ropes

If you are learning the ropes, you are learning how to do something.

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.

Left to your own devices

If someone is left to their own devices, they are not controlled and can do what

they want.

Left-handed compliment

A left-handed compliment is one that sounds like praise but has an insulting

meaning. ('Backhanded compliment' is an alternative form.)

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.

Lend an ear

If you lend an ear, you listen to what someone has to say. ('Lend your ear' is an

alternative form.)

Leopard can't change its spots

This idiom means that people cannot change basic aspects of their character,

especially negative ones. ("A leopard doesn't change its spots" is also used.)

Lesser of two evils

Something that is the lesser of two evils, is an unpleasant option, but not as bad

as the other.

Let alone

103

This is used to emphasise how extreme something could be: 'We hadn't got the

money to phone home, let alone stay in a hotel.' This emphasises the utter

impossibility of staying in a hotel.

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 best be the enemy of the good

If the desire for an unattainable perfection stops someone from choosing good

possibilities, they let the best be the enemy of the good.

Let the cat out of the bag

If you accidentally reveal a secret, you let the cat out of the bag.

Let the chips fall where they may

This means that we shouldn't try to control events, because destiny controls

them.

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.

Let the genie out of the bottle

If people let the genie out of the bottle, they let something bad happen that

cannot be put right or controlled.

Let the grass grow round your feet

If you let the grass grow round your feet, you delay doing things instead of

taking action.

Let your guard down

If you let your guard down, you relax and stop looking out for danger.

Let your hair down

If someone lets their hair down, they relax and stop feeling inhibited or shy.

Let's call it a day

This is used as a way of suggesting that it is time to stop working on something.

Letter of the law

If people interpret laws and regulations strictly, ignoring the ideas behind them,

they follow the letter of the law.

Level playing field

If there's a level playing field everybody is treated equally.

Lie like a rug

If someone lies like a rug, they lie to the point where it becomes obvious that

they're lying.

Lie low

If someone lies low, they try not to be found or caught.

Lie through your teeth

Someone who is always lying, regardless of what people know, lies through their

teeth.

Life and limb

When people risk life and limb, they could be killed or suffer serious injuries.

Life is just a bowl of cherries

104

This idiom means that life is simple and pleasant.

Light at the end of the tunnel

If you can see light at the end of the tunnel, then you can see some signs of

hope in the future, though things are difficult at the moment.

Light bulb moment

A light bulb moment is when you have a sudden realisation about something, like

the light bulbs used to indicate an idea in cartoons.

Light on your feet

If someone is light on their feet, they can move quickly and are agile.

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 problems, is a lightning rod.

Like a bat out of hell

This expression means extremely quickly.

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 bear with a sore head

(UK) If someone's like a bear with a sore head, they complain a lot and are

unhappy about something.

Like a bull at a gate

If you tackle a job very quickly, without any real thought about what you are

doing, you are going at it like a bull at a gate.

Like a cat on hot bricks

If someone is like a cat on hot bricks, they are very nervous or excited.

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 hawk

If you watch something or someone like a hawk, you observe very closely and

carefully.

Like a headless chicken

If someone rushes about like a headless chicken, they move very fast all over the

place, usually without thinking.

105

Like a kid in a candy store

If someone is like a kid in a candy store, they are very excited about something.

Like a moth to a flame

Something that is like a moth to a flame is attracted to something that is deadly

or dangerous.

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 Chinese arithmetic

If something is complicated and hard to understand, it's like Chinese arithmetic.

Like clockwork

If something happens like clockwork, it happens at very regular times or

intervals.

Like father, like son

This idiom is used when different generations of a family behave in the same way

or have the same talents of defects.

Like giving a donkey strawberries

(UK) If something is like giving a donkey strawberries, people fail to appreciate

its value.

Like it or lump it

When people say this, they mean that the person will have to accept the situation

because it isn't going to change.

Like lambs to the slaughter

If somebody does something unpleasant without any resistance, they go like

lambs to the slaughter.

Like no one's business

If I say my children are growing like no one's business, it means they're growing

very quickly. See also 'Like the clappers' and 'Like there's no tomorrow'.

Like peas in a pod

If people or things are like peas in a pod, they look identical.

Like pulling teeth

If something if like pulling teeth, it is very difficult, especially if trying to extract

information or to get a straight answer from someone.

Like taking candy from a baby

(USA) If something is like taking candy from a baby, it is very easy to do.

Like the back of your hand

If you know something like the back of your hand, you know it very well indeed.

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.

Like two peas in a pod

Things that are like two peas in a pod are very similar or identical,

Like watching sausage getting made

If something is like watching sausages getting made, unpleasant truths about it

emerge that make it much less appealing. The idea is that if people watched

sausages getting made, they would probably be less fond of them.

106

Like white on rice

(USA) If you do something like white on rice, you do it very closely: When Bob

found out I had front row tickets for the concert, he stuck to me like white on

rice.

Like wildfire

If something happens or spreads like wildfire, it happens very quickly and

intensely.

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 who are in conflict; a government might open lines of communication

with terrorists if it wished to negotiate with them.

Lion's share

The lion's share of something is the biggest or best part.

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.

Little pitchers have big ears

(USA) This means that children hear more and understand the world around

them better than many adults realize.

Little strokes fell great oaks

Meaning: even though something may seem impossible, if you break it up into

small parts and take one step at a time, you will succeed.

Live high off the hog

If you are living high off the hog, you are living lavishly.

Live wire

A person who is very active, both mentally and physically, is a live wire.

Lo and behold

This phrase is used to express surprise.

Loan shark

A loan shark lends money at very high rates of interest.

Lock and load

This is a military term meaning "be ready and prepared".

Lock horns

When people lock horns, they argue or fight about something.

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 face

Someone with a long face is sad or depressed about something.

Long in the tooth

If someone is long in the tooth, they are a bit too old to do something.

Long shot

If something is a long shot, there is only a very small chance of success.

107

Long time no hear

The speaker could say this when they have not heard from a person, either

through phone calls or emails for a long time.

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 means that you should think about yourself

first, rather than worrying about other people.

Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

(UK) If you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves,

meaning that if someone takes care not to waste small amounts of money, they

will accumulate capital. ('Look after the pence and the pounds will look after

themselves' is an alternative form of this idiom.)

Look before you leap

This idiom means that you should think carefully about the possible results or

consequences before doing something.

Look on the bright side

If you look on the bright side, you try to see things in an optimistic way,

especially when something has gone wrong.

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.

Look what the cat dragged in

This idiom is used when someone arrives somewhere looking a mess or

flustered and bothered.

Loose cannon

A person who is very difficult to control and unpredictable is a loose cannon.

Loose lips sink ships

To have loose lips means to have a big mouth, susceptible to talking about

everything and everyone. Sinking ships refers to anything from small

acquaintances to long and hearty relationships (with friends or a significant

other). So when one says loose lips sink ships, one is basically saying if you

can't shut up you are going to end hurting people, usually psychologically or

emotionally.Loose lips sink ships comes from World War I and/or WWII, when

sailors on leave from their ships might talk about what ship they sailed on or

where it had come from, or where it was going. If they talked too much (had

'loose lips') they might accidentally provide the enemy with anecdotal information

that might later cause their ship to be tracked, and bombed and sunk, hence

'Loose lips sink ships.' Later, it came to mean any excessive talk might sabotage

a project.

Lord love a duck

An exclamation used when nothing else will fit. Often fitting when one is stunned

or dismayed.

Lord willing and the creek don't rise

Pertains to the ability to accomplish a task or meet an obligation, barring

unforseen complications. Example: "I will be at work tomorrow, Lord willing and

the creek don't rise."

108

Lose face

To lose one's reputation or standing is to lose face

Lose the plot

If someone loses the plot, they have stopped being rational about something.

Lose your bottle

(UK) If someone loses their bottle, they lose the courage to do 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.

Lose your shirt

If someone loses their shirt, they lose all their money through a bad investment,

gambling, etc.

Love is blind

If you love someone, it doesn't matter what they look like. You will also overlook

faults.

Low-hanging fruit

Low-hanging fruit are things that are easily achieved.

Lower than a snake's belly

Someone or something that is lower than a snake's belly is of a very low moral

standing.

Lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut

(USA) If someone or something is lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut, they

are of low moral standing because a snake's belly is low and if the snake is in a

wagon rut, it is really low.

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.

109

~ M ~

Mad as a badger

If someone is as mad as a badger, they are crazy.

Mad as a bag of hammers

Someone who is as mad as a bag of hammers is crazy or stupid. ('Daft as a bag

of hammers' is also used.)

Mad as a cut snake

(USA) One who is mad as a cut snake has lost all sense of reason, is crazy, out

of control.

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.

Made in the shade

One has an easy time in life or in a given situation. Finding things working to

one's benefit.

Made of money

If you are made of money, you have a lot of money.

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 better fist

If someone makes a better fist of doing something, they do a better job.

Make a clean breast

If someone makes a clean breast, they confess in full to something they have

done.

Make a killing

If you make a killing, you do something that makes you a lot of money.

Make a meal

If someone makes a meal of something, they spend too long doing it or make it

look more difficult than it really is.

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

If somebody makes a mountain out of a molehill, they exaggerate the importance

or seriousness of a problem.

Make a pig's ear

If you make a pig's ear of something, you make a mess of it.

Make a pitch

If you make a pitch for something, you make a bid, offer or other attempt to get

it.

110

Make a request

If you request something, or make a request, you are asking for something you

want or need.

Make a song and dance

(UK) If someone makes a song and dance, they make an unecessary fuss about

something unimportant.

Make a virtue out of necessity

If you make a virtue out of necessity, you make the best of a difficult or

unsatisfactory situation.

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 while serious problems around them are getting 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 money hand over fist

If you make money hand over fist, you make a lot of money without any difficulty.

Make my day

If something makes your day, it satisfies you or makes you happy.

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 out like a bandit

(USA) If someone is extremely successful in a venture, they make out like a

bandit.

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 flesh crawl

If something makes your flesh crawl, it really scares or revolts you. ('Make your

flesh creep' is an alternative. 'Make your skin crawl' is also used.)

Make your hair stand on end

If something makes your hair stand on end, it terrifies you.

Make your toes curl

If something makes your toes curl, it makes you feel very uncomfortable,

shocked or embarrassed.

Make yourself scarce

If someone makes themselves scarce, they go away from a place, especially to

avoid trouble or so that they can't be found.

Man Friday

111

From 'Robinson Crusoe', a 'Man Friday' refers to an assistant or companion,

usually a capable one. The common feminine equivalent is 'Girl Friday'. (Also,

'right-hand man'. )

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 his word

A man of his word is a person who does what he says and keeps his promises.

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 parts

A man of parts is a person who is talented in a number of different areas or

ways.

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 on the Clapham omnibus

(UK) The man on the Clapham omnibus is the ordinary person in the street.

Man proposes, God disposes

Your fate lies in the hands of God.

Man upstairs

When people refer to the man upstairs, they are referring to God.

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.

Many a slip twixt cup and lip

There's many a slip twixt cup and lip means that many things can go wrong

before something is achieved.

Many hands make light work

This idiom means that when everyone gets involved in something, the work gets

done quickly.

Many happy returns

This expression is used to wish someone a happy birthday.

Many moons ago

A very long time ago.

March to the beat of your own drum

If people march to the beat of their own drum, they do things the way they want

without taking other people into consideration.

Mark my words

Mark my words is an 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.

112

Mark someone's card

If you mark someone's card, you correct them in a forceful and prompt manner

when they say something wrong.

Marked man

A marked man is a person who is being targeted 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.

Meat and drink

If something is meat and drink to you, you enjoy it and are naturally good at it,

though many find it difficult.

Meat and potatoes

The meat and potatoes is the most important part of something. A meat and

potatoes person is someone who prefers plain things to fancy ones.

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 Maker

If someone has gone to meet their Maker, they have died.

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.

Megaphone diplomacy

If negotiations between countries or parties are held through press releases and

announcements, this is megaphone diplomacy, aiming to force the other party

into adopting a desired position.

Melt your heart

If something melts your heart, it affects you emotionally and you cannot control

the feeling.

Melting pot

A melting pot is a place where people from many ethnicities and nationalities live

together.

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.

Mend fences

When people mend fences, they try to improve or restore relations that have

been damaged by disputes or arguments.

Mess with a bull, you get the horns

113

If you do something stupid or dangerous, you can get hurt.

Method in his madness

If there's method in someone's madness, they do things in a strange and

unorthodox way, but manage to get results.

Mexican standoff

When there is a deadlock in strategy and neither side can do anything that will

ensure victory, it's a Mexican standoff.

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.

Middle of nowhere

If someone says that he/she is in the middle of nowhere, he/she means that

he/she is not sure where he/she is.

Might and main

This means with all your effort and strength. As he failed in the previous

exam,the student tried might and main to pass the next one.

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.

Mince words

If people mince words, or mince their words, they don't say what they really

mean clearly.

Mind over matter

This idiom is used when someone uses their willpower to rise above adversity.

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 own beeswax

(USA) This idiom means that people should mind their own business and not

interfere in other people's affairs.

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.

Mind your P's and Q's

This is used as a way of telling someone to be polite and behave well.

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

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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.

Mom and pop

(USA) A mom and pop business is a small business, especially if it is run by

members of a family. It can used in a wider sense to mean that something is

small scale.

Monday morning quarterback

(USA) A Monday morning quarterback is someone who, with the benefit of

hindsight, knows what should have been done in a situation.

Money burns a hole in your pocket

If someone has money burning a hole in their pocket, they are eager to spend it,

normally in a wasteful manner.

Money doesn't grow on trees

This means that you have to work to earn money; it doesn't come easily or

without effort.

Money for jam

If something's money for jam, it's a very easy way of making money.

Money for old rope

(UK) If something's money for old rope, it's a very easy way of making money.

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 makes many things

This means that money is important.

Money talks

This means that people can convey many messages with money, and many things

can be discovered about people by observing the way they use their money.

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'.

Monkey see, monkey do

This idiom means that children will learn their behaviour by copying what they

see happening around them.

Moot point

If something's a moot point, there's some disagreement about it: a debatable

point. In the U.S., this expression usually means that there is no point in

debating something, because it just doesn't matter. An example: If you are

arguing over whether to go the beach or to the park, but you find out the car

won't start and you can't go anywhere, then the destination is said to be a moot

point.

Moral fibre

Moral fibre is the inner strength to do what you believe to be right in difficult

situations Example: He lacked the moral fibre to be leader (In American English

the correct spelling is 'fiber'.)

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Moral high ground

If people have/take/claim/seize, etc, the moral high ground, they claim that their

arguments, beliefs, etc, are morally superior to those being put forward by other

people.

More front than Brighton

(UK) If you have more front than Brighton, you are very self-confident, possibly

excessively so.

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 heat than light

If a discussion generates more heat than light, it doesn't provide answers, but

does make people angry.

More holes than Swiss cheese

If something has more holes than a Swiss cheese, it is incomplete,and lacks

many parts.

More than meets the eye

If there is more than meets the eye to something, it is more complex or difficult

than it appears.

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.

More than one way to skin a cat

When people say that there is more than one way to skin a cat, they mean that

there are different ways of achieving the same thing.

More than you can shake a stick at

If you have more of something than you can shake a stick at, then you have a

lot.

Mountain to climb

If you have a mountain to climb, you have to work hard or make a lot of

progress to achieve something.

Move heaven and earth

This expression indicates a person's determined intention of getting a work done

in spite of all odds he may face. He will use all and every means to accomplish

the target. Example: He moved heaven and earth to get his literary work

recognised by the committee of experts.

Move mountains

If you would move mountains to do something, you would make any effort to

achieve your aim. When people say that faith can move mountains, they mean

that it can achieve a lot.

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.

Much ado about nothing

If there's a lot of fuss about something trivial, there's much ado about nothing.

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Muck or nettles

'Muck or nettles' means 'all or nothing'.

Mud in the fire

The things that cannot be changed in the past that we usually forget about are

mud in the fire.

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 somebody muddies the waters, he or she makes the situation more complex or

less clear.

Mum's the word

When people use this idiom, they mean that you should keep quiet about

something and not tell other people.

Mummy's boy

A man who is still very dependent on his mother is a mummy's boy.

Murder will out

This idiom means that bad deeds can't be kept secret forever.

Murky waters

Where people are behaving in morally and ethically questionable ways, they are

in murky waters.

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 dogs are barking

(USA) When someone says this, they mean that their feet are hurting.

My eye

This idiom is added to an adjective to show that you disagree with it: 'He's shy.'

'Shy my eye- he's just planning something secret.'

My foot!

This idiom is used to show that you do not believe what someone has just said.

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.

My heart bleeds

If your heart bleeds for someone, you feel genuine sympathy and sadness for

them.

My heart goes out to someone

If your heart goes out to someone, you feel genuine sympathy for them.

My way or the highway

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This idiom is used to say that if people don't do what you say, they will have to

leave or quit the project, etc.

118

~ N ~

Nail in the coffin

A nail in someone or something's coffin is a problem or event that is a clear step

towards an inevitable failure.

Nail-biter

If a game, election, contest, etc, is a nail-biter, it is exciting because the

competitors are so close that it is impossible to predict the result.

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.

Nature of the beast

The basic characteristics of something is the nature of the beast; often used

when there's an aspect of something that cannot be changed or that is

unpleasant or difficult.

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.

Need no introduction

Someone who is very famous and known to everyone needs no introduction.

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.

Neither here nor there

If something is neither here nor there, it is of very little importance.

Neither use nor ornament

Something that serves no purpose and is not aesthetically pleasing is neither

use nor ornament.

Nerves of steel

If someone has nerves of steel, they don't get frightened when other people do.

Nervous Nellie

Someone excessively worried or apprehensive is a nervous Nellie (or Nelly).

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.

Never darken my door again

This is a way of telling someone never to visit you again.

New blood

If something needs new blood, it has become stale and needs new ideas or

people to invigorate it.

119

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 kid on the block

A new kid on the block is a person who has recently joined a company,

organisation, team, etc, and does not know how things work yet.

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 sheriff in town

This is used when a new authority figure takes charge.

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.

Nice as pie

If a person is nice as pie, they are surprisingly very kind and friendly. "After our

argument, she was nice as pie!"

Nick of time

If you do something in the nick of time, you do it at the very last minute or

second.

Nickel tour

(USA) If someone gives you a nickel tour, they show you around a place. ('Fifty-

cent tour' is also used.)

Night owl

A night owl is someone who goes to bed very late.

Ninth circle of hell

In Dante's Inferno, the ninth circle of hell is the centre where the worst

punishments are found, so it is used idiomatically for something that couldn't

get worse.

Nip and tuck

A close contest where neither opponent seems to be gaining the advantage.

Nip at the bit

If someone is nipping at the bit, they are anxious to get something done and

don't want to wait.

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

120

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 go

Something that will not work. 'A square peg in a round hole is a no go.'

No good deed goes unpunished

This means that life is unfair and people can do or try to do good things and still

end up in a lot of trouble.

No great shakes

If someone is no great shakes at something, they are not very good at it.

No harm, no foul

There's no problem when no harm or damage is done, such as the time my

sister-in-law stole the name we'd chosen for a boy and we both ended up having

girls.

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 laughing matter

Something that is no laughing matter is very serious.

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 pain, no gain

Achievements require some sort of sacrifice.

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 skin off my nose

If something's no skin off your nose, it doesn't affect or bother you at all.

No smoke without fire

This idiom means that when people suspect something, there is normally a good

reason for the suspicion, even if there is no concrete evidence. ('Where's there's

smoke, there's fire' is also used.)

No spine

If someone has no spine, they lack courage or are cowardly.

No spring chicken

If someone is no spring chicken, they are not young.

No strings attached

If something has no strings attached, there are no obligations or requirements

involved.

121

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

If there's no time to lose, then it's time to get started otherwise it won't be

finished on time.

No two ways about it

If there are no two ways about something, there is no other possible

interpretation.

No use to man or beast

If something or someone is no use to man or beast, they it or they are utterly

useless.

Nod's as good as a wink

(UK) 'A nod's as good as a wink' is a way of saying you have understood

something that someone has said, even though it was not said directly. The full

phrase (sometimes used in the UK ) is 'a nod's as good as a wink to a blind

horse'.

Noddy work

(UK) Unimportant or very simple tasks are noddy work.

None so blind as those who will not see

This idiom is used when people refuse to accept facts presented to them. ('None

so deaf as those who will not hear' is an alternative.)

Nose in the air

If someone has their nose in the air, they behave in a way that is meant to show

that they are superior to others.

Nosy parker

(UK) A nosy parker is someone who is excessively interested in other people's

lives. ('Nosey parker' is an alternative spelling.)

Not a snowball's chance in hell

There is absolutely no possibility of something hapening if there's not a

snowball's chance in hell.

Not all there

If someone isn't all there, they are a little bit stupid or crazy.

Not bat an eye

If someone doesn't bat an eye, they do not react when other people normally

would.

Not born yesterday

When someone says that they weren't born yesterday, they mean that they are

not naive or easily fooled.

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.

122

Not give a fig

If you don't give a fig about something, you don't care about it at all, especially

used to express how little one cares about another's opinions or actions.

Not give a monkey's

(UK) If you couldn't give a monkey's about something, you don't care at all about

it.

Not have the heart

If you don't have the heart to do something, you don't have the strength or

courage to do something. (Usually used in the negative)

Not have two pennies to rub together

If someone hasn't got two pennies to rub together, they are very poor indeed.

Not hurt a fly

Somebody who would not hurt a fly is not aggressive.

Not know beans about

(USA) If someone doesn't know beans about something, they know nothing about

it.

Not know you are born

This indicates that the person described is unaware of his or her good fortune

or is unaware of how difficult day to day life was before he/she was born. Typical

usage: 'Kids today don't know they are born'.

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 on my watch

Someone distancing themselves from a situation could say that it is not on their

watch.

Not our bag

If something is not your bag, it is not really suitable for your needs or you don't

like it much.

Not the only pebble on the beach

If something is not the only pebble on the beach, there are other possibilities or

alternatives.

Not to be sneezed at

If something is not to be sneezed at, it should be taken seriously.

Not wash

If a story or explanation will not wash, it is not credible.

Not worth a red cent

(USA) If something is not worth a red cent, it has no value.

Not worth a tinker's dam

This means that something is worthless and dates back to when someone would

travel around the countryside repairing things such as a kitchen pot with a hole

in it. He was called a 'tinker'. His dam was used to stop the flow of soldering

material being used to close the hole. Of course his 'trade' is passé, thus his dam

is worth nothing.

Notch on your belt

123

A success or achievement that might help you in the future is a notch on your

belt.

Nothing to crow about

If something's nothing to crow about, it's not particularly good or special.

Nothing to write home about

Something that is not special or good is nothing to write home about.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

You can't win if you don't join in the game; if you don't participate in something,

you will not achieve anything.

Now and then

This idiom means 'occasionally'.

Null and void

If something's null and void, it is invalid or is no longer applicable.

Number cruncher

A number cruncher is an accountant or someone who is very good at dealing

with numbers and calculations.

Nuts and bolts

The nuts and bolts are the most essential components of something.

Nutty as a fruitcake

Someone who's nutty as a fruitcake is irrational or crazy. (This can be shortened

to 'a fruitcake'.)

124

~ O ~

Object lesson

An object lesson serves as a warning to others. (In some varieties of English

'abject lesson' is used.)

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 beaten track

Somewhere that's off the beaten track is in a remote location.

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 grid

Someone who is off the grid lives outside society and chooses not to follow its

rules and conventions.

Off the hook

If someone is off the hook, they have avoided punishment or criticism for

something they have done.

Off the mark

If something is off the mark, it is inaccurate or incorrect.

Off the rails

If someone has gone off the rails, they have lost track of reality.

Off the record

Something off the record is said in confidence because the speaker doesn't want

it attributed to them, especially when talking to the media.

Off the scale

If something goes off the scale, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or

bad, for something.

Off the shelf

If a product is off the shelf, it can be used straightaway without any setting-up.

Off the top of your head

If you say something off the top of your head, you don't think about it

beforehand.

Off the track

If something puts or throws you off your track, it distracts you or keeps you

from achieving what you want.

Off the wall

Something that is off the wall is unconventional.

Off your chump

(UK) If someone is off their chump, they are crazy or irrational.

Off your rocker

(UK) Someone who is off their rocker is crazy.

Off-hand

125

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.

Oh, my goodness!

An expression of surprise.

Old chestnut

An old chestnut is something that has been repeated so many times that it has

lost its impact.

Old flames die hard

It's very difficult to forget old things, especially the first love.

Old friends and old wine are best

This idiom means that the things and people that we know well are better than

the unfamiliar.

Old hat

If something's old hat, it seems rather old fashioned and dated.

Old wive's tale

A proverb or piece of advice that is commonly accepted as truth and is handed

down the generations, but is normally false.

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 a roll

If you're on a roll, you're moving from success to success.

On a silver platter

If you hand or give something on a silver platter to someone, you let them have

it too easily.

On all fours

If someone is on all fours, they crawl.

On Carey Street

(UK) If someone is on Carey Street, they are heavily in debt or have gone

bankrupt.

On good terms

If people are on good terms, they have a good relationship.

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 pins and needles

If you are on pins and needles, you are very worried about something.

On tenterhooks

This means that she is waiting impatiently and excitedly for something.

On the ball

126

If someone's on the ball, they are well-informed and know what's going on in

their area of responsibility or interest.

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 carpet

When you are called to the bosses office (since supposedly, they are the only

ones who have carpet) and its definitely not for a good reason, i.e., you are in

trouble, something has not gone according to plan and either maybe you are

responsible and/or have some explaining to do.

On the case

If someone is on the case, they are dealing with a problem.

On the cheap

If you do something on the cheap, you spend as little as possible to do it.

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 factory floor

On the factory floor means the place where things are actually produced.

On the fiddle

(UK) Someone who is stealing money from work is on the fiddle, especially if

they are doing it by fraud.

On the flip side

On the reverse or the other side

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 hoof

If you decide something on the hoof, you do it without planning, responding to

events as they happen.

On the house

If you get something for free that would normally have to be bought, especially

in a bar or restaurant, it is on the house.

On the lam

If someone is on the lam, they are hiding from the police or authorities,

especially to avoid arrest or prison.

On the level

If someone is honest and trustworthy, they are on the level.

On the line

If somebody's job is on the line, they stand a very good chance of losing it.

On the make

If someone is on the make, they are trying to make a lot of money, usually

illegally.

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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

(UK) If something is accepted by parliament or a committee majority, it is on the

nod.

On the nod

(UK) Someone who's on the nod is either asleep or falling asleep, especially

when the shouldn't or are are in a position unusual for sleep, like sitting or

standing.

On the nod

(UK) When a horse runs, its head moves backwards and forwards alternately - in

horse racing, if 2 horses cross the line together the one whose head happens to

be going forward often wins and is said to win 'on the nod'.

On the nose

This means right on time.

On the rebound

If someone is on the rebound, their relationship has recently ended and they are

emotionally unstable.

On the right foot

If you start something or set off on the right foot, you get off to a good start.

On the ropes

When something or someone is on the ropes, it or they are doing badly and

likely to fail.

On the run

If someone is on the run, they are avoiding arrest and hiding from the police.

On the same page

If people are on the same page, they have the same information and are thinking

the same way.

On the same wavelength

If people are on the same wavelength, they have the same ideas and opinions

about something.

On the shelf

If something like a project is on the shelf, nothing is being done about it at the

moment.

On the skids

When things or people are on the skids, they are in serious decline and trouble.

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.

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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 the wallaby track

(AU) In Australian English, if you're on the wallaby track, you are unemployed.

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.

On your soapbox

If someone is up on their soapbox about something, they are very overtly and

verbally passionate about the topic.

On your tod

If you are on your tod, you are alone.

On your toes

Someone on his or her toes is alert and ready to go.

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.

Once in a blue moon

If something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely indeed.

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 for the road

A last drink before leaving a pub or bar is one for the road.

One good turn deserves another

This means that when people do something good, something good will happen to

them.

One hand washes the other

This idiom means that we need other people to get on as cooperation benefits us

all.

One man's loss is another man's gain

This means thato ne person's setback benefits someone else.

One man's meat is another man's poison

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This idiom means that one person can like something very much, but another

can hate it.

One man's trash is another man's treasure

What is useless to one person might be valuable to another.

One over the eight

(UK) Someone who is one over the eight is drunk.

One swallow does not make a summer

This means that one good or positive event does not mean that everything is all

right.

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.

One-trick pony

A one-trick pony is someone who does one thing well, but has limited skills in

other areas.

Oops a daisy

An expression used to indicate surprise.

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.

Open old sores

When a sore is almost healed, and if a person rips or tears it open, it is way of

preventing the healing process and further aggravating the pain. This phrase,

metaphorically suggests, to revive or reopen a quarrel or enmity which was

almost forgotten.

Open old wounds

If you open old wounds, you revive a quarrel or problem that caused a lot of

trouble in the past.

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.

Other fish to fry

If you have other fish to fry, it doesn't matter if one opportunity fails to

materialise as you have plenty of others.

Other side of the coin

The other side of the coin is a different, usually opposing, view of a situation.

('Flip side of the coin' is an alternative.)

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 in the sticks

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(UK) If someone lives out in the sticks, they live out in the country, a long way

from any metropolitan area.

Out like a light

If you are out like a light, you fall fast asleep.

Out of hand

If something gets out of hand, it gets out of control.

Out of my league

If someone or something is out of your league, you aren't good enough or rich

enough, etc, for it or them.

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 box

Thinking out of the box is thinking in a creative way. However, it can also be

used for a ready-made product that requires no specialist knowledge to set it up.

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 of the gate running

If someone comes out of the gate running, they start something at a fast pace,

without any build-up.

Out of the left field

(USA) If something comes out of the left field, it is beside the point and has

nothing to do with the matter being discussed.

Out of the mouths of babes

People say this when children unexpectedly say something very intelligent or

wise.

Out of the woods

If you are out of the woods, you have emerged safely from a dangerous

situation, though the idiom is often used in the negative.

Out of this world

If something is out of this world, it is fantastic.

Out of your hair

If you get someone out of your hair, you get them to stop bothering or annoying

you. ('Stay/keep/get out of my hair!' can be used as imperatives)

Out of your mind

If someone is out of the mind, they are so emotional about something that they

are no longer rational.

Out of your own pocket

If someone does something out of their own pocket, they pay all the expenses

involved.

Out on a limb

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If somebody's out on a limb, they are in a very exposed position and could get

into difficulties.

Out to lunch

If someone's out to lunch, they are crazy or out of touch.

Out-and-out

This means complete or total; an out-and-out lie is completey false.

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 and over

If something happens over and over, it happens repeatedly.

Over my dead body

If you say that something will happen over your dead body, you will not let it

happen.

Over the counter

Medicines and drugs that can be sold without a doctor's prescription are sold

over the counter.

Over the hill

If someone is over the hill they have reached an age at which they can longer

perform as well as they used to.

Over the moon

If you are over the moon about something, you are overjoyed.

Over the top

If something is over the top, it is excessive or unnecessary. It refers to the

moment a soldier leaves the trenches.

Over your head

If something is over your head, or goes over your head, it is too complex or

difficult for you to understand.

Over-egg the pudding

(UK) If you over-egg the pudding, you spoil something by trying to improve it

excessively. It is also used nowadays with the meaning of making something look

bigger or more important than it really is. ('Over-egg' alone is often used in this

sense.)

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~ P ~

Packed like sardines

If a place is extremely crowded, people are packed like sardines, or packed in

like sardines.

Paddle your own canoe

(USA) If you paddle your own canoe, you do things for yourself without outside

help.

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.

Painted Jezebel

A painted Jezebel is a scheming woman.

Pandora's box

If you open a Pandora's box, something you do causes all sorts of trouble that

you hadn't anticipated.

Paper over the cracks

If you paper over the cracks, you try to make something look or work better but

only deal with superficial issues, not the real underlying problems.

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 hat

If you pass the hat, you ask a people in a group to give money.

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.

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Pastoral care

This is used in education to describe the aspect of care offered to pupils that

cover things besides learning.

Patience of Job

If something requires the patience of Job, it requires great patience.

Pay on the nail

If you pay on the nail, you pay promptly in cash.

Pay the piper

When you pay the piper, you have to accept the consequences of something that

you have done wrong or badly.

Pay through the nose

If you pay through the nose for something, you pay a very high price for it.

Pay your dues

If you have paid your dues, you have had your own struggles and earned your

place or position.

Pecking order

The pecking order is the order of importance or rank.

Peeping Tom

A peeping Tom is someone who tries to look through other people's windows

without being seen in order to spy on people in their homes.

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 ante

(USA) Something that is very unimportant is penny ante.

Penny pincher

A penny pincher is a mean person or who is very frugal.

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.

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones

People should not criticize other people for faults that they have themselves.

Pep talk

When someone gives you a pep talk it is to build you up to help you accomplish

something. In sports a coach might give a player a pep talk before the game to

bolster his confidence. At work the boss might give you a pep talk to get you to

do a better job.

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.

Pet peeve

A pet peeve is something that irritates an individual greatly.

Photo finish

A photo finish is when two contestants (usually in a race) finish at almost exactly

the same time, making it difficult to determine the winner. (The saying stems

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from the practice of taking a photograph when the winners cross the finish line

to determine who was ahead at the time.)

Pick up the tab

A person who pays for everyone picks up the tab.

Pick-up game

(USA) A pick-up game is something unplanned where people respond to events as

they happen.

Picture perfect

When something is exactly as it should be it is said to be picture perfect.

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.

Pieces of the same cake

Pieces of the same cake are things that have the same characteristics or

qualities.

Pig in a poke

If someone buys a pig in a poke, they buy something without checking the

condition it was in, 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 down with a label

If you pin someone down with a label, you characterise them, often meant

negatively as the label is restrictive.

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.

Pinch of salt

If what someone says should be taken with a pinch of salt, then they exaggerate

and distort things, so what they say shouldn't be believed unquestioningly. ('with

a grain of salt' is an alternative.)

Pink pound

(UK) In the UK, the pink pound is an idiom for the economic power of gay

people.

Pink slip

If someone receives a pink slip, they receive a letter telling them they have lost

their job.

Pipe dream

A pipe dream is an unrealistic, impractical idea or scheme.

Piping hot

If food is piping hot, it is very hot indeed.

Place in the sun

If you have your place in the sun, you find wealth, happiness or whatever you are

looking for in life.

Plain as a pikestaff

(UK) If something is as plain as a pikestaff, it is very clear.

Plain as the nose on your face

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If something is as plain as the nose on your face, it is very clear and obvious.

Plain Jane

A plain Jane is a woman who isn't particularly attractive.

Plain sailing

If something is relatively easy and there are no problems doing it, it is plain

sailing.

Plan B

Plan is an alternate or fall-back position or method when the initial attempt or

plan goes wrong.

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 by ear

If you play by ear, you deal with something in an impromptu manner, without

guidelines or rules. It refers to playing music without using written notation.

Play fast and loose

If people play fast and loose, they behave in an irresponsible way and don't

respect rules, etc.

Play for keeps

If you are playing for keeps, you take things very seriously and the outcome is

very important to you; it is not a mere game.

Play for time

If you play for time, you delay something because because you are not ready or

need more time to thing about it. Eg. I knew I had to play for time until the

police arrived.

Play hard to get

If someone plays hard to get, they pretend not to be interewsted or attracted by

someone, usually to make the other person increase their efforts.

Play hardball

If someone plays hardball, they are very aggressive in trying to achieve their

aim.

Play havoc

Playing havoc with something is creating disorder and confusion; computer

viruses can play havoc with your programs.

Play hooky

If people play hooky, they don't attend school when they should and don't have a

valid reason for their absence.

Play into someone's hands

If you play into someone's hands, you do what they were expecting you to do and

take advantage of this.

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 out of your skin

If someone plays out of their skin, they give an outstanding performance.

Play possum

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To pretend to be dead or sleeping. His younger sister jumped on him because

she knew he was just playing possum.

Play second fiddle

If you play second fiddle, you take a subordinate role behind someone more

important.

Play the field

Someone who plays the field has sexual relationships with many people.

Play the fool

If someone plays the fool, they behave in a silly way to make people laugh. ('Act

the fool' is and alternative form.)

Play with fire

If people take foolish risks, they are playing with fire.

Playing to the gallery

If someone plays to the gallery, they say or do things that will make them

popular, but which are not the right things to do.

Please revert

(India) Please respond to me if the solution provided is incorrect or insufficient.

Pleased as punch

When someone is pleased as punch, they are very satisfied about something

Poacher turned gamekeeper

Someone who gets a legitimate job which is the opposite of their previous one.

E.G a computer hacker who then helps to catch other hackers or an ex-bank

robber who then advises banks on security.

Poetry in motion

Something that is poetry in motion is beautiful to watch.

Point the finger

When you point the finger at someone, you are accusing and blaming them for

something.

Pointy-heads

Pointy-heads are supposed intellectuals or experts, but who don't really know

that much.

Poison pill

A poison pill is a strategy designed to prevent a company from being take over.

Polish the apples

(USA) Someone who polishes the apples with someone, tries to get into that

person's favor.

Polishing peanuts

To work very hard at something for little or no return. In other words, wasting

time on work which will not yield reasonable value.

Politically correct

Things or people that are politically correct use language that will not cause

offence.

Poor as a church mouse

If soemone is as poor as a church mouse, they are very poor indeed.

Pop the question

When someone pops the question, they ask someone to marry them.

Pop your clogs

When someone pops their clogs, they die.

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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 calling the kettle black

If someone hypocritically criticises a person for something that they themselves

do, then it is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Pot-luck

If you take pot-luck, you take whatever happens to be available at the time.

Pound of flesh

If someone wants their pound of flesh, the force someone to pay or give back

something owed, even though they don't need it and it will cause the other

person a lot of difficulty.

Pour oil on troubled waters

If someone pours oil on troubled waters, they try to calm things down.

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.

Practical joke

A practical joke is a trick played on someone that is meant to be funny for

people watching, though normally embarrassing for the person being tricked.

Practise what you preach

If you practise what you preach, you do what you say other people should do.(In

American English, the verb is 'practice')

Preaching to the choir

If someone preaches to the choir, they talking about a subject or issue with

which their audience already agrees. ('Preaching to the converted' is an

alternative form.)

Presence of mind

If someone behaves calmly and rationally in difficult circumstances, they show

presence of mind.

Press the flesh

When people, especially politicians, press the flesh, they meet members of the

public and shake their hands, usually when trying to get support.

Pressed for time

If you are pressed for time, you are in a hurry or working against a very tight

schedule.

Prick up your ears

If you prick up your ears, you listen very carefully. ('Pick up your ears' is also

used.)

Prim and proper

Someone who is prim and proper always behaves in the correct way and never

breaks the rules of etiquette.

Primrose path

The primrose path is an easy and pleasurable lifestyle, but one that ends in

unpleasantness and problems.

Prince charming

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A prince charming is the perfect man in a woman's life.

Problem is thirty

If a problem is 30, the problem is the person who sits 30 cm from the computer

screen. It is used to describe people that lack technical knowledge and can be

used when you insult someone who's having computer 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.

Proof of the pudding is in the eating

This means that something can only be judged when it is tested or by its results.

(It is often shortened to 'Proof of the pudding'.)

Pros and cons

Pros and cons are arguments for or against a particular issue. Pros are

arguments which aim to promote the issue, while cons suggest points against it.

The term has been in use since the 16th century and is a shortening of a Latin

phrase, pro et contra, which means “for and against.” Considering the pros and

cons of an issue is a very useful way to weigh the issue thoughtfully and reach

an informed decision.

Proud as a peacock

Someone who is as proud as a peacock is excessively proud.

Pull a rabbit out of your hat

If you pull a rabbit out of a hat, you do something that no one was expecting.

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 out all the stops

If you pull out all the stops, you do everything you possibly can to achieve the

result you want.

Pull out of the fire

(USA) If you pull something out of the fire, you save or rescue it.

Pull rank

A person of higher position or in authority pulls rank, he or she exercises

his/her authority, generally ending any discussion and ignoring other people's

views.

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 fat from the fire

If you pull the fat from the fire, you help someone in a difficult situation.

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.

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Pull the trigger

The person who pulls the trigger is the one who does the action that closes or

finishes something.

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 satisfied with someone and want them to do better, you can tell

them to pull up their socks.

Pull your chain

(USA) If someone pulls your chain, they take advantage of you in an unfair way

or do something to annoy you.

Pull your finger out!

(UK) If someone tells you to do this, they want you to hurry up. ('Get your finger

out' is also used.)

Pull your punches

If you pull your punches, you do not use all the power or authority at your

disposal.

Pull your weight

If someone is not pulling their weight, they aren't making enough effort,

especially in group work.

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps

If you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you make the effort to improve things

for yourself.

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.

Puppy love

Puppy love is love between two very young people.

Push comes to shove

If or when push comes to shove, the situation has become some bad that you are

forced to do something: If push comes to shove, we'll just have to use our

savings.

Push the envelope

This means to go to the limits, to do something to the maximum possible.

Pushing up the daisies

If someone is said to be pushing up the daisies, they are dead.

Put a bug in your ear

If you put a bug in someone's ear, you give him or her a reminder or suggestion

relating to a future event.

Put a cork in it!

This is a way of telling someone to be quiet.

Put a sock in it

If someone tells you to put a sock in it, they are telling you to shut up.

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 it on the cuff

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If you put something on the cuff, you will take it now and pay for it later.

Put lipstick on a pig

If people put lipstick on a pig, they make superficial or cosmetic changes,

hoping that it will make the product more attractive.

Put more green into something

(USA) To put more green into something is to spend more or to increase

investment in it.

Put on airs

If someone puts on airs, they pretend to be grander and more important than

they really are.

Put or get someone's back up

If you put or get someone's back up, you annoy them.

Put some dirt on it

This means that when you get hurt, you should rub it off or shake it off and

you'll be ok.

Put some mustard on it!

(USA) I think its used to encourage someone to throw a ball like a baseball hard

or fast.

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 someone on a pedestal

If you put someone on a pedestal, you admire them greatly, idolise them.

Put someone out to pasture

If someone is put out to pasture, they are forced to resign or give up some

responsibilities.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it

This is used as an unsympathetic way of telling someone to accept what you

have just said.

Put the carriage before the horse

If you put the carriage before the horse, you try to do things in the wrong order.

Put the kybosh on

To put an end to something.

Put the pedal to the metal

If you put the pedal to the metal, you go faster.

Put to the sword

If someone is put to the sword, he or she is killed or executed.

Put two and two together

If someone puts two and two together, they reach a correct conclusion from the

evidence.

Put up or shut up

'Put up or shut up' means you do something you are talking about or not to talk

about it any more.

Put you in mind

If something suggests something to you, it puts you in mind of that thing.

Put you in the picture

If you put someone in the picture, you tell them the information they need to

know about something.

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Put your best foot forward

If you ut your best foot forward, you try your best to do something.

Put your cards on the table

If you put your cards on the table, you make your thoughts or ideas perfectly

clear.

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

If you put your foot in it, you do or say something embarrassing and tactless or

get yourself into trouble.

Put your foot in your mouth

If you put your foot in your mouth, you say something stupid or embarrassing.

Put your hand on your heart

If you can out your hand on your heart, then you can say something knowing it

to be true.

Put your heads together

If people put their head together, they exchange ideas about something.

Put your money where your mouth is

If someone puts their money where their mouth is, they back up their words with

action.

Put your shoulder to the wheel

When you put your shoulder to the wheel, you contribute to an effort.

Put your thumb on the scales

If you put your thumb on the scales, you try to influence the result of something

in your favour.

Put yourself in someone's shoes

If you put yourself in someone's shoes, you imagine what it is like to be in their

position.

Putting the cart before the horse

When you put the cart before the horse, you are doing 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.

142

~ Q ~

Quarrel with bread and butter

Bread and butter, here, indicate the means of one’s living. (That is why we say

‘he is the bread winner of the family’). If a sub-ordinate in an organisation is

quarrelsome or if he is not patient enough to bear the reprimand he deserves,

gets angry and retorts or provokes the higher-up, the top man dismisses him

from the job. So, he loses the job that gave him bread and butter. Hence we say,

he quarrelled with bread and butter (manager or the top man) and lost his job.

Quart into a pint pot

(UK) If you try to put or get a quart into a pint pot, you try to put too much in a

small space. (1 quart = 2 pints)

Queen bee

The queen bee is a woman who holds the most important position in a place.

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.

Question of time

If something's a question of time, it's certain to happen, though we don't know

exactly when.

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 fix

A quick fix is an easy solution, especially one that will not last.

Quick off the mark

If someone is quick off the mark, they are very quick to use, start or do

something new.

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 cat

If somebody is as quiet as a cat they make as little noise as possible and try to

be unnoticeable.

Quiet as a mouse

If someone's as quiet as a mouse, they make absolutely no noise.

Quiet before the Storm

143

When you know that something is about to go horribly wrong, but hasn't just yet,

then you are in the quiet before the storm.

Quitters never win; winners never quit

If you quit you will never get what you want, but if you keep trying you will find a

way to get what you want. ('Quitters never win, winners never quit, but those who

never win and never quit are idiots' is a variation accredited to Larry Kersten)

144

~ R ~

Rack and ruin

If something or someone goes to rack and ruin, they are utterly destroyed or

wrecked.

Rack your brain

If you rack your brain, you think very hard when trying to remember something.

('Rack your brains' is an alternative.)

Ragged blue line

(USA) This term was used to signify the Union forces (who wore blue uniforms)

in the American Civil war .

Rags to riches

Someone who starts life very poor and becomes rich goes from rags to riches.

Rain on your parade

If someone rains on your parade, they ruin your pleasure or your plans.

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.

Raise eyebrows

If something raises eyebrows, it shocks or surprises people.

Rake over old coals

(UK) If you go back to old problems and try to bring them back, making trouble

for someone, you are raking over old coals.

Rake someone over the coals

(USA) If you rake someone over the coals, you criticize or scold them severely.

Rank and file

The rank and file are the ordinary members of a company, organisation, etc,

excluding the managers and directors.

Rat race

The rat race is the ruthless, competitive struggle for success in work, etc.

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 between the lines

If you read between the lines, you find the real message in what you're reading

or hearing, a meaning that is not available from a literal interpretation of the

words.

Read from the same page

When people are reading from the same page, they say the same things in public

about an issue.

145

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 deal

If something is the real deal, it is genuine and good.

Real McCoy

Something that's the real McCoy is the genuine article, not a fake.

Real plum

A real plum is a good opportunity.

Real trouper

A real trouper is someone who will fight for what they believe in and doesn't give

up easily. (People often use 'Real trooper' as the two words sound the same.)

Rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic

(UK) If people are rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, they are making

small changes that will have no effect as the project, company, etc, is in very

serious trouble.

Recharge your batteries

If you recharge your batteries, you do something to regain your energy after

working hard for a long time.

Recipe for disaster

A recipe for disaster is a mixture of people and events that could only possibly

result in trouble.

Red carpet

If you give someone the red-carpet treatment, you give them a special welcome

to show that you think they are important. You can roll out the red carpet, too.

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

This is a negative term for the official paperwork and bureaucracy that we have

to deal with.

Reds under the bed

An ironic allusion to the obsession some people have that there are reds

(communists) everywhere plotting violent revolution.

Reduce to ashes

If something is reduced to ashes, it is destroyed or made useless. His infidelities

reduced their relationship to ashes.

Reinvent the wheel

146

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.

Renaissance man

A Renaissance man is a person who is talented in a number of different areas,

especially when their talents include both the sciences and the arts.

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.

Rhyme or reason

If something is without rhyme or reason, it is unreasonable. ('Beyond rhyme or

reason' is an alternative.)

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.

Rich man's family

A rich man's family consists of one son and one daughter.

Ride for a fall

If sxomeone is riding for a fall, they are taking great risks that are likely to end

in a disaster.

Ride high

If someone is riding high, they are very successful at the moment.

Ride roughshod

If someone rides roughshod over other people, they impose their will without

caring at all for other people's feelings.

Ride shotgun

If you ride shotgun, you protect or guard something when it is being

transported.

Ride with the tide

If you ride with the tide, you accept the majority decision.

Right as rain

If things are right as rain, then everything is going well in your life.

Right out of the blocks

This means immediately; at the very beginning. It describes a sprinter blasting

out of the starting blocks at the beginning of a short distance race (e.g., 100-

yard dash, 50-yard dash).

Right royal

147

(UK) A right royal night out would be an extremely exciting, memorable and fun

one.

Right up my alley

If something is right up your alley, it suits you perfectly.

Right up your street

If something is ideal for you, it is right up your street.

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.

Rip van Winkle

Rip van Winkle is a character in a story who slept for twenty years, so if

someone is a Rip van Winkle, they are behind the times and out of touch with

what's happening now.

Rise and shine

If you wake up full of energy, you rise and shine.

Rise from the ashes

If something rises from the ashes, it recovers after a serious failure.

Road to Damascus

If someone has a great and sudden change in their ideas or beliefs, then this is

a road to Damascus change, after the conversion of Saint Paul to Christianity

while heading to Damascus to persecute Christians.

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.

Roll out the red carpet

If you roll out the red carpet, you treat someone in a special way, especially

when welcoming them.

Roll with the punches

If you roll with the punches, you are flexible and able to adapt to difficult

circumstances.

Roll your eyes

If you roll your eyes, you show with your eyes that you don't believe someone or

aren't interested in what they're saying.

Rolling in money

If someone has a lot of money, more than they could possibly need, they are

rolling in money.

Rolling in the aisles

148

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.

Root hog or die poor

(USA) It's a expression used in the Southern USA that means that you must look

out for yourself as no one's going to do it for you. (It can be shortened to 'root

hog'. A hog is a pig.)

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.

Rose-colored glasses

If people see things through rose-colored (coloured) glasses, they see them in a

more positive light than they really are.

Rose-tinted glasses

If people see things through rose-tinted glasses, they see them in a more

positive light than they really are.

Rough and ready

If something is rough and ready, it has not been carefully prepared, but is fit for

its purpose. If a person is rough and ready, they are not very refined or

mannered.

Rough around the edges

If someone is rough around the edges, they haven't mastered something, though

they show promise.

Rough diamond

A rough diamond is a person who might be a bit rude but who is good

underneath it all.

Rough edges

If something has rough edges, it is still not a finished product and not all of a

uniform standard.

Rough end of the stick

To get the rough end of the stick is to be treated unfairly or to come off worse

than the other party in a transaction, situation or relationship.

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 shoulders

If you rub shoulders with people, you meet and spend time with them, especially

when they are powerful or famous.

Rub someone up the wrong way

149

If you annoy or irritate someone when you didn't mean to, you rub them up the

wrong way.

Rudderless ship

If an organisation, company, government, etc, is like a rudderless ship, it has no

clear direction and drifts about without reaching its goals.

Rue the day

This means that the person will one day bitterly regret what they have done.

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.

Rule the roost

If someone rules the roost they are the boss. Example:There's no doubt who

rules the roost in this house.

Run a mile

If someone "Runs a mile", they do everything they can to avoid a situation.

Example: "I was worried that he'd take one look at me and run a mile."

Run amok

When things or people are running amok, they are wild and out of control.('Run

amuck' is also used.)

Run around the bush

(USA) If you run around the bush, it means that you're taking a long time to get

to the point.

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 into the sand

If something runs into the sand, it fails to achieve a result.

Run it up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes

This idiom is used to suggest trying out an idea to see if people accept it.

Run off your feet

If you are run off your feet, you are extremely busy and don't have enough time

to do everything.

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 something into the ground

If people run something into the ground, they treat or manage it so badly that

they ruin it.

Run the gauntlet

150

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 to ground

If you run someone or something to ground, you pursue until you capture or

find them or it.

Run your mouth off

If someone runs their mouth off, they talk too much.

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.

Running on fumes

If someone has used all their energy on something, but must continue, they are

running on fumes. It is an expression used when driving a car when the needle

is on empty but still running. We say it is 'running on fumes'.

Runs in the family

If a characteristic runs in the family, it can clearly be seen members of different

generations. A hereditary illness that is passed from one generation to the next

also runs in the family.

Russian roulette

If people take a dangerous and unnecessary risk, they are playing Russian

roulette.

Rusty needle

When something is described as a rusty needle, it is badly damaged but still

works, or if someone very is sick or tired but still manages to do things at a

fairly good level. An alternative form is "a tarnished needle".

151

152

~ 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 as houses

Something that is as safe as houses is very secure or certain.

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.

Safety in numbers

If a lot of people do something risky at the same time, the risk is reduced

because there is safety in numbers.

Saigon moment

(USA) A Saigon moment is when people realise that something has gone wrong

and that they will lose or fail.

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 in a wound

If you rub salt in a wound, you make someone feel bad about something that is

already a painful experience. 'Pour salt on a wound' is an alternative form of the

idiom.

Salt of the earth

People who are salt of the earth are decent, dependable and unpretentious.

Salty dog

A salty dog is an experienced sailor.

Same old, same old

When nothing changes, it's the same old, same old.

Save face

If someone saves face, they manage to protect their 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

153

If you are saved by the bell, you are rescued from a danger or a tricky situation

just in time.

Saving grace

If someone has some character defects, but has a characteristic that

compensate for their failings and shortcomings, this is their saving grace.

Say uncle

(USA) If you say uncle, you admit defeat. ('Cry uncle' is an alternative form.)

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 recommendation.

Saying is one thing; doing is another

It's harder to do something than it is to say that you will do it.

Scales fall from your eyes

When the scales fall from your eyes, you suddenly realise the truth about

something.

Scare the daylights out of someone

If you scare the daylights out of someone, you terrify them. (This can be made

even stronger by saying 'the living daylights'.)

Scarlet woman

This idiom is used as a pejorative term for a sexually promiscuous woman,

especially an adulteress.

Scattered to the four winds

If something's scattered to the four winds, it goes out in all directions.

Scent blood

If you can scent blood, you feel that a rival is having difficulties and you are

going to beat them.

Schoolyard pick

When people take it in turns to choose a member of a team, it is a schoolyard

pick.

Scot free

If someone escapes scot free, they avoid payment or punishment. 'Scot' is an old

word for a tax, so it originally referred to avoiding taxes, though now has a

wider sense of not being punished for someone that you have done.

Scotch Mist

The phrase 'Scotch mist' is used humorously to refer to something that is hard to

find or doesn't exist - something imagined.

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 someone shouts very loudly in anger, or fear, they scream blue murder.

Screw loose

If someone has a screw loose, they are crazy.

Screwed if you do, screwed if you don't

154

This means that no matter what you decide or do in a situation, there will be

negative consequences.

Sea legs

If you are getting your sea legs, it takes you a while to get used to something

new.

Seamy side

The seamy side of something is the unpleasant or sordid aspect it has.

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 thoughts

If some has second thoughts, they start to think that an idea, etc, is not as good

as it sounded at first and are starting to have doubts.

Second wind

If you overcome tiredness and find new energy and enthusiasm, you have second

wind.

See eye to eye

If people see eye to eye, they agree about everything.

See red

If someone sees red, they become very angry about something.

See the elephant

If you see the elephant, you experience much more than you wish to; it is often

used when a soldier goes into a warzone for the first time.

See the light

When someone sees the light, they realise the truth.

See which way the cat jumps

(AU) If you see which way the cat jumps, you postpone making a decision or

acting until you have seen how things are developing.

See you anon

(UK) If somebody says this when leaving, they expect to see you again soon.

See you later

A casual way of saying to friends I'll see you again, sometime, (without a definite

date or time having been set) - this is often abbreviated to 'Later' or 'Laters' as an

alternative way of saying goodbye.

See you on the big drum

A good night phrase to children.

Seed money

Seed money is money that is used to start a small business.

Seeing is believing

This idiom means that people can only really believe what they experience

personally.

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

155

If a product is selling very well, it is selling like hot cakes.

Sell like hotcakes

If something is selling like hotcakes, it is very popular and selling very well.

Sell your birthright for a mess of pottage

If a person sells their birthright for a mess of pottage, they accept some trivial

financial or other gain, but lose something much more 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 packing

If you send someone packing, you send them away, normally when they want

something from you.

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.

Serve time

When someone is serving time, they are in prison.

Serve your country

When someone is serving their country, they have enrolled in the military.

Set in stone

If something is set in stone, it cannot be changed or altered.

Set the Thames on fire

If you do something remarkable, you set the Thames on fire, though this

expression is used in the negative; someone who is dull or undistiguished will

never set the Thames on fire.

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.

Shaggy dog story

A shaggy dog story is a joke which is a long story with a silly end.

Shake a leg

If you shake a leg, you are out of bed and active. It can be used to tell someone

to hurry up.

156

Shanks's pony

(UK) If you go somewhere by Shanks's pony, you walk there.

Shape up or ship out

If someone has to shape up or ship out, they have to improve or leave their job,

organisation, etc.

Sharp as a tack

(USA) If someone is as sharp as a tack, they are very clever indeed.

Sharp cookie

Someone who isn't easily deceived or fooled is a sharp cookie.

Sharpen your pencil

(USA) If someone says this when negotiating, they want the other person to make

a better offer, a lower price.

She'll be apples

(AU) A very popular old Australian saying meaning everything will be all right,

often used when there is some doubt.

Shed light

If you shed light on something, you make it clearer and easier to understand.

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.

Ship came in

If your ship has come in, something very good has happened to you.

Shipshape and Bristol fashion

If things are shipshape and Bristol fashion, they are in perfect working order.

Shoe is on the other foot

If the shoe is on the other foot, someone is experiencing what they used to make

others experience, normally negative things.

Shoestring

If you do something on a shoestring, you try to spend the absolute minimum

amount of money possible on it.

Shoot down in flames

If someone demolishes your argument, it (and you) have been shot down in

flames.

Shoot from the hip

Someone who shoots from the hip talks very directly or insensitively without

thinking beforehand.

Shoot the breeze

When you shoot the breeze, you chat in a relaxed way.

Shoot your wad

When you have shot your wad, you have expended everything and have no more

to say or do about a matter.

Shoot yourself in the foot

If you shoot yourself in the foot, you do something that damages your ambition,

career, etc.

Shooting fish in a barrel

157

If something is like shooting fish in a barrel, it is so easy that success is

guaranteed.

Shop floor

'Shop floor' refers to the part of an organisation where the work is actually

performed rather than just managed.

Short end of the stick

If someone gets the short end of the stick, they are unfairly treated or don't get

what they deserve.

Short horse soon curried

A convenient and superficial explanation that is normally unconvincing is a short

horse soon curried.

Short shrift

If somebody gives you short shrift, they treat you rudely and brusquely, showing

no interest or sympathy.

Short-change

If you are short-changed, someone cheats you of money or doesn't give you full

value for something.

Shot across the bow

A shot across the bow is a warning to tell someone to stop doing something or

face very serious consequences.

Shot in the dark

If you have a shot in the dark at something, you try something where you have

little hope of success.

Shotgun marriage

A shotgun marriage, or shotgun wedding, is one that is forced because of

pregnancy. It is also used idiomatically for a compromise, agreement or

arrangement that is forced upon groups or people by necessity.

Show me the money

When people say this, they either want to know how much they will be paid for

something or want to see evidence that something is valuable or worth paying

for.

Show someone a clean pair of heels

If you show someone a clean pair of heels, you run faster than them when they

are chasing you.

Show someone the ropes

If you show someone the ropes, you explain to someone new how things work

and how to do a job.

Show your true colors

To show your true colors is to reveal yourself as you really are.

Shrinking violet

A shrinking violet is a shy person who doesn't express their views and opinions.

Sick and tired

If you are sick and tired of something, it has been going on for a long time and

you can no longer tolerate it.

Sick as a dog

If somebody's as sick as a dog, they throw up (=vomit) violently.

Sick as a parrot

158

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 for sore eyes

Someone or something that is a sight for sore eyes is a pleasure to see.

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.

Signed, sealed and delivered

If something's signed, sealed and delivered, it has been done correctly, following

all the necessary procedures.

Silence is golden

It is often better to say nothing than to talk, so silence is golden.

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 bullet

A silver bullet is a complete solution to a large problem, a solution that seems

magical.

Silver screen

The silver screen is the cinema.

Silver surfer

A silver surfer is an elderly person who uses the internet.

Since time immemorial

If something has happened since time immemorial, it's been going on for such a

long time that nobody can remember a time without it.

Sing for your supper

If you have to sing for your supper, you have to work to get the pay or reward

you need or want.

Sing from the same hymn sheet

If people are singing from the same hymn sheet, they are expressing the same

opinions in public.

Sing like a canary

If someone sings like a canary, they tell everything they know about a crime or

wrongdoing to the police or authorities.

Sink or swim

Of you are left to sink or swim, no one gives you any help and it's up to you

whether you fail or succeed.

Sit on the fence

If someone sits on the fence, they try not to support either side in a dispute.

Sit pretty

Someone who's sitting pretty is in a very advantageous situation.

Sit well with

If something doesn't sit well with you, it doesn't please you or is not acceptable

to you.

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Sitting duck

A sitting duck is something or someone that is easy to criticise or target.

Six feet under

If someone is six feet under, they are dead.

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.

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.

Skate on thin ice

If someone is skating on thin ice, they are taking a big risk.

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.

Skin and bones

If someone is skin and bones, they are very underweight and look bad.

Skin in the game

A person who has skin in the game has invested in the company they are

running.

Skin someone alive

If someone skins you alive, they admonish and punish you hard.

Skunkworks

An unauthorised, or hidden program or activity, often research-oriented, and out

of the bureaucratic chain of command is known as a 'skunkworks'.

Sky is the limit

When people say that the sky is the limit, they think that there are no limits to

the possibilities something could have.

Slap leather

(USA) This is used as an instruction to tell people when to draw their guns.

Slap on the wrist

If someone gets a slap on the wrist, they get a very minor punishment when they

could have been punished more severely.

Sleep like a baby

If you sleep very well, you sleep like a baby.

Sleep like a log

If you sleep like a log, you sleep very soundly.

Sleep well- don't let the bedbugs bite

This is a way of wishing someone a good night's sleep.

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.

Sling your hook

This is used as a way of telling someone to leave or go away.

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Slip of the tongue

If you say something accidentally, it is a slip of the tongue.

Slip through one's fingers

If something slips through one’s fingers it escapes or is lost through

carelessness.

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.

Slow and steady wins the race

This expression means that consistency, although progress may be slow, will

eventually be more beneficial than being hasty or careless just to get something

done.

Slow boat to China

This idiom is used to describe something that is very slow and takes a long time.

Slow but sure

If something or someone is slow but sure, they may take their time to do

something, but they are reliable.

Slower than molasses going uphill in January

(USA) To move extremely slowly. Molasses drips slowly anyway but add January

cold and gravity, dripping uphill would be an impossibility, thereby making the

molasses move very slowly indeed!

Slowly, slowly catchy monkey

This means that eventually you will achieve your goal.

Sly as a fox

Someone who is as sly as a fox is cunning and experienced and can get what

they want, often in an underhand way.

Smack in the face

If something is a smack in the face, it is a shock, usually one that impedes

progress.

Small beer

If something is small beer, it's unimportant.

Small dog, tall weeds

This idiom is used to describe someone the speaker does not believe has the

ability or resources to handle a task or job.

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.

Small-time

If a person or a thing is called 'small-time' it means they're inconsequential, not

worth much, don't play in the 'big leagues', as in 'a small-time operator'.

Smart Alec

A smart Alec is a conceited person who likes to show off how clever and

knowledgeable they are.

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Smart as a whip

A person who is smart as a whip is very clever.

Smarty pants

A smarty pants is someone who displays the intelligence in an annoying way.

Smell a rat

If you smell a rat, you know instinctively that something is wrong or that

someone is lying to you.

Smoke and mirrors

An attempt to conceal something is smoke and mirrors.

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.

Smooth sailing

If something is smooth sailing, then you can progress without difficulty. ('Plain

sailing' is an also used.)

Snake in the grass

Someone who is a snake in the grass betrays you even though you have trusted

them.

Snake oil

Advice or medicine which is of no use.

Snake oil salesperson

A person who promotes something that doesn't work, is selling snake oil.

Snug as a bug in a rug

If you're as snug as a bug in a rug, you are feeling very comfortable indeed.

So it goes

This idiom is used to be fatalistic and accepting when something goes wrong.

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

162

If something or someone is as sound as a bell, they are very healthy or in very

good condition.

Sound as a pound

(UK) if something is as sound as a pound, it is very good or reliable.

Sour grapes

When someone says something critical or negative because they are jealous, it is

a case of sour grapes.

Sow the seeds

When people sow the seeds, they start something that will have a much greater

impact in the future.

Sow your wild oats

If a young man sows his wild oats, he has a period of his life when he does a lot

of exciting things and has a lot of sexual relationships. for e.g. He'd spent his

twenties sowing his wild oats but felt that it was time to settle down.

Spanish practices

Unauthorized working methods that benefit those who follow them are Spanish

practices.

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'.

Spare the rod and spoil the child

This means that if you don't discipline children, they will become spoilt.

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.

Speak to the organ grinder not the monkey

Talk to the boss not the subordinate

Speak volumes

If something speaks volumes, it tells us a lot about the real nature of something

or someone,even though it may only be a small detail.

Speak with a forked tongue

To say one thing and mean another, to lie, to be two-faced

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.

Spice of life

The spice of life is something that makes it feel worth living.

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.

Spin a yarn

If someone spins a yarn, they tell a story, usually a long or fanciful one.

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.

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Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

If the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, someone lacks the willpower to

change things they do because they derive too much pleasure from them.

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.

Spit it out

People say this when someone has something to say but is too embarrassed,

shy, etc, to say it.

Spit the dummy

Reference to an infant spitting out their dummy (or pacifier) in order to cry. 'To

spit the dummy' is to give up.

Spitting image

If a person is the spitting image of somebody, they look exactly alike.('Spit and

image' is also used and some suggest it is a hasty pronunciation of "spirit &

image", to suggest that someone completely resembles someone else. Example:

He's the spirit & image of his grandfather.)

Split hairs

If people split hairs, they concentrate on tiny and unimportant details to find

fault with something.

Split the blanket

If people split the blanket, it means they get a divorce or end their relationship.

Spoil the ship for a ha'pworth of tar

(UK) If someone spoils the ship for a ha'pworth (halfpenny's worth) of tar, they

spoil something completely by trying to make a small economy.

Spot on

If something is spot on, it is exactly right.

Sprat to catch a mackerel

If you use a sprat to catch a mackerel, you make a small expenditure or take a

small risk in the hope of a much greater gain.

Spring to mind

If something springs to mind, it appears suddenly and unexpectedly in your

thoughts.

Spur of the moment

If you do something on the spur of the moment, you do it because you felt like it

at that time, without any planning or preparation.

Sputnik moment

A Sputnik moment is a point where people realise that they are threatened of

challenged and have to redouble their efforts to catch up. It comes from the time

when the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, the Sputnik 1, and beat the

USA into space.

Square meal

A square meal is a substantial or filling meal.

Square Mile

(UK) The Square Mile is the City, the financial area of London.

Square peg in a round hole

164

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.

Square the circle

When someone is squaring the circle, they are trying to do something

impossible.

Squared away

Being prepared or ready for business or tasks at hand. Having the proper

knowledge, skill and equipment to handle your assignment or station. 'He is a

great addition to the squad; he is squared away.'

Squeaky clean

If something is squeaky clean, it is very clean indeed- spotless. If a person is

squeaky clean, they have no criminal record and are not suspected of illegal or

immoral activities.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease

(USA) When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that

the person who complains or protests the loudest attracts attention and service.

Squeeze blood out of a turnip

(USA) When people say that you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip, it means

that you cannot get something from a person, especially money, that they don't

have.

Stalking horse

A stalking horse is a strategy or something used to conceal your intentions. It is

often used where someone put themselves forwards as a candidate to divide

opponents or to hide the real candidate.

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.

Start from scratch

When you start something from scratch, you start at the very beginning.

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 a march

This expression indicates the stealthiness of a person over another to gain

advantage of the situation. For instance, if two persons are offered some jobs

which are vacant, they resolve to go together next day at an agreed time, but one

of them, without telling the other, goes earlier than the other and secures the

better of the two jobs, he is said to steal a march on the other person.

Steal someone's thunder

If someone steals your thunder, they take the credit and praise for something

you did.

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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.

Step on it

This idiom is a way of telling someone to hurry up or to go faster.

Step on someone's toes

If you step on someone's toes, you upset them, especially if you do something

that they should be in charge of.

Step up to the plate

If someone steps up to the plate, they take on or accept a challenge or a

responsibility.

Stew in your own juices

If you leave someone to stew in their own juices, you leave them to worry about

the consequences of what they have done wrong or badly.

Stick in your craw

If someone or something really annoys you, it is said to stick in your craw.

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 your neck out

If you stick you neck out, you take a risk because you believe in something.

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 end

(UK) If someone comes to a sticky end, they die in an unpleasant way. ('Meet a

sticky end' is also used.)

Sticky fingers

The tendency to keep (or steal) an object you touch. Also, to steal something

quickly without anyone noticing. (ex: 'You stole that guy's wallet? You have some

sticky fingers, my friend.')

Sticky wicket

(UK) If you are on a sticky wicket, you are in a difficult situation.

Stiff as a poker

Something or someone that is stiff as a poker is inflexible. ('Stiff as a board' is

also used.)

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

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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.

Still waters run deep

People use this idiom to imply that people who are quiet and don't try to attract

attention are often more interesting than people who do try to get attention.

Stir the blood

If something stirs your blood, it arouses feelings or passions,.

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 emphasizing that there were absolutely no signs of life or

movement.

Stone deaf

Someone who is stone deaf is completely deaf.

Stone's throw

If a place is a stone's throw from where you are, it is a very short distance away.

Stool pigeon

(USA) A stool pigeon is a police informer.

Stop cold

To stop suddenly out of surprise.

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.

Straight face

If someone keeps a straight face, they remain serious and do not show emotion

or amusement.

Straight from the shoulder

If someone talks straight from the shoulder, they talk honestly and plainly.

Strain every nerve

If you strain every nerve, you make a great effort to achieve something.

Strange at the best of times

To describe someone or something as really weird or unpleasant in a mild way.

Straw man

A straw man is a weak argument that is easily defeated. It can also be a person

who is used as to give an illegal or inappropriate activity an appearance of

respectability.

Straw poll

A straw poll is a small unofficial survey or ballot to find out what people think

about an issue.

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.

Strike a chord

167

If strikes a chord, it is familiar to you, reminds you of something or is connected

to you somehow.

Strike while the iron is hot

If you strike while the iron is hot you do something when things are going well

for you and you have a good chance to succeed.

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. (You can also 'take a trip down memory

lane'.)

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.

Stuffed to the gills

If someone is stuffed to the gills, they have eaten a lot and are very full.

Succeed in the clutch

If you succeed in the clutch, you perform at a crucial time; it is particularly

used in sports for the decisive moments of the game. The opposite is 'fail in the

clutch.'

Suck hind teat

A person who sucks hind teat is at a disadvantage or considered worse or less

important that others.

Sunday driver

A Sunday driver drives very slowly and makes unexpected manoeuvres.

Sure as eggs is eggs

These means absolutely certain, and we do say 'is' even though it is

grammatically wrong.

Sure-fire

If something is sure-fire, it is certain to succeed. ('Surefire' is also used.)

Swansong

A person's swansong is their final achievement or 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.

Sweat like a pig

If someone is sweating like a pig, they are perspiring (sweating) a lot.

Sweep off your feet

If you are swept off your feet, you lose control emotionally when you fall in love

or are really impressed.

Sweep things under the carpet

If people try to ignore unpleasant things and forget about them, they sweep them

under the carpet.

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Sweet as a gumdrop

This means that something or someone is very nice or pretty.

Sweet tooth

If you have a sweet tooth, you like eating food with sugar in it.

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. ('Go against the tide' is an alternative

form.)

Swim with the fishes

If someone is swimming with the fishes, they are dead, especially if they have

been murdered. 'Sleep with the fishes' is an alternative form.

Swim with the tide

If you swim with the tide, you do the same as people around you and accept the

general consensus. ('Go with the tide' is an alternative form.)

Swimmingly

If things are going swimmingly, they are going very well.

Swing the lead

If you swing the lead, you pretend to be ill or do not do your share of the work.

Swinging door

This idiom refers to something or someone that can go in two conflicting or

opposite directions.

Swings and roundabouts

If something's swings and roundabouts, it has about as many disadvantages as it

has advantages.

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~ T ~

Tables are turned

When the tables are turned, the situation has changed giving the advantage to

the party who had previously been at a disadvantage.

Tackle an issue

If you tackle an issue or problem, you resolve or deal with it.

Take a hike

This is a way of telling someone to get out.

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 nosedive

When things take a nosedive, they decline very quickly and head towards

disaster.

Take a punch

If somebody takes a blow, something bad happens to them.

Take a raincheck

If you take a rain check, you decline an offer now, suggesting you will accept it

later. ('Raincheck' is also used.)

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 by the scruff of the neck

If you take something by the scruff on the neck, you take complete control of it.

Take for a test drive

If you take something for a test driver, you try something to see if you like it.

Take for granted

If you take something for granted, you don't worry or think about it because you

assume you will always have it. If you take someone for granted, you don't show

your appreciation to them.

Take forty winks

If you take 40 winks, you have a short sleep.

Take guts

If something takes guts, it requires courage in the face of danger or great risk.

It takes guts for firemen to enter a burning building to save someone.

Take it in your stride

If you take something in your stride, you deal with it even though it is difficult or

unpleasant without letting it bother or upset you.

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 no prisoners

If people take no prisoners, they do things in a very aggressive way, without

considering any harm they might do to achieve their objectives.

Take sand to the beach

Doing something that is completely pointless or unnecessary is like taking sand

to the beach.

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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 task

If you take someone to task, you scold them for something they have done

wrong.

Take someone to the woodshed

If someone is taken to the woodshed, they are punished for something they have

done.

Take someone under your wing

If you take someone under your wing, you look after them while they are

learning something.

Take stock

To assess a situation, to conduct a personal inventory of ones beliefs and values,

etc.

Take the biscuit

(UK) If something takes the biscuit, it is the absolute limit.

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 chair

If you take the chair, your become the chairman or chairwoman of a committee,

etc.

Take the fall

If you tall the fall, you accept the blame and possibly the punishment for

another's wrongdoing, with the implication that the true culprit, for political or

other reasons, cannot be exposed as guilty (accompanied by a public suspicion

that a reward of some sort may follow).

Take the fifth

(USA) If you do not want to answer a question you can take the fifth, meaning

you are choosing not to answer. ('Plead the fifth' is also used.)

Take the flak

If you take the flak, you are strongly criticised for something.('Take flak' is also

used.)

Take the floor

Start talking or giving a speech to a group

Take the heat

If you take the heat, you take the criticism or blame for something you didn't do,

normally to protect the guilty person.

Take the Mickey

(UK) If you take the Mickey, you tease someone. ('Take the Mick' is also used.)

Take the plunge

If you take the plunge, you decide to do something or commit yourself even

though you know there is an element of risk involved.

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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.

Take to your heels

If you take to your heels, you run away.

Take up the torch

If you take up the torch, you take on a challenge or responsibility, usually when

someone else retires, or leaves an organisation, etc.

Take your breath away

If something takes your breath away, it astonishes or surprises you.

Take your eye off the ball

If someone takes their eye off the ball, they don't concentrate on something

important that they should be looking at.

Take your hat off

If you say that you take your hat off to someone, you are showing your respect

or admiration.

Take your hat off to somebody

If you take your hat off to someone, you acknowledge that they have done

something exceptional or otherwise deserve your respect.

Taken as read

If something can be taken as read, it is so definite that it's not necessary to talk

about it.

Tale of the tape

This idiom is used when comparing things, especially in sports; it comes from

boxing where the fighters would be measured with a tape measure before a fight.

Talk a blue streak

(USA) If someone talks a blue streak, they speak quickly and at length. ('Talk up

a blue streak' is also used.)

Talk a glass eye to sleep

Someone who could talk a glass eye to sleep is very boring and repetitive.

Talk is cheap

It's easy to talk about something but harder to actually do it.

Talk nineteen to the dozen

If someone talks very quickly, they talk nineteen to the dozen.

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 pontificating.

('Talk through your hat' is also used.)

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

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A person who is excessively or extremely talkative can talk the hind legs off a

donkey.

Talk turkey

When people talk turkey, they discuss something frankly.

Talking to a brick wall

If you talk to someone and they do not listen to you, it is like talking to a brick

wall.

Tall drink of water

Someone who is very tall and slender is a tall drink of water. ('A tall glass of

water' is also used.)

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.

Tar baby

A tar baby is a problem that gets worse when people try to sort it out.

Tar with the same brush

If people are tarred with the same brush, they are said to have the same set of

attributes or faults as someone they are associated with.

Taste blood

If someone has tasted blood, they have achieved something and are encouraged

to think that victory is within their grasp.

Taste of your own medicine

If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you do something bad to

someone that they have done to you to teach them a lesson.

Teach your grandmother to suck eggs

When people say 'don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs', they mean that

people shouldn't try to teach someone who has experience or is an expert in that

area.

Teacher's pet

The teacher's favorite pupil is the teacher's pet, especially if disliked by the other

pupils.

Tear your hair out

If someone is tearing their hair out, they are extremely worried or agitated about

something.

Tears before bedtime

(UK) This idiom is used when something seems certain to go wrong or cause

trouble.

Teeny-weeny

If something is teensy-weensy, it is very small indeed.('Teeny-weeny' and 'teensie-

weensie' are also used.)

Teething problems

(UK) The problems that a project has when it is starting are the teething

problems.

Tell them where the dog died

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(USA) If you tell them where the dog died, you strongly and sharply correct

someone.

Tempest in a teapot

If people exaggerate the seriousness of a situation or problem, they are making

a tempest in a teapot.

Tempt providence

If you tempt providence, you take a risk that may well have unpleasant

consequences. ('Tempt fate' is also used.)

Ten a penny

(UK) If something is ten a penny, it is very common. ("Two a penny" is also

used.)

Test the waters

If you test the waters, or test the water, you experiment to see how successful or

acceptable something is before implementing it.

That and 50 cents will buy you a cup of coffee

(USA) This is used to describe something that is deemed worthless. "He's got a

Ph.D. in Philosophy." "So? That and 50 cents will buy you a cup of coffee."

That dog won't hunt

(USA) Very common Southern US expression meaning: What you say makes no

sense.

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.

That makes two of us

A speaker says "that makes two of us" to indicate agreement with what another

speaker just said. For example, I can say, "I wish I would win the lottery." A

listener who says "That makes two of us" is indicating the he or she wants to win

the lottery, too.

That ship has sailed

A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.

That's all she wrote

(USA) This idiom is used to show that something has ended and there is nothing

more to say about something.

The apple does not fall far from the tree

Offspring grow up to be like their parents.

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 bigger they are, the harder they fall

This idiom means that the more powerful have more to lose, so when they suffer

something bad, it is worse for them.

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

174

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 line forms on the right

Something's meaning is becoming clear when the line forms on the right.

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 Mountie always gets his man

(Canada) The Mounties are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and they have a

reputation for catching criminals they are after.

The penny dropped

When the penny drops, someone belatedly understands something that everyone

else has long since understood.

The plot thickens

When the plot thickens, a situation become more complicated and difficult.

The rough and tumble

The rough and tumble refers to areas of life like business, sports, politics, etc,

where competition is hard and people will take any advantage that they can.

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 sun might rise in the west

When people say this, they mean that they don't expect something to happen.

The whole shooting match

Everything, the entire object, or all the related parts.

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 never a road without a turning

No situation in life stays the same forever.

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

175

If things are happening thick and fast, they are happening so fast they seemed

to be joined together.

Thick as mince

(UK) If someone is as thick as mince, they are very stupid indeed.

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 criticism.

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 blue line

(UK) The thin blue line is a term for the police, suggesting that they stand

between an ordered society and potential chaos. (Police uniforms are blue.)

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 outside the box

If you think outside the box, you think in an imaginative and creative way.

Think the world of

To hold something or someone in very high esteem. To love or admire

immensely.

Third degree

If someone is given the third degree, they are put under a great deal of pressure

and intimidation to force them to tell the truth about something.

Third rail

The third rail of something is dangerous to alter or change. Originally, the third

rail is the one carrying the electricity for a train.

Third time's the charm

This is used when the third time one tries something, one achieves a successful

outcome.

Thorn in your side

A thorn in your side is someone or something that causes trouble or makes life

difficult for you.

Those who live by the sword die by the sword

This means that violent people will be treated violently themselves.

Three sheets in the wind

(UK) Someone who is three sheets in the wind is very drunk. ('Three sheets to

the wind' is also used. 'Seven sheets' is an alternative number used.)

Three sheets to the wind

If someone is three sheets to the wind, they are drunk.

Thrilled to bits

176

If you are thrilled to bits, you are extremely pleased or excited about something.

Through gritted teeth

If you do something through gritted teeth, you accept or agree with it against

your will and it is obvious to others how you really feel.

Through the ceiling

If prices go through the ceiling, they rise very quickly.

Through the floor

If prices go, or fall, through the floor, they fall very quickly.

Through thick and thin

If someone supports you through thick and thin, they support you during good

times and bad.

Throw a curve

(USA) If you throw someone a curve, you surprise them with something they find

difficult to deal with. ('Throw' a curveball' is also used.)

Throw a monkey wrench into the works

(USA) If you throw a monkey wrench into the works, you ensure that something

fails.

Throw a sickie

If you pretend to be ill to take a day off work or school, you throw a sickie.

Throw caution to the wind

When people throw caution to the wind, they take a great risk.

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 pearls to the pigs

Someone that throws pearls to pigs is giving someone else something they don't

deserve or appreciate. ('Throw pearls before pigs' and 'Cast pearls before swine'

are also used.)

Throw someone a bone

If you throw someone a bone, you give them a small reward or some kind words

to make them feel good even if they've not really contributed much.

Throw someone a line

If someone throws you a line, they give you help when you are in serious

difficulties.

Throw someone in at the deep end

If you are thrown in at the deep end, you have to deal with serious issues the

moment you start something like a job, instead of having time to acquire

experience.

Throw someone to the wolves

If someone is thrown to the wolves, they are abandoned and have to face trouble

without any support.

Throw someone under the bus

To throw someone under the bus is to get the person in trouble either by placing

blame on that person or not standing up for him.

Throw the baby out with the bath water

177

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.

Throw your hat in the ring

If someone throws their hat in the ring, they announce that they want to take

part in a competition or contest. 'Toss your hat in the ring' is an alternative.

Throw your toys out of the pram

To make an angry protest against a relatively minor problem, in the process

embarrassing the protester. The analogy is with a baby who throws toys out of

the pram in order to get their parent to pay attention to them. The implication in

the idiom is that the protester is acting like a baby.

Throw your weight around

If someone throws their weight around, they use their authority or force of

personality to get what they want in the face of opposition.

Thumb your nose at

If you thumb your nose at something, you reject it or scorn it.

Thumbs down & thumbs up

If something gets the thumbs up, it gets approval, while the thumbs down means

disapproval.

Tickle your fancy

If something tickles your fancy, it appeals to you and you want to try it or have

it.

Tickled pink

If you are very pleased about something, you are tickled pink.

Tidy desk, tidy mind

A cluttered or disorganised environment will affect your clarity of thought.

Organised surroundings and affairs will allow for clearer thought organisation.

Tie the knot

When people tie the knot, they get married.

Tied to your mother's apron strings

Describes a child (often a boy) who is so used to his mother's care that he (or

she) cannot do anything on his (or her) own.

Tight rein

If things or people are kept on a tight rein, they are given very little freedom or

controlled carefully.

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 the cows come home

This idioms means 'for a very long time'. ('Until the cows come home' is also

used.)

Till the pips squeak

If someone will do something till the pips squeak, they will do it to the limit, even

though it will make other people suffer.

Till you're blue in the face

178

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 and again

If something happens time and again, it happens repeatedly. ('Time and time

again' is also used.)

Time and tide wait for no man

This is used as a way of suggestion that people should act without delay.

Time does sail

This idioms means that time passes by unnoticed.

Time flies

This idiom means that time moves quickly and often unnoticed.

Time is on my side

If time is on your side, you have the luxury of not having to worry about how

long something will take.

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 a traditional 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) This idiom is a euphemism used to mean 'drunk', especially when talking

about politicians.

Tit for tat

If someone responds to an insult by being rude back, it's tit for tat- repaying

something negative the same way.

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 all intents and purposes

This means in all the most important ways.

To be as thick as two bricks

Someone who is as thick as two bricks is really stupid.

To be dog cheap

If something's dog cheap, it is very cheap indeed.

179

To err is human, to forgive divine

This idiom is used when someone has done something wrong, suggesting that

they should be forgiven.

To have the courage of your convictions

If you have the courage of your convictions, you are brave enough to do what

you feel is right, despite any pressure for you to do something different.

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'.

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.

Tongue in cheek

If something is tongue in cheek, it isn't serious or meant to be taken seriously.

Too big for your boots

If someone is too big for their boots, they are conceited and have an

exaggerated sense of their own importance.

Too big for your britches

If someone is too big for their britches, they are conceited and have an

exaggerated sense of their own importance.

Too many chiefs and not enough Indians

When there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians, there are two many

managers and not enough workers to work efficiently.

Too many cooks spoil the broth

This means that where there are too many people trying to do something, they

make a mess of it.

Too many irons in the fire

This means juggling too many projects at once and something's bound to fail;

when a smith had too many irons in his fire, he couldn't effectively keep track of

all of them.

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 and go

If something is touch and go, the result is uncertain and could be good or bad.

Touch base

If you touch base with someone, you contact them.

Touch wood

This idiom is used to wish for good luck. ('Knock on wood' is also used.)

Touch-and-go

180

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 as old boots

Something or someone that is as tough as old boots is strong and resilient.

Tough cookie

A tough cookie is a person who will do everything necessary to achieve what they

want.

Tough luck

Tough luck is bad luck.

Tough nut to crack

If something is a tough nut to crack, it is difficult to find the answer or solution.

When used about a person, it means that it is difficult to get them to do or allow

what you want. 'Hard nut to crack' is an alternative.

Tough row to hoe

(USA) A tough row to hoe is a situation that is difficult to handle. ('A hard row to

hoe' is an alternative form.)

Trade barbs

If people trade barbs, they insult or attack each other.

Traffucked

If you are traffucked, you are stuck in heavy traffic and get where you need to

be.

Trail your coat

If you trail your coat, you act in a provocative way.

Train of thought

A train of thought is a sequence of thoughts, especially when you are talking to

someone and you forget what you were going to say.

Tread on someone's toes

If you tread on someone's toes, you upset them, especially if you do something

that they should be in charge of.

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.

True colours

If someone shows their true colours, they show themselves as they really are.

('True colors' is the American spelling.)

Trump card

A trump card is a resource or strategy that is held back for use at a crucial time

when it will beat rivals or opponents.

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.

181

Tug at the heartstrings

f something tugs at the heartstrings, it makes you feel sad or sympathetic

towards it.

Turf war

If people or organisations are fighting for control of something, it is a turf war.

Turn a blind eye

When people turn a blind eye, they deliberately ignore something, especially if

people are doing something wrong.

Turn a deaf ear

If someone turns a deaf ear to you, they don't listen to you.

Turn a new leaf

If someone turns a new leaf, they change their behaviour and stop doing wrong

or bad things.

Turn something on its head

If you turn something on its head, you turn it upside down or reverse it.

Turn the corner

To get over a bad run. When a loss making venture ceases to make losses, it has

"turned the corner".

Turn the crack

(Scot) If you turn the crack, you change the subject of a conversation.

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.

Turn the tables

If circumstances change completely, giving an advantage to those who seemed to

be losing, the tables are turned.

Turn turtle

If something turns turtle, it turns upside down.

Turn up like a bad penny

If someone turns up like a bad penny, they go somewhere where they are not

wanted.

Turn up one's toes to the daisies

If someone has turned up their toes to the daisies, it means that the person

died.

Turn water into wine

If someone turns water into wine, they transform something bad into something

excellent.

Turn your nose up

If someone turns their nose up at something, they reject it or look odwn on it

because they don't think it is good enough for them.

Turn-up for the books

A turn-up for the books is an unexpected or surprising event.

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.

182

Twist someone's arm

If you twist someone's arm, you put pressure on them to try to make them do

what you want them to do.

Twisting in the wind

If you are twisting in the wind, you are without help or support - you are on your

own.

Two cents

If you add or throw in your two cents, you give your opinion on an issue.

Two heads are better than one

When two people work together more things get accomplished.

Two left feet

A person with two left feet can't dance.

Two peas in a pod

If things or people are like two peas in a pod, they look very similar or are

always together.

Two sides of the same coin

If two things are two sides of the same coin, there is much difference between

them.

Two-edged sword

If someone uses an argument that could both help them and harm them, then

they are using a two-edged sword sword; it cuts both ways.

Two-faced

Someone who is two-faced will say one thing to your face and another when

you're not there.

183

~ U ~

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 as a stick

(USA) If someone is as ugly as a stick, they are very ugly indeed.

Ugly duckling

An ugly duckling is a child who shows little promise, but who develops later into

a real talent or beauty.

Uncalled for

If someone does something bad and unnecessary without consideration for

anothers feelings, what they do is uncalled for.

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. ('Unchartered

waters' is an incorrect form that is a common mistake.)

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 a flag of convenience

If a ship sails under a flag of convenience, it is registered in a country where

taxes, etc, are lower than in the country it comes from, so if someone does

something under a flag of convenience, they attempt to avoid regulations and

taxes by a similar means.

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 cricitised heavily, they are under fire.

Under lock and key

If something is under lock and key, it is stored very securely.

Under someone's heel

If you are under someone's heel, they have complete control over you.

Under the radar

If something slips under the radar, it isn't detected or noticed.

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 belt

If you have something under your belt, you have already achieved or experienced

it and it will probably be of benefit to you in the future.

184

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.

Under your skin

If someone gets under your skin, they really annoy you.

Under your thumb

Someone who is manipulated or controlled by another person is under his or her

thumb.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown

This means that people with serious responsibilities have a heavy burden.

Unwavering loyalty

Unwavering loyalty does not question or doubt the person or issue and supports

them completely.

Up a gum tree

(AU) If you're up a gum tree, you're in trouble or a big mess.

Up a river without a paddle

If you up a river without a paddle, you are in an unfortunate situation,

unprepared and with none of the resources to remedy the matter.

Up for grabs

If something is up for grabs, it is available and whoever is first or is successful

will get it.

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 pregnant.

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 pregnant.

Up the wall

If someone goes up the wall, they get very angry.

Up the wooden hill

When you go up the wooden hill, you go up the stairs to bed.

Up to scratch

185

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 eyes

You you are up to your eyes in something, you are deeply involved or to have too

much of something like work. ('Up the neck', 'up to the eyeballs' and 'up to the

ears' are also used.)

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.

Up to your eyes

When you've got too much work to do, you're up to your eyes in it.

Up to your neck

If someone is very involved in something, they are up to their neck in it,

especially if it is something bad or immoral.

Up with the lark

If you get up very early, you're up with the lark.

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.

186

~ 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. ('Iron fist in a velvet glove' is the full form.)

Vent your spleen

If someone vents their spleen, they release all their anger about something.

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... 'Vicious cycle' is

also used.

Virgin territory

If something is virgin territory, it hasn't been explored before.

Volte-face

If you do a volte-face on something, you make a sudden and complete change in

your stance or position over an issue.

187

~ W ~

Wag the dog

To 'wag the dog' means to purposely divert attention from what would otherwise

be of greater importance, to something else of lesser significance. By doing so,

the lesser-significant event is catapulted into the limelight, drowning proper

attention to what was originally the more important issue.The expression comes

from the saying that 'a dog is smarter than its tail', but if the tail were smarter,

then the tail would 'wag the dog'. The expression 'wag the dog' was elaborately

used as theme of the movie. 'Wag the Dog', a 1997 film starring Robert de Niro

and Dustin Hoffman, produced and directed by Barry Levinson.

Wait for a raindrop in the drought

When someone is waiting for a raindrop in the drought, they are waiting or

hoping for something that is extremely unlikely to happen.

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.

Wake up and smell the coffee

When someone doesn't realise what is really happening or is not paying enough

attention to events around them, you can tell them to wake up and smell the

coffee.

Wake-up call

A wake-up call is a warning of a threat or a challenge, especially when it means

that people will have to change their behaviour to meet it.

Walk a fine line

If you have to walk a fine line, you have to be very careful not to annoy or anger

people or groups that are competing. ('Walk a thin line' is an alternative.)

Walk a mile in my shoes

This idiom means that you should try to understand someone before criticising

them.

Walk a tightrope

If you walk a tightrope, you have to be very careful not to annoy or anger people

who could become enemies.

Walk in the park

An undertaking that is easy is a walk in the park. The opposite is also true - "no

walk in the park".

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.('Walk on eggs' is also used.)

Walk the green mile

Someone or something that is walking the green mile is heading towards the

inevitable.

Walk the plank

If someone walks the plank, they are going toward their own destruction or

downfall

Walking encyclopedia

A very knowledgeable person is a walking encyclopedia.

Walking on air

188

If you are walking on air, you are so happy that you feel as if you could float.

Walking on broken glass

When a person is punished for something. e.g. 'She had me walking on broken

glass.'

Walking time-bomb

A person whose behaviour is erratic and totally unpredictable is a walking time-

bomb.

Wallflower

A woman politician given an unimportant government position so that the

government can pretend it takes women seriously is a wallflower.

War chest

A war chest is a fund that can be used to finance a campaign like and election or

for use in emergencies or unexpected times of difficulty.

War of words

A war of words is a bitter argument between people or organisations, etc.

Warm and fuzzy

Meaning the feeling evoked as though you were enclosed in a warm and fuzzy

blanket.

Warm the cockles of your heart

If something warms the cockles of your heart, it makes you feel happy.

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.

Waste of skin

If a person is referred to as a 'waste of skin', it means he is not worth very much.

Watch grass grow

If something is like watching grass grow, it is really boring.

Watch your six

(USA) This idiom means that you should look behind you for dangers coming

that you can't see.

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

If something belongs to the past and isn't important or troubling any more, it is

water under the bridge.

189

Watering hole

(UK) A watering hole is a pub.

Watery grave

If someone has gone to a watery grave, they have drowned.

Weak at the knees

If people go weak at the knees, they have a powerful emotional reaction to

something and feel that they might fall over.

Wear sackcloth and ashes

If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and

ashes.

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve shows their emotions and

feelings publicly.

Weather a storm

If you weather a storm, you get through a crisis or hard times.

Wedge politics

(USA) In wedge politics, one party uses an issue that they hope will divide

members of a different party to create conflict and weaken it.

Weight off your shoulders

If something is a weight off your shoulders, you have relieved yourself of a

burden, normally a something that has been troubling you or worrying you.

Well-heeled

Someone who is well-heeled is rich.

Well-oiled

If someone is well-oiled, they have drunk a lot.

Well-oiled machine

Something that functions very well is a well-oiled machine.

Were you born in a barn?

If someone asks you this, it means that you forgot to close the door when you

came in.

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.

Wet your whistle

If you are thirsty and have an alcoholic drink, you wet your whistle. "Whet your

whistle" is also used.

Whale of a time

If you have a whale of a time, you really enjoy yourself.

What can sorry do?

This means that it is not enough to apologise.

What can you expect from a hog but a grunt?

(USA) This means that you can't expect people to behave in a way that is not in

their character- a 'hog' is a 'pig', so an unrefined person can't be expected to

behave in a refined way.

What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

This idiom is often used when someone says something irrelevant to the topic

being discussed.

190

What goes around comes around

This saying means that of people do bad things to other people, bad things will

happen to them.

What goes around, comes around

The good or bad you do to others is requited.

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 cooking?

When you ask what's cooking it means you want to know what's happening.

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.

What's up?

This can be used to ask 'What's wrong?' or 'How are you?'.

What's your poison?

This is a way of asking someone what they would like to drink, especially

alcohol.

What's your take on that?

This idiom is way of asking someone for their opinion and ideas.

Whatever floats your boat

When people say this, they mean that you should do whatever makes you happy.

Wheels fall off

When the wheels fall off something, it goes wrong or fails. ('Wheels come off' is

an alternative.)

When hell freezes over

An impossible or very unlikely situation or event

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

This idiom means that when you are visiting a different place or culture, you

should try to follow their customs and practices.

When it rains, it pours

This idiom means that when things go wrong, a lot of things go wrong at the

same time.

When pigs fly

Meaning you will not get something when you want it or someone doesn't want

something for you. say you are selling an item and some one doesn't want it.

they might say 'I'll buy it when pigs fly'. it just means you will never get someone

to say yes to you when you ask for something.

When the chickens come home to roost

When a person pays dearly for something bad he or she did in the past, the

chickens come home to roost.

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.

191

Where there's smoke, there's fire

When there is an indication or sign of something bad, usually the indication is

correct.

Whet your appetite

If something whets 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.

Whistle for it

If someone says that you can whistle for something, they are determined to

ensure that you don't get it.

Whistle-stop tour

A whistle-stop tour is when someone visits a number of places quickly, not

stopping for long.

Whistling Dixie

(USA) If someone is whistling Dixie, they talk about things in a more positive way

than the reality.

Whistling in the dark

If someone is whistling in the dark, they believe in a positive result, even though

everybody else is sure it will not happen.

Whistling past the graveyard

(USA) If someone is whistling past the graveyard, they are trying to remain

cheerful in difficult circumstances. ('Whistling past the cemetery' is also used.)

White as a sheet

A bad shock can make somebody go as white as a sheet.

White as snow

If something or someone is as white as snow, they are perfect or completely

uncorrupted and honest.

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. (Some idioms have a

explanation where it comes from. i.e. “white elephant" is a rare, expensive possession

that is a financial burden to maintain. How could you learn it? Remember, that the king

of Siam gave a white elephant to persons he didn't like. Maintenance costs were so high

that usually these people lost everything, went broke.

White feather

If someone shows a white feather, they are cowards.

White lie

If you tell a white lie, you lie in order not to hurt someone's feelings.

White-bread

If something is white-bread, it is very ordinary, safe and boring.

Who wears the pants?

192

(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.

Who will ring the bell?

'Who will ring the bell?' asks who will assume the responsibility to help us out of

a difficult situation.

Whole ball of wax

(USA) The whole ball of wax is everything.

Whole kit and caboodle

The whole kit and caboodle means 'everything' required or involved in something.

('Kaboodle' is an alternative spelling.)

Whole new ball game

If something's a whole new ball game, it is completely new or different.

Whole nine yards

The whole nine yards means means everything that is necessary or required for

something.

Whole shebang

The whole shebang includes every aspect of something.

Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free

This idiom is usually used to refer to men who don't want to get married, when

they can get all the benefits of marriage without getting married.

Why keep a dog and bark yourself?

There's no need to do something yourself when you have somebody to do it for

you, usually trivial matters.

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 something is wide of the mark, it is inaccurate or incorrect.

Wild goose chase

A wild goose chase is a waste of time- time spent trying to do something

unsuccessfully.

Will never fly

If an idea or project, etc, will never fly, it has no chance of succeeding.

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.

Window to the soul

Eyes are sometimes referred to as the window to the soul.

Wing and a prayer

193

If you do something on a wing and a prayer, you try to do something and hope

you'll succeed even though you have very little chance of success.

Winner takes all

If everything goes to the winner, as in an election, the winner takes all.

Wipe the floor with

(UK) If you wipe the floor with someone, you destroy the arguments or defeat

them easily.

Wipe the smile of someone's face

If you wipe the smile of someone's face, you do something to make someone feel

less pleased with themselves.

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.

With flying colours (colors)

If you pass something with flying colours (colors), you pass easily, with a very

high mark or grade.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?

This expression is used when people behave badly or treat someone badly that

they are supposed to be friends with.

Wither on the vine

If something withers on the vine, it fails to get the intended result, doesn't come

to fruition.

Within a whisker

If you come within a whisker of doing something, you very nearly manage to do

it but don't succeed.

Without a hitch

If something happens without a hitch, nothing at all goes wrong.

Woe betide you

This is used to wish that bad things will happen to someone, usually because of

their bad behaviour.

Woe is me

This means that you are sad or in a difficult situation. It's archaic, but still used.

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.

194

Work like a charm

If something works like a charm, it works perfectly.

Work like a dog

If you work like a dog, you work very hard.

Work the system

If people work the system, they exploit the state or simialr setup to their

advantage.

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.

Work your tail off

If you work your tail off, you work extremely hard.

World at your feet

If everything is going well and the future looks full of 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 who's worse for wear is

drunk or high on drugs and looking rough.

Worse things happen at sea

This idiomatic expression is used as a way of telling someone not to worry so

much about their problems.

Worth a shot

If something is worth a shot, it is worth trying as there is some chance of

success.

Worth your salt

Someone who is worth their salt deserves respect.

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)

Wrap yourself in the flag

If someone wraps themselves in the flag, they pretend to be doing something for

patriotic reasons or out of loyalty, but their real motives are selfish. ('Drape

yourself in the flag' is an alternative form of this idiom)

195

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.

Written in stone

If something is written in stone, it is permanent and cannot be changed.

Wrong end of the stick

If someone has got the wrong 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.

196

~ X ~

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.

197

~ Y ~

Yah boo sucks

Yah boo & yah boo sucks can be used to show that you have no sympathy with

someone.

Yank my chain

If some one says this to another person (i.e. stop yanking my chain) it means for

the other person to leave the person who said it alone and to stop bothering

them.

Year dot/ Year one

“The Year Dot” or “The Year One is used when you’re talking about a very, very

long time ago.

Year in, year out

If something has happened year in, year out, it has happened every year for

many years in a row.

Yellow journalism (USA)

Journalism in which sensational stories are used to boost sales, or biased

reporting is used to change the reader’s views on an issue. Both of these are

unethical.

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 agrees 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 are what you eat

This is used to emphasise the importance of a good diet as a key to good health.

You asked for it! - informal

You can say “You asked for it!” when you think someone deserves the

punishment they are getting or the trouble they are in.

You bet / you bet your boots / you bet your life - informal

You can say “you bet”, “you bet your boots” or “ you bet

You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar

This means that it is easier to persuade people if you use polite arguments and

flattery than if you are confrontational.

You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family

Some things you can choose, but others you cannot, so you have to try to make

the best of what you have where you have no choice.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink

198

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 fight City Hall

This phrase is used when one is so cynical that one doesn't think one can

change their Representatives. The phrase must have started with frustration

towards a local body of government.

You can't have cake and the topping, too

(USA) This idiom means that you can't have everything the way you want it,

especially if your desires are contradictory.

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 can't take it with you

Enjoy life, enjoy what you have and don't worry about not having a lot, especially

money...because once you're dead, 'you can't take it with you.' For some, it means

to use up all you have before you die because it's no use to you afterwards.

You can't unring a bell

This means that once something has been done, you have to live with the

consequences as it can't be undone.

You could have knocked me down with a feather

This idiom is used to mean that the person was very shocked or surprised.

You do not get a dog and bark yourself

(UK) If there is someone in a lower position who can or should do a task, then

you shouldn't do it.

You get what you pay for

Something that is very low in price is not usually of very good quality.

You reap what you sow

This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or

good things if you do good things. It is normally used when someone has done

something bad.

Your guess is as good as mine

You can say “your guess is as good as mine” when you don’t know the answer to

a question.

You said it!

Used to say you agree completely with something just said.

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.

199

You’re on!

You can say “you’re on!” if you want to accept a challenge, a bet or an

invitation.

You're toast

If someone tells you that you are toast, you are in a lot of trouble.

You've got rocks in your head

(USA) Someone who has acted with a lack of intelligence has rocks in their head.

You've made your bed- you'll have to lie in it

This means that someone will have to live with the consequences of their own

actions.

Young at heart

Someone is young at heart if they still feel young even though they’re getting

old.

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 belly button is bigger than your stomach

If your belly button is bigger than your stomach, you take on more

responsibilities than you can handle.

Your call

If something is your call, it is up to you to make a decision on the matter.

Your name is mud

If someone's name is mud, then they have a bad reputation.

Your sins will find you out

This idiom means that things you do wrong will become known.

200

~ Z ~

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.

Zigged before you zagged

If you did things in the wrong order, you zigged before you zagged.

Zip it

This is used to tell someone to be quiet.

Zip your lip

If someone tells you to zip your lip, they want to to shut up or keep quiet about

something. ('Zip it' is also used.)

~THE END~

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