Idioms Flashcards
1
Q
A piece of cake
A
→ Something very easy to do
The exam was a piece of cake, I finished it in 10 minutes.
2
Q
Break the ice
A
→ To start a conversation in an awkward or tense situation
She told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
3
Q
Hit the nail on the head
A
→ To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
Your analysis hit the nail on the head; that’s exactly the problem.
4
Q
Spill the beans
A
→ To reveal a secret, usually accidentally
He accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.
5
Q
Burn the midnight oil
A
→ To work or study late into the night
I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my assignment.
6
Q
Under the weather
A
→ Feeling sick or unwell
I’m feeling under the weather today, so I’ll rest.
7
Q
Bite the bullet
A
→ To endure a painful or difficult situation bravely
I had to bite the bullet and get the painful injection.
8
Q
Jump on the bandwagon/ˈbændˌwæɡ.ən/
A
→ To start doing something that is popular or trending
Everyone is using that new app, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon too
9
Q
Cry over spilt milk
A
→ To be upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed
There’s no use crying over spilt milk; just learn from your mistake.
10
Q
The ball is in your court
A
→ It’s your turn to take action or make a decision
I’ve given you all the information; now the ball is in your court.
11
Q
In hot water
A
→ In trouble
Example: He is in hot water for breaking the school rules.
12
Q
Throw caution to the wind
A
→ To take a risk without thinking
Example: He threw caution to the wind and spent all his savings on a car.
13
Q
Burn the candle at both ends
A
→ To overwork and get exhausted
Example: She burns the candle at both ends, studying all night and working all day.
14
Q
Go the extra mile
A
→ To do more than expected
Example: He always goes the extra mile to help his friends.
15
Q
Hit the books
A
→ To study hard
Example: I need to hit the books before the test.
16
Q
Keep your chin up
A
→ Stay positive in tough times
Example: Even after losing the match, he was told to keep his chin up.
17
Q
A blessing in disguise
A
→ Something bad that turns out to be good
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because I found a better one.
18
Q
Cut corners
A
→ To do something quickly by skipping steps
Example: He cut corners on his project, so the quality was poor.
19
Q
Lose your touch
A
→ To lose a skill you once had
Example: After not painting for years, she felt she had lost her touch.
20
Q
By the skin of one’s teeth
A
–> Barely succeeded in something/narrowly escaping/only just
It’s used when something happens with very little time, effort, or chance left.
Example:I missed the bus, but I caught the train by the skin of my teeth.
21
Q
Hit the sack
A
→ To go to bed.
Example: I’m so tired, I’m going to hit the sack early tonight.
22
Q
Pull someone’s leg
A
→ To joke or tease someone.
Example: I wasn’t serious—I was just pulling your leg!
23
Q
Once in a blue moon
A
→ Something that happens very rarely.
Example: He only calls me once in a blue moon.
24
Q
Let the cat out of the bag
A
→ To reveal a secret.
Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
25
Call it a day
→ To stop working for the day.
Example: We’ve done enough work; let’s call it a day.
26
Bite off more than you can chew
→ To take on more work than you can handle.
Example: He bit off more than he could chew by agreeing to so many projects.
27
Throw in the towel
→ To give up.
Example: After failing the test twice, he decided to throw in the towel
28
Cut to the chase
→ To get to the main point quickly.
Example: Stop talking in circles and cut to the chase!
29
Add fuel to the fire
→ To make a bad situation worse.
Example: Instead of helping, his rude comments just added fuel to the fire
30
Jump the gun
→ To do something too soon, without thinking.
Example: He jumped the gun by announcing the project before it was approved.
31
Burn bridges
→ To damage relationships permanently
Example: He burned bridges with his boss by quitting without notice.
32
Kick the bucket
→ To pass away (informal)
Example: The old man finally kicked the bucket at the age of 95.
33
Turn a blind eye
→ To ignore something on purpose
Example: The teacher turned a blind eye to the students whispering in class.
34
Eat humble pie
→ To admit one's mistake and apologize
Example: After realizing his error, he had to eat humble pie in front of everyone.
35
Break new ground
→ To do something innovative or different
Example: The scientist broke new ground with her medical research.
36
Put all your eggs in one basket
→ To risk everything on one plan
Example: Investing all your money in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket.
37
Water under the bridge
→ Past problems that are no longer important
Example: We had a fight last year, but it’s water under the bridge now.
38
Play devil’s advocate
→ To argue against something for the sake of discussion
Example: I don’t disagree with you, but let me play devil’s advocate for a moment.
39
Bury the hatchet
→ To end a conflict and make peace
Example: After years of rivalry, the two companies decided to bury the hatchet.
40
"Bite the dust"
→ To fail or be defeated
Example: Many small businesses bite the dust due to poor financial planning.
41
Beat around the bush
--> To avoid saying something directly.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.
42
Read between the lines
--> To understand the hidden meaning in something.
Example: He didn’t say it directly, but if you read between the lines, you’ll see he is unhappy.
43
All ears
--> Fully listening and paying attention.
Example: Tell me about your trip—I’m all ears!
44
Back to square one
.
--> Starting over from the beginning.
Example: Our plan didn’t work, so we are back to square one
45
Bend over backward
--> To try very hard to help or please someone.
Example: She bent over backward to make her guests feel comfortable
46
Face the music
--> To accept the consequences of your actions.
Example: He broke the rules, and now he has to face the music.
47
Give someone the cold shoulder
--> To ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly way.
Example: She gave me the cold shoulder after our argument.
48
Keep something under wraps
--> To keep something a secret.
Example: The company is keeping the new product under wraps until the official launch.
49
Rock the boat
--> To cause problems or disrupt a situation.
Example: He didn’t want to rock the boat, so he stayed quiet during the meeting.
50
The last straw
--> The final problem that makes a situation unbearable.
Example: When he missed the deadline again, it was the last straw, and he was fired.
51
To see eye to eye
Simple meaning: To agree completely with someone.
Example: My parents and I see eye to eye on the importance of education.
52
To speak volumes for
Simple meaning: To show or reveal a lot about something without using words.
Example: Her smile spoke volumes for how happy she was.
53
To steal a march
Simple meaning: To gain an advantage over someone by acting early or secretly.
Example: By starting the project before anyone else, he stole a march on his competitors
54
To turn the corner
Simple meaning: To begin to improve after going through a difficult time
Example: After months of hard work, the business finally turned the corner.
.
55
Backstairs influence
Simple meaning: Secret or unfair influence used to get something, often in politics
Example: He got the job through backstairs influence, not his talent.
.
56
To have blue blood
Simple meaning: To belong to a royal or noble family.
Example: She behaves like a queen, but she doesn’t have blue blood.
57
The Halcyon days
Simple meaning: A peaceful, happy, and calm period in the past
Example: We often talk about our childhood as the Halcyon days.
.
58
To pull a long face
Simple meaning: To look sad or disappointed.
Example: She pulled a long face when she didn’t get the gift she wanted.
59
Palmy days
Simple meaning: A time of success, happiness, or prosperity.
Example: My grandfather often talks about the palmy days of his youth.
60
Queer fish
Simple meaning: A strange or unusual person.
Example: He’s a bit of a queer fish, always wearing odd clothes and talking to himself.
61
The swan song
Simple meaning: A final performance or effort before retiring or ending something.
Example: That movie was the actor’s swan song before he retired.
62
Uphill task
Simple meaning: A very difficult job or challenge.
Example: Scoring full marks in math is an uphill task for me.
63
A wet blanket
Simple meaning: A person who spoils the fun or enjoyment of others.
Example: Don’t invite Riya to the party—she’s always a wet blanket.
64
White elephant
Simple meaning: A costly but useless possession.
Example: That huge old car is a white elephant—it looks nice but eats too much fuel.
65
A wild goose chase
.
Simple meaning: A hopeless or pointless search.
Example: Looking for that missing receipt in the garbage was a wild goose chase
66
Bird’s eye view
Simple meaning: A quick overview or a view from above.
Example: From the top of the tower, we got a bird’s eye view of the city.
67
A bolt from the blue
Simple meaning: A sudden and unexpected event.
Example: Her resignation was a bolt from the blue for the whole team.
68
To add a new feather in one’s cap
Simple meaning: To achieve something that adds to one’s reputation or success.
Example: Winning the competition added a new feather in her cap.
69
To live in a fool’s paradise
Simple meaning: To live in a false sense of happiness or security.
Example: He thinks money will come easily, but he’s living in a fool’s paradise.
70
To have feet of clay
Simple meaning: To have a hidden weakness or flaw.
Example: The great leader had feet of clay—he was dishonest in private.
71
A lion’s share
Simple meaning: The biggest portion of something.
Example: He took the lion’s share of the credit even though we all worked hard.
72
To be a red rag to a bull
Simple meaning: To do or say something that makes someone very angry.
Example: Mentioning her ex-boyfriend is like a red rag to a bull.
73
A snake in the grass
Simple meaning: A hidden enemy or someone who pretends to be a friend.
Example: I trusted him, but he turned out to be a snake in the grass.
74
To be at a stone’s throw
Simple meaning: To be very close or nearby.
Example: The library is just at a stone’s throw from my house.
75
By fits and starts
Simple meaning: Irregularly or with pauses.
Example: He studies by fits and starts, not on a regular schedule.
76
The ins and outs
Simple meaning: All the details or facts of something or secrets
Example: She knows the ins and outs of running a business
77
Null and void
Simple meaning: Not valid or legally canceled.
Example: The contract was declared null and void by the court.
78
Over head and ears
Simple meaning: Deeply or fully involved (often in trouble or love).
Example: He’s over head and ears in debt right now.
79
Heart and soul
Simple meaning: With full energy and passion.
Example: She puts her heart and soul into her artwork.
80
Kith and kin
Simple meaning: Friends and family.
Example: All our kith and kin came to the wedding.
81
Part and parcel
.
Simple meaning: An essential or necessary part of something.
Example: Stress is part and parcel of a doctor’s job
82
Rank and file
Simple meaning: Ordinary members of a group, not leaders.
Example: The opinion of the rank and file is important in any organization.
83
Tooth and nail
.
Simple meaning: With great effort or in a fierce way or violently.
Example: They fought tooth and nail to win the match
84
Ups and downs
Simple meaning: Good and bad times.
Example: Life is full of ups and downs, but we keep going.
85
All in all
Simple meaning: Considering everything.
Example: All in all, the trip was a great experience.
86
Hard and fast
Simple meaning: Fixed and strict (often used for rules).
Example: There are no hard and fast rules in art.
87
In the blues
Simple meaning: Feeling sad or depressed.
Example: He’s been in the blues since he failed the exam.
88
In the red
Simple meaning: In debt or losing money or anything.
Example: The company has been in the red for two months.
89
Out of question
Simple meaning: Certain or beyond doubt.
Example: His honesty is out of question
90
Out of the question
Simple meaning: Not allowed or impossible.
Example: Skipping school is out of the question.
91
Live wire
Simple meaning: A very energetic or lively person.
Example: She’s a live wire—always full of energy and ideas.
92
Out of the wood
Simple meaning: Free from danger or difficulty.
Example: He’s recovering, but he’s not out of the wood yet.
93
By dint of
Simple meaning: By means of; because of.
Example: She succeeded by dint of hard work.
94
An eye wash
Simple meaning: A false show or pretence.
Example: His kindness is just an eye wash to gain sympathy
95
A gentleman at large
Simple meaning: A man without a job or specific role or an unreliable person.
Example: After losing his job, he became a gentleman at large.
96
Foot the bill
Simple meaning: To pay the expenses.
Example: He had to foot the bill for the entire dinner.
97
In a tight corner
Simple meaning: In a difficult situation.
Example: I was in a tight corner when I lost my wallet abroad.
98
Egg on
Simple meaning: To encourage someone to do something bad or risky or to urge somebody.
Example: His friends egged him on to skip class.
99
Order of the day
Meaning: Something that is very common or expected on a particular occasion or in a particular situation. It can also mean the main activity or priority at a certain time.
Example: On exam days, tension and last-minute revisions are the order of the day.
100
Writing on the wall
Simple meaning: A warning sign of trouble ahead.
Example: The company’s losses were the writing on the wall.
101
When the crunch comes
Simple meaning: When a critical or difficult moment arrives.
Example: When the crunch comes, only true friends stay.
102
To burn one’s boat
Simple meaning: To make a decision that cannot be undone.
Example: He burned his boats by quitting his job before getting another.
103
To meet one’s Waterloo
Simple meaning: To face a final defeat.
Example: The boxer met his Waterloo in the championship round.
104
To hang fire
Simple meaning: To delay or wait.
Example: The plan is hanging fire until we get approval.
105
Herculean task
Simple meaning: A very difficult task.
Example: Cleaning the whole building alone was a Herculean task.
106
To throw cold water
Simple meaning: To discourage or criticize something.
Example: He threw cold water on my idea before I even finished.
107
To turn over a new leaf
Simple meaning: To start again with better behavior.
Example: After getting out of jail, he turned over a new leaf.
108
To turn the table
Simple meaning: To reverse the situation to one’s advantage.
Example: She turned the tables by proving her innocence.
109
To be at a loss
Simple meaning: To be confused or not know what to do.
Example: I was at a loss for words when I saw the surprise.
110
To breathe one’s last
Simple meaning: To die.
Example: The old man breathed his last peacefully at home.
111
To call names
.
Simple meaning: To insult someone using bad words.
Example: It’s wrong to call names even when you’re angry
112
To die in harness
Simple meaning: To die while still working.
Example: He was so dedicated that he died in harness.
113
To fall flat
.
Simple meaning: To fail completely or have no effect.
Example: His joke fell flat in front of the serious audience
114
To go to the dogs
Simple meaning: To decline or get ruined.
Example: The company went to the dogs after the scandal.
115
To give a wide berth
Simple meaning: To avoid someone or something.
Example: I gave him a wide berth after our argument.
116
In cold blood
Simple meaning: Without emotion or pity; deliberately and cruelly.
Example: The murder was committed in cold blood.
117
On the score of
Simple meaning: For the reason of; because of.
Example: He was rejected on the score of inexperience.
118
man of letters
Simple meaning: A scholarly or literary person.
Example: Rabindranath Tagore was a true man of letters.
119
By and by
Simple meaning: After a short time; soon, gradually
Example: Don’t worry, things will improve by and by.
120
By the by
Simple meaning: Incidentally; by the way.
Example: By the by, did you hear about Riya's engagement
121
Over and above
Simple meaning: In addition to.
Example: He gave me a bonus over and above my salary.
122
Out and out
Simple meaning: Completely; thoroughly.
Example: That was an out and out lie.
123
Off and on
Simple meaning: Occasionally; not regularly.
Example: He visits his hometown off and on.
124
Apple pie order
Simple meaning: Perfectly neat and tidy.
Example: Her desk is always in apple pie order.
125
To be up to
Simple meaning: To be engaged in something, often secretly or suspiciously.
Example: The kids are too quiet—what are they up to?
126
Bated breath
Simple meaning: In anxious or expectany
Example: We waited with bated breath for the exam results.
127
Above all
Simple meaning: More importantly than anything else.
Example: Above all, be kind to others.
128
A fair-weather friend
Simple meaning: A friend who is only around when things are good or selfish friend.
Example: She disappeared when I needed her—just a fair-weather friend.
129
To take up arms
Simple meaning: To prepare for a fight or battle.
Example: The villagers took up arms against the invaders.
130
Apple of (one's) eye
Simple meaning: Someone who is loved very much.
Example: His daughter is the apple of his eye.
131
bookworm
Simple meaning: A person who loves to read.
Example: She’s such a bookworm, always reading something new.
132
To knit the brow
Simple meaning: To frown or look worried.
Example: He knitted his brow when he heard the bad news.
133
Hobson's choice
Simple meaning: A situation where there is only one option.
Example: When I asked for another brand of milk, the shopkeeper gave me a Hobson's choice.
134
Off-color
Simple meaning: Something inappropriate or not quite right, often in reference to jokes or comments.
Example: His off-color jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
135
A dare devil
Simple meaning: A person who enjoys taking dangerous risks.
Example: He’s a daredevil, always jumping off cliffs with a parachute.
136
To give the devil his due
Simple meaning: To acknowledge someone's qualities or achievements, even if you don’t like them.
Example: She can be difficult, but I’ll give the devil his due—she’s an excellent organizer.
137
Every dog has his day
Simple meaning: Everyone has a moment of success or happiness.
Example: Don’t worry, every dog has his day, and your time will come.
138
Down and out
Simple meaning: In a very bad situation, especially financially or emotionally.
Example: After losing his job, he felt completely down and out.
139
A bad egg
Simple meaning: A person who is dishonest or troublesome or worthless
Example: Don’t trust him, he’s a bad egg.
140
Odds and ends
Simple meaning: scattered things
Example: She spent the afternoon sorting through odds and ends in the garage.
141
To sail under false colors
Simple meaning: To pretend to be something you're not or hypocrite or pretender
Example: He sailed under false colors, claiming to be an expert in the field.
142
A flash in the pan
Simple meaning: Something that looks promising initially but doesn’t last.
Example: His acting career was just a flash in the pan.
143
Look a gift horse in the mouth
Simple meaning: To be ungrateful for a gift or opportunity.
Example: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth—just accept the offer.
144
A die-hard
Simple meaning: A person who is extremely loyal or passionate about something.
Example: He’s a die-hard fan of the team, never missing a game.
145
Lose one’s head
Simple meaning: To become agitated and lose control.
Example: He lost his head during the argument and said things he regretted.
146
To have too many irons in the fire
Simple meaning: To be involved in too many tasks or projects at the same time.
Example: He’s got too many irons in the fire, trying to handle all those projects at once.
147
To be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
Simple meaning: To be born into a wealthy or privileged family.
Example: She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, never knowing hardship.
148
To be up and doing
Simple meaning: To be active, busy, and productive.
Example: It’s time to be up and doing, there’s work to be done!
149
To be fit to hold a candle to
Simple meaning: To be good enough to be compared with someone or something.
Example: She’s not fit to hold a candle to the legendary actress.
150
To be under a cloud
Simple meaning: To be in disgrace or under suspicion.
Example: After the scandal, he was under a cloud for months.
151
To be at large
Simple meaning: To be free, not in custody or unchained
Example: The criminal is still at large and hasn't been caught yet.
152
To be not worth one's salt
Simple meaning: Not deserving ; incompetent.
Example: He’s not worth his salt as a manager—he doesn’t know how to lead.
153
To make both ends meet
Simple meaning: To manage financially, especially with a limited income.
Example: It’s hard to make both ends meet with the current salary.
154
With open arms
Simple meaning: To welcome someone warmly and enthusiastically.
Example: She received her guests with open arms.
155
To play fast and loose
Simple meaning: To act irresponsibly or without regard for rules or changing attitudes
Example: He played fast and loose with the company’s finances.
156
To take to task
Simple meaning: To scold or reprimand someone for doing something wrong.
Example: The teacher took him to task for being late.
157
To turn a deaf ear
Simple meaning: To ignore or refuse to listen to someone.
Example: She turned a deaf ear to their complaints about the project.
158
Hold water
Simple meaning: To be logical, reasonable, or valid.
Example: His argument doesn’t hold water; it’s full of contradictions.
159
By hook or by crook
Simple meaning: By any means necessary, even if it involves trickery.
Example: She plans to pass the exam by hook or by crook.
160
To hang together
Simple meaning: To stay united or work together as a group or support one another
Example: Despite their differences, the team hung together through tough times.
161
Flesh and blood
Simple meaning: Referring to a human being, especially in a family context.
Example: He's my flesh and blood, I can't just abandon him.
162
To be at sea
Simple meaning: To be confused or uncertain about something.
Example: I was at sea when they started talking about their plans for the future.
163
In a fair way
Simple meaning: On the right track or in a good position.
Example: We are in a fair way to finish the project on time.
164
To be in a fix
Simple meaning: To be in a difficult situation or problem or dilemma
Example: I’m in a fix; I have no idea how to solve this issue.
165
To be on the carpet
Simple meaning: To be summoned for a reprimand or serious discussion or to be under consideration
Example: The manager called him on the carpet for his poor performance.
166
To be in tune
Simple meaning: To be in agreement or harmony with something or someone or good mood
Example: The team was in tune with the new strategy and worked well together
167
168
To be on its last legs
Simple meaning: To be near the end of its usefulness, often referring to something worn out or old or about to collapse
Example: The car is on its last legs; it’s time for a new one.
169
To be out of sorts
Simple meaning: To feel unwell, irritable, or not in a good mood.
Example: She’s been out of sorts ever since the meeting went wrong.
170
To bear the brunt of
Simple meaning: To endure the most difficult part of something.
Example: She bore the brunt of the criticism during the debate.
171
To bell the cat
Simple meaning: To attempt a difficult or dangerous task.
Example: Asking him to make a public apology is like belling the cat.
172
Bid defiance
Simple meaning: To openly oppose or resist something.
Example: She bid defiance to the unfair rules and stood her ground
173
To blow one's trumpet
Simple meaning: To boast or praise about oneself or one's achievements.
Example: He’s always blowing his trumpet about how successful he is.
174
To pour oil on troubled water
Simple meaning: To calm down a difficult or tense situation.. or pacify the matter
Example: She tried to pour oil on troubled waters by speaking diplomatically during the argument.
175
To clip one's wings
Simple meaning: To restrict or limit someone's freedom or ability to act.
Example: The new rules have really clipped my wings at work, and I feel powerless.
176
To come home to
Simple meaning: To realize or understand something clearly.
Example: After years of hard work, it finally came home to him that success was within his reach.
177
To come off with flying colors
Simple meaning: To succeed very easily or with great distinction.
Example: She came off with flying colors in her final exams and topped the class.
178
To cry for the moon
Simple meaning: To wish for something impossible or unattainable.
Example: Don’t cry for the moon; we can't afford a luxury vacation right now.
179
To dig the grave
Simple meaning: To cause one’s own downfall or trouble.
Example: His careless actions have dug his grave, and now he's facing the consequences.
180
Off hand
Simple meaning: Without preparation, spontaneously.
Example: I can’t think of an answer offhand; let me check my notes.
181
To draw the long bow
Simple meaning: To exaggerate or lie about something.
Example: He tends to draw the long bow when telling stories about his past.
182
To end in smoke/fiasco
Simple meaning: To fail completely, usually after a lot of effort.
Example: The concert ended in smoke, as the sound system broke down.
183
To add fuel to the flame or fire
Simple meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: Her comments only added fuel to the fire during the heated debate.
184
To pay off old scores
Simple meaning: To settle old grievances or seek revenge.
Example: He was finally able to pay off old scores with his business rival.
185
To sit on the fence
Simple meaning: To remain neutral or not take sides in a dispute or decision.
Example: Stop sitting on the fence and make up your mind about the project.
186
At sixes and sevens
Simple meaning: In a state of confusion or disorder.
Example: After the meeting, the team was at sixes and sevens, unsure about the next steps.
187
To have the gift of the gab
Simple meaning: To be very good at speaking or persuading others.
Example: He has the gift of the gab and can convince anyone to buy anything.
188
To take to the heels
Simple meaning: To run away or escape.
Example: When the police arrived, the suspect took to the hills.
189
Bad blood
Simple meaning: bitter relations
Example: There’s bad blood between the two neighbors after the argument over the property.
190
Black and blue
Simple meaning: Bruised or injured, often from a physical altercation.
Example: After the accident, he was left black and blue all over his body.
191
At one's fingertips
Simple meaning: To have complete knowledge
Example: He has all the facts at his fingertips and can answer any question.
192
193
Beat in air
To make useless efforts
194
To build castles in the air
Simple meaning: To make unrealistic or impractical plans or dreams.
Example: He’s always building castles in the air, talking about quitting his job to travel the world without any savings
195
To be at the bottom of
Simple meaning: To be the cause or reason for something.
Example: The recent delays were at the bottom of the company's failure to meet deadlines.
196
To carry the day
.
Simple meaning: To win or succeed in something, especially after competition or effort.
Example: After a long debate, her arguments carried the day, and the proposal was accepted
197
To cut a sorry figure
Simple meaning: To appear pitiful, embarrassed, or in a bad light.
Example: He cut a sorry figure when he forgot his lines during the speech.
198
To fish in troubled waters
.
Simple meaning: To take advantage of a difficult or chaotic situation.
Example: She was fishing in troubled waters, trying to profit from the company’s downfall
199
To grease the palm of
Simple meaning: To bribe or pay someone to gain favor.
Example: He greased the palm of the official to speed up the process
200
To gird up the loins
Simple meaning: To prepare oneself for something challenging.
Example: It’s time to gird up our loins and face the challenges ahead in the project
201
To hit below the belt
Simple meaning:
To strike unfairly or to attack someone’s weaknesses in a hurtful way.
Example: His comment about her family was really hitting below the belt during the argument.
202
To hold one's tongue
Simple meaning: To keep quiet or refrain from speaking.
Example: I had to hold my tongue during the meeting to avoid saying something inappropriate.
203
To keep at an arm's length
Simple meaning: To maintain a safe or distant relationship with someone.
Example: She kept him at arm's length because she didn’t fully trust him.
204
To keep the wolf from the door
Simple meaning: To manage to avoid poverty or hunger.
Example: By working overtime, he was able to keep the wolf from the door during tough financial times.
205
To leave no stone unturned
Simple meaning: To make every possible effort to achieve something.
Example: She left no stone unturned in her search for the perfect job, applying to dozens of companies.
206
A leap in the dark
Simple meaning: To take a risk deliberately(intentionally) or uncertain action without knowing what the outcome will be.
Example: Starting a new business felt like a leap in the dark, but he was willing to take the chance.
207
To laugh in one's sleeves
To laugh secretly
208
To make a clean breast of
Simple meaning: To confess or admit something openly and fully.
Example: After the investigation, he decided to make a clean breast of it and admitted his mistake.
209
To make amends
Simple meaning: To do something to correct a mistake or to give compensation
Example: After their argument, he made amends by buying her flowers and apologizing.
210
To make the most of
Simple meaning: To take full advantage of an opportunity or situation.
Example: We decided to make the most of our weekend getaway and explored the city thoroughly.
211
To move heaven and earth
Simple meaning: To make every possible effort to achieve something.
Example: She was ready to move heaven and earth to get the job she wanted.
212
To make neither head nor tail
Simple meaning: To be unable to understand something.
Example: I couldn’t make head nor tail of the instructions; they were so confusing.
213
To be nipped in the bud
Simple meaning: To stop something before it becomes a problem.
Example: The manager nipped the rumor in the bud before it spread further.
214
To play second fiddle to
Simple meaning: To take a subordinate or lesser role compared to someone else.
Example: She was tired of playing second fiddle to her more ambitious colleague.
215
To rise to the occasion
Simple meaning: To meet a challenge or difficult situation with success.
Example: When the team was under pressure, John rose to the occasion and delivered an excellent presentation.
216
To run short of
Simple meaning: To have less of something than needed.
Example: We ran short of supplies during the project, so we had to make a quick order.
217
To smell a rat
Simple meaning: To suspect something is wrong or suspicious.
Example: She smelled a rat when she noticed the unusual behavior of her colleague.
218
To split hairs
Simple meaning: To make small, unnecessary distinctions or arguments about something minor.
Example: Stop splitting hairs and focus on the main issue!
219
Beside the mark
Simple meaning: Not relevant or accurate; off the point.
Example: His comments were beside the mark and didn’t help the discussion at all.
220
To come to a pass
Simple meaning: To reach a difficult or critical situation.
Example: The project came to a pass when the team couldn't meet the deadlines.
221
Pyrrhic victory
Simple meaning: A victory that comes at high cost
Example: The company’s legal battle was a Pyrrhic victory, as they lost much more than they gained.
222
Yellow press
.
Simple meaning: Newspapers or media that focus on sensational or scandalous stories, often with little regard for accuracy.
Example: The yellow press spread rumors about the celebrity, distorting the truth
223
Midas touch
Simple meaning: The ability to make everything one does successful or profitable( a touch that turns anything gold)
Example: His business ventures always succeed; he truly has the Midas touch.
224
Willy-nilly
Simple meaning: Whether one likes it or not, or without planning.
Example: We had to accept the changes willy-nilly, even though we didn’t agree with them.
225
Turn a hair
Simple meaning: To show even the slightest sign of worry or surprise.
Example: She didn’t turn a hair when the difficult question was asked; she answered confidently.
226
Window shopping
Simple meaning: to look at goods displayed but not for buying.
Example: I enjoy window shopping at the mall, even if I’m not planning to buy anything.
227
To burn one's finger
Simple meaning: To get in trouble
Example: He burned his finger by investing in that shady business deal.
228
Fight to the finish
Simple meaning: To continue to struggle or compete until the very end, with no giving up.
Example: The two teams fought to the finish, but in the end, one team emerged victorious.
229
Next to nothing
Simple meaning: Almost nothing; a very small amount.
Example: I bought this book for next to nothing at the second-hand store.
230
Wear and tear
Simple meaning: The damage or loss that happens over time due to regular use.
Example: The car showed signs of wear and tear after years of use.
231
Cut and dried
Simple meaning: Something that is clear, definite, and unchanging.
Example: The rules were cut and dried, and there was no room for negotiation.
232
Hard-nosed attitude
Simple meaning: A practical, tough, and determined attitude or aggressive
Example: His hard-nosed attitude helped him navigate difficult negotiations without backing down.
233
Latin and Greek
Simple meaning: Something that is very difficult to understand or completely foreign or incomprehensible(impossible to understand)
Example: The technical jargon was Latin and Greek to me, and I couldn’t make sense of it.
234
Set people by the ears
Simple meaning: To cause arguments or fights among people or incite or stir up(to encourage somebody to do something by making them very angry or excited)
235
Last nail in the coffin
Simple meaning: The final event that leads to the failure or end of something.
Example: The company’s financial scandal was the last nail in the coffin for its reputation.
236
To plough the sands
Simple meaning: To waste time or effort on something that is futile or unproductive.
Example: Trying to convince him to change his mind is like ploughing the sands; he’s made up his mind already.
237
Close shave
Simple meaning: A narrow escape from danger or a risky situation.
Example: It was a close shave when the car swerved just in time to avoid hitting the tree.
238
To set the Thames on fire
Meaning: To do something extraordinary or remarkable or which was considered impossible
Example: He's good at his job, but he's not going to set the Thames on fire.
239
To blow hot and cold
Meaning: To keep changing one's opinion or attitude; to be inconsistent.
Example: She blows hot and cold about moving abroad—one day she's excited, the next she's unsure.
240
To be at daggers drawn
Meaning: To be openly hostile or enemies with someone.
Example: The two brothers have been at daggers drawn since the property dispute.
241
To turn up one's nose at a thing
Meaning: To show disdain or contempt for something.
Example: She turned up her nose at the local food, preferring fancy imported snacks.
Disdain or contempt(the feeling that something/somebody does not deserve any respect or is without value
242
To snap one’s fingers
Meaning: To show disregard(to treat as unimportant)
Example: He snappexd his fingers at the rules and did whatever he wanted.
243
A pipe dream
Meaning: An unrealistic or impractical hope or plan.
244
To give up the ghost
Meaning: To die or to stop working.
Example: His old laptop finally gave up the ghost yesterday.
245
Hush money
Meaning: Bribe given to keep someone silent.
Example: The company paid hush money to hide the scandal.
246
To pay one back in the same coin
Meaning: To treat someone the same way they treated you, especially badly.
Example: She insulted him, so he paid her back in the same coin.
247
A tall order
Meaning: A task that is very difficult to accomplish.
Example: Finishing all this work in one day is a tall order.
248
To draw a bead upon
Meaning: To aim at something, especially with a weapon or intention.
Example: The hunter drew a bead upon the deer.
249
To drink like a fish
Meaning: To drink alcohol excessively.
250
To fight to the bitter end
Meaning: To continue struggling until the final outcome, no matter how hard.
251
To give a false coloring
Meaning: To misrepresent or distort the truth.
Example: She gave a false coloring to the situation to avoid punishment.
252
To accept the gauntlet
Meaning: To accept a challenge.
Example: He accepted the gauntlet and agreed to the debate.
253
To give currency
Meaning: To make something seem true or spread a belief or to misinterpret
Example: His statements gave currency to the rumor.
254
French leave
Meaning: Leaving without permission or notice.
Example: He took French leave from the office on Friday.
255
To get cold feet
Meaning: To suddenly become afraid or hesitant to do something.
Example: She got cold feet right before the wedding.
256
To get/give the bird
Meaning: To be booed or rejected (old usage) / to be dismissed (modern informal use).
Example: The performer got the bird after forgetting his lines.
257
To blaze a trail
Meaning: To lead the way in something new or innovative.
Example: She blazed a trail in online education.
258
To be lost in the cloud
Meaning: To be confused or not understanding the situation.
Example: He was lost in the cloud during the technical discussion.
259
To flog a dead horse
Meaning: To waste time on a hopeless issue.
Example: Arguing about that decision now is like flogging a dead horse.
260
To have an easy time of it
Meaning: To face no difficulty or trouble.
Example: He had an easy time of it during the exams.
261
To take the bull by the horns
Meaning: To deal with a difficult situation bravely.
Example: She took the bull by the horns and confronted her boss.
262
To wash one’s dirty linen in public
Meaning: To discuss private or embarrassing matters in public.
Example: They shouldn’t have washed their dirty linen in public during the interview.
263
A ladies' man
Meaning: A man who is very popular with women or constantly seeks their attention.
264
All and sundry
Meaning: Everyone without exception.
Example: He invited all and sundry to his birthday party.
265
To throw down the glove
Meaning: To challenge someone to a fight or competition.
Example: The CEO threw down the glove by daring competitors to beat his new product.
266
Foam at the mouth
Meaning: To be extremely angry or enraged.
Example: He was foaming at the mouth when he found out he'd been cheated.
267
To take umbrage
Meaning: To take offense or feel insulted.
Example: She took umbrage at his sarcastic remark.
268
Something up one's sleeve
Meaning: To have a secret plan or idea.
Example: Don’t worry, he always has something up his sleeve for tricky situations.
269
To worship the rising sun
Meaning: To support or flatter someone who is gaining power or success.
Example: Many people started worshipping the rising sun once he became famous.
270
271
To disabuse one's mind
Meaning: To correct someone’s false belief or misconception or misapprehension
Example: Let me disabuse your mind—you did not fail, you just need to try a new approach.
272
273
A storm in a teacup
Meaning: A lot of fuss(a time when people behave in an excited ,nervous or angry way, especially about something unimportant )about a small or unimportant matter.
274
Adam's ale
Meaning: Water.
Example: During the fast, he drank nothing but Adam’s ale.
275
To draw the long bow
Meaning: To exaggerate or lie.
276
To hit the jackpot
.
Meaning: To have great or unexpected success
277
To be rolling in money
Meaning: To be very rich.
278
To tempt providence
Meaning: To take dangerous risks or act overconfidently.
Example: Driving so fast in a storm is just tempting providence.
279
To haul over the coals
Meaning: To scold someone severely.
Example: He was hauled over the coals for missing the deadline.
280
To put the cart before the horse
Meaning: To do things in the wrong order.
Example: Planning the wedding before the proposal is like putting the cart before the horse.
281
To be at loggerheads
Meaning: To be in a strong disagreement or conflict.
Example: The manager and the assistant were at loggerheads over the new policy.
282
To talk through one's hat
Meaning: To speak nonsense or without understanding.
Example: Ignore him—he’s just talking through his hat.
283
To hold something in leash
Meaning: To control or restrain something.
Example: He held his anger in leash during the argument.
284
To wrangle over an ass's shadow
Meaning: To quarrel over trivial or trifles things.
Example: They’re wrangling over an ass's shadow—it’s not worth fighting about.
285
To cast pearls before swine
Meaning: To offer something valuable to someone who doesn't appreciate
286
A chip off the old block
Meaning: A person who resembles their parent in character or behavior.
287
A fair crack of the whip
Meaning: An equal chance or fair opportunity.
288
To talk one's head off
Meaning: To talk excessively.
289
To harp on
Meaning: To keep talking about the same topic repeatedly.
290
To catch somebody on the hop
Meaning: To catch someone unprepared or off gaurd
Example: The surprise quiz caught all the students on the hop.
291
To keep one's head
Meaning: To stay calm in a difficult situation.
292
To cross swords
Meaning: To argue or fight with someone.
293
To bring one's eggs to a bad market
Meaning: To try something in the wrong place or with the wrong people.
294
To take people by storm
Meaning: To suddenly become very popular or successful
295
To throw up the sponge
Meaning: To give up or quit.
Example: After many failed attempts, he threw up the sponge.
296
All agog
Meaning: Very excited or eager or restless
Example: The kids were all agog before the magician’s show.
297
To frame a person
Meaning: To falsely accuse someone of a crime.
Example: He was innocent, but someone had framed him.
298
To take with a grain of salt
Meaning: To doubt the truth of something.
Example: I take his stories with a grain of salt—they’re often exaggerated.
299
To pull one's socks up
Meaning: To make an effort to improve one's performance.
Example: You need to pull your socks up if you want to pass the exam.
300
To bite one's lips
Meaning: To stop oneself from expressing anger or saying something.
Example: He bit his lips to avoid arguing with his boss.
301
Keep oneself to oneself
Meaning: To avoid socializing with others.
Example: She’s very quiet and keeps herself to herself.
302
A small talk
Meaning: Casual or trivial conversation.
Example: They made small talk while waiting for the bus.
303
To break down
Meaning: To collapse mentally or physically, or for a machine to stop working.
Example: She broke down in tears after hearing the news.
Example: My car broke down on the way to office.
304
To strain every nerve
Meaning: To try very hard.
Example: He strained every nerve to finish the project on time.
305
Picking holes in
Meaning: To find faults in something.
Example: She kept picking holes in my presentation.
306
To cast a die
Meaning: To take a risky step that cannot be changed.
Example: He cast the die by quitting his job without a backup plan.
307
Take after
.
Meaning: To resemble a family member.
Example: She takes after her mother in looks and manners
308
Pulled up
Meaning: To be stopped or scolded for doing something wrong.
Example: He was pulled up by the teacher for being late.
309
To do someone a good turn
Meaning: To help someone or do a kind act.
Example: He did me a good turn by lending me some money.
310
Making hay while the sun shines
Meaning: To take advantage of a good situation while it lasts.
Example: We should make hay while the sun shines and go for a picnic.
311
A rift in the loot
Meaning: A disagreement or dispute about the division of money or gains (especially ill-gotten or shared profit).
Example: There was a rift in the loot between the partners after the deal went wrong.
312
Within an ace of
Meaning: Very close to (doing or achieving something).
Example: He was within an ace of winning the championship.
313
To play game
Meaning: To behave in a deceitful or manipulative way; sometimes used to mean not being serious.
Example: Stop playing games with me and tell the truth.
314
Will-o'-the-wisp
Meaning: Something that is impossible to reach or achieve; a misleading hope or goal.
Example: Chasing perfect happiness is like following a will-o'-the-wisp.
