Idioms Set 1 Flashcards
(215 cards)
1
Q
A blessing in disguise
A
A good thing that seemed bad at first. Example: Losing my job turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own successful business.
2
Q
A dime a dozen
A
Something common. Example: Good coffee shops around here are a dime a dozen; you can find one on almost every corner.
3
Q
Beat around the bush
A
Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable. Example: Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you really think.
4
Q
Better late than never
A
Better to arrive late than not to come at all. Example: I know the report was due last week, but better late than never, here it is.
5
Q
Bite the bullet
A
To get something over with because it is inevitable. Example: I really didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet and get my toothache checked.
6
Q
Break a leg
A
Good luck. Example: You have your audition tonight, right? Break a leg!
7
Q
Call it a day
A
Stop working on something. Example: It’s getting late, and we’ve made good progress. Let’s call it a day.
8
Q
Cut somebody some slack
A
Don’t be so critical. Example: He’s been going through a tough time lately, so let’s cut him some slack.
9
Q
Cutting corners
A
Doing something poorly in order to save time or money. Example: The building collapsed because the construction company was cutting corners on materials.
10
Q
Easy does it
A
Slow down. Example: Be careful with that vase; easy does it.
11
Q
Get out of hand
A
Get out of control. Example: The party started out fun, but it quickly got out of hand.
12
Q
Get something out of your system
A
Do the thing you’ve been wanting to do so you can move on. Example: I needed to complain about my boss to get it out of my system.
13
Q
Get your act together
A
Work better or leave. Example: If you want to keep this job, you need to get your act together and start being on time.
14
Q
Give someone the benefit of the doubt
A
Trust what someone says. Example: He said he was stuck in traffic, so I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt.
15
Q
Go back to the drawing board/ square one
A
Start over. Example: The marketing campaign didn’t work, so we need to go back to the drawing board.
16
Q
Hang in there
A
Don’t give up. Example: I know things are tough right now, but hang in there; it will get better.
17
Q
Hit the sack
A
Go to sleep. Example: I’m exhausted; I’m going to hit the sack.
18
Q
It’s not rocket science
A
It’s not complicated. Example: Fixing this simple error isn’t rocket science.
19
Q
Let someone off the hook
A
To not hold someone responsible for something. Example: Since it was his first offense, the judge decided to let him off the hook with a warning.
20
Q
Make a long story short
A
Tell something briefly. Example: To make a long story short, we decided to sell the house and move to the countryside.
21
Q
Miss the boat
A
It’s too late. Example: If you don’t apply for the scholarship soon, you’ll miss the boat.
22
Q
No pain, no gain
A
You have to work for what you want. Example: I’m really sore after that workout, but no pain, no gain, right?
23
Q
On the ball
A
Doing a good job. Example: Our new project manager is really on the ball and organized.
24
Q
Pull someone’s leg
A
To joke with someone. Example: Don’t believe him; he’s just pulling your leg.
25
Pull yourself together
Calm down. Example: After hearing the bad news, she took a deep breath and tried to pull herself together.
26
So far so good
Things are going well so far. Example: We've been working on this project for three months, and so far so good.
27
Speak of the devil
The person we were just talking about showed up!. Example: Oh, speak of the devil, here she comes now!
28
That's the last straw
My patience has run out. Example: First, he was late, then he forgot the documents; that's the last straw! I'm going to talk to his manager.
29
The best of both worlds
An ideal situation. Example: Living in the suburbs gives us the best of both worlds: a quiet life with easy access to the city.
30
Time flies when you're having fun
You don't notice how long something lasts when it's fun. Example: We've been here for hours? Wow, time flies when you're having fun!
31
To get bent out of shape
To get upset. Example: Don't get bent out of shape over such a small mistake.
32
To make matters worse
Make a problem worse. Example: The car broke down, and to make matters worse, it started raining.
33
Under the weather
Sick. Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'm going to stay home.
34
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it
Let's not talk about that problem right now. Example: Let's not worry about the potential problems right now; we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
35
Wrap your head around something
Understand something complicated. Example: It took me a while to wrap my head around the new software.
36
You can say that again
That's true, I agree. Example: "This coffee is delicious!" "You can say that again!"
37
Your guess is as good as mine
I have no idea. Example: I have no idea what happened; your guess is as good as mine.
38
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
What you have is worth more than what you might have later. Example: Instead of waiting for a potentially better offer, I decided to take the job I was offered because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
39
A penny for your thoughts
Tell me what you're thinking. Example: You look deep in thought. A penny for your thoughts?
40
A penny saved is a penny earned
Money you save today you can spend later. Example: I decided to walk instead of taking a taxi because a penny saved is a penny earned.
41
A perfect storm
the worst possible situation. Example: The combination of high winds and heavy rain created a perfect storm.
42
A picture is worth 1000 words
Better to show than tell. Example: The evidence was overwhelming; a picture is worth 1000 words.
43
Actions speak louder than words
Believe what people do and not what they say. Example: He says he cares about the environment, but his actions speak louder than words; he litters all the time.
44
Add insult to injury
To make a bad situation worse. Example: Not only did I fail the test, but the teacher also made a sarcastic remark, which was adding insult to injury.
45
Barking up the wrong tree
To be mistaken, to be looking for solutions in the wrong place. Example: If you think I'm the one who broke the vase, you're barking up the wrong tree.
46
Birds of a feather flock together
People who are alike are often friends (usually used negatively). Example: It's not surprising they became friends; birds of a feather flock together.
47
Bite off more than you can chew
Take on a project that you cannot finish. Example: He agreed to manage three projects at once, and I think he's bitten off more than he can chew.
48
Break the ice
Make people feel more comfortable. Example: The party was awkward until someone started a game to break the ice.
49
By the skin of your teeth
Just barely. Example: We won the game by the skin of our teeth – the final score was incredibly close.
50
Comparing apples to oranges
Comparing two things that cannot be compared. Example: Comparing apples to oranges is pointless; they are two completely different things.
51
Costs an arm and a leg
Very expensive. Example: That car costs an arm and a leg!
52
Do something at the drop of a hat
Do something without having planned beforehand. Example: He's always ready to travel; he'll do something at the drop of a hat.
53
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Treat people fairly. Also known as "The Golden Rule". Example: Treat others with kindness; do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
54
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't count on something good happening until it's happened.. Example: We haven't secured the deal yet, so don't count your chickens before they hatch.
55
Don't cry over spilt milk
There's no reason to complain about something that can't be fixed. Example: There's no use dwelling on past mistakes; don't cry over spilt milk.
56
Don't give up your day job
You're not very good at this. Example: Your singing is terrible; don't give up your day job.
57
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
What you're doing is too risky. Example: It's wise to diversify your investments; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
58
Every cloud has a silver lining
Good things come after bad things. Example: Even though we lost the contract, every cloud has a silver lining; we learned a lot from the experience.
59
Get a taste of your own medicine
Get treated the way you've been treating others (negative). Example: He was always making fun of others until he got a taste of his own medicine.
60
Give someone the cold shoulder
Ignore someone. Example: She tried to talk to him, but he gave her the cold shoulder.
61
Go on a wild goose chase
To do something pointless. Example: They sent us on a wild goose chase looking for a document that didn't exist.
62
Good things come to those who wait
Be patient. Example: Be patient; good things come to those who wait.
63
He has bigger fish to fry
He has bigger things to take care of than what we are talking about now. Example: He can't be bothered with such small matters; he has bigger fish to fry.
64
He's a chip off the old block
The son is like the father. Example: He's just as stubborn as his father; he's a chip off the old block.
65
Hit the nail on the head
Get something exactly right. Example: You've identified the problem exactly; you've hit the nail on the head.
66
Ignorance is bliss
You're better off not knowing. Example: Sometimes it's better not to know; ignorance is bliss.
67
It ain't over till the fat lady sings
This isn't over yet. Example: The game isn't over yet; it ain't over till the fat lady sings.
68
It takes one to know one
You're just as bad as I am. Example: He's always suspicious of others because it takes one to know one.
69
It's a piece of cake
It's easy. Example: This recipe is so simple; it's a piece of cake.
70
It's raining cats and dogs
It's raining hard. Example: We got caught in a terrible downpour; it was raining cats and dogs.
71
Kill two birds with one stone
Get two things done with a single action. Example: By exercising and eating healthy, I can kill two birds with one stone.
72
Let the cat out of the bag
Give away a secret. Example: Please don't let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
73
Live and learn
I made a mistake. Example: I made a mistake, but I learned from it; live and learn.
74
Look before you leap
Take only calculated risks. Example: Think carefully before making a decision; look before you leap.
75
On thin ice
On probation. If you make another mistake, there will be trouble.. Example: He's in trouble with the boss; he's on thin ice.
76
Once in a blue moon
Rarely. Example: We rarely see our cousins; they visit us once in a blue moon.
77
Play devil's advocate
To argue the opposite, just for the sake of argument. Example: Just to explore the other side, let me play devil's advocate for a moment.
78
Put something on ice
Put a projet on hold. Example: Let's put these plans on ice until we have more funding.
79
Rain on someone's parade
To spoil something. Example: I was so excited about my promotion until she rained on my parade by mentioning the extra workload.
80
Saving for a rainy day
Saving money for later. Example: We're saving for a rainy day in case of unexpected expenses.
81
Slow and steady wins the race
Reliability is more important than speed. Example: Persistence and consistency are key; slow and steady wins the race.
82
Spill the beans
Give away a secret. Example: Come on, spill the beans! What happened at the meeting?
83
Take a rain check
Postpone a plan. Example: I can't make it tonight, but can I take a rain check?
84
Take it with a grain of salt
Don’t take it too seriously. Example: I doubt his story; I'll take it with a grain of salt.
85
The ball is in your court
It's your decision. Example: Now it's your turn to make a decision; the ball is in your court.
86
The best thing since sliced bread
A really good invention. Example: This new phone is fantastic; it's the best thing since sliced bread.
87
The devil is in the details
It looks good from a distance, but when you look closer, there are problems. Example: The overall plan looks good, but the devil is in the details.
88
The early bird gets the worm
The first people who arrive will get the best stuff. Example: Be proactive; the early bird gets the worm.
89
The elephant in the room
The big issue, the problem people are avoiding. Example: Everyone was avoiding the awkward topic; it was the elephant in the room.
90
The whole nine yards
Everything, all the way.. Example: We went all out for the celebration; we did the whole nine yards.
91
There are other fish in the sea
It's ok to miss this opportunity. Others will arise.. Example: Don't worry about this setback; there are other fish in the sea.
92
There's a method to his madness
He seems crazy but actually he's clever. Example: He seems disorganized, but there's a method to his madness.
93
There's no such thing as a free lunch
Nothing is entirely free. Example: Be careful of seemingly free offers; there's no such thing as a free lunch.
94
Throw caution to the wind
Take a risk. Example: Despite the risks, they decided to throw caution to the wind and invest everything.
95
You can't have your cake and eat it too
You can't have everything. Example: You can't spend all your money and expect to still have it; you can't have your cake and eat it too.
96
You can't judge a book by its cover
This person or thing may look bad, but it's good inside. Example: Appearances can be deceiving; you can't judge a book by its cover.
97
A little learning is a dangerous thing
People who don't understand something fully are dangerous. Example: He thinks he knows everything, but a little learning is a dangerous thing.
98
A snowball effect
Events have momentum and build upon each other. Example: The initial small problem led to a much larger one; it was a snowball effect.
99
A snowball's chance in hell
No chance at all. Example: Getting that approval has a snowball's chance in hell.
100
A stitch in time saves nine
Fix the problem now because it will get worse later. Example: Addressing the problem early can save a lot of trouble later; a stitch in time saves nine.
101
A storm in a teacup
A big fuss about a small problem. Example: The argument was a big fuss about nothing; it was a storm in a teacup.
102
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Apples are good for you. Example: Eating healthily might help keep you healthy; an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
103
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
You can prevent a problem with little effort. Fixing it later is harder.. Example: It's better to prevent problems than to fix them later; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
104
As right as rain
Perfect. Example: I'm feeling perfectly well; I'm as right as rain.
105
Bolt from the blue
Something that happened without warning. Example: The news came as a complete surprise; it was a bolt from the blue.
106
Burn bridges
Destroy relationships. Example: He ended the relationship badly and will likely face consequences; he burned bridges.
107
Calm before the storm
Something bad is coming, but right now it's calm. Example: There's an unsettling stillness before the expected trouble; it's the calm before the storm.
108
Come rain or shine
No matter what. Example: I'll be there no matter what happens; come rain or shine.
109
Curiosity killed the cat
Stop asking questions. Example: Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble; curiosity killed the cat.
110
Cut the mustard
Do a good job. Example: He wasn't able to handle the task; he couldn't cut the mustard.
111
Don't beat a dead horse
Move on, this subject is over. Example: Stop bringing up that old issue; don't beat a dead horse.
112
Every dog has his day
Everyone gets a chance at least once. Example: Everyone will have their moment of success; every dog has his day.
113
Familiarity breeds contempt
The better you know someone the less you like him. Example: Being too familiar with someone can lead to a lack of respect; familiarity breeds contempt.
114
Fit as a fiddle
In good health. Example: He's in excellent physical condition; he's as fit as a fiddle.
115
Fortune favours the bold
Take risks. Example: Taking risks often leads to great rewards; fortune favours the bold.
116
Get a second wind
Have more energy after having been tired. Example: After feeling tired, I suddenly felt energetic again; I got a second wind.
117
Get wind of something
Hear news of something secret. Example: I managed to hear about the upcoming changes; I got wind of something.
118
Go down in flames
Fail spectacularly. Example: The project failed spectacularly; it went down in flames.
119
Haste makes waste
You'll make mistakes if you rush through something. Example: Rushing things often leads to mistakes; haste makes waste.
120
Have your head in the clouds
Not be concentrating. Example: He's unrealistic and impractical; he has his head in the clouds.
121
He who laughs last laughs loudest
I'll get you back for what you did. Example: The person who has the final victory enjoys it most; he who laughs last laughs loudest.
122
Hear something straight from the horse's mouth
Hear something from the person involved. Example: I heard the information from a reliable source; I heard something straight from the horse's mouth.
123
He's not playing with a full deck
He's dumb. Example: His ideas are strange and illogical; he's not playing with a full deck.
124
He's off his rocker
He's crazy. Example: His behavior is completely irrational; he's off his rocker.
125
He's sitting on the fence
He can't make up his mind. Example: He's undecided and won't commit to either side; he's sitting on the fence.
126
It is a poor workman who blames his tools
If you can't do the job, don't blame it on others. Example: A skilled worker doesn't blame their lack of ability on their tools; it is a poor workman who blames his tools.
127
It is always darkest before the dawn
Things are going to get better. Example: Difficult times often precede better ones; it is always darkest before the dawn.
128
It takes two to tango
One person alone isn't responsible. Both people are involved.. Example: A disagreement or situation usually involves both parties; it takes two to tango.
129
Jump on the bandwagon
Follow a trend, do what everyone else is doing. Example: Many people started supporting the popular trend; they jumped on the bandwagon.
130
Know which way the wind is blowing
Understand the situation (usually negative). Example: He understands the current situation well; he knows which way the wind is blowing.
131
Leave no stone unturned
Look everywhere. Example: We searched everywhere for the missing item; we left no stone unturned.
132
Let sleeping dogs lie
Stop discussing an issue. Example: Don't stir up trouble that has already settled; let sleeping dogs lie.
133
Like riding a bicycle
Something you never forget how to do. Example: It's something you never forget how to do; it's like riding a bicycle.
134
Like two peas in a pod
They're always together. Example: They are very similar to each other; they are like two peas in a pod.
135
Make hay while the sun shines
Take advantage of a good situation. Example: Take advantage of favorable opportunities; make hay while the sun shines.
136
On cloud nine
Very happy. Example: She's extremely happy; she's on cloud nine.
137
Once bitten, twice shy
You're more cautious when you've been hurt before. Example: Having a bad experience makes you more cautious; once bitten, twice shy.
138
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
Things are going from bad to worse. Example: The situation went from bad to worse; it was out of the frying pan and into the fire.
139
Run like the wind
Run fast. Example: He runs very fast; he runs like the wind.
140
Shape up or ship out
Work better or leave. Example: Improve your behavior or face the consequences; shape up or ship out.
141
Snowed under
Busy. Example: I have too much work to do; I'm snowed under.
142
That ship has sailed
It's too late. Example: That opportunity has passed; that ship has sailed.
143
The pot calling the kettle black
Someone criticizing someone else he is just as bad. Example: You're criticizing someone for a fault you have yourself; that's the pot calling the kettle black.
144
There are clouds on the horizon
Trouble is coming. Example: There are signs of potential trouble ahead; there are clouds on the horizon.
145
Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
People who are morally questionable shouldn't criticize others. Example: People who are vulnerable to criticism shouldn't criticize others; those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
146
Through thick and thin
In good times and in bad times. Example: They supported each other through good times and bad; through thick and thin.
147
Time is money
Work quickly. Example: Time is a valuable resource; time is money.
148
Waste not, want not
Don't waste things and you'll always have enough. Example: Don't be wasteful; waste not, want not.
149
We see eye to eye
We agree. Example: We have the same opinion; we see eye to eye.
150
Weather the storm
Go through something difficult. Example: We'll get through this difficult period; we'll weather the storm.
151
Well begun is half done
Getting a good start is important. Example: A good start makes the rest easier; well begun is half done.
152
When it rains it pours
Everything is going wrong at once. Example: Problems tend to occur in bunches; when it rains it pours.
153
You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar
You'll get what you want by being nice. Example: You can achieve more by being kind than by being harsh; you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.
154
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink
You can't force someone to make the right decision. Example: You can offer someone an opportunity, but you can't force them to take it; you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
155
You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs
There's always a cost to doing something. Example: Some sacrifices are necessary to achieve something; you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
156
Break a leg
Good luck! . Example: You have your audition tonight, break a leg!
157
A piece of cake
Something that is very easy . Example: This math problem is a piece of cake.
158
It's raining cats and dogs
It is raining very heavily . Example: We got caught in a terrible storm; it's raining cats and dogs.
159
Over the moon
Very happy or delighted . Example: She was over the moon when she heard the good news.
160
Beat around the bush
To avoid getting to the point directly; to speak indirectly . Example: Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you want.
161
Break the ice
To start a conversation with a new person or in a new situation . Example: Someone should try to break the ice at this awkward party.
162
Cat got your tongue?
Asking why someone is not speaking or suddenly became quiet . Example: Cat got your tongue? You've been awfully quiet.
163
A picture is worth a thousand words
An image can sometimes express more than words can . Example: The photograph clearly showed the extent of the damage; a picture is worth a thousand words.
164
Bite the bullet
To face a difficult or hard situation which you have been avoiding . Example: I didn't want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.
165
Hit the nail on the head
To correctly name or describe something . Example: You've described the situation perfectly; you've hit the nail on the head.
166
Kill two birds with one stone
To complete two tasks with a single action . Example: By walking to the store, I can get some exercise and buy groceries; I'll kill two birds with one stone.
167
Let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret or confidential information . Example: Please don't let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
168
On cloud nine
To be very happy or joyful . Example: They were on cloud nine after winning the championship.
169
Better late than never
It's better to do something late than not at all . Example: I know I'm late, but better late than never.
170
Don't judge a book by its cover
Do not form an opinion based solely on appearances . Example: Don't judge a book by its cover; this seemingly simple restaurant has amazing food.
171
When pigs fly
Something that is highly unlikely or impossible . Example: I'll believe it when pigs fly.
172
Hit the jackpot
To achieve great success or win a large prize . Example: He hit the jackpot when his invention became a huge success.
173
Keep your eyes peeled
To be vigilant and watchful . Example: Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble.
174
A penny for your thoughts
Asking someone to share their thoughts . Example: You look thoughtful; a penny for your thoughts?
175
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
To not risk everything on a single opportunity . Example: It's wise to diversify your investments; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
176
All ears
Listening attentively or eagerly . Example: I'm all ears; tell me what happened.
177
In the same boat
In the same situation or as someone else . Example: We're all in the same boat, facing the same challenges.
178
The apple of my eye
Someone or something that is cherished or loved deeply . Example: My youngest daughter is the apple of my eye.
179
Out of the blue
Suddenly or without any warning . Example: The unexpected job offer came completely out of the blue.
180
Put your best foot forward
To make a good impression or give your best effort . Example: Make a good impression; put your best foot forward.
181
Rome wasn't built in a day
Achieving something great takes time and effort . Example: Achieving great things takes time and effort; Rome wasn't built in a day.
182
Spill the beans
To reveal a secret or confidential information . Example: Come on, spill the beans! What did you find out?
183
Get a taste of your own medicine
To experience something negative which you have also done to other people . Example: He used to tease others until he got a taste of his own medicine.
184
Hit the road
To start a journey or leave a place . Example: It's time for us to hit the road.
185
Take it with a grain of salt
To not completely believe something or be doubtful about it . Example: I doubt his story, so I'll take it with a grain of salt.
186
Break the ice
To start a conversation or make people feel more comfortable. . Example: To break the ice at the party, I said hello to the person next to me.
187
Cut corners
To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often badly. . Example: The company cut corners on safety to save money, which caused problems.
188
Hit the nail on the head
To describe something exactly right. . Example: You’ve hit the nail on the head with your idea about the problem.
189
Piece of cake
Something very easy to do. . Example: The test was a piece of cake; I finished it very quickly.
190
Cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive . Example: That new phone costs an arm and a leg; I can’t buy it now.
191
Bite off more than you can chew
To try to do more than you can manage. . Example: By agreeing to do two big projects at once, I bit off more than I could chew.
192
Beat around the bush
To avoid talking about what’s important. . Example: Please stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
193
Cry over spilled milk
To be upset about something that has already happened and can’t be changed. . Example: Don’t cry over spilled milk; let’s focus on fixing the problem.
194
Get your act together
To organise yourself and improve your behaviour. . Example: You need to get your act together if you want to pass this class.
195
Kill two birds with one stone
To solve two problems with one action. . Example: By walking to work, I kill two birds with one stone. I save money and get exercise.
196
Let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret by mistake. . Example: I let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party when I asked her what cake she likes.
197
Pull someone’s leg
To joke with someone by telling them something that isn’t true. . Example: Don’t worry, I’m just pulling your leg; I didn’t really sell your bike.
198
Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night. . Example: I’ve been burning the midnight oil to finish this project before the deadline.
199
Bite the bullet
To do something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding. . Example: I finally bit the bullet and went to the dentist after waiting for months.
200
Break a leg
A way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance. . Example: You’re going to do great in the play tonight. Break a leg!
201
Call it a day
To stop working on something. . Example: We’ve done a lot of work on the report. Let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.
202
Steal someone’s thunder
To take attention away from someone else’s achievement. . Example: I was about to share my good news, but my sister stole my thunder by announcing her engagement.
203
The ball is in your court
It’s your turn to take action or make a decision. . Example: I’ve made my offer; now the ball is in your court to decide.
204
Throw in the towel
To give up. . Example: After trying for hours to fix the computer, I threw in the towel and called an expert.
205
Under the weather
Feeling slightly ill. . Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today; I might stay home and rest.
206
Speak of the devil
Said when someone appears just as you’re talking about them. . Example: Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you when you walked in.
207
Once in a blue moon
Very rarely. . Example: I only eat fast food once in a blue moon; I usually cook at home.
208
Catch someone red-handed
To catch someone while they are doing something wrong. . Example: The teacher caught the student red-handed trying to cheat on the test.
209
Barking up the wrong tree
To look for something in the wrong place or to blame the wrong person. . Example: If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree. I haven’t seen it.
210
Jump on the bandwagon
To join an activity that has become popular. . Example: When healthy eating became popular, many people jumped on the bandwagon.
211
Like two peas in a pod
Very similar or close. . Example: Those best friends are like two peas in a pod; they do everything together.
212
Ten a penny
Very common and not special or valuable. . Example: Empty promises are ten a penny; I need to see real actions.
213
Go the extra mile
To make an extra effort. . Example: Our teachers always go the extra mile to help students understand difficult topics.
214
Straight from the horse’s mouth
Information from the person who knows best. . Example: I heard about the university’s new policy straight from the horse’s mouth – the vice-chancellor told us herself.
215
Take with a pinch of salt
To not completely believe something. . Example: You should take his stories with a pinch of salt; he often exaggerates.
