sources
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms ***
http://www.idiomsite.com ***
http://www.english-at-home.com/idioms ***
http://www.englishpage.com/prepositions ***
http://www.learn-english-today.com/phrasal-verbs/phrasal-verb-list.htm ***
http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/phrasal-verbs-list.htm ***
http://www.learn-english-today.com/Proverbs
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
When you are away from someone you love, you love them even more.
Accidents will happen.
Some unfortunate events must be accepted as inevitable.
Actions speak louder than words.
What a person actually does is more important that what they say they will do.
Advice is least heeded when most needed.
When a problem is serious, people often do not follow the advice given.
All cats are grey in the dark.
People are undistinguished until they have made a name.
All that glitters is not gold.
Appearances can be deceptive.
All days are short to Industry and long to Idleness.
Time goes by slowly when you have nothing to do.
All is fair in love and war
Things that are done in love or war can often be excused.
All's well that ends well
There is a solution to everything even though there are doubts.
All things grow with time - except grief.
As time goes by, grief subsides little by little.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Everybody needs a certain amount of relaxation. It is not good to work all the time.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Eating an apple every day can help to keep you healthy. Other interpretation : A small preventive treatment wards off serious problems.
An empty purse frightens away friends.
When one's financial situation deteriorates, friends tend to disappear.
An Englishman's home is his castle.
An Englishman's home is a place where he feels safe, enjoys privacy and can do as he wishes.
An idle brain is the devil's workshop.
When you work you avoid temptation.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
It is easier to prevent something from happening than to repair the damage or cure the disease later.
A bad workman blames his tools.
Blaming the tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of skill.
A bird in hand is worth two in a bush.
It's better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by searching for something better.
A broken friendship may be soldered but will never be sound.
Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be as strong as before.
A burden of one's own choice is not felt.
Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily.
A burnt child dreads the fire.
A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things.
A cat has nine lives.
1) Cats can survive many accidents because they land on their feet without injury. 2) Three lives = 3 years to play, 3 years to stray, 3 years to stay.
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.
The strength of a group depends on each individual member.
A fault confessed is half redressed.
Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.
A fool and his money are soon (easily) parted.
A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.
A fool at forty is a fool forever.
If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never will.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Someone who helps you when you are in trouble.
A friend to all is a friend to none.
Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of them feel special.
A good beginning makes a good end.
If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be done well.
A good conscience is a soft pillow.
You sleep well when you have nothing to feel guilty about.
A leopard cannot change its spots.
It is not possible for a bad or unpleasant person to become good or pleasant.
A loaded wagon makes no noise.
Really wealthy don't talk about money.
A man is known by the company he keeps.
A person's character is judged by the type of people with whom they spend their time.
A monkey in silk is a monkey no less.
No matter how someone dresses, it's the same person underneath.
A new broom sweeps clean.
A newly-appointed person makes changes energetically.
A rising tide lifts all boats.
Describes something that will be helpful to all.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
If a person keeps moving from place to place, they gain neither friends nor possessions. Another interpretation is that, by moving often, one avoids being tied down!
A rotten apple spoils the barrel.
A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence on a group.
A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.
Overcoming adversity leads to competence.
A stitch in time saves nine.
It's better to deal with a problem at an early stage, to prevent it from getting worse.
A stumble may prevent a fall.
Correcting a small mistake may help you to avoid making a bigger one.
A swallow does not make the summer.
One good event does not mean that everything is alright.
A tree is known by its fruit.
A man is judged by his actions.
A young idler, an old beggar.
If you don't work, you won't have any money when you're old.
As you sow, so shall you reap
You have to accept the consequences of your actions.
Bad news travels fast.
People tend to circulate bad news (accidents, illness etc.) very quickly.
Beauty is only skin deep.
A person's character is more important than their appearance.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Different people have different tastes.
Be swift to hear, slow to speak.
Listen carefully before speaking.
Better be alone than in bad company.
Be careful in the choice of the people you associate with.
Better flatter a fool than fight him.
It's better to avoid disputes with stupid people.
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know
It's better to deal with somebody difficult but familiar, than change and risk dealing with somebody worse.
Better late than never.
It's better to do something, even if it's late, than not do it at all.
Better lose the saddle than the horse.
It's better to stop and accept a small loss, rather than continue and risk losing everything.
Better untaught than ill-taught
It's better not to be taught at all than to be taught badly.
Birds of a feather flock together.
People of the same sort are usually found together.
Blood is thicker than water
Family relationships are stronger than relationships with other people.
Blood will out.
A person's background or education will eventually show.
Charity begins at home.
A person's first duty is to help and care for his own family.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
A clean body is just as important as a pure soul.
Clear moon, frost soon.
If the atmosphere is clear, frost may form.
Clothes don't make the man.
Appearances can be deceiving.
Constant occupation prevents temptation.
When you work you avoid temptation.
Dead men tell no tales
A dead person cannot cause difficulties by revealing something that it would be preferable to conceal.
Diamond cuts diamond.
Refers to two people equally matched in wit or cunning.
Diligence is the mother of good fortune.
Hard work brings rewards.
Discretion is the better part of valour
It is useless to take unnecessary risks.
Diseases of the soul are more dangerous than those of the body.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
When you are separated from the person you love, your feelings are even stronger.
Dogs of the same street bark alike.
People from the same background have the same behaviour.
Don't bark if you can't bite.
Don't complain if you can't enforce your point of view.
Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
You must not be too confident that something will be successful.
Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork.
Don't do something yourself which causes your own downfall.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Don't judge by appearances.
Easier said than done.
What is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it.
Empty vessels make the most noise.
The least intelligent people are often the most talkative or noisy.
Every ass likes to hear himself bray.
People like to listen to themselves talking.
Every man for himself.
You must think of your own interests before the interests of others.
Every man has his price.
Everyone's loyalty can be bought for a price.
Every man is the architect of his own fortune.
Life is what you make it.
Every path has its puddle.
Progress is rarely without difficulty.
Every why has a wherefore.
There is an explanation for everything.
Everything in the garden is rosy.
Everything is satisfactory.
Experience is the father of wisdom.
Experience and knowledge result in better judgement.
Facts speak louder than words.
People show what they are really like by what they do, rather than by what they say.
Familiarity breeds contempt
Knowing somebody very well may lead to a lack of respect for them.
Fine words butter no parsnips.
No amount of talking can replace action.
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
One should learn from one's mistakes.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Inexperienced people act in situations that more intelligent people would avoid
Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade.
Nothing is achieved without effort.
Give someone an inch and they will take a mile.
Give someone a little and they will want more - some people are never satisfied.
Give someone enough rope and they will hang themselves.
Give someone enough time and freedom and they will get into trouble.
Good and quickly seldom meet.
A well-done job takes time.
Great oaks grow from little acorns.
Large successful operations can begin in a small way.
Half a loaf is better than none.
You should be grateful for something, even if it's not as much as you wanted.
Haste makes waste.
If something is done too quickly, it may be done carelessly and need to be redone.
Hatred is a blind as love.
A person who feels hatred does not see any qualities in the person he/she hates.
He who is everywhere is nowhere.
It's not good to do too many things at the same time.
He who knows nothing, doubts nothing.
Knowledge leads us to make choices.
He who pays the piper calls the tune.
The person who provides the money for something should control how it is spent
He who plays with fire gets burnt.
If you behave in a risky way, you are likely to have problems.
He who wills the end wills the means.
If you are determined to do something you will find a way.
He laughs best who laughs last.
Don't express your joy, or your triumph, too soon!
Home is where the heart is.
You call home the place where the people you love are.
Honey catches more flies than vinegar.
You can obtain more cooperation from others by being nice.
However long the night, the dawn will break
Bad things don't last forever.
In times of prosperity friends are plentiful.
You have many friends when you have no difficulties.
If a camel gets his nose in a tent, his body will follow.
If you let something intrusive enter your life, your life will become difficult .
If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.
If you try to do two things at the same time, you won't succeed in doing either of them.
If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
Wishing alone is of no use; you must act as well.
Ignorance is bliss.
Possible interpretation: What you do not know causes no worry or sadness.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
If you start something, it's better to spend the time or money necessary to complete it.
It never rains but it pours.
Misfortunes usually come in large numbers.
It is always darkest before the dawn
The most difficult time is just before a problem is solved.
It's no use crying over spilt milk.
Don't express regret for something that has happened and cannot be remedied.
It takes all sorts to make a world.
People vary in character and abilities, and this is a good thing.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
If the law is applied too late, there is no justice.
Kill one to warn a hundred.
Warn many by punishing a few.
Kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
Destroy something that would be a source of wealth or success.
Kindness begets kindness.
If you are kind to people, they will be kind to you.
Learn to walk before you run.
Don't rush into doing something until you know how to do it.
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
Education is something you keep forever.
Least said soonest mended.
The more discreet you are, the less damage you cause.
Let bygones be bygones.
Let's forgive and forget past quarrels.
Lightning never strikes in the same place twice
An unusual event is not likely to occur again in exactly the same circumstances.
Like father, like son.
A son's character can be expected to resemble his father's.
Look before you leap.
Consider possible consequences before taking action.
Loose lips sink ships.
Disclosing important information ( to the enemy or a competitor) could result in large losses.
Love is blind.
A person in love does not see the faults of the person he/she loves.
Make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
Manage to produce something good using poor material.
Man proposes, God disposes.
Our destiny depends on God's will.
Manners make the man.
Possibly: a person's manners show their origins.
Many hands make light work.
Sharing work makes work easier.
Marry in haste, repent at leisure.
If you get married too quickly, you may spend all your life regretting it.
Might as well be hanged for a sheep as (for) a lamb
If the penalty is going to be the same, you might as well commit the greater offence.
Money begets money.
If you have money you can make more money.
Money is the root of all evil.
Money is the main cause of wrongdoing and problems.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
The need for something forces people to find a way of obtaining it.
Need teaches a plan.
Necessity will make you find a solution.
Never put off till tomorrow what can be done today
Don't postpone something you can do now.
Never say die.
Never give up.
No man is an island.
We all need other people.
No news is good news.
If the news was bad, we would hear of it. Since we have heard nothing, we can assume that all is well.
No smoke without fire.
There could be some truth in the rumour...
No wind, no waves.
Similar to : 'no smoke without fire'.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
You cannot expect to achieve anything if you don't take risks.
Once bitten, twice shy.
After an unpleasant experience, people are careful to avoid something similar.
One good turn deserves another.
You should be helpful to someone who helps you.
One of these days is none of these days.
'One of these days' remains vague.
One today is worth two tomorrow.
What you have today is better than what is promised or hoped for.
One man's meat is another man's poison
People don't always like the same things.
One man's trash is another man's treasure.
What is useless to one person could be valuable to another.
Only real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.
Only a real friend will tell you the truth.
Opportunity seldom knocks twice.
Don't miss opportunities that come along.
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
Children often speak wisely.
Out of sight, out of mind.
We tend to forget people who are absent.
Penny wise, pound foolish.
Refers to a person who is careful about spending small amounts of money, but not careful about spending large amounts of money.
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
One should not criticize others for faults similar to one's own.
Practice makes perfect.
Doing something repeatedly is the only way to become good at it.
Practise what you preach
Do yourself what you advise others to do.
Prevention is better than cure
It is easier to prevent something from happening than to repair the damage or cure the disease later.
Pride comes before a fall.
Don't be too self-confident or proud; something may happen to make you look foolish.
Procrastination is the thief of time
Delaying an action for too long is a waste of time.
Put all your eggs in one basket
Risk everything by relying on one plan (by putting all one's money in one business).
Revenge is sweet.
There is satisfaction in returning an injury.
Rome was not built in a day.
It takes a long time to do a job properly. You should not expect to do it quickly.
Save me from my friends.
Friends can be more dangerous than enemies.
Saying is one thing, doing is another.
People don't always do what they announce.
Short reckonings make long friends.
Debts paid quickly encourage friendship.
Snug as a bug in a rug.
Feeling very comfortable.
Spare the rod and spoil the child
If you don't punish a child when he does wrong, you will spoil his character.
Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me
Physical attacks may harm me, but cruel words will not.
Still waters run deep.
A quiet person can have much knowledge or wisdom.
A stitch in time saves nine
It's better to deal with a problem in its early stages, because if you don't, it will get worse.
Stolen fruit is the sweetest.
What is forbidden is the most tempting.
Tall oaks grow from little acorns.
Great things may come from small beginnings.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Children resemble their parents.
The best advice is found on the pillow.
After a good night's sleep we may find an answer to our problem.
The devil looks after his own.
Success comes to those who deserve it least .
The devil makes work for idle hands
People who have no work, or are idle, often get into or make trouble.
The die is cast.
A decision has been made and it's impossible to change it.
The early bird catches the worm.
If you want to do something successfully, you should do it as soon as you can.
The end justifies the means.
Wrong or unfair methods may be used if the result of the action is good.
The more haste, the less speed.
A person makes more progress if they do things less quickly.
The mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken.
If you depend on just one thing, and it fails you, you will have no alternatives.
The pen is mightier than the sword
Words and communication have greater effect than war and fighting.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
The real value of something can be judged only after it has been tried or tested.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
It's not enough to intend to do something, you must actually do it.
The tongue wounds more than a lance.
Insults can be more hurtful than physical injuries.
The truth is in the wine.
People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol.
The wish is father to the thought.
You think that something is true because you want it to be so.
There is no fool like an old fool.
A older person is expected to behave more sensibly.
There is safety in numbers
Being in a crowd makes you feel more confident.
Time and tide wait for no man.
Delaying a decision will not prevent events from taking place.
Time has wings.
Time goes by quickly.
Time is money.
Time is valuable and should not be wasted.
To err is human, to forgive divine
It is human nature to make mistakes, therefore one should forgive.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
If too many people are involved in something, it will not be done properly.
Truth is stranger than fiction.
Events in real life are sometimes stranger than in fiction.
Two wrongs don't make a right
It is wrong to harm someone because they have harmed you.
Variety is the spice of life.
Doing a lot of different things makes life more interesting.
Virtue is its own reward.
You should not expect praise for acting in a correct or moral way.
Walls have ears.
Be careful. People could be listening.
Waste not, want not.
If you never waste anything, you will have it when you need it.
What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over.
If a person doesn't know about something, it cannot hurt them.
What a man says drunk, he thinks sober.
People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol.
What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals.
People are less discreet under the influence of alcohol.
When the cat's away, the mice play.
People misbehave when their boss, or the person in authority, is absent.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
You should adopt the customs of the people or country you are visiting, and behave in the same way.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
A person with determination will find a way of doing something.
Who makes himself a sheep will be eaten by the wolves.
Possible interpretation: an easily influenced person can be mislead.
Wonders will never cease!
Expresses surprise at an unexpected pleasure or event (ironic).
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
You help me and I'll help you.
abide by
respect or obey. (the law, a decision, a rule)
" If you want to stay at this school, you must abide by the rules."
account for
explain, give a reason
" I hope you can account for the money you spent!"
add up
make sense, seem reasonable
" Her story just doesn't add up."
agree with
have the same opinion as somebody else.
" I agree with you. I thank she deserves the award too."
allow for
take into consideration, include in a calculation
" You'd better leave early to allow for traffic jams."
answer back
reply rudely
" Don't answer back your mother!"
apply for
make a formal request for something
(job, permit, loan etc.)
" He applied for the job he saw advertised in the newspaper."
avail of
take advantage of something (an opportunity)
" When the company is privatized, you should of avail of the opportunity and buy some shares."
back away
move backwards, in fear or dislike
" When he saw the dog, he backed away."
back down
withdraw, concede defeat
" Local authorities backed down on their plans to demolish the building."
back up
1) give support or encouragement "If I tell the boss we've got too much work, will you back me up?"
2) make a copy of (file, program, etc.) "It is recommended to back up all files in a secure location."
black out
faint, lose consciousness
" When he fell off the horse he blacked out."
block off
Separate using a barrier.
" The area was blocked off during the demonstration."
blow up
1) explode; "The terrorists said the bomb would blow up at 9 o'clock."
2) be destroyed by an explosion "The car blew up but luckily there was nobody in it."
boil down to
be summarized as
" The problem boils down to a lack of money."
break down
1) go out of order, cease to function "John's car broke down so he had to take the bus."
2) lose control of one's emotions "The parents broke down when they heard the bad news."
break into
enter by force
" Burglars broke into the house around midnight."
break out
start suddenly
" Rioting broke out as a result of the strike."
break out of
escape from a place by force
" Three prisoners broke out of jail."
break up
come to an end (marriage, relationship)
" After her marriage broke up, Emma went to live in London."
bring up
raise (a child)
" She stopped working in order to bring up her children."
brush up on
improve, refresh one's knowledge of something
" Mary had to brush up on her Spanish before going to South America."
bump into
meet by accident or unexpectedly
" Pedro bumped into his English teacher at the supermarket."
burn out
1) stop (something) working "The fuse has burnt out."
2) become exhausted from over-working "Tom will burn himself out if he doesn't slow down."
butt in
interrupt impolitely
" It's rude to butt in on a conversation like that!"
call back
return a phone call
" I'll call you back as soon as possible."
call off
cancel
" The meeting was called off because of the strike."
call on | call upon
formally invite or request
" I now call upon the President to address the assembly."
calm down
become more relaxed, less angry or upset
" He was angry at first but he eventually calmed down."
carry on
continue
" He carried on gardening in spite of the rain."
carry out
1) do something as specified (a plan, an order, a threat) "The plan was carried out to perfection."
2) perform or conduct (test, experiment) "Tests are carried out to determine the efficiency of a new drug."
check in
register at a hotel or airport
" For security reasons you have to check in two hours before your flight."
check out
1) pay one's bill and leave (a hotel) "Is Mr. Blair still at the hotel? No, he checked out this morning."
2) investigate "I don't know if the address is still valid. I'll check it out."
clam up
refuse to speak
" When the teacher arrived she clammed up."
clamp down on
act strictly to prevent something
" The government has decided to clamp down on smoking in public places."
close down
stop operating (company, restaurant, cinema).
" When the factory closed down, the employees lost their jobs."
come across
1) find by chance "Julie came across some photographs of her grandparents in the attic."
2) appear, seem, make an impression "The candidate came across as a dynamic person during the interview."
come forward
present oneself
" The police have asked any witnesses to come forward."
come up against
be faced with or opposed by
" The project came up against a lot of criticism."
conk out
1) stop working "The car conked out on the motorway."
2) stop or fall asleep (from exhaustion) "He was so exhausted, he conked out in front of the TV."
count on
rely or depend on (for help)
" I'm counting on the taxi driver to find the theatre."
cross out
remove by drawing a line through
" In some exercises, you are asked to cross out the incorrect word."
cut down on
reduce in number or size
" The doctor told him to cut down on cigarettes."
cut out
1) remove using scissors "She cut out a picture in a magazine."
2) stop doing something "I'm going to cut out eating between meals."
deal with
handle, take care of (problem, situation)
" The manager is good at dealing with difficult customers."
die down
calm down, become less strong
" When the applause died down, she started to sing."
do without
manage without
" The shops are closed so we'll have to do without sugar."
drag on
last longer than expected
" We expected a short speech but it dragged on and on!"
draw up
write (contract, agreement, document)
" An agreement was drawn up and signed by the two parties."
dress up
1) wear elegant clothes "Do people dress up to go to the opera in your country?"
2) disguise oneself "Children love to dress up at Halloween."
drop in
visit, usually on the way somewhere
" I sometimes drop in to see my grandparents on my way home from school."
drop off
1) deliver someone or something "I'll drop you off at the bus stop if you like."
2) fall asleep "Granddad often drops off in front of the TV."
drop out
leave school without finishing
" She decided to go to art school then dropped out after the first term."
ease off
reduce, become less severe or slow down
(pain, traffic, work)
" After Christmas the workload generally eases off."
even out
1) eliminate differences of opinion. "After a long discussion they managed to even out their differences."
2) become level or regular "The road was evened out to make it safer."
fall through
fail; doesn't happen
" Our planned boat trip fell through because of the storm."
figure out
understand, find the answer
" I'm trying to figure out how to assemble the bookshelves."
fill out
complete (a form/an application)
" Please fill out the enclosed form and return it as soon as possible."
find out
discover or obtain information
" I'm going to call the cinema to find out what time the film starts."
focus on
concentrate on something
" The advertising campaign will focus on the quality of the product."
figure out
understand; find a solution
" We'll have to figure out a way to deliver the goods faster."
get at
imply
" What exactly are you trying to get at?"
get away
escape
" The robbers got away in a black car."
get by
manage to cope or to survive
" It's difficult to get by on a low salary."
get in
enter
" How did the burglar get in?"
get into (+noun)
enter
" How did the burglar get into the house?"
get off
1) leave (bus, train, plane) "You should get off the bus at Trafalgar Square."
2) remove "She can't get the stain off her sweater."
get on
board (bus, train, plane)
" You can pay when you get on the bus."
get on with (something)
continue to do; make progress
" Be quiet and get on with your homework."
get on (well) with (somebody)
have a good relationship with
" I get on very well with my colleagues."
get out
leave
" How did he get out?"
get out of (+noun)
leave
" How did he get out of the house?"
get out of
avoid doing something
" Some husbands manage to get out of doing any housework."
get over
recover from (illness, disappointment)
" My grandmother had pneumonia but she got over it."
get rid of
eliminate
" It's difficult to get rid of old habits."
get together
meet each other
" Let's get together for lunch on day."
get up
rise, leave bed
" I usually get up at 7 o'clock."
give up
stop doing something
" Sarah gave up smoking 5 years ago."
go through
experience
" Pete went through a lot of pain after the accident."
grow up
spend one's childhood; develop; become an adult
" He grew up in a small village in the mountains."
hand in
submit (report, homework)
" All application forms must be handed in before the end of the month."
hand out
distribute
" Samples will be handed out at the end of the demonstration."
hang out
spend time in a particular place,
or with a group of friends
Where does he hang out these days?
" Who does he hang out with?"
hang up
end a phone conversation
" "Don't hang up. I haven't finished yet.""
hit at
aim a blow at
" He hit at the wasp with the newspaper."
hit back
retaliate; reply to an attack
" When he was attacked by the others, the boy hit back."
hit upon
find unexpectedly or by inspiration
" She hit upon an idea for her new collection."
hold on
-wait "Hold on please. I'll put you through to Mr. Brown."
" -grip tightly "She held on to the railing as she crossed the bridge.""
hurry up
be quick, act speedily
" Hurry up! We'll miss the bus."
iron out
resolve by discussion, eliminate differences
" The meeting tomorrow will be an opportunity to iron out difficulties."
join in
participate
" She was too shy to join in the game."
join up
-engage in, become a member of "John was in the Army and Tom joined up as soon as he left school."
"- meet and unite with "The two groups of tourists joined up at the hotel.""
jot down
take quick notes
" I jotted down the address while watching the programme on TV."
keep on
continue doing something
" It told him to be quiet but he kept on making noise."
keep up with
stay at the same level as someone or something
" Bill walks so fast it's difficult to keep up with him."
kick off
begin, start
" The football match kicked off at 3 o'clock."
leave out
omit, not mention
" The child's name was left out of the report."
let down
disappoint
" You promised to come to the party, so don't let me down!"
look after
take care of
" A babysitter looks after the children when they go out."
look ahead
think of the future
" It's time to forget the past and look ahead."
look down on
consider as inferior
" He tends to look down on anyone who is not successful."
look on
be a spectator at an event
" Billy didn't take part in the fight. He just looked on."
look for
try to find something
" Jane went to the shops to look for a pair of shoes."
look forward to
await or anticipate with pleasure
" I look forward to seeing you soon."
look up to
admire
" He was a wonderful teacher and many students looked up to him."
make fun of
laugh at/ make jokes about
" The old lady dresses so strangely that the kids make fun of her."
make up
invent (excuse, story)
" Some employees make up excuses when they arrive late for work."
mix up
mistake one thing or person for another
" I don't know my neighbours' names yet. I keep mixing them up."
move in
arrive in a new home or office
" You've bought a new house? When are you moving in?."
move out
leave your home/office for another one.
" My neighbour is leaving. He's moving out next Saturday."
nod off
fall asleep
" My grandfather often nods off in front of the television."
note down
write something
" I'll call the station and note down the departure times."
opt out
leave a system or decide not to participate
" I enjoy tennis but I'm so busy I had to opt out of the tournament."
own up
admit or confess something
" The boy owned up. He said he kicked the ball through the window."
pass away
die
" The old lady passed away peacefully."
pass out
faint
" She passed out when she heard the bad news."
pay back
reimburse
" I'll lend you 20€ provided you pay me back before the end of the week."
put off
postpone, arrange a later date
" The meeting was put off because of the strike."
put on
turn on, switch on
" Could you put on the light please?"
put out
extinguish
" It took a long time to put out the fire."
put up
accommodate, give somebody a bed
" We can put you up if you'd like to come for a week-end."
pick up
collect somebody
" I'll pick you up at the station when you arrive."
point out
indicate/direct attention to something
" She pointed out the mistake."
rely on
count on, depend on, trust
" Don't worry. You can rely on me. I can keep a secret."
rule out
eliminate
" The police ruled out political motives."
run away
escape from a place or suddenly leave
" He ran away from home at the age of fourteen."
run into
meet by accident or unexpectedly (also: bump into)
" Sophie ran into Maria at the shopping centre."
run out of
have no more of something.
" What a nuisance! We've run out of coffee."
set off
start a journey;
" Early Saturday morning we set off for the ski slopes ."
set up
start a business
" She set up her own company 10 years ago."
shop around
compare prices
" It's always wise to shop around before buying anything."
show off
brag or want to be admired
" There's David showing off in his new sports car!"
show up
appear/arrive
" We expected David to come but he didn't show up."
shut up
(impolite)
be silent, stop talking
" Oh shut up, you idiot!"
sit down
take a seat
" Please come in and sit down."
stick up for
defend
" It's important to stick up for one's principles."
take after
resemble, in appearance or character
" Jamie really takes after his dad."
take care of
look after
" I'll take care of your plants while you're away."
take off
leave the ground
" The plane took off at 6 a.m."
take on
hire or engage staff
" Business is good so the company is taking on extra staff."
tell off
reprimand/criticize severely
" The teacher told her off for not doing her homework."
think over
consider
" I'll have to think over the proposal before I decide."
try on
wear something to see if it suits or fits
" I'm not sure about the size. Can I try it on?"
turn down
refuse
" I couldn't turn down an offer like that!"
use up
finish a product (so that there's none left)
" The kids have used up all the toothpaste."
vouch for
express confidence in, or guarantee something
" You can give the keys to Andy. I can vouch for him."
watch out
be careful
" Watch out! There's a car coming."
wear out
1) become unusable "Julie wore out her shoes visiting the city."
2) become very tired "At the end of the day Julie was worn out."
work out
1) do physical exercise "I work out twice a week at the gym club."
2) find a solution or calculate something "It's expensive but I haven't worked out the exact cost yet."
wipe off
clean (board, table).
" The teacher asked Lee to wipe off the board."
BACK AWAY
(intransitive) to retreat backwards
" The crowd backed away as the terrorist blew himself up."
BACK DOWN
(intransitive) to concede in a disagreement
" The mugger backed down when he saw that Max was carrying a 9mm handgun."
BACK UP
(separable) to go in reverse
" When Steve passed the beautiful girl hitchhiking on the freeway, he immediately stopped the car, backed up, and offered her a ride."
BACK UP
(separable) to help or support
" I will back my friends up no matter what they do."
BACK UP
(separable) to make copies of computer files just in case something happens to the original files
" Please be sure to back up your files before you go home each day."
BAIL OUT
(intransitive) to jump out of an airplane (usually when it’s going to crash)
" Luckily the pilot bailed out before his plane hit the side of the mountain."
BAIL OUT
(intransitive) to quit or stop doing something (usually when experiencing difficulties)
" The congressional candidate bailed out of the race because there was no hope that he could raise enough money to win."
BAIL OUT
(separable) to rescue someone from a difficult situation
" Max’s uncle bailed him out of the financial problems he was having."
BALL UP
(separable) to roll or form something into a round shape
" When max does his laundry, instead of folding everything nicely when it’s done, he just balls everything up and throws it in a bag."
BASH IN
(separable) to damage something by hitting it violently
" Vandals bashed in the windows of my new Lamborghini."
BEAT UP
(separable) to hurt someone by hitting and/or kicking them repeatedly
" The bully beat the other kids up for their lunch money."
BLACK OUT
(intransitive) to lose consciousness momentarily
" Max had a very severe headache and blacked out several times, so his doctor admitted him to the hospital."
BLEND IN
(intransitive) to match or look the same as the surroundings
" In Max's neighborhood, if you don't blend in, you'll get beat up."
BLOW OFF
(separable) to remove with powerful force
" The bomb blew the roof off the house."
BLOW UP
(separable) to inflate
" Al's job was to sell the balloons. Jim's job was to blow them up."
BLOW UP
(separable) to explode or to destroy something with an explosion
" Mary was arrested for blowing up Max's car with a homemade bomb."
BLOW UP
(intransitive) to suddenly become angry
" The teacher blew up when she discovered that the students hadn't done their homework."
BONE UP ON
(inseparable) to review, study, or practice a subject for a short period of time
" I need to bone up on my math as I have a university entrance exam at the end of the month."
BOSS AROUND
(separable) to tell someone what to do repeatedly
" Mary likes to boss people around."
BREAK DOWN
(intransitive) to lose control of one's emotions
" Max broke down in tears when he heard that Mary had been arrested."
BREAK DOWN
(intransitive) to stop functioning
" John had to learn to become a good mechanic as his car was always breaking down."
BREAK IN
(intransitive) to forcibly enter a building
" Max called the police when he thought he heard someone breaking in."
BREAK IN
(separable) to work or repeatedly use something so that it becomes comfortable or easily usable
" Max's shoes hurt him as he had not yet broke them in."
BREAK INTO
(inseparable) to forcibly enter
" Mary broke into the car to steal the stereo."
BREAK OUT
(intransitive) to suddenly develop or erupt
" A riot broke out in Los Angeles today."
BREAK UP
(separable) to cause to disperse or scatter
" What time did the cops break the party up last night?"
BREAK UP | BREAK UP WITH
(separable) to end a relationship
" Have Tom and Mary broken up yet? I'm thinking about asking Mary out on a date. The Beatles broke up a long time ago. Some people say that Yoko broke the band up. I'm going to break up with Mary. she bores me."
BRING ABOUT
(inseparable) to make happen
" Max’s new girlfriend brought about some positive changes in his behavior."
BRING AROUND
(separable) to persuade, to cause to some on to do something through persuasion
" Mary’s passionate speech brought Max around to donating to her organization."
BRING AROUND
(separable) to guide someone or convey something
" I will bring the new intern around the office when she gets here."
BRING DOWN
(separable) to cause to fall
" Michael Moore is hoping to bring the Bush administration down."
BRING FORTH
(separable) to produce or give rise to
" The eager new intern brought forth many new ideas on how to run the company."
BRING IN
(separable) to earn money
" Jill hates her new job, but she’s bringing in a lot of money."
BRING IN
(separable) to reach a verdict
" The judge declared a mistrial because the jury could not bring in a verdict."
BRING IN
(separable) to arrest someone; to bring someone to the police station (usually for questioning)
" The police brought Max in for robbing the bank."
BRING ON
(separable) to cause to appear
" Bring on the birthday cake!"
BRING UP
(separable) to mention
" When talking to Mary, Max never brings up her criminal record."
BRING UP
(separable) to raise or rear
" Mowgli was a boy brought up by wolves."
BRUSH UP ON
(intransitive) to practice; to improve your skill or knowledge
" Max went back to school to brush up on mathematics."
BURN DOWN
(separable) to destroy by fire
" Please don't smoke in bed for you may burn the house down."
BUTT IN
(intransitive) to enter a conversation uninvited
" "Excuse me for butting in, but I couldn't help overhearing...""
CALL OFF
(separable) to cancel
" Mary decided to call off her wedding with max."
CALL UP
(separable) to telephone
" Mary called the priest up to tell him the wedding was off."
CALM DOWN
(separable) to stop being emotionally distressed
" Max was so upset that nothing could calm him down."
CARRY ON
(intransitive) to continue
" Max was not sure if he could carry on any longer."
CATCH ON
(intransitive) to become popular
" Max is hoping that being short, fat, and bald will catch on."
CHECK IN
(separable) to register(usually at a hotel, airport, or hospital)
" The terrorist sweated nervously as he checked his baggage in."
CHEER ON
(separable) to support or encourage with shouts of praise
" The crowd at the marathon cheered the runners on."
CHEER UP
(intransitive) to become happier or less miserable
" Max cheered up at the end of the night."
CHEER UP
(separable) to make someone become happier or less miserable
" We tried very hard to cheer Mary up, but nothing we did worked."
CHICKEN OUT
(intransitive) not to do something because of fear
" Max wanted to ask Mary out on a date, but he chickened out."
CLEAN UP
(separable) to clean completely
" When living with others it is important to clean up after yourself."
COLOR IN
(separable) to fill with color (usually an outline)
" Max happily colored in the pictures in his textbook."
COME ABOUT
(intransitive) to happen
" How did that come about?"
COME ACROSS
(inseparable) to find by chance
" As Max was cleaning up his room he came across Mary's phone number."
COME ALONG
(intransitive) to progress
" Things are coming along well at work these days."
COME ALONG
(intransitive) to accompany someone who takes the lead
" Ralph asked me to come along on the trip, but I decided not to."
COME ALONG
(intransitive) to appear
" Max was quite happy until Mary came along."
COME AROUND
(intransitive) to change one’s opinion or position
" After our long debate, Max finally came around to my point of view."
COME BACK
(intransitive) to return to a place one has been before; to return to a previous activity
" Max left our office, but quickly came back after discovering he had left his keys here."
COME BACK
(intransitive) to be restored
" I was sick and weak, but now I feel better and my strength is coming back."
COME BACK
(intransitive) to recall
" I think I remember that story. It’s all coming back to me now."
COME BACK
(intransitive) to even the score (sports)
" France came back to beat England after being down 1-0 all game."
COME BACK
(intransitive) to reply, retort
" When Max criticized Mary, Mary came back with some very sharp criticism of Max."
COME BY
(intransitive) to visit informally
" I was in the neighborhood so I thought I would come by to see how you were doing."
COME BY
(inseparable) to obtain (accidentally)
" I’m not sure how I came by this hat, but I’ve had it for years."
COME DOWN
(intransitive) to descend, fall, go down
" It’s been hot all day. Finally the temperature is starting to come down a bit."
COME DOWN
(intransitive) to precipitate, fall from clouds
" Snow has been coming down for about 2 hours now."
COME DOWN
(intransitive) to reduce to the essential element
" In politics everything really just comes down to the economy."
COME DOWN
(intransitive) to become sick
" Max came down with the flu."
COME DOWN
(intransitive) to criticize
" Max came down on Mary for not washing the dishes after dinner."
COME IN
(intransitive) to arrive, get in
" News came in that next year’s car models have just come in."
COME IN
(intransitive) to place in a race or contest
" Frank came in second in the Boston Marathon."
COME IN
(intransitive) to be received (signal)
" No matter how much Max adjusted the antenna, the radio station just didn’t come in very well."
COME INTO
(inseparable) to acquire
" Mary came into a lot of money when her grandfather passed away."
COME OFF
(intransitive) to appear
" George doesn’t come off as being very intelligent."
COME OFF
(intransitive) to fare, happen in a particular manner
" The meeting came off as well as could be expected."
COME OFF
(inseparable) to have recently completed or recovered from
" After coming off a nasty hip injury, Andre went on to win the US Open."
COME ON
(inseparable) to advance progressively
" Our soccer game ended as darkness came on."
COME ON
(intransitive) to project a particular personal image
" Mary comes on as a very serious person, but is actually quite fun."
COME ON
(intransitive) to start running, become available
" I wish the electricity would come on again. It’s dark in here"
COME OUT
(intransitive) to become known, to come into public view, to debut
" The news of the candidates past sexual misconduct came out just before the election."
COME OUT
(intransitive) to turn out, result
" Everything came out fine in the end"
COME OUT
(intransitive) to declare one’s position publicly
" The senator came out against gay marriage."
COME OUT
(intransitive) to reveal that oneself as homosexual
" After years of trying to act straight, Max finally came out."
COME OVER
(intransitive) to change sides
" Mary has finally come over to our way of seeing things."
COME OVER
(intransitive) to visit casually
" Max and Mary are coming over to watch football tonight."
COME THROUGH
(intransitive) to do what is expected or required
" I really needed to get tickets to the show and Max, my buddy, came through for me and got me a pair."
COME THROUGH
(intransitive) to be communicated
" Mary’s displeasure with Max really came through when she hit him upside the head."
COME UP
(intransitive) to be mentioned
" In Max's conversation with Mary, the topic of their wedding never came up."
COME UP
(intransitive) to approach, draw near
" Mary came up and introduced herself."
COME UP WITH
(inseparable) think of
" Max came up with a brilliant idea."
COME UPON
(inseparable) to meet or discover by accident
" Max came upon a twenty dollar bill while walking down the street."
COPY DOWN
(separable) to record in writing
" Max told Mary about the idea. She copied it down and sold it to the highest bidder."
CRANK UP
(separable) to increase the power or volume
" Every time that song comes on the radio, I crank it up."
CROSS OUT
(separable) to draw a line through something
" I didn’t have an eraser, so I had to cross out my mistakes instead."
CUT DOWN
(inseparable) to reduce
" Max decided to cut down his alcohol consumption."
DIE DOWN
(intransitive) to decrease
" The noise from the party finally died down around four in the morning."
DIG UP
(separable) to look for and find hidden things or information
" Mary was paid thousands of dollars to dig up some dirt on that promising politician."
DISH OUT
(separable) to allocate, dispense, or distribute food from a container
" After dinner, Max dished out some delicious fruit salad for desert."
DOZE OFF
(intransitive) to fall asleep
" You know you're a boring speaker when your entire audience dozes off."
DRAG ON
(intransitive) to continue for what seems to be an extrememly long time
" The politicians speech dragged on and on."
DRAW UP
(separable) to prepare
" Lee Harvey was happy to have the Soviets draw up the assassination plans."
DREAM UP
(separable) to think of (something new)
" The CIA and the KGB were always dreaming up new ways of keeping tabs on each other."
DRESS UP
(separable) to put on formal or very nice clothing
" Mary likes to dress her son up to go to church."
DRINK UP
(separable) to finish a drink
" Bobby drank his juice up and went to bed."
DROP OFF
(separable) to unload or deliver (on the way to somewhere else)
" If you’re going to the store, could you drop me off at Mary’s house on the way?"
DROP OFF
(intransitive) to decline (in number)
" Towards the end of the school year university enrollment numbers drop off a little."
DROWN OUT
(separable) to make a sound inaudible with a louder sound
" Max uses his iPod to drown out all of the people’s voices around him."
EAT OUT
(intransitive) to go out to a restaurant to eat
" Max was tired of eating out, so he stayed home and had a TV dinner."
EAT UP
(separable) to finish a meal
" You must eat up all of your vegetables before you can have cake."
EMPTY OUT
(separable) to remove everything from a container making it empty
" Max emptied the refrigerator out."
EMPTY OUT
(intransitive) to be vacated by people
" The concert hall emptied out as soon as the concert was over."
END UP
(intransitive) to arrive at a destination or result which may be unplanned or unexpected
" Max drank so much last night that he ended up in a strange bed in a strange apartment."
EVEN OUT
(separable) to make something measure the same as something else
" Max has trouble evening out his sideburns since one ear is lower than the other."
FALL APART
(intransitive) to come apart, disintegrate
" My new Ford fell apart soon after I got it."
FALL APART
(intransitive) to suffer an emotional breakdown
" Mary fell apart soon after the divorce."
FALL DOWN
(intransitive) to fall to the ground or floor
" Mary fell down and hurt her left knee."
FALL FOR
(inseparable) to be deceived or to suddenly become attracted to someone or something
" Mary fell for the trick that Max played on her."
FIGHT OFF
(separable) to keep something or someone away
" Bill had trouble fighting all of the young ladies off."
FILL IN
(separable) to complete where needed
" Please fill in the blanks."
FILL UP
(separable) to fill completely
" You can borrow my car, but please fill up the tank before you return it."
FIND OUT
(separable) to learn or discover
" Mary was mad when she found out that she was adopted."
FIT IN
(intransitive) to get along with others in a group
" Bill decided to go into politics when he discovered he didn't fit in anywhere else."
FREE UP
(separable) to make something available (it was previously unavailable)
" Getting fired from my job freed up my schedule quite a bit. Now I can go to the beach anytime I want."
GET ABOUT
(intransitive) to go from place to place
" Mary gets about quite well without a car."
GET ACROSS
(separable) to communicate clearly or convincingly
" No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get the message across to her that I cared."
GET ACROSS
(intransitive) to be convincing or clear
" Max has trouble getting across to members of the opposite sex."
GET AHEAD
(intransitive) to make progress in becoming successful
" Max compliments his boss constantly in order to het ahead."
GET ALONG
(intransitive) to advance (especially in years)
" George is really getting along in years. Is he going to retire soon?"
GET ALONG
(intransitive) have a congenial relationship with someone
" Jane and John get along quite well, but Mary and Max can’t even stand to be in the same room."
GET ALONG
(intransitive) to manage or fare reasonably
" Max is able to get along each day on just 2 slices of bread and a glass of water."
GET AROUND
(inseparable) to evade, circumvent
" George hired many lawyers to help him find ways to get around various laws."
GET AROUND
(intransitive) to go from place to place
" Since my car broke down, I’ve been getting around by bicycle."
GET AROUND
(intransitive) to become known, circulate
" Word got around that Mary was pregnant."
GET AT
(inseparable) to access or reach
" Could you please scratch my back? I have this itch that I just can’t quite get at."
GET AT
(intransitive) to hint, suggest, convey, or try to make understandable
" I think I know what you are getting at, but I’m not certain."
GET AWAY
(intransitive) to escape
" Max had a dream that a very fat woman was attacking him and he couldn't get away."
GET BACK
(intransitive) to return
" Max got back late from the soccer match."
GET BACK
(separable) to have something returned
" When Mary called her engagement with Max off, Max tried to get the ring back."
GET BY
(intransitive) to succeed with minimum effort and minimum achievement
" Since George was a student, he has made a habit of just getting by."
GET BY
(intransitive) to survive or manage
" We were able to get by on just a few dollars per week."
GET BY
(inseparable) to proceed unnoticed, ignored, or without being criticized, or punished
" The tainted meat got by the inspectors."
GET DOWN
(intransitive) to descend or lower
" Max got down on his knees and prayed."
GET DOWN
(intransitive) give one’s consideration or attention (used with to)
" Now that we’ve finished lunch, I am ready to get down to business."
GET DOWN
(separable) to depress, exhaust or discourage
" Talking about politics really gets me down."
GET DOWN
(separable) to put in writing
" Did you get everything I said down?"
GET IN
(intransitive) to arrive
" When did you get in from Paris?"
GET INTO
(inseparable) to be involved with
" If you get into the wrong crowd, you are likely to get into a lot of trouble."
GET OFF
(inseparable) to dismount
" Max got off his bicycle to tie his shoe"
GET OFF
(intransitive) to receive a lesser punishment than what might be expected
" Mary got off with only two years in prison for the attempted murder of Max."
GET OFF
(intransitive) to receive extreme pleasure
" Max gets off on burning ants with his magnifying glass."
GET OFF
(separable) to give great pleasure
" Burning ants gets Max off."
GET OUT
(intransitive) to become known
" The news about Mary got out very quickly."
GET OUT
(intransitive) to escape or leave
" Sam wouldn’t stop talking so we asked him to get out."
GET OUT
(separable) cause to escape or leave
" Please get that cat out of here."
GET OVER
(inseparable) to overcome, recover from
" Max finally got over the flu."
GET THROUGH
(inseparable) to finish something completely; to arrive at the end of something
" It took me almost two weeks to get through that book."
GET TO
(inseparable) to annoy
" That buzzing sound really gets to me."
GET TO
(inseparable) to arrive at, to progress to
" I can’t wait to get to school."
GET TOGETHER
(intransitive) to meet
" Let's get together tomorrow night."
GET UP
(intransitive) to rise to one’s feet or arise from bed; to climb
" Mary gets up at sunrise to go jogging every morning."
GET UP
(separable) to cause to rise
" Mary got Max up early this morning so that he could make her breakfast."
GIVE BACK
(separable) to return something
" Mary did not want to give Max the wedding ring back."
GIVE OUT
(inseparable) to distribute
" Mary is very happy that they give needles out at the local clinic."
GIVE UP
(separable) to stop, quit, or abandon
" Max gave up smoking ten years ago."
GO ALONG
(intransitive) to cooperate
" To go along with the crowd is the easiest thing, but not always the wisest thing."
GO AROUND
(intransitive) to satisfy a demand or need
" While there are certainly more jobs now, there are still not enough to go around."
GO AROUND
(intransitive) to circulate
" There are some rumors about Mary going around."
GO AWAY
(intransitive) to leave
" Max and Mary went away for the summer."
GO BY
(intransitive) to pass; elapse
" As the years go by, I grow older but not wiser."
GO BY
(inseparable) to act in accordance
" If you go by the rules, you shouldn’t have any trouble."
GO DOWN
(intransitive) to go under; to drop below the horizon; to sink
" I hope to get to the beach before the sun goes down."
GO DOWN
(intransitive) to ingest
" Water goes down especially well after a long hard soccer match."
GO OFF
(intransitive) to explode; detonate
" Bombs went off all around the city."
GO OFF
(intransitive) to happen in a particular manner
" Mary’s dinner party last night went off very well."
GO OVER
(intransitive) to gain approval
" How did your request for a pay raise go over with your boss?"
GO OVER
(inseparable) to check; examine
" The mechanic went over the engine to see if there were any problems."
GO THROUGH
(inseparable) to experience; endure
" Mary and Max went through a lot to make their business a success."
GO UNDER
(intransitive) to fail; to be defeated
" Jack and Jill’s drinking water business went under almost right away."
GROW UP
(intransitive) to change from child to adult
" Mary thinks that Max will never grow up."
HAND IN
(separable) to turn in or give work you have done
" Max was embarrassed about handing in his homework late."
HAND OUT
(separable) to distribute
" Lee Harvey often handed out leaflets on the street corner."
HANG AROUND
(intransitive) to spend time
" Max likes to hang around with his friends at the local bar."
HANG UP
(separable) to place something on something (usually a hook or hanger) so that it doesn't touch the ground; to terminate a phone call
" Max gets irritated with Mary for not hanging up her clothes after she does the laundry."
HIKE UP
(separable) to pull up or raise (usually clothing)
" When he crossed the flooded street, Max hiked up his pants, so they wouldn’t get wet."
HIKE UP
(separable) to suddenly raise in amount
" Every summer oil companies hike up gas prices. Once Boxmart has destroyed all of its competition in a certain area, they hike up their prices."
HOLD BACK
(separable) to restrain
" When I saw Max's new haircut, I had a hard time holding back my laughter."
HOLD DOWN
(separable) to keep a job
" Mary has never been able to hold down a job."
HOLD ON
(intransitive) to wait
" Hold on a moment. I need to tie my shoe."
HUNT DOWN
(separable) to pursue to find or capture someone or something
" Max hunted the waitress down, so that he could order dinner."
HURRY UP
(intransitive) to do faster
" Hurry up. We are running late."
HUSH UP
(intransitive) to become quiet
" After the teacher screamed at the top of her lungs, the children hushed up."
HUSH UP
(separable) to make someone become quiet
" The teacher hushed up the kids."
JOT DOWN
(separable) to copy down or make a note of
" Max jotted down a few notes as the professor spoke."
JUMP IN
(intransitive) to join an activity while it’s in progress; to interrupt
" I was telling the story to Mary, but Max kept jumping in."
KEEP AWAY
(separable) to not allow to come near
" Max was so popular with the girls that he couldn't keep them away."
KEEP DOWN
(separable) to control; subdue; repress
" You can have a party, but please keep the noise down as much as possible."
KEEP OFF
(inseparable) to not walk on
" Please keep off the grass."
KEEP OFF
(inseparable) to not consume
" Scott is having a difficult time keeping of drugs."
KEEP ON
(intransitive) to continue
" No matter how many times you fail, you must keep on trying."
KEEP UP
(separable) to maintain in good condition; to persist; persevere in
" Excellent work! Keep it up."
KEEP UP
(separable) to prevent from going to sleep
" The neighbor’s barking dog kept me up all night."
KEEP UP
(intransitive) to stay informed
" Max reads the newspaper in order to keep up with current events."
KEEP UP
(intransitive) maintain a required pace or level in competition (often in lifestyle)
" Max spent all of his money and time trying to keep up with his neighbors."
KICK OUT
(separable) to force to leave
" The bouncers kicked Max out of the bar for starting a fight."
KNEEL DOWN
(intransitive) to go down on your knees
" Before he goes to bed, Max kneels down to pray."
KNOCK OUT
(intransitive) to make someone unconscious
" That last drink I had really knocked me out."
LAY OFF
(separable) to dismiss from a job
" General Motors usually lays workers off just before Christmas so that the CEO can get a large bonus."
LEAVE OUT
(separable) to not include
" A margarita is not a margarita if you leave the tequila out."
LET DOWN
(separable) to disappoint
" The team let the coach down."
LIE DOWN
(intransitive) to recline
" I like to lie down in my hammock and read."
LIFT UP
(separable) to elevate something
" Max could not lift Mary up because she was too heavy."
LINE UP
(intransitive) to stand in a line
" The prisoners had to line up before they could enter the dining hall."
LINE UP
(separable) to put in a row
" Max likes to line up his dominos and then knock them down."
LOCK IN
(separable) to lock the door so that someone can't leave
" Mary was afraid that Max might flee, so she locked him in."
LOCK OUT
(separable) to lock the door so that someone can't enter
" Jane locked Jack out of the bathroom because she wanted some privacy."
LOOK DOWN ON
(inseparable) to consider inferior
" The rich lady looked down on the poor homeless people in the park."
LOOK INTO
(inseparable) to investigate
" The grand jury is looking into the allegations that bribes influenced the mayor's actions."
LOOK OUT
(intransitive) to be careful; watchful; to protect someone’s interests
" Most politicians just look out for themselves and their wealthy constituents. They have little regard for the average person."
LOOK OVER
(separable) to inspect or examine (swiftly)
" I looked over the contract this morning and everything seems fine."
LOOK UP
(separable) to find information in a book, or booklike source
" Mary decided to look up her ex-boyfriend's phone number"
LOP OFF
(separable) to cut something off (a limb or branch of a tree)
" The carpenter accidentally lopped off two of his fingers when he was cutting some wood."
MAKE UP
(separable) to invent (a story)
" Bill is good at making up stories to get himself out of trouble."
MARK DOWN
(separable) to reduce prices
" K-mart often marks its prices down."
MARK DOWN
(separable) to write or make a note on something
" Max marked the phone number down so that he wouldn’t forget it."
MEASURE UP
(intransitive) to reach a standard or expectation
" Mary would not marry Max because she felt that he just didn’t measure up."
MESS UP
(separable) to make disorganized or messy
" Please do not mess up the house. We are having guests over tonight."
MOVE ON
(intransitive) to progress onwards
" Let's move on. I'm tired of talking about that."
OPEN UP
(intransitive) to talk openly
" Max was the only one that Mary would ever open up to."
PASS OUT
(separable) to distribute
" The teacher passed the assignment out."
PASS OUT
(intransitive) to lose consciousness
" Mary was so tired that she passed out as soon as she got home."
PAY BACK
(separable) to give money back that you borrowed
" Max is avoiding Mary because he doesn't have the money to pay her back."
PAY BACK
(separable) to reciprocate a bad deed
" Al paid George back by punching him in the nose."
PAY OFF
(separable) to pay all of the money you owe
" Some day I hope to pay off my student loans."
PERK UP
(intransitive) to become more cheerful or lively
" The movie perked up a little at the end, but overall it was quite dull."
PERK UP
(separable) to cause to be more cheerful or lively
" Tom brought some flowers to Mary in the hospital. He was hoping to perk her up with them. Unfortunately, she is allergic to flowers."
PICK OUT
(separable) to choose
" When shopping for watermelon, I like to pick out the biggest."
PLAY DOWN
(separable) to make something seem less important
" Max played down his car accident so that his mother wouldn't get worried."
PRINT OUT
(separable) to print something from a computer
" I need to buy some more paper for my printer so that I can print out my report for history class."
PULL DOWN
(separable) to pull something so that it comes down
" When Max drinks too much, he sometimes pulls his pants down in public."
PUT ACROSS
(separable) to communicate; convey effectively
" During the meeting, management put across the message that our concerns were insignificant."
PUT AWAY
(separable) to discard; renounce
" Let’s put away our worries, and live for the moment."
PUT AWAY
(separable) to consume
" I watched Max put away several hamburgers in just a few minutes."
PUT AWAY
(separable) to confine; incarcerate; imprison
" The government put Sherman away for a year for having the wrong information on his website."
PUT BACK
(separable) to place something where it was previously
" When you finish the milk, please don't put the empty container back in the fridge."
PUT DOWN
(separable) to kill a sick or injured animal (usually out of mercy)
" The vet said it was necessary to put down the race horse because of its broken leg."
PUT DOWN
(separable) to insult or make disparaging remarks about someone
" I feel sorry for Max. Everytime he and Mary get together with their friends Mary puts him down in front of everybody."
PUT OFF
(separable) to postpone
" Many students put off doing their homework until it is almost too late."
PUT ON
(separable) to dress oneself with; to wear; to don
" Mary put her best dress on."
PUT ON
(separable) to produce; perform
" The theater group put on a great show."
PUT ON
(separable) to fool; mislead for amusement
" You’re putting me on!"
PUT OUT
(separable) to extinguish
" The firefighters put the fire out."
PUT OUT
(separable) to publish; issue
" The government put out a news brief to misinform the public."
PUT OUT
(separable) to exert, extend
" The workers put out considerable effort to get the job done on time."
PUT OUT
(separable) to expel
" Please put the cat out."
PUT THROUGH
(separable) to implement; bring to a successful conclusion
" The committee was unable to put through any reforms on campaign financing."
PUT THROUGH
(separable) to make a telephone connection for
" Operator, put me through to the president!"
PUT UP
(separable) to raise; erect; build
" The construction workers put the buildings up in just a few days."
PUT UP
(separable) to accommodate; provide food a shelter to
" The government put the refugees up in temporary housing."
PUT UP WITH
(inseparable) to tolerate
" Max has great difficulty putting up with noisy children."
QUIET DOWN
(separable) to be less noisy
" Class, please quiet down. I'm trying to think."
RACK UP
(separable) to accumulate in number (score)
" You’d better watch where you park. You’re really racking up the parking tickets."
RIP OFF
(separable) to steal something
" Max ripped twenty dollars off from that old lady."
RIP UP
(separable) to tear something into pieces
" The teacher ripped Max's test up because he caught Max cheating."
RUN AWAY
(intransitive) to escape from one's guardians
" Mary ran away at the age of thirteen."
RUN INTO
(inseparable) to meet unexpectedly
" I was surprised when I ran into Bill on the way to the store yesterday."
RUN OVER
(separable) to hit with a vehicle
" Bill ran over a cat on his way to work."
RUSH IN
(intransitive) to enter quickly
" The students rushed in because they were eager to learn."
RUSH OUT
(intransitive) to exit quickly
" The workers all rushed out because it was time to go home."
SAVE UP
(separable) to collect money for future use
" Max is saving up for a brand new car."
SCREW UP
(separable) to make a mistake or do something wrong
" Max screwed up his relationship with Mary."
SELL OUT
(separable) to sell everything in the store
" We can't go to the concert. The tickets have been sold out"
SELL OUT
(separable) to compromise one's values for personal gain
" Catherine sold out. I guess power and money mean more to her than what she said were her personal values."
SEND BACK
(separable) to return something
" I sent the soup back to the kitchen because there was a fly in it."
SET UP
(separable) to start, organize, or configure
" Max asked Mary to set up his computer."
SETTLE DOWN
(separable) to get someone to become calm
" Settle John down. The neighbors are trying to sleep."
SETTLE DOWN
(intransitive) to become calm; to start living a quiet family life
" Max started to look for a wife because he thought it was time to settle down."
SHAVE OFF
(separable) to remove hair by shaving
" Michael Jordan first shaved off all of his hair when he was in his twenties."
SHOOT DOWN
(separable) to make something hit the ground by shooting it
" yugoslavia shot down one US warplane."
SHOUT OUT
(separable) to speak very loudly; to announce
" Max shouted the directions to his house out."
SHOW OFF
(separable) to try to impress by doing or showing
" When Bill did that trick with the cigar, he was just showing off."
SHRUG OFF
(separable) to dismiss something as unimportant
" The president shrugged off his extremely low poll numbers."
SIMMER DOWN
(intransitive) to become less angry
" Bill allowed his wife to simmer down before he asked for forgiveness."
SIT AROUND
(intransitive) to just sit not doing much
" I don't do much work besides sitting around because to do anything more would be a violation of union rules."
SORT OUT
(separable) to arrange or separate by type, class, category, etc.
" Max sorted his socks out."
SORT OUT
(separable) to resolve problems or difficulties
" Max tried to sort out the misunderstanding he had with Mary."
SPEAK UP
(intransitive) to speak more loudly
" Speak up. I can't hear you."
SPLIT UP
(separable) to divide
" The bank robbers split the money up equally."
STAND IN FOR
(inseparable) to take someone's place
" Mary stood in for her boss while he was away."
STAND OUT
(intransitive) to be prominent or conspicuous
" Max’s car stands out among all of the cars in the parking lot because of its florescent green paintjob. "
STAND UP
(intransitive) to rise to an erect position
" All of the people in the courtroom stood up when the judge entered."
STAY IN
(intransitive) to not go out
" Bill decided to stay in this weekend because he was tired of going out."
STAY OUT
(intransitive) to not return home past the regular time
" Bill got angry when his wife stayed out all night."
STOP BY
(inseparable) to stop for a brief visit (usually on the way to somewhere else)
" Max stopped by Mary’s house on his way home from school."
TAKE APART
(separable) to dismantle or disassemble
" Max took the engine of his car apart, but couldn't put it back together."
TAKE BACK
(separable) to retrieve something you gave or said
" I take it back. Mark isn't nearly as dumb as I said."
TAKE BACK
(separable) to return
" Max took the defective radio back to the sore where he bought it."
TAKE DOWN
(separable) to lower
" Max took his pants down so that the nurse could give him an injection."
TAKE DOWN
(separable) to dismantle; disassemble; take apart
" Max took down his tent and went home."
TAKE DOWN
(separable) to lower one’s self-esteem
" Mary’s constant criticism has taken Max down considerably."
TAKE IN
(separable) to reduce in size; make smaller
" Max lost a lot of weight and had to have all of his pants taken in."
TAKE IN
(separable) to give shelter to; to receive as a guest, or lodger
" The Smiths took Barney in while he was in town."
TAKE IN
(separable) to see for enjoyment
" We took in the sights in the morning and took in a movie later in the evening."
TAKE OFF
(separable) to remove from something
" I'm going to take my jacket off. It's hot in here. Take you hand off my knee. I'm not that kind of girl."
TAKE OFF
(intransitive) to depart (aircraft)
" When the plane takes off, you must have your seatbelt on and your seat must be in its upright position."
TAKE ON
(separable) undertake; assume; acquire
" Max took on a lot of new responsibilities."
TAKE ON
(separable) to contend against an opponent
" I think I can take on Mike Tyson."
TAKE OUT
(separable) to take someone on a date
" Max took Mary out to a fancy restaurant."
TAKE OUT
(separable) to extract; remove
" Max takes out the trash every night."
TAKE OVER
(separable) to gain control of
" Someday I will take over the world."
TAKE UP
(separable) to pursue; turn one’s interest to
" Max decided to take up golfing."
TAKE UP
(separable) to consume or fill time or space
" Homework takes up all of my time."
TALK INTO
(separable) to persuade to do something
" Max talked Mary into going to Mexico with him."
TALK OUT OF
(separable) to persuade not to do something
" Bill talked his wife out of divorcing him."
TANGLE UP
(separable) to twist and mix together into a confused mass
" Max accidentally tangled the electrical cords up."
TEAR OFF
(separable) to remove something by tearing
" Chastain made headlines when she tore off her jersey after scoring the winning goal."
THAW OUT
(intransitive) to change from a frozen state to a non-frozen state
" The ice-covered lakes thaw out in the springtime."
THAW OUT
(separable) to cause something to change from a frozen state to a non-frozen state by warming it
" The warm sun thawed out the icy sidewalk."
THINK OVER
(separable) to give something a lot of thought
" Before you make a big decision, you should think it over."
THROW AWAY
(separable) to discard as trash
" Lee threw away the parking ticket soon after he received it."
THROW OUT
(separable) to discard
" Mary threw out all of her old clothes."
THROW UP
(separable) to vomit
" Mary ate so many cookies that she threw up."
TIP OFF
(separable) to inform
" Max tipped off the police about the imminent terrorist attack."
TRADE IN
(separable) to exchange something (usually used) for payment or partial payment for something else.
" Max traded his old jalopy in as a down payment on a new BMW."
TRY ON
(separable) to put clothes on to see if it fits
" Be sure to try athletic shoes on before you buy them."
TRY OUT
(separable) to test to see if something is suitable
" I'm going to try out some new recipes for dinner this week."
TURN AWAY
(separable) to reject; refuse; dismiss
" The church turned away the people with no money to pay."
TURN AWAY
(separable) to repel; deflect
" His sheer arrogance turned away many potential friends."
TURN AWAY
(intransitive) to move so that you are not facing someone
" When Max entered the room, Mary turned away. She could not face him after what he had done."
TURN BACK
(intransitive) to return; revert; backtrack
" We started on our trip, but the weather was so bad that we decided to turn back."
TURN BACK
(separable) to drive away; to halt the advance of
" The soldiers tried with all of their might to turn back the invading forces."
TURN DOWN
(separable) to reject
" Bill asked 100 girls to go out on a date with him. All but one turned him down."
TURN DOWN
(separable) to decrease
" Please turn the radio down. It's too loud."
TURN IN
(separable) to submit or give work done for someone
" Max turns in his homework almost always on time."
TURN OFF
(separable) to switch a machine or electrical device to the off posiiton
" Please turn off the lights when you leave the room."
TURN OFF
(separable) to disgust
" Selfish people really turn me off."
TURN ON
(separable) to switch on ; to cause to operate or flow
" Max was bored so he turned the TV on."
TURN ON
(separable) to excite pleasurably
" Mathematics turns me on."
TURN OUT
(separable) to switch off
" Please turn out the lights."
TURN OVER
(separable) to invert; rotate
" Once the pancake is done on one side, please turn it over to cook the other side."
TURN UP
(separable) to increase
" Please turn the radio up. I can hardly hear it."
USE UP
(separable) to use all of
" Mary got mad at Max for using all of the toothpaste."
WALK OUT
(intransitive) to leave as a sign of protest
" The workers walked out to protest the low wages."
WATER DOWN
(separable) to make weaker
" Don't go to that bar. The bartender waters down all of the drinks."
WEAR DOWN
(separable) to cause to be worn or weak
" Your constant nagging is wearing me down."
WEAR OFF
(separable) to no longer affect someone
" Oh no, call the doctor. the drugs are wearing off."
WIPE OFF
(separable) to clean a surface by dragging a towel or sponge across it
" After dinner, please wipe off the table and wash the dishes."
WRITE DOWN
(separable) to record in writing
" In that class, you should write down everything that the professor says. It's likely to be on the test."
ZIP UP
(separable) to close with a zipper
" Everyone was staring because Max forgot to zip up his pants."
ACCOUNT FOR
(inseparable) to explain
" George's wife was angry at him because he could not account for the lipstick on his collar."
ACQUAINT WITH
(separable) to make someone aware of or familiar with someone or something
" You should acquaint yourself with cultures from around the world."
ACT UP
(intransitive) to behave poorly(human);to reoccur(disease);to malfunction(machine)
" I think I'll stand rather than sit because my hemorrhoids are acting up again"
ADD ON
(separable) to increase or enhance something by joining or uniting something to it
" We've decided to add on another bedroom to the house."
ADD UP
(intransitive) to result in a certain total
" I've calculated that over and over, but it just doesn't add up."
ADD UP TO
(inseparable) to result in a certain total
" The money I lost in the slot machines added up to over three hundred dollars."
ASK FOR
(inseparable) to deserve a negative consequence
" George is asking for trouble."
ASK IN
(separable) to request someone to come in
" At the end of the date, I asked Mary in."
ASK OUT
(separable) to request someone to go on a date with you
" I asked Mary out again. She refused."
ask out
invite on a date
"Brian asked Judy out to dinner and a movie."
ask around
ask many people the same question
"I asked around but nobody has seen my wallet."
add up to
equal
"Your purchases add up to $205.32."
back up
reverse
"You'll have to back up your car so that I can get out."
back up
support
"My wife backed me up over my decision to quit my job."
blow up
explode
"The racing car blew up after it crashed into the fence."
blow up
add air
"We have to blow 50 balloons up for the party."
break down
stop functioning (vehicle, machine)
"Our car broke down at the side of the highway in the snowstorm."
break down
get upset
"The woman broke down when the police told her that her son had died."
break down
divide into smaller parts
"Our teacher broke the final project down into three separate parts."
break in
force entry to a building
"Somebody broke in last night and stole our stereo."
break into
enter forcibly
"The firemen had to break into the room to rescue the children."
break in
wear something a few times so that it doesn't look feel new
"I need to break these shoes in before we run next week."
break in
interrupt
"The TV station broke in to report the news of the president's death."
break up
end a relationship
"My boyfriend and I broke up before I moved to America."
break up
start laughing (informal)
"The kids just broke up as soon as the clown started talking."
break out
escape
"The prisoners broke out of jail when the guards weren't looking."
break out in
develop a skin condition
"I broke out in a rash after our camping trip."
bring down
make unhappy
"This sad music is bringing me down."
bring up
raise a child
"My grandparents brought me up after my parents died."
bring up
start talking about a subject
"My mother walks out of the room when my father brings up sports."
bring up
vomit
"He drank so much that he brought his dinner up in the toilet."
call around
phone many different places people
"We called around but we weren't able to find the car part we needed."
call back
return a phone call
"I called the company back but the offices were closed for the weekend."
call off
cancel
"Jason called the wedding off because he wasn't in love with his fiancé."
call on
ask for an answer or opinion
"The professor called on me for question 1."
call on
visit someone
"We called on you last night but you weren't home."
call up
phone
"Give me your phone number and I will call you up when we are in town."
calm down
relax after being angry
"You are still mad. You need to calm down before you drive the car."
not care for
not like (formal)
"I don't care for his behaviour."
catch up
get to the same point as someone else
"You'll have to run faster than that if you want to catch up with Marty."
check in
arrive and register at a hotel or airport
"We will get the hotel keys when we check in."
check out
leave a hotel
"You have to check out of the hotel before 11:00 AM."
check out
look at carefully, investigate
"The company checks out all new employees."
check out
look at (informal)
"Check out the crazy hair on that guy!"
cheer up
become happier
"She cheered up when she heard the good news."
cheer up
make happier
"I brought you some flowers to cheer you up."
chip in
help
"If everyone chips in we can get the kitchen painted by noon."
clean up
tidy, clean
"Please clean up your bedroom before you go outside."
come across
find unexpectedly
"I came across these old photos when I was tidying the closet."
come apart
separate
"The top and bottom come apart if you pull hard enough."
come down with
become sick
"My nephew came down with chicken pox this weekend."
come forward
volunteer for a task or to give evidence
"The woman came forward with her husband's finger prints."
come from somewhere
originate in
"The art of origami comes from Asia."
count on
rely on
"I am counting on you to make dinner while I am out."
cross out
draw a line through
"Please cross out your old address and write your new one."
cut back on
consume less
"My doctor wants me to cut back on sweets and fatty foods."
cut down
make something fall to the ground
"We had to cut the old tree in our yard down after the storm."
cut in
interrupt
"Your father cut in while I was dancing with your uncle."
cut in
pull in too closely in front of another vehicle
"The bus driver got angry when that car cut in."
cut in
start operating (of an engine or electrical device)
"The air conditioner cuts in when the temperature gets to 22°C."
cut off
remove with something sharp
"The doctors cut off his leg because it was severely injured."
cut off
stop providing
"The phone company cut off our phone because we didn't pay the bill."
cut off
take out of a will
"My grandparents cut my father off when he remarried."
cut out
remove part of something (usually with scissors and paper)
"I cut this ad out of the newspaper."
do over
beat up, ransack (Br.E., informal)
"He's lucky to be alive. His shop was done over by a street gang."
do over
do again (N.Amer.)
"My teacher wants me to do my essay over because she doesn't like my topic."
do away with
discard
"It's time to do away with all of these old tax records."
do up
fasten, close
"Do your coat up before you go outside. It's snowing!"
dress up
wear nice clothing
"It's a fancy restaurant so we have to dress up."
drop back
move back in a position group
"Andrea dropped back to third place when she fell off her bike."
drop in by over
come without an appointment
"I might drop in by over for tea some time this week."
drop off
take someone something somewhere and leave them it there
"I have to drop my sister off at work before I come over."
drop out
quit a class, school etc
"I dropped out of Science because it was too difficult."
eat out
eat at a restaurant
"I don't feel like cooking tonight. Let's eat out."
end up
eventually reach do decide
"We ended up renting a movie instead of going to the theatre."
fall apart
break into pieces
"My new dress fell apart in the washing machine."
fall down
fall to the ground
"The picture that you hung up last night fell down this morning."
fall out
separate from an interior
"The money must have fallen out of my pocket."
fall out
(of hair, teeth) become loose and unattached
"His hair started to fall out when he was only 35."
figure out
understand, find the answer
"I need to figure out how to fit the piano and the bookshelf in this room."
fill in
to write information in blanks (Br.E.)
"Please fill in the form with your name, address, and phone number."
fill out
to write information in blanks (N.Amer.)
"The form must be filled out in capital letters."
fill up
fill to the top
"I always fill the water jug up when it is empty."
find out
discover
"We don't know where he lives. How can we find out?"
find out
discover
"We tried to keep the time of the party a secret, but Samantha found it out."
get across | get over
communicate, make understandable
"I tried to get my point across over to the judge but she wouldn't listen."
get along
like each other
"I was surprised how well my new girlfriend and my sister got along on."
get around
have mobility
"My grandfather can get around fine in his new wheelchair."
get away
go on a vacation
"We worked so hard this year that we had to get away for a week."
get away with
do without being noticed or punished
"Jason always gets away with cheating in his maths tests."
get back
return
"We got back from our vacation last week."
get back
receive something you had before
"Liz finally got her Science notes back from my room-mate."
get back at
retaliate, take revenge
"My sister got back at me for stealing her shoes. She stole my favourite hat."
get back into
become interested in something again
"I finally got back into my novel and finished it."
get on
step onto a vehicle
"We're going to freeze out here if you don't let us get on the bus."
get over
recover from an illness, loss, difficulty
"I just got over the flu and now my sister has it."
get over
overcome a problem
"The company will have to close if it can't get over the new regulations."
get round to
finally find time to do (N.Amer.: get around to something)
"I don't know when I am going to get round to writing the thank you cards."
get together
meet (usually for social reasons)
"Let's get together for a BBQ this weekend."
get up
get out of bed
"I got up early today to study for my exam."
get up
stand
"You should get up and give the elderly man your seat."
give away
reveal hidden information about someone
"His wife gave him away to the police."
give away
take the bride to the altar
"My father gave me away at my wedding."
give away
ruin a secret
"My little sister gave the surprise party away by accident."
give away
give something to someone for free
"The library was giving away old books on Friday."
give back
return a borrowed item
"I have to give these skates back to Franz before his hockey game."
give in
reluctantly stop fighting or arguing
"My boyfriend didn't want to go to the ballet, but he finally gave in."
give out
give to many people (usually at no cost)
"They were giving out free perfume samples at the department store."
give up
quit a habit
"I am giving up smoking as of January 1st."
give up
stop trying
"My maths homework was too difficult so I gave up."
go after
follow someone
"My brother tried to go after the thief in his car."
go after
try to achieve something
"I went after my dream and now I am a published writer."
go against
compete, oppose
"We are going against the best soccer team in the city tonight."
go ahead
start, proceed
"Please go ahead and eat before the food gets cold."
go back
return to a place
"I have to go back home and get my lunch."
go out
leave home to go on a social event
"We're going out for dinner tonight."
go out with
date
"Jesse has been going out with Luke since they met last winter."
go over
review
"Please go over your answers before you submit your test."
go over
visit someone nearby
"I haven't seen Tina for a long time. I think I'll go over for an hour or two."
go without
suffer lack or deprivation
"When I was young, we went without winter boots."
grow apart
stop being friends over time
"My best friend and I grew apart after she changed schools."
grow back
regrow
"My roses grew back this summer."
grow up
become an adult
"When Jack grows up he wants to be a fireman."
grow out of
get too big for
"Elizabeth needs a new pair of shoes because she has grown out of her old ones."
grow into
grow big enough to fit
"This bike is too big for him now, but he should grow into it by next year."
hand down
give something used to someone else
"I handed my old comic books down to my little cousin."
hand in
submit
"I have to hand in my essay by Friday."
hand out
to distribute to a group of people
"We will hand out the invitations at the door."
hand over
give (usually unwillingly)
"The police asked the man to hand over his wallet and his weapons."
hang in
stay positive (N.Amer., informal)
"Hang in there. I'm sure you'll find a job very soon."
hang on
wait a short time (informal)
"Hang on while I grab my coat and shoes!"
hang out
spend time relaxing (informal)
"Instead of going to the party we are just going to hang out at my place."
hang up
end a phone call
"He didn't say goodbye before he hung up."
hold back
prevent from doing going
"I had to hold my dog back because there was a cat in the park."
hold back
hide an emotion
"Jamie held back his tears at his grandfather's funeral."
hold on
wait a short time
"Please hold on while I transfer you to the Sales Department."
hold onto
hold firmly using your hands or arms
"Hold onto your hat because it's very windy outside."
hold up
rob
"A man in a black mask held the bank up this morning."
keep on doing
continue doing
"Keep on stirring until the liquid comes to a boil."
keep from
not tell
"We kept our relationship from our parents for two years."
keep out
stop from entering
"Try to keep the wet dog out of the living room."
keep up
continue at the same rate
"If you keep those results up you will get into a great college."
let down
fail to support or help, disappoint
"I need you to be on time. Don't let me down this time."
let in
allow to enter
"Can you let the cat in before you go to school?"
look after
take care of
"I have to look after my sick grandmother."
look down on
think less of, consider inferior
"Ever since we stole that chocolate bar your dad has looked down on me."
look for
try to find
"I'm looking for a red dress for the wedding."
look forward to
be excited about the future
"I'm looking forward to the Christmas break."
look into
investigate
"We are going to look into the price of snowboards today."
look out
be careful, vigilant, and take notice
"Look out! That car's going to hit you!"
look out for
be especially vigilant for
"Don't forget to look out for snakes on the hiking trail."
look over
check, examine
"Can you look over my essay for spelling mistakes?"
look up
search and find information in a reference book or database
"We can look her phone number up on the Internet."
look up to
have a lot of respect for
"My little sister has always looked up to me."
make up
invent, lie about something
"Josie made up a story about about why we were late."
make up
forgive each other
"We were angry last night, but we made up at breakfast."
make up
apply cosmetics to
"My sisters made me up for my graduation party."
mix up
confuse two or more things
"I mixed up the twins' names again!"
pass away
die
"His uncle passed away last night after a long illness."
pass out
faint
"It was so hot in the church that an elderly lady passed out."
pass out
give the same thing to many people
"The professor passed the textbooks out before class."
pass up
decline (usually something good)
"I passed up the job because I am afraid of change."
pay back
return owed money
"Thanks for buying my ticket. I'll pay you back on Friday."
pay for
be punished for doing something bad
"That bully will pay for being mean to my little brother."
pick out
choose
"I picked out three sweaters for you to try on."
point out
indicate with your finger
"I'll point my boyfriend out when he runs by."
put down
put what you are holding on a surface or floor
"You can put the groceries down on the kitchen counter."
put down
insult, make someone feel stupid
"The students put the substitute teacher down because his pants were too short."
put off
postpone
"We are putting off our trip until January because of the hurricane."
put out
extinguish
"The neighbours put the fire out before the firemen arrived."
put together
assemble
"I have to put the crib together before the baby arrives."
put up with
tolerate
"I don't think I can put up with three small children in the car."
put on
put clothing accessories on your body
"Don't forget to put on your new earrings for the party."
run into
meet unexpectedly
"I ran into an old school-friend at the mall."
run over
drive a vehicle over a person or thing
"I accidentally ran over your bicycle in the driveway."
run over through
rehearse, review
"Let's run over through these lines one more time before the show."
run away
leave unexpectedly, escape
"The child ran away from home and has been missing for three days."
run out
have none left
"We ran out of shampoo so I had to wash my hair with soap."
send back
return (usually by mail)
"My letter got sent back to me because I used the wrong stamp."
set up
arrange, organize
"Our boss set a meeting up with the president of the company."
set up
trick, trap
"The police set up the car thief by using a hidden camera."
shop around
compare prices
"I want to shop around a little before I decide on these boots."
show off
act extra special for people watching (usually boastfully)
"He always shows off on his skateboard"
sleep over
stay somewhere for the night (informal)
"You should sleep over tonight if the weather is too bad to drive home."
sort out
organize, resolve a problem
"We need to sort the bills out before the first of the month."
stick to
continue doing something, limit yourself to one particular thing
"You will lose weight if you stick to the diet."
switch off
stop the energy flow, turn off
"The light's too bright. Could you switch it off."
switch on
start the energy flow, turn on
"We heard the news as soon as we switched on the car radio."
take after
resemble a family member
"I take after my mother. We are both impatient."
take apart
purposely break into pieces
"He took the car brakes apart and found the problem."
take back
return an item
"I have to take our new TV back because it doesn't work."
take off
start to fly
"My plane takes off in five minutes."
take off
remove something (usually clothing)
"Take off your socks and shoes and come in the lake!"
take out
remove from a place or thing
"Can you take the garbage out to the street for me?"
take out
pay for someone to go somewhere with you
"My grandparents took us out for dinner and a movie."
tear up
rip into pieces
"I tore up my ex-boyfriend's letters and gave them back to him."
think back
remember (often + to, sometimes + on)
"When I think back on my youth, I wish I had studied harder."
think over
consider
"I'll have to think this job offer over before I make my final decision."
throw away
dispose of
"We threw our old furniture away when we won the lottery."
turn down
decrease the volume or strength (heat, light etc)
"Please turn the TV down while the guests are here."
turn down
refuse
"I turned the job down because I don't want to move."
turn off
stop the energy flow, switch off
"Your mother wants you to turn the TV off and come for dinner."
turn on
start the energy, switch on
"It's too dark in here. Let's turn some lights on."
turn up
increase the volume or strength (heat, light etc)
"Can you turn the music up? This is my favourite song."
turn up
appear suddenly
"Our cat turned up after we put posters up all over the neighbourhood."
try on
sample clothing
"I'm going to try these jeans on, but I don't think they will fit."
try out
test
"I am going to try this new brand of detergent out."
use up
finish the supply
"The kids used all of the toothpaste up so we need to buy some more."
wake up
stop sleeping
"We have to wake up early for work on Monday."
warm up
increase the temperature
"You can warm your feet up in front of the fireplace."
warm up
prepare body for exercise
"I always warm up by doing sit-ups before I go for a run."
wear off
fade away
"Most of my make-up wore off before I got to the party."
work out
exercise
"I work out at the gym three times a week."
work out
be successful
"Our plan worked out fine."
work out
make a calculation
"We have to work out the total cost before we buy the house."
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.
A1
If something is A1, it is the very best or finest.
Abide by a decision
If you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though you might disagree with it.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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 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 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.
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 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
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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'.)
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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'.)
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
(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
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.)
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.
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 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
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 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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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
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
(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
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
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
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".
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
(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
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 | With flying 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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.)
A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush
Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.
A Blessing In Disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
A Chip On Your Shoulder
Being upset for something that happened in the past.
A Dime A Dozen
Anything that is common and easy to get.
A Doubting Thomas
A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something.
A Drop in the Bucket
A very small part of something big or whole.
A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted
It's easy for a foolish person to lose his/her money.
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand
Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.
A Leopard Can't Change His Spots
You cannot change who you are.
A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned
By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little).
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
A Piece of Cake
A task that can be accomplished very easily.
A Slap on the Wrist
A very mild punishment.
A Taste Of Your Own Medicine
When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others.
A Toss-Up
A result that is still unclear and can go either way.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
It's better to actually do something than just talk about it.
Add Fuel To The Fire
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.
Against The Clock
Rushed and short on time.
All Bark And No Bite
When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight.
All Greek to me
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the Greek language would be.
All In The Same Boat
When everyone is facing the same challenges.
An Arm And A Leg
Very expensive. A large amount of money.
An Axe To Grind
To have a dispute with someone.
Apple of My Eye
Someone who is cherished above all others.
As High As A Kite
Anything that is high up in the sky.
At The Drop Of A Hat
Willing to do something immediately.
Back Seat Driver
People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.
Back To Square One
Having to start all over again.
Back To The Drawing Board
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Baker's Dozen
Thirteen.
Barking Up The Wrong Tree
A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve.
Beat A Dead Horse
To force an issue that has already ended.
Beating Around The Bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Bend Over Backwards
Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything.
Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Stuck between two very bad options.
Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
To take on a task that is way to big.
Bite Your Tongue
To avoid talking.
Blood Is Thicker Than Water
The family bond is closer than anything else.
Blue Moon
A rare event or occurance.
Break A Leg
A superstitious way to say 'good luck' without saying 'good luck', but rather the opposite.
Buy A Lemon
To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.
Can't Cut The Mustard
Someone who isn't adequate enough to compete or participate.
Cast Iron Stomach
Someone who has no problems, complications or ill effects with eating anything or drinking anything.
Charley Horse
Stiffness in the leg / A leg cramp.
Chew someone out
Verbally scold someone.
Chip on his Shoulder
Angry today about something that occured in the past.
Chow Down
To eat.
Close but no Cigar
To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short.
Cock and Bull Story
An unbelievable tale.
Come Hell Or High Water
Any difficult situation or obstacle.
Crack Someone Up
To make someone laugh.
Cross Your Fingers
To hope that something happens the way you want it to.
Cry Over Spilt Milk
When you complain about a loss from the past.
Cry Wolf
Intentionally raise a false alarm.
Cup Of Joe
A cup of coffee.
Curiosity Killed The Cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.
Cut to the Chase
Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the point.
Dark Horse
One who was previously unknown and is now prominent.
Dead Ringer
100% identical. A duplicate.
Devil's Advocate
Someone who takes a position for the sake of argument without believing in that particular side of the arguement. It can also mean one who presents a counter argument for a position they do believe in, to another debater.
Dog Days of Summer
The hottest days of the summer season.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't rely on it until your sure of it.
Don't Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth
When someone gives you a gift, don't be ungrateful.
Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
Doozy
Something outstanding.
Down To The Wire
Something that ends at the last minute or last few seconds.
Drastic Times Call For Drastic Measures
When you are extremely desperate you need to take extremely desperate actions.
Drink like a fish
To drink very heavily.
Drive someone up the wall
To irritate and/or annoy very much.
Dropping Like Flies
A large number of people either falling ill or dying.
Dry Run
Rehearsal.
Eighty Six
A certain item is no longer available. Or this idiom can also mean, to throw away.
Elvis has left the building
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Ethnic Cleansing
Killing of a certain ethnic or religious group on a massive scale.
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
Be optomistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
Everything But The Kitchen Sink
Almost everything and anything has been included.
Excuse my French
Please forgive me for cussing.
Cock and Bull Story
An unbelievable tale.
Cock and Bull Story
An unbelievable tale.
Feeding Frenzy
An aggressive attack on someone by a group.
Field Day
An enjoyable day or circumstance.
Finding Your Feet
To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing.
Finger lickin' good
A very tasty food or meal.
Fixed In Your Ways
Not willing or wanting to change from your normal way of doing something.
Flash In The Pan
Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end.
Flea Market
A swap meet. A place where people gather to buy and sell inexpensive goods.
Flesh and Blood
This idiom can mean living material of which people are made of, or it can refer to someone's family.
Flip The Bird
To raise your middle finger at someone.
Foam at the Mouth
To be enraged and show it.
Fools' Gold
Iron pyrites, a worthless rock that resembles real gold.
French Kiss
An open mouth kiss where tongues touch.
From Rags To Riches
To go from being very poor to being very wealthy.
Fuddy-duddy
An old-fashioned and foolish type of person.
Full Monty
This idiom can mean either, "the whole thing" or "completely nude".
Funny Farm
A mental institutional facility.
Get Down to Brass Tacks
To become serious about something.
Get Over It
To move beyond something that is bothering you.
Get Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed
Someone who is having a horrible day.
Get Your Walking Papers
Get fired from a job.
Give Him The Slip
To get away from. To escape.
Go Down Like A Lead Balloon
To be received badly by an audience.
Go For Broke
To gamble everything you have.
Go Out On A Limb
Put yourself in a tough position in order to support someone/something.
Go The Extra Mile
Going above and beyond whatever is required for the task at hand.
Good Samaritan
Someone who helps others when they are in need, with no discussion for compensation, and no thought of a reward.
Graveyard Shift
Working hours from about 12 00 am to 8 00 am. The time of the day when most other people are sleeping.
Great Minds Think Alike
Intelligent people think like each other.
Green Room
The waiting room, especially for those who are about to go on a tv or radio show.
Gut Feeling
A personal intuition you get, especially when feel something may not be right.
Haste Makes Waste
Quickly doing things results in a poor ending.
Hat Trick
When one player scores three goals in the same hockey game. This idiom can also mean three scores in any other sport, such as 3 homeruns, 3 touchdowns, 3 soccer goals, etc.
Have an Axe to Grind
To have a dispute with someone.
He Lost His Head
Angry and overcome by emotions.
Head Over Heels
Very excited and/or joyful, especially when in love.
Hell in a Handbasket
Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
High Five
Slapping palms above each others heads as celebration gesture.
High on the Hog
Living in Luxury.
Hit The Books
To study, especially for a test or exam.
Hit The Hay
Go to bed or go to sleep.
Hit The Nail on the Head
Do something exactly right or say something exactly right.
Hit The Sack
Go to bed or go to sleep.
Hocus Pocus
In general, a term used in magic or trickery.
Hold Your Horses
Be patient.
Icing On The Cake
When you already have it good and get something on top of what you already have.
Idle Hands Are The Devil's Tools
You are more likely to get in trouble if you have nothing to do.
If It's Not One Thing, It's Another
When one thing goes wrong, then another, and another...
In Like Flynn
To be easily successful, especially when sexual or romantic.
In The Bag
To have something secured.
In The Buff
Nude.
In The Heat Of The Moment
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
In Your Face
An aggressive and bold confrontation.
It Takes Two To Tango
A two person conflict where both people are at fault.
It's A Small World
You frequently see the same people in different places.
Its Anyone's Call
A competition where the outcome is difficult to judge or predict.
Ivy League
Since 1954 the Ivy League has been the following universities Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Yale, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Harvard.
Jaywalk
Crossing the street (from the middle) without using the crosswalk.
Joshing Me
Tricking me.
Keep An Eye On Him
You should carefully watch him.
Keep body and soul together
To earn a sufficient amount of money in order to keep yourself alive .
Keep your chin up
To remain joyful in a tough situation.
Kick The Bucket
Die.
Kitty-corner
Diagonally across. Sometimes called Catty-Corner as well.
Knee Jerk Reaction
A quick and automatic response.
Knock On Wood
Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid some bad luck.
Know the Ropes
To understand the details.
Last but not least
An introduction phrase to let the audience know that the last person mentioned is no less important than those introduced before him/her.
Lend Me Your Ear
To politely ask for someone's full attention.
Let Bygones Be Bygones
To forget about a disagreement or arguement.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
To avoid restarting a conflict.
Let The Cat Out Of The Bag
To share a secret that wasn't suppose to be shared.
Level playing field
A fair competition where no side has an advantage.
Like a chicken with its head cut off
To act in a frenzied manner.
liquor someone up
To get someone drunk.
Long in the Tooth
Old people (or horses).
Loose Cannon
Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check.
Make No Bones About
To state a fact so there are no doubts or objections.
Method To My Madness
Strange or crazy actions that appear meaningless but in the end are done for a good reason.
Mumbo Jumbo
Nonsense or meaningless speech.
Mum's the word
To keep quiet. To say nothing.
Nest Egg
Savings set aside for future use.
Never Bite The Hand That Feeds You
Don't hurt anyone that helps you.
New kid on the block
Someone new to the group or area.
New York Minute
A minute that seems to go by quickly, especially in a fast paced environment.
No Dice
To not agree. To not accept a proposition.
No Room to Swing a Cat
An unsually small or confined space.
Not Playing With a Full Deck
Someone who lacks intelligence.
Off On The Wrong Foot
Getting a bad start on a relationship or task.
Off The Hook
No longer have to deal with a tough situation.
Off the Record
Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn't want attributed to him/her.
On Pins And Needles
Anxious or nervous, especially in anticipation of something.
On The Fence
Undecided.
On The Same Page
When multiple people all agree on the same thing.
Out Of The Blue
Something that suddenly and unexpectedly occurs.
Out On A Limb
When someone puts themself in a risky situation.
Out On The Town
To enjoy yourself by going out.
Over My Dead Body
When you absolutely will not allow something to happen.
Over the Top
Very excessive.
Pass The Buck
Avoid responsibility by giving it to someone else.
Pedal to the metal
To go full speed, especially while driving a vehicle.
Peeping Tom
Someone who observes people in the nude or sexually active people, mainly for his own gratification.
Pick up your ears
To listen very carefully.
Pig In A Poke
A deal that is made without first examining it.
Pig Out
To eat alot and eat it quickly.
Pipe Down
To shut-up or be quiet.
Practice Makes Perfect
By constantly practicing, you will become better.
Pull the plug
To stop something. To bring something to an end.
Pulling Your Leg
Tricking someone as a joke.
Put a sock in it
To tell noisy person or a group to be quiet.
Queer the pitch
Destroy or ruin a plan.
Raincheck
An offer or deal that is declined right now but willing to accept later.
Raining Cats and Dogs
A very loud and noisy rain storm.
Ring Fencing
Seperated usual judgement to guarantee protection, especially project funds.
Rise and Shine
Time to get out of bed and get ready for work/school.
Rome Was Not Built In One Day
If you want something to be completely properly, then its going to take time.
Rule Of Thumb
A rough estimate.
Run out of steam
To be completely out of energy.
Saved By The Bell
Saved at the last possible moment.
Scapegoat
Someone else who takes the blame.
Scot-free
To escape and not have to pay.
Sick As A Dog
To be very sick (with the flu or a cold).
Sitting Shotgun
Riding in the front passenger seat of a car.
Sixth Sense
A paranormal sense that allows you to communicate with the dead.
Skid Row
The rundown area of a city where the homeless and drug users live.
Smell A Rat
To detect somone in the group is betraying the others.
Smell Something Fishy
Detecting that something isn't right and there might be a reason for it.
Son of a Gun
A scamp.
Southpaw
Someone who is left-handed.
Spitting Image
The exact likeness or kind.
Start From Scratch
To do it all over again from the beginning.
The Ball Is In Your Court
It is your decision this time.
The Best Of Both Worlds
There are two choices and you have them both.
The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall
While the bigger and stronger opponent might be alot more difficult to beat, when you do they suffer a much bigger loss.
The Last Straw
When one small burden after another creates an unbearable situation, the last straw is the last small burden that one can take.
The Whole Nine Yards
Everything. All of it.
Third times a charm
After no success the first two times, the third try is a lucky one.
Tie the knot
To get married.
Til the cows come home
A long time.
To Make A Long Story Short
Something someone would say during a long and boring story in order to keep his/her audience from losing attention. Usually the story isn't shortened.
To Steal Someone's Thunder
To take the credit for something someone else did.
Tongue And Cheek
humor, not to be taken serious.
Turn A Blind Eye
Refuse to acknowledge something you know is real or legit.
Twenty three skidoo
To be turned away.
Under the weather
Feeling ill or sick.
Up a blind alley
Going down a course of action that leads to a bad outcome.
Use Your Loaf
Use your head. Think smart.
Van Gogh's ear for music
Tone deaf.
Variety Is The Spice Of Life
The more experiences you try the more exciting life can be.
Wag the Dog
A diversion away from something of greater importance.
Water Under The Bridge
Anything from the past that isn't significant or important anymore.
Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve
To openly and freely express your emotions.
When It Rains, It Pours
Since it rarely rains, when it does it will be a huge storm.
When Pigs Fly
Something that will never ever happen.
Wild and Woolly
Uncultured and without laws.
Wild and Dine
When somebody is treated to an expensive meal.
Without A Doubt
For certain.
X marks the spot
A phrase that is said when someone finds something he/she has been looking for.
You Are What You Eat
In order to stay healthy you must eat healthy foods.
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover
Decisions shouldn't be made primarily on appearance.
You Can't Take it With You
Enjoy what you have and not what you don't have, since when you die you cannot take things (such as money) with you.
Your Guess Is As Good As Mine
I have no idea.
Zero Tolerance
No crime or law breaking big or small will be overlooked.
The life and soul of the party
the person who's at the centre of all parties!
She's the life and soul of the party.
let your hair down
forget all your inhibitions: "Go on! Let your hair down for once and have a good time."
have a whale of a time
have a great time: "We had a whale of a time at Sonia's birthday."
paint the town red
have a wild time: "They painted the town red all weekend."
a party animal
a person who loves going to parties: "John is a real party animal. He's never at home."
a wild child
a young adult who goes to lots of parties: "Emma is a bit of a wild child."
large it up
(UK slang) have a good time: "She larges it up at the weekend."
a social butterfly
a person with lots of friends and acquaintances: She's a bit of a social butterfly."
be a laugh
be good company: "Eric's a bit of a laugh."
throw a party
have a party: "We're throwing a party next Saturday."
party-pooper
someone who doesn't like parties: "Don't be such a party-pooper!"
a wet blanket
someone who doesn't want to have fun: "He's such a wet blanket."
Billy no-mates
(UK slang) a man with no friends: "He doesn't want to go alone to the restaurant and look like Billy no-mates."
Norma no-mates
(UK slang) a woman with no friends: "She doesn't want to look like Norma no-mates."
pour cold water on
someone who turns the atmosphere cold: "So then he had to go and pour cold water on everything by refusing to sing Happy Birthday."
a wallflower
someone who stands on his own at parties: "Who's the wallflower over there?"
piss on someone's fireworks
(UK slang) ruin the happy mood: "Don't go and piss on his fireworks by turning down the music. Let him have some fun."
find someone in the kitchen at parties
refer to someone who doesn't like mixing socially: "You'll always find Kevin in the kitchen at parties."
a slow dance
a slow, romantic dance: "She had a slow dance with Tony."
burn up the dance floor
dance a lot: "They like burning up the dance floor."
dance the night away
dance all night long: "Those two danced the night away."
dance cheek to cheek
dance very close to someone: "Everyone was looking at them dance cheek to cheek."
have a boogie
have a dance: "Fancy a boogie?"
put on your dancing shoes
get ready for dancing: "Come on Sarah! Put on your dancing shoes - we're going clubbing tonight!"
strut your stuff
enjoy dancing: "Look at him strut his stuff. Who does he think he is? John Travolta?"
to be hot
very popular / fashionable: "Iceland is a really hot weekend destination at the moment."
a hot favourite
someone / something most likely to win: "Red Rum was always the hot favourite to win the Grand National."
a hot tip
important or useful suggestion: "He gave me a hot tip for my interview."
a hot topic
an issue which is important: "Climate change is a hot topic at the moment."
hot off the press
very new story: "This gossip is hot off the press."
to get too hot
become too dangerous: "Things are getting too hot and the relief agencies are pulling out of the area."
a hot date
a date with someone you find very attractive: "She's got a hot date tonight!"
hot stuff
attractive: "Her new boyfriend is hot stuff."
in the hot seat
in a position of responsibility: "You make the decisions - you're in the hot seat now!"
in hot water
in trouble because you have done something wrong: "If you send that email now, you'll find yourself in hot water with the boss."
have a hot temper
to get angry easily: "He has a hot temper, so don't provoke him into an argument."
get hot under the collar
get angry about something which isn't very important: "You always seem to get hot under the collar about people's driving habits. Don't let it worry you!"
hot and bothered
feeling uncomfortable, either because it's too hot, or because you have too much to do in too little time: "She's all hot and bothered now that she's been invited to the theatre this evening."
be like a cat on a hot tin roof
restless or jumpy: "He's like a cat on a hot tin roof with all this talk about redundancies."
in hot pursuit
to follow closely: "The pickpocket ran off, with members of the public in hot pursuit."
hot on the trail
close to finding something: "The police are hot on the trail of the mastermind behind the bank robbery."
hot air
something which is not as important or true as it sounds: "What he says is just a lot of hot air - don't take it too seriously."
more than you've had hot dinners
an expression to mean that you've had a lot of something: "I've had more jobs than you've had hot dinners!"
blow hot and cold
keep changing your mind about something: "I'm blowing hot and cold about moving to the countryside."
safe as houses
very safe: "This plan is as safe as houses. It can't fail!"
get on like a house on fire
get on very well with someone: "Those two get on like a house on fire."
give house room to
give space in your house to something: "I wouldn't give house room to that lamp. It's horrible!"
eat someone out of house and home
eat a lot of food: "When they stayed with me, they ate me out of house and home!"
get a foot on the housing ladder
manage to buy your first house so that you can buy a bigger second one later: "It's becoming more difficult for young people to get a foot on the housing ladder."
get your own house in order
tidy up your own affairs before criticising other people's: "You should get your own house in order before telling me what to do!"
be on the house
be free (in a restaurant): "Can I get you a drink on the house?"
have a roof over your head
have somewhere to live: "Unless we find another flat to rent, we won't have a roof over our heads in two months' time!"
build castles in the air
have impossible dreams or plans: "She has this unrealistic idea of sailing around the world. She's building castles in the air again."
lead someone up the garden path
deceive someone: "He really led her up the garden path with his promises of promotion and career advancement."
everything but the kitchen sink
take a lot of things when you go somewhere: "They took everything but the kitchen sink when they went on holiday."
throw money down the drain
waste money: "If you ask me, by giving your son all that money, you're really throwing money down the drain."
have a skeleton in the cupboard | have a skeleton in the closet
have an unpleasant secret: "There are a lot of skeletons in their cupboard."
housework
chores you do in the house: "She does all the housework."
house wine
the restaurant's own unlabelled wine: "Would you like the house red or the house white?"
house music
a type of dance music: "They played house all night at the club."
house speciality
a speciality of the restaurant: "Garlic oysters are one of their house specialities."
full house
a full theatre: "It's full house tonight."
home in on
become closer to your target: "Police are homing in on the suspects."
there's no place like home
an expression to mean that your home is a special place: "What a great holiday! Still, there's no place like home."
home from home
a place that is as comfortable as your home: "The hotel was home from home."
be home and dry
succeed at something and not expect any further problems: "I'm glad we've got that new client. We're home and dry now."
make yourself at home
make yourself comfortable: "Make yourself at home! Can I get you a drink?"
ram something home
make a point forcefully: "They rammed home the idea that she had to get a good job."
home truth
an uncomfortable fact: "She's going to have to sit down and hear some home truths."
home comforts
the things that make you feel comfortable: "Our hotel room has all the home comforts, such as a coffee maker, reading lamp, nice soaps in the bathroom…"
homework
school exercises that you do at home: "Our teachers give us a ton of homework!"
homesick
when you miss your home: "He went away for two weeks, but was terribly homesick."
blow away the cobwebs
literally to get rid of the webs that spiders make, this idiom means to do something which makes your mind "cleaner" and fresher: "After sitting in the same chair for five hours, I wanted to go out for a walk to blow away the cobwebs."
like a breath of fresh air
someone or something who has new, fresh ideas or behaviour: "After working for the old boss for 20 years, the new boss seems like a breath of fresh air."
out with the old, in with the new
to change the old for the new: "We have a new CEO who wants to make his mark on the company. Out with the old, in with the new."
new blood
to have fresh people and ideas in an organisation: "In an effort to get new blood into our research department, we're having a recruitment drive."
shake things up | a shake up
to change things a lot: "The government are having a shake up of their education policies."
give something a new lease of life
to renew something so that it lasts longer: "Those tablets have given our pet dog a new lease of life."
breathe new life into
to give new energy to something: "This sports club needs to increase its members to breathe new life into our finances."
get a fresh perspective
to get a different point of view: "Let's ask the sales department for their opinion. The can bring us a fresh perspective."
see things from a different angle
to consider something from a different point of view: "Let's try to see this problem from a different angle."
go back to square one
to have to start again because something didn't work: "Well, so much for trying! I suppose it's back to square one."
go back to the drawing board
to have to start again because something didn't work: "Unfortunately the plans didn't work out. We'll have to go back to the drawing board."
start with a clean sheet
to have another chance, perhaps because you have made serious mistakes: "He's paid for his mistakes, and now he can start with a clean sheet."
make a fresh start | make a clean break
to start something again: "Let's put the problems behind us and make a fresh start."
a change is as good as a rest
it's often as refreshing to make a change than it is to have a break
a change for the better | a change for the worse
a change that results in either a better or a worse situation
a change of heart
when you change your mind on something: "I've had a change of heart. I think I'll stay in my present job, after all."
loose change | spare change
coins in your pocket: "Do you have any spare change for the parking meter?"
small change
money of little value: "I've got about 5 euros of small change in my pocket."
over the moon
"He was over the moon when he heard the news."
thrilled to bits
"She was thrilled to bits with her new bicycle."
in seventh heaven
"They were in seventh heaven when they learned they'd won a cruise."
on cloud nine
"When I got the job, I was on cloud nine for several weeks."
jump for joy
"We jumped for joy when we got the mortgage."
down in the dumps
"When she left him, he was down in the dumps for a couple of weeks."
feel blue
"She felt a little blue when she lost her job."
beside yourself
(with grief, worry) "When her son went missing, she was beside herself with worry."
Annoyed because you have missed an opportunity
sick as a parrot
"He was as sick as a parrot when he realised he had thrown away his lottery ticket."
see red
"Don't talk to him about his boss - it just makes him see red!"
hopping mad
"She was hopping mad when she found out her daughter had disobeyed her."
in a black mood
"Be careful what you say - she's in a black mood today."
cheesed off
"I was really cheesed off when I lost the competition."
to not be on speaking terms
"They're not on speaking terms at the moment after their row."
To be off someone's Christmas card list
"Oh dear. I think I'm off her Christmas card list after insulting her husband!"
have a downer on someone
"What's John done? You seem to have a real downer on him."
rub someone up the wrong way
"Those two are always arguing. They just seem to rub each other up the wrong way."
at the end of your tether
"I just can't cope. I'm at the end of my tether with all these bills and debts."
at your wits' end
"He's at his wits' end. He's tried everything to solve the problem, but nothing has worked."
get on like a house on fire
to get on really well with someone: "They get on like a house on fire."
have a soft spot for someone
to be very fond of someone: "She has a soft spot for her youngest child."
go back a long way
to know someone well for a long time: "Those two go back a long way. They were at primary school together."
be in with
to have favoured status with someone: "She's in with the management."
get off on the wrong foot with someone
to start off badly with someone: "She really got off on the wrong foot with her new boss."
keep someone at arm's length
to keep someone at a distance: "I'm keeping her at arm's length for the time being."
they're like cat and dog
to often argue with someone: "Those two are like cat and dog."
rub someone up the wrong way
to irritate someone: "She really rubs her sister up the wrong way."
be at loggerheads
to disagree strongly: "Charles and Henry are at loggerheads over the new policy."
sworn enemies
to hate someone: "Those two are sworn enemies."
bend over backwards for someone
do everything possible to help someone: "She bent over backwards for them when they first arrived in the town."
be at someone's beck and call
to always be ready to do what someone wants: "As the office junior, she was at his beck and call all day."
pull your weight
to do the right amount of work: "The kids always pull their weight around the house."
do your fair share
to do your share of the work: "He never does his fair share!"
take someone under your wing
to look after someone until they settle in: "He took her under his wing for her first month at work."
keep tabs on someone
to watch someone carefully to check what they are doing: "He's keeping tabs on the sales team at the moment."
wear the trousers
to be in control: "She wears the trousers in their relationship."
be under the thumb
to be controlled by someone else: "He really keeps her under the thumb."
get your wires crossed
to misunderstand someone because you think they are talking about something else: "I think I've got my wires crossed. Were you talking about car or personal insurance?"
get the wrong end of the stick
to misunderstand someone and understand the opposite of what they are saying: "You've got the wrong end of the stick. The fault was with the other driver, not with me."
be left in the dark
to be left without enough information: "We've been left in the dark over this project. We haven't been told how to do it."
talk at cross purposes
when two people don't understand each other because they are talking about two different things (but don't realise it): "We're talking at cross purposes here."
go round in circles
to say the same things over and again, so never resolving a problem: "We always end up going round in circles in these meetings."
leave things up in the air
to leave something undecided: "I hate leaving things up in the air."
talk nineteen to the dozen
talk fast: "She was so excited that she was talking nineteen to the dozen."
talk the hind legs off a donkey
talk without stopping: "She can talk the hind legs off a donkey!"
talk something through | talk something over
to discuss something: "Before we decide anything, I think we ought to talk it through."
talk something up
to make something appear more important: "She really talked the idea up, but I don't think that everyone was convinced."
talk someone into doing
to persuade someone: "He talked her into buying a new car."
talk someone through something
give step-by-step instructions: "She talked him through the procedure."
talk down to
talk in a condescending way: "Don't talk down to me! I understand you perfectly well."
talk back
respond to someone in authority in a rude way: "Don't talk back to your mother!"
This is similar to back chat
"I don't want any back chat from you!"
talk under your breath
talk quietly so that nobody can hear you: "They talked under their breath in the meeting."
talk rubbish
not to speak logically: "He talks complete rubbish sometimes!"
talk through your arse
(British slang and quite rude) "You're talking through your arse again. You know nothing about it!"
talk at cross purposes
when two people don't understand each other because they are talking about two different things (but don't realise it): "We're talking at cross purposes here."
talk with a plum in your mouth | speak with a plum in your mouth
talk with a posh (upper class) accent: "She talks with a plum in her mouth!"
talk around the subject
not get to the point: "He didn't want to say they were in danger of losing their jobs, so he talked around the subject for half an hour."
talk highly of someone
praise someone: "He talks very highly of you!"
to give someone a talking-to
when you talk to someone because you are angry with them: "His boss gave him a real talking-to yesterday!"
talk to yourself
to speak to yourself, maybe because you are concentrating on something: "Are you talking to yourself again?"
to be like talking to a brick wall
to not have any effect on someone: "Sometimes talking to him is like talking to a brick wall!"
talk your way out of something
get out of a difficult situation by giving a clever explanation: "Whew! I think I managed to talk our way out of that one!"
straight talking
honest words: "I want some straight talking around here!"
talk shop
talk about work in a social situation: "Whenever I go out with my colleagues, we always end up talking shop."
to chat someone up
to talk to someone because you are attracted to them: "He went to a party and chatted up every woman."
a chatterbox
someone who talks a lot, but not saying anything important: "She's a bit of a chatterbox at work."
chit-chat
social conversation about unimportant subjects: "Enough of the chit-chat! I have to get on with some work."
to have a word with someone
to talk to someone about something you are not happy with: "I'm going to have a word with him about his kids' behaviour."
to not have a good word to say about someone
to always criticise: "She never has a good word to say about the Browns."
a word in your ear
something you say before you give some advice or a warning: "A word in your ear - the company are monitoring internet use."
to not mince your words
say something directly, without trying to be diplomatic: "She doesn't mince her words!"
to have words
to have an argument: "They've had words and now they're not speaking."
to get a word in edgeways
to try to contribute to a conversation: "They were talking so fast it was impossible to get a word in edgeways!"
keep something under your hat
don't say anything to anyone: "I've got something to say to you. But keep it under your hat - it's not public knowledge."
take your hat off to someone
admire someone: "I really take my hat off to people who work full time and study at the same time!"
tied to his mother's apron strings
someone (normally a man) who does what his mother tells him: "He didn't want to come out last weekend, because his mother disapproves of us. He's really tied to her apron strings!"
keep something up your sleeve
keep something hidden for later: "We've been negotiating my new pay and conditions, but I've kept the other job offer up my sleeve for the time being."
all talk no trousers
someone who talks a lot but doesn't act: "I know he told you that he would get you a limousine for the wedding. Don't believe him, though. He's all talk, no trousers."
who wears the trousers?
who has the power in a relationship: "What do you mean, she won't let you come out with us? Who wears the trousers in your house?"
pull your socks up
work harder: "You'll have to pull your socks up if you want a promotion next year."
it will blow your socks off
very hot food: "This is a fantastic stir-fry - it's hot enough to blow your socks off!"
hot under the collar
upset or angry about something: "He gets really hot under the collar about cruelty to animals - he can't stand seeing animals suffer."
pants
(UK slang) - rubbish: "What did you think of the film?" "Pants!"
get something under your belt
achieve something: "I'm really glad I passed the driving test. Now I've got that under my belt, I can relax for a little while."
belt up
keep quiet: "What's all that noise? Just belt up, would you? I can't hear myself think."
below the belt
unfair: "You know he's really sensitive about the accident. I think it was a bit below the belt to mention it."
the boot's on the other foot
your opponent now has the advantage: "Now that she has been promoted, the boot's on the other foot! You should watch what you say from now on."
get your skates on
to hurry up: "Get your skates on - we're late as it is!"
have the shirt off your back
to steal all you own: "He asked you for how much rent? He'd have the shirt off your back, if you let him."
in only the clothes he stood up in
to only possess what you wear: "After the fire, they were left with only the clothes they stood up in."
get shirty
become angry with someone: "Don't get shirty with me! I'm only reporting the new rules."
skirt around the issue
not talk directly about something: "They skirted around the issue for a while, then got down to the real business."
cloak and dagger
mysterious: "Who's arranging the party? I don't know - it's all very cloak and dagger at the moment."
give someone a dressing down
tell someone off / reprimand someone: "He gave the whole department a dressing down after they failed to meet their agreed targets."
dressed to the nines | dressed to kill
dressed up: "Where are you going, dressed up to the nines?"
break someone's heart
upset someone greatly: "She broke his heart when she left him."
learn something off by heart
learn something completely: "I've learnt this off by heart - I'm bound to pass the exam!"
you're all heart!
when you tell someone sarcastically how kind they are: "Thanks for giving me all this work - you're all heart!"
hand on heart
promise with sincerity: "Hand on heart, it's the honest truth."
have the heart
be able to give someone bad news: "I didn't have the heart to tell him he'd failed."
a heart of gold
be a very kind person: "She'll always help - she has a heart of gold."
hand over
pass on something: "Before I leave, I have to hand over all my work."
get out of hand
become impossible to manage: "You'll have to deal with this problem before it gets out of hand."
know something like the back of your hand
know something extremely well: "He knows London like the back of his hand."
have your hands full
be very busy: "I can't do anything about it now - my hands are full."
in hand
under control: "The company report is in hand - you'll have it next week."
live hand to mouth
only earn enough money for food: "After he lost his job, he had to live hand to mouth for a couple of months."
give someone a hand
help someone: "He always gives me a hand with the housework."
have someone in the palm of your hand
have influence over someone: "He's got her in the palm of his hand."
be caught red-handed
be caught doing something bad: "The children were caught red-handed picking the flowers."
butter fingers
be clumsy and drop things: "You've dropped my vase! Butter fingers!"
keep your fingers crossed
wish something for someone: "Keep your fingers crossed for me tomorrow - it's my job interview."
under your thumb
control someone: "She's got him under her thumb - he won't do anything without asking her first."
twist someone's arm
persuade someone: "I didn't want to go out, but he twisted my arm."
cost an arm and a leg
cost a fortune: "The car cost an arm and a leg - it'll take them ages to pay back the loan."
put your foot in it
say or do something you shouldn't: "I think I've put my foot in it - I told her about the party."
have itchy feet
not able to settle down in one place: "She's going off travelling again - she's got really itchy feet."
keep someone on their toes
keep someone alert: "Our teacher keeps us on our toes - we have to pay attention in class."
stand on your own two feet
be independent: "I don't need your help - I can stand on my own two feet."
have two left feet
be awkward or clumsy: "He's a terrible dancer - he's got two left feet!"
walk on eggshells
be careful about what you say or do: "She's in a terrible mood - you'll have to walk on eggshells around her."
foot the bill
pay the bill: "He had to foot the bill for the party."
go behind someone's back
do something secretly: "She went behind my back and told my boss I wanted a new job."
back off
stop trying to force someone to do something: "Will you just back off and let me decide what I should do!"
back down
accept defeat: "He finally backed down and let me buy a pet rabbit."
back someone up
support someone: "Thank you for backing me up in the meeting."
put your back into something
work very hard at something: "She put her back into it and got good results."
stab someone in the back
betray someone: "Be careful of him - he'll stab you in the back if it gets him what he wants."
head to head
in a race, when two contestants are doing as well as each other: "They are head to head in the polls."
off the top of your head
when you give an answer to something without having the time to reflect: "What's our market strategy?" "Well, off the top of my head, I can suggest…"
have a good head for
be good at something: "He's an accountant and he has a good head for figures."
have your head in the clouds
dream: "He's always got his head in the clouds - he makes all these impossible plans."
go over your head
not understand something: "The lesson went over my head - I didn't understand a word of it."
keep your head
stay calm: "He always keeps his head in a crisis."
be head over heels in love
be completely in love: "You can see that he's head over heels in love with her."
keep your head above water
manage to survive financially: "Despite the recession, they kept their heads above water."
use your head
think about something to solve a problem: "It's quite simple - just use your head!"
keep something in mind | bear something in mind | keep in mind
remember something for future use: "I need a job in computers." "I'll bear it in mind - we often have vacancies for people with your skills."
make up your mind
decide: "I can't make up my mind about the job offer."
be in two minds about something
unable to decide: "I'm in two minds about buying a new car."
be out of your mind
be really worried: "Where have you been? I've been out of my mind with worry."
have a mind of your own
not be influenced by other people: "Don't tell me what to do! I've got a mind of my own, you know."
give someone a piece of your mind
tell someone how angry you are with them: "I'm going to give him a piece of my mind. He knows I cooked dinner for him and now he's an hour late."
face-to-face
in person: "We need to arrange a face-to-face meeting."
face the music
take responsibility for a difficult situation: "We've got to face the music - this company is going under."
face up to responsibilities
accept responsibilities: "You need to face up to your responsibilities - it's time you got a job and started to save money."
be two-faced
be hypocritical: "I can't believe she told you that she likes Harry - she told me she hates him! She's so two-faced!"
be all ears
listen attentively: "So, you've got an idea. I'm all ears."
have an ear for
be good at music: "He's doing well in his piano lessons - he's definitely got an ear for music."
keep your ears to the ground
listen out for something: "I'll keep my ears to the ground - the next time I hear someone wants to rent out a flat, I'll let you know."
up to your ears in something
be extremely busy: "I'm sorry I can't come out this weekend - I'm up to my ears in work."
keep your eyes peeled
watch extremely attentively: "Keep your eyes peeled for him - he's in the crowd somewhere."
keep an eye out for
watch for someone or something: "Keep an eye out for the next turning on the left."
eye up
look at someone because you think they look nice: "Whenever she goes to a club, she always gets eyed up by older men."
have your eye on something | have your eye on someone
want someone or something: "I've got my eye on a new computer."
have eyes in the back of your head
warn someone that you can see exactly what they are doing: "Don't make those signs at me - I've got eyes in the back of my head!"
see eye to eye on something
agree with someone: "Those two don't always see eye to eye - they often argue."
stick your nose in
get involved in something or someone else's business: "I wish she wouldn't stick her nose in like that - I really don't want anyone else's help."
on the tip of my tongue
when you've forgotten the word you want to say: "What's the word for it - it's on the tip of my tongue…"
tongue-tied
when you can't say anything because you feel shy: "She's tongue-tied when she has to speak in public."
by the skin of my teeth
just manage to do something: "He got out of the burning building by the skin of his teeth."
cut your teeth on something
where you learn to do something: "He's the best man to run the company - he cut his teeth in the Production Department and ran it successfully for years."
teething problems
start-up problems with a new project: "We're having teething problems with our distribution systems."
have a cheek
be disrespectful: "He's got a cheek saying you never help him - I saw you writing his report for him!"
a frog in my throat
when your throat tickles and makes you cough: "Sorry I can't stop coughing - I've got a frog in my throat."
stick your neck out
do or say something that might have negative results: "I'm going to stick my neck out and say what I think."
be up to your neck in
be in a difficult situation: "He's up to his neck in debt."
breathe down someone's neck
check constantly what someone else is doing: "I can't write this letter with you breathing down my neck!"
take on
hire someone: "They're taking on more than 500 people at the canning factory."
get the boot
be fired: "She got the boot for being lazy."
give someone the sack
fire someone: "He was given the sack for stealing."
give someone their marching orders
fire someone: "After the argument, he was given his marching orders."
get your feet under the table
get settled in: "It only took him a week to get his feet under the table, then he started to make changes."
burn the candle at both ends
work day and night at something: "He's been burning the candle at both ends to finish this project."
knuckle under
stop wasting time and start working: "The sooner you knuckle under and start work, the better."
put pen to paper
start writing: "She finally put pen to paper and wrote the letter."
work all the hours that God sends
work as much as possible: "She works all the hours that God sends to support her family."
work your fingers to the bone
work very hard: "I work my fingers to the bone for you."
go the extra mile
do more than is expected of you: "She's a hard worker and always goes the extra mile."
pull your weight
do your fair share of the work: "He's a good team worker and always pulls his weight."
pull your socks up
make a better effort: "You'll have to pull your socks up and work harder if you want to impress the boss!"
put your feet up
relax: "At last that's over - now I can put my feet up for a while."
get on the wrong side of someone
make someone dislike you: "Don't get on the wrong side of him. He's got friends in high places!"
butter someone up
be very nice to someone because you want something: "If you want a pay rise, you should butter up the boss."
the blue-eyed boy
a person who can do nothing wrong: "John is the blue-eyed boy at the moment - he's making the most of it!"
get off on the wrong foot
start off badly with someone: "You got off on the wrong foot with him - he hates discussing office politics."
be in someone's good books | be in someone's bad books
be in favour (or disfavour) with someone: "I'm not in her good books today - I messed up her report."
a mover and shaker
someone whose opinion is respected: "He's a mover and shaker in the publishing world."
pull a few strings
use your influence for something: "I had to pull a few strings to get this assignment."
take the rap for something
take the blame for something: "They made a mistake, but we had to take the rap for it."
call in a favour
ask someone to return a favour: "I need a holiday - I'm going to call in a few favours and ask the others to cover for me."
put your cards on the table
tell people what you want: "You have to put your cards on the table and tell her that you want a pay rise!"
beat around the bush
not say exactly what you want: "Tell me - don't beat around the bush!"
sit on the fence
be unable to decide about something: "When there are arguments, she just sits on the fence and says nothing."
pass the buck
pass on responsibility to someone else: "The CEO doesn't pass the buck. In fact, he often says "the buck stops here!"
take someone under your wing
look after someone: "When he was taken on, Sarah took him under her wing."
show someone the ropes
show someone how things are done: "My predecessor showed me the ropes, so I felt quite confident."
be thrown in at the deep end
not get any advice or support: "He was thrown in at the deep end with his new job. No-one helped him at all."
a them and us situation
when you (us) are opposed to "them": "The atmosphere between the two departments is terrible. There's a real them and us situation."
feeling blue
feeling unhappy: "What's the matter with you? Feeling blue?"
out of the blue
completely unexpected: "I sent off my application to the company, but heard nothing. Then completely out of the blue they sent me a letter."
see red
become extremely angry: "When people are cruel to animals, it really makes me see red."
a red letter day
a day of great importance: "It's a red letter day tomorrow in the company. It's our fiftieth birthday!"
paint the town red
celebrate: "They went out last night and really painted the town red - they didn't come home until 5 a.m."
in the red
overdrawn: "It's the end of the month and we're in the red again. We have to control our spending better."
like a red rag to a bull
likely to make someone angry: "Don't talk to him about politics - it's like a red rag to a bull."
red tape
bureaucratic paperwork: "You have to cut through a lot of red tape to get proposals accepted in this company."
red carpet treatment
treat someone with great respect: "When we visit our offices in Asia, we get the red carpet treatment."
get the green light
get approval to start something: "We've finally got the green light to start research on the new product."
green fingers
be a good gardener: "Everything grows in her garden. She definitely has green fingers."
green-belt area
an area of protected land surrounding a town or city: "The green-belt area around London is disappearing fast."
green politics
environmental politics: "He's in green politics and often campaigns to fight pollution."
black market
illegal trade: "You can change dollars for a much higher rate on the black market."
black economy
a part of the economy unregulated by the authorities: "He doesn't pay any taxes and thinks that the black economy will make him rich." (He's working on the black.)
give someone a black look
look at someone as if you are angry: "Why is he giving me such a black look?"
on the black list
be on a list of "undesirables": "We won't be invited to their party this year - we're on their black list."
blacklisted
be banned: "Many actors and writers were blacklisted in Hollywood in the 1950's because they were considered "un-American."
in black and white
be extremely clear: "This contract is in black and white: we aren't allowed to keep any pets in this house."
black spot
a dangerous spot: "his roundabout is a black spot for traffic accidents."
black and blue
be badly bruised: "When she fell off her bicycle, she was black and blue for days."
white Christmas
when it snows at Christmas: "There hasn't been a white Christmas here since 1983."
whitewash
cover up the truth: "I don't believe his story. I think it's all a whitewash."
a grey area
something which is not definite: "I think genetic engineering is a bit of a grey area."
grey matter
your brain: "Doing crossword puzzles tests your grey matter."
square meal
a big meal: "After all that travelling, we needed a square meal."
be back to square one
to be back to where you started: "I don't feel we're making any progress - we're back to square one."
look someone square in the eye
look at someone directly: "He looked me square in the eye and denied taking the money."
fair and square
completely fair: "We negotiated the deal fair and square."
square up to someone
to not be scared of dealing with someone or something difficult: "I'm glad you squared up to him in the meeting - you were definitely right!"
to be square
to be old-fashioned or boring: "She's so square - she hates doing anything fun!"
square it with someone
to get someone to agree to something: "I don't know if we can afford a car - we'll have to square it with the bank first."
a square peg in a round hole
something that doesn't fit: "He shouldn't be the boss - it would be like a square peg in a round hole."
spiral out of control
a situation that gets worse all the time: "Our costs are spiralling out of control - we have to save money."
vicious circle
a situation which makes itself worse, so that there is little chance of improvement: "The two sides are locked in a vicious circle of hatred."
go round in circles
to never get out of a situation: "I feel we're not getting anywhere - we're just going round in circles."
go full circle
to go the whole distance and arrive back in the same place: "The company has now gone full circle and has returned to its original core products."
move in the same circles
know the same people socially: "I'm afraid I don't know the Queen personally - we don't move in the same circles!"
in round figures
to the nearest unit: "In round figures, he earns 80 000 USD."
round something up or down to the nearest
give the closest even amount: "How much do we owe? Well, to round it up to the nearest dollar, I'd say about 60 USD."
the first time round
the first time that you did something: "Have you ever lived in London? Yes, the first time round, I was working in a school."
do the rounds
to be circulating: "There's a new joke doing the rounds about the President."
round on someone
to turn on someone: "She suddenly rounded on him and called him a liar."
a round of sandwiches
two sandwiches (made from two pieces of bread): "She made a few rounds of cheese sandwiches."
a round of golf
a game of golf: "Fancy a round of golf this evening?"
a round of drinks
a drink for everyone: "It's my turn to buy a round of drinks. What does everyone want?"
be the apple of someone's eye
be someone's favourite person: "She's the apple of her father's eye."
in apple-pie order
in perfect order: "Her house was in apple-pie order, with nothing out of place."
be as nice as pie
be extremely nice and charming, so that you can fool people: "She can be as nice as pie, but don't trust her!"
eat humble pie
have to take back what you said, because you have been proved wrong: "He'll have to eat humble pie now. Serve him right - he tried to make us all look bad."
have your fingers in every pie
be involved in many different things: "You can't do anything without him knowing - he has his fingers in every pie."
a piece of cake
be extremely simple: "This program is a piece of cake to use."
sell like hot cakes
sell quickly in large quantities: "His book is selling like hot cakes."
full of beans
be full of energy: "You're full of beans today - it's nice to see you so lively!"
beef about something
complain about something: "He's always beefing about the pay."
beef something up
give something extra appeal: "If we beef up the window display, more people might come into the shop."
be your bread and butter
be your main source of income: "Although they run a taxi service, car sales are their bread and butter."
be like chalk and cheese
be completely different: "I don't know why they got married - they're like chalk and cheese."
be like peas in a pod
be identical to someone: "Those two are like peas in a pod."
cheesy
predictable and unimaginative: "I don't want to see that film again - it's really cheesy."
sour grapes
say something bad because you didn't get what you wanted: "Don't listen to him complain - it's only sour grapes because you got the job and he didn't."
play gooseberry
go somewhere with a couple who would prefer to be on their own: "I'd rather not come to the cinema with you two - I'd just feel I was playing gooseberry."
a couch-potato
someone who never goes out or exercises: "He watches TV all day - what a couch-potato!"
like butter wouldn't melt in your mouth
appear innocent: "When I asked her about the missing money, she tried to look like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth."
bring home the bacon
earn money for necessary things, like food: "He brings home the bacon in that family."
the way the cookie crumbles
the way things are: "I'm sorry I didn't get the promotion, but that's the way the cookie crumbles."
have someone eat out of your hand
have control over someone: "He has her eating out of his hand - it's sad."
eat someone out of house and home
eat a lot of food: "Her children eat her out of house and home."
eat into your savings
spend some of your savings: "We can't afford a new car, unless we eat into our savings."
eating for two
be pregnant and so eating more: "Good news, darling. The doctor says I'm eating for two now."
eat your heart out!
telling someone they should be jealous of you: "I'm going on holiday to Jamaica - eat your heart out!"
not your cup of tea
something that you don't like much: "Football isn't my cup of tea."
a square meal
a filling meal: "You need a square meal after all that exercise."
it smells fishy
something that is suspicious: "He wants to do all the housework for you? That smells fishy to me!"
small fry | small beer
something or someone unimportant: "Sales last year are small fry compared to now - we're doing really well."
roll out the barrel
prepare to have a good time: "Roll out the barrel - we're celebrating our exam results."
rhubarb | rhubarb
saying something completely unimportant: "There's that politician again on televison - rhubarb, rhubarb."
catch someone's eye
to be attractive to someone: "The shy man at the back of the class caught my eye."
to fancy someone
to find someone attractive: "My friend fancies you!"
to have a crush on someone
to only be able to think about one person: "When I was at school, I had a crush on a film star."
to have a soft spot for someone
to have a weakness for someone: "She has a soft spot for Richard - he can do anything!"
to have the hots for someone
to find someone very attractive: "She's got the hots for the new office manager."
to go out with someone
(British English) to date someone: "They've been going out together for years!"
to go steady
to go out with someone: "They've been going steady since their first year at university."
to fall for someone
to fall in love: "He always falls for the wrong types!"
to fall head over heels for someone
to completely fall in love: "He fell head over heels for her."
to be lovey-dovey
for a couple to show everyone how much they are in love: "They're so lovey-dovey, always whispering to each other and looking into each other's eyes."
to have eyes only for
to be attracted to one person only: "He's dropped all his old friends, now that he has eyes only for Susie."
to be the apple of someone's eye
to be loved by someone, normally an older relative: "She's the apple of her father's eye."
to be smitten by someone
to be in love with someone: "I first met him at a party and from that evening on, I was smitten."
a love-nest
the place where two lovers live: "They made a love-nest in the old basement flat."
to be loved-up
to exist in a warm feeling of love: "They are one loved-up couple!"
to be the love of someone's life
to be loved by a person: "He has always been the love of her life."
puppy love
love between teenagers: "It's just puppy love - you'll grow out of it!"
cupboard love
love for someone because they give you food: "I think my cat loves me, but it's only cupboard love!"
to get hitched
"They're getting hitched next Saturday."
to tie the knot
"So when are you two tying the knot?"
to go through a bit of a rough patch
when things are not going well: "Since the argument, they've been going through a bit of a rough patch."
to have blazing rows
to have big arguments: "We had a blazing row last night."
can't stand the sight of someone
to not like someone: "She can't stand the sight of him any more!"
to call it a day
to agree that the relationship has ended: "We decided to call it a day."
to be on the rocks
a relationship that is in difficulty: "Once she moved out, it was clear their marriage was on the rocks."
to have a stormy relationship
a relationship with many arguments: "I'm glad we don't have a stormy relationship."
a love-rat
a man who betrays his girlfriend / wife: "He's had affairs with three different women - he's a complete love-rat."
Marry in haste, repent at leisure
if you marry too quickly, you have the rest of your life to regret it!
Love is blind
when you love someone, you can't see their faults
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
beauty is subjective
Let your heart rule your head
allow your emotions to control your rational side
Wear your heart on your sleeve
show other people how you are feeling
cat's whiskers
to think you are the best: "He thinks he's the cat's whiskers!"
like the cat that's got the cream
look very pleased with yourself: "He looks like the cat that's got the cream!"
cat got your tongue?
a question we ask when we think someone is guilty of something: "Why don't you say something? Cat got your tongue?"
let the cat out of the bag
tell a secret: "He shouldn't have told her about the party - he's let the cat out of the bag now."
put the cat among the pigeons
cause trouble: "Don't tell her about your promotion - that will really put the cat among the pigeons."
have kittens
panic: "The way he was driving, I was having kittens."
the bee's knees
think you're the best: "He thinks he's the bee's knees."
have a bee in your bonnet
be obsessed by something: "He's got a real bee in his bonnet about buying a new car. "
from the horse's mouth
get information from the original source: "I know they're getting married - I got it from the horse's mouth."
a white elephant
something that is expensive, but has no use: "People say the stadium is a white elephant and a waste of money."
a memory like an elephant
have an excellent memory: "She won't forget, you know. She has a memory like an elephant."
play piggy in the middle
be caught between two sides of an argument: "Because they aren't talking, I've been playing piggy in the middle."
make a pig's ear of something
make a complete mess of something: "You've made a right pig's ear of this. Let me do it!"
in hog heaven
be very happy: "We gave him flying lessons for his birthday - he was in hog heaven!"
pigs might fly!
something is as unlikely as pigs being able to fly: "Do you think the government will cut taxes?" "Pigs might fly!"
have butterflies in your stomach
be very nervous about something: "She's got butterflies in her stomach - it's her driving test today."
til the cows come home
do something for ever: "I can tell him til the cows come home not to be late, but he never listens."
take the bull by the horns
face a problem and take action: "I'm going to take the bull by the horns and tell him I've changed my mind."
get someone's goat
annoy someone: "It really gets my goat when she criticises him - it's not as if she's perfect herself."
a loan-shark
someone who lends money at high interest rates: "Don't borrow money from him - he's a complete loan-shark."
have a whale of a time
really enjoy yourself: "They went out and had a whale of a time."
like a fish out of water
feel very uncomfortable in a particular situation: "He feels like a fish out of water in a suit - he much prefers wearing jeans."
with your tail between your legs
feel guilty or ashamed: "He told us all that he was leaving, then he came back ten minutes later with his tail between his legs."
in the dog-house
when you know that someone is angry with you: "I'm in the dog-house - I forgot to do the shopping."
the lion's share
most of something: "She did the lion's share of the housework."
in the lion's den
in a dangerous place: "The interview was like going into the lion's den - they asked some very difficult questions."
a snake in the grass
someone who can't be trusted: "Don't tell him any secrets - he's a snake in the grass."
bug someone
irritate someone: "He's really bugging me about the holiday! I wish he'd just go away and leave me alone."
worm your way in
be nice to people so that gradually you get yourself into a good position with them: "He wormed his way into the finance department to get a job."
monkey about
play and not work: "Stop monkeying about, will you? We've got loads of work to do!"
make a mountain out of a molehill
make a big issue out of something small: "Don't worry about it - it's not important at all. You're making a mountain out of a molehill."
to break the bank
"I can't afford a skiing holiday this winter - it would break the bank."
to cost an arm and a leg
"It costs an arm and a leg to buy all these Christmas presents."
to pay through the nose
"They had to pay through the nose to get their son insured to drive."
to splash out on something
to pay a lot for an important event: "They're splashing out on their anniversary this year."
to be loaded
"He works in the City and he's loaded!"
to be sitting on a small fortune | to be sitting on a small goldmine
"She will inherit everything. She's sitting on a goldmine!"
to have money to burn
"I've just received a bonus and I have money to burn!"
to not have a bean to rub together
"Those two don't earn enough money. They don't have a bean to rub together."
to be as poor as church mice
"His family have always been as poor as church mice."
to be skint
British slang that means having no money: "Can you lend me some money until next Friday? I'm skint!"
to be broke
"She's always broke at the end of the month."
to scrimp and save
to make as many economies as you can to save money: "His parents scrimped and saved to send him to university."
a scrooge
Scrooge was a Dickens character, famous for being mean: "Why don't you want to buy her a leaving present? You're such a scrooge."
a skinflint
someone who doesn't want to spend money: "She reuses tea bags - she's such a skinflint!"
tight-fisted
"One reason he has so much money is that he's so tight-fisted!"
to have more money than sense
to have a lot of money which you waste rather than spend carefully: "He just bought another camera - he has more money than sense."
to burn a hole in your pocket
to not be able to stop spending money: "He can't just go out window-shopping. Money burns a hole in his pocket."
Money for old rope
an easy source of income: "He sells bunches of flowers he has grown himself. It's money for old rope."
make a fast buck
to make money quickly and sometimes dishonestly: "He made a fast buck selling those shares. I wonder if he had insider knowledge."
Ten a penny
very common: "These scarves are ten a penny in the markets here."
a face like thunder
to look very angry: "What's up with him today? He has a face like thunder!"
a fair-weather friend
a friend who doesn't support you in bad times: "I'm a bit disappointed in John and David. It turned out they were only fair-weather friends."
a snowball's chance
very little chance (as much chance as a snowball has in hell): "We don't have a snowball's chance of winning that contract!"
a storm in a teacup
a lot of fuss over something small: "Don't worry about those two arguing. it's just a storm in a teacup."
be a breeze
to be easy: "The exam was a breeze."
be snowed under
to be very busy: "We're snowed under at work."
blow hot and cold
to keep changing your attitude: "They're blowing hot and cold over this issue. It's impossible to know what they want!"
brass-monkey weather
very cold weather: "It's brass-monkey weather today. You'd better wrap up warm!"
come rain or shine
whatever happens: "He's always working in his garden - come rain or shine."
the lull before the storm
a quiet time before a busy or difficult time: "It's going to get very busy on Thursday. Today and tomorrow are just the lull before the storm."
save up for a rainy day
put money aside for when you might need it later: "I don't want to spend this extra money. I'll save it up for a rainy day."
see which way the wind blows
to analyse a situation before doing something: "I'm going to see which way the wind blows before asking her about a raise."
steal someone's thunder
do what someone else was going to do and get all the praise: "You'll steal her thunder if you wear that dress tonight!"
take a rain check
postpone something: "I don't really want to go the cinema tonight. Can we take a rain-check on it?"
under the weather
not feel very well: "I'm feeling a bit under the weather at the moment."
weather the storm
to survive a difficult situation: "This recession is quite serious and it's becoming difficult to weather the storm."
Back down | climb down
to no longer stick to your original ideas or position: "After weeks of negotiating, she backed down and accepted their conditions."
Break down
examine the different parts of something: "The profits break down in the following way - 50% profit in European sales, a 20% profit in North American sales and a 30% profit in Asian sales." ;;;
when communication stops between two parties: "The negotiations broke down after two days."
Bring down
destroy something: "A series of disastrous investments brought down the company."
Cut back on
reduce something: "The government has cut back on its defence budget."
Drive down
work hard to reduce prices or costs: "Over the last year we have driven down the distribution costs."
Live down
when other people can forget a bad reputation: "I was two hours late for the meeting and now my colleagues will never let me live it down."
Play down
minimise the importance of something: "She played down the fact that her father was the boss."
Set down
put something in writing: "The conditions are set down in the contract."
Stand down
resign: "After ten years at the head of the company, the chairman has decided to stand down."
Take down
write notes in a meeting: "Can someone take down the minutes?"
Wear down
argue so much that the other person abandons their position: "The unions finally wore the management down on the issue of overtime pay."
Write down | note down
write something: "Could you write down your mobile phone number?"
break in
interrupt: "He broke in to their conversation to add that he couldn't work overtime."
break into | break in
burgle / steal: "Thieves broke into the warehouse and stole 100 computers."
bring in
introduce: "She has brought in some changes to the company." ;;;
receive income: "He brings in a lot of money as a computer programmer."
cave in
accept someone's idea or decision: "The unions finally caved in and accepted the new contracts."
chip in
contribute: "We're all chipping in for Maria's birthday present."
fill in
complete: "You need to fill in this form." ;;;
act as a substitute: "As Robert is on holiday, you'll have to fill in for him this week." ;;;
bring someone up to date: "Can you fill me in on the new project?"
fit in
be accepted by a group: "He doesn't really fit in at work. He's very different from us."
give in
finally accept something: "She gave in to her children's demands for sweets."
hand in
give something to someone: "They handed in their assignment early."
kick in
start to have an effect: "The painkillers have finally kicked in. I feel much better."
lead in
start with something: "In our presentation, we are going to lead in with our vision for the future."
move in
occupy a house: "Some new neighbours have moved in next door."
take in
understand: "I still can't take in the news." ;;;
deceive someone: "He really took me in with his hard-luck story." ;;;
provide refuge: "She took the old couple in."
work in
incorporate: "Is there any way of working in this paragraph? The text is a little unclear otherwise."
Break off
end: "Talks have broken off between the union and management."
Bring off
succeed in something difficult: "The new management brought off an amazing recovery in the company's fortunes."
Call off
cancel: "The proposed merger has been called off."
Cut off
disconnect: "Their electricity was cut off when they didn't pay the bill."
Lay off
make workers redundant: "The car manufacturer laid off 5000 workers."
Live off
get money from another source: "He invested the money and lived off the interest."
Pay off
settle your debt: "She saved money every month and finally managed to pay off her student loan."
Put off
(1) postpone: "They put off the decision for another month."
(2) dissuade: "Falling prices put me off investing in the English property market."
Take off
do well: "Business has really taken off!"
Write off
accept a loss: "We'll never get the money back - I think we should write it off."
Get on
(1) have a good relationship with someone: "She gets on well with the Accounts Director"
(2) to progress: "How are you getting on with the launch?"
Take on
employ people: "We aren't taking on any more staff this year."
Go on
continue: "Please go on. I'd like to hear more about your plans for the new office."
Sit on
to stall or delay something: "We proposed this some time ago, but the Chairman has been sitting on the plans and we're no further forward."
Build on
use your successes to go further: "They built on their early success and soon expanded to become the biggest catering firm in the South East."
Crack on
work fast: "I'm sorry I can't stop and talk - I need to crack on with some work."
Work on
use your influence with someone: "Leave it with me - I'll work on the boss over the next fortnight."
Pick on
bully: "She feels that her colleagues are picking on her because she is so popular with management."
Decide on
choose: "What colour have you decided on for the staff canteen?"
Hold on
wait: "Please hold on and I will see if Mr Harris is available."
Pass on
give a message to someone: "I'll pass your message on to her when she returns."
Try on
test someone's authority: "Don't take any notice of his behaviour - he's just trying it on with you!"
back out
decide not to do something you first intended to do: "We can't back out of the holiday now - we've already paid for it!"
break out
escape: "The prisoners managed to break out."
bring out
make more noticeable: "The lemon brings out the taste of the strawberries."
check out
look at: "You've got to check out this new website - it's really useful." ;;;
investigate: "The police are checking out his story."
cut out
eliminate: "He's cut out all the fat from his diet and he's a lot slimmer."
eat out
eat in a restaurant: "Do you fancy eating out tonight?"
hand out
distribute: "The teacher handed out the English books to the students."
fill out
complete a form: "You need to fill out all the sections on this form."
make out
see well: "I can't make out the name on this envelope. Is it Jones or James?"
pass out
faint: "It was so hot in the room that she passed out."
put out
inconvenience someone: "Thanks for your offer of letting us stay. Are you sure that we won't be putting you out?"
stand out
be easily distinguishable: "With the way he dresses, he always manages to stand out!"
take out
withdraw money: "I've taken out a lot of money from my account recently."
work out
calculate: "We've worked out our profit margin." ;;;
get better: "Everything worked out well in the end." ;;;
understand: "I really can't work it out. Why did she leave such a well-paid job?"
Build up
to make a business bigger, to develop contacts or a presence in the market: "We have built up the business over the years and it now employs over 20 people."
Come up
happen unexpectedly: "I'm afraid I can't make the meeting tomorrow. Something has come up."
Divide up
distribute : "We can divide up the commission among the sales staff."
Drive up
force up the prices or costs: "The uncertainty in the markets is driving up labour costs."
Meet up
make an arrangement to meet: "What time should we meet up on Wednesday?"
Open up
make a new market accessible: "The new laws have opened up trade in many markets."
Pass up
to not take an opportunity: "We can't pass up this chance of increasing productivity."
Set up
establish a company or arrange a meeting: "They set up the company in 1999."
"I've set up a meeting between you and the suppliers for 11 am tomorrow."
Start up
to start something new: "They've started up a new division in Southern Europe."
(A start up is a new company, often internet-based.)
Write up
write a report or minutes: "It'll take him at least a week to write up his findings."
come up with
to find or produce: "We need to come up with a solution soon."
get away with
to escape punishment: "He robbed a bank and got away with it."
get on to
make contact with someone: "Can you get on to the suppliers and chase up our order?"
go in for
to do something because you enjoy it: "I don't really go in for playing football."
get round to
to find the time to do something: "I never seem to be able to get round to tidying up this room!"
go down with
to become ill: "So many people have gone down with the flu this year."
go through with
to do something you promised to do, even though you don't really want to do it: "She went through with the wedding, even though she had doubts."
live up to
to do or behave as expected: "She's living up to her reputation as a hard boss."
look down on
to behave as if you are superior to others: "He really looks down on teachers."
look up to
to admire and respect someone: "She looks up to her father."
put down to
to think something is caused by a factor: "The failure can be put down to a lack of preparation."
put up with
to tolerate: "She puts up with a lot from her husband."
stand up for
to defend someone or something: "You need to stand up for your rights!"
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Our affection increases when we are parted from our loved ones.
After a storm comes a calm.
Since something better must follow an unpleasant event, be optimistic.
All roads lead to Rome.
People can arrive at the same conclusion by different means.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
It is not good to only toil and have no recreation.
Bad news travels fast.
Information about unpleasant happenings spreads quickly.
Barking dogs seldom bite.
People who talk a lot or threaten may not be actually harmful.
Beggars cannot be choosers.
One must accept what is available in difficult circumstances.
The best of friends must part.
Nothing can go on forever as all things change.
Better safe than sorry.
It is preferable to be cautious than be rash and get into trouble.
Birds of a feather flock together.
People with similar interests and tastes tend to group.
A burnt child dreads the fire.
A mistake can be a great teacher.
Charity begins at home.
Provide help first to one's family members and then to others.
Coming events cast their shadows before.
There are often early indications of future happenings.
The darkest hour is that before the dawn.
When things seem at their worst, they may just begin to improve.
Do as you would be done by.
Treat others as you would expect them to treat you.
Don't change horses in mid-stream.
Plans must not be altered at the wrong time.
Don't cross a bridge till you come to it.
One should not worry before something happens for it may never happen.
First come, first served.
If one arrives early, one gets a better choice.
Talk of the devil and the devil appears.
This is said in jest when a person we have been talking about meets us.
There is no rose without a thorn.
Unalloyed happiness is impossible, because joy and sorrow go together.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
The memory of something pleasant provides everlasting pleasure.
Time and tide wait for no man.
One must not miss opportunities by delaying action.
To err is human.
It is natural for all of us to make mistakes.
Touch pitch and be defiled.
If you keep contact with bad people, you get spoiled.
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
With greatness and power comes a lot of responsibility.
Variety is the spice of life.
Experiencing different things makes living interesting and prevents boredom.
Walls have ears.
Take care when you speak lest others hear what they should not.
A watched pot never boils.
If we are eagerly waiting for something, it seems to take forever to happen.
Well begun is half done.
A good start to a task leads to its easy and successful completion.
What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
What is appropriate for one is appropriate for another.
When one door shuts another opens.
Failure should not discourage us, for some other opportunity always exists.
Where ignorance is bliss it is folly to be wise.
It is better to be unaware of something that will bring unhappiness.
The wish is father to the thought.
It is a desire that gives birth to a belief.
You can take a horse to the water, but you cannot make him drink.
You cannot help an unwilling person beyond a certain point.
Beauty is but skin deep.
Do not judge solely by looks because appearances are deceptive.
A fool and his money are soon parted.
If one spends without thought, then one will be penniless.
Never say die.
Always be hopeful in life, and do not give up.
No gain without pain.
One is unlikely to achieve anything without trouble.
Nothing succeeds like success.
Once prosperity is achieved, then it helps achieve more.
One good turn deserves another.
If someone has been kind to you, then you should return the kindness.
One man's meat is another man's poison.
What works positively for one person may be harmful to another.
One swallow does not make a summer.
A single piece of evidence is not enough to prove anything.
Paddle your own canoe.
Mind your own business and be self-reliant.
Poverty is no sin.
It is not a crime to be poor.
Practise what you preach.
One must behave in the same way as one advises others to behave.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
A thing can be assessed only after practically experiencing it.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
A person who does not settle in one place or frequently changes jobs will not be successful.
A rose with any other name would smell as sweet.
What a thing is called is unimportant compared to what it really is.
Set a thief to catch a thief.
A person who knows the tricks of the trade is best equipped to do the job.
Still waters run deep.
A quiet person can have much knowledge or ability, and should not be underestimated.
The strength of the chain is in the weakest link.
The most fragile point determines the quality of a structure.
The tailor makes the man.
A person can appear attractive in good clothes.
There are as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it.
If an opportunity is missed, there will be plenty more.
Hunger is the best sauce.
When one has an appetite, even plain food tastes good.
If wishes were horses beggars would ride.
Life would be very easy if goals could be achieved only by desiring.
It is a sad heart that never rejoices.
One cannot be gloomy all the time.
It is never too late to mend.
It is always possible to improve one's conduct, no matter how long one has lead a morally bad life.
It is too late to lock the stable when the horse has been stolen.
It is useless taking precautions after something has happened.
It never rains but it pours.
Events, specially misfortunes, always come all at once.
Kill not the goose that lays golden eggs.
Be satisfied with whatever you get little at a time, and do not lose it for the greed to get it all at once.
Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone.
There are many to share the joys in good times but none to share the sorrow in bad times.
The leopard cannot change its spots.
A person's character, especially bad nature, will always remain the same.
Let the buyer beware or Caveat emptor
Satisfy oneself before paying for a purchase and not complain after the transaction.
A little learning is a dangerous thing.
People with insufficient knowledge are easily misled.
Live and let live.
If we work with others ignoring their faults, then they will work with us ignoring ours.
Love is blind.
People in love do not see to each other's shortcomings.
Make hay while the sun shines.
Take advantage promptly of favorable opportunities.
Many hands make light work.
More the people doing a job, the less effort for each person and the less time to finish the job.
Marry in haste, and repent at leisure.
There is a lot of time to regret if you wed in a hurry.
The more you have, the more you want.
Satisfying one need only creates another need.
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Do not expect too much of something received as a gift.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Spread your risks widely and wisely.
Don't ride the high horse.
One should not be arrogant.
The early bird catches the worm.
One who acts promptly gets what he desires.
Easy come, easy go.
What is acquired without effort especially money is likely to be lost.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
There is hope even in difficult situations.
Every dog has his day.
All of us have a favorable period.
Fine feathers make fine birds.
A person can look impressive in smart clothes.
Forgive and forget.
We must not hold against someone a thing of the past.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
True friends are those who help in difficult times.
God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.
Heaven is more kind to the weak.
A good name is sooner lost than won.
A reputation takes long to build, but can be quickly destroyed.
Great oaks from little acorns grow.
Much may come from a small beginning.
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
Mothers who care for their children are creating the next generation of men.
He laughs best who laughs last.
People who laugh first may have others laugh at them in the end.
A hedge between keeps friendship green.
Giving enough space to each other help maintain a good relationship.
Honesty is the best policy.
The path of truth is a wise one to follow in the long run.
act up
behave or function improperly
"I think I need to take my car to the mechanic because it's acting up again."
add up
calculate a sum
" I added up the receipts and it totaled $135.46."
add up to
equal an amount
"The total expenses added up to $325.00. "
add up
make sense
"Her story doesn't add up. I think she is lying."
ask out
invite on a date
"I can't believe that Joe finally asked me out on a date!"
ask over
invite to one's home
"Why don't we ask the Johnsons over for dinner?"
back down
stop defending your opinion in a debate
"Jane never backs down. She always wins arguments."
back out
not keep (a promise, agreement,deal)
"Sam backed out at the last second."
back out of
not keep (a promise, agreement, deal)
"Sam backed out of the agreement at the last second."
back up
give support
"You need examples to back up your opinion. "
back up
move backwards, reverse
"Could you back up a little so I can open this drawer."
bawl out
criticize, reprimand (inf.)
"She bawled him out for arriving late."
bear down on
bite
"The soldier had to bear down on the leather strap while the doctor removed a bullet from the soldier's arm."
bear down on
take strong measures against
"The U.S.A. is bearing down on drug traffickers."
bear on
have to do with
"This information may bear on this case."
bear up
withstand
"I didn't think he would bear up so well in that situation."
bear up under
withstand
"How did he bear up under such extreme pressure."
bear with
be patient
"Please bear with me while I fill out the paperwork."
blow in
visit unexpectedly (inf.)
"My cousin blew in unexpectedly with his entire family."
blow over
pass without creating a problem
"All this negative publicity will blow over in a couple of weeks."
blow up
make explode;destroy using explosives
"The terrorists blew the bridge up."
blow up
explode
"The bomb blew up before they could defuse it."
blow up
suddenly become very angry
"When Joan heard the news, she blew up and rushed out of the room."
break down
analyze in detail
"We need to break this problem down in order to solve."
break down
stop working properly
"The truck broke down in the desert."
break down
become mentally ill
"She broke down after her husband died."
break in
wear or use something new until it is comfortable
"I need to break these shoes in before I go hiking."
break in
interrupt
"While we were discussing the situation, Terri broke in to give her opinion."
break in
enter a place unlawfully
"The burglar broke in between midnight and 3 AM."
break in on
interrupt (a conversation)
"Jane broke in on the conversation and told us to get back to work."
break into
enter a house unlawfully
"The burglar broke into the house between midnight and 3 AM."
break into
interrupt (a conversation)
"Jane broke into the conversation and told us what she knew."
break off
end something
"Sally broke her engagement to John off."
break out
appear violently
"Violent protests broke out in response to the military coup."
break out
use something extravagant for celebration
"He broke out the champagne to celebrate his promotion."
break out of
escape
"The murderer broke out of the prison."
break up
break into pieces
"I broke the cracker up into pieces and put it in the soup."
break up
disperse (a crowd), stop (a fight)
"The police broke the demonstration up before it got out of control."
break up
end a relationship
"Sam and Diane broke up again. What a rocky relationship."
bring about
cause to happen
"Democracy brought about great change in the lives of the people."
bring along
bring with
"When we go to the forest, bring your wildlife guide along."
bring around
change someone's mind, convince someone
"She doesn't want to go, but we'll eventually bring her around."
bring away
learn or gain (from an experience)
"My trip across the Sahara was difficult, but I brought a new appreciation for life away from the experience."
bring off
succeed at something difficult or unexpected
"You robbed the bank! I can't believe you brought that off."
bring on
cause something
"I can't believe she got so angry. What brought that on?"
bring out
highlight, stress
"Your new shirt brings out the color of your eyes."
bring over
bring to someone's house
"When you visit me, why don't you bring over your son."
bring to
revive consciousness
"We used smelling salts to bring her to after she fainted."
bring up
mention
"I didn't want to bring up the fact that she was unemployed."
bring up
raise ( a child)
"Sam was brought up in South Carolina."
brush off
ignore something or someone (inf.)
"Mary brushed her ex-boyfriend off at the party."
burn down
destroy by setting fire to
"The children burned the house down while playing with matches."
burn down
burn until completely gone (building)
"Two buildings burnt down in the fire."
burn up
be hot
"I am burning up in here - open the window."
burn up
consume by fire
"The papers were burned up in the fire."
burn up
destroy by fire
"He burnt up the files."
buy out
buy the shares of a company or the shares the other person owns of a business
"Pacific Inc. was bought out by a company from Oregon. "
buy up
purchase the entire supply of something
"We bought up all the beer in the store."
die away
diminish in intensity
"The applause died away after 5 minutes."
die down
diminish in intensity
"The controversy about the president's affair finally died down."
die off/out
become extinct
"Whales are in danger of dying off."
disagree with
cause to feel sick due to food or drink
"Spicy food disagrees with me."
do away with
abolish
"Some Americans want to do away with the death penalty."
do over
repeat
"You made many mistakes, so I want you to do the report over."
do without
manage without something one wants or needs
"I couldn't do without a car in California."
draw up
create ( a contract)
"Let's draw an agreement up before we go any further with this project."
dress down
reprimand severely
"The mother dressed her son down for skipping school."
dress down
dress casually
"I am dressing down because we're going to a barbecue by the beach."
dress up
decorate
"You could dress this house up with some bright colors"
dress up
wear elegant clothes
"She always dresses up at work."
drive back
repulse
"The invaders were driven back by the army."
drop in
visit someone unexpectedly
"Meg dropped in yesterday after dinner."
drop in on
visit someone unexpectedly
"Let's drop in on Julie since we're driving by her house."
drop out
quit an organized activity
"Yuri isn't on the team any more. He dropped out."
drop out of
quit an organized activity (school)
"It's difficult to get a good job if you drop out of high school."
drop over
visit someone casually
"Drop over any time you feel like talking."
eat away
gradually destroy, erode
"The heavy rains ate away at the sandstone cliffs."
eat up
devour
"Ken ate the cookies up."
eat in
eat inside the home
"We usually eat in instead of going out for dinner."
eat out
eat outside the home
"They eat out once a week."
face up to
acknowledge something difficult or embarrassing
"I'll never be able to face up to my colleagues after getting so drunk last night at the work party."
fall back on
be able to use in case of emergency
"Yuki can fall back on her degree in biology if she doesn't succeed in her acting career."
fall behind
go slower than scheduled, lag
"Hurry up or you will fall behind!"
fall behind in
go slower than scheduled, lag
"Cheryl has missed several days of school and now she is falling behind in her homework."
fall off
decrease
"Interest in the project fell off when they realized it wouldn't be profitable."
fall out with
have an argument with
"I had a falling out with my sister last month and we haven't talked to each other since."
fall through
fail to happen
"Unfortunately, my trip to Indonesia fell through because I couldn't save enough money."
feel up
grope
"She sued her boss for sexual harassment after he felt her up."
feel up to
have the energy to do something
"I don't feel up to going out tonight because I had a long day at work."
figure on
expect
"Where do you figure on living when you move to the the U.S.A.?"
figure out
solve something, understand
"I finally figured the joke out. Now I understand why everybody was laughing."
figure up
calculate
"I need to figure my expenses up before I give you an estimate."
fill in
complete
"Don't forget to fill in all the blanks on the application."
fill in
substitute
"Who is going to fill in while you're gone?"
fill in for
substitute for
"Miguel filled in for me at the meeting yesterday because I was sick."
fill out
complete (an application)
"I filled out an application to rent the apartment last week."
fill up
fill to the top
"Fill the car up with unleaded gas, please."
find out
discover
"You will never find out all my secrets!"
find out
discover
"Vicky's parents are going to be so mad when they find out she got a tattoo."
fix up
repair, renovate, remodel
"My neighbors are fixing their house up."
get across
cause to be understood
"It's difficult to get humor across in another language."
get ahead
make progress
"I can't get ahead even though I work two jobs."
get ahead of
surpass
"You need to work overtime in order to get ahead of schedule."
get along
have a good relationship
"Do you and your sister get along?"
get along with
have a good relationship
"Giovanna doesn't get along with her two brothers."
get around
avoid someone or something
"Some people get around paying taxes by hiring a good accountant."
get around
go many places
"It's easy to get around town with public transportation."
get away
escape
"The bank robbers got away."
get away with
do something against the rules or illegal and not get caught or punished
"My sister gets away with everything!"
get by
survive without having the things you need or want
"I lost my job, so I am having a hard time getting by this year."
get by on
survive with minimal resources
"It's nearly impossible to get by on making minimum wage."
get by with
manage with
"You don't need a computer. You can get by with the typewriter."
get down to
get serious about a topic
"Enough small talk. Let's get down to business."
get in
enter ( a car, a small boat)
"Get in the front seat. You will have more leg room."
get in
enter
"Get in. I will give you a ride to school"
get off
send (a package)
"I finally got my sister's birthday present off yesterday."
get off
remove ( a spider from your shirt)
"Can you get this spider off my shirt?"
get off
leave (a bus, plane, train, boat)
"We need to get off the bus at the next stop."
get off
leave
"It's dangerous to sit on the roof. Get off!"
get off
idiomatic phrase
" How does he justify saying that?!
Where does he get off saying that?!"
get on
put on (clothes)
"You should get your jacket on because it's going to be cold."
get on
enter (a bus, train), mount (a horse, a bike)
"The train is leaving. Quick, get on!"
get on
enter (a bus, train), mount ( a horse, a bike)
"Get on my bike and I will give you a ride home."
get on
have a good relationship
"Natasha doesn't get on with her co-workers."
get on with
have a good relationship
"Do you get on with your neighbors?"
get on with
continue an activity
"Now that the police have left, let's get on with the party!"
get out of
exit (a small boat, car, an enclosed area)
"I fell into the water when I tried to get out of the canoe."
get over
recover (a cold, a disease, an ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend)
"Jennifer still hasn't gotten over her breakup with Peter."
get through
complete
"We will never get through all of these boxes by 9:00 PM."
get through
penetrate
"We need a stronger drill to get through this wall."
get through
penetrate
"The door was jammed, so we couldn't get through."
get through | get through with
finish
"Have you gotten through with your homework yet?"
get through to
make contact
"It's hard to get through to Janet because her telephone line is always busy."
get up
cause someone to rise (from a sitting position or a lying position)
"Ahmed got Abdul up at 5:30 in the morning by turning the music up really loud."
get up
rise (from sitting position or a bed)
"What time did you get up this morning?"
give away
give something without asking for anything in exchange
"Why did Nancy give all of her furniture away?"
give away
betray (a secret)
"We are having a surprise party for Susan next Saturday, so don't give our surprise away by acting suspicious."
give back
return something you borrowed
"When are you going to give that book back to your teacher?"
give in
stop trying
"Never give in! You can do it!"
give off
release (a smell, light)
"That white flower gives off a beautiful smell."
give out
distribute
"I earn extra money by giving out brochures on the street."
give out
become very tired (inf.)
"I hope this car doesn't give out in the middle of the desert."
give up
surrender something
"The police told the thief to give his gun up."
give up
surrender
Never give up learning English!
go away
leave
"I yelled at the dogs to make them go away."
go back
return
"When are you going back to your house?"
go by
go past, go close to, visit quickly
"We go by the coffee shop everyday."
go back on
not keep (one's word, a promise)
"Don't trust him. He always goes back on his promises."
go down
decrease
"The cost of flight tickets is going down."
go for
try to achieve
"Our team is going for the gold medal in the Olympics."
go for
idiomatic phrase -
"I am craving pepperoni pizza. I could go for pepperoni pizza."
go in for
participate ( inf.)
"Are you going to go in for soccer this year at school?"
go into
discuss in detail
"I really don't want to go into that now."
go off
explode
"The bomb could go off at any moment."
go off
begin, start (used with signals, alarms, warning sounds)
"The alarm clock went off at 6:00 AM."
go off
stop (said of a machine)
"The DVD player goes off automatically if you are not using it."
go off
become angry
"Maria went off last night after I told her about losing her bike."
go on
continue
"Please, go on. Don't let me interrupt you."
go on
happen
"This place is a mess! What went on here last night?"
go on with
continue ( a plan, a conversation)
"I think we should go on with the meeting and stop wasting time."
go out
stop burning ( a fire)
"The fire went out after three days."
go out
take part in social activities (usually at night)
"They love to go out every Saturday night."
go over
review
"Do you usually go over your notes before class?"
go over
be well received, succeed
"That didn't go over well."
go through
examine in detail, study carefully
"I need to have my lawyer go through this contract before I sign it."
go through
endure; experience challenges, difficulties or traumas
"She has gone through so much in her life."
go through with
continue or proceed despite difficulties or fears
"I have decided to go through with the operation."
go with
match (clothing)
"That shirt doesn't go with those pants."
go with
accompany a person
"I am going with Alejandro to the party."
go with
have a boyfriend/girlfriend
"I am going with Yuri."
go without
abstain from something you want or need
"A person can go without water for three days."
grow under
go out of business
"The restaurant went under after it lost its liquor license."
grow up
mature
"Your brother needs to grow up and start thinking about his future."
hand back
return
"Is the teacher going to hand back our tests today?"
hand down
pronounce formally
"The president is going to hand his decision down on health care tonight."
hand down
give as an inheritance
"When my clothes got too small for me as a child, I handed them down to my sister."
hand in
submit
"I have to hand in an offer by March 12."
hand out
distribute
"We should hand the concert fliers out at school."
hand over
relinquish control of
"Hand your car keys over. You're too drunk to drive."
hang around
stay in a place for fun ( inf.)
"Maria and Salvador usually hang around the beach after school."
hang around
stay in a place for fun
"Those guys just hang around all day."
hang up
suspend (clothes on a hanger)
"You can hang your jacket up in the front closet."
hang up
put down the telephone receiver
"Don't hang up. I'm going to change phones."
hang out
stay in a place for fun (inf.)
"Let's go hang out at the mall tonight."
hang out
stay in a place for fun
"What are you doing? - - I'm just hanging out."
have on
wear
"Do you have your hiking boots on?"
have over
invite guests to your home
"Why don't we have Mr. and Mrs. Jones over for dinner tonight."
hear from
receive news from (a letter, an e-mail)
"Have you heard from Steve lately?"
hear of
know about something or somebody
"Have you heard of chocolate covered ants?"
hit on
find on accident
"I hit on the idea while watching the Simpsons show."
hit on
flirt with
"Jay's friend Marc was trying to hit on my sister last night."
hold back
restrain
"The police held the demonstrators back while the politicians entered the building."
hold back
not allow to advance in school
"The teacher held Frank back a year, so he couldn't enter fifth grade."
hold off
restrain
"Mr. Johnson held the dog off while we crossed the yard."
hold off on
delay
"We should hold off on making dinner until your parents arrive."
hold on
grasp tightly
"Hold on tight! The roller coaster is about to take off."
hold on
tell someone to wait on the telephone
"Hold on a minute. I'll get Carol."
hold on to
grasp tightly
"Make sure you hold on to the hand rail as you walk down the stairs."
hold out
not give in, continue to resist
"Stop holding out and tell us where you found all of these old records."
hold out against
not give in, resist
"They held out against enemy attack."
hold up
delay (a flight, traffic);
"The accident held traffic up for an hour."
hold up
rob (a bank, a person) with a weapon
"Five men held the bank up yesterday."
hook up
make the electrical connections required for a machine or information service
"Can you hook up the fax machine for me?"
iron out
eliminate
"We need to have a meeting this week in order to iron out the distribution problems."
lay away
save for the future
"Why don't you lay away your wedding outfit?"
lay down
establish (laws, rules)
"Lori lays down the law in her class. English only!"
lay in on
scold or criticize severely
"My mom really laid in on me when I got home at 4:00 in the morning last night."
lay into
scold or criticize severely
"I saw Reto's mom lay into him when he came home late last night."
lay off
suspend someone from a job (during a slow period)
"The company was losing money, so they had to lay off 100 workers."
lay out
arrange
"Why don't we lay the pieces of the table out before we put it together."
leave out
not include, omit
"Why did your parents leave you out of their vacation plans?"
let down
disappoint
"I felt let down when I didn't receive a birthday card from my sister."
let down
lengthen (pants in sewing)
"My uncle is a tailor, so he can let your pants down."
let out
release
"I am happy my brother was let out of prison early."
let out
make bigger (in sewing)
"I need to let out this skirt because I have gained weight."
let up
weaken in intensity
"I told her NO a thousand times, but she won't let up."
lie down
rest, recline
"I need to lie down before we go out tonight."
lie down on
rest, recline ( on a couch, bed)
"I'm going to lie down on the sofa for a while."
lie with
be decided by
"Whether or not you can go to the party lies with your father."
light up
illuminate
"Let's get some candles to light this room up."
light up
to smoke
"Do you have to light up another cigarette? I thought you were trying to cut down."
live down
live in a way that a shameful or embarrassing event is forgotten
"Jose will never live down singing that song at the karaoke bar."
live on
survive from
"I could live on bread and cheese."
live up to
keep a standard
"It would be hard to live up to her parent's expectations. They are so demanding."
look after
take care of (a child, a house, a pet)
"When my sister goes on vacation, I look after her dog."
look back on
to remember nostalgically
"When I look back on my childhood, I often feel angry."
look down on
see as inferior
"She's so conceited. She looks down on everybody else."
look for
to seek or search for
"I'm looking for my keys. Have you seen them?"
look forward to
anticipate with pleasure
"I am looking forward to traveling to New York next year."
look into
investigate
"The police are looking into the murder."
look on
observe as a spectator
"Everybody just looked on as the two men fought."
look out
be careful, pay attention, heed a certain danger
"Look out, there's a black widow spider on the wall."
look over
examine, review
"When I'm camping, I look my shoes over before I put them on."
look up
search for (in a dictionary)
"I takes time to look up new vocabulary words."
look up
locate and visit
"If you ever travel to California, you should look me up."
look up to
respect, admire someone
"He looks up to his father."
make out
decipher
"I can't make out your handwriting. What does this say?"
make out
write a check or other document
"Who should I make this check out to? "
make out
succeed
"He really made out in the stock market last year."
make out
progress
"How is your son making out in his new job?"
make out
kiss passionately
"I saw Benno and Isabelle making out in the movie theater last night!"
make out with
kiss someone passionately
"Did you make out with Sally?"
make over
do again
"The teacher made me do my homework over."
make up
invent ( a story)
"Don't believe anything she says. She always makes things up."
make up
complete what was missed
"Fortunately, my professor let me make up the exam I missed yesterday."
make up
put on cosmetics
"I takes me 10 minutes to make my face up."
make up
reconcile
"You two have been friends for so long that I think you should make up."
make up for
compensate for
"Allen made up for being late by getting me flowers."
mix up
confuse
"I sometimes mix the verb tenses up."
mix up
blend
"We need to mix up these different kinds of nuts before we put them in a bowl."
mix up
make lively (a party)
"Let's mix up this party with a little disco music."
name after
name a child using another family member's name
"I was named after my grandfather."
nod off
fall asleep
"The movie was so boring that I nodded off before it was finished."
nose around
sneak around
"I hate it when my mother noses around my room."
occur to
pop into one's mind, come to one's mind
"It didn't occur to us that we had left the iron on."
open up
share feelings
"I'm glad that John feels comfortable enough around me to open up."
out to verb
try to
"She is out to get revenge now that her husband left her for another woman."
pan out
be successful, turn out well
"The trip to Vegas didn't pan out."
pass away
die
"After battling cancer for several years, he finally passed away at the age of 87."
pass off
try to convince someone that something is real
"He tried to pass the fake watch off as a real Rolex."
pass on
transmit
"Please pass this message on to your co-workers."
pass on
not accept (an invitation to eat or do something)
"Jennifer passed on the invitation to join us for dinner."
pass on
die
"I am afraid Professor Johnson has passed on."
pass out
distribute
"We need to pass out these flyers for the concert tomorrow."
pass out
become unconscious
"He passed out because the room was too hot."
pass up
not take advantage (of an opportunity)
"I can't believe she passed up the opportunity to study in Rome."
pay back
repay
"If I loan you money, will you pay me back."
pay off
complete payment on a debt
"It took me ten years to pay off my credit card debt."
pay off
to bribe
"Don't try to pay the police officer off if you get pulled over for speeding."
pick on
to tease, bully
"She keeps picking on me! Make her stop."
pick out
choose
"Diane picked out a lovely dress for the dance."
pick up
to lift an object with the hands
"Keep your back straight when you lift the TV up."
pick up
come and get someone in a car
"What time are you going to pick me up. "
pick up
learn something without effort
"It's possible to pick up enough English in two weeks to get by on your trip to Los Angeles."
pick up
try to initiate a relationship with someone (often in a bar)
"Some weird guy tried to pick Patricia up at the bar."
pick up
grow, increase (inf.)
"Business is really picking up this quarter."
play down
make less important (inf.)
"The President played down his affair with the intern."
play up
highlight something (inf.)
"She played up her part in the new movie, but it was actually a very small role."
play up to
flatter someone for your personal advantage
"She has been playing up to the boss because she wants a promotion."
point out
indicate
"I'd like to point out that figures in column two might be outdated."
pull down
earn
"He pulls down about $300,000 a year."
pull in
park (a vehicle)
"Mark pulled in too quickly and crashed into the wall."
pull out
depart (a vehicle)
"Our train pulls out at 8:00, so don't be late."
pull through
barely survive
"I didn't think she was going to make it, but she pulled through in the end."
put across
communicate (an idea or suggestion) clearly so that it is understood
"I thought Ms. Smith put her ideas across rather clearly in the meeting."
put away
return to the proper place of storage
"I told you kids to put your toys away."
put down
insult, say bad things about
"She always puts down people who don't share her opinions."
put in
officially submit a request (in the armed forces or public services)
"He put in for a transfer to the division in Los Angeles."
put off
postpone
"Don't put off your work - do it now!"
put on
wear
"Make sure you put on a sweater before you go outside."
put on
deceive
"I didn't believe a thing he said. I think he was putting me on."
put out
extinguish (a fire)
"Don't use water to put out a grease fire."
put out
inconvenience someone
"I don't want to put you out, but could you pick me up at the airport."
put out
spend (usually used with unreasonably large sums of money)
"I can't put out that much money each month."
put up
have a guest stay in your house for a short time
"Can you put me up while I'm in town."
put up with
tolerate
"Sandy will not put up with smoking in her house. "
quiet down
be quiet, or cause to be quiet
"The neighbors told us to quiet down last night or they would call the police."
read up on
research a topic for a reason
"I need to read up on the company before I go on the job interview."
ring up
telephone
"Jack rung me up last night at 3:00 in the morning."
rule out
eliminate
"I wouldn't rule out the possibility of moving to another country if I get a good job offer."
run across
find or meet unexpectedly
"I ran across some old photos while I was cleaning my house."
run against
compete in an election
"Gore ran against Bush in the 2000 elections in the U.S.A."
run away
leave home permanently before you are a legal adult
"The child ran away because her parents beat her."
run away from
escape from
"The child ran away from its parents."
run down
trace
"Have you run down those phone numbers I asked for last week?"
run down
criticize
"My boss runs everyone down."
run down
hit with a car
"My dog was run down by a bus."
run down
loose power, be very tired
"You need to wind your watch so it doesn't run down."
run for
campaign for a government position
"Gore is running for president of the U.S.A."
run into
meet unexpectedly
"I ran into my English teacher at the movies last night. She's so nice!"
run off
make leave
"The new government is trying to run the drug traffickers off."
run off
reproduce (photocopies)
"Would you mind running off 10 copies of this document for me?"
run off
leave quickly
"Why did you run off after the party?"
run off
waste water
"You shouldn't swim where the sewage runs off into the ocean."
run out of
not have any more of something
"We ran out of milk this morning, so we need to go to the store."
save up
accumulate (money)
"I hope I will be able to save up enough money to go to school."
see about
arrange or consider something
"My dad said he was going to see about buying me a car."
see off
say good-bye to someone at the beginning of their trip (at the airport, train station)
"Did you see your sister off at the train station?"
see to
make sure something happens, arrange
"I'll see to it that Mr. Ramirez gets your message."
see through
finish something despite difficulties
"Are you going to be able to see your studies through now that you have a baby?"
sell out
tell on someone
"My partner in crime sold me out for a reduced jail sentence."
set up
arrange a relationship
"My mom set me up with her friend's son."
set up
falsely incriminate a person
"I don't think he killed those men. Somebody set him up."
set up
arrange (an appointment, a meeting,etc.)
"I set up an appointment with my doctor at 3:30 this afternoon."
settle on
make a decision after a period of time
"I settled on the job at the oil company."
settle up
pay one's debts
"We need to settle up before you move."
show off
show to everybody with a lot of pride
"He always shows off his new things."
show off
boast, draw attention to oneself
"Young boys show off in order to impress girls."
show up
make someone seem inferior
"He's always trying to show up his co-workers in order to get ahead."
show up
arrive without previous notice
"I hadn't seen my cousin for years, and all of a sudden, he showed up at my workplace yesterday!"
shut off
stop from functioning
"If you don't pay your electric bill, your power is going to get shut off."
shut up
make quiet
"Would someone shut him up! He's talking so loudly that we're going to get in trouble."
slow down
make move more slowly
"Because Mary's level in English is lower than the rest of the students, she slows the class down."
slow up
make move more slowly
"Because Mary's level in English is lower than the rest of the students, she slows the class up."
spell out
to explain something in a detailed way so that the meaning is clearly understood
"He's so stupid that you have to spell everything our for him."
stand by
wait
"I need you to stand by and answer the phone when my broker calls."
stand for
represent
"SCUBA stands for "self contained underwater breathing apparatus.""
stand for
tolerate
"I won't stand for people criticizing me."
stand out
be very noticeable
"Soledad is so beautiful! She really stands out in a crowd."
stand up
not arrive to a date or an appointment (inf.)
"I arranged to meet Joe at the library at 8:00, but he stood me up. I hope he has a good excuse."
stand up for
defend (something one believes in)
"Every individual must stand up for what they believe in."
stand up to
defend oneself against someone or something
"I think you should stand up to your older brother and tell him to stop pushing you around."
stay over
spend the night at a person's house
"It takes you so long to take the bus home, so why don't you just stay over?"
stick it to
severely criticize a person (inf.)
"My boss really stuck it to me when I arrived late to work for the third time this week."
stick to
persevere, keep trying
"Even though English is a hard language to master, you must stick to it!"
stick up for
defend oneself or opinions
"Joseph joined the army because he believes he must stick up for his country."
take after
resemble a parent or relative
"I take after my father. Who do you take after?"
take away
remove, seize or capture
"The soldiers took the captives away."
take back
retract something you said
"I demand that you take back what you said."
take back
return an item to a store
"The dress my grandmother bought for me didn't fit, so I took it back and exchanged it for a pair of pants."
take down
write down what is said
"Would you mind taking down my messages while I am on vacation?"
take down
remove (from a high place)
"The city government made the shop take down their bright, neon sign."
take for
consider, view as
"Do you take me for an idiot?"
take in
learning
"Are you taking in all of these phrasal verbs?"
take in
deceive a person
"He was taken in by the con artist."
take in
make smaller when sewing
"I lost weight, so I need to take some of my skirts to the tailor to have them taken in."
take off
when a plane or rocket leaves the ground
"My stomach felt funny when the plane took off."
take off
remove
"In many cultures, it is appropriate to take off your shoes when entering a house."
take off
leave work or school for a period of time
"I was sick last week, so I took a few days off of work."
take off
leave
"We took off after dinner."
take on
accept (responsibilities, work)
"She has taken on too much responsibility in this project."
take over
take control of
"Who is going to take over the family business when Aretha's father dies?"
take over
take control of
"If the President is assassinated, the Vice-president will take over."
take out
accompany a person on a date (for dinner, the movies)
"I can't meet you tonight because I am taking Fernanda out to dinner."
take up
begin a new hobby
"Have you taken up any new hobbies since you moved here?"
take up
discuss (at a later date)
"We should take this issue up in the meeting tomorrow."
take up
shorten a garment when sewing
"This dress is too long, I am going to take it up."
take up
occupy space
"This couch takes up too much space in the living room."
talk back
respond in an impolite way to an adult
"Don't talk back!"
talk back to
respond in an impolite way to an adult
"Children should not talk back to their parents."
talk over
discuss
"I hope my parents talk their relationship problems over before they get divorced."
tear down
destroy
"The county decided to tear down the dilapidated school and build a new one."
tear up
tear or rip into small pieces
"I always tear up my personal papers before I throw them out."
tell off
criticize a person severely, reprimand (inf.)
"Carolina told me off when she found out I was gossiping about her date with Martin."
tell on
report a crime to the police or bad behavior to a parent
"Every time I did something wrong when I was a child, my sister would tell on me."
think over
consider
"Think over the offer before you sign the contract."
think through
consider carefully
"You need to think this through carefully before you make a decision."
think up
create or invent a false story
"I need to think up an excuse for not going to her party."
throw away
discard
"Don't throw away those bottles; we can recycle them."
throw out
discard
"I asked him not to throw out the Sunday newspaper because I wanted to save an article."
throw out
remove by force from (a room, school, a house, etc.)
"Mary threw out her roommate because she stopped paying rent."
throw up
vomit
"If you drink too much alcohol, you might throw up."
tie up
tie securely
"When we dock, make sure you tie the boat up."
tire out
cause someone to be very tired
"Speaking English all day tires me out."
touch on
talk about for a short time
"The presidential candidates touched on the subject of health care during the debates."
touch up
make the final improvements
"We didn't paint the whole kitchen, we just touched up the cabinets."
try on
put on to make sure a piece of clothing fits
"Try on the pants before you buy them."
try out
test
"Try out this massage chair - it feels great!"
turn away
refuse to deal with or give service
"They turned us away at the border because we didn't have visas."
turn around
change or reverse direction
"Turn the car around and go back home."
turn down
refuse an offer; reject an application
"She turned down the new job in New York, because she didn't want to move."
turn down
lower the volume or intensity of a TV, radio, or other machine
"I'm studying! Please turn down the TV."
turn in
submit
"You need to turn your essays in next week."
turn in
go to bed (inf.)
"It's getting late. I think it is about time to turn in."
turn into
become something different, transform
"When she kissed the frog, it turned into a handsome prince."
turn off
stop the function of (a stove, a water faucet, a car, etc.)
"Don't forget to turn off the iron before you leave the house."
turn on
attack unexpectedly
"The pit bull suddenly turned on the small child."
turn on
cause to be excited sexually
"Scientists have discovered that the smell of cinnamon turns many people on."
turn on
start the function of a TV, a radio, a machine
"Turn on the TV. The baseball game starts in a few minutes."
turn out
produce
"The weavers can turn out two or three rugs a month."
turn out
switch off a light
"Turn out the light before you go to bed."
turn out
audience members to a function
"Over 100,000 people turned out for the concert."
turn out
end up being
"She turned out to be the murderer after all."
turn over
give to authorities (said of evidence or stolen / lost property)
"They turned the wallet over to the police."
turn up
increase the volume or intensity of a TV, radio, or other machine
"Turn up the TV. I can't hear what they're saying."
turn up
find unexpectedly
"My keys turned up in the bedroom."
use up
use all of something
"I used up all of the soap, so we need to buy some more."
veer away from
stay away from, avoid
"I veer away from the same old summer blockbuster films."
wait on
serve, service (a table)
"Each waitress waits on three different tables in the restaurant."
wait up
not sleep because you are waiting for something or someone
"Don't wait up."
wait up for
not sleep because you are waiting for someone or something
"Let's wait up for Mary to see how her date went."
wake up
awaken someone
"The car alarm woke me up at 6:00 in the morning."
wake up
awaken
"Wake up. It's time to get ready for work."
wash up
clean oneself
"Make sure you wash up before dinner."
wash up
clean
"If we work together, we can wash the kitchen up in a few minutes."
watch out
be careful
"Watch out - there's a rattlesnake!"
watch out for
be careful of
"Watch out for snakes while you are hiking in the desert."
wear off
disappear after a period of time
"The affects of the medicine will wear off after a few hours."
wear out
use until something is not useable anymore
"If you wear the same shoes everyday, you'll wear them out."
wear out
cause to be very tired
"Her three kids wore me out."
wind up
finish (inf.)
"If he doesn't get his act together, he is going to wind up in jail."
wind up
tighten the spring of a watch or similar machine
"He wound up the toy dog and set it on the floor."
wind up
cause an animal or a child to behave wildly
"The kids always get wound up when Uncle Henry comes over."
wipe out
massacre or destroy
"The tidal wave wiped out the small fishing village."
wipe out
cause to be very tired
"After surfing all day, I was completely wiped out."
work out
solve
"I hope you two can work out your problems."
work out
exercise
"I work out three times a week at the fitness center."
work out
be successful
"I am glad your new catering business is working out."
write down
record
"Write down the directions so you don't forget them."
write out
write down every word or letter
"He wrote out the lyrics so I could understand what the singer was saying."
write up
prepare a report
"He wrote up a business proposal in order to get a loan."
yak on
to continue talking in an annoying way ("on" can be repeated for emphasis)
"He just yakked on and on and on."
yak on about
to continue talking in an annoying way about something ("on" can be repeated for emphasis)
"She just yakked on and on about her husband's new job."
yammer on
to talk in an annoying way or complain ("on" can be repeated for emphasis)
"They yammered on and on and on."
yammer on about
to talk in an annoying way about something or complain about ("on" can be repeated for emphasis)
"He just yammered on and on about how horrible the waiter was."
zero in on
discover, pinpoint
"I think I have zeroed in on what has been causing the problem."
zip around
move quickly from place to place
"I zipped around town after work today."
zone out
stop paying attention
"He zoned out during class."
zonk out
fall asleep
"Jill was so exhausted after taking the TOEFL test that she zonked out before dinner."
zoom in
focus
"You need a telephoto lens to zoom in."
zoom in on
focus on something, pinpoint
"She zoomed in on his face while taking the picture."
keep around
have handy, have accessible
"I always keep a dictionary around to translate new words."
keep at
not give up (an activity), to persevere
"You should keep at your studies."
keep away
prevent access to, hold back
"Keep the kids away from the cookies."
keep back
maintain a safe distance, cause to maintain a safe distance
"Keep back! The burning building is about to collapse."
keep down
not vomit, not throw up, keep in one's stomach
"If I ate that, I down know if I could keep it down."
keep in
keep in a particular place, have something in a specific location
"When I am not using it, I keep my passport in this drawer."
keep off
prevent from stepping or climbing on to something
"Keep the cat off the couch."
keep on
continue
"He kept on talking after everybody asked him to stop."
keep out
prevent from entering
"Keep the dog out of the garden; he keeps digging up the flowers."
keep over
cover something with, put something above
"I keep a tarp over my bicycle at night to prevent it from getting wet."
keep to
continue, persist in (an activity)
"Everybody said she would never finish the puzzle, but she kept to it until it was done."
keep up
stay on the required schedule
"You have to keep up if you want to work here."
keep up
continue
"You are doing a great job! Keep it up."
keep up with
stay on schedule with (a person, the workload, homework)
"I have so much reading that I can't keep up with the writing exercises."
kick back
sit or lie back (to relax)
"After work, I like to kick back in front of the TV and relax."
kick in
begin taking effect
"The medicine takes one hour to kick in."
