A hot potato

Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is
usually disputed
Apennyforyourthoughts
A way of asking what someone is thinking
Actions speak louder than words
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
Add insult to injury
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
At the drop of a hat
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
Backtothedrawingboard
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next decision or step
Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person
Be glad to see the back of
Be happy when a person leaves.
Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Best of both
worlds
Meaning: All the advantages.
Best thing
since
sliced
bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
Bite
off
more
than
you
can
chew
To take on a task that is way to big.
B
l
e
s
s
i
n
g

i
n

d
i
s
g
u
i
s
e
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
B
u
r
n

t
h
e

m
i
d
n
i
g
h
t

o
i
l
To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.
C
a
n
'
t

j
u
d
g
e

a

b
o
o
k

b
y

i
t
s

c
o
v
e
r
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.
C
a
u
g
h
t

b
e
t
w
e
e
n

t
w
o

s
t
o
o
l
s
When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.
C
o
s
t
s

a
n

a
r
m

a
n
d

a

l
e
g
This idiom is used when something is very expensive.
C
r
o
s
s

t
h
a
t

b
r
i
d
g
e

w
h
e
n

y
o
u

c
o
m
e

t
o

i
t
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.
C
r
y

o
v
e
r

s
p
i
l
t

m
i
l
k
When you complain about a loss from the past.
C
u
r
i
o
s
i
t
y

k
i
l
l
e
d

t
h
e

c
a
t
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.
C
u
t

c
o
r
n
e
r
s
When something is done badly to save money.
C
u
t

t
h
e

m
u
s
t
a
r
d
To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate
D
e
v
i
l
'
s

A
d
v
o
c
a
t
e
To present a counter argument
D
o
n
'
t

c
o
u
n
t

y
o
u
r

c
h
i
c
k
e
n
s

b
e
f
o
r
e

t
h
e

e
g
g
s

h
a
v
e

h
a
t
c
h
e
d
This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".
D
o
n
'
t

g
i
v
e

u
p

t
h
e

d
a
y

j
o
b
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.
D
o
n
'
t

p
u
t

a
l
l

y
o
u
r

e
g
g
s

i
n

o
n
e

b
a
s
k
e
t
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
D
r
a
s
t
i
c

t
i
m
e
s

c
a
l
l

f
o
r

d
r
a
s
t
i
c

m
e
a
s
u
r
e
s
When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
E
l
v
i
s

h
a
s

l
e
f
t

t
h
e

b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
E
v
e
r
y

c
l
o
u
d

h
a
s

a

s
i
l
v
e
r

l
i
n
i
n
g
Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
F
a
r

c
r
y

f
r
o
m
Very different from.
F
e
e
l

a

b
i
t

u
n
d
e
r

t
h
e

w
e
a
t
h
e
r
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.
G
i
v
e

t
h
e

b
e
n
e
f
i
t

o
f

t
h
e

d
o
u
b
t
Believe someone's statement, without proof.
H
e
a
r

i
t

o
n

t
h
e

g
r
a
p
e
v
i
n
e
This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.
H
i
t

t
h
e

n
a
i
l

o
n

t
h
e

h
e
a
d
Do or say something exactly right
H
i
t

t
h
e

s
a
c
k

/

s
h
e
e
t
s

/

h
a
y
To go to bed.
I
n

t
h
e

h
e
a
t

o
f

t
h
e

m
o
m
e
n
t
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
I
t

t
a
k
e
s

t
w
o

t
o

t
a
n
g
o
Actions or communications need more than one person
J
u
m
p

o
n

t
h
e

b
a
n
d
w
a
g
o
n
Join a popular trend or activity.
K
e
e
p

s
o
m
e
t
h
i
n
g

a
t

b
a
y
Keep something away.
K
i
l
l

t
w
o

b
i
r
d
s

w
i
t
h

o
n
e

s
t
o
n
e
This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same time.
L
a
s
t

s
t
r
a
w
The final problem in a series of problems.
L
e
t

s
l
e
e
p
i
n
g

d
o
g
s

l
i
e
Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or
complications.
L
e
t

t
h
e

c
a
t

o
u
t

o
f

t
h
e

b
a
g
To share information that was previously concealed
M
a
k
e

a

l
o
n
g

s
t
o
r
y

s
h
o
r
t
Come to the point - leave out details
M
e
t
h
o
d

t
o

m
y

m
a
d
n
e
s
s
An assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there actually is structure to
it.
M
i
s
s

t
h
e

b
o
a
t
This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance
N
o
t

a

s
p
a
r
k

o
f

d
e
c
e
n
c
y
Meaning: No manners
Not playing with a full deck
Someone who lacks intelligence.
Off one's rocker
Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile.
On the ball
When someone understands the situation well.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Happens very rarely.
Picture paints a thousand words
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
Piece of cake
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.
Put wool over other people's eyes
This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.
See eye to eye
This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.
Sit on the fence
This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision.
Speak of the devil!
This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.
Steal someone's thunder
To take the credit for something someone else did.
Take with a grain of salt
This means not to take what someone says too seriously.
Taste of your own medicine
Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone
else
Tohearsomethingstraightfromthehorse'smouth
To hear something from the authoritative source.
Whole nine yards
Everything. All of it.
Wouldn't be caught dead
Would never like to do something
Your guess is as good as mine
To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question

nock on wood.
Under the weather.
Go the extra mile.
Dont cry over spilt milk.
Rule of thumb.
Things went pear shaped.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Out on a limb.
Between a rock and a hard place.
End of the road.
Bend over backwards.
The ball is in your court.
Like a broken record.
Break a leg.
All in the same boat.
Hold your horses.
Put your money where your mouth is.
A blessing disguise.
Tongue in cheek.
Its a piece of cake.
Barking up the wrong tree.

The lights are on but nobodys home used to describe a stupid person
Example: She really has no clue- the lights are on but nobodys home!
2. When pigs fly about something that will never happen
Example: Yea, right! You will get Taylor Swift to ask you on a date when pigs fly!
3. To have Van Goghs ear for music to be tone deaf (Van Gogh only had one ear!)
Example: Xavi really shouldnt play the piano- he has Van Goghs ear for music.
4. To pig out to eat a lot very quickly
Example: After the marathon, the runners pigged out at a dinner buffet.
5. Everything but the kitchen sink almost everything has been included
Example: Maria was trying so hard to get the question right, she was throwing out everything but the kitchen sink!
6. To put a sock in it to tell someone noisy to be quiet
Example: Jane was yelling while I was studying so I told her to put a sock in it.
7. To have a cast iron stomach to have no problems eating or drinking anything
Example: I think I would be sick if I ate all that food, but Joe seems to have a cast iron stomach.
8. To drink like a fish to drink heavily
Example: The group at the bar seems to being having a party and you can tell hes the birthday boy because he is
drinking like a fish!
9. Use your loaf use your head, think smart
Example: Come on Parker, use your loaf! I know you can solve this problem!
10. Finger lickin good extremely tasty
Example: My mom makes the best steak! Its finger lickin good!
Devon Loch, they suddenly fail when everybody expects them to
succeed or simply crumble at the very last minute when they were
almost winning.
Example: It was shocking how Manchester United did a Devon Loch in
the last minutes of the match against Arsenal.
This idiom is a catch phrase used when everything is alright and means
that something will be done, sorted or successful. Its the British
equivalent of and thats that, or there you go! How it is used is often
quite funny.
Example: You want to go to the market? Go straight on until you reach
the main road, take the first right, and Bobs your uncleyoure there!
Enough to cobble dogs with
This incredulous phrase is used to refer to a surplus of anything. The
humor in the image contained in the phrase becomes apparent when
you consider that a cobbler repairs shoes. If a cobbler has enough
leather to cobble an animal that has four feet, then that cobbler definitely
has a surplus.
Example: Weve got enough beer in this party to cobble dogs with.
5. Fall off the back of a lorry
This is the British humorous way of saying you acquired something that
was probably stolen, or you are trying to sell something thats stolen or
illegitimate. The American equivalent of the phrase is: off the back of a
truck.
Example: I dont know where you get this stuff. I suspect off the back of
a lorry.
6. Hairy at the heel
This disparaging phrase was originally used by the British upper-crust to
refer to someone who is ill-bred, dangerous or untrustworthy. The image
of a hairy heel is indeed striking and funny.
Example: I cant say I like Bob. Ive once or twice had a row with him.
Hes a bit hairy at the heels.
7. Cats arse
The humble cats arseoriginally known as felinus bottomus to the
ancient Greeksis sometimes used to describe the facial expression
adopted by a scorned woman. This rather vulgar phrase is apparently
used because the (*) shape created by the womans lips resemble a
cats backside.
Example: Bob wont come to the pub with ushes afraid his wife will give
him the Cats Arse if he does.
8. For donkeys years
This British expression jokingly alludes to the considerable length of
years the animal works with nothing to show for it. If you have done
something for donkeys years, then you have done it for an awfully long
time without any change or much to show for it.
Example: Ive been a plumber for donkeys years. Its time for a change.
9. All talk and no trousers
Someone who is all talk and no trouser talks and thumps his chest a lot
about doing big, important things, but doesnt actually take any action.
The thought of someone running his mouth with no trousers is funny.
Example: Be careful. Politicians are known to be all mouth and no
trousers.
10. If youll pardon my French
Pardon my French, or excuse my French is an informal apology for
the use of profane, swear or taboo words. The expression dates back to
the 19th century when it was fashionable for Englishmen to use French
wordsa foreign language thenin conversation, knowing the listener
may not understand.
Example: What she needs is a kick in the ass, if youll excuse my
French.
11. When pigs fly
Pigs cannot fly. This often sarcastic idiom is commonly used among
friends in the US to mean that whatever you are discussing will never
happen. A similar saying was first used in Scotland in the late 1500s and
a version of which even appeared in Lewis Carrolls 1865 novel Alice in
Wonderland.
Example: Yea, right! You will get Justin Bieber to ask you on a date
when pigs fly!
12. Cat got your tongue
Imagine a cat eating or holding your tongue! Would you be able to
speak? No, probably not. That is exactly what the phrase means. If a cat
got your tongue, you are unable to speak. Your silence is oddly
suspicious. Apparently, the phrase stems from the middle ages when
witches were greatly feared. It was said that if you saw a witch, her cat
would somehow steal your tongue so you couldnt report the sighting.
Not a nice thought but definitely a reason why you would be speechless.
Example: Come on, Bob! Tell us what you think about our little party.
Whats the matter? Cat got your tongue?
13. Have a one track mind!
Most railroads have two or more tracks so trains can go in different
directions. However, on a one-track railroad line, train traffic can only
move in one direction at a time. If you have a one track mind, your mind
is limited to only one line of thought or action. You are always thinking
about the same thing.
Example: Oh, shut up, Sean! All you think about is foodyou have a
one-track mind.
14. Chew the fat
This idiom means to chat in a friendly and leisurely way or engage in
casual gossip sessions. It is said to stem from the practice of sailors,
who while working together, or during periods of rest, would converse
leisurely while chewing on salt-hardened fat. A variation of this idiom is
chew the rag in American slang.
Example: The women have gone to one of their friends house to chew
the fat, John smiled.
15. More holes than a Swiss cheese
While delicious, Swiss cheese is hard, pale yellow or white with many
holes. If something has more holes than a Swiss cheese, it has a lot of
problems; there are many things wrong with it. It is incomplete or lacks
important components.
Example: You can do better, Mary. This essay has more holes in it than
Swiss cheese.
. Break the bank to use up all of your money
Example: John knew that renting the ocean view apartment would break the bank, so he settled for a smaller
apartment.
2. Bring home the bacon to earn money for a family
Example: His wife chooses not to work, so Robert has to bring home the bacon.
3. Cash in on (something) to make money from an opportunity
Example: The former athlete cashed in on his popularity to open a nightclub in his name.
4. Give (someone) a blank check to let someone do whatever they want (as if the amount on the check were left
blank)
Example: The professor gave the students a blank check with the only requirement being that they turn in their
project on time.
5. Turn on a dime to make a turn in a very small area
Example: The car handles very well and can turn on a dime.
6. Bet your bottom dollar to bet all that you have because you are certain you will win
Example: I would bet my bottom dollar that Rachel will show up late again today.
7. Look like a million dollars to look very good
Example: As she stepped out in her wedding dress, she looked like a million dollars.
8. Pinch pennies to be very careful with money, to be thrifty
Example: My grandfather always pinches pennies; he never spends money if he doesnt have to.
9. Put in your two cents to give your opinion about something
Example: You can put in your two cents after I am finished going over all the facts.
10. For peanuts for very little or no pay
Example: The students had very little money, so they were willing to work for peanuts.
Are there more money idioms that you hear regularly? Share with us!
Locavore Locavore first appeared in 2005 as a play off the words herbivore and carnivore. It
describes people who try to eat local food as much as possible. Those who fall into this
category are more likely to avoid processed foods, question big box restaurants, and heavily support
the organic food industry. The word represents a shift in thinking as Millennials gained buying power
and influence in the marketplace in the mid 2000s. While bigger and flashier products seemed to
dominate the 90s and early 2000s, many people were demanding more local goods and less mass
production by the time locavore hit the word scene. Its still a popular word and the movement is
continuing to gain steam.
Hipster This word describes a group of people, a trend, and even a lifestyle thats on the rise. While
the word itself goes back to the 1940s, it has re-emerged in the last several years to describe a
group of twenty- and thirty-somethings who can usually be identified by their quirky
style. The hipsters of the 1940s represented the jazz music scene and a less rigid lifestyle. Todays
hipsters brew their own beer, listen to indie music, and have a clean and crisp style unlike the loose-
fitting trends of past decades.
Hashtag The hashtag # directly relates to social media and its infiltration into the mainstream
media throughout the U.S. and the world. A hashtag is actually a number symbol the same one
weve known for years. When attached to a phrase, it becomes a tracking and search system for
Twitter users. Now, more popularly, its used as a catchy way to express a funny or often
sarcastic thought.
Accessories items you wear; could be anything from jewellery and belts to hats and bags.
Example: My sister just can't have enough accessories! Her bedroom is full of shoes and bags.
Apparel another word for clothes, clothing and garments
Example: I don't think you're wearing the right apparel for a funeral.
Trendy an adjective used to describe someone who is very fashionable or stylish. Comparative
trendier, Superlative trendiest)
Example: Andrew looks so trendy in his light blue shirt and dark jeans!
Fashion icon used to refer to someone or something that has become popular for being
extremely fashionable
Example: 'Jackie O' is regarded as a universal fashion icon. She always looked very stylish and
elegant in her Chanel, Givenchy and Dior dresses.
High-stepper casually used to describe someone who is very aware or conscious of fashion and
how he/ she looks.
Example: Emma and Claire are the top two high-steppers in school!
Expressions
to have an eye for fashion
Meaning: to be aware of the fashionable items (clothes, shoes etc.) you wear/ worn by others
around you; to know what is in fashion or not.
Example: Marie has an eye for fashion. Shes great at choosing what to wear!
to have a sense of style
Meaning: to be aware of your own individual fashion preferences and taste
Example: Marco's sense of style is unique. I cant think of anyone who dresses the way he does!
to dress for the occasion
Meaning: to wear something suitable for an event, party or special occasion.
Example: There's Nadine and Tom's wedding next month. I'll most definitely dress for the occasion!
to strike a pose
Meaning: to take on a certain position or posture
Example: Sebastian struck a pose in front of the mirror as soon as he stepped into the gym.
to strut your stuff
Meaning: to look good (can also be used to refer to someone who shows what he/she can do or his/
her talents)
Example: Look at how she struts her stuff! No wonder she's so popular.
Buttcrutch

Tosser Idiot
2. Cock-up Screw up
3. Bloody Damn
4. Give You A Bell Call you
5. Blimey! My Goodness
6. Wanker Idiot
7. Gutted Devastated
8. Bespoke Custom Made
9. Chuffed Proud
10. Fancy Like
11. Sod Off Piss off
12. Lost the Plot Gone Crazy
13. Fortnight Two Weeks
14. Sorted Arranged
15. Hoover Vacuum
16. Kip Sleep or nap
17. Bees Knees Awesome
18. Know Your Onions Knowledgeable
19. Dodgy Suspicious
20. Wonky Not right
21. Wicked Cool!
22. Whinge Whine
23. Tad Little bit
24. Tenner 10
25. Fiver 5
26. Skive Lazy or avoid doing something
27. Toff Upper Class Person
28. Punter Customer/Prostitutes Client
29. Scouser Someone from Liverpool
30. Quid
31. Taking the Piss Screwing around32. Pissed Drunk
33. Loo Toilet
34. Nicked Stolen
35. Nutter Crazy Person
36. Knackered Tired
37. Gobsmacked Amazed
38. Dogs Bollocks Awesome
39. Chap Male or friend
40. Bugger Jerk
41. Bog Roll Toilet Paper
42. Bobs Your Uncle There you go!
43. Anti-Clockwise We Say Counter Clockwise
44. C of E Church of England
45. Pants Panties
46. Throw a Spanner in the Works Screw up
47. Zed We say ZZZZZZZ
48. Absobloodylootely YES!
49. Nosh Food
50. One Off One time only
51. Shambles Mess
52. Arse-over-tit Fall over
53. Brilliant! Great!
54. Dogs Dinner Dressed Nicely
55. Up for it Willing to have sex
56. On the Pull Looking for sex
57. Made Redundant Fired from a job
58. Easy Peasy Easy
59. See a Man About a Dog Do a deal or take a dump
60. Up the Duff Pregnant
61. DIY Do It Yourself home improvements
62. Chat Up Flirt
63. Fit Hot
64. Arse Ass
65. Strawberry Creams Breasts
66. Shag Screw
67. Gentleman Sausage Penis
68. Twigs & Berries Genitalia
69. Fanny Vagina
70. Bollocks Balls
71. Ponce Poser
72. Dont Get Your Knickers in a Twist Dont Get worked up
73. The Telly Television
74. Bangers Sausage
75. Chips French Fries
76. Daft Cow Idiot
77. Do Party
78. Uni College/University
79. Starkers Naked
80. Smeg From Red Dwarf
81. Bits n Bobs Various things
82. Anorak A person weirdly interested in something
83. Shambles bad shape/plan gone wrong
84. Im Off to Bedfordshire Going to bed
85. Her Majestys Pleasure To be in prison
86. Horses for Courses Wont work for someone else
87. John Thomas Penis
88. Plastered Drunk
89. Meat and Two Veg Genitalia
90. Knob Head Idiot/Dickhead
91. Knob Penis
92. Chav White trash
93. It`s monkeys outside it is very cold
94. Stag Night Bachelor Party
95. Ace Cool!
96. Plonker Idiot
97. Dobber Penis
98. BellEnd Penis
99. Blighty Britain
100. Rubbish Garbage or Thats crap!