tit for tat

Meaning: used to express when you punish someone in return for

something bad done to you.
Example: They had engaged in a tit for tat exchange of petty insults all
night. Read more ➺

grist to the mill

Meaning: something that gives a useful advantage.
Example: The recent market research data is grist to the mill for our
marketing team, helping them tailor their strategies effectively. Read more ➺

bell the cat

Meaning: do a dangerous job.
Example: Someone has to bell the cat and organize the office fundraiser,
but so far, no one has volunteered. Read more ➺

faux pas
Meaning: embarrassing or tactless action or remark.
Example: Jenny realized she had committed a faux pas when the guest of
honor left in a huff. Read more ➺
good faith
Meaning: acting honestly, with pure motives, and without deceiving
others.
Example: The contract was negotiated and signed in good faith by both
parties. Read more ➺

long time no see

Meaning: informal way to greet someone you haven't seen in a long time.
Example: Long time no see! It's been ages. How have you been? Read more
➺

half baked
Meaning: imperfectly or inadequately planned, prepared, or developed.
Example: That was a half-baked idea; it would never work in
practice. Read more ➺

jack of all trades

Meaning: a person who can easily handle a variety of challenges and tasks.
Example: My grandfather was a jack of all trades. He had never attended
college, but he was an accomplished musician, gardener, piano player, and
spoke several languages. Read more ➺

fly in the ointment

Meaning: something that spoils a pleasant or enjoyable experience.
Example: The fly in the ointment was that the proposal still needed board
approval. Read more ➺

hold your feet to the fire

Meaning: insist that someone fulfill their promises or obligations.
Example: The management will hold your feet to the fire to ensure that
you fulfill the project deadline. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

split up
Meaning: end of a relationship, marriage, or partnership.
Example: The couple split up after months of conflicts and
arguments. Read more ➺

melting pot
Meaning: a place where different types of people and ideas live together,
frequently blending to create something new.
Example: The United States has been a melting pot of different cultures
and backgrounds. Read more ➺

John Doe
Meaning: represents an unnamed or unknown person in a hypothetical
example or illustration.
Example: Our John Doe witness refused to testify out of fear of
retaliation. Read more ➺

in the limelight
Meaning: receiving prominent public attention or fame.
Example: The candidate has been in the limelight for months before the
election. Read more ➺

have a cow
Meaning: to become angry or excited about something.
Example: The boss had a cow when he saw the mess they had made. Read
more ➺
high five
Meaning: celebratory hand slap done between two people.
Example: Let's high-five after we finish this project. Read more ➺

worth your salt

Meaning: be capable or competent enough.
Example: You'll only be worth your salt if you go above and beyond the
call of duty. Read more ➺

slam dunk
Meaning: accomplish something with great ease or efficiency.
Example: The new software made data entry a slam-dunk. Read more ➺

third degree
Meaning: an interrogation that frequently includes torture in an effort to
find the truth or a confession.
Example: The detective put him through the third degree, but he wouldn't
break. Read more ➺
cut from the same cloth
Meaning: share similar qualities.
Example: The new partners were cut from the same cloth—they had
innovative ideas and ambitions for growth. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

fly on the wall

Meaning: to see or listen to something without being noticed.
Example: Even though Janice was not invited to the wedding, she decided
to be a fly on the wall. Read more ➺

code of conduct
Meaning: set rules and regulations governing a group of people.
Example: The code of conduct of that organization requires people to pass
through the security office before entering. Read more ➺

crash course
Meaning: a course in which lots of information is taught in a short period
of time.
Example: We took a crash course in Spanish last summer to prepare for
our trip to Spain. Read more ➺
bear fruit
Meaning: produce valuable results.
Example: Bearing fruit takes time and patience. Read more ➺

sweet tooth
Meaning: a great fondness for sweet-tasting foods.
Example: My niece has a sweet tooth, as she continually begs me to make
her something sugary. Read more ➺

rise to the occasion

Meaning: achieve extraordinary results under pressure.
Example: I know I will rise to the occasion when challenges arise. Read
more ➺

man of straw
Meaning: a person who is disregarded as lacking character or morality.
Example: He's just a man of straw, easily manipulated by powerful
people. Read more ➺
keep your eyes peeled
Meaning: to be on alert and aware of something.
Example: I regularly keep my eyes peeled to identify any new
opportunities that come my way at the company. Read more ➺

blind alley
Meaning: a street, road, or alley that closes at one end.
Example: I've been researching this problem for days, and I think I'm in
a blind alley. There doesn't seem to be any way around it. Read more ➺

cry over spilt milk

Meaning: to cry about past events that cannot be undone.
Example: While it's sad that the results have not been as good as you
expected, you should now focus on moving ahead and achieving better
results next time; there is no use crying over spilt milk. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

live on the edge

Meaning: to lead an exciting or dangerous lifestyle.
Example: He's always been an adrenaline junkie and loves to live on the
edge. Read more ➺

face to face
Meaning: meeting or seeing someone in person.
Example: We need to have a face-to-face meeting in order to sort out this
issue. Read more ➺

dead end
Meaning: a position or job with no hope of progress; a blind alley.
Example: The interlocutors have reached a dead end in their efforts to
discover a peaceful solution to the imbroglio. Read more ➺

one on one
Meaning: describing an instance of direct interaction, conflict, or
correspondence between two parties.
Example: We had a one-on-one meeting to discuss the details of the
project. Read more ➺
push the boat out
Meaning: to be extravagant or spend a lot of money on something,
particularly for a celebration.
Example: Let us push the boat out and celebrate the win with a fancy
dinner tonight. Read more ➺

bottom line
Meaning: the most important factor to take into account of something
Example: When the profit comes down, the bottom line is that this
investment isn't worth the risk. Read more ➺

divide and conquer (or rule)

Meaning: gain an advantage over others by creating divisions.
Example: The plan today is to divide and conquer to complete our
coursework. Read more ➺

in the dock
Meaning: on trial in court, especially in a criminal case.
Example: The accused man was placed in the dock, ready to face
trial. Read more ➺

death knell
Meaning: cause a system, organization, or activity to fail or come to an
end.
Example: The shutdown of the local iron industry tolled the death
knell for the village. Read more ➺

as broad as long
Meaning: it remains the same regardless of how you view it.
Example: Can we go today or tomorrow? It is as broad as it is long, so
you choose. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

arrive in a body
Meaning: arrive with unity as a group.
Example: The office became too noisy when all the employees arrived in
a body. Read more ➺
as soon as
Meaning: immediately after.
Example: As soon as the teacher left the class, she started making
noise. Read more ➺

take a back seat

Meaning: to take a less significant role or position.
Example: I decided to take a back seat so as to let my boss handle the
problem. Read more ➺

doubting Thomas
Meaning: always a doubtful person.
Example: He's such a doubting Thomas that he won't believe unless he
sees things through his eyes. Read more ➺

devil may care

Meaning: very casual attitude.
Example: The opening batsman's devil-may-care approach may ruin his
chances of securing a permanent spot in the team. Read more ➺
bag and baggage
Meaning: (with) all one's belongings.
Example: She moved to a new city, leaving all her "bag and baggage"
behind her. Read more ➺

back to basics
Meaning: start to give your attention to the simplest and most important
matters after ignoring them for a while.
Example: After struggling to comprehend the intricate components, it's
time to go back to the basics and refresh ourselves on the basic principles
of the topic. Read more ➺

pass the baton

Meaning: give responsibility for something important to another person.
Example: After a successful decade as CEO, he chose to pass the
baton and retire. Read more ➺

with a bang
Meaning: to start or finish with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, or success.
Example: These amazing recipes will set your engagement party off with
a bang. Read more ➺

bay for blood

Meaning: want somebody to be hurt or punished.
Example: She was out for revenge and was not afraid to bay for
blood. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

clear the decks

Meaning: to deal with any obstacles that could get in the way of a plan of
action or an event.
Example: We need to clear the decks and get our project done on
time. Read more ➺

closed book
Meaning: something that one knows or understands nothing about.
Example: I love reading and learning. But physics is a closed book to
me. Read more ➺
safe bet
Meaning: something that will undoubtedly happen.
Example: I knew her passing the exams was a safe bet because she has
been a hardworking student. Read more ➺

turn the clock back

Meaning: to restore something to its former state or condition.
Example: I would if I could turn the clock back and study another
course. Read more ➺

deliver the goods

Meaning: do what is required.
Example: So far, the team's new player has failed to deliver the goods. He
failed to open his account in his first three games. Read more ➺

catch a cold
Meaning: experience challenges and difficulties.
Example: Brian tried the offshore education business, but he caught a
cold after the first month and has still shown no signs of growth. Read more
➺
chicken hearted
Meaning: not brave.
Example: Daisy was too chicken-hearted in the meeting to speak up, even
though she knew the board was making the wrong decision. Read more ➺

your sins will find you out

Meaning: your evil deeds will be exposed.
Example: He stole this book two months ago, but I saw it today in his bag;
surely your sins will find you out. Read more ➺

cloak and dagger

Meaning: an activity or process that involves spying, secrecy, or mystery.
Example: He didn't want anyone to know what he was doing, so he kept
his plans cloaked and daggered from the public. Read more ➺

chattering classes
Meaning: refers to the people who comment on events but have no power
to influence them, such as journalists, broadcasters, or public figures.
Example: The royal baby's birth was a historic event and has recently
become a trendy topic among the chattering classes. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

scared to death
Meaning: to be extremely afraid or frightened.
Example: A shadow appeared in the doorway and scared me to
death. Read more ➺

come up
Meaning: to move toward someone.
Example: The team has come up with cost-saving ideas to cut the budget
short. Read more ➺

carry out
Meaning: execute a task.
Example: The American scientist wanted to carry out several experiments
before announcing the sending of humans to Mars. Read more ➺

wouldn’t dream of
Meaning: wouldn't consider doing something.
Example: I love school so much that I wouldn't dream of missing school
even a single day. Read more ➺

in the dark
Meaning: uninformed, a state of ignorance.
Example: 1. The family had been kept in the dark regarding their kin
one's medical diagnosis. Read more ➺

chapter and verse

Meaning: accurate information about something.
Example: Conversations at the university can give you chapter and
verse. Read more ➺

in the driver’s seat

Meaning: in control of a situation
Example: The availability of a wide range of products has put the
consumer in the driving seat. Read more ➺
till doomsday
Meaning: for a very long time.
Example: You can wait from now till doomsday for customer
service. Read more ➺

done in
Meaning: be too tired to do any more.
Example: He was done in after working the night shift. Read more ➺

chop and change

Meaning: to repeatedly change.
Example: You wouldn't chop and change your mind; either stay or
go. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

down the road

Meaning: at a future point or end.
Example: Somewhere down the road, I think he'll make it big. Read more
➺
drag feet (or heels)
Meaning: to do something slowly because you do not want to do it.
Example: I suspect the government is dragging its heels over this
issue. Read more ➺

lame duck
Meaning: a person or thing that is disabled, helpless, ineffective, or
inefficient.
Example: Knowing she would be a lame duck, the mayor decided to
resign from office early and retire. Read more ➺

damp squib
Meaning: an event that people think will be exciting but that is
disappointing when it happens.
Example: People were expecting a big celebration, but what they got was
a damp squib. Read more ➺

cut your coat according to your cloth

Meaning: adapt to one's circumstances; make sure one's plans are
appropriate to one's resources.
Example: Of course, we'd love a luxurious car, but you have to cut your
coat according to your cloth. Read more ➺

come up with
Meaning: to find a new thought.
Example: The team has to come up with cost-saving ideas soon;
otherwise, the budget cut will cost them a lot. Read more ➺

at a discount
Meaning: not valuable or worth anything.
Example: Freedom fighters are at a discount in present politics. Read more
➺

die hard
Meaning: disappear or change very slowly
Example: This proposal has some radical parts that will die hard. Read
more ➺
day of reckoning
Meaning: a time when people are punished for their past mistakes.
Example: The reckless behavior of drug-taking college students went
unabated until the day of reckoning came—they were all sent home. Read
more ➺

a raw deal
Meaning: unfair treatment.
Example: Everyone was rewarded except her. She felt her dad's actions
were a raw deal for her. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

on the drawing board

Meaning: in the initial planning or design stage.
Example: The manager raised the second item on his agenda, admitting it
was still on the drawing board. Read more ➺

dig up dirt
Meaning: find and disclose destructive evidence about someone.
Example: After calling my sources at the tabloids, I dug up dirt on the
actress. Read more ➺

never say die

Meaning: don't get discouraged or give up, no matter what.
Example: Things look bad for the team, but never say die. A miracle
could happen. Read more ➺

dead and buried

Meaning: no longer in use.
Example: The world believes that the idea of another Cold War is dead
and buried. Read more ➺

catch napping
Meaning: getting someone to deal with a situation since you put them in it
suddenly and they were unprepared and not paying attention.
Example: His plan to catch his security office napping was
successful. Read more ➺
coin money
Meaning: to accumulate wealth rapidly.
Example: My knowledge of ICT technology could help me coin
money. Read more ➺

hook, line, and sinker

Meaning: used to highlight the fact that a person has been utterly deceived
or fooled.
Example: used to highlight the fact that a person has been utterly deceived
or fooled. Read more ➺

feet of clay
Meaning: have a flaw or weakness most people are unaware of.
Example: Despite his success in business, it was later revealed that the
CEO had feet of clay when it came to personal ethics. Read more ➺

ace up one’s sleeve

Meaning: a powerful, secretive weapon that people can use to their benefit.
Example: "I am wondering how Kellen is going to get her dad to take her
on a trip, but I am pretty sure she has an ace up her sleeve." Read more ➺

cut both ways

Meaning: affect both sides of an argument or something equally.
Example: The promotion I got means that I will earn more money, but I
will also have less time with my family. It cuts both ways. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

left out in the cold

Meaning: being neglected.
Example: Orphans are left out in the cold when parents' meetings are
held. Read more ➺

crystal clear
Meaning: easy to understand or transparent.
Example: The pictures on the high-definition TV are crystal clear. Read
more ➺

comes to the crunch

Meaning: in a critical moment or crucial time, or in a tight corner.
Example: I’m ready to resign due to this if it comes to the crunch. Read
more ➺

crowning glory
Meaning: the most notable and best aspect of something.
Example: The palace's crowning glory is the ballroom. Read more ➺

boil the ocean

Meaning: undertaking an impossible chore or task.
Example: Keep it to three to four actionable categories rather than trying
to boil the ocean. Read more ➺

caught in the crossfire

Meaning: suffer harm or damage inadvertently because of the conflict
between other individuals or groups.
Example: Jane was proven innocent since she was only caught in the
crossfire. Read more ➺
conspiracy of silence
Meaning: general agreement to keep silent about a subject for the sake of
secrecy.
Example: Healthcare professionals create a conspiracy of silence due to
the fear of legal proceedings, corrective action, or punishment.  Read more ➺

Medusa Tattoo
Meaning: an apotropaic character proposed to protect against the evil and
negative.
Example: Many female ticktockers use the hashtag "Medusa tattoo" to
symbolize survival. Read more ➺

come full circle

Meaning: completion of the cycle.
Example: I was wearing such a dress some 40 years ago. Fashion's wheel
has come full circle. Read more ➺

collision course
Meaning: saying or doing something that can lead to a serious fight or
disagreement.
Example: When the attempts at diplomacy broke down, the two states
went on a collision course. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

snowball effect
Meaning: a situation in which something grows bigger or more important
at an ever-increasing rate.
Example: The mayor hopes that the improvements will have a snowball
effect and lead to increased private investment in the city. Read more ➺

go round in circles
Meaning: to waste energy and time engaging in aimless, trivial, or futile
activities.
Example: I attempted to draft an outline for my thesis. However, my ideas
were so mixed up in a confused way that I kept going around in
circles. Read more ➺

hot air
Meaning: empty, exaggerated talk or writing.
Example: Please do not pay any attention to Howard because he's full of
hot air. Read more ➺
aid and abet
Meaning: to help someone, typically in an illegal or mischievous activity.
Example: The police officers arrested Gary for aiding and abetting the
car thief. Read more ➺

in a pinch
Meaning: being in a situation where the preferred or ideal choice is
unavailable.
Example: This diet will do in a pinch. It is better than going hungry. Read
more ➺

bundle of nerves
Meaning: anxious
Example: The robbery was a frightening experience. Since then, I have
been a bundle of nerves. Read more ➺

zone out
Meaning: to fall asleep.
Example: Whenever they start talking about cryptocurrency, I zone
out. Read more ➺

three cheers
Meaning: good for
Example: The troops who stood to gain from the official declaration of
hospitality gave three cheers. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

ducks and drakes

Meaning: to carelessly misuse one's wealth
Example: He lost his job for playing ducks and drakes with the funds of
a corporation. Read more ➺

when the chips are down

Meaning: when a situation is urgent or desperate.
Example: When the chips are down, you know who your real friends
are. Read more ➺
chink in the armour
Meaning: a susceptible or vulnerable area.
Example: Ken is brilliant, but his temper is the chink in his armor. Read
more ➺

long shot
Meaning: a bet with very low chances of winning.
Example: I don't think I would be considered a pessimist, not by a long
shot. Read more ➺

red flag
Meaning: a sign of a particular issue requiring attention.
Example: United, American, and Delta airlines suspended all flights to
China. This was a red flag as the coronavirus wreaked havoc on the airline
industry. Read more ➺

henpecked
Meaning: a woman who is being a nag to a man.
Example: Ken was a henpecked husband who would not dare contradict
his wife. Read more ➺
goody two shoes
Meaning: too virtuous.
Example: She's not a goody-two-shoes, but she's a good woman. Read more
➺

raze to the ground

Meaning: destroy or demolish.
Example: We will raze the old, rickety building to the ground. Read more
➺

live and breathe

Meaning: I'm confident.
Example: I've never seen such a beautiful view as I live and breathe. Read
more ➺

drop off
Meaning: take someone or something to a given place using a vehicle and
leave them there.
Example: Once we were done with the concert, he offered to drop me
off at home. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

no feeling is final
Meaning: no situation is permanent.
Example: Even though you performed poorly last semester, charm up. No
feeling is final. Read more ➺

nowhere near
Meaning: not similar at all.
Example: She's nowhere near recovered from her experiences. Read more
➺

next door
Meaning: the nearest house.
Example: Our house is next door to hers; that's why we know each
other. Read more ➺

last laugh
Meaning: succeed or win despite ridicule or mistrust from others.
Example: She was terminated from the company a year ago, but she had
the last laugh when she was employed by the company's main competitor
at double the wage. Read more ➺

sneak peek
Meaning: getting a preview of something that is yet to be publicized.
Example: The cinema had a sneak peek of the film to be released next
week. Read more ➺

drop a line
Meaning: send a brief letter.
Example: If you've got a few minutes to spare, you could always drop her
a line. Read more ➺

win the day

Meaning: to be accepted by other people.
Example: If you fail to win the day during practice, forget about winning
the game. Read more ➺
the corridors of power
Meaning: the office of a powerful leader.
Example: When Jim became a clerk to a Supreme Court justice, he thought
he would get his foot inside the corridors of power. Read more ➺

by all means
Meaning: in every way possible.
Example: "Do you mind if I go to the party?" "By all means." Read more ➺

piss and vinegar

Meaning: to self-reference someone who is in a bad mood and ready
to fight.
Example: During the invasion, the soldiers were full of piss and vinegar,
and therefore they went straight into the front lines. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

24/7 (twenty-four-seven)
Meaning: constantly
Example: Kincaid said the center will be open 24/7 and will employ 30
people. Read more ➺
good account of
Meaning: performed well, even if one was not completely successful.
Example: The team played excellently and gave a good account of
itself. Read more ➺

hold all the aces

Meaning: be in a winning position.
Example: Agriculture-wise, the Green Revolution holds all the aces. Read
more ➺

a bit much
Meaning: to be excessive
Example: The concept and story was a bit much for me to understand
everything clearly. That is why I did not invest with this company. Read
more ➺

sleep on
Meaning: postpone making a choice until the following day.
Example: Please don't sleep on that talent. It will take you places! Read
more ➺

alter ego
Meaning: a second self, a deputy.
Example: Jack was the alter ego of Rose in the Titanic movie. Read more ➺

a bit too much

Meaning: behave in an unfair manner.
Example: I need the money, but working 10 hours daily in the kitchen is a
bit too much. Read more ➺

cast aspersions
Meaning: to criticize somebody or somebody's character.
Example: His opponents never missed an opportunity to cast
aspersions on his professionalism. Read more ➺
lead astray
Meaning: make someone act or think in a wrong or foolish manner.
Example: The interrogators in the case were led astray by false
information from one of the witnesses. Read more ➺

you rock
Meaning: explaining how awesome and cool a person is.
Example: You rocked the cast interview today. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

up a creek without a paddle

Meaning: being in trouble.
Example: With no savings, being fired will leave me up the creek
without a paddle. Read more ➺

step up your game

Meaning: to improve the performance, quality, skill, or talents.
Example: Matthew said to Sarah, "Step up your game," to which she
replied, "I already have by memorizing every act in Shakespeare's The
Tempest this week." Read more ➺
plain as day
Meaning: easy and clear to understand.
Example: If you are unsure about using the equipment, please read the
instructions. Its manual is as plain as day. Read more ➺

lose your marbles

Meaning: strange behaviors.
Example: When he made the decision to make his selecting passion a full-
time endeavor, everyone said, "James, you've lost your marbles." Read
more ➺

give it a whirl
Meaning: to try something new.
Example: The ski instructor told Sally to "give it a whirl" on the
beginner's ski slope by following his exact moves. Read more ➺

short fuse
Meaning: to get angry quickly.
Example: He has a short fuse. He loses his temper for things that don't
provoke others to high levels of angry emotion. Read more ➺
a whole new ball game
Meaning: a significant change in circumstances.
Example: For most young adults, moving out is a whole new ball
game. Read more ➺

like a duck to water

Meaning: to do something very quickly and enjoy doing it.
Example: She's taken to her grandmother's house like a duck to
water. Read more ➺

down for the count

Meaning: doomed, finished, or defeated.
Example: I doubt she'll leave the hospital. Her illness has her down for
the count. Read more ➺

day in, day out

Meaning: every day, without respite.
Example: They had to endure the city's dirt and noise day in, day
out.  Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

right as rain
Meaning: to imply that everything is satisfactory.
Example: He was right as rain after a few days in bed after getting
injured. Read more ➺

keep your pants on

Meaning: to tell someone to be calm.
Example: I told him to keep his pants on after being punked. Read more ➺

wrap one’s head around

Meaning: to understand and appreciate.
Example: It can be hard to wrap your head around what exactly
happened. Read more ➺

bent out of shape

Meaning: to become angry.
Example: John's flight was canceled, and he got bent out of shape. Read
more ➺

cool your jets

Meaning: to calm down and stop being so anxious or elated.
Example: Even though she wronged you, just cool your jets, and you will
be fine. Read more ➺

make like a tree and leave

Meaning: to tell someone to leave at once.
Example: "Why don't you make like a tree and leave?" "You are starting
to get on my nerves," he said to him after the argument in the office. Read
more ➺

my way or the highway

Meaning: to order someone to do something in a specific way without
providing an alternative.
Example: In my house, it is my way or the highway. He was told by his
father after coming back home drunk. Read more ➺
willy-nilly
Meaning: something that happens when the people involved do not want it
to occur.
Example: Each side was drawn willy-nilly into the battle. Read more ➺

in for a penny, in for a pound

Meaning: to complete a task, no matter what it may need.
Example: In for a penny, in for a pound, we need to stay up all night and
get the report done since we cannot turn it in half-finished. Read more ➺

food for thought

Meaning: an idea or subject to think about.
Example: The manager's meeting today has given me a lot of food for
thought about whether I want to continue working for this company. Read
more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

beat the air

Meaning: fighting without any purpose.
Example: You are just beating the air if you want to turn him into a good
boy. Read more ➺
roll with the punches
Meaning: to be positive and not let failures or criticism get you down.
Example: His negotiating ability and willingness to roll with
punches impressed all sides. Read more ➺

comb through
Meaning: to look into something carefully.
Example: The police combed through their house after the income tax
authorities left the building. Read more ➺

nip in the bud

Meaning: check something thoroughly.
Example: The army arrested all the leaders and successfully nipped the
rebellion in the bud. Read more ➺

beyond the pale

Meaning: unacceptable.
Example: Nobody will want to be friends with you if you are
considered beyond the pale in your social circle. Read more ➺

on the money
Meaning: being right about something.
Example: What he predicted was right on the money. Read more ➺

bird’s eye view

Meaning: an overview.
Example: You can get a bird's-eye view of the city by going to the
topmost floor. Read more ➺

the rose that grew from concrete

Meaning: a person who achieved greatness even though they came from a
place not so great.
Example: Ken performed well despite his poor background, much like the
rose that grew from concrete. Read more ➺
nail biter
Meaning: a situation like a close contest, which induces anxiety or tension.
Example: Friday's nail-biter of a win over the Houston Texans was an
excruciating contest. Read more ➺

like a cat on a hot tin roof

Meaning: in a state of agitation.
Example: The coach acted like a cat on a hot tin roof throughout
the game. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

tickle someone’s fancy

Meaning: to attract or interest someone.
Example: Does the menu have anything that tickles your fancy?  Read
more ➺

in short order
Meaning: immediately and without difficulty.
Example: The children got ready in short order to go to the park and
play. Read more ➺
top dog
Meaning: The term "top dog" means a person, group, or thing in a position
of power, particularly after struggling or winning a grueling competition.
Example: Given the latest shakeups, she is hoping that her experience will
make her the top dog in the accounting department. Read more ➺

pound of flesh
Meaning: an unreasonable demand but something that is one's legal right.
Example: If you do not pay the amount of money, I have lent you by the
agreed time, I will get a pound of flesh from you in return. Read more ➺

Great Scott
Meaning: "Great Scott!" is an interjection of surprise, wonder, or
consternation.
Example: She took one look at the screen before crying out "Great Scott!"
in celebration. Read more ➺

bigger fish to fry

Meaning: to have other, more important things to do.
Example: You are not worth my time or energy; I have bigger fish to
fry. Read more ➺

watchdog
Meaning: one who protects against loss, corruption, waste, or
objectionable practices.
Example: Professor Smith was doing a lot of watchdogging during the
mid-term exams at Polk High. Read more ➺

turn down a glass

Meaning: to decline something that someone has offered.
Example: to decline something that someone has offered. Read more ➺

straighten up and fly right

Meaning: to get serious and stop acting absurd anymore.
Example: You haven't been staying on top of your homework. You
better straighten up and fly right or you will get a bad grade. Read more ➺
turn the tables
Meaning: change your position with respect to someone else.
Example: After flying back to town, I went to Jenna's place uninformed to
surprise her & to my amaze she had already planned a party to welcome
me. I should have known she is smart enough to turn the tables. Read more
➺
Source: theidioms.com

every man Jack

Meaning: everyone without exceptions.
Example: I'd bet every man Jack of them are spies. Read more ➺

take with a grain of salt

Meaning: to understand that something is not completely true or right
Example: I have read the article, but I take it with a grain of salt. Read
more ➺

as thick as thieves
Meaning: a very secretive and close relationship between people.
Example: They remained as thick as thieves for several weeks. This made
us curious to know what they were doing.  Read more ➺
belle of the ball
Meaning: the most beautiful woman in a gathering.
Example: She felt like the belle of the ball as she danced the night away
with her beau. Read more ➺

make a beeline for

Meaning: to go straight for something.
Example: The linebacker made a beeline for the quarterback when he saw
an opening. Read more ➺

dig one’s own grave

Meaning: to do something that has negative consequences for you, even
though these consequences can be easily seen.
Example: She dug her own grave when she started talking behind her
boss's back. Read more ➺

in bed with
Meaning: to work with a person or organisation, or being involved with
them, in a way that causes other people to distrust you.
Example: The two young men were in bed with the neighborhood
gangs. Read more ➺

foot in the door

Meaning: succeed with a first step.
Example: Mary was so excited to get her foot in the door with her new
internship. Read more ➺

break one’s back

Meaning: get through the hardest part of something.
Example: I'm tired and need an ice-cold drink. I broke my back at work
today on that project. Read more ➺

blank check
Meaning: Complete authority or unrestricted freedom of action or a free
hand.
Example: Roger was given a blank check by Mr. Musk. He could spend
as much as he wanted to implement the latest driving technology. Read more
➺
Source: theidioms.com

not have a clue

Meaning: to not know something.
Example: You think you're smart, but you do not have a clue about how
things work. Read more ➺

in one’s blood
Meaning: a natural or inherited characteristic.
Example: Singing is in Nina's blood. Read more ➺

not all it’s cracked up to be

Meaning: Not as good as people say it is.
Example: The highly ranked institutions in Boston aren't all they're
cracked up to be. Read more ➺

in the pink
Meaning: in good health and spirits.
Example: As a famous president, he has the perfect reason to be in the
pink. Read more ➺

on the line
Meaning: to be at serious risk.
Example: Put your toes on the line and form up! Read more ➺

a quick buck
Meaning: to make money quickly.
Example: He decided to make a quick buck by selling his CD
collection. Read more ➺

easier said than done

Meaning: to explain that a task is easier to talk about than perform.
Example: It's easier said than done when it comes to convincing people
that something is true. Read more ➺
have designs on
Meaning: to have a plan or secret desire to get something.
Example: to have a plan or secret desire to get something. Read more ➺

keep one’s own counsel

Meaning: say little or nothing about one's opinions or intentions.
Example: I doubted what he said, but I kept my own counsel. Read more ➺

been around
Meaning: (existed) been present and active.
Example: This is not a new viral video; it's been around for a couple of
years. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

sacred cow
Meaning: something that people believe or accept as true without
questioning it.
Example: The journalist esteemed too many sacred cows. Read more ➺
come to grief
Meaning: to have an accident or suffer disaster.
Example: Their relationship came to grief following their disastrous
vacation. Read more ➺

make a clean breast

Meaning: to tell the truth about something.
Example: Sharon made a clean breast of it and threw Ashley under the
bus. Read more ➺

bone to pick
Meaning: having a complaint that needs to be discussed.
Example: Jake walked up to Robert and told him that he had a bone to
pick with him. Read more ➺

from cradle to grave

Meaning: The phrase is used to refer to something that spans a human
lifetime.
Example: He was a difficult man; from the cradle to the grave, he was
constantly angry or upset. Read more ➺
faint of heart
Meaning: to not be strong enough to handle a situation.
Example: This movie is not for those who are faint of heart. You better
go to bed right now. Read more ➺

bat an eye
Meaning: to avoid expressing surprise, fear, or shock.
Example: The man didn't bat an eye when the explosions went off around
him and bullets zipped past his head. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

cross paths
Meaning: encounter or meet someone by chance.
Example: I believe we will cross paths soon. Read more ➺

riddle me
Meaning: a catchphrase used to introduce a joke, observation, question, or
riddle.
Example: Despite acting so confidently, riddle me this: how will we get
all that money within a day? Read more ➺
fall on deaf ears
Meaning: to disregard or ignore.
Example: His protestations that the project would put the firm over
budget fell on deaf ears. Read more ➺

clarion call
Meaning: A clarion is a high-pitch bugle.
Example: All of the citizens heard the clarion call and prepared
themselves to defend their city.  Read more ➺

all the way up

Meaning: Literally refers to ascending a mountain or cliff, or navigating a
river to a specific terminal point.
Example: I made it all the way up the steep incline, but I didn't have the
energy to go on.  Read more ➺

off grid
Meaning: disconnected from municipal utility systems.
Example: Tony built an off-grid bunker, complete with non-perishable
food, a water purification system, and solar panels. Read more ➺

cover one’s tracks

Meaning: to keep one's location, activities, and intentions hidden.
Example: The burglars were very meticulous in covering their tracks,
making it difficult for law enforcement to catch them. Read more ➺

child’s play
Meaning: an informal expression meaning something that is easy to do
Example: If you practise enough, driving will eventually become child's
play. Read more ➺

class act
Meaning: high-quality performance or display; additionally, the performer
Example: LeBron James has truly been a class act in basketball long
before he entered the NBA. Read more ➺
cakewalk
Meaning: something that can be easily accomplished.
Example: I thought the course was going to be difficult, but it ended up
being a cakewalk. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

the other side of the coin

Meaning: the opposite aspect, contrasting arguments.
Example: You should consider the other side of the coin when a wife
leaves her husband and not just blame her for walking out on him. Read
more ➺

cross swords
Meaning: to fight with another person physically or verbally.
Example: The vice-presidents crossed swords at all policy meetings. Read
more ➺

between the devil and the deep blue sea

Meaning: between two equally difficult or unacceptable choices.
Example: I am in a pickle. Anything I do is going to cause this situation to
turn out bad. I'm really stuck between the devil and the deep blue
sea. Read more ➺
lights are on but nobody is home
Meaning: used to describe a stupid person.
Example: No matter how hard I try to understand what Jim is talking
about, it is apparent that his lights are on but nobody is home. Read more
➺

easy money
Meaning: Rewards, progress or other good results with little or no effort.
Example: The problem is that the working class perpetually has to struggle
to get by, whereas the rich continually have access to easy money. Read
more ➺

hit the hay

Meaning: to go to sleep or head to bed.
Example: I have to get up early, so I better hit the hay soon.  Read more ➺

hit the sack

Meaning: to go to bed
Example: I am really tired after all that exercise. I am going to hit the
sack. Read more ➺

on the blink
Meaning: to be malfunctioning or not operating correctly.
Example: The computer is on the blink again; I really need to check
whether there's a virus causing problems. Read more ➺

busy as a beaver
Meaning: work very hard and actively.
Example: I often find my husband in the garage, busy as a beaver,
working on some new project. Read more ➺

red zone
Meaning: any geographical area that is thought to be dangerous or
threatening, usually as a consequence of political or military activity.
Example: The alley behind the schoolyard is effectively a "red zone,"
since that is where all of the bullies hang out. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com
hand in hand
Meaning: close ties or connections
Example: I saw a couple walking hand in hand along the beach.  Read
more ➺

upside down
Meaning: literally refers to an object that has been reoriented so that the
portion which would otherwise be considered the top is now at the bottom,
i.e., it is in an inverted position.
Example: Out of embarrassment, I turned the book upside down so that he
would not see the title of what I was reading. Read more ➺

make common cause

Meaning: to enter into an agreement or shared effort, especially for
expedient purposes and with a party (or parties) otherwise deemed to be
enemies.
Example: We have set aside our disagreements and made common
cause. Read more ➺

red book
Meaning: any document or publication, which is bound in red and serves
as an official collection of rules, regulations, laws, or legal principles.
Example: any document or publication, which is bound in red and serves
as an official collection of rules, regulations, laws, or legal principles. Read
more ➺

roots run deep

Meaning: similar in meaning to "deep-rooted."
Example: His family has long been supported the monarchy; their
royalist roots run deep. Read more ➺

light of one’s life

Meaning: someone who makes one very happy.
Example: Because he was there with him through everything, he saw him
as the light of his life. Read more ➺

chip off the old block

Meaning: the term is used to describe people who look like their parents.
Example: Like his brother, he is a chip off the old block, very rude in
behavior and stout in physique. Read more ➺
wild card
Meaning: an opportunity to participate in a sporting event without having
to compete in qualifying matches or be ranked at a certain level.
Example: Nobody can guess what Mark is going to do next. He's always
been a bit of a wild card. Read more ➺

pay as you go
Meaning: a payment system that allows you to pay right before a service
you use rather than later.
Example: When it comes to mobile phone contracts, seven out of ten
customers opt for pay-as-you-go plans. Read more ➺

by dint of
Meaning: as a result of something
Example: He triumphs by dint of his persistence. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

do one’s bit
Meaning: to do a share of a task.
Example: When people can "do their bit", they are helping support a
larger cause. Read more ➺

blast from the past

Meaning: a way to refer to something or someone reminding you of an
earlier time.
Example: What a blast from the past! I haven't heard that song in
years. Read more ➺

birds of a feather
Meaning: people with similar tastes, interests, and backgrounds
Example: Ethan saw Jason had the same type of car and shrugged, "Birds
of a feather." Read more ➺

rock the boat

Meaning: to make trouble.
Example: If you don't want any trouble with your boss, then stop rocking
the boat. Read more ➺
spare someone’s blushes
Meaning: to stop someone from feeling awkward or embarrassed.
Example: My teacher spoke up to spare the blushes of the new
student. Read more ➺

blue eyed boy

Meaning: a person who is treated with special favor.
Example: Managers at Apple have been trained against having blue-eyed
boys. Read more ➺

blood, sweat, and tears

Meaning: putting a lot of effort to get a task done.
Example: He has put in nothing but blood, sweat, and tears into this
company. Read more ➺

bad blood
Meaning: to have ill feelings towards someone
Example: The villagers say the arson attack may have been the result
of bad blood between the two families. Read more ➺

blind date
Meaning: to go on a date with someone you have never met before.
Example: I'm going on a blind date with a guy that Jack knows from
college. Read more ➺

body and soul

Meaning: with all one's effort and ability
Example: A great painter must put their body and soul onto the
canvas. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

take a leaf out of someone’s book

Meaning: implement actionable advice
Example: I couldn't decide what to do after high school, but my dad makes
great money welding, so I took a leaf out of his book and went to trade
school instead of college. Read more ➺
bring someone to book
Meaning: make somebody accountable for their conduct.
Example: If Jessica continues with this behavior, I will have no choice but
to bring her to book. Read more ➺

living on borrowed time

Meaning: not expected to live much longer.
Example: He was told he only had three months left to live, so he is living
on borrowed time now that it is four months later. Read more ➺

break new ground

Meaning: to do something innovative
Example: Advancements in computer technology break new
ground almost every day.  Read more ➺

hit the panic button

Meaning: prepare for disaster
Example: Dad's fishing pole dove into the lake without warning, and
he hit the panic button before jumping up with the reel-spinning like
crazy in his hand. Read more ➺
wide berth
Meaning: avoid (a person, place, or circumstance)
Example: When walking through the yard, make sure you leave a wide
berth for the dog, or he may bite you. Read more ➺

bury head in the sand

Meaning: hide from the truth
Example: Finals begin in a week and if I continue to bury my head in the
sand, I'll be taking this class again next semester. Read more ➺

rain check
Meaning: declining an offer that might be taken up later.
Example: He said he would take a rain check on visiting us today. Read
more ➺

buy time
Meaning: to do something in order to postpone an event, a result, etc.
Example: I am currently delivering pizza, buying time to apply for a
better job. Read more ➺

between you and me

Meaning: a secret to be kept between two people
Example: Let me tell you something. Just between you and me, I don't
think her painting deserves the first prize. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

as bold as brass
Meaning: daring, brave, bold or overconfident
Example: I was nervous about approaching the recording artist, but
my friend Jane went to him, as bold as brass, and requested a group
photo. Read more ➺

behind bars
Meaning: to be in jail or prison
Example: Before the end of this year, Harrison will be behind bars for his
crimes. Read more ➺
bosom friend
Meaning: best friend who is very close to you
Example: The two ladies who were arrested for injuring each other for one
man were bosom friends for years. Read more ➺

beau monde
Meaning: a fashionable society.
Example: He had no interest in the glittering beau monde that he
belonged to before his marriage. Read more ➺

rob Peter to pay Paul

Meaning: to cause harm to one person in order to do good for another.
Example: I moved money from the college savings account to my main
account so the debit would clear, robbing Peter to pay Paul. Read more ➺

burn the candle at both ends

Meaning: to exhaust someone's energies or resources by leading a hectic
life.
Example: Since starting my new job, I have been burning the candle at
both ends. Read more ➺
know which side one’s bread is buttered
Meaning: to be cognizant of where one's interests lie in a given situation.
Example: He tries to come across as a neutral party, but he is very aware
of which side his bread is buttered on. Read more ➺

fiddle while Rome burns

Meaning: to perform an inconsequential task or act irresponsibly in the
midst of a disastrous event.
Example: Vacuuming the carpet while her co-worker was in with the boss,
trying to steal her job, felt like fiddling while Rome burned. Read more ➺

yoke around one’s neck

Meaning: a fatiguing burden.
Example: I refused to be the yoke around his neck, and so I turned down
his generous offer of employment in a job for which I was unqualified. Read
more ➺

get out of dodge

Meaning: to leave.
Example: When I saw the big dog stalking toward me, growling and
slobbering, I knew it was time to get out of dodge. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

show the door

Meaning: make it clear that somebody must leave
Example: After we finished our talk, he showed me to the door. Read more
➺

tasted blood
Meaning: to experience something thrilling and exciting, and want to
experience it again.
Example: Once a wolf has tasted blood, it has to be put down. Read more ➺

by and by
Meaning: soon; after a while.
Example: By and by, she paused to make sure everyone was paying
attention. Read more ➺
break the news
Meaning: to make something known to everybody.
Example: We are going to have to break the news to the kids that the
concert has been cancelled. Read more ➺

a wet blanket
Meaning: a person who spoils other people's fun.
Example: If you are going to come to my party, you can't be such a wet
blanket. Read more ➺

get one’s feet wet

Meaning: to begin taking part in a new activity
Example: Finally, you've decided to get your feet wet and enrolled in your
singing classes. Read more ➺

go bananas
Meaning: become very angry or act crazy
Example: She'll go bananas if she sees the house in this (dirty)
condition. Read more ➺
it’s not brain surgery
Meaning: to indicate that a specific task is simple and easy to undertake 
Example: Learning to ride a bike is simple, it's not brain surgery. Read
more ➺

come to blows
Meaning: to start fighting
Example: I'm glad we were able to resolve this disagreement
without coming to blows. Read more ➺

the brains behind

Meaning: used to refer to the person who originally invented a particular
scheme, plan or idea
Example: Gladys was the brains behind the successful birthday party that
left all the children smiling on their way back home. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

at the helm
Meaning: in charge of an organization, group of people, etc.
Example: Lara resigned after a couple of years at the helm of the
company. Read more ➺
pros and cons
Meaning: good points and bad points
Example: There are pros and cons to having children. Read more ➺

happy wife happy life

Meaning: to have a good life, you need to have a good wife
Example: The first time I heard the phrase "happy wife, happy life," I was
a small person in college and found it very pleasant. Read more ➺

blind spot
Meaning: if you have a blind spot about something, you cannot accept or
understand it
Example: Please don't point out my "blind spots" to me; I would rather
find them on my own. Read more ➺

how come
Meaning: why or how
Example: How come you are not going to the party? Read more ➺
a tall order
Meaning: a challenging task or difficult requirement
Example: Telling a player to score six goals in one game is a tall
order. Read more ➺

silver spoon
Meaning: having a rich or privileged background
Example: Many fans believed that Vince was a silver spoon kid. Read more
➺

close shave
Meaning: a narrow escape
Example: I had a close shave last month. A motorist almost knocked me
off my bike. Read more ➺

backhanded compliment
Meaning: give ironical praise to someone
Example: The judges loved your performance, but this was a backhanded
compliment since they also highlighted it was blunt. Read more ➺

scrape the bottom of the barrel

Meaning: It is a phrase used to describe something you know is not in
good condition, but you have to select it since you don't have an option of
choosing the better one.
Example: Our school used to admit more than one thousand candidates,
but we feel like we have been scraping the bottom of the barrel with the
admitted applicants in late admission. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com

lightning fast
Meaning: extremely quick
Example: At recess, the boys and girls run lightning fast. Read more ➺

word of mouth
Meaning: oral communication
Example: To truly create the right buzz about this movie, we need to get
the required word of mouth going in this city. Read more ➺
shoot the breeze
Meaning: spend time chatting, useless talking or chit-chat
Example: They have spent the whole afternoon just shooting the breeze in
the office. Read more ➺

big gun
Meaning: a very powerful individual
Example: He is a big gun at the law firm; he has never lost a single court
case. Read more ➺

fake it till you make it

Meaning: portray yourself like the person you always wanted to become
Example: I had no idea that her family is so illiterate as she always
pretended to be classy. Fake it till you make it. Read more ➺

feather one’s (own) nest

Meaning: If you say that you are feathering your own nest, you mean that
you are working so hard to gather resources (money) to live a comfortable
life in the future.
Example: John is so much concerned about helping others instead
of feathering his own nest. Read more ➺

wane
Meaning: a period of decline or reduction
Example: With his health on the wane, the coal worker had to take better
care of himself. Read more ➺

nightmare dressed like a daydream

Meaning: Describes something that seems very pleasant or attractive at
first but eventually reveals itself as horrible.
Example: Don't let her beauty fool you. She's just a nightmare dressed
like a daydream. Read more ➺

blind impulse
Meaning: sudden and unaccountable desire to do something
Example: Acting on what appeared to be a blind impulse, she submitted
her resignation. Read more ➺

ride (on) a wave

Meaning: to enjoy the advantages of something
Example: The person that won the lottery was riding the wave of millions
of dollars. Read more ➺
Source: theidioms.com