Here is the second list of vocabulary to make you feel more confident while communicating with others.
16 Nov 2013
Vocabulary (Part-I)
Have you ever felt tongue-tide. Well, at a time, in our life, we all suffer the lack of proper words to express ourselves. Here is a very interesting list of words to emote yourself.
Idioms for daily use (Z)
Zero hour
The time when something important is to begin is 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.
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.
If you did things in the wrong order, you zigged before you zagged.
Zip it
This is used to tell someone to be quiet.
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.)
If someone tells you to zip your lip, they want to to shut up or keep quiet about
something. ('Zip it' is also used.)
Idioms for daily use (Y)
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.
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.
Year dot/ Year one
“The Year Dot” or “The Year One is used when you’re talking about a very, very
long time ago.
“The Year Dot” or “The Year One is used when you’re talking about a very, very
long time ago.
Year in, year out
If something has happened year in, year out, it has happened every year for
many years in a row.
If something has happened year in, year out, it has happened every year for
many years in a row.
Yellow journalism (USA)
Journalism in which sensational stories are used to boost sales, or biased
reporting is used to change the reader’s views on an issue. Both of these are
unethical.
Journalism in which sensational stories are used to boost sales, or biased
reporting is used to change the reader’s views on an issue. Both of these are
unethical.
Yellow press
The yellow press is a term for the popular and sensationalist newspapers.
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.
If someone has a yellow streak, they are cowardly about something.
Yellow-bellied
A yellow-bellied person is a coward.
A yellow-bellied person is a coward.
Yen
If you have a yen to do something, you have a desire to do it.
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.
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.
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.
This is used to emphasise the importance of a good diet as a key to good health.
You asked for it! - informal
You can say “You asked for it!” when you think someone deserves the
punishment they are getting or the trouble they are in.
You bet / you bet your boots / you bet your life - informal
punishment they are getting or the trouble they are in.
You bet / you bet your boots / you bet your life - informal
You can say “you bet”, “you bet your boots” or “ you bet
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.
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.
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.
Idioms for daily use (X)
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.
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.
This is used to say where something is located or hidden.
X-rated
If something is x-rated, it is not suitable for children.
If something is x-rated, it is not suitable for children.
Idioms for daily use (W)
Watering hole
(UK) A watering hole is a pub.
(UK) A watering hole is a pub.
Watery grave
If someone has gone to a watery grave, they have drowned.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
Someone who is well-heeled is rich.
Well-oiled
If someone is well-oiled, they have drunk a lot.
If someone is well-oiled, they have drunk a lot.
Well-oiled machine
Something that functions very well is a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
Whet your appetite
If something whets your appetite, it interests you and makes you want more of it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.)
(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.
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.
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. (Some idioms have a
explanation where it comes from. i.e. “white elephant" is a rare, expensive possession
that is a financial burden to maintain. How could you learn it? Remember, that the king
of Siam gave a white elephant to persons he didn't like. Maintenance costs were so high
that usually these people lost everything, went broke.
A white elephant is an expensive burden; something that costs far too much
money to run, like the Millennium Dome in the UK. (Some idioms have a
explanation where it comes from. i.e. “white elephant" is a rare, expensive possession
that is a financial burden to maintain. How could you learn it? Remember, that the king
of Siam gave a white elephant to persons he didn't like. Maintenance costs were so high
that usually these people lost everything, went broke.
White feather
If someone shows a white feather, they are cowards.
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.
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.
If something is white-bread, it is very ordinary, safe and boring.
Idioms for daily use (V)
Vale of tears
This vale of tears is the world and the suffering that life brings.
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.)
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.
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
(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.
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.
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.
If you do a volte-face on something, you make a sudden and complete change in
your stance or position over an issue.
Idioms for daily use (U)
Under your skin
If someone gets under your skin, they really annoy you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
(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).
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.
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.
(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.
(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.
(UK) If a woman is up the stick, she's pregnant.
Up the wall
If someone goes up the wall, they get very angry.
If someone goes up the wall, they get very angry.
Idioms for daily use (T)
Take to your heels
If you take to your heels, you run away.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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
If you talk shop, you talk about work matters, especially if you do this outside
work
Idioms for daily use (S)
Say uncle
(USA) If you say uncle, you admit defeat. ('Cry uncle' is an alternative form.)
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If someone shouts very loudly in anger, or fear, they scream blue murder.
Sell your soul
If someone sells their soul, their betray the most precious beliefs.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
When someone is serving time, they are in prison.
Serve your country
When someone is serving their country, they have enrolled in the military.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If someone is seven sheets to the wind, they are very drunk.
Seventh heaven
If you are in seventh heaven, you are extremely happy.
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.
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.
A shaggy dog story is a joke which is a long story with a silly end.
Idioms for daily use (R)
Ragged blue line
(USA) This term was used to signify the Union forces (who wore blue uniforms)
in the American Civil war .
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
(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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Right up your street
If something is ideal for you, it is 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If someone has a lot of money, more than they could possibly need, they are
rolling in money.
Idioms for daily use (Q)
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)
(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.
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.
A woman who is pre-eminent in her area is a Queen of Hearts.
Queer fish
(UK) A strange person is a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
If someone's as quiet as a mouse, they make absolutely no noise.
Idioms for daily use (P)
Patience of Job
If something requires the patience of Job, it requires great patience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(USA) Something that is very unimportant is penny ante.
Penny pincher
A penny pincher is a mean person or who is very frugal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A pet peeve is something that irritates an individual greatly.
Idioms for daily use (O)
Off colour
If someone looks off colour/color, they look ill.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Something that is off the wall is unconventional.
Off your chump
(UK) If someone is off their chump, they are crazy or irrational.
(UK) If someone is off their chump, they are crazy or irrational.
Off your rocker
(UK) Someone who is off their rocker is crazy.
(UK) Someone who is off their rocker is crazy.
One swallow does not make a summer
This means that one good or positive event does not mean that everything is all
right.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
If someone is out and about, they have left their home and are getting things
done that they need to do.
Idioms for daily use (N)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
If something needs new blood, it has become stale and needs new ideas or
people to invigorate it.
Idioms for daily use (M)
Make a virtue out of necessity
If you make a virtue out of necessity, you make the best of a difficult or
unsatisfactory situation.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
If someone makes themselves scarce, they go away from a place, especially to
avoid trouble or so that they can't be found.
Man in the street
The man in the street is an idiom to describe ordinary people, especially when
talking about their opinions and ideas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
Your fate lies in the hands of God.
Man upstairs
When people refer to the man upstairs, they are referring to God.
When people refer to the man upstairs, they are referring to God.
Man's best friend
This is an idiomatic term for dogs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This expression is used to wish someone a happy birthday.
Many moons ago
A very long time 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.
If people march to the beat of their own drum, they do things the way they want
without taking other people into consideration.
Idioms for daily use (L)
Land of nod
If someone has gone to the land of nod, they have fallen asleep or gone to bed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When people risk life and limb, they could be killed or suffer serious injuries.
Idioms for daily use (K)
Keep at bay
If you keep someone or something at bay, you maintain a safe distance from
them.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
If you keep your ear to the ground, you try to keep informed about something,
especially if there are rumours or uncertainties.
Knight in shining armour
A knight in shining armour is someone who saves you when you are in great
trouble or danger.
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.
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 '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.)
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If someone is very well-informed about something, they know their onions.
Idioms for daily use (J)
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
If you jog someone's memory, you say words that will help someone trying to
remember a thought, event, word, phrase, experience, etc.
Idioms for daily use (I)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
(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 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)
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.
This means that wishing for something or wanting it is not the same as getting
or having it.
In a tick
(UK) If someone will do something in a tick, they'll do it very soon or very
quickly.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
Idioms for daily use (H)
Hairy at the heel
(UK) Someone who is hairy at the heel is dangerous or untrustworthy.
(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 loaf is better than no bread
It means that getting part of what you want is better than getting nothing at all.
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
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.
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.
Idioms for daily use (G)
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.
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.
Idioms for daily use (F)
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
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.
For kicks
If you do something for kicks, or just for kicks, you do it purely for fun or thrills.
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.
Idioms for daily use (E)
Eat someone alive
If you eat someone alive, you defeat or beat them comprehensively.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
If something is on an even keel, it is balanced.
Every dog has its day
This idiom means that everyone gets their moment to shine.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If all avenues are being explored, then every conceivable approach is being tried
that could possibly get the desired result.
Idioms for daily use (D)
Dead meat
This is used as a way of threatening someone: You'll be dead meat if you don't go
along.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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)
(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.
(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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
Tobacco is the demon weed.
Don't take any wooden nickels
(USA) This idiom is used to advise people not to be cheated or ripped off.
(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.
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.)
(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.
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 work is any hard, boring work or task.
Donkey's years
This idiom means 'a very long time'.
This idiom means 'a very long time'.
Doormat
A person who doesn't stand up for themselves and gets treated badly is a
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
A Doubting Thomas is someone who only believes what they see themselves, not
what they are told.
Drunk as a lord
(UK) Someone who is very drunk is as 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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
(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'.)
(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.
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.
(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.
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 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.
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.
A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)