Idioms Dictionary
When pigs fly
Meaning:Something that will never happen.
Example:He said he would clean his room without being asked—when pigs fly!
Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning:To accomplish two things at once with a single effort.
Example:By visiting my parents on the way to the airport, I killed two birds with one stone.
The early bird gets the worm
Meaning:Those who act early have an advantage.
Example:She arrived at the sale right when it opened because the early bird gets the worm.
Make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning:To exaggerate a small problem into something big.
Example:Stop worrying about one mistake—you’re making a mountain out of a molehill.
A storm in a teacup
Meaning:A lot of fuss about something trivial.
Example:The argument was just a storm in a teacup—no one got hurt.
Have one's cake and eat it too
Meaning:To want or try to have two incompatible things at the same time.
Example:He wants to spend all his money and save for a trip—he can’t have his cake and eat it too.
Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house
Meaning:Don’t criticize others if you have similar weaknesses.
Example:You shouldn’t comment on his mistakes when you make the same ones—don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house.
Pot calling the kettle black
Meaning:Accusing someone of a fault you also have.
Example:He said I was messy, but that’s the pot calling the kettle black—he’s worse!
Between a rock and a hard place
Meaning:In a difficult situation with no easy solution.
Example:I’m between a rock and a hard place—either accept the job offer or lose my current one.
Once bitten, twice shy
Meaning:After a bad experience, you are more cautious in the future.
Example:He avoided investing in that company again—once bitten, twice shy.
Call a spade a spade
Meaning:To speak honestly and directly about something, even if it is unpleasant.
Example:She always calls a spade a spade and tells the truth, no matter how harsh it is.
You can't judge a book by its cover
Meaning:Appearances can be deceiving; don’t make assumptions based on looks alone.
Example:He seems unfriendly, but you can't judge a book by its cover.
Pig in a poke
Meaning:Something bought or accepted without knowing its value or quality.
Example:Don’t buy that second-hand laptop without checking it first—you might be buying a pig in a poke.
A piece of cake
Meaning:Something very easy to do.
Example:The test was a piece of cake for her.
Walk in the park
Meaning:Something very easy or pleasant to do.
Example:Fixing this minor bug was a walk in the park.
Rain cats and dogs
Meaning:To rain very heavily.
Example:We couldn’t go hiking because it was raining cats and dogs.
To each their own
Meaning:Everyone has different tastes and preferences.
Example:He likes pineapple on pizza, and I don’t—but to each their own.
Water under the bridge
Meaning:Past events that are no longer important or worth worrying about.
Example:Don’t worry about last year’s argument—it’s water under the bridge.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning:It’s better to have a sure thing than to risk it for more uncertain gains.
Example:I decided to accept the job offer now—a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow
Meaning:It’s better to take a small but certain benefit now than risk waiting for a bigger one.
Example:He sold the small plot of land now rather than waiting for a higher offer—better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning:To avoid interfering in a situation that could cause trouble.
Example:Don’t bring up old arguments—let sleeping dogs lie.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning:Something that happens very rarely.
Example:He visits us once in a blue moon, so it’s always a treat.
Six of one, half a dozen of the other
Meaning:Two options or choices are essentially the same.
Example:Whether we leave now or in 10 minutes, it’s six of one, half a dozen of the other.
What's good for the goose is good for the gander
Meaning:What is fair or appropriate for one person should be the same for another.
Example:If men have to follow rules, women do too—what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
Put the cart before the horse
Meaning:To do things in the wrong order.
Example:Planning the wedding before proposing is putting the cart before the horse.
By hook or by crook
Meaning:By any means necessary.
Example:He promised to finish the project by hook or by crook.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning:To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example:Her comment about lack of communication really hit the nail on the head.
Bed of roses
Meaning:A situation that is comfortable or easy.
Example:Life hasn’t been a bed of roses for him lately.
No pain, no gain
Meaning:You have to work hard or endure difficulties to achieve something.
Example:Keep training—the no pain, no gain rule applies!
Sunshine and rainbows
Meaning:Everything is perfect and happy.
Example:Her life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but she stays positive.
Make one's bed and lie in it
Meaning:Accept the consequences of your own actions.
Example:You chose to skip studying, so now you have to fail the test—make your bed and lie in it.
Take it with a grain of salt
Meaning:Don’t take something too seriously; be skeptical.
Example:He tends to exaggerate, so take it with a grain of salt.
Take it with a pinch of salt
Meaning:Don’t take something too seriously; be skeptical.
Example:Rumors spread fast—take it with a pinch of salt.
At the drop of a hat
Meaning:Immediately, without hesitation.
Example:She’s ready to travel at the drop of a hat.
New York minute
Meaning:A very short amount of time; something happening quickly.
Example:He left in a New York minute when he heard the news.
In the same boat
Meaning:In the same situation; facing the same problem as others.
Example:We’re in the same boat with this project delay.
Devil's advocate
Meaning:Someone who argues the opposite viewpoint for the sake of debate.
Example:I’ll play devil’s advocate and question your plan to make it stronger.
Beat around the bush
Meaning:To avoid talking about the main issue directly.
Example:Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
Smell fishy
Meaning:Something seems suspicious or not right.
Example:His story doesn’t add up—I smell something fishy.
Nip in the bud
Meaning:To stop a small problem from becoming bigger early on.
Example:We need to nip this issue in the bud before it escalates.
As the crow flies
Meaning:The shortest, most direct route between two points.
Example:It’s only five miles as the crow flies from here to the school.
Speak of the devil
Meaning:The person you were just talking about appears.
Example:Speak of the devil—we were just talking about you!
Like two peas in a pod
Meaning:Very similar, especially in appearance or behavior.
Example:Those twins are like two peas in a pod.
Keep one's cards close to one's chest
Meaning:To keep one’s plans or intentions secret.
Example:He always keeps his cards close to his chest in negotiations.
Beeline
Meaning:The most direct route; to go straight toward something.
Example:She made a beeline for the exit after the meeting ended.
In the blink of an eye
Meaning:Very quickly; almost instantly.
Example:The car disappeared in the blink of an eye.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink
Meaning:You can offer someone an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it.
Example:I showed him how to fix the problem, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
Reap what one sows
Meaning:Experience the consequences of your actions.
Example:He lied to everyone, and now he’s getting caught—he’s reaping what he sowed.
Beat a dead horse
Meaning:To waste time or effort on something that is no longer relevant or resolvable.
Example:Stop arguing about it—you’re just beating a dead horse.
Flog a dead horse
Meaning:Same as "beat a dead horse"—wasting effort on something pointless.
Example:Trying to convince him now is just flogging a dead horse.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Meaning:Don’t criticize or question the value of a gift.
Example:She gave you the tickets for free, so don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
On thin ice
Meaning:In a risky or dangerous situation; in danger of trouble.
Example:You’re on thin ice after missing another deadline.
What goes around comes around
Meaning:People will eventually face the consequences of their actions.
Example:He cheated on the test, and he failed—what goes around comes around.
Fight fire with fire
Meaning:Respond to an attack or problem using the same methods as your opponent.
Example:They spread rumors about us, so we had to fight fire with fire.
Toot one's own horn
Meaning:To boast about one’s achievements.
Example:He always toots his own horn about winning awards.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating
Meaning:The true value or quality of something can only be judged by experiencing it.
Example:The new software seems good, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Teach someone a lesson
Meaning:To punish or correct someone to prevent them from making the same mistake.
Example:He cheated and got caught—his parents wanted to teach him a lesson.
Fix someone's wagon
Meaning:To punish or take revenge on someone.
Example:He lied to the boss, and now she plans to fix his wagon.
Keep one's lips sealed
Meaning:To keep a secret and not reveal information.
Example:I’ll keep my lips sealed about your surprise party.
Wear one's heart on one's sleeve
Meaning:To openly show your emotions.
Example:She wears her heart on her sleeve and shows how she feels easily.
Cut one's teeth
Meaning:To gain first experience in a particular field or activity.
Example:She cut her teeth in journalism at a small local paper.
Throw under the bus
Meaning:To betray or sacrifice someone for personal gain or convenience.
Example:He was thrown under the bus by his colleague to avoid blame.
Cutting off one's nose to spite one's face
Meaning:Harming yourself out of revenge or stubbornness, even if it’s counterproductive.
Example:Refusing to cooperate will just hurt you—don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.
I lost my train of thought
Meaning:To forget what you were thinking or saying.
Example:I was explaining the plan, but then I lost my train of thought.
Bark up the wrong tree
Meaning:To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action.
Example:If you think I’m the one who leaked it, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Horse of a different color
Meaning:Something completely different or unrelated.
Example:Talking about her success is one thing, but her personal life is a horse of a different color.
Par for the course
Meaning:Typical or expected in a given situation.
Example:Delays are par for the course when traveling during holidays.
Walk on eggshells
Meaning:To be very careful about one’s words or actions around someone to avoid upsetting them.
Example:He was so angry that we had to walk on eggshells around him.
Silver lining
Meaning:A positive aspect of an otherwise negative situation.
Example:Although the trip was canceled, the silver lining is that we have more time to relax at home.
Cross that bridge when one comes to it
Meaning:Deal with a problem when it actually happens, not before.
Example:We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it regarding the budget issues.
Bitter pill to swallow
Meaning:Something unpleasant but unavoidable that must be accepted.
Example:Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
Cross the line
Meaning:To behave in an unacceptable or inappropriate way.
Example:His comments about her work really crossed the line.
Bury the hatchet
Meaning:To make peace or reconcile after a disagreement.
Example:The two friends decided to bury the hatchet after years of arguing.
Sour grapes
Meaning:Disparaging something one cannot have, pretending it’s not desirable.
Example:He said he didn’t want the promotion anyway, but it sounded like sour grapes.
Black sheep
Meaning:A person who is considered odd or undesirable within a group or family.
Example:He was the black sheep of the family due to his rebellious behavior.
Fly in the ointment
Meaning:A small problem or flaw that spoils an otherwise positive situation.
Example:The event was perfect, except for the rain—a real fly in the ointment.
Dead tired
Meaning:Extremely exhausted or worn out.
Example:After the marathon, I was dead tired.
Hit the ground running
Meaning:To start a new activity with energy and enthusiasm immediately.
Example:She hit the ground running on her first day at the new job.
Nose to the grindstone
Meaning:To work hard and focus intently on a task.
Example:He kept his nose to the grindstone to finish the project on time.
Come out of the woodwork
Meaning:People or things appear unexpectedly, often after being hidden.
Example:After the announcement, critics came out of the woodwork.
Rest on one's laurels
Meaning:To stop putting in effort after achieving success.
Example:He rested on his laurels after winning the award and stopped practicing.
Necessity is the mother of invention
Meaning:People create solutions when faced with a problem or need.
Example:We built our own tool because none existed—necessity is the mother of invention.
Throw the baby out with the bathwater
Meaning:To discard something valuable while trying to get rid of the undesirable.
Example:Be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater when revising the policy.
Elephant in the room
Meaning:An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing.
Example:We need to address the budget cuts—they’re the elephant in the room.
Perfect storm
Meaning:A rare combination of circumstances causing a particularly bad situation.
Example:The economic crisis was a perfect storm of events.
Putting your eggs in one basket
Meaning:Relying entirely on one plan or opportunity.
Example:Investing all your money in one stock is putting all your eggs in one basket.
In my wheelhouse
Meaning:Within one’s area of expertise or comfort zone.
Example:Marketing is in my wheelhouse, so I can handle that project easily.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning:Reveal a secret unintentionally or prematurely.
Example:He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Wild goose chase
Meaning:A futile or pointless pursuit.
Example:Looking for that old file turned out to be a wild goose chase.
Red herring
Meaning:Something that misleads or distracts from the main issue.
Example:The report about office decorations was a red herring in the discussion about layoffs.
Fits and starts
Meaning:Occurring intermittently or irregularly, not continuously.
Example:The project progressed in fits and starts over several months.
Long in the tooth
Meaning:Old or aging.
Example:That horse is getting long in the tooth and may retire soon.
Straight from the horse's mouth
Meaning:Information coming from a reliable, direct source.
Example:I heard straight from the horse's mouth that the CEO is retiring.
Champ at the bit
Meaning:Eager or impatient to start something.
Example:He was champing at the bit to begin his new role.
Beyond the pale
Meaning:Unacceptable or outside the bounds of proper behavior.
Example:His rude comment was beyond the pale.
Horse around
Meaning:To play or fool around without being serious.
Example:The kids were horsing around in the yard.
Fool's errand
Meaning:A task that is pointless or has no chance of success.
Example:Trying to convince him to change his mind is a fool's errand.
Let’s get down to brass tacks
Meaning:To focus on the essential facts or practical details.
Example:Enough small talk—let's get down to brass tacks and discuss the contract.
Throw good money after bad
Meaning:To waste more money trying to recover a loss or failed investment.
Example:Investing more in that failing business is just throwing good money after bad.
Under the weather
Meaning:Feeling ill or unwell.
Example:I’m feeling under the weather today, so I’ll stay home.
Bite the bullet
Meaning:To accept something difficult or unpleasant.
Example:She didn’t want to go to the dentist, but she decided to bite the bullet and make an appointment.
See the forest for the trees
Meaning:To focus too much on details and miss the bigger picture.
Example:Don’t get so caught up in the minor issues that you can't see the forest for the trees.
Drink from a firehose
Meaning:To be overwhelmed with too much information or activity at once.
Example:Starting the new job was like drinking from a firehose.
Eating your own dog food
Meaning:Using your own product or service to test or demonstrate its quality.
Example:The company encourages employees to eat their own dog food before releasing the software.
Catch-22
Meaning:A paradoxical situation with no good solution.
Example:You can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job—a real catch-22.
Chase one's tail
Meaning:To be busy doing something ineffective or pointless.
Example:We’ve been chasing our tails trying to solve this problem.
Break a leg
Meaning:A way to wish someone good luck, especially in a performance.
Example:Before her audition, everyone told her to break a leg.
Spin a yarn
Meaning:To tell a story, often a long or imaginative one.
Example:He loves to spin a yarn about his adventures at sea.
No holds barred
Meaning:Without any rules, limits, or restrictions.
Example:The debate was no holds barred with everyone expressing their opinions freely.
Up the creek
Meaning:In trouble or in a difficult situation.
Example:Without a map, we were really up the creek in the forest.
Nitty-gritty
Meaning:The most essential or fundamental aspects of something.
Example:Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and discuss the budget.
In a nutshell
Meaning:Summarized briefly; in short.
Example:In a nutshell, the project was a success despite the challenges.
Dyed in the wool
Meaning:Firmly committed to a belief or way of thinking.
Example:He’s a dyed in the wool supporter of the team.
Come apart at the seams
Meaning:To fail or break down completely, emotionally or structurally.
Example:After hearing the bad news, she came apart at the seams.
Strange bedfellows
Meaning:People or groups that form an unlikely alliance.
Example:The two rival companies became strange bedfellows for the project.
Whole enchilada
Meaning:The entire thing; everything involved.
Example:He bought the house, the car, and the furniture—the whole enchilada.
On the nose
Meaning:Exactly correct or accurate.
Example:Her guess about the ending was on the nose.
Die on the vine
Meaning:To fail or end before reaching maturity or success.
Example:The idea died on the vine before it could be implemented.
Stick in the mud
Meaning:A person resistant to change or new ideas; boringly conventional.
Example:Don’t be such a stick in the mud; try something new for once.
Penny for your thoughts
Meaning:Asking someone what they are thinking.
Example:You’ve been quiet all evening—penny for your thoughts?
World's smallest violin
Meaning:Used sarcastically to show that you don’t sympathize with someone’s minor complaints.
Example:Oh, you missed your bus? World's smallest violin playing for you.
Horsetrading
Meaning:Negotiating or bargaining, often with compromises.
Example:The senators spent hours horsetrading to pass the legislation.
Like finding a needle in a haystack
Meaning:Extremely difficult or almost impossible to find.
Example:Locating that old document in the archive was like finding a needle in a haystack.
Break the ice
Meaning:To initiate conversation in a social setting or make people feel comfortable.
Example:He told a funny story to break the ice at the party.
Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning:To take on a task that is too difficult or overwhelming.
Example:She realized she had bite off more than she could chew when managing three projects at once.
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning:To work late into the night, usually on a project or task.
Example:He had to burn the midnight oil to finish his report on time.
Hit the sack
Meaning:To go to bed or sleep.
Example:I'm exhausted; it's time to hit the sack.
Let the chips fall where they may
Meaning:To let events happen naturally, without trying to control the outcome.
Example:He decided to tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
Throw in the towel
Meaning:To give up or admit defeat.
Example:After failing three times, she finally threw in the towel.
Walking on thin ice
Meaning:Being in a risky or dangerous situation.
Example:You're walking on thin ice by arguing with the boss like that.
Under the table
Meaning:Something done secretly, often illegally.
Example:He was paid under the table to avoid taxes.
Up in the air
Meaning:Uncertain or undecided.
Example:The plans for the weekend are still up in the air.
When it rains, it pours
Meaning:Bad or good events tend to happen all at once.
Example:First I lost my wallet, then my phone broke — when it rains, it pours.
A blessing in disguise
Meaning:Something that seems bad at first but turns out good.
Example:Losing that job was a blessing in disguise, because I found a better one.
A dime a dozen
Meaning:Something very common or easy to find.
Example:Cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen in tourist areas.
Back to the drawing board
Meaning:Start again after a failure or setback.
Example:The design didn’t work, so it’s back to the drawing board.
Ball is in your court
Meaning:It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
Example:I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court.
Burn bridges
Meaning:Destroy a relationship or opportunity permanently.
Example:Be careful with what you say; don’t burn bridges.
By the skin of your teeth
Meaning:Just barely succeed or escape something.
Example:He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.
Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning:Very expensive.
Example:The new phone costs an arm and a leg.
Cut to the chase
Meaning:Skip the small talk and get to the main point.
Example:Enough chatting, let’s cut to the chase and start the meeting.
Devil’s in the details
Meaning:The small details are often the most problematic.
Example:The plan looks good, but the devil’s in the details.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning:Don’t assume success before it happens.
Example:You might get the contract, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning:Even bad situations have a positive side.
Example:Missing the bus was annoying, but I met an old friend—every cloud has a silver lining.
Feel a bit under the weather
Meaning:Feeling slightly ill.
Example:I won’t go out today; I’m under the weather.
Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning:Deliberately ignore or be unfriendly to someone.
Example:After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning:Describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example:Your analysis hit the nail on the head.
In hot water
Meaning:In trouble.
Example:He was in hot water for missing the deadline.
It takes two to tango
Meaning:Some actions or arguments involve two people equally.
Example:Don’t blame only him; it takes two to tango.
Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning:Join others in doing something popular or trendy.
Example:Many companies jumped on the bandwagon of remote work.
Keep your chin up
Meaning:Stay positive in a difficult situation.
Example:Don’t be sad; keep your chin up.
Know the ropes
Meaning:Understand the details of how to do something.
Example:It took a week to know the ropes at my new job.
Last straw
Meaning:The final problem in a series of problems.
Example:The broken printer was the last straw after a terrible day.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning:Do not stir up old problems.
Example:Don’t ask about that argument; better to let sleeping dogs lie.
Make a long story short
Meaning:Tell something briefly, skipping unnecessary details.
Example:To make a long story short, we missed the train but caught the next one.
Miss the boat
Meaning:Miss an opportunity.
Example:He missed the boat by not applying for the job on time.
Off the hook
Meaning:Free from responsibility or trouble.
Example:He was off the hook when the mistake wasn’t his fault.
On cloud nine
Meaning:Very happy or joyful.
Example:She was on cloud nine after receiving the promotion.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning:Something that happens very rarely.
Example:He visits us once in a blue moon.
Out of the blue
Meaning:Unexpectedly.
Example:She called me out of the blue after five years.
Play it by ear
Meaning:Decide how to act as the situation develops.
Example:We don’t have a plan; we’ll just play it by ear.
Pull someone’s leg
Meaning:Tease or joke with someone.
Example:Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!
Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning:Spoil someone’s plans or happiness.
Example:Don’t rain on my parade; I finally got promoted!
Read between the lines
Meaning:Understand the hidden meaning.
Example:You have to read between the lines to understand his message.
See eye to eye
Meaning:Agree with someone.
Example:We finally see eye to eye on the project.
Spill the beans
Meaning:Reveal a secret.
Example:She spilled the beans about the surprise party.
Stick to your guns
Meaning:Maintain your position or opinion.
Example:Even under pressure, he stuck to his guns.
Take the bull by the horns
Meaning:Face a problem directly and decisively.
Example:She decided to take the bull by the horns and confront him.
Throw caution to the wind
Meaning:Take a risk or act recklessly.
Example:He threw caution to the wind and invested all his savings.
Turn over a new leaf
Meaning:Make a fresh start or improve behavior.
Example:He promised to turn over a new leaf after the incident.
Under the radar
Meaning:Without attracting attention.
Example:They tried to keep the project under the radar until launch.
Up in arms
Meaning:Very angry or upset about something.
Example:Residents were up in arms over the new tax increase.
Weather the storm
Meaning:Survive a difficult situation.
Example:The company managed to weather the storm during the recession.
Wild card
Meaning:Someone or something unpredictable.
Example:He’s a wild card in the tournament.
Back to square one
Meaning:Start over from the beginning.
Example:The plan failed, so we’re back to square one.
Break the ice
Meaning:Do something to relieve tension or start a conversation.
Example:He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning:Take on a task that is too big.
Example:She bites off more than she can chew by managing three projects at once.
Bite the dust
Meaning:Fail or die.
Example:The old computer finally bit the dust yesterday.
Break even
Meaning:Neither make a profit nor a loss.
Example:After expenses, the company just broke even.
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning:Work late into the night.
Example:She burned the midnight oil to finish her thesis.
Catch someone off guard
Meaning:Surprise someone unexpectedly.
Example:The sudden question caught him off guard.
Come rain or shine
Meaning:No matter what happens.
Example:We go for a run come rain or shine.
Cut corners
Meaning:Do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often badly.
Example:Don’t cut corners on safety.
Devil’s advocate
Meaning:Argue against a point to test it.
Example:I’ll play devil’s advocate to see if your plan holds up.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning:Don’t risk everything on one plan.
Example:Invest in different stocks; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Drive someone up the wall
Meaning:Annoy or irritate someone.
Example:The constant noise drives me up the wall.
Every dog has its day
Meaning:Everyone gets a chance eventually.
Example:Don’t worry about losing; every dog has its day.
Face the music
Meaning:Accept the consequences of your actions.
Example:He must face the music for his mistakes.
Go the extra mile
Meaning:Make a special effort.
Example:She always goes the extra mile for her clients.
Hit the sack
Meaning:Go to bed.
Example:It’s late, I’m going to hit the sack.
Keep an eye on
Meaning:Watch carefully.
Example:Can you keep an eye on the kids while I cook?
Let bygones be bygones
Meaning:Forgive and forget past conflicts.
Example:They decided to let bygones be bygones after the argument.
Look before you leap
Meaning:Think carefully before acting.
Example:Look before you leap when investing money.
Miss the mark
Meaning:Fail to achieve the intended result.
Example:The new ad campaign missed the mark with the audience.
Off the cuff
Meaning:Without preparation; spontaneous.
Example:He gave an off the cuff speech that impressed everyone.
On the ball
Meaning:Alert, knowledgeable, and quick to respond.
Example:She’s really on the ball when it comes to new technology.
Out of hand
Meaning:Out of control.
Example:The party got out of hand after midnight.
Out of the frying pan into the fire
Meaning:Go from a bad situation to a worse one.
Example:He left one job for another, but it was out of the frying pan into the fire.
Pass the buck
Meaning:Shift responsibility to someone else.
Example:Stop passing the buck and take responsibility for your actions.
Piece of the pie
Meaning:A share of something valuable.
Example:He wants a piece of the pie from the new business.
Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning:Support your words with action.
Example:If you believe in the cause, put your money where your mouth is.
Read the riot act
Meaning:Give a severe warning or reprimand.
Example:The teacher read the riot act to the noisy students.
Shake a leg
Meaning:Hurry up.
Example:Come on, shake a leg or we’ll miss the train!
Speak your mind
Meaning:Express your opinion honestly.
Example:Don’t be shy; speak your mind during the meeting.
Stick your neck out
Meaning:Take a risk.
Example:I’m sticking my neck out by supporting this project.
Take it on the chin
Meaning:Accept hardship or criticism without complaining.
Example:He took it on the chin when his idea was rejected.
Through thick and thin
Meaning:Stay loyal in good and bad times.
Example:He stayed with her through thick and thin.
Turn a blind eye
Meaning:Ignore something deliberately.
Example:The manager turned a blind eye to the small mistake.
Walk a mile in someone’s shoes
Meaning:Understand someone else’s perspective.
Example:You should walk a mile in his shoes before judging him.
Wild and woolly
Meaning:Uncontrolled, chaotic, or untamed.
Example:The town was wild and woolly during the festival.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Meaning:You cannot enjoy two mutually exclusive benefits.
Example:You can’t have your cake and eat it too; you must choose one.
Through the grapevine
Meaning:Information received unofficially or by rumor.
Example:I heard through the grapevine that they are moving.
Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning:Ignore someone deliberately.
Example:He was upset and gave me the cold shoulder.
Come hell or high water
Meaning:No matter what obstacles appear.
Example:We’ll finish the project come hell or high water.
All bark and no bite
Meaning:Talks tough but doesn’t act.
Example:He threatens a lot but is all bark and no bite.
Call it a day
Meaning:Stop working for the day.
Example:After 8 hours of work, we decided to call it a day.
Cast in stone
Meaning:Something that cannot be changed.
Example:The schedule isn’t cast in stone yet; we can adjust it.
On tenterhooks
Meaning:In a state of nervous anticipation.
Example:She was on tenterhooks waiting for the exam results.
Keep your eyes peeled
Meaning:Be on the alert; watch carefully.
Example:Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble.
Let the chips fall where they may
Meaning:Accept the outcome, whatever it may be.
Example:I’ll speak the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
Make waves
Meaning:Cause a noticeable change or disturbance.
Example:Her innovative ideas are really making waves in the industry.
Bend over backwards
Meaning:Try very hard to help or please someone.
Example:She bent over backwards to make her guests comfortable.
Go down in flames
Meaning:Fail spectacularly.
Example:The project went down in flames after poor planning.
In a pickle
Meaning:In a difficult situation.
Example:She’s in a pickle with her car breaking down on the way.
Keep your fingers crossed
Meaning:Hope for good luck.
Example:We’re keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.
On the back burner
Meaning:Put something aside temporarily.
Example:This task will have to go on the back burner for now.
Raise the bar
Meaning:Set a higher standard.
Example:Her work raised the bar for everyone else.
Throw someone for a loop
Meaning:Surprise or confuse someone.
Example:The sudden news threw me for a loop.
At the eleventh hour
Meaning:At the last possible moment.
Example:He submitted his application at the eleventh hour.
Break the bank
Meaning:Cost too much money.
Example:Buying a luxury car shouldn’t break the bank.
By the book
Meaning:Follow rules exactly.
Example:He always does everything by the book.
Clear the air
Meaning:Resolve misunderstandings.
Example:We need to clear the air after that argument.
Hit the jackpot
Meaning:Have great success or luck.
Example:He hit the jackpot with his new invention.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Meaning:Important things take time.
Example:Learning a language takes effort; Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Take it with a grain of salt
Meaning:Don’t take it too seriously.
Example:Take his comments with a grain of salt.
The tip of the iceberg
Meaning:A small visible part of a bigger problem.
Example:The leaked documents were the tip of the iceberg.
Backhanded compliment
Meaning:A compliment that also insults.
Example:She gave me a backhanded compliment about my work.
Cat nap
Meaning:A short sleep.
Example:He took a cat nap before dinner.
In the nick of time
Meaning:Just in time.
Example:He arrived in the nick of time to catch the train.
Leave no stone unturned
Meaning:Do everything possible to achieve a goal.
Example:We left no stone unturned in the investigation.
Not playing with a full deck
Meaning:Someone is mentally deficient or not smart.
Example:He’s a nice guy but not playing with a full deck.
Cry over spilt milk
Meaning:Worry about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example:No use crying over spilt milk; just move on.
Cut the mustard
Meaning:Meet expectations; perform well.
Example:He’s good, but he doesn’t cut the mustard for this position.
Face like thunder
Meaning:Look very angry.
Example:She came in with a face like thunder after hearing the news.
Hit below the belt
Meaning:Do something unfair or cruel.
Example:His comment really hit below the belt.
Pull the rug out from under
Meaning:Surprise someone by taking away support.
Example:The sudden firing pulled the rug out from under the team.
Actions speak louder than words
Meaning:What people do is more important than what they say.
Example:He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
Go out on a limb
Meaning:Take a risk to support someone or something.
Example:I’m willing to go out on a limb for my friend.
Jump the gun
Meaning:Start too early or act prematurely.
Example:Don’t jump the gun before everyone is ready.
Time flies
Meaning:Time passes very quickly.
Example:It’s already evening; time flies when you’re having fun.
knock on wood (US) / Touch wood (UK)
Meaning:Said to try to avoid bad luck after mentioning something positive.
Example:I haven’t been sick all year, touch wood.
On pins and needles
Meaning:Feeling anxious or nervous.
Example:She was on pins and needles waiting for the results.
Pull yourself together
Meaning:Calm down and behave normally after being upset.
Example:After the shock, she took a deep breath and pulled herself together.
Off one’s rocker
Meaning:Crazy or behaving irrationally.
Example:He must be off his rocker to quit his job now.