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المنتدى الأكاديمي للمعلمين ملتقى مهني أكاديمي متخصص للأساتذة الأفاضل في جميع المواد التعليمية (تربية وتعليم & أزهر) |
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![]() A bit much
If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much. A chain is no stronger than its weakest link This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them. A day late and a dollar short (USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late. A fool and his money are soon parted This idiom means that people who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly. 'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an alternative form of the idiom. A fool at 40 is a fool forever If someone hasn't matured by the time they reach forty, they never will. A hitch in your giddy-up If you have a hitch in your giddy-up, you're not feeling well. ('A hitch in your gittie-up' is also used.) A lick and a promise If you give something a lick and a promise, you do it hurriedly, most often incompletely, intending to return to it later. A little bird told me If someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them. A little learning is a dangerous thing A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert than they really are.eg. he said he'd done a course on home electrics, but when he tried to mend my table lamp, he fused all the lights! I think a little learning is a dangerous thing A long row to hoe Something that is a long row to hoe is a difficult task that takes a long time. A lost ball in the high weeds A lost ball in the high weeds is someone who does not know what they are doing, where they are or how to do something. A month of Sundays A month of Sundays is a long period of time: I haven't seen her in a month of Sundays. A OK If things are A OK, they are absolutely fine. A penny for your thoughts This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about. A penny saved is a penny earned This means that we shouldn't spend or waste money, but try to save it. A picture is worth a thousand words A picture can often get a message across much better than the best verbal description. A poor man's something Something or someone that can be compared to something or someone else, but is not as good is a poor man's version; a writer who uses lots of puns but isn't very funny would be a poor man's Oscar Wilde. A pretty penny If something costs a pretty penny, it is very expensive. A problem shared is a problem halved If you talk about your problems, it will make you feel better. A rising tide lifts all boats This idiom, coined by John F Kennedy, describes the idea that when an economy is performing well, all people will benefit from it. A rolling stone gathers no moss People say this to mean that that an ambitious person is more successful than a person not trying to achieve anything. Originally it meant the opposite and was critical of people trying to get ahead. A slice off a cut loaf is never missed Used colloquially to describe having ***ual intercourse with someone who is not a virgin, especially when they are in a relationship. The analogy refers to a loaf of bread; it is not readily apparent, once the end has been removed, exactly how many slices have been taken.('You never miss a slice from a cut loaf' is also used.) A steal If something is a steal, it costs much less than it is really worth. A still tongue keeps a wise head Wise people don't talk much. A watched pot never boils Some things work out in their own time, so being impatient and constantly checking will just make things seem longer. A1 If something is A1, it is the very best or finest. Abide by a decision If you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though you might disagree with it. Abject lesson (India) An abject lesson serves as a warning to others. (In some varieties of English 'object lesson' is used.) About as useful as a chocolate teapot Someone or something that is of no practical use is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. About face If someone changes their mind completely, this is an about face. It can be used when companies, governments, etc, change their position on an issue. Above board If things are done above board, they are carried out in a legal and proper manner. Above par Better than average or normal Absence makes the heart grow fonder This idiom means that when people are apart, their love grows stronger. Accident waiting to happen If something is an accident waiting to happen, there's definitely going to be an accident or it's bound to go wrong. ('Disaster waiting to happen' is also used.) Ace in the hole An ace in the hole is something other people are not aware of that can be used to your advantage when the time is right. Ace up your sleeve If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something that will give you an advantage that other people don't know about. Achilles' heel A person's weak spot is their Achilles' heel. Acid test An acid test is something that proves whether something is good, effective, etc, or not. Across the board If something applies to everybody, it applies across the board. Across the ditch (NZ) This idiom means on the other side of the Tasman Sea, used to refer to Australia or New Zealand depending on the speaker's location. Across the pond (UK) This idiom means on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, used to refer to the US or the UK depending on the speaker's location. Act of God An act of God is something like an earthquake or floods that human beings cannot prevent or control. Act of war An act of war is a action that is either intended to start a war or that is interpreted as being sufficient cause for a war. Actions speak louder than words This idiom means that what people actually do is more important than what they say- people can promise things but then fail to deliver. Adam's apple The Adam's apple is a bulge in the throat, mostly seen in men. Add fuel to the fire If people add fuel to the fire, they make a bad situation worse. Add insult to injury When people add insult to injury, they make a bad situation even worse. After your own heart A person after your own heart thinks the same way as you. Against the clock If you do something against the clock, you are rushed and have very little time to do it. Against the grain If doing something goes against the grain, you're unwilling to do it because it contradicts what you believe in, but you have no real choice. Age before beauty When this idiom is used, it is a way of allowing an older person to do something first, though often in a slightly sarcastic way. Agony aunt An agony aunt is a newspaper columnist who gives advice to people having problems, especially personal ones. Ahead of the curve Similar to ahead of the pack, ahead of the curve literally refers to your position on the statistical bell curve, where the top of the curve represents the median, average result. By being ahead of the curve you represent the top percentile of results that either has the advanced skills or understanding that sets you apart. Ahead of the pack If you are ahead of the pack, you have made more progress than your rivals. Ahead of time If something happens ahead of time, it happens early or before the set time. Air your dirty laundry in public If you air your dirty laundry in public, you reveal aspects of your private life that should really remain private, by telling a secret, arguing in public, etc. Albatross around your neck An albatross around, or round, your neck is a problem resulting from something you did that stops you from being successful. Alike as two peas If people or things are as alike as two peas, they are identical. Alive and kicking If something is active and doing well, it is alive and kicking. (It can be used for people too.) All along If you have known or suspected something all along, then you have felt this from the beginning. All and sundry This idiom is a way of emphasising 'all', like saying 'each and every one'. All bark and no bite When someone talks tough but really isn't, they are all bark and no bite. All bets are off (USA) If all bets are off, then agreements that have been made no longer apply. All dressed up and nowhere to go You're prepared for something that isn't going to happen. All ears If someone says they're all ears, they are very interested in hearing about something. All eyes on me If all eyes are on someone, then everyone is paying attention to them. All fingers and thumbs If you're all fingers and thumbs, you are too excited or clumsy to do something properly that requires manual dexterity. 'All thumbs' is an alternative form of the idiom. All hat, no cattle (USA) When someone talks big, but cannot back it up, they are all hat, no cattle.('Big hat, no cattle' is also used.) All heart Someone who is all heart is very kind and generous. All hell broke loose When all hell breaks loose, there is chaos, confusion and trouble. All in a day's work If something is all in a day's work, it is nothing special. All in your head If something is all in your head, you have imagined it and it is not real. All mod cons If something has all mod cons, it has all the best and most desirable features. It is an abbreviation of 'modern convenience' that was used in house adverts. All mouth and trousers (UK) Someone who's all mouth and trousers talks or boasts a lot but doesn't deliver. 'All mouth and no trousers' is also used, though this is a corruption of the original. All my eye and Peggy Martin (UK) An idiom that appears to have gone out of use but was prevalent in the English north Midlands of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire from at least the turn of the 20th century until the early 1950s or so. The idiom's meaning is literally something said or written that is unbelievable, rumor, over embellished, the result of malicious village gossip etc. All of the above This idiom can be used to mean everything that has been said or written, especially all the choices or possibilities. All over bar the shouting When something is all over bar the shouting, the outcome is absolutely certain.('All over but the shouting' is also used.) All over Hell's half acre (USA) If you have been all over Hell's half acre, you have been traveling and visiting many more places than originally intended, usually because you were unsuccessful in finding what you were looking for. It can also be used to mean everywhere. All over the map (USA) If something like a discussion is all over the map, it doesn't stick to the main topic and goes off on tangents. All over the place If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the place. All over the shop If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the shop. All over the show If something is all over the show, it's in a complete mess.An alternative to 'All over the shop'. All roads lead to Rome This means that there can be many different ways of doing something. All set If you're all set, you are ready for something. All sixes If something is all sixes, it doesn't matter how it's done; it's the same as 'six of one and half a dozen of the other'. All skin and bone If a person is very underweight, they are all skin and bone, or bones. All square If something is all square, nobody has an advantage or is ahead of the others. All talk and no trousers (UK) Someone who is all talk and no trousers, talks about doing big, important things, but doesn't take any action. All that glitters is not gold This means that appearances can be deceptive and things that look or sound valuable can be worthless. ('All that glistens is not gold' is an alternative.) All the rage If something's all the rage, it is very popular or fashionable at the moment. All the tea in China If someone won't do something for all the tea in China, they won't do it no matter how much money they are offered. All your eggs in one basket If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk everything at once, instead of trying to spread the risk. (This is often used as a negative imperative- 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'. 'Have your eggs in one basket' is also used.) All's fair in love and war This idiom is used to say that where there is conflict, people can be expected to behave in a more vicious way. All's well that ends well If the end result is good, then everything is good. All-singing, all-dancing If something's all-singing, all-dancing, it is the latest version with the most up-to-date features. Alter ego An alter ego is a very close and intimate friend. It is a Latin phrase that literally means 'other self'. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride If someone is always a bridesmaid, never a bride, they never manage to fulfill their ambition- they get close, but never manage the recognition, etc, they crave. Ambulance chaser A lawyer who encourages people who have been in accidents or become ill to sue for compensation is an ambulance chaser. Amen Some use 'Amen' or 'Amen to that' as a way of agreeing with something that has just been said. An apple a day keeps the doctor away Eating healthy food keeps you healthy. An old flame An old flame is a person that somebody has had an emotional, usually passionate, relationship with, who is still looked on fondly and with affection. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure This expression means that is is better to try to avoid problems in the first place, rather than trying to fix them once they arise. And all that jazz This idiom means that everything related or similar is included. Angry as a bear If someone is as angry as a bear, they are very angry.('Angry as a bear with a sore foot' is also used.) Angry as a bull If someone is as angry as a bull, they are very angry. Answers on a postcard This idiom can be used to suggest that the answer to something is very obvious or that the person would really like to hear what people think. Ants in your pants If someone has ants in their pants, they are agitated or excited about something and can't keep still. Any port in a storm This means that in an emergency any solution will do, even one that would normally be unacceptable. Any Tom, Dick or Harry If something could be done by any Tom, Dick or Harry, it could be done by absolutely anyone. Apple of your eye Something or, more often, someone that is very special to you is the 'apple of your' eye. Apple pie order Everything is in perfect order and tidy if it is in apple pie order. Apples and oranges Tis used when people compare or describe two totally different things. ('Apples to oranges' is also used.) Apples for apples An apples for apples comparison is a comparison between related or simialr things. ('Apples to apples' is also used.) Apron strings A man who is tied to a woman's apron strings is excessively dependent on her, especially when it is his mother's apron strings. Argue the toss (UK) If you argue the toss, you refuse to accept a decision and argue about it. Arm and a leg If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive. Armchair critic An armchair critic is someone who offers advice but never shows that they could actually do any better. Armed to the teeth If people are armed to the teeth, they have lots of weapons. Around the clock If something is open around the clock, it is open 24 hours a day. For example, an airport is open around the clock. Arrow in the quiver An arrow in the quiver is a strategy or option that could be used to achieve your objective. As a rule If you do something as a rule, then you usually do it. As cold as ice This idiom can be used to describe a person who does not show any emotion. As cold as stone If something is as cold as stone, it is very cold. If a person is as cold as stone, they are unemotional. As cool as a cucumber If someone is as cool as a cucumber, they don't get worried by anything. As good as new If something has been used but is still in extremely good condition, it is as good as new. As mad as a hatter This simile means that someone is crazy or behaves very strangely. In the past many people who made hats went insane because they had a lot of contact with mercury. As mad as a wrongly shot hog (USA) If someone is as mad as a wrongly shot hog, they are very angry. (Same as, Angry as a bear or Angry as a bull). As much use as a chocolate fire-guard A fire-guard is used in front of a fireplace for safety. A chocolate fire-guard is of no use. An alternative to 'As much use as a chocolate teapot'. As much use as a chocolate teapot Something that is as much use as a chocolate teapot is not useful at all. As much use as a handbrake on a canoe This idiom is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless. As neat as a new pin This idiom means tidy and clean. As one man If people do something as one man, then they do it at exactly the same time or in complete agreement. As the actress said to the bishop (UK) This idiom is used to highlight a ***ual reference, deliberate or accidental. As the crow flies This idiom is used to describe the shortest possible distance between two places. As you sow, so shall you reap This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or good things if you do good things. Asleep at the switch If someone is asleep at the switch, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the wheel' is an alternative. Asleep at the wheel If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative. At a drop of a dime (USA) If someone will do something at the drop of a dime, they will do it instantly, without hesitation. At a loose end (UK) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it. At a loss If you are at a loss, you are unable to understand or comply. At a snail's pace If something moves at a snail's pace, it moves very slowly. At arm's length If something is at arm's length, it is a safe distance waway from you. At cross purposes When people are at cross purposes, they misunderstand each other or have different or opposing objectives. At daggers drawn If people are at daggers drawn, they are very angry and close to violence. At death's door If someone looks as if they are at death's door, they look seriously unwell and might actually be dying. At each other's throats If people are at each other's throats, they are fighting, arguing or competing ruthlessly. At full tilt If something is at full tilt, it is going or happening as fast or as hard as possible. At large If a criminal is at large, they have not been found or caught. At loggerheads If people are at loggerheads, they are arguing and can't agree on anything. At loose ends (USA) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it. At odds If you are at odds with someone, you cannot agree with them and argue. At sea If things are at sea, or all at sea, they are disorganized and chaotic. At the bottom of the totem pole (USA) If someone is at the bottom of the totem pole, they are unimportant. Opposite is at the top of the totem pole. At the coalface If you work at the coalface, you deal with the real problems and issues, rather than sitting in a office discussing things in a detached way. At the drop of a hat If you would do something at the drop of a hat, you'd do it immediately. At the end of the day This is used to mean 'in conclusion' or 'when all is said and done'. At the end of your rope (USA) If you are at the end of your rope, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance. At the end of your tether (UK) If you are at the end of your tether, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance. At the fore In a leading position At the top of my lungs If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly as you possibly can. At the top of the list If something is at the top of the list, it is of highest priority, most important, most urgent, or the next in one's line of attention. At the top of your lungs If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly as you possibly can. At the top of your voice If you talk, shout or sing at the top of your voice, you do it as loudly as you can. At your wit's end If you're at your wit's end, you really don't know what you should do about something, no matter how hard you think about it. At your wits' end If you are at your wits' end, you have no idea what to do next and are very frustrated. Average Joe An average Joe is an ordinary person without anything exceptional about them. Avowed intent If someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to attempt to reach a certain goal, this is their avowed intent. Away with the fairies If someone is away with the fairies, they don't face reality and have unrealistic expectations of life. Awe inspiring Something or someone that is awe inspiring amazes people in a slightly frightening but positive way. AWOL AWOL stands for "Absent Without Leave", or "Absent Without Official Leave". Orignially a military term, it is used when someone has gone missing without telling anyone or asking for permission. Axe to grind If you have an axe to grind with someone or about something, you have a grievance, a resentment and you want to get revenge or sort it out. In American English, it is 'ax'. منقوووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووول للامانة
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مصطلحات بحرف ال B
~ B ~ Babe in arms A babe in arms is a very young child, or a person who is very young to be holding a position. Babe in the woods A babe in the woods is a naive, defenceless, young person. Baby boomer (USA) A baby boomer is someone born in the years after the end of the Second World War, a period when the population was growing very fast. Back burner If an issue is on the back burner, it is being given low priority. Back foot (UK) If you are on your back foot, you are at a disadvantage and forced to be defensive of your position. Back number Something that's a back number is dated or out of fashion. Back the wrong horse If you back the wrong horse, you give your support to the losing side in something. Back to back If things happen back to back, they are directly one after another. Back to square one If you are back to square one, you have to start from the beginning again. Back to the drawing board If you have to go back to the drawing board, you have to go back to the beginning and start something again. Back to the salt mine If someone says they have to go back to the salt mine, they have to return to work. Back to the wall If you have your back to the wall, you are in a difficult situation with very little room for manoeuvre. Backseat driver A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome. Bad Apple A person who is bad and makes other bad is a bad apple. Bad blood If people feel hate because of things that happened in the past, there is bad blood between them. Bad egg A person who cannot be trusted is a bad egg. Good egg is the opposite. Bad hair day If you're having a bad hair day, things are not going the way you would like or had planned. Bad mouth (UK) When you are bad mouthing,you are saying negative things about someone or something.('Bad-mouth' and 'badmouth' are also used.) Bad shape If something's in bad shape, it's in bad condition. If a person's in bad shape, they are unfit or unhealthy. Bad taste in your mouth If something leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth, you feel there is something wrong or bad about it. Bad workers always blame their tools "A bad worker always blames their tools" - If somebody does a job badly or loses in a game and claims that they were let down by their equipment, you can use this to imply that this was not the case. Bag of bones If someone is a bag of bones, they are very underweight. Bag of nerves If someone is a bag of nerves, they are very worried or nervous. Baker's dozen A Baker's dozen is 13 rather than 12. Bald as a coot A person who is completely bald is as bald as a coot. Ball is in your court If the ball is in your court, it is up to you to make the next decision or step. Ballpark figure A ballpark figure is a rough or approximate number (guesstimate) to give a general idea of something, like a rough estimate for a cost, etc. Balls to the walls (USA) If you do something balls to the wall, you apply full acceleration or exertion. Banana republic Banana republic is a term used for small countries that are dependent on a single crop or resource and governed badly by a corrupt elite. Banana skin (UK) A banana skin is something that is an embarrassment or causes problems. Bandit territory An area or an industry, profession, etc, where rules and laws are ignored or flouted is bandit territory. Baptism of fire A baptism of fire was a soldier's first experience of shooting. Any unpleasant experience undergone, usually where it is also a learning experience, is a baptism of fire. Bar fly A bar fly is a person who spends a lot of time drinking in different bars and pubs. Bare your heart If you bare your heart to someone, you tell them your personal and private feelings. ('Bare your soul' is an alternative form of the idiom.) Barefaced liar A barefaced liar is one who displays no shame about lying even if they are exposed. Bark is worse than their bite Someone who's bark is worse than their bite may well get angry and shout, but doesn't take action. Barking up the wrong tree If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely misunderstood something or are totally wrong. Barkus is willing This idiom means that someone is willing to get married. Barrack-room lawyer (UK) A barrack-room lawyer is a person who gives opinions on things they are not qualified to speak about. Barrel of laughs If someone's a barrel of laughs, they are always joking and you find them funny. Basket case If something is a basket case, it is so bad that it cannot be helped. Bat an eyelid If someone doesn't bat an eyelid, they don't react or show any emotion when surprised, shocked, etc. Bated breath If someone says they're waiting with bated breath, they're very excited and find it difficult to be patient.('Baited breath' is a common mistake.) Batten down the hatches If you batten down the hatches, you prepare for the worst that could happen to you. Battle of nerves A battle of nerves is a situation where neither side in a conflict or dispute is willing to back down and is waiting for the other side to weaken. ('A war of nerves' is an alternative form.) Be all ears If you are all ears, you are very eager to hear what someone has to say. Be careful what you wish for If you get things that you desire, there may be unforeseen and unpleasant consequences.('Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true.' and 'Be careful what you wish for; you may receive it.' are also used.) Be on the pig's back If you're on the pig's back, you're happy / content / in fine form. Be out in force If people are out in force, they are present somewhere in large numbers. Be out in left field (USA) To be out in left field is not to know what's going on. Taken from baseball, when youngsters assign less capable players to the outfield where the ball is less likely to be hit by a young player. In business, one might say, 'Don't ask the new manager; he's out in left field and doesn't know any answers yet.' Be that as it may Be that as it may is an expression which means that, while you are prepared to accept that there is some truth in what the other person has just said, it's not going to change your opinions in any significant manner. Be true blue If a person/object/situation is considered to be 'true blue', it is considered genuine. Be up the spout (UK) If a woman is up the spout, she is pregnant. Bean counter A bean counter is an accountant. Bear fruit If something bears fruit, it produces positive results. Bear market A bear market is a period when investors are pessimistic and expect financial losses so are more likely to sell than to buy shares. Bear the brunt People who bear the brunt of something endure the worst of something bad. Beard the lion in his own den If you confront a powerful or dangerous rival on their territory, you are bearding the lion in his own den. Beat about the bush If someone doesn't say clearly what they mean and try to make it hard to understand, they are beating about (around) the bush. Beat someone to the draw (USA) If you beat someone to the draw, you do something before they do. Beat swords into ploughshares If people beat swords into ploughshares, they spend money on humanitarian purposes rather than weapons. (The American English spelling is 'plowshares') Beat the daylights out of someone If someone beats the daylights out of another person, they hit them repeatedly. ('Knock' can also be used and it can be made even stronger by saying 'the living daylights'.) Beat the rap If you beat the rap, you escape conviction and punishment for a crime or something you have done wrong. Beat to the punch If you beat someone to the punch, you act before them and gain an advantage. Beat your brains out If you beat your brains out, you think hard about something but cannot solve, understand or remember it. Beating a dead horse (USA) If someone is trying to convince people to do or feel something without any hope of succeeding, they're beating a dead horse. This is used when someone is trying to raise interest in an issue that no-one supports anymore; beating a dead horse will not make it do any more work. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Beauty is in the eye of the beholder means that different people will find different things beautiful and that the differences of opinion don't matter greatly. Beauty is only skin deep This idiom means that appearances can be deceptive and something that seems or looks good may turn out to be bad. Beck and call Someone who does everything for you, no matter when you ask, is at your beck and call. Bedroom eyes Someone with bedroom eyes has a ***y look in their eyes. Bee in your bonnet If someone is very excited about something, they have a bee in their bonnet. Bee's Knees If something is the bee's knees, it's outstanding or the best in its class. Beeline for If you make a beeline for a place, you head there directly. Been in the wars (UK) If someone has been in the wars, they have been hurt or look as if they have been in a struggle. Been there, done that People say this when they have already experienced what is being discussed. Beer and skittles (UK) People say that life is not all beer and skittles, meaning that it is not about self-indulgence and pleasure. Before the ink is dry If people make an agreement or contract and then the situation changes very quickly, it changes before the ink is dry. Before you can say Jack Robinson The term Jack Robinson represents 'a short amount of time'. When you do something before you can say Jack Robinson, you do it very quickly. Beg the question In philosophy "to beg the question" is to assume something to be true that has not yet been proved. I have seen the idiom also to mean that a question is crying out to be asked. Beggars can't be choosers This idiom means that people who are in great need must accept any help that is offered, even if it is not a complete solution to their problems. Behind bars When someone is behind bars, they are in prison. Behind closed doors If something happens away from the public eye, it happens behind closed doors. Behind someone's back If you do something behind someone's back, you do it without telling them. Behind the eight ball A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape. Behind the times Someone that is behind the times is old-fashioned and has ideas that are regarded as out-dated. Believe in the hereafter A belief in the hereafter is a belief in the afterlife, or life after death. It is, therefore, associated with religions and the soul's journey to heaven or to hell, whichever way being just deserts for the person based on how they led their life. Bells and whistles Bells and whistles are attractive features that things like computer programs have, though often a bit unnecessary. Bells on (USA) To be somewhere with bells on means to arrive there happy and delighted to attend. Belly up If things go belly up, they go badly wrong. Below par If something isn't up to standard, or someone isn't feeling or doing very well, they are below par. Below the belt If someone says something that is cruel or unfair, it is below the belt, like the illegal punches in boxing. Belt and braces (UK) Someone who wears belt and braces is very cautious and takes no risks. Belt and suspenders (USA) Someone who wears belt and suspenders is very cautious and takes no risks. Bend over backwards If someone bends over backwards, they do everything they can to help someone. Bend someone's ear To bend someone's ear is to talk to someone about something for a long-enough period that it becomes tiresome for the listener. Benjamin of the family The Benjamin of the family is the youngest child. Bent as a nine bob note (UK) A person who is as bent as a nine bob note is dishonest. The reference comes from pre-decimalisation in UK (1971), when a ten shilling (bob) note was valid currency but no such note as nine shillings existed. Beside the point If something is beside the point, it's not relevant to the matter being discussed or considered. Beside themselves If people are beside themselves, they are very worried or emotional about something. Beside yourself If you are beside yourself, you are extremely angry. Best of a bad bunch The best that could be obtained from a list of options that were not exactly what was required. Best of both worlds If you have the best of both worlds, you benefit from different things that do not normally go together. Best thing since sliced bread If something is the best thing since sliced bread, it is excellent. ('The greatest thing since sliced bread' is also used.) Bet your bottom dollar (USA) If you can bet your bottom dollar on something, you can be absolutely sure about it. Better half Your better half is your husband or wife. Better late than never This idiom suggests that doing something late is better than not doing it at all. Better safe than sorry This idiom is used to recommend being cautious rather than taking a risk. Better than a kick in the teeth If something is better than a kick in the teeth, it isn't very good, but it is better than nothing. Better than a stick in the eye If something is better than a stick in the eye, it isn't very good, but it is better than nothing. Better the devil you know This is the shortened form of the full idiom, 'better the devil you know than the devil you don't', and means that it is often better to deal with someone or something you are familiar with and know, even if they are not ideal, than take a risk with an unknown person or thing. Between a rock and a hard place If you are caught between a rock and a hard place, you are in a position where you have to choose between unpleasant alternatives, and your choice might cause you problems; you will not be able to satisfy everyone. Between the devil and the deep blue sea If you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, you are in a dilemma; a difficult choice. Between you and me and the cat's whiskers This idiom is used when telling someone something that you want them to keep secret. Beyond a shadow of a doubt If something's beyond a shadow of a doubt, then absolutely no doubts remain about it. Beyond belief If people behave in such a way that you find it almost impossible to accept that they actually did it, then you can say that their behaviour was beyond belief. Beyond our ken If something's beyond your ken, it is beyond your understanding. Beyond the black stump (AU) An Australian idiom idicating that even if you go as far as you can, the black stump is still a little further. Beyond the pale If something's beyond the pale, it is too extreme to be acceptable morally or socially. Big Apple (USA) The Big Apple is New York. Big bucks If someone is making big bucks, they are making a lot of money. Big cheese The big cheese is the boss. Big Easy (USA) The Big Easy is New Orleans, Louisiana Big fish An important person in a company or an organisation is a big fish. Big fish in a small pond A big fish in a small pond is an important person in a small place or organisation. Big girl's blouse A person who is very weak or fussy is a big girl's blouse. Big hitter A big hitter is someone who commands a lot of respect and is very important in their field. Big nose If someone has a big nose, it means they are excessively interested in everyone else's business. Big picture The big picture of something is the overall perspective or objective, not the fine detail. Big time This can be used to with the meaning 'very much'- if you like something big time, you like it a lot. Bigger fish to fry If you aren't interested in something because it isn't important to you and there are more important things for you to do, you have bigger fish to fry. Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' is a proverb meaning that it is better to have something that is certain than take a risk to get more, where you might lose everything. Bird's eye view If you have a bird's eye view of something, you can see it perfectly clearly. Bird-brain Someone who has a bird-brain, or is bird-brained, is stupid. Birds and the bees If a child is taught about the birds and the bees, they are taught about ***. Birds of a feather flock together This idiom means that people with similar interests will stick together. Birthday suit If you are in your birthday suit, you are *****. Bit between your teeth If you take or have the bit between your teeth, you take or have control of a situation. (Bit = piece of metal in a horse's mouth) Bit part If someone has a small or unimportant role in something, they have a bit part. Bit player A bit player has a small or unimportant role in something. Bite off more than you can chew If you bite off more than you can chew, you take on more responsibilities than you can manage. 'Don't bite off more than you can chew' is often used to advise people against agreeing to more than they can handle. Bite someone's head off If you bite someone's head off, you criticise them angrily. Bite the bullet If you have to bite the bullet, you have to accept or face something unpleasant because it cannot be avoided. Bite the dust This is a way of saying that somebody has died, especially if they are killed violently like a soldier in battle. Bite your lip If you have to bite your lip, you have to make a conscious effort not to react or to keep quiet about something that displeases you. Bite your tongue If you bite your tongue, you refrain from speaking because it is socially or otherwise better not to. Bits and bobs Bits and bobs are small, remnant articles and things- the same as 'odds and ends'. Bitter end If you do something to the bitter end, you do it to the very end, no matter how unsuccessful you are. Bitter pill to swallow A bitter pill to swallow is something that is hard to accept. Black and blue This means bruised, either physically or metaphorically. Black and white When it is very clear who or what is right and wrong, then the situation is black and white. Black as Newgate's knocker (UK) If things are as black as Newgate's knocker, they are very bad. Newgate was an infamous prison in England, so its door knocker meant trouble. Black hole If there is a black hole in financial accounts, money has disappeared. Black sheep Someone who is the black sheep doesn't fit into a group or family because their behaviour or character is not good enough. Blackball If you vote against allowing someone to be a member of an organisation or group, you are blackballing him or her. Blank cheque If you are given a blank cheque, you are allowed to use as much money as you need for a project. Bleeding edge Similar to 'cutting edge', this implies a technology or process that is at the forefront or beyond current practices. However, because it is unproven, it is often dangerous to use (hence the 'bleeding'). Bleeding heart A bleeding heart is a person who is excessively sympathetic towards other people. Bless your pointy little head This expression is used as to patronise someone, especially when they don't realise that they're not very clever.('Bless your pointes little head' is also used.) Blessing in disguise If some bad luck or misfortune ultimately results in something positive, it's a blessing in disguise. Blind acceptance If people accept thing blindly, they accept them without questioning them at all. Blind as a bat If you are in total darkness and can't see anything at all, you are as blind as a bat. Blind leading the blind When the blind are leading the blind, the people in charge of something don't know anything more than the people they are in charge of, when they should have greater knowledge. Blind-sided If you are blind-sided, an event with a negative impact takes you completely by surprise. Blink of an eye If something happens in the blink of an eye, it happens so fast it is almost impossible to notice it. Blood and thunder An emotional speech or performance is full of blood and thunder. Blood from a turnip It is impossible to get something from someone if they don't have it, just as you cannot get blood from a turnip. Blood is thicker than water This idiom means that family relationships are stronger than others. Blood is worth bottling (AU) If an Australian says to you "Your blood is worth bottling", he/she is complimenting or praising you for doing something or being someone very special. Blood out of a stone If something is like getting blood out of a stone, it is very difficult indeed. Blood, sweat and tears If something will take blood, sweat and tears, it will be very difficult and will require a lot of effort and sacrifice. Blow a gasket If you blow a gasket, you get very angry. Blow by blow A blow-by-blow description gives every detail in sequence. Blow hot and cold If you blow hot and cold on an idea, your attitude and opinion keeps changing; one minute you are for it, the next you are against. Blow me down People say '(well,) blow me down' when you have just told them something surprising, shocking or unexpected. ('Blow me down with a feather' is also used.) Blow off steam (USA) If you blow off steam, you express your anger or frustration. Blow out of the water If something, like an idea, is blown out of the water, it is destroyed or defeated comprehensively. Blow smoke (USA) If people blow smoke, they exaggerate or say things that are not true, usually to make themselves look better. Blow the cobwebs away If you blow the cobwebs away, you make sweeping changes to something to bring fresh views and ideas in. Blow the whistle If somebody blows the whistle on a plan, they report it to the authorities. Blow your mind Something that will blow your mind is something extraordinary that will amaze you beyond explanation. Blow your own horn If you blow your own horn, you boast about your achievements and abilities. ('Blow your own trumpet' is an alternative form.) Blow your own trumpet If someone blows their own trumpet, they boast about their talents and achievements. ('Blow your own horn' is an alternative form.) Blow your stack If you blow your stack, you lose your temper. Blow your top If someone blows their top, they lose their temper. Blue blood Someone with blue blood is royalty. Blue-eyed boy Someone's blue-eyed boy is their favourite person. Bob's your uncle (UK) This idiom means that something will be successful: Just tell him that I gave you his name and Bob's your uncle- he'll help you. Body politic A group of people organised under a single government or authority (national or regional) is a body politic. Bold as brass Someone who is as bold as brass is very confident and not worried about how other people will respond or about being caught. Bolt from the blue If something happens unexpectedly and suddenly, it is a bolt from the blue. Bone of contention If there is an issue that always causes tension and arguments, it is a bone of contention. Bone to pick If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed about something they have done and want to tell them how you feel. Boot is on the other foot When the boot's on the other foot, a person who was in a position of weakness is now in a position of strength. Born to the purple Someone who is born to the purple is born in a royal or aristocratic family. ("Born in the purple" is also used.) Born with a silver spoon in your mouth If you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you are born into a rich family. Both ends meet If you make both ends meet, you live off the money you earn and don't go into debt. Bottom line In accountancy, the bottom line is net income, and is used idiomatically to mean the conclusion. Bounce ideas If you bounce ideas off someone, you share your ideas with them to know whether they think they would work. Bounce off the walls If someone's bouncing off the walls, they are very excited about something. Bouquet of orchids Id someone deserves a bouquet of orchids, they have done something worthy of praise. Box and dice Box and dice means everything. Box clever (UK) If you box clever, you use your intelligence to get what you want, even if you have to cheat a bit. Boxing and coxing If people are boxing and coxing, they are sharing responsibilities so that one of them is working while the other isn't. It can also be used when couples are sharing a house, but their relationship has broken down and when one is at home, the other stays out. Boys in blue The boys in blue are the police. Brain surgery If something is not brain surgery, it isn't very complicated or difficult to understand or master. Brass monkey If it's brass monkey weather, or cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey, it is extremely cold. Brass neck (UK) Someone who has the brass neck to do something has no sense of shame about what they do. Brass tacks If you get down to brass tacks, you get down to the real business. Bread and butter Bread and butter issues are ones that affect people directly and in a very important way. Breadwinner Used to describe the person that earns the most money. For example - She's the breadwinner in the family. Break a leg This idiom is a way of wishing someone good luck. Break even If you break even, you don't make any money, but you don't lose any either. Break ground If you break ground, or break new ground, you make progress, taking things into a new area or going further than anyone has gone before. 'Ground-breaking' is used an adjective. Break the back of the beast If you break the back of the beast, you accomplish a challenge. Break the ice When you break the ice, you get over any initial embarrassment or shyness when you meet someone for the first time and start conversing. Break your duck (UK) If you break your duck, you do something for the first time. Break your heart If someone upsets you greatly, they break your heart, especially if they end a relationship. Breathe down your neck If someone follows you or examines what you're doing very closely, they are breathing down your neck. Breathe life into If you breathe life into something, you give people involved more energy and enthusiasm again. ('Breathe new life' is also used.) Breathe your last When you breathe your last, you die. Bridge the gap If you bridge the gap, you make a connection where there is a great difference. Bright and breezy When someone is cheerful and full of energy, they are bright and breezy. Bright as a button A person who is as bright as a button is very intelligent or smart. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed If someone's bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, they are full of energy and enthusiasm. Brighten up the day If something brightens up your day, something happens that makes you feel positive and happy all day long. Bring a knife to a gunfight If someone brings a knife to a gunfight, they are very badly prepared for something. Bring home the bacon A person who brings home the bacon earns the money that a family live on. Bring on board To make people embrace the ideas intended by the leader or agree to join a team or project is to bring them on board. Bring someone to book If somebody is brought to book, they are punished or made to account for something they have done wrong. Bring someone to heel If you bring someone to heel, you make them obey you.('Call someone to heel' is also used.) Bring the house down Something that brings the house down is acclaimed and praised vigorously. Bring to the table If you bring something to the table, you make a contribution or an offer in a discussion or negotiation.. Broad church If an organisation is described as broad church, it is tolerant and accepting of different opinions and ideas. Broad strokes If something is described or defined with broad stokes, then only an outline is given, without fine details. Broke as a joke and it ain't funny This idiom in my opinion describes how it's not funny to be without a cent and just uses broke and joke as rhyming words that help explain this idiom a lot better. Broken record When someone sounds like a broken record, they keep on repeating the same things. ('Stuck record' is also used.) Broken reed If something or someone fails to give you the support you were hoping for, they are a broken reed. Brown nose When someone tries to make themselves popular with somebody, usually in a position of authority, especially by flattering them, they are brown nosing. Browned off To be tired of or fed up with Brownie points If you try to earn Brownie points with someone, you do things you know will please them. Brush under the carpet If you brush something under the carpet, you are making an attempt to ignore it, or hide it from others. Buggles' turn (UK) If it Buggles' turn, someone gets promotion through length of service rather than ability, especially in the British civil service. Bull in a China shop If someone behaves like a bull in a China shop, they are clumsy when they should be careful. Bull market A bull market is a period when investors are optimistic and there are expectations that good financial results will continue. Bull session If you have a bull session, you have an informal group discussion about something. Bull-headed If you're a bull-headed, you're stubborn or inflexible. Bums on seats The people who have paid to watch a performance are bums on seats. Bun in the oven If a woman has a bun in the oven, she is pregnant. Bundle of nerves Someone who is a bundle of nerves is very worried or nervous. Bur under my saddle A bur under your saddle is something that annoys you or spurs you into action.('Burr' is an alternative spelling.) Burn rubber If you burn rubber, you drive very fast to get somewhere. Burn the candle at both ends Someone who burns the candle at both ends lives life at a hectic pace, doing things which are likely to affect their health badly. Burn the midnight oil If you stay up very late working or studying, you burn the midnight oil. Burn your bridges If you burn your bridges, you do something that makes it impossible to go back from the position you have taken. Burn your fingers If you burn your fingers, you suffer a loss or something unpleasant as the result of something you did, making you less likely to do it again. Burning question A burning question is something we all want to know about. Burst at the seams To be filled to or beyond normal capacity: This room will be bursting at the seams when all the guests arrive. Burst your bubble If you correct someone's ignorant or delusional belief, you burst their bubble. (Bust someone's bubble is also used.) Bury the hatchet If you bury the hatchet, you make peace with someone and stop arguing or fighting. Bury your head in the sand If someone buries their head in the sand, they ignore something that is obviously wrong. Busman's holiday A busman's holiday is when you spend your free time doing the same sort of work as you do in your job. Bust my chops When someone says that they're not going to bust their chops, it means they are not going to work that hard or make much effort. Busted flush Someone or something that had great potential but ended up a useless failure is a busted flush. Busy as a beaver If you're as busy as a beaver, you're very busy indeed. Busy as a bee If you are as busy as a bee, you are very busy indeed. Butt ***** If someone is butt *****, they have no clothes on at all, often when they can be seen. Butt of a joke If something or someone becomes the butt of a joke it or they are not taken seriously anymore. Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth If someone looks as if butter wouldn't melt in their mouth, they look very innocent. Butterfingers Someone who has butterfingers is clumsy and drops things. Butterflies in your stomach The nervous feeling before something important or stressful is known as butterflies in your stomach. Button your lip If you button your lip, you keep quiet and don't speak. It is also used as a way of telling someone to shut up. Buy the farm When somebody has bought the farm, they have died. By a hair's breadth If a person escapes from some danger by a hair's breadth, they only just managed to avoid it. The breadth is the thickness of a hair, so they probably feel somewhat lucky because the margin between success and what could easily have been failure was so close. By a long chalk (UK) If you beat somebody by a long chalk, you win easily and comfortably. By a whisker If you do something by a whisker, you only just manage to do it and come very near indeed to failing. By and large By and large means usually or generally. By *****y A term used by rural folks in years past to emphasize a matter of importance or urgency. An example: 'By *****y, you need to get out there in the field with that mule and plow and finish the sod-busting before dark.' By dint of This means 'as a result of' or 'because of': It would be good to think he'd risen to position of Chief Executive by dint of hard work. By heart If you learn something by heart, you learn it word for word. By hook or by crook If you are prepared to do something by hook or by crook, you are willing to do anything, good or bad, to reach your goal. By leaps and bounds Something that happens by leaps and bounds happens very quickly in big steps. By the back door If something is started or introduced by the back door, then it is not done openly or by following the proper procedures. By the book If you do something by the book, you do it exactly as you are supposed to. By the by This is used as a way of introducing an incidental topic in a conversation or to say that something is irrelevant. ('By the bye' is also used.) By the numbers If something is done by the numbers, it is done in a mechanical manner without room for creativity. By the same token If someone applies the same rule to different situations, they judge them by the same token: If things go well, he's full of praise, but, by the same token, when things go wrong he gets furious. By the seat of your pants If you do something by the seat of your pants, you achieve something, but only by a narrow margin or do something without advance preparation. By the skin of your teeth If you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just manage to do it and come very near indeed to failing. By word of mouth If something becomes known by word of mouth, it gets known by being talked about rather than through publicity or advertising, etc.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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Cake's not worth the candle
If someone says that the cake's not worth the candle, they mean that the result will not be worth the effort put in to achieve it. Calf lick A calf lick is the weird parting in your fringe where your hair grows in a different direction, usually to one side. Call a spade a spade A person who calls a spade a spade is one speaks frankly and makes little or no attempt to conceal their opinions or to spare the feelings of their audience. Call it a day If you call it a day, you stop doing something for a while, normally at least until the following day. Call on the carpet If you are called on the carpet, you are summoned for a reprimand by superiors or others in power. Call the dogs off If someone calls off their dogs, they stop attacking or criticising someone. Call the shots If you call the shots, you are in charge and tell people what to do. Call the tune The person who calls the tune makes the important decisions about something. Calm before the storm A calm time immediately before period of violent activity or argument is the calm before the storm. Can of worms If an action can create serious problems, it is opening a can of worms. Can't dance and it's too wet to plow (USA) When you can't dance and it's too wet to plow, you may as well do something because you can't or don't have the opportunity to do anything else. Can't do it for toffee If you can't so something for toffee, you are incapable of doing something properly or to any sort of standard. Can't hack it Unable to perform an act, duty, job etc. (example: I have to quit my job as a computer technician; I just can't hack it.) Can't hold a candle If something can't hold a candle to something else, it is much worse. Can't see the forest for its trees If someone can't see the forest for its trees, they are too focused on specific details to see the picture as a whole. Canary in a coal mine (UK) A canary in a coal mine is an early warning of danger. Card up your sleeve If you have a card up your sleeve, you have a surprise plan or idea that you are keeping back until the time is right. Carpetbagger A carpetbagger is an opportunist without any scruples or ethics, or a politican who wants to represent a place they have no connection with. Carrot and stick If someone offers a carrot and stick, they offer an incentive to do something combined with the threat of punishment. Carry the can If you carry the can, you take the blame for something, even though you didn't do it or are only partly at fault. Carry the day If something carries the day, it wins a battle (the sense is that the battle has been long and could have gone either way) or competition for supremacy. Case by case If things are done case by case, each situation or issue is handled separately on its own merits and demerits. Case in point Meaning an instance of something has just occurred that was previously discussed. For instance, a person may have told another that something always happens. Later that day, they see it happening, and the informer might say, 'case in point'. Cash cow A product, business, etc, that generates a continuous flow of money or a high proportion of overall profits is a cash cow. Cash in your chips If you cash in your chips, you sell something to get what profit you can because you think its value is going to fall. It can also mean 'to die'. Cast a long shadow Something or someone that casts a long shadow has considerable influence on other people or events. Cast aspersion If you cast aspersion, you try to blacken someone's name and make people think badly of them. Cast doubt on If you make other people not sure about a matter, then you have cast doubt on it. Cast iron stomach A person with a cast iron stomach can eat or drink anything without any ill effects. Cast pearls before swine If you cast pearls before swine, you offer something of value to someone who doesn't appreciate it- 'swine' are 'pigs'. Cast sheep's eyes at If you cast sheep's eyes at at someone, you look lovingly or with longing at them. Cast your mind back If somebody tells you to cast your mind back on something, they want you to think about something that happened in the past, but which you might not remember very well, and to try to remember as much as possible. Cast your net widely If you cast your net widely, you use a wide range of sources when trying to find something. Casting vote The casting vote is a vote given to a chairman or president that is used when there is a deadlock. Castles in the air Plans that are impractical and will never work out are castles in the air. Cat among the pigeons If something or someone puts, or sets or lets, the cat among the pigeons, they create a disturbance and cause trouble. Cat and dog life If people lead a cat and dog life, they are always arguing. Cat burglar A cat burglar is a skillful thief who breaks into places without disturbing people or setting off alarms. Cat fur and kitty britches (USA) When I used to ask my grandma what was for dinner, she would say 'cat fur and kitty britches'. This was her Ozark way of telling me that I would get what she cooked. (Ozark is a region in the center of the United States) Cat got your tongue? If someone asks if the cat has got your tongue, they want to know why you are not speaking when they think you should. Cat nap If you have a short sleep during the day, you are cat napping. Cat's lick (Scot) A cat's lick is a very quick wash. Cat's pajamas (USA) Something that is the cat's pajamas is excellent. Cat's whiskers Something excellent is the cat's whiskers. Catch as catch can This means that people should try to get something any way they can. Catch hell If you catch hell, you get into trouble or get scolded. ('Catch heck' is also used.) Catch some z's If you catch some z's, you get some sleep. Catch someone red-handed If someone is caught red-handed, they are found doing something wrong or illegal. Catch-22 Catch-22 is a situation where conflicting rules make the desired outcome impossible. It comes from a novel by the American author Joseph Heller, in which pilots would not have to fly missions if they were mentally ill, but not wanting to fly dangerous missions was held to be proof of sanity, so they had to fly anyway. ('Catch 22', without the hyphen, is also used.) Caught with your hand in the cookie jar (USA) If someone is caught with his or her hand in the cookie jar, he or she is caught doing something wrong. Chalk and cheese Things, or people, that are like chalk and cheese are very different and have nothing in common. Champ at the bit If someone is champing at the bit, they are very eager to accomplish something. ('Chomping at the bit' is also used.) Champagne taste on a beer budget Someone who lives above their means and likes things they cannot afford has champagne taste on a beer budget. Champing at the bit To betray impatience, as to begin some action. "I'm champing at the bit to tell you" "Chomping at the bit" is also commonly used, though some regard it as an error. Change horses in midstream If people change horses in midstream, they change plans or leaders when they are in the middle of something, even though it may be very risky to do so. Change of heart If you change the way you think or feel about something, you have a change of heart. Change tack If you change tack, you use a different method for dealing with something. Change your tune If someone changes their ideas or the way they talk about them, they change their tune. Chaps my ass When something/someone really annoys you, it chaps your ass. Chapter and verse When you know something very well, and can quote it, you know it chapter and verse. Charity begins at home This idiom means that family members are more important than anyone else, and should be the focus of a person's efforts. Chase rainbows If someone chases rainbows, they try to do something that they will never achieve. Chase your tail If you are chasing your tail, you are very busy but not being very productive. Cheap as chips (UK) If something is very inexpensive, it is as cheap as chips. Cheap at half the price If something's cheap at half the price, it's very cheap indeed. Cheap shot A cheap shot is an unprincipled criticism. Cheat death If someone cheats death, they narrowly avoid a major problem or accident. Cheek by jowl If things or people are cheek by jowl, they are very close together. Cherry pick If people cherry pick, they choose things that support their position, while ignoring things that contradict it. Chew on a bone If someone is chewing on a bone, he or she is thinking about something intently. Chew the cud If you chew the cud, you think carefully about something. Chew the fat If you chew the fat with someone, you talk at leisure with them. Chickenfeed If something is small or unimportant, especially money, it is chickenfeed. Child's play If something is child's play, it is very easy and simple. Chinese walls Chinese walls are regulatory information barriers that aim to stop the flow of information that could be misused, especially in financial corporations. Chinese whispers (UK) When a story is told from person to person, especially if it is gossip or scandal, it inevitably gets distorted and exaggerated. This process is called Chinese whispers. Chip off the old block If someone is a chip off the old block, they closely resemble one or both of the parents in character. Chip on your shoulder If someone has a chip on their shoulder, they are resentful about something and feel that they have been treated badly. Chop and change If things chop and change, they keep changing, often unexpectedly. Cigarette paper If you cannot get or put a cigarette paper between people, they are so closely bonded that nothing will separate them or their positions on issues. Circle the wagons (USA) If you circle the wagons, you stop communicating with people who don't think the same way as you to avoid their ideas. It can also mean to bring everyone together to defend a group against an attack. Circling the drain If someone is circling the drain, they are very near death and have little time to live. The phrase can also describe a project or plan or campaign that that is on the brink of failure. Class act Someone who's a class act is exceptional in what they do. Clean as a whistle If something is as clean as a whistle, it is extremely clean, spotless. It can also be used to mean 'completely', though this meaning is less common nowadays. If somebody is clean as a whistle, they are not involved in anything illegal. Clean bill of health If something or someone has a clean bill of health, then there's nothing wrong; everything's fine. Clean break If you make a clean break, you break away completely from something. Clean hands Someone with clean hands, or who keeps their hands clean, is not involved in illegal or immoral activities. Clean sheet When someone has a clean sheet, they have got no criminal record or problems affecting their reputation. In football and other sports, a goalkeeper has a clean sheet when let no goals in. Clean slate If you start something with a clean slate, then nothing bad from your past is taken into account. Clean sweep If someone makes a clean sweep, they win absolutely everything in a competition or contest. Clean your clock If you clean your clock, you beat someone decisively in a contest or fight. Clear as a bell If something is as clear as a bell, it is very clear or easy to understand. Clear as mud If something is as clear as mud, then it is very confusing and unclear. Cliffhanger If something like a sports match or an election is a cliffhanger, then the result is so close that it cannot be predicted and will only be known at the very end. Climb on the bandwagon When people climb on the bandwagon they do something because it is popular and everyone else is doing it. Climb the greasy pole Advance within an organisation - especially in politics. Cling to hope If people cling to hope, they continue to hope though the chances of success are very small. Close at hand If something is close at hand, it is nearby or conveniently located. Close but no cigar (USA) If you are close but no cigar, you are close to success, but have not got there. Close call If the result of something is a close call, it is almost impossible to distinguish between the parties involved and to say who has won or whatever. It can also mean that you very nearly have a serious accident or get into trouble. Close shave If you have a close shave, you very nearly have a serious accident or get into trouble. Close the stable door after the horse has bolted If people try to fix something after the problem has occurred, they are trying to close the stable door after the horse has bolted. 'Close the barn door after the horse has bolted' is alternative, often used in American English. Close to your heart If something is close to your heart, you care a lot about it. ('Dear to your heart' is an alternative.) Closed book to me If a subject is a closed book to you, it is something that you don't understand or know anything about. Cloth ears If you don't listen to people, they may suggest you have cloth ears. Cloud cuckoo land If someone has ideas or plans that are completely unrealistic, they are living on cloud cuckoo land. Cloud nine If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy. ('cloud seven' is a less common alternative) Cloud of suspicion If a cloud of suspicion hangs over an individual, it means that they are not believed or are distrusted. Cloud on the horizon If you can see a problem ahead, you can call it a cloud on the horizon. Clutch at straws If someone is in serious trouble and tries anything to help them, even though their chances of success are probably nil, they are clutching at straws. Clutch play If an activity is referred to as a clutch play, it means that the activity was the key to the success or failure of the venture. For instance, a clutch play in a baseball game may be striking out a batter with the bases loaded. Coals to Newcastle (UK) Taking, bringing, or carrying coals to Newcastle is doing something that is completely unnecessary. Coast is clear When the coast is clear, the people supposed to be watching you are not there and you are able to move or leave. Cock a snook To make a rude gesture by putting one thumb to the nose with the fingers outstretched. Cock and bull story A cock and bull story is a lie someone tells that is completely unbelievable. Cock in the henhouse This is used to describe a male in an all-female environment. Cock of the walk A man who is excessively confident and thinks he's better than other people is the cock of the walk. Cold day in hell This is used as a prediction there is no chance some event or condition will ever happen.'There will be a cold day in hell before he manages it.' Cold feet If you get cold feet about something, you lose the courage to do it. Cold fish A cold fish is a person who doesn't show how they feel. Cold light of day If you see things in the cold light of day, you see them as they really are, not as you might want them to be. Cold shoulder If you give or show someone the cold shoulder, you are deliberately unfriendly and unco-operative towards them. Cold sweat If something brings you out in a cold sweat, it frightens you a lot. Cold turkey If someone suddenly stops taking drugs, instead of slowly cutting down, they do cold turkey. Colder than a witches tit If it is colder than a witches tit, it is extremely cold outside. Collateral damage Accidental or unintended damage or casualties are collateral damage. Collect dust If something is collecting dust, it isn't being used any more. Color bar Rules that restrict access on the basis of race or ethnicity are a color bar. Come a cropper (UK) Someone whose actions or lifestyle will inevitably result in trouble is going to come a cropper. Come clean If someone comes clean about something, they admit to deceit or wrongdoing. Come hell or high water If someone says they'll do something come hell or high water, they mean that nothing will stop them, no matter what happens. Come of age When something comes of age it develops completely and reaches maturity. When someone comes of age, they reach adulthood or fulfill their potential. Come on hard If you come on hard, you are aggressive in your dealing with someone. Come on the heels of If something comes on the heels of something, it follows very soon after it. Come out in the wash If something will come out in the wash, it won't have any permanent negative effect. Come out of the woodwork When things come out of the woodwork, they appear unexpectedly. ('Crawl out of the woodwork' is also used.) Come out of your shell If someone comes out of their shell, they stop being shy and withdrawn and become more friendly and sociable. Come rain or shine If I say I'll be at a place come rain or shine, I mean that I can be relied on to turn up; nothing, not even the vagaries of British weather, will deter me or stop me from being there. Come to a head If events reach a crisis point, they come to a head. Come to bear If something comes to bear on you, you start to feel the pressure or effect of it. Come to call If someone comes to call, they respond to an order or summons directly. Come to grips If you come to grips with a problem or issue, you face up to it and deal with it. Come to heel If someone comes to heel, they stop behaving in a way that is annoying to someone in authority and start being obedient. Come up roses If things come up roses, they produce a positive result, especially when things seemed to be going badly at first. Come up smelling of roses (UK) If someone comes up smelling of roses, they emerge from a situation with their reputation undamaged. Come up trumps When someone is said to have 'come up trumps', they have completed an activity successfully or produced a good result, especially when they were not expected to. Come what may If you're prepared to do something come what may, it means that nothing will stop or distract you, no matter how hard or difficult it becomes. Come with the territory If something comes with the territory, it is part of a job or responsibility and just has to be accepted, even if unpleasant. Comes with the territory If something comes with the territory, especially when undesirable, it is automatically included with something else, like a job, responsibility, etc.('Goes with the territory' is also used.) Comfort zone It is the temperature range in which the body doesn't shiver or sweat, but has an idiomatic sense of a place where people feel comfortable, where they can avoid the worries of the world. It can be physical or mental. Connect the dots When you connect the dots, you understand the connections and relationships. Constitution of an ox If someone has the constitution of an ox, they are less affected than most people by things like tiredness, illness, alcohol, etc. Cook someone's goose If you cook someone's goose, you ruin their plans. Cook the books If people cook the books, they keep false accounts to make money illegally or avoid paying tax. Cool as a cat To act fine when you a actually scared or nervous Cool your heels If you leave someone to cool their heels, you make them wait until they have calmed down. Coon's age (USA) A very long time, as in 'I haven't seen her in a coon's age!' Corner a market If a business is dominant in an area and unlikely to be challenged by other companies, it has cornered the market. Couch potato A couch potato is an extremely idle or lazy person who chooses to spend most of their leisure time horizontal in front of the TV and eats a diet that is mainly junk food. Could eat a horse If you are very hungry, you could eat a horse. Couldn't give two hoots If you couldn't give two hoots about something, you don't care at all about it. Count sheep If people cannot sleep, they are advised to count sheep mentally. Count your blessings When people count their blessings, they concentrate on all the good things in their lives instead of the negative ones. Country mile (USA) A country mile is used to describe a long distance. Cover all the bases If you cover all the bases, you deal with all aspects of a situation or issue, or anticipate all possibilities. ('Cover all bases' is also used.) ***** a nut with a sledgehammer If you use a sledgehammer to ***** a nut, you apply too much force to achieve a result. ('Jackhammer' is also used.) ***** of dawn The ***** of dawn is very early in the morning. Crash a party If you crash a party, or are a gatecrasher, you go somewhere you haven't been invited to. Cream of the crop The cream of the crop is the best there is. Cream rises to the top A good person or idea cannot go unnoticed for long, just as cream poured in coffee or tea eventually rises to the top. Creature comforts If a person said "I hate camping. I don't like giving up my creature comforts." the person would be referring, in particular, to the comfortable things he/she would have at home but not when camping. At home, for example, he/she would have complete shelter from the weather, a television, a nice comfortable warm bed, the ability to take a warm bath or shower, comfortable lounge chairs to relax in and so on. The person doesn't like giving up the material and psychological benefits of his/her normal life. Crème de la crème The crème de la crème is the very best of something. Crepe hanger (USA) One who always looks at the bad side of things and is morbid or gloomy. In olden days crepe was hung on the door of a deceased person's home. Crocodile tears If someone cries crocodile tears, they pretend to be upset or affected by something. Crooked as a dog's hind leg Someone who is very dishonest is as crooked as a dog's hind leg. Cross swords When people cross swords, they argue or dispute. This expression is used when some groups accuse each other for non-adherence to norms. Actually no sword is used but the tempo of the argument is high enough to cause worsening of the already bad situation. It is a tussle (vehement struggle without use of arms) between the parties to establish supremacy. Cross that bridge when you come to it If you will cross that bridge when you come to it, you will deal with a problem when it arises, but not until that point Cross to bear If someone has a cross to bear, they have a heavy burden of responsibility or a problem that they alone must cope with. Crossing the Rubicon When you are crossing the Rubicon, you are passing a point of no return. After you do this thing, there is no way of turning around. The only way left is forward. Crunch time When people, companies, etc, have to make an important decision that will have a considerable effect on their future, it is crunch time. Cry wolf If someone cries wolf, they raise a false alarm about something. Cry your eyes out If you cry your eyes out, you cry uncontrollably. Cry-baby A cry-baby is a person who gets emotional and cries too easily. Cuckoo in the nest Is an issue or a problem, etc, is a cuckoo in the nest, it grows quickly and crowds out everything else. Cupboard love (UK) To show love to gain something from someone Curate's egg (UK) If something is a bit of a curate's egg, it is only good in parts. Curiosity killed the cat As cats are naturally curious animals, we use this expression to suggest to people that excessive curiosity is not necessarily a good thing, especially where it is not their business. Curry favour If people try to curry favour, they try to get people to support them. ('Curry favor' is the American spelling.) Curve ball (USA) If something is a curve ball, it is deceptive. Cut a long story short This idiom is used as a way of shortening a story by getting to to the end or the point. Cut a rug To cut a rug is to dance. Cut above If a person is described as a cut above other people, they are better in some way. Cut and dried If something is cut and dried, then everything has already been decided and, in the case of an opinion, might be a little stale and predictable. Cut and run If people cut and run, they take what they can get and leave before they lose everything. Cut corners If people try to do something as cheaply or as quickly as possible, often sacrificing quality, they are cutting corners. Cut down the tall poppies (AU) If people cut down the tall poppies, they criticise people who stand out from the crowd. Cut it fine If you cut it fine, you only just manage to do something- at the very last moment. 'Cut things fine' is the same. 'Cut it a bit fine' is a common variation. Cut off your nose to spite your face If you cut off your nose to spite your face, you do something rash or silly that ends up making things worse for you, often because you are angry or upset. Cut someone some slack To relax a rule or make an allowance, as in allowing someone more time to finish something. Cut the Gordian knot If someone cuts the Gordian knot, they solve a very complex problem in a simple way. Cut the mustard (UK) If somebody or something doesn't cut the mustard, they fail or it fails to reach the required standard. Cut to the chase If you cut to the chase, you get to the point, or the most interesting or important part of something without delay. Cut to the quick If someone's cut to the quick by something, they are very hurt and upset indeed. Cut your coat according to your cloth If you cut your coat according to your cloth, you only buy things that you have sufficient money to pay for. Cut your losses If you cut your losses, you avoid losing any more money than you already have by getting out of a situation before matters worsen. Cut your teeth on The place where you gain your early experience is where you cut your teeth. Cute as a bug (USA) If something is as cute as a bug, it is sweet and endearing. Cuts no ice If something cuts no ice, it doesn't have any effect or influence. Cutting edge Something that is cutting edge is at the forefront of progress in its area
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~ D ~
Daft as a brush
(UK) Someone who is daft as a brush is rather stupid. Damp squib (UK) If something is expected to have a great effect or impact but doesn't, it is a damp squib. Dancing on someone's grave If you will dance on someone's grave, you will outlive or outlast them and will celebrate their demise. Dark horse If someone is a dark horse, they are a bit of a mystery. Davey Jones' locker Davey Jones' locker is the bottom of the sea or resting place of drowned sailors.('Davy Jones' locker' is an alternative spelling.) Day in the sun If you have your day in the sun, you get attention and are appreciated. Daylight robbery If you are overcharged or underpaid, it is a daylight robbery; open, unfair and hard to prevent. Rip-off has a similar meaning. Days are numbered When someone’s days are numbered, they are expected to die soon. Dead air When there is a period of total silence, there is dead air. Dead and buried If something is dead and buried, it has all long been settled and is not going to be reconsidered. Dead as a dodo If something's dead as a dodo, it is lifeless and dull. The dodo was a bird that lived the island of Mauritius. It couldn't fly and was hunted to extinction. Dead as a doornail This is used to indicate that something is lifeless. Dead duck If something is a dead duck, it is a failure. Dead even If people competing are dead even, they are at exactly the same stage or moving at exactly the same speed. Dead from the neck up Someone who's dead from the neck up is very stupid indeed. Dead heat If a race ends in a dead heat, two or more finish with exactly the same result. Dead in the water If something is dead in the water, it isn't going anywhere or making any progress. Dead level best If you try your dead level best, you try as hard as you possibly could to do something. Dead man walking A dead man walking is someone who is in great trouble and will certainly get punished, lose their job or position, etc, soon. Dead meat This is used as a way of threatening someone: You'll be dead meat if you don't go along. Dead men's shoes If promotion or success requires replacing somebody, then it can only be reached by dead men's shoes' by getting rid of them. Dead right This means that something or someone is absolutely correct, without doubt. Dead to the world If somebody's fast asleep and completely unaware of what if happening around them, he or she's dead to the world. Dead wrong If someone is dead wrong, they are absolutely in error, absolutely incorrect or of incorrect opinion. Deaf as a post Someone who is as deaf as a post is unable to hear at all. Dear John letter A letter written by a partner explaining why they are ending the relationship is a Dear John letter. Death of a thousand cuts If something is suffering the death of a thousand cuts, or death by a thousand cuts, lots of small bad things are happening, none of which are fatal in themselves, but which add up to a slow and painful demise. Death warmed up (UK) If someone looks like death warmed up, they look very ill indeed. ('death warmed over' is the American form) Decorate the mahogany (USA) When someone buys a round a pub or bar, they decorate the mahogany; putting cash on the bar. Deep pockets If someone has deep pockets, they are wealthy. Deep pockets but short arms Someone who has money but never puts his hand in his pocket to pay for anything has deep pockets but short arms. Deer in the headlights When one is caught offguard and needs to make a decision, but cannot react quickly. Deliver the goods Do what is required, come up to expectations. For example, Kate delivered the goods and got us the five votes we needed. This phrase alludes to delivering an order of groceries or other items. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s] Demon weed Tobacco is the demon weed. Derring-do If a person shows derring-do, they show great courage. Devil finds work for idle hands When people say that the devil finds work for idle hands, they mean that if people don't have anything to do with their time, they are more likely to get involved in trouble and criminality. Devil is in the detail When people say that the devil in the detail, they mean that small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on. Devil may care If you live a devil-may-care life it means you are willing to take more risks than most people. Devil's advocate If someone plays Devil's advocate in an argument, they adopt a position they don't believe in just for the sake of the argument Diamond in the rough A diamond in the rough is someone or something that has great potential, but isn't not refined and polished. Die is cast If the die is cast, a decision has been made that cannot be altered and fate will decide the consequences. Different kettle of fish If something is a different kettle of fish, it is very different from the other things referenced. Different ropes for different folks (USA) This idiom means that different people do things in different ways that suit them. Different strokes for different folks (USA) This idiom means that different people do things in different ways that suit them. Dig way down deep When someone digs way down deep, they look into their inner feelings to see how they feel about it. Dig your heels in If you dig your heels in, you start to resist something. Dime a dozen (USA) If something is a dime a dozen, it is extremely common, possibly too common. Dine on ashes I someone is dining on ashes he or she is excessively focusing attention on failures or regrets for past actions. Dinosaur A dinosaur is a person who is thought to be too old for their position. Dip your toes in the water If you dip your toes in the water, you try something tentatively because you are not sure whether it will work or not. Dirty dog A dirty dog is an untrustworthy person. Discerning eye If a person has a discerning eye, they are particularly good at judging the quality of something. Discretion is the better part of valour This idiom means that it is often better to think carefully and not act than to do something that may cause problems. Dish the dirt If you dish the dirt on something or someone, you make unpleasant or shocking information public. Do a Devon Loch (UK) If someone does a Devon Loch, they fail when they were very close to winning. Devon Loch was a horse that collapsed just short of the winning line of the Grand National race. Do a Lord Lucan (UK) If someone disappears without a trace or runs off, they do a Lord Lucan. (Lord Lucan disappeared after a murder) Do a runner (UK) If people leave a restaurant without paying, they do a runner. Do as you would be done by Treat and respect others as you would hope to be respected and treated by them. Do the needful (India) If you do the needful, you do what is necessary. Do the running (UK) The person who has to do the running has to make sure that things get done. ('Make the running' is also used.) Do their dirty work Someone who does someone's dirty work, carries out the unpleasant jobs that the first person doesn't want to do. Someone who seems to enjoy doing this is sometimes known as a 'henchman'. Do's and don't's The do's and don't's are what is acceptable or allowed or not within an area or issue, etc. Dodge the bullet If someone has dodged a bullet, they have successfully avoided a very serious problem. Dog and pony show (USA) A dog and pony show is a presentation or some marketing that has lots of style, but no real content. Dog days Dog days are very hot summer days. Dog eat dog In a dog eat dog world, there is intense competition and rivalry, where everybody thinks only of himself or herself. Dog in the manger (UK) If someone acts like a dog in the manger, they don't want other people to have or enjoy things that are useless to them. Dog tired If you are dog tired, you are exhausted. Dog's dinner Something that is a dog's dinner is a real mess. Dog's life If some has a dog's life, they have a very unfortunate and wretched life. Dog-eared If a book is dog-eared, it is in bad condition, with torn pages, etc. Dog-whistle politics (AU) When political parties have policies that will appeal to racists while not being overtly racist, they are indulging in dog-whistle politics. Doggy bag If you ask for a doggy bag in a restaurant, they will pack the food you haven't eaten for you to take home. Doldrums If a person is in the doldrums, they are depressed. If a project or something similar is in the doldrums, it isn't making any progress. Dollars for doughnuts (USA) If something is dollars for doughnuts, it is a sure bet or certainty. Don't bite the hand that feeds When someone says this to you, they are trying to tell you not to act against those on whom you depend. Don't catch your chickens before they're hatched This means that you should wait until you know whether something has produced the results you desire, rather than acting beforehand. ('Don't count your chickens until they've hatched' is an alternative.) Don't cry over spilt milk When something bad happens and nothing can be done to help it people say, 'Don't cry over spilt milk'. Don't give up the day job This idiom is used a way of telling something that they do something badly. Don't hold your breath If you are told not to hold your breath, it means that you shouldn't have high expectations about something. Don't judge a book by the cover This idiom means that you should not judge something or someone by appearances, but should look deeper at what is inside and more important. Don't know whether to wind a watch or bark at the moon If you don't know what to do, you don't know whether to wind a watch or bark at the moon. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth This means that if you are given something, a present or a chance, you should not waste it by being too critical or examining it too closely. Don't mention the war This means that you shouldn't speak about things that could cause an argument or tension.This idiom was used in a classic episode of the much-loved British comedy series Fawlty Towers. As a consequence if you use this phrase in Britain, listeners will understand you to be referring to Germans, or just start laughing. Don't push my buttons! This can be said to someone who is starting to annoy you. Don't shoot the messenger This phrase can be used when breaking some bad news to someone and you don't want to be blamed for the news. ('Don't kill the messenger' is also used.) Don't stand there with curlers in your hair This means 'don't keep me waiting'. It's said to someone who is taking too long to get moving. Don't sweat the small stuff (USA) This is used to tell people not to worry about trivial or unimportant issues. Don't take any wooden nickels (USA) This idiom is used to advise people not to be cheated or ripped off. Don't throw bricks when you live in a glass house Don't call others out on actions that you, yourself do. Don't be a hypocrite. Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you Don't go looking for trouble or problems- let them come to you. Don't upset the applecart If you are advised not to upset the applecart, you are being told not to disturb the way things are done because it might ruin things. Don't wash your dirty laundry in public (UK) People, especially couples, who argue in front of others or involve others in their personal problems and crises, are said to be washing their dirty laundry in public; making public things that are best left private. (In American English, 'don't air your dirty laundry in public' is used.) Done to death If a joke or story has been done to death, it has been told so often that it has stopped being funny. Donkey work Donkey work is any hard, boring work or task. Donkey's years This idiom means 'a very long time'. Doormat A person who doesn't stand up for themselves and gets treated badly is a doormat. Dot all the i's and cross all the t's If you dot all the i's and cross all the t's, you do something very carefully and thoroughly. Double Dutch (UK) If something is double Dutch, it is completely incomprehensible. Double take If someone does a double take, they react very slowly to something to show how shocked or surprised they are. Double whammy A double whammy is when something causes two problems at the same time, or when two setbacks occur at the same time. Double-edged sword If someone uses an argument that could both help them and harm them, then they are using a double-edged sword sword; it cuts both ways. Doubting Thomas A Doubting Thomas is someone who only believes what they see themselves, not what they are told. Down and out If someone is down and out, they are desperately poor and need help. Down at heel Someone who is down at heel is short of money. ('Down in heel' is used in American English) Down for the count If someone is down for the count, they have lost a struggle, like a boxer who has been knocked out. Down in the doldrums If somebody's down in the doldrums, they are depressed and lacking energy. Down in the dumps If someone's down in the dumps, they are depressed. Down in the mouth If someone is down in the mouth, they look unhappy or depressed. Down the drain If something goes down the drain, especially money or work, it is wasted or produces no results. Down the hatch This idiom can be said before drinking alcohol in company. Down the pan If something has gone down the pan, it has failed or been ruined. Down the tubes If something has gone down the tubes, it has failed or been ruined. Down to the wire (USA) If something goes down to the wire, like a competition, then it goes to the very last moment before it is clear who has won. Down-to-earth Someone who's down-to-earth is practical and realistic. It can also be used for things like ideas. Drag your feet If someone is dragging their feet, they are taking too long to do or finish something, usually because they don't want to do it. Drag your heels If you drag your heels, you either delay doing something or do it as slowly as possible because you don't want to do it. Draw a blank If you try to find something out and draw a blank, you don't get any useful information. Draw a line in the sand If you draw a line in the sand, you establish a limit beyond which things will be unacceptable. Draw a long bow If someone draws a long bow, they lie or exaggerate. Draw the line When you draw the line, you set out limits of what you find acceptable, beyond which you will not go. Draw the shortest straw If someone draws the shortest straw, they lose or are chosen to do something unpleasant. Dress someone down If you dress someone down, you scold them. Dress to kill When someone is dressed to kill, they are dressed very smartly. Dressed to the nines If you are in your very best clothes, you're dressed to the nines. Drink like a fish If someone drinks like a fish, they drink far too much alcohol. Drive a wedge If you drive a wedge between people, you exploit an issue so that people start to disagree. Drive home The idiomatic expression 'drive home' means 'reinforce' as in 'The company offered unlimited technical support as a way to drive home the message that customer satisfaction was its highest priority.' Drive someone up the wall If something or someone drives you up the wall, they do something that irritates you greatly. Drive you spare If someone or something drives you spare, it is extremely annoying. Driven by a motor This is used to describe people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when they talk excessively: 'they act as if driven by a motor.' Drop a bombshell If someone drops a bombshell, they announce something that changes a situation drastically and unexpectedly. Drop a dime (USA) If you drop a dime, you inform the police about someone's illegal activities. Drop in the bucket (USA) A drop in the bucket is something so small that it won't make any noticeable difference. Drop in the ocean A drop in the ocean implies that something will have little effect because it is small and mostly insignificant. Drop into your lap If something drops into your lap, you receive it suddenly, without any warning. ('Fall into your lap' is also used.) Drop like flies This means that something is disappearing very quickly. For example, if you said people were dropping like flies, it would mean that they were dying off, quitting or giving up something rapidly. Drop someone a line If you drop someone a line, you send a letter to them. Drop the ball If someone drops the ball, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities seriously enough and let something go wrong. Dropped like a hot cake If something is dropped like a hot cake, it is rejected or disposed of very quickly. Drown your sorrows If someone gets drunk or drinks a lot to try to stop feeling unhappy, they drown their sorrows. Drunk as a lord (UK) Someone who is very drunk is as drunk as a lord. Drunker than a peach orchard boar (USA) Southern US expression - Very drunk, as when a boar would eat fermented peaches that have fallen from the tree. Dry as a bone If your lawn is as dry as a bone, the soil is completely dry. Dry as snuff If something is as dry as snuff, it is very dry indeed. Dry run A dry run is a full rehearsal or trial exercise of something to see how it will work before it is launched. Dry spell If something or someone is having a dry spell, they aren't being as successful as they normally are. Duck soup (USA) If something is duck soup, it is very easy. Duck to water If you take to something like a duck to water, you find when you start that you have a natural affinity for it. Ducks in a row (USA) If you have your ducks in a row, you are well-organized. Dull as ditchwater (UK) If something is as dull as ditchwater, it is incredibly boring. A ditch is a long narrow hole or trench dug to contain water, which is normally a dark, dirty colour and stagnant (when water turns a funny colour and starts to smell bad). (In American English,'things are 'dull as dishwater'.) Dumb as a rock If you are dumb as a rock, you have no common sense and are stupid. Dunkirk spirit (UK) Dunkirk spirit is when people pull together to get through a very difficult time. Dutch auction If something is sold by setting a price, then reducing it until someone buys it, it is sold in a Dutch auction. It can also mean that something is changed until it is accepted by everyone. Dutch courage Dutch courage is the reckless bravery caused by drinking too much. Dutch treat If something like a meal is a Dutch treat, then each person pays their own share of the bill. Dutch uncle A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice. Dutch wife A Dutch wife is a long pillow or a hot water bottle. Dwell on the past Thinking too much about the past, so that it becomes a problem is to dwell on the past. Dyed-in-the-wool If someone is a dyed-in-the-wool supporter of a political party, etc, they support them totally, without any questions.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ E ~
Each to their own
Different people have different preferences. In American English, 'Each to his own' is more common. Eager beaver A person who is extremely keen is an eager beaver. Eagle eyes Someone who has eagle eyes sees everything; no detail is too small. Early bath (UK) If someone has or goes for an early bath, they quit or lose their job or position earlier than expected because things have gone wrong. Early bird catches the worm The early bird catches the worm means that if you start something early, you stand a better chance of success. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise It means that sleeping well and not staying up late will help you out physically and financially. Earn a living To make money Ex: We need to get a good job to earn a decent living. Easier said than done If something is easier said than done, it is much more difficult than it sounds. It is often used when someone advises you to do something difficult and tries to make it sound easy. Easy as ABC Something that is as easy as ABC is very easy or simple. Easy as beans Something that is so easy that anyone can do it is easy as beans. Easy as pie If something is easy as pie, it is very easy indeed. Easy come, easy go This idiom means that money or other material gains that come without much effort tend to get spent or consumed as easily. Easy peasy (UK) If something is easy peasy, it is very easy indeed. ('Easy peasy, lemon squeezy' is also used.) Eat crow (USA) If you eat crow, you have to admit that you were wrong about something. Eat humble pie If someone apologises and shows a lot of contrition for something they have done, they eat humble pie. Eat like a bird If someone eats like a bird, they eat very little. Eat like a horse Someone who eats like a horse, eats a lot. Eat like a pig If some eats like a pig, they either eat too much or they have bad table manners. Eat my hat People say this when they don't believe that something is going to happen e.g. 'If he passes that exam, I'll eat my hat!' Eat someone alive If you eat someone alive, you defeat or beat them comprehensively. Eat your heart out If someone tells you to eat your heart out, they are saying they are better than you at something. Eat your words If you eat your words, you accept publicly that you were wrong about something you said. Economical with the truth (UK) If someone, especially a politician, is economical with the truth, they leave out information in order to create a false picture of a situation, without actually lying. Egg on your face If someone has egg on their face, they are made to look foolish or embarrassed. Elbow grease If something requires elbow grease, it involves a lot of hard physical work. Elbow room If you haven't got enough elbow room, you haven't got enough space. Elephant in the room An elephant in the room is a problem that everyone knows very well but no one talks about because it is taboo, embarrassing, etc. Eleventh hour If something happens at the eleventh hour, it happens right at the last minute. Empty vessels make the most noise The thoughtless often speak the most. End in smoke If something ends in smoke, it produces no concrete or positive result. This expression refers to the boasting by a person, of having put in a lot of efforts by him, for a particular cause or to attain a result which is very difficult to be done by any person. (This mainly refers to an investigation of a crime or solving a serious offence or a mystery). But at the end, when the desired result is not obtained, his claims are found to be false and not worth mentioning. So, he looses his credibility. Etched in stone Something, especially rules and customs, that cannot be changed at all is said to be etched in stone. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while This expression means that even if people are ineffective or misguided, sometimes they can still be correct just by being lucky. Even a broken clock is right twice a day This is used when people get lucky and are undeservedly successful.('Even a stopped clock is right twice a day' is also used.) Even keel If something is on an even keel, it is balanced. Even Stevens If everything is equal between people, they are even Stevens. Even the dogs in the street know (Irish) This idiom is used frequently in Ireland, and means something is so obvious that even the dogs in the street know it. Every ass likes to hear himself bray This means that people like the sound of their own voice. Every cloud has a silver lining People sometimes say that every cloud has a silver lining to comfort somebody who's having problems. They mean that it is always possible to get something positive out of a situation, no matter how unpleasant, difficult or even painful it might seem. Every dog has its day This idiom means that everyone gets their moment to shine. Every man and his dog A lot of people - as in sending out invitations to a large number of people Every man for himself If it's every man for himself, then people are trying to save themselves from a difficult situation without trying to help anyone else. Every man has his price Anyone's opinion or support can be bought, everyone's principles have a limit. Every man jack If every man jack was involved in something, it is an emphatic way of saying that absolutely everybody was involved. Every nook and cranny If you search every nook and cranny, you look everywhere for something. Every Tom, Dick and Harry If every Tom, Dick and Harry knows about something, then it is common knowledge. Every trick in the book If you try every trick in the book, you try every possible way, including dishonesty and deceit, to get what you want. Everybody and their uncle This basically means a lot of people or too many people; everybody and their uncle was there. Everything but the kitchen sink If people include everything but the kitchen sink, they include every possibility, regardless of whether they are useful. Exception that proves the rule This expression is used by many to indicate that an exception in some way confirms a rule. Others say that the exception tests the rule. In its original legal sense, it meant that a rule could sometimes be inferred from an exemption or exception. In general use, the first meaning predominates nowadays, much to the annoyance of some pedants. Explore all avenues If all avenues are being explored, then every conceivable approach is being tried that could possibly get the desired result. Eye candy When a person is very attractive, they can be described as eye candy - sweet to look at! Eye for an eye This is an expression for retributive justice, where the punishment equals the crime. Eye- wash This expression 'eye-wash' is generally used to cover up the anxiety of a person who is seeking a concrete reply or justification for an act or an event that had affected his personal image or caused him a loss. The affected person usually represents his case to the higher-ups and puts forth his demands for redressal. But the authority, in order to avoid embarassment to his organisation or to himself, is not in a position to expose the entire material or evidence which in turn tell upon the credibility of the organisation. In such circumstances, he will usually call for an investigation to satisfy the complainant, but will not be keen in disposing the case. The authority will drag on the issue, (at the same time pretending to be serious) until the seriousness of the issue dies down and no finality is reached. So, ' The investigation on the issue by the authority is an eye-wash'. Eye-opener Something surprising, unexpected which reveals the truth about something or someone. Eyes are bigger than one's stomach If someone's eyes are bigger than their stomach, they are greedy and take on more than they can consume or manage.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ F ~
Face like thunder
If someone has a face like thunder, they are clearly very angry or upset about something. Face only a mother could love When someone has a face only a mother could love, they are ugly. Face the music If you have to face the music, you have to accept the negative consequences of something you have done wrong. Face value If you take something at face value, you accept the appearance rather than looking deeper into the matter. Face your demons If you face your demons, you confront your fears or something that you have been trying hard to avoid. Facts of life When someone is taught the facts of life, they learn about *** and reproduction. Failure is the mother of success Failure is often a stepping stone towards success. Faint heart never won fair lady This means that you will not get the partner of your dreams if you lack the confidence to let them know how you feel. Fair and square If someone wins something fair and square, they follow the rules and win conclusively. Fair ***** of the whip (UK) If everybody has a fair ***** of the whip, they all have equal opportunities to do something. Fair shake of the whip (USA) If everybody has a fair shake of the whip, they all have equal opportunities to do something. Fair thee well Meaning completely and fully: I am tied up today to a fair-thee-well. Fairweather friend A fairweather friend is the type who is always there when times are good but forgets about you when things get difficult or problems crop up. Fall by the wayside To fall by the wayside is to give up or fail before completion. Fall from grace If a person falls from grace, they lose favor with someone. Fall off the back of a lorry (UK) If someone tries to sell you something that has fallen of the back of a lorry, they are trying to sell you stolen goods. Fall off the turnip truck (USA) If someone has just fallen off the turnip truck, they are uninformed, naive and gullible. (Often used in the negative) Fall off the wagon If someone falls off the wagon, they start drinking after having given up completely for a time. Fall on our feet If you fall on your feet, you succeed in doing something where there was a risk of failure. Fall on your sword If someone falls on their sword, they resign or accept the consequences of some wrongdoing. Familiarity breeds contempt This means that the more you know something or someone, the more you start to find faults and dislike things about it or them. Famous last words This expression is used as a way of showing disbelief, rejection or self-deprecation.'They said we had no chance of winning- famous last words!' Fast and furious Things that happen fast and furious happen very quickly without stopping or pausing. Fat cat A fat cat is a person who makes a lot of money and enjoys a privileged position in society. Fat chance! This idiom is a way of telling someone they have no chance. Fat head A fat head is a dull, stupid person. Fat hits the fire When the fat hits the fire, trouble breaks out. Fat of the land Living off the fat of the land means having the best of everything in life. Fate worse than death Describing something as a fate worse than death is a fairly common way of implying that it is unpleasant. Feast today, famine tomorrow If you indulge yourself with all that you have today, you may have to go without tomorrow. Feather in your cap A success or achievement that may help you in the future is a feather in your cap. Feather your own nest If someone feathers their own nest, they use their position or job for personal gain. Feathers fly When people are fighting or arguing angrily, we can say that feathers are flying. Fed up to the back teeth When you are extremely irritated and fed up with something or someone, you are fed up to the back teeth. Feel at home If you feel relaxed and comfortable somewhere or with someone, you feel at home. Feel free If you ask for permission to do something and are told to feel free, the other person means that there is absolutely no problem Feel like a million If you feel like a million, you are feeling very well (healthy) and happy. Feel the pinch If someone is short of money or feeling restricted in some other way, they are feeling the pinch. Feeling blue If you feel blue, you are feeling unwell, mainly associated with depression or unhappiness. Feet of clay If someone has feet of clay, they have flaws that make them seem more human and like normal people. Feet on the ground A practical and realistic person has their feet on the ground. Fence sitter Someone that try to support both side of an argument without committing to either is a fence sitter. Few and far between If things are few and far between, they happen very occasionally. Fiddle while Rome burns If people are fiddling while Rome burns, they are wasting their time on futile things while problems threaten to destroy them. Fifth columnist (UK) A fifth columnist is a member of a subversive organisation who tries to help an enemy invade. Fifth wheel (USA) A fifth wheel is something unnecessary or useless. Fight an uphill battle When you fight an uphill battle, you have to struggle against very unfavourable circumstances. Fight tooth and nail If someone will fight tooth and nail for something, they will not stop at anything to get what they want. ('Fight tooth and claw' is an alternative.) Fighting chance If you have a fighting chance, you have a reasonable possibility of success. Find your feet When you are finding your feet, you are in the process of gaining confidence and experience in something. Fine and dandy (UK) If thing's are fine and dandy, then everything is going well. Fine tuning Small adjustments to improve something or to get it working are called fine tuning. Fine words butter no parsnips This idiom means that it's easy to talk, but talk is not action. Finger in the pie If you have a finger in the pie, you have an interest in something. Fingers and thumbs If you are all fingers and thumbs, you are being clumsy and not very skilled with your hands. Fire away If you want to ask someone a question and they tell you to fire away, they mean that you are free to ask what you want. Fire in the hole! This is used as a warning when a planned explosion is about to happen. Fire on all cylinders If something is firing on all cylinders, it is going as well as it could. First come, first served This means there will be no preferential treatment and a service will be provided to those that arrive first. First out of the gate When someone is first out of the gate, they are the first to do something that others are trying to do. First port of call The first place you stop to do something is your first port of call. Fish in troubled waters Someone who fishes in troubled waters tries to takes advantage of a shaky or unstable situation. The extremists were fishing in troubled waters during the political uncertainty in the country. Fish or cut bait (USA) This idiom is used when you want to tell someone that it is time to take action. Fish out of water If you are placed in a situation that is completely new to you and confuses you, you are like a fish out of water. Fishy If there is something fishy about someone or something, there is something suspicious; a feeling that there is something wrong, though it isn't clear what it is. Fit as a fiddle If you are fit as a fiddle, you are in perfect health. Fit for a king If something is fit for a king, it is of the very highest quality or standard. Fit like a glove If something fits like a glove, it is suitable or the right size. Fit of pique If someone reacts badly because their pride is hurt, this is a fit of pique. Fit the bill If something fits the bill, it is what is required for the task. Fit to be tied If someone is fit to be tied, they are extremely angry. Five o'clock shadow A five o'clock shadow is the facial hair that a man gets if he doesn't shave for a day or two. Flash in the pan If something is a flash in the pan, it is very noticeable but doesn't last long, like most singers, who are very successful for a while, then forgotten. Flat as a pancake It is so flat that it is like a pancake- there is no head on that beer it is as flat as a pancake. Flat out If you work flat out, you work as hard and fast as you possibly can. Fleet of foot If someone is fleet of foot, they are very quick. Flesh and blood Your flesh and blood are your blood relatives, especially your immediate family. Flogging a dead horse (UK) If someone is trying to convince people to do or feel something without any hope of succeeding, they're flogging a dead horse. This is used when someone is trying to raise interest in an issue that no-one supports anymore; beating a dead horse will not make it do any more work. Flowery speech Flowery speech is full of lovely words, but may well lack substance. Fly by the seat of one's pants If you fly by the seat of one's pants, you do something difficult even though you don't have the experience or training required. Fly in the ointment A fly in the ointment is something that spoils or prevents complete enjoyment of something. Fly off the handle If someone flies off the handle, they get very angry. Fly on the wall If you are able to see and hear events as they happen, you are a fly on the wall. Fly the coop When children leave home to live away from their parents, they fly the coop. Fly the flag If someone flies the flag, they represent or support their country. ('Wave the flag' and 'show the flag' are alternative forms of this idiom) Foam at the mouth If you foam at the mouth, you are very, very angry. Follow your nose When giving directions, telling someone to follow their nose means that they should go straight ahead. Food for thought If something is food for thought, it is worth thinking about or considering seriously. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me This means that you should learn from your mistakes and not allow people to take advantage of you repeatedly. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread This idiom is used where people who are inexperienced or lack knowledge do something that more informed people would avoid. Foot in mouth This is used to describe someone who has just said something embarrassing, inappropriate, wrong or stupid. Foot in the door If you have or get your foot in the door, you start working in a company or organisation at a low level, hoping that you will be able to progress from there. Foot the bill The person who foots the bill pays the bill for everybody. Football's a game of two halves (UK) If something's a game of two halves, it means that it's possible for someone's fortunes or luck to change and the person who's winning could end up a loser. For a song If you buy or sell something for a song, it is very cheap. For donkey's years (UK) If people have done something, usually without much if any change, for an awfully long time, they can be said to have done it for donkey's years. For England (UK) A person who talks for England, talks a lot- if you do something for England, you do it a lot or to the limit. For kicks If you do something for kicks, or just for kicks, you do it purely for fun or thrills. For my money This idiom means 'in my opinion'. For Pete's sake This is used as an exclamation to show exasperation or irritation. For the birds If something is worthless or ridiculous, it is for the birds. For the love of Pete Usually used in exasperation, as in 'Oh, for the love of Pete!' For the time being For the time being indicates that an action or state will continue into the future, but is temporary. I'm sharing an office for the time being. Forbidden fruit Something enjoyable that is illegal or immoral is forbidden fruit. Foregone conclusion If the result of, say, a football match is a foregone conclusion, then the result is obvious before the game has even begun. Forest for the trees (USA) If someone can't see the forest for the trees, they get so caught up in small details that they fail to understand the bigger picture. Fortune knocks once at every man's door Everyone gets one good chance in a lifetime. Foul play If the police suspect foul play, they think a crime was committed. Four corners of the earth If something goes to, or comes from, the four corners of the earth, it goes or comes absolutely everywhere. Four-eyes A person who wears glasses Four-square behind If someone stands four-square behind someone, they give that person their full support. Fourth estate This is an idiomatic way of describing the media, especially the newspapers. Free rein If someone has a free rein, they have the authority to make the decisions they want without any restrictions. ('Free reign' is a common mistake.) Free-for-all A free-for-all is a fight or contest in which everyone gets involved and rules are not respected. French leave To take French leave is to leave a gathering without saying goodbye or without permission. Fresh from the oven If something is fresh from the oven, it is very new. Freudian Slip If someone makes a Freudian slip, they accidentally use the wrong word, but in doing so reveal what they are really thinking rather than what they think the other person wants to hear. Friendly footing When relationships are on a friendly footing, they are going well. Frog in my throat If you have a frog in your throat, you can't speak or you are losing your voice because you have a problem with your throat. From a different angle If you look at something from a different angle, you look at it from a different point of view. From Missouri (USA) If someone is from Missouri, then they require clear proof before they will believe something. From pillar to post If something is going from pillar to post, it is moving around in a meaningless way, from one disaster to another. From rags to riches Someone who starts life very poor and makes a fortune goes from rags to riches. From scratch This idiom means 'from the beginning'. From soup to nuts If you do something from soup to nuts, you do it from the beginning right to the very end. From the bottom of your heart If someone does something from the bottom of their heart, then they do it with genuine emotion and feeling. From the get-go (USA) If something happens from the get-go, it happens from the very beginning. From the horse's mouth If you hear something from the horse's mouth, you hear it directly from the person concerned or responsible. From the sublime to the ridiculous If something declines considerably in quality or importance, it is said to have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous. From the word go From the word go means from the very beginning of something. Full as a tick If you are as full as a tick, you have eaten too much. Full bore If something is full bore, it involves the maximum effort or is complete and thorough. Full circle When something has come full circle, it has ended up where it started. Full Monty (UK) If something is the Full Monty, it is the real thing, not reduced in any way. Full of beans If someone's full of beans, they are very energetic. Full of hot air Someone who is full of hot air talks a lot of rubbish. Full of oneself Someone who acts in a arrogant or egotistical manner is full of himself/herself. Full of piss and vinegar Someone who's full of piss and vinegar is full of youthful energy. Full of the joys of spring If you are full of the joys of spring, you are very happy and full of energy. Full swing If a something is in full swing, it is going or doing well. Full throttle If you do something full throttle, you do it with as much speed and energy as you can. Fullness of time If something happens in the fullness of time, it will happen when the time is right and appropriate. Fur coat and no knickers Someone with airs and graces, but no real class is fur coat and no knickers. Fuzzy thinking Thinking or ideas that do not agree with the facts or information available
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ G ~
Game on
When someone says 'Game on!', it means that they are accepting a challenge or ready to get something done. Game plan A game plan is a strategy. Garbage fee A garbage fee is a charge that has no value and doesn't provide any real service. Garbage in, garbage out If a computer system or database is built badly, then the results will be bad. Gardening leave (UK) If someone is paid for a period when they are not working, either after they have given in their notice or when they are being investigated, they are on gardening leave. Gather pace If events gather pace, they move faster. Gather steam If something gathers speed, it moves or progresses at an increasing speed. Get a grip If you get a grip, you control your emotions so that they don't overwhelm you. Get a handle on When you get a handle on something, you come to understand it. Get a sheepskin Getting a sheepskin (or your sheepskin) means getting a degree or diploma. (Sheepskin refers to the parchment that a degree is printed on- parchment comes from sheepskin.) Get along famously If people get along famously, they have an exceedingly good relationship. Get away scot-free If someone gets away scot-free, they are not punished when they have done something wrong. ('Get off scot-free' is an alternative.) Get away with murder If you get away with murder, you do something bad and don't get caught or punished.('Get away with blue murder' is also used.) Get back on the horse that bucked you When you start drinking again after being hungover from drinking the previous night. Get in on the act If people want to get in on the act, they want to participate in something that is currently profitable or popular. Get in on the ground floor If you get in on the ground floor, you enter a project or venture at the start before people know how successful it might be. Get it in the neck (UK) If you get it in the neck, you are punished or criticised for something. Get it off your chest If you get something off your chest, you confess to something that has been troubling you. Get my drift If you get someone's drift, you understand what they are trying to say. ('Catch their drift' is an alternative form.) Get off the ground If a project or plan gets off the ground, it starts to be put into operation. Get on like a house on fire If people get on like a house on fire, they have a very close and good relationship. Get on your nerves If something gets on your nerves, it annoys or irritates you. Get on your soapbox If someone on their soapbox, they hold forth (talk a lot) about a subject they feel strongly about. Get out of bed on the wrong side If you get out of bed on the wrong side, you wake up and start the day in a bad mood for no real reason. Get the axe If you get the axe, you lose your job. ('Get the ax' is the American spelling.) Get the ball rolling If you get the ball rolling, you start something so that it can start making progress. Get the green light If you get the green light to do something, you are given the necessary permission, authorisation. Get the monkey off your back If you get the monkey off your back, you pass on a problem to someone else. Get the nod (UK) If you get the nod to something, you get approval or permission to do it. Get the picture If you get the picture, you understand a situation fully. Get the show on the road If you get the show on the road, you put a plan into operation or begin something. Get to grips If you get to grips with something, you take control and do it properly. Get up and go If someone has lots of get up and go, they have lots of enthusiasm and energy. Get wind of If you get wind of something, you hear or learn about it, especially if it was meant to be secret. Get your ducks in a row If you get your ducks in a row, you organise yourself and your life. Get your feathers in a bunch If you get your feathers in a bunch, you get upset or angry about something. Get your feet wet If you get your feet wet, you gain your first experience of something. Get your goat If something gets your goat, it annoys you. Get your hands dirty If you get your hands dirty, you become involved in something where the realities might compromise your principles. It can also mean that a person is not just stuck in an ivory tower dictating strategy, but is prepared to put in the effort and hard work to make the details actually happen. Get your head around something If you get your head around something, you come to understand it even though it is difficult to comprehend. Get your teeth into If you get your teeth into something, you become involved in or do something that is intellectually challenging or satisfying. ('Dig you teeth into' and 'sink your teeth into' are also used.) Get your wires crossed If people get their wires cross, they misunderstand each other, especially when making arrangements. ('Get your lines crossed' is also used.) Ghost of a chance If something or someone hasn't got a ghost of a chance, they have no hope whatsoever of succeeding. Ghostly presence You can feel or otherwise sense a ghostly presence, but you cannot do it clearly only vaguely. Gift of the gab If someone has the gift of the gab, they speak in a persuasive and interesting way. Gild the lily If you gild the lily, you decorate something that is already ornate. Gilded cage If someone is in a gilded cage, they are trapped and have restricted or no freedom, but have very comfortable surroundings- many famous people live in luxury but cannot walk out of their house alone. Girl Friday A girl Friday is a female employee who assists someone without any specific duties. Give a big hand Applaud by clapping hands. 'Let's give all the contestents a big hand.' Give a dog a bad name A person who is generally known to have been guilty of some offence will always be suspected to be the author of all similar types of offence. Once someone has gained a bad reputation, it is very difficult to lose it. Give and take Where there is give and take, people make concessions in order to get things they want in negotiations. Give as good as you get If you give as good as you get, you are prepared to treat people as badly as they treat you and to fight for what you believe. Give away the store (USA) If someone gives away the store, they say or do something that makes their position in negotiations, debates, etc, much weaker. Give it some stick (UK) If you give something some stick, you put a lot of effort into it. Give me a hand If someone gives you a hand, they help you. Give me five If someone says this, they want to hit your open hand against theirs as a way of congratulation or greeting. Give someone a leg up If you give someone a leg up, you help them to achieve something that they couldn't have done alone. Give someone a piece of your mind If you give someone a piece of your mind, you criticise them strongly and angrily. Give someone a run for their money If you can give someone a run for the money, you are as good, or nearly as good, as they are at something. Give someone enough rope If you give someone enough rope, you give them the chance to get themselves into trouble or expose themselves. (The full form is 'give someone enough rope and they'll hang themselves) Give someone stick (UK) If someone gives you stick, they criticise you or punish you. Give someone the runaround If someone gives you the runaround, they make excuses and give you false explanations to avoid doing something. Give the nod (UK) If you give the nod to something, you approve it or give permission to do it. Give up the ghost People give up the ghost when they die. Machines stop working when they give up the ghost. Give your eye teeth If you really want something and would be prepared to sacrifice a lot to get it, you would give your eye teeth for it. Given the day that's in it (Irish) This idiom is used when something is obvious because of the day that it occurs: traffic, for example would be busy around a football stadium on game day, given the day that's in it. On any other day the traffic would be unexplainable, but because its game day its obvious why there is traffic. Glass ceiling The glass ceiling is the discrimination that prevents women and minorities from getting promoted to the highest levels of companies and organisations. Glory hound A glory hound is a person seeking popularity, fame and glory. Gloves are off When the gloves are off, people start to argue or fight in a more serious way. ('The gloves come off' and 'take the gloves off' are also used. It comes from boxing, where fighters normally wear gloves so that they don't do too much damage to each other.) Glutton for punishment If a person is described as a glutton for punishment, the happily accept jobs and tasks that most people would try to get out of. A glutton is a person who eats a lot. Gnaw your vitals If something gnaws your vitals, it troubles you greatly and affects you at a very deep level. ('Gnaw at your vitals' is also used.) Go against the grain A person who does things in an unconventional manner, especially if their methods are not generally approved of, is said to go against the grain. Such an individual can be called a maverick. Go awry If things go awry, they go wrong. Go bananas If you go bananas, you are wild with excitement, anxiety, or worry. Go blue If you go blue, you are very cold indeed. ('Turn blue' is an alternative form.) Go bust If a company goes bust, it goes bankrupt. Go by the board When something has gone by the board, it no longer exists or an opportunity has been lost. Go by the boards If something goes by the boards, it fails to get approved or accepted. Go down like a cup of cold sick (UK) An idea or excuse that will not be well accepted will go down like a cup of cold sick. Go down like a lead balloon (UK) If something goes down like a lead balloon, it fails or is extremely badly received. Go down swinging If you want to go down swinging, you know you will probably fail, but you refuse to give up. Go down without a fight If someone goes down without a fight, they surrender without putting up any resistance. Go Dutch If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal. Go fly a kite (USA) This is used to tell someone to go away and leave you alone. Go for broke If someone goes for broke, they risk everything they have for a potentially greater gain. Go for the jugular If you go for the jugular, you attack someone where they are most vulnerable. Go fry an egg (USA) This is used to tell someone to go away and leave you alone. Go hand in hand If things go hand in hand, they are associated and go together. Go nuts If someone goes nuts, they get excited over something. Go off on a tangent If someone goes off on a tangent, they change the subject completely in the middle of a conversation or talk. Go over like a lead balloon (USA) If something goes over like a lead balloon, it will not work well, or go over well. Go overboard If you go overboard, you do something excessively. Go pear-shaped If things have gone wrong, they have gone pear-shaped. Go play in traffic This is used as a way of telling someone to go away. Go round in circles If people are going round in circles, they keep discussing the same thing without reaching any agreement or coming to a conclusion. Go south If things go south, they get worse or go wrong. Go spare (UK) If you go spare, you lose your temper completely. Go tell it to birds This is used when someone says something that is not credible or is a lie. Go the distance If you go the distance, you continue until something ends, no matter how difficult. Go the extra mile If someone is prepared to go the extra mile, they will do everything they can to help or to make something succeed, going beyond their duty what could be expected of them . Go the whole hog If you go the whole hog, you do something completely or to its limits. Go through the motions When you go through the motions, you do something like an everyday routine and without any feelings whatsoever. Go to seed If someone has gone to seed, they have declined in quality or appearance. Go to the wire If someone goes to the wire, they risk their life, job, reputation, etc, to help someone. Go to your head If something goes to your head, it makes you feel vain. If alcohol goes to your head, it makes you feel drunk quickly. Go under the hammer If something goes under the hammer, it is sold in an auction. Go west If something goes west, it goes wrong. If someone goes west, they die. Go with the flow If you go with the flow, you accept things as they happen and do what everyone else wants to do. Go-to guy A go-to guy is a person whose knowledge of something is considerable so everyone wants to go to him or her for information or results. Going concern A successful and active business is a going concern. Going Jesse (USA) If something is a going Jesse, it's a viable, successful project or enterprise. Going overboard If you go overboard with something, then you take something too far, or do too much. Golden handshake A golden handshake is a payment made to someone to get them to leave their job. Golden rule The golden rule is the most essential or fundamental rule associated with something. Originally, it was not a general reference to an all purpose first rule applicable to many groups or protocols, but referred to a verse in the Bible about treating people they way you would want them to treat you, which was considered the First Rule of behavior towards all by all. Golden touch Someone with a golden touch can make money from or be successful at anything they do. Gone fishing If someone has gone fishing, they are not very aware of what is happening around them. Gone for a burton (UK) If something's gone for a burton, it has been spoiled or ruined. If a person has gone for a burton, they are either in serious trouble or have died. Gone pear-shaped (UK) If things have gone pear-shaped they have either gone wrong or produced an unexpected and unwanted result. Gone to pot If something has gone to pot, it has gone wrong and doesn't work any more. Gone to the dogs If something has gone to the dogs, it has gone badly wrong and lost all the good things it had. Good antennae Someone with good antennae is good at detecting things. Good as gold If children are as good as gold, they behave very well. Good egg A person who can be relied on is a good egg. Bad egg is the opposite. Good fences make good neighbours This means that it is better for people to mind their own business and to respect the privacy of others. ('Good fences make good neighbors' is the American English spelling.) Good hand If you are a good hand at something, you do it well. Good Samaritan A good Samaritan is a persoon wh helps others in need. Good shape If something's in good shape, it's in good condition. If a person's in good shape, they are fit and healthy. Good spell A spell can mean a fairly or relatively short period of time; you'll hear weather forecasts predict a dry spell. Sports commentators will say that a sportsperson is going through a good spell when they're performing consistently better than they normally do. Good time If you make good time on a journey, you manage to travel faster than you expected. Good to go Someone or something that meets one's approval. 'He is good to go.' 'The idea you had is good to go.' Good walls make good neighbours Your relationship with your neighbours depends, among other things, on respecting one another's privacy. Goody two-shoes A goody two-shoes is a self-righteous person who makes a great deal of their virtue. Grab the bulls by its horns If you grab (take) the bull by its horns, you deal head-on and directly with a problem. Grain of salt If you should take something with a grain of salt, you shouldn't necessarily believe it all. ('pinch of salt' is an alternative) Grasp the nettle (UK) If you grasp the nettle, you deal bravely with a problem. Grass may be greener on the other side but it's just as hard to mow 'The grass may be greener on the other side but it's just as hard to mow' is an expression used to mean a person's desire to have that which another person has in the belief it will make their life easieris false as all situations come with their own set of problems. Grass roots This idioms is often used in politics, where it refers to the ordinary people or voters. It can be used to mean people at the bottom of a hierarchy. Grass widow A grass widow is a woman whose husband is often away on work, leaving her on her own. Graveyard shift If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift. Gravy train If someone is on the gravy train, they have found and easy way to make lots of money. Grease monkey A grease monkey is an idiomatic term for a mechanic. Grease someone's palm If you grease someone's palm, you bribe them to do something. Grease the skids If you grease the skids, you facilitate something. Greased lightning If something or someone moves like greased lightning, they move very fast indeed. Great guns If something or someone is going great guns, they are doing very well. Great Scott An exclamation of surprise. Great unwashed This is a term used for the working class masses. Great white hope Someone who is expected to be a great success is a great white hope. Greek to me If you don't understand something, it's all Greek to you. Green around the gills If someone looks green around the gills, they look ill. Green fingers (UK) Someone with green fingers has a talent for gardening. Green light If you are given the green light, you are given approval to do something. Green thumb (USA) Someone with a talent for gardening has a green thumb. Green with envy If you are green with envy, you are very jealous. Green-eyed monster The green-eyed monster is an allegorical phrase for somebody's strong jealousy Greenhorn A greenhorn or someone who is described simply as green lacks the relevant experience and knowledge for their job or task Grey area A grey/gray area is one where there is no clear right or wrong. Grey Cardinal Someone who is a Grey Cardinal exerts power behind the scenes, without drawing attention to himself or herself. Grey cells 'Grey cells' means 'brain' Eg: Use your grey cells to understand it Grey matter Grey/gray matter is the human brain. Grey pound (UK) In the UK, the grey pound is an idiom for the economic power of elderly people. Grey suits The men in grey suits are people who have a lot of power in business or politics, but aren't well-known or charismatic. Grin and bear it If you have to grin and bear it, you have to accept something that you don't like. Grin like a Cheshire cat If someone has a very wide smile, they have a grin like a Cheshire cat. Grinds my gear Something that is very annoying grinds your gear. Grist for the mill Something that you can use to your advantage is grist for the mill. ('Grist to the mill' is also used.) Guinea-pig If you are a guinea-pig, you take part in an experiment of some sort and are used in the testing. Gunboat diplomacy If a nation conducts its diplomatic relations by threatening military action to get what it wants, it is using gunboat diplomacy. Gung ho If someone is gung ho about something, they support it blindly and don't think about the consequences.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ H ~
Hail-fellow-well-met
Someone whose behavior is hearty, friendly and congenial. Hair of the dog If someone has a hair of the dog, they have an alcoholic drink as a way of getting rid of a hangover, the unpleasant effects of having drunk too much alcohol the night before. It is commonly used as a way of excusing having a drink early on in the day. Hairy at the heel (UK) Someone who is hairy at the heel is dangerous or untrustworthy. Hale and hearty Someone who is hale and hearty is in very good health. Half a 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. Hand that rocks the cradle Women have a great power and influence because they have the greatest influence over the development of children- the hand that rocks the cradle. ('The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world' is the full form.) Hand to mouth Someone who's living from hand to mouth, is very poor and needs the little money they have coming in to cover their expenses. Hands down If someone is better hands down than everyone else, they are much better. Handwriting like chicken scratch If your handwriting is very hard to read, it is like chicken scratch. Hang by a thread If something hangs by a thread, there is a very small chance indeed of it being successful or surviving. Hang in the balance If an outcome is hanging in the balance, there are at least two possibilities and it is impossible to predict which will win out. Hang out to dry If you hang someone out to dry, you abandon them when they are in trouble. Hangdog expression A hangdog expression is one where the person's showing their emotions very clearly, maybe a little too clearly for your liking. It's that mixture of misery and self-pity that is similar to a dog when it's trying to get something it wants but daren't take without permission. Hanged for a sheep as a lamb This is an expression meaning that if you are going to get into trouble for doing something, then you ought to stop worrying and should try to get everything you can before you get caught. Happy medium If you reach a happy medium, you are making a compromise; reaching a conclusion or decision. Happy-go-lucky If someone is happy-go-lucky, they don't worry or plan and accept things as they happen. Hard as nails A person who is as hard as nails is either physically tough or has little or no respect for other people's feelings. Hard by "Hard by" means mean "close to" or "near". Hard cheese (UK) Hard cheese means hard luck. Hard of hearing Someone who's hard of hearing is a bit deaf. Hard on someone's heels If you are hard on someone's heels, you are close to them and trying to catch or overtake them. ('Hot on someone's heels' is also used.) Hard sell If someone puts a lot of pressure on you to do or buy something, they are hard selling it. Hard to come by If something is hard to come by, it is difficult to find. Hard up If you are hard up, you have very little money. Haste makes waste This idiom means that if you try to do something quickly, without planning it, you're likely to end up spending more time, money, etc, doing it. Hat trick Three successes one after the other is a hat trick. Hatchet job A piece of criticism that destroys someone's reputation is a hatchet job. Have a ball If you have a ball, you have a great time, a lot of fun. Have a bash If you have a bash at something, you try to do it, especially when there isn't much chance of success. Have a blast It means "to have a lot of fun". Have a ***** If you have a ***** at something, you try to do it. If someone is attempting to do something and they are unsuccessful, you might say, "Let me have a ***** at it" suggesting that you might be successful at performing the task. ('Take a *****' is also used.) Have a foot in both camps Someone who plays a part or who is involved in two different groups of people, opinions, ways of thinking or living, etc, has a foot in both camps. Have a go If you have a go, you try to do something, often when you don't think you have much chance of succeeding. Have a heart If someone has a heart, they arekind and sympathetic. If you say, 'Have a heart' to someone, you are asking them to be understanding and sympathetic. Have a ripper If you have a ripper of a time, you enjoy yourself. Have a trick up your sleeve If you have a trick up your sleeve, you have a secret strategy to use when the time is right. Have no truck with If you have no truck with something or someone, you refuse to get involved with it or them. Have the floor If someone has the floor, it is their turn to speak at a meeting. Have the guts Someone who has enough courage to do something has the guts to do it. Have your cake and eat it too If someone wants to have their cake and eat it too, they want everything their way, especially when their wishes are contradictory. Have your collar felt If someone has their collar felt, they are arrested. Have your fill If you have had your fill, you are fed up of somebody or something. Have your lunch handed to you If you have you lunch handed to you, you are outperformed and shown up by someone better. Have your moments Someone who has his or her moments exhibits a positive behavior pattern on an occasional basis but not generally. Have your tail up If someone has their tail up, they are optimistic and expect to be successful. Have your work cut out If you have your work cut out, you are very busy indeed. Having a gas If you're having a gas, you are having a laugh and enjoying yourself in company. Hay is for horses This idiom is used as a way of telling children not to say the word 'hey' as in hey you or hey there. He that travels far knows much People who travel widely have a wide knowledge. He who hesitates is lost If one waits too long, the opportunity vanishes. Head for the hills If people head for the hills, they run away from trouble. Head is in the clouds If a person has their head in the clouds, they have unrealistic, impractical ideas. Head is mince (Scot) When someone's thoughts are in a state of abject confusion, especially when facing a severe dilemma, their head is mince. Head nor tail If you can't make head nor tail of something, you cannot understand it at all or make any sense of it. Head on a spike If someone wants a head on a spike, they want to be able to destroy or really punish a person. Head on the block If someone's head is on the block, they are going to be held responsible and suffer the consequences for something that has gone wrong. Head over heels in love When someone falls passionately in love and is intoxicated by the feeling has fallen head over heels in love. Head south If something head south, it begins to fail or start going bad.'The project proceeded well for the first two months, but then it headed south.' Heads will roll If heads will roll, people will be punished or sacked for something that has gone wrong. Headstrong A headstrong person is obstinate and does not take other people's advice readily. Healthy as a horse If you're as healthy as a horse, you're very healthy. Heap coals on someone's head To do something nice or kind to someone who has been nasty to you. If someone felt bad because they forgot to get you a Christmas gift, for you to buy them a specially nice gift is heaping coals on their head. ('Heap coals of fire' is also used.) Hear a pin drop If there is complete silence in a room, you can hear a pin drop. Hear on the grapevine To receive information indirectly through a series of third parties, similar to a rumour. Heart in the right place If someone's heart is in the right place, they are good and kind, though they might not always appear to be so. Heart in your boots If you're heart is in your boots, you are very unhappy. Heart in your mouth If your heart is in your mouth, then you feel nervous or scared. Heart isn't in it If your heart is not in something, then you don't really believe in it or support it. Heart misses a beat If your heart misses a beat, you are suddenly shocked or surprised. ('Heart skips a beat' is an alternative) Heart of glass When someone has a heart of glass, they are easily affected emotionally. Heart of gold Someone with a heart of gold is a genuinely kind and caring person. Heart of steel When someone has a heart of steel, they do not show emotion or are not affected emotionally. Heart-to-heart A heart-to-heart is a frank and honest conversation with someone, where you talk honestly and plainly about issues, no matter how painful. Heaven knows If you ask someone a question and they say this, they have no idea. Heavenly bodies The heavenly bodies are the stars. Heavy-handed If someone is heavy-handed, they are insensitive and use excessive force or authority when dealing with a problem. Hedge your bets If you hedge your bets, you don't risk everything on one opportunity, but try more than one thing. Hell for leather If you do something hell for leather, especially running, you do it as fast as you can. Hell in a handcart If something is going to hell in a handcart, it is getting worse and worse, with no hope of stopping the decline. Herding cats If you have to try to co-ordinate a very difficult situation, where people want to do very different things, you are herding cats. Here today, gone tomorrow Money, happiness and other desirable things are often here today, gone tomorrow, which means that they don't last for very long. Hide nor hair When there's no trace of something or a person, you haven't seen hide nor hair of it or them.('Neither hide nor hair' is also used.) Hiding to nothing If people are on a hiding to nothing, their schemes and plans have no chance of succeeding. 'Hiding to nowhere' is an alternative. High and dry If you are left high and dry, you are left alone and given no help at all when you need it. High and low If you search high and low, you look everywhere for something or someone. High and mighty The high and mighty are the people with authority and power. If a person is high and mighty, they behave in a superior and condescending way. High as a kite If someone's as high as a kite, it means they have had too much to drink or are under the influence of drugs. High on the hog To live in great comfort with lots of money. High-handed If someone is high-handed, they behave arrogantly and pompously. High-wire act A high-wire act is a dangerous or risky strategy, plan, task, etc. Highway robbery Something that is ridiculously expensive, especially when you have no choice but to pay, is a highway robbery. Himalayan blunder A Himalayan blunder is a very serious mistake or error. Hindsight is twenty-twenty After something has gone wrong, it is easy to look back and make criticisms. Hit a nerve If something hits a nerve, it upsets someone or causes them pain, often when it is something they are trying to hide. Hit and miss Something that is hit and miss is unpredictable and may produce results or may fail. Hit me with your best shot If someone tells you to hit them with your best shot, they are telling you that no matter what you do it won't hurt them or make a difference to them. Hit rock bottom When someone hits rock bottom, they reach a point in life where things could not get any worse. Hit rough weather If you hit rough weather, you experience difficulties or problems. Hit the airwaves If someone hits the airwaves, they go on radio and TV to promote something or to tell their side of a story. Hit the books If you hit the books, you study or read hard. Hit the bull's-eye If someone hits the bull's-eye, they are exactly right about something or achieve the best result possible. "Bulls-eye" and "bullseye" are alternative spellings. Hit the ceiling If someone hits the ceiling, they lose their temper and become very angry. Hit the Dirt To duck out of the way or fall to the ground to avoid something dangerous. Hit the fan When it hits the fan, or, more rudely, the shit hits the fan, serious trouble starts. Hit the ground running If someone hits the ground running, they start a new job or position in a very dynamic manner. Hit the hay When you hit the hay, you go to bed. Hit the mark If someone hits the mark, they are right about something. Hit the nail on the head If someone hits the nail on the head, they are exactly right about something. Hit the road When people hit the road, they leave a place to go somewhere else. Hit the roof If you lose your temper and get very angry, you hit the roof. Hit the sack When you hit the sack, you go to bed. Hive of worker bees A hive of worker bees is a group of people working actively and cooperatively. Example: The classroom was a hive of worker bees. Hobson's choice A Hobson's choice is something that appears to be a free choice, but is really no choice as there is no genuine alternative. Hoist with your own petard If you are hoist with your own petard, you get into trouble or caught in a trap that you had set for someone else. Hold all the aces If you hold all the aces, you have all the advantages and your opponents or rivals are in a weak position. Hold the baby (UK) If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the baby. Hold the bag (USA) If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the bag. Hold the fort If you hold the fort, you look after something or assume someone's responsibilities while they are away. Hold the torch If you hold the torch for someone, you have an unrequited or unspoken love. Hold water When you say that something does or does not 'hold water', it means that the point of view or argument put forward is or is not sound, strong or logical. For e.g., 'Saying we should increase our interest rates because everyone else is doing so will not hold water'. Hold your horses If someone tells you to hold your horses, you are doing something too fast and they would like you to slow down. Hold your own If you can hold your own, you can compete or perform equally with other people. Hold your tongue If you hold your tongue, you keep silent even though you want to speak. Holier-than-thou Someone who is holier-than-thou believes that they are morally superior to other people. Hollow leg Someone who has a hollow leg eats what seems to be more than his stomach can hold. Hollow victory A hollow victory is where someone wins something in name, but are seen not to have gained anything by winning. Holy smoke! This is a way of expressing surprise: "Holy smoke! Look at all of those geese!" Home and hearth 'Home and hearth' is an idiom evoking warmth and security. Home is where you lay your hat Wherever you are comfortable and at ease with yourself is your home, regardless where you were born or brought up.('Home is where you lay your head' and 'Home is where you hang your hat' are also used.) Home stretch The home stretch is the last part of something, like a journey, race or project. Home sweet home This is said when one is pleased to be back at one's own home. Home, James (UK) This is a cliched way of telling the driver of a vehicle to start driving. It is supposed to be an order to a chauffeur (a privately employed driver). The full phrase is 'Home, James, and don't spare the horses'. Honest truth If someone claims that something is the honest truth, they wish to sound extra-sincere about something. Honor among thieves If someone says there is honor among thieves, this means that even corrupt or bad people sometimes have a sense of honor or integrity, or justice, even if it is skewed. ('Honour among thieves' is the British English version.) Honours are even If honours are even, then a competition has ended with neither side emerging as a winner. Hook, line, and sinker If somebody accepts or believes something hook, line, and sinker, they accept it completely. Hop, skip, and a jump If a place is a hop, skip, and a jump from somewhere, it's only a short distance away. Hope against hope If you hope against hope, you hope for something even though there is little or no chance of your wish being fulfilled. Hope in hell If something hasn't got a hope in hell, it stands absolutely no chance of succeeding. Hornets' nest A hornets' nest is a violent situation or one with a lot of dispute. (If you create the problem, you 'stir up a hornets' nest'.) Horns of a dilemma If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you are faced with two equally unpleasant options and have to choose one. Horse of a different color (USA) If something is a horse of a different color, it's a different matter or separate issue altogether. Horse trading Horse trading is an idiom used to describe negotiations, especially where these are difficult and involve a lot of compromise. Horses for courses Horses for courses means that what is suitable for one person or situation might be unsuitable for another. Hostile takeover If a company is bought out when it does not want to be, it is known as a hostile takeover. Hot air Language that is full of words but means little or nothing is hot air. Hot as blue blazes If something's as hot as blue blazes, it's extremely hot. Hot as Hades If something's as hot as Hades, it's extremely hot. Hot button (USA) A hot button is a topic or issue that people feel very strongly about. Hot foot If you hot foot it out of a place, you leave very quickly, often running. Hot potato A problem or issue that is very controversial and no one wants to deal with is a hot potato. Hot ticket (USA) A hot ticket is something that is very much in demand at the moment. Hot to trot If someone is hot to trot, they are ***ually aroused or eager to do something. Hot under the collar If you're hot under the collar, you're feeling angry or bothered. Hot water If you get into hot water, you get into trouble. Hot-blooded Someone who is hot-blooded is easily excitable or passionate. Hot-headed A hot-headed person gets angry very easily. (The noun 'hothead' can also be used.) Hour of need A time when someone really needs something, almost a last chance, is their hour of need. House of cards Something that is poorly thought out and can easily collapse or fail is a house of cards. How come If you want to show disbelief or surprise about an action, you can ask a question using 'how come'. How come he got the job? (You can't believe that they gave the job to somebody like him) How do you like them apples (USA) This idiomatic expression is used to express surprise or shock at something that has happened. It can also be used to boast about something you have done. How long is a piece of string If someone has no idea of the answer to a question, they can ask 'How long is a piece of string?' as a way of indicating their ignorance. How's tricks? This is used as a way of asking people how they are and how things have been going in their life. Hue and cry Hue and cry is an expression that used to mean all the people who joined in chasing a criminal or villain. Nowadays, if you do something without hue and cry, you do it discreetly and without drawing attention. Hung the moon If you refer to someone as having hung the moon, you think they are extremely wonderful, or amazing, or good. Hungry as a bear If you are hungry as a bear, it means that you are really hungry. Hunky Dory If something is hunky dory, it is perfectly satisfactory, fine.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ I ~
I hereby give notice of my intention
Hereby is used sometimes in formal, official declarations and statements to give greater force to the speaker' or the writer's affirmation. People will say it sometimes to emphasise their sincerity and correctness. I may be daft, but I'm not stupid I might do or say silly things occasionally, but in this instance I know what I am doing (Usually used when someone questions your application of common-sense). I should cocoa (UK) This idiom comes from 'I should think so', but is normally used sarcastically to mean the opposite. I'll cross that road when I come to it I'll think about something just when it happens, not in advance. I'll eat my hat You can say this when you are absolutely sure that you are right to let the other person know that there is no chance of your being wrong. I've got a bone to pick with you If somebody says this, they mean that they have some complaint to make against the person they are addressing. I've got your number You have made a mistake and I am going to call you on it. You are in trouble (a threat). I have a disagreement with you. I understand your true nature. Icing on the cake This expression is used to refer to something good that happens on top of an already good thing or situation. Idle hands are the devil's handiwork When someone is not busy, or being productive, trouble is bound to follow. If at first you don't succeed try try again When you fail, try until you get it right! If I had a nickel for every time (USA) When someone uses this expression, they mean that the specific thing happens a lot. It is an abbreviation of the statement 'If I had a nickel for every time that happened, I would be rich' If it ain't broke, don't fix it Any attempt to improve on a system that already works is pointless and may even hurt it. If Mohammed won't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed If something cannot or will not happen the easy way, then sometimes it must be done the hard way. If the cap fits, wear it This idiom means that if the description is correct, then it is describing the truth, often when someone is being criticised. ('If the shoe fits, wear it' is an alternative) If wishes were horses, beggars would ride This means that wishing for something or wanting it is not the same as getting or having it. If you are given lemons make lemonade Always try and make the best out of a bad situation. With some ingenuity you can make a bad situation useful. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen Originally a Harry S. Truman quote, this means that if you can't take the pressure, then you should remove yourself from the situation. If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows If you wish to be associated with a particular high risk and/or high profile situation and benefit from the rewards of that association, you have to accept the consequences if things go wrong - you cannot dissociate yourself. If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas This means that if you become involved with bad company, there will be negative consequences. If you lie down with the Devil, you will wake up in hell This means that if you become involved with bad company, there will be negative consequences. If you will 'If you will' is used as a way of making a concession in a sentence: He wasn't a very honest person, a liar if you will. Here, it is used a way of accepting that the reader or listener might think of the person as a liar, but without commit the writer or speaker to that position fully. If you'll pardon my French (UK) This idiom is used as a way of apologising for swearing. Ill at ease If someone is ill at ease, they are worried or uncomfortable. Ill-gotten gains Ill-gotten gains are profits or benefits that are made either illegally or unfairly. In a cleft stick If you are in a cleft stick, you are in a difficult situation, caught between choices. In a fix If you are in a fix, you are in trouble. In a flash If something happens in a flash, it happens very quickly indeed. In a fog If you're in a fog, you are confused, dazed or unaware. In a heartbeat If something happens very quickly or immediately, it happens in a heartbeat. In a jam If you are in a jam, you are in some trouble. If you get out of a jam, you avoid trouble. In a jiffy If something happens in a jiffy, it happens very quickly. In a nutshell This idiom is used to introduce a concise summary. In a pickle If you are in a pickle, you are in some trouble or a mess. In a rut In a settled or established pattern, habit or course of action, especially a boring one. In a tick (UK) If someone will do something in a tick, they'll do it very soon or very quickly. In a tight spot If you're in a tight spot, you're in a difficult situation. In all honesty If you say something in all honesty, you are telling the complete truth. It can be used as a way of introducing a negative opinion whilst trying to be polite; in all honesty, I have to say that I wasn't very impressed. In an instant If something happens in an instant, it happens very rapidly. In another's shoes It is difficult to know what another person's life is really like, so we don't know what it is like to be in someone's shoes. In apple-pie order If something is in apple-pie order, it is very neat and organised. In broad daylight If a crime or problem happens in broad daylight, it happens during the day and should have been seen and stopped. In cahoots If people are in cahoots, they are conspiring together. In cold blood If something is done in cold blood, it is done ruthlessly, without any emotion. In dire straits If you're in dire straits, you're in serious trouble or difficulties. In donkey's years 'I haven't seen her in donkey's years.' - This means for a very long time. In dribs and drabs If people arrive in dribs and drabs, they come in small groups at irregular intervals, instead of all arriving at the same time. In droves When things happen in droves, a lot happen at the same time or very quickly. In for a penny, in for a pound If something is worth doing then it is a case of in for a penny, in for a pound, which means that when gambling or taking a chance, you might as well go the whole way and take all the risks, not just some. In full swing If things are in full swing, they have been going for a sufficient period of time to be going well and very actively. In high gear (USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in high gear, they are feverishly on the fast track. In high spirits If someone is in high spirits, they are in a very good mood or feeling confident about something. In his cups If someone is in their cups, they are drunk. In hot water If you are in hot water, you are in serious trouble. In light of 'In light of' is similar to 'due to'. In like Flynn Refers to Errol Flynn's popularity with women in the 40's. His ability to attract women was well known throughout the world. ('In like flint' is also used.) In my bad books If you are in someone's bad books, they are angry with you. Likewise, if you are in their good books, they are pleased with you. In my book This idiom means 'in my opinion'. In my good books If someone is in your good books, you are pleased with or think highly of them at the moment. In one ear and out the other If something goes in one ear and out the other, you forget it as soon as you've heard it because it was too complicated, boring etc. In over your head If someone is in over their head, they are out of the depth in something they are involved in, and may end up in a mess. In perfect form When something is as it ought to be. Or, when used cynically, it may refer to someone whose excesses are on display; a caricature. In rude health (UK) If someone's in rude health, they are very healthy and look it. In so many words This phrase may be used to mean 'approximately' or 'more or less'. I think it may have a sarcastic connotation in that the individual listening needed 'so many words' to get the point. It also may suggest the effort on the part of the speaker to explain an unpleasant truth or difficult concept. In someone's pocket If a person is in someone's pocket, they are dependent, especially financially, on them. In spades (UK) If you have something in spades, you have a lot of it. In stitches If someone is in stitches, they are laughing uncontrollably. In tandem If people do things in tandem, they do them at the same time. In that vein If you do something in that (or this) vein, you do it in the same distinctive manner or style. In the bag If something is in the bag, it is certain that you will get it or achieve it In the ballpark This means that something is close to the adequate or required value. In the black If your bank account is in credit, it is in the black. In the cards If something is in the cards, it is bound to occur, it is going to happen, or it is inevitable. In the catbird seat (USA) If someone is in the catbird seat, they are in an advantageous or superior position. In the clear If someone is in the clear, they are no longer suspected of or charged with wrongdoing. In the clink (UK) If someone is in the clink, they are in prison. In the club (UK) If a woman's in the club, she's pregnant. 'In the pudding club' is an alternative form. In the dock If someone is in the dock, they are on trial in court. In the doghouse If someone is in the doghouse, they are in disgrace and very unpopular at the moment. In the driver's seat If you are in the driver's seat, you are in charge of something or in control of a situation. In the face of If people act in the face of something, they do it despite it or when threatened by it. In the family way If a woman is in the family way, she is pregnant. In the flesh If you meet or see someone in the flesh you actually meet or see them, rather than seeing them on TV or in other media. In the gravy If you're in the gravy, you're rich and make money easily. In the hole If someone is in the hole, they have a lot of problems, especially financial ones. In the hot seat If someone's in the hot seat, they are the target for a lot of unwelcome criticism and examination. In the know If you are in the know, you have access to all the information about something, which other people don't have. In the lap of luxury People in the lap of luxury are very wealthy and have have everything that money can buy. In the long run This means 'over a long period of time', 'in the end' or 'in the final result'. In the loop If you're in the loop, you are fully informed about what is happening in a certain area or activity. In the lurch If you are left in the lurch, you are suddenly left in an embarrassing or tricky situation. In the making When something is in the making, it means it is in the process of being made. In the offing If something is in the offing, it is very likely to happen soon. In the pink If you are in very good health, you are in the pink. In the pipeline If something's in the pipeline, it hasn't arrived yet but its arrival is expected. In the red If your bank account is overdrawn, it is in the red. In the saddle If you're in the saddle, you are in control of a situation. In the same boat If people are in the same boat, they are in the same predicament or trouble. In the short run This refers to the immediate future. In the soup If you're in the soup, you're in trouble. In the swim If you are in the swim, you are up-to-date with and fully informed about something. In the swing If things are in the swing, they are progressing well. In the tall cotton A phrase that expresses good times or times of plenty and wealth as tall cotton means a good crop. In the twinkling of an eye If something happens in the twinkling of an eye, it happens very quickly. In the zone If you are in the zone, you are very focused on what you have to do. In turn This means one after the other. Example: She spoke to each of the guests in turn. In two minds If you are in two minds about something, you can't decide what to do. In your blood A trait or liking that is deeply ingrained in someone's personality and unlikely to change is in their blood. A similar idiom is 'in his DNA.' In your element If you are in your element, you feel happy and relaxed because you are doing something that you like doing and are good at. "You should have seen her when they asked her to sing; she was in her element." In your face If someone is in your face, they are direct and confrontational. (It is sometime written 'in yer face'colloquially) In your sights If you have someone or something in your sights, they are your target to beat. Indian file If people walk in Indian file, they walk in a line one behind the other. Indian giver An Indian giver gives something, then tries to take it back. Indian summer If there is a period of warmer weather in late autumn, it is an Indian summer. Ins and outs If you know the ins and outs of something, you know all the details. Into each life some rain must fall This means that bad or unfortunate things will happen to everyone at some time. Into thin air If something vanishes or disappears without trace, it vanishes into thin air; no-one knows where it has gone. Iron fist Someone who rules or controls something with an iron fist is in absolute control and tolerates no dissent. An iron fist in a velvet glove is used to describe someone who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. 'Mailed fist' is an alternative form. Irons in the fire A person who has a few irons in the fire has a number of things working to their advantage at the same time. Is Saul also among the prophets? It's a biblical idiom used when somebody known for something bad appears all of a sudden to be doing something very good. It ain't over till the fat lady sings This idiom means that until something has officially finished, the result is uncertain. It cost an arm and a leg If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive indeed. It cost the earth If something costs the earth, it is very expensive indeed. It never rains but it pours 'It never rains but it pours' means that when things go wrong, they go very wrong. It takes a village to raise a child It takes many people to teach a child all that he or she should know. It takes two to tango This idiom is used to suggest that when things go wrong, both sides are involved and neither side is completely innocent. It's an ill wind that blows no good This is said when things have gone wrong; the idea being that when bad things happen, there can also be some positive results. It's no use crying over spilt milk This idiom means that getting upset after something has gone wrong is pointless; it can't be changed so it should be accepted. It's not the size of the dog in fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog Usually refering to a small dog attacking a larger animal, this means that fierceness is not necessarily a matter of physical size, but rather mental/psychological attitude. It's not the size of the man in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the man This idiom means that determination is often more important than size, strength, or ability. ('It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.' is also used.) It's your funeral The other person has made a decision that you think is bad. However, it is their choice; it is their funeral. Itch to If you are itching to do something, you are very eager to do it. Itchy feet One gets itchy feet when one has been in one place for a time and wants to travel. Ivory tower People who live in ivory towers are detached from the world around them.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ J ~
Jack Frost
If everything has frozen in winter, then Jack Frost has visited. Jack the Lad A confident and not very serious young man who behaves as he wants to without thinking about other people is a Jack the Lad. Jack-of-all-trades A jack-of-all-trades is someone that can do many different jobs. Jam on your face If you say that someone has jam on their face, they appear to be caught, embarrassed or found guilty. Jam tomorrow (UK) This idiom is used when people promise good things for the future that will never come. Jane Doe Jane Doe is a name given to an unidentified female who may be party to legal proceedings, or to an unidentified person in hospital, or dead. John Doe is the male *****alent. Jekyll and Hyde Someone who has a Jekyll and Hyde personality has a pleasant and a very unpleasant side to the character. Jersey justice (UK) Jersey justice is very severe justice. Jet set Very wealthy people who travel around the world to attend parties or functions are the jet set. Jet-black To emphasise just how black something is, such as someone's hair, we can call it jet-black. Job's comforter Someone who says they want to comfort, but actually discomforts people is a Job's comforter. (Job's is pronounced 'jobes', not 'jobs') Jobs for the boys Where people give jobs, contracts, etc, to their friends and associates, these are jobs for the boys. Jockey for position If a number of people want the same opportunity and are struggling to emerge as the most likely candidate, they are jockeying for position. Jog my memory If you jog someone's memory, you say words that will help someone trying to remember a thought, event, word, phrase, experience, etc. John Doe John Doe is a name given to an unidentified male who may be party to legal proceedings, or to an unidentified person in hospital, or dead. Jane Doe is the female *****alent. John Q Public (USA) John Q Public is the typical, average person. Johnny on the spot A person who is always available; ready, willing, and able to do what needs to be done.('Johnny-on-the-spot' is also used.) Johnny-come-lately A Johnny-come-lately is someone who has recently joined something or arrived somewhere, especially when they want to make changes that are not welcome. Joined at the hip If people are joined at the hip, they are very closely connected and think the same way. Judge, jury and executioner If someone is said to be the judge, jury, and executioner, it means they are in charge of every decision made, and they have the power to be rid of whomever they choose. Juggle frogs If you are juggling frogs, you are trying to do something very difficult. Jump down someone's throat If you jump down someone's throat, you criticise or chastise them severely. Jump on the bandwagon If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has recently become very popular. Jump the gun If you jump the gun, you start doing something before the appropriate time. Jump the shark Said of a salient point in a television show or other activity at which the popularity thereof begins to wane: The Flintstones jumped the shark when a man from outer space came to visit them. The expression derives from an episode of the television sitcom 'Happy Days' in which Fonzie, clad in leather jacket and on water skis, jumps over a shark. That episode was widely seen as the beginning of the end for the formerly popular series. Jump through hoops If you are prepared to jump through hoops for someone, you are prepared to make great efforts and sacrifices for them. Jump to a conclusion If someone jumps to a conclusion, they evaluate or judge something without a sufficient examination of the facts. Jumping Judas! An expression of surprise or shock. Jungle out there If someone says that it is a jungle out there, they mean that the situation is dangerous and there are no rules. Jury's out If the jury's out on an issue, then there is no general agreement or consensus on it. Just around the corner If something is just around the corner, then it is expected to happen very soon. Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined Things, especially education, that affect and influence us in our childhood shape the kind of adult we turn out to be. (There are various versions of this, like 'As the twig is bent, the tree's inclined' and 'As the twig is bent, so the tree inclines', 'As the twig is bent so is the tree inclined') Just coming up to If the time is just coming up to nine o'clock, it means that it will be nine o'clock in a very few seconds. You'll hear them say it on the radio in the morning. Just deserts If a bad or evil person gets their just deserts, they get the punishment or suffer the misfortune that it is felt they deserve. Just for the heck of it When someone does something just for the heck of it, they do it without a good reason. Just for the record If something is said to be just for the record, the person is saying it so that people know but does not necessarily agree with or support it. Just in the nick of time If you do something in the nick of time, you just manage to do it just in time, with seconds to spare. Just off the boat If someone is just off the boat, they are naive and inexperienced. Just what the doctor ordered If something's just what the doctor ordered, it is precisely what is needed.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ K ~
Kangaroo court
When people take the law into their own hands and form courts that are not legal, these are known as kangaroo court. Keen as mustard (UK) If someone is very enthusiastic, they are as keen as mustard. Keep abreast If you keep abreast of things, you stay informed about developments. Keep at bay If you keep someone or something at bay, you maintain a safe distance from them. Keep body and soul together If you earn enough to cover your basic expenses, but nothing more than that, you earn enough to keep body and soul together. Keep in touch If you keep in touch with someone, you keep communicating with them even though you may live far apart. Keep it on the Q T If you keep something on the Q T, you keep it quiet or secret.('Q-T' is also used.) Keep it under your hat If you keep something under your hat, you keep it secret. Keep mum If you keep mum about something, you keep quiet and don't tell anyone. Keep posted If you keep posted about something, you keep up-to-date with information and developments. Keep someone at arm's length If you keep someone or something at arm's length, you keep a safe distance away from them. Keep someone on their toes If you keep someone on their toes, you make sure that they concentrate on what they are supposed to do. Keep the wolf at bay If you keep the wolf at bay, you make enough money to avoid going hungry or falling heavily into debt. Keep up with the Joneses People who try to keep up with the Joneses are competitive about material possessions and always try to have the latest and best things. Keep your chin up (UK) This expression is used to tell someone to have confidence. Keep your cool If you keep your cool, you don't get excessively excited or disturbed in a bad situation. Keep your ear to the ground If you keep your ear to the ground, you try to keep informed about something, especially if there are rumours or uncertainties. Keep your eye on the ball If you keep your eye on the ball, you stay alert and pay close attention to what is happening. Keep your eye on the prize This means that you should keep your focus on achieving a positive end result. Keep your eyes peeled If you keep your eyes peeled, you stay alert or watchful. Keep your fingers crossed If you are keeping your fingers crossed, you are hoping for a positive outcome. Keep your hair on Keep your hair on is advice telling someone to keep calm and not to over-react or get angry. Keep your head If you keep your head, you stay calm in times of difficulty. Keep your head above water If you are just managing to survive financially, you are keeping your head above water. Keep your nose clean If someone is trying to keep their Nose Clean, they are trying to stay out of trouble by not getting involved in any sort of wrong-doing. Keep your nose to the grindstone If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you work hard and seriously. Keep your options open If someone's keeping their options open, they aren't going to restrict themselves or rule out any possible course of action. Keep your pants on If someone tells you to keep your pants on, they mean that you should be patient and not make them rush. Keep your pecker up If someone tells you to keep your pecker up, they are telling you not to let your problems get on top of you and to try to be optimistic. Keep your powder dry If you keep your powder dry, you act cautiously so as not to damage your chances. Keep your shirt on! This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down. Keep your wig on! (UK) This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down. Kettle of fish A pretty or fine kettle of fish is a difficult problem or situation. Kick a habit If you kick a habit, you stop doing it. Kick away the ladder If someone kicks away the ladder, they remove something that was supporting or helping someone. Kick in the teeth Bad news or a sudden disappointment are a kick in the teeth. Kick something into the long grass If an issue or problem is kicked into the long grass, it is pushed aside and hidden in the hope that it will be forgotten or ignored. Kick the ballistics It means you realise the intensity of a situation. For example, there is too much unemployment now, so the prime minister must kick the ballistics and change his policy. Kick the bucket When someone kicks the bucket, they die. Kick up your heels (USA) If you kick up your heels, you go to parties or celebrate something. Kick your heels (UK) If you have to kick your heels, you are forced to wait for the result or outcome of something. Kicked to touch Touch is a zone of the playing field in Rugby. Kicked to touch means the ball was put safely out of play. Idiomatic usage usually means a person has deftly avoided an issue in argument. Kid gloves If someone is handled with kid gloves, they are given special treatment and handled with great care. Kill the goose that lays the golden egg If you kill the goose that lays the golden egg, you ruin something that is very profitable. Kill two birds with one stone When you kill two birds with one stone, you resolve two difficulties or matters with a single action. Kindred spirit A kindred spirit is someone who feels and thinks the way you do. King of the castle The king of the castle is the person who is in charge of something or in a very comfortable position compared to their companions. King's ransom If something costs or is worth a king's ransom, it costs or is worth a lot of money. Kiss and tell If people kiss and tell, they disclose private or confidential information. Kiss of death The kiss of death is an action that means failure or ruin for someone, a scheme, a plan, etc. Kiss something goodbye If someone tells you that you can kiss something goodbye, you have no chance of getting or having it. Kissing cousin A kissing cousin is someone you are related to, but not closely. Kitchen-sink (UK) Kitchen-sink drama deals with ordinary people's lives. Kith and kin Your kith and kin are your family; your next of kin are close relations you nominate to deal with your affairs in the event of your death on a document, like a passport. Knee slapper A knee slapper is something that is considered funny, though it is often used sarcastically. Knee-jerk reaction A knee-jerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation. Knickers in a twist When your knickers are in a twist, you are angry and snappish over something trivial. 'Whenever he loses his car keys, he gets his knickers in a twist.' Knight in shining armour A knight in shining armour is someone who saves you when you are in great trouble or danger. Knit your brows If you knit your brows, you frown or look worried. Knock 'em dead 'Knock 'em dead' is used as a way of wishing someone luck before they give a performance or have to appear before people, as in an interview, etc. ('em = them) Knock on wood This idiom is used to wish for good luck. ('Touch wood' is also used.) Knock something on the head If you knock something on the head, you stop it or stop doing it. Knock the pins from under someone If someone knocks the pins from under you, they let you down. Knock your block off To punch someone in the face Eg : The next time you do something like that I'm going to "knock your block off". Knock your socks off If something knocks your socks off, it amazes and surprises you, usually in a positive way. Know a hawk from a handsaw If someone knows a hawk from a handsaw, they are able to distinguish things and assess them. Know full well When you know full well, you are absolutely sure that you know. Know the ropes Someone who is experienced and knows how the system works know the ropes. Know where all the bodies are buried Someone who by virtue of holding a position of trust with an organization for a long period of time has come to know many of the secrets that others in more powerful positions would rather be kept secret knows where the bodies are buried. An implication is that the person knowing these secrets will use that knowledge to secure something of value for him- or herself. Know which side one's bread is buttered on If you know which side one's bread is buttered on, you know where your interests lie and will act accordingly to protect or further them. Know which way the wind blows This means that you should know how things are developing and be prepared for the future. Know your onions If someone is very well-informed about something, they know their onions. Know your place A person who knows their place doesn't try to impose themselves on others.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
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~ L ~
Labor of love
A labor of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise. Labour of love A labour of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise. Lame duck If something or someone is a lame duck, they are in trouble. Land of nod If someone has gone to the land of nod, they have fallen asleep or gone to bed. Landslide victory A landslide victory is a victory in an election by a very large margin. Lap dog A lap dog is a person who is eager to please another at the expense of his or her own needs in order to maintain a position of privilege or favor. Lap of the gods If something is in the lap of the gods, it is beyond our control and fate will decide the outcome. Larger than life If something is excessive or exaggerated, it is larger than life. Last hurrah If an elderly person does something special before they die, it is a last hurrah. Last laugh The person who has the last laugh ends up with the the advantage in a situation after some setbacks. Last straw The last straw is the final problem that makes someone lose their temper or the problem that finally brought about the collapse of something. It comes from an Arabic story, where a camel was loaded with straw until a single straw placed on the rest of the load broke its back. Last-ditch A last-ditch attempt is a desperate attempt that will probably fail anyway. Laugh a minute Someone who is a laugh a minute is very funny. Laugh to see a pudding crawl (UK) Someone who would laugh to see a pudding crawl is easily amused and will laugh at anything. Laugh up your sleeve If you laugh up your sleeve, you laugh at someone secretly. Laughing stock If someone becomes a laughing stock they do something so stupid or wrong that no one can take them seriously and people scorn and laugh at them. Laughter is the best medicine Laughing is often helpful for healing, especially emotional healing. Law unto yourself If somebody's a law unto themselves, they do what they believe is right regardless of what is generally accepted as correct. Lay down the law If someone lays down the law, they tell people what to do and are authoritarian. Lead someone up the garden path If someone leads you up the garden path, they deceive you, or give you false information that causes you to waste your time. 'Lead someone down the garden path' is also used. Lead with the chin If someone leads with their chin, they speak or behave without fear of the consequences. Lean and mean An organisation that is lean and mean has no excess or unnecessary elements and is very competitive. Learn the ropes If you are learning the ropes, you are learning how to do something. Leave no stone unturned If you look everywhere to find something, or try everything to achieve something, you leave no stone unturned. Leave well alone If you leave something well alone, you keep a safe distance from it, either physically or metaphorically. Left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing If the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, then communication within a company, organisation, group, etc, is so bad that people don't know what the others are doing. Left in the dark If you are left in the dark about something, you aren't given the information that you should have. Left to your own devices If someone is left to their own devices, they are not controlled and can do what they want. Left-handed compliment A left-handed compliment is one that sounds like praise but has an insulting meaning. ('Backhanded compliment' is an alternative form.) Legend in your own lunchtime Somebody who becomes a legend in their own lifetime acquires fame, but often only to a select or specialist audience, while they are still alive. Lend an ear If you lend an ear, you listen to what someone has to say. ('Lend your ear' is an alternative form.) Leopard can't change its spots This idiom means that people cannot change basic aspects of their character, especially negative ones. ("A leopard doesn't change its spots" is also used.) Lesser of two evils Something that is the lesser of two evils, is an unpleasant option, but not as bad as the other. Let alone This is used to emphasise how extreme something could be: 'We hadn't got the money to phone home, let alone stay in a hotel.' This emphasises the utter impossibility of staying in a hotel. Let bygones be bygones If people decide to let bygones be bygones, they decide to forget old problems or grievances they have with each other. Let sleeping dogs lie If someone is told to let sleeping dogs lie, it means that they shouldn't disturb a situation as it would result in trouble or complications. Let the best be the enemy of the good If the desire for an unattainable perfection stops someone from choosing good possibilities, they let the best be the enemy of the good. Let the cat out of the bag If you accidentally reveal a secret, you let the cat out of the bag. Let the chips fall where they may This means that we shouldn't try to control events, because destiny controls them. Let the devil take the hindmost This idiom means that you should think of yourself and not be concerned about other people; look after yourself and let the devil take the hindmost. Let the genie out of the bottle If people let the genie out of the bottle, they let something bad happen that cannot be put right or controlled. Let the grass grow round your feet If you let the grass grow round your feet, you delay doing things instead of taking action. Let your guard down If you let your guard down, you relax and stop looking out for danger. Let your hair down If someone lets their hair down, they relax and stop feeling inhibited or shy. Let's call it a day This is used as a way of suggesting that it is time to stop working on something. Letter of the law If people interpret laws and regulations strictly, ignoring the ideas behind them, they follow the letter of the law. Level playing field If there's a level playing field everybody is treated equally. Lie like a rug If someone lies like a rug, they lie to the point where it becomes obvious that they're lying. Lie low If someone lies low, they try not to be found or caught. Lie through your teeth Someone who is always lying, regardless of what people know, lies through their teeth. Life and limb When people risk life and limb, they could be killed or suffer serious injuries. Life is just a bowl of cherries This idiom means that life is simple and pleasant. Light at the end of the tunnel If you can see light at the end of the tunnel, then you can see some signs of hope in the future, though things are difficult at the moment. Light bulb moment A light bulb moment is when you have a sudden realisation about something, like the light bulbs used to indicate an idea in cartoons. Light on your feet If someone is light on their feet, they can move quickly and are agile. Light years ahead If you are light years ahead of others, you are a long way in front of them in terms of development, success, etc. Lightning rod Someone or something that attracts a lot of negative comment, often diverting attention from other problems, is a lightning rod. Like a bat out of hell This expression means extremely quickly. Like a beached whale Once a whale is on a beach, it cannot get back into the easily, so if you are completely stuck somewhere and can't get away, you are stranded like a beached whale. Like a bear with a sore head (UK) If someone's like a bear with a sore head, they complain a lot and are unhappy about something. Like a bull at a gate If you tackle a job very quickly, without any real thought about what you are doing, you are going at it like a bull at a gate. Like a cat on hot bricks If someone is like a cat on hot bricks, they are very nervous or excited. Like a cat that got the cream If someone looks very pleased with themselves and happy, they look like a cat that got the cream. Like a duck to water If someone has a natural talent for something and enjoys it, they take to it like a duck to water. Like a fish needs a bicycle If someone needs something like a Fish Needs a Bicycle, they do not need it at all, originally a feminist slogan: A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle. Like a fish out of water If someone feels like a fish out of water, they are very uncomfortable in the situation they are in. Like a hawk If you watch something or someone like a hawk, you observe very closely and carefully. Like a headless chicken If someone rushes about like a headless chicken, they move very fast all over the place, usually without thinking. Like a kid in a candy store If someone is like a kid in a candy store, they are very excited about something. Like a moth to a flame Something that is like a moth to a flame is attracted to something that is deadly or dangerous. Like a rat deserting a sinking ship If people leave a company because they know that it's about to have serious problems, or turn their back on a person about to be in a similar situation, they are said to be like rats deserting a sinking ship. Like Chinese arithmetic If something is complicated and hard to understand, it's like Chinese arithmetic. Like clockwork If something happens like clockwork, it happens at very regular times or intervals. Like father, like son This idiom is used when different generations of a family behave in the same way or have the same talents of defects. Like giving a donkey strawberries (UK) If something is like giving a donkey strawberries, people fail to appreciate its value. Like it or lump it When people say this, they mean that the person will have to accept the situation because it isn't going to change. Like lambs to the slaughter If somebody does something unpleasant without any resistance, they go like lambs to the slaughter. Like nailing jello to the wall (USA) Describes a task that is very difficult because the parameters keep changing or because someone is being evasive. Like no one's business If I say my children are growing like no one's business, it means they're growing very quickly. See also 'Like the clappers' and 'Like there's no tomorrow'. Like peas in a pod If people or things are like peas in a pod, they look identical. Like pulling teeth If something if like pulling teeth, it is very difficult, especially if trying to extract information or to get a straight answer from someone. Like taking candy from a baby (USA) If something is like taking candy from a baby, it is very easy to do. Like the back of your hand If you know something like the back of your hand, you know it very well indeed. Like the clappers If something is going like the clappers, it is going very fast. Like there's no tomorrow If you do something like there's no tomorrow, you do it fast or energetically. Like two peas in a pod Things that are like two peas in a pod are very similar or identical, Like watching sausage getting made If something is like watching sausages getting made, unpleasant truths about it emerge that make it much less appealing. The idea is that if people watched sausages getting made, they would probably be less fond of them. Like white on rice (USA) If you do something like white on rice, you do it very closely: When Bob found out I had front row tickets for the concert, he stuck to me like white on rice. Like wildfire If something happens or spreads like wildfire, it happens very quickly and intensely. Lily-livered Someone who is lily-livered is a coward. Lines of communication Lines of communication are the routes used to communicate by people or groups who are in conflict; a government might open lines of communication with terrorists if it wished to negotiate with them. Lion's share The lion's share of something is the biggest or best part. Lip service When people pay lip service to something, they express their respect, but they don't act on their words, so the respect is hollow and empty. Little pitchers have big ears (USA) This means that children hear more and understand the world around them better than many adults realize. Little strokes fell great oaks Meaning: even though something may seem impossible, if you break it up into small parts and take one step at a time, you will succeed. Live high off the hog If you are living high off the hog, you are living lavishly. Live wire A person who is very active, both mentally and physically, is a live wire. Lo and behold This phrase is used to express surprise. Loan shark A loan shark lends money at very high rates of interest. Lock and load This is a military term meaning "be ready and prepared". Lock horns When people lock horns, they argue or fight about something. Lock the stable door after the horse has bolted If someone takes action too late, they do this; there is no reason to lock an empty stable. Lock, stock and barrel This is an expressions that means 'everything'; if someone buys a company lock, stock and barrel, they buy absolutely everything to do with the company. Long face Someone with a long face is sad or depressed about something. Long in the tooth If someone is long in the tooth, they are a bit too old to do something. Long shot If something is a long shot, there is only a very small chance of success. Long time no hear The speaker could say this when they have not heard from a person, either through phone calls or emails for a long time. Long time no see 'Long time no see' means that the speaker has not seen that person for a long time. Look after number 1 You are number one, so this idiom means that you should think about yourself first, rather than worrying about other people. Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves (UK) If you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves, meaning that if someone takes care not to waste small amounts of money, they will accumulate capital. ('Look after the pence and the pounds will look after themselves' is an alternative form of this idiom.) Look before you leap This idiom means that you should think carefully about the possible results or consequences before doing something. Look on the bright side If you look on the bright side, you try to see things in an optimistic way, especially when something has gone wrong. Look out for number one If you look out for number one, you take care of yourself and your interests, rather than those of other people. Look what the cat dragged in This idiom is used when someone arrives somewhere looking a mess or flustered and bothered. Loose cannon A person who is very difficult to control and unpredictable is a loose cannon. Loose lips sink ships To have loose lips means to have a big mouth, susceptible to talking about everything and everyone. Sinking ships refers to anything from small acquaintances to long and hearty relationships (with friends or a significant other). So when one says loose lips sink ships, one is basically saying if you can't shut up you are going to end hurting people, usually psychologically or emotionally.Loose lips sink ships comes from World War I and/or WWII, when sailors on leave from their ships might talk about what ship they sailed on or where it had come from, or where it was going. If they talked too much (had 'loose lips') they might accidentally provide the enemy with anecdotal information that might later cause their ship to be tracked, and bombed and sunk, hence 'Loose lips sink ships.' Later, it came to mean any excessive talk might sabotage a project. Lord love a duck An exclamation used when nothing else will fit. Often fitting when one is stunned or dismayed. Lord willing and the creek don't rise Pertains to the ability to accomplish a task or meet an obligation, barring unforseen complications. Example: "I will be at work tomorrow, Lord willing and the creek don't rise." Lose face To lose one's reputation or standing is to lose face Lose the plot If someone loses the plot, they have stopped being rational about something. Lose your bottle (UK) If someone loses their bottle, they lose the courage to do something. Lose your lunch (UK) If you lose your lunch, you vomit. Lose your marbles If someone has lost their marbles, they've gone mad. Lose your shirt If someone loses their shirt, they lose all their money through a bad investment, gambling, etc. Love is blind If you love someone, it doesn't matter what they look like. You will also overlook faults. Low-hanging fruit Low-hanging fruit are things that are easily achieved. Lower than a snake's belly Someone or something that is lower than a snake's belly is of a very low moral standing. Lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut (USA) If someone or something is lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut, they are of low moral standing because a snake's belly is low and if the snake is in a wagon rut, it is really low. Lower the bar If people change the standards required to make things easier, they lower the bar. Lower your sights If you lower your sights, you accept something that is less than you were hoping for. Luck of the draw To have the 'Luck of the draw' is to win something in a competition where the winner is chosen purely by chance.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
#13
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~ M ~
Mad as a badger
If someone is as mad as a badger, they are crazy. Mad as a bag of hammers Someone who is as mad as a bag of hammers is crazy or stupid. ('Daft as a bag of hammers' is also used.) Mad as a cut snake (AU) One who is mad as a cut snake has lost all sense of reason, is crazy, out of control. Mad as a hornet (USA) If someone is as mad as a hornet, they are very angry indeed. Mad as a March hare Someone who is excitable and unpredictable is as mad as a March hare. Mad as a wet hen If someone is as mad as a wet hen, they are extremely angry. Made in the shade One has an easy time in life or in a given situation. Finding things working to one's benefit. Made of money If you are made of money, you have a lot of money. Mailed fist Someone who rules or controls something with a mailed fist is in absolute control and tolerates no dissent. A mailed fist in a velvet glove is used to describe someone who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. 'Iron fist' is an alternative form. Major league Something major league is very important. Make a better fist If someone makes a better fist of doing something, they do a better job. Make a clean breast If someone makes a clean breast, they confess in full to something they have done. Make a killing If you make a killing, you do something that makes you a lot of money. Make a meal If someone makes a meal of something, they spend too long doing it or make it look more difficult than it really is. Make a mint If someone is making a mint, they are making a lot of money. Make a monkey of someone If you make a monkey of someone, you make them look foolish. Make a mountain out of a molehill If somebody makes a mountain out of a molehill, they exaggerate the importance or seriousness of a problem. Make a pig's ear If you make a pig's ear of something, you make a mess of it. Make a pitch If you make a pitch for something, you make a bid, offer or other attempt to get it. Make a request If you request something, or make a request, you are asking for something you want or need. Make a song and dance (UK) If someone makes a song and dance, they make an unecessary fuss about something unimportant. Make a virtue out of necessity If you make a virtue out of necessity, you make the best of a difficult or unsatisfactory situation. Make an enquiry If you make an enquiry, you ask for general information about something. Make bets in a burning house (USA) If people are making bets in a burning house, they are engaged in futile activity while serious problems around them are getting worse. Make ends meet If somebody finds it hard to make ends meet, they have problems living on the money they earn. Make hay If you make hay, or may hay while the sun shines, you take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it arises and do not waste time. Make headway If you make headway, you make progress. Make money hand over fist If you make money hand over fist, you make a lot of money without any difficulty. Make my day If something makes your day, it satisfies you or makes you happy. Make no bones about it If somebody make no bones about a scandal in their past, they are open and honest about it and show no shame or embarrassment. Make or break A make or break decision, stage, etc, is a crucial one that will determine the success or failure of the whole venture. Make out like a bandit (USA) If someone is extremely successful in a venture, they make out like a bandit. Make waves If someone makes waves, they cause a lot of trouble. Make your blood boil If something makes your blood boil, it makes you very angry. Make your flesh crawl If something makes your flesh crawl, it really scares or revolts you. ('Make your flesh creep' is an alternative. 'Make your skin crawl' is also used.) Make your hair stand on end If something makes your hair stand on end, it terrifies you. Make your toes curl If something makes your toes curl, it makes you feel very uncomfortable, shocked or embarrassed. Make yourself scarce If someone makes themselves scarce, they go away from a place, especially to avoid trouble or so that they can't be found. Man Friday From 'Robinson Crusoe', a 'Man Friday' refers to an assistant or companion, usually a capable one. The common feminine *****alent is 'Girl Friday'. (Also, 'right-hand man'. ) Man in the street The man in the street is an idiom to describe ordinary people, especially when talking about their opinions and ideas. Man of his word A man of his word is a person who does what he says and keeps his promises. Man of letters A man of letters is someone who is an expert in the arts and literature, and often a writer too. Man of means A man, or woman, of means is wealthy. Man of parts A man of parts is a person who is talented in a number of different areas or ways. Man of straw A weak person that can easily be beaten of changed is a man of straw. Man of the cloth A man of the cloth is a priest. Man on the Clapham omnibus (UK) The man on the Clapham omnibus is the ordinary person in the street. Man proposes, God disposes Your fate lies in the hands of God. Man upstairs When people refer to the man upstairs, they are referring to God. Man's best friend This is an idiomatic term for dogs. Man's man A man's man is a man who does things enjoyed by men and is respected by other men. Many a slip twixt cup and lip There's many a slip twixt cup and lip means that many things can go wrong before something is achieved. Many hands make light work This idiom means that when everyone gets involved in something, the work gets done quickly. Many happy returns This expression is used to wish someone a happy birthday. Many moons ago A very long time ago. March to the beat of your own drum If people march to the beat of their own drum, they do things the way they want without taking other people into consideration. Mark my words Mark my words is an expression used to lend an air of seriousness to what the speaker is about to say when talking about the future. You often hear drunks say it before they deliver some particularly spurious nonsense. Mark someone's card If you mark someone's card, you correct them in a forceful and prompt manner when they say something wrong. Marked man A marked man is a person who is being targeted by people who want to do them harm or cause them trouble. Matter of life and death If something is a matter of life and death, it is extremely important. Mealy-mouthed A mealy-mouthed person doesn't say what they mean clearly. Meat and drink If something is meat and drink to you, you enjoy it and are naturally good at it, though many find it difficult. Meat and potatoes The meat and potatoes is the most important part of something. A meat and potatoes person is someone who prefers plain things to fancy ones. Meet someone halfway If you meet someone halfway, you accept some of their ideas and make concessions. Meet your expectations If something doesn't meet your expectations, it means that it wasn't as good as you had thought it was going to be; a disappointment. Meet your Maker If someone has gone to meet their Maker, they have died. Meet your match If you meet your match, you meet a person who is at least as good if not better than you are at something. Megaphone diplomacy If negotiations between countries or parties are held through press releases and announcements, this is megaphone diplomacy, aiming to force the other party into adopting a desired position. Melt your heart If something melts your heart, it affects you emotionally and you cannot control the feeling. Melting pot A melting pot is a place where people from many ethnicities and nationalities live together. Memory like a sieve If somebody can't retain things for long in his or her memory and quickly forgets, he or she has a memory like a sieve. A sieve has lots of tiny holes in it to let liquids out while keeping the solids inside. Memory like an elephant 'An elephant never forgets' is a saying, so if a person has a memory like an elephant, he or she has a very good memory indeed. Mend fences When people mend fences, they try to improve or restore relations that have been damaged by disputes or arguments. Mess with a bull, you get the horns If you do something stupid or dangerous, you can get hurt. Method in his madness If there's method in someone's madness, they do things in a strange and unorthodox way, but manage to get results. Mexican standoff When there is a deadlock in strategy and neither side can do anything that will ensure victory, it's a Mexican standoff. Mickey Mouse If something is Mickey Mouse, it is intellectually trivial or not of a very high standard. Midas touch If someone has the Midas touch, they make a lot of money out of any scheme they try. Middle of nowhere If someone says that he/she is in the middle of nowhere, he/she means that he/she is not sure where he/she is. Might and main This means with all your effort and strength. As he failed in the previous exam,the student tried might and main to pass the next one. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow Big or great things start very small. Millstone round your neck A millstone around your neck is a problem that prevents you from doing what you want to do. Mince words If people mince words, or mince their words, they don't say what they really mean clearly. Mind over matter This idiom is used when someone uses their willpower to rise above adversity. Mind the gap Mind the gap is an instruction used on the Underground in the UK to warn passengers to be careful when leaving the tube or train as there is quite a distance between the train and the platform. Mind your own beeswax (USA) This idiom means that people should mind their own business and not interfere in other people's affairs. Mind Your P's and Q's If you are careful about the way you behave and are polite, you mind Your P's and Q's. Mind your P's and Q's This is used as a way of telling someone to be polite and behave well. Mint condition If something is in mint condition, it is in perfect condition. Misery guts A misery guts is a person who's always unhappy and tries to make others feel negative. Miss is as good as a mile A miss is as good as a mile means that if you fail, even by the smallest margin, it is still a failure. Miss the boat If you miss the boat, you are too late to take advantage of an opportunity. Mom and pop (USA) A mom and pop business is a small business, especially if it is run by members of a family. It can used in a wider sense to mean that something is small scale. Monday morning quarterback (USA) A Monday morning quarterback is someone who, with the benefit of hindsight, knows what should have been done in a situation. Money burns a hole in your pocket If someone has money burning a hole in their pocket, they are eager to spend it, normally in a wasteful manner. Money doesn`t grow on trees This means that you have to work to earn money; it doesn't come easily or without effort. Money for jam If something's money for jam, it's a very easy way of making money. Money for old rope (UK) If something's money for old rope, it's a very easy way of making money. Money laundering If people launder money, they get money made illegally into the mainstream so that it is believed to be legitimate and clean. Money makes many things This means that money is important. Money talks This means that people can convey many messages with money, and many things can be discovered about people by observing the way they use their money. Money to burn If someone is very rich, they have money to burn. Monkey business If children get up to monkey business, they are behaving naughtily or mischievously. This is the same as 'monkeying around'. Monkey see, monkey do This idiom means that children will learn their behaviour by copying what they see happening around them. Moot point If something's a moot point, there's some disagreement about it: a debatable point. In the U.S., this expression usually means that there is no point in debating something, because it just doesn't matter. An example: If you are arguing over whether to go the beach or to the park, but you find out the car won't start and you can't go anywhere, then the destination is said to be a moot point. Moral fibre Moral fibre is the inner strength to do what you believe to be right in difficult situations Example: He lacked the moral fibre to be leader (In American English the correct spelling is 'fiber'.) Moral high ground If people have/take/claim/seize, etc, the moral high ground, they claim that their arguments, beliefs, etc, are morally superior to those being put forward by other people. More front than Brighton (UK) If you have more front than Brighton, you are very self-confident, possibly excessively so. More haste, less speed The faster you try to do something, the more likely you are to make mistakes that make you take longer than it would had you planned it. More heat than light If a discussion generates more heat than light, it doesn't provide answers, but does make people angry. More holes than Swiss cheese If something has more holes than a Swiss cheese, it is incomplete,and lacks many parts. More than meets the eye If there is more than meets the eye to something, it is more complex or difficult than it appears. More than one string to their bow A person who has more than one string to their bow has different talents or skills to fall back on. More than one way to skin a cat When people say that there is more than one way to skin a cat, they mean that there are different ways of achieving the same thing. More than you can shake a stick at If you have more of something than you can shake a stick at, then you have a lot. Mountain to climb If you have a mountain to climb, you have to work hard or make a lot of progress to achieve something. Move heaven and earth This expression indicates a person's determined intention of getting a work done in spite of all odds he may face. He will use all and every means to accomplish the target. Example: He moved heaven and earth to get his literary work recognised by the committee of experts. Move mountains If you would move mountains to do something, you would make any effort to achieve your aim. When people say that faith can move mountains, they mean that it can achieve a lot. Move the goalposts When people move the goalposts, they change the standards required for something to their advantage. Mover and shaker A person who is a mover and shaker is a highly respected, key figure in their particular area with a lot of influence and importance. Much ado about nothing If there's a lot of fuss about something trivial, there's much ado about nothing. Muck or nettles 'Muck or nettles' means 'all or nothing'. Mud in the fire The things that cannot be changed in the past that we usually forget about are mud in the fire. Mud in your eye This is a way of saying 'cheers' when you are about to drink something, normally alcohol. Mud-slinging If someone is mud-slinging, they are insulting someone and trying to damage that person's reputation. Muddy the waters If somebody muddies the waters, he or she makes the situation more complex or less clear. Mum's the word When people use this idiom, they mean that you should keep quiet about something and not tell other people. Mummy's boy A man who is still very dependent on his mother is a mummy's boy. Murder will out This idiom means that bad deeds can't be kept secret forever. Murky waters Where people are behaving in morally and ethically questionable ways, they are in murky waters. Music to my ears If something someone says is music to your ears, it is exactly what you had wanted to hear. Mutton dressed as lamb Mutton dressed as lamb is term for middle-aged or elderly people trying to look younger. My dogs are barking (USA) When someone says this, they mean that their feet are hurting. My eye This idiom is added to an adjective to show that you disagree with it: 'He's shy.' 'Shy my eye- he's just planning something secret.' My foot! This idiom is used to show that you do not believe what someone has just said. My hands are full If your hands are full, you have so much to do that you cannot take on any more work, responsibilities and so on. My hands are tied If your hands are tied, you are unable to act for some reason. My heart bleeds If your heart bleeds for someone, you feel genuine sympathy and sadness for them. My heart goes out to someone If your heart goes out to someone, you feel genuine sympathy for them. My way or the highway This idiom is used to say that if people don't do what you say, they will have to leave or quit the project, etc.
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لاإله إلا الله محمد رسول الله |
#14
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~ N ~
Nail in the coffin
A nail in someone or something's coffin is a problem or event that is a clear step towards an inevitable failure. Nail-biter If a game, election, contest, etc, is a nail-biter, it is exciting because the competitors are so close that it is impossible to predict the result. Nature abhors a vacuum This idiom is used to express the idea that empty or unfilled spaces are unnatural as they go against the laws of nature and physics. Nature of the beast The basic characteristics of something is the nature of the beast; often used when there's an aspect of something that cannot be changed or that is unpleasant or difficult. Neck and neck If two competitors or candidates, etc, are neck and neck, then they are very close and neither is clearly winning. Neck of the woods If someone talks about their neck of the woods, they mean the area where they live. Need no introduction Someone who is very famous and known to everyone needs no introduction. Needle in a haystack If trying to find something is like looking for a needle in a haystack, it means that it is very difficult, if not impossible to find among everything around it. Neither fish nor fowl Something or someone that is neither fish nor fowl doesn't really fit into any one group. Neither here nor there If something is neither here nor there, it is of very little importance. Neither use nor ornament Something that serves no purpose and is not aesthetically pleasing is neither use nor ornament. Nerves of steel If someone has nerves of steel, they don't get frightened when other people do. Nervous Nellie Someone excessively worried or apprehensive is a nervous Nellie (or Nelly). Nest egg If you have some money saved for the future, it is a nest egg. Never a rose without the prick This means that good things always have something bad as well; like the thorns on the stem of a rose. Never darken my door again This is a way of telling someone never to visit you again. New blood If something needs new blood, it has become stale and needs new ideas or people to invigorate it. New brush sweeps clean 'A new brush sweeps clean' means that someone with a new perspective can make great changes. However, the full version is 'a new brush sweeps clean, but an old brush knows the corners', which warns that experience is also a valuable thing. Sometimes 'broom' is used instead of 'brush'. New kid on the block A new kid on the block is a person who has recently joined a company, organisation, team, etc, and does not know how things work yet. New lease of life If someone finds new enthusiasm and energy for something, they have a new lease of life. New man (UK) A New man is a man who believes in complete equality of the ***es and shares domestic work equally. New sheriff in town This is used when a new authority figure takes charge. New York minute (USA) If something happens in a New York minute, it happens very fast. Newfangled People who don't like new methods, technologies, etc, describe them as newfangled, which means new but not as good or nice as the old ones. Nice as pie If a person is nice as pie, they are surprisingly very kind and friendly. "After our argument, she was nice as pie!" Nick of time If you do something in the nick of time, you do it at the very last minute or second. Nickel tour (USA) If someone gives you a nickel tour, they show you around a place. ('Fifty-cent tour' is also used.) Night owl A night owl is someone who goes to bed very late. Ninth circle of hell In Dante's Inferno, the ninth circle of hell is the centre where the worst punishments are found, so it is used idiomatically for something that couldn't get worse. Nip and tuck A close contest where neither opponent seems to be gaining the advantage. Nip at the bit If someone is nipping at the bit, they are anxious to get something done and don't want to wait. Nip it in the bud If you nip something in the bud, you deal with a problem when it is still small, before it can grow into something serious. Nitty gritty If people get down to the nitty gritty, they concentrate on the most important and serious issues. No bed of roses If something isn't a bed of roses, it is difficult. No can do No can do means that the speaker can't do whatever it is that has been asked of him or her. No go Something that will not work. 'A square peg in a round hole is a no go.' No good deed goes unpunished This means that life is unfair and people can do or try to do good things and still end up in a lot of trouble. No great shakes If someone is no great shakes at something, they are not very good at it. No harm, no foul There's no problem when no harm or damage is done, such as the time my sister-in-law stole the name we'd chosen for a boy and we both ended up having girls. No holds barred If there are no holds barred, there are no rules of conduct; you can do anything. No ifs or buts Ifs and Buts is a term used to describe the reasons people give for not wanting to do something. To show that you don't wish to accept any excuses, you can tell somebody that you wish to hear no ifs or buts Here IF & BUT have become nouns No laughing matter Something that is no laughing matter is very serious. No love lost If there is no love lost between two people they have a strong enmity towards or hate for the other and make no effort to conceal it. No pain, no gain Achievements require some sort of sacrifice. No quarter This means without mercy. We can say no quarter given or asked. No question This idiom means that something is certain or definite. No questions asked If something is to be done and no questions asked, then it doesn't matter what methods are used or what rules are broken to ensure that it gets done. No skin off my nose If something's no skin off your nose, it doesn't affect or bother you at all. No smoke without fire This idiom means that when people suspect something, there is normally a good reason for the suspicion, even if there is no concrete evidence. ('Where's there's smoke, there's fire' is also used.) No spine If someone has no spine, they lack courage or are cowardly. No spring chicken If someone is no spring chicken, they are not young. No strings attached If something has no strings attached, there are no obligations or requirements involved. No time for If you have no time for an activity, you have absolutely no desire to spend or waste any time doing it. You can have no time for people, too. No time like the present If people say that there's no time like the present , they believe that it is far better to do something now than to leave it for later, in which case it might never get done. No time to lose If there's no time to lose, then it's time to get started otherwise it won't be finished on time. No two ways about it If there are no two ways about something, there is no other possible interpretation. No use to man or beast If something or someone is no use to man or beast, they it or they are utterly useless. Nod's as good as a wink (UK) 'A nod's as good as a wink' is a way of saying you have understood something that someone has said, even though it was not said directly. The full phrase (sometimes used in the UK ) is 'a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse'. Noddy work (UK) Unimportant or very simple tasks are noddy work. None so blind as those who will not see This idiom is used when people refuse to accept facts presented to them. ('None so deaf as those who will not hear' is an alternative.) Nose in the air If someone has their nose in the air, they behave in a way that is meant to show that they are superior to others. Nosy parker (UK) A nosy parker is someone who is excessively interested in other people's lives. ('Nosey parker' is an alternative spelling.) Not a snowball's chance in hell There is absolutely no possibility of something hapening if there's not a snowball's chance in hell. Not all there If someone isn't all there, they are a little bit stupid or crazy. Not bat an eye If someone doesn't bat an eye, they do not react when other people normally would. Not born yesterday When someone says that they weren't born yesterday, they mean that they are not naive or easily fooled. Not cricket (UK) If something is not cricket, it is unfair. Not enough room to swing a cat If a room is very small, you can say that there isn't enough room to swing a cat in it. Not give a fig If you don't give a fig about something, you don't care about it at all, especially used to express how little one cares about another's opinions or actions. Not give a monkey's (UK) If you couldn't give a monkey's about something, you don't care at all about it. Not have the heart If you don't have the heart to do something, you don't have the strength or courage to do something. (Usually used in the negative) Not have two pennies to rub together If someone hasn't got two pennies to rub together, they are very poor indeed. Not hurt a fly Somebody who would not hurt a fly is not aggressive. Not know beans about (USA) If someone doesn't know beans about something, they know nothing about it. Not know you are born This indicates that the person described is unaware of his or her good fortune or is unaware of how difficult day to day life was before he/she was born. Typical usage: 'Kids today don't know they are born'. Not much cop Describing a film or something as not much cop is a way of saying that you didn't think much of it. Not my cup of tea If something is not your cup of tea, you don't like it very much. Not on my watch Someone distancing themselves from a situation could say that it is not on their watch. Not our bag If something is not your bag, it is not really suitable for your needs or you don't like it much. Not the only pebble on the beach If something is not the only pebble on the beach, there are other possibilities or alternatives. Not to be sneezed at If something is not to be sneezed at, it should be taken seriously. Not wash If a story or explanation will not wash, it is not credible. Not worth a red cent (USA) If something is not worth a red cent, it has no value. Not worth a tinker's dam This means that something is worthless and dates back to when someone would travel around the countryside repairing things such as a kitchen pot with a hole in it. He was called a 'tinker'. His dam was used to stop the flow of soldering material being used to close the hole. Of course his 'trade' is passé, thus his dam is worth nothing. Notch on your belt A success or achievement that might help you in the future is a notch on your belt. Nothing to crow about If something's nothing to crow about, it's not particularly good or special. Nothing to write home about Something that is not special or good is nothing to write home about. Nothing ventured, nothing gained You can't win if you don't join in the game; if you don't participate in something, you will not achieve anything. Now and then This idiom means 'occasionally'. Null and void If something's null and void, it is invalid or is no longer applicable. Number cruncher A number cruncher is an accountant or someone who is very good at dealing with numbers and calculations. Nuts and bolts The nuts and bolts are the most essential components of something. Nutty as a fruitcake Someone who's nutty as a fruitcake is irrational or crazy. (This can be shortened to 'a fruitcake'.)
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Object lesson
An object lesson serves as a warning to others. (In some varieties of English 'abject lesson' is used.) Odds and ends Odds and ends are small, remnant articles and things- the same as 'bits and bobs'. Off colour If someone looks off colour/color, they look ill. Off the beaten track Somewhere that's off the beaten track is in a remote location. Off the chart If something goes off the chart, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or bad, for something. Off the cuff If you do something off the cuff, you do it without any preparation. Off the grid Someone who is off the grid lives outside society and chooses not to follow its rules and conventions. Off the hook If someone is off the hook, they have avoided punishment or criticism for something they have done. Off the mark If something is off the mark, it is inaccurate or incorrect. Off the rails If someone has gone off the rails, they have lost track of reality. Off the record Something off the record is said in confidence because the speaker doesn't want it attributed to them, especially when talking to the media. Off the scale If something goes off the scale, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or bad, for something. Off the shelf If a product is off the shelf, it can be used straightaway without any setting-up. Off the top of your head If you say something off the top of your head, you don't think about it beforehand. Off the track If something puts or throws you off your track, it distracts you or keeps you from achieving what you want. Off the wall Something that is off the wall is unconventional. Off your chump (UK) If someone is off their chump, they are crazy or irrational. Off your rocker (UK) Someone who is off their rocker is crazy. Off-hand Off-hand means without preparation. People say that they don't know the answer off-hand, meaning that they don't know it at that time. Oh, my goodness! An expression of surprise. Old chestnut An old chestnut is something that has been repeated so many times that it has lost its impact. Old flames die hard It's very difficult to forget old things, especially the first love. Old friends and old wine are best This idiom means that the things and people that we know well are better than the unfamiliar. Old hat If something's old hat, it seems rather old fashioned and dated. Old wive's tale A proverb or piece of advice that is commonly accepted as truth and is handed down the generations, but is normally false. Oldest trick in the book The oldest trick in the book is a well-known way of deceiving someone, though still effective. Olive branch If you hold out or offer an olive branch, you make a gesture to indicate that you want peace. On a fishing expedition If someone is on a fishing expedition, they are trying to get information, often using incorrect or improper ways to find things out. On a roll If you're on a roll, you're moving from success to success. On a silver platter If you hand or give something on a silver platter to someone, you let them have it too easily. On all fours If someone is on all fours, they crawl. On Carey Street (UK) If someone is on Carey Street, they are heavily in debt or have gone bankrupt. On good terms If people are on good terms, they have a good relationship. On hold If something is on hold, no action is being taken. On ice If plans are put on ice, they are delayed and no action will be taken for the foreseeable future. On pins and needles If you are on pins and needles, you are very worried about something. On tenterhooks This means that she is waiting impatiently and excitedly for something. On the ball If someone's on the ball, they are well-informed and know what's going on in their area of responsibility or interest. On the blink (UK) Is a machine is on the blink, it isn't working properly or is out of order. On the blower (UK) If someone is on the blower, they are on the phone. On the cards (UK) If something is in the cards, it is almost certain to happen. On the carpet When you are called to the bosses office (since supposedly, they are the only ones who have carpet) and its definitely not for a good reason, i.e., you are in trouble, something has not gone according to plan and either maybe you are responsible and/or have some explaining to do. On the case If someone is on the case, they are dealing with a problem. On the cheap If you do something on the cheap, you spend as little as possible to do it. On the dole (UK) Someone receiving financial assistance when unemployed is on the dole. On the dot If someone says that they're leaving at seven on the dot, don't be late; they mean at exactly seven o'clock. On the factory floor On the factory floor means the place where things are actually produced. On the fiddle (UK) Someone who is stealing money from work is on the fiddle, especially if they are doing it by fraud. On the flip side On the reverse or the other side On the fly If you do things on the fly, you do things without preparation, responding to events as they happen. On the game (UK) A person who is on the game works as a prostitute. On the ground Events on the ground are where things are actually happening, not at a distance. On the hoof If you decide something on the hoof, you do it without planning, responding to events as they happen. On the house If you get something for free that would normally have to be bought, especially in a bar or restaurant, it is on the house. On the lam If someone is on the lam, they are hiding from the police or authorities, especially to avoid arrest or prison. On the level If someone is honest and trustworthy, they are on the level. On the line If somebody's job is on the line, they stand a very good chance of losing it. On the make If someone is on the make, they are trying to make a lot of money, usually illegally. On the map If a place becomes widely known, it is put on the map. A place that remains unknown is off the map. On the money If you are on the money, you are right about something. On the never-never (UK) If you buy something on the never-never, you buy it on long-term credit. On the nod (UK) If something is accepted by parliament or a committee majority, it is on the nod. On the nod (UK) Someone who's on the nod is either asleep or falling asleep, especially when the shouldn't or are are in a position unusual for sleep, like sitting or standing. On the nod (UK) When a horse runs, its head moves backwards and forwards alternately - in horse racing, if 2 horses cross the line together the one whose head happens to be going forward often wins and is said to win 'on the nod'. On the nose This means right on time. On the rebound If someone is on the rebound, their relationship has recently ended and they are emotionally unstable. On the right foot If you start something or set off on the right foot, you get off to a good start. On the ropes When something or someone is on the ropes, it or they are doing badly and likely to fail. On the run If someone is on the run, they are avoiding arrest and hiding from the police. On the same page If people are on the same page, they have the same information and are thinking the same way. On the same wavelength If people are on the same wavelength, they have the same ideas and opinions about something. On the shelf If something like a project is on the shelf, nothing is being done about it at the moment. On the skids When things or people are on the skids, they are in serious decline and trouble. On the sly If someone does something on the sly, they do it furtively or secretly. On the stump When politicians are campaigning for support and votes, they are on the stump. On the take (UK) Someone who is stealing from work is on the take. On the tip of your tongue If a word is on the tip of your tongue, you know you know the word, but you just can't quite remember it at the moment. On the trot (UK) This idiom means 'consecutively'; I'd saw them three days on the trot, which means that I saw them on three consecutive days. On the up and up If you are on the up and up, you are making very good progress in life and doing well. On the wagon If someone is on the wagon, they have stopped drinking alcohol. On the wallaby track (AU) In Australian English, if you're on the wallaby track, you are unemployed. On top of the world If you are on top of the world, everything is going well for you. On your high horse When someone is on their high horse, they are being inflexible, arrogant and will not make any compromises. On your last legs If someone's on their last legs, they're close to dying. On your soapbox If someone is up on their soapbox about something, they are very overtly and verbally passionate about the topic. On your tod If you are on your tod, you are alone. On your toes Someone on his or her toes is alert and ready to go. Once bitten, twice shy If somebody is said to be once bitten twice shy, it means that someone who has been hurt or who has had something go wrong will be far more careful the next time. Once in a blue moon If something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely indeed. One bad apple The full form of this proverb is 'one bad apple spoils the barrel', meaning that a bad person, policy, etc, can ruin everything around it. One fell swoop If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly. One for the road A last drink before leaving a pub or bar is one for the road. One good turn deserves another This means that when people do something good, something good will happen to them. One hand washes the other This idiom means that we need other people to get on as cooperation benefits us all. One man's loss is another man's gain This means thato ne person's setback benefits someone else. One man's meat is another man's poison This idiom means that one person can like something very much, but another can hate it. One man's trash is another man's treasure What is useless to one person might be valuable to another. One over the eight (UK) Someone who is one over the eight is drunk. One swallow does not make a summer This means that one good or positive event does not mean that everything is all right. One-man band If one person does all the work or has all the responsibility somewhere, then they are a one-man band. One-off A one-off event only happens once and will not be repeated. One-trick pony A one-trick pony is someone who does one thing well, but has limited skills in other areas. Oops a daisy An expression used to indicate surprise. Open all hours If a shop or suchlike is open all hours, it only closes, if at all, terribly late. Open book If a person is an open book, it is easy to know what they think or how they feel about things. Open old sores When a sore is almost healed, and if a person rips or tears it open, it is way of preventing the healing process and further aggravating the pain. This phrase, metaphorically suggests, to revive or reopen a quarrel or enmity which was almost forgotten. Open old wounds If you open old wounds, you revive a quarrel or problem that caused a lot of trouble in the past. Opening a can of worms If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems and is, on balance, probably going to cause more trouble than it's worth. Opportunity knocks but once This idiom means that you only get one chance to achieve what you really want to do. Other fish to fry If you have other fish to fry, it doesn't matter if one opportunity fails to materialise as you have plenty of others. Other side of the coin The other side of the coin is a different, usually opposing, view of a situation. ('Flip side of the coin' is an alternative.) Out and about If someone is out and about, they have left their home and are getting things done that they need to do. Out in the sticks (UK) If someone lives out in the sticks, they live out in the country, a long way from any metropolitan area. Out like a light If you are out like a light, you fall fast asleep. Out of hand If something gets out of hand, it gets out of control. Out of my league If someone or something is out of your league, you aren't good enough or rich enough, etc, for it or them. Out of pocket If you are out of pocket on a deal, you have lost money. Out of sight, out of mind Out of sight, out of mind is used to suggest that someone will not think or worry about something if it isn't directly visible or available to them. Out of sorts If you are feeling a bit upset and depressed, you are out of sorts. Out of the blue If something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and unexpectedly. Out of the box Thinking out of the box is thinking in a creative way. However, it can also be used for a ready-made product that requires no specialist knowledge to set it up. Out of the frying pan, into the fire If you get out of one problem, but find yourself in a worse situation, you are out of the frying pan, into the fire. Out of the gate running If someone comes out of the gate running, they start something at a fast pace, without any build-up. Out of the left field (USA) If something comes out of the left field, it is beside the point and has nothing to do with the matter being discussed. Out of the mouths of babes People say this when children unexpectedly say something very intelligent or wise. Out of the woods If you are out of the woods, you have emerged safely from a dangerous situation, though the idiom is often used in the negative. Out of this world If something is out of this world, it is fantastic. Out of Whack If something is out of whack, it is not working correctly or not in the correct order. Out of your hair If you get someone out of your hair, you get them to stop bothering or annoying you. ('Stay/keep/get out of my hair!' can be used as imperatives) Out of your mind If someone is out of the mind, they are so emotional about something that they are no longer rational. Out of your own pocket If someone does something out of their own pocket, they pay all the expenses involved. Out on a limb If somebody's out on a limb, they are in a very exposed position and could get into difficulties. Out to lunch If someone's out to lunch, they are crazy or out of touch. Out-and-out This means complete or total; an out-and-out lie is completey false. Over a barrel If someone has you over a barrel, they have you in a position where you have no choice but to accept what they want. Over and over If something happens over and over, it happens repeatedly. Over my dead body If you say that something will happen over your dead body, you will not let it happen. Over the counter Medicines and drugs that can be sold without a doctor's prescription are sold over the counter. Over the hill If someone is over the hill they have reached an age at which they can longer perform as well as they used to. Over the moon If you are over the moon about something, you are overjoyed. Over the top If something is over the top, it is excessive or unnecessary. It refers to the moment a soldier leaves the trenches. Over your head If something is over your head, or goes over your head, it is too complex or difficult for you to understand. Over-egg the pudding (UK) If you over-egg the pudding, you spoil something by trying to improve it excessively. It is also used nowadays with the meaning of making something look bigger or more important than it really is. ('Over-egg' alone is often used in this sense.)
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