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Idioms
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Knowledgebase Idioms

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Idioms

Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions that are either grammatically unusual, as in, “Long time, no see!”, or their meaning cannot be taken literally, as in, “It’s raining c...

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Make A Note Of

Write down as to remember; or, remember.For Example:I’ll make a note of the fact that the tires are low. Shakespeare used this term in a slightly different form in The Two Gentlemen of Verona(2:...

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Barking Up The Wrong Tree

This is an especially humorous English phrase because of the word “bark” being used in the same phrase with the word “tree.” While “bark” is a word for the outer la...

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At The Drop Of A Hat

This is an English phrase that is used to say that only the slightest movement is necessary to start a process or activity. It is used to indicate that a person needs very little motivation to cause t...

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Easy As Pie

This common phrase has basically the same meaning as the previous phrase. It refers to a task or activity being as easy to accomplish as enjoying a piece of pie.For Example:“Algebra is as easy a...

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A Piece Of Cake

This is a common phrase that is used to say that a task is relatively easy. When someone is doing something that is as easy as enjoying a piece of cake, it is really easy.This is often used as a boast...

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Hold Your Horses

This is a common phrase that is spoken to ask someone who is in a hurry to slow down or stop for a moment. It is a reference to a person driving a vehicle that is pulled by horses. “Holding&rdqu...

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Eyes Are Bigger Than Stomach

The phrase does not literally mean that a person’s eyes are actually bigger than the person’s stomach. It basically means that a person has ordered more food than they are actually able to...

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Jumping Ship

It is usually used when talking about quitting a project or situation that seems too challenging to complete.For Example:It can be used when talking about a person: “He is jumping ship on the pr...

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Steer Clear

This is a phrase that is conceptually related to driving a vehicle. The phrase is essentially saying to avoid a certain person, place, or thing. This is similar to avoiding obstacles when using the st...

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On The Ball

Essentially means to stay attentive and focused on a task. This can be used in various ways. One example would be: “He is really on the ball since he started eating salad every day.” Anoth...

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News To Me

This is a relatively common English phrase used to state that something new and surprising has just been heard by a person speaking.For Example:Imagine a headline on a newspaper. The phrase is commonl...

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Pedal To The Metal

This is a really intriguing English phrase that likely sounds rather ridiculous when it’s first heard. The phrase is actually based on driving an automobile. The concept is that of pushing the g...

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Leap Of Faith

This English phrase may sound rather daring and it likely should. It is usually used to refer to an act of bravery on some level. The act of bravery being spoken about may be relatively small. If so, ...

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Like An Open Book

This is an English phrase that is used to describe a person who is very open and not hiding anything. It can be used to describe a person or something about a person. For instance: “He is like a...

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Bending Over Backwards

This common phrase doesn’t usually have much to do with a person physically bending over. The phrase is used to describe someone who is doing everything possible for a person or a situation.For ...

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Butterflies In The Stomach

The concept is based on how someone’s stomach might feel when they are nervous.For Example:The feeling is conceptually similar to having butterflies flying around. This can be used in the follow...

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A Little Bird Told Me

It is used when you want to tell someone something, but don’t want to tell them how you found out about it.For Example:Jon tells Sally that his company is doing really well. Sally tells her frie...

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Life In The Fast Lane

It is a way of saying that someone is living bravely and doing what they truly want to, sometimes indulgently.For Example:The phrase is usually used in the following manner: “He (or she) is livi...

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A Big Fish In A Small Pond

The meaning of this English phrase is different than it may sound. The phrase is actually a way of saying that someone is content to have a lot of influence in a relatively small group of people or pl...

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Take It Easy

The meaning of this common English phrase is very different than it may sound. In fact, it doesn’t really make logical sense when reading it. The phrase is essentially the same as saying: &ldquo...

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A Diamond In The Rough

Someone or something with great potential despite an appearance to the contrary.For Example:“She might not try very hard to look pretty, but I think Suzy is a diamond in the rough. If she focuse...

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Just Deserts

To get what one deserves.For Example:“I told Michael not to cheat on his taxes. Now he’s getting his just deserts; the IRS is auditing him.”

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Out Of Your Depth

Having no knowledge or experience on a topic.For Example:“My physics class is so hard. I’m way out of my depth in there.”

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Runs Deep

Something that is very established or concrete.For Example:“That red hair runs deep in Jimmy’s family genetics.”

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To Death

A phrase used to emphasize an emotion.For Example:If you are “scared to death,” you are really scared. If you are “bored to death,” you are really bored.

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Get A Raw Deal

To receive poor treatment or a bad outcome. If you get a raw deal, you had things go unfavorably.For Example:“I got a raw deal today at work: I found out they’re closing my position at the...

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Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead

A phrase that indicates a refusal to do something.For Example:If someone “wouldn’t be caught dead” doing something, that’s their way of saying they would never do it.

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Make Someone’s Day

Doing something that makes someone happy.For Example:“You should go tell Jenny that you noticed she’s lost some weight. I’m sure it will make her day.”

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Don’t Give Up Your Day Job

A phrase used to tell someone they’re not very good at something.For Example:If Cory invites his friend Chris to go golfing and realizes his friend Chris is very bad at golfing, he might say, &l...

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In Broad Daylight

Making no secrets or attempts to hide something.For Example:If you do something in broad daylight, you’re doing it for anyone to see.

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Late In The Day

Too far along in a certain activity to attempt a certain action.For Example:“Jim thought we should kick a field goal, but it was too late in the day for that. Since we were down by 21, we had to...

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Call It A Day

To declare the end of a day’s work.For Example:“Alright, I think we got enough orders shipped out today. Let’s call it a day and go get a beer.”

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A Shot In The Dark

A wild guess.For Example:“The final question was ‘who won the World Cup in 1994?’ I didn’t have any clue, so I just took a shot in the dark and said Spain.”

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In The Dark

Ignorant of a certain fact or issue.For Example:“In the debate when the Senator was asked his opinion on nuclear waste disposal, it was clear by his stuttering that he is in the dark on that iss...

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Not Cut Out For

Not fit to be a part of.For Example:“Debra thought she wanted to become a journalist, but after her first week of classes she determined she’s not cut out for that career.

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Can’t Cut The Mustard

Often shortened to “can’t cut it,” this phrase means you can’t handle a certain task or issue.For Example:“Bill thought about joining the Marines, but he eventually concl...

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Off The Cuff

Without being prepared in advance.For Example:“The President was asked to give a speech off the cuff, so he wasn’t at his best.”

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A Far Cry From

One thing that is very different from another thing, usually inferior.For Example:“You can’t compare Cornell to Harvard. Cornell is a far cry from Harvard.”

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When It Comes To The Crunch

When an important decision must be made.For Example:“When it comes to the crunch, you always want to go with your star player.”

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Crocodile Tears

Pretending to be upset by something.For Example:“He acted really upset about not being invited on the trip, but I think he was just crying crocodile tears.”

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Up The Creek

In a difficult position with no easy way out.For Example:The full saying is “up the creek without a paddle” which means you’re in a bad situation and don’t really have anything...

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Take Its Course

Allowing something to happen without outside influence.For Example:The full saying is usually “let nature take its course” which means “just relax and let’s just see how everyt...

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A Couch Potato

Someone who watches a lot of television and is therefore assumed to be lazy.For Example:“Did you invite Greg to the party?” “Yes, I did, but I doubt he’ll come. That guy is suc...

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In A Tight Corner

In a difficult situation.For Example:“When Mary told me I had to choose between her or my career, I really found myself in a tight corner.”

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Lose Your Cool

To become tempermental or nervous.For Example:“When the store clerk told Bill they were out of beer, he lost his cool and shouted that he would never return to the store again.”

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Keep Your Cool

To remain calm in an adverse situation.For Example:When someone keeps their cool, they don’t become emotionally upset or distracted in a scenario where most people might.

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A Tough Cookie

An underdog whose determination usually results in success.For Example:“No one thought Mark stood a chance in that fight, but he is one tough cookie and proved everyone wrong.”

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In Inverted Commas

A phrase that indicates the phrase you’re using to describe something is being used with sarcasm.For Example:You might say, “Bill thinks one day he’s going to ‘save the company...

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With Flying Colors

With great success.For Example:If Sarah needed to score 80% to pass a test and she scored 97% on the test, you would say “she passed the test with flying colors.”

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Left Out In The Cold

Failing to include someone as part of an activity.For Example:“The government’s health care policy leaves seniors out in the cold.”

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The Other Side Of The Coin

To see things from a different, opposing perspective.For Example:“let’s look at the other side of the coin for a minute and contemplate what will happen if we don’t go forward with t...

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Wake Up And Smell The Coffee

Try to understand or pay attention to something.For Example:If someone said “wake up and smell the coffee,” they’re trying to get you to see things from their perspective.

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Like Clockwork

Predictable or reliable. The statement implies that something will happen as sure as another second on the clock will tick by.For Example:If an employee is never late to work, her boss might complimen...

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Turn Back The Clock

To recreate things as they were at an earlier time.For Example:If a couple is having some troubles in their relationship, one of them could say to the other, “let’s turn back the clock and...

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Round The Clock

All day and all night.For Example:If someone were to say “I’ve been working round the clock,” they are saying they’ve been working non stop.

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Steer Clear Of

To avoid something.For Example:“I would recommend steering clear of that road, there’s a lot of construction going on right now.”

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In The Clear

Not guilty of an offense or unobstructed by something undesirable.For Example:If someone is worried they might have their taxes audited but the date by which they expected to be audited comes and goes...

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Squeaky Clean

Completely clean. When used in reference to a person it means they are very honest or good-hearted.For Example:“Jim would never steal from the company, he’s a squeaky clean sort of guy.&rd...

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Come Full Circle

To return to the situation or beliefs you originally had.For Example:If a movie starts off in the past, comes back to the present and then ends back in the past, you could say that the movie “ca...

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Chip On Your Shoulder

A disposition to become easily upset.For Example:“When the reporter suggested that he thinks Darnell is a better player, Ricky became really upset. Clearly Ricky has a chip on his shoulder.&rdqu...

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Don’t Count Your Chickens

Don’t assume a positive outcome will happen until you know for sure. The full saying is “don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” This means that if you just count your eg...

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Get Something Off Your Chest

To share your feelings on something you were previously silent about. The statement implies that you are relieving yourself of holding in your thoughts about something.For Example:“there’s...

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Change Of Heart

Reversing a decision or one’s beliefs on something, usually over an emotional issue.For Example:“I had a change of heart and decided not to break up with her.”

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Chalk And Cheese

Two things that have very little in common. Chalk and cheese have little in common with each other.For Example:if you say “those two people are like chalk and cheese,” you’re saying ...

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My Two Cents Worth

To share your beliefs or opinion in a conversation.For Example:“If you want my two cent’s worth, I think he would make a terrible President.”

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A Fat Cat

Someone who is wealthy and smug.For Example:An investment banker who spends thousands of dollars on dinner every night could be referred to as a “Wall Street fat cat.”

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A Cash Cow

Any product, business or idea that generates a steady stream of cash flow.For Example:“Those vending machines are a cash cow.

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In The Cards

Almost certain to happen. If something is “in the cards“, it will probably happen. “Not in the cards” is also a common phrase.For Example:if a guy asked a girl on a date she co...

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A Close Call

Something bad that nearly happens or a difficult decision.For Example:If lightining struck ten feet away, you would say, “wow, that was a close call!”If you are trying to decide between tw...

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Have Your Cake And Eat It Too

Getting your way on both wishes.For Example:A man who wants to have a wife and also a girlfriend on the side would be trying to “have his cake and eat it too.”

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At Touch Of A Button

When something is capable of happening “at the touch of a button,” it means it could be done immediately.For Example:A boss might ask an employee, “how long would it take you to fini...

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Someone Means Business

An indicator that someone is taking an issue very seriously.For Example:If a politician’s top priority was to remove dog waste from the parks, you could say, “wow, that guy really means bu...

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Put On The Back Burner

Something you hold in low priority or something that does not require immediate attention.For Example:“That project is on the back burner for now, there are other important things I need to focu...

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Burn Your Boats

This phrase is similar to the phrase “burning one’s bridges”. It means you’re cutting off ties to something that previously added value to your life.For Example:When you burn y...

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Burn Your Bridges

Alienating or destroying a once utilized connection.For Example:If you used to have a friend who could get you discounted electronics but are no longer friends with that person, you could say, “...

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The Buck Stops Here

This phrase is similar to “a line in the sand.” It means that there will be a time of reckoning.For Example:If something has been taking place which you do not condone and you intend to pu...

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The Bubble Has Burst

In investing, when a bubble bursts it means that correction occurs in which something that was previously viewed as being very valuable is no longer viewed as having as much value.So if a football pla...

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Cross That Bridge When You Come To It

To avoid dealing with an issue until dealing with it becomes absolutely imminent.For Example:If your friend asked, “what are we going to do about getting a ride home later?” You could resp...

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Hold Your Breath

This phrase is often used to indicate that something is very unlikely to happen.For Example:If your friend said, “hey, maybe you’ll win the lottery tomorrow!” You could respond, &ldq...

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Give Me A Break

When someone feels they are being attacked or over-utilized, they might say, “oh give me a break!”This phrase can also be used as a response to something seemingly ridiculous.For Example:I...

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The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

This phrase indicates a brilliant invention or discovery. Sliced bread is assumed to be a brilliant idea.For Example:“that’s the greatest idea since sliced bread,” it serves to stron...

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Bread And Butter

Someone’s basic source of income or value.For Example:“I can’t skip work on Fridays. That day is my bread and butter.” That phrase implies the speaker makes a lot of money on F...

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Out Of Bounds

In sports, out of bounds means outside of the field of play. This phrase can be used to symbolize something that is off-limits.For Example:“I would ask Brett’s sister on a date, but I&rsqu...

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Get To The Bottom Of

Reaching a state of conclusion over an issue or subject.For Example:In a murder investigation, the lead detective could tell a peer that they will “get to the bottom of this case,” meaning...

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Give Someone The Boot

To end relations with someone either profesionally or personally.For Example:A friend might ask, “are you still dating George?” To which one could reply, “no, I gave him the boot.&rd...

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By The Book

Following the rules to their exact letter.For Example:If you do something “by the book,” you’re doing it exactly as intended with no deviation from a prescribed plan.

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Rock The Boat

Stirring controversy or bringing sensitive issues to the forefront is “rocking the boat”.For Example:“It implies that everything was smooth beforehand and by broaching that subject y...

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Call Someone’s Bluff

A poker term that means identifying when someone is lying or being deceitful in hopes of misleading you.For Example:“He was acting like an expert on astronomy, but when I asked him his thoughts ...

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Out Of The Blue

Something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly.For Example:If one received an unexpected raise from their boss, they might tell a friend, “oh, and I got a raise out of the blue today which was...

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In Cold Blood

An action that is committed without regret or remorse.For Example:If a killer shows no remorse for his crime, the judge might say “he killed in cold blood.”

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Black And Blue

If someone is covered with bruises they are said to be black and blue. This phrase is used to symbolize someone being bruised up even if they were not physically bruised up.For Example:if an investor ...

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Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

To take on more responsibilities than you can handle.For Example:If you took too big of a bite, you might have to spit some back out.If you take on too many responsibilities, you “bit off more t...

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Fit The Bill

Possessing certain qualities which are needed.For Example:if the manager of a basketball team is looking for a powerful player over 7 feet tall and is introduced to someone who meets those critera, he...

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A Safe Bet

Something that is perceived to be a sure thing or very likely to happen or result in success.For Example:a boss could say to another boss, “let’s have Daniel handle the reorganizing of thi...

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Give The Benefit Of The Doubt

In a situation where you’re not sure which side to take, you take the side most favorable to the other party.For Example:A woman could tell her friend, “I thought my boyfriend was cheating...

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Round The Bend

Having lost one’s sanity, particularly as a result of drug or alcohol use.For Example:“His excessive drinking is starting to send him round the bend.”

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Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

Those who are desperate are in no position to negotiate.For Example:if you gave a homeless person a candy bar and they asked for money instead, you could say, “beggars can’t be choosers!&r...

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Spill The Beans

Disclosing some piece of information, usually a secret.For Example:If a friend was reluctant to divulge something to you, you could say, “oh c’mon, spill the beans!”

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Keep Something At Bay

Preventing something unpleasant from coming too near to you for fear that it will harm you.For Example:If a coach was asked why he doesn’t play a particular player very often, he might say, &ldq...

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A Losing Battle

A failing activity or attempt at something.For Example:If you’re running for public office but are trailing by 30 points in the polls, you are fighting a losing battle.

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Jump On The Band Wagon

When you support something that is popular you are “jumping on the bandwagon.”For Example:The New York Yankees have a lot of fans because people jump on the bandwagon to root for them sinc...

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Get The Ball Rolling

To initiate momentum on a project or plan.For Example:A boss could say to an employee, “let’s get the ball rolling on the renovation project,” which would be indicate to the employee...

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Play Ball

This phrase is used prior to the start of every American baseball game. It means to get started on something.For Example:“at the end of a meeting, a boss could tell his employers “play bal...

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Have A Ball

HAVE A BALL means to have fun or to have a great time. When you’re having a ball, it means you are having a wonderful experience.For Example:you could tell a friend, “have a ball at the pa...

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In The Balance

IN THE BALANCE means Yet to be decided.For Example:“with the game hanging in the balance, the star player lined up for a crucial penalty kick.”

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Be Someone’s Bag

To be something that someone would be interested in or good at.For Example:“Given how good he is at tennis, I think raquetball could be Jerry’s bag.” The implication is that since Je...

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Go Behind Someone’s Back

GO BEHIND SOMEONE’S BACK means to interfere in people’s affairs without permission, usually in a dishonest or selfish way.For Example:I thought I trusted him, but I found out yesterday he ...

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Turn Your Back On

TURN YOUR BACK ON means to ignore or forget someone or something, especially a friend who needs your help.For Example:He needs to learn that you shouldn’t turn your back on those kind of respons...

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Get Your Own Back

GET YOUR OWN BACK means to get some kind of revenge, to do or get something in return for a bad thing someone did to you.For Example:The director has been unfair to the teachers all week, so here&rsqu...

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Be Glad To See The Back Of

BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF means that you are happy someone or something unpleasant is finished or gone.For Example:Last night we had a farewell party for John, but to be honest I’m glad to see ...

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Up In Arms

UP IN ARMS means that there is strong opposition or anger against something.For Example:“We heard the news over the radio at lunch break and I tell you, we were really up in arms about it.&rdquo...

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A Grey Area

A GREY AREA means something that is not clearly defined and needs careful judgement.For Example:“We have always had a professional attitude to copyrighted texts, but online copyright is still a ...

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Go Ape

GO APE is an informal expression meaning to just lose control and become really angry or excited.For Example:When I told him we had tickets to see the rock concert on Saturday, he just went ape. (Mean...

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In The Air

IN THE AIR means people have a general feeling or expectation that something will happen in the near future. This feeling among people is often not clearly defined.For Example:No one knew for sure wha...

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Clear The Air

To CLEAR THE AIR means to somehow resolve a difficult situation between people. It is especially used for talking openly about problems, or being patient and waiting for bad feelings to lessen.For Exa...

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS means that what someone says is different from from what they do. It is often used when someone makes a promise but then doesn’t keep it.For Example:“Dad, I...

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A Piece of The Action

A PIECE OF THE ACTION means that someone wants to be involved in some popular or beneficial social activity.For Example:Due to the team’s success in recent games ticket sales have soared, and it...

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Clean Up Your Act

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT means that someone needs to do much better, especially because they are behaving unacceptably.For Example:John’s been late for work almost every day this week, and he always st...

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A Class Act

A CLASS ACT means that something or somebody is of particularly high quality.For Example:Dave’s rap performance last night was a class act. He’s one of the most original rap artists on the...

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Get Your Act Together

GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER means that someone needs to improve, especially because they are inefficient or disorganized.For Example:“You have every chance to do well in this course, but you just need...

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