Idioms are expressions that have a meaning that isn’t immediately obvious from the words themselves. Every language has them, and fluent speakers use them casually without even thinking about them. But for young students or those learning English as a second language, these phrases can be really confusing. Use “Idiom of the Day” lessons with your class to help them learn these expressions and get comfortable using them.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most common English idioms, complete with meanings and examples. Share these Idiom of the Day images with your students to deepen their understanding and use of American English idioms in no time flat!
1. A fish out of water
Meaning: Someone in an uncomfortable position or situation
Example: It was Allison’s first day at her new school, and she felt like a fish out of water.
2. Add insult to injury
Meaning: Do something to make a bad situation worse
Example: Learning she failed her science test on the same day her best friend moved away added insult to injury.
3. All ears
Meaning: Eager to listen to what someone has to say
Example: The class was all ears when Ms. Ali mentioned a way to earn extra credit on the test.
4. Ants in your pants
Meaning: Can’t sit still
Example: “Stop wriggling while I’m braiding your hair!” Kehlani’s mom said. “You have ants in your pants this morning.”
5. Anything but
Meaning: Not at all
Example: When they heard about the pop quiz, the students were anything but excited.
6. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: To be looking for answers in the wrong place
Example: James thought Christopher was the one who broke the vase, but he was barking up the wrong tree.
7. Be a fly on the wall
Meaning: To watch something happen without anyone knowing you’re there
Example: Nico wished he could be a fly on the wall when his sister discovered the toad he’d left in her shoe!
8. Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid saying what you mean, often because it would be difficult or uncomfortable
Example: Don’t beat around the bush. Just tell me why you can’t come to my birthday party on Friday.
9. Beef up
Meaning: To make something stronger
Example: My teacher recommended I beef up my essay with stronger examples to support my main point.
10. Bigger fish to fry
Meaning: More important things to do
Example: Don’t waste my time with silly little things today. I’ve got bigger fish to fry.
11. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To do something that’s uncomfortable or not fun and get it over with
Example: After putting it off for several days, Alex decided to bite the bullet and start work on the history project.
12. Break a leg
Meaning: Good luck! Often used in the theater before a play or performance.
Example: Is your piano recital tonight? Well, break a leg!
13. Break the ice
Meaning: To do or say something that will make people feel more comfortable
Example: OK, since none of us have met before, let’s introduce ourselves and break the ice by sharing our favorite ice cream flavor.
14. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working on something and plan to pick it up again later
Example: After working for three hours on her science fair project, Sofia decided to call it a day.
15. Chip off the old block
Meaning: A person who is similar to a parent in some way
Example: Kayden loves to play chess as much as his dad does. He’s a real chip off the old block.
16. Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: To describe something that is very expensive
Example: A new PlayStation costs an arm and a leg, so you’d better start saving now if you want to buy one.
17. Cut somebody some slack
Meaning: To ease up on someone, to allow them some leeway or another chance
Example: Even though Jake was late with his English essay, Ms. Davis decided to cut him some slack since she knew he’d had the stomach flu.
18. Cutting corners
Meaning: To do something quickly and badly in order to save time or money
Example: Liza cut corners on her math homework so she could watch TV, and ended up getting most of the answers wrong.
19. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t depend on something before it’s happened
Example: I know you’re sure you’re going to get the lead in the spring play, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
20. Drop the ball
Meaning: To make a mistake
Example: Aisha said she’d make the poster for our project, but she forgot. She really dropped the ball on this one.
21. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: No matter how bad something seems, there’s usually a good side to it as well
Example: Jamal was disappointed that his soccer game was canceled, but it gave him time to go the movies with his friends, and his mom pointed out that every cloud has a silver lining.
22. Get out of hand
Meaning: To become difficult to control
Example: Ms. Rodriguez told her students they could chat while they worked, as long as the noise level didn’t get out of hand.
23. Get something out of your system
Meaning: Do the thing you’ve been wanting to do so you can move on
Example: Mr. Patel knew his students were eager to try out the new playground equipment, so he told them to go ahead and get it out of their system before they started class.
24. Get your act together
Meaning: Behave properly, or organize your thoughts so you can do something successfully
Example: After the third time he was late to class, Connor’s teacher told him he needed to get his act together and start showing up on time.
25. Get your ducks in a row
Meaning: To get things organized or make plans
Example: I have so many things to get done today! I need to get my ducks in a row before I get started.
26. Give someone the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: To trust what someone says, even if you’re not entirely sure what they’re saying is true
Example: Charlotte wasn’t sure Amelia was really late because she missed the bus, but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
27. Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: To ignore someone, usually because you’re upset or angry with them
Example: Will and Jessica were mad at Emma, so they decided to give her the cold shoulder until she apologized.
28. Go back to the drawing board
Meaning: To start something over again with a completely new idea
Example: When her science experiment failed completely, Hailey knew it was time to go back to the drawing board.
29. Hang in there
Meaning: Don’t give up, keep on trying
Example: “I’m sorry you’re having a rough day,” Lucas told Olivia. “Hang in there. I’m sure things will be better tomorrow.”
30. Hit-or-miss
Meaning: Something that might be good sometimes and bad other times
Example: Anna was a bit hit-or-miss when it came to remembering to take out the trash on Thursdays.
31. Hit the sack/hit the hay
Meaning: To go to bed
Example: “Nine o’clock!” said Mia’s dad. “It’s time to turn off the TV and hit the sack.”
32. Hold your horses
Meaning: Slow down, stop and think about what you’re doing
Example: “Hold your horses!” their dad said. “You can’t go swimming until you put on sunscreen.”
33. It’s not rocket science
Meaning: Used to describe something that isn’t complicated or difficult
Example: All you have to do is put the books back on the right shelf. It’s not rocket science!
34. It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: To rain very hard
Example: I hope you brought your umbrella. It’s raining cats and dogs out there!
35. Let someone off the hook
Meaning: To not hold someone responsible for something
Example: Logan was caught running in the hallway, but Ms. Walker let him off the hook because she knew he was late for the bus.
36. Miss the boat
Meaning: To be too late for something that’s already started or is over
Example: Sarah wanted to join the lacrosse team, but she was too late to sign up and missed the boat.
37. On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy about something
Example: When Wyatt learned he’d gotten a perfect score on both his math and science tests, he was on cloud nine for the rest of the day.
38. On the ball
Meaning: To be quick and alert, dealing with things right away
Example: Alice got all her homework done and practiced her clarinet before dinner. She’s really on the ball today!
39. On thin ice
Meaning: In a risky situation or position
Example: When Mrs. Chen had to ask Ava and Noah to stop talking for the fourth time that day, she warned them both that they were on thin ice.
40. Play it by ear
Meaning: To figure things out as you go
Example: We didn’t get a schedule in advance, so we’ll just have to play it by ear as the day goes along.
41. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To tease someone or try to fool them
Example: No, the cafeteria isn’t really giving away free ice cream. I was just pulling your leg!
42. Pull yourself together
Meaning: To calm yourself down when you’re very upset
Example: I know you’re upset that your team lost the game, but you need to pull yourself together and go congratulate the winners.
43. Second wind
Meaning: A fresh burst of energy
Example: Quinn thought she was too tired to go to the party after playing soccer all afternoon, but then she got a second wind.
44. Spill the beans
Meaning: To give away a secret
Example: Isabella’s surprise party was ruined when Sarah spilled the beans a few days before.
45. Take a rain check
Meaning: To postpone a plan until another time
Example: I’d love to play basketball after school, but I’ve got to go home to mow the lawn. Can I take a rain check?
46. The ball is in your court
Meaning: The decision or next step is up to you
Example: Nick’s mom told him he could either join the basketball team or sign up for karate class, so he had to choose one. “The ball is in your court,” she said.
47. The early bird gets the worm
Meaning: Those who arrive first have the best chance for success or receive the best things
Example: Grayson and Jayden showed up to find the best seats in the room already taken. “The early bird gets the worm!” said Maya with a grin.
48. The elephant in the room
Meaning: A large, obvious issue or problem that people are avoiding mentioning or dealing with
Example: After waiting for Joseph to explain his bright green hair all through dinner, his mom finally decided it was time to address the elephant in the room.
49. The icing on the cake
Meaning: Something that makes a good situation even better
Example: The band was excited to learn they’d earned a place in the regional competition. Finding out it would take place at Disney World was the icing on the cake.
50. The last straw
Meaning: The last in a series of events that causes someone to run out of patience
Example: “That’s the last straw!” said Elena after her little brother’s ball landed in her cereal bowl. “Go play outside!”
51. The whole nine yards
Meaning: Everything, all the way
Example: Grace and Nora went the whole nine yards to make sure Hannah’s birthday party was really special.
52. Through thick and thin
Meaning: When things are good and also when they’re bad
Example: Sophie and Chloe had been best friends since first grade, sticking together through thick and thin.
53. Time flies when you’re having fun
Meaning: When you’re having a good time, you don’t notice how quickly the time is passing
Example: “Recess is over already?” said Ben. “I guess time flies when you’re having fun!”
54. To get bent out of shape
Meaning: To get upset about something
Example: I didn’t mean to step on your foot—there’s no need to get bent out of shape about it.
55. To make a long story short
Meaning: To give the basic facts about something instead of a long explanation
Example: To make a long story short, Liam tripped over his shoelace and that’s how he broke his wrist.
56. Under the weather
Meaning: To be sick
Example: Miguel won’t be at the scout meeting today because he’s feeling a little under the weather.
57. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it
Meaning: If that problem comes up, we’ll deal with it then, not right now
Example: We might have a snow day on Monday, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
58. Wrap your head around something
Meaning: To understand something complicated or surprising
Example: It’s hard to wrap your head around just how big the universe is.
59. You can say that again
Meaning: I completely agree with what you just said
Example: “This pizza is the best food I ever ate!” exclaimed Mateo. “You can say that again!” Dylan agreed.
60. Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: When you have no idea what the answer is to a question or problem
Example: “Do you know how to solve number four in our math homework?” Maria asked. “Your guess is as good as mine,” David replied, shrugging his shoulders.
What other idioms do you teach in your Idiom of the Day lessons? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus if you like this Idiom of the Day article, check out 13 puns and jokes only a true grammar nerd will get.
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Alcalde (noun) al-kal-dee (Spain/SW US) a mayor having judicial powers. 1605–15; Spanish Arabic al-qāḍī the judge (more…)
Ithyphallic (adj/noun) ith-i-fal-ik Of or relating to the phallus carried in ancient festivals of Bacchus. / Grossly indecent; obscene. A poem in ithyphallic meter. / An indecent poem. 1605–15; Late…
Polyped (noun) pol-ee-ped a being or object having many legs. Poly- comes from Ancient Greek polýs, meaning “many,” while -ped is from Latin pēs, “foot,” meaning that polyped is a…
Camorra (noun) ka-mor-ah a secret society of Naples, Italy, first publicly known about 1820, that developed into a powerful political organization and was later associated with blackmail, robbery, etc., until…
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An extremely stupid word (i.e. Hungs, Masturbathe, Emotionap, etc.), that is almost certainly made up on the spot, that UD randomly puts on the front page and emails to all of its subscribers for no good reason at all. These «definitions» usually tend to be a pun or play on words and really don’t make much sense.
Every goddamn Word Of The Day that has ever existed on this site since 2004 has been so mind-numbingly stupid that I feel that I’ve lost at least 40 IQ points.
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And that’s a wrap for the month of May series. To continue reading Idioms for the month of June visit: Idioms Every day: June Series: Learn a new idiom every day
Idiom of the day: 31-05-2019
To mind (one’s) p’s and q’s
Meaning: To behave courteously and politely.
Example Sentence: Be sure to mind your p’s and q’s when you visit the parliamentarian next week.
30-05-2019
Ballpark figure
Meaning: The term ‘ballpark figure’ is used to describe an estimation of something; an estimation of a figure or number.
Example Sentence: That’s just a ballpark figure- the organizers don’t even know how many guests actually attended the event.
29-05-2019
Food for thought
Meaning: The term ‘food for thought’ may be used in context to say that one must consider thinking about something carefully and deeply.
Example Sentence: After reading and understanding the law of attraction, it gave me food for thought on how thoughts impact the quality of our life.
28-05-2019
Up to the mark
Meaning: The term ‘up to the mark’ is used to describe something that is good, excellent and meets or exceeds the standards or expectations.
Example Sentence: Tim’s performance in the grand-finale was up to the mark.
27-05-2019
a goody-goody
Meaning: The term ‘goody-goody’ is used to describe someone who behaves like an extremely well mannered and well behaved person in order to please the person in authority.
Example Sentence: Tim’s colleagues called him a goody-goody after he agreed to work overtime to please his manager.
26-05-2019
Straight talk
Meaning: The term ‘straight talk’ is used to describe a talk or discussion that is fair, frank and honest.
Example Sentence: The anchor is popular for his straight talk and engaging discussions with the guests.
25-05-2019
Step up (one’s) game
Meaning: To describe someone’s attempt to improve the skills, talents to perform better than anyone else
Example Sentence: Tim really needs to step up his game if he really wants to get selected and play for the National team.
16-05-2019
On a silver platter
Meaning: Something that is delivered with ease to someone without any effort.
Example Sentence: Tim doesn’t need to apply for a job. His father has a huge business, he would get everything served on a silver platter.
15-05-2019
Dabble in (Something)
Meaning: To do something occasionally or as a hobby or interest.
Example Sentence: Kim only dabbled in photography since she always loved clicking pictures.
14-05-2019
Bossyboots
Meaning: Someone who is bossy and always tries to control the behavior of others.
Example Sentence: Everyone in the office hates Kim. She is such a bossy boots, always taking control of every activity in the office.
13-05-2019
as (gentle) as a lamb
Meaning: Used to describe someone who is caring, pleasant calm and composed.
Example Sentence: The lady at the childcare center was as gentle as lamb with the children.
12-05-2019
be like two peas in a pod
Meaning: Used to describe two people who have similar interests, thoughts, tastes, appearances, etc.
Example Sentence: Tim and Ted have the same sense of humor. They are exactly like two peas in a pod.
11-05-2019
To poke fun at someone
Meaning: To taunt, laugh or to make fun of someone to ridicule them.
Example Sentence: His friends poke fun at him because he cannot even ride a bicycle.
10-09-2019
Talk Turkey
Meaning: To talk something which is straight-forward and to the point.; To engage in some serious and worthy conversation.
Usage: We have to complete the project by the end of the week. So, instead of wasting time discussing the hurdles and difficulties, let’s talk turkey
09-05-2019
Kick the tires
Meaning: To test someone or something against a standard before taking a decision.
Usage: Ted is too smart. He doesn’t buy anything online quickly before he kicks the tires of something he wants to buy
08-05-2019
The Bee’s Knees
Meaning: Something that is extremely great and of a high-standard; Someone who is outstanding, excellent or great.
Usage: Hey you should try mango shake at this place. It’s truly the bee’s knees!
07-05-2019
To have (something) at (ones) fingertips
Meaning: To have something within one’s reach; To have something handy; To carry something everywhere.
Example Sentence: I always have a dictionary at my fingertips, so that I can improve my vocabulary.
06-05-2019
Through thick and thin
Meaning: To stay together under all circumstances no matter how difficult the situation is.
Example Sentence: Our pets – Kukkie and Mickey were with us through thick and thin. May God now grant them peace.
05-05-2019
to drink like a fish
Meaning: The term “to drink like a fish”, is used in a context to describe someone who takes alcohol frequently.
Usage: Tim really drank like a fish at Nikki’s engagement party last night.
04-05-2019
have the advantage of
Meaning: To have an advantageous or good opportunity in comparison to other people, situation or things.
Usage: I am confident about my job selection since I have the advantage of my work experience which is considered an important factor in the selection process.
03-05-2019
an eager beaver
Meaning: It is used in a context to describe someone who is industrious, hardworking, enthusiastic and eager to learn, adapt and work.
Example Sentence: Tim is such an eager beaver that he arrives to work an hour early.
02-05-2019
Psyched up
Meaning: It means mentally prepared and excited about something. It can also mean to describe the feeling of excitement and enthusiasm.
Example Sentence: Or team was actually a bit nervous but as our coach motivated, we psyched up to participate in the final football match.
01-05-2019
Brownie Points
Meaning: Appreciation that one earns for doing some good work
Example Sentence: You are going to get some brownie points from your manager for accepting his overtime tasks and duties.
For April Vocabulary Series: Visit: Idiomatic Expressions: Learn a new idiom every day
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Some Tips to improve vocabulary:
- Learn new words every day
- Learning new words will not be sufficient, try to include those words in your daily conversations.
- Keep discussing those words with someone who is interested in vocabulary.
- Carry a dictionary. Wait, that doesn’t mean that you carry a huge bulky dictionary, You have many apps available on both android and ios platforms. Download them.
- Understand the root words. This will make your job easier.
- Use flashcards to memorize the new words.
- Read everyday
- Make a note of word that you don’t know and refer that in a dictionary.
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- You can also find many apps that notify you of a new word every day.
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Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010 12:00:00 AM |
Joined: 3/7/2009
Posts: 40,097
Neurons: 119,469
Location: Inside Farlex computers
idiom
(noun) An expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up.
Synonyms: phrase
Usage: The foreigner was utterly confused when his American host handed him an umbrella and told him it was «raining cats and dogs,» an idiom meaning that it is raining heavily.
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Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010 6:34:09 AM |
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2,036
Neurons: 6,040
Location: United States
As distinguished from when I do understand the words but still can’t make out the meaning — making me an idiot.
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Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010 11:05:57 AM |
Joined: 4/3/2009
Posts: 3,917
Neurons: 15,842
I love the sound of this word.
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Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010 3:04:02 PM |
Joined: 10/28/2009
Posts: 212
Neurons: 642
Location: United States
Joseph Glantz wrote:
As distinguished from when I do understand the words but still can’t make out the meaning — making me an idiot.
Glad I’m not the only one…
На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.
На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.
слово дня
словом дня
Слово на сегодня
Символ этого дня
Слово в день
Word of the Day
слова дня
Everyday you’ll receive word of the day to enhance your vocabulary.
Каждый день вы получите слово дня, чтобы улучшить свой словарный запас.
It also features an integrated thesaurus, example sentences, audio pronunciations, word of the day, and many more.
Он также имеет встроенный тезаурус, примеры предложений, аудио произношения, слово дня и многое другое.
Let’s make that our word of the day.
When Hirschorn sold the company in 1998 after retiring, international growth was the word of the day.
Когда Hirschorn продал компанию в 1998 году после выхода на пенсию, международный рост стал словом дня.
The word of the day is «go.»
Crisis is the word of the day.
The site also features a «word of the day» as an aid for building your vocabulary.
На сайте также есть «слово дня» в качестве помощи для наращивания вашего словарного запаса.
Many have features such as a word of the day to help expand your vocabulary.
Многие из них имеют такие функции, как слово дня, чтобы помочь расширить свой словарный запас.
I’ve been getting the SAT word of the day on my computer.
Мне высылают на компьютер слово дня для теста.
Transgenic… that’s the word of the day, Otto.
«Efficiency» was the word of the day.
Слово «эффективность» было главным словом дня.
It’s time for Korben to say the word of the day.
Теперь время… Корбену сказать слово дня.
The dictionary also helps you to find antonyms/synonyms, shows sentences with examples of use, displays the word of the day and remembers the search history.
Словарь также помогает в поиске антонимов, синонимов, показывает предложения с примерами употребления, показывает слово дня и запоминает историю поиска.
It has a ton of features, including a word of the day, audio pronunciations, a translator for over 30 languages, and even the word origins.
Он имеет множество функций, в том числе слово дня, аудио произношения, переводчик для более чем 30 языков и даже происхождение слова.
Back in the early part of the last century, an exciting invention called the ‘wireless’ was the word of the day.
Еще в начале прошлого века изобретение под названием «беспроводной» было словом дня.
Language, Russian, word of the day
«No» is the word of the day.
The dictionary’s tweet overlaid his words with a definition for paralogize («to draw conclusions that do not follow logically from a given set of assumptions»), which was’s word of the day.
Твит словарного веб-сайта был наложен на данный твит и представлял собой определение термина «делать ложное заключение» (paralogize — делать заключения, которые не вытекают логически из имеющегося набора допущений), которое явилось «словом дня» веб-сайта.
Результатов: 137. Точных совпадений: 137. Затраченное время: 271 мс
Documents
Корпоративные решения
Спряжение
Синонимы
Корректор
Справка и о нас
Индекс слова: 1-300, 301-600, 601-900
Индекс выражения: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200
Индекс фразы: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200
Date: October 7, 2022
To Have The Time Of One’s Life
To have the time of one’s life simply means to have a really good time. A very enjoyable experience.
Example Sentence:
“I had the time of my life backpacking Europe. I would recommend that experience to everyone.”
Date: October 6, 2022
To Paint The Town Red
To paint the town red means to go downtown and have a good time. It usually refers to going to bars or restaurants. Usually, drinking alcohol and dancing are involved.
Example Sentence:
“Hey Tom, do you have any fun plans for the weekend? Well, we had such a successful work week that we plan to go out and paint the town red this weekend!”
Date: October 5, 2022
Jet Black
The expression jet black is used to describe the darkest shade of black. Something that is very, very black.
Example Sentence:
“I love this car, do you think they have it in jet black?”
Date: October 4, 2022
To Be Bull-Headed
When a person is stubborn and unwilling to change, we say that they are being bull-headed. It means that they are unflexible.
Example Sentence:
“Have fun trying to convince Paul, I am afraid you will not have much success. He can be so bull-headed. Once he has made up his mind about something, no one is going to be able to change it.“
Date: October 3, 2022
To Pull The Rug Out From Under Someone’s Feet
To pull the rug out from under someone means that someone has suddenly stopped offering support or help to that person. Usually, it conveys the idea of doing so without warning.
Example Sentence:
“I feel like someone has just pulled the rug from under my feet. I have no support and the deadline is coming up quickly.
Date: October 2, 2022
To Pig Out
When a person eats too much we say that they are pigging out. By saying that we are saying that they are making a pig out of themselves.
Example Sentence:
“I don’t want to pig out on all of this food, but everything looks amazing. Plus, barbeque ribs are my favorite.”
Date: October 1, 2022
To Scratch One’s Head About Something
To scratch, one’s head about something means that a person is puzzled or confused about something to the point that they are scratching their head trying to think of a solution. A situation can also be called a head-scratcher meaning that it is a confusing situation or that it is a difficult problem to solve.
Example Sentence:
“Here I am scratching my head about what Tom did. Why did he do that? What was he thinking? I am so confused.”
Date: September 30, 2022
To Be In A Flutter
When a person is very nervous or confused, we say that they are in a flutter.
Example Sentence:
“That meeting wasn’t very productive. Everyone talking at the same time got me in a flutter. I am so confused. Are we going to start this project this quarter or are we going to wait? What was the final decision?”
Date: September 29, 2022
To Have A Ray Of Hope
We can say that one has a ray of hope when we see a sign that things are going to get better in a difficult situation.
Example Sentence:
“I am not sure how we are going to win, our only ray of hope is our starting quarterback. However, he can bring us back for the win!”
Date: September 28, 2022
To Pay Someone Under The Table
To pay someone under the table means to give them money in a way that the employer avoids paying taxes.
Example Sentence:
“I can’t legally work in this country, so I will need to find someone who can pay me under the table.”
Date: September 27, 2022
To Force Someone’s Hand
To force someone’s hand means to push them or to encourage them to do something that normally, they wouldn’t be inclined to do.
Example Sentence:
“I don’t think dad will want to go to the theme part, but I think if we force his hand a little, we can get him to come with us.”
Date: September 26, 2022
A Whole Different Ball Of Wax
A whole different ball of wax is used to describe something that is completely different from something else, perhaps what a person is used to.
Example Sentence:
“Perhaps you know a thing or two about computer programming, but this type of work is a whole different ball of wax.”
Date: September 25, 2022
To Drape (Someone or Something) With Something
To drape someone with something means to completely cover them with something.
Example Sentence:
“Before we painted the living room, they draped the couch with a sheet.”
Date: September 24, 2022
To Be A Two-Way Street
A situation in which both sides need to put forth an equal amount of work to achieve the desired results.
Example Sentence:
“Well, marriage is a two-way street. Both the husband and the wife need to work hard to make it work.”
Date: September 23, 2022
To Be As Clean As A Whistle
To be as clean as a whistle means to be extremely clean.
Example Sentence:
“I don’t think he was playing in the mud. His pants are as clean as a whistle.”
Date: September 22, 2022
To Be A Guinea Pig
A guinea pig is a person that is used in an experiment.
Example Sentence:
“Mary used her children as guinea pigs to try out her new cookie recipe. It was a success!”
Date: September 21, 2022
The Elephant In The Room
A serious problem that everyone is aware of, but no one wants to talk about is the elephant in the room.
Example Sentence:
“Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Why is dad’s car not in the driveway? What happened to his car?”
Date: September 20, 2022
To Be In The Same Boat
When two people are in the same situation, we say that they are in the same boat.
Example Sentence:
“If you don’t do your homework, you will be in the same boat as Andrew. He is struggling to pass his tests.”
Date: September 19, 2022
To Be As Strong As A Lion
We say that a person is as strong as a lion to express that they are either really strong or that they are in really good physical condition.
Example Sentence:
“Harry is as strong as a lion, no one can beat him at arm wrestling.”
Date: September 18, 2022
To Be A Class Clown
A person that is said to be a class clown is a student who acts silly in class in order to receive laughs from his fellow students.
Example Sentence:
“Tony’s teacher called me today. She said that lately, he has been acting like a class clown. He won’t listen to anything his teacher says. “
Date: September 17, 2022
To See Eye To Eye
To see eye to eye with someone means to agree with them or to share the same opinion about something.
Example Sentence:
“I tried to talk to Tony, but it seems like we can’t see eye to eye on anything. He likes to do things his way I guess”
Date: September 16, 2022
Run Like The Wind
To run like the wind refers to someone that runs really quickly.
Example Sentence:
“Run like the wind, Jerry! You can win this race!”
Date: September 15, 2022
To Be On Cloud Nine
When someone says that a person is on cloud nine, they are saying that that person is extremely happy.
Example Sentence:
“Wow, Anne is in a really good mood today.”
“Yes, she is on cloud nine today, because tomorrow she goes on vacation for two weeks.”
Date: September 14, 2022
It Takes Two To Tango
When a wrong is committed it is very rare that only one person is at fault, but rather it takes two to tango, in other words, usually, both people involved are responsible.
Example Sentence:
“Josh has been getting into a lot of fights at school. The teacher talked to me about it, but I told her it takes two to tango. He can’t be the only one at fault.”
Date: September 13, 2022
To Be Off One’s Rocker
When someone says that a person is off their rocker, they are saying that that person is crazy or mentally unsound.
Example Sentence:
“I think Jack’s grandma is a little off her rocker. Yesterday, she called me and asked me if I delivered her mail. I am not even a mailman.
Date: September 12, 2022
Live and Learn
We say live and learn when referring to learning from past mistakes or experiences.
Example Sentence:
“I knew I shouldn’t have invested in his company. I had a feeling it was going to go under. Oh well. Live and learn I guess. The next time, I will try to follow my gut instincts.”
Date: September 11, 2022
To Take A Raincheck
When someone says they want to take a rain check, it means they want to postpone an offer or an invitation for a later date.
Example Sentence:
“I‘m sorry, but I am busy this weekend. Can I take a rain check? Can we have dinner together next weekend?
Date: September 10, 2022
Live and Learn
We say live and learn when referring to learning from past mistakes or experiences.
Example Sentence:
“I knew I shouldn’t have invested in his company. I had a feeling it was going to go under. Oh well. Live and learn I guess. The next time, I will try to follow my gut instincts.”
Date: September 9, 2022
To Give Someone The Cold Shoulder
To give someone the cold shoulder means to ignore them for something they did to you that upset you. To snub them.
Example Sentence:
“Did I do something to upset you? I feel like you have been giving me the cold shoulder all day today.”
Date: September 8, 2022
“Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk”
Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that happened and you can’t do anything to change it now.
Example Sentence:
“I know you are pretty upset about losing the football game, but don’t cry over spilled milk. The best thing you can do now is prepare well the next game.”
Date: September 7, 2022
“Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk”
Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that happened and you can’t do anything to change it now.
Example Sentence:
“I know you are pretty upset about losing the football game, but don’t cry over spilled milk. The best thing you can do now is prepare well for the upcoming game.”
Date: September 6, 2022
To Bite Off More Than One Can Chew
Meaning: To take on more responsibility than one can handle. It can also be used to refer to someone who is overconfident.
Example Sentence:
“By taking on this new project, I think I bit off more than I can chew. I am swamped! I need to see if someone else can give me a hand.”
Date: September 5, 2022
To Be As Blind As A Bat
Meaning: Used to refer to someone that is not able to see very well.
Example Sentence:
“Steve is as blind as a bat. He didn’t even see the ball coming his way. We need someone else to play first base.”
Date: September 4, 2022
To End On A Sour Note
Meaning: To conclude something with bad news.
Example Sentence:
“The meeting ended on a sour note when the CEO announced that over the next 6 months, they will be letting go of 100 employees.”
Date: September 3, 2022
A Race Against Time
Meaning: To try to do something in a very short amount of time.
Example Sentence:
“It was a race against time, but I finished my homework 2 hours before it was due.
Date: September 2, 2022
To Be Under The Weather
Meaning: a nice way to say that someone isn’t feeling good.
Example Sentence:
“We missed seeing Judy? Is she okay?
“She is feeling a bit under the weather, so she decided to stay home tonight, but she will be here next week. Thank you for asking.
Date: September 1, 2022
It’s a piece of cake
Meaning: Saying that something is a piece of cake means that it is extremely easy to do.
Example Sentence:
“How do you like your new job?”
“I love it! It is a piece of cake”