Questions and Answers
What does 'a slap on the wrist' mean?
What does 'we're all in the same boat' mean?
What does 'she's barking up the wrong tree' mean?
What does 'down to the wire' signify?
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What does 'can't cut the mustard' mean?
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What does 'get down to brass tacks' mean?
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What does 'beating around the bush' mean?
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What does 'running out of steam' refer to?
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What does 'pulling your leg' mean?
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What does 'go out on a limb' mean?
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What does 'hit the hay' mean?
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What does 'just icing on the cake' refer to?
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What does 'bought the farm' mean?
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What does 'knows the ropes' mean?
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What does 'no dice' mean?
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Study Notes
Common Idioms and Their Meanings
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A slap on the wrist: Refers to a minor reprimand or light punishment typically used as a warning without serious consequences.
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We're all in the same boat: Signifies being in a shared, often difficult situation alongside others.
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She's barking up the wrong tree: Indicates someone is making an issue out of something that is irrelevant or unappreciated by others.
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Down to the wire: Describes a situation that extends until the very last moment, often creating suspense or urgency.
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Can't cut the mustard: Expresses an inability to meet expectations or perform tasks adequately.
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Get down to brass tacks: Suggests the need to focus strictly on the main issues or essential points without distractions.
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Beating around the bush: Refers to discussing a subject obliquely or indirectly without addressing the main point directly.
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Running out of steam: Indicates a decrease in energy or enthusiasm; becoming fatigued or losing momentum.
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Pulling your leg: Means to joke or tease someone in a playful manner, not to be taken seriously.
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Go out on a limb: Signifies taking a risk, especially when the outcome is uncertain or potentially unwise.
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Hit the hay: A colloquial expression for going to bed or resting for the night.
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Just icing on the cake: Refers to an additional benefit or feature that is nice but not essential; only a minor part of the whole.
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Bought the farm: An informal way to say someone has died or is critically ill.
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Knows the ropes: Indicates familiarity or expertise in how to do a particular task or navigate a situation.
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No dice: Expresses refusal or indicates that something is not going to happen; a definitive "no."
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