Dictionary of English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions PDF

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ebooksdownloadrace.blogspot.in Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand Dictionary of English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions By Dorking School of English ~A~ A bit much If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much. 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 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 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 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 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 a go-getter type person is more successful than a person not doing any thing. A steal If something is a steal, it costs much less than it is really worth. 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 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. 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 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. www.dk-english.com Page 1  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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 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 of the above This idiom can be used to mean everything that has been said or written, especially all the choices or possibilities. www.dk-english.com Page 2  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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 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-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 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. And all that jazz This idiom means that everything related or similar is included. 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. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 3  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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. 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 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 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 sexual 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 loose end (UK) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it. At arm's length (India) If something is at arm's length, it is very close to you. 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 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 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. www.dk-english.com Page 4  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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. 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'. ~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. 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 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. www.dk-english.com Page 5  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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. 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 you 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. 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 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. www.dk-english.com Page 6  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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 to the punch If you beat someone to the punch, you act before them and gain an advantage. 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 sexy 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. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 7  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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. Beside the point If something is beside the point, it's not relevant to the matter being discussed or considered. Beside yourself If you are beside yourself, you are extremely angry. 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 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 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 the lines If you read between the lines, you find the real message in what you're reading or hearing, a meaning that is not available from a literal interpretation of the words. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 8  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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 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 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 sex. 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 naked. 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 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. www.dk-english.com Page 9  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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. 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. Blessing in disguise If some bad luck or misfortune ultimately results in something positive, it's a blessing in disguise. 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. 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 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 out of a stone 'You can't get blood out of a stone' means that it is impossible to get something from someone if they don't have it. We also say that it was 'like getting blood from a stone' when it was very hard to get an answer from someone. 'Blood from a rock' is an alternative. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 10  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 the cobwebs away If you blow the cobwebs away, you make sweeping changes to something to bring fresh views and ideas in. Blow your own trumpet If someone blows their own trumpet, they boast about their talents and achievements. 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. 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. Bottom line In accountancy, the bottom line is net income, and is used idiomatically to mean the conclusion. 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. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 11  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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 your last When you breathe your last, you die. 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 someone to book If somebody is brought to book, they are punished or made to account for something they have done wrong. Bring the house down Something that brings the house down is acclaimed and praised vigorously. 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. 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. 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. Bull in a China shop If someone behaves like a bull in a China shop, they are clumsy when they should be careful. 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. 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. Burning question www.dk-english.com Page 12  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand A burning question is something we all want to know about. 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. 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. Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth If someone looks as if butter wouldn't melt in their mouth, they look very innocent. 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. 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 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 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 do it without help from anyone. 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. ~C~ 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. www.dk-english.com Page 13  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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. 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 hold a candle If something can't hold a candle to something else, it is much worse. 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. Case by case If things are done case by case, each situation or issue is handled separately on its own merits and demerits. 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 doubt on If you make other people not sure about a matter, then you have cast doubt on it. 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 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. 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 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 pajamas (USA) Something that is the cat's pajamas is excellent. www.dk-english.com Page 14  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 someone red-handed If someone is caught red-handed, they are found doing something wrong or illegal. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 15  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Coals to Newcastle (UK) Taking, bringing, or carrying coals to Newcastle is doing something that is completely unnecessary. Cock and bull story A cock and bull story is a lie someone tells that is completely unbelievable. www.dk-english.com Page 16  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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. 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. 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 out in the wash If something will come out in the wash, it won't have any permanent negative effect. 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 grips If you come to grips with a problem or issue, you face up to it and deal with it. 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 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. 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. 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 up a storm If someone cooks up a storm, they cause a big fuss or generate a lot of talk about something. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 17  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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. 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.) Crack a nut with a sledgehammer If you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you apply too much force to achieve a result. ('Jackhammer' is also used.) 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. 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. Crocodile tears If someone cries crocodile tears, they pretend to be upset or affected by something. 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. 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. 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 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 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 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. www.dk-english.com Page 18  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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. ~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. Dark horse If someone is a dark horse, they are a bit of a mystery. 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. 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 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 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 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. Dear John letter A letter written by a partner explaining why they are ending the relationship is a Dear John letter. www.dk-english.com Page 19  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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) 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. Dime a dozen (USA) If something is a dime a dozen, it is extremely common, possibly too common. 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 runner (UK) If people leave a restaurant without paying, they do a runner. 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. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 20  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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. 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 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 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 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 push my buttons! This can be said to someone who is starting to annoy you. 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 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'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. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 21  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 two-edged 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 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 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 someone up the wall If something or someone drives you up the wall, they do something that irritates you greatly. Drop in the bucket (USA) A drop in the bucket is something so small that it won't make any noticeable difference. www.dk-english.com Page 22  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand Drop in the ocean A drop in the ocean implies that something will have little effect because it is small and mostly insignificant. 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. Drunk as a lord (UK) Someone who is very drunk is as drunk as a lord. Dry as a bone If your lawn is as dry as a bone, the soil is completely dry. 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'.) 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. 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. ~F~ Face like thunder If someone has a face like thunder, they are clearly very angry or upset about something. 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. Facts of life When someone is taught the facts of life, they learn about sex and reproduction. Fair and square If someone wins something fair and square, they follow the rules and win conclusively. Fair crack of the whip (UK) If everybody has a fair crack 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. www.dk-english.com Page 23  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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 www.dk-english.com Page 24  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand (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 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 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 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. 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 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. www.dk-english.com Page 25  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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) 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 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 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. 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. www.dk-english.com Page 26  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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.) 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. 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 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 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. Fullness of time If something happens in the fullness of time, it will happen when the time is right and appropriate. ~G~ Game plan A game plane is a strategy. Garbage in, garbage out www.dk-english.com Page 27  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 your feathers in a bunch If you get your feathers in a bunch, you get upset or angry about something. 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 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 my drift If you get someone's drift, you understand what they are trying to say. ('Catch their drift' is an alternative form.) 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 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 nod (UK) If you get the nod to something, you get approval or permission to do it. 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 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.) 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. www.dk-english.com Page 28  Dorking School of English, Bangkok Thailand 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 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 it some stick (UK) If you give something some stick, you put a lot of effort into it. Give me a hand