Can You Remove an Lps Head and Put It Back on
200 Common Idioms with Meanings, Examples, and 4 Quizzes
What's an idiom? How is it different from a proverb?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a meaning that in most cases cannot be deduced directly from the individual words in that phrase or expression.
For example, the idiom 'bite off more than you can chew' doesn't mean you bite more than a mouthful of a cake or something else and then struggle to chew. It means you try to do something that is too difficult for you.
How are they different from proverbs? Proverbs are well-known sayings, stating a general truth or advice. For example, the proverb 'a picture is worth thousand words' is a general truth. The idiom 'bite off more than you can chew', however, is neither a general truth nor an advice.
Before you get into the idioms, I would give you a tip if you want to use them (versus just know the meaning).
It's relatively easier to remember words than to remember idioms (and proverbs), because idioms typically contain 3-4 or more words. Remembering a string of words in the correct sequence and recalling them in a flash while speaking isn't easy.
One thing that has helped me remember and, more importantly, use them is to repeat the idiom few times loudly and then in 2-3 different sentences (like the examples in this post).
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You may also find list of 150 proverbs (with meanings and examples) and 200+ tongue twisters useful.
Here is the list of 200 popular idiomatic expressions, and for you to consolidate what you're learning, there're four quizzes in this post, one after every 50:
1. Stir up a hornets' nest
Provoke trouble
Example: It's not that the management is not aware of few false bills here and there, but they don't call it because it would expose many and stir up a hornet's nest.
2. Back against the wall
Be in a difficult situation from where escape is difficult
Example: With banks baying for his blood over default in payments, he has his back against the wall.
3. Bite off more than you can chew
To try to do something that is too difficult for you
Example: He has taken more responsibilities as he couldn't say 'no' to his boss. I think he has bitten more than he can chew, and he'll struggle to handle them all.
4. Head over heels
If you're head over heels, you're completely in love.
Example: Max fell head over heels in love with her colleague and wants to marry her.
5. Upset someone's applecart
If you upset someone's applecart, you do something that causes a plan to go wrong.
Example: The increase in customs duty by the government has upset the applecart of those car companies who were importing most of their car parts.
6. Spoil someone's plans
To ruin someone's plans
Example: The heavy overnight rain spoilt our plan to play cricket next morning.
7. Keep someone at arm's length
If you keep someone at arm's length, you avoid becoming friendly with them.
Example: I've more productive time in the day because I've developed this good habit of keeping video games at arm's length.
8. Up in arms
Angry about something
Example: Media has traditionally been up in arms with the government of the day.
9. Drive a hard bargain
If you drive a hard bargain, you argue hard to get a favorable deal.
Example: The author tried to drive a hard bargain with the publisher on signing amount, but couldn't because he didn't have best sellers in his name.
10. Barking up the wrong tree
To ask the wrong person or follow the wrong course
Example: The sales team blamed the engineers for the organization's failure to bag the mega deal, but they were barking up the wrong tree.
11. Scrape the barrel
When you're scraping the barrel, you're using something you do not want to but you've no option.
Example: I was scraping the barrel when I had to stay for six months with my parents after I lost my job.
12. Bend over backwards
To try please or accommodate someone to an unusual degree
Example: The hotel staff bent over backwards to make the visit of the dignitaries a memorable one.
13. A chip off the old block
If you're a chip off the old block, you're similar in some distinct way to your father or mother.
Example: He is as stingy as her mother – a real chip off the old block.
14. Blow your own trumpet
If you blow your own trumpet, you tell people how good or successful you are (used in negative way).
Example: That doctor can be so off-putting. He is always blowing his trumpet mentioning his awards and positions in various associations.
15. Once in a blue moon
If something happens once in a blue moon, it happens rarely.
Example: Many startups turn in a profit once in a blue moon.
16. Burn your boats/ bridges
If you burn your boats, you do something that makes it impossible to change your plans and go back to the earlier position or situation.
Example: I've burnt my boats with my previous supervisor by criticizing him publicly.
17. Make no bones about something
If you make no bones about something, you say clearly what you feel or think about it.
Example: Jack made no bones about getting a hike in his salary.
18. Break fresh/ new ground
If you break new ground, you do something that was not done before.
Example: Our scientists are breaking new ground in robotics and cancer research.
19. In the same breath
When you say two things in the same breath, you say two very different or contradictory things.
Example: How can the manager praise my colleague and talk of his average performance in the same breath?
20. Take away your breath
If someone or something takes your breath away, it astonishes you.
Example: His diving catch at the crunch moment in the match took my breath away.
21. Sell like hot cakes
If something sells like hot cakes, it sells very fast.
Example: More than five thousand cars sold so far. The new model is selling like hot cakes.
22. Burn the candle at both ends
If you burn the candle at both ends, you work excessively hard, say, by keeping two jobs or by leading a busy social life in the evening.
Example: Mitch is burning the candle at both ends. He is working two jobs, one in the evening.
23. Separate the wheat from the chaff
If you separate wheat from the chaff, you separate valuable from worthless.
Example: The new testing procedure to evaluate employees will separate the wheat from the chaff.
24. Change tune
If you change your tune, you change the way you behave with others from good to bad.
Example: After he came to know that I'm close to the power in the organization, he changed his tune.
25. Run around in circles
To be active without achieving any worthwhile result
Example: He ran around in circles trying to bring us on board for the new cause.
26. Turn the clock back
If you turn the clock back to an earlier period, you return to that time.
Example: Turning the clock back to our glory days is fruitless. We've to work harder and smarter in the present.
27. Against the clock
If you're working against the clock, you're working in great hurry.
Example: With only half the syllabus studied, I raced against the clock to be ready for the exam on Monday.
28. Close the door on someone
If you close the door on someone or something, you no longer deal with it.
Example: The country decided to close the door on talks till other outstanding issues are resolved.
29. Burn the midnight oil
To work late in the night
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil for nearly three months to write my first book.
30. Chicken and egg situation
If a situation is chicken and egg, it is impossible to decide which of the two came first and caused the other one.
Example: I need to have experience to get job, but without job, I can't have experience. It's a chicken and egg situation.
31. On cloud nine
If you're on cloud nine, you're very happy.
Example: I was on cloud nine after receiving the news of my promotion.
32. Under a cloud
If you're under a cloud, you're under suspicion or in trouble.
Example: The IP for our key technology has been leaked, and many in my team, including the manager, are under a cloud.
33. Head in the clouds
If your head is in the clouds, you're not in touch with the ground realities.
Example: Many academics have their heads in the clouds.
34. Small cog in a large wheel
Someone or something that has a small role in a large setup or organization.
Example: I work as a sales representative in a Fortune 500 company – just a small cog in a large wheel.
35. The other side of the coin
The other point of view
Example: We only see the glamor and money in showbiz. But the other side of the coin is that only one in hundreds reach there.
36. Pay someone back in his /her own coin
If you pay someone back in his/ her own coin, you treat him/ her in the same way he/ she treated you.
Example: By refusing to help her colleague, she paid him back in the same coin.
37. Left out in the cold
If you're left out in the cold, you're ignored.
Example: I was left out in the cold in the annual promotions in the company.
38. Pour cold water on
If you pour cold water on an idea or plan, you criticize it to the extent that people lose enthusiasm to pursue it.
Example: The investors poured cold water on the plan to build another factory.
39. Blow hot and cold
If you blow hot and cold, you vacillate.
Example: The editor blew hot and cold over the story for few days and then finally decided to publish it.
40. To come to a head
If something comes to a head, it reaches to the point of a crisis.
Example: The situation came to a head when he passed a derogatory comment purportedly toward me.
41. Cool your heels
Wait for something, especially when it's annoying
Example: I spent two hours cooling my heels in the waiting room while the CFO was busy in a meeting.
42. Cut corners
If you cut corners, you save money or effort by finding cheaper or easier ways to do things.
Example: It you cut corners on this product, it'll have a lesser lifespan.
43. Run its course
If something runs its course, it continues naturally until it finishes.
Example: There is no cure for this infection. You'll have to let it run its course.
44. Stay the course
If you stay the course, you persevere till the completion of a task, especially a difficult one.
Example: Despite an injury, he stayed the course to save the match for his team.
45. Cut someone down to size
If you cut someone down to size, you show them they're not as important or intelligent as they think.
Example: The boss cut that arrogant guy to size in no time.
46. Daylight robbery
Blatant overcharging
Example: $5 for a can of juice! This is daylight robbery.
47. Boil the ocean
If you try to boil the ocean, you try to accomplish something too ambitious.
Example: You expect our plant to manufacture 40,000 parts in a week. You're trying to boil the ocean on this one.
48. Handle with kid gloves
If you handle someone with kid gloves, you treat them with extreme tact and care.
Example: The client is hyper sensitive. We need to handle him with kid gloves, or we risk losing the deal.
49. Clear the decks
If you clear the decks for something, you remove all hurdles to get started on that work.
Example: By sanctioning the budget and filling in the vacancies, the committee has cleared the decks for our new office.
50. Between the devil and the deep blue sea
If you're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, you're caught between two undesirable alternatives.
Example: If you support your son, your business partner will be hurt, and vice versa. You're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
As you get into the first quiz, here is a hint for this and subsequent three quizzes: some of the multiple choices may not even be idioms (revisit definition of the idiom at the beginning of the post to know why) and therefore should be ruled out right at the outset.
Click on the tabs below to open the quiz and its answers.
1. With only two days left for the exam and half the syllabus yet to complete, he has _____.
A. Fallen head over heels
B. Bent over backwards
C. His back against the wall
D. Burnt his boats
2. His performance with the guitar _____.
A. Mesmerized the audience
B. Took my breath away
C. Sent me on cloud nine
D. Was a small cog in a large wheel
3. I received a much smaller year-end bonus than I thought I would. I found myself _____.
A. Left in the cold
B. In a chicken and egg situation
C. Running around in circles
D. Burning my boats
4. I was _____ after receiving the news that I topped the exam.
A. On the other side of the coin
B. On cloud nine
C. Cooling my heels
D. Selling like hot cakes
5. I dislike him and I _____.
A. Decided to break new ground with him
B. Decided not to speak to him
C. Handled him with kid gloves
D. Made no bones about it
6. The local people are _____ against the new immigration law passed by the government.
A. Driving a hard bargain
B. Turning the clock back
C. Up in arms
D. Head over heels
7. After I found my friend bitching about me, I've started to _____.
A. Keep him at arm's length
B. Bend over backwards
C. See the other side of the coin
D. Pour cold water on him
8. After he came to know that I come from a wealthy family, he _____.
A. Turned the clock back
B. Tried to be friends with me
C. Cut corners
D. Changed his tune
9. The party president moved in to _____.
A. Leave his outspoken party-man in the cold
B. Cut his outspoken party-man to size
C. Put his outspoken party-man under a cloud
D. Turn the clock back on his outspoken party-man
10. I wasn't assigned any work immediately after my promotion. I _____ for nearly a week.
A. Cooled my toes
B. Cooled my ankles
C. Cooled my heels
D. Cooled my feet
1. C 2. B ['Mesmerized the audience' is not an idiom because meaning can be directly deduced] 3. A 4. B 5. D ['Decided not to speak to him' is not an idiom] 6. C 7. A 8. D ['Tried to be friends with me' is not an idiom] 9. B 10. C
51. The luck of the devil
If you've the luck of the devil, you're extremely lucky.
Example: X: I'm alive today because I failed to board the plane that crashed yesterday. Y: You really have the luck of the devil.
52. Keep an ear to the ground
Be well informed of current trends, opinions, and happenings
Example: One of the main reasons for his success in business is that he keeps an ear to the ground to know what the customers want and why they're dissatisfied with competing products.
53. Turn a deaf ear
If you turn a deaf ear, you ignore what others are saying.
Example: I've made the request few times in the past, but it has always fallen on deaf ears.
54. Eat like a horse
If you eat like a horse, you eat a lot.
Example: He is lean, but he eats like a horse.
55. An eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth
It means that if a person does something wrong, then they should be punished with the same thing done to them.
Example: I'll return damage to my car by damage to his car. An eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth.
56. Face the music
If you face the music, you're at the receiving end of somebody's criticism or reprimand.
Example: You'll face the music for deliberately reporting inflated sales numbers.
57. A flash in the pan
If you call something flash in the pan, you say it has happened for only one time and it won't repeat.
Example: Considering their dismal past record, the win in the last match seems to be a flash in the pan.
58. Hold your horses
Be patient
Example: Hold your horses! I'm not yet done with my explanation.
59. Drag one's feet
To do something slowly deliberately
Example: The police is dragging its feet in investigating this case allegedly because influential people are involved in the crime.
60. Worth its weight in gold
If someone or something is worth its weight in gold, they're of high value.
Example: The new hire is worth her weight in gold. She has helped us land three big deals this quarter.
61. Go against the grain
If an idea or action goes against the grain, you don't do it or accept it because it is against your beliefs or principle.
Example: It goes against the grain these days to use polythene bags as carry bags.
62. Jump the gun
To do something too soon without proper thought
Example: I jumped the gun by sending the proposal to the client without first showing it to my manager.
63. Stick to your guns
If you stick to your guns in the face of opposition, you stand firm.
Example: Despite opposition from his family, he has stuck to his guns in picking his career path.
64. Let one's hair down
To be relaxed and behave informally
Example: Over tea on Sunday, he finally let his hair down and talked about his hobbies and family.
65. Hand in glove
If you work hand in glove with someone, you work closely with them often to accomplish something dishonest.
Example: Some of the bank employees have been allegedly working hand in glove with business owners to sanction loans without proper due diligence.
66. Look for needle in a haystack
Looking for something small in a pile of other things or a vast area
Example: The gem in my ring fell somewhere on my way to home. Finding it is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
67. Wear your heart on your sleeve
If you wear your heart on your sleeve, you express your sentiments too openly.
Example: Wearing your heart on your sleeve can backfire at workplace because you may be seen unprofessional.
68. Move heaven and earth
Make supreme effort
Example: I'll move heaven and earth to finish in top 10 percentile in the exam.
69. Hit the bottle
To drink alcohol to excess
Example: He doesn't hit the bottle often, but when he does, he can be nasty.
70. Hit the book
To study
Example: I need to hit the book today or else I'll fall behind in my exam prep.
71. Hit the sack
To go to bed
Example: I hit the sack around 11 PM.
72. Get someone off the hook
If you get someone off the hook, you help them get out of trouble.
Example: The government has intervened by infusing billions of dollars to get the banks off the hook.
73. Cut no ice
Fail to influence or make an effect
Example: His reason to get leave cut no ice with his manager.
74. On thin ice
If you're on thin ice, you're in precarious or delicate situation.
Example: You're falling short on class attendance and you failed to submit the last assignment. You're walking on thin ice in this semester.
75. Strike while the iron is hot
To act quickly when the opportunity comes by
Example: That's an amazing deal you're getting. Don't wait. Strike while the iron is hot, or else it'll be gone.
76. Hit the jackpot
If you hit the jackpot, you achieve big success, usually through luck.
Example: We've hit the jackpot with our new product – sales have doubled.
77. Have the last laugh
If you've the last laugh in an argument or disagreement, you ultimately succeed from a seemingly losing position.
Example: He was dropped from the team, but he had the last laugh when he was recruited by a rival club at a higher fee.
78. See the light of day
When something sees the light of day, it finally happens for the first time.
Example: After so many false starts, his book finally saw the light of the day.
79. Light at the end of tunnel
If you see light at the end of tunnel, you see signs of improvement in a situation that has been bad for a long time.
Example: The business has started to gain momentum after months of struggle. We finally see light at the end of tunnel.
80. Toe the line
If you toe the line, you behave according to an official rule, especially when you do not agree with it.
Example: In this organization, if you don't toe the line, you'll be fast eased out.
81. Live on borrowed time
If you live on borrowed time, you continue to exist longer than expected.
Example: This 15-year-old car is living on borrowed time.
82. Hold your tongue
To hold your tongue means to not speak
Example: "Hold your tongue, son. Be patient," the old man tried to restrain the agitated man.
83. Make a mountain of a molehill
If you make a mountain of a molehill, you make something unimportant to seem important.
Example: One bad interview doesn't mean you're struggling to get the job. Don't make a mountain of a molehill.
84. Cry for the moon
If you cry for the moon, you make a demand that can't be fulfilled.
Example: You want such an expensive gift on your birthday. Well, you're crying for the moon.
85. Hit the nail on the head
If you hit the nail on the head, you're exactly right about something.
Example: I think the CEO hit the nail on the head when he said that the organization was losing market share because of complacency and security.
86. Nail in someone's coffin
Nail in someone's coffin is something that hastens failure of a person or thing
Example: The scandal proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the mayor.
87. Pay through the nose
If you pay through the nose, you pay too much for something.
Example: We're paying through the nose for petrol and diesel.
88. Under someone's nose
If you do something under someone's nose, you do it openly, although unnoticed.
Example: The dog took away the biscuit right under my nose, but I realized it only later.
89. Cast pearls before swine
If you cast pearls before swine, you offer something valuable to someone who does not recognize its worth.
Example: To serve an elaborate multi-course dinner to them is like casting pearls before swine.
90. Put the cat among the pigeons
If you put the cat among the pigeons, you say or do something that makes lot of people angry or uncomfortable.
Example: She put the cat among the pigeons by accusing others in the office of misusing organization's dinner allowance for working late hours.
91. Put someone in his/ her place
If you put people in their place, you let them know that they're less important than they think.
Example: When he exceeded his brief to take charge of the project, the boss put him in his place.
92. Point finger at
If you point finger at someone, you say that s/he should be blamed
Example: Why are you pointing finger at me? I'm not the only person responsible for the loss.
93. Pour out one's heart
If you pour out your heart, you reveal your thoughts or inner feelings.
Example: I poured my heart out to my colleague about the mismanagement in the Company.
94. Swallow your pride
If you swallow your pride, you do something even though it hurts your self-respect.
Example: I swallowed my pride to do menial tasks for six months till I found a better job.
95. When push comes to shove
When situation turns desperate
Example: If push comes to shove, I'll take loan to finance my education.
96. Raining cats and dogs
If it rains cats and dogs, it rains heavily.
Example: It has been raining cats and dogs for the last hour or so. Let's brace up for the traffic jam.
97. Read between the lines
If you read between the lines, you try to understand someone's real feelings or intentions from what they say or write.
Example: The government says that the economy is robust, but if you look at employment data and read further between the lines, you realize that the situation isn't that rosy.
98. Beat a retreat
If you beat a retreat, you withdraw from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
Example: Seeing the cops, the arsonists beat a hasty retreat.
99. Take somebody for a ride
If you take somebody for a ride, you deceive them.
Example: The placement agency took hundreds of people for a ride by promising non-existent jobs.
100. Go through the roof
To increase beyond all expectations
Example: Petrol and diesel prices have gone through the roof.
1. I drew the only blank chit (that amounted to jackpot) in the draw of lots containing 36 chits. I had _____.
A. The luck of the devil
B. To face the music
C. The luck of the angel
D. To face the lecture
2. The presentation is not yet done. _____.
A. Don't go against the grain
B. Hold your horses
C. Don't drag your feet
D. Don't look for needle in the haystack
3. He is a regular visitor to this bar, and I bet he'll _____ again today.
A. Hit the soda
B. Hit the alcohol
C. Hit the bottle
D. Hit the bar
4. My explanation for my poor performance in the exam didn't _____ with the class teacher.
A. Get me off the hook
B. Cut any ice
C. See light of the day
D. Put me in my place
5. I _____ and didn't respond despite humiliating words from my boss.
A. Swallowed my pride
B. Turned a deaf ear
C. Made a mountain of a molehill
D. Held my tongue
6. The petitioners have filed several petitions with the utility company over the issue of inflated electricity bills, but they've all fallen on _____.
A. Blind eye
B. Thin ice
C. One eye
D. Deaf ears
7. The thief made off with the necklace _____ of the jeweler.
A. Under the eye
B. Under the nose
C. Under the mouth
D. Under the shadow
8. This deal seems to be _____ considering that Amit hasn't cracked anything significant in the last two years.
A. Worth its weight in gold
B. Cutting no ice
C. Flash in the pan
D. A case of swallowing pride
9. It has been raining _____ now for almost three hours.
A. Cats and bulls
B. Cats and birds
C. Cats and cows
D. Cats and dogs
10. After switching to another political party, the disgruntled politician _____ about nepotism in his earlier party.
A. Poured his heart out
B. Took people for a ride
C. Moved heaven and earth
D. Let his hair down
1. A 2. B 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. D 7. B 8. C 9. D 10. A
101. On the ropes
If someone is on the ropes, they're close to defeat or giving up.
Example: High crude oil prices have put many airlines on the ropes.
102. Rub salt into someone's wounds
To make a bad thing worse
Example: I was upset at not getting promoted, but the management really rubbed salt into my wounds when they promoted my junior.
103. Give someone a run for their money
If you give someone a run for their money, you compete well with them.
Example: Despite being an underdog, Division B team gave the best team of the tournament run for their money.
104. Shut one's eyes to
Refuse to see or consider
Example: The government can no longer shut its eye to growing pollution arising from stubble burning.
105. In the red (In the black)
Operating at a loss or under debt (Operating at a profit or have surplus)
Example: Many airlines across the world are in the red because of increase in oil prices.
106. Allow the dust to settle
To allow a situation to become calm or normal again after a period of excitement or upheaval
Example: Farmers are angry because of the low prices at which government agencies are buying their produce. Let's wait for the dust to settle before we negotiate with them.
107. Take the word out of somebody's mouth
To say exactly what the other person was about to say
Example: X: Why don't we leave early today to watch the 5 PM show of the latest release? Y: You've taken the words out of my mouth. I was about to say the same.
108. Eat your words
If you eat your words, you retract your statement or words.
Example: Experts had to eat their words on the impending doom of abc.com when the fledgling ecommerce website turned in an unexpected profit.
109. A shot in the dark
A wild guess
Example: Chasing an offender, the policemen took a shot in the dark and turned left on reaching the square.
110. Call the shots
If you calls the shots, you've the power and authority.
Example: In this ministry, the junior minister calls the shots.
111. Head and shoulders above
Greatly superior to
Example: In his prime, Usain Bolt was head and shoulders above his competitors.
112. Put to bed
To help a child sleep
Example: I'll be back in few minutes after putting my son to bed.
113. Put something to sleep
If an animal is put to sleep, it is killed by a veterinarian to relieve it of its pain and suffering.
Example: We put the dog to sleep as it was suffering from age-related ailments.
114. By the skin of your teeth
By extremely narrow margin
Example: He caught the train by the skin of his teeth.
115. Save your skin
If you save your skin, you save yourself from an unpleasant or dangerous situation without thinking of what happens to others.
Example: They lied and tampered with crucial evidence to save their skin.
116. Have a thick skin
To be less affected by criticisms and rebuffs
Example: You need to have a thick skin to survive in politics.
117. Start with a clean slate
Make a fresh beginning forgetting what happened, usually bad, in the past
Example: Relations have not been great between the two countries, but it's time to start from a clean slate.
118. No smoke without fire
A suspicion or rumor is not for nothing. It usually has some basis.
Example: I'm hearing that the investment company in which I put my money has been running a Ponzi scheme. I'm going to ask for my money back, because where there is smoke there is fire.
119. No strings attached
Free of conditions
Example: World Bank rarely gives loans with no strings attached.
120. Throw a spanner in the work
To disrupt or cause problems in an activity or project
Example: Last-minute withdrawal of the sponsor threw a spanner in our plans to organize the cultural festival.
121. Wear two/ several hats
To function in more than one capacity
Example: He wears two hats in the company – Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Information Officer.
122. Throw one's weight around
To act in a way that suggests you've lot of power or authority
Example: The politician tried to throw his weight around with the police, but the police ignored him.
123. Throw caution to the wind
Behave or speak in a rash manner
Example: Just to impress others, he threw caution to the wind and climbed the steep rock without any safety gear.
124. Spill the beans
To reveal a secret information unintentionally
Example: Someone for sure spilled the beans about the plan of jail inmates to smuggle in weapons. How else could jail authorities know about it?
125. Walk a tightrope
If you walk a tightrope, you do something that allows little room for error.
Example: Many educational institutions have to walk a tightrope between charging a high tuition fee and facing criticism, and not charging much and depending on grants.
126. Be in a tight spot
To be in a difficult situation
Example: If the government fails to get support from its key ally, it'll be in a tight spot during the voting tomorrow.
127. Spread yourself thin
To try to do too many things at the same time, implying inadequate time or attention to any of them
Example: College students, especially in first year, spread themselves thin by joining multiple elective courses and social activities.
128. Steal the show
If you steal the show, you get lot of attention or credit in an event or show.
Example: Chinese participants stole the show on the first day of 2018 Asian Games.
129. Let off steam
To do or say something that helps you release pent-up emotions such as anger or frustration
Example: When I get stressed at work, I go on a weekend trek to let off steam.
130. Blow someone's cover
To reveal someone's secret identity and what they're doing
Example: The police blew the cover on the plot by tapping kidnappers' phones.
131. Stick to your guns
To maintain one's position despite disagreement and opposition from others
Example: No matter how much police grills you, you've to stick to your guns and state the same story.
132. Leave no stone unturned
To do everything you can to achieve your goal
Example: I left no stone unturned to raise money for my company.
133. Set in stone
If something is set in stone, it's very difficult to change.
Example: The contract isn't set in stone. If the deal is compelling enough, we're open to change it.
134. Set the record straight
If you set the record straight, you quash misinformation about something by telling the truth.
Example: Let me set the record straight on all the talk in the media about my business relationship with the key accused in the scandal.
135. Go on record
If you go on record about something, you say it publically and officially. (You can't turn your back on such statement later.)
Example: The actors have gone on record describing exploitation of newcomers in the film industry.
136. The last straw (or the straw that broke the camel's back)
If an event is the last straw, it is the last in a series of unpleasant or undesirable events that exceeds your limit of tolerance.
Example: Recent hikes in fuel prices are the last straw for the lower middle class.
137. Bitter pill to swallow
Something such as failure or rejection that is difficult to accept, but has to be accepted
Example: Not getting admission to any of the colleges I applied to is a bitter pill to swallow.
138. Laugh all the way to the bank
To earn lot of money by doing something which others thought to be a foolish pursuit
Example: Investors dismissed his idea as immature, but he is now laughing all the way to the bank.
139. Show someone the door
To ask someone to leave
Example: During my worst period, I was promptly shown the door by very same people who once courted me.
140. Foot in the door
If you get your foot in the door, you succeed in achieving an initial step in an area that is difficult to succeed in.
Example: It's your relationships that help in getting your foot in the door in the initial phase of your business. Otherwise, it can be a grind.
141. In full swing
If something happens in full swing, it happens at the highest speed or level of activity.
Example: Our development team is working in full swing to meet the deadline.
142. Turn the tables on somebody
To completely reverse circumstances or gain upper hand on someone who was previously in a stronger position.
Example: He turned the tables on his political opponent by reeling off data on how poorly the economy has fared in the last one year.
143. The tail is wagging the dog
If you say that the tail is wagging the dog, you mean that a small or unimportant group is controlling the large group.
Example: The fringe group is small but vocal. I fear they'll control the direction of today's meeting. Talk about the tail wagging the dog.
144. Can't make head or tail of something
Can't understand someone or something at all
Example: I haven't been able to make head or tale of the bugs in the software so far.
145. Keep one's words
To do as promised
Example: He always keeps his words. If he has promised to put in a word for you, he will.
146. Lose your temper
If you lose temper, you become very angry.
Example: When he started giving excuse for not completing the assignment in time, the teacher lost her temper.
147. Test waters
If you test waters, you try to find how people will receive your idea or action before actually launching it or telling people.
Example: The Company is testing waters with few products before going full steam.
148. Through thick and thin
If you do something through thick and thin, you do it whether circumstances are good or not.
Example: He is one of those rare employees who has remained with the organization through thick and thin.
149. Thorn in your flesh
A person or thing that continually irritates or troubles you
Example: Demanding coalition partners have been a thorn in the flesh of the government.
150. Turn the tide
To reverse the course of events from one extreme to another
Example: With that goal right at the start of the second half, the home team seems to be turning the tide against their arch rivals.
1. The selection committee _____ by bypassing me and selecting a player who was not even a dark horse.
A. Ignored me
B. Saved its skin
C. Threw its weight around
D. Rubbed salt into my wounds
2. I'm _____ because I don't have money to pay the next installment of loan that is due in ten days.
A. In a tight spot
B. Walking a tightrope
C. Spreading myself thin
D. Swallowing a bitter pill
3. People thought I was nuts when I decided to invest in that company's shares. But now I'm _____.
A. Laughing all the way to the bank
B. Setting the record straight
C. In full swing
D. Able to keep my word
4. The manager _____ on why the bank's important client's complaint wasn't addressed for two weeks.
A. Gave his staff a run for their money
B. Allowed the dust to settle
C. Lost his temper
D. Called the shots
5. The presidential candidate _____ his rival on popularity charts.
A. Has called the shots over
B. Is head and shoulders above
C. Has walked a tightrope compared to
D. Has a foot in the door compared to
6. Trailing 0-2 at half time, Manchester United was _____.
A. On the ropes
B. Calling the shots
C. Saving its skin
D. Trailing
7. The prank didn't work because someone in the know ____.
A. Walked a tightrope
B. Stole the show
C. Spilled the beans
D. Blew the cover
8. I _____ to finish the project by Friday night.
A. Left no stone unturned
B. Turned the tables on my colleagues
C. Turned the tide
D. Spread myself thin
9. The last-hour rain _____ in our plans to play cricket.
A. Saved our skin
B. Was a shot in the dark
C. Threw a spanner
D. Was a spoiler
10. The additional assignment _____ the overburdened students.
A. Was a bitter pill to swallow for
B. Increased difficulties for
C. Was a thorn in the flesh of
D. Was the last straw for
1. D ['Ignored me' is not an idiom] 2. A 3. A 4. C 5. B 6. A 7. C 8. A 9. C ['Was a spoiler' is not an idiom] 10. D ['Increased difficulties for' is not an idiom]
151. On top of the world
Extremely happy
Example: I was on top of the world after landing the job I so badly wanted.
152. Try one's patience
To test the limit of one's patience
Example: The constant chatter at the back of the class tried the professor's patience.
153. Twist someone's arm
Make someone do something by pressurizing them
Example: The government brought the rebel leaders to the negotiating table by twisting their arms by launching investigation into their shady business deals.
154. Change hands
If something changes hands, it gets a new owner.
Example: This car has changed hands so many time since its first buy in 2009.
155. Wash dirty linen in public
If you wash your dirty linen in public, you discuss those matters in public which should have been kept private.
Example: The two brothers went public accusing each other of fraud, washing dirty linen in the public in the process.
156. Have one's hands full
To be extremely busy
Example: Working on two projects, I've my hands full.
157. Throw up one's hands
To express anger or frustration when a situation becomes unacceptably bad
Example: The manager threw up his hands in despair when nothing concrete emerged even after hours of negotiations.
158. Watch one's step
Be careful about how you behave or conduct yourself, lest you get into trouble
Example: Watch your steps at least in the first few months at your new job.
159. White elephant
Something that is white elephant costs a lot (on maintenance etc.) to keep, but does little useful
Example: The new Formula 1 race track is proving to be a white elephant for the owners. It is used for just few weeks in the year, but sucks a lot in maintenance.
160. Be off the mark
If something is off the mark, it is incorrect or inaccurate.
Example: The meteorology department was quite off the mark in predicting rainfall this week.
161. Wild-goose chase
A search that turns out to be time-wasting and unsuccessful because the thing being searched doesn't exist or you were given wrong information about its location
Example: The treasure hunt to find gold coins expectedly proved to be a wild-goose chase.
162. Know which way the wind is blowing
If you know which way the wind is blowing, you anticipate how certain situation is likely to develop.
Example: Politicians are good at knowing which way the wind is blowing, and they form alliances with other political parties accordingly.
163. Have your work cut out
If you've your work cut out to do something, you've a difficult task at hand.
Example: The government has its work cut out in controlling air pollution this winter.
164. Back the wrong horse
To support a person or action that later turns out to be unsuccessful
Example: The political party fielded a businessman from the prestigious seat in the national capital, but he lost. They clearly backed the wrong horse.
165. From the horse's mouth
If you hear from the horse's mouth, you hear from the original or trustworthy source.
Example: We've lost the deal we bid for last month. It's true, because I've heard it from the horse's mouth – my manager.
166. Eat like a bird
To eat little food
Example: You claim to be eating like a bird for the past three months, but you've hardly lost any weight.
167. Kill two birds with one stone
To achieve two goals with a single effort
Example: I can kill two birds with a stone by picking up the laundry while going to the college.
168. Eat humble pie
Be humiliated by admitting that you are wrong
Example: The e-commerce company claimed that they'll surpass the market leader in two years, but they had to eat humble pie after the latest sales numbers.
169. Have one's cake and eat it too
To have two good things at the same time that are incompatible and therefore not feasible
Example: You don't want to pay more taxes and still have better services. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
170. Shoot from the hip
To speak bluntly or rashly without thinking carefully
Example: If you want to be a spokesperson, you need to avoid your habit of shooting from the hip.
171. Shoot oneself in the foot
To harm one's own cause inadvertently
Example: He shot himself in the foot in the interview by disclosing too much personal information.
172. In cold blood
If you do something violent and cruel in cold blood, you do it deliberately and in an unemotional way.
Example: He was murdered in cold blood.
173. Draw first blood
If you draw first blood, you cause the first damage to an opponent in a conflict or contest.
Example: Federer drew the first blood by breaking Anderson's service in the fourth game of the first set.
174. Ace up one's sleeve
A secret or hidden advantage that you can use when you need it
Example: Murali, the mystery bowler whom the opposite team has never played, is an ace up the home team's sleeve.
175. Play your cards right
To behave or work in a way that gives you an advantage or improves your odds of success.
Example: You've to play your cards right to cross level 4 in this game.
176. Egg on your face
If you've egg on your face, you look stupid and face embarrassment because of something you've done.
Example: The case of the minister issuing statement in favor of a convicted person has left the government with egg on its face.
177. Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
To destroy something that gives you lot of money to get immediate returns
Example: Thomas killed the goose that laid the golden eggs when he sold off his business before setting up another.
178. An arm and a leg
If something costs an arm and a leg, it costs a lot.
Example: Two days in the hospital for a minor ailment cost me an arm and a leg.
179. Behind one's back
If you do something behind someone's back, you do it secretly without their knowledge (used in negative way).
Example: I don't give a damn to people who say all sorts of things behind my back.
180. Stab someone in the back
Harm someone who trusts you.
Example: It's not uncommon for people to stab colleagues in the back to move ahead in the professional world.
181. Take a back seat
If you take a back seat, you choose not to be in a position of responsibility or power.
Example: After being in the leadership position for more than a decade, it'll be tough for him to take a back seat.
182. Back to the drawing board
If you go back to the drawing board, you make a fresh start or try another idea because the earlier one didn't succeed.
Example: After the new product failed to set the sales number rolling, the team went back to the drawing board.
183. Right off the bat
If you do something right off the bat, you do it immediately.
Example: I learnt right off the bat that I need to build good rapport with the marketing team to do well in the organization.
184. Heart misses (skips) a beat
If your heart misses a beat, you feel excited or nervous.
Example: My heart skipped few beats while scrolling down the exam result on the notice board.
185. Have your heart in your mouth
If you've your heart in mouth, you're feeling extremely nervous.
Example: My heart was in my mouth when he slipped and fell down on the floor.
186. Not the only fish in the sea
Not the only suitable thing or person one can find
Example: You shouldn't be so heartbroken at the rejection by her. Remember, she's not the only fish in the sea.
187. Not your cup of tea
If you say that someone or something is not your cup of tea, you mean that they're not the kind of person or thing you like.
Example: Sales is not my cup of tea.
188. A piece of cake
If something is a piece of cake, it's easy to do.
Example: Solving such math problems is a piece of cake for me.
189. Call it a day
If you call it a day, you stop what you're doing because you're tired of it or you've not been successful.
Example: Faced with increasing competition and thinning profits, the owner decided to call it a day after twenty years in the business.
190. The pot calling the kettle black
Accusing someone of faults that you yourself have
Example: He called me a cheat – that's pot calling the kettle black.
191. Call a spade a spade
To speak truth even if it's unpleasant
Example: He doesn't hold his words and calls a spade a spade.
192. A bolt from the blue
A sudden, unexpected event
Example: The resignation of the minister this morning came as a bolt from the blue.
193. In the same boat
If two or more persons are in the same boat, they're in the same difficult situation.
Example: Both of us are in the same boat – without jobs.
194. Miss the boat/ bus
To miss an opportunity
Example: He waited far too long to get a good deal. Most good ones are gone now. He missed the boat.
195. Over my dead body
If you say something will happen your dead body, you mean you dislike it and will do everything you can to prevent it.
Example: X: We're selling your old bike to remove the junk that's gathering in the house. Y: Over my dead body.
196. Make one's blood boil
To make someone extremely angry
Example: An excessive penalty for just one-day delay in payment of the bill made my blood boil.
197. Bounce something off someone
If you bounce something off someone, you discuss ideas or plan with someone to get their view on it.
Example: X: Can I see you after the office to bounce few ideas off you? Y: Sure. Let's meet at 6 PM.
198. Bell the cat
To undertake a risky or dangerous task
Example: Who's going to bell the cat and tell the teacher that no one else but her son has pulled off the mischief?
199. Like a cat on hot tin roof
In an uneasy or nervous state
Example: Waiting for the result of my medical tests, I was like a cat on hot tin roof.
200. Like a fish out of water
If you're like a fish out of water in certain situation, you feel awkward because you haven't experienced that situation before.
Example: I was like fish out of water when I moved to the capital from my hometown.
1. The two friends fell out of each other and _____.
A. Washed their dirty linen in the public
B. Threw up their hands
C. Indulged in wild-goose chase
D. Had their work cut out
2. The investors' $10 million was written off. They clearly _____.
A. Ate humble pie
B. Had their cake and ate it too
C. Killed the goose that laid golden eggs
D. Backed the wrong horse
3. My 3-day holiday cost me _____.
A. A lot
B. An arm and a leg
C. A piece of cake
D. A bolt from the blue
4. My friend, quite shy, was like _____ in the party.
A. Shooting from the hip
B. A fish out of water
C. A white elephant
D. A bolt from the blue
5. This house has _____ since it was built in 1986.
A. Changed so many hands
B. Tried my patience
C. Been off the mark
D. Taken a back seat
6. The applicant _____ by contacting the admissions team too often.
A. Shot from the hip
B. Called a spade a spade
C. Belled the cat
D. Shot himself in the foot
7. Both the airlines _____ as they're facing losses for the past three quarters because of rising fuel prices.
A. Had egg on their face
B. Shot themselves in the foot
C. Are in the same boat
D. Called it a day
8. The CEO had to _____ after the company's product failed to live up to pre-launch claims.
A. Watch his steps
B. Eat humble pie
C. Eat like a bird
D. Throw up his hands
9. He was _____ after standing first in his school in class 12 exam.
A. On top of the world
B. Off the mark
C. Extremely happy
D. Like a cat on hot tin roof
10. The Vice President, Marketing, has resigned. I know it's true, because I've heard from _____, his assistant.
A. Bird's mouth
B. The grapevine
C. Horse's mouth
D. White elephant
1. A 2. D 3. B ['A lot' is not an idiom] 4. B 5. A 6. D 7. C 8. B 9. A ['Extremely happy' is not an idiom] 10. C
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Can You Remove an Lps Head and Put It Back on
Source: https://lemongrad.com/idioms-with-meanings-and-examples/
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