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ABC DEFGHIJK LMN O PQ RSTUVWXYZ Please note: Due to shortcomings of our index generator, all index keywords are lowercase. Idiom Home
can't hold a candle (See hold a candle) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
a Canadian, a citizen of Canada, Johnny Canuck Previous page Next page Idiom Home Canuck
allow information to flow down to Archie thinks we should control this information, not the employees cascade it. an example to support my point or Social democracy can succeed. Sweden is a case in case in point thesis point. case of (See a case of) pay cash and carry it out of the The ad stated the terms of the sale: CASH & cash and carry store (no deliveries) CARRY. Previous page Next page Idiom Home cascade (business)
The catcalls from the audience caused the speaker to pause. It was catch 22. I needed my glasses to find my glasses.
catch a buzz catch a cold (catch cold) catch a glimpse catch a plane/bus/train catch a ride catch as catch can
begin to feel intoxicated, begin to feel natural high be sick with a cold, come down with a cold see for only a second, visible for a brief time go to the airport and get on the plane ride with someone who has a vehicle, get a lift no order, get what you can
This is strong beer. You catch a buzz from drinking one bottle! I caught a cold while we were in Vancouver. I caught a glimpse of Sue at the mall, but she didn't see me. After the meeting, you can catch the plane to Toronto. When I go to church, I catch a ride with my neighbor Lila. The Clearance Sale was catch as catch can - each one for himself.
You go ahead. I'll catch up with you at the bus stop. do something that you have Ali can't go to the movie. He has to catch up on his catch up on neglected homework. revealed or exposed, come back When your lies catch up with you, it's catch up with to haunt you embarrassing. catch you at a bad time visit or call when it is inconvenient You look very sad. Did I catch you at a bad time? I will talk to you later, I will see catch you later I have to leave now. Catch you later. you later surprise you, say what you do not Did my comment about dog poop catch you off catch you off guard expect guard? In this terrible weather, put on a coat or you'll catch catch your death become very ill, catch a bad cold your death. cause you to look, get your When I was in Paris, a Peugeot cabriolet caught my catch your eye attention eye. Ah! caught dead (See wouldn't be caught dead) not ready to respond, mind in Esposito was caught flatfooted by Lemaire's caught flatfooted neutral slapshot - an easy goal! Previous page Next page Idiom Home catch up arrive later, join you
be finished, completed the required work found doing a bad act, caught in caught with his pants down the act caution (See a caution) cave in quit, be unable to cope, fold cement hands awkward hands, butter fingers a letter that is copied and sent to chain letter other people Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Chances are they're lost, and that's why they're late. My attitude has changed for the better. I'm more change for the better improve, become better positive now. That condo changed hands three times in one year change hands change owners, be sold or traded three owners! change plans/methods after you We're in the furniture business, not clothing. We change horses in mid stream have begun a competition or can't change horses in mid stream. business Previous page Next page Idiom Home
He can remember when eggs were cheap - a dime a dozen. a long time, 10-15 years, a coon's Mel! I haven't seen you for a dog's age - at least ten a dog's age age years! a mixture of many things, a This book is a dog's breakfast. It contains a bit of a dog's breakfast hodgepodge everything. Previous page Next page Idiom Home a dime a dozen very cheap, low priced, dirt cheap
cheap skate cheat on check it out check out check-out check over check that
a person who does not pay his share, a tight-ass break a marriage promise, be unfaithful inquire, find out about find out about, see if it is okay the counter where you pay for your purchases look for errors in a paper, see if there are mistakes look at that, get a load of that
That cheap skate can keep his money. I'll pay for the tickets. He cheats on his wife. Now he's sleeping with a waitress. Check it out. It may be a great opportunity. Let's check out that Subaru we saw at Chong's Used Cars. The shoppers were lined up at the Canadian Tire check-out. I've written a letter of application. Will you check it over for me? When Rick saw the sports car, he said, "Check that!"
a British toast or greeting meaning I raise my glass to a great leader: Sir Winston good health to you or goodbye Churchill. Cheers! and good wishes, chimo, ciao cheery-bye goodbye, bye, cheerio I'll see you tomorrow. Cheery-bye! The dancer provided lots of cheesecake - lots of cheesecake naked flesh, bare skin bare leg. They were cheesed off when I said you wouldn't cheesed off upset, annoyed, ticked off pay them. The acting was pretty cheesy. The actors didn't cheesy poor quality, crappy, shabby know their lines. a player who waits at center ice Our coach told us about the cherrypicker on the cherrypicker (hockey) for a pass other team. old favorite song, well-known Moira played the piano, and we sang old songs chestnut story old chestnuts. lecture him, scold him, give him My sister chewed me out for taking her car. She chew him out hell (see give you hell) [B] gave me hell. I'll go and get the wine while you two relax and chew the fat/ chew the rag talk, visit, have a chin wag chew the fat. We were waiting for the bus, and this chick says, chick girl, woman "Hi, boys." Previous page Next page Idiom Home cheers
pause to gain control of your emotions, cool off add a word or phrase to a chime in conversation, two cents' worth an Inuit expression meaning chimo "Goodbye. It was nice talking to you," bye for now, ciao Previous page Next page Idiom Home
each one help to pay for, everybody pay a little chip off the old block (See a chip off the old block) in a fighting mood, looking for a Ron has a chip on his shoulder. He's arguing with chip on his shoulder fight everybody. chips are down (See when the chips are down) very full, full to the top, chock full The truck was chock full of paper to be recycled. chockablock, plump full tightly packed, crammed in one The square was chockablock with people - all chockablock place, chock full looking at the pope. be so nervous you cannot perform Don't even think about choking when you make choke or do it well your speech. choked angry, mad, pissed She was really choked when you called her a bitch. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
buy all I have, steal everything I own pick up garbage, put away clothes Lorne, please clean up the mess in your bedroom. or toys, wash Little Chad cleaned up on big Clint. Chad is quite a defeat, beat, whip you, wipe you fighter. do it better, do it legally, get your I've missed classes, failed tests. I need to clean up act together my act. finish eating all the food on your You may leave the table after you've cleaned up plate, eat it up your plate. easy to hear or understand, clearly We heard him say it. He said no, clear as a bell. audible Mr. Lee explained the formula. Then he said, "Clear not understandable, confusing as mud, eh?" When the gang arrived, we cleared out. We left in a leave, go, get out, take off hurry.
sell at a low price, sell at a discount Previous page Next page Idiom Home clear out
a small part, a tiny piece, the tip of This donation is only a drop in the bucket, but it is the iceberg appreciated. an odd combination of things, a strange mixture of items, a dog's breakfast, Fibber McGee's closet a duke's mixture When Lynn opened the lid of the box she found a duke's mixture everything from jewelry to birdseed! The boys argued and had a little dust-up, but no one a dust-up a fight, a skirmish; set-to got hurt. Previous page Next page Idiom Home a drop in the bucket
Orr was clotheslined just as he crossed the line. What a check! "How do you get clued in?" "You watch and listen, clued in aware, in the know, with it man." When I don't know the answer, I try not to look clueless not informed, ignorant, not with it clueless. a car that is in poor condition, a Uncle Blair has bought another clunker - an old clunker beater Pontiac. clutch hitter (baseball) (See a clutch hitter) clutz (See klutz) Don't believe that cock-and-bull story about cock and bull [B] nonsense, bull, BS [B] Bigfoot. "Why is Len acting so cocky?" "He won the Frisbee cocky proud, smartass contest." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See to coin a phrase) a visit to an employer or customer cold call without an appointment very little comfort, satisfaction in cold comfort theory not reality cold feet (See get cold feet) cold shoulder (See give you the cold shoulder) abruptly, completely, not cold turkey gradually actual money, dollar bills; not a cold, hard cash cheque or credit card Previous page Next page Idiom Home
coin a phrase
Sam got a job by making cold calls - by knocking on doors and asking for work. If Jim dies, having his money is cold comfort for his wife.
Barb stopped smoking, cold turkey. No plan, no program. No cheques - I want cold, hard cash for that car.
come around come back to haunt you come by come clean come down hard
begin to co-operate, believe, come onside cause you to feel guilty or ashamed find, get, obtain tell the truth, admit everything, own up punish hard, throw the book at
come down on like a ton of reprove, punish harshly bricks be realistic, get your head out of come down to earth the clouds come down with become sick, become ill come full circle come hell or high water arrive at the place where you began
no matter what happens, by any means Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When he reads the report, he'll come around. He'll believe us. Lies will come back to haunt you, remind you of the past. How did you come by that vase? Where did you get it? The police asked him to come clean about the money - to tell them everything he knew. The teachers come down hard on cheating. They suspend cheaters. Whenever I make the slightest mistake, my boss comes down on me like a ton of bricks. If she'd come down to earth, if she'd stop dreaming about fame, she could pass her exams. Brenda came down with the flu. She's very sick. "Let's ask the teacher, okay?" "If we do that, we'll have come full circle. Remember?" I'll buy that ranch, come hell or high water. I'm determined.
When her father died, she came into a lot of money. In sales, all of your skills come into play. You use come into play affect, influence, be a factor them all. be your natural best, find your After five years in medicine, he came into his own. come into your own voice, realize your potential He became an excellent doctor. able to learn easily, have natural Playing the piano seemed to come naturally to come naturally ability Susan. Peter liked Mia, but nothing ever came of it - no come of happen, result, develop romance. become old enough to vote or go On my 18th birthday, Dad said, "Now that you've come of age to the bar or fight in a war come of age, here's a set of keys to the car." The band wanted to produce a CD, but it didn't come off happen as planned, succeed come off. come off it I do not believe it, you're kidding You had a date with Cybill Shepherd? Come off it! Come on, Mat, you can do it! You can ride that come on cheer, encourage bull! Previous page Next page Idiom Home
complete the task, do what is expected regain your senses or come to consciousness come to involves, includes Previous page Next page Idiom Home
come up
come up with think of, compose Previous page Next page Idiom Home
In this job we never know what will come up. One customer wanted to buy an ostrich. Can you come up with the answer to my question?
wait for a judgement, serve a detention sensible people spoke, violence was avoided (See in a coon's age) policeman, fuzz, pig
Chad is cooling his heels in the Remand Centre - the city jail. There was nearly a riot, but cooler heads prevailed.
I know this cop on the Calgary Police Force - he's a nice guy.
Grant got corked last night and walked home. He couldn't drive. Japanese automakers are trying to corner the luxury car market. If Helmer corners you, tell him you have to go to the bathroom. The farmer said his cows are moody today. Now that is corny! Elvis bought a new pink Cadillac. I bet that cost a pretty penny. That fur jacket must have cost her an arm and a leg. Caring for a child will cost you - cost you a lot. But it's worth every minute, every tear.
This is good sherry, but it's a far cry from the amontillado. the eyes show thoughts of a When I mention horses, you get a faraway look in a faraway look distant place or friend your eyes. an act that has no effect, an A letter to the editor of a paper is like a fart in a a fart in a windstorm unimportant event windstorm. Stop bothering her or I'll give you a fat lip. I'll hit a fat lip a hit on the lip, an injured lip you. an honor, a credit to you, chalk Because you are Karen's teacher, her award is a a feather in your cap one up for you feather in your cap. a few bricks short of a full When Moe began eating bugs, we knew he was a not sensible or logical, not all there load few bricks short. a useless object, an unnecessary The team already had two guards, so I felt like a a fifth wheel device fifth wheel. Previous page Next page Idiom Home a far cry not similar, very different
I may be late for work today. Will you cover for me? He can't cover up his mistake because people know cover up hide it, sweep under the carpet about it. hiding something from the The reporter heard about the cover-up of police cover-up authorities or media brutality. protect yourself by having If you discipline or dismiss an employee, cover your cover your ass [B] documents signed etc. ass. Watch where you step. There are cow-pies cow-pie cow shit [B] cow dung everywhere. Oops! a cowboy, a man who works on a Three cowpokes were herding some cattle down cowpoke ranch the road. Calgary, Alberta; a town where The Calgary Stampede is the pride of Cowtown. Cowtown cows are sold Y'all come! crack a book study, read a textbook Sean passed that exam without cracking a book. tell a joke, say a funny word or crack a joke Please be serious. Don't crack jokes or laugh at us. phrase The police began to crack down on speeders in the crack down on stop, not permit, not allow school zones. Previous page Next page Idiom Home cover for me
The Premier raised a crank issue and then went on holidays. Hey, Karen, crank up the radio. That's a great crank it up turn up the volume, louder please song. Can you crank out a few jokes for our school crank out make, write, manufacture newspaper? He told us that history books contain a lot of crap crap lies, bull, BS BS. What a crappy camera! Look at these terrible crappy poor quality, junky, shabby pictures! Sometimes Don crashes on our sofa and sleeps for crash go to bed, go to sleep hours. fail to operate, not work, break If Netscape crashes, I'll have to use the phone crash down, kaput instead of e-mail. Bo and his friends crashed our party. They came crash a party go to a party uninvited, horn in uninvited. crash course (See a crash course) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: crawl on my hands and knees over broken glass just to see her photo -- crop up
Idiom Meaning crawl on my hands and do anything to be closer to her, knees over broken glass just worship the ground she walks on to see her photo having many of them, oodles, crawling with scads crazy about like a lot, mad about crafty while appearing foolish or crazy like a fox dumb, play the fool cream of the crop cream you creep crock crocodile tears Example I'm so in love I'd crawl on my hands and knees over miles of broken glass to see her photo.
The hotel was crawling with police. I couldn't count them. Dad's crazy about sports. He really loves baseball. In the debate, he was crazy like a fox. He praised his opponent for being clever and ruthless. Only the cream of the crop will be invited to the best of the group, the finest ones interviews. hit you, knock you down, knock If Jon discovers you lied to him, he'll cream you. you flat He'll hit you. strange person, pervert, weirdo What a creep! He looks like a stray dog! (See that's a crock) Her crocodile tears don't fool me. She just wants false tears, phony sadness sympathy.
crop up
cross over to the other side die, kick the bucket, pass away cross paths cross someone cross that bridge when I come to it cruise cruise cruising for a bruising crummy meet, encounter go against someone, insult someone make that decision when it is necessary, do not jump the gun drive the streets looking for fun and friends, bomb around drive around in a car, bomb around inviting a fight, asking for it poor quality, lousy, shabby
Poor girl! She's crying her heart out because he hasn't called her. be sad as you drink beer, regret Go to college. Get your diploma. Or someday you'll as you drink beer, cry the blues be crying in your beer. you can cry a lot but you will not When he complained about how much he had to get my sympathy, crocodile tears pay his chauffeur, I said, "Cry me a river, guy."
cry about small accidents, cry instead of doing complain because your friend or cry the blues lover has gone cry a lot, cry hard, cry her heart cry your eyes out out crying shame (See a crying shame) Previous page Next page Idiom Home cry over spilt milk
Children drop things and break them. Don't cry over spilt milk. Lan is crying the blues because Bing left her for another woman. The little boy was lost and scared, and crying his eyes out.
My cup runneth over whenever I listen to Mother Teresa. Don't ask so many questions. Remember, curiosity curiosity killed the cat killed the cat. On a cold and rainy day she likes to curl up with a curl up with a good book good book. The man described the accident. It was enough to curl your hair shock you, disgust you curl your hair! If we clear-cut Canada's forests, it's curtains for the curtains the end, the death, the last of lumber industry. They had a cushy life in their beautiful home beside cushy soft, luxurious, comfortable the ocean. curse, say bad words, the air was The little boy had learned to cuss. He said damn cuss blue and hell a lot. Neil's muscles are well cut. They ripple when he cut defined, clearly visible moves. look very good in your clothes, When Dee was in her twenties she cut a fine figure cut a fine figure look sharp in this fur jacket. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If we cut corners, we'll produce a low-quality product. Ty and Ed are cut from the same cloth - both are cut from the same cloth from the same family, very similar serious and quiet. not have sex with him, not make If he doesn't buy me a car, I'll cut him off - no cut him off [B] love to him nookie! Red and brown just don't cut it. They look ugly cut it do the job, satisfy, work together. leave very little time, have just After paying the rent we had only $60. This is cut it a little fine enough money cutting it a little fine. When the kids began throwing dirt, we told them to cut it out stop it, do not do that, knock it off cut it out. quit the project and accept the If the stock price goes down, sell them and cut your cut losses financial losses losses. Previous page Next page Idiom Home cut corners
Example If I can get a job interview, I'll have a fighting a fighting chance a fair chance, a good chance chance. We got a fill-up before we left Winnipeg. The truck a fill-up a full tank of gasoline, fill her up needed gas. a close relationship, not much Sometimes there is a fine line between love and a fine line difference lust. a careful search, a search for a She read the file carefully - went over it with a a fine-toothed comb detail fine-toothed comb. a person who will discipline The students in Grade 8 need a teacher with a firm a firm hand people hand. a person who does superior work I'm looking for a steady worker, not a flash in the a flash in the pan at first pan. A fleeting glance from Marilyn would make his heart a fleeting glance a very brief look, a quick glance beat wildly. able to hear and see what a fly I'd like to be a fly on the wall in the Judge's a fly on the wall would see and hear chambers. a fool and his money are a fool will spend all his money After he had spent his fortune, he remembered this soon parted quickly; easy come, easy go saying: A fool and his money are soon parted. a certain conclusion, a predictable That he'll graduate is a foregone conclusion. He is a a foregone conclusion result good student. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning
Have you seen her little sister? She's cute as a bug's ear. the latest technology, state of the This picture is the cutting edge - the best in the TV cutting edge art industry. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
tells your age; when you were born Previous page Next page Idiom Home dates you
(See the day of the family farm) (See from day one) dead, showing no signs of life, dead as a doornail It's only a stuffed bear. It's dead as a doornail. stone dead very little recovery after a loss, not The broker said, "It was a dead-cat bounce. Stocks dead-cat bounce coming up again remain low." He's dead certain that Ming is the man who talked dead certain very certain, very sure, positive to him. having the same score, tied, a After six events in the decathlon, the two men were dead even dead heat dead even. a person who can shoot We call him Dead-eye Dick. He can shoot the dot dead-eye Dick accurately off an i. dead giveaway (See a dead giveaway) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
sleeping, in a deep sleep, sound asleep Previous page Next page Idiom Home
After fighting the fire, they were dead tired exhausted. I was dead to the world when the phone rang and woke me.
in a six-foot-deep grave, pushing If you overdose on coke, you're deep six, man. up daisies very private information, on the I'll tell you about my past, but not my childhood. QT That's a deep, dark secret. Mario skated in on the goalie and deked him out of tricked out of position, outplayed his jock.
not smart, slow at thinking, stupid, not too swift a wheel block that stops a car from moving deserve praise or thanks, give her credit carefree, wild, on a lark (See first dibs) penis, dink, dork, hoo-haw
She knows the answers to these questions. She's just acting dense. Greg was drunk, so the police put a Denver boot on his car. David deserves credit for finding the lost keys. Thank you, boy. Employers won't hire people with a devil-may-care attitude. With all these winter clothes on, I can't find my dick.
That was a great dinner, Nora. You did yourself proud. For all that work, he gave me diddly-squat - not diddly-squat nothing, not a penny even thanks. didn't have a stitch of naked, nude, birthday suit, in the When the kids go swimming they don't have a stitch clothes on buff of clothes on. When the laughter died down, I found my false die down gradually stop, diminish, drop off teeth, put them in my mouth, and said, "Excuse me." I'm dying for a cup of coffee! I'll have an Espresso, die for want very much; in the worst way please. change slowly, continue to be Some men still want to be the head of the family. die hard strong, you can't teach... Old beliefs die hard. That type of horse died off before humans die off become extinct, all of them die appeared. confirmed, certain of his beliefs, A died-in-the-wool democrat - that's me. I believe died in the wool card-carrying ... in democracy. The coach asked the team to dig a little deeper, to dig a little deeper try harder, give a little more give their best. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
dig deep dig in dig in their heels dig it up dig me dig your own grave dig yourself in dig/dig it digs
give more money, dig a little deeper begin to eat, eat up, help yourself hold their position, not yield or move dig the garden, dig to uncover a buried object understand, get my drift cause your own failure, cut your own throat make it worse, say or do something that aggravates like, enjoy, relate to apartment, house, pad
We'll all have to dig deep if we hope to achieve our goals. Dig in, everybody. There's lots of food. If we discuss money, he digs in his heels. "No raises," he says. Remember where you bury the treasure, because some day you may want to dig it up. "I don't like you to take my car. That's gonna stop, dig me!" When you criticize the manager, are you digging your own grave? When he insulted the policeman, I said, "Don't dig yourself in." Ole digs the Beatles. His favorite song is Norwegian Wood. I'm having a party so everybody can see my new digs.
Did you wash your hands after you touched your dink? married couples who have Double Our travel packages are purchased mainly by DINKS Income No Kids DINKS. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
insult, criticize, disrespect, put down Previous page Next page Idiom Home dis
discretion is the better part be sensible when you are brave; of valor be courageous but not reckless dish (See what a dish) dish it out criticize, complain
Jay can dish it out, but she gets mad if you criticize her. radio announcer who plays Clare became a disk jockey with a radio station in disk jockey (DJ) recorded music Moose Jaw. leave him, lose him, give him the I tried to ditch him at the mall but he held on to my ditch him slip hand. ditz fool, an airhead, jerk, nerd, nut You ditz! You put ketchup on my ice cream! travel at a speed, drive at a speed We were only doing 50 km per hour. That's the do (a speed) of truth. do (See hairdo) turn around and go in the opposite When the boy on the motorcycle saw the police car, do a 180 direction, U-turn he did a 180 and sped off. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: do a favor -- do me
Idiom do a favor do a gig do a number on do away with do-dad do drugs do-funny Meaning help someone who asks, do a task for someone play music for a dance or concert Example Ben offered to do me a favor if I ever need help.
Our band is doing a gig at Bijo's tonight. We play from 10 till 2. They did a number on us when we bought this car. deceive, fool, taken, taken in It's not reliable. We want to do away with nuclear weapons - to throw out, dispose of dispose of them. an object with a name you cannot A little do-dad on the back of the carburetor was remember, do-funny sticking. That was the problem. use drugs, take drugs They don't hire people who do drugs. No way. a thing with a funny name, You put the do-funny on the lever, and you're thing-a-ma-bob finished!
use a poor method, go against the Don't start a fire with stones. That's doing it the hard grain way. do lunch have lunch together, eat lunch We'll do lunch tomorrow, OK? Do you like salad? Paul sang, "When she really done me, she done me do me love me, make love to me good!" Previous page Next page Idiom Home do it the hard way
do your part do your utmost do yourself proud doctor it/doctor it up dodge a bullet
do your share, do your job do as much as you can, do whatever you can do something that you are proud of improve it, edit it, spin doctor, touch up, tweak avoid a failure or loss or injury
We did our part to help the food bank. We donated cereal. Pat did his utmost to save her, but she fell into the pool. You did yourself proud when you helped the refugees. I wrote the letter but Ted doctored it up - to make it look professional. Kevin dodged a bullet. He got a "D" on the final exam.
dodo (See go the way of the dodo) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Bill admits he's been dogging it lately. He lacks energy. His failure in politics dogged him for the rest of his dog me follow me, bother me life. very tired, exhausted, all in, done Janis was dog tired after the series. She played dog tired in every game. dog's age (See for a dog's age) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: dog's breakfast -- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Idiom dog's breakfast dog's life dogan doggone doggy bag doggy doo dollars to donuts
Meaning (See a dog's breakfast) (See a dog's life) Catholic, a member of the Roman Catholic Church extremely annoying, god-damn, blasted (See a doggy bag) dog poop, dog feces, doo-doo
Example
I'm a Jew, Walter's a dogan, and Peter's a Buddhist. What a mixture! I can't find the doggone scissors again. This house must eat them! Here, I brought a plastic bag for Lassie's doggy doo. When Lisa gets all dolled up, Harry becomes very romantic. When I said I was going to help my neighbor get a divorce, Pat said, "Don't borrow trouble." "Look at the sales I'm going to make this month over 50!" "Don't count your chickens... ."
(See bet you dollars to donuts) in a party dress, with hair styled, dolled up gussied up do not invite their trouble; we don't borrow trouble have enough trouble do not expect all plans to be don't count your chickens successful, wait until you get the before they hatch final results Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: don't hand me that -- don't know your ass from a hole in the ground [B]
Meaning Example (See don't give me that) it is not going to happen soon, be The City will repair the street but don't hold your don't hold your breath prepared to wait breath. don't be negative, it could be "I only got a C for my report." "Don't knock it. I got don't knock it worse a D." do not know who he is, have The man says he knows me, but I don't know him don't know him from Adam never met him from Adam. don't know the first thing I can't fix a transmission. I don't know the first thing do not know anything about it about it about it. do not know all the facts, have not Yes, they got divorced, but you don't know the half don't know the half of it heard all of it of it. don't know whether you're you are confused, you do not If you believe the cult leaders, you won't know coming or going understand, go in circles whether you're coming or going. After talking to four bureaucrats, I didn't know don't know which end is up are confused, are mixed up which end was up. do not know what is really don't know which side your If you refuse the assistance, you don't know which important, have not learned much bread is buttered on side your bread is buttered on. about life don't know your ass from a you are ignorant, you are He said one member of the cult was so confused he hole in the ground [B] mistaken, mixed up didn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. Previous page Next page Idiom Home Idiom don't hand me that
Idioms: don't look a gift horse in the mouth -don't teach your grandmother how to suck eggs
Idiom don't look a gift horse in the mouth don't make a mountain out of a molehill don't make me laugh don't make waves don't mention it don't push your luck Meaning Example do not be critical of a gift, be Don't evaluate a gift. Don't look a gift horse in the grateful for a gift mouth. do not cause a big fuss about a So I scratched the car. Don't make a mountain out small problem of a molehill. do not be ridiculous, don't give me When I said I wrote the novel, he said, "Don't make that line me laugh." do not do anything that will cause Our company has changed a lot. Don't make any problems more waves. "Thanks for the ride," I said. "Don't mention it," he it was no trouble, no problem replied. do not try to get too much, do not If Mom says maybe, don't push your luck. Be ask for more patient.
don't put all your eggs in one do not invest all the money in one basket company do not cause a change, do not don't rock the boat upset anybody do not worry about it, you can't don't sweat it saw sawdust don't teach your do not tell me what I know, do grandmother how to suck not say what is obvious eggs Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Balance your investments. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. If the team is winning, don't rock the boat. Don't change anything. If you did your best but didn't win a medal, don't sweat it. You, a history major, telling me, a war veteran, about war? Don't teach your grandmother how to suck eggs!
We were done for until Tim hit a home run and we won the game. did well, performed well, did After watching the race, his dad said, "You done done good good good, Son." After the roundup, the old-timer was done in done in very tired, dead tired, all in exhausted. had a lot of experience, done We need a manager who's done it all - done all the done it all every activity jobs. done to a turn cooked or baked until very tasty The steaks were done to a turn - brown and juicy. Just leave the pen on my desk when you're done done with it finished using it, not using it with it. a fight involving many people The Flames and the Oilers had another Donnybrook Donnybrook especially in a game of hockey last night - a bench-clearing brawl. excrement, shit, doggy doo, in My shoe really stinks. I must have stepped in some doo-doo deep doo-doo, poop doo-doo! Previous page Next page Idiom Home done for defeated, beaten, hopeless
Idiom doughhead dove down down a peg down and dirty down and out down for the count down home
Meaning someone who does not think before acting a person who wants peace, pacifist sad, depressed, low (See take him down a peg) not polite, rude, vulgar poor and unlucky, bumming and boozing defeated by an opponent, out of the contest simple but good, old fashioned
Example Don't ever call him a doughhead again. He's my boyfriend. The doves complained when the US built more nuclear weapons. She's been down ever since her cat died. She misses her cat. The next song is down and dirty. It's called Snake's Pad. When he was down and out, he went to the Salvation Army. Chad was down for the count. He couldn't get up.
Hey, Ma. I can't wait to taste your down-home cookin'. sad, not happy, depressed, down Shelly was down in the dumps until her boyfriend down in the dumps in the mouth arrived. looking sad, having a sad face, a You'd be down in the mouth, too, if you'd just lost down in the mouth sad sack your job. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Down the line, we'll meet again and laugh at our argument. Disagree with the boss and you'll soon be down the down the road dismissed, fired road. We plan to have an office in both cities - but that's down the road in the future, in a few years down the road. You have to advertise, or your business will go down the tubes lost or gone, ruined, up the creek down the tubes. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See get down to brass tacks) humble, not proud, the salt of the I like Mrs. Wilson because she's so down to earth, down to earth earth so natural. "How's it going? Are you nearly finished?" "We're nearly finished a job, almost down to the short strokes down to the short strokes - we just have to paint the completed a task doors." The first two games went down to the wire - very down to the wire to the last minute, near the end close scores. Next year I'm going down under for my holidays down under Australia, New Zealand, etc. New Zealand. "Down with the sales tax!" they shouted. "Down down with do not support, stop that plan, not with the tax!" downer (drug) (See a downer) downer (sadness) (See a downer) "Are you downhearted, my dear?" "No. Just quiet, downhearted sad, unhappy, down my love." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
"Did you see the drag race?" "Ya. The Corvette won." They're dragging their feet. Tell them to work drag your feet work too slow, prevent progress faster. Previous page Next page Idiom Home drag race two cars racing from a stop light
If I were manager, my first step would be to drain the swamp. Drat! I've lost the key. How can we get into the drat oh no, nuts, rats, scrut apartment? be unable to think of an answer, For some reason, I drew a blank when the draw a blank mind go blank professor questioned me. They say he hasn't drawn a sober breath since his draw a sober breath be sober, not be drunk son was killed. ask people to notice; show or If you wear a short skirt, you draw attention to your draw attention to display to people legs. The Jets drew first blood in the series, winning game draw first blood attack first, be first to hit or win one 5-4. tell me about it, cause me to be Spelling is a problem. Thanks for drawing it to my draw it to my attention aware of it attention. When it comes to drugs, he draws the line. He draw the line stop, refuse to do it won't touch them. get attention while a friend moves You draw their fire while I move behind them. You draw their fire or escapes distract them. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
It's a library party, so dress down. Wear something casual. All actors must come to the dress rehearsal - our dress rehearsal last practice. Everybody got dressed up for the banquet. Roy dress up wore his new suit. In walks Erica, dressed fit to kill. She looked dressed fit to kill terrific! Here I am in jeans. Everybody else is dressed to the dressed to the nines dressed in high fashion, gussied up nines. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See a dressing down) dress in casual clothes, dress informally the last rehearsal before the performance, dry run dress in your best clothes, put on glad rags dressed in party clothes, dolled up , dress up, gussied up
Can you drive standard? My car has a five-speed transmission. If you get pushy, he'll drive you. He's got a bad drive you hit you, punch you, cream you temper. cause you to feel crazy, drive you Working for Harry will drive you nuts. He's a drive you nuts crazy (see drive me crazy) perfectionist. cause you to lose thoughts, drive drive you to distraction Her continual chatter will drive you to distraction. me up the wall cause you to drink alcohol or His critical attitude will drive you to drink. I had to drive you to drink want to be drunk resign. stop taking a subject, withdraw, You wouldn't drop English! It's the key to other drop drop out subjects. lose money by gambling, lose your I dropped a bundle at the track last night. I lost drop a bundle shirt every bet. When he was hungry, he'd drop a hint, like point at drop a hint suggest, give a sign the fridge. Be sure to drop us a line from Paris. Tell us about drop a line write a letter, send a postcard your trip. Previous page Next page Idiom Home drive standard shift gears on a car or truck
take your pants down, remove your shorts Previous page Next page Idiom Home drop your drawers
Don't you hate it when you have to drop your drawers for a nurse?
What a dumbbell I am! I locked the keys in the car. Hey, dumbo! You're driving on the wrong side of the road! Sid and Marie had a fight, so he dumped her and began seeing me. They dump on Karen too much. They give her the large classes.
searching in the garbage to find bottles etc. (See darn) ruined, dead, done for, toast
If you smuggle drugs into the US, you're dust. You'll go to jail. ball of dust on the floor, dust that On Saturday morning I vacuum up the dust bunnies dust bunny looks like fur before I go out. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When we go for eats, let's go dutch. That's fair, eh. "Duty calls," he said, opening a book to begin his homework.
The rowdy kid needs his ears pinned back. Tell him to behave.
work or play slower, take it easy on not push as much, reduce the ease up pressure, let up Previous page Next page Idiom Home ease up
Ease up on the younger players, eh. Don't work them too hard. You can ease up on the gas pedal when we reach 100 km per hour.
While living with his wealthy aunt, he had an easy time of it. admit you were wrong, take back When I lost the bet, I had to eat crow - admit I was eat crow what you said (see take it back) wrong. eat high off the hog (See high on the hog) admit I did not play well, feel Ben had to eat humble pie after he finished fourth in eat humble pie humble after defeat the race. finish eating some food, eat all of That's a good boy. Eat it up and then you can go eat it up the food out to play. believe a story, eat out of the The children were eating it up - every word the eat it up palm... teacher said. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
After listening to the UFO scientist, my uncle said, "Are we supposed to eat that?" eat up begin to eat, continue to eat, dig in Eat up, folks. We have lots of pancakes. defeat you easily, have you for In a game of racquetball he'll eat you for breakfast. eat you for breakfast breakfast He's quick. eat you out of house and Our son's team came to dinner and ate us out of eat all your food, pig out home house and home! eat until you are satisfied, eat as Eat your fill. You won't have another meal till we get eat your fill much as you can home. envy my prize, wish that you had When Kurt won the Porsche, he said, "Eat your eat your heart out one heart out, guys." Previous page Next page Idiom Home eat that believe that, buy that, swallow that
You're kind of edgy today. Did you sleep well last night? I didn't want to steal the exam, but they egged me egg me on encourage me, tell me to do it on. I made a deal with Jake and ended up with egg on egg on my face embarrassed, outsmarted my face. feeling of self importance, feeling If you tell him he played well, he'll go on an ego ego trip superior trip. you understand, you know what I eh There were three boys but only two girls, eh. am taking about take it off the list, it is one too Our menu has too many entrees. Let's eighty-six the eighty-six it many, smithwright it beef stroganoff. eke out a living earn or grow enough to survive On the small farm we were able to eke out a living. room to move among people, On the streets of Hong Kong there wasn't much elbow room space in a crowd elbow room. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See the end of the line) where you stop or finish, the end We often end up sleeping at Ty's house. His mom end up of a journey doesn't mind. "Enough is enough!" she said after my sixth piece of enough is enough it is time to stop, enough already pie. we do not owe each other, a I owe you $20, but I gave you a haircut, so we're even wash, call it square even. even a blind pig can find an if you keep looking and trying you "Hey, Bill. Think you'll ever get that car started?" acorn may succeed "Maybe. Even a blind pig can find an acorn." even keel (See keep an even keel) "He doesn't need the money." "Even so, I must even so regardless, no matter repay the loan." equal work or achievement, After one lap, Karim and I were even steven. We even steven evenly matched were tied. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Meaning equal parts, equal pieces for each even up person every method or device, every every trick in the book way of doing it every walk of life every occupation, all lifestyles everything but the kitchen almost everything, the whole sink works a lot of food or things, a variety of everything from soup to nuts groceries fashions and trends are repeated everything old is new again or revived former wife or husband; girlfriend ex or boyfriend departure, gonzo, out of here exit stage left (outa here) experience or discover new ideas expand your horizons or goals or cultures something that is nice to look at, a eye candy beautiful object Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Example They split the profits even up - 50% to each partner. If you want to find boys, Keiko knows every trick in the book. People from every walk of life attend our church. We put everything in his truck, everything but the kitchen sink! His shopping cart was full. He had everything from soup to nuts. Hey, if miniskirts are back, everything old is new again! His ex got the Mercedes; he got the truck. When that bull got loose, I did an exit stage left! Travel, read, discuss - expand your horizons! She was eye candy. I've never seen a more beautiful car!
Eyeball this, guys! My hair is curly! When I told him I'd pay the rent next week, his eyes glazed over.
face the results of our actions, be If you damage the car, you must face the music responsible pay for repairs. If Karl caused the problem, he'll face up. He'll admit face up admit that you did it, own up it. fag/faggot gay or homosexual man Sean is a fag; he admits it. timid, not courageous, chicken, faint of heart Sky diving is not for people who are faint of heart. lily-livered legal to hunt or shoot or criticize, fair game An elected politician is fair game for criticism. open season He's the fair-haired boy in this office. They think fair-haired boy favorite boy, favorite man he's perfect. fair shake (See a fair shake) create the parts you forget, fudge If he forgets the words, he fakes it. He thinks of fake it it, make up new words. Previous page Next page Idiom Home face the music
(See head over heels) to become sick or infected, come fall ill down with do as others are doing, obey fall in line orders begin to love, feel romantic fall in love about, head over heels Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When the lawyer asks questions, don't fall into a trap. find without looking, receive Reg got another job offer today. Things seem to fall fall into my lap without asking into his lap. become drunk again, return to a The old man fell off the wagon. He got drunk last fall off the wagon bad habit night. talk to people who will not listen, If you talk to the workers about management's fall on deaf ears really deaf problems, your message will fall on deaf ears. I know I caused the problem, but I won't fall on my fall on your sword quit, resign, pull the pin sword. They'll have to fire me. We still feel the fall-out from his negative speech on fall-out harmful effects, continuing effects abortion. I'm falling short of my career goals because I've fall short not able to do as well as planned been ill. not happen, not succeed, not His plans to write a novel fell through because he fall through come off, not pan out didn't get a government grant. These children fell through the cracks. They didn't fall through the cracks not be included, leave out learn to read. be unable to talk or reply, be When I see Mario, I just fall to pieces. He's so fall to pieces overwhelmed handsome! Previous page Next page Idiom Home fall into a trap be tricked, be deceived
beginning to feel love, being in love falling out (See a falling out) false move (See a false move) a friend may dislike you if you do familiarity breeds contempt not respect his or her privacy family jewels (See the family jewels) chart of ancestors, record of family tree parents' forefathers a prediction that is false - the famous last words opposite happens, twist of fate fancy footwork neat maneuvers, clever moves
Don't call Margaret Maggie. Remember, familiarity breeds contempt. Bo is helping me to research my family tree - my ancestors. "We don't need a spare tire. We never have flat tires on this car." "Sure. Famous last words!" You did some fancy footwork to answer their questions. Bravo!
far cry (See a far cry) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
fat chance very little chance, not likely fat lip a hit on the lip, an injured lip Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Look at that cowboy dance! He's feeling his oats tonight. feeling no pain half drunk, half-corked After three drinks of rum, Alex was feeling no pain. a person who supports both sides Many politicians become fence sitters because they fence sitter in an argument, middle ground want to please everyone. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
oh no, darn, nuts, rats, shucks effort, drive, get the lead out an unimportant player, an extra fifth business member Previous page Next page Idiom Home
fiddlesticks fido
Fiddlesticks! I forgot to get the mail! I wouldn't say he's lazy, but he needs more fido! You are fifth business, Dunny. Anyone can play your part.
This letter goes in file 13 - in the can in the corner. He drove up to the gas pumps and said, "Fill 'er up, fill her up fill the tank with gasoline, a fill-up please." If Mia leaves, it won't be easy to fill her shoes. She fill his shoes do his work as well as he does does two jobs. complete by writing, write in the Fill in the blanks, please. Then give the form to Ms. fill in spaces Kiraly. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
file 13
do the job, fill the gap, serve the purpose fill an empty space, help where fill the gap there is work to do fill up fill to the top fill-up (See a fill-up) eat, put a lot food in your mouth, Imagine yourself in a chocolate factory, filling your fill your face pig out face! Filthy lucre - that's what people want - cash, moola, filthy lucre money, dollars lettuce. She was filthy rich after she got married. She was a filthy rich very rich, wealthy, rolling in it millionaire. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
We found out he was a member of a cult. His sister told us. Write, write, write until you find your voice - your find your voice discover your personal style own style. A bus driver will help you find your way. Ask for find your way find the correct path or road directions. be surprised by what happens to If I don't brush my teeth, I may find myself without find yourself you friends. nice-looking friend, dear friend, Now, my fine-feathered friend, tell me the story of fine-feathered friend old acquaintance your escape. fine-toothed comb (See a fine-toothed comb) cause it to work very well, cause Sandro fine-tuned my Peugeot. Now it purrs like a fine-tune it to run smoothly kitten. Previous page Next page Idiom Home find out discover, learn
Idioms: first class -- fish and company stink after three days
Idiom Meaning Example
first class first come, first served first crack at first dibs first down/first and ten first hand first light first off
high quality, excellent whoever comes first gets served first first turn, first chance to do it first person to use it, first chance to use it first try to gain ten yards (in football) being there to see or hear it, in person (See at first light) first on the list, the first thing to do
Pam's meals are first class. She's an excellent cook. If tickets are selling on a first-come basis, let's buy ours now. I want first crack at solving the problem. I want to try first. When we get to the motel, I get first dibs on the shower. The Lions have a first down on their own 35-yard line. I want to see the Pantheon first hand. I want to see its dome.
First off, we should define the problem. Then we can solve it. On our list of things to do, the broken copier is first first up first on the list, the first thing to do up. fish should be eaten while it is fish and company stink after Grandfather had this sign on the wall of his garage: fresh, and guests should not stay three days Fish and company stink after three days! too long Previous page Next page Idiom Home
smile at someone for only a second flash in the pan (See a flash in the pan) not motivated, lacking energy, not In the second game, the team was flat. They lacked flat up for it energy. By the end of my first term at university, I was flat flat broke having no money, out of cash broke. as fast as possible, pedal to the Scott was driving flat out most of the way - over flat out metal 180 km per hour. policeman, a constable who walks Ted is a flatfoot in Regina. He works for Regina flatfoot the streets City Police. flatfooted (See caught flatfooted) a person whose emotions do not The doctor is a flatliner. His face shows no joy, no flatliner change sorrow. saying nice things will not help When I complimented Anna on her hair, she said, flattery will get you nowhere you, kiss the blarney stone "Thanks, but flattery will get you nowhere." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
surprise you, shock you, bowl you The odor from a turkey farm is enough to floor you. over (see bowl me over) yellow traffic light, amber warning Oops! I just drove through a Florida green. Any Florida green light cops around? Previous page Next page Idiom Home floor you
These errors fly in the face of our reputation for accuracy. The fly in the ointment is that a boy saw you kissing fly in the ointment small problem, troublesome detail Lola. drive a vehicle very fast, drive so On the freeway I was flying low - going over 200 fly low fast you nearly fly km per hour. become angry suddenly, lose your After Charlie flew off the handle he apologized for fly off the handle temper his temper. fly on the wall (See a fly on the wall) The store folded during the recession - went fold quit, stop operating bankrupt. read the rules and do what they If everybody follows the rules, we'll have fewer follow the rules say, toe the line accidents. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
We don't fool around in her class. She's very strict. Rita asked Jon for a divorce. She knows he's been fooling around.
Paul was fooling you. He owns a Ford, not a Ferrari. pay all of the expenses, pay the It's not right for Dad to foot the bill for your trip to foot the bill shot Vegas. carefree, not committed, When the kids moved out, we were footloose and footloose and fancy free devil-may-care fancy free! a long time, 10-15 years, in a We haven't seen Aunt Sophie for a dog's age - for for a dog's age coon's age years. Look at this sweater. I got it for a song at a for a song for a little money, for a low price second-hand store. Previous page Next page Idiom Home fool you trick you, deceive you
Mom, you should just see this saddle. It's a jim dandy! "Do you like my leather jacket?" "Ya, man. It's a keeper!" I'm tired of being a kept woman. I want to be free of him. "Liam Neeson! He's gorgeous!" she said. "What a lady-killer!" If I take a night class, I'll have a leg up on my diploma. A level playing field includes equal pay for equal work for all men and women.
a place where everyone has an a level playing field equal chance, level the playing field Previous page Next page Idiom Home
force of habit
She still cooks enough food for five people. It's force of habit.
When I reached in front of Mac, he said, "Forget your manners?" They said, "Fork over, man. Pay your share of the fork over pay, pay up bill." money found on the street, money Wind power is like found money. I save what I paid found money saved by nature for electricity. If you cheat on the exam, you'll be found out. They'll found out discovered, caught see you. bad words, profanity: damn, hell, He gave a good speech, but he used a lot of four-letter words shit etc. [B] four-letter words. a child who is afraid to jump etc., "Fraidy cat, fraidy cat!" the boys shouted. "Ali's fraidy cat chicken afraid to jump!" cause you to look guilty, set you He framed you. He lent you his car, then reported it frame up as stolen. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Some drug companies advertise through freebies free pills. Do social programs encourage freeloading? It's a good question.
when the lakes and ground freeze (November) keep wages the same, not freeze wages increase wages, dig in their heels fresh (See get fresh) players who are rested, players fresh legs who are not tired Previous page Next page Idiom Home freeze-up
We want to dig the hole for the basement before freeze-up. To control spending, the board is going to freeze our wages - no salary increases for one year. "We need fresh legs out there!" the coach yelled. "They're tired!"
If you want to freshen up, you can use our bathroom. "Are you friends with Carla?" "Yes. She's my best friends with a friend of, a good friend friend." damn, cotton-picking, darn, Then the friggin string broke and the friggin marbles friggin flipping fell all over the friggin floor! very afraid, scared spitless, scared She said she was frightened to death when she frightened to death stiff heard the shot. from the beginning, from the first from day one From day one, Carol has been a good employee. day poor, spending every cent on They lived from hand to mouth, never enjoying from hand to mouth necessities luxury or travel. Tanya can sing, but her hair style is strictly from from hunger poor quality, poor taste, the pits hunger. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
For your kindness, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. from the frying pan into the I went from farming to fishing - from the frying pan from bad to worse fire into the fire! First, a dog has to learn who's boss - right from the from the get-go from the beginning, from day one get-go. (See straight from the horse's from the horse's mouth mouth) You knew I worked for the KGB. You knew it from the word go from the beginning, from the start from the word go. Previous page Next page Idiom Home from the bottom of my heart sincerely, with deep feeling
When I asked him to move his truck, he told me to fuck off. "Let's return the TVs we stole." "Fuck that noise. Let's sell 'em." If you fuck up, don't worry - but learn from your mistakes. A flood ruined my business. I was fucked by the fickle finger of fate. I did not use the F-word. I said, "Oh, fuddle duddle!" (* This expression is attributed to former fuddle duddle* fiddlesticks, friggin, nuts, phooey Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau speaking in the Canadian House of Commons.) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See that'll be the frosty Friday) go, get out of here, get lost, take fuck off [B] off that is not a good idea, down with fuck that noise [B] that plan cause a mistake, make a booboo, fuck up [B] screw up fucked by the fickle finger of feel that luck is against you; fate [B] cheated by fate
as loud as possible, pull out all the When we got home, the kids had the stereo on full stops blast. It often takes years for the virus to develop into full blown all the symptoms, every sign full-blown AIDS. impressed with her own work, too The actor was proud - too full of himself - during full of herself proud of herself the interview. You're full of it if you think I took that watch. I am full of it [B] full of lies, full of shit, full of BS not a thief. That little kid is full of piss and vinegar. He won't sit full of piss and vinegar [B] lively, full of energy still. as fast as you can go, flat out, full He was skating full out, but he couldn't catch full out tilt Messier. full plate (See a full plate) as much power as we have, full I told the Captain about the ice, but he said, "Full full steam ahead throttle steam ahead!" not weakened or diluted, straight Did John Wayne drink bourbon full strength? full strength up Without water? Previous page Next page Idiom Home full blast
unpredictable employee, one who The President is sensible, but the Vice President is a may embarrass loose cannon. Previous page Next page Idiom Home a loose cannon
the differences between people aged 60 and 80 people born in the 1970s; a Generation X said that the jobs disappeared as they Generation X generation that wanted to change graduated from high school and university. the work ethic Ms. Lau gets a bang out of playing bingo. She loves get a bang out of enjoy, have fun, get a kick out of bingo. Ming gets a charge out of Pam's memos. They're get a charge out of enjoy, is amused by humorous. He'll shake until he gets a fix. He's addicted to get a fix use some drugs; a hit heroin. We should get a fix on the office expenses - the get a fix on calculate, determine, figure out total per month. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
change your lifestyle, get it together, get with it get a lift get a ride, catch a ride look at that, check that out, feast get a load of that your eyes get a move on go quickly, vamoose Previous page Next page Idiom Home get a life
He never goes out - just stays at home and watches TV. I wish he would get a life! I can get a lift with Brian. He's driving to Moncton. When Marilyn stepped out of the taxi, he said, "Get a load of that!" We're late! Let's get a move on!
not obey the rules, not get caught be fired, be dismissed return an insult, get revenge
He gets away with speeding, but the police will soon catch him. He got axed for stealing funds. If you don't apologize, he'll get back at you. He's quite angry. We got bageled. They beat us 11-0! You'll get blood from a stone before you get money from Ed. I got burned for helping Bev with her divorce. They blamed me.
lose without scoring, get skunked, be shutout do an impossible task, beat your get blood from a stone head against... be caught, get blamed, get into get burned trouble Previous page Next page Idiom Home
act in a sexual way, come onto her (See from the get-go) go, start moving, get lost
When he's had a few drinks, he tries to get fresh with me.
When I stopped to rest, he said, "Get going. Get out of here." shoot the puck hard, hit the ball Clark got good wood on that shot, but he missed get good wood on squarely the net. receive a scolding, catch hell [B], He got hell for breaking a glass. Mrs. Fisk told him get hell [B] get it he was bad. I get a natural high from jogging. I feel happy and get high feel good, have a special feeling free. Lyle wants to get me back for seeing Betty. He's get him back get revenge, get back at jealous. get home arrive at home, come home I'm going to bed when I get home. I'm sleepy. cause you more trouble, dig Telling another lie will only get you in deeper - make get in deeper yourself in it worse. When I try to talk to Jodi, her boyfriend gets in my get in my face confront me, stand in front of me face. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
kiss and hug in a sexual way, make out do it quickly, finish it before it get it over with becomes worse Previous page Next page Idiom Home
get on it
Mr. Jarvis wants his car repaired by noon, so let's get on it.
good luck, good fortune, stroke of Finding that money was a lucky break. It was our good luck good fortune. winning several times in Whenever I wear this ring, I have a lucky streak. I a lucky streak succession win every game! a poor credit rating from a major The bank won't approve your loan if you have a a major credit card company major. a man who says little; who uses Chung is a man of few words, but when he speaks, a man of few words few words people listen. Previous page Next page Idiom Home a lucky break
Do you want to get revenge, or do you want to discuss the problem and forgive him. First, we have to get rid of the money. Where can get rid of we hide it? If you have to be home by noon, we should get get rolling move, go, drive away rolling. receive unfair treatment, ripped off I got screwed when I bought this condo. I paid too get screwed , taken in much for it. do not joke, be serious, pay When we discussed water safety he told us to get get serious attention serious. get a scolding or a lecture, catch it He got shit for drinking beer in school. The principal get shit [B] , get hell [B] was mad. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Bad drivers get the finger when they cut in front of Randy. Don't start construction until we get the green light get the green light get approval, it's a go from the City. I'm getting the hang of algebra. I can solve the easy get the hang of learn to do, know the first steps problems. When I get up to speak, I get the jitters and I can't get the jitters become nervous, begin to shake think clearly. start faster than the others, quick Ben got the jump on the other runners. He led by get the jump on on the draw one stride. check the conditions, size up the Before I sell insurance in a town, I like to get the lay get the lay of the land situation of the land. move faster, hurry, move it, shake The coach told me to get the lead out - to get get the lead out a leg moving. After Jack explained his plan, he said, "Get the get the picture understand, see the way it is picture?" Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Example When answering questions, get to the point. Be get to the point direct and brief. get to the root of the We got to the root of the problem. The children are problem afraid of the dog. We should get together at Easter. Would you like to get together come to visit, have you over visit us? Don't let Bob's teasing get under your skin. Don't let get under my skin bother me, bug me, get to me it bother you. clothes, strange clothing, weird A vest with jogging pants! Are you going out in that get-up costume get-up? generate enough power to move, If I get up a head of steam, I can knock down the get up a head of steam get up to speed door. get-up-and-go energy, vitality I feel so lazy. I have no get-up-and-go. get up on the wrong side of be grouchy or cranky, get off to a Did you get up on the wrong side of bed? Are you bed bad start in a bad mood? Did she get wind of our plan? Does she know about get wind of hear about, find out about it? become aware, learn how, in the Leni, a friend at work, told me to get with it or I'd get with it know lose my job. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning say what is important, come to the point find the cause, get to the bottom of
Do Mondays get you down? Do you hate going back to work? Bill is getting his act together. He's not late get your act together become organized, get it together anymore. cause you to be aware of, catch get your attention When Marylou walked by, that got your attention. your eye Tim gets his back up when you criticize his work. get your back up become upset, get mad Be careful. Wade, get your buns over here and sign your get your buns over here come here quickly, on the double name. Do barking dogs get your dander up? Does barking get your dander up annoy or bother you, bug you irritate you? try to do it, attempt it, try your To become a lawyer, learn the theory; then get your get your feet wet hand at feet wet. Don't let Jason get your goat. He teases get your goat annoy you, bug you, get to me everybody. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: get your head out of the clouds -- get your way
Idiom get your head out of the clouds get your head together get your hopes up get your jollies get your kicks Meaning be more realistic, come down to earth, get real begin to think clearly, get your act together cause you to be hopeful, pin your hopes on (See get your kicks) enjoy yourself, have fun Example You can dream at home, but please get your head out of the clouds when you come to work. I need a holiday to get my head together - to think clearly again. Now don't get your hopes up, but I plan to appeal your conviction.
How do you get your kicks? Do you sing? Dance? Travel? If I forget to register my guns, I'll get my knuckles get your knuckles rapped be punished, get hell, get shit [B] rapped. understand, comprehend, wrap He explained DNA, but I can't get my mind around get your mind around your mind around it. get your shirt in a knot/ get If we asked Pop to hurry, he'd say, "Don't get your want to hurry or rush, hurry up your shit in a knot [B] shirt in a knot!" become organized, make a plan A counselor can help you get your shit together. get your shit together [B] and follow it Talk to one. do what you want to do, have it You used to get your way with Mom and Dad. get your way your way They trusted you. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
do not tell me to do that, that is unreasonable girl employee who does a variety of office jobs go, leave, get going, get lost
You expect me to spell every word correctly. Gimme a break! Jan is our girl Friday. She does the important jobs in our office. When our cat dug in his flower garden, he said, "Git! Go on!"
give a lot, pay a lot, give my eye teeth concede a little bit, compromise, give an inch let up win and lose, give something to give and take get something give oral sex to a man, perform give head [B] fellatio use more power, give it all you've give her got Previous page Next page Idiom Home
give him a taste of his own medicine give him an inch and he'll take a mile give him enough rope and he'll hang himself give him the brush-off give him the evil eye give him the slip
do to him what he does, an eye for an eye give him a little freedom and he will take a lot allow him enough freedom and he will hurt himself or be caught turn away from someone, reject someone look fierce or evil, stare in a bad way leave him, ditch him
give in not try anymore, yield Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If Jim is sarcastic, give him a taste of his own medicine. He lacks self-discipline. Give him an inch and he'll take a mile. If he's bad, give him enough rope and he'll hang himself. The police will stop him. When Don asked Jane for a date, she gave him the brush-off. When I testified in court, the prisoner gave me the evil eye. We gave him the slip while he was in the washroom. Emily always gives in; she won't disagree with me.
When I saw the others dancing, I decided to give it a whirl. give it all you've got When I say "push," give it all you've got. When I drove by the house, I gave it the once-over. give it the once-over look at it quickly, look it over It's nice! If he touches me again, I'm really going to give it to give it to him lecture him or hit him, tell him off him! give me the facts, do not beat "I have some bad news, man." "Tell me. Give it to give it to me straight around the bush me straight." do the best you can, try your If you want to win, you have to give it your best give it your best shot hardest shot. tease me, bug me, give me a I wish you wouldn't give me a bad time about my give me a bad time rough time (see give you a rough low grades. time) give me a chance to win, gimme a When we play tennis, give me a break. Don't play give me a break break your best. I'll give you a call when I have a minute. I have your give me a call phone me, ring me number. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom a man of the cloth a marked man a mental block a month of Sundays a nail-biter a necktie party
Meaning a minister, a priest, a clergyman a person known for political beliefs or criminal acts a problem with learning a subject or concept a very long time, many days exciting game or movie; having much suspense a hanging, a lynching
Example Being a man of the cloth, he has studied the Bible. When they discovered I had been a Nazi, I was a marked man. I have a mental block when I try to do algebra. I can't think. It will take a month of Sundays to phone the students in our school. Have you seen the movie The Fugitive? It's a nail-biter. If the men catch the outlaw, they want to have a necktie party. After my first day working for Grandfather, he said, "A new broom sweeps clean." The promotion gave him a new lease on life. That bicycle is a notch below the Peugeot. It's not quite as good. If you go to work in pajamas, people will say you're a nut case.
an employee works hard on the a new broom sweeps clean first day or two, make a good impression a feeling that life will be better, a a new lease on life fresh start a notch below a nut case inferior, not as good a person who is crazy, crackpot
cause you to be confident, encourage you Previous page Next page Idiom Home
lecture you, scold you, tie into you if I lose the bet, I pay you more give you odds money than you bet lecture you, be angry with you, give you shit [B] give you hell Previous page Next page Idiom Home give you hell [B]
She'll give you hell if you come late to her class, so be on time. I'll give you odds that Montreal will win. I'll bet $2; you bet $1. If you spend too much money he'll give you shit.
Jack loves sports. He's glued to the set every Saturday. When the hospital closed, there was much gnashing gnashing of teeth anger, complaining of teeth. oppose the natural way, do it the Moe has always been perverse - always going go against the grain hard way against the grain. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
With ten kids, it's a wonder the poor woman didn't go berserk. lose control of emotions, freak out He went bonkers because there was too much go bonkers , go crazy pressure at work. go bust go bankrupt, go under Two of his companies went bust within a year. become less important, be When he returned to school, his social life went by go by the boards neglected or omitted the boards. If I don't leave this place I'll go crazy! It's boring go crazy lose control, go bananas, go wild here. go down lie down, go to bed, go to sleep Our baby goes down early - and gets up early. In Calculus 101, I'm going down for the third time. go down for the third time drown, die, fail I'm failing. Previous page Next page Idiom Home go berserk become insane, go crazy
do not ask him to work hard, ease Go easy on Billy, please. He's not well today. up on go easy on do not take too much, use less Go easy on the jam, please. Leave some for me. you find the answer, the answer is He said he quit smoking, then he asks for a go figure no cigarette. Go figure. I said I was late because of a flat tire, but Dad didn't go for believe, accept go for that. go for admire, desire Burt goes for Dolly, but Dolly doesn't like Burt. Clyde stops the car and says to Bonnie, "Want to go for a spin go for a ride in a car, take a drive go for a spin?" On my last jump I'll go for broke. I'll beat my best go for broke try your hardest, go all-out mark. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
go for the jugular go-getter go great guns go haywire go hog wild go hungry
strike at the vital location, make the killing action, killer instinct (See a go-getter) (See going great guns) break, not work properly, break down have a wild celebration, go wild
From the lion we have learned to go for the jugular, to defeat our opponents without mercy.
They said they fixed the car, but it went haywire again the next day. When the Stampeders won the Grey Cup, the fans went hog wild.
not have enough to eat, continue We may be poor, but we never go hungry. to be hungry walk around but not work, work I'm going in circles. I have to stop and plan my go in circles in confusion work. Don't go into detail right now. Just tell us how much go into detail give details in a story or report it costs. go away and do not return, take If he expects us to write a 50-page report, he can go jump in the lake off go jump in the lake. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
What's going on here? Why is your bike in the bathtub? "Ted drove the car into the lake!" "Go on! Ted go on it cannot be true, you're kidding wouldn't do that!" talk steadily, ramble, run off at the "What was he saying?" "Oh, he was going on about go on about mouth taxes and the price of wheat." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
a bother, a lot of trouble a person who causes problems, a a pain in the butt pain in the ass a small amount of money, chicken a paltry sum feed, peanuts a series of memos or letters that a paper trail record events a person who helps to do a party to that something bad a planned or memorized answer, a pat answer a canned answer tell me what you are thinking a penny for your thoughts about a person who spends carefully, a a penny pincher thrifty person Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Example This restaurant is A-OK. The food and service are good. What Gail is saying about Julie is a pack of lies. It's not true. Fixing that car every day is a pain in the ass. Hal keeps interrupting me. He's a pain in the butt! What did I pay for this painting? A paltry sum - I bought it at a garage sale. A business merger leaves a long paper trail - many documents. Jane said she didn't want to be a party to computer theft. You won't get the job if you give a pat answer to every question. When I'm quiet, she will say, "A penny for your thoughts." He used to be a penny pincher, but now he spends freely.
Hilda went out of her way to help us when Dad was sick. Don't go out on a limb. Don't say the company will go out on a limb pay for it. Jerry asked me to go out with him. I think he likes go out with be a boyfriend/girlfriend, date, see me. Did you go over your notes? Are you ready for the go over read, practise quiz? Free drinks will go over with the students. They'll go over be liked, be accepted like that idea. do it too much, go off the deep He goes overboard if he likes a girl - buys her go overboard end flowers every day. When Percy got his degree, we knew he was going go places succeed, do well, make it big places. If he goes public, everybody will know that we had go public tell the public, tell a reporter an affair. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
go to trouble (See go to any trouble) go to your head (See let it go to your head) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
We were going great guns till our goalie got hurt. Then they scored.
frustrating, dad-blamed, darn best years, time of most golden age prosperity golden opportunity (See a golden opportunity) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The gol dang cord is tangled. It's full of knots. He said the decade after World War II was Canada's golden age.
Dad is retired now, enjoying his golden years. Golly! I've never seen so much snow. Golly gee! Nobody ever did that to me before. The farmyard had gone to pot. There was junk everywhere. My garden has gone to the dogs. It's full of dandelions and weeds. On June 30, school's over and I'm gonzo! Answer the phone this way: "Good afternoon, Ko speaking." That rodeo bull was good and mad. He tried to gore the rider.
good golly
good gravy oh, how surprising, gosh Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Good golly, Miss Molly. You are the prettiest girl in the county! Good gravy! I've got BINGO! I won!
zero, no score, skunked chance is gone, plan has failed, If we don't win this game, our goose is cooked. game over press the gas pedal down, pedal When a car tries to pass us, don't goose it. Slow to the metal down. (See Canada goose)
gosh oh, gee, golly, wow gosh darn (gol darn) frustrating, darn, friggin Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Gosh! I didn't know you had a twin sister! Where is that gosh-darn pen? Who took my pen?
Bata's got a corner on the shoe business in Ontario. Wayne's got a crush on Miss Kramer. He loves Miss Kramer! I lost my matches. Have you got a light?
She's got guts to try skydiving. It's a dangerous sport. point a gun at him, prevent him "I've got you covered!" the boy said, pointing a toy got him covered from going gun at me. Poor Jenny. She loves Stuart. She's got it bad for got it bad feels it very much, has a case of him. deserve to get hurt, should get If you drive drunk, you should be punished - you've got it coming hell [B] got it coming. I think Mr. Yee's got it in for me. He's very critical got it in for dislike, is unkind to, is on my case of my work. Brandy's got it made: she has a career, wealth and a got it made be happy and successful and rich loving family. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
a piece of my mind a piece of tail [B] a piece of the action a pig in a poke a pinch of coon shit [B]
my criticism of what you did, a tongue-lashing (See a piece of ass) a share of the profit or prize or loot a risk, a gamble, taking a chance (see take a chance) very little or no value, worthless
If my son stayed out all night, I'd give him a piece of my mind. Those who paid for the winning ticket get a piece of the action. If you don't test drive the car, you're buying a pig in a poke. That Rambler ain't worth a pinch o' coon shit. It's a lousy car.
got what is needed, got the balls [B] got you so you can't move; can't got you by the balls [B] quit or back out Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When I don't know the answer, he says, "Gotcha!" Uh oh, no clean gotches. It's time to do my laundry. We were so busy we didn't have time to grab a bite grab a bite to eat eat a lunch or meal, have a bite to eat. sit down, have a seat, take a load After I introduced everybody, I said, "Grab a chair grab a chair off your feet and sit down." a region or area that produces The grain belt got very little rain this year. The land grain belt cereal crops is dry. grain of salt (See take it with a grain of salt) a home run with runners on all It was 5-1. Then Carter hit a grand slam and tied grand slam bases, a major score the game, 5-5. a written statement that protects grandfather clause They can't demote him; he has a grandfather clause. an employee Previous page Next page Idiom Home
In 1928, coal was Alberta's gravy train. If you want good service, grease his palm. Give him a tip, eh. Two greasers were hanging out behind the school.
None of that greasy kid's stuff on my hair. I use a natural product. I eat at the greasy spoon. The food ain't great, but greasy spoon small cafe that serves greasy food it's cheap. great guns (See going great guns) Great One (See The Great One) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
great shakes Great White Hope Great White North Greek to me green stuff
(See no great shakes) (See The Great White Hope) (See The Great White North) (See it was Greek to me) dollars, money, lettuce, moola
In those days we had plenty of green stuff, so I bought a Lexus. good gardener, naturally good Willie is the green thumb in our group. He's the green thumb with plants gardener. envious, wishing to have someone How I wish I owned your Acura. I'm green with green with envy else's property envy. If we're going to Vegas, we need our pockets full of greenback American dollar, money, buck greenbacks. There are many grey areas in the legal system grey area unclear topic, vague statement many vague laws. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If he quits, the project will grind to a halt. It depends on him. When Andy lost his job, their marriage came to a grinding halt unplanned stop, forced stop grinding halt. very nice, way cool, totally That bike is groaty to the max. I love those wide groaty to the max awesome tires! That's a groovy T-shirt, man. I like the purple groovy stylish, cool, neat, with it parrot. keep me at home, not allow me to If I don't pass all my subjects, my parents will ground me go out ground me. not allowed to go out, forced to Pam was grounded for a week because she stayed grounded stay in out all night. Group of Five (See The Group of Five) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The mayor said everybody's grousing about high taxes. you like it more each day, In time, you will appreciate Lang's poetry. It grows grow on you gradually like it more on you. live during childhood, become a He grew up on a farm in Alberta. He was a farm grow up young adult boy. become mature, accept Grow up, Jerry. Put away that water pistol and act grow up responsibility like an adult. youth clothing designed for grunge The kids go to parties dressed in grunge. That's grunge (fashion) music fans cool. alternative rock music, distorted When we visited Seattle, every radio station was grunge (music) sound of rock playing grunge. Let's remove the grunge from the motor. It's really grunge dirt and grease, grime dirty. not ready for a fight, not I wasn't ready for her criticism. My guard was guard is down protecting yourself down. He was gunned down as he left his apartment - shot gun down shoot, kill with guns in the back. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
He staggered a bit when he walked - like he'd had a few. I'd better call and explain why we didn't attend the had better should, ought to reception. After ten minutes of his talk, she's had enough. She had enough endured, fed up, put up with a lot leaves. hit hard, bodychecked, knocked Pat had his bell rung by No. 4. He was unconscious had his bell rung out for awhile. had too much of, frustrated with, I've had it with politicians who waste our money. It's had it fed up sickening. worn beyond use, shabby, wear My bike's had it: the frame's broken and the gears had it out slip. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
half-cocked half-corked half-cut half-hearted half-lit half-pint half-shot half-snapped half the battle half-there
(See go off half-cocked) half drunk, buzzed, feeling no pain (See half-corked) using half your ability, not giving enough effort (See half-corked) a child, a person who is half the size of an adult (See half-corked) (See half-corked) half of the task completed, half of the job done idiotic, stupid, nitwit
Andy was at the bar for awhile. He's half-corked. He made a half-hearted attempt to find our luggage: one phone call. When you were a boy - just a half-pint - your hair was yellow.
You've done the research for the report. That's half the battle. I couldn't think. My words sounded like grunts. People must have thought I was only half-there.
When the coach saw my big hands he called me Ham Hands. act funny and tell jokes, play the Robbie likes to ham it up when he talks to a group ham it up ham he tells jokes. angrily, furiously, fight tooth and The two men were arguing - going at it hammer and hammer and tongs nail tongs. You were hammered, so I took your keys and hammered very drunk, pissed, sloshed drove you home. The story about the loon was handed down for hand down told by the elders to the children generations. give to the teacher or manager, If we hand in an essay before it's due, teacher gives hand in turn in us a 5% bonus. Math and science go hand in hand. They're related hand in hand related, together subjects. clothes that belonged to an older Bobby said he's tired of wearing hand-me-down hand me down family member clothes. give to the class or audience, pass Cory, please hand out the song books - one to each hand out around member. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
feeling ill or nausea the day after Is it true that vodka doesn't cause a hangover? you are drunk unfair deal, cheating, underhanded There is no hanky-panky in the contract we signed. plan It's okay. When we go to the lake, the kids are as happy as a joyful, very happy box of birds. When Tim is working on his car, he's happy as a very happy, carefree clam.
"Does Caleb like farm life?" "He's happy as a pig in shit." a person who is happy most of the Jack's a happy camper today. He's smiling and happy camper time whistling. Previous page Next page Idiom Home happy as a pig in shit [B] very happy, contented
The slogan of the auto club is Happy Motoring! The lawyer was as hard as nails. He felt no pity for hard as nails tough, not sympathetic anyone. When the foreman returned, the workers were hard hard at it working hard, as busy as a beaver at it. printed page(s), paper with You can check your work on the computer screen, hard copy printed words or pictures but it's easier find errors on hard copy. hard day (See a hard day) overworked, asked to do too With all the help Bonnie gets, she's not hard done hard done by much by. After the argument, Bill said, "I hope there are no hard feelings unfriendly feelings, resentment hard feelings." statement or policy that a person The principal takes a hard line on school hard line refuses to change attendance. I must attend. strong liquor (rum etc.) with 40 % The bar was serving beer, wine and several kinds of hard liquor alcohol hard liquor. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See a hard row to hoe) (See hard liquor) a time of poverty and drought and hard times famine not easy to believe, difficult to hard to believe believe Previous page Next page Idiom Home
We endured hard times in the 1930s. We were all poor. It's hard to believe that you're a grandfather. You look so young.
(See mind of his own) someone who has been skilled or has-been famous has the cat got your... (See cat got your tongue) has the potential, has the has the makings ingredients Previous page Next page Idiom Home
hat trick hatchet man hats off haul ass [B] haul up on the carpet
one player scoring three goals in one hockey game the man who does the bad jobs: firing, layoffs, etc. a tribute or honor; praise and thanks do it, hurry, get going
questioned, disciplined, give me the third degree enjoy the activity, have a blast, have a ball have fun Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Brad scored a hat trick in the game against the Blades. Uh oh, there's Jake, the hatchet man. Who's getting fired now? And hats off to Mr. Singh for coordinating the volunteers. If you want a magazine, haul ass. You can buy one at the drugstore. If you don't obey every rule, you will be hauled up on the carpet. We had a ball at Yolanda's party. It was lots of fun.
Let's stop at the next service station so Cory can have a boo. Have a boo with my binoculars. You can see one of have a boo have a look, have a peek the planets. have a case of be sick from, have a disease I was in bed. I had a bad case of the flu. please sit down on a chair, have a "Please have a chair," my aunt said, and the man sat have a chair seat down. know about the answer, know have a clue I didn't have a clue about the answer to Question 2. about the topic Stop playing your violin, or Mom will have a have a conniption become very upset, have a fit conniption! have a crush on (See got a crush on) draw smoke through a cigarette, have a drag I'm out of cigarettes. Can I have a drag of yours? have a drag Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Dad, did you have a fling when you were young? You have a go at this puzzle. See if you can solve have a go try to do, attempt it. be happy, enjoy yourself, have a You should come to the party. We'll have a good have a good time blast time. do not be cruel, have some Have a heart when you coach the kids. Be gentle have a heart feeling with them. Since he broke his ankle, he's had a little hitch in his have a hitch in your getalong limp, walk with a limp getalong. Phan and Lo had a laugh about their early birthday have a laugh laugh, chuckle parties. When you go camping, it's okay to have a leak in have a leak [B] urinate, take a pee [B] the woods, eh. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
take some drugs, get a fix, shoot up have a hole in a tire, have a flat tire live a wild life as a young person
After he's had a fix, he's happy. The heroin satisfies his need. If you have a flat, phone a service station for help.
Only the investors will have a say in the price of the product. The farmer pointed to a chair and said, "Have a have a seat seat." If Scotty wins this fight, he'll have a shot at the have a shot at boxing title. Can I have a sip of your cherry drink? Just a little have a sip sip? Here, Jon. Have a smash of the brandy before it's have a smash have a drink of liquor, have a sip all gone. have a caring feeling for, have I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Martha. have a soft spot for sympathy for, feel for She was so kind to me as a child. We were so busy we didn't even stop to have a have a whiz go to the toilet, visit the john whiz! Previous page Next page Idiom Home
have it coming
If you get fined for driving too fast, you have it coming.
You'll have to go some to get an A. It's a difficult course. must admit that you can do it, give I have to hand it to you. You did every problem have to hand it to you you credit (see give her credit) correctly. have what it takes (See got what it takes) Previous page Next page Idiom Home have to go some must try harder, have to improve
I get stomach pains when I have my period. Do you? do not have a good chance of If you don't study for exams, you haven't got a haven't got a hope succeeding hope. have no chance to win or succeed If the parachute doesn't open, I haven't got a hope haven't got a hope in hell or survive etc. in hell. haven't got the stomach for She likes to dissect frogs, but I haven't got the dislike it, do not enjoy it it stomach for it. have not seen a person, have seen We haven't seen hide nor hair of Jack since he haven't seen hide nor hair no sign of him borrowed $1000. problems happen, crises occur Farmers plant their crops, and havoc strikes in havoc strikes suddenly hailstones. a person who likes war; wants to The hawks were pleased when the US declared hawk make war war on Iraq. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
head (headbanger) head head and shoulders head honcho head in the clouds head in the sand head is spinning
a person who uses drugs, junkie (See skids) superior, better, a cut above boss, foreman, manager dreaming, wondering, not practical unable to see, unwilling to look
That school has no heads. Not one student is using drugs. Her work is superior - head and shoulders above the others. Who's the head honcho here? I have a package for him - or her. Shelly is a daydreamer. She's got her head in the clouds. The minister hasn't noticed their poverty. His head is in the sand. The lawyer asked me so many questions my head was spinning.
mind is confused, boggle your mind Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom heat is on heaven forbid heaven help us heavens heavens to Betsy heavy heavy day heavy duty heavy foot heavy going
Meaning (See the heat is on) we should not do it, we are not permitted we are facing a crisis, we need a lot of help goodness, oh dear, gosh oh no, heavens very serious, not fun (See a heavy day) very difficult, demanding driving fast, pedal to the metal
Example Grandma said, "Heaven forbid! Don't play hockey on Sunday!" Heaven help us if we have an accident with Dad's Mercedes. Heavens! You weren't supposed to arrive until Friday! Heavens to Betsy! I can't find my purse! War is a heavy topic because it involves death and destruction. I have to work hard at math. It's a heavy-duty course. Your heavy foot is causing a financial problem for us. Speeding fines are costly! I'm glad we have Al on our team. He likes the heavy going.
difficult part, hard work, heavy going Previous page Next page Idiom Home
bet safely, bet on two or more horses etc. going fast, determined to get hell bent for election somewhere angry people to face, questions to hell to pay [B] When I come in at 4 a.m. there's hell to pay. answer hell's half acre [B] (See all over hell's half acre) If we have to pay our medical bills, it's a hellish hellish [B] bad, awful, unfair arrangement! The Wongs are good neighbors - always willing to help out help someone, lend a hand help out. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See a helping hand) saying "ahem...ah" while thinking When we asked him about the missing money, there hemming and hahing what to say, beat around the bush was a lot of hemming and hahing. It's good to have a drink with you. Here's mud in here's mud in your eye here is a toast to you, drink up your eye. hey listen, I am calling you Hey, Ron. Where are you going? In his heyday, Pele was the best soccer player in the heyday best years, in your prime world. hi hello, howdy Hi, Kelly. How are you? hi there hello, hi Hi there. Do you know the way to Monterey? Wearing overalls and a straw hat, he looked like a hick rural person, local yokel, rube hick. secret plan to control the meeting The board has a hidden agenda. We don't know hidden agenda or decisions their real plans. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
After she married the judge, she acted kind of high and mighty. After scoring a goal, the players exchanged high high five fives. We don't like managers who are high handed - high high handed superior, above other people and mighty. Cynthia looks high-hat, but she's really very high-hat proud, snobbish, pompous friendly. expecting the best, hoping for Todd has high hopes for his son, including a college high hopes success education. If I win the lotto, we'll live high on the hog - in a high on the hog having expensive things, in luxury mansion! Previous page Next page Idiom Home
teens in the rap-music era with their own slang and subculture Previous page Next page Idiom Home hip hop (generation)
I'm hip hop and if you don't like rap you're wack!
hit me for a loan hit me with your best shot hit my funny bone hit on hit on
ask to borrow money, ask me for a loan shoot or hit as hard as you can, sock it to me cause me to laugh, crack me up think of, come up with
Hit me for a loan on payday. Then I'll have some money. Hit me with your best shot. Serve the ball as hard as you can. The word pollywog always hits my funny bone. Ha ha ha, ha ha. Ko was a nurse until she hit on the idea of selling jewelry. When he hit on a waitress, we asked him to stop.
talk to in a sexual manner, come onto Previous page Next page Idiom Home
say the right word, suggest a good Your comment hit the nail on the head. You spoke idea the truth. hit the road/trail travel, leave Let's hit the road early. We have many miles to go. After losing his job and his wife he hit the skids hit the skids begin to fail, go downhill became a bum. hit the spot taste right, is satisfying Sometimes tea hits the spot. It satisfies me. hit town arrive in town It was 2 a.m. when we hit town. (See have a hitch in your getalong hitch in your getalong ) Per likes to hobnob with artists because he likes to hobnob associate with, be a friend of draw. accept what is offered or you get If I don't agree to accept half the money, it will all Hobson's choice nothing; tight spot go to charity. It's a Hobson's choice. Previous page Next page Idiom Home hit the nail on the head
Idiom hold me responsible hold on hold-out hold out for hold that over my head hold the fort hold the phone hold the purse strings hold up hold up
Meaning say that I am responsible, carry the can, lay the blame wait, do not begin, we are not ready a person who does not agree wait to get full price, drive a hard bargain remind me of my mistake, judge me by a failure manage until we return, look after things wait a minute, let me think about it control how much is spent, decide when to spend stall, be unable to go, be unable to continue use a gun in a robbery, mugged
Example Because I'm the cashier, the manager holds me responsible for missing cash. Hold on! We haven't fastened our seat belts. There are two hold-outs, but both people are willing to negotiate. He'll hold out for the full price of his car. He'll wait. My parking ticket - is he going to hold that over my head? The manager asked me to hold the fort while he was gone. "Dad, I'm going to quit school." "Hold the phone! Let's talk." He does the talking, but she holds the purse strings. The plane was held up because of a snowstorm delayed an hour. A robber held up the store and took the money from the till.
When your father is talking, you hold your tongue. You be quiet.
(See born with a silver spoon in his mouth) an easy target, a person who is a sitting duck easy to deceive Previous page Next page Idiom Home a silver spoon...
The old lady was a sitting duck for the salesman. It was an easy sale.
interfere, intrude, butt in ready for sex, wanting to have sex, aroused play, joke, fool around, goof off
We were playing a game of tag, and the big guys tried to horn in. How come you're never horny when I am?
Don't horse around in the lab. You could spill some acid. lies, false stories, bull, a bunch of When she told her dad she saw a ghost, he said, horse feathers malarkey "Horse feathers!" Previous page Next page Idiom Home
following the trail, looking for evidence following close behind, not far hot on your heels behind hot potato (See drop him like a hot potato) very popular person, very sexy hot stuff person quick to become angry, lose your hot tempered temper hot ticket (See a hot ticket) hot topic (See a hot topic) Previous page Next page Idiom Home hot on the trail
The police are hot on the trail of the bank robbers. If you begin to run, the bear will be hot on your heels. When Arlana was in high school she was hot stuff very sexy! He's hot tempered - very impatient and often angry.
Idioms: hot under the collar -- how are you fixed for
Idiom hot under the collar hotdog hotdog hothead hotshot Meaning upset, becoming angry, hot and bothered cooked wiener inside a long bun Example It's only a joke. Don't get hot under the collar. Two hotdogs with mustard, please. And two coffees - black.
(See a hotdog) (See a hothead) (See a hotshot) keep asking or demanding, hound harass, browbeat household name (See a household name) how about that that is interesting, you don't say are you feeling fine? is life good to how are you doing you? do you have enough? how many how are you fixed for do you have? Previous page Next page Idiom Home
How about that! We ran ten kilometres! How are you doing, Chan? I haven't seen you for awhile. How are you fixed for diapers? May I borrow one?
are you able to do the job? have The manager came to my office and said, "How are you made progress? how are you you making out? Finished the report?" doing How come you're going home? Don't you want to how come why? how do you explain it? play? hello, nice to meet you, good day, "Mr. Grant, I'm Ken Blair, the new bank manager." how do you do howdy "How do you do, Mr. Blair." how do you like them do you like this better? do you If you don't like the bed, you can sleep on the floor. apples like that choice? tough bananas How do you like them apples? how does that grab you how do you feel about that? A holiday in Greece - how does that grab you? is your life good? how are you how goes it "How goes it?" said my friend. "Not bad," I replied. doing are you winning the battle of life? "How goes the battle?" Jo asked. "I win and I lose," how goes the battle are you okay? Pat replied. how it happens, how it ends how The new policy is supposed to improve sales, but how it plays out it pans out we'll see how it plays out. When I told him the game was cancelled, he said, how so explain how, how come "How so?" Previous page Next page Idiom Home how are you making out
hyah hello, hi, hi there Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: if you can't cut it, you can't stay -- in a coon's age
Idiom if you can't cut it, you can't stay if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen if you're born to hang, you won't drown if you're not with us you're against us ignorance is bliss in a bad way in a big way in a big way in a bit in a coon's age Previous page Next page Meaning Example if you cannot do the work you will When I complained about long days, the foreman have to leave; shape up or ship said, "If you can't cut it, you can't stay." out if you do not like the pressure you In the boardroom someone had written on the flip can leave; if you can't cut it, you chart If you can't stand the heat, get out of the can't stay kitchen! fate controls how we die; we do After rescuing the swimmer, he said to me, "If not control the time and cause of you're born to hang, you won't drown." our death if you do not support us you are War divides us into allies and enemies. If you're not against us; can't have it both ways with us, you're against us. ignorant people have nothing to The teacher said, "Ignorance is bliss - until you write worry about exams." After the accident, Val was in a bad way. She was feeling sad or downhearted very depressed. Pam does things in a big way. She hired a band for with a lot of style and expense her party. My son likes to play computer games - in a big very much, a lot way! "Can we go?" asked the girl. "In a bit," her mother in a minute, within a short time replied. in many years, for a long time, for Hello, Uncle Henry! I haven't seen you in a coon's a dog's age age! Idiom Home
not true, unbelievable, bull, full of You wrote War and Peace? In a pig's ass! it Previous page Next page Idiom Home
believing or feeling the same things Previous page Next page Idiom Home
in charge in clover
becoming wealthy, receiving lots of money in cold blood without feeling, without mercy Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Who's in charge here? Who is the manager or supervisor? We were in clover! We bought a ranch, a car, and a house in town. He's accused of killing a Mountie in cold blood.
He's a member of parliament and has been caught twice for tax fraud. Now he's in deep doo-dooo. If you shoot a bear in a national park, you are in in deep shit [B] deep shit, man. Driving without a licence could get you in deep in deep trouble trouble. If we don't get a good crop this year, we'll be in dire in dire straits in debt, having no money straits. Many came to the sale, but they arrived in dribs and in dribs and drabs a few at a time, little by little drabs. to state a fact, as a matter of fact, Some people think of gravity as a cause of falling; in in fact to be perfectly honest fact, gravity often prevents us from falling. The cyclist was in full flight when he passed the in full flight going full speed, flat out cars. with much praise, praise you to Your manager spoke of you in glowing terms. He in glowing terms the skies (see praise him to the praised you. skies) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
in heaven's name in her good graces in his good books in hock in keeping with in leaf in love
if we think of heaven, for heaven's sake being liked by her, doing what she likes among those he likes, on his list of good people in debt, owing money, having a large mortgage following the rules or customs having new leaves, growing leaves feeling romantic love, fall in love
Why in heaven's name did we come to Canada? It's cold here! If you are in her good graces, you will be invited to her tea party. She's in his good books because she praised his painting. We were in hock after buying the property. We had a large debt. Refunds are not in keeping with company policy. No refunds. Poplar trees were in leaf, wild roses in bloom. Peter's in love with Wendy, but Wendy's in love with Tom.
Example Dad saw the wall come down. He was there in in person being there yourself, first hand person. in the correct position or location, Be sure to have the money in place before you buy in place available a house. in point of fact (See in fact) in a very good mood, feeling very When Smitty asked me to marry him, I was in in seventh heaven happy seventh heaven. very sick, very ill, as sick as a "Where's Mel?" "In sick bay after last night's pub in sick bay parrot, as sick as a dog crawl." doing things in a similar way, Are you in step with our youth? Do you understand in step together how they feel? in stir (See in the tank) in stitches laughing hard, crack me up I was in stitches before she finished telling the joke. Carlos didn't know what was in store for him in in store for in the future, going to happen Canada. in stride (See take it in stride) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning
Ask Joan about global warming. She's in the know. If I win the lottery, we'll be rich. We'll live in the lap of luxury. Oil prices went up, but the price of gas didn't change in the least. In the long haul, you'll earn more money if you have a degree. In the long run, real estate is a good investment. True friends won't leave you in the lurch, will they? Raj is a talented pianist. Is he a Glenn Gould in the making? Someday I want to own a yacht. In the meantime, I have a canoe.
in the money wealthy, rich, loaded Previous page Next page Idiom Home
A deer came into the yard, just a stone's throw from our door. one who allows himself to be hurt If I accept blame for a team loss, I'm a sucker for a sucker for punishment or blamed punishment. a pass behind the player causing Older players always stop when receiving a suicide a suicide pass (hockey) him to look back pass. certain to win, a good choice to The Lions are a sure bet in the final game. They'll a sure bet bet on win easily. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
looking and feeling healthy and happy in the chamber and ready to fire, in the pipe five by five missiles in firing position poor, having little money, as poor in the poorhouse as a church mouse showing a financial loss, losing in the red money Previous page Next page Idiom Home in the pink
Last time I saw Barb, she was in the pink. She looked great. "Check missiles!" "In the pipe five by five, sir!" In 1936, they were in the poorhouse. They couldn't grow crops, and nobody had a job. Last year our business was still in the red - still showing a loss.
in this part of the country; neck of We haven't seen a bear in these parts for years. the woods before the deadline, within the The cheque arrived just in time. We flew to Hawaii in time time limit the next day. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
It was an excellent concert. Even the children sang in tune. He's in tune with our religious beliefs. He believes in in tune God. in two shakes (of a lamb's I'll be with you in two shakes. I just have to turn off tail) the lights. The company guarantees this pen for life. I have it in in writing writing. If I don't agree with you, I'll be in your bad books, in your bad books one of the people you do not like right? Hey, man, I'm in your corner. I'll help you get your in your corner hoping you will win, on your side diploma. placed in front of you, right in Every time I turn on the TV, that ad is in my face. in your face front of you I'm sick of it. Previous page Next page Idiom Home in tune (music)
at the correct pitch, not sharp or flat believing the same, on the same wavelength very soon, in a couple of seconds, in a sec written and signed, in black and white
Internet into fitness/dancing etc. into hock into the sauce into the tank into thin air invite you over iron out irons in the fire
a system of computers, World Wide Web involved in fitness etc., enjoying a hobby (See in hock) drinking alcohol, off the wagon into business failure, into bankruptcy disappearing like a ghost, vanishing like steam (See have you over) solve, work it out very busy, plate is full
If you want to know more about any topic, get on the Internet. They're really into fitness. They exercise and jog a lot. Uncle has been into the sauce. I can smell liquor on his breath. Two companies went into the tank because of free trade. When I moved closer, the flying saucer vanished into thin air. She ironed out the problem with the school. Jeff is back in class. I can't help with your project. I have too many irons in the fire.
Idioms: is that so -- it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
Idiom Example Every time I tell Mr. Pratt some news, he says, "Is is that so is that true? no kidding that so?" is you is, or is you ain't my are you my love? I want to know Pearl is singing to Toby: "Is you is, or is you ain't my baby if you love me baby?" a game is not finished until time A few fans stayed to watch the end of the game. "It it ain't over till it's over has expired, never say die ain't over till it's over," one man said. it ain't over till the fat lady an event is not finished until the The tying goal was scored in the final second. It ain't sings final bell, don't give up over till the fat lady sings! this is what I see, I believe this It appears to me that this car swerved to avoid a it appears to me happened collision. it is logical, it appears so, it makes "The owner must have started the fire," said it figures sense Sherlock. "It figures," said Watson. some problems are natural in There's more crime in the cities. It goes with the it goes with the territory some jobs or places territory. It goes without saying: we want equal pay for equal it goes without saying it is obvious, needless to say work. we saved this one for you, it is There's a steak on the grill, and it has your name on it has your name on it yours it. it is better to have loved and you are a better person if you Old and alone, the woman often thought of a lost than never to have loved have loved someone - even for a saying: It is better to have loved and lost... . at all short time Previous page Next page Idiom Home Meaning
the contest is finished but the cheering continues it has been an experience, it has it's been a slice (of life) been interesting I do not understand why, it does it's beyond me not make sense Previous page Next page Idiom Home it's all over but the shouting
"The Blue Jays won," he said. "It's all over but the shouting." On the last day of work, Pam said, "It's been a slice, Mag." It's beyond me why they don't get married. They're in love.
It's not a question of money. We can afford to buy a TV. You can talk about your first marriage. It's not a state secret. In politics, it's not what you know, it's who you know. If we're going to have a family, it's now or never. We can't wait. When the trial ended, she said, "I'm glad it's over it's over/ it's over with it is finished, it is done with." it's raining/snowing the weather is rainy or snowy Whenever we visit Vancouver, it's raining. I can't tell you which program to choose. It's up to it's up to you it is your decision, you choose you. now you move or speak, it's your She jumps three of my checkers and says, "It's your it's your move turn move, Bud." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Meaning a predictable result, sure to happen a need to eat candy, a craving for sugar similar to, based on the same idea, a send-up a scolding, a personal lecture
a large drink of liquor, a strong drink a lot of excitement about a small a tempest in a teapot problem one who causes pain, one who a thorn in my side bugs me a hit that allows the batter to run a three-bagger (baseball) to third base a person who needs three bags "What did he look like?" "He was at least a a three-bagger over his head because he looks so three-bagger. He also needed a bath." scary a titch (See just a titch) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Example For them, success is a sure thing. They plan for success. After dinner we'll serve mints. Daddy has a sweet tooth, eh. The school play was a takeoff on Shakespeare's Hamlet. If he has a poor attitude, Dan will give him a talking to. After he heard the bad news, he poured himself a tall one. The argument was over quickly. It was a tempest in a teapot. He's always been a thorn in my side - always critical of me. Molitor hit a three-bagger in the sixth game of the World Series.
play jazz, practise music in a small After the concert, a few musicians started to jam. group informal practice session for After the symphony rehearsal, a few of us had a jam musicians, jam session. That jam tart! He teaches writing but he hasn't a phony person, a pretender written anything. not come to the party etc., back Kai jammed last night because her cousin came to out visit her. add color or interest, add an It's a nice coat, but I'm going to jazz it up with a red accessory scarf. I do not know what it is, it is a She has a special quality, this lady, a certain je ne special something sais quoi. oh, gee whiz, gosh Jeepers! I don't know what to say. Stop acting like a jerk! Stop squeezing mustard on fool, dipstick, fink me!
If you're the junior employee, you'll have to do the joe-jobs. When was Joe Who the Prime Minister of Canada? Joe Who Joe Clark - a Canadian politician 1979? Previous page Next page Idiom Home
joke around
Jerry is some joker! He makes everybody laugh. Some joker stopped and asked me if I knew the way to heaven. At Jim's farewell party we sang For He's A Jolly Good Fellow. Quit joshin' me. Tell the truth. This heater uses a lot of juice - 1500 watts. The gang attacked him in the alley. They jumped him. "Did you jump her, Ted?" "Is that all you think of sex?" If I was asked to play with their band, I'd jump at the chance. When their horse won the race, they jumped for joy.
be ready to try if you have the opportunity jump up and down because you jump for joy are happy Previous page Next page Idiom Home
form conclusions before you have If you see a wrecked car and say that the driver all the facts, jump the gun was drunk, you are jumping to conclusions. "Your VISA balance is $63,756." "Jumping jumping Jehoshaphat holy cow, jimminy crickets, wow Jehoshaphat! Is it?" smelly breath, unpleasant odor on Most people have jungle mouth when they wake up jungle mouth the breath in the morning, but not me! Previous page Next page Idiom Home jump to conclusions
On her mail box she wrote a sign: NO JUNK MAIL! "What is a junkie?" "A person who uses bad junkie drugs." When we don't have a fuse, Dad jury-rigs one with jury-rig make a substitute, improvise silver paper. "Would you like more cream?" "Just a smidge, just a smidgeon just a little, just a small amount please." just a titch just a tiny amount, just a smidgeon "Is that piano too heavy?" "Just a titch." We just about fell into the lake. Our canoe nearly just about nearly, almost tipped over. would prefer not to, do not wish just as soon I'd just as soon forget the fight with Dwen, eh. to Previous page Next page Idiom Home
when the manufacturer is ready, not before just passing through (See pass through) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
continue doing it, maintain this quality Previous page Next page Idiom Home keep it up
a performance that is not easy to Gail danced very well. That is a tough act to follow. equal
Was the goal scored before the game ended? It's a tough call. When Bev left home she had a tough time of it. She had no job. When my parents were killed in an accident, Harry was a tower of strength to me. "I got a D on my English test!" "Is it a wake-up call to work harder?"
(See a hard row to hoe) a time of stress or bad luck, a a tough time of it rough time of it a person who helps you during a a tower of strength crisis, a brick a warning, a caution, wake up and a wake-up call smell the coffee Previous page Next page Idiom Home
I'll be in Korea for six months, but I'll keep you posted. Can you keep your cool during an emergency, or keep your cool stay calm, not become excited do you panic? do not come too close, respect a Keep your distance or she'll accuse you of keep your distance person's space harassment. Keep your ear to the ground. You'll hear about drug keep your ear to the ground listen for news, listen for gossip dealers. Keep your eyes peeled for birds. Watch for keep your eyes peeled look or watch carefully, watch for animals, too. don't rush, be calm, keep your "Hurry, Adriana! We're late!" "Keep your hair on. keep your hair on shirt on I'm coming!" think clearly, do not lose your Try to keep your head during a crisis. Try to think keep your head head clearly. keep your head above survive, have just enough to live, With a part-time job, I was able to keep my head water get by above water. Keep your nose clean, and you'll get out of prison keep your nose clean stay out of trouble, toe the line sooner. Previous page Next page Idiom Home keep you posted
kick ass [B] scold, lecture, give you hell Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you are a distance runner, you know the meaning of kick. A person needs discipline to kick a habit like drinking. The coach will kick ass if we don't go to practice.
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs kill time
lose or destroy the source of wealth wait, put in time, time to kill
If we pollute the environment, we kill the goose we lose it all. He was killing time waiting for a plane, so he phoned a friend.
Idioms: kill two birds (with one stone) -- kiss the blarney stone
Example If you sell and advertise at the same time, you kill two birds... . Mel is a fine tennis player, but he lacks the killer killer instinct instinct. These new shoes are killing me. Can we stop and killing me hurting me, causing pain rest? kiss ass [B] be nice to get favors, brown nose I won't kiss ass to get a job. I refuse to be a slave. flat curls on the forehead or in kiss curls (hair style) Teddi can't go out until her kiss curls are dry. front of the ears We're fighting for equal pay. We won't let them kiss kiss it off not deal with it, put it off it off. an action that results in failure or His TV speech was a disaster - the kiss of death for kiss of death loss his party. kiss off go, get lost, take off When he's angry with me he says, "Kiss off!" say it is lost or stolen, down the Hank borrowed your new pen? You can kiss that kiss that one goodbye drain one goodbye. say a lot of compliments, flattery You always say that I look nice. Did you kiss the kiss the blarney stone will get you... blarney stone? Previous page Next page Idiom Home Idiom kill two birds (with one stone) Meaning get two with one try, do two jobs on one trip wanting to defeat the opponent, go for the jugular
knee high to a grasshopper small or short, the size of a child knock knock against knock around with knock flat knock it off criticize, put down (See the knock against) be friends with, hang around with knock down, knock over stop it, do not do that
When we lived in Oslo, you were just knee high to a grasshopper. Don't knock the teacher. She's trying to help us learn. Lynn used to knock around with us. She was our friend. The flag pole was knocked flat - hit by a truck. When we teased the bull, Dad told us to knock it off.
buttered on
Idiom knockout know better know inside out Meaning stunning appearance, beautiful body know you should not do that Example When Jackie wears that red party dress, she's a knockout. Why did you take the candy? You know better than to steal. After 30 years in real estate, he knows the business inside out. I lived here for years. I know this town like the back of my hand.
know a method well, know an occupation well know like the back of your know an area well, know every hand feature of the land (See don't know the first thing know the first thing... about) know how, have much know the ropes experience, learn the ropes know what is happening, in the know the score know, know your stuff know our position, know if we know where we stand have a chance, leave me hanging know where you are, know what know which end is up to do next know who pays your salary, If know which side your bread you refuse extra work, you have is buttered on common sense, bite the hand that feeds... Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Good managers know the ropes. They have skills and experience. The leader of the party should know the score. He or she should be well informed. The Department hasn't replied to our application for assistance, so we don't know where we stand. With so many problems, he doesn't know which end is up. don't know which side your bread is buttered on.
one who does not think, doughhead kooky crazy, hairbrain, nuts do as someone wishes, brown kowtow nose, suck up to Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See on his last legs) be sufficient, provide enough, do last me me for, tide me over last hope for assistance, last last resort chance to succeed last straw (See the last straw) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
lay [B]
Chuck brags about all the girls he's laid, but I don't believe him.
The Vikings raided Scotland's coast, laying waste the villages. I'll lay you ten to one that Marc uses steroids. I'm sure he does.
lazy person, a person who does If you don't want to work, we'll call you lazy bones. not want to work have a style of living, have a way lead a life With your career and children, you lead a busy life. of life lead foot (See heavy foot) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
allow people to know, tell the media leak (See have a leak) lean times times of poverty, hard times learn the language, know the learn the lingo idioms learn the first steps, learn the learn the ropes basics, know the ropes learn to know where and when to learn your place speak Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Leave out the cracked dishes. We'll throw them away. Kim didn't receive an invitation. She was left out in leave out in the cold not invite, exclude the cold. allow people to reply, invite a If you offer to provide answers to their questions, leave the door open response, feel free to reply you leave the door open for a reply. if you do more you could cause If I cause a problem, I apologize. Then I leave well leave well enough alone more trouble enough alone. leave you to do the work or finish He left me holding the bag. I had to finish the work leave you holding the bag a difficult job by myself. leave you with a problem, fend for The bride didn't go to the church. The groom was leave you in the lurch yourself left in the lurch. not protect yourself, allow people By coming late to work, he left himself open to leave yourself open to hurt you discipline. be told, be given information, lead "Were you led to believe that the car was in good led to believe you down... condition?" "Yes. They said it was fine." Previous page Next page Idiom Home leave out not include, discard
Our neighbors lend a hand when we have too much work to do. people who are not as talented, We owe our success to the lesser lights on our team lesser lights not superstars - the workers. both are bad but one is not as bad Neither person can be trusted. Choose the lesser of lesser of two evils as the other two evils. allow gas to escape, fart, pass If I let a fart in this tiny room, we won't be able to let a fart [B] wind breathe. not do as expected, disappoint let down Don't let the team down. Please come to the game. someone let him or her do the job, wait for If his attitude is let George do it, he won't succeed let George do it someone to do it in our firm. let go of release, allow to be free, part with Please let go of my hand now. I want to leave. release or start suddenly, go with When you want him to dump the load, just say, "Let let her rip full power 'er rip!" When we go camping, we let it all hang out. We let it all hang out relax, be natural really relax. When a cat is sick, let it be. Don't pet it or pick it let it be leave it alone, do not touch it up. Previous page Next page Idiom Home lend a hand help someone, give me a hand
Don't tell them the price of gas will rise. Let sleeping dogs lie. People know we plan to elope. Who let the cat out let the cat out of the bag tell people, the cat's out of the bag of the bag? let the chips fall where they let it happen naturally, do not We've done all we can to win the election. Let the may control everything chips fall... . let the party begin, let us enjoy our Uncle Harry welcomed us to the reunion. Then he let the good times roll time together, the more the said, "Let the good times roll!" merrier Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you tease him about his girlfriend, he'll let you have it. "Let yourself go," the leader said. "Share what you relax, be natural, let it all hang out are feeling." not groom yourself, become If you let yourself go, your wife may lose interest in sloppy you. A billion dollars is a lot of lettuce! It's more than I money, dough, moola need. make it equal for everyone, a level If we train all employees, we help to level the playing field playing field. be honest with you, the straight Peter will level with you. He'll tell you what the goods doctor said.
(See a lick and a promise) become healthy again, recover lick your wounds from a defeat Previous page Next page Idiom Home
humorous, joking (See the lights are on but nobody's home) very fast, go like stink
When Harriet is late for work, she drives like a bat out of hell. like a sign from heaven, like a Like a bolt from the blue, I got the idea to shave my like a bolt from the blue flash of light head. repeating the same sound, saying >From morning till night I hear that complaint-like a like a broken record it over and over again broken record! Previous page Next page Idiom Home
people in order of power, chain of The line of authority goes from our manager up to command the president. form a line of people, form a College students have to line up to buy their text line up queue books. lingo (See learn the lingo) No more of your lip, boy. I won't allow you to be lip rudeness, cheek rude. Did you hear him lip off the police? He called them lip off talk without respect, talk back pigs. If you get lippy with me, I'll give you extra work to lippy rude, impolite, cheeky, sassy do. will not talk about it, mum's the I won't tell anybody you love the coach. My lips are lips are sealed word sealed. Previous page Next page Idiom Home line of authority
live wild, go to a lot of parties, have a fling earn enough money to pay live off expenses have to pay rent and buy food live on etc. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
live up to liven up liveware living daylights loaded loaded loaded loaded to the hilt local yokel
be as good as people said you would be cause more activity or excitement people who use computers, computer students (See the living daylights) having many extra devices or accessories drunk, inebriated, sloshed wealthy, rich, deep pockets, moneybags fully loaded, packed to the top
Live up to your own standards. Set your own rules. Let's invite Jerry to our party. He'll liven things up. Our school has more liveware than computers!
That Buick is loaded, including a sun roof. After his fifth drink of rum, he was loaded. He was staggering. To own a jet, you would have to be very wealthy loaded. The trailer was loaded to the hilt - full of our belongings. We were lost, so we stopped and asked a local yokel for help.
resident of a town or rural community, local resident Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Meaning winter underwear - with long sleeves and legs I have not seen you for a long time (See the loo) care for, take care of
Example If you are going cross-country skiing, put on your long johns. When I got off the bus, Grandpa said, "Long time no see."
He really looks after his car. It's in very good condition. Ginny looked daggers at me when I kissed her look daggers look angry, look with hateful eyes boyfriend. look as if you are better, look Do some Americans look down on people from look down on superior Canada? look at a person as though he is look down your nose at Just because he's rich he looks down his nose at us. not as good as you look everywhere, leave no stone We've looked high and low for that watch, but we look high and low unturned can't find it. investigate, find the facts, get to The principal will look into the attendance problem look into the bottom of and see what is causing it. look like death warmed appear to be sick, look pale or Mom is not feeling well. She looks like death over weak warmed over. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
look up to
admire, idolize
not work right, give pain or My stomach is acting up today. I don't feel well. problems actions speak louder than people judge by actions more than Parents should remember that actions speak louder words words, practice what you preach than words. Kids imitate their parents. improvise, create, at will, off the After I learn the melody I like to ad lib. I play what I ad lib (ad libitum) cuff hear in my head. cause more anger, aggravate a He's angry. Telling him bad news will add fuel to the add fuel to the fire problem fire. add another negative, make it If you say his answer is wrong, and then say he can't add insult to injury worse, put your foot in it understand, you've added insult to injury. sorry, but it is true; believe me, afraid so "Did he spend all of our money?" "Yes, 'fraid so." yeppers after you consider all the facts, to Will you help me with English? After all, I helped after all be fair you with math. Against all odds - poor weather, student pilot - we against all odds not likely to happen, a slim chance landed safely. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See at loose ends) (See tie up loose ends) be the boss of, dominate a lord it over person/group Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you lose favor with reporters, you may lose the election. Every day we lose ground in the battle to save the lose ground slide back, lose power, fall behind environment. I can lose him at the mall - among the shops and lose him get away from him, ditch him people. When he criticized you, I started to lose it. I almost lose it become angry, lose your cool hit him. lose the ability to think clearly, After 35 years of teaching, he was losing it. He was lose it become forgetful confused. forget my order of thoughts or Don't interrupt me because I may lose my train of lose my train of thought words thought. lose a chance, fail to take If I don't apply now, I'll lose out. This is my last lose out advantage of chance. not be patient any longer, out of Mom is losing patience with us because we don't lose patience patience obey her. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
lose control of emotions, lose your Don't you ever lose your cool? Don't you ever get temper angry? If you become lost, don't lose your head. Be lose your head lose your ability to think clearly sensible. lose your marbles lose control of your mind, lose it When people grow old, do they lose their marbles? lose control of your mind, go out lose your mind If you continue to use drugs, you'll lose your mind. of your mind lose most of the money you He invested in condominiums and nearly lost his lose your shirt invested shirt. When you lose your temper, the children become lose your temper become angry, get mad frightened. Previous page Next page Idiom Home lose your cool
love conquers all love is blind love is where you find it love tap love them and leave them
love is strong enough to overcome all problems people do not see the faults in their lovers love happens, love is not planned, it is better to have loved... (See a love tap) love them but not stay with them
When the family was reunited, Mom said, "Love conquers all." She can't see his bad habits because love is blind. My family thinks Peter is too old for me, but I think love is where you find it.
When Claude was touring Europe, he'd love 'em and leave 'em. When we docked at Rome, we met three lovelies lovelies ladies, women, girls, chicks and went dancing. the romantic part of your life, your "How's your lovelife?" "Great! I've met a wonderful lovelife intimate life lady." a cliff where lovers jump into a Let's drive up to Lovers' Leap and look at the Lovers' Leap canyon together stars. I've been feeling kind of low lately - it's the bad low sad, depressed, ill, down weather. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Meaning put together, place in the same category alcoholic, in the tank, wino
Example They lumped us all together - young, old, rich, poor. Joni was a lush when she met me. Now she doesn't drink at all.
He's mad about the lost key. He told me I was careless. strange, eccentric, batty, plumb If you wear that pink wig, people will think you're mad as a hatter loco mad as a hatter. Jo lives in a mad-hatter place. Her friends walk mad hatter strange, unusual, wacko around nude and sing songs about heaven. be natural mates, be very Bob and Alice are made for each other. They're made for each other compatible, soul mates happily married. Smoking isn't as common now. It isn't a mainstream mainstream common, familiar, of the majority activity. major (credit) (See a major) major big, huge, main "Is money a problem?" "Ya. Major." When the kids saw the ice cream man coming, they make a beeline go straight towards all made a beeline for him. Whenever Todd dances with me, Brenda makes a make a big deal of it complain a lot, make a mountain... big deal of it. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The Jets made a clean sweep of the series - won all four games. Even a small donation will make a difference. It will make a difference affect or change it, tip the scales help us. make a face wrinkle your face until it is ugly Chad made a face at me and stuck out his tongue. reach for the phone or a gun, try "Make a false move and I'll shoot your buttons off," make a false move to run away the boy said. make it too important, make a Okay, so I used your hair dryer! Don't make a make a federal case of it mountain... federal case of it. If I don't hold the baby, it will make a fuss. It will make a fuss cry or complain, throw a tantrum cry. Previous page Next page Idiom Home make a clean sweep win all games in a series
against the natural way, rub the wrong way the older person should be age before beauty allowed to enter first finished your work, paid all the ahead of the game bills, caught up ain't isn't, is not; aren't, are not angry or violent passengers on an air rage airplane air was blue (See the air was blue) airhead (See an airhead) all around Robin Hood's an indirect route, a roundabout barn way, a wild goose chase all decked out (See deck out) listening carefully, trying to hear all ears everything Previous page Next page Idiom Home against the grain
Some words go against the grain. Their spellings aren't natural. "Age before beauty," she said as she opened the door for me. With all these expenses, we can't seem to get ahead of the game. "It ain't easy being green," said the frog. The man struck one of the attendants. It was air rage.
Whenever we ride with Celia, we go all around Robin Hood's barn! When Dad mentioned hunting, I was all ears. I loved to hunt.
Sally makes friends easily. People seem to like her. Ko is angry because you made fun of him. You teased him. When I get paid, I'll make good my promise to buy you dinner. Driving to Saskatoon, we made good time. It took only five hours. There's a demand for our product, and we have a large stock. Let's make hay while the sun shines! With Freda's help, we made headway. We learned to write. Can you make it tonight? Can you come to the meeting? When a child is hurt, sympathy will help to make it better.
make money
You can make money in real estate. You buy low, sell high.
Her sister said, "Do not wear my clothes. Do I make myself clear?" She's in love with her student. She makes no bones make no bones about it admit it, speak openly about it about it. know what it is, identify it, make Do you see that bright light in the sky? What do you make of it sense of it make of it? take away, take without The boys made off with his toys. They took all his make off with permission cars and trucks. How did you make out when you played the make out do, finish, end up Rebels? Did you win? kiss and hug, get it on, make Keith and Dawn were making out in the back seat make out whoopee of the car. create a space, move over, out of Please make room so Miss Munro can walk to her make room the way car. Move, please. Renting a car makes sense to me - if it's not too make sense appear to be logical or sensible expensive. understand it, fathom it, see how it He is my father, but I am not his son. Can you make make sense of it happened sense of it? Previous page Next page Idiom Home
I want to choose an occupation and make something of myself. Ali makes strange when we have visitors. He cries and tries to hide. Make sure you mail the letter. It must be sent today.
arrange the sheets and blankets on Please make the bed before you eat breakfast. a bed
make the grade make the most of it make the team make tracks make trouble
do acceptable work, measure up do the best you can, seize the opportunity become a member of the team hurry, move quickly, vamoose cause a fight, don't make waves
To make the grade, you have to complete the training program. When you speak, make the most of it. Persuade them not to fight. Paul will make the soccer team. The coach will choose him. We better make tracks or we'll be late for dinner. Don't make trouble, eh. Don't start an argument or a fight.
excite you, please your senses, turn you on cause you to be afraid, petrified, make your hair stand on end scared stiff confuse you, amaze you, boggle make your head spin your mind Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Tony and Victoria were making whoopee when we walked in. Anchovies on a banana split - that'll make your bum hum! Strange sounds began coming from the closet. It was enough to make your hair stand on end. All the numbers on this sheet will make your head spin.
relax, feel as though you are in your own home leave, do not stay, get lost
Lee's mom welcomed us, saying, "Please, make yourself at home." If you see a bull in the pasture, make yourself scarce. The color of the car makes no difference to me. I don't care.
(See make yourself at home) will not affect or change makes no difference something makings of (See the makings of) malarkey (See a bunch of malarkey) man of few words (See a man of few words) man of the cloth (See a man of the cloth) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See a marked man) compete with someone's wit or Don't try to match wits with Pat. He has a reply for match wits humor everything. is serious or determined, no At work or play she means business. She is a mean business nonsense serious person. being unkind at times, having cruel Kurt has a mean streak in him. Did you see him kick mean streak traits his dog? Kay is a gossip, but she means well. She tries to be mean well wants to help, has good intentions a friend. do enough work, achieve high With more training, he'll improve. He'll measure up measure up quality to our standards. In Montreal, he met up with a young singer named meet up with meet, encounter Celine. find an equitable agreement, split Try to settle the claim out of court. See if he will meet you half way the difference meet you half way. We agreed to share the cost of the project. It was a meeting of minds mutual agreement, consensus meeting of minds. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
melt in your mouth mend fences mental block mess up mess with
fine bread or pastry, food with a fine texture solve political problems, listen to voters (See a mental block) do a bad job, ruin it, screw up
Aunt Carol's muffins are so good! They just melt in your mouth! Every summer the politicians go home and try to mend fences. The manager messed up. He spent too much money on advertising. We learned not to mess with the Mafia. Their revenge is deadly. At that point in his life, he was messed up on drugs and alcohol.
challenge, fight with, mix it up with depressed, dependent on drugs, messed up not coping with life administer, give according to the mete out It was his duty to mete out justice in the colony. law or policy a position that is fair to both sides, The minister tried to find some middle ground middle ground a compromise, meeting of minds between the nurses and the administrators. Our education policy is middle of the road. The middle of the road moderate, not extreme majority like it. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The potential for profit is mind boggling - too large to believe. He plays mind games with me - he tries to control mind games my feelings. When the Prime Minister stopped to talk to me, my mind go blank mind went blank. Some of our employees stand around with their mind in neutral not thinking, vegetate minds in neutral. Fu doesn't copy the work of his friends. He has a mind of his own independent thinker, his own man mind of his own. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See you don't miss the water till the well runs dry) Previous page Next page Idiom Home miss the water till...
Without moola, we can't travel. We need money for air fare. show them a bare bum, show They booed him for dropping the ball, so he moon them your bare buttocks mooned them. working at a second job in the Bernie is very tired these days because he's moonlighting evening moonlighting. Art invited us over to taste his moonshine moonshine homemade liquor, hooch, screech homemade wine. Previous page Next page Idiom Home moola money, cash, scratch
Mary invited them to stay. "You are more than welcome to sleep at our place," she said. more than you can shake a Alfreda has more cats than you can shake a stick at a lot, too many, oodles stick at - over 30! The boss mothballed the report. The owners never mothball put away, put on a shelf saw it. Mother Nature provided the basic foods: wild Mother Nature nature, natural forces and causes vegetables and water. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
the largest amount, the main supply, a shitload one who talks fast but says very motormouth little, disk jockey begin to score goals or points mount a comeback while losing, snatch victory from... Royal Canadian Mounted Police Mounties (RCMP) mousy worn and faded, shabby tell a secret, talk about private mouth off information move it go, go faster, get going move a little, move to the next move over chair, make room cause you to feel sadness or move you to tears sympathy, touch you Previous page Next page Idiom Home motherlode
He played poker for six hours before he won the motherlode. Listen to that motormouth! He talks fast but says nothing. Our soccer team was losing 4-1, but they mounted a comeback and won the game 5-4. The Mounties, Canada's police force, were once called Redcoats. This shirt is kind of mousy, but I love to wear it. Why did you mouth off about the accident? I was going to tell Dad. "Move it!" said the guard. "Get in your cell!" I asked him if he would move over so I could sit beside him. The songs in Gorecki's Third Symphony will move you to tears.
Don't spend too long on a sale. Try to nail it down quickly. no clothes on, bare naked, in the A boy had taken my clothes, so there I stood, naked as a jay bird nude naked as a jay bird! naked eye (See the naked eye) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you don't pay for the support of your child, your name is mud. When I asked the boy a question, he said nothing nary a word not a word, nothing nary a word. feeling good from having nutritious After swimming, she would often experience a natural high food or exercise natural high. need to go the washroom, have to When nature calls, just say you have an important nature calls go appointment. nay no, nope "Should Tom be our team leader?" "Nay." What a neat car! It's small but roomy - and neat fine, well designed, cool comfortable! necessity is the mother of our needs cause us to invent Do you think the invention of TV proves that invention devices, build a better mousetrap necessity is the mother of invention? kiss and hug, make out, make For me, necking is a memory from my teenage neck whoopee years. Previous page Next page Idiom Home name is mud
She needled him with questions about his former girlfriends. Needless to say, there are many idioms in the needless to say it is obvious, it goes without saying English language. not clearly separated, a little of Our experiment produced a being that was neither neither fish nor fowl both fish nor fowl. nerd weird person, nut That nerd! He spit on my toe! able to speak or act calmly when Percy has nerves of steel. He persuaded the gunman nerves of steel facing risk or danger to leave. nervous breakdown (See breakdown) After selling the farm, they had their nest egg - about nest egg money for retirement, life savings $200,000. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
as good as the ads say, live up to The new computer isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's the reports not so hot. We looked day and night for the lost girl. It was an all-out all your effort, go all-out all-out effort. all over but the shouting (See it's all over but the shouting) I left the gate open, and the cows are all over hell's all over hell's half acre all over the place, everywhere half acre. all set ready, prepared to start "All set?" he asked, as she closed her suitcase. Al gets all shook up when he sees Gina. He likes all shook up excited, nervous her a lot. artificial, having little or no When he gets angry and yells at us, it's all show, just all show substance, put on airs to scare us. clean and dressed in your best all spruced up The young farmers got all spruced up for the dance. clothes, dressed up the golf ball is on the tee, all teed up The parade is ready to begin. It's all teed up. everything is ready all related things, other similar all that jazz They were talking about UFO's and all that jazz. topics Previous page Next page Idiom Home all it's cracked up to be
I've tasted Granny apples. They're no great shakes. I swam across the lake. No guff.
She has no qualms about dating married men. She doesn't care. "No question of its quality," he said, examining the it is certain, no doubt watch. you will not be asked to explain or If he returns the stolen car, there will be no pay questions asked. wicked people must work long When I told the men there was another truck to hours as a penalty, what did I do unload, Per said, "No rest for the wicked, eh." to deserve... There's no rhyme or reason to the game of golf. It's no sense, no logical plan stupid!
a bold woman, not a timid woman Previous page Next page Idiom Home
We drove from Calgary to Regina in seven hours no shit. There were two no-shows on the class list. All but two attended. Barb will defend her rights. She's no shrinking violet.
nosebag not not a question of not all it's cracked up... not all there not at all not by a long shot
food, something to eat, fill your face not a good idea, forget it (See it's not a question of) (See all it's cracked up to be) retarded, slow to learn, one brick short... it was no trouble at all, don't mention it, no prob very little chance, not likely
I'm hungry. It's time to put on the nosebag. "Maybe we should buy a Lada." "Not."
Sometimes Vincent acts kind of strange - like he's not all there. "Thank you for helping us find our dog," Dad said. "Not at all," the man replied. That horse won't win, not by a long shot. It's old and slow.
Meaning Example not friendly, not speaking to each not speaking Emily and Pam had a fight. They're not speaking. other "I dropped my ice cream!" "Not to worry. There's not to worry do not worry, no sweat more." Have you seen the new Camaro? It's not too not too shabby quite good, better than average shabby. I'm just not with it these days. I lack energy and not with it not feeling right, out of it confidence. In 1930, stocks weren't worth a plugged nickel not worth a plugged nickel worthless, good for nothing nothing! notch below (See a notch below) nothing succeeds like one success leads to more This is the first rule of learning: Nothing succeeds success success like success. nothing to it (See there's nothing to it) nothing to sneeze at of good quality, do not ignore it That was a nice apartment - nothing to sneeze at. not special or spectacular, no nothing to write home about He's a nice guy, but nothing to write home about. great shakes Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
idiot, foolish person, dimwit, dipstick a person who acts crazy or nut foolish nut bar, nut case (See a nut case) mental hospital, psychiatric ward, nut house loony bin Previous page Next page Idiom Home
His statement to the police was false - a bare-faced lie. When the Flames play the Oilers it's a barnburner a barnburner an exciting game, a cliff-hanger a great game. a lot of fun, a person who makes Let's invite Chang to our party. He's a barrel of a barrel of laughs you laugh laughs. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
To get to the Halsteads, we have to go all the way to Egery and back! The teacher asked Jason to explain what Shakespeare meant when he wrote, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages."
all things being equal all things to all people all thumbs all walks of life
if things remain the same, if no surprises occur satisfy everyone, live up to clumsy, unable to hold it, fingers feel like thumbs all occupations and lifestyles
All things being equal, we should sell all our bicycles by October. Be yourself. Stop trying to be all things to all people. When I try to sew a button on my shirt, I'm all thumbs. As a salesperson, you will meet people from all walks of life.
When he doesn't catch the ball, he says, "Nuts!" Helen is nuts about Mozart. She loves his piano nuts about likes a lot, passionate, crazy about concertos. Do I know Karl? Yes, I do. He's nutty as a fruit nutty as a fruit cake funny, kooky, mad as a hatter cake! Previous page Next page Idiom Home
I like to explore places that are off the beaten track - wild places. Off the cuff, I'd say there are 75 applicants. That's my guess. The police found the murderer, which lets Louis off the hook. The laundry room is off the kitchen - very convenient. His answer is a bit off the mark. Canada Day is July 1, not July 4. What the President said is not to be printed. It's off the record.
moving quickly ahead, off to a good start not on the chosen topic, not off topic related to the topic off with remove clothing or a covering off with you leave, go, skidaddle Previous page Next page Idiom Home off to the races
When we get our business loan, we'll be off to the races. If you're writing about dogs, flowers are off topic. Off with your overcoat, Ben. Stay and visit awhile. Off with you, girl, or you'll be late for school.
a group of wealthy old men with political power Previous page Next page Idiom Home
She bought that property with old money - money that her great-grandfather saved. One old wives' tale says that goose fat will cure a old wives' tale cold. It's fun to be with him when he's on a lark - when on a lark carefree, happy in a natural way he's carefree. in the position of a hero, in a high If you put your girlfriend on a pedestal, she won't on a pedestal place respect you. I'm gonna play bingo all night. I'm lucky - I'm on a on a roll having good luck, lucky streak roll! Previous page Next page Idiom Home old money
an inheritance, money that has been in the family for decades a myth, an old story that contains little truth
When he began working here, he was on fire - very enthusiastic. Steve is on good terms with all his co-workers. on good terms They like him. Gordie was on his last legs, but he could still shoot on his last legs hard. The thief knew the police would follow him. They'd on his tail following him closely, chasing him be on his tail. on in years (See get on in years) The book you want is on loan to someone else until on loan borrowed, signed out May 12. We refuse to accept money from drug dealers - on on moral grounds based on what is right and wrong moral grounds. The coach is on my back about missing the game on my back criticizing me, on my case, ride me last week. Previous page Next page Idiom Home on fire
eager, energetic, all fired up, gung ho in a good relationship, able to talk and work with very tired or old, at the end of his career
Example Did she drop her glove on purpose - so he would on purpose for a reason, intentional find it? dizzy or stunned, not acting After he hit me I felt like I was on queer street - I on queer street normal was dazed. within the dates on the plan, on They arrived on Mars on June 11, which means on schedule target they're on schedule. missing a proper foundation, "If you don't start learning for your next exam now, on shaky ground prone to fail you'll be on shaky ground." without much warning, at a Can you come to work on short notice? Within a on short notice moment's notice day or two? In order to have a majority, we need to bring the on side for our side, supporting our group clerks on side. Louise and I are not friends, but we're on speaking on speaking terms not friendly but saying hello etc. terms. available from the tap on a keg of There was a red neon sign in the window: COLD on tap beer or ale BEER ON TAP done by the planned date, on If we can complete the drawings by Monday, we'll on target schedule be on target. carefully, cautiously, afraid to He's cautious since his accident. He drives around on tenterhooks move on tenterhooks. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning
running away from the police, lay When he's not in jail, he's on the lam - always low running. Norman is on the limp today. He sprained his ankle on the limp limping, walking with a leg injury playing ball. Previous page Next page Idiom Home on the lam
I understand Ted's beliefs. We're on the same wavelength. Greg's on the shit list because he missed the sales on the shit list [B] meeting. By typing reports and resumes, I earned a few on the side extra, in addition, under the table dollars on the side. on the sly secretly, illegally Phil was selling cigarettes to his friends on the sly. On the spur of the moment we decided to drive to on the spur of the moment immediately, impulsively Banff. on the witness stand, testifying in Jack was on the stand today. He told the court what on the stand court he saw. Previous page Next page Idiom Home on the same wavelength
understanding each other, communicating clearly on the list to be punished, in your bad books
Paul can perform on the wing - he has a great imagination! His grades are very low in this course. He's on thin on thin ice ice. on time Mary is always on time. She is very punctual. Addie stays on top of math by doing problems on top of informed, prepared, up on every day. on track in the right direction, on the rails After a few problems, our project is back on track. in court as a defendant, defending The man charged with the assault is on trial now. on trial your actions He's in court. having a holiday from work or I don't feel like getting up early when I'm on on vacation school vacation. He doesn't know how to manage a business. He's on your ass [B] wrong, misinformed, all wet on his ass! When I get a cold, you think I'm on my deathbed. on your deathbed very ill, nearly dead Relax. Be on your guard when you buy a used car - don't on your guard careful, cautious buy a lemon. Previous page Next page Idiom Home on the wing
without a plan, creating as you go, wing it in a risky position, barely surviving not late, at the scheduled time
Idioms: one for the money, two for the show... -open a can of worms
Idiom Meaning Example one for the money, two for prepare to go or run, children's Before bedtime, Dad would say, "One for the the show... countdown money..." one drink or kiss etc. before you If you have one for the road, have a cup of coffee one for the road leave (or a kiss). one man's garbage is each person has different likes and You pick up what somebody throws away, so one another man's art dislikes, to each his own man's garbage is another man's art. one man's meat is another one person likes what another Some people love his music; others hate it. One man's poison person hates, to each his own man's meat is another man's poison. a typical member of the group, a Roger is one of the boys, eh. He's always ready to one of the boys regular guy play or help. tendency to think about only one My son has a one-track mind these days. He thinks one-track mind subject only about cars. Nick looks very confident. I think he's onto onto something found some important information something. knows that we are doing bad The doorman is onto us. He knows we didn't buy a onto us things, wise to us ticket. oodles lots, more than we need, scads "Do we have enough salad?" "Yes. Oodles!" open a can of worms (See can of worms) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
an offer that contains a threat or force, a request that is a command a person with a lot of practice or an old hand at experience a veteran, an old soldier, a classic an old warhorse story or tune Previous page Next page Idiom Home an offer I couldn't refuse
The border guards invited me to stay for further questioning - it was an offer I couldn't refuse. Tom's an old hand at cribbage. He's played since he was a boy. The band played marches and overtures - the old warhorses.
out of joint (See nose is out of joint) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
I must have been out of my head to lend him my car. I was crazy. without warning, without an Out of nowhere a motorcycle passed us, going like out of nowhere introduction a bullet. The stamp machine is out of order. I think it's out of order not operating, broken broken. not able to change or control the The decision is out of our hands. The voters will out of our hands result decide who wins. having no more patience, lose I'm out of patience with the kids. They're fighting all out of patience patience the time. Previous page Next page Idiom Home out of my head crazy, out of your mind, wacko
Larry is out of pocket for the team lunch at McDonald's. The FM station is out of range of my radio. The out of range too far away, not close enough signal is weak. The price was outa sight! They wanted $200 for a out of sight (outa sight) too much, too high nylon jacket. too far away to see, not visible He watched the plane until it was a speck. Then it out of sight anymore was out of sight. if you do not see it you will forget When I moved away, I forgot her - out of sight, out out of sight, out of mind about it of mind, eh. Andre is out of sorts because he didn't get enough out of sorts feeling negative, down, in a funk sleep. not with the others, not designed Your business plan is out of step with the 21st out of step for today century. It's old. not close to the correct number or Few people will buy your product if the price is out out of the ball park price of the ball park. Then out of the blue, he says, "What color are your out of the blue not expected, not on topic shorts?" Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move. It was the cat. out of the goodness of my because I am kind, because I I help her out of the goodness of my heart. I don't heart want to help want to be paid. Having six husbands at the same time is out of the out of the norm not normal, not common norm, eh. not a factor, not competing or Mario returned to Italy, so he's out of the picture. out of the picture playing He's gone. Because of the storm, traveling by car is out of the out of the question not possible, no way question. off the road or path, not blocking "Get out of the way!" he shouted. "Here come the out of the way or obstructing runners!" done, no longer a problem, over Our Christmas shopping is finally done - out of the out of the way with way. off the main road, off the beaten Rumsey is an out-of-the-way town, just east of the out of the way track river. out of difficulty, not in danger any Pedro survived the heart surgery, but he's not out of out of the woods more the woods yet. Previous page Next page Idiom Home out of the corner of my eye at my far right or left, to the side
Now that the trial is over with, we can return to a normal life. The doctor said I can work in the garden if I don't overdo it work too hard, become too tired overdo it. Previous page Next page Idiom Home over with
another cigarette; harmful substance put some money in the center of ante up the table Previous page Next page Idiom Home another nail in your coffin
Every cigarette he smoked was another nail in his coffin. As the dealer shuffled the cards, he said, "Ante up, boys."
The speaker passed around a sheet of paper for us to sign. pass away Grandma passed away in 1974. She was 92. pass for In that uniform, you could pass for a police officer. If you pass off counterfeit money, you can be pass off charged with a crime. Before her dad passed on, she visited him every pass on die, bite the dust, kick the bucket day. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
let out gas, let a fart [B] old fashioned, dated, old hat
Mother says it's not polite to pass wind while you are eating. It's pass to say beg your pardon. We don't hear that now. Jon and May fight a lot, but they patch things up and go on.
(See a pat answer) agree to stop fighting, become patch things up friends again paths will cross (See cross paths) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
do what he did to you, get revenge pay in kind (See repay in kind) attend a ceremony or send a pay my respects symbol of your respect for someone pay all that you owe, pay the pay off balance Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Remembrance Day allows us to pay our respects to the people who defended our country. I want to pay off my loan now - pay the whole balance.
He paid the penalty for his laziness: failure. To be an Olympic athlete, you have to pay the price: pain. Uncle Sammy paid the whole shot for our trip to Europe. If you rent a condo in Dover, you'll pay through the nose. In a letter to Ms. Lee, the City paid tribute to her for service to her community. When I see Todd, I'll ask him to pay up. He owes me $20. In the sport of rodeo, you have to pay your dues to get respect. "I don't want charity," she said. "I pay my way."
pay the whole bill, pay for everybody's ticket etc. pay high rates for rent or service, pay through the nose cost an arm... show that you respect or admire a pay tribute person, honor someone pay what is owed, pay a bet you pay up lost work hard and learn, be loyal for pay your dues years pay your way pay your share of the expenses Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom peer sneer pell-mell pen those words/lines penny for your thoughts penny pincher people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones perfect stranger perk up pernickety/persnickety pet
Meaning an unfriendly look from a person who is the same age in a wild manner, in panic, harum-scarum write those words or lines, compose that line (See a penny for your thoughts) (See a penny pincher)
Example When the manager praised my work, Vic gave me a peer sneer. When the fire alarm sounded we ran pell-mell down the hall. The medium is the message: Do you know who penned that line?
people who have faults should not Perfect people can be critical, but people who live criticize others in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. (See a perfect stranger) show interest or enthusiasm fussy, critical of details, perfectionistic touch intimately, kiss and caress When we mention girls, he perks up. His eyes sparkle. When Dale was teenager, he was pernickety about his hair. Petting is a prelude to sex. It is the touch of passion.
Why is everybody picking on me? I feel like a victim. We pick up the street idioms faster than the grammar, eh. If business doesn't pick up soon, we'll need another loan. We're walking rather slowly. Can we pick up the pace? After her husband died, she tried to pick up the pieces of her life. Who picked up the tab for the hotel rooms? Who paid?
give you a ride in a car, give you a I'll pick you up at 6:45 and we'll drive to the mall. lift (see give me a lift) make you feel better, make you pick you up Here, have a cup of tea. That will pick you up. happy or natural high Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Then we went to the Dairy Queen and pigged out on soft ice cream. glass or porcelain pig used for The little girl was counting the money in her piggy piggy bank saving coins bank. carried on someone's back, riding Jurgen loved to ride piggyback when his dad piggyback on someone's back walked in the park. A catering firm piggybacked to success on United piggyback succeed on the efforts of others Airlines. pill (See the pill) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See no matter how you slice it) any phone calls or letters, any any word reply there are no rules; expect anything anything goes to happen (See an apple a day keeps the apple a day... doctor away) apple of his eye (See the apple of his eye) prepared to fight or defend, armed to the teeth having lots of evidence (See all around Robin Hood's around Robin Hood's barn barn) around the bend around the clock crazy or insane, off your rocker twenty-four hours, 'round the clock
By the time the trial began, the lawyer was armed to the teeth.
If I had to listen to that noise all the time, I'd go around the bend. Julie worked around the clock to finish her sewing project.
If you pin your hopes on some horse winning a race, you will probably be disappointed. When he was a boy he pinched pennies from his pinch mom's purse. "If I can pinch an inch, am I fat?" "No. Just pinch an inch pinch an inch of fat on your body pleasantly plump." Gomez is the best pinch-hitter on the team. His pinch-hitter (baseball) substitute batter, extra batter average is .372. pinch of coon shit [B] (See a pinch of coon shit) pinch of salt (See a pinch of salt) have a bowel movement, drop a pinch off a loaf [B] "Where were you?" "In the can, pinching off a loaf." log Previous page Next page Idiom Home
"Who broke your glasses?" "Some pinhead sat on them!" Lawrence is trying to pinpoint the time of the plane crash. The teacher opened the door and said, "Pipe down, Grade 7." Do you have a pipe dream or a plan? There's a big difference. K.D. Lang has great pipes, eh. Keith was a pipsqueak until he started lifting weights.
the substitute for Plan A, an alternative plan very drunk, hammered, looped, sloshed credit cards, bank cards
Plan A depends on getting a student loan. What is Plan B? After losing the fight, Jock went and got plastered. I like to use plastic when I travel. I don't feel safe carrying cash.
The nice weather played a big part in the success of our festival. be a minor actor in a movie or a Irene played a bit-part in a movie last year. She's a play a bit-part stage play good actor. fool or trick someone, play a I played a joke on Ty. I phoned and said he'd won play a joke on prank on the lottery. Ingrid may beat you. She plays a mean game of play a mean game play very well, play to win chess. His drinking played a part in his dismissal. Drinking play a part be a cause, affect the result was a cause. arrange a surprise for you so Ty played a prank on me. He left a message to call play a prank on people will laugh the president. deceive you for fun, play a joke We played a trick on Liz. We sent her picture to a play a trick on on beauty contest. pretend to believe, go along with, Lisa played along with the joke on Mark. She didn't play along let on tell him. She knows he's playing around, but she won't play around have other mates, sleep around confront him. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
play using rules, give everyone an A referee will help us to play fair, to play according equal chance to the rules. deceive people, not be sincere, He's been playing games with us. We can't believe play games mind games what he says. pretend you do not care; you do When Tom invites you to go on a date, you could play hard to get not want him play hard to get. play tough, try to hurt the If the manager wants to play hardball, show him that play hardball opponent, play dirty you are tough. interfere with, cause sudden The wind played havoc with the ball, causing it to play havoc with changes rise or fall. not attend classes, stay away from One spring day, some of us played hooky. We went play hooky school fishing. do as he planned, fall into his trap By accepting a ride in Paul's car, you played right play into his hand (see fall into a trap) into his hand. Previous page Next page Idiom Home play fair
Example Kirk won't play second fiddle to her. He wants to play second fiddle be the boss. After a long relationship with Sue, he began to play play the field the field. If you play the fool, people will often tell you play the fool secrets. After a couple of drinks, he likes to play the ham play the ham act for an audience, ham it up to be a clown. In our gang, Don plays the heavy. He talks and acts play the heavy be the strong man or tough guy tough. He's lost a lot of money playing the ponies. He bets play the ponies bet on horses at the race track on every race. buy stocks and shares, sell stocks At first he invested in real estate; then he played the play the stock market and shares stock market. play a sport just for the crowd, a The coach wants us to play to win, not play to the play to the crowd hotdog crowd. do risky things, live dangerously, "If you play with fire," Trine explained, "you may get play with fire take chances burned. You may get hurt." Our minister is pleased as punch when there's a pleased as punch very pleased, happy about large offering. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning accept a lower position, take a back seat date many people, go out with various men/women pretend you are a fool, act simple or foolish
a program or issue used by political football politicians to get votes, play political games Previous page Next page Idiom Home
as luck is sometimes good and sometimes bad Previous page Next page Idiom Home
As far as I know, the company will pay your travel expenses. As if we'd leave for Banff without you. We'd never do that! By the time we arrived, as luck would have it, the fight was over.
positive pot pot calling the kettle black pot of gold potato sack potlicker
certain, very sure, dead certain marijuana tobacco, reefer a guilty person accusing another guilty person a fortune, a lot of money loose fitting jacket or clothing little person, small competitor
Are you positive it was Ming? Do you know for sure it was him? The room smelled of tobacco, like someone had been smoking pot. When thief accuses robber, it's the pot calling the kettle black. Izzy believes there's a pot of gold buried in every acre he buys. Potato sack looks good on Ken. Baggy clothes suit him. George - that potlicker! I can beat him with my little finger!
If a general manager demotes two managers, it's a power play. The Russians scored twice on their five-minute power play (hockey) five skaters against four or three power play. very powerful, lots of That old Chev has a 454 motor. It has power to power to burn horsepower, go like stink burn. showing power, showing Last week he went on a power trip and told us to power trip authority work harder. a person who uses a computer a Jay uses the computer about 12 hours a day. He's a power user lot power user. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you want to hear truth, tell the truth. Practice what you preach. Do you believe that some folks in Alberta eat prairie prairie oyster oysters? Wade is an excellent student. His teachers praise praise him to the skies praise him a lot, sing his praises him to the skies. emotional crises the week before Judy says pms causes most of her personal pre-menstrual syndrome menstruation, pms problems. tell people who already know the When I complained to the class about students who preach to the choir/preach message, talk to the wrong were absent, Ed reminded me that I was preaching to the converted audience, to the choir! prepare thoroughly, be ready for prepare like crazy Before I go to a job interview I prepare like crazy. an event or test a youth who wears trendy Brad is a preppy. He wears Polo sweaters and preppy clothes, clean cut drives a Celica. ability to think clearly and act When the bear charged the car, Jill had the presence of mind appropriately, cool under pressure presence of mind to sound the burglar alarm. ask the police to charge someone The police asked her if she wanted to press charges press charges with a crime against the thief. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See the powers that be) do what you say people should do the testicle of a young bull or bull calf
win just before the end; before it is too late work as hard as possible, go pull out all the stops all-out, go for broke talk nice, ease up, take it easy on pull punches you Previous page Next page Idiom Home pull it out
The score was tied, but we pulled it out with a last-minute goal. You're losing this match. If you want to win, you'll have to pull out all the stops. If the service is poor, he doesn't pull punches. He complains.
stop working on a project, not When Zoe lied to Social Services they pulled the support any more, leave you in the plug on her. They stopped paying her expenses. lurch take away your help, remove your Some insurance companies pull the rug out from pull the rug out support, leave you holding the bag under you when you file a claim. Don't let him pull the wool over your eyes. He's not pull the wool over your eyes deceive you, trick you, fool you at the office. recover, get well, get over the The doctor didn't think he'd pull through, but he's pull through operation feeling fine. If we pull together, we can complete this project on pull together work together, co-operate time. move away, go to live in another We pull up stakes when winter comes. We move to pull up stakes place Arizona. He'll have to pull up his socks in math - if he wants pull up your socks do better, improve to pass. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
control your sadness, get a grip on It's difficult to pull yourself together after a divorce. yourself excited about performing, ready John's pumped for today's game. He really wants to pumped/pumped up to play play. hit you, knock you down, knock If you try to kiss my girlfriend I'll punch your lights punch your lights out you out out. a name for someone or something Your old Honda? Don't sell that puppy. It's a puppy familiar keeper. young love, love between children Puppy love is sweet, but it's just a step on the path puppy love or teenagers to mature love. Hank won the fishing contest, but it was pure luck, pure luck just luck, not skill or talent not skill. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Old Tom's pushin' up daisies. He died a long time ago. Tim loves his wife, but he's not pussy whipped. He pussy whipped has a mind of his own. Merv sticks his finger in my ribs and says, "Put 'em put 'em up raise your hands, reach for the sky up." let us shake hands, I want to After the argument, I apologized and said, "Put 'er put 'er there shake hands with you there, eh." told me secretly, a little bird told "Who told you I need a wallet?" "Mom put a bug in put a bug in my ear me my ear." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Example For Sale: 1992 Mazda Miata, red, all options, low as new like new, in mint condition km, as new. very poor, having little, the wolf is How can they refuse to help her? She's as poor as a as poor as a church mouse at the door church mouse. as right as rain (See right as rain) rare, uncommon, not many of as scarce as hen's teeth Country doctors are as scarce as hen's teeth. them very sick, very ill, as sick as a as sick as a dog Barry can't come to practice. He's sick as a dog! parrot, in sick bay very, very sick; on your deathbed, Samual's voice sounds weird because he's as sick as sick as a parrot sicker than a dog as a parrot. He writes as slow as a dead snail, only a word or as slow as a dead snail unbeatable in slowness two per day! as slow as molasses in The tortoise is very slow - as slow as molasses in only a dead snail is slower January January. certain to happen, predictable, a Robert will come, sure as shit. He comes every as sure as shit foregone conclusion day. the shortest distance between two The farm is about ten miles northeast of town, as the as the crow flies places crow flies. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning
(See all your eggs in one basket) stop or end it, cause it to stop The policeman came and put an end to the fighting. Dennis has a good appetite. He put away ten eat or drink, pig out pancakes! Those poor kids are put down all the time criticize, knock, put-down criticized and yelled at. kill, shoot, dispatch, put out of its The horse had to be put down because it was badly misery injured. His speech was a put-down of our policies - very criticism, disapproval negative.
live in one place for years, buy land and raise a family Previous page Next page Idiom Home put down roots
After moving from town to town, we put down roots in Moose Jaw.
(See on a pedestal) pretend you are better or richer or Martha would never put on airs. She is very smarter sincere.
use your finest dishes or clothes etc.; show off do, function, perform unhappy, upset
put out about bothered, annoyed, ticked off Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When we visit Mame, she likes to put on the dog get dressed up. Vern's crew really puts out. They do a lot of work in a day. Was he put out when you asked for more money? Was he upset? What's Jan put out about? She seems irritated.
defeated very badly, feel ashamed Our baseball team was put to shame by the Cubans: of losing 11-0. Your computer skills will be put to the test in your put to the test be tested, be challenged new position. If you want to put too fine a point on it, the color is put too fine a point on be too precise, split hairs actually russet. pay for or be quiet, do instead of If you brag about your cooking we'll ask you to put put up or shut up talk up or shut up. If I start a new business, will you put up the put up the money pay for, finance, front me money? tolerate, endure, not get put up with Alice puts up with a lot of complaining from Jackie. frustrated An embarrassing moment can sometimes put you at put you at ease cause you to relax, break the ice ease. Previous page Next page Idiom Home put to shame
very quick, without delay quick to speak or shoot; get the quick on the draw drop on quick study (See a quick study) quicker than you can say very quickly, before you can say Jack Robinson Jack Robinson quickie (See a quickie) leave, go away from here, blow quit this place this joint quit before you begin to lose, quit while you're ahead don't push your luck Previous page Next page Idiom Home
A bunch of rabble rousers were fighting at the football game. I've racked my brain, but I can't remember where I rack my brain think hard, try to remember saw that man. He racked up a lot of points with his first hand of rack up compile, increase, build up, run up cribbage. What a rad video! The singer's head was sitting on a rad radical, weird, on the fringe table! I need some new rags. My clothes are old and rags clothes, threads worn. rags to riches (See from rags to riches) In the summer, Pam drives a ragtop - a Fiat ragtop convertible car, ragtop Spyder. railroad push a plan, force a person No, I didn't want to resign. I was railroaded into it! Previous page Next page Idiom Home rabble rouser
Example I sat there watching the four of them play bridge, as useless as a fifth wheel and feeling as useless as a fifth wheel. Our toenails are useless - as useless as tits on a as useless as tits on a boar boar. When you called him a thief, you asked for it. You ask for it invite or deserve an attack made him mad. a starting price, a price to begin The asking price for the lot was $29,500. It sold for asking price negotiations $28,000. not alert, not watching, not paying If you're asleep at the switch, you won't learn much asleep at the switch attention in class. Don't be an ass, Duddy. Stay in school and get your ass fool, dipstick, jerk diploma. Those jeans fit you, but they're a little tight around ass [B] buttocks, backside, butt the ass. After holidays, I'll get my ass into gear and paint the ass into gear moving, working, doing house. falling over backwards, head over The cowboy knocked him off his feet - ass over ass over teakettle heels teakettle! I could see at a glance that the car was unsafe. A at a glance with one look, a quick look wheel was loose. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning not useful, not needed, redundant, (four wheels are sufficient) not useful, not necessary, having no function
What a rat race! I want to leave the city and live in the country. Who ratched the gears on my bike? I can't shift into ratch damage, wreck, trash low! rats oh no, darn, nuts Rats! We have a flat tire! annoy me, anger me, get under my That woman rattles my chain, the way she gossips rattle my chain skin about me! The professor was rattling on about Canadian rattle on continue to talk, ramble, hold forth culture. threaten to attack, appear to be The workers are rattling their sabres, but they won't rattle sabres preparing for war strike. raw deal (See a raw deal) spectacular show, dazzling Grandpa said the rodeo had too much razzle-dazzle. razzle-dazzle display, showboat It was too fancy. The cowboy drew his gun and said, "Reach for the reach for the sky raise your hands, put them up sky, mister!" Previous page Next page Idiom Home
my lips are saying what you are hearing, believe it check your cards and cry about read them and weep your poor hand Previous page Next page Idiom Home read my lips
Edie said, "Read my lips, people. We have no more money." After dealing the cards, Walt said, "Read 'em and weep, boys."
reject without thinking, throw away quickly know about that, have relate to that experienced that lips that mispronounce, lips that rented lips say strange words Previous page Next page Idiom Home reject out of hand
If the apples aren't from B.C. he rejects them out of hand. He said he was afraid to speak in public. I can relate to that. Did I say ossifer? I meant officer! Excuse my rented lips!
at the start, the very first thing that's good, great, okay
Right off the bat she says, "Are you married?" When I told him he passed the test he said, "Right on, man!"
right on the money (See on the money) right, left and center (See left, right and center) rigmarole (See what a rigmarole) rile up become afraid, upset, worked up The horses get all riled up when they smell smoke. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
the decade following World War I In the Roaring Twenties, ladies had short hair with (1920-1929) kiss curls. move money from one part of a If we use grocery money to buy gas, we rob Peter rob Peter to pay Paul budget to another to pay Paul. court a person who is too young, You're seeing Lisa? She's only 17! That's robbing rob the cradle date a minor the cradle! Rock (See The Rock) shock, cause a personal change, rock Killing Fields is a powerful movie. It will rock you. shake him rock bottom (See hit rock bottom) disturb or upset things, don't make If you rock the boat, you may be asked to leave the rock the boat waves project. Previous page Next page Idiom Home Roaring Twenties
Podnzilowicz is a name that doesn't roll off the tongue. welcome in a special way, show We roll out the red carpet when the Queen comes roll out the red carpet lots of hospitality to Calgary. The coach said, "Don't expect the Jets to roll over roll over and play dead not try, not compete hard, give up and play dead." eyes express boredom or When he told the joke again, the students began roll their eyes disapproval rolling their eyes. be a flexible competitor, pick In politics you learn to roll with the punches and roll with the punches yourself up keep going. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When he asked why I wanted the vase, I was at a loss for words. We may call you at a moment's notice - whenever at a moment's notice with little warning, on short notice we need help. at all in any way, in the least "Are you sleepy?" "No. Not at all." The smoke keeps the mosquitoes at bay. They don't at bay at a distance, away from you like smoke. dying, near death, brush with Poor Sarah! She has lung cancer and I fear she's at at death's door death death's door. the value shown by the surface, At face value, this car appears to be in good at face value what you see ... condition. The judge will decide who's at fault - who caused at fault caused the problem, to blame the crash. when you first see it, when you at first glance At first glance, it looked like a cat - a large cat. notice it just before the sun rises, at the At first light, the ducks would fly to the grainfields to at first light crack of dawn feed. Previous page Next page Idiom Home at a loss for words
Idiom rough up round the clock round up row of beans royal pain
Meaning beat a little bit, push and slap (See around the clock) bring together, chase into a herd
Example The leader roughed me up a bit because I lied to him. Will you round up the kids and tell them to come inside?
(See a hill of beans) (see a royal pain) special hospitality, roll out the red We received royal treatment when we visited our royal treatment carpet relatives in Sweden. Fran and I used to rub elbows when we worked at rub elbows work beside, associate with the fish plant. cause it to be worse, aggravate, If you criticize a student's work in front of the class, rub salt in the wound add insult to injury you are rubbing salt in the wound. Art dealers rub shoulders with people from all the rub shoulders with work with, associate with professions. That waiter rubs me the wrong way. He's too rub the wrong way bother, irritate, bug impatient. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Please run off extra copies of her resume before the job interview. talk a lot, talk when you should be Why do you run off at the mouth and disturb this run off at the mouth quiet class? Previous page Next page Idiom Home run off make copies at a photocopier
(See the runaround) tap water, water from a pressure running water system runt of the litter (See the runt of the litter) rush (See what a rush) the hour of heavy traffic, bumper rush hour to bumper Previous page Next page Idiom Home
runaround
Canadian whisky, whisky made from rye Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you bring your sleeping bag, you can sack out on the floor. protected part, the part that must If our company is going to change, everything sacred cow not be changed should be evaluated - no sacred cows. sacred moose (a sacred cow in Canada) sad sack (See a sad sack) put a saddle on a horse, place a saddle up Let's saddle up and ride our ponies to the river. saddle on a horse She doesn't want to be saddled with a bus load of saddled with burdened with, responsible for teen-age boys. save a little money each month, By the time Jake died, he had salted away about salt away save tiny amounts $50,000. salt of the earth (See the salt of the earth) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
"I won't go to church!" he said. "Don't be sassy!" Mama said. If you buy a new car through a broker, you can save a bundle save a lot of money, save big time save a bundle. prevent embarrassment, prevent To save face, the accused member should resign. save face more shame It's embarrassing. save money for a time when you Ed and Vi spend little money. They're saving for a save for a rainy day really need it rainy day. save you from failure or disaster, save your bacon If the boat sinks, a life raft may save your bacon. save your skin save you from risk, dismissal or The dog saved your neck. His barking helped us save your skin/neck death find you. saw-off tie game, even score The game ended in a saw-off: Leafs 3, Flames 3. I could hear the couple upstairs. They were sawing saw off a chunk [B] have sex, have intercourse off a chunk. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
at peace
We're waiting for you. Just say the word and we'll start working. say what Say what? Did you insult my pet pig? Now, Mother, say what's on your mind. Give us say what's on your mind your opinion. OK, Vic, say your piece. Then we can vote on this say your piece offer. scads "Are there any cookies left?" "Yes, scads of them." Rural doctors are scarce as hen's teeth. Doctors like scarce as hen's teeth not many of them, few or none the city life. very frightened, scared, petrified, When I woke up and saw a figure standing beside scared shitless [B] scared spitless my bed, I was scared shitless. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
People who scoff books from the library are thieves. What's the scoop on the murder? Do you know scoop news report, story who did it? get news before they do, print the The reporter said, "We scooped them all on the scoop them story first Harding story." score to settle (See a score to settle) Previous page Next page Idiom Home scoff steal, pinch
We can scrape by if we sell the car and the TV. If I win a million dollars, you'll have to scrape me off scrape me off the ceiling the ceiling. scrape the bottom of the He's a bad referee. We scraped the bottom of the barrel barrel to find him. If we sell these bottles, we'll have enough scratch to scratch money, cash, bread, moola buy cigarettes. I saw the list of players on the team. I've been scratch remove from the list, cancel scratched. His first lecture on Stravinsky only scratched the barely begin, uncover only a few scratch the surface surface. He told us the basic facts about the facts composer. feel confused, wonder who or They're still scratching their heads about who scratch your head why assassinated Kennedy. homemade liquor, hooch, We can't afford a bottle of gin, so I bought a jug of screech moonshine screech. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
screw up screw-up screw you [B] scrut scum/scumbag search me second fiddle Previous page
I hope I don't screw up when I take my driver's test. Those screw-ups were his fault. He forgot to order a careless mistake, a bungled job materials. After I defeated him, he said, "Screw you." He the worst to you, up yours [B] hates to lose. oh no, darn, nuts, rats Scrut! My bike has a flat tire! unpleasant person, dirty rat, "Scum!" he shouted at the man who had attacked slimebucket his daughter. I do not have the answer, I do not "Who took my Coke?" "Search me. I don't know." know (See play second fiddle) Next page Idiom Home perform poorly, ruin it, blow it
seeing things seek revenge seen better days seen dead in seize the opportunity self-made man self-starter sell like hotcakes sell out
imagine that you see things, hallucinate try to hurt a person who hurt you, get back at not in good condition, worn out (See wouldn't be caught dead) act now to gain most, take advantage of one who succeeds by his own efforts a person who will begin to work without a supervisor; a go-getter sell many, sell fast sell a business, sell all assets
If John said there's a ghost in the house, he must be seeing things. If a dog bites you, there are many ways to seek revenge. This jacket has seen better days. Look how the sleeves are worn. He seized the opportunity to invest in gold. He didn't wait. Ming built his business by himself. He's a self-made man. We're looking for self starters - people who can begin a job and work by themselves. Hockey cards sell like hotcakes. The kids collect them. Grandpa was 60 years old when he sold out and moved to Victoria.
set-to set-up
After playing cards, the brothers had a set-to. They argued. Here's the set-up: You buy the tickets; I'll collect the money.
Aunt Betsy was kind of cranky, like she had a bee in her bonnet. a busy place, a room full of The kids are making crafts. It's a beehive of activity a beehive of activity working people in there! Do you have a driver's license? Have you ever a big rig a big truck, a semi-trailer truck driven a big rig? an important person, a boss, a big On payday he spends money like a big shot, buying a big shot wheel drinks for all. Bing has been acting like a big wheel since he got a big wheel a person with power, a big shot promoted. an important person, a president Barry is a big wig in Gulf Oil - a vice president or a big wig etc., VIP something. a bimbo a foolish girl, an airhead Don't call any girl a bimbo, please. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
at the end of my rope/ at the losing control of myself, losing end of my tether patience (see lose patience) while competing against, when at the hands of fighting at a very old age; being unusually at the ripe old age old at her best, playing as well as she at the top of her game can at the top of his voice as loud as he can, shouting loudly
Babysitting five kids, I was at the end of my rope. It was at the hands of his former student that he was defeated. He could still play checkers at the ripe old age of ninety-eight. If Val's at the top of her game she can defeat Olga. Ben called for help at the top of his voice. "Help!" he shouted.
live in one place, town or city, put down roots Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If the dispute is about property lines, a survey will settle it. "Seven come eleven," he whispered as he threw the seven come eleven dice. I love these shabby old slippers. They're ragged but shabby worn, torn, ragged, lousy, mousy comfortable. live together before you get "Tarzan and Jane are shacked up." "Oh, I hope shack up [B] married, live common-law they're happy." Erica looks cool in her shades. She looks like a shades sunglasses, tinted glasses model. That building looks familiar - shades of our old shades of like, similar to school. Cal is a good salesman, but he's put together some shady deal unfair business deal, a rip-off shady deals. cheat, swindle, screw (see get Tom got shafted. He only got 3% commission on his shaft screwed)[B] sales. a van designed for relaxing and Tony's van has a bar and a bed. It's his shaggin' shagging wagon having sex wagon. Previous page Next page Idiom Home settle it
decide what is fair, work for an agreement 7 followed by 11 are lucky numbers
They argue for hours, but they always shake hands afterward. Even the divorce didn't shake him. He didn't change at all. After they agree on a price, they shake on it. It's a deal.
The coach told us to shape up - to come to practice on time. improve your work or go away, if "Soldiers must obey orders," the officer said. "You shape up or ship out you can't cut it... will learn to shape up or ship out." computer programs that people Shareware will help us to save money. We'll share shareware share software. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
so surprised or scared that I shit in When lightning struck the tree beside me, I nearly my pants shit myself. Previous page Next page Idiom Home shit myself [B]
visit with, be friendly, rub shoulders with shoe-in (See a shoo-in) shogun (See a shogun) shoo-in (See a shoo-in) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When my parachute didn't open, I was shitting bricks! He borrowed your car and took your girl? That's pretty shitty. You don't have to sell wine. Just shmooze with the clients.
Sweden won the gold medal by defeating Canada in a shoot-out. Two men died in the shoot-out: one cop and one a gunbattle, a duel robber. Hank and I were drinking beer and shooting the talk, visit, chat, chew the fat breeze. visit, have a conversation, a chin The ladies went shopping, and the men sat around wag shootin' the shit. inject an illegal drug, get a hit, do One of the addicts was in the bathroom shooting drugs up. shoot guns to celebrate and scare The cowboys used to get drunk and shoot up the people town.
Do you remember the shoot-ups in the old western movies? Moe won't shoot his mouth off. He won't tell shoot your mouth off talk without thinking, blab, squeal anybody. Previous page Next page Idiom Home shoot-up
He's charged with shoplifting. He stole some cigarettes. To become an actor, you learn the skills and work very hard. There are no short cuts.
working beside him/her, side by side (See put your shoulder to the shoulder to the wheel wheel) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The managers agreed to shoulder the blame for the error? Sure. Poet and peasant stood shoulder to shoulder during the war.
serving you, doing everything for You don't have to be at his beck and call, doing you whatever he asks. When I repair a car, I like to have all my tools at my at your fingertips easy to find, ready to use fingertips. away out (See way out) away out of line (See way out of line) going without a problem, smooth When they approve our business loan, we'll be away to the races sailing away to the races. awesome (See totally awesome) axe to grind (See an axe to grind) Previous page Next page Idiom Home at your beck and call
shut your face shutout (sports) sick as a dog sick at heart sick building
stop talking, shut up no goals scored against a goal keeper in one game (See as sick as a dog) sad, sorrowful
When I told him he was a racist, he said, "Shut your face." Our goalie has three shutouts this season - three zeros! Papa was sick at heart after the hailstorm ruined our crop.
(See a sick building) not interested any more, bored sick of We're sick of his jokes because he repeats them. by, tired of wishing for a change, fed up, sick People are sick to death of the debate on gun sick to death of control. They've heard too much about guns. Stop the car! I think I'm going to be sick to my sick to my stomach vomit, puke, throw up stomach. He wants to go and play hockey, and he's sicker 'n sicker than a dog very, very sick; as sick as a parrot a dog! Previous page Next page Idiom Home
silence is wonderful, silence is peaceful silkhead bald person, chromedome (See born with a silver spoon in silver spoon his mouth) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Example A silver-tongued salesman sold me this car, but I silver-tongued nice-talking, smooth talker can't drive! control your anger, chill out, cool Simmer down, Sassy. You are very angry. Try to simmer down off control yourself. sin bin (hockey) (See the sin bin) praise him a lot, talk in glowing His mom is always singing his praises, saying he's a sing his praises terms good boy. After dinner we gathered around the piano and sang sing up a storm sing loud, sing vigorously up a storm. Why does the priest single me out for extra duties? single out choose one person from a group Why me? When I saw the ambulance at our house, I got a sinking feeling feeling of failure; despair sinking feeling. Gary is afraid because you sit in judgement on sit in judgement on judge someone's actions, evaluate whatever he does. not choose either side, try to be in sit the fence People don't like politicians who try to sit the fence. the middle I'll go and buy the hotdogs. You sit tight until I get sit tight not move, wait here back. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning
Rich in oil and timber resources, Alberta was sitting pretty. Grandfather told us that he used to pay six bits for a six bits seventy-five cents, 3 x two bits hotel room. six of one, half a dozen of nearly equal, about the same, like Panasonic and Quasar are very similar - it's six of the other twins one, half a dozen of the other. sixes and sevens (See at sixes and sevens) The teacher sized up the new student. He looked size up evaluate, check over scared. The skaters were asked to leave the downtown skaters skate boarders, boarders area. Every family has a skeleton in the closet - a dark skeleton in the closet unpleasant secrets, old scandals secret or two. "Get out of here! Skidaddle!" the old man shouted skidaddle leave, go, off with you, vamoose at the boys. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
quick and smooth, cool, neat, swell (See a slim chance) crude, immoral person; scumbag
You ran a slick race, Leah. You paced yourself, stayed in the inside lane and left just enough for the final kick. Congratulations! Children need protection from the slimebuckets in society.
Please slow down for the bumps. You're driving too fast. a person who is working slower I'm a slowpoke! I've done only one question; you've slowpoke than the others done six! sluff off not do, avoid doing, procrastinate I've been sluffing off. I'm behind in my assignments. work slowly but steadily, plug When we returned, Annie was still slugging away at slug away away her math. slug of (See a slug) directly in the middle, in the The ball landed smack dab in the middle of the smack dab in the middle center pizza. Previous page Next page Idiom Home slow down go slower, ease up
unimportant things, insignificant matters talk about unimportant topics - the small talk Winnie is good at making small talk with strangers. weather etc. a person who tries to be witty, "What do you want to drink?" "Do you have breast smartass [B] cocky, lippy milk?" "Don't be a smartass!" smarten up be smarter, do not be stupid People who drink and drive should smarten up. Jen gets good grades. She has the smarts to win a smarts intelligence, mental ability scholarship. She gets smashed on gin and dances around the smashed drunk, hammered, wasted living room. smashing very beautiful, very attractive Nicole looks absolutely smashing in that red dress. sense victory, be aware of an Michael is a fierce competitor. When he smells smell blood opponent's weakness blood, he wins. smidge/smidgeon (See just a smidgeon) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
feeling sad when you are pregnant a person born during the decade baby boomer after World War II having returned to a past habit or back at it occupation, at it again yield, not challenge, not stand up back down to do not come closer, do not touch back off me feeling better, recovered from an back on your feet illness decide not to do it, change your back out mind Previous page Next page Idiom Home baby blues
After seven months, Karly had the baby blues. She was feeling sad. Baby boomers will retire in the first decade of the 21st century. "I was so glad to hear George quit drinking." "Well, he's back at it." Ole won't back down from you. He's ready to fight. Back off, you animal! Don't touch me! When you're back on your feet, we want you to return to work. If you sign your name, you can't back out. You have to pay.
speak in a harsh tone, answer sharply snapped drunk, loaded, looped snatch victory from the jaws win when it appears that you will of defeat lose, mount a comeback snazzy stylish, neat, way cool snootful (See a snootful) snap at snotty-nosed kid snow job snow them snowball a child, a boy with a dirty face (See a snow job) fool them, tell them a false story
If I talk to you while you're watching TV, you snap at me. Whenever he gets snapped, he wants to fight. The opinion polls showed we were losing, but we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. That's a snazzy suit, George. It looks great on you. I was just a snotty-nosed kid when I got my first job. You can't snow them. They know if you're telling a lie. Among students, discontent can snowball. It can spread rapidly. It's November, and the snowbirds are leaving Alberta for Arizona.
grow, become bigger, spread to other people Canadians who go south for the snowbirds winter Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: soften your stance -- sometimes life is a bucket of shit and the handle is inside [B]
Idiom soften your stance software sold on soldier on Meaning cause you to change your opinion or position computer programs, courseware believe in, convinced of Example If his friends go against him, he may soften his stance. This accounting software is very easy to use. I'm sold on this new herbal drink. It gives me energy. When the others quit searching, the family soldiered on, hoping to find their lost girl. Gloria is some chick! Will you introduce me to her?
continue working; serving well; carry on some chick beautiful chick, great woman two of the things required for a something borrowed, The bride borrowed a blue garter, so she has happy wedding and successful something blue something borrowed, something blue! marriage something is wrong or broken, go something is haywire Something is haywire with my back. I can't move. haywire (See there's something rotten in something is rotten... the state of Denmark) Something snapped when he was in the war. Now something snapped the brain broke, the mind failed he can't speak. sometimes life is a bucket of The junk dealer had a poster on the wall of his sometimes life is very unpleasant, shit and the handle is inside shack: Sometimes life is a bucket of shit, and the life is not all guns and roses [B] handle's inside!
Your smile speaks volumes about your career. You like it. say what you think or feel, speak We want you to speak your mind on this issue. speak your mind out State your opinion. Don't speed up when you come to an intersection. speed up go faster, accelerate, step on it Slow down! cause an accident, lead to a An error in the design of a car could spell disaster spell disaster tragedy for the driver. Previous page Next page Idiom Home speak volumes tells a lot, reveals much
spin crew spin doctor spin the bottle spin your wheels spinny
speech-writing crew, hired writers a speech writer, an advisor to a politician, put the right spin on it a game to decide who will kiss whom waste effort, not progress
a little crazy, eccentric, drive me batty spinork/spinorky attractive, cool, groovy, neat take away mysteriously, steal spirit away secretly, into thin air Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The spin crew will tell me if I should say racial or ethnic. The spin doctor told us to say disability, not handicap. When we played spin the bottle, Mavis always got to kiss Ron. If you don't have a career goal you'll just spin your wheels. Their family is kind of weird. Even the cat is a little spinny. What a spinork sweater! It looks great on you. Somebody or something spirits away my fingernail clippers. I wonder where they are.
try to begin a fight, chip on his shoulder, cruising for a bruising Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you buy what you can't afford you back yourself into a corner. First, GM backpacked Saab. Then they bought the backpack (business) support, be the parent company company. When I was learning to skate, I fell a lot. My backside buttocks, bum, buns backside was sore! saving information on a computer Don't forget to make a backup disk of all your backup disk computer files. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
back to the first step, start from scratch back to the beginning, back to back to the drawing board square one return to the job, go back to back to the grind work back up go backwards, drive in reverse support your decision, sign your back you application put yourself in a bad position, back yourself into a corner have no escape
Please watch for a rest room. My back teeth are floating. If you forget to do one of the steps, it's back to square one. If this plan fails, it's back to the drawing board. We start again. After New Year's, it's back to the grind - the old routine. I'll back up the truck so we can load it. His brother will back him if he needs financing.
spruced up (See all spruced up) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
You get a square deal when you buy a tractor at Al's Machinery. We need at least one square meal each day. Do you square meal agree? If Joe and Bud square off, it will be an interesting square off fight. If you answer incorrectly, you have to start at square one the beginning, back to square one square one. square shooter fair dealer, honest person Sidney is a square shooter. He won't cheat you. Cal told me you owe him $50. He's wants you to square up pay a debt, pay your share square up. leave prostitution or life on the I've heard there's a group that helps prostitutes square up street square up. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
stand behind
Ophelia went stark raving mad after Hamlet rejected her. Somebody started a fire under Kent. He's skating start a fire under him motivate him, get him started hard tonight. start from the beginning, go back After the flood, we all had to start from scratch - to start from scratch to square one rebuild our lives. Fill the tank with gas and check the oil before you start out start, begin, leave on a journey start out. If I make a mistake, I start over. I go right back to start over begin again, go to square one the beginning. Previous page Next page Idiom Home stark raving mad
Can you stay abreast of changes in computer technology? To stay alive, the Leafs must win the next two stay alive games. I can't stay awake any longer. I can't keep my eyes stay awake not sleep, be alert open. Stay in line, young man. We expect you to obey stay in line obey the rules, behave well orders. He took his dog out of the store and said, "Sit! Stay stay put stay where you are, do not move put!" Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The little Peterson girl stole the show with her fine tap dancing. The kittens will steal your heart. They're so cute and steal your heart playful. If I mention the new product, will I steal your steal your thunder thunder? Poor Emil would get all steamed up when his car steam up upset, excited, worried wouldn't start. portraying lots of sex, full of love Love In The Park is a steamy movie. There's lots steamy scenes of action. I advise you to steer clear of the bridge. There's steer clear avoid, not go there been a flood. resign, quit so someone else can If Jon will step aside, Harvey can become step aside do the job president. It was time for Pierre to step down - time for him to step down resign, leave a position, bow out resign. go faster, step on the gas, pedal to Father said, "Step on it, son. We don't want to be step on it the metal late." Previous page Next page Idiom Home steal the show
be the favorite performer, receive the most applause cause you to like or love, win the hearts tell your news, reveal your main message
One look from the old witch will stop you cold. What a fierce gaze!
bad feelings, a negative relationship unpleasant smell from the mouth, bad breath jungle mouth a man who beats a prostitute, the bad date john troublemaker, someone who bad news causes problems bad taste in my mouth (See a bad taste in my mouth) criticize, say bad things about, put badmouth down confusing statements, jargon, bafflegab political language everything you own, all of one's bag and baggage possessions a lady who looks for food and bag lady bottles in the streets Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Don't badmouth employers. Don't criticize your references. There was a lot of bafflegab in the speech, a lot of nonsense. The next day, he moved into her apartment - bag and baggage. Behind the restaurant, a bag lady was digging in the garbage cans.
(See the straight dope) (See keep a straight face) directly from the person who said I want to hear the story from Tomas, straight from it or did it the horse's mouth.
directly, plainly, call a spade..., doesn't mince words (See the straight goods) the man who is not joking, the man who is honest or natural
Richler spoke straight from the shoulder when addressing his own people - the way Jesus did with the money-changers. When I began in comedy, my straight man was Jason. He would ask honest questions and I would give funny answers.
straw that broke the camel's (See the last straw) back knowing how to survive, worldly You need street smarts to be a police officer in street smarts wise Toronto. Let's ask Sal to go downtown with us. He's street street wise wise about street life, been around wise. spend carefully, buy the most for We have a large family. I stretch the dollar as far as stretch the dollar each dollar I can. extend the boundaries, expand I've set some goals that stretch my envelope stretch the envelope your horizons challenge me. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
very serious, not joking, no nonsense (See for the birds) find a satisfactory deal or price
After discussing the price of the carpet, we struck a bargain: $15. earn or win a lot of money, find a People came to the Yukon hoping to find gold - to strike it rich gold mine strike it rich. causes me to pause, impresses What strikes me is the color of the leaves. They're strike me me crimson. This time he'll hit the ball. Last time at bat he struck strike out (baseball) fail to hit the ball while at bat out. leave home and support yourself, I was eighteen when I struck out on my own and strike out on your own be independent found a job. begin a conversation with a Uncle Ho is sociable. He strikes up a conversation strike up a conversation stranger with anyone. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Example Then, by some stroke of good luck, a car horn stroke of good luck scared the lion and it ran away. Compliments are wonderful because they stroke stroke your ego your ego. When she's strung out on cocaine she won't talk to strung out her family. My uncle is a stubblejumper. He owns a farm near stubblejumper grain farmer, Saskatchewan folk Kuroki. Jack is stuck on Vicki, but she doesn't care about stuck on focused on, obsessed with him. stuff it put it away, forget it, shove it [B] I don't want her money. She can stuff it! A strip of land is in the way of peace. It is the stumbling block obstacle, problem stumbling block. ask me a question I cannot The question on the names of the Great Lakes stump me answer, puzzle me stumped me. such a card quite a joker, such a clown Greg tells the funniest stories. He is such a card! Chad, that suck! He tells his mother everything we suck an immature person, wimp say. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning a fortunate event, a lucky break, the fickle finger of fate cause you to feel confident or proud ill or weak because of drug abuse, hungover
Who is sucking the hind tit of government services? Some people say it's the seniors.
Why is Ken sucking up to me? Does he expect a raise in pay? T think Zen carries a suckbucket to impress the suckbucket student's briefcase, valise teachers. deceived, cheated, led to believe, "You believed his story about working late at the sucked in taken in office?" "Ya, I got sucked in." a person who is gullible; easy to "Who will buy that painting?" "Oh, a sucker will sucker persuade come along." is poor quality, does not satisfy sucks This radio sucks! I can't get my favorite station! me lose a game, fail a test, become Italy's soccer team suffered a setback losing to suffer a setback injured or ill Ireland. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Red and black suit you. You look great in those colors. Father was in his Sunday best - in his three-piece, Sunday best best clothes, glad rags navy suit. senior years, over 65, golden Will you still love me when I'm old - in my sunset sunset years years years? very large, exciting or powerful, After class, Julie went to the cafe and ordered a super-duper totally awesome super-duper sundae with a cherry on top. The photograph of the baby is super mint! It's super mint excellent, the best quality excellent! We supercharged the engine in a Datsun 510, supercharge boost the power, hop up, tweak doubling its power. very talented athlete or performer, Hockey's superstars include Richard, Howe, and superstar the best player Gretzky. sure bet (See a sure bet) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
wait and worry, on pins and needles Previous page Next page Idiom Home sweat it out
While the jury discussed a verdict, the prisoner was sweating it out.
bow to the audience, show you like applause rest for a few minutes or days or weeks accept blame or injury to protect someone gamble, try your luck
The crowd is clapping because you played well. Take a bow. You've been working hard. Do you want to take a break? Pat said she was responsible for our mistake - she took a bullet. I'm going to take a chance and buy gold. It's a gamble, but... .
ball-park figure (See a ball-park figure) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
look at, feast your eyes, take a boo guess, try to answer, hazard a guess go, leave, get lost
Take a gander at that valley! Just look at it! "How old are you?" "Take a guess."
When her old boyfriend moved in with us, I told them to take a hike. not be mad if the joke is about Let's tell the story about Steve getting lost. He can take a joke you, a good sport take a joke. urinate, take a pee [B], take a We asked the bus driver to stop so we could take a take a leak [B] whiz leak. Jim pointed to a chair and said, "Take a load off take a load off your feet sit down, grab a chair, have a seat your feet." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The teacher doesn't want to take a stand on the Young Offender Act until we've written our essays. The foreman took a strip off me for driving too fast. take a strip off scold, lecture, give you hell He was mad. urinate, take a leak [B], take a I have to take a whiz before we get on the plane. I'll take a whiz pee [B] be right back. act in a deliberate way, act with a Before I take action, I'll ask Bing if he was aware of take action purpose the rules. act at the best time, seize the I took advantage of the low price of gasoline. I take advantage of opportunity bought 500 litres. hurt or abuse someone who trusts I feel very angry toward people who take advantage take advantage of you of children. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
criticize or insult, put down, take a poke at shoot a gun at, aim and shoot a rifle (See take a picture) say what you believe, state your position, take sides
When he spoke about abortion, he took a shot at the government for not changing the laws. Uncle was looking for a target, so he took a shot at a tin can.
Example When I take that drug, I feel sick at my stomach. In two minutes the drug will take effect and you will take effect have an effect, cause a change feel sleepy. be upset about, object to, Vern will take exception to any questions about take exception to complain about ethnic origin. His support cannot be taken for granted. We must take for granted expect, assume ask him. When we had troubles, Grandpa said, "Take heart, take heart have courage, be strong my children." push him to a lower place, get off Ali was too proud. Somebody had to take him take him down a peg your high horse down a peg. Wei entered the tournament, but Jo took her out in take him out defeat him, eliminate him the first round. These pants need to be taken in at the waist. take in make smaller, tighten They're too large. When you come to Calgary, be sure to take in the take in attend, visit Stampede. take it endure it, accept it, stand it He treats you very badly. Why do you take it? Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When you train the dogs, take it easy on Taffy. She's just a pup. Al has a new motorcycle. I hope he lets me take it take it for a spin drive it, test drive it for a spin. Lilian is so steady. If there's a problem, she takes it take it in stride continue without delay, cope with in stride. be brave when hurt, do not They told him not to cry when he was hurt - to take take it like a man complain about problems it like a man. take this offer or refuse it; no take it or leave it I'll give you $150 for the sofa - take it or leave it. bargaining express anger toward an innocent Vince gets angry at work; then he takes it out on his take it out on person kids. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The music takes on a new light if you know the composer. He was taking her out when they went to college. take out court, date, go out with, see They were lovers. a restaurant that serves food to be There's a take-out restaurant. Let's buy some food take-out restaurant taken outside and go to the park. Previous page Next page Idiom Home take on a new light
take the chill off take the flack take the heat take the pulse take the rap take the stage take the stand Previous page
An electric heater will take the chill off in the evening. When children cause trouble, their parents take the flack. Vern took the heat, but Al stole the drugs. They blamed Vern. Before you change the flag, see how people feel. Take their pulse. Jeremy took the rap for the crime. He alone was receive the blame, take the blame sent to prison. go onto the stage, be the When Bob Goulet took the stage we heard some performer on the stage great singing. sit in the witness chair in a You witnessed the crime, so you will have to take courtroom the stand. Next page Idiom Home
make the room warmer, start the furnace/fireplace listen to the complaints, take the heat listen to the questions from the police or public discover the feelings of the people
Most of what the speaker said is a lot of baloney untrue. The car rolled down the hill and into the wall bam bam! bananas When we won the cup, the crowd went bananas. "Did you bang her, Ted?" "If I did, I wouldn't tell bang [B] have sex with, lay you." fun for your money, value for your You get more bang for your buck at garage sales. bang for your buck dollar They're fun! exactly right, very true, correct, Your answer to Question 3 was bang on. It was bang on spot on correct. We were banking on more sales to pay for our bank on depend on, count on marketing costs. provide the money to begin, front bankroll If you'll bankroll me, I'll open a bistro on Mars. me Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: take the trouble -- take you for all you've got
Idiom Meaning Example
Maria always takes the trouble to bake my favorite pie. take this job and shove it Jim said to the boss, "Take this job and shove it! I'm I quit, you can keep this job [B] outa here!" use some time to relax and enjoy Yes, pursue your goals, but take time to smell the take time to smell the roses the scenery roses. feel hurt, feel offended, take If you refuse her invitation to her party, she'll take take umbrage offence umbrage. begin a hobby or activity, learn a First, Alice took up karate. Then she learned how take up skill to meditate. pick up weapons, prepare to We may have to take up cudgels against people take up cudgels defend or attack who invent and spread viruses on the Internet. When I'm away, Hal takes up the slack. He does take up the slack do somebody's work, fill in my job. take with a grain of salt (See take it with a grain of salt) take you down a peg (See knock you down a peg) take all your money by suing you If she divorces you, she could take you for all take you for all you've got or cheating you you've got. Previous page Next page Idiom Home take the trouble
You can talk your head off, but I won't change my opinion.
Fishermen love to tell tall tales. They lie a little, eh. I wouldn't want to tangle with Vince. He's strong and mean! Percy - that tank! He drinks a case of beer every day.
(See paint with the same brush) (See give him a taste of his own taste of his own... medicine) (See you can't teach an old dog teach an old dog... new tricks) teach you the tricks of the teach you how to do it, teach you Welcome to the company, Ken. Paul will work with trade the easy way, learn the ropes you and teach you the tricks of the trade. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
"Is your presentation ready?" "Yes. All teed up, ready to go." In a job interview, I answer their questions, but I don't tell all. If Sid took my keys, I'm going to tell him a thing or two.
(See won't tell a soul) tell everything you know, pour out tell all your soul tell him he caused a problem, tell tell him a thing or two him off Previous page Next page Idiom Home
To swim with sharks is dangerous; to do it alone is to tempt fate. "See you in Memphis, big fella." "Ten-four, good buddy."
tender age of (See the tender age of) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
thank goodness thank heavens thank your lucky stars thanks a bunch
I am thankful or relieved, thank heavens thank the gods, thank goodness (See you can thank your lucky stars) thanks very much, thanks a lot
Thank goodness you're here. We were worried about you. When we phoned Mom, she said, "Thank heavens you're safe!"
When I deliver the groceries, she says, "Thanks a bunch, Teddy." Thanks a million for all you've done for us. We do thanks a million thanks very much, thanks a lot appreciate it. good work, well done, 'at a boy, Whenever I get a good grade, she says, "That a that a boy/that a girl 'at a girl boy, Reid!" that is that (See and that's that) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
that is the end of the story, the story ends here that is good/fine/OK, that is that's cool groovy that is his rule book, code or main that's his bible reference that is the way life goes, c'est la that's life vie that is adding to the story, that's stretching it stretching it Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom that's that that's the spirit that's the ticket that's the way the ball bounces that's the way the cookie crumbles
Meaning (See and that's that) good work, good attitude, way to go that is the answer, that is the solution that is fate, that's life
Example "That's the spirit," the Captain shouted as we scrubbed the deck. I said, "Can we share the job?" Mr. Tse said, "That's the ticket!" If Jon got the job, good for him. That's the way the ball bounces. You didn't win the prize? That's the way the cookie crumbles. Your readiness to support me during the examination was the acid test of our relationship. When Dad discovered the dent in his Cadillac, the air was blue! I looked at the father, then at the son, and I thought, The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Susie was Don's sweetheart, the apple of his eye. He will try to get the support of the workers because they hold the balance of power.
that is fate, that is the way things happen the ultimate trial for someone's the acid test credibility there was much swearing, the air was blue someone said bad words, swear like a sailor kids are like their parents; a chip the apple doesn't fall far off the old block; like father, like from the tree son the apple of his eye his favorite girl, the girl he desires the deciding votes; votes that the balance of power cause the winner, tip the scales Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See a bar fly) drink at many bars in one bar hop evening, pub crawl including all products or people, bar none no exceptions bar star (See a bar star) only the necessary things, no bare bones extras, bare bones bare-faced lie (See a bare-faced lie) tell the public about your private bare your soul experiences barf vomit, puke, hork, throw up he sounds angry but he is not; do bark is worse than his bite not be afraid of him Previous page Next page Idiom Home
ACTION CLEAN is a bare-bones operation - a family business. To write a good novel, you may have to bare your soul. If I eat another hotdog, I'll barf. I'll be sick. Baxter sounds mad, but his bark is worse than his bite.
Idioms: the bigger they are the harder they fall -the burbs
Idiom the bigger they are the harder they fall the bitter end the blind leading the blind the bottom fell out the bottom line Meaning we can beat the big guys, big players fall harder, mind over matter the end of a long struggle, the end of a difficult time the leader is ignorant or incompetent the project stopped, the business failed, the wheels fall off the final number, the conclusion Example "Look at all their big players!" "Don't worry. The bigger they are, the harder they fall!" On a ranch you work till a job is done. You stay till the bitter end. With Filbert as President, it's the blind leading the blind. When the price of oil dropped, the bottom fell out of the oil industry in Alberta. The bottom line is this: we can't afford to buy another store.
My job was so stressful I reached the breaking point. I had to quit. The first time he asked her for a date, she gave him the brush-off refusal, rejection the brush-off. I am responsible for what we do - "The buck stops here," the new manager said to us. the buck stops here no one else; pass the buck "We don't blame others for our problems." being chased away, run out of If you tell us to pay more tax we'll give you the the bum's rush town bum's rush. the suburbs; outlying residential That's Jan's dream: two children and a home in the the burbs districts burbs. Previous page Next page Idiom Home the breaking point
the time you cannot go on, the point where you quit
the secret has been told, people know the secret the crack of dawn (See at the crack of dawn) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
the customer is always right the cutting edge the day of the family farm the devil makes work for idle hands the downside the dying seconds the early bird gets the worm
satisfy the customer, agree with the customer the latest technology, state of the art the time when most farms were family owned if a person is not busy he will do evil things, work ethic the negative side, the disadvantages, the bad points the last few seconds in a game
the one who arrives first gets the reward etc. the end-all, be-all (See the be-all, end-all) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Now let's discuss an old saying: The Customer's Always Right. Compact discs are no longer the cutting edge in recorded music. The day of the family farm is nearly over. They can't survive. Protestants believe children should be busy because the devil makes work for idle hands. The downside of abortion is that some women use it as a method of birth control. The score was tied 3 - 3 in the dying seconds of the third period. I want to go to the sale at 8 a.m. The early bird gets the worm!
Hope
Example Bev can speak to the parents. She has the gift of the the gift of the gab gab. The candidates have insulted each other. The gloves the gloves are off the fight is beginning, play hardball are off! the person who is blamed for a Ken is the goat, but all he did was open the door for the goat problem the students. the task becomes harder, it is a In the second year, you study law. That's when the the going gets rough rocky road going gets rough. the standard price or fee, the usual the going rate The going rate for car repairs is about $60 an hour. price Do unto others as you would If everyone lived by The Golden Rule, you may not The Golden Rule have them do unto you. like the way you are treated. the real truth, as true as the I opened the package to count the cookies - that's the gospel truth gospel the gospel truth! things look better from a distance, the grass is greener on the When you look at other homes, the grass is often it is natural to desire a neighbor's other side of the fence greener on the other side of the fence. things The Great One was the heart of the Edmonton The Great One Wayne Gretzky, "Gretz" Oilers. Caucasian boxer who could win In the 1970s, George Chuvallo was The Great The Great White Hope the heavyweight title White Hope. Previous page Next page Idiom Home Idiom Meaning the ability to talk, a way with words
there is pressure to win, we must When you compete for a career position, the heat is succeed on. the hell you say I do not believe it, get out, go on Harper won the election? The hell you say! Cleo's part of the in-crowd - the girls who play on the in-crowd a few special people, a clique the basketball team. knowledge and experience, He knows the in's and out's of the car business. the in's and out's knowing the ropes He's experienced. Previous page Next page Idiom Home the heat is on
the laughing stock the lay of the land the life of the party
Jerry was the life of the party - singing, joking and laughing. the lights are on but "Hello! Hello, Pat! His lights are on but nobody's nobody's home home. Ha ha." Thanks to the mothers for doing the lion's share of the lion's share the largest part, the biggest piece the work. When that dog barked, it scared the living daylights the living daylights the life, the consciousness out of me. the very best, the greatest, the Have you heard K.D. Lang sing? She's the livin' the living end most beautiful end. everything I know, the whole He ended his report with, "That's the long and the the long and the short of it story short of it." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
the person everybody is laughing at (See get the lay of the land) a lively, funny person who causes people to laugh the eyes are open but lifeless, not all there
If you ride a camel to work, we'll be the laughing stock of the town.
Meaning Example look in the wrong place, do not If you expect money from him, you're barking up bark up the wrong tree expect it the wrong tree. barnburner (See a barnburner) a wild party, a party where people "Did you go to Tina's party?" "Ya. It was a noisy bash are drunk and noisy bash." basket case (See a basket case) stop the music, do not play the basta la musica "Basta la musica!" Papa shouted. "It's too loud!" music hit every time at bat, win every I've had two interviews and two offers. I'm batting a bat a thousand competition thousand! flinch or blink, show a sign of guilt When they asked him about the crime, he didn't bat bat an eye or shame an eye. His expression didn't change. hit half the times at bat, win half If you solve five problems out of ten, you're batting bat five hundred the competitions five hundred. blink the eyes, blink in a sexy Verna just stood there batting her eyes, trying to bat her eyes way look sexy. bated breath (See with bated breath) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Idioms: the price you have to pay -- the room is so small you have to go outside turn around
Idiom Meaning what you must endure or pay or the price you have to pay lose do not judge until you test the the proof of the pudding is in finished product, do not jump to the eating conclusions according to myth, a sign that a the rabbit died woman is pregnant the real McCoy the real thing, the genuine one the rest is free, the rest of the the rest is gravy money is profit Example Loneliness is the price you have to pay for being famous. She drew a cartoon of a boy with a plum on his thumb. Then she wrote The proof of the pudding... When Pop heard I was pregnant he said, "So the rabbit died, eh." This painting is the real McCoy. It's the original! When we get the grain cheque, we pay our bills, and the rest is gravy!
the rest is history the right stuff the road to hell is paved with good intentions The Rock
the rest of the story is well known; Fleury took a pass from Suter, went around a you know the rest; that's all she defenceman, and the rest is history. wrote effective skills; the right words or Harry is persuasive. He has the right stuff to become actions a salesman. good intentions achieve nothing Convert your charitable feelings into action! The without action, actions speak road to hell is paved with good intentions! louder... Newfoundland, Canada; (on the We know a girl from The Rock. Her name is Sherry east coast) Sooley. It's not a large apartment. The bathroom is so small I have to go outside to turn around.
the room is so small you the room is very small; so small have to go outside turn you could barely swing a cat around Previous page Next page Idiom Home
things that make life exciting one who looks like someone, a the spitting image dead ringer Previous page Next page Idiom Home
third degree
Idiom Meaning Example the squeaky wheel gets the the person who complains loudest Our clerks put up this sign: The squeaky wheel grease gets service gets the grease! The cop said, "Gimme the straight dope, Shorty. I the straight dope the truth, the facts, get to the point haven't got time for your stories today." the straight goods the truth, the facts, straight talk Gimme the straight goods - the truth, that's all. the strong, silent type a quiet and rugged-looking man Doris loves men like Jeff - the strong, silent type. the best spot to touch, the spot Keep rubbing. When you find my sweet spot, I'll the sweet spot that feels good purr like a kitten. If criminals get more rights, the tail will be wagging the tail wagging the dog minority controlling the majority the dog. the cash, the amount of money The take from the New Year's dance was over the take received $2000. what everybody is talking about, a If a preacher has an affair with a hooker, it's the talk the talk of the town hot topic of the town. the young age of, still wet behind He was the tender age of three when his mother the tender age of the ears died. If I'm late, I get the third degree. Mom asks me a lot the third degree careful questioning, on the carpet of questions. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: the tide turned -- the way you hold your mouth
Idiom the tide turned the tip of the iceberg the tricks of the trade the turn of the century the turning point the underground the upper hand the way I see it Meaning Example there was a change, the turning The tide turned when the baby began to nurse. He point grew stronger. a small part of it, about one-tenth This invoice is only part of the debt - the tip of the of it iceberg. skills of an occupation, learn the I know the printing business. I'll show you the tricks ropes of the trade. the beginning of a new century: the By the turn of the century we will know the aliens year 2000 who visit earth. the second or minute when things When Tanya hit the ball over the fence - that was go better or worse, tip the scales the turning point in the game. the hidden actions of those who Some Canadians fought the GST through the fight a law underground. Because you have graduated from college, you have the advantage, get the jump on the upper hand. The way I see it, men and women aren't equal my view of it, my opinion physically, eh.
feeding a man good food will cause him to love you, beauty is only skin deep it is a mystery; it could be the the way you hold your shape of your mouth; hold your mouth mouth... Previous page Next page Idiom Home the way to a man's heart is through his stomach
"Do you believe the way to your heart is through your stomach?" "No, but you are a great cook!" "Why does the lock open for you but not for Joan?" "It's the way I hold my mouth."
Idioms: there are two sides to every story -- there's not much to choose between them
Idiom Meaning there are two sides to every two people tell different stories of story the same event, compare notes you are correct, there is your there you go example, how about that Example If you compare Mary's story with Sam's, you'll know there are two sides to every story. "Everything is green - the grass, the trees. There's a green bird!" "Well, there you go."
there's a catch to it
If we buy the bed, we get a TV? There must be a catch to it. On the side of the beer mug were these words: There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip. In a government scandal, there's always more than meets the eye. For math problems, there's more than one way to skin a cat. There's no love lost between Jay and Pete. They've been fighting since they were boys. The Bruins will be eliminated if they lose tonight. There's no tomorrow. We have to get you on that plane. There's no two ways about it. A Ford or a Mercury - there's not much to choose between them.
it is easy to spill what you are there's many a slip twixt the drinking; it is easy to make cup and the lip mistakes there's more than meets the part of the story has not been told eye there's more than one way there are many ways to do it, I to skin a cat know another method they do not like each other, bad there's no love lost blood, hold a grudge we have to win today; if we lose, there's no tomorrow we are out; do or die there is only one answer; cannot there's no two ways about it have two meanings there's not much to choose they are nearly equal, it's a between them toss-up Previous page Next page Idiom Home
there are lots of people who will "Only a sucker would buy this car." "Right, and believe anything, there are lots of there's one born every minute." suckers there is something wrong, there is There's something fishy about a 1970 car with only there's something fishy something strange 5000 km. there's something rotten in something is wrong, something is Father knew I was tricking him. He said, the state of Denmark strange, there's something fishy "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." these parts of the country; neck of these parts In these parts, folks don't like federal politicians. the woods thick (See a little thick) We're all thick as a brick in at least one subject, thick as a brick slow to understand, slow to learn eh? thing-a-ma-bob/ name for a strange part, If I can get the thing-a-ma-jig in the right hole, this thing-a-ma-jig what-cha-ma-call-it car may start. we are feeling positive, life is Now that Vic has a job, things are looking up. We things are looking up better feel positive. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
imagine, create (See the third degree) I will pay for this one (drink, this one is on me lunch, etc.) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
That car has been thrashed. Don't buy it. Hey, Lucy. Nice threads! I love your jacket. The Captain was three sheets to the wind staggering. If you order worm soup, they'll think you're three slices short. "How did you know I moved?" "I heard it through the grapevine." These jeans have been through the mill. They're ragged. Hey, I'm tough. I've been through the wringer a few times.
used a lot, nearly worn out, put you through the mill through the roof (See go through the roof) experienced a lot of personal through the wringer problems Previous page Next page Idiom Home
I threw away those old magazines. I hope you didn't want them. live or act carelessly, not be Let's throw caution to the wind and buy ten throw caution to the wind cautious dresses! vomit, puke, barf, hurl, woof your One look at those oysters and she started throwing throw chunks cookies chunks. Yuk! Previous page Next page Idiom Home throw away put in the garbage, throw out
If we fix that TV again, we'll be throwing good money after bad. Don't throw in the towel. One more year and you'll throw in the towel quit fighting, give up graduate. When you don't get what you want, you start throw insults say rude things, insult someone throwing insults. The question on parliamentary procedure threw me throw me for a loop confuse me, it phased me out for a loop. cook a wiener for you, make a a Hal was cooking wieners on the barbecue. "Can I throw on a dog for you hotdog for you throw on a dog for you?" he asked. put in the garbage, discard, throw Do you want these old magazines, or should I throw throw out away them out? explain, give information, shed a Martin, can you throw some light on the DNA? throw some light on little light on Explain it to us? Don't forget to add the sales tax - just thought I'd throw that in mention that, suggest that throw that in. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: throw the baby out with the bath water -tickety-boo
Idiom Example Keep the good subjects when you revise the throw the baby out with the throw away something good with course. Don't throw the baby out with the bath bath water the waste, discard everything water! punish to the maximum, come Drunk drivers deserve the full penalty. Throw the throw the book at down hard book at them! Meaning
The baby will throw up if you bounce him after he's eaten. Don't let the large crowd throw you. Focus on your throw you cause you to forget or stumble music. let you fight alone, let you fight the Let us help you. The pimps will throw you to the throw you to the dogs bad guys dogs. use power to scare you, power Bud throws his weight around - tells everybody throw your weight around trip what to do. added to a list, recipe etc.; The weather will be cloudy, with a shower or two thrown in included afterwards thrown in. Fred gets ticked off at people who throw butts out ticked off a little upset, annoyed, teed off the window. If you do something funny, you'll be ticketed as the ticketed known as, named, labeled team clown. After they gave him insulin, everything was tickety-boo operating well, A-OK tickety-boo. Previous page Next page Idiom Home throw up vomit, puke, barf, ralph, upchuck
We had some time to kill while the car was being repaired.
(See from time to time) we are wasting time, we should be Time's a wasting. Let's finish our work and then time's a wasting working rest. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
drink a few beer etc., bend your elbow tip of my tongue (See on the tip of my tongue) tip of the iceberg (See the tip of the iceberg) change or influence a decision, the tip the scales upper hand cause the scale to go up, weigh in tip the scales at at reveal your plan, show your tip your hand strategy Previous page Next page Idiom Home
If you speak two languages, it could tip the scales in your favor when you apply for a job. Elmer tips the scales at 135 kilos. He's a heavyweight. Don't tip your hand in a game of chess. Surprise the opponent.
sexual stimuli for men, cheesecake dead, not operating, kaput doing it too much, go overboard
every man or person, not one person disagreed to tell you the truth, to tell you "Your cat's up in the tree again." "To be perfectly to be perfectly honest exactly how I feel, as a matter of honest, I don't care. Let him come down alone." fact Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The men's parties have a lot of T & A - dancing girls. The tractor's tits up again - the clutch is broken. May gives most of her money to charity. She's generous to a fault. We asked the team who should be coach. To a man, they chose you.
to create a new phrase, to make up a phrase to-do (See make a big to-do) we like different things, one man's to each his own garbage... to go remaining, left to do to go to take with you to heart (See take it to heart) to hell with that [B] that is not a good idea, no way Previous page Next page Idiom Home
She likes the Rolling Stones, but he likes Mozart to each his own. We've cleaned five rooms. Just one to go. One large pizza - to go, please. "You could plead guilty." "To hell with that!"
Idioms: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush -- a blackout (war)
Idiom a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush a bit at sea a bit dense Meaning having one is better than seeing many a bit unsure, uncertain (See dense) Example When searching for a better job, remember A bird in the hand... . He seems a bit at sea since his brother died. They were close.
What a bitch! She complains to us and criticizes her kids. We can grab a bite to eat at the arena. They sell a bite to eat a lunch, a snack snacks there. a negative event, a loss, a painful Divorce is a bitter pill for her. She believed in her a bitter pill experience marriage. a mark beside your name means If you cause an accident, you get a black mark a black mark you are bad beside your name. refusal to broadcast an event A blackout is intended to encourage fans to attend a blackout (TV) during that event an event. a policy that requires lights to be Blackouts prevented bombers from seeing their a blackout (war) turned off targets at night. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
not rational, unbalanced, one brick short a complaining woman, a woman who nags
Meaning Example I believe this is true, as far as I To the best of my knowledge, Barrie and Bonnie to the best of my knowledge know are twins. to the greatest amount, groaty to to the max You should see this video. It's grungy to the max! the max to top it off to complete it, to finish it To top it off, they presented us with Olympic pins. in a lot of trouble, catch hell [B], Ferris, if you drive your father's Porsche, you're toast history toast. do what you are told to do, follow The Military expects you to toe the line - to do as toe the line the rules you are told. happy, successful; get it together, Cathy is really together. She's knows how she together with it wants to live and she's doing it. Does it matter if some of our politicians used to toke toke up smoke marijuana, smoke pot up? token gesture (See a token gesture) ton of bricks (See like a ton of bricks) "What do you think of the letter?" "I'd tone it down. tone down make softer or nicer; not so harsh It's too harsh." Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Trine dropped him because he was too hot to handle. He was sexy but scary! The Roughriders scored two touchdowns in the not enough effort or work when it too little too late fourth quarter, but it was too little too late. They was needed, make hay while... lost. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
drink a drop of liquor, have a drink of liquor between life and death, nip and touch and go tuck Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The Band was totally awesome! They were excellent! Steve was a heavy drinker, but he hasn't touched a drop in years. I recovered from my heart attack, but it was touch and go for awhile.
hoping that our good luck continues cause you to feel love or sorrow touch you or regret touched (See touched in the head) a bit crazy, a bit off, funny in the touched in the head head Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See heavy going) that is bad luck for you, tough bananas makes me work hard, hard on me
"I lost $100 betting on Tyson." "Tough luck, guy." My supervisor is tough on me - never satisfied with my work.
(See a hard row to hoe) hard work, slow progress, heavy We've had tough sledding on our building projects. tough sledding going, rough going Rainy weather has caused a lot of problems. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See a tower of strength) not be serious about me, not take toy with me seriously list of achievements, summary of track record career work insult each other, say rude things trade insults to each other, mudsling a business secret, a special recipe trade secret or formula traffic that is not moving, many traffic jam vehicles on one road Previous page Next page Idiom Home
wreck a room or building, a bull in If you invite the Casey boys, they'll trash the place. a China shop
fashionable, at the beginning of a trend learn by correcting errors, hit and trial and error miss a system that depends on trickle-down economics government spending to help the economy tricks of the trade (See the tricks of the trade) tested and proven, reliable, true tried and true blue be careless about my feelings, trifle with me mind games, toy with me Previous page Next page Idiom Home trendy
That's a trendy coat she's wearing. I've seen it in fashion magazines. We learned to make pizza by trial and error. We gradually improved. Private enterprise is better than trickle-down economics because profit motivates people.
When Sven chops wood, he uses a Sandvik axe. It's tried and true. When John forgot that he asked me to go to the dance, I felt he was trifling with me.
try to do, try it see if you can win, you take a chance a person who watches TV a lot, couch potato leave him, drop him
Would you like to try your hand at washing dishes? It's fun! They won a prize. Do you want to try your luck?
In the winter he's a tube head - always watching hockey on TV. tube him He was a bore so I tubed him. The lounge was totally tubular, a great place to take tubular nice, fun, cool her friends. Timmy was tuckered out after jogging with his tuckered out short of breath, panting, puffing father. tump tip, roll, flip Andy! Slow down, man. You gonna tump over! adjust the tuning knob on a radio The announcer said, "Tune in tonight at 8 for our tune in or receiver Talk Show." stop listening to me, not pay If you speak in a boring way, students will tune you tune me out attention to me out. improve the operation, improve After Fred tunes up the Mercedes the motor will run tune up performance smoother. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See the turn of the century) something that excites or arouses turn-on you turn sharply, turn quickly, do a turn on a dime 180 turn against you, change from turn on you friend to enemy turn out happen, develop, end up turn out attend, show up begin living by a new set of rules turn over a new leaf or values turn the air blue (See the air was blue) achieve part of a goal, progress turn the corner toward a goal Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When Buddy insulted Ted's wife, things turned ugly. Only fifteen people turned up at the Block Parents' turn up attend a meeting, show up meeting. We can't find the ring now, but I'm sure it will turn turn up be found, be seen up soon. If you turn up your nose at country music, you may turn up your nose at say it is not good enough, reject it lose some friends. help you begin a new life, turn His new friends helped to turn him around. He's turn you around over a new leaf much nicer now. arouse you, cause you to feel turn you on "What turns you on?" "Good books and nice girls." excited Classical music turns his crank. He likes the great turn your crank interest you, inspire you symphonies. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
slim person, as slim as a twig on a branch senior years, over 70, golden years persuade me, convince me
Kim is a gymnast. She's slim and agile - a real twiggy. Grandma wants to keep her own home during her twilight years. I really don't like pie, but if you twist my arm, I'll have a piece.
(See there are two sides to every story) two people are happier than three, Jill asked, "Can I invite Ginger?" Jack replied, the third person is not welcome "Two's company, three's a crowd." The interviewer said my letter of application has a error in typing, nitpick few typos.
whispered, not spoken loud enough to hear Previous page Next page Idiom Home
not feeling well, ill, sick, not feeling Dan's been under the weather lately - sick with the myself flu. just before the end, before "Did you receive my application?" "It arrived on the under the wire closing, just in time last day of the competition, just under the wire." The concert is under way. The band is playing O under way started, commenced Canada. Previous page Next page Idiom Home under the weather
The Wongs must be moving. Their house is up for sale. at the beginning, level with He was up front with me. He told me about the up front beforehand interest charges first. The smokers are up in arms about the no-smoking up in arms angry, ready to fight, hot bylaw. The barn went up in smoke before the fire truck up in smoke burned, destroyed by fire arrived. They aren't sure who killed the President. It's still up up in the air not decided, not settled in the air. aware of, informed about, on top Are you up on the latest computer games? Have up on of you played UFOX? If we lose our matches, we're up shit creek. We up shit creek [B] in a bad situation, in a fix need a campfire. Previous page Next page Idiom Home up for sale advertised for sale, on the market
up the ante up the creek up the stump [B] up to up to date up to it up to my ears up to no good up to par up to scratch
increase the payment, increase the deposit in a predicament, in difficulty, in a jam pregnant, a bun in the oven planning, doing recent, current have enough energy to do it, up for it have too many, coming out of our ears doing bad things, causing problems good enough to pass, up to a standard good enough, up to par
If they up the ante to $50, I won't enter the hockey pool this year. Without insurance, you could be up the creek if there's a fire. She didn't use a contraceptive, so she's up the stump again. What are you up to? Are you planning another fishing trip? The radio reports events as they happen. The news is up to date. "Would you like to play another game of badminton?" "No, I don't think I'm up to it." You're selling books? I'm up to my ears in books! Tom's up to no good these days - stealing drugs and selling them. This woodwork is not up to par. It's below our standard. The cloth in these jeans is poor quality. It's not up to scratch.
You will upset the apple cart if you tell your folks we're moving. If war has an upside, it would be that it's good for upside positive side, good news the economy. tense, nervous, not relaxed, "What are you uptight about?" "I'm not sure. It uptight worried sick could be fear of losing my job." We've used up all the shampoo. Please buy some use up use all of it, use all you have more. Lynn is used to being alone. Henry is away from used to accustomed to, having felt it often home a lot. useless as a fifth wheel (See as useless as a fifth wheel) useless as the tits... (See as useless as tits on a boar) easy to learn or use, easy to Cars with automatic transmission are user friendly user friendly operate easy to drive. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Very Important Person, big boys, Only the VIP's - the president, and members of the big wig board - are invited to the dinner. The island was virgin territory. There were no signs virgin territory untouched or unexplored area of humans. a "real" experience created on a Virtual reality allowed me to experience space virtual reality computer travel. visit a spell visit for awhile, set a spell Well hello, Charlie. Come in and visit a spell. Previous page Next page Idiom Home VIP
wake up and smell the coffee wake-up call wake up on the wrong side of bed wake with a start walk
be more aware, get with it (See a wake-up call) (See get up on the wrong side of bed) wake suddenly, jump out of bed
You don't know about the Net? Wake up and smell the coffee!
not have to pay a fine or go to jail, get off Previous page Next page Idiom Home
I woke with a start when Santa Claus landed on our roof. They couldn't prove that Don was guilty, so he walked.
I wrote a letter to the local paper criticizing the hockey team. Now everybody wants a piece of me. want it so bad I can taste it want it very much, die for I want that trophy. I want it so bad I can taste it. want to make something of do you want to argue or fight Yes, I did kiss Millie Watkins. Wanna make it about it? something of it? To warm up, she walks about a kilometer; then she warm up begin to exercise, exercise slowly jogs. For supper we had warmed-over waffles. They warmed over warmed on a stove, reheated tasted okay. thinking that weird things are If you laugh at cruelty, you have a warped sense of warped sense of humor funny humor. wash (See a wash) wash by letting water run down, If the kids play in the bathroom I'll have to wash wash down hose it down down the walls. drink to help you swallow, drink wash it down Have a donut - and some coffee to wash it down. after eating If you spill latex paint, you can wash it off with wash it off spray water to clean it, hose it off water. Previous page Next page Idiom Home want a piece of me want to hurt me, want revenge, have at me
remove, delete, get rid of, turf it measure the weight of a person, tip the scales strange person, pervert, creep
We have to weed out the courses that people don't need, such as Caring For Your Polar Bear. Teddy weighed in at one hundred kilograms. He's a heavy man. This weirdo started following us around the park. It was scary!
what happened to me, what caused me to change Previous page Next page Idiom Home
To get a refund, I had to answer 50 questions. What a rigmarole! After riding in Paul's Corvette, Rita said, "What a rush!" I couldn't remember my name. I don't know what came over me.
what the heck what the hell [B] what the Sam Hill
why bother? it does not matter why? how? what the heck what happened, what is it?
what you don't know won't if you do not know about a hurt you problem, you do not worry what is happening, what's going what's cooking down what is bothering you? are you what's eating you upset? what is happening, what is going what's going down to happen what is happening, what's going what's going on down Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Bing and Ko are getting married. What the heck! I don't care. What the hell is he doing with my diary? Where did he get it? What the Sam Hill did you do to my bike? The gears won't shift. Don't tell Dad I'm gay. What he doesn't know won't hurt him. What's cooking with the kids? They're too quiet. What's eating you, Darryl? You look kind of mad. The students want to know what's going down where the teacher is. I want to know what's going on. Who wrote this note?
Idioms: what's good for the goose is good for the gander -- what's your poison
Idiom Meaning what's good for the goose is rules that apply to the wife also good for the gander apply to the husband, tit for tat what is his name, I cannot what's-his-face remember his name what will I receive? how will I what's in it for me benefit? what is new in your life? what is what's new happening why are you doing that? who said what's the big idea you could do that? what is the news? what did you what's the poop hear? what's going down what is happening what is the what's up latest news? what is the truth, what are the what's what facts, the straight goods what is your complaint? why are what's your beef you upset? what do you like to drink? which what's your poison liquor do you like? Previous page Next page Idiom Home Example If you need a holiday, so do I! What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Nobody can park here, not even old what's-his-face - the judge. Before I give you the information, what's in it for me. Do I get paid? "Hi, Pearl. What's new?" "Lots. I have a baby!" What's the big idea? Who said you could chop down that tree? When Holly wants to know what happened, she says, "Well, what's the poop?" Bugs Bunny says to Elmer Fudd, "A bee 'n a bee! What's up, Doc?" I want to know what's what before I go to court. I want to know what happened. What's your beef, Mark? I can see that you're upset. Come over to the bar and I'll buy you a drink. What's your poison?
improve your appetite, cause you to be hungry expression of relief after escaping whew danger, thank goodness defeat you, beat you in a game, whip you wipe you Previous page Next page Idiom Home whet your appetite
How about an aphrodisiac to whet your appetite? Whew! That was close! I nearly lost my false teeth! Jason says he can whip you in a game of tennis. Can he beat you?
I should belt you for saying that my sister looks like a dog. do anything to help, try to please, They'll bend over backwards to find a room for bend over backwards go the extra mile you. They give excellent service. change the rules to help, look the Ed won't accept late reports. He won't bend the bend the rules other way rules. Carl, can I bend your ear for a minute? I have some bend your ear ask you to listen, buttonhole you news. Your eyes look red and tired. Bend your elbow last bend your elbow drink beer or liquor, tip a few night? benefit of the doubt (See the benefit of the doubt) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
"You said you were 39, not 40." "Yes. I told a white lie." urinate, pee, piss,[B] have to go, A few minutes after the concert began, my daughter whiz take a leak [B] whispered, "Mommy, I have to whiz." every effort, all your energy, gung When I play racquetball, I work hard. I go whole whole hog ho hog. whole shebang (See the whole shebang) whole shooting match (See the whole shooting match) Every time I eat shortbread, I get whore blossoms whore blossom pimple, cold sore, zit on my chin. whup you (See whip you) Previous page Next page Idiom Home white lie a small lie, a fib
You can win big with Lotto 649. You can win millions! In the final race, we won by a nose. Our boat was win by a nose just in front. Scoring four goals in the third period, the Leafs won win going away going away. Elvis won the hearts of the crowd when he sang win the hearts Love Me Tender. What time will the meeting wind up? When should I wind up conclude, finish, end up pick you up? see this result, see that ending, end If you are a strong leader, you could wind up as our wind up up president. a person who talks a lot, a person Kerry is bragging about Ireland again. What a windbag who brags windbag! winded (See out of breath) window of opportunity (See a window of opportunity) Previous page Next page Idiom Home win big
win a big prize, win a lot of money barely win, win by one point or part of a second win by going ahead near the end of a race or game win the approval, cause people to like you
Idioms: with his tail between his legs -- without a word of a lie
Idiom Meaning running away in fear, retreating with his tail between his legs like a coward, run for the hills informed, sophisticated, cool, in with it the know with the naked eye with wings within earshot without a doubt without a full deck Example When he saw the bear, he turned around and ran with his tail between his legs. In the fashion world, Brad's really with it. He knows fashion. The comet cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is without binoculars or a telescope too small. to take out, to take with you, to "Can I take your order?" "I'll have a Big Mac, a go large fries and a Coke - with wings." close enough to hear, under my Lil was within earshot of the radio during the breath newscast. She heard it. Without a doubt, Toyota has the best record. It's for sure, without question the most reliable. mentally unbalanced, one brick At times he acts strange - like he's playing without a short... full deck.
nude, naked as a jay bird, stark naked without a word of a lie without any lies, the gospel truth Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Except for one flat tire, the trip went without a hitch. She stood there, ankle deep in water, without a stitch of clothes on. Without a word of a lie, that fish was five feet long.
(See by word of mouth) (See a word to the wise) (See a wordsmith) is right, is fine, is appropriate a lot of work to do, difficult tasks work cut out for to do, a hard row to hoe belief that you must work; that work ethic work is good for you Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Plaintive - that's the right word! It works! If you want to be a chartered accountant, you have your work cut out for you. Do you believe that Canadians have a strong work ethic?
world beater world is your oyster World Wide Web (www) worldly wise worlds apart worn out worn out
a person who tries to be the best in the world, set the world on fire (See the world is your oyster) a network of computers in all parts of the world, Internet knowing how to survive, having street smarts not close to agreement, very different (See wear out) very tired, bushed
My coach said, "You don't have to be a world beater. Just be the best you can be." Some people use the Web to find information; others use it to find friends. You've lived on the streets of LA. You're worldly wise. You're hip. Israel and Palestine are neighbors but they're worlds apart. Whew! I'm worn out from all that walking! How far did we walk?
"Does Anthony love Cleopatra?" "He adores her. He worships the ground she walks on!" Our volunteers are worth their weight in gold. They worth their weight in gold worth a lot, invaluable, priceless help us in ways that money can't buy! would not like to do it, would Have you seen Lulu's miniskirt? I wouldn't be wouldn't be caught dead rather die than do it caught dead in that. wouldn't miss it for the I would rather attend it than see "Are you coming to my wedding?" "I wouldn't miss world the world it for the world!" wouldn't say shit if her would not say a bad word, would Vi is so sweet. She wouldn't say shit if her mouth mouth was full of it [B] not swear was full of it. Before Nadia sings, she gets all wound up. She wound up excited, pumped can't relax. wow oh, awesome, gee whiz Wow! I can see every star in the universe tonight. I do whatever she wants. She's got me wrapped wrap around his finger controlled by him, on a string around her finger. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
love her very, very much; crawl on my hands..., mad about her
what you see is what you get (if you are lucky) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: X Generation -- XL
Idiom X Generation x marks the spot Someone had written on the map "X marks the spot where we were abducted by aliens." Born Loose is an x-rated video. It contains nudity x-rated for adults, for a mature audience and sex. extra large or very large, extra "This shirt is marked XL. What does that mean?" "It XL luxury or extra power; shirt - size means extra large. On cars, XL means extra luxury XL, car - 300XL or power." Previous page Next page Idiom Home Meaning (See Generation X) look for x, begin at x, x is important Example
Idioms: ya -- yikes
Idiom ya yada yak yawner yellow yellow belly yeow yep yeppers Meaning yes, yep, yo, uh-uh idle talk, chatter, yak talk a lot, visit, a chin wag (See a yawner) lacking courage, afraid to defend, chicken a coward, a person who is afraid to do something oh, wow, yikes yes, uh-huh, ya, yo yes, afraid so, uh-huh, ya, yo Example "Did you graduate from high school?" "Ya. I got a diploma." He's always talking - yada, yada! When I went to bed, Kate and Mom were still yakking away about the children. Some fans think he's yellow because he doesn't fight. Smith, you yellow belly! Jump in the water and swim! Yeow! That stove is hot! "Do you like country music?" "Yep. I like the hurtin' songs." "Do I have to come home by 9?" "Yeppers, that's what we agreed."
yikes oh,gee, gosh, yeow Previous page Next page Idiom Home
"Did you say I should leave?" "Ya, you and the horse you rode in on. Git goin!"
The cowboy said, "You bet your boots I'm going to the rodeo." When I asked, "Are you coming?" she said, "You you betcha that is correct, right; you got it betcha." you can bet your bottom you can be sure of it, you can bet If Terry knows about the dance, you can bet your dollar your last dollar on it bottom dollar he'll be there. you can lead a horse to you can provide what they need We provide information, but I wonder if they read water but you can't make but you cannot force them to use it. You can lead a horse to water... . him drink it you can run away but you cannot you can run but you can't When I told a priest I was going away to forget my hide from your past or your hide past, he said, "You can run, but you can't hide." problems you can thank your lucky you were lucky, be thankful you He can thank his lucky stars that a doctor was stars are safe there. He nearly died. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idioms: you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear -- you need money to make money
Idiom Meaning Example you can't make a silk purse you cannot improve the quality of When Hal put a Mercedes star on his Ford, I said, out of a sow's ear junk; cannot make gold from iron "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." "So you're going into sales?" "Yes. Do you have any you can't sell anybody if you you will be more successful if you advice?" "Well, a saying from Beverly Hills Cop don't love everybody have love in your heart may be helpful in sales - or any occupation: You can't sell anybody if you don't love everybody!" you can't teach an old dog old dogs and old people do not Our senior employees don't like computer training new tricks like to change or learn, die hard you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
the cover or surface does not If you buy a car because it looks nice, remember reveal its contents, beauty is only this: you can't tell a book by its cover. skin deep you do not appreciate some things you don't miss the water till Now we have only memories of our song birds. until they go away or become the well runs dry You don't miss the water till the well runs dry. extinct "We have ten kids," the man said. "You don't say!" you don't say that is surprising, how about that my mom replied. you have the answer, you are "You got it, kid!" the coach said. "That's the way to you got it doing it right score!" to understand, you should have When I said, "Goo!" everybody laughed and you had to be there been there with me; it was funny clapped. I guess you had to be there. then Athletes don't wait for good luck. They try to you have to be good to be people with ability cause their own improve, knowing you have to be good to be lucky good luck, prepare like crazy lucky. you need money to make you have to spend money to make If I had money, I would invest in real estate. It's true money a profit, nothing succeeds like... that you need money to make money. Previous page Next page Idiom Home you can't tell a book by its cover
You're kidding. Jen wouldn't take off her clothes and climb a tree. you're not kidding/ you "It's really cold today," Jen said. "You aren't you are right, you are not joking aren't kidding kidding!" he replied. When she suggested they go out for dinner, he said, you're on you have a deal, you have a date "You're on." you are judged by your most you're only as good as your If you believe that you're only as good as your last recent work, don't rest on your last shift shift, you should do your best every day. laurels you must be telling me a joke, get "The manager wants me to give him a massage you've got to be kidding out of town, you're kidding every afternoon." "You've got to be kidding!" feeling or thinking that you are young at heart Sarah is over sixty, but she's young at heart. young, youthful your goose is cooked (See goose is cooked) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
zit zonked
I'm not going to the party because I have zits on my face. After playing soccer in the park, I needed a rest. I was zonked.
If I told the truth, I would lose my friend. I was between a rock and a hard place. If he ran, they would shoot him; if he stayed in the shop, the gas would kill him. He was between the devil and the deep blue sea. Which should I choose - PC or Mac? I'm betwixt and between. Mr. Gable returned to Hollywood and his bevy of beauties.
ruined, cannot be repaired, a lost That copier is wrecked. It's beyond repair. cause (See above and beyond the call of beyond the call of duty duty) beyond the limit, over the His comment went beyond the pale of respect. It beyond the pale boundary was vulgar. washroom, bathroom, the can, the "Is there a biffy on the bus?" "Yes. There, at the biff/biffy john, the loo back." Big Apple (See The Big Apple) powerful men in business, If you want to do business with the big boys, you big boys moguls, big shots need money. She got her big break when a talent scout heard her big break big chance, a lucky break sing. You'll pay big bucks to rent an apartment near the big bucks a lot of money, a high price university. A small fire is a big deal because it can cause a lot big deal important event, major happening of damage. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Randy's a big shot in the movie industry. He owns four studios. You've helped me so much. I owe you big time.
We've asked the big wigs to change their decision. Gary told me he saw Bigfoot's tracks in the sand beside the Kootenay River. Don't bother fighting with him. You've got bigger fish to fry. The characters in most novels seem to be bigger than life.
Hey, birdbrain. Why are you throwing money in the river? a bird watcher, one whose hobby Some birders were looking at an oriole in a poplar birder is watching birds tree. birds of a feather flock people with similar feelings and Art and Don are birds of a feather. They like cars together attitudes and football. "Do you wear pyjamas in bed?" "No. Just my birthday suit naked, nude, in the buff birthday suit." doing a small amount each time, Bit by bit, they rebuilt a church that was destroyed bit by bit little by little by bombs. bit off (See a bit off) He tells me I'm always bitching, but I don't complain bitch complain, grouse very much. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
a dependable person, a friend who always helps Previous page Next page Idiom Home
In the evening, the lake was calm. There wasn't a breath of wind. Parveen helped me get through my divorce. She's a real brick!
I told you I like Kevin, and you blabbed it to everybody. a person who tells everything, Sharon - that blabbermouth! She told the whole loud mouth class I love Bill. an eye injury that causes the skin "How'd you get the black eye?" "Fighting - in a to turn black hockey game."
the day the stock market crashed (failed) in 1929 excluded, not be invited, not black-listed allowed to join black mark (See a black mark) become unconscious, faint, pass black out out remove the nameplate and trim black out from a vehicle Previous page Next page Idiom Home Black Friday
In the 1980s, there were days to remind us of Black Friday. Gore was black-listed because he led the demonstration. If I bend over for a long time, I nearly black out when I stand up. James Dean drove a blacked-out Merc in Rebel Without A Cause.
one who begs for sympathy for victims, have a soft spot... blessing in disguise (See a blessing in disguise) going out with a boy or girl you blind date have not met Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Ms. Zank blasted me for using her computer. She was angry. Where's the blasted hammer? It's never here when I need it! On her 40th birthday, she went to the bar and got blasted. Hector is a bleeding heart for wolves. "Save the wolves," he tells people in his speeches. Kate met Jeff on a blind date. They got married a year later.
When my wife supported her dad in a fight with me, I said, "So blood is thicker than water." Kerry is friendly, but when his blood is up, he's dangerous.
The widow refused to take blood money from the men who murdered her husband. He bloody well knows my name because I bloody bloody well very truly, damn well well told him. After studying for twelve hours, she was blotto blotto exhausted, bushed very tired. spend a lot of money, lose a lot of When Al went to Vegas, he blew a bundle - he lost blow a bundle money gambling a lot of money. kiss your hand and blow across Taea can blow a kiss, and she's only eighteen blow a kiss it, throw a kiss months old! cause a big mistake, ruin it, screw Karen won't blow it this time. She'll skate a perfect blow it up program. Previous page Next page Idiom Home blood money
Idioms: blow the lid off -- blow you out of the water
Example When the defendant confessed, it blew the lid off blow the lid off the murder trial. Jimmy knows we stole the keys, but he won't blow blow the whistle the whistle. The Russians blew them away in the first game of blow them away defeat them badly, kick butt the series. blow this joint leave this building, quit this place I'm sick of playing billiards. Let's blow this joint. What a boring town! Let's blow this Popsicle blow this Popsicle stand leave this place, quit this place stand! There's enough gas in the well to blow us kingdom blow to kingdom come explode and destroy, blow up come! explode using a bomb or They plan to blow up that old building because it's blow up dynamite unsafe. blow up become angry, lose your temper If you criticize Al, he'll blow up. He's very sensitive. defeat you easily, beat the pants You're going to play chess with Boris? He'll blow blow you away off you away. If you challenge his leadership, he'll blow you out of blow you out of the water defeat you, humiliate you the water. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning reveal a story, tell some news, break a story tell the teacher or the police, squeal
spend all your money, blow a bundle blowout (See a blowout) blue sad, depressed, down, low someone who works at a trade, blue-collar worker e.g., a plumber weakened, tired after trying many blue in the face times great opportunity, easy life, blue sky smooth sailing blurt out say without thinking, reply quickly Previous page Next page Idiom Home
He's bodacious alright. He rode his skateboard right through traffic! Your body language tells me that you're tense. body language Please relax. These numbers boggle my mind. I don't understand boggle your mind confuse you, make your head spin them. buy one get one free, marketing If you shop for bogof items you get two for the bogof method, loss leader price of one! very angry, very upset, hopping boiling mad By the time the car started, Emil was boiling mad. mad bolt from the blue (See like a bolt from the blue) drive around, drive your car for "Where have you been?" "Bombin' around in Rod's bomb around fun, cruise car." Most engineers say the electric car is a failure. It bomb out fail, not succeed bombed out. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The newspaper described Pam as "a budding genius" on the violin. Imagine a 300-pound football player at a tea party, and you have a bull in a China shop. It was a bum rap. Eddie didn't steal those paintings. "Somebody broke a window in his car and stole his stereo." "That's a bummer." Mabel has a bun in the oven. The baby's due in April.
a very nervous person; uptight person a card (See such a card) a case of an example of, it's a case of Previous page Next page Idiom Home
"Do you believe what the psychic said about your future?" "No. It's a bunch of malarkey." May has so many problems - she's just a bundle of nerves. Look at Bosnia. That's a case of ethnic civil war.
After writing six exams, my brain was fried - too much studying! Our family decided to brain storm the problem of brain storm think of ideas together, think tank wasting food. thoughts and information moving I wish I could turn off my mind when brain traffic is brain traffic through the brain too heavy. an office in another location or Please contact our branch office in your town or branch office city city. open a second office/store, Business is very good. It may be time for us to branch out expand a company branch out. Previous page Next page Idiom Home brain is fried
For exercise to be beneficial, the athlete must break a sweat. They were charged with break and enter. They stole break and enter some cash. She tried to break away when the cult leader asked break away for her savings. If you break curfew, the coach will remind you of break curfew stay out later than the rules allow the rules. If that copier breaks down again I'm going to give it break down fail, not operate, out of order away. operate or drive slowly when it is When I bought my first new car, Dad said to break break in new it in carefully. break a door or window to enter, I couldn't believe that my son would break into a break into break and enter store. begin to sing suddenly, sing One of our teachers used to break into song when break into song without warning he taught poetry. tell a friend that you wish to stop She wonders if she should break off her relationship break off seeing him with Liam. He was shot trying to break out of prison - trying to break out escape, get away, bust out escape. Previous page Next page Idiom Home break a sweat
begin to sweat or perspire, work up a sweat break a lock or window to enter illegally, B&E move away, go away from, stop doing or using
Andy likes to tell a joke to break the ice - to help everybody relax. break the law/rules not obey the law, commit a crime If you rob a store, you are breaking the law. do better than the previous The coach believes Bev can break the record in break the record record long jump. talk about a secret, tell people the When he accused us of the crime, my brother broke break the silence truth the silence. not date anymore, not be lovers Lan and Chan broke up last night. They had a bad break up anymore quarrel. prevent serious injury when you He fell from the roof, but a tree helped to break his break your fall fall fall. cause you to feel very sad and Marilyn broke my heart. She left me for a younger break your heart lonely man. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
When we saw the children were safe, we breathed a sigh of relief. watch everything I do, follow me It's difficult to work with him breathing down my breathe down my neck as I work neck. relax, breathe slower, stop Mother said, "I won't breathe easy until this plane is breathe easy worrying on the ground!" brick (See a brick) help people communicate, When the staff and the manager fight, I try to bridge bridge the gap mediate the gap. I left the water running. That wasn't a very bright bright intelligent, brainy, sharp thing to do. Perry is bright eyed and bushy tailed tonight. He bright eyed and bushy tailed frisky, lively, full of life looks rested. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
broad
broad daylight (See in broad daylight) Previous page Next page Idiom Home
(See the buck stops here) be strong, be positive work harder, try harder, bite the bullet quit, lose, not try, give up Buck up, my friend. You will soon be finished with exams. Next term I'm going to buckle down and get good grades. We're losing, but we won't buckle under. We won't quit.
The director shouts a lot, but don't let him buffalo you. bug (someone) bother, irritate, get to me That scraping noise bugs me. It's quite annoying. If you're not an inventor, you try to build a better build a better mousetrap improve a common product mousetrap. Talking with Rudy will build up your confidence. build up increase, raise He's positive. built like a brick shithouse have a strong body, have a sturdy Tyronne plays football. He's built like a brick [B] build shithouse. bull in a China shop (See a bull in a China shop) a story that is not all true, bull/bullshit/BS [B] His explanation is a lot of bull. Don't believe it. balderdash Previous page Next page Idiom Home
The grandmothers were talking happily - having a chin wag. a boy who is like his dad, the Eric is a chip off the old block. He's just like his a chip off the old block apple doesn't... dad. a large amount of money, a few I bet that condo cost him a chunk o' change - 300 a chunk of change grand, big bucks grand at least. a good report from the doctor, a You'll never get a clean bill of health if you eat fat a clean bill of health good checkup meat! a game that is close until the end, Every election in this town is a real cliff-hanger - a a cliff-hanger a barnburner close race. a close call close to danger or an accident That was a close call. The train nearly hit the bus! Previous page Next page Idiom Home a chin wag a conversation, a visit
bunk buns burbs burn a hole in your pocket burn it in burn out burn the midnight oil
false statements, rumors, baloney, bull buttocks, bum (See the burbs) feel that you have to spend your money throw the ball hard to the catcher, fastball use too much emotional energy, breakdown work or study very late at night
They claim that computers can think, but that's a lot of bunk! Tony said Rita has great buns.
If money burns a hole in your pocket, invest it. My hand hurts when you throw so hard. Don't burn it in, eh. Working too hard can cause a person to burn out. To become a doctor, you have to burn the midnight oil.
stop you and rob you, jump, mugged everything is normal, nothing has business as usual changed Previous page Next page Idiom Home
work very hard, work my fingers She busts her butt to earn a good wage, and he to the bone spends it. bust out escape, get away, break out Hey, man. I can bust out of here if you have a rope. Shane got busted for trafficking. He sold cocaine to busted charged by the police, arrested some kids. busy as a beaver (See as busy as a beaver) but good completely, thoroughly, and how If somebody hurts her, she'll get revenge, but good! butt buttocks, backside, bum If you tell anybody that I like her, I'll kick your butt. butt in intrude, interrupt When a salesman butts in, tell him to butt out. butt of the joke (See the butt of the joke) We asked him to butt out so we could have a butt out go away, beat it, get lost private talk. unable to catch or hold, cement When Anna dropped the ball, Shelly said, "Butter butter fingers hands fingers!" Previous page Next page Idiom Home bust my butt
Example At closing time, Abe comes in and buys up the last buy up shares. You buzz-kill! Don't talk about air disasters when buzz-kill I'm flying to Rome. Next time he asks to borrow something, tell him to buzz off go away, beat it, get lost buzz off. Jane got buzzed on fermented coconut juice. She buzzed slightly intoxicated, tipsy was happy! new word or expression, the latest Internet, Zero Tolerance - these were buzzwords buzzword jargon of the 1990s. by a long distance, by a wide Black Beauty won the race by a country mile. She by a country mile margin was far ahead. by a long shot (See not by a long shot) by all means yes, please do it By all means, come to the Learning Skills Centre. by and large mostly, mainly, most of the time By and large, chocolate is the favorite flavor. any way or method, by doing any He survived by any means when he first came to by any means job Canada. Previous page Next page Idiom Home
Idiom
Meaning buy all of a product or all the shares in a company a person who stops the fun, party-pooper
a district in Toronto where Restaurants in Cabbagetown serve European food. European immigrants live feeling depressed because you After three weeks of cold weather we all had cabin have to stay inside fever. eggs, chicken eggs Look! This hen laid five cackleberries! say it in plain language; the straight Kris will report the facts. She's not afraid to call a goods spade a spade. ask you to read or notice, draw I would like to call attention to the student parking attention to problem. This recipe calls for bee pollen. Where can we get require, ask for that? challenge his story, give it to me When I called his bluff about low profits, he straight, put up or shut up admitted that the company made 11 million. not work anymore today, call it I'm feeling very tired. I think I'll call it a day. quits
stop doing something, quit what you are doing Previous page Next page Idiom Home call it quits
Idioms A