IDIOMS


Smell a Rat
How come the front door is open? Didn't  you close it before we went shopping? 
I'm sure I did. I can't understand it. Frankly, I smell a rat.
Me, too. I'm convinced that something is definitely wrong here. We'd better call the police.
Go to the Dogs
Have you seen their house lately? It's really gone to the dogs.
It's true that it has become run-down and in serious need of repair, but I'm sure that it can be fixed up to look like new.
I guess with a little carpentry work and some paint it could look pretty decent.
Fishy
When the security guard saw a light in the store after closing hours, it seemed to him that there was something fishy going on. He called the central office and explained to his superior that he thought something strange and suspicious was occurring.
Take the Bull by the Horns
Julie had always felt that she was missing out on a lot of fun because of her clumsiness on the dance floor. She had been putting off taking lessons, but she finally took the bull by the horns and went to a professional dance studio for help. She was tired of feeling left out and acted decisively to correct the situation.
Let the cat out of the Bag
Bob was going to retire from teaching in June, and the foreign language department was planning on presenting him with some luggage at his retirement dinner. He wasn't supposed to know about it, but someone let the cat out of the bag. At the dinner Bob acted surprised, even though someone had told him what he was getting before the official presentation.

For the Birds
They went to a poetry reading, but they got bored and restless. As far as they were concerned, it was for the birds! They left during an intermission because they found the reading totally uninteresting and meaningless
Straight From the Horse's Mouth
How did you find out that Jill was engaged?
I got the information from a very reliable source.
You mean Jill told you so herself?
That's right. I got it straight from the horse's mouth!
Horse Around
Did you hear about Dave's back injury?
No. How did he get hurt?
Well, after the coach left the gym he decided to stay and horse around on the parallel bars. He somehow lost his grip and fell on his back.
That's too bad, but he shouldn't have been aimlessly playing around on the equipment without proper supervision.

Cat Got Your Tongue?
Come on, Connie! Tell us what you think about our little ride down the rapids yesterday.
Well, uh...
Wasn't it exciting? 
I, uh...
What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
If you must know, I'm keeping quiet because I was scared out of my wits!
Get in Someone's hair
Children! Would you please stop making so much noise!
And for heaven's sake, pick up your clothes and toys!
It's hard enough trying to keep this house clean without your throwing your things all over the place!
Clara, I know that the children get in your hair, but you should try not to let it upset you so much.
Listen, Jim. I can't help it . The children bother me and make me very angry when they're so noisy and messy.

Shoot Off One's Mouth
Jim doesn't play tennis very much, but he's always shooting off his mouth about how good he is. Yet he's fooling nobody. Jim is somewhat of a braggart and everyone knows that he gives opinions without knowing all the facts and talks as if he knew everything about the game.

Jump Down Someone's Throat
That's it, Greg! You'd better not come in after midnight again tonight!
I know, dad. You don't have to jump down my throat! I told you that I'd make it home around 11:30. I don't intend to be late!
Well, you've said that before and in you come at 2: 30 in the morning. You can't blame me for getting angry and scolding you. I've got good reason.
Pay Through the Nose
At last Mr. Smith came upon the rare stamp he had been seeking at an auction. Since many other stamp collectors would also be bidding for it, he realized that he would have to pay through the nose in order to have it.
After considering the increasing value of the stamp, he decided that he would not mindpaying such a high price for something so rare.
Tongue-in-Cheek 
Why were you teasing Sonia about her new hairdo? She really took offense at what you said.
I didn't mean to offend her. I was simply making a tongue-in-cheek remark when i said that it was too elaborate for a girl of her young, tender age.
Well, she thought you were serious. She had no idea that you were just saying that as a joke.
I'm really sorry. I suppose I owe her an apology.
Pull Someone's Leg
Hey, Al. I was invited to be a judge for the Miss America Beauty Pageant!
Oh, really? Come on, you're pulling my leg!
No, honestly. Do you really think that I'm trying to fool you with a ridiculous story?
Well, you've told me foolish stories before.
I can assure you that this one is for real.
Play It by Ear
Let's go to the movies, agreed?
Sure. And what'll we do after that ?
Oh, I don't know. Let's play it by ear.
Well, I would like to have a more definite plan of action.
Don't be like that. It's always more fun not knowing what to expect and deciding what to do as we go along.
Stick Out One's Neck
How come they're asking me to act as their guide through the jungle?
Evidently they think you're the only one who can lead them to the lost temple.
That jungle has danger lurking around every corner.
Why should I stick my neck out for them? They didn't pay me for my services.
They know that you would be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt, but you're the only one with enough knowledge to take them to their destination. I'm sure you'll be amply rewarded.
All Thumbs
Hey Bea. Can you help me out ? I don't seem to be able to button up the back of my dress.
Sure. Let's see if I can do it for you.
I guess I'm all thumbs because I'm so nervous. I'm already late for my date.
Well, I suppose that being so nervous would make you clumsy and awkward. But don't worry. I'm sure your date will wait.
Not Have a Leg to Stand On
Tom maintains that the firm owes him some back wages for having worked overtime. However, he won't have a leg to stand on unless he can prove that he put in all those extra hours. He doesn't stand a chance of getting his money without a strong foundation of facts to support his position.
Get Off Someone's Back
Hey, John. I'm bored. Come on, let's go out and do something.
Sorry, I'm right in the middle of studying for a physics exam. I won't be able to make it tonight.
You've been studying for a long time. Why don't you take a break ? Come on! Let's go ! Forget studying for a while !
Look! Get off my back! I can't go anywhere!
OK. I'll stop bothering you only if you promise to let me know the minute you're finished.
Drive Someone Up a Wall
Wow ! What a great set of drums!
Yeah, they're great, but I can't play on them when my folks are at home. They say I drive them up a wall with all the loud banging.
I get the same thing at home. My folks tell me that I annoy them and get them really angry whenever I turn up the volume on my stereo.
String Someone Along
Liz had high hopes of marrying Dean. When he ran off with another woman, she realized that he was just stringing her along. She had felt very strongly about him and was really hurt to see that he was deceiving her and had no intentions of ever marrying her.
Leave Someone High and Dry
Say, Jill. I thought that John was going to help you do the dishes tonight.
So did I. But he left me high and dry.
Where did he go ?
Well, he got a call from some of his pals at work to go bowling, and he left me alone to do all this work without any help at all!
Spill the Beans
Did you know that Harry was going to take Kathy on a Caribbean cruise ?
Yes, I did. He was planning on surprising her with the tickets fro their anniversary, but someone spilled the beans.
What a shame ! That was supposed to have been a surprise.
Yes, it's too bad that someone told her about the trip beforehand and ruined Harry's surprise.
That's OK. Her enthusiasm was not dampened in the least!
Bite the Dust
Andy did exceptionally well in all of the track events, but he bit the dust in the high jump competition. Much to the disappointment of his fans, he went down in defeat, losing to a competitor from the visiting team.
Bend Over Backwards
When Joan first started teaching she was afraid that she would have a lot of trouble getting used to the kids and to the faculty. Her fears turned out to be unfounded, since everybody bent over backwards to help her. Everyone tried very hard to help her feel comfortable and adjust to the school.
Cough Up
Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much ?
Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.
Is it going to take you a while to raise the money?
It would have taken me forever, but dad said he'd cough up the money I need since I'm going to be using the computer for my school work.
Maybe it was difficult for your dad to give you the money but then, he knows that it's for a good cause.

Jump the Gun
Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word. He was so excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.
Scratch Someone's Back
Hey, Bea. I need some help stacking these boxes. Would you please give me a hand?
OK. And I need some help tidying up the house. How about your helping me out after that ?
OK. If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
I know you don't like doing housework, but I'll help you with the boxes if you promise to return the favor.
No problem. I'll even do the windows.
Turn Someone Off
How was your date with Marty last night ?
Well, it started of OK, but he really turned me off when we went for a snack after the movies.
Did he say or do something to annoy you?
Frankly, he disgusted me when he tried to talk with his mouth full.
I don't blame you . That would have really bothered me too.
Kick the Bucket
It's been said that the old man knew of a buried treasure, but he kicked the bucketbefore telling anyone where it was. If the treasure exists, the old man unfortunately took the secret of its location with him when he died.
Wet Blanket
James was not invited to go on the outing with the rest of the group because he's such a wet blanket. On many previous occasions he has kept others from enjoying themselves by his pessimism and lack of enthusiasm. It's understandable that no one wants him around.
Going under the knife
When critics and celebrity observers criticized Heidi Montag for undergoing ten plastic surgery procedures in one operation, she answered back that going under the knife is only a medical operation that doesn't involve any life-threatening risk.
Knock Someone's Socks Off
Hi, John. What's new ?
Oh, nothing too much with me, but you ought to see Fredo's new car. It'll knock your socks off!
So, he finally got that Italian sports car he's been dreaming about.
He sure did. When you see all the custom features that it has, you'll get so enthused and excited you won't know what to do.
Boy, I can hardly wait to go for a ride in it.
Lose One's Shirt
I happened to bump into Dole at lunch yesterday afternoon.
What's new with Dole these days ?
He wasn't doing so well. For one thing, he told me he lost his shirt at the races.
Dole has always liked to bet on the horses. I'm not surprised that he lost a great deal of money.
Yeah. At this rate he'll never have a penny to his name.
Lemon
Have you seen Joe's new car yet ?
Yeah. It looks good, but she's had nothing but problems with it.
That's too bad. It sounds like she got a real lemon.
She sure did. No sooner did she drive it home from the dealer's than it proveddefective and started breaking down.
Out of the Woods
Although Eric was well on his way to recovering from his bout with pneumonia, he was still not out of the woods. The doctors told him that he would have to take it easy and avoid exposure to cold, since he was not out of danger and difficulty yet.

Eating Someone
Hey, Alice. What's been eating you lately ? Don't you realize how rude and irritable you've become?
I know. I'm really sorry for the way I've been acting.
Well, why don't you tell me what has been bothering and upsetting you and maybe we can work your problem out together.
I'll admit that it would help to talk to someone about it.
On the Line
Lately Tom's been more conscientious about the accuracy and quality of his work with the company. He was warned that his job was on the line because of his lack of concern for his duties. When Tom was alerted that he was in danger of losing his job, he began to take his obligations with the company more seriously.
Feel Like a Million Dollars
I bumped into Nick at the salon yesterday. He looked great, but I noticed that he had a slight limp when he walked.
I guess you didn't know that he had an operation on his knee.
No, I didn't. How's he feeling ?
He says he's feeling like a million dollars now. Apparently the pain in his knee is all gone.
It's good that he's feeling so wonderful. It must be a refreshing change not having to put up with all that discomfort.
Hang On
During the depression years the Smiths had a great deal of trouble with their business, but somehow or other they were able to hang on. Although they almost lost their store, they managed to persevere until things got better.
Make Ends Meet
It's almost impossible trying to keep up with the high cost of living.
It's true. Things are so expensive nowadays that it's very difficult to make ends meet.
You know, even with Lucie's salary, our combined income is hardly enough to pay all the bills.
Money talks
We've been waiting for three months to get delivery on our car, and people who put in their order after us have already gotten theirs.
Well, money talks. Why don't you try giving the dealer a little something extra to move things along ?
I know full well that money has the power to influence people, but I refuse to pay extra for a service that is owed to me as a client.
If you want to have your car maybe you'd better reconsider.
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Marc, the lines for the rock festival are going to be miles long! If you expect to get tickets for you and Mary, remember that old saying. " The early bird catches the worm "
I guess you're right. Mary is looking forward to the concert, and I'd hate to disappoint her. I'll get up real early to get a place at the head of the line.
That way I'll get the tickets I want, for sure !

Break the ice
Our Eskimo in the illustration doesn't seem to understand that to break the icedoesn't mean to knock someone's house down. It means to do something friendly in order to overcome shyness or to ease tension in a social situation. "To break the ice, let's invite our new neighbors to lunch."
Call it a day
"Let's call it a day and go home," Teddy said. Because the person he's addressing doesn't understand the expression, it's up to me to explain that when we call it a day,we stop whatever we are doing, regardless of the time. "After twenty years as a postman, Mr Burr called it a day and retired."
Do things by halves
I don't know what's wrong with Mr. Long. He's either lazy or disorganized for he always does things by halves. That is, he does things in a careless and incomplete way. "When I read a book, I do it by halves. I never finish it." Mr. Long said. " I guess I've decorated my house by halves too."
Put someone in their place
George made the mistake of criticizing his boss. His boss responded by putting him in his place. When we put someone in their place we punish them, often by telling them in an angry way that their thoughts or opinions are of little importance. "Having been put in his place, I doubt that George will ever criticize the boss again."
On the cheap
Things that are cheap are inexpensive. To do something on the cheap is to do itwithout spending much money. Last summer, for instance, Felix joined a tour to Europe and that it discovered was done on the cheap as the hotels were inexpensive and lunches were from hot dog stands.
Make a splash
For several years Gilbert has been studying acting. At last he's ready to appear in a play and make a splash as an actor. When we make a splash, we do something that attracts attention. "Did you see Gilbert in the play last night? He made quite a splash playing Macbeth."
Hands are tied
Angela and Bruce would like to be free to do as they wish. Unfortunately they can't for their hands are tied ! When people's hands are tied they are unable to do as they would like. "I'd like to go shopping with you but my hands are tied for I have to stay at the office today," father said.
Go Dutch
It takes at least two people to go Dutch for the simple reason that when we go Dutch we share the cost of something, each person paying his or her own expenses. "Hans invited Gretchen to join him for lunch. Knowing he hasn't much money, Gretchen has insisted that they go Dutch."
Cost an arm and a leg
Whatever is said to cost an arm and a leg is very expensive. "It cost me an arm and a leg to get my car repaired." "George flew to Austria to go skiing. He said that the trip cost him an arm and a leg."
Catch-22
This expression comes from the title of a book. Situations referred to as catch-22 are unreasonable and unfair in which a person has no chance of winning or succeeding. "If I study medicine, I'll be unhappy. If I study art, my parents will be unhappy. I'm in a catch-22 situation."
Burn the midnight oil
Mr. Wilcox works all day and attends school at night. When he goes home he burns the midnight oil by studying until dawn. If you are like Mr. Wilcox and work or study long hours at night, you too can say that you burn the midnight oil.
A big hand
Last night, Fiona was given a big hand at the end of her wonderful performance. Fiona was overjoyed, of course, for a big hand refers to loud and enthusiastic applause. The newspapers say that Fiona performed very well and received a big hand for her role in the play.
Chew the fat
After a hard day, Nanook and his friend like nothing better than to sit around a nice warm fire chewing the fat. "Normally we are so busyhunting and fishing that we don't have much time to get together to chew the fat, " Nanook noted. To chew the fat is to have a casual chat or a nice little talk. "Our wives have just gone to one of their friend's igloo to chew the fat", Nanook smiled.
At each other's throats 
Ian and Alfonso have never gotten along together. As Long as I can remember they've been at each other's throats. That is to say they have always beenquarrellingarguing and - on occasion - fighting. ''We've been at each other's throats so long we've forgotten why we're mad at each other,'' Alfonso said.
Child's play
Jaime truly enjoys his new job. It's so easy that he has been able to make child's playof it. Any job or task can be called child's play if the person doing it finds it almost too easy to do or to perform. "Jaime's new job seems like child's play." Helen smiled. "He makes it look so easy."
All keyed up
Teddy has had a terrible day. It began when he overslept and was late getting to school. Then it rained and he got all wet coming home from school. Not only that he forgot to study for a history quiz! "Now you know why I returned home all keyed up," he explained. To be (all) keyed up is to be nervous, tense or excited. "That's exactly how I feel," he nodded.
Come clean
"We have ways to make you talk," Officer Mutt grinned. "If you don't tell us the truth, I will find a way to make you come clean." Officer Mutt's dog ground his teeth together and agreed. To come clean is to confess or reveal all the facts about something - expecially after telling lies or hiding the truth. "I'll come clean if you keep your dog away from me," the criminal cried out.
Give someone the cold shoulder
The snowman in this illustration is happy to allow a bird to rest on its cold shoulder ... but that's not what this idiom means. To give someone the cold shoulder is to beunfriendly, usually by ignoring them. "I'm going to give donald the cold shoulder for not inviting me to his party."
Gut feeling
Until recently it was considered somewhat vulgar to use the word "gut" when referring to the human abdomen. Gut feeling isn't vulgar, though. It refers to a feeling or an impression that comes from one's innermost self. "I have a gut feeling I shouldn't be here." Wilbur said to himself.
Get to grips with
Kenneth had difficulty adjusting to his new job but he soon got to grips with it. He was uncomfortable living in a strange city but he came to grips with that too. To get/come to grips with ( something ) is to deal satisfactorily with a problem or a situation that initailly proved difficult or confusing.
Tie the knot
Colloquially, when two people get married they tie the ( marriage ) knot. "Peter and Elizabeth have decided to tie the knot. They make a lovely couple, don't they ?" Also, the person performing the wedding ceremony ties the ( marriage ) knot. The priest at St Teresa's tied the marriage knot for Peter and Elizabeth.
Get hitched
Trevor and Janet have known each other since they were children. "You love me and I love you." Janet said one day. "Isn't it time we got hitched ?" Trevor resisted a little, but in the end he and Janet did gt hitched. When people get hitched, they get married.
Drink like a fish
I don't know if people are aware of it but Tim drinks like a fish. When a person is described as drinking like a fish, he drinks great quantitles of alcoholic beverages. Not water or cola or lemonade, mind you, but beer, whiskey, wine and other alcoholic drinks ... such as Tim is doing now?
Top off / up
Bob and Tim are celebrating. With a bottle in one hand, Tim asks: "May I top your glass up!".
"Certainly, old pal, top it off," Bob said. Glug, glug, glug went the bottle as his glass was topped up, for this expression means to fill a partly full container - a glass, a tank, etc. - to the very top with liquid.
"Thanks," Bob smiled. "My pleasure," Tim replied.
A lame duck
A person described as being a lame duck is helpless. If he is in a position of authority, he lacks power. " Shirley is such a lame duck. She can't do anything without ebing supervised. " ( Helpless ). "Harry's term of office ends next year. meanwhile, he's a lame duck president and none of his plans stands a chance of ebing acted up. " ( Powerless )
Answer the call of nature
Teddy was on a walk in the forest when suddenly -- and without warning -- he had toanswer the call of nature. "I really must obey the call of nature." he whispered. Fortunately for Teddy, there was a WC nearby for to answer/obey the call of nature is to go to the bathroom.
Brush up on
Professor Oxbridge has been invited to give a talk on the history of his school. He hasn't read anything about it for so long that he'll have to brush up on it. That is, he'll have to refresh his knowledge of it. "There, I've brushed up on the subject." Professor exbridge smiled.
To be on the safe side
Those who take extra precautions to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a mistake, an error or even danger are taking measures to be on the safe side. "To be on the safe side Felix always makes certain his valuables are kept in a secure place."
Daylight robbery
One day Malcolm went shopping. He was so shocked at the cost of things that he got angry. "These prices are absurd !" he shouted. "It's daylight robbery to change such prices !" What Malcolm was saying was that in his opinion, the prices were so high that shopkeepers seemed to be robbing people of their money.
Deliver the goods
The goods referred to in this idiom mean an expected -- or hoped for -- result. "Deliver" means to come forth with. "Now that I've had my car repaired it's running fine and delivering the goods." ( Hoped-for results ) "I knew Sam would deliver the goods once he understood his job. That's why I promoted him." the boss said. (Expected results )
Double talk
"I thought I understood you, but now I'm not sure." Patrick complained. "You're speaking double talk!" Double-talk is written or spoken langauge that seems clear and meaningful but, on close examination, proves to be ambiguous and nonsense. Sometimes, but not always, this is done in a deliberate attempt to confuse or mislead people.
In black and white
In this idiom, black refers to words and white refers to the paper that they are written on. Very simply, then, when something is in black and white it is written or printed on paper. "Inever sign a contract without first looking carefuly at the conditions in black and white." Leon said.
Whistle in the dark
To whistle in the dark means (1) to guess wildly about something or (2) to keep up your courage. "I don't know when the last bus leaves the terminal," Douglas said, " so I'd be whistling in the dark if I said it was at midnight.

During the terrible storm, we sat inside the house whistling in the dark hoping it would quickly pass."
A walking encyclopedia
An encyclopedia is a book or a series of books containing a wide range of information about many subjects. A person who is a walking encyclopedia issomeone who has a wide rage of information about many subjects. "By the time I finish college, I suspect I will be a walking encyclopedia, "Melissa said as she returned to her studies.
Turn night into day
Robert certainly has strange working habits! But being a genius isn't easy, so when he is in a creative mood he turns night into day. You don't really have to be a genius to turn night into day, though, for this idiom means to stay up at night working or playing, and sleeping during the day. "You just reverse the order of doing things, "Robert explained. "I work all night and sleep until noon."
The telephone is ringing off the hook
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, but it was the users of telephones who invented this remark. The hook is the cradle on which the receiver rests, and this remark refers to a telephone that is constantly ringing. " Steve won the swimming championship, and ever since his name appeared in the newspapers his telephone has been ringing off the hook.
Toy with the idea
Teddy is toying with the idea of studying to be an engineer. That, of course, will be a few years away so he may change his mind between now and then. To toy with an idea is to think of one in an easy, light and speculative manner. "I don't know. I may or may not want to be an engineer," Teddy said. "I'm just tyoing with the idea."
Run up an account
Instead of paying cash each time he shops, Mr. Long finds it more convenient to run up an account at the stores where he makes his purchases. To run up an account is to increase the money you owe. You can also run up a bill or a debt, which means the same as run up an account. Mr. Long does this ( very easily, I might add!) by using credit cards.
Get up someone's nose
Hubert is unhappy. He's annoyed, too. The cause of it all is Franklin who has got up his nose. That means that Franklin is making a nuisance of himself .... and that'sannoying ! "Go away," Hubert shouted. "You're getting up my nose today," he growled. This is a British expression.
Go over someone's head
Poor Penelope, Mathematics has never been one of her favorite subjects. she simply isn't able to comprehend it. She often complains that most of what her teacher saysgoes over her head. As Penelope knows, things that are said to go over our heads are too difficult for us to understand.
Look daggers at someone
A dagger is a weapon with a short, pointed blade. In fact, daggers look exactly like those things coming from this mother bird's eyes. She is looking daggers at a cat who is threatening her young. To look daggers at someone is to glare at him or her with mean, hostile, angry eyes.
On pins and needles
When people are on pins and needles they are either very excited or very anxious. "The children are on pins and needles thinking about their trip to the zoo tomorrow." ( Very excited ) "Mr Singh is on pins and needles wondering if the noise he heard is from his pet cobra which escaped. ( Very anxious )
A peeping Tom
When a little boy peeps through fences or windows he is probably just being curious. When a man does the same thing it's often because he has indecent intentions. A man who snoops like that is called a peeping Tom. "The neighbors are convinced that we have a peeping Tom in the area."
No picnic
This outing is turning out to be no picnic, "Teddy declared. To say that something - a job or an examination, for example is a picnic is to say it is enjoyeable or easy. If it isunpleasant or difficult, it is described as being no picnic. "It was a picnic getting here," Angela said, " but trying to eat with all these ants around has been no picnic!"

Teacher's Pet
teacher's pet is a student who is favoured and given special attention by the teacher. "I am worried that the other kids might get jealous if they think I am teacher's pet," Teddy said. I don't think Teddy has to worry, for even though the students can see that he is teacher's pet, they know there are serious disadvantages to that. "That's because Professor Oxbridge can be pretty difficult to please !" Teddy explained.

The King's / Queen's English
The King and Queen act as though they have just met ! "Actually, we are here to explain the difference between the King's English and the Queen's English, " the King said. "In reality, there is no difference," the Queen added, " because these terms describe the very best and most correct English, and whether you call it the King's English or the Queen's English depends on who is on the throne of England at that moment, " she smiled

Meet someone halfway
When Chief Totem got news that explorers had set sail for his continent, he decided to meet them halfway. Hopping into his boat, he soon found them somewhere in the middle of the ocean. "I'd be ever so happy to show you the way to my lands if you will show me the way to yours," he smiled. There is no record of what the explorers replied, but it is well-known that to meet someone halfway is to cooperate with someone by agreeing to make compromises.

Count sheep
You won't find him counting sheep. He sleeps very well, thank you. I if this sounds odd it's because to count sheep is an old method of trying to get to sleep by counting imaginary lambs jumping over a fence in one's mind. "Poor father. I know I've disappointed him. I hope he doesn't lie in bed counting sheep thinking that I have failed him, " Sal sighed.
Blue Monday
To be blue is to be sad. Many people feel sad returning to work after a weekend of rest -- and that's the meaning behind blue Monday. "The weekend's over," Felix sighed, "and here it is, blue Mondaytime to get back to the routine of work."
Play (a) cat-and-mouse (game)
Play a cat-and-mouse (game) is to deliberately confuse someone so that he or she does not know what is happening. "Christopher played a cat-and-mouse game with the management until finally resigning to go to work for our competitors. Until then, no one knew if he would stay or leave." "That fellow was playing a cat and mouse with me!" the boss exclaimed.
Go Bust
When a store or company has no money, it goes out of business. Colloquially, itgoes bust. That makes me think of the time Felix sold balloons at the fair. "One by one, my balloons broke!" he said. "In no time at all, my business went bust!" Today, Felix has a much better job working for a large company. "There is no chance of it every going bust!" he said.
Live in a fishbowl / goldfish bowl
A person described as living in a fishbowl ( or in a goldfish bowl ) has absolutely no privacy. His every movement can be observed and he has no place to hide ... just as a fish living in a glass bowl. "I don't think I'd enjoy being a television star. It must be like living in a fish bowl."
(Like) water off a duck's back
Ducks aren't bothered by water because the oil in their feathers keeps moisture from reaching their bodies. Any water that gets on them runs right off. That has given us this expression, which we use to say that we are not annoyed by something. "School doesn't bother Mary. To her, doing homework is like water off a duck's back." Someone criticized Teddy, but he isn't bothered. " What do I care ? It's water of a duck's back to me," he said.

Top dog
top dog is a person of authority and importance. One's boss, for instance, could be said to be the top dog in a company. Or it could be someone of importance politically. "I'm curious to know who the new top dog will be at the Office of trade," Winnie said.
A golden key opens every door
"Look what I found!" Albert cried. "Why, it's a golden key!" Officer Mutt observed. "It reminds me that a golden key opens every door," Albert smiled. "Yes, I think it will open a door for you at my nice jail, " Mutt replied. Actually, the golden key here is money for it is  assumed that money will let a person do anything he wants.
An Old Salt
"Look, there's an old salt coming off that ship!" Teddy exclaimed. "That looks like a sailor," Angela answered. "An experienced sailor is often called an old salt,"Teddy explained. "Is that because the sea is salty?" Angela asked. "That's right, but we don't call people who sail boats on weekends old salts,"Teddy said. "The term is reserved for sailors who have been to sea a long time.
Save one's breath
"It's too hot to work today," Eddie said. "Why don't we ask the boss if we can have the afternoon off ?" "Save your breath," his co-workers advised. Eddie asked the boss anyway, and she said the same thing. To save one's breath means to say nothing, usually because one's words have no value or will have no effect.
Stand up and be counted
Those who express their private opinions openly have concluded that it is time for them to stand up and be counted. They do this by writing, speaking, or voting on issues they consider important. " Excuse me, what's your opinion ? Why don't you stand up and be counted ? If you want to see some changes made, stand up and be counted !" " How many of you little fellows would like to go to market ? Hurry, stand up and be counted !" Henrietta Hen called.
Back to the salt mines
In Siberia, salt is found deep underground. Many years ago, prisoners were sent there and were forced to bring the salt to the surface. From that, back to the salt mineshas come to mean hard work of any kind, and this humorous expression refers togoing back to work. "The weekend is over it's time to get back to the salt mines." Oliver sighed as he and his friends walked to work.
Lead by the nose
"I fully understand that people don't like being led by the nose," Timothy said. " Most mice object to that too," he noted. "How do you elephants feel about it ?" I asked. The elephant he was leading didn't reply. To lead by the nose is to control someone. " And make them do what you want, " Timothy added.
Snatch something from under someone's nose
"When I go to bed at night I count sheep, "Angela said. "Where do you put the sheep when you are done counting them ?" Teddy asked. "If I told you, you would probably snatch them from under my nose," Angela replied. They both laughed, because tosnatch something from under someone's nose is to take or steal something directly in front of someone.
Money does not grow on trees
William asked his boss for a raise. "I need more money because the cost of everything is going up," he said. The boss looked at William and sighed. "Let me be frank with you, William: Money doesn't not grow on trees." William signed and departed empty-handed because he knew that this expression means that money is not so plentiful that one can pick it off the trees like leaves.
Say cheese
If you look into a mirror and say the word "cheese", you will notice that you appear to be smiling. For that reason, photographers often ask you to say cheese when they are about to take your picture. "If you don't mind, would you look into the lens of my camera and say cheese?" Timothy asked. "And though you may look at my cheese and admire it, you may not have it. Just gaze at it, say cheese, and then I will return to eating it."
Get the hang of something
When Teddy trained for the circus, it took him no time at all to get the hang of being a trapeze artist. "Everything depends on getting the timing right," he explain. Meanwhile his partner has been having trouble getting the hang of working with him. "It's hard to swing and chew gum at the same time," she said. To get the hang of somethingmeans to learn how to do something.
Live in a vacuum
Timothy and Tina have moved to a new home. "It's so far from our family and friends that we feel isolated!" Tina said sadly. "We are so remote from everything that someone even accused me of living in a vacuum!" Timothy added. When people are said to live in a vacuum they are unaffected, unaware or don't care about what goes on in the world around them.
On a high horse
Someone on a high horse can be difficult to deal with. "There's an explanation for that," Hallaway said, " because someone on a high horse is haughty and proud -- and he may think he's better than anyone around him." Hallaway should know : he's been on his high horse ever since he got promoted. "Yes, I'm the boss of the riding club now," Hallaway declared.
Rest on one's laurels
The ancient Greeks awarded crowns of laurel leaves to the winners of games and competitions as a symbol of achievement. From that, those who are satisfied with past honors and do nothing to improve upon their successes are said to rest on their laurels. "Several years ago Haliburt won a trophy for excellence, but ever since then he has been resting on his laurels. Some people have said it's because he's lazy !
(as) black as one is painted
In this idiom, black doesn't refer to a color. Instead, it refers to someone's evil or wicked qualities. And the word painted here means 'describe'. Therefore, someone who is ( as ) black as he/she is painted is truly as sinister as he or she is portrayed. "I'm painting a picture of someone who is said to be a very naughty person," Robert said, "but to me he seems rather nice. Surely he can't be as black as he is painted !"
A (The) moving spirit
The spirit in this idiom is a lively, energetic person who plans an action and then sets it in motion. That's why he or she is described as a moving spirit. "If we want to win the championship, our team will have to find a coach who can be a moving spirit." Here's another example of the idiom: "Mr. Becker is the moving spirit behind our company's expansion plans."
In someone's shoes
To understand how someone feels or thinks, we should try to be in their shoes. To bein someone's shoes means to attempt to think as they think, or to put ourselves in the same situation that they are in. It may not be easy, but it's a valuable thing to keep in mind. "My grades aren't very good," Angela said. "If you were in my shoes, what would you do ?" "Well, if I were in your shoes I would discuss the matter with the teacher," Teddy replied.
With a light heart
Angela's teacher asked her to write a paper describing her weekend. "It was with a light heart that I went to the park," she wrote, " and with a light heart I went home. Furthermore, it is with a light heart that I look forward to going to the park next weekend," Angela concluded. This describes being filled with joy.
A flight of fancy
"Do you know what it's called when someone dreams or imagines something highly unusual or imaginative ?" Felix asked Sylvester. "I believe that is called a flight of fancy," Sylvester answered. "Correct," Felix smiled, "and yesterday, in a flight of fancy, I imagined I could fly !" "What good is a flight of fancy if nothing becomes of it ?" Sylvester smiled. "Climb on board and dream no more !"
Rock bottom
(1) Physically or emotionally, rock bottom means the very lowest. "It's like being way, way down at the bottom of the sea," Bighead said. "My spirits have touched rock bottom today and I feel miserable!" "If I were you, I wouldn't worry about him," Eggmont said. "He always says that he hits rock bottom when the tourist boats are due to arrive."
(2) When you visit shops that advertise things at rock bottom prices, you expect to find the lowest prices in town. In money terms, rock bottom means the cheapest price. "A real estate agent told me it was still possible to find land selling at rock bottom on one of the nearby islands."
Starry-eyed
"I notice that today's tourist boat had some pretty big Hollywood celebrities on it," Petrock said. "How can you tell ?" Bighead asked. "Look over there at Eggmont. The boat may be gone, but he's looking all starry-eyed just thinking about it," Bighead said. When a person is described as being starry-eyed, he or she is dreaming fanciful dreams. "And they are usually impossible ones that are never likely to come true," Petrock added.
Sweat Bullets
"I I have asked Bob and Ben to join me today to demonstrate an American idiom," Manfred said. "The idiom is sweat bullets, and here is an example of it : prior to an examination, a student might say he or she is sweating bullets. What does that mean ?" "It means to be dreadfully worried about something," Bob mumbled. "That or scared silly !" Ben stammered.
A golden parachute
Winston has just been given a golden parachute. He's absolutely thrilled, of course, and I think you'd be thrilled, too, if you were given one because a golden parachuteis a large sum of money given to an employee to encourage him to leave his position before retirement age. "Wheeeeee, " Winston whooped.
A scandal sheet
Felix was telling Teddy about a time in his youth when he worked as a reporter for one of the town's leading scandal sheets. "What's a scandal sheet ?" Teddy asked. Felix blushed. He was so embarassed that he didn't want to explain. That's understandable because a scandal sheet is a newspaper that features lots of gossip and sensationalism, but very little real news.
In a fix
The mechanics at Joe's Garage are in a fix. "Our new robot isn't responding to our signals," Joe said. "What's more, I am in a fix because I promised I'd have it ready today !" "What's the robot supposed to do ?" I asked. "Its purpose is to explain English idioms," Joe said. Suddenly the robot began to speak. "If you get me working I will be able to tell everyone that in a fix means to be in trouble !" the robot said.
Have the field to oneself
When the folks from Mars visited Earth they invited Winston to join them on Mars for a friendly game of football. It was a long time before Winston got to Mars, though, and by then it was too late. "There was no one there," he said to reporters when he returned to earth. "I guess you could say I had the field to myself !" This expression means to have no opposition or competition. "I'm selling rocks I brought back from Mars, " Winston said. " Since no one else has any, I have the field to myself."
The sticker price
"This is sensational !" Felix said as he struggled to remove a price marker from a large vase. "I just bought this wonderful vase. The sticker price was $900, but I bought it on sale for $599!" The sticker price is the original or normal selling price of something, and even large items can be said to have a sticker price. "That's true, I have a cousin who can get me a new car much cheaper than the sticker price, "Felix said.
Cook the books
The books referred to here are those used to keep business accounts, and naturally they are supposed to be precise and accurate. "Except, of course, when someone cooks the books !" the boss said. Cooking the books is a very serious matter because when one does that he or she makes false or inaccurate entries to make profits look better, or worse -- or even to hide stolen funds !
Old as Methuselah
One day Methuselah ( meh-THU-zeh-la ) was sitting on a rock waiting for a bus when someone came along and wished him Happy Birthday. Poor Methuselah, he forgot it was his birthday, but when you are as old as Methuselah ( the Bible says he was 969 years old ) you tend to forget things like that. From that, anything or anyone said to be as old as Methuselah is extremely old.
Like the sound of one's own voice
"I have a pretty little bird that sings ail the time," Melissa said. "Maybe it likes the sound of its own voice," Patsy said. I don't think Patsy is being sarcastic, but this idiom is often used in a sarcastic manner when referring to a person who talks on and on and doesn't give others an opportunity to talk.
Go straight
This is the world-famous criminal Dennis Dimwit on the day of his release from prison. He has not exactly enjoyed his stay in jail and that has convinced him to go straight. When someone goes straight - it's usually a criminal - he changes his way of life and becomes an honest, law-abiding citizen. "I'm sincerely glad I have gone straight." Dennis smile.
Go on the stump
In years past, when politicians traveled around the country talking to people they discovered that the stumps of old trees made useful platforms on which to stand to give a speech. That's the origin of this idiom, and it now means to campaign for political office. "Fredrick has decided he'd like to be President and he's gone on the stump to speak to the voters."
All of a piece with your clumsiness
"Chadwick, you silly cat !" Millie cried. "The way you keep bumping into things is all of a piece with your clumsiness !" Millie is saying that Chadwick's actions areconsistent with his nature of character. In other words, it is what you would expect from someone such as Chadwick. "Getting caught is all of a piece with me, too," Chadwick complained.
A bag of wind
"I wonder why people say Howard is such an interesting man," Lily yawned. "To me he is nothing more than a big bag of wind." Lily is either very unkind or she is awfully honest because a bag of wind is someone who talks a lot. "Especially if he boasts and tells exaggerated stories that are hard to believe," Lily added.


Dance attendance on someone
It used to be the custom for a bride at her wedding to dance with every guest - no matter how tired she was. That's the origin of this expression, but it now means to be at the service of someone to carry out his or her every wish. "I suspect that Ray is interested in Fiona. Look how he is dancing attendance on her.
Beard the lion ( in his den )
In this British idiom, 'beard' means to defy or oppose someone, and 'in his den' means in his territory. Therefore, to beard the lion ( in his den ) is to confront a person of authority ( in his own office, for example ) and to challenge him. "I'm going to walk right into the boss's office and beard the lion by demanding a nice big raise," Alex said.
Give someone a rocket
Oh, oh ! The boss is about to give Edna a rocket - and if you ask me I really think she deserves it ! That's because this British idiom means to give someone a severe scolding or a reprimand. "You know it's amazing how much better Edna performs at her job since I gave her a rocket yesterday morning," the boss smiled.
( and ) Bob's your uncle
No one knows why Bob is the name of the uncle in this expression, but that needn't concern us as long as we remember that ( and ) Bob's your uncle means thateverything is satisfactory or will work out well. "I will put a little more ice cream on the top of this, and Bob's your uncle ! This should make a real nice treat for you," the ice cream man smiled at Teddy.
Break out of the mold
Have you ever had a desire to break old habits and change your way of living ? If so, you would understand this expression because break out of the mold describes doing something completely different or changing one's way of doing things. "Why don't we break out of the mold and go somewhere new on our holiday this year," Steven said.
Do a power of good
"For goodness sake, Mr Blogs ! Don't be so stingy. A small coin to that poor little fellow won't hurt you," Bessy frowned. "It would do him a power of good for he looks hungry !" To do a power of good means to help or to do a lot of good. "It might even do you a power of good to be generous to people now and then," Bessy said.
Give someone the message
Jerome has had a nice warm feeling for Ruth for a long, long time. Being modest, he didn't know how to give her the message. Finally, on Valentine's Day he gathered up all his courage and gave her the word. When we give someone the message or the word we convey a piece of information to him or her. Ruth gave Jerome the message by giving him a think you kiss !
Burn someone up
"Doesn't it burn you up when people refuse to wait in line at the bus stop !" Barbara said. "It sure burns me up !" Barbara is saying she is irritated or annoyed. "I get burned up by people who don't do their work properly," Jack answered. "My secretary, for instance, burns me up because she's always knitting on the job !"
Does not add up to a can of beans / sardines
I guess it didn't cost much money to buy a can of beans or sardines when this North American idiom was first used. What it means is that someone's plan, theory, idea, opinion, etc is thought to be of little value. In fact, it's worthless. "That's an interesting idea, Frank, but I'm sure the boss will tell you that it doesn't add up to a can of beans. In fact, it does not add up to a can of sardines to me either," he frowned.
Give someone enough rope and he will hang himself
If a person who is doing something wrong is allowed to continue his bad ways, it is said he will soon bring about his or her own defeat or destruction. That's the meaning behind this idiom. "I told you not to cheat or tell lies," Officer Mutt said. " Don't you remember hearing me say, give Willy enough rope and he will hang himself ?"
Look / feel bushed
"Oh, you poor, poor man ! You look absolutely bushed !" Mrs. Bond said when her husband returned from work. "I've had a bad day," he answered, "and you're right ! I feel bushed." "What you need is a nice cool glass of lemonade," Mrs. Bond smiled. I'll get one for you." That should help to make Mr. Bond feel better because to look / feel bushed is to be completely exhausted.
For a song
Felix saw a pretty bird in a pet shop window. "How much is that bird ?" he asked the man in the shop. "That would normally cost a lot of money, but you may have it for a song." the man replied. You may think that Felix had to sing a song to get the bird, but that's not true. The idiom for a song simply means for very little money. "I bought my bird for a song," Felix said later.
Get the elbow
Craig has been working for the Ga-Ga Company for about six years. Imagine his shock when he went to work yesterday and found he had got the elbow ! To get the elbow isto be fired - though in a personal relationship the same expression can mean the relationship has ended. "Have you heard Lily got the elbow from her boyfriend !"
Country cousin
"I am taking Ashley, my country cousin, to the theater today," Teddy explained. Ashley isn't really Teddy's cousin though : we just use this expression when referring topeople who live in small country towns or who actually live on farms in the country. They are called country cousins because it is thought that their manners and habits are simple and uncomplicated. "That's not always true," Ashley smiled.
Butter both sides of one's bread
"I have a great idea," Frank said, "I can butter both sides of my bread during my summer vacation if I offer swimming lessons to young people. In that way I can have fun at the swimming pool, and at the same time I will earn some spending money !" To butter both sides of one's bread is to do two things at the same time - and to profit from them both.
Cry bucket
If this isn't a sad sight ! There is Grandma watching her favorite afternoon television drama - and it is so sad that everyone in the room is crying buckets ! "To cry bucketsmeans to cry lots and lots of tears," Grandma explained. "Grandma is crying buckets, and that has caused me to cry buckets too," Grandma's cat wept.
Get in on the act
Professor Alan is having trouble. Everyone in the auditorium seems to be getting in on the act today ! This idiom ( it's a term from the theater ) refers to taking part in something while others are doing it. "I can tell that everyone enjoyed my lecture today," Professor Alan said, "because so many people wanted to get in on my act," he smiled.
Cast something in someone's teeth
Otto is furious ! His dentist keeps casting his bill in Otto's teeth. "I won't pay it !" Otto cried. "It's far too much - and besides, the dammed teeth don't even fit properly ! I'd like to fling them back in his teeth !" To cast / fling / throw something in someone's teeth is to continually remind someone of something disagreeable or unpleasant. "If I made a mistake, I'll correct it. But please don't fling my error in my teeth," the dentist pleaded.
The fat is in the fire
Putting fat near an open flame is dangerous for it can easily ignite and cause a serious fire. That's the idea behind this idioms, which refers to the start of something troublesome or dangerous. "Someone has stolen our food supply !" Max cried. "The fat is in the fire unless we can get back to our camp before it starts to snow !"
Give no quarter
In this idioms the word 'quarter' refers to mercy or understanding. Therefore, to give no quarter is to be firm and show no mercy. "You have made me very, very angry," Billy's mother said. "If you don't return that piece of cake this instant I will give no  quarter and you will be severely punished !" That convinced Billy, and he returned the cake.
To enter the lists
In days of old when knights were bold, the arenas in which they held tournaments were called lists. From that, to enter the lists means to begin a competition, a contest - or an argument ! "Unless you are prepared to enter the lists and play as well as you can, you have no business being on this team," the football coach said to his players.
A closed book
"I am supposed to know just about everything," Professor Olson said, "so I can't let anyone know that I have just come across something that is a closed book to me." As it is used here, a closed book is something - a topic, a subject, an idea - you don't know anything about. "But I have to confess that physics is a closed book to me," the Professor said with a huge sigh.
Fight like cat(s) and dog(s)
Since the beginning of time, cats and dogs have been natural enemies, and when they meet they usually get involved in fierce fights. From that, when people argue or fight bitterly they are said to fight like cats and dogs or fight like cat and dog. "If we invite the Smiths to our party, we can't invite the Waltons. I don't know why, but they fight like cats and dogs.
Can't carry a tune
Most people have no problem singing, humming, or whistling a tune. But Ozzie is different. He isn't able to distinguish one note of music from the other. "It's lucky I wasn't born a canary," Ozzie said, "because I really can't carry a tune." Those whocan't carry a tune cannot sing, hum or whistle properly. "They make mistakes and sound terrible," Ozzie added.
Draw the longbow
"I have played my violin in Paris in front of thousands of people," Buddy smiled. Personally, I think Buddy is drawing the longbow. To draw the longbow means tomake an exaggerated remark or to tell an elaborate story in order to impress someone. A longbow is a large bow used to shoot arrows great distances. This is a British expression.
A blank check
It must be a great feeling to receive a blank check. "I got a blank check from my father to buy any car I wanted," Harry said. See, I told you it's a good feeling to get a blank check ! Actually, the idiom means to be given complete freedom to do whatever you want. Here's another example : "Our teacher gave us a blank check to work on any project we desired."
Catch someone red-handed
"Ah ha, so you're the one who has been painting pictures on my blackboard !" Professor Michael exclaimed. "At last I have caught you red-handed !" To catch someone red-handed is to discover him or her in the process of committing a naughty or forbidden act. "I'm sorry, I thought a little color would help to brighten up our classroom," Danny pleaded.
Draw and quarter
It was once common to execute criminals by having their four limbs drawn ( pulled ) off. Thank heavens criminals are not drawn and quartered any more, though we still use this idiom ( humorously ) to threaten a person ! "My wife said she would draw and quarter me if I came home late again," Ken said. "I hope she doesn't mean it !"
Fight / tilt at windmills
"Ha, there you are again making threatening gestures at me !" Aaron cried. "I'll show you that you are not fighting windmills !" To fight or tilt at windmills is from the novelDon Quixote de la Mancha in which the hero attacks windmills thinking they are giants. The idiom means to struggle against an imaginary opponent or to oppose things that are not important.
Chew the fat
After a hard day, Nani and his friend like nothing better than to sit around a nice warm fire chewing the fat. "Normally we are so busy hunting and fishing that we don't have much time to get together to chew the fat," Nani noted. To chew the fat is to have a casual chat or a nice little talk. "Our wives have just gone to one of their friend's igloo to chew the fat," Nani smiled.
Feel / know in one's bones
"I feel in my bones someone is watching us," Angela whispered. "I know in my bones you are right !" John answered. John and Angela are saying that though they do not have absolute proof of something, they feel or believe it by instinct. "I know in my bones my mother would be upset if I did not hurry home after school," Angela said.
Close one's eyes
When we deliberately ignore something we don't wish to admit it is there -- usually because it isn't approved of or because we don't approve of it -- we close our eyes to it. "I sometimes think the authorities close their eyes to the indecent way people dress in the streets.
Fast and furious
Albert was strolling along outside the prison gate when Officer Derek caught him. A struggle raged fast and furious, but in the end Albert was safely back inside. "If I had been quicker, Derek would not have caught me." Albert sulked. "But I learned something," he said. "I learned that fast and furious describes an activity that is full of noise and excitement !"
Come to a pretty pass
'Pretty' in this expression means terrible and 'pass' refers to a distressing situation. Therefore, a pretty pass is a bad condition or an annoying state of affairs. "It has come to a pretty pass when a gentleman can't look at an attractive young lady without ending up in a hospital bed !" Andy complained as he was rescued from a hole in the street.
Dog Latin / English / Chinese, etc
"Dogs are friends of the whole human race," Fido barked in rather bad Latin. "A role in which I played a significant part," Scotty added. Fido and Scotty are conversing in dog Latin. To speak or write dog Latin / English / Chinese, etc. is to speak or write bad Latin, English, Chinese, etc. In other words, not like a native would speak or write it.
Mad as a wet hen
Gustov is mad as a wet hen. "You are the most annoying chicken I have ever seen ! You must stop running," he shouted. Gustov knows a lot about chickens because he has been cooking them for many years - and to be mad as a wet hen is to be very angry! "I would rather see you mad as a wet hen than see me in your cooking pot !" the hen replied.
All's fair in love and war
In love and war the rules of proper social behavior aren't always obeyed. From that, there are times when people justify their selfish behavior by saying all's fair in love and war. "It's hard to believe there are people who think all's fair in love and war so it's OK to cheat in an examination." Ted said.
Answer one's calling
The "calling" in this expression is someone's profession, particularly one he seems strongly motivated to do. This is usually due to his special ability or exceptional desire to do it. A person who does well or is successful in his job has answered his calling. "When John grows up he'll probably answer his calling and become a leader of men."
The baby boom
A boom is the rapid expansion or sudden numerical growth of something. since our topic here is babies, a/the baby boom refers to sudden increase in the birth rate. "The universities are filled to capacity due to the baby boom that followed the war." "We've had a baby boom and our hospital is becoming overcrowded," Dr Gabriello said.
A back number
An outdated newspaper or periodical is a back number. "I'm researching back number newspapers for an article I'm writing."  the reporter said. A person is a back number when he has lost his influence or his thinking is considered old-fashioned. "No one seeks my opinion anymore," Neil sighed. "I feel like a back number in this office."




Bore the pants off someone
"If I have to listen to any more of these dull speeches I'm going to go crazy," Irwin yawned. "They're awful, aren't they ?" Cedric yawned too. "They bore the pants off me." The colloquialism Cedric is using -- and it's perfectly acceptable to use it in mixed company -- means to be extremely bored.
A bosom friend
You've seen Chadwick and Timothy disagreeing or playing tricks on each other often on these pages. If you want to know the truth, they are really bosom friends. As used here, bosom means a close relationship, and a bosom friend / pal / buddy is a very dear friend.
Brain drain
A / the brain drain is defined as movement of "brains ( eg., teachers, scientists and other skilled people ) out of one country to another where conditions and salaries are better. "If we hope to prevent a brain drain we're going to have to make nursing a more rewarding profession," a health officer declared.
A bundle of laughs
"Lester's latest book is terribly funny," Winnie smiled. "It 's a bundle of laughs. I guess that's because Lester is such a bundle of laughs," she continued. "He has everyone laughing at parties. I wonder where he gets all his jokes ?" What Winnie is saying is that Lester and his book are very, very amusing.
A clean bill of health
Long ago ships leaving a port had to have a certificate ( called a bill of health ) stating that they were free of infectious disease. Today a clean bill of health is a way of saying a person or thing is healthy or satisfactory. "The doctor gave Mr. Lee a clean bill of health and is sending him home today," Nurse Rose smiled.
Clear one's name
"You will remain after school and clear my name by writing the following statement 100 times: 'I am sorry I said naughty and untrue things about my teacher'," Professor Oxford frowned. To clean one's name is to prove someone is innocent of a crime or misdeed of which he's been accused.
Cock and bull story
"Long ago and far away there was a wonderful kingdom in which nobody worked and everybody was rich and happy,' the bull said. Ha, the cock laughed. "If you believe that you'll believe any old cock and bull story." A cock and bulls story is one that is tooabsurd or silly to be true.
Come hell or high water
Parker has been so busy he hasn't had time to attend to his jobs around the house. "This Sunday I'm going to mow the lawn come hell or high water," he said. Parker is saying that no matter what happens, absolutely nothing is going to prevent him from carrying out his plan.
Come into money
Daydreamers spend their time thinking about coming into money, and gamblers visit racetracks hoping to come into money. To come into money is to receive a large sum of money suddenly. Sometimes it is inherited, sometimes it is won -- though a successful artist, writer or musician coming into money might say it's the result of many years of hard work.
Corridors of power
Something is happening in the corridors of power. How do I know ? Because in the corridors of power something is always happening. This term refers to the high ( administrative ) levels of government or an organization where important decisions are made. "Things are rather quiet in the corridors of power during he holiday season, though, " Rodney whispered.
Day of reckoning
This is a time when (1) someone will be made to account for his misdeeds; or (2) a time when his will or judgment will be severely tested. (1) "Many children think Christmas is a day of reckoning when Santa evaluates their behavior and rewards them accordingly." (2) "It's examination time again," Aaron sighed. "The day of reckoning is approaching !"
Devil finds work for idle hands
When Maurice was young his parents warned him that the devil finds work for idle hands. They were telling him that unless he kept busy doing useful or constructive things he could be tempted into mischief or evil. "Sorry, but I don't think the saying the devil finds work for idle hands means I should waste my time sweeping floors," Maurice said to a stranger.
Dressed like a peacock
A peacock is actually the male of the species. A female is a peahen. In the world of idioms, however, a person of either sex who is dressed handsomely and colorfullycan be said to be dressed like a peacock. "Nelly is dressed like a peacock tonight. She's been invited to have dinner with her boss.
An eagle eye
"Since I appointed a new department head, business has certainly improved," the boss smiled. "The new fellow keeps an eagle eye on all aspects of our operations. He watches the staff with an eagle eye, too." Someone with an eagle eye watches things closely and carefully. Nothing escapes his attention.
Easy as ABC
It may not be easy for everyone to learn the alphabet but this idiom says it is. when something is (as) easy/simple as ABC it's very easy. "That was an easy examination. It was simple as ABC." "Who said sign painting was difficult ?" Rubin smiled. "I found it as easy as ABC."
Eat one's heart out
"Life can be terrible at times," Mike sighed, "and this is one of those times. I'm in love with Mandy and Mandy doesn't care for me. Oh, Mandy, you have me eating my heart out !" Poor Mike. If he doesn't look underfed it's because to eat one's heart out is tofeel miserable wishing for something -- or someone -- one can't have.
Eat someone out of house and home
It's usually a hungry guest that leads us to make this statement, though a father might use it humorously to complain about the eating habits of his teenagers. It means someone is so expensive to feed that he can't be afforded. "You kids are eating me out of house and home !" Agatha cried.
Elbow room
"Don't worry about me," Harold said as he got into the lift. "There's plenty of elbow room for all of us." Six foot three inches tall, Harold can say that -- but the other passengers might not agree for elbow room refers to having adequate space to work or move around.
Fairy tale
In one sense, a fairy story or fairy tale is a children's story about goblins, spirits, and other imaginary things. "Sybil is telling a fairy story to her little friends." In another sense, it's an inaccurate -- even false -- account of something. "Martin said he's going to be promoted soon. I suspect he's telling another of his fairy tales."
Look / feel small
"Golly, when I think of the wonderful works of the world's great artists I look small," Robert sighed. "And it sure doesn't make me feel any better when people criticize my painting. Their criticism makes me feel small." To look or feel small is to seem or feel insignificant, foolish, or humiliated.
Fickle finger of fate
Fate is said to be an unseen power that directs our lives. Fickle ( it rhymes with pickle ) means changeable. Because fate often seems to point us in various directions as it pleases, we speak of it as the fickle finger of fate. "Once I was rich, now I'm not," Buddy said. "The fickle finger of fate works in strange ways."
Fight fire with fire
"Business is terrible and it's your fault !" Wigby cried as he stormed out of his office. Knowing his boss would soon calm down, Gustav decided not to fight fire with fire by arguing back. To fight fire with fire is to defend oneself with defiance or force when threatened or attacked.
Fill the bill
If something fills the bill it is just what one wants. It is exactly what is required or needed. "Isn't it wonderful to have such mild weather ? It certainly fills the bill for our picnic, doesn't it ?" "I was really hungry so this little snack sure fills the bill," Albo said.
Fresh as paint
Kitty and Clive have been married for years, but to look at them you'd think their love was fresh as paint. Things described as being fresh as paint look fresh and new. A person fresh as paint is full of vitality. "My old suit came back from the cleaners fresh as paint," Clive said.
Gate-crash
Jim and Violet's neighbors were having a party. Jim and Violet weren't invited but they decided to attend anyway. "We'll gate-crash the party," Jim said. "How exciting. That will make us gate-crashers," Violet laughed. To gate-crash is to attend a social event without an invitation, and a gate-crasher is an uninvited guest.
Generous to a fault
"Now just a moment, dear !" Snod sighed. "I married you because you were generous and kind. But really, you're generous to a fault !" Snod is saying his wife is overly generous. In fact, if she has a fault it is that she's too generous. That's what generous to a fault means.
Have butterflies in one's stomach
People who have butterflies in their stomachs are experiencing tension or excitement, usually brought on by anxiety while waiting to do something. This is often shortened to get/have butterflies. "I have butterflies in my stomach waiting to go on stage," the actress said. "I've got butterflies," the patient said as he was about to go into surgery.
Off to a flying start
When the gun sounded cark was off to a flying start. A flying start is a fast or successful beginning. "I get up early so I can begin my day with a flying start," Clark said, "and my team has got off to a flying start by winning its first five races this season," he grinned.
Rise with the lark
A lark is a bird, and birds always wake up and begin the day at dawn. "I like getting up with the lark" Alan yawned, "but I know one bird that doesn't always rise with the lark." To get up/rise with the lark is to get up/rise early in the morning.
Give a good/bad account of oneself
To win a promotion, Ken has to give a good account of himself. That is, he must win approval by showing that he has done well. If he gives a poor account of himself he's likely to be demoted. "I once helped an old lady to cross the street," Ken said, hoping to give a good account of himself.
Put on airs
Since her promotion Fecilia has been giving herself airs that her fellow workers regard as rather foolish. " We know you're an excellent worker," they assured her. "You don't have to put on airs." To give oneself airs or put on airs is to act as if one is better or more important than others.
Give the game/show away
"No, no, no ! You're not supposed to tell the audience who the murderer is ! You'regiving the game away, Foyle !" To give the game/show away is to reveal a plan or information that is supposed to be kept secret. "OK, I won't give the how away," Foyle shouted. "The butler had nothing to do with it !"
Go down the drain
Work, time or money wasted or lost is gone forever. It has gone down the drain. "If I don't pass tomorrow's examination all my years of effort will go down the drain," Fiona said. "Hey, I worked hard to earn that money !" Buddy cried. "I want to spend it carefully, not see it go down the drain !"
Go like a house on fire
Mr. Bell's gas heater wouldn't work. He thought he would repair it himself. That proved to be a terrible mistake and he had to go like a house on fire to the nearby fire department for help. When a person goes like a house on fire he moves very, very quickly.
Go places
Those who know Anderson are convinced he is going to go places. "Anderson's young, intelligent and full of ambition," one of his neighbors said. "He's a man who will go places someday." To go places means to become successful. "If I'm going places I had better start now," Anderson said.
At great length
Todd has been talking at great length to his Uncle Freddy. In that sense, he's been talking a long time. He has been explaining at great length his new invention. In this sense, he's explaining something in great detail. Therefore, at great length can mean (1) for a long time; or (2) in great detail.
Half a chance
Either way you say this -- a half chance or half a chance -- it means an opportunity, a reasonable chance. "Give yourself a half chance and you'll quickly get used to your new computer," Jim said. "Fear not, Mickey. With this magic sword you have at least half a chance of winning, " Larry grinned.
Have a change of heart
Matthew was about to give Angela a big box of chocolates when he saw a poor beggar. "Sorry, Angela," he said, "but I've had a change of heart. That man looks like he needs chocolates more than you do." To have a change of heart is to change one's aim, opinion or behavior about something.
Have a way with words
Cameron can be very charming when he wants something. Idiomatically, he has a way with words. That is, he knows what to say and how to say it to get what he wants. "It's not your birthday and it's a long time till Christmas but you have a way with words, Cameron. Sure, I'll buy you that bicycle" Uncle Bob smiled.
Have no stomach
People once believed that courage came from the stomach and that those who lacked courage had weak stomachs. From that, to have no stomach for ( something ) means to lack ambition or desire to do something. "Eat this or go to bed hungry," Kate frowned. "I have no stomach today for arguments about my cooking."
Have two left feet
"Grace, Lincoln, what an exciting dance that is !" Murray exclaimed. "To do it, though, I'd have to have two left feet like you have." Murray is being unkind for to say a personhas two left feet is to say he or she is an awkward or clumsy dancer.
A hen party
You only find girls and ladies at a hen party. The reason for that is that this colloquialism defines a gathering of women. Frequently it's a meeting or a party where they exchange talk and gossip. "Helen and Pauline are attending a

A holy terror (1)
Jaime doesn't seem to understand that he's supposed to act like a little angel in his new abode. He's so full of energy and tricks he's a holy terror. In Jaime's case, a holy terror is a badly-behaved child. " I think we'd better have a look into Jaime's past," the director in his neighborhood sighed. "He's a holy terror up here !"
A holy terror (2)
New visitors to the dining room have found that Cavendish can be very demanding. "He insists that we conduct ourselves like proper ladies and gentleman," Jaime frowned. "He can be a holy terror at times." In this case a holy terror is someone -- a boss or someone in a position of authority -- who causes fear in people.
Hopping mad
"Hey, down there ! Quiet down 1 You're supposed to be taking your afternoon nap," Mrs K cried. "All that jumping about is making me hopping mad !" What Mrs K is saying is that her sweet little infant is making her very angry. It's not necessary to be a kangaroo to be hopping mad: simply being extremely mad will do.
Hot air
"Elect me and I promise I will reduce taxes, shorten the work week, and see to it that everyone gets paid a higher wage," Blah declared. "Blah is full of hot air," Someone said. "Yes, and everything he says is hot air," another replied. Promises and boasts that won't or can't be kept are called hot air.
It's a small world
"That foot looks familiar," Fenton cried. "It sure does," Oliver replied. "I saw it when we lived in Zanesville. It's a small world, isn't it ?" The phrase Oliver hurriedly uttered is used to express surprise when seeing someone or something from the past.
Keep one's head
Ben's trail of crime has come to an end. I was amazed, though, to learn how he kept his head when his sentence was carried out. To keep one's head is to stay calm, not get excited or frightened. "I'm a relaxed individual," Ben smiled. "I keep my head no matter how bad things get."
Keep open house
Nothing pleases Fergus more than visiting someone keeping open house. To keep open house is to welcome all guest or visitors to a house -- and not only that, but to entertain them 1 This is often shortened to open house. "Wow, the people who lived here must have had some great open house parties !" Fergus exclaimed.
Land on one's feet
If a cat falls, it always seems to land safely on its feet. That has given us this idiom, so when a person escapes misfortune or survives an unpleasant situation we say he lands on his feet. "Maxwell was born lucky. No matter what he does wrong he always seems to land on his feet.
Lay down the law
"The way my employees are behaving is terrible," Grouch grumbled. "I'm going to lay down the law and tell them to concentrate on their work." To lay down the law is to say something or give an order in a way that says "you will obey me or accept my word without argument or question !"
Like it or lump it
No one seems to know where this expression comes from. What we do know is that it means to put up with something unpleasant -- such as a decision or a situation -- without protesting or complaining. "It's no use making a scene, " Willy's mother said. "Like it or lump it, I insist that you finish eating your breakfast."
The lion's share
After a hunt, lions always take the largest amount of food for themselves -- and few animals dare dispute their right to it. That's why we have the lion's share, which means the largest part or the greatest amount. "I'm certain I've read somewhere that I'm entitled to the lion's share," Cecil complained.
Liquid assets
A liquid is something that, like water, flows freely and easily. Assets are all of someone's belongings, including property. Those belongings that can be easily converted into cash are called liquid assets. " Herbert asked for a loan and the bank manager told him to bring in proof of all his liquid assets."
A lone wolf
Most people enjoy companionship and like doing things in groups. There are some people, however, who are very private and prefer being alone. A person like that is often called a lone wolf. "No wonder Wally is a lone wolf." Martin said. "Listen to the way he sings to the moon !"
Love is blind
According to this old saying a person in love doesn't see -- or admit to seeing -- faults in the person he loves. Pierre, for example, thinks Lulu is the sweetest and dearest girl on earth. "I see what people mean when they say love is blind," Lulu laughed, "but you'd better watch your step, Pierre."
Make a clown of oneself
In a romantic mood, Humphrey sat down to serenade Hermione. "Oh, Hermione, you've made a clown of me," he said as she rejected him. "Nonsense," Hermione replied. "You've made a clown of yourself. Your singing is awful !" To make a clown of oneself is to make oneself or appear foolish or stupid.
Make things hum
Until Gustav joined our company we had all sorts of problems on our production line. Gustav has corrected the problems and has really made things hum. Not only that, Gustav has been keeping things humming. To make things hum is to cause things to perform smoothly and efficiently. To keep things humming is to keep them performing well.
Marry above oneself
For a long, long time Manfred has been afraid to express his love for May. "After all," he said, "May is in what some people call 'the upper class', and people in low positions ( like me ) don't usually marry above themselves." To marry above oneselfis to marry someone in a higher social class than one's own.
Marry beneath oneself
To some people the social position of the person they marry is very important consideration. "People who believe in that kind of nonsense almost never marry beneath themselves, do they Myrtle ?" "No," Myrtle answered " because marrying beneath oneself means to marry a person of a lower social class than the one -- real or imagined -- they belong to."
Miss the boat
They stood on the shore with the rain beating down and the water rising about their feet. "If you hadn't forgotten our tickets we would have been on time," Amelia scolded. "You've caused us to miss the boat." To miss the boat is to be too late for something or to fail to take advantage of an opportunity.
Not just a pretty face
"Personally, I favor that girl in the middle to win," John said. "Her name's Miss Leung, and as you can see she's not just a pretty face." A girl characterized like thispossesses hidden skills, talents or intelligence. "See, she's loaded with talent. If I were the judge I'd vote for her. She's much more than a pretty face !"
Narrow-minded
"There's nothing wrong with you that can't be cured," Dr Grouse said. "Just be more tolerant, stop being so critical, show more concern for others, and open your mind to new ideas. " Willies looked shocked. "Are you telling me I'm narrow-minded ? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard !" Willies shouted -- thus proving his narrow-mindedness.
Hole in the head
"I need space there like I need a hole in the head !" Bridget screamed. "Madam, that's my style," the artist replied, " and your advice is as welcome as a hole in the head." You'll understand this conversation better if you know a hole in the head meanssomething that is unnecessary or unwelcome.
No frills
A frill is an extra. It may be nice to have but it's not necessary. An airline, restaurant, tour company, hotel, etc. offering a basic service without extras ( frills ) can be called a no frills airline, no frills restaurant, no frills tour company, or a no frills hotel. "We went on a no frills trip to Europe," Ben said.
Off the hook
A fish that is able to get off the fishing hook and swim away is free of trouble. That's the idea behind this idiom which means to avoid difficulty or get out of trouble. "I'm late for school," Mack said. "I had better think up a good excuse to get off the hook."
An old master
Sorry, Paul, you don't qualify as an old master. It's possible you and your paintings will last forever but an old master is an artist or a painting dated before the 19th century. "If I change my name to Rembrandt or Michelangelo, maybe people would call me an old master and my paintings old masters, " Paul sighed.
One in a million
"My wife is the greatest person in the whole wide world," Peter said. "She's one in a million." What Peter is saying is that his wife is very, very special. She's unusual in every wonderful sense of the word. "I think you are one in a million, too," his rare and wonderful wife answered.
One's nearest and dearest
"I'm not as rich as Rocketfeller or as strong as Rambo, and no one has ever asked me to star in a film," Herbert said humbly, "yet my nearest and dearest tell me I'm the world's most wonderful husband and father," he grinned. Herbert should be very proud for one's nearest and dearest is one's family.
Out of action
I'm sure Chad would like to help his friend win an argument with the neighbor's dog but, unfortunately, he's out of action. "Personally," Chad whispered, "the way things are going in there I'm glad I'm out of action today." A person ( or a cat ) out of action is unable to work or perform, usually because of an illness.
Over and done with
"That's it, it's finished," the supervisor said. "I'm glad that job is finally over and done with." There's nothing difficult about this idiom for it's another way of saying that something -- a job, a relationship, etc. -- is finished. "I've enjoyed working with you," Aarok said. "I hope our association isn't over and done with and that we'll work together again."
Pack one's bags
"This place is beginning to bother me," Albert mumbled. "I'd like to pack my bags and say goodbye." In anticipation of making an escape, he practiced putting his valuables into a bag. "To pack one's bags is to leave a place in anger or annoyance or after a disagreement," the guard whispered. "And Albert isn't going anywhere !"
Paint a gloomy picture
Robert is depressed. That may be why he is painting a gloomy picture. To paint a gloomy picture is to describe something -- an event, a situation, the future, etc. -- in a cheerless, gloomy or unpromising way. "I'm sad because the weatherman has painted a gloomy picture for the weekend," Robert sighed. "he said it's going to rain."
Part of the furniture
Colin has been waiting in the doctor's waiting room so long that he's beginning to feel that he's now part of the furniture. For a person to feel that he's part of the furniturehe has been at one job or in one place so long that he actually feels he has become part of the environment.
Patch something up
When we patch something up -- something torn or broken -- we repair something that is damaged. Disagreements between people can also be patched up, though it must be remembered that such repairs are sometimes only temporary. "The manager was called in to try to patch up a quarrel between the two departments," Molly said.
Pin money
When we speak of pin money, we are always referring to a small amount of money. "I'm going to look for a better job. I'm working for pin money here," Ned said. It can also refer to a small allowance a man gives his wife, or moneys he saves from other sources. "Sarah saved her pin money to buy a new dress."
Plain Jane
plain Jane is a girl or young woman whose looks are ordinary or common. Because "plain" and "Jane" rhyme, this is a rhyming idiom used to describe a girl -- regardless of her name -- who is neither pretty nor ugly. "Betsy was a plain Jane when we were in school but she's certainly a beautiful girl today."
Pot-luck dinner
pot-luck dinner is an informal dinner where each of the guests brings a pot of food to share with others. Because nobody knows what anyone is bringing, the guests hope they'll be lucky and the food will be interesting. "Good heavens ! Look what Egbert's bringing to our pot-luck dinner !"
Pour oil on troubled waters
Before its dangers to the environment were known, oil was poured on rough seas to calm them. Today this idiom refers to settling disputes or bringing calm to a troubled situation. "This isn't working," Alex said. "Let's see if we can pour oil on troubled waters by sitting down and having a quiet talk about it."
Pull the wool over someone's eyes
This expression means to trick or deceive someone. "Vote for me and I promise to reduce taxes, increase wages, and give everyone a guaranteed job for life," Blah proclaimed. "I think Blah is pulling the wool over our eyes," someone in the audience muttered. I suspect they're right.
Puppy love
The word puppy is from the French word 'poupee' meaning a little doll. Perhaps that's why puppy love describes a temporary feeling of affection experienced by a young boy or girl. "It doesn't take a genius to see that Angela and Tim like each other," Billy winked. "I think it's puppy love."
Put all one's eggs in one basket
"A wise and cautious bird does not put all her eggs in one basket," Winifred said. "To do that would be to invite disaster." Those who put all their eggs in one basketplace all their hopes, money or trust in one plan, scheme or adventure. And that, as Winifred will tell you, is risky !
Rank and file
Are you a leader in a club or an organization ? If not, you could say that you belong to the rank and file. The rank and file refers to the ordinary people within a group, a club, or an organization. "The general is very busy today. He's out inspecting the rank and file."
Rat race
"Hey, Rupert, why do people call their struggle to succeed a rat race ?" "Don't ask me, Roger. I'm too caught up in the rat race to think about it." For their information, a/the rat race is a term that describes our daily struggle to live, compete or survive.
Read someone
We often reveal how we think or feel by the gestures we make. If we know the meaning of these gestures we often understand what a person is thinking simply by looking at him. We say we are able to read him. "I wonder if Millie and Clarence have ever been able to read each other ?"

Safety in numbers
I wish someone would tell the boss that when a person talks about safety in numbers he isn't talking about a safe with a number of locks: he's saying that there'sgreater protection against misfortune when a person is in a group. "If it's true that there's safety in numbers my records should be secure now," the boss said.



See reason
"Why must I go to school ?" Mary asked. "Because in today's world one can't succeed without an education," her father replied. "Surely you can see reason and understand that." Mary nodded yes, for to see reason is to think or act sensibly, particularly after learning the facts or accepting advice about something.
Send somebody packing
Several weeks ago an old friend came to visit Wilson. Apparently he enjoyed his visit for he settled in and stayed and stayed. "Good heavens," Wilson exclaimed in despair. "I've got to think of a way to send him packing." To send somebody packing is todismiss or send a person away firmly and quickly.
Sick and tired of
"Morgan, Morgan, you're always moaning," the boss complained. "I'm getting sick and tired of you and your complaints." Morgan moaned even louder. "It's this job. I'm sick and tired of it. If I wasn't so valuable to you I'd quit !" To be sick and tired ofsomeone/something is to be unhappy, weary, irritated ... or disgusted.
Sign of the times
Don't look for signs to direct you to a sign of the times for this type of 'sign' isn't a sign but a characteristic of the times in which we live. "I used to be able to swim and fish here," Kevin sighed. "I can't now, though. The water's polluted and there aren't any more fish. It's a sign of the times.
Sleep like a log
Once a tree is cut and made into logs, the logs don't do anything. They simply lie quietly on the ground. It's from that idea that we get this idiom. When someonesleeps like a log he sleeps very well. "I feel great," Brian yawned. "I slept like a log last night."
Smoke like a chimney
Alan's doctor suggested that he should give up smoking. "You smoke like a chimney," he warned. "It's a threat to your health." Alan's wife is also concerned. "You smoke too much," she said. "You sit there smoking like a chimney." A person who smokes like a chimney smokes a great deal ... and usually continuously !
Someone's better half
Sean never makes a decision without talking over with his better half. His wife is pleased that Sean, her better half, is such a thoughtful husband. Often used humorously, someone's better half is their husband or wife. "I would like to introduce you to my better half," Sean said.
A stag party
We've seen that when women get together to have a party it's a hen party. A party consisting of only men is a stag party. A stag is a male deer. Frequently stag parties are held to honor a man who is about to get married. "The men in our office went to a stag party last night.
That's the story of my life
This remark doesn't refer to a historical account of a person's life : it's usually spoken when something goes wrong. And the more that things go wrong, the more often a person is likely to say this. "I spent six years writing a book but no publisher wanted it. That's the story of my life," Victor frowned.
The world owes one a living
If you ask Buddy why he doesn't work he'll tell you it's because the world owes him a living. People like Buddy -- and there are lots and lots of them around ! -- think that they should be financed or provided for simply because they exist. Shame on you, Buddy !
Think big
"Be confident ! Be positive ! Tell yourself you are the greatest ... and don't forget to think big !" Robert said. To think big is to believe in one's ability, purpose and power to perform or succeed. "I'll think big -- and maybe tomorrow someone will buy one of my paintings," Robert grinned.
Think tank
Professor Lee is a member of a think tank that is investigating new methods of teaching vocabulary improvement. A think tank is a center or an institution devoted to research and problem solving. "Our think tank has concluded that it would be easy to teach vocabulary improvement if we all used fewer words," Professor Lee said.
A tidy sum
"Nine hundred and eight-five nine hundred and eight-six, nine hundred and eight-seven," Felix smiled. "That's a nice tidy sum." A tidy sum is a large amount of money. "I'll need every penny of this for it's going to cost me a tidy sum to buy a new house," Felix explained.
Tie oneself in/into knots
"It was easy getting out of this basket when my master played simple tunes," Sidney grumbled, "but these complicated new melodies of his tie me into knots !" Sidney is complaining for to tie oneself in/into knots is to be -- or cause someone to be -- confused and bewildered.
Time hangs heavy on one's hands
"I'm bored," Simon said. "It's raining outside and there's nothing to watch on television. Time hangs heavy on my hands. " Simon is saying time is moving slowly because he has nothing to do. "Time wouldn't lie heavy on your hands if you helped me clean the house," Simon's wife smiled.
Tower of strength
Those who know Hacken back home in Kansas say he's a tower of strength. This metaphor ( from Shakespeare's Richard III ) describes someone who is helpful, sympathetic, and can always be relied on in times of trouble. " I don't think your reputation as a tower of strength means you should try solving problems here," Hacken's wife said.
Turn turtle
A turtle's natural position, of course, is to be rightside up. The one thing they fear -- especially on land -- is to be turned upside down. that, I would imagine, is why toturn turtle describes something that has rolled or turned upside down. "Jim's new boat turned turtle in last night's storm."
Watch one's language
Long ago when our ancestors wrote using pictorial characters it was probably easy to watch one's language. Today, however, watch your language is a command meaning to be careful how one speaks and especially to be careful not to say impolite or naughty things. "You boys watch your language or I'll send you tot he office," the teacher warned.
Welcome someone with open arms
"Business has been terrible," Oscar's boss said. "Why don't you stand at the door and invite people in ?" Happy to get out of the kitchen, Oscar welcomed the idea with open arms. To welcome someone or something with open arms is to accept someone in a friendly way or perform something happily and eagerly.
Windfall
Many words in English began as idioms. A windfall is one of them. It once referred to fruit that had been blown to the ground by the wind, but has now come to meansudden good luck -- particularly in receiving money unexpectedly. "Fred won some money in the lottery and got a welcome windfall."
Yes man
Murdoch is a happy boss, especially when he's talking to Howard. Howard, you see, is a yes man and a yes man is someone who agrees with everything a person says -- especially when that person is his superior. 'Being a yes man keeps me out of trouble," Howard said, " and it might even lead to a promotion !"
After a fashion
Sara dresses after a fashion. She speaks French after a fashion and she cooks after a fashion. Most things she does are does after a fashion. This says that Sara dresses, speaks French, cooks and does things only so-so for after a fashion means only moderately well.
Ask for someone's hand
In a thousand instances of marriage, I would guess that in nine hundred and ninety-nine of them it is the man who asks for someone's hand. I say that because this expression means to ask a person to get married. It's a marriage proposal. "Angela, I am here on bended knee to ask for your hand," Tim joked.
Chow hound
My dictionary says that the word chow comes from the Chinese word for meat dumpling. In English it now means food of any kind ... and that's exactly what pleases a chow hound. "Even the thought of food makes me happy," Wilbur said. "I'm a chow hound and I never get enough chow."
Bad apple
The apple in this idiom is a person. Just as it is to have a spoiled apple in a basket with good apples, a person said to be a bad ( or a rotten ) apple is likely to have a bad influence on others. "Every school has a couple of bad apples who damage the reputation of others. Clive is the rotten apple in our school."
Beg the question
If I were to ask someone a question and he or she failed to answer it or replied with lots of words which still failed to be a reply, he or she would be begging the question. When I asked the boss for a holiday, he begged the question by telling me he was too busy to talk about it."
Beyond the pale
Many years ago the pale meant a fenced area around a city in Ireland. People within the area obeyed the laws of English kings. Those living outside the area were said to be beyond the pale and were considered uncivilized. Today those beyond the pale are people acting in an unacceptable manner. "The children were beyond the pale at today's party."
Cause tongues to wag
If you'd like to see people moving their tongues rapidly in conversation, tell them a secret or pass on an interesting rumor. That usually causes tongues to wag or sets tongues wagging. That is, they talk and gossip about what they've heard. "The news of Betty's engagement has certainly set tongues wagging.
Bursting at the seams
The bus to the zoo is -- very obviously -- bursting at the seams. The passengers -- also very obviously -- are bursting at the seams to get there. From that you can see that this idiom has two meanings : (1) Something that is very full; and (2) a person filled with eager excitement.
Buzz word
buzz word is a word that looks or sounds big and important in a sentence but, when analyzed, means nothing. Those who use buzz words are generally trying to impress people. "The politician's speech was nothing but a lot of false promises concealed in a series of buzz words."
Cock of the walk
If two cocks are together in the same pen ( called a walk ) they'll fight, the strongest usually winning. From that, a person who thinks of himself or herself as important or possessing power is described as the cock of the walk. "Ever since his promotion, Ivan thinks he's the cock of the walk around here."
Cold comfort
There's nothing very warm or comforting about cold comfort. The Smiths know that as well as anyone. They have just inherited Grandma Smith's huge house -- but they've discovered it has no heating ! "There's cold comfort in having inherited this," they shivered. To get cold comfort means to get no pleasure or happiness at all out of something.
Cost a bomb
Emma's husband is buying her a new diamond ring. It's costing him a bomb but he's glad to make Emma happy. When something costs a bomb it costs a lot of money. "My new ring costs a bomb," Emma smiled. "I hope it doesn't cost a bomb to insure it," her husband answered.
Crocodile tears
Some say that crocodiles shed tears when eating their prey. This has led to the belief that they pretend to be unhappy about eating their victims. From that, when people have crocodile tears they are only pretending to be sad. "The students wept crocodile tears when told that examinations had been canceled.
Scream blue murder
The way Johnny complains when he's about to be bathed might make the neighbors think he's being murdered. That's not true. He's complaining by making a lot of noise, and that's what this expression means. "What am I to do ? Just the sight of water and Johnny begins to scream blue murder," his mother sighed.
Cut down to size
When we cut people down to size, we show them they aren't as important as they think they are. "Mary thinks too highly of herself. Someone should cut her down to size." When an object or a project is cut down to size, it is reduced. "Let's cut this job down to size so we can get it done as quickly as possible."
Cut one's losses
When the company directors told Mr. Jones to cut his losses, he took out his scissors and began cutting. That's not the way to cut one's losses. When we cut our losseswe stop spending time, money or energy on unprofitable projects. "Jones, cut our losses or we'll soon be bankrupt !" the manager shouted.
Do a hatchet job
A hatchet is a short-handled ax. To do or perform a hatchet job is (1) to say or write terrible things about someone or something; or (2) to remove great sections of a plan or story. "The critics did a hatchet job on Bob's new book ( Criticizing ) "Saying it was too long, the editor performed a hatchet job on Sam's newspaper article." (Removing )
Dog's life
Most dos I've seen appear to live comfortable lives : they are generally well-fed and nicely treated. People who live a dog's life, though, are miserable and unhappy. Often it's because they are made unhappy by another person. "For twelve years Jack has live a dog's life working for the same boss."
Double Dutch
Long ago, British merchants trading with The Netherlands said the Dutch language was so difficult that only the Dutch could understand it. In frustration they called it double Dutch. Today double Dutch is anything written or spoken that can't be understood. "I don't know what they're saying," Paul frowned. "It's all double Dutch to me."
Drive someone round the bend
"Slow down this instant, Percy ! You're going to drive me round the bend !" Mrs. Marple cried. Anything that drives us round the bend upsets us so much that we think we're going crazy. The manner in which Percy behaves when driving a car, for instance, is doing just that to Mrs. Marple.
Dutch courage
Unfortunately, the Dutch haven't been treated very kindly in English idioms. From the fact that they were thought to consume great quantities of alcohol, for instance, Dutch courage refers to false bravery gained by drinking alcohol. "Sam dislikes flying so much he's gone to get some Dutch courage before boarding his plane."
End of the road
Dick and Jane's romance looks as though it's about to come to the end of the road. In fact their very lives appear about to come to the end of the road. The end of the road is a time when one's interest, desire, a relationship or even life itself comes to an end.

Every inch
Shakespeare used this expression in King Lear. It means "totally, completely, in every way". "He is every inch a king," Lear said. "I am every inch a believer in freedom," the teacher said. "You are every inch lovely lady," Betsy's mother smiled.


Eyes popped out
My eyes popped out when I saw my electricity bill last month. In that case, I wassurprised -- even shocked -- at what I saw. It's much better, though, to have one's eyes pop out when he or she is nicely surprised. "My eyes popped out when I saw Miriam. I hadn't seen her in years."
Feather in one's cap
The American Indians used to wear feathers as a sign of bravery. From that comes afeather in one's cap which refers to an honor or a special achievement that a person can be proud of. "It must be a feather in your cap to have graduated from school at such an early age," Sylvester said.
Fed up to the teeth
To be fed up has nothing to do with food : it refers to a feeling of unhappiness when a person is bored or disturbed. One can also be fed up to the teeth or fed up to one's back teeth depending on how bored or disturbed one feels. "I'm fed up with work, fed up to the teeth with this cold weather and fed up to my back teeth with worry," Winston said.
Filthy rich
It's not often that you'll see Paddy gambling -- probably because he's too poor to waste his money. Recently, though, he placed a small bet and now it's rumored that Paddy's filthy rich. To be filthy rich is to be very, very rich. "I can get used to being filthy rich very easily," Paddy smiled.
Fly-by-night
Fly-by-night businesses, people or organizations have no established reputations in a community. They begin business only to make a quick profit, often by dishonest means. Having made their money, they often disappear without a trace. "The fly-by-night agency that sold me my air ticket promised me a first-class seat to Athens."
Flying visit
flying visit is a very brief visit. The last time I went to Thailand, for example, it was a flying visit for I was there only one day. When I returned home, grandmother paid us a flying visit while she was out doing her shopping.
Get carried away
To get carried away is to become so emotionally affected that we are unable to control our actions. "When we gave Doris a gift, she got so carried away she began to cry." "The robbers got carried away and took everything they possibly could."
Give the willies
Simon has never been fond of camping out. The sounds he hears in the night give him the willies. The willies are uncomfortable, nervous or fearful feelings. "I have the willies," Simon shivered. "I always get the willies when I'm alone in the forest."
Get the third degree
When arrested, people suspected of committing a crime are often given the third degree by the police. This means they are subjected to intense questioning. Form that, when a person is severely questioned he or she can be said to be given the third degree. "If I'm late getting home, I ways get the third degree from my wife."
Go halves
Have you ever gone halves ? You have if you've ever agreed to share half of something with someone. The thing we most often go haves on are expenses. "Let's go halves and buy a car." "No, I'm not interested in buying a car. I'll go haves on dinner, though."
Go to any lengths
A person who will go to any or to great lengths to do something is very determined. That's because this expression means to do everything possible to achieve a desired result. "Penelope would go to any lengths to be an astronaut." "Ken has gone to great lengths to develop a new and unusual business."
Good egg
However wonderful your favorite teacher or your boss might be, it isn't likely that you would ever call him or her a good egg. This expression means "a nice person" and it's used informally. "My mother-in-law is so generous she would do anything for me. She's a good egg."
Grease someone's palm
The only time Mr. Clark tried to grease someone's palm, he made the mistake of choosing the wrong man. To grease/oil someone's palm is to give someone money in the hope of gaining a favor or information. In other words, Mr. Clark tried to bribe someone ... and that's why Mr. Clark is in serious trouble today !
Hang in the balance
It's an uncomfortable feeling when something hangs in the balance. That includes our lives or the things important to us, for when they hang in the balance, the result of an event is uncertain and the future is unclear. "David failed the examination and his future here now hangs in the balance.
Have a nice day
Most cultures have, at various times, sayings that quickly spread until they are used by almost everyone. One of those currently very popular in the United States is have a nice day. It is used when people wish to say either goodbye or thank you. "You are very thoughtful, sir. Have a nice day," Bobby grinned.
Have a nodding acquaintance
When passing people we know only slightly, we sometimes politely nod our heads at them. From that comes this idiom which means to know a person or a subject only slightly. "I have a nodding acquaintance with my neighbors," Brian said. "I only have a nodding acquaintance with the works of Rembrandt," Cameron said.
Mud in your eye
This rather unusual expression is used as a toast or a salute when people are drinking. It is thought that it began during World War I when soldiers returned to their camps all muddy from battle. "Let's drink a  toast to Dick's success. Here's mud in your eye, Dick."
In a flutter
Whenever Gordon is with Isabella he finds himself in a flutter. As for Isabella, she gets in a flutter being near Gordon. It may be that Gordon and Isabella are in love for to bein a flutter is to be in a state of nervous excitement.
In bad odor
Chadwick's owner may think he's a sweet and adorable pussy cat ... but he's certainly in bad odor with the mice ! "He's been in bad odor with us since the moment we saw him," one of the mice frowned. To be in bad odor with someone means to have aterrible reputation and to be thoroughly disliked. This expression is primarily British.
In the cold light of day
When making plans we should be careful and thoughtful, always considering them in the cold light of day. That is, we should be unemotional, use good common sense and look at things realistically. "My ideas seemed wonderful last night, but in the cold light of day I can see they wouldn't work."
In the driver's seat
Some people enjoy being in the driver's seat. One doesn't even need a driver's license to be there. That's because to be in the driver's seat is to be in a position of authority or in a position where one can control events. "Jack's in the driver's seat now that he's been made supervisor."
In the soup
This colloquial expression originated in the United States. It means to be in trouble. "I'll be in the soup if I don't remember to buy my wife a birthday gift." "Penny and her brother got in the soup playing with the carts at the supermarket."
Know someone in high places
Long ago villages and towns constructed buildings of worship on hilltops to stress their importance. Today, however, we find that "high places" means a position of importance in business, industry or government. To know someone in high places is to know someone holding an important position in one of those areas.
Labor of love
We do most jobs because we have to. Those that give us the greatest satisfaction, though, are those we do purely for pleasure. Such a job is called a labor of love. "It took me days to make this," Martin smiled, "but what does that matter ? For me it has been a labor of love."
Long arm of the law
Police forces have remarkable ways of finding and capturing criminals. Regardless of where they hide, the police are able to use their powers to locate them. This power is called the long arm of the law. "Years after the criminal had committed his crime, the long arm of the law caught him and sent him to prison."
Lose one's marbles
In slang, the term "marbles" refers to (1) a person's common sense; or (2) his or her sanity. "What ? You're going to bet all your money on one horse ? Have youlost your marbles ?" ( Common sense ) "The way Yvonne keeps shouting makes me wonder if she hasn't lost her marbles." ( Sanity )
Lounge lizard
Some idioms are popular for a while, disappear, and then return. This is one of them. A lounge lizard is a particular type of man who dresses neatly, is a good conversationalist, and shows a fondness for meeting wealthy ladies at social events. "Lance has a reputation of being a lounge lizard. It's said he's seeking a rich wife."
Make a pig of oneself
If we know that when pigs eat or drink they exercise no control and don't seem to know when to stop, the meaning of this expression shouldn't be difficult to understand. "The food was so good that I made a pig of myself at the party and sampled everything on the table."
Make one's mark
For years and years Joe struggled to be recognized as an important artist. Now that his paintings are in great demand, he has finally made his mark. "It's wonderful to know I've been able to make my mark," he said. He is saying it is wonderful to have made a contribution to art and to be recognized as a successful person.
Miles away (1)
If a person answers a question incorrectly -- and if his or her answer is very, very wrong -- it can de described as being miles away. That is, the answer is nowhere near being correct. "No, no, no ! That's not the answer to this. Your answer is miles away," Izzy frowned.
Miles away (2)
When applied to people who are thinking, if they are miles away they are not listening to or concentrating on the subject immediately before them. "Sorry, I didn't hear you," the stranger said. "My mind was miles away. i was wondering what my mother would be serving us for dinner tonight."
Mince words
In this idiom, "mince" is an old word meaning to choose words carefully for the sake of politeness ... or even deception. Those who mince words, therefore, aren't speaking as openly or as honestly as they could. "I like people who speak truthfully and frankly without mincing words," Berg said.
Money to burn
Simon has inherited a fortune from his uncle. Since then, he has been spending freely as he had money to burn. This is a sarcastic way of saying Simon is so rich he could burn some of his money and never miss it.
My lips are sealed
This statement is used -- sometimes humorously, sometimes sarcastically -- to say, "I'm not going to tell you," or "I'm not going to answer that question." "I know the answer to the riddle but my lips are sealed. You'll have to discover the answer for yourself."
Not one's scene
"I'm not sure I want to be an actor," Fed said. "It's not my scene." What Fed is saying is that acting doesn't appeal to him .. and it's certainly not something he does well. "Now I'm certain it's not my scene," he said as he walked on to the stage at the wrong moment.
Not for love or money
When Max asked Ayala to marry him she said not for love or money. Mike promised to give her riches if she would marry him. Again Ayala said not for love or money. From this it should not be difficult to guess that this is a strong and emphatic way of saying "No".
Nurse a grudge
A grudge is a feeling of ill will or resentment. A person who refuses to stop thinking about something -- or someone -- that has caused him or her unhappiness or pain is said to nurse a grudge. "Mr. Grundy is furious. He'll nurse a grudge against the person who caused him his injuries for years to come."
A nutcase
In slang, a nut is a silly, crazy, foolish or stupid person. A case is a person being treated by a doctor. A person who is describe as a nutcase thinks, speaks or acts strange, the idea being that he or she is mentally disturbed and in the care of a doctor. "I'm going to become a nutcase if I don't get a holiday soon," Lionel moaned.
On the rocks (1)
A business that is on the rocks is in serious financial difficulty. It does not have enough money to pay its bills. "I understand that the JP Mongoose Company is on the rocks. If sales don't improve, Mr. Mongoose may have to cease doing business."
On the rocks (2)
People asking for an alcoholic drink ( but never beer ! ) on the rocks are asking for one poured into a glass containing nothing but ice cubes. "Rocks" is a slang term for ice cubes, but this idiom is not slang. "Charles asked the hostess for a whiskey on the rocks."
Once in a blue moon
On rare occasions if you look at the moon on a certain night and in a certain way, you will find that it seems light blue in color. Because that doesn't happen often, once in a blue moon means "rarely". "I miss my school friends. I only see them once in a blue moon."
Poison-pen letter
Poisonous things can injure or kill. While a person writing a poison-pen letter to someone doesn't kill, he or she often succeeds in causing injury for such letters contain evil and untrue things about that person. They might even contain threats. Writers of poison-pen letters are usually too cowardly to sign their names on them.
Pull up one's socks
When it is suggested that you pull up your socks it's because you're acting or performing badly. Therefore, to pull up one's socks means to attempt to do better, either in one's behavior or at a task one is doing. "I'll have to pull up my socks if I want to make sure that I don't get fired by the boss."

Put someone in his place
George made the mistake of criticizing his boss. His boss responded by putting him in his place. When we put someone in their place we punish them, often by telling them in an angry way that their thoughts or opinions are of little importance."Having been put in his place, I doubt that George will ever criticize the boss again."






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