Enhance Your English: Idioms and Phrases

Enhance your English: Idioms and Phrases

Daniel B. Smith

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Copyright © 2023, Daniel B. Smith

Table of contents

Introduction

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X, Y, Z

Conclusion

Introduction

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The main purpose of this book is to provide you an impressive and invaluable collection of most used English idioms and phrases, with example sentences also included, so as to learn how to properly use them.

Idioms are words, phrases or expressions which are commonly used in everyday conversation by native English speakers.

Learning the most well-known idioms will help you make your English sound more fluent.

Idioms are often metaphorical and make the language more colorful. People use them to express something more vividly and often more briefly. They serve as an image or mental picture.

It is important to remember that idiomatic expressions are used when speaking informally.

I hope you find this book very useful and recommend it to your peers!

Good luck!

A

1.a backlog of work = This idiom refers to work that still needs to be done.

e.g. After my holiday I returned to a backlog of work.

2.a bad break = This expression refers to a misfortune.

e.g. She lost her job, exactly when she needed money to move house.

3.a baker’s dozen = This expression means thirteen.

e.g. I want a baker’s dozen candies.

4.a bed of roses = This expression refers to an easy option or to an effortless, happy situation.

e.g. Sarah found out that taking care of children was not a bed of roses.

5.a big ask = This expression means to ask someone to do something for you or for a favour that is difficult, time consuming or inconvenient for the person you’re asking.

e.g. I know it’s a big ask, but is there any chance you could borrow me $10.000?

6.a bigger bang for your buck = This idiom means that you receive a better value for your money.

e.g. Those clothes are so cheap. You clearly get a bigger bang for your buck.

7.a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush = This means that what you have is worth more than what you might have later.

e.g. You should be happy now that you have a car. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

8.a black day = A black day is a day on which something terrible has happened.

e.g. Every person has a black day at least once in their lifetime.

9.a blank cheque = If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorize them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation.

e.g. Diana was given a blank cheque and told to negotiate the best deal possible.

10.a blessing in disguise = It refers to something that is unpleasant at first but later turns out to have advantages.

e.g. Missing the train was a blessing in disguise – that’s how I met my girlfriend.

11.a blot on the landscape = This phrase refers to something that spoils the view or ruins a previously comfortable situation.

e.g. Her coming was just a blot on the landscape.

12.a breeze = To say that something was a breeze means that it was very easy or that everything went smoothly.

e.g. The interview was a breeze – scarcely 13 minutes and I got the job!

13.a bull and cow = This idiom means a row or argument.

e.g. They were screaming at one another – a bull and cow, for sure.

14.a bun in the oven = This idiom is used when a woman is pregnant.

e.g. She has a bun in the oven; the baby is due in 3 months.

15.a bunch of fives = If you give someone a bunch of fives, you hit them hard with your hand closed. This idiom means a fist, as used in a fight.

e.g. All of a sudden he give him a bunch of fives.

16.a burnt child dreads the fire = This saying means that everyone avoids repeating a hurting experience again in life.

e.g. After the accident, she is very careful in driving because a burnt child dreads the fire.

17.a cat may look at a king = This phrase means that someone who is inferior in any form is not totally restricted in how they behave in front of a superior.

e.g. I don’t like him! He talks to his wife in a way that a cat may look at a king.

18.a charmed life = This phrase refers to a life of guaranteed good fortune or invulnerability, by virtue of a charm or spell.

e.g. She won’t have a charmed life, that’s for sure.

19.a cinch = This idiom refers to something that is very easy and is therefore certain to be a success.

e.g. The exam was a cinch.

20.a complete shambles = This idiom refers to a scene of disorder, a ruin or a mess.

e.g. After the street fight, the area was a complete shambles.

21.a concrete overcoat = This is a jocular reference to a form of coffin, alluding to a body being dumped beneath a layer of concrete.

e.g. Don’t annoy me or you’ll end up in a concrete overcoat.

22.a conflict of interest = This idiom refers to a situation in which someone cannot make a fair decision because they will be affected by the result.

e.g. I need to declare a conflict of interest here.

23.a countenance more in sorrow than in anger = This phrase refers to a person or thing that is viewed more with sadness than with anger.

e.g. For me, it’s a countenance more in sorrow than in anger...

24.a curate’s egg = This idiom refers to something bad that is called good out of politeness or timidity.

e.g. This problem is a curate’s egg.

25.a cut above = Someone or something that is a cut above the others is better or of higher quality.

e.g. The watches in this store are a cut above the others.

26.a damp squib = This expression refers to an event which people think will be exciting but which is disappointing when it happens.

e.g. The party was a damp squib.

27.a Daniel come to judgment = This phrase refers to someone who makes a wise judgment about something that has previously proven difficult to resolve.

e.g. You’re like a Daniel come to judgment.

28.a day late and a dollar short = If something is a day late and a dollar short, it comes too late and is not good enough.

e.g. They offered me a part-time job when I had already found a full-time job – a day late and a dollar short.

29.a dead letter = This idiom refers to an issue, law or matter that is no longer important or that no longer has force or power.

e.g. The peace agreement was a dead letter as soon as it was signed.

30.a dicey situation = Any situation that is potentially risky or dangerous is called a dicey situation.

e.g. The police officer was in a dicey situation.

31.a different kettle of fish = To describe a person, thing or situation as a different kettle of fish means that it is completely different from what was previously mentioned.

e.g. I may have good business ideas but implementing them in your county is a different kettle of fish.

32.a dime a dozen = This idiom refers to something common.

e.g. Stamps like this are a dime a dozen.

33.a doddle = If a task or activity is a doddle, it is very easy to do or perform.

e.g. How did the test go? No problem, it was a doddle.

34.a dog and pony show = A dog and pony show is a marketing event or presentation which has plenty of style but not much content.

e.g. I though it would be an interesting campaign, but it turned out to be a dog and pony show.

35.a dog’s breakfast = To describe something as a dog’s breakfast means that it is a complete mess.

e.g. The new employee made a dog’s breakfast out of the registers.

36.a dog’s life = People use this expression when complaining about a situation or job which they find unpleasant or unsatisfactory.

e.g. I strongly believe that it’s a dog’s life working in the accounting department.

37.a done deal = A done deal refers to an agreement or decision which has been reached on a certain matter.

e.g. I am still considering all the available options, so it is not a done deal.

38.a drowning man will clutch at a straw = This saying refers to the desperate measures that someone in need may take in order to come out of the situation.

e.g. Steven tried his hand at that interview to get a job because a drowning man will clutch at a straw.

39.a dry run / dummy run = If you organise a rehearsal, a trial exercise or a practice session of something, in realistic conditions, to see how well it will work before it is launched, you do a dry run.

e.g.  I think we should do a dry run of the ceremony. What do you think?

40.a dust up = This idiom means a fight.

e.g. There has been a dust up in this place.

41.a fast / quick buck = This idiom means to earn money quickly and often in a way that is not honest or normal.

e.g. He is trying to make a fast buck by selling coffee in a busy street.

42.a fate worse than death = This idiom refers to something you do no want to experience because it is so unpleasant.

e.g. When you’re young an boisterous, an evening at home with your family seems like a fate worse than death.

43.a few / many irons in the fire = If you have a few or many irons in the fire, you are involved in several projects at the same time.

e.g. This is not my sole business – I’ve got a few irons in the fire.

44.a fighting chance = This idiom refers to a good possibility of succeeding if you try hard.

e.g. You clearly have a fighting chance of getting that job.

45.a finger in every pie = If someone has a finger in every pie, they are involved in many activities.

e.g. You should talk to Steve about the recreational activities in this little town. He has a finger in every pie.

46.a flash in the pan = If you refer to somebody’s success as a flash in the pan, you mean that it is not likely to be repeated.

e.g. The team’s victory is just a flash in the pan, believe me.

47.a flea in one’s ear = After an attempt at something, if you are sent away with a flea in your ear, you are angrily reprimanded or humiliated.

e.g. The cheater was sent away with a flea in his ear.

48.a flight of fancy = To refer to an idea or plan as a flight of fancy means that it is imaginative but not at all practical or sensible.

e.g. I deeply appreciate your effort, but this plan is a flight of fancy.

49.a fly in the ointment = A fly in the ointment refers to something that prevents a situation from being completely satisfactory.

e.g. My cousin’s poor English was a fly in the ointment when he applied for becoming an air traffic controller.

50.a fly on the wall = A person who watches a situation without being noticed is called a fly on the wall.

e.g. I would love to be a fly on the wall when they discuss the matter.

51.a fool and his money are soon parted = This idiom means that a foolish person is very likely to lose his money.

e.g. Steve is off to the casino – a fool and his money are soon parted.

52.a fool’s errand = If you go on a fool’s errand, you try to do something which is useless, unnecessary and has no chance of success.

e.g. It was a fool’s errand to look for a dentist’s in that isolated area.

53.a foot in the door = To say that someone has a foot in the door means that they have a small but successful start in something and will possibly do well in the future.

e.g. In our little county it’s hard to get a foot in the door in any profession.

54.A for effort = This expression refers to giving someone recognition for trying hard to do something even though they may not be successful.

e.g. He definitely deserves an A for effort.

55.a foregone conclusion = This phrase refers to a decision made before the evidence for it is known. It’s like an inevitable conclusion.

e.g. Taking into consideration all the aspects, isn’t it a foregone conclusion?

56.a game changer = This idiom refers to an idea, procedure or event that significantly changes the current way of doing or thinking about something.

e.g. This new software is a game changer.

57.a game plan = This expression means a strategy worked out in advance.

e.g. I need to come up with a better game plan for this mission.

58.a going concern = A business or activity that is dynamic and successful is a going concern.

e.g. Four years ago, we opened a store that is a going concern today.

59.a golden key can open any door = This idiom means that money always has a telling influence.

e.g. She isn’t good enough to be in this team but she brought a sponsorship deal. As they say, a golden key can open any door.

60.a good day’s work = If the work day was good professionally speaking, it was a good day’s work.

e.g. We finished the project! It was a good day’s work.

61.a hard / tough nut to crack = This idiom refers to a person, thing, situation or problem that is particularly difficult to understand, solve or deal with.

e.g. I’ve been dating her for two months and I still believe she’s a tough nut to crack.

62.a head start = If you have a head start, you have an advantage that enables you to make progress more quickly and have a greater chance of success.

e.g. I’ve got a head start over other candidates because I’ve got relevant work experience.

63.a heavy cross to bear = This idiom refers to an unpleasant or painful situation or person that you have to accept and deal with.

e.g. The villagers lost all their crop to heavy rain. It was a heavy cross to bear.

64.a highly coloured report = You use this expression when you want to refer to a report that is exaggerated or has a biased view.

e.g. In my opinion this is a highly coloured report.

65.a house divided against itself cannot stand = This expression means that failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.

e.g. I order you to stop quarrelling! A house divided against itself cannot stand!

66.a house of cards = This expression refers to something that can easily be broken or crumble by itself.

e.g. The police brought the illegal business down like a house of cards.

67.a kickback = This term refers to money paid illegally for favourable treatment.

e.g. They were accused of giving kickbacks to local authorities.

68.a knight in shining armour = This idiom refers to a person who comes to the aid of another when other hopes have faded, like the knights in romantic stories.

e.g. Oh, thank you so much, Oliver! You are a knight in shining armour!

69.a knock-back = This idiom refers to a reversal or fortune or disappointment.

e.g. Her failure was a real knock-back for the couple.

70.a knuckle sandwich = This phrase refers to a punch in the mouth.

e.g. If you keep doing that, you’ll get a knuckle sandwich.

71.a la carte = This phrase literally means on the menu, with each dish separately priced. It’s the opposite of table d’hote meal, which has a fixed inclusive price.

e.g. I would like to eat in an a la carte restaurant.

72.a la mode = This phrase means fashionable. Also, in the USA, this is a dessert served with ice cream.

e.g. She’s a la mode woman.

73.a laugh a minute = This idiom is used to describe someone who is very funny.

e.g. I like hanging out with her. She’s a laugh a minute!

74.a leap of faith = This idiom refers to an act of believing something that is not easily believed.

e.g. It took a big leap of faith to quit my job.

75.a legend in one’s own lifetime = This phrase refers to a living person of considerable fame.

e.g. This actor is a legend in his own lifetime.

76.a leopard can’t change his spots = This idiom means that you cannot change your innate self.

e.g. She was a cheater in her twenties and she’s a cheater now – a leopard can’t change his spots!

77.a lick and a promise = If you give something a lick and a promise, you make a quick attempt to clean it, with the intention of doing it more thoroughly later.

e.g. I gave the bathroom a lick and a promise before I ran to work.

78.a life’s work = This idiom means the entire or principal work or activity of a person’s lifetime or career.

e.g. He decided to make medicine his life work.

79.a likely story = This expression is used to say that you do not believe what has just been said.

e.g. She said she’d found the document in the abandoned house – that’s a likely story.

80.a little bird told me = This expression means that you were told something by an undisclosed source.

e.g. How do I know that? A little bird told me.

81.a little learning / knowledge is a dangerous thing = This means that people who don’t understand something fully are dangerous.

e.g. I wouldn’t trust her with this job. A little learning is a dangerous thing.

82.a load of cobblers / codswallop = This idiom means nonsense.

e.g. She says she has seen them together, which is a load of cobblers.

83.a long haul = This idiom refers to something that takes a lot of time and energy.

e.g. I told my boss that I wouldn’t quit. I am in for the long haul.

84.a lot at stake =  Someone who has a lot at stake is in a risky situation, with a lot to be won or lost.

e.g. I was nervous about signing the contract because there was a lot at stake.

85.a lot on your plate = If someone has a lot on their plate, they are extremely busy or have several problems to handle at the same time.

e.g. It’s not a good time to discuss this problem with the manager. She’s got a lot on her plate.

86.a man after my own heart = This expression means a kindred spirit; someone who thinks as you do.

e.g. She has finally found a man after her own heart.

87.a man of action / action man = This idiom refers to a person of energetic activity.

e.g. The organisation needs a man of action as a leader.

88.a matter of time = If you say that it is only/just a matter of time before/until something happens, it is certain to happen or will inevitably take place, although you do not know when.

e.g. More regulations will have to be introduced. It’s only a matter of time.

89.a Mexican wave = This phrase refers to a wave effect formed when crowds in stadia rise up and down from their seats in succession.

e.g. After their goal, a Mexican wave could have been seen.

90.a mile a minute = This idiom means to do something very quickly.

e.g. It’s hard to understand him. He talks at a mile a minute!

91.a mind of your own = If you have a mind of your own, you are capable of forming an opinion and making decisions without being influenced by others.

e.g. She has a mind of her own, but from time to time she needs a piece of advice.

92.a ministering angel shall my sister be = To minister means to serve or act as a subordinate agent. Therefore, a ministering angel is a kind-hearted person, providing help and comfort.

e.g. I need someone to help me. A ministering angel shall my sister be.

93.a miss is as good as a mile = This means that some endeavours either succeed or they don’t – this means that missing narrowly is still a failure.

e.g. She has almost broken the record. Sadly, a miss is as good as a mile.

94.a month of Sundays = This expression is an amusing way of referring to a very long period of time.

e.g. I haven’t been to the cinema in a month of Sundays.

95.a movable feast = This idiom refers to a feast day that falls on the same day of the week each year, but which has a date which varies.

e.g. Can you give an example of a movable feast?

96.a narrow escape = This idiom refers to a situation in which danger or problems are barely avoided.

e.g. The man barely made it over the tracks before the train came. What a narrow escape!

97.a necessary evil = If you say that something is a necessary evil, you don’t like it but you understand that it has to exist and be accepted.

e.g. Vaccination is a necessary evil if you want to travel to Brazil.

98.a nest egg = If you have a nest egg, you have a reserve of money which you put aside for future needs.

e.g. I consider the money from the sale of my motorcycle as a nest egg for difficult times.

99.a nest of vipers = This idiom refers to a group of iniquitous people, congregating together.

e.g. No, I won’t go there. There’s a nest of vipers and I don’t want to meet them.

100.a nod is as good as a wink = This phrase refers to passing signals to convey a message. This signal can be subtle for those who want to understand it.

e.g. Between lovers, a nod is generally as good as a wink.

101.a norange = This idiom is a confusion of typing (displacement of a letter in this term). See the example: an orange / a norange.

e.g. She said she would eat a norange.

102.a notch above = Something that is a notch above something else is a little better in every way.

e.g. Her poem was a notch above the others.

103.a pat answer = A simplified response that is memorized or prepared in advance is called a pat answer.

e.g. Most journalists at the press conference found her pat answers frustrating.

104.a paying guest = This phrase refers to a lodger.

e.g. She takes in paying guests to make extra money.

105.a penny for your thoughts = This phrase is used to ask someone what they are thinking about.

e.g. Brian, a penny for your thoughts.

106.a penny saved is a penny earned = This expression means that money you save today can be spent later.

e.g. You should take the change. A penny saved is a penny earned.

107.a perfect storm = This idiom means the worst possible situation.

e.g. This situation is clearly a perfect storm. We are at difficulty now.

108.a picture is worth a thousand words = This expression means that a picture can give just as much information as a large amount of descriptive text.

e.g. Look at this picture of her. A picture is worth a thousand words, isn’t it?

109.a piece of the pie = This idiom means a share of something like money or profits.

e.g. If you invest in this company, you will get a big piece of the pie.

110.a pig in a poke = This idiom refers to a commodity that is bought without first examining it.

e.g. She said the laptop was good and I listened to her. Eventually, it turned out that it was a pig in a poke.

111.a place for everything and everything in its place = This phrase is advisory in nature which talks about things being stacked neatly and should be put back in its place when one is not using that particular item.

e.g. He is a strict father and teaches his child to make a place for everything and have everything in its place.

112.a place in the sun = If you find a place in the sun, you reach a position which provides you with wealth and happiness, or whatever you have been hoping to obtain in life.

e.g. I hope one day I will find a place in the sun with the triumph of my books.

113.a plague on both your houses = This idiom refers to a frustrated curse on both sides of an argument.

e.g. A plague on both your houses! I hate you!

114.a plum in your mouth = Someone who speaks with an upper-class accent is said to have a plum in their mouth.

e.g. She speaks just like an aristocrat – with a plum in her mouth.

115.a plum job = A desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy is called a plum job.

e.g. I’d like to find myself a plum job in Berlin.

116.a pocket of resistance = A small group of people who resist change or disagree with a proposal, form a pocket of resistance.

e.g. The manager wants to introduce a new marketing plan, but there’s a pocket of resistance in the sales department.

117.a political football = This idiom refers to a issue that is the subject of continuous argument or controversy.

e.g. Retirement age is a political football in the United States of America.

118.a priori = This idiom means relating to an argument that suggests the probable effects of a known cause or using general principles to suggest likely effects.

e.g. That was an example of a priori reasoning.

119.a quick learner = A quick learner is someone who is able to learn a new skill or task very quickly.

e.g. She is a quick learner. She has been here for two weeks and already knows the process.

120.a red flag = A signal that something is not working properly or correctly.

e.g. The noise in the factory raised a red flag.

121.a red rag to a bull = This expression means a deliberate provocation.

e.g. Telling him those words it was like a red rag to a bull.

122.a riddle wrapped up in an enigma = This idiom means a puzzle difficult to solve.

e.g. This problem is like a riddle wrapped up in an enigma.

123.a rip-off = To say that something is a rip-off means that it costs much more than it should.

e.g. Twenty dollars for a coffee? That’s a rip-off!

124.a roaring trade = If you do a roaring trade, your business is very successful.

e.g. Dentists are doing a roaring trade these days.

125.a rolling stone gathers no moss = This saying means that it is difficult for a wanderer to be able to flourish.

e.g. You should find a place that you like and buy a flat there because a rolling stone gathers no moss.

126.a rose by any other name would smell as sweet = This idiom means that what matters is what something is, not what it is called.

e.g. Here is your new BMW car. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

127.a rude awakening = If you get a rude awakening, you are forced to accept the unpleasant truth or reality.

e.g. She thought I would want her back, but she got a rude awakening.

128.a rum do = This idiom refers to a strange situation or event.

e.g. This is certainly a rum do.

129.a running battle = If two people or groups have a running battle with each other, they argue or disagree about something over a long period of time.

e.g. There’s been a running battle between the local authorities and citizens over the parking lots.

130.a sacred cow = This idiom refers to something that people do not like to question; a taboo subject.

e.g. The trial remains a sacred cow.

131.a safe pair of hands = This idiom refers to a reliable person, who can be trusted not to fail in a task.

e.g. This problem is quite intricate, so we need a safe pair of hands.

132.a safety net = This idiom refers to some backup that someone has in case of potential problems, often financial ones.

e.g. I always have money in my savings account as a safety net.

133.a sea change = This means a radical change.

e.g. There clearly was a sea change when Obama came in after Bush. 

134.a sharp cookie = Someone who is not easily fooled or deceived is a sharp cookie.

e.g. You can’t fool my father. He’s a sharp cookie.

135.a shot in the arm = This idiom means a boost or encouragement.

e.g. Seeing them cheering me was a real shot in the arm.

136.a shot in the dark = To refer to a question or statement as a shot in the dark means that it is a complete guess, but at the same time it might be close to the truth.

e.g. Mentioning her name was just a shot in the dark.

137.a shouting match = An argument or debate where people shout loudly at each other is called a shouting match.

e.g. The debate between the two politicians turned into a shouting match.

138.a show stopper = To be a show stopper, something has to literally stop the show. For one reason or another – good or bad – the show has to be paused for a short time before continuing.

e.g. The broken stage lights were a show stopper until the staff fixed them.

139.a shrinking violet = A person referred to as a shrinking violet is a timid or shy person.

e.g. The young lady was a shrinking violet who had difficulty expressing herself.

140.a sight for sore eyes = This expression refers to a person or thing that you are happy to see.

e.g. Steve! You are a sight for sore eyes!

141.a sign of the times = This expression refers to something that shows the nature of today’s society.

e.g. The rising level of divorces is a sign of the times.

142.a sitting duck = A sitting dusk is an easy target, a person who is easy to deceive.

e.g. The man was a sitting duck for the enemy. He had to move briskly.

143.a skeleton in the closet / cupboard = This idiom refers to a secret and possibly ruinous source of shame.

e.g. We all have a skeleton in the closet.

144.a slap on the wrist = If you get a slap on the wrist, you receive mild punishment or you are reprimanded for something you have done.

e.g. I got only a slap on the wrist.

145.a sledgehammer to crack a nut = Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut means using disproportionate force to solve a problem.

e.g. She called the police because her next door neighbour was rude? That’s using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

146.a sleeping partner = This term refers to a person who invests in a business without taking an active part in its management, and whose association with the enterprise is not public knowledge.

e.g. I work alone but my business is financed by a sleeping partner.

147.a slip of the tongue = A slip of the tongue is a small spoken error or mistake.

e.g. Sorry. That was a slip of the tongue! I meant to say slow down.

148.a smokescreen = A smokescreen is an action or tactic intended to conceal or divert attention from your real intentions or activities.

e.g. Their business was just a smokescreen for their forbidden activities.

149.a smoking gun = A smoking gun is a piece of evidence or the indisputable sign of someone’s guilt.

e.g. The fingerprints were the smoking gun that enabled the police to arrest them.

150.a snake in the grass = Someone who pretends to be your friend while actually betraying you is a snake in the grass.

e.g. She turned out to be just a snake in the grass.

151.a snap decision = A quick decision based on an impulse, without taking time to weigh the consequences, is called a snap decision.

e.g. I made a snap decision to go cycling.

152.a sneak preview = A sneak preview is a special viewing of a film or art production given to a select audience before being shown to the general public.

e.g. Artists were given a sneak preview of the next episode.

153.a snowball effect = This expression means that events have momentum and build upon each other.

e.g. We have to stop this snowball effect as soon as possible.

154.a snowball’s chance in hell = This expression means no chance at all.

e.g. She won’t succeed. This is like a snowball’s chance in hell.

155.a social butterfly = A person who has a lot of friends and acquaintances and likes to flit from one social event to another is called a social butterfly.

e.g. Nicole is a social butterfly.

156.a sorry sight = This idiom can either refer to something sadly neglected or to a person or thing of untidy appearance.

e.g. These houses were beautiful some time ago, but now they make a sorry sight.

157.a square peg in a round hole = To say that a person is a square peg in a round hole means that they are not suitable for the job they are doing or the situation they are in.

e.g. The employee was a bad match for the job – a square peg in a round hole.

158.a stitch in time saves nine = This idiom means that it’s better to fix the problem now because it will get worse later.

e.g. You should speak with her today. A stitch in time saves nine.

159.a stone’s throw away = Something that is a stone’s throw away is just a short distance away.

e.g. The local shop is a stone’s throw away.

160.a stool pigeon = A person who acts as an informer, especially one who gives information to the police or the authorities, is called a stool pigeon.

e.g. I don’t trust her. I think she is a stool pigeon for the police.

161.a storm is brewing = If you say that a storm is brewing, you mean that the atmosphere indicates that there is going to be trouble, probably with outbursts of anger or emotion.

e.g. As soon as I saw her face, I knew there was a storm brewing.

162.a stumbling block = A problem or obstacle that prevents you from achieving something is a stumbling block.

e.g. English language was always a stumbling block for my wife.

163.a tall poppy = This idiom refers to a privileged or distinguished person.

e.g. All tall poppies were invited to raise charity.

164.a taste of your own medicine = If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you treat them in the same unpleasant way that they have treated you.

e.g. I have given her a taste of her own medicine and she didn’t like it.

165.a thin line = When there is a thin/fine line between feelings or situations, there is a point where it is difficult to distinguish between them.

e.g. There’s a thin line between these situations. Be careful.

166.a thing of beauty is a joy forever = This idiom means that the experience of beauty is blissful and lasting.

e.g. I like this picture very much! A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

167.a thorn in the flesh = This idiom refers to a persistent difficulty or annoyance.

e.g. This week I will solve this problem out. It has been like a thorn in the flesh for me.

168.a tinker’s damn = This phrase refers to something that is insignificant or worthless.

e.g. I wouldn’t give a tinker’s damn on it. 

169.a tissue of lies = This idiom refers to a story invented in order to deceive.

e.g. The whole text is a tissue of lies.

170.a toss up = This idiom might either refer to the flip of a coin to decide on something or to a result, usually between two courses of action, which is uncertain and could go either way.

e.g. Who will win the Presidency? It’s a toss up.

171.a total / complete shambles = This idiom refers to a state of confusion, bad organization or untidiness or something that is in this state.

e.g. After the party, the house was a complete shambles.

172.a trip to the sun = This idiom refers to something which is very unlikely.

e.g. Getting a job in the USA for her is like a trip to the sun.

173.a trouble shared is a trouble halved = This idiom means that the intensity of a issue can be lowered down by discussion.

e.g. Don’t hesitate to share your problem with me. A trouble shared is a trouble halved!

174.a turn up for the books = This idiom refers to an unexpected piece of good fortune.

e.g. Well, the decision was a turn up for the books.

175.a voice crying in the wilderness = This idiom refers to someone who says something that is not accepted by others.

e.g. The stories are interesting if you are into that kind of things. For her, it was like listening to a voice crying in the wilderness.

176.a watched pot never boils = This idiom means that if you wait for something to happen it takes longer.

e.g. Stop waiting for her call. A watched pot never boils!

177.a well-oiled machine = This idioms refers mainly to the workplace. It means that as a group you all get on well together and things seem to run very smoothly.

e.g. Last month our company was like a well-oiled machine. Thank you all for that!

178.a wet blanket = To refer to someone as a wet blanket means that they spoil other people’s fun, or make an event less enjoyable than it could have been.

e.g. Come on man! Don’t be such a wet blanket!

179.a whole raft of = This idiom refers to a large collection of something.

e.g. A whole raft of students protested against those measures.

180.a word in your shell-like = This phrase means that somebody would like to talk to you.

e.g. Hey, John! A word in your shell-like.

181.a work of art = This idiom refers to a painting, sculpture, poem, piece of music or other product of the creative arts, especially one with strong imaginative or aesthetic appeal.

e.g. Yes, the Mona Lisa is a work of art.

182.a work of fiction = This expression refers to a fictional account.

e.g. We thought that the story was genuine, but in fact it was just a work of fiction.

183.A1 at Lloyd’s = This phrase means the highest quality.

e.g. One day, your English will be A1 at Lloyd’s.

184.abandon hope all ye who enter here = This phrase is the supposed inscription at the entrance to Hell.

e.g. Abandon hope all ye who enter here, was written on the door.

185.abbreviated piece of nothing = This slang expression refers to someone who is considered to be insignificant or worthless.

e.g. She doesn’t think much of her new colleague. She calls him an abbreviated piece of nothing.

186.abide with me = This idiom represents a plea for God to be always present, in one’s life and through death.

e.g. Before the mission, she was heard saying abide with me!

187.about time = This idiom means almost time or high time.

e.g. Hurry! It’s about time for the game to start. It’s about time I got a new pair of shoes.

188.about turn / about face = This term refers to a complete change of opinion or policy.

e.g. The manager’s recent declarations indicate an about turn in company policy.

189.above and beyond the call of duty = If a person does something which is above and beyond the call of duty, they show a greater degree of courage or effort than is usually required or expected in their job.

e.g. The police officer received a medal for his action which went above and beyond the call of duty.

190.above board = If a situation, business or person is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal.

e.g. There aren’t secret negotiations within this company. Our dealing have always been above board.

191.abracadabra = This is an exclamation used by conjurers when performing tricks.

e.g. Abracadabra! ...and a rabbit appeared.

192.absence makes the heart grow fonder = This means that our feelings for people and things grow when we are apart from them.

e.g. I enjoyed visiting the city but I soon missed my girlfriend. As they say – absence makes the heart grow fonder.

193.absent without leave = This idiom means absent without permission.

e.g. Steve is absent without leave today.

194.abso-bloody-lutely = This is a more emphatic version of absolutely.

e.g. Would I want to go to the party? Abso-bloody-lutely!

195.accident waiting to happen = The term refers to a potentially disastrous situation, often caused by negligence or insufficient precaution.

e.g. According to those who lived in this hood, the explosion in the warehouse where the has cylinders were stocked was an accident waiting to happen.

196.accidentally on purpose = If you do something intentionally, but pretend it was an accident, you do it accidentally on purpose.

e.g. I accidentally-on-purpose erased her email address so I couldn’t contact her again.

197.accidents will happen = This idiom means that things sometimes go wrong, despite out best efforts.

e.g. Don’t be sad. Nobody was hurt. Accidents will happen.

198.according to Hoyle = This phrase means in accord with the highest authority or in accord with a strict set of rules.

e.g. According to Hoyle, you were right.

199.account for = This idiom means to have to provide an explanation for something. It can also means to be responsible for or assign responsibility to someone or something.

e.g. The horrible weather accounted for the damages.

200.ace a test = It you obtain a very high score or an excellent result, you ace a test or exam.

e.g. Cristina’s parents said she could go to the party if she aced her English test.

201.ace in the hole = A poker term which means an advantage or resource kept hidden until needed.

e.g. She clearly has an ace in the hole that will ensure victory ... you’ll see!

202.Achilles heel = This expression refers to a vulnerable area or a weak spot, in an otherwise strong situation, that could cause one’s downfall or failure.

e.g. She’s extremely intelligent, but her inability to speak in public is her Achilles heel.

203.acid test = To refer to something as the acid test means that it will prove how effective or useful something is.

e.g. The training course was interesting but the acid test will come when we start the new job.

204.acquired taste = Something that you dislike when you first taste it, but begin to like after trying it several times, is an acquired taste.

e.g. Maria has always loved potatoes, but for me it was an acquired taste.

205.acronyms = Acronyms are words which are formed from the initial letters of other words.

e.g. Did you know that quango is formed from quasi non-governmental organization?

206.across the board = This idiom means equal for everyone. Applying to everybody or everything.

e.g. Big bonuses were given across the board.

207.act of God = This term refers to a natural event or accident, for which no person is responsible (such as an earthquake, lighting and similar acts of nature).

e.g. The insurance company refused to pay for the damage because it was caused by an act of God.

208.act the giddy goat = This idiom means to behave foolishly.

e.g. Adrian, stop acting the giddy goat!

209.act your age = This idiom means to behave in a manner appropriate to your stage in life.

e.g. I wish she would act her age.

210.actions speak louder than words = This means that people’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

e.g. You shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Don’t forget that actions speak louder than words.

211.Adam’s ale = This is a reference to water, often used to emphasize the purity of water as compared to other drinks.

e.g. When I finished the marathon all I needed was Adam’s ale.

212.add fuel to the flames / fire =  If you add fuel to the flames / fire, you do or say something that makes a difficult situation even worse.

e.g. She forgot their wedding anniversary and her apologies only added fuel to the flames.

213.add insult to injury = To add insult to injury means to make a bad situation worse by harming or upsetting someone you have already harmed in some other way.

e.g. He stole money from me and he added insult to injury by hitting my wife!

214.afraid of one’s own shadow = A person who is afraid of his/her own shadow is very nervous or easily frightened.

e.g. I’ve never seen anyone so easily scared. Sarah is afraid of her own shadow.

215.after someone’s blood = If somebody is after your blood, they desire to catch you in order to hurt or punish you.

e.g. As he has lied to them, they are after his blood now.

216.after the fact = If something is done after the fact, it’s done too late, after something has actually happened, especially a crime or an accident.

e.g. They realized that they had put people in danger, but that was of no help after the fact.

217.after the watershed = In some countries, the watershed is the time limit after which more TV programmes can be shown that include adult humour, bad language or controversial subjects.

e.g. The children should be in bed now. It’s after the watershed.

218.aftermath = This idiom refers to the period of time after something bad has happened.

e.g. Some countries sent help in the aftermath of the earthquake.

219.aga saga = This idiom refers to a story about the lives of people who have a good standard of living and live in the English countryside.

e.g. This is a good book. It’s an aga saga.

220.against one’s better judgment = If you do something even though you feel it is not a sensible thing to do, you do it against your better judgment.

e.g. Mark persuaded her to go by car, against her better judgment, and she regretted it as soon as she saw the heavy traffic.

221.against the clock = If you do something against the clock, you are rushed and have very little time to do it.

e.g. I’m working against the clock to have the presentation ready for Tuesday.

222.age before beauty = This phrase means that older people should be given precedence over the younger and, by implication, more beautiful. This is normally used jocularly, often by the older person in order to flatter the younger.

e.g. Age before beauty, Ann. Thank you!

223.agog = This idiom means with great excitement and interest.

e.g. She was waiting agog to see the actress.

224.agree to disagree = This idiom means to set aside an irreconcilable difference in order to maintain a civil dialogue.

e.g. Let’s agree to disagree and go on to the next topic.

225.ahead of the pack / game = If a person or organization is ahead of the pack/game, they are better or more successful than their rivals.

e.g. Our services will have to be more innovative if we want to stay ahead of the pack.

226.ahead of time = If something happens ahead