List of Idioms and Examples

1. A bad patch (A period of difficulty) 9. A damp squib (A disappointing result)

He is going through a bad patch in his career, but I'm sure he'll The highly anticipated movie turned out to be a damp squib.
bounce back soon. His surprise party was a damp squib because most friends didn't
We had a bad patch in our friendship, but now everything is fine. show up.
After facing a bad patch in business, they finally started making The new product launch was a damp squib due to poor
profits. marketing.

2. A big draw (Huge attraction) 10. A dime a dozen (Very cheap and common)
The new amusement park is a big draw for tourists. Fake watches are a dime a dozen in the local market.
The cricket match between India and Pakistan was a big draw These plastic toys are a dime a dozen; you'll find them
for fans. everywhere.
The festival had many stalls, but the magic show was the biggest In the digital age, online courses are a dime a dozen.
draw.
11. A drop in the ocean (A very small amount compared to what is
3. A blessing in disguise (Something bad that turns out to be needed)
good) Donating '100 is just a drop in the ocean for such a big cause.
Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; I found a much better One day of practice is a drop in the ocean when preparing for an
one later. exam.
Missing the bus was a blessing in disguise because I avoided The government's relief package is just a drop in the ocean for
the accident. the affected people.
His illness seemed bad, but it was a blessing in disguise as it
made him adopt a healthier lifestyle.
12. A drug in the market (Lack of demand and great supply)
Those old model phones are now a drug in the market.
4. A cakewalk (Something very easy) Printed newspapers are slowly becoming a drug in the market
The exam was a cakewalk for me because I had prepared well. due to digital news.
Cooking pasta is a cakewalk if you follow the recipe properly. During the lockdown, travel bags became a drug in the market.
He is so good at chess that every match seems like a cakewalk
for him.
13. A far cry (Something notably different)
His current lifestyle is a far cry from his struggling days.
5. A carrot and stick policy (Rewards and punishments policy) The final product was a far cry from what was promised.
The company follows a carrot and stick policy to maintain Life in a village is a far cry from life in a big city.
discipline among employees.
Parents often use a carrot and stick policy to encourage good
14. A fool's paradise (Happiness based on ignorance of potential
behavior in children.
trouble)
The government adopted a carrot and stick policy to control
He's living in a fool's paradise if he thinks he can pass without
corruption.
studying.
Believing that life is always fair is living in a fool's paradise.
6. A chip off the old block (Someone similar in character to a She thought her business would succeed without effort, but it
parent) was a fool's paradise.
Rahul is just like his father ' a true chip off the old block.
She has the same kindness as her mother, a real chip off the old
15. As fresh as a daisy (Energetic and enthusiastic)
block.
After a good night's sleep, I felt as fresh as a daisy.
His talent in singing proves he's a chip off the old block.
She arrived at the office looking as fresh as a daisy.
Even after a long day, he still seemed as fresh as a daisy.
7. A closed book (A mystery)
His past is a closed book; no one knows much about it.
16. A golden mean (A balanced approach)
Mathematics is a closed book to me; I never understand it.
He follows a golden mean between work and personal life.
Her emotions are a closed book; she rarely expresses her
The best diet is a golden mean of nutrition and taste.
feelings.
A golden mean between saving and spending is the key to
financial stability.
8. A cut above something (Superior to)
This restaurant is a cut above the rest in terms of quality.
His skills in programming are a cut above his classmates.
The new phone is a cut above the previous model.

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