Maths Mania

VOCAB DOSE
IDIOMS AND PHRASES
(REPEATED IDIOMS ONLY)

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SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO EXAMS 2025

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• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush : Having something certain is
better than the possibility of getting something better.
• A bird’s eye view : A general view from above.
• A blessing/boon in disguise : An apparent misfortune that eventually has good
results.
• A blue-eyed boy : One who is favourite.
• A bolt from the blue : Something unexpected and unpleasant.
• A bone of contention : A cause of dispute or quarrel.
• A bull in a China shop : A clumsy person in a delicate situation.
• A cakewalk : An easy achievement or victory.
• A carrot and stick approach : Rewards and punishments that influence
someone’s behaviour.
• A change of heart : A change in one’s opinion or feelings.
• A close-fisted person : A miser.
• A cold fish : Someone who seems unfriendly and who does not share his
feelings.
• A cut above something : Superior to.
• A damp squib : A disappointing result or situation less impressive than
expected.
• A dark horse : An unexpected winner or competitor of unknown capabilities.
• A dime a dozen : Very common and easily obtainable.
• A dog’s life : A miserable existence.
• A drop in a bucket : A very small part too insignificant to matter.
• A dry run : A rehearsal or practice session.
• A fire in someone’s belly : One who is energetic and enthusiastic about
something.
• A fish out of water : A person in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable environment.
• A flying visit : A very short visit.
• A fool’s paradise : A state of happiness based on ignorance of potential
trouble.
• A gentleman at large : A man without a job.
• A golden mean : Middle course between two extremes; neither too much nor
too little.
• A green horn : An inexperienced man.
• A grey area : An unclear or undefined situation.
• A hairbreadth escape : A narrow escape.
• A hard nut to crack : A tough challenge or difficult person.
• A hornet’s nest : An unpleasant, difficult, or troublesome situation.
• A hot potato : A controversial or difficult issue.
• A house of cards : A fragile or unstable situation that can easily collapse.
• A kick in the teeth : A grave setback or great disappointment.
• A lame excuse : A weak or unsatisfactory explanation.
• A laughing stock : An object of ridicule or laughter.
• A left handed compliment : An ambiguous compliment that may be insulting.
• A leopard can’t change its spots : It is impossible for one to change one’s
character.
• A little bird told me : To receive information from a secret source without
naming it.
• A live wire : A person who is full of energy.
• A lot on your plate : Having many responsibilities or problems to deal with.
• A man of letters : A scholar; someone proficient in literary art.
• A man of straw : A man of no substance; a weak or cowardly person.
• A mare’s nest : A complicated situation or false invention.
• A needle in a haystack : Something very difficult to locate or attempt.
• A pain in the neck : Something or someone that is annoying or a nuisance.
• A Penelope’s web : An endless, never-ending job.
• A penny for your thoughts : A way of asking what someone is thinking.
• A picture paints a thousand words : An image conveying meaning more
effectively than description.
• A piece of cake : A very easy task.
• A plum job : An easy, pleasant job that pays well.
• A queer fish : An eccentric or unconventional person.
• A red letter day : An important or memorable day.
• A red rag to a bull : An act certain to provoke someone.
• A rolling stone gathers no moss : A person who does not settle in one place
and therefore gains no advantage.
• A rotten apple : A single bad person in a group.
• A safe pair of hands : A reliable person who can be trusted to do something
efficiently.
• A sea change : A profound or notable transformation.
• A shot in the arm : Something that gives encouragement.
• A skeleton in the cupboard : An embarrassing fact or shameful secret to be
kept hidden.
• A square deal : A fair and honest agreement.
• A stitch in time saves nine : Fixing a problem promptly prevents it from
worsening.
• A stone’s throw away : A very short distance.
• A storm in a teacup : A big fuss or excitement about a trivial matter.
• A thorn in the flesh : A source of continual annoyance or trouble.
• A turning point : A time when an important change begins.
• A wet blanket : A person who discourages enjoyment or enthusiasm.
• A wolf in sheep’s clothing : A dangerous person pretending to be harmless.
• Above board : Honest and frank; without any secret.
• Above/Over one’s head : Beyond one’s capability to understand something.
• Achilles’ heel : A weakness or vulnerable point.
• Acid test : Definitive proof of truth or falsehood.
• Actions speak louder than words : What you do is more important than what
you say; intentions judged by actions.
• Add fuel to the fire/flames : Make a bad situation worse.
• Add insult to injury : To further a loss with mockery, making a bad situation
even worse.
• After one’s own heart : Having likes and dislikes similar to one’s own.
• Against the clock : Work very fast to complete something within a deadline.
• Alive and kicking : In good health.
• All agog : Amazed or full of interest and excitement.
• All and sundry : Everybody without distinction; all included.
• All at sea : Puzzled; in a state of confusion or lost.
• All eyes : Watching eagerly; to watch something intently.
• All eyes and ears : To be attentive and fully focused on something.
• All moonshine : Nonsense; far from reality or concocted.
• All our might and main : Exercising full force; with all one’s strength and
energy.
• All thumbs : Clumsy; physically awkward.
• Alpha and omega : The beginning and the end; everything.
• Alphabet soup : A confusing jumble of abbreviations or acronyms.
• An eye opener : A shocking revelation.
• An iron hand : Strict and harsh control.
• An iron will : A firm opinion; strong determination.
• An open book : Someone or something with no secrets; fully transparent.
• Apple of discord : The cause of a quarrel or animosity.
• Apple of one’s eye : Someone very precious or dearly loved.
• Apples and oranges : Unequal comparisons between two unlike things.
• Argus-eyed : Carefully observant and attentive; vigilant.
• Armed to the teeth : Heavily armed or fortified.
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• Around the corner : Happening very soon; occurring shortly.
• As daft as a brush : Extremely silly or foolish.
• As fit as a fiddle : Strong, healthy, in top condition.
• As hard as a nail : Emotionless or unrelenting; having no feelings.
• As the crow flies : By the shortest, direct route in a straight line.
• At a crossroads : A point in life where decisions will have long-term
consequences.
• At a snail’s pace : Doing something very slowly.
• At beck and call : Always available to help; at one’s disposal.
• At cross purposes : Having opposing viewpoints or intentions;
misunderstanding each other.
• At daggers drawn : To be bitterly hostile or open enemies.
• At large : A criminal who has escaped or is not yet captured.
• At loggerheads : In conflict with someone; to disagree strongly.
• At loose ends : In an uncertain or unsettled situation.
• At one’s wits’ end : Completely confused or perplexed.
• At sixes and sevens : In disorder or confusion.
• At the drop of a hat/dime : Without any hesitation; instantly or without
planning.
• At the eleventh hour : At the very last moment; just before the deadline.
• Back out of : Withdraw from a commitment.
• Back to square one : Return to the starting point; having to start all over
again.
• Back to the drawing board : An idea has failed and must be redesigned.
• Back up : Defend or support.
• Backseat driver : Interfering in affairs without authority; someone who offers
unsolicited advice.
• Bad blood : Angry feeling or enmity between people.
• Bag and baggage : With all one’s belongings; with full luggage.
• Baker’s dozen : A group of 13 items; one more than a usual dozen.
• Ball is in your court : It is up to you to make the next decision or be
responsible for further action.
• Barking up the wrong tree : Trying to do something in a way that will not
work or accusing the wrong person.
• Be all ears : Listening intently; eager to hear.
• Be behind the times : Outdated or old-fashioned.
• Be glad to see the back of : Feel happy when someone or something leaves.
• Be going places : To be talented and likely to succeed.
• Be hard up : To be very short of money.
• Be in the red : To be in debt or losing money.
• Be in two minds : Unable to decide; holding conflicting opinions.
• Be like chalk and cheese : To be completely different from each other.
• Be out for the count : To be unconscious or in deep sleep.
• Be out of order : An object or device not working properly.
• Be under somebody’s thumb : To be completely controlled or dominated by
someone.
• Be wet behind the ears : To be inexperienced or naive.
• Bear a grudge : To hold resentment or feel anger against someone for a past
incident.
• Bear fruit : To yield positive results.
• Bear the brunt of : To suffer the worst of something; to endure the maximum
impact.
• Bear the palm : Win or be declared the victor.
• Bear up with : Endure a difficult situation; be strong enough to continue.
• Beat about/around the bush : Speak vaguely or avoid the main topic.
• Bed of roses : A comfortable, pleasant situation or life.
• Behind closed doors : Do something secretly.
• Behind one’s back : In someone’s absence; without their knowledge.
• Behind the eight ball : In a difficult or disadvantaged position.
• Behind the scenes : Secretly or out of public view.
• Bell the cat : Do the impossible or most dangerous job.
• Below the belt : A cruel or unfair action.
• Bend over backwards : Try very hard to accommodate or please someone.
• Beside oneself : Almost out of one’s senses with emotion.
• Beside the mark : Irrelevant or not applicable.
• Best of both worlds : A situation offering two different advantages
simultaneously.
• Best thing since sliced bread : A truly remarkable innovation or idea.
• Better late than never : It is better to arrive late than not to come at all.
• Between a rock and a hard place : Stuck between two very bad options.
• Between Scylla and Charybdis : Choice between two equally unpleasant
alternatives.
• Between the devil and the deep blue sea : Stuck between two very bad
options.
• Beyond the pale : Unacceptable or unreasonable.
• Bid defiance : To offer resistance; disregard recklessly.
• Birds of the same feather : Two people of the same character or interests.
• Bite off more than one can chew : Take on more responsibility than one can
handle.
• Bite someone’s head off : Speak angrily without any reason.
• Bite the bullet : To force yourself to do something unpleasant because
inevitable.
• Bite the dust : Suffer a defeat; die.
• Bite your tongue : Stop yourself from saying something.
• Black and blue : Describe someone badly bruised or to beat mercilessly.
• Black sheep : A single bad person in a group because of bad conduct.
• Blaze a trail : Lead the way as a pioneer; initiate something new.
• Blow one’s own trumpet : Praise oneself; talk boastfully about one’s
achievements.
• Blue-blooded : Of noble birth.
• Body and soul : With all your energy.
• Boil the ocean : Undertaking an impossible chore or task.
• Bone to pick : Cause of quarrel; to be angry about something and want to
discuss it.
• Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth : To be born into a wealthy,
privileged family.
• Bread and butter : The means of livelihood; main source of income.
• Break a leg : To wish someone good luck or to perform well.
• Break in : To force entry into a building illegally.
• Break new/fresh ground : To innovate; to do or discover something new.
• Break the bank : To be very expensive or to win more money than is held by
the bank.
• Break the ice : To initiate a conversation or to break a painful silence and
make someone comfortable.
• Breathing down someone’s neck : Watching all someone’s actions closely;
monitoring them.
• Bring about : Cause to happen.
• Bring home the bacon : To be successful; to earn a living.
• Bring someone to book : To punish someone for wrongdoing or hold them
accountable.
• Bring the house down : To make an audience applaud enthusiastically.
• Broke down : Wept bitterly; cried.
• Broken reed : A weak person; support that failed.
• Build castles in the air : To have unrealistic ideas or dreams.
• Bull’s-eye : The centre of a target; a perfect hit.
• Burn one’s bridges/boats : To destroy all relations or make return impossible.
• Burn the midnight oil : To work or study very late at night.
• Burning question : An important, pressing question or issue.
• Bury the hatchet : To make peace; end a quarrel.
• Butterflies in the stomach : To be anxious and nervous.
• By and by : Gradually; after a while.
• By and large : In general; on the whole.
• By courtesy of : Given or allowed by; with kindly consideration.
• By fair means or foul : In any way, by honest or dishonest methods.
• By fits and starts : Unsteadily; irregularly.
• By hook or by crook : By any means, good or bad; using whatever methods.
• By leaps and bounds : Very quickly; rapidly; swiftly.
• By the skin of one’s teeth : By the narrowest margin; barely manage to
achieve something.
• Call in question : To challenge; dispute something.
• Call it a day : To decide to stop doing something and go home.
• Call on : To pay a visit.
• Call the shots : To be in control; to make decisions.
• Called for : To require something; to demand.
• Can’t cut the mustard : To be unable to do a job; not measure up.
• Carry out : To execute or complete something.
• Carry the day : To win a victory; emerge as the winner.
• Cat nap : To have disturbed sleep; a brief sleep.
• Catch 22 : A particular situation in which one cannot do anything.
• Catch a tartar : To catch someone unexpectedly powerful or troublesome.
• Catch red-handed : To catch someone doing something illegal; in the act of
committing a crime.
• Change hands : Pass from one person to another; change of ownership.
• Chapter and verse : To give exact information or minute details.
• Charley horse : A cramp in a muscle.
• Cheek by jowl : Very close together.
• Chew the cud : To think slowly and carefully about something.
• Chew the fat : Gossip and make small talk; have friendly talks.
• Chew the scenery : To act over-dramatically.
• Chicken out : To decide not to do something because you are too frightened;
withdraw.
• Chicken-hearted : Cowardly; easily frightened.
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• Child’s play : Something very easy to do; a very easy task.
• Chill out : To calm down.
• Chinks in the armour : Small flaws or weaknesses.
• Chip off the old block : Resembling one’s father in character or behaviour.
• Cloak and dagger : An activity involving secrecy and mystery.
• Close shave : A narrow escape from danger or disaster.
• Cock and bull story : An unbelievable or absurd story.
• Cold comfort : Slight satisfaction; little consolation.
• Come hell or high water : In spite of any obstacles; no matter what.
• Come in handy : To turn out to be useful.
• Come of age : To mature and develop fully.
• Come rain or shine : Under any circumstances; whatever the weather.
• Come to blows : To get into a physical fight.
• Come to light : To be revealed; become known publicly.
• Come what may : No matter what happens.
• Cook the books : To falsify financial records; dishonest accounting.
• Cool as a cucumber : Not nervous or emotional; calm and composed.
• Cool your heels : To be kept waiting; unwillingly wait for something or
someone.
• Cost an arm and a leg : To be very expensive; a large amount of money.
• Couch potato : A person who watches too much television; a lazy person.
• Crack someone up : Laugh out loud; to make someone laugh.
• Cross one’s mind : To think of something; to be thought of by one.
• Cross swords : To disagree; to fight.
• Cross that bridge when you come to it : To deal with a problem only when it
arises.
• Cross your fingers : To hope that things will happen the way you want them
to; to wish for good luck or success.
• Crux of the matter : The most important or critical point.
• Cry for the moon : To make an impractical, unreasonable request; to aspire to
the impossible.
• Cry in the wilderness : An unrealistic demand; an unheeded warning.
• Cry over spilt milk : To complain about a loss from the past; feeling sorry
over a mistake that cannot be changed.
• Cup of tea : One’s chosen or preferred thing; something that pleases one.
• Currying favour with : Behaving obsequiously to ingratiate oneself with
someone.
• Cut and dried : Ready made; already decided.
• Cuts corners : To save money, time, or effort by omitting necessary parts.
• Cut no ice with me : Had no influence on me.
• Cut one short : To interrupt someone.
• Cut someone some slack : Not to criticize too strictly; to be more lenient.
• Cut the Gordian knot : Solve a complex problem by a bold stroke; remove
the difficulty.
• Cut the mustard : To perform well; to succeed.
• Cut to the chase : To come to the point; get to the important matters.
• Cut to the quick : Hurt intensely; deeply offend.
• Dance to someone’s tune : Do what others want you to do.
• Dead ringer : An exact duplicate.
• Desperate times call for desperate measures : When you are extremely
desperate you need extremely drastic actions.
• Died in harness : Worked or served until death.
• Do a good turn : Render a service; help someone.
• Don’t (or never) judge a book by its cover : We should not judge something
by its outward appearance.
• Done for : Ruined; beyond help.
• Donkey’s years : A very long time.
• Don’t count your chickens before they hatch : Don’t make plans based on
events that have not yet happened.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket : Don’t rely on just one plan or
resource.
• Dot one’s i’s and cross one’s t’s : Be detailed and exact; pay attention to
every minor point.
• Down in the dumps : Sad and depressed.
• Down the drain : Wasted or lost.
• Down to earth : Practical and sensible.
• Drag one’s feet : To be reluctant to act; do something deliberately at a slow
pace.
• Draw a blank : Fail to find or obtain anything; come up with nothing.
• Draw a line : To fix a limit; accept something only up to a certain point.
• Drew on his fancy : To use one’s imagination; draw upon creative powers.
• Drive home : To emphasize or make something clearly understood.
• Drive someone up the wall : To make someone very irritated or angry.
• Drop names : To name‐drop; hint at high connections by mentioning famous
people.
• Dropping like flies : Collapsing in large numbers; a great many people or
things falling ill or dying.
• Eagle eye : An eye with sharp visual power; a careful or close watcher.
• Easier said than done : More easily talked about than actually accomplished.
• Eat anyone’s salt : To be one’s guest; enjoy someone’s hospitality.
• Eats like a horse : To eat a lot of food.
• Egg on : To encourage or provoke someone.
• Elbow grease : A lot of physical effort; hard manual work.
• Elbow room : Freedom to act; enough space to move or operate.
• Ended in a fiasco : A complete failure.
• Every cloud has a silver lining : Every unpleasant situation has a positive
side.
• Every dog has his day : Everyone enjoys success or good luck at some point.
• Eye wash : A deception or pretence.
• Face the music : To accept punishment for a mistake; bear the consequences.
• Fair weather friends : Friends who are supportive in good times only;
convenient allies.
• Fall back on : To resort to something; seek support out of necessity.
• Fall flat : To fail to produce the intended effect; have no impact.
• Fallout : To quarrel; stop being friendly after an argument.
• Far cry from : To be very different from; nothing like.
• Feather in one’s cap : An accomplishment to be proud of.
• Feather one’s own nest : To enrich oneself improperly; profit by dishonest
means.
• Fed up : Annoyed; irritated.
• Feel the pinch : Have financial problems all of a sudden.
• Few and far between : Rare or seldom seen; not frequent or usual.
• Fight shy of : To avoid encountering.
• Finding their feet : Beginning to understand the work and feeling confident.
• First and foremost : Highest priority; the most important aspect.
• Flash in the pan : Something whose success is short-lived and unlikely to be
repeated.
• Flying off the handle : To lose one’s temper suddenly; become enraged.
• Follow suit : To imitate what others have done.
• Foot the bill : To pay for something; pay the cost.
• Forty winks : A short nap or sleep during the day.
• Fought to the bitter end : Carried on regardless of the consequences.
• From rags to riches : To go from very poor to very wealthy.
• From the bottom of my heart : Sincerely; with genuine feeling.
• Full of beans : Lively and energetic; full of energy.
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• Full of hot air : Merely loud and angry words but ineffectual.
• Gall and wormwood : To feel hatred or bitterness; something extremely
unpleasant.
• Gave the game away : To leak or reveal a secret unintentionally.
• Gave vent to something : To express something forcefully; to let feelings out.
• Get a foot in the door : To gain an initial advantage or entry into a position.
• Get a second wind : To have a burst of renewed energy after fatigue.
• Get a taste of your own medicine : To be given the same (bad) treatment that
you have given to others.
• Get down to brass tacks : To start discussing only the important facts of a
situation.
• Get into hot water : To get into trouble; to be in a difficult situation in which
you can be criticised.
• Get on like a house on fire : To become friends very quickly.
• Get on somebody’s nerves : To irritate or annoy someone.
• Get out of hand : To become uncontrollable; to get out of control.
• Get someone’s goat : To irritate someone.
• Get something off one’s chest : To express something that has been worrying
you; get it out in the open.
• Get the axe : To lose one’s job; be fired.
• Get the hang of : To learn how to use; to grasp the main idea.
• Get the sack : To be dismissed; lose one’s job.
• Get up on the wrong side of the bed : To wake up in a bad mood that persists
all day.
• Get wind of something : To hear about something; come to know.
• Get your act together : To organize your work in a better way; get oneself
under control.
• Getting a new lease of life : A chance to continue living or to become
successful or popular again; regain energy.
• Gift of the gab : Ability to speak eloquently and persuasively; a talent for
talking.
• Give a free hand : To exercise complete control over something; have full
freedom of action.
• Give a piece of one’s mind : To rebuke someone sharply; scold.
• Give a wide berth to : To stay well away from; avoid.
• Give and take : Adjustment; mutual concessions.
• Give in : To yield or surrender.
• Give it a shot/whirl : To try out something; have a go.
• Give me a hand with : To assist; help someone.
• Give oneself airs : To pretend to be superior; act haughty.
• Give someone the cold shoulder : To ignore someone deliberately; be
unfriendly.
• Give someone the slip : To escape from someone; elude.
• Give the benefit of the doubt : To accept someone as innocent until proven
guilty.
• Give up the ghost : To collapse or die; to cease functioning.
• Go against the grain : To act in a way contrary to one’s natural inclination or
values.
• Go belly up : To go bankrupt; fail completely.
• Go cold turkey : To quit an addictive habit abruptly and completely.
• Go down in flames : To fail completely; fail miserably.
• Go down like a lead balloon : To be received badly by an audience.
• Go for a song : To be sold cheaply.
• Go for the jugular : To attack in the most aggressive way; go all out.
• Go-getter : A real achiever; an ambitious, energetic person.
• Go the extra mile : To exceed expectations; make an extra effort.
• Go through fire and water : To experience many dangers in order to achieve
something.
• Go through the roof : To rise very high.
• Go to rack and ruin : To be ruined or deteriorate shockingly.
• Go to the dogs : To be ruined or fall into a very poor state.
• Go to the wall : To be ruined; to fail completely.
• Go/start with a bang : To begin in a very exciting and successful way.
• God’s ape : A born fool.
• Got the green light : To receive permission to go ahead with something.
• Grasp at straws : To make a desperate attempt to succeed when nothing else
will work.
• Grease the palm : To bribe someone discreetly.
• Great minds think alike : Said when two people make the same choice or
have the same idea.
• Green thumb : A person with a natural talent for gardening.
• Green-eyed : Full of envy; jealous.
• Grist to the mill : Something which provides useful advantage; turns to one’s
benefit.
• Halcyon days : A time of peace and happiness; idyllic prosperity.
• Hale and hearty : Strong and healthy.
• Hand in glove : In a very close association or partnership; working together
intimately.
• Hand over fist : Quickly and continuously (often of earning or losing money).
• Hang in there : Don’t give up; persist in a difficult situation.
• Hang up one’s boots : To retire from a sport or profession; stop doing it.
• Hanging by a thread : To be in a dangerous or precarious situation.
• Hard and fast : That cannot be altered; strict and fixed.
• Hard of hearing : Partially deaf; having difficulty hearing.
• Haste makes waste : Doing things in a hurry results in poor outcomes.
• Haul over the coals : To scold someone severely for an error.
• Have a bee in her bonnet : To talk and think a lot; to be obsessed with
something.
• Have a chip on one’s shoulder : To be upset about something in the past; to
harbor a grudge.
• Have a finger in every pie : To be involved in many varied activities or
enterprises.
• Have a whale of a time : To have an exceptionally fun or exciting experience.
• Have an axe to grind : To have a private interest or ulterior motive.
• Have bigger fish to fry : To have more important work to attend to.
• Have green fingers : To be naturally gifted at gardening.
• Have one’s hands full : To be very busy; have too much to do.
• Have one’s heart in one’s mouth : To be extremely frightened and nervous.
• Have your back to/against the wall : To be in a desperate situation with very
few options.
• Head in the clouds : Daydreaming; being absent-minded.
• Head over heels : Madly in love; completely enamored.
• Heads will roll : Those responsible will be punished or dismissed.
• Heart and soul : Completely; with all the effort you can put in.
• Heart to heart talk : Frank, candid discussion.
• Helter-skelter : In disorderly haste; here and there.
• Herculean task : A very difficult, demanding task.
• High and dry : Neglected; abandoned in a difficult situation.
• High and mighty : Arrogant; puffed up with pride.
• High time : Past the appropriate or proper time; overdue.
• Hit a bad patch : To experience difficulty; go through a rough period.
• Hit a brick wall : To be unable to make any progress; encounter an obstacle.
• Hit the books : To study very hard.
• Hit the ceiling/roof : To explode in anger; lose one’s temper.
• Hit the jackpot : To make money quickly; to find exactly what was sought.
• Hold one’s tongue : To be silent; to keep quiet.
• Hold out an olive branch : To make a peace offering; to show a desire to end
a disagreement.
• Hold the fort : To take temporary responsibility for a situation.
• Hold water : To appear acceptable or reasonable; remain valid.
• Hold your horses : To be patient; to wait.
• Hope against hope : To nurture an impossible hope; expect success despite
little chance.
• Hue and cry : A noisy expression of protest or anger; loud clamour.
• I can’t think straight : To feel unable to think rationally due to overwhelming
emotion.
• I don’t buy it : I am not convinced; I doubt its truth.
• Icing on the cake : Something that makes a good situation even better.
• Ignorance is bliss : To remain unaware of things that could cause stress;
sometimes it’s better not to know.
• Ill at ease : To feel uncomfortable or worried in a situation.
• In a jiffy : Very quickly; in a moment or two.
• In a nutshell : Briefly and concisely; in a few words.
• In a pickle : Experiencing a difficult situation; in trouble.
• In a tight corner/spot : In a difficult or awkward situation.
• In apple-pie order : In perfect order; neatly arranged.
• In black and white : In writing; printed or recorded.
• In cold blood : Angrily or cruelly, without any emotions; deliberately.
• In deep water : In great difficulty; in trouble.
• In dire straits : In a very bad or difficult situation.
• In full swing : Very active; at the height of activity.
• In high/good spirits : Full of hope and enthusiasm; joyful; cheerful.
• In seventh heaven : Extremely happy; in delight.
• In the air : When an emotion or idea is on everyone’s mind; prevalent.
• In the blink of an eye : Within a very short period of time; almost instantly.
• In the blues : Cheerless and depressed; low-spirited.
• In the dark : To not know something others are aware of.
• In the doldrums : In low spirits and despair.
• In the driver's seat : In charge or in control of a situation.
• In the eye of a storm : In the middle of a difficult situation.
• In the fast lane : A life filled with great excitement.
• In the good books : In favour with someone.
• In the heat of the moment : Acting impulsively under strong emotions.
• In the long run : Eventually after a significant time.
• In the nick of time : At the very last possible moment.
• In the pink : In good health.
• In the same boat : Facing the same difficult situation.
• In the soup : In trouble or difficulty.
• In the teeth of : In spite of opposition or difficulty.
• In vogue : Popular or in fashion.
• Ins and outs : Full details or complexities of something.
• It’s Greek to me : I cannot understand it at all.
• It’s Raining Cats and Dogs : It’s raining very heavily.
• Ivory towers : Detachment and seclusion from practical affairs.
• Jump the gun : Start something too soon or prematurely.
• Keep a straight face : To maintain a serious expression despite wanting to
laugh.
• Keep an ear to the ground : Stay informed about developments.
• Keep at arm’s length : Maintain a safe or distant relationship.
• Keep in touch : Continue to communicate with someone.
• Keep one’s head : Remain calm and composed in difficult situations.
• Keep under one’s hat : Keep something secret or confidential.
• Keep up appearances : To pretend to be happier or richer so as to conceal the
real situation.
• Keep your chin up : To remain cheerful and hopeful in difficult
circumstances.
• Keep/hold something at bay : To control something and prevent it from
causing you problems or moving closer.
• Kick the bucket : To die.
• Kicked up a row : To make a great fuss or cause a disturbance.
• Kill two birds with one stone : To achieve two results with a single effort.
• Kith and kin : One’s blood relatives or family members.
• Know something inside out : To know everything about something
thoroughly.
• Latin and Greek : Unable to understand.
• Lay out : Spend.
• Lead someone by the nose : To completely control or dominate someone.
• Learn by heart : To memorize something.
• Learn/Know the ropes : To learn how to do a job or task properly.
• Leave no stone unturned : To try every possible course of action in order to
achieve something.
• Leaves you in the lurch : To desert someone in difficulties.
• Left out in cold : To be ignored.
• Lend me your ear : Pay attention to me.
• Lend someone a hand : To help or assist, especially voluntarily.
• Let bygones be bygones : To forgive and forget past conflicts.
• Let sleeping dogs lie : To avoid old controversies and let things remain
undisturbed.
• Let the cat out of the bag : To reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
• Let the chips fall where they may : To accept whatever happens without
worrying about the consequences.
• Let the grass grow under one’s feet : To remain idle and do nothing.
• Let your hair down : To behave freely and uninhibitedly / to relax and enjoy.
• Level playing field : A situation where everyone has a fair and equal chance to
succeed.
• Light at the end of the tunnel : Signs of improvement in a difficult situation.
• Like a shag on a rock : Completely alone.
• Like two peas in a pod : Things that are very similar in appearance or always
together.
• Lily-livered : Not brave or cowardly.
• Lion’s mouth : A difficult or dangerous situation.
• Live from hand to mouth : To survive with just enough money, without
saving anything extra.
• Lock, stock and barrel : Completely; including all or every part of something.
• Look before you leap : Think carefully about the consequences before acting.
• Look down your nose at : Regard with contempt or consider someone
inferior.
• Loosen the purse strings : To increase the money available for expenditure.
• Lose face : To become embarrassed or lose respect.
• Lose one’s head : To panic or lose self-control.
• Lose your marbles : To become mentally confused or insane.
• Made a clean breast of : To admit or confess something fully.
• Made light of : To treat something lightly or with little importance.
• Maiden speech : The first speech ever given by someone.
• Make a beeline for : To go straight to something.
• Make a hash of : To do something very badly or make a mess of it.
• Make a quick buck : To earn money quickly and easily.
• Make head or tail of something : To understand or figure something out.
• Make no bones about : To state something clearly and without hesitation.
• Make one’s blood boil : To become extremely angry.
• Make one’s mark : To distinguish oneself or attain recognition.
• Make up with (someone) : To settle differences and become friendly again.
• Making hay while the sun shines : To take advantage of a favorable
opportunity.
• Mealy mouthed : To be afraid to state something directly or to speak
insincerely.
• Method to my madness : A reason or purpose behind apparently crazy or
random actions.
• Milk and water : Weak ideas or statements.
• Much ado about nothing : Making a big fuss over a small matter.
• Neck of the woods : Neighbourhood or region.
• New kid on the block : Someone new to a place or activity.
• Nine days’ wonder : A short-lived sensation.
• Nip in the bud : To stop something at the start before it develops.
• No love lost between : There is intense dislike or people are not on good
terms.
• Not fit to hold a candle : Inferior to or cannot be compared to another.
• Not hold water : To not seem reasonable or believable.
• Not mince words : To be blunt or frank.
• Not to look a gift horse in the mouth : To not find fault with what is received
as a gift.
• Off and on / On and Off : Occasionally or periodically.
• It’s a small world : People often meet unexpectedly or have common
acquaintances.
• Lock horns : To get into an argument or fight.
• Make one's flesh crawl/creep : To be very frightened or disgusted.
• Mouth watering : Appealing to taste; looks or smells delicious.
• Move heaven and earth : Do everything possible to achieve something.
• Not one’s cup of tea : Not something one likes or enjoys.
• Null and void : Invalid; without legal force.
• Of the first water : Of the best quality.
• Off the hook : No longer in difficulty or trouble.
• On a roll : To be experiencing a period of repeated success.
• On cloud nine : Extremely happy and excited.
• On tenterhooks : In suspense or anxious.
• On the back burner : To temporarily not deal with something as it is less
urgent.
• On the ball : To be alert and quick to respond.
• On the breadline : Very poor or living at a subsistence level.
• On the brink/verge of : At the edge of a major change or event.
• On the cards : Likely to happen or probable.
• On the face of it : According to what appears on the surface.
• On the horizon : An event that is likely to happen soon.
• On the same page : To be in agreement or think in the same way.
• On the spur of the moment : Acting impulsively without thinking.
• On the wane : On the decline or decreasing.
• On thin ice : In a dangerous or risky situation.
• Once and for all : To bring to an end conclusively or finally.
• Once bitten, twice shy : An unpleasant experience makes one cautious for
future.
• Once in a blue moon : Rarely or very infrequently.
• Out of date : Out of date.
• Out of sorts : To be unwell or slightly sick.
• Out of the blue : Completely unexpectedly.
• Out of the question : Impossible.
• Out of the woods : Out of the woods.
• Over the moon : Extremely happy or delighted.
• Pandora’s Box : A source of many unforeseen problems or trouble.
• Part and parcel : An essential or integral element.
• Pass the buck : To refuse responsibility or blame someone else.
• Pass the hat round/around : To collect money.
• Pat on the back : To praise or approve for doing something good.
• Pay lip service : To pretend to agree or say something without meaning it.
• Penny wise and pound foolish : Careful with trivial matters but wasteful in
large issues.
• Pig in a poke : Something bought without examining properly.
• Pillar to post : Moving from one place to another repeatedly.
• Pipe dream : A dream or idea that is unlikely to happen.
• Play devil’s advocate : To argue the opposite just for the sake of argument.
• Play it by ear : To do something without special preparation or to improvise.
• Play one’s ace : To use one’s best weapon or resource.
• Play to the gallery : To seek to win approval or to impress others.
• Play with fire : To do something dangerous or take a foolish risk.
• Played ducks and drakes : To squander or waste recklessly.
• Pocket an insult : To bear an insult quietly or tolerate it without protest.
• Point-blank : Directly or very close.
• Poke one’s nose : To interfere or meddle in others’ affairs.
•
• Pour/Throw cold water : To discourage by showing indifference.
• Pull someone up : To criticize or reprimand someone.
• Pull someone’s leg : To play a joke on or tease someone.
• Pull strings : To use personal influence.
• Pull the plug : To stop something from happening or continuing.
• Pull up your socks : To put in extra effort or improve performance.
• Pull yourself together : To calm yourself down and behave appropriately.
• Pulled all the stops : To do something with maximum effort or ability.
• Put off : To postpone or delay something.
• Put one’s foot down : To take a firm stand or assert authority.
• Put two and two together : To deduce or reason logically from facts.
• Putting the cart before the horse : To do things in the wrong order.
• Queer pitch : To spoil somebody’s chance of doing something.
• Rained on the bride’s parade : To spoil and ruin someone’s happiness or
plans.
• Raise a few eyebrows : To cause surprise or mild shock in others.
• Raise the alarm : To warn of a dangerous situation.
• Ran in the groove : To move in harmony or smoothly.
• Rat race : Fierce competition for power or success.
• Read between the lines : To find a hidden meaning not explicitly stated.
• Red-tape : Official procedures causing delay or excessive bureaucracy.
• Rest on one’s laurels : To be satisfied with past success and not make further
effort.
• Ring a bell : To sound familiar or remind you of something.
• Rise like a phoenix : To become successful again or to emerge with new life.
• Rise to the occasion : To deal successfully with a difficult situation.
• Rock the boat : To disturb a stable situation.
• Roll up your sleeves : To get ready to do something difficult or hard work.
• Rub somebody the wrong way : To irritate or annoy someone.
• Run out of steam : To lose impetus or enthusiasm and stop doing something.
• Rule the roost : To dominate or make all the decisions; be in complete control.
• Salt of the earth : A good, reliable, honest person.
• Scapegoats : People who are blamed or punished for others’ misdeeds.
• Scrape the bottom of the barrel : To use one’s last and weakest resource.
• See eye to eye : To be in full agreement with someone.
• See the light of day : To become publicly known or visible.
• Selling like hot cakes : Selling very quickly and in large numbers.
• Separate the wheat from the chaff : To sort out the valuable from the
worthless.
•
• Shake off : To get rid of something.
• Sharp as a tack : Extremely intelligent and mentally active.
• Shed crocodile tears : To pretend to be sad or show false sympathy.
• Shot in the dark : A random attempt with little chance of success.
• Sit on the fence : To remain neutral or undecided between two options.
• Snake in the grass : An unreliable and deceitful person.
• Snowed under : Busy.
• Soft option : Easy and agreeable option.
• Sought after : In great demand.
• Sow wild oats : To waste time by doing foolish things, especially in youth.
• Speak of the devil : The person we were just talking about showed up.
• Speaks volumes : Gives enough proof without using words.
• Spick and span : Very neat, clean, or tidy.
• Spill the beans : Disclose the secrets accidentally.
• Spin one’s wheels : Expel much effort for little or no gain.
• Split one’s sides (laughing) : Be extremely amused.
• Spread like wildfire : Spread rapidly.
• Slap on the wrist : Mild punishment.
• Sleep on it : Delay making a decision until the next day.
• Square peg in a round hole : A misfit in the environment.
• Stab someone in the back : Betray someone.
• Stand by : To support or remain loyal to someone.
• Steal someone’s thunder : Take credit for something someone else did.
• Start/set/get the ball rolling : To start doing something.
• Stick to one’s guns : Maintain one’s own opinion; not change one’s decision
despite opposition.
• Steer clear of : Avoid someone or something because it is dangerous for you.
• Still waters run deep : Have passion or great intelligence underneath a calm
expression.
• Stir up a hornet’s nest : Cause anger in many people or raise controversy.
• Straight from the horse’s mouth : Receive information directly from the
person involved.
• Strain every nerve : Work very hard.
• Strike while the iron is hot : To act at the right time or grab a favourable
opportunity promptly.
• Struck several bad patches : Had many professional difficulties.
• Suit you to a T : To be ideal or perfectly appropriate for one.
• Sweep under the carpet : To hide a problem or try to keep it secret instead of
dealing with it.
• Swollen-headed : Pride.
• Sword of Damocles : Imminent danger.
• Take a cue from someone : Learn and act by being strongly influenced by
someone.
• Take exception to : To object strongly.
• Take heart : To take courage or to gain confidence.
• Take to one’s heels : To run away or flee in fear.
• Take with a pinch/grain of salt : Not believe completely something that you
are told.
• Take the bull by the horn : To face a difficult or dangerous situation in a very
direct or confident way.
• Takes after : To be similar in appearance.
• Taking a toll on : To harm or damage someone or something, especially in a
gradual way.
• Talked over : Discussed.
• Talking through her hat : Talking nonsense.
• The bad egg : A dishonest or ill-behaved person.
• The early bird catches the worm : One who arrives first gets the best chance
at success.
• The elephant in the room : A big problem everyone is ignoring or afraid to
talk about.
• The grass is greener on the other side : Other people always seem to be in a
better situation, although it might not be true.
• Teething problems : Problems at the start of a new project.
• The green-eyed monster : Jealousy.
• The last straw : Final problem in a series of difficulties that makes a situation
unbearable.
• The Lion’s share : The biggest and best part of a whole.
• The man in the street : The ordinary man.
• The pot calling the kettle black : People are guilty of the very fault they
identify in others.
• The pros and cons : For and against; advantages and disadvantages.
• The seamy side : The unpleasant aspects.
• The thin end of the wedge : Start of harmful development; beginning of
something bad.
• The whys and wherefores : Underlying reasons or causes of something.
• Thick as thieves : Having a close friendship.
• Threw a spanner : Do something that prevents a plan or activity from
succeeding.
• Through thick and thin : Support under all circumstances.
• Throw caution to the wind : Behave recklessly without worrying about the
risk.
• Throw in the towel : Acknowledge defeat or surrender.
• Tickled pink : Very pleased.
• Tie the knot : Get married.
• To accept the gauntlet : To accept or respond to a challenge.
• To air dirty linen in public : To discuss private affairs in public.
• To be devil’s advocate : To raise a counter argument just for the sake of it.
• To be fair and square : To be honest; according to the rules.
• To be in a fix : To be in a difficult situation.
• To be on pins and needles : To be in an agitated state of suspense.
• To be on the horns of a dilemma : To be in a difficult situation or choice.
• To be taken aback : To be surprised or shocked.
• To beat a retreat : To run away in fear; to withdraw.
• To beat the clock : To perform a task within the time limit.
• To blow hot and cold : To be friendly and unfriendly at the same time;
vacillating.
• To bring to light : To reveal clearly.
• To burn one’s fingers : To suffer unpleasant consequences as a result of one's
actions.
• To burn the candle at both ends : To work excessively hard or keep busy all
the time.
• To call a spade a spade : To be frank or say the truth about something, even if
it is not polite.
• To clip one’s wings : To restrict someone’s freedom.
• To come out in the open : To become public or evident.
• To cry wolf : To raise a false alarm or ask for help when you do not need it.
• To cudgel one’s brains : To think hard.
• To cut a sorry figure : Created a wrong impression.
• To eat humble pie : To accept defeat or suffer humiliation.
• Throw up the sponge : To surrender; to acknowledge defeat.
• Till the cows come home : For a very long time.
• Tit for tat : To do harm as done to you; counter attack.
• To cut one's coat according to one's cloth : To live within one's means.
• To die in harness : To continue occupation till death.
• To draw the long bow : To exaggerate.
• To end in smoke : To come to nothing; end without any practical result.
•
• To feel at home : To feel easy and comfortable.
• To fight tooth and nail : To make every possible effort; to fight furiously and
fiercely.
• To fish in troubled waters : To profit out of disturbance; to get benefit in bad
situation.
• To flog/beating a dead horse : To attempt the impossible; waste energy on an
unalterable situation.
• To foam at one’s mouth : To get very angry; to be enraged and shout.
• To get away with : To escape from something.
• To get cold feet : To experience nervousness or anxiety before one attempts to
do something.
• To gird up the loins : To prepare for hard work or a difficult situation.
• To give the devil his due : To give encouragement or credit to an enemy; to
give credit to a notorious person.
• To go bananas : To become very excited or angry.
• To go scot-free : To escape without punishment; unpunished.
• To go the whole hog : To do something as completely as possible.
• To go/run around in circles : To waste one’s time and energy doing trivial
things; to keep doing something without achieving much.
• To hail from : To come from a particular place.
• To have a gut feeling : Strong instinct or intuition.
• To have second thoughts : To reconsider.
• To have something up one’s sleeve : To have a secret plan; have an
alternative plan.
• To have a sigh of relief : To suddenly feel very happy because something
unpleasant has not happened or has ended.
• To hit below the belt : To attack in an unfair manner; contrary to the
principles of fairness.
• To hammer out : To reach an agreement after long discussion.
• To his heart's content : As much as one wants.
• To judge a book by its cover : To evaluate people’s worth by their outward
appearance.
• To jump on the bandwagon : To follow popular trends; to get involved in an
activity because it is likely to succeed.
• To keep an eye on : To watch someone or something carefully; to be cautious.
• To keep one’s temper : To remain calm.
• To let someone off : To release someone from blame.
• To lose ground : Becoming less acceptable.
• To make a mountain out of a molehill : To give great importance to little
things; exaggerate a minor problem.
• To make amends : To compensate; to correct a mistake.
• To keep the wolf away from the door : To keep away extreme poverty; to
earn just enough for a living.
• To keep under wraps : To keep secret.
• To hit the sack : To prepare for sleep; to go to bed.
• To make both ends meet : To live within one’s income; manage expenses
with just enough funds.
• To make up one’s mind : To decide what to do; decide firmly.
• To meet one’s Waterloo : To experience defeat; to be defeated by someone
who is too strong for you.
• To miss the boat : To miss an opportunity; lose an opportunity.
• To paddle one’s own canoe : Manage independently; to work independently.
• To pay through the nose : To pay an extremely high price.
• To pick holes in : To criticize someone; finding fault with.
• To play fast and loose : To act in an unreliable way; to be playful.
• To play second fiddle : Position has lesser importance than anybody else; take
a subordinate role.
• To pour oil on troubled water : To calm a dispute.
• To put up with someone : Tolerate.
• To raise a dust : To cause disruption or confusion.
• To set the Thames on fire : To do a heroic deed; do wonderful or exciting
things.
• To show a clean pair of heels : To escape; ran away.
• To smell a rat : Suspect a trick or deceit; detect something wrong.
• To prime the pump : Encourage the growth or action of something.
• To put a spoke in one’s wheel : To put a difficulty in the way of progress;
thwart in the execution of the plan.
• To speak one’s mind : To express one’s thoughts; to voice one’s thoughts
plainly.
• To stand on one’s feet : To be strong and independent.
• To stand one’s ground : Refused to yield; refuse to change your opinion.
• To stick one’s neck out : To take a risk.
• To take a back seat : To become less important or to give up control over
things.
• To take a stock of : To assess and evaluate before taking a decision; to think
carefully.
• To take French leave : Absenting oneself without permission; leave without
any intimation.
• To take pains : To make efforts; try hard.
• To take to heart : To be greatly affected by; to consider something very
seriously.
• To take to task : To be punished; to be rebuked or scolded.
• To throw dust in one’s eyes : To deceive; to mislead or confuse.
• To toe the line : To follow the lead; follow the rules strictly.
• To turn a deaf ear : Disregard; refuse to obey; to be indifferent; neglect.
• To turn over a new leaf : To change one’s behaviour for better; to begin
again.
• To win laurels : To achieve honours and glory.
• Too many irons in the fire : Engaged in too many enterprises at the same
time.
• Took a leap in the dark : Took a risk; to do something without being certain
of the outcome and result.
• Tricks of the trade : Special skills or knowledge.
• True colours : Real character; personality.
• To take for granted : To assume something without question.
• To take into account : To consider; to keep in mind.
• To take one’s hat off (to someone) : To admire or respect.
• To the manner born : Naturally suited for something.
• To wrangle over an ass’s shadow : To fight over trifles.
• Toffee-nosed : Snobbish; arrogant.
• Took exception (to) : Objected; felt offended.
• Took to their heels : Ran away.
• Turn a blind eye : To ignore a situation, facts, or reality.
• Turn up one’s nose : Treat other people with contempt; despise.
• Twist someone’s arm : Force someone to do something by making it hard for
them to refuse; persuade someone.
• Two heads are better than one : It’s helpful to have the advice/opinion of a
second person; two people working together can achieve more than a person
working alone.
• Under a cloud : Under suspicion.
• Under duress : Under pressure; compulsion.
• Under his nose : Right in front of someone, often without them noticing.
• Under the weather : To not feel well; to feel sick or unhealthy; to be in low
spirits
• Up a blind alley : Following a course of action that is certain to lead to an
undesirable outcome.
• Up in arms : To be angry; protesting vigorously about something; in rebellion.
• Up to the mark : As good as the others; up to the required standard.
• Upset someone’s applecart : To cause trouble, especially by spoiling
someone’s plans.
• Vanish/disappear into thin air : Disappear suddenly.
• Vote with your feet : Show their disapproval; to show that you do not support
something.
• Walk the tightrope : Be very cautious; to be in a precarious situation
requiring caution and skill.
• Walking on thin ice : Doing something risky.
• Water under the bridge : Something that can’t be changed anymore;
something happened in the past and is no longer important or worth arguing
about.
• Weal and woe : Good times and bad times; joys and sorrows; in prosperity
and adversity.
• Wear and tear : Damage.
• Wears his heart on his sleeve : Expresses his feelings openly; to show your
true emotions.
• Weather the storm : Survive a period of difficulty.
• When it rains, it pours : Problems seem to happen together.
• When pigs fly : Something that is impossible.
• When the crunch comes : A critical moment near the end when a decisive
action is needed.
• Where there’s a will, there’s a way : If you have a strong determination to do
something, then you can find a method to do it.
• Whistle in the dark : Pretend to be unafraid; try to keep up his confidence.
• White elephant : Costly and troublesome possession useless to its owner.
• Whole nine yards : The entirety of something; everything all the way.
• Wild goose chase : A worthless hunt or chase; futile search; unprofitable
adventure.
• Will-o-the-wisp : Something that is impossible to get or achieve; unreal
imagining.
• Went to the winds : Dissipated.
• With open arms : Warmly welcome.
• Word of mouth : Through the verbal sharing of information.
• Worth its weight in gold : Very useful, valuable, or important.
• Yeoman service : Excellent service; useful help in need.
• Your guess is as good as mine : Have no idea of the answer.
• Zero tolerance : A policy of not allowing any violations of a rule or law.
• Zip your lip : Keep quiet about something.
• Turn down : To reject or refuse.
• Turn turtle : To overturn or capsize.
• Wash one’s hands off something : To withdraw from responsibility; disclaim
connection with.