idioms Flashcards
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything
a bitter pill
a situation or information that is unpleasant but must be accepted
a blessing in disguise
something good that is recognised at first
a breath of fresh air
a new, fresh, and imaginative approach, a change that feels good
a chip on your shoulder
being upset for something that happened in the past
a clean bill of health
when you examine someone or something and state that they are healthy, in good condition, or legal
a dime’s worth
an insignificant amount
a doubting thomas
a skeptic who needs physcial or personal evidence in order to belive something
a drop in the bucket
a very small part of something big or whole
a fool and his moeny are soon parted
this means that stupid people spend money without thinking about it enough
a house divided against itself cannot stand
everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out
a leopard can’t change its spots
a person’s character, especially if it is bad, will not change, even if they pretend it has
a man of action
a man who is inclined to act first rather than think about things and discuss them.
a man of few words
a man who doesn’t speak much. a man of action ?
a penny saved is a penny earned
by not spending money, you are saving money.
a picture paints a thousand words
a visual presentation is far more descriptive than words
a piece of cake
easy task
a roof over your head
a place to live
a slap of the wrist
a very mild punishment
a taste of your own medicine
when you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others
a whole new ball game
a completely different situation
achilles heel
said about a strong situation which contains element of vulnerability
act of god
something that occurred, such as an accident which no human is responsible. a natural disaster such as a storm, earthquake?!! erhm don’t make sense to me
ace in the hole
a hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage
actions speak louder than words
it’s better to actually do something than just talk about it
adam’s ale
water
add insult to injury
to further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavourable situation
against the clock
rushed and short on time
age before beauty
used humorously or lightheartedly, and usually said by a younger person to an older friend or relative out of mock pity for being so much older and .
ahead of one’s time
innovative and radical by the standards of the time
alive and kicking
to continue to be well, healthy or successful
all bark and no bite
when someone is threatening and or aggresive but not willing to engage in a fight
all Greek to me
meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read,speak, or understand the Greek language would be
all in the same boat
when everyone is facing the same challenges
an act of war
an act which is considered violent enough to cause war
an arm and a leg
a lot of money
an axe to grind
to have a dispute with someone
all that glitters is not gold
appearance is sometimes misleading. Things that appear valuable or worthwhile might not be as good as they look
an eye for an eye
suggests that punishment should equal the crime
back seat driver
someone giving unwanted advice
back the wrong horse
to support someone or something that later cannot be successful.
back to the drawing board
when an attempt fails and it’s time to start all over
back to square one
having to start all over again
bad blood
unpleasant feeling between different people
bad egg
bad person
bag of bones
an extremely thin person
bag of tricks
a set of techniques and methods
bakers’ dozen
thirteen
ball of fire
a person who is especially hard- working, high achieving, ambitious, or active
call a spade a spade
to be truthful about something, even if it is rude or unpleasant
call it a day
To stop working for the rest of the day
call off the dogs
said when you want someone to stop criticizing you
call someone names
to call someone by unpleasant, abusive or insulting names
calm before the storm
a quiet period immediately before a period of great activity or trouble
go for broke
risk everything in an all-out effort.
“I decided to go for broke and turn professional and see how I got on”
get down to brass tacks
to start to discuss or consider the most important details or facts about something We finally got down to brass tacks and decided to work out a schedule for the project.
coming down to the wire
used to denote a situation whose outcome is not decided until the very last minute.
“it was probable that the test of nerves would go down to the wire”
cut the mustard
come up to expectations; reach the required standard
know the ropes
have experience of the appropriate procedures
out on a limb
-isolated.
-in or into a position where one is not joined or supported by anyone else.
“I wouldn’t go out on a limb like this if I didn’t have the data to justify it
here goes nothing
—used when one is about to try doing something new, difficult, or unpleasant I’ve never skied before, so here goes nothing
finally got around
to find time to do something
look a gift horse in the mouth
find fault with something that has been received as a gift or favour.
going against the grain
different from what is normal or usual It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in.
right from the horse’s mouth
If you hear something (straight) from the horse’s mouth, you hear it from the person who has direct personal knowledge of it. Experiencing and suffering.
have an axe to grind
-to have a strong personal opinion about something that you want people to accept and that is the reason why you do something:
Environmentalists have no political axe to grind - they just want to save the planet.
pay through the nose
pay much more than a fair price
spin a yarn
tell a story
green-eyed
jealous
chivalrous
A chivalrous man is polite, honest, fair, and kind towards women
deride
contempt for , ridicule, mock
elbow her way
To force one’s way in, to, or through a crowded place, as by pushing other people with one’s elbows.
