Idioms 2 Flashcards
Everything but the kitchen sink
Practically everything there is; every possible object whether needed or not.
ex. When Erin went away to college, she took everything but the kitchen sink.
Back to the drawing board
To start planning a failed project all over from the beginning.
“Back to the drawing board,” said the inventor after his automatic dog-washing machine flooded the kitchen.
Back to square one
return to the beginning because of a failure to accomplish the desired result.
Ex. Our design for a solar-powered washing machine didn’t work, so it’s back to square one.
Ballpark figure
A rough estimate
Ex. The spoiled boy gave his parents a ballpark figure for how much his birthday presents should cost.
Bark up the wrong tree
To direct your attention or efforts toward the wrong person or thing; to have the wrong idea about something.
Beat around the bush
To avoid answering a question; to approach something carefully or in a roundabout way.
Bed of roses
A wonderful, pleasant situation or position; an easy, comfortable life.
Ex. Compared to my old school, this one is a bed of roses.
Bells and whistles
Impressive accessories, especially flashy, high-technology features and frills, which may sometimes be more decorative than necessary.
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts
Be suspicious of presents from certain people who are just looking for something from you; be on guard against treachery in the disguise of a gift.
Ex. Natasha is just giving you that present because she wants one of your puppies. Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
Blow your own horn
To praise yourself; to call attention to your own merits (intelligence , skills, success, or abilities).
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
Born to wealth, comfort, and privilege.
Ex. Paris Hilton was born with a silver spoon in your mouth.
Bottom line
The most crucial fact; the net result
Bring home the bacon
To support a family by working; to earn a living.
Ex. Both Richard and Stephanie got jobs to bring home the bacon for their children.
By the book
Exactly according to the rules; precisely as instructed.
Ex. Tania wants all her employees to do everything by the book – her book
Burn your bridges behind you
To make a decision you cannot change; to commit yourself to a course of action.
Ex. If you drop out of school now, you’ll be burning your bridges behind you.
Cream of the crop
The best person or thing of all; the top choice; the best part.
Ex. As a cook and hostess, Audrey is the cream off the crop.
Dark-horse candidate
A constestant about whom little is known and who wins unexpectedly.
Ex. He could be the dark-horse candidate for that coaching position.
Fair-weather friend
A person who is a faithful friend only when everything is going well but who deserts you in times of difficulty.
Face the music
To endure the consequences of one’s actions; to take what you have coming to you.
Ex. I was caught stealing and now I have to face the music.
Feast or Famine
Great success or total failure; eitehr too much or too little of something.
Ex. Last week, we made over $100 on our car wash; this week, the only one car came. It’s either feast or famine.
