Idioms1 Flashcards
With strict adherence to a set of rules; fairly and honorably.
According to Hoyle. Author of a book on the game of Whist during the 18th century that listed the rules.
A hidden advantage or resource kept in reserve until needed.
Ace in the hole. Comes from the game of stud poker, where cards are turned face down or “in the hole.” An ace is the highest value card.
A point of vulnerability.
Achilles’ heel.
An event beyond human control for which there is no legal redress.
An act of God. Often used by lawyers and insurance companies.
An argument where one tries to prove one’s position by proving the absurdity of the opponents position. An argument carried to such lengths that it becomes absurd.
Ad Absurdum. From Latin, meaning “to absurdity.”
Something created for a particular occasion.
Ad Hoc. From Latin, meaning “toward this matter.”
An argument that relies on personal attacks rather than reason or substance.
Ad Hominem. From Latin, meaning “to the man.”
To go on endlessly.
Ad nauseam. From Latin, to literally continue “to seasickness.”
An annoying burden.
Albatross around one’s neck. Comes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” where a sailor shoots an albatross and is forced to wear its carcass around his neck as punishment.
A state of readiness for immediate action.
All Systems Go. Comes from the 1960’s during the race to the moon. Refers to the launching of missiles.
Clumsy or awkward.
All Thumbs.
The school or university that one graduated from. Also refers to a school’s official song.
Alma Mater. From Latin, meaning “nurturing mother.”
The beginning and the end.
Alpha and Omega. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. God says He is the Alpha and Omega.
An expression from the play As You Like It. Commonly used by someone about to tell the history of an object.
And There by Hangs a Tale. Roughly means, “there’s a real story behind this.”
Refers to a year where an unusual number of remarkable things occurred.
Annus Mirabilis. From Latin, meaning “miraculous year.”
Opposite of Annus Mirabilis.
Annus Horribilus. From Latin, meaning “terrible year.” Queen Elizabeth II used the term during 1992.
An abbreviation of anonymous used to indicate unknown authorship.
Anon. When used in a sentence, anon means at another time or again.
The favorite object of a person’s love or affection.
Apple of [one]’s eye.
The most direct route between two points.
As The Crow Flies.
Engaged in head-on dispute.
At Loggerheads. A 17th century iron tool with a thick head. The head was heated to extreme temperature and placed inside a drink to heat it and caramelize any sugar. The phrase likely refers to using these tools during drunken fights.
In a state of confusion or disorder.
At Sixes and Sevens. Comes from the phrase “On Six and Seven” and referred to a dice game where landing on either number meant risking ones winnings.
A saying indicating one’s effort has failed, and one must start over again.
Back to the Drawing Board. A drawing board is a slanted desk used by artists and engineers.
An idiom for thirteen.
A Baker’s Dozen. Baker’s once provided an extra roll for every dozen sold.
To avoid getting to the point of an issue.
Beat Around the Bush.
A chronic preoccupation. Fanciful or eccentric.
Bee in One’s Bonnet.
To assume what has still to be proved.
Beg the Question.
An unfavorable or uncomfortable position.
Behind the Eight Ball. Refers to the game of pool.
Something or someone a person views with particular dislike.
Bête Noire (Bet Nwahr). From French, meaning “Black Beast.”
Faced with two equally dangerous or difficult choices.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
Totally unacceptable.
Beyond the Pale. The Pale in Ireland was a territorial limit beyond which English rule did not extend.
