Learn idioms with music Flashcards
Full list of songs: https://spoti.fi/4hrhgdq
hit the roof
To become very angry and usually, show your anger by shouting at SB.
She hit the roof when her neighbors played their stereo at full volume for the fourth consecutive night.
- Song: Kissing Candice - Hit The Roof (2017)
1. Hit the roof. Hit the roof. Hit the roof. Tie me down ‘cause I’m about to blow.
2. Hit the roof. Hit the roof. Hit the roof. Light a match and burn this sucker down.
Already feeling angry? There is no way you don’t remember the meaning of this idiom after this 3:22 minutes of rage.
rack SB’s brains
To try very hard to remember or think about STH for a long time.
He had to rack his brains to remember where he had left his spare car keys.
- Song: Dirty Jameson - Racking my Brain (2015)
1. Maybe I’m crazy. Maybe insane. But now I’m left here racking my brain ever since I lost you. - Song: Brent James and the Vintage Youth - Rackin’ my Brain (2014)
1. I’ve been rackin’ my brain just wondering what to do. I’ve been rackin’ my brain just to try to get to you.
off the record
To not intend STH that people said, repeated, or published, for example in newspapers or meetings, with their names attached to it to be considered as STH official.
My boss couldn’t tell me anything officially, but off the record, he told me a promotion was imminent.
- Song: IVE - Off the Record (2023)
1. Now, we’re in private mode. Off the record night. This late night conversation won’t come to an end.
Off the record: This song is half sung in Japanese, but hush! Don’t tell anybody!
stuck in a rut
To live a boring and too fixed way of life in one particular type of job, way of thinking and doing STH, etc. that is difficult to change.
After working in the same office for ten
years, he felt he was in a rut.
- Song: Stereophonics - Stuck in a rut (2009)
1. You’re stuck in a rut, you’re wasting days. Time don’t wait so make your choice: either go or stay.
2. You’re stuck in a rut and your life is forgotten. - Song: Green Day - F.O.D. (1994)
1. Stuck down in a rut of dislogic and smut. A side of you well hid.
in the long run
After a long period of time that is far away in the future.
This may be an expensive purchase now, but, in the long run, it will save us a lot of money.
- Song: Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven (1971)
1. Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on.
it stands to reason (that)…
Used to say that STH is obvious, seems likely to be true, or is completely clear to any sensible person who thinks about it from the facts.
You’ve eaten so much that it stands to reason you feel sick
- Song: Love Transfusion - Stands to Reason (2018)
1. Looking through the mirror and you might find something bad. Stands to reason you’re gonna cry.
2. You’re no Cinderella or the princess of the ball. Just like Humpty Dumpty you’re bound to take a fall. Stands to reason you’re gonna cry.
3. Laughing on the outside isn’t really what you feel. Stands to reason you’re gonna cry.
as a last resort
STH that will be done to get out of a difficult situation or for solving a problem when there are no other possible methods because it cannot be found another way if everything else fails.
I’d been unable to contact her for three days, so, as a last resort, I drove the thirty miles to her house to see what was going on.
- Song: Papa Roach - Last Resort (2000)
1. Cut my life into pieces. This is my last resort. Suffocation, no breathing. Don’t give a fuck if I cut my arm bleeding.
put down roots
To start to feel that a place where you have moved to live is your home, take part in activities there, and make a lot of new friends.
Having lived and worked in more than a
dozen countries, he thought it was about
time he put down roots in one place.
- Song: Martin Harley - Putting Down Roots (2019)
1. I’m young enough to know there’s a long way to go. I’m putting down roots.
2. Wrap my flag on the pole. Let everybody know I’m putting down roots.
at close quarters
When STH happens inside a small space or is done from a short distance away. // To do STH very near to a particular person or thing.
Although the antique table looked nice from across the room, at close quarters, you could see how badly damaged it was.
Well, this song doesn’t actually have any lyrics. But if it doesn’t make you feel as if you were at close quarters with someone, then I don’t know what does!
cut to the quick
To hurt SB’s feelings deeply and make them feel extremely upset by doing or saying STH cruel that offends them gravely, such as a remark or criticism.
He was cut to the quick by her comment
that his previous novel was infinitely
better than his new one.
- Song: The Residents - Cut to the Quick (2020)
1. Now I’m in the dark all alone. Cut to the quick and beat to the bone.
This is also used to say “ir al grano”.
call it quits
To decide to stop doing STH or stop being involved in STH
If the gardening business doesn’t pick up
soon, I’m going to call it quits and get
another job.
- Song: Arctic Monkeys - One Point Perspective (2018)
1. I fantasise, I call it quits. I swim with the economists.
be out of the question
To be completely impossible, unthinkable, unacceptable, or not allowed and therefore not worth discussing.
It is out of the question that you should
drive the car without your license.
- Song: Gilbert O’Sullivan - Out of the Question (1972)
1. If you want me, it’s really out of the question.
open to debate
When people have different opinions and ideas about a matter that cannot be proved to be certain or be firmly decided yet.
Whether the advertising campaign will increase sales is open to debate
- Song: Roger Taylor - Pressure On (1998)
1. The price is not right or open to debate. Besides, I’m worried about my weight,
STH begs the question
When a statement or situation makes SB want to ask a particular question that has not yet been answered as a reaction or response.
Jerry’s sudden acquisition of a sports car begs the question; where did he get the money to buy it?
- Song: Andrew Bird ft. Fiona Apple - Left Handed Kisses (2016)
1. But it begs the question, how did I ever find you drifting gently through the gyre of the great Sargasso sea, Atlantic Ocean?
it goes without saying (that)…
Used to say that STH is so clearly true, very obvious, or easy to predict that it does not need to be said or explained.
It goes without saying that he’ll get the role in the play; after all, he’s perfect for it.
- Song: Post Malone ft. Brad Paisley - Goes Without Saying (2024)
1. It goes without saying she ain’t coming back. It goes without saying she put me in the past.
It goes without saying that you are goddamn passing the final exam!
be in SB’s shoes
To be in or imagine that you are in SB else’s situation, especially when it is a bad, an unpleasant, or a difficult one.
If you were in her shoes, you’d understand why she made that decision.
- Song: Linkin Park - Numb (2003)
1. I don’t know what you’re expecting of me, put under the pressure of walking in your shoes.
smell a rat
To suspect that STH wrong or dishonest about a situation is happening.
She smelled a rat when her husband started coming home late.
- Song: The White Stripes - I Think I Smell a Rat (2001)
1. All you little kids seem to know where it’s at. Oh, I think I smell a rat.
soaked to the skin
To be/get completely wet.
I went out in the downpour without my umbrella and got soaked to the skin.
- Song: Nirvana - Come As You Are (1991)
1. Come, doused in mud, soaked in bleach, as I want you to be.
Technically, it doesn’t say “soaked to the skin”, but you have “soaked in (something)”, and that’s enough for me.
pull SB’s socks up
To make an effort to improve your way of studying, performance, work, or behavior because it is not good enough, or tell SB that they should start doing like this.
He told his son that he ought to pull up his sock or he’d never make a success of himself.
- Song: The Beatles - I’ve Got a Feeling (1970)
1. Everybody had a good year. Everybody let their hair down. Everybody pulled their socks up. Everybody put their foot down.
take STH with a pinch of salt
Used to warn SB that they should not always completely believe STH that SB else says because it is unlikely to be accurate or true.
He tends to exaggerate, so take everything he says with a pinch of salt.
- Song: Radiohead - A Wolf at the Door (2003)
1. Take it with the love it’s given. Take it with a pinch of salt. Take it to the taxman.
show / it shows
When a feeling, attitude, or personal quality can be clearly seen or noticed, or when SB/STH let a feeling, attitude, or personal quality be clearly seen or noticed.
Did It show that I was bored during the meeting? I tried to act as if I was interested.
- Song: High School Musical - We’re All in This Together (2006)
1. We’re all in this together and it shows when we stand hand in hand. Make our dreams come true.
make a scene
To embarrass people in a loud angry argument in a public place by showing bad manners.
Her father made quite a scene when she came home two hours later than she was supposed to.
- Song: Shinedown - For my Sake (2012)
1. Stop slowing me down. Stop holding me up. We’re making a scene. Enough is enough.
sleep on it
To not make a decision about STH important until the next day, so that you have time to think about it.
I’ll sleep on it and give you my decision tomorrow.
- Song: Doja Cat - Sleep on It (2016)
1. She a sleep on it. She a sleep on it. She a sleep on it. She a sleep on it. - Song: Paul Simon - 50 Ways to Leave your Lover (1975)
1. She said: “Why don’t we both just sleep on it tonight? And I believe in the morning you’ll begin to see the light.”
Bonus track: Spanglish (2004) - Sleep on It Scene
the last straw
The last final thing in a series of annoying or unpleasant things that finally makes you give up, get angry etc, or that makes it impossible for you to accept a bad situation any longer.
After having a terrible day at work, it was the last straw when her car broke down on the way home.
- Song: Taylor Swift - You’re Not Sorry (2008)
1. You don’t have to call anymore. I won’t pick up the phone. This is the last straw. Don’t wanna hurt anymore.
give SB the slip
To escape from SB who is following or chasing you.
The man who gave the police the slip wasn’t apprehended until a week later.
- Song: Blondie - One Way or Another (1978)
1. One way or another, I’m gonna lose ya. I’m gonna give you the slip, a slip of the hip or another.
One Direction’s version (2013) does not include this bit on their cover!
be the spitting image of SB
To look exactly like SB else.
Paul is the spitting image of his father. Even his mannerisms are the same.
- Song: Eminem - When I’m Gone (2005)
1. Then turn right around on that song and tell her you love her and put hands on her mother, who’s a spitting image of her.
(not) stand in SB’s way
To (not) prevent SB from doing STH.
Laura’s parents assured her that they would not stand in her way if she wanted to become a pilot, and would in fact help her.
- Song: Elvis Presley - I’ll Never Stand in your Way (1954)
1. If you found someone new who means more than me to you, I’ll never stand in your way.
be a long shot
Used to say that a plan is worth trying, even though you think it is unlikely to succeed.
Arresting that woman was a long shot as there was so little evidence against her, but in the end she turned out to be the ringleader of the gang.
- Song: Kelly Clarkson - Long Shot (2009)
1. It’s a long shot, but I say ‘Why not’. If I say ‘Forget it’, I know that I’ll regret it.
spill the beans
To tell SB STH that should be kept secret or private.
Although her friend asked her not to tell anyone about her secret wedding plans, she spilled the beans and soon everyone knew.
- Song: The Rolling Stones - Loving Cup (1972)
1. Yes, I am nitty-gritty and my shirt’s all torn, but I would love to spill the beans with you till dawn.
Bonus track: How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) - Spill the Beans Scene
lay the table
To put a cloth, knives, plates, and forks, etc. on a table in preparation before a meal.
Will someone lay the table please?
-
Song: Taylor Swift - tolerate it (2020)
1. I wait by the door like I’m just a kid. Use my best colors for your portrait. Lay the table with the fancy shit. And watch you tolerate it.
red tape
Official rules and procedures that seem unnecessary and complicated and prevent things from being done quickly and easily.
With so much red tape involved, it’s very difficult for foreigners to obtain a work permit.
- Song: Muse - Uprising (2009)
1. Another promise, another seed, another packaged lie to keep us trapped in greed. With all the green belt wrapped around our minds and endless red tape to keep the truth confide.
touch and go
Used to say that the result of a situation in which there is a serious risk is uncertain and that there is a possibility that STH bad or unpleasant will happen or succeed.
“Will he live?” asked the nurse. “Well, it’s touch-and-go whether he will or not.”
- Song: Taylor Swift - State of Grace (2012)
1. I’m walking fast through the traffic lights. Busy streets and busy lives. And all we know is touch and go. We are alone with our changing minds.
put two and two together
To understand and guess the meaning of STH that SB has heard or seen, or to guess for oneself the truth about a situation from what they have heard or seen by using the information that they have available.
Although she didn’t say anything directly, we put two and two together and realised that she was about to resign.
- Song: Spice Girls - Say You’ll Be There (1996)
1. If you put two and two together, you will see what our friendship is for.
through thick and thin
To always support or stay with SB in good times and bad times, even when there are problems or difficulties, or although the conditions or circumstances are very bad
“Don’t ever leave me”, pleaded Sally. “Don’t worry, we’lI be together through thick and thin”, answered Jim.
- Song: Echo & the Bunnymen - The Killing Moon (1984)
1. Fate up against your will. Through the thick and thin, he will wait until you give yourself to him.
🇦🇷 A Talleres yo lo amo, lo sigo a todos lados. En las buenas y en las malas, siempre contás con tu hinchada.
🇬🇧 I love Talleres, I follow it everywhere. Through thick and thin, you can always count on your fans.
(be) ahead of SB’s/STH’s time
To have the newest or most ideas, opinions, methods, designs, technology or ways of living a long time before most other people use or start to think in the same way.
The inventor was ahead of his time when he invented a space rocket in the last century.
- Song: The Tragically Hip - Ahead by a Century (1996)
1. You are ahead by a century.
Does it ring a bell? It was the opening song of Anne With an E.
Notice the use of the preposition ‘by’ to denote the time that person is ahead OF their time.
in the nick of time
At the last possible moment, just before STH bad happens or before it is too late, so that you manage to avoid it, but only just.
The paramedics men arrived in the nick of time to resuscitate the heart attack victim.
- Song: Taylor Swift - Look What You Made Me Do (2017)
1. But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time.
kill time
To spend time doing STH that keeps you busy and is not important while you are waiting to do STH important or waiting for STH else to happen.
They went for a walk to kill time while they waited for the ferry.
- Song: Billie Eilish - all the good girls go to hell (2019)
1. Standing there, killing time. Can’t commit to anything but a crime.
🇦🇷 La vida sin problemas es matar el tiempo a lo bobo. Si un dios bobeta, bim-bum-bam, toca tu rocanrol lacrimógeno. (Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota - Luzbelito)
🇬🇧 Life without problems is killing time dumbly. If a goofy god, bim-boom-bam, plays your tearful rock and roll (Patrice King and his Little Ricotta Ravioli - Luzbelito).
be tickled pink
To be very pleased or amused.
My grandmother was tickled pink when she won at bingo last week.
- Song: Weezer - Pork and Beans (2008)
1. I’m finally dandy with the me inside. One look in the mirror and I’m tickled pink. I don’t give a hoot about what you think.
“Well, get out the crayolas and colour me tickled pink”, Ned Flanders
paint the town red
To go to a lot of different bars, clubs, etc. and enjoy yourself by drinking alcohol, dancing, laughing with friends, etc.
John and several of his friends went out to paint the town red on his stag night.
- Song: Doja Cat - Paint the Town Red (2023)
1. I let all that get to my head. I don’t care, I paint the town red.
take your time over/to do/doing STH
To spend as much time as you need doing STH quite slowly or carefully without hurrying.
Don’t eat your food so quickly; take your
time and enjoy it.
- Song: Twenty One Pilots - Ride (2015)
1. Oh, I’m falling, so I’m taking my time on my ride.
drive SB up the wall
To make SB feel extremely angry or annoyed.
The noise those builders are making is driving me up the wall.
- Song: Aerosmith - Crazy (1993)
1. You know you drive me up the wall. The way you make good on all the nasty tricks you pull.
all along
From the beginning until now. The entire time.
I thought I had lost my keys, but they were in my pocket all along!
- Song: Hannah Montana - Been Here All Along (2010)
1. I believe that you were listening to my song. You’re with me. You’ve been here all along. - Song: Taylor Swift - You Belong with Me (2009)
1. Been here all along, so why can’t you see? You belong with me. - Song: Evanescence - My Immortal (2009)
1. I’ve tried so hard to tell myself that you’re gone. But though you’re still with me, I’ve been alone all along.
all in all
It is used to summarise or consider everything, often meaning: Taking everything into account or after everything is considered.
She had a few complaints, but all in all, she enjoyed her experience.
- Song: Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall (1979)
1. All in all, it’s just another brick in the wall. All in all, we’re just another brick in the wall.
all the same
Yet, however, without any difference, despite something else.
He didn’t want to go to the party, but he dressed up all the same.
- Song: Manic Street Preachers - You Stole the Sun from My Heart (1998)
1. You have broken through my armour and I don’t have an answer, I love you all the same.
be the apple of SB’s eye
To be deeply loved or cherished by someone, often used to describe someone’s most treasured person or thing.
- Song: Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine of my Life (1972)
1. You are the sunshine of my life. That’s why I’ll always be around. You are the apple of my eye. Forever you’ll stay in my heart. - Song: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home
1. Well, holy moly, me oh my, you’re the apple of my eye.
clear the air
To get rid of bad feelings between two people or groups.
We had a big argument, but I guess it helped clear the air between us.
- Song: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Pink as Floyd (2013)
1. Take it for me, anyway. You will clear the air with a single stare.
for all I care
It means that someone does not care at all about something; it expresses indifference or a lack of concern.
You can leave early for all I care; it’s your decision.
- Song: Nirvana - Lithium (1991)
- Sunday morning is everyday, for all I care. And I’m not scared.
in the act of
While performing the act. It often implies that someone is caught or observed while doing something, sometimes with a connotation of wrongdoing.
I saw my cat in the act of knocking over the vase.
- Song: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Go Robot (2016)
1. Somebody hooted and they hollered ‘Can I buy a vowel?’ Don’t let her catch you in the act of throwing in the towel.
make amends (for)
To take action to correct a mistake or to reconcile with someone after a conflict or wrongdoing. It involves an effort to restore a relationship or compensate for a wrong.
Making amends for mistakes is important for healing relationships and moving forward.
- Song: Gracie Abrams - I Love You, I’m Sorry (2024)
1. Making amends, this shit never ends. I’m wrong again, wrong again.
out and about
To be active, engaged in various activities, or socialising outside of the home. It often implies that someone is moving around or doing things in public rather than staying indoors.
I love being out and about on the weekends, exploring new places in the city.
- Song: Taylor Swift - Style (2014)
1. I say, “I heard, oh, that you’ve been out and about with some other girl, some other girl”
agree to disagree
Stop arguing because there is no chance of
agreement.
We both have strong feelings about the topic, but we can agree to disagree and move on.
- Song: Greta Van Fleet - Anthem (2018)
1. Just you and me can agree to disagree and the world is only what the world is made of.
on the ball
To be alert, aware, and able to think clearly and act quickly.
I need someone who is on the ball to help me organize this event.
- Song: John Lennon - Watching the Wheels
1. Don’t you miss the big time, boy? You’re no longer on the ball.
Don’t miss out the fantastic Charly García’s cover of this song. It’s the only officially authorised Spanish version of it.
bide one’s time
To wait for a good opportunity.
The player chose to bide his time and observe the game before making his move.
- Song: Courteneers - Bide Your Time (2008)
1. But if you bide your time and you stand there and you wait in line, it won’t be long before her sarong is lying on your bedroom floor.
If you bide your time until the chorus starts, you’ll hear a very clear Mancunian accent in words like “but” and “stand”; and then in “man”, “handle”, “gaggle”, and “number”. So foon-eh!
on the blink
Not working properly. It often refers to electronic devices or machinery that are out of order.
He realised his phone was on the blink when it wouldn’t turn on despite being charged.
- Song: The Beatles - I’m So Tired (1968)
1. I’m so tired, I haven’t slept a wink. I’m so tired, my mind is on the blink.
cut to the bone
To reduce something to its most essential or basic parts, often implying a severe reduction or removal of excess. It can also refer to a situation where something is stripped down to the point of being painful or distressing.
The president has decided to cut universities’ budget to the bone, leaving teachers with miserable salaries.
- Song: Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer (2019)
1. So cut the headlights. Summer’s a knife. I’m always waiting for you just to cut to the bone.
a piece of cake
Something that is very easy to do.
The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in just 30 minutes.
- Song: LazyTown - Cooking by the Book (2005)
1. It’s a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake.
a red-letter day
A very important day.
The day we graduate from the Facultad de Lenguas will be a red-letter day for the rest of our lives.
- Song: Aladdin - A Whole New World (1992)
1. Every turn, a surprise. Every moment, red-letter.
Have you noticed how his new’s are /nuː/ and most of her new/knew’s are /njuː/? MILP (Man, I love Phonetics).
be on the cards
To be likely to happen.
If they keep saving at this rate, a family vacation is on the cards for next year.
- Song: Arctic Monkeys - One for the road (2013)
1. I knew this would be on the cards. I knew you wouldn’t fold. I saw this comin’ from the start. The shake, rattle and roll.
be over the moon
To be extremely happy about something.
He was over the moon after seeing Paul McCartney live for the first time.
- Song: The Marias - Over the Moon (2018)
1. I’ll be your baby. There’s nothing better I’d rather do. I’m lost completely. I might as well be over the moon.
cross one’s mind
Think of STH or SB.
After scrolling for hours, the idea of uninstalling all social media apps crossed his mind.
- Song: Tyler, the Creator ft. Kali Uchis - See You Again (2017)
1. Cupid hit me with precision. I wonder if you look both ways when you cross my mind.
down in the dumps
Not cheerful.
She’s been feeling down in the dumps ever since her friend moved away.
- Song: Ed Sheeran - Eraser (2017)
1. Ain’t nobody wanna see you down in the dumps, because you’re living your dream, man, this shit should be fun.
get STH off one’s chest
To tell someone about something that has been making one upset or unhappy. To express something that has been worrying you and that you have wanted to say.
He felt so much better after getting the problem off his chest during the therapy session.
- Song: Taylor Swift - Lavender Haze (2022)
1. Talk your talk and go viral. I just need this love spiral. Get it off your chest. Get it off my desk.
have the cheek
Someone has a cheek when you are annoyed or shocked at something unreasonable that they have done.
I can’t believe he had the cheek to criticise my presentation when he didn’t even prepare for his own.
- Song: Arctic Monkeys - Do Me a Favour (2007)
1. I’d have the cheek to say they’re equally as bleak.
El verdadero “¿Cómo te da la cara, hermano?” (el cachete).
lend an ear
Listen to SB carefully and sympathetically.
Whenever you need to talk, I’m here to lend an ear.
- Song: The Beatles - With a Little Help from my Friends (1967)
1. Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song. And I’ll try not to sing out of key.
lost cause
SB or STH that has no chance of succeeding.
Despite the long talks, the negotiations seemed like a lost cause, with both sides unwilling to change their minds.
- Song: Billie Eilish - Lost Cause (2021)
1. Thought you had your shit together, but damn, I was wrong. You ain’t nothing but a lost cause.
more (to something) than meets the eye
Something is more difficult to understand or involves more things than you thought at the beginning.
The book cover doesn’t do justice to the story inside; there’s definitely more than meets the eye.
- Song: Thousand Foot Krutch - Courtesy Call (2012)
1. It takes more than meets the eye. This war we’re fighting is not just writing.
play by ear
To act according to the demands of a situation rather than to a plan; improvise.
We can’t make a decision yet. Let’s just play it by ear.
- Song: Shakira - Whenever, wherever (2001)
1. There over, hereunder. You’ll never have to wonder. We can always play by ear, but that’s the deal, my dear.
show one’s true colours
To show what one is really like; to reveal one’s real nature or character.
He seemed nice at first, but he showed his true colors during the crisis.
- Song: Cyndi Lauper - True Colors (1986)
1. But I see your true colors shining through. I see your true colors and that’s why I love you.
(keep) a straight face
To manage to stop yourself from smiling or laughing.
I can never play jokes on people because I can’t keep a straight face.
- Song: Paramore - The Only Exception (2009)
1. And we’ve got to find other ways to make it alone or keep a straight face.
be dying for STH
To be extremely eager to have or do something.
I’m dying to hear your news.
- Song: Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark (1984)
1. Hey, baby, I’m just about starving tonight. I’m dying for some action.
(be plenty) more fish in the sea
It is used to say that there are many more people available for a romantic relationship.
I know you’re sad because you and your boyfriend broke up, but he’s not the only fish in the sea.
- Song: Maroon 5 - Animals (2014)
1. Yeah, you can start over you can run free, you can find other fish in the sea, you can pretend it’s meant to be, but you can’t stay away from me.
be worn out
To be extremely tired after hard work or a difficult or unpleasant experience.
Before the race, he is fine. But afterwards he is worn out.
- Song: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - We’re on Our Way Now (2021)
1. I’m worn out ‘cause with every little trick, they try to drag you down.
be at one’s fingertips
To have easy access to something, often implying that information, resources, or tools are readily available when needed.
With the internet, a world of information is at your fingertips.
- Song: Bo Burnham - That Funny Feeling (2021)
1. The whole world at your fingertips, the ocean at your door.
big cheese
An important person in a company or an organization with a lot of influence.
He left business school and became a big cheese in the City.
- Song: Kasabian - Comeback Kid (2017)
1. Big cheese in a bedsit, a shit disguise.
blow a fuse
To become very angry; to lose one’s temper.
The boss blew a fuse when the shipment didn’t arrive on time.
- Song: Björk - It’s Oh So Quiet (1995)
1. It’s nice and quiet, shh, shhh. But soon again, shh, shh. Starts another big riot. You blow a fuse. Zing! Boom!
chop and change
To keep changing one’s mind; or the way of doing something.
You have to make a decision and stick with it. You can’t chop and change all the time.
- Song: The Black Keys - Chop and Change (2020)
1. The regular, she’d rearrange. The girl knew how to chop and change.
come clean
To tell the truth about something that you have been keeping secret.
The boys decided to come clean about crashing the car.
- Song: Hilary Duff - Come Clean (2003)
1. ‘Cause I wanna feel the thunder, I wanna scream. Let the rain fall down, I’m coming clean.
cut corners
If you cut corners, you do something quickly by doing it in a less thorough way than you should.
Take your time, don’t cut corners and follow instructions to the letter.
- Song: Clairo - Bags (2019)
1. I don’t wanna be forward, I don’t wanna cut corners. Savor this with everything I have inside of me.
How can we forget the time Mary Poppins sang at the Simpsons house?
Saul Goodman once said that the winner cuts corners and takes it all.
head over heels (in love)
Completely in love with another person.
Lara fell head over heels in love with Zoe.
- Song: Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels (1985)
1. Something happens and I’m head over heels. I never find out ‘till I’m head over heels.
few and far between
Very rare; infrequent.
In this economic climate new ideas were few and far between.
- Song: Pearl Jam - Even Flow (1991)
1. Oh, ceilings, few and far between all the legal halls of shame, yeah.
in a flash
Very quickly or suddenly.
The ceremony was over in a flash. // I’ll be back in a flash.
- Song: Luis Miguel - La chica del bikini azul (1984)
1. De pronto, ¡flash! La chica del bikini azul. De pronto, ¡flash! Cambió el color del mar.
You don’t get any more self-explanatory than that, even if it’s in Spanish.
in the flesh
In person. In real life.
I’ve seen her perform on television, but never in the flesh.
- Song: Lorde - Royals (2013)
1. I’ve never seen a diamond in the flesh.
keep an eye on STH
To watch someone or something or stay informed about the person’s behavior, esp. to keep someone out of trouble.
Will you keep your eye on my suitcase while I go to get the tickets?
- Song: R.E.M. - Losing my Religion (1991)
1. Trying to keep an eye on you like a hurt, lost and blinded fool.
put one’s foot down
To use one’s authority in order to stop something happening.
I put my foot down and refused to let him smoke in the house.
- Song: The Beatles - I’ve Got a Feeling (1970)
1. Everybody had a good year. Everybody let their hair down. Everybody pulled their socks up. Everybody put their foot down.
stay clear
To avoid; to get or keep away from through cleverness or trickery.
He adroitly changed the subject to stay clear of having to admit what he’d done.
- Song: Lana Del Rey - Say Yes to Heaven (2023)
1. Like a barge at sea. In the storm, I stay clear.
strike a chord
To cause someone to feel sympathy, emotion, or enthusiasm.
Her speech struck a sympathetic chord among business leaders.
- Song: Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us (2024)
1. Why you trollin’ like a bitch? Ain’t you tired? Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-minor.
take it easy
Relax, be calm, not work too hard.
Take it easy, Joe. Everything is going to be just fine.
- Song: Mika - Relax, Take It Easy (2007)
1. Relax, take it easy. For there is nothing that we can do.
Take it easy, también conocido como no jodan con nosotras en dialecto rioplatense.
take SB/STH for granted
Not appreciate SB/STH; not show that you are grateful for SB/STH.
I guess we all took it for granted that water would always be freely available.
- Song: The Cure - Boys Don’t Cry (1979)
1. Misjudged your limit. Pushed you too far. Took you for granted. I thought that you needed me more.
take STH on the chin
To accept unpleasant events bravely and without complaining.
The actor took the negative reviews on the chin and worked even harder on his next role.
- Song: Matilda The Musical - Naughty (2022)
1. Just because you find that life’s not fair, it doesn’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it. If you always take it on the chin and wear it, nothing will change.
be all Greek to SB
It is used when something is completely incomprehensible or difficult to understand, often because it’s very technical, unfamiliar, or complex.
All the legal jargon in the contract was Greek to me, so I had to hire a lawyer to explain it.
- Song: Lizzo - Boys (2019)
1. Got a boy with degrees, a boy in the streets, a boy on his knees, he a man in the sheets. Sheesh, it’s all Greek to me
be up in arms
To be very angry and make a great protest.
Residents are up in arms about the decision to close the local post office.
- Song: Foo Fighters - Up in Arms (1997)
1. I cannot forget you, girl. Now I am up in arms again.
beat around the bush
To avoid talking about what is important.
Don’t beat around the bush. Get to the point!
- Song: Doja Cat - Say So (2020)
1. Shut it, save it, keep it pushin’. Why you beating ‘round the bush
work a miracle
To be extremely effective in improving a situation.
You’ve performed a miracle in this kitchen. I’ve never seen it so clean!
- Song: Fall Out Boy - Uma Thurman (2015)
1. I can move mountains. I can work a miracle, work a miracle.
