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'Idiom Quotient'
The English language is full of idioms. An idiom is the use of words or a short phrase which conveys a specific meaning which is not immediately apparent from the words themselves (e.g. over the moon, see the light ).'Idiom Quotient'
“green fingered”
Generally attributed to someone who is a
skilled gardener.
Eg. “Please don’t ever buy me a plant, I am not at
all
green fingered.”
“chew the fat”
To discuss, chat, converse, etc., especially at length and
in a leisurely, friendly manner
Eg. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than several hours over coffee and cake just chewing the fat with a good friend.”
“tongue in cheek”
Something humorous, intended to be a joke, but sounds or appears serious.
Eg. “My comments were meant to be tongue in cheek but some people took them seriously and felt offended.”
“pull out all the stops”
To use every resource at your disposal. To do everything possible to make something happen.
Eg. “They pulled out all the stops to beat the competition and win the contract.”
“begin to see the light”
To start to understand somethi
Eg. “My personal tutor helped me begin to see the light about these physics equations.”
“the grass is always greener”
“the grass is always greener”
The full saying is, ‘The
grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” It means that when you look at what someone
else has or does it seems preferable to what you have/do.
Eg. “Susie
finds her job so boring, she wishes she had her own business like Karen; but
Karen works so many hours and would like the simple 9-5 life that Susie has.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!”
“before you can say Jack Robinson”
Represents a very short
length of time.
Eg. “My
PA is so efficient, whenever I ask her to do something, before you can say Jack
Robinson, it’s done!!”
“you get what you pay for”
Things that are of a low
price are often also of a low quality.
Eg. “People
often complain about the poor quality of service on airlines such as EasyJet
and Ryanair but, let’s face it, you get what you pay for.”
“between a rock and a hard place”
To be in a position where
you are caught between two unpleasant alternatives and either choice isn’t a
good one.
Eg. “If
I go to Isobel’s celebration weekend it’s going to cost me so much money; but
if I don’t go she’ll probably never speak to me again.”
“have a field day”
To experience freedom from
one’s usual routine; to something that makes you very happy.
Eg. “Our
boss is away on holiday and we’re having a field day in the office whilst he’s
gone.”
“warts and all”
To like and accept someone despite their faults and short-comings.
Eg. “Jane wanted to spend the rest of her life with Simon; she loved him warts and all.”
“sail close to the wind”
To take risks, do something that is dangerous, or only just considered legal or acceptable.
Eg. “We thought she was sailing too close to the wind in her overseas business deals, but she insisted it was all legal.”
“up to scratch”
To be of an acceptable standard or quality.
Eg. “You need to be diligent and hard-working to keep your studies up to scratch.”
“light at the end of the tunnel”
If you can see the light at the end of the tunnel it means you can see hope even though a situation is difficult right now.
Eg. “When you are in the middle of exam period, it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“blood out of a stone”
Describes something that’s very difficult.
Eg. “Trying to get all the stakeholders together at one meeting is like trying to get blood out of a stone.”
“fire on all cylinders”
“fire on all cylinders”
Working at full strength,
making the best possible effort.
Eg. “Last
week I wasn’t feeling well and really wasn’t firing on all cylinders.”
“the real McCoy”
The genuine thing, the real thing, not a copy.
Eg. “Cheap sparkling wine cannot be labelled ‘champagne’;
that title is only for the real McCoy.”
“try something on for size”
Test something to form an
opinion about it and see if it suits you.
Eg. “I don't think everyone would be happy working here,
but why not try it on for size and see if it's right for you.”
“read between the lines”
To read between the lines
means you find the real message in what you are reading or hearing; a meaning
that is not readily available from a literal interpretation of the words.
Eg. “The report doesn't criticise the research directly, but if you read between the lines you’ll see that the review committee wasn't impressed.”
“jack of all trades”
Describes a person who has many different skills.
Shortened from the longer saying:
‘Jack of all trades, master of none’
‘Jack of all trades, master of none’
Eg. “My brother is a jack of all trades; he can fix cars, build furniture and occasionally cooks.”
“dog eat dog”
Describes a world, culture or environment in which there is intense competition and rivalry. Where people think only of themselves.
Eg. “The sales world is most suited to those with a dog eat dog attitude as everyone is trying to sell the most and be the best.
“hand over fist”
Very rapidly – relating for money and merchandise being exchanged
Eg. “The sale was so busy, people were buying and we were making money hand over fist.
“put your foot in your mouth”
“put your foot in your mouth”
or “put your foot in it”
To say or do something inappropriate or
embarrassing.
Eg. “When Amanda came to dinner I totally put my foot in it because I didn’t realise she was a vegetarian.”
Eg. “When Amanda came to dinner I totally put my foot in it because I didn’t realise she was a vegetarian.”
“give it a shot”
To attempt something.
Eg. “I’ve never entered a singing competition before, but I’m willing to give it a shot.”
“face like thunder”
Facial expression that means someone looks extremely angry or upset about something.
Eg. “I don’t know what the shop-keeper said to her but she had a face like thunder.”
“to be on cloud nine”
To be extremely happy.
Eg. “Joe was on cloud nine when he heard that he’d not only passed his degree, had achieved a distinction.”
“ahead of the game”
Being early, well prepared, having done more
than necessary.
Eg. “As we draw close to the end of this term and
deadlines for assignments, students are advised to stay ahead of the game. ”
“spread yourself too thinly”
Describes someone who over-extends themselves;
doing too much. To do so many things at the same time
that they don’t do any of them well.
Eg. “It's a good idea for students to get involved in a number of different activities but be careful not to spread yourself too thinly.”
“garbage in, garbage out”
Used to express the idea that in computing and
other fields, incorrect or poor-quality input will produce faulty output.
Can also be used to describe people.
Eg. “Ed insists that children are so ignorant nowadays
because their teachers are incompetent. "Garbage in, garbage out," he says.”
“lesser of two evils”
If something that is the
lesser of two evils, is an
unpleasant option, but not
as bad as the other.
Eg. “Often, when it comes to politics and voting, it’s
about making a choice between the lesser of two evils.”
“pinch of salt”
Means that you don’t believe everything someone is telling you; is used especially when people are known to exaggerate
or distort facts.
Eg. “I have heard so many different stories from Julie that now I take whatever she says with a pinch of salt.”
“proud as a peacock”
To be overly proud or vain; having a high opinion of yourself.
Eg. “Since being awarded Employee of the Month, Michael strutted about the office proud as a peacock.”
“hold your horses”
Used when you’re doing something too fast and someone wants you to slow down.
Eg. “My friend was eager to leave for the party but I wasn’t ready and had to tell her to hold her horses.”
Describes something that’s really clear and obvious.
Eg. “There’s no doubt that he really fancies her; it’s as plain as the nose on your face.”
Eg. “There’s no doubt that he really fancies her; it’s as plain as the nose on your face.”
“through thick and thin”
Describes someone who supports you through both the good times and the bad times.
Eg. “A true friend is someone who sticks by you through thick and thin.”
“jump down someone’s throat”
If you jump down someone’s throat, you criticise severely
or tell them off very harshly.
Eg. “There are always problems to sort out at the start of a new academic year; do be careful not to jump down someone’s throat if you don’t get the answers you want.”
“chomping at the bit”
Eager to start something.
Eg. “Most of the new students are chomping at the bit for this academic year to begin.”
“for a song”
“for a song”
Very cheap!! So cheap that
it’s as if you get something
just for singing a song.
Eg. “If you get the chance
to go to a car boot sale over
the summer you might pick up some items that are
going for a song.”
“get your head around something”
“get your head around something”
Come to understand
something even though it is difficult
to comprehend. Also used in the negative
form.
Eg. “He's tried to explain the rules of the game dozens of
times but I just can't get my head around them.
“can’t say boo to a goose”
Describes someone who is extremely shy
and doesn’t talk much.
Eg. “I was surprised to see Joe so talkative at the party, usually he can’t say boo to a goose.”
“let’s call it a day”
Used when you decide it’s
time to stop doing something.
Eg. “I’ve been revising
non-stop since early morning. I think I should call it a day and visit Lynne at
the Chaplaincy Care Corner for a while.
“you reap what you sow”
Originating from a verse in the Bible this saying means that if you have done bad things then bad things will happen to you but if you have acted well, good things will happen.
Eg. “if you choose to break the law then you should expect
to get caught and go to prison; after all, you reap
what you sow.”
to get caught and go to prison; after all, you reap
what you sow.”
“all singing, all dancing”
Describes something that is very modern
and technically advanced.
and technically advanced.
Eg. “Last week I was given a tour of the soon-to-be, all singing, all dancing Student Hub on the Medway campus.
“flash in the pan”
Describes something that
is very noticeable,
popular or successful but only briefly.
popular or successful but only briefly.
Eg. “Her
first novel was such a great success but
turned out to be just a flash in the pan.”
turned out to be just a flash in the pan.”
“can’t see the forest for the trees”
To be so focused on the smaller, finer details that you
fail to see the bigger picture.
fail to see the bigger picture.
Eg. “They were so intent on solving one aspect of the
new structure that they failed to consider the bigger
and longer term picture; they simply couldn’t see
the wood for the trees.”
new structure that they failed to consider the bigger
and longer term picture; they simply couldn’t see
the wood for the trees.”
“don’t shoot the messenger”
Used when breaking some bad news to someone and you don't want to be blamed for the news.
Eg. “I understand that tomorrow's weather is going to be cold, wet and stormy, but hey, please don't shoot the messenger!”
“bite off more than you can chew”
Taking on more responsibilities than you can manage.
Eg. “Anne was feeling exhausted because, once again,
she’d bitten off more than she could chew.”
she’d bitten off more than she could chew.”
“no skin off my nose”
Used to mean that it’s something that won’t
affect or bother me.
affect or bother me.
Eg. “If
you don’t get up in time for the trip to Oxford it’s no skin off my nose; but
you’ll miss a great day out!!”
“on ice”
“on ice”
If something is put on ice it is delayed and no action is taken.
Eg. “There are lots of places I still want to visit but some plans need to be put on ice until I have enough money.”
“on the dot”
Eg. “There are lots of places I still want to visit but some plans need to be put on ice until I have enough money.”
“on the dot”
At exactly the right time; exactly on time
Eg. “The lecture will begin at 10am on the dot,
so don’t be late.”
so don’t be late.”
“get your head around something”
Can be used in a negative sense to express a difficulty to understand something or positively when you come to understand something when it was initially difficult to comprehend.
Eg. “I just can’t get my head around why she said that.”
OR “I’ve finally got my head around these equations.”
“cut from the same cloth”
To share a number of
similarities.
Eg. “My Dad
and I are cut from the same cloth,
we’re both stubborn and opinionated.”
we’re both stubborn and opinionated.”
“get plugged in”
To get involved, become part of some network or system.
Eg. “My advice to new students, to help them settle,
is to get plugged in to TABLEtalk or the World Café
or one of the student societies.”
is to get plugged in to TABLEtalk or the World Café
or one of the student societies.”
“better late than never”
Means that doing something late is better than
not doing it at all.
not doing it at all.
ADVICE: DO NOT use this as an excuse for
being late with your assignments!!!
Eg. “It was my friend’s birthday two weeks ago and I’ve only just poster her card; oh well, better late than never.”
“roll your sleeves up”
“roll your sleeves up”
To get ready for some hard
work.
Eg. “With pre-Christmas assignments and exams in the New Year, students
need to roll their sleeves up and study hard.”
“full of hot air”
Describes someone who talks a
lot of rubbish.
Eg. “I just don’t believe what Michael told me,
he’s full of hot air.”
“all that glitters is not gold”
Just because something looks attractive does
not mean it is genuine or valuable.
not mean it is genuine or valuable.
Eg. “The house looked beautiful and exactly what we were looking for but all that glitters is not gold, and if you looked closely there were just too many things that needed fixing.”
“cut a long story short”
Used when shortening a story
by getting to the end or just telling the main facts without giving all the
finer details of what happened.
Eg. “Well to cut a long story short, I pass the assignment.”
(If someone
is telling a story and you want them to get to the final point you might also
say, “cut to the chase”)
“take a rain check”
If you take a rain check, you decline an offer
or invitation now, but suggest you’ll accept at a later date.
or invitation now, but suggest you’ll accept at a later date.
Eg. “Sorry, I can’t play tennis this evening,
but let’s take a rain check”
but let’s take a rain check”
“let sleeping dogs lie”
Means you should not disturb a
situation as it might result
in unwanted trouble or complications.
in unwanted trouble or complications.
Eg. Jill asked her colleague “Should I ask if the boss is upset about me arriving late to work
this morning?” Joan replied, “If he hasn’t said
anything maybe you should just let sleeping dogs lie.”
“new kid on the block”
Refers to someone who has recently joined a company, organisation or team and doesn’t yet know their way
around and how things work.
around and how things work.
Eg. “I’ve been very grateful for the help of longer term students who have helped and advised all the
new kids on the block.
new kids on the block.
“dull as ditch water”
Means that something or someone is
extremely uninteresting.
extremely uninteresting.
Eg. “I listened to the Prime Minister’s speech but
it was as dull as ditchwater.”
it was as dull as ditchwater.”
"it’s like herding cats”
Something involving coordination of many different groups or people is as difficult as herding cats.
Eg. “Occasionally managing the numbers of people at TABLEtalk is like herding cats.”
talk the hind legs off
a donkey”
Describes someone who is extremely or excessively talkative.
Eg. “We all love Arshad but he could definitely talk the hind legs off a donkey!!”
“think outside the box”
To think in an imaginative and creative way not
limited by old rules or practices.
limited by old rules or practices.
Eg. “When you’re doing research and assignments we encourage all our students to think outside the box.
To miss an opportunity or a chance for something.
Eg. “Some people always seem to get what they want;
they never miss a trick.”
'feel down in the mouth'
To feel sad or disappointed.
Eg. “When I saw my friend she looked so down in the mouth; then I found out she’d recently lost her job.”
'throw someone in at the deep end'
To make someone deal with a difficult task without much
time to prepare or learn the necessary skills.
Eg. “On his first day as a Teaching Assistant, my friend Josh had to deal with a young boy who needed urgent medical attention; now that’s being thrown in at the deep end!!”
'blue in the face'
Describes a feeling of exhaustion through anger, strain
or other exertion, such as an extreme laughing fit.
Eg. “You can shout at me until you’re blue in the face but I won’t go.” OR “I laughed till I was blue in the face.”
'hook, line and sinker'
Phrase used when someone accepts something completely.
Eg. “As we approach this election, too many politicians
are expecting us to believe their promises hook,
line and sinker!!”
are expecting us to believe their promises hook,
line and sinker!!”
'wet behind the ears'
Describes someone who is young and inexperienced.
Eg. “I don’t understand why they’ve given John the managerial post, he’s still wet behind the ears.”
'it never rains but it pours'
Can either mean, when things go wrong they go really,
really wrong or that bad things don’t aren’t always
isolated sometimes several things happen all at once.
Eg. “So, this morning I had a flat tire, when I went to get
it fixed I discovered I’d left all my cash at home
and then I discovered my credit card had just expired
it fixed I discovered I’d left all my cash at home
and then I discovered my credit card had just expired
… it never rains but it pours!!”
'out of the frying pan, into the fire'
To go from one bad situation to an even worse situation.
Eg. “I went from the frying pan to the fire; I was already in debt and struggling to pay my bills and then I lost my job!!”
'mum’s the word'
A promise not to repeat something that’s a secret.
Eg. “I’m planning a surprise party for my friend
but mum’s the word.”
but mum’s the word.”
'failure is the mother of success'
Failure is often a stepping stone to success.
Eg. “At the time failure is difficult to accept but it is
always easier to look back and see that failure is
often in fact the mother of success.”
always easier to look back and see that failure is
often in fact the mother of success.”
'dressed to kill'
No, this has nothing to do with being in the military …
it means that a person is dressed very fashionably or glamorously in a way intended to attract attention.
Eg. “She arrived at the summer ball dressed to kill.”
'a face only a mother could love'
Not a complimentary saying, but hopefully said in jest.
This saying means that someone isn’t particularly attractive.
This saying means that someone isn’t particularly attractive.
Eg. “Look at that little baby, it has a face
only a mother could love.”
'go against the grain'
To do or say something that is the opposite to
the normal or expected response or reaction.
the normal or expected response or reaction.
Eg. “It’s not easy for William to admit that he is wrong;
it goes completely against the grain”
it goes completely against the grain”
'if you can’t stand the heat,
get out of the kitchen'
This was originally a quote by Harry S. Truman (American President from 1945-1953) it means if you can’t cope with the pressure then you should remove yourself from the situation.
Eg. Jane: “I didn’t know the zumba class would be so demanding, I wish the teacher would slow down.”
Sue: “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.”
'swings & roundabouts'
Something that you say to describe a situation in which there are as many advantages as there are problems.
Eg. “If you buy a house out of the city because it’s cheaper, you’ll only end up paying more in travel costs to work.
So it’s all swings and roundabouts really.”
So it’s all swings and roundabouts really.”
'shoot yourself in the foot'
To say or do something which will only cause
problems for yourself.
Eg. “All international students are advised to action any visa problems early rather than ignore them and shoot themselves in the foot.”
'ring in the new year'
To celebrate the start of a new year.
Eg. “On New Year’s Day I had an Open Home to ring in the new year."
'sit on the fence'
'sit on the fence'
To not take sides or not make a clear choice between two possibilities.
Eg. “When doing a survey it’s difficult if people can’t make decisions between the choices given and just sit on the fence undecided.”
'turn the other cheek'
To not get angry or retaliate when someone hurts or offends you.
Eg. "The only way to deal with Bob when he gets angry is simply to turn the other cheek and walk away.”
'cheap as chips'
Something that is very inexpensive.
Eg. "Many students came to our winter sale of clothing and household items last week; everything was cheap as chips.”
'knee-high to a grasshopper'
If you are talking about something that happened when you were knee-high to a grasshopper, it happened when you were very young and little.
Eg. "The last time I visited a zoo I was knee-high to a grasshopper.”
'in one ear and out the other'
To forget something as soon as you’ve heard it, either because it was boring or because it was too complicated.
Eg. "I tried to take in all the finer points of the lecture but most of it went in one ear and out the other.”
'I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it'
To only think about something when it actually happens, but not in advance. Indicates that you’re not worried about a possible problem.
Eg. "Sue asked me what I’d do if my flight was delayed, and I told her I’ll simply cross that bridge when I come to it.”
'hear something through the grapevine'
To hear something through an informal or unofficial means, not directly; often by way of gossip.
Eg. "I haven’t been told officially, but I’ve heard through the grapevine that someone else got the job and not me.”
'hit the nail on the head'
To be right about something or to describe exactly what is causing a situation or a problem.
Eg. "I think you really hit the nail on the head when you told the manager that people are leaving the company because they don’t feel appreciated.”
'the long and the short of it'
To tell someone something in the shortest and
quickest way possible.
Eg. "I listened to him telling me all the details of his holiday when the long and the short of it was that almost everything that could go wrong had gone wrong.”
'a bad apple'
A person who is bad, or has a bad influence on others.
Eg. "I wish you wouldn’t spend spend so much time with him, he’s such a bad apple.”
'a vicious circle'
A situation in which an attempt to solve or conquer one problem, leads to another problem which in turn
brings the situation full circle
Eg. "Brian was so unhappy in his work that he started drinking and then his drinking caused him to lose his job, now he’s even unhappier. It's been such a vicious circle.”
'head in the clouds'
To be daydreaming and be unaware of the real situation.
To have unrealistic, impractical ideas.
Eg. "If Mike thinks the company will pay for his world trip, then he really has his head in the clouds.”
'get your skates on'
A way of telling someone to hurry up.
Eg. "If you don’t get your skates on we’re going to miss the train.”
'like peas in a pod'
When things are very similar.
Eg. "You can tell they are brothers; they’re like two peas in a pod.”
'get your feet wet'
To get your very first experience of something.
Eg. "Susan was looking forward to learning to drive; she can’t wait to get behind the wheel and get her feet wet.”
'pie in the sky'
When an idea or a plan someone has seems good but is extremely unlikely to happen or to be achieved.
Eg. "I promised myself a trip around the world for my 50th birthday, but it was all just pie in the sky.”
'actions speak louder than words'
What people actually do is more important than what they say- people can
promise things but then fail to deliver.
Eg. "There's no point in saying you'll volunteer but never turn up, actions speak louder than words.
'not a sausage'
Nothing.
Eg. Jenny, "Do you have any money for the taxi?"
"No, not a sausage," Susan replied
'tough as old boots'
Something or someone
that is as tough as old boots is strong and resilient.
Eg. "I think to be leader of a country you'd have to be tough as old boots."
'twiddling your thumbs'
'a month of Sundays'
'bee's knees'
'twiddling your thumbs'
To sit around doing very little.
Eg. "As the term draws towards exam period, none of the students have time to sit twiddling their thumbs."'a month of Sundays'
A month of Sundays is a
long period of time.
Eg. "I miss my friend Alison, I haven't seen her in a month of Sundays."
Eg. "I miss my friend Alison, I haven't seen her in a month of Sundays."
'cloud nine
If you are on cloud
nine, you are extremely happy.
Eg. "When Basel got his Masters results he was on cloud nine."
Eg. "When Basel got his Masters results he was on cloud nine."
'lead someone down the garden path'
Meaning that someone deceives you or give you false information that causes you to waste your time. Some people say, 'down the garden path.'
Eg. "I was really led up the garden path regarding the cost of the building work."
Meaning that someone deceives you or give you false information that causes you to waste your time. Some people say, 'down the garden path.'
Eg. "I was really led up the garden path regarding the cost of the building work."
'work your socks off'
To work very hard.
Eg. "If you want to get a good result for your degree you need to be willing to work your socks off."
To work very hard.
Eg. "If you want to get a good result for your degree you need to be willing to work your socks off."
'shot in the dark'
This means to try something even though you maybe have little hope of success.
Eg. "Even if you don't know the answer in your exam, write something; it's worth taking a shot in the dark."
This means to try something even though you maybe have little hope of success.
Eg. "Even if you don't know the answer in your exam, write something; it's worth taking a shot in the dark."
'stubborn as a mule'
Someone who will not
listen to other people's advice and won't change their way of doing things is
as stubborn as a mule.
Eg. "I tried teaching him a strategy for the game but he's as stubborn as a mule and wouldn't listen; consequently he lost!"
Eg. "I tried teaching him a strategy for the game but he's as stubborn as a mule and wouldn't listen; consequently he lost!"
'it cost an arm and a leg'
Used when something is very expensive indeed.
Eg. "I can't believe how much he paid for his phone, it cost an arm and a leg!"
Used when something is very expensive indeed.
Eg. "I can't believe how much he paid for his phone, it cost an arm and a leg!"
'draw the short straw'
If someone draws the shortest
straw, they lose or are chosen to do something unpleasant.
Eg. "There were lots of jobs needed doing but I drew the short straw and had to clean the toilets."
Eg. "There were lots of jobs needed doing but I drew the short straw and had to clean the toilets."
'hot potato'
A problem or issue that
is very controversial and no one wants to deal with is a hot potato.
Eg. "Although TABLEtalk is mostly fun I don't believe we should avoid discussing hot potato topics."
Eg. "Although TABLEtalk is mostly fun I don't believe we should avoid discussing hot potato topics."
'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed'
Means someone is full of energy and enthusiasm.
Eg. "I love my job, just ask me what I do and I'll become all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed."
Eg. "I love my job, just ask me what I do and I'll become all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed."
'call it a day'
If you call it a day,
you stop doing something for a while, normally at least until the following
day.
Eg. "We spent so much time talking about the programme and had so many ideas we decided to call it a day."
Eg. "We spent so much time talking about the programme and had so many ideas we decided to call it a day."
'miss the boat'
To be too late to take advantage of an opportunity.
Eg. "When you see posters for the day trips we organise you should buy your ticket quickly, you don't want to miss the boat."
Eg. "When you see posters for the day trips we organise you should buy your ticket quickly, you don't want to miss the boat."
'in donkey's years'
This means for a very long time. Used the same as 'a month of Sundays.'
Eg. "I've not seen my friend Alison in donkey's years!"
Eg. "I've not seen my friend Alison in donkey's years!"
'blow away the cobwebs'
To make sweeping changes to something to bring fresh views and ideas in.
Eg. "I'm tired of hearing people say 'we've always done it like this'; we need to bring in some younger leaders to blow away the cobwebs.
Eg. "I'm tired of hearing people say 'we've always done it like this'; we need to bring in some younger leaders to blow away the cobwebs.
'egg on your face'
If someone has egg on
their face, they are made to look foolish or embarrassed.
Eg. "Simon ended up with egg on his face when the board asked for up-to-date figures and he didn't have them."
Eg. "Simon ended up with egg on his face when the board asked for up-to-date figures and he didn't have them."
'fingers and thumbs'
Describes a person who is clumsy and not very skilled with your hands or someone who's nervous and therefore can't do something.
Eg. "Can you please thread this needle for me, I'm all fingers and thumbs today."
Eg. "Can you please thread this needle for me, I'm all fingers and thumbs today."
'first come, first served'
Means there will
be no preferential treatment and a service will be provided to those that
arrive first.
Eg. "Tickets for our Cambridge trip will be sold on a first come, first served basis."
Eg. "Tickets for our Cambridge trip will be sold on a first come, first served basis."
'give yourself a pat on the back'
Feel pleased with yourself because
of something you’ve done or achieved.
Eg. "I wanted to pat myself on the back after passing all my exams."
'hear something on the grapevine'
If you hear something
on the grapevine, you are informed about something by someone unconnected or gossip from one person to another informally. Some use 'through' rather than 'on'.
Eg. "You would be cross too if you heard, through the grapevine, that your job was under threat."
Eg. "You would be cross too if you heard, through the grapevine, that your job was under threat."
'a hidden agenda'
Something that you secretly intend to achieve from a
plan or action.
Eg. "He was elected to serve his country, but he had his own hidden agenda and now all his relatives have positions of power.
'a bad apple'
A person who is bad and
makes other bad is a bad apple.
Eg. "All it takes is one bad apple and the reputation of our company could be ruined."
Eg. "All it takes is one bad apple and the reputation of our company could be ruined."
'take your breath away'
If something takes your
breath away, it astonishes or surprises you.
Eg. "My first sight of the Great Wall of China really took my breath away."
Eg. "My first sight of the Great Wall of China really took my breath away."
'under the weather'
If you are feeling a
bit ill, sad or lack energy, you are under the weather.
Eg. "I got caught in the rain yesterday without my coat and now I'm feeling a bit under the weather."
Eg. "I got caught in the rain yesterday without my coat and now I'm feeling a bit under the weather."
'six of one and half a dozen of the other'
Used
when there is little or no difference between two options.
Eg. "I've explored travelling by car or getting public transport, but it's all six of one and half a dozen of the other."
Eg. "I've explored travelling by car or getting public transport, but it's all six of one and half a dozen of the other."
'feel the pinch'
If someone is short of
money or feeling restricted in some other way, they are feeling the pinch.
Eg. "If students aren't used to budgetting their money well, they will soon begin to feel the pinch financially."
Eg. "If students aren't used to budgetting their money well, they will soon begin to feel the pinch financially."
'grab the bull by the horns'
To deal head-on and directly with a problem.
Eg. "I'm just going to grab the bull by the horns and ask my company for a pay rise."
Eg. "I'm just going to grab the bull by the horns and ask my company for a pay rise."
'go down like a lead balloon'
If something goes
down like a lead balloon, it fails or is extremely badly received.
Eg. "At the Eurovision Song Contest the British entry usually goes down like a lead balloon."
Eg. "At the Eurovision Song Contest the British entry usually goes down like a lead balloon."
'have something up your sleeve'
To have some hidden or secret plan, idea, etc; something to use to your
advantage when the time is right.
Eg. "Sometimes at TABLEtalk I need to have various ideas up my sleeve."
Eg. "Sometimes at TABLEtalk I need to have various ideas up my sleeve."
'rock the boat'
If you rock the boat,
you de-stabilise a situation by making trouble.
Eg. 'Whilst it's good to present your new ideas it may get you a bad reputation if you rock the boat too often.
Eg. 'Whilst it's good to present your new ideas it may get you a bad reputation if you rock the boat too often.
'shank's pony'
If you go
somewhere by Shanks's pony, you walk there.
Eg. "When my car broke down I had no choice but to use shank's pony."
Eg. "When my car broke down I had no choice but to use shank's pony."
'raining cats and dogs'
Means it's raining very heavily.
Eg. "It was raining cats and dogs, so I took cover in the bus shelter.
Eg. "It was raining cats and dogs, so I took cover in the bus shelter.
'stick to your guns'
To firmly keep your position even though people attack or criticise you.
Eg. "The police continued to question him but he stuck to his guns with the same story."
Eg. "The police continued to question him but he stuck to his guns with the same story."
'busman's holiday'
Time away from work that is spent
doing something very similar to your usual job.
Eg. "Will my trip to Asia be a real rest or simply a busman's holiday."
'catch someone red-handed'
If someone is caught
red-handed, they are found doing something wrong or illegal.
Eg. "The theft was caught red-handed, climbing out of the window."
Eg. "The theft was caught red-handed, climbing out of the window."
'have eyes in the back of your head'
Be able to notice everything that is
happening around you.
Eg. "My friend has four young children and she often needs eyes in the back of her head."
'I'll eat my hat'
Used when
you are absolutely sure that you are right; letting others know that
there is no chance of your being wrong.
Eg. "She's always running late; if she gets here on time I'll eat my hat."
Eg. "She's always running late; if she gets here on time I'll eat my hat."
'go pear-shaped'
Meaning that things have gone completely wrong.
Eg. My day went completely pear-shaped when I went shopping and then realised I'd left my purse at home, my phone was out of charge and then I missed the bus home."
Eg. My day went completely pear-shaped when I went shopping and then realised I'd left my purse at home, my phone was out of charge and then I missed the bus home."
'stand on ceremony'
To hold rigidly to certain formal rules and ways of
doing things.
Eg. 'We don't stand on ceremony at my house, I'm happy for you to help yourself to a drink.
Eg. 'We don't stand on ceremony at my house, I'm happy for you to help yourself to a drink.
'tickled pink'
To
feel extremely pleased or delighted by something.
Eg. "I felt tickled pink to receive so many compliments on my new dress."
'burn a hole in your pocket'
Refers to having money, maybe more than you're used to, that
is ready for spending immediately.
Eg. "I won £200 last week and it's been burning a hole in my pocket ever since."
Eg. "I won £200 last week and it's been burning a hole in my pocket ever since."
'bone to pick'
Used to mean you want to talk with someone who has done something to annoy or offend you.
Eg. "I have a bone to pick with Simon, he keeps borrowing money and hasn't paid any of it back yet."
Eg. "I have a bone to pick with Simon, he keeps borrowing money and hasn't paid any of it back yet."
'chip on your shoulder'
If someone has a chip
on their shoulder, they are resentful about something and feel that they have
been treated badly.
Eg. "Raymond is so competitive and always has a chip on his shoulder if he loses the game."
Eg. "Raymond is so competitive and always has a chip on his shoulder if he loses the game."
'tighten your belt'
Means you have to economise.
Eg. "Since I lost my job we've really had to tighten our belts."
Eg. "Since I lost my job we've really had to tighten our belts."
'put all your cards on the table'
To make your thoughts or ideas perfectly clear.
Eg. "I didn't want to be accused of hiding anything so I simply put all my cards on the table."
Eg. "I didn't want to be accused of hiding anything so I simply put all my cards on the table."
'daylight robbery'
If you are overcharged
or underpaid, it is a daylight robbery; open, unfair and hard to prevent.
Eg. "The price some hotels charge is daylight robbery."
Eg. "The price some hotels charge is daylight robbery."
'call someone's bluff'
Tell someone to go
ahead and do what they’re threatening to do, because you don’t actually believe
they’ll do it.
Eg. "For the third time Sarah threatened to resign and finally the manager called her bluff."
Eg. "For the third time Sarah threatened to resign and finally the manager called her bluff."
're-charge your batteries'
To do something to regain your energy after working hard for a long
time.
Eg. "At the end of the academic year I'm ready for a nice holiday to recharge my batteries."
Eg. "At the end of the academic year I'm ready for a nice holiday to recharge my batteries."
'proof of the pudding is in the eating'
Means that
something can only be judged when it is tested or by its results. (It is often
shortened to 'Proof of the pudding'.)
Eg. "When people ask me if TABLEtalk is the kind of thing students really want I simply respond, 'Look at the numbers, the proof is in the pudding'"
Eg. "When people ask me if TABLEtalk is the kind of thing students really want I simply respond, 'Look at the numbers, the proof is in the pudding'"
'hand to mouth'
Means that someone is very poor and needs the little money they have coming in
to cover their expenses.
Eg. "With such a low salary and a family to feed, Brian lives a hand to mouth existence."
Eg. "With such a low salary and a family to feed, Brian lives a hand to mouth existence."
'icing on the cake'
An expression is used
to refer to something good that happens on top of an already good thing or
situation.
Eg. "The film was a big success, and then winning an award was the icing on the cake."
Eg. "The film was a big success, and then winning an award was the icing on the cake."
'wing it'
To
improvise. To do the best in a situation that you’re not prepared for.
Eg. "We never know how many students will come to TABLEtalk, so I often have to wing it."
Eg. "We never know how many students will come to TABLEtalk, so I often have to wing it."
'pull your socks up'
If you aren't satisfied
with someone and want them to do better, you tell them to pull their
socks up.
Eg. "Susan is a very clever girl but she needs to pull her socks up and pay better attention in class."
Eg. "Susan is a very clever girl but she needs to pull her socks up and pay better attention in class."
'ring a bell'
For something to seem
familiar or to remind you of something.
Eg. "I've never met John Stevens, but his name rings a bell."
Eg. "I've never met John Stevens, but his name rings a bell."
'bury your head in the sand'
Means to ignore something that is obviously wrong.
Eg. "If you've had a disagreement with someone don't bury your head in the sand, talk to them and sort things out."
Eg. "If you've had a disagreement with someone don't bury your head in the sand, talk to them and sort things out."
'beggar can't be choosers'
People who are in great need must accept any help that is offered, even if it
is not a complete solution to their problems.
Eg. "I really don't like living in this flat, but beggars can't be choosers."
Eg. "I really don't like living in this flat, but beggars can't be choosers."
'dead to the world'
If somebody in a deep asleep and unaware of what is happening around them, he or she is
dead to the world.
Eg. "After working on his project through the night, Stephen was now dead to the world."
Eg. "After working on his project through the night, Stephen was now dead to the world."
'make a mountain out of a molehill'
Means that someone exaggerates the importance or seriousness of a
problem.
Eg. "It's only a scratch, stop making a mountain out of a molehill."
Eg. "It's only a scratch, stop making a mountain out of a molehill."
'needle in a haystack'
Means that it is very
difficult, if not impossible to find something among everything else around it.
Eg. "Searching for a file in my office is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Eg. "Searching for a file in my office is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
'send someone to Coventry'
If you send
someone to Coventry, you refuse to talk to them or co-operate with them.
Eg. "The rest of the team sent Michael to Coventry because he had nominated himself promotion."
Eg. "The rest of the team sent Michael to Coventry because he had nominated himself promotion."
'glutton for punishment'
A glutton is someone who eats a lot; but a glutton for punishment is someone who accepts difficult tasks and often takes on too many responsibilities.
Eg. "Why have I agreed to run a weekly study group, it's not like I don't have anything else to do. I'm such a glutton for punishment."
Eg. "Why have I agreed to run a weekly study group, it's not like I don't have anything else to do. I'm such a glutton for punishment."
'make ends meet'
If somebody finds it
hard to make ends meet, they have problems living on the money they earn.
Eg. "After Julie lost her job the family found it difficult to make ends meet."
Eg. "After Julie lost her job the family found it difficult to make ends meet."
'tip of the iceberg'
The tip of the iceberg
is the part of a problem that can be seen, with far more serious problems lying
underneath.
Eg. "When the new manager arrived he soon realised that problems with unhappy staff was just the tip of the iceberg."
Eg. "When the new manager arrived he soon realised that problems with unhappy staff was just the tip of the iceberg."
'look before you leap'
Means that
you should think carefully about the possible results or consequences before
doing something.
Eg. "It's not that you shouldn't accept the job, but do you really understand what will be demanded of you? It's wise to look before you leap."
Eg. "It's not that you shouldn't accept the job, but do you really understand what will be demanded of you? It's wise to look before you leap."
'can't see the wood for the trees'
If someone can't
see the wood for the trees, they get so caught up in small details that they
fail to understand the bigger picture.
Eg. "I wonder if PhD students spend so much time in the details of research that they lose the ability to see the wood for the trees."
Eg. "I wonder if PhD students spend so much time in the details of research that they lose the ability to see the wood for the trees."
'below the belt'
If someone says
something that is cruel or unfair, it is below the belt, like the illegal
punches in boxing.
Eg. "I thought that Mary's negative comments about her supervisor were completely below the belt."
Eg. "I thought that Mary's negative comments about her supervisor were completely below the belt."
'how long is a piece of string?'
If someone has no idea
of the answer to a question, they can ask 'How long is a piece of string?' as a
way of indicating their ignorance.
Eg. "I asked the builder how long it might take to fix my roof, but he just looked at me and said, 'How long is a piece of string?'"
Eg. "I asked the builder how long it might take to fix my roof, but he just looked at me and said, 'How long is a piece of string?'"
'pure as the driven snow'
To be morally good.
Eg. "I have never heard Helen say a bad word about anyone, she's as pure as the driven snow."
'away with the fairies'
Means someone doesn't face reality and has unrealistic expectations of life.
Eg. "Sadly I think Kyle has taken too many drugs, he's away with the fairies."
Eg. "Sadly I think Kyle has taken too many drugs, he's away with the fairies."
'back to the drawing board'
If you have to go back to the drawing board it means you have to go back to the beginning and start something again.
Eg. "The experiments didn't work, so it's back to the drawing board."
If you have to go back to the drawing board it means you have to go back to the beginning and start something again.
Eg. "The experiments didn't work, so it's back to the drawing board."
'barking up the wrong tree'
Means that you have completely misunderstood something or
are totally wrong.
Eg. "If the police think I took the money they are barking up the wrong tree."
Eg. "If the police think I took the money they are barking up the wrong tree."
'dot all the i's and cross all the t's'
If you dot all the i's
and cross all the t's, you do something very carefully and thoroughly.
Eg. "Be very thorough, before you hand in your dissertation make sure you've dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's."
Eg. "Be very thorough, before you hand in your dissertation make sure you've dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's."
'everything but the kitchen sink'
To include everything possible, regardless of
whether or not they're are useful.
Eg. "I'm not very good at travelling
light, I tend to pack everything but the kitchen sink."
'by the skin of your teeth'
Means you only just managed to do something and
come very close to failing.
Eg. "You need to work hard for a good
degree; you don't want to pass just by the skin of your teeth."
'pain in the neck'
If someone is very
annoying and always disturbing you, they are a pain in the neck. There are also less polite forms of this idiom.
Eg. "My little brother can sometimes be such a pain in the neck."
Eg. "My little brother can sometimes be such a pain in the neck."
'vicious circle'
A vicious circle is a
sequence of events that make each other worse- someone drinks because they are
unhappy at work, then loses their job... 'Vicious cycle' is also used.
Eg. "The fatter I am, the more depressed I feel, the more I comfort eat and the fatter I get; it's such a vicious circle."
Eg. "The fatter I am, the more depressed I feel, the more I comfort eat and the fatter I get; it's such a vicious circle."
'packed like sardines'
If a place is extremely
crowded, people are packed like sardines, or packed in like sardines.
Eg. "I hate the trains in the rush hour, can't get a seat and packed in like sardines."
'bark is worse than their bite'
Someone whose bark is worse
than their bite may well get angry and shout, but doesn't take action.
Eg. "I was a little bit scared of my new boss but soon discovered his bark was worse than his bite."
Eg. "I was a little bit scared of my new boss but soon discovered his bark was worse than his bite."
'against the clock'
If you do something
against the clock, you are rushed and have very little time to do it.
Eg. "As we draw towards the end of the term students find they're working against the clock to finish their assignments."
Eg. "As we draw towards the end of the term students find they're working against the clock to finish their assignments."
'brush under the carpet'
Means that you are making an attempt to ignore something, or hide it from
others.
Eg. "if you've done something wrong it's better to be honest rather than try to brush it under the carpet."
Eg. "if you've done something wrong it's better to be honest rather than try to brush it under the carpet."
'early bird catches the worm'
If you start something early, you stand a better chance of
success.
Eg. "The offer starts tomorrow and the early bird catches the worm."
Eg. "The offer starts tomorrow and the early bird catches the worm."
'cook the books'
If people cook the
books, they keep false accounts to make money illegally or avoid paying tax.
Eg. "An independent audit showed that the treasurer had been cooking the books for years."
Eg. "An independent audit showed that the treasurer had been cooking the books for years."
'hold the fort'
Means that you look after something or assume someone's responsibilities while they are
away.
Eg. "I was asked to hold the fort whilst my colleague was off sick."
Eg. "I was asked to hold the fort whilst my colleague was off sick."
'bad taste in your mouth'
If something leaves you
with a bad taste in your mouth, you feel there is something odd or wrong or bad about
it.
Eg. "Being criticised publicly really left a bad taste in my mouth."
Eg. "Being criticised publicly really left a bad taste in my mouth."
'bite the bullet'
This idiom means you have to accept or face something unpleasant because it cannot be
avoided.
Eg. "When students begin to feel the pressure of their studies they usually have no choice but to bite the bullet and get on with it."
Eg. "When students begin to feel the pressure of their studies they usually have no choice but to bite the bullet and get on with it."
'not got the foggiest'
To not know anything at
all about something
Eg. "My lecturer has a very strong accent and I don't have the foggiest what he said to me."
Eg. "My lecturer has a very strong accent and I don't have the foggiest what he said to me."
'put your money where your mouth is'
Means to back up their words with action.
Eg. "If you think it's such a good idea why don't you put your money where your mouth is."
Eg. "If you think it's such a good idea why don't you put your money where your mouth is."
'pass the buck'
To avoid taking responsibility by saying that someone else is responsible.
Eg. "I told her not the pass the buck and blame me for everything."
Eg. "I told her not the pass the buck and blame me for everything."
'bad hair day'
Means things are not going the way you would like or had planned.
Eg. "I'm sorry I'm so miserable, it's been a really bad hair day."
Eg. "I'm sorry I'm so miserable, it's been a really bad hair day."
'burn the candle at both ends'
To burn the
candle at both ends means to live life at a hectic pace, doing things which are likely
to affect their health badly.
Eg. "If you keep burning the candle at both ends you'll end up making yourself ill."
Eg. "If you keep burning the candle at both ends you'll end up making yourself ill."
'heart skips a beat'
If your heart misses a
beat, you are suddenly shocked or surprised.
Eg. "If Denzel Washington was to walk in the room my heart would definitely skip a beat."
Eg. "If Denzel Washington was to walk in the room my heart would definitely skip a beat."
'elephant in the room'
A
problem that everyone knows is there but no-one talks about because it’s taboo
or embarrassing.
Eg. "Mum and Dad sat eating in silence, neither wanted to be the first to mention the fact that I'd dropped out of college."
'a watched pot never boils'
Some things work out in
their own time, so being impatient and constantly checking will just make
things seem longer.
Eg. "A watched pot never boils, so stop looking at the phone, he's ring when he's ready."
Eg. "A watched pot never boils, so stop looking at the phone, he's ring when he's ready."
'move the goalposts'
When people move the
goalposts, they change the standards required for something to their advantage.
Eg. "I left my previous job because I was fed up of them moving the goalposts."
Eg. "I left my previous job because I was fed up of them moving the goalposts."
'nothing to write home about'
Something that is not
special or good is nothing to write home about.
Eg. "My friend really enjoyed the film but I didn't think it was anything to write home about."
Eg. "My friend really enjoyed the film but I didn't think it was anything to write home about."
'wake up and smell the coffee'
When someone doesn't
realise what is really happening or is not paying enough attention to events
around them, you can tell them to wake up and smell the coffee.
Eg. "If anyone thinks doing a Masters is easy they need to wake up and smell the coffee
Eg. "If anyone thinks doing a Masters is easy they need to wake up and smell the coffee
'piece of cake'
If something is a piece
of cake, it is really easy
Eg. "Once you know how to do a job it's a piece of cake."
Eg. "Once you know how to do a job it's a piece of cake."
'if push comes to shove'
Means you’ll action something if absolutely necessary or as a last resort.
Means you’ll action something if absolutely necessary or as a last resort.
Eg. "I quite an independent person but if push comes to shove I'll just have to ask for help."
'keep it under your hat'
To keep it something secret.
Eg. "I'm organising a party for my friend but she doesn't know so keep it under your hat."
Eg. "I'm organising a party for my friend but she doesn't know so keep it under your hat."
'pay on the nail'
If you pay on the nail,
you pay promptly in cash.
Eg "I won't allow myself to go in to debt, I always pay my bills on the nail."
'ruffle someone's feathers'
You ruffle someone's feathers it means you annoy people or vice versa.
Eg. "It really ruffles my feathers when people make racist comments."
Eg. "It really ruffles my feathers when people make racist comments."
'at the drop of a hat'
Means you'll do something immediately.
Eg. "Aiste is always willing to volunteer and will help out at the drop of a hat."
'bee's knees'
Something/someone that's outstanding or simply the best.
Eg. "I thought my teacher was the bee's knees."
Eg. "I thought my teacher was the bee's knees."
'don't hold your breath'
Means that you shouldn't have high expectations about
something happening or about someone.
Eg. "Maybe one day Lynne will get married but don't hold your breath."
'a good egg'
A good and dependable person.
Eg. "Pauline is such a good egg, always willing to help others.
'on top of the world'
Used when everything is going well for you.
Eg. "I was feeling on top of the world until I got my exam results."
Eg. "I was feeling on top of the world until I got my exam results."
'bend over backwards'
Describes someone who'll do everything they can to help.
Eg. "When I needed help moving house my friends really bent over backwards."
Eg. "When I needed help moving house my friends really bent over backwards."
'wasn't born yesterday'
Not stupid or easily
tricked
Eg. "When the man in the market said the i-phone was authentic did he really think I was born yesterday!!"
Eg. "When the man in the market said the i-phone was authentic did he really think I was born yesterday!!"
'bite someone's head off'
If you bite someone's
head off, you criticise them angrily.
Eg. "I was so shocked when she bit my head off just because I was a few minutes late."
'make a pig's ear'
If you make a pig's ear
of something, you make a complete mess of it.
Eg. "All I wanted was a list of attendees but he made a complete pig's ear of it."
Eg. "All I wanted was a list of attendees but he made a complete pig's ear of it."
'throw caution to the wind'
Used when people take great risks.
Eg. "Sometimes it's right to play things safe but other times we need to throw caution to the wind."
Eg. "Sometimes it's right to play things safe but other times we need to throw caution to the wind."
'walking encyclopedia'
A very knowledgeable
person is a walking encyclopedia.
Eg. "Some of our students are so clever they are like walking encyclopedias."
'come out in the wash'
'wrong end of the stick'
To misunderstand what someone has said or done.
Eg. "When Susan and Michael turned up at the party together people got the wrong end of the stick."
'eager beaver'
A person who is extremely keen/willing is an eager beaver.
Eg. "Ali is such an eager beaver, he volunteers for everything."
'got all your marbles'
To be of sound mental state and sensible in character.
Eg. "I was worried that my landlady didn't have all her marbles."
'come out in the wash'
If something comes out in the wash, it doesn't have any permanent negative effect.
Eg. "Don't let that problem worry you, it'll all come out in the wash!"
'wrong end of the stick'
To misunderstand what someone has said or done.
Eg. "When Susan and Michael turned up at the party together people got the wrong end of the stick."
'eager beaver'
A person who is extremely keen/willing is an eager beaver.
Eg. "Ali is such an eager beaver, he volunteers for everything."
'got all your marbles'
To be of sound mental state and sensible in character.
Eg. "I was worried that my landlady didn't have all her marbles."
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