The
Dictionary of Idioms
&
Phrases
By
CLIFFORD ROBERTS
Very good phrases are surely, and ever were, very commendable.
2 HENRY 1V. ііі. 2.
PREFACE.
________
THIS book is intended to be an index of idioms, phrases and proverbs listed in alphabetical order along with a slim diet of slang words.
Out of my lean and low ability, I’ll lend you something…
►A
1. A bit somewhat
To some extent: he came back looking a bit annoyed.
2. A bit much
When something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.
3. A bit of a
Used to suggest that something is not severe or extreme, or is true only to a limited extent: he’s a bit of a womanizer.
4. A chain is stronger than its weakest link
It means that processes, organizations, and so forth, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.
5. A clean sweep
1st sense: the removal of all unwanted people or things in order to start afresh: the new leaders wanted to make a clean sweep of the discredited old order. 2nd sense: the winning of all of a group of similar or related competitions, events, or matches: he was in reach of the nomination after a clean sweep of Tuesday’s primaries.
6. A day late and a dollar short
When something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.
7. A different kettle of fish
Informal a completely different type of person or thing from the one previously mentioned: the new office is a rather different kettle of fish.
8. After one's own heart
Of the type, that one likes or understands best; sharing one’s tastes: a man after God’s own heart.
9. A fine (or pretty) kettle of fish
Informal an awkward state of affairs.
10. A fool and his money are soon parted
Means that people who aren’t careful with their money spend it quickly. Also: “A fool and his money are easily parted.”
11. A fool at forty is a fool forever
Should someone not be matured by the time reaching forty, he or she never will.
12. (A handle on)
Figurative A means of understanding, controlling, or approaching a person or situation: it’ll give people some kind of handle on these issues | get a handle on your life.
13. Ahead of the game
Ahead of one’s competitors or peers in the same sphere of activity.
14. A hitch in your giddy-up or a hitch in your gittie-up
When there’s a hitch in your giddy-up, you’re not feeling well.
15. A lick and a promise
Should you give something a lick and a promise, you do it hurriedly, intending to return to it later.
16. A little bird told me
When someone doesn’t want to say where they got some information from, they usually say that a little bird told them.
17. A little learning is a dangerous thing
A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert than they really are in general.
18. A long row to hoe
A long row to hoe is a difficult task that takes a long time.
19. A lost ball in the high weeds
Lost ball in the high weeds comes about when someone who does not know what they are doing, where they are or how to do something.
20. A miss is as good as a mile
Proverb the fact of failure or escape is not affected by the narrowness of the margin.
21. A Ok
Things are A OK they are fine.
22. A penny for your thoughts
It’s a way of asking someone what they are thinking about.
23. A penny saved is a penny earned
Means we shouldn’t spend or waste money, but try to save it.
24. A picture is worth a thousand words
A picture can get a message across much better than the best description.
25. A piece of ass (or tail)
Vulgar slang: a person, usually a woman, regarded as a sexual partner.
26. A piece of the action
Informal a share in the excitement of something. A share in the profits accruing from something.
27. A piece of cake
Informal something easily achieved: I never said that training him would be a piece of cake.
28. A poor man’s something
Something or someone that can be compared to something or someone else, but is not as good is a poor man’s version.
29. A pretty penny
Something costs a pretty penny it is very expensive.
30. A problem shared is a problem halved
You talk about your problems it will make you feel better.
31. A race against time
A situation in which something must be done before a particular point in time: it was a race against time to reach shore before the dinghy sank.
32. A rising tide lifts all boats
When one describes the idea that when an economy is performing well, all people will benefit from it.
33. A rolling stone gathers no moss
One says this to mean that an ambitious person is more successful than a person not trying to achieve anything.
34. A shoulder to cry on
Someone who listens sympathetically to one’s problems.
35. A slice off a cut loaf is never missed
Used to describe having sexual intercourse with someone who is not a virgin, especially when they are in a relationship. Also used: ‘You never miss a slice from a cut loaf'’.
36. A steal
Something is a steal it costs less than it is really worth.
37. A still tongue keeps a wise head
Means wise people don’t talk much.
38. A tangled web
A complex, difficult, and confusing situation or thing. [from ‘O what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive’ (Scott’s Marmion).]
39. A thorn in someone's side
(Or flesh) a source of continual annoyance or trouble: the pastor has long been a thorn in the side of the regime.
40. A watched pot never boils
Being impatient and constantly checking will just make things seem longer.
41. A1
When something is A1, it is the very best or finest.
42. Abide by a decision
One abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though one might disagree with it.
43. Abject lesson
Abject lesson serves as a warning to others.
44. About as useful as a chocolate teapot
Someone or something of no practical use is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
45. About face
Someone changes their mind completely, this is an about face.
46. Above board
Things done above board, they are carried out in a proper and correct manner.
47. Above par
Better than normal or average
48. Absence makes the heart grow fonder
When people are apart, their love grows stronger.
49. Accident waiting to happen or a disaster waiting to happen
An accident waiting to happen, there’s definitely going to be an accident or it’s bound to go wrong.
50. Ace in the hole
It’s something other people are not aware of that can be used to your advantage when the time is right.
51. Ace up your sleeve
An ace up your sleeve, means, you have something that will give you an advantage that other people don’t know about.
52. Achilles heel
A weak spot in a person.
53. Acid test
It’s something that proves whether something is good, effective, and so forth, or not.
54. Across from
Opposite: she sat across from me.
55. Across the board
Applying to all: the cutbacks might be across the board.
56. Across the pond
Means on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, and used to refer to the US or UK. It depends on the speaker’s location.
57. Act of god
It’s something like an earthquake or floods that persons cannot prevent or control.
58. Act of war
An action that is intended to start a war or that is interpreted as being a cause for a war.
59. Actions speak louder than words
Tends to apply that what people actually do is more important than what they say.
60. Adam apple
It’s a bulge in the throat, mostly seen in men.
61. Add fuel to the fire
People make a bad situation worse.
62. Add insult to injury
People that add insult to injury, they make a bad situation more worse.
63. After your own heart
A person thinks the same way as you.
64. Against the clock
When this occurs, you are rushed and have very little time to do it.
65. Against the grain
Contrary to the natural inclination or feeling of someone or something: it goes against the grain to tell outright lies. [From the fact that wood is easier to cut along the line of the grain.]
66. Against (or with) the stream
Against (or with) the prevailing view or tendency: a world in which the demand for quality does not run against the stream.
67. Age before beauty
It is a way of allowing an older person to do something first, though often in a sarcastic way.
68. Agony aunt
A newspaper columnist gives advice to people having problems, especially personal ones.
69. Ahead of the pack
One has made more progress than your rivals have.
70. Ahead of time
Something happens early or before the set time.
71. Air your dirty laundry in public
One reveals aspects of his/her private life that should really remain private, by telling a secret, arguing in public, and so on.
72. Albatross around your neck
A problem resulting from something you did that stops you from being successful.
73. Alike as two peas
People or things are like two peas, they are identical.
74. Alive and kicking
Something is active and doing well.
75. All aboard!
A call warning passengers to get on a ship, train, or bus that is about to depart.
76. All along
If known or suspected something all along, one has felt this from the beginning.
77. All and sundry
Like saying ‘each and every one’.
78. All bark and no bite
When someone talks tough, but isn’t.
79. All bets are off
Agreements that have been made no longer apply.
80. All dressed up and nowhere to go
Prepared for something that will not happen.
81. All ears
Someone is very interested in hearing about something.
82. All eyes on me
Mean everyone is paying attention to them.
83. All fingers and thumbs
One is too excited or clumsy to do something properly that requires manual dexterity.
84. All hat
They are all hat, no cattle when someone talks big, but cannot back it up.
85. All heart
Kind and generous.
86. All hell broke loose
There is chaos, confusion and trouble.
87. All in a day’s work
Means it is nothing special.
88. All in your head
You have imagined it and it is not real.
89. All mod cons
Something has all the best and most desirable features.
90. All mouth and trousers
Someone talks or boasts a lot but doesn’t deliver.
91. (All) of a piece (with something) (entirely)
Consistent (with something): his rejection of health-care reform is of a piece with his general disregard for the underprivileged.
92. All of the above
Means everything said or written, especially all the choices or possibilities.
93. All over bar the shouting or all over but the shouting
The outcome is absolutely, certain.
94. All over the lot
Informal in a state of confusion or disorganization.
95. All over the map
When a discussion is all over the map, it doesn’t stick to the main topic and goes off on tangents.
96. All over the place
Something completely disorganized or confused.
97. All over the shop
Something completely disorganized or confused.
98. All over the show or all over the shop
Something is in a complete mess.
99. All roads lead to Rome
There can be many different ways of doing something.
100. All set
One is ready for something.
101. All sixes or six of one and half a dozen of the other.
It doesn’t matter how it’s done.
102. All skin and bone
Someone is very underweight.
103. All square
If something is all square, nobody has an advantage or is ahead of the others.
104. All talk and no trousers
Someone talks about doing big, important things, but doesn’t take any action.
105. All that glitters is not gold or ‘all that glistens is not gold’
Means appearances can be deceptive and things looking or sound valuable can be worthless.
106. All the rage
Something very popular or fashionable at the moment.
107. All the tea in China
Someone won’t do something no matter how much money they are offered.
108. All your eggs in one basket
One risks everything at once, instead of trying to spread the risk.
109. Alls fair in love and war
Implies where there is conflict, people can be expected to behave in a more vicious way.
110. Alls well that ends well
When the end-result is good, everything is good.
111. All singing, all dancing
Something’s with the latest version with the most up-to date features.
112. Alter ego
Very close and intimate friend. Literally meaning ‘other self'’.
113. Always a bridesmaid never a bride
Someone never manages to fulfill their ambition. They get close, but never manage the recognition, craved.
114. A matter of opinion
Something not capable of being proven either way.
115. Ambulance chaser
It’s a lawyer encouraging people having been in accidents or become ill to sue for compensation.
116. Amen or amen to that
A way of agreeing with something just said.
117. An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Eat healthy food to keep you healthy.
118. An arrow in the quiver
One of a number of resources or strategies that can be drawn on or followed.
119. An article of faith
A firmly held belief: it was an article of faith with this circle that women must free themselves.
120. An old flame
Person that had an emotional relationship take place, and still looks on with affection.
121. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
It is better to try to avoid problems in the first place, rather than trying to fix them once they arise.
122. And all that jazz
Means everything related or similar is included.
123. An article of faith
A firmly held belief that women must free themselves.
124. Angry as a bear or angry as a bear with a sore foot
Someone is very angry.
125. Angry as a bull
Someone is also very angry.
126. Anointing of the Sick
(In the Roman Catholic Church) the sacramental anointing of the ill or infirm with blessed oil; unction.
127. Answers on a post card
Suggests that the answer to something is obvious or that the person would very much like to hear what people think.
128. Ants in your pants
Someone is agitated or excited about something and can’t keep still.
129. Any port in a storm
Mean that in an emergency any solution will do, even one that would normally be unacceptable.
130. Any tom dick or harry
Something could be done by absolutely anyone.
131. Apple of your eye
Something or someone that is very special to you.
132. Apple pie order
Means everything is in perfect order and tidy.
133. Apples and oranges or apples to oranges
When people compare or describe two totally different things.
134. Apples for apples or apples to apples
A comparison that is a comparison between related or similar things.
135. Apron strings
Excessively dependent on someone, especially your mother.
136. Argue the toss
When someone refuse to accept a decision and argue about it.
137. Arm and a leg
Something costly and very expensive.
138. Armchair critic
Someone who offers advice but never shows that they could actually do any better.
139. Armed to the teeth
A people having lots of weapons.
140. Around the clock
Around the clock, means it is open 24 hours a day. For example, a 7-11 is open around the clock.
141. Arrow in the quiver
It’s a strategy or option used to achieve your objective.
142. As a rule
It’s something you usually do it.
143. (As) clean as a whistle
Extremely clean or clear. Informal free of incriminating evidence: the cops raided the warehouse but the place was clean as a whistle.
144. As cold as ice
A phrase used to describe a person who does not show any emotion.
145. As cold as stone
As cold as stone, is very cold and the person is very unemotional.
146. As cold as a cucumber
The person doesn’t get worried by anything.
147. (As) dull as dishwater
Extremely dull.
148. As good as new
Something used still in extremely good condition, and good as new.
149. As mad as a hatter or as mad as a wrongly shot hog:
Means someone crazy or behaving very strangely.
150. As the case may be
According to the circumstances (used when referring to two or more possible alternatives): the authorities will decide if they are satisfied or not satisfied, as the case may be so.
151. Angry as a bear or angry as a bull
They are very angry.
152. As a whole
As a single unit and not as separate parts; in general: a healthy economy is in the best interests of society as a whole.
153. (As) blind as a bat
Informal having very bad eyesight.
154. (As) brown as a berry
(Of a person) very suntanned.
155. (As) cool as a cucumber
Untroubled by heat, stress, or exertion.
156. As different as (or like) chalk and cheese
Brit. fundamentally different or incompatible.
157. (As) easy as falling off a log
Informal very easy.
158. As much use as a chocolate fireguard or as much use as a chocolate teapot
Something used in front of a fireplace for safety or something that is not useful at all.
159. As much use as a handbrake on a canoe
This term is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless.
160. As neat as a new pin
Meaning tidy and clean.
161. As one man
People do something at exactly the same time or in complete agreement.
162. As the actress said to the bishop
Used to highlight a sexual reference, accidental or deliberate.
163. As the crow flies
The shortest possible distance between two places.
164. As you sow, so shall you reap
Means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or good things if good things are done.
165. Asleep at the switch or asleep at the wheel
Someone is not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully when they are asleep at the switch.
166. At a stretch
In one continuous period: I often had to work for over twenty hours at a stretch.
167. At a venture
Archaic: trusting to chance rather than to previous consideration or preparation: a man drew a bow at a venture.
168. At the drop of a dime
Someone will do something instantly, without hesitation.
169. At the latest
No later than the time specified: all new cars will be required to meet this standard by 1997 at the latest.
170. At a loose end
One has spare time but don’t know what to do with it.
171. At a loss
One is unable to understand or comply.
172. At a snail’s pace
Something moving very slowly.
173. At arms length
Something a safe distance away from them.
174. At cross-purposes
At such times, people misunderstand each other or have different or opposing objectives.
175. At daggers drawn
A person is very angry and close to violence.
176. At death’s door
Someone looking seriously unwell or actually dying.
177. At each other’s throat
People are fighting, arguing or competing ruthlessly.
178. At fault
1st sense: responsible for an undesirable situation or event; in the wrong: we recover compensation from the person at fault. 2nd sense: mistaken or defective: he suspected that his calculator was at fault.
179. At full tilt
With maximum energy or force; at top speed. Tilt at windmills attack imaginary enemies or evils. [With allusion to the story of Don Quixote tilting at windmills, believing they were giants.]
180. At heart in one's real nature
In contrast to how one may appear: he’s a good lad at heart.
181. At issue
Under discussion; in dispute.
182. At large
The person have not been found or caught.
183. At loggerheads
People arguing and can’t agree on anything.
184. At loose ends
One has spare time but don’t know what to do with it.
185. At odds
At odds with an individual, one cannot agree with them and argue.
186. At random
Without method or conscious decision: he opened the book at random.
187. At sea or all at sea
Disorganized and chaotic is when someone is at sea or all at sea.
188. At the bottom of the totem pole
Someone at the bottom of the totem pole is unimportant.
189. At the coalface
When this occurs, one deals with the real problems and issues, rather than sitting in a conference room addressing issues in a detached way.
190. At the drop of a hat
At the drop of a hat, you do it immediately.
191. At the end of the day
‘In conclusion’ and/or ‘when all is said and done’.
192. At the end of your rope
When one is at the limit of your patience or endurance.
193. At the end of your tether
At the limit of one’s patience or endurance.
194. At the fore
A leading position.
195. At the top of my lungs
When someone shouts as loudly as he/she possibly can.
196. At the top of the list
Something is of its highest priority.
197. At the top of your voice
Talk or shout as loudly as one can.
198. At your wits end
It’s when one doesn’t know what one should do about something, regardless how hard you think about it.
199. Average Joe
A person without anything exceptional about them.
200. Avowed intent
It’s when someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to attempt to reach a certain goal.
201. Away with the fairies
This occurs when some don’t face reality and have unrealistic expectations of life.
202. Awe-inspiring
Amazes people in a slightly frightening but in a very positive way.
203. AWOL
AWOL is a military term that stands for “Absent without Leave”, or “Absent without Official Leave”. Used when someone has gone missing without telling anyone or asking for permission.
204. Axe to grind
When one has a grievance or resentment and wants to get revenge or sort it out.
___________________________________________________
205. Babe in arms
A very young child or a person very young to be holding a position.
206. Babe in the woods
A naive, defenseless, young person.
207. Baby Boomer
Someone born in the years after the end of the Second World War, a time when the population was on the upswing.
208. Back burner
Something given low priority.
209. Back foot
When one is at a disadvantage and forced to be defensive of your position
210. Back number
Something dated or out of fashion.
211. Back the wrong horse
When one gives their support to the losing side in something.
212. Back to back
Something done directly one after another.
213. Back to square one
When things are done in such a fashion, one has to start from the beginning again.
214. Back to the drawing board
If one has to do something in this fashion, he/she have to go back to the beginning and start it again.
215. Back to the salt mine
Generally, it implies one have to return to work.
216. Back to the wall
You are in a difficult situation with very little room for maneuver when your back’s to the wall.
217. Backseat driver
When an annoying person is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome, implies their being a backseat driver.
218. Bad apple
One who is bad is a bad apple.
219. Bad blood
There is bad blood between them, if people feel hate because of things that happened in the past.
220. Bad egg or its opposite (Good Egg)
A person who cannot be trusted is a bad egg.
221. Bad hair day
Something is not going the way one would like or had planned.
222. Bad mouth
It’s when one is saying negative things about someone or something along that line.
223. Bad shape
They are unfit or unhealthy, or in bad condition
224. Bad taste in your mouth
When one feels there is something wrong or bad about something, it can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.
225. Bad workers always blame their tools
When one does a job badly or loses in a game and claims that they were let down by their equipment, one can use this to imply that this was not the case.
226. Bag of bones
One is very underweight.
227. Bag of nerves
One is very worried or nervous.
228. Baker’s dozen
Baker’s dozen is 13 rather than 12.
229. Bald as a coot
When one is completely bald.
230. Ball is in your court
Now you can make the next decision or step.
231. Ballpark figure
It amounts to a rough or approximate number, or approximation, to give an idea of something, for example, a rough estimate for a cost, and so on.
232. Balls to the walls
When a person applies full acceleration or exertion.
233. Banana republic
Usually implies to small countries that are dependent on an individual resource or crop and governed poorly by a dishonorable few.
234. Banana skin
An embarrassment or causes a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved.
235. Bandit territory
A bandit territory is an area or an industry, profession, and so forth, where rules, laws, are ignored or flouted.
236. Baptism of fire
A soldier’s experience of shooting | any unpleasant experience undergone. Usually, it is a learning experience.
237. Bar fly
Someone who spends a lot of time lounging and drinking in bars.
238. Bare your heart or Bare your soul
One tells someone his or her personal and private feelings.
239. Barefaced lair
A person displays no shame about lying even if exposed.
240. Bark is worse than their bite
Someone gets angry and shouts, but doesn’t take action.
241. Barking up the wrong tree
One has completely misunderstood something or totally wrong.
242. Barkus is willing
Someone eager to get married.
243. Barrack-room lawyer
One who gives opinions on things they are not qualified to talk about.
244. Barrel of laughs
Always joking and people finds them funny.
245. Basket case
A person is out of touch or it is so bad it’s useless.
246. Bat an eyelid
When one don’t react or show any emotion when shocked or surprised.
247. Bated breath or Baited breath
It’s when someone is excited and finds it difficult to be patient.
248. Batten down the hatches
Someone prepares for the worst that could happen to them.
249. Battle of nerves or a war of nerves
It’s when neither side in a conflict or dispute is willing to back down and is waiting for the other side to back off.
250. Be all ears
Eager to hear what someone else has to say.
251. Be all thumbs
Informal be clumsy or awkward in one's actions: I’m all thumbs when it comes to making bows.
252. Be careful what you wish for
In this case, there may be unforeseen and unpleasant consequences, when a person gets things they desire.
253. Be expecting (a baby)
Informal be pregnant. To be expected completely normal: wild swings in the weather are to be expected. What can (or do) you expect? Used to emphasize that there was nothing unexpected about a person or event, however disappointed one might be.
254. Be fresh out of informal
Have just sold or run out of a supply of (something).
255. (Be) in the doghouse
Informal, often humorous (be) in mild or temporary disfavor.
256. Be jumping up and down
Informal be very angry, upset, or excited.
257. Be (like) putty in Someone’s hands
Be easily manipulated or dominated by someone.
258. Be looking over one’s shoulder
Be anxious or insecure about a possible danger: takeovers are the thing that keeps suppliers looking over their shoulders.
259. Be (or get) lost in the shuffle
Informal be overlooked or missed in a confused or crowded situation.
260. Be made of sterner stuff
Have a stronger character and be more able to overcome problems than others: whereas James was deeply wounded by the failure, George was made of sterner stuff. [from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (III. 2. 93).] The sterner sex archaic men regarded collectively and in contrast to women.
261. Be meat and drink to
Brit. Be a source of great pleasure to: meat and drink to me, this life is!
262. Be of the opinion that
Believe or maintain that economists are of the opinion that the economy could contract.
262. Be on the pigs back
Happy, content, and in very fine form.
263. Be on the rag
Informal be menstruating. [From rag in the sense ‘sanitary napkin.’] Chew the rag see chew. In rags (of clothes) tattered and torn. (Of a person) wearing such clothes.
264. Be out in force
People are present in large numbers.
265. Be out in left field
One doesn’t know any answers yet or lost touch with reality.
266. Be (a) party to
Be involved in: I felt a wave of revulsion at the manipulations I’d been party to.
267. Be set in concrete
(Of a policy or idea) be fixed and unalterable: I do not regard the Constitution as set in concrete.
268. Be shitting bricks
Be extremely nervous or frightened.
269. Be that as it may
While someone is prepared to accept that there is some truth in what the other person has said, it’s not going to change one’s opinions to any great extent.
270. Be true blue
When a person or situation is considered ‘true blue,’ it’s genuine.
271. Be the pits
Informal be extremely bad or the worst of its kind.
272. Be up shit creek (without a paddle)
Informal (also be up the creek without a paddle) be in severe difficulty or trouble, esp. with no means of extricating oneself from it. Be in an awkward predicament.
273. Be up the spout
A young woman is pregnant.
274. Bean counter
Stands for an accountant.
275. Bear fruit
Positive results are produced.
276. Bear market
A period during which investors are pessimistically expecting financial losses and are likely to sell than to purchase shares.
277. Bear the brunt
Someone endures the worst of something bad.
278. Beard the lion in his own den
This occurs when someone confronts a powerful or dangerous rival on his or her turf.
279. Beat about (around) the bush
One doesn’t say clearly, what they mean and try to make it difficult for someone to understand.
280. Beat a dead horse
Waste energy on a lost cause or unalterable situation.
281. Beat a (hasty) retreat
Withdraw, typically in order to avoid something unpleasant: as the bombs started to go off, they beat a hasty retreat across the field.
282. Beat all
Be amazing or impressive: well, that beats all.
283. Beat a path to someone's door
(Of a large number of people) hasten to make contact with someone regarded as interesting or inspiring.
284. Beat around (or beat about) the bush
Discuss a matter without coming to the point.
285. Beat down
(Of the sun) radiate intense heat and brightness. (Of rain) fall hard and continuously.
286. Beat off
Vulgar slang (of a man) masturbate
287. Beat one’s breast make an
Exaggerated show of sorrow, despair, or regret.
288. Beat one’s meat
Vulgar slang (of a man) masturbate.
289. Beat someone at their own game
Use someone’s own methods to outdo them in their chosen activity.
290. Beat someone back
(Usu. be beaten back) force (someone attempting to do something) to retreat: I tried to get in but was beaten back by the flames.
291. Beat someone's brains out
See brain.
292. Beat someone down
Force someone to reduce the price of something.
293. Beat someone/something off
Succeed in resisting an attacker or an attack. Win against a challenge or rival.
294. Beat something down
Quell defense or resistance.
295. Beat something out
First sense: Produce a loud, rhythmic sound by striking something: he beat out a rhythm on the drums. 2nd Sense: extinguish flames by striking at them with a suitable object.
296. Beat someone up
1st sense: assault and severely injure someone by hitting, kicking, or punching them repeatedly. 2nd sense: abuse someone verbally. B
297. Beat the bushes
Informal search thoroughly: I was out beating the bushes for investors to split the risk.
298. Beat the clock
Perform a task quickly or within a fixed time limit.
299. Beat (Knock) the daylight or the living daylight out of someone
Hit someone else repeatedly.
300. Beat (or bang) the drum
For (or against) be ostentatiously in support of (or in opposition to): he limited campaign contributions in order to beat the drum against political action committees | feminists bang the drum for ‘quality time.’
301. Beat (or blow) someone's brains out
Informal injure or kill someone with a hard hit on the head.
302. Beat someone to it
Succeed in doing something or getting somewhere before someone else, to their annoyance.
303. Beat someone to the draw
Someone acts before someone else does.
304. Beat the hell out of
Informal: “1 beat (someone) very severely.”
305. Beat the living daylights out of
(2). (daylights) used to emphasize the severity or thoroughness of an action: my father beat the living daylights out of them. [from daylights meaning ‘eyes,’ hence ‘any vital organ.’]
306. Beat the pants
Off informal prove to be vastly superior to.
307. Beat the rap
Someone escapes conviction and punishment for a crime.
308. Beat the shit out of
Vulgar slang beat (someone) very severely.
309. Beat the system
Succeed in finding a means of getting around rules, regulations, or other means of control.
310. Beat time
Indicate or follow a musical tempo with a baton or other means.
311. Beat to the punch
Act before someone else and gain the advantage.
312. Beat up on
Another way of saying beat someone up.
313. Beat your brains out
One thinks hard about something but cannot solve, understand or remember it.
314. Beating a dead horse
Attempting to convince people to do or feel something without one hope of succeeding.
315. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Different individuals will find different things beautiful and that the differences of opinion don’t matter much.
316. Beauty is only skin-deep
Appearances can be deceptive and something which seems or looks good may be bad.
317. Beck and call
This occurs when someone does everything for you, no matter when you ask them.
318. Bedroom eyes
There’s a sexy look in both eyes of a person.
319. Bee in your bonnet
Someone is very excited about something.
320. Bee knees
Something is outstanding or the best in its class.
321. Beeline for
Head directly to someone or something.
322. Been in the wars
Someone was either hurt or look as if having been in a struggle.
323. Been there, done that
Someone has already experienced what is being discussed.
324. Beer and skittles
(Often with negative) Brit. amusement or enjoyment: life isn’t all beer and skittles.
325. Before the ink is dry
Before the ink is dry can be used when a person makes an agreement or contract and then the situation changes quite quickly.
326. Before the mast
Historical serving as an ordinary seaman in a sailing ship (quartered in the forecastle).
327. Before you can say Jack Robinson
A brief or short amount of time that something is done.
328. Before you can say knife
Informal very quickly; almost instantaneously.
329. Beg the question
Assuming something true that has not yet been proven.
330. Beggars can be choosers
People who are in great need accept any help offered, even if not an absolute solution to the problems they are enduring.
331. Behind bars
Having the misfortune of being incarcerated.
332. Behind closed doors
Something happening out of range of the public eye.
333. Behind the eight ball
A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape.
334. Behind the times
Old-fashioned and ideas regarded as out-dated.
335. Believe in the hereafter
Belief in the afterlife, or life after death.
336. Bells and whistles
Appealing features such as computer systems, though a bit unnecessary.
337. Bells on
Arriving somewhere happy and pleased to attend.
338. Belly up
When things go disapprovingly wrong.
339. Below par
When something is not up to standard, whether someone is doing well or is not.
340. Below the belt
Below the belt unfair or unfairly; disregarding the rules.
341. Belt and braces
Wearing belt and braces, a person is being cautious and taking very low risks.
342. Belt and suspenders
Someone is very cautious and taking no risks.
343. Bend over backwards
Bending over backwards, one does everything he/she can to help someone.
344. Bend someone’s ear
Talking to someone about something for a long enough period, becomes tiresome for the person listening.
345. Benjamin of the family
Means the youngest child.
346. Beside the point
Irrelevant to the matter being discussed or considered.
347. Beside themselves
This person is very worried or emotional about something.
348. Beside yourself
The individual is extremely angry.
349. Best of a bad bunch
It’s the best that could be obtained from a list of options not exactly required.
350. Best of both worlds
A person benefits from different things that do not normally go together.
351. Best thing since sliced bread
Something considered excellent.
352. Bet your bottom dollar
Absolutely sure about it.
353. Better half
Your husband or wife.
354. Better late than never
Doing it late is better than not doing it at all.
355. Better safe than sorry
Cautious rather than taking a risk.
356. Better than a kick in the teeth
Something not very good, but better than nothing.
357. Better than a stick in the eye
Something is not very good, but better than nothing.
358. Better, the devil you know than the devil you don’t
Better to deal with someone or something familiar, than take a risk with someone unknown.
359. Between a rock and a hard place
Where one has to choose between unpleasant alternatives, even though one choice might cause he/her problems.
360. Between the devil and the deep blue sea
In a dilemma or a difficult choice.
361. Between you, me, and the cat
Telling something that you want them to keep secret.
362. Be unable to hold a candle to
Informal be not nearly as good as: nobody in the final could hold a candle to him.
363. Beyond a shadow of a doubt
No doubts remain about it.
364. Beyond belief
When someone behaves in such a way and you find it almost impossible to accept they actually did it.
365. Beyond (or without) compare
Of a quality or nature surpassing all others of the same kind: a jewel beyond compare.
366. Beyond our ken
Beyond one’s understanding.
367. Beyond the black stump
Meaning if you go as far as you can, the black stump is still a bit further.
368. Beyond the pale
Something too extreme to be acceptable socially or morally.
369. Big apple
New York.
370. Big bucks
Informal: huge amounts of money, esp. as pay or profit: Candy earns big bucks on Main Street.
371. Big cheese
The big cheese is the boss.
372. Big easy
New Orleans, Louisiana
373. Big fish
Most important person in a company or an organization.
374. Big fish in a small pond
Important person in a small place or organization.
375. Big girl’s blouse
A person fussy or weak.
376. Bigger hitter
Someone commanding a lot of respect and important in their field of endeavor.
377. Big idea chiefly
Ironic a clever or important intention or scheme: okay, so tell me, what’s exactly the big idea?
378. Big nose
Excessively interested in someone else’s business.
379. Big Picture
Something, which is the overall perspective or objective, not the fine detail.
380. Big shot (also big noise)
Informal an important or influential person.
381. Big time
Something liked a lot.
382. Bigger fish to fry
When someone isn’t interested in something because it isn’t important to them and there are more important things, they have bigger fish to fry.
383. Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
It’s better to have something that is certain than take a risk to get more, where one run the risk of losing everything.
384. Bird’s eye view
You can see it perfectly clearly.
385. Birdbrain
Someone plainly stupid.
386. Birds and the bees
A child is taught about sex.
387. Birds of a feather flock together
People with similar interests will stick together.
388. Birthday suit
Completely naked.
389. Bit between your teeth
Taking control of a situation.
390. Bit part or Bit player
A small or unimportant role in something.
391. Bark is worse than one’s bite, ones
Proverb said of someone whose fierce and intimidating manner is not felt by the speaker to reflect the person’s nature. Be bitten by the—bug develop a passionate interest.
392. Bite the big one
Informal die.
393. Bite the bullet
Deciding to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off or hesitating over.
394. Bite the dust
Informal be killed: and the bad guys bite the dust with lead in their bellies. Figurative fail; come to an end: she hoped the new program would not bite the dust for lack of funds.
395. Bite the hand or someone’s head off
Deliberately hurt or offend a benefactor.
396. Bite one’s lip
Dig your front teeth into your lip in embarrassment, or annoyance, or to prevent one self from saying something or to control oneself when experiencing physical pain.
397. Bite one’s tongue
Make a desperate effort to avoid saying something.
398. Bitten, twice shy, once
Proverb an unpleasant experience induces caution.
399. Bite on, put the
Informal borrow or extort money from. [1930s: bite in the slang sense ‘cadging.’]
400. Bite out of, take a
Informal reduce by a significant amount: insurance costs that can take a bite out of your retirement funds.
401. Bite something back
Refrain with difficulty from saying something, making a sound, or expressing an emotion: Melissa bit back a scathing comment.
402. Bite off more than you can chew
Advising people against agreeing to more than they can handle.
403. Bite someone’s head off
Criticizing someone angrily.
405. Bite the bullet
Facing something unpleasant because it cannot be avoided.
406. Bite the dust
Somebody has died.
407. Bite your tongue
You refrain from speaking because it is socially or otherwise better not to.
408. Bits and bobs
Small, remnant articles and things—same as ‘odds and ends’.
409. Bitter end
Something to the bitter end, one does it to the very end, no matter how unsuccessful one is.
410. Bitter pill to swallow
Something hard to accept.
411. Black and blue
Bruised, either physically or metaphorically.
412. Black and white
When it’s very clear who or what is right and wrong.
413. Black as Newgate’s knocker
If things are as black as Newgate’s knocker, they are very bad.
414. Black hole
When there’s a black hole in financial accounts, money has disappeared.
415. Black sheep
Someone doesn’t fit into a group or family because their behaviour or character is not good enough.
416. Blackball
Example: Voting against allowing someone to be a member of an organization or group.
417. Blank cheque
One is allowed to use as much money as one needs for a project.
418. Bleeding edge or ‘cutting edge’
A technology or process that is at the forefront or beyond current practices.
419. Bleeding heart
Excessively sympathetic towards other people.
420. Bless your pointy little head
This expression is used as to patronize someone, especially when they don’t realise that they’re not very clever.
421. Blessing in disguise
When some bad luck or misfortune ultimately results in something positive.
422. Blind acceptance
Thinking blindly, they accept something without questioning the giver.
423. Blind as a bat
In total darkness and can’t see anything at all.
424. Blind drunk
Informal extremely drunk.
425. Blind leading the blind
People in charge of something don’t know anything more than the people they are in charge of.
426. Blind-sided
An event with a negative impact takes you completely by surprise.
427. Blink of an eye
Something that happen so fast it is almost impossible to notice it.
428. Blood and thunder
An emotional speech or performance is full of blood and thunder.
429. Blood from a turnip
It is impossible to get something from someone.
430. Blood is thicker than water
Family relationships are stronger than others.
431. Blood is worth bottling
If a person says to you “Your blood is worth bottling”, he/she is complimenting or praising you for doing something or being someone very special.
432. Blood out of a stone
Like getting blood out of a stone is very difficult indeed.
433. Blood sweat and tears
Something very difficult and requiring a lot of effort and sacrifice.
434. Blow a gasket
Getting very angry.
435. Blow by blow
Giving a detailed accounting something.
436. Blow hot and cold
One minute one is for it, the next against it.
437. Blow me down ‘Blow me down with a feather’
It’s a saying when one has just told someone something surprising, shocking or unexpected.
438. Blow off steam
Expressing anger or frustration.
439. Blow out of the water
If something, like an idea, is blown out of the water, it’s destroyed or defeated comprehensively.
440. Blow smoke
Exaggerating or saying things not true, usually to make one look better.
441. Blow the cobwebs away
If you blow the cobwebs away, you make sweeping changes to something to bring fresh views and ideas in.
442. Blow the whistle on
Informal: bring an illicit activity to an end by informing on the person responsible.
443. Blow your mind
Something extraordinary, amazing one beyond explanation.
444. Blow your own horn/Blow your own trumpet
Boasting about one’s achievements and abilities.
445. Blow your own trumpet or Blow your own horn
Boasting about one’s talents and achievements.
446. Blow your stack
Losing one’s temper.
447. Blow your top
To lose one’s temper.
448. Blue in the face
Do something until (or till) one is blue in the face. Informal put all one’s efforts into doing something to no avail: she could talk to him until she was blue in the face, but he was just not hearing.
449. Blue moon, once in a
Informal very rarely. [because a “blue moon” is a phenomenon that never occurs.]
450. Blue, out of the blue
Out of the blue (or out of a clear blue sky) informal without warning; unexpectedly: she phoned me out of the blue. [with reference to a “blue” (i.e., clear) sky, from which nothing unusual is expected.]
451. Blue streak, talk a
Talk a blue streak. Informal speak continuously and at great length.
452. Blueblood
One with blue blood is royalty.
453. Blue-eyed boy
One’s favorite person.
454. Bob’s your uncle
Something that will be successful: Just tell him that I gave you his name and Bob’s your uncle, he’ll be there for you.
455. Body politic
Example: when some people organize under a single government or authority (national or regional) it is a body politic.
456. Bold as brass
Very confident and not worried about how other people will respond or about being caught.
457. Bolt from the blue
If something happens unexpectedly and suddenly, it is a bolt from the blue.
458. Bone of contention
If there is an issue that always causes tension and arguments, it is a bone of contention.
459. Bone to pick
If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed about something they have done and want to tell them how you feel.
460. Boot is on the other foot
When the boot’s on the other foot, a person who was in a position of weakness is now in a position of strength.
461. Born on the wrong side of the blanket
Dated born of parents not lawfully married to each other.
462. Born to the purple or Born in the purple
Born in a royal or aristocratic family.
463. Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
Born into a family of wealth.
464. Both ends meet
Living off the money one earns and don’t go into debt.
465. Bounce ideas
Sharing your ideas with someone to know whether they think they would work.
466. Bounce off the walls
Someone’s bouncing off the walls is very excited about something.
467. Bouquet of orchids
Someone has done something worthy of praise.
468. Bowl someone over
Knock someone down: he was almost bowling people over in his haste.
469. Box and dice
Box and dice means everything.
470. Box clever
When one box clever, he/she use their intelligence to get what they want, even if they have to cheat a bit.
471. Boxing and coxing
Two people are sharing responsibilities so that one of them is working while the other isn’t.
472. Boys in blue
The police.
473. Brain surgery
Something very complicated or difficult to understand or master.
474. Brass monkey
Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey, extremely cold.
475. Brass neck
Having no sense of shame about what one does.
476. Brass tacks
Getting down to the real business at hand.
477. Bread and butter
Things that that affect people directly and in a very important way.
478. Breadwinner
Describes the person that earns the most money.
479. Break a leg
Wishing someone good luck.
480. Break even
You don’t make any money, but you don’t lose any either.
481. Break ground or ‘Ground-breaking’
Making progress, taking things into a new area or going further than anyone has done before.
482. Break the back of the beast
You accomplish a challenge.
483. Break the ice
Getting over any initial embarrassment or shyness when you meet someone for the first time and start conversing.
484. Break your duck
Doing something for the first time.
485. Break something down
Break down a door or other barrier: the cops broke the door down.
486. Break even
A point in a business venture that the profits are equal to the costs.
487. Break free
Break away from someone or something.
489. Break in
Forced entry to someone’s home or business.
490. Break someone's heart
Overwhelm someone with sadness.
491. Break someone in
Familiarize someone with a new situation.
492. Break something in
Wear something, typically a new suit, until it becomes supple and comfortable.
493. Break in on
Interrupt.
494. Break into
Enter forcibly, typically for the purposes of theft.
495. Break off
Become severed.
496. Broke off
Stop talking. Discontinue talks.
497. Break rank (or ranks) (of soldiers or police officers)
Fail to remain in line. Figurative fail to maintain solidarity: the government is prepared to break ranks with the Allied states.
498. Break something off
Remove something from a larger unit or whole.
499. Break something up
Cause something to separate into several pieces, parts, or sections.
500. Break something open
Open something forcibly.
501. Break the mold
Put an end to a restrictive pattern of events or behavior by doing things in a markedly different way: his work did much to break the mold of the old urban sociology.
502. Break out
Start suddenly. Of a physical discomfort. Suddenly manifest itself out of nowhere.
503. Break out in
Of a person or a part of their body. Suddenly affected by an unpleasant sensation or condition.
504. Break out of
Escape from somewhere or some place.
505. Break someone up
Become emotionally upset. | Break someone up cause someone to become extremely upset.
506. Break something out
Informal open and start using something: it was time to break out the champagne.
507. Break through
Make or force a way through (a barrier): demonstrators attempted to break through police lines | the sun might break through in a few spots. Figurative (of a person) achieving success in a particular area: so many talented players are struggling to break through.
508. Break up
Disintegrate; disperse: the bones had broken up into minute fragments | the gray clouds had begun to break up. (of a gathering) disband; end.
509. Break up
Bring a social event or meeting to a close by being the first person to depart.
510. Broke up
Brit. end the school term: we broke up for the summer. (Of a couple in a relationship) part company | start laughing uncontrollably: the whole cast broke up | disperse or put an end to a gathering: police broke up a
demonstration in the capital.
511. Break with
Quarrel or cease relations with (a person).
512. Break your heart
Break someone’ heart, especially if they end a relationship.
513. Breathe down your neck
Following someone very closely, too close for comfort.
514. Breathe life into or Breathe new life
Giving someone or something involved more energy and enthusiasm again.
515. Breathe your last
When you breathe your last, you die.
Brevity is the soul of wit
Proverb the essence of a witty statement lies in its concise wording and delivery. [From Shakespeare’s Hamlet II. ii. 90.]
516. Bridge the gap
Making a connection where there is a great difference.
517. Bright and breezy
Cheerful and full of energy.
518. Bright as a button
A person who is very intelligent or smart.
519. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Full of energy and enthusiasm.
520. Brighten up the day
Something happens that makes you feel positive and happy all day long.
521. Bring a knife to a gunfight
Someone is very badly prepared for something.
522. Bring home the bacon
Earning the money that a family live on.
523. Bring on board
Embracing the ideas intended or agreed upon to join a team or project.
524. Bring someone to book
Someone is punished or made to account for something they have done wrong.
525. Bring someone to heel or Call someone to heel
Make someone obey you.
526. Bring the house down
Something that’s acclaimed and praised vigorously.
527. Bring (or come) to life
Regain or cause to regain consciousness or return as if from death: all this was of great interest to her, as if she were coming to life after a long sleep. (With reference to a fictional character or inanimate object) cause or seem to be alive or real: he brings the character of MacDonald to life with power and precision | all the puppets came to life again. Make or become active, lively, or interesting: soon, with the return of the peasants and fishermen, the village comes to life again | you can bring any room to life with these coordinating cushions. Do anything for a quiet life make any concession to avoid being disturbed.
528. Bring to the table
Make a contribution or an offer in a discussion or negotiation.
529. Broad church
Tolerant and accepting of different opinions and ideas.
530. Broad strokes
An outline given, without fine details.
531. Broke as a joke and it ain’t funny
It’s not funny to be without a cent.
532. Broken record or ‘Stuck record’
Keep on repeating the same things.
534. Broken reed
Means something or someone fails to give you the support you were hoping for.
535. Brown nose
Someone trying to make themselves popular with somebody by flattering them.
536. Browned off
To be tired of or fed up with.
537. Brownie points
Doing things you know will please someone.
538. Brush under the carpet
Attempt to ignore something, or hide it from others.
539. Buckle down tackle a task
With determination: they will buckle down to negotiations over the next few months.
540. Build one’s hopes up
Become ever more hopeful or optimistic about something.
541. Built upon/on sand
Figurative: without reliable foundations or any real substance: what more could you expect from a relationship built upon sand?
542. Bull in a china shop
Being clumsy when one should be careful.
543. Bull market
A period when investors are optimistic and there are expectations that good financial results will go onward.
544. Bull session
Having an informal group discussion about something.
555. Bull-headed
When one is stubborn or inflexible.
556. Bums on seats
People who have paid to watch a performance.
557. Bun in the oven
When a woman is pregnant.
558. Bundle of nerves
Someone is very worried or nervous.
559. Burden of proof
The obligation to prove one’s assertion.
560. Bur under my saddle or ‘Burr’
Something annoying you or spurring you into action.
561. Burn rubber
Driving very fast to get nowhere.
562. Burn the candle at both ends
Living life at a hectic pace, and doing things, which are likely to affect one’s health badly.
563. Burn the midnight oil
Staying up very late working or studying.
564. Burn your bridges
When one does something that makes it impossible to go back from the position, he or she has taken.
565. Burn your fingers
It means you suffer a loss or something unpleasant as the result of something you did, making you less likely to do it again.
567. Burning question
It is something we all want to know about.
568. Burst at the seams
To be filled to or beyond normal capacity.
569. Burst into flame (or flames)
Suddenly begin to burn fiercely.
570. Bury the hatchet
Make peace with someone and stop arguing or fighting.
571. Bury your head in the sand
Ignoring something that is obviously wrong.
572. Busman’s holiday
When one spends his/her free time doing the same sort of work as they do in their job.
573. Bust my chops
When someone says that they’re going to bust their chops, it means they are going to work hard or make much effort.