Idioms

To become angry and stop controlling one's emotions.

"He lost his temper when the meeting went off track again."

to lose one's temper in a sudden and angry way

"Mom blew her top when we came home late."

To make a bad situation or conflict worse.

"When he kept arguing, he only added fuel to the fire."

To suddenly become very angry.

"She blew a fuse when she heard the news."

To get angry very easily.

"Be careful what you say around him because he has a short fuse."

to become very upset or angry

"My sister will have a cow if she sees this mess."

To become wildly angry.

"The coach went ballistic after the team lost their focus."

To speak to someone very angrily or harshly.

"Sorry I bit your head off earlier, I was stressed."

to annoy or bother someone deeply

"His constant complaining really gets under my skin."

to refuse to back down in an argument or conflict

"She stood her ground during the meeting."

In a state of constant conflict or violent argument.

"The two departments were at each other's throats over the budget."

To annoy someone greatly.

"The constant noise is getting on my nerves."

To be in a serious disagreement or struggle.

"The candidates locked horns during the debate."

To say or do things that make someone angry.

"He knows exactly how to push her buttons during an argument."

to remain firm and not give in

"He held his ground even under pressure."

To become less angry.

"Lets cool off before we talk about this again."

To want to talk to someone about a complaint or grievance.

"I have a bone to pick with you about that broken promise."

to challenge someone publicly for bad behavior

"The editor called him out for the false claim."

to criticize someone angrily and at length

"Dad gave me an earful after I missed curfew."

To begin a serious fight or conflict with someone.

"The neighbors went to war over the fence line."

To become less upset or angry.

"Take a breath and calm down before you answer."

To end an argument and become friendly again.

"The siblings fought all afternoon but kissed and made up by dinner."

To be in a state of ongoing conflict or strong opposition.

"The two companies have been at war with each other for years."

to want to discuss a complaint or disagreement

"I have a bone to pick with you about yesterday."

To argue or compete strongly with someone.

"The editor crossed swords with the reporter over the facts."

to compete or argue until a winner is decided

"The teams will battle it out in the final round."

To argue or compete fiercely.

"The two senators locked horns over the new policy."

To conflict with someone or something.

"His plans clash with hers on almost every issue."

Angry or agitated.

"He got hot under the collar when his plan was rejected."

to refuse to accept an insult or wrong without reacting

"She did not take the criticism lying down."

To suddenly lose control of one's anger.

"Try not to fly off the handle when they ask questions."

to experience the same unpleasant treatment one has given to others

"He bullied others for years, then got a taste of his own medicine."

To disagree or be in conflict.

"The partners have been at odds over the expansion plan."

to keep feeling anger after a dispute

"I do not hold a grudge, even after our argument."

To disagree with or object to something.

"I take issue with the way he handled the meeting."

To be involved in a serious conflict or struggle.

"The lawyers are locked in a battle over the contract."

To become very angry.

"My dad hit the roof when I missed curfew."

To begin fighting, often literally or in organized resistance.

"The rebels threatened to take up arms if talks failed."

to continue resenting someone

"She still bears a grudge against her former boss."

to show silent anger or frustration

"He just grinded his teeth and kept working."

To refuse to back down in a conflict.

"She stood her ground during the negotiation."

To cause trouble or make a conflict worse.

"He likes to stir the pot at every family dinner."

To avoid conflict and maintain calm.

"She stayed quiet to keep the peace."

To resist pressure and not retreat.

"Despite criticism, he held his ground on the decision."

to answer rudely to someone in authority

"The student got in trouble for talking back to the teacher."

to speak angrily and abruptly to someone

"She snapped at me because she was exhausted."

To end a disagreement and become friendly again.

"The two rivals finally made peace."

To speak angrily and directly to someone.

"She gave the driver a piece of her mind after the accident."

to scold someone angrily

"The coach chewed him out for being late."

To agree to stop fighting or arguing for a while.

"Let's call a truce and finish the project."

To cause conflict or problems.

"Dont stir up trouble by repeating rumors."

to criticize someone very harshly

"The critic tore into the film after the premiere."

To make peace after a disagreement.

"The two sides smoked the peace pipe after long negotiations."

To get into trouble, often because of conflict or misconduct.

"He got into hot water after arguing with the supervisor."

to keep fighting or resisting until the end

"Even after losing support, he went down swinging."

To leave someone with no easy options in an argument.

"The accusation backed him into a corner."

To set a clear limit and refuse to go farther.

"The manager drew a line in the sand about repeated lateness."

to take revenge for a past wrong

"The feud looked like a chance to settle an old score."

To support one person or side in a conflict.

"I do not want to take sides in their argument."

To be very angry and looking for a confrontation.

"After the mistake, the editor was on the warpath."

to interfere in other people's conflict

"Do not meddle in their family dispute."

To calm a tense or angry situation.

"She tried to pour oil on troubled waters with a few kind words."

To be extremely angry.

"He was spitting nails after the last-minute cancellation."

To remain calm and not get angry.

"He kept his cool during the heated meeting."

To attack or criticize suddenly in anger.

"He lashed out at his coworkers during the stressful week."

To start a serious conflict or openly oppose something.

"The parents declared war on screen time after dinner."

To become angry or lose self control.

"I lost my cool when the driver cut me off."

To release anger or frustration in a harmless way.

"He went for a run to blow off steam."

To respond to aggression with similar force or tactics.

"Some people think the only way to win is to fight fire with fire."

To alternate between being angry, enthusiastic, or favorable and unfavorable.

"She runs hot and cold on the whole idea."

To attack or criticize someone strongly.

"The critics went after him in the press."

To issue a challenge or provoke a conflict.

"By refusing to back down, she threw down the gauntlet."

To cause someone to behave badly or angrily.

"Stress brings out the worst in him."

To get revenge for a past wrong.

"He seemed determined to settle an old score."

A belief that punishment should match the harm done.

"He believes in an eye for an eye, but I do not."

To fight or resist very fiercely.

"They fought tooth and nail to keep the factory open."

To confront or compete directly.

"The two leaders went head to head in the final round."

To deliberately start an argument or conflict.

"He was looking for someone to pick a fight with."

To become angry and protest strongly.

"Residents went up in arms over the new law."

In strong disagreement or conflict.

"The partners were at loggerheads over the deal."

To be willing to do anything to get what one wants, often in conflict.

"He would stop at nothing to win the case."

To express anger toward the wrong person.

"Do not take it out on me because you had a bad day."

To make anger or conflict stronger.

"His rude reply fanned the flames of the dispute."

To respond with extreme anger or aggression.

"The company went nuclear after the leak was published."

To have a serious argument with someone.

"I had words with my roommate about the noise."

A pointless or hopeless pursuit of something hard to find or achieve.

"Finding the missing receipt turned into a wild goose chase."

A clumsy or reckless person who causes damage or trouble by acting without care.

"He was a bull in a china shop at the wedding and nearly knocked over the cake table."

People do not really change their basic character.

"He promised to be more honest, but a leopard cannot change its spots."

A person who feels uncomfortable because they are in an unfamiliar situation.

"At the fancy gala, I felt like a fish out of water in my old suit."

A person who imitates someone else.

"Stop being a copycat and come up with your own idea."

A person or thing that is weak, unsuccessful, or no longer effective.

"After the new rules passed, the old program became a lame duck."

A person who appears harmless but is actually dangerous or dishonest.

"The charming salesman turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing."

Something bought or accepted without being properly checked.

"Do not buy that used car sight unseen, or you may end up with a pig in a poke."

Something that consistently makes a lot of money.

"The old product became a cash cow for the company."

To fail, collapse, or die in large numbers quickly.

"Without water, the flowers began to fall like flies."

A person or thing that is unexpectedly successful or good.

"No one expected her to win, but she was the dark horse in the race."

A state of nervous restlessness or inability to stay still.

"The children had ants in their pants while waiting for the school trip to begin."

A person who prefers to act alone rather than with others.

"He is a lone wolf who likes working on his own."

Worthless, silly, or unimportant.

"That excuse is for the birds."

Completely free and unburdened.

"After graduation, she felt as free as a bird."

To free someone from responsibility or trouble.

"Her colleague got her off the hook by admitting the mistake."

To be the first person to try something new, often to test it.

"I did not want to be the guinea pig for the new software update."

Someone or something that is easy to attack or criticize.

"Without security, the small shop was a sitting duck for thieves."

Very stubborn and unwilling to change or cooperate.

"He is as stubborn as a mule when he thinks he is right."

A foolish or silly person.

"Stop being a birdbrain and check the map before we leave."

Uncomfortable in a situation that is unfamiliar.

"At the fancy gala, I felt like a fish out of water."

To criticize or question a gift or favor.

"It is rude to look a gift horse in the mouth."

A person who seems unfriendly, unemotional, or hard to get along with.

"Her new manager is a bit of a cold fish, but he is fair."

Very busy and active.

"She was busy as a bee all morning preparing for the party."

A very clumsy or tactless person.

"He acted like a bull in a china shop at the formal dinner."

A person who unexpectedly succeeds or has hidden talents.

"She was the dark horse in the contest and won the whole thing."

To create something good from poor materials.

"The designer somehow made a silk purse out of a sow's ear."

Extremely tired.

"After the hike, we were dog tired and went straight to bed."

To give up, fail, or die.

"The company finally cashed in its chips after years of losses."

There is more than one way to solve a problem.

"If the first plan fails, remember there is more than one way to skin a cat."

A very long time.

"I have not seen him in donkey's years."

Something that is protected from criticism because people respect it too much.

"In that office, the founder's idea became a sacred cow."

To fail to do something because of fear.

"I wanted to ask for a raise, but I chickened out."

An obvious major problem that everyone is trying to ignore.

"The budget cuts were the elephant in the room during the meeting."

To suddenly stop talking.

"When the police arrived, the witness clammed up."

To suspect that something is wrong or dishonest.

"When the numbers changed overnight, I began to smell a rat."

To stop doing something suddenly and completely.

"He quit soda cold turkey after the doctor warned him."

From the original or most reliable source.

"I heard it straight from the horse's mouth."

A useless or pointless task.

"Trying to convince him before he is ready would be a fool's errand."

To warn of danger falsely so that people stop believing you.

"If you cry wolf too often, no one will listen later."

Clever, cunning, or sly.

"She is a foxy negotiator who always gets the best deal."

The largest part of something.

"He took the lion's share of the credit."

To annoy or irritate someone.

"It really gets my goat when people leave dishes in the sink."

A stressful, competitive struggle for success.

"She wanted to leave the rat race and move to a small town."

A flashy presentation meant to impress people.

"The sales pitch felt like a dog and pony show."

A very competitive and ruthless situation.

"The publishing world can be dog eat dog."

A small or less important part controlling the whole.

"The marketing team was the tail wagging the dog in that company."

To do something completely or in the most thorough way.

"If we are repainting the kitchen, we might as well go the whole hog."

To deal with a difficult situation directly and boldly.

"She decided to grab the bull by the horns and speak to her boss herself."

For a very long time.

"They can argue until the cows come home, but the answer will not change."

Very sharp attention to detail.

"She has an eagle eye for mistakes in the report."

To wait or slow down and be patient.

"Hold your horses, we have not even checked the prices yet."

Why do a job yourself when someone else can do it.

"We hired an assistant because why keep a dog and bark yourself?"

A person who feels uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

"At the fancy gala, I felt like a fish out of water."

A person or thing that is dangerous in a trusted place.

"Hiring him was like putting a fox in the henhouse."

In a straight line, rather than by roads or paths.

"The village is only ten miles away as the crow flies."

To behave in a silly or playful way.

"The boys were horse around in the hallway and nearly got in trouble."

To organize things carefully and be well prepared.

"Before the meeting, we need to get our ducks in a row."

To look very wet, messy, or miserable.

"We got caught in the storm and arrived home looking like drowned rats."

A foolish person.

"Do not be a bird brain and leave your phone on the train."

To deteriorate badly.

"After the old owner left, the neighborhood went to the dogs."

Very brave.

"The child was brave as a lion during the dentist visit."

Not good enough or not meeting the required standard.

"The first draft was not up to scratch, so she revised it."

To wait or slow down.

"Hold your horses, we are not leaving yet."

To create a complicated new problem by taking one action.

"Arguing about old taxes will only open a can of worms."

A person who copies someone else's behavior or work.

"Stop being a copycat and write your own report."

A very enthusiastic and diligent person.

"She is an eager beaver who always arrives early."

A completely different matter.

"Liking the idea is one thing, but paying for it is a horse of a different color."

A contest in which one side is far ahead and expected to win easily.

"After the first quarter, the election looked like a one horse race."

To toy with someone by confusing, chasing, or delaying them.

"The detective and the suspect seemed to play cat and mouse for weeks."

To take all the attention for oneself.

"He tends to hog the spotlight at every meeting."

To achieve two goals with one action.

"I killed two birds with one stone by exercising and walking to work."

To rain very heavily.

"It was raining cats and dogs when we left the restaurant."

To be unable to sit still because of nervous energy.

"The children had ants in their pants before the trip began."

To avoid interfering with a situation that could cause trouble.

"We should let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the old argument."

A clever and deceptive person.

"Do not underestimate her, she is a sly fox in business deals."

Very nervous or restless.

"He was like a cat on a hot tin roof before the interview."

Extremely stubborn and unwilling to change.

"My brother is stubborn as a mule when he thinks he is right."

Very comfortable in a particular situation.

"She felt like a fish in water in the new laboratory."

Having little or no effect on someone.

"The criticism was like water off a duck's back to him."

Someone or something considered very stylish, special, or excellent.

"He thought he was the cat's whiskers in his new suit."

A pointless search or pursuit.

"Looking for that tiny screw in the garage was a wild goose chase."

Misbehavior or suspicious activity.

"There was some monkey business with the expense reports."

To seem threatening but not be truly dangerous.

"The guard looked scary, but he was more bark than bite."

Neither one thing nor another; hard to classify.

"The design was neither fish nor fowl, so customers were confused."

A person who stays up late at night.

"I am a night owl and do my best writing after midnight."

To eat a very large amount of food.

"We pigged out on pizza during the game."

To pretend to be inactive or unaware.

"He played possum until his turn came."

To do things in the wrong order.

"You are putting the cart before the horse by booking tickets before checking the dates."

A frantic and competitive struggle for success.

"Many people feel trapped in the rat race of city life."

To distinguish the good or valuable from the bad or ordinary.

"The test helped separate the sheep from the goats."

Honest or straightforward.

"You can trust her, she is straighter than a dog's hind leg."

A secret has been revealed.

"The cat is out of the bag now, so there is no point hiding it."

An obvious problem that people avoid discussing.

"The budget cuts were the elephant in the room at the meeting."

Something that will never happen.

"He will clean his room when pigs fly."

A person who seems harmless but is actually dangerous or dishonest.

"The scammer was a wolf in sheep's clothing."

A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

"You're on in five minutes, so break a leg."

kept at a distance, either physically or emotionally

"She kept her former partner at arm's length after the breakup."

To attract someone's attention.

"The bright red dress caught her eye."

gain an initial opportunity that may lead to more

"An internship helped her get her foot in the door at the firm."

Completely from the top of the body to the bottom.

"She was covered in mud from head to toe."

To help someone with a task.

"If you need help moving, I can lend a hand on Saturday."

begin a relationship badly

"I got off on the wrong foot with my new neighbor by playing music too loud."

To joke with someone in a friendly way.

"I was only pulling your leg about the prize."

To be involved in something.

"She had a hand in organizing the charity event."

To be eager to listen.

"I am all ears if you have news."

Unfriendly treatment or deliberate ignoring of someone.

"After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder."

be involved in many activities, often too many

"He has a finger in every pie at the office, so everyone knows his name."

A person or thing that is very annoying.

"The constant delays were a real pain in the neck."

To almost remember something.

"Her name is on the tip of my tongue."

seem able to notice everything around you

"Teachers need to have eyes in the back of their heads."

To listen carefully and sympathetically.

"The counselor lent an ear to the students concerns."

speak to someone directly and confidently

"He looked the judge in the eye and told the truth."

To avoid embarrassment or preserve one's good reputation.

"The company changed the story to save face."

Not honest, especially by acting pleasant while being unkind behind someone's back.

"He is too two-faced for me to trust."

I will not reveal a secret

"Do not worry, my lips are sealed."

To lose respect or dignity.

"He did not want to lose face in front of the group."

Used to express sincere feeling.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything."

said without checking or thinking carefully

"Off the top of my head, I think the meeting starts at two."

It is easier to solve a problem with help from someone else.

"Lets work together, because two heads are better than one."

To want something very much.

"She has her heart set on studying abroad."

almost remembered but not quite

"Her name is on the tip of my tongue."

To be unrealistic or not paying attention to practical matters.

"He has his head in the clouds if he thinks that plan will work."

say something embarrassing or tactless

"He put his foot in his mouth by asking about her divorce."

To be careful because someone may harm or deceive you.

"You should watch your back in that office."

To be deeply affected by something, especially criticism.

"Try not to take the comment to heart."

a habit of speaking in a cutting or sarcastic way

"She has a sharp tongue, so people watch what they say around her."

A very kind and generous character.

"My neighbor has a heart of gold."

To choose not to retaliate when wronged.

"He decided to turn the other cheek and walk away."

To have good intentions even if you make mistakes.

"She can be blunt, but her heart is in the right place."

Deep emotional pain, especially after a breakup or loss.

"After the breakup, he was left with a broken heart."

harm your own plans by your own actions

"He shot himself in the foot by insulting the only client who could help."

next to each other; working closely together

"The two teams worked side by side to finish the project."

To do what you truly feel is right or best.

"If you love art, follow your heart."

To talk too much or reveal secrets.

"Do not tell him the surprise party, because he has a big mouth."

To make someone deeply sad, especially in love.

"The rejection letter broke his heart."

To talk about something that has been worrying you.

"I felt better after getting it off my chest."

extremely thin

"After the long illness, the dog was all skin and bones."

argue over very small details

"We should not split hairs over the wording."

To stay silent and not reveal information.

"If you want to stay out of trouble, keep your mouth shut."

To reach the most important part of a problem.

"We need to get to the heart of the matter and fix the budget."

To stop yourself from saying something rude or harsh.

"I had to bite my tongue during the meeting."

accept bad news or criticism bravely

"The team had to take it on the chin after the loss."

To feel nervous or excited.

"I had butterflies in my stomach before the interview."

To ask someone for ideas or information.

"I want to pick your brains about starting a business."

To understand someone's thoughts or feelings very easily.

"She can read me like a book."

someone very dear or cherished

"Her youngest grandson is the apple of her eye."

show open disrespect or refusal

"They thumbed their nose at the rule and kept running the business their way."

To ignore something on purpose.

"The manager turned a blind eye to the small mistakes."

To be sensible and intelligent.

"She has a good head on her shoulders and makes careful decisions."

a mild punishment or warning

"The violation ended with a wrist slap rather than a fine."

Very close by, often without being noticed.

"The keys were right under my nose the whole time."

Very deeply or completely, especially in love.

"They fell head over heels in love."

To be ignored.

"My warning fell on deaf ears."

To stay calm and think clearly.

"In an emergency, it helps to keep a level head."

To be extremely cheap or very little in amount.

"The repair costs less than the hair on your head."

To make someone understand something, often after many attempts.

"I cannot get it through his head that the game is over."

To stop a problem before it develops.

"We should nip this rumor in the bud."

A mild punishment for a serious mistake.

"The company got only a slap on the wrist."

To be standing again after sitting, lying down, or recovering from illness.

"After a week in bed, she is finally back on her feet."

To avoid getting too close to someone emotionally or socially.

"After the argument, he kept her at arms length."

The power of the police or legal system to catch criminals.

"He thought he had escaped, but the long arm of the law found him."

To become comfortable and confident in a new situation.

"It took him a few months to find his feet at the new job."

To pay for something, especially when it is expensive.

"The company will foot the bill for travel expenses."

A person who talks too much or too carelessly.

"Do not tell him the plan, he is a loud mouth."

To be very old or very near death.

"The joke was in poor taste, saying he had one foot in the grave."

A person who talks too much, often about private matters.

"She has a big mouth and cannot keep a secret."

A small first opportunity that may lead to a bigger one.

"The internship gave her a foot in the door at the company."

To tease someone in a playful way.

"Relax, I was only pulling your leg."

To be independent and take care of yourself.

"He wants to stand on his own two feet after college."

To gain help or an advantage.

"An internship can give you a leg up in the industry."

To be in a stronger or more powerful position.

"After the first goal, our team had the upper hand."

To hope that something will happen well.

"Keep your fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow."

To do nothing to help.

"He did not lift a finger during the cleanup."

To be likely to steal.

"The shop suspected the employee had sticky fingers."

To accuse someone of blame.

"They pointed the finger at the manager for the mistake."

To cause trouble or change by drawing attention.

"She did not want to make waves in her first week."

To have a personal stake in a situation.

"Investors who have skin in the game pay close attention."

To do your fair share of work.

"Everyone on the team needs to pull their weight."

To tolerate or accept something unpleasant.

"I cannot stomach that rude behavior any longer."

Catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.

"The guard caught the thief red-handed."

a situation where someone criticizes another for a fault they also have

"It was the pot calling the kettle black when he accused her of being late."

To become very angry.

"He saw red when he heard the unfair accusation."

Give someone a very warm and special welcome.

"The town rolled out the red carpet for the visiting team."

A person's real character or intentions.

"When pressure rose, his true colors showed."

to allow someone to proceed

"The manager gave us the green light to start the campaign."

Lose consciousness or suddenly stop seeing or remembering.

"She blacked out during the flight."

caught in the act of doing something wrong

"The thief was caught red handed at the store."

To go out and celebrate energetically.

"After graduation, they painted the town red."

To give permission to start something.

"The city gave the green light to the new bridge project."

A situation that is not clearly right or wrong.

"The policy leaves a lot of grey areas."

special treatment or a glamorous welcome

"The guests were treated to the red carpet at the premiere."

Intelligence or brain power.

"You will need some grey matter to solve this puzzle."

A talent for growing plants well.

"My grandmother has a green thumb and makes every garden bloom."

to conceal faults or make something seem better than it is

"The report was accused of trying to whitewash the scandal."

To flatter someone in an insincere way to gain favor.

"He tried to brown nose the manager for a better assignment."

A tendency to be cowardly.

"He showed a yellow streak when he refused to speak up."

an excellent chance

"This job offer is a golden opportunity for her career."

a large payment given when someone leaves a job

"The executive received a golden handshake when he retired."

A person of noble or aristocratic birth.

"The old portrait suggested the family had blue blood."

A basic or very important principle.

"Treat people as you want to be treated is a golden rule."

Clear and definite, with no ambiguity.

"The rules were written in black and white."

Relating to manual labor or working class jobs.

"He grew up in a blue collar neighborhood."

very successfully

"She passed the exam with flying colours."

To bring one's own lunch, especially to work or school.

"I usually brown bag it to save money."

A person who is different from or disgraces a family or group.

"He was the black sheep of the family because he quit school and traveled instead."

money itself or the appeal of profit

"For investors, the color of money was all that mattered."

Covered with bruises.

"He was black and blue after the fall."

A small lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings.

"I told a white lie and said the meal was excellent."

an ironic way of saying one is not surprised

"He forgot the meeting again, so color me surprised."

Something costly that is difficult to use or maintain.

"The huge old house became a white elephant for its owners."

slightly sick or not quite normal

"I was feeling off color all morning, so I stayed home."

A person criticizing someone for a fault they also have.

"He called me lazy, which was the pot calling the kettle black."

A situation that is not clearly defined or classified.

"The policy left many decisions in a gray area."

an overly optimistic view of something

"He looked at the past through rose coloured glasses."

In vivid detail or exactly as it really happened.

"I saw the whole scene in living color in my mind."

to reveal one's real character or intentions

"When the pressure rose, he showed his true colours."

A hopeful aspect of an otherwise bad situation.

"The silver lining of the delay was that we had more time to prepare."

A list of people who are disliked or not trusted.

"After that argument, he was definitely in her black book."

A very favorable chance.

"This is a golden opportunity to learn from the best."

Jealousy.

"The green-eyed monster reared its head when she got the promotion."

clearly and vividly, with full detail

"The memory came back to her in full colour."

the state of being uncertain or morally unclear

"The case was full of gray, and nobody agreed on what was fair."

Become unavailable, inactive, or hidden.

"The website went dark for several hours."

The later years of life, especially retirement.

"They planned to spend their golden years near the sea."

Excessive bureaucracy or official rules.

"The permit took months because of all the red tape."

Marked by intense fear, tension, or anxiety.

"It was a white-knuckle drive through the mountain pass."

cowardice or lack of courage

"He has a yellow streak when it comes to public speaking."

sensational or misleading reporting

"The article was criticized as yellow journalism."

Something that distracts from the real issue.

"The argument about parking was a red herring."

A period of unusual success or good luck.

"The team is enjoying a purple patch this season."

unacceptable or outside the limits of proper behavior

"His behavior at the meeting was beyond the pale."

A warning sign of danger or a serious problem.

"Late payments were a red flag for the lender."

a waiting area for performers or speakers

"The actor waited in the green room before the show."

In very good health or condition.

"After a week of rest, she was in the pink again."

born into wealth and privilege

"He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never worried about money."

A notice of dismissal from a job.

"Several workers got a pink slip after the merger."

a private list of contacts or favors, often with romantic meaning

"He keeps a little black book of important clients."

To catch someone while doing something wrong.

"The guard caught him red handed stealing cables."

Very pleased or delighted.

"She was tickled pink by the surprise party."

To see things as better than they really are.

"He tends to look at life through rose colored glasses."

Illegal trade in goods or services.

"The rare coins ended up on the black market."

A person who comes to rescue or protect someone.

"The investors hoped for a white knight to save the struggling company."

Intelligence or mental ability.

"Solving that puzzle took a lot of gray matter."

Writing that is overly ornate or extravagant.

"The novel was criticized for its purple prose."

Of the highest quality or award winning.

"Her apple pie is a blue ribbon dessert at the fair."

Cowardly.

"He called the captain yellow bellied for refusing to speak up."

Very special or lavish treatment.

"The guests received the red carpet treatment at the hotel."

Very pale, usually from fear or shock.

"She went white as a sheet when she heard the news."

Very dark or pitch black.

"The alley was black as night after the streetlights failed."

Exhausted from doing or saying something repeatedly.

"You can argue blue in the face, but he will not change his mind."

Looking sick or nauseous.

"After the boat ride, he looked green around the gills."

A powerful person who works quietly behind the scenes.

"The adviser was the gray eminence behind the campaign."

The ability to make everything successful or profitable.

"Whatever she starts seems to have the golden touch."

Cruel and savage, especially in nature or competition.

"The novel shows a world red in tooth and claw."

A formal dress code for evening events.

"The fundraiser was a black tie event."

A medical professional, especially a doctor.

"The child relaxed as soon as the white coat smiled at her."

Permission to proceed.

"The project finally got the green light from headquarters."

Of noble or aristocratic birth.

"He came from a blue blooded family with a long history."

A state of deep thought or gloomy reflection.

"She sat in a brown study after reading the letter."

A period of great success or achievement.

"The 1990s were a golden age for that studio."

A special welcome given to important guests.

"The team rolled out the red carpet for the visiting speakers."

fully informed about a situation or plan

"I was not in the loop when they changed the deadline."

to make someone understand your point or idea

"She used simple charts to get the message across clearly."

to accuse or ask the wrong person

"If you think I broke the printer, you are barking up the wrong tree."

to speak plainly and directly

"She always calls a spade a spade, even in difficult meetings."

a private remark meant to influence or advise someone

"She had a word in the managers ear before the meeting started."

to warn or inform someone ahead of time

"Give me a heads up if the meeting time changes."

a small accidental mistake in speech

"Calling her by the wrong name was just a slip of the tongue."

to misunderstand each other because each person means something different

"We were talking at cross purposes and never solved the problem."

not clear at all

"His directions were clear as mud, so we got lost."

to manage to speak in a conversation

"The guests talked so much that I could not get a word in edgewise."

to speak without getting to the main point

"He kept talking in circles instead of answering the question."

to express the same idea in another way

"The two reports basically say the same thing in different words."

to talk in a friendly, informal way

"We had a chat over coffee before the presentation."

to be heard but not remembered or acted on

"I told him to lock the door, but it went in one ear and out the other."

to avoid saying something directly

"Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened."

to tell many people about something

"Please spread the word about the charity event."

to not be noticed or listened to

"Her warnings went unheard until it was too late."

to reveal a lot without words

"Her silence spoke volumes about how upset she was."

to be the person who makes the final decision

"In the end, the director has the final say."

in a direct way or nearly direct way

"He said, in so many words, that the plan would fail."

to have an argument

"They had words after the meeting and did not speak for a week."

information passed from one person to another by speaking

"The restaurant became popular by word of mouth."

to have the right or chance to express an opinion

"Everyone should have a voice in the discussion."

to try to communicate with someone who does not respond

"Arguing with him is like talking to a brick wall."

to wrongly suggest that someone said something they did not say

"I never said that, so do not put words in my mouth."

to fail to understand the main point

"If you think the film is only about action, you missed the message."

through spoken recommendations rather than advertising

"The business grew quickly by word of mouth."

to say exactly what someone else was about to say

"You took the words out of my mouth when you said this was a bad idea."

to not listen to or understand something

"I was so tired that I did not hear a word she said."

to say exactly what someone else was about to say

"You took the words out of my mouth when you called the plan risky."

unable to speak because of surprise, shock, or strong feeling

"I was lost for words when they announced the prize."

to think and communicate in a very similar way

"We work well together because we are on the same wavelength."

to have the right to speak

"The chair said the manager had the floor for five minutes."

to join a conversation with a comment

"She chimed in with a useful suggestion."

to keep someone informed about new information

"Please keep me posted on the interview results."

to spread information to others

"Please pass the word to the rest of the team."

to keep someone informed and included

"Make sure to keep the whole team in the loop."

to speak directly without unnecessary detail

"He always gets straight to the point in emails."

to speak favorably about someone

"My boss put in a good word for me with the hiring manager."

to talk a great deal

"My uncle can talk the hind leg off a donkey."

to fail to finish a conversation or give a needed answer

"He left me hanging after promising to call back."

to sound familiar

"His name rings a bell, but I cannot remember where I heard it."

to send a short note or message

"Drop me a line when you get home."

to give a signal or instruction to proceed

"Say the word, and I will send the email right away."

quiet can be better or wiser than speaking

"When the argument started, he remembered that silence is golden."

to reveal secret or private information

"Who spilled the beans about the surprise party?"

said when the person just mentioned appears

"Speak of the devil, here comes Mark now."

to tell someone exactly what you think, often angrily

"She gave the rude driver a piece of her mind."

to continue communicating

"We should stay in touch after graduation."

to write something down so there is proof

"If you want the offer, put it in writing."

to reveal a secret by mistake

"She let the cat out of the bag before the announcement."

to speak plainly and honestly

"If you are upset, just say what you mean."

to discuss a subject indirectly

"He kept talking around the issue instead of answering it."

to make information known to everyone

"The company went public with the news on Monday."

to formally say something important to a group

"The principal will make an announcement after lunch."

to speak sincerely and not make empty promises

"I know he means what he says, so I trust him."

to explain something in detail

"Let me talk you through the new process."

to stay silent and not say something

"I wanted to complain, but I held my tongue."

to speak honestly and directly

"She tells it like it is, even when people do not want to hear it."

to tell someone bad or important news

"It was hard to break the news to her family."

to tell someone the truth clearly and honestly

"Just give it to me straight and tell me what you think."

to speak in a way that is too difficult for someone to understand

"The technical details went right over my head and talked over my head."

the informal information people are saying

"The word on the street is that the company is moving downtown."

to treat a statement with doubt or caution

"Take his rumors with a grain of salt."

to speak angrily to someone

"They started throwing words at each other after the delay."

to stay silent about something

"We were told to keep mum about the surprise party."

to have the opportunity to express an opinion before a decision is made

"The staff should have a say in the new policy."

to accept something as true without questioning it

"At first I took his explanation at face value."

meant as a joke or not fully serious

"His comment was tongue in cheek, so do not take it too seriously."

to express an idea, feeling, or concern clearly

"The speech gave voice to many people's frustrations."

without speaking

"He left the room without saying a word."

to do something without a plan or clear guidance

"We did not have a script, so we were flying by the seat of our pants."

to keep quiet

"If you know the surprise, zip your lip until Friday."

to misrepresent what someone said

"Do not twist my words, I never said that."

to wrongly suggest that someone said something

"Please do not put words in my mouth."

an image can communicate more than a long explanation

"The before and after photos showed the difference better than any report could, because a picture is worth a thousand words."

what someone does matters more than what they say

"He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words."

exactly as stated, with no changes

"I followed the instructions by the word."

exactly the same as the original wording

"He copied the email word for word."

unable to find anything to say

"I was at a loss for words when I heard the good news."

to be skillful at speaking or writing

"She has a way with words and always persuades people."

to understand a hint or indirect communication

"When he stopped replying, I got the message."

to keep information secret

"We have to keep it under wraps until the announcement."

to speak with thought and caution

"You should choose your words carefully in a difficult meeting."

to say honestly what one thinks

"She is not afraid to speak her mind."

very clearly understood

"I heard your warning loud and clear."

to not interfere in someone else's matters

"When she asked about my salary, I told her to mind her own business."

to express opinions loudly and strongly

"He sounded off about the new policy during lunch."

to speak in a rude or reckless way

"He mouthed off to the teacher and got in trouble."

through informal gossip or rumor

"I heard on the grapevine that the manager is retiring."

to spread very quickly

"The news spread like wildfire across the office."

to talk about work or a specialized topic in a social setting

"At the party, the engineers started to talk shop."

to speak confidently about something one does not understand

"He was talking through his hat about finance."

to speak in a way that sounds convincing

"He can talk the talk, but he cannot do the job."

to back up words with action

"A good leader must walk the walk as well as talk the talk."

to speak a great deal, often in a bold or confident way

"The child had a lot to say for himself after the game."

to say something clearly, especially when one needs to be heard

"If you disagree, please speak up."

to express only one's own opinion

"I can only speak for myself, but I liked the proposal."

to secretly hear a conversation

"I think someone was listening in on our call."

heard but not remembered or taken seriously

"I told him three times, but it went in one ear and out the other."

to be good at hearing, judging, or understanding something

"She has an ear for foreign accents."

to succeed in making someone understand

"I tried to get through to him, but he would not listen."

to communicate in a way that is easy to understand

"Please speak clearly so everyone can hear the details."

written clearly and officially, rather than only spoken

"I want the agreement in black and white."

To use every possible effort or resource to succeed.

"They pulled out all the stops to win the final match."

Work extremely hard, often for a long time.

"He broke his back getting the garden ready for the wedding."

Great care and effort put into making something look perfect.

"The team gave the presentation a bit of spit and polish before showing it to the client."

Be alert, capable, and ready to work effectively.

"You need to be on the ball if you want to keep up with this job."

To work steadily and hard for a long time.

"If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you will finish the project on time."

A task that is difficult but considered normal or routine for someone.

"For the rescue crew, saving the hikers was all in a day's work."

Organize oneself and start working in a more effective way.

"He finally got his act together and started studying every night."

To continue working toward a goal despite difficulty.

"The company stayed the course and eventually turned the business around."

To make a determined effort to get something done.

"Everyone had to put their shoulder to the wheel to complete the move in one day."

Have a difficult task ahead that will require a lot of effort.

"We have our work cut out for us if we want to finish before Friday."

To do the most difficult or important part of the work.

"The intern did most of the research, but the analyst did the heavy lifting."

To get ready to work hard on a difficult task.

"When the kitchen flooded, we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned everything."

To prepare oneself for a difficult effort or challenge.

"She girded her loins before asking for a raise."

To keep working hard on something over time.

"He kept hammering away at the problem until he found a solution."

Work hard and continuously.

"He kept his nose to the grindstone all semester."

Try as hard as possible.

"I do not know if I will succeed, but I will give it my best shot."

To make slow but steady progress by repeated effort.

"We chipped away at the backlog until the office was caught up."

To start something with immediate energy and effort.

"The new manager hit the ground running on her first day."

To work continuously through day and night.

"The crew worked around the clock to restore power after the storm."

To begin dealing with the practical details of hard work or a task.

"Lets get down to brass tacks and decide who will do each job."

Do something with great energy and determination.

"They went hammer and tongs to finish the charity drive."

To work very hard for a long time.

"After years of toil and moil, they finally bought their own farm."

Spend a lot of time working hard.

"She put in long hours to prepare for the exam."

To join in and help with the work that needs doing.

"Everyone mucked in to clear the hall after the fundraiser."

Support or fight hard for a cause or person.

"She took up the cudgels for her coworkers when they were treated unfairly."

To help with effort or work, especially as part of a group.

"If we all pitch in, we can finish this in no time."

To work hard and persistently at a difficult task.

"She ground away at the thesis until it was finally done."

To take on a large share of work or responsibility.

"During the busiest weeks, she had to carry the load for the whole team."

Stay focused on the goal and keep working toward it.

"Even when practice got tiring, he kept his eye on the prize."

Returning to hard, routine work after a break.

"The vacation ended quickly, and it was back to the grindstone on Monday."

By means of hard physical or mental effort.

"The house was built through sweat and toil."

To work with full effort and energy.

"If we put our backs into it, we can finish the move by noon."

To suffer or handle the main burden of something difficult.

"The junior staff bore the brunt of the extra work."

To continue working hard and steadily.

"If you keep your shoulder to the wheel, success will come in time."

To work as hard and as fast as possible.

"We went flat out to meet the launch deadline."

Work in return for what one receives.

"He wanted to earn his keep by helping in the store."

To spend a lot of time working hard at something.

"He put in the hours needed to become a skilled carpenter."

Work hard and focus closely on a task.

"She put her nose to the wheel and finished the final edits."

To work or move at a level of effort that others follow.

"Her discipline set the pace for the rest of the team."

Busy, energetic activity that usually involves a lot of effort.

"I miss the hustle and bustle of the office when I work from home."

To work extremely hard and for a long time.

"My parents worked their fingers to the bone to support our family."

Make the greatest possible effort.

"They went all out to impress the visitors."

Put all of one's effort into something.

"She gave her all during the performance."

To work very hard and with great effort.

"He worked like a dog all week to get the garden ready for spring."

To search or work as thoroughly as possible.

"The detective left no stone unturned in the search for clues."

To be working as hard as one possibly can.

"The small staff was at full stretch during the holiday rush."

To stay active and occupied with work or tasks.

"She keeps her hands busy by knitting while she watches TV."

Motivated by a strong purpose or effort.

"He is driven by a desire to succeed."

To be alert, capable, and quick in work.

"We need someone who is on the ball and can handle pressure."

Work done with great effort because one cares about it.

"Restoring the old piano was a labor of love."

To produce excellent results through effort or action.

"A little encouragement can work wonders for a tired team."

To respond to a challenge with effort and skill.

"She rose to the occasion and delivered an excellent presentation."

To make an extreme effort, often more than is necessary.

"He went overboard trying to impress the clients, but the extra effort paid off."

Gain first experience by working hard on something.

"She cut her teeth on small local cases before joining the big firm."

Start working on something with energy and commitment.

"Once lunch was over, everyone got stuck in and cleared the hall."

To endure a difficult situation with patience and effort.

"We had to sweat it out for three more hours before the results were posted."

To accept responsibility and make the needed effort.

"When the manager resigned, he stepped up to the plate and took over."

Try hard to do something.

"He made an effort to arrive early every day."

To work extremely hard.

"She worked her tail off to save enough money for college."

To deal with a difficult situation directly and boldly.

"He took the bull by the horns and asked for the help he needed."

Advance gradually through persistent effort.

"She worked her way up from assistant to director."

To begin working hard and persistently on something.

"Once the redesign started, the team dug in and got to work."

To continue working hard despite difficulty or slow progress.

"The team kept plugging away until the final bug was fixed."

Try very hard to do something carefully and well.

"He took pains to make sure every detail was correct."

To continue working hard despite difficulty.

"Even after the setbacks, they pressed on with the project."

Great personal effort and sacrifice.

"That business took blood, sweat, and tears to build."

To continue making effort without giving up.

"Learning the piano is hard, but if you keep at it, you will improve."

Hard work done willingly because one cares deeply about it.

"Restoring the old theater was a labour of love for the volunteers."

To remain committed and continue putting in effort.

"If you stick to it, you will eventually see results."

To settle in and work hard for a period of time.

"We hunkered down and finished the report before lunch."

To do hard, practical work oneself instead of avoiding it.

"A good leader is willing to get his hands dirty when needed."

To make a huge and exhausting effort to do something.

"She sweated blood to get the business ready for opening day."

To do everything possible to achieve a goal.

"He moved heaven and earth to find a solution for his daughter."

To investigate or work through every possibility.

"They turned over every stone to find a cheaper supplier."

To start working seriously and with discipline.

"I had to knuckle down and study for the exam."

To work very hard and concentrate on the task.

"She put her nose to the grindstone and finished the assignment early."

To accept hardship and work harder with fewer resources.

"The company had to tighten its belt and work more efficiently this year."

To keep a job through steady effort and responsibility.

"He has always been able to hold down a job, even in tough times."

To work very hard for a long time, often with little reward.

"They slaved away all weekend to get the house ready."

To work hard for a long time on something.

"She toiled away in the garden until dusk."

To begin working hard and seriously.

"If we buckle down now, we can finish before Friday."

To try as hard as possible.

"He gave it his all in the race, even though he came second."

To put a lot of energy and effort into doing something.

"For the holiday party, they really went to town on the decorations."

To do one's fair share of the work.

"Everyone on the team has to pull their weight."

To do enough work or contribute enough effort.

"She always carries her weight in group projects."

To be busy and active for long periods of time.

"I have been on the go since early morning."

To keep a process or effort going without stopping.

"Once the training started, we worked hard to keep the ball rolling."

To act directly and personally to solve a problem.

"When the repairs were delayed, he took matters into his own hands."

To contribute effort or help to a shared task.

"If everyone chips in, we can clear the garden quickly."

To work continuously day and night.

"The nurses worked round the clock during the emergency."

to feel very happy and excited

"He was walking on air after his first big win."

A very kind and generous character.

"She has a heart of gold and always helps neighbors in need."

To openly show your feelings and emotions.

"She wears her heart on her sleeve, so everyone knows when she is upset."

to feel sad

"He was feeling blue after his best friend moved away."

To become suddenly very angry or very intense.

"His temper went through the roof when he heard the news."

To make a bad situation even worse.

"He was late, and then he added insult to injury by complaining about the traffic."

sincere and deeply felt

"Her apology was from the heart."

Feeling extremely happy or joyful.

"She was on cloud nine after getting the job offer."

At the limit of your patience or endurance.

"After weeks of sleepless nights, she was at the end of her rope."

to feel sudden fear or anxiety

"I had my heart in my mouth as the car skidded on the ice."

Feeling sad or depressed.

"He has been down in the dumps since the breakup."

To try extremely hard to help or please someone.

"The team bent over backward to make the guests feel welcome."

Feeling very pleased or delighted.

"They were over the moon when their baby was born."

To keep strong emotions hidden instead of expressing them.

"He tends to bottle up his feelings until he finally gets upset."

a nervous or uneasy feeling

"I got a knot in my stomach before the interview."

Relaxed and in control, especially under pressure.

"Even during the crisis, she stayed cool, calm, and collected."

Being overwhelmed by a strong emotion such as joy, grief, or anger.

"She was beside herself with excitement before the trip."

to cause deep sadness or disappointment

"It broke her heart to leave the old house."

To suddenly start crying.

"He burst into tears when he heard the bad news."

To become upset, angry, or very emotional.

"Try not to get worked up over small mistakes."

upset or annoyed

"Do not get bent out of shape over one small comment."

Extremely angry.

"My father was boiling mad when he saw the damage."

To become increasingly unpleasant or difficult.

"After the first argument, the whole situation went from bad to worse."

calm and not easily upset

"Even in the crisis, she stayed cool as a cucumber."

to stop being calm

"He lost his cool when the crowd started shouting."

Becoming suddenly and uncontrollably angry.

"Try not to fly off the handle if the meeting runs late."

To feel special affection or fondness for someone or something.

"She has a soft spot for stray animals."

To irritate or upset someone deeply.

"That constant criticism really gets under my skin."

To remain calm under stress.

"She kept her cool during the long, tense meeting."

to annoy or disturb you

"His constant joking really got under my skin."

to feel comfortable and relaxed

"I felt at home as soon as I met the staff."

Feeling extremely happy.

"She was in seventh heaven when she met her favorite singer."

To release strong feelings, especially anger or stress.

"He went for a long run to let off steam after work."

too proud of yourself

"He sounded full of himself after the promotion."

To make you extremely angry.

"It makes my blood boil when people lie to their friends."

Feeling very jealous.

"He was green with envy when he saw their new house."

to feel confused by a difficult or absurd situation

"When the printer broke again, I did not know whether to laugh or cry."

To feel especially fond of someone.

"I have a soft spot for my old math teacher."

To express your deepest feelings honestly and openly.

"She poured her heart out to her best friend after the breakup."

To hide sadness or fear and appear strong.

"He put on a brave face even though he was worried."

unable to decide

"I am in two minds about taking the new job."

Nervousness or fear that makes someone hesitant to do something.

"He got cold feet before the wedding."

To make someone nervous or upset.

"The loud criticism really rattled her before the presentation."

A nervous, excited feeling in your stomach.

"I always get butterflies in my stomach before a big presentation."

to provoke an emotional reaction

"He was only trying to get a rise out of her."

unable to think of a solution

"I was at my wits end trying to calm the baby."

To hide your feelings and stay strong in a difficult situation.

"Even after the loss, she kept a stiff upper lip."

Very angry.

"He was red with anger when he saw the damage."

to suddenly feel nervous about doing something

"He had cold feet before the wedding."

To laugh very hard.

"We screamed with laughter at the joke."

To become very angry.

"He lost his temper when the computer crashed again."

To reveal your true feelings or private thoughts.

"After a few minutes, he spilled his guts about the whole problem."

to try not to cry

"She fought back tears when she heard the news."

Feeling cheerful and lively.

"The team was in high spirits after the win."

Unfriendly treatment or deliberate ignoring.

"After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder."

to look very happy

"She was all smiles when she came out of the exam."

To be deeply upset or affected by something.

"She took his harsh words to heart."

to smile very widely because of happiness

"He was smiling from ear to ear after the surprise party."

To feel great sadness.

"I left the city with a heavy heart."

You have many opportunities and can do many things.

"Now that you have the degree, the world is your oyster."

Someone or something that is annoying or upsetting.

"The endless paperwork is a real pain in the neck."

To make someone extremely happy.

"She was thrilled to bits by the surprise party."

a situation with many rapid emotional changes

"That year was a roller coaster of emotions for the whole family."

To make someone extremely angry.

"It makes my blood boil when people lie to customers."

To become very anxious or confused.

"Dont tie yourself in knots over one small decision."

with complete energy, devotion, or feeling

"She put her heart and soul into the project."

To become very upset or agitated.

"Do not work yourself into a lather over a minor delay."

A feeling of relief after a burden is removed.

"Getting the project approved was a weight off my shoulders."

to look sad or unhappy

"He wore a long face when he heard the bad news."

to suddenly look or feel happy or excited

"Her face lit up when she saw her old friend."

To feel very healthy, happy, or confident.

"After a good night's sleep, I felt like a million dollars."

To feel sudden disappointment or dread.

"My heart sank when I saw the repair bill."

to be cheerful and happy

"Everyone was in high spirits at the end of the trip."

A great relief after a worry is removed.

"Once I found my passport, it was a load off my mind."

Nervous or tense.

"The loud thunder kept everyone on edge."

Feeling sad, discouraged, or low in spirit.

"He felt downhearted after missing the promotion."

To feel nervous or anxious.

"I always get the jitters before flying."

Very annoyed with something after too much of it.

"I am sick and tired of the constant delays."

To smile very broadly because of happiness.

"She was grinning from ear to ear after her son was born."

In a state of low mood or sadness.

"The whole office was in the doldrums after the layoffs."

To feel both positive and negative emotions about something.

"I have mixed feelings about moving to a new city."

To feel sad.

"She feels blue when the holidays are over."

Feeling irritated or unhappy.

"He was in a bad mood all morning."

To be extremely happy.

"The children jumped for joy when school was canceled."

To feel extreme frustration or worry.

"I could tear my hair out waiting for this report."

To change your feelings or opinion about something.

"She had a change of heart and decided to stay."

To recover emotionally from something upsetting.

"It hurt at first, but you will get over it."

To feel a sudden shock, excitement, or fear.

"My heart skipped a beat when I saw the email."

Becomes less pleasant or less effective over time, especially feelings or patience.

"His patience wears thin when the traffic is bad."

To feel very nervous or anxious.

"I was sweating bullets before the interview."

To make you feel tenderness or warmth.

"The puppy's tiny yawn melted my heart."

To feel upset about something that cannot be changed.

"There is no point crying over spilt milk now."

To strongly want something.

"She has her heart set on going to college abroad."

To feel slightly ill or not at one's best.

"I am feeling under the weather, so I am staying home."

To be liked or approved of by someone.

"He is in the boss's good books after finishing the report early."

To begin to like someone very quickly.

"The dog took a shine to our neighbor right away."

To feel resentful or easily offended.

"He seems to have a chip on his shoulder about not going to college."

To keep changing your feelings or opinion about something.

"She keeps blowing hot and cold about the move."

To become offended or annoyed.

"He got in a huff when nobody agreed with him."

To make you feel pleased and emotionally warm.

"Seeing the community help each other warmed the cockles of my heart."

To cry a great deal.

"She cried her eyes out after the final scene of the movie."

small details can cause big problems or make a task harder

"The plan looked simple, but the devil is in the details."

To wait until the next day before making a decision.

"I am not ready to answer yet, so I will sleep on it."

Very easy to do.

"The quiz was a piece of cake for her."

to go to bed or go to sleep

"I am exhausted, so I am going to hit the sack."

To return to the starting point after a failure.

"When the plan fell through, we were back to square one."

Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.

"Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because he found a better one."

suddenly and unexpectedly

"She called me out of the blue after ten years."

To do something difficult or unpleasant that must be done.

"I did not want to call the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet."

To have many different roles or responsibilities.

"At the small office, she wears many hats."

very easy

"The homework was a piece of cake."

To give strict rules or instructions.

"Dad laid down the law about bedtime during the school week."

To start a conversation in a social situation.

"He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting."

To work late into the night.

"She burned the midnight oil to finish the report."

To release someone from blame, responsibility, or punishment.

"The manager let him off the hook this time."

to stop something from continuing

"They pulled the plug on the project after the budget was cut."

To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often badly.

"They cut corners during the repair, and the problem came back."

To say only the main point and leave out the details.

"To make a long story short, we missed the train and took a taxi."

whatever the weather or situation is

"We go for a walk every morning, rain or shine."

to make a bad situation worse

"Losing the game was bad enough, but his joke rubbed salt in the wound."

Someone who argues against an idea to test it.

"I will play devil's advocate and point out the risks."

To joke with someone in a playful way.

"Relax, I was only pulling your leg."

Everything that is possible or available.

"They went the whole nine yards for the wedding."

nothing new or interesting

"How was work? Same old same old."

Practical, friendly, and not pretentious.

"Even though she is famous, she is very down to earth."

A warning to do something slowly and carefully.

"Easy does it when you carry that glass table."

not yet decided or known

"Our vacation plans are still up in the air."

To make a fresh start and begin to behave better.

"After years of bad habits, he decided to turn over a new leaf."

problems often happen all at once

"First the car broke down, then the dog got sick, and when it rains, it pours."

To accept the unpleasant results of one's actions.

"He missed the deadline and had to face the music."

To delay judgment until more information is available.

"The plan might work, but we will have to wait and see."

you should not judge people or things only by appearance

"He looks serious, but you can't judge a book by its cover."

To hurry up.

"If we want to catch the train, we need to get a move on."

You cannot enjoy two conflicting advantages at the same time.

"You want to save money and buy every new gadget, but you cannot have your cake and eat it too."

To become nervous and decide not to do something.

"She got cold feet just before the wedding."

by a very small margin

"He caught the train by the skin of his teeth."

to get to the main point quickly

"Let's cut to the chase and talk about the budget."

To start something.

"Let us get the ball rolling with introductions."

to describe or identify something exactly right

"You hit the nail on the head when you said the problem was lack of communication."

To help someone.

"Can you give me a hand with these boxes?"

in trouble

"He was in hot water after missing the deadline."

To do more than is expected.

"Our host went the extra mile to make us comfortable."

said or done without careful thought or preparation

"Off the top of my head, I think the store closes at six."

To keep going in a difficult situation.

"The work is tough, but hang in there."

To go to bed.

"I am exhausted, so I am going to hit the hay."

extremely rare or unique

"Seeing the northern lights was a once in a lifetime experience."

to not fully believe something

"Take his stories with a grain of salt because he exaggerates."

To watch or monitor something or someone.

"Can you keep an eye on my bag while I get coffee?"

To stay cheerful in a difficult situation.

"Keep your chin up, things will improve soon."

To understand how a job or activity works.

"She knows the ropes at the office now."

To miss an opportunity.

"I missed the boat on buying tickets early."

You must work hard to get good results.

"Training was tough, but no pain, no gain."

To calm down and regain control.

"After the bad news, she took a moment to pull herself together."

To risk everything on one plan or idea.

"Do not put all your eggs in one basket by relying on one client."

To spoil someone's plans or enjoyment.

"I hate to rain on your parade, but the picnic may be canceled."

To be involved in a stressful, competitive routine.

"He left the rats in the race and moved to a quieter town."

To understand the hidden meaning.

"If you read between the lines, he is not happy with the decision."

To sit in the front passenger seat or accompany someone for support.

"I will ride shotgun on the trip and help with directions."

To cause trouble or upset a stable situation.

"She did not want to rock the boat before the merger."

A general practical guide.

"As a rule of thumb, leave early when the roads are busy."

To keep money for future needs.

"They try to save part of each paycheck for a rainy day."

To establish the mood or style of something.

"Her greeting set the tone for the whole interview."

To hurry up.

"Shake a leg or we will be late."

A mild punishment or warning.

"He got only a slap on the wrist for being late again."

To relax or to avoid doing too much.

"You should take it easy this weekend."

People who act early get the advantage.

"I got the best seat because the early bird catches the worm."

The final problem that makes a bad situation unbearable.

"The broken heater was the last straw after a terrible week."

To make brief contact or check in.

"Lets touch base tomorrow about the schedule."

Slightly ill.

"I was under the weather, so I left work early."

To deal with a problem when it happens, not before.

"If the new rules cause trouble, we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

To follow local customs.

"I do not usually eat so late, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

To earn the money a family needs.

"She works two jobs to bring home the bacon."

To go wrong or fail.

"The plan went pear-shaped after the rain started."

To sell very quickly and in large numbers.

"The new phones sold like hot cakes on release day."

A dishonest or unpleasant person.

"Everyone warned him that the man was a bad egg."

An extra benefit that makes a good thing even better.

"Winning the award was the icing on the cake."

A bad or corrupt person in a group.

"One bad apple can ruin the team's reputation."

Something that causes disagreement or conflict.

"The new policy became an apple of discord among the staff."

An important or influential person.

"He's the big cheese at the company now."

To want two desirable but conflicting things at the same time.

"You cannot have your cake and eat it too."

The wealthy or socially elite class.

"The event was full of the upper crust of the city."

Very calm and not nervous.

"Even under pressure, he stayed as cool as a cucumber."

To act in an exaggerated way for effect.

"He tends to ham it up whenever the camera is on."

To be the main source of income or support.

"Teaching is the bread and butter of her business."

To reveal a lot of personal information or secrets.

"After a few drinks, he spilled his guts about the deal."

The practical basic details of something.

"We need to discuss the nuts and bolts of the project."

To sell very quickly and in large numbers.

"The new game sold like hotcakes."

A controversial or difficult issue.

"The budget cuts became a hot potato at the meeting."

Competent and deserving respect.

"Any teacher worth her salt prepares well for class."

People's preferences are often hard to understand.

"He loves that awful song, but there is no accounting for taste."

To buy something defective or useless.

"I bought a lemon of a used car."

To not fully believe something.

"I would take those rumors with a grain of salt."

To be upset about something that cannot be changed.

"There is no point crying over spilled milk now."

To earn money for a family or household.

"During those years, she was the one who brought home the bread."

Having little or no value or importance.

"Without proof, the rumor is not worth a hill of beans."

Very easy.

"The instructions were as easy as pie."

An activity that is pointless or likely to fail.

"Trying to please everyone is a mug's game."

Too many people involved can ruin a task.

"We all had ideas, but too many cooks spoiled the broth."

In trouble or in a difficult situation.

"If the client pulls out, we're really in the soup."

A dishonest or unpleasant person.

"He seemed charming, but he was a bad egg."

To be pregnant.

"She announced that she has a bun in the oven."

A clever or capable person.

"Our new intern is a smart cookie."

Energetic and lively.

"The kids were full of beans after lunch."

To produce good results.

"All her hard work finally bore fruit."

To perform well enough or meet expectations.

"He did not cut the mustard in the final round."

An easy and profitable source of money.

"He left the job when the gravy train ended."

To become very excited, angry, or crazy.

"The crowd went bananas when the band came on stage."

A very good, honest, and dependable person.

"Her grandfather was the salt of the earth."

To be badly unprepared for a difficult challenge.

"Trying to compete without practice is like bringing a knife to a gunfight."

To offer useful qualities or resources.

"She brings a lot of experience to the table."

In a difficult or awkward situation.

"I am in a pickle because I lost my keys."

A person's main source of income or a basic and important thing.

"Teaching is his bread and butter."

To get as much advantage as possible from a situation.

"He twisted his ankle but kept milking it for sympathy."

To feel embarrassed because of a mistake.

"The company had egg on its face after the false announcement."

In a very short and simple form.

"In a nutshell, the plan is to start small."

Poorly planned or thought through.

"That was a half-baked idea that needed more work."

Very warm or heated, especially after being exposed to heat.

"By the time we reached the car, the seats were hot as toast."

To stop a habit suddenly and completely.

"He went cold turkey and quit soda overnight."

In a state of anxiety or worry.

"She was in a stew all morning before the exam."

Two things that are too different to compare.

"Comparing those jobs is apples and oranges."

A lazy person who sits around a lot.

"I was a couch potato all weekend."

A clever and capable person.

"She is one smart cookie when it comes to business."

Very similar or closely alike.

"Those two are peas in a pod."

Embarrassment after a mistake.

"He had egg on his face when his claim turned out to be wrong."

The very best of a group.

"These students are the cream of the crop."

To turn bad or become unpleasant.

"The deal went sour after the last-minute demands."

Not something one likes or prefers.

"Reality TV is not my cup of tea."

Something that is defective or unsatisfactory.

"We thought the house was a bargain, but it turned out to be a lemon."

To flatter someone to get something.

"He tried to butter up the manager for a favor."

From one bad situation into a worse one.

"Changing jobs put him out of the frying pan into the fire."

Something extra or easy, especially extra profit or advantage.

"The bonus was gravy on top of a good salary."

Having gone wrong or failed.

"The whole plan went pear shaped."

Something one likes or enjoys.

"Country music is not really my cup of tea."

The same unpleasant treatment one gives to others.

"The bully finally got a taste of his own medicine."

A situation that is likely to end badly.

"Leaving the door unlocked was a recipe for disaster."

To sell for a very low price.

"He sold the bike for peanuts just to clear space."

Something believed to be excellent or very useful.

"He acts like that new app is the best thing since sliced bread."

To take the best part for oneself.

"The middlemen creamed off the top before the farmers were paid."

To take on more than one can handle.

"I bit off more than I could chew when I agreed to three projects."

To have more important things to do.

"I cannot worry about that now because I have bigger fish to fry."

Very comfortable and cozy.

"With the fire on, the cabin was warm as toast."

Something unimportant or of little value.

"Compared with the main issue, that fee is small potatoes."

A hopeful investment or act that may bring future benefit.

"Her kindness to the interns was bread on the water."

To admit that one was wrong after saying something.

"He had to eat his words when the rookie scored the winning goal."

To focus on appeal and excitement rather than just facts.

"The ad campaign learned to sell the sizzle, not the steak."

To have many responsibilities or problems.

"She has a lot on her plate this month."

To admit you were wrong and apologize.

"He had to eat humble pie after blaming the wrong person."

To eat very little.

"She eats like a bird, so she rarely orders dessert."

Embarrassment caused by a mistake.

"He had egg on his face after the obvious error was exposed."

Very flat.

"The road after the storm was flat as a pancake."

An extra benefit or advantage.

"The bonus was gravy on top of a good salary."

A person or problem that is difficult to deal with.

"The case was a hard nut to crack."

Poorly planned or not fully thought out.

"That is a half baked idea that needs more work."

To ruin a situation or plan.

"Do not spoil the soup by arguing now."

To make a situation intense or active.

"The debate quickly brought the room to a boil."

To take as much advantage as possible from a system.

"Some people try to milk the system for free benefits."

Entertainment and distractions used to keep people content.

"The government offered bread and circuses instead of real reform."

Pretending to dislike something because you cannot have it.

"Calling the prize useless sounded like sour grapes."

Promises of a benefit that never arrives.

"The boss kept offering jam tomorrow instead of a raise."