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An idiom is a widely used saying or expression that contains a figurative meaning that is different from the phrase’s literal meaning.
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1 | She is a peach. | She’s sweet and helpful. |
2 | He’s full of beans. He’s not telling the truth. | He’s not telling the truth. |
3 | It’s not my cup of tea. | I don’t care for that. |
4 | He’s full of baloney. | He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. |
5 | It’s just sour grapes. | They have resentment. |
6 | That’s corny. | It’s sentimental, old, and not funny anymore. |
7 | I’m in a pickle. | I’m in a dilemma. |
8 | He brings home the bacon | He brings home the family money. |
9 | She’s in a stew | She’s upset. |
10 | He’s the top banana | He’s the headman. |
11 | He’s the salt of the earth | He’s Avery good person. |
12 | She’s worth her salt | She’s a valuable employee. |
13 | They’re two peas in a pod | If you see one you see the other. |
14 | I’m nuts about you | I’m in love with you. |
15 | It’s a piece of cake. | It’s quite simple. |
16 | You can’t have your cake and eat it too. | You can’t use it and save it. |
17 | He’s a real ham. | He’s just an actor (a bad actor.) |
18 | It’s a hard nut to crack. | It’s a difficult problem to solve. |
19 | Let’s talk turkey. | Let’s talk seriously. |
20 | He’s a bad egg. | He cannot be trusted. |
21 | We need to break the ice | Everyone’s a little tense – lets be friendly. |
22 | We’ll get a baker’s dozen. | We’ll get 13 items (one extra.) |
23 | He’s got a finger in every pie. | He has many deals going. |
24 | You’ll have to take potluck | Be happy with what we have on hand. |
25 | She’s hard-boiled. | She makes tough deals. |
26 | He’s the apple of my eye | He’s my favorite person. |
27 | He’s a rotten egg. | He is a thoroughly evil person. |
28 | It’s for the birds | It’s a crazy idea. |
29 | She eats like a bird. | She eats little or nothing. |
30 | He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing | He’s a bad guy pretending to be good. |
31 | I smell a rat. | Someone has betrayed us. |
32 | He’s chicken-hearted | He has no courage. |
33 | I could eat a horse. | I’m extremely hungry. |
34 | Please don’t monkey around. | Get serious and stop playing |
35 | We’ll kill two birds with one stone. | One solution solves two problems. |
36 | Its three miles as the crow flies. | It’s three miles going straight. |
37 | Don’t cry wolf. | Don’t give a false alarm. |
38 | It has dog-eared pages. | It’s a well-used popular book. |
39 | He’s the underdog. | He’s not the favorite to win. |
40 | She’s like a fish out of water. | She is not in her area of expertise. |
41 | You’ll stir up a hornet’s nest. | You’ll cause a great deal of new problems. |
42 | Don’t let him get your goat. | Don’t let him get you upset. |
43 | Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. | Don’t make big of something insignificant. |
44 | They are packed like sardines. | There is absolutely no room for even one more. |
45 | Roy We got a bird’s eye view | We had a very good viewpoint from on high. |
46 | We’re on a wild-goose chase. | We were chasing something that didn’t exist. |
47 | It’s raining cats and dogs. | It is the heaviest rain I have ever seen. |
48 | It’s just monkey business. | The business is either his own business or fake. |
49 | He’ll weasel out. | He’ll back out of all agreements. |
50 | She’ll go ape. | She’ll become very upset. |
51 | Let’s talk turkey. | Let’s begin to talk seriously. |
52 | Don’t let the cat out of the bag. | Don’t tell our secret. |
53 | Those are crocodile tears. | Those are false tears. |
54 | He’s a card shark. | He is a professional card player. |
55 | We had a whale of a time. | We had a great time. |
56 | He drinks like a fish. | He is a heavy alcohol drinker. |
57 | I’ve got a frog in my throat. | I need to clear my throat in order to talk right. |
58 | He rolled snake eyes. | His dice had two ones. |
59 | It sounds fishy. | She is very stubborn. |
60 | It sounds fishy. | It doesn’t sound like it’s true. |
61 | Don’t make a hog of yourself. | Don’t take more than your share. |
62 | Quit horsing around. | Stop being silly and get serious. |
63 | He ratted on me. | He informed others about my secrets. |
64 | She is a stool pigeon. | She informs on everybody. |
65 | I Can’t make heads or tails of it. | I can’t understand what you are talking about. |
66 | She’s no spring chicken. | She is a tough old lady. |
67 | She’s no spring chicken. | She is a tough old lady. |
68 | She lost her head. | She did something crazy. |
69 | He can’t keep his head above water. | He’s too busy with many things. |
70 | That’s just off the top of my head | Here’s an idea without too much thought. |
71 | She’s got her head in the clouds. | Her ideas are not practical. |
72 | She’s levelheaded. | She’s always has good practical ideas. |
73 | I’ve got a lump in my throat. | Tam emotionally involved and distressed. |
74 | You’d better save your neck. | You must survive this situation. |
75 | You better turn the other cheek. | Don’t let what they say bother you! |
76 | Just swallow your pride. | Forget your pride and solve the problem. |
77 | My lips are sealed. | I will never reveal the secret. |
78 | It’s a slap in the face. | That is an insult. |
79 | You can talk until you’re blue in the face. | They aren’t listening to you. |
80 | She’s got a big mouth | Admit your error – solve it and go on. |
81 | She’s got a big mouth. | She talks too much and says the wrong things. |
82 | It’s just hand to mouth. | It is a very low cost project. |
83 | Keep a stiff upper lip. | Keep trying and you can succeed. |
84 | It makes my mouth water. | I think that is a very attractive idea. |
85 | It was by word of mouth. | I was told in person. |
86 | It leaves a bad taste in my mouth. | I don’t feel comfortable with that idea. |
87 | It will melt in your mouth. | You will like this idea. |
88 | You can save your breath. | They don’t listen – they’re not open to anything. |
89 | She takes my breath away. | She’s the most wonderful creature I’ve ever seen. |
90 | I did it by the skin of my teeth. | I just barely got the job done. |
91 | It’s on the tip of my tongue. | I know it – I just can’t say it now. |
92 | You’ll eat your words. | Anything you say may come back to haunt: you. |
93 | She’s got a sharp tongue. | Her words are like a sword – they can hurt. |
94 | It’s my mother tongue. | It is my native language. |
95 | It was a slip of the tongue. | I didn’t intend to say that. |
96 | He said it tongue in cheek | He was kidding when he said that. |
97 | She’s tongue-tied. | She’s so excited she can’t speak. |
98 | I only have eyes for you. | You are the object of my affection. |
99 | I never want to lay eyes on you. | Go! I never want to see you again. |
100 | I’ve got my eye on you. | I’m watching you – one mistake and you’re gone. |
101 | He’s making eyes at her. | He is flirting with her. |
102 | That’ll make your eyes pop. | You will be really surprised when this happens. |
103 | I can’t believe my eyes. | What I am seeing is hard to believe. |
104 | There’s more than meets the eye. | You are not telling me all the facts. |
105 | She’s a sight for sore eyes. | We’re very happy to see her – we need her. |
106 | You need to catch his eye. | You must get his attention |
107 | His eyes are bigger than his stomach. | He takes more food than he can eat. |
108 | Feast your eyes on that. | Isn’t that a wonderful thing we have here? |
109 | She will pull the wool over his eyes. | She will fool him every time. |
110 | It’s a highbrow place. | It is Avery high-class place. |
111 | You’ll pay through the nose. | It’s extremely costly to do that. |
112 | Don’t turn up your nose at me. | Don’t think you are better than I am. |
113 | She’s got a nose for news. | She can get a story from almost nothing. |
114 | She won by a nose. | It was a very close race. |
115 | You need to lead them by the nose. | You have to tell them every single detail. |
116 | Keep your nose clean. | Be honest and ethical. |
117 | It’s nothing to sneeze at. | It is a good offer. |
118 | It’s under your nose. | It’s right there in front of you. |
119 | She won by a hair. | She won by just a tiny bit. |
120 | I’m all ears. | Tam listening with great interest. |
121 | It was an ear-splitting sound. | The noise hurt my ears. |
122 | It goes in one ear and out the other. | He doesn’t listen to anyone |
123 | Keep your ear to the ground. | Listen everywhere to find what is going on. |
124 | You’d better prick up your ears. | Pay attention to what is happening. |
125 | She can wind him around her little finger. | She can manipulate him to do what she wants. |
126 | He’s got a finger in every pie. | He is trying every possible way. |
127 | My hands are tied. | There is nothing I can do because of regulations. |
128 | Please lend me a hand. | Help me with this. |
129 | Give him a hand | Clap your hand in appreciation. |
130 | Give him a hand. | Help him. |
131 | He’s got a green thumb. | He is good at gardening. |
132 | I’m all thumbs. | Tam very clumsy. |
133 | I’ve got it all at my fingertips | I have all the right information. |
134 | He’s an old hand. | He has lots of experience at that. |
135 | She’s got her hands full. | She has more things to do than she can handle. |
136 | I wash my hands of it all. | I want no part of this thing |
137 | He was caught red-handed. | He was caught in the act of a crime. |
138 | Don’t let it slip through your fingers | Don’t let this good customer get away. |
139 | You must get the upper hand | Get an advantage on your competitor. |
140 | He’s up in arms about it. | He has gotten upset about something. |
141 | I only got hand-me-downs. | What I got was all second-hand stuff. |
142 | I’ve got to hand it to you. | I admire what you have done. |
143 | It’s hands off to you | You are not to do any work on this item. |
144 | Try to thumb a ride | Beg for a ride. |
145 | We are short-handed | I need your help. |
146 | You must toe the line. | Everyone must follow all the rules. |
147 | He’s got cold feet, | He’s frightened and doesn’t think he can do it. |
148 | He’s a heel | He does not act like a gentleman with ladies. |
149 | You better shake a leg | You need to work faster. |
150 | She’s pulling my leg. | She is trying to trick or fool me. |
151 | You’ll foot the bill. | You will have to pay the entire cost. |
152 | You’ll have to put your foot down | You’ll need to assert yourself – be more forceful. |
153 | You don’t have a leg to stand on | You are not secure in your position. |
154 | You’ve got to put your best foot forward | Go with the best idea that you have. |
155 | Don’t drag your feet | Don’t delay – get to work |
156 | You’ve got to get a foot in the door | You must get the customers attention. |
157 | The shoe is on the other foot now | Now they have the problem, not us. |
158 | You’ll step on her toes | You’ll be moving in on her territory. |
159 | He’s got a chip on his shoulder. | He is looking for an excuse to fight. |
160 | She gave him the cold shoulder | She is trying to get him to leave her alone. |
161 | Get off my back | Leave me alone and let me get to work. |
162 | Get it off your chest | Tell me exactly what is bothering you. |
163 | I need some elbowroom | We are too crowded in this office. |
164 | He’s a thorn in my side. | Everything he does irritates me. |
165 | He turns my stomach | He totally disgusts me. |
166 | I’ve got butterflies in my stomach. | I’m very nervous about this deal. |
167 | She can’t stomach it. | She thinks this deal is too rotten to do. |
168 | He’s lily-livered. | He too much a coward to do it. |
169 | She makes my flesh creep. | She is extremely revolting in her attitude. |
170 | She’s a busybody. | She pays attention to everybody else’s business. |
171 | We need a heart to heart talk | We need to talk confidentially |
172 | You need to learn this by heart. | You need to know this stuff well. |
173 | Please! Have a heart | Get some feelings about being nice. |
174 | My heart is in my mouth. | I’m extremely nervous about this deal. |
175 | Don’t take it to heart | Don’t take this personally – it’s just business. |
176 | She’s a hard-hearted woman. | She has no compassion for anyone |
177 | She’s got a heart of stone. | She makes decisions without regard to people |
178 | Eat your heart out. | You are envious of my success. |
179 | You’ll break my heart. | I’ll be disappointed about this. |
180 | He’s our ace in the hole. | When all else fails – he will save us. |
181 | He’s a stuffed shirt. | He is very pretentious. |
182 | We are ahead of the game. | Right now we are in advantage |
183 | They’re all shook up. | They are upset that we are winning. |
184 | They’re all washed up. | They have been defeated. |
185 | He’s asleep at the switch. | He’s not alert to what is going on. |
186 | He’ll do after a fashion | He’ll learn to do better but not well. |
187 | She’s a back seat driver | She always will criticize any idea. |
188 | He’s a ball of fire. | He’s one of best workers. |
189 | You’re barking up the wrong tree | You have totally the wrong approach. |
190 | His bark is worse than his bite. | He yells but he doesn’t mean anything by it. |
191 | You’ve got bats in your belfry | You are crazy and have ridiculous ideas |
192 | She will bail him out. | She will verbally discipline him |
193 | Don’t beat around the bush. | Stop talking in circles – speak directly. |
194 | Beat it | Go away! |
195 | I need my beauty sleep | I need to sleep. |
196 | It’s no bed of roses. | This will not be easy. |
197 | I’m behind the eight ball. | Tam in trouble with the boss. |
198 | He’s beside himself with misery. | He is extremely miserable |
199 | It’s better late than never. | Being late is bad but it’s better than never. |
200 | He’s the big cheese. | He is the headman. |
201 | He’s the big wheel. | He’s the big boss. |
202 | He’s the big shot | He is an important man. |
203 | Don’t bite off more than you can chew. | Don’t try to do more than you can accomplish. |
204 | Don’t bite the hand than feeds you | Be loyal to your company that pays you |
205 | He’ll soon bite the dust. | He soon will be found out and lose. |
206 | Don’t blow your top. | Stay calm |
207 | Don’t blow your cool. | Remain calm and collected. |
208 | I’ve got a bone to pick with you. | You’ve something that is a problem to me. |
209 | You should brush up on it. | You need to study and learn this. |
210 | You need to build a fire under them | They need to be motivated. |
211 | You’ll need to burn the midnight oil | You will have to work overtime |
212 | Don’t break your word. | Do what you have promised. |
213 | We need to break the news | We need to tell them the bad news. |
214 | Let’s bury the hatchet | Let’s forget our old fights and hatreds. |
215 | We won by a hair | We won a very close victory. |
216 | By hook or crook we’ll do it. | We’ll do it whatever it takes. |
217 | Let’s call it a day. | That’s enough work for today. |
218 | Let’s call it quits. | Let’s stop for now. |
219 | You call the shots. | You make the decisions. |
220 | It’s a can of worms. | That is a big bunch of problems |
221 | I ride in a car pool | A group of us ride to work together |
222 | Don’t chicken out on us | Don’t get scared and leave. |
223 | He’s a chip off the old block | He is just like his dad. |
224 | We need to cut our losses. | We must withdraw form a losing situation. |
225 | You’ve cooked your own goose | You are in a problem of your own making. |
226 | You make me crack up. | I find you extremely funny. |
227 | You need to crack a book. | Open up a book and learn something |
228 | You need to crack a joke. | Don’t be so serious all the time. |
229 | It cramps my style. | You have put too many limits on me. |
230 | He’s the cream of the crop. | He is the best there is. |
231 | Don’t cut corners | Follow all of the rules. |
232 | It’s a cut and dried situation. | There are no changes or discussions – just do it. |
233 | We’re at a dead stop | We can’t do anything right now. |
234 | He’s dead to the world | He is so tired he can’t function. |
235 | It will soon die out. | That problem will be gone soon. |
236 | They’re a dime a dozen. | They aren’t worth anything. |
237 | Watch him do a double take. | He will gasp when he sees this. |
238 | She’s down in the dumps | She is very depressed. |
239 | She got a dose of her own medicine. | She is very depressed. |
240 | Well, that’s down the drain | We have completely lost everything on this. |
241 | That’s all down the tubes | We have totally lost everything on this. |
242 | Don’t drag your feet on this. | Get working and stop the delaying. |
243 | I’m drawing a blank. | I don’t have any idea on this. |
244 | We need to draw the line here | We make no more concessions. |
245 | He drives a hard bargain. | He makes it tough to make much of a profit. |
246 | It’s just a drop in the bucket. | That is just the beginning of the problems. |
247 | She eats like a bird. | She just picks at her food. |
248 | She eats like a horse. | She eats like a hungry man. |
249 | He’s at the end of his rope. | He is just about out of ideas and energy. |
250 | I feel like a million dollars | I feel wonderful. |
251 | Finders keepers – losers weepers | The finders are happy – the losers unhappy. |
252 | It will fit like a glove. | The two situations work well together |
253 | They’re going to flip their lid. | They are going to be extremely unhappy. . |
254 | He will fly off the handle | He will be very upset. |
255 | Don’t fool around with that. | Leave that situation alone. |
256 | It’s a foolproof scheme | This idea is sure to succeed. |
257 | This is for keeps | This is it – no changes – no getting out. |
258 | You’ll need to fork out some dough | You will have to pay some cash. |
259 | He’s out getting forty winks | He is taking a quick nap. |
260 | Can they get away with that? | Will they be able to do that without trouble |
261 | Let’s get down to brass tacks | Let’s do some serious talking. |
262 | Tell get even. | Twill return the bad you did to me. |
263 | Get off my back | Stop bothering me and let me do my work. |
264 | Let’s get the ball rolling | Let’s start the work on this |
265 | We’ll get to the bottom of it. | We will find out exactly what is the problem |
266 | He got out of the bed on the wrong side | the day started bad and hasn’t gotten any better |
267 | He doesn’t have a ghost of a chance. | There is no way he can succeed. |
268 | He’s giving me a hard time. | He is teasing me about that. |
269 | Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile. | Give a little and he takes a lot. |
270 | Don’t give yourself away. | Don’t let them know what your plan is |
272 | They’ll have to give up the ghost | They will have to give up trying. |
273 | He’s a real globetrotter | He travels all over the world. |
274 | They just go around in circles. | They go in all directions without any success. |
275 | They will go into orbit. | They will be very upset |
276 | They can just go jump in a lake | If they don’t like it – too bad. |
777 | Don’t go off the deep end | Don’t go to extremes on this. |
278 | Just grin and bear it. | Forget the problems – keep working. |
279 | They often just ham it up | They like to get very dramatic. |
280 | He’s got one foot in the grave | He is too old. |
281 | We had a high time. | We had a good time. |
282 | You hit the nail on the head. | That is exactly the situation. |
283 | They will hit the ceiling | They will be extremely upset. |
284 | That is a hit below the belt. | That is not playing fair or honest. |
285 | I’m going to hit the sack. | I’m going to bed. |
286 | She’s going to hit the hay. | She is going to bed. |
287 | That just won’t hold water. | That idea just won’t work. |
288 | He can’t hold down a job. | He has lost every job he ever had. |
289 | Don’t horse around. | Don’t play around – be serious. |
290 | Keep them in the dark. | Don’t let them know what is going on. |
291 | You must hang in there | Keep trying. |
292 | She has a lot of hang-ups | She has a lot of irrational objections. |
293 | I can see the handwriting on the wall | I can sense the mood of people. |
294 | Go and have a ball | Go and enjoy yourself. |
295 | We will have the last laugh | They are winning now but in the end we will win. |
296 | Hold on to your hat. | Be patient |
297 | Hold on to your horses. | (Hold your horses) |Don’t get too excited. |
298 | Have your own way. | OK! Do what you want. |
299 | You’ve got two strikes against you | One more mistake and you are out! |
300 | That’s it in a nutshell. | That is a short summary of the situation |
301 | She’s often in my hair. | She is often in my way. |
302 | We’ve got one thing in the hole. | One thing is on our side. |
303 | They are in the same boat. | We both have the same problem |
304 | We are in full swing now. | We are all working full time on this. |
305 | We have more irons in the fire. | We have many other things to do |
306 | He’s a jack-of-all-trades | He has many talents. |
307 | Don’t jump down my throat | Don’t criticize me so severely. |
308 | It’s just what the doctor ordered | That is an excellent solution. |
309 | You keep the ball rolling. | Keep up your good efforts. |
310 | Now keep that under your hat | Don’t tell this to anyone. |
311 | You keep plugging away. | Keep working to solve this. |
312 | That’s a kick in the pants | That is a good encouragement |
313 | Knock it off! | Stop doing that! |
314 | He’s about to kick the bucket | He is about to die. |
315 | He knows the ropes | He knows what he is doing. |
326 | That is the last straw | He has made one error too many. |
317 | You need to let off some steam. | Don’t contain all your anger. |
318 | Don’t lie down on the job. | Keep working – don’t slow down. |
319 | She is a long shot to win | She is not the most likely winner. |
320 | He’s a long-winded talker. | He talks and talks. |
321 | She looked daggers at him. | She gave him a look of disapproval. |
322 | Don’t look down on them | Don’t think you are better than they are. |
323 | You’ll lose your shirt doing that. | You will lose everything. |
324 | That is a lost cause | You cannot succeed. |
325 | We’ll lower the boom on them. | We will soundly defeat them. |
326 | That’ll make the fur fly. | That will get their attention. |
327 | She can’t make ends meet. | She spends more than she makes. |
328 | Make yourself at home. | She spends more than she makes. |
329 | He’s a man of his word | He always keeps promises. |
330 | It’s a matter of life and death | This is a very serious situation. |
331 | Your name is mud. | You will be thought of as a loser. |
332 | It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. | It is a difficult thing to find. |
333 | She’s an old flame | She’s a past girlfriend. |
334 | It happens once in a blue moon | . It will never happen. |
335 | It’s on the house. | You do not need to pay for it. |
336 | Be on the lookout for her. | Watch for her. |
337 | He’s on the bandwagon. | He has joined our side of the argument. |
338 | She’s on the ball. | She is very perceptive. |
339 | He’s out of date | He is living in the past |
340 | That is out of the question | That idea is not acceptable. |
341 | Don’t go out on a limb. | Don’t make any commitments on that. |
342 | We’ll paint the town red | We will go out to party |
343 | He’ll just pass the buck. | He will blame someone else. |
344 | He passed out at the party. | He was so drunk he lost consciousness |
345 | A penny for your thoughts. | What were you thinking just now? |
346 | He’ll just pick a fight | He will provoke you into a fight. |
347 | I’m on pins and needles waiting. | I’m anxious to find out something. |
348 | We won’t play second fiddle to them. | We will not be in second place. |
349 | You’ve got to pull yourself together | Get organized and not so emotional. |
350 | He’d pinch pennies. | He is too careful with money. |
351 | It’s just a play on words | The meaning is not what the words say. |
352 | Everybody must pitch in | All must help. |
353 | We’ll polish them off. | We will defeat them all. |
354 | Will you pop the question? | Will you ask her to marry you? |
355 | He’s an apple polisher | He tries to hard to please the boss. |
356 | I can pull strings | I have some connections with the right people |
357 | It’s just puppy love | It is just infatuation |
358 | Put on your thinking cap. | Give this some serious thought. |
359 | Let’s put our cards on the table | Let’s be honest with each other |
360 | You put the cart before the horse | Put first things first |
361 | That will put a feather in his cap | This will be a credit to him |
362 | Don’t put all your eggs in one basket | Don’t depend on just one thing |
363 | It’s raining cats and dogs | It is a heavy rain |
364 | You’ve got to read between the lines | Look at what they mean not what they say |
365 | That rings the bell | Now I remember |
366 | Don’t rob the cradle | She’s too young for you |
367 | He’ll just rock the boat | He will get everyone upset |
368 | We’ve got lots of red tape | All the government regulations are difficult |
369 | It’s just a rip off | They will cheat you |
370 | He rubs me the wrong way | I do not like his attitude |
371 | As arule of thumb I refuse | Generally I refuse |
372 | It’s pretty run down | It is in bad condition |
373 | He needs a security blanket | He always needs reassurance |
374 | Seeing is believing | I only believe what I can see |
375 | That’ll separate the men from the boys | We will find out who is serious |
376 | You’ve got them shaking in their boots | They are afraid now. |
377 | You’ll have to sink or swim | It will be win all or lose all now |
378 | We are sitting pretty | We are sitting pretty |
379 | She slays me with that nonsense | She disgusts me with those silly ideas |
380 | Everything is ship shape | Everything is in good order |
381 | Why don’t you sleep on it? | Think about it tonight – let me know tomorrow |
382 | We just made small talk | We didn’t talk about anything serious |
383 | Go ahead and sound off | Say what you think |
384 | He’s spaced out | He is on drugs |
385 | It will spread like wildfire | This idea will be very popular |
386 | They have stacked the deck | We are not playing under even conditions |
387 | They have stacked the cards | They have cheated us to their advantage |
388 | We will need to start from scratch | We need to start at the beginning |
389 | I don’t want to steal his thunder | Twill let him break the good news |
390 | She tried to steal the spotlight | She wants undeserved attention |
391 | You must stick to your guns on that | Your idea is good – stay with it |
392 | He’s just a stick-in-the-mud | He is too old fashioned |
393 | You won’t strike it rich | This idea won’t make you rich |
394 | You need to strike while the iron is hot | Do it while the opportunity is right |
395 | We won’t take a back seat to them | We won’t be in second place to them |
396 | We’re in the driving seat | We control the situation |
397 | Our new project will soon take off | It will be a great success |
398 | You have to take your medicine | If you did wrong you must pay |
399 | You can take the floor | It is your turn – speak |
400 | You run with it | The project is yours to make it a success |
401 | Take your hat off to no one | You are a good as anyone else |
402 | We won’t take sides | We will be neutral on this |
403 | That is a tall story | I don’t believe your explanation |
404 | We’ll throw the book at them | If they did wrong they must pay |
405 | We will throw in the towel | We give up |
406 | We’ll throw in the sponge | We give up |
407 | We’ll throw a party | We will have a party |
408 | She’ll throw a fit. | She will be extremely upset. |
409 | We’ll hold them to the letter | They will have to follow all the rules |
410 | Remember that time marches on | You are wasting time |
411 | I think they will tie the knot | They will get married |
412 | We’re tickled to death about it | We are very pleased |
413 | We had the time of our life | We had a good time |
414 | It will be touch and go for a while | We won’t know if we succeed or fail |
415 | We will need to touch up things | We need to solve some little problems |
416 | It will be to the tune of a million | It will cost about a million dollars |
417 | It’s part of the tricks of the trade. | It is one of my secret solutions. |
418 | It’s time to turn in. | It’s time to go sleep. |
419 | We will turn the tables on them | We will reverse the situation |
420 | She had better turn over a new leaf | She needs to change her ways |
421 | He’s got me turned on | He has me excited about that |
422 | Don’t just twiddle your thumbs | Get to work |
423 | I put her under your wings | She will report to you |
424 | He is up to something | He is doing something secretly |
425 | Don’t get up in arms | There is no need to get excited or upset |
426 | He’ll upstage us | He’ll do better than us |
427 | We won’t wait on them | We are going ahead and not wait for them |
428 | They’ll walk all over you | They will take advantage of you |
429 | He’s walking on air | He is really excited |
430 | You’re walking on thin ice | You may fail at any moment |
431 | He will just warm the bench | He will sit by while we work |
432 | Don’t wash your dirty linen in public | Don’t tell your bad points to others |
433 | You’ll just be wasting your breath | Don’t bother, they won’t listen |
434 | The wear and tear will defeat us | The effort is not worth the rewards |
435 | You’ll wear out your welcome | Don’t stay too long |
436 | I’ll pay you when my ship comes in | When I get rich I’ll pay you |
437 | We just have to weather the storm | Keep working in rough times |
438 | I can see the writing on the wall | I can sense that thing may be bad |
439 | Let’s wind up this problem | We need to finish this |
440 | We will agree word for word | We agree exactly |
441 | Just a word to the wise-Shut up! | Listen to me! |
442 | You just zip your lip | Stop talking so much |
443 | Keep your shirt on | Don’t get so impatient |
444 | They are pulling your leg | They are playing a trick on you |
445 | She is rolling in the dough | She has lots of money |
446 | He’s stinking rich | He’s very wealthy |
447 | We’ll make him the fall guy | We will put the blame on him |
448 | He will take the rap | He will be the guilty one |
449 | It’s a bum rap | He is innocent |
450 | You need to bend over backwards | You need to try very hard |
451 | You need to bite the bullet | You need to endure a difficult situation |
452 | Stick it out! | Endure a difficult situation |
453 | They will bite the dust | They will go down to defeat |
454 | Has the cat got your tongue? | Can’t you talk? |
455 | They will have to cough up the money | They will have to willingly come up with money |
456 | It’s different strokes for different folks | Everyone has different interests and tastes |
457 | She’s dressed to kill | She’s wearing her finest clothes |
458 | He’s driving me up the wall | He is annoying me greatly |
459 | That’s duck soup | That is very easy |
460 | What is eating you? | What is annoying you? |
461 | Someone is feeding you a line | Someone is deceiving you |
462 | We can get it for a song | We can get it for very little money |
463 | We can get away clean | We can escape punishment |
464 | Don’t get in her hair | Don’t bother her |
465 | She will get the ax | She will be fired |
466 | We need to get the jump on them | We need to get an advantage on them |
467 | You should give it your best shot | You should try your hardest |
468 | We will give them the slip | We will escape |
469 | He will go to bat for you | He will support you all the way |
470 | She is going to the dogs | She is becoming rundown |
471 | She’s got the world by the tail | She’s happy and successful |
472 | That’s a horse of a different color | That’s an entirely different situation |
473 | If the shoe fits – wear it | If you are wrong admit it |
474 | Don’t jump the gun. | Don’t be hasty. |
475 | Let’s kick up our heels. | Let’s celebrate. |
476 | This will knock their socks off. | This will enthuse and excite them. |
477 | We won’t leave them high and dry. | We won’t abandon them. |
478 | It is defective. | It is defective |
479 | We need to make a splash | We need to be successful and get their attention |
480 | Money talks. | Money can influence people. |
481 | They don’t have a leg to stand on. | They have no defense for their actions. |
482 | We’ll put that on ice | We’ll save that one for the future. |
483 | We are not out of the woods | We are not out of danger. |
484 | He is on his last legs. | He is sick and failing fast. |
485 | We will play this one by ear. | We will improvise as we go along. |
486 | Put your money where your mouth is. | You must follow through with what you say. |
487 | They will raise a stink. | They will protest strongly. |
488 | We will have to scratch their back. | We will have to do them a favor. |
489 | They will sell you down the river | They will betray you. |
490 | Don’’t sells them short. | Don’t underestimate them. |
491 | You must shape up or ship out | You must behave or leave. |
492 | Let’s just shoot the breeze. | Let’s just chat informally. |
493 | We are sitting pretty. | We are in a fortunate position. |
494 | They gave us a snow job. | It was insincere talk. |
495 | Don’t spill the beans. | Don’t reveal our secret. |
496 | Don’t spread yourself too thin. | Don’t become involved in too many things. |
497 | Don’t stick you neck out on this. | Don’t take too much risk. |
498 | This is straight from the horse’s mouth. | It is from a reliable source. |
499 | You must take the bull by the horns. | You must take decisive action |
500 | You are talking through your hat. | You are making foolish statements. |
501 | I said it tongue in cheek. | She is a wet blanket. |
502 | What do they have up their sleeve? | What facts have they concealed? |
503 | She is a wet blanket. | She’s boring and spoils everyone’s fun. |
504 | She is tooting her own horn | She is boasting. |
505 | Above all to thy own self be true. | First be honest to yourself. |
506 | Mer all’s said and done, | more is said than In the end there’s more talk than action. |
507 | He has fallen afoul of the law. | He is in conflict with the law. |
508 | It is all up in the air. | It is not been decided. |
509 | Be on the alert for danger. | Watch for danger. |
510 | That is up his alley. | It is compatible with his ability. |
511 | In that she stands alone. | She is unequaled. |
512 | They will be along soon. | She is unequaled. |
513 | I will be able to get along. | T will be able to manage successfully |
514 | All along I knew they would fail. | From the beginning I knew they would fail. |
515 | That will cost you and arm and a leg. | It will cost an extravagant amount. |
516 | They welcomed us with open arms. | It will cost an extravagant amount. |
517 | I will get around to it soon. | T will be able to deal with it. |
518 | It is sold as is. | It’s sold with no guarantees. |
519 | Don’t turn your back on them. | Don’t reject them. |
520 | Don’t turn your back to her. | She can’t be trusted. |
521 | Don’t go back on your word. | Don’t fail to keep your promise. |
522 | It is in the bag. | We are assured of a successful outcome. |
523 | They arrived bag and baggage. | They arrived with all their belongings. |
524 | Keep on the ball. | Be alert, competent and efficient. |
525 | He is off base. | He is badly mistaken |
526 | Right off the bat they fought | Immediately they fought |
527 | We will go to bat for them | We will assist them |
528 | Bear in mind their finances | Remember their finances |
529 | Please, bear with me | Please, understand my situation |
530 | We will need to tighten our belt | We must become thriftier |
531 | You bet we will go | Certainly we will go |
532 | Between you and me they won’t do it | In strictest confidence, they won’t do it |
533 | He is big on meat and potatoes | He likes meat and potatoes |
534 | We expect to make it big | We expect to be very successful |
535 | It will fill the bill | It will meet all our requirements |
536 | We did it bit by bit | We did it little by little |
537 | They will try to put the bite on us | They will try to borrow money from us |
538 | We are now in the black | We are now profitable |
539 | The company is on the block | The company is for sale |
540 | They are blowing hot and cold | They are changing their minds |
541 | He is just blowing off steam | He is just venting his anger |
542 | It came from out of the blue | It was totally unexpected |
543 | The new changes are across the board | It will affect all divisions and groups |
544 | I feel it in my bones | i have a premonition about this |
545 | That is one for the books | That is something entirely new |
546 | He has been hitting the bottle | He has begun to drink (alcohol) to excess |
547 | That is out of bounds | That is beyond your limits |
548 | Don’t burn the bridges behind you | Keep the possibility of retreat |
549 | He had money to burn | He had lots of money |
550 | We will go by and by | We will go in a little while |
551 | By and large they are honest | For the most part they are honest |
552 | That was a close call | It was a narrow escape |
553 | He burns the candle at both ends | He spends too much energy in all directions |
554 | She can’t hold a candle to her friend | She is not nearly as good as her friend |
555 | Put your cards on the table | Be frank about your motives and intentions |
556 | He’s got a card up his sleeve | He has a secret plan in reserve |
557 | It is just not in the cards | It is not likely to occur |
558 | Try to catch your breath | Rest so you can continue |
559 | We will chalk up that one to experience | We will credit that to experience |
560 | We chewed the fat for a short while | We talked casually for a while |
561 | Next week we will clean house | Next week we will get rid of anyone undesirable |
562 | You must come clean | You must confess your error |
563 | She is in the clear | She is free from danger or suspicion |
564 | We need to clear the air. | Let’s ignore emotional tensions and differences. |
565 | She has her head in the clouds. | She is not in the real world. |
566 | He killed her in cold blood | He killed her without any feeling, or remorse |
567 | He was left out in the cold | He got nothing |
568 | They were acting in concert | They were acting together |
569 | They left him to cool his heels | He was left waiting |
570 | They asked her to cool it | She was asked to calm down and relax |
571 | He tried to cut corners | He tried to bypass some rules |
572 | It’s as easy as pie | It is very simple |
573 | You need to cut that out | Stop doing that |
574 | I’m beat | I am very tired |
575 | Give it some elbow grease | You need to go to work |
576 | It will cost you a bundle | it will be quite expensive |
577 | We are antsy about that | We are not confident about it |
578 | She is a blabbermouth | She talks all the time |
579 | I’m flat broke | I’m flat broke |
580 | I’m fed up with him | I have no patience with him |
581 | She is bent out of shape | She is upset about something |
582 | We are up a creek (without a paddle) | We are in a difficult or unfortunate position. |
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