PROVERBIDIOMS

A man’s home is his castle: Privacy and security are guaranteed in one’s home

A picture is worth a thousand words: A picture conveys much meaning

A stitch in time saves nine:The correction of a minor flaw promptly prevents the development of possibly serious major ones

A wallflower: One who does not participate in the activity at a social event because of shyness or unpopularity

A watched pot never boils:An activity seems to take even longer when one is anxious for it to finish

Ace in the hole: A hidden advantage or resource kept in reserve until needed

Across the board: Including all categories or members, especially in an occupation or industry: an across-the-board pay hike; an across-the-board policy decision

Airhead: A silly, rather unintelligent person

Airing one’s dirty laundry: To discuss private or embarrassing matters in public

All bent out of shapeUpset

All choked up To come near losing calmness or self-control from strong feeling

All ear:Acutely attentive: If you want to tell your story, we are all ears

All heartLoving or generous

All thumbsVery awkward and clumsy, especially with one’s hands

All washed upFailed; end to a person’s career

All wetEntirely mistaken

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boyIt is good to relax now and then

An apple a day keeps the doctor awayHealthy eating prevents illness

An axe to grindA selfish or subjective aim: He claimed to be disinterested, but I knew he had an ax to grind

An old head on young shouldersUncharacteristic wisdom in youth

Ants in the pantsA state of restless impatience: She's got ants in her pants

Apple of my eyeFavorite

Are you a man or a mouse?Are you courageous or timid?

At death’s doorNear to death; gravely ill or injured

At the end of one’s ropeThe limit of one's patience, endurance, or resources: After six months on strike, the workers were at the end of their rope.

Babe in the woodsNaïve; inexperienced in certain things

Babies must playA certain type of conduct must be expected from certain types of individuals

Baby kisserA person campaigning for votes in his quest for political office

Back to square oneThe starting point

Backed by moneySupported financially

Back-seat driverA person, for example a passenger in a car, who repeatedly gives advice without being asked for it

Bad news travels fastOthers quickly hear about bad news

Balancing actTrying to please two or more parties that are in opposition to each other

Ball and chainA person’s special burden

Ball game is overIt is too late to change things now

Banana noseLarge concave facial feature

Barefoot and pregnantWife confined to housework and child production

Bats in the belfryInsane; crazy

Beach bunnyBeautiful sun-bather who does not get in the water

Beachcomber1. One who scavenges along beaches

2. A seaside vacationer

Bear marketSlowing economy (US Stock Exchange)

Beating around the bushAvoid giving a direct answer

Beggars can’t be choosersIf you are asking for something, you do not have the right to be selective

Behind the eight ballIn an unfavorable or uncomfortable position

Belle of the ballA popular, attractive girl or woman, especially the most attractive one of a group

Big as a barrelFat

Big blowhardA boaster or braggart

Big cheesePerson of repute; a person of high rank

Big fish eat little fishIn the corporate world, large companies take over small companies or put them out of business

Big mouthOne given to loud, irritating, or indiscreet talk

Big timeThe most prestigious level of attainment in a competitive field: He made it to the big time with his latest film

BigfootA very large, hairy, humanlike creature purported to inhabit the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Also called Sasquatch

Big-heartedGenerous; kind

Bird dog1. One (such as a talent scout) who seeks out something for another

2. One who steals another’s dateBird in the hand is worth two in the bush

It’s better to have something than merely to hope for something moreBirds of a feather flock together

People of the same type seem to associate with each otherBlack as the ace of spades

Definite black colorBlackball

1. A negative vote, especially one that blocks the admission of an applicant to an organization 2. A small black ball used as a negative ballot 3. Ostracized or boycotted

Bleeding heartA person who is considered excessively sympathetic toward those who claim to be underprivileged or exploited

BlockheadA person regarded as very stupid

Blow one’s own hornTo brag or boast about oneself

Blowing the whistleTo expose wrongdoing in the hope of bringing it to a halt: an attorney who blew the whistle on governmental corruption

Boardwalk1. A walk made of wooden planks

2. A promenade, especially of planks, along a beach or waterfrontBone to pick with someone

Grounds for a complaint or disputeBonehead

A stupid person; a dunceBookworm

One who spends much time reading or studyingBoxing one’s ears

A slap or blow with the hand on the side of the head: He gave him a box on the earBrain drain

The loss of skilled intellectual and technical labor through the movement of such labor toward more favorable geographic, economic, or professional environments

Brain stormA sudden clever plan or idea

BrainyIntelligent; smart

BreadwinnerA person whose earnings are the primary source of support for his/her dependents

Break the iceTo relax a tense or unduly formal atmosphere or social situation

Bridge over troubled waterSolution to a perplexing problem

Broken heartSorrow

BrokenheartedOvercome by grief or despair

Bucket of boltsJalopy – An unreliable automobile

Bull in a china shop (like a)A very clumsy person; a tactless person

Bull marketA situation on the stock market when the prices of shares are likely to rise, allowing people to make a profit

Burn the candle at both endsTo exhaust oneself or one's resources by leading a hectic or extravagant life

Burning questionVital issue; crucial question

Burning rubber1. Jackrabbit start

2. Leave in a hurryBurying one’s head in the sand

Refusing to face somethingBushwhacker

1. To make one's way through thick woods by cutting away bushes and branches 2. To travel through or live in the woods 3. To fight as a guerrilla in the woodsButter someone up

To praise or flatter excessively: You are always buttering up the boss.Butterfingers

A person who tends to drop thingsButterflies in one’s stomach

Excited, nervousBuy the farm

To die, especially suddenly or violentlyCall girl

A woman prostitute hired by telephoneCall no man happy till he’s dead

Circumstances can change as long as one is aliveCan’t see the forest for the trees

Failing to realize the main issue because of being overattentive to detailsCar pool

1. An arrangement whereby several participants or their children travel together in one vehicle, the participants sharing the costs and often taking turns providing the vehicle and driver

2. A group, as of commuters or parents, participating in a car poolCarrying the torch

1. Crusade 2. To feel a painful, unreciprocated love: still carrying a torch for an old sweetheartCase closed

That’s final. No more discussion.Cast pearls before swine

To waste good acts or valuable things on someone who will not understand or be appreciativeCast-iron stomach

Ability to eat a variety of foods

Castles in the airFantasy

Cat got your tongue?Why are you silent?

Cat’s out of the bagTo let a secret be known

Catching some Z’sSleeping

Cauliflower earsDamaged ears of a boxer

Chain smokingTo smoke continually, as by lighting the next cigarette from the previous one

Chalk it up1. To earn or score: chalk up points

2. To credit or ascribe: Chalk that up to experienceCheapskate

A stingy person; a miserChewing someone’s ear off

Talking a lotChildren should be seen and not heard

Children should not talk too much when in the company of adultsChip off the old block

A child whose appearance or character closely resembles that of one or the other parent Also: “like father like son”

Chip on one’s shoulderA habitually hostile or combative attitude

ChiselerOne who uses unethical methods; cheat

Christmas comes but once a yearDon’t expect too many gifts

Cinderella storyOne that unexpectedly achieves recognition or success after a period of obscurity and neglect

Climb the ladderAdvancing in status, especially in business

Climb the wallsTo do something desperate when one is anxious, bored, or excited

Climbing the ladderAdvancing in status, especially in business

Climbing the wallTo do something desperate when one is anxious, bored, or excited

Closed shopA business or industrial establishment in which the employer by agreement hires only union members in good standing

Cloud nineA state of elation or great happiness: He was on cloud nine after winning the marathon

CoattailsTo be on someone’s coattails means to be following someone closely. Bad results are said to come on the coattails of a foolish action.

Cock and bullInsubstantial thing; all talk; an incredible story told as true

Cold feetFearfulness or timidity preventing the completion of a course of action

Cold war1. A state of political tension and military rivalry between nations that stops short of full-scale war

2. A state of rivalry and tension between two factions, groups, or individuals that stops short of open, violent confrontation

Colorful languageCharacterized by rich variety; vividly distinctive. Also, a euphemism for profanity

Come cleanTo confess all

Coming apart at the seamsCollapse; become ruined

Coming down in bucketsRaining profusely

Coming out of the closet1. To reveal one’s secret/private interests

2. Reveal that one is a homosexualCook your goose

To ruin (one's) chances of success: The speeding ticket cooked his goose with his father. Her goose was cooked when she was caught cheating on the test.

Cool catIn control of oneself

Counting sheepTrying to put self to sleep by imagining

CrackpotAn eccentric person, especially one with bizarre ideas

Crib sheetsSomething used for cheating in an examination

CroakedDied

Crossing the lineGoing too far

Crutch1. Something used for assistance or support; a prop.

2. inappropriate reliance on someone or something. He always uses a manuscript as a crutch when he gives a talk.

Cry one’s eyes outTo weep inconsolably for a long time

Cut the rugDance

Cutting cornersTo do something in the easiest or most inexpensive way

Cutthroat Severe; intense, unrelentingDaddy-longlegs

Any of various spiders of the order Phalangida, with a small, rounded body and long, slender legs. Also called harvestman

Days are numberedSomeone or something does not have long to live or stay

Dead men tell no talesBeware that you do not get killed so that the information remains a secret

Dead of winterColdest part of winter

Dear John letterLetter written to end a relationship

Dime a dozenPlentiful and easy to get. Farm laborers are a dime a dozen. What I need is a foreman

Dirt cheapVery inexpensive

Do you think money grows on trees?Money is hard to obtain and must be earned

Doesn’t have a leg to stand onLacking a justifiable or logical basis for defense or support

Doesn’t measure upDoes not have the necessary qualifications: A candidate who just didn't measure up

Dog (he or she is a)A worthless person. A lazy dog. Also, ‘ugly,’ especially of women.

DoggoneDarn; an informal American word used to emphasize what you are saying: It’s a doggone shame!

Dog-tiredFatigued, often to the point of exhaustion

Don’t bite off more than you can chewDo not begin something you are not able to finish

Don’t count your chickens before they hatchDo not depend on making a profit or gain before it materializes

Don’t get carried away1. Don’t get overly imaginative

2. Excited or moved to (extreme) action

Don’t judge a book by its coverDo not make a judgment based on external, superficial data

Don’t kick a man when he’s downDon’t add to the misfortunes of somebody who is already in an unfortunate situation

Don’t let the grass grow under your feetDo not procrastinate or waste time

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouthDo not be critical or suspicious of something one has received without expense

Don’t make wavesDo not cause a disturbance or controversy

Don’t put all your eggs in one basketDo not risk everything on a single venture

Don’t put the cart before the horseDo not do something in the wrong order

Don’t put your foot in your mouthDo not say something that you will regret

Don’t rock the boatDon’t disturb the balance or routine of a situation: He has an easygoing managerial style and won't rock the boat unless absolutely necessary.

Don’t throw a monkey wrench into the worksSomething that disrupts: He threw a monkey wrench into our plans

Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwaterTo discard something valuable along with something not desired, usually unintentionally

Don’t upset the apple cartChange how things are or are being done, often unexpectedly. Similar to “Don’t rock the boat”

Door prizeA prize awarded by lottery to the holder of a ticket purchased at or before a function

Down in the dumps (down in the mouth)Discouraged; sad; dejected

Drinks are on the houseAt the expense of the establishment; free: Food and drinks on the house

Drop in the bucketInsignificant amount

Dutch treatAn outing, as for dinner or a movie, in which all persons pay their own expenses

Eagle flies aloneAn outstanding person separates himself from the crowd. Like “It is lonely at the top”

Ear to the groundObservant; alert to the situation

Eat your heart outTo be consumed by jealousy

Eating one’s wordsTo retract something that one has said

Egg on the faceEmbarrassment; humiliation: If you do that, you will end up with egg on your face

EggheadAn intellectual; a highbrow

Eighty-six itTo refuse to serve (an unwelcome customer) at a bar or restaurant; to throw out; eject. To throw away; discard

Empty barrels make the most noiseThose who call attention to themselves usually have little content

Even the Devil will swear on a stack of BiblesOne’s word is only as good as his reputation

Even the score/Settle a scoreAvenge for past wrongs

Every family has at least one black sheepA member of a family or other group who is considered undesirable or disreputable

Every man has his priceEach person is willing to agree to something as long as the inducement is sufficient

Eye of the stormIn the middle of turmoil

Eyes in the back of the headBe aware of something that one apparently should not know about

Face of the mountainSide of the mountain with exposed rock

Fall guy1. A scapegoat

2. A gullible victim; a dupeFallen star

Famous person with tarnished imageFalling out

DisagreementFalling over backwards

To overexert oneself to do or accomplish something: We fell over backward to complete the project on time

FanA spirited follower of sports events or entertainers

Feathers will flyThere will be a fight

Feeling blueGloomy; depressed

Fifth wheelAn extra and unnecessary person or thing

Fifty-fifty1. Divided or shared in two equal portions: a fifty-fifty split

2. Being equally likely and unlikely or favorable and unfavorable: He had a fifty-fifty chance of surviving

Fighting tooth and nailDo everything you can in order to prevent it or achieve it

Finger in every pieBe simultaneously involved in many activities

Finger-licking goodDelicious

Fish storyAn implausible, boastful story

Flat as a boardVery flat

Fly-by shootingAttacking in passing. Compare “drive-by shooting”

Foot in the doorThe first step toward getting or doing something; a start toward success

Foot of the bedThe end opposite the head, or top, of the bed

FootlooseHaving no attachments or ties; free to do as one pleases

Forbidden fruit is the sweetestAn indulgence or a pleasure that is illegal or is believed to be immoral

Forked tongueLiar

Four-eyesOne who wears eyeglasses (derogatory)

Foxy ladySlang. An attractive woman

Frog in the throatHoarseness

From the word “go”From the very beginning. Like it has always been

Fruit of one’s laborResult; outcome

Full of baloneyNonsense

Full of hot airKnown for empty, exaggerated talk

Fun & games1. Light amusement

2. Something trivially easyFunnier than a barrel of monkeys

Very funny

Games people playThe posturing people do when dealing with each other

Get a grip on yourselfGet yourself under control

Get under one’s skinTo irritate or stimulate; provoke

Getting carried awayYou are so eager or enthusiastic about something that you behave in a hasty or foolish way

Getting in on the ground floorInformal. The beginning of a venture, especially regarded as a position of advantage: investors vying to get in on the ground floor of a development project

Getting it off one’s chestTalk out something that has been bothering you.

Getting on someone’s backHarassing; pestering someone to complete an assigned job

Getting one’s feet wetBegin to take part; do something for the first time

Getting one’s licks inExpressing one’s feelings, especially in an argument

Getting the sackBe dismissed from a job

Getting to first baseSlang. The first stage or step toward completion or success

Gingerbread moldingElaborate ornamentation, especially in architecture

Give and takeThe practice of compromise

Give him enough rope and he’ll hang himselfAllow someone freedom to continue a wrong/foolish course and he will suffer the consequences

Give him the needleTo goad, provoke, or tease

Glass jaw 1. Sports. Vulnerability of a boxer to a knockout punch. 2. Vulnerability, especially of a public figure, to destructive criticismGlued to our seats

To pay rapt attentionGo fly a kite

Cease being an annoyance. Often used in the imperative.Go through the roof

To become extremely angry: When I told her about breaking the window, she went through the roof.Going ’round in circles

Without any progress

Going along for the ride1. For the company/to make up the numbers (without taking part)

2. Being in a group for the fun or the credit without doing any of the workGoing down in flames

To be deposed or to fail in a catastrophic mannerGoing downhill

DeterioratingGoing Dutch

To pay one's own expenses on a date or outingGold digger

A person who uses charm to extract money or gifts from othersGone over the edge

To do too much; be extravagantGood clean fun

AmusementGot your goat

To make a person disgusted or angry. The boy’s laziness all summer got his father’s goatGrab bag

Slang. A miscellaneous collection: The meeting evolved into a grab bag of petty complaintGreen thumb

An extraordinary ability to make plants grow wellGreen-eyed monster

Jealousy; envyGreenhorn

An inexperienced or immature person, especially one who is easily deceivedHandiwork

Work performed by hand. The product of a person's efforts and actionsHandlebar mustache

A long, curved mustache resembling a handlebarHands are tied

Be restricted (by regulations/rules)Hands of time

Time; course of timeHands off! Leave it alone!

Hang in thereTo persevere despite difficulties; persist: She hung in there despite pressure to resign

HangdogSomeone who looks guilty or ashamed

Hang-upsA psychological or emotional difficulty or inhibition

Hat in handIn a humble and respectful manner

Head in the clouds1. Imaginary; unreal; fanciful2. Inattention

Heads will rollSomebody will be in grave trouble

Heard it through the grapevineThe informal transmission of information, gossip, or rumor from person to person

Heart of stone A nature without pity

Heavy-footed Having a ponderous, lumbering gait

Hedges have eyesSeemingly confidential matters are sometimes found out

High roller1. One who spends freely and extravagantly, as for luxuries or entertainment

2. One who gambles rashly or for high stakes 3. An organization, such as a large corporation, that spends or invests liberally or rashlyHigh seas

The open waters of an ocean or a sea beyond the limits of the territorial jurisdiction of a country: piracy on the high seas

Hit man1. A man hired by a crime syndicate as a professional killer

2. A hatchet manHit the sack

To go to bedHitch your wagon to a star

Have high goalsHitting the jackpot

To become highly and unexpectedly successful, especially to win a great deal of moneyHog-tie

1. To tie together the feet or legs of; to make helpless 2. Informal. To impede or disrupt in movement or action Hold on to your hat!

Prepare for a sudden surprise or shockHold the phone

Slang: To stop doing what one is engaged in doing. Often used in the imperative: Hold the phone!Hold your tongue

Keep quiet!Holding a gun to someone’s head

Forcing someone to do somethingHole in the wall

A small, very modest, often out-of-the-way place

Holy RollerUsed as a disparaging term for a member of any of various religious denominations in which spiritual fervor is expressed by shouts and violent body movements

Home is where you hang your hatA place to relax or sleep is equivalent to home, especially for a transient person

Home sweet homeHome is a good place to be

Honesty is the best policyTruthfulness, fairness in dealing with others, and refusal to engage in fraud, deceit

Horseless carriageAn automobile

HorseplayRowdy or rough play

Hot dateExceptionally desirable romantic appointment

Home is where your heart isWherever one’s family/partner lives is equivalent to home

Hot dog1. A frankfurter, especially one served hot in a long soft roll

2. Slang: One who performs showy, often dangerous stunts, as in skiing or surfingHot pants

Very brief, tight shorts worn by women as an outer garmentHotter than a $2 pistol

Illegal; stolenHung out to dry

Betrayed. Left without supportHungry enough to eat a horse

Very hungryI get a kick out of you

1. To get a special pleasure from someone or something 2. You make me laughI made it with my own two hands

I made it myselfI smell a rat

To suspect that something is wrongI was framed

When someone invented evidence or deliberately lied so as to incriminate you falselyI’ll eat my hat

I’ll admit I was wrongI’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine

Do somebody a favor in the hope that he will do something for youIf the hat fits, wear it or If the shoe fits, wear it

If the counsel is appropriate, apply it

Imitation is the sincerest form of flatteryTo imitate someone is to acknowledge that he is doing something well

In a stewMental agitation: in a stew over the lost keys

In hot waterTrouble; difficulty: He got into hot water over the car deal

In it up to one’s neckHeavily involved

In one door and out the other /In one ear and out the other1. Not remembered/ignored2. Without any influence or effect; unheeded: Since his mind was already made up, my arguments went in one ear and out the other

In the darkIn a state of ignorance; uninformed: They kept me in the dark about their plans

Iron curtainThe military, political, and ideological barrier established between the Soviet bloc and Western Europe after World War II

It takes all kinds to build a worldOne should tolerate everybody

It’s a dog-eat-dog worldRuthlessly acquisitive or competitive

It’s a jungle out thereA place or milieu characterized by intense, often ruthless competition or struggle for survival: the corporate jungle

It’s a man’s worldThis system gives males an advantage

It’s in the bagAssured of a successful outcome; virtually accomplished or won

It’s no use crying over spilt milkTo regret in vain what cannot be undone or rectified

It’s on the houseAt the expense of the establishment; free: food and drinks on the house

It’s the drinks talkingOverconfident speech due to the influence of alcohol

It’s written all over your faceIt’s obvious

Joy ride1. A ride taken for fun and often for the thrills provided by reckless driving

2. A hazardous, reckless, often costly ventureJumping on the bandwagon

Become involved in an activity or cause because it is suddenly fashionable to do so or because they think it is likely to be successful

Just desertsGet what one deserves, especially punishment

Just for kicksFun: Let's go to the show just for kicks

Keep it under your hatKeep it secret

Keep your head above waterRemain out of debt

Keep your shirt onTo remain calm or patient: The plane doesn't land for another hour, so keep your shirt on

Keeping one’s feet on the groundTaking a practical, realistic view

Keeping up with the JonesesEnsure that one’s social standing and material possessions are equal to that of one’s neighbors

Key playerImportant/principal person

Keyed upExpectant; excited

Kick the bucketTo die

Killing timeDoing something pointless while waiting for a long time

Killing two birds with one stoneTake the opportunity to do two things simultaneously

Knock on woodHopefully, with luck (comes from a superstitious practice)

Knocking the stuffing out of someoneDefeat; soundly beat/thrash somebody

Knot in one’s stomachA feeling of tightness: a knot of fear in my stomach

Laughing all the way to the bankBenefit financially from the unfortunate circumstances or unwise choices of someone else

Lay down the law State firmly what the rules are; to give strict orders

Lean over backwards To make an effort greater than is required

Leave one’s mark/ Leaving one’s mark on the world Distinguish oneself/leave an impression

Left holding the bag Leave someone to take all the blame; to leave someone appearing guilty

Leg up onHelp someone to reach a higher level

LemonAn item that is unsatisfactory or defective: Their new car turned out to be a lemon.

Let sleeping dogs lieLeave alone, lest more problems be caused

Let the chips fall where they mayTo pay no attention to the displeasure caused others by your actions

Let’s call a spade a spadeTo speak directly, precisely, and forthrightly; not water down a message

Let’s stick togetherUnite with

Life has its ups and downsAlternating periods of good and bad fortune

Life is a two-way streetRelationships involve give and take

Lifting a fingerDoing something to help

Lightning never strikes the same place twiceThe same accident or good thing does not happen twice

Like day and nightCompletely opposite

Like father, like sonA child whose appearance or character closely resembles that of one or the other parent Also:“chip off the old block”

Long and winding roadThere are many steps and it takes long time in order to reach one’s goals

Look before you leapBe cautious before acting

Lose (Losing) one’s headTo lose one's poise or self-control. To act without thinking. Panic

Losing battle Having no chance of success

Lost one’s marblesGo mad

Love is blindShortcomings of a loved one are overlooked

Love nestFirst home purchased by a new couple

Lucky at cards, unlucky at loveSuccessful in endeavors other than marriage

Make hay while the sun shinesMake the best of an opportunity

Making mountains out of molehillsTo exaggerate a minor problem

Man of the worldA sophisticated, worldly-wise man

Man who is his own doctor has a fool for a patientSomeone who acts on his own, without getting advice, is a fool (the opposite of ‘in a multitude of counselors there is accomplishment’)

Man-eater1. An animal, such as a tiger, that eats or is reputed to eat human flesh

2. A cannibal 3. Slang. A woman who is considered dangerous or threatening to menMany hands make light work

The task will be completed quicker if everyone helpsMelt into someone’s arms

Swoon in someone’s arms during a hugMen seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses

Girls who wear glasses are unattractiveMind’s eye

1. The inherent mental ability to imagine or remember scenes 2.The imaginationMoney burning a hole in one’s pocket

Have more money than one is accustomed to, and be eager to spend itMoney talks

Wealth conveys advantages/privilegesMoney under the rug

Illegal fundingMoneybags

1. Moneybags (used with a sing. or pl. verb). Wealth 2. Moneybags (used with a sing. verb). A rich, often extravagant personMore the merrier

The more people there are, the betterMusic hath charms to soothe the savage beast

Music exerts a powerful influenceMy ears are burning

I’m the subject of conversationMy heart has wings

This experience makes my heart swell with happinessMy heart is in my mouth

Be very apprehensiveMy mouth is watering

Appealing to the sense of taste; appetizing: the mouthwatering aroma of a baking pieNeedle in a haystack

Something hard to findNever cross a bridge until you come to it

Do not worry about problems that may never arise

Never hit a man below the beltTreatment that is not according to the rules; unfair

Never loan money to a friendFriendship may be jeopardized in a business relationship

New brooms sweep cleanA new appointee performs his job with vigor

NightcapA usually alcoholic drink taken just before bedtime

Nine-to-fiveRegular daytime work hours, as in an office

No man is an islandEveryone needs someone

No one knows what goes on behind closed doorsWhat happens in secret would surprise you

No strings attachedUnconditional; without any obligation

No-show1. One that is expected but does not appear, especially:

2. A person who reserves a place, as on an airplane, but neither uses nor cancels the reservation 3. A person who buys a ticket for an event but does not attend 4. A person who unexplainably fails to keep an appointmentNot playing with a full deck

Lack of intelligence or mental healthNumber two

An assistant/deputyNursing a drink

Sipping slowlyNut

A crazy or eccentric personOff one’s rocker

CrazyOff the wagon

No longer abstaining from alcoholic beveragesOld goat

A lecherous manOld hat

1. Behind the times; old-fashioned: Last year's styles will be old hat soon 2. Overused; trite: That prank is old hatOn a roll

Undergoing or experiencing sustained, even increasing good fortune, or success: The stock market's on a roll.

On a roller-coaster rideSomething, such as an action, event, or experience, that is marked by abrupt, extreme changes in

circumstance, quality, or behavior: “the demographic roller coaster caused by the baby boom” (American Demographics)

On easy streetA condition of financial security or independence

On the ballAlert, competent, or efficient: a teacher who is really on the ball

On the fenceUndecided as to which of two sides to support; uncommitted or neutral

On the tip of one’s tongueNot quite remembered

On the wagonAbstaining from alcoholic beverages

On the warpathA hostile course or mood

On top of the worldIn a position of great happiness or success

One foot in the graveAlmost dead

One for the roadNightcap

One man’s meat is another man’s poisonWhat is good for one is not good for all

One-night stand1. A performance by a traveling musical or dramatic performer or group in one place on one night only 2. Slang. A sexual encounter that is limited to only one occasion

One-on-oneConsisting of or being direct communication or exchange between two people: one-on-one instruction

Open and shut caseEasily settled

Open shopA business or factory in which workers are employed without regard to union membership

Out on a limb1. Exposed to danger 2. In a difficult, awkward, or vulnerable position

Out to pastureRetired

Over a barrelIn a very awkward position from which extrication is difficult: During the negotiations the opposing faction had us over a barrel.

Over the hillPast one’s best

Pain in the neckOne that is a source of annoyance; a nuisance

Painting the town redTo go on a spree

PanhandleTo approach strangers and beg for money or food

Passing the buckTo shift responsibility or blame to another

Passing the hatTo take up a collection of money

Pat on the backA word or gesture of praise or approval: He received a pat on the back for doing a good job

Peanut galleryOnlookers; hecklers

Pencil pusherOne whose job involves writing and other paperwork

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stonesDo not complain about others if you are as bad as they are

Pick-me-up1. A drink, often an alcoholic beverage, taken as a stimulant or a cure for a hangover

2. Other item(s) to lift one’s spiritsPie in the sky

An unrealistic wish or hope Piece of cake

Something very easy to doPiece of the pie

A sharePiece together

To join into a wholePieces of the puzzle

All the relevant factorsPig

Informal: A person regarded as being greedy or grossPigs in a blanket

1. Oysters, chicken livers, or other choice morsels wrapped in thin slices of bacon 2. Sausage wrapped in dough and bakedPink slip

A notice of termination of employmentPipe down

Stop talking; be quietPlaying games

To be evasive or deceptive: Quit playing games and tell me what you wantPlaying God

Assuming superhuman role

Playing second fiddleTake a minor, secondary role

Poison one’s mindTo have a harmful influence on one’s thinking; corrupt

Poker faceA face lacking any interpretable expression, as that of an expert poker player

Poking (stir up) a hornets nestCreate trouble

Politics make strange bedfellowsSelfish interests result in unusual alliances

Pot MarijuanaPotbelly

A protruding abdominal regionPot calling the kettle black Criticizing others for the very fault one possessesPothead

One who habitually smokes marijuanaPothole

1. A hole or pit, especially one in a road surface. Also called chuckhole 2. A deep, round hole worn in rock by loose stones whirling in strong rapids or waterfallsPotluck

1. Whatever food happens to be available for a meal, especially when offered to a guest: Having arrived unannounced for supper, we had to take potluck

2. A meal at which each guest brings food that is then shared by all. Also called potluck supper 3. Whatever is available at a particular time: The scheduled flight was canceled and passengers had to

take potluck on the other airlinesPractice what you preach

Do what one tells others they should doPretty as a picture

Very prettyPrice on one’s head

Reward for capturing/killing someonePull up a chair

Please sit downPulling one’s leg

To get someone to accept a ridiculous story as true; to fool or trick someonePulling the rug out from under

To remove all support and assistance from, usually suddenlyPulling up stakes

To clear out; leave: She pulled up stakes in New York and moved to FloridaPuppet

One whose behavior is determined by the will of others

Pushing up daisiesDead and buried

Put a feather in your capAn act or deed to one's credit; a distinctive achievement

Put our heads togetherTo consult and plan together: Let's put our heads together and solve this problem

Put that in your pipe and smoke itA rude way of telling someone to accept a situation and not to try and change it

Put through the wringerSubject to a severe trial or ordeal

Put to rest1. To bury (a dead body); inter

2. To settle (an issue, for example), especially so as to be free of it: The judge's ruling put to rest the dispute between the neighbors.

Put your best foot forwardA favorable initial impression: He always has his best foot forward when speaking to his constituents. Put your best foot forward during an employment interview.

Put your money where your mouth isTo live up to one's words; act according to one's own advice

Put your shoulder to the wheelTo apply oneself vigorously; make a concentrated effort

Putting oneself into one’s workExerting oneself vigorously

Putting two and two togetherTo draw the proper conclusions from existing evidence or indications

Queer as a $3 billEccentric; homosexual

Raining cats and dogsPour with heavy rain

Raising a red flagWarning

Rat raceA difficult, tiring, often competitive activity or routine

Rats desert a sinking shipAbandoning a lost cause

Red tapeOfficial forms and procedures, especially when oppressively complex and time consuming

Red-letter dayMemorable date/event

Riding highTo experience success

Riding the railsTraveling by train

Robbing the cradleTo have a romantic or sexual relationship with someone significantly younger than oneself

Rock around the clockDance all night

Rocks in one’s headTo be stupid; not have good judgment

Roll of the diceChance

Rolling in moneyWealthy

Roof over one’s headDwelling; shelter

Rooted to the spotFixed; still

Roots (to have them somewhere)The condition of being settled and of belonging to a particular place or society

Sad sackA person regarded as extremely inept or clumsy

Sandwich boardTwo large boards bearing placards, hinged at the top by straps for hanging over the shoulders with one board in front and the other behind, used for picketing or advertising

Sawing logsSnoring

Secondhand1. Previously used by another; not new

2. Dealing in previously used merchandise 3. Obtained, derived, or borrowed from another; not originalSeek and you shall find

Don’t give upSeesaw

1. A long plank balanced on a central fulcrum so that with a person riding on each end, one end goes up as the other goes down. Also called dandle, dandle board, teedle board, teeter, teeter-totter

2. The act or game of riding a seesaw 3. A back-and-forth or up-and-down movement, as of the lead between two contesting partiesSelf-made man

Someone from a humble background who has become wealthy entirely by his own effortsSeven seas

All the oceans of the worldSharp tongue

Talk angrily/sarcasticallyShe stole his heart

Acquire somebody’s love/affection

Shirt off one’s backThe maximum one is able to give or lose: The only thing those swindlers didn't take was the shirt off my back.

Shoetree1. A form made of wood, metal, or other inflexible material inserted into a shoe to stretch it or preserve its shape

2. Also a stand made to store multiple pairs of shoesShoot one’s mouth off

To speak indiscreetlyShot in the arm

Something that boosts one's spiritsShould have one’s head examined

CrazyShowstopper

1. A performance or performer that evokes so much applause from the audience that the show is temporarily interrupted

2. A particularly arresting person or thing, especially one that draws attention away from others or brings a course of action to a halt

SidekickAssistant or a close companion

Sidewalk saleCommerce outside of the store

Sidewinder1. A small rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) of the southwest United States and Mexico that moves by a distinctive lateral looping motion of its body and has two hornlike scaly projections above its eyes

2. A powerful swinging punch delivered from the sideSign of spring

Indication that spring is comingSign of the times

Characteristic of now (the present)Sinking ship

Lost causeSit on it

Deliberately take no actionSitting ducks

Easy targets or victimsSitting on a fence

Be uncertainSitting pretty

ProsperousSkeleton crew

Minimum number of people to perform a task

Skeleton in the closetA source of shame or disgrace, as in a family, that is kept secret

Sliding scaleA scale in which indicated prices, taxes, or wages vary in accordance with another factor, as wages with the cost-of-living index or medical charges with a patient's income

Slow boat to ChinaTakes a long time

Slow but steady wins the raceDeliberateness and determination will lead to success

Small worldWhat a coincidence!

Smarty-pantsA person regarded as obnoxiously self-assertive

Smoke so thick you can cut it with a knifeVery thick smoke

Snake in the grassA treacherous person

Snug as a bug in a rugVery comfortable

Something is rotten in DenmarkSomething is wrong with the ones in charge

Something up one’s sleeveKeep something secret or for later use

Song and dance1. Slang. An excessively elaborate effort to explain or justify

2. An elaborate story or explanation intended to deceive or mislead, often meant to get pitySorehead

One who is easily offended, annoyed, or angeredSour grapes

Denial of the desirability of something after one has found out that it cannot be reached or acquiredSpill the beans

To disclose a secretSpreading oneself thin

Taking on many responsibilitiesSquare off

To assume a fighting stance; prepare to fightStabbed in the back

To harm (someone) by treachery or betrayal of trustStag party

A social gathering (often in celebration of a forthcoming wedding) for men onlyStarstruck

Fascinated by or exhibiting a fascination with fame or famous people

Stay in one’s shell1. Be stealthy (Marked by or acting with quiet, caution, and secrecy intended to avoid notice)

2. ShyStewed

To be in a state of anxiety or agitationSticking one’s neck out

To make oneself vulnerable; take a riskStick-in-the-mud

Someone who is old-fashioned and fights changeStomach’s growling

HungryStone face

ExpressionlessStone’s throw away

A short distanceStoned

Intoxicated; drunkStonewall

1. To engage in delaying tactics 2. To refuse to answer or cooperateStraight from the horse’s mouth

Direct from a reliable sourceStretch one’s legs

To go for a walk, especially after a lengthy period of sittingString around my finger

ReminderStrong stomach

Not easily disgustedStubborn as a mule

ObstinateStuck up

ConceitedStuffed shirt

A person regarded as pompous or stiffSweep it under the rug

ConcealSweetening the kitty

1. To make something more worth pursuing to someone. 2. To increase the pay or benefit for an action in order to persuade someone to do itSweetest grapes hang highest

The best rewards are the most difficult to obtain

Swept off one’s feetTo cause an immediate and strongly positive response in (a person); impress deeply, especially romantically

Tables are turnedTo reverse a situation and gain the upper hand

Take a load off your feetSit down

Take the bull by the hornsTo deal with a problem directly and resolutely

Take to the cleaners1. To rob or swindle

2. To take all the money or possessions of, as in a divorce action 3. To subject to withering criticismTaking a bath

To experience serious financial loss: “Small investors who latched on to hot new issues took a bath in Wall Street” (Paul A. Samuelson)

Taking the fallTake responsibility for someone else’s illegal or hurtful action. To be the only one punished among a group of offenders

Taking the high groundA position of superiority over others, especially competitors or opponents: He used negotiations as a way to gain the psychological and intellectual high ground.

Taking the law into one’s own handsTo mete out justice as one sees fit without due recourse to law enforcement agencies or the courts

Tall tale (tail)An exaggerated or unlikely account

Team playerMarked by devotion to teamwork rather than individual achievement

Ten-foot poleSymbol of avoidance: I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.

That is a horse of a different colorSomething altogether separate and different

That is how the cookie crumblesThat is the inevitable (undesirable) result

That is icing on the cakeAn even more luxurious fringe benefit.

That rings a bellTo arouse an often indistinct memory

The big appleNew York City

The early bird catches the wormA person who arises early in the morning gets much accomplished; if you arrive early, you get ahead of others

The handwriting is on the wallAn ominous indication of the course of future events: He saw the writing on the wall and fled the country.

The higher they rise, the farther they fallThe more successful one is the more he has to lose

The sky is the limitThere is no upper limit

The way to a man’s heart is through his stomachThe best way for a woman to endear herself to a man is by feeding him

There are more ways to kill a dog than by hangingThere is more than one way to do something

There is more than one way to skin a catThere is more than one way to do something

There is no fool like an old foolOne who is duped repeatedly is especially foolish

There is no smoke without fireA rumor is usually based, however remotely, on fact

This is where I draw the lineLimit

This place is for the birdsObjectionable or worthless

Thorn in one’s sideAnnoyance

Throw in the cardsGive up

Throw in the hat (Throw one’s hat in the ring)To enter a political race as a candidate for office

Throw in the towelTo give up; to admit defeat

Throw the book at him1. To make all possible charges against (a lawbreaker, for example)

2. To reprimand or punish severelyThrowing one’s weight around

Be domineering. To use one’s influence or position in a showy mannerThumbs up

An expression of approval, success, or hopeTied up

To keep occupiedTighten one’s belt

To begin to exercise thrift and frugalityTilting at windmills

Struggle against imaginary/trivial issues or opposition

Time fliesTime passes more quickly than one realizes

Tip of the icebergA small evident part or aspect of something largely hidden: Afraid that these few reported cases of the disease might only be the tip of the iceberg.

To lose one’s headTo lose one's poise or self-control. To act without thinking. Panic

Tongue hanging outVery thirsty

Too many cooks spoil the brothThe outcome will be bad if too many people try to help

Top drawerThe highest level of society, authority, or excellence

Tree houseA structure built among the limbs of a tree, usually for recreation

T-shirtA short-sleeved, collarless undershirt

Two heads are better than oneTwo people cooperating have a better chance of solving a problem than one working independently

Under the table1. In secret.

2. Into a completely intoxicated state: drank themselves under the tableUnder the weather

Somewhat indisposed; slightly illUnderdog

1. One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, as in sports or politics. 2. One that is at a disadvantageUp a tree

In a situation of great difficulty or perplexity; helplessUp against a wall (Back to the wall)

1. In a situation from which there is no escape 2.. An extreme or desperate position or state of defeat or ruinUp in arms

Extremely upset; indignant; ready to fightUp in the air

Not yet decided; uncertainUp on one’s high horse

A mood or an attitude of stubborn arrogance or contempt: Get down off your high horse and apologize.Uphill battle

Hard task. Especially a long struggleVariety is the spice of life

Changes in one’s activity make life interesting

Walk softly and carry a big stickProceed cautiously, but use authority/power to control when necessary

Walking a thin lineWalking along the edge between appropriateness and offense. He’s walking a thin line between expressing his opinion and becoming and apostate.

Walking papersA notice of discharge or dismissal

Walking the plankTo be forced, as by pirates, to walk off a plank extended over the side of a ship so as to drown

Walls have earsOne might be overheard

Water under the bridgeA past occurrence, especially something unfortunate that cannot be undone or rectified

We can make beautiful music togetherWe would be a compatible couple

We’re all in the same boatIn similar (difficult) circumstances

Wear many hatsHave many responsibilities

Weight of the world on one’s shouldersA very heavy load of responsibility or worry

Wet blanketOne that discourages enjoyment or enthusiasm

What’s eating you?What is upsetting you?

When clouds are seen wise men put on their coatsSmart people heed warnings and plan for the future

When one door shuts another opensWhen one opportunity is lost, another appears

When poverty knocks at the door, love flies out the windowEconomic woes are the source of many marital problems

When the chips are downAt the most important or dangerous time

Whistle while you workEnjoy your work

Whistle-blowerOne who reveals wrongdoing within an organization to the public or to those in positions of authority

White elephant1. A rare, expensive possession that is a financial burden to maintain2. A useless, unwanted object

Wild goose chaseUseless journey/search

Wild horses couldn’t drag it out of meNothing could cause me to divulge the information

Window on the world1. Strategic location for observation

2. Watching a certain group of people, like in a school or in a company, might give you insight on what people everywhere are like

WinterkillDeath (plants, for example) resulting from exposure to extremely cold winter weather

Wolf in one’s bellyHungry

Woman driverDriver oblivious to others

World on a stringTo be carefree. She has the world on a string means that she has everything she needs and is happy-go-lucky

Would look alright with a bag over his (or her) headGood body, ugly face

Wound upExcited

Yellow streak up (down) one’s backCowardice

Yellow-belliedSlang. Cowardly

Yes manOne who slavishly agrees with a superior; a sycophant

You are what you eatHealth depends on diet

You cannot be in two places at onceOne has limitations

You cannot have your cake and eat it tooOne is unable to choose both of two desirable but mutually exclusive options

You cannot keep a good man downA determined person will succeed

You cannot take it with youMoney is useless after death

You couldn’t punch your way out of a paper bagVery feeble/weak

You have a screw looseBe slightly mad; to act in a strange way

You have to take the good with the badExpect positive and negative experiences in life

You hit the nail right on the headTo be absolutely right

You would forget your head if it was not screwed onYou are very forgetful

You’ll have your head handed to youYou’ll be killed or chastised severely

You’re in good handsWell cared for

Your number’s upYou’re in grave trouble/going to die

Zip your mouthStop talking