Idioms

If something is all in a day's work, it is nothing special.
All in your head
If something is all in your head, you have imagined it and it is not real.
All mod cons
If something has all mod cons, it has all the best and most desirable features. It is an
abbreviation of 'modern convenience' that was used in house adverts.
All mouth and trousers
(UK) Someone who's all mouth and trousers talks or boasts a lot but doesn't deliver. 'All
mouth and no trousers' is also used, though this is a corruption of the original.
All my eye and Peggy Martin
(UK) An idiom that appears to have gone out of use but was prevalent in the English
north Midlands of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire from at least the turn of the
20th century until the early 1950s or so. The idiom's meaning is literally something said
or written that is unbelievable, rumor, over embellished, the result of malicious village
gossip etc.
All of the above
This idiom can be used to mean everything that has been said or written, especially all the
choices or possibilities.
All over bar the shouting
When something is all over bar the shouting, the outcome is absolutely certain.('All over
but the shouting' is also used.)
All over the map
(USA) If something like a discussion is all over the map, it doesn't stick to the main topic
and goes off on tangents.
All over the place
If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the place.
All over the shop
If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the shop.
All over the show
If something is all over the show, it's in a complete mess.An alternative to 'All over the
shop'.
All roads lead to Rome
This means that there can be many different ways of doing something.
All set
If you're all set, you are ready for something.
All sixes
If something is all sixes, it doesn't matter how it's done; it's the same as 'six of one and
half a dozen of the other'.
All skin and bone
If a person is very underweight, they are all skin and bone, or bones.
All square
If something is all square, nobody has an advantage or is ahead of the others.
All talk and no trousers
(UK) Someone who is all talk and no trousers, talks about doing big, important things,
but doesn't take any action.
All that glitters is not gold
This means that appearances can be deceptive and things that look or sound valuable can
be worthless. ('All that glistens is not gold' is an alternative.)
All the rage
If something's all the rage, it is very popular or fashionable at the moment.
All the tea in China
If someone won't do something for all the tea in China, they won't do it no matter how
much money they are offered.
All your eggs in one basket
If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk everything at once, instead of trying to
spread the risk. (This is often used as a negative imperative- 'Don't put all your eggs in
one basket'. 'Have your eggs in one basket' is also used.)
All's fair in love and war
This idiom is used to say that where there is conflict, people can be expected to behave in
a more vicious way.
All's well that ends well
If the end result is good, then everything is good.
All-singing, all-dancing
If something's all-singing, all-dancing, it is the latest version with the most up-to-date
features.
Alter ego
An alter ego is a very close and intimate friend. It is a Latin phrase that literally means
'other self'.
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride
If someone is always a bridesmaid, never a bride, they never manage to fulfill their
ambition- they get close, but never manage the recognition, etc, they crave.
Ambulance chaser
A lawyer who encourages people who have been in accidents or become ill to sue for
compensation is an ambulance chaser.
Amen
Some use 'Amen' or 'Amen to that' as a way of agreeing with something that has just been
said.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Eating healthy food keeps you healthy.
An old flame
An old flame is a person that somebody has had an emotional, usually passionate,
relationship with, who is still looked on fondly and with affection.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
This expression means that is is better to try to avoid problems in the first place, rather
than trying to fix them once they arise.
And all that jazz
This idiom means that everything related or similar is included.
Angry as a bear
If someone is as angry as a bear, they are very angry.('Angry as a bear with a sore foot' is
also used.)
Angry as a bull
If someone is as angry as a bull, they are very angry.
Answers on a postcard
This idiom can be used to suggest that the answer to something is very obvious or that the
person would really like to hear what people think.
Ants in your pants
If someone has ants in their pants, they are agitated or excited about something and can't
keep still.
Any port in a storm
This means that in an emergency any solution will do, even one that would normally be
unacceptable.
Any Tom, Dick or Harry
If something could be done by any Tom, Dick or Harry, it could be done by absolutely
anyone.
Apple of your eye
Something or, more often, someone that is very special to you is the 'apple of your' eye.
Apples and oranges
Tis used when people compare or describe two totally different things. ('Apples to
oranges' is also used.)
Apples for apples
An apples for apples comparison is a comparison between related or simialr things.
('Apples to apples' is also used.)
Apron strings
A man who is tied to a woman's apron strings is excessively dependent on her, especially
when it is his mother's apron strings.
Argue the toss
(UK) If you argue the toss, you refuse to accept a decision and argue about it.
Arm and a leg
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive.
Armchair critic
An armchair critic is someone who offers advice but never shows that they could actually
do any better.
Armed to the teeth
If people are armed to the teeth, they have lots of weapons.
Around the clock
If something is open around the clock, it is open 24 hours a day. For example, an airport
is open around the clock.
Arrow in the quiver
An arrow in the quiver is a strategy or option that could be used to achieve your
objective.
As a rule
If you do something as a rule, then you usually do it.
As cold as ice
This idiom can be used to describe a person who does not show any emotion.
As cold as stone
If something is as cold as stone, it is very cold. If a person is as cold as stone, they are
unemotional.
As cool as a cucumber
If someone is as cool as a cucumber, they don't get worried by anything.
As good as new
If something has been used but is still in extremely good condition, it is as good as new.
As mad as a hatter
This simile means that someone is crazy or behaves very strangely. In the past many
people who made hats went insane because they had a lot of contact with mercury.
As much use as a chocolate fire-guard
A fire-guard is used in front of a fireplace for safety. A chocolate fire-guard is of no use.
An alternative to 'As much use as a chocolate teapot'.
As much use as a chocolate teapot
Something that is as much use as a chocolate teapot is not useful at all.
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe
This idiom is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless.
As neat as a new pin
This idiom means tidy and clean.
As one man
If people do something as one man, then they do it at exactly the same time or in
complete agreement.
As the actress said to the bishop
(UK) This idiom is used to highlight a sexual reference, deliberate or accidental.
As the crow flies
This idiom is used to describe the shortest possible distance between two places.
As you sow, so shall you reap
This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or good
things if you do good things.
Asleep at the switch
If someone is asleep at the switch, they are not doing their job or taking their
responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the wheel' is an alternative.
Asleep at the wheel
If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their
responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative.
At a drop of a dime
(USA) If someone will do something at the drop of a dime, they will do it instantly,
without hesitation.
At a loose end
(UK) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it.
At a loss
If you are at a loss, you are unable to understand or comply.
At a snail's pace
If something moves at a snail's pace, it moves very slowly.
At arm's length
If something is at arm's length, it is a safe distance waway from you.
At arm's length
Keep somebody at arm's length means not allowing somebody to be become to friendly
with you or close to you.
At cross purposes
When people are at cross purposes, they misunderstand each other or have different or
opposing objectives.
At daggers drawn
If people are at daggers drawn, they are very angry and close to violence.
At death's door
If someone looks as if they are at death's door, they look seriously unwell and might
actually be dying.
At each other's throats
If people are at each other's throats, they are fighting, arguing or competing ruthlessly.
At full tilt
If something is at full tilt, it is going or happening as fast or as hard as possible.
At large
If a criminal is at large, they have not been found or caught.
At loggerheads
If people are at loggerheads, they are arguing and can't agree on anything.
At loose ends
(USA) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it.
At odds
If you are at odds with someone, you cannot agree with them and argue.
At sea
If things are at sea, or all at sea, they are disorganized and chaotic.
At the bottom of the totem pole
(USA) If someone is at the bottom of the totem pole, they are unimportant. Opposite is at
the top of the totem pole.
At the coalface
If you work at the coalface, you deal with the real problems and issues, rather than sitting
in a office discussing things in a detached way.
At the drop of a hat
If you would do something at the drop of a hat, you'd do it immediately.
At the end of the day
This is used to mean 'in conclusion' or 'when all is said and done'.
At the end of your rope
(USA) If you are at the end of your rope, you are at the limit of your patience or
endurance.
At the end of your tether
(UK) If you are at the end of your tether, you are at the limit of your patience or
endurance.
At the fore
In a leading position
At the top of my lungs
If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly as you possibly can.
At the top of the list
If something is at the top of the list, it is of highest priority, most important, most urgent,
or the next in one's line of attention.
At the top of your voice
If you talk, shout or sing at the top of your voice, you do it as loudly as you can.
At your wit's end
If you're at your wit's end, you really don't know what you should do about something, no
matter how hard you think about it.
At your wits' end
If you are at your wits' end, you have no idea what to do next and are very frustrated.
Average Joe
An average Joe is an ordinary person without anything exceptional about them.
Avowed intent
If someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to attempt to reach a certain goal,
this is their avowed intent.
Away with the fairies
If someone is away with the fairies, they don't face reality and have unrealistic
expectations of life.
Awe inspiring
Something or someone that is awe inspiring amazes people in a slightly frightening but
positive way.
AWOL
AWOL stands for "Absent Without Leave", or "Absent Without Official Leave".
Orignially a military term, it is used when someone has gone missing without telling
anyone or asking for permission.
Axe to grind
If you have an axe to grind with someone or about something, you have a grievance, a
resentment and you want to get revenge or sort it out. In American English, it is 'ax'.
~ B ~
Babe in arms
A babe in arms is a very young child, or a person who is very young to be holding a
position.
Babe in the woods
A babe in the woods is a naive, defenceless, young person.
Baby boomer
(USA) A baby boomer is someone born in the years after the end of the Second World
War, a period when the population was growing very fast.
Back burner
If an issue is on the back burner, it is being given low priority.
Back foot
(UK) If you are on your back foot, you are at a disadvantage and forced to be defensive
of your position.
Back number
Something that's a back number is dated or out of fashion.
Back the wrong horse
If you back the wrong horse, you give your support to the losing side in something.
Back to back
If things happen back to back, they are directly one after another.
Back to square one
If you are back to square one, you have to start from the beginning again.
Back to the drawing board
If you have to go back to the drawing board, you have to go back to the beginning and
start something again.
Back to the salt mine
If someone says they have to go back to the salt mine, they have to return to work.
Back to the wall
If you have your back to the wall, you are in a difficult situation with very little room for
manoeuvre.
Backseat driver
A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person
performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or
unwelcome.
Bad Apple
A person who is bad and makes other bad is a bad apple.
Bad blood
If people feel hate because of things that happened in the past, there is bad blood between
them.
Bad egg
A person who cannot be trusted is a bad egg. Good egg is the opposite.
Bad hair day
If you're having a bad hair day, things are not going the way you would like or had
planned.
Bad mouth
(UK) When you are bad mouthing,you are saying negative things about someone or
something.('Bad-mouth' and 'badmouth' are also used.)
Bad shape
If something's in bad shape, it's in bad condition. If a person's in bad shape, they are unfit
or unhealthy.
Bad taste in your mouth
If something leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth, you feel there is something
wrong or bad about it.
Bad workers always blame their tools
"A bad worker always blames their tools" - If somebody does a job badly or loses in a
game and claims that they were let down by their equipment, you can use this to imply
that this was not the case.
Bag of bones
If someone is a bag of bones, they are very underweight.
Bag of nerves
If someone is a bag of nerves, they are very worried or nervous.
Baker's dozen
A Baker's dozen is 13 rather than 12.
Bald as a coot
A person who is completely bald is as bald as a coot.
Ball is in your court
If the ball is in your court, it is up to you to make the next decision or step.
Ballpark figure
A ballpark figure is a rough or approximate number (guesstimate) to give a general idea
of something, like a rough estimate for a cost, etc.
Banana republic
Banana republic is a term used for small countries that are dependent on a single crop or
resource and governed badly by a corrupt elite.
Banana skin
(UK) A banana skin is something that is an embarrassment or causes problems.
Bandit territory
An area or an industry, profession, etc, where rules and laws are ignored or flouted is
bandit territory.
Baptism of fire
A baptism of fire was a soldier's first experience of shooting. Any unpleasant experience
undergone, usually where it is also a learning experience, is a baptism of fire.
Bar fly
A bar fly is a person who spends a lot of time drinking in different bars and pubs.
Bare your heart
If you bare your heart to someone, you tell them you personal and private feelings. ('Bare
your soul' is an alternative form of the idiom.)
Barefaced liar
A barefaced liar is one who displays no shame about lying even if they are exposed.
Bark is worse than their bite
Someone who's bark is worse than their bite may well get angry and shout, but doesn't
take action.
Barking up the wrong tree
If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely misunderstood
something or are totally wrong.
Barkus is willing
This idiom means that someone is willing to get married.
Barrack-room lawyer
(UK) A barrack-room lawyer is a person who gives opinions on things they are not
qualified to speak about.
Barrel of laughs
If someone's a barrel of laughs, they are always joking and you find them funny.
Basket case
If something is a basket case, it is so bad that it cannot be helped.
Bat an eyelid
If someone doesn't bat an eyelid, they don't react or show any emotion when surprised,
shocked, etc.
Bated breath
If someone says they're waiting with bated breath, they're very excited and find it difficult
to be patient.('Baited breath' is a common mistake.)
Batten down the hatches
If you batten down the hatches, you prepare for the worst that could happen to you.
Battle of nerves
A battle of nerves is a situation where neither side in a conflict or dispute is willing to
back down and is waiting for the other side to weaken. ('A war of nerves' is an alternative
form.)
Be all ears
If you are all ears, you are very eager to hear what someone has to say.
Be careful what you wish for
If you get things that you desire, there may be unforeseen and unpleasant
consequences.('Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true.' and 'Be careful what you
wish for; you may receive it.' are also used.)
Be on the pig's back
If you're on the pig's back, you're happy / content / in fine form.
Be out in left field
(USA) To be out in left field is not to know what's going on. Taken from baseball, when
youngsters assign less capable players to the outfield where the ball is less likely to be hit
by a young player. In business, one might say, 'Don't ask the new manager; he's out in left
field and doesn't know any answers yet.'
Be that as it may
Be that as it may is an expression which means that, while you are prepared to accept that
there is some truth in what the other person has just said, it's not going to change your
opinions in any significant manner.
Be true blue
If a person/object/situation is considered to be 'true blue', it is considered genuine.
Be up the spout
(UK) If a woman is up the spout, she is pregnant.
Bean counter
A bean counter is an accountant.
Bear fruit
If something bears fruit, it produces positive results.
Bear market
A bear market is a period when investors are pessimistic and expect financial losses so
are more likely to sell than to buy shares.
Bear the brunt
People who bear the brunt of something endure the worst of something bad.
Beard the lion in his own den
If you confront a powerful or dangerous rival on their territory, you are bearding the lion
in his own den.
Beat about the bush
If someone doesn't say clearly what they mean and try to make it hard to understand, they
are beating about (around) the bush.
Beat someone to the draw
(USA) If you beat someone to the draw, you do something before they do.
Beat swords into ploughshares
If people beat swords into ploughshares, they spend money on humanitarian purposes
rather than weapons. (The American English spelling is 'plowshares')
Beat the daylights out of someone
If someone beats the daylights out of another person, they hit them repeatedly. ('Knock'
can also be used and it can be made even stronger by saying 'the living daylights'.)
Beat the rap
If you beat the rap, you escape conviction and punishment for a crime or something you
have done wrong.
Beat to the punch
If you beat someone to the punch, you act before them and gain an advantage.
Beat your brains out
If you beat your brains out, you think hard about something but cannot solve, understand
or remember it.
Beating a dead horse
(USA) If someone is trying to convince people to do or feel something without any hope
of succeeding, they're beating a dead horse. This is used when someone is trying to raise
interest in an issue that no-one supports anymore; beating a dead horse will not make it
do any more work.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder means that different people will find different things
beautiful and that the differences of opinion don't matter greatly.
Beauty is only skin deep
This idiom means that appearances can be deceptive and something that seems or looks
good may turn out to be bad.
Beck and call
Someone who does everything for you, no matter when you ask, is at your beck and call.
Bedroom eyes
Someone with bedroom eyes has a sexy look in their eyes.
Bee in your bonnet
If someone is very excited about something, they have a bee in their bonnet.
Bee's Knees
If something is the bee's knees, it's outstanding or the best in its class.
Beeline for
If you make a beeline for a place, you head there directly.
Been in the wars
(UK) If someone has been in the wars, they have been hurt or look as if they have been in
a struggle.
Been there, done that
People say this when they have already experienced what is being discussed.
Beer and skittles
(UK) People say that life is not all beer and skittles, meaning that it is not about self-
indulgence and pleasure.
Before the ink is dry
If people make an agreement or contract and then the situation changes very quickly, it
changes before the ink is dry.
Before you can say Jack Robinson
The term Jack Robinson represents 'a short amount of time'. When you do something
before you can say Jack Robinson, you do it very quickly.
Beg the question

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