1. Sweeping Statement
Meaning: Thoughtless statement
Usage: The minister gave a sweeping statement about mob lynching in his public speech.
2. Enough rope
Meaning: Enough freedom for action
Usage: The board must give enough rope to the captain for better results.
3. By fits and starts
Meaning: Irregularly
Usage: Most of us serve our ideals by fits and starts.
4. Fall foul of
Meaning: Come into conflict with
Usage: One of his music compositions has fallen foul of censorship regulations.
5. Face the music
Meaning: Get reprimanded
Usage: They will later have to face the music over their bold statements in the media.
6. Look down upon
Meaning: Hate intensely
Usage: One should never look down upon a man merely because he is poor.
7. Flogging a dead horse
Meaning: Wasting time in useless efforts
Usage: I've told my brother numerous times to manage his routine effectively, but I think I've just been flogging a dead horse.
8. Under a cloud
Meaning: Under suspicion
Usage: After the theft at the office last Saturday, everyone is under a cloud.
9. Green thumb
Meaning: To have a natural interest
Usage: Adam’s garden is always so beautiful. He really has a green thumb.
10. Play havoc
Meaning: Cause destruction
Usage: Acid rain plays havoc with marine life.
11. No love lost between
Meaning: Not on good terms
Usage: It’s awkward being friends with both Rajan and Vishal – there is no love lost between them.
12. Fair and square
Meaning: Honest
Usage: The judge’s verdict on the controversial issue was fair and square.
13. A white elephant
Meaning: Costly or troublesome possession
Usage: This new swimming pool is likely to become a white elephant after the Olympics is over.
14. Out and out
Meaning: Totally
Usage: Whatever you told was an out and out lie.
15. On the cuff
Meaning: On credit
Usage: I have bought this TV on the cuff.
Verifying, please be patient.