Articles

Idioms and Phrases 21.10.2019

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Published
    21 October at 09:00 AM

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.