Articles

Idioms & Phrases 07.01.2019

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Published
    07 January at 09:00 AM

1. Out of wits

Meaning – To annoy or frustrate one to the point of exasperation

Usage – That loud beeping noise is driving me out of my wits!

 

2. Call spade a spade

Meaning – To say the truth about something, even if it is not polite or pleasant

Usage – You have to call spade a spade and acknowledge the corruption built into this system!

 

3. Face the music

Meaning – To receive punishment; to accept the unpleasant results of one's actions

Usage – After failing a math test, Tom had to go home and face the music.

 

4. To play second fiddle

Meaning – To have a subordinate, lesser, or smaller role, position, or part (in something)

Usage – Because I wasn't willing to play office politics, I never got the big promotion and have been playing second fiddle ever since.

 

5. Casting pearl before swine

Meaning – To offer something valuable or good to someone who does not know its value

Usage – I'm afraid you're casting pearls before swine with your good advice - he won't listen.

 

6. Put the cart before the horse

Meaning – To do things out of the proper order

Usage – You're eating your dessert first! You've put the cart before the horse.

 

7. Not fit to hold a candle to

Meaning – Cannot compare to someone or something; is not nearly as good or desirable as someone or something

Usage – The sequel wasn't bad, but it's not fit to hold a candle to the original.

 

8. Egg on

Meaning – To urge someone to do something, often something mischievous

Usage – He has never been in trouble before, so I'm sure his friends egged him on to start the food fight.

 

9. For good

Meaning – For one's benefit, even though it may not be enjoyable or desired

Usage – It's time you started thinking about using your wealth for good, instead of wasting it on pleasure.

 

10. Achilles heel

Meaning – A small problem or weakness in a person or system that can result in failure

Usage – Science has always been my Achilles heel.

 

11. A leap in the dark

Meaning – A chance that one takes despite being uncertain of the consequences or outcome

Usage – Voters have taken a leap in the dark by electing outsiders with little or no political experience.

 

12. Cut the Gordian knot

Meaning – To solve a very challenging or daunting problem decisively

Usage – The company cut the Gordian knot that was strangling the market.

 

13. Blow one’s own trumpet

Meaning – Talk boastfully about one's achievements

Usage – He refused to blow his own trumpet and blushingly declined to speak.

 

14. A cakewalk

Meaning – A task that is easily, effortlessly, or certain to be accomplished

Usage – He has been running marathons for years now, so this 5000 m run will be a cakewalk for him.

 

15. Man of straw

Meaning – A weak person

Usage – She thought he was strong and honest, but he turned out to be nothing more than a man of straw.

 

 

Verifying, please be patient.