A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something good that isn’t obvious at first.
Example: “Losing that job was a blessing in disguise—it led me to a better
opportunity.”
Understanding Idioms: Speak Like a Native
Confused by “kick the bucket” or “under the weather”? Let’s decode them together.
A dime a dozen
Meaning: Something common and easily available.
Example: “Those phone accessories are a dime a dozen nowadays.”
A piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: “The exam was a piece of cake for her.”
A leopard can't change its spots
Meaning: People can't change their true nature.
Example: “He says he’s changed, but a leopard can’t change its spots.”
A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Taking care of problems early prevents bigger ones later.
Example: “Fix the leak now—a stitch in time saves nine.”
A taste of your own medicine
Meaning: Being treated the same way you treat others, usually badly.
Example: “He was rude to everyone, so they gave him a taste of his own medicine.”
A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Asking someone what they’re thinking.
Example: “You’ve been quiet—what’s on your mind? A penny for your thoughts.”
A watched pot never boils
Meaning: Time feels longer when you're waiting impatiently.
Example: “Stop checking the oven—remember, a watched pot never boils.”
A feather in one's cap
Meaning: An achievement to be proud of.
Example: “Winning the award was a real feather in her cap.”
A tough nut to crack
Meaning: A difficult problem or person to deal with.
Example: “Solving that puzzle was a tough nut to crack.”
Back to square one
Meaning: To start over from the beginning.
Example: “After the prototype failed, we were back to square one.”
Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid talking directly about something.
Example: “Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.”
Better late than never
Meaning: It's better to do something late than not at all.
Example: “She finally apologized—better late than never.”
Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
Example: “He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.”
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To do something unpleasant but necessary.
Example: “I had to bite the bullet and visit the dentist.”
By the book
Meaning: To do something according to rules or procedures.
Example: “The accountant does everything by the book.”
Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: To make a wrong assumption or pursue the wrong course.
Example: “If you think I stole it, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Beggars can’t be choosers
Meaning: You must accept what is available when you have no other options.
Example: “I didn’t like the job, but beggars can’t be choosers.”
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: “She burned the midnight oil finishing her thesis.”
Break a leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Example: “Break a leg at your audition!”
Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Used when someone is unexpectedly silent.
Example: “You’ve been quiet—cat got your tongue?”
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset about something that can't be changed.
Example: “There's no use crying over spilled milk.”
Cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning: Deal with a problem when it happens, not before.
Example: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Too much inquisitiveness can lead to trouble.
Example: “Stop snooping—curiosity killed the cat.”
Come rain or shine
Meaning: No matter what happens.
Example: “He goes jogging come rain or shine.”
Cool as a cucumber
Meaning: Very calm under pressure.
Example: “Despite the chaos, she was cool as a cucumber.”
Cut corners
Meaning: To do something in a cheap or easy way, often sacrificing quality.
Example: “Don’t cut corners on safety.”
Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example: “We’ve done enough—let’s call it a day.”
Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: “That designer handbag cost an arm and a leg!”
Come to grips with
Meaning: To begin to understand and accept something difficult.
Example: “She’s still coming to grips with the news.”
Don't cry wolf
Meaning: Don't raise a false alarm.
Example: “He kept saying there was a problem, but it turned out to be nothing.
Don’t cry wolf.”
Drop the ball
Meaning: To make a mistake or fail at a responsibility.
Example: “She really dropped the ball on that project.”
Down to the wire
Meaning: Something that’s completed at the last possible moment.
Example: “The race was down to the wire.”
Devil’s advocate
Meaning: Someone who argues against a point to test its validity.
Example: “I’m just playing devil’s advocate to explore the other side.”
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on one plan or option.
Example: “I’m investing in multiple projects—I don’t want to put all my eggs in one
basket.”
Dead ringer
Meaning: Someone who looks exactly like another person.
Example: “He’s a dead ringer for his grandfather.”
Dig in your heels
Meaning: To refuse to change your opinion or stance.
Example: “She dug in her heels and wouldn’t compromise.”
Drive someone up the wall
Meaning: To irritate or annoy someone intensely.
Example: “That constant noise is driving me up the wall!”
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume success before it happens.
Example: “We haven’t sealed the deal yet, so don’t count your chickens.”
Do or die
Meaning: A situation where failure is not an option.
Example: “This match is do or die for the team.”
Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There’s always something good in a bad situation.
Example: “She lost her job, but found a better one—every cloud has a silver
lining.”
Elbow grease
Meaning: Hard physical effort.
Example: “It took some elbow grease to clean the garage.”
Easy come, easy go
Meaning: Things gained easily can be lost just as easily.
Example: “I won money in the lottery, but spent it all—easy come, easy go.”
Eat your words
Meaning: To admit that what you said was wrong.
Example: “He said she wouldn’t win, but now he’s eating his words.”
Enough to go around
Meaning: Plenty for everyone.
Example: “Don’t worry—there’s enough pizza to go around.”
Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets a chance to shine.
Example: “You may not win now, but every dog has its day.”
Eyes bigger than your stomach
Meaning: Wanting more food than you can eat.
Example: “I ordered three desserts—my eyes were bigger than my stomach.”
End of the rope
Meaning: Out of patience or options.
Example: “I’ve tried everything—I’m at the end of my rope.”
Eat like a bird
Meaning: To eat very little.
Example: “She eats like a bird—just a few bites.”
Explore all avenues
Meaning: To consider every possible option.
Example: “We’re exploring all avenues to solve this issue.”
Face the music
Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions.
Example: “He finally faced the music for missing deadlines.”
Fall on deaf ears
Meaning: To be ignored or disregarded.
Example: “Her warnings fell on deaf ears.”
Fish out of water
Meaning: Someone who feels out of place.
Example: “He looked like a fish out of water at the ballet.”
Fly off the handle
Meaning: To lose your temper suddenly.
Example: “She flew off the handle when her phone broke.”
Fall through the cracks
Meaning: To be overlooked or neglected.
Example: “Some students fall through the cracks in large classes.”
Feel under the weather
Meaning: To feel sick or unwell.
Example: “He’s feeling under the weather today.”
Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In excellent health.
Example: “After weeks of rest, he’s now fit as a fiddle.”
From the horse's mouth
Meaning: Directly from the source.
Example: “I heard it from the horse’s mouth—it’s true.”
Full of hot air
Meaning: Saying a lot but meaning very little.
Example: “That politician is full of hot air.”
Feel like a million bucks
Meaning: To feel fantastic.
Example: “After the makeover, she felt like a million bucks.”
Get a grip
Meaning: Take control of your emotions or situation.
Example: “You need to get a grip before the meeting starts.”
Go the extra mile
Meaning: Put in more effort than expected.
Example: “She always goes the extra mile to help her clients.”
Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: Deliberately ignore someone.
Example: “After the argument, he gave her the cold shoulder for days.”
Grin and bear it
Meaning: Endure something unpleasant with good humor.
Example: “The dentist visit was painful, but I had to grin and bear it.”
Get off on the wrong foot
Meaning: Start a relationship or task badly.
Example: “We got off on the wrong foot, but now we’re good friends.”
Go down in flames
Meaning: Fail spectacularly.
Example: “His business plan went down in flames after the first pitch.”
Give someone a run for their money
Meaning: Compete strongly against someone.
Example: “The rookie gave the champion a run for his money.”
Get your act together
Meaning: Organize yourself and behave properly.
Example: “You need to get your act together before finals week.”
Go out on a limb
Meaning: Take a risk.
Example: “She went out on a limb to defend her idea.”
Get wind of something
Meaning: Hear a rumor or secret.
Example: “I got wind of the surprise party and pretended not to know.”
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: Describe exactly what is causing a problem or situation.
Example: “You hit the nail on the head with your summary.”
Hold your horses
Meaning: Wait a moment; be patient.
Example: “Hold your horses, the show hasn’t started yet.”
Have a change of heart
Meaning: Change your opinion or decision.
Example: “She planned to move abroad but had a change of heart.”
Hang in there
Meaning: Keep going despite difficulties.
Example: “The work is tough, but hang in there.”
Hit the books
Meaning: Study hard.
Example: “I need to hit the books for my exam.”
Have your hands full
Meaning: Be very busy with something.
Example: “She has her hands full with three small kids.”
Hear something on the grapevine
Meaning: Hear news or gossip informally.
Example: “I heard on the grapevine that he’s getting promoted.”
Hit the road
Meaning: Leave or start a journey.
Example: “We should hit the road before it gets dark.”
Head in the clouds
Meaning: Daydreaming or not paying attention.
Example: “He’s always got his head in the clouds during class.”
Heart of gold
Meaning: A kind and generous nature.
Example: “She helps everyone—she has a heart of gold.”
In hot water
Meaning: In trouble or difficulty.
Example: “He got in hot water for missing the deadline.”
In the nick of time
Meaning: Just before it’s too late.
Example: “We reached the station in the nick of time.”
It’s not rocket science
Meaning: It’s not very complicated.
Example: “Cooking pasta is easy—it’s not rocket science.”
In over your head
Meaning: In a situation too difficult to manage.
Example: “I think I’m in over my head with this project.”
It takes two to tango
Meaning: Both parties are responsible for a situation.
Example: “Don’t blame just one of them—it takes two to tango.”
In black and white
Meaning: Written down and official.
Example: “The agreement is in black and white.”
In the same boat
Meaning: In the same difficult situation as others.
Example: “We’re all in the same boat after the company cuts.”
In the long run
Meaning: Over a long period of time.
Example: “In the long run, investing in skills pays off.”
In a nutshell
Meaning: Summarized briefly.
Example: “In a nutshell, we need more time.”
In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: “The opportunity was gone in the blink of an eye.”
Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: Join a popular trend or activity.
Example: “Everyone started using that app, so I jumped on the bandwagon.”
Jump to conclusions
Meaning: Decide something without all the facts.
Example: “Don’t jump to conclusions before hearing the full story.”
Just in case
Meaning: As a precaution.
Example: “Take an umbrella, just in case it rains.”
Just what the doctor ordered
Meaning: Exactly what is needed.
Example: “A holiday is just what the doctor ordered.”
Jump out of your skin
Meaning: Be extremely startled or frightened.
Example: “The loud bang made me jump out of my skin.”
Join the club
Meaning: Indicating you’re in the same situation as someone else.
Example: “You’re tired? Join the club!”
Just around the corner
Meaning: Coming very soon.
Example: “The school holidays are just around the corner.”
Juggle too many balls
Meaning: Try to handle too many tasks at once.
Example: “I can’t help right now—I’m juggling too many balls.”
Jump in with both feet
Meaning: Become fully involved without hesitation.
Example: “She jumped in with both feet and started the project immediately.”
Judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Form an opinion based only on appearance.
Example: “Don’t judge a book by its cover—he’s very kind once you know him.”
Keep your chin up
Meaning: Stay positive during difficult times.
Example: “Keep your chin up—better days are ahead.”
Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: Achieve two things at once.
Example: “I killed two birds with one stone by shopping while waiting for my
friend.”
Kick the bucket
Meaning: Die (informal and humorous).
Example: “The old computer finally kicked the bucket.”
Keep your fingers crossed
Meaning: Hope for good luck.
Example: “Keep your fingers crossed for my job interview.”
Keep an eye on
Meaning: Watch something or someone carefully.
Example: “Can you keep an eye on the kids while I’m out?”
Kick up a fuss
Meaning: Complain or protest about something.
Example: “She kicked up a fuss when her order was wrong.”
Keep your cool
Meaning: Stay calm in a stressful situation.
Example: “Even under pressure, he kept his cool.”
Know the ropes
Meaning: Be familiar with the details of a job or task.
Example: “It took her a week to know the ropes at her new job.”
Keep someone posted
Meaning: Update someone with new information.
Example: “Keep me posted about the project’s progress.”
Kick into gear
Meaning: Start working effectively or with energy.
Example: “The team kicked into gear as the deadline approached.”
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Reveal a secret accidentally.
Example: “She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.”
Look before you leap
Meaning: Think carefully before taking action.
Example: “Look before you leap when making big investments.”
Lose your touch
Meaning: Lose an ability or skill you once had.
Example: “He used to be great at chess, but he’s lost his touch.”
Learn the ropes
Meaning: Understand the basics of a job or task.
Example: “It took her a few weeks to learn the ropes at her new workplace.”
Lay down the law
Meaning: Clearly tell people what they must do.
Example: “The teacher laid down the law about deadlines.”
Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Avoid restarting an old argument or problem.
Example: “I didn’t bring up the past—we should let sleeping dogs lie.”
Leave no stone unturned
Meaning: Try every possible way to achieve something.
Example: “They left no stone unturned in their search for the lost ring.”
Light at the end of the tunnel
Meaning: A sign of hope after a long period of difficulty.
Example: “There’s finally light at the end of the tunnel with the project.”
Lose track of time
Meaning: Forget how much time has passed.
Example: “I lost track of time while reading.”
Live and learn
Meaning: Learn from experience, often after making a mistake.
Example: “I shouldn’t have trusted them—live and learn.”
Make ends meet
Meaning: Manage to live on the money you have.
Example: “It’s hard to make ends meet with rising prices.”
Miss the boat
Meaning: Miss an opportunity.
Example: “I missed the boat by not applying early.”
Make a long story short
Meaning: Tell something briefly.
Example: “To make a long story short, we decided to move.”
Method to the madness
Meaning: A plan that seems crazy but works.
Example: “His desk looks messy, but there’s a method to the madness.”
Move heaven and earth
Meaning: Do everything possible to achieve something.
Example: “She moved heaven and earth to get the project approved.”
Make waves
Meaning: Cause trouble or attract attention.
Example: “He made waves by questioning the policy.”
Meet halfway
Meaning: Compromise with someone.
Example: “We decided to meet halfway on the budget.”
Mark my words
Meaning: Pay attention to what I’m saying because it will happen.
Example: “Mark my words, this plan will succeed.”
Make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning: Exaggerate a small problem.
Example: “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill over this mistake.”
Mind your own business
Meaning: Don’t get involved in other people’s affairs.
Example: “He told her to mind her own business.”
No pain, no gain
Meaning: You must work hard to achieve something worthwhile.
Example: “Exercise is tough, but no pain, no gain.”
Not a chance
Meaning: Absolutely not possible.
Example: “Not a chance I’m working on Sunday.”
Needle in a haystack
Meaning: Something very difficult to find.
Example: “Finding my earring in this crowd is like looking for a needle in a
haystack.”
Not playing with a full deck
Meaning: Not mentally sound.
Example: “He acts so strangely—sometimes I think he’s not playing with a full
deck.”
Nothing to write home about
Meaning: Not very special or impressive.
Example: “The meal was fine, but nothing to write home about.”
Not in my book
Meaning: Not acceptable to me.
Example: “Cheating is not okay—not in my book.”
Not lift a finger
Meaning: Do nothing to help.
Example: “He didn’t lift a finger to clean up after the party.”
Not the end of the world
Meaning: Not as bad as it seems.
Example: “Forgetting your homework is not the end of the world.”
Not on your life
Meaning: Absolutely never.
Example: “Would I lend him money? Not on your life!”
Need to know basis
Meaning: Information given only to those who must have it.
Example: “Details of the project are on a need-to-know basis.”
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: “She was on cloud nine after getting the job.”
Out of the blue
Meaning: Suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example: “He called me out of the blue after years of silence.”
Over the moon
Meaning: Very happy.
Example: “They were over the moon with their new house.”
On thin ice
Meaning: In a risky or dangerous situation.
Example: “He’s on thin ice after missing another deadline.”
Off the hook
Meaning: Freed from responsibility or trouble.
Example: “She’s off the hook because they found the real culprit.”
Out of hand
Meaning: Out of control.
Example: “The situation got out of hand during the protest.”
Open a can of worms
Meaning: Start a complicated problem.
Example: “Asking about their past opened a can of worms.”
On the ball
Meaning: Alert and quick to respond.
Example: “We need someone who’s really on the ball for this task.”
Out of the frying pan into the fire
Meaning: Go from a bad situation to a worse one.
Example: “Changing jobs was out of the frying pan into the fire.”
Over my dead body
Meaning: Absolutely not allowed.
Example: “You’re quitting school? Over my dead body.”
Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: “The test was a piece of cake.”
Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: Joke or tease someone.
Example: “Relax, I’m just pulling your leg.”
Play it by ear
Meaning: Decide what to do as the situation happens.
Example: “We’ll decide where to eat later—let’s play it by ear.”
Put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Risk everything on a single plan.
Example: “Investing all your money in one stock is putting all your eggs in one
basket.”
Pull out all the stops
Meaning: Make every possible effort.
Example: “They pulled out all the stops for the wedding.”
Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning: Support your words with actions.
Example: “If you believe in the cause, put your money where your mouth is.”
Pass the buck
Meaning: Avoid responsibility by giving it to someone else.
Example: “Stop passing the buck and take responsibility.”
Penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Ask someone what they are thinking.
Example: “You’ve been quiet—penny for your thoughts?”
Play with fire
Meaning: Take unnecessary risks.
Example: “Investing without research is playing with fire.”
Pull yourself together
Meaning: Calm down and regain control.
Example: “Stop crying and pull yourself together.”
Quit cold turkey
Meaning: Stop a habit suddenly and completely.
Example: “He quit smoking cold turkey.”
Quick on the draw
Meaning: Very fast to react or respond.
Example: “She’s quick on the draw when answering questions.”
Queue up
Meaning: Wait in line.
Example: “People queued up for the concert tickets.”
Quake in one’s boots
Meaning: Be very frightened.
Example: “He was quaking in his boots before the interview.”
Quick fix
Meaning: A fast but temporary solution.
Example: “This is just a quick fix until we find a permanent solution.”
Quiet as a mouse
Meaning: Very quiet.
Example: “The children were as quiet as mice during the movie.”
Question of time
Meaning: Something that will definitely happen eventually.
Example: “It’s only a question of time before they win.”
Quick as a flash
Meaning: Very fast.
Example: “She grabbed her bag quick as a flash.”
Quit while you’re ahead
Meaning: Stop before something goes wrong.
Example: “You’ve made a good profit—quit while you’re ahead.”
Quench one’s thirst
Meaning: Satisfy a need for a drink or desire.
Example: “The lemonade quenched my thirst after the run.”
Read between the lines
Meaning: Understand a hidden meaning in something said or written.
Example: “If you read between the lines, you’ll see what she really means.”
Rule of thumb
Meaning: A general principle based on experience.
Example: “As a rule of thumb, always check your work twice.”
Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: Spoil someone’s plans or happiness.
Example: “I hate to rain on your parade, but the trip got canceled.”
Rack your brains
Meaning: Try very hard to remember or solve something.
Example: “I racked my brains trying to remember her name.”
Run out of steam
Meaning: Lose energy or enthusiasm.
Example: “He started strong but ran out of steam halfway through.”
Rock the boat
Meaning: Cause trouble or disturb a stable situation.
Example: “Don’t rock the boat during the negotiations.”
Roll with the punches
Meaning: Adjust to difficult situations.
Example: “Life is unpredictable—you just have to roll with the punches.”
Rub salt in the wound
Meaning: Make a bad situation worse.
Example: “His criticism rubbed salt in the wound.”
Rise to the occasion
Meaning: Perform well in a difficult situation.
Example: “She rose to the occasion during the crisis.”
Ring a bell
Meaning: Sound familiar.
Example: “That name rings a bell, but I can’t remember where I heard it.”
Spill the beans
Meaning: Reveal a secret.
Example: “She spilled the beans about the surprise party.”
See eye to eye
Meaning: Agree with someone.
Example: “We don’t always see eye to eye on politics.”
Sink or swim
Meaning: Succeed or fail without help.
Example: “It was a sink or swim situation on my first day at work.”
Steal someone’s thunder
Meaning: Take attention away from someone’s achievement.
Example: “She stole my thunder by announcing her news first.”
Speak of the devil
Meaning: Said when someone you were talking about appears.
Example: “Speak of the devil—here comes John now.”
Skeleton in the closet
Meaning: A hidden and possibly embarrassing secret.
Example: “Every family has a skeleton in the closet.”
Split hairs
Meaning: Argue about small or unimportant details.
Example: “Stop splitting hairs and focus on the main issue.”
Spread like wildfire
Meaning: Spread very quickly.
Example: “The news spread like wildfire on social media.”
Stab in the back
Meaning: Betray someone.
Example: “He stabbed his friend in the back to get the promotion.”
Sleep on it
Meaning: Delay making a decision until the next day.
Example: “I can’t decide now—let me sleep on it.”
Take it with a grain of salt
Meaning: View something with skepticism.
Example: “Take his advice with a grain of salt; he exaggerates.”
Throw in the towel
Meaning: Give up; admit defeat.
Example: “After several failed attempts, she threw in the towel.”
Think outside the box
Meaning: Think creatively and differently.
Example: “We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.”
Through thick and thin
Meaning: Support someone in good and bad times.
Example: “They stayed friends through thick and thin.”
Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly.
Example: “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Tie the knot
Meaning: Get married.
Example: “They tied the knot after dating for five years.”
Tip of the iceberg
Meaning: A small part of a much larger problem.
Example: “The complaints were just the tip of the iceberg.”
Turn a blind eye
Meaning: Ignore something intentionally.
Example: “The teacher turned a blind eye to the minor mistake.”
Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: Face a difficult situation boldly.
Example: “She took the bull by the horns and addressed the issue.”
Tread carefully
Meaning: Act cautiously to avoid problems.
Example: “You should tread carefully when discussing that topic.”
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling unwell.
Example: “I’m feeling under the weather today.”
Up in the air
Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
Example: “Our vacation plans are still up in the air.”
Use your head
Meaning: Think carefully; be sensible.
Example: “You need to use your head when making this decision.”
Under one’s nose
Meaning: In plain sight.
Example: “The keys were right under my nose the whole time.”
Under your belt
Meaning: Gained experience or achievement.
Example: “She has several awards under her belt.”
Up to scratch
Meaning: Meeting the required standard.
Example: “His work wasn’t up to scratch.”
Under wraps
Meaning: Kept secret.
Example: “The project details are being kept under wraps.”
Up for grabs
Meaning: Available to anyone who wants it.
Example: “The last piece of cake is up for grabs.”
Under the radar
Meaning: Avoiding attention.
Example: “The small company stayed under the radar until it went viral.”
Up to the task
Meaning: Capable of handling a responsibility.
Example: “She proved she was up to the task of leading the team.”
Variety is the spice of life
Meaning: New experiences make life interesting.
Example: “She loves trying different cuisines—variety is the spice of life.”
Voice your opinion
Meaning: Express what you think or feel.
Example: “Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion in the meeting.”
Vanish into thin air
Meaning: Disappear suddenly without explanation.
Example: “The thief vanished into thin air before the police arrived.”
Vent your feelings
Meaning: Express strong emotions freely.
Example: “She called her best friend to vent her feelings.”
Vote with your feet
Meaning: Show disapproval by leaving.
Example: “Many employees voted with their feet and left the company.”
Vouch for someone
Meaning: Confirm the reliability or honesty of a person.
Example: “I can vouch for his skills; we’ve worked together.”
Value for money
Meaning: Worth the amount paid.
Example: “This laptop is great value for money.”
Virtue is its own reward
Meaning: Doing good is rewarding in itself.
Example: “She didn’t expect thanks; virtue is its own reward.”
View something in a new light
Meaning: Understand something differently after new information.
Example: “The documentary made me view the issue in a new light.”
Vital signs
Meaning: Basic signs of health or progress.
Example: “The patient’s vital signs were stable.”
Walk on eggshells
Meaning: Act carefully to avoid upsetting someone.
Example: “We walk on eggshells around the boss.”
Wild goose chase
Meaning: A hopeless or pointless search.
Example: “Looking for my lost phone in the city was a wild goose chase.”
Word of mouth
Meaning: Information spread through conversation.
Example: “The café became popular through word of mouth.”
Worth its weight in gold
Meaning: Extremely valuable.
Example: “Her advice is worth its weight in gold.”
Watch your back
Meaning: Be cautious of potential danger.
Example: “In this business, you need to watch your back.”
Water under the bridge
Meaning: Past problems that are no longer important.
Example: “We had disagreements, but that’s water under the bridge now.”
Wear many hats
Meaning: Have many roles or responsibilities.
Example: “As a small business owner, she wears many hats.”
Win hands down
Meaning: Win easily.
Example: “The team won the championship hands down.”
Work against the clock
Meaning: Try to finish something quickly before a deadline.
Example: “We worked against the clock to meet the deadline.”
Worm your way into something
Meaning: Gain involvement through manipulation.
Example: “He wormed his way into the exclusive club.”
X marks the spot
Meaning: The exact location of something.
Example: “On the treasure map, X marks the spot where the gold is buried.”
X-factor
Meaning: A noteworthy special talent or quality.
Example: “Her creativity is the X-factor that sets her apart.”
X-ray vision
Meaning: The ability to see through things (literal or figurative).
Example: “My mom seems to have X-ray vision—she always knows when I’m lying.”
You can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t judge based on appearance.
Example: “She looked shy, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours
Meaning: If you help me, I’ll help you.
Example: “I’ll recommend you for the job—you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”
You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: You can’t have two incompatible things.
Example: “He wants freedom but also control—you can’t have your cake and eat it
too.”
You reap what you sow
Meaning: Your actions determine your results.
Example: “Study hard—you reap what you sow.”
You’ve got to be kidding
Meaning: Expression of disbelief.
Example: “You lost the tickets? You’ve got to be kidding!”
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink
Meaning: You can offer help but can’t force someone to accept it.
Example: “I gave him the advice, but you can lead a horse to water…”
You’re pulling my leg
Meaning: You’re joking or teasing me.
Example: “You got a pet tiger? You’re pulling my leg!”
Year in, year out
Meaning: Continually, every year.
Example: “They visit the same beach year in, year out.”
Young at heart
Meaning: Having youthful energy or spirit.
Example: “My grandmother is 80 but young at heart.”
Zero in on
Meaning: Focus attention closely on something.
Example: “The detective zeroed in on the main suspect.”
Zip your lip
Meaning: Stop talking; keep a secret.
Example: “The surprise is a secret, so zip your lip.”
Zone out
Meaning: Stop paying attention; become distracted.
Example: “I zoned out during the long lecture.”
Zoom in
Meaning: Focus more closely on details.
Example: “Let’s zoom in on the key points of the report.”
Zero tolerance
Meaning: No allowance for rule-breaking.
Example: “The school has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.”
Zip along
Meaning: Move quickly and energetically.
Example: “The car zipped along the highway.”
Zigzag course
Meaning: An unpredictable or indirect path.
Example: “The boat took a zigzag course to avoid the rocks.”
Zoned for
Meaning: Designated for a particular purpose.
Example: “This land is zoned for residential use.”
Zero hour
Meaning: The time when something important is set to happen.
Example: “At zero hour, the team launched the project.”
Zest for life
Meaning: Great enthusiasm and enjoyment for living.
Example: “Her zest for life inspires everyone around her.”