Idioms and Meaning

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A bit much: Excessive or over the top.

A bite at the cherry: An opportunity to do or have something desirable.
A busy bee: Someone who is very active and hardworking.
A cat has nine lives: Cats are resilient and can survive dangerous situations.
A cat nap: A short nap or rest during the day.
A cold day in July: Something unlikely to happen.
A cold fish: Someone who is emotionally distant and unfeeling.
A cut above: Superior to or of a higher quality than something else.
A cut below: Inferior to or of lower quality than something else.
A dog in the manger: Someone who selfishly prevents others from using or
enjoying something they themselves do not want or need.
A great deal: A significant amount or a lot.
A guinea pig: Someone or something used for experimentation or testing.
A hair’s breadth: A very small distance or amount.
A home bird: Someone who prefers to stay at home rather than going out.
A hundred and ten percent: Giving more than is expected or required.
A lame duck: Someone or something that is weak or ineffective.
A leg up: Assistance or an advantage in achieving something.
A lemon: Something that is useless or of poor quality.
A life of its own: Something that is independent and has its own energy or
momentum.
A little bird told me: Information that was given to you in confidence.
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A little from column A and a little from column B: Combining different
approaches or ideas to create a new solution.
A lone wolf: Someone who prefers to work or act alone rather than with a group.
A lot on one’s plate: Having a large amount of work or responsibilities to deal
with.
A million and one: A very large number or an overwhelming amount.
A notch above: Superior to or better than something else.
A plum job: A desirable or well-paying job.
A rare bird: Something or someone that is unusual or rare.
A scaredy-cat: Someone who is easily frightened.
A sight for sore eyes: Something or someone that is pleasant or comforting to
see.
A sitting duck: Someone or something that is vulnerable and easy to attack or
criticize.
A stone’s throw: A short distance away.
A storm in a teacup: A minor or insignificant problem that is blown out of
proportion.
A tall order: A difficult or challenging task.
A week is a long time: A lot can happen in a short period.
About time: Something that should have happened sooner or is long overdue.
About to: On the verge of doing something.
Above and beyond: Going beyond what is expected or required.
Above board: Honest and straightforward.
Above the law: Exempt from the law or rules that others must follow.
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Accident waiting to happen: A dangerous or risky situation that is likely to result
in an accident.
According to Hoyle: According to the official or accepted rules.
Ace in the hole: A secret or hidden advantage.
Ace up one’s sleeve: A secret or hidden resource that can be used to gain an
advantage in a situation.
Achilles’ heel: A weakness or vulnerability that can lead to downfall.
Acid test: A definitive or conclusive test to determine the true value or worth of
something.
Acknowledge the corn: To admit the truth or reality of something, especially
something unpleasant or embarrassing.
Acquired taste: Something that one may not like initially, but may grow to enjoy
over time.
Across the board: Affecting or pertaining to everyone or everything involved.
Across the pond: Referring to something on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean
(i.e. UK from the US).
Act high and mighty: Behave arrogantly or haughtily.
Act of congress: A bureaucratic or slow-moving process.
Act one’s age: Behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
Add fuel to the fire: To make a bad situation worse by saying or doing something.
Add insult to injury: To make a bad situation worse by doing or saying
something that hurts or offends.
After one’s own heart: Something that one likes or approves of.
After the fact: Occurring or being done after an event has already taken place.
Against the clock: In a race against time or with limited time available.
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Against the grain: Doing something that goes against the normal or expected
way of doing things.
Against the run of play: Against the expected outcome or direction.
Age before beauty: Used humorously to allow an older person to go ahead of a
younger one.
Agree to disagree: To accept that people have different opinions about
something and that they will not be able to come to an agreement.
Agreement in principle: An agreement made in theory rather than in practice.
Aha moment: A sudden realization or understanding.
Ahead of one’s time: Being innovative or ahead of current thinking.
Ahead of the curve: Being ahead of the average or expected progress.
Ahead of the game: Being in a strong or advantageous position.
Air rage: Aggressive or violent behavior by passengers on a plane.
Airy fairy: Unrealistic or impractical.
Alive and kicking: Still in good health or condition.
All along: All the time; from the beginning.
All and sundry: Everyone who is present; everybody.
All bark and no bite: Someone who talks tough but does not follow through with
action.
All bets are off: A situation in which it is impossible to predict the outcome.
All ears: Eager and attentive to hear what someone has to say.
All eyes and ears: Being very alert and paying attention to everything.
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Back burner (on the): a low-priority task or project that is temporarily put aside
to focus on matters that are more urgent.
Back forty: a large, remote area of land often used for farming or ranching.
Back in the day: a phrase used to refer to a time in the past.
Back of beyond: a remote or isolated location.
Back office: the administrative or support staff of a business or organization.
Back on one’s feet: to recover from a setback or difficulty.
Back the wrong horse: to support or invest in the losing side or outcome of a
situation.
Back to square one: to return to the beginning or starting point of a task or
project.
Back to the drawing board: to start over from the beginning because the
previous attempt failed.
Back to the salt mine(s): to return to work or resume a task after a break.
Back to the salt mines: a humorous way of saying that one has to return to work
or resume a task after a break.
Backing and filling: to change one's position or opinion frequently or without
conviction.
Backseat driver: a passenger in a vehicle who gives unwanted or unnecessary
directions to the driver.
Bad apple: a person who is dishonest or troublesome within a group.
Bad blood: a feeling of resentment or hostility between two or more people.
Bad egg: a person who is unreliable or untrustworthy.
Bad taste in one’s mouth: a feeling of disgust or disappointment.
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Ball and chain: a burdensome or restrictive responsibility or obligation.
Ballpark figure: an estimate or rough calculation of a quantity or cost.
Bang for your buck: a measure of the value or benefit received in exchange for
something.
Banner year: a year of great success or achievement.
Baptism by fire: a difficult or challenging initiation or introduction to a new job
or situation.
Bar fly (or barfly): a person who frequents bars or nightclubs often.
Bare one’s heart (soul): to reveal one's deepest emotions or thoughts.
Bark up the wrong tree: to make a mistake in one's assumptions or accusations.
Basket case: a person or thing that is in a state of extreme emotional or mental
distress.
Bat/play for both teams: to engage in sexual activity with both men and women.
Bat/play for the other team: to be gay or homosexual.
Batten down the hatches: to prepare for a coming storm or difficult situation.
Be a barrel of laughs: to be funny or entertaining.
Be a cold day in hell: an expression used to convey extreme skepticism or doubt.
Be an item: to be romantically involved with someone.
Be footloose and fancy-free: to be free of responsibilities or commitments.
Be head over heels (in love): to be deeply in love with someone.
Be in seventh heaven: to be extremely happy or content.
Be in two minds (about something): to be unsure or undecided about something.
Be like chalk and cheese: to be very different from each other.
Be lovey: to be affectionate or loving towards someone.
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Big time: To a great extent or on a large scale.
Bird’s-eye view: A panoramic or general view from above.
Birds of a feather: People with similar interests, personalities, or
characteristics.
Bite the bullet: To endure pain or hardship without complaint.
Bite the hand that feeds you: To harm or criticize the person who helps
or supports you.
Bitter pill to swallow: Something that is unpleasant but must be
accepted.
Black and white: Clear and distinct, with no room for ambiguity or
compromise.
Black eye: A physical injury or a tarnished reputation.
Black sheep: A person who is considered a disgrace or an outcast
within a family or group.
Black-and-blue: Bruised or beaten.
Blank check: Complete freedom or authorization to act as one wishes.
Blind date: A date between two people who have never met before.
Blinded by love: To be so in love that one is unable to see the faults or
flaws of the other person.
Blood and thunder: Intense emotion or drama.
Blow away the cobwebs: To refresh or invigorate oneself after a period
of inactivity or boredom.
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Blue light special: A sale or discount that is only available for a limited
time.
Blue-eyed boy: Someone who is favored above others.
Bob’s your uncle: A phrase used to indicate that something will be
easily accomplished or completed.
Bolt from the blue: A sudden and unexpected event.
Bone dry: Completely dry.
Borrow trouble: To worry unnecessarily or needlessly.
Bottom of the barrel: The lowest or worst of a group or situation.
Boy toy: A young man who is used as a sexual object by an older
woman.
Boys will be boys: An excuse for bad or reckless behavior by males,
especially young ones.
Brainstorm: To think creatively or come up with new ideas.
Break a leg: A phrase used to wish someone good luck, especially in a
theatrical performance.
Break out in a cold sweat: To suddenly become anxious or scared.
Break the bank: To spend more money than one can afford.
Break the ice: To make a social or emotional connection with someone.
Break up/split up: To end a romantic relationship.
Bring home the bacon: To earn a living or provide financial support for
one's family.
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Butter wouldn’t melt in: Someone who appears innocent or sweet, but
is actually deceptive or mischievous.
Buy a pig in a poke: To buy something without inspecting it first.
Buy time: To delay or postpone something.
By a whisker: To win or succeed by a very small margin.
By all means: Definitely or certainly.
By hook or by crook: By any means necessary, even if it is not
completely honest or legal.
By the skin of one’s teeth: To barely succeed or escape a difficult
situation.
By word of mouth: Information that is spread through personal
communication rather than official channels.
Call a spade a spade: To speak frankly and directly, even if it may be
unpleasant.
Call it a day: To end a task or workday.
Call it a night: To end an evening or event.
Call the shots: To be in charge or make the decisions.
Call the tune: To be in control of a situation or event.
Carrot-and-stick: A system of rewards and punishments used to
motivate or control behavior.
Carry a torch (for): To have romantic feelings or be in love with
someone who does not feel the same way.
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Cat on a hot tin roof: to be nervous, restless, or uncomfortable,
especially in a situation where one is expected to remain calm.
Cat’s paw: a person used by another as a tool or pawn to accomplish
their own purposes.
Cat-and-mouse (adj.): characterized by a game of teasing, tormenting,
or pursuing followed by temporary escape or victory by the pursued.
Catch one’s death of cold: to become extremely ill from being exposed
to cold weather or water.
Catch some rays: to spend time in the sun, soaking up its rays.
Catch someone’s eye: to attract someone’s attention or notice.
Catch-22: a paradoxical situation in which one is trapped by
contradictory rules or requirements.
Cat-fight: a fight or argument between two women.
Change of heart: a change in one’s opinion or attitude, especially after
being convinced to see things differently.
Change one’s tune: to change one’s opinion, attitude, or behavior.
Changing of the guard: a shift in leadership or authority, especially in an
official capacity.
Chase rainbows: to pursue something that is unrealistic or impossible.
Cheap shot: an unfair or unethical attack or criticism.
Cherry-pick: to selectively choose or take the best parts or elements of
something, while ignoring the rest.
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Chin up/ keep your chin up: to remain optimistic or confident in the
face of adversity or difficulty.
Chip off the old block: a person who is very similar in personality or
behavior to one of their parents.
Chomp at the bit: to be impatient or eager to do something.
Chop shop: a place where stolen cars are disassembled for their parts.
Chop-chop: a phrase used to urge someone to hurry up or do
something quickly.
Chuck a wobbly: to become very angry or upset, especially in a sudden
and unpredictable way.
Circle the wagons: to come together in a protective or defensive
manner, especially in the face of a threat or danger.
Claim to fame: the one thing that a person or thing is known for or
recognized for.
Clean up nicely: to look very attractive or polished after cleaning
oneself up.
Clear the air: to resolve a misunderstanding or conflict by openly
discussing it.
Clip someone’s wings: to limit or restrict someone’s freedom or
independence.
Close, but no cigar: used to describe a situation in which someone has
come very close to succeeding, but has ultimately fallen short.
Cock and bull story: a fanciful, improbable or false story.
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Cock-a-hoop: to be extremely pleased, excited, or proud.

Cold day in hell: used to express the idea that something is unlikely or
impossible to happen.
Come by something honestly: to obtain something through hard
work,honesty, or legitimate means, rather than through deceit or
dishonesty.
Come clean: to confess or admit the truth about something, especially
something one has been hiding or keeping a secret.
Come hell or high water: to remain determined and committed to a goal
or plan, regardless of the challenges or obstacles that may arise.
Come out in the wash: to become clear or resolved over time, especially
after a period of confusion or uncertainty.
Come out of the closet: to reveal or publicly acknowledge one’s
homosexuality or other non-traditional sexual orientation or gender
identity.
Come out swinging: to be very aggressive or forceful in one’s approach
to a situation or problem.
Come rain and shine: to remain loyal or committed, regardless of the
circumstances.
Come to grips with: to accept and deal with a difficult or unpleasant
situation or problem.
Come to terms with: to accept or reconcile oneself to a difficult or
unpleasant reality or situation.
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Cook up a storm: to cook a large quantity of food or to cook very well
and with great enthusiasm.
Cooking up a storm: creating a lot of excitement or commotion.
Cool as a cucumber: to remain calm and composed, even in a stressful
situation.
Cool cat: someone who is effortlessly stylish and composed.
Cool your heels: to wait patiently, often when one is annoyed or
frustrated.
Couch potato: a person who spends a lot of time sitting on a couch
watching TV or being inactive.
Crash a party: to attend a social gathering without an invitation.
Crickets: a silence or lack of response, usually in a situation where one
expects a reaction.
Cross to bear: a difficult or unpleasant responsibility or burden that
one must bear.
Crunch the numbers: to perform a detailed analysis of numerical data.
Crunch time: the period of time just before a deadline, when there is a
lot of pressure to complete a task.
Cry over spilt milk: to be upset or regretful about something that has
already happened and cannot be changed.
Cry wolf: to raise a false alarm or warning.
Cry your eyes out: to cry excessively and uncontrollably.
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Curiosity killed the cat: a warning that being too curious can lead to
trouble.
Cut (someone) to the quick: to deeply hurt or offend someone.
Cut corners: to do something quickly or cheaply, often by sacrificing
quality or accuracy.
Cut it fine: to complete a task just in time, with very little margin for
error.
Cut someone some slack: to give someone a break or leniency.
Cut the Gordian knot: to solve a difficult problem in a bold or
unconventional way.
Cut the mustard: to meet expectations or perform well.
Cut to the chase: to get to the point or important matter without
wasting time on irrelevant details.
Cut your teeth on something: to gain experience or expertise in a
particular area.
Cutting-edge: using or incorporating the latest or most advanced
technology or techniques.
Da man: a person who is highly respected or successful in a particular
field.
Dance to someone’s tune: to do what someone else wants or follow
their lead.
Dance with the devil: to take a risk or engage in a dangerous or
unethical activity.
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Dead run: a fast and uninterrupted movement, often used in reference

to a chase or escape.
Dead shot: a highly skilled marksman or shooter.
Dead-eye: someone who has excellent aim or accuracy.
Deep pockets: having a lot of money or resources.
Deliver the goods: to fulfill expectations or promises.
Devil’s advocate: someone who argues against a particular point of
view for the sake of debate or to consider alternative perspectives.
Dirty look: a hostile or disapproving look or stare.
Do 12-ounce curls: to drink beer, often to excess.
Dodge a bullet: to avoid a dangerous or harmful situation or outcome.
Dog days of summer: the hottest and most oppressive period of
summer.
Dog in the manger: someone who prevents others from enjoying or
benefiting from something, despite having no use for it
Dog-and-pony show: an elaborate presentation or demonstration that
is designed to impress or entertain, but may lack substance.
Dog-eat-dog: a competitive and ruthless environment in which people
will do anything to get ahead.
Double-dip: to receive two benefits or rewards for the same action or
effort.
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Down the road: in the future, at a later time or stage.
Drag one’s feet (or heels): to delay or procrastinate, to be slow or
reluctant to take action.
Drag your feet: To delay or procrastinate unnecessarily.
Drain the lizard: To urinate.
Draw a blank: To fail to remember or come up with an answer or idea.
Draw a line in the sand: To establish a boundary beyond which one will
not tolerate or compromise.
Draw a line under (something): To end something or conclude it.
Draw a long bow: To exaggerate or stretch the truth.
Draw the line: To set a limit or establish boundaries beyond which one
will not go.
Dressed up to the nines: Dressed very stylishly or elegantly.
Drink the Kool-Aid: To blindly accept or follow a particular ideology or
belief.
Drive a hard bargain: To negotiate aggressively for a favorable deal.
Drive a wedge between: To cause a division or create conflict between
two people or groups.
Drive someone up the wall: To irritate or annoy someone greatly.
Drop a line: To write a brief note or letter.
Drop the ball: To make a mistake or fail to do something that was
expected or required.
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Eat crow: To admit to being wrong or having made a mistake.
Eat humble pie: To apologize or show humility after being proven
wrong or having made a mistake.
Eat someone’s lunch: To outperform or beat someone, often in a
competitive context.
Eat your heart out!: Used to express pride or boastfulness, often in a
playful or teasing manner.
Eighty-six (v.): To refuse or reject something, often from a menu in a
restaurant.
Elephant in the room: An obvious problem or issue that everyone is
aware of but no one wants to discuss.
Elevator music: Background music that is played in public spaces, such
as elevators or waiting rooms.
Elevator pitch: A short and persuasive description of a business idea or
project that can be presented quickly to potential investors or partners.
Eleventh hour: At the last possible moment or just before a deadline.
Even Steven: To be in a situation where everything is equal or balanced.
Every dog has his (its) day: Every person will have a period of success
or good fortune at some point in their life.
Every man and his dog: A large number of people or things, often in a
crowded or chaotic situation.
Every man for himself: A situation where everyone is only concerned
with their own interests or survival.
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Fashion-forward: Describing someone or something that is trendy or
innovative in the fashion industry.
Fat cat: A wealthy and powerful person, especially one who is perceived
as being greedy or corrupt.
Father figure: A male role model who provides guidance and support,
often in a paternalistic or nurturing manner.
Feast your eyes on: To look at something with great pleasure or
admiration.
Feather in one’s cap: An achievement or honor that one can be proud of.
Feather one’s (own) nest: To use one's position or resources to enrich
oneself, often at the expense of others.
Feather one’s nest: To provide for one's own interests or well-being,
often by accumulating wealth or resources.
Fed up with: to be tired, annoyed or frustrated with something or
someone.
Feel like a million dollars: to feel exceptionally good or healthy.
Feel on top of the world: to feel very happy and successful.
Fell off a truck: to be stolen or acquired illegally.
Fell off the back of a lorry: the same as "fell off a truck", commonly used
in British English.
Fifteen minutes of fame: a brief period of fame or attention.
Fifth wheel: an extra or unnecessary person or thing.
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First in, best dressed: the first person to arrive gets the best or most
desirable outcome.
Fish for compliments: to make an effort to get others to compliment or
praise oneself.
Fish or cut bait: to make a decision or take action instead of hesitating
or delaying.
Fish out of water: a person who feels uncomfortable or out of place in a
particular situation.
Five-finger discount: stealing something.
Flash in the pan: a brief and fleeting success or achievement.
Flat broke: completely out of money.
Flat out like a lizard: to be very busy or working hard.
Flesh and blood: someone who is related by blood.
Flew the coop: to escape or leave suddenly and secretly.
Flip-flop: to change one's opinion or position frequently.
Fly by the seat of one’s pants: to improvise and make decisions without
a plan or preparation.
Fly high: to be successful or prosperous.
Fly off the handle: to become suddenly and uncontrollably angry.
Follow your heart: to do what you feel is right or follow your intuition.
Food for thought: something to think about or consider seriously.
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Fox in the henhouse: a person who is not trustworthy and may cause
harm to others.
Freak out: to become very emotional or anxious in response to a
situation or event.
French leave: to leave without saying goodbye or without permission.
Freudian slip: an unintentional mistake in speech that reveals one's
true thoughts or feelings.
From pillar to post: from one place or situation to another without any
progress or resolution.
From scratch: to start something from the beginning.
From soup to nuts: from start to finish, including all details or steps.
Fubar: acronym for "f***ed up beyond all recognition", indicating a
situation that is completely messed up or broken.
Full fathom five: a line from Shakespeare's "The Tempest" that refers to
something that is completely submerged or lost.
Full of the joys of spring: to be very happy and enthusiastic.
Game of chicken: a risky and dangerous game or situation
Get a charley horse: to experience a sudden muscle cramp or spasm,
usually in the leg.
Get a word in edgewise: to have a chance to speak or be heard in a
conversation where others are dominating.
Get along: to have a good relationship or be friendly with someone.
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Have a whale of a time: To have an incredibly enjoyable and exciting
time.
Have skin in the game: To have a personal interest or stake in a
situation or outcome.
Have something in the bag: To be confident of achieving success or
winning something.
Have the hots for: To be intensely attracted to someone romantically or
sexually.
Have your say: To express your opinion or perspective on a matter.
Head (go) south: To deteriorate or decline rapidly, usually referring to a
situation or relationship.
Head and shoulders above: Significantly better or superior to
something or someone else.
Head and shoulders: Far superior to or much better than something
else.
Head start: An advantage or headway that someone has over others in a
competition, task, or project.
Heads up!: A phrase used to quickly alert someone to an impending
danger or situation.
Heads will roll: A warning that someone will be punished or lose their
job or position because of something they did wrong.
Heart and soul: With complete dedication, passion, and enthusiasm.
Heavens open: It begins to rain very heavily or a significant change in a
situation occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.
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In a rut: to be stuck in a routine or pattern that is difficult to break.
In broad daylight: to occur or be visible in plain sight, often used in the
context of illegal or immoral activities.
In clover: to be in a state of great comfort or prosperity.
In for a penny, in for a pound: to be fully committed to something, even
if it involves significant risks or costs.
In full swing: actively happening or fully underway.
In his cups: to be drunk or under the influence of alcohol.
In hot water: to be in trouble or facing a difficult situation.
In one fell swoop: all at once or in a single action.
In one’s element: to be in a situation or activity that one is comfortable
with or skilled at.
In someone’s wheelhouse: within someone’s area of expertise or skill.
In the hot seat: to be in a position of high responsibility or scrutiny,
where one's actions and decisions are closely monitored and judged.
In the interim: during the time between two events or periods;
temporarily.
In the limelight, in the spotlight: to be the center of attention, often in a
positive or public way.
In the long run: over a long period of time; considering the eventual
outcome or consequences.
In the nick of time: at the last possible moment; just in time to prevent
disaster or achieve success.
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It never rains but it pours: when one problem occurs, others follow in
quick succession.
It takes two to tango: both parties are equally responsible for a
situation or problem.
It won’t fly: an idea or plan that is unlikely to be successful or accepted.
It’s a wash: the outcome or result is equal; no advantage or
disadvantage to either side.
It’s not rocket science: a task or concept is not difficult to understand or
accomplish.
Itchy feet: a strong desire to travel or move to a new place.
Jack-of-all-trades: a person who can do many different types of work or
has many skills.
Jam session: an informal musical performance, often involving
improvisation or experimentation.
Jim crow: a system of racial segregation and discrimination,
particularly in the southern United States in the late 19th and early
20th centuries.
Join the club (excl.): used to express empathy or solidarity with
someone else who is experiencing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Jump in with both feet: to enthusiastically and completely commit to a
task or project.
Jump on the bandwagon: to join a popular trend or movement, often
without careful consideration.
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Jump the gun: to act too soon or prematurely, often before all the
necessary information is available.
Jump the shark: the moment when a TV show, movie, or other form of
entertainment begins to decline in quality or popularity.
Jump the track: to deviate from the intended course or plan.
Jump through hoops: to complete a series of difficult or complicated
tasks or requirements in order to achieve a goal or satisfy a
requirement.
Just around the corner: something is imminent or about to happen
soon.
Just for the record: used to clarify or emphasize a statement or fact,
often in a formal setting.
Just what the doctor ordered: exactly what is needed or wanted, often in
a beneficial or restorative sense.
Kangaroo court: a mock court where the verdict is predetermined and
unfair.
Keep (something) at bay: to prevent or keep something from happening
or approaching.
Keep a stiff upper lip: to remain brave and determined in the face of
adversity or difficulty.
Keep an eye on: to monitor or observe someone or something closely.
Keep an eye peeled: to watch carefully for something, often with a
senseof urgency or caution.
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Kick ass, kick butt: to do something extremely well; to succeed or win in
a remarkable way.
Kick the bucket: to die; to pass away.
Match made in heaven: A perfect pairing of two people or things.
May-December marriage: A marriage or romantic relationship between
partners with a significant age difference.
Me time: Time spent alone for personal relaxation or reflection.
Meeting of the minds: A situation where two or more people come to an
agreement or understanding.
Mend fences: To reconcile or repair a damaged relationship.
Mind one’s p’s and q’s: To be careful and mindful of one’s behavior and
language.
Miss the boat: To miss an opportunity or chance.
Month of Sundays: A long period of time, often used in a negative
context.
Mother Nature: The forces and elements of nature, personified as a
motherly figure.
Move heaven and earth: To make every effort possible to accomplish
something.
Move the needle: To cause a significant change or progress in a
particular situation or task.
Move up in the world: To attain a higher position or status in society or
one’s career.
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Mum’s the word: To keep quiet or not reveal a secret.

Music to my ears: Information or news that is pleasing to hear.
My dogs are barking: To have sore feet or tired legs.
My old man, my old lady: Slang terms for one’s husband or wife.
My way or the highway: An ultimatum given to someone to either
accept one’s demands or leave.
Nail-biter: A situation filled with tension and uncertainty.
Neck and neck: A close competition where the participants are nearly
equal in ability or performance.
Neck of the woods: A particular area or region.
Nest egg: A sum of money saved for future use or emergencies.
Never in a million years: An emphatic way of saying that something will
never happen.
New wrinkle: A new and unexpected development in a situation.
Nice chunk of change: A significant amount of money.
Nickel and dime: To nitpick or be overly concerned with small details or
expenses.
Nine times out of ten: An expression used to indicate that something is
very likely to occur.
Nine-to-five job: A regular and predictable job with set working hours.
No holds barred: Without any restrictions or limitations.
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No names, no pack drill: An expression used to indicate that anonymity
will be maintained.
No rhyme or reason (to): Without any clear explanation or logic.
No room to swing a cat: A cramped or confined space.
No shit, Sherlock: A sarcastic response to an obvious statement.
No tree grows to the sky: A reminder that every success has limits and
eventually comes to an end.
Not cut out for (something): To not have the necessary skills or
qualities for a particular task or job.
Not enough room to swing a cat: A cramped or confined space.
Not give a fig: To not care about something or someone.
Not have a cat in hell’s chance: To have no chance at all.
Not have a prayer: To have no chance at all.
Not know jack: To not know anything about a particular topic or
situation.
Not lift a finger: To not make any effort or take any action.
Not mince words: To speak candidly and directly without using
euphemisms or sugar-coating.
Not one’s cup of tea: Something that does not interest or appeal to
someone.
Nuts and bolts: The practical and essential details of a situation or task.
Nutty as a fruitcake: A phrase used to describe someone who is
eccentric or crazy.
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Son of a gun: an expression used to describe someone who is
mischievous or tricky.
Sore point: a topic or subject that causes discomfort, anger, or
embarrassment when discussed.
Sour grapes: used to describe someone who speaks negatively about
something they are unable to obtain, usually out of jealousy or
disappointment.
Spick and span: a phrase used to describe something that is very clean
and tidy.
Spill the beans: reveal information that was supposed to be kept secret.
Spin a yarn: tell a long and elaborate story, often with exaggeration or
fabrication.
Spin one’s wheels: expend effort without making any progress towards
achieving a goal.
Spit into the wind: engage in an action that is likely to fail or backfire.
Spoiling for a fight: eager and ready to argue or fight with someone.
Square the circle: attempt an impossible task; try to find a solution for
something that cannot be solved.
Stab someone in the back: betray someone's trust by doing something
harmful behind their back.
Stalking horse: something used as a distraction so that one can achieve
their true objective unnoticed.
Stand one’s ground: refuse to change one's position, despite opposition
or pressure from others.
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Storm in a teacup: Overreacting about minor things

Stormy relationship: A relationship full of arguments/disagreements
Straight arrow: An honest/trustworthy person
Strike a chord: To evoke strong emotions/feelings.
Stumbling-block: Something that creates an obstacle or difficulty in
achieving a goal or making progress.
Sugar daddy: A wealthy, older man who gives financial support to a
younger woman in exchange for companionship or other favors.
Sure-fire: Guaranteed to succeed or be effective; certain.
Swan song: A final act, performance, or gesture before retiring or
ending something.
Sweep under the carpet/Sweep under the rug: To conceal or ignore a
problem or issue, hoping it will go away without addressing it.
Sweet dreams!: A phrase used to wish someone a peaceful and restful
night's sleep.
Sweeten the deal: To improve the terms of an agreement or offer to
make it more attractive or desirable.
Sweeten the pot: To add something extra to an offer or proposal to
make it more appealing or enticing.
Swim against the tide: To go against the prevailing opinion or direction,
often resulting in difficulty or opposition.
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Take five (ten): To take a longer break or rest for ten minutes.
Take five: To take a short break or rest for five minutes.
Take it easy: A phrase used to encourage someone to relax, take things
slowly, or not worry too much.
Take it on the chin: To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation or
criticism without complaining or resisting.
Take it or leave it (command): A phrase used to indicate that an offer or
proposal is non-negotiable and must be accepted as is, with no changes
or modifications.
Take someone to task: To criticize or reprimand someone for their
behavior or actions.
Take the cake: To be the most outrageous or exceptional example of
something, often used to describe negative behavior.
Take the edge off (of something): To reduce the intensity or severity of
something, often a negative or unpleasant situation.
Take the fifth: To refuse to answer a question or make a statement on
the grounds that it might incriminate oneself.
Take the gloves off: To become aggressive or confrontational, often in
response to provocation or conflict.
Take the high road: To take the moral or ethical path in a difficult or
challenging situation, often involving forgiveness or restraint.
Take your life in your hands: To engage in a dangerous or risky activity,
often with potential for harm or injury.