English Idioms List: 1500+ Essential Phrases from A-Z

Idioms occur in all languages across the world and are considered a form of formulaic language. In most cases, idioms are not meant to be taken literally. Instead, they carry a figurative meaning that creates a mental image or comparison beyond the literal words used.

Idioms are commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in informal speech, but they can also appear in formal discussions. Because their meanings cannot usually be guessed from the individual words, idioms can be confusing for English learners. However, once learned, they make English sound more natural, fluent, and expressive.

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of its individual words.
Idioms are understood by native speakers through shared cultural usage, not word-for-word interpretation.

Example:

Over the moon → very happy
(Not literally floating in the sky.)

List of Idioms (1500+)

The following is an extensive list of common English idioms with meanings, organized alphabetically.

Idioms (A)

List of idioms that start with A.

A Bit Much: More than is reasonable; a bit too much.
A Bite at the Cherry: A good opportunity that isn’t available to everyone.
A Busy Bee: A busy, active person who moves quickly from task to task.
A Cat Has Nine Lives: Cats seem to get away with dangerous things.
A Cat Nap: A short sleep during the day.
A Cat in Gloves Catches No Mice: You can’t get what you need if you’re too careful.
A Cold Day in July: Something that will never happen.
A Cold Fish: Someone who is not often moved by emotions, who is regarded as being hard and unfeeling.
A Cut Above: Slightly better than.
A Cut Below: Inferior to; somewhat lower in quality than.
A Day Late and a Dollar Short: Too delayed and insignificant to have much effect.
A Dog in the Manger: A person who selfishly prevents others from using, enjoying, or profiting from something even though he/she cannot use or enjoy it himself.
A Few Sandwiches Short of a Picnic: Abnormally stupid; not really sane.
A Good Deal: To a large extent; a lot.
A Guinea Pig: Someone who is part of an experiment or trial.
A Hair’s Breadth: A very small distance or amount.
A Home Bird: Somebody who prefers to spend his social and free time at home.
A Hundred and Ten Percent: More than what seems to be the maximum.
A Lame Duck: A person or enterprise (often a business) that is not a success and that has to be helped.
A Leg Up: An advantage; a boost.
A Lemon: A vehicle that does not work properly.
A Life of Its Own: An independent existence.
A Little Bird Told Me: I don’t wish to divulge where I got the information.
A Little from Column A, a Little from Column B: A course of action drawing on several different ideas or possibilities.
A Lone Wolf: Someone who is not very social with other people.
A Lot on One’s Plate: A lot to do.
A Million and One: Very many.
A Notch Above: Superior to; higher in quality.
A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned: Every small amount helps to build one’s savings.
A Penny for Your Thoughts: What are you thinking?
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: A visual presentation can communicate something very effectively.
A Plum Job: An easy and pleasant job that also pays well.
A Rare Bird: Somebody or something of a kind that one seldom sees.
A Scaredy-Cat: Someone who is excessively scared or afraid.
A Second Bite at the Cherry: A second chance to do something.
A Sight for Sore Eyes: Someone that you’re pleased to see.
A Sitting Duck: A person or object in a vulnerable position that is easy to attack or injure.
A Snowball’s Chance in Hell: Little to no likelihood of occurrence or success.
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: Fix something quickly, because if you don’t, it will just get more difficult to fix.
A Stone’s Throw: A very short distance.
A Storm in a Teacup: Unnecessary anger or worry about an unimportant or trivial matter.
A Tall Order: A difficult task.
A Week Is a Long Time in _____: In the field mentioned, the situation may change rapidly.
About Time: Far past the desired time.
About To: On the point of; occurring imminently.
Above and Beyond: More than is expected or required.
Above Board: Openly, without deceit; honestly, reputably.
Above the Law: Exempt from the laws that apply to everyone else.
Above the Salt: Of high standing or honor.
Above Water: Not in extreme difficulty, especially regarding finances.
Accident of Birth: Luck in something due to family good fortune.
Accident Waiting to Happen: A dangerous way of setting up or organizing something.
According to Hoyle: Properly, in accordance with established procedures.
Ace in the Hole: A hidden advantage.
Ace Up One’s Sleeve: A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
Achilles’ Heel: The weak point of an otherwise powerful person or organization.
Acid Test: A crucial event that determines the worth of something.
Acknowledge the Corn: Admit to a mistake, especially a small one; point out one’s own shortcomings or another’s.
Acquired Taste: Something one learns to appreciate only after trying it repeatedly.
Across the Board: In relation to all categories; for everyone.
Across the Pond: On or to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Act High and Mighty: Be arrogant; presume that one is better than others.
Act of Congress: Hard to get (said of authorization).
Act One’s Age: To be mature, not childish.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: One’s character and intentions are shown more accurately by one’s actions than by one’s words.
Add Fuel to the Fire: Worsen already existing tension.
Add Insult to Injury: Compound a defeat with humiliation or mockery.
After One’s Own Heart: Similar in a pleasing way.
After the Fact: Too late; after something is completed or finalized.
After the Lord Mayor’s Show (UK): Anticlimactic; occurring after something impressive.
Against the Clock: Forced to hurry to meet a deadline.
Against the Grain: Contrary to one’s natural inclinations.
Against the Run of Play: Atypical of the way a game has been going.
Age Before Beauty: Something said by a younger person to an older one, for instance, allowing them to pass through a doorway.
Agree to Disagree: Accept or set aside a disagreement.
Agreement in Principle: In a negotiation, an agreement in which not all details have been worked out.
Aha Moment: Sudden realization; the point at which one suddenly understands something.
Ahead of One’s Time: Offering ideas not yet in general circulation; highly creative.
Ahead of the Curve: Innovative; devising new ideas in advance of others.
Ahead of the Game: Making faster progress than anticipated; ahead of schedule.
Air Rage: Angry behavior inside an airplane.
Airy-Fairy: Whimsical, nonsensical, or impractical.
Albatross Around One’s Neck: Something from one’s past that acts as a hindrance.
Alive and Kicking: In good health despite health problems.
All Along: For the entire time something has been happening.
All and Sundry: Everyone separately; each one.
All Bark and No Bite: Tending to make verbal threats but not deliver on them.
All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go: Prepared (with clothing or otherwise) for an event that does not occur.
All Ears: Listening willingly; waiting for an explanation.
All Eyes and Ears: Attentive.
All Eyes Are On: Watching alertly or attentively; everyone is paying attention to.
All Fur Coat and No Knickers: Superficially attractive, physically or otherwise.
All Hands on Deck: Everyone must help.
All Hat and No Cattle: Pretentious; full of bluster.
All Hell Breaks Loose: The situation becomes chaotic.
All in a Day’s Work: That’s what I’m here for; part of what I’m expected to do.
All in Good Time: Eventually; at a more favorable time in the future.
All It’s Cracked Up to Be: As good as claims or reputation would suggest.
All Mouth and No Trousers: Superficial; engaging in empty, boastful talk without substance.
All Over But the Shouting: Certain to end in a specific way.
All Over Hell’s Half Acre: All over the place; everywhere.
All Over the Board: Everywhere; in many different locations.
All Over the Map: Everywhere; in many different locations.
All Over the Place: Everywhere; in many different locations.
All Rights Reserved: Said of a published work; all reproduction rights are asserted by the holder.
All Roads Lead to Rome: Many different methods will produce the same result.
All Set: Ready, prepared, or finished.
All Sizzle and No Steak: Failing to live up to advance promotion or reputation.
All Talk and No Trousers: Prone to empty boasts.
All That Jazz: Similar things, similar qualities, etc.
All the Marbles: The entire prize or reward.
All the Rage: Very fashionable.
All the Same: Anyway; nevertheless; nonetheless.
All the Tea in China: Great wealth; a large payment.
All Things Being Equal: In the event that all aspects of a situation remain the same.
All Things Considered: Taking all factors into consideration.
All Thumbs: Clumsy.
All Told: With everything taken into consideration.
All Very Well: True to a certain extent.
All Wet: Completely mistaken.
All in One Piece: Safely.
Along the Lines of: In general accordance with; in the same direction as.
Amateur Hour: A display of incompetence.
Amber Gambler: Someone who accelerates to try to cross an intersection before a light turns red.
Amber Nectar: Beer.
American Dream (The): The belief that hard work leads to material success.
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Eating healthy foods will keep one from getting sick.
An Axe to Grind: A grievance or disagreement that justifies confrontation.
An Early Bird: A person who gets up early or starts work earlier than others.
An Eye for an Eye: Justice in which vengeance exactly matches the harm caused.
An Offer One Can’t Refuse: An extremely attractive offer.
Ancient History: Something that happened long ago and ought to be forgotten.
And All That: Et cetera; and so on.
And Change: And an additional amount of money less than the next round number.
And Counting: And the number just mentioned is increasing (or decreasing).
And His Mother: An intensifier for an inclusive noun such as “everyone.”
And So Forth: Indicates that a list continues in a similar manner.
And So On: Indicates that a list continues in a similar manner.
And the Like: And other similar items, etc.
And Then Some: And even more than what has just been mentioned.
Angel’s Advocate: Someone who takes a positive outlook on an idea or proposal.
Angle for: Aim toward something; try to obtain something indirectly.
Another Nail in One’s Coffin: Something that leads to failure or death, literally or figuratively.
Answer Back: Respond impertinently; to talk back.
Ants in Your Pants: Restlessness.
Any Port in a Storm: In trouble, you’ll turn to anything that improves the situation.
Any Tom, Dick or Harry: Any ordinary person.
Apple of One’s Eye: A favorite person or thing; someone especially valued.
Apples and Oranges: Of two different classes; not comparable.
Arm Candy: An attractive companion at a social event.
Armed to the Teeth: Carrying many weapons.
Around the Clock: At all times.
As American as Apple Pie: Very or typically American.
As Far as I Can Throw (Someone): Only slightly (used to express distrust).
As Fit as a Fiddle: To be healthy and physically fit.
As Pale as a Ghost: Extremely pale.
As Poor as a Church Mouse: Very poor.
As Red as a Cherry: Very red.
Asleep at the Wheel: Not paying attention to one’s work or responsibilities.
At Death’s Door: Very near death.
At Each Other’s Throats: Constantly and strongly arguing.
At Loggerheads: In a state of persistent disagreement.
At Sixes and Sevens: In a state of confusion or not well organized.
At Wit’s End: Frustrated because all measures to deal with something have failed.
At the Drop of a Hat: Spontaneously; suddenly.
At the Eleventh Hour: At the latest possible moment.
At the End of One’s Rope: Running out of endurance or patience.
At the End of the Day: In the final analysis; when all is said and done.

Idioms (B)

List of idioms that start with B.

Babe in the Woods: An innocent, naïve person.
Babe Magnet: A man to whom many women are attracted.
Baby Blues: A feeling of sadness or depression after childbirth.
Baby Boomer: A person born in the years following World War II, when there was a marked increase in the birth rate.
Babysitter Test: An informal evaluation of how easy a device or system is to use.
Back and Forth: Dialogue, discussion, or negotiation.
Back at You: “Same to you,” used to return a greeting or remark.
Back Burner (On the): Not urgent; set aside for later attention.
Back Forty: Remote or inaccessible land.
Back of Beyond: A very remote location.
Back Office: Administrative or support services of a business.
Back in the Day: In earlier times; formerly.
Back on One’s Feet: Physically or financially recovered.
Back the Wrong Horse: To support the losing side.
Back to Square One: Returned to the starting point.
Back to the Drawing Board: Forced to start planning again.
Back to the Salt Mines: Time to return to work.
Backing and Filling: Delaying a decision through indecision or minor objections.
Backseat Driver: Someone who gives unwanted advice or directions.
Bad Apple: A dishonest or troublesome person.
Bad Blood: Long-standing hostility or resentment.
Bad Egg: A person who cannot be trusted.
Bad Taste in One’s Mouth: A lingering feeling that something is wrong.
Bag of Tricks: A collection of skills or methods.
Bail Out: To rescue someone from a difficult situation.
Ball and Chain: One’s spouse (often humorous or ironic); a burden.
Ballpark Figure: A rough estimate.
Bang One’s Head Against a Brick Wall: To make repeated efforts without success.
Banner Year: A year of exceptional success.
Baptism by Fire: A difficult first experience in a new role.
Bar Fly (or Barfly): A person who spends a lot of time in bars.
Bare One’s Heart (or Soul): To reveal one’s deepest feelings.
Bark Up the Wrong Tree: To pursue a mistaken course of action.
Basket Case: Someone unable to cope due to stress or anxiety.
Bat / Play for Both Teams: To be bisexual.
Batten Down the Hatches: To prepare for trouble or difficulty.
Be a Barrel of Laughs: To be very fun or entertaining.
Be a Cold Day in Hell: Something that will never happen.
Be an Item: To be in a romantic relationship.
Be Footloose and Fancy-Free: Free of responsibilities or commitments.
Be Head Over Heels (in Love): To be deeply in love.
Be Like Chalk and Cheese: To be completely different.
Be Lovey-Dovey: Showing affection openly.
Be Snowed Under: Extremely busy.
Be in Seventh Heaven: Extremely happy.
Be in Two Minds (about Something): Unable to decide.
Be on the Mend: Recovering after illness.
Bean Counters: Accountants or financial staff.
Beat Around the Bush: Avoid speaking directly.
Beat Someone to the Draw: To act faster than someone else.
Beat Someone to the Punch: To do something before others.
Beat the Drum for (Something): To actively promote something.
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep: Appearance is not the most important quality.
Bed of Roses: A comfortable or easy situation.
Bedroom Eyes: A seductive look.
Bee in One’s Bonnet: An idea that obsesses someone.
Beggar Thy Neighbor: To benefit oneself at others’ expense.
Behind the Eight Ball: At a serious disadvantage.
Behind the Scenes: Out of public view.
Behind the Times: Old-fashioned.
Bell the Cat: To take a risky initiative.
Bells and Whistles: Extra but unnecessary features.
Belly Laugh: Loud, hearty laughter.
Bend an Elbow: To drink alcohol.
Best Thing Since Sliced Bread: A very good or innovative idea.
Best of Both Worlds: Enjoying two advantages at once.
Bet One’s Bottom Dollar: To be absolutely certain.
Bet the Farm: To risk everything.
Better Late Than Never: Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Facing two bad options.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: In a very difficult situation.
Beyond the Pale: Socially or morally unacceptable.
Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt: Absolutely certain.
Big Apple: A nickname for New York City.
Big Brother: An intrusive or controlling authority.
Big Cheese: An important or influential person.
Big Deal: Something important.
Big Fish: An influential person.
Big Picture: The overall perspective.
Big Time: To a great degree.
Birds of a Feather: People who are very similar.
Bite Off More Than You Can Chew: Take on too much.
Bite the Bullet: Face something unpleasant bravely.
Bite the Hand That Feeds You: Harm someone who helps you.
Bitter Pill to Swallow: A hard truth to accept.
Black Eye: Damage to reputation.
Black Sheep: An outsider in a group or family.
Black and White: Very clear and definite.
Black-and-Blue: Bruised.
Blank Check: Unlimited authority or permission.
Blind Date: A date between people who have not met before.
Blinded by Love: Unable to see faults due to love.
Blood and Thunder: Dramatic action or excitement.
Blow Away the Cobwebs: Refresh one’s mind.
Blow Hot and Cold: Be inconsistent.
Blow Off Steam: Release frustration harmlessly.
Blow One’s Stack: Lose one’s temper.
Blow One’s Top: Lose one’s temper.
Blow Up: Explode.
Blow Your Own Trumpet: Brag about oneself.
Blow the Whistle: Report wrongdoing.
Blue Blood: A person of noble birth.
Blue-Eyed Boy: A favored person.
Blue Light Special: A temporary discount or a police stop.
Bob’s Your Uncle: Everything is settled.
Bolt from the Blue: A complete surprise.
Bone Dry: Completely dry.
Born on the Wrong Side of the Blanket: Born to unmarried parents.
Borrow Trouble: Invite unnecessary problems.
Bottom of the Barrel: The worst option available.
Boy Toy: A younger male partner.
Boys Will Be Boys: Excusing reckless male behavior.
Brainstorm: Generate ideas freely.
Break Out in a Cold Sweat: Sweat from fear or illness.
Break the Ice: Ease social tension.
Break a Leg: Good luck.
Break the Bank: Spend too much money.
Break Up / Split Up: End a relationship.
Bring Home the Bacon: Earn a living.
Bring a Knife to a Gunfight: Be unprepared.
Brush Under the Carpet: Hide a problem.
Bucket List: Things to do before dying.
Bull in a China Shop: A clumsy person.
Bump in the Road: A minor setback.
Bundle Up: Dress warmly.
Burn One’s Bridges: Destroy future opportunities.
Burn the Candle at Both Ends: Overwork oneself.
Burn the Midnight Oil: Work late at night.
Bury One’s Head in the Sand: Ignore reality.
Bury the Hatchet: Make peace.
Business as Usual: Normal conditions.
Busman’s Holiday: A working vacation.
Busted Flush: A complete failure.
Butter Wouldn’t Melt in Someone’s Mouth: Appear innocent or polite.
Buy Time: Delay for advantage.
Buy a Pig in a Poke: Buy without inspection.
By All Means: Certainly.
By Hook or by Crook: By any means necessary.
By Word of Mouth: Through personal communication.
By a Whisker: By a very small margin.
By the Skin of One’s Teeth: Barely.

Idioms (C)

List of idioms that start with C.

Call It a Day: Decide that one has worked enough on something for the day.
Call It a Night: End an evening’s activities and go home.
Call the Shots: Make the important decisions in an organization.
Call the Tune: Make important decisions and control a situation.
Can’t See the Forest for the Trees: Be unable to see the bigger picture because of focusing on small details.
Can’t Swing a Dead Cat in (a Place): There are many examples of a particular thing in a place.
Carrot-and-Stick (Approach): A tactic that combines rewards with the threat of punishment.
Carry a Torch (for Someone): Continue to be in love with someone after a relationship has ended.
Carry Coals to Newcastle: Supply something that is already plentiful; do something unnecessary.
Carry the Can: Take the blame for something, often unfairly.
Cash In One’s Chips: 1. Take advantage of a quick profit. 2. Die.
Cash-Strapped: Lacking money.
Cast the First Stone: Be the first to criticize or accuse someone.
Castle in the Air: An impractical or unrealistic plan.
Cat Fight: A fight between two women.
Cat Got Your Tongue?: Don’t you have anything to say?
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: Be extremely nervous or anxious.
Cat-and-Mouse (adj.): Involving teasing or manipulation in an unpleasant way.
Cat’s Paw: A person used by someone else to do unpleasant work.
Catch One’s Death of Cold: Become very ill from exposure to cold.
Catch Some Rays: Sit or lie in the sun.
Catch Someone’s Eye: Attract someone’s attention.
Catch-22: A no-win situation caused by contradictory rules or conditions.
Caught Red-Handed: Caught in the act of doing something wrong.
Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget: Expensive tastes that exceed one’s financial means.
Change Horses in Midstream: Change plans or leaders in the middle of a process.
Change of Heart: A change in one’s opinion or attitude.
Change One’s Tune: Alter one’s opinion or behavior.
Changing of the Guard: A change in leadership or authority.
Chase Rainbows: Pursue unrealistic or impossible goals.
Cheap Shot: An unfair or underhanded attack.
Cherry-Pick: Select only the most favorable evidence.
Chew the Fat: Chat casually for a long time.
Chickens Come Home to Roost: Past actions lead to negative consequences.
Child’s Play: Something very easy to do.
Chill Out: Calm down and relax.
Chin Music: Empty or meaningless talk.
Chin Up / Keep Your Chin Up: Stay cheerful and optimistic.
Chip off the Old Block: Someone who closely resembles a parent.
Chomp at the Bit: Be eager or impatient to do something.
Chop Chop: Hurry up.
Chop Shop: A place where stolen vehicles are dismantled for parts.
Chuck a Wobbly: React emotionally or lose one’s temper.
Circle the Wagons: Unite defensively against criticism or threat.
Claim to Fame: The thing for which someone or something is best known.
Clean Up Nicely: Look attractive when dressed well.
Clear the Air: Resolve tension by discussing problems openly.
Clip Someone’s Wings: Limit someone’s freedom or power.
Close, But No Cigar: Almost correct, but not quite.
Cock and Bull Story: A story that is clearly untrue.
Cock-a-Hoop: Extremely pleased or excited.
Cold Day in Hell: Something that is extremely unlikely to happen.
Come By Something Honestly: Acquire something legitimately.
Come Clean: Confess or tell the truth.
Come Hell or High Water: No matter what happens.
Come Out in the Wash: Be resolved without lasting harm.
Come Out of the Closet: Publicly reveal one’s sexual orientation.
Come Out Swinging: Respond very aggressively.
Come Rain or Shine: Do something regularly regardless of circumstances.
Come to Grips With: Begin to deal with or accept a problem.
Come to Terms With (Something): Accept a difficult situation.
Coming Down the Pike: Likely to happen soon.
Cook Someone’s Goose: Ruin someone’s plans or chances.
Cook Up a Storm: Prepare a lot of food enthusiastically.
Cool as a Cucumber: Very calm and composed.
Cool Cat: A person admired for being relaxed and stylish.
Cool Your Heels: Wait for a period of time.
Couch Potato: A person who spends a lot of time watching television.
Crash a Party: Attend a party without being invited.
Crickets: Complete silence.
Cross to Bear: A long-term burden or problem.
Crunch the Numbers: Perform calculations or analyze data.
Crunch Time: A period of intense pressure to meet a deadline.
Cry Over Spilt (US: Spilled) Milk: Waste time worrying about something that cannot be changed.
Cry Wolf: Raise a false alarm.
Cry Your Eyes Out: Cry intensely for a long time.
Curiosity Killed the Cat: Being too curious can lead to trouble.
Cut (Someone) to the Quick: Hurt someone deeply emotionally.
Cut Corners: Do something cheaply or carelessly to save time or money.
Cut It Fine: Leave very little time to spare.
Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face: Act in a way that harms yourself out of pride or anger.
Cut Someone Some Slack: Be less critical or strict with someone.
Cut the Gordian Knot: Solve a difficult problem decisively.
Cut the Mustard: Perform satisfactorily.
Cut to the Chase: Get to the main point quickly.
Cut Your Teeth on Something: Gain initial experience in a field.
Cutting-Edge: Highly modern or innovative.

Idioms (D)

List of idioms that start with D.

Dance to Someone’s Tune: Consistently follow someone’s directions or influence.
Dance with the Devil: Knowingly do something immoral or dangerous.
Dark Horse: A surprise candidate or competitor, especially one who comes from behind to make a strong showing.
Darken Someone’s Door (Step): Make an unwanted visit to someone’s home.
Dead Ahead: Directly ahead, either in a literal or a figurative sense.
Dead as the Dodo: Completely extinct; totally gone.
Dead Eye: A good shooter, a good marksman.
Dead Heat: An exact tie in a race or competition.
Dead of Winter: The coldest, darkest part of winter.
Dead Ringer: Very similar in appearance.
Dead Run: Running as fast as possible.
Dead Shot: A good shooter, a good marksman.
Deep Pockets: Having a lot of money or financial resources.
Deliver the Goods: Provide what is expected.
Devil’s Advocate: Someone who argues a point not out of conviction, but in order to air various points of view.
Dirty Look: A facial expression that signifies disapproval.
Do 12-Ounce Curls: Drink beer.
Dodge a Bullet: To narrowly escape disaster.
Doesn’t Amount to a Hill of Beans: Is unimportant, is negligible.
Dog Days of Summer: The hottest period of the summer.
Dog in the Manger: A person who prevents others from using something, even though the person himself or herself does not want it.
Dog-and-Pony Show: A flashy presentation, often in a marketing context.
Dog-Eat-Dog: Intensely competitive.
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk: Don’t worry about minor things or past mistakes that cannot be changed.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover: Don’t be deceived by looks; don’t rely on appearance when judging someone or something.
Don’t Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth: Do not question the value of a gift. The expression comes from the practice of determining the age and health of a horse by looking at its teeth.
Double-Dip: Improperly get income from two different sources.
Double-Edged Sword: Something that can be helpful or harmful; something beneficial that also has a downside.
Down in the Dumps: Depressed, sad.
Down the Road: In the future.
Drag One’s Feet (or Heels): To do something reluctantly and slowly.
Drain the Lizard: Urinate.
Draw a Blank: Be unable to remember something.
Draw a Line in the Sand: Issue an ultimatum; specify an absolute limit in a conflict.
Draw a Line Under (Something): To conclude something and move on to something else.
Draw a Long Bow: Exaggerate or lie.
Draw the Line: To set a limit to what one will accept.
Dressed Up to the Nines: Wearing very smart or glamorous clothes.
Drink the Kool-Aid: Accept a set of ideas uncritically, often dangerous ones.
Drive a Hard Bargain: To negotiate effectively and aggressively.
Drive a Wedge Between: Try to split factions of a united group by introducing an issue on which they disagree.
Drive Someone Up the Wall: Deeply irritate someone.
Drop a Line: To write a letter or send an email.
Drop the Ball: Fail to fulfill one’s responsibilities; make a mistake.
Dry Run: A practice execution of a procedure.
Dutch Courage: Alcohol drunk with the intention of working up the nerve to do something.
Dutch Uncle: A person who gives blunt, firm advice or criticism.
Dyed-In-The-Wool (adj.): Consistent in an affiliation or opinion over a long period; inveterate.

Idioms (E)

List of idioms that start with E.

Eagle-Eyed: Having sharp vision.
Early Bird (noun or adjective): Someone who does something prior to the usual time, or someone who gets up early.
Eat Crow: To admit one was wrong and accept humiliation.
Eat Humble Pie: To admit defeat or error, to accept humiliation.
Eat Someone’s Lunch: Defeat someone thoroughly.
Eat Your Heart Out!: (excl.) Go ahead, be jealous.
Eighty-Six (v.): 1) Discard, eliminate. 2) Throw someone out of an establishment.
Elephant in the Room: A major problem that everyone is aware of but no one is talking about.
Elevator Music: Pleasant but boring recorded music that is played in public places.
Elevator Pitch: A brief presentation of an idea, one short enough to be delivered in an elevator.
Eleventh Hour: The last possible minute.
Even Steven: Owing nothing; tied in a game.
Every Dog Has His (Its) Day: Everyone has a moment of fame, power, or influence.
Every Man and His Dog: A large number of people.
Every Man for Himself: Pursue your own interests; don’t expect help from others.
Excused Boots: Allowed to avoid mandatory tasks or duties.

Idioms (F)

List of idioms that start with F.

Face the Music: Dealing with the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.
Fall for Something Hook, Line, and Sinker: To be completely deceived.
Fall in Love with Somebody: Start feeling romantic love towards somebody.
Fall Off the Wagon: To begin using alcohol (or another problem substance) after a period of abstinence.
Fall on One’s Sword: To accept blame; to sacrifice oneself.
Fall Prey to: Be victimized by; be harmed by; be vulnerable to.
Fancy Someone (British English): To find someone very attractive.
Farther (On) Down the Road: Later, at some unspecified time.
Fashion-Forward: Tending to adopt new styles quickly.
Fat Cat: A wealthy, highly placed, and powerful executive.
Father Figure: A mentor; a person who offers guidance like a father.
Feast Your Eyes On: To take great pleasure in looking at someone or something.
Feather in One’s Cap: An achievement for which one is recognized; a noteworthy achievement.
Feather One’s (Own) Nest: Use one’s influence or power improperly for financial gain.
Fed Up With: Refusing to tolerate something any further; out of patience.
Feel Like a Million Dollars: To feel great, healthy, and full of energy.
Feel On Top of The World: To feel extremely happy or healthy.
Fell off a Truck: Probably stolen or illicitly obtained.
Fell off the Back of a Lorry: Probably stolen or illicitly obtained.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame: Short-lived media publicity or celebrity.
Fifth Wheel: A superfluous or unnecessary person in a group.
Fight Fire with Fire: Use the same measures that are being used against you.
Fight Like Cat and Dog: Continually arguing with each other.
Find One’s Voice: Become more confident in expressing oneself.
Find Your Feet: To adjust to a new place or situation.
Finger-Pointing: A situation where members of a group attempt to blame others.
Fire in the Belly: Strong ambition and passion.
First In, Best Dressed: The first people to do something will have an advantage.
Fish for Compliments: Try to manipulate people into praising you.
Fish or Cut Bait: (excl.) Make a decision or give someone else a chance.
Fish Out of Water: A person who is in unfamiliar, confusing surroundings.
Five-Finger Discount: Shoplifting.
Flash in the Pan: A one-time success that is not repeated.
Flat Broke: Having no money at all.
Flat Out Like a Lizard Drinking: Extremely busy.
Flesh and Blood: Blood relatives; members of one’s family.
Flew the Coop: Left, escaped, or departed suddenly.
Flip-Flop (v. or n.): To vacillate between two choices; to be indecisive.
Fly by the Seat of One’s Pants: To improvise; to make decisions without planning.
Fly High: Be very successful, especially temporarily.
Fly Off The Handle: Lose one’s temper suddenly and unexpectedly.
Follow In Someone’s Footsteps: Follow the example or career path of someone else.
Follow Your Heart: Rely on one’s deeper feelings and instincts when making a decision.
Food for Thought: Something that makes you think carefully.
For a Song: At a very low cost; very cheaply.
For Crying Out Loud: (excl.) An expression of extreme annoyance or frustration.
For Xyz Reasons: For multiple reasons not worth specifying individually.
Foul Play: Unfair or treacherous action, especially involving crime or murder.
Fourth Estate: The media and newspapers.
Fox in the Henhouse (Chickenhouse): Someone who causes trouble in a place they should not be.
Freak Out: A wildly irrational reaction or spell of behavior.
French Leave: Absence without permission.
Freudian Slip: An unintentional error regarded as revealing subconscious feelings.
From Pillar to Post: From one place to another in a forced, random way.
From Scratch: From individual ingredients, not using a prepared mix or previous work.
From Soup to Nuts: Everything; from beginning to end.
From the Bottom of One’s Heart: Sincerely and with deep feeling.
FUBAR: Hopelessly ruined, not working, or messed up.
Fuck (Or Screw) The Dog (Pooch): To make a major, embarrassing error.
Full Fathom Five: Lost deep in the sea.
Full of the Joys of Spring: Very happy, enthusiastic, and full of energy.

Idioms (G)

List of idioms that start with G.

Game of Chicken: A conflict situation in which neither side will back down for fear of seeming cowardly.
Get a Charley Horse: To develop a cramp in the arm or leg.
Get a Word in Edgewise: Be able to say something while someone else is talking a lot.
Get Along (with Someone): To have a satisfactory relationship.
Get Bent Out of Shape: Become angry or upset.
Get Carried Away: Become overly enthusiastic.
Get In on the Ground Floor: Invest in or join something while it is still small.
Get in Shape: Undertake a program of physical conditioning; exercise regularly.
Get Off Scot-Free: Be accused of wrongdoing but pay no penalty at all.
Get One’s Ducks in a Row: Have everything organized; get oneself organized.
Get One’s Hands Dirty: Do the unpleasant parts of a job.
Get Someone’s Goat: To irritate someone deeply.
Get to Grips With: To begin to understand and deal with something.
Get the Ball Rolling: Do something to begin a process.
Get the Picture: Understand what is happening.
Get the Runaround: Be given unclear or evasive answers to a question.
Get the Sack / Be Sacked: To be fired.
Get the Third Degree: Be questioned in great detail about something.
Get Wind of: Hear about.
Get With the Program: Figure out what everyone else already knows; often used sarcastically.
Go Along (With): Agree to something, often provisionally.
Go Ape: Express wild excitement or anger.
Go Ballistic: Fly into a rage.
Go Bananas: Become irrational or crazy.
Go Belly Up: Go bankrupt.
Go Berserk: Become wildly angry or crazy.
Go Bonkers: Become wild, restless, irrational, or crazy.
Go Cold Turkey: Stop using an addictive substance suddenly, without tapering off.
Go Down in Flames: Fail in a spectacular way.
Go Mental: Suddenly become extremely angry.
Go Nuclear: Use extreme measures; become extremely angry.
Go Nuts: Become crazy.
Go Off Half-Cocked: Say or do something prematurely, usually with a negative effect.
Go Off the Deep End: Unexpectedly become very angry, often without good reason.
Go Off the Rails: Go wrong; begin acting strangely or badly.
Go Out on a Limb: Assert something risky; put oneself in a vulnerable position.
Go Pear-Shaped: Fail; go wrong.
Go See a Man About a Dog: Go somewhere without revealing the real purpose (often a euphemism).
Go to the Dogs: Become disordered or decay.
Go to the Mattresses: Go into battle or serious conflict.
Go the Extra Mile: Put forth greater-than-expected effort.
Go Under the Knife: Undergo surgery.
Go Viral: Begin to spread rapidly on the Internet.
Go with the Flow: Accept the way things naturally seem to be going.
Grab (Take) the Bull by the Horns: Deal with a problem directly and decisively.
Grasp (Grab) at Straws: Take desperate actions with little hope of success.
Grease Monkey: A mechanic, especially an auto mechanic.
Grease the Wheels: Do something to make an operation run smoothly.
Greasy Spoon: An inexpensive restaurant serving fried or simple food.
Green Around the Gills: Look sick.
Green as Grass: Lacking experience or training; naive.
Grind One’s Teeth: Be very annoyed or angry without being able to express it.
Guilty Pleasure: Something enjoyed despite feeling guilty about it.
Guinea Pig: A test subject used to see if something will work.
Give and Take: Negotiation; the process of compromise.
Give ’Em Hell (often excl.): Express something passionately or forcefully.
Give Lip Service to: Claim to support something without taking real action.
Give One’s Two Cents (That’s My Two Cents): Offer an opinion.
Give Someone a Holler: Contact someone.
Give Someone a Piece of Your Mind: Angrily tell someone what you think.
Give Someone a Run for Their Money: Compete effectively with someone.
Give Someone an Earful: Angrily express an opinion to someone.
Give Someone the Cold Shoulder: Act hostile toward someone; ignore or snub.
Give Someone the Old Heave-Ho: Fire someone or remove them from a group.
Give Something a Whirl: Try something without much experience.
Give the Green Light: Approve something; allow it to proceed.

Idioms (H)

List of idioms that start with H.

Hail Mary (n. or adj.): A desperate, last-ditch attempt.
Hair of the Dog (That Bit You): A small amount of alcohol taken to relieve a hangover.
Hands Are Tied: You are prevented from doing something.
Hands Down: Undoubtedly; without question.
Hang It Up: Retire or end an activity pursued for a long time.
Hang Tough: Maintain one’s resolve.
Hanging by a Thread: In great danger of failure.
Happy-Go-Lucky: Cheerful and carefree.
Hard Nut to Crack: A difficult problem or person.
Has the Cat Got Your Tongue?: Why are you not saying anything?
Hat Trick: Scoring three goals or achieving three successes.
Hatchet Job: An intentionally destructive criticism.
Haul Over the Coals: Scold someone severely.
Have (One’s) Head in the Clouds: Be unrealistic or out of touch with reality.
Have a Ball: Have a very enjoyable time.
Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone): Want to discuss something that caused anger.
Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder: Harbor resentment.
Have a Dog in the Hunt: Have a personal interest in the outcome.
Have a Lead Foot: Tend to drive very fast.
Have a Lot on One’s Plate: Be very busy.
Have a Lot Riding on (Something): Depend heavily on an outcome.
Have a Nose for (Something): Have a natural talent for something.
Have a Screw Loose: Be slightly unbalanced or crazy.
Have a Tough Row to Hoe: Face a difficult task.
Have a Whale of a Time: Enjoy oneself greatly.
Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve: Have a hidden advantage.
Have Bigger Fish to Fry: Have more important things to do.
Have Egg on Your Face: Be embarrassed or look foolish.
Have Foot-in-Mouth Disease: Frequently say embarrassing things.
Have All the Aces / Hold All the Aces: Be in a very strong position.
Have It Out with Someone: Argue to settle a dispute.
Have One Foot in the Grave: Be near death.
Have One Over the Eight: Be slightly drunk.
Have One Too Many: Drink too much alcohol.
Have One’s Cake and Eat It, Too: Want two incompatible things.
Have Skin in the Game: Risk something personally.
Have Something in the Bag: Be certain to win.
Have the Hots for (Somebody): Be sexually attracted to someone.
Have the Time of Your Life: Have an extremely enjoyable experience.
Have Your Nose in the Air: Be snobbish or arrogant.
Have Your Say: Express your opinion.
He Who Laughs Last Laughs Best: Final success matters more than early victory.
He Would Put Legs Under a Chicken: He is extremely talkative.
Head South: Decline; get worse.
Head and Shoulders Above: Far superior to others.
Head Start: An advantage over others.
Heads Up (excl.): Be alert; get ready.
Heads Will Roll: People will be punished or fired.
Hear (Something) Through the Grapevine: Learn something via gossip.
Heart and Soul: With complete devotion.
Heavens Open: It starts to rain heavily.
Heavy Hitter: A powerful or influential person.
Helicopter Parenting: Overly involved parenting.
Hell for Leather: As fast as possible.
High as a Kite: Under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Hightail It (Out of There): Flee quickly.
Highways and Byways: All roads, both major and minor.
Hit a Wall: Suddenly stop making progress.
Hit It Out of the Park: Succeed brilliantly.
Hit the Books: Study.
Hit the Ground Running: Start something energetically and successfully.
Hit the Hay: Go to bed.
Hit the Jackpot: Achieve great success.
Hit the Nail on the Head: Be exactly right.
Hit the Road: Leave.
Hit the Roof: Become extremely angry.
Hit the Sack: Go to bed.
Hit the Spot: Be very satisfying.
Hive Mind: Collective thinking or shared knowledge.
Hobson’s Choice: A situation with no real alternative.
Hold One’s Liquor: Drink a lot without appearing drunk.
Hold One’s Peace: Remain silent.
Hold the Phone: Wait a moment.
Hold Your Horses (excl.): Slow down; be patient.
Home Away from Home: A place where one feels comfortable and welcome.
Home Truths: Honest, often painful criticism.
Honor System: A system based on trust and honesty.
Hot Mess: A state of extreme disorder.
Hot on the Heels (of): In close pursuit.
Hot Potato: A controversial or risky issue.

Idioms (I)

List of idioms that start with I.

I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone): It is quite possible that this person would do it.
If It Had Been a Snake, It Would Have Bitten Me: It was obvious, but I missed it.
If the Shoe Fits, Wear It: Accept a description if it applies to you.
I’m All Ears: You have my full attention.
In a Fog: Confused or not mentally alert.
In a Heartbeat: Immediately.
In a Jam: In trouble; needing help.
In a New York Minute: Very quickly.
In a Nutshell: In a few words.
In a Pickle: In a difficult situation.
In a Rut: Bored due to routine.
In Broad Daylight: Clearly visible to everyone.
In Clover: In a fortunate financial situation.
In for a Penny, In for a Pound: Fully committed despite increasing risk.
In Full Swing: At the busiest or liveliest stage.
In His Cups: Drunk.
In Hot Water: In trouble.
In One Fell Swoop: All at once.
In One’s Element: In a situation where one performs best.
In Someone’s Wheelhouse: Within someone’s area of expertise.
In Touch: In contact.
In the Blink of an Eye: Very quickly.
In the Cards: Likely to happen.
In the Crosshairs: Targeted for criticism.
In the Dark: Not informed.
In the Driver’s Seat: In control.
In the Hot Seat: Under pressure or scrutiny.
In the Interim: During the time between events.
In the Limelight / In the Spotlight: Receiving public attention.
In the Long Run: Over a long period of time.
In the Nick of Time: Just in time.
In the Pipeline: Being prepared or developed.
In the Red: Losing money.
In the Same Boat: In the same difficult situation.
In the Toilet: In very bad condition.
In the Works: Under development.
Iron Out (Problems, Difficulties): Resolve.
Is the Pope Catholic?: The answer is obvious.
It Never Rains but It Pours: Misfortunes tend to happen together.
It Takes Two to Tango: Both parties share responsibility.
It Won’t Fly: It will not work or be approved.
Itchy Feet: A strong desire to travel or move.
It’s a Wash: Gains and losses cancel each other out.
It’s All Greek to Me: Completely unintelligible.
It’s No Skin off My Nose: It does not affect me.
It’s Not Over Till the Fat Lady Sings: Do not give up too soon.
It’s Not Rocket Science: It is not difficult.
I’ve Had It Up to Here: My patience is exhausted.

Idioms (J)

List of idioms that start with J.

Jam Session: Playing improvised music in an informal setting.
Jim Crow: The system of racial segregation in the American South prior to the American civil rights movement.
Join the Club (excl.): I feel sympathy for you because I have experienced something similar.
Jump in with Both Feet: Begin a new experience wholeheartedly.
Jump on the Bandwagon: Follow a trend or craze.
Jump the Gun: Start doing something too soon.
Jump the Shark: To pass peak quality and begin to decline, often used to describe television programs or movie series.
Jump the Track: Shift suddenly from one activity or line of thought to another.
Jump Through Hoops: Complete a series of tasks in order to satisfy someone.
Just Around the Corner: Occurring soon.
Just for the Record: Used to make something clear or officially stated.
Just What the Doctor Ordered: Exactly what is needed to improve a situation or make someone feel better.

Idioms (K)

List of idioms that start with K.

Keep (Something) at Bay: Maintain a distance from something or someone.
Keep a Stiff Upper Lip: Control one’s emotions; not give in to fear or grief.
Keep an Eye On: Watch someone or something carefully.
Keep an Eye Peeled: Be observant; watch out for something.
Keep It Under Your Hat: Don’t tell anyone; keep it secret.
Keep Someone at Arm’s Length: Avoid close interaction or cooperation.
Keep Your Nose Clean: Avoid trouble or dishonest behavior.
Keep Your Powder Dry: Be prepared to act when the time is right.
Keep One’s Nose to the Grindstone: Work hard on something tedious or repetitive.
Kick Ass / Kick Butt: 1) Defeat badly; 2) Be excellent or highly effective (only “kick ass” is used for sense 2).
Kick the Bucket: To die.
Kick the Can Down the Road: Postpone an important decision.
Kill a Fly with an Elephant Gun: Use excessive measures to solve a small problem.
Kill the Goose That Laid the Golden Egg: Destroy a source of ongoing benefit.
Kill Two Birds with One Stone: Achieve two results with one action.
King of the Hill: The most influential or dominant person in a field.
Kink in One’s Neck: A painful cramp or stiffness in the neck.
Kiss and Make Up: Make peace after an argument.
Kith and Kin: One’s family and relatives.
Knock on Wood / Touch Wood: Said to avoid bad luck or to express hope for continued good luck.
Knock Some Sense Into (Someone): Force someone to understand, sometimes used figuratively.
Knock Someone’s Socks Off: Amaze someone.
Knock Up: To impregnate a woman.
Knockout: An extremely attractive person.
Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand: Be very familiar with something.

Idioms (L)

List of idioms that start with L.

Larger Than Life: Impressive, exaggerated, or extraordinary.
Last but Not Least: Used to introduce the final item without implying it is less important.
Laughter Is the Best Medicine: Laughing helps recovery or emotional well-being.
Learn the Ropes: Become familiar with how something works.
Leave Someone in the Lurch: Abandon someone in a difficult situation.
Lend an Ear: Listen attentively.
Let Bygones Be Bygones: Forget past conflicts.
Let Off Steam: Release anger or frustration harmlessly.
Let One’s Hair Down: Relax and enjoy oneself.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie: Avoid restarting old problems.
Let the Cat Out of the Bag: Reveal a secret.
Let the Genie Out of the Bottle: Reveal something that cannot be undone.
Letter of the Law: The exact wording of a law.
Lick One’s Wounds: Recover after a defeat.
Life Is a Bowl of Cherries: Life is easy or pleasant.
Light a Fire Under Someone: Motivate someone strongly.
Light at the End of the Tunnel: Hope after difficulty.
Like a Kid in a Candy Store: Extremely excited.
Like a Moth to a Flame: Attracted despite danger.
Like Father, Like Son: Children resemble their parents.
Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel: Very easy.
Like Taking Candy from a Baby: Extremely easy.
Like the Cat That Got the Cream: Looking very self-satisfied.
Like Two Peas in a Pod: Very similar.
Lion’s Den: A dangerous place.
Lion’s Share: The largest portion.
Live Large: Live extravagantly.
Living in Cloud Cuckooland: Being unrealistic.
Living on Borrowed Time: Living after a near-death experience.
Living Under a Rock: Unaware of important events.
Loaded for Bear: Fully prepared for trouble.
Loan Shark: A predatory lender.
Lock Horns: Argue or clash.
Long Shot: Something unlikely to succeed.
Look the Other Way: Ignore wrongdoing.
Look What the Cat Dragged In: An unwelcome arrival.
Loose Cannon: Someone unpredictable.
Lose It: Lose emotional control.
Lose One’s Touch: Decline in skill.
Lose the Thread: Fail to follow reasoning.
Love at First Sight: Immediate romantic attraction.
Love Rat: Someone who cheats in relationships.
Love Someone with All of One’s Heart and Soul: Love completely.
Low-Hanging Fruit: Easy gains.
Lower the Boom: Punish or reprimand severely.

Idioms (M)

List of idioms that start with M.

Mad as a Box of (Soapy) Frogs: Extremely crazy or irrational.
Mad as a Hatter: Mentally unstable.
Main Squeeze: One’s romantic partner.
Make a Break for It: Attempt to escape.
Make a Mountain out of a Molehill: Exaggerate a minor issue.
Make a Silk Purse out of a Sow’s Ear: Improve something inferior.
Make Ends Meet: Manage financially.
Make Hay (While the Sun Shines): Take advantage of an opportunity.
Make Love: Have sexual intercourse.
Make Nice: Act politely despite conflict.
Make One’s Mark: Gain recognition.
Make Someone’s Day: Make someone happy.
Make Waves: Cause trouble or controversy.
Man Cave: A private space for a man.
March to the Beat of Your Own Drum: Act independently.
Match Made in Heaven: A perfect pairing.
May–December Marriage: Marriage with a large age gap.
Me Time: Time for oneself.
Meeting of the Minds: Agreement.
Mend Fences: Repair relationships.
Mind One’s P’s and Q’s: Behave carefully.
Miss the Boat: Miss an opportunity.
Monday Morning Quarterback: Someone who criticizes after the fact.
Month of Sundays: A very long time.
More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys: Extremely enjoyable.
Mother Nature: The natural world.
Move Heaven and Earth: Do everything possible.
Move the Needle: Make a noticeable impact.
Move Up in the World: Become more successful.
Movers and Shakers: Influential people.
Much of a Muchness: Essentially the same.
Mum’s the Word: Keep it secret.
Music to My Ears: Pleasant news.
Mutton Dressed Up as Lamb: Dressing younger than appropriate.
My Dogs Are Barking: My feet hurt.
My Old Man / My Old Lady: One’s spouse.
My Way or the Highway: No compromise allowed.

Idioms (N)

List of idioms that start with N.

Nail-Biter: A suspenseful or very exciting event.
Nailing Jelly / Jello / Pudding to a Wall: An impossible task.
Neck and Neck: Very close in a competition, with no clear leader.
Neck of the Woods: A particular region or area.
Nest Egg: Money saved for the future, especially retirement.
Never in a Million Years: Absolutely never.
Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth: Do not criticize or question a gift.
New Wrinkle: A new aspect or development in a situation.
Nice Chunk of Change: A large amount of money.
Nickel and Dime: Argue over small amounts of money.
Nine Times Out of Ten: Almost always.
Nine-to-Five Job: A regular office job with standard hours.
Nip (Something) in the Bud: Stop a problem before it grows.
No Holds Barred: Without restrictions or rules.
No Love Lost Between: Mutual dislike exists between people.
No Names, No Pack Drill: If no one is identified, no one is punished.
No Rhyme or Reason: Without logic or explanation.
No Room to Swing a Cat: Extremely small or cramped.
No Shit, Sherlock: Used sarcastically to state something is obvious.
No Tree Grows to the Sky: Growth or success cannot continue forever.
Not Cut Out for (Something): Not naturally suited for something.
Not Give a Fig: Not care at all.
Not Have a Cat in Hell’s Chance: Have no chance of success.
Not Have a Prayer: Have no chance.
Not Know Jack: Know nothing.
Not Lift a Finger: Make no effort to help.
Not Mince Words: Speak bluntly or directly.
Not One’s Cup of Tea: Not something one enjoys.
Not Playing with a Full Deck: Mentally impaired or foolish.
Not Ready for Prime Time: Not fully developed or experienced.
Not Sit Well with (Someone): Make someone uncomfortable.
Nothing to Write Home About: Ordinary or unimpressive.
Nuts and Bolts: Practical details.
Nutty as a Fruitcake: Crazy or eccentric.

Idioms (P)

List of idioms that start with P.

Pack Heat: Carry a gun.
Paddle One’s Own Canoe: Act independently.
Page-Turner: A book that is very exciting and hard to put down.
Pain in the Ass: Someone or something very annoying.
Pain in the Neck: A persistent annoyance.
Paint the Town Red: Go out partying.
Par for the Course: Normal or expected (often negative).
Pass the Buck: Shift responsibility to someone else.
Pass with Flying Colors: Succeed brilliantly.
Passing Fancy: A temporary interest.
Pay Through the Nose: Pay an excessive amount.
Peaches and Cream: Easy and pleasant.
Pecking Order: Hierarchy or ranking.
Pencil (Something) In: Make tentative plans.
Penny-Pinching: Being very frugal.
Pep Talk: A motivational speech.
Perfect Storm: A worst-case combination of events.
Pet Peeve: A minor annoyance.
Pick a Fight: Intentionally start a conflict.
Pick Up the Slack: Take over unfinished work.
Pick Up the Tab: Pay the bill.
Pie in the Sky: An unrealistic hope.
Piece of Cake: Very easy.
Pin Someone Down: Force a clear decision.
Pinch Pennies: Be careful with money.
Pink Slip: Notice of job termination.
Pipe Dream: An unrealistic idea.
Piping Hot: Very hot.
Pipped to the Post: Defeated narrowly.
Pissing Contest: A pointless competition.
Play Ball: Cooperate.
Play Cat and Mouse: Toy with someone strategically.
Play Hardball: Act aggressively.
Play It by Ear: Act without a fixed plan.
Play with Fire: Take serious risks.
Play Your Cards Right: Act wisely to gain advantage.
Point of No Return: Stage beyond reversal.
Point the Finger At: Blame someone.
Poison Pill: A harmful provision added intentionally.
Pop the Question: Propose marriage.
Pot Calling the Kettle Black: Accusing someone of one’s own faults.
Powder Keg: A volatile situation.
Pull Out All the Stops: Use every effort.
Pull Strings: Use personal influence.
Pull Yourself Together: Regain emotional control.
Push the Envelope: Go beyond accepted limits.
Pushing Up Daisies: Dead and buried.
Put Down Roots: Settle permanently.
Put Someone on the Spot: Force an immediate response.
Put the Cart Before the Horse: Do things in the wrong order.
Put Your Foot Down: Assert authority.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Support words with action.

Idioms (Q)

List of idioms that start with Q.

Quake in One’s Boots: To be very frightened.
Quarter Past: Fifteen minutes after the hour.
Quarter To: Fifteen minutes before the hour.
Queer the Pitch: Interfere with someone’s plans; make something more difficult.
Quick as a Flash: Very fast.
Quick-and-Dirty: Approximate; hastily done.
Quote Unquote: Used to signal irony or indicate that a phrase is being mentioned rather than used.

Idioms (R)

List of idioms that start with R.

Race Against Time: To rush to meet a deadline; to be forced to act very quickly.
Rain Cats and Dogs: Rain very heavily.
Rain on Someone’s Parade: Spoil someone’s plans.
Raise (Someone’s) Hackles: Make someone angry or defensive.
Raise One’s Voice: Speak loudly.
Raise Red Flags: Give warning signs of trouble.
Raise the Bar: Increase standards or expectations.
Raise the Roof: Make a great deal of noise.
Rake (Someone) Over the Coals: Scold someone severely.
Rake Over the Ashes: Revisit a settled argument or past failure.
Rank and File: The ordinary members of an organization.
Read Between the Lines: Understand what is implied but not stated.
Read the Tea Leaves: Predict the future from small signs.
Rear Its Ugly Head: Appear or become noticeable (said of something unpleasant).
Rearrange the Deck Chairs on the Titanic: Take superficial actions while ignoring a serious underlying problem.
Red Flag: A warning sign.
Red Herring: A misleading clue or distraction.
Red Meat: Statements or actions meant to strongly appeal to core supporters.
Red Tape: Excessive bureaucracy.
Red-Light District: An area associated with prostitution.
Reinvent the Wheel: Create a solution that already exists.
Riding High: Enjoying success.
Right as Rain: Perfectly fine; completely correct.
Right Under (One’s) Nose: In an obvious place but overlooked.
Right-Hand Man: A chief assistant.
Ring a Bell: Sound familiar.
Rob Peter to Pay Paul: Solve one problem by creating another.
Rob the Cradle: Be romantically involved with someone much younger.
Rock Bottom: The lowest possible point.
Rock the Boat: Cause trouble or disrupt stability.
Roll the Dice On: Take a risk.
Roll with the Punches: Adapt to difficulties.
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day: Important work takes time.
Rookie Mistake: An error made by an inexperienced person.
Rotten to the Core: Completely corrupt or evil.
Rub (Something) in Someone’s Face: Humiliate someone by emphasizing a mistake.
Rub It In: Make someone feel worse by reminding them of a failure.
Rub Someone’s Nose in (Something): Humiliate someone repeatedly.
Rubber-Stamp (v.): Approve something without real consideration.
Rule of Thumb: A general guideline.
Run a Tight Ship: Manage something in a strict, efficient way.
Run in the Family: Be inherited or common among family members.
Run into a Buzzsaw: Encounter severe and unexpected resistance or problems.
Run off at the Mouth: Talk excessively or foolishly.
Run on Fumes: Have very little energy or resources left.
Run Out of Steam: Lose energy or momentum.
Run the Table: Win every game or contest.

Idioms (S)

List of idioms that start with S.

Sacred Cow: A person or thing that cannot be criticized.
Saving Grace: Something that redeems an otherwise bad situation.
Scare the Living Daylights Out of Someone: Frighten someone severely.
Scorched Earth: Ruthless and extremely destructive tactics or policies.
Screw the Pooch: Make a serious mistake.
School of Hard Knocks: Learning through difficult life experiences.
Second Banana: A person in a subordinate position.
Second Stringer: A substitute who is less skilled.
Second Wind: Renewed energy.
See Eye to Eye: Agree completely.
See Something Out of the Corner of Your Eye: Notice something using peripheral vision.
Seize the Bull by the Horns: Confront a problem directly.
Seize the Day: Take advantage of an opportunity.
Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods: Deceive someone.
Sell Like Hotcakes: Sell very quickly.
Selling Point: An attractive feature.
Set in Stone: Fixed and unchangeable.
Set Something to Music: Compose music for words.
Set the Bar (Too) High: Establish very high standards.
Set the Thames on Fire: Do something extraordinary (often used negatively).
Set the World on Fire: Achieve great success.
Shake the Dust off Your Shoes: Make a clean break from a situation.
Shape Up or Ship Out: Improve behavior or leave.
Sharp as a Tack: Very intelligent.
Shell Game: A deceptive practice.
Shift Gears: Change approach or activity.
Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Neat and orderly.
Shoot from the Hip: Act without thinking.
Shoot Off One’s Mouth: Speak without restraint.
Shoot Oneself in the Foot: Harm one’s own interests.
Short Fuse: A quick temper.
Shot Across the Bow: A warning.
Shoulder a Weight off Your Shoulders: Relieve a burden or worry.
Show One’s True Colors: Reveal true character.
Show Your Cards: Reveal plans or intentions.
Sick and Tired of: Extremely annoyed.
Sick as a Dog: Very ill.
Sick as a Parrot: Extremely disappointed.
Sight for Sore Eyes: A welcome or pleasing sight.
Silver Bullet: A simple solution to a complex problem.
Simmer Down: Calm down.
Sink or Swim: Fail or succeed by one’s own efforts.
Sing a Different Tune: Change one’s opinion.
Sit On (Something): Delay action.
Sit Tight: Wait patiently.
Sitting Duck: An easy target.
Sitting Pretty: In a favorable position.
Six Feet Under: Dead and buried.
Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other: No real difference between two options.
Six Ways from Sunday: In every possible way.
Slam Dunk: A sure success.
Sleep Like a Baby: Sleep very deeply.
Sleep with the Fishes: Be dead, often violently.
Slip Someone a Mickey: Drug someone’s drink.
Slippery Slope: A course of action leading to negative consequences.
Slower than Molasses: Extremely slow.
Small Beer: Something insignificant.
Small Fry: People with little importance.
Small Potatoes: Something unimportant.
Smell a Rat: Suspect something dishonest.
Smoking Gun: Conclusive evidence.
Snafu: A confused or chaotic situation.
Snake Oil: A fake or ineffective remedy.
Sneak Peek: An early look at something.
Soak Up the Sun: Enjoy sunshine.
Sold On (Something): Convinced.
You Can’t Make an Omelet Without Breaking Eggs: Achieving goals requires sacrifice.
Someone’s Fingerprints Are All Over (Something): Someone’s influence is obvious.
Something to Crow About: Something to be proud of.
Son of a Gun: A rascal; or an exclamation of surprise.
Sore Point: A sensitive topic.
Sour Grapes: Bitter disparagement of something unattainable.
Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child: Belief that discipline is necessary for proper upbringing.
Speak of the Devil: Said when someone mentioned appears.
Speak with a Plum in One’s Mouth: Speak with an upper-class accent.
Spick and Span: Very clean.
Spill the Beans: Reveal a secret.
Spin a Yarn: Tell a story.
Spin One’s Wheels: Make no progress.
Spit into the Wind: Waste effort.
Spoiling for a Fight: Eager for conflict.
Square the Circle: Attempt the impossible.
Stab Someone in the Back: Betray someone.
Stalking Horse: Someone used to test ideas or reactions.
Stand (Someone) in Good Stead: Be useful in the future.
Stand on One’s Own Two Feet: Be independent.
Stand One’s Ground: Refuse to yield.
Start with a Clean Slate: Begin again fresh.
Steal Someone’s Thunder: Take credit from someone.
Stem the Tide: Stop or slow a negative trend.
Step Up One’s Game: Improve performance.
Step Up to the Plate: Take responsibility.
Stick It to the Man: Defy authority.
Stick Your Nose into Something: Interfere unnecessarily.
Sticker Shock: Surprise at high prices.
Stick-in-the-Mud: Someone resistant to change.
Sticky Wicket: A difficult situation.
Stiff-Necked: Stubborn or inflexible.
Storm in a Teacup: A fuss over something trivial.
Stormy Relationship: A relationship marked by frequent conflict.
Stumbling Block: An obstacle.
Straight Arrow: An honest person.
Strain at a Gnat and Swallow a Camel: Focus on trivial matters while ignoring serious ones.
Strike a Chord: Evoke a strong feeling or memory.
Sugar Daddy: A wealthy man who supports a younger partner financially.
Sure-Fire: Certain to succeed.
Swan Song: A final performance or act.
Sweep Under the Carpet: Conceal a problem.
Sweet Dreams: A wish for pleasant sleep.
Sweeten the Deal: Add incentives to an offer.
Sweeten the Pot: Increase potential rewards.
Swim Against the Tide: Go against common opinion.
Swim with Sharks: Operate in a risky or aggressive environment.
Swim with the Fishes: Be killed, often by criminals.
Swing for the Fences: Aim for maximum success.
Sword of Damocles: A constant threat hanging over someone.

Idioms (T)

List of idioms that start with T.

Take (Someone) to the Cleaners: 1) Swindle; 2) Defeat badly.
Take a Deep Dive (Into): Explore something extensively.
Take a Flyer: To take a risk, especially by making a speculative investment.
Take a Gander: Take a look at something.
Take a Hike: Go away.
Take a Powder: Leave, especially to avoid a difficult situation.
Take a Rain Check: Decline an invitation but suggest accepting it later.
Take Five (Ten): Take a short break of five (ten) minutes.
Take It Easy: Don’t hurry; relax; don’t get angry.
Take It on the Chin: Endure criticism or punishment; suffer a setback.
Take It or Leave It: A final offer that must be accepted or rejected immediately.
Take Someone to Task: Reprimand someone strongly.
Take Something with a Pinch (Grain) of Salt: Do not completely believe what is said.
Take the Cake: Be the most extreme or outstanding example.
Take the Edge Off (Something): Make something less severe or intense.
Take the Fifth: Refuse to answer to avoid self-incrimination.
Take the Gloves Off: Act or negotiate aggressively.
Take the High Road: Behave morally and avoid personal attacks.
Take the Mickey (Piss) (Out of Someone): Mock or ridicule someone.
Take the Shine Off (Something): Diminish the pleasure of something.
Take the Starch Out of (Someone): Reduce someone’s confidence or arrogance.
Take the Wind Out of Someone’s Sails: Reduce someone’s confidence or enthusiasm.
Take Your Life in Your Hands: Take an extreme risk.
Take Your Medicine: Accept punishment or unpleasant consequences without complaint.
Take Your Time: Don’t hurry; proceed at a relaxed pace.
Taste of Your Own Medicine: Experience the same unpleasant treatment one has given others.
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks: Change long-established habits (usually used negatively).
Tear One’s Hair Out: Be extremely worried or frustrated.
Tear-Jerker: A film or book that makes people cry.
Tee Many Martoonies: Too many martinis; humorous expression suggesting drunkenness.
Tell It to the Marines: I don’t believe you.
Tempest in a Teapot: A big fuss over something trivial.
Ten a Penny: Very common; of little value.
Ten to One: Very likely.
Test the Waters: Try something cautiously.
Tie the Knot: Get married.
Tighten the Screws: Increase pressure on someone.
Tight-Lipped: Secretive; unwilling to speak.
’Til the Cows Come Home: For a very long time.
Time Is Money: Time is valuable and should not be wasted.
Tip of the Iceberg: A small visible part of a much larger problem.
Tip One’s Hand: Reveal information prematurely.
TLC: Tender Loving Care.
To Be a Peach: Someone or something that is very pleasant or admirable.
To Be Smitten with Someone: Be deeply attracted to someone.
To Be Someone’s One and Only: Be unique and irreplaceable to someone.
To Be the Apple of Someone’s Eye: Be dearly loved.
To Bear Fruit: Produce positive results.
To Carpool: Travel together in one car.
To Each His Own: Everyone has different tastes.
To Get Cold Feet: Become nervous or hesitant.
To Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder: Be resentful or argumentative.
To Have Butterflies in Your Stomach: Feel nervous.
To Have One for the Road: Have a final drink before leaving.
To Pay an Arm and a Leg: Pay a very high price.
To Pull Someone’s Leg: Joke or tease playfully.
To Run Hot and Cold: Be indecisive.
To the Letter: Exactly as instructed.
Toe the Line: Follow rules or authority.
Tone-Deaf: Insensitive to others’ feelings.
Tongue-in-Cheek: Said humorously or ironically.
Too Busy Fighting Alligators to Drain the Swamp: Too focused on immediate problems to address the main issue.
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth: Too many people involved can ruin a project.
Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians: Too many leaders and not enough workers.
Too Many to Shake a Stick At: A very large number.
Toot Your Own Horn: Brag.
Top Banana: The leader.
Toss a Wrench (Spanner) Into: Sabotage a plan.
Touch Base: Make brief contact.
Touch One’s Heart: Affect emotionally.
Touch Water: Be launched (said of a boat).
Tough Cookie: A very determined person.
Tough Sledding: Difficult progress.
Turn a Blind Eye: Choose not to notice something.
Turn on a Dime: Change direction quickly.
Turn Someone Inside Out: Cause emotional turmoil.
Turn Something on Its Head: Reverse or radically change something.
Turn Turtle: Capsize.
Turn the Corner: Begin to improve.
Turn the Tables: Reverse a situation.
Turnabout Is Fair Play: It is fair to receive the same treatment one gives.
Twenty-Four Seven: All the time.
Twist the Knife (in Deeper): Make suffering worse.
Two a Penny: Very common; of little value.
Two Peas in a Pod: Two very similar people.
Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF): Expression of relief that the workweek is over.
That Ship Has Sailed: The opportunity has passed.
That’s Music to My Ears: I am very happy to hear that.
That’s a Stretch: Hard to believe.
That’s All She Wrote: That was the end.
The Apple Never Falls Far from the Tree: Children resemble their parents.
The Birds and the Bees: Human sexuality.
The Cat Is Out of the Bag: A secret has been revealed.
The Coast Is Clear: It is safe to proceed.
The Cherry on the Cake: The final perfect detail.
The Deck Is Stacked Against You: Conditions are unfair.
The Jig Is Up: Deception has been exposed.
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same: Things remain essentially unchanged.
The Only Game in Town: The sole option available.
The Powers That Be: Authorities.
The Real McCoy: The genuine article.
The Story Has Legs: The story continues to attract attention.
The Time Is Ripe: The moment is suitable.
The Walls Have Ears: Someone may be listening.
The Whole Enchilada: Everything.
The Whole Shebang: Everything.
The World Is Your Oyster: You have many opportunities.
There but for the Grace of God Go I: I could have been in the same situation.
There’s More Than One Way to Skin a Cat: There are many ways to achieve a goal.
There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch: Nothing is free.
Thin on the Ground: Rare.
Think Big: Be ambitious.
Think Outside the Box: Think creatively.
Think Tank: A research organization.
Third Rail: A very sensitive topic.
Third Time’s a Charm: Success may come on the third attempt.
Thirty-Thousand-Foot View: A broad overview.
This Has (Person X) Written All Over It: Suits someone perfectly.
This Is Not Your Father’s ____: A modernized version.
Three Sheets to the Wind: Very drunk.
Through the Grapevine: Via gossip.
Through Thick and Thin: In all circumstances.
Throw a Wet Blanket on (Something): Discourage enthusiasm.
Throw a Wrench Into: Sabotage.
Throw Caution to the Wind: Act recklessly.
Throw Down the Gauntlet: Issue a challenge.
Throw Elbows: Act aggressively.
Throw in the Towel: Give up.
Throw Someone for a Loop: Surprise greatly.
Throw Someone Under the Bus: Betray someone.
Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water: Discard something valuable along with the unwanted.
Throw the Book At (Someone): Punish severely.
Throw the Fight: Intentionally lose.
Throw the Game: Intentionally lose.
Throw the Match: Intentionally lose.
Thumbs-Up: Approval.
Train Wreck: A disastrous situation.
Trash Talk: Insult an opponent.
Tread Water: Make no progress.
Trial Balloon: A test reaction.
Trip the Light Fantastic: Dance energetically.

Idioms (U)

List of idioms that start with U.

U-Turn: A complete change of direction or opinion.
Ugly Duckling: Someone who becomes attractive after an awkward youth.
Under (Below) the Radar: Not widely noticed.
Under Someone’s Spell: Fascinated by someone.
Under the Impression: Believing something, possibly incorrectly.
Under the Table: Illegally or unofficially.
Under the Weather: Feeling ill.
Under Wraps: Kept secret.
University of Life: Education gained through experience.
Until the Cows Come Home: For a very long time.
Until You’re Blue in the Face: Repeatedly without success.
Up a Creek: In serious trouble.
Up for Grabs: Available.
Up in Arms: Angry or protesting.
Up in the Air: Undecided.
Up to One’s Neck: Overwhelmed.
Up to Scratch: Meeting required standards.
Up to Snuff: Acceptable quality.
Up the Ante: Increase stakes.
Up the Duff: Pregnant.
Upset the Apple Cart: Disrupt plans.
Use One’s Head: Think sensibly.

Idioms (V)

List of idioms that start with V.

Vale of Tears: The world in general, envisioned as a sad place; the tribulations of life.
Vicious Circle: A situation in which an attempt to solve a problem makes the original problem worse.
Victory Lap: Visible public appearances after a victory or accomplishment.
Virgin Territory: Something that has never been explored, physically or intellectually.
Vote with One’s Feet: To physically depart from something as a way of showing disapproval.

Idioms (W)

List of idioms that start with W.

Waiting in the Wings: Ready to assume responsibilities but not yet active; prepared to become a successor.
Waka-Jumping: Changing political parties (said of politicians themselves).
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee: Stop deluding yourself; face reality.
Wake Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed: Be grumpy or ill-humored.
Walk on Eggshells: To act very sensitively in order to avoid offending someone.
Walk the Plank: Be forced to resign a position.
Wandering Eye: A tendency to look at and desire people other than one’s committed romantic partner.
Wash Your Hands of (Something): Decline to take further responsibility; refuse to be involved anymore.
Water Under the Bridge: Something in the past that is no longer worth worrying about.
Watering Hole: A place where alcoholic beverages are served; a bar.
Weekend Warrior: Someone who works during the week but pursues intense activities on weekends; also a military reservist.
We’ll Cross That Bridge When We Come to It: We will deal with that problem if and when it arises.
Welsh (Welch) on a Deal: Fail to observe the terms of an agreement.
Wet Behind the Ears: Inexperienced; immature; new to something.
Wet Blanket: Someone who dampens a festive occasion.
Wet Your Whistle: Drink something.
What Do You Make of (Him/Her)?: What is your evaluation of this person?
What Goes Around Comes Around: The way you treat others will eventually return to you.
What’s Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander: What is acceptable for one person should be acceptable for another.
When Hell Freezes Over: Never.
When in Doubt, Leave It Out: When unsure about something, omit it.
When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do: Follow the customs of the place you are visiting.
When It Rains, It Pours: Problems or events tend to occur all at once.
When Pigs Fly: Never.
When the Chips Are Down: When a situation becomes urgent or difficult.
Where (When) the Rubber Meets the Road: In reality; where ideas face practical testing.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Strong determination can overcome obstacles.
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire: Rumors usually have some basis in fact.
Whisper Sweet Nothings (in Someone’s Ear): Speak meaningless romantic words.
Whistle in the Dark: Pretend to be confident in a frightening situation.
Whistle Past the Graveyard: Remain optimistic despite danger or fear.
Whistling Dixie: Being unrealistically optimistic.
White Elephant: An unwanted item that is difficult to sell or dispose of.
Who’s She, the Cat’s Mother?: A rebuke for using “she” instead of a person’s name.
Wild Goose Chase: A futile or hopeless search.
Window Dressing: A misleading appearance meant to impress.
Window Shop: Look at merchandise without intending to buy.
Witch Hunt: An organized attempt to persecute people unfairly.
With Bells On: Eagerly and enthusiastically.
Work One’s Fingers to the Bone: Work extremely hard for a long time.
Worn to a Frazzle: Completely exhausted.
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead: Would absolutely refuse to do something.
Writing (Handwriting) on the Wall: Clear signs of coming trouble or disaster.

Idioms (Y)

List of idioms that start with Y.

Year In, Year Out: Every year without change.
You Can Lead a Horse to Water, but You Can’t Make It Drink: You cannot force someone to do something.
You Can Say That Again!: I completely agree.
You Can Take It to the Bank: This is absolutely certain.
You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover: Appearances can be misleading.
You Can’t Make an Omelet (Omelette) Without Breaking Eggs: You must accept some loss to achieve something.
You Can’t Make Fish of One and Fowl of the Other: You cannot mix or confuse two different things.
You Know the Drill: You already understand the routine.
You Snooze, You Lose: Delay causes missed opportunities.
Young at Heart: Having a youthful attitude regardless of age.
Your Guess Is as Good as Mine: I have no idea either.
Your Mileage May Vary: Results may differ.
Your Number Is Up: You are about to face serious trouble or death.
You’re Driving Me Nuts: You are making me very annoyed or crazy.
Yours Truly: Me; the person speaking or writing.

Idioms (Z)

List of idioms that start with Z.

Zero In On: Focus closely on something.
Zig When One Should Be Zagging: Choose the wrong course of action.
Zip One’s Lip: Be quiet.