English Idioms

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Idiom Home
Idioms: 'at a boy (that a boy) -- 'at a girl (that a

girl)
Idiom Meaning Example
Whenever I win, Don says, " 'at a boy! Good
'at a boy (that a boy) good work, well done
game!"
When Judy gets good grades, her mom says, " 'at a
'at a girl (that a girl) good work, well done
girl, Judy!"
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Idioms: a close shave -- a cut-up

very close to serious injury or The old man described his fight with the bear as a
a close shave
death close shave.
a batter who hits when runners are Joe's a clutch hitter. He's batting .431 with runners
a clutch hitter (baseball)
on base on base.
an idea or theme that is similar to There's a common thread in most of Berton's
a common thread
others stories.
a contract that pays to have There's a contract out on Mike. The boss doesn't
a contract out on
someone killed like him.
We haven't been out to the coast in a coon's age.
a coon's age many years, a dog's age
It's been years.
a short course that has the main He took a crash course in cooking and bought a
a crash course
facts and skills cafe.
Judy has a crush on Tim. See the way she looks at
a crush on sudden feeling of love or romance
him.
It's a crying shame that they didn't have fire
a crying shame a sad event, it is too bad
insurance.
A scholar's work is a cut above. It's superior to the
a cut above superior, better
others.
a joker, a person who tells jokes When Marsha goes to a party she's a real cut-up - a
a cut-up
and has fun lot of fun.
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Idioms: can -- can't hold a candle

can (See the can)
He was canned for drinking liquor at work. They
can dismiss, fire, let go
dismissed him.
Abortion won't become legal if he can help it. He's
can help it can stop it, can prevent it
against it.
Miss Schmidt heard a boy say, "Can it! Here comes
can it stop it, knock it off
the teacher."
a controversial issue, an old
can of worms Gun control - let's not open that can of worms!
problem
cannot believe what I hear, it is The cat is babysitting the kids? I can't believe my
can't believe my ears
unbelievable ears!
cannot believe what I see, it is When you walked into that cafe, I couldn't believe
can't believe my eyes
unbelievable my eyes.
you have to choose one or the When children are allowed to make choices, they
can't have it both ways
other; cannot have your cake... learn that they can't have it both ways.
I can't help crying at weddings. They make me feel
can't help cannot prevent, cannot stop
sad.
can't hold a candle (See hold a candle)
Idioms: can't put my finger on it -- Canuck

cannot remember the exact
can't put my finger on it I know the answer, but I can't put my finger on it.
words
cannot remember exactly where it Your book is in my office, but I can't put my hands
can't put my hands on it
is on it now.
cannot see because I have been Will you try to find my glove? I can't see for
can't see for looking
looking too long looking.
can't see the forest for the I am so close that I cannot see the I'm so involved in teaching that I've lost my view of
trees whole picture or the big picture education. I can't see the forest for the trees.
Don can't stand love songs. He thinks the words are
can't stand does not like, hate
silly.
getting goosed in Canada by a "There," he said. "Now you've had your Canada
Canada goose
Canadian goose."
a person who tells the police, a Ken - that canary! He tells the boss who comes in
canary
squealer late.
a person without courage or Larry, that candy-ass! He's afraid to play me
candy-ass
confidence because he may lose.
prepared, memorized, a pat His answers sound canned, like he memorized
canned
answer them.
a Canadian, a citizen of Canada, When we visited Montana, a clerk called us

Canuck
Johnny Canuck "Canucks."
Idioms: capture the imagination -- carry out

cause a person to imagine a scene The story of Jacob Two-Two will capture the kids'
capture the imagination
or character imagination.
a person who loves to repair or Colin has been a car buff ever since he bought his
car buff
restore cars first Ford.
card (See such a card)
a regular member, a person on the Only card-carrying members will be allowed to
card-carrying member
membership list attend the meeting.
a mistake made by a caribou, "Why did the caribou get lost?" "He made a
caribouboo
make a booboo caribouboo! Ha ha!"
carry a tune sing well, sing in tune, pipes Ask June to lead the singing. She can carry a tune.
This project requires planning and skill, but he can
carry it off make it happen, pull it off
carry it off.
Carry on with your game. I'll wait until you're
carry on continue, keep on
finished.
They were kissing in church. Imagine carrying on
carry on talk or act silly, not be sensible
like that!
Now that we have the loan we can carry out our
carry out do, complete, execute
plan.
Idioms: carry the can -- cash and carry

be responsible, see that the job The manager gets a big salary, but Mario carries the
carry the can
gets done can.
continue the conversation, Visiting with Sally is easy. She carries the
carry the conversation
continue talking to you conversation!
provide enough energy or We need one more volunteer. If you can come it
carry the day
support, fill the gap will carry the day.
Nina is a good reference; her name carries a lot of
carry weight have influence, have power
weight.
do your share of the work, do If you carry your weight, you can work here for the
carry your weight
enough work summer.
cart before the horse (See the cart before the horse)
allow information to flow down to Archie thinks we should control this information, not
cascade (business)
the employees cascade it.
an example to support my point or Social democracy can succeed. Sweden is a case in
case in point
thesis point.
case of (See a case of)
pay cash and carry it out of the The ad stated the terms of the sale: CASH &
cash and carry
store (no deliveries) CARRY.
Idioms: cash cow -- cat's ass

a source of much money, a Alberta's cash cow - oil - is helping to balance the
cash cow
profitable resource budget.
money spent on the operation of a Calculate your weekly business expenses. That's
cash flow
business your cash flow.
receive cash for bonds or poker You're retired now. It may be time to cash in your
cash in
chips; profit from bonds.
pay cash to the owner at the time The old man said, "To buy my pony you'll have to
cash on the barrelhead
of purchase; cold, hard cash pay $300 - cash on the barrelhead."
pay the full price in cash to the
cash on the line I'll pay $200 for the bike - cash on the line.
seller
count all the cash at the end of a After you cash up, put the money in the safe and
cash up/cash out
business day lock it.
use charm or spiritual power to When Pavarotti sings, he casts a spell over his
cast a spell
change people audience.
vote in an election, mark your Before you cast your vote, think carefully about the
cast your vote
ballot issues.
why do you not speak? lose your Before I could reply, she said, "Cat got your
cat got your tongue
tongue? tongue?"
cat's ass (See the cat's ass)
Idioms: cat's meow -- catch as catch can

cat's meow (See the cat's meow)
cat's out of the bag (See the cat's out of the bag)
shouting disapproval or insults, The catcalls from the audience caused the speaker
catcall
heckling to pause.
the cause is the effect and the It was catch 22. I needed my glasses to find my
catch 22
effect is the cause glasses.
begin to feel intoxicated, begin to This is strong beer. You catch a buzz from drinking
catch a buzz
feel natural high one bottle!
be sick with a cold, come down
catch a cold (catch cold) I caught a cold while we were in Vancouver.
with a cold
see for only a second, visible for a I caught a glimpse of Sue at the mall, but she didn't
catch a glimpse
brief time see me.
go to the airport and get on the After the meeting, you can catch the plane to
catch a plane/bus/train
plane Toronto.
ride with someone who has a When I go to church, I catch a ride with my
catch a ride
vehicle, get a lift neighbor Lila.
The Clearance Sale was catch as catch can - each
catch as catch can no order, get what you can
one for himself.
Idioms: catch hell [B] -- catch the wave

get a scolding or lecture, get it, get "Did you catch hell for cheating?" "Yes. The teacher
catch hell [B]
shit [B] lectured me and gave me zero on the exam."
get a scolding or lecture, catch Did you catch it for coming in late? Was your mom
catch it
hell [B] mad?
The snowstorm in May caught us by surprise. We
catch me by surprise surprise me, not warn me
didn't expect it.
see me doing that, find me doing
catch me doing that You won't catch me skydiving. It's too dangerous.
that
We need trainees who catch on quickly - people
catch on learn how to do, learn the ropes
who learn fast.
Maybe you can catch on with a survey crew for the
catch on get work, get a job, hire on
summer.
There's a catch phrase for Newfoundland: The
catch phrase idiom, popular phrase, buzzword
Rock.
have a sun bath, get a sun tan, bag When we get to Hawaii, you can catch some rays.
catch some rays
some rays It's sunny there.
Do you mind if I catch some z's on your couch? I'm
catch some z's sleep, get some rest, crash
sleepy.
Condos are popular now. Should we buy one and
catch the wave join the trend, do what is popular
catch the wave?
Idioms: catch up -- caught flatfooted

You go ahead. I'll catch up with you at the bus

catch up arrive later, join you
stop.
do something that you have Ali can't go to the movie. He has to catch up on his
catch up on
neglected homework.
revealed or exposed, come back When your lies catch up with you, it's
catch up with
to haunt you embarrassing.
catch you at a bad time visit or call when it is inconvenient You look very sad. Did I catch you at a bad time?
I will talk to you later, I will see
catch you later I have to leave now. Catch you later.
you later
surprise you, say what you do not Did my comment about dog poop catch you off
catch you off guard
expect guard?
In this terrible weather, put on a coat or you'll catch
catch your death become very ill, catch a bad cold
your death.
cause you to look, get your When I was in Paris, a Peugeot cabriolet caught my
catch your eye
attention eye. Ah!
caught dead (See wouldn't be caught dead)
not ready to respond, mind in Esposito was caught flatfooted by Lemaire's
caught flatfooted
neutral slapshot - an easy goal!
Idioms: caught in the act -- chain letter

caught doing a crime, caught with Two of the boys were caught in the act of
caught in the act
his pants down vandalism. They were breaking car windows.
be looking when you should have I was caught looking when he hit the ball. I just
caught looking
been acting watched it.
caught with evidence, caught in The smuggler was caught red-handed with a kilo of
caught red-handed
the act cocaine.
Maidra is caught up in church activities. She's very
caught up busy with, involved
busy.
be finished, completed the I want to get caught up on my cleaning before we
caught up
required work have guests.
found doing a bad act, caught in Percy was caught cheating - caught with his pants
caught with his pants down
the act down.
caution (See a caution)
cave in quit, be unable to cope, fold One more crisis and I'll cave in. I'm very weary.
cement hands awkward hands, butter fingers Joey can't type; he's got cement hands.
a letter that is copied and sent to This letter says I will have bad luck if I break the
chain letter
other people chain.
Idioms: chain of command -- change horses in

mid stream
order of those in power, line of If you are a lieutenant, the chain of command goes
chain of command
authority up and down.
one event causing a sequence of Abe sold his shares, causing a chain reaction in the
chain reaction
events market.
a person who smokes one
"Do all chain smokers die of emphysema?" "No, but
chain smoker cigarette after another, smokes
most of them do."
like a furnace
chairman of the boards a player who controls play along In the 1970s Doug was chairman of the boards for
(hockey) the boards the Hawks.
conclude that it is..., attribute it You tried and you failed. Chalk it up to experience.
chalk it up to
to... Learn from it.
you have earned a point, you won
chalk one up for you Good shot! I'll chalk one up for you.
that point/game
Chances are they're lost, and that's why they're
chances are it is quite possible, it may be
late.
My attitude has changed for the better. I'm more
change for the better improve, become better
positive now.
That condo changed hands three times in one year -
change hands change owners, be sold or traded
three owners!
change plans/methods after you
We're in the furniture business, not clothing. We
change horses in mid stream have begun a competition or
can't change horses in mid stream.
business
Idioms: a daredevil -- a dog's breakfast

a daring person, bodacious, take What a daredevil! She jumped across a ten-foot
a daredevil
a chance chasm!
The smile on her face was a dead giveaway that she
a dead giveaway a clear signal, an obvious sign
got the job.
a race that finishes in a tie for A photograph of the finish line proved that it was a
a dead heat
first, dead even dead heat.
a complete loss, a write-off (see The spoiled meat was a dead loss. We couldn't eat
a dead loss
write it off) any of it.
Chad is a dead ringer for Mel Gibson. They look
a dead ringer a very close likeness, like a twin
like twins.
A cult is not a religion. A cult is a different kettle of
a different kettle of fish different, not the same
fish entirely.
a manufactured penis, a vibrator "When Ed's away I use a dildo."
a dildo [B]
shaped like a penis "Oh. That's interesting."
He can remember when eggs were cheap - a dime a

a dime a dozen very cheap, low priced, dirt cheap
dozen.
a long time, 10-15 years, a coon's Mel! I haven't seen you for a dog's age - at least ten
a dog's age
age years!
a mixture of many things, a This book is a dog's breakfast. It contains a bit of
a dog's breakfast
hodgepodge everything.
Idioms: change of heart -- chat her up

Now he seems friendly toward us. Has he had a
change of heart change from negative to positive
change of heart?
choose a different plan, change Please change your mind about leaving home.
change your mind
your decision Please don't go.
change your attitude, change your If the price of a barrel of oil goes down, he'll change
change your tune
mind his tune.
saying things that ruin a person's "What did they say about him?" "It was mainly
character assassination
reputation, muckrake gossip and character assassination."
number of dense people, number If I join your company, the character density will
character density
of dummies decrease.
buy or purchase on credit, put it The clerk said, "If you don't have cash, you can
charge it
on the bill charge it."
first help the needy in your own If you want to help the poor, remember that charity
charity begins at home
community; then help others begins at home.
a soft drink to follow a hard drink, The old man drank coffee as a chaser for the Irish
chaser
a weaker drink whisky.
trying to achieve an impossible Many young actors are chasing rainbows - hoping
chasing rainbows
goal for fame.
talk to her about a date, talk
chat her up If you like Mila, chat her up. Say nice things to her.
romantically to her
Idioms: cheap -- check that

unwilling to spend money, not They refuse to buy the boy a decent suit. They're
cheap
generous, tight too cheap.
cheap drunk (See a cheap drunk)
not expensive, as cheap as I didn't pay much for this jacket. It was cheap like
cheap like borsch
vegetable soup borsch.
a person who does not pay his That cheap skate can keep his money. I'll pay for
cheap skate
share, a tight-ass the tickets.
break a marriage promise, be He cheats on his wife. Now he's sleeping with a
cheat on
unfaithful waitress.
check it out inquire, find out about Check it out. It may be a great opportunity.
Let's check out that Subaru we saw at Chong's
check out find out about, see if it is okay
Used Cars.
the counter where you pay for The shoppers were lined up at the Canadian Tire
check-out
your purchases check-out.
look for errors in a paper, see if I've written a letter of application. Will you check it
check over
there are mistakes over for me?
When Rick saw the sports car, he said, "Check
check that look at that, get a load of that
that!"
Idioms: check this out -- cheerio

check this out look at this, eyeball this, peep this Hey! Check this out! Carly's got a boyfriend!
He went to check up on the kids because they were
check up on see if everything is fine or safe
crying.
supervise, watch to see if it is They don't like a manager who is always checking
check up on
done correctly up on them.
give your luggage to the ticket I would like to check my bags. Will you put them on
check your bags
agent the plane?
career with failures, history of His checkered career may ruin his chance of being
checkered career
good and bad elected.
doctor's examination, medical If you aren't feeling well, go to the doctor for a
checkup
examination checkup.
When I called Mom a crab, she said, "No more of
cheek sharp reply, sarcasm, lip
your cheek!"
Jack and James fought cheek by jowl in World War
cheek by jowl beside, alongside, side by side
I.
Tara is too cheeky. She told her mom to stop flirting
cheeky rude, impolite, lippy, sassy
with men.
goodbye, bye for now, so long,
cheerio "Cheerio, dear. See you at lunchtime!"
toodle-oo
Idioms: cheers -- chick

a British toast or greeting meaning

I raise my glass to a great leader: Sir Winston
cheers good health to you or goodbye
Churchill. Cheers!
and good wishes, chimo, ciao
cheery-bye goodbye, bye, cheerio I'll see you tomorrow. Cheery-bye!
The dancer provided lots of cheesecake - lots of
cheesecake naked flesh, bare skin
bare leg.
They were cheesed off when I said you wouldn't
cheesed off upset, annoyed, ticked off
pay them.
The acting was pretty cheesy. The actors didn't
cheesy poor quality, crappy, shabby
know their lines.
a player who waits at center ice Our coach told us about the cherrypicker on the
cherrypicker (hockey)
for a pass other team.
old favorite song, well-known Moira played the piano, and we sang old songs -
chestnut
story old chestnuts.
lecture him, scold him, give him My sister chewed me out for taking her car. She
chew him out
hell (see give you hell) [B] gave me hell.
I'll go and get the wine while you two relax and
chew the fat/ chew the rag talk, visit, have a chin wag
chew the fat.
We were waiting for the bus, and this chick says,
chick girl, woman
"Hi, boys."
Idioms: chick flick -- chimo

film for women, movie about a Steel Magnolias is a chick flick about life in the
chick flick
woman or women southern US.
chicken afraid, scared, yellow When it comes to heights, I'm chicken. I'm scared.
small amount of money, a paltry Don't worry about a few dollars for books. It's
chicken feed
sum, peanuts chicken feed.
chicken in every pot (See a chicken in every pot)
chickens come home to we cannot escape the We soon discover that lies return to their owner,
roost consequences of our actions just as chickens come home to roost.
chickenshit [B] (See chicken)
chief cook and bottle Hal is the chief cook and bottle washer for our
manager, supervisor
washer school supper.
pause to gain control of your I think you should chill out before you see the
chill out
emotions, cool off supervisor.
add a word or phrase to a "I want a piece of cake, too," Izzie chimed in.
chime in
conversation, two cents' worth "Please."
an Inuit expression meaning
"I'm glad we finally met!" "Yes, we had a good visit.
chimo "Goodbye. It was nice talking to
Chimo!"
you," bye for now, ciao
Idioms: chin wag -- choked

chin wag (See a chin wag)
Don't be so chintzy with your time. Volunteer to visit
chintzy unwilling to spend, cheap, tight
seniors.
each one help to pay for, We should chip in and buy Sadie a gift when she
chip in
everybody pay a little moves away.
chip off the old block (See a chip off the old block)
in a fighting mood, looking for a Ron has a chip on his shoulder. He's arguing with
chip on his shoulder
fight everybody.
chips are down (See when the chips are down)
very full, full to the top,
chock full The truck was chock full of paper to be recycled.
chockablock, plump full
tightly packed, crammed in one The square was chockablock with people - all
chockablock
place, chock full looking at the pope.
be so nervous you cannot perform Don't even think about choking when you make
choke
or do it well your speech.
choked angry, mad, pissed She was really choked when you called her a bitch.
Idioms: chomping at the bit -- chunk of change

If you mention camping, the kids will be chomping
chomping at the bit eager to go, anxious to leave
at the bit.
Some of the students will dislike you if you choose
choose sides help one side or team, take sides
sides.
choose people to play on two or Let's choose up sides and play a game of
choose up sides
more teams volleyball.
chops lips and teeth, mouth You need big chops to play the tuba, eh.
chow food, something to eat I'm starved. Let's get some chow.
I'm hungry. Let's chow down before we go to the
chow down eat, have a meal
movie.
a student who leaves college at Among the Christmas graduates last year was
Christmas graduate
Christmas Gerard Kutz.
Chromedomes can tell you the advantages of being
chromedome bald person, silkhead
bald.
We used to say chuck it, but now we say recycle it
chuck it put it in the garbage, junk it
.
chunk of change (Seea chunk of change)
Idioms: ciao -- clean bill of health

ciao goodbye, see you later Ciao, Tony. See you in Rome.
Why do you play cards with her? She can play
circles around you much better than you, no contest
circles around you.
garbage can or wastebasket, file A lot of memos go in the circular file. They're
circular file
13 garbage.
what you have done to cause you
claim to fame Besides passing math, what's your claim to fame?
to be famous
clam dollar, buck He paid a hundred clams for that radio.
Why do you clam up when we mention Judy? Why
clam up stop talking, become quiet
so quiet?
I heard what the psychic said. What a lot of
claptrap nonsense, trivia, bull
claptrap!
show resentment or envy or When you talked about Carla, your claws were
claws are showing
jealousy, if looks could kill showing. Do you dislike her?
clean bill of health (See a clean bill of health)
clean bill of health (See a clean bill of health)
Idioms: clean cut -- clear out

We're looking for clean-cut boys to work as
clean cut well groomed, clean, neat
waiters.
buy all I have, steal everything I The thieves cleaned us out. They took everything in
clean me out
own our house.
pick up garbage, put away clothes
clean up Lorne, please clean up the mess in your bedroom.
or toys, wash
Little Chad cleaned up on big Clint. Chad is quite a
clean up on defeat, beat, whip you, wipe you
fighter.
do it better, do it legally, get your I've missed classes, failed tests. I need to clean up
clean up your act
act together my act.
finish eating all the food on your You may leave the table after you've cleaned up
clean up your plate
plate, eat it up your plate.
easy to hear or understand, clearly
clear as a bell We heard him say it. He said no, clear as a bell.
audible
Mr. Lee explained the formula. Then he said, "Clear
clear as mud not understandable, confusing
as mud, eh?"
When the gang arrived, we cleared out. We left in a
clear out leave, go, get out, take off
hurry.
sell at a low price, sell at a

clear out We're clearing out last year's stock at 20% off.
discount
Idioms: clear sailing -- close shave

clear sailing (See smooth sailing)
explain, talk about a problem His statement will clear the air. It will prevent more
clear the air
openly confusion.
explain, discuss so everyone Let's clear up the matter of the missing keys. Were
clear up
understands they stolen?
After an argument I need time to clear my head, to
clear your head/mind relax so you can think clearly
become calm.
become aware, realize, dawn on, It didn't click in that he was hurt until I saw the
click in
hit me blood on his shirt.
cliff-hanger (See a cliff-hanger)
feel upset or stressed, go bonkers, On the first day of school, the teacher was climbing
climb the walls
go crazy the walls.
close a deal/sale complete a sale to a customer Vi knows how to close a sale. She's a good closer.
close call (See a close call)
close shave (See a close shave)
Idioms: a dog's life -- a dust-up

a dog's life a poor life, hard times Without a job, it's a dog's life.
If we can't eat all the lobster, ask for a doggy bag
a bag or container for food you
a doggy bag and we'll take it home. We can have it for lunch
don't eat at the restaurant or caf
tomorrow.
a device that can help you and Truth is a double-edged sword. It can imprison me
a double-edged sword
hurt you or set me free.
a drug that relaxes you, a Before bedtime he took a downer to help him relax
a downer (drug)
sedative and sleep.
an event or statement that causes News of the war was a downer. Most of the people
a downer (sadness)
sadness dreaded war.
Mary's party was a drag. We just sat around and
a drag a boring time, a yawner
talked.
a scolding, a lecture, a piece of Mother gave me a dressing down when I said bad
a dressing down
my mind words.
a small part, a tiny piece, the tip of This donation is only a drop in the bucket, but it is
a drop in the bucket
the iceberg appreciated.
an odd combination of things, a
strange mixture of items, a dog's
breakfast, Fibber McGee's closet
a duke's mixture When Lynn opened the lid of the
box she found a duke's mixture -
everything from jewelry to
birdseed!
The boys argued and had a little dust-up, but no one
a dust-up a fight, a skirmish; set-to
got hurt.
Idioms: close to the vest -- cocky

hidden, covered, not showing Walter plays close to the vest. He doesn't let me see
close to the vest
your cards his cards.
closer (See wheeler-dealer)
lifted by a bodycheck, hanging Orr was clotheslined just as he crossed the line.
clotheslined (hockey)
over the checker or the boards What a check!
"How do you get clued in?" "You watch and listen,
clued in aware, in the know, with it
man."
When I don't know the answer, I try not to look
clueless not informed, ignorant, not with it
clueless.
a car that is in poor condition, a Uncle Blair has bought another clunker - an old
clunker
beater Pontiac.
clutch hitter (baseball) (See a clutch hitter)
clutz (See klutz)
Don't believe that cock-and-bull story about
cock and bull [B] nonsense, bull, BS [B]
Bigfoot.
"Why is Len acting so cocky?" "He won the Frisbee
cocky proud, smartass
contest."
Idioms: cocoon -- cold, hard cash

stay inside your home to feel We don't want to go out tonight. We feel like
cocoon
comfortable and safe cocooning.
conversation while having coffee, I don't believe Sally's pregnant. It's just coffee talk,
coffee talk
water-cooler... just gossip.
coin money, loot, dough, serious coin Wait till I get some coin. Then we can travel.
coin a phrase (See to coin a phrase)

a visit to an employer or customer Sam got a job by making cold calls - by knocking
cold call
without an appointment on doors and asking for work.
very little comfort, satisfaction in If Jim dies, having his money is cold comfort for his
cold comfort
theory not reality wife.
cold feet (See get cold feet)
cold shoulder (See give you the cold shoulder)
abruptly, completely, not Barb stopped smoking, cold turkey. No plan, no
cold turkey
gradually program.
actual money, dollar bills; not a
cold, hard cash No cheques - I want cold, hard cash for that car.
cheque or credit card
Idioms: coldcock -- come alive

Buddy coldcocked the pitcher - hit him when he
coldcock punch without warning, jump
wasn't looking.
think calmly and clearly, organize She was glad when the kids left so she could collect
collect my thoughts
my thoughts her thoughts.
not used for a long time, idle, "Where's the silver tray?" "On the shelf, collecting
collecting dust
gathering dust dust."
Some women fake an orgasm - they pretend to
come [B] have an orgasm, ejaculate
come, eh.
You came across as being angry, not just
come across seem to be, appear to be
disappointed.
I came across an antique basin in the attic. It was in
come across discover, find
a box.
They came across with $250 - half the money they
come across give, pay, pay up
owe us.
consent to have sex, get laid, go You kiss me as though you're going to come across,
come across [B]
all the way but then you say no.
what did you say? beg your When I asked Grandpa if he liked the soup, he said,
come again
pardon? "Come again?"
As the players skated onto the ice, the crowd came
come alive become lively, cheer, applaud
alive.
Idioms: come around -- come hell or high water

begin to co-operate, believe, When he reads the report, he'll come around. He'll
come around
come onside believe us.
cause you to feel guilty or Lies will come back to haunt you, remind you of the
come back to haunt you
ashamed past.
How did you come by that vase? Where did you
come by find, get, obtain
get it?
tell the truth, admit everything, The police asked him to come clean about the
come clean
own up money - to tell them everything he knew.
The teachers come down hard on cheating. They
come down hard punish hard, throw the book at
suspend cheaters.
come down on like a ton of Whenever I make the slightest mistake, my boss
reprove, punish harshly
bricks comes down on me like a ton of bricks.
be realistic, get your head out of If she'd come down to earth, if she'd stop dreaming
come down to earth
the clouds about fame, she could pass her exams.
come down with become sick, become ill Brenda came down with the flu. She's very sick.
"Let's ask the teacher, okay?"
arrive at the place where you
come full circle "If we do that, we'll have come full circle.
began
Remember?"
no matter what happens, by any I'll buy that ranch, come hell or high water. I'm
come hell or high water
means determined.
Idioms: come home to roost -- come on

(See chickens come home to
come home to roost
roost)
When her father died, she came into a lot of
come into inherit, receive as a gift
money.
In sales, all of your skills come into play. You use
come into play affect, influence, be a factor
them all.
be your natural best, find your After five years in medicine, he came into his own.
come into your own
voice, realize your potential He became an excellent doctor.
able to learn easily, have natural Playing the piano seemed to come naturally to
come naturally
ability Susan.
Peter liked Mia, but nothing ever came of it - no
come of happen, result, develop
romance.
become old enough to vote or go On my 18th birthday, Dad said, "Now that you've
come of age
to the bar or fight in a war come of age, here's a set of keys to the car."
The band wanted to produce a CD, but it didn't
come off happen as planned, succeed
come off.
come off it I do not believe it, you're kidding You had a date with Cybill Shepherd? Come off it!
Come on, Mat, you can do it! You can ride that
come on cheer, encourage
bull!
Idioms: come on -- come to

come on do what we ask Come on, tell us a story. Please?
invitation to romance, give her the She's giving Rex the come-on, smiling at him and
come-on
eye stuff.
do it with more energy, do it with If you come on too strong, the customer will not buy
come on strong
enthusiasm from you.
come on our team, be on our We want to persuade Vi to come onside. We want
come onside
side, buy into her to join us.
talk to in a sexual way, make In the car he started coming onto her. He said he
come onto
advances wanted her.
become clear later, when the dust We will soon know who did it. It will all come out in
come out in the wash
settles the wash.
Then she comes out with a dirty joke and nobody
come out with say, tell, blurt out
laughed.
complete the task, do what is We're hoping that Ron will come through with high
come through
expected grades.
regain your senses or A few minutes after the accident, he came to. He
come to
consciousness opened his eyes.
come to involves, includes When it comes to dessert, I like raisin pie.
Idioms: come to a head -- come up with

Things will come to a head when the family
come to a head come to a climax, result in a fight
discusses the will.
I am finally coming to grips with my divorce. I'm
come to grips with accept the truth, face facts
accepting it.
We hope they can come to terms before the court
come to terms agree, sign an agreement, settle it
date.
She helped the boy come to terms with the death of
come to terms with accept that it is true, face facts
his father.
say what is important, get to the When you make a speech, come to the point
come to the point
point quickly.
now that I remember it, a thought Come to think of it, I was the one who suggested
come to think of it
has just come marriage.
lose self-control, disorganized, at When she's near me, I come undone. I can't think or
come undone
loose ends, fall to pieces talk!
come unglued lose control, fall apart If Tina doesn't stop worrying, she'll come unglued.
In this job we never know what will come up. One

come up happen, occur, crop up
customer wanted to buy an ostrich.
come up with think of, compose Can you come up with the answer to my question?
Idioms: coming out of our ears -- cook

having too many, having too Everybody brought salad. We had salad coming out
coming out of our ears
much of our ears!
having far too many, having farIf we learn all the idioms in this book, we'll have
coming out of your yin yang
too much, tons idioms coming out of our yin yang!
Since I met Ty, life is wonderful. Everything's
coming up roses doing very well, succeeding,
coming up roses!
the ability to make logical It is because she has common sense that we ask her
common sense
decisions; horse sense opinion.
We haven't had a chance to compare notes on Pat's
compare notes compare what we saw and heard
wedding.
correction, what you deserve, just If you've been cruel to people, you'll get your
comuppins
desert, get yours comuppins.
quit, not work any more, sleep,
conk out The TV conked out just after the movie started.
give out
consarned darn, blasted, dingbusted, friggin The consarned battery is dead. Rats!
contract out on (See a contract out on)
play good jazz, play music with The Boss Brass was cookin' last night. What a great
cook
skill and inspiration band!
Idioms: cook your goose -- cop

finish you, ruin you, goose is If you borrow too much money, you'll cook your
cook your goose
cooked goose.
fine, sophisticated, hip, groovy, "Do you know any cool guys?" "Yes. There's one in
cool
neat, together, way cool, with it my class. Would you like to meet him?"
cool cat (See show-off)
cool it stop it, be good, knock it off The students cool it when the principal walks in.
control your emotions, chill out, I better cool off before I talk to the kids. I'm still
cool off
calm down angry.
calm during a crisis, able to Jo was very cool under pressure. When the judge
cool under pressure
perform well when you must do it asked questions, she answered clearly and calmly.
wait for a judgement, serve a Chad is cooling his heels in the Remand Centre - the
cool your heels
detention city jail.
sensible people spoke, violence
cooler heads prevailed There was nearly a riot, but cooler heads prevailed.
was avoided
coon's age (See in a coon's age)
I know this cop on the Calgary Police Force - he's
cop policeman, fuzz, pig
a nice guy.
Idioms: cop out -- cost you

an excuse, not trying, not doing Instead of speaking, he showed a video. What a
cop out
your share cop out!
agreeable, fine, go along with,
copacetic Don is copacetic. He agrees with our plans.
okay, OK
copper (See cop)
intoxicated, drunk, plastered, Grant got corked last night and walked home. He
corked
sloshed couldn't drive.
become the main supplier, have a Japanese automakers are trying to corner the luxury
corner the market
monopoly car market.
insist that you listen, buttonhole If Helmer corners you, tell him you have to go to the
corner you
you bathroom.
obvious humor, unsophisticated The farmer said his cows are moody today. Now
corny
humor that is corny!
cost a lot of money, had a high Elvis bought a new pink Cadillac. I bet that cost a
cost a pretty penny
price pretty penny.
cost a lot of money, is very That fur jacket must have cost her an arm and a
cost an arm and a leg
expensive leg.
require much money or emotional Caring for a child will cost you - cost you a lot. But
cost you
stress or time or energy it's worth every minute, every tear.
Idioms: a fair shake -- a fifth wheel

The insurance company gave us a fair shake - paid
a fair shake a fair deal, a just settlement
all our damages.
a disagreement, a break in Guy and Jean had a falling out. They argued about
a falling out
friendship religion.
a wrong move, a threatening A man with a gun said, "If you make a false move,
a false move
action you're dead."
This is good sherry, but it's a far cry from the

a far cry not similar, very different
amontillado.
the eyes show thoughts of a When I mention horses, you get a faraway look in
a faraway look
distant place or friend your eyes.
an act that has no effect, an A letter to the editor of a paper is like a fart in a
a fart in a windstorm
unimportant event windstorm.
Stop bothering her or I'll give you a fat lip. I'll hit
a fat lip a hit on the lip, an injured lip
you.
an honor, a credit to you, chalk Because you are Karen's teacher, her award is a
a feather in your cap
one up for you feather in your cap.
a few bricks short of a full When Moe began eating bugs, we knew he was a
not sensible or logical, not all there
load few bricks short.
a useless object, an unnecessary The team already had two guards, so I felt like a
a fifth wheel
device fifth wheel.
Idioms: cotton-picking -- courtesy of

Get your cotton-pickin' fingers off that bike! Don't
cotton-picking thieving, doggone, flipping, ruddy
touch it!
believe in that, do that, relate to City folks play cards on Sunday, but we don't
cotton to that
that cotton to that.
a person who watches a lot of If I watch four hours of TV every day, am I a couch
couch potato
TV potato?
pay your share, pay a debt, pay Come on, Tony. Cough up. You haven't paid
cough up
up anything.
couldn't believe my ears (See can't believe my ears)
We can count on Tanya. She always comes to choir
count on depend on, rely on
practice.
count your chickens before depend heavily on plans, spend Politicians have learned not to "count their chickens"
they hatch money that you have not received before the election.
you can do it, believe it, of course "I don't think I can learn this." "Course you can,
course you can
you can son."
computer program that teaches a We sell courseware to schools all over North
courseware
course America.
courtesy of from, given by, donated by The doughnuts are courtesy of Harry's Bakery.
Idioms: cover for me -- crack down on

make an excuse for me, do my I may be late for work today. Will you cover for
cover for me
work me?
He can't cover up his mistake because people know
cover up hide it, sweep under the carpet
about it.
hiding something from the The reporter heard about the cover-up of police
cover-up
authorities or media brutality.
protect yourself by having If you discipline or dismiss an employee, cover your
cover your ass [B]
documents signed etc. ass.
Watch where you step. There are cow-pies
cow-pie cow shit [B] cow dung
everywhere. Oops!
a cowboy, a man who works on a Three cowpokes were herding some cattle down
cowpoke
ranch the road.
Calgary, Alberta; a town where The Calgary Stampede is the pride of Cowtown.
Cowtown
cows are sold Y'all come!
crack a book study, read a textbook Sean passed that exam without cracking a book.
tell a joke, say a funny word or
crack a joke Please be serious. Don't crack jokes or laugh at us.
phrase
The police began to crack down on speeders in the
crack down on stop, not permit, not allow
school zones.
Idioms: crack me up -- crackup

crack me up make me laugh hard, split a gut Robin Williams cracks me up when he tells a story.
crack of dawn (See at the crack of dawn)
a person who is highly skilled at Marvin has developed into a crack salesman. He's
crack shot/salesman etc.
shooting etc. excellent.
earn a place on a team, make the He's a good basketball player, but can he crack the
crack the line-up
team line-up?
solve a crime, discover who is David will crack this case; he's a thorough
crack this case
guilty investigator.
become irrational or hysterical due Mother was a strong person. She never cracked
crack under the strain
to strain, around the bend under the strain of raising ten children.
cracked crazy, nuts, wacko He must be cracked. He mailed a letter to himself.
Don't worry about me. I've been crackers all my
crackers crazy, bonkers, nuts
life.
a person who is strange or weird, Some crackpot wrote a letter to him threatening his
crackpot
wacko family.
crackup collision, crash Drinking and driving causes a lot of crackups.
Idioms: cramp your style -- crash course

cause problems for you, cause
cramp your style If we can't buy a Corvette, will it cramp your style?
stress for you
a topic that causes anger, can of
The Premier raised a crank issue and then went on
crank issue
worms holidays.
Hey, Karen, crank up the radio. That's a great
crank it up turn up the volume, louder please
song.
Can you crank out a few jokes for our school
crank out make, write, manufacture
newspaper?
He told us that history books contain a lot of crap -
crap lies, bull, BS
BS.
What a crappy camera! Look at these terrible
crappy poor quality, junky, shabby
pictures!
Sometimes Don crashes on our sofa and sleeps for
crash go to bed, go to sleep
hours.
fail to operate, not work, break If Netscape crashes, I'll have to use the phone
crash
down, kaput instead of e-mail.
Bo and his friends crashed our party. They came
crash a party go to a party uninvited, horn in
uninvited.
crash course (See a crash course)
Idioms: crawl on my hands and knees over broken

glass just to see her photo -- crop up
crawl on my hands and
do anything to be closer to her, I'm so in love I'd crawl on my hands and knees over
knees over broken glass just
worship the ground she walks on miles of broken glass to see her photo.
to see her photo
having many of them, oodles, The hotel was crawling with police. I couldn't count
crawling with
scads them.
crazy about like a lot, mad about Dad's crazy about sports. He really loves baseball.
crafty while appearing foolish or In the debate, he was crazy like a fox. He praised
crazy like a fox
dumb, play the fool his opponent for being clever and ruthless.
Only the cream of the crop will be invited to the
cream of the crop best of the group, the finest ones
interviews.
hit you, knock you down, knock If Jon discovers you lied to him, he'll cream you.
cream you
you flat He'll hit you.
creep strange person, pervert, weirdo What a creep! He looks like a stray dog!
crock (See that's a crock)
Her crocodile tears don't fool me. She just wants
crocodile tears false tears, phony sadness
sympathy.
I'm planning to go to Montreal unless something

crop up happen, occur, come up
crops up - like an airline strike.
Idioms: cross my heart and hope to die -- crummy

cross my heart and hope to I'll pay you back on Friday, cross my heart and
promise sincerely
die hope to die.
Before dad crossed over, he told us to care for our
cross over Jordan die, pass away, buy the farm
mother.
Some people cross over to the other side - and
cross over to the other side die, kick the bucket, pass away
return!
We'll cross paths again, I'm sure. Until then, good
cross paths meet, encounter
luck.
go against someone, insult People are afraid to cross Phil because he has a
cross someone
someone violent temper.
cross that bridge when I make that decision when it is If interest rates begin to drop, I can buy bonds, but
come to it necessary, do not jump the gun I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
drive the streets looking for fun It was Sunday afternoon and we were cruising the
cruise
and friends, bomb around streets looking for chicks.
drive around in a car, bomb On summer nights we cruise the streets looking for
cruise
around fun.
The new kid was cruisin' for a bruisin' - insulting
cruising for a bruising inviting a fight, asking for it
everybody.
We canceled the picnic because of the crummy
crummy poor quality, lousy, shabby
weather.
Idioms: crunch -- crying shame

crunch (See the crunch)
crush on (See a crush on)
crux of the matter (See the crux of the matter)
Poor girl! She's crying her heart out because he
cry her heart out cry a lot, sob, cry your eyes out
hasn't called her.
be sad as you drink beer, regret Go to college. Get your diploma. Or someday you'll
cry in your beer
as you drink beer, cry the blues be crying in your beer.
you can cry a lot but you will not When he complained about how much he had to
cry me a river
get my sympathy, crocodile tears pay his chauffeur, I said, "Cry me a river, guy."
cry about small accidents, cry Children drop things and break them. Don't cry
cry over spilt milk
instead of doing over spilt milk.
complain because your friend or Lan is crying the blues because Bing left her for
cry the blues
lover has gone another woman.
cry a lot, cry hard, cry her heart The little boy was lost and scared, and crying his
cry your eyes out
out eyes out.
crying shame (See a crying shame)
Idioms: cup of tea -- cut a fine figure

favorite activity, choice of
cup of tea A holiday in the Yukon is not her cup of tea.
entertainment
feeling too full of love or joy or
My cup runneth over whenever I listen to Mother
cup runneth over
happiness Teresa.
a very curious person may findDon't ask so many questions. Remember, curiosity
curiosity killed the cat
trouble or danger killed the cat.
sit down in a comfortable place
On a cold and rainy day she likes to curl up with a
curl up with a good book
and read a book good book.
The man described the accident. It was enough to
curl your hair shock you, disgust you
curl your hair!
If we clear-cut Canada's forests, it's curtains for the
curtains the end, the death, the last of
lumber industry.
They had a cushy life in their beautiful home beside
cushy soft, luxurious, comfortable
the ocean.
curse, say bad words, the air was The little boy had learned to cuss. He said damn
cuss
blue and hell a lot.
Neil's muscles are well cut. They ripple when he
cut defined, clearly visible
moves.
look very good in your clothes, When Dee was in her twenties she cut a fine figure
cut a fine figure
look sharp in this fur jacket.
Idioms: cut a wide swath -- cut losses

do many things - party, play Tim cut a wide swath in his youth. He lived a full
cut a wide swath
sports, live and love and active life.
cut above (See a cut above)
simple, not complex, open and For me, the choice was cut and dried. I chose the
cut and dried
shut Peugeot.
use less material, use less than If we cut corners, we'll produce a low-quality
cut corners
required product.
Ty and Ed are cut from the same cloth - both are
cut from the same cloth from the same family, very similar
serious and quiet.
not have sex with him, not make If he doesn't buy me a car, I'll cut him off - no
cut him off [B]
love to him nookie!
Red and brown just don't cut it. They look ugly
cut it do the job, satisfy, work
together.
leave very little time, have just After paying the rent we had only $60. This is
cut it a little fine
enough money cutting it a little fine.
When the kids began throwing dirt, we told them to
cut it out stop it, do not do that, knock it off
cut it out.
quit the project and accept the If the stock price goes down, sell them and cut your
cut losses
financial losses losses.
Idioms: cut me some slack -- cut the cheese [B]

give me more time, give me more You may be asking too much of your son. Cut him
cut me some slack
freedom some slack.
I was hurt when she called me a cow. She cut me to
cut me to the quick hurt me, cause me to feel sad
the quick.
learned as a young person, Yes, I can tie a bow knot. I cut my teeth on string
cut my teeth on
learned as I grew up and ropes.
not allowed to do it any more, We have to cut off beer sales at 12 midnight. No
cut off
stopped from doing more sales.
drive in front of, swerve into your
cut off That jerk cut me off! He swerved into my lane!
lane
interrupt, prevent from talking, The chairman cut me off in the middle of my
cut off
shut down question. "You're out of order," he said.
make your problem worse, hurt
cut off your nose to spite If you abuse drugs to forget a problem, you are
yourself because you dislike
your face cutting off your nose to spite your face.
yourself
have natural ability for, be suited I guess I'm just not cut out for bull riding. I'm not
cut out for
to good at it.
second class, sold for less than full We bought some cut-rate lumber and built a shelter
cut rate
price for the boat.
Then somebody cut the cheese, and everybody
cut the cheese [B] let off gas, fart, pass wind
laughed.
Idioms: a fighting chance -- a foregone conclusion


If I can get a job interview, I'll have a fighting
a fighting chance a fair chance, a good chance
chance.
We got a fill-up before we left Winnipeg. The truck
a fill-up a full tank of gasoline, fill her up
needed gas.
a close relationship, not much Sometimes there is a fine line between love and
a fine line
difference lust.
a careful search, a search for a She read the file carefully - went over it with a
a fine-toothed comb
detail fine-toothed comb.
a person who will discipline The students in Grade 8 need a teacher with a firm
a firm hand
people hand.
a person who does superior work I'm looking for a steady worker, not a flash in the
a flash in the pan
at first pan.
A fleeting glance from Marilyn would make his heart
a fleeting glance a very brief look, a quick glance
beat wildly.
able to hear and see what a fly I'd like to be a fly on the wall in the Judge's
a fly on the wall
would see and hear chambers.
a fool and his money are a fool will spend all his money After he had spent his fortune, he remembered this
soon parted quickly; easy come, easy go saying: A fool and his money are soon parted.
a certain conclusion, a predictable That he'll graduate is a foregone conclusion. He is a
a foregone conclusion
result good student.
Idioms: cut the crap [B] -- cutting edge

stop telling lies, do not BS, no Will somebody tell him to cut the crap and give us
cut the crap [B]
more bull the facts.
If I'm too old to cut the mustard, maybe I should
cut the mustard do the job properly, cut it
retire, eh.
tell the exciting part, get to the George, please, cut to the chase. We're tired of the
cut to the chase
point story already.
cut-up (See a cut-up)
make you feel smaller; not as The foreman cut him down to size by calling him a
cut you down to size
important laborer.
defeat you in an argument, That professor will cut you to ribbons if you
cut you to ribbons
embarrass you in a contest question his facts.
hurt yourself, be your own worst
cut your own throat By overspending, you will cut your own throat.
enemy
Have you seen her little sister? She's cute as a bug's
cute as a bug's ear petite and pretty, adorable
ear.
the latest technology, state of the This picture is the cutting edge - the best in the TV
cutting edge
art industry.
Idioms: dad-blamed -- dark side

dad-blamed damned, darn, dingbusted The dad-blamed fishing line is tangled! It's in knots!
damaged goods abused, in poor condition One man described prostitutes as damaged goods.
it is very annoying or frustrating,
damn it [B] Damn it! That cigarette smoke is making me ill.
darn it
that is bad luck, that was unlucky, When Marilyn's computer crashed, she said, "Damn
damn the luck [B]
darn my luck the luck!"
you are bad, you deserve the Damn you, dog! Get out of my house with your
damn you [B]
worst, go to hell dirty bum!
you are blamed if you do it and If you offer to help, he refuses; if you don't offer, he
damned if you do and
blamed if you do not, between the complains. You're damned if you do, and damned if
damned if you don't
devil..., can't have it both ways you don't.
reduce your enthusiasm, cause Losing one game didn't dampen her spirits. She's full
dampen your spirits
you to lose interest of hope.
daredevil (See a daredevil)
the competitor that could surprise The dark horse in the World Cup is Ireland. They
dark horse
us and win could win it all.
bad side of a person, the evil part Most people try to hide the dark side of their
dark side
of our nature personality.
Idioms: darken a church door -- dates you

attend church, go to a church He never darkens a church door except to attend
darken a church door
service funerals.
darn damn, ruddy 35 is hot - too darn hot!
darn it oh no, not again, nuts, rats Darn it! I locked my keys in the car.
my luck is poor, I am unlucky My bread is in the oven and the power goes off.
darn my luck
today Darn my luck!
"Do you believe in ghosts?" "Darn right I do! I just
darn right that is right, yes, you betcha
saw one!"
"They still talk about the winter of 1907, don't they,
darn tooting that is true, I agree, darn right
Helmer?" "Darn tootin'! It was a cold one!"
blending into a group, not distinct How to describe Anna? Dasein - she seems to
dasein
or unique disappear in a group.
quickly write a note or letter and Josi dashed off a note to her cousin in Toronto - in
dash off a note/letter
send it English.
boy and girl go to a movie etc., go Tong has been dating May since they met at
date
out with, see Christmas.
tells your age; when you were Knowing that song dates you. It was popular in the
dates you
born 1950s.
Idioms: dawn on me -- dead giveaway

cause me to think of, occur to It didn't dawn on me that they're twins until I saw
dawn on me
me, hit me them together.
Day in, day out, she walked to work. I saw her
day in, day out every day, daily
every morning.
day of the family farm (See the day of the family farm)
day one (See from day one)
dead, showing no signs of life,
dead as a doornail It's only a stuffed bear. It's dead as a doornail.
stone dead
very little recovery after a loss, not The broker said, "It was a dead-cat bounce. Stocks
dead-cat bounce
coming up again remain low."
He's dead certain that Ming is the man who talked
dead certain very certain, very sure, positive
to him.
having the same score, tied, a After six events in the decathlon, the two men were
dead even
dead heat dead even.
a person who can shoot We call him Dead-eye Dick. He can shoot the dot
dead-eye Dick
accurately off an i.
dead giveaway (See a dead giveaway)
Idioms: dead heat -- dead to the world

dead heat (See a dead heat)
not competitive, not qualified to When you're job hunting, if you don't have a resume
dead in the water
compete, haven't got a hope you're dead in the water.
It doesn't matter if you come in dead last. Just finish
dead last the last runner or competitor
the race.
dead loss (See a dead loss)
If you're caught driving drunk in Sweden, you're
dead meat finished, terminated, done for
dead meat.
When you said our sales would double, you were
dead on accurate, correct, spot on
dead on.
dead ringer (See a dead ringer)
She's dead set against abortion as a means of birth
dead set against strongly opposed to, down with
control.
After fighting the fire, they were dead tired -

dead tired very tired, blotto, zonked
exhausted.
sleeping, in a deep sleep, sound I was dead to the world when the phone rang and
dead to the world
asleep woke me.
Idioms: dead wrong -- deck out

I was dead wrong about the word: it's prejudice,
dead wrong clearly wrong, mistaken
not prejudism.
a person with no desire to work, Lana, are you going to marry that deadbeat? He's
deadbeat
good-for-nothing no good!
a person who has damaged his It's too bad, really, but Marvin is a deadhead - too
deadhead
brain with drugs much cocaine.
deal cards for me, please; I want
deal me in Deal me in, Walter. Deal me a winning hand.
to play cards
the prisoners who are to be The priest wants to visit the prisoners on death
death row
executed or put to death row.
(See look like death warmed over
death warmed over
)
saying you want to die, inviting To challenge the Mafia would be a death wish. It
death wish
death would be suicide.
deathbed (See on your deathbed)
Tony decked him in the first round of the boxing
deck him knock him down, cream you
match.
decorate; attach ornaments, lights, His truck was all decked out with chrome trim and
deck out
etc.; customize colored lights.
Idioms: deep pockets -- dick [B]

Jerry can pay your legal fees. He's got deep
deep pockets rich, wealthy, filthy rich, loaded
pockets.
in a six-foot-deep grave, pushing
deep six If you overdose on coke, you're deep six, man.
up daisies
very private information, on the I'll tell you about my past, but not my childhood.
deep, dark secret
QT That's a deep, dark secret.
Mario skated in on the goalie and deked him out of
deked out of his jock tricked out of position, outplayed
his jock.
not smart, slow at thinking, stupid, She knows the answers to these questions. She's
dense
not too swift just acting dense.
a wheel block that stops a car Greg was drunk, so the police put a Denver boot on
Denver boot
from moving his car.
deserve praise or thanks, give her David deserves credit for finding the lost keys.
deserve credit
credit Thank you, boy.
Employers won't hire people with a devil-may-care
devil-may-care carefree, wild, on a lark
attitude.
dibs (See first dibs)
With all these winter clothes on, I can't find my
dick [B] penis, dink, dork, hoo-haw
dick.
Idioms: did good -- dig a little deeper

did well, did a good job, done
did good I watched you ride that horse - you did real good!
good
did a good job, did well, did good
That was a great dinner, Nora. You did yourself
did yourself proud
, done good proud.
For all that work, he gave me diddly-squat - not
diddly-squat nothing, not a penny
even thanks.
didn't have a stitch of naked, nude, birthday suit, in the When the kids go swimming they don't have a stitch
clothes on buff of clothes on.
When the laughter died down, I found my false
die down gradually stop, diminish, drop off teeth, put them in my mouth, and said, "Excuse
me."
I'm dying for a cup of coffee! I'll have an Espresso,
die for want very much; in the worst way
please.
change slowly, continue to be Some men still want to be the head of the family.
die hard
strong, you can't teach... Old beliefs die hard.
That type of horse died off before humans
die off become extinct, all of them die
appeared.
confirmed, certain of his beliefs, A died-in-the-wool democrat - that's me. I believe
died in the wool
card-carrying ... in democracy.
The coach asked the team to dig a little deeper, to
dig a little deeper try harder, give a little more
give their best.
Idioms: dig deep -- dildo

give more money, dig a little We'll all have to dig deep if we hope to achieve our
dig deep
deeper goals.
dig in begin to eat, eat up, help yourself Dig in, everybody. There's lots of food.
hold their position, not yield or If we discuss money, he digs in his heels. "No
dig in their heels
move raises," he says.
dig the garden, dig to uncover a Remember where you bury the treasure, because
dig it up
buried object some day you may want to dig it up.
"I don't like you to take my car. That's gonna stop,
dig me understand, get my drift
dig me!"
cause your own failure, cut your When you criticize the manager, are you digging
dig your own grave
own throat your own grave?
make it worse, say or do When he insulted the policeman, I said, "Don't dig
dig yourself in
something that aggravates yourself in."
Ole digs the Beatles. His favorite song is
dig/dig it like, enjoy, relate to
Norwegian Wood.
I'm having a party so everybody can see my new
digs apartment, house, pad
digs.
dildo (See a dildo)
Idioms: dilly -- DINKS

dilly (See it's a dilly)
Sarah, you come straight home from school. Don't
dilly-dally go very slowly, pause too much
dilly-dally.
dime a dozen (See a dime a dozen)
one who is slow to respond or I felt like a dimwit when I couldn't remember her
dimwit
catch on name.
What a ding-a-ling! She expects me to pay for a
ding-a-ling fool, an airhead, jerk
phone book!
dingbat/ding-dong strange person, nerd, weirdo That dingbat wanted me to take off my clothes!
I couldn't reach the dingbusted switch to turn on the
dingbusted damn, blasted, consarned, darn
light.
phone you, call you, give me a
dingle you I'll dingle you when I get back from Chicago.
ring
Did you wash your hands after you touched your
dink [B] penis, dork, hoo-haw
dink?
married couples who have Double Our travel packages are purchased mainly by
DINKS
Income No Kids DINKS.
Idioms: a free-for-all -- a ghost of a chance

There was a free-for-all after the dance, and
a free-for-all a fight without rules, Donnybrook
Brendan got hurt.
complete authority, freedom to The President gave Ms. Drake a free hand in
a free hand
control choosing the colors.
a stoppage; a decision to stop Right now there's a freeze on hiring at the plant - no
a freeze on
spending, hiring etc. hiring.
a different reader, one who has A fresh pair of eyes may find many errors in this
a fresh pair of eyes
not seen the writing report.
In Canada, you will have a fresh start. You can
a fresh start starting again, a new life
begin a new life.
a pair plus three of a kind, e.g., 2 In our last game of poker, you dealt me a full
a full house (cards)
kings and 3 aces house.
Nancy has a full plate these days. She has two jobs
a full plate a busy schedule, a lot to do
and three kids.
a flock of geese, a bunch of A gaggle of geese met us as we drove into the
a gaggle of geese
geese farmyard.
a willing player, a rough and ready I can see that Bev's a game one. She plays hard and
a game one
person doesn't quit.
a poor chance, not likely to That car doesn't have a ghost of a chance. It's too
a ghost of a chance
happen slow!
Idioms: dipstick -- dis

a person who seems to be stupid, When Todd is nervous, he acts like a dipstick - like
dipstick
dimwit a fool.
dirt cheap very cheap, not expensive Cherries are dirt cheap in B.C. during the summer.
dirt file record of failures and bad actions Every time we have a fight, you haul out my dirt file.
dirties (See dirty laundry)
immoral person, liar, scum, You dirty rat! You stole my truck and used my
dirty dog/dirty rat
slimebucket credit card!
personal problems, mistakes, I don't want the public to see my dirty laundry - my
dirty laundry
scandals worst moves.
stolen money, money obtained We believe the donation from the Mafia is dirty
dirty money
illegally money.
1930s, when drought caused
During the dirty thirties, soil drifted into the ditches
dirty thirties hardship on the prairie; dirty
and crops wouldn't grow.
thirties
I do the dirty work - fight for the puck - and he
dirty work unpleasant tasks, difficult work
scores the goals.
insult, criticize, disrespect, put

dis If you dis me, I won't help you with your math.
down
Idioms: discombobulated -- do a 180

When my dog hears a train whistle, he becomes
discombobulated disturbed, bothered, upset
discombobulated. He barks and howls.
discretion is the better part be sensible when you are brave; In all your battles, be brave but not foolish.
of valor be courageous but not reckless Discretion is the better part of valor.
dish (See what a dish)
Jay can dish it out, but she gets mad if you criticize
dish it out criticize, complain
her.
radio announcer who plays Clare became a disk jockey with a radio station in
disk jockey (DJ)
recorded music Moose Jaw.
leave him, lose him, give him the I tried to ditch him at the mall but he held on to my
ditch him
slip hand.
ditz fool, an airhead, jerk, nerd, nut You ditz! You put ketchup on my ice cream!
travel at a speed, drive at a speed We were only doing 50 km per hour. That's the
do (a speed)
of truth.
do (See hairdo)
turn around and go in the opposite When the boy on the motorcycle saw the police car,
do a 180
direction, U-turn he did a 180 and sped off.
Idioms: do a favor -- do me
help someone who asks, do a
do a favor Ben offered to do me a favor if I ever need help.
task for someone
Our band is doing a gig at Bijo's tonight. We play
do a gig play music for a dance or concert
from 10 till 2.
They did a number on us when we bought this car.
do a number on deceive, fool, taken, taken in
It's not reliable.
We want to do away with nuclear weapons - to
do away with throw out, dispose of
dispose of them.
an object with a name you cannot A little do-dad on the back of the carburetor was
do-dad
remember, do-funny sticking. That was the problem.
do drugs use drugs, take drugs They don't hire people who do drugs. No way.
a thing with a funny name, You put the do-funny on the lever, and you're
do-funny
thing-a-ma-bob finished!
use a poor method, go against the Don't start a fire with stones. That's doing it the hard
do it the hard way
grain way.
do lunch have lunch together, eat lunch We'll do lunch tomorrow, OK? Do you like salad?
Paul sang, "When she really done me, she done me
do me love me, make love to me
good!"
Idioms: do me for/do me until -- do with

supply me until, last me, tide me "Got lots of shampoo?" "Enough to do me for a
do me for/do me until
over week or so."
I hope no one wants to do me in. I want to live a
do me in kill me, knock me off
few more years.
last chance to win, it's now or It's do or die. If we lose this game, we'll be out of
do or die
never the series.
do the task for the leader, fill in for The Mayor can't speak to us, so Mr. Kelly will do
do the honors
the leader the honors.
do the town celebrate or party all over town On July 1, we'll do the town. We'll really celebrate.
solve the problem, help, that's the
do the trick If you need a lubricant, Vaseline will do the trick.
ticket
He's doing time for sexual assault. He's in for five
do time be in prison, be in a penitentiary
years.
do unto others as you would treat people the way you would This is The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you
have them do unto you like to be treated would have them do unto you."
Do up your skate laces, please. I will help you tie
do up lace, tighten the laces
them.
do with would like, want I could do with a cold drink. I'm hot and thirsty.
Idioms: do without -- dodo

manage without, not have, make We did without meat all winter. We became
do without
do vegetarians.
do you understand? do you see Turn the key left to lock, right to unlock. Do you
do you follow
how it operates? follow?
Do you mind if I sit on your desk? Does it bother
do you mind do you care? does it matter?
you?
do it your own way, do what you I like managers who let me do my own thing - who
do your own thing
feel, let it all hang out respect my way of doing things.
We did our part to help the food bank. We donated

do your part do your share, do your job
cereal.
do as much as you can, do Pat did his utmost to save her, but she fell into the
do your utmost
whatever you can pool.
do something that you are proud You did yourself proud when you helped the
do yourself proud
of refugees.
improve it, edit it, spin doctor, I wrote the letter but Ted doctored it up - to make it
doctor it/doctor it up
touch up, tweak look professional.
Kevin dodged a bullet. He got a "D" on the final
dodge a bullet avoid a failure or loss or injury
exam.
dodo (See go the way of the dodo)
Idioms: doesn't add up -- dog's age

is not logical, does not make One shot was fired, but three cows are dead. It
doesn't add up
sense doesn't add up.
does not say nice words when
When Greta is angry she doesn't mince words. She
doesn't mince words complaining, call a spade a spade,
tells you what is bothering her.
straight from the shoulder
is not believable, is not logical, His explanation doesn't wash. If a millennium begins
doesn't wash
does not make sense at year 1, how does he account for the first year?
the hottest days of summer, We like to watch baseball during the dog days of
dog days of summer
midsummer summer.
vicious competition, everybody Will education prepare us for the dog-eat-dog
dog eat dog
for himself world of business?
a person who will not share
He's a dog in the manger about his office space. He
dog in the manger something he does not use or
doesn't use it, but he won't let us have it.
need
Bill admits he's been dogging it lately. He lacks
dog it be lazy, not work
energy.
His failure in politics dogged him for the rest of his
dog me follow me, bother me
life.
very tired, exhausted, all in, done Janis was dog tired after the series. She played
dog tired
in every game.
dog's age (See for a dog's age)
Idioms: dog's breakfast -- don't count your

chickens before they hatch

dog's breakfast (See a dog's breakfast)
dog's life (See a dog's life)
Catholic, a member of the Roman I'm a Jew, Walter's a dogan, and Peter's a
dogan
Catholic Church Buddhist. What a mixture!
extremely annoying, god-damn, I can't find the doggone scissors again. This house
doggone
blasted must eat them!
doggy bag (See a doggy bag)
Here, I brought a plastic bag for Lassie's doggy
doggy doo dog poop, dog feces, doo-doo
doo.
dollars to donuts (See bet you dollars to donuts)
in a party dress, with hair styled, When Lisa gets all dolled up, Harry becomes very
dolled up
gussied up romantic.
do not invite their trouble; we When I said I was going to help my neighbor get a
don't borrow trouble
have enough trouble divorce, Pat said, "Don't borrow trouble."
do not expect all plans to be
don't count your chickens "Look at the sales I'm going to make this month -
successful, wait until you get the
before they hatch over 50!" "Don't count your chickens... ."
final results
Idioms: don't eat that -- don't go there

do not accept that, do not believe After hearing the report, Ben said, "Don't eat that,
don't eat that
that guys."
do not waste your energy on
To the victims he said, "Don't get mad. Get even.
don't get mad; get even anger, do get revenge; actions
Report this to the police."
speak louder...
do not misunderstand; take it the Don't get me wrong; I love literature, but I hate
don't get me wrong
wrong way poetry.
show more respect, do not talk If you ask why, she'll say, "Don't get smart with
don't get smart with me
back me."
do not care at all, do not value it, Janis doesn't care if he likes other girls. She said she
don't give a crap [B]
don't give a damn doesn't give a crap.
do not care, am not interested, Jack's late for class every day and I don't give a
don't give a damn [B]
give a shit [B] damn! He's a big boy now and it's his business!
do not talk back, do not refuse to When the boy swore, she said, "Don't give me any
don't give me any of your lip
do what I ask of your lip."
don't give me that line/story Don't give me that line about a cure for the common
do not tell me that false story
etc. cold.
don't go away mad; just go do not be angry, but leave; you He said to the heckler, "Don't go away mad; just go
away are not welcome here away."
don't go there (See don't want to go there)
Idioms: don't hand me that -- don't know your ass

from a hole in the ground [B]
don't hand me that (See don't give me that)
it is not going to happen soon, be The City will repair the street but don't hold your
don't hold your breath
prepared to wait breath.
don't be negative, it could be "I only got a C for my report." "Don't knock it. I got
don't knock it
worse a D."
do not know who he is, have The man says he knows me, but I don't know him
don't know him from Adam
never met him from Adam.
don't know the first thing I can't fix a transmission. I don't know the first thing
do not know anything about it
about it about it.
do not know all the facts, have not Yes, they got divorced, but you don't know the half
don't know the half of it
heard all of it of it.
don't know whether you're you are confused, you do not If you believe the cult leaders, you won't know
coming or going understand, go in circles whether you're coming or going.
After talking to four bureaucrats, I didn't know
don't know which end is up are confused, are mixed up
which end was up.
do not know what is really
don't know which side your If you refuse the assistance, you don't know which
important, have not learned much
bread is buttered on side your bread is buttered on.
about life
don't know your ass from a you are ignorant, you are He said one member of the cult was so confused he
hole in the ground [B] mistaken, mixed up didn't know his ass from a hole in the ground.
Idioms: don't look a gift horse in the mouth --

don't teach your grandmother how to suck eggs
don't look a gift horse in the do not be critical of a gift, be Don't evaluate a gift. Don't look a gift horse in the
mouth grateful for a gift mouth.
don't make a mountain out do not cause a big fuss about a So I scratched the car. Don't make a mountain out
of a molehill small problem of a molehill.
do not be ridiculous, don't give me When I said I wrote the novel, he said, "Don't make
don't make me laugh
that line me laugh."
do not do anything that will cause Our company has changed a lot. Don't make any
don't make waves
problems more waves.
"Thanks for the ride," I said. "Don't mention it," he
don't mention it it was no trouble, no problem
replied.
do not try to get too much, do not If Mom says maybe, don't push your luck. Be
don't push your luck
ask for more patient.
don't put all your eggs in one do not invest all the money in one Balance your investments. Don't put all your eggs in
basket company one basket.
do not cause a change, do not If the team is winning, don't rock the boat. Don't
don't rock the boat
upset anybody change anything.
do not worry about it, you can't If you did your best but didn't win a medal, don't
don't sweat it
saw sawdust sweat it.
don't teach your You, a history major, telling me, a war veteran,
do not tell me what I know, do
grandmother how to suck about war? Don't teach your grandmother how to
not say what is obvious
eggs suck eggs!
Idioms: a glow on -- a good sport

When Myrna gets a glow on, she likes to dance real
a glow on slightly drunk, tipsy, catch a buzz
close.
a go (See it's a go)
an aggressive employee, a hard What a go-getter! He finished the course a month
a go-getter
worker, gung ho before the others.
a busy person, an active At three years of age she was a going concern - into
a going concern,
enterprise, going great guns everything!
a good chance to succeed, a good The Royal Hotel is for sale. What a golden
a golden opportunity
investment opportunity!
something that is lost or beyond I thought he was a goner, but the cat came back.
a goner
help He's home.
the ability to throw a baseball or Doug is short, but he has a good arm. He's an
a good arm
football excellent passer.
a good-natured person, a good
a good egg Everybody likes Marsha. She's a good egg.
head
friendly, generous person; a good
a good head Sean is a good head. He'll help at the food bank.
egg
What a good sport! You never complain, even
a good sport a person who is fair and friendly
when you lose.
Idioms: don't think so -- doo-doo

don't think so do not believe it is so, think not "Do you have dandruff?" "I don't think so."
do not want to talk about it, it is
don't want to go there My divorce? We don't want to go there. It's ugly!
not a pleasant topic
We were done for until Tim hit a home run and we

done for defeated, beaten, hopeless
won the game.
did well, performed well, did After watching the race, his dad said, "You done
done good
good good, Son."
After the roundup, the old-timer was done in -
done in very tired, dead tired, all in
exhausted.
had a lot of experience, done We need a manager who's done it all - done all the
done it all
every activity jobs.
done to a turn cooked or baked until very tasty The steaks were done to a turn - brown and juicy.
Just leave the pen on my desk when you're done
done with it finished using it, not using it
with it.
a fight involving many people - The Flames and the Oilers had another Donnybrook
Donnybrook
especially in a game of hockey last night - a bench-clearing brawl.
excrement, shit, doggy doo, in My shoe really stinks. I must have stepped in some
doo-doo
deep doo-doo, poop doo-doo!
Idioms: door to door -- dough

going from one house to the next We went door to door asking for donations for the
door to door
house team.
"Does your dork shrink after you've been
dork [B] penis, dick, hoo-haw
swimming?" "Ya. That's natural."
foolish person, dipstick, jerk, What a dork! He drove off the road to pass that
dork [B]
lamebrain car!
break a promise, cheat on He promised not to tell you, but he did. He
double-cross
someone double-crossed me.
double-edged sword (See a double-edged sword)
double the first bet and if I win, I After losing the first bet, I said, "Double or nothing
double or nothing
owe nothing this time?"
look again in disbelief, can't She did a double take when Clint Eastwood walked
double take
believe my eyes into the store.
His explanation of the government decision was a
double-talk confusing talk, bafflegab
lot of double-talk.
two events or experiences that Talk about a double whammy! My boss tells me
double whammy happen close together, I've lost my job, and you tell me I've won the
synchronicity lottery!
Did you get some dough? We need money to buy
dough money, dollars, moola
groceries.
Idioms: doughhead -- down in the mouth


someone who does not think Don't ever call him a doughhead again. He's my
doughhead
before acting boyfriend.
a person who wants peace, The doves complained when the US built more
dove
pacifist nuclear weapons.
She's been down ever since her cat died. She
down sad, depressed, low
misses her cat.
down a peg (See take him down a peg)
The next song is down and dirty. It's called Snake's
down and dirty not polite, rude, vulgar
Pad.
poor and unlucky, bumming and When he was down and out, he went to the
down and out
boozing Salvation Army.
defeated by an opponent, out of
down for the count Chad was down for the count. He couldn't get up.
the contest
Hey, Ma. I can't wait to taste your down-home
down home simple but good, old fashioned
cookin'.
sad, not happy, depressed, down Shelly was down in the dumps until her boyfriend
down in the dumps
in the mouth arrived.
looking sad, having a sad face, a You'd be down in the mouth, too, if you'd just lost
down in the mouth
sad sack your job.
Idioms: down my throat -- down the tubes

down my throat (See shove down my throat)
not lucky lately, not happy or With no money and no job, Ragnar was down on
down on his luck
positive his luck.
Flora had her speech down pat. She had practised
down pat memorized, just right
it many times.
His fortune went down the drain when he began to
down the drain lost, wasted, squandered
gamble.
(See lead you down the garden
down the garden path
path)
down the throat and into the
down the hatch Another pickled egg went down the hatch. Yum!
stomach
Down the line, we'll meet again and laugh at our
down the line in the future, later, down the road
argument.
Disagree with the boss and you'll soon be down the
down the road dismissed, fired
road.
We plan to have an office in both cities - but that's
down the road in the future, in a few years
down the road.
You have to advertise, or your business will go
down the tubes lost or gone, ruined, up the creek
down the tubes.
Idioms: down to a T -- downhearted

Sharon is wonderful in the play. She has her part
down to a T perfectly, exactly, down pat
down to a T.
down to brass tacks (See get down to brass tacks)
humble, not proud, the salt of the I like Mrs. Wilson because she's so down to earth,
down to earth
earth so natural.
"How's it going? Are you nearly finished?" "We're
nearly finished a job, almost
down to the short strokes down to the short strokes - we just have to paint the
completed a task
doors."
The first two games went down to the wire - very
down to the wire to the last minute, near the end
close scores.
Next year I'm going down under for my holidays -
down under Australia, New Zealand, etc.
New Zealand.
"Down with the sales tax!" they shouted. "Down
down with do not support, stop that plan, not
with the tax!"
downer (drug) (See a downer)
downer (sadness) (See a downer)
"Are you downhearted, my dear?" "No. Just quiet,
downhearted sad, unhappy, down
my love."
Idioms: downplay -- drag your feet

They tried to downplay the fact that smoking caused
downplay say it is not important, soft pedal
the fire.
downside (See the downside)
When you own a computer, you have to expect
downtime time needed to repair a machine
some downtime.
a person who runs away from American draft dodgers came to Canada in the
draft dodger
military service 1970s.
drag (See a drag)
take a long time to finish, speak When James tells a ghost story, he drags it out for
drag it out
for a long time an hour.
go for a long time, last for hours
drag on The funeral dragged on and on - for three days!
or days
man dressed in women's clothing, Don's a transvestite. They call him "the drag queen
drag queen
transvestite of Fag Street."
"Did you see the drag race?" "Ya. The Corvette

drag race two cars racing from a stop light
won."
They're dragging their feet. Tell them to work
drag your feet work too slow, prevent progress
faster.
Idioms: dragged through a... -- draw their fire

(See look like he was dragged
dragged through a...
through a knothole)
remove what prevents a clear If I were manager, my first step would be to drain
drain the swamp
view of the problem the swamp.
Drat! I've lost the key. How can we get into the
drat oh no, nuts, rats, scrut
apartment?
be unable to think of an answer, For some reason, I drew a blank when the
draw a blank
mind go blank professor questioned me.
They say he hasn't drawn a sober breath since his
draw a sober breath be sober, not be drunk
son was killed.
ask people to notice; show or If you wear a short skirt, you draw attention to your
draw attention to
display to people legs.
The Jets drew first blood in the series, winning game
draw first blood attack first, be first to hit or win
one 5-4.
tell me about it, cause me to be Spelling is a problem. Thanks for drawing it to my
draw it to my attention
aware of it attention.
When it comes to drugs, he draws the line. He
draw the line stop, refuse to do it
won't touch them.
get attention while a friend moves You draw their fire while I move behind them. You
draw their fire
or escapes distract them.
Idioms: draw upon -- dressed to the nines

At university, I drew upon my knowledge of
draw upon recall and use, remember
Russian history.
entertainment to attract people, The community hired a comedian as a drawing card
drawing card
loss leader for the fair.
you are not being realistic, get
dream on You expect me to buy you a Corvette? Dream on!
your head out...
"Why don't you change your dress clothes before
dress clothes good, expensive clothes
you repair the car?"
dress down (See a dressing down)

dress in casual clothes, dress It's a library party, so dress down. Wear something
dress down
informally casual.
the last rehearsal before the All actors must come to the dress rehearsal - our
dress rehearsal
performance, dry run last practice.
dress in your best clothes, put on
Everybody got dressed up for the banquet. Roy
dress up
glad rags wore his new suit.
dressed in party clothes, dolled up
In walks Erica, dressed fit to kill. She looked
dressed fit to kill
, dress up, gussied up terrific!
Here I am in jeans. Everybody else is dressed to the
dressed to the nines dressed in high fashion, gussied up
nines.
Idioms: dribs and drabs -- drive me to the edge

dribs and drabs (See in dribs and drabs)
If Hal is coming to visit, buy lots of beer. He drinks
drink like a fish drink a lot of liquor every day
like a fish.
drink up drink your wine etc., bottoms up Drink up, my friends. It's Buddy's birthday!
drink more liquor than you, drink After three glasses of beer, you're nearly drunk. I
drink you under the table
and not pass out, put you away bet I can drink you under the table!
When buying land, Cal drives a hard bargain. He
drive a hard bargain pay a low price, negotiate firmly
pays low prices.
drive a car up and down the At night we drove around town, looking for
drive around
streets, tooling around something to do.
make a message clear, say it so When you talk about safe sex, drive it home. Stress
drive it home
they understand safety.
cause me to be insane, drive me
drive me batty The noise from that motorcycle is driving me batty!
crazy
cause me to feel crazy, bug me a That TV commercial drives me crazy! It's on every
drive me crazy
lot channel!
cause me to be nearly mad or When those chipmunks sing, it drives me to the
drive me to the edge
insane edge!
Idioms: drive me up the wall -- drop a line

cause me to feel anxious; go I won't babysit at the Kaplans. The kids drive me
drive me up the wall
around the bend up the wall.
Can you drive standard? My car has a five-speed

drive standard shift gears on a car or truck
transmission.
If you get pushy, he'll drive you. He's got a bad
drive you hit you, punch you, cream you
temper.
cause you to feel crazy, drive you Working for Harry will drive you nuts. He's a
drive you nuts
crazy (see drive me crazy) perfectionist.
cause you to lose thoughts, drive
drive you to distraction Her continual chatter will drive you to distraction.
me up the wall
cause you to drink alcohol or His critical attitude will drive you to drink. I had to
drive you to drink
want to be drunk resign.
stop taking a subject, withdraw, You wouldn't drop English! It's the key to other
drop
drop out subjects.
lose money by gambling, lose your I dropped a bundle at the track last night. I lost
drop a bundle
shirt every bet.
When he was hungry, he'd drop a hint, like point at
drop a hint suggest, give a sign
the fridge.
Be sure to drop us a line from Paris. Tell us about
drop a line write a letter, send a postcard
your trip.
Idioms: a grain of salt -- a hassle

a grain of salt (See take it with a grain of salt)
There's not a grain of truth in what Brian says. It's all
a grain of truth a bit of truth, take it with a grain...
untrue.
a written statement that protects a They can't demote him because he has a grandfather
a grandfather clause
senior worker clause.
Jason is not easy to manage. He is a real handful for
a handful a child who is difficult to manage
his mother.
I'm not asking for a handout. I'll pay you back when
a handout free food or money, freeload
I find work.
a day full of hard work, put in a You look tired, Dear. Did you have a hard day at
a hard day
hard day the office?
When our dog gets a hard-on, he tries to crawl up
a hard-on [B] an erect penis, a hard penis
my leg.
A single parent has a hard row to hoe, working day
a hard row to hoe a difficult task, many problems
and night.
Ken will give you a hard time about missing that free
a hard time teasing or bugging, a bad time
throw.
The tax form is a hassle this year. It's difficult to
a hassle a problem, a bother
understand.
Idioms: drop a log [B] -- drop-in

have a bowel movement, take a What a smell! Open a window after you drop a log,
drop a log [B]
shit [B] eh.
pretend you know famous He was dropping names at the interview - Klein,
drop a name / drop names
people, name-dropper Clinton, etc.
run slower than before, run further
Our horse dropped back to fourth place and lost
drop back
behind the race.
Our party has dropped behind in the polls. We're in
drop behind run further behind, lose ground
second place.
withdraw complaints, not press I realized it was an accident, so I dropped the
drop charges
charges charges.
you are badly mistaken, go to hell If you think I'm getting on that motorcycle, you can
drop dead
[B] drop dead.
leave her, not date her anymore, She wouldn't quit smoking, so I dropped her - told
drop her/him
tube her (see tube him) her it was off.
If she finds out you're not rich, she'll drop you like a
drop him like a hot potato leave him, not associate with him
hot potato.
When you come to Edmonton, be sure to drop in
drop in visit, go to see, drop over
for a visit.
He was a drop-in at the Seniors' Centre. He liked
drop-in visitor, one who drops in
to go there.
Idioms: drop in the bucket -- drop your drawers

drop in the bucket (See a drop in the bucket)
stop talking about it, do not say When I mentioned his accident, he told me to drop
drop it
any more it.
dying in great numbers, falling When a pox infected the tribe, people were
drop like flies
dead on the floor dropping like flies.
drop off deliver, drive and leave a parcel I'll drop off the parcel today. What's your address?
I only dropped off for a second. I was awake for
drop off go to sleep, doze, fall asleep
the news.
Sales have dropped off recently. Maybe we should
drop off reduce, diminish, slip, slow down
advertise.
I have decided not to drop out of school. I'm going
drop out quit, stop attending
to continue.
After the scandal, he dropped out of sight. I haven't
drop out of sight disappear, not be seen for awhile
seen him.
Our friends dropped over last night for a cup of
drop over visit, come and talk
coffee.
take your pants down, remove Don't you hate it when you have to drop your
drop your drawers
your shorts drawers for a nurse?
Idioms: drop your gloves (hockey) -- duke it out

remove your gloves to fight withDon't drop your gloves in this game. There's no
drop your gloves (hockey)
your fists fighting.
Jay drowned her sorrow in wine. Then she had a
drown your sorrow drink until the sadness goes away
headache.
create interest in, recruit, find We have a million widgets to sell. Let's drum up
drum up
some customers some customers.
She's drying out at a treatment centre. It's a
dry out stop using alcohol, on the wagon
four-week program.
Let's do a dry run of our play so I can add the
dry run complete rehearsal, walk through
background music.
dry up stop talking, be quiet I wish he'd dry up. He talks too much.
everyone pays for his own food; If we go to the cafe, it's dubs. We each pay for our
dubs
dutch treat own treat.
organized, planned; each person I have to get my ducks in order before the sale on
ducks in order
knows his job Tuesday.
Follow the winding road west to the junction; then
due north straight north, directly north
go due north.
fight with your fists, punch each Gerry wanted to duke it out with the referee - tried
duke it out
other to punch him.
Idioms: duke's mixture -- dust bunny

duke's mixture (See a duke's mixture
(See as dumb as a sack of
dumb as a sack of hammers
hammers)
one who does not think, an
dumbbell What a dumbbell I am! I locked the keys in the car.
airhead, knucklehead
a person who acts stupid, a fool, Hey, dumbo! You're driving on the wrong side of
dumbo
a dipstick the road!
leave her or him, drop her, tube Sid and Marie had a fight, so he dumped her and
dump her/him
her (see tube him) began seeing me.
unload the dirty jobs, give what is They dump on Karen too much. They give her the
dump on
left over large classes.
searching in the garbage to find No. This college does not offer a course in
dumpster diving
bottles etc. dumpster diving.
durn (See darn)
If you smuggle drugs into the US, you're dust. You'll
dust ruined, dead, done for, toast
go to jail.
ball of dust on the floor, dust that On Saturday morning I vacuum up the dust bunnies
dust bunny
looks like fur before I go out.
Idioms: dust devil -- dying to know

Dust devils seemed to follow us as we walked
dust devil small whirlwind, twister
across the field.
dust-up (See a dust-up)
everyone pays for his/her own
dutch treat When we go for eats, let's go dutch. That's fair, eh.
lunch etc.; dubs
"Duty calls," he said, opening a book to begin his
duty calls it is my duty, I must do a task
homework.
dying seconds (See the dying seconds)
Amy is dying to know the name of the guy in the
dying to know wants to know, is very curious
leather jacket.
Idioms: each to his own -- ease up

each to his own (See to each his own)
Joan is the eager beaver in this class. She likes to
eager beaver a person who wants to work
work.
a person who can see details or We call him Eagle Eyes because he finds so many
eagle eyes
errors lost golf balls.
music that is pleasant, beautiful The theme music in the movie Out of Africa is ear
ear candy
music candy.
(See keep your ear to the ground
ear to the ground
)
earful (See an earful)
(See the early bird gets the worm
early bird
)
The rowdy kid needs his ears pinned back. Tell him
ears pinned back told to behave, disciplined
to behave.
work or play slower, take it easy Ease up on the younger players, eh. Don't work
ease up
on them too hard.
not push as much, reduce the You can ease up on the gas pedal when we reach
ease up
pressure, let up 100 km per hour.
Idioms: easy as pie -- eat it up

That math problem is easy as pie. I'll show you how
easy as pie very easy to do, a piece of cake
to do it.
if we get things free we do not As Ming was spending his lottery money, he said,
easy come, easy go
worry when we lose them "Easy come, easy go."
an easy task or job, a piece of It was a multiple-choice test - easy pickings if you
easy pickings
cake studied.
an easy life, a life with lots of
easy street Win five million dollars and we'll be on easy street.
money to spend
While living with his wealthy aunt, he had an easy
easy time of it not much work to do, an easy life
time of it.
admit you were wrong, take back When I lost the bet, I had to eat crow - admit I was
eat crow
what you said (see take it back) wrong.
eat high off the hog (See high on the hog)
admit I did not play well, feel Ben had to eat humble pie after he finished fourth in
eat humble pie
humble after defeat the race.
finish eating some food, eat all of That's a good boy. Eat it up and then you can go
eat it up
the food out to play.
believe a story, eat out of the The children were eating it up - every word the
eat it up
palm... teacher said.
Idioms: eat like a horse -- eat your heart out

Barney eats like a horse. He has a monstrous
eat like a horse eat a lot, pig out
appetite.
be very surprised or shocked if it If the Vancouver Canucks win the Cup, I'll eat my
eat my hat/shirt
is true hat!
On Friday evenings we eat out, usually at a Greek
eat out eat at a restaurant, eat at a cafe
restaurant.
eat out of the palm of your do whatever you ask, obey you, If you tell the children a story, you'll have them
hand win the hearts eating out of the palm of your hand.
After listening to the UFO scientist, my uncle said,

eat that believe that, buy that, swallow that
"Are we supposed to eat that?"
eat up begin to eat, continue to eat, dig in Eat up, folks. We have lots of pancakes.
defeat you easily, have you for In a game of racquetball he'll eat you for breakfast.
eat you for breakfast
breakfast He's quick.
eat you out of house and Our son's team came to dinner and ate us out of
eat all your food, pig out
home house and home!
eat until you are satisfied, eat as Eat your fill. You won't have another meal till we get
eat your fill
much as you can home.
envy my prize, wish that you had When Kurt won the Porsche, he said, "Eat your
eat your heart out
one heart out, guys."
Idioms: eat your words -- elbow room

regret what you said, admit you He told me the answer, and I had to eat my words.
eat your words
were wrong I was wrong.
eating you (See what's eating you)
You're kind of edgy today. Did you sleep well last
edgy nervous, cranky, touchy
night?
I didn't want to steal the exam, but they egged me
egg me on encourage me, tell me to do it
on.
I made a deal with Jake and ended up with egg on
egg on my face embarrassed, outsmarted
my face.
feeling of self importance, feeling If you tell him he played well, he'll go on an ego
ego trip
superior trip.
you understand, you know what I
eh There were three boys but only two girls, eh.
am taking about
take it off the list, it is one too Our menu has too many entrees. Let's eighty-six the
eighty-six it
many, smithwright it beef stroganoff.
eke out a living earn or grow enough to survive On the small farm we were able to eke out a living.
room to move among people, On the streets of Hong Kong there wasn't much
elbow room
space in a crowd elbow room.
Idioms: electronic superhighway -- even steven

We can find more information on the electronic
electronic superhighway a computer network, Internet
superhighway.
end justifies the means (See the end justifies the means)
end of the line (See the end of the line)

where you stop or finish, the end We often end up sleeping at Ty's house. His mom
end up
of a journey doesn't mind.
"Enough is enough!" she said after my sixth piece of
enough is enough it is time to stop, enough already
pie.
we do not owe each other, a I owe you $20, but I gave you a haircut, so we're
even
wash, call it square even.
even a blind pig can find an if you keep looking and trying you "Hey, Bill. Think you'll ever get that car started?"
acorn may succeed "Maybe. Even a blind pig can find an acorn."
even keel (See keep an even keel)
"He doesn't need the money." "Even so, I must
even so regardless, no matter
repay the loan."
equal work or achievement, After one lap, Karim and I were even steven. We
even steven
evenly matched were tied.
Idioms: a head start -- a holy pile

a chance to start ahead of the Give the smallest runner a head start. He can't run
a head start
other runners etc. very fast.
At the end of a heavy day he likes to sit on the patio
a heavy day a busy day, a hard day
and read.
a person who can hurt you, a
a heavy hitter Al is a heavy hitter. Don't try to cheat him.
heavyweight
a person with a lot of power, a If you're promoted to vice-president, you'll be a
a heavyweight
heavy hitter, a shogun, VIP heavyweight - a powerful person!
help with a job or task, lend a
a helping hand May was always ready with a helping hand.
hand
The money he lost doesn't amount to a hill of
a hill of beans a small amount, very little
beans.
a popular song or movie, an idea
a hit Remember the song Michelle? It was quite a hit.
everybody likes
a hit a drug dose, drugs from a needle When she's depressed, she'll do anything for a hit.
space for a lot of drink, room for Parl drank six bottles of beer. He must have a
a hollow leg
a lot of beer hollow leg!
To feed 20 people, you need a holy pile of
a holy pile a lot, very much, tons
spaghetti.
Idioms: even up -- eye candy


equal parts, equal pieces for each They split the profits even up - 50% to each
even up
person partner.
every method or device, every If you want to find boys, Keiko knows every trick
every trick in the book
way of doing it in the book.
every walk of life every occupation, all lifestyles People from every walk of life attend our church.
everything but the kitchen almost everything, the whole We put everything in his truck, everything but the
sink works kitchen sink!
a lot of food or things, a variety of His shopping cart was full. He had everything from
everything from soup to nuts
groceries soup to nuts.
fashions and trends are repeated Hey, if miniskirts are back, everything old is new
everything old is new again
or revived again!
former wife or husband; girlfriend
ex His ex got the Mercedes; he got the truck.
or boyfriend
departure, gonzo, out of here
exit stage left When that bull got loose, I did an exit stage left!
(outa here)
experience or discover new ideas
expand your horizons Travel, read, discuss - expand your horizons!
or goals or cultures
something that is nice to look at, a She was eye candy. I've never seen a more beautiful
eye candy
beautiful object car!
Idioms: eye for an eye -- eyes peeled

eye for an eye (See an eye for an eye)
eye of a needle (See the eye of a needle)
eye of the storm (See the eye of the storm)
eye to eye (See see eye to eye)
look at this, check this out, peep
eyeball this Eyeball this, guys! My hair is curly!
this
eyes express disbelief or "I've When I told him I'd pay the rent next week, his
eyes glaze over
heard this before" eyes glazed over.
eyes peeled (See keep your eyes peeled)
Idioms: F-word -- fake it

F-word (See the F-word)
accept the truth, deal with reality, If we face facts, we can see that one salary is not
face facts
come to grips enough.
face the results of our actions, be If you damage the car, you must face the music -
face the music
responsible pay for repairs.
If Karl caused the problem, he'll face up. He'll admit
face up admit that you did it, own up
it.
fag/faggot gay or homosexual man Sean is a fag; he admits it.
timid, not courageous, chicken,
faint of heart Sky diving is not for people who are faint of heart.
lily-livered
legal to hunt or shoot or criticize,
fair game An elected politician is fair game for criticism.
open season
He's the fair-haired boy in this office. They think
fair-haired boy favorite boy, favorite man
he's perfect.
fair shake (See a fair shake)
create the parts you forget, fudge If he forgets the words, he fakes it. He thinks of
fake it
it, make up new words.
Idioms: falderal -- fall in love

falderal (See a lot of falderal)
be unable to cope or manage, After his wife died, he fell apart. He lost interest in
fall apart (at the seams)
come unglued everything.
Don't fall asleep while we're in church. It's
fall asleep begin to sleep, drop off
embarrassing.
be unable to run as fast, drop You will fall behind in your work if you miss a week
fall behind
behind of school.
When I was in Grade 8, I fell for Miss Kramer. She
fall for begin to love, fall in love with
was beautiful.
Surely you're not going to fall for that story. It's
fall for that believe that, eat that
nonsense.
fall head over heels (See head over heels)
to become sick or infected, come Just before the concert Wolfgang fell ill and was
fall ill
down with unable to play his last composition.
do as others are doing, obey Although Barry doesn't like the new rules, he'll fall in
fall in line
orders line.
begin to love, feel romantic Michael and Rose have fallen in love. They're very
fall in love
about, head over heels happy.
Idioms: fall into a trap -- fall to pieces

When the lawyer asks questions, don't fall into a

fall into a trap be tricked, be deceived
trap.
find without looking, receive Reg got another job offer today. Things seem to fall
fall into my lap
without asking into his lap.
become drunk again, return to a The old man fell off the wagon. He got drunk last
fall off the wagon
bad habit night.
talk to people who will not listen, If you talk to the workers about management's
fall on deaf ears
really deaf problems, your message will fall on deaf ears.
I know I caused the problem, but I won't fall on my
fall on your sword quit, resign, pull the pin
sword. They'll have to fire me.
We still feel the fall-out from his negative speech on
fall-out harmful effects, continuing effects
abortion.
I'm falling short of my career goals because I've
fall short not able to do as well as planned
been ill.
not happen, not succeed, not His plans to write a novel fell through because he
fall through
come off, not pan out didn't get a government grant.
These children fell through the cracks. They didn't
fall through the cracks not be included, leave out
learn to read.
be unable to talk or reply, be When I see Mario, I just fall to pieces. He's so
fall to pieces
overwhelmed handsome!
Idioms: fallen woman -- far cry

The priest was trying to save the fallen women in his
fallen woman prostitute, hooker
parish.
beginning to feel love, being in They say that falling in love is wonderful -
falling in love
love marvellous!
falling out (See a falling out)
false move (See a false move)
a friend may dislike you if you do Don't call Margaret Maggie. Remember, familiarity
familiarity breeds contempt
not respect his or her privacy breeds contempt.
family jewels (See the family jewels)
chart of ancestors, record of Bo is helping me to research my family tree - my
family tree
parents' forefathers ancestors.
a prediction that is false - the "We don't need a spare tire. We never have flat
famous last words
opposite happens, twist of fate tires on this car." "Sure. Famous last words!"
You did some fancy footwork to answer their
fancy footwork neat maneuvers, clever moves
questions. Bravo!
far cry (See a far cry)
Idioms: far out -- fat lip

far out unbelievable, fantastic, wow When I wear my bikini, he says, "Far out!"
play instead of work, goof off, When we were kids we used to fart around at my
fart around [B]
hang out uncle's store.
fart in a windstorm [B] (See a fart in a windstorm)
Sue and I became fast friends when we were in
fast friends close friends, permanent friends
Grade 4.
fast lane (See life in the fast lane)
the quickest route or path, short There is no fast track to success in the field of
fast track
cut photography.
a baseball pitched at top speed
fastball (other pitches: slider, sinker, Judd's fastball travels at about 95 miles per hour.
changeup, etc.)
They're the fat cats in our town. They've got tons of
fat cat rich or wealthy person, rolling in it
money.
fat chance very little chance, not likely Me? Type 100 words per minute? Fat chance!
fat lip a hit on the lip, an injured lip Where'd you get the fat lip? Did somebody hit you?
Idioms: fate is sealed -- feel a draft

destiny was known, fate was When you said you loved me, that's when your fate
fate is sealed
determined was sealed.
When the announcer said that Rajesh had won the
bother me, affect me, not take it in
faze me lottery, it didn't faze him. He just smiled and said,
stride
"That's nice."
confuse me, surprise me, throw The new expressions fazed me out. They confused
faze me out
me for a loop me.
I opened a box of diamonds and said, "Feast your
feast your eyes on enjoy looking at, get a load of
eyes on these!"
Nilsson could feather a pass better than the other
feather a pass (hockey) pass a puck accurately but softly
players.
feather in your cap (See a feather in your cap)
make a comfortable place,
Charles became a professor and began to feather
feather your nest prepare your future place, nest
his nest at the University of Manitoba.
egg
tired of, disgusted with, had He's fed up with their laziness. I think he's angry
fed up
enough with them.
reply, response, reaction to a "What is the feedback on our plan to cut education
feedback
plan, splashback funds?" "Negative. People disapprove."
feel the air from someone who is When Jake talks too much, Pete asks, "Does
feel a draft
talking too much anyone feel a draft?"
Idioms: feel blue -- fence sitter

When Mara goes away, Don feels blue. He's lonely
feel blue feel sad, down, low
and sad.
feel sympathy or pity for I feel for kids who are homeless. I want to help
feel for
someone them.
feel that you may do it, by all Feel free to use the library. You can read and study
feel free
means there.
feel myself (See not feeling myself)
feel a little bit poorer, feel there is Now that we have only one income, we feel the
feel the pinch
less money pinch.
feeling lazy or negative, lacking I'm feeling kind of bum today. I didn't sleep well last
feeling bum
energy night.
a little bit drunk, buzzed, had a
feeling good After drinking a few beers Pat was feeling good.
few
Look at that cowboy dance! He's feeling his oats
feeling his oats feeling energetic, feeling strong
tonight.
feeling no pain half drunk, half-corked After three drinks of rum, Alex was feeling no pain.
a person who supports both sides Many politicians become fence sitters because they
fence sitter
in an argument, middle ground want to please everyone.
Idioms: fend for yourself -- fifth business

Soon you'll know the city, and you can fend for
fend for yourself be independent, care for yourself
yourself.
I had a little fender bender with your car, Dad - just
fender bender minor car accident, collision
a scratch.
fever stops, fever begins to go
fever breaks His fever broke last night. He's going to be alright.
down
Canada still has timber wolves, but they are few and
few and far between very few, rare, the odd one
far between.
"What's a fib, Dad?" "It's a lie. It's the same as a
fib small lie, white lie
lie."
a closet or cupboard so full of
My brain is like Fibber McGee's closet. If you ask
stuff that some of it falls out when
Fibber McGee's closet me a question, a whole bunch of stuff comes
the door is opened, everything but
tumbling out!
the kitchen sink
fickle finger of fate (See the fickle finger of fate)
fiddlesticks oh no, darn, nuts, rats, shucks Fiddlesticks! I forgot to get the mail!
fido effort, drive, get the lead out I wouldn't say he's lazy, but he needs more fido!
an unimportant player, an extra You are fifth business, Dunny. Anyone can play
fifth business
member your part.
Idioms: a hoot -- a hotshot

a time of laughter, a good time, a Last night we went to Maude's party. It was a
a hoot
riot hoot.
a different matter, a separate If he wants to buy the land, that's a horse of a
a horse of a different color
issue different color.
a horse's ass [B] a fool, a jerk After three drinks he was acting like a horse's ass.
lucky in card games or at Walter's got a hot hand tonight. He's won four
a hot hand
gambling games of poker.
a couple (or topic) that everyone Paul and Rita are a hot number now. They're in
a hot number
is talking about love.
a popular item, a product that Anything with James Dean's picture on it is a hot
a hot ticket
people want ticket.
a hot topic popular topic, the talk of the town Sex is a hot topic. Sex will get their attention.
one who plays only for the crowd, Eddie was a hotdog - always trying to excite the
a hotdog
a show-off crowd.
a person who gets angry easily; Phil, don't be such a hothead. Try to control your
a hothead
hot tempered anger.
a person who displays; show-off, What a hotshot he is - showing everybody his new
a hotshot
showboat car.
Idioms: fifth wheel -- fill in

fifth wheel (See a fifth wheel)
fight with the same weapon the If he uses statistics, you use statistics. Fight fire with
fight fire with fire
enemy uses fire!
Canadian women fought tooth and nail for the right
fight tooth and nail fight hard, fight like an animal
to vote.
fighting chance (See a fighting chance)
analyse and understand, discover Can you figure out why the car stalled? Is the gas
figure out
why tank empty?
a person who calculates but does Shamir is just a figurehead; if you want a decision,
figurehead
not control see Ali.
file 13 the garbage can or wastebasket This letter goes in file 13 - in the can in the corner.
He drove up to the gas pumps and said, "Fill 'er up,
fill her up fill the tank with gasoline, a fill-up
please."
If Mia leaves, it won't be easy to fill her shoes. She
fill his shoes do his work as well as he does
does two jobs.
complete by writing, write in the Fill in the blanks, please. Then give the form to Ms.
fill in
spaces Kiraly.
Idioms: fill in for me -- filthy rich

Will you fill in for me while I'm away? Just answer
fill in for me do my job, do my work
my phone.
Fill me in when I get home. I'd like to hear what
fill me in tell me the details, tell me more
happened.
Fill out the application, sign it, and mail it to the
fill out complete by writing, fill in
college.
do the job, fill the gap, serve the If we need an extra cashier for the sale, Bert will fill
fill the bill
purpose the bill.
fill an empty space, help where Pam filled the gap when I got injured. She played in
fill the gap
there is work to do my place.
fill up fill to the top You fill up the salt shaker, okay?
fill-up (See a fill-up)
eat, put a lot food in your mouth, Imagine yourself in a chocolate factory, filling your
fill your face
pig out face!
Filthy lucre - that's what people want - cash, moola,
filthy lucre money, dollars
lettuce.
She was filthy rich after she got married. She was a
filthy rich very rich, wealthy, rolling in it
millionaire.
Idioms: find a way around -- fine-tune

find a way not to pay, avoid a If you want to find a way around a tax law, talk to
find a way around
rule, get around Sammy.
look for faults and mistakes, I don't want to be around a guy who is always
find fault
criticize finding fault.
think of something to say, think of When she told me she had AIDS, I couldn't find my
find my tongue
a reply tongue.
We found out he was a member of a cult. His sister

find out discover, learn
told us.
Write, write, write until you find your voice - your
find your voice discover your personal style
own style.
A bus driver will help you find your way. Ask for
find your way find the correct path or road
directions.
be surprised by what happens to If I don't brush my teeth, I may find myself without
find yourself
you friends.
nice-looking friend, dear friend, Now, my fine-feathered friend, tell me the story of
fine-feathered friend
old acquaintance your escape.
fine-toothed comb (See a fine-toothed comb)
cause it to work very well, cause Sandro fine-tuned my Peugeot. Now it purrs like a
fine-tune
it to run smoothly kitten.
Idioms: finger -- first and foremost

He was fingered for the crime, but he didn't steal
finger accuse, blame
anything.
eat the remaining amount, eat the
finish off The kids finished off the cake when they got home.
last piece
finish off kill, strike the final blow The spider finished off the fly and began to eat it.
the final move, the act that As a finishing touch, the baker added a maraschino
finishing touch
completes the task cherry.
fink fool, jerk, nerd You fink! You sat on my pizza!
dismiss from a job, terminate "What happened to Larry?" "He got fired for
fire
employment stealing funds."
ask questions, comment, criticize, After speaking for gun control, he invited the men to
fire away
shoot fire away.
The boys are fired up and ready to play. They're
fired up enthusiastic, motivated, gung ho
really excited.
firm hand (See a firm hand)
The speaker began by saying, "First and foremost...
first and foremost first and most important, firstly
."
Idioms: first class -- fish and company stink after

three days
first class high quality, excellent Pam's meals are first class. She's an excellent cook.
whoever comes first gets served If tickets are selling on a first-come basis, let's buy
first come, first served
first ours now.
I want first crack at solving the problem. I want to
first crack at first turn, first chance to do it
try first.
first person to use it, first chance When we get to the motel, I get first dibs on the
first dibs
to use it shower.
first try to gain ten yards (in The Lions have a first down on their own 35-yard
first down/first and ten
football) line.
being there to see or hear it, in I want to see the Pantheon first hand. I want to see
first hand
person its dome.
first light (See at first light)
First off, we should define the problem. Then we
first off first on the list, the first thing to do
can solve it.
On our list of things to do, the broken copier is first
first up first on the list, the first thing to do
up.
fish should be eaten while it is
fish and company stink after Grandfather had this sign on the wall of his garage:
fresh, and guests should not stay
three days Fish and company stink after three days!
too long
Idioms: fish for a compliment -- flake out

If Al mentions cars, he's fishing for a compliment on
fish for a compliment hint that he wants a compliment
his Jaguar.
very fit, in good physical Uncle Doug is fit as a fiddle. He does aerobic
fit as a fiddle
condition exercises.
He was fit to be tied when you said the accident
fit to be tied very angry, mad, see red
was his fault.
The new crew worked in fits and starts, not at a
fits and starts moving unevenly, stop and go
steady pace.
"I'll fix you," he shouted at us. "I'll build a fence to
fix you punish you, get back at
keep you off my property!"
If you make him angry, he'll fix your wagon. He'll
fix your wagon hurt you, get back at, get revenge
get revenge.
fixing to preparing to, getting ready to Andy's fixing to cut some logs for the fireplace.
wave at a cab driver to come, hail The bus was late, so we flagged a taxi that was
flag a cab
a cab going by.
The salesman was a flake. What he said was
flake phony, not real
phony.
Grant flaked out on the couch after lunch. He was
flake out lie down and sleep, conk out
really tired.
Idioms: flap your gums -- flattery will get you

nowhere
Don't just stand there flapping your gums. Help with
flap your gums talk, speak, gab
supper.
smile at someone for only a Andy flashed a smile at me when the teacher asked
flash a smile
second to see his work.
flash in the pan (See a flash in the pan)
not motivated, lacking energy, not In the second game, the team was flat. They lacked
flat
up for it energy.
By the end of my first term at university, I was flat
flat broke having no money, out of cash
broke.
as fast as possible, pedal to the Scott was driving flat out most of the way - over
flat out
metal 180 km per hour.
policeman, a constable who walks Ted is a flatfoot in Regina. He works for Regina
flatfoot
the streets City Police.
flatfooted (See caught flatfooted)
a person whose emotions do not The doctor is a flatliner. His face shows no joy, no
flatliner
change sorrow.
saying nice things will not help When I complimented Anna on her hair, she said,
flattery will get you nowhere
you, kiss the blarney stone "Thanks, but flattery will get you nowhere."
Idioms: fleeting glance -- Florida green

fleeting glance (See a fleeting glance)
Brian flew the coop last night. He packed a suitcase
flew the coop departed, left home
and left.
Mom nearly flipped when I told her we got
flip be surprised, freak out
married.
change of opinion, move to the We often see politicians do a flip-flop after they're
flip-flop
other side elected.
When our food check arrived, Al said to me, "I'll
flip you for it flip a coin to decide who pays
flip you for it."
If you get another speeding ticket, Dad will flip his
flip your lid become angry, blow your stack
lid.
If you don't like the flippin' rules, you don't have to
flipping consarned, darn, friggin,
play.
push the gas pedal down, pedal to Buddy floors it from every stoplight. He drives too
floor it
the metal fast.
surprise you, shock you, bowl you

floor you The odor from a turkey farm is enough to floor you.
over (see bowl me over)
yellow traffic light, amber warning Oops! I just drove through a Florida green. Any
Florida green
light cops around?
Idioms: flunk out -- follow the rules

fail a school program, fail a If you flunk out of college, you will have to find a
flunk out
course job.
He put his money in a fly-by-night company and lost
fly-by-night bad, dishonest, not to be trusted
it all.
fly by the seat of your... (See by the seat of your pants)
These errors fly in the face of our reputation for
fly in the face of contradict, be opposite to
accuracy.
The fly in the ointment is that a boy saw you kissing
fly in the ointment small problem, troublesome detail
Lola.
drive a vehicle very fast, drive so On the freeway I was flying low - going over 200
fly low
fast you nearly fly km per hour.
become angry suddenly, lose your After Charlie flew off the handle he apologized for
fly off the handle
temper his temper.
fly on the wall (See a fly on the wall)
The store folded during the recession - went
fold quit, stop operating
bankrupt.
read the rules and do what they If everybody follows the rules, we'll have fewer
follow the rules
say, toe the line accidents.
Idioms: follow through -- for a song

do what you promise, see it
follow through If you promise to help, try to follow through.
through
ideas worth considering, Your comments on Quebec have given me food for
food for thought
interesting suggestions thought.
(See a fool and his money are
fool and his money...
soon parted)
play, play around, goof off, horse
fool around We don't fool around in her class. She's very strict.
around
have sex with someone who is not Rita asked Jon for a divorce. She knows he's been
fool around
your spouse, have an affair fooling around.
Paul was fooling you. He owns a Ford, not a

fool you trick you, deceive you
Ferrari.
pay all of the expenses, pay the It's not right for Dad to foot the bill for your trip to
foot the bill
shot Vegas.
carefree, not committed, When the kids moved out, we were footloose and
footloose and fancy free
devil-may-care fancy free!
a long time, 10-15 years, in a We haven't seen Aunt Sophie for a dog's age - for
for a dog's age
coon's age years.
Look at this sweater. I got it for a song at a
for a song for a little money, for a low price
second-hand store.
Idioms: 'fraid so -- 'fraid so

'fraid so (See afraid so)
Idioms: a household name -- a level playing field

a name everyone knows; name of Mario Lemieux, the hockey star, soon became a
a household name
a famous person household name.
a very bad snowstorm, a winter A howling blizzard delayed us. It was snowing and
a howling blizzard
storm blowing.
a beautiful car etc. a
a humdinger Dad, you should see this coupe. It's a humdinger!
well-designed product
a into g (See ass into gear)
a fine piece of work, a beautiful Mom, you should just see this saddle. It's a jim
a jim dandy
object dandy!
something you want to keep for a "Do you like my leather jacket?" "Ya, man. It's a
a keeper
long time keeper!"
a woman who is paid to live with I'm tired of being a kept woman. I want to be free
a kept woman
a man of him.
handsome man; a man who "Liam Neeson! He's gorgeous!" she said. "What a
a lady-killer
charms the ladies; hunk lady-killer!"
If I take a night class, I'll have a leg up on my
a leg up a start, a beginning, the first leg
diploma.
a place where everyone has an
A level playing field includes equal pay for equal
a level playing field equal chance, level the playing
work for all men and women.
field
Idioms: for all the tea in China -- for kicks

for all the tea in China(See not for all the tea in China)
during good times and bad times, When you marry someone for better or worse, you
for better or worse
through thick and thin hope for better but prepare for worse.
For cryin' out loud will you stop playing those
for crying out loud before I start crying, for gosh sake
drums!
to save your life, because a life is When the bear stood up on its hind legs, we ran for
for dear life
in danger dear life.
Remember, a tattoo stays on your skin for good -
for good forever, permanently
forever.
adding enough or a bit more than For good measure, we added a bottle of wine to the
for good measure
required punch.
For goodness sake, don't drive so fast! The roads
for goodness sake for the good of everyone, please
are icy.
For gosh sake! Where did you get that monstrous
for gosh sake for god's sake for goodness sake
hat?
for the sake of everyone, for For heaven's sake, don't give her a teapot. She has
for heaven's sake
goodness sake four!
"What do you guys do for kicks?" "I play computer
for kicks for fun, for enjoyment
games."
Idioms: for laughs -- force of habit

for laughs for fun, for amusement For laughs, we watch old movies.
for a long time, for many minutes She wasn't in the water for very long - just a couple
for long
or days of minutes.
I won't skydive for love nor money. It's too
for love nor money not for any reason, never, no way
dangerous.
For openers, let's discuss the budget. It's very
for openers as a first activity, to begin
important.
for the good of "Pete" and For Pete's sake, don't talk when your mouth is full
for Pete's sake
everybody of food!
for sure yes, certainly, no doubt I'll pay you back tomorrow for sure. I promise.
It was a beautiful wedding, but the food was for the
for the birds poor quality, crummy, the pits
birds.
for the fun of it for fun, for a good time, for laughs "Why did you take my bike?" "Just for the fun of it."
it is a mystery to me, why in the For the life of me, I don't know why she stays with
for the life of me
world him.
She still cooks enough food for five people. It's

force of habit from habit, because of a habit
force of habit.
Idioms: foregone conclusion -- frame

foregone conclusion (See a foregone conclusion)
forever and a day for a long time, for an eternity This treaty will last forever - forever and a day.
do not continue, stop it, I do not
forget it I'm not interested in joining the club. Forget it.
want it, drop it
forget to be polite, forget to say
When I reached in front of Mac, he said, "Forget
forget your manners
please etc. your manners?"
They said, "Fork over, man. Pay your share of the
fork over pay, pay up
bill."
money found on the street, money Wind power is like found money. I save what I paid
found money
saved by nature for electricity.
If you cheat on the exam, you'll be found out. They'll
found out discovered, caught
see you.
bad words, profanity: damn, hell, He gave a good speech, but he used a lot of
four-letter words
shit etc. [B] four-letter words.
a child who is afraid to jump etc., "Fraidy cat, fraidy cat!" the boys shouted. "Ali's
fraidy cat
chicken afraid to jump!"
cause you to look guilty, set you He framed you. He lent you his car, then reported it
frame
up as stolen.
Idioms: frame of mind -- fresh legs

mood, mental attitude, state of I'm not in the right frame of mind to listen to your
frame of mind
mind poem.
having tired nerves, going in I'm frazzled! Gift shopping takes all my nervous
frazzled
circles energy.
show surprise or disbelief, flip, go
freak/freak out Mom will freak when I tell her we're married.
ballistic
free-for-all (See a free-for-all)
Some drug companies advertise through freebies -
freebie a free ticket etc., a sample
free pills.
receive free food or rent, a Do social programs encourage freeloading? It's a
freeload
handout good question.
when the lakes and ground freeze We want to dig the hole for the basement before
freeze-up
(November) freeze-up.
keep wages the same, not To control spending, the board is going to freeze
freeze wages
increase wages, dig in their heels our wages - no salary increases for one year.
fresh (See get fresh)
players who are rested, players "We need fresh legs out there!" the coach yelled.
fresh legs
who are not tired "They're tired!"
Idioms: fresh out -- from hunger

fresh out do not have any, all used up I wish I could lend you some rice, but I'm fresh out.
fresh pair of eyes (See a fresh pair of eyes)
fresh start (See a fresh start)
wash your hands etc., use the If you want to freshen up, you can use our
freshen up
washroom bathroom.
"Are you friends with Carla?" "Yes. She's my best
friends with a friend of, a good friend
friend."
damn, cotton-picking, darn, Then the friggin string broke and the friggin marbles
friggin
flipping fell all over the friggin floor!
very afraid, scared spitless, scared She said she was frightened to death when she
frightened to death
stiff heard the shot.
from the beginning, from the first
from day one From day one, Carol has been a good employee.
day
poor, spending every cent on They lived from hand to mouth, never enjoying
from hand to mouth
necessities luxury or travel.
Tanya can sing, but her hair style is strictly from
from hunger poor quality, poor taste, the pits
hunger.
Idioms: from pillar to post -- from the word go

After getting fired, he went from pillar to post -
from pillar to post from one problem to another
more bad luck.
from poverty to wealth, from bum She went from rags to riches when she gambled in
from rags to riches
to millionaire Vegas.
from scratch (See start from scratch)
(See everything from soup to nuts
from soup to nuts
)
from square one (See back to square one)
For your kindness, I thank you from the bottom of

from the bottom of my heart sincerely, with deep feeling
my heart.
from the frying pan into the I went from farming to fishing - from the frying pan
from bad to worse
fire into the fire!
First, a dog has to learn who's boss - right from the
from the get-go from the beginning, from day one
get-go.
(See straight from the horse's
from the horse's mouth
mouth)
You knew I worked for the KGB. You knew it
from the word go from the beginning, from the start
from the word go.
Idioms: from time to time -- fuddle duddle*

from time to time once in awhile, occasionally They visit us from time to time - every year or two.
one who performs before the star Mic is the front man for Dolly. He sings before she
front man
goes on stage does her act.
lend me money for now, put up If you will front me, I can buy the car and then
front me
the money repay you.
With this new model, Nissan will be a front runner
front runner leader, one of the best
again.
frosty Friday (See that'll be the frosty Friday)
go, get out of here, get lost, take
When I asked him to move his truck, he told me to
fuck off [B]
off fuck off.
that is not a good idea, down with
"Let's return the TVs we stole." "Fuck that noise.
fuck that noise [B]
that plan Let's sell 'em."
cause a mistake, make a booboo,
If you fuck up, don't worry - but learn from your
fuck up [B]
screw up mistakes.
fucked by the fickle finger of feel that luck is against you;
A flood ruined my business. I was fucked by the
fate [B] cheated by fate fickle finger of fate.
I did not use the F-word. I said, "Oh, fuddle
duddle!" (* This expression is attributed to former
fuddle duddle* fiddlesticks, friggin, nuts, phooey
Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau speaking in the
Canadian House of Commons.)
Idioms: fudge it -- full strength

If you can't remember a name, fudge it. Answer
fudge it create, fake it, make up
every question.
as loud as possible, pull out all the When we got home, the kids had the stereo on full
full blast
stops blast.
It often takes years for the virus to develop into
full blown all the symptoms, every sign
full-blown AIDS.
impressed with her own work, too The actor was proud - too full of himself - during
full of herself
proud of herself the interview.
You're full of it if you think I took that watch. I am
full of it [B] full of lies, full of shit, full of BS
not a thief.
That little kid is full of piss and vinegar. He won't sit
full of piss and vinegar [B] lively, full of energy
still.
as fast as you can go, flat out, full He was skating full out, but he couldn't catch
full out
tilt Messier.
full plate (See a full plate)
as much power as we have, full I told the Captain about the ice, but he said, "Full
full steam ahead
throttle steam ahead!"
not weakened or diluted, straight Did John Wayne drink bourbon full strength?
full strength
up Without water?
Idioms: full throttle -- fuzz

gas pedal to the floor, pedal to the He drove the Mercedes at full throttle on the
full throttle
metal freeway.
Were you going full tilt when you passed us - as fast
full tilt as fast as possible, flat out
as it would go?
This bus is full up. We'll have to wait for the next
full up full, no more room
one.
fun and games a good time, a lot of fun "How was the office party?" "Oh, fun and games!"
a little crazy, not rational, a little Poor Mike. He's been funny in the head since his
funny in the head
off, spinny horse died.
funny money counterfeit money, fake money Don't accept any funny money. We can't spend it.
"No more funny stuff," the principal said as we left
funny stuff tricks, pranks, monkey business
his office.
care for too much, pay much Bertha's always fussing over her cats. She even
fuss over
attention to warms their milk.
future looks good, success will Vi was promoted to Department Head. Her future
future looks bright
come to you looks bright.
The boys ran away when the fuzz drove up in a
fuzz policemen, cops, pigs
patrol car.
Idioms: gab -- gee

Mom and Maria were gabbing as they played
gab talk, visit, flap your gums
cribbage.
ready to try anything, a game one, If you're going to the moon, I'll go. I'm game for
game for anything
gung ho anything.
game one (See a game one)
finished, complete; the chance is If you've signed the contract, it's game over. You
game over
gone can't change it.
several go against one, many fight Three boys ganged up on Willie and knocked him
gang up on
one down.
in good condition, kept in a This car has been garage kept. The body's
garage kept
garage when not in use excellent.
We can't have a party without gash. Let's phone
gash girls, broads, chicks, lovelies
some girls.
not being used, sitting on a shelf, That old coffee tray has been gathering dust for
gathering dust
collecting dust years.
prepare, get ready, find equipment After we print this manual we have to gear up for a
gear up
and supplies novel.
Gee! What happened to your hair? Did you cut it
gee oh, well, gosh, wow
yourself?
Idioms: a lick and a promise -- a loose cannon

a hasty plan, a promise made If you get married on a lick and a promise, you may
a lick and a promise
without much thought need a lot of good luck.
energy, a positive feeling, a shot in When I need a lift, I watch Oprah. She makes me
a lift
the arm feel good.
someone told me, one of your "How did you know that I play chess?" "Oh, a little
a little bird told me
friends told me bird told me."
a little hair off the dog (See hair off the dog)
not quite sane, a bit crazy, one When Clem started eating grass, we knew he was a
a little off
brick short... little off.
The picture above the table is a little off. Let's
a little off not quite centered, not level
straighten it.
a little high in price, too much I'd like to buy that leather coat but the price is a little
a little steep
money to pay steep.
too much praise, too many nice
His praise for the governor was a little thick, a bit
a little thick statements, kiss the blarney stone,
too much, I think.
over the top
a poor chance of winning, a slim The Leafs winning the Stanley Cup - now that's a
a long shot
chance long shot.
unpredictable employee, one who The President is sensible, but the Vice President is a
a loose cannon
may embarrass loose cannon.
Idioms: gee whiz -- get a fix on

Gee whiz, Miss Julie. I'd never do anything to hurt
gee whiz golly gee, gosh darn, aw shucks
you.
strange person, scholar, book Allan reads a lot and stays by himself. He's kind of a
geek
worm, nerd geek.
geez darn, gee whiz, gosh Geez, I hate mosquitoes!
On one street there was an old geezer begging for
geezer old man, old person, old coot
money.
the differences between people The word senior includes everyone in the geezer
geezer gap
aged 60 and 80 gap.
people born in the 1970s; a
Generation X said that the jobs disappeared as they
Generation X generation that wanted to change
graduated from high school and university.
the work ethic
Ms. Lau gets a bang out of playing bingo. She loves
get a bang out of enjoy, have fun, get a kick out of
bingo.
Ming gets a charge out of Pam's memos. They're
get a charge out of enjoy, is amused by
humorous.
He'll shake until he gets a fix. He's addicted to
get a fix use some drugs; a hit
heroin.
We should get a fix on the office expenses - the
get a fix on calculate, determine, figure out
total per month.
Idioms: get a grip -- get a move on

get a grip be realistic, be serious, get serious
You expect to get A's without studying? Get a grip!
control yourself, do not be so When he cried, she said, "Get a grip on yourself,
get a grip on yourself
emotional Dear."
We have to get a handle on the parking problem -
get a handle on understand, find out about
get the facts.
I tried to get a hold of Pierre when I was in
get a hold of talk to, phone
Montreal.
get some enjoyment, laugh, get a I get a kick out of the way he skates. He's fun to
get a kick out of
bang out of watch.
get a laugh cause people to laugh Your jokes always get a laugh.
change your lifestyle, get it He never goes out - just stays at home and watches
get a life
together, get with it TV. I wish he would get a life!
get a lift get a ride, catch a ride I can get a lift with Brian. He's driving to Moncton.
look at that, check that out, feast When Marilyn stepped out of the taxi, he said, "Get
get a load of that
your eyes a load of that!"
get a move on go quickly, vamoose We're late! Let's get a move on!
Idioms: get a rise -- get around

Can you get a rise out of him? He doesn't answer
get a rise get an answer, get a response
me.
You are sick. Maybe you should get a shot of
get a shot get a needle from a doctor
penicillin.
shoot at, see the target you want The buck was partly hidden. I couldn't get a shot at
get a shot at
to shoot at it.
receive a note stating you parked If you park your car on the sidewalk, you'll get a
get a ticket
or drove illegally ticket.
Mom got after us for smoking. She told us it was a
get after scold, lecture, give you hell [B]
bad habit.
Do you want to get ahead in this world? Do you
get ahead make progress, succeed
want to succeed?
Joey gets along with everybody. He is very
get along co-operate, give and take
co-operative.
I don't know how I'll get along without you. How
get along cope, live, manage
will I manage?
get along go, do not stay here Get along now. Go home, please.
With a full-time job and three kids, I don't get
get around visit friends and places, socialize
around much.
Idioms: get around it -- get burned

avoid rules or laws, find a way You must obtain a business license. You can't get
get around it
around around it.
I haven't got around to calling him yet. I haven't had
get around to do, work at, complete
time.
When you said I was slow, what were you getting
get at suggest, imply
at?
get at it do it, get busy, get to it Well, this work has to be done. Let's get at it.
He gets away with speeding, but the police will soon

get away with not obey the rules, not get caught
catch him.
get axed be fired, be dismissed He got axed for stealing funds.
If you don't apologize, he'll get back at you. He's
get back at return an insult, get revenge
quite angry.
lose without scoring, get skunked,
get bageled We got bageled. They beat us 11-0!
be shutout
do an impossible task, beat your You'll get blood from a stone before you get money
get blood from a stone
head against... from Ed.
be caught, get blamed, get into I got burned for helping Bev with her divorce. They
get burned
trouble blamed me.
Idioms: get busy -- get fingered

Get busy and cut the grass before your father comes
get busy begin to work, start to do, get at it
home.
I can get by on very little money, if necessary. I can
get by/scrape by have just enough money, make do
be frugal.
become too emotional, go When the kids play hockey, their parents get carried
get carried away
overboard, go too far away, yelling at the referees and fighters.
found doing something, caught in Did Vi get caught driving without a licence? Did she
get caught
the act get a ticket?
do unfinished work, learn what I have to get caught up on my studies. I missed two
get caught up
you missed classes.
cancel a plan, renege, back out, They'll be married next week; that is, if Jack doesn't
get cold feet
jam get cold feet.
become serious about it, knuckle As soon as I'm feeling better I'll get down to brass
get down to brass tacks
down tacks.
work seriously, not waste time or "Let's get down to business," he said. "We have
get down to business
effort much to do."
do the same thing to someone, get When he loses a game, he wants to get even. He
get even
back at wants to win.
He got fingered for taking the money because he
get fingered be accused, be blamed
had the key.
Idioms: get fresh -- get in my face

act in a sexual way, come onto When he's had a few drinks, he tries to get fresh
get fresh
her with me.
get-go (See from the get-go)
When I stopped to rest, he said, "Get going. Get out
get going go, start moving, get lost
of here."
shoot the puck hard, hit the ball Clark got good wood on that shot, but he missed
get good wood on
squarely the net.
receive a scolding, catch hell [B], He got hell for breaking a glass. Mrs. Fisk told him
get hell [B]
get it he was bad.
I get a natural high from jogging. I feel happy and
get high feel good, have a special feeling
free.
Lyle wants to get me back for seeing Betty. He's
get him back get revenge, get back at
jealous.
get home arrive at home, come home I'm going to bed when I get home. I'm sleepy.
cause you more trouble, dig Telling another lie will only get you in deeper - make
get in deeper
yourself in it worse.
When I try to talk to Jodi, her boyfriend gets in my
get in my face confront me, stand in front of me
face.
Idioms: get in on it -- get it over with

benefit from it, take advantage of Baymart is having a half-price sale, and I want to
get in on it
it get in on it.
be there at the start, be one of the If I get in on the ground floor at MING'S, I'll
get in on the ground floor
first advance quickly.
get in your hair (See in your hair)
He wants to get into her pants, but she won't let
get into her pants [B] have sex with her, lay her[B]
him.
When he's with the Subway Gang he gets into
get into trouble do bad things, break the law
trouble. He's bad.
"Get it? Do you get the joke?" "Yes. Ha ha. Ha ha
get it understand, know what is funny
ha."
be scolded or punished, get hell I really got it for taking my brother's car. He was
get it
[B] furious.
He can get it off his chest at the meeting. He can
get it off your chest talk about a problem, complain
complain there.
kiss and hug in a sexual way,
get it on The phone rang just when they were getting it on.
make out
do it quickly, finish it before it "If you want a divorce," he said, "let's get it over
get it over with
becomes worse with."
Idioms: get it straight -- get off

She doesn't know the difference between boys and
get it straight understand it, catch on, figure out
girls. I hope she soon gets it straight.
get it together become organized, be effective I'll get it together this term. I'll improve my grades.
get a well-balanced life; become She's getting it together. She's trying to live a
get it together
happy, successful meaningful life.
get laid [B] have sex, get her/him into bed Most guys take you out expecting to get laid, right?
get lost go, leave, beat it They told me to get lost, to go home to Mommy.
become angry or cross, lose your When she gets mad, I leave the house. She has a
get mad
cool bad temper.
cause me to feel negative; to feel What gets me down is the way government wastes
get me down
down our money.
get my drift understand my meaning, dig me I don't think of you as a sister, if you get my drift.
I get my kicks from coaching kids' teams. I enjoy
get my kicks get my enjoyment, have my fun
doing that.
not have to pay, not be If he's guilty, how did he get off? Why isn't he in
get off
convicted, get out of prison?
Idioms: get off a few good ones -- get on it

tell a few jokes, say a few funny When Rob spoke at our wedding he got off a few
get off a few good ones
lines good ones.
If he criticizes you again, tell him to get off your
get off my back stop criticizing me, get off my case
back.
I told the manager to get off my case - to stop
get off my case stop criticizing me, check up on
criticizing me.
He gets off on bowling. He loves to knock over
get off on like to do, enjoy
those pins.
succeed at first, begin For a new product to get off the ground, you need
get off the ground
successfully about $5000.
begin with success, start with In Math 201, it's important to get off to a good
get off to a good start
confidence start.
do not act like you are better than Colin acts so superior! Tell him to get off his high
get off your high horse
everyone else horse.
When Todd made a presentation on corporate
stop preaching to us, don't be
get off your soap box charity, one of his co-workers said, "Get off your
such a crusader
soap box, Todd!"
When Mother broke her hip, she was 77 - getting
get on in years getting older, over the hill
on in years.
Mr. Jarvis wants his car repaired by noon, so let's

get on it do it now, get at it, get to it
get on it.
Idioms: get on my good side -- get out of your hair

get on my good side (See on my good side)
Her questions get on my nerves. They're too
get on my nerves bother or irritate me, bug me
personal.
When I paused, he said, "Get on with it. Tell the rest
get on with it continue working or speaking
of it."
Get on your horse or you'll be late for work. It's
get on your horse move, get started, get a move on
nearly 8!
Your father played hockey with Bobby Orr? Get
get out I do not believe it, you're kidding
out!
You can get out of gym class if you say you have a
get out of avoid doing, not have to do
headache.
get out of my face go away, I am sick of you I didn't ask for your advice. Get out of my face!
"Get out of the road!" he yelled as he rode his bike
get out of the road move, do not stand there
down the hill.
you are mistaken, do not expect You saw a Martian? Get outa town! I don't believe
get out of town
us to believe you it.
Let me ask one more question; then I'll get out of
get out of your hair leave, not bother you, get lost
your hair.
Idioms: a losing streak -- a man of few words

The Leafs are on a losing streak. They've lost seven
a losing streak losing several times in succession
games!
a goal or project that is not worth That video store is a lost cause. It has never made a
a lost cause
working for profit.
a lot of lies, a lot of bull, a pack of The President's speech was a lot of bunk. It
a lot of bunk
lies contained no facts.
When you hear me speak Latin, you'll think it's a lot
a lot of falderal a lot of foolish talk, a lot of bunk
of falderal.
Melvin may not look intelligent, but he's got a lot on
a lot on the ball intelligent, smart
the ball.
a gentle hit with the hand, a light
a love tap I didn't hit you very hard. It was just a love tap.
push or bump
good luck, good fortune, stroke of Finding that money was a lucky break. It was our
a lucky break
good luck good fortune.
winning several times in Whenever I wear this ring, I have a lucky streak. I
a lucky streak
succession win every game!
a poor credit rating from a major The bank won't approve your loan if you have a
a major
credit card company major.
a man who says little; who uses Chung is a man of few words, but when he speaks,
a man of few words
few words people listen.
Idioms: get over -- get shit [B]

We hope to get over to the island when we go to
get over travel, go to visit
Vancouver.
We can help her get over the accident by listening to
get over forget, stop worrying about
her.
try to see what is really He wants five million dollars to play hockey? Tell
get real
happening, get serious him to get real.
get reamed out (See ream out)
hurt someone who hurt you, get Do you want to get revenge, or do you want to
get revenge
even, pay him back discuss the problem and forgive him.
discard, throw away, do away First, we have to get rid of the money. Where can
get rid of
with we hide it?
If you have to be home by noon, we should get
get rolling move, go, drive away
rolling.
receive unfair treatment, ripped off I got screwed when I bought this condo. I paid too
get screwed
, taken in much for it.
do not joke, be serious, pay When we discussed water safety he told us to get
get serious
attention serious.
get a scolding or a lecture, catch it He got shit for drinking beer in school. The principal
get shit [B]
, get hell [B] was mad.
Idioms: get something out of -- get the picture

We always get something out of her class. We learn
get something out of learn from, benefit from
something.
be quicker to start, get the jump Stu's very quick. In faceoffs, he gets the drop on his
get the drop on
on opponents.
get the finger [B] (get the get a bad sign, see the middleBad drivers get the finger when they cut in front of
bird) finger Randy.
Don't start construction until we get the green light
get the green light get approval, it's a go
from the City.
I'm getting the hang of algebra. I can solve the easy
get the hang of learn to do, know the first steps
problems.
When I get up to speak, I get the jitters and I can't
get the jitters become nervous, begin to shake
think clearly.
start faster than the others, quick Ben got the jump on the other runners. He led by
get the jump on
on the draw one stride.
check the conditions, size up the Before I sell insurance in a town, I like to get the lay
get the lay of the land
situation of the land.
move faster, hurry, move it, shake The coach told me to get the lead out - to get
get the lead out
a leg moving.
After Jack explained his plan, he said, "Get the
get the picture understand, see the way it is
picture?"
Idioms: get the point -- get to the bottom of

understand the idea or the Did you get the point of his talk? What was the main
get the point
message idea?
The easiest way for us to get the word out is on the
get the word out tell the message, spread the word
Internet.
When they get the wrinkles out of the electric car,
get the wrinkles out improve, revise
I'll buy one.
stop a bad habit, be rid of a I have to get this monkey off my back. I have to
get this monkey off my back
problem or hang-up stop gambling.
begin to do something, get down After a lot of talk about how to drill a well, the boss
get this show on the road
to business, get rolling said, "Let's get this show on the road."
understand what is said, get the Let me get this straight. You say there's a moose in
get this straight
picture your bathtub?
do the first step, complete the first He was hoping for a kiss, but he didn't get to first
get to first base
stage base.
do it now, do not delay, get to the After listening to her babble for awhile, I said,
get to it
point "Please get to it."
get to me bother me, bug me The sound of the fan gets to me. It's too loud.
Did you get to the bottom of the problem? What is
get to the bottom of get the facts, find the cause
the cause?
Idioms: get to the point -- get with it


say what is important, come to theWhen answering questions, get to the point. Be
get to the point
point direct and brief.
get to the root of the find the cause, get to the bottom We got to the root of the problem. The children are
problem of afraid of the dog.
We should get together at Easter. Would you like to
get together come to visit, have you over
visit us?
Don't let Bob's teasing get under your skin. Don't let
get under my skin bother me, bug me, get to me
it bother you.
clothes, strange clothing, weird A vest with jogging pants! Are you going out in that
get-up
costume get-up?
generate enough power to move, If I get up a head of steam, I can knock down the
get up a head of steam
get up to speed door.
get-up-and-go energy, vitality I feel so lazy. I have no get-up-and-go.
get up on the wrong side of be grouchy or cranky, get off to a Did you get up on the wrong side of bed? Are you
bed bad start in a bad mood?
Did she get wind of our plan? Does she know about
get wind of hear about, find out about
it?
become aware, learn how, in the Leni, a friend at work, told me to get with it or I'd
get with it
know lose my job.
Idioms: get worked up -- get your goat

He gets worked up about unions. He hates protests
get worked up feel upset, become angry
and strikes.
get you back (See get back at)
cause you to feel sad, cause you
Do Mondays get you down? Do you hate going
get you down
to be down back to work?
Bill is getting his act together. He's not late
get your act together become organized, get it together
anymore.
cause you to be aware of, catch
get your attention When Marylou walked by, that got your attention.
your eye
Tim gets his back up when you criticize his work.
get your back up become upset, get mad
Be careful.
Wade, get your buns over here and sign your
get your buns over here come here quickly, on the double
name.
Do barking dogs get your dander up? Does barking
get your dander up annoy or bother you, bug you
irritate you?
try to do it, attempt it, try your To become a lawyer, learn the theory; then get your
get your feet wet
hand at feet wet.
Don't let Jason get your goat. He teases
get your goat annoy you, bug you, get to me
everybody.
Idioms: get your head out of the clouds -- get your

way
get your head out of the be more realistic, come down to You can dream at home, but please get your head
clouds earth, get real out of the clouds when you come to work.
begin to think clearly, get your act I need a holiday to get my head together - to think
get your head together
together clearly again.
cause you to be hopeful, pin your Now don't get your hopes up, but I plan to appeal
get your hopes up
hopes on your conviction.
get your jollies (See get your kicks)
How do you get your kicks? Do you sing? Dance?
get your kicks enjoy yourself, have fun
Travel?
If I forget to register my guns, I'll get my knuckles
get your knuckles rapped be punished, get hell, get shit [B]
rapped.
understand, comprehend, wrap He explained DNA, but I can't get my mind around
get your mind around
your mind around it.
get your shirt in a knot/ get If we asked Pop to hurry, he'd say, "Don't get your
want to hurry or rush, hurry up
your shit in a knot [B] shirt in a knot!"
become organized, make a plan A counselor can help you get your shit together.
get your shit together [B]
and follow it Talk to one.
do what you want to do, have it You used to get your way with Mom and Dad.
get your way
your way They trusted you.
Idioms: get your wires crossed -- git

get the wrong meaning, We got our wires crossed. I said someday, and you
get your wires crossed
communicate poorly heard Sunday!
get yours be hurt, get hit or injured After the fight he said, "You'll get yours! Just wait!"
getting on in years (See get on in years)
Loud rock music came from a ghetto blaster on the
ghetto blaster portable radio, boom box
steps.
Did he say disregardless? I wish he wouldn't talk
gibberish nonsense, bafflegab, bunk
gibberish!
gift of the gab (See the gift of the gab)
decorate a beautiful object, Decorating that Scotch pine would be gilding the
gild the lily
improve a work of art lily.
do not tell me to do that, that is You expect me to spell every word correctly.
gimme a break
unreasonable Gimme a break!
girl employee who does a variety Jan is our girl Friday. She does the important jobs in
girl Friday
of office jobs our office.
When our cat dug in his flower garden, he said,
git go, leave, get going, get lost
"Git! Go on!"
Idioms: give 110% -- give her

work harder than required, do If we want to win this game, everyone has to give
give 110%
more than asked 110%.
cause a loss of respect for a
When a priest is convicted of sexual assault, it gives
give a black eye person or organization, pride
the Catholic Church a black eye.
goeth before a fall
care about, don't give a damn, Look at his hair. He doesn't give a damn about his
give a damn / give a shit [B]
give a hoot appearance.
care; show interest, show The problem with Julio is that he doesn't give a hoot
give a hoot
concern about family.
When you discuss the divorce terms, try to give a
give a little be flexible, do not be so firm
little.
give a lot, pay a lot, give my eye
give an arm and a leg She'd give an arm and a leg to have her baby back.
teeth
concede a little bit, compromise, We asked Dad to change his rule, but he wouldn't
give an inch
let up give an inch.
win and lose, give something to Marriage works on a give-and-take basis - more
give and take
get something give than take.
give oral sex to a man, perform
give head [B] Can you catch AIDS from giving head?
fellatio
use more power, give it all you've If the foreman wants us to work faster, he yells,
give her
got "Give 'er!"
Idioms: give her credit -- give in

Give Jane credit for staying with Tarzan all these
give her credit say that she helped or contributed
years.
try hard, play hard, go fast, give
give her shit [B] Give 'er shit, guys. We can beat this team.
her
At the school lunch table, Kevin would smile and
give her the eye look at her with interest, come-on
give her the eye.
give him a taste of his own do to him what he does, an eye If Jim is sarcastic, give him a taste of his own
medicine for an eye medicine.
give him an inch and he'll give him a little freedom and he He lacks self-discipline. Give him an inch and he'll
take a mile will take a lot take a mile.
give him enough rope and allow him enough freedom and he If he's bad, give him enough rope and he'll hang
he'll hang himself will hurt himself or be caught himself. The police will stop him.
turn away from someone, reject When Don asked Jane for a date, she gave him the
give him the brush-off
someone brush-off.
look fierce or evil, stare in a bad When I testified in court, the prisoner gave me the
give him the evil eye
way evil eye.
We gave him the slip while he was in the
give him the slip leave him, ditch him
washroom.
give in not try anymore, yield Emily always gives in; she won't disagree with me.
Idioms: give it a rest -- give me a call

do not say that anymore, stop
give it a rest Give it a rest, eh. All you talk about is religion.
complaining
try to do something, try your hand
When I saw the others dancing, I decided to give it
give it a whirl
at a whirl.
give it all you've got try very hard, do all you can When I say "push," give it all you've got.
When I drove by the house, I gave it the once-over.
give it the once-over look at it quickly, look it over
It's nice!
If he touches me again, I'm really going to give it to
give it to him lecture him or hit him, tell him off
him!
give me the facts, do not beat "I have some bad news, man." "Tell me. Give it to
give it to me straight
around the bush me straight."
do the best you can, try your If you want to win, you have to give it your best
give it your best shot
hardest shot.
tease me, bug me, give me a
I wish you wouldn't give me a bad time about my
give me a bad time rough time (see give you a rough
low grades.
time)
give me a chance to win, gimme a When we play tennis, give me a break. Don't play
give me a break
break your best.
I'll give you a call when I have a minute. I have your
give me a call phone me, ring me
number.
Idioms: a man of the cloth -- a nut case


a man of the cloth a minister, a priest, a clergyman Being a man of the cloth, he has studied the Bible.
a person known for political When they discovered I had been a Nazi, I was a
a marked man
beliefs or criminal acts marked man.
a problem with learning a subject I have a mental block when I try to do algebra. I
a mental block
or concept can't think.
It will take a month of Sundays to phone the
a month of Sundays a very long time, many days
students in our school.
exciting game or movie; having Have you seen the movie The Fugitive? It's a
a nail-biter
much suspense nail-biter.
If the men catch the outlaw, they want to have a
a necktie party a hanging, a lynching
necktie party.
an employee works hard on the
After my first day working for Grandfather, he said,
a new broom sweeps clean first day or two, make a good
"A new broom sweeps clean."
impression
a feeling that life will be better, a
a new lease on life The promotion gave him a new lease on life.
fresh start
That bicycle is a notch below the Peugeot. It's not
a notch below inferior, not as good
quite as good.
If you go to work in pajamas, people will say you're
a nut case a person who is crazy, crackpot
a nut case.
Idioms: give me a dingle -- give my right arm

Give me a dingle sometime. My number's in the
give me a dingle phone me, call me, give me a ring
phone book.
Please give me a hand with this math problem. I
give me a hand help me, lend a hand
can't solve it.
tell me part of the answer, say a I can't guess the name of your new boyfriend. Give
give me a hint
word to help me me a hint.
Can I give you a lift to school? Want to ride with
give me a lift give me a ride, pick you up
me?
give me a happy feeling, cause me Pat's jokes give me a lift. When I laugh, I feel much
give me a lift
to feel better better.
give me a ring phone me, call me, ring me Give me a ring when you get home from work, eh.
cause me to feel scared or
give me the creeps Damon looks like a ghost. He gives me the creeps.
uncomfortable
question me carefully, haul up on The police ask a lot of questions. They give you the
give me the third degree
the carpet third degree.
give something valuable, give my Does he like me? I'd give my eye teeth to know if
give my eye teeth
right arm he likes me.
give something valuable, give my What a voice! I'd give my right arm to be able to
give my right arm
eye teeth sing like that.
Idioms: give no quarter -- give you a boost

not co-operate or concede, drive When he negotiates a contract, he gives no quarter.
give no quarter
a hard bargain He's firm.
give a letter that says you are If I want to leave the position, I give them two
give notice
leaving or quitting weeks notice.
After sitting in the sun, the dead fish gave off a
give off an odor smell, have an odor
strong odor.
After three hours of steady use, the pump gave out.
give out break, stop operating, conk out
It just quit.
give them a hand clap your hands, applaud Let's give them a hand, folks. They sang very well.
give them a lecture, scold them, After the team lost a game, the coach gave 'em what
give them what for
give you hell for.
I give up. I can't remember who invented the
give up stop trying, not try any more
telephone.
let opponents cross the blueline If we give up the blueline, they will get more shots
give up the blueline (hockey)
before you check them on goal.
When will she give up the ghost? Her son has been
give up the ghost stop hoping after a long time
gone for years.
cause you to be confident, Winning that award will give her a boost. It will
give you a boost
encourage you encourage her.
Idioms: give you a hard time -- give you shit [B]

tease you, criticize you, a hassle Did the class give you a hard time about losing their
give you a hard time
you papers?
tell you a false story, hand you a Don't believe him. He's giving you a line about being
give you a line
line wealthy.
tease you, bug you, give you a When I got stuck in the lake, my friends gave me a
give you a ribbing
hard time ribbing.
tease you, hassle you (see hassle The players gave me a rough time about scoring on
give you a rough time
me) my own goalie.
give you a run for your compete with you, try to defeat I'm not the best skier, but I'll give you a run for your
money you money.
give you an excuse, allow you to You don't have to work. Your sore back will give
give you an out
beg off you an out.
tell you what you did wrong, He gave me flack for smoking in his car. The smell
give you flack
criticize you bothers him.
lecture you, scold you, tie into She'll give you hell if you come late to her class, so
give you hell [B]
you be on time.
if I lose the bet, I pay you more I'll give you odds that Montreal will win. I'll bet $2;
give you odds
money than you bet you bet $1.
lecture you, be angry with you,
give you shit [B] If you spend too much money he'll give you shit.
give you hell
Idioms: give you static -- glad rags

criticize what you did, give you He gave me static for failing the exam. He said I can
give you static
flack do better.
fire you, dismiss you, get the axe "Why did they give her the axe?" "For stealing
give you the axe
(see get axed) company money."
give you the benefit... (See the benefit of the doubt)
fire you, dismiss you, down the If you drink liquor at work, they'll give you the
give you the boot
road boot.
be unfriendly toward you, turn If you forget her birthday she'll give you the cold
give you the cold shoulder
away from you, stand away shoulder.
fool you, tease you, josh you, pull When Dad said you would have to pay for cleaning
give you the gears
your leg the carpet, he was giving you the gears.
give you the runaround (See the runaround)
If you miss hockey practice, the coach will give you
give you what for lecture you, give you hell
what for.
give your best (See give it your best shot)
I'll come to your concert. I'll do my hair and put on
glad rags best clothes, dress clothes
my glad rags.
Idioms: glassy eyed -- go against the grain

When I saw him he was glassy eyed. I think he was
glassy eyed dazed, not alert
drunk.
glitch fault, problem, snag That printer is full of glitches. It isn't working right.
Don't leave any donuts around, or Bubba will glom
glom onto grab, take
onto them.
Jill won't gloss over your errors. She'll tell you about
gloss over cover faults or errors, cover up
them.
gloves are off (See the gloves are off)
glow on (See a glow on)
glowing terms (See in glowing terms)

watching TV, interested in a TV
Jack loves sports. He's glued to the set every
glued to the set
show Saturday.
When the hospital closed, there was much gnashing
gnashing of teeth anger, complaining
of teeth.
oppose the natural way, do it the Moe has always been perverse - always going
go against the grain
hard way against the grain.
Idioms: go all-out -- go back on

He'll go all-out at the Olympics. He wants to win a
go all-out do your best, give it all you've got
medal.
"When I go all the way, I want to feel loved," she
go all the way (sex) have intercourse, make love
said.
win a final series, win the cup or
go all the way (sports) If the Leafs beat us, they'll go all the way.
trophy
If you go along with the crime, you'll be as guilty as
go along with agree to, co-operate with
they are.
pretend you do not know, play If we have a surprise party for Kay, will you go
go along with
along along with it?
become extremely excited, go
go ape The girls would go ape when they saw the Beatles.
bananas
go around the bend (See around the bend)
At the time, I was going around with a girl named
go around with be friends with, hang out with
Diane.
go at a good clip (See at a good clip)
reverse a decision, break a Mat wouldn't go back on his word. He's very
go back on
promise dependable.
Idioms: go bad -- go down for the third time

Milk will go bad if it's left in the sun. It will taste
go bad spoil, become sour
sour.
When I told Mom I was pregnant she went
go ballistic become very upset, freak out
ballistic.
become very excited, act crazy, When Elvis swiveled his hips, the girls went
go bananas
go nuts bananas.
With ten kids, it's a wonder the poor woman didn't

go berserk become insane, go crazy
go berserk.
lose control of emotions, freak out He went bonkers because there was too much
go bonkers
, go crazy pressure at work.
go bust go bankrupt, go under Two of his companies went bust within a year.
become less important, be When he returned to school, his social life went by
go by the boards
neglected or omitted the boards.
If I don't leave this place I'll go crazy! It's boring
go crazy lose control, go bananas, go wild
here.
go down lie down, go to bed, go to sleep Our baby goes down early - and gets up early.
In Calculus 101, I'm going down for the third time.
go down for the third time drown, die, fail
I'm failing.
Idioms: go down on [B] -- go for broke

give oral sex to a woman or a
go down on [B] "Do you want to go down on me?" she whispered.
man
It's too bad. After getting out of prison he just went
go downhill fail and lose, down and out
downhill.
If I go up to your room, it doesn't mean you can go
go downtown [B] have intercourse, go all the way
downtown.
do not ask him to work hard, ease
go easy on Go easy on Billy, please. He's not well today.
up on
go easy on do not take too much, use less Go easy on the jam, please. Leave some for me.
you find the answer, the answer is He said he quit smoking, then he asks for a
go figure
no cigarette. Go figure.
I said I was late because of a flat tire, but Dad didn't
go for believe, accept
go for that.
go for admire, desire Burt goes for Dolly, but Dolly doesn't like Burt.
Clyde stops the car and says to Bonnie, "Want to
go for a spin go for a ride in a car, take a drive
go for a spin?"
On my last jump I'll go for broke. I'll beat my best
go for broke try your hardest, go all-out
mark.
Idioms: go for it -- go jump in the lake

When he asked if he should climb the tree, we
go for it try it, attempt it
yelled, "Go for it!"
strike at the vital location, make From the lion we have learned to go for the jugular,
go for the jugular
the killing action, killer instinct to defeat our opponents without mercy.
go-getter (See a go-getter)
go great guns (See going great guns)
break, not work properly, break They said they fixed the car, but it went haywire
go haywire
down again the next day.
When the Stampeders won the Grey Cup, the fans
go hog wild have a wild celebration, go wild
went hog wild.
not have enough to eat, continue
go hungry We may be poor, but we never go hungry.
to be hungry
walk around but not work, work I'm going in circles. I have to stop and plan my
go in circles
in confusion work.
Don't go into detail right now. Just tell us how much
go into detail give details in a story or report
it costs.
go away and do not return, take If he expects us to write a 50-page report, he can
go jump in the lake
off go jump in the lake.
Idioms: go like crazy -- go on about

work fast and hard, be very busy, We've been going like crazy trying to feed fifty
go like crazy
like crazy people!
go like stink go fast, accelerate quickly That Mustang goes like stink. It's a fast car.
go mad become insane, go crazy, go nuts If he doesn't stop playing those drums, I'll go mad.
be unable to advance, be stuck
go nowhere fast Without a diploma, you'll be going nowhere fast.
where you are
become insane, go bonkers, go
go nuts If another mosquito bites me, I'll go nuts!
crazy
speak without thinking, rush into Dar is sensible, but he goes off half-cocked when he
go off half-cocked
action plays ball.
do something strange, go
go off the deep end Now don't go off the deep end and hit somebody.
overboard
What's going on here? Why is your bike in the
go on happen, occur, what's going down
bathtub?
"Ted drove the car into the lake!" "Go on! Ted
go on it cannot be true, you're kidding
wouldn't do that!"
talk steadily, ramble, run off at the "What was he saying?" "Oh, he was going on about
go on about
mouth taxes and the price of wheat."
Idioms: A-OK -- a penny pincher


This restaurant is A-OK. The food and service are
A-OK fine, better than average
good.
What Gail is saying about Julie is a pack of lies. It's
a pack of lies many lies, no truth to it
not true.
a pain in the ass [B] a bother, a lot of trouble Fixing that car every day is a pain in the ass.
a person who causes problems, a
a pain in the butt Hal keeps interrupting me. He's a pain in the butt!
pain in the ass
a small amount of money, chicken What did I pay for this painting? A paltry sum - I
a paltry sum
feed, peanuts bought it at a garage sale.
a series of memos or letters that A business merger leaves a long paper trail - many
a paper trail
record events documents.
a person who helps to do Jane said she didn't want to be a party to computer
a party to that
something bad theft.
a planned or memorized answer, You won't get the job if you give a pat answer to
a pat answer
a canned answer every question.
tell me what you are thinking When I'm quiet, she will say, "A penny for your
a penny for your thoughts
about thoughts."
a person who spends carefully, a He used to be a penny pincher, but now he spends
a penny pincher
thrifty person freely.
Idioms: go one better -- go public

do more, hit harder, outdo If he gives her candy, I'll go one better and give her
go one better
yourself flowers.
go out of your mind (See out of your mind)
do special things to help, put Hilda went out of her way to help us when Dad was
go out of your way
yourself out sick.
promise too much, risk, take a Don't go out on a limb. Don't say the company will
go out on a limb
chance pay for it.
Jerry asked me to go out with him. I think he likes
go out with be a boyfriend/girlfriend, date, see
me.
Did you go over your notes? Are you ready for the
go over read, practise
quiz?
Free drinks will go over with the students. They'll
go over be liked, be accepted
like that idea.
do it too much, go off the deep He goes overboard if he likes a girl - buys her
go overboard
end flowers every day.
When Percy got his degree, we knew he was going
go places succeed, do well, make it big
places.
If he goes public, everybody will know that we had
go public tell the public, tell a reporter
an affair.
Idioms: go-round -- go through the roof

In the second go-round, he scored a 79, better than
go-round a turn, a try, a cowboy's ride
his first try.
I've learned to go soft when I return papers with
go soft be gentle, be considerate
low grades.
date only one person, go out with Tony and Pearl are going steady. They're faithful to
go steady
only one each other.
change from a criminal to a When he's released from prison he plans to go
go straight
law-abiding citizen straight.
go strong (See going strong)
finish the race, complete the If Mat begins a project, he'll go the distance - he'll
go the distance
course complete it.
work longer or harder than If you are willing to go the extra mile, you can be the
go the extra mile
expected, give 110% top student.
become extinct like the dodo If we don't protect our language, it will go the way
go the way of the dodo
bird, die off of the dodo.
Could you go through the steps one more time,
go through say, read, run through
please.
become very angry, blow your Mr. Tse will go through the roof when he sees all
go through the roof
stack these mistakes.
Idioms: go to any trouble -- go to your head

work to make us welcome, put Please don't go to any trouble for us. Don't change
go to any trouble
yourself out your plans.
help someone by talking to
Uncle Bob works for the City. If your tax bill is too
go to bat for managers or authorities, put in a
high, maybe he'll go to bat for you.
good word for
go to great lengths/ go to do whatever is necessary, never Cynthia will go to any lengths to find a dress
any lengths give up designed by Voz.
When I asked him to move his car, he told me to go
go to hell [B] leave, go, drop dead, take off
to hell.
go to hell feeling peaceful or We don't get involved in issues. We're wasting our
go to hell in a handbasket
unconcerned, ignorance is bliss lives and going to hell in a handbasket!
go to pieces (See fall to pieces)
go to pot (See gone to pot)
go to town (See going to town)
go to trouble (See go to any trouble)

go to your head (See let it go to your head)
Idioms: go too far -- gofer

become too excited, get carried
Some soccer fans go too far. They fight and cause
go too far
away damage.
fail, be unable to continue, go
Companies that can't make loan payments will go
go under
bankrupt under.
You need fire insurance. What if your condo goes
go up in smoke burn, be destroyed in a fire
up in smoke?
When the teacher leaves the room, the kids go
go wild act wild, run and squeal etc.
wild.
do what others do, do what helps Don't always try to be different. Go with the flow
go with the flow
everybody sometimes.
not have any, not have money, do
go without When Dad lost his job, we had go without steak.
without
choose wrong answers, make a Where did we go wrong with our budget? Did we
go wrong
mistake miscalculate?
I won't wear that god-awful suit! It looks like a
god awful ugly, shabby
garbage bag!
God rest his soul (See rest his soul)
"Are you the gofer in this office?" "Ya, I gofer this
the employee who must go for
gofer and I gofer that, and soon I'm gonna gofer a
supplies, mail, coffee, etc.,
holiday! Ha ha!"
Idioms: going concern -- golden opportunity

going concern (See a going concern)
going down (See what's going down)
going gets rough (See the going gets rough)
We were going great guns till our goalie got hurt.
going great guns working very well, going strong
Then they scored.
going rate (See the going rate)
The party was going strong - lots of dancing and
going strong doing well, succeeding
laughter.
working or talking hard, One man was really going to town, speaking against
going to town
protesting, sounding off taxes.
gol dang/gol darn frustrating, dad-blamed, darn The gol dang cord is tangled. It's full of knots.
best years, time of most He said the decade after World War II was
golden age
prosperity Canada's golden age.
golden opportunity (See a golden opportunity)
Idioms: golden rule -- good and dead/mad/sick

golden rule (See The Golden Rule)
65 years of age or older, sunset
golden years Dad is retired now, enjoying his golden years.
years
golly oh, gee, gosh Golly! I've never seen so much snow.
golly gee oh, gee whiz, wow Golly gee! Nobody ever did that to me before.
in poor condition, neglected, run The farmyard had gone to pot. There was junk
gone to pot
down everywhere.
not well maintained, in very poor My garden has gone to the dogs. It's full of
gone to the dogs
condition dandelions and weeds.
goner (See a goner)
gonzo gone, not here, out of here On June 30, school's over and I'm gonzo!
Answer the phone this way: "Good afternoon, Ko
good afternoon hello, hi, good day
speaking."
That rodeo bull was good and mad. He tried to
good and dead/mad/sick very dead or mad or sick etc.
gore the rider.
Idioms: good arm -- good gravy

good arm (See a good arm)
good team or horse or person to The Leafs look like a good bet to win the series.
good bet
bet on They should win.
hello, good morning, good "Good day, Mrs. Hardy." "How do you do, Mr.
good day
afternoon Lane."
good egg (See a good egg)
willing to lend money, able to lend Let's ask Mike for some money. He's usually good
good for a loan
money for a loan.
I'll be glad when we sell that good-for-nothing
good-for-nothing not useful, useless
truck.
good work, 'at a boy, good on When Dad saw my high marks, he said, "Good for
good for you
you you, Nick."
good going good work, 'at a girl, way to go Good going, Judy! You passed the exam!
Good golly, Miss Molly. You are the prettiest girl in

good golly oh, gosh, wow
the county!
good gravy oh, how surprising, gosh Good gravy! I've got BINGO! I won!
Idioms: good grief -- goodies

good grief what a shame, oh no, too bad Good grief! You're injured! Your hand is bleeding!
skilful hands; ability to pass, catch,
good hands He's not a fast runner, but he's got good hands.
shoot; feather a pass
good head (See a good head)
We said, "Good morning, Miss Keele," as we
good morning hello, hi, good day
entered the room.
that is good, you did good work,
good on you If you can tie a kangaroo down, good on ya, mate!
good for you
good that someone or something When the manager resigned, we all said, "Good
good riddance
goes away riddance!"
Good show, I say. Jolly good show! Let's see
good show that is good, you performed well
another trick.
good sport (See a good sport)
good wood on it (See get good wood on it)
Grandma always had a plate of goodies on the table
goodies cookies, candy, cake, etc.
for us.
Idioms: goodies -- gosh darn (gol darn)

accessories: air, cruise, sun roof,
goodies He likes the Buick because it has a lot of goodies.
etc.; loaded
goodness gracious oh my, oh dear, gosh Goodness gracious! That sauce is hot!
We were goofing off in the hall before class - joking
goof off play, fool around, horse around
and stuff.
If I goof up again, I'm going to use a different
goof up do it poorly, screw up
typewriter.
goose egg zero, no score, skunked They got three goals. We got the goose egg.
chance is gone, plan has failed,
goose is cooked If we don't win this game, our goose is cooked.
game over
press the gas pedal down, pedal When a car tries to pass us, don't goose it. Slow
goose it
to the metal down.
goosed (See Canada goose)
gosh oh, gee, golly, wow Gosh! I didn't know you had a twin sister!
gosh darn (gol darn) frustrating, darn, friggin Where is that gosh-darn pen? Who took my pen?
Idioms: gospel truth -- got it made

gospel truth (See the gospel truth)
got most of the business, corner
got a corner on Bata's got a corner on the shoe business in Ontario.
the market
Wayne's got a crush on Miss Kramer. He loves
got a crush on feel romantic about, sweet on
Miss Kramer!
got a match, have a cigarette
got a light I lost my matches. Have you got a light?
lighter
She's got guts to try skydiving. It's a dangerous
got guts have courage, have nerves of steel
sport.
point a gun at him, prevent him "I've got you covered!" the boy said, pointing a toy
got him covered
from going gun at me.
Poor Jenny. She loves Stuart. She's got it bad for
got it bad feels it very much, has a case of
him.
deserve to get hurt, should get If you drive drunk, you should be punished - you've
got it coming
hell [B] got it coming.
I think Mr. Yee's got it in for me. He's very critical
got it in for dislike, is unkind to, is on my case
of my work.
Brandy's got it made: she has a career, wealth and a
got it made be happy and successful and rich
loving family.
Idioms: a perfect stranger -- a pinch of coon shit

[B]
a person you have never seen, a In New York, a perfect stranger asked her to sleep
a perfect stranger
total stranger with him.
something that gives me energy or On a hot afternoon, a glass of iced tea is a great
a pick-me-up
new life pick-me-up.
a picture is worth a a picture is easier to understand Instead of more talk, I'll draw thousand words a
thousand words than a report or essay diagram. A picture is worth a thousand words.
If it's just a piece of ass you want, why don't you
a piece of ass [B] sex, intercourse, nookie
find a prostitute?
a piece of cake easy to do, it's a snap, no problem Solving the puzzle was easy. It was a piece o' cake.
my criticism of what you did, a If my son stayed out all night, I'd give him a piece of
a piece of my mind
tongue-lashing my mind.
a piece of tail [B] (See a piece of ass)
a share of the profit or prize or Those who paid for the winning ticket get a piece of
a piece of the action
loot the action.
a risk, a gamble, taking a chance If you don't test drive the car, you're buying a pig in
a pig in a poke
(see take a chance) a poke.
That Rambler ain't worth a pinch o' coon shit. It's a
a pinch of coon shit [B] very little or no value, worthless
lousy car.
Idioms: got my eye on -- got you by the balls [B]

am interested in, want to know
got my eye on A Corvette? No. I've got my eye on a Fiat Spyder.
him/her, want to buy it
I'd like to help with your project but I've got my
got my hands full am very busy, plate is full
hands full.
do not have the right, have no Charlie's got no business telling us how to manage
got no business
claim our farm.
have no sense, make bad
got rocks in your head If he swims with sharks, he's got rocks in his head.
decisions
He wants to enforce gun control, and he's got the
got the balls [B] got the courage, got what it takes
balls to do it.
got the blues feel sad, feel blue Zora's got the blues because her lover was untrue.
She's got the hots for Tony. See how she touches
got the hots for desire, feel passion for
him.
Lana doesn't feel like going out tonight. She's got
got the rags on [B] menstruate, have your period
the rags on.
got what is needed, got the balls We need a person to manage the office. Ko's got
got what it takes
[B] what it takes.
got you so you can't move; can't If you signed the contract, they've got you by the
got you by the balls [B]
quit or back out balls.
Idioms: got you cornered -- grandfather clause

make it difficult to move or "I've got you cornered," he said, pointing at the
got you cornered
answer checker board.
know how to manage you; how to She's got your number, Bill. You'll do anything she
got your number
get her way (see get your way) asks.
gotcha (got you) tricked you, defeated you When I don't know the answer, he says, "Gotcha!"
gotches men's shorts, men's underwear Uh oh, no clean gotches. It's time to do my laundry.
We were so busy we didn't have time to grab a bite
grab a bite to eat eat a lunch or meal, have a bite
to eat.
sit down, have a seat, take a load After I introduced everybody, I said, "Grab a chair
grab a chair
off your feet and sit down."
a region or area that produces The grain belt got very little rain this year. The land
grain belt
cereal crops is dry.
grain of salt (See take it with a grain of salt)
a home run with runners on all It was 5-1. Then Carter hit a grand slam and tied
grand slam
bases, a major score the game, 5-5.
a written statement that protects
grandfather clause They can't demote him; he has a grandfather clause.
an employee
Idioms: granola -- Great One

a person who believes in less
Pat is mostly granola. She wants to join a commune,
granola government and a natural way of
grow gardens and protect the environment.
living
grapevine (See through the grapevine)
(See the grass is greener on the
grass is greener...
other side of the fence)
a profitable product, the rest is
gravy train In 1928, coal was Alberta's gravy train.
gravy
If you want good service, grease his palm. Give him
grease my palm pay me, give me money
a tip, eh.
a young man with greasy hair, a
greaser Two greasers were hanging out behind the school.
hoodlum, a hood
None of that greasy kid's stuff on my hair. I use a
greasy kid's stuff heavy hair dressing, thick hair oil
natural product.
I eat at the greasy spoon. The food ain't great, but
greasy spoon small cafe that serves greasy food
it's cheap.
great guns (See going great guns)
Great One (See The Great One)
Idioms: great Scot -- grey area

great Scot good gravy, gosh, heavens When Dale gets excited, he says, "Great Scot!"
great shakes (See no great shakes)

Great White Hope (See The Great White Hope)
Great White North (See The Great White North)
Greek to me (See it was Greek to me)
In those days we had plenty of green stuff, so I
green stuff dollars, money, lettuce, moola
bought a Lexus.
good gardener, naturally good Willie is the green thumb in our group. He's the
green thumb
with plants gardener.
envious, wishing to have someone How I wish I owned your Acura. I'm green with
green with envy
else's property envy.
If we're going to Vegas, we need our pockets full of
greenback American dollar, money, buck
greenbacks.
There are many grey areas in the legal system -
grey area unclear topic, vague statement
many vague laws.
Idioms: grey power -- Group of Five

the large numbers of seniors or An increase in life span causes an increase in grey
grey power
older people power.
ask you a lot of questions, pointed Do your parents grill you when you come home
grill you
questions, the third degree late?
grim reaper (See The Grim Reaper)
If he quits, the project will grind to a halt. It depends
grind to a halt stop with regret and problems
on him.
When Andy lost his job, their marriage came to a
grinding halt unplanned stop, forced stop
grinding halt.
very nice, way cool, totally That bike is groaty to the max. I love those wide
groaty to the max
awesome tires!
That's a groovy T-shirt, man. I like the purple
groovy stylish, cool, neat, with it
parrot.
keep me at home, not allow me to If I don't pass all my subjects, my parents will
ground me
go out ground me.
not allowed to go out, forced to Pam was grounded for a week because she stayed
grounded
stay in out all night.
Group of Five (See The Group of Five)
Idioms: Group of Seven -- gun down

Group of Seven (See The Group of Seven)

The mayor said everybody's grousing about high
grouse complain, a bitch [B]
taxes.
you like it more each day, In time, you will appreciate Lang's poetry. It grows
grow on you
gradually like it more on you.
live during childhood, become a He grew up on a farm in Alberta. He was a farm
grow up
young adult boy.
become mature, accept Grow up, Jerry. Put away that water pistol and act
grow up
responsibility like an adult.
youth clothing designed for grunge The kids go to parties dressed in grunge. That's
grunge (fashion)
music fans cool.
alternative rock music, distorted When we visited Seattle, every radio station was
grunge (music)
sound of rock playing grunge.
Let's remove the grunge from the motor. It's really
grunge dirt and grease, grime
dirty.
not ready for a fight, not I wasn't ready for her criticism. My guard was
guard is down
protecting yourself down.
He was gunned down as he left his apartment - shot
gun down shoot, kill with guns
in the back.
Idioms: gun it -- gussied up

step on the accelerator, floor it,
When a car tried to pass him, he gunned it. He sped
gun it
goose it away!
Barb's gung ho about our trip to Greece. She's
gung ho very enthusiastic, very interested
excited about it.
Sally was all gussied up when he arrived for their
gussied up groomed and dressed for a party
date.
Idioms: hack/hacker -- had it

Some hack wrote a story about the mayor's son
hack/hacker writer, journalist, computer guru
being on drugs.
had too much, do not want to I've had a bellyful of the Reborn Party. What a
had a bellyful
receive any more bunch of bigots!
had a drink of alcohol, had a
had a belt Ragnar had a belt or two at the tavern in town.
couple
had two or more drinks of

had a couple She was laughing a lot - like she'd had a couple.
alcohol, tipsy
He staggered a bit when he walked - like he'd had a
had a few a little drunk, buzzed
few.
I'd better call and explain why we didn't attend the
had better should, ought to
reception.
After ten minutes of his talk, she's had enough. She
had enough endured, fed up, put up with a lot
leaves.
hit hard, bodychecked, knocked Pat had his bell rung by No. 4. He was unconscious
had his bell rung
out for awhile.
had too much of, frustrated with, I've had it with politicians who waste our money. It's
had it
fed up sickening.
worn beyond use, shabby, wear My bike's had it: the frame's broken and the gears
had it
out slip.
Idioms: had it up to here -- half-baked

had it up to here upset too many times, had enough I've had it up to here with his smoking! Yuk!
had the bird worn or broken, wear out These shoes are full of holes. They've had the bird.
wave your hand to stop a cab,
hail a cab We missed the bus, so we hailed a cab.
flag a cab
remedy that uses the cause, fight The theory of penicillin is to use the hair off the dog
hair off the dog that bit you
fire with fire that bit you.
be very scared, very frightened, Adriana, your hair is standing on end! Have you
hair stand on end
scared stiff seen a ghost?
not sensible, irrational, crazy, Eric is talking about a hairbrain plan to train ants as
hairbrain
kooky employees.
Did you see Eileen's hairdo? She looks lovely in
hairdo hairstyle, coiffure
tight curls.
friendly man, a good head, jolly Bert is a social person - always hale fellow, well
hale fellow, well met
good fellow met.
There's a guy at the door with a half-assed invention
half-assed [B] incomplete, half missing
for sale.
Satellite schools? Sounds like a half-baked idea to
half-baked not well planned, not developed
me.
Idioms: half-cocked -- half-there

half-cocked (See go off half-cocked)

half-corked half drunk, buzzed, feeling no pain Andy was at the bar for awhile. He's half-corked.
half-cut (See half-corked)
using half your ability, not giving He made a half-hearted attempt to find our luggage:
half-hearted
enough effort one phone call.
half-lit (See half-corked)
a child, a person who is half the When you were a boy - just a half-pint - your hair
half-pint
size of an adult was yellow.
half-shot (See half-corked)
half-snapped (See half-corked)
half of the task completed, half of You've done the research for the report. That's half
half the battle
the job done the battle.
I couldn't think. My words sounded like grunts.
half-there idiotic, stupid, nitwit
People must have thought I was only half-there.
Idioms: a pinch of salt -- a quick study

a bit of salt, the salt held between Hector uses a pinch of salt when he makes
a pinch of salt
thumb and finger chocolate fudge.
on your birthday, guests pinch you "Happy birthday, Sal. Here's a pinch to grow an
a pinch to grow an inch
to help you grow taller inch!" "Ouch!"
a glass of water with a toothpick "What's that?" "You ordered a pine float - a
a pine float
floating on the water toothpick floating in a glass of water!"
a pun, a word or phrase that has When a man says he'll give you a ring, it may be a
a play on words
two meanings play on words.
a small group resisting, a few There's a pocket of resistance in one district. A few
a pocket of resistance
people not on side disagree.
a face with no expression; Judge Brady has a poker face. He doesn't show his
a poker face
showing no emotion emotions.
a pop per person, per ticket "How much are the tickets?" "Fifty dollars a pop."
I bet she paid a pretty penny for that coat. It looks
a pretty penny a lot of money, a high price
expensive.
For them, it's a question of faith. They believe in the
a question of the important factor, the issue
Bible.
a person who tries to learn much When my wife was elected to city council, I became
a quick study
in a short time, a crash course a quick study in municipal politics.
Idioms: ham -- hand out


humorous person, comedian,
ham When you imitate John Candy, you're quite a ham.
joker
When the coach saw my big hands he called me
ham hands large hands, huge hands
Ham Hands.
act funny and tell jokes, play the Robbie likes to ham it up when he talks to a group -
ham it up
ham he tells jokes.
angrily, furiously, fight tooth and The two men were arguing - going at it hammer and
hammer and tongs
nail tongs.
You were hammered, so I took your keys and
hammered very drunk, pissed, sloshed
drove you home.
The story about the loon was handed down for
hand down told by the elders to the children
generations.
give to the teacher or manager, If we hand in an essay before it's due, teacher gives
hand in
turn in us a 5% bonus.
Math and science go hand in hand. They're related
hand in hand related, together
subjects.
clothes that belonged to an older Bobby said he's tired of wearing hand-me-down
hand me down
family member clothes.
give to the class or audience, pass Cory, please hand out the song books - one to each
hand out
around member.
Idioms: hand over -- hands down

Hand over the keys to the safe - give them to me
hand over give them to me, fork over
now!
as fast as possible, one after the The T-shirts are selling hand over fist. Everybody
hand over fist
other wants one.
hand to mouth (See from hand to mouth)
tell you a false story, give you a Some politicians try to hand you a line about how
hand you a line
line busy they are.
handful (See a handful)
Dolly has worked with men before. She can handle
handle herself protect herself, been around
herself.
If you want to know more about Brazil, read the
handout page of information for students
handout.
handout (See a handout)
be unable to act because others I'm in favor of public health care but my hands are
hands are tied
are in control, out of our hands tied. I have to wait for a government decision.
The captain of the team said, "We won hands down
hands down easily, no contest
- 6 to 1."
Idioms: hands on -- hang ten (surfing)

practice doing a task by working In shop class, we get hands-on experience in car
hands on
with your hands maintenance.
put your hands above your head, "Hands up, everybody!" the thief shouted as he
hands up
reach for the sky entered the bank.
hang around stay near, be with, hang out Don't hang around with that gang. They steal cars.
continue, persevere, be patient, Hang in there until the doctor comes. He'll relieve
hang in there
keep on your pain.
In Hawaii, they tell the tourists to hang loose - to
hang loose be calm, relax, do not be uptight
relax.
hang on wait, hold on Hang on a second. I have one more question to do.
listen carefully to every word that When Mr. Frye spoke, we would hang on every
hang on every word
is said word. We listened.
be determined or resolute, not In the presidential election, Gore was hanging on
hang on like grim death
quit like grim death.
play with, be with, spend time Cal hangs out with Aaron. They go to the gym every
hang out
with day.
let your toes hang over the edge When you get tired of standing on the board, just
hang ten (surfing)
of the surf board hang ten.
Idioms: hang tough -- happy camper

continue to try, be strong and As we returned to the field, the coach said, "Hang
hang tough
determined tough, guys."
a fear or phobia, a personal For me, marriage is a hang-up. I can't commit to
hang-up
problem one person.
defeat you, convict you, throw the If you're caught shoplifting, they'll hang you out to
hang you out to dry
book at dry.
You can hang your hat here for awhile - until you
hang your hat live here, live with us
rent a room.
feeling ill or nausea the day after
hangover Is it true that vodka doesn't cause a hangover?
you are drunk
unfair deal, cheating, underhanded There is no hanky-panky in the contract we signed.
hanky-panky
plan It's okay.
When we go to the lake, the kids are as happy as a
happy as a box of birds joyful, very happy
box of birds.
When Tim is working on his car, he's happy as a
happy as a clam/lark very happy, carefree
clam.
"Does Caleb like farm life?" "He's happy as a pig in

happy as a pig in shit [B] very happy, contented
shit."
a person who is happy most of the Jack's a happy camper today. He's smiling and
happy camper
time whistling.
Idioms: happy hour -- hard liquor

an hour (or hours) when bar
happy hour Adam has invited me to the lounge for happy hour.
drinks are cheaper
happy motoring have a good trip in your car The slogan of the auto club is Happy Motoring!
The lawyer was as hard as nails. He felt no pity for
hard as nails tough, not sympathetic
anyone.
When the foreman returned, the workers were hard
hard at it working hard, as busy as a beaver
at it.
printed page(s), paper with You can check your work on the computer screen,
hard copy
printed words or pictures but it's easier find errors on hard copy.
hard day (See a hard day)
overworked, asked to do too With all the help Bonnie gets, she's not hard done
hard done by
much by.
After the argument, Bill said, "I hope there are no
hard feelings unfriendly feelings, resentment
hard feelings."
statement or policy that a person The principal takes a hard line on school
hard line
refuses to change attendance. I must attend.
strong liquor (rum etc.) with 40 % The bar was serving beer, wine and several kinds of
hard liquor
alcohol hard liquor.
Idioms: hard nosed -- hard to believe

firm, tough; refusing to lower his Ms. Bond is hard nosed. If you plagiarize, you fail
hard nosed
price or standard the course.
not able to hear very well, partly Now that Grandpa's in his 80s, he's quite hard of
hard of hearing
deaf hearing.
hard-on [B] (See a hard-on)
makes me work hard, tough on That job was hard on me. My back is sore from the
hard on me
me lifting.
challenged, faced with a hard They'll be hard pressed to find a person who
hard pressed
task doesn't drink coffee.
He was hard put to answer the questions on cold

hard put unable to answer easily, stump me
fission.
hard row to hoe (See a hard row to hoe)
hard stuff (See hard liquor)
a time of poverty and drought and We endured hard times in the 1930s. We were all
hard times
famine poor.
not easy to believe, difficult to It's hard to believe that you're a grandfather. You
hard to believe
believe look so young.
Idioms: hard to get -- has the makings

hard to get (See play hard to get)
She said, "He has custody of the children. It's hard
hard to swallow hard to accept, hard to take
to swallow."
difficult to tolerate, hard to Her cruel words hurt me. Her sarcasm is hard to
hard to take
swallow take.
poor, unable to pay, in the After the war, our family was so hard up we
hard up
poorhouse couldn't buy meat.
computer machines and The printer is an important part of your computer
hardware
accessories hardware.
Tag is a harum-scarum kind of game - no rules or
harum-scarum careless, disorganized, pell-mell
referee.
has a mind of his own (See mind of his own)
someone who has been skilled or Bobby now plays on a team of has-beens: The Old
has-been
famous Timers.
has the cat got your... (See cat got your tongue)
has the potential, has the Darcy has the makings of a good teacher. He
has the makings
ingredients explains things well.
Idioms: hash it over -- have a ball

If I mention the lawsuit, he says, "We can hash it
hash it over talk about it, discuss it, talk it over
over later."
hassle (See a hassle)
bother me, bug me, give me a bad If you hassle me about my kinky hair, I'll cut it all
hassle me
time off.
If he doesn't find a job in town, he'll return to us, hat
hat in hand humble, almost begging
in hand.
one player scoring three goals in Brad scored a hat trick in the game against the
hat trick
one hockey game Blades.
the man who does the bad jobs: Uh oh, there's Jake, the hatchet man. Who's getting
hatchet man
firing, layoffs, etc. fired now?
a tribute or honor; praise and And hats off to Mr. Singh for coordinating the
hats off
thanks volunteers.
If you want a magazine, haul ass. You can buy one
haul ass [B] do it, hurry, get going
at the drugstore.
questioned, disciplined, give me If you don't obey every rule, you will be hauled up
haul up on the carpet
the third degree on the carpet.
enjoy the activity, have a blast,
have a ball We had a ball at Yolanda's party. It was lots of fun.
have fun
Idioms: have a bite -- have a drag

We can have a bite at a restaurant after we finish
have a bite eat lunch, eat some food
shopping.
have a great party; enjoy the
have a blast "How was the dance?" "Super! We had a blast!"
dance etc.
Let's stop at the next service station so Cory can
have a boo go to the bathroom, go to the can
have a boo.
Have a boo with my binoculars. You can see one of
have a boo have a look, have a peek
the planets.
have a case of be sick from, have a disease I was in bed. I had a bad case of the flu.
please sit down on a chair, have a "Please have a chair," my aunt said, and the man sat
have a chair
seat down.
know about the answer, know
have a clue I didn't have a clue about the answer to Question 2.
about the topic
Stop playing your violin, or Mom will have a
have a conniption become very upset, have a fit
conniption!
have a crush on (See got a crush on)
draw smoke through a cigarette,
have a drag I'm out of cigarettes. Can I have a drag of yours?
have a drag
Idioms: have a fit -- have a leak [B]

become very excited, have a
have a fit Promise me you won't have a fit if I fail math.
conniption
take some drugs, get a fix, shoot After he's had a fix, he's happy. The heroin satisfies
have a fix
up his need.
have a hole in a tire, have a flat
have a flat If you have a flat, phone a service station for help.
tire
have a fling live a wild life as a young person
Dad, did you have a fling when you were young?
You have a go at this puzzle. See if you can solve
have a go try to do, attempt
it.
be happy, enjoy yourself, have a You should come to the party. We'll have a good
have a good time
blast time.
do not be cruel, have some Have a heart when you coach the kids. Be gentle
have a heart
feeling with them.
Since he broke his ankle, he's had a little hitch in his
have a hitch in your getalong limp, walk with a limp
getalong.
Phan and Lo had a laugh about their early birthday
have a laugh laugh, chuckle
parties.
When you go camping, it's okay to have a leak in
have a leak [B] urinate, take a pee [B]
the woods, eh.
Idioms: a quickie -- a rough time of it

a quick game or visit, a short time
I love to play chess. Do we have time for a quickie
a quickie
of play before dinner?
an unfair contract, paying too If he's charging too much rent you're getting a raw
a raw deal
much, taken in deal.
This is going to be a red-letter day. I found my lost
a red-letter day a special day, a memorable day
keys!
a person who is intolerant of other If you ask a redneck he'll say, "Find a job or starve
a redneck
opinions and cultures, a bigot - and if you don't like it, too bad."
David? Well, he's honest and easy to live with - a
a regular guy an average man, a good guy
regular guy.
You should've gone to Maude's party. It was a
a riot a lot of fun, a good time, a hoot
riot!
unfair price or rule, priced too The price of drinks was a rip-off. A small Coke
a rip-off
high cost $3!
"Want a roll in the hay?" "Sure. Do you have a
a roll in the hay [B] making love, having sex
condom?"
Did your friends give you a rough time about your
a rough time a lot of teasing, a lot of bugging
funny haircut?
a time of stress or bad luck, a
a rough time of it After the divorce he had a rough time of it.
tough time of it
Idioms: have a looksee -- have a whiz

look at something, look for Pete thinks he can find the cow. He went to have a
have a looksee
something looksee.
I have a good mind to tell his wife he's been with a
have a mind to am considering, may do this
prostitute.
have a puff (See have a drag)
be allowed to state a view, help to
Only the investors will have a say in the price of the
have a say
make the decision product.
sit down, please be seated, have a
The farmer pointed to a chair and said, "Have a
have a seat
chair seat."
have a chance or a try, qualify to
If Scotty wins this fight, he'll have a shot at the
have a shot at
compete boxing title.
have a small taste, drink through a
Can I have a sip of your cherry drink? Just a little
have a sip
straw sip?
Here, Jon. Have a smash of the brandy before it's
have a smash have a drink of liquor, have a sip
all gone.
have a caring feeling for, have I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Martha.
have a soft spot for
sympathy for, feel for She was so kind to me as a child.
We were so busy we didn't even stop to have a
have a whiz go to the toilet, visit the john
whiz!
Idioms: have a word with you -- have it coming

As I left the room, Mr. Lee said, "May I have a
have a word with you talk to you, discuss with you
word with you?"
see a lover who is not your "Liz is having another affair." "Who is she seeing?
have an affair
spouse, fool around Bart?"
feel sudden pain from a disease or She can hardly breathe. I think she's having an
have an attack
illness asthma attack.
I didn't have an inkling that you loved him. I didn't
have an inkling know, be aware of, have a clue
know.
criticize me, scold me, give you Every time I come home late, my parents have at
have at me
hell [B] me.
want to take away from, envy, I have no designs on your job. Believe me. I don't
have designs on
covet want it.
enjoy an activity or event, have a
have fun Did you have fun at the party? Did you enjoy it?
good time
have half a mind to (See have a mind to)
let it go and still have it, have your You can't be married and single. You can't have it
have it both ways
cake... both ways.
If you get fined for driving too fast, you have it

have it coming deserve it, ask for it
coming.
Idioms: have it in for -- have one on me

have it in for (See got it in for)
be able to control it, have it under
A fire started in the kitchen, but it's okay. We have
have it in hand
control it in hand.
have achieved success, have Viv has a new home, two cars and a career. She
have it made
everything you want has it made.
Jake and Dan had it out. They argued for more than
have it out argue, fight, settle it
an hour.
do what you want to do, get your Have it your way. Choose the movie you want to
have it your way
way see.
When my hair is long, I go and have my ears
have my ears lowered get a haircut, have my hair cut
lowered!
have my eye on (See got my eye on)
have a difficult task to do; a Our goal is to win the cup, so we have our work cut
have my work cut out
problem I must solve out for us.
have sexual intercourse, have sex,
have nookie All he wants to do is have nookie - all the time!
make love
have a drink and I will pay for it,
have one on me Put your money away, please. Have one on me.
this one is on me
Idioms: have sex -- have what it takes

have sexual intercourse, make She said that it's dangerous to have sex with several
have sex
love partners.
have the balls [B] (See got the balls)
make the final decision, call the The children want a pony, but John has the final
have the final say
shots say.
it is your turn to speak to the You have the floor, Mai. Please tell us about your
have the floor
group idea.
have things in hand (See have it in hand)
have to must, cannot avoid Jill has to go to the meeting. She's the president.
need to visit a washroom, have to
have to go Can we find a washroom? I have to go.
whiz
You'll have to go some to get an A. It's a difficult

have to go some must try harder, have to improve
course.
must admit that you can do it, give I have to hand it to you. You did every problem
have to hand it to you
you credit (see give her credit) correctly.
have what it takes (See got what it takes)
Idioms: have you for breakfast -- hawk

defeat you easily, cut you to Don't try to beat the gangsters. They'll have you for
have you for breakfast
ribbons breakfast.
When we move into our new home we want to have
have you over invite you to visit us, drop over
you over.
have something after you have
have your cake and eat it, You want to spend your money and still have it.
eaten or spent it, have it both
too You can't have your cake and eat it, too!
ways
I get stomach pains when I have my period. Do
have your period [B] menstruate, got the rags on
you?
do not have a good chance of If you don't study for exams, you haven't got a
haven't got a hope
succeeding hope.
have no chance to win or succeed If the parachute doesn't open, I haven't got a hope
haven't got a hope in hell
or survive etc. in hell.
haven't got the stomach for She likes to dissect frogs, but I haven't got the
dislike it, do not enjoy it
it stomach for it.
have not seen a person, have seen We haven't seen hide nor hair of Jack since he
haven't seen hide nor hair
no sign of him borrowed $1000.
problems happen, crises occur Farmers plant their crops, and havoc strikes in
havoc strikes
suddenly hailstones.
a person who likes war; wants to The hawks were pleased when the US declared
hawk
make war war on Iraq.
Idioms: haywire -- head is spinning

haywire (See go haywire)
guess at the answer, take a a shot How many beans are in the jar? Do you want to
hazard a guess
in the dark hazard a guess?
if you hesitate you may not get If you want to marry Ko, ask her. He who hesitates
he who hesitates is lost
another chance is lost.
That school has no heads. Not one student is using

head (headbanger) a person who uses drugs, junkie
drugs.
head (See skids)
Her work is superior - head and shoulders above
head and shoulders superior, better, a cut above
the others.
Who's the head honcho here? I have a package for
head honcho boss, foreman, manager
him - or her.
dreaming, wondering, not Shelly is a daydreamer. She's got her head in the
head in the clouds
practical clouds.
The minister hasn't noticed their poverty. His head is
head in the sand unable to see, unwilling to look
in the sand.
mind is confused, boggle your The lawyer asked me so many questions my head
head is spinning
mind was spinning.
Idioms: head on -- heart is in the right place

Lynn meets her challenges head on, but Vera tries
head on directly, without hesitation
to avoid them.
We should head out soon. We have a long way to
head out leave, depart
go.
Lan's head over heels for Chan. She's crazy about
head over heels in love with, crazy about
him.
Rod will head up the project. He can get the job
head up lead, manage
done.
a person who looks for The headhunters are looking for good computer
headhunter
professional employees programmers.
choose one or the other, which "Heads or tails?" the gambler asked as he flipped
heads or tails
side of the coin? the coin.
people will be dismissed, people When the manager hears about the damage, heads
heads will roll
will be fired will roll.
a person who eats health foods
Gary is a health nut. He eats fruit and granola, and
health nut and does exercises to become
jogs five to ten kilometres every day.
healthy
listen to all that I have to say, do Please, hear me out. Wait until I finish before you
hear me out
not interrupt me comment.
people who encourage you even if Max is too old to help us now, but his heart's in the
heart is in the right place
they cannot help right place.
Idioms: heat is on -- heavy going


heat is on (See the heat is on)
we should not do it, we are not Grandma said, "Heaven forbid! Don't play hockey
heaven forbid
permitted on Sunday!"
we are facing a crisis, we need a Heaven help us if we have an accident with Dad's
heaven help us
lot of help Mercedes.
Heavens! You weren't supposed to arrive until
heavens goodness, oh dear, gosh
Friday!
heavens to Betsy oh no, heavens Heavens to Betsy! I can't find my purse!
War is a heavy topic because it involves death and
heavy very serious, not fun
destruction.
heavy day (See a heavy day)
I have to work hard at math. It's a heavy-duty
heavy duty very difficult, demanding
course.
Your heavy foot is causing a financial problem for
heavy foot driving fast, pedal to the metal
us. Speeding fines are costly!
difficult part, hard work, heavy I'm glad we have Al on our team. He likes the heavy
heavy going
going going.
Idioms: heavy heart -- help out

It was with a heavy heart that he attended his
heavy heart sad, sorrowful
father's funeral.
heavy hitter (See a heavy hitter)
heavy metal types (See skids)
She asked me to come in, but heck, her boyfriend
heck hell, shucks
was there.
bet safely, bet on two or more If you hedge your bets, you have a better chance of
hedge your bets
horses etc. winning.
going fast, determined to get There goes Joe, driving hell bent for election -
hell bent for election
somewhere always in a hurry.
angry people to face, questions to
hell to pay [B] When I come in at 4 a.m. there's hell to pay.
answer
hell's half acre [B] (See all over hell's half acre)
If we have to pay our medical bills, it's a hellish
hellish [B] bad, awful, unfair
arrangement!
The Wongs are good neighbors - always willing to
help out help someone, lend a hand
help out.
Idioms: help yourself -- hidden agenda

Help yourself to hamburgers. Don't wait to be
help yourself please take some, dig in, eat up
served.
helping hand (See a helping hand)
saying "ahem...ah" while thinking When we asked him about the missing money, there
hemming and hahing
what to say, beat around the bush was a lot of hemming and hahing.
It's good to have a drink with you. Here's mud in
here's mud in your eye here is a toast to you, drink up
your eye.
hey listen, I am calling you Hey, Ron. Where are you going?
In his heyday, Pele was the best soccer player in the
heyday best years, in your prime
world.
hi hello, howdy Hi, Kelly. How are you?
hi there hello, hi Hi there. Do you know the way to Monterey?
Wearing overalls and a straw hat, he looked like a
hick rural person, local yokel, rube
hick.
secret plan to control the meeting The board has a hidden agenda. We don't know
hidden agenda
or decisions their real plans.
Idioms: a royal pain -- a sharp wit

a feeling of irritation, a pain in the When he brags about his wealthy family, he gives
a royal pain
ass [B] me a royal pain.
I should enter the election and give him a run for his
a run for your money strong competition, an opponent
money.
Don't throw me in the lake! I'll sink like a sack of
a sack of hammers a dead weight, a heavy object
hammers!
well-meaning, but unable to "If you assign this task to Andy, it won't be done.
a sad sack
accomplish He's a sad sack."
an argument to finish, a bone to I have a score to settle with him. He owes me a
a score to settle
pick month's rent.
Sometimes I think he has a screw loose - like when
a screw loose a little bit crazy, one brick short...
he eats paper.
The speaker did a send-up of the way Canadians
a send-up a mockery or satire, a takeoff on
talk.
much lighter than he was before, After twenty years in prison, he was a shadow of his
a shadow of his former self
very thin and weak former self.
a tendency to reply sharply or Karly is a beautiful girl, but her sharp tongue may be
a sharp tongue
sarcastically a problem.
an ability to say funny things at the Mr. Mills is 85, but he still has a sharp wit. His mind
a sharp wit
right time is quick.
Idioms: hidden talent -- high on the hog

a talent or skill you do not show Oh, you play the harmonica! Got any more hidden
hidden talent
very often talents?
hide nor hair (See haven't seen hide nor hair)
drunk, feeling happy after using a Look into his eyes to see if he's high. Are his eyes
high
drug, stoned clear?
high (See natural high)
better than other people, After she married the judge, she acted kind of high
high and mighty
snobbish, upper crust and mighty.
celebrating by slapping each After scoring a goal, the players exchanged high
high five
other's raised hand fives.
We don't like managers who are high handed - high
high handed superior, above other people
and mighty.
Cynthia looks high-hat, but she's really very
high-hat proud, snobbish, pompous
friendly.
expecting the best, hoping for Todd has high hopes for his son, including a college
high hopes
success education.
If I win the lotto, we'll live high on the hog - in a
high on the hog having expensive things, in luxury
mansion!
Idioms: high roller -- hip hop (generation)

a person who spends a lot on This is a game for high rollers. You need a hundred
high roller
gambling and betting grand to play.
nervous and sensitive, easily Jacqueline won't speak in public because she's very
high strung
upset high strung.
It's high time you got a job, Ty. What kind of work
high time late, past due, about time
do you like?
The big truck was highballin' it, speeding down the
highball it drive fast, boot it
freeway.
higher than a kite drunk, natural high, sloshed Don't let him drive - he's higher than a kite.
highfalutin proud, pretentious We need a musician, not some highfalutin rock star!
hightail it leave in a hurry, run away If the bull gets loose, you hightail it for the house.
What I lose in the poker games doesn't amount to a
hill of beans not very much, very little
hill of beans.
hip sophisticated, cool, groovy, with it It's not hip to say doll. You got to say chick now.
teens in the rap-music era with

hip hop (generation) I'm hip hop and if you don't like rap you're wack!
their own slang and subculture
Idioms: hire on -- hit home

Norm was hired on as a roughneck with an oil
hire on get work, get a job, catch on
company.
a man who acts high class, His We were having fun till his nibs walked in and told
his nibs
Royal Highness us to be quiet.
independent man, one who makes Ken will do his job, but he does it his way. He's his
his own man
his own decisions own man.
His Royal Highness would like you to play your lute
His Royal Highness the king, His Majesty
for him.
fired, dismissed, gone, down the
history If you refuse to do a job, you're history, pal.
road
hit (See a hit)
some right and some wrong, trial
hit and miss Hiring good help is still a hit-and-miss procedure.
and error
a play in which the batter tries to On the next pitch, the Mets tried a hit and run, but
hit and run (baseball)
hit as the base runner runs the batter missed the ball.
an accident in which the driver Was your car involved in a hit-and-run accident?
hit and run (traffic)
leaves the scene of the collision Did you fail to stop after hitting someone?
become very meaningful, affect When they see hungry Canadian children on TV, the
hit home
you personally, touch you message about poverty will hit home.
Idioms: hit it off -- hit on

Gus and Bert seem to hit it off. They've been talking
hit it off relate well, be friends immediately
for hours.
hired killer, a person who is paid
hit man The hit man who killed the president is a terrorist.
to commit murder
give me another card; yes, I'll The old man looked at his cards carefully, then said,
hit me (card games)
have another one "Hit me."
the meaning becomes clear to me,
hit me It hit me later that she was a teacher, not a student.
I understand
tell me, say it now, give it to me When I said it was bad news, he said, "Hit me. Let's
hit me
straight have it."
ask to borrow money, ask me for Hit me for a loan on payday. Then I'll have some
hit me for a loan
a loan money.
shoot or hit as hard as you can, Hit me with your best shot. Serve the ball as hard as
hit me with your best shot
sock it to me you can.
The word pollywog always hits my funny bone. Ha
hit my funny bone cause me to laugh, crack me up
ha ha, ha ha.
Ko was a nurse until she hit on the idea of selling
hit on think of, come up with
jewelry.
talk to in a sexual manner, come
hit on When he hit on a waitress, we asked him to stop.
onto
Idioms: hit paydirt -- hit the ground running

become rich, win money, make aWhen Helen began selling chocolate, she hit paydirt.
hit paydirt
lot of money She's rich!
feel very unfortunate, feel very
After his farm was seized, he hit rock bottom - lost
hit rock bottom
depressed all hope.
The stolen car was hitting speeds of 120 km per
hit speeds of travel at speeds of, do (a speed)
hour in the city.
Every night after work he hit the bar and stayed for
hit the bar go to the bar to buy some drinks
hours.
hit the books begin to study, crack a book Exams begin next week. It's time to hit the books.
drink liquor, get drunk to forget When Laura left him, he hit the bottle, drinking to
hit the bottle
problems forget her.
step on the brakes in a car or When I saw that the other car couldn't stop, I hit the
hit the brakes
vehicle, try to stop brakes.
go to jail, be sentenced to a jail That was the last time he hit the bricks. He never
hit the bricks
term, in the tank went to jail again.
become very angry, lose your The third time we were late for class, she hit the
hit the ceiling
cool ceiling.
be able to work effectively when We need someone who can hit the ground running,
hit the ground running
you begin a new job, self-starter a person who needs no training.
Idioms: hit the hay -- Hobson's choice

hit the hay go to bed, crash After supper he hit the hay. He was exhausted.
Can you hit the high notes on your trumpet? High
hit the high notes sing high notes, play high notes
C?
say the right word, suggest a good Your comment hit the nail on the head. You spoke
hit the nail on the head
idea the truth.
hit the road/trail travel, leave Let's hit the road early. We have many miles to go.
After losing his job and his wife he hit the skids -
hit the skids begin to fail, go downhill
became a bum.
hit the spot taste right, is satisfying Sometimes tea hits the spot. It satisfies me.
hit town arrive in town It was 2 a.m. when we hit town.
(See have a hitch in your getalong
hitch in your getalong
)
Per likes to hobnob with artists because he likes to
hobnob associate with, be a friend of
draw.
accept what is offered or you get If I don't agree to accept half the money, it will all
Hobson's choice
nothing; tight spot go to charity. It's a Hobson's choice.
Idioms: hogwash -- hold it

He told you I have a pet python? That's a lot of
hogwash false statements, bull, bunk, hot air
hogwash!
Pamela is a classy lady, but she is not snobbish or
hoity-toity a bit snobbish, high and mighty
hoity-toity.
Every time you hit the ball Wendy says, "Hokey
hokey Dinah gosh, holy cow, wow
Dinah!"
do as well, compare with, The Buick is nice, but it can't hold a candle to the
hold a candle
measure up Cadillac.
stay angry for a long time, bad He gets mad, but he never holds a grudge. He
hold a grudge
blood forgives easily.
The club will hold a meeting on Monday at 7:30
hold a meeting organize and conduct a meeting
p.m.
He has shown that he can hold down a job. He's
hold down keep, stay at
reliable.
talk at length about one subject, "If you mention his favorite topic--ants--he'll hold
hold forth
lecture forth for hours!"
drink but not get drunk, hold your Thelma can hold her liquor. She looks sober after
hold her liquor
drinks five drinks.
stop, this is important, hold on, "You and I will swim over to - " "Hold it! I can't
hold it
wait a minute swim. I didn't agree to swim anywhere!"
Idioms: hold me responsible -- hold up


say that I am responsible, carry Because I'm the cashier, the manager holds me
hold me responsible
the can, lay the blame responsible for missing cash.
wait, do not begin, we are not
hold on Hold on! We haven't fastened our seat belts.
ready
There are two hold-outs, but both people are willing
hold-out a person who does not agree
to negotiate.
wait to get full price, drive a hard
hold out for He'll hold out for the full price of his car. He'll wait.
bargain
remind me of my mistake, judge My parking ticket - is he going to hold that over my
hold that over my head
me by a failure head?
manage until we return, look after The manager asked me to hold the fort while he was
hold the fort
things gone.
wait a minute, let me think about "Dad, I'm going to quit school." "Hold the phone!
hold the phone
it Let's talk."
control how much is spent, decide
hold the purse strings He does the talking, but she holds the purse strings.
when to spend
stall, be unable to go, be unable to The plane was held up because of a snowstorm -
hold up
continue delayed an hour.
A robber held up the store and took the money
hold up use a gun in a robbery, mugged
from the till.
Idioms: hold up -- hold your tongue

cope, not cry, not lose control of Teri has endured a lot of pain. How's she holding
hold up
your grief up?
He can't be in two places at once. His story doesn't
hold water be logical, be sensible
hold water.
Did the traffic hold you up? Is that why you were
hold you up delay you, cause you to be late
late?
drink liquor but not be rude or You may be able to hold your drinks, but you can't
hold your drinks
foolish drive my car.
help you when you are afraid, When you go to college, who's going to hold your
hold your hand
baby-sit you hand?
wait a minute, hold on, hold the When I said the accident was his fault, he said,
hold your horses
phone "Hold your horses!"
if you shape your mouth the right
hold your mouth the right "I can't tie a reef knot." "Sure you can - if you hold
way you can do it, the way you
way your mouth the right way."
hold...
accept it but not like it, look the This plan is better than no plan, so hold your nose
hold your nose
other way and vote for it.
She can hold her own with the best skiers. She's
hold your own be equal to the others, keep pace
excellent.
When your father is talking, you hold your tongue.

hold your tongue be polite, do not talk back
You be quiet.
Idioms: holding the bag -- home free

left alone to finish the work or be Mom says we leave her holding the bag - to finish
holding the bag
responsible jobs alone.
hit the ball from the tee into the There's a $50 prize for a hole in one at the Pines
hole in one (golf)
cup in one stroke Golf Course.
hide and wait, find a place to stay The robbers were holed up in a motel on Hastings
hole up
until it is safe Street.
hollow leg (See a hollow leg)
holy cow that is exciting, geez, gosh, wow Holy cow! That car just about crashed into us!
that is amazing, gosh, holy Toledo, Holy Moses! What a lot of birds! There must be a
holy Moses
wow million!
holy pile (See a holy pile)
holy smoke what a sight, holy cow, wow Holy smoke, he was weird! He had purple hair!
holy Toledo how exciting, holy Moses, wow Holy Toledo, he has big muscles! They're huge!
finished a job, free to go home or Two more newspapers to deliver and we're home
home free
away free - finished.
Idioms: a shitload -- a sitting duck

a lot, a large quantity, make a Ray made a shitload of money at the races -
a shitload
bundle, tons thousands of dollars!
a powerful business person, a Mr. Fuji is a business magnate - a shogun - known
a shogun
tycoon, a heavyweight for his interest in robots.
the person/horse/team that is Ralph's a shoo-in to win the next election. He'll win
a shoo-in
certain to win, a sure thing easily.
a small drink, a small amount of "Can I pour you a drink?" "Yes. A short one,
a short one
liquor please."
Billy Graham's sermon was inspiring - a shot in the
a shot in the arm energy, encouragement, a lift
arm.
a shot in the dark a wild guess, a try, hazard a guess His answer was incorrect. It was a shot in the dark.
a building with polluted air or
a sick building This is a sick building. The air contains toxic fumes.
insufficient oxygen
something or someone you are Well, my friend, you are a sight for sore eyes. Good
a sight for sore eyes
happy to see to see you!
(See born with a silver spoon in

a silver spoon...
his mouth)
an easy target, a person who is The old lady was a sitting duck for the salesman. It
a sitting duck
easy to deceive was an easy sale.
Idioms: home run (baseball) -- hooker

the batter scores a run on one hit
I remember the game when Rusty hit three home
home run (baseball)
(See grand slam) runs.
the last part of the journey or On the home stretch we drove slower. We wanted
home stretch
race to feel relaxed when we got home.
Above the teacher's desk is this sign: Honesty is the
telling the truth is the best plan,
honesty is the best policy
honesty pays off best policy.
Then this honky gave us a ride. Some whites are
honky white person, Caucasian
nice, eh.
"Yes, I've seen a hoo-haw," she said. "I have three
hoo-haw [B] penis, dork, prick
brothers."
hooch liquor, booze, homebrew, screech Arne brought a bottle of hooch to the dance.
teenage boy involved in crime, Ron looks like a hood, but he's a good boy - and a
hood
hoodlum good student.
hook up with join, travel together In Calgary, I hooked up with a guy from Montreal.
completely, fully, without Martina believes my story - hook, line and sinker!
hook, line and sinker
hesitation, fall for that She believes everything I tell her.
As I walked along 3rd Avenue, a hooker asked me
hooker prostitute, fallen woman
if I was lonely.
Idioms: hoosegow -- horse feathers

hoosegow (See in the slammer)
laugh, laugh your head off, split a When I said I live in Moose Jaw, he hooted. He
hoot
gut laughed at me.
increase the power, supercharge, "What are you driving?" "A hopped-up Ford. It
hop up
tweak flies!"
Her hopes were dashed when she failed the
hopes dashed plans ruined, dreams lost
entrance exam.
She was hopping mad when you laughed at her
hopping mad very angry, hot
wig.
hork vomit, puke, barf, throw up Somebody horked on the floor of my car! Yuk!
We were playing a game of tag, and the big guys

horn in interfere, intrude, butt in
tried to horn in.
ready for sex, wanting to have
horny [B] How come you're never horny when I am?
sex, aroused
Don't horse around in the lab. You could spill some
horse around play, joke, fool around, goof off
acid.
lies, false stories, bull, a bunch of When she told her dad she saw a ghost, he said,
horse feathers
malarkey "Horse feathers!"
Idioms: horse of a different color -- hot and

bothered
horse of a different color(See a horse of a different color)
being sensible, logical; common He's got horse sense to rent a condo before he buys
horse sense
sense one.
He's got horseshoes up his ass! He won six games
horse shoes up his ass [B] very lucky, always winning
of bingo!
horse's ass [B] (See a horse's ass)
Don't worry. The boys aren't fighting. It's just
horseplay just having fun, fooling around
horseplay.
spray with water from the hose, If the rubber mat is muddy, lay it on the sidewalk
hose it down/ hose it off
wash down and hose it off.
hoser Canadian guy, neighbor Hey, hoser. What're you doin' in my garden?
She was really hot when you said her wig was
hot angry, mad, pissed [B]
crooked.
Steve brags about winning the marathon, but he's
hot air false talk, bragging, bull, hogwash
full of hot air.
upset, getting angry, ready to You know that Dad gets hot and bothered when
hot and bothered
speak angrily you stay out late.
Idioms: hot goods -- hot topic

stolen products, items obtained I won't buy a watch from him because he sells hot
hot goods
illegally goods.
hot hand (See a hot hand)
As the boy handed me the paper he said, "Hot off
hot off the press paper that has just been printed
the press!"
following the trail, looking for

hot on the trail The police are hot on the trail of the bank robbers.
evidence
following close behind, not far If you begin to run, the bear will be hot on your
hot on your heels
behind heels.
hot potato (See drop him like a hot potato)
very popular person, very sexy When Arlana was in high school she was hot stuff -
hot stuff
person very sexy!
quick to become angry, lose your
hot tempered He's hot tempered - very impatient and often angry.
temper
hot ticket (See a hot ticket)
hot topic (See a hot topic)
Idioms: hot under the collar -- how are you fixed

for
upset, becoming angry, hot and
hot under the collar It's only a joke. Don't get hot under the collar.
bothered
Two hotdogs with mustard, please. And two
hotdog cooked wiener inside a long bun
coffees - black.
hotdog (See a hotdog)
hothead (See a hothead)
hotshot (See a hotshot)
keep asking or demanding,
hound If you'll stop hounding me, I'll go to the doctor!
harass, browbeat
household name (See a household name)
how about that that is interesting, you don't say How about that! We ran ten kilometres!
are you feeling fine? is life good to How are you doing, Chan? I haven't seen you for
how are you doing
you? awhile.
do you have enough? how many How are you fixed for diapers? May I borrow
how are you fixed for
do you have? one?
Idioms: how are you getting along -- how so

are you able to do it? are you "How are you getting along at the new school,
how are you getting along
okay? how are you doing Gail?" "Fine. I like my subjects."
are you able to do the job? have

The manager came to my office and said, "How are
how are you making out you made progress? how are you
you making out? Finished the report?"
doing
How come you're going home? Don't you want to
how come why? how do you explain it?
play?
hello, nice to meet you, good day, "Mr. Grant, I'm Ken Blair, the new bank manager."
how do you do
howdy "How do you do, Mr. Blair."
how do you like them do you like this better? do you If you don't like the bed, you can sleep on the floor.
apples like that choice? tough bananas How do you like them apples?
how does that grab you how do you feel about that? A holiday in Greece - how does that grab you?
is your life good? how are you
how goes it "How goes it?" said my friend. "Not bad," I replied.
doing
are you winning the battle of life? "How goes the battle?" Jo asked. "I win and I lose,"
how goes the battle
are you okay? Pat replied.
how it happens, how it ends how The new policy is supposed to improve sales, but
how it plays out
it pans out we'll see how it plays out.
When I told him the game was cancelled, he said,
how so explain how, how come
"How so?"
Idioms: how time flies -- hungover

how quickly time passes, how How time flies when I visit you. The hours pass too
how time flies
short the time seems quickly.
(See the way you hold your mouth
how you hold your...
)
When Grandpa doesn't hear me, he says, "How's
how's that again what did you say? come again
that again?"
is life okay? are you learning new When Andy sees me, he always says, "How's
how's tricks
skills? tricks?"
The old cowboy says, "Howdy, ma'am," when he
howdy hello, good day, how do you do
meets a lady.
huh what did you say? pardon? "Did you wash your ears?" "Huh?"
humdinger (See a humdinger)
My uncle has this humongous dog. It's as big as a
humongous huge, very large
calf!
Wednesday, the middle of the Brian says if you can get through hump day, the rest
hump day
work week, over the hump of the week is easy.
having a headache after drinking The next day he was hungover so he rested and
hungover
liquor, hangover drank coffee.
Idioms: hungry thirties -- hyah

hungry thirties (See dirty thirties)
a gorgeous man, a very attractive Matty thinks Robert Redford is a hunk. She dreams
hunk
male about him.
get ready to lift or work, prepare To achieve our sales goals, we all have to hunker
hunker down
to make an effort down.
vomit, puke, barf, hork, woof After eating two raw eggs, she hurled - all over my
hurl
your cookies sheepskin!
Hurry up with the dishes. We want you to play
hurry up do it quickly, make it snappy
cards with us.
You hurt my feelings when you said I waddle like a
hurt my feelings make me feel sad, offend me
duck.
"Mommy, there's the man who kissed you!" "Hush
hush up do not talk, be quiet, keep quiet
up, child."
In the 1950s, if a teen-age girl got pregnant, it was
hushed up not talked about, keep a secret
hushed up.
hyah hello, hi, hi there Hyah, Bill. What's new with you?
Idioms: I'll be a monkey's uncle -- if the shoe fits,

wear it
I cannot believe it, I must be When Farley won the new car, he said, "I'll be a
I'll be a monkey's uncle
dreaming monkey's uncle!"
I'm afraid so (See afraid so)
a bonus, extra benefit, the rest is We've sold enough tickets to pay for the trip. This
icing on the cake
gravy money from the Elks Club is icing on the cake!
warning lights on the instrument
idiot lights Kim wants a car with gauges, not idiot lights.
panel of a car
if you force things to happen you
if a mussel doesn't open If you force a child to talk, you may regret it. As
may regret it, leave well enough
don't eat it they say, If a mussel doesn't open, don't eat it.
alone
the look on your face was evil or If looks could kill, I'd be dead. Are you mad at me
if looks could kill
hateful or something?
if my memory serves me if I can remember well, if I have a Your name is Jose - if my memory serves me
correctly good memory correctly.
If only we'd phoned before we came. There's
if only I wish, we wish
nobody home!
that is the best/biggest/worst I Fifty people in a phone booth - if that doesn't beat
if that doesn't beat all
have ever seen all!
When I listen to you preach, I wonder if the shoe

if the shoe fits, wear it if there is a lesson for you, learn it
fits me.
Idioms: if you can't cut it, you can't stay -- in a

coon's age
if you cannot do the work you will
if you can't cut it, you can't When I complained about long days, the foreman
have to leave; shape up or ship
stay said, "If you can't cut it, you can't stay."
out
if you do not like the pressure you In the boardroom someone had written on the flip
if you can't stand the heat,
can leave; if you can't cut it, you chart If you can't stand the heat, get out of the
get out of the kitchen
can't stay kitchen!
fate controls how we die; we do
if you're born to hang, you After rescuing the swimmer, he said to me, "If
not control the time and cause of
won't drown you're born to hang, you won't drown."
our death
if you're not with us you're if you do not support us you are War divides us into allies and enemies. If you're not
against us against us; can't have it both ways with us, you're against us.
ignorant people have nothing to The teacher said, "Ignorance is bliss - until you write
ignorance is bliss
worry about exams."
After the accident, Val was in a bad way. She was
in a bad way feeling sad or downhearted
very depressed.
Pam does things in a big way. She hired a band for
in a big way with a lot of style and expense
her party.
My son likes to play computer games - in a big
in a big way very much, a lot
way!
"Can we go?" asked the girl. "In a bit," her mother
in a bit in a minute, within a short time
replied.
in many years, for a long time, for Hello, Uncle Henry! I haven't seen you in a coon's
in a coon's age
a dog's age age!
Idioms: 'round the clock -- 'round the clock

We worked 'round the clock to harvest the crop
'round the clock all hours, twenty-four hours
before it snowed.
Idioms: a slim chance -- a soft touch

very little chance, not likely to "Is it going to rain today?" "Maybe. There's a slim
a slim chance
happen chance."
a spoken error or mistake, a word I said brew instead of blue. It was a slip of the
a slip of the tongue
that slips out tongue.
a path that leads to problems, a Nationalism is a slippery slope. It often leads to
a slippery slope
risky plan racism.
not productive, not many Tuesday is a slow day in the car market - very few
a slow day
customers sales.
A slug of bats hung from a rock jutting out of the
a slug a group, a bunch
cave's ceiling.
a snap (See it's a snap)
When the coyotes get a snootful of our campfire,
a snootful a lot to smell or drink, get wind of
they'll run.
a false story, a phony deal, a I knew it was a snow job. They said if I ordered
a snow job
rip-off some pens, I'd receive a new TV.
If I write the test now, I won't have a snowball's
a snowball's chance in hell little or no chance to succeed
chance in hell.
a person who will not refuse, an
a soft touch Barry's a soft touch. Let's ask him for a loan.
easy mark
Idioms: in a family way -- in a pig's ass [B]

Carey's in a family way. She's due to have her baby
in a family way pregnant, a bun in the oven
soon.
Without matches or food, the lost boys were in
in a fix in a bad situation, in a jam
quite a fix.
in a flap worried or upset, in a hurry Kate is in a flap again. Her dog is sick.
If you're in trouble, Superman will be there in a
in a flash very quickly, in no time
flash.
in a flutter (See in a tizzy)
Rick is in a funk today because Muriel hasn't called
in a funk in a bad mood, frustrated, in a snit
him.
in a jam in a difficult position, in trouble I was in a jam. I had no money to pay the rent.
When Dad says he'll be there in a jiffy, he means 20
in a jiffy in a minute, very soon, in a sec
minutes.
When the motor on our boat quit, I knew we were
in a pickle in a difficult situation, in a jam
in a pickle.
not true, unbelievable, bull, full of
in a pig's ass [B] You wrote War and Peace? In a pig's ass!
it
Idioms: in a pinch -- in agreement

I was in a pinch because I had no money to pay for
in a pinch in a difficult situation, in a jam
the meal.
always doing it the same way,
After ten years in the same job with the same
in a rut never changing the method or
manager in the same building, he was in a rut.
style
in a sec in a second, very soon, in a jiffy Wait. I'll be there in a sec.
not performing well for several Wayne's in a slump. He hasn't scored a point in four
in a slump
days games.
in a snit upset, worried, in a stew Ms. Mak is in a snit because she lost her cat.
In a split second, the cat twisted and landed on its
in a split second in less than a second, in a flash
feet.
Dad gets in such a stew when Mom is sick. He
in a stew concerned and upset, in a tizzy
really worries.
Mom told me to go, and Dad told me to stay. I was
in a tight spot in a difficult position, in a pinch
in a tight spot.
Aunt Lottie gets in a tizzy when she can't find her
in a tizzy upset, flustered, in a flap
wig.
believing or feeling the same When we discuss Canadian unity, we're in
in agreement
things agreement.
Idioms: in any way, shape or form -- in cold blood

Winning the award didn't affect her in any way,
in any way, shape or form in any way, at all, in the least
shape or form. She hasn't changed at all.
not sincere, not really trying to The workers accused management of bargaining in
in bad faith
agree bad faith.
The day after the party I was in bad shape. How my
in bad shape not feeling well, out of it
head ached!
If they say the car is guaranteed, get it down in
in black and white written and signed, in writing
black and white.
in brief briefly, without giving details In brief, all flights have been cancelled.
The man undressed right there on the street - in
in broad daylight easy to see, not trying to hide
broad daylight.
I think the judge and lawyer are in cahoots -
in cahoots like partners, helping each other
working together.
Who's in charge here? Who is the manager or

in charge responsible for, in control
supervisor?
becoming wealthy, receiving lots We were in clover! We bought a ranch, a car, and a
in clover
of money house in town.
in cold blood without feeling, without mercy He's accused of killing a Mountie in cold blood.
Idioms: in control -- in glowing terms

Mr. Blum is not in control of his pets. They run all
in control able to manage, in charge
over town.
in-crowd (See the in-crowd)
in serious difficulties, in deep shit,
He's a member of parliament and has been caught
in deep doo-doo [B]
in deep trouble twice for tax fraud. Now he's in deep doo-dooo.
in bad trouble, likely to be If you shoot a bear in a national park, you are in
in deep shit [B]
punished deep shit, man.
in serious trouble, sure to catch Driving without a licence could get you in deep
in deep trouble
hell trouble.
If we don't get a good crop this year, we'll be in dire
in dire straits in debt, having no money
straits.
Many came to the sale, but they arrived in dribs and
in dribs and drabs a few at a time, little by little
drabs.
to state a fact, as a matter of fact, Some people think of gravity as a cause of falling; in
in fact
to be perfectly honest fact, gravity often prevents us from falling.
The cyclist was in full flight when he passed the
in full flight going full speed, flat out
cars.
with much praise, praise you to
Your manager spoke of you in glowing terms. He
in glowing terms the skies (see praise him to the
praised you.
skies)
Idioms: in good faith -- in love

sincerely, hoping to reach a fair The union president said that he always bargained in
in good faith
agreement good faith.
cared for by a friend, with a If Darlene is caring for your dad, he's in good
in good hands
trusted person hands.
Some fans began fighting, but the police have things
in hand able to control, under control
in hand.
if we think of heaven, for heaven's Why in heaven's name did we come to Canada? It's
in heaven's name
sake cold here!
being liked by her, doing what she If you are in her good graces, you will be invited to
in her good graces
likes her tea party.
among those he likes, on his list of She's in his good books because she praised his
in his good books
good people painting.
in debt, owing money, having a We were in hock after buying the property. We had
in hock
large mortgage a large debt.
Refunds are not in keeping with company policy.
in keeping with following the rules or customs
No refunds.
having new leaves, growing
in leaf Poplar trees were in leaf, wild roses in bloom.
leaves
Peter's in love with Wendy, but Wendy's in love
in love feeling romantic love, fall in love
with Tom.
Idioms: in mind -- in over your head

thinking of, remembering, keep When she wrote the story about the lawyer, she had
in mind
you in mind you in mind.
The Nash was in mint condition. It looked like a
in mint condition in new condition, as new
new car.
The children were in my care when the dog chased
in my care for me to protect, under my wing
us.
among the people I like, on my To get in my good books, you can help me with my
in my good books
good side homework.
We'll be there in no time. We have less than a
in no time very soon, in a sec
kilometer to go.
definitely, clearly, call a spade a They told us about sex and drugs in no uncertain
in no uncertain terms
spade terms.
not listening, hearing but not The kids don't listen to me; it's in one ear and out
in one ear and out the other
paying attention the other!
in one action, in one attack, at Our TV ad is effective. In one fell swoop we create
in one fell swoop
once doubts about the other products and sell our own.
to make it possible, to help it
in order In order to win, we have to work as a team.
happen
unable to win, competing against If you play chess against Boris, you'll be in over
in over your head
better players your head.
Idioms: in person -- in stride


Dad saw the wall come down. He was there in
in person being there yourself, first hand
person.
in the correct position or location, Be sure to have the money in place before you buy
in place
available a house.
in point of fact (See in fact)
in a very good mood, feeling very When Smitty asked me to marry him, I was in
in seventh heaven
happy seventh heaven.
very sick, very ill, as sick as a "Where's Mel?" "In sick bay after last night's pub
in sick bay
parrot, as sick as a dog crawl."
doing things in a similar way, Are you in step with our youth? Do you understand
in step
together how they feel?
in stir (See in the tank)
in stitches laughing hard, crack me up I was in stitches before she finished telling the joke.
Carlos didn't know what was in store for him in
in store for in the future, going to happen
Canada.
in stride (See take it in stride)
Idioms: in that vein -- in the dark

The prime minister talked about the sacrifices we
similar, on the same topic, along
in that vein had to bring in the present economic situation. Even
those lines
the opposition went on in that vein.
In the back of my mind I could see our dog - asleep
in the back of my mind in my memory, in your mind's eye
by the fire.
Two drinks and she'll be in the bag. She gets drunk
in the bag drunk, loaded, sloshed
easily.
already won or decided, a sure Don't worry. The game is in the bag - we'll win
in the bag
thing easily.
My offer wasn't even in the ball park. He wanted
in the ball park close, near the total
$500, not $300.
showing a profit, in a sound After one year our company was in the black -
in the black
financial position showing a profit.
Lan lives in the boonies - fifty kilometres from
in the boonies out of town, out in the country
Calgary.
At our house, we walk around in the buff. Nude is
in the buff naked, nude
natural, eh.
If you get drunk you may be thrown in the clink
in the clink in prison, in jail, behind bars
overnight.
I was in the dark about the trip to Ireland. No one
in the dark unaware, not informed
told me.
Idioms: in the doghouse -- in the hoosegow

having your friend or spouse angry I'm in the doghouse. I forgot her birthday and she's
in the doghouse
at you mad at me.
If you leave your ring on the sink it will soon be in
in the drink in the sewer, lost
the drink.
In the drink - that's where I'd be without you. A
in the drink failing, bankrupt, up the creek
total failure.
controlling events or decisions, in Money and talent will put you in the driver's seat - in
in the driver's seat
charge control.
in the fast lane (See life in the fast lane)
the person (not a photo or Julia was there - in the flesh, standing right in front of
in the flesh
recording of the person) me!
Pornography puts his mind in the gutter - lusting
in the gutter having dirty thoughts or ideas
after flesh.
having lost money when gambling By the time he left the poker game he was $500 in
in the hole
or investing the hole.
in solitary confinement, in a dark
in the hole If a prisoner tries to escape they put him in the hole.
jail cell
in the hoosegow (See in the slammer)
Idioms: in the jug -- in the money

in the jug (See in the slammer)
informed, knowledgeable,
in the know Ask Joan about global warming. She's in the know.
(compare) in the dark
living in comfort, living high on the If I win the lottery, we'll be rich. We'll live in the lap
in the lap of luxury
hog of luxury.
Oil prices went up, but the price of gas didn't
in the least in any way, at all
change in the least.
after several years, for the long In the long haul, you'll earn more money if you have
in the long haul
term a degree.
planning for the future, looking
in the long run In the long run, real estate is a good investment.
many years ahead
facing a problem alone, holding
in the lurch True friends won't leave you in the lurch, will they?
the bag
Raj is a talented pianist. Is he a Glenn Gould in the
in the making developing, growing
making?
Someday I want to own a yacht. In the meantime, I
in the meantime for now, meanwhile
have a canoe.
in the money wealthy, rich, loaded If my lottery number is drawn, I'll be in the money.
Idioms: a spot of tea -- a sure bet

When I visit Mrs. Smith, we always have a spot of
a spot of tea a small cup of tea, a drink of tea
tea.
a state secret (See it's not a state secret)
a bargain; purchased for a very How much did I pay for my new coat? Very little. It
a steal
low price was a steal.
a stiff upper lip (See keep a stiff upper lip)
a small repair may prevent a large I believe in maintenance. A stitch in time saves
a stitch in time saves nine
repair nine.
(See didn't have a stitch of clothes
a stitch of clothes
on)
A deer came into the yard, just a stone's throw from
a stone's throw a short distance, 25 metres
our door.
one who allows himself to be hurt If I accept blame for a team loss, I'm a sucker for
a sucker for punishment
or blamed punishment.
a pass behind the player causing Older players always stop when receiving a suicide
a suicide pass (hockey)
him to look back pass.
certain to win, a good choice to The Lions are a sure bet in the final game. They'll
a sure bet
bet on win easily.
Idioms: in the Monford lane -- in the red

driving fast, in the passing lane, We got a rush order so we was in de Monford lane
in the Monford lane
pedal to the metal all de way.
feeling that you want to do I'm in the mood for pizza. Let's order a large one -
in the mood
something loaded!
nearly too late, just in time, under They jumped from the burning boat in the nick of
in the nick of time
the wire time - just before it sank.
Sleeping in the nude has advantages and
in the nude naked, in the buff
disadvantages.
A great event was in the offing: the discovery of
in the offing ready to happen, soon to be
penicillin.
As Mr. Martin lost the election, he's not in the
in the picture part of the scene, a factor
picture.
looking and feeling healthy and Last time I saw Barb, she was in the pink. She
in the pink
happy looked great.
in the chamber and ready to fire,
in the pipe five by five "Check missiles!" "In the pipe five by five, sir!"
missiles in firing position
poor, having little money, as poor In 1936, they were in the poorhouse. They couldn't
in the poorhouse
as a church mouse grow crops, and nobody had a job.
showing a financial loss, losing Last year our business was still in the red - still
in the red
money showing a loss.
Idioms: in the road -- in time

blocking the way, preventing
in the road We'll have to move the table. It's in the road.
movement
competitive, could win, give you a With ten games remaining, the Expos are still in the
in the running
run for... running. They have a chance to win.
Marv's been in the slammer four times. He knows
in the slammer in jail, in prison
prison life.
While he was in the tank, he studied science and
in the tank in jail, in prison, in the slammer
history.
in the middle of some work, We're in the throes of repairing an old house. What
in the throes
caught up in a process a job!
In the wink of an eye, the coin disappeared from the
in the wink of an eye very quickly, in a split second
man's hand.
in the works in the plans, to be built I've heard there's a housing project in the works.
Hal wants a Porsche in the worst way. He loves
in the worst way very much, a lot
sports cars.
in this part of the country; neck of
in these parts We haven't seen a bear in these parts for years.
the woods
before the deadline, within the The cheque arrived just in time. We flew to Hawaii
in time
time limit the next day.
Idioms: in touch -- in your face

phone or write a letter, keep in
in touch Have you been in touch with your family in China?
touch
in a difficult battle, against a tough If you play Ivan in the tennis tournament, you'll be in
in tough
opponent tough.
in trouble accused, arrested, punished If you steal, you'll be in trouble. You'll be arrested.
at the correct pitch, not sharp or

It was an excellent concert. Even the children sang
in tune (music)
flat in tune.
believing the same, on the same He's in tune with our religious beliefs. He believes in
in tune
wavelength God.
in two shakes (of a lamb's very soon, in a couple of I'll be with you in two shakes. I just have to turn off
tail) seconds, in a sec the lights.
written and signed, in black andThe company guarantees this pen for life. I have it in
in writing
white writing.
If I don't agree with you, I'll be in your bad books,
in your bad books one of the people you do not like
right?
Hey, man, I'm in your corner. I'll help you get your
in your corner hoping you will win, on your side
diploma.
placed in front of you, right in Every time I turn on the TV, that ad is in my face.
in your face
front of you I'm sick of it.
Idioms: in your hair -- inside story

If you have too many kids in a class, they get in your
in your hair bothering you, bugging you
hair.
in a picture in your mind, in your In my mind's eye, I can see her face - clearer than a
in your mind's eye
memory photo.
during your best years, when you When he was in his prime, he played professional
in your prime
are strongest soccer.
in's and out's (See the in's and out's)
information leak (See have a leak [B])
I rushed home, inhaled my lunch and drove to the
inhale eat quickly, wolf down
airport.
facts available to those inside an I can get inside information. My friend works for the
inside information
organization FBI.
a joke that is understood by only "Would you like to buy some of our liveware?" I
inside joke those who work or play together, asked. She frowned. "Never mind," I said. "It's an
inside joke inside joke. Ha ha."
inside out (See know inside out)
inside story (See the inside story)
Idioms: inside track -- irons in the fire

inside track (See the inside track)
a system of computers, World If you want to know more about any topic, get on
Internet
Wide Web the Internet.
involved in fitness etc., enjoying a They're really into fitness. They exercise and jog a
into fitness/dancing etc.
hobby lot.
into hock (See in hock)
Uncle has been into the sauce. I can smell liquor on
into the sauce drinking alcohol, off the wagon
his breath.
into business failure, into Two companies went into the tank because of free
into the tank
bankruptcy trade.
disappearing like a ghost, When I moved closer, the flying saucer vanished
into thin air
vanishing like steam into thin air.
invite you over (See have you over)
She ironed out the problem with the school. Jeff is
iron out solve, work it out
back in class.
I can't help with your project. I have too many irons
irons in the fire very busy, plate is full
in the fire.
Idioms: is that so -- it is better to have loved and

lost than never to have loved at all
Every time I tell Mr. Pratt some news, he says, "Is
is that so is that true? no kidding
that so?"
is you is, or is you ain't my are you my love? I want to know Pearl is singing to Toby: "Is you is, or is you ain't my
baby if you love me baby?"
a game is not finished until time A few fans stayed to watch the end of the game. "It
it ain't over till it's over
has expired, never say die ain't over till it's over," one man said.
it ain't over till the fat lady an event is not finished until the The tying goal was scored in the final second. It ain't
sings final bell, don't give up over till the fat lady sings!
this is what I see, I believe this It appears to me that this car swerved to avoid a
it appears to me
happened collision.
it is logical, it appears so, it makes "The owner must have started the fire," said
it figures
sense Sherlock. "It figures," said Watson.
some problems are natural in There's more crime in the cities. It goes with the
it goes with the territory
some jobs or places territory.
It goes without saying: we want equal pay for equal
it goes without saying it is obvious, needless to say
work.
we saved this one for you, it is There's a steak on the grill, and it has your name on
it has your name on it
yours it.
it is better to have loved and you are a better person if you
Old and alone, the woman often thought of a
lost than never to have loved have loved someone - even for a
saying: It is better to have loved and lost... .
at all short time
Idioms: it makes no difference -- it's a case of

it does not matter, either way is "Should we have tea or coffee?" "It makes no
it makes no difference
okay difference to me."
It never fails - when I get in the shower, the phone
it never fails it always happens, time and again
rings.
It occurs to me that we won't meet again until
it occurs to me this thought comes to my mind
Christmas.
it caused me to feel uneasy, throw I was nervous when you did the bungee jump. It
it phased me out
you phased me out.
It seems to me that Don expects us to phone him
it seems to me it is my opinion, it is my view
every week.
this is clear to me, this is my It strikes me that we share many interests and
it strikes me
impression activities.
one type of personality recognizes "Elizabeth is such a fool!" "Takes one to know
it takes one to know one
the same type one."
I could not understand what was
When he asked me what I had learned about DNA,
it was Greek to me said; it was like a foreign
I replied, "I don't know. It was Greek to me."
language
it is right, it looks nice, it is a good If you place the vase over there and the statue here,
it works
style it works.
With Bud, it's a case of too much love. His wife
it's a case of it is an example of, it is a case of
smothers him.
Idioms: it's a crock -- it's beyond me

it's a crock (See that's a crock)
it is beautiful, it is special, I really
it's a dilly Have you seen Tom's new bike? It's a dilly!
like it
After Ty read the fax, he said, "It's a go! Our
it's a go it is approved, we can begin
proposal won!"
the world is dangerous, the world "Why can't I walk home alone?" "Because it's a
it's a jungle out there
is cruel jungle out there."
it is easy to do, it is a piece of
it's a snap You should try making a paper plane. It's a snap.
cake
they are equal, toss a coin to It's a toss-up. It's difficult to choose. Both ideas are
it's a toss-up
decide good.
it is a crazy place, it is a wild They're having a marathon dance. It's a zoo in
it's a zoo in there
party, it's a jungle out there there!
the contest is finished but the "The Blue Jays won," he said. "It's all over but the
it's all over but the shouting
cheering continues shouting."
it has been an experience, it has On the last day of work, Pam said, "It's been a
it's been a slice (of life)
been interesting slice, Mag."
I do not understand why, it does It's beyond me why they don't get married. They're
it's beyond me
not make sense in love.
Idioms: it's cold / it's hot -- it's your move

it's cold / it's hot the weather is cold/hot, it's raining In January it's cold in Edmonton but hot in Chile.
it's in the bag (See in the bag)
it is not a factor, it is notIt's not a question of money. We can afford to buy a
it's not a question of
important TV.
it is not a special secret, it is not
You can talk about your first marriage. It's not a
it's not a state secret
private information, top secret
state secret.
In politics, it's not what you know, it's who you
it's not what you know, it's references are important, Bob's
who you know your uncle know.
do it now or not at all, he who
If we're going to have a family, it's now or never.
it's now or never
hesitates is lost We can't wait.
When the trial ended, she said, "I'm glad it's over
it's over/ it's over with it is finished, it is done
with."
it's raining/snowing the weather is rainy or snowy Whenever we visit Vancouver, it's raining.
I can't tell you which program to choose. It's up to
it's up to you it is your decision, you choose
you.
now you move or speak, it's your She jumps three of my checkers and says, "It's your
it's your move
turn move, Bud."
Idioms: it's your turn -- itchy feet

it's your turn now you play, it's your move Now it's your turn, Willie. Hit the ball to Daddy.
As we talked about the trip, I could see that Dad
itchy feet ready to go, anxious to leave
was getting itchy feet.
Idioms: a sure thing -- a titch


a predictable result, sure to For them, success is a sure thing. They plan for
a sure thing
happen success.
a need to eat candy, a craving for After dinner we'll serve mints. Daddy has a sweet
a sweet tooth
sugar tooth, eh.
similar to, based on the same The school play was a takeoff on Shakespeare's
a takeoff on
idea, a send-up Hamlet.
If he has a poor attitude, Dan will give him a talking
a talking to a scolding, a personal lecture
to.
a large drink of liquor, a strong After he heard the bad news, he poured himself a
a tall one
drink tall one.
a lot of excitement about a small The argument was over quickly. It was a tempest in
a tempest in a teapot
problem a teapot.
one who causes pain, one who He's always been a thorn in my side - always critical
a thorn in my side
bugs me of me.
a hit that allows the batter to run Molitor hit a three-bagger in the sixth game of the
a three-bagger (baseball)
to third base World Series.
a person who needs three bags
"What did he look like?" "He was at least a
a three-bagger over his head because he looks so
three-bagger. He also needed a bath."
scary
a titch (See just a titch)
Idioms: jack me around -- jerk

Don't jack me around, man. I need to know who
jack me around tell me lies, play games
took my car.
She's a carpenter, plumber and cook - a jack of all
jack of all trades a person who has many skills
trades.
play jazz, practise music in a small
jam After the concert, a few musicians started to jam.
group
informal practice session for After the symphony rehearsal, a few of us had a jam
jam session
musicians, jam session.
That jam tart! He teaches writing but he hasn't
jam tart a phony person, a pretender
written anything.
not come to the party etc., back Kai jammed last night because her cousin came to
jam/jam out
out visit her.
add color or interest, add an It's a nice coat, but I'm going to jazz it up with a red
jazz up
accessory scarf.
I do not know what it is, it is a She has a special quality, this lady, a certain je ne
je ne sais quoi
special something sais quoi.
jeepers oh, gee whiz, gosh Jeepers! I don't know what to say.
Stop acting like a jerk! Stop squeezing mustard on
jerk fool, dipstick, fink
me!
Idioms: jerk me around -- Joe Who

not be honest with me, jack me Don't jerk me around. I want to know if you've seen
jerk me around
around my child.
"If jerking off is a sin, I know a lot of sinners," said
jerk off [B] masturbate, pull your wire [B]
the old man.
jewels (See the family jewels)
jig is up (See the jig's up)
jim dandy (See a jim dandy)
Jimminy crickets, it was hot! It was 39 degrees
jimminy crickets geez, gosh, holy cow
Celsius!
one who tries to look cool, What a jive ass! Give him a mic, and he thinks he's
jive ass [B]
show-off, show-off Elvis.
athlete, student who plays on
jock Doug is a jock - he plays golf and baseball.
school teams
a routine task, a chore that If you're the junior employee, you'll have to do the
joe-job
nobody wants to do, gofer joe-jobs.
When was Joe Who the Prime Minister of Canada?
Joe Who Joe Clark - a Canadian politician
1979?
Idioms: jog your memory -- joke around

do or say something to help you This photo of your dog may jog your memories of
jog your memory
remember the old days.
john (See the john)
Now, Michael, all we need is your John Hancock
John Hancock signature, signed name
right here, on the dotted line.
To give you a refund, we need your John Henry on
John Henry signature, signed name
this form.
Johnny Canuck Canadian soldier, Canuck We'll send Johnny Canuck in first, then our tanks.
a man who has not lived or "Who is she going with now?" "Oh, some
Johnny-come-lately
worked there very long Johnny-come-lately."
being ready to help, being there When I need a ride, you're always here - Johnny on
Johnny on the spot
when needed the spot.
join up enrol, enlist, sign up The Army needed volunteers, so Milo joined up.
You go to the game directly from work. I'll join you
join you meet you, catch up with you
at the arena.
They were joking around after class - rapping and

joke around play and tell jokes, fool around
laughing.
Idioms: joke is on you -- jump for joy

joke is on you (See the joke is on you)
a person who tells jokes and likes
joker Jerry is some joker! He makes everybody laugh.
to laugh
a stranger, a person who does Some joker stopped and asked me if I knew the
joker
something unusual way to heaven.
a good person, a person being At Jim's farewell party we sang For He's A Jolly
jolly good fellow
honored Good Fellow.
josh fool, tease, kid Quit joshin' me. Tell the truth.
juice electricity, electrical power This heater uses a lot of juice - 1500 watts.
surprise and overpower, attack The gang attacked him in the alley. They jumped
jump
without warning him.
"Did you jump her, Ted?" "Is that all you think of -
jump [B] have sex with, bang, screw [B]
sex?"
be ready to try if you have the If I was asked to play with their band, I'd jump at
jump at the chance
opportunity the chance.
jump up and down because you When their horse won the race, they jumped for
jump for joy
are happy joy.
Idioms: jump in the lake -- jungle mouth

jump in the lake (See go jump in the lake)
become totally involved, go whole Ken gets involved in his work. He jumps in with
jump in with both feet
hog both feet.
go to the front of a line of people If somebody jumps queue in front of Dad, he tells
jump queue
waiting for service, horn in them to go to the back of the line.
go to work for the other team - The company asked me to sign a form saying I
jump ship
the competition wouldn't jump ship.
One cold morning my dad helped me to jump start
jump start use cables to start a car, kick start
my car.
A good chef waits until the food is cooked. Don't
jump the gun act too soon, leave early
jump the gun.
To get a student loan, I had to jump through a lot of
jump through hoops do all the required steps, red tape
hoops.
form conclusions before you have If you see a wrecked car and say that the driver
jump to conclusions
all the facts, jump the gun was drunk, you are jumping to conclusions.
"Your VISA balance is $63,756." "Jumping
jumping Jehoshaphat holy cow, jimminy crickets, wow
Jehoshaphat! Is it?"
smelly breath, unpleasant odor on Most people have jungle mouth when they wake up
jungle mouth
the breath in the morning, but not me!
Idioms: junk -- just as soon

He tried to smuggle junk into Canada. He hid drugs
junk illegal drugs: dope, acid etc.
in his shoes.
snack food, food with little They eat junk food for lunch - chips, candy and
junk food
nutritional value pop.
throw it away, put it in the
junk it If a pen is leaking, junk it. Throw it away.
garbage
advertisements and commercial On her mail box she wrote a sign: NO JUNK
junk mail
letters MAIL!
a person who does junk or drugs; "What is a junkie?" "A person who uses bad
junkie
skids drugs."
When we don't have a fuse, Dad jury-rigs one with
jury-rig make a substitute, improvise
silver paper.
"Would you like more cream?" "Just a smidge,
just a smidgeon just a little, just a small amount
please."
just a titch just a tiny amount, just a smidgeon "Is that piano too heavy?" "Just a titch."
We just about fell into the lake. Our canoe nearly
just about nearly, almost
tipped over.
would prefer not to, do not wish
just as soon I'd just as soon forget the fight with Dwen, eh.
to
Idioms: just ducky -- just passing through

"Bill, my mother is coming to live with us." "That's
just ducky just fine, wonderful, peachy
ducky, just ducky!"
Superman arrived just in time to save the girl from
just in time not quite late, in the nick of time
burning.
when the manufacturer is ready, T-Max has requested just-in-time delivery of the
just-in-time
not before engine parts.
just passing through (See pass through)
Idioms: kaput -- keep an eye open

kaput broken, ruined We have a car, but it won't go. The motor is kaput.
The judges know who won, but they have to keep a
keep a lid on it not tell others, keep it quiet
lid on it.
keep a low profile not go out much, lay low He plans to keep a low profile until the trial is over.
You can depend on Vern to keep a promise. He's
keep a promise do what you promise to do
reliable.
keep a secret not tell anyone, keep it to yourself Children can keep a secret better than adults.
When Arthur left Tag, Dad said, "Keep a stiff upper
keep a stiff upper lip do not cry, do not be afraid
lip, Dear."
not smile or laugh, have a a poker When you said I was your uncle, I couldn't keep a
keep a straight face
face straight face.
Customer Service needs people who can keep an
keep an even keel be steady, be calm and sensible
even keel.
watch to prevent harm, watch out Fred, will you keep an eye on the children? I'm
keep an eye on
for going to the store.
keep an eye open (See keep an eye out)
Idioms: keep an eye out -- keep it up

watch for, look for, keep your Keep an eye out for Helen at the school reunion.
keep an eye out
eyes peeled You may see her.
be fair to all opinions, avoid I keep an open mind when I talk to you - open to all
keep an open mind
prejudging opinions.
exercise to be healthy, look after You'll feel better if you keep fit - if you exercise
keep fit
your body regularly.
keep in good shape care for your body, be fit, keep fit You keep your body in good shape. You look fit.
obey the rules, conform, stay in The manager expects us to keep in line, not cause
keep in line
line problems.
Please keep in touch with us when you move to the
keep in touch phone, write a letter
city.
be quiet, do not be noisy, pipe Dad called to us, "Keep it down, eh. We're trying to
keep it down
down go to sleep."
I have a new job, but keep it quiet because I haven't
keep it quiet do not tell anyone, keep a lid on it
told my boss.
If I tell you what she said, will you keep it to
keep it to yourself do not tell anyone, keep a secret
yourself?
continue doing it, maintain this Good work, Joe. If you keep it up, you'll soon be a
keep it up
quality manager.
Idioms: keep on -- keep them straight

We asked him to stop phoning us, but he kept on
keep on continue, do it more
doing it.
Len has a sign on the door of his big rig: Keep On
keep on trucking continue to go or work, carry on
Truckin, Man!
There was a sign on the gate: PRIVATE - KEEP
keep out do not come in, stay outside
OUT!
Our company keeps pace with the leaders. We're
keep pace go as fast, keep up
near the top.
keep quiet do not talk, shut up Will you please keep quiet. You've said enough.
watch and write notes, keep track Who keeps tabs on expenses? Who has the
keep tabs on
of receipts?
continue the work, encourage us Reg will keep the ball rolling. He won't allow the
keep the ball rolling
to continue work to stop.
believe in what we know, do not
keep the faith When we parted, John said, "Keep the faith, eh."
doubt
This cheque will keep the wolf from the door. We
keep the wolf from the door keep us fed, prevent hunger
can buy food.
know the difference, be able to Mo, you have so many relatives. How do you keep
keep them straight
identify them them straight?
Idioms: a token gesture -- a wake-up call

a small sign of thanks or To thank us, they put our names in the paper - a
a token gesture
recognition token gesture.
When Sis came home drunk, Dad gave her a
a tongue-lashing a scolding, a lecture, a talking to
tongue-lashing.
one you have never seen, a "Can I give you a ride home?" "No. You're a total
a total stranger
perfect stranger stranger."
Mary's not feeling well today. She has a touch of the
a touch of a little illness, minor symptoms
flu.
a performance that is not easy to
a tough act to follow Gail danced very well. That is a tough act to follow.
equal
Was the goal scored before the game ended? It's a

a tough call a difficult decision, a hard choice
tough call.
a tough row to hoe (See a hard row to hoe)
a time of stress or bad luck, a When Bev left home she had a tough time of it. She
a tough time of it
rough time of it had no job.
a person who helps you during a When my parents were killed in an accident, Harry
a tower of strength
crisis, a brick was a tower of strength to me.
a warning, a caution, wake up and "I got a D on my English test!" "Is it a wake-up call
a wake-up call
smell the coffee to work harder?"
Idioms: keep to yourself -- keep you in mind

be alone, not associate with When I'm feeling sad, I keep to myself. I like to be
keep to yourself
people alone.
Keep track of the time you work at the computer.
keep track check, count
Keep a record.
keep something hidden, not show Details of the program were kept under wraps until
keep under wraps
or talk about the election.
go as fast as the others, keep In typing class, I can't keep up. I can't type as fast
keep up
pace as the others.
continue to do good work, 'at a I like to hear my supervisor say, "Keep up the good
keep up the good work
boy work."
buy what the neighbors buy, keep I can't afford to keep up with the Joneses. I'm not
keep up with the Joneses
pace rich!
be aware of new methods and Reading newspapers will help you keep up with the
keep up with the times
trends, stay abreast times.
provide money or food or If you can't stop for lunch, drink some juice to keep
keep you going
energy, get by you going.
keep you from lying, cause you to Your child's questions will keep you honest. You
keep you honest
be truthful can't lie to kids.
remember you or your request, If we have any job openings in sales, I'll keep you in
keep you in mind
think of you mind.
Idioms: keep you on track -- keep your nose clean

tell you what to do, remind you of The instructor will help to keep us on track. She'll
keep you on track
the topic remind us.
send or phone the news to you, I'll be in Korea for six months, but I'll keep you
keep you posted
inform you posted.
Can you keep your cool during an emergency, or
keep your cool stay calm, not become excited
do you panic?
do not come too close, respect a Keep your distance or she'll accuse you of
keep your distance
person's space harassment.
Keep your ear to the ground. You'll hear about drug
keep your ear to the ground listen for news, listen for gossip
dealers.
Keep your eyes peeled for birds. Watch for
keep your eyes peeled look or watch carefully, watch for
animals, too.
don't rush, be calm, keep your "Hurry, Adriana! We're late!" "Keep your hair on.
keep your hair on
shirt on I'm coming!"
think clearly, do not lose your Try to keep your head during a crisis. Try to think
keep your head
head clearly.
keep your head above survive, have just enough to live, With a part-time job, I was able to keep my head
water get by above water.
Keep your nose clean, and you'll get out of prison
keep your nose clean stay out of trouble, toe the line
sooner.
Idioms: keep your nose to the grindstone -- kick

ass [B]
keep your nose to the Keep your nose to the grindstone and you'll pass
continue to work hard
grindstone the final exam.
be calm, do not rush me, do not When we asked Dad to hurry, he'd say, "Keep your
keep your shirt on
get your shirt in a knot shirt on."
do as you promise, keep a You can depend on him. He always keeps his
keep your word
promise word.
keeper (See a keeper)
We laughed when Lan fell off the horse and landed
keester buttocks, backside, bum, rear end
on her keester.
kept woman (See a kept woman)
kettle of fish (See a different kettle of fish)
running faster at the end of a If you are a distance runner, you know the meaning
kick
race, home stretch of kick.
A person needs discipline to kick a habit like
kick a habit stop a habit, shake a habit
drinking.
kick ass [B] scold, lecture, give you hell The coach will kick ass if we don't go to practice.
Idioms: kick at the cat -- kicking around

It's your kick at the cat. See if you can solve the
kick at the cat a turn, a try, have a go
puzzle.
relax, sit back and put your feet I'm going to kick back on the deck for a couple of
kick back
up hours.
The Cougars beat us last week. Let's kick their butt
kick butt defeat badly, blow them away
tonight!
be angry at myself, regret my I could kick myself for selling that car. I wish I
kick myself
choice hadn't sold it.
use battery cables to start a car, The battery was dead so we got a tow truck to kick
kick start
jump start start our car.
Charlie finally kicked the bucket. He had cancer,
kick the bucket die, buy the farm, pass away
you know.
stop smoking, kick the habit (see It's hard to kick the weed after smoking for twenty
kick the weed
kick a habit)of smoking years.
Jon will kick up a fuss if he doesn't get paid on
kick up a fuss complain, make a scene
time.
After you've written your exams you can kick up
kick up your heels celebrate, go to parties, have fun
your heels.
lying around here; is here or there "Do you have a hammer?" "Ya, there's one kickin'
kicking around
or somewhere near around here somewhere."
Idioms: kid -- kill time

I was kidding when I said the mosquitoes are as big
kid joke, fool, tease, josh
as bats.
There were three large circles in the field, I kid you
kid you not tell the truth, not joke
not.
prevent a goal while your player Team Canada killed a penalty near the end of the
kill a penalty (hockey)
has a penalty game.
do too much, do ten times more He asked you to adjust the carburetor, not rebuild
kill an elephant
than necessary, overdo it the motor. Don't kill an elephant!
do anything to get it, in the worst Lea would kill for a date with Mat. She really likes
kill for
way him.
cause me to laugh a lot, crack me Your jokes kill me. They're so funny I nearly die
kill me
up laughing.
The oil killed off the ducks in the bays along the
kill off kill all, kill every one
coast.
When the teacher wasn't looking we killed ourselves
kill ourselves laughing laugh hard, hoot, split a gut
laughing.
kill the goose that lays the lose or destroy the source of If we pollute the environment, we kill the goose -
golden eggs wealth we lose it all.
He was killing time waiting for a plane, so he
kill time wait, put in time, time to kill
phoned a friend.
Idioms: kill two birds (with one stone) -- kiss the

blarney stone
kill two birds (with one get two with one try, do two jobs
If you sell and advertise at the same time, you kill
stone) on one trip two birds... .
wanting to defeat the opponent,
Mel is a fine tennis player, but he lacks the killer
killer instinct
go for the jugular instinct.
These new shoes are killing me. Can we stop and
killing me hurting me, causing pain
rest?
kiss ass [B] be nice to get favors, brown nose I won't kiss ass to get a job. I refuse to be a slave.
flat curls on the forehead or in
kiss curls (hair style) Teddi can't go out until her kiss curls are dry.
front of the ears
We're fighting for equal pay. We won't let them kiss
kiss it off not deal with it, put it off
it off.
an action that results in failure or His TV speech was a disaster - the kiss of death for
kiss of death
loss his party.
kiss off go, get lost, take off When he's angry with me he says, "Kiss off!"
say it is lost or stolen, down the Hank borrowed your new pen? You can kiss that
kiss that one goodbye
drain one goodbye.
say a lot of compliments, flattery You always say that I look nice. Did you kiss the
kiss the blarney stone
will get you... blarney stone?
Idioms: kit and caboodle -- knock it off

everything, all the stuff, the whole The canoe tipped, and it all fell in the river - the
kit and caboodle
shebang whole kit and caboodle!
play defensively, play only to In the third period we played kitty bar the door and
kitty bar the door
prevent a goal won 4-2.
the diagonally opposite corner of
kitty-corner The Bay is kitty-corner from the drugstore.
an intersection
a clumsy person, one who makes What a klutz I am! I poured sugar in the salt
klutz
careless mistakes shaker!
When we lived in Oslo, you were just knee high to a

knee high to a grasshopper small or short, the size of a child
grasshopper.
Don't knock the teacher. She's trying to help us
knock criticize, put down
learn.
knock against (See the knock against)
Lynn used to knock around with us. She was our
knock around with be friends with, hang around with
friend.
knock flat knock down, knock over The flag pole was knocked flat - hit by a truck.
When we teased the bull, Dad told us to knock it
knock it off stop it, do not do that
off.
Idioms: knock me over with a feather -- knocked

out
When she told me she was married to my
knock me over with a I was very surprised, I could not
ex-husband, you could have knocked me over with
feather believe it, blow me down
a feather.
One by one, the wolves were knocked off - shot by
knock off remove, kill
hunters.
hit a person until he is
knock out You punched him very hard. You knocked him out.
unconscious, out cold
cause him to slow down, cause
knock the wind out of his If you tell him his letter is full of errors, you'll knock
him to quit, knock him down a
sails the wind out of his sails.
peg (see knock you down a peg)
knock them down, drag fighting, brawling, Donnybrook, After the game, a few soccer fans began to fight. It
them out no holds barred was a knock-em-down-drag-em-out brawl.
She doesn't want to get knocked up, so she uses a
knock up [B] become pregnant, in a family way
contraceptive.
say you are too proud, put him in If you are too cocky, Don will knock you down a
knock you down a peg
his place peg.
You should see The Phantom of the Opera. It'll
knock you out amaze you, blow your mind
knock you out.
surprise you, perform better than This music will knock your socks off! It's rock and
knock your socks off
you expect roll!
eliminated from a competition or Our team was knocked out during the semi-final
knocked out
series games.
Idioms: knockout -- know which side your bread is

buttered on
stunning appearance, beautiful When Jackie wears that red party dress, she's a
knockout
body knockout.
Why did you take the candy? You know better than
know better know you should not do that
to steal.
know a method well, know an After 30 years in real estate, he knows the business
know inside out
occupation well inside out.
know like the back of your know an area well, know every I lived here for years. I know this town like the back
hand feature of the land of my hand.
(See don't know the first thing
know the first thing...
about)
know how, have much Good managers know the ropes. They have skills
know the ropes
experience, learn the ropes and experience.
know what is happening, in the The leader of the party should know the score. He
know the score
know, know your stuff or she should be well informed.
know our position, know if we The Department hasn't replied to our application for
know where we stand
have a chance, leave me hanging assistance, so we don't know where we stand.
know where you are, know what With so many problems, he doesn't know which
know which end is up
to do next end is up.
know who pays your salary, If
know which side your bread you refuse extra work, you have
don't know which side your bread is buttered on.
is buttered on common sense, bite the hand that
feeds...
Idioms: know your stuff -- kowtow

know a lot, know facts, have the In calculus, Tara knows her stuff. She can solve
know your stuff
answers difficult problems.
know how to survive, be worldly To live on the street, you have to know your way
know your way around
wise around.
If you knuckle down and study, you can pass this
knuckle down work harder, achieve more
exam.
one who does not think, What a knucklehead! He made the same mistake
knucklehead
doughhead ten times.
kooky crazy, hairbrain, nuts Just because I eat insects doesn't mean I'm kooky.
do as someone wishes, brown Marie won't kowtow to anyone. She's proud and
kowtow
nose, suck up to independent.
Idioms: a wash -- a yawner

not owing each other, call it You owe me $20, but you gave me a CD, so it's a
a wash
square wash, eh.
a wash-out a failure, a lost cause No one attended the concert. It was a wash-out.
natural ability to speak, the gift of
Ask Viv to write the speech. She has a way with
a way with words
the gab words.
When Canada played Sweden, it was a whale of a
a whale of a game an exciting game, a cliff-hanger
game.
a waste of time, a long chase Oil exploration is sometimes a wild goose chase. It's
a wild goose chase
without results uncertain.
an opportunity, a chance, a golden Sometimes a problem is actually a window of
a window of opportunity
opportunity opportunity.
an evil person who looks The priest looked harmless, but he was a wolf in
a wolf in sheep's clothing
innocent sheep's clothing.
a word to the wise is a wise person understands when I can't discuss the plan, but a word to the wise is
sufficient he hears a key word sufficient: progress.
a person who works with words,
a wordsmith Ask Jan if it's colour or color. She's a wordsmith.
a writer or author
a boring event, a book etc. that is
a yawner I went to the movie, but it was a yawner so I left.
not interesting
Idioms: lady-killer -- lap up

lady-killer (See a lady-killer)
Lenny's Place is a laid-back kind of restaurant -
laid back relaxed, casual
casual.
exposed, open for everyone to During the trial, details of his personal life were laid
laid bare
see bare.
to be told by the manager that Billy was laid off because there's not enough work
laid off
your job is cancelled at the plant.
Kelly was laid up for two weeks with a very bad
laid up sick, injured, not able to work
cold.
foolish person, slow thinker,
lamebrain Don't wait for his suggestion. He's a lamebrain.
dipstick, jerk, dork
be ready to work, be ready for We're looking for employees who land on their feet
land on your feet
action, hit the ground running after facing a problem or challenge.
land up come to rest at, stop at, end up If you take this boat you'll land up in Norway!
lap of luxury (See the lap of luxury)
She laps up their compliments. She loves their
lap up welcome, appreciate
praise.
Idioms: lard butt/lard ass [B] -- last straw

a person with fat buttocks, a When I was young and chubby, my brother called
lard butt/lard ass [B]
person with a big bum me lard butt.
larger or prettier than people we In American movies, everything seems larger than
larger than life
know; bigger than life life. Buildings are taller, women are sexier.
the last one on the list but not the Last but not least is Carla, winner of the spelling
last but not least
least important contest.
last chance to buy a drink or Dad stood on the back porch and shouted, "Last
last call
come in for supper call for supper!"
last try, desperate attempt, last In a last-ditch attempt to save the marriage, he
last-ditch
resort bought her a BMW.
Frank is planning one more TV concert - his last
last hurrah last big event for an old person
hurrah.
last legs (See on his last legs)
be sufficient, provide enough, do I have a ton of tooth paste - enough to last me for
last me
me for, tide me over ten years!
last hope for assistance, last I will call the police only as a last resort - only when
last resort
chance to succeed I'm desperate.
last straw (See the last straw)
Idioms: last word -- lay [B]

last word (See the last word)
a person who is slow to mature or Kelly is not doing well in math, but she may be a
late bloomer
succeed late bloomer.
laugh secretly at someone, behind He tried to please her, unaware she was laughing up
laugh up your sleeve
your back her sleeve.
laugh loud and long, crack me up, When Jerry tells a joke, I laugh my head off. He is
laugh your head off
hoot so funny!
laugh yourself sick laugh until you ache, split a gut When I listen to Mandy's jokes, I laugh myself sick.
laugh and laugh, laugh your head One girl said something funny, and we laughed
laugh yourself silly
off ourselves silly.
He has a full scholarship to go to university. He's
laughing fortunate, lucky, rich etc.
laughing.
laughing stock (See the laughing stock)
stolen money that has been Do Mafia companies donate laundered money to
laundered money
invested or donated the church?
Chuck brags about all the girls he's laid, but I don't
lay [B] have sex with, get laid [B]
believe him.
Idioms: lay a trip -- lay off

Don't lay a trip on me about low grades. I'm
lay a trip suggest guilt or blame or duty
studying hard.
It's time to lay down your arms. Stop fighting with
lay down your arms stop fighting, bury the hatchet
your sister.
Doug was killed in World War II. He laid down his
lay down your life for die for, be killed for
life for Canada.
She says she's my sister, but I've never laid eyes on
lay eyes on see, look at
her before.
The salesman is praising the new Camry. He's really
lay it on compliment, praise, a little thick
laying it on.
You can lay it on the line. I want to know if I passed
lay it on the line be truthful, the straight goods
or failed.
The escaped prisoner planned to lay low for a few
lay low stay out of sight; out of circulation
days.
lay of the land (See get the lay of the land)
be unable to employ any longer, NSU laid off 50 employees because there's not
lay off
let go enough work.
I think I'll lay off coffee. I'm getting too much
lay off stop doing it, quit it, cut it out
caffeine.
Idioms: lay on -- lead foot

The chefs lay on lots of food at the banquet. It's a
lay on provide, supply
feast!
On the way to Winnipeg, we usually lay over in
lay over stay overnight while traveling
Regina.
He likes to drive fast. He lays rubber at every
lay rubber spin a car's wheels, drag race
intersection.
When he fails a test, his mom lays the blame on the
lay the blame blame, say who is at fault
teacher.
hit with a hockey stick, slash with The losing team started to lay the lumber on our
lay the lumber
a hockey stick best players.
The Vikings raided Scotland's coast, laying waste

lay waste damage, wreck, plunder
the villages.
I'll lay you ten to one that Marc uses steroids. I'm
lay you bet you, give you odds
sure he does.
lazy person, a person who does
lazy bones If you don't want to work, we'll call you lazy bones.
not want to work
have a style of living, have a way
lead a life With your career and children, you lead a busy life.
of life
lead foot (See heavy foot)
Idioms: lead pipe cinch -- learn your place

certain of the result, a foregone The Jets are a lead pipe cinch to win the game.
lead pipe cinch
conclusion They're better.
lead you down the garden tell you a false story, give you a He said the trip to Paris was free. He led me down
path line the garden path.
promise good things, pretend to I know you love Jo, but she was leading you on.
lead you on
be good She loves Paul.
She trimmed the branches before the trees began to
leaf out grow new leaves, in leaf
leaf out.
allow people to know, tell the Details of the program were leaked to a
leak
media newspaper.
leak (See have a leak)
lean times times of poverty, hard times During lean times they sold eggs for 50 a dozen.
learn the language, know the To work in the computer industry you have to learn
learn the lingo
idioms the lingo.
learn the first steps, learn the He wants to learn the ropes, to learn how to play
learn the ropes
basics, know the ropes jazz.
learn to know where and when to When I was young, kids learned their place; they
learn your place
speak showed respect.
Idioms: leave me hanging -- led to believe

leave me wondering what You begin a story, but you don't finish it. You leave
leave me hanging
happened me hanging.
look everywhere, look high and In our search for Mom's wedding ring, we left no
leave no stone unturned
low stone unturned.
Leave out the cracked dishes. We'll throw them

leave out not include, discard
away.
Kim didn't receive an invitation. She was left out in
leave out in the cold not invite, exclude
the cold.
allow people to reply, invite a If you offer to provide answers to their questions,
leave the door open
response, feel free to reply you leave the door open for a reply.
if you do more you could cause If I cause a problem, I apologize. Then I leave well
leave well enough alone
more trouble enough alone.
leave you to do the work or finish He left me holding the bag. I had to finish the work
leave you holding the bag
a difficult job by myself.
leave you with a problem, fend for The bride didn't go to the church. The groom was
leave you in the lurch
yourself left in the lurch.
not protect yourself, allow people By coming late to work, he left himself open to
leave yourself open
to hurt you discipline.
be told, be given information, lead "Were you led to believe that the car was in good
led to believe
you down... condition?" "Yes. They said it was fine."
Idioms: left holding the bag -- lemon

left holding the bag (See leave you holding the bag)
left in the lurch (See leave you in the lurch)
left out in the cold (See leave out in the cold)
remainder, what is not used or not We bought too much ice cream. There are two pails
left over
eaten left over.
There were soldiers everywhere - left, right and
left, right and center in every direction, everywhere
center.
food not eaten at the previous After the Christmas feast they ate leftovers for a few
leftovers
meal days.
The ignition switch in most cars is not designed for a
lefty left-handed person, southpaw
lefty.
leg up (See a leg up)
walking, going to visit customers The kids delivered the notices - they did the leg
leg work
or voters work.
a car with many problems, a car When the American companies began to make
lemon
of low quality, seconds small cars, there were a lot of lemons for sale.
Idioms: lend a hand -- let it be

Our neighbors lend a hand when we have too much

lend a hand help someone, give me a hand
work to do.
people who are not as talented, We owe our success to the lesser lights on our team
lesser lights
not superstars - the workers.
both are bad but one is not as bad Neither person can be trusted. Choose the lesser of
lesser of two evils
as the other two evils.
allow gas to escape, fart, pass If I let a fart in this tiny room, we won't be able to
let a fart [B]
wind breathe.
not do as expected, disappoint
let down Don't let the team down. Please come to the game.
someone
let him or her do the job, wait for If his attitude is let George do it, he won't succeed
let George do it
someone to do it in our firm.
let go of release, allow to be free, part with Please let go of my hand now. I want to leave.
release or start suddenly, go with When you want him to dump the load, just say, "Let
let her rip
full power 'er rip!"
When we go camping, we let it all hang out. We
let it all hang out relax, be natural
really relax.
When a cat is sick, let it be. Don't pet it or pick it
let it be leave it alone, do not touch it
up.
Idioms: let it go to your head -- let the good times

roll
become too proud, have a So you won the golf tournament. Don't let it go to
let it go to your head
swelled head your head.
If you want to criticize my work, go ahead. Let me
let me have it tell me, do not wait to tell me
have it.
let off not have to pay or do, get off Kyle was involved in the crime, but they let him off.
Hec is letting off steam again. He wants to save the
let off steam express concern, sound off
wolves.
show, say, reveal, let others Don't let on that you know me. Our friendship will
let on
believe be a secret.
let one (See let a fart)
do not create problems, leave Don't tell them the price of gas will rise. Let sleeping
let sleeping dogs lie
things alone dogs lie.
People know we plan to elope. Who let the cat out
let the cat out of the bag tell people, the cat's out of the bag
of the bag?
let the chips fall where they let it happen naturally, do not We've done all we can to win the election. Let the
may control everything chips fall... .
let the party begin, let us enjoy our
Uncle Harry welcomed us to the reunion. Then he
let the good times roll time together, the more the
said, "Let the good times roll!"
merrier
Idioms: about time -- across the board

It's about time you got here. We've been waiting a
about time nearly late, high time
long time.
above and beyond the call much more than expected, go the Her extra work was above and beyond the call of
of duty extra mile duty.
legal, not hidden, not under the Every action, every payment is above board.
above board
table, not underhanded Customers respect that kind of honesty.
not required to obey laws,
above the law Just because he's rich, he thinks he's above the law.
privileged
absence makes the heart when friends are apart they like When she's away I'm very lonely. Absence does
grow fonder each other more make the heart grow fonder.
according to the rules, if we follow
according to Hoyle According to Hoyle, it's your turn to deal the cards.
the rules
Sam's ace in the hole is honesty, which his clients
ace in the hole a hidden strength or talent
soon discover.
Jewelry is my Achilles heel. I buy too much
Achilles heel a weakness, a vulnerable place
jewelry.
acid test (See the acid test)
affecting all people, applies to We want a salary increase across the board - for all
across the board
everything positions.
Idioms: let up -- lick your wounds

let up not do it as much, ease up If the rain lets up, we'll go to the park.
let you down (See let down)
scold you, shout at you, hit you, If you tease him about his girlfriend, he'll let you
let you have it
tell you off (see tell him off) have it.
"Let yourself go," the leader said. "Share what you
let yourself go relax, be natural, let it all hang out
are feeling."
not groom yourself, become If you let yourself go, your wife may lose interest in
let yourself go
sloppy you.
A billion dollars is a lot of lettuce! It's more than I
lettuce money, dough, moola
need.
make it equal for everyone, a level If we train all employees, we help to level the
level the playing field
playing field playing field.
be honest with you, the straight Peter will level with you. He'll tell you what the
level with you
goods doctor said.
lick and a promise (See a lick and a promise)

become healthy again, recover After losing the election, he went home to lick his
lick your wounds
from a defeat wounds.
Idioms: lickety-split -- lift a finger

moving fast, boot it, hell bent for The train is going lickety-split, at least sixty miles an
lickety-split
election hour!
Yes, I take long coffee breaks, but I would never lie
lie down on the job stop working, refuse to work
down on the job.
a fast-paced life, living or working We tried life in the fast lane - in Toronto - but Seth
life in the fast lane
in a large city didn't like it.
When Anne is happy, she says, "Life is just a bowl
life is just a bowl of cherries life is just wonderful, life is grand
of cherries!"
life is not all war and love, life is
After World War II, some people had to learn that
life is not all guns and roses not like the movies, come down to
life is not all guns and roses.
earth
life of the party (See the life of the party)
life on the edge (See live on the edge)
the way you live, lifestyle; lead a The life we lead here is based on respect for human
life you lead
life rights.
a person who has been sentenced The lifers all sit at the same table in Hampton
lifer
to life in prison Penitentiary.
help someone, do anything to Loki is my friend, but he didn't lift a finger when I
lift a finger
help needed help.
Idioms: lift my spirits -- like a broken record

cause me to be happy, give me a Music will lift our spirits. Let's listen to some
lift my spirits
lift Mozart.
a sign of progress, feeling hopeful After four years of study, I could see light at the end
light at the end of the tunnel
because you will soon be finished of the tunnel. I would soon graduate.
Just because he likes to sew, you think he's light in
light in the loafers homosexual, gay, fag
the loafers.
As Ken left the school, he lit up. It was okay to
light up light a cigarette, begin to smoke
smoke outside.
lighten up relax, do not be so serious Lighten up, Charles. Try to see the humor in life.
His lighthearted approach to life is popular with

lighthearted humorous, joking
students.
(See the lights are on but
lights are on but...
nobody's home)
When Harriet is late for work, she drives like a bat
like a bat out of hell very fast, go like stink
out of hell.
like a sign from heaven, like a Like a bolt from the blue, I got the idea to shave my
like a bolt from the blue
flash of light head.
repeating the same sound, saying >From morning till night I hear that complaint-like a
like a broken record
it over and over again broken record!
Idioms: like a dirty shirt -- like nobody's business

always there - like shirts that need If you have a garage sale, Jim will be there like a
like a dirty shirt
to be washed dirty shirt.
like a hot potato (See drop him like a hot potato)
heavily, with much weight and When the cable broke, the cargo came down like a
like a ton of bricks
force ton of bricks.
like crazy/like mad a lot, very much, to beat the band She laughed like crazy whenever Earl told a joke.
like dog's breath not pleasant, not popular This plan smells like dog's breath. It's a bad plan.
sons are like their fathers, a chip This is Fred, and this is Fred, Jr. Like father, like
like father, like son
off the old block son.
"It's a goal!" said the referee. "Like hell it is!" said
like hell [B] not likely, no way, not
the goalie.
like hell [B] fast, go like stink That dog can run like hell.
if we do not like it, that is too This is the supper Dad cooked for us - like it or
like it or lump it
bad; tough bananas lump it.
The squirrel was eating nuts - chewing like nobody's
like nobody's business a lot, busily, like crazy
business.
Idioms: like the devil -- lips are sealed

The disease spread like the devil. Soon his whole
like the devil quickly, too fast to see, like hell
leg was swollen.
like the wind fast and smooth, like the devil You can't catch that deer. It can run like the wind.
Bull riding is not a sport for lily-livered folks. It's not
lily-livered cowardly, chicken, wimpy
for wimps.
people in order of power, chain of The line of authority goes from our manager up to
line of authority
command the president.
form a line of people, form a College students have to line up to buy their text
line up
queue books.
lingo (See learn the lingo)
No more of your lip, boy. I won't allow you to be
lip rudeness, cheek
rude.
Did you hear him lip off the police? He called them
lip off talk without respect, talk back
pigs.
If you get lippy with me, I'll give you extra work to
lippy rude, impolite, cheeky, sassy
do.
will not talk about it, mum's the I won't tell anybody you love the coach. My lips are
lips are sealed
word sealed.
Idioms: liquored up -- live on

drunk, having drunk too much I wish Pa wouldn't get liquored up when he goes to
liquored up
liquor, sloshed town.
listen up listen carefully, pay attention The coach said, "Listen up, guys. This is important."
little bird told me (See a little bird told me)
a little progress each time you try, Little by little, we saved our money to buy this
little by little
bit by bit house.
little white lie (See white lie)
live your life and let others live Pop's approach to life is simple and fair: live and let
live and let live
their lives live.
My husband and I live by two principles: honesty
live by follow, use as a guide
and trust.
live wild, go to a lot of parties, When I move to the city, I'm going to live it up -
live it up
have a fling have fun.
earn enough money to pay Can we live off the profit from selling your garden
live off
expenses flowers?
have to pay rent and buy food
live on What will we live on if you don't have a job?
etc.
Idioms: live on the edge -- local yokel

live in danger from drugs or When Bill played in the NHL, he was living on the
live on the edge
disease or crime edge.
be as good as people said you

live up to Live up to your own standards. Set your own rules.
would be
liven up cause more activity or excitement Let's invite Jerry to our party. He'll liven things up.
people who use computers,
liveware Our school has more liveware than computers!
computer students
living daylights (See the living daylights)
having many extra devices or
loaded That Buick is loaded, including a sun roof.
accessories
After his fifth drink of rum, he was loaded. He was
loaded drunk, inebriated, sloshed
staggering.
wealthy, rich, deep pockets, To own a jet, you would have to be very wealthy -
loaded
moneybags loaded.
The trailer was loaded to the hilt - full of our
loaded to the hilt fully loaded, packed to the top
belongings.
resident of a town or rural We were lost, so we stopped and asked a local
local yokel
community, local resident yokel for help.
Idioms: lock you up -- long in the tooth

put you in prison, put you in a If you sell cigarettes to children, the police will lock
lock you up
mental hospital you up.
They took everything in the shed - lock, stock and
lock, stock and barrel everything, kit and caboodle
barrel.
exit from a mainframe computer Before you log off, be sure to save the work you
log off
system completed.
enter a mainframe computer When you log on, you have to type in your
log on
system password.
be idle, be listless, waste time (see Hank isn't busy today. He's just lollygagging around
lollygag
the opposite: waste no time) the house.
long and the short of it (See the long and the short of it)
long arm of the law (See the long arm of the law)
Kelly longs for her home in the mountains. She's
long for wish for, want very much
homesick.
Albert was long gone by the time the RCMP
long gone departed earlier, not here now
arrived.
Jack is a good pitcher, but he's long in the tooth -
long in the tooth old, aged, over the hill
too old.
Idioms: long johns -- look like death warmed over


winter underwear - with long If you are going cross-country skiing, put on your
long johns
sleeves and legs long johns.
I have not seen you for a long When I got off the bus, Grandpa said, "Long time
long time no see
time no see."
loo (See the loo)
He really looks after his car. It's in very good
look after care for, take care of
condition.
Ginny looked daggers at me when I kissed her
look daggers look angry, look with hateful eyes
boyfriend.
look as if you are better, look Do some Americans look down on people from
look down on
superior Canada?
look at a person as though he is
look down your nose at Just because he's rich he looks down his nose at us.
not as good as you
look everywhere, leave no stone We've looked high and low for that watch, but we
look high and low
unturned can't find it.
investigate, find the facts, get to The principal will look into the attendance problem
look into
the bottom of and see what is causing it.
look like death warmed appear to be sick, look pale or Mom is not feeling well. She looks like death
over weak warmed over.
Idioms: look like he was dragged through a

knothole -- look up to
look like he was dragged appear to be very tired, burn out, After a divorce and a funeral, Anne looked like
through a knothole run down she'd been dragged through a knothole.
look out be careful Look out! That knife is sharp.
Please look out for your sister. She needs your
look out for watch, protect, look after
protection.
help yourself first, get enough for You can look out for number one as well as help
look out for number one
yourself your friends.
I've looked over the report. It contains the data we
look over check, examine, look at
need.
He's always looking over his shoulder to see who's
look over your shoulder look to see who is following you
after him.
look very nice, very well dressed
look sharp She looks very sharp in her new suit-like a model!
and groomed
try not to notice, turn the other The officer saw the liquor, but he looked the other
look the other way
way way.
do a worthless task, do a
look up a dead horse's ass If they want a tax-free society, they may as well be
pointless exercise, pissing into the
[B] looking up a dead horse's ass!
wind
Ian looks up to his brother. He respects James a

look up to admire, idolize
lot.
Idioms: act out -- against all odds

explain by movement and
act out Watch - I'll act out the meaning of pacifist.
gestures
She said that Kim was acting up at church - making
act up misbehave, do bad things
noise.
not work right, give pain or
act up My stomach is acting up today. I don't feel well.
problems
actions speak louder than people judge by actions more than Parents should remember that actions speak louder
words words, practice what you preach than words. Kids imitate their parents.
improvise, create, at will, off the After I learn the melody I like to ad lib. I play what I
ad lib (ad libitum)
cuff hear in my head.
cause more anger, aggravate a He's angry. Telling him bad news will add fuel to the
add fuel to the fire
problem fire.
add another negative, make it If you say his answer is wrong, and then say he can't
add insult to injury
worse, put your foot in it understand, you've added insult to injury.
sorry, but it is true; believe me,
afraid so "Did he spend all of our money?" "Yes, 'fraid so."
yeppers
after you consider all the facts, to Will you help me with English? After all, I helped
after all
be fair you with math.
Against all odds - poor weather, student pilot - we
against all odds not likely to happen, a slim chance
landed safely.
Idioms: look up/look it up -- lord it over

look up/look it up find it in a book Please look up the word guru.
looking up (See things are looking up)
loonie Canadian one-dollar coin I bought this rose for one loonie!
If you ride that giraffe downtown they'll put you in
loony bin mental hospital, nut house
the loony bin.
You were looped last night. You don't remember
looped drunk, loaded, smashed
what happened.
loose cannon (See a loose cannon)
"Finished making the dress?" "Almost - just some
loose ends unfinished tasks, odds and ends
loose ends."
loose ends (See at loose ends)

loose ends (See tie up loose ends)
be the boss of, dominate a When we were boys, my older brother tried to lord
lord it over
person/group it over me.
Idioms: lose a family member -- lose patience

experience the death of a member Poor Sadie. She lost her mother last year and a
lose a family member
of the family brother this year.
forget how many you counted,
lose count There were so many falling stars that I lost count.
lose track
lose a person's approval, in your
If you lose favor with reporters, you may lose the
lose favor
bad books election.
Every day we lose ground in the battle to save the
lose ground slide back, lose power, fall behind
environment.
I can lose him at the mall - among the shops and
lose him get away from him, ditch him
people.
When he criticized you, I started to lose it. I almost
lose it become angry, lose your cool
hit him.
lose the ability to think clearly, After 35 years of teaching, he was losing it. He was
lose it
become forgetful confused.
forget my order of thoughts or Don't interrupt me because I may lose my train of
lose my train of thought
words thought.
lose a chance, fail to take If I don't apply now, I'll lose out. This is my last
lose out
advantage of chance.
not be patient any longer, out of Mom is losing patience with us because we don't
lose patience
patience obey her.
Idioms: lose sight of -- lose your temper

forget about, not remember the Let's not lose sight of why we're picking berries - to
lose sight of
purpose make pies.
We lost time when the car stalled. We were
lose time waste time, fall behind
delayed.
forget how many you have, lose He tried to count the number of birds, but he soon
lose track
count lost track.
not feel hungry anymore, lose the If a bug crawled out of your apple would you lose
lose your appetite
desire to eat your appetite?
lose control of emotions, lose your Don't you ever lose your cool? Don't you ever get
lose your cool
temper angry?
If you become lost, don't lose your head. Be
lose your head lose your ability to think clearly
sensible.
lose your marbles lose control of your mind, lose it When people grow old, do they lose their marbles?
lose control of your mind, go out
lose your mind If you continue to use drugs, you'll lose your mind.
of your mind
lose most of the money you He invested in condominiums and nearly lost his
lose your shirt
invested shirt.
When you lose your temper, the children become
lose your temper become angry, get mad
frightened.
Idioms: lose your tongue -- love at first sight

be unable to think what to say, cat It's embarrassing to lose your tongue when you're
lose your tongue
got your tongue, mind goesblank standing in front of an audience.
"I'm losing my touch," he said, looking at his
lose your touch lose some of your skill, lose it
drawing.
losing the ability to think or I think I'm losing it. I can't add or multiply without a
losing it
remember, not sharp calculator.
losing game after game, losing a The Jays are on a losing streak. They've lost four
losing streak
series of games games straight.
a low-priced item to bring The loss leader at SuperStore is a package of
loss leader
customers to a store, bogof coffee for 99.
lost cause (See a lost cause)
British Columbia (west coast of They went to Lotus Land for a holiday - to
Lotus Land
Canada) Vancouver.
one who talks about things he When Bart was a boy, he was a loud mouth. He
loud mouth
should not told our secrets.
poor quality, in poor condition, Everything works except the lousy printer. It's
lousy
shabby broken.
sudden love, love begins when
love at first sight When Jessica met Ryan, it was love at first sight.
people first meet
Idioms: Love Bug -- low

Love Bug Volkswagen Beetle, The Bug I'd love to go for a ride in your Love Bug.
love is strong enough to overcome When the family was reunited, Mom said, "Love
love conquers all
all problems conquers all."
people do not see the faults in
love is blind She can't see his bad habits because love is blind.
their lovers
love happens, love is not planned, My family thinks Peter is too old for me, but I think
love is where you find it
it is better to have loved... love is where you find it.
love tap (See a love tap)
When Claude was touring Europe, he'd love 'em
love them and leave them love them but not stay with them
and leave 'em.
When we docked at Rome, we met three lovelies
lovelies ladies, women, girls, chicks
and went dancing.
the romantic part of your life, your "How's your lovelife?" "Great! I've met a wonderful
lovelife
intimate life lady."
a cliff where lovers jump into a Let's drive up to Lovers' Leap and look at the
Lovers' Leap
canyon together stars.
I've been feeling kind of low lately - it's the bad
low sad, depressed, ill, down
weather.
Idioms: low-ball him -- lucky streak

offer him a very low price for his If his price is too high, low-ball him. Offer him a
low-ball him
car, house etc. very low price.
Stealing from that old woman was a low-down thing
low-down bad, evil, not nice
to do!
lowdown (See the lowdown)
a person without morals or
lowlife What a lowlife! He sold drugs to children.
humanitarian values
luck of the draw (See the luck of the draw)
luck of the Irish (See the luck of the Irish)
She lucked out at the casino. She won a thousand
luck out have good luck, a lucky break
dollars.
lucky break (See a lucky break)
a lucky person, someone who has When I told Bill I won the car, he said, "You lucky
lucky dog
just won a prize dog!"
a series of lucky wins, string of He lost the bet on the sixth race, and his lucky
lucky streak
good luck streak ended.
Idioms: lump together -- lush


put together, place in the same They lumped us all together - young, old, rich,
lump together
category poor.
Joni was a lush when she met me. Now she doesn't
lush alcoholic, in the tank, wino
drink at all.
Idioms: mad about -- make a big deal of it

like a lot, love very much, crazy
mad about Olga's mad about Yorgi. She loves him too much!
about, head over heels
He's mad about the lost key. He told me I was
mad about angry about, pissed off[B]
careless.
strange, eccentric, batty, plumb If you wear that pink wig, people will think you're
mad as a hatter
loco mad as a hatter.
Jo lives in a mad-hatter place. Her friends walk
mad hatter strange, unusual, wacko
around nude and sing songs about heaven.
be natural mates, be very Bob and Alice are made for each other. They're
made for each other
compatible, soul mates happily married.
Smoking isn't as common now. It isn't a mainstream
mainstream common, familiar, of the majority
activity.
major (credit) (See a major)
major big, huge, main "Is money a problem?" "Ya. Major."
When the kids saw the ice cream man coming, they
make a beeline go straight towards
all made a beeline for him.
Whenever Todd dances with me, Brenda makes a
make a big deal of it complain a lot, make a mountain...
big deal of it.
Idioms: make a big to-do -- make a fuss

complain too much, make a If the waiter makes a mistake, don't make a big
make a big to-do
federal case... to-do about it.
cause an error, make a mistake,
make a booboo "I made a booboo." "Don't worry. We can fix it."
screw up
earn a large profit, make a lot of Manfred made a bundle selling real estate. He's
make a bundle
money rich.
tell all you know about it, admit The man went to the police and made a clean breast
make a clean breast of it
what you did of his crime.
The Jets made a clean sweep of the series - won all

make a clean sweep win all games in a series
four games.
Even a small donation will make a difference. It will
make a difference affect or change it, tip the scales
help us.
make a face wrinkle your face until it is ugly Chad made a face at me and stuck out his tongue.
reach for the phone or a gun, try "Make a false move and I'll shoot your buttons off,"
make a false move
to run away the boy said.
make it too important, make a Okay, so I used your hair dryer! Don't make a
make a federal case of it
mountain... federal case of it.
If I don't hold the baby, it will make a fuss. It will
make a fuss cry or complain, throw a tantrum
cry.
Idioms: make a go of it -- make a point of

earn enough money to pay the With both of us working, we were able to make a
make a go of it
bills, live well go of it.
meet and talk to strangers so they
Penny made a good impression on my parents. She
make a good impression
like you is so polite!
If you buy gold now, you'll make a killing when the
make a killing earn a big profit, make a bundle
price goes up.
live a good life; have a job, home So you want to make a life for yourself in Canada.
make a life for yourself
and family That's good.
give a wrong answer, make a Learn from making a mistake. Learn how not to do
make a mistake
booboo it.
make a mountain out of a make a problem bigger, I spent $50, not $500! Don't make a mountain out
mole hill exaggerate a problem of a mole hill.
become well known, become Martin Luther King made a name for himself - and
make a name for yourself
famous for freedom!
show that you feel romantic Julie made a pass at me. She sent me a love note
make a pass
toward someone and smiled at me.
She handed him her resume and made a pitch for
make a pitch try to sell, try to persuade
the job.
remember to do, act with a Uma made a point of telling me about the meeting.
make a point of
purpose, make sure She wants us to come.
Idioms: against the grain -- all ears

against the natural way, rub the Some words go against the grain. Their spellings
against the grain
wrong way aren't natural.
the older person should be "Age before beauty," she said as she opened the
age before beauty
allowed to enter first door for me.
finished your work, paid all the With all these expenses, we can't seem to get ahead
ahead of the game
bills, caught up of the game.
ain't isn't, is not; aren't, are not "It ain't easy being green," said the frog.
angry or violent passengers on an The man struck one of the attendants. It was air
air rage
airplane rage.
air was blue (See the air was blue)
airhead (See an airhead)
all around Robin Hood's an indirect route, a roundabout Whenever we ride with Celia, we go all around
barn way, a wild goose chase Robin Hood's barn!
all decked out (See deck out)
listening carefully, trying to hear When Dad mentioned hunting, I was all ears. I
all ears
everything loved to hunt.
Idioms: make a scene -- make ends meet

If she doesn't let Denis ride in the shopping cart, he
make a scene complain too loud, kick up a fuss
makes a scene.
(See you can't make a silk purse
make a silk purse...
out of a sow's ear)
advertise with style, open with When Tom opened his Toyota dealership, he made
make a splash
balloons and prizes quite a splash.
try to kiss or touch, come onto, "If he doesn't make advances, should I?" Shelly
make advances
get fresh asked.
apologize to someone you have What can I do to make amends for opening her
make amends
hurt, make up for personal mail?
enter with style, enter with a When the duchess attends an event she likes to
make an entrance
flourish make an entrance.
offer money to buy; write what "Your price is too high." "Well, make an offer. What
make an offer
you will pay for something do you think the car is worth?"
"Let's make believe we are baby elephants," I said
make believe imagine, pretend, make up
to the children.
use whatever you can find, When our kids don't have toys, they make do with
make do
substitute, jury-rig pots and pans.
pay the bills, have enough to pay Although the Millers are poor, they make ends
make ends meet
the expenses meet.
Idioms: make every effort -- make it better

do everything possible, bend over Our employees make every effort to please our
make every effort
backwards customers.
make faces (See make a face)
act in a friendly way, become a
make friends Sally makes friends easily. People seem to like her.
friend of
Ko is angry because you made fun of him. You
make fun of tease, laugh at, poke fun at
teased him.
When I get paid, I'll make good my promise to buy
make good do as promised, follow through
you dinner.
travel quickly, not be delayed, Driving to Saskatoon, we made good time. It took
make good time
not lose time only five hours.
work while the weather is good,
make hay while the sun There's a demand for our product, and we have a
work while we have time and
shines large stock. Let's make hay while the sun shines!
helpers
With Freda's help, we made headway. We learned
make headway progress, get ahead
to write.
Can you make it tonight? Can you come to the
make it go or come, attend
meeting?
When a child is hurt, sympathy will help to make it
make it better improve it, help it
better.
Idioms: make it big -- make money

make it big succeed, be one of the best Roch made it big as a singer. He's very successful.
make it snappy be quick, hurry up I'll have a Coke, please, and make it snappy!
Stepping on the brakes will only make it worse. The
make it worse hinder, cause it to be worse
car will skid.
I was hurt when you made light of my poem. You
make light of make a joke about, make fun of
laughed at it.
embrace in a loving way and have I can't describe how I feel when we make love. It's
make love
intercourse breathtaking!
I didn't want to steal the watch. The devil made me
make me do it cause me to act, force me to do it
do it.
It makes me sick the way he talks about war all the
make me sick/mad etc. cause me to feel sick or mad etc.
time.
No one made mention of his research - not one
make mention talk about, bring up
word!
defeat badly, demolish, blow them The heavyweight champ made mincemeat of the
make mincemeat of
away young boxer.
You can make money in real estate. You buy low,

make money work for wages, earn a profit
sell high.
Idioms: make my day -- make sense of it

do something to help me enjoy
make my day Go ahead, kiss me, and make my day!
this day
say it clearly, say it so you Her sister said, "Do not wear my clothes. Do I
make myself clear
understand make myself clear?"
She's in love with her student. She makes no bones
make no bones about it admit it, speak openly about it
about it.
know what it is, identify it, make Do you see that bright light in the sky? What do you
make of it
sense of it make of it?
take away, take without The boys made off with his toys. They took all his
make off with
permission cars and trucks.
How did you make out when you played the
make out do, finish, end up
Rebels? Did you win?
kiss and hug, get it on, make Keith and Dawn were making out in the back seat
make out
whoopee of the car.
create a space, move over, out of Please make room so Miss Munro can walk to her
make room
the way car. Move, please.
Renting a car makes sense to me - if it's not too
make sense appear to be logical or sensible
expensive.
understand it, fathom it, see how it He is my father, but I am not his son. Can you make
make sense of it
happened sense of it?
Idioms: make something of it -- make trouble

(See want to make something of it
make something of it
)
be successful, be respected for I want to choose an occupation and make
make something of yourself
your skill and honesty something of myself.
be afraid of a stranger, cry when a Ali makes strange when we have visitors. He cries
make strange
stranger comes and tries to hide.
Make sure you mail the letter. It must be sent
make sure be certain, check carefully
today.
arrange the sheets and blankets on
make the bed Please make the bed before you eat breakfast.
a bed
To make the grade, you have to complete the

make the grade do acceptable work, measure up
training program.
do the best you can, seize the When you speak, make the most of it. Persuade
make the most of it
opportunity them not to fight.
Paul will make the soccer team. The coach will
make the team become a member of the team
choose him.
make tracks hurry, move quickly, vamoose We better make tracks or we'll be late for dinner.
Don't make trouble, eh. Don't start an argument or a
make trouble cause a fight, don't make waves
fight.
Idioms: make up -- make your head spin

make up create, imagine He likes to make up stories - you know, fiction.
be friends again, come together John and Marsha fight, but they always kiss and
make up
again make up.
Please let me make up for my mistake. Let me help
make up for repay, compensate
you.
If you will make up your mind, we can order our
make up your mind decide, choose
dinner.
fight with troops and planes and
make war To make war is to be greedy or insane - or both.
bombs
make waves (See don't make waves)
Tony and Victoria were making whoopee when we
make whoopee kiss and hug, get it on, make love
walked in.
excite you, please your senses, Anchovies on a banana split - that'll make your bum
make your bum hum
turn you on hum!
cause you to be afraid, petrified, Strange sounds began coming from the closet. It
make your hair stand on end
scared stiff was enough to make your hair stand on end.
confuse you, amaze you, boggle All the numbers on this sheet will make your head
make your head spin
your mind spin.
Idioms: make your mark -- man of the cloth

be known for an invention or an If you want to make your mark, do it for humanity.
make your mark
achievement, set the world on fire Think of a cure for hate and war.
cause you to salivate, cause you Your carrot cake smells so good it makes my mouth
make your mouth water
to be hungry water.
relax, feel as though you are in Lee's mom welcomed us, saying, "Please, make
make yourself at home
your own home yourself at home."
If you see a bull in the pasture, make yourself
make yourself scarce leave, do not stay, get lost
scarce.
make yourself to home (See make yourself at home)
will not affect or change The color of the car makes no difference to me. I
makes no difference
something don't care.
makings of (See the makings of)
malarkey (See a bunch of malarkey)
man of few words (See a man of few words)
man of the cloth (See a man of the cloth)
Idioms: mark my words -- meeting of minds

A California team will win the Super Bowl. Mark
mark my words listen carefully, pay attention
my words.
marked man (See a marked man)
compete with someone's wit or Don't try to match wits with Pat. He has a reply for
match wits
humor everything.
is serious or determined, no At work or play she means business. She is a
mean business
nonsense serious person.
being unkind at times, having cruel Kurt has a mean streak in him. Did you see him kick
mean streak
traits his dog?
Kay is a gossip, but she means well. She tries to be
mean well wants to help, has good intentions
a friend.
do enough work, achieve high With more training, he'll improve. He'll measure up
measure up
quality to our standards.
In Montreal, he met up with a young singer named
meet up with meet, encounter
Celine.
find an equitable agreement, split Try to settle the claim out of court. See if he will
meet you half way
the difference meet you half way.
We agreed to share the cost of the project. It was a
meeting of minds mutual agreement, consensus
meeting of minds.
Idioms: megabucks -- middle of the road

a lot of money, thousands of Her personal computer system cost megabucks. It
megabucks
dollars was very expensive.
fine bread or pastry, food with a Aunt Carol's muffins are so good! They just melt in
melt in your mouth
fine texture your mouth!
solve political problems, listen to Every summer the politicians go home and try to
mend fences
voters mend fences.
mental block (See a mental block)
The manager messed up. He spent too much money
mess up do a bad job, ruin it, screw up
on advertising.
challenge, fight with, mix it up We learned not to mess with the Mafia. Their
mess with
with revenge is deadly.
depressed, dependent on drugs, At that point in his life, he was messed up on drugs
messed up
not coping with life and alcohol.
administer, give according to the
mete out It was his duty to mete out justice in the colony.
law or policy
a position that is fair to both sides, The minister tried to find some middle ground
middle ground
a compromise, meeting of minds between the nurses and the administrators.
Our education policy is middle of the road. The
middle of the road moderate, not extreme
majority like it.
Idioms: middleman -- mind of his own

middleman (See the middleman)
annoyed, not pleased, put out Marnie was miffed when you swore at her cat. She
miffed
about, ticked off said you were rude.
take all it will give, get all you can I learned the mail-order business and milked the
milk it
from it, seize the opportunity idea for all it was worth. I earned a lot of money.
airline route that stops at small From Vancouver, we took the milk run through
milk run
cities Kelowna.
mince words (See doesn't mince words)
too many to count, more than you
The potential for profit is mind boggling - too large
mind boggling
can imagine to believe.
control people's feelings, play
He plays mind games with me - he tries to control
mind games
games my feelings.
cannot think what to say, lose
When the Prime Minister stopped to talk to me, my
mind go blank
your tongue mind went blank.
Some of our employees stand around with their
mind in neutral not thinking, vegetate
minds in neutral.
Fu doesn't copy the work of his friends. He has a
mind of his own independent thinker, his own man
mind of his own.
Idioms: all eyes -- all in all

When the fire truck arrived, the children were all
all eyes watching carefully, staring
eyes.
Ian gets all fired up when he sees Kari. There's love
all fired up eager, enthused, gung ho
in his eyes.
all get-out (See as all get-out)
have good luck, have no I hope all goes well for you at college. I hope you
all goes well
problems succeed.
pretending to be important and If a man buys things he can't pay for, he's all hat and
all hat and no cattle
rich, all show no cattle.
people did crazy things,
all hell broke loose When the fire alarm sounded, all hell broke loose.
everybody was fighting
Dan talks to the door. I wonder if he's got all his
all his marbles normal, sensible
marbles.
very tired, exhausted, dog tired, After the marathon, she was all in - completely
all in
done in exhausted.
not extra work, just part of my She said, "Thanks for the help." "All in a day's
all in a day's work
duties work," he replied.
All in all, it was a good holiday. We enjoyed our trip
all in all generally, considering everything
to Europe.
Idioms: mind over matter -- miss the water till...

believing you can do it, using theWhen your brain controls your heart rate, it's mind
mind over matter
mind's power over matter.
manage the store, serve Dana, please mind the store while I go to the post
mind the store
customers office.
be polite, be courteous, watch At the wedding, Mom said to me, "Now, Son, mind
mind your manners
your P's and Q's your manners."
do not ask questions about my I asked about her plans, and she told me to mind
mind your own business
business my own business.
new condition, original condition,In an old garage we found a Peugeot 403 in mint
mint condition
super mint condition.
sad people want to be with other On the door of the jail was this sign: Misery Loves
misery loves company
sad people Company.
If I have a job, I'll miss out on the soccer games
miss out on not be there, be unable to attend
after school.
misjudge, misunderstand, make a I missed the boat on the essay question. My answer
miss the boat
mistake was wrong.
I missed the point of his remark. Do you know what
miss the point not understand, not get the point
he meant?
(See you don't miss the water till

miss the water till...
the well runs dry)
Idioms: miss you -- money to burn

feel lonely because you are not I miss you when you go to Hong Kong. Can I go
miss you
here with you?
If you mix it up with a street fighter, you could get
mix it up challenge, fight, mess with
injured.
He gets mixed up when we all give advice. He gets
mix up become confused or puzzled
confused.
Too much information will just mix you up - confuse
mix you up confuse you, boggle your mind
you.
feeling both positive and negative, I have mixed feelings. I'm happy about the new job,
mixed feelings
happy and sad; bittersweet but sad about leaving my friends.
moment of truth (See the moment of truth)
money doesn't grow on money is not easy to get, we value Father said, "Money doesn't grow on trees, boy.
trees our money You earn it."
If money is the root of all evil, why do you want to
money is the root of all evil money is the cause of bad things
be rich?
money causes action, grease my If you want service, money talks. When you pay,
money talks
palm they serve.
They've got money to burn, so why do they drive
money to burn lots of money, filthy rich
that old car?
Idioms: moneybags -- moonshine

We used to call him moneybags. He always had
moneybags rich person, loaded person
money on him.
I've had enough of your monkey business. No more
monkey business nonsense, foolishness, funny stuff
foolishness.
(See get this monkey off my back
monkey off my back
)
monkey's uncle (See I'll be a monkey's uncle)
trying to ruin a project, The members of Green Peace were accused of
monkeywrenching sabotaging, throw a monkey monkeywrenching the whale hunt. They tried to stop
wrench into... it.
month of Sundays (See a month of Sundays)
Without moola, we can't travel. We need money for

moola money, cash, scratch
air fare.
show them a bare bum, show They booed him for dropping the ball, so he
moon them
your bare buttocks mooned them.
working at a second job in the Bernie is very tired these days because he's
moonlighting
evening moonlighting.
Art invited us over to taste his moonshine -
moonshine homemade liquor, hooch, screech
homemade wine.
Idioms: mop the floor with us -- Mother Nature

perform so well the audience We loved the Gagnon concert. He mopped the
mop the floor with us
wants more, she peed floor with us.
correct mistakes, clean up a mess The manager told us he would not mop up after us.
mop up
left by others We have to fix our own mistakes.
mobile office professional, A lot of moppies lost their jobs when the oil industry
moppie
ambitious business people, yuppie declined.
rich but not intelligent, money to He bought a house but didn't use it, rent it or sell it.
more money than brains
burn, moneybags He has more money than brains!
you deserve more support, we
When she told us about her plan to help abused
more power to you hope you succeed because you
children, we said, "More power to you, Ms. Wah."
are kind
(See there's more than meets the
more than meets the eye
eye)
we invite you, please come to our
Mary invited them to stay. "You are more than
more than welcome
place, feel free welcome to sleep at our place," she said.
more than you can shake a Alfreda has more cats than you can shake a stick at
a lot, too many, oodles
stick at - over 30!
The boss mothballed the report. The owners never
mothball put away, put on a shelf
saw it.
Mother Nature provided the basic foods: wild
Mother Nature nature, natural forces and causes
vegetables and water.
Idioms: motherhood and apple pie -- move you to

tears
statements about mom and home The audience wants news and facts, not
motherhood and apple pie
etc. motherhood and apple pie.
the largest amount, the main He played poker for six hours before he won the
motherlode
supply, a shitload motherlode.
one who talks fast but says very Listen to that motormouth! He talks fast but says
motormouth
little, disk jockey nothing.
begin to score goals or points Our soccer team was losing 4-1, but they mounted
mount a comeback
while losing, snatch victory from... a comeback and won the game 5-4.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police The Mounties, Canada's police force, were once
Mounties
(RCMP) called Redcoats.
mousy worn and faded, shabby This shirt is kind of mousy, but I love to wear it.
tell a secret, talk about private Why did you mouth off about the accident? I was
mouth off
information going to tell Dad.
move it go, go faster, get going "Move it!" said the guard. "Get in your cell!"
move a little, move to the next I asked him if he would move over so I could sit
move over
chair, make room beside him.
cause you to feel sadness or The songs in Gorecki's Third Symphony will move
move you to tears
sympathy, touch you you to tears.
Idioms: movers and shakers -- music to my ears

We invited all the big investors: the movers and
movers and shakers owners, investors, wheeler-dealer
shakers.
very thankful, very grateful, thanks "You can stay with us until your wounds heal," she
much obliged
a million said. "Much obliged, Ma'am," I replied.
If you talk about your opponent, try to avoid
muckrake gossip, tell bad stories
muckraking.
insult people, criticize other The Liberal leader lost my vote when he began
mudsling
candidates mudslinging.
stopped and robbed, held up by If you walk down Cordova Street at night, you
mugged
robbers (see hold up) could get mugged.
I've been mulling over what you said about love. I
mull over think about, consider, think it over
believe it's more spiritual than physical.
do not tell anyone, this is on the She told us the secret. Then she whispered, "Mum's
mum's the word
QT the word."
"Anything that can go wrong will Have you planned for failure? Remember, Murphy's
Murphy's Law
go wrong." it never fails Law applies to all projects.
force yourself between two He didn't want to go to the end of the line, so he
muscle in
people tried to muscle in.
good news, a message that makes
music to my ears When she called my name, it was music to my ears.
me happy
Idioms: my ass -- my old man

"It's our right to own a gun." "My ass! It's a
my ass I doubt it, that is not true
privilege!"
I do not believe it, that did not
my eye You ate fifteen blueberry pies? My eye!
happen
My old man is babysitting while I have a weekend
my old man my husband, my man
holiday!
My old man gets mad if I don't come right home
my old man my father, my dad
from school.
Idioms: nada -- naked eye

"How much for the baseball cap?" "Nada - it was
nada nothing, none, zero, zip
free."
Pat bet on a nag in the sixth race and it came in
nag horse, race horse
second!
Poor Erik. His wife nags him about his first
nag complain too much, a hassle
marriage.
nail-biter (See a nail-biter)
get a clear answer, find out, pin I've checked the books, but I can't nail down the
nail down
down reason for the loss. I can't find the error.
They want to nail him because he beat up on
nail him hit him, hurt him, stop him
Tommy.
nail in your coffin (See another nail in your coffin)
Don't spend too long on a sale. Try to nail it down
nail it down complete it, finalize it, close a deal
quickly.
no clothes on, bare naked, in the A boy had taken my clothes, so there I stood,
naked as a jay bird
nude naked as a jay bird!
naked eye (See the naked eye)
Idioms: name-dropper -- neck

one who implies famous people That name-dropper! He spoke of Gordon Lightfoot
name-dropper
are his friends, drop a name as his friend.
name is not involved in a scandal The lawyer thinks I should leave town until my name
name is cleared
or a crime is cleared.
name is bad, name is not If you don't pay for the support of your child, your
name is mud
respected name is mud.
When I asked the boy a question, he said nothing -
nary a word not a word, nothing
nary a word.
feeling good from having nutritious After swimming, she would often experience a
natural high
food or exercise natural high.
need to go the washroom, have to When nature calls, just say you have an important
nature calls
go appointment.
nay no, nope "Should Tom be our team leader?" "Nay."
What a neat car! It's small but roomy - and
neat fine, well designed, cool
comfortable!
necessity is the mother of our needs cause us to invent Do you think the invention of TV proves that
invention devices, build a better mousetrap necessity is the mother of invention?
kiss and hug, make out, make For me, necking is a memory from my teenage
neck
whoopee years.
Idioms: neck of the woods -- nest egg

area, part of the country, in these In our neck of the woods, a man doesn't hit a
neck of the woods
parts woman.
necktie party (See a necktie party)
(See you need money to make
need money to make...
money)
ask bothersome questions, a She needled him with questions about his former
needle
hassle girlfriends.
Needless to say, there are many idioms in the
needless to say it is obvious, it goes without saying
English language.
not clearly separated, a little of Our experiment produced a being that was neither
neither fish nor fowl
both fish nor fowl.
nerd weird person, nut That nerd! He spit on my toe!
able to speak or act calmly when Percy has nerves of steel. He persuaded the gunman
nerves of steel
facing risk or danger to leave.
nervous breakdown (See breakdown)
After selling the farm, they had their nest egg - about
nest egg money for retirement, life savings
$200,000.
Idioms: all it's cracked up to be -- all that jazz

as good as the ads say, live up to The new computer isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's
all it's cracked up to be
the reports not so hot.
We looked day and night for the lost girl. It was an
all-out all your effort, go all-out
all-out effort.
all over but the shouting (See it's all over but the shouting)
I left the gate open, and the cows are all over hell's
all over hell's half acre all over the place, everywhere
half acre.
all set ready, prepared to start "All set?" he asked, as she closed her suitcase.
Al gets all shook up when he sees Gina. He likes
all shook up excited, nervous
her a lot.
artificial, having little or no When he gets angry and yells at us, it's all show, just
all show
substance, put on airs to scare us.
clean and dressed in your best
all spruced up The young farmers got all spruced up for the dance.
clothes, dressed up
the golf ball is on the tee,
all teed up The parade is ready to begin. It's all teed up.
everything is ready
all related things, other similar
all that jazz They were talking about UFO's and all that jazz.
topics
Idioms: net surfer -- next of kin

a person who frequently uses the Lisa is a net surfer. She can help you get on the
net surfer
Internet Internet.
Set your goals and try to achieve them. Work hard.
never say die never quit, never give up
Never say die.
different person, someone with Armid retired because he feels the company needs
new blood
new ideas new blood.
new person in the office or in the I'm the new kid on the block. I come from
new kid on the block
class etc. Portugal.
new lease on life (See a new lease on life)
young runners or players, rested The Geritols have a lot of old players. They need
new legs
players new legs.
money earned recently, money
new money Bill's got a million or two - it's mostly new money.
that is not inherited
new trend, the latest idea or Tony loves new-wave music. He buys only
new wave
fashion new-wave CD's.
person from The Rock; from Is Gordon Pinsent a Newfie? Was he born in
Newfie
Newfoundland Newfoundland?
closest relatives, members of the The police are trying to find the man's next of kin -
next of kin
family his family.
Idioms: nine lives -- no business

avoiding death often, lucky to Some race-car drivers have nine lives. They often
nine lives
survive escape death.
Jack wins at cribbage nine times out of ten. He's
nine times out of ten 90% of the time, very often
very lucky.
a close race, having just enough to It was a close race - nip and tuck all the way - but
nip and tuck
win or finish we won!
stop it before it grows, prevent it
nip it in the bud If the students plan a revolt, we'll nip it in the bud.
from spreading
find unfinished details, see flaws or
nitpick Deborah can find the errors. She likes to nitpick.
small errors
nitty-gritty (See the nitty-gritty)
fool, dumbbell, hairbrain, When he's drunk he acts like a nitwit - like he has
nitwit
half-there no sense!
no bloody way (See no way)
no bones about it (See make no bones about it)
no business (See got no business)
Idioms: no can do -- no guff

no can do we cannot do it, no way We can't sell you a pet tiger. Sorry, no can do.
there is no chance of it, it cannot
no chancy When I asked Bill for a loan, he said, "No chancy."
be done
one player or team wins easily, Compare the speed of light to the speed of sound.
no contest
hands down It's no contest.
no dice no, not approved, no way I asked Dad if we could use the car, but no dice.
it is certain, without a doubt, no No doubt, you will inherit his fortune. You are the
no doubt
question only heir.
it is not fair, one person or team
no fair You have six players and we have five. No fair!
has an advantage
without unnecessary additions or
no-frills We just booked a no-frills motel room in Toronto.
luxuries
no fucking way [B] (See no way)
not special, not superior, not so
no great shakes I've tasted Granny apples. They're no great shakes.
hot
it is the truth, no kidding, no shit
no guff I swam across the lake. No guff.
[B]
Idioms: no hard feelings -- no offence, but...

no feelings of anger or resentment, Dad and Paul argue about politics but there are no
no hard feelings
no grudges hard feelings.
In a street fight, it's no holds barred. There are no
no holds barred try anything, no rules apply
rules.
Keith's my brother. No kidding. I'm telling you the
no kidding I am serious, I am not joking
truth.
There was no let-up in the traffic. The cars kept
no let-up continuing strong, not diminishing
coming.
no love lost (See there's no love lost)
not as strong as, not an equal European basketball teams were no match for the
no match for
competitor Dream Team.
it does not matter how you look at No matter how you slice it, we have to hire more
no matter how you slice it
it help.
if there is no news there is still a
no news is good news The doctor hasn't phoned. No news is good news.
chance of good news
serious, not joking, strictly Gil is a very serious person - a no-nonsense kind of
no nonsense
business guy.
do not be insulted but..., don't get No offence, but I was here first. I hope you
no offence, but...
me wrong understand.
Idioms: no pain, no gain -- no shrinking violet

to improve, exercise until your
no pain, no gain A sign on our gym wall reads No Pain, No Gain!
muscles ache
it was not a problem, don't
no problem (no prob) "Thank you," I said. "No problem," she replied.
mention it
She has no qualms about dating married men. She
no qualms no doubts, no hesitation
doesn't care.
"No question of its quality," he said, examining the
no question it is certain, no doubt
watch.
you will not be asked to explain or If he returns the stolen car, there will be no
no questions asked
pay questions asked.
wicked people must work long
When I told the men there was another truck to
no rest for the wicked hours as a penalty, what did I do
unload, Per said, "No rest for the wicked, eh."
to deserve...
There's no rhyme or reason to the game of golf. It's
no rhyme or reason no sense, no logical plan
stupid!
We drove from Calgary to Regina in seven hours -

no shit [B] it is true, no kidding
no shit.
There were two no-shows on the class list. All but
no-show someone who does not attend
two attended.
a bold woman, not a timid Barb will defend her rights. She's no shrinking
no shrinking violet
woman violet.
Idioms: no skin off my nose -- none the worse for

wear
If he doesn't come to my party it's no skin off my
no skin off my nose no bother to me, will not hurt me
nose.
quite skilled or talented, not half Cora doesn't brag, but she's no slouch when it
no slouch
bad comes to tennis.
not a problem, no trouble, no
no sweat "Thanks for the help, Ryan." "No sweat, man."
prob
lacking any reliable information, a When Gary tells you about his hiking adventures,
no truth to it
pack of lies don't believe a word. There's no truth to it.
I have no use for STAR products because they are
no use for no respect for, no desire to own
not reliable.
When he told me to jump off the train, I said, "No
no way no, do not try, it is not possible
way, man."
no news, no reply, no phone call We've had no word from Denise and Guy. I hope
no word
or letter they're okay.
wise or intelligent person, been Joe is nobody's fool. He's intelligent and
nobody's fool
around experienced.
"You can't boss me," Bobby said. "None of your
none of your lip do not be rude, don't talk back
lip, boy!" I replied.
not hurt or damaged, still in good The immigrants were none the worse for wear after
none the worse for wear
condition, okay their wagon trip across the prairie.
Idioms: nookie [B] -- not by a long shot

nookie [B] intercourse, sex, poontang My man! All he wants is nookie!
nope no, nay "Want to paint the fence?" "Nope."
Ed's nose is out of joint because the Liberals lost the
nose is out of joint she is upset, he is not pleased
election.
food, something to eat, fill your

nosebag I'm hungry. It's time to put on the nosebag.
face
not not a good idea, forget it "Maybe we should buy a Lada." "Not."
not a question of (See it's not a question of)
not all it's cracked up... (See all it's cracked up to be)
retarded, slow to learn, one brick Sometimes Vincent acts kind of strange - like he's
not all there
short... not all there.
it was no trouble at all, don't "Thank you for helping us find our dog," Dad said.
not at all
mention it, no prob "Not at all," the man replied.
That horse won't win, not by a long shot. It's old
not by a long shot very little chance, not likely
and slow.
Idioms: not by any stretch of the imagination --

not so hot
not by any stretch of the not adding to the story, not Gigi wasn't his only girl, not by any stretch of the
imagination stretching it imagination.
I'm not feeling myself these days. I'm tired all the
not feeling myself not feeling well, under the weather
time.
no; never; not if you gave me all "Would you like to live in space?" "No. Not for all
not for all the tea in China
the tea in China the tea in China!"
Have you seen Honey, I Ate The Kids? It's not half
not half bad quite good, better than expected
bad, actually.
very little chance, improbable, a "Do you think we'll win the prize?" the boy asked.
not likely
slim chance "Not likely," his dad replied.
soon will die, do not have long to When Lee had the flu, he said, "I'm not long for this
not long for this world
live world."
"Can I shoot your gun?" I asked. "Not on your life,"
not on your life no; it is dangerous; no way
she replied.
Mom said, "You're not going to Vegas - not on
not on your tintype no, never, not on your life
your tintype!"
People say he's not stable - that he's not playing
not playing with a full deck not rational, not all there
with a full deck.
not special, not superior, no great I went to hear Le Gang last night. They're not so
not so hot
shakes hot.
Idioms: not speaking -- nothing to write home

about

not friendly, not speaking to each
not speaking Emily and Pam had a fight. They're not speaking.
other
"I dropped my ice cream!" "Not to worry. There's
not to worry do not worry, no sweat
more."
Have you seen the new Camaro? It's not too
not too shabby quite good, better than average
shabby.
I'm just not with it these days. I lack energy and
not with it not feeling right, out of it
confidence.
In 1930, stocks weren't worth a plugged nickel -
not worth a plugged nickel worthless, good for nothing
nothing!
notch below (See a notch below)
nothing succeeds like one success leads to more This is the first rule of learning: Nothing succeeds
success success like success.
nothing to it (See there's nothing to it)
nothing to sneeze at of good quality, do not ignore it That was a nice apartment - nothing to sneeze at.
not special or spectacular, no
nothing to write home about He's a nice guy, but nothing to write home about.
great shakes
Idioms: nothing ventured, nothing gained -- nut

house
nothing ventured, nothing if you try nothing, you will gain We've decided to start a business. As the old saying
gained nothing; go for it goes, Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
now or never (See it's now or never)
If you nuke a potato, it cooks in about seven
nuke heat in a microwave oven, zap
minutes.
He opposes the building of more nukes - like
nukes nuclear arms, nuclear weapons
nuclear bombs.
number is up (See your number is up)
"We're number one!" the crowd shouted when we
number one the best, the winner, top dog
won the game.
idiot, foolish person, dimwit,
numbskull Why did he call me a numbskull? I'm not stupid.
dipstick
a person who acts crazy or You nut! Wearing that wig makes you look like a
nut
foolish British judge.
nut bar, nut case (See a nut case)
mental hospital, psychiatric ward, They took Hans to the nut house when he taped
nut house
loony bin paper wings to his arms and tried to fly.
Idioms: a babe in arms -- a barrel of laughs

a baby, a child who is still wet Dar was just a babe in arms when we emigrated to
a babe in arms
behind the ears Canada.
a defenseless person; a naive, He's just a babe in the woods. He needs someone
a babe in the woods
young person to protect him.
a feeling that something is false or I left the meeting with a bad taste in my mouth.
a bad taste in my mouth
unfair, a feeling of ill will There was a lot of dishonesty in the room.
The class gave him a bad time about his pink
a bad time a lot of teasing, a rough time
shorts.
a number that is near the total; Fifty is a ball-park figure. It's close to our class
a ball-park figure
approximate figure size.
a person who often goes to bars Every evening Penny goes to Lucifer's. She's quite
a bar fly
or lounges a bar fly.
a girl who goes to bars to drink
a bar star Lola was known as a bar star at Pinky's Lounge.
and find friends
His statement to the police was false - a bare-faced
a bare-faced lie a deliberate lie, a planned lie
lie.
When the Flames play the Oilers it's a barnburner -
a barnburner an exciting game, a cliff-hanger
a great game.
a lot of fun, a person who makes Let's invite Chang to our party. He's a barrel of
a barrel of laughs
you laugh laughs.
Idioms: all the bells and whistles -- all walks of life

a lot of extra features, lots of When Horst sold his business he bought a
all the bells and whistles
goodies, loaded motorhome with all the bells and whistles.
Our canary sings all the livelong day - from dawn to
all the livelong day all day, lasting the whole day
dusk.
How does it feel to be playing in the final - for all the
all the marbles all the money, the top prize
marbles?
all the tea in China (See not for all the tea in China)
a long, indirect road; the long
all the way to Egery and To get to the Halsteads, we have to go all the way
way; all around Robin Hood's
back to Egery and back!
barn, all over hell's half acre
The teacher asked Jason to explain what
Shakespeare meant when he wrote, "All the world's
the world is a stage, we are all a stage, And all the men and women merely players.
all the world's a stage
performers They have their exits and their entrances; And one
man in his time plays many parts, His acts being
seven ages."
if things remain the same, if no All things being equal, we should sell all our bicycles
all things being equal
surprises occur by October.
Be yourself. Stop trying to be all things to all
all things to all people satisfy everyone, live up to
people.
clumsy, unable to hold it, fingers When I try to sew a button on my shirt, I'm all
all thumbs
feel like thumbs thumbs.
As a salesperson, you will meet people from all
all walks of life all occupations and lifestyles
walks of life.
Idioms: nuts -- nutty as a fruit cake

crazy, around the bend, off your
nuts If that phone rings once more I'll go nuts!
rocker
nuts oh no, darn, rats, sheesh When he doesn't catch the ball, he says, "Nuts!"
Helen is nuts about Mozart. She loves his piano
nuts about likes a lot, passionate, crazy about
concertos.
Do I know Karl? Yes, I do. He's nutty as a fruit
nutty as a fruit cake funny, kooky, mad as a hatter
cake!
Idioms: odd one -- off key (music)

odd one (See the odd one)
small pieces that are not used, tie When you build the fence, save the odds and ends
odds and ends
up loose ends to make toys.
odds-on favorite (See the odds-on favorite)
"I can't read this fat book." "Of course you can,
of course you can you can do it; yes, you can
Johnny."
This rug is the best of the lot. It's nicer than the
of the lot of the group, of the bunch
others.
having two opinions, mixed Speaking of abortion, I'm of two minds: pro choice
of two minds
feelings and pro life.
The cream tastes a bit off. I think we should buy
off sour, spoiled
fresh cream.
His condo has an off-beat design. There's a shower
off-beat different, unusual
in the kitchen.
His wife gets so embarrassed when he tells an
off color bad, dirty, impolite
off-color joke.
He has a beautiful voice, but was he singing a bit off

off key (music) not at the right pitch, not in tune
key?
Idioms: off kilter -- off the record

off balance, not straight, out of One of the poles was off kilter. It was leaning
off kilter
whack toward the road.
off my back (See get off my back)
off the bat (See right off the bat)
not on the main road, out of the I like to explore places that are off the beaten track
off the beaten track
way - wild places.
Off the cuff, I'd say there are 75 applicants. That's
off the cuff quickly, without thinking
my guess.
off the deep end (See go off the deep end)
not charged with a crime, not The police found the murderer, which lets Louis off
off the hook
obligated, let off the hook.
leading from the kitchen, attached The laundry room is off the kitchen - very
off the kitchen etc.
to the kitchen convenient.
His answer is a bit off the mark. Canada Day is July
off the mark not correct, wrong
1, not July 4.
What the President said is not to be printed. It's off
off the record not to be reported, not official
the record.
Idioms: off the shelf -- off with you

It isn't a special gift, just an off-the-shelf radio with
off the shelf from the store shelf, run of the mill
batteries.
without thinking carefully, off the Off the top of my head, I believe the US has 50
off the top of my head
cuff states.
He's off the wagon again. He started drinking last
off the wagon drinking again, drunk again
night.
His idea of selling time is really off the wall - quite
off the wall unrelated, unusual, off topic
strange.
The class got off to a bad start because the teacher
off to a bad start not a good start, a poor beginning
was sick.
a successful beginning, away to Jim's off to a good start in math. He has the basic
off to a good start
the races skills.
moving quickly ahead, off to a When we get our business loan, we'll be off to the
off to the races
good start races.
not on the chosen topic, not
off topic If you're writing about dogs, flowers are off topic.
related to the topic
off with remove clothing or a covering Off with your overcoat, Ben. Stay and visit awhile.
off with you leave, go, skidaddle Off with you, girl, or you'll be late for school.
Idioms: off your high horse -- Old Boys' Club

off your high horse (See get off your high horse)
crazy, not rational, around the You gave away your piano? You're off your
off your rocker
bend rocker!
offer I couldn't refuse (See an offer I couldn't refuse)
casual, without much thought, off I didn't think before I spoke. It was an offhand
offhand
the cuff remark.
going into the opponent's zone Wayne scored a beautiful goal, but Kurri was
offside (hockey)
ahead of the puck offside.
oh my gosh oh no, oh dear, darn, rats Oh my gosh! I've lost my keys!
the local oil industry, the oil Calgary's oilpatch does not control the price of oil
oilpatch
business and gas.
okay, OK fine, good, cool It's okay with me if your friends come to play.
"Can I borrow your sweater?" "OK - if I can use
okay, OK yes, alright
your cell phone."
a group of wealthy old men with For City approval, talk to Craig. He's in the Old
Old Boys' Club
political power Boys' Club.
Idioms: old coot -- on a roll

That old coot, as you call him, is a person with
old coot an old man, geezer
feelings.
In Toronto, I met an old flame. We were lovers
old flame a former lover, an old sweetheart
many years ago.
Henry Wilson - that old goat - told the kids to get
old goat an old man, a cranky man
off his lawn.
Sunday picnics are old hat. They're not popular
old hat an old idea or fashion, pass
now.
old man (See my old man)
an inheritance, money that has She bought that property with old money - money
old money
been in the family for decades that her great-grandfather saved.
a myth, an old story that contains
One old wives' tale says that goose fat will cure a
old wives' tale
little truth cold.
It's fun to be with him when he's on a lark - when
on a lark carefree, happy in a natural way
he's carefree.
in the position of a hero, in a high If you put your girlfriend on a pedestal, she won't
on a pedestal
place respect you.
I'm gonna play bingo all night. I'm lucky - I'm on a
on a roll having good luck, lucky streak
roll!
Idioms: on a silver platter -- on drugs

Success won't come on a silver platter. You have to
on a silver platter like a beautiful gift, served in style
work for it.
controlled by a person, wrapped He's got you on a string, Bonny. Are you thinking
on a string
around his finger for yourself?
on about (See go on about)
on your hands and knees, There was Julie, on all fours, looking for her contact
on all fours
crawling around lens.
taking a purchase home to decide I buy clothes on approval so I can return them if
on approval
if you want it they don't fit.
representing a group, acting for a He presented the award to me on behalf of the
on behalf of
group community club.
loaded on a vehicle, riding on a Two thousand passengers were on board the ship
on board
boat etc. to Canada.
When Bev received her diploma, she was on cloud
on cloud nine very happy, riding high
nine.
on deck next in order, next to bat Gary's at bat; Tim's on deck.
"Do you know he's on drugs?" "Yes. His eyes look
on drugs using drugs, do drugs
blank."
Idioms: on edge -- on my back

not relaxed, nervous, anxious, Gina's a little on edge. She gets her test results back
on edge
edgy today.
having equal skills, having the When we play chess, we're on even terms. We're
on even terms
same ability both average.
eager, energetic, all fired up, gung

When he began working here, he was on fire - very
on fire
ho enthusiastic.
in a good relationship, able to talk
Steve is on good terms with all his co-workers.
on good terms
and work with They like him.
very tired or old, at the end of his
Gordie was on his last legs, but he could still shoot
on his last legs
career hard.
The thief knew the police would follow him. They'd
on his tail following him closely, chasing him
be on his tail.
on in years (See get on in years)
The book you want is on loan to someone else until
on loan borrowed, signed out
May 12.
We refuse to accept money from drug dealers - on
on moral grounds based on what is right and wrong
moral grounds.
The coach is on my back about missing the game
on my back criticizing me, on my case, ride me
last week.
Idioms: on my case -- on probation

looking for my mistakes, criticizing The coach is on my case again, yelling at me to play
on my case
me harder.
nearly dead, very ill, at death's
on my deathbed I was so sick, I thought I was on my deathbed.
door
to become my friend, in my good He says nice things to me, hoping to get on my good
on my good side
books side.
on my schedule, on my list of I have too much on my plate right now. I'm too
on my plate
duties or tasks busy.
Before I leave, I'd like a cup of coffee. Then I'll be
on my way continue my journey, departing
on my way.
nearly dead or bankrupt, nearly Financially, we were on our last legs. We couldn't
on our last legs
done for get a loan.
When Jack's on parade, he marches straight and
on parade walking in a parade, displaying
tall.
He's on parole now. He can leave the prison during
on parole still supervised, not free of prison
the day.
Mom will be on pins and needles until we arrive.
on pins and needles waiting anxiously, worried
She'll be worried.
becoming a permanent employee, As an employee on probation, you will be learning
on probation
proby new skills.
Idioms: on purpose -- on tenterhooks


Did she drop her glove on purpose - so he would
on purpose for a reason, intentional
find it?
dizzy or stunned, not acting After he hit me I felt like I was on queer street - I
on queer street
normal was dazed.
within the dates on the plan, on They arrived on Mars on June 11, which means
on schedule
target they're on schedule.
missing a proper foundation, "If you don't start learning for your next exam now,
on shaky ground
prone to fail you'll be on shaky ground."
without much warning, at a Can you come to work on short notice? Within a
on short notice
moment's notice day or two?
In order to have a majority, we need to bring the
on side for our side, supporting our group
clerks on side.
Louise and I are not friends, but we're on speaking
on speaking terms not friendly but saying hello etc.
terms.
available from the tap on a keg of There was a red neon sign in the window: COLD
on tap
beer or ale BEER ON TAP
done by the planned date, on If we can complete the drawings by Monday, we'll
on target
schedule be on target.
carefully, cautiously, afraid to He's cautious since his accident. He drives around
on tenterhooks
move on tenterhooks.
Idioms: all washed up -- an airhead

all washed up failed in business or career Barry's all washed up. His business is bankrupt.
mistaken, do not know what you You're all wet! You can't grow bananas in
all wet
are talking about Saskatchewan.
all work and no play makes do not work too long, take time When I picked up my overtime cheque, Karen
Jack a dull boy for recreation, take time to smell... reminded me that All work and no play... .
depending on one plan or one If you invest all your money in one hotel, you'll have
all your eggs in one basket
investment, hedge your bets all your eggs in one basket.
there are no rules to guide you in When your girlfriend leaves you for your best friend,
all's fair in love and war
love or war, that's life remember, All's fair in love and war.
a happy ending is the most Although we argued and fought, we are happy with
all's well that ends well
important thing, the end justifies... the result. All's well that ends well!
similar, on the same topic, in that He wants a job in health care or nursing, along those
along those lines
vein lines.
American as apple pie (See as American as apple pie)
an important card to play, an To survive, one needs an ace up one's sleeve - a
an ace up your sleeve
important fact to reveal special talent.
a person who talks without Sally is such an airhead. She said that chicklets are
an airhead
thinking, a fool baby chickens.
Idioms: on the back burner -- on the cutting edge

The playground project is on the back burner until
on the back burner to be done later, not as important
next spring.
Max has a lot on the ball. He can solve our
on the ball smart, intelligent, bright, sharp
problem.
Get on the bandwagon, folks! Our man is going to
on the bandwagon helping, supporting, on side
be Premier!
on the job, working, doing a task A journalist must be on the beat, working among the
on the beat
or assignment people and telling their stories.
Is it legal to sell items that aren't on the books - that
on the books listed, accounted for
aren't listed?
Chan is positive. He always looks on bright side of
on the bright side positive, optimistic
things.
Their marriage is failing. They're on the brink of
on the brink close, almost there, on the verge
divorce.
correct, accurate, dead on, spot When Fern guessed my age, she was right on the
on the button
on button: 39.
asked to explain a mistake, give Tom's on the carpet because he lost company
on the carpet
me the third degree documents.
on the cutting edge (See the cutting edge)
Idioms: on the dot -- on the limp

on the dot exactly on time, not early or late The concert started at 7:30 on the dot.
Coach Keyser said, "Sutton, get over here - on the
on the double quickly, now, move it
double!"
very interested in a movie, feeling The movie The Firm will have you on the edge of
on the edge of your seat
suspense in a story your seat.
on the fence (See sit the fence)
not familiar, radical, not The Canasaurus Party is new - definitely on the
on the fringe
mainstream fringe.
not operating, broken, out of The VCR is on the fritz again. We can't watch
on the fritz
order videos tonight.
We've been on the go all day, shopping and
on the go busy, not stopping to rest
preparing food.
on the heels immediately after, following On the heels of the typhoon was a five-day rain.
running away from the police, lay When he's not in jail, he's on the lam - always
on the lam
low running.
Norman is on the limp today. He sprained his ankle
on the limp limping, walking with a leg injury
playing ball.
Idioms: on the loose -- on the rails

free, running around, not in a pen The zoo notified the media that a giraffe is on the
on the loose
or cage loose.
Most of the men in the bar were on the make,
on the make looking for romance or sex
looking for action.
accurate, correct, dead on, spot Your answer is right on the mark. Canada became a
on the mark
on country in 1867.
Yes, our house is on the market. We want to sell it
on the market ready to sell, for sale, up for sale
by October 1.
Jake's had open-heart surgery, but he's on the
on the mend healing, becoming healthy again
mend.
correct, accurate, on the mark, Your answer is on the money. You win a new
on the money
spot on Honda!
The caribou are on the move again, migrating to find
on the move moving, going from place to place
food.
on the outs not friendly, not speaking Amy and Pat are on the outs. They had a fight.
as a secret, not to be told to I'm telling you this on the QT. Please don't tell
on the QT
anyone anyone.
Troy helped me get back on the rails when I was
on the rails operating smoothly, on track
depressed.
Idioms: on the rise -- on the stand

The number of female engineers is on the rise -
on the rise increasing, growing
more every year.
going toward, improving, on the Jill is feeling much better today. She's on the road to
on the road
mend recovery.
very busy, having much to do, on I've been on the run since early this morning. What a
on the run
the go busy day!
running from the police, running He's been on the run ever since he robbed a bank in
on the run
from a problem Tulsa.
understanding each other, I understand Ted's beliefs. We're on the same

on the same wavelength
communicating clearly wavelength.
on the list to be punished, in your
Greg's on the shit list because he missed the sales
on the shit list [B]
bad books meeting.
By typing reports and resumes, I earned a few
on the side extra, in addition, under the table
dollars on the side.
on the sly secretly, illegally Phil was selling cigarettes to his friends on the sly.
On the spur of the moment we decided to drive to
on the spur of the moment immediately, impulsively
Banff.
on the witness stand, testifying in Jack was on the stand today. He told the court what
on the stand
court he saw.
Idioms: on the table -- on the wing

Our offer is on the table: a 7% increase in salary for
on the table offered, proposed
the clerks.
A week after he got out of jail, he was on the take
on the take stealing, robbing
again.
Archie's on the throne. He'll be down in a few
on the throne sitting on the toilet, in the john
minutes.
almost able to recall, beginning to Her name is on the tip of my tongue. It begins with
on the tip of my tongue
remember K.
legal, within the law, not If a company gives away cars, can it be on the up
on the up and up
underhanded and up?
Our baby is on the verge of talking. She said,
on the verge close, nearly, almost doing it
"Da-da."
not drinking liquor, not getting The old man is on the wagon. He promised he
on the wagon
drunk wouldn't drink.
The number of men who smoke is on the wane. It's
on the wane decreasing, diminishing
decreasing.
generally, considering the whole On the whole, women are making progress toward
on the whole
group or situation equal status.
Canada geese were on the wing, going south for the
on the wing flying, in flight
winter.
Idioms: on the wing -- on your guard

without a plan, creating as you Paul can perform on the wing - he has a great
on the wing
go, wing it imagination!
in a risky position, barely His grades are very low in this course. He's on thin
on thin ice
surviving ice.
on time not late, at the scheduled time Mary is always on time. She is very punctual.
Addie stays on top of math by doing problems
on top of informed, prepared, up on
every day.
on track in the right direction, on the rails After a few problems, our project is back on track.
in court as a defendant, defending The man charged with the assault is on trial now.
on trial
your actions He's in court.
having a holiday from work or I don't feel like getting up early when I'm on
on vacation
school vacation.
He doesn't know how to manage a business. He's
on your ass [B] wrong, misinformed, all wet
on his ass!
When I get a cold, you think I'm on my deathbed.
on your deathbed very ill, nearly dead
Relax.
Be on your guard when you buy a used car - don't
on your guard careful, cautious
buy a lemon.
Idioms: on your own -- one fell swoop

When you're on your own, you can stay out all night
on your own independent, supporting yourself
if you wish.
"I'm on your side," Kelly said. "I want you to pass
on your side supporting you and your efforts
this course."
I have to be on my toes in her class. I have to listen
on your toes ready, alert
and think.
traveling, leaving, on the road You can be on your way as soon as the tire is
on your way
home repaired.
once over (See give it the once-over)
the same as, not different, part Some people believe abortion and murder are one
one and the same
and parcel and the same thing.
many easy customers, lots of "There's lots of suckers," he said. "There's one born
one born every minute
suckers every minute!"
I'm okay, but you may be one brick short of a full
one brick short of a full load mentally slow, not all there
load. Ha ha.
one move to get away or call for "One false move and you're dead," the gunman said
one false move
help to his hostage.
one fell swoop (See in one fell swoop)
Idioms: one for the money, two for the show... --

open a can of worms
one for the money, two for prepare to go or run, children's Before bedtime, Dad would say, "One for the
the show... countdown money..."
one drink or kiss etc. before you If you have one for the road, have a cup of coffee
one for the road
leave (or a kiss).
one man's garbage is each person has different likes and You pick up what somebody throws away, so one
another man's art dislikes, to each his own man's garbage is another man's art.
one man's meat is another one person likes what another Some people love his music; others hate it. One
man's poison person hates, to each his own man's meat is another man's poison.
a typical member of the group, a Roger is one of the boys, eh. He's always ready to
one of the boys
regular guy play or help.
tendency to think about only one My son has a one-track mind these days. He thinks
one-track mind
subject only about cars.
Nick looks very confident. I think he's onto
onto something found some important information
something.
knows that we are doing bad The doorman is onto us. He knows we didn't buy a
onto us
things, wise to us ticket.
oodles lots, more than we need, scads "Do we have enough salad?" "Yes. Oodles!"
open a can of worms (See can of worms)
Idioms: open a window -- ounce of prevention

find a new way of looking at a That idea opens a window on the causes of war.
open a window
topic or problem What do you see?
If either spouse admits adultery, divorce is an open
open and shut easy to judge, not complex
and shut case.
open mind (See keep an open mind)
Nancy said there should be an open season on sex
open season legal to hunt or kill at this time
offenders.
provide opportunities, help I'm hoping my college diploma will open some
open some doors
someone succeed doors.
in a position that can be criticized, If you become a politician you will be open to
open to criticism
vulnerable criticism.
Your decision to allow liquor at the party is open to
open to question not clearly correct, debatable
question.
When we become friends, I'll open up with you - I'll
open up talk openly, express feelings
share.
other fish to fry (See bigger fish to fry)
ounce of prevention (See an ounce of prevention)
Idioms: out and out -- out of circulation

The advertisement was an out-and-out lie. It
out and out bold, not hidden, a bare-faced lie
contained no truth.
Liam is out cold. A baseball hit him on the side of
out cold unconscious, knocked out
the head.
trying to defeat or hurt, seeking The Jets are out for blood tonight because they lost
out for blood
revenge 7-0 last night.
out in left field not logical or sensible, all wet Don't listen to his advice. He's out in left field.
not included in a group, not He was left out in the cold because of his religious
out in the cold
invited beliefs.
loud enough to hear, spoken
out loud Dad was very angry, but he didn't swear out loud.
clearly
out of have no more, have none, run out Stop at the bakery, please. We're out of bread.
off the playing field, across Ramone kicked the soccer ball over my head and
out of bounds
boundary lines out of bounds.
short of breath, puffing, out of
out of breath She was out of breath after climbing the stairs.
breath
out of circulation not visiting, don't get around I've been out of circulation. I've been studying.
Idioms: an apple a day keeps the doctor away -- an

old warhorse
an apple a day keeps the eat one apple each day for good Mom gave me an apple, saying, "An apple a day...
doctor away health ."
a negative attitude, a poor If you don't do your work, they will think you have
an attitude
outlook an attitude.
Jason had an axe to grind at the meeting - job
an axe to grind a point to discuss or argue about
security.
an earful a lecture, a scolding, a bawling out If Mom catches you smoking, you'll get an earful.
one who can easily be
an easy mark Ask Charlie for a loan. He's an easy mark.
persuaded, a soft touch
We need a steady manager, one who can keep an
an even keel good balance, stability
even keel.
an eye for an eye (a tooth
equal punishment or revenge Canadian laws do not demand an eye for an eye.
for a tooth)
an offer that contains a threat or

The border guards invited me to stay for further
an offer I couldn't refuse
force, a request that is a
questioning - it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
command
a person with a lot of practice or Tom's an old hand at cribbage. He's played since he
an old hand at
experience was a boy.
a veteran, an old soldier, a classic The band played marches and overtures - the old
an old warhorse
story or tune warhorses.
Idioms: out of commission -- out of joint

out of commission not operating, out of order My brain is out of commission. I can't think today.
taken out of the sentence, missing Brian's comment, "Roll of the dice," was taken out
out of context
important words of context.
not managed, wild, not under The crowd was out of control. People were fighting
out of control
control and looting.
The children got out of hand. I couldn't control
out of hand not controlled or disciplined
them.
Jerry parked the car off the road - out of harm's
out of harm's way out of danger, in a safe place
way.
out of here (outa here) going, leaving When I get paid, I'm outa here.
He was out of his element when they began
out of his element not trained, too deep for him
discussing DNA.
not having debts, not owing any We paid off our mortgage today. It feels good to be
out of hock
money out of hock.
For some reason, I'm out of it today. I have no
out of it not feeling right, not with it
energy.
out of joint (See nose is out of joint)
Idioms: out of kilter -- out of patience

out of kilter (See off kilter)
out of line not showing respect, not polite Ty was out of line when he called you a hooker.
nothing left for you, shit out of
out of luck We're out of luck. There are no tickets left.
luck [B]
not having the knowledge, over I was out of my depth talking about genetics with
out of my depth
my head the doctors.
not bothering me, not a problem Next week the kids will be back at school - out of
out of my hair
for me Mom's hair.
I must have been out of my head to lend him my

out of my head crazy, out of your mind, wacko
car. I was crazy.
without warning, without an Out of nowhere a motorcycle passed us, going like
out of nowhere
introduction a bullet.
The stamp machine is out of order. I think it's
out of order not operating, broken
broken.
not able to change or control the The decision is out of our hands. The voters will
out of our hands
result decide who wins.
having no more patience, lose I'm out of patience with the kids. They're fighting all
out of patience
patience the time.
Idioms: out of place -- out of the blue

in the wrong place, not
out of place I felt out of place wearing shorts in the dining room.
appropriate
Larry is out of pocket for the team lunch at
out of pocket expense paid from personal funds
McDonald's.
The FM station is out of range of my radio. The
out of range too far away, not close enough
signal is weak.
The price was outa sight! They wanted $200 for a
out of sight (outa sight) too much, too high
nylon jacket.
too far away to see, not visible He watched the plane until it was a speck. Then it
out of sight
anymore was out of sight.
if you do not see it you will forget When I moved away, I forgot her - out of sight, out
out of sight, out of mind
about it of mind, eh.
Andre is out of sorts because he didn't get enough
out of sorts feeling negative, down, in a funk
sleep.
not with the others, not designed Your business plan is out of step with the 21st
out of step
for today century. It's old.
not close to the correct number or Few people will buy your product if the price is out
out of the ball park
price of the ball park.
Then out of the blue, he says, "What color are your
out of the blue not expected, not on topic
shorts?"
Idioms: out of the closet -- out of the woods

not hiding your sexual orientation Jay decided to come out of the closet - to tell
out of the closet
or secret people he's gay.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move.

out of the corner of my eye at my far right or left, to the side
It was the cat.
out of the goodness of my because I am kind, because I I help her out of the goodness of my heart. I don't
heart want to help want to be paid.
Having six husbands at the same time is out of the
out of the norm not normal, not common
norm, eh.
not a factor, not competing or Mario returned to Italy, so he's out of the picture.
out of the picture
playing He's gone.
Because of the storm, traveling by car is out of the
out of the question not possible, no way
question.
off the road or path, not blocking "Get out of the way!" he shouted. "Here come the
out of the way
or obstructing runners!"
done, no longer a problem, over Our Christmas shopping is finally done - out of the
out of the way
with way.
off the main road, off the beaten Rumsey is an out-of-the-way town, just east of the
out of the way
track river.
out of difficulty, not in danger any Pedro survived the heart surgery, but he's not out of
out of the woods
more the woods yet.
Idioms: out of the woodwork -- out of your mind

from hidden places, from Gas at 40 per litre will bring customers out of the
out of the woodwork
unknown places woodwork.
Naomi is an excellent cook. Her carrot cake is out
out of this world excellent, very delicious
of this world!
I'm not sure where Diane lives. We've been out of
out of touch not communicating, not in touch
touch.
not aware of reality, head in the He's been doing drugs. He's completely out of
out of touch
clouds touch.
The violins were out of tune, but I enjoyed the
out of tune (music) not at the correct pitch, not in tune
singing.
The door doesn't close properly. Something is out
out of whack not aligned, poorly constructed
of whack.
short of breath, winded, out of After running the race he was out of wind -
out of wind
breath exhausted.
not employed, unemployed, laid Lyle is out of work, so he stays at home with the
out of work
off kids.
out of your gourd (See out of your mind)
not thinking logically, crazy, You must be out of your mind to lend him money.
out of your mind
crackers You're crazy.
Idioms: out of your tree -- over and out

crazy, loony, nuts, out of your You're out of your tree if you think I'm going sky
out of your tree
mind diving.
in a dangerous place, taking a I went out on a limb and said that you would donate
out on a limb
chance (see take a chance) $1000.
On Saturday night, let's go out on the town and
out on the town enjoying the city's entertainment
have a good time.
wanting revenge, waiting for a Ever since I beat him at table tennis he's been out to
out to get you
chance to get even get me.
The Service Manager is out to lunch. He's not
out to lunch not working effectively, not with it
helpful.
When Jon plays checkers, he's out to win. He's a
out to win wanting to win, competitive
competitor.
perform better than before, do Don't try to outdo yourself every time you run. Just
outdo yourself
your personal best jog sometimes.
The Flames outplayed the Kings in the third period
outplay play better than the opponent
of the game.
done and forgotten, out of the We were glad when the trial was over and done
over and done with
way with - finished.
"Over and out," the radio operator said when he
over and out message complete, signing off
completed his call.
Idioms: over easy -- overdo it

eggs fried on both sides without "How would you like your eggs?" "Over easy,
over easy
breaking the yolks please - on toast."
"I want to marry your sister." "Over my dead
over my dead body do not try to do it, I'll stop you
body!"
I do not understand, too deep for That lesson went over my head. Did you understand
over my head
me it?
become ill or unable to cope, Poor Ernst went over the edge when his twin
over the edge
around the bend brother died.
At 35, he was over the hill - too old to play pro
over the hill too old, on his last legs
soccer.
past the difficult part, into an After saving $2000, I was over the hump. I could
over the hump
easier phase pay the tuition.
Aunt Freda? She's been over the rainbow for years,
over the rainbow eccentric, weird, a bit off, spinny
poor lady.
too much, exaggerated, ham it up, His interpretation of Hamlet was over the top.
over the top
a send-up Hamlet is a tragic figure, not a comic figure.
completed, finished, over andNow that the trial is over with, we can return to a
over with
done with normal life.
The doctor said I can work in the garden if I don't
overdo it work too hard, become too tired
overdo it.
Idioms: owly -- own worst enemy

When Herb gets drunk he gets owly - kind of
owly cranky, unco-operative, negative
stubborn.
She hurt me so I'll hurt her - give her some of her
own medicine giving what you got, tit for tat
own medicine!
If Jason is involved in the crime, he'll own up. He'll
own up admit a mistake, come clean
tell the police.
create our own problems, prevent A smoker is his own worst enemy. He's harming
own worst enemy
our own success himself.
Idioms: P's and Q's -- pain in the butt

P's and Q's (See watch your P's and Q's)
pack a punch hit hard, have a strong effectHere's a word that packs a punch: guilty.
carry a hand gun, have a gun on a
The boys knew that one of the students was
pack a rod
belt packing a rod.
"What if you don't get paid?" "I'll pack it in. I'll
pack it in quit, leave, pull the pin
quit."
carry automatic rifles, have The news report stated that the soldiers were
pack uzis
powerful weapons packing uzis.
You have a nice pad, Nora. I love your leather
pad apartment, digs
furniture!
claim more money than spent, add How can I pad my expense account if I don't have
pad an expense account
false expenses receipts?
Love many, trust few, but always paddle your
paddle your own canoe be an individual, be independent
own canoe.
pain in the ass [B] (See a pain in the ass)
pain in the butt (See a pain in the butt)
Idioms: paint a picture -- part and parcel

describe in detail, portray with The speaker painted a picture of a ghetto with kids
paint a picture
words on the streets.
have a party downtown, go out on During the carnival they paint the town red - have a
paint the town red
the town great time.
include in the same group, He was with the gang, but can we paint him with the
paint with the same brush
generalize same brush?
find a partner, organize people in The coach asked us to pair off and practise passing
pair off/pair up
two's the ball to each other.
is not as good, is not as beautiful
pale by comparison Most European parks pale by comparison to Banff.
or talented
paltry sum (See a paltry sum)
Blair's ideas usually pan out. His suggestions are
pan out succeed, go as planned, work out
practical.
to lose a job and be given
A vice-president in trouble can parachute to one of
another, to land in a safe position
parachute several positions, or the board can create a
when your position is in danger,
position!
Bob's your uncle
what did you say? please repeat Pardon me? Did you say you grew up in Hong
pardon me
it Kong?
the same as, similar, one and the Socialism and communism are part and parcel of the
part and parcel
same same thing.
Idioms: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound

of cure -- ante up
an ounce of prevention is prevent a problem so you don't Forest fires deserve an ounce of prevention: public
worth a pound of cure have to solve it, a stitch in time... education in campfire safety.
too concerned with detail, Amy is anal retentive. She writes down everything
anal retentive
pedantic the teacher says.
anchor you make you feel stable or confident When you have a crisis, your faith will anchor you.
and how very much The kids love pizza - and how!
and other things or activities, et
and stuff We were watchin' TV an' stuff, just hangin' out.
cetera
that is final, that is the way it will
and that's that You will be home by 10 p.m., and that's that!
be done
with lots to spare, plus a few
and then some We invited everybody in town - and then some!
more
angels fear to tread (See where angels fear to tread)
another cigarette; harmful Every cigarette he smoked was another nail in his
another nail in your coffin
substance coffin.
put some money in the center of As the dealer shuffled the cards, he said, "Ante up,
ante up
the table boys."
Idioms: part company -- pass on

separate, go in different Mel and Brad parted company after they arrived in
part company
directions, split up Germany.
sell, allow someone else to own,
part with Papa won't part with his Peugeot. He'd never sell it.
let go of
people who plan and commit As kids, Andy and I took apples from a neighbor's
partners in crime
crimes together, boozing buddies tree. We were partners in crime, so to speak.
one who leaves a party,
party-pooper You party-pooper! Stay here and dance with us.
stick-in-the-mud
party to that (See a party to that)
pass from person to person in the
The speaker passed around a sheet of paper for us
pass around
room, hand out to sign.
pass away die, pass on Grandma passed away in 1974. She was 92.
pass for appear similar to, look like In that uniform, you could pass for a police officer.
offer as real or genuine, use a fake
If you pass off counterfeit money, you can be
pass off
object or paper charged with a crime.
Before her dad passed on, she visited him every
pass on die, bite the dust, kick the bucket
day.
Idioms: pass out -- paths will cross

He passed out after running the marathon. He fell on
pass out faint, become unconscious
the road.
blame others, refer the problem to I won't pass the buck. I won't blame others for our
pass the buck
others problems.
drive or travel through a town or When we were passing through Regina, I called my
pass through
city cousin.
not take an opportunity, not do it Do not pass up this opportunity to go back to
pass up
when you can school.
urinate, take a leak[B], take a The nurse came in and asked him if he'd passed
pass water
pee [B] water yet.
Mother says it's not polite to pass wind while you

pass wind let out gas, let a fart [B]
are eating.
It's pass to say beg your pardon. We don't hear
pass old fashioned, dated, old hat
that now.
pat answer (See a pat answer)
agree to stop fighting, become Jon and May fight a lot, but they patch things up and
patch things up
friends again go on.
paths will cross (See cross paths)
Idioms: pave the way -- pay off

make it easier to do, prepare a A $5000 scholarship paved the way for her career
pave the way
path in medicine.
say nice things about, say you did Tony paid you a compliment, Rita. He said you
pay a compliment
a good job have a lovely garden.
I must pay her a visit. I want to see her before we
pay a visit go to visit someone, drop over
move.
pay attention watch and listen, listen up Pay attention to my words. Please listen carefully.
repay, return money that was He said he would pay back every cent he borrowed
pay back
borrowed from us.
Interest rates are high, so let's pay down our
pay down pay more, pay off
mortgage.
do what he did to you, get
pay him back Sally paid Harry back by going on a date with Jim.
revenge
pay in kind (See repay in kind)
attend a ceremony or send a
Remembrance Day allows us to pay our respects to
pay my respects symbol of your respect for
the people who defended our country.
someone
pay all that you owe, pay the I want to pay off my loan now - pay the whole
pay off
balance balance.
Idioms: pay off -- pay your way

reward you, give you what you
pay off Studying pays off. You get higher grades.
want
We invested in property, hoping for a pay-off when
pay-off reward, profit
we sell it.
pay a fine, endure, receive

pay the penalty He paid the penalty for his laziness: failure.
punishment
To be an Olympic athlete, you have to pay the
pay the price work hard, endure, suffer
price: pain.
pay the whole bill, pay for Uncle Sammy paid the whole shot for our trip to
pay the shot
everybody's ticket etc. Europe.
pay high rates for rent or service, If you rent a condo in Dover, you'll pay through the
pay through the nose
cost an arm... nose.
show that you respect or admire a In a letter to Ms. Lee, the City paid tribute to her
pay tribute
person, honor someone for service to her community.
pay what is owed, pay a bet you When I see Todd, I'll ask him to pay up. He owes
pay up
lost me $20.
work hard and learn, be loyal for In the sport of rodeo, you have to pay your dues to
pay your dues
years get respect.
pay your way pay your share of the expenses "I don't want charity," she said. "I pay my way."
Idioms: peace of mind -- peep this

If you want peace of mind, you should buy
peace of mind freedom from worry or guilt
insurance.
This new lotion will give you a peaches-and-cream
peaches-and-cream beautiful skin, clear complexion
complexion.
When I asked Ko if she liked her job, she said,
peachy fine, great, wonderful, neat
"Yes! It's peachy!"
small amount of money, loss of a "Isn't the loss of one billion worth of credits a
peanuts negligible value, a paltry sum, problem for you?" "Oh, that's peanuts for a bank
chicken feed like us."
from strongest to weakest, line of The first thing to learn about a company is the
pecking order
authority pecking order.
Jane used to joke about pedaling her ass to earn
pedal her ass [B] sell sex, become a prostitute
extra money.
accelerator all the way down, flat He always drives fast - pedal to the metal all the
pedal to the metal
out time.
peed (See she peed)
peek through the fingers with
peek-a-boo Shelly was playing peek-a-boo with the baby.
hands covering eyes
look at this, check this out, eyeball
peep this Peep this! My fingernails are as long as Dolly's!
this
Idioms: peer sneer -- pet


an unfriendly look from a person When the manager praised my work, Vic gave me a
peer sneer
who is the same age peer sneer.
in a wild manner, in panic, When the fire alarm sounded we ran pell-mell down
pell-mell
harum-scarum the hall.
write those words or lines, The medium is the message: Do you know who
pen those words/lines
compose that line penned that line?
penny for your thoughts (See a penny for your thoughts)
penny pincher (See a penny pincher)
people who live in glass
people who have faults should not Perfect people can be critical, but people who live
houses shouldn't throw
criticize others in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
stones
perfect stranger (See a perfect stranger)
When we mention girls, he perks up. His eyes
perk up show interest or enthusiasm
sparkle.
fussy, critical of details, When Dale was teenager, he was pernickety about
pernickety/persnickety
perfectionistic his hair.
Petting is a prelude to sex. It is the touch of
pet touch intimately, kiss and caress
passion.
Idioms: peter out -- pick holes in

gradually lose power, reduce, run After 6, sales began to peter out. We had fewer
peter out
out customers.
Gigi was petrified when a spider crawled up her
petrified very frightened, scared stiff
leg.
phase me (See faze me)
phase me out (See it phased me out)
a radio/TV show that invites The topic for the phone-in show was Animal
phone-in
phone calls Rights.
phooey oh no, darn it, nuts, rats, shucks Phooey! I hit my golf ball into the water again!
photo opportunity, chance to have Then Brian shook hands with students to create a
photo op
your photo taken photo op.
something preventing you from If you want coffee, make some! There's no piano
piano tied to your ass [B]
moving tied to your ass.
If Jamie tries to pick a fight with you, just walk
pick a fight start a fight, begin an argument
away.
criticize, look for errors or faults, Grant won't show you his work because you pick
pick holes in
nitpick holes in it.
Idioms: pick-me-up -- pick you up

pick-me-up (See a pick-me-up)
pick of the litter (See the pick of the litter
Why is everybody picking on me? I feel like a
pick on criticize, tease, get on my case
victim.
We pick up the street idioms faster than the
pick up learn, understand, catch on
grammar, eh.
If business doesn't pick up soon, we'll need another
pick up improve, increase
loan.
We're walking rather slowly. Can we pick up the
pick up the pace go a little faster, step on it
pace?
After her husband died, she tried to pick up the
pick up the pieces put together again, mend
pieces of her life.
Who picked up the tab for the hotel rooms? Who
pick up the tab pay the bill, pay the shot
paid?
give you a ride in a car, give you a
pick you up I'll pick you up at 6:45 and we'll drive to the mall.
lift (see give me a lift)
make you feel better, make you
pick you up Here, have a cup of tea. That will pick you up.
happy or natural high
Idioms: pick your brains -- piece of cake

Maria wants to pick your brains about Freud and
learn what you know, ask you
pick your brains Jung. She wants to ask you what you know about
questions
them.
do not quit, persevere, roll with Don't let a failure stop you. Pick yourself up and try
pick yourself up
the punches again.
Don't be so picky, Dennis. Just choose a candy and
picky fussy, looking for the perfect one
eat it.
picture is worth a thousand (See a picture is worth a thousand
words words)
piddly little, small, tiny "What a piddly car!" "Yes. It's a Micra."
piddly-assed [B] (See piddly)
Byron was pie-eyed when we got to the party. He
pie-eyed drunk, intoxicated, hammered
was drunk, man.
unrealistic, not practical, hairbrain, When first invented, the car and phone were
pie in the sky
half-baked pie-in-the-sky ideas. Now we have phones in cars.
piece of ass [B] (See a piece of ass)
piece of cake (See a piece of cake)
Idioms: piece of me -- pill

piece of me (See want a piece of me)
piece of my mind (See a piece of my mind)
piece of tail [B] (See a piece of ass)
Rocky says, "There was pigs on every corner. We
pig police, cop, flatfoot, fuzz
couldn't move."
pig in a poke (See a pig in a poke)
Then we went to the Dairy Queen and pigged out
pig out eat a lot, fill your face
on soft ice cream.
glass or porcelain pig used for The little girl was counting the money in her piggy
piggy bank
saving coins bank.
carried on someone's back, riding Jurgen loved to ride piggyback when his dad
piggyback
on someone's back walked in the park.
A catering firm piggybacked to success on United
piggyback succeed on the efforts of others
Airlines.
pill (See the pill)
Idioms: any old thing -- around the clock

When the teacher asks him a question, he says any
any old thing any word, any answer
old thing.
any way you slice it (See no matter how you slice it)
any phone calls or letters, any Any word from Dale? He should have called us by
any word
reply now.
there are no rules; expect anything Anything goes during Stampede week. People do
anything goes
to happen crazy things!
(See an apple a day keeps the
apple a day...
doctor away)
apple of his eye (See the apple of his eye)
prepared to fight or defend, By the time the trial began, the lawyer was armed to
armed to the teeth
having lots of evidence the teeth.
(See all around Robin Hood's
around Robin Hood's barn
barn)
If I had to listen to that noise all the time, I'd go
around the bend crazy or insane, off your rocker
around the bend.
twenty-four hours, 'round the Julie worked around the clock to finish her sewing
around the clock
clock project.
Idioms: pimple pole -- pinch off a loaf [B]

youth with pimples, teenager with
pimple pole Hey, pimple pole! You left your locker door open.
zits
get a direct answer, obtain the Jed won't answer my questions. He's difficult to pin
pin down/pin him down
facts down.
extra money, money to spend on
pin money Janet used to earn pin money by painting signs.
candy etc.
hope for one big chance, hope If you pin your hopes on some horse winning a race,
pin your hopes on
without planning, all your eggs...
you will probably be disappointed.
steal, rob, take what does not When he was a boy he pinched pennies from his
pinch
belong to you mom's purse.
"If I can pinch an inch, am I fat?" "No. Just
pinch an inch pinch an inch of fat on your body
pleasantly plump."
Gomez is the best pinch-hitter on the team. His
pinch-hitter (baseball) substitute batter, extra batter
average is .372.
pinch of coon shit [B] (See a pinch of coon shit)
pinch of salt (See a pinch of salt)
have a bowel movement, drop a
pinch off a loaf [B] "Where were you?" "In the can, pinching off a loaf."
log
Idioms: pinch to grow an inch -- piss away [B]

pinch to grow an inch (See a pinch to grow an inch)
pine float (See a pine float)
one who does not use his brain, "Who broke your glasses?" "Some pinhead sat on
pinhead
dipstick them!"
locate the exact place or point, Lawrence is trying to pinpoint the time of the plane
pinpoint
determine the time crash.
pins and needles (See on pins and needles)
do not be so noisy, be quiet, keep The teacher opened the door and said, "Pipe down,
pipe down
it down Grade 7."
a dream based on luck, pie in the Do you have a pipe dream or a plan? There's a big
pipe dream
sky difference.
pipes voice, carry a tune K.D. Lang has great pipes, eh.
tiny person, weak man, potlicker, Keith was a pipsqueak until he started lifting
pipsqueak
wimp weights.
He pissed away a lot of money when he was an

piss away [B] waste, spend on liquor
alcoholic.
Idioms: piss in the pickles [B] -- pissed [B]

ruin a project, wreck a piece of Plans for a school were OK until the Premier pissed
piss in the pickles [B]
work in the pickles.
have to urinate, back teeth are I hope this mall has a washroom. I have to piss like
piss like a race horse [B]
floating a race horse.
"If you don't like cigar smoke," he said, "you can
piss off [B] leave, go, beat it, take off
piss off."
who cares about them? they are When Scotty heard you quit the team, he said, "Piss
piss on them [B]
worthless on him!"
a group of people pissing On bus trips we stopped for a piss parade every
piss parade [B]
together two or three hours.
Grandpa said, "That's a piss-poor tractor. Don't buy
piss poor [B] of poor quality, not well made
it."
a lot, very many, more than After the poker game, Sammy had a piss pot full of
piss pot full [B]
expected loonies.
become very frightened, be very The House of Horrors is so scary you'll piss your
piss your pants [B]
scared pants!
She was really pissed when you told her to carry
pissed [B] angry, upset, teed off
your luggage.
When I saw her walk, I knew she was pissed. She
pissed [B] drunk, hammered, sloshed
nearly fell down.
Idioms: pissed off [B] -- plastic

pissed off [B] angry, mad, pissed, ticked off He'll be pissed off if I leave him. He'll be mad.
He was pissed to the gills, so we sent him home in a
pissed to the gills [B] drunk, plastered, snapped
taxi.
working at a hopeless job, feeling Cleaning up an oil spill is like pissing into the wind -
pissing into the wind [B]
futile about a task hopeless!
pit of my stomach (See the pit of my stomach)
a brief stop to buy gas or go to Excuse me. I have to make a pit stop before we go
pit stop
the washroom to the movie.
pits (See the pits)
place on a pedestal (See on a pedestal)
the substitute for Plan A, an Plan A depends on getting a student loan. What is
Plan B
alternative plan Plan B?
very drunk, hammered, looped,
plastered After losing the fight, Jock went and got plastered.
sloshed
I like to use plastic when I travel. I don't feel safe
plastic credit cards, bank cards
carrying cash.
Idioms: plate is full -- play around

too much to do, cannot do any
plate is full I'm busy writing exams. My plate is full.
more
The nice weather played a big part in the success of
play a big part do much to help, be a main factor
our festival.
be a minor actor in a movie or a Irene played a bit-part in a movie last year. She's a
play a bit-part
stage play good actor.
fool or trick someone, play a I played a joke on Ty. I phoned and said he'd won
play a joke on
prank on the lottery.
Ingrid may beat you. She plays a mean game of
play a mean game play very well, play to win
chess.
His drinking played a part in his dismissal. Drinking
play a part be a cause, affect the result
was a cause.
arrange a surprise for you so Ty played a prank on me. He left a message to call
play a prank on
people will laugh the president.
deceive you for fun, play a joke We played a trick on Liz. We sent her picture to a
play a trick on
on beauty contest.
pretend to believe, go along with, Lisa played along with the joke on Mark. She didn't
play along
let on tell him.
She knows he's playing around, but she won't
play around have other mates, sleep around
confront him.
Idioms: play dead -- play into his hand

pretend to be dead, lie down as if If a grizzly bear attacks you, play dead and it may
play dead
you are dead go away.
play rough, break the rules, play Even if his opponents cheat and lie, Pat won't play
play dirty
hardball dirty.
act as if you do not know, play Play dumb when she tells you I won. Pretend you
play dumb
along don't know.
play using rules, give everyone an A referee will help us to play fair, to play according
play fair
equal chance to the rules.
deceive people, not be sincere, He's been playing games with us. We can't believe
play games
mind games what he says.
pretend you do not care; you do When Tom invites you to go on a date, you could
play hard to get
not want him play hard to get.
play tough, try to hurt the If the manager wants to play hardball, show him that
play hardball
opponent, play dirty you are tough.
interfere with, cause sudden The wind played havoc with the ball, causing it to
play havoc with
changes rise or fall.
not attend classes, stay away from One spring day, some of us played hooky. We went
play hooky
school fishing.
do as he planned, fall into his trap By accepting a ride in Paul's car, you played right
play into his hand
(see fall into a trap) into his hand.
Idioms: play it by ear -- play out

play without a plan, improvise, If our plans fail, we can play it by ear. We'll be
play it by ear
jam creative!
be calm, do not become excited, If Lisa tells you she's pregnant, play it cool. Don't
play it cool
chill out become angry.
get the most out of it, dramatizeWhen Uncle Saul tells a story, he plays it for all it's
play it for all it's worth
it, ham it up worth.
Play it safe when you go out in a boat. Wear a life
play it safe be careful, do not take a chance
jacket.
act like it is important, make it a If there's an argument, he plays it up. He makes it
play it up
big deal worse.
behave in the best way, do the If you play your cards right at the interview, you
play my cards right
right things should get the job.
cause me to feel emotional, make The movie Hey Jude will play on your heart strings.
play on my heart strings
me feel sentimental It will make you cry.
play on words (See a play on words)
become tired or exhausted,
play out After two sets of tennis, Ling said, "I'm played out!"
become winded
happen, conclude, pan out, work Nina used to work for Ed. Now Ed works for
play out
out, Nina. I want to see how this plays out.
Idioms: play second fiddle -- pleased as punch


accept a lower position, take a
Kirk won't play second fiddle to her. He wants to
play second fiddle
back seat be the boss.
date many people, go out with After a long relationship with Sue, he began to play
play the field
various men/women the field.
pretend you are a fool, act simple
If you play the fool, people will often tell you
play the fool
or foolish secrets.
After a couple of drinks, he likes to play the ham -
play the ham act for an audience, ham it up
to be a clown.
In our gang, Don plays the heavy. He talks and acts
play the heavy be the strong man or tough guy
tough.
He's lost a lot of money playing the ponies. He bets
play the ponies bet on horses at the race track
on every race.
buy stocks and shares, sell stocks At first he invested in real estate; then he played the
play the stock market
and shares stock market.
play a sport just for the crowd, a The coach wants us to play to win, not play to the
play to the crowd
hotdog crowd.
do risky things, live dangerously, "If you play with fire," Trine explained, "you may get
play with fire
take chances burned. You may get hurt."
Our minister is pleased as punch when there's a
pleased as punch very pleased, happy about
large offering.
Idioms: plug away -- point-blank range

work slowly and steadily, slug If you plug away at physics, you will eventually
plug away
away understand it.
If he wants to be a dentist, he'll have to plug into the
plug into become familiar with, learn to use
sciences.
plug the product (See put in a plug for)
add the best players from other The Flyers plugged their team with star players from
plug the team
teams the league.
After several crop failures, one farmer went plumb
plumb loco completely crazy, crackers
loco.
Johnny's glass was plump full - so full he spilled
plump full very full, full to the top, chock full
some milk.
pocket of resistance (See a pocket of resistance)
cheques from employment Some guys work all summer and collect pogey all
pogey
insurance winter.
accuse, suggest that someone is If you aren't guilty, fine. But don't point a finger at
point a finger at
guilty me!
The report stated that the gorilla was shot at
point-blank range close range, only a few feet away
point-blank range.
Idioms: point is well taken -- political football

opinion is true, statement is Your point about smoking is well taken. It is
point is well taken
logical expensive.
point of no return (See the point of no return)
This is my point of view: Religion is a private
point of view opinion, what you think of it
matter.
The teacher pointed out that the word run has
point out tell, show, indicate
several meanings.
"Why did you take the files?" he asked. "Stop with
questions that accuse, on the
pointed questions the pointed questions!" I replied. "I didn't take the
carpet, the third degree
files!"
Would you poke fun at someone who can't speak
poke fun at laugh at, make fun of
Chinese?
poker face (See a poker face)
jail, prison, behind bars, in the Don't mention pokey in your resume. You don't
pokey
clink want to advertise your time in jail.
Somebody polished off the last few cookies. Who
polish off/polish it off eat all of it, drink it all
ate them?
a program or issue used by A day-care program is a political football.
political football politicians to get votes, play Politicians use it to get the votes of parents with
political games babies.
Idioms: as a matter of fact -- as luck would have it

to state a fact, in fact, to be The burrowing owl is a protected species. As a
as a matter of fact
perfectly honest matter of fact, it's an endangered species.
very much, a lot, like crazy, to the
Tracy is not only beautiful. She's as talented as all
as all get-out
max get-out.
very American, like an American Jeans and T-shirts are American, as American as
as American as apple pie
custom apple pie!
When the teacher returned, the students were as
as busy as a beaver very busy, working steadily
busy as beavers.
without any dirt or marks, smooth The hen squeezed, and out popped an egg as clean
as clean as a whistle
and clean as a whistle.
You don't remember the party because you were as
as drunk as a skunk very drunk, polluted, sloshed
drunk as a skunk!
as dumb as a sack of If your dog doesn't learn your tricks, who is as
very dumb, ignorant, dumbbell
hammers dumb as a sack of hammers?
based on my knowledge, to the As far as I know, the company will pay your travel
as far as I know
best of my... expenses.
As if we'd leave for Banff without you. We'd never
as if unlikely, unbelievable
do that!
as luck is sometimes good and By the time we arrived, as luck would have it, the
as luck would have it
sometimes bad fight was over.
Idioms: politically correct -- pop the question

Advertise for a salesperson. Use the politically
politically correct appropriate, not racist or sexist
correct term.
very drunk, loaded, plastered, Every Friday night he goes to the bar and drinks till
polluted
wasted he's polluted.
tying the hair at the back leaving a Stan pulled on Judy's pony tail as he walked past
pony tail
tail of hair her desk.
Listen, guys, poontang should be measured in
poontang [B] sex, intercourse, nookie
quality, not quantity.
"Please take with you what your dog brought: We
poop excrement, droppings
need no poop in the playground."
poor as a church mouse (See as poor as a church mouse)
poor house (See in the poorhouse)
When I'm in your part of town I'll pop in for a visit,
pop in visit without warning, drop in
okay?
Why don't you pop over and see our wedding
pop over visit for a few minutes, drop over
pictures?
ask an important question, ask In the old days, a man would buy the ring and then
pop the question
someone to marry you pop the question.
Idioms: pop up -- potlicker

The name M. Greig kept popping up in the
pop up appear, occur, be visible
company records.
When you received the award, did you pop your
pop your buttons feel very proud, be full of pride
buttons?
one who has not learned to think, When I forgot my phone number they called me
popcorn brain
an airhead popcorn brain.
pope's nose (See the pope's nose)
Are you positive it was Ming? Do you know for

positive certain, very sure, dead certain
sure it was him?
The room smelled of tobacco, like someone had
pot marijuana tobacco, reefer
been smoking pot.
a guilty person accusing another When thief accuses robber, it's the pot calling the
pot calling the kettle black
guilty person kettle black.
Izzy believes there's a pot of gold buried in every
pot of gold a fortune, a lot of money
acre he buys.
Potato sack looks good on Ken. Baggy clothes suit
potato sack loose fitting jacket or clothing
him.
George - that potlicker! I can beat him with my little
potlicker little person, small competitor
finger!
Idioms: pound of flesh -- power user

For that insult, Simon will get revenge - his pound of
pound of flesh revenge, an eye for an eye
flesh.
look for a job, walk from
Carrying several copies of his resume, Tang was
pound the pavement company to company to find a
pounding the pavement in Vancouver.
job
When Harry starts pouring it on, I know he wants
pour it on praise a lot, compliment too much
something.
When Zora visits, she pours out her soul to me. She
pour out your soul tell your private feelings, tell all
tells me all about her lover.
a word to describe a hit or a
pow Then pow! This guy hits Cody in the stomach.
punch, bam
a show of power, a grab for If a general manager demotes two managers, it's a
power play (business)
power power play.
The Russians scored twice on their five-minute
power play (hockey) five skaters against four or three
power play.
very powerful, lots of That old Chev has a 454 motor. It has power to
power to burn
horsepower, go like stink burn.
showing power, showing Last week he went on a power trip and told us to
power trip
authority work harder.
a person who uses a computer a Jay uses the computer about 12 hours a day. He's a
power user
lot power user.
Idioms: powers that be -- press charges

powers that be (See the powers that be)

do what you say people should If you want to hear truth, tell the truth. Practice what
practice what you preach
do you preach.
the testicle of a young bull or bull
Do you believe that some folks in Alberta eat prairie
prairie oyster
calf oysters?
Wade is an excellent student. His teachers praise
praise him to the skies praise him a lot, sing his praises
him to the skies.
emotional crises the week before Judy says pms causes most of her personal
pre-menstrual syndrome
menstruation, pms problems.
tell people who already know the When I complained to the class about students who
preach to the choir/preach
message, talk to the wrong were absent, Ed reminded me that I was preaching
to the converted
audience, to the choir!
prepare thoroughly, be ready for
prepare like crazy Before I go to a job interview I prepare like crazy.
an event or test
a youth who wears trendy Brad is a preppy. He wears Polo sweaters and
preppy
clothes, clean cut drives a Celica.
ability to think clearly and act When the bear charged the car, Jill had the
presence of mind
appropriately, cool under pressure presence of mind to sound the burglar alarm.
ask the police to charge someone The police asked her if she wanted to press charges
press charges
with a crime against the thief.
Idioms: press into service -- pride goeth before a

fall
The young men were injured, so the old men were
press into service required to help, forced to serve
pressed into service.
Dumont wanted to stop at Batoche, but he pressed
press on continue traveling, keep on going
on to Fort Carlton.
If a dog growls at me, I press the panic button. I
press the panic button become very scared, panic, freak
scream and run.
"How do I look in my new dress?" "Pretty as a
pretty as a picture very pretty, beautiful
picture, my dear."
pretty penny (See cost a pretty penny)
check the price of, find out the Before we buy a European car, we should price out
price out
price parts and service.
price you have to pay (See the price you have to pay)
When the doctor asked me where it hurt, I pointed
prick [B] penis, dork, hoo-haw
to my prick.
prick [B] foolish man, jerk Only a prick would feed liquor to his pet.
you lose self-respect before you I think this proverb is taken from the Bible: Pride
pride goeth before a fall
do an evil deed goeth before a fall.
Idioms: prima donna -- public property

one who expects special treatment A prima donna on our team might upset the other
prima donna
or privileges players.
Colin is not Prince Charming, but I love him and he
Prince Charming the perfect man, the ideal mate
loves me.
an employee who is on probation, When I was a proby, I tried to impress my
proby
a new employee supervisors.
promise that everything will be If you promise the moon, the kids may be very
promise the moon
perfect disappointed.
You'll miss your bus if you don't leave now.
pronto now, immediately, right away
Pronto!
(See the proof of the pudding is in
proof of the pudding...
the eating)
lose confidence, be unable to If I think about making a mistake, I get psyched
psych out
concentrate, faze me out.
prepared, excited, pumped, up for Claire was psyched for the exam. She was ready
psyched/psyched up
it for the challenge.
drink at many pubs in one day, If you go on a pub crawl today, you'll have a
pub crawl
bar hopping headache tomorrow.
what everybody knows, public If you tell Zora about the plan, it'll be public
public property
information property.
Idioms: puddlejumper -- pull punches

"Why did you buy that puddlejumper?" "Because it
puddlejumper small car, subcompact
gets good gas mileage."
Lyle is 14, but he's still a boy. He pulls a face when
pull a face wrinkle your face, make a face
he's upset.
help by talking to powerful My application was late, but a friend of mine pulled
pull a few strings
people, it's not what you know... a few strings and got me an interview.
One of our best players pulled a muscle and can't
pull a muscle injure a muscle, strain a muscle
play tonight.
We were pulling for your team. We're glad you
pull for support, cheer for
won.
not be so aggressive, stop Father's advice is to pull in your horns or you could
pull in your horns
attacking or criticizing be dismissed.
cause it to happen; succeed, win, With Jean as leader of the party, the Liberals can
pull it off
snatch victory... pull it off. They can win the election.
win just before the end; before it The score was tied, but we pulled it out with a
pull it out
is too late last-minute goal.
work as hard as possible, go You're losing this match. If you want to win, you'll
pull out all the stops
all-out, go for broke have to pull out all the stops.
talk nice, ease up, take it easy on If the service is poor, he doesn't pull punches. He
pull punches
you complains.
Idioms: pull that -- pull up your socks

do that, do something wrong, try She reached for the phone to call the police, but the
pull that
that thief said, "Don't try to pull that."
remove the goaltender and use an After our coach pulled the goalie we scored and
pull the goalie (hockey)
extra skater tied the game.
If the company doesn't give us a raise in pay, I'm
pull the pin quit, resign, leave, pack it in
pulling the pin.
stop working on a project, not
When Zoe lied to Social Services they pulled the
pull the plug support any more, leave you in the
plug on her. They stopped paying her expenses.
lurch
take away your help, remove your Some insurance companies pull the rug out from
pull the rug out
support, leave you holding the bag under you when you file a claim.
Don't let him pull the wool over your eyes. He's not
pull the wool over your eyes deceive you, trick you, fool you
at the office.
recover, get well, get over the The doctor didn't think he'd pull through, but he's
pull through
operation feeling fine.
If we pull together, we can complete this project on
pull together work together, co-operate
time.
move away, go to live in another We pull up stakes when winter comes. We move to
pull up stakes
place Arizona.
He'll have to pull up his socks in math - if he wants
pull up your socks do better, improve
to pass.
Idioms: pull your chain -- pure luck

ask you what you think, ask for If we want your opinion we'll pull your chain. We'll
pull your chain
your opinion ask you.
fool you, tell you a false story as a If he said Canada has a tropical climate, he was
pull your leg
joke pulling your leg.
do your job, do your share of the If we all pull our weight - do our share - we can
pull your weight
work achieve our goals.
"Why do you pull your wire?" "Because it feels

pull your wire [B] masturbate, jerk off [B]
good."
control your sadness, get a grip on
pull yourself together It's difficult to pull yourself together after a divorce.
yourself
excited about performing, ready John's pumped for today's game. He really wants to
pumped/pumped up
to play play.
hit you, knock you down, knock If you try to kiss my girlfriend I'll punch your lights
punch your lights out
you out out.
a name for someone or something Your old Honda? Don't sell that puppy. It's a
puppy
familiar keeper.
young love, love between children Puppy love is sweet, but it's just a step on the path
puppy love
or teenagers to mature love.
Hank won the fishing contest, but it was pure luck,
pure luck just luck, not skill or talent
not skill.
Idioms: push me (to the limit) -- put a bug in my

ear
put pressure on me, bug me too
push me (to the limit) Don't push me. One more insult and I'll punch you.
much
say the right things, do the right The players want to play for Pat. She pushes all the
push the right buttons
things right buttons.
push your luck (See don't push your luck)
The judge sentenced the pusher to ten years in
pusher a person who sells illegal drugs
prison.
nearly 50 years old, 48 or 49
pushing fifty Bart is pushing fifty, but he looks much younger.
years old
dead and buried in a graveyard, Old Tom's pushin' up daisies. He died a long time
pushing up daisies
deep six ago.
controlled by his wife, afraid his
Tim loves his wife, but he's not pussy whipped. He
pussy whipped
wife will cut him off has a mind of his own.
Merv sticks his finger in my ribs and says, "Put 'em
put 'em up raise your hands, reach for the sky
up."
let us shake hands, I want to After the argument, I apologized and said, "Put 'er
put 'er there
shake hands with you there, eh."
told me secretly, a little bird told "Who told you I need a wallet?" "Mom put a bug in
put a bug in my ear
me my ear."
Idioms: as new -- as the crow flies


For Sale: 1992 Mazda Miata, red, all options, low
as new like new, in mint condition
km, as new.
very poor, having little, the wolf is How can they refuse to help her? She's as poor as a
as poor as a church mouse
at the door church mouse.
as right as rain (See right as rain)
rare, uncommon, not many of
as scarce as hen's teeth Country doctors are as scarce as hen's teeth.
them
very sick, very ill, as sick as a
as sick as a dog Barry can't come to practice. He's sick as a dog!
parrot, in sick bay
very, very sick; on your deathbed, Samual's voice sounds weird because he's as sick
as sick as a parrot
sicker than a dog as a parrot.
He writes as slow as a dead snail, only a word or
as slow as a dead snail unbeatable in slowness
two per day!
as slow as molasses in The tortoise is very slow - as slow as molasses in
only a dead snail is slower
January January.
certain to happen, predictable, a Robert will come, sure as shit. He comes every
as sure as shit
foregone conclusion day.
the shortest distance between two The farm is about ten miles northeast of town, as the
as the crow flies
places crow flies.
Idioms: put a different slant on it -- put down

roots
change the way you see it, change
If you called the police because you thought I
put a different slant on it your view, put things in
needed help, that puts a different slant on it.
perspective
bring a curse upon me, put me I haven't won a game of cards today. Did you put a
put a hex on me
under a spell hex on me?
When we shout, he says, "Put a lid on it. Not so
put a lid on it do not be noisy, keep it down
loud, eh."
put all your eggs in... (See all your eggs in one basket)
put an end to stop or end it, cause it to stop The policeman came and put an end to the fighting.
Dennis has a good appetite. He put away ten
put away eat or drink, pig out
pancakes!
Those poor kids are put down all the time -
put down criticize, knock, put-down
criticized and yelled at.
kill, shoot, dispatch, put out of its The horse had to be put down because it was badly
put down
misery injured.
His speech was a put-down of our policies - very
put-down criticism, disapproval
negative.
live in one place for years, buy After moving from town to town, we put down
put down roots
land and raise a family roots in Moose Jaw.
Idioms: put her there -- put my finger on it

let us shake hands, I want to After the argument he apologized and said, "Put 'er
put her there
shake hands with you there."
tell him he is wrong - that he is out
Dwaine has insulted all of us. I hope Dad puts him in
put him in his place
of line his place.
tell the employer that you are aIf you apply for a job with us, I'll put in a good
put in a good word for
good applicant word for you.
You've put in a hard day, Fran. Let's have supper at
put in a hard day work hard all day, a hard day
a cafe.
When you speak on TV, please put in a plug for my
put in a plug for advertise free, promote free
book.
be there a lot, hang out, spend Raj puts in a lot of time at the piano. He practises a
put in time
time lot.
She said, "He's my favorite cowboy." That's how
put it say it, express it
she put it.
charge a purchase, charge it, run a When I buy something at the grocery store, I put it
put it on the bill
tab on the bill.
put me on (See putting me on)
put my finger on it (See can't put my finger on it)
Idioms: put my foot down -- put out about

say no, say you cannot do that, no When the kids ask if they can go to a restricted
put my foot down
way movie, I put my foot down.
risk my job or safety, stick my As a manager, I'll put my neck on the line for a
put my neck on the line
neck out good employee.
upset, unhappy, miffed, put out He was put off when Nola refused to go out with
put off
about him.
We've put off the wedding until Chad completes his
put off do it later, postpone
education.
put on a pedestal (See on a pedestal)
pretend you are better or richer or Martha would never put on airs. She is very
put on airs
smarter sincere.
use your finest dishes or clothes When we visit Mame, she likes to put on the dog -
put on the dog
etc.; show off get dressed up.
Vern's crew really puts out. They do a lot of work
put out do, function, perform
in a day.
Was he put out when you asked for more money?
put out unhappy, upset
Was he upset?
put out about bothered, annoyed, ticked off What's Jan put out about? She seems irritated.
Idioms: put out feelers -- put things in perspective

discover indirectly, ask subtle I'm not really looking for a new job, but I'm going to
put out feelers
questions, through the grapevine put out a few feelers and see what happens.
kill because it is suffering, put One of our dogs had diabetes, so we put it out of its
put out of its misery
down misery.
put stock in believe in, have faith in An atheist doesn't put much stock in the Bible.
Lan decorated the cake - she put the finishing
put the finishing touches on add the last details or trimmings
touches on it.
go faster, floor it, pedal to the If we's goin from New York to LA in two days, you
put the hammer down
metal got to put de hammer down.
cause someone to feel pressure or The cops put the heat on them by asking a lot of
put the heat on
stress questions.
The manager put the kibosh on our dental plan. He
put the kibosh on prevent, stop
said no.
say it in a diplomatic way, Don't say it's lost. Say it's been misplaced. Put the
put the right spin on it
bafflegab, doctor it, spin doctor right spin on it!
The outlaw drew his gun, saying, "Put 'em up, folks,
put them up put your hands up, stick them up
or I'll shoot."
see things as they are, see the A few days after the flood, I was able to put things
put things in perspective
actual size in perspective.
Idioms: put to bed (print media) -- put you at ease

put in a box when it is ready to The editor always checks the paper before he puts
put to bed (print media)
print it to bed.
put to death killed, shot, hanged, put down If a soldier deserted the army he was put to death.
not think or worry about it any
put to rest It's time we put to rest our quarrel over Dad's will.
more
defeated very badly, feel ashamed Our baseball team was put to shame by the Cubans:
put to shame
of losing 11-0.
Your computer skills will be put to the test in your
put to the test be tested, be challenged
new position.
If you want to put too fine a point on it, the color is
put too fine a point on be too precise, split hairs
actually russet.
pay for or be quiet, do instead of If you brag about your cooking we'll ask you to put
put up or shut up
talk up or shut up.
If I start a new business, will you put up the
put up the money pay for, finance, front me
money?
tolerate, endure, not get
put up with Alice puts up with a lot of complaining from Jackie.
frustrated
An embarrassing moment can sometimes put you at
put you at ease cause you to relax, break the ice
ease.
Idioms: put you away -- put your shoulder to the

wheel
If the score is tied, he must win two points to put
put you away defeat you, knock you out
you away.
cause you to feel upset or The violence in that movie put me in a bad mood. I
put you in a bad mood
unhappy dislike violence.
cause you to play poorly, cause Wearing a helmet will put me off my game. It will
put you off your game
you to make errors bother me.
test your endurance or will, give On the first day, the workers will put you through
put you through the mill
you a hard time, run the gauntlet the mill. They want to know if you are strong.
try to do your best work, present If you put your best foot forward, the employer will
put your best foot forward
yourself well be impressed.
say or do something that causes He really put his foot in it when he said that doctors
put your foot in it
an argument are underpaid.
say something that causes pain or If you speak the truth, you will often put your foot in
put your foot in your mouth
embarrassment your mouth.
try hard, do your best, give it your If you hope to succeed in life, you have to put your
put your heart into it
best shot heart into it.
put your money where your pay what you offered, put up or I accept your offer. Now put your money where
mouth is shut up your mouth is.
put your shoulder to the If you want a share of the profits, put your shoulder
begin to work
wheel to the wheel.
Idioms: put yourself out -- putting on the ritz

give too much, sacrifice, go to a
When I visit, don't put yourself out. Don't do
put yourself out lot of trouble (see go to any
anything special.
trouble)
earn money to pay for your You need a good summer job to put yourself
put yourself through college
college education through college.
putting me on joking, fooling me, kidding me You won a Nobel Prize? You're putting me on!
dressing fancy or classy, doing She's dining and dancing in Paris. She's putting on
putting on the ritz
things high class the ritz!
Idioms: quake in his boots -- quit while you're

ahead
feel afraid, be scared, scared When the war began, it was scary. We were
quake in his boots
spitless quaking in our boots.
question of (See a question of)
I know a quick and dirty way to calculate interest.
quick and dirty fast or easy, instant, short cut
It's easy.
quick like a bunny very quick, without delay Get into bed now - quick like a bunny!
quick to speak or shoot; get the Think before you speak. Don't be so quick on the
quick on the draw
drop on draw.
quick study (See a quick study)
quicker than you can say very quickly, before you can say The ghost was gone - quicker 'n you can say Jack
Jack Robinson Jack Robinson Robinson!
quickie (See a quickie)
leave, go away from here, blow I'm bored. Let's quit this place. Let's get out of
quit this place
this joint here.
quit before you begin to lose, If he lets you have the car, don't ask for his credit
quit while you're ahead
don't push your luck card. Quit while you're ahead.
Idioms: rabbit died -- railroad

rabbit died (See the rabbit died)
rabbit food lettuce, carrots, cabbage etc. Dad says salad is tasteless. He calls it rabbit food.
a person who makes noise and A bunch of rabble rousers were fighting at the
rabble rouser
causes problems football game.
I've racked my brain, but I can't remember where I
rack my brain think hard, try to remember
saw that man.
He racked up a lot of points with his first hand of
rack up compile, increase, build up, run up
cribbage.
What a rad video! The singer's head was sitting on a
rad radical, weird, on the fringe
table!
I need some new rags. My clothes are old and
rags clothes, threads
worn.
rags to riches (See from rags to riches)
In the summer, Pam drives a ragtop - a Fiat
ragtop convertible car, ragtop
Spyder.
railroad push a plan, force a person No, I didn't want to resign. I was railroaded into it!
Idioms: rain check -- raise your hand against

using a service later, credit for a
The store had sold all the CD's, so they gave me a
rain check
product rain check.
ruin the party, spoil the fun, piss
When Barb found out she wasn't invited to the
rain on their parade
on them [B] wedding, she said, "I hope it rains on their parade."
You need a raincoat, Dear. It's raining cats and
raining cats and dogs raining hard, raining heavily
dogs!
complain a lot, cause an argument Gunter raised a stink by accusing the chairman of
raise a stink
or a bad scene stealing funds.
raise an eyebrow (See raised eyebrows)
shout and make noise, cause a They were having a wild party upstairs - really
raise Cain
disturbance raising Cain.
make noise, disturb the peace,
raise hell [B] The neighbors are drinking and raising hell again.
raise Cain
earn or request money for a The Boy Scouts are raising money to pay for a trip
raise money
project or a charity to China.
raise the level, set a higher If we raise the bar, students will try harder but more
raise the bar
standard will fail.
If you ever raise your hand against her, I'll call the
raise your hand against hit someone, hurt someone
police.
Idioms: as useless as a fifth wheel -- at a glance


not useful, not needed, redundant, I sat there watching the four of them play bridge,
as useless as a fifth wheel
(four wheels are sufficient) and feeling as useless as a fifth wheel.
not useful, not necessary, having Our toenails are useless - as useless as tits on a
as useless as tits on a boar
no function boar.
When you called him a thief, you asked for it. You
ask for it invite or deserve an attack
made him mad.
a starting price, a price to begin The asking price for the lot was $29,500. It sold for
asking price
negotiations $28,000.
not alert, not watching, not paying If you're asleep at the switch, you won't learn much
asleep at the switch
attention in class.
Don't be an ass, Duddy. Stay in school and get your
ass fool, dipstick, jerk
diploma.
Those jeans fit you, but they're a little tight around
ass [B] buttocks, backside, butt
the ass.
After holidays, I'll get my ass into gear and paint the
ass into gear moving, working, doing
house.
falling over backwards, head over The cowboy knocked him off his feet - ass over
ass over teakettle
heels teakettle!
I could see at a glance that the car was unsafe. A
at a glance with one look, a quick look
wheel was loose.
Idioms: raise your spirits -- rap your knuckles

help you feel positive, help you
If you want to raise your spirits, just have a visit with
raise your spirits
feel happy Kari.
When Chuck and Di separated it caused some
raised eyebrows shock, surprise, disapproval
raised eyebrows.
Let's invite the raisins to our concert. They're a great
raisins old folks, seniors
audience.
receive a lot of money, earn a When he played pro basketball he was raking in the
rake in the dough
large salary or profit dough.
lecture you, scold you, ask you to I got raked over the coals for taking the car without
rake you over the coals
explain asking.
raking it in (See rake in the dough)
In the washroom, someone had ralphed all over the
ralph vomit, puke, barf, hork, throw up
floor.
ram down your throat (See shove down my throat)
yell and cry out, preach and The old man was ranting and raving about his lost
rant and rave
complain goats.
rap your knuckles (See get your knuckles rapped)
Idioms: rat on -- reach for the sky

tell the police or the authorities,
rat on Billy won't rat on me. He won't tell the teacher.
squeal
fast pace, busy schedule, What a rat race! I want to leave the city and live in
rat race
living/working in the city the country.
Who ratched the gears on my bike? I can't shift into
ratch damage, wreck, trash
low!
rats oh no, darn, nuts Rats! We have a flat tire!
annoy me, anger me, get under my That woman rattles my chain, the way she gossips
rattle my chain
skin about me!
The professor was rattling on about Canadian
rattle on continue to talk, ramble, hold forth
culture.
threaten to attack, appear to be The workers are rattling their sabres, but they won't
rattle sabres
preparing for war strike.
raw deal (See a raw deal)
spectacular show, dazzling Grandpa said the rodeo had too much razzle-dazzle.
razzle-dazzle
display, showboat It was too fancy.
The cowboy drew his gun and said, "Reach for the
reach for the sky raise your hands, put them up
sky, mister!"
Idioms: reach me -- read them and weep

You can reach me by leaving a message at my
reach me phone me, contact me
brother's place.
The minister said he was trying to reach the kids
reach me cause me to feel your message
through a film.
offer to help, let people know that Magdalena reaches out to the children in violent
reach out
you care families.
read with the leader, read The instructor asked the class to read along in their
read along
together text books.
see what is not written, read the
If we read between the lines, the memo says the
read between the lines implied message, find the hidden
company is going to be sold.
meaning
add your own meaning, see what
read into Teri reads love into every letter you write to her.
you are hoping to see
read it over read it, go over it Read it over and tell me what you think it says.
"Do you read me?" she asked. "Yes. Loud and
read me (CB radio) hear my voice, hear my message
clear," he replied.
my lips are saying what you are Edie said, "Read my lips, people. We have no more
read my lips
hearing, believe it money."
check your cards and cry about After dealing the cards, Walt said, "Read 'em and
read them and weep
your poor hand weep, boys."
Idioms: read up on -- red carpet

read up on read about, study, look up I'm going to the library to read up on Louis Riel.
You have an expressive face. Anybody can read
read you see what you're thinking or feeling
you.
real McCoy (See the real McCoy)
be the best you can, come into If you work for a good company, you can realize
realize your potential
your own your potential.
not willing to listen, not wanting to
really deaf When you talk about smoking, he's really deaf.
hear about
He reamed me out for driving too fast. He said I
ream out scold, give you hell, tie into
could have caused an accident.
(See you reap whatsoever you
reap what you sow
sow)
"Where did she pinch you?" "On my rear end - my
rear end buttocks, posterior, backside, butt
bum."
bump a car in the back, run into "Your back bumper is dented." "Ya, some guy
rearend
the rear of a car rearended me."
red carpet (See roll out the red carpet)
Idioms: red herring -- rented lips

She said, "Fluoride is a red herring. It's not
red herring a false issue, make a mountain...
important."
red-letter day (See a red-letter day)
government forms and An immigrant faces a lot of red tape - many
red tape
procedures interviews, forms.
redneck (See a redneck)
ask hurtful questions until The lawyer's hurtful questions soon reduced Karla
reduce to tears
someone cries to tears.
After smoking two reefers, he laughed at anything
reefer marijuana cigarette, pot
they said.
regular guy (See a regular guy)
reject without thinking, throw If the apples aren't from B.C. he rejects them out of
reject out of hand
away quickly hand.
know about that, have He said he was afraid to speak in public. I can
relate to that
experienced that relate to that.
lips that mispronounce, lips that Did I say ossifer? I meant officer! Excuse my
rented lips
say strange words rented lips!
Idioms: repay in kind -- ride the clutch

give the same as you get, help one
repay in kind If you help a neighbor, he may repay in kind.
who helped you
If Johnny said he would vote for Kim, you can rest
rest assured be sure, be certain, count on
assured he will.
rest his soul (God rest his may his soul rest in peace; I hope I remember when Jock Reynolds (rest his soul)
soul) his soul is peaceful saved Pete's life.
have no more arguments, have After speaking for abortion for an hour, he said, "I
rest my case
completed my work rest my case."
depend only on past success to If you win an award, you can rest on your laurels, or
rest on your laurels
help you, you're only as good... you can set new goals.
rhyme or reason (See no rhyme or reason)
try to control a group; supervise When my wife goes shopping, I have to ride herd
ride herd
children on the kids.
depend on his success, use his My dad was a great doctor, but I don't want to ride
ride his coattails
success his coattails.
continue to remind me of a duty or You can stop riding me about doing my homework.
ride me
habit It's done.
drive a car with your foot on the If you ride the clutch, we will soon have to replace
ride the clutch
clutch pedal it.
Idioms: ride the wave -- rile up

use luck or success to achieve
ride the wave Enjoy your success. Ride the wave to a better life.
more success
riding high feeling great, on cloud nine Jane is riding high after getting an A in math.
as welcome as rain, naturally We always enjoyed Uncle Mel's visits. They were
right as rain
good right as rain.
now, immediately, on the double, If you leave right away, you can get to school on
right away
pronto time.
right off the bat at the start, the very first thing Right off the bat she says, "Are you married?"
When I told him he passed the test he said, "Right
right on that's good, great, okay
on, man!"
right on the money (See on the money)
right, left and center (See left, right and center)
rigmarole (See what a rigmarole)
rile up become afraid, upset, worked up The horses get all riled up when they smell smoke.
Idioms: ring a bell -- risky business

remind you, cause you to Does the name Kurelek ring a bell? Have you heard
ring a bell
remember of him?
leader of a gang, leader of some
The ring leader, Tony Amano, helped the prisoners
ring leader
criminals escape.
Ring me when you get home from work. Tell me
ring me phone me, call me, give me a ring
about your day.
We put an ad in the paper. Now the phone's ringing
ring off the hook receive many phone calls
off the hook!
rip-off (See a rip-off)
The bull got rip-snorting mad when he missed the
rip-snorting mad very angry, violent
toreador.
Dar paid too much for the watch. He got ripped
ripped off cheated, taken
off.
wake up and be happy, get out of "Rise and shine," he called to us each morning - at 6
rise and shine
bed smiling a.m.!
be able to do what is needed at When we need a speaker, Ed rises to the occasion.
rise to the occasion
the time He speaks well.
Being a peacemaker is risky business. You could
risky business a risky plan, a gamble
get shot!
Idioms: ritzy -- rock the boat

very nice, luxurious, putting on the
ritzy Curt has a ritzy apartment in Berlin. It's a neat pad!
ritz, snazzy
a frozen horse turd used as a puck Let's play hockey. You get the sticks and I'll find a
road apple
for road hockey road apple.
road to hell is paved... (See the road to hell is paved with good intentions)
the decade following World War I In the Roaring Twenties, ladies had short hair with
Roaring Twenties
(1920-1929) kiss curls.
move money from one part of a If we use grocery money to buy gas, we rob Peter
rob Peter to pay Paul
budget to another to pay Paul.
court a person who is too young, You're seeing Lisa? She's only 17! That's robbing
rob the cradle
date a minor the cradle!
Rock (See The Rock)
shock, cause a personal change,
rock Killing Fields is a powerful movie. It will rock you.
shake him
rock bottom (See hit rock bottom)
disturb or upset things, don't make If you rock the boat, you may be asked to leave the
rock the boat
waves project.
Idioms: rocks in your head -- roll with the punches

rocks in your head (See got rocks in your head)
In life, he traveled the rocky road. He always chose
rocky road difficult path, rough going
the difficult way.
single armrest between two The woman beside me rested her arm on the
rodchester
airplane seats rodchester.
future becomes present, future By the time your birthday rolls around, I'll have no
roll around
date arrives, time passes money to buy you a present.
roll in the hay (See a roll in the hay)
Podnzilowicz is a name that doesn't roll off the
roll off the tongue natural to say, easy to pronounce
tongue.
welcome in a special way, show We roll out the red carpet when the Queen comes
roll out the red carpet
lots of hospitality to Calgary.
The coach said, "Don't expect the Jets to roll over
roll over and play dead not try, not compete hard, give up
and play dead."
eyes express boredom or When he told the joke again, the students began
roll their eyes
disapproval rolling their eyes.
be a flexible competitor, pick In politics you learn to roll with the punches and
roll with the punches
yourself up keep going.
Idioms: at a good clip -- at first light

When you passed us you were going at a pretty
at a good clip fast, at a high speed
good clip.
unable to think of a reply or When he asked why I wanted the vase, I was at a
at a loss for words
something to say loss for words.
We may call you at a moment's notice - whenever
at a moment's notice with little warning, on short notice
we need help.
at all in any way, in the least "Are you sleepy?" "No. Not at all."
The smoke keeps the mosquitoes at bay. They don't
at bay at a distance, away from you
like smoke.
dying, near death, brush with Poor Sarah! She has lung cancer and I fear she's at
at death's door
death death's door.
the value shown by the surface, At face value, this car appears to be in good
at face value
what you see ... condition.
The judge will decide who's at fault - who caused
at fault caused the problem, to blame
the crash.
when you first see it, when you
at first glance At first glance, it looked like a cat - a large cat.
notice it
just before the sun rises, at the At first light, the ducks would fly to the grainfields to
at first light
crack of dawn feed.
Idioms: rolling in it -- rough going

rolling in it rich, wealthy, filthy rich, loaded "Is Erica rich?" "My dear, Erica is rolling in it."
laughing so hard they fall out of Robin Williams made us laugh. We were rolling in
rolling in the aisles
their chairs the aisles.
Who are you rooting for - the Leafs or les
root for cheer for, pull for
Canadiens?
root of the problem (See the root of the problem)
We got roped into delivering posters because we
rope into be asked to help, talk into helping
have a car.
homemade liquor, hooch, If you drink that rot gut, you'll get sick. It tastes
rot gut
moonshine awful!
rotten to the core all bad, corrupt Hitler's regime was rotten to the core - corrupt.
Hank, you rotter! You sold me a car that won't
rotter one who cheats or lies, dirty rat
start.
For the oil-well crews, we need people who are
rough and ready strong and willing, a game one
rough and ready.
It was rough going the first year. We had financial
rough going difficult work, tough sledding
problems.
Idioms: rough up -- rub the wrong way


The leader roughed me up a bit because I lied to
rough up beat a little bit, push and slap
him.
round the clock (See around the clock)
Will you round up the kids and tell them to come
round up bring together, chase into a herd
inside?
row of beans (See a hill of beans)
royal pain (see a royal pain)
special hospitality, roll out the red We received royal treatment when we visited our
royal treatment
carpet relatives in Sweden.
Fran and I used to rub elbows when we worked at
rub elbows work beside, associate with
the fish plant.
cause it to be worse, aggravate, If you criticize a student's work in front of the class,
rub salt in the wound
add insult to injury you are rubbing salt in the wound.
Art dealers rub shoulders with people from all the
rub shoulders with work with, associate with
professions.
That waiter rubs me the wrong way. He's too
rub the wrong way bother, irritate, bug
impatient.
Idioms: rubber match -- run a tab

Each team has won a game. They play the rubber
rubber match final game, showdown
match today.
listen to a conversation on a party Grandma used to rubberneck so she could hear the
rubberneck
(co-op) phone line local news.
Axel Nelson is a rube - a farmer. He doesn't know
rube rural man, local yokel
about city life.
I can't find the ruddy light switch! Ouch! Here it is.
ruddy awful, cotton-picking, darn, friggin
Now we can see.
annoy you, bother you, get your Don't let that insult ruffle your feathers. Don't let it
ruffle your feathers
dander up upset you.
rug up dress warmly, bundle up Rug up, my dear. It's winter in Winnipeg!
The rule of thumb for a resume is Don't exceed two
rule of thumb general rule, guideline
pages.
people say that, through the Rumor has it you're moving to Tuktoyaktuk. Is that
rumor has it
grapevine true?
go through an intersection when The driver of the stolen car ran a red light and hit a
run a red light
the light is red truck.
charge your purchases, put it on You can run a tab for groceries at my store if you
run a tab
the bill pay every month.
Idioms: run a tub -- run for office

turn on the tap and fill the bathtub When you're finished your bath, will you run a tub
run a tub
with water for me?
While I was in Vancouver, I ran across an old friend
run across discover, happen to see, run into
of yours.
We ran amuck when Gus joined the band. He can't
run amuck not go smoothly, go haywire
play the tuba!
deliver something, go and get Paul, please run an errand for me. Take this bread
run an errand
something to Aunt Matty.
Billy can run circles around any boy in school. He's
run circles around you run faster than you, win easily
very fast.
run down go to, walk to Lu, please run down to the store and get an onion.
Run down the list before we go to the store. Did I
run down check, look over, run through
miss anything?
Fred doesn't run down his staff. He never says
run down criticize, put down
negative things.
His car was a run-down Buick. It belonged in the
run down tired, in poor condition, worn out
junk yard.
I do not plan to run for office this year. I'm leaving
run for office be a candidate in an election
politics.
Idioms: run for the hills -- run off at the mouth

run away to a safe place, run and
run for the hills A tiger has escaped from the zoo! Run for the hills!
hide
run for your money (See a run for your money)
Doug had a run-in with the boss yesterday. They
run-in argument, fight
had an argument.
My car slid on the ice and I ran into a mail box -
run into bump, crash into
knocked it down.
meet by chance, bump into, run Did you run into anyone you know? See any old
run into
across friends?
I didn't get the postal code. Would you run that by
run it by me again tell me again, come again
me again.
We don't have a cure for a cold. It will just have to
run its course go until it stops, take its course
run its course.
It was a run-of-the-mill novel, the story of a man
run of the mill average, common, off the shelf
who returns to the place he was born.
Please run off extra copies of her resume before the

run off make copies at a photocopier
job interview.
talk a lot, talk when you should be Why do you run off at the mouth and disturb this
run off at the mouth
quiet class?
Idioms: run out -- run the show

Dad, we've run out of coffee. Will you make some
run out use all, not have enough, run short
more?
run out of patience (See lose patience)
If you don't pay property taxes they'll run you out of
run out of town chase out of town, the bum's rush
town.
A disease can run rampant in a ghetto. It's difficult
run rampant spread quickly, go out of control
to control.
The foreman is mean. He'll try to run roughshod
run roughshod force his way, step on people
over you.
First we ran out of coffee. Then we ran short of
run short have less than you need, run out
wine.
look at what is available, check We ran the whole gamut of colors but she didn't like
run the gamut
the range of choices any of them.
run past the enemy, go through a After three job interviews, I felt like I'd run the
run the gauntlet
dangerous area gauntlet.
be at risk, be unable to control the When you invest in stocks, you run the risk of losing
run the risk
risk or danger money.
Talk to Luc if you want to change anything. He's
run the show manage the project, call the shots
running the show.
Idioms: run through -- rush hour

Let's run through the answers again. I want to know
run through practise, read, go through
them well.
I have to run up to Edmonton tomorrow. Do you
run up drive to, go to, travel to
want to come?
run up increase, add to a total, charge it Ming lets us run up a bill if we pay it once a month.
If they find drugs in your room they'll run you out of
run you out force you to leave, the bum's rush
the hotel.
Grade 8 students use up all your energy. They run
run you ragged make you feel tired, wear you out
you ragged.
runaround (See the runaround)

tap water, water from a pressure At the cabin in the woods we don't have running
running water
system water.
runt of the litter (See the runt of the litter)
rush (See what a rush)
the hour of heavy traffic, bumper During rush hour, many drivers become impatient
rush hour
to bumper and angry.
Idioms: rust out -- rye

rust out become rusty, be ruined by rust Nobody wants that car because it's all rusted out.
Can you fix my rustbucket? Can you repair the rusty
rustbucket a car that is very rusty, beater
fenders?
Canadian whisky, whisky made
rye "What's your favorite drink?" "Rye and Coke."
from rye
Idioms: sabre rattling -- salt of the earth

sabre rattling (See rattle sabres)
sack of hammers (See a sack of hammers)
If you bring your sleeping bag, you can sack out on
sack out sleep, catch some z's, crash
the floor.
protected part, the part that must If our company is going to change, everything
sacred cow
not be changed should be evaluated - no sacred cows.
sacred moose (a sacred cow in Canada)
sad sack (See a sad sack)
put a saddle on a horse, place a
saddle up Let's saddle up and ride our ponies to the river.
saddle on a horse
She doesn't want to be saddled with a bus load of
saddled with burdened with, responsible for
teen-age boys.
save a little money each month, By the time Jake died, he had salted away about
salt away
save tiny amounts $50,000.
salt of the earth (See the salt of the earth)
Idioms: Saskatchewan pheasant -- saw off a chunk

[B]
Saskatchewan pheasant magpie, black and white bird Two Saskatchewan pheasants flew out of the bush.
Sasquatch (See Bigfoot)
"I won't go to church!" he said. "Don't be sassy!"
sassy rude, impolite, cheeky, lippy
Mama said.
If you buy a new car through a broker, you can
save a bundle save a lot of money, save big time
save a bundle.
prevent embarrassment, prevent To save face, the accused member should resign.
save face
more shame It's embarrassing.
save money for a time when you Ed and Vi spend little money. They're saving for a
save for a rainy day
really need it rainy day.
save you from failure or disaster,
save your bacon If the boat sinks, a life raft may save your bacon.
save your skin
save you from risk, dismissal or The dog saved your neck. His barking helped us
save your skin/neck
death find you.
saw-off tie game, even score The game ended in a saw-off: Leafs 3, Flames 3.
I could hear the couple upstairs. They were sawing
saw off a chunk [B] have sex, have intercourse
off a chunk.
Idioms: at heart -- at peace

with feeling for you, with you in Believe me, she has your needs at heart. She cares
at heart
mind about you.
That dog is at it again - barking in the middle of the
at it again doing it again, back at it
night.
At least he could have phoned. He could have done
at least not very much, very little to ask
that.
free to speak or act, allowed to Are you at liberty to tell us who won? Can you tell
at liberty
speak us?
not agreeing, opposed to each They're at loggerheads over who owns the farm.
at loggerheads
other They don't agree.
disorganized, unable to I was at loose ends when the kids were fighting. I
at loose ends
concentrate couldn't think.
very tired and nervous, at the end After a wedding and a funeral she was at her wits'
at my wits' end
of my rope end.
You can't do two things at once. You can eat or
at once at the same time, simultaneously
talk, but not both.
Your mother said you should come in at once -
at once now, immediately
immediately.
After talking about his problem he was at peace

at peace feeling peaceful, without worry
with himself.
Idioms: saw sawdust -- scared shitless [B]

review a decision or failure too "Don't saw sawdust," said the old man. "Don't live in
saw sawdust
many times the past."
(an idiom to show how one Fritz is afraid of Olga. When she says jump, he
say jump...how high
person controls another) says how high?
say what I think, say my two
say my piece When everyone else had spoken, I said my piece.
cents' worth
say yes or no, tell us when you We're waiting for you. Just say the word and we'll
say the word
want to begin start working.
say what what did you say? pardon me? Say what? Did you insult my pet pig?
say what you are thinking, speak Now, Mother, say what's on your mind. Give us
say what's on your mind
your mind your opinion.
state your opinion, tell us what OK, Vic, say your piece. Then we can vote on this
say your piece
you think offer.
scads lots, many, oodles "Are there any cookies left?" "Yes, scads of them."
Rural doctors are scarce as hen's teeth. Doctors like
scarce as hen's teeth not many of them, few or none
the city life.
very frightened, scared, petrified, When I woke up and saw a figure standing beside
scared shitless [B]
scared spitless my bed, I was scared shitless.
Idioms: scared spitless -- score to settle

Believe me. I was scared spitless when the wolves
scared spitless very frightened, scared stiff
started to howl.
very frightened, frightened to "Are you afraid of heights?" "Yes. I'm scared stiff of
scared stiff
death, petrified anything higher than a bicycle seat."
very scared, very anxious, scared I was scared to death that your plane had crashed. I
scared to death
stiff was worried.
a person who is afraid, a coward, The girls will say scaredy cat if I don't go in the
scaredy cat
fraidy cat water.
school of hard knocks (See the school of hard knocks)
school is finished for the day or
school's out When the bell rings at 3:30, school's out! Yea!
for the year
People who scoff books from the library are

scoff steal, pinch
thieves.
What's the scoop on the murder? Do you know
scoop news report, story
who did it?
get news before they do, print the The reporter said, "We scooped them all on the
scoop them
story first Harding story."
score to settle (See a score to settle)
Idioms: scot-free -- screech

free of work or discipline, not Four members of the gang were convicted, but two
scot-free
asked to pay, get off went scot-free.
what I say is the truth; the gospel
scout's honor We didn't take your golf ball - scout's honor.
truth
scrape by have just enough to live, get by
We can scrape by if we sell the car and the TV.
help me become normal or If I win a million dollars, you'll have to scrape me off
scrape me off the ceiling
recover from shock the ceiling.
scrape the bottom of the use the last ones or the worstHe's a bad referee. We scraped the bottom of the
barrel ones, seconds barrel to find him.
If we sell these bottles, we'll have enough scratch to
scratch money, cash, bread, moola
buy cigarettes.
I saw the list of players on the team. I've been
scratch remove from the list, cancel
scratched.
His first lecture on Stravinsky only scratched the
barely begin, uncover only a few
scratch the surface surface. He told us the basic facts about the
facts
composer.
feel confused, wonder who or They're still scratching their heads about who
scratch your head
why assassinated Kennedy.
homemade liquor, hooch, We can't afford a bottle of gin, so I bought a jug of
screech
moonshine screech.
Idioms: screw -- second fiddle

cheat, shaft, get an unfair Twice I tried to strike a deal with him and twice he
screw
advantage (also see get screwed) screwed me.
When he heard the bed squeaking he knew they
screw [B] have sex with, make love
were screwing.
screw loose (See a screw loose)
I hope I don't screw up when I take my driver's

screw up perform poorly, ruin it, blow it
test.
Those screw-ups were his fault. He forgot to order
screw-up a careless mistake, a bungled job
materials.
After I defeated him, he said, "Screw you." He
screw you [B] the worst to you, up yours [B]
hates to lose.
scrut oh no, darn, nuts, rats Scrut! My bike has a flat tire!
unpleasant person, dirty rat, "Scum!" he shouted at the man who had attacked
scum/scumbag
slimebucket his daughter.
I do not have the answer, I do not
search me "Who took my Coke?" "Search me. I don't know."
know
second fiddle (See play second fiddle)
Idioms: second guess -- see hide nor hair

guess what people think or what Don't try to second guess people. Ask them what
second guess
they will do you need to know.
Skating is second nature to Paul. He's got natural
second nature natural ability or interest, talent
skating ability.
a feeling that your energy is In a 10 K race, I usually get my second wind after
second wind
returning as you run 15 minutes.
second-rate products, products For work, I buy seconds - shirts and pants with
seconds
with flaws minor flaws.
second helpings of food, more Mom, can we have seconds? This is great apple
seconds
food on your plate pudding!
see date, go out with, hang out with Derek is seeing Angie. Aren't they a nice couple?
see a man about a dog go to the bathroom or washroom Excuse me. I have to see a man about a dog.
agree, have similar views or Bob and Sue don't see eye to eye on religion. He's
see eye to eye
opinions, on the same wavelength an atheist and she's a Christian.
I hope you will see fit to approve their request for
see fit decide it is right, decide it is good
assistance.
not see a person because he has You won't see hide nor hair of him after he borrows
see hide nor hair
gone money.
Idioms: see your way -- sell out

Can you see your way to give $50 to the Food
see your way be able to, afford to
Bank?
imagine that you see things, If John said there's a ghost in the house, he must be
seeing things
hallucinate seeing things.
try to hurt a person who hurt you, If a dog bites you, there are many ways to seek
seek revenge
get back at revenge.
This jacket has seen better days. Look how the
seen better days not in good condition, worn out
sleeves are worn.
seen dead in (See wouldn't be caught dead)
act now to gain most, take He seized the opportunity to invest in gold. He
seize the opportunity
advantage of didn't wait.
one who succeeds by his own Ming built his business by himself. He's a self-made
self-made man
efforts man.
a person who will begin to work We're looking for self starters - people who can
self-starter
without a supervisor; a go-getter begin a job and work by themselves.
Hockey cards sell like hotcakes. The kids collect
sell like hotcakes sell many, sell fast
them.
Grandpa was 60 years old when he sold out and
sell out sell a business, sell all assets
moved to Victoria.
Idioms: sell out -- sentence to death

The Bible tells us that Judas sold out to the bad
sell out sell information or support
guys.
over-react, sell everything to They've discovered diamonds in B.C., but don't sell
sell the farm
invest in a new venture the farm, eh.
not mention some of your skills or If the employer asks about your awards, don't sell
sell yourself short
qualifications yourself short.
selling point best feature, nicest part The Peugeot's strongest selling point is comfort.
compliment a person, announce a I would like send a bouquet to the volunteers at the
send a bouquet
compliment Food Bank.
trip him, cause him to fall, ass over His motorcycle hit a rock and sent him flying into the
send him flying
teakettle ditch.
send him to prison, find evidence The criminal threatened to kill the policeman who
send him up
to convict him sent him up.
send-up (See a send-up)
ability to see a joke; knowing He has a broad sense of humor. He laughs at
sense of humor
what is funny himself and others.
say that a person will be killed After the jury said he was guilty, the judge
sentence to death
because he is guilty sentenced him to death.
Idioms: serious coin -- set in

Membership in the Pines Golf Club will cost you
serious coin a lot of money, big bucks
serious coin.
state your plans, say what you will If you enter the novel contest, you are serving notice
serve notice
do, spread the word that you are a serious writer.
If you don't have an organ, a piano will serve the
serve the purpose do the job, accomplish the task
purpose.
If they cheat on a test, it serves them right if they get
serve them right give them what they deserve
an F.
Hannah had to set a spell after doing the chores.
set a spell sit down for awhile, visit a spell
She rested.
After we found the problem with the car, we set
set about begin, start
about fixing it.
A child playing with a cigarette lighter set fire to the
set fire start a fire, light a fire
curtains.
He hasn't set foot in this house since his mother
set foot walk, step, come for a visit
died.
have enough money to last a
set for life He inherited a lot of money. He's set for life.
lifetime
He had a cold. Then pneumonia set in, and it nearly
set in begin, start
killed him.
Idioms: set in her ways -- set-up

having old habits, not able to After living alone for fifty years, Florence was set in
set in her ways
change easily her ways.
The Ford needs a lot of repairs. I need a new set of
set of wheels vehicle, car, truck, wheels
wheels.
Who set off the fire alarm? Who pushed the
set off start, trigger
button?
place where you can see it, put Tomorrow we go to the lake, so set out your swim
set out
where it can be used suit and towel.
Then we set out for Pluto, where it's much colder
set out for leave, embark
than the arctic.
"What did you set out to do?" "I wanted to change
set out to plan to, hope to
the world."
If you will set the table, I won't ask you to wash the
set the table set plates and cutlery on the table
dishes.
do great things, achieve fame and I don't want to set the world on fire. I just want a
set the world on fire
wealth career.
After playing cards, the brothers had a set-to. They

set-to argument, fight
argued.
Here's the set-up: You buy the tickets; I'll collect the
set-up plan, scheme
money.
Idioms: a basket case -- a bimbo

a person who is very nervous, in If Gloria has one more crisis, she'll be a basket
a basket case
bad shape case.
a scolding, a lecture, an earful, When I forgot to do my chores Dad gave me a
a bawling out
catch it bawling out.
an easy life, a pleasant place to
a bed of roses Who said that retirement is a bed of roses?
work or stay
Aunt Betsy was kind of cranky, like she had a bee
a bee in her bonnet upset, a bit angry, on edge
in her bonnet.
a busy place, a room full of The kids are making crafts. It's a beehive of activity
a beehive of activity
working people in there!
Do you have a driver's license? Have you ever
a big rig a big truck, a semi-trailer truck
driven a big rig?
an important person, a boss, a big On payday he spends money like a big shot, buying
a big shot
wheel drinks for all.
Bing has been acting like a big wheel since he got
a big wheel a person with power, a big shot
promoted.
an important person, a president Barry is a big wig in Gulf Oil - a vice president or
a big wig
etc., VIP something.
a bimbo a foolish girl, an airhead Don't call any girl a bimbo, please.
Idioms: at rest -- at the top of his voice

Tie these ropes while the boat is at rest - before it
at rest stopped, not moving
moves.
not in agreement, arguing, at Parents and teachers are at sixes and sevens over
at sixes and sevens
loggerheads sex education.
If you're involved in a crime, your career may be at
at stake what you could lose or gain
stake.
At the crack of dawn he would rise, wash and go
at the crack of dawn at the first sign of light, at first light
for a walk.
at the drop of a hat without hesitation, quickly He'll argue at the drop of a hat. He likes to argue.
at the end of my rope/ at the losing control of myself, losing

Babysitting five kids, I was at the end of my rope.
end of my tether patience (see lose patience)
while competing against, when It was at the hands of his former student that he was
at the hands of
fighting defeated.
at a very old age; being unusually He could still play checkers at the ripe old age of
at the ripe old age
old ninety-eight.
at her best, playing as well as she
at the top of her game If Val's at the top of her game she can defeat Olga.
can
Ben called for help at the top of his voice. "Help!"
at the top of his voice as loud as he can, shouting loudly
he shouted.
Idioms: set up shop -- settle down

organize a place to do business, You could set up shop and sell this pizza. It's
set up shop
buy a store delicious!
That looks like a fine camera. How much did it set
set you back pay, pay for, cost you
you back?
give you the facts, tell you how it If you want to know who's got the gold, Pat will set
set you straight
is you straight.
cause you to appear guilty, frame We know you didn't steal your friend's car. He set
set you up
you you up.
help you to stop worrying, cause Here is some news to set your mind at ease: the
set your mind at ease
you to relax kids are safe.
choose a price for an item you If you want to sell it quickly, set your price lower
set your price
want to sell than the others.
choose a goal, decide what you If you set your sights on being a doctor, I will help
set your sights
want to get you.
Some songs set my teeth on edge - really bother
set your teeth on edge irritate, irk, bug
me.
Let's wait until the baby settles down. Then we can
settle down be calm, relax, calm down
eat.
live in one place, town or city, put We moved from place to place before we settled
settle down
down roots down in Guelph.
Idioms: settle in -- shagging wagon

become comfortable in a new
settle in We'd like to get settled in before we have visitors.
house or apartment
decide what is fair, work for an

If the dispute is about property lines, a survey will
settle it
agreement settle it.
7 followed by 11 are lucky "Seven come eleven," he whispered as he threw the
seven come eleven
numbers dice.
I love these shabby old slippers. They're ragged but
shabby worn, torn, ragged, lousy, mousy
comfortable.
live together before you get "Tarzan and Jane are shacked up." "Oh, I hope
shack up [B]
married, live common-law they're happy."
Erica looks cool in her shades. She looks like a
shades sunglasses, tinted glasses
model.
That building looks familiar - shades of our old
shades of like, similar to
school.
Cal is a good salesman, but he's put together some
shady deal unfair business deal, a rip-off
shady deals.
cheat, swindle, screw (see get Tom got shafted. He only got 3% commission on his
shaft
screwed)[B] sales.
a van designed for relaxing and Tony's van has a bar and a bed. It's his shaggin'
shagging wagon
having sex wagon.
Idioms: shake a habit -- shareware

shake a habit quit a habit, kick a habit It's difficult to shake the habits you learn as a child.
shake a leg hurry, move it Shake a leg or you'll be late for work. Hurry!
(See more than you can shake a
shake a stick at
stick at)
be friends after a fight, agree the They argue for hours, but they always shake hands
shake hands
fight is over afterward.
make him nervous, cause him to Even the divorce didn't shake him. He didn't change
shake him
lose confidence at all.
shake hands to show you agree After they agree on a price, they shake on it. It's a
shake on it
on a price or a deal deal.
shaky ground (See on shaky ground)
The coach told us to shape up - to come to practice
shape up improve, reform, get it together
on time.
improve your work or go away, if "Soldiers must obey orders," the officer said. "You
shape up or ship out
you can't cut it... will learn to shape up or ship out."
computer programs that people Shareware will help us to save money. We'll share
shareware
share software.
Idioms: sharp -- sheesh

Geoff is a sharp kid. He's doing calculus at the age
sharp intelligent, quick to learn
of twelve.
Even when Anne was tired, she never gave you a
sharp sarcastic, abrupt
sharp reply.
The preacher began the service on time - at 11 a.m.
sharp at a specific time, on the dot
sharp.
quick to understand, able to think He may be 85, but he's sharp as a tack - plays
sharp as a tack
quickly chess every day.
think carefully, use your If I make a mistake, I don't want him telling me to
sharpen up
intelligence sharpen up.
Let's sharpen our pencils, gang. We have to set
sharpen your pencils be ready, be prepared
some goals.
she is great, she took risks and
"Hey John, how'd Jessie's concert go?" "She peed.
she peed succeeded, did good, done good,
She peed all over the stage. She was awesome!"
totally awesome
explain, enlighten, help you To shed a little light on the topic of idioms, we'll
shed a little light on
understand, read this book.
He hides his emotions. When his dog died, he didn't
shed a tear cry, weep
shed a tear.
this is frustrating, I am Sheesh! I did it again! Why do I say lay when I
sheesh
embarrassed, darn, nuts mean lie?
Idioms: shekel -- shit myself [B]

He earns a few shekels a day by selling bottles that
shekel dollar, coin, buck, loonie
he finds.
How much did you shell out for that calculator?
shell out pay money for, fork over
Thirty dollars?
defeat in a game, win by many The Bears were shellacked by the Pirates. The
shellack
points score was 19-2.
Brad has an attitude. He gets a little shirty with his
shirty impolite, rude, cheeky, lippy
teachers.
a person who tries to cause Cal is a shit disturber. He tries to embarrass the
shit disturber [B]
problems boss at meetings.
He goes to the bar every day and drinks until he's
shit-faced [B] very drunk, plastered, polluted
shit-faced.
shit hit the fan [B] (See the shit hit the fan)
shit hot [B] very skilled, talented I've played golf with him. He's not so shit hot.
shit list [B] (See on the shit list)
so surprised or scared that I shit in When lightning struck the tree beside me, I nearly
shit myself [B]
my pants shit myself.
Idioms: shit out of luck [B] -- shoo-in

shit out of luck [B] have no more, none left for you There are no tickets left. We're shit out of luck.
shitface [B] ugly face Tom's bulldog is a real shitface, but Tom loves him.
stupid or foolish person, dipstick,
shithead [B] What a shithead! He put water in the gas tank!
jerk
shitload (See a shitload)
When my parachute didn't open, I was shitting
shitting bricks [B] very frightened, scared to death
bricks!
He borrowed your car and took your girl? That's
shitty [B] bad behavior, awful, crappy
pretty shitty.
visit with, be friendly, rub You don't have to sell wine. Just shmooze with the
shmooze
shoulders with clients.
shoe-in (See a shoo-in)
shogun (See a shogun)
shoo-in (See a shoo-in)
Idioms: shoot -- shoot your mouth off

tell me, say it, I am listening, fire "Do you have any news?" "No. Just a rumor."
shoot
away "Shoot. I love rumors."
shoot at each other, shoot until
shoot it out The thief decided to shoot it out with the police.
one is killed
taking shots at each goal to Sweden won the gold medal by defeating Canada in
shoot-out (sports)
determine the winner a shoot-out.
Two men died in the shoot-out: one cop and one
shoot-out a gunbattle, a duel
robber.
Hank and I were drinking beer and shooting the
shoot the breeze talk, visit, chat, chew the fat
breeze.
visit, have a conversation, a chin The ladies went shopping, and the men sat around
shoot the shit [B]
wag shootin' the shit.
inject an illegal drug, get a hit, do One of the addicts was in the bathroom shooting
shoot up
drugs up.
shoot guns to celebrate and scare The cowboys used to get drunk and shoot up the
shoot up
people town.
shoot guns in the air without Do you remember the shoot-ups in the old western
shoot-up
aiming movies?
Moe won't shoot his mouth off. He won't tell
shoot your mouth off talk without thinking, blab, squeal
anybody.
Idioms: shoot your wad -- short strokes

spend all your money, use all you If you shoot your wad today, what will you spend
shoot your wad
have tomorrow?
ruin your chances, cut off your If you want the job, don't be late for the interview.
shoot yourself in the foot
nose..., your own worst enemy Don't shoot yourself in the foot.
a task that is too easy, a game
shooting fish in a barrel We won 18-2. It was like shooting fish in a barrel.
without challenge
shooting match (See the whole shooting match)
shop talk (See inside joke)
stealing products from a store He's charged with shoplifting. He stole some
shoplifting
while you shop cigarettes.
a shorter path, a quicker method, To become an actor, you learn the skills and work
short cut
quick and dirty very hard. There are no short cuts.
short end of the stick (See the short end of the stick)
short one (See a short one)
short strokes (See down to the short strokes)
Idioms: short temper -- shoulder to the wheel

quick to become angry, hot Dr. Jones has a short temper. He gets mad very
short temper
tempered quickly.
Mrs. Gore was short with me. I wonder if she's
short with me cross, abrupt, curt, cut me off
angry.
not return enough money to the I gave the clerk $10 for a book costing $6.95 and
shortchange
purchaser, a rip-off got $2.05 back. Was I shortchanged?
Shoplifting is one of the reasons for the shortfall -
shortfall loss, deficit
for the deficit.
When they returned my bike, the gears were shot -
shot worn, broken, ruined, had it
worn out.
shot in the arm (See a shot in the arm)
shot in the dark (See a shot in the dark)
The managers agreed to shoulder the blame for the

shoulder the blame accept the blame, take the rap
error? Sure.
working beside him/her, side by Poet and peasant stood shoulder to shoulder during
shoulder to shoulder
side the war.
(See put your shoulder to the
shoulder to the wheel
wheel)
Idioms: shove down my throat -- show your stuff

force me to accept it, force me to The preacher said that babies are sinners. He's not
shove down my throat
agree to that, eat that going to shove that down my throat.
If that dental plan pays only half the cost, they can
shove it put it away, forget it, stuff it
shove it.
"Did you see Eric scale the stairs with his
show off brag, boast, showboat rollerblades in front of everybody? He loves to
show off."
Ron is the show-off in our class. He's always
show-off one who displays, showboat
advertising himself.
show some of your ability, show Len shows promise as a teacher. He is patient and
show promise
that you will develop articulate.
Vi shows up every week for her lesson. She's
show up attend, go to class or work
always on time.
show you where things are, guide When we get to the ranch, follow me. I'll show you
show you around
you around.
teach you the first steps, learn the It is my duty to take you to the plant and show you
show you the ropes
ropes the ropes.
be better than you, cause you to If you play tennis with Martina, she'll show you up.
show you up
look inferior She's good!
do your best, show what you can When it's your turn to dance, show your stuff.
show your stuff
do Impress them!
Idioms: at the wheel -- axe to grind

driving a car, steering a car or Who was at the wheel when the car went off the
at the wheel
truck road?
At this point in time, ten cases of AIDS have been
at this point in time now, at this time
reported.
He shared his feelings, speaking at will about his
at will freely, without restraint
problems.
serving you, doing everything for You don't have to be at his beck and call, doing
at your beck and call
you whatever he asks.
When I repair a car, I like to have all my tools at my
at your fingertips easy to find, ready to use
fingertips.
away out (See way out)
away out of line (See way out of line)
going without a problem, smooth When they approve our business loan, we'll be
away to the races
sailing away to the races.
awesome (See totally awesome)
axe to grind (See an axe to grind)
Idioms: showboat -- shut-in

The peacock is one of nature's showboats - he's
showboat a person who displays, a show-off
magnificent!
Ali defeated Frazier in the boxing showdown of the
showdown final fight or contest, rubber match
'70s.
If I can't manage my personal life, I can always visit
shrink/head shrink psychiatrist, therapist
a shrink.
shrinking violet (See no shrinking violet)
He was hurt by the remark, but he shrugged it off
shrug it off not let it affect you or bother you
and kept working.
go to the cellar for shelter from a When my uncle saw the sky turn black in the
shuck on down to the fraidy
cyclone or tornado, hide when afternoon, he would shuck on down to the fraidy
hole
you are afraid hole.
Aw shucks, Beth Ann, you know I care a whole lot
shucks oh dear, well, heck
for you.
Without electricity, the factory will have to shut
shut down stop operating, quit
down.
Cold weather sometimes causes a shut-down of our
shut-down closure, end of operations
schools.
someone who is ill and cannot go Our priest visits the shut-ins - people who must stay
shut-in
outside at home.
Idioms: shut up -- sicker than a dog

"Shut up!" he yelled at the dog. "Be quiet or I'll
shut up do not talk, keep quiet
muzzle you!"
When I told him he was a racist, he said, "Shut your

shut your face stop talking, shut up
face."
no goals scored against a goal Our goalie has three shutouts this season - three
shutout (sports)
keeper in one game zeros!
sick as a dog (See as sick as a dog)
Papa was sick at heart after the hailstorm ruined our
sick at heart sad, sorrowful
crop.
sick building (See a sick building)
not interested any more, bored
sick of We're sick of his jokes because he repeats them.
by, tired of
wishing for a change, fed up, sick People are sick to death of the debate on gun
sick to death
of control. They've heard too much about guns.
Stop the car! I think I'm going to be sick to my
sick to my stomach vomit, puke, throw up
stomach.
He wants to go and play hockey, and he's sicker 'n
sicker than a dog very, very sick; as sick as a parrot
a dog!
Idioms: sicko -- silver spoon

weird person, pervert, psycho, "Who would pour ketchup all over my car?" "Oh,
sicko
scumbag some sicko, I guess."
standing/walking beside, shoulder The children were standing side by side on the
side by side
to shoulder stairs.
sight for sore eyes (See a sight for sore eyes)
sign your name to show you are in Be sure to sign in. We want to know that you are
sign in
the building safe inside.
say goodbye, close, stop writing "I'll sign off now, but I'll write again soon. With love,
sign off
or talking Kim."
sign your name to borrow If you want to sign out a book you will need a
sign out
something, on loan library card.
"Did you sign up for lessons?" "Yes. My name is on
sign up sign the list, enrol, enlist
the list."
silence is wonderful, silence is After a day of teaching grade two students, silence
silence is golden
peaceful is golden.
silkhead bald person, chromedome If you were a silkhead, would you wear a toupee?
(See born with a silver spoon in
silver spoon
his mouth)
Idioms: silver-tongued -- sit tight


A silver-tongued salesman sold me this car, but I
silver-tongued nice-talking, smooth talker
can't drive!
control your anger, chill out, cool Simmer down, Sassy. You are very angry. Try to
simmer down
off control yourself.
sin bin (hockey) (See the sin bin)
praise him a lot, talk in glowing His mom is always singing his praises, saying he's a
sing his praises
terms good boy.
After dinner we gathered around the piano and sang
sing up a storm sing loud, sing vigorously
up a storm.
Why does the priest single me out for extra duties?
single out choose one person from a group
Why me?
When I saw the ambulance at our house, I got a
sinking feeling feeling of failure; despair
sinking feeling.
Gary is afraid because you sit in judgement on
sit in judgement on judge someone's actions, evaluate
whatever he does.
not choose either side, try to be in
sit the fence People don't like politicians who try to sit the fence.
the middle
I'll go and buy the hotdogs. You sit tight until I get
sit tight not move, wait here
back.
Idioms: sit with you -- skidaddle

If we build a fence on your land, how would that sit
sit with you relate to you, appeal to you
with you?
sitting duck (See a sitting duck)
in a good position, in favorable Rich in oil and timber resources, Alberta was sitting
sitting pretty
circumstances pretty.
Grandfather told us that he used to pay six bits for a
six bits seventy-five cents, 3 x two bits
hotel room.
six of one, half a dozen of nearly equal, about the same, like Panasonic and Quasar are very similar - it's six of
the other twins one, half a dozen of the other.
sixes and sevens (See at sixes and sevens)
The teacher sized up the new student. He looked
size up evaluate, check over
scared.
The skaters were asked to leave the downtown
skaters skate boarders, boarders
area.
Every family has a skeleton in the closet - a dark
skeleton in the closet unpleasant secrets, old scandals
secret or two.
"Get out of here! Skidaddle!" the old man shouted
skidaddle leave, go, off with you, vamoose
at the boys.
Idioms: skids -- slam

skids drug users, skids A few skids were playing video games at the mall.
never had a tattoo, skin has not Our club has no skin virgins. Every member has at
skin virgin
been tattooed least one tattoo.
youth with a short haircut, Three skinheads shouted "Heil!" as they marched up
skinhead
member of the Nazi Party the street.
They took off their clothes and went for a skinny dip
skinny dip swimming naked, in the buff
in the lake.
gambling game, betting on who
Jake would rather bet on a skins game than watch
skins game will win a game of golf, curling,
it.
etc.
miss classes, not attend classes, Riza had low grades in history because he skipped
skip classes
play hooky classes.
a Scandinavian toast or salute,
skoal Jonas, here's to the monster fish we caught. Skoal!
cheers, drink up
In the final game we got skunked 6-0. We were
skunk not score one goal, goose egg
humiliated.
Larry, you slackass, get over here and help us load
slackass [B] lazy person, lazy bones
the truck!
The newspaper article slammed the government for
slam criticize, insult, knock, put down
being slow to help the flood victims.
Idioms: slammer -- slimebucket [B]

slammer (See in the slammer)
reduce and cut programs without To save money, the Government used
slash and burn
care or mercy slash-and-burn policies.
sleep with and make love to many Harry was sleeping around before his wife divorced
sleep around [B]
partners him.
Don't call me until after lunch tomorrow. I'm going
sleep in sleep until late in the morning
to sleep in.
sleep until you are sober, sleep "That medicine made me drowsy." "Go to bed and
sleep it off
until you feel normal sleep it off."
ordinary device with surprising The Taurus SHO was a sleeper. It looked slow, but
sleeper
skill or power it was fast!
sleepy head a child who is tired or sleepy Go to bed, sleepy head. I'll see you in the morning.
You ran a slick race, Leah. You paced yourself,

quick and smooth, cool, neat,
slick stayed in the inside lane and left just enough for the
swell
final kick. Congratulations!
slim chance (See a slim chance)
Children need protection from the slimebuckets in
slimebucket [B] crude, immoral person; scumbag
society.
Idioms: slip -- slippery slope

My grades slipped last semester. My average
slip become lower, lose ground
dropped from B to C.
After the age of 30, your physical skills may slip a
slip a notch be less skilful, not perform as well
notch or two.
While the men watched the fight, the boys slipped
slip away go away quietly, sneak out
away unnoticed.
Grandma slipped away during the night. She was
slip away die, pass away
gone by morning.
slip of the tongue (See a slip of the tongue)
I'll slip out and check the parking meter. Be right
slip out leave quietly, slip away
back.
speak carelessly, say it without I didn't mean to answer, Sir. The words just slipped
slip out
thinking out.
cause a small mistake, make a The singer didn't slip up once - not even a little
slip up
booboo mistake.
I met her at church last Sunday but her name slips
slip your mind forget, not remember
my mind.
dangerous path, a path that leads When you assume that people are bad, you are on a
slippery slope
to problems slippery slope.
Idioms: sloshed to the gills -- smack dab in the

middle
sloshed to the gills very drunk, loaded, plastered, She was sloshed to the gills and singing very badly.
slow as a dead snail (See as slow as a dead snail)
(See as slow as molasses in
slow as molasses...
January)
a day with few customers, a day We had another slow day at the theatre - only six
slow day
with little activity customers!
Please slow down for the bumps. You're driving too

slow down go slower, ease up
fast.
a person who is working slower I'm a slowpoke! I've done only one question; you've
slowpoke
than the others done six!
sluff off not do, avoid doing, procrastinate I've been sluffing off. I'm behind in my assignments.
work slowly but steadily, plug When we returned, Annie was still slugging away at
slug away
away her math.
slug of (See a slug)
directly in the middle, in the The ball landed smack dab in the middle of the
smack dab in the middle
center pizza.
Idioms: smack of -- smidge/smidgeon

Even the phrase person of color smacks of racism.
smack of is similar to, shades of
Don't use it.
unimportant things, insignificant Don't worry about a few broken dishes. They're
small potatoes
matters small potatoes.
talk about unimportant topics - the
small talk Winnie is good at making small talk with strangers.
weather etc.
a person who tries to be witty, "What do you want to drink?" "Do you have breast
smartass [B]
cocky, lippy milk?" "Don't be a smartass!"
smarten up be smarter, do not be stupid People who drink and drive should smarten up.
Jen gets good grades. She has the smarts to win a
smarts intelligence, mental ability
scholarship.
She gets smashed on gin and dances around the
smashed drunk, hammered, wasted
living room.
smashing very beautiful, very attractive Nicole looks absolutely smashing in that red dress.
sense victory, be aware of an Michael is a fierce competitor. When he smells
smell blood
opponent's weakness blood, he wins.
smidge/smidgeon (See just a smidgeon)
Idioms: babe -- back out

"Hi, babe. Want to sit with me?" "Sure, honey. I'd
babe darling, honey, girlfriend
love to."
babe in arms (See a babe in arms)
babe in the woods (See a babe in the woods)
feeling sad when you are After seven months, Karly had the baby blues. She
baby blues
pregnant was feeling sad.
a person born during the decade Baby boomers will retire in the first decade of the
baby boomer
after World War II 21st century.
having returned to a past habit or "I was so glad to hear George quit drinking." "Well,
back at it
occupation, at it again he's back at it."
yield, not challenge, not stand up Ole won't back down from you. He's ready to
back down
to fight.
do not come closer, do not touch
back off Back off, you animal! Don't touch me!
me
feeling better, recovered from an When you're back on your feet, we want you to
back on your feet
illness return to work.
decide not to do it, change your If you sign your name, you can't back out. You have
back out
mind to pay.
Idioms: smithwright it -- snap a picture

throw it in the garbage, chuck it,
If the drawing isn't perfect, we smithwright it - we
smithwright it
eighty-six it, junk it throw it out.
false impressions, deceit, trickery,
His speech about new projects is just smoke and
smoke and mirrors
bafflegab mirrors. The company is bankrupt.
smoke a lot of cigarettes, chainHe died of lung cancer. He used to smoke like a
smoke like a furnace
smoke furnace.
weapon used, evidence, caught The company told me to dismiss the employee, so I
smoking gun
red-handed was holding the smoking gun.
The counselor smoothed out our problem. We're
smooth out solve a problem or argument
friends again.
easy job, an operation that has no After we paid the bank for our loan, it was smooth
smooth sailing
problems sailing.
one who says nice words, butter Janet is such a smooth talker! She should be in
smooth talker
wouldn't melt... politics.
If you plan a project carefully, there will be fewer
snag problem, difficulty, glitch
snags.
snap (See it's a snap)
snap a picture (See take a picture)
Idioms: snap at -- snowbirds

speak in a harsh tone, answer If I talk to you while you're watching TV, you snap
snap at
sharply at me.
snapped drunk, loaded, looped Whenever he gets snapped, he wants to fight.
snatch victory from the jaws win when it appears that you will The opinion polls showed we were losing, but we
of defeat lose, mount a comeback snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
snazzy stylish, neat, way cool That's a snazzy suit, George. It looks great on you.
snootful (See a snootful)
I was just a snotty-nosed kid when I got my first
snotty-nosed kid a child, a boy with a dirty face
job.
snow job (See a snow job)
You can't snow them. They know if you're telling a
snow them fool them, tell them a false story
lie.
grow, become bigger, spread to Among students, discontent can snowball. It can
snowball
other people spread rapidly.
Canadians who go south for the It's November, and the snowbirds are leaving
snowbirds
winter Alberta for Arizona.
Idioms: snug as a bug in a rug -- so to speak

In this nice apartment, you'll be snug as a bug in a
snug as a bug in a rug warm and comfortable, cocoon
rug.
a person you dislike, a name you Who invited that so and so to the party? I don't like
so and so
forget him!
After I had read one page, she said, "So far, so
so far, so good doing fine this far, good this far
good."
I will need help to stop, I will need If that dog barks tonight, so help me, I'm going to
so help me
help if I do it get the shotgun!
so long goodbye, see you later So long, my friends. I have to leave you now.
this much will anger me, very little If that cat so much as touches the baby, I'll tie up its
so much as
will anger me tail!
so quiet you can hear a pin The teacher said, "Class, try to be so quiet you can
very quiet, very still
drop hear a pin drop."
so small you could barely very small room, narrow room, The bedroom was so small you could barely swing
swing a cat pokey a cat in it.
so small you had to back very small, tiny, as small as a I've seen small apartments, but this one was so small
out to change your mind phone booth you had back out to change your mind.
using expressions or metaphors
Ron was up the creek, so to speak. He'd promised
so to speak when speaking, to use the
to marry Suzy, but he was already married to Joan.
vernacular
Idioms: soap box -- soften up

soap box (See get off your soap box)
a sad story, a story about love lost Have you heard Keiko's sob story? She lost her
sob story
or misfortune, cry the blues boyfriend and her cat on the same day.
become sober, wait until you are Give him a few hours to sober up. He'll be okay
sober up
not drunk after he has a rest.
sock it to me tell me, give it to me, hit me, shoot "It's bad news," he said. "Sock it to me," I said.
If you quit your job at Gulf Oil, you're soft in the
soft in the head foolish, crazy
head.
a period when sales are few and The real estate market is soft now. Don't try to sell
soft market
prices are low your house.
soft pedal say it is not important, downplay The government is trying to soft pedal their failures.
soft spot (See have a soft spot for)
soft-top (See ragtop)
cause a person to be more Ken is stubborn about his right to smoke. I can't
soften up
co-operative soften him up.
Idioms: soften your stance -- sometimes life is a

bucket of shit and the handle is inside [B]
cause you to change your opinion If his friends go against him, he may soften his
soften your stance
or position stance.
software computer programs, courseware This accounting software is very easy to use.
I'm sold on this new herbal drink. It gives me
sold on believe in, convinced of
energy.
continue working; serving well; When the others quit searching, the family soldiered
soldier on
carry on on, hoping to find their lost girl.
some chick beautiful chick, great woman Gloria is some chick! Will you introduce me to her?
two of the things required for a
something borrowed, The bride borrowed a blue garter, so she has
happy wedding and successful
something blue something borrowed, something blue!
marriage
something is wrong or broken, go
something is haywire Something is haywire with my back. I can't move.
haywire
(See there's something rotten in
something is rotten...
the state of Denmark)
Something snapped when he was in the war. Now
something snapped the brain broke, the mind failed
he can't speak.
sometimes life is a bucket of The junk dealer had a poster on the wall of his
sometimes life is very unpleasant,
shit and the handle is inside shack: Sometimes life is a bucket of shit, and the
life is not all guns and roses
[B] handle's inside!
Idioms: Sophie's choice -- sow wild oats

choosing between your death and He was facing a Sophie's choice: Lose his son or
Sophie's choice
the death of your child lose his own life.
one who is your natural and I thought Carson and I were soul mates, but we
soul mate
compatible mate disagree a lot.
sleeping peacefully, dead to the When Tara went to check the baby, he was sound
sound asleep
world asleep.
radio advertisement, a few I advertise our hotel on the radio using ten-second
sound bite
seconds of radio time sound bites.
complain, get it off your chest, He was sounding off about our papers - how bad
sound off
speak out they were.
a person who listens to ideas or Cliff used Linda as a sounding board for his
sounding board
plans business plans.
feeling negative because you did If she loses, she complains about the referee. It's
sour grapes
not win just sour grapes.
one who is feeling sad, an
sour puss Don't be such a sour puss. Let's have fun.
unhappy person
Our baseball team needs another pitcher -
southpaw left-handed person, lefty
preferably a southpaw.
As a youth he lived a reckless life. He sowed a few
sow wild oats live a wild life as a young person
wild oats.
Idioms: spaced out -- spell disaster

After falling, Jeff was spaced out. He looked dazed
spaced out feeling strange or unreal, stoned
and limp.
first stage of the work,
Paul did the spade work for our food bank. He
spade work preparation for later work, pave
asked each of the merchants for a donation.
the way
please do not tell me, do not bore Spare me the gross details of your love affairs. I'm
spare me
me with not interested.
praise, say that a person is great
speak highly of Angela's former teachers speak very highly of her.
or excellent
say what you think, speak your Did you speak out at the meeting? Did you tell them
speak out
mind what is wrong?
speak up speak louder, crank it up Please speak up so everyone can hear you.
Your smile speaks volumes about your career. You

speak volumes tells a lot, reveals much
like it.
say what you think or feel, speak We want you to speak your mind on this issue.
speak your mind
out State your opinion.
Don't speed up when you come to an intersection.
speed up go faster, accelerate, step on it
Slow down!
cause an accident, lead to a An error in the design of a car could spell disaster
spell disaster
tragedy for the driver.
Idioms: spell out -- spike the ball

explain carefully, explain each If I don't understand a question, I ask him to spell it
spell out
word or step out for me.
do your job for you, allow you to When you get tired of shoveling, I'll spell you off for
spell you off
rest awhile.
do during your holidays, go for "How'd you spend your holidays?" "We drove to
spend holidays
your holidays Texas and Tijuana."
I spend a lot of time at her place. I'm there every
spend time wait, hang out, put in time
day.
extra money, money for fun, pin Wayne earns spending money by washing the
spending money
money neighbors' cars.
spice of life (See the spice of life)
spice up add spices or flavor, jazz up The chili tastes good, but let's spice it up a bit.
Grandpa, your car looks real spiffy. Did you polish
spiffy clean and tidy, groomed, tiddly
it?
put alcohol in a drink of juice or Somebody must have spiked my drink. I feel quite
spike a drink
pop or coffee dizzy.
Gary's ability to spike the ball gives our team an
spike the ball hit the ball sharply over the net
advantage.
Idioms: spill the beans -- spirit away

tell a secret, tell others about it, Don't tell Sammy about our plan. He'll spill the
spill the beans
spill your guts beans.
tell everything you know, spill the Don't spill your guts to mom. Don't tell her about
spill your guts
beans our problems.
We love to hear Norman spin a yarn. His stories
spin a yarn tell a story, make up a story
seem so real.
speech-writing crew, hired The spin crew will tell me if I should say racial or
spin crew
writers ethnic.
a speech writer, an advisor to a The spin doctor told us to say disability, not
spin doctor
politician, put the right spin on it handicap.
a game to decide who will kiss When we played spin the bottle, Mavis always got
spin the bottle
whom to kiss Ron.
If you don't have a career goal you'll just spin your
spin your wheels waste effort, not progress
wheels.
a little crazy, eccentric, drive me Their family is kind of weird. Even the cat is a little
spinny
batty spinny.
spinork/spinorky attractive, cool, groovy, neat What a spinork sweater! It looks great on you.
take away mysteriously, steal Somebody or something spirits away my fingernail
spirit away
secretly, into thin air clippers. I wonder where they are.
Idioms: spitting mad -- spoil for a fight

Mom was spitting mad when you ran across her
spitting mad very angry, pissed off [B]
flower garden.
very angry, very mad, hot, pissed Art was spitting nails when my dog scratched the
spitting nails
[B] paint on his car.
reaction from the public, fall-out, "Is there any splashback on the new income tax
splashback
feedback policy?" "Yes. It's all positive."
split depart, go, leave I gotta split. Class starts in two minutes.
I nearly split a gut watching a John Candy video -
split a gut laugh very hard, crack me up
hilarious!
be very fussy, notice small Clyde likes to work on research that requires him to
split hairs
differences split hairs.
small difference in time, a fraction Many Olympic athletes win their events by a split
split second
of a second second.
divide the difference between the Your price is $100. I'm offering $80. Let's split the
split the difference
prices difference: $90.
Charles and Di split up in the 90s. They've been
split up separate, part company
separated for years.
try to begin a fight, chip on his Bud was spoiling for a fight with me. He said,
spoil for a fight
shoulder, cruising for a bruising "You're too chicken to fight, ain't you?"
Idioms: back teeth are floating -- backup

Please watch for a rest room. My back teeth are

back teeth are floating have to urinate, need to pee
floating.
back to the first step, start from If you forget to do one of the steps, it's back to
back to square one
scratch square one.
back to the beginning, back to If this plan fails, it's back to the drawing board. We
back to the drawing board
square one start again.
return to the job, go back to After New Year's, it's back to the grind - the old
back to the grind
work routine.
back up go backwards, drive in reverse I'll back up the truck so we can load it.
support your decision, sign your
back you His brother will back him if he needs financing.
application
put yourself in a bad position,
If you buy what you can't afford you back yourself
back yourself into a corner
have no escape into a corner.
First, GM backpacked Saab. Then they bought the
backpack (business) support, be the parent company
company.
When I was learning to skate, I fell a lot. My
backside buttocks, bum, buns
backside was sore!
saving information on a computer Don't forget to make a backup disk of all your
backup
disk computer files.
Idioms: spoiled brat -- spruced up

a child who always gets what he Sure he's a spoiled brat. His mom gave him
spoiled brat
wants whatever he wanted.
one who will not play, You spoilsport! Why won't you play strip poker
spoilsport
party-pooper with us?
spot of tea (See a spot of tea)
correct, bang on, dead on, right Your answer is spot on! There are 1000 meters in a
spot on
on kilometer.
check anytime, inspect whenever The prison guard did spotchecks on the men during
spotcheck
you wish the night.
spread like wildfire spread quickly, go public News of the assassination spread like wildfire.
lie down with your arms and legs When you spread out on the sofa, there's no room
spread out
apart for me.
The teacher asked us to spread the word about the
spread the word tell everybody, get the word out
school concert.
"Who will spring for the pizza?" "Jack will. He just
spring for pay for, pay the shot
got paid."
spruced up (See all spruced up)
Idioms: spur on -- square up

Her refusal of his gifts seemed to spur him on. It
spur on encourage, motivate
challenged him.
What a square! He thinks Rolex is some kind of
square not sophisticated, not cool, rube
cereal!
square (See call it square)
fair to the purchaser, value for
You get a square deal when you buy a tractor at
square deal
money spent Al's Machinery.
full meal: meat, bread, vegetables
We need at least one square meal each day. Do you
square meal
and milk agree?
face each other ready to fight,If Joe and Bud square off, it will be an interesting
square off
have a fight fight.
If you answer incorrectly, you have to start at
square one the beginning, back to square one
square one.
square shooter fair dealer, honest person Sidney is a square shooter. He won't cheat you.
Cal told me you owe him $50. He's wants you to
square up pay a debt, pay your share
square up.
leave prostitution or life on the I've heard there's a group that helps prostitutes
square up
street square up.
Idioms: squat -- stand behind

a place to stay, a shelter for street "Where's your squat?" "Across the tracks in a
squat
people, a shack deserted service station."
I've checked Todd's record. He's clean - squeaky
squeaky clean very clean, innocent
clean.
Robbie won't squeal on us. He'll never tell what we
squeal tell the police, rat on
did.
one who tells the police or Jason, you squealer! You told the teacher I copied
squealer
authorities, canary your work.
save, hide, put in a safe place, salt You can have your own pension if you squirrel
squirrel away
away away a few dollars each month.
compare with, pale by The Lincoln is a nice car, but how does it stack up
stack up
comparison against the Lexus?
having large breasts, having big "Please describe the woman." "She was tall, blond
stacked
boobs, sweater girl and, well, you might say she was stacked."
party for a man who will soon be Let's have a stag for Greg. It's his last party as a
stag
married single man.
turn away, shun, give you the cold I don't want to stand away, but you have hurt me
stand away
shoulder deeply.
Our company stands behind its products. We offer

stand behind repair or replace, guarantee
a guarantee.
Idioms: stand by me -- stand up

be my friend, be loyal to me, be I know you like me, but will you stand by me if I get
stand by me
there for me in trouble?
The square root of 4761 is 69, not 68. I stand
stand corrected admit a mistake or error, own up
corrected.
believe in and represent, be the Vicki stands for social justice. She supports public
stand for
symbol for health care.
permit, tolerate, put up with, stand My parents won't allow us to smoke. They won't
stand for
it stand for it.
I can't coach the soccer team today. Will you stand
stand in replace, substitute, take my place
in for me?
There's a very strong gas odor in here. How can
stand it endure it, bear it, put up with it
you stand it?
expect everyone to know manners Leave your cap on if you like. We don't stand on
stand on ceremony
and customs ceremony.
appear different, not be the same Dick's voice stands out because it is lower than the
stand out
as the others others.
If my son fails to make a loan payment, I stand to
stand to lose may lose, could lose
lose $4000.
not meet you as planned, not Jerry said he would take Rita to the movies, but he
stand up
attend an appointment stood her up.
Idioms: stand up and be counted -- start over

say you support and will vote for If you really believe in gay rights, you will stand up
stand up and be counted
it, stand up for and be counted.
I'm not afraid to stand up for our rights. I'll ask to
stand up for support, protect, speak out for
see a lawyer.
Please stand up to the bully. Tell him to stop hitting
stand up to challenge, not back down
us.
Brett appears to be standoffish, but he's really quite
standoffish not friendly, not sociable
friendly.
wearing nothing at all, naked as a
The people on the beach were stark naked. They
stark naked jay bird, without a stitch of clothes
were members of a nudist colony.
on
completely crazy, out of your Ophelia went stark raving mad after Hamlet
stark raving mad
mind rejected her.
Somebody started a fire under Kent. He's skating
start a fire under him motivate him, get him started
hard tonight.
start from the beginning, go back After the flood, we all had to start from scratch - to
start from scratch
to square one rebuild our lives.
Fill the tank with gas and check the oil before you
start out start, begin, leave on a journey
start out.
If I make a mistake, I start over. I go right back to
start over begin again, go to square one
the beginning.
Idioms: start up -- stay put

start, begin, organize, begin a Before you start up a business you should write a
start up
business business plan.
start well, start fast, off to a good The party will start with a bang if Elton arrives by
start with a bang
start hot-air balloon.
mood, mental attitude, frame of My state of mind improves when I read a book by
state of mind
mind Northrop Frye.
Many state-of-the-art devices use the LASER
state of the art most advanced, cutting edge
beam.
state secret (See it's not a state secret)
be aware of developments, stay
Can you stay abreast of changes in computer
stay abreast
current, keep pace technology?
win enough to continue, continue
To stay alive, the Leafs must win the next two
stay alive
in a series games.
I can't stay awake any longer. I can't keep my eyes
stay awake not sleep, be alert
open.
Stay in line, young man. We expect you to obey
stay in line obey the rules, behave well
orders.
He took his dog out of the store and said, "Sit! Stay
stay put stay where you are, do not move
put!"
Idioms: stay up -- step on it

We stay up until the kids come home - if it isn't too
stay up not go to sleep, wait up for
late.
be the favorite performer, receive

The little Peterson girl stole the show with her fine
steal the show
the most applause tap dancing.
cause you to like or love, win the
The kittens will steal your heart. They're so cute and
steal your heart
hearts playful.
tell your news, reveal your mainIf I mention the new product, will I steal your
steal your thunder
message thunder?
Poor Emil would get all steamed up when his car
steam up upset, excited, worried
wouldn't start.
portraying lots of sex, full of love Love In The Park is a steamy movie. There's lots
steamy
scenes of action.
I advise you to steer clear of the bridge. There's
steer clear avoid, not go there
been a flood.
resign, quit so someone else can If Jon will step aside, Harvey can become
step aside
do the job president.
It was time for Pierre to step down - time for him to
step down resign, leave a position, bow out
resign.
go faster, step on the gas, pedal to Father said, "Step on it, son. We don't want to be
step on it
the metal late."
Idioms: step on people -- stick out like a sore

thumb
hurt people to get ahead, use I want wealth, but I don't want to step on people to
step on people
people to succeed get it.
When I mentioned their debt, did I step on their
step on their toes offend them, upset them
toes?
If John steps out of line again, I'll remind him of the
step out of line do something bad, misbehave
rules.
do your best, take action, take Pedro said, =93It's time for me to act. It's time to
step up to the plate
your turn step up to the plate.=94
That decision really sticks in my craw. How could
stick in my craw irritate me, get to me
he sell Gretzky?
one who does not go out, Farley, that stick-in-the-mud! He never goes to a
stick-in-the-mud
party-pooper party.
Can you stick it out until six? Can you work until
stick it out stay until you finish, hang in there
then?
You can take your useless truck and stick it up your
stick it up your ass [B] put it away, forget it, shove it
ass!
risk my safety to help, put my Why should I stick my neck out when you disobey
stick my neck out
neck on the line your father?
The ugly painting stuck out like a sore thumb in the
stick out like a sore thumb not fit or blend, look out of place
art gallery.
Idioms: stick them up -- stitch in time

put your hands above your head, The man took out a gun and said to the clerk, "Stick
stick them up
hands up 'em up!"
If you stick to it - practice every day - you will be a
stick to it stay at a tough job, hang in there
fine pianist.
If you testify in court, stick to your guns. Tell the
stick to your guns not change your belief, be firm
same story.
stick up for support, encourage Will you stick up for me if I get in an argument?
The cab driver told a policeman that a lady had
stiff not pay for, leave without paying
stiffed him.
stiff person, man You lucky stiff! You won a TV!
stiff upper lip (See keep a stiff upper lip)
When we moved to Boston, you were still wet
still wet behind the ears still quite young, the tender age of
behind the ears.
In Chicago, we stunk the joint out, losing 7-1 to the
stink the joint out play very poorly, perform badly
Hawks.
stitch in time (See a stitch in time)
Idioms: stitch of clothes on -- stop you cold

(See without a stitch of clothes on
stitch of clothes on
)
Our stock in trade is tires. We sell more tires than
stock in trade main product, bread and butter
oil or gas.
very dead, no sign of life, dead as When we finally found the goose, it was stone
stone dead
a doornail dead.
stone unturned (See leave no stone unturned)
stone's throw (See a stone's throw)
drugged, natural high on drugs, If he's stoned, he shouldn't drive. Let's hide his
stoned
spaced out, wasted keys.
The president stonewalled every one of our plans.
stonewall block, prevent, not allow
He said no.
do anything to succeed, not stop The Indians will stop at nothing. They will get a
stop at nothing
until you win reservation.
stop very quickly, stop exactly
stop on a dime With disk brakes, this car can stop on a dime. See?
where you wish
One look from the old witch will stop you cold.
stop you cold stop you quickly, grind to a halt
What a fierce gaze!
Idioms: bad apple -- bag lady

He's the bad apple in that group. He's always in
bad apple bad one, rotten one
trouble.
bad feelings, a negative John and Fred are bitter enemies. There's bad
bad blood
relationship blood between them.
unpleasant smell from the mouth,
bad breath I've been eating garlic, so I may have bad breath.
jungle mouth
a man who beats a prostitute, the Viki had another bad date. A guy beat her and took
bad date
john her clothes.
troublemaker, someone who
bad news Don't hire him. Everybody says he's bad news.
causes problems
bad taste in my mouth (See a bad taste in my mouth)
criticize, say bad things about, put Don't badmouth employers. Don't criticize your
badmouth
down references.
confusing statements, jargon, There was a lot of bafflegab in the speech, a lot of
bafflegab
political language nonsense.
everything you own, all of one's The next day, he moved into her apartment - bag
bag and baggage
possessions and baggage.
a lady who looks for food and Behind the restaurant, a bag lady was digging in the
bag lady
bottles in the streets garbage cans.
Idioms: stop you in your tracks -- straight man

cause you to stop, prevent you You know what will stop you dead in your tracks?
stop you in your tracks
from going further A bear, that's what.
straight (See go straight, square up)
straight away (See right away)
When I go shopping I pay straight cash. I don't use
straight cash all cash, using only cash
my credit cards.
straight dope (See the straight dope)
straight face (See keep a straight face)
straight from the horse's directly from the person who said I want to hear the story from Tomas, straight from
mouth it or did it the horse's mouth.
Richler spoke straight from the shoulder when

directly, plainly, call a spade...,
straight from the shoulder addressing his own people - the way Jesus did with
doesn't mince words
the money-changers.
straight goods (See the straight goods)
When I began in comedy, my straight man was
the man who is not joking, the
straight man Jason. He would ask honest questions and I would
man who is honest or natural
give funny answers.
Idioms: straight talk -- stretch the envelope

the truth, the facts, thethe straight My son and I believe in straight talk. We
straight talk
goods communicate.
without stopping, not reduced, full I do ten minutes of exercise; then I run 5 km straight
straight up
strength up.
straight up truthfully, the way it is Give it to me straight up - exactly what she said.
tell you the facts or the truth, set
straighten you out Talk to the teacher. She'll straighten you out.
you straight
having very little money, nearly flat I can't afford to go to a concert this month. I'm
strapped
broke strapped.
straw that broke the camel's
(See the last straw)
back
knowing how to survive, worldly You need street smarts to be a police officer in
street smarts
wise Toronto.
Let's ask Sal to go downtown with us. He's street
street wise wise about street life, been around
wise.
spend carefully, buy the most for We have a large family. I stretch the dollar as far as
stretch the dollar
each dollar I can.
extend the boundaries, expand I've set some goals that stretch my envelope -
stretch the envelope
your horizons challenge me.
Idioms: stretch the truth -- strike up a

conversation
add to a true story, include lies Al was stretching the truth. He said the waves were
stretch the truth
with the truth 60 feet high.
saying it was bigger or better than To say the mosquitoes are as big as starlings is
stretching it
it was stretching it.
very serious, not joking, no When he conducts the band, he's strictly business.
strictly business
nonsense He's serious.
strictly for the birds (See for the birds)
After discussing the price of the carpet, we struck a
strike a bargain find a satisfactory deal or price
bargain: $15.
earn or win a lot of money, find a People came to the Yukon hoping to find gold - to
strike it rich
gold mine strike it rich.
causes me to pause, impresses What strikes me is the color of the leaves. They're
strike me
me crimson.
This time he'll hit the ball. Last time at bat he struck
strike out (baseball) fail to hit the ball while at bat
out.
leave home and support yourself, I was eighteen when I struck out on my own and
strike out on your own
be independent found a job.
begin a conversation with a Uncle Ho is sociable. He strikes up a conversation
strike up a conversation
stranger with anyone.
Idioms: strike up the band -- stroke of genius

begin conducting the band, give Maestro, strike up the band. We want to hear some
strike up the band
the downbeat music.
do it before it is too late, now is
In business, timing is important. You strike while the
strike while the iron is hot
the time to act iron is hot.
interest you, appeal to you, turn Do you see anything on the menu that strikes your
strike your fancy
your crank fancy? Lobster?
He was stringing you a line. A dog wasn't driving the
string a line create a story, make up a story
car.
pretend that you believe, go along When Franz talks about shark fishing, I just string
string along
with along.
You string bean, Kenny! You're too skinny to hit
string bean thin person, bean pole
the ball!
a series of lucky events, lucky He isn't the best pitcher. He's just having a string of
string of good luck
streak good luck this season.
a row of stores with a small
strip mall Does the Langdale strip mall have a video store?
parking lot in front
stripped (See bare bones)
a very intelligent idea, a unique Using laser light for surgery - now that's a stroke of
stroke of genius
solution genius.
Idioms: stroke of good luck -- suck


a fortunate event, a lucky break,Then, by some stroke of good luck, a car horn
stroke of good luck
the fickle finger of fate scared the lion and it ran away.
cause you to feel confident or Compliments are wonderful because they stroke
stroke your ego
proud your ego.
ill or weak because of drug When she's strung out on cocaine she won't talk to
strung out
abuse, hungover her family.
My uncle is a stubblejumper. He owns a farm near
stubblejumper grain farmer, Saskatchewan folk
Kuroki.
Jack is stuck on Vicki, but she doesn't care about
stuck on focused on, obsessed with
him.
stuff it put it away, forget it, shove it [B] I don't want her money. She can stuff it!
A strip of land is in the way of peace. It is the
stumbling block obstacle, problem
stumbling block.
ask me a question I cannot The question on the names of the Great Lakes
stump me
answer, puzzle me stumped me.
such a card quite a joker, such a clown Greg tells the funniest stories. He is such a card!
Chad, that suck! He tells his mother everything we
suck an immature person, wimp
say.
Idioms: suck eggs -- suffer a setback

go, leave, have a bad experience, When I told him not to swear, he said, "Go suck
suck eggs
up yours [B] eggs, man."
suck it up pull in your stomach, get ready Suck it up, Kerry. I'm going to take your picture.
suck off [B] (See give head)
receive less than others, not get as
Who is sucking the hind tit of government services?
suck the hind tit [B] good service, the short end of the
Some people say it's the seniors.
stick
be nice for personal gain, brown
Why is Ken sucking up to me? Does he expect a
suck up to
nose [B] raise in pay?
T think Zen carries a suckbucket to impress the
suckbucket student's briefcase, valise
teachers.
deceived, cheated, led to believe, "You believed his story about working late at the
sucked in
taken in office?" "Ya, I got sucked in."
a person who is gullible; easy to "Who will buy that painting?" "Oh, a sucker will
sucker
persuade come along."
is poor quality, does not satisfy
sucks This radio sucks! I can't get my favorite station!
me
lose a game, fail a test, become Italy's soccer team suffered a setback losing to
suffer a setback
injured or ill Ireland.
Idioms: suicide pass -- sure bet

suicide pass (See a suicide pass)
you choose, choose what you
suit yourself "I prefer tea." "Suit yourself."
like
Red and black suit you. You look great in those
suits you looks good on you, becomes you
colors.
Father was in his Sunday best - in his three-piece,
Sunday best best clothes, glad rags
navy suit.
senior years, over 65, golden Will you still love me when I'm old - in my sunset
sunset years
years years?
very large, exciting or powerful, After class, Julie went to the cafe and ordered a
super-duper
totally awesome super-duper sundae with a cherry on top.
The photograph of the baby is super mint! It's
super mint excellent, the best quality
excellent!
We supercharged the engine in a Datsun 510,
supercharge boost the power, hop up, tweak
doubling its power.
very talented athlete or performer, Hockey's superstars include Richard, Howe, and
superstar
the best player Gretzky.
sure bet (See a sure bet)
Idioms: sure thing -- sweat it out

sure thing (See a sure thing)
survey the Internet or global Olga is surfing the Net again - looking for a boy in
surf the Net
computer network the US.
He said the company is bankrupt, but don't swallow
swallow that believe that, buy that, eat that
that!
do not let your pride stop you, Swallow your pride. Accept the offer to return to
swallow your pride
control your pride your old job.
believe in a product and say that it Joel swears by Chrysler cars. He's driven a Dodge
swear by
is good for years.
use vulgar language, use Grace won't take her boyfriend to church because
swear like a sailor
four-letter words, the air was blue he swears like a sailor.
Zack has sworn off beer until Christmas. He's quit
swear off quit using, abstain from
completely.
worry, be very concerned or I was sweating bullets when I heard your plane went
sweat bullets
afraid or nervous down.
sweat it (See don't sweat it)
wait and worry, on pins and While the jury discussed a verdict, the prisoner was
sweat it out
needles sweating it out.
Idioms: sweater girl -- swift

girl with big breasts who wears a Jody was the sweater girl in our class. She was
sweater girl
tight sweater sexy.
Don't sweep your problems under the carpet. Try to
sweep under the carpet hide problems, cover mistakes
solve them.
impress you, cause you to love Andre is very charming. He will sweep you off your
sweep you off your feet
them quickly feet.
You act kind of funny when Barb is here. Are you
sweet on like, love, got a crush on, stuck on
sweet on her?
sweet spot (See the sweet spot)
a need to eat candy, a craving for A piece of dark chocolate will satisfy my sweet
sweet tooth
sweets tooth. Yum!
add more good things, make it If we sweeten the pot with a trip to Paris, we'll sell
sweeten the pot
worth more more tickets.
great, wonderful, (often used "How was your vacation?" "Oh swell. It rained
swell
sarcastically) every day."
feeling too proud, let it go to your If I win the talent contest, I promise not to get a
swelled head
head swelled head.
I'm not very swift when I try to do calculus. I usually
swift intelligent, smart, bright
fail.
Idioms: tail between his legs -- take a chance

running away in defeat or fear, When the bear followed me, I ran with my tail
tail between his legs
retreating quickly between my legs!
gone, departed, could not see me When I heard the police siren, I was tail lights. I was
tail lights
for dust gone.
tail wagging the dog (See the tail wagging the dog)
drive too close to the car in front, The instructor told me not to tailgate - to leave more
tailgate
on his tail space.
say you are not as good, play You are good at chess. Don't take a back seat to
take a back seat
second fiddle anyone!
Take a boo with my telescope. See the dust on the
take a boo look at, take a look
moon?
bow to the audience, show you The crowd is clapping because you played well.
take a bow
like applause Take a bow.
rest for a few minutes or days or You've been working hard. Do you want to take a
take a break
weeks break?
accept blame or injury to protect Pat said she was responsible for our mistake - she
take a bullet
someone took a bullet.
I'm going to take a chance and buy gold. It's a
take a chance gamble, try your luck
gamble, but... .
Idioms: bag of tricks -- ball-park figure

skills, methods, plans; devices to You need a large bag of tricks to teach the Grade 8
bag of tricks
entertain class.
sit or lie in the sunshine, have a While you're swimming, I'm going to bag some
bag some rays
sun bath rays.
bagel (See get bageled)
bah nonsense, it is not true Bah! There is no tooth fairy!
help me solve a problem, pay to If they arrest me, will you bail me out - pay the bail
bail me out
get me out of jail money?
Tom bailed out when Lan became Project
bail out quit, leave a project, resign
Manager.
balance of power (See the balance of power)
"Please switch off the talk show. It's just
balderdash verbose nonsense
balderdash."
"Hey, Ted. Did you ball her?" "No. All you think
ball her [B] have sex with her, lay her
about is sex!"
ball-park figure (See a ball-park figure)
Idioms: take a dive -- take a load off your feet

The boxer was paid to take a dive. He allowed his
take a dive plan to lose, throw a game
opponent to win.
They take a drive in the country every Sunday
take a drive/trip travel, go for a drive, go on a trip
afternoon.
shit, drop a log [B], take a shit I looked out the window and saw a dog taking a
take a dump [B]
[B] dump on my lawn.
take a flight go, leave, take off If you don't like the way I live, you can take a flight.
look at, feast your eyes, take a

take a gander Take a gander at that valley! Just look at it!
boo
guess, try to answer, hazard a
take a guess "How old are you?" "Take a guess."
guess
When her old boyfriend moved in with us, I told
take a hike go, leave, get lost
them to take a hike.
not be mad if the joke is about Let's tell the story about Steve getting lost. He can
take a joke
you, a good sport take a joke.
urinate, take a pee [B], take a We asked the bus driver to stop so we could take a
take a leak [B]
whiz leak.
Jim pointed to a chair and said, "Take a load off
take a load off your feet sit down, grab a chair, have a seat
your feet."
Idioms: take a look -- take a shine to

take a look look at, see that, take a boo Take a look at that pumpkin! It's monstrous!
urinate, take a leak [B], take a"Where can I take a pee?" she whispered to her
take a pee [B]
whiz friend.
In Regina, he took a picture of the statue of Louis
take a picture photograph, take a picture
Riel.
urinate, take a leak [B], take a A drunk was taking a piss in the alley behind the
take a piss [B]
pee [B] hotel.
take a poke at punch, hit with your fist First he pushed Tom, then he took a poke at me.
say something negative in a The speaker took a poke at women who want
take a poke at
humorous way everything men have.
record opinions, find out how Take a poll before the election so you can predict
take a poll
people will vote the winner.
pretend to lose, take a dive, throw When I wrestle with my sons, I sometimes take a
take a powder
a game powder just to give them confidence.
Johnny is a tough guy. He took a round out of Pete,
take a round out of defeat in a fight, win a fight
you know.
At four, Raj took a shine to the piano. Now he's a
take a shine to like, show interest in
great pianist.
Idioms: take a shit [B] -- take advantage of

have a bowel movement, take a She wrote a book that explains how to take a shit in
take a shit [B]
dump [B] the woods.
criticize or insult, put down, take a When he spoke about abortion, he took a shot at
take a shot
poke at the government for not changing the laws.
shoot a gun at, aim and shoot a Uncle was looking for a target, so he took a shot at
take a shot
rifle a tin can.
take a snap shot (See take a picture)
say what you believe, state yourThe teacher doesn't want to take a stand on the
take a stand
position, take sides Young Offender Act until we've written our essays.
The foreman took a strip off me for driving too fast.
take a strip off scold, lecture, give you hell
He was mad.
urinate, take a leak [B], take a I have to take a whiz before we get on the plane. I'll
take a whiz
pee [B] be right back.
act in a deliberate way, act with a Before I take action, I'll ask Bing if he was aware of
take action
purpose the rules.
act at the best time, seize the I took advantage of the low price of gasoline. I
take advantage of
opportunity bought 500 litres.
hurt or abuse someone who trusts I feel very angry toward people who take advantage
take advantage of
you of children.
Idioms: take after -- take cover

have similar traits, have the same Kyle is calm; he takes after me. Kris is active, just
take after
personality like his dad.
If he catches the football, you take after him as fast
take after chase, try to catch
as you can.
The Vikings landed on the beach and took the
take by storm rush in, win by force, overwhelm
village by storm.
take calls answer the phone, receive calls Karen isn't taking calls because she's in a meeting.
take care be careful Take care. See you tomorrow.
care for someone or something, I'll take care of Taea while you go shopping. I'll stay
take care of
look after with her.
do what needs to be done, do my "You scored a beautiful goal!" "Just taking care of
take care of business
job business."
live dangerously, risk something Don't take chances with our savings. We worked
take chances
valuable, play with fire hard to earn that money.
Jim will take charge while I'm away. He'll be your
take charge be in control, supervise
supervisor.
take cover hide, find a safe place If the soldiers begin shooting, you guys take cover.
Idioms: take drugs -- take it


take drugs use drugs, do drugs When I take that drug, I feel sick at my stomach.
In two minutes the drug will take effect and you will
take effect have an effect, cause a change
feel sleepy.
be upset about, object to, Vern will take exception to any questions about
take exception to
complain about ethnic origin.
His support cannot be taken for granted. We must
take for granted expect, assume
ask him.
When we had troubles, Grandpa said, "Take heart,
take heart have courage, be strong
my children."
push him to a lower place, get off Ali was too proud. Somebody had to take him
take him down a peg
your high horse down a peg.
Wei entered the tournament, but Jo took her out in
take him out defeat him, eliminate him
the first round.
These pants need to be taken in at the waist.
take in make smaller, tighten
They're too large.
When you come to Calgary, be sure to take in the
take in attend, visit
Stampede.
take it endure it, accept it, stand it He treats you very badly. Why do you take it?
Idioms: take it -- take it out on

understand it is true, believe it is I take it you want the whole class to write a report.
take it
this way Is that right?
accept the offer and be happy, be He offered to pay $200 for the damage, so I took it
take it and run
satisfied and ran.
not mean to say it, withdraw what I said you were a turkey, but I take it back. You're
take it back
you said a rat!
do not try so hard, do not work
take it easy When you jog, take it easy. Rest often.
so hard
When you train the dogs, take it easy on Taffy.
take it easy on be less demanding, go easy on
She's just a pup.
Al has a new motorcycle. I hope he lets me take it
take it for a spin drive it, test drive it
for a spin.
Lilian is so steady. If there's a problem, she takes it
take it in stride continue without delay, cope with
in stride.
be brave when hurt, do not They told him not to cry when he was hurt - to take
take it like a man
complain about problems it like a man.
take this offer or refuse it; no
take it or leave it I'll give you $150 for the sofa - take it or leave it.
bargaining
express anger toward an innocent Vince gets angry at work; then he takes it out on his
take it out on
person kids.
Idioms: take it personally -- take my place

believe you are being attacked or He was criticizing the whole class; don't take it
take it personally
accused personally.
misunderstand, feel bad; no He stares because he is curious. Don't take it the
take it the wrong way
offence, but... wrong way.
believe it is said to you, feel it is When he said we'll burn in hell, Ella cried. She took
take it to heart
meant for you it to heart.
do not believe all of it, some of it When Brian talks, take it with a grain of salt. Believe
take it with a grain of salt
is not true very little.
develop naturally, go through a We can control many parts of our environment, but
take its course
process, willy-nilly the weather just takes its course.
act like a fool, not think clearly, If you wear your bathing suit to church, people will
take leave of your senses
off your rocker think you've taken leave of your senses.
be serious about me and what I I'm not joking about going to a psychic. Please take
take me seriously
say and do me seriously.
show respect for someone, praise I take my hat off to Roger. He has promoted
take my hat off to
a person's work business in our town.
shout at me, say angry words to You don't have to take my head off when I ask
take my head off
me where you're going.
sit or park where I usually sit or
take my place Mommy, he took my place! He's sitting in my seat!
park
Idioms: take oath -- take-out restaurant

say that something is true, give He took an oath that he is the child's father. I
take oath
my word of honor believe him.
Our plane takes off at 10:35. We have to go to the
take off leave by plane, depart on a plane
airport.
When he asked for my phone number, I said, "Take
take off, eh go, leave, beat it, buzz off, get lost
off, eh."
Jan takes offence easily. Don't be critical of her
take offence be hurt, feel offended
poetry.
Mac wanted to take on Ted, but Ted didn't want to
take on fight, challenge
fight.
agree to do, accept a I'm very busy. I can't take on any more work right
take on
responsibility now.
AmCorp is taking on workers. Should we apply for
take on employ, hire, hire on
a job?
have a new meaning, see a The music takes on a new light if you know the
take on a new light
different meaning composer.
He was taking her out when they went to college.
take out court, date, go out with, see
They were lovers.
a restaurant that serves food to be There's a take-out restaurant. Let's buy some food
take-out restaurant
taken outside and go to the park.
Idioms: take over -- take the blame

do someone's job, become the Please take over the bookkeeping while I'm away.
take over
new manager Thank you.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson take pains to find families that
take pains try hard, take extra time or care
are truly in need.
She takes part in many activities, including
take part in join, be a worker or a participant
gardening.
The race will take place at the university track at 10
take place happen, occur
a.m.
receive the keys as the new "We bought a house in Parkland." "When do you
take possession
owner take possession?"
If your car is stolen, report it to the police. Don't
take revenge hurt one who hurt you, get even
take revenge.
support one person or group in an The mayor refused to take sides in the fight to save
take sides
argument the hospital.
It was a bad fire, but I take solace in the fact that no
take solace find peace, find comfort
one died.
you deserve that, you have it Take that, you devil! And that! I'm very angry at
take that
coming you!
receive the blame, accept the Sometimes innocent people offer to take the blame
take the blame
blame, take the rap for crimes.
Idioms: take the bull by the horns -- take the stand

control the problem, be firm, take If the class is noisy, the teacher must take the bull by
take the bull by the horns
charge the horns.
ride on the bus or plane, catch a Lee never takes the bus. He prefers to ride his
take the bus/plane
plane bicycle.
is the worst or the weirdest or the Of all the people I've met, you take the cake!
take the cake
funniest etc. You're the wildest!
make the room warmer, start the An electric heater will take the chill off in the
take the chill off
furnace/fireplace evening.
listen to the complaints, take the
When children cause trouble, their parents take the
take the flack
heat flack.
listen to the questions from theVern took the heat, but Al stole the drugs. They
take the heat
police or public blamed Vern.
discover the feelings of the Before you change the flag, see how people feel.
take the pulse
people Take their pulse.
Jeremy took the rap for the crime. He alone was
take the rap receive the blame, take the blame
sent to prison.
go onto the stage, be the When Bob Goulet took the stage we heard some
take the stage
performer on the stage great singing.
sit in the witness chair in a You witnessed the crime, so you will have to take
take the stand
courtroom the stand.
Idioms: ball's in your court -- bankroll

ball's in your court (See the ball's in your court)
ballistic (See go ballistic)
false statements, bull, bunk,Most of what the speaker said is a lot of baloney -
baloney
hogwash untrue.
a word to describe a hit or The car rolled down the hill and into the wall -
bam
collision, pow bam!
bananas very excited, nearly crazy When we won the cup, the crowd went bananas.
"Did you bang her, Ted?" "If I did, I wouldn't tell
bang [B] have sex with, lay
you."
fun for your money, value for your You get more bang for your buck at garage sales.
bang for your buck
dollar They're fun!
exactly right, very true, correct, Your answer to Question 3 was bang on. It was
bang on
spot on correct.
We were banking on more sales to pay for our
bank on depend on, count on
marketing costs.
provide the money to begin, front
bankroll If you'll bankroll me, I'll open a bistro on Mars.
me
Idioms: take the trouble -- take you for all you've

got
do extra work, do special tasks, Maria always takes the trouble to bake my favorite
take the trouble
take pains pie.
take this job and shove it Jim said to the boss, "Take this job and shove it! I'm
I quit, you can keep this job
[B] outa here!"
use some time to relax and enjoy Yes, pursue your goals, but take time to smell the
take time to smell the roses
the scenery roses.
feel hurt, feel offended, take If you refuse her invitation to her party, she'll take
take umbrage
offence umbrage.
begin a hobby or activity, learn a First, Alice took up karate. Then she learned how
take up
skill to meditate.
pick up weapons, prepare to We may have to take up cudgels against people
take up cudgels
defend or attack who invent and spread viruses on the Internet.
When I'm away, Hal takes up the slack. He does
take up the slack do somebody's work, fill in
my job.
take with a grain of salt (See take it with a grain of salt)
take you down a peg (See knock you down a peg)
take all your money by suing you If she divorces you, she could take you for all
take you for all you've got
or cheating you you've got.
Idioms: take you in -- take your word for it

give you shelter and food, take
take you in Will your relatives take you in if you lose your job?
care of
sue you, bring a lawsuit against If you don't pay for the damage, they could take
take you to court
you you to court.
ask you to explain, haul you up on Did Reverend Klinck take you to task for drinking
take you to task
the carpet beer? Did he tell you drinking is a sin?
defeat you badly, win by many If you play checkers with Lars, he'll take you to the
take you to the cleaners
points cleaners.
endure bumps and hits, suffer To play hockey, you have to learn to take your
take your lumps
through injuries lumps.
choose one, say which one you
take your pick You can have Coke or Pepsi. Take your pick.
prefer
measure your heart rate, check When you visit the health clinic, the doctor will take
take your pulse
your pulse your pulse.
sit in your chair or desk, be Judy, please take your seat so we can begin the
take your seat
seated exam.
act or speak when your name is You're up to bat, Buddy. Take your turn, knock it
take your turn
called, it's your turn outa here!
believe what you say, not ask for You say you are eighteen. Since you don't have
take your word for it
proof, the benefit of the doubt your ID card, we'll have to take your word for it.
Idioms: taken -- talk big

taken cheated, ripped off If he paid $1500 for that car, he got taken.
We were taken for a ride. We lost thousands of
taken for a ride tricked, deceived, taken in
dollars.
I was taken in by their ads. I believed what they
taken in deceived, fooled, taken for a ride
said.
takeoff on (See a takeoff on)
takes one to know one (See it takes one to know one)
Mimi talks a mile a minute. It's hard to understand
talk a mile a minute talk fast, talk quickly
her.
if we are talking about, if you want
talk about Talk about cold! Last winter it was -43
to discuss
The baby was talking away, but no one could
talk away continue talking, talk and talk
understand her.
In China, kids don't talk back to their parents, do
talk back reply without respect, lip off
they?
Bert talks big before a game. He's more humble
talk big brag, exaggerate, promise a lot
afterwards.
Idioms: talk into -- talk your head off

Try to talk him into buying a new car. His Fiat is
talk into persuade, convince
rusty.
talk is not action, saying is easier He says he's going to pay his debt, but talk is
talk is cheap
than doing cheap.
I don't agree with you, but let's talk it over before
talk it over discuss it, hash it over
we decide.
talk with enthusiasm, tell people If we want to build an arena, we have to talk it up
talk it up
about it with the people.
talk about jobs, talk about what I don't like to talk shop when we have visitors. It's
talk shop
we do at work too boring.
talk the leg off the lamb of talk a lot; persuasively; have the Minerva was a talker. She could talk the leg off the
God gift of the gab lamb of God!
talk without logic, say If you tell Dad about building a home in outer space,
talk through your hat
unbelievable things, hot air he'll say you're talking through your hat.
discuss a fair deal, negotiate
talk turkey If the owner really wants to sell, he'll talk turkey.
seriously
Polly is only three years old, but she can talk your
talk your ear off talk too much, talk all the time
ear off.
You can talk your head off, but I won't change my

talk your head off talk a lot, say too much
opinion.
Idioms: tall one -- teach you the tricks of the trade

tall one (See a tall one)
a story that is partly true, an
tall tale Fishermen love to tell tall tales. They lie a little, eh.
exaggerated story
I wouldn't want to tangle with Vince. He's strong -
tangle with fight against, have a fight with
and mean!
Percy - that tank! He drinks a case of beer every
tank a drunk, an alcoholic, lush, wino
day.
tank (See in the tank)
After an evening at the tavern, the sailors were
tanked/tanked up drunk, polluted, sloshed, wasted
tanked.
tar with the same brush (See paint with the same brush)
(See give him a taste of his own
taste of his own...
medicine)
(See you can't teach an old dog
teach an old dog...
new tricks)
teach you the tricks of the teach you how to do it, teach you Welcome to the company, Ken. Paul will work with
trade the easy way, learn the ropes you and teach you the tricks of the trade.
Idioms: team player -- tell him a thing or two

an employee who works well with Team players - that's what we need in our
team player
other employees company.
If you team up with Lana, we can play bridge,
team up play together, form a team
okay?
scold, lecture, criticize, give you Kasan's father tore a strip off him for missing a day
tear a strip off
hell [B] of school.
go fast, run here and there, drive When Ty was young, he liked to tear around town
tear around
around in his car.
criticize me or my work, find all If you waste tax dollars, the voters will tear you
tear me apart
my faults apart.
She was teed off about the errors in the balance
teed off upset, cross, ticked off
sheet.
"Is your presentation ready?" "Yes. All teed up,

teed up ready to operate, ready to use
ready to go."
tell a soul (See won't tell a soul)
tell everything you know, pour out In a job interview, I answer their questions, but I
tell all
your soul don't tell all.
tell him he caused a problem, tell If Sid took my keys, I'm going to tell him a thing or
tell him a thing or two
him off two.
Idioms: tell him off -- tender age of

tell him you are angry, tell him he If he mentions my toupee once more, I'm going to
tell him off
is wrong tell him off.
tell him what you think of him, tell If he complains about the meals, tell him where to
tell him where to get off
him off get off.
tell him to go to hell [B], tell him If he criticizes the way I drive, I'll tell him where to
tell him where to go
off go!
tell me another excuse, tell me You say the spaceship took you away. Sure. Tell
tell me another one
another lie me another one.
tell me straight (See give it to me straight)
tell a secret, tell about a crime, Will Robbie tell on us? What if he tells the police we
tell on
squeal did it?
tempest in a teapot (See a tempest in a teapot)
act without caution, act as though
To swim with sharks is dangerous; to do it alone is
tempt fate you are immortal, don't push your
to tempt fate.
luck, take chances
"See you in Memphis, big fella." "Ten-four, good
ten-four (CB radio) yes, I hear you, okay
buddy."
tender age of (See the tender age of)
Idioms: test drive -- that is that

I test drove the new Harley on Saturday. What a
test drive drive to evaluate, try it out
bike!
check people's feelings, take a Wilson always tests the water before he introduces
test the water
poll a budget.
If your team is losing by three runs, the bases are
test your strength or will or skill,
test your metal loaded, and you are the final batter - that will test
run the gauntlet
your metal!
I am thankful or relieved, thank Thank goodness you're here. We were worried

thank goodness
heavens about you.
When we phoned Mom, she said, "Thank heavens
thank heavens thank the gods, thank goodness
you're safe!"
(See you can thank your lucky
thank your lucky stars
stars)
When I deliver the groceries, she says, "Thanks a
thanks a bunch thanks very much, thanks a lot
bunch, Teddy."
Thanks a million for all you've done for us. We do
thanks a million thanks very much, thanks a lot
appreciate it.
good work, well done, 'at a boy, Whenever I get a good grade, she says, "That a
that a boy/that a girl
'at a girl boy, Reid!"
that is that (See and that's that)
Idioms: that takes the cake -- that's stretching it

that is the strangest or loudest or I've seen big pumpkins, but that takes the cake! It's
that takes the cake
wildest etc. fifty pounds!
that will never happen, not on
that'll be the day Me? Wear a ring in my nose? That'll be the day!
your life
that day will never come, don't Canada become part of the US? That'll be the
that'll be the frosty Friday
hold your breath frosty Friday!
"The baby weighed 12 pounds." "Wow, that's a
that's a corker that is unusual, that is amazing
corker!"
A Mustang is faster than a Corvette? That's a
that's a crock (of shit) [B] that is not true; bullshit; crap
crock!
that is the end of the story, the At the end of the lesson he said, "And that's all she
that's all she wrote
story ends here wrote."
that is good/fine/OK, that is When we gave Fonzie a leather tie, he said, "That's
that's cool
groovy cool."
that is his rule book, code or main
that's his bible The Oxford English Dictionary - that's her bible.
reference
that is the way life goes, c'est la Whenever Maurice has bad luck, he says, "Ah,
that's life
vie that's life."
that is adding to the story, Did he say there were fifty flying saucers? That's
that's stretching it
stretching it stretching it.
Idioms: that's that -- the balance of power


that's that (See and that's that)
good work, good attitude, way to "That's the spirit," the Captain shouted as we
that's the spirit
go scrubbed the deck.
that is the answer, that is the I said, "Can we share the job?" Mr. Tse said,
that's the ticket
solution "That's the ticket!"
that's the way the ball If Jon got the job, good for him. That's the way the
that is fate, that's life
bounces ball bounces.
that's the way the cookie that is fate, that is the way things You didn't win the prize? That's the way the cookie
crumbles happen crumbles.
the ultimate trial for someone's Your readiness to support me during the
the acid test
credibility examination was the acid test of our relationship.
there was much swearing,
When Dad discovered the dent in his Cadillac, the
the air was blue someone said bad words, swear
air was blue!
like a sailor
kids are like their parents; a chip
the apple doesn't fall far I looked at the father, then at the son, and I
off the old block; like father, like
from the tree thought, The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
son
the apple of his eye his favorite girl, the girl he desires Susie was Don's sweetheart, the apple of his eye.
the deciding votes; votes that He will try to get the support of the workers
the balance of power
cause the winner, tip the scales because they hold the balance of power.
Idioms: baptism by fire -- bark is worse than his

bite
On my first day of football camp I had to tackle a
harsh introduction, rigorous
baptism by fire 200-pound fullback charging straight at me. It was
initiation, hit the ground running
baptism by fire!
bar fly (See a bar fly)
drink at many bars in one Our wives were out late last night. They were bar
bar hop
evening, pub crawl hopping.
including all products or people,
bar none Apex is the best detergent, bar none.
no exceptions
bar star (See a bar star)
only the necessary things, no ACTION CLEAN is a bare-bones operation - a
bare bones
extras, bare bones family business.
bare-faced lie (See a bare-faced lie)
tell the public about your private To write a good novel, you may have to bare your
bare your soul
experiences soul.
barf vomit, puke, hork, throw up If I eat another hotdog, I'll barf. I'll be sick.
he sounds angry but he is not; do Baxter sounds mad, but his bark is worse than his
bark is worse than his bite
not be afraid of him bite.
Idioms: the ball's in your court -- the big picture

you speak or act now, it's your She offered to pay $1900 for your car, so the ball's
the ball's in your court
turn in your court.
the best, the greatest, his nibs, Brian believes he's the be-all, end-all in politics, but
the be-all, end-all
world beater wait until he loses the next election.
Kay was voted best citizen. Now she thinks she's
the bee's knees the best, superior, the cat's meow
the bee's knees.
fair judgement when some of the
If money is missing, we give you the benefit of the
the benefit of the doubt facts are not known, take your
doubt. We assume you didn't take it.
word for it
the best-laid plans of mice plans are not guaranteed, plans If this boat sinks, we'll say, "The best-laid plans of
and men go oft astray sometimes do not work out mice and men go oft astray."
the best parts of two cultures or If you have Italian design and German engineering,
the best of both worlds
styles etc., two heads are better... you have the best of both worlds, eh.
the big 0 zero, nothing, zip You won a car. I got the big 0.
New York City, New York, Guess what! My friend and I are going to live in The
The Big Apple
USA Big Apple!
We watched Diane compete in the pentathlon at
The Big O Olympic Stadium in Montreal
The Big O.
all parts together, the whole plan, Look at the big picture. Doing two jobs will have a
the big picture
can't see the forest... negative effect on your family.
Idioms: the bigger they are the harder they fall --

the burbs
we can beat the big guys, big
the bigger they are the "Look at all their big players!" "Don't worry. The
players fall harder, mind over
harder they fall bigger they are, the harder they fall!"
matter
the end of a long struggle, the end On a ranch you work till a job is done. You stay till
the bitter end
of a difficult time the bitter end.
the leader is ignorant or With Filbert as President, it's the blind leading the
the blind leading the blind
incompetent blind.
the project stopped, the business When the price of oil dropped, the bottom fell out
the bottom fell out
failed, the wheels fall off of the oil industry in Alberta.
The bottom line is this: we can't afford to buy
the bottom line the final number, the conclusion
another store.
the time you cannot go on, theMy job was so stressful I reached the breaking
the breaking point
point where you quit point. I had to quit.
The first time he asked her for a date, she gave him
the brush-off refusal, rejection
the brush-off.
I am responsible for what we do - "The buck stops here," the new manager said to us.
the buck stops here
no one else; pass the buck "We don't blame others for our problems."
being chased away, run out of If you tell us to pay more tax we'll give you the
the bum's rush
town bum's rush.
the suburbs; outlying residential That's Jan's dream: two children and a home in the
the burbs
districts burbs.
Idioms: the burning question -- the crack of dawn

the main question, what we all Who drove the car into the lake? That's the burning
the burning question
want to know question.
the person who is laughed at, the Frank is so sensitive. He hates to be the butt of a
the butt of the joke
goat joke.
the feeling that you have to work, When the group needs a secretary I answer the call
the call of duty
duty calls of duty.
the quiet time just before anger or The enemy is planning an attack. This is the calm
the calm before the storm
an attack before the storm.
the can toilet, washroom, the john, the loo Who's in the can? Please hurry! I have to go!
Having dessert before dinner is putting the cart
the cart before the horse backwards, back to front
before the horse.
the best, number one, the bee's Since Val won the beauty contest, she thinks she's
the cat's ass [B]
knees the cat's ass!
When Vi wears diamonds, she thinks she's the cat's
the cat's meow somebody special, a hotshot
meow.
the secret has been told, people We know about your affair with Brad. The cat's out
the cat's out of the bag
know the secret of the bag.
the crack of dawn (See at the crack of dawn)
Idioms: the crunch -- the end-all, be-all

the difficult time, the day we have The crunch is coming - when we have one salary
the crunch
less money instead of two.
Uncle Bert is too old to drive the car. That's the
the crux of the matter the main point, the real issue
crux of the matter.
satisfy the customer, agree with Now let's discuss an old saying: The Customer's
the customer is always right
the customer Always Right.
the latest technology, state of the Compact discs are no longer the cutting edge in
the cutting edge
art recorded music.
the time when most farms were The day of the family farm is nearly over. They can't
the day of the family farm
family owned survive.
the devil makes work for if a person is not busy he will do Protestants believe children should be busy because
idle hands evil things, work ethic the devil makes work for idle hands.
the negative side, the The downside of abortion is that some women use it
the downside
disadvantages, the bad points as a method of birth control.
The score was tied 3 - 3 in the dying seconds of the
the dying seconds the last few seconds in a game
third period.
the one who arrives first gets the I want to go to the sale at 8 a.m. The early bird gets
the early bird gets the worm
reward etc. the worm!
the end-all, be-all (See the be-all, end-all)
Idioms: the end justifies the means -- the first leg

any method is fine if the result is If a person steals food to survive, does the end
the end justifies the means
good justify the means?
the time to leave, the place to get When the group began to gossip, it was the end of
the end of the line
off the line for me.
the hole in a needle, the opening The hole in the tube was smaller than the eye of a
the eye of a needle
for the thread needle.
the center of the storm, the middle
the eye of the storm The eye of the storm is directly over Lake Simcoe.
of the storm
the F-word fuck [B], friggin Mommy, Mommy! Charles said the F-word!
the male genitals (the source of Sure I wear a jockstrap - to protect the family
the family jewels
future progeny) jewels!
the trouble got worse, people Kate accused Maude of lying - that's when the fat
the fat hit the fire
began fighting hit the fire.
the chances in life, the way life Our lives were saved because a dog barked. We
the fickle finger of fate
changes unpredictably, that's life were saved by the fickle finger of fate.
the column in a newspaper that The fifth column often comments on the need for fair
the fifth column
tells about the media reporting.
the first part (of a journey), a leg The first leg will take us to Paris. Then we'll go on to
the first leg
up Rome.
Idioms: the gift of the gab -- The Great White

Hope
the ability to talk, a way with Bev can speak to the parents. She has the gift of the
the gift of the gab
words gab.
The candidates have insulted each other. The gloves
the gloves are off the fight is beginning, play hardball
are off!
the person who is blamed for a Ken is the goat, but all he did was open the door for
the goat
problem the students.
the task becomes harder, it is a In the second year, you study law. That's when the
the going gets rough
rocky road going gets rough.
the standard price or fee, the usual
the going rate The going rate for car repairs is about $60 an hour.
price
Do unto others as you would If everyone lived by The Golden Rule, you may not
The Golden Rule
have them do unto you. like the way you are treated.
the real truth, as true as the I opened the package to count the cookies - that's
the gospel truth
gospel the gospel truth!
things look better from a distance,
the grass is greener on the When you look at other homes, the grass is often
it is natural to desire a neighbor's
other side of the fence greener on the other side of the fence.
things
The Great One was the heart of the Edmonton
The Great One Wayne Gretzky, "Gretz"
Oilers.
Caucasian boxer who could win In the 1970s, George Chuvallo was The Great
The Great White Hope
the heavyweight title White Hope.
Idioms: The Great White North -- the in's and

out's
Millions of Americans enjoy their holidays in The
The Great White North Canada, the true north...
Great White North.
an executioner; a person who
Old Mason was The Grim Reaper. He showed no
The Grim Reaper decides your fate, position,
mercy when he failed students.
grades, etc.
artists K. Lockhead, A. McKay,
The Group of Five/The The Group of Five are famous for their bold,
D. Morton, T. Godwin, R.
Regina Five abstract paintings.
Bloore
Canadian painters who formed a Do you know the names of the artists in The Group
The Group of Seven
group in 1917 of Seven?
the handwriting is on the the message is clear, the I tell my students the handwriting is on the wall:
wall conclusion is obvious learn how to learn.
the difficult method, the rocky If we plan, we can avoid doing our work the hard
the hard way
road way.
there is pressure to win, we must When you compete for a career position, the heat is
the heat is on
succeed on.
the hell you say I do not believe it, get out, go on Harper won the election? The hell you say!
Cleo's part of the in-crowd - the girls who play on
the in-crowd a few special people, a clique
the basketball team.
knowledge and experience, He knows the in's and out's of the car business.
the in's and out's
knowing the ropes He's experienced.
Idioms: the inside story -- the last straw

the personal story, the story that is Greg knows the inside story on the Lawson
the inside story
not published murders. He's married to Marcia Lawson.
being close to the person who has If your uncle works at Sears, you should have the
the inside track
power, Bob's your uncle inside track on the new job in Men's Wear.
we know what you do, we know The jig's up, ladies. We know why you buy those
the jig's up
your secret vibrators.
the john the toilet, the biffy, the can Where's the john? I have to wash my hands.
you are the one we are laughing You got the book with blank pages. The joke's on
the joke is on you
at, play a joke you!
the most important factor, best He said the key to success in business is customer
the key to success
way to succeed service.
Phil is a great teacher. The only knock against him is
the knock against his worst fault, his main problem
his temper.
a lifestyle that includes the finest Flo married a rich realtor and now lives in the lap of
the lap of luxury
house etc. luxury.
We've had a week of -40 weather. I hope we've
the last of it the end of it, no more of it
seen the last of it.
one too many problems, the one The break-in was the last straw. We decided to
the last straw
that ruins it move.
Idioms: the last word -- the long and the short of

it
The last word in media is Marshall McLuhan
the most informed statement, the
the last word (1911-1980). His ideas are still quoted, still
most knowledge
respected.
the last statement in a discussion "You always want to have the last word, don't you.
the last word
or argument Well not this time! There!"
the person everybody is laughing If you ride a camel to work, we'll be the laughing
the laughing stock
at stock of the town.
the lay of the land (See get the lay of the land)
a lively, funny person who causes Jerry was the life of the party - singing, joking and
the life of the party
people to laugh laughing.
the lights are on but the eyes are open but lifeless, not"Hello! Hello, Pat! His lights are on but nobody's
nobody's home all there home. Ha ha."
Thanks to the mothers for doing the lion's share of
the lion's share the largest part, the biggest piece
the work.
When that dog barked, it scared the living daylights
the living daylights the life, the consciousness
out of me.
the very best, the greatest, the Have you heard K.D. Lang sing? She's the livin'
the living end
most beautiful end.
everything I know, the whole He ended his report with, "That's the long and the
the long and the short of it
story short of it."
Idioms: the long arm of the law -- the middleman

Thanks to the long arm of the law, a thief's in jail
the long arm of the law the police, police methods
and I have my car.
the loo the toilet, the can, the john I'll see the kitchen later, thanks. Where's the loo?
the Lord helps those who if you work to help yourself God If you pray, remember, the Lord helps those who
help themselves will help you help themselves.
Did you get the lowdown on how he died? What
the lowdown the facts, the real story
really happened?
the chance that your name or Plan your future. Don't depend on the luck of the
the luck of the draw
number will be chosen draw.
When Kerry wins a prize, he says, "Aye, it's the
the luck of the Irish the good luck of Irish people
luck of the Irish."
the potential to become, the ability Look at Debi dance. She has the makings of a
the makings of
to develop ballerina.
When hockey players fight, the linesman is the man
the man in the middle the person between two enemies
in the middle.
a myth that the moon is the face of "Who will help me find my dog?" "I know. The Man
the Man in the Moon
a man in the Moon!"
a person who buys from the
If we can buy from the producer, we can save the
the middleman producer and sells to the
money we pay to the middleman.
merchant
Idioms: bark up the wrong tree -- bated breath


look in the wrong place, do not If you expect money from him, you're barking up
bark up the wrong tree
expect it the wrong tree.
barnburner (See a barnburner)
a wild party, a party where people "Did you go to Tina's party?" "Ya. It was a noisy
bash
are drunk and noisy bash."
basket case (See a basket case)
stop the music, do not play the
basta la musica "Basta la musica!" Papa shouted. "It's too loud!"
music
hit every time at bat, win every I've had two interviews and two offers. I'm batting a
bat a thousand
competition thousand!
flinch or blink, show a sign of guilt When they asked him about the crime, he didn't bat
bat an eye
or shame an eye. His expression didn't change.
hit half the times at bat, win half If you solve five problems out of ten, you're batting
bat five hundred
the competitions five hundred.
blink the eyes, blink in a sexy Verna just stood there batting her eyes, trying to
bat her eyes
way look sexy.
bated breath (See with bated breath)
Idioms: the moment of truth -- the once over

the time when you receive a very
The moment of truth has arrived. My grades are in
the moment of truth
important message this envelope.
if more people come, we will have
Tell everybody the party's at my place - the more
the more the merrier
a better party the merrier!
the greatest, the best etc., way
You are the most, man. You paint great stuff - like
the most
cool it's real!
We can see Mars with the naked eye. We don't
the naked eye without binoculars or field glasses
need a telescope.
The nitty-gritty of an election is the vote itself - the
the nitty-gritty very important matters, the crunch
numbers!
one of a few remaining, few and
the odd one "Do you ever see any buffalo?" "Oh, the odd one."
far between
the one who is favored to win, the Orlando was the odds-on favorite but they lost the
the odds-on favorite
one to bet on series.
a good effort, trying hard like a Let's give it the old college try, boys. We can win
the old college try
college student this boat race!
Jenny said, "I'll ask the old man if I can use the
the old man father or husband, my old man
car."
the once over (See give it the once-over)
Idioms: the one that got away -- the powers that

be
the fish that got away, the friend Have I told you about the one that got away? Her
the one that got away
you lost name was Lana.
people are promoted to a job they Our store manager is an example of the Peter
the Peter Principle
cannot do well Principle. He's hopeless!
the best pup/kitten/cub of the
In the Bentley family, Max was the pick of the litter.
the pick of the litter litter, (compare) the runt of the
At least he was the best hockey player.
litter
Rick looks very well these days. He's the picture of
the picture of health looking very healthy, fit as a fiddle
health.
a contraceptive pill, a
the pill Bev has religious reasons for not taking the pill.
contraceptive drug
bottom of my stomach, deep in From the pit of my stomach came a growling sound.
the pit of my stomach
my belly I was hungry.
the pits poor quality, not good value The music was the pits. The violins played badly.
a time when it is too late to stop Our offer to purchase the business has been
the point of no return
or turn back, change horses in... accepted. We've reached the point of no return.
The pope's nose is too greasy. I prefer a piece of
the pope's nose the tail of a roasted chicken
breast meat.
the people in power, the power I applied for a liquor license, but the powers that be
the powers that be
brokers said no.
Idioms: the price you have to pay -- the room is so

small you have to go outside turn around
what you must endure or pay or Loneliness is the price you have to pay for being
the price you have to pay
lose famous.
do not judge until you test the
the proof of the pudding is in She drew a cartoon of a boy with a plum on his
finished product, do not jump to
the eating thumb. Then she wrote The proof of the pudding...
conclusions
according to myth, a sign that a When Pop heard I was pregnant he said, "So the
the rabbit died
woman is pregnant rabbit died, eh."
the real McCoy the real thing, the genuine one This painting is the real McCoy. It's the original!
the rest is free, the rest of the When we get the grain cheque, we pay our bills,
the rest is gravy
money is profit and the rest is gravy!
the rest of the story is well known;

Fleury took a pass from Suter, went around a
the rest is history you know the rest; that's all she
defenceman, and the rest is history.
wrote
effective skills; the right words or Harry is persuasive. He has the right stuff to become
the right stuff
actions a salesman.
good intentions achieve nothing
the road to hell is paved Convert your charitable feelings into action! The
without action, actions speak
with good intentions road to hell is paved with good intentions!
louder...
Newfoundland, Canada; (on the We know a girl from The Rock. Her name is Sherry
The Rock
east coast) Sooley.
the room is so small you
the room is very small; so small It's not a large apartment. The bathroom is so small
have to go outside turn
you could barely swing a cat I have to go outside to turn around.
around
Idioms: the root of the problem -- the spitting

image
the cause of the problem, the Students don't do enough reading - that's the root of
the root of the problem
reason for the problem the problem.
an indirect answer, pass the buck, I complained about the dryer, but they gave me the
the runaround
what a rigmarole runaround. They blamed the delivery man.
the smallest and weakest in a
When it comes to mathematics, I am the runt of the
the runt of the litter group of animal siblings born at
litter. My scores on math tests are very low.
the same time
common people; honest, The Swensons are plain, decent people - the salt of
the salt of the earth
hard-working people the earth.
life's hard lessons, learning from Teachers taught me what I should know; the school
the school of hard knocks
mistakes, roll with the punches of hard knocks taught me what I must know.
people become angry, somebody It was a good party until Ed started a fight. Then the
the shit hit the fan
starts a fight shit hit the fan!
the worst job, the least pay, dump When I work with Ken, I always get the short end
the short end of the stick
on of the stick. He gives me the hard jobs.
For tripping, hooking or holding you get two
the sin bin (hockey) the penalty box, cool your heels
minutes in the sin bin.
the spice of life things that make life exciting Romance - for many people, it's the spice of life!
one who looks like someone, a Patty is the spitting image of her mother - same face,
the spitting image
dead ringer same hair.
Idioms: the squeaky wheel gets the grease -- the

third degree
the squeaky wheel gets the the person who complains loudest Our clerks put up this sign: The squeaky wheel
grease gets service gets the grease!
The cop said, "Gimme the straight dope, Shorty. I
the straight dope the truth, the facts, get to the point
haven't got time for your stories today."
the straight goods the truth, the facts, straight talk Gimme the straight goods - the truth, that's all.
the strong, silent type a quiet and rugged-looking man Doris loves men like Jeff - the strong, silent type.
the best spot to touch, the spot Keep rubbing. When you find my sweet spot, I'll
the sweet spot
that feels good purr like a kitten.
If criminals get more rights, the tail will be wagging
the tail wagging the dog minority controlling the majority
the dog.
the cash, the amount of money The take from the New Year's dance was over
the take
received $2000.
what everybody is talking about, a If a preacher has an affair with a hooker, it's the talk
the talk of the town
hot topic of the town.
the young age of, still wet behind He was the tender age of three when his mother
the tender age of
the ears died.
If I'm late, I get the third degree. Mom asks me a lot
the third degree careful questioning, on the carpet
of questions.
Idioms: the tide turned -- the way you hold your

mouth
there was a change, the turning The tide turned when the baby began to nurse. He
the tide turned
point grew stronger.
a small part of it, about one-tenth This invoice is only part of the debt - the tip of the
the tip of the iceberg
of it iceberg.
skills of an occupation, learn the I know the printing business. I'll show you the tricks
the tricks of the trade
ropes of the trade.
the beginning of a new century: the By the turn of the century we will know the aliens
the turn of the century
year 2000 who visit earth.
the second or minute when things When Tanya hit the ball over the fence - that was
the turning point
go better or worse, tip the scales the turning point in the game.
the hidden actions of those who Some Canadians fought the GST through the
the underground
fight a law underground.
Because you have graduated from college, you have
the upper hand the advantage, get the jump on
the upper hand.
The way I see it, men and women aren't equal
the way I see it my view of it, my opinion
physically, eh.
feeding a man good food will

the way to a man's heart is "Do you believe the way to your heart is through
cause him to love you, beauty is
through his stomach your stomach?" "No, but you are a great cook!"
only skin deep
it is a mystery; it could be the
the way you hold your "Why does the lock open for you but not for Joan?"
shape of your mouth; hold your
mouth "It's the way I hold my mouth."
mouth...
Idioms: the wheels fall off -- the world is your

oyster
When the coach is away, our team loses. The
the wheels fall off it breaks, it fails, fall apart
wheels fall off!
all related things, all that jazz, the Being in love means commitment, sacrifice,
the whole ball of wax
whole nine yards patience, understanding - the whole ball of wax.
the whole caboodle (See kit and caboodle)
including all the work, doing the My goals include a degree, career, marriage,
the whole nine yards
whole job, the whole ball of wax children - the whole nine yards.
When the cable broke, the whole shebang fell in the
the whole shebang everything, every bit/piece/person
river.
Wagon, horses, load - the whole shootin' match
the whole shooting match everything, every bit/piece/person
disappeared.
the whole building, all the The warehouse and stock - the whole works
the whole works
equipment, everything burned in the fire.
poverty is coming, keep the A month after my husband lost his job, the wolf was
the wolf is at the door
wolf... at the door.
the wolf knocking (See the wolf is at the door)
the world is small beside your With imagination - our greatest gift - the world is
the world is your oyster
talent and skill our oyster.
Idioms: there are two sides to every story -- there's

not much to choose between them
there are two sides to every two people tell different stories of If you compare Mary's story with Sam's, you'll
story the same event, compare notes know there are two sides to every story.
you are correct, there is your "Everything is green - the grass, the trees. There's a
there you go
example, how about that green bird!" "Well, there you go."
If we buy the bed, we get a TV? There must be a

there's a catch to it there is a hidden cost or condition
catch to it.
it is easy to spill what you are
there's many a slip twixt the On the side of the beer mug were these words:
drinking; it is easy to make
cup and the lip There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip.
mistakes
there's more than meets the In a government scandal, there's always more than
part of the story has not been told
eye meets the eye.
there's more than one way there are many ways to do it, I For math problems, there's more than one way to
to skin a cat know another method skin a cat.
they do not like each other, bad There's no love lost between Jay and Pete. They've
there's no love lost
blood, hold a grudge been fighting since they were boys.
we have to win today; if we lose, The Bruins will be eliminated if they lose tonight.
there's no tomorrow
we are out; do or die There's no tomorrow.
there is only one answer; cannot We have to get you on that plane. There's no two
there's no two ways about it
have two meanings ways about it.
there's not much to choose they are nearly equal, it's a A Ford or a Mercury - there's not much to choose
between them toss-up between them.
Idioms: there's nothing to it -- things are looking

up
there's nothing to it it is easy to do, it's a snap I can solve this math problem. There's nothing to it.
I heard that Pearl had left Carlos, but there's nothing
there's nothing to it it is not true, it is a lie
to it.
there are lots of people who will
there's one born every "Only a sucker would buy this car." "Right, and
believe anything, there are lots of
minute there's one born every minute."
suckers
there is something wrong, there is There's something fishy about a 1970 car with only
there's something fishy
something strange 5000 km.
there's something rotten in something is wrong, something is Father knew I was tricking him. He said,
the state of Denmark strange, there's something fishy "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
these parts of the country; neck of
these parts In these parts, folks don't like federal politicians.
the woods
thick (See a little thick)
We're all thick as a brick in at least one subject,
thick as a brick slow to understand, slow to learn
eh?
thing-a-ma-bob/ name for a strange part, If I can get the thing-a-ma-jig in the right hole, this
thing-a-ma-jig what-cha-ma-call-it car may start.
we are feeling positive, life is Now that Vic has a job, things are looking up. We
things are looking up
better feel positive.
Idioms: think better of it -- this one is on me

change my decision, decide not to We were going to buy a trailer, but we thought
think better of it
do it better of it.
my help was nothing, no problem, "Thank you for helping us find our lost puppy."
think nothing of it
not at all "Think nothing of it."
I'm going to think over what you said about keeping
think over think more about, consider
the baby.
I'm so tired I can't think straight. Let me rest; then
think straight think clearly, be rational
we can talk.
people thinking together, brain
think tank Our company think tank will solve the problem.
storm
admire greatly, worship the Samson thinks the world of you. He would do
think the world of
ground... anything for you.
Before you go to the manager with an idea, think it
think through think in steps, think carefully
through.
think up imagine, create My story is finished. Now I have to think up a title.
third degree (See the third degree)
I will pay for this one (drink, "This one's on me," Mr. Kirby said as he paid for
this one is on me
lunch, etc.) my lunch.
Idioms: battleaxe -- be there or be square

Marlene - that old battleaxe - is spreading lies about
battleaxe cranky woman, a bitch [B]
me.
batty (See drive me batty)
If I fail math, Dad will bawl me out. He'll give me a
bawl me out tell me I have been bad, scold me
lecture.
trying to be too great, world The new manager thinks he's the greatest - the
be-all, end-all
beater be-all, end-all.
have this chair, have that drink,
be my guest Be my guest. Sit here. I can find another chair.
help yourself
be the cause of my failure; my Credit cards may be my undoing. My VISA
be my undoing
Achilles heel balance is over $5000!
be off leave, go, off with you Be off, my dear, or you'll be late for work.
The captain of the hockey team shouted to his
be there be ready, be alert, up for it
mates, "Be there, guys! We have to win this game."
help me when I need it, be "Will you be there for me?" she asked. "I need your
be there for me
supportive, stand by me support."
if you do not come we will think We're having a party at 7 on Saturday. Be there or
be there or be square
you are call it square be square!
Idioms: thorn in my side -- through the wringer

thorn in my side (See a thorn in my side)
driven hard and fast, used
thrash That car has been thrashed. Don't buy it.
carelessly
threads clothes, glad rags, rags Hey, Lucy. Nice threads! I love your jacket.
three-bagger (See a three-bagger)
very drunk, plastered, pissed to The Captain was three sheets to the wind -
three sheets to the wind
the gills staggering.
three slices short (of a full mentally disabled, one brick If you order worm soup, they'll think you're three
loaf) short... slices short.
"How did you know I moved?" "I heard it through
through the grapevine through gossip, bush telegraph
the grapevine."
used a lot, nearly worn out, put These jeans have been through the mill. They're
through the mill
you through the mill ragged.
through the roof (See go through the roof)
experienced a lot of personal Hey, I'm tough. I've been through the wringer a few
through the wringer
problems times.
Idioms: through thick and thin -- throw chunks

during good and bad times, for
My dog Pal stays with me through thick and thin.
through thick and thin
better or worse He's a true friend.
Dad threw a curve at me when he asked if he could
throw a curve confuse, deceive, surprise
borrow $1000.
deliberately lose a game, cause They said that Red threw his last game of pool, but I
throw a game
your team to lose, take a dive think he's too honest to do that.
kiss your hand and wave, blow a When Madonna threw a kiss to her fans, they
throw a kiss
kiss cheered.
wreck a project,
throw a monkey wrench into The report that coffee causes cancer threw a
monkeywrenching, piss in the
the works monkey wrench into our plans to import coffee.
pickles
invite people to a party, have a Connie throws the best parties. Everybody has a
throw a party
party great time.
show your bad temper, make a When I refused to buy candy for Reggie, he threw a
throw a tantrum
scene tantrum.
I threw away those old magazines. I hope you didn't

throw away put in the garbage, throw out
want them.
live or act carelessly, not be Let's throw caution to the wind and buy ten
throw caution to the wind
cautious dresses!
vomit, puke, barf, hurl, woof your One look at those oysters and she started throwing
throw chunks
cookies chunks. Yuk!
Idioms: throw cold water on -- throw that in

discourage, cause you to lose Don't be negative. Don't throw cold water on our
throw cold water on
interest travel plans.
stop fighting or arguing, bury the
throw down your arms It's time to throw down your arms and forgive him.
hatchet
spend more on a failure, repair a
If we fix that TV again, we'll be throwing good
throw good money after bad
poor product money after bad.
Don't throw in the towel. One more year and you'll
throw in the towel quit fighting, give up
graduate.
When you don't get what you want, you start
throw insults say rude things, insult someone
throwing insults.
The question on parliamentary procedure threw me
throw me for a loop confuse me, it phased me out
for a loop.
cook a wiener for you, make a a Hal was cooking wieners on the barbecue. "Can I
throw on a dog for you
hotdog for you throw on a dog for you?" he asked.
put in the garbage, discard, throw Do you want these old magazines, or should I throw
throw out
away them out?
explain, give information, shed a Martin, can you throw some light on the DNA?
throw some light on
little light on Explain it to us?
Don't forget to add the sales tax - just thought I'd
throw that in mention that, suggest that
throw that in.
Idioms: throw the baby out with the bath water --

tickety-boo
Keep the good subjects when you revise the
throw the baby out with the throw away something good with
course. Don't throw the baby out with the bath
bath water the waste, discard everything
water!
punish to the maximum, come Drunk drivers deserve the full penalty. Throw the
throw the book at
down hard book at them!
The baby will throw up if you bounce him after he's

throw up vomit, puke, barf, ralph, upchuck
eaten.
Don't let the large crowd throw you. Focus on your
throw you cause you to forget or stumble
music.
let you fight alone, let you fight the Let us help you. The pimps will throw you to the
throw you to the dogs
bad guys dogs.
use power to scare you, power Bud throws his weight around - tells everybody
throw your weight around
trip what to do.
added to a list, recipe etc.; The weather will be cloudy, with a shower or two
thrown in
included afterwards thrown in.
Fred gets ticked off at people who throw butts out
ticked off a little upset, annoyed, teed off
the window.
If you do something funny, you'll be ticketed as the
ticketed known as, named, labeled
team clown.
After they gave him insulin, everything was
tickety-boo operating well, A-OK
tickety-boo.
Idioms: tickled pink -- tied to your mother's apron

strings
Aunt Sophia was tickled pink to receive a photo of
tickled pink happy, very pleased
the family.
The ship is ready for inspection. Everything is
tiddly neat, tidy, clean and shiny, spiffy
tiddly.
supply me for a few days, provide Jane gave me a few dollars to tide me over until I
tide me over
money until payday, last me get paid.
tide turned (See the tide turned)
Can you tell me how lasers tie in? How do lasers
tie in connect, relate
apply to surgery?
When we were alone, he tied into me. He said I
tie into scold, lecture, give you hell [B]
caused the problem.
drink a lot of liquor, become very At Cayla's wedding, Uncle Ben tied one on. He got
tie one on
drunk really drunk.
tie a string or piece of rope
tie up If you tie up the parcel I'll take it to the post office.
around
finish a project, complete the
"Have you finished the survey?" "Just about. I have
tie up loose ends details of some work, finishing
to tie up some loose ends and print the report."
touch
tied to your mother's apron still dependent on mom, needing He has to ask his mother. He's still tied to her apron
strings your mom's help strings.
Idioms: tied up -- time and again

tied up busy, unable to help I'm tied up right now. I'm busy with a client.
Mason is a tight-ass! He collects rent from his old
tight-ass [B] stingy person; tight fisted
grandmother.
It was a tight race for the mayor's position. Kutz
tight race close race, down to the wire
won by ten votes.
uncomfortable position, between a At the interview Vic was in a tight spot. They asked
tight spot
rock and a hard place him, "Why were you dismissed from three jobs?"
not generous, unwilling to spend, People say he's so tight he'd sell a gift and bank the
tight/tight fisted
cheap money.
not spend as much, be careful We'll have to tighten our belts when Stan goes on
tighten our belts
with our money pension.
until the end of time, until the end You can wait till hell freezes over but they won't pay
till hell freezes over
of the world their bill.
A letter from Dave? You'll be waiting till the cows
till the cows come home for a long time, for days or weeks
come home!
until you are very tired, until you You can train a flea till you're blue in the face, but he
till you're blue in the face
look sick won't learn.
I've told that boy time and again not to fight, but he
time and again many times, repeatedly
won't listen.
Idioms: time flies when you're having fun -- time's

a wasting
time flies when you're having time goes quickly when you are Ho looked at his watch, yawned and said, "Time
fun playing, how time flies flies when you're having fun, eh."
time is valuable, time is equal to Employers who pay hourly wages know that time is
time is money
money money.
it is important to work as quickly When you're paying $75 an hour for a lawyer's
time is of the essence
as possible, make hay while... services, time is of the essence.
I've been working too hard. I think I need some
time off days off work, holidays
time off.
time to relax or do what you If you have time on your hands, read the novel Fifth
time on your hands
wish, time to kill Business.
stop for a minute to discuss or We need a time out to look at the map. I think
time out
plan we're lost.
there was no more time allowed
time ran out Time ran out before I could complete the exam.
for the game etc.
We had some time to kill while the car was being

time to kill time to relax or rest, kill time
repaired.
time to time (See from time to time)
we are wasting time, we should be Time's a wasting. Let's finish our work and then
time's a wasting
working rest.
Idioms: time's up -- tip your hand

there is no more time for the test The coach checked his watch and said, "Time's up.
time's up
or game etc. Stop running."
it was a time of poverty, hard
times were hard It was 1850. Times were hard in Sweden then.
times
unmusical ear, unable to With my tin ear, I couldn't say if she was singing
tin ear
appreciate music flat.
You can park your tin Lizzie over there beside the
tin Lizzie car, old car
barn.
drink a few beer etc., bend your Chuck used to tip a few when he was younger. He
tip a few
elbow drank with us.
tip of my tongue (See on the tip of my tongue)
tip of the iceberg (See the tip of the iceberg)
change or influence a decision, the If you speak two languages, it could tip the scales in
tip the scales
upper hand your favor when you apply for a job.
cause the scale to go up, weigh in Elmer tips the scales at 135 kilos. He's a
tip the scales at
at heavyweight.
reveal your plan, show your Don't tip your hand in a game of chess. Surprise the
tip your hand
strategy opponent.
Idioms: tipsy -- to be perfectly honest

a little bit drunk, slightly drunk,
After her third glass of sherry, Mona was a little
tipsy
buzzed tipsy.
tired of bored, not interested I'm tired of that song. I hear it every morning.
When our visitors left, I was tired out. I slept for
tired out tired, weary, dog tired
hours.
Gerry hit Ross. Then Ross hit Gerry, and it was tit
tit for tat equal response, an eye for an eye
for tat.
titch (See just a titch)
The men's parties have a lot of T & A - dancing

tits and ass (T ? sexual stimuli for men, cheesecake
girls.
tits up [B] dead, not operating, kaput The tractor's tits up again - the clutch is broken.
May gives most of her money to charity. She's
to a fault doing it too much, go overboard
generous to a fault.
every man or person, not one We asked the team who should be coach. To a
to a man
person disagreed man, they chose you.
to tell you the truth, to tell you
"Your cat's up in the tree again." "To be perfectly
to be perfectly honest exactly how I feel, as a matter of
honest, I don't care. Let him come down alone."
fact
Idioms: to beat the band -- to hell with that [B]

with lots of energy, like crazy, like Aunt Jemima was making pancakes to beat the
to beat the band
mad band.
to blame at fault, guilty Who's to blame for starting the fire? Who did it?
We'll trade you the car for the truck and give you
to boot in addition to, plus
$500 to boot.
to create a new phrase, to make
to coin a phrase To coin a phrase, "Life is just book of idioms!"
up a phrase
to-do (See make a big to-do)
we like different things, one man's She likes the Rolling Stones, but he likes Mozart -
to each his own
garbage... to each his own.
to go remaining, left to do We've cleaned five rooms. Just one to go.
to go to take with you One large pizza - to go, please.
to heart (See take it to heart)
to hell with that [B] that is not a good idea, no way "You could plead guilty." "To hell with that!"
Idioms: a bird in the hand is worth two in the

bush -- a blackout (war)
a bird in the hand is worth having one is better than seeing When searching for a better job, remember A bird
two in the bush many in the hand... .
He seems a bit at sea since his brother died. They
a bit at sea a bit unsure, uncertain
were close.
a bit dense (See dense)
not rational, unbalanced, one

a bit off/a bit mental Kate talks to the birds. Do you think she's a bit off?
brick short
a complaining woman, a woman What a bitch! She complains to us and criticizes her
a bitch [B]
who nags kids.
We can grab a bite to eat at the arena. They sell
a bite to eat a lunch, a snack
snacks there.
a negative event, a loss, a painful Divorce is a bitter pill for her. She believed in her
a bitter pill
experience marriage.
a mark beside your name means If you cause an accident, you get a black mark
a black mark
you are bad beside your name.
refusal to broadcast an event A blackout is intended to encourage fans to attend
a blackout (TV)
during that event an event.
a policy that requires lights to be Blackouts prevented bombers from seeing their
a blackout (war)
turned off targets at night.
Idioms: be yourself -- beat the rap

Don't worry about what to say at the party. Just be
be yourself be natural, behave normally
yourself.
Carl is a bean pole - tall and skinny - just like his
bean pole tall and thin, string bean
father.
If you bear down a little, you can graduate this
bear down try harder, bite the bullet
year.
accept the most blame or When we got in trouble, Ed bore the brunt of the
bear the brunt
responsibility blame.
continue to ask or try when there They won't refund your money. You're beating a
beat a dead horse
is no hope dead horse.
When the boys heard the siren they beat a hasty
beat a hasty retreat run away from, leave quickly
retreat.
Politicians often beat around the bush. They talk a
beat around the bush talk without telling the main point
lot but say little.
beat it go, get lost Beat it, kid! Get going! Leave!
defeat by a large score, blow you Ho plays table tennis very well; she'll beat the pants
beat the pants off
away off you.
have the charges removed or Every time the burglar was caught he was able to
beat the rap
dropped, get off beat the rap.
Idioms: to the best of my knowledge -- tone down


I believe this is true, as far as I To the best of my knowledge, Barrie and Bonnie
to the best of my knowledge
know are twins.
to the greatest amount, groaty to
to the max You should see this video. It's grungy to the max!
the max
to top it off to complete it, to finish it To top it off, they presented us with Olympic pins.
in a lot of trouble, catch hell [B], Ferris, if you drive your father's Porsche, you're
toast
history toast.
do what you are told to do, follow The Military expects you to toe the line - to do as
toe the line
the rules you are told.
happy, successful; get it together, Cathy is really together. She's knows how she
together
with it wants to live and she's doing it.
Does it matter if some of our politicians used to toke
toke up smoke marijuana, smoke pot
up?
token gesture (See a token gesture)
ton of bricks (See like a ton of bricks)
"What do you think of the letter?" "I'd tone it down.
tone down make softer or nicer; not so harsh
It's too harsh."
Idioms: toney neighborhood -- too little too late

a district that has expensive The Kitigawas bought a large house in a toney
toney neighborhood
houses neighborhood.
Most of what Bob said was tongue in cheek. He
tongue in cheek fooling, joking, kidding
was joking.
tongue-lashing (See a tongue-lashing)
There were tons of people at the wedding - and
tons lots, very much/many, a holy pile
tons of food!
Too bad Annie won't be home when I visit. I'd like
too bad a little bit sad, unfortunate
to see her.
I promise not to get too big for my britches if I win
too big for his britches too proud, cocky, swelled head
the award.
The DNA theory is too deep for me. I can't
too deep for me too complicated, too complex
understand it.
Several doctors tried to treat the cancer, but it was
too far gone not able to stop a disease, a goner
too far gone.
too dangerous, hot goods, hot stuff
too hot to handle
Trine dropped him because he was too hot to
handle. He was sexy but scary!
The Roughriders scored two touchdowns in the
not enough effort or work when it
too little too late fourth quarter, but it was too little too late. They
was needed, make hay while...
lost.
Idioms: too many chiefs and not enough Indians --

top it up
too many directors and not
too many chiefs and not Everybody tried to be the boss. We had too many
enough workers, too many
enough Indians chiefs and not enough Indians.
cooks...
The structure failed because it was designed by a
too many cooks spoil the too many managers cause
group of architects. Too many cooks spoil the
broth problems, too many chiefs...
broth.
toodles/toodle-oo bye, goodbye, ciao, so long "Toodle-oo," she said, smiling. "I must go now."
The students were tooling around because they had
tool around play, fool around, goof off
no assignment.
brag, talk about your own Since Ted won the bowling trophy he's been tooting
toot your own horn
success his own horn.
tooth and nail (See fight tooth and nail)
Kruger is top dog now, but he could lose the next
top dog boss, leader, head honcho
election.
Amy's report is top drawer. It deserves a high
top drawer excellent, first class
grade.
finish it, add the last piece or He topped it off by saying we would get a big bonus
top it off
statement this year.
Check the oil every week and top it up if
top it up fill it to the top, fill it to the mark
necessary.
Idioms: top notch -- touch and go

top notch very good quality, first class Claret Sol is a top notch wine, but it's very dry.
good morning, have a good Old Tweedsmuir would say, "Top o' the morning to
top of the morning
morning, the best of the morning you," as we walked to school.
very private information, not This computer program is top secret. Don't show it
top secret
public, it's not a state secret to anyone!
do better than that, improve on "Top that!" the farmer said, holding up a six-pound
top that
that potato.
We like your idea. Can we toss it around for
toss it around discuss it, consider it
awhile? Discuss it?
toss-up (See it's a toss-up)
total stranger (See a total stranger)
The Band was totally awesome! They were

totally awesome excellent, fantastic, far out
excellent!
drink a drop of liquor, have a Steve was a heavy drinker, but he hasn't touched a
touch a drop
drink of liquor drop in years.
between life and death, nip and I recovered from my heart attack, but it was touch
touch and go
tuck and go for awhile.
Idioms: touch base -- touched in the head

Touch base with me in a month or so. Call me about
touch base contact again, keep in touch
May 10.
reply, answer, comment on it, If anyone in your audience asks a question about
touch it with a ten-foot pole
beat around the bush religion, don't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
touch of (See a touch of)
His remark about gun control touched off a heated
touch off start an argument or a fight, set off
discussion.
Ms. Lee spoke on sales, then touched briefly on
touch on speak briefly about, mention
service.
I touched up the painting in a few places. Does it
touch up add details, make small changes
look better?
hoping that our good luck We've never had a flat tire on this car - touch
touch wood
continues wood.
cause you to feel love or sorrow Did Mom's letter touch you? Do you feel sorry for
touch you
or regret her?
touched (See touched in the head)
a bit crazy, a bit off, funny in the People will think you're touched in the head if you
touched in the head
head wear that Superman suit to work.
Idioms: touchy -- tough sledding

Barb is kind of touchy about her weight. Don't
touchy sensitive, ready to argue, edgy
comment on it.
tough act to follow (See a tough act to follow)
it is a problem for you, too bad,
tough bananas "I had to walk to school!" "Well, tough bananas!"
tough luck
tough call (See a tough call)
a determined person, one who Remember John Ferguson? He was one tough
tough customer
fights hard customer.
tough going (See heavy going)

that is bad luck for you, tough
tough luck "I lost $100 betting on Tyson." "Tough luck, guy."
bananas
My supervisor is tough on me - never satisfied with
tough on me makes me work hard, hard on me
my work.
tough row to hoe (See a hard row to hoe)
hard work, slow progress, heavy We've had tough sledding on our building projects.
tough sledding
going, rough going Rainy weather has caused a lot of problems.
Idioms: tough tarts -- traffic jam

tough tarts (See tough bananas)
When Sue gave birth to twins and Dave lost his job,
tough times hard times
they lived through tough times.
tough titty (See tough luck)
The army will toughen him up. They'll develop his
toughen up become tougher, grow stronger
stamina.
tower of strength (See a tower of strength)
not be serious about me, not take I love her, but she's just toying with me - playing
toy with
me seriously with me.
list of achievements, summary of Lou's track record is excellent. She was top seller
track record
career work last year.
insult each other, say rude things When the two men couldn't agree on the cause of
trade insults
to each other, mudsling the problem, they began trading insults.
a business secret, a special recipe I won't tell how Paula makes her pizza. It's a trade
trade secret
or formula secret.
traffic that is not moving, many I was late for class because of a traffic jam.
traffic jam
vehicles on one road Honest!
Idioms: train of thought -- trifle with me

train of thought (See lose my train of thought)
When you buy a used car, check the condition of
tranny transmission of a car or truck
the tranny, eh.
That puppy trashed one of my slippers - chewed it
trash wreck, ruin, ratch
to pieces!
wreck a room or building, a bull in
trash the place If you invite the Casey boys, they'll trash the place.
a China shop
fashionable, at the beginning of a That's a trendy coat she's wearing. I've seen it in
trendy
trend fashion magazines.
learn by correcting errors, hit and We learned to make pizza by trial and error. We
trial and error
miss gradually improved.
a system that depends on
Private enterprise is better than trickle-down
trickle-down economics government spending to help the
economics because profit motivates people.
economy
tricks of the trade (See the tricks of the trade)
tested and proven, reliable, true When Sven chops wood, he uses a Sandvik axe.
tried and true
blue It's tried and true.
be careless about my feelings, When John forgot that he asked me to go to the
trifle with me
mind games, toy with me dance, I felt he was trifling with me.
Idioms: true blue -- try your darndest

Moe is true blue. We've been good friends for forty
true blue loyal, faithful
years.
In the debate on abortion we'll see her true colors -
true colors real beliefs, true values, principles
her beliefs.
After I sing the song, you try it. See if you can sing
try it try to do it, try your hand at
it.
If you like that dress, you can try it on in one of our
try it on wear a garment to see if it fits
fitting rooms.
This is our new life-time pen. Would you like to try
try it out use it for awhile, test it, test drive
it out?
ask me, see what I say; challenge "You wouldn't call the police, would you?" "Just try
try me
me, find out me."
try to become a member of a Let's try out for soccer this year. Let's play on the
try out
team team.
When I reached for the phone, the thief said, "Don't
try that try to do that, pull that
try that."
try that on for size see if you like that, consider that This TV has a 48" screen. Try that on for size.
try very hard, bend over I try my darndest to be fair to customers, but some
try your darndest
backwards, go the extra mile are never satisfied.
Idioms: try your hand at -- tune up

Would you like to try your hand at washing dishes?

try your hand at try to do, try it
It's fun!
see if you can win, you take a
try your luck They won a prize. Do you want to try your luck?
chance
a person who watches TV a lot,
In the winter he's a tube head - always watching
tube head
couch potato hockey on TV.
tube him leave him, drop him He was a bore so I tubed him.
The lounge was totally tubular, a great place to take
tubular nice, fun, cool
her friends.
Timmy was tuckered out after jogging with his
tuckered out short of breath, panting, puffing
father.
tump tip, roll, flip Andy! Slow down, man. You gonna tump over!
adjust the tuning knob on a radio The announcer said, "Tune in tonight at 8 for our
tune in
or receiver Talk Show."
stop listening to me, not pay If you speak in a boring way, students will tune you
tune me out
attention to me out.
improve the operation, improve After Fred tunes up the Mercedes the motor will run
tune up
performance smoother.
Idioms: beat up -- becomes you

She cared for him when he got beat up, trying to
beat up hit and injure, defeat badly
ease his pain.
"Why does he beat up on people?" "Because his
beat up on hit and injure, defeat in a fight
dad beat up on him."
beat your head against a try an impossible task, work on a Preventing war is like beating your head against a
stone wall futile project stone wall.
take away your girlfriend or I can't believe that your friend would beat your
beat your time
boyfriend time.
a car that is in poor condition, Why does he drive that old beater? He could buy a
beater
clunker new car.
each person has a different idea of
beauty is in the eye of the To him, the statue is elegant; to me, it's ugly. Beauty
what is beautiful, one man's
beholder is in the eye of the beholder!
garbage...
do not judge a person by physical If you want to date a beauty queen, remember that
beauty is only skin deep
features, you can't tell a book... beauty is only skin deep.
beck and call (See at your beck and call)
What became of Ko after he moved? How's he
become of happen to, end up
doing?
looks good on you, is right for
becomes you That perfume becomes you. It smells good on you.
you, suits you
Idioms: tuned in -- turn in

able to understand, on the same
If you're tuned in, you know who I've been talking
tuned in
wavelength about.
looking straight ahead, not seeing
Our president has tunnel vision. He believes in only
tunnel vision
other directions one plan.
If students don't enrol in the program, we'll have to
turf it cut it, delete it, throw out
turf it.
turkey fool, dumbo, jerk You turkey! Why did you put Jello on my pizza?
see a problem but not act, look The teacher knows that I come in late, but she turns
turn a blind eye
the other way a blind eye.
It will be a year before we turn a profit on this new
turn a profit profit from, make money
product.
you get what you give, what goes If you give pain you'll feel pain. Turn about is fair
turn about is fair play
around... play.
Sal turned me down when I asked her to go to a
turn down refuse, not accept
movie. She refused.
When you leave our company, please turn in your
turn in give to the manager, hand in
uniform.
turn in go to bed, crash, hit the hay I'm going to turn in now. I'm very tired.
Idioms: turn into -- turn the corner

If you eat any more hotdogs you'll turn into a
turn into become, change into, convert
wiener!
turn of the century (See the turn of the century)
something that excites or arouses Her voice was a turn-on for me. She has a sexy
turn-on
you voice.
turn sharply, turn quickly, do a An Alfa Romeo has excellent steering. It can turn on
turn on a dime
180 a dime.
turn against you, change from If you preach your religion, they may get mad and
turn on you
friend to enemy turn on you.
turn out happen, develop, end up How did your cake turn out? Is it a good recipe?
turn out attend, show up Only 40% of the population turned out to vote.
begin living by a new set of rules Since Bob stopped drinking he's turned over a new
turn over a new leaf
or values leaf.
turn the air blue (See the air was blue)
achieve part of a goal, progress Lan was very ill, but she's turned the corner. She's
turn the corner
toward a goal recovering.
Idioms: turn the other cheek -- turn your crank

He is a passive man. He will turn the other cheek
turn the other cheek accept hurt twice, not fight back
instead of fight.
look away or ignore, look the When I come in late, he turns the other way. He
turn the other way
other way tries not to notice.
begin to defeat the person who
When I learned how to return his serve, I turned the
turn the tables on was defeating you, mount a
tables on him and won the set.
comeback
When Buddy insulted Ted's wife, things turned
turn ugly become uncivilized, begin fighting
ugly.
Only fifteen people turned up at the Block Parents'
turn up attend a meeting, show up
meeting.
We can't find the ring now, but I'm sure it will turn
turn up be found, be seen
up soon.
If you turn up your nose at country music, you may
turn up your nose at say it is not good enough, reject it
lose some friends.
help you begin a new life, turn His new friends helped to turn him around. He's
turn you around
over a new leaf much nicer now.
arouse you, cause you to feel
turn you on "What turns you on?" "Good books and nice girls."
excited
Classical music turns his crank. He likes the great
turn your crank interest you, inspire you
symphonies.
Idioms: turn your stomach -- twist my arm

make you feel sick, cause you to Watching you eat those oysters turns my stomach.
turn your stomach
feel ill Yuk!
walk into a police station to tell If you tell your counselor about the shooting, he'll
turn yourself in
them what you did, own up advise you to turn yourself in.
turning point (See the turning point)
the number of people, the size of There was a good turnout at the Writers' Club
turnout
the group today: 20 people.
increase the power, hop up, If we tweak the engine in this old Cortina, we'll have
tweak
supercharge a sports car.
small child or person, knee high to Ricky is just a twerp. He can ride on Grandpa's
twerp
a grass... knee.
His uncle Ralph is the Premier! I just twigged to
twig to that think of that, realize that
that.
slim person, as slim as a twig on a Kim is a gymnast. She's slim and agile - a real
twiggy
branch twiggy.
senior years, over 70, golden Grandma wants to keep her own home during her
twilight years
years twilight years.
I really don't like pie, but if you twist my arm, I'll
twist my arm persuade me, convince me
have a piece.
Idioms: twist of fate -- two left feet

the way fate works, the way Then, by a twist of fate, a plane flew over and the
twist of fate
things happen pilot saw us.
change the meaning of what you When she gave her testimony in court, the lawyer
twist your words
say, put a different slant... tried to twist her words to mean something else.
What a twit! He thinks a busboy is a kid who rides
twit fool, an airhead, dipstick
the bus!
two people standing or walking The children were walking two abreast on the way
two abreast
side by side home.
two bits 25, twenty-five cents, a quarter Can you lend me two bits? I have to phone home.
Want to hear my two cents' worth? Want my
two cents' worth opinion, comment, chime in
opinion?
strong verbal attack, much If you protect the wolves, you can expect a
two-fisted attack
argument, fight tooth and nail two-fisted attack from the ranchers.
Want a milk shake? We can buy two for one at
two for one two products for the price of one
Toy's Ice Cream.
two heads are better than "Let's ask Alice first. Two heads are better than
listen to more than one opinion
one one."
When it comes to dancing, I have two left feet. I
two left feet awkwardness, poor coordination
stumble a lot.
Idioms: two pee holes in the snow -- typo

He looks very tired. His eyes are like two pee holes
two pee holes in the snow small holes, tiny holes
in the snow.
(See there are two sides to every
two sides to every story
story)
two's company, three's a two people are happier than three, Jill asked, "Can I invite Ginger?" Jack replied,
crowd the third person is not welcome "Two's company, three's a crowd."
The interviewer said my letter of application has a
typo error in typing, nitpick
few typos.
Idioms: U-turn -- under my breath

turn and go the opposite The driver of the truck made a U-turn and drove
U-turn
direction, do a 180 back into town.
uh-huh yes, yep "Do you want a piece of cake?" "Uh-huh."
uh-uh no, nope "Have you done your homework?" "Uh-uh."
controlled by a spirit or magic, She danced when she saw the cat. She seemed to
under a spell
cast a spell be under a spell.
stopped and taken away by the "Jean, you are under arrest." "What for, sir?" "For
under arrest
police, busted stealing a loaf of bread."
The prisoners caused a riot, but things are now
under control order restored, control returned
under control.
being asked many difficult After your speech, you will be under fire from
under fire
questions reporters.
Although Don was injured, he left the field under his
under his own steam by himself, without help
own steam.
With an accounting course under my belt, I can do
under my belt completed, finished
the bookkeeping.
whispered, not spoken loud When the teacher asks questions, I often answer
under my breath
enough to hear under my breath.
Idioms: under my care -- under way

The house is under my care until the owner returns
under my care cared for by me, look after
from Europe.
I can't stop thinking about Paul. I've got him under
under my skin in my thoughts, in my feelings
my skin.
having my protection and help and I am Anna's guardian. She'll be under my wing until
under my wing
guidance she's 18.
after promising to tell the truth in At the trial you will be asked to tell your story under
under oath
court oath.
feeling of too much to do, feeling a Gabor is under a lot of pressure now. He's working
under pressure
lot of stress at two jobs.
under the influence of
partly drunk, buzzed Is he under the influence now? Is he drunk?
alcohol
"Do you get paid for bringing customers to the
hidden, not recorded, not above
under the table store?" "I don't get a cheque - just a little money
board, on the side
under the table."
not feeling well, ill, sick, not feeling Dan's been under the weather lately - sick with the
under the weather
myself flu.
just before the end, before "Did you receive my application?" "It arrived on the
under the wire
closing, just in time last day of the competition, just under the wire."
The concert is under way. The band is playing O
under way started, commenced
Canada.
Idioms: under wraps -- up and coming

I know the name of the winner, but I have to keep it
under wraps secret, not advertised, on the QT
under wraps until tonight.
under your control, doing your Willie is under your thumb now. He does what you
under your thumb
wishes tell him to do.
the player or team that is not likely The Sharks are underdogs this year. People say
underdog
to win they won't win.
not legal, not according to rules, Some people say the government was underhanded
underhanded
not above board in dealing with the Indians.
great person who has not been
The mothers of the graduates are the unsung heroes.
unsung hero honored or praised, behind the
The mothers are Homework Supervisors!
scenes
until you're blue... (See till you're blue in the face)
up a storm (See sing up a storm)
competing against, trying to "Who were you up against?" "Gaetan Boucher, the
up against
defeat Champion."
We were up against it that year. The crop had
poor, not able to pay the bills,
up against it failed, we had lots of bills, and none of us had a
hard up
job.
starting to develop ability, showing Lisel has won six junior trophies. She's an
up and coming
potential up-and-coming athlete.
Idioms: up and running -- up shit creek [B]

Andre is repairing the copier. It will soon be up and
up and running operating, working
running.
The estate will be sold by auction. Even the antiques
up for grabs available, can be bought
are up for grabs.
Tonight's game is important. Every player has to be
up for it ready, prepared to play, pumped
up for it.
The Wongs must be moving. Their house is up for

up for sale advertised for sale, on the market
sale.
at the beginning, level with He was up front with me. He told me about the
up front
beforehand interest charges first.
The smokers are up in arms about the no-smoking
up in arms angry, ready to fight, hot
bylaw.
The barn went up in smoke before the fire truck
up in smoke burned, destroyed by fire
arrived.
They aren't sure who killed the President. It's still up
up in the air not decided, not settled
in the air.
aware of, informed about, on top Are you up on the latest computer games? Have
up on
of you played UFOX?
If we lose our matches, we're up shit creek. We
up shit creek [B] in a bad situation, in a fix
need a campfire.
Idioms: bed down -- beg your pardon

lie down and sleep, find a place to After grazing in the valley, the deer will bed down
bed down
sleep on the hill.
"Does this doll look like Santa?" "Yes, if you beef it
beef it up add more bulk, increase the size
up a little."
beehive of activity (See a beehive of activity)
beeline (See make a beeline)
experienced, not naive, wasn't Margo's been around; she can work with the
been around
born yesterday convicts.
If he paid a hundred dollars for that radio, he's been
been had cheated, swindled, taken in
had.
before you can say Jack very quickly, in a split second, in Before you could say Jack Robinson, the ghost was
Robinson no time gone!
ask to be excused from duty, get Some people volunteer to work and then they beg
beg off
out of a task off.
have a different opinion, disagree When I stated the cause of the loss, he said, "I beg
beg to differ
with to differ."
excuse me, please do not be
beg your pardon I beg your pardon, but I am using this phone booth.
offended
Idioms: up the ante -- up to scratch

increase the payment, increase the If they up the ante to $50, I won't enter the hockey
up the ante
deposit pool this year.
in a predicament, in difficulty, in a Without insurance, you could be up the creek if
up the creek
jam there's a fire.
She didn't use a contraceptive, so she's up the
up the stump [B] pregnant, a bun in the oven
stump again.
What are you up to? Are you planning another
up to planning, doing
fishing trip?
The radio reports events as they happen. The news
up to date recent, current
is up to date.
have enough energy to do it, up "Would you like to play another game of
up to it
for it badminton?" "No, I don't think I'm up to it."
have too many, coming out of our
up to my ears You're selling books? I'm up to my ears in books!
ears
doing bad things, causing Tom's up to no good these days - stealing drugs and
up to no good
problems selling them.
good enough to pass, up to a This woodwork is not up to par. It's below our
up to par
standard standard.
The cloth in these jeans is poor quality. It's not up to
up to scratch good enough, up to par
scratch.
Idioms: up to snuff -- uphill battle

We expect quality photographs - every picture must
up to snuff good quality, measure up
be up to snuff.
trying to make a deal, planning a David is up to something. He has a look of mischief
up to something
joke in his eye.
at normal speed, feeling healthy Tim's recovered from his surgery but he's not up to
up to speed
again speed yet.
Whether you go or stay is up to you. It's your
up to you your choice, your decision
decision.
Millie was waving a flag and shouting, "Up with
up with support it, this is good
fluoride!"
what you like to do, what interests Sewing - that's right up your alley. It's one of your
up your alley
you hobbies.
When I write an exam, I like to have a topic up my
up your sleeve hidden, ready to use if asked
sleeve.
I hope you have an accident, When she told him to get out of the house, he said,
up yours [B]
screw you "Up yours!"
Please hand me the paper towel. Baby upchucked
upchuck vomit, puke, barf, hork
on my sweater.
difficult work, rough going, tough We've asked the government to protect children's
uphill battle
sledding rights, but it's an uphill battle all the way.
Idioms: upper crust -- user friendly

upper class, high class, Kurt acts like upper crust because his ancestor was
upper crust
aristocracy a German baron.
upper hand (See the upper hand)
cause a major problem, stop You will upset the apple cart if you tell your folks
upset the apple cart
progress we're moving.
If war has an upside, it would be that it's good for
upside positive side, good news
the economy.
tense, nervous, not relaxed, "What are you uptight about?" "I'm not sure. It
uptight
worried sick could be fear of losing my job."
We've used up all the shampoo. Please buy some
use up use all of it, use all you have
more.
Lynn is used to being alone. Henry is away from
used to accustomed to, having felt it often
home a lot.
useless as a fifth wheel (See as useless as a fifth wheel)
useless as the tits... (See as useless as tits on a boar)
easy to learn or use, easy to Cars with automatic transmission are user friendly -
user friendly
operate easy to drive.
Idioms: uzi -- uzi

uzi (See pack uzis)
Idioms: vamoose -- visit a spell

leave quickly, go, get going, hit the We better vamoose, my friend, or we'll be late for
vamoose
road our appointment.
a variety of experiences makes life On the sign above the door were these words:
variety is the spice of life
interesting, to each his own GENERAL STORE Variety is the spice of life!
not do anything, be a couch After work he just vegetates - just sits there and
vegetate (veg out)
potato says nothing.
Very Important Person, big boys, Only the VIP's - the president, and members of the
VIP
big wig board - are invited to the dinner.
The island was virgin territory. There were no signs
virgin territory untouched or unexplored area
of humans.
a "real" experience created on a Virtual reality allowed me to experience space
virtual reality
computer travel.
visit a spell visit for awhile, set a spell Well hello, Charlie. Come in and visit a spell.
Idioms: wack -- wait on you hand and foot

wack hip-hop slang word meaning bad That book is wack. I can't understand it.
wacko crazy, bonkers, spinny If I eat worms, will people think I'm wacko?
silly, foolish, kooky, nutty as a Lucy sometimes does wacky things - like, one time
wacky
fruit cake she sent ice cream in the mail.
pause for a short time, think about Wait a minute. Before we visit Doris, let's phone
wait a minute
this, hold it her.
wait a sec wait for a second, wait up Wait a sec, Mag. I'll be right there.
wait to see what will happen, hang Let's wait around and see if the bird returns to its
wait around
around nest.
wait for the other shoe to wait for the final step, wait for the He said he'd make two changes. First, he resigned.
drop conclusion, leave me hanging I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.
serve customers in a restaurant or Please wait on the customers in the lounge. Take
wait on customers
store their orders.
wait on tables (See wait on customers)
serve you, bring everything you Anna says she's tired of waiting on you hand and
wait on you hand and foot
want, suck up to foot. She won't be your slave anymore.
Idioms: wait up -- walk

wait up wait for me, wait until I catch up Danny, wait up. I want to talk to you.
not go to bed until the kids come Mom always waits up for us when we go to a
wait up for
home at night party.
wait with suspense, want to know We waited with bated breath for news of the fallen
wait with bated breath
what happens climber.
On Saturday I usually wake up around noon. I sleep
wake up awaken, rouse from sleep
in.
wake up be alert, stop daydreaming Wake up, Walter. It's your turn to deal the cards.
wake up and smell the You don't know about the Net? Wake up and smell
be more aware, get with it
coffee the coffee!
wake-up call (See a wake-up call)
wake up on the wrong side (See get up on the wrong side of
of bed bed)
I woke with a start when Santa Claus landed on our
wake with a start wake suddenly, jump out of bed
roof.
not have to pay a fine or go to They couldn't prove that Don was guilty, so he
walk
jail, get off walked.
Idioms: walk a straight line -- wall flower

walk without staggering, show that If you can't walk a straight line, don't drive a
walk a straight line
you are sober vehicle.
We walked down the road to the lake. It was a nice
walk down walk along, walk on
day for a walk.
People from all walks of life eat at Fabio's
walk of life lifestyle, occupation, vocation
Restaurants.
be very careful, on tenterhooks, Your son is so afraid of making a mistake he's
walk on eggshells
watch your step walking on eggshells.
be forced to jump overboard or
If you get caught stealing from the company, you'll
walk the plank be killed, be forced to leave or
have to walk the plank.
quit
do what you talk about doing, If we advise people to recycle, we should recycle.
walk the talk
practice what you preach We have to walk the talk.
read or perform slowly, practice At our first rehearsal we walked through the first act
walk through
slowly of the play.
inspect the house you are buying
The day before we moved into our new home, we
walk-through just before you become the
did a walk-through with the real estate agent.
owner
They walked up and down the hall, waiting for the
walk up walk along, walk on, walk in
doctor.
a girl who is not invited to dance, I won't go to the party because I feel like a wall
wall flower
no shrinking violet flower when the boys don't ask me to dance.
Idioms: want a piece of me -- wash it off

I wrote a letter to the local paper criticizing the

want to hurt me, want revenge,
want a piece of me hockey team. Now everybody wants a piece of
have at me
me.
want it so bad I can taste it want it very much, die for I want that trophy. I want it so bad I can taste it.
want to make something of do you want to argue or fight Yes, I did kiss Millie Watkins. Wanna make
it about it? something of it?
To warm up, she walks about a kilometer; then she
warm up begin to exercise, exercise slowly
jogs.
For supper we had warmed-over waffles. They
warmed over warmed on a stove, reheated
tasted okay.
thinking that weird things are If you laugh at cruelty, you have a warped sense of
warped sense of humor
funny humor.
wash (See a wash)
wash by letting water run down, If the kids play in the bathroom I'll have to wash
wash down
hose it down down the walls.
drink to help you swallow, drink
wash it down Have a donut - and some coffee to wash it down.
after eating
If you spill latex paint, you can wash it off with
wash it off spray water to clean it, hose it off
water.
Idioms: wash out -- wasted

wash out become clean, clean up "Will this stain wash out?" "Yes, if you use bleach."
wash-out (See a wash-out)
not be involved anymore, If you don't believe in the union, wash your hands of
wash your hands of it
withdraw from a project it.
ruined, unable to continue in I can't believe Max is washed up. He was a
washed up
business successful businessman.
wise from experience, been Pat can survive in the workplace. She wasn't born
wasn't born yesterday
around yesterday.
Don's a WASP and I'm a WASP, but we have
WASP White Anglo-Saxon Protestant
different beliefs.
After the meeting, I left. I wasted no time leaving
waste no time hurry to do it, do not delay
that dirty city.
if you do not waste, you will not Melinda's motto is Waste Not, Want Not. She's
waste not, want not
be needy very efficient.
He acts weird when he's wasted. Drugs do strange
wasted drugged, natural high, stoned
things to him.
Tom was wasted by the C-Train Gang. He's in the
wasted badly injured, bruised, beat up
hospital.
Idioms: beg your pardon? -- bells and whistles

what did you say? will you repeat Beg your pardon? Did you say you are Paul
beg your pardon?
what you said? Newman?
people who receive free things When they complained about the shabby coats, he
beggars can't be choosers
should not expect the best said, "Beggars can't be choosers."
behind bars in jail, in prison, in the slammer Behind bars, she didn't have much of a social life.
in a difficult position, in a I'm behind the eight ball with the Tax Department. I
behind the eight ball predicament, between the devil deducted college tuition fees from my taxable
and... income, but I didn't pay the fees!
out of sight, unnoticed, unsung This organization has many people who work
behind the scenes
hero behind the scenes helping us to succeed.
where you cannot see, when you He says nice things to you, but criticizes you behind
behind your back
are not here your back.
being where good things happen,
Caleb seems to succeed by just being there. Good
being there being in the right place at the right
things happen to him wherever he is.
time
believe my ears (See can't believe my ears)
believe my eyes (See can't believe my eyes)
bells and whistles (See all the bells and whistles)
Idioms: watch out -- water under the bridge

watch out be careful, look out Watch out! There's a truck!
watch and care for, keep an eye
Jamie, you watch out for Cathy. Hold her hand at
watch out for
on the crosswalk.
"Who watches over you, Kari?" "My Guardian
watch over care for, protect, look after
Angel, that's who."
do not swear, do not use crude Watch your language. There are children in the
watch your language
language room.
At the banquet, remember your manners. Watch
watch your P's and Q's be polite, mind your manners
your P's and Q's.
watch your step watch where you step, be careful Watch your step, Grandfather. The sidewalk is icy.
stay out of trouble, keep your The referee told me not to fight. "Watch your step,"
watch your step
nose clean he said.
water-cooler talk office news, gossip I believe water-cooler talk - unless it's about me.
add water to make it weaker, The cherry drink is too strong. It should be watered
water down
dilute down.
That failure is water under the bridge. Let's not live
water under the bridge the past, history
in the past.
Idioms: watering hole -- wear down

The St. Louis Hotel is Ralph's favorite watering
watering hole bar, pub, licensed premises
hole.
speak beautifully, make a speech When we talk about art, Uncle Jonas begins to wax
wax eloquent
using nice words eloquent.
become poetic, begin to recite Whenever you read the Psalms, Andy begins to
wax poetic
poems wax poetic.
way cool very nice, very cool His voice is way cool, eh. I love listening to him.
not close to the answer, wrong by
way out (away out) Your guess was way out. My age is 49, not 41.
a large amount
way out of line (away out of very inappropriate, not
When the teacher hit you, he was way out of line.
line) acceptable
good work, good for you, good When Kelly scores a goal, we yell, "Way to go,
way to go
going man!"
(See the way you hold your mouth
way you hold your...
)
not strong in character, lacking Marvin yields to temptation, but I wouldn't say he's
weak-kneed
will power weak-kneed.
become dull or weak, use until Confinement in a prison began to wear down his
wear down
worn spirit.
Idioms: wear off -- weirdo

not have as much effect, not affect The effects of the drug began to wear off, and the
wear off
as much pain returned.
use until thin or full of holes, If you wear out your gloves, we'll provide a new
wear out
shabby pair.
stay or visit too long, not be If we stay more than three days, we'll wear out our
wear out your welcome
welcome anymore welcome.
make the decisions, control Betty wears the pants in the Cheong family. She's
wear the pants
everything the boss.
wear your heart on your show your emotions, reveal your If you wear your heart on your sleeve, he'll know
sleeve true feelings you love him.
vague or ambiguous word (used Show that contract to your lawyer. She can find the
weasel word
intentionally) weasel words.
survive a crisis, live through tough Pat lost his job and I had surgery, but we weathered
weather the storm
times the storm.
We have to weed out the courses that people don't

weed out remove, delete, get rid of, turf it
need, such as Caring For Your Polar Bear.
measure the weight of a person, Teddy weighed in at one hundred kilograms. He's a
weigh in at
tip the scales heavy man.
This weirdo started following us around the park. It
weirdo strange person, pervert, creep
was scary!
Idioms: wekabi -- went wild

His wekabi told him to steal the statue of the
wekabi personal evil spirit, personal devil
Ethiopian ruler.
The Clarks were well heeled, wealthy enough to
well heeled wealthy, rich, well off
hire servants.
well hung [B] having a large penis and testicles That stallion is well hung. He's very well equipped.
Ken's family is fairly well off. They can afford a few
well off wealthy, well to do
luxuries.
Your statement is well taken. The Canadian family
well taken true, significant
has changed.
Many well-to-do families send their children to
well to do wealthy, rich, loaded
private schools.
went through the roof (See go through the roof)
went to bat for (See go to bat for)
went under (See go under)
went wild (See go wild)
Idioms: wet behind the ears -- what came over me

wet behind the ears (See still wet behind the ears)
urinate while in bed, urinate during Some kids wet the bed because they have
wet the bed
sleep emotional problems.
If you're thirsty, have some apple cider to wet your
wet your whistle have a drink, quench your thirst
whistle.
whack off [B] (See jerk off)
whale of a game (See a whale of a game)
what an intelligent person, what a
what a brain What a brain! She got 98% on her math test.
bright girl
what a dish what a beautiful girl, cute chick Wynona Rider - what a dish!
To get a refund, I had to answer 50 questions.

what a rigmarole what a process, what a a hassle
What a rigmarole!
After riding in Paul's Corvette, Rita said, "What a
what a rush what a thrill, what a great feeling
rush!"
what happened to me, what I couldn't remember my name. I don't know what
what came over me
caused me to change came over me.
Idioms: what-cha-ma-call-it -- what it boils down

to
To finish the job, I need a what-cha-ma-call-it. A
what-cha-ma-call-it what do you call it, thing-a-ma-jig
trowel!
why am I being punished? no rest Working in the sewers, I thought, "What did I do to
what did I do to deserve this
for the wicked deserve this?"
what is happening, what's going Jerry walks in and says, "What gives? Where is
what gives
on everybody?"
you get what you give; our actions
what goes around comes Wise folks have learned that you eventually get what
are passed on until they return to
around you give - what goes around comes around.
us
what if (See what-if)
We did a what-if on the computer to see when the
what-if plan, theory, hypothesis
world will die from pollution.
What in tarnation? Where did you get that
what in tarnation what is this? what the hell [B]
dinosaur?
You built a gazebo? What in the name of heaven is
what in the name of heaven what is that? what's going on
that?
What in the world is that? It looks like a space
what in the world what is happening, what is it?
ship!
what it really means, the bottom What it boils down to is this: we don't have enough
what it boils down to
line money.
Idioms: what the dickens -- what's going on

where did it go? how do you What the dickens did you do to your hair? Who cut
what the dickens
explain it? it off?
The hood blew off my car, but what the hay - who
what the hay who cares? why worry?
needs a hood?
Bing and Ko are getting married. What the heck! I

what the heck why bother? it does not matter
don't care.
What the hell is he doing with my diary? Where did
what the hell [B] why? how? what the heck
he get it?
What the Sam Hill did you do to my bike? The
what the Sam Hill what happened, what is it?
gears won't shift.
what you don't know won't if you do not know about a Don't tell Dad I'm gay. What he doesn't know won't
hurt you problem, you do not worry hurt him.
what is happening, what's going
what's cooking What's cooking with the kids? They're too quiet.
down
what is bothering you? are you
what's eating you What's eating you, Darryl? You look kind of mad.
upset?
what is happening, what is going The students want to know what's going down -
what's going down
to happen where the teacher is.
what is happening, what's going I want to know what's going on. Who wrote this
what's going on
down note?
Idioms: what's good for the goose is good for the

gander -- what's your poison
what's good for the goose is rules that apply to the wife also If you need a holiday, so do I! What's good for the
good for the gander apply to the husband, tit for tat goose is good for the gander.
what is his name, I cannot Nobody can park here, not even old
what's-his-face
remember his name what's-his-face - the judge.
what will I receive? how will I Before I give you the information, what's in it for
what's in it for me
benefit? me. Do I get paid?
what is new in your life? what is
what's new "Hi, Pearl. What's new?" "Lots. I have a baby!"
happening
why are you doing that? who said What's the big idea? Who said you could chop
what's the big idea
you could do that? down that tree?
what is the news? what did you When Holly wants to know what happened, she
what's the poop
hear? what's going down says, "Well, what's the poop?"
what is happening what is the Bugs Bunny says to Elmer Fudd, "A bee 'n a bee!
what's up
latest news? What's up, Doc?"
what is the truth, what are the I want to know what's what before I go to court. I
what's what
facts, the straight goods want to know what happened.
what is your complaint? why are What's your beef, Mark? I can see that you're
what's your beef
you upset? upset.
what do you like to drink? which Come over to the bar and I'll buy you a drink.
what's your poison
liquor do you like? What's your poison?
Idioms: wheatbelt -- when the dust settles

wheat-producing area, Farmers in the wheatbelt pray for rain for their
wheatbelt
breadbasket crops.
a person who is good at making Cliff is a wheeler-dealer in the energy industry. He
wheeler-dealer
sales and deals, a wheeler-dealer brings buyers and sellers together.
vehicle (car, truck etc.), set of Jeff, can I borrow your wheels? My sister needs a
wheels
wheels ride to the mall.
wheels fall off (See the wheels fall off)
when in Rome, do as the when you are a visitor do the When I visit an Asian country, I learn the customs,
Romans do same things as your hosts do and do as the "Romans" do.
when this is the topic, when we When it comes to cars, I like GM. I would buy a
when it comes to
talk about this Chev or a Pontiac.
when people fight, when the The workers are demanding a fair wage. When
when push comes to shove fighting begins, when the going push comes to shove, we may have to call the
gets tough police.
when the right decision must be When the chips are down - when we are losing -
when the chips are down
made, when you must win we play better. We need to be challenged.
when there is less money, when When the crunch comes, we'll have our mortgage
when the crunch comes
the economy fails paid off!
when the fight is finished, when it
Abortion is a serious issue, but when the dust
when the dust settles is calm again, when the lights go
settles, women will be able to choose.
on
Idioms: when the going gets tough -- whip you

when there are problems, when When the going gets tough, we need people with a
when the going gets tough
progress is difficult good attitude.
where even the angels fear to go, They were using a ouija board - going where angels
where angels fear to tread
where danger is fear to tread!
where do they get the right? how Where do they get off telling me to slow down?
where do they get off
come? Who asked them?
where important things are China - that's where it's at today. Their society is
where it's at
happening, where the action is changing; their economy is growing.
where the rubber hits the where the theory is tested, when In the workplace, you apply what you've learned -
road the action begins; the nitty-gritty that's where the rubber hits the road.
when we are determined we find a
where there's a will, there's The manager of the charity held up this sign:
way to succeed, when the going
a way WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY!
gets tough
where is the bathroom? where is When Bev is looking for a bathroom she says,
where's the loo
the can? "Where's the loo?"
improve your appetite, cause you

whet your appetite How about an aphrodisiac to whet your appetite?
to be hungry
expression of relief after escaping
whew Whew! That was close! I nearly lost my false teeth!
danger, thank goodness
defeat you, beat you in a game, Jason says he can whip you in a game of tennis. Can
whip you
wipe you he beat you?
Idioms: belly up -- benefit of the doubt

belly up not operating, bankrupt, tits up Four car dealers went belly up during the recession.
sit close to the bar, find a chair at Belly up to the bar, boys. I'd like to buy you a
belly up to the bar
the bar drink.
Don't bellyache about the referee. Just play your
bellyache complain, whine
best.
not earning enough to survive,
If husband and wife are earning minimum wage,
below the poverty line very poor, as poor as a church
they're living below the poverty line.
mouse
I should belt you for saying that my sister looks like
belt you hit you, punch you
a dog.
do anything to help, try to please, They'll bend over backwards to find a room for
bend over backwards
go the extra mile you. They give excellent service.
change the rules to help, look the Ed won't accept late reports. He won't bend the
bend the rules
other way rules.
Carl, can I bend your ear for a minute? I have some
bend your ear ask you to listen, buttonhole you
news.
Your eyes look red and tired. Bend your elbow last
bend your elbow drink beer or liquor, tip a few
night?
benefit of the doubt (See the benefit of the doubt)
Idioms: whip you into shape -- whup you

help you become fit, improve your
whip you into shape These aerobic exercises will whip you into shape.
fitness
a purchase that was not used, a Should we take the statue of Stalin to the White
white elephant
useless object Elephant Sale?
Driving through fog is scary - it's white knuckles all
white knuckles a tense feeling, acute worry
the way.
"You said you were 39, not 40." "Yes. I told a

white lie a small lie, a fib
white lie."
urinate, pee, piss,[B] have to go, A few minutes after the concert began, my daughter
whiz
take a leak [B] whispered, "Mommy, I have to whiz."
every effort, all your energy, gung When I play racquetball, I work hard. I go whole
whole hog
ho hog.
whole shebang (See the whole shebang)
whole shooting match (See the whole shooting match)
Every time I eat shortbread, I get whore blossoms
whore blossom pimple, cold sore, zit
on my chin.
whup you (See whip you)
Idioms: why in the name of... -- wimp

I want to know why in the name of heaven she
why in the name of... why, why in the world
bought that gun.
Why in the world would anyone want to live in the
why in the world why, why is it? for the life of me
desert?
"Wicked!" Dawn said when she saw my haircut. "It
wicked exciting, terrific, cool
looks great."
After the bear stuck his head in our tent, I was wide
wide awake fully awake, alert
awake.
wild exciting, awesome, rad "Do you like my new shirt?" "Ya, man. It's wild."
I'm just wild about Harry, but he doesn't care about
wild about like a lot, crazy about, mad about
me.
When cowboys are on the range, they become wild
wild and woolly uncivilized, like an animal
and woolly.
wild goose chase (See a wild goose chase)
whether you want it or not, I continue to receive junk mail - willy-nilly - like it or
willy-nilly
without choice not!
Tiny Tim is not a wimp, but he looks thin and
wimp weak person, chicken
weak.
Idioms: wimpy -- window of opportunity

weak, lacking courage, like a Sean acts kind of wimpy, but he's a strong, decisive
wimpy
wimp leader.
win a big prize, win a lot of You can win big with Lotto 649. You can win
win big
money millions!
barely win, win by one point or In the final race, we won by a nose. Our boat was
win by a nose
part of a second just in front.
win by going ahead near the end Scoring four goals in the third period, the Leafs won
win going away
of a race or game going away.
win the approval, cause people to
Elvis won the hearts of the crowd when he sang
win the hearts
like you Love Me Tender.
What time will the meeting wind up? When should I
wind up conclude, finish, end up
pick you up?
see this result, see that ending, end If you are a strong leader, you could wind up as our
wind up
up president.
a person who talks a lot, a person Kerry is bragging about Ireland again. What a
windbag
who brags windbag!
winded (See out of breath)
window of opportunity (See a window of opportunity)
Idioms: window on the world -- wipe out

the place where you can see the For some people, TV is their only window on the
window on the world
world world.
improvise, change your plans, play If I am asked strange questions at an interview, I
wing it
it by ear wing it. I give the best answers I can think of.
We went to Happy Harry's wingding. It was a great
wingding wild party, bash
party.
Jerry, you wingnut! How did you get that horse in
wingnut a person who acts crazy, a nut
the elevator?
Leon drove his car into the lake again. That guy is
wingy wild, crazy, wacko
really wingy!
the winner of the game gets all the Bert said, "Let's play one more game of poker,
winner take all
money winner take all."
winning isn't everything; it's winning is the only thing that It was Vince Lombardi, a football coach, who said,
the only thing matters, get it straight "Winning isn't everything - it's the only thing."
winning game after game, make a The Expos have won nine games - their longest
winning streak
clean sweep winning streak.
See that wino over there. He used to be the
wino an alcoholic, a drunk, in the tank
president of GASCO.
lose control of a car/bike so that it Larry wiped out on the last corner. His car is in the
wipe out
spins or rolls ditch.
Idioms: wipe that smile off your face -- with bells

on
stop smiling, do not smile, cut it
Rick, tell Peter you're sorry and give him a big kiss.
wipe that smile off your face
out Gail, wipe that smile off your face.
defeat you by many points, blow
Tran has won every spelling contest. She'll wipe
wipe you
you away you.
Jay didn't sleep last night. She's really wired for her
wired very excited, pumped
exam today.
ready to operate, prepared for "Is the hall decorated and ready?" "Yep. It's wired
wired for sound
use for sound."
Your husband knows you're seeing me. He's wise
wise to us know what we are doing, onto us
to us.
believing it is true because you Roy says that he is going to marry Dawn, but it's
wishful thinking
wish it was true wishful thinking.
not able to decide, saying yes and I like you because you're decisive, because you're
wishy-washy
no not wishy-washy.
with all my heart with all my feeling I love Canada with all my heart.
with worry and tension, with With bated breath, they waited for news of the men
with bated breath
suspense, leave me hanging who were trapped in the mine.
I'd love to come to your wedding. I'll be there with
with bells on happy to come, ready to have fun
bells on!
Idioms: with his tail between his legs -- without a

word of a lie
running away in fear, retreating When he saw the bear, he turned around and ran
with his tail between his legs
like a coward, run for the hills with his tail between his legs.
informed, sophisticated, cool, inIn the fashion world, Brad's really with it. He knows
with it
the know fashion.
The comet cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is
with the naked eye without binoculars or a telescope
too small.
to take out, to take with you, to "Can I take your order?" "I'll have a Big Mac, a
with wings
go large fries and a Coke - with wings."
close enough to hear, under my Lil was within earshot of the radio during the
within earshot
breath newscast. She heard it.
Without a doubt, Toyota has the best record. It's
without a doubt for sure, without question
the most reliable.
mentally unbalanced, one brick At times he acts strange - like he's playing without a
without a full deck
short... full deck.
Except for one flat tire, the trip went without a

without a hitch without a problem, smooth sailing
hitch.
nude, naked as a jay bird, stark She stood there, ankle deep in water, without a
without a stitch of clothes on
naked stitch of clothes on.
without a word of a lie without any lies, the gospel truth Without a word of a lie, that fish was five feet long.
Idioms: without batting an eye -- woozy

without pausing, looking calm and Without batting an eye, she gave him a false name
without batting an eye
natural and address.
Lee sang best, without question. She has an
without question certain, no doubt
excellent voice.
without a sign of fear or stress, Without turning a hair, Adriana told them she was
without turning a hair
cool, without batting an eye Madonna's manager!
The boys wolfed down their lunch and ran out to
wolf down eat quickly, inhale
play soccer.
wolf in sheep's clothing (See a wolf in sheep's clothing)
will help if necessary, will not "Will you judge our pie contest?" "I'd rather not do
won't see you stuck
refuse firmly, leave the door open it, but I won't see you stuck."
will not tell anyone, keep it to
won't tell a soul You can tell me your secret. I won't tell a soul.
yourself
After falling off the horse, Pedro was feeling a little
wonky dizzy, confused, woozy
wonky.
If you eat bananas, anchovies and cheese, you'll
woof your cookies vomit, puke, barf, hork
woof your cookies.
feeling a little bit sick in your
woozy I've had the flu and my stomach is still a bit woozy.
stomach, wonky
Idioms: word for word -- work ethic

He repeated her message word for word - exactly
word for word quoted exactly, verbatim
as she had said it.
you can believe it, you can count Arturo's word is good. You can believe what he
word is good
on it says.
I have heard, people are saying, Word is out that you're moving to Denver. Is it
word is out
rumor has it true?
He gave me his word of honor that he will pay me
word of honor solemn promise, take oath
on Friday.
word of mouth (See by word of mouth)

word to the wise (See a word to the wise)
wordsmith (See a wordsmith)
work is right, is fine, is appropriate Plaintive - that's the right word! It works!
a lot of work to do, difficult tasks If you want to be a chartered accountant, you have
work cut out for
to do, a hard row to hoe your work cut out for you.
belief that you must work; that Do you believe that Canadians have a strong work
work ethic
work is good for you ethic?
Idioms: work it out -- work your ass off [B]

My teacher and I disagree about my grade, but we
work it out solve it, try to agree
can work it out.
work hard every day, work your I work my buns off while he sits around and makes
work my buns off
ass off [B] phone calls!
work so hard that I become thin I worked my fingers to the bone to help my kids get
work my fingers to the bone
and weak an education.
work of art beautiful painting or carving etc. Every rug she weaves is a work of art.
work out succeed, go as planned, pan out Did the recipe work out? Did the cake taste good?
discuss a problem and find a Maria and Paulo had a fight, but they worked things
work things out
solution, work it out out.
do only as much work as you The teachers are working to rule because they are
work to rule
have to do, draw the line not satisfied with their salaries.
work or exercise hard, perspire, When I skip, it takes me ten minutes to work up a
work up a sweat
break a sweat sweat.
become thirsty, work or play until Digging trenches at midday, the men soon worked
work up a thirst
you are thirsty up a thirst.
work very hard, work my buns Why do you work your ass off for such a small
work your ass off [B]
off salary?
Idioms: work your buns off -- worn out

If you work your buns off, you can learn these
work your buns off work hard, work steadily
idioms!
one who loves to work; who is Gary is a workaholic. He even works on
workaholic
addicted to work weekends!
Now, Dad. Don't get worked up about the war.
worked up excited, upset
Don't get upset.
a person who tries to be the best My coach said, "You don't have to be a world
world beater
in the world, set the world on fire beater. Just be the best you can be."
world is your oyster (See the world is your oyster)
a network of computers in all Some people use the Web to find information;
World Wide Web (www)
parts of the world, Internet others use it to find friends.
knowing how to survive, having You've lived on the streets of LA. You're worldly
worldly wise
street smarts wise. You're hip.
not close to agreement, very Israel and Palestine are neighbors but they're worlds
worlds apart
different apart.
worn out (See wear out)
Whew! I'm worn out from all that walking! How far
worn out very tired, bushed
did we walk?
Idioms: beside myself -- better half

very upset, very worried, at loose She was beside herself with grief when her sister
beside myself
ends died.
The brand of cigarette is beside the point. Smoking
beside the point off topic, not related, irrelevant
is the issue.
best foot forward (See put your best foot forward)
thinking of a person's needs, in When I give low grades, I still have your best
best interests at heart
mind interests at heart.
best laid plans (See the best-laid plans)
best of both worlds (See the best of both worlds)
I bet on the bay mare, and she won! I bet $20 on
bet on place a bet, gamble
her.
If you vote for that guy, you're betting on a lame
bet on a lame rooster bet on a loser, fall for that
rooster.
I will bet dollars, you bet donuts; Ben is the fastest runner. I'll bet you dollars to
bet you dollars to donuts
give you odds donuts he wins.
Bring your better half when you visit us. We'd like
better half spouse, wife or husband
to meet her.
Idioms: worried sick -- wrap around his finger

Velma is worried sick about her son. He's using
worried sick very worried, extremely anxious
cocaine.
worse for wear (See none the worse for wear)
worship the ground she love her very, very much; crawl "Does Anthony love Cleopatra?" "He adores her.
walks on on my hands..., mad about her He worships the ground she walks on!"
Our volunteers are worth their weight in gold. They
worth their weight in gold worth a lot, invaluable, priceless
help us in ways that money can't buy!
would not like to do it, would Have you seen Lulu's miniskirt? I wouldn't be
wouldn't be caught dead
rather die than do it caught dead in that.
wouldn't miss it for the I would rather attend it than see "Are you coming to my wedding?" "I wouldn't miss
world the world it for the world!"
wouldn't say shit if her would not say a bad word, would Vi is so sweet. She wouldn't say shit if her mouth
mouth was full of it [B] not swear was full of it.
Before Nadia sings, she gets all wound up. She
wound up excited, pumped
can't relax.
wow oh, awesome, gee whiz Wow! I can see every star in the universe tonight.
I do whatever she wants. She's got me wrapped
wrap around his finger controlled by him, on a string
around her finger.
Idioms: wrap it up -- written in blood

They played some new songs but they wrapped it
wrap it up finish it, end it, bring to a close
up with a hit.
The Olympics wrap up on Sunday. Closing
wrap up end, conclude
ceremonies are at 1 p.m.
During the wrap-up, the speaker thanked everyone
wrap-up closing, conclusion
for coming.
understand, comprehend, get your Val's niece is also her half sister. Wrap your mind
wrap your mind around
mind around around that!
damage, destroy, lay waste, trash If the workers get mad, they'll wreak havoc in the
wreak havoc
the place warehouse. They'll wreck the place.
say it is a financial loss, call it a
Don't worry about the cost of my plane ticket. I can
write it off business expense, deduct it from
write it off as a business expense.
income
record in writing, prepare a I've been asked to write up a list of the winners for
write up
written account the newspaper.
being unable to think of something I told the teacher I couldn't do the paper because of
writer's block
to write writer's block.
showing on your face, body When you heard that Italy lost the World Cup,
written all over your face
language, read you disappointment was written all over your face.
like a law, binding, cannot be Now that his name is written in blood, he's a
written in blood
changed member of our gang.
Idioms: written in stone -- wysiwyg

written in final form, like a Our agreement isn't written in stone; it can be
written in stone
commandment changed.
"Who is the most famous wuss?" "Mr. Bean?"
wuss weak person, chicken, wimp
"Right!"
what you see is what you get (if The printer is supposed to print what you see on the
wysiwyg
you are lucky) computer screen - wysiwyg!
Idioms: X Generation -- XL
X Generation (See Generation X)
look for x, begin at x, x is Someone had written on the map "X marks the spot
x marks the spot
important where we were abducted by aliens."
Born Loose is an x-rated video. It contains nudity
x-rated for adults, for a mature audience
and sex.
extra large or very large, extra "This shirt is marked XL. What does that mean?" "It
XL luxury or extra power; shirt - size means extra large. On cars, XL means extra luxury
XL, car - 300XL or power."
Idioms: ya -- yikes
"Did you graduate from high school?" "Ya. I got a
ya yes, yep, yo, uh-uh
diploma."
yada idle talk, chatter, yak He's always talking - yada, yada!
When I went to bed, Kate and Mom were still
yak talk a lot, visit, a chin wag
yakking away about the children.
yawner (See a yawner)
lacking courage, afraid to defend, Some fans think he's yellow because he doesn't
yellow
chicken fight.
a coward, a person who is afraid Smith, you yellow belly! Jump in the water and
yellow belly
to do something swim!
yeow oh, wow, yikes Yeow! That stove is hot!
"Do you like country music?" "Yep. I like the hurtin'
yep yes, uh-huh, ya, yo
songs."
"Do I have to come home by 9?" "Yeppers, that's
yeppers yes, afraid so, uh-huh, ya, yo
what we agreed."
yikes oh,gee, gosh, yeow Yikes! There's a spider on me!

Idioms: yin yang -- you can thank your lucky stars

an opening or space, everywhere, Australia has too many rabbits. They have rabbits
yin yang
all over hell's half acre coming out of their yin yang.
yo yes, hello, I hear you, okay When they call to you, just answer, "Yo!"
yokel (See local yokel)
you and your horse go, both you
you and the horse you rode "Did you say I should leave?" "Ya, you and the
and your horse, screw you and
in on horse you rode in on. Git goin!"
the horse
believe it, certainly, you can count
The cowboy said, "You bet your boots I'm going to
you bet your boots
on it the rodeo."
When I asked, "Are you coming?" she said, "You
you betcha that is correct, right; you got it
betcha."
you can bet your bottom you can be sure of it, you can bet If Terry knows about the dance, you can bet your
dollar your last dollar on it bottom dollar he'll be there.
you can lead a horse to you can provide what they need
We provide information, but I wonder if they read
water but you can't make but you cannot force them to use
it. You can lead a horse to water... .
him drink it
you can run away but you cannot
you can run but you can't When I told a priest I was going away to forget my
hide from your past or your
hide past, he said, "You can run, but you can't hide."
problems
you can thank your lucky you were lucky, be thankful you He can thank his lucky stars that a doctor was
stars are safe there. He nearly died.
Idioms: you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's

ear -- you need money to make money
you can't make a silk purse you cannot improve the quality of When Hal put a Mercedes star on his Ford, I said,
out of a sow's ear junk; cannot make gold from iron "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."
"So you're going into sales?" "Yes. Do you have any
you can't sell anybody if you you will be more successful if you advice?" "Well, a saying from Beverly Hills Cop
don't love everybody have love in your heart may be helpful in sales - or any occupation: You
can't sell anybody if you don't love everybody!"
you can't teach an old dog old dogs and old people do not Our senior employees don't like computer training -
new tricks like to change or learn, die hard you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
the cover or surface does not

you can't tell a book by its If you buy a car because it looks nice, remember
reveal its contents, beauty is only
cover this: you can't tell a book by its cover.
skin deep
you do not appreciate some things
you don't miss the water till Now we have only memories of our song birds.
until they go away or become
the well runs dry You don't miss the water till the well runs dry.
extinct
"We have ten kids," the man said. "You don't say!"
you don't say that is surprising, how about that
my mom replied.
you have the answer, you are "You got it, kid!" the coach said. "That's the way to
you got it
doing it right score!"
to understand, you should have
When I said, "Goo!" everybody laughed and
you had to be there been there with me; it was funny
clapped. I guess you had to be there.
then
Athletes don't wait for good luck. They try to
you have to be good to be people with ability cause their own
improve, knowing you have to be good to be
lucky good luck, prepare like crazy
lucky.
you need money to make you have to spend money to make If I had money, I would invest in real estate. It's true
money a profit, nothing succeeds like... that you need money to make money.
Idioms: you reap whatsoever you sow -- your

goose is cooked
you will see the long-term effects
you reap whatsoever you Youthful passion can produce a lifetime of
of your actions, chickens come
sow consequences. We reap whatsoever we sow.
home...
if you are not alert you will lose an Store clerks sometimes charge too much for a
you snooze, you lose
opportunity, seize the opportunity product. If you snooze, you lose.
you are a liar, you are full of shit
you're full of it [B] If you think I'm joining that cult, you're full of it.
[B]
you are joking, you are not You're kidding. Jen wouldn't take off her clothes
you're kidding
serious and climb a tree.
you're not kidding/ you "It's really cold today," Jen said. "You aren't
you are right, you are not joking
aren't kidding kidding!" he replied.
When she suggested they go out for dinner, he said,
you're on you have a deal, you have a date
"You're on."
you are judged by your most
you're only as good as your If you believe that you're only as good as your last
recent work, don't rest on your
last shift shift, you should do your best every day.
laurels
you must be telling me a joke, get "The manager wants me to give him a massage
you've got to be kidding
out of town, you're kidding every afternoon." "You've got to be kidding!"
feeling or thinking that you are
young at heart Sarah is over sixty, but she's young at heart.
young, youthful
your goose is cooked (See goose is cooked)
Idioms: your lip -- yuppie

your sharp words, your bad I don't want any more of your lip, Son. Don't say no
your lip
replies to me.
the time has come, it is your turn
When your number's up, you go. That's how I feel
your number is up
to die about dying.
hurt yourself, shoot yourself in the
If you use cocaine, you'll be your own worst
your own worst enemy
foot enemy.
The clerk said, "Wait your turn. Wait until I can
your turn your chance, your try
serve you."
The announcer said, "This is yours truly, Danny
yours truly me, myself, the writer or speaker
Burrows, saying goodbye for now."
I was parking my car when this yoyo on a
yoyo fool, dipstick, jerk, nerd
motorcycle started driving in circles around me.
yuk awful, gross, ugly When Jenny cooks beef liver, the kids say, "Yuk!"
yum it tastes good, I like it Yum! This soup is good!
I don't like J-Bars, but the kids think they're
yummy delicious, tasty
yummy.
young, upwardly-mobile, p The yuppies are buying BMW's, but can they afford
yuppie
rofessional person them?
Idioms: zap -- zonked

zap heat in the microwave oven, nuke I zapped my hotdog. It was ready in 30 seconds!
move the wrong way, move left I had an accident because I zigged when I should've
zig when you should zag
instead of right zagged.
zero, none, nothing, diddly-squat,
zilch "How much did you win?" "Zilch. Not a penny."
nada, zip
strong statement, sarcastic Randi says kind things, except for the occasional
zinger
words, get off a few good ones zinger. Like today, she called Tom a beast.
Mom told me to zip my lips while the preacher is
zip close, shut tight
talking.
After we deliver the flowers we can zip over to the
zip go quickly, run
bank.
The Smiths have paid nothing on their account -
zip/zippo nothing, zero, nada
zippo.
What musicians hate is to have a zipperhead
zipperhead business person, administrator
controlling the arts.
I'm not going to the party because I have zits on my

zit pimple, blemish
face.
After playing soccer in the park, I needed a rest. I
zonked tired, exhausted, falling asleep
was zonked.
Idioms: better late than never -- bevy of beauties

it is better to arrive late than not to "You're an hour late," he said. "Better late than
better late than never
arrive never," I replied.
in better conditions: healthier or Are you better off renting an apartment than buying
better off
wealthier etc. a house?
better than a kick in the ass better than punishment, not as bad When I told him we had won $10 in the Lotto, he
[B] as it could be, don't knock it said, "It's better than a kick in the ass."
a new devil could be worse than "Should we fire the coach?" "No - better the devil
better the devil you know...
the old devil we know than the one we don't."
(See it is better to have loved and
better to have loved...
lost...)
between a rock and a hard in a difficult position, making a If I told the truth, I would lose my friend. I was
place difficult choice, Sophie's choice between a rock and a hard place.
between sixes and sevens (See at sixes and sevens)
in a difficult position, no place to If he ran, they would shoot him; if he stayed in the
between the devil and the
go, between a rock..., Sophie's shop, the gas would kill him. He was between the
deep blue sea
choice devil and the deep blue sea.
not able to choose one or the Which should I choose - PC or Mac? I'm betwixt
betwixt and between
other, ambivalent and between.
a group of beautiful women, a Mr. Gable returned to Hollywood and his bevy of
bevy of beauties
few lovelies beauties.
Idioms: zoo -- zoom in

zoo (See it's a zoo in there)
zoom the sound of fast-moving cars Zoom go the cars on the autobahn! Zoom, zoom!
move the camera closer, magnify Now zoom in for a photo of the baby. Get a
zoom in
the subject close-up of her face.
Previous page Idiom Home
Idioms: beyond help -- big deal

Some addicts are beyond help. They don't want to
beyond help lost, cannot be saved
be helped.
ruined, cannot be repaired, a lost
beyond repair That copier is wrecked. It's beyond repair.
cause
(See above and beyond the call of
beyond the call of duty
duty)
beyond the limit, over the His comment went beyond the pale of respect. It
beyond the pale
boundary was vulgar.
washroom, bathroom, the can, the "Is there a biffy on the bus?" "Yes. There, at the
biff/biffy
john, the loo back."
Big Apple (See The Big Apple)
powerful men in business, If you want to do business with the big boys, you
big boys
moguls, big shots need money.
She got her big break when a talent scout heard her
big break big chance, a lucky break
sing.
You'll pay big bucks to rent an apartment near the
big bucks a lot of money, a high price
university.
A small fire is a big deal because it can cause a lot
big deal important event, major happening
of damage.
Idioms: big mouth -- bigger than life

someone who talks too loud, loud Every crowd has a big mouth - some guy who yells
big mouth
mouth at the cops.
big picture (See the big picture)
big rig (See a big rig)
rich or important person, VIP, big Randy's a big shot in the movie industry. He owns
big shot
boys four studios.
big time a lot, very much, heavy duty You've helped me so much. I owe you big time.
big wheel (See a big wheel)
important persons: judges,
big wigs We've asked the big wigs to change their decision.
presidents etc., VIP
a large ape-man living in the
Gary told me he saw Bigfoot's tracks in the sand
Bigfoot forests of western N. America;
beside the Kootenay River.
Bigfoot
more important people to meet or Don't bother fighting with him. You've got bigger
bigger fish to fry
do business with fish to fry.
heroic: stronger, wiser, uglier; The characters in most novels seem to be bigger
bigger than life
larger than life than life.
Idioms: bigger they are... -- bitch

bigger they are... (See the bigger they are...)
He bilked me. I gave him $100 for the tickets and
bilk cheat, defraud, ripped off, taken
he kept the change!
bimbo (See a bimbo)
Hey, birdbrain. Why are you throwing money in the
birdbrain a person with a tiny brain, dumbo
river?
a bird watcher, one whose hobby Some birders were looking at an oriole in a poplar
birder
is watching birds tree.
birds of a feather flock people with similar feelings and Art and Don are birds of a feather. They like cars
together attitudes and football.
"Do you wear pyjamas in bed?" "No. Just my
birthday suit naked, nude, in the buff
birthday suit."
doing a small amount each time, Bit by bit, they rebuilt a church that was destroyed
bit by bit
little by little by bombs.
bit off (See a bit off)
He tells me I'm always bitching, but I don't complain
bitch complain, grouse
very much.
Idioms: a blank look -- a brick

eyes show that a person does not When I called her name, she gave me a blank look,
a blank look
understand, the lights are on but... as though she didn't know me.
The students were having a blast until the teacher
a blast a great time, a lot of fun
walked in.
a problem that becomes a benefit The rainstorm was a blessing in disguise. It stopped
a blessing in disguise
or advantage the fire.
a blow job [B] giving oral sex to a man, fellatio If you want a blow job, you'll have to shower first.
"Did the Flames win?" "Ya, 11-2. It was a
a blowout to win by a large score, no contest
blowout."
a flat tire, a tire that breaks We were late because our van had a blowout on the
a blowout
suddenly freeway.
something to argue about, a Joe sounded angry when he said, "I have a bone to
a bone to pick
matter to discuss pick with you."
Having Lan around the house is a breath of fresh air
a breath of fresh air a nice change, a new presence
- she's so nice.
In the evening, the lake was calm. There wasn't a

a breath of wind a breeze, a light wind
breath of wind.
a dependable person, a friend Parveen helped me get through my divorce. She's a
a brick
who always helps real brick!
Idioms: bitch [B] -- bitten by the same bug

bitch [B] (See a bitch)
I have no respect for you, kiss off, "Bite me! Take your list of whores and live with
bite me [B]
blow me them!"
bite off more than you can begin more tasks than you can When I took the night class, I bit off more than I
chew complete could chew.
Bite the bullet during exam week. Don't party; just
bite the bullet try harder, be tougher
study.
Pete was 98 when he bit the dust. He lived for
bite the dust die, quit, lose, kick the bucket
nearly a century.
be unkind to the one who cares If you criticize your employer, you bite the hand that
bite the hand that feeds you
for you or pays you feeds you.
do not say that, you should not When I mention Dad's temper Mom says, "Bite
bite your tongue
have said that your tongue."
a rock that is touching the
biter (curling) The Heidt rink is lying four - one is a biter.
twelve-foot circle
Jack built our cabin with bits and pieces - leftover
bits and pieces small pieces, odds and ends
materials.
My cousin and I were bitten by the same bug. We
bitten by the same bug have the same interest or hobby
collect coins.
Idioms: bitter end -- black out

bitter end (See the bitter end)
bitter pill (See a bitter pill)
I told you I like Kevin, and you blabbed it to
blab tell everybody, tell secrets
everybody.
a person who tells everything, Sharon - that blabbermouth! She told the whole
blabbermouth
loud mouth class I love Bill.
an eye injury that causes the skin "How'd you get the black eye?" "Fighting - in a
black eye
to turn black hockey game."
the day the stock market crashed In the 1980s, there were days to remind us of Black
Black Friday
(failed) in 1929 Friday.
excluded, not be invited, not Gore was black-listed because he led the
black-listed
allowed to join demonstration.
black mark (See a black mark)
become unconscious, faint, pass If I bend over for a long time, I nearly black out
black out
out when I stand up.
remove the nameplate and trim James Dean drove a blacked-out Merc in Rebel
black out
from a vehicle Without A Cause.
Idioms: black sheep -- blind date

the bad one, the one who does He's the black sheep in that family - always in
black sheep
bad things trouble.
blackout (See a blackout)
defeat by preventing any goals,
blank In soccer, Italy blanked Ireland 2-nil.
skunk
blast (See a blast)
Ms. Zank blasted me for using her computer. She
blast you scold you, yell at you
was angry.
Where's the blasted hammer? It's never here when I
blasted dad-blamed, darn, doggone
need it!
On her 40th birthday, she went to the bar and got
blasted drunk, loaded, plastered
blasted.
one who begs for sympathy for Hector is a bleeding heart for wolves. "Save the
bleeding heart
victims, have a soft spot... wolves," he tells people in his speeches.
blessing in disguise (See a blessing in disguise)
going out with a boy or girl you Kate met Jeff on a blind date. They got married a
blind date
have not met year later.
Idioms: blind leading the blind -- blow it

blind leading the blind (See the blind leading the blind)
blood from a stone (See get blood from a stone)
blood relationships are stronger When my wife supported her dad in a fight with me,
blood is thicker than water
than a marriage ceremony I said, "So blood is thicker than water."
Kerry is friendly, but when his blood is up, he's
blood is up excited, angry, ready to fight
dangerous.
money paid to the relative of a The widow refused to take blood money from the
blood money
murdered person, dirty money men who murdered her husband.
He bloody well knows my name because I bloody
bloody well very truly, damn well
well told him.
After studying for twelve hours, she was blotto -
blotto exhausted, bushed
very tired.
spend a lot of money, lose a lot of When Al went to Vegas, he blew a bundle - he lost
blow a bundle
money gambling a lot of money.
kiss your hand and blow across Taea can blow a kiss, and she's only eighteen
blow a kiss
it, throw a kiss months old!
cause a big mistake, ruin it, screw Karen won't blow it this time. She'll skate a perfect
blow it
up program.
Idioms: blow it out of proportion -- blow snakes

(music)
exaggerate it, make it bigger than When Gretzky was traded, the media blew it out of
blow it out of proportion
it should be proportion.
When I asked Jack about the leader's latest
throw it away, it is meaningless or
blow it out your ear statement, he said, "You can blow it out your ear.
worthless
He's already changed it."
blow it up (photo) enlarge it, magnify it If you want to see details in the photo, blow it up.
blow job [B] (See a blow job)
you are worth nothing, kiss my "You want me to support you by stealing? Blow
blow me [B]
ass, fuck off me!"
I am very surprised, I do not Well, blow me down, Olive. You can cook spinach,
blow me down
believe it too!
blow me over it is unbelievable; far out He's over 50? Well, blow me over!
reveal my true identity, reveal my With a false passport, I can enter Bali, if nobody
blow my cover
hiding place blows my cover.
upset a lot of people, cause a This government will blow sky high if people hear
blow sky high
scandal or riot these tapes.
play great jazz, improvise I went to hear jazz at the club, and Guido was
blow snakes (music)
creatively blowing snakes.
Idioms: blow the lid off -- blow you out of the

water

reveal a story, tell some news, When the defendant confessed, it blew the lid off
blow the lid off
break a story the murder trial.
tell the teacher or the police, Jimmy knows we stole the keys, but he won't blow
blow the whistle
squeal the whistle.
The Russians blew them away in the first game of
blow them away defeat them badly, kick butt
the series.
blow this joint leave this building, quit this place I'm sick of playing billiards. Let's blow this joint.
What a boring town! Let's blow this Popsicle
blow this Popsicle stand leave this place, quit this place
stand!
There's enough gas in the well to blow us kingdom
blow to kingdom come explode and destroy, blow up
come!
explode using a bomb or They plan to blow up that old building because it's
blow up
dynamite unsafe.
blow up become angry, lose your temper If you criticize Al, he'll blow up. He's very sensitive.
defeat you easily, beat the pants You're going to play chess with Boris? He'll blow
blow you away
off you away.
If you challenge his leadership, he'll blow you out of
blow you out of the water defeat you, humiliate you
the water.
Idioms: blow your lid/stack/top -- blurt out

become very angry, shout, lose Don't blow your stack in front of the kids. It's a bad
blow your lid/stack/top
your cool example.
amaze you, astound you, shock Watching films of the holocaust will blow your
blow your mind
you mind.
There's more to it than blowing your stones. Sex is
blow your stones [B] ejaculate, come
an art form.
spend all your money, blow a He blew his wad on some handmade boots. They
blow your wad
bundle cost $700!
blowout (See a blowout)
blue sad, depressed, down, low "Are you blue, Dear?" "Yes. Jack left me."
someone who works at a trade, The blue-collar workers will vote for Ed. He's a
blue-collar worker
e.g., a plumber tradesman.
weakened, tired after trying many I called that dog until I'm blue in the face. He won't
blue in the face
times come in.
great opportunity, easy life, We made T-shirts, and people loved them - it was
blue sky
smooth sailing blue sky!
blurt out say without thinking, reply quickly "I did it!" the boy blurted out, and he began to cry.
Idioms: boarding (hockey) -- bomb out

checking into the boards,
boarding (hockey) Boarding causes serious injuries to hockey players.
chairman of the boards
no problem as "Bob," a powerful
When I asked her to give your application to the
Bob's your uncle friend or relative, will do it or have
president, she said, "Bob's your uncle!"
it done
bold, daring, defying the rules,
He's bodacious alright. He rode his skateboard right
bodacious
like a daredevil through traffic!
body movements that show Your body language tells me that you're tense.
body language
feelings Please relax.
These numbers boggle my mind. I don't understand
boggle your mind confuse you, make your head spin
them.
buy one get one free, marketing If you shop for bogof items you get two for the
bogof
method, loss leader price of one!
very angry, very upset, hopping
boiling mad By the time the car started, Emil was boiling mad.
mad
bolt from the blue (See like a bolt from the blue)
drive around, drive your car for "Where have you been?" "Bombin' around in Rod's
bomb around
fun, cruise car."
Most engineers say the electric car is a failure. It
bomb out fail, not succeed
bombed out.
Idioms: bombed -- book worm

drunk, hammered, sloshed to the Fay was bombed before she got to the party. She
bombed
gills was drunk.
bone dry very dry, as dry as an old bone Someone had drained the pool. It was bone dry.
point of disagreement, Job security is the bone of contention in our
bone of contention
controversial point discussions.
bone to pick (See a bone to pick with you)
I have to bone up on my French if we're going to
bone up on study, learn, practise
Paris.
If you watch professional wrestling you must be
bonkers crazy, insane, nuts, wacko
bonkers!
booboo (See make a booboo)
Okay, she has lovely boobs. What about her
boobs [B] breasts, tits
personality?
boogie go, walk, drive Let's boogie on down to the store and rent a video.
Sarah is quite a book worm. She loves to read
book worm one who reads a lot, geek
history books.
Idioms: booked/booked up -- bottle drive

no more space or rooms, no The Royal Hotel is booked up. Every room is
booked/booked up
vacancy reserved.
We can have music at the beach if you bring your
boom box portable radio, ghetto blaster
boom box.
drive fast, highball it, pedal to the If you boot it, Betty won't ride with you. She hates
boot it
metal going fast.
Wait until I boot up the Mac. Then we can print
boot up start or switch on a computer
your letter.
I think Gus has been drinking. His breath smells of
booze liquor, hooch, moonshine
booze.
friends who drink liquor and party In those days, Billy and I were boozin' buddies -
boozing buddies
together pals.
born with a silver spoon in born into a rich family, Jason won't look for a job; he was born with a
his mouth accustomed to wealth silver spoon... .
close friends, friends who grew up
bosom buddy Don't criticize Brad, eh. He's my bosom buddy.
together
When you bake bread for the first time, it's easy to
botch it ruin it, do it wrong, blow it
botch it.
going to houses asking for pop The bottle drive was a success. The girls earned
bottle drive
and liquor bottles $350.
Idioms: a brick short -- a case of

(See one brick short of a full load
a brick short
)
a child who appears to be very The newspaper described Pam as "a budding
a budding genius
intelligent genius" on the violin.
a big, reckless person in a room
Imagine a 300-pound football player at a tea party,
a bull in a China shop full of fragile things; cramp your
and you have a bull in a China shop.
style
unfair blame, unjust sentence, take
a bum rap It was a bum rap. Eddie didn't steal those paintings.
the rap
an unfortunate event, bad luck, "Somebody broke a window in his car and stole his
a bummer
too bad stereo." "That's a bummer."
Mabel has a bun in the oven. The baby's due in
a bun in the oven pregnant, expecting a baby
April.
"Do you believe what the psychic said about your

a bunch of malarkey an untrue story, a lot of bunk, bull
future?" "No. It's a bunch of malarkey."
a very nervous person; uptight May has so many problems - she's just a bundle of
a bundle of nerves
person nerves.
a card (See such a card)
a case of an example of, it's a case of Look at Bosnia. That's a case of ethnic civil war.
Idioms: bottle man -- bowl me over

a man who finds bottles in The bottle man walked down the alley pushing a
bottle man
garbage cans or dumpsters cart full of junk.
Don't keep all those feelings bottled up inside you.
bottle up not talk about, keep in your mind
Talk!
bottom fell out (See the bottom fell out)
bottom line the final number, the conclusion The bottom line is this: we can't afford to expand.
go down to the bottom, arrive at The recession will bottom out by the end of the
bottom out
the low point year.
Jerry, my boy, in this company you start at the
bottom rung the first step, the lowest position
bottom rung.
finish your drinks, drink the
bottoms up "Bottoms up," said his friend. "It's time to go."
remainder
recover from failure or sickness,
bounce back Lana has the flu, but she bounces back quickly.
try again
resign so someone else can serve, When Dad sees that I can manage the firm, he will
bow out
step down bow out.
bowl me over surprise me, blow me down Well, bowl me over! You've done your homework!
Idioms: boy, oh boy -- branch out

boy, oh boy wow, oh man, holy cow Boy, oh boy! I'm glad to see you!
all boys are the same; boys are
When Steve came home with his shirt torn and nose
boys will be boys rough and noisy, a chip off the
bleeding, his father said, "Boys will be boys."
old...
a person who does unusual things, Lenny is kind of a bozo. He laughs at the wrong
bozo
a nerd time.
brain (See what a brain)
If Canada's best professors move away, it's called a
brain drain emigration of intelligent people
brain drain.
brain is very tired or ruined by

After writing six exams, my brain was fried - too
brain is fried
drug abuse much studying!
Our family decided to brain storm the problem of
brain storm think of ideas together, think tank
wasting food.
thoughts and information moving I wish I could turn off my mind when brain traffic is
brain traffic
through the brain too heavy.
an office in another location or Please contact our branch office in your town or
branch office
city city.
open a second office/store, Business is very good. It may be time for us to
branch out
expand a company branch out.
Idioms: brand new/ brand spanking new -- break

a story
brand new/ brand spanking not used at all, just off the Imagine a brand new Mercedes in an accident.
new assembly line What a shame!
Hey, man, we need more bread if we're gonna buy
bread money, cash, dough
cigarettes.
the main product, the source of We sell a variety of parts, but the oil filter is our
bread and butter
profit bread and butter.
The ball hit him just below his chest - right in the
breadbasket stomach, belly
breadbasket.
an area that produces grain, Saskatchewan is a major wheat producer: Canada's
breadbasket
wheatbelt breadbasket.
stop doing a daily activity: drinking Laurie can't seem to break her habit of writing on
break a habit
coffee, smoking her hands.
good luck, have a good "Break a leg!" she whispered as he walked on the
break a leg
performance stage.
not do as you promised, go back Trudy never breaks a promise. She is very
break a promise
on your word dependable.
cause a spell to stop, not be under I was captivated by her until she smoked. That
break a spell
a spell broke the spell.
be first to tell a story, be first to The London Times broke the story of Charles's
break a story
tell some news confessions.
Idioms: break a sweat -- break out

begin to sweat or perspire, workFor exercise to be beneficial, the athlete must break
break a sweat
up a sweat a sweat.
break a lock or window to enter They were charged with break and enter. They stole
break and enter
illegally, B&E some cash.
move away, go away from, stop She tried to break away when the cult leader asked
break away
doing or using for her savings.
If you break curfew, the coach will remind you of
break curfew stay out later than the rules allow
the rules.
If that copier breaks down again I'm going to give it
break down fail, not operate, out of order
away.
operate or drive slowly when it is When I bought my first new car, Dad said to break
break in
new it in carefully.
break a door or window to enter, I couldn't believe that my son would break into a
break into
break and enter store.
begin to sing suddenly, sing One of our teachers used to break into song when
break into song
without warning he taught poetry.
tell a friend that you wish to stop She wonders if she should break off her relationship
break off
seeing him with Liam.
He was shot trying to break out of prison - trying to
break out escape, get away, bust out
escape.
Idioms: break out -- break your heart

break out happen suddenly, erupt A riot will break out if you don't talk to the strikers.
When the temperature goes over 30 the baby
break out in a rash have a rash appear on your skin
breaks out in a rash.
spend all savings, leave no
break the bank One more expense this month will break the bank.
balance
Andy likes to tell a joke to break the ice - to help
break the ice relieve the tension, put you at ease
everybody relax.
break the law/rules not obey the law, commit a crime If you rob a store, you are breaking the law.
do better than the previous The coach believes Bev can break the record in
break the record
record long jump.
talk about a secret, tell people the When he accused us of the crime, my brother broke
break the silence
truth the silence.
not date anymore, not be lovers Lan and Chan broke up last night. They had a bad
break up
anymore quarrel.
prevent serious injury when you He fell from the roof, but a tree helped to break his
break your fall
fall fall.
cause you to feel very sad and Marilyn broke my heart. She left me for a younger
break your heart
lonely man.
Idioms: breakdown -- bright eyed and bushy

tailed
After his breakdown, he found an occupation with
breakdown sudden health failure, fall apart
less stress.
breath of fresh air (See a breath of fresh air)
breath of wind (See a breath of wind)
When we saw the children were safe, we breathed
breathe a sigh of relief feel relieved after a time of worry
a sigh of relief.
watch everything I do, follow me It's difficult to work with him breathing down my
breathe down my neck
as I work neck.
relax, breathe slower, stop Mother said, "I won't breathe easy until this plane is
breathe easy
worrying on the ground!"
brick (See a brick)
help people communicate, When the staff and the manager fight, I try to bridge
bridge the gap
mediate the gap.
I left the water running. That wasn't a very bright
bright intelligent, brainy, sharp
thing to do.
Perry is bright eyed and bushy tailed tonight. He
bright eyed and bushy tailed frisky, lively, full of life
looks rested.
Idioms: bring an end to -- broad daylight

bring an end to (See put an end to)
bring home a paycheque, support
bring home the bacon Stan is disabled, so Louise brings home the bacon.
a family
Don't worry about the project. Mr. Ho can bring it
bring it off manage it successfully, carry it off
off.
cause a lot of cheering or If Kurt skates well in Calgary he'll bring the house
bring the house down
applause or laughter down.
Now, to bring my presentation to a close, I'll tell
bring to a close conclude, finish, wrap up
you a story.
Please bring up that point at the meeting. We can
bring up introduce, begin to talk about
discuss it then.
Did the baby bring up his breakfast? Let me wipe it
bring up vomit, puke
up.
cause you to stop and think, When I began to criticize Jan, Mother brought me
bring you up short
rebuke you up short.
"Where's Mark?" "Over there, with the broads, as

broad girl, chick, prostitute
usual."
broad daylight (See in broad daylight)
Idioms: broke -- brush it off

broke (See flat broke)
plans that did not work, hopes Their divorce will mean broken dreams for both of
broken dreams
that died them.
broken record (See like a broken record)
shouting and fighting, melee, After the dance, there was a brouhaha in the
brouhaha
Donnybrook schoolyard.
force you to work, harass, hound, He browbeats his employees. He shouts, "You! Get
browbeat
on my case to work!"
try to please the manager, suck up Some guys brown nose their way to success. But is
brown nose [B]
to it success?
unhappy, a little bit angry, ticked Tran was browned off because we were late. She
browned off
off didn't like that.
points for doing extra work for the Bruno earns brownie points by offering to help the
brownie points
manager manager.
short, level haircut - like a brush
brush cut Your brush cut looks great - nice and flat on top.
on top
not let it bother you, not be When Erik criticizes my family, I just brush it off and
brush it off
concerned walk away.
Idioms: brush-off -- buckle under

brush-off (See give him the brush-off)
review, relearn or practise; bone The teacher said I should brush up on my spelling -
brush up on
up on try to improve.
nearly die, at death's door, on my After a close brush with death you'll think that life is
brush with death
deathbed precious.
Judd told me about his brush with the law - a
brush with the law an illegal act, a minor crime
shoplifting charge.
When I earn some bucks, I'm going to buy a
buck dollar, greenback, loonie
stereo.
nervous, unable to perform well, Every time I play in a competition I get buck fever. I
buck fever
choke get so nervous.
buck stops here (See the buck stops here)

Buck up, my friend. You will soon be finished with
buck up be strong, be positive
exams.
work harder, try harder, bite the Next term I'm going to buckle down and get good
buckle down
bullet grades.
We're losing, but we won't buckle under. We won't
buckle under quit, lose, not try, give up
quit.
Idioms: buckle up -- bull/bullshit/BS [B]

fasten your seat belt, buckle your Buckle up. Dad won't drive away until we fasten
buckle up
seat belt our seat belts.
brass marker placed on the When Ken wants to be served he sits nearest the
buckstop (military)
wardroom table in a warship buckstop.
budding genius (See a budding genius)
The director shouts a lot, but don't let him buffalo
buffalo frighten, bluff, intimidate
you.
bug (someone) bother, irritate, get to me That scraping noise bugs me. It's quite annoying.
If you're not an inventor, you try to build a better
build a better mousetrap improve a common product
mousetrap.
Talking with Rudy will build up your confidence.
build up increase, raise
He's positive.
built like a brick shithouse have a strong body, have a sturdy Tyronne plays football. He's built like a brick
[B] build shithouse.
bull in a China shop (See a bull in a China shop)
a story that is not all true,
bull/bullshit/BS [B] His explanation is a lot of bull. Don't believe it.
balderdash
Idioms: a caution -- a close call

a bold or shocking person, no She is a caution! She told the judge he was all
a caution
shrinking violet wrong.
a person who gets drunk on one Jo admits she's a cheap drunk. Her limit is two
a cheap drunk
or two drinks drinks.
a doctor's examination, a medical If you aren't feeling well, go to the doctor for a
a checkup
examination checkup.
No one will be hungry if there's a chicken in every
a chicken in every pot enough food for every family
pot.
The grandmothers were talking happily - having a

a chin wag a conversation, a visit
chin wag.
a boy who is like his dad, the Eric is a chip off the old block. He's just like his
a chip off the old block
apple doesn't... dad.
a large amount of money, a few I bet that condo cost him a chunk o' change - 300
a chunk of change
grand, big bucks grand at least.
a good report from the doctor, a You'll never get a clean bill of health if you eat fat
a clean bill of health
good checkup meat!
a game that is close until the end, Every election in this town is a real cliff-hanger - a
a cliff-hanger
a barnburner close race.
a close call close to danger or an accident That was a close call. The train nearly hit the bus!
Idioms: bully for you -- bun in the oven

When I beat Ed at cribbage, he says, "Bully for
bully for you you were lucky, good for you
you!"
"Why did she slap your face?" "Because I pinched
bum buttocks, backside, butt, rear end
her bum."
bum rap (See a bum rap)
bum's rush (See the bum's rush)
bummer (See a bummer)
bump other players and work to To win hockey games we need players who bump
bump and grind (hockey)
get the puck and grind.
A seminude dancer was bumping and grinding under
bump and grind walk or dance in a sexy way
red lights.
Do you know who I bumped into yesterday? Larry
bump into meet by chance, run into
Mason.
a lane of vehicles with the Traffic on Memorial Drive was bumper to bumper
bumper to bumper
bumpers nearly touching at 4:30 today.
bun in the oven (See a bun in the oven)
Idioms: bundle -- burn the midnight oil

bundle (See make a bundle)
bundle of nerves (See a bundle of nerves)
dress warmly, put on winter Be sure to bundle up if you go skating on the lake.
bundle up
clothes, rug up It's cold!
false statements, rumors, baloney, They claim that computers can think, but that's a lot
bunk
bull of bunk!
buns buttocks, bum Tony said Rita has great buns.
burbs (See the burbs)
feel that you have to spend your
burn a hole in your pocket If money burns a hole in your pocket, invest it.
money
throw the ball hard to the catcher, My hand hurts when you throw so hard. Don't burn
burn it in
fastball it in, eh.
use too much emotional energy,
burn out Working too hard can cause a person to burn out.
breakdown
To become a doctor, you have to burn the midnight
burn the midnight oil work or study very late at night
oil.
Idioms: burn up -- business as usual

The coach was burned up when I got a penalty for
burn up become angry, lose your cool
holding.
You know what burns my ass? Doing my income
burn your ass [B] bother you, irritate you, bug you
tax.
resign without notice, leave no He can't return to the company. He's burned his
burn your bridges
way to return bridges.
convicted or punished while Tony got burned when he was a drug dealer. He
burned
involved in crime went to jail.
burning question (See the burning question)
stop arguing or fighting, throw When will the English and the French bury the
bury the hatchet
down your arms hatchet?
street gossip, through the Arne gets the news through the bush telegraph.
bush telegraph
grapevine People tell him.
After caring for five kids all day, Mom's bushed.
bushed very tired, worn out
She's exhausted.
stop you and rob you, jump, When he stopped to camp by the stream, two guys
bushwhack
mugged bushwhacked him - stole his money and horse.
everything is normal, nothing has The morning after the holdup, it was business as
business as usual
changed usual at the bank.
Idioms: bust my butt -- butter fingers

work very hard, work my fingers She busts her butt to earn a good wage, and he
bust my butt
to the bone spends it.
bust out escape, get away, break out Hey, man. I can bust out of here if you have a rope.
Shane got busted for trafficking. He sold cocaine to
busted charged by the police, arrested
some kids.
busy as a beaver (See as busy as a beaver)
but good completely, thoroughly, and how If somebody hurts her, she'll get revenge, but good!
butt buttocks, backside, bum If you tell anybody that I like her, I'll kick your butt.
butt in intrude, interrupt When a salesman butts in, tell him to butt out.
butt of the joke (See the butt of the joke)
We asked him to butt out so we could have a
butt out go away, beat it, get lost
private talk.
unable to catch or hold, cement When Anna dropped the ball, Shelly said, "Butter
butter fingers
hands fingers!"
Idioms: butter up -- buy time

butter up be nice to, suck up to Butter him up before you ask to borrow his car.
butter wouldn't melt in his he is very calm and clear, he is a
When he's talking to voters, butter wouldn't melt in
mouth smooth talker his mouth.
Button your lip about the speeding ticket. Don't tell
button your lip do not tell anyone, on the QT
Dad.
stop you and talk to you, corner At the meeting, Al buttonholed me and asked me to
buttonhole you
you and bore you vote Reform.
buy a drink for everyone at the When Gina was born, I bought a round for the
buy a round
table, this one is on me team. Every player had a drink to honor our baby.
believe and support, agree to He will buy into our plan if the money goes to needy
buy into
support, come onside children.
buy a business and all the We knew his business was in debt, so we offered to
buy out
inventory buy him out.
He says he went to see his friends at the park. I can
buy that believe that, eat that
buy that.
"Where's Henry?" "Oh, he bought the farm years
buy the farm die, kick the bucket, pass away
ago - died of cancer, eh."
request time to plan, ask for extra If we can just buy a little time, maybe the price will
buy time
time go down.
Idioms: buy up -- by any means


buy all of a product or all the
At closing time, Abe comes in and buys up the last
buy up
shares in a company shares.
a person who stops the fun, You buzz-kill! Don't talk about air disasters when
buzz-kill
party-pooper I'm flying to Rome.
Next time he asks to borrow something, tell him to
buzz off go away, beat it, get lost
buzz off.
Jane got buzzed on fermented coconut juice. She
buzzed slightly intoxicated, tipsy
was happy!
new word or expression, the latest Internet, Zero Tolerance - these were buzzwords
buzzword
jargon of the 1990s.
by a long distance, by a wide Black Beauty won the race by a country mile. She
by a country mile
margin was far ahead.
by a long shot (See not by a long shot)
by all means yes, please do it By all means, come to the Learning Skills Centre.
by and large mostly, mainly, most of the time By and large, chocolate is the favorite flavor.
any way or method, by doing any He survived by any means when he first came to
by any means
job Canada.
Idioms: by any stretch... -- by leaps and bounds

(See not by any stretch of the
by any stretch...
imagination)
you listen to what I say, this is the
truth, by gosh This is serious, by
by cracky
cracky! We're lost and we have
no water!
By dint of her efforts alone, this family is happy and
by dint of as a result of, because of
healthy.
I am surprised, impressed; by
by golly By golly! She did it. She made a cherry pie!
gosh
what an experience, this is Well, by gosh! This is my first look at Niagara
by gosh
interesting, by golly Falls!
any way that is possible, by How did I learn to speak French? By guess or by
by guess or by gosh
chance gosh, that's how.
Eva knew the speech by heart. She didn't look at
by heart memorized every word, down pat
her notes.
any way that is possible, by any He'll get that car - by hook or by crook! He'll get it
by hook or by crook
means somehow.
By jove! We reached our goal. We sold 15,000
by jove it happened, it is amazing
tickets!
The population of Calgary has grown by leaps and
by leaps and bounds by large amounts, by a lot
bounds.
Idioms: by no means -- bye for now

not in any way, not by any By no means is a car a good investment. It will
by no means
stretch... depreciate.
by the by (See by the way)
judging by the same rule, to be fair By the same token, he should help with the
by the same token
to both sides housework.
with little money, a lick and a You can't operate a business by the seat of your
by the seat of your pants
promise pants.
He won the election by one vote, by the skin of his
by the skin of their teeth by a little, barely
teeth.
in addition to what I was saying,
by the way By the way, I heard that Ed is resigning.
incidentally
by one person speaking to
News of his birth traveled by word of mouth. Soon
by word of mouth another, person to person,
everyone knew that Mary had a baby boy.
through the grapevine
bye goodbye Bye, Mom. I love you.
bye for now goodbye but I will see you soon Bye for now. See you tonight at choir practice.
Idioms: c'est la vie -- call it quits

If you have bad luck some days, it's natural. C'est la
c'est la vie that is fate, that's life
vie!
a district in Toronto where
Cabbagetown Restaurants in Cabbagetown serve European food.
European immigrants live
feeling depressed because you After three weeks of cold weather we all had cabin
cabin fever
have to stay inside fever.
cackleberries eggs, chicken eggs Look! This hen laid five cackleberries!
say it in plain language; the straight Kris will report the facts. She's not afraid to call a
call a spade a spade
goods spade a spade.
ask you to read or notice, draw I would like to call attention to the student parking
call attention to
attention to problem.
This recipe calls for bee pollen. Where can we get
call for require, ask for
that?
challenge his story, give it to me When I called his bluff about low profits, he
call his bluff
straight, put up or shut up admitted that the company made 11 million.
not work anymore today, call it
call it a day I'm feeling very tired. I think I'll call it a day.
quits
stop doing something, quit what The dust is bothering all of us. I think we should call
call it quits
you are doing it quits.
Idioms: call it square -- camel toes [B]

we do not owe each other, it is a I bought the pizza; you bought the beer. Let's call it
call it square
wash, we are even square.
They called off the concert because the lead singer
call off cancel, postpone
is sick.
tell your friends to stop harassing Okay, I'll pay what I owe you. But call off the
call off the dogs
me dogs!
I may call on you to speak at the meeting. Will you
call on ask, request
speak to us?
collect money from bar If customers are drunk, you call their tabs and ask
call tabs
customers them to leave.
make the decisions, decide what Mr. Binks may be the president, but Ms. Barker
call the shots
happens calls the shots.
Call her up and ask her for a date. Go ahead, phone
call up phone, dingle you, give me a ring,
her.
calm before the storm (See the calm before the storm)
calm down not be so upset, settle down Please calm down, Mr. Tse. Your daughter is safe.
the folds of the vagina revealed by When Betty wears her old jeans you can see her
camel toes [B]
tight jeans camel toes.
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ABC DEFGHIJK LMN O PQ RSTUVWXYZ

Idioms: 'at a boy (that a boy) -- 'at a girl (that a

Idioms: a close shave -- a cut-up

Idioms: can -- can't hold a candle

Idioms: can't put my finger on it -- Canuck

a Canadian, a citizen of Canada, When we visited Montana, a clerk called us

Idioms: capture the imagination -- carry out

Idioms: carry the can -- cash and carry

Idioms: cash cow -- cat's ass

Idioms: cat's meow -- catch as catch can

Idioms: catch hell [B] -- catch the wave

Idioms: catch up -- caught flatfooted

You go ahead. I'll catch up with you at the bus

Idioms: caught in the act -- chain letter

Idioms: chain of command -- change horses in

Idioms: a daredevil -- a dog's breakfast

He can remember when eggs were cheap - a dime a

Idioms: change of heart -- chat her up

Idioms: cheap -- check that

Idioms: check this out -- cheerio

Idioms: cheers -- chick

a British toast or greeting meaning

Idioms: chick flick -- chimo

Idioms: chin wag -- choked

Idioms: chomping at the bit -- chunk of change

Idioms: ciao -- clean bill of health

Idioms: clean cut -- clear out

sell at a low price, sell at a

Idioms: clear sailing -- close shave

Idioms: a dog's life -- a dust-up

Idioms: close to the vest -- cocky

Idioms: cocoon -- cold, hard cash

coin a phrase (See to coin a phrase)

Idioms: coldcock -- come alive

Idioms: come around -- come hell or high water

Idioms: come home to roost -- come on

Idioms: come on -- come to

Idioms: come to a head -- come up with

In this job we never know what will come up. One

Idioms: coming out of our ears -- cook

Idioms: cook your goose -- cop

Idioms: cop out -- cost you

Idioms: a fair shake -- a fifth wheel

This is good sherry, but it's a far cry from the

Idioms: cotton-picking -- courtesy of

Idioms: cover for me -- crack down on

Idioms: crack me up -- crackup

Idioms: cramp your style -- crash course

Idioms: crawl on my hands and knees over broken

I'm planning to go to Montreal unless something

Idioms: cross my heart and hope to die -- crummy

Idioms: crunch -- crying shame

Idioms: cup of tea -- cut a fine figure

Idioms: cut a wide swath -- cut losses

Idioms: cut me some slack -- cut the cheese [B]

Idioms: a fighting chance -- a foregone conclusion

Idiom Meaning Example

Idioms: cut the crap [B] -- cutting edge

Idioms: dad-blamed -- dark side

Idioms: darken a church door -- dates you

Idioms: dawn on me -- dead giveaway

Idioms: dead heat -- dead to the world

After fighting the fire, they were dead tired -