Idioms and Phrases by - Tarun Grover "A": To Get 10 % Off On Unacademy Plus Use Referral Code - TARUN - SIR

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Idioms and Phrases

By – Tarun Grover
“A”
1. At the spur of the moment-
suddenly and spontaneously
Example-
#Without planning
#I had to leave town on the spur of the moment.
#we hadn't planned to go away. It was one of those spur-of-the moment decisions.
#In an interview we must reply at the spur of the moment.
2. All in all-
on the whole, all things considered
Example-
#All in all it's been a good year.
#All in all, it was a very good party.
#All in all, the criticism seemed fair.
3. At close quarters-
close examinations, from a short distance away
Example-
#If you do something at close quarters, you do it very near to a particular person or things.
#many of my friends proved selfish at close quarters.
#When you see famous people at close quarters, they always appear much smaller than you
imagined them.
4. Apple- pie order-

in perfect order
Example-
#please put everything in apple pie order before you leave.
#their house is always in apple pie order.
5. Above board-
honest and straightforward and legal
Example-
#the deal was completely open and above board.
#he is known for his above board conduct.
6. Above all-
before everything else
Example-
#above all, he is blunt and dare devil.
7. As fit as a fiddle-
strong and healthy
Example-
#my nana is 82, but he is as fit as a fiddle.
#I feel as fit as a fiddle.
8. At a loose end-
unoccupied, unemployed, idle
Example-
#If you find yourself at a loose end, you could always clean the bathroom.
#he has been at a loose end ever since he lost his job.
9. At logger heads-
in conflict with someone, strongly disagreeing
Example-
#If two people or groups are at loggerheads, they disagree strongly about something.
#Kejriwal is at loggerheads with the Prime Minister over public spending.
#We are at loggerheads with each other.
10. At odds
in opposition to someone, to disagree - in dispute
Example-
#They are at odds over the funding of the project.
#Gautam and his brother are always at odds over what to watch on t.v
#the members of the group were at odds over the selection procedure.
11. At cross purposes-

with opposing viewpoint
Example-
#If two or more people are at cross purposes, they do not understand each other because they are
talking about different subjects without realizing this.
#I think we have been talking at cross purposes- I meant next year, not this year.
#We are arguing at cross purposes. We are not even discussing the same thing.
#I think we are talking at cross purposes here. You mean the old building, but I am talking about
the new one.
12. After one's own heart –

someone who is similar to you - having the same opinions or interests as you
Example-
#She's a woman after my own heart.
#when she met a man after her own heart. She got married to him.
#I was delighted by your comments about spirituality, you are clearly a man after my own heart.
13. At the bottom of -

to be the real reason for something unpleasant
Example-
#mainly responsible for something.
#the desire for the money is at the bottom of much of the world's violence.
#I don't know for certain why she dislikes you, but I suspect jealousy is at the bottom of it.
#It was found later that simran was at the bottom of the whole trouble.
14. At loss
not know what to do or say
Example-
#I'm at a loss to know how I can help you.
#I was so surprised that I was at a loss for words.
#I was terribly confused- really at a loss.
15. At dagger's drawn

to have bitter enmity
Example-
#If two people or groups are at daggers drawn, they are angry and ready to fight or argue with
each other.
#the two countries are at daggers drawn over the future of the Kashmir.
#the quarrel between the two brothers has grown more bitter now and they are at dagger's drawn.
16. At large-
uncaptured and to keep unchained
Example-
#If someone dangerous is at large, that person is free when they should not be.
#twelve prisoners are at large following a series of escapes.
#people keep their dogs at large, at night.
17. Assume airs-

to pretend superiority
Example-
#to act better than one really is, to pretend to be good or to be superior)
#Pay no attention to her. She is just putting on airs.
#the rich are in the habit of assuming airs in the presence of in their poor relatives.
18. Argus eyed-

extremely observant, vigilant or careful. Keen-sighted
Example-
#As a politician, he is Argus eyed
“B”
1. Bear the brunt of-
to bear the main shock of
Example-
#the poor have to bear the brunt of increasing prices.
#ordinary citizens will bear the brunt of higher taxes.
2. Bell the cat-
to agree to perform a risky, dangerous, or impossible job, or task
Example-
#to perform a daring act.
#Who's going to bell the cat and tell mom we wrecked the car?
3. Bid defiance-
to ignore, to refuse to submit
Example-
#Parth bade defiance to his father's wish of becoming a doctor and instead became an
engineer.
4. Beside oneself-
in an extreme state of some emotion
Example-
#If you are beside yourself with a particular feeling or emotion, it is so strong that it makes you
almost out of the control)
#he was beside himself with grief when his wife died.
#I was beside myself with joy.
#She couldn't speak. She was beside herself with anger.
5. Bring to book-
to punish someone and make that person explain their behaviour, call to account.
Example-
#the manager was brought to book for his negligence.
#a crime has been committed and whoever is responsible must be brought to book.
6. Breathe one's last-
to die
Example-
#he breathed his last on Tuesday.
#her eyes fluttered open for a moment then she fluttered her last.
7. Back stairs influence-
by unfair means
Example-
#these days many persons are given good posts through back stairs influence.
8. Bird's eye view-
a view seen from high above, a concise view
Example-
#from the top of the church tower you get a splendid bird's eye view of the village.
#climb to the top of the Eiffel tower if you want a bird's eye view of the Paris.
#we had a bird's eye view of the whole fair from the top of a giant wheel.
9. Burn your boats/bridges-
point of no return
Example-
#If you are in situation and you burn your boats/bridges, you destroy all possible ways of
going back to that situation.
#she didn't want to burn her boats by asking for a divorce.
10. By the by-
by the way
Example-
#by the by, what is your age?
after a short period
Example-
#you will get used to it by and by.
#the weather is sure to clear up by and by.
#you will feel better by and by.
gradually
Example-
#he is recovering by and by after long illness.
11. Bated breath-
nervously waiting, in anxiety, expectancy
Example-
#the fate of the match hung in balance and everybody waited for the result with bated breath.
12. Bandy words-
to argue pointlessly or rudely
Example-
#I'm not going to bandy words with you.
#I haven't come here to bandy words with you.
#obedient children don't bandy words with their parents when they are advised.
13. Bee in one's bonnet-
to talk a lot about something you think is important
Example-
#tarun has bee in his bonnet about spirituality.
#she never stops talking about dieting- she's got a real bee in her bonnet about it.
to be fussy, fastidious- hard to please
Example-
#She seems to have a bee in her bonnet because she is always finding faults with others.
#He is very fussy about what he eats.
syno- over-particular, selective
14. Bluestocking-
a scholarly and intellectual woman
Example-
#educated but pedantic lady.
#nobody likes to mix with her because she is a blue stocking.
15. Browbeat- someone into something-
to bully or intimidate someone into sth
Example-
#the president of the college always tries to brow beat the students opposed to him.
#Don't be browbeaten into working more hours than you want.
#I was browbeaten into doing it once. I refuse to do it again.
16. Bad egg-
dishonest or ill-behaved person, a worthless
Example-
#He is a bad egg- don't believe anything he says.
#he comes of a noble family but he himself is a bad egg.
17. Beside the mark-
beside the point- irrelevant
Example-
#nobody agreed with him because his arguments were beside the mark.
18. Brown study-
a state of deep, serious absorption in thoughts
Example-
#day dream, reverie
#is he lost in a brown study?
#he could not follow the significance of my offer. Because he was in brown study.
19. Blaze the trail-
to start a movement
Example-
#to do something that has never been done before.
#Gandhi blazed the trail of indian national movement.
#the hospital has blazed a trail in developing new techniques for treating infertility.
#Professor william blazed a trail in the study of physics.
20. Bull in a china shop-
a very clumsy person in a delicate situation
Example-
#If someone is like a bull in a china shop, they are very careless in the way that they move or
behave
#I never know what to say at funeral. I feel like a bull in a china shop.
#We told her it was a delicate situation but she went into the meeting like a bull in a china shop.
#most of the leaders of the freedom struggle have proved bulls in a china shop.( one who
causes damage)
21. By the rule of thumb-
according to practical experience
Example-
#a general principal developed through experiential rather than scientific means)
#going by a rule of thumb, we stop for gas every 200 miles when we travels.
#In older times, business was run by the rule of thumb.
22. Bid draw-
a huge attraction
Example-
#the match btw India and Pakistan is always a big draw.
23. Broken reed-
a weak or unreliable support or person
Example-
#you can't rely on Simran's support. She is a broken reed.
#I'd counted on her to help, but she turned out to be a broken reed.
#don't rely on him. He's a broken reed.
24. By the skin of the teeth-
just barely, narrowly
Example-
#if you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just succeed in doing it.
#he escaped death in the accident by the skin of the teeth.
#he escaped the secret police by the skin of his teeth.
25. Bit/piece of one's mind-
to scold
Example-
#to speak angrily to someone about something they have done wrong.
#I have had enough from john. I'm going to give him a piece of my mind.
#I'm going to give that mechanic a piece of my mind if the car's not fixed this time.
“C”
1. Carry matters with high hand-
to deal with a person or thing strictly
Example-
#the owner carried matters with high hand and expelled two workers who were caught
doing mischief in the office.
2. Clip one's wings-
to weaken the power, to limit someone's freedom
Example-
#My mother clipped my wings, I can't go out tonight.
#You had better learn to get home one time, or I will clip your wings.
#My elder sister is very ambitious but my mother will surely clip her wings.
3. Come home to-
to understand clearly
Example-
#She wanted to be the teacher in the college but soon it came home to her that she was
not fit for the job.
4. Call a spade a spade-
to speak frankly or say the truth about something- even if it is not polite or pleasant
Example-
#People often get angry when one calls a spade a spade.
#Let's call a spade a spade. The man is a liar.
#Well, I believe it's time to call a spade a spade. We are just avoiding the issue.
1. Carry the day/win the day-
to be successful, to win the competition, argument etc.

Example-
#our team didn't play well first, but we carried the day in the end.
#the republicans carried the day in the dispute over the new jet fighter.
2. Cut a sorry figure-
to give a poor show
Example-
#the speaker cut a sorry figure in the meeting.
#she cut a sorry figure in his maiden speech.
3. Call names-
to call someone by an abusive and insulting name
Example-
#billy cried when the other kids called him names.
#Neeta called me names, so she was severely punished by the teacher.
#I was afraid that if I wore glasses to school, the other kids would call me names.
4. Curtain lecture-
wife's tough talk
Example-
#A reprimand that a wife gives her husband.
#my brother never pays attention to his wife's curtain lecture and does what he thinks.
#The husband seemed to have a curtain lecture at home.
5. Cave in-
to collapse - for a roof or ceiling
Example-
#the tunnel caved in the train.
#because of the explosion, the roof of the building caved in, trapping several people.
to give in to someone or something – yield
Example-
#finally the manager caved in to the customer's demand.
#I refuse to cave in under pressure from my opponent.
6. Cloven hoof-
evil intention
Example-
#he showed cloven hoof by cheating his parents.
#the sign of devilish character.
7. Cut throat-
Tough
Example-
#competing in strong and unfair way, without considering any harm caused to others.
#It's very difficult for us to survive in the cut-throat competition.
#a cut- throat business/ market/ world
#many firms have fallen victim to cut-throat comepetition.
8. Clinch the issue/deal-
to clear the controversy
Example-
#decide the matter.
#the minister clinched the issue by accepting the genuine demand of the students.
#after two weeks of negotiations, we were finally able to clinch the deal with the other
firm.
#when he agreed to leave the house for good, it clinched the issue in the favour of his
wife.
9. Checkered/chequered career-
full of ups and downs
Example-
#A background that includes many changes, especially of employment.
#Parth had a checkered career, hopping from one city to another and one job to
another.
#I had a checkered career after college, taking any kind of work that I could find.
#politicians have generally checkered career all along.
10. Cut both ends-
argue in favour of both sides
Example-
#while participating in debate you should not cut both ends.
#he is ambiguous because he always cut both ends.
11. Cock a snook-
to show contempt
Example-
#to show that you do not respect something or someone by doing something that insults
them.
#she is so proud of her wealth that she always cocks a snook at the acts of her
husband.
#he could never resist an opportunity to cock a snook at traditional Hindu culture.
12. Chapter and verse-
in full detail or to give proof
Example-
#I know all about it, chapter and verse.
#He has such a sharp memory that he can narrate the story chapter and verse.
13. Cool one's heels-
to keep waiting
Example-
#to wait for someone.
#I spent an hour cooling my heels in the waiting room while the doctor saw the other
patients.
#he had to cool his heels before he could meet the president of the party.
14. Come in handy –
to be useful
Example-
#This money will come in handy when we go on vacation.
#take some woollen clothes. They may come in handy in Shimla.
#I think that this gadget will come in handy in the kitchen.
“D”
1. Dig the grave-
to destroy - to cause harm
Example-
#By taking the side of the culprit he dug the grave of his reputation.
#She dug her own grave when she made fun of her boss.
#if you try to cheat the bank, you will be digging your own grave.
2. Draw the long bow-
to exaggerate
Example-
#In calling him the best politician of the world, his followers draw the long bow.
3. Dutch courage-
Bravery under alcoholic influence
Example-
#the confidence that some people get from drinking alcohol before they do something that
needs courage.
#It was the Dutch courage that made the football fan attack the policeman.
4. Down and out-
poor and ruined
Example-
#someone who has no job, no home, no money.
#I just assumed he was down and out, begging on the street corner.
#after a slump in share market he is down and out these days.
5. Die- hard-
to end with difficulty
Example-
#old friendships die hard.

#old habits die hard.
#old prejudice die hard.
Die-hard-
very determined or loyal
Example-
#very loyal to a set of beliefs and not willing to change those beliefs.
#die-hard fans-(loyal and devoted)
#a die-hard conservative
#he is a die-hard person and will not easily surrender.(determined)
6. Days of reckoning-
time to answer for one's actions
Example-
#time when something must be dealt with.
#you may commit crime after crime but days of reckoning are never far off.
#taking out a further loan to cover your debts will only postpone the day of reckoning.
1. Down in the mouth-
to be sad or depressed / out of elements
Example-
#now-a-days he is down in the mouth because he has suffered heavy loss in the business.
#He looks a bit down in the mouth. Shall we try to find out what's wrong with him?
2. Damp squib-
complete failure
Example-
#An event that is not as exciting or popular as people thought it would be.
#the visit of our foreign minister to china proved a damp squib on border issue.
#After all that media attention, the whole event turned out to be a damp squib, with very few
people attending.
#the party turned out to be a bit of damp squib. Half the people who'd been invited didn't turn
up.
“E”
1. Egg on-
to urge someone to do something, usually something unwise
Example-
#to provoke, encourage, to incite someone
#Don't egg him on! He gets himself into enough trouble without your encouragement.
#the two boys kept throwing stones because the other children were egging them on.
2. Eke out-
supplement income - to add to something.
Example-
#he worked at two jobs in order to eke his income out.
#To eke out his income he also works as a part time accountant in the evening.
3. Every dog has his day-
everyone gets a chance eventually
Example-
#good fortune comes sooner or later)
#don't be disappointed. It is truly said that every dog has his day.
#Don't worry. You'll get chosen for the team. Every dog has its day.
4. Ever and anon
now and then, sometimes – occasionally

Example-
#his visits his parents ever and anon.
5. An eye wash-
a pretence, deception, nonsense
Example-
#It's not an eyewash. It's true.
#my friend's promise to help me just proved an eye-wash.
“F”
1. Fish in troubled waters-
to involve oneself in difficult, confused or dangerous situation, or someone else's problems,

especially with a view to gaining an advantage
Example-
#Shubham is fishing in troubled waters by buying more shares of that company.
2. Follow suit-
to do the same thing, to follow in the same pattern
Example-
#if you don't obey your elders, your children will follow suit.
#when one airlines reduces its ticket prices, the rest usually follow suit.
3. Fight shy of-
to try to avoid something or someone
Example-
#I generally fight shy of confronting my elder sister.
#she fights shy of parties, because she hates crowd.
4. Fabian policy-
very few and very rare
Example-
#not very many or not appearing very frequently
#he grew up at a time when jobs were few and far between.
#his visits to his home town are few and far between because of his expanding business.
5. Fool's errand-
an attempt to do something that has no chance of success
Example-
#It's a fool's errand trying to get Rahul to join in anything.
#billions of dollars have been spent on long-range weather forecasting. But it's a fool's errand.
6. Fall foul of somebody-
to quarrel
Example-
#thing were going well for her till she fell foul of the director.
#they were once bosom friends but now they have fallen foul of each other.
7. Fly off the handle-
to lose one's temper
Example-
#he's extremely irritable- he flies off the handle at the slightest thing.
8. From pillar to post-
from one place to a series of other places
Example-
#my father was in the army, and we moved from pillar to post year after year.
#after I told one person my secret I told one person my secret, it went quickly from pillar to post.
9. Foot the bill-
to pay for something or bill, especially expensive
Example-
#my boss took me out for lunch and company footed the bill.
#his parents can't afford to foot the bill for his college education.
10. Fair weather friend-
selfish friend
Example-
#A fair weather friend will never stand by you in difficulty.
11. Flash in the pan-
something that happened only for a short time and was not repeated
Example-
#sadly, their success was just a flash in the pan.
#tom had hoped to be a major film star, but his career was only a flash in the pan.
12. Fit to hold a candle to-
not equal to someone, unable to , measure up to someone
Example-
#her latest book is readable enough, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work.
#mary can’t hold a candle tarun when it comes to athletics.
13. Feather in one's cap-
an achievement to be proud of
Example-
#it's a real feather in our cap to be playing in the state champion ship.
14. Fly in the face of-
to completely oppose what seems sensible or normal
Example-
#this is an argument that seems to fly in the face of common sense.
#don't quit now, that just flies in the face of all your hard work.
#I can't believe you said something so awful. It flies in the face of everything we stand for.
“G”
1. Gain ground-
to become successful and popular
Example-
#the U.S. is gaining ground as cotton producer.
#our new product is gaining ground against that of our competitor.
2. Get off scot free-
to escape punishment for a crime or wrongdoing
Example-
#his wealthy uncle influenced the jury, and he ended up getting off scot-free.
#a murderer can also very easily get off scot free for lack of evidence.
3. Gird up the lions-
to get ready, especially for hard work, to prepare oneself for something
Example-
#somebody has to do something about the problem, why don't you gird up your loins and do
something?
#well, I guess I had better gird up my loins and go to work.
4. Go to the dogs-
to be ruined, or to become worse in quality or character
Example-
#he was a marvelous actor, but his drinking problems caused his career to go to the dogs.
#the rich business man will go to the dogs because of his son's bad habits.
If a country or an organization is going to the dogs. It is becoming less successful than it was
in the past
Example-
#they sat in the bar the night before the election, moaning that the country was going to the
dogs.
5. Get oneself into a mess-
to get yourself into trouble or difficult situation
Example-
#due, to sheer ignorance, shubham seems to have got himself into a mess in his office.
6. Give a wide berth-
to avoid a person or a place
Example-
#we should always give a wide berth to all selfish and mean persons.
#the dog we are approaching is very mean. Better give it a wide berth.
7. Gentleman at large-
an unreliable person
Example-
#we must not believe in a gentleman at large.
8. Give a good account of oneself-
to do something well or thoroughly
Example-
#the company will probably give a good account of itself in the next quarter.
#she was not feeling well, and she didn't give a good account of herself in last night's game.
9. Give the devil his due-
give credit to a worthless person or enemy for his good qualities
Example-
#when you admit that someone you don't like or admire, does have some good qualities.
#we should give the devil his due for his good qualities.
#she's very messy in the kitchen, but I have to give the devil her due. She bakes a terrific cherry
pie.
10. Green horn-
an inexperienced or immature person, especially one who is easily deceived
Example-
#though a green horn in political field, he appears to have a bright future.
11. Give up the ghost-
to die, or pass away
Example-
#after long illness he gave up the ghost last week.
12. Go the whole hog-
to do something as completely as possible or thoroughly
Example-
#you will have to go the whole hog to come out of this mess.
13. Get into a scrape-
awkward situation, to tangle into some sort of problem
Example-
#he got into a scrape when his wife refused to let him help his sister.
14. Go broke-
to completely run out of money or other assets
Example-
#as a result of heavy gambling, he had to go broke in the long run.
#the company is going to go broke if you don't stop spending money foolishly.
15. Get into hot water-
get into trouble
Example-
#he got into the hot waters by marrying a girl of another caste.
#you are going to get into hot water with simran about that.
16. Give currency-
to make publicly known, to spread a story around
Example-
#we give no currency to those stories.
#the govt has refused to give currency to a number of scams.
17. Great hand-
expert at
Example-
#he is a great hand at organizing social parties.
18. Get down to brass tracks-
to deal with matter straight
Example-
#to start talking about the most important or basic facts of the situation.
#let's get down to brass tracks. Who's paying for all this?
#instead of wasting time in discussion, please get down to brass tracks.
#let's get down to brass tracks. We have wasted too much time chatting.
19. Give one a long rope-
to let someone commit mistakes
Example-
#to allow someone to do what they want to, knowing that they will probably fail or get into
trouble.
#he never give his employees a long rope.
#never give your children a long rope.
20. Good turn-
an act of kindness, an action that helps someone
Example-
#my neighbor did me a good turn by lending me his car.
#he did me a good turn by recommending me for the post of vice- president.
“H”
1. Hold water-
if a reason, argument or explanation hold water, it is true or sound, valid
Example-
#her alibi(excuse) just didn't hold water.
#most of the arguments put forward by our opponents simply do not hold water.
#his statement will not hold water as it is not based on facts.
2. Hang together-
support one another
Example-
#the two statements delivered by the leader of the party do not hang together.
#the story simply doesn't hang together.
3. Hope against hope-

to have hope even when the situation appears to be hopeless
Example-
#there is little point in hoping against hope, except that it makes you feel better.
#Gautam's case is very weak and everybody knows that finally he will lose, but he is still
hoping against hope.
4. Have an axe to grind-

to have selfish interest
Example-
#environmentalists have no political axe to grind- they just want to save the planet.
#I don't have an axe to grind about the fact that Christmas has become commercialized.
5. Hit below the belt-

to strike unfairly
Example-
#we should always face the enemy boldly and never hit him below the belt.
6. Hold one's tongue-

to keep quiet
Example-
#if you don't hold your tongue, you will have to go outside.
#we should always hold our tongue before our elders.
7. Herculean task-
very difficult
Example-
#It is a herculean task to root out corruption in India.
8. Haul over the coals-

to speak angrily to someone because they have done something you disapprove of;
Example-
#he was hauled over the coals for coming in late for work.
#she was hauled over the coals by her parents for her misconduct.
9. Have a finger in every pie-

to be involved in and have influence over many different activities , often in a way that
other people do not approve of
Example-
#you can't make a decision on any kind of funding without consulting him- he has a
finger in every pie.
10. Halcyon days-

a very happy and successful period in the past
Example-
#she recalled the halcyon days of her youth/childhood.
11. Have an iron will-

strong will
Example-
#if we have to live among the mean and selfish people, we must have an iron will.
12. Hanky-panky-
Deceitfulness , jugglery- mayajal, indrajal, bajigiri
Example-
#none of this hanky-panky, tell me the truth.
#there is some hanky-panky going on in the treasurer's office.
13. Have feet of clay-

to have hidden faults
Example-
#to have a bad quality that you keep hidden
#some of the greatest geniuses In the history had feet of clay.
#the c.b.i. inquiry has revealed that many ministers have feet of clay.
14. Heart and soul-

completely and devotedly
Example-
#she loves those children heart and soul.
#he took part in annual function heart and soul.
15. Hang/hold fire-

to delay or wait, to remain unresolved
Example-
#Kashmir problem has been hanging fire for many years.
#I think we should hang fire and wait for other information.
16. High and dry-

to leave someone in a difficult situation without any help
Example-
#we were left high and dry without any money or credit cards.
#the stock market crash left us high and dry with debts of over 5 million.
17. Hit the nail on the head-

to do the right thing at the right time
Example-
#he hit the nail on the head by resigning the job.
#you have spotted the flaw, Gautam. You hit the nail on the head.
18. Hobson's choice-

no alternative
Example-
#the choice between taking what is offered and getting nothing at all.
#we didn't really want that particular hotel, but it was the case of the Hobson's choice.
We booked very late and there was nothing else left.
#It's Hobson's choice, because If I don't agree to do what they want, I'll lose my job.
19. Have too many irons in the fire-

doing many things at a time
Example-
#he is fickle minded and has too many irons in the fire.
#Tarun had too many irons in the fire and missed some important deadlines.
20. Hold in abeyance-

to stall or postpone something
Example-
#this is a good plan but not at this time. Let's just hold it in abeyance until things get
better.
21. High and mighty-

proud persons - behaving as if you are much important than other people
Example-
#he was acting all high and mighty.
#the high and mighty forget that everything in the world is transient.
22. Hard nosed attitude-

Aggressive
Example-
#I don't know why my teacher always has a hard nosed attitude towards me.
practical and determined

Example-
#Ambani has a reputation as a hard-nosed businessman who always gets what he
wants.
23. Hold in leash-

to control or to restrain
Example-
#As a responsible leader of a party you must hold criticism of party workers in leash.
24. Head and shoulders-

clearly superior to someone or something
Example-
#much better than other similar people or things.
#this wine is head and shoulders above that one.
#there's no competition- they are head and shoulders above the rest.
25. Hold a brief-

to defend or support someone
Example-
#It is very improper for parents to hold a brief for their children who are in the wrong.
#Mahatma Gandhi held a brief for the poor and fought for their rights.
Hold no brief for someone/ something- refused to support or dislike
Example-
#I hold no briefs for liars.
#He holds no brief for that kind of thing.
26. Hush money-

to bribe
Example-
#He managed to escape punishment by paying hush money.
27. Hold/keep at bay-

to prevent someone or something unpleasant from harming you
Example-
#he held the police at bay with a gun for several hours.
#I held the attacker at bay while she got away and called the police.
28. Helter-skelter-
quickly and in all directions
Example-
#when the police arrived the rioters ran helter-skelter.
29. Have a brush with-

have an encounter or come in contact with something
Example-
#this was not the first time that rahul had a brush with the law.
#Our principal had a brush with the V.C. over the appointment of a lecturer.
30. Hornet's nest-

raise controversy
Example-
#a very difficult or unpleasant situation, especially in which a lot of people get very
angry and complain.
#his remarks on the role of women have stirred up hornet's nest amongst feminists.
#His remarks about the lack of good women tennis players stirred up a (real) hornet's
nest.
31. Hold somebody to ransom-

to force someone to do something by putting that person in a situation where they have
no choice
Example-
#to demand concession by making someone captive.
#It is a pity that a handful of militants are holding the nation to ransom.
32. Hole-and-corner-
secret
Example-
#I have come to know of your hole and corner method of dealing with people.
#I don't want any more hole-in-the-corner deals.
“I”
1. Ill at ease-
worried and uncomfortable

Example-
#I feel ill at ease about the interview.
#you look ill at ease. Please relax.
2. In a fair way-
likely to achieve something
Example-
#you are in a fair way to have cured yourself.
#the doctor feels that patient is in a fair way on to recovery.
3. In the good books of-
to be in favor with a person
Example-
#If you are in someone's good books, they are pleased with you.
#I cleaned the bathroom yesterday so I'm in mum's good books.
4. In tune-
in a mood
Example-
#the teacher asked the students if they were in the tune for study.
in tune with someone or something
Example-
#he is more in tune with his players today, because he had asked them for their opinions.
5. In the lurch-
to leave a friend in difficulty
Example-
#to not do for someone what had promised you would do.
#you must never leave you best friend in the lurch.
#he said he would help with rent, but he left me in the lurch.
6. Ins and outs-
intricate details of a situation or process

Example-
#david really know the ins and outs of how this engine works.
#I'm learning the ins and outs of this business.
secrets
Example-
#the servants are generally familiar with the ins and outs of the family.
7. In the blues-
completely gone or disappeared, entirely out of the sight or reach
Example-
#I have no idea where my keys have gone. They seem to have disappeared in the blue!
depressed
Example-
#After his failure in the examination he is in the blues these days.
8. In the red-
loosing money, or suffer a loss
Example-
#state government has been operating in the red for five straight years.
#Tourism is down and many hotels are operating in the red.
9. In the limelight-
to receive attention and interest from the public
Example-
#he's been in the limelight recently, following the publication of a controversial novel.
#he is again in the limelight these days.
10. In a tight corner-
to be in a difficult situation
Example-
#after loosing in gambling heavily, he is in a tight corner.
#she had been in tight corners before and always managed to get out of them.
11. In cold blood-
intentionally and without emotion or feeling

Example-
#the child was murdered in cold blood.
12. In doldrums-
lacking activity or progress
Example-
#he is usually in the doldrums in the winter.
#her career was in the doldrums during those days.
sad/ depressed and with no energy or enthusiasm
Example-
#he has been in the doldrums since his girlfriend left for college.
#after his failure in the examination he is in doldrums these days.
13. In the family way-
pregnant
Example-
#she has been advised complete rest because she is in the family way.
#have you heard that simran is in the family way?
14. Ivory tower-
imaginary world
Example-
#if you are in ivory tower, you are in a place or situation where you are separated from ordinary
life and its problems.
#those who talk of non-violence as a useful tool in international politics live in ivory tower.
15. In the dumps-
unhappy
Example-
#she is a bit down in the dumps because she failed one of her exams.
#her visit cheered me up as I was in the dumps before her visits.
16. In a flutter-
in a confused and excited state
Example-
#my sister is in a flutter today because she is going for the interview.
“J”
1. Jaundiced eye
prejudice- prejudice means preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience
Example-
#You must not evaluate anything jaundiced eye.
jealous
Example-
#one who looks at others with a jaundiced eye can never be happy.
“K”
2. Keep body and soul together-
to maintain life
Example-
#to be able to pay for your food, clothing and somewhere to live.
#his wages are barely enough to keep body and soul together.
#these days because of rising prices it is difficult to keep body and soul together.
3. Keep the wolf from the door-
to have enough money to be able to eat and live, to avoid starvation
Example-
#to maintain oneself at a minimum level.
#I don't make a lot of money, just enough to keep the wolf from the door.
#In Indian millions of people struggle hard to keep the wolf from the door.
4. Kith and kin-
relatives, blood relation

Example-
#If we have no love for our kith and kin, we cannot be expected to love humanity.
5. Knit the brow-
to move you eyebrows closer together when you are worried or thinking carefully
Example-
#sasha knitted her brows as she listened to the storm forecast.
#her mother-in-law always knits the brow at everything she does.
6. Kick the bucket-
to die
Example-
#he kicked the bucket after long illness in the prime of his life.
7. Keep up appearances-
to make things look all right whether they are or not
Example-
#to pretend to be happier, less poor, etc. than you really are, because you don't want people to
know how bad your situation is.
#though he is in financial crisis, he is able to keep up appearances.
#things may be unpleasant, but we will keep up appearances.
8. Keep the pot boiling-
to earn hardly enough for living
Example-
#To earn enough money to buy one's food.
#main motive of every worker is to keep the pot boiling.
9. Kick one's heels-
to waste time in waiting), to be forced to wait for a period of time.
Example-
#as the train was late we had to kick our heals at the station.
10. Keep abreast of-
not to fall behind

Example-
#stay up to date, or to have knowledge or most recent information about something)
#she keep herself abreast of the situation of the city.
#It is very important for the young persons to keep abreast of political developments in the
country.
“L”
11. Lost in the clouds-
Confused
Example-
#we often lost in clouds in exam, if we have not done practice of questions.
#my psychology teacher is often lost in the clouds as she sometimes is unable to explain the
questions clearly.
12. Lose ground-fail to keep one's positions
to fall behind someone or something
Example-
#to become less popular or less successful.
#the democrats were losing ground in this district.
#the belief in prophecies and horoscopes is losing ground these days.
#the left wing politics are losing ground.
13. Laugh in one's sleeves-
to laugh secretly, to secretly find something funny.
Example-
#the students laugh in their sleeves at the teacher's ignorance of the subject.
#they are very polite in your presence, but you get the feeling they are laughing up their
sleeves.
14. Leave no stone unturned-
to make all possible efforts
Example-
#don't worry, we will find your stolen car. We will leave no stone unturned.
#he left no stone unturned in his search for his natural mother.
15. Leap in the dark-
to take a risk deliberately
Example-
#something you do without being certain what will happen as a result.
#you must not leap in the dark by entering the business without experience.
16. Look sharp-
be quick or to make haste
Example-
#look sharp! We have to leave in five minutes.
17. Let the cat out of the bag-
to reveal a secret or surprise by accident
Example-
#I was trying to keep the party a secret, but venus went and let the cat out of the bag.
#It's secret. Try not to let the cat out of the bag.
18. Live in a fool's paradise-
false hope
Example-
#my brother is living in a fool's paradise if he thinks that he can be a rich man without working
hard.
#she lived in a fool's paradise, looking forward to a promotion she would never get.
to be happy because you do not know or will not accept how bad a situation really is
Example-
#they were living in a fool's paradise, refusing to accept that they were in debt.
19. Loaves and fishes-
materialist wealth
Example-
#most of the ministers are more concerned with the loaves and fishes of office than the service
of man.
20. Live-wire-
an energetic person
Example-
#India needs live-wire political leaders who can put the country on the right track.
21. Look a gift horse in the mouth-
to be ungrateful to someone who gives you something
Example-
#I know that car is not in good condition, but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
#one should not look a gift horse in the mouth because it is given out of love and regards.
22. Lose one's head-
to lose self control, panic
Example-
#he usually stays quite calm in meetings but this time he just lost his head.
23. The long and short of it-
the most important point, the summary of the matter
Example-
#the long and short of it that they are willing to start the work in January.
#the long and short of the principal's speech was that examination would be held on time.
24. Latin and Greek-
Incomprehensible
Example-
#It's all Greek to me
#the speech of literary persons is always Latin and Greek to illiterate persons.
25. Last nail in the coffin-
causing ruin
Example-
#an event that causes the failure of something that had already started to fail
#I think that argument was the final/last nail in the coffin of our friendship.
#second world war proved to be a last nail in the coffin of British Imperialism.
26. Lead up the garden path-
to cheat or deceive someone
Example-
#the traders led the credulous customers up the garden path by assuring them of warranty.
27. Leaps and bounds-
rapidly
Example-
#In comparison to India, China has progressed by leaps and bounds in every field.
28. Last/final straw-that straw that broke the camel's back
the final difficulty in a series, the last little burden or problem that causes everything to collapse
Example-
#the final trail of patience.
#Losing my job was bad enough, but being evicted was the final straw.
#when she showed up late third time, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. We had to
fire her.
29. Let the grass grow under the feet-
to delay the matters
Example-
#we are bound to suffer if we let the grass grow under the feet by postponing action.
#we can’t let the grass grow under the feet- we have really got to get going with this project.
“M”
1. Make both ends meet-
to live within one's mean
Example-
#to have enough money to pay for your basic expenses.
#I have to work at two jobs to make ends meet.
#My wages were so low that I had to take a second job just to make ends meet.
2. Mend one's fences-
to make peace
Example-
#to repair a relationship with someone.
#It is high time for the two brothers to bury the hatchet and mend their fences.
#China is trying to mend fences with India after the recent border dispute.
3. Make a clean breast-
to confess
Example-
#to tell the truth about something, especially something bad or illegal that you have done.
#after months of lying about the money, I decided to make a clean breast of it and tell the truth.
#when asked by the Magistrate sternly, the thief made a clean breast of the whole crime.
4. Make amends-
to give compensation, compensate someone for a grievance or injury
Example-
#the government made amends to the family for the loss of their earning member in the war.
#I wanted to make amends for the worry I have caused you.
#they must make amends for the harm they have caused you.
5. Make the most of-
to utilize time
Example-
#to use or enjoy something as much as possible.
#we are only in Paris for a day, so let's make the most out of it.
#students should make the most of their time if they want to get and administrative job.
6. Move heaven and earth-
to do everything you can to achieve something
Example-
#he will move heaven and earth to get it done on time.
#I'd move heaven and earth to get an apartment here.
7. Make sure-
to check something and be certain about it
Example-
#please make sure of your facts before you write the report.
#please double-check and make sure.
#make sure all the doors are locked.
8. Make neither head or nor tail-
can't make head nor tail of something-
Example-
#to not be able to understand something at all.
#I can't make head nor tail of these instructions on the packet.
#we couldn't make head or tail of the film.
#what does his message say?- I don't know, I can't make head or tail of it.
9. Moot point-
a debatable question, an issue open to argument
Example-
#also an irrelevant question, a matter of no importance.
#whether Shakespeare actually wrote the poem remains a moot point among critics.
#It's a moot point whether the chicken or the egg came first.
10. Meet one's waterloo-
to face final defeat
Example-
#to be defeated by someone who is too strong for you or by a problem that is too difficult for
you.
#Tipu sultan met his waterloo in the fourth battle of Mysore.
11. Make light of-
to treat something as if it were unimportant or humorous - not to care.
Example-
#they have both had knee injuries, but the two friends make light of their weakness.
#I make light of my problems and that makes me feel better.
#he is in the habit of making light of the advice of his parents.
12. Midas touch-
a touch which turn everything into gold
Example-
#the ability to make a lot of money.
#Bob is a merchant banker and really has the Midas touch.
#our manager seems to be gifted with Midas touch because he is capable of selling every
product.
13. Man of parts-
a man of qualities
Example-
#a man who is able to do many different things.
#Tabish is a man of many parts- ruthless businessman, loving father, accomplished sportsman,
to name a few.
#Our principal is a man of parts and is respected by all and one.
14. Meanly mouthed-
soft spoken
Example-
#a mealy mouthed shopkeeper is always successful.
Not outspoken - not brave enough to say what you mean directly or honestly
Example-
#mealy mouthed excuses.
#a mealy mouthed spokesperson.
15. Man of straw-
a person or an idea that is weak and easy to defeat
Example-
#the king being a man of straw, his orders were often disobeyed.
#he was accused by his opponents of being a man of straw and lacking in decisiveness.
16. Mince matters-
moderate or restrain one's language to be polite or avoid giving offense
Example-
#not to mince matters, I feel he should resign.
hide the truth and pretend
Example-
#don't mince words- say the truth.
#tell the truth to your parents because it does not pay to mince matters.
#she is not straight forward in her speech, she minces matters.
17. Mare's nest-
a false invention or wrong discovery
Example-
#something imagined to be an extraordinary discovery but proving to be a delusion or a hoax.
#the announced cure for the disease was merely another mare's feet.
#he made a discovery after a number of years, but is proved a mare's nest.
extremely confused or entangled situation and disordered place
Example-
#we just moved in, and the place is a mare' nest.
“N”
18. Null and void-
ineffective, having no legal effect
Example-
#cancel, invalid
#the court declared the law to be null and void.
#strangely, the laws made by the British in India are not yet null and void.
19. Next to nothing-
hardly anything, almost nothing
Example-
#I bought this antique chair for next to nothing.
#the thieves made off with everything from the kitchen and there was next to nothing left.
#she know next to nothing about the politics.
20. Neck and crop-
completely, wholly, altogether, roughly at once
Example-
#the decoits finished him off neck and crop beyond recognition.
21. No love lost-
intense dislike
Example-
#there is no love lost between the two neighbors.
22. Not worth one's salt-
not deserving
Example-
#you are not worth your salt. Pack up!
“O”
1. Off hand-
without preparation, immediately
Example-
#people say that they don't know the answer off-hand, meaning that they don't know it
at that time.
#I'm very poor in English grammar & can't answer all the questions off hand.
Off hands-
No longer within one's responsibility( if someone or something is off someone's hands,
they are not responsible for them anymore)
Example-
#we finally got that project off our hands.
#I have got a lot of freedom now the kids are off my hands.
2. Over head and ears-

with the whole person, completely and wholly
Example-
#he was over head and ears in debts of SBI.
#Rahul is over head and ears in love with Simran. (ughh! I hate Rahul)
3. Out of question-
certain, undoubtedly
Example-
#his success his out question because he is working hard these days.
4. Out of the question-

not possible, unlikely, uncertain
Example-
#A trip to New Zealand is out of the question this year.
#the class ends at 2, and leaving before then is out of the question.
#his success is out of the question, because he is not working hard these days.
5. Out of the woods-

out of danger or difficulty
Example-
#the patient is not out of the woods yet.
#when the patient got out of the woods, everyone relaxed.
6. Order of the day-

in fashion, something that is very common.
Example-
#something necessary or usual at a certain time.
#going to bed early was the order of the day when we were young.
#on these TV channels, reality shows and repeats are becoming the order of the day.
#It is difficult to get any work done, without bribery because bribery is the order of the
day.
7. On the score of-

on the ground of, because of, basis
Example-
#he was debarred from appearing in the examination on the score of indiscipline.
8. On that score-
for the reason
Example-
#you can use "on this score or on that score" to refer to something that has just been
mentioned, especially an area of difficulty and concern.
#I became pregnant easily. At least I have had no problems on that score.
#you need not worry on that score.
9. Over and above- plus

in addition to something, besides, moreover
Example-
#I shall lend you books over and above what I have promised to give you in cash.
#she had an allowance from her father over and above her paltry salary.
10. Out and out-

in every respect, absolute, completely
Example-
#Shri Bhagat Singh was a patriot out and out.
11. Off and on-

now and then- occasionally
Example-
#I have been exercising kind of off and on for a while now.
#since she is over busy these days, she visits me off and on.
12. One's Achilles heel

a weak point
Example-
#a small problem or weakness in a person or system that can result in failure.
#Maths has always been my Achilles heel.
#however powerful a person may be, he is vulnerable because of his Achilles' heel.
13. Off color-

not in usual form
Example-
#once a glamourous actress, she is off color these days.
slightly ill
Example-
#He had a flu a couple of months ago and he's been a bit of off-color ever since.
14. Odds and ends-

miscellaneous things
Example-
#various things of different types, usually small and not important, or of little value.
#I eventually found my keys buried beneath the odds and ends in the bottom of my bag.
#I took most of the big things to the new house, but there a few odds and ends left to
pick.
15. Off the hook-

out of trouble
Example-
#he's just happy to be off the hook on that harassment charge.
#he is not yet off the hook because Income tax department is making a thorough inquiry
into his financial status.
16. Oily tongue-

flattering tongue –sychophant
Example-
#she has an oily tongue but bad heart.
#he has often won over the enemies by his oily tongue.
17. On the horns of dilemma-

in a fix
Example-
#to be unable to decide which of the two things to do because either could have bad
results.
#tarun is on the horns of dilemma in the matter of his marriage.
18. One' cup of tea-

to one's liking, one's choice or preference
Example-
#if something is not your cup of tea, it is not the type of thing of that you like.
#Fishing is not my cup of tea
#going to church was not my cup of tea.
#I like suspense in movies. It's my cup of tea.
#gaming is not my cup of tea.
19. Out of sorts-

not feeling well, grumpy and irritable
Example-
#I have been feeling tired and generally out of sorts.
#Rahul had been out of sorts the whole day and could not do his office work properly.
20. On its last legs-

about to collapse, about to stop working
Example-
#I have had this laptop for five years now, and it's really on its last legs.
#In many sections of Indian society the system of child marriage is on its last legs.
21. On the carpet-

under discussion or consideration
Example-
#what is one the carpet these days is in the newspapers.
#Important matters will be on the carpet at today's meeting.
to be in trouble with someone in authority
Example-
#he is going to be on the carpet for his rudeness.
#was called on the carpet for cheating.
“P”
1. Past master-
an expert
Example-
#a person who is very skilled in a particular activity.
#he is a past master in befooling the people by his oily tongue.
#Mary is a past master at cooking omelets.
2. Palmy days-
days of happiness), prosperous days
Example-
#No one can forget the Palmy days of his life.
#we still remember the palmy days of our life when we had nothing much to do and still got
everything to fulfill our needs.
3. Part and parcel-
inseparable part
Example-
#to be a feature of something, especially a feature that cannot be avoided.
#being recognized on the street is part and parcel of being a celebrity.
#every Indian citizen living in India must regard himself as part and parcel of a larger whole.
4. Pass the buck-
to blame each other
Example-
#Don't try to pass the buck! It's your fault, and everybody knows it.
#Political parties pass the buck on to one another for failure on economic front.
5. Pay off old scores-
to take revenge
Example-
#From her attitude it is clear that she wants to pay off old scores.
6. Pay through one's nose-
to pay too much money for something
Example-
#we paid through the nose to get the car fixed.
#If you want a decent wine in a restaurant, you have to pay through the nose for it.
7. Pay lip service-
pretend to regard
Example-
#To express loyalty, respect, or support for something insincerely.
#most of the political parties pay lip service to the plight of the poor.
8. Pay one back in the same coin-
tit for that
Example-
#to treat someone in a same way that they have treated you.
#I decided to pay her back in her own coin and refuse to help her.
9. Pin-money-
a small amount of extra money that a person earns to buy things for himself that they want but
do not need
Example-
#she has a part time job that gives her pin money for extra treats for herself and the kids.
#Grandma usually gives the children some pin money whenever she visits.
10. Pell- mell-
in a confused, rushed or disorderly manner
Example-
#at the sound of the alarm, the customers ran pell-mell for the doors.
#after the thieves have ransacked the house, everything was pell-mell.
11. Play fast and lose-
to treat something without enough care and attention
Example-
#the film is very entertaining even though it plays fast and loose with the historical facts.
to act carelessly, thoughtlessly, and irresponsibly
Example-
#No one can trust sohan as he is used to playing fast and loose with his friends.
#I'm tired of your playing fast and loose with me. Leave me alone.
12. Play second fiddle to –
to play a subordinate part
Example-
#to be less important or in a weaker position than someone else.
#A self-respecting man can never play second fiddle to anyone.
#he resented playing second fiddle to his younger brother.
13. Play truant-
to absent from duty and school without permission
Example-
#It is very bad habit of the employees to play truant from office.
14. Play to the gallery-
to gain cheap popularity
Example-
#to spend time doing or saying things that will make people admire or support you, instead of
dealing with more important matters.
#when he made the rude remark, he was just playing to the gallery.
#the speeches of our leaders are not sincere, they are intended to play to the gallery.
15. Play ducks and drakes-
to squander or waste money
Example-
#after the death of his father, he got into heavy debt by playing ducks and drakes with money.
16. Play foul-
to do something wrong, illegal practices
Example-
#Don't play foul with your well-wishers.
17. Plough the sand-
do something that seems impossible, futile labour
Example-
#he cannot make money because he appears to be ploughing the sands.
18. Pour oil on troubled matters-
to pacify the matters
Example-
#to do or say something in order to make people stop arguing and become calmer.
#My husband is always arguing with my father, and I am the one who has to pour oil on troubled
waters.
#the twins are quarreling so I'd best go pour oil on troubled waters.
19. Pull a long face-
to look sad, disapproving and angry
Example-
#she pulls a long face when her mother scolds him.
#Why have you got such a long face?- my boyfriend doesn't want to see me anymore.
20. Pull one's socks up-
work hard
Example-
#to make an effort to improve your work or behavior because it is not good enough.
#he's going to have to pull his socks up if he wants to stay in the team.
#you must pull your socks up to get over financial problems.
21. Pull strings-
make use of one's influence and contacts to gain advantage
Example-
#to secretly use the influence you have over important people in order to get something or to
help someone.
#I can get it done easily by pulling a few strings.
#It is impossible to get anything done around here without pulling some strings.
#I may be able to pull a few strings for you if you need the document urgently.
22. Put heads together-
to share ideas in trying to solve a problem
Example-
#If we put our heads together, we can think of a solution.
#If we can put our heads together we'll figure out a way to deal with this.
23. Put a spoke in a wheel-
prevent someone from carrying out a plan
Example-
#he would not like me to succeed, so he always put a spoke in a wheel.
24. Put the cart before the horse-
to do things in the wrong order
Example-
#you are eating your desert first, you have put the cart before the horse.
#tune the guitar first, the play it. Don't put the cart before the horse.
25. Pyrrhic victory-
a victory that is not worth winning, because the winner has lost so much in winning it
Example-
#Greeks victory over Trojans proved to be Pyrrhic victory.
26. Pick holes-
to find fault with
Example-
#to criticize something severely
#he is always picking holes in every project.
#stop picking holes in everything I say.
“S”
1. Sit on the fence-
avoid/delay making a decision or choice
Example-
#you can't sit on the fence any longer, you have to decide whose side you are on!
#no one knows which of the candidates Rahul will vote for! He is sitting on the fence.
2. Smell a rat-
to suspect that something is wrong
Example-
#he has been working late with her every night this week- I smell a rat!
3. Shed crocodile tears-
to shed false tears
Example-
#the child was not really hurt, but she shed crocodile tears anyway.
4. Split hair-
to argue about small details of something
Example-
#we should not try to split hair with our elders.
#she earns three times what I earn, actually it is more like two and a half, oh stop splitting hairs!
5. Stand in good stead-
to be helpful in need
Example-
#To be of great use and benefit to someone.
#During the time of distress the advice of elders always stands in good stead.
#I know that my large vocabulary will always stand me in good stead at college.
#Getting some work experience now will stand you in good stead when you apply for a
permanent job.
6. See eye to eye-
to be in full agreement
Example-
#My mother and I see eye to eye in most things.
#We don't see eye to eye on a lot of things.
7. Set great, little store by something-
to consider something to be of great, little importance or value
Example-
#I have always set store by my father's opinion.
#What would happen if this relationship that she set so much store by ended?
8. Snap one's fingers at-
treat with contempt, scorn, disregard
Example-
#the industry owner feels that he may snap his fingers at the demands of his workers, but he is
greatly mistaken.
#or.. chutki bajana
9. Speak volumes for-
to express something very clearly and completely), usually said about expressing something
without words
Example-
#to have an abundant proof.
#the happy expressions on both their faces spoke volumes about their marriage.
#he didn't say anything about what happened at the meeting, but his furious expression spoke
volumes.
#she said very little but her face spoke volumes.
10. Steal a march-
to get ahead secretly
Example-
#to accomplish something(the same goal) before someone else does.
#If you steal a march on someone, you get an advantage over that person by acting before they
do.
#Shubham stole a march on my brother in business and is very rich today.
#Our competitor stole a march on us and got the big contract.
11. Steer clear of-
to avoid something or someone because they are dangerous or bad for you
Example-
#they warned their children to steer clear of drugs.
#everyone, if possible, should steer clear of selfish people.
#I'd steer clear of joe If I were you- he will only cause trouble.
#steer clear of fatty food.
12. Snake in the grass-
a secret enemy
Example-
#deceitful person, someone who pretends to be your friend while secretly doing things to harm
you.
#It's upsetting to learn that someone you once viewed as a good colleague is in fact a snake in
the grass.
#How could I ever have trusted that snake in the grass?
#he secretly applied for the same job as his best friend, no one knew he was such a snake in
the grass.
13. Sail under the false color-
a hypocrite
Example-
#to pretend to be something that you are not in order to deceive people.
#we should not believe our leaders because they sail under false colors.
#he is not who he seems to be- he is sailing under false colors.
14. Spartan life-
life of ascetic
Example-
#rigorously self-disciplined or self-restrained
#a Spartan diet
#A Spartan lifestyle.
15. Save face-
to escape humiliation
Example-
#to do something so that people will continue to respect you.
#He seemed more interesting in saving face than telling the truth.
#he is making lame excuses to save his face because he could not qualify the examination.
16. A scarlet woman-
a woman with loose morals
Example-
#A woman who is considered to be immoral because she has sex with a lot of men.
#being a scarlet woman she is looked down upon by her neighbors.
#she was labeled a scarlet woman and excluded from polite society.
17. Set people by ears-
to incite people, to provoke them.
Example-
#the communal speeches set people by ears.
#few people set people by ears.
18. To set Thames on fire-
to achieve something impossible
Example-
#or.. To do wonderful or exciting things)
#qualifying civil services examination for you is like setting Thames on fire.
#She dreamed of setting the Thames on fire as famous actress.
19. Sweat of the brow-
by one's hard work
Example-
#the honest persons live by sweat of the brow.
#A decent hard working man, he supported his family by the sweet of the brow.
20. Steal someone's thunder-
make a better impression than someone's
Example-
#to do something that takes attention away from what someone else has done.
#the young actor performed so well that he stole his rival's thunder.
#I kept quiet about my pregnancy because sonali was getting married, and I didn't want to steal
her thunder.
21. Straight from the shoulders
- straight - to speak very directly and honestly
Example-
#blunt, candid, outspoken, plainspoken
#my lawyer told me straight from the shoulders that my case was weak.
#I gave it to him straight from the shoulders- you are talking garbage.
#I'll tell you, straight from the shoulders- that you will have to do better or they will fire you.
22. Shop lifter-
one who steals from the shop
Example-
#he was charged with shoplifting.
#A shoplifter often visits a shop as a customer.
23. Spick and span-
neat, clean and spotless - or in order
Example-
#her house looked spick and span because everything was in its place.
24. Shot in the arm-
a boost or an act of encouragement
Example-
#winning this award is a big shot in the arm for our students.
#the opening of a new research center will give a much needed shot in the arm for science in
Britain.
25. Something up one's sleeve-
to have secret plans or ideas
Example-
#she is quite a mischievous lady. There is always something up her sleeve.
#I have got something up my sleeve, and it should solve all your problems.
#If this trip doesn't work out I've still got a few ideas up my sleeve.
26. Send about one's business-
to dismiss, to send someone away, usually in an unfriendly way
Example-
#his employees sent him about his business when he behaved insolently.
#Is that annoying man on the telephone again?- please send him about his business.
27. Stand one's ground-
to remain firm, to stand up for one's rights
Example-
#to resist an attack.
#He did not yield to pressure and stood his ground till the end.
#you have got to respect him for standing his ground when all the others disagree.
#The battalion stood its ground in the face of repeated attacks.
28. Small fry-
insignificant person
Example-
#people or things that are not considered to be important.
#the police have only caught the small fry. The leader of the gang is still free.
#you people are just small fry. I want to talk to the boss.
29. Seamy side of the life-
immoral side of society
Example-
#the most unpleasant or roughest aspect of life.
#the picture depicts realism and presents the seamy side of the life in modern India.
30. Sow wild oats-
to do wild and foolish things in one's youth
Example-
#often assumed to have some sort of sexual meaning
#If a young man sows his wild oats, he has a period of his life when he does a lot of exciting
things and has a lot of sexual relationships.
#he'd spent his twenties sowing his wild oats but felt that it was time to settle down.
31. Spill the beans-
to the tell the secret information, unintentionally
Example-
#there is surprise party for Gautam on Wednesday. Please don't spill the beans.
#so who spilled the beans about her affair with Akhil?
32. A stalking horse-
something that is used to hide someone's real purpose
Example-
#It's feared that the talks are just a stalking horse for a much wider deal between the two
parties.
a person or a thing that is used to conceal someone's real intentions
Example-
#You have used me simply as a stalking horse for some of your more outrageous views.
“T”
1. Turn the tables-
to reverse the condition
Example-
#to change a situation so that someone's position is the opposite of what it was.
#A batsman often turns the table on the opposite team by his good batting.
#she turned the tables on her rival with the allegations of corruption.
2. Turn up one's nose-
to not like something because you think it is good enough for you
Example-
#she turned up her nose at the job because she didn't think it had enough status.
#I never turn my nose up at homemade Cake.
3. Turn coat-
a politician who changes side
Example-
#apostate
#a disloyal person who betrays his party.
#one who switches, (allegiance(Loyalty or support for a ruler, country of belief)
4. To take up the cudgels for/against something or somebody-
to argue strongly in support of something, defend - or against something
Example-
#one of my lawyer friends took up the cudgels on my behalf to defend me.
#there was no one else to take the cudgels on their behalf.
5. Turn the corner-improve
to pass a critical point in a process
Example-
#If a situation turns the corner, it starts to improve after a difficult period.
#after nine months of poor sales we have finally turned the corner.
#after long illness my friend turned the corner and was completely out of danger.
6. Tall talk-
exaggerate the matters
Example-
#no one likes to be in the company of neema as she always indulges in tall talk.
7. Tooth and nail-
to use a lot of effort to oppose someone or achieve something
Example-
#we fought tooth and nail to keep our share of the business.
#all the students revolted tooth and nail against the partiality of the teachers towards some
students.
8. Throw in a towel/sponge-
to admit defeat
Example-
#when the wrestler could not resist the opponent, he had to throw in a towel.
#Don't give up now! It's too soon to throw in the sponge.
9. Take with a pinch of salt-
to accept with doubt
Example-
#to listen to a story or an explanation with considerable doubt
#you have to take everything she says with a pinch of salt, because she tends to exaggerate.
#It's interesting to read the reports in the newspapers, but I tend to take them with a grain of
salt.
10. not Turn a hair-
to not show any reaction or emotion
Example-
#to not show any emotion when you are told something bad or when something bad happens.
#I was expecting him to be horrified when he heard the cost but he didn't turn a hair.
11. Tall stories-
exaggerated stories
Example-
#a story or statement that is difficult to believe
#He told me tall story about having met some top models in a night club.
#since he retired from Army, he has been famous for his tall stories which regal(amuse or
entertain with talk) the villagers.
12. Take the floor-
make a speech
Example-
#the last time you had the floor, you talked for an hour.
#when the Prime minister took the floor in the cabinet meeting there was pin drop silence.
to go the dance floor in order to dance
Example-
#when the band played, everyone took the floor.
13. Take something lying down-
to endure something unpleasant without fighting back
Example-
#not take something lying down- to complain about a situation rather than accepting it.
#he insulted me publicly. You don't expect me to take that lying down do you?
#I'm not kind of person who'll take something like that lying down.
#I can't take criticism lying down.
14. Turn to account-
to be made profitable or advantageous
Example-
#To make a good use of a situation, experience, etc.
#the brave turn their failures to account.
#pam turned her illness to good account and did a lot of reading.
#she turned her natural curiosity to good account by becoming a detective.
15. Take heart-
to feel encouraged or bold
Example-
#Even though you did not win the race, take heart from the fact that you did your best.
#you must take heart and face life boldly.
16. Take to heart-
feel excessively
Example-
#to consider something very seriously.
#he took his failure to heart and lost interest in worldly affairs.
#Don't take it to heart-I'm only joking about your hair.
#don't take my criticism to heart.
#Everything he said is true, and I hope people will take it to heart.
17. Take bull by horns-
to do something difficult in a brave and determined way
Example-
#It's time to take the bull by the horns and get this job done.
#you can succeed in life only if you have courage to take bull by horns.
18. Through and through-
entirely and completely
Example-
#I was angry through and through.
#I was wet through and through.
#he is a military man through and through.
19. To the back bone-
thoroughly and entirely
Example-
#we need leaders who are selfless to the backbone.
#tilak was a patriot to the backbone.
20. Take wind out of another's sail-
to make you feel less confident and determined, usually by saying or doing something
unexpected.
Example-
#To challenge someone's boasting and arrogance.
#I was really mad at him, but he greeted me with flowers, which immediately took the wind out
of my sails.
21. Throw down the glove/gauntlet-
to challenge
Example-
#to invite someone to fight or compete with you.
#He has thrown down the gauntlet to its competitors.
22. Take leaf out of somebody's book-
to copy something that someone else has done because it will bring you advantages
Example-
#to behave or do something in a way that someone else would do.
#Maybe I should take a leaf out of Akshay's book and start coming in early every week.
#you had better do it your way. Don't take a leaf out of my book. I don't do it well.
23. Take people by storm-
to be suddenly or extremely successful, in a place or popular with someone
Example-
#the pink floyd took the US by storm in the early 1960s.
#A new play that took new York city by storm.
24. Tall order-
something difficult
Example-
#they have given us three weeks to get the project finished. "that's a tall order)
#building the bridge in time for the Olympics will be a tall order.
25. Throw/put a spanner in the works-
to sabotage a plan
Example-
#put/throw a monkey wrench in the works.
#the funding for the project was withdrawn so that really threw a spanner in the works.
#he refused to finance my project and so threw a spanner in it.
26. Take to task-
to scold or criticize someone
Example-
#the teacher took me to task for my bad behavior.
#I lost a big contract, and the boss took me to task in front of everyone.
27. Throw out of gear-
not working properly
Example-
#many of our small scale industries have been thrown out of gear because of lack of finance.
28. Throw cold water-
to discourage or criticize
Example-
#Instead of encouraging me, my business partner threw cold water on my plans.
#you are always throwing cold water on my suggestions.
29. Turn over a new leaf-
to be entirely changed
Example-
#to start behaving in a different way.
#Apparently he's turned over a new leaf and he's not smoking any more.
#I have made a mess of my life. I'll turn over a new leaf and hope to do better.
#why don't you turn over a new leaf and surprise everyone with your good characteristics?
30. Take somebody for a ride-
to deceive someone
Example-
#I think we have been taken for a ride.
31. Take up arms-
to fight
Example-
#the tribals of this region have taken up arms against government.
32. To and fro-
backward and forward
Example-
#He was strolling in the garden to and fro.
33. Throw up the sponge/towel-
to give up or acknowledge defeat

“U”
1. Uphill task-
difficult task
Example-
#It's an uphill task to go there.
2. Ups and downs-
the mixture of good and bad things which happen to people
Example-
#I have had many ups and downs, but in general life has been good to me.
#all people have their ups and downs.
#like most married couples we have had our ups and downs but things are going fairly well now.
3. Under the rose-
secretly
Example-
#they used to meet each other under the rose.
4. Up and doing-
active, busy
Example-
#a laborer should be up and doing daily if he has to earn his living.
5. Under a cloud-
to be under suspicion
Example-
#his secret connection with the smugglers have brought him under a cloud.
#the cabinet minister left office under a cloud after a fraud scandal.
6. Up to the mark-
to be good enough, as good as should be
Example-
#you speech was upto the mark.
“W”
7. With open arms-
cordially, warmly, with happiness
Example-
#they received their new daughter in law with open arms.
8. Win laurels-
to win honor
Example-
#Dr. Tagore won laurels in the field of Literature.
9. White elephant-
something with less utility and more expenditure
Example-
#Father has given me an old rolls Royce, but it's a real white elephant.
I have no place to park it and can't afford the gas for it.
10. Well disposed to-
friendly or helpful to somebody
Example-
#If you feel good about yourself, you are more likely to feel well disposed to/towards other
people.
#he has never well disposed towards her relatives.
11. Writing on the wall-
signal or warning that something bad will happen
Example-
#the factory owner read the writing on the wall and closed down the factory.
#As leaders, they should have seen the handwriting on the wall and come up with and
alternative course of action.
12. When the crunch comes-
when it comes to the crunch- the moment of decision
Example-
#when a situation becomes serious or an important decision has to be made.
#you know that when it comes to the crunch, she will do what needs to be done.
#if it comes to the crunch and you and your husband do split up, you can always stay with us.
13. Willy-nilly –
whether one wishes or not
Example-
#if something happens willy-nilly, it happens whether the people who are involved want it
happen or not.
#willy-nilly, she has to agree to the views of her husband all the time.
#both sides were drawn, willy-nilly, into the conflict.
without any order
Example-
#she threw her clothes willy-nilly into a drawer.
14. Window shopping-
to look at good displayed but not for buying
Example-
#the activity of spending time looking at the goods on sale in shop windows without intending to
buy any of them.
#Window shopping is the favorite past time of all New Yorkers.
15. Wear and tear-
the damage that happens to an object in ordinary use during a period
Example-
#seat cover on buses take a lot of wear and tear.
#this sofa shows a lot of wear and tear. We should replace it.
16. Weal and woe-
joy and sorrow
Example-
#good and bad days.
#we must learn to bear weal and woe of life patiently.
#Weal and woe comes in everybody's life. One should learn to live with them.
17. Wash hands of-
to end all involvement with someone or something
Example-
#to have nothing to do.
#To stop being involved with or responsible for someone or something, usually because they
have caused too many problem for you.
#he washed his hands of the matter.
#i have washed hands of your affairs because you do not take me seriously.
#that car was a real headache. I washed my hands of it long ago.
18. Wide berth-
to avoid a person or place
Example-
#to steer clear of something
#we should give wide berth to bad characters.
#he believes that his neighbors give him a wide berth because he is black.
19. Will o' the wisp-
a person or thing that is impossible to reach, get or catch
Example-
#unreal, elusive- thing difficult to catch, achieve- mayavi
#Full employment is the will o the wisp that politicians have been chasing for decades.
#to romantic poets, reality appears to be will o the wisp.
20. Wry face-
disappointed look
Example-
#he made a wry face when he was refused admission to the college of his choice.
21. Win hands down-
to win easily
Example-
#she won the debate hands down.
#India won hands down in the world cup finals.
22. Within an ace of-
very close to doing something
Example-
#to almost achieve something.
#I came within an ace of getting into an accident.
#we were within an ace of beating the all-time record.
23. Wear the trousers/pants-
Dominant
Example-
#to be the person in a relationship who makes all the important decisions.
#It is simran who wears the trousers and her husband simply obeys her.
#I don't think there's any doubt about who wears the trousers in their house.
24. Wee hours-
the early hours of the morning, between twelve o'clock at night and the time when the sun rises.
Example-
#small hours of night.
#he was up until the wee hours trying to finish his work.
#he goes to bed in the wee hours and gets up at lunchtime.
25. With a high hand-
oppressively
Example-
#the sultan rules his subject with a high hand.
26. Wet blanket-
a dull or depressing person who spoils other people's enjoyment
Example-
#someone who does or says something that stops other people from enjoying themselves.
#the principal proved a wet blanket while the students were on picnic.
#I don't want to be a wet blanket, but you really must play your music more quietly or you will
disturb the people next door.
27. Wild-goose chase-
a worthless chase, or futile pursuit
Example-
#all the efforts of the government to remove illiteracy in India is like a wild-goose chase.
28. Wind fall-
sudden gain
Example-
#the legacy left by his uncle proved a wind fall for him.
29. Wrangle over an ass' shadow-
to quarrel over trifles
Example-
#Trifles- a thing of little value or importance.
#their long friendship ended because they wrangled over an ass' shadow.
“Y”
30. Yellow press-
journalism that exploits, distorts or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract
readers.
Example-
#newspaper printing stunning news.
#the yellow press is full of sensational news every other day.
31. Yeoman's service-
efficient or useful help in need
Example-
#the minister has performed yeoman service for him.
“Q”
1. Queer fish-
a strange person
Example-
#One can't make anything out of sohan's attitude as he is such a queer fish.
2. Quixotic project-
foolishly ideal - impractically idealistic
Example-
#having or showing ideas that are different and unusual but nor practical or likely to
succeed.
#Being not worldly wise he wasted his money in quixotic project.
3. Rise to the occasion-

to act as the occasion demands, to do what is needed at the time.
Example-
#To meet the challenge of an event, to try extra hard to do a task.
#in the exam she rose to the occasion and wrote a brilliant essay.
#to face critical situations boldly you should rise to the occasion.
#when a crisis hits, will you rise to the occasion?
4. Rank and file-

the ordinary workers in a company or the ordinary members of an organization, and not
the leaders, common man
Example-
#the rank and file of the labor party.
#If we want our country to progress in every field, we must improve the economic lot of
the rank and file.
5. Red-tapism-
official delay
Example-
#the practice of requiring excessive paperwork and tedious procedures before official
action can be considered or completed.
#Red tapism is bane of Indian bureaucracy.
6. Rock the boat-

to cause problems and upset people
Example-
#to disturb a situation that is otherwise stable and satisfactory.
#If your party withdraws the support from the government, it may rock the boat.
7. Red herring-
something to distract attention
Example-
#a piece of information or suggestion introduced to draw attention away from the real
facts of a situation)
#the detectives were following a red herring, but they are on the right track now.
#the police investigated many clues, but they were all red herring.
8. Rip up old sores-

to revive forgotten quarrel
Example-
#Rahul and his wife can't live in peace, they are always ripping up old sores.
9. Rule the roost-

to dominate
Example-
#to be the person who makes all the decisions in a group.
#who rules the roost at your house?
#today the rich rule the roost.
10. Red rag to a bull-

anything that provokes
Example-
#If a statement or an action is like a red rag to a bull, it makes someone very angry.
#the law against the dowry system is like a red rag to a bull for the greedy persons.
11. Ride rough shod over-

to act in the way you want to, ignoring rules, traditions, or other people's wishes
Example-
#to treat someone or something with disdain or scorn.
#you shouldn't ride roughshod over our laws and our traditions.
#he was a bully and rode roughshod over his workers whenever he felt they weren't
working hard enough.
12. Rub one the wrong way-

to irritate someone without intending to-
Example-
#rub someone's fur the wrong way.
#as soon as they met they started to rub each other up the wrong way.
#if you rub him the wrong way, he is bound to react.

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Idioms and Phrases

4. Apple- pie order-

11. At cross purposes-

12. After one's own heart –

13. At the bottom of -

15. At dagger's drawn

17. Assume airs-

18. Argus eyed-

to bear the main shock of

2. Bell the cat-

to agree to perform a risky, dangerous, or impossible job, or task

to ignore, to refuse to submit

in an extreme state of some emotion

6. Breathe one's last-

7. Back stairs influence-

8. Bird's eye view-

a view seen from high above, a concise view

9. Burn your boats/bridges-

10. By the by-

after a short period

11. Bated breath-

nervously waiting, in anxiety, expectancy

12. Bandy words-

to argue pointlessly or rudely

13. Bee in one's bonnet-

to talk a lot about something you think is important

to be fussy, fastidious- hard to please

syno- over-particular, selective

a scholarly and intellectual woman

15. Browbeat- someone into something-

to bully or intimidate someone into sth

16. Bad egg-

dishonest or ill-behaved person, a worthless

17. Beside the mark-

beside the point- irrelevant

18. Brown study-

a state of deep, serious absorption in thoughts

19. Blaze the trail-

20. Bull in a china shop-

a very clumsy person in a delicate situation

21. By the rule of thumb-

according to practical experience

22. Bid draw-

23. Broken reed-

a weak or unreliable support or person

24. By the skin of the teeth-

just barely, narrowly

25. Bit/piece of one's mind-

to deal with a person or thing strictly

2. Clip one's wings-

to weaken the power, to limit someone's freedom

3. Come home to-

4. Call a spade a spade-

1. Carry the day/win the day-

to be successful, to win the competition, argument etc.