Meaning – to put an end to something, to terminate a project / situation In Context – I’m pulling the plug on this marketing strategy, it’s just not working. Origin – This is an American idiom which originated in the 19th century. Plug has a second meaning in English. It is also the object used to prevent water escaping … Read More
IDIOM – TO BE ON THE FENCE
Meaning – to remain neutral in an argument or in a decision In Context – The two of you can fight it out between yourselves. I am not going to take sides in your argument. I’m on the fence here. Note – You can also say, ‘to sit on the fence’. There is no change in meaning.
IDIOM – TO CRACK SOMEONE UP
Meaning – to make someone laugh hard In Context – I love Bill’s jokes. He really cracks me up. Origin – To crack someone up is an American idiom which comes from the 1600’s. At the time, make up was applied so thickly to a woman’s face that if she laughed it would crack up (break).
IDIOM – COUCH POTATO
Meaning – to be a lazy individual / to have a sedentary life-style. This idiom conjures up an image of an overweight person sitting in front of TV eating crisps and junk food. In Context – I’ve had such a busy day today. All I want to do this evening is be a couch potato. Origin – Robert Armstrong, Jack … Read More
IDIOM – THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT
Meaning – it’s your decision now, you need to make the next move or take the next step. This idiom is frequently used during negotiations. In Context – We don’t know if he will accept the package yet. The ball is in his court.
IDIOM – WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
Meaning – an incident which occurred in the past and no longer has any importance In Context – My wife had an affair with her boss but it happened so longer ago, it’s all water under the bridge. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – water over the dam (this idiom is typically used in American English)
IDIOM – IN A NUTSHELL
Example – I’m not sure how to say this, but in a nutshell, I’ve lost my job. Idioms with a similar meaning – in sum / in short / to put it briefly Meaning – to summarise in very brief from, to say something in a few words Origin – This one goes right back to the 1st century. It … Read More
IDIOM – TO GO NUTS
Meaning (1) – to go crazy, to lose reason, to go insane / to go mad with anger Example Sentence – Tom said that the boss went nuts when he asked for a raise. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – go nuts / lose the plot or lose your mind / lose it / to get your wires crossed / … Read More
Stupid Idioms
Idioms Meaning Stupid in English There are many, many ways to call someone stupid in English. Here are a few Idioms & Similes which you can use. weak in the head as thick as a brick to be an airhead to be a dumb bunny to be a few bricks short of load to be as daft as a brush
IDIOM – EARN YOUR BREAD AND BUTTER
Example sentence – Singing is just a hobby. I earn my bread and butter as a sales representative. Meaning – this idiom means to make enough money for daily life Other Idioms and sayings with the same meaning – to make to a living / to earn a livelihood / to bring home the bacon Earn Your Bread and Butter … Read More