Meaning – something which is said in an unofficial capacity or which is not to be repeated . This idiom is often used when the speaker prefers to remain anonymous (doesn’t want to be known). In Context – Journalists often find people to speak off the record for their articles. Origin – This phrase is first attributed to Roosevelt in … Read More
IDIOM – TO GENERATE BUZZ
Meaning – to draw positive attention and interest in something, to create interest in a product or service In Context – The new Google glasses are generating a lot of buzz on the internet. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – to cause a stir. The new Google glasses are causing quite a stir on the internet. Idioms with a antonymous … Read More
IDIOM – TO BITE YOUR TONGUE
Meaning – to stay silent, to stop yourself from saying something, to prevent yourself from commenting on something. We typically use this expression when we have to keep or prevent ourselves from saying something that would cause trouble in some way or hurt someone’s feelings. Idiom In Context – I had to bite my tongue about the mess he … Read More
IDIOM – SCAPEGOAT
Meaning – a person who is made to take the responsibility or blame for something they didn’t do In Context – The managing director was fired after the scandal. He became the company’s scapegoat. Origin – This idiom has its roots in Judaism. In the Old Testament of the Bible, a goat was cast out into the desert during the … Read More
IDIOM – TO DRUM UP
Meaning – to promote or try to increase business In Context – The company will advertise the service on T.V. to drum up business QUOTES WITH ‘TO DRUM UP’ If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity … Read More
DAILY IDIOM – A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW
Meaning – a situation or piece of news that is unpleasant or difficult to accept. This idiom is often shortened to ‘ a bitter pill’. In Context – The news that the company was bankrupt was a bitter pill to swallow. Different Forms of the Idiom – hard or tough (pill) to swallow / take / digest Idioms with a … Read More
IDIOM – DOWN TO THE WIRE
Meaning – to be resolved, finalised at the final moment In Context – We are so late on this project, it’s going to come down to the wire. Origin – This expression has its origins in horse racing. A wire was placed across the finish line. The horse that hit the wire first won the race. If two horses are … Read More
IDIOM – TO CHEESE SOMEONE OFF
Meaning – to annoy or irritate someone In Context – He really cheesed me off when he said I don’t do my work correctly. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – piss someone off or to bug someone. Please note that both these idioms are slang and should not be used in polite or formal company. IDIOMS IN CONTEXT: … Read More
IDIOM – EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK
Meaning – unnecessary items, everything including things which you do not need, almost everything In Context – Pam’s always overweight when she travels. She packs her luggage with everything but the kitchen sink. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – everything under the sun QUOTES WITH ‘EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK’ Some couture collections have everything including the kitchen sink! Everything … 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.