Concise Dictionary Of Idioms E-Book

• Herausgeber: V&S Publishers
• Kategorie: Bildung
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Seitenzahl: 219

Beschreibung

How to use Idioms to write English attractively

Leseprobe

CONCISE

DICTIONARY OF

IDIOMS

A Perfect Reference for Students of all age groups. Useful guide for aspirants of IAS, CAT, GMAT, Civil Services, IELTS, TOEFL & Other Examinations

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© Copyright: ISBN 978-93-505741-2-6

DISCLAIMER

While every attempt has been made to provide accurate and timely information in this book, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, unintended omissions or commissions detected therein. The author and publisher make no representation or warranty with respect to the comprehensiveness or completeness of the contents provided.

All matters included have been simplified under professional guidance for general information only without any warranty for applicability on an individual. Any mention of an organization or a website in the book by way of citation or as a source of additional information doesn't imply the endorsement of the content either by the author or the publisher. It is possible that websites cited may have changed or removed between the time of editing and publishing the book.

Results from using the expert opinion in this book will be totally dependent on individual circumstances and factors beyond the control of the author and the publisher.

It makes sense to elicit advice from well informed sources before implementing the ideas given in the book. The reader assumes full responsibility for the consequences arising out from reading this book. For proper guidance, it is advisable to read the book under the watchful eyes of parents/guardian. The purchaser of this book assumes all responsibility for the use of given materials and information. The copyright of the entire content of this book rests with the author/publisher. Any infringement / transmission of the cover design, text or illustrations, in any form, by any means, by any entity will invite legal action and be responsible for consequences thereon.

Contents

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Publisher’s Note

Considering the growing importance of English in all spheres of life, we recently published an EXC-EL Series (Excellence in English Language) composed of four books - English Vocabulary Made Easy, English Grammar & Usage, Spoken English, and Improve Your Vocabulary. We thought we have done our bit. No sooner, the Series hit the market; a volley of readers sought our help to improve diction, presentation and attractiveness of their conversation - both in writing and speaking.

Being aware that our existence as a publishing house depends solely upon fulfilling readers' expectations and continued patronage, we decided to come out with something that can add spark to any conversation while making it appear interesting. This Dictionary of Idioms is the outcome. There are three more companion dictionaries on - Phrases, Proverbs and Metaphors & Similes.

This book explains the meaning behind hundreds of idioms that you hear or read in English each day. The meanings are shown in italics. In order to keep it concise, this dictionary attempts to present most commonly confused idioms. Having an exhaustive one will just overwhelm you with thousands of idioms that nobody uses anymore. English remains immensely popular, attractive, articulate and rich language but its idioms are often 'tough nuts to crack'.

What led us to publish this? Idioms appear in every language, and English has thousands of them. They are often confusing because the meaning of the whole group of words taken together has little, often nothing, to do with the meaning of the words taken one by one. For instance, to 'let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal the secret. Today the phrase has nothing to do either with a cat or a bag but hundreds of years ago it actually did. In order to understand a language, you must be aware of what the idioms in that language mean. If you try to figure out the meaning of an idiom literally, word by word, you will get completely befuddled.

We would be happy to have your views and comments for improving the content and quality of the edition.

Introduction

An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning, due to its common usage. An idiom's figurative meaning is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. Idioms are numerous and they occur frequently in all languages. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language.

For Example: She is pulling my leg. To pull someone 's leg means to trick them by telling them something untrue.

Following is a list of Idioms with their Meanings. Read, understand and learn them as they may be of great help in your day to day conversations and in making sentences as well as in writing good English.

A

A bit too much

If something is excessive or annoying

A bridge too far

A bridge too far is an act of overreaching-going too far and getting into trouble

A chain is no stronger than its weakest link

This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.

A day late and a dollar short

If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, and too late.

A fool and his money are soon parted

People who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly.

A fool at forty is a fool forever

If someone hasn't matured by the time they reach forty, they never will.

A fresh pair of eyes

A person who is brought in to examine something carefully.

A hitch in one's giddy-up

Not feeling well.

A lick and a promise

If you give something a lick and a promise, you do it hurriedly, most often incompletely, intending to return to it later.

A light purse is a heavy curse

Life is difficult when you don't have much money.

A list

Prominent and influential people who comprise the most desirable guests at a social function or gathering.

A little bird told me

If someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them.

A little learning is a dangerous thing

A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert than they really are.

A long row to hoe

Something that is a long row to hoe is a difficult task that takes a long time.

A lost ball in the high weeds

A lost ball in the high weeds is someone who does not know what they are doing, where they are or how to do something.

A lot on my plate

If you have got a lot on your plate, you are very busy and have commitments.

A month of Sundays

A month of Sundays is a long period of time.

A penny for your thoughts

A way of asking someone what they are thinking about.

A penny saved is a penny earned

Saving money is just as important as earning money- we shouldn't spend it foolishly.

A picture is worth a thousand words

A picture can often get a message across much better than the best verbal description.

A poor man's something

Something or someone that can be compared to something or someone else, but is not as good is a poor man's version.

A pretty penny

Very expensive.

A problem shared is a problem halved

If you talk about your problems, it will make you feel better.

A rising tide lifts all boats

Describes the idea that when an economy is performing well, all people will benefit from it.

A rolling stone gathers no moss

An ambitious person is more successful than a person not trying to achieve anything.

A shallow brook babbles the loudest

People who are loud and talk a lot usually have nothing of substance to say.

A slice off a cut loaf is never missed

Having sexual intercourse with someone who is not a virgin, especially when they are in a relationship.

A steal

If something is a steal, it costs much less than it is really worth.

A still tongue keeps a wise head

Wise people don't talk much.

A textbook case

A classic or common example of something.

A watched pot never boils

Some things work out in their own time, so being impatient and constantly checking will just make things seem longer.

A1

If something is A1, it is the very best or finest.

ABC

ABC means the basics of something- knowing the ABC of science, etc.

Abide by a decision

If you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though you might disagree with it.

Abject lesson

An abject lesson serves as a warning to others.

About as useful as a chocolate teapot

Someone or something that is of no practical use.

Above and beyond

This means more than what is expected or required.

Above board

Carried out in a legal and proper manner.

Above par

Better than average or normal

Above the fold

If a news story is important, it will be in the top half of the page of a newspaper.

Above the salt

This means that something or someone has a high position.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

When people are apart, their love grows stronger.

Accident waiting to happen

There's definitely going to be an accident or it's bound to go wrong.

Ace in the hole

A secret advantage that other people are not aware of; it can be used to one;s advantage when the time is right.

Ace up your sleeve

To have something that will give you an advantage that other people don't know about.

Achilles' heel

Aperson's weak spot.

Acid test

Something that proves whether something is good, effective, etc, or not.

Across the board

Something that applies to everybody.

Across the pond

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, used to refer to the US or the UK depending on the speaker's location.

Act of God

Something like an earthquake or floods that human beings cannot prevent or control.

Act of war

An action that is either intended to start a war or that is interpreted as being sufficient cause for a war.

Actions speak louder than words

People actually do is more important than what they say- people can promise things but then fail to deliver.

Adam's ale

Water

Adam's apple

A bulge in the throat, mostly seen in men.

Add fuel to the fire

To make a bad situation worse.

Add insult to injury

To worsen a bad situation.

After the watershed

The time limit after which more controversial subjects, bad language, etc, can be shown on TV in some countries.

After your own heart

A person who thinks the same way as you.

Against the clock

To be rushed and have very little time to do something.

Against the grain

To be unwilling to do something because it contradicts what you believe in, but you have no real choice.

Age before beauty

A way of allowing an older person to do something first, though often in a slightly sarcastic way.

Agony aunt

A newspaper columnist who gives advice to people having problems, especially personal ones.

Ahead of the curve

To represent the top percentile of results that either has the advanced skills or understanding that sets one apart.

Ahead of the pack

To have made more progress than your rivals.

Ahead of time

To happen before the set time.

Air your dirty laundry in public

To reveal aspects of your private life that should really remain private, by telling a secret, arguing in public, etc.

Albatross around your neck

A problem resulting from something you did that stops you from being successful.

Alike as two peas

Identical.

Alive and kicking

Active.

All ages and stripes

A shorthand for expressing a diversity of folks in a group

All along

To have known something from the very beginning.

All and sundry

Each one and everyone.

All bark and no bite

When someone talks tough but really isn't.

All bets are off

Agreements that have been made no longer apply.

All but

To almost do something, but not completely finish it.

All cats are grey in the dark

Things are indistinguishable in the dark so appearances don't matter.

All dressed up and nowhere to go

You're prepared for something that isn't going to happen.

All ears

To be very interested in hearing about something.

All eyes on me

Everyone is paying attention to one particular subject or object.

All fingers and thumbs

Too excited or clumsy to do something properly that requires manual dexterity.

All hat, no cattle

When someone talks big, but cannot back it up.

All heart

Very kind and generous.

All hell broke loose

Chaos, confusion and trouble.

All in a day's work

Nothing special; routine.

All in your head

Imagined and not real.

All mod cons

Having all the best and most desirable features.

All mouth and trousers

Someone who talks or boasts a lot but doesn't deliver.

All my eye and Peggy Martin

Something said or written that is unbelievable, rumour.

All of the above

Everything that has been said or written.

All over bar the shouting

The outcome is absolutely certain.

All over Hell's half acre

Everywhere.

All over the map

Something that doesn't stick to the main topic and goes off on tangents.

All over the place

Something that is all over the place.

All over the shop

Something that is all over the shop.

All over the show

In a complete mess.

All roads lead to Rome

There can be many different ways of doing something.

All set

To be ready for something.

All sixes

It doesn't matter how something is done.

All skin and bones

Underweight.

All square

Nobody has an advantage or is ahead of the others.

All talk and no trousers

To talk about doing big, important things, but not taking any action.

All that glitters is not gold

Appearances can be deceptive and things that look or sound valuable can be worthless.

All the rage

Very popular or fashionable at the moment.

All the tea in China

Won't do anything no matter how much money one is offered.

All things to all people

Trying to satisfy everyone, and often ending up satisfying no one.

All's fair in love and war

Where there is conflict, people can be expected to behave in a more vicious way.

All's well that ends well

If the end result is good, then everything is good.

Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades

Used in response to someone saying "almost" in a win/lose situation. "Almost is at good enough.

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride

Never manage to fulfill one's ambition-they get close, but never manage the recognition.

Ambulance chaser

A lawyer who encourages people who have been in accidents or become ill to sue for compensation.

Amen

A way of agreeing with something that has just been said.

An Englishman's home is his castle

A man's home is equal to his castle because he feels secure and at peace there.

An old flame

An old lover.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

It is better to try to avoid problems in the first place, rather than trying to fix them once they arise.

And all that jazz

Everything related or similar is included.

Answers on a postcard

The answer to something is very obvious or that the person would really like to hear what people think.

Ants in your pants

Agitated or excited about something and can't keep still.

Any port in a storm

An emergency any solution will do, even one that would normally be unacceptable.

Any Tom, Dick or Harry

Something that could be done by anyone.

Apple of your eye

Something or someone that is very special to you.

Apple pie order

Everything is in perfect order and tidy.

Apples and oranges

Used when people compare or describe two totally different things.

Apples for apples

A comparison between related or similar things.

Apron strings

A man who is tied to a woman's apron strings is excessively dependent on her.

Argue the toss

You refuse to accept a decision and argue about it.

Arm and a leg

Very expensive.

Armchair critic

Someone who offers advice but never shows that they could actually do any better.

Armchair quarterback

Someone who offers advice but never shows that they could actually do any better.

Armed to the teeth

To have lots of weapons.

Around the clock

Open 24 hours a day.

Arrow in the quiver

A strategy or option that could be used to achieve your objective.

As a rule

Usually done.

As one man

To do it at exactly the same time or in complete agreement.

As the actress said to the bishop

To highlight a sexual reference, deliberate or accidental.

As the crow flies

The shortest possible distance between two places.

Asleep at the switch

They are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully.

Asleep at the wheel

Not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully.

At a drop of a dime

To do it instantly, without hesitation.

At a loose end

To have spare time but don't know what to do with it.

At a loss Unable to understand or comply.

At a snail's pace Moves very slowly.

At arm's length

A safe distance away from one.

At cross purposes

Misunderstanding each other or having different or opposing objectives.

At daggers drawn

Very angry and close to violence.

At death's door

Close to death.

At each other's throats

Fighting, arguing or competing ruthlessly.

At full tilt

Going or happening as fast or as hard as possible.

At large

Refers to a criminal who has not been found or caught.

At loggerheads

Arguing and not able to agree on anything.

At loose ends

Have spare time but don't know what to do with it.

At odds

Cannot agree with someone and argue.

At sea

Disorganised and chaotic.

At the bottom of the totem pole

Unimportant.

At the coalface

Deal with the real problems and issues, rather than sitting in a office discussing things in a detached way.

At crossroads

A point where an important decision or choice has to be made.

At the drop of a hat

To something immediately.

At the end of the day

In conclusion.

At the end of your rope

At the limit of your patience or endurance.

At the end of your tether

At the limit of your patience or endurance.

At the fore

In a leading position

At the top of the list

Of highest priority.

At the top of your lungs

Shout as loudly as you possibly can.

At the top of your voice

Shout as loudly as you can.

At your wits’ end

Have no idea what to do next and are very frustrated.

Average Joe

An ordinary person without anything exceptional about them.

Avowed intent

If someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to attempt to reach a certain goal.

Away with the fairies

Used when someone who doesn’t want to face reality and has unrealistic expectations of life.

Awe inspiring

Something or someone that amazes people in a slightly frightening but positive way.

Axe to grind

To have a grievance, a resentment and you want to get revenge or sort it out.

B

Babe in arms

A very young child, or a person who is very young to be holding a position.

Babe in the woods

A naive, defenceless, young person.

Baby boomer

Someone born in the years after the end of the Second World War, a period when the population was growing very fast.

Back burner

Being given low priority.

Back foot

At a disadvantage and forced to be defensive of your position.

Back number

Out of fashion.

Back the wrong horse

Give your support to the losing side in something.

Back to back

Directly one after another.

Back to square one

To start from the beginning again.

Back to the drawing board

To go back to the beginning and start something again.

Back to the salt mines

To return, possibly unwillingly, to work.

Back to the wall

In a difficult situation with very little room for manoeuvre.

Backseat driver

An annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome.

Bad Apple

A person who is bad and makes other bad.

Bad blood

If people feel hate because of things that happened in the past.

Bad egg

A person who cannot be trusted.

Bad hair day

things are not going the way you would like or had planned.

Bad mouth

Saying negative things about someone or something.

Bad shape

In bad condition.

Bad taste in your mouth

Something wrong or bad about it.

Bad workers always blame their tools

If somebody does a job badly or loses in a game and claims that they were let down by their equipment, you can use this to imply that this was not the case.

Bag and baggage

All your possessions.

Bag of bones

Underweight.

Bag of nerves

Very worried or nervous.

Baker’s dozen

13 rather than 12.

Bald as a coot

completely bald.

Ball is in your court

Up to you to make the next decision or step.

Balloon goes up

A situation that turns unpleasant or serious.

Ballpark figure

A rough or approximate number to give a general idea of something, like a rough estimate for a cost, etc.

Balls to the walls

Apply full acceleration or exertion.

Banana republic

A term used for small countries that are dependent on a single crop or resource and governed badly by a corrupt elite.

Banana skin

Something that is an embarrassment or causes problems.

Bandit territory

An area or an industry, profession, etc, where rules and laws are ignored or flouted.

Baptism of fire

A soldier’s first experience of shooting.

Bar fly

A person who spends a lot of time drinking in different bars and pubs.

Bare your heart

To tell someone your personal and private feelings.

Barefaced liar

One who displays no shame about lying even if they are exposed.

Bark up the wrong tree

To make a wrong choice to ask a wrong person to follow a wrong course.

Barkus is willing

Someone is willing to get married.

Barrack-room lawyer

A person who gives opinions on things they are not qualified to speak about.

Barrel of laughs

That which is enjoyable or entertaining.

Basket case

So bad that it cannot be helped.

Bat an eyelid

Don’t react or show any emotion when surprised, shocked, etc.

Bated breath

Very excited.

Bats in the belfry

Crazy or eccentric.

Batten down the hatches

Prepare for the worst that could happen to you.

Batting a thousand

To do something perfectly.

Battle of nerves

a situation where neither side in a conflict or dispute is willing to back down and is waiting for the other side to weaken.

Be all ears

very eager to hear what someone has to say.

Be careful what you wish for

If you get things that you desire, there may be unforeseen and unpleasant consequences.

Be on the pig’s back

Happy; content; in fine form.

Be out in force

Present somewhere in large numbers.

Be out in left field

not to know what’s going on.

Be that as it may

While you are prepared to accept that there is some truth in what the other person has just said, it’s not going to change your opinions in any significant manner.

Be true blue

Genuine.

Be up the spout

Pregnant.

Beam me up, Scotty

Something someone says when they want to get out of a place or situation, meaning ‘Get me out of here!’

Bean counter

An accountant.

Bear fruit

Produce positive results.

Bear market

A period when investors are pessimistic and expect financial losses so are more likely to sell than to buy shares.

Bear the brunt

Endure the worst of something bad.

Beard the lion in his own den

Used when someone confronts a powerful or dangerous rival on their territory.

Beat about/around the bush

To avoid talking about a difficult or embarrassing subject because you are worried about upsetting the person you are talking to.

Beat someone to the draw

To do something before someone else does.

Beat swords into ploughshares

spend money on humanitarian purposes rather than weapons.

Beat the daylights out of someone

Hit someone repeatedly.

Beat the rap

Escape conviction and punishment for a crime or something you have done wrong.

Beat the tar out of

To beat someone up badly.

Beat them at their own game

Use your enemy’s tactics or tricks in order to win.

Beat to the punch

Act before someone and gains an advantage.

Beat your brains out

Think hard about something but cannot solve, understand or remember it.

Beating a dead horse

To convince people to do or feel something without any hope of succeeding.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Different people will find different things beautiful and that the differences of opinion don’t matter greatly.

Beauty is only skin deep

Appearances can be deceptive and something that seems or looks good may turn out to be bad.

Beck and call

Uesd when someone does everything for you, no matter when you ask.

Bedroom eyes

To have a sexy look in one’s eyes.

Bee in your bonnet

A single idea or a thought that remains in one’s mind.

Bee’s Knees

Outstanding or the best in its class.

Beeline for

Head to a place directly.

Been around the block a few times

Someone who has had life experience relating to the topic at hand.

Been there, done that

Already experienced what is being discussed.

Before you can say Jack Robinson

To do something in a short time.

Beg the question

To assume something to be true that has not yet been proved.

Beggars can’t be choosers

People who are in great need must accept any help that is offered, even if it is not a complete solution to their problems.

Behind bars

In prison.

Behind closed doors

Something that happens away from the public eye.

Behind someone’s back

Do something without telling them.

Behind the curve

Behind or out of touch with current trends or developments.

Behind the eight ball

A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape.

Behind the times

Someone who is old-fashioned and has ideas that are regarded as out- dated.

Believe in the hereafter

A belief in the afterlife, or life after death.

Bell the cat

To perform a difficult or impossible task.

Bells and whistles

Attractive features that things like computer programs have, though often slightly unnecessary.

Belly up

Bankrupt, dead.

Below par