18th-century

• Let the cat out of the bag

  To accidentally reveal a secret or surprise.

• Steal someone's thunder

  To preempt someone by using their idea, announcing their news, or outshining their achievement, thereby taking away their credit or impact.

• Make ends meet

  To earn just enough money to cover essential living expenses with no extra funds.

• In for a penny in for a pound

  If you have started something, even with a small commitment, you might as well commit fully to it, especially when the initial step implies a larger obligation.

• Get Out of Bed on the Wrong Side

  To be in a bad mood from the moment you wake up, often for no apparent reason.

• Raise eyebrows

  To do or say something that causes surprise, disapproval, or slight shock among others.

• Bee in Your Bonnet

  To have a particular idea or grievance that you are constantly preoccupied with, often to the point of obsession or annoyance.

• Mark my words

  This phrase is used to emphasize that what one is saying will definitely come true, often as a warning or a strong prediction.

• A penny saved is a penny earned

  Saving money is as beneficial as earning it, because avoiding unnecessary expenses directly contributes to one's financial well-being.

• A red letter day

  A red letter day is a day that is memorable, significant, or joyous.

• A stitch in time saves nine

  Addressing a problem promptly, while it is still small, prevents it from escalating into a larger and more complex issue.

• All ears

  To be completely ready and eager to listen intently.

• All hands on deck

  This phrase is a call for everyone to help, especially in an urgent or difficult situation.

• An axe to grind

  To have a personal grievance or ulterior motive for being involved in something.

• An open book

  A person whose thoughts, feelings, and intentions are easily understood and readily apparent to others.

• As cool as a cucumber

  To be very calm and composed, especially in a stressful or challenging situation.

• Bite the hand that feeds you

  To act with ingratitude or hostility towards someone who provides you with support, sustenance, or assistance.

• Black sheep of the family

  A person who is considered a disgrace or an outsider by the rest of their family or group because of their different behavior, beliefs, or choices.

• Born with a silver spoon

  To be born into a wealthy and privileged family, destined for a life of ease and advantage.

• Head over heels

  To be completely and utterly in love with someone, often to the point of infatuation.

• High and dry

  To be left in a difficult or helpless situation without resources, support, or assistance.

• In the lap of luxury

  To live a life of extreme comfort, wealth, and indulgence, free from material worries or hardships.

• In two minds

  To be undecided or hesitant about something, having difficulty choosing between two options.

• Know the ropes

  To understand the procedures, intricacies, or workings of a particular place, job, or situation.

• Live and let live

  To tolerate and allow others to live their lives and make their choices, even if they differ from one's own, without interference or judgment.

• On the tip of your tongue

  To almost remember something, such as a name or a word, but be unable to fully recall it at that moment.

• Play second fiddle

  To take a subordinate or less important role compared to someone else.

• Storm in a teacup

  A lot of unnecessary anger or worry about a trivial or unimportant matter.

• Throw caution to the wind

  To act without careful thought or concern for potential risks or negative consequences.

• Time is money

  Time is a valuable resource that should be spent wisely and productively, as it can be converted into profit or lost through idleness.

• Touch and go

  Describes a precarious situation where the outcome is uncertain and could easily be either good or bad.

• Vanish into thin air

  To disappear completely and suddenly without leaving any trace or explanation.

• By and large

  Considering most aspects of a situation; generally speaking.

• Don't try to bamboozle me

  This phrase is a direct warning telling someone not to attempt to deceive, trick, or mislead the speaker.

• Make a faux pas

  To commit an embarrassing social blunder or an inappropriate action in a social setting.

• Painted lady

  The phrase "painted lady" can refer to a common migratory butterfly, or, more derogatorily, a woman who uses excessive makeup to alter her appearance, historically implying artifice or loose morals.

• Bawdy house

  A bawdy house is an archaic term for a brothel or a place where people engage in prostitution.

• House of assignation

  A private place, often a dwelling or establishment, used for secret or illicit romantic meetings.

• Pleasure house

  An establishment, often clandestine, where people pay for sexual services and entertainment.

• Feeling under the weather

  To feel slightly ill or unwell.

• A dose of one's own medicine

  To experience the same unpleasant or unfair treatment that one has inflicted on others.

• A clean bill of health

  A declaration or certification that someone or something is free from illness, disease, or problems.

• One foot in the grave

  To be very old, infirm, or close to death.

• Sugarcoat the pill

  To make something unpleasant or difficult seem more appealing or acceptable by presenting it in a softer or less direct way.

• A blessing in disguise

  An apparent misfortune or bad event that ultimately has a positive and beneficial outcome.

• A lame duck

  A person or group, especially an elected official, whose power or effectiveness is diminished because their term is ending or a successor has already been chosen.

• Stir up a hornet's nest

  To intentionally or unintentionally provoke a situation that causes widespread anger, trouble, or a strong negative reaction from many people.

• Have a bee in one's bonnet

  To be preoccupied or agitated about a particular idea, often to the point of annoyance.

• As sick as a dog

  To be extremely ill, often involving symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

• Spring chicken

  A young and energetic person, often used in the negative to emphasize someone's advanced age or lack of youthful vigor.

• Make a long face

  To display an expression of sadness, disappointment, or disapproval.

• Cry your eyes out

  To weep uncontrollably and intensely for an extended period, often to the point of exhaustion.

• Lightening never strikes twice

  This idiom suggests that an unusual or unfortunate event is unlikely to occur a second time to the same person or in the same situation.

• Blow a gale

  To describe weather where the wind is blowing with exceptional force.

• A storm is brewing

  A difficult situation, conflict, or trouble is about to develop or become apparent.

• Indian summer

  A period of unseasonably warm, dry, and hazy weather that occurs in late autumn, typically after the first frost or cold spell.

• Sail close to the wind

  To behave in a way that is risky, on the edge of what is acceptable or legal.

• Lightning rod

  A person or thing that intentionally or unintentionally attracts and absorbs blame, criticism, or negative attention, thereby protecting others or diverting it from a broader issue.

• Sunshine patriot

  A person who supports a cause or country only when it is convenient, popular, or without risk, but abandons it during difficult times.

• Head in the clouds

  To be daydreaming, impractical, or preoccupied with imaginary thoughts rather than reality.

• Chart a course

  To meticulously plan a future path or strategy towards a specific objective.

• Against the odds

  To succeed or achieve something despite very unfavorable circumstances or a low probability of success.

• Have a good hand

  To possess a strong or advantageous set of cards in a game, or metaphorically, to be in a favourable position with many advantages or opportunities.

• Cut a long story short

  To summarize a narrative quickly and directly, omitting many details to get to the main point.

• Mind your own business

  This is an imperative used to tell someone to stop interfering in matters that do not concern them.

• Hear, hear!

  It is an exclamation used to show strong agreement, approval, or support for what someone has just said, often in a public or formal setting.

• Let the grass grow under one's feet

  To delay action or be idle, failing to make progress or seize opportunities promptly.

• Take the stage

  To begin performing in front of an audience or to assume a prominent public role.

• Give someone a dose of their own medicine

  To treat someone with the same unpleasant or unfair behavior that they have previously inflicted on others.

• Nurse a grudge

  To harbor resentment or ill will towards someone for a long time.

• Take a turn for the better

  To improve or become more favorable after a period of difficulty or stagnation.

• Music to my ears

  Something that is very pleasant to hear or that brings great satisfaction and joy.

• Taken aback

  To be greatly surprised, shocked, or startled by something unexpected.

• Cut and run

  To make a quick escape, especially from a difficult situation, responsibility, or danger.

• To be left high and dry

  To be abandoned in a difficult situation without any help or resources.

• The cut of one's jib

  The characteristic style or appearance of a person, often indicating their character or personality.

• To be on an even keel

  To be in a stable, balanced, or calm state, free from major disturbances or fluctuations.

• To make headway

  To make progress or move forward, often against resistance or obstacles.

• To go by the board

  To be lost, discarded, or completely abandoned, especially when a plan or idea fails.

• First-rate

  Of the highest quality, excellence, or standard.

• Out of print

  A book or publication is no longer being produced or sold by its publisher.

• Set the stage

  To create the necessary conditions or context for something important to happen.

• Be neck and neck

  To be perfectly even with another competitor in a race, contest, or competition, with neither having a clear advantage.

• freedom of the press

  The fundamental right of journalists and news organizations to report and publish information and opinions without censorship or interference from the government.

• Out of tune

  Not at the correct pitch or harmony, often leading to an unpleasant or discordant sound.

• Off-key

  Singing or playing music at the wrong pitch, not in tune, or metaphorically, something that feels inappropriate or out of place.

• Cut from the same cloth

  To describe two or more people or things that are very similar in character, quality, or origin.

• Homespun

  Homespun describes something simple, plain, and unsophisticated, often made at home and implying a genuine, unpretentious quality.

• On tenterhooks

  To be in a state of anxious suspense, nervous anticipation, or eager expectation.

• Ring the changes

  To introduce variety or make significant alterations to something.

• Blow one's own trumpet

  To boast or brag about one's own achievements, talents, or qualities.

• Hem and haw

  To hesitate or be indecisive, often while speaking, using sounds or words to fill pauses.

• In one's birthday suit

  Naked; without any clothes on.

• Keep something up one's sleeve

  To have a secret plan, advantage, or resource concealed and ready to be used when the time is right.

• On pins and needles

  To be in a state of nervous anticipation or suspense, often while waiting for something important to happen.

• Put on one's thinking cap

  To begin to think seriously and intensively about a problem or challenge, often requiring creativity or deep concentration.

• Suit oneself

  To do what one wants or finds most convenient, without necessarily considering the preferences or feelings of others.

• Wear the trousers

  To be the dominant person in a relationship, household, or organization, making the most important decisions.

• Wear out one's welcome

  To stay as a guest or visitor for so long that one's hosts become tired of one's presence or hospitality becomes strained.

• Make a spectacle of oneself

  To behave in a noticeably foolish, embarrassing, or dramatic way in public, drawing unwanted attention.

• Dramatic entrance

  An arrival made in a showy, attention-grabbing, or memorable way, often intended to impress or surprise others.

• Tailor something to fit

  To precisely modify or adjust something to meet specific individual requirements or circumstances.

• To draw the curtain on something

  To bring an activity, event, or period to a definitive close.

• In clover

  To be in a state of prosperity, luxury, or great comfort.

• Rainy day fund

  A rainy day fund is an amount of money set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies.

• Bull market

  A bull market is a period in financial markets where the prices of securities, such as stocks, are generally rising or are expected to rise, leading to investor optimism.

• Bear market

  A bear market is a period of sustained price declines in the stock market or other financial assets, often accompanied by widespread pessimism.

• A dog's life

  A life full of hardship, toil, and often poor treatment.

• Black sheep

  A person who is considered an outcast or disreputable member of a family or group.

• A chapter of accidents

  A sequence of unfortunate, often unexpected, and sometimes comical mishaps or disastrous events.

• A rich vein of something

  A plentiful source or area that provides a continuous supply of something valuable, interesting, or useful.

• Feel blue

  To feel sad, melancholy, or depressed.

• White lie

  A harmless or trivial lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to maintain social harmony.

• In the pink

  To be in excellent health and spirits, or in very good condition.

• With flying colors

  To complete a task or achieve a goal with outstanding success and distinction.

• To be on tenterhooks

  To be in a state of anxious suspense or eager, nervous anticipation, often while waiting for an outcome.

• Give the shirt off one's back

  To be extremely generous and willing to sacrifice greatly for others, even at personal cost.

• Bite someone's head off

  To respond to someone with extreme anger or a verbal outburst, often in an unwarranted or overly aggressive manner.

• Have a long face

  To look visibly sad, downcast, or displeased.

• Take the words right out of my mouth

  To express an idea or opinion that someone else was just about to say, indicating perfect agreement or shared thought.

• Sweet tooth

  A strong liking or craving for sweet foods and desserts.

• On the tip of my tongue

  To be on the verge of remembering something, but unable to recall it completely at that exact moment.

• Hand over fist

  To acquire money or make progress very rapidly and in large quantities.

• Have a change of heart

  To alter one's opinion, attitude, or decision, often becoming more sympathetic or compassionate.

• My heart sank

  To feel a sudden wave of disappointment, despair, or sadness.

• Get your sea legs

  To become accustomed to a new and often challenging or unstable environment or situation.

• Bone of contention

  A bone of contention is a subject or issue that causes ongoing disagreement or dispute between people or groups.

• Sugarcoat something

  To present something difficult, unpleasant, or controversial in an overly positive or gentle way to make it seem more acceptable.

• In someone's good books

  To be well-regarded or in favor with someone, often a person in authority.

• Bear hug

  A bear hug is a very tight and strong embrace, often given with affection or reassurance.

• Bird's eye view

  A general survey or perspective of something from a high vantage point, looking down as a bird would.

• Worm one's way out of something

  To subtly and cunningly escape a difficult situation, responsibility, or obligation.

• Clear the decks

  To remove all unnecessary items or obstacles in preparation for an important task or action.

• Read the Riot Act

  To deliver a stern warning to someone that they must stop misbehaving or face severe consequences.

• To take French leave

  To depart from a place or gathering without informing one's host or superior, or without obtaining permission.

• The shot heard 'round the world

  This phrase describes an event, action, or utterance that has significant and far-reaching consequences globally or across a wide domain.

• Not putting all your eggs in one basket

  To avoid risking everything on a single venture or plan, by distributing your resources or efforts across multiple options.

• To keep up appearances

  To maintain an outward show of respectability, prosperity, or normalcy, even when the reality is quite different or difficult.

• Ignorance is bliss

  It is often better or more comforting not to know certain unpleasant truths or difficult realities.

• Blissful ignorance

  A state of happiness resulting from not knowing about something unpleasant or complicated.

• Hope springs eternal

  People always find a way to maintain optimism, no matter how dire or challenging a situation may seem.

• Fait accompli

  A situation or event that has already happened or been decided and cannot be changed, often presented to others without prior consultation.

• Chit

  A short, informal note, voucher, or receipt, typically for a small sum, a debt, or an item received.

• Short selling

  Short selling is a financial strategy where an investor borrows shares, sells them immediately, and then aims to buy them back later at a lower price to return them, profiting from a stock's decline.

• Rough and tumble

  Characterized by physical play, disorder, or a lack of refinement and formal rules.

• Spur of the moment

  Done or decided suddenly, without prior planning or consideration.

• Blazing a trail

  To be the first to do something new and significant, making it easier for others to follow.

• Keep a cool head

  To remain calm and composed in a difficult or stressful situation.

• Down in the mouth

  Feeling sad, dejected, or unhappy.

• Born with a silver spoon in your mouth

  To be born into a wealthy, privileged, or upper-class family.

• Cut off your nose to spite your face

  To harm oneself or act against one's own interests purely out of anger or resentment towards another person.

• Warm-hearted

  Someone who is warm-hearted is kind, friendly, and sympathetic towards others.

• Pull your leg

  To playfully deceive or trick someone, often for amusement rather than malicious intent.

• Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

  This phrase signifies a reciprocal agreement where one person offers a favor or assistance in expectation of receiving a favor in return.

• In your birthday suit

  To be completely naked, as one was at the moment of birth.

• stroke of luck

  A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune that occurs by chance.

• blessing in disguise

  Something that initially appears to be a misfortune or a problem, but eventually turns out to have a beneficial or positive outcome.

• The tables have turned

  The circumstances of a situation have completely reversed, especially concerning power or advantage.

• biting the hand that feeds you

  To act badly towards or harm someone who supports you, provides for you, or has helped you.

• Swallow one's pride

  To act humbly or accept something undesirable despite one's ego or feelings of humiliation.

• An embarrassment of riches

  A situation where one has an excessive amount of desirable options or good things, making choice or management difficult.

• Feeling down in the mouth

  To be sad, dejected, or in low spirits.

• Having the doldrums

  Experiencing a state of listlessness, low spirits, or a general lack of energy and motivation.

• Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth

  To be born into a family of great wealth and privilege, implying a life of ease and advantage from birth.

• Cast in the same mold

  To be extremely similar in character, appearance, or nature to another person or thing.

• To have an axe to grind

  To have a hidden motive or personal grievance behind one's actions or words.

• In the pink of health

  To be in excellent physical condition, feeling very well and vigorous.

• Passed with flying colors

  To succeed in something, such as a test or challenge, exceptionally well and triumphantly.

• A storm brewing

  This phrase describes a situation where signs indicate that trouble, conflict, or a significant disagreement is developing and likely to erupt soon.

• A pack of lies

  A series of completely false statements or fabrications.

• A yarn

  A long, often elaborate or exaggerated story, typically told for entertainment.

• A hoax

  A deceptive trick or fabrication, especially one intended to make people believe something false and often ridiculous.

• A thankless task

  A task that brings no appreciation or gratitude, despite the effort and dedication involved.

• That's neither here nor there

  The phrase indicates that something is irrelevant or unimportant to the current topic of discussion.

• Every man for himself

  This phrase describes a chaotic situation where individuals prioritize their own survival or interests over collective responsibility or cooperation.

• Waste not, want not

  This proverb advises that by being careful and not wasting resources, one will avoid future scarcity or deprivation.

• Don't throw good money after bad

  It means to avoid wasting more money on an investment or project that has already proven unsuccessful and is unlikely to improve.

• Grand slam

  A grand slam refers to achieving a comprehensive and decisive victory, particularly by winning all major championships or significant components of a competition.

• mum's the word

  To keep a secret and not reveal any information.

• Claptrap

  Nonsense, twaddle, or foolish talk intended to impress but actually meaningless.

• Godforsaken place

  A Godforsaken place is a remote, desolate, unpleasant, or neglected location that appears to be utterly abandoned or forgotten.

• Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

  If you are careful with small amounts of money, larger sums will accumulate over time without much extra effort.

• Beyond reproach

  Completely faultless and deserving of no criticism.

• Serendipity

  The fortunate discovery of something interesting or valuable by accident.

• Vicious circle

  A situation where one problem leads to another, which in turn exacerbates the first problem, creating a continuous and worsening cycle.

• A charade

  A charade is a situation or action that is clearly false or an elaborate pretense, often intended to deceive.

• Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise

  This proverb suggests that maintaining a disciplined routine of going to bed and waking up early will lead to a healthy body, financial prosperity, and increased wisdom.

• Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

  This maxim encourages immediate action and discourages procrastination by emphasizing the efficiency and benefit of completing tasks promptly.

• Procrastination is the thief of time.

  This phrase means that delaying tasks and putting things off wastes valuable time and prevents productivity.

• Turn the tables

  To reverse a situation, especially one where someone was at a disadvantage, so that the former loser or underdog becomes the winner or takes control.

• To get something off your chest

  To express a worry, complaint, or secret that has been bothering you, thereby relieving emotional tension.

• To breathe a sigh of relief

  To experience a sudden feeling of comfort or relaxation after a period of worry or stress.

• An ounce of action is worth a pound of words

  Doing something, however small, holds far more value and impact than merely talking about it or making promises.

• All talk and no action

  Someone who frequently boasts or promises things but consistently fails to deliver or follow through on their words.

• Time is of the essence

  This phrase means that immediate action or adherence to a deadline is absolutely critical and any delay could have serious consequences.

• Make a public spectacle of oneself

  To behave in a silly, embarrassing, or attention-seeking way in front of other people.

• Shipshape

  In a state of excellent order, neatness, and preparedness.

• In apple-pie order

  To be arranged perfectly and tidily, with everything in its proper place.

• Man the pumps

  To prepare for and deal with an urgent, critical situation that requires immediate and concerted effort to prevent failure or disaster.

• Scrawny

  Describes something or someone as unattractively thin and bony.

• Struck dumb

  To be rendered completely speechless, typically due to shock, astonishment, fear, or overwhelming emotion.

• Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise

  This proverb suggests that maintaining a regular routine of going to sleep early and waking up early is beneficial for one's physical health, financial prosperity, and intellectual acuity.

• Highway robbery

  An excessively high price or an unfair deal that feels like a blatant act of theft.

• To get even with someone

  To retaliate against someone to achieve a state of fairness or balance after an offense.

• To be on pins and needles

  To be in a state of nervous anticipation or suspense, often accompanied by a sense of restless excitement or anxiety.

• Nose to the grindstone

  To work very hard and diligently, often with intense focus and sustained effort.

• Hustle and bustle

  The energetic, noisy activity and movement of a busy place, usually with many people.

• Clear as mud

  This idiom describes something that is completely unintelligible, confusing, or difficult to understand, despite perhaps being presented as simple.

• Keep one's head

  To remain calm, rational, and in control of one's emotions during a difficult or stressful situation.

• Right as ninepence

  To be perfectly correct, in proper order, or absolutely accurate.

• Down with something

  This phrase is a forceful exclamation used to express strong disapproval, rejection, or opposition towards a particular person, idea, or institution.

• To wriggle out of something

  To avoid responsibility, an obligation, or a difficult situation through clever, evasive, or dishonest means.

• Snug as a bug in a rug

  To be extremely comfortable, cozy, and secure in a warm and sheltered place.

• In a flash

  To happen or be done extremely quickly or instantaneously.

• On one's last legs

  Close to collapse, exhaustion, or the end of its usefulness or existence.

• In a jiffy

  To do something very quickly; in a very short amount of time.

• In a muddle

  To be in a state of confusion, disorganization, or disorder, especially mentally or with one's affairs.

• On the spur of the moment

  To do something suddenly and impulsively, without prior planning or thought.

• All things considered

  When all aspects and factors of a situation are taken into account, often leading to a summary or overall judgment.

• A flight of fancy

  An imaginative idea or thought that is whimsical, unrealistic, or impractical.

• In dire straits

  To be in a very difficult, serious, or urgent situation, often involving financial hardship or extreme peril.

• Faint praise

  Praise that is so weak or unenthusiastic that it implies disapproval or a lack of genuine admiration rather than true commendation.

• At the end of one's rope

  To be at the point of having no patience or resources left to cope with a difficult situation.

• Left-handed compliment

  A compliment that is actually an insult or has an underlying critical or insincere meaning.

• Backwoods

  The backwoods refers to remote, sparsely populated, and often undeveloped forested areas, typically far from cities and towns.

• Getting fleeced

  To be cheated or overcharged excessively, often leaving one with significantly less money or resources than expected.

• Square accounts

  To settle all debts, obligations, or disagreements completely, leaving nothing outstanding.

• Beyond a reasonable doubt

  To be convinced of something to the highest degree of certainty, leaving no logical alternative explanation or rational hesitation.

• Pedestrian

  Lacking in imagination, interest, or distinction; dull and uninspired.

• Banal

  Lacking in originality, freshness, or novelty; uninteresting and commonplace to the point of being dull.