18th-century
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Let the cat out of the bag
To accidentally reveal a secret or surprise.
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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.
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Make ends meet
To earn just enough money to cover essential living expenses with no extra funds.
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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.
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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.
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Raise eyebrows
To do or say something that causes surprise, disapproval, or slight shock among others.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A red letter day
A red letter day is a day that is memorable, significant, or joyous.
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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.
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All ears
To be completely ready and eager to listen intently.
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All hands on deck
This phrase is a call for everyone to help, especially in an urgent or difficult situation.
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An axe to grind
To have a personal grievance or ulterior motive for being involved in something.
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An open book
A person whose thoughts, feelings, and intentions are easily understood and readily apparent to others.
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As cool as a cucumber
To be very calm and composed, especially in a stressful or challenging situation.
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Bite the hand that feeds you
To act with ingratitude or hostility towards someone who provides you with support, sustenance, or assistance.
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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.
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Born with a silver spoon
To be born into a wealthy and privileged family, destined for a life of ease and advantage.
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Head over heels
To be completely and utterly in love with someone, often to the point of infatuation.
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High and dry
To be left in a difficult or helpless situation without resources, support, or assistance.
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In the lap of luxury
To live a life of extreme comfort, wealth, and indulgence, free from material worries or hardships.
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In two minds
To be undecided or hesitant about something, having difficulty choosing between two options.
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Know the ropes
To understand the procedures, intricacies, or workings of a particular place, job, or situation.
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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.
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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.
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Play second fiddle
To take a subordinate or less important role compared to someone else.
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Storm in a teacup
A lot of unnecessary anger or worry about a trivial or unimportant matter.
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Throw caution to the wind
To act without careful thought or concern for potential risks or negative consequences.
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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.
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Touch and go
Describes a precarious situation where the outcome is uncertain and could easily be either good or bad.
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Vanish into thin air
To disappear completely and suddenly without leaving any trace or explanation.
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By and large
Considering most aspects of a situation; generally speaking.
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Don't try to bamboozle me
This phrase is a direct warning telling someone not to attempt to deceive, trick, or mislead the speaker.
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Make a faux pas
To commit an embarrassing social blunder or an inappropriate action in a social setting.
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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.
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Bawdy house
A bawdy house is an archaic term for a brothel or a place where people engage in prostitution.
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House of assignation
A private place, often a dwelling or establishment, used for secret or illicit romantic meetings.
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Pleasure house
An establishment, often clandestine, where people pay for sexual services and entertainment.
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Feeling under the weather
To feel slightly ill or unwell.
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A dose of one's own medicine
To experience the same unpleasant or unfair treatment that one has inflicted on others.
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A clean bill of health
A declaration or certification that someone or something is free from illness, disease, or problems.
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One foot in the grave
To be very old, infirm, or close to death.
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Sugarcoat the pill
To make something unpleasant or difficult seem more appealing or acceptable by presenting it in a softer or less direct way.
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A blessing in disguise
An apparent misfortune or bad event that ultimately has a positive and beneficial outcome.
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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.
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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.
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Have a bee in one's bonnet
To be preoccupied or agitated about a particular idea, often to the point of annoyance.
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As sick as a dog
To be extremely ill, often involving symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
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Spring chicken
A young and energetic person, often used in the negative to emphasize someone's advanced age or lack of youthful vigor.
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Make a long face
To display an expression of sadness, disappointment, or disapproval.
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Cry your eyes out
To weep uncontrollably and intensely for an extended period, often to the point of exhaustion.
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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.
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Blow a gale
To describe weather where the wind is blowing with exceptional force.
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A storm is brewing
A difficult situation, conflict, or trouble is about to develop or become apparent.
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Indian summer
A period of unseasonably warm, dry, and hazy weather that occurs in late autumn, typically after the first frost or cold spell.
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Sail close to the wind
To behave in a way that is risky, on the edge of what is acceptable or legal.
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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.
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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.
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Head in the clouds
To be daydreaming, impractical, or preoccupied with imaginary thoughts rather than reality.
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Chart a course
To meticulously plan a future path or strategy towards a specific objective.
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Against the odds
To succeed or achieve something despite very unfavorable circumstances or a low probability of success.
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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.
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Cut a long story short
To summarize a narrative quickly and directly, omitting many details to get to the main point.
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Mind your own business
This is an imperative used to tell someone to stop interfering in matters that do not concern them.
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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.
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Let the grass grow under one's feet
To delay action or be idle, failing to make progress or seize opportunities promptly.
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Take the stage
To begin performing in front of an audience or to assume a prominent public role.
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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.
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Nurse a grudge
To harbor resentment or ill will towards someone for a long time.
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Take a turn for the better
To improve or become more favorable after a period of difficulty or stagnation.
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Music to my ears
Something that is very pleasant to hear or that brings great satisfaction and joy.
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Taken aback
To be greatly surprised, shocked, or startled by something unexpected.
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Cut and run
To make a quick escape, especially from a difficult situation, responsibility, or danger.
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To be left high and dry
To be abandoned in a difficult situation without any help or resources.
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The cut of one's jib
The characteristic style or appearance of a person, often indicating their character or personality.
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To be on an even keel
To be in a stable, balanced, or calm state, free from major disturbances or fluctuations.
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To make headway
To make progress or move forward, often against resistance or obstacles.
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To go by the board
To be lost, discarded, or completely abandoned, especially when a plan or idea fails.
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First-rate
Of the highest quality, excellence, or standard.
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Out of print
A book or publication is no longer being produced or sold by its publisher.
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Set the stage
To create the necessary conditions or context for something important to happen.
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Be neck and neck
To be perfectly even with another competitor in a race, contest, or competition, with neither having a clear advantage.
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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.
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Out of tune
Not at the correct pitch or harmony, often leading to an unpleasant or discordant sound.
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Off-key
Singing or playing music at the wrong pitch, not in tune, or metaphorically, something that feels inappropriate or out of place.
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Cut from the same cloth
To describe two or more people or things that are very similar in character, quality, or origin.
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Homespun
Homespun describes something simple, plain, and unsophisticated, often made at home and implying a genuine, unpretentious quality.
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On tenterhooks
To be in a state of anxious suspense, nervous anticipation, or eager expectation.
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Ring the changes
To introduce variety or make significant alterations to something.
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Blow one's own trumpet
To boast or brag about one's own achievements, talents, or qualities.
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Hem and haw
To hesitate or be indecisive, often while speaking, using sounds or words to fill pauses.
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In one's birthday suit
Naked; without any clothes on.
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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.
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On pins and needles
To be in a state of nervous anticipation or suspense, often while waiting for something important to happen.
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Put on one's thinking cap
To begin to think seriously and intensively about a problem or challenge, often requiring creativity or deep concentration.
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Suit oneself
To do what one wants or finds most convenient, without necessarily considering the preferences or feelings of others.
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Wear the trousers
To be the dominant person in a relationship, household, or organization, making the most important decisions.
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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.
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Make a spectacle of oneself
To behave in a noticeably foolish, embarrassing, or dramatic way in public, drawing unwanted attention.
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Dramatic entrance
An arrival made in a showy, attention-grabbing, or memorable way, often intended to impress or surprise others.
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Tailor something to fit
To precisely modify or adjust something to meet specific individual requirements or circumstances.
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To draw the curtain on something
To bring an activity, event, or period to a definitive close.
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In clover
To be in a state of prosperity, luxury, or great comfort.
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Rainy day fund
A rainy day fund is an amount of money set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies.
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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.
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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.
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A dog's life
A life full of hardship, toil, and often poor treatment.
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Black sheep
A person who is considered an outcast or disreputable member of a family or group.
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A chapter of accidents
A sequence of unfortunate, often unexpected, and sometimes comical mishaps or disastrous events.
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A rich vein of something
A plentiful source or area that provides a continuous supply of something valuable, interesting, or useful.
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Feel blue
To feel sad, melancholy, or depressed.
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White lie
A harmless or trivial lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to maintain social harmony.
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In the pink
To be in excellent health and spirits, or in very good condition.
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With flying colors
To complete a task or achieve a goal with outstanding success and distinction.
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To be on tenterhooks
To be in a state of anxious suspense or eager, nervous anticipation, often while waiting for an outcome.
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Give the shirt off one's back
To be extremely generous and willing to sacrifice greatly for others, even at personal cost.
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Bite someone's head off
To respond to someone with extreme anger or a verbal outburst, often in an unwarranted or overly aggressive manner.
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Have a long face
To look visibly sad, downcast, or displeased.
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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.
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Sweet tooth
A strong liking or craving for sweet foods and desserts.
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On the tip of my tongue
To be on the verge of remembering something, but unable to recall it completely at that exact moment.
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Hand over fist
To acquire money or make progress very rapidly and in large quantities.
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Have a change of heart
To alter one's opinion, attitude, or decision, often becoming more sympathetic or compassionate.
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My heart sank
To feel a sudden wave of disappointment, despair, or sadness.
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Get your sea legs
To become accustomed to a new and often challenging or unstable environment or situation.
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Bone of contention
A bone of contention is a subject or issue that causes ongoing disagreement or dispute between people or groups.
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Sugarcoat something
To present something difficult, unpleasant, or controversial in an overly positive or gentle way to make it seem more acceptable.
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In someone's good books
To be well-regarded or in favor with someone, often a person in authority.
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Bear hug
A bear hug is a very tight and strong embrace, often given with affection or reassurance.
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Bird's eye view
A general survey or perspective of something from a high vantage point, looking down as a bird would.
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Worm one's way out of something
To subtly and cunningly escape a difficult situation, responsibility, or obligation.
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Clear the decks
To remove all unnecessary items or obstacles in preparation for an important task or action.
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Read the Riot Act
To deliver a stern warning to someone that they must stop misbehaving or face severe consequences.
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To take French leave
To depart from a place or gathering without informing one's host or superior, or without obtaining permission.
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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.
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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.
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To keep up appearances
To maintain an outward show of respectability, prosperity, or normalcy, even when the reality is quite different or difficult.
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Ignorance is bliss
It is often better or more comforting not to know certain unpleasant truths or difficult realities.
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Blissful ignorance
A state of happiness resulting from not knowing about something unpleasant or complicated.
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Hope springs eternal
People always find a way to maintain optimism, no matter how dire or challenging a situation may seem.
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Fait accompli
A situation or event that has already happened or been decided and cannot be changed, often presented to others without prior consultation.
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Chit
A short, informal note, voucher, or receipt, typically for a small sum, a debt, or an item received.
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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.
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Rough and tumble
Characterized by physical play, disorder, or a lack of refinement and formal rules.
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Spur of the moment
Done or decided suddenly, without prior planning or consideration.
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Blazing a trail
To be the first to do something new and significant, making it easier for others to follow.
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Keep a cool head
To remain calm and composed in a difficult or stressful situation.
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Down in the mouth
Feeling sad, dejected, or unhappy.
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Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
To be born into a wealthy, privileged, or upper-class family.
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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.
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Warm-hearted
Someone who is warm-hearted is kind, friendly, and sympathetic towards others.
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Pull your leg
To playfully deceive or trick someone, often for amusement rather than malicious intent.
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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.
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In your birthday suit
To be completely naked, as one was at the moment of birth.
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stroke of luck
A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune that occurs by chance.
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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.
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The tables have turned
The circumstances of a situation have completely reversed, especially concerning power or advantage.
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biting the hand that feeds you
To act badly towards or harm someone who supports you, provides for you, or has helped you.
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Swallow one's pride
To act humbly or accept something undesirable despite one's ego or feelings of humiliation.
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An embarrassment of riches
A situation where one has an excessive amount of desirable options or good things, making choice or management difficult.
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Feeling down in the mouth
To be sad, dejected, or in low spirits.
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Having the doldrums
Experiencing a state of listlessness, low spirits, or a general lack of energy and motivation.
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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.
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Cast in the same mold
To be extremely similar in character, appearance, or nature to another person or thing.
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To have an axe to grind
To have a hidden motive or personal grievance behind one's actions or words.
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In the pink of health
To be in excellent physical condition, feeling very well and vigorous.
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Passed with flying colors
To succeed in something, such as a test or challenge, exceptionally well and triumphantly.
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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.
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A pack of lies
A series of completely false statements or fabrications.
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A yarn
A long, often elaborate or exaggerated story, typically told for entertainment.
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A hoax
A deceptive trick or fabrication, especially one intended to make people believe something false and often ridiculous.
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A thankless task
A task that brings no appreciation or gratitude, despite the effort and dedication involved.
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That's neither here nor there
The phrase indicates that something is irrelevant or unimportant to the current topic of discussion.
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Every man for himself
This phrase describes a chaotic situation where individuals prioritize their own survival or interests over collective responsibility or cooperation.
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Waste not, want not
This proverb advises that by being careful and not wasting resources, one will avoid future scarcity or deprivation.
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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.
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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.
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mum's the word
To keep a secret and not reveal any information.
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Claptrap
Nonsense, twaddle, or foolish talk intended to impress but actually meaningless.
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Godforsaken place
A Godforsaken place is a remote, desolate, unpleasant, or neglected location that appears to be utterly abandoned or forgotten.
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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.
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Beyond reproach
Completely faultless and deserving of no criticism.
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Serendipity
The fortunate discovery of something interesting or valuable by accident.
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Vicious circle
A situation where one problem leads to another, which in turn exacerbates the first problem, creating a continuous and worsening cycle.
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A charade
A charade is a situation or action that is clearly false or an elaborate pretense, often intended to deceive.
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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.
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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.
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Procrastination is the thief of time.
This phrase means that delaying tasks and putting things off wastes valuable time and prevents productivity.
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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.
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To get something off your chest
To express a worry, complaint, or secret that has been bothering you, thereby relieving emotional tension.
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To breathe a sigh of relief
To experience a sudden feeling of comfort or relaxation after a period of worry or stress.
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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.
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All talk and no action
Someone who frequently boasts or promises things but consistently fails to deliver or follow through on their words.
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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.
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Make a public spectacle of oneself
To behave in a silly, embarrassing, or attention-seeking way in front of other people.
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Shipshape
In a state of excellent order, neatness, and preparedness.
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In apple-pie order
To be arranged perfectly and tidily, with everything in its proper place.
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Man the pumps
To prepare for and deal with an urgent, critical situation that requires immediate and concerted effort to prevent failure or disaster.
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Scrawny
Describes something or someone as unattractively thin and bony.
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Struck dumb
To be rendered completely speechless, typically due to shock, astonishment, fear, or overwhelming emotion.
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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.
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Highway robbery
An excessively high price or an unfair deal that feels like a blatant act of theft.
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To get even with someone
To retaliate against someone to achieve a state of fairness or balance after an offense.
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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.
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Nose to the grindstone
To work very hard and diligently, often with intense focus and sustained effort.
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Hustle and bustle
The energetic, noisy activity and movement of a busy place, usually with many people.
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Clear as mud
This idiom describes something that is completely unintelligible, confusing, or difficult to understand, despite perhaps being presented as simple.
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Keep one's head
To remain calm, rational, and in control of one's emotions during a difficult or stressful situation.
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Right as ninepence
To be perfectly correct, in proper order, or absolutely accurate.
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Down with something
This phrase is a forceful exclamation used to express strong disapproval, rejection, or opposition towards a particular person, idea, or institution.
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To wriggle out of something
To avoid responsibility, an obligation, or a difficult situation through clever, evasive, or dishonest means.
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Snug as a bug in a rug
To be extremely comfortable, cozy, and secure in a warm and sheltered place.
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In a flash
To happen or be done extremely quickly or instantaneously.
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On one's last legs
Close to collapse, exhaustion, or the end of its usefulness or existence.
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In a jiffy
To do something very quickly; in a very short amount of time.
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In a muddle
To be in a state of confusion, disorganization, or disorder, especially mentally or with one's affairs.
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On the spur of the moment
To do something suddenly and impulsively, without prior planning or thought.
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All things considered
When all aspects and factors of a situation are taken into account, often leading to a summary or overall judgment.
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A flight of fancy
An imaginative idea or thought that is whimsical, unrealistic, or impractical.
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In dire straits
To be in a very difficult, serious, or urgent situation, often involving financial hardship or extreme peril.
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Faint praise
Praise that is so weak or unenthusiastic that it implies disapproval or a lack of genuine admiration rather than true commendation.
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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.
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Left-handed compliment
A compliment that is actually an insult or has an underlying critical or insincere meaning.
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Backwoods
The backwoods refers to remote, sparsely populated, and often undeveloped forested areas, typically far from cities and towns.
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Getting fleeced
To be cheated or overcharged excessively, often leaving one with significantly less money or resources than expected.
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Square accounts
To settle all debts, obligations, or disagreements completely, leaving nothing outstanding.
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Beyond a reasonable doubt
To be convinced of something to the highest degree of certainty, leaving no logical alternative explanation or rational hesitation.
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Pedestrian
Lacking in imagination, interest, or distinction; dull and uninspired.
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Banal
Lacking in originality, freshness, or novelty; uninteresting and commonplace to the point of being dull.