Black and whiteWhen it is very clear who or what is right and wrong, then the situation is black and white.Black as Newgate’s knockerIf things are as black as Newgate’s knocker, they are very bad. Newgate was an infamous prison in England, so its door knocker meant trouble.Black holeIf there is a black hole in […]
All hat, no cattleWhen someone talks big, but cannot back it up, they are all hat, no cattle.All mouth and trousersSomeone who’s all mouth and trousers talks or boasts a lot but doesn’t deliver.All talk and no trousersSomeone who is all talk and no trousers, talks about doing big, important things, but doesn’t take any
As cold as iceThis idiom can be used to describe a person who does not show any emotion.As mad as a hatterIt means that someone is crazy or behaves very strangely. In the past many people who made hats went insane because they had a lot of contact with mercury.Bald as a cootA person who
About faceIf someone changes their mind completely, this is an about face. It can be used when companies, governments, etc, change their position on an issue.Absence makes the heart grow fonderThis idiom means that when people are apart, their love grows stronger.All earsIf someone says they’re all ears, they are very interested in hearing about
ANIMALSA little bird told meIf someone doesn’t want to say where he got some information from, he can say that a little bird told me.Albatross around your neckAn albatross around your neck is a problem resulting from something you did that stops you from being successful.Ants in your pantsIf someone has ants in their pants,
Zero hourThe time when something important is to begin is zero hour.Zero toleranceIf the police have a zero tolerance policy, they will not overlook any crime, no matter how small or trivial.
Yah boo sucksYah boo & yah boo sucks can be used to show that you have no sympathy with someone.Yellow pressThe yellow press is a term for the popular and sensationalist newspapers.Yellow streakIf someone has a yellow streak, they are cowardly about something.Yellow-belliedA yellow-bellied person is a coward.YenIf you have a yen to do something,
X factorThe dangers for people in the military that civilians do not face, for which they receive payment, are known as the X factor.X marks the spotThis is used to say where something is located or hidden.X-ratedIf something is x-rated, it is not suitable for children.
Waiting in the wingsIf someone is waiting in the wings, they are in the background, but nearby, ready to act on short notice.Wake-up callA wake-up call is a warning of a threat or a challenge, especially when it means that people will have to change their behaviour to meet it.Walk on eggshellsIf you have to
Vale of tearsThis vale of tears is the world and the suffering that life brings.Velvet gloveThis idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is determined and inflexible underneath.Vicar of BrayA person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray.Vicious circleA vicious
U-turnIf a government changes its position radically on an issue, especially when they have promised not to do so, this is a U-turn.Ugly ducklingAn ugly duckling is a child who shows little promise, but who develops later into a real talent or beauty.Uncharted watersIf you’re in uncharted waters, you are in a situation that is
Take a leaf out of someone’s bookIf you take a leaf out of someone’s book, you copy something they do because it will help you.Take a straw pollIf you take a straw poll, you sound a number of people out to see their opinions on an issue or topic.Take it on the chinIf you take
Sacred cowSomething that is a sacred cow is held in such respect that it cannot be criticised or attacked.Safe and soundIf you arrive safe and sound, then nothing has harmed you on your way.Safe betA proposition that is a safe bet doesn’t have any risks attached.Safe pair of handsA person who can be trusted to
Rack and ruinIf something or someone goes to rack and ruin, they are utterly destroyed or wrecked.Rags to richesSomeone who starts life very poor and becomes rich, goes from rags to riches.Raining cats and dogsWhen it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining very heavily.Rainy dayIf you save something, especially money, for a rainy
Queen of HeartsA woman who is pre-eminent in her area is a Queen of Hearts.Queer fishA strange person is a queer fish.Queer StreetIf someone is in a lot of trouble, especially financial, they are in Queer Street.Queer your pitchIf someone queers your pitch, they interfere in your affairs and spoil things.Queue jumpingSomeone who goes to
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