DICTIONARY OF IDIOMS & PHARASES

I hereby give notice of my intentionHereby is used sometimes in formal, official declarations and statements to give greater force to the speaker’s or the writer’s affirmation. People will say it sometimes to emphasise their sincerity and correctness.I should cocoaThis idiom comes from ‘I should think so’, but is normally used sarcastically to mean the […]

Hair of the dogIf someone has a hair of the dog, they have an alcoholic drink as a way of getting rid of a hangover, the unpleasant effects of having drunk too much alcohol the night before. It is commonly used as a way of excusing having a drink early on in the day.Half-bakedA half-baked

Game planA game plane is a strategy.Gardening leaveIf someone is paid for a period when they are not working, either after they have given in their notice or when they are being investigated, they are on gardening leave.Get along famouslyIf people get along famously, they have an exceedingly good relationship.Get on your soapboxIf someone on

Face like thunderIf someone has a face like thunder, they are clearly very angry or upset about something.Face the musicIf you have to face the music, you have to accept the negative consequences of something you have done wrong.Face valueIf you take something at face value, you accept the appearance rather than looking deeper into

Each to their ownDifferent people have different preferences.Eager beaverA person who is extremely keen is an eager beaver.Eagle eyesSomeone who has eagle eyes sees everything; no detail is too small.Early bathIf someone has or goes for an early bath, they quit or lose their job or position earlier than expected because things have gone wrong.Early

Daft as a brushSomeone who is daft as a brush is rather stupid.Damp squibIf something is expected to have a great effect or impact but doesn’t, it is a damp squib.Dark horseIf someone is a dark horse, they are a bit of a mystery.Daylight robberyIf you are overcharged or underpaid, it is a daylight robbery;

Call a spade a spadeA person who calls a spade a spade is one speaks frankly and makes little or no attempt to conceal their opinions or to spare the feelings of their audience.Call the shotsIf you call the shots, you are in charge and tell people what to do.Can of wormsIf an action can

Babe in armsA babe in arms is a very young child, or a person who is very young to be holding a position.Babe in the woodsA babe in the woods is a naive, defenceless, young person.Baby boomerA baby boomer is someone born during 1945-1965, a period when the population in USA was growing fast.Back burnerIf

A bit muchIf something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.A day late and a dollar shortIf something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.A fool and his money are soon partedThis idiom means that people who aren’t careful with their money spend it quickly. ‘A