1

IDIOMATIC To practice them

further, try to
EXPRESSIONS make your own
sentences using
each of them
100 idioms and and read them
their meanings aloud. Gradually,
and examples - you will find that
part 1 you are
abosulutely
Part 1 Part comfortable in
2 Part 3 Part 4 using them in
your day to day
The use of talks.
idioms and
proverbs in a Let's begin:
language adds
1. Acid Test:
colour to it and
makes it more Meaning - Acid
interesting for test proves the
the listeners. effectiveness of
something.
In this video on
improving Example - I
English practiced hard at
communication, the dance
we are going to sessions but the
deal with some acid test will
common idioms come when the
used in the master will
language which assess our solo
you can use in performances.
your day to day
conversation to 2. Cut the
make it more ground from
effective and under feet :
interesting.
Meaning - When
We will learn 25 you cut the
idioms in Part I ground from
of our video. I under someone's
will explain you feet, you do
the meaning of something which
each Idiom and weakens their
then give you an position.
example to use
it. Example - When
team India hit
 2

more than 350 Example - I

runs in the ODI, have given my
they cut the car to a new
ground from mechanic for
under the repair, hope he
opponent's feet. delivers the
goods.
3. Chase your
tail: 6. Fine-tooth
comb -
Meaning
- Spending a lot Meaning
of time and - Examining
energy doing a something
lot of things but carefully to not
actually miss out any
achieving too details.
little.
Example - The
Example - He's boss examined
been chasing his my report with a
tail all week fine tooth comb
collecting data before
but the report is submitting it to
still not ready the senior
management.
4. Whole bag of
tricks - 7. Explore all
avenues
Meaning
- Means trying all Meaning
the clever means - Trying out every
to achieve possibility to get
something. a result.
Example - It was Example - It is a
really difficult to difficult thing to
find the do but if we
information even really want it
after applying done, we must
the whole bag of explore all
tricks. avenues.

5. Deliver the 8. Fast track

goods - something -
Meaning - Do Meaning
what is expected - Rating
or promised. something higher
on your priority
 3

list to achieve Meaning - Being

the desired constantly aware
result. of the most
recent
Example - In
developments.
view of the
seriousness of Example - An
the crime, the entrepreneur
civil society is must keep his
pressing up on a fingers on the
fast track pulse of the
decision from the market to be
court. successful.

9 . Get ducks in 12. Mean

a row - business -
Meaning Meaning - Being
- Getting your serious about
things well what you
organized. announce.
Example - To Example - Now
ensure a that all our
successful policies about
product launch, work are put up
we must get our on intranet, we
ducks in a row. mean business.

10. Get the 13. Think on

show on the your feet -
road -
Meaning
Meaning - Adjusting
- Putting up a quickly to
plan or idea into changes and
action. making fast
decisions.
Example - Now
that we have Example - A
compeleted all good sales man
the legal must be able to
formalities, let's think on his feet
get the show on to close the deal.
the road.
14. Sail through
11. Keep your something -
fingers on the
Meaning - Being
pulse - successful in
 4

doing something Meaning

without difficulty. - Works very well
or has the
Example - The
desired effect.
presentation at
the national Example - I had
conference was cloves from my
extremely sore throat and
important for the they worked like
company. We a charm.
sailed through it.
18. Back-room
15. Tricks of the boys -
trade :
Meaning
Meaning - People who
- Clever or expert perform
way of doing important work
something. but have no
contact with the
Example - Being
public.
into the
construction Example - Our
business for last back room boys
10 years, I know deserve an
all tricks of the applause for the
trade. success of this
advertisement.
16. Not let
grass grow 19. Dead wood
under feet - -
Meaning - Don't Meaning
delay in getting - People or things
something done. which are no
longer useful or
Example - As necessary.
soon as he
finished all the Example - The
registration company bought
formalities, he in a lot of new
put the house on computers. They
sale. He doesn't no longer want
let the grass the dead woods.
grow under his
20. Get the axe
feet.
-
17. Work like a
Meaning - lose
charm -
the job.
 5

Example - The given to a person

projects team when they leave
was undergoing a company or
a major retire.
restructuring,
Example - The
recruitment
management of
executives were
various PSUs
the first to get
wanted to cut
the axe.
down on the man
21. Plum job - power. They
offered a golden
Meaning hand shake to
- Desirable many of their
position which is aged employees.
well-paid and
considered 24. Separate
relatively easy . sheep from
Example - This
goats -
looks like a plum Meaning
job but it has its - Examining a
own bunch of group of people
complications. and deciding
their suitability
22. Shape up or
ship out - Example
- Audition test
Meaning - This
was conducted
expression is
by the director to
used to warn
separate sheep
someone that if
from goats.
they do not
improvetheir 25. Waiting in
ways, they will the wings -
have to leave
their job. Meaning
- Waiting for an
Example - When opportunity to
Tom started take action,
neglecting the mostly to replace
customers, he someone else in
was told to shape their job.
up or ship out.
Example - The
23. Golden senior manager
handshake - is going to retire
in next 2 months.
Meaning - Big
Two of his juniors
sum of money
 6

who are waiting that we get

in the wings will married without
have a fierce their blessings.
competition.
They are our
parents and will
forgive us one
day.
way around 4. Can you
see a way
around the
Meaning
muddy garden?
to find 5. The way
an around the
alternative place took me
for longer but it was
something, a safer route.
6. My sister
someone or
would always
to perform
find her way
a task
around my
to find a parents but I
solution could never do it
with the same
another
ease.
way to do 7. The
something chopper helps
with all the
Example Sentences chopping in the
1. The way kitchen these
around such a days. It is a
problem would fabulous way
mean that we around to using
lose another 6 big knives.
months in the 8. Do you
completion of know the way
this project. around these
2. I dont see instructions? I
any way am not sure I
around this can read so
issue. many pages.
3. The 9. I have
only way come to accept
around this is that there is
 7

no way the doctor just

around walking in case he was
over this still in the clinic.
swamp. 3. I know that
you wanted to
know just in
case the bike
Origin was available
but you have to
The phrase comes from realize that you
regular parlance and is cannot afford it.
4. My father
popular in both, UK as
came all the way
well as US English. The to see me in
origin of the phrase is college just in
believed to be from the case I needed
UK though. something and
did not ask it
just in case from him.
5. Mother
just in case would always
make some extra
Meaning food
everyday just in
to do
case a guest was
something as a
to arrive.
precautionary
6. The birds
measure
flew away and
to engage the deer ran
in something away. Just in
that is meant as case you dont
an alternative in know, these are
case the original the signs that a
does not work predator is
around
Example Sentences somewhere.
1. The cake 7. Do you
was ordered just know that he
in case the arranged for the
desert that she funds just in
made did not case you
turn up well. decided to go
2. He called ahead with the
 8

plan? against time.

8. My boss The client
hired an extra needed to have
person in the filed the
team just in documents in
case the client the court by
agrees to give us today at any
more work. cost.
2. Can you
Origin not make this
sound like
The phrase is believed a race against
to have been around time? Let her
take it slowly
since the 17th century.
please?
3. My mother
race against time
is racing
race against time against
time right now.
Please be by my
Meaning
side because I
effort to do
will need you
something as around.
soon as possible 4. Uncle Ben
to be in a has been racing
situation where against
the time is short time ever since
and the task he has found out
pending is not about the
to be terminal illness.
running out of 5. The exam
time, quickly paper was
a race against
process of
time and I won!
doing something
6. He was
before given
speeding home
time
as if it was
a race against
Example Sentences time.
1. The 7. You cannot
completion of really race
this project was against
honestly a race time now, can
 9

you? usually 13
8. The and rarely 14
man raced
against time to
Example Sentences
get his daughter
1. The fellow
to the hospital
gave me
when she had
a bakers
that horrid
dozen of
accident.
cookies. It made
9. Although it
my children
was a race
very happy.
against the
2. I always
clock, I am
carry a bakers
happy to
dozen chocolate
announce that
s in my purse.
our team has
3. I needed
met the target
only 10 cars and
set by the client.
my car dealer
friend arrange
Origin me bakers
dozen of cars.
The phrase is
4. I had
speculated to have demanded about
originated in the old 15 numbers of
American English but drinking water
bottle for that
there is no literary proof
long journey.
to support this claim.
But shopkeeper
had only a
Synonym dozen and I
race asked him to
against the clock arrange bakers
dozen at least.
bakers dozen

bakers dozen Origin

The phrases literary

Meaning
origin dates back to
not 12 in
1599 when John Cooke
numbers but 13
used it in his work
a group or
called Tu Quoque.
set of thirteen
 10

But the actual practice Worshipful Company is

of English bakers in existence to this day
adding an extra loaf of and they offer an extra
bread when they sold 12 piece of in-bread with
breads dates back to every loaf that they sell.
much earlier. In 1154,
in the pipeline
when Henry II was in
power, he had in the pipeline
introduced a trade guide
within which the statute Meaning
managing bakers was to be
called The Worshipful underway

Company of Bakers. to be
somewhere in
Bakers were to price the
process
bread in line with the
price of wheat. The
Example Sentences
punishment for the 1. The project
weight falling short has been in the
included fining, pipeline since
pillorying or flogging. forever. I am not
sure if it will
The rule was about the
ever get
weight of the bread and completed.
not the number and 2. I am not
hence whenever bakers working right
old a dozen they would now but have a
few offers in the
warily add an identical
pipeline.
extra loaf, for good 3. She keeps
measure. This was done telling me that
so that the total weight her new book
of the purchase would is in the
pipeline but is
not be short. The
she even writing
additional bread became something right
customary and would now?
be called vantage loaf 4. My
or in-bread. The mothers
 11

operation has
been scheduled used in real life
finally, it has situations. Speculated to
been in the be American in its
pipeline for a
origin but there is no
very long time.
literary evidence
5. Can I do
something that available to justify this
will expedite the speculation.
process to the
completion of
these forms? make sense
They have
been in the make sense
pipeline for a
while now, dont Meaning
you think?
to be able
6. My boss
to reason
asked for an
something out
update about
to make
every project
someone
that is in the
understand
pipeline right
something
now. Is
through
something going
reasoning
on that I dont
know about?
7. Can you Example Sentences
try to get the 1. The
approval for presentation did
these blueprints not make
that are in the sense at all. It
pipeline? was way off the
topic.
2. She has
Origin
started making
From the plumbing sense about her
career now and I
world, something that is
would like to let
in the pipeline is sure to
her try things
come out from either out.
end. It refers to on- 3. He does
going projects when not make
 12

sense when he 8. Can you

speaks about come along to
starting such a speak to the
kind of venture. principal? I am
He does not not going to be
have a plan and able to make
you better not sense to him
invest in after such a
something so disaster.
haphazard.
4. Can you Origin
please
start making The phrase originates
some sense? We from rational thoughts
are not
that is considered by
following what
reasonable people as
you are trying to
say. valid.
5. Every
word she S
says makes building blocks
sense to my
daughter. I am building blocks
glad that she has
chosen such a Meaning
good role something
model. that is a basic
6. The story element (of the
only makes subject)
sense when my
could
father narrates
literally be
it. When I tried
pointing at
it just sounded
blocks that are
like some jibber
used to build
jabber.
7. You kids toy
cannot make house bricks
sense to him
right now. Give Example Sentences
him some time 1. The buildi
to come out of ng blocks of
the shock of it success, in my
all at least. view, come from
 13

perseverance results.
and hard work.
2. I have seen Origin
him smoke and
bully people The origin obvious
right from the refers to blocks that are
time he was in
used for building
high school.
buildings. The blocks
With
such building are placed as the
blocks, what foundation stones which
else were you have to be sturdy in
expecting of his
order to be able to carry
future?
the weight of an entire
3. The buildi
ng blocks for building. The
my childrens foundation, as a simile
future will be has been used in the
hope and faith.
phrase as the foundation
4. I have used
of a persons life.
the building
blocks to
construct a new
bathroom for the brought forward
school.
brought forward
5. The buildi
ng blocks for
this hospital will Meaning
be the talent and to bring
ability of the forth
doctors here. to carry
6. The buildi forward
ng blocks for
to bring
my cousins life
something in
have been
front (could be
carefully carved
facts or figures
by my uncle and
too)
aunt.
7. When
the building Example Sentences
blocks are weak 1. The
then you cannot meeting has
expect amazing been brought
 14

forward by the to be done.

board and we 7. Can
have to start you bring
preparing for it forward the
right away. poster which
2. I you spoke
have brought about? It is
forward a supposed to be
proposal for you an evidence in
to consider. Ive the case, isnt it?
emailed the
details to you Origin
and would
appreciate a The phrase comes from
prompt the legal world where
response.
evidence is brought
3. She brings
forward in order to
forward these
crazy ideas come to a better
which actually understanding of the
see to work in case and eventually
the advertising
come to a conclusion. It
world.
is used in parlance in all
4. My bother
has brought parts of the world and is
forward the in fact sometimes not
truth about that seen as a phrase but just
guys character.
as a way of speaking.
I never want to
meet him again.
5. I
kill time
cannot bring
forward what
kill time
has happened
that day, it is all
Meaning
too
embarrassing. to wait for
6. The something by
teacher brought doing something
forward a or nothing
perfect example to use time
of how the pass the
homework was
 15

time 7. The kids

are killing
time in order to
Example Sentences
earn the prize of
1. The team
a chocolate.
was killing
8. Can I kill
time at the
time at your
stadium before it
place while my
was their turn to
wife is away?
play.
9. The boys
2. She intends meet over the
to kill as much weekend to kill
time as possible time.
before her
parents get
Origin
serious and start
finding a groom The origin comes from
for her.
the history of America
3. I am not
where people who were
going to kill
suffering through time,
time while he is
out there getting women were getting
all the real burnt because they
contracts and were termed as
work
witches, children had
assignments.
to obey their parents
4. He loves
to kill time in to no end, and black
the afternoon people were slaves
while his parents and treated less than
are at work. He
dirt. The salvation to
completes all the
achieve Gods light
homework only
when they are was through killing
back. time.
5. You cannot
just kill
There is a biblical
time here in the
history of time having
office.
6. How am I a form of its own and
to kill time in being friends with
this awfully God, the almighty.
boring place?
 16

oriented to
God built the Garden
cause harm
of Eden to get away
to the
from spending time enemy line
with Time. But time
to hurt
snuck in and made
the enemy
friends with the in such a
humans. When God way that
found out he put the there is no
humans with Time collateral
where they age and damage but
kill time until their the target is
deaths.
achieved

Example
Sentences
surgical 1. The sur
strike gical
strikes that
surgical strike the Indian
army
Meaning carried out
to cause in the year
2016 were
injury or
an example
damage to
of the
the
strength
intended
that they
targets
hold. The
it is a enemy
military better not
attack that mess
takes place around
with here.
surgical 2. I am
precision starting
and is a surgical
extremely strike agai
target nst my
 17

socks and
vow to find intended.
the pair for
each one of If not used in the
them in this military sense, this
messy phrase can be used
drawer. sarcastically to cause
humour.
Origin
take breath away
The origin comes
from the military but
take breath
because of the words
away
it is focussed on the
operations that are Meaning
performed in
hospitals. The strikes astonish
are surgically precise ; surprise;
amaze or
which just hurt the
astound
intended enemy and somebody
all organs around it to cause
are safe and secure. someone to
Often carried out be out of
covertly the military breath
because of
operations started
shock or
using surgical surprise
precision after to be
targeting the enemy breathless
camp in such a way because of
that there would be doing heavy
exercise
no damage to anyone
to cause
or anything else in the
an
fight. The enemy is
overwhelmi
unprepared and hence ng feeling
the strikes are quick in someone
to destroy what is due to
something
 18

(grandeur, the Swedish

beauty, princess ta
etc.) kes
peoples
Example breath
away.
Sentences
5. Every
time my
1. The ring
wife walks
literally too
into the
k my
room
breath
she takes
away.
my breath
There was a
away. I
monster of
keep falling
a diamond
in love with
on it.
her over
2. The
and over
view took
again.
my breath
6. The
away. Top
moon
of the
is taking
mountains
my breath
have
away, it
always
has never
been my
looked so
favourite
big in my
places ever
life!
since.
7. The
3. The
painting is
hotel
so beautiful
interior
that it took
will take
my breath
your
away.
breath
8. The
away. It is
beauty of
everything
the princess
that a
Diana of
castle
Great
should be
Britain took
actually.
my breath
4. The
away.
beauty of
9. My wife
 19

looked so
pretty on or I made it
our or we made it
wedding
day that Meaning
she took
my breath used to
away. She indicated
has been the
keeping it completion
up ever of a task
since.
used to
Origin indicate
someones
victory
The phrase
used to
originates from
indicate
the literal someones
panting of a arrival
person when
they show
Example
breathlessness
Sentences
due to the
1. It is so
surprise of amazing
seeing that you
something made
it because
magnificent.
we heard
Usually used
that it was
when there is a a very
surprise about difficult
the magnificence task.
2. Hey, y
being expressed.
ou made
it! I thought
you were
made it out of town
all
summer?
you made it 3. I heard
that you
 20

made a his dad

whole week after a year
without a but he
single drop didnt seem
of alcohol. quite sure if
Isnt that his dad
great? would mak
4. Im so e it.
glad 8. I still
that you look at my
made it! I parents
really didnt after 25
think you years of
would marriage
come. and wonder
5. Hey how
Dan, you they made
made it! it so far.
That is such 9. I knew
an you
incredible would mak
news. e it and I
6. I spent believed in
the entire you since
day the very
wondering first day we
if you met.
would mak 10. It
e it and makes me
then proud to
suddenly I say
realized that you
that he made
would be it into the
busy as it university
was a on your first
working attempt.
day. 11. That
7. Jason was a real
looked tough work
forward to but
spending together w
time with e made
 21

it now. deal
12. Oh, off. You
man I didnt bet on
want to something
cross the else about
river, but him
finally I because
made it. this is
definitely
Origin happening.
2. You
The idiom you bet that
you will
made it has no
cross the
known origin.
finish line
first. It isnt
you bet
happening
with me
you bet participatin
g in this
Meaning race.
3. Am I
for sure going to the
party? You
most
bet!
certainly
4. Can I
without
get another
any doubt one of
to agree this? You
completely bet!
to 5. The
express people that
agreement live in this
society are
yes, of
among the
course
kindest that
I know
Example
of. You
Sentences bet they
will go for a
1. The
charity
manager
drive with
will pull this
you.
 22

6. You
bet that I common and the
can get into answer to a bet
and out of
would always be
that house
without yes. Would you
anyone take the bet?
noticing and yes hence
me. became
7. You
synonyms in this
bet I will be
going phrase because
abroad next no young person
month to could say no to a
participate bet and still be
in social
able to be a
works.
respectable
Origin member of the
group.
The phrase is
a slang which
originated in the
come what may
Native American
way of speaking
come what may
but is now
popular Meaning
throughout the
world. It is a new anythin
phrase and has g happens;
whatever
been in existence
come about
since a few
to
decades only.
resolve on
doing
The slang came (something)
about when to be
betting on sure of
things to prove going
themselves was ahead in a
 23

particular 3. She has

situation promised
even if all her mother
the odds that she will
are not in pass the
favour exam come
what
to
may this
ignore the
year.
circumstanc
4. We will
es in order
be
to get
vacationing
something
outside the
done
country this
no year come
matter what may.
what may 5. My
happen cousin is
going to go
Example to the
Sentences party come
what may.
1. The girl 6. She got
has decided the
to marry assignment
him come and will not
what may. finish
She will it come
proceed what may.
even if her 7. I am
entire going to
family is board that
against her train come
decision. what may.
2. I have 8. Its
decided to good to
go to know
London to that, come
complete what may,
my higher our job is
education c safe.
ome what
may.
 24

something
Origin that
someone
The phrase was said is a
used in the joke
French language used
in the early when you
are very
1300s as
surprised
avalze que by what
valze which someone
means let it has said
avail what it and that
you
may, come what
disagree
may. with them
Shakespeare used to
made it popular imply that
by using it in his something
work Macbeth that
someone
in the year 1605.
has said
By the 1800s it cannot be
was a popular US true
phrase just as
much as it Example
belonged to the Sentences
European
1. Dan
English. said. I got
a job as an
youve got to be
associate
kidding
professor in
the
youve got to university!
be kidding Wow! Tina
replied. Yo
Meaning uve got
to be kiddi
implies ng!
that 2. Samuel
said. I
 25

think I ve got to
broke my be kidding
permanent me!
teeth! His 7. Leah
Mother asked her
replied, Yo husband,
uve got t Do you
o be kiddi think I
ng! should
3. You invite the
want me to Simpsons
drive to from across
Chicago at the streets
this for dinner?
time? You He replied
ve got to with
be kidding frustration,
me! Youve
4. Are you got to be
having kidding
breakfast at me.
this hour of 8. You
the still believe
day? Youv that Santa
e got to be Claus exists
kidding somewhere
me! on North
5. Jonatha pole of
n said, Hey earth? You
do you ve got to
have an be kidding
extra pair of me.
socks? I for 9. Is this
got mine at really what
home. Jim they want
replied, Yo from
uve got to us? Youve
be kidding got to be
me! kidding
6. 60 me!
dollars for a
plain white Origin
top? : You
 26

The origin of this Sentences

proverb is not
1. The
known.
Peace corps
young blood is in need of
a young
blood like
young blood Adam.
2. They
Meaning keep
the young
new blood of
members today so
that provide occupied
various new with work
schemes that they do
and ideas not even
for the have the
organizatio time to look
n out of the
a young window let
member, or alone lead a
group of revolution.
members 3. Tell
who are that young
brave and blood to
more just zip it or
inclined to else I will
taking risks have him
and fired!
bringing 4. The
reform only reason
why he
can also
managed to
be
succeed is
associated
because he
with a new
is always
person in
open to
the group
bringing yo
ung
Example
blood in his
company
 27

and blood of
accepting the team.
ideas.
5. The Origin
only
problem The idiomatic
with this
expression
committee
young blood is
is that they
do not feel believed to be
the need to originated from
incorporate the African-
the young
American culture.
blood in
their you can say that
decision- again
making
processes.
6. We you can say
need that again
some youn
g blood in Meaning
this
company, if used to
we want to agree with
know the another
expectation person or
s of todays group of
generation people
and make used to
our express
marketing accordance
strategies with
accordingly. another
7. The persons
covert views
operation in
Kandahar Example
was
Sentences
handled
completely
1. She
by
said, This
the young
 28

horrible u
weather can say th
has been at again!
killing me. 5. Alex
He said, We
said, You should have
can say voted
that better.
again! Everyone
2. Ryan unanimousl
said, That y
was an replied, Yo
extremely u can say
cute outfit that
that baby again!
was 6. He said
wearing. that it was
Rachel such a
replied, Yo difficult job
u can to be
say that a completed
gain! in a week
3. He said, and Sam
I am so just
glad that laughed
you are and
okay. replied you
Robert can say
replies, Yo that
u can say t again!
hat again! 7. I said
that I think
4. Looking that it was
at the impossible
massive to finish
mansion reading the
Andrea entire book
said, That in a week
is a huge and he just
living agreed and
space. said you
Crowley can say
agreed, Yo that
 29

again!
8. He said,
It is
impossible you know better
to draw that than that
on a fair
sheet of
you know
paper
without better than
practicing it that
once.
Madonna Meaning
replied, Yo
u can say used to
that express
again! disappoint
9. I told ment when
him how someone
stupid his makes a
decision of mistake
dropping which they
out from probably
the universi shouldnt
ty was. He have
solemnly used to
replied you show
could say disapproval
that again. of
someones
Origin actions

This phrase was Example

originated in first Sentences
half of 1900s but
1. She told
the exact origin
me that you
details of this
abused
idiomatic her, you
expression you know
can say that is better
than that.
not known.
2. You
 30

know replied,
better Im
than that. sure you
Just go and know
do your better
homework than that.
before It is your
coming wish
down. though.
3. Oh 6. He
Come on childishly
Dean, you argued, I
know want to
better play now, I
than that. can study
4. Father later for
said, tomorrows
Well you exam. His
know father
better replied,
than that. You know
Make sure better
you do not than that.
make the Do what
same you feel is
mistake correct.
again. Son 7. She told
replied me that you
arrogantly, have been
Okay, is skipping
that all. school to
5. Ted spend time
said, I with
think I her, you
should go know
for this better
night out than that.
with them 8. Mollie
because I asked, Did
am sure it you abuse
will be a lot her for
of fun. His using your
mom laptop
 31

yesterday? used to
He replied, state to
It was not someone
my fault, that what
she should they have
have asked been
me. expecting is
Mollie scol not possible
ded him,
You know Example
better
Sentences
than
that now
1. I told
go
her that we
apologize to
have been
her.
dating for 5
years now
Origin and she
said
The origin of this you wish!
idiom is closely
related to know 2. I told
Summer,
better but is not
Oh, Im de
stated clearly.
finitely getti
ng a new
you wish car this
summer.
you wish She said,
you wish!
Meaning
3. Alex
used to said, Do
make a you want to
sardonic go out with
comment me for a
implies movie
that tonight?
something Rebecca
will most meanly
likely not replied,
happen you
 32

wish! buy me my
4. Ronald favorite
said, I candy
might win a today? She
lottery said, you
worth 10k wish!
today! 10. He
Sarah asked, Will
replied,yo you go out
u wish! with me for
5. You dinner
want a 10 tonight?
pointer in She
every said ,you
semester? y wish!
ou wish! 11. Dean
6. You said, I
think shell might just
ever forgive get a new
you for car today
this? you cause it is
wish! my
7. You birthday.
think I have Suzanne
plans to go said, you
to Turkey wish!
during 12. Tina
Christmas said, I
holidays? y think Jason
ou wish! will ask me
8. He said, out for
Will you prom this
help me year! I feel
move this positive!
piano? His Katy snidely
brother commented
replied, ,
Ha! you Yeah! you
wish! wish! why
9. Bobby dont you
asked his wait and
elder sister, see for
Will you yourself.
 33

Origin Example
Sentences
The idiomatic
expression you 1. To be
very frank, I
wish does not
am very
have a clear disappointe
origin. d that they
did not give
me the post
of the
you cant win manager as
them all I feel I truly
deserved it
after 5
you cant win
years of
them all
work
experience.
Meaning Oh
well, you
indicate
cant win
s the reality
them
that it is not
all you see.
possible to
2. Obvious
always
ly, I would
succeed
have loved
failure to win the
is inevitable national
and is trophy for
bound to the school
happen this year as
implies well
that it is but you
impossible just cant
to always win them
keep all.
succeeding 3. It would
without have
disappoint been amazi
ment ng to bag
that offer
for a trip to
 34

Paris you me the

know whole
but you evening. I
cant have suppose yo
it all. u cant
4. They win them
published all.
your review
in the Origin
magazine
but did not The idiom is
publish
mostly used in its
your
informal form
interview?
Well, you of you cant win
cant win em all. The
them all I exact origin of
guess.
this idiom is not
5. I
well known.
expected to
come first
An idiom is
this the phrase or
semester as group of
I had been words that
scoring has a
really well figurative
in all the meaning,
exams but I typically
guess you because of
its common
cant win
usage.
them all.
6. The guy An idiom's
I was dating symbolic
took me to sense is
meet his quite
family and different
they all from the
loved me literal
except for meaning or
his dog definition of
the words of
Tobias who
which it is
kept made. There
barking at
 35

are a large speakers.

number of They have a
Idioms and sense of
they used mystery and
very fun about
commonly in them.
all
languages. .
There are
approximatel youve
y at least
25,000 made
idiomatic
expressions your bed
in the English
language. youve made your
bed, now lie in it
Idioms in or youve made your
fact, evolve
the language bed , youll have to
and they are lie in it
the building
blocks of a
Meaning
language
and to make a
civilization as decision and to
well they accept the
have great consequences
intensity to of those
make a
decisions
language
interesting to have
and dynamic. done
something in
Idioms bring the past which
the is either good
spectacular or bad and to
illustration to bear the
the speech.
ramifications
They provide
of it
interesting
insights into to accept
languages and bear the
and thought repugnant
processes of results of the
their deeds
 36

committed by 5. You could

oneself have only
looked out for
her, you
Example Sentences
couldnt have
1. Dont
chosen her life
come back
for her. She
when it is all
has made her
over and you
bed and shell
have nowhere
have to lie in
to go.
it. There is
Once youve
nothing you
made your be
can do about it.
d , youll have
6. Having
to lie in it.
cheated on his
2. You cant
wife of 25
go back to
years, David
them when this
knew he had
does not work
made a
out. Im
mistake but he
warning you
also knew he
because youv
had made his
e made your b
bed and
ed and youll
would have to
have to lie in
lie in it.
it.
3. My
mother always Origin
told me to
The origin of this
make the right
choices idiom isnt known
because yet.
once you
make your yes man
bed, you have
to lie in it. yes man
4. The
mistakes you Meaning
made are all a person
yours. Youve who only
made your agrees with the
bed and now crowd or a
lie in it. group of
 37

people in order might say in

to please them front of the
or look good in boss. Everyone
front of them knows that he
is just a yes
individual
man and I am
s who do not
not even sure
really put
if he has his
any thought in
own views on
what the other
anything.
people are
2. Well, I
saying but
think that he is
simply agrees
just a yes
in order to
man and does
impress them
not have the
people strength to say
who are what he
believed to be actually feels
spinelessly and in front of his
cannot stand wife. He will
up for their just agree with
own views, but her.
rather 3. I dont
brainlessly want you to be
follow the just a yes
person with man but rather
power or a have your own
person in views on
charge things as well.
a person 4. He is just
who will just a yes man,
agree with trust me I have
their been working
supervisor with him for 5
irrespective of years. He will
their own only say what
views the boss wants
to hear.
Example Sentences
1. You really Origin
cant trust
what Donald The idiom yes-men
 38

originated from Rome

Example Sentences
when Julius Caesar 1. I
was furious at his dont really car
council of lawyers for e where we go
their denial to give right now for
dinner.
him correct answers.
Its your call.
He had his lawyers 2. I suggest
killed which led to that we use the
more years being funds to make
added to his new parks for
under
punishment and
privileged
eventually led to his children but it
death by lions which is your call in
was painful and the end.
gruesome. 3. He said,
I am not sure
your call about this
article yet. I
your call dont think it is
ready to be
published.
Meaning
She replied,
to leave a
Okay.
decision on
Its your call.
another person
4. Well, I
when have shown
someone else you both the
takes the final sides to it
call of what Its your call.
has to be done Everything has
or decides the its pros and
same cons in the
when end.
someone else 5. It totally
regulates what depends on
has to be done you if accept
or someone or refuse his
else finalises proposal to be
the decision Manager. Its
 39

your call.
6. Do you idiomatic expression.
want to leave If youve something
now or rest for about its origin
some time
please share in
before that?
comments.
Its your call, I
dont mind
either way prick ears up
7. Would
prick ears up
never go ahead
also prick up ears
and do such a
thing,
but its your Meaning
call. listen
8. You know carefully
its your call if
begin to
you want to
listen
watch a movie
attentively
or go for
become
dinner with me
tonight. Ill be very alert and
fine with start listening
anything as far start to
as we are listen with full
together. attention
9. I dont
know why but Example Sentences
I just cant 1. She prick
decide on one ed up her
thing here ears when she
because its all heard her name
so messed up. being
Its your call. I mentioned by
just cant think the group
of anything. chatting
animatedly at
Origin the corner.
2. His ears
Currently we are pricked
unable to locate the up when he
origin of this heard the word
 40

incentive ears when the

during the announcement
otherwise about the new
boring all policy came in.
employees
meet. Origin
3. He pricke
d up his The phrase alludes to
ears when he the ability of some
overheard a
animals like dogs and
juicy bit of
gossip being horses to lift their
discussed at ears in order to hear
the office more clearly. It has
lobby. been in use since the
4. He pricke
1500s-1600s. An
d up his
ears when he early reference is
heard that they found in Francis
were going Bacons Essays On
away for a Fame in 1626.
vacation to a
place he had
pig in a poke
always wanted
to go to. pig in a poke
5. An
interesting
Meaning
piece of news
always gets something
everyone that is bought
to prick their without
ears up and examining
listen carefully. properly
6. Jeff prick an offer or
ed his ears deal that is
up when he accepted
heard his without
wifes name properly
being evaluating it
mentioned. first
7. Everyone buying
pricked up something
their
 41

without 5. I am not
looking at it closing that
deal until I
have all the
Example Sentences
details of what
1. If you buy
they are
a used car
offering. I
without
dont want to
examining it
end up having
thoroughly
got a pig in a
first, you
poke.
might end up
6. The
buying a pig in
package I
a poke.
bought turned
2. Though
out to a pig in
online
a poke.
shopping has
gained huge
popularity, it Origin
can sometimes
The phrase is quite an
be something
of a pig in a ancient one and has
poke, as you been used in the
cannot see literal sense. A poke
what really is a sack or a bag.
you are
The idiom implies
buying.
3. Instead of that if a a pig is
trusting your bought when it is in a
agent and poke, or bag, the
ending up customer might be
buying a pig in
cheated. Written
a poke, why
dont you go citations of the phrase
and have a have been found
look at it first? since the mid 1500s.
4. I am
afraid if I zip your lip
accept that
offer, I might zip your lip
end up
with a pig in a Meaning
poke.
to stop
 42

talking disagreed with

the new rule
to stay
about
calm
shortening of
to stay the lunch
hush breaks to zip
to remain their lips.
secret or silent 6. I once
saw an old
Example Sentences lady being bad
1. Why mouthed by
dont you some thieves
just zip your but I
lip, I am tired just zipped my
of being lip as I was too
nagged all scared to do
morning. anything about
2. And then it.
the politician 7. Anyone
asked them all who wishes to
to zip their stop talking
lips as he should just zip
wanted to state their lip.
his point first. 8. I am
3. Zipping y going to zip
our lip is one my lip at dads
difficult task place on
for a fellow to Monday and
likes to speak you can go
his heart out. ahead and
4. It is explain why
almost we need the
impossible extra 2000
to zip your bucks.
lip when you 9. I zipped
are in the my lip for the
company of entire
family or presentation
friends. until I was
5. The forced to speak
manager asked my Mrs.
all those who Shukla.
10. She zippe
 43

d her lip at the temperament.

meeting
a fault or
yesterday, as it
a weak trait in
was pointless
a persons
saying
disposition.
anything.
used for
people who
Origin
arent
courageous.
Earlier this idiom was
used in 1868 as
Example Sentences
button your lips
1. Ginnas
because during that got a yellow
period of time buttons streak which
were used to close shows up the
things. After Zippers moment she is
asked to stand
started being used
up against
this idiom was Nick.
modified to zip your 2. Why
lip by the people. dont you just
The use of this idiom go and get rid
of the yellow
can be traced back to
streak, huh?
1943. 3. Hard
luck for the
SHARE THIS people who
yellow streak have a yellow
streak because
yellow streak
we will show
no mercy
Meaning today
people soldiers!
who have an 4. Why
inclination dont you
towards being show these
fainthearted. people that
even a person
referring
with a yellow
to a cowardly
streak like
trait in a
yours can trek
persons
through this
 44

mountain
terrain? fainthearted people or
5. I need to for people who arent
get rid of brave.
this yellow
streak someho year-round
w,
she muttered, year-round
wiping the
tears in her Meaning
eyes.
happening
6. My cousin
in continuation
says that
throughout the
his yellow
whole year
streak is a
plus point for taking
him as it keeps place as much
him sane and as possible
saves him from through the
getting into year
any trouble.
7. They say Example Sentences
that Edward 1. The park
has a yellow provides free
streak but food for
trust me I have orphans year-
seen nothing round as a
but courage in service to the
him? God and
humanity.
Origin 2. Huggies
gave them
The origin of this a year-round s
Idiom is from the upply of
diapers so that
European culture in
it could be
which color yellow is
distributed
linked to being amongst the
cowardly or craven. poor in that
The idioms yellow- area.
3. The FBI
bellied or just yellow
headquarters
are also used for
operate year-
 45

round to keep fields again.

crime rates to a 8. Himachal
minimum. Pradesh has a
4. 50 seats cold and
are reserved pleasant
for exchange climate and
students year- skiing on the
round. snow-covered
5. There was mountains
a year-round s year-round w
upply of hich are an
goods, food, attraction for
utensils and all the tourists.
clothes by the 9. The year-
king in the round bill for
memory of his the usage of
beloved wife ACs during
Maria. summer season
6. We have and heaters
hospital beds during
reserved for the winter
pneumonia season in India
patients, is astronomical
cancer and it leaves a
patients, very negative
pregnant impact on the
females and environment
twenty percent and influences
reservation in global
case of an warming.
epidemic year-
round. Origin
7. She
prayed to the The idiom was first
gods for rain used in 1924.
all year-round
as she believed
unring the bell
that her
prayers would unring the bell
be answered
and there
Meaning
would be
harvest in the once
 46

something has mother even

been done you though I love
cannot run her and I
away from it, realize that
you can only there is
face the no unringing
aftermath the bell now.
4. If only we
ramificati
could unring
ons have to
the bell, this
be withstood
world would
whenever
be a better
something is
place to live in.
done
5. You can
we cannot only learn
take back from the
something mistakes that
once said or you make and
done. not repeat
them again
Example Sentences because unrin
1. Remembe ging the bell is
r Tom, you not an option.
cannot unring
the bell once Origin
you have sent
The earliest use of the
out that mail.
2. Once he idiom unring the bell
was done was in the Oregon
screaming at Supreme Court case
his old parents of State v. Rader,
for all the pain
argued on May 9,
they had
caused him, he 1912, decided on
realized that May 28, 1912.This
there was idiom is sometimes
no unringing used in jury trials to
the bell now.
describe the judges
3. It often
happens to me instructions to the
that I say some jury to ignore
really awful inadmissible evidence
things to my
 47

and statements they team or

come across in trials. organizatio
n.
young turk

young turk Example

Sentences
Meaning 1. The
a young beginning
person who of
has many new the young
ideas and turks
wants a reform party was
a young after they
person eager started
for rigorous re- becoming
order to the organized
established and confident of
order. their power and
a member abilities.
of one or more 2. It is a very
of the famous saying
insurgent that the young
groups in turk could
Turkey in the conquer the
hearts of
late 19th
beautiful girls
century
even as their
who
enemy.
rebelled 3. The
against thought of
Ottomans leaving his
rule mother and
a young family in order
to fight a war
person who
which was not
is defiant
even his truly
and
saddened
insubordina the young turk .
te to 4. Shivaji
dominate in Maharaj was
a company, a young
 48

turk that could

not be tamed Churchill when he
and he thirsted disagreed with some
glory and of Prime Ministers
victory in all his
argument.He
wars.
said,Youre just like
the Young Turks in
Origin
my government..
The origin of this
Idiom can be traced
back to as early as
1929 when a group of
people who were
fervent about
reforms were known
as Young Turks.
The figurative
expression of the
idiom young turks
means the new
breed, impatient for
change.The Three
Pashas Mehmed
Talaat (aged 34 in
1908), Ismail Enver
(27) and Ahmed
Djemal (36), were
called the Young
Turks because they
were members of
Turkish Nationalist
party and led the
Turkish revolution of
1908.The idiom was
later used by
American President
49
50
51
 52

zenith of career or
life

Meaning
the highest pinnacle of a persons career
or life
the apex of a persons career or life

Example Sentences
1. The birth of his daughter was the zenith
of his life.
2. Winning the tender for the
reconstruction of Taj Mahal was the zenith of
her career.
3. The opportunity to sing in the New York
Philharmonics was the zenith of his musical
career.
4. Before I retired I had reached
the zenith of my career.

5. Massa can look back on that season as
the year that he reached the zenith of his
career.
6. In February when Cruz resoundingly
won the Iowa elections, largely through
months of cultivating grass-roots support in
the state making it the zenith of his career.
7. The video for the best song, Cream,
was the zenith 32-year-old Princes career.
Origin
The origin of this word is from the imprecise
scrutiny of the Arabic expression ( samt ar-
ras),which translates to direction of the head or
path above the head during the 14th century by
medieval Spanish clerk. It was reduced to samt
(direction) and miswritten as senit/cenit, as the
m was misread as an ni. The word Zenith was
first used as cenith in the 17th century by the old
french.
pedal to the metal
pedal to the metal
Meaning
do something at full speed
push something forward as fast and as
hard as possible
put in maximum effort to do something
make something go forward as fast as
you can
Example Sentences
1. I need to submit this assignment in two
days time. I have to put pedal to the
metal else I will miss the deadline.
2. We are running behind schedule. Unless
we put pedal to the metal we wont be able
to submit the proposal on time.
53
3. Lets put pedal to the metal and finish
this job fast, then we can plan for our next
step.
4. You are running late. You are going to
miss the plane unless you put pedal to the
metal.
5. We hardly have time left for the event.
We have to put pedal to the metal and make
sure all the arrangements are in place.
6. When he realized that he would not be
able to finish the work in time if he continued
at the same pace, he put pedal to the
metal and completed it a day early.
Origin
The phrase originated during the 1950s when the
floorboards of cars were made of metal. Drivers,
especially racers, would press the accelerator all the
way down to touch the floorboards to make the cars
go as fast as possible.
out on the town
out on the town
Meaning
go out and enjoy yourself at one or more
places in the town
go out for entertainment or celebration
go to pubs, bars, restaurants or
nightclubs to enjoy yourself
Example Sentences
1. All of us slept till late afternoon after we
had a night out on the town and returned
after dawn.
2. She has gone out on the town with her
friends to celebrate getting selected for the job
she always wanted.

3. After having beaten the opposition
comfortably, the players went out on the
town to celebrate their win.
4. We have had a crazy week at work. Lets
go out on the town and enjoy ourselves to
beat the stress.
5. When our old friend came to visit us
after a long time, we went out on the
town and had a great time together.
6. Once they had won the competition, they
all went out on the town to celebrate their
success.
Origin
The origin of the phrase is unclear. It might have
originated in the early 1700s in other forms, but was
not very popular. It gained popularity in the mid
1900s, after a stage show called Out On The Town
was performed in 1944 and a film by the same name
came out in 1949.
on the same page
Meaning
everyone in agreement
multiple people having the same
understanding
having the same information or
knowledge
thinking in the same way
Example Sentences
1. Before we begin with the discussion, I
want to make sure that all of us are on the
same page.
2. Let us discuss this internally first so that
we are on the same page before we speak to
the customer.
54
3. I dont think we are on the same
page regarding this. I will explain to you
exactly what I think, please listen to me
carefully.
4. The confusion arose because they were
not on the same page. He was talking of one
thing and was referring to something else.
5. Since you were not present yesterday,
Ill quickly update you about what happened
so that we are on the same page.
Origin
The origin of the phrase is unclear. It is sometimes
attributed to singing in a choir, where all the singers
had to be on the same page. It is also possible to have
originated in classes and meetings, where everyone
had to be reading the same page to understand what
was being discussed. The first written reference in
this exact form is from 1979, but the phrase probably
existed before that too.
on pins and needles
on pins and needles
Meaning
being anxious or nervous
agitated, or in suspense
in a worried or excited state
to be tense
waiting nervously for something
 55

Example Sentences not to be known publicly

1. We have been on pins and needles since
we got the news that she had been stranded in
Example Sentences
the hills amidst a landslide.
1. I will give you the information regarding
2. He has been on pins and needles all day
what really happened, but strictly off the
today, waiting for a call from the company he
record.
had applied to for a job.
2. He candidates comments were meant to
3. Make sure that you inform me once you
be off the record, but the press reported it
reach; Ill be on pins and needles until I hear
and it created a huge controversy.
from you.
3. The actresss off the record comments
4. When his wife went into labour and was
about her co stars appearance were leaked to
shifted to the delivery room, he became very
the media causing much embarrassment to
anxious and seemed to be on pins and
both of them.
needles.
4. She made it clear that her statement
5. My brother has been on pins and
was off the record and could not be
needles since yesterday as his exam results
published anywhere or attributed to her.
are scheduled to be declared today.
5. Off the record, he let me on to the
6. She has been on pins and needles since
secret strategy that his company was using to
her son went out on his first camping trip with
hook customers to their products.
friends.
6. The conversation between the security
7. Following reports of gunfire and
advisers of the two agencies was completely
casualties near his wifes workplace, he
secret and off the record, and it was to be
was on pins and needles until she called him
reported that they never met.
to say she was safe.
7. After the interview, the sportsman gave
the reporters some off the record snippets of
Origin what went on in the locker room.
8. This is off the record right now, but we
The phrase originated in the early 1800s, and refers
might announce a large bonus this year, the
to the sharp, tingling and uncomfortable sensation manager said, much to the cheer of his
experienced when recovering from numbness. employees.

off the record Origin

off the record The phrase originated around the 1930s.

Meaning
an informal or unofficial statement off the hook
comments or statements made in
confidence and not to be published or off the hook
recorded
a statement not to be attributed to the Meaning
one who made it free of a difficult situation

let off from blame or trouble
no longer have to deal with unpleasant
circumstances
escape or released from a tough situation
Example Sentences
1. Since it was his first offence, and a
minor one at that, he was let off the
hook with just a warning.
2. He was charged with leaking
confidential information, but I got him off the
hook by vouching for his integrity.
3. The legal system had become so corrupt
that the hardened criminal was repeatedly
got off the hook by the powers who were
behind him.
4. All evidence of the robbery pointed to
him, but he got himself off the hook by
somehow proving that he was out of town
during the incident.
5. Charges of deceit and falsehood had
been slapped on him, but he was confident of
getting off the hook because of his
connections with powerful people.
6. I really did not want to attend that
meeting. Thankfully another urgent matter
came up and I got off the hook as had to
attend to it.
7. Though we are letting you off the
hook this time, youd better be careful, you
wont be so lucky next time.
Origin
The phrase alludes to a fish freeing itself from a
fishhook, thus avoiding being caught. It originated in
the mid 1800s.
off on the wrong foot
off on the wrong foot
56
Meaning
off to a bad start
begin something incorrectly
begin badly
start off something in a way that is likely
to fail
Example Sentences
1. Their relationship started off on the
wrong foot when they had a huge
misunderstanding.
2. His career started off on the wrong
foot when the company he joined had to shut
down because of recession.
3. We had started off on the wrong foot,
but over time as we got to know each other,
we developed a bond and trust for each other.
4. Would you give some advice on how to
start my new business? I dont want to get off
on the wrong foot.
5. He started off on the wrong foot in his
new job when he had a bit of an argument
with his manager.
Origin
The origin of the phrase is unclear. There are theories
which say that the wrong foot refers to the left foot,
since there is an age old bias for the right side. Since
we have right and left and right and wrong, left
tends to get associated with wrong. Another theory
suggests that the phrase comes from the military,
where in a march, all have to start with the same foot,
which is usually the left foot. So in this case the right
foot is the wrong foot. The phrase has been in use
since the 16th century.
no room to swing a cat
no room to swing a cat
 57

also not enough room to swing a cat
Meaning
a very small place
a confined place
a crowded or cramped space
not much space
Example Sentences
1. How do you expect all four of us to stay
in that room? Theres no room to swing a
cat in there.
2. The hotel claimed to have luxurious
rooms, but when we went there, we found the
rooms so small and cramped that there was no
room to swing a cat.
3. Theres not enough room to swing a
cat in here, how do you plan to get in a couch
over here?
4. We dont have any room to swing a
cat here, how will all that stuff fit in?
5. Isnt this place a bit too small?
Theres no room to swing a cat in here.
Origin
The phrase is said to have originated in the British
Navy and the cat refers to a whip which was called
the cat o nine tails. The theory goes that there was
not enough room below deck to whip the sailors as
punishment, hence the phrase. However, this theory
is implausible, since the first recorded use of the
phrase is in 1665, in Richard Kephales Medela
Pestilentiae. The nature of the use suggests that the
phrase was already in use prior to it being written.
The cat o nine tails, however, is recorded only in
1695.
no dice
Meaning
not agree for something
refusal to do something
refuse to accept a proposition
not possible
Example Sentences
1. The children asked whether they could
all go out for a camping trip, but no dice,
their parents refused.
2. We asked the company whether they
would issue a refund if we did not use their
product, but no dice.
3. Would I get a train at this time of
night? No dice.
4. Are you coming out with us for
lunch? No dice, I have a lot of work to do, Ill
have something from the cafeteria.
5. Would be able to help me out with
this? No dice, I have my hands full at the
moment.
6. We tried to find a room at the
hotel, but no dice, it was fully booked
at this time of the year.
7. I thought they would turn up for
the event, but no dice, they were
nowhere to be seen.
Origin
The phrase originated in the USA in the early 20th
century. Gambling was illegal in many states and
the gamblers took considerable trouble to hide
their dice when confronted by the police. The rule
said no dice, no conviction; so gamblers escaped
punishment if the dice was not found.