New Idioms at UsingEnglish.com

On the cards

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:06:16 +0100

If something is in the cards, it is almost certain to happen.

Champing at the bit

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:59:44 +0100

To betray impatience, as to begin some action. "I'm champing at the bit to tell you" "Chomping at the bit" is also commonly used, though some regard it as an error.

All over Hell's half acre

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:27:26 +0100

If you have been all over Hell's half acre, you have been traveling and visiting many more places than originally intended, usually because you were unsuccessful in finding what you were looking for.

It can also be used to mean everywhere.

Keep your pants on

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:13:15 +0100

If someone tells you to keep your pants on, they mean that you should be patient and not make them rush.

Hot potato

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:38:32 +0100

A problem or issue that is very controversial and no one wants to deal with is a hot potato.

Small potatoes

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:44:30 +0100

Someone or something that is unimportant is small potatoes.

Have a foot in both camps

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:13:13 +0100

Someone who plays a part or who is involved in two different groups of people, opinions, ways of thinking or living, etc, has a foot in both camps.

Give away the store

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:58:10 +0100

If someone gives away the store, they say or do something that makes their position in negotiations, debates, etc, much weaker.

Crack of dawn

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:25:39 +0100

The crack of dawn is very early in the morning.

Purple patch

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:26:02 +0100

A purple patch is a period of time when someone or something is successful and doing well.

Where there's muck, there's brass

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:16:39 +0100

You can make money doing dirty jobs nobody else wants to do.

"Where there's muck, there's money" is also used.

Knee slapper

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:18:47 +0100

A knee slapper is something that is considered funny, though it is often used sarcastically.

Talk your arm off

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:06:12 +0100

Someone who talks so much that it is a strain to listen can talk your arm off.

Burst your bubble

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:06:09 +0100

If you correct someone's ignorant or delusional belief, you burst their bubble.

(Bust someone's bubble is also used.)

Ahead of the curve

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:44:24 +0100

Similar to ahead of the pack, ahead of the curve literally refers to your position on the statistical bell curve, where the top of the curve represents the median, average result. By being ahead of the curve you represent the top percentile of results that either has the advanced skills or understanding that sets you apart.

Like nailing jello to the wall

Fri, 29 May 2009 19:18:38 +0100

Describes a task that is very difficult because the parameters keep changing or because someone is being evasive.

Yeoman's service

Fri, 29 May 2009 19:17:10 +0100

To do yeoman's service is to serve in an exemplary manner.

Hit the Dirt

Thu, 07 May 2009 22:52:29 +0100

To duck out of the way or fall to the ground to avoid something dangerous.

Out of Whack

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:48:31 +0100

If something is out of whack, it is not working correctly or not in the correct order.

On the dole

Mon, 04 May 2009 23:49:40 +0100

Someone receiving financial assistance when unemployed is on the dole.