English Idioms

The adjective "draconian" is an idiom for particularly harsh laws . It is a reference to Draco , the legislator (in this instance...

When we refer to "mixed messages," this means confusing, contradictory, inconsistent messages (plural) where a single, clear mes...

In a manner of speaking, "a stir" is the same thing as "a ruckus," "a scene," "a commotion," or any ...

A bandwagon is "an elaborately decorated wagon used to transport musicians in a parade." That is, musicians play while riding on t...

To "miss the boat" is to fail to take advantage of an opportunity.  The phrasal verb "to miss out" has a similar meaning...

To "be in the same boat" as other people is to share the same difficult circumstances with others. Example: John: "I'm...

To "make fun of something" is to treat something as a joke, something that ought to be laughed at. Making fun of things  is gener...

To simply something is to make something simpler. To dumb something down (the process known as "dumbing down," the past tense bein...

If "Where's the beef?" is asking for substance  relating to an issue, "What's your beef?" is asking what  substa...

Figuratively, to blow a gasket is to become suddenly angered . The surge of energy and anger is compared to the popping (blowing) of an auto...

When words are carried across the so-called language barrier, subtle differences in meaning can be lost in translation . That is, the transl...

A person with "nothing to lose" is someone who does not stand to suffer significant harm by taking particular risks.  Literally...

If used literally, this phrase would mean that a particular action will not cause you physical pain or injury. When used figuratively, howev...

A person's significant other  is that person's partner in a relationship. The term is not gender specific; nor is the term specific ...

The expression " tell us how you really feel " is said in sarcasm and irony after someone has said an anger or hate-filled stateme...

An ordinary oven has two sets of burners on the top. The two in front are the front burners,  and the two in back are the back burners . ...

A phrase entering greater popularity is man up,  an idiom urging the other party  to behave in a less submissive manner . Example: The bes...

When I use the phrase, "for starters," I mean, as a starting/ beginning point, the first of a series. Example: "What kind ...

A "damn" (a damnation/ condemnation) directed at something is not a positive thing, but at least it means the person "giving ...

If someone tells you to keep up the good work, that person is telling you to continue what you are doing.  In addition, this statement is co...