Idioms And Expressions

noun a remote or isolated place

preposition indicating the location or direction of something

• The research station was located in the back of beyond, far from any civilization.
• I can't believe you live in the back of beyond, it must be so peaceful!
• I never thought I would end up in the back of beyond, but here I am.
• After getting lost in the city, I felt like I was in the back of beyond.

noun an investor who buys a financial security in the hope that its price will rise

• The rancher raised a prize-winning bull to compete in the livestock show.
• Did you see the size of that bull at the farm?
• That bull is huge, man!
• The stock market took a bull run last week.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb to succeed or meet expectations; to perform satisfactorily

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The new employee's performance did not cut the mustard, so we had to let them go.
• I don't think his cooking skills really cut the mustard.
• I tried out for the team, but I just didn't cut the mustard.
• Her excuses for being late just don't cut the mustard anymore.

noun A domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family with long ears and a braying call, used as a beast of burden.

• The donkey is a domesticated member of the horse family, known for its patience and strength.
• I saw a donkey at the petting zoo yesterday, it was so cute!
• Stop being such a donkey and help me with this project.
• She's stubborn as a donkey when it comes to changing her mind.

noun incomprehensible language or nonsense

adjective relating to or characteristic of the jump rope game double Dutch

• The children on the playground were playing a game of double Dutch.
• Let's go outside and play some double Dutch!
• I haven't played double Dutch in ages, it's so much fun!
• Navigating the new tax laws felt like trying to understand double Dutch.

noun the round, white part of the eye that allows you to see

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The ophthalmologist carefully examined the patient's eyeball for any signs of infection.
• I can't believe you got something in your eyeball again!
• That movie was so scary, it made my eyeballs pop out!
• She kept a close eyeball on her competition during the race.

noun a small but very annoying problem or flaw that spoils something valuable or important

• The lack of funding was the fly in the ointment for the new research project.
• The noisy neighbors are the fly in the ointment of our peaceful evenings.
• Her negative attitude is always the fly in the ointment when we make plans.
• The unexpected rain was the fly in the ointment on our otherwise perfect picnic.

noun a large waterbird with a long neck, short legs, webbed feet, and a short broad bill

• The farmer raised a flock of geese on his property.
• I saw a goose waddling around the park yesterday.
• That guy is such a silly goose, always making jokes.
• Her speech was like water off a goose's back, it didn't affect him at all.

noun a tool consisting of a handle with a heavy metal head attached at a right angle, used for breaking things or driving in nails

conjunction used together as a phrase to indicate intensity or forceful action

• The blacksmith worked diligently, using hammer and tongs to shape the hot metal into a horseshoe.
• He was going at it hammer and tongs, trying to finish the project before the deadline.
• The two teams were going at each other hammer and tongs on the football field.
• The debate between the two politicians was heated, with both of them going at it hammer and tongs to prove their point.

noun a person who looks guilty or ashamed

adjective having a guilty or shamefaced expression

• The employee approached his boss with a hangdog expression, ready to accept responsibility for the mistake.
• After losing the game, the player walked off the field with a hangdog look on his face.
• I could tell by his hangdog demeanor that he had messed up again.
• The politician's hangdog attitude did not inspire confidence in his ability to lead.

noun a powerful punch or blow typically delivered with a swinging motion

• The boxer delivered a powerful haymaker to his opponent, knocking him out cold.
• When he insulted my friend, I couldn't help but throw a haymaker at him.
• I heard Mike threw a haymaker at the party last night after too many drinks.
• The CEO's decision to cut half the workforce was a real haymaker to the employees.

noun A part of the body located at the top of the human body, containing the brain and other important organs.

adverb In a tumbling or somersaulting manner; in a completely inverted position.

preposition Used to indicate movement or position in a particular direction, especially downward or forward.

• She was head over heels in love with him, despite his flaws.
• I'm head over heels for that new restaurant in town.
• I can't believe how head over heels he is for her!
• After winning the lottery, he was head over heels with excitement.

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things (common noun), or to name a particular one of these (proper noun)

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a particular item or object

• The chef prepared a delicious beef stew for the dinner party.
• I'm in a stew trying to figure out what to wear to the event.
• She's always in a stew about something, it's exhausting.
• The team found themselves in a stew after losing their star player to injury.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• The presence of pollutants in the air poses a threat to public health.
• I love the smell of fresh bread baking in the air.
• There's a feeling of excitement in the air as the concert approaches.
• With tensions rising, you could feel the anger in the air between the two parties.

noun a Yiddish term for the intestines or guts, often used to refer to one's innermost feelings or emotions

• The chef prepared a traditional Jewish dish with stuffed kishkes.
• I can't believe how good these kishkes taste!
• Let's grab some kishkes from the deli for lunch.
• She had a gut feeling in her kishkes that something was wrong.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this phrase, 'there' is functioning as a noun to refer to a state of being or presence.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'all' is being described as not being complete or fully present.

adverb A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this case, 'not' is modifying the adjective 'all' to indicate that it is not complete or fully present.

• The professor seemed to be not all there during the lecture, as he kept losing his train of thought.
• I think Sarah is not all there today, she's been acting really spacey.
• That guy is definitely not all there, he's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
• After the accident, she felt like a part of her mind was not all there anymore.

noun a military term referring to being outside the designated area

adjective incorrect or mistaken

adverb in a way that is incorrect or mistaken

• The scientist's hypothesis was completely off base and did not align with the research findings.
• I think your assumptions about the situation are way off base.
• His comments were so off base, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
• Her accusations were completely off base and had no basis in reality.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The farmer decided to purchase only one horse for his new stable.
• I saw a guy riding just one horse down the street earlier.
• Check out that dude on the one horse, he looks pretty cool.
• Sometimes in life, we have to learn to ride with just one horse and make the best of it.

noun a type of fruit with a smooth skin, sweet flesh, and a single pit

adjective relating to or resembling a plum in color or shape

• The ripe plum was carefully selected for its perfect sweetness and juiciness.
• I love snacking on plums, they're so refreshing.
• That plum is the bomb, it's so delicious!
• She was handed the plum assignment, the most important task of the project.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

article a word that is used with a noun to indicate the type of reference being made by the noun

• When comparing the two options, it seems that it's six of one and half a dozen of the other.
• I don't think it matters which one you choose, it's six of one and half a dozen of the other.
• It's all the same to me, it's like six of one and half a dozen of the other.
• Trying to decide between the two is like choosing between six of one and half a dozen of the other.

noun A short, thick digit of the hand that is set lower and apart from the other four and opposable to them.

• She accidentally hit her thumb with a hammer while working on the construction site.
• Ouch! I just smashed my thumb with the door!
• I can't believe I hitchhiked all the way here with just my thumb!
• The new policy is a thumbs up from the employees, they are happy with the changes.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

preposition a word used before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship with other words in a sentence

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The magician's ability to turn the trick left the audience in awe.
• I bet he can turn the trick and impress everyone at the party.
• She's got the skills to turn the trick like no one else.
• His quick thinking helped him turn the trick and win the negotiation.

noun a small carnivorous mammal with a long slender body and short legs, able to prey on animals larger than itself

verb none

adjective none

adverb none

pronoun none

preposition none

conjunction none

interjection none

article none

• The weasel is a small carnivorous mammal known for its slender body and quick movements.
• I saw a weasel dart across the road while I was driving home.
• That guy is such a weasel, always trying to get out of doing his fair share of work.
• Her smile was like a weasel's grin, sly and mischievous.

noun a wild or absurd search for something unattainable

• The detective realized he was on a wild goose chase after following a false lead.
• I think looking for my keys in the living room is just a wild goose chase.
• Searching for that rare vinyl record is like going on a wild goose chase.
• Trying to convince her to change her mind is like chasing a wild goose.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb

pronoun a word that takes the place of a noun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses

article a word that specifies a noun as definite or indefinite

• When the situation becomes critical, that's when the shit hits the fan.
• Everything was going smoothly until the shit hit the fan.
• We were just chilling when suddenly the shit hit the fan.
• The project was already behind schedule, but when the shit hit the fan, it was a disaster.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this sentence, 'cat' and 'lives' are nouns.

verb A word that expresses an action or state of being. In this sentence, 'has' is a verb.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun. In this sentence, there are no adjectives.

adverb A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this sentence, there are no adverbs.

pronoun A word that takes the place of a noun. In this sentence, there are no pronouns.

preposition A word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. In this sentence, there are no prepositions.

conjunction A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. In this sentence, there are no conjunctions.

interjection A word or phrase that expresses strong emotion. In this sentence, there are no interjections.

article A word that specifies a noun as definite or indefinite. In this sentence, 'a' is an article.

• According to superstition, it is believed that a cat has nine lives.
• You know how they say a cat has nine lives, well my cat definitely proves that theory true.
• I swear, my cat must think it's invincible with those nine lives.
• Just like a cat has nine lives, she always seems to bounce back from any setback.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective describes a noun or pronoun

preposition shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The lawyer explained the whole ball of wax to the jury during the trial.
• I finally understand the whole ball of wax after reading the instructions.
• She spilled the tea on the whole ball of wax at the party last night.
• After hours of research, he finally grasped the whole ball of wax regarding the project.

noun a game in which a flat stone or other small, flat object is thrown across the surface of water so as to cause it to skip along the surface several times before sinking

conjunction used to link two or more words or phrases together

• The children were playing ducks and drakes by skipping stones on the pond.
• We spent the afternoon just messing around, playing ducks and drakes by the river.
• Let's go down to the creek and play some ducks and drakes.
• He was irresponsible with his finances, always playing ducks and drakes with his money.

noun A figure of speech in which words or phrases are mixed up and confused in a humorous way, often combining two common idioms or sayings.

adjective Describing something that is a result of mixing up and confusing words or phrases in a humorous way.

• The speaker unintentionally used a malaphor during the presentation, causing confusion among the audience.
• I always mix up idioms and end up creating a malaphor that leaves my friends laughing.
• My dad's malaphor game is strong - he mixes up sayings like nobody's business!
• Her malaphor about the situation being a 'piece of cake walk in the park' perfectly summed up the ease of the task.

noun a person, especially an unspecified or unknown person

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adjective a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse (e.g., I, you) or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse (e.g., she, it, this)

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

interjection an abrupt remark, made especially as an aside or interruption

article a particular item or object, typically one of a specified type

• It is hard to believe that someone would sell their own grandmother for money.
• I can't believe someone would sell their own grandmother just for some cash.
• I can't wrap my head around the fact that someone would sell their own grandmother for a quick buck.
• The level of greed is so high that it seems like someone would sell their own grandmother to get what they want.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse (e.g. I, you) or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse (e.g. she, it, this)

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify a noun as definite or indefinite

• She walked into the meeting room with a triumphant expression, like the cat that ate the canary.
• He strutted down the street, looking smug like the cat that ate the canary.
• She had a huge grin on her face, feeling all cool like the cat that ate the canary.
• After acing the exam, he felt on top of the world, like the cat that ate the canary.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often providing information about time, manner, place, or degree

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify a noun, such as 'the' or 'a'

• She has a tendency to talk the hind legs off a donkey whenever she gets the chance.
• Once she starts talking, she can talk the hind leg off a donkey!
• She can talk the hind leg off a donkey, no doubt about it.
• He can talk the hind legs off a donkey when he's passionate about a topic.

adjective describing the level of safety being compared to houses

adverb modifying the adjective 'safe' to indicate the degree of safety

• Investing in government bonds is often considered as safe as houses.
• Don't worry, leaving your car parked here is as safe as houses.
• This neighborhood is as safe as houses, you have nothing to worry about.
• Her promise to always be there for me is as safe as houses.

noun a word that functions as the name of a specific thing, person, or place

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

• Please remain calm and composed, there is no need to get agitated. Keep your wool on.
• Hey, don't get all worked up. Just keep your wool on.
• Chill out, dude. Keep your wool on.
• Don't lose your temper, try to keep your wool on during the meeting.

noun a rake

verb step

preposition on

• He accidentally stepped on a rake while working in the garden.
• I can't believe I just stepped on a rake in the yard!
• Watch out so you don't step on a rake and hurt yourself.
• Stepping on a rake is like making the same mistake twice in a row.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to limit a noun, indicating whether the noun is specific or unspecific

• He may be one sandwich short of a picnic, as his ideas are often illogical.
• I think she's one sandwich short of a picnic if she believes that story.
• That guy is definitely one sandwich short of a picnic if he thinks he can pull that off.
• Her behavior lately makes me think she's one sandwich short of a picnic.

noun a vulgar slang term for the female genitalia

adverb to move or act aimlessly or without purpose

• Please refrain from twatting around during the meeting.
• Stop twatting around and focus on the task at hand.
• Quit twatting around and get your act together.
• He's always twatting around with different ideas, never sticking to one thing.

noun a figure of speech meaning trouble or consequences

preposition used before 'pay' to show the relationship between 'the devil' and 'to pay'

• There will be the devil to pay if you do not complete the project on time.
• If you don't finish your homework, there will be the devil to pay.
• If you skip out on your shift again, there will be the devil to pay.
• When she found out about the broken vase, there was the devil to pay.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

verb an action word that indicates a state of being or an action taken

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, other adverb, determiner, noun phrase, clause, or sentence

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

interjection a word or expression that is usually not grammatically related to other words in a sentence and that expresses a sentiment such as pain, anger, joy, or surprise

• It is important for a chef to know their onions when it comes to different cooking techniques.
• If you want to impress your friends with your cooking skills, make sure you know your onions in the kitchen.
• Don't worry, I know my onions when it comes to fixing cars.
• She may seem young, but she really knows her onions when it comes to business strategies.

adjective describing a noun or pronoun

adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb

preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses

article determines specificity of a noun

• As sure as eggs is eggs, the results of the experiment were predictable based on the data.
• I can tell you, as sure as eggs is eggs, that party is going to be wild!
• I'm telling you, as sure as eggs is eggs, she's gonna ace that test.
• As sure as eggs is eggs, the sun will rise tomorrow no matter what.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, indicating manner, time, place, or degree

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• The startled deer ran away like a scalded cat when it heard a noise.
• I sprinted out of there like a scalded cat when I saw the spider.
• She bolted out of the room like a scalded cat when she heard her ex's name.
• The gossip spread through the office like a scalded cat, reaching everyone in minutes.

adjective describing someone or something as crazy or eccentric

preposition connecting 'nutty' and 'fruitcake' to show comparison

• Her behavior at the meeting was as nutty as a fruitcake, causing concern among the team members.
• I can't believe he said that, he's as nutty as a fruitcake!
• She's always acting so nutty as a fruitcake, it's hard to take her seriously.
• The conspiracy theory he came up with was as nutty as a fruitcake, but some people actually believed it.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

• When comparing the two investment options, it's like comparing apples and oranges.
• You can't compare their singing abilities, it's like comparing apples and oranges.
• Trying to decide between the two cars is like comparing apples and oranges.
• Their personalities are so different, it's like comparing apples and oranges.

noun a type of iron tool with a long handle used for stirring or mixing in a fireplace

• The two countries have been at loggerheads over the trade agreement for months.
• My brother and I are always at loggerheads when it comes to choosing a movie to watch.
• Those two are like loggerheads - they argue about everything.
• The company and the union were at loggerheads, unable to reach a compromise.

noun a liquid produced by mammary glands of mammals for feeding their young

adjective lacking in strength or substance; weak or insipid

• The milk-and-water solution was found to be the most effective in the experiment.
• I prefer a milk-and-water approach when dealing with difficult situations.
• Don't be so milk-and-water about it, just go for it!
• His arguments were weak and milk-and-water compared to hers.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence

• The project was thoroughly analyzed and reviewed six ways from Sunday before making a final decision.
• I've checked my schedule six ways till Sunday, and I still can't find a free day to meet up.
• She tried to convince me to go out with her ex-boyfriend, but I shut that idea down six ways from Sunday.
• His argument was so strong that he shut down the opposition's points six ways to Sunday.

noun a word that functions as the name of a specific person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify a noun as either definite or indefinite

• It appears that you do not have all your oars in the water when making decisions.
• You seem to be missing a few oars in the water when it comes to understanding the situation.
• Dude, you're definitely not rowing with all your oars in the water on this one.
• She's acting like she doesn't have all her oars in the water when it comes to managing her finances.

noun a bull, shop

preposition in

article a

• The new intern was like a bull in a china shop during the important client meeting.
• When my little brother gets too excited, he's a bull in a china shop.
• Watch out for Jim at the party, he's a bull in a china shop after a few drinks.
• Her approach to delicate situations is often compared to a bull in a china shop.

noun a small monetary unit equal to one tenth of a dollar

adjective used to describe something that is common or of little value

• In the competitive job market, candidates with basic qualifications are a dime a dozen.
• Don't worry about finding someone to fix your car, mechanics are a dime a dozen around here.
• Those knock-off designer bags are a dime a dozen on the street corners.
• In a world where everyone is striving to be unique, true originality is a dime a dozen.

noun a dog's life

• Some people believe that owning a dog means living a dog's life.
• Having a dog is like living a dog's life, but in a good way.
• Man, I wish I could live a dog's life and just sleep all day.
• Working at that job felt like living a dog's life, with no freedom or joy.