Idioms & Phrases 1

Example: Her story is too unlikely. It does not hold water.

In tune with - attuned; in agreement with

To 'blow one's trumpet' means to boast about oneself or loudly praise one's own achievements and abilities. It draws from the literal sound of a trumpet drawing attention. The phrase is about self-promotion, not ignoring, making peace, or entering disputes - it specifically refers to calling attention to one's accomplishments.

To 'pay off old scores' means to take revenge or settle past grievances by retaliating for wrongs suffered previously. The 'score' here refers to a debt or grievance to be settled, and 'paying off' means settling it through retaliation. It doesn't mean confessing, exaggerating, or giving money - it's about vengeance for past wrongs.

It means to end a person's privileges; to take away someone's power or freedom to do something.

To 'stand in good stead' means to be useful, helpful, or advantageous when needed, especially in future situations. Something that 'stands in good stead' is a resource, quality, or preparation that will serve you well later. It doesn't mean confessing, dying, or praising - it's about being beneficial when circumstances require it.

It means to stop something at an early stage.

To 'give a wide berth' means to deliberately avoid, keep distance from, or steer clear of someone or something. Originally a nautical term about giving ships plenty of space, it now means avoiding something undesirable. It doesn't mean disclosing, agreeing, or valuing - it's specifically about avoidance.

To 'beat the air' means to make useless, futile, or wasted efforts - attacking or striving without any real effect or achievement. Like a boxer hitting air, the effort produces no result. It doesn't mean discouraging, being hopeful, or being perplexed - it's specifically about wasted, ineffective action.

'Hang together' is an idiom which means 'to stand united' or 'to support each other'.

To lose ground means to fall behind or lose one's position in a competitive situation. It describes slipping backward in progress, advantage, or influence compared to others.

To be at large typically means to be free, unrestricted, or at liberty (often used for escaped criminals or wild animals). It can also mean something is present in the community without being captured or contained.

To be up and doing means to be active.

To take someone to task means to scold, reprimand, or hold them accountable for their actions. The phrase implies calling someone to explain or justify their behavior.

To hit below the belt means to strike unfairly, similar to the illegal move in boxing. It refers to acting in an unsportsmanlike or unfair manner, attacking someone in a way that violates expected rules or norms.

To have an axe to grind means to have a selfish motive, personal grievance, or hidden agenda. While 'dispute' is close, the idiom more specifically means having a personal reason for pursuing something, often with a sense of resentment.

To breathe one's last is a euphemistic way of saying someone has died. It refers to taking the final breath before death, emphasizing the finality of the moment.

To snap one's fingers at someone means to show contempt, disrespect, or indifference toward them. The gesture of snapping fingers while turning away conveys dismissiveness or scorn.

Palmy days refers to a period of prosperity, success, or triumph. The term evokes the imagery of palm branches (symbols of victory) flourishing, suggesting a flourishing, successful time in one's life or career.

To turn the corner means to reach a turning point and start recovering or improving, particularly after a difficult period. Option D correctly captures this meaning of passing a critical stage. The other options don't relate to the idiom's actual meaning.

White elephant refers to a possession that is expensive to maintain, difficult to dispose of, and often more trouble than it's worth. Option B correctly identifies this as something large and expensive, though it could also emphasize the burdensome nature of such possessions.

Over head and ears is an idiom meaning deeply involved or completely immersed in something, often used in contexts like being over head and ears in debt or love. Option A correctly captures this meaning of excessively or completely.

Tooth and nail is an idiom meaning to fight fiercely or with great effort and determination. Option B correctly identifies this as violently or fiercely, capturing the intense nature of the struggle implied by this expression.

To call a spade a spade means to speak plainly and directly about something, without euphemism or sugar-coating. Option B correctly captures this meaning of speaking plainly and frankly.

'To have feet of clay' means 'any unexpected or critical fault'.