Idioms & Phrases

To 'mince one's words' means to choose and speak words carefully, deliberately, or diplomatically to avoid offense or communicate precisely. It's the opposite of speaking bluntly or rashly. The idiom doesn't mean changing suddenly, pulling back, or speaking in a hurry - it's about measured, thoughtful speech.

A fool's errand refers to a task that is completely pointless or has no chance of success. The idiom serves as a warning against wasting time and effort on activities that will yield no meaningful result.

To steal a march means to gain an advantage over someone by acting before they do. It involves taking initiative to get ahead of competitors or opponents through early or clever action.

Fall flat means to fail completely or not have the intended effect. When a joke, plan, or performance falls flat, it fails to generate the expected response, laughter, or appreciation from the audience.

Fair and square means honest and without any deception or unfair advantage. The phrase suggests that maintaining integrity in your dealings will ultimately lead to better long-term outcomes than trying to cheat or cut corners.

To curry favour means to seek favorable attention or approval from someone, especially through flattery, servile behavior, or special efforts to please them. It involves trying to gain someone's support or preference through calculated actions.

A pipe dream refers to a hope, plan, or idea that is impractical, unrealistic, or unlikely to ever be achieved. It describes fantasies or aspirations that sound appealing but have no real chance of becoming reality.

 To look blue means to look disheartened and dejected.

In a jiffy is an informal expression meaning very quickly, immediately, or in a very short amount of time. It's used to describe actions that happen almost instantly or within moments.

 A person who is hot headed is one who gets very angry and violent.

Fair play refers to honest and just treatment according to the rules, without cheating or deception. When there is complete fair play in competition, everyone follows the rules and no one gains an unfair advantage through unethical means.

 If something stems from something, it means former originates from the latter.

 To pull a long face means to look disappointed or sad.

 To make up means to reconcile after a quarrel.

The idiom 'in the family way' is a traditional English expression meaning being pregnant. It's a euphemistic way to refer to pregnancy, emphasizing the family aspect of having a child.

The phrase 'have a go' means to attempt or try something, especially when facing a challenge or new opportunity. It's an informal expression encouraging someone to try their hand at something.

The phrase 'you will have it' in this context means being in difficulties or facing trouble. It's an idiom expressing that someone will experience problems or challenging circumstances.

To 'frame a person' means to manipulate evidence or circumstances to make someone appear guilty of something they didn't do. This idiom is commonly used in legal and criminal contexts where someone is wrongly implicated. Option A correctly captures this meaning of making someone appear guilty through deceit or false evidence.

To 'get along' means to manage, cope, or survive in a situation. This idiom is often used when someone is doing okay despite challenges or is making progress in life. Option A 'To manage to' accurately reflects this meaning of coping or handling a situation.

To 'let on' means to reveal or disclose information, often a secret. This phrasal verb is used when someone accidentally or intentionally reveals something that was supposed to be hidden. Option A 'Reveal' correctly identifies this meaning of exposing or disclosing information.

To 'make too much of' something means to overestimate its importance, significance, or impact. This idiom is used when someone gives excessive attention or weight to something that doesn't deserve it. Option C 'Overestimate' correctly captures this meaning of exaggerating the value or importance of something.

To 'lay bare' means to expose, reveal, or uncover something that was hidden. This idiom is used when secrets, truths, or hidden aspects are brought to light. Option A 'Expose' correctly identifies this meaning of making something visible or known that was previously concealed.

To 'stir up a hornet's nest' means to create trouble, provoke conflict, or cause a chaotic situation. This idiom draws from the metaphor of disturbing a hornet's nest, which leads to angry reaction and turmoil. Option D 'Create trouble' correctly captures this meaning of causing problems or provoking a difficult situation.

To buy something 'on the nod' means to purchase it on credit or without immediate payment. This British idiom refers to transactions where payment is deferred. Option C 'On credit' correctly identifies this meaning of buying now and paying later.

To 'take occasion' means to seize an opportunity or take advantage of a favorable situation. This idiom refers to recognizing and utilizing opportunities as they arise. Option A 'To take advantage of an opportunity' correctly captures this meaning of making good use of a chance or favorable circumstance.