Idioms

Idioms

For common expressions in the language.

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Idioms

take someone down a peg

Language; Idioms

If someone is taken down a peg (or taken down a peg or two), they lose status in the eyes of others because of something they have done wrong or badly.

make your flesh crawl

Language; Idioms

If something makes your flesh crawl, it really scares or revolts you. (‘Make your flesh creep’ is an alternative. ‘Make your skin crawl’ is also used.)

to have the courage of your convictions

Language; Idioms

If you have the courage of your convictions, you are brave enough to do what you feel is right, despite any pressure for you to do something different.

squeaky wheel gets the grease

Language; Idioms

When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that the person who complains or protests the loudest attracts attention and service.

thin blue line

Language; Idioms

(UK) The thin blue line is a term for the police, suggesting that they stand between an ordered society and potential chaos. (Police uniforms are blue.)

whistling past the graveyard

Language; Idioms

If someone is whistling past the graveyard, they are trying to remain cheerful in difficult circumstances. (‘Whistling past the cemetery’ is also used.)

carry the day

Language; Idioms

If something carries the day, it wins a battle (the sense is that the battle has been long and could have gone either way) or competition for supremacy.