Idioms

Idioms

For common expressions in the language.

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Idioms

take guts

Language; Idioms

If something takes guts, it requires courage in the face of danger or great risk. It takes guts for firemen to enter a burning building to save someone.

opening a can of worms

Language; Idioms

If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems and is, on balance, probably going to cause more trouble than it’s worth.

straw that broke the camel’s back

Language; Idioms

The straw that broke the camel’s back is the problem that made you lose your temper or the problem that finally brought about the collapse of something.

you what

Language; Idioms

This is a very colloquial way of expressing surprise or disbelief at something you have heard. It can also be used to ask someone to say something again.

asleep at the switch

Language; Idioms

If someone is asleep at the switch, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the wheel' is an alternative.

asleep at the wheel

Language; Idioms

If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative.

velvet glove

Language; Idioms

This idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is determined and inflexible underneath. (‘Iron fist in a velvet glove’ is the full form.)