Idioms

Idioms

For common expressions in the language.

Industry: Language

Add a new term

Contributors in Idioms

Become a Contributors

Idioms

reinvent the wheel

Language; Idioms

If someone reinvents the wheel, they waste their time doing something that has already been done by other people, when they could be doing something more worthwhile.

the grass is always greener

Language; Idioms

This idiom means that what other people have or do looks preferable to our life. The complete phrase is ‘The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence’.

stitch in time saves nine

Language; Idioms

A stitch in time saves nine means that if a job needs doing it is better to do it now, because it will only get worse, like a hole in clothes that requires stitching.

searching question

Language; Idioms

A searching question goes straight to the heart of the subject matter, possibly requiring an answer with a degree of honesty that the other person finds uncomfortable.

rough and ready

Language; Idioms

If something is rough and ready, it has not been carefully prepared, but is fit for its purpose. If a person is rough and ready, they are not very refined or mannered.

read between the lines

Language; Idioms

If you read between the lines, you find the real message in what you’re reading or hearing, a meaning that is not available from a literal interpretation of the words.

salt in a wound

Language; Idioms

If you rub salt in a wound, you make someone feel bad about something that is already a painful experience. ‘Pour salt on a wound’ is an alternative form of the idiom.