Idioms

Idioms

For common expressions in the language.

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Idioms

stroll down memory lane

Language; Idioms

If you take a stroll down memory lane, you talk about the past or revisit places that were important to you in the past. (You can also ‘take a trip down memory lane’.)

what will be will be

Language; Idioms

The expression what will be will be is used to describe the notion that fate will decide the outcome of a course of events, even if action is taken to try to alter it.

preaching to the choir

Language; Idioms

If someone preaches to the choir, they talking about a subject or issue with which their audience already agrees. (‘Preaching to the converted’ is an alternative form.)

vicious circle

Language; Idioms

A vicious circle is a sequence of events that make each other worse- someone drinks because they are unhappy at work, then loses their job… ‘Vicious cycle’ is also used.

swim against the tide

Language; Idioms

If you swim against the tide, you try to do something that is very difficult because there is a lot of opposition to you. (‘Go against the tide’ is an alternative form.)

baptism of fire

Language; Idioms

A baptism of fire was a soldier's first experience of shooting. Any unpleasant experience undergone, usually where it is also a learning experience, is a baptism of fire.

all fingers and thumbs

Language; Idioms

If you're all fingers and thumbs, you are too excited or clumsy to do something properly that requires manual dexterity. 'All thumbs' is an alternative form of the idiom.