Home > Industry/Domain > Language > Idioms

Idioms

For common expressions in the language.

Contributors in Idioms

Idioms

X factor

Language; Idioms

The dangers for people in the military that civilians do not face, for which they receive payment, are known as the X factor.

Scotch Mist

Language; Idioms

The phrase ‘Scotch mist’ is used humorously to refer to something that is hard to find or doesn’t exist – something imagined.

U-turn

Language; Idioms

If a government changes its position radically on an issue, especially when they have promised not to do so, this is a U-turn.

make no bones about it

Language; Idioms

If somebody make no bones about a scandal in their past, they are open and honest about it and show no shame or embarrassment.

warpath

Language; Idioms

If someone is on the warpath, they are very angry about something and will do anything to get things sorted the way they want.

whistling in the dark

Language; Idioms

If someone is whistling in the dark, they believe in a positive result, even though everybody else is sure it will not happen.

till the pips squeak

Language; Idioms

If someone will do something till the pips squeak, they will do it to the limit, even though it will make other people suffer.

Featured blossaries

The Most Beautiful and Breathtaking Places in the World

Category: Travel   2 14 Terms

Discworld Books

Category: Literature   4 20 Terms