English Idioms

“Eat humble pie”

To admit that you were wrong.

“Move the goalposts”

To change the rules or requirements unfairly.

“In full swing”

Happening with full activity and energy.

“Off the charts”

Extremely high or impressive.

“Go the whole hog”

To do something completely, not partly.

“Earn your stripes”

To prove your ability through hard work.

“No strings attached”

Without special conditions or obligations.

“Give or take”

Approximately; plus or minus.

“End of the line”

The point where something cannot continue.

“For a song”

For a very low price.

“Crash course”

A short and intensive course.

“Tighten your belt”

To spend less money than before.

“At a glance”

After a quick look.

“A smooth ride”

An easy and trouble-free experience.

“Cut both ways”

To have both positive and negative effects.

“Chase rainbows”

To try to achieve something unrealistic.

“Make a mountain out of a molehill”

To make a small problem seem much bigger than it is.

“Get your ducks in a row”

To organize everything properly before doing something.

“Fill someone’s shoes”

To take over someone’s role or responsibilities.

“Armed to the teeth”

Heavily equipped or prepared, often with weapons.

“Find your feet”

To become comfortable in a new situation.

“Hang by a thread”

To be in a very uncertain or dangerous situation.

“Brace yourself”

Prepare yourself for something difficult or unpleasant.

“A tough act to follow”

Someone or something that is hard to match or replace.