Icing On The Cake ( a second great thing happens in addition to the first ... )

When one great thing happens, then another great thing happens on top of it, the

second thing is the icing on the cake. Example: "Today I was promoted to head

of the department! And they decided to raise my pay!" Answer: "Wow! Icing on

the cake!" We all love to eat delicious cake, and sometimes the cake has an

extra sweet layer of icing on the top; that is the icing on the cake. Example:

"Your wife is beautiful to look at, and she is a wonderful person!" Answer: "True;

it's icing on the cake." Example: "We won the case, and they are going to pay

our legal expenses." Answer: "That's the icing on the cake." Example: "I've

been accepted by the university, and they've offered me a position on the

basketball team!" Answer: "That's wonderful! Icing on the cake."

Add Fuel To The Fire ( do something to make a bad situation worse ... )

You add fuel to the fire when you do something that makes a bad situation

worse. Example: "When those two are fighting, I don't get involved. It only adds

fuel to the fire."

A conflict between two people is like a fire, with both people adding "fuel" to the

fire. You add fuel to the fire when you do something that makes the conflict

worse. Example: "I wanted to help, but I was afraid I would add fuel to the

fire."

Adding "fuel" (such as wood or gas) to a burning "fire" makes the flames burn

even higher and brighter. Sometimes you get involved because you want to help,

but your involvement only makes the problem worse, adding fuel to the fire.

Example: "Please don't talk to him when he's in a bad mood. It just adds fuel to

the fire."

When Pigs Fly ( that thing will never happen ... )

When pigs fly is an informal way to joke that you will never do something.

Example: "Do you think you will ever work at that company again?" Reply:

"When pigs fly!"

Pigs are heavy animals that stay close to the ground and do not fly, so when

pigs fly is a time that will never come. Example: "Do you think your brother will

be successful?" Reply: "When pigs fly he will."

When pigs fly is a time that will never come because pigs will never fly.

Example: "Will you ever take her on a date?" Reply: "Sure: When pigs fly!"

A Drop In The Bucket ( not important ... )

A drop in the bucket" is a something that is not important because it is very

small. Example: "I'm sorry I scratched your car." Reply: "Don't worry about it.

It's just a drop in the bucket. That car has more scratches on it than I can

count." There are so many "drops" in a "bucket" of water that we could not

count them all, so any one drop is really not that important. Example: "When I

think how many people there are in the world, I realize that my own problems are

just a drop in the bucket." "A drop" is very small amount when compared with

all there is "in the bucket." "A drop in the bucket" is not important because it

is a tiny amount when compared to the larger whole. Example: "I'd like to do

something to change the world, but whatever I do seems like a drop in the

bucket."

A Chip On Your Shoulder ( angry because of what happened in the past ... )

A person who has "a chip on his shoulder" is angry because of some thing that

happened in the past. Example: "He lost his game this morning, and now he has

a chip on his shoulder." It is easy for a person to get in a fight when he has a

chip on his shoulder, because he is already angry about something else.

Example: "Watch out for that guy, he's got a chip on his shoulder." To start a

fight, men used to put chips of wood on their shoulder and challenge others to

"try to knock it off". Example: "What's bothering that guy?" Reply: "Nothing. He's

just got a chip on the shoulder." Example: "Tom had a tough time growing up,

so he's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder." You can use the definite article

("the") which sounds more general ("a chip on the shoulder"), but more often

people use the personal pronoun ("his", "her", "their") to say that that specific

person has "a chip on his (her, their) shoulder."

At The Drop Of A Hat ( quickly and easily, without needing to decide ... )

If you would do something quickly and easily, without thinking about it, you

would do it at the drop of a hat. Example: "Would you travel around the world if

you had the money?" Reply: "At the drop of a hat."

When a hat drops off your head, it falls quickly and suddenly, and that is how

fast you would do it at the drop of a hat. Example: "I would take a job like that

at the drop of a hat."

You know you would do it, because you have already decided, when you would do

it at the drop of a hat. Example: "If you get an extra ticket, let me know. I

would go at the drop of a hat."

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining ( be hopeful because difficult times always

lead to better days ... )

Every cloud has a silver lining means that you should never feel hopeless

because difficult times always lead to better days. Example: "What am I going to

do? My girlfriend has left me again!" Reply: "Don't worry. It will be all right.

Every cloud has a silver lining."

Difficult times are like dark clouds that pass overhead and block the sun. When

we look more closely at the edges of every cloud we can see the sun shining

there like a silver lining. Example: "I found a new job after all, and I like this

one even better than the last." Reply: "You see? Every cloud has a silver

lining."

Every cloud has a silver lining means that the sun shining at the edges of

every cloud reminds us that every difficult situation has a bright side. Example:

"This really is a tough situation. Do you think things will work out for the best?"

Reply: "I'm sure they will. Every cloud has a silver lining."

Burning The Candle At Both Ends ( working for many hours without getting

enough rest ... )

You are burning the candle at both ends when you are working long hours

without resting. Example: "Would you like to go to a party tonight?" Reply: "I

can't. I'm way too tired. I've been burning the candle at both ends all week."

Your energy is burning down, and you are growing more and more tired, when

you are burning the candle at both ends. Example: "Are you still working day

and night?" Reply "Not anymore. Now I work nine hours a day, and I get a good

sleep almost every night. No more burning the candle at both ends."

Burning the candle at both ends is not a healthy life because you are working

from early to late and not getting enough rest. Example: "Ever since this new

project started I have been burning the candle at both ends. I can't take

much more of it."

Out Of The Blue ( suddenly and unexpectedly ... )

Something that happens out of the blue is sudden and unexpected. Example:

"They seemed to be talking calmly when out of the blue she slapped him in the

face!"

It is as if suddenly it started raining on a day when the sky was clear and blue.

Example: "Why did she do that?" Reply: "I have no idea. It was completely out

of the blue."

You are surprised and unprepared when it happens out of the blue. Example:

"Did you know they would move you to a different project?" Reply: "Not at all. It

was completely out of the blue."

Dog-Eat-Dog ( people are looking out for their own interests ... )

Dog-eat-dog describes a world in which people fight for themselves only and will

hurt other people. Example: "I have been in this business for twenty years. It's

dog-eat-dog. The competition is always trying to steal your customers."

Dog-eat-dog means that a person is like a dog that will eat another dog.

Sometimes people say, "It's a dog-eat-dog world", as an excuse when they

have hurt another person. Example: "I can't believe you sold him your motorcycle

for so much money!" Reply: "Hey, it's a dog-eat-dog world."

It's a dog-eat-dog world means that you must first watch out for your own

interests, because other people will be watching out for theirs. There is no letter s

at the end of any of the words in dog-eat-dog. "Example: "That school is dog-

eat-dog. The students cheat and even destroy each other's work to get better

grades."

Out Of The Frying Pan (And Into The Fire) ( to get out of a bad situation and

end up in one that is even worse ... )

To go out of the frying pan and into the fire is to get out of one difficult

situation only to end up in another. Example: "I worked too hard on that last

project. But on this new project I am working even harder!" Reply: "Out of the

frying pan and into the fire."

We sometimes want so much to get out of one difficult situation that we end up

jumping into another that is even worse, going out of the frying pan and into

the fire. Example: "Her ex-boyfriend was terrible, but this new one is even

worse!" Reply: "Out of the frying pan and into the fire."

"The frying pan" is a very hot place to be because it is over "the fire". In a

difficult situation, the first thing we want to do is get out of that situation.

Example: "They think they work hard now. Wait and see how much harder they

have to work after they graduate." Reply: "Out of the frying pan and into the

fire."

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder ( the time spent apart makes you

care for a person even more ... )

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder" means that the time you spend away

from one you love makes you love that person even more. Example: "Does it

bother you that your husband goes away on long business trips?" Reply: "No. The

time we have spent apart has been good for us. Absence makes the heart

grow fonder." The word "absence" means to be away. To "grow fonder" is to

care more. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" means the time you

spend away from someone you love ("absence") makes you love that person

even more ("the heart grows fonder"). Example: "It is much easier to get

along with your parents when you live away from home. You miss them so much

and are glad when you see them." Reply: "It's true. Absence makes the heart

grow fonder." When someone you care for is away, you miss that person and

think about them often, and that feeling makes you want to be with them even

more.

Great Minds Think Alike ( people with great minds think like each other ... )

"Great minds think alike" means that great people think about things in

similar ways. Example: "I was just thinking to call you, then the phone rang and

it was you calling me." Reply: "Great minds think alike." It is fun to say "Great

minds think alike" because you are making a connection with the other person

by saying that the two of you, in thinking the same thing at the same time, both

have great minds. Example: "This summer I've decided to take scuba diving

lessons." Reply: "Really? Me too. I have already paid for the course." Answer:

"Great minds think alike." When you and another person think the same thing

at the same time, one of you might say, "Great minds think alike."

Word Of Mouth ( news that travels from person to person ... )

Something that you heard from other people you know by word of mouth.

Example: "How did you hear about this party?" Reply: "Word of mouth."

When you say that you heard something word of mouth, you are not being

specific about whose mouth you heard it from; just that you heard it from

another person. Example: "There has been talk at school about canceling the

concert." Reply: "Really? Who did you hear that from?" Answer: "Just word of

mouth."

We do rely on what other people tell us, so word of mouth is one important way

that we learn things. If something is "only" (or "just") word of mouth then you

might not know where the "word" really started or how it changed as it went

from "mouth" to "mouth". Example: "Did you hear they finally arrested that

guy?" Reply: "Yes, but that's only word of mouth." Example: "Where did you

hear that?" Reply: "Just word of mouth."

Cross Your Fingers ( hoping it happens that way ... )

An old superstition says that if you cross your fingers (usually two fingers of

the same hand) it will bring good luck. Example: "I don't know what I will get for

my birthday, but I am crossing my fingers that it will be a bicycle."

You cross your fingers when you try to make something happen by wishing that

it will happen. A common saying: "Let's cross our fingers and hope for the

best." Example: "Good luck on your test tomorrow. We'll be crossing our

fingers for you!" Reply: "Thanks."

The meaning of don't cross your fingers changes a bit. It means don't hope

too much for what you want to happen, because there is a strong chance that it

might not happen. It means that you should not have expectations that are too

high. Example: "It would be great if our team won today, but don't cross your

fingers." Example: "We are hoping that John will get accepted to medical school,

but we are not crossing our fingers."

Everything But Kitchen Sink ( almost everything has been included ... )

Everything but the kitchen sink is what you brought with you when you

included almost everything you could think to bring. Example: "Wow, your

suitcase is huge. What do you have in there? Everything but the kitchen

sink?"

When we we are deciding what to bring with us, we try to take everything

possible. But some things, like the kitchen sink, are just not convenient.

Example: "Every time we go camping my wife packs everything but the

kitchen sink."

Everything but the kitchen sink means that you included almost everything

you could think to include. Example: "My dad's new luxury car is great. It has

everything but the kitchen sink."

Under The Gun ( under a lot of pressure to get something done ... )

You are under the gun when you are working under tremendous pressure.

Example: "Everyone at the office has been under the gun since this new

manager arrived."

You are forced to work extra hard when you are under the gun. Example: "We

are under the gun to get this project finished at work."

Working under the gun is working hard under pressure to meet deadlines.

Example: "I feel I work harder when I am under pressure." Reply: "Me too. I get

much more done when I am under the gun."

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover ( don't make judgments based only on

appearances ... )

You can't judge a book by its cover means that before you can judge

something, you need to take a deeper, closer look at it. Example: "He dresses in

plain clothes and drives an old car. Who would know he is the richest man in

town?" Reply: "You can't judge a book by its cover."

The value of something is not always obvious from what we see on the surface,

so we should save our judgments until we have more experience. Example: "That

professor may seem slow and awkward, but don't judge a book by its cover.

He is one of the brightest minds in his field."

You can't judge a book by its cover means that when you have only seen the

surface of something, you cannot know what is on the inside. Example: "Don't

go falling in love with that girl so fast. Wait until you get to know her better. You

can't judge a book by its cover."

The Bigger They Are (The Harder They Fall) ( we can beat this larger

opponent ... )

The bigger they are, the harder they fall means that it is more difficult to

beat stronger opponents, but we can beat them, and when they lose they suffer a

bigger loss. Example: "Are you worried that he might be too strong?" Reply: "No,

I'm not. He may be big, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall."

The word harder has two meanings here. First, it is harder (more difficult) to

beat them; and second, when they lose they go down harder (more painfully).

Example: "Those guys thought they would never lose. But we finally beat them.

And look at them crying now." Reply: "The bigger they are, the harder they

fall."

The bigger they are, the harder they fall means that bigger people are

harder to knock down, but when they go down they hit the ground harder. You

can say this to encourage a smaller competitor. Example: "Good luck, and

remember: The bigger they are, the harder they fall."

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve ( expressing your emotions freely and

openly ... )

People who wear their heart on their sleeve express their emotions freely and

openly, for all to see. Example: "She is kind of player who never hides how she's

feeling. One look at her and you know if she's winning or losing." Reply: "She

wears her heart on her sleeve."

You can see how these people feel as easily as if they were "wearing" their

"heart" on the "sleeve" of their shirt. Example: "Some people love him and

some people hate him, but my brother always lets you know how he feels. He

wears his heart on his sleeve."

People who wear their heart on their sleeve do not hold back their emotions,

for good or for bad. It is clear how they feel in each moment. Example: "She's a

shy person. She's never been one to wear her heart on her sleeve."

Go Cold Turkey ( quit taking an addictive drug by stopping immediately ... )

You go cold turkey when you suddenly stop taking a drug which you had been

taking regularly. Example: "Did it take you a long time to quit smoking?" Reply:

"No. I just went cold turkey, and I never smoked again."

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are habits that can cause problems for

people. People go cold turkey when they want to immediately stop the problems

an addictive drug is causing. Example: "I want to quit drinking right now. As of

this moment, I am going cold turkey."

Going cold turkey is when you stop taking some habit forming drug (such as

smoking or drinking) by stopping completely, all at once. It can be uncomfortable

("cold") at first, even painful, for a person to go cold turkey. Example: "My

doctor gave me morphine for pain after the surgery, but he gave me less each

day so I would not need to go cold turkey."

In(s) And Out(s) ( the knowledge gained from experience ... )

In and out is the way you know something when you know it very well.

Example: "I've been in this business for 30 years. I know it in and out."

Example: "I know this city in and out."

When you add the s and say the ins and outs, you are talking about the special

ways that you know to do something, when you know it very well. Example: "I

hope you can help me. I want to learn the ins and outs."

Grammar point: In and out acts like an adverb ("I know this in and out"). The

ins and outs acts like a noun ("Teach me the ins and outs"). Example: "My

friend Jeff has worked in publishing for 15 years. He knows all the ins and

outs."

Rock The Boat ( do something that risks upsetting a group situation ... )

To rock the boat is to risk upsetting a group situation. Example: "We have to

work together on this project. I don't want anyone rocking the boat."

People in a group on a small boat need to work together. If one person moves

suddenly, the whole boat could rock dangerously. Example: "Everyone wants to

go except for you. Why do you have to rock the boat?"

We cause trouble for other people when we rock the boat, because people need

to find new positions to make "the boat" steady again. Example: "I hate to rock

the boat, but I do think we need to rewrite this report."

All In The Same Boat ( facing the same challenges and needing to work

together ... )

People who are all in the same boat must work as a team because they face the

same challenges together. Example: "We can't fight against each other. We need

to work together. We're all in the same boat!"

When people forget that they are part of a team, we can remind them by saying,

"We are all in the same boat". Example: "I'm so busy. I don't know how will get

this done." Reply: "You're not the only one with a lot to do. We are all in the

same boat."

We are all in the same boat means that we are all like people who are in the

same boat so we need to cooperate in order to succeed. Example: "These may

be difficult times, but we're all in the same boat. We can get through it

together."

Going Against The Grain ( making things difficult by acting against the wishes

of others ... )

You go against the grain when you make life more difficult by acting against

the wishes of others. Example: "Why can't you just do it the way everyone else

does? Why do you always have to go against the grain?"

Wood grows in a way that makes it easy to cut in one direction (with the grain)

and hard to cut in the other direction (against the grain). Example: "I jog at

this track every day and there is always that one guy who has to go against the

grain and run in the opposite direction."

To go against the grain is to do things in a way that is different from what is

normal and accepted. Example: "You can't always follow other people in life.

Sometimes you need to go against the grain to do the right thing."

Against The Clock ( working hard to finish by a certain time ... )

You are working against the clock when you are trying to finish your work

within a limited amount of time. Example: "We worked against the clock all day

to get that report done by five."

You often compare the time on the clock against how much work you have left

to do when you are working against the clock. Example: "We have to finish this

report by 8 o'clock tonight, so we're really working against the clock."

The passing of time ("the clock") works against you when you are working

against the clock. Example: "Mom, will you have time to help me with my

homework today?" Reply: "Sorry, I won't. I'll be working against the clock to

finish my presentation."

The Straw That Broke The Camel's Back ( one last thing that finally made the

you upset ... )

The straw that broke the camel's back is the last thing you are willing to

accept after which you will not put up with any more. Example: "You broke a lot

of rules and we tried to ignore it. But stealing money from us was the straw

that broke the camel's back. We're sending you home to your parents."

You are at the last straw when you are just about to lose your patience. The

straw that broke the camel's back is the last thing that that happened that

finally made you upset. Example: "He came to work late every day that week.

Then on Friday, he didn't show up at all." Reply: "That was the straw that

broke the camel's back."

There is a limit to how much straw (long yellow grass) a camel can carry on its

back. If you keep putting more straw on top, it will finally break the camel's

back. When you are at the last straw you are finally angry and will not take

any more. Example: "You have been rude to me all day. I've had it. That's the

last straw!"

The Early Bird (Catches The Worm) ( being early leads to success ... )

The early bird catches the worm means that the person who arrives early will

be successful. Example: "I always come early to work. The early bird catches

the worm!"

When birds are competing to catch one worm, the bird that arrives early will

catch the worm. Example: "From now on, I am waking up at six. The early bird

catches the worm."

At times there is only one "worm" and only one "bird" can catch it, so the bird

to arrive early catches the worm. Example: "My brother started investing

money when he was 16 years old." Reply: "The early bird catches the worm."

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining ( be hopeful because difficult times always

lead to better days ... )

Every cloud has a silver lining means that you should never feel hopeless

because difficult times always lead to better days. Example: "What am I going to

do? My girlfriend has left me again!" Reply: "Don't worry. It will be all right.

Every cloud has a silver lining."

Difficult times are like dark clouds that pass overhead and block the sun. When

we look more closely at the edges of every cloud we can see the sun shining

there like a silver lining. Example: "I found a new job after all, and I like this

one even better than the last." Reply: "You see? Every cloud has a silver

lining."

Every cloud has a silver lining means that the sun shining at the edges of

every cloud reminds us that every difficult situation has a bright side. Example:

"This really is a tough situation. Do you think things will work out for the best?"

Reply: "I'm sure they will. Every cloud has a silver lining."

Better Late (Than Never) ( it is better to do something late than to not do it at

all ... )

Better late than never means that it is better to do something late than to

never do it at all. Example: "The movie has already started. Do you still want to

go in?" Reply: "Sure. Better late than never!"

Better late than never is often used as a polite way to respond when a person

says "sorry" for being late. Example: "Sorry I was late for the meeting today. I

got stuck in traffic." Reply: "That's okay. Better late than never."

Better late than never means that even if you are going to be late, you should

still go ahead and do the thing, because it is better to do it late than to never

do it at all. Example: "I'm sorry it has taken me so long to return this book."

Reply: "Better late than never."

Start From Scratch ( starting a project from the very beginning ... )

You are starting from scratch when you start a project from the very

beginning. Example: "How are you going to build your business?" Reply: "Just like

everyone does: starting from scratch."

You start from scratch in cooking when you cook a meal starting with only the

smallest food ingredients. Example: "This cake is excellent. Where did you buy

it?" Reply: "Actually, my mother made it from scratch." Example: "My father is

excellent with cars. He started with spare parts and built this engine from

scratch."

When you do or make something using the smallest parts, you start from

scratch. Example: "My computer crashed and I lost all of my work." Reply:

"That's terrible. What will you do?" Answer: "I'll do it again, starting from

scratch."

Turn Over A New Leaf ( taking action to change one's life for the better ... )

When you decide to do something different to change your life for the better, you

are turning over a new leaf. Example: "This year I've joined a gym and I am

exercising every day. I'm turning over a new leaf."

Turning over a new leaf is like turning over a new page ("leaf") in your life

and seeing what is on the other side. Example: "Wow. Look how polite your son

has become." Reply: "Yes. We had a big talk with him, and he has really turned

over a new leaf."

You turn over a new leaf when you commit to changing your life for the better.

Example: "I'm turning over a new leaf: I've decided to quit smoking. "

Finding Your Feet ( feeling more comfortable in what you are doing ... )

You are "finding your feet" when you are learning what to do and becoming

more comfortable acting in a certain type of situation. Example: "I've only been

at this job for a few months. I'm just finding my feet." It takes time to find

your feet, because you need to learn what to do and become comfortable doing

it. Example: "I was at that job for over a year before I really found my feet."

You have gained the needed skills and are performing your job well, once you

have found your feet. Example: "Don't worry about it. We will help you out until

you find your feet."

Sink Or Swim ( you will either fail or you will find a way to succeed ... )

"Sink or swim" is a situation where you will either fail or you will find a way to

succeed. " Example: "Sales is not an easy job here. We give you two weeks

training, then it's sink or swim." If you are thrown into the water, you will either

sink to the bottom or you will swim to safety. You will either fail, or you will find

a way to succeed, in a situation that is sink or swim. Example: "How do you

interview new teachers here?" Reply: "We just put them in with the kids, and see

how they do. It's sink or swim." Sink or swim" means that you will either

succeed, or you will fail completely, at what you are trying to do.

Looking A Gift Horse In The Mouth ( questioning the value of something you

have received for free ... )

You are looking a gift horse in the mouth when you receive a gift and then

you question the value of that gift. Example: "This shirt you gave me is not my

favorite brand." Reply: "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth! That was the

best they had."

You are like a person who has been given a horse as a gift (a gift-horse) and

you are looking into the horse's mouth to see if it is in good health. Example:

"Here is your drink." Reply: "Oh, I hate this kind." Answer: "Don't look a gift

horse in the mouth."

You should be thankful when you receive a gift, and not wish for something

better. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth means don't measure the value of

something that you have received for free. Example: "Great interception!" Reply:

"Yes, but I almost scored a touchdown." Reply: "Don't look a gift horse in the

mouth."

When It Rains, It Pours ( it hasn't happened for a long time, and then it

happens all at once ... )

When it rains, it pours describes how after there has been no rain for a long

time, it suddenly rains a lot all at once. Example: "It hadn't rained for over two

months. Now it has started raining and it has been raining for a week straight."

Reply: "When it rains, it pours."

When it rains, it pours means that once something happens after a long pause,

it happens in large amounts. Example: "It looks like everyone in our department

is sick again, and all at the same time." Reply: "When it rains, it pours."

When there is a lot of rain all at once we say that it is pouring. Some people

say, It never rains, but it pours; the meaning is the same as When it rains, it

pours. Example: "Sometimes we have no customers for two or three hours, then

suddenly we get 20 people all at once." Reply: "It never rains, but it pours."

When It Rains, It Pours ( it hasn't happened for a long time, and then it

happens all at once ... )

When it rains, it pours describes how after there has been no rain for a long

time, it suddenly rains a lot all at once. Example: "It hadn't rained for over two

months. Now it has started raining and it has been raining for a week straight."

Reply: "When it rains, it pours."

When it rains, it pours means that once something happens after a long pause,

it happens in large amounts. Example: "It looks like everyone in our department

is sick again, and all at the same time." Reply: "When it rains, it pours."

When there is a lot of rain all at once we say that it is pouring. Some people

say, It never rains, but it pours; the meaning is the same as When it rains, it

pours. Example: "Sometimes we have no customers for two or three hours, then

suddenly we get 20 people all at once." Reply: "It never rains, but it pours."

Burning The Midnight Oil ( up late at night working hard ... )

You are "burning the midnight oil" when you are working hard late into the

night. Example: "I could see the light in your window last night. It looks like you

have been burning the midnight oil." Before they had electric lamps, people

used oil-burning lamps to read or work in the darkness at night. When you are

working very hard until late at night you are "burning the midnight oil." "Has

your son been working hard to prepare for his final exams?" Reply: "He sure has.

He's been up each night burning the midnight oil."

Can't Cut The Mustard ( not good enough to participate ... )

When you are not able to perform at the required level, you can't cut the

mustard. Example: "Did you hear that Williams got fired?" Reply: "Yes. He

couldn't cut the mustard."

It is as if cutting "the mustard" were some test that you had to pass in order to

belong. If you can't cut the mustard, you are not allowed to participate.

Example: "Bob dropped out of medical school." Reply: "Why?" Answer: "He just

couldn't cut the mustard."

If you don't work hard enough, or if you just aren't good enough, you can't cut

the mustard. Example: "So, do you think you will be able to cut the

mustard?"

Beating A Dead Horse ( forcing an issue that is already closed ... )

You are beating a dead horse when you insist on talking about something that

cannot be changed. Example: "I'd like to talk with you again about what

happened." Reply: "Oh, come on. Let's not beat a dead horse."

Beating a dead horse is an action that has no purpose, because no matter how

hard or how long you beat a dead horse, it is not going to get up and run.

Example: "Let's not talk about it any more. Okay?" Reply: "You're right. We're

just beating a dead horse."

To repeatedly bring up a particular topic with no chance of affecting the outcome

is beating a dead horse. Example: "Dad, are you sure we can't get a new

computer for the upstairs?" Reply: "Son, we talked about this and the decision

was 'no'. You are beating a dead horse."

Lost His Head ( he got so upset that he lost control of his actions ... )

You lose your head when you get upset and lose control of your actions.

Example: "I got so angry yesterday. I completely lost my head." Example: "I'm

really sorry about what I did. I lost my head."

You are overcome by emotions (especially anger) and lose control of your actions

when you lose your head. Example: "Okay, I'll tell you what happened. But first

promise that you won't lose your head."

A person who loses his head is not in control of his actions because is not

thinking clearly. Example: "He lost his head, so they threw him out of the

game."

Crying Over Spilled Milk ( complaining about some past loss ... )

To cry over spilled milk is to remain upset about a past loss. Example: "We

came so close. Really. We almost won that game!" Reply: "There's no use crying

over spilled milk."

When milk has been spilled, it is wasted and cannot be used. There is no reason

to keep complaining over the loss. Note that either of the words spilled or spilt

can be used. Example: "Well, the car is ruined and that's too bad, but there's no

use crying over spilt milk. We're just going to have to get a new car."

Crying over spilled milk is not useful because the thing is already lost. Parents

often tell their children to stop crying over spilt milk. Example: "I can't believe

we lost my favorite toy!" Reply: "Oh, stop crying over spilled milk. You have

other toys to play with."

Barking Up The Wrong Tree ( looking for something in the wrong place ... )

When you are looking for something that is not where you are looking, you are

"barking up the wrong tree." Example: "I know you think I stole your

umbrella. But really, I don't have it. You are barking up the wrong tree."

You are like a dog that is barking up at a tree that has nothing in it. This may

also mean trying to find the answer to some problem by using the wrong

approach. Example: "I have been trying to solve this one problem for an hour. I

really do not know how to do it." Reply: "Yes, I can see that. You've been

barking up the wrong tree."

You are "barking up the wrong tree" when you are trying to find something,

but you are looking in the wrong place.

Don't Count Your Chickens (Until They've Hatched) ( don't make plans

based on uncertain events ... )

"Don't count your chickens until they're hatched" means that you can hope

certain things happen in the future, but you cannot know for sure that they will

happen until they actually do happen. Example: "Do you think that Bill is going to

offer you a promotion this month?" Reply: "I won't count my chickens until

they have hatched." "Chickens" start out as eggs, and you can count the

eggs, but not all of the eggs will hatch to become chickens. "Don't count your

chickens until they've hatched" means don't make plans based on something

happening until that thing has already happened. Example: "Next Friday I will

finally be able to pay you back that money I owe you." Reply: "Ha. I won't count

my chickens until they have hatched." "Don't count your chickens until

they've hatched" means that you should not count on something happening

until you are sure that it will happen.

Get Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed ( having a bad day ... )

When you have been having a bad day all day, you got up on the wrong side

of the bed. Example: "What's wrong with her today?" Reply: "Oh, she just got

up on the wrong side of the bed."

Sometimes we get a bad start to our day, it continues throughout the day, and

people notice. Example: "I told you to pick up your things! And don't play your

music so loudly!" Reply: "Wow. It looks like someone got up on the wrong side

of the bed!"

It is as if we started our day ("got up") in the wrong way ("on the wrong side

of the bed") and that has affected everything else that happened since.

Example: "Don't start yelling at me just because you got up on the wrong side

of the bed."

One For The Road ( one more, then I am leaving ... )

"One for the road" is one last thing you do before leaving some place. Example:

"Come on, let's play one more game of pool for the road." This saying often

expresses having one last drink. Example: "Bartender, I'll have one more drink

for the road." Note: "The road" does not necessarily mean that you will drive a

car; it just means that you are going to leave the place soon. Example: "Are you

sure you won't have one for the road?" Answer: "Sorry, I can't. If I leave now I

will just make it on time." To have "one for the road" is to have one more and

stay just a little bit longer.

Birds Of A Feather (Flock Together) ( similar people go to the same places

and do the same things together ... )

Birds of a feather flock together means that people who are similar to each

other often spend time together. Example: "Those guys work at the same

company and go to the same bars. They do everything together." Reply: "Birds

of a feather flock together."

We know that birds are of the same type when they have the same feathers;

they are of a feather. Birds flock when they join together in groups with other

birds. Just as birds "of a feather" often flock with other birds of the same

"feather", so do people who are like each other spend time together. Example:

"Are Timmy and his friends going to that same bar again?" Reply: "Sure they are.

Birds of a feather flock together."

People ("birds") who are similar to each other ("of a feather") often spend time

("flock") with each other ("together"). Example: "Look. The volleyball players

are eating together at the same table again, as always." Reply: "Birds of a

feather flock together."

Biting The Hand That Feeds You ( hurting a person who has been helping you

... )

To "bite the hand that feeds you" is to harm someone who has been helping

you. Example: "We treat each of our customers with the greatest respect here.

We never bite the hand that feeds us." If you feed an animal and it bites you

on the hand you will probably not feed it again. If you forget that a person has

been doing something to help you, and you harm the relationship, you are

"biting the hand that feeds you". Example: "We have been your best

customers for years. And suddenly you treat us so rudely? You should never bite

the hand that feeds you."

Biting Off More Than You Can Chew ( taking on a challenge that is too big ... )

To take on a responsibility which is too large for you to manage is biting off

more than you can chew. Example: "I thought I could finish this report within a

month, but I bit off more than I could chew."

When eating food, you first bite off a piece, then chew it, and swallow it. If you

bite off more than you can chew, you have taken a bite so large that you are

not able chew it. Example: "I went skiing last weekend and I went down the

most difficult hill first. I bit off more than I could chew."

To bite off more than you can chew is to take on a challenge that is too big for

you to accomplish. Example: "I want you to think carefully about how many

people you need for this project. Be sure not to bite off more than you can

chew."

Curiosity Killed The Cat ( curiosity can be dangerous ... )

Curiosity killed the cat reminds us that being too curious can be dangerous.

Example: "What do you think is down that dark street?" Reply: "I would rather

not find out. Curiosity killed the cat."

Curiosity killed the cat recalls a story in which "the cat" was killed because he

was too curious and followed "curiosity" too far. Example: "That reporter has

been asking a lot of questions and the boss doesn't like it." Reply: "Curiosity

killed the cat."

Cats are curious animals that like to investigate, but their curiosity can take

them places where they might get hurt. Children especially, like cats, are

curious and like to test to find out what is dangerous. Example: "My son stuck

his finger into the electrical outlet and got a huge shock! He said he wanted to

find out how it would feel." Reply: "It's a good thing he wasn't hurt! Curiosity

killed the cat."

Truer Words Were Never Spoken ( I totally agree with what you just said ... )

You say Truer words were never spoken when you strongly agree with what

the other person has just said. Example: "I find that the earlier I get up, the

better the day I have." Reply: "Truer words were never spoken. The morning

hours are definitely the best hours of the day."

Truer words were never spoken is often used as a single sentence response to

support the other person, showing how strongly you agree. Example: "This is the

best cake I have eaten in years!" Reply: "Truer words were never spoken."

When someone says something that you find to be very true and which applies in

many different situations, you can say, "Truer words were never spoken."

Example: "You are lucky to have such a wonderful wife." Reply: "Truer words

were never spoken."

Variety Is The Spice Of Life ( life is exciting when you try different types of

experiences ... )

Variety is the spice of life expresses the idea that it is good to try and do

different things. Example: "We were planning to go to Mexico on our vacation,

like we did last year, but we decided to go to Egypt instead. Variety is the spice

of life."

Just as a cook uses different spices to create the flavors in a great meal, a

person who tries different experiences will have a great life. Example: "I don't

think I would be able to do yoga." Reply: "Why not? Give it a try. Variety is the

spice of life."

Variety is the spice of life means that life is more interesting when you try to

do things in different ways. Variety is like the spice which adds flavor to life.

Example: "This year my wife and I are going to take a dance class and learn the

Tango." Reply: "That's great. Variety is the spice of life."

An About Face ( turn around and face the opposite direction ... )

You do "an about face" when you begin facing one direction, then you turn

completely to face in the opposite direction. Example: "If you ever discover that

you are walking down a dangerous street, it is best to do an about face and

walk in the other direction." You "do an about face" when you stand facing

north, for example, then turn your body in one step until you face south. The

term "about face!" is used in the military: The drill sergeant shouts "About

face!" and all of the soldiers turn in one step to face the opposite direction.

Example: "I want you to do an about face, get back in that bathroom, and

brush your teeth!" To "do an about face" is also to change your position on

something and take the opposite position.

Practice Makes Perfect ( the more you practice, the better you will become ... )

Practice makes perfect means that the more you practice, the better you will

become. If you want to become great, then you should practice as much as

possible. Example: "See how fast you are getting better at the piano? Practice

makes perfect."

To practice is to do something regularly. Perfect is the best you can be.

Practice makes perfect means that the way to become the best is to practice

often. Example: "Do you know how a player like Larry Bird gets to be so good? By

taking thousands of jump shots every day. Practice, practice, practice! Practice

makes perfect."

Practice makes perfect is said to encourage people to keep practicing so they

will become better at what they are doing. Example: "Come on guys, do it again!

I want to see you getting this right. Practice makes perfect!"

Crying Wolf ( calling for help when you don't really need help ... )

To cry wolf is to call for help when you are not really in danger. Example: "Mom,

Dad! Can you come to my room? I think there is something under my bed!"

Reply: "Son, you just go back to bed, and stop crying wolf."

There is a story about a boy who liked to cry "Wolf!" pretending that he was

going to be eaten by a wolf. When people came running to help him, they found

the boy laughing because he was not really in danger. This happened a number of

times until people stopped believing him when he cried, "Wolf!" Finally, the boy

was attacked by a real wolf and no one came to save him because they all

thought he was just crying wolf. Example: "I'll be in the other room, so call me

if you need me. But no crying wolf."

To cry wolf is to call others for help when you do not really need help. Crying

wolf results in other people not believing you when you really do need their help.

Example: "Hey that kid on the other team fell down. He looks hurt." Reply: "Oh,

not that kid. He's always crying wolf."

Put Your Best Foot Forward ( go ahead and give it your best try ... )

Putting your best foot forward is stepping forward and doing your very best.

Example: "This week the division manager will be in town. I want each of you to

putting your best foot forward."

To show others (put... forward) your best effort (your best... foot) is putting

your best foot forward. Example: "Don't be shy, son. I want you to get out on

that field and put your best foot forward!"

You say put your best foot forward to encourage others to try hard and do

their best. Example: "If every man puts his best foot forward, we will win this

game."

Go For Broke ( risking it all for the chance to win big ... )

To "go for broke" is to risk everything on one chance to win big. Example: "Are

you sure you want to bet all of your money on that one horse?" Reply: "Yes. I'm

going for broke!" To be "broke" is to have no money; you "go for broke"

when you risk losing everything for one chance to win big. Example: "Do you

think that girl will dance with me if I ask her to?" Reply: "Sure: go for broke!"

"Go for broke" means take a risk, try your best, and give all of your energy to

something. Example: "The way to be successful is to decide exactly what you

want, then go for broke."

The Apple Of Your Eye ( the one you love the most ... )

The apple of your eye is that person (or thing) that you care for the most.

Example: "He sure does love his little girl." Reply: "She's the apple of his eye."

Example: "You got me the bracelet I wanted!" Reply: "Yes, I knew it was the

apple of your eye."

The original meaning of the apple of your eye is the pupil, or the round black

spot in the middle of the eye. It is as if that person's reflection can be seen in the

pupil ("apple") of your eye. Example: "Everyone knew they would get married

someday. She was always the apple of his eye."

It makes you feel good to look at the person who is the apple of your eye.

From a famous love song: "You are the apple of my eye. That's why I'll always

be with you."

Letting The Cat Out Of The Bag ( sharing a secret ... )

You let the cat out of the bag when you tell a big secret. Example: "Bob didn't

want anyone to know he was sick, but his wife let the cat out of the bag."

A secret is like a cat that has been kept a bag. Once you let the cat out of the

bag, it goes wherever it wants. Example: "We were going to keep our plans to

get married a family secret, but my mother let the cat out of the bag."

The person who told the secret is the one who let the cat out of the bag.

Example: "Hey! Who let the cat out of the bag?" Example: "Oops. It looks like I

let the cat out of the bag."

When In Rome (Do As The Romans Do) ( a visitor should try to act as the

people do who are from that place ... )

When in Rome, do as the Romans do means that when you are visiting a new

place, you should try to do as the people do who are from the place. Example:

"I can't eat that." Reply: "Oh, give it a try. When in Rome, do as the Romans

do."

People from different places have different ways of acting, so it is important to try

to do things the way people do who are from the place that you are visiting.

Example: "Are you sure we can eat this with our hands?" Reply: "Why not? All of

these people are. When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

The city of Rome was the capitol of the great Roman Empire. There were many

strange and interesting things to do when visiting ("in") Rome. Example: "Back

home, we never sing in front of other people." Reply: "Oh, come on. Give it a try!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

All Bark (And No Bite) ( acting aggressive but not willing to fight ... )

People who are all bark and no bite threaten to do things that they are not

really willing or able to do. Example: "That new manager threatened to fire me

again, but I know he won't do it. He's all bark and no bite."

They are like dogs that bark to make you afraid, but they will not bite you.

Example: "Yesterday that guy said he wanted to fight, but today he's all quiet and

polite." Reply: "All bark and no bite."

Some people are not strong enough or brave enough to actually hurt you, but

they still use words to try to make you afraid. All they can do is bark, but they

have no teeth to bite. Example: "Don't listen to my brother when he gets angry;

he's all bark and no bite."

Tie The Knot ( get married ... )

When two people get married, they "tie the knot." Example: "After dating for

five years, we finally decided to tie the knot." When you tie "a" knot you wrap

two pieces of rope around each other in a certain way so that they will not come

apart. When you tie "the" knot you make a promise that you will stay together

with one person whom you love. Example: "Did you hear about Dan and Jenny?

They finally decided to tie the knot." Two people are like two ropes and they get

married to tie "the knot" which keeps them together. Example: "So, when are

you two going to tie the knot?"

Tie The Knot ( get married ... )

When two people get married, they "tie the knot." Example: "After dating for

five years, we finally decided to tie the knot." When you tie "a" knot you wrap

two pieces of rope around each other in a certain way so that they will not come

apart. When you tie "the" knot you make a promise that you will stay together

with one person whom you love. Example: "Did you hear about Dan and Jenny?

They finally decided to tie the knot." Two people are like two ropes and they get

married to tie "the knot" which keeps them together. Example: "So, when are

you two going to tie the knot?"

A Piece Of Cake ( easy to do ... )

Something that is very easy to do is "a piece of cake". Example: "Can you finish

your homework in ten minutes?" Reply: "It will be a piece of cake." "A piece of

cake" is so easy to do that it is like eating a piece of cake. Example: "How was

your test today?" Reply: "It was a piece of cake." You say "piece of cake" to

show how very easy it is for you to do something. Example: "I've always had a

hard time studying history, but math is a piece of cake." You are very confident

that you can do something which you think is a piece of cake. Example: "Do you

expect to win your tennis match today?" Reply: "It will be a piece of cake."