All Idioms

under the table

Meaning: Done secretly or illegally, especially in business or financial dealings.

Example: The politician was accused of receiving bribes under the table from contractors. Read more ➺

set the pace

Meaning: To establish the standard, speed, or level that others follow.

off the charts

Meaning: Extremely high in degree, amount, or intensity.

Example: The excitement at the concert was off the charts, with fans cheering louder than ever. Read more ➺

jump the shark

Meaning: To reach the point where something, usually a TV show or project, starts to decline in quality or popularity.

Example: Many fans felt the series began to jump the shark when they introduced a random alien character. Read more ➺

grease someone’s palm

Meaning: To bribe someone secretly to influence their decision.

Example: To expedite the approval process, he decided to grease the official's palm. Read more ➺

hang fire

Meaning: To delay or postpone an action or decision.

Example: The committee decided to hang fire on approving the new policy until more data was available. Read more ➺

cut someone dead

Meaning: To deliberately ignore someone in public, often as an insult.

Example: At the reunion, she cut him dead after everything that happened. Read more ➺

face off

Meaning: To confront someone directly in a conflict or competition.

Example: The two leaders will face off in tomorrow's crucial election debate. Read more ➺

paper tiger

Meaning: Something or someone that appears dangerous or powerful but is actually weak and ineffective.

Example: The dictator's military seemed formidable, but in battle it was only a paper tiger. Read more ➺

lock horns

Meaning: To get into conflict or argument, especially when strongly opposing views are involved.

Example: The two lawyers locked horns in court over the interpretation of the contract. Read more ➺