the rose that grew from concrete
Meaning: a person who achieved greatness even though they came from a place not so great.
Example: Ken performed well despite his poor background, much like the rose that grew from concrete. Read more ➺
American
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sacred cow
Meaning: something that people believe or accept as true without questioning it.
Example: The journalist esteemed too many sacred cows. Read more ➺
red zone
Meaning: any geographical area that is thought to be dangerous or threatening, usually as a consequence of political or military activity.
Example: The alley behind the schoolyard is effectively a "red zone," since that is where all of the bullies hang out. Read more ➺
rain check
Meaning: declining an offer that might be taken up later.
Example: He said he would take a rain check on visiting us today. Read more ➺
get out of dodge
Meaning: to leave.
Example: When I saw the big dog stalking toward me, growling and slobbering, I knew it was time to get out of dodge. Read more ➺
scrape the bottom of the barrel
Meaning: It is a phrase used to describe something you know is not in good condition, but you have to select it since you don't have an option of choosing the better one.
Example: Our school used to admit more than one thousand candidates, but we feel like we have been scraping the bottom of the barrel with the admitted applicants in late admission. Read more ➺
where the rubber meets the road
Meaning: when you have to face your challenges
Example: John had an excellent idea for a project, but his colleagues weren't sure what would happen where the rubber meets the road. Read more ➺
close call
Meaning: a narrow escape from disaster
Example: It was quite a close call, but my father managed to avoid hitting the animal that ran across the highway. Read more ➺
jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: to start doing something because it is fashionable or profitable
Example: The whole town was quick to jump on the bandwagon when people began to realize the home team would win the championship. Read more ➺
stand your ground
Meaning: not retreat
Example: We stood our ground on the footpath, and then eventually, all the cows moved away. Read more ➺
