Idioms beginning with B
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Meaning: To leave a decent life and start doing wrong, often by turning to crime or shady work.
Example: After years as a quiet office clerk, Jake started breaking bad and selling stolen goods after work. Read more ➺
Meaning: To sit and worry about something (a mistake, a problem, or something that went wrong) for a long time, turning it over and over in your mind, usually feeling low or upset while you do it.
Example: After the argument with her sister, Maya sat alone in her room and quietly began to brood over every harsh word that had been said. Read more ➺
Meaning: Avoid saying something directly.
Example: Beat about the bush all you want, but everyone already knows the truth. Read more ➺
Meaning: A highly unexpected event with major consequences.
Example: The global financial crisis was considered a black swan because few people saw it coming. Read more ➺
Meaning: A very innocent, inexperienced, or naive person.
Example: Emily was a babe in the woods when she joined the investment firm and knew almost nothing about the financial industry. Read more ➺
Meaning: To do something without preparation or planning.
Example: I handled the whole event by the seat of my pants because nobody gave me clear instructions. Read more ➺
Meaning: An unlucky event or situation that happens suddenly.
Example: Missing the interview because of traffic was a bad break for Michael. Read more ➺
Meaning: The most important practical facts or details; the essentials.
Example: After a few minutes of small talk, the manager got down to brass tacks and discussed the project deadline. Read more ➺
Meaning: A state of mental overload or confusion caused by too many thoughts.
Example: After juggling multiple deadlines all day, her brain stew left her unable to concentrate on even simple tasks. Read more ➺
Meaning: To end a situation in which progress has stopped because people cannot agree.
Example: The mediator proposed a compromise that helped both sides break the deadlock in the labor dispute. Read more ➺
