Behavior Idioms

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low-profile

Meaning: Intentionally avoiding attention or publicity; keeping oneself unnoticed.

Example: After the controversy, the actor chose to low-profile his public appearances to stay out of the news. Read more ➺


shape up or ship out

Meaning: Strong warning: improve your behavior or performance, or leave.

Example: After missing several deadlines, the boss told the employee: shape up or ship out. Read more ➺


out of order

Meaning: Improper or rude in behavior.

Example: His harsh remarks to the manager were completely out of order. Read more ➺


dressing down

Meaning: A severe scolding or strong reprimand, usually from a superior.

Example: The manager gave the late employees a dressing-down for missing the meeting. Read more ➺


go overboard

Meaning: To do too much of something.

Example: She really goes overboard with the decorations, and the house looks like a wedding hall. Read more ➺


off the rails

Meaning: Acting in a wild, reckless, or uncontrolled way.

Example: After the breakup, his behavior went off the rails, shocking everyone who knew him. Read more ➺


step out of line

Meaning: To misbehave or act in a way that breaks rules or norms.

Example: The teacher warned that anyone who step out of line would be sent to the principal’s office. Read more ➺


about-face

Meaning: A sudden and complete change in opinion, behavior, or direction.

Example: After months of defending the plan, the director made an about-face and rejected it completely. Read more ➺


pick a hole in someone’s coat

Meaning: To find faults in someone, often unfairly or with petty criticism.

Example: The manager loved to pick holes in someone's coat, pointing out mistakes instead of giving encouragement. Read more ➺


out of the way

Meaning: Unusual, strange, or odd in behavior or character.

Example: His reaction was a bit out of the way, as if he had never seen such a thing before. Read more ➺


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