Biblical Idioms

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the eleventh hour

Meaning: at the very last minute before an event

Example: Just minutes before the deadline, he definitely submitted his assignment at the eleventh hour. Read more ➺


forbidden fruit is always the sweetest

Meaning: to desire something that is not within a feasible reach

Example: The guy thinks that the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest and keeps asking her out even though she has refused him several times. I seem to think that this is becoming unhealthy and obsessive. Read more ➺


idle hands are the devil’s tools

Meaning: if you have nothing to do, you are likely to do some mischief

Example: All the kids should be kept busy while you are away; idle hands are the devil's tools. Read more ➺


good Samaritan

Meaning: someone who tries to help people in trouble or need

Example: The beggar was lying shivering on the road when a good Samaritan came along and gave him a blanket and some warm clothes. Read more ➺


labour of love

Meaning: a task done for the pleasure of doing it, not for gains or rewards

Example: Every morning, he dusted, cleaned and wound up the old grandfather clock that he had inherited as a family heirloom. It was truly a labour of love. Read more ➺


jot or tittle

Meaning: A very small amount; the tiniest detail.

Example: Not a jot or tittle of truth remained in his excuse. Read more ➺


a little bird told me

Meaning: to receive information from a secret source.

Example: I'd like to believe that a little birdie told you about my secret, but I know exactly who it was that let you in on it. Read more ➺


flesh and blood

Meaning: The phrase refers to immediate family members who share DNA, such as parents, siblings, and children.

Example: He treats his nephew with special care because he is his own flesh and blood. Read more ➺


a drowning man will clutch at a straw

Meaning: It refers to the desperate measures that someone in need may make in order to come out of the situation.

Example: Although there was no possibility of success he tried his hand at this interview to get a job because a downing man will even clutch at a straw. Read more ➺


a leopard can’t change his spots

Meaning: one cannot change who they are

Example: He is bound to fail the exam again, a Leopard cannot change his spots after all. Read more ➺


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