Body Idioms

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all thumbs

Meaning: Signifies being awkward or uncoordinated, especially with one's hands, leading to frequent mishandling of objects.​

Example: Sarah tried to sew a button, but she was all thumbs and kept dropping the needle. Read more ➺


under someone’s thumb

Meaning: Completely controlled by someone; at someone's command.

Example: Despite his public bravado, he was under his manager's thumb when it came to career decisions. Read more ➺


on the back foot

Example: After the unexpected merger announcement, our company found itself on the back foot in the market. Read more ➺


neck or nothing

Meaning: In a totally reckless and carefree manner.

Example: Facing bankruptcy, he invested his remaining funds, going neck or nothing to save his business. Read more ➺


foam at the mouth

Meaning: to be extremely angry or agitated.

Example: The CEO began to foam at the mouth when he discovered the financial losses. Read more ➺


armed to the teeth

Meaning: fully equipped with weapons.

Example: The soldiers entered the battlefield armed to the teeth. Read more ➺


pull someone’s leg

Meaning: to tease or joke with someone, often by trying to make them believe something that is not true.

Example: I didn't believe him when he said he saw a UFO; I knew he was just pulling my leg. Read more ➺


butter fingers

Meaning: a person who frequently drops things.

Example: Mark, our star receiver, turned into a butterfingers and dropped the ball at the crucial moment. Read more ➺


hand to mouth

Meaning: Living with only enough for immediate needs; no savings or surplus.

Example: After losing his job, he had to live hand to mouth, relying on daily wages for food. Read more ➺


grin from ear to ear

Meaning: to have a wide smile extending from one ear to the other, often indicating extreme joy or satisfaction.

Example: When Sophia saw her birthday cake, she grinned from ear to ear. Read more ➺


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