Body

bare bones

Meaning: most basic and important elements or facts

Example: Wendy told us a bare-bones version of the long story. Read more ➺

cold shoulder

Meaning: to treat somebody with coldness and contempt

Example: I fought with my wife, and she is now giving me the cold shoulder. Read more ➺

leg up

Meaning: give or receive assistance to achieve a goal

Example: Completing the summer study program gives pupils a leg up in the following academic year. Read more ➺

skeleton in the closet

Meaning: a secret of an embarrassing, guilty or shameful nature that you don't want to disclose

Example: I have come to know that Eric has a skeleton in his cupboard. Read more ➺

on/to hand

Meaning: present, nearby, close, or easily accessible

Example: My parents are always on hand if we need a babysitter. Read more ➺

heads will roll

Meaning: people will be fired or forced to resign

Example: Heads are going to roll when the boss finds out about the missing stock. Read more ➺

red-handed

Meaning: doing or about to do something illegal or wrong

Example: They caught him red-handed with his fingerprints all over the murder weapon. Read more ➺

fight tooth and nail

Meaning: to fight very fiercely

Example: I want this job so I'm going to fight tooth and nail for it. Read more ➺

sticky fingers

Meaning: keep objects that don't belong to you

Example: Money had started disappearing from the treasury coffers so, they realised that someone had sticky fingers. Read more ➺

pat on the back

Meaning: to receive or express praise for a job well done

Example: He received a pat on the back from his boss from the new project that he landed. Read more ➺