Body Idioms

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break one’s back

Meaning: get through the hardest part of something.

Example: I'm tired and need an ice-cold drink. I broke my back at work today on that project. Read more ➺


body and soul

Meaning: with all one's effort and ability

Example: A great painter must put their body and soul onto the canvas. Read more ➺


it’s not brain surgery

Meaning: to indicate that a specific task is simple and easy to undertake 

Example: Learning to ride a bike is simple, it's not brain surgery. Read more ➺


the brains behind

Meaning: used to refer to the person who originally invented a particular scheme, plan or idea

Example: Gladys was the brains behind the successful birthday party that left all the children smiling on their way back home. Read more ➺


word of mouth

Meaning: oral communication

Example: To truly create the right buzz about this movie, we need to get the required word of mouth going in this city. Read more ➺


big mouth

Meaning: someone who talks too much

Example: Your big mouth always gets you in trouble at school, Steven! Read more ➺


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 ➺


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