Body Idioms

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upper hand

Meaning: to have the authority to make decisions over someone or something

Example: The man has an upper hand to his wife. It is reflected in the way he speaks with her. 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 ➺


joined at the hip

Meaning: two people who are inseparable

Example: Chris and Jenny have been joined at the hip since they started dating each other a year ago. You would never see one without the other. Read more ➺


born with a silver spoon in mouth

Meaning: to be born to parents who are rich and have a good social rank

Example: He has never worked hard for anything because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His parents brought everything to him instead. 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 ➺


scratch back

Meaning: do someone a favour hoping that a favour will be returned

Example: I don't mind helping him out this time, he's scratched my back many times. Read more ➺


break a leg

Meaning: good luck

Example: "Break a leg!" shouted the stage director to his actors before the beginning of the play. Read more ➺


tongue in cheek

Meaning: something said in humour, but with an act of being serious

Example: The latest movie I watched was a tongue in cheek look at the way the media tends to over-hype certain pieces of news. Read more ➺


rule of thumb

Meaning: a principle that is kept to

Example: As a rule of thumb, I do not start a new project on Fridays. Read more ➺


find one’s feet

Meaning: To become comfortable and confident in a new environment or situation.

Example: She struggled for a few weeks in her new job, but she soon found her feet and began handling clients with ease. Read more ➺


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