Idioms beginning with C

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chop chop

Meaning: An instruction to hurry up or act more quickly.

Example: Chop chop, the taxi is already waiting outside and we're late. Read more ➺


cheek by jowl

Meaning: Very close together; side by side, often with little or no personal space.

Example: People were standing cheek by jowl on the train during the morning rush. Read more ➺


cog in the wheel

Meaning: A person who performs a small, routine role within a large system and has little power or individuality.

Example: In the massive corporation, Marcus felt like a cog in the wheel, following orders with no influence on decisions. Read more ➺


cookie cutter

Meaning: Describing something that is standardized, uniform, or lacking originality, made to look or function exactly like others.

Example: The new apartment complex felt cookie cutter, with identical layouts and colors throughout. Read more ➺


cat’s paw

Meaning: Someone used by another to do risky or dishonest work.

Example: He later realized he had been used as a cat's paw, sent forward to deliver bad news while his boss stayed silent. Read more ➺


count your blessings

Meaning: To remind yourself to appreciate the good things in your life, especially when you feel upset or stressed.

Example: When he felt frustrated about work, his mother reminded him to count your blessings and focus on his family and health. Read more ➺


counting sheep

Meaning: To try to fall asleep by imagining and counting sheep jumping one after another.

Example: When anxiety kept him awake, he began counting sheep to settle his mind and fall asleep. Read more ➺


cold war

Meaning: A state of intense rivalry or hostility between people, groups, or nations that stops short of open violence.

Example: After their argument, the couple lived in a quiet cold war, refusing to speak to each other for days. Read more ➺


caught lacking

Meaning: Caught in a helpless or vulnerable situation when unready or unprepared for it.

Example: The rival crew filmed him outside the store, and he was caught lacking with no one around to help. Read more ➺


cat’s meow

Meaning: Something or someone considered outstanding, admirable, or excellent.

Example: Everyone said the new café was the cat's meow after its grand opening; the pastries and music were perfect. Read more ➺


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