Clothes Idioms

Page 1 of 2

cut from the same cloth

Meaning: share similar qualities.

Example: The new partners were cut from the same cloth—they had innovative ideas and ambitions for growth. Read more ➺


cut your coat according to your cloth

Meaning: adapt to one's circumstances; make sure one's plans are appropriate to one's resources.

Example: Of course, we'd love a luxurious car, but you have to cut your coat according to your cloth. Read more ➺


give it a whirl

Meaning: to try something new.

Example: The ski instructor told Sally to "give it a whirl" on the beginner's ski slope by following his exact moves. Read more ➺


keep your pants on

Meaning: to tell someone to be calm.

Example: I told him to keep his pants on after being punked. 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 ➺


to the nines

Meaning: to perfection

Example: The masked ball was excellent. You should have seen the costumes. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Read more ➺


bundle up

Meaning: to dress warmly to protect oneself from the elements

Example: It is important to bundle up before you go out to keep from getting cold. Read more ➺


buck up

Meaning: to summon the courage to do something

Example: After losing the first place position to Martha, everyone heard Mary's mother tell her to buck up. Read more ➺


pull the wool over eyes

Meaning: to deceive someone

Example: I'm not as dumb as you think; don't try to pull the wool over my eyes. Read more ➺


wash dirty linen in public

Meaning: discuss publicly matters that one should keep private

Example: She decided not to take the family dispute to court as she feared it would only lead to a lot of washing of dirty linen in public. Read more ➺


Share
Share