Idioms beginning with D

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dot the i’s and cross the t’s

Meaning: to take care of every detail, even minor ones

Example: I had dotted all the i's and crossed the t's, so I wondered why my application was rejected. Read more ➺


done for

Meaning: to be over

Example: The deal is done for I am not going to speak with that man again. Read more ➺


dog tired

Meaning: very tired

Example: Now, I am dog-tired after three days of the journey. Read more ➺


dog in the manger

Meaning: one who prevents others from enjoying something despite having no use for it

Example: Stop being such a dog in the manger and let your sister ride your bike if you're not using it. Read more ➺


dog eat dog

Meaning: a very competitive world

Example: The only rule of the marketplace was dog-eat-dog. Read more ➺


dos and don’ts

Meaning: rules about what you must do and what you must not do in a specific condition.

Example: In the back of the guide, there's a list of the dos and don'ts of local etiquette. Read more ➺


do or die

Meaning: a situation in which you must take a big risk in order to avoid failure

Example: A do-or-die attempt to halt the invaders. Read more ➺


dig heels in

Meaning: to be firm and resolute about something

Example: The businessman was digging heels about buying these stocks even though all of his business partners were against it. They finally had to give him his way. Read more ➺


die in harness

Meaning: to expire while working

Example: She doesn't want to retire - she'd rather die in harness. Read more ➺


dark horse

Meaning: A person who unexpectedly wins or succeeds, especially when little is known about them.

Example: Jason was hardly mentioned during the race, but he became the dark horse and won the election. Read more ➺


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