Idioms beginning with D

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drive home

Meaning: strongly emphasize or reinforce a point.

Example: The instructor repeated the key point slowly to drive home the importance of following safety procedures. Read more ➺


dead end

Meaning: a position or job with no hope of progress; a blind alley.

Example: The interlocutors have reached a dead end in their efforts to discover a peaceful solution to the imbroglio. Read more ➺


divide and conquer (or rule)

Meaning: gain an advantage over others by creating divisions.

Example: The plan today is to divide and conquer to complete our coursework. Read more ➺


death knell

Meaning: cause a system, organization, or activity to fail or come to an end.

Example: The shutdown of the local iron industry tolled the death knell for the village. Read more ➺


doubting Thomas

Meaning: always a doubtful person.

Example: He's such a doubting Thomas that he won't believe unless he sees things through his eyes. Read more ➺


devil may care

Meaning: very casual attitude.

Example: The opening batsman's devil-may-care approach may ruin his chances of securing a permanent spot in the team. Read more ➺


deliver the goods

Meaning: do what is required.

Example: So far, the team's new player has failed to deliver the goods. He failed to open his account in his first three games. Read more ➺


done in

Meaning: be too tired to do any more.

Example: He was done in after working the night shift. Read more ➺


down the road

Meaning: at a future point or end.

Example: Somewhere down the road, I think he'll make it big. Read more ➺


drag feet (or heels)

Meaning: to do something slowly because you do not want to do it.

Example: I suspect the government is dragging its heels over this issue. Read more ➺


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