Idioms beginning with D

Page 6 of 12

dig one’s own grave

Meaning: to do something that has negative consequences for you, even though these consequences can be easily seen.

Example: She dug her own grave when she started talking behind her boss's back. Read more ➺


do one’s bit

Meaning: to do a share of a task.

Example: When people can "do their bit", they are helping support a larger cause. Read more ➺


dog’s life

Meaning: a miserable and unpleasant life

Example: Mark's been leading a dog's life since he was fired from the job. Read more ➺


dab hand

Meaning: an expert or skilled person

Example: Sophia is a dab hand at cooking. Read more ➺


black mood

Meaning: to be angry, irritable or in a temper

Example: Geoff was in one of his black moods today, and no amount of cajoling could snap him out of it. Read more ➺


Dutch uncle

Meaning: criticize, scold or lecture someone

Example: I thought he would approve of my choices, but he ranted on like a Dutch uncle for a whole hour. Read more ➺


goose egg

Meaning: zero

Example: We had a good game, but the score was goose egg. Read more ➺


does exactly what it says on the tin

Meaning: someone or something is exactly as they seem

Example: This medicine does exactly what it says on the tin, because I feel so much better. Read more ➺


drain the swamp

Meaning: rooting out the practice of corruption

Example: No matter how critical it is, Draining the swamps would be just about impossible unless we citizens take action against it in the union. Read more ➺


dead in the water

Meaning: unable to produce movement

Example: Their company is trying to revive an income that is dead in the water. Read more ➺


Share
Share