Idioms beginning with F

Page 2 of 11

fine tooth comb

Meaning: To search something very carefully and thoroughly, examining every small detail.

Example: The detective went over the crime scene with a fine-tooth comb, making sure not to miss even the tiniest piece of evidence. Read more ➺


fits and starts

Meaning: Irregular activity with pauses and interruptions.

Example: The old bus moved in fits and starts, shaking the passengers. Read more ➺


feathers fly

Meaning: A heated argument, quarrel, or conflict where emotions run high.

Example: The boardroom was tense, and feathers fly when the team debates budget cuts. Read more ➺


first fiddle

Meaning: Lead – to have the main or dominant role in a group or activity.

Example: As captain, she plays first fiddle in every game strategy. Read more ➺


flotsam and jetsam

Meaning: Refers to unwanted or discarded items, especially things considered useless or of little value.

Example: After cleaning the attic, we tossed out the flotsam and jetsam collected over decades. Read more ➺


fight a losing battle

Meaning: Try hard to achieve something that is unlikely to succeed.

Example: She fought a losing battle to save the old tree from being cut down. Read more ➺


fall flat

Meaning: Fail to produce the intended effect or fail to impress the audience.

Example: Her joke fell flat and no one in the room laughed. Read more ➺


follow suit

Meaning: To replicate the actions of someone else, typically because they are seen as a model or leader.

Example: After seeing the team's success, many companies decided to follow suit and adopt similar strategies. Read more ➺


for keeps

Meaning: Forever or permanently – Refers to something intended to last or remain indefinitely, with no plan of reversal or return.

Example: After years of dating, they finally got married for keeps. Read more ➺


fly too close to the sun

Meaning: Indicates becoming excessively ambitious or greedy, leading to one's downfall.

Example: Despite repeated warnings, Alex flew too close to the sun by investing all his savings in risky stocks. Read more ➺


Share
Share