Idioms beginning with F

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forty acres and a mule

Meaning: It represents unmet expectations, especially when it comes to promised reparations or compensation.

Example: Many African Americans view the unfulfilled promise of forty acres and a mule as a symbol of systemic injustice. Read more ➺


fish or cut bait

Meaning: Instructing someone to either proceed with an activity or abandon it entirely, emphasizing the need to make a decision and act upon it.

Example: The project has stalled; it's time to fish or cut bait. Read more ➺


false alarm

Meaning: An alert or warning that ultimately proves to be untrue or unwarranted, often leading to unnecessary panic or action.

Example: The fire drill turned out to be a false alarm, but everyone evacuated quickly. Read more ➺


foam at the mouth

Meaning: to be extremely angry or agitated.

Example: The CEO began to foam at the mouth when he discovered the financial losses. Read more ➺


fight fire with fire

Meaning: respond to an aggressive or harmful action by using similar tactics.

Example: When competitors started lowering their prices, the company decided to fight fire with fire and reduced their prices too. Read more ➺


French leave

Meaning: leaving a place or event without informing anyone or seeking permission.

Example: After the boring lecture started, he took French leave and went to a coffee shop instead. Read more ➺


fly in the air

Meaning: to be elated, extremely happy, or in high spirits.

Example: After winning the lottery, she felt like she was flying in the air. Read more ➺


fourth estate

Meaning: used to describe the press and news media, acknowledging their significant role in society.

Example: The role of the fourth estate is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy. Read more ➺


feel like a million bucks

Meaning: describes a state of peak physical well-being and high energy.

Example: After my morning run and a healthy breakfast, I feel like a million bucks. Read more ➺


fall between two stools

Meaning: to come between two alternatives, and so fail to fulfill either of them.

Example: This book cannot be an academic one, nor can it be a popular commercial one; it falls between two stools. Read more ➺


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