Idioms beginning with H

Page 1 of 13

haul over the coals

Meaning: To scold or criticize someone very severely for a mistake or wrongdoing.

Example: The teacher had to haul over the coals the students who cheated on the exam. Read more ➺


horse around

Meaning: To play roughly or behave in a silly, noisy way.

Example: The boys were horsing around in the backyard and accidentally broke the window. Read more ➺


hustle and bustle

Meaning: Busy and noisy activity in a place full of people.

Example: After moving to Chicago, Daniel needed time to adjust to the hustle and bustle of city life. Read more ➺


hands down

Meaning: Without any doubt; clearly the best or most obvious.

Example: This restaurant is hands down the best place to eat in the city. Read more ➺


halcyon days

Meaning: A past period remembered as peaceful, happy, and prosperous.

Example: He often described his childhood as the halcyon days, when life felt simple and secure. Read more ➺


hold the fort

Meaning: To take temporary responsibility while someone else is absent.

Example: She stayed late to hold the fort while her manager attended an off-site meeting. Read more ➺


heavy going

Meaning: Difficult and slow to make progress, requiring sustained effort or patience.

Example: Negotiations over the contract were heavy going, with little progress after hours of discussion. Read more ➺


head to head

Meaning: In direct competition between two people, teams, or sides.

Example: The two tech companies are going head-to-head as they launch their flagship phones. Read more ➺


happy cake day

Meaning: A playful way to wish someone a happy birthday, used casually like a light-hearted variant.

Example: At work, someone surprised him with cupcakes and said "happy cake day" for his birthday. Read more ➺


hands on

Meaning: Actively involved in doing something directly, not just supervising or watching.

Example: The manager took a hands-on approach and worked with the team on the shop floor. Read more ➺


Share
Share