Important Idioms

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lead astray

Meaning: make someone act or think in a wrong or foolish manner.

Example: The interrogators in the case were led astray by false information from one of the witnesses. Read more ➺


my way or the highway

Meaning: to order someone to do something in a specific way without providing an alternative.

Example: In my house, it is my way or the highway. He was told by his father after coming back home drunk. Read more ➺


willy-nilly

Meaning: something that happens when the people involved do not want it to occur.

Example: Each side was drawn willy-nilly into the battle. Read more ➺


straighten up and fly right

Meaning: to get serious and stop acting absurd anymore.

Example: You haven't been staying on top of your homework. You better straighten up and fly right or you will get a bad grade. Read more ➺


every man Jack

Meaning: everyone without exceptions.

Example: I'd bet every man Jack of them are spies. Read more ➺


make a beeline for

Meaning: to go straight for something.

Example: The linebacker made a beeline for the quarterback when he saw an opening. Read more ➺


cross paths

Meaning: encounter or meet someone by chance.

Example: I believe we will cross paths soon. Read more ➺


riddle me

Meaning: a catchphrase used to introduce a joke, observation, question, or riddle.

Example: Despite acting so confidently, riddle me this: how will we get all that money within a day? Read more ➺


by dint of

Meaning: as a result of something

Example: He triumphs by dint of his persistence. Read more ➺


wide berth

Meaning: avoid (a person, place, or circumstance)

Example: When walking through the yard, make sure you leave a wide berth for the dog, or he may bite you. Read more ➺


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