Important Idioms

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dot the i’s and cross the t’s

Meaning: to take care of every detail, even minor ones

Example: I had dotted all the i's and crossed the t's, so I wondered why my application was rejected. Read more ➺


dark horse

Meaning: A person who unexpectedly wins or succeeds, especially when little is known about them.

Example: Jason was hardly mentioned during the race, but he became the dark horse and won the election. Read more ➺


go through channels

Meaning: to follow the correct steps in order to get something done

Example: If you want to get a new licence you will have to go through the proper channels. Otherwise it will not be legal. Read more ➺


to the core

Meaning: Expresses that a feeling or quality affects someone or something deeply and completely.

Example: Losing him hurt me to my core, and I'm still trying to heal. Read more ➺


cut and dried

Meaning: ready-made

Example: The rules in our school are cut and dried. Everyone is expected to follow them. Read more ➺


vice versa

Meaning: a reverse in position

Example: I do not like my sister's new husband, and vice versa. Read more ➺


quote, unquote

Meaning: to use a phrase which has been coined by someone else but saying it in disbelief.

Example: She wants to practice law because it is a quote – respected – unquote - field. Read more ➺


the calm before the storm

Meaning: an extremely peaceful atmosphere right before any serious incident or crisis

Example: The family's meeting on property dispute begins today and I'm just sitting down with a cup of coffee, enjoying the calm before the storm. Read more ➺


call names

Meaning: to insult someone

Example: She was afraid that if she wore spectacles to her school, the other kids would call her names. Read more ➺


Hobson’s choice

Meaning: given two options when in fact there is only one choice

Example: This is the dirtiest hotel that I have ever slept in! It is this room or out on the street, it's Hobson's choice. Read more ➺


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