Idioms beginning with J
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Meaning: Suddenly stop or halt an action, plan, or process. (figurative)
Example: After the budget cuts, management jammed on the brakes and suspended all new projects. (figurative) Read more ➺
Meaning: A promise of something good that is always said to come later but never actually arrives.
Example: After years of unkept political pledges, the people saw the new campaign as just jam tomorrow. Read more ➺
Meaning: To reach the point where something, usually a TV show or project, starts to decline in quality or popularity.
Example: Many fans felt the series began to jump the shark when they introduced a random alien character. Read more ➺
Meaning: An ideal or traditional bride, since June is considered the most popular and lucky month for weddings. (figurative)
Example: The June bride was celebrated as a symbol of happiness and good fortune. (figurative) Read more ➺
Meaning: Expresses annoyance at something unfortunate happening.
Example: The train left two minutes before I arrived — just my luck. Read more ➺
Meaning: Looking at things with prejudice or a negative, critical view, often because of past experiences.
Example: She looked at the promotion decision with a jaundiced eye, assuming favoritism was involved. Read more ➺
Meaning: Launch a direct and aggressive attack at someone’s most vulnerable point.
Example: In the final debate, she didn’t hold back—she went for the jugular and exposed her rival's biggest flaw. Read more ➺
Meaning: An extraordinary quality not easily defined, described or expressed.
Example: Despite his plain appearance, he has je ne sais quoi that draws everyone in. Read more ➺
Meaning: Abandoning a situation, relationship, or entity when difficulties arise or prospects seem unfavorable.
Example: When the company's stock prices started plummeting, many employees decided to jump ship. Read more ➺
Meaning: Refers to a person skilled in many different kinds of work but not necessarily an expert in any one.
Example: As a jack of all trades, she fixes computers, paints walls, and bakes cakes for her family. Read more ➺
