Idioms beginning with K
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kill the goose that lays the golden egg
Meaning: to destroy something that is profitable to you mostly because of greed.
Example: By selling off his business, Alex killed the goose that lays the golden egg. Read more ➺
Meaning: to stay out of trouble by not doing anything wrong
Example: By avoiding the drug dealers on the corner street, James was making an effort to keep his nose clean. Read more ➺
Meaning: to request someone to stay calm and not get annoyed
Example: The general kept his hair on during the meeting this time. Read more ➺
keep your friends close and your enemies closer
Meaning: to keep a keen eye on enemies beyond what one might have on their friends
Example: As a politician you must keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Read more ➺
Meaning: to stay informed.
Example: The company keeps on top of the news to find out if the merger is being showed in good light. Read more ➺
Meaning: tap knuckle on wood in order to avoid bad luck
Example: I am expecting a promotion and a big pay hike this year, touch wood. Read more ➺
Meaning: an automatic response to something
Example: It was a typical knee jerk reaction. He said no immediately without considering our proposal. Read more ➺
Meaning: manage to stay alive with very little money
Example: When he first came to the city, he earned barely enough to keep body and soul together. Read more ➺
Meaning: to become friendly again after an argument
Example: After having a heated argument the previous night, the young couple kissed and made up and decided to settle their differences amicably. Read more ➺
Meaning: To be quiet when one knows that if the wrong thing is said then there will be more trouble.
Example: I can’t tell you because you will not be able to keep schtum about it. Read more ➺
