All Idioms

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chew over

Meaning: To think something through carefully and patiently instead of rushing into an answer.

Example: She poured another cup of tea and began to chew over the job offer, turning each detail slowly in her mind. Read more ➺


pull something off

Meaning: To succeed at something really tough or unexpected, especially when most people thought you had no chance.

Example: No one gave the underdog team a chance, but they still managed to pull it off and win the final match. Read more ➺


cut it close

Meaning: When you just barely succeed at something, usually because you left almost no time or room for anything to go wrong.

Example: We left the house with only ten minutes to spare and really cut it close, sliding into our seats just as the movie trailers started rolling. Read more ➺


don’t give a rat’s ass

Meaning: To care so little about something or someone that it barely registers.

Example: I don't give a rat's ass what other people think about my choices—I'm going to live my life the way I want. Read more ➺


brood over

Meaning: To sit and worry about something (a mistake, a problem, or something that went wrong) for a long time, turning it over and over in your mind, usually feeling low or upset while you do it.

Example: After the argument with her sister, Maya sat alone in her room and quietly began to brood over every harsh word that had been said. Read more ➺


cold creep

Meaning: The slow way a material gradually changes shape when it's kept under constant pressure or stress, even at fairly low temperatures.

Example: Under constant load the metal slowly began to bend—cold creep was clearly at work. Read more ➺


put your foot down

Meaning: Refusing to let something continue or making someone stop what they're doing.

Example: When your boss keeps expecting you to stay late night after night, it's time to put your foot down and start protecting your evenings. Read more ➺


any old how

Meaning: In a careless, messy, or untidy way.

Example: She tossed her clothes into the suitcase any old how and dashed out the door to catch her flight. Read more ➺


aura farming

Meaning: Doing cool or confident stuff on purpose just to look better in front of people.

Example: He walked into the room wearing sunglasses and a sharp suit, clearly aura farming to make an impression. Read more ➺


crash out

Meaning: To suddenly lose control of your emotions, especially by becoming extremely angry or upset.

Example: He tends to crash out whenever he feels pushed too far. Read more ➺


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