All Idioms

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ante up

Meaning: Increase the stakes, risk, or effort in a situation.

Example: If we want this project to succeed, we'll need to ante up more resources. Read more ➺


can’t hold a candle to

Meaning: shows inferiority by comparison; used when one thing is considered much less impressive or competent than another.

Example: Sarah is an excellent chef, but her cooking can't hold a candle to her mother's. Read more ➺


kickback

Meaning: Bribery Payment: An illicit payment, often disguised as a reward, given to someone in return for facilitating a transaction, especially to influence an outcome favorably.

Example: The contractor offered a kickback to secure the building project. Read more ➺


let the dust settle

Meaning: waiting until a situation becomes clear or stable after a period of confusion or turmoil.

Example: After the argument, they decided to let the dust settle before talking again. Read more ➺


God forbid

Meaning: used to express a strong wish that something undesirable or bad does not happen.

Example: God forbid that we lose the match after working so hard all season. Read more ➺


under the sun

Meaning: Everything in existence or possible: Refers to anything and everything that exists in the world or universe. It is often used to convey a broad scope of possibilities or matters.

Example: He tried every solution under the sun to fix the broken machine. Read more ➺


as clear as mud

Meaning: extremely unclear or confusing.

Example: The instructions for setting up the Wi-Fi were as clear as mud. Read more ➺


make waves

Meaning: create a disturbance or controversy, often by challenging the status quo.

Example: She didn't want to make waves at the meeting, so she kept her opinion to herself. Read more ➺


bad apple

Meaning: a person who negatively influences or corrupts others within a group.

Example: One bad apple in the team can disrupt the whole project. Read more ➺


smart cookie

Meaning: a person who is clever, intelligent, or sharp in thinking and problem-solving.

Example: Jane is a smart cookie; she solved the puzzle in minutes. Read more ➺


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