List of All Idioms
Page 1 of 145
Meaning: the initiative for taking action lies with somebody
Example: We did what we could, and now the ball is in your court. Read on
Meaning: alert to new trends, ideas, and methods
Example: The mother is glad to know that her son is always on the ball to learn new things in class. Read on
Meaning: present, nearby, close, or easily accessible
Example: My parents are always on hand if we need a babysitter. Read on
Meaning: time is persistent; as it passes eventually, everything goes back to its original state or place
Example: After my breakup with Judy, I couldn't understand why things had to end so tragically, but I now understand time puts everything in its place in my new relationship. Read on
Meaning: official report or guide
Example: The government will be issuing a white paper later this week. Read on
Meaning: it is necessary to work hard or strive to reap rewards
Example: If you want to win the title next month, you have to train for an extra hour every day next week. No pain, no gain. Read on
Meaning: over excessive or time-consuming rules and bureaucracy that hinder progress
Example: She could have finished the project last week, but it was impossible to cut through all the red tape. Read on
Meaning: apply more effort to achieve a goal
Example: The team got through to the quarter-finals. Now they need to take it up a notch to get to the semis. Read on
Meaning: try to calm, soothe or placate a problematic situation
Example: She's such a calm person; last week, the whole office was in uproar until she stepped in and poured oil on troubled waters. Read on
Meaning: a difficult, controversial, or obvious problem that no one wants to talk about or mention because the subject is problematic, uncomfortable, or awkward
Example: When Geoff arrived at the meeting yesterday, he had a huge black eye. He gave us no explanation, and nobody dared ask him about it. So we sat there for the whole morning with this elephant in the room. Read on