All Idioms

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on the blink

Meaning: to be malfunctioning or not operating correctly.

Example: The computer is on the blink again; I really need to check whether there's a virus causing problems. Read more ➺


busy as a beaver

Meaning: work very hard and actively.

Example: I often find my husband in the garage, busy as a beaver, working on some new project. Read more ➺


red zone

Meaning: any geographical area that is thought to be dangerous or threatening, usually as a consequence of political or military activity.

Example: The alley behind the schoolyard is effectively a "red zone," since that is where all of the bullies hang out. Read more ➺


hand in hand

Meaning: close ties or connections

Example: I saw a couple walking hand in hand along the beach.  Read more ➺


upside down

Meaning: literally refers to an object that has been reoriented so that the portion which would otherwise be considered the top is now at the bottom, i.e., it is in an inverted position.

Example: Out of embarrassment, I turned the book upside down so that he would not see the title of what I was reading. Read more ➺


make common cause

Meaning: to enter into an agreement or shared effort, especially for expedient purposes and with a party (or parties) otherwise deemed to be enemies.

Example: We have set aside our disagreements and made common cause. Read more ➺


red book

Meaning: any document or publication, which is bound in red and serves as an official collection of rules, regulations, laws, or legal principles.

Example: I will need to consult the red book to determine whether there is an exception to the rule. Read more ➺


roots run deep

Meaning: similar in meaning to "deep-rooted."

Example: His family has long been supported the monarchy; their royalist roots run deep. Read more ➺


light of one’s life

Meaning: someone who makes one very happy.

Example: Because he was there with him through everything, he saw him as the light of his life. Read more ➺


chip off the old block

Meaning: the term is used to describe people who look like their parents.

Example: Like his brother, he is a chip off the old block, very rude in behavior and stout in physique. Read more ➺


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