All Idioms

wild card

Meaning: an opportunity to participate in a sporting event without having to compete in qualifying matches or be ranked at a certain level.

Example: Nobody can guess what Mark is going to do next. He's always been a bit of a wild card. Read more ➺

pay as you go

Meaning: a payment system that allows you to pay right before a service you use rather than later.

Example: When it comes to mobile phone contracts, seven out of ten customers opt for pay-as-you-go plans. Read more ➺

by dint of

Meaning: as a result of something

Example: He triumphs by dint of his persistence. Read more ➺

do one’s bit

Meaning: to do a share of a task.

Example: When people can "do their bit", they are helping support a larger cause. Read more ➺

blast from the past

Meaning: a way to refer to something or someone reminding you of an earlier time.

Example: What a blast from the past! I haven't heard that song in years. Read more ➺

birds of a feather

Meaning: people with similar tastes, interests, and backgrounds

Example: Ethan saw Jason had the same type of car and shrugged, "Birds of a feather." Read more ➺

rock the boat

Meaning: to make trouble.

Example: If you don't want any trouble with your boss, then stop rocking the boat. Read more ➺

spare someone’s blushes

Meaning: to stop someone from feeling awkward or embarrassed.

Example: My teacher spoke up to spare the blushes of the new student. Read more ➺

blue eyed boy

Meaning: a person who is treated with special favor.

Example: Managers at Apple have been trained against having blue-eyed boys. Read more ➺

blood, sweat, and tears

Meaning: putting a lot of effort to get a task done.

Example: He has put in nothing but blood, sweat, and tears into this company. Read more ➺