All Idioms

Page 109 of 238

fiddle while Rome burns

Meaning: to perform an inconsequential task or act irresponsibly in the midst of a disastrous event.

Example: Vacuuming the carpet while her co-worker was in with the boss, trying to steal her job, felt like fiddling while Rome burned. Read more ➺


yoke around one’s neck

Meaning: a fatiguing burden.

Example: I refused to be the yoke around his neck, and so I turned down his generous offer of employment in a job for which I was unqualified. Read more ➺


get out of dodge

Meaning: to leave.

Example: When I saw the big dog stalking toward me, growling and slobbering, I knew it was time to get out of dodge. Read more ➺


show the door

Meaning: make it clear that somebody must leave

Example: After we finished our talk, he showed me to the door. Read more ➺


tasted blood

Meaning: to experience something thrilling and exciting, and want to experience it again.

Example: Once a wolf has tasted blood, it has to be put down. Read more ➺


by and by

Meaning: soon; after a while.

Example: By and by, she paused to make sure everyone was paying attention. Read more ➺


break the news

Meaning: to make something known to everybody.

Example: We are going to have to break the news to the kids that the concert has been cancelled. Read more ➺


wet blanket

Meaning: A person who spoils others' fun by being negative or dull.

Example: Mark was such a wet blanket at the barbecue that everyone stopped joking around. Read more ➺


go bananas

Meaning: become very angry or act crazy

Example: She'll go bananas if she sees the house in this (dirty) condition. Read more ➺


it’s not brain surgery

Meaning: to indicate that a specific task is simple and easy to undertake 

Example: Learning to ride a bike is simple, it's not brain surgery. Read more ➺


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