All Idioms
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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 more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
Meaning: to threaten someone, but not take action or follow through with threats
Example: "I haven't finished my maths homework. You know what Mr Peterson is like, he'll shout so loud they will hear him in the next town.""Yes, but barking dogs seldom bite. It's just his way." Read more ➺
Meaning: an action/event that will help bring about the death, end, or failure of something or someone
Example: She was late for the fourth day in a row. It will be another nail in her coffin when the boss hears about it. Read more ➺
Meaning: to do or say something that makes people feel more comfortable, especially at the start of a meeting or party
Example: Jone suggested playing a party game to break the ice. Read more ➺
Meaning: not as simple as it looks
Example: I had done some research, but there's more to the subject than meets the eye. Read more ➺
Meaning: more money going out than coming in
Example: If your bank account goes in the red, the bank will charge you for every transaction. Read more ➺
