All Idioms

with bells on

Meaning: Very eagerly or enthusiastically; with clear excitement and willingness.

Example: She agreed to help organize the event with bells on, excited to be involved from the start. Read more ➺

the proof is in the pudding

Meaning: The true value or quality of something can only be judged by actual results or experience.

Example: The team liked the proposal, but the proof is in the pudding once the product reaches customers. Read more ➺

blow your top

Meaning: To suddenly lose your temper and become very angry.

Example: Try not to blow your top when the delay is only a few minutes. Read more ➺

cookie cutter

Meaning: Describing something that is standardized, uniform, or lacking originality, made to look or function exactly like others.

Example: The new apartment complex felt cookie cutter, with identical layouts and colors throughout. Read more ➺

bah humbug

Meaning: An exclamation expressing disapproval, annoyance, or contempt, used to dismiss something seen as foolish, false, or irritating.

Example: He waved off the proposal with a sharp bah humbug, refusing to take it seriously. Read more ➺

on a shoestring

Meaning: Done or operated with very little money.

Example: The nonprofit organization was run on a shoestring, depending heavily on donations and volunteers. Read more ➺

hold the fort

Meaning: To take temporary responsibility while someone else is absent.

Example: She stayed late to hold the fort while her manager attended an off-site meeting. Read more ➺

straight face

Meaning: A calm, serious expression that shows no emotion, especially when humor or surprise would normally appear.

Example: He told the ridiculous story with a straight face, leaving everyone unsure whether he was serious. Read more ➺

cat’s paw

Meaning: Someone used by another to do risky or dishonest work.

Example: He later realized he had been used as a cat's paw, sent forward to deliver bad news while his boss stayed silent. Read more ➺

road to Damascus

Meaning: A sudden and dramatic change in beliefs, attitude, or behavior.

Example: After witnessing the harm his decisions caused, the experience became his road to Damascus and changed his life. Read more ➺