All Idioms

Page 161 of 242

finishing touch

Meaning: something that is added to ensure that something else is made complete

Example: Mike was sure he would ace the auditions as he put finishing touches on his performance. Read more ➺


necessary evil

Meaning: something unpleasant that must be done in order to achieve a goal or objective

Example: Mike saw his going to work for his father as a necessary evil if he was ever to own his own company someday Read more ➺


shades of grey

Meaning: refers to a situation where things are not really clear

Example: Tina's story to the police on how she got mugged was different shades of grey as it was not consistent. Read more ➺


means to an end

Meaning: a necessary action carried out just to achieve a goal

Example: Her working as a public defender was not due to her passion for the job but solely as a means to an end. Read more ➺


line in the sand

Meaning: a boundary beyond which one cannot proceed without consequences

Example: His resolve to either get a paid internship or drop out of school was his line in the sand. Read more ➺


full of beans

Meaning: to be optimistic or enthusiastic.

Example: Upon hearing the good news, Mary was definitely full of beans. Read more ➺


from pillar to post

Meaning: to move from one place to another with no purpose and direction

Example: Failing to get a satisfactory answer from her doctor, Mary went from pillar to post searching for a cure for her illness. Read more ➺


shed light

Meaning: to explain something in order to make it easier to understand.

Example: Due to the complicated equations, we thought it is best to hire a private tutor to shed more light on the topics. Read more ➺


laughter is the best medicine

Meaning: means that laughter can help cure negative feelings such as stress, anger, worry, depression, etc.

Example: After spending several hours in good company, Martha felt her depression lifting and realised that laughter is indeed the best medicine. Read more ➺


butter up

Meaning: to flatter someone so as to get something in return from them

Example: Mary's nice compliments about her not so nice boss made it clear that she was just trying to butter him up. Read more ➺


Share
Share