All Idioms

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smell something fishy

Meaning: to have a suspicion that something is wrong

Example: The manager smelled something fishy and started an investigation. He eventually found that 3 of the 4 employees were stealing from the store. Read more ➺


son of a gun

Meaning: to address someone in an affectionate way

Example: The son of a gun managed to pass all the subjects this time along! I am so happy! Read more ➺


southpaw

Meaning: to be left-handed

Example: The mother expected her baby to be a southpaw like her but she was very much right handed. Read more ➺


start from scratch

Meaning: to start doing something over from the beginning

Example: The class has started the lesson from scratch to be able to understand the basics in a better manner. Read more ➺


the bigger they are the harder they fall

Meaning: to fail according to the size of the venture

Example: The prime minister probably realizes that the bigger they are the harder they fall. So he has been very cautious about all of his plans and policies up till now. Read more ➺


the last straw

Meaning: to be the last in a sequence of unpleasant things

Example: The last straw in their relationship was when he physically abused her. She walked out after that. Read more ➺


third time’s a charm

Meaning: to say that when a person tries to do something, it works out at the third attempt

Example: The fellow finally managed to pass his exam. As they say, third time's a charm. Read more ➺


twenty-three skidoo

Meaning: to depart in a haste

Example: The police threatened to imprison everyone in the crowd that did not 23 skidoo from the park. Read more ➺


up a blind alley

Meaning: to be doing something that will definitely have a negative outcome

Example: The trip was up a blind alley it seems because the travel agent could not even jot down a proper itinerary. I wonder why they booked a holiday with such a shady company anyway. Read more ➺


wag the dog

Meaning: Divert attention from something important by focusing on something less significant but more sensational.

Example: The government created a scandal just to wag the dog before elections. Read more ➺


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