All Idioms
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Meaning: Describes a skill that, once learned, is never forgotten, even after a long period without practice.
Example: After years away from the piano, she found playing again was like riding a bike. Read more ➺
Meaning: To have an impact or effect on a situation, typically leading to improvement.
Example: Her donation to the charity will make a difference in the lives of many children. Read more ➺
Meaning: Paying an excessive or exorbitant amount for something.
Example: They had to pay through the nose for last-minute concert tickets. Read more ➺
Meaning: New York City: Informally, "Big Apple" refers to New York City.
Example: After graduating, she moved to the Big Apple to pursue her acting career. Read more ➺
Meaning: To be attentive to one's manners and behavior.
Example: At the formal dinner, she was reminded to mind her p's and q's. Read more ➺
Meaning: To suffer the consequences of one's actions without assistance.
Example: After realizing his mistake, he had to stew in his own juice without expecting any help. Read more ➺
Meaning: A critical or disastrous situation arising from the powerful convergence of multiple factors.
Example: The economic downturn, coupled with rising unemployment and inflation, created a perfect storm for the nation's financial crisis. Read more ➺
Meaning: Be in a very dangerous situation or state; to be very close to death, failure, etc.
Example: The company's future is hanging by a thread after the recent financial crisis. Read more ➺
Meaning: Fabricated entirely; without any basis in fact. This definition indicates that something is completely made up, with no grounding in reality.
Example: The entire story he told about meeting a famous celebrity was made out of whole cloth to impress his friends. Read more ➺
Meaning: Metaphorical Usage: An action or thing intended to conceal something embarrassing or shameful, often inadequately.
Example: The company's charitable donation was merely a fig leaf to distract from its environmental violations. Read more ➺