All Idioms
Page 2 of 235
now the monkey jumps into the water
Meaning: Now comes the most important or decisive moment.
Example: After months of preparation, the team launched the software, and now the monkey jumps into the water—everyone waited to see if it would work. Read more ➺
Meaning: A quick, unfair criticism aimed at an easy target.
Example: The columnist took a pot shot at the mayor's decision without offering any alternative plan. Read more ➺
Meaning: To scold or criticize someone very severely for a mistake or wrongdoing.
Example: The teacher had to haul over the coals the students who cheated on the exam. Read more ➺
Meaning: The most important practical facts or details; the essentials.
Example: After a few minutes of small talk, the manager got down to brass tacks and discussed the project deadline. Read more ➺
Meaning: Goods sold without taxes or import duties, usually at airports or international travel zones.
Example: She bought a bottle of perfume at a duty-free shop in the airport to save money on taxes. Read more ➺
Meaning: The most important basic details of something.
Example: After a quick overview, the teacher explained the nitty-gritty of the topic so students could understand the key details. Read more ➺
Meaning: A state of mental overload or confusion caused by too many thoughts.
Example: After juggling multiple deadlines all day, her brain stew left her unable to concentrate on even simple tasks. Read more ➺
Meaning: Something extremely good, useful, or innovative.
Example: Everyone in tech says the new AI tool is like sliced bread because it saves so much time. Read more ➺
Meaning: Noisy confusion and frantic activity.
Example: The office was full of alarums and excursions when the servers suddenly went down. Read more ➺
Meaning: To play roughly or behave in a silly, noisy way.
Example: The boys were horsing around in the backyard and accidentally broke the window. Read more ➺
