All Idioms
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drastic times call for drastic measures
Meaning: extreme circumstances can only be resolved by equally extreme actions
Example: After the company had posted losses for the third consecutive year, the board decided to replace all of its top management. After all, drastic times call for drastic measures. Read more ➺
Meaning: a usually humorous way of telling someone not to pursue something full time as he or she is not good at it
Example: I watched your performance at the theater today. My advice is don't give up your day job. Read more ➺
Meaning: to succeed
Example: My neighbor had applied for the post of architect in a big project, but did not cut the mustard. Read more ➺
Meaning: A person who argues against something just to test it.
Example: I'll play devil's advocate and point out the flaws in your plan. Read more ➺
don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: do not count on something that has not yet happened
Example: Before committing to make the payment, wait till you receive the money from the bank. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Read more ➺
Meaning: a privileged or distinguished person.
Example: Recently a party was hosted in the city where all the tall poppies were invited to raise charity for clean shelters in suburbs. Read more ➺
Meaning: one after another
Example: He often works in tandem with an engineer, one coding for the website and the other taking care of website design. Read more ➺
Meaning: done precisely
Example: The announcement of chief guest's arrival at the school annual function was timed to a T. Read more ➺
Meaning: silly act
Example: I want to sleep. Stop disturbing me by your monkey business. Read more ➺
Meaning: an action, whether verbal or physical that makes a bad situation even worse
Example: The presidential candidate’s provocative speech in these violent times is only going to add fuel to the flames. Read more ➺
