All Idioms

Page 22 of 238

close quarters

Meaning: Immediate contact or close range, especially physical proximity.

Example: The two wrestlers came into close quarters on the mat, leaving no room to escape. Read more ➺


dressing down

Meaning: A severe scolding or strong reprimand, usually from a superior.

Example: The manager gave the late employees a dressing-down for missing the meeting. Read more ➺


hold out

Meaning: To resist or refuse to give in.

Example: The small town managed to hold out against the enemy until help arrived. Read more ➺


on the heels of

Meaning: Happening soon after something else.

Example: The festival was organized on the heels of the city's anniversary celebration. Read more ➺


horses for courses

Meaning: Different people are suited to different tasks.

Example: The manager said horses for courses when assigning tasks to team members based on their strengths. Read more ➺


on the horns of a dilemma

Meaning: Forced to choose between two equally bad or undesirable options.

Example: She found herself on the horns of a dilemma, unsure whether to follow her heart or her family's wishes. Read more ➺


hope against hope

Meaning: To keep hoping even when the situation seems hopeless.

Example: She waited by the phone, hope against hope that her son would call. Read more ➺


at large

Meaning: Not caught; free (used for criminals, dangerous animals, or fugitives).

Example: The thief is still at large, and police are searching the city. Read more ➺


off color

Meaning: Inappropriate or indecent, especially a joke or remark.

Example: His speech shocked the audience because he slipped in an off color joke. Read more ➺


go overboard

Meaning: To do too much of something.

Example: She really goes overboard with the decorations, and the house looks like a wedding hall. Read more ➺


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