All Idioms

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axe to grind

Meaning: To have a strong personal opinion or selfish motive.

Example: Michael criticized the company policy because he had an axe to grind with his supervisor. Read more ➺


Adam’s ale

Meaning: Plain drinking water.

Example: After working in the yard all afternoon, Tom cooled himself with Adam's ale from the kitchen faucet. Read more ➺


at arm’s length

Meaning: Keeping someone emotionally distant.

Example: Kevin kept his neighbors at arm's length because he valued his privacy. Read more ➺


in the ascendant

Meaning: to become more powerful.

Example: The Jones' have been in the ascendant ever since the 1800's. They are now the most influential family in the United Kingdom, after the Queen's own of course. Read more ➺


as and when

Meaning: At the time something happens or becomes necessary.

Example: The support team answered customer emails as and when problems appeared. Read more ➺


up in arms

Meaning: Very angry or upset about something.

Example: Residents were up in arms after the town decided to raise property taxes again. Read more ➺


long arm of the law

Meaning: It refers to the power of the law to catch criminals wherever they hide.

Example: The fugitive believed he was safe abroad, but the long arm of the law eventually caught up with him. Read more ➺


seal of approval

Meaning: Official or public approval of something.

Example: The new product received the seal of approval from safety inspectors before reaching stores. Read more ➺


upset the applecart

Meaning: To disturb a stable situation or create problems.

Example: The manager's sudden decision upset the applecart and forced the team to restart the project. Read more ➺


apple of one’s eye

Meaning: A person who is loved more than anyone else.

Example: My old golden retriever has always been the apple of my eye. Read more ➺


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