All Idioms
Page 39 of 238
Meaning: A decoy or cover used to hide someone's true purpose or plan.
Example: The proposed reform was just a stalking horse for deeper policy changes. Read more ➺
Meaning: Send a quick digital message to get someone's attention or request a reply.
Example: I'll ping you when the meeting starts. Read more ➺
don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Outward looks don't reveal true character or quality.
Example: The café looks old, but don't judge a book by its cover; it serves the best coffee in town. Read more ➺
Meaning: Avoid cutting off every possible way of returning to a situation, leaving no chance to go back.
Example: When leaving your job, don’t burn your bridges; you may want to work there again someday. Read more ➺
Meaning: Controversial subject in politics or society that is too risky to address.
Example: Talking about gun control can be the third rail of political debate. Read more ➺
Meaning: Lead – to have the main or dominant role in a group or activity.
Example: As captain, she plays first fiddle in every game strategy. Read more ➺
Meaning: Being the most successful, important, or influential in a particular group or field.
Example: After her latest award, she's clearly at the top of the heap in the fashion industry. Read more ➺
when the cat’s away, the mice will play
Meaning: People misbehave or break rules when a supervising authority is absent.
Example: As soon as the teacher left the room, the students started shouting — when the cat's away, the mice will play. Read more ➺
Meaning: Legal time limit for starting a lawsuit or prosecution.
Example: The fraud case was dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired. Read more ➺
Meaning: First experience of a difficult or challenging situation, often under pressure.
Example: Her first week as a surgeon was a real baptism of fire in the emergency room. Read more ➺
