All Idioms

let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: to reveal a secret by mistake.

Example: I wanted to keep my job offer a secret, but my little brother overheard and let the cat out of the bag. Read more ➺

grit one’s teeth

Meaning: to act bravely and courageously in a challenging situation.

Example: Tom gritted his teeth, overcame his fear of heights, and climbed the ladder. Read more ➺

drop dead

Meaning: used to emphasize how charming something or someone is.

Example: Extremely gorgeous: "She walked into the room looking drop-dead gorgeous." Read more ➺

shot in the arm

Meaning: a sudden and encouraging effect on something.

Example: The speech was an absolute shot in the arm for the crew members aboard the ship. Read more ➺

dog and pony show

Meaning: an elaborate exhibition or presentation.

Example: The company denied spending on the dog and pony shows. Read more ➺

rainbow baby

Meaning: a baby that was born after a previous pregnancy loss.

Example: Finally, Noah was their rainbow baby after several miscarriages. Read more ➺

rank and file

Meaning: the ordinary staff members of an organization, and not the leaders or officers.

Example: The rank-and-file members need to unite and fight against the savage management. Read more ➺

poles apart

Meaning: completely different and opposite.

Example: In personality and culture, the couple are poles apart. Read more ➺

beat a dead horse

Meaning: spend time and effort on things that are hopeless and unchangeable.

Example: Tom still has hope that his wife will come back to him, but he is actually beating a dead horse. Read more ➺

back the wrong horse

Meaning: make an inappropriate and wrong decision.

Example: My dad is an expert stock trader and has rarely backed the wrong horse. Read more ➺