All Idioms

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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 ➺


don’t burn your bridges

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 ➺


third rail

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 ➺


first fiddle

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 ➺


at the top of the heap

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 ➺


statute of limitations

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 ➺


baptism of fire

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 ➺


back to the salt mines

Meaning: Return to hard, unpleasant, or routine work after a break or leisure.

Example: After the weekend getaway, it's time to back to the salt mines. Read more ➺


SOS

Meaning: Emergency signal used internationally to request urgent help, especially in emergencies at sea, air, or remote locations.

Example: The sinking ship sent out an SOS to all nearby vessels. Read more ➺


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