All Idioms

put on the dog

Meaning: To show off in a flashy or fancy way.

Example: At the wedding, he really put on the dog with his new tuxedo and gold watch. Read more ➺

hold your heart

Meaning: To keep emotions under control, holding back love, sadness, or fear.

Example: She told him to hold your heart and stay calm during the heartbreaking news. Read more ➺

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 ➺