All Idioms

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snowball effect

Meaning: a situation in which something grows bigger or more important at an ever-increasing rate.

Example: The mayor hopes that the improvements will have a snowball effect and lead to increased private investment in the city. Read more ➺


go round in circles

Meaning: to waste energy and time engaging in aimless, trivial, or futile activities.

Example: I attempted to draft an outline for my thesis. However, my ideas were so mixed up in a confused way that I kept going around in circles. Read more ➺


hot air

Meaning: empty, exaggerated talk or writing.

Example: Please do not pay any attention to Howard because he's full of hot air. Read more ➺


aid and abet

Meaning: to help someone, typically in an illegal or mischievous activity.

Example: The police officers arrested Gary for aiding and abetting the car thief. Read more ➺


in a pinch

Meaning: being in a situation where the preferred or ideal choice is unavailable.

Example: This diet will do in a pinch. It is better than going hungry. Read more ➺


bundle of nerves

Meaning: anxious

Example: The robbery was a frightening experience. Since then, I have been a bundle of nerves. Read more ➺


zone out

Meaning: to fall asleep.

Example: Whenever they start talking about chemistry, I zone out. Read more ➺


three cheers

Meaning: good for

Example: The troops who stood to gain from the official declaration of hospitality gave three cheers. Read more ➺


ducks and drakes

Meaning: to carelessly misuse one's wealth

Example: He lost his job for playing ducks and drakes with the funds of a corporation. Read more ➺


when the chips are down

Meaning: when a situation is urgent or desperate.

Example: When the chips are down, you know who your real friends are. Read more ➺


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