Idioms beginning with N

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nail biter

Meaning: a situation like a close contest, which induces anxiety or tension.

Example: Friday's nail-biter of a win over the Houston Texans was an excruciating contest. Read more ➺


not have a clue

Meaning: to not know something.

Example: You think you're smart, but you do not have a clue about how things work. Read more ➺


not all it’s cracked up to be

Meaning: Not as good as people say it is.

Example: The highly ranked institutions in Boston aren't all they're cracked up to be. Read more ➺


nightmare dressed like a daydream

Meaning: Describes something that seems very pleasant or attractive at first but eventually reveals itself as horrible.

Example: Don't let her beauty fool you. She's just a nightmare dressed like a daydream. Read more ➺


no spring chicken

Meaning: Someone who's no longer young.

Example: My grandfather is no spring chicken, that's for sure. Read more ➺


no picnic

Meaning: used to express that an activity or action is not fun

Example: I love having little kids around but cleaning up after them is no picnic. Read more ➺


no pain, no gain

Meaning: it is necessary to work hard or strive to reap rewards

Example: If you want to win the title next month, you have to train for an extra hour every day next week. No pain, no gain. Read more ➺


nail in the coffin

Meaning: an action/event that will help bring about the death, end, or failure of something or someone

Example: She was late for the fourth day in a row. It will be another nail in her coffin when the boss hears about it. Read more ➺


not believe eyes

Meaning: shock or surprise at something you see or hear

Example: My fiancĂ© is with someone else - I can't believe my eyes. Read more ➺


not at all

Meaning: a polite response when someone says "thank you" - as a synonym for "you're welcome"

Example: Thank you so much for helping with my move. Not at all. Read more ➺


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