Numbers Idioms

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in one fell swoop

Meaning: Describes something happening all at once or in a single, sudden action.

Example: The company laid off half its staff in one fell swoop to cut costs. Read more ➺


put two and two together

Meaning: Infer something by logically connecting clues or facts.

Example: When she didn’t answer his calls all weekend, he put two and two together. Read more ➺


double entendre

Meaning: Double meaning; hidden meaning or double sense.

Example: The comedian's joke was full of double entendre, making the audience laugh for more than one reason. Read more ➺


got your number

Meaning: Recognizing someone's true character or intentions, thereby gaining an advantage over them.

Example: You can't fool me anymore—I've got your number now. Read more ➺


forty acres and a mule

Meaning: It represents unmet expectations, especially when it comes to promised reparations or compensation.

Example: Many African Americans view the unfulfilled promise of forty acres and a mule as a symbol of systemic injustice. Read more ➺


behind the eight ball

Meaning: Indicates being in a difficult or disadvantageous situation, often due to unfavorable circumstances.

Example: After missing the deadline, she found herself behind the eight ball at work. Read more ➺


my two cents

Meaning: An expression used to modestly offer one's opinion or viewpoint.

Example: I know it's not much, but here's my two cents on the topic. Read more ➺


back to square one

Meaning: starting over from the beginning after a failure or setback.

Example: After the software crashed, the team had to go back to square one. Read more ➺


second to none

Meaning: better than all others of the same kind.

Example: His hamburger, rich in flavor and delicate in texture, is second to none in the city. Read more ➺


fourth estate

Meaning: used to describe the press and news media, acknowledging their significant role in society.

Example: The role of the fourth estate is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy. Read more ➺


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