Idioms beginning with P

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paper tiger

Meaning: Something or someone that appears dangerous or powerful but is actually weak and ineffective.

Example: The dictator's military seemed formidable, but in battle it was only a paper tiger. Read more ➺


pick a hole in someone’s coat

Meaning: To find faults in someone, often unfairly or with petty criticism.

Example: The manager loved to pick holes in someone's coat, pointing out mistakes instead of giving encouragement. Read more ➺


part with it

Meaning: To give up something you value or own, often unwillingly.

Example: She loved her old car so much that she couldn’t part with it, even after buying a new one. Read more ➺


purple patch

Meaning: A period of success, good luck, or high achievement.

Example: The young cricketer entered a purple patch and broke several records in a single season. Read more ➺


pearls of wisdom

Meaning: Wise or insightful advice or knowledge, often gained through experience.

Example: At the family reunion, Grandma shared pearls of wisdom about patience and kindness that left everyone inspired. Read more ➺


put the screws on

Meaning: Apply strong pressure on someone to act.

Example: The boss put the screws on the team to meet the deadline. Read more ➺


prima facie

Meaning: Based on the first impression or initial evidence, before deeper investigation.

Example: The defendant’s alibi provided prima facie grounds for dismissal, pending further review. Read more ➺


pell-mell

Meaning: In a confused or disorderly manner; hastily or chaotically, often with urgency.

Example: The crowd rushed pell-mell out of the stadium when the alarm sounded. Read more ➺


push the envelope

Meaning: To go beyond accepted limits or boundaries.

Example: The engineers tried to push the envelope by designing a faster and lighter aircraft. Read more ➺


pull a fast one

Meaning: Carry out a clever trick or deception to fool someone.

Example: The salesman tried to pull a fast one by charging me for an extra feature I didn't want. Read more ➺


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