Idioms beginning with S

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save face

Meaning: To be able to hide public disgrace by taking some action.

Example: I managed to save face by being able to speak about the topic, the presentation that was made was really not good. Read more ➺


shilly-shally

Meaning: To be undecided.

Example: He is not shilly-shally about his plans to move to the United States of America. Read more ➺


slap on the wrist

Meaning: to show disapproval.

Example: I have to keep slapping his wrist away from the cake or there will be nothing left for the party. Read more ➺


stir up a hornet’s nest

Meaning: to create trouble

Example: When the auditor asked for more shreds evidence, the treasury department stirred up a hornet's nest because they did not have more. This is how the fraud was actually revealed. Read more ➺


sit tight

Meaning: wait patiently

Example: Just relax and sit tight, we'll get the problem sorted for you. Read more ➺


scratch back

Meaning: do someone a favour hoping that a favour will be returned

Example: I don't mind helping him out this time, he's scratched my back many times. Read more ➺


smell a rat

Meaning: Suspect something is wrong or dishonest.

Example: I smell a rat—he’s being too nice all of a sudden. Read more ➺


spitting image

Meaning: look exactly like someone else

Example: My sister is the spitting image of my mother. Read more ➺


set in one’s ways

Meaning: Firmly fixed in habits or behavior, often unwilling to change.

Example: You'll get set in your ways if you never travel or try new things. Read more ➺


stone’s throw

Meaning: a short distance

Example: His workplace is a stone's throw away from his home. Read more ➺


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