Social Idioms

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pardon my French

Meaning: an informal way to say sorry for using bad language.

Example: This project is a complete clusterfuck; pardon my French. Read more ➺


excuse my French

Meaning: used to apologize for using profanity or offensive language.

Example: That meeting was a complete disaster, excuse my French, but it was just a load of bullshit. Read more ➺


go Dutch

Meaning: splitting the bill evenly among participants, each covering their own expenses.

Example: We decided to go Dutch at the restaurant last night, so everyone paid for their own meal. Read more ➺


shrinking violet

Meaning: typically refers to a person who is shy, timid, or reserved in social situations.

Example: Avril is such a shrinking violet at parties; she always sticks to the sidelines and rarely speaks up. Read more ➺


melting pot

Meaning: a place where different types of people and ideas live together, frequently blending to create something new.

Example: The United States has been a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. Read more ➺


chattering classes

Meaning: refers to the people who comment on events but have no power to influence them, such as journalists, broadcasters, or public figures.

Example: The royal baby's birth was a historic event and has recently become a trendy topic among the chattering classes. Read more ➺


dig up dirt

Meaning: find and disclose destructive evidence about someone.

Example: After calling my sources at the tabloids, I dug up dirt on the actress. Read more ➺


next door

Meaning: the nearest house.

Example: Our house is next door to hers; that's why we know each other. Read more ➺


beyond the pale

Meaning: unacceptable.

Example: Nobody will want to be friends with you if you are considered beyond the pale in your social circle. Read more ➺


have designs on

Meaning: to have a plan or secret desire to get something.

Example: I knew he had designs on my job the first time I saw him. Read more ➺


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