up a creek without a paddle
Meaning: being in trouble.
Example: With no savings, being fired will leave me up the creek without a paddle. Read more ➺
Trouble
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the rose that grew from concrete
Meaning: a person who achieved greatness even though they came from a place not so great.
Example: Ken performed well despite his poor background, much like the rose that grew from concrete. Read more ➺
on the line
Meaning: to be at serious risk.
Example: Put your toes on the line and form up! Read more ➺
rock the boat
Meaning: to make trouble.
Example: If you don't want any trouble with your boss, then stop rocking the boat. Read more ➺
bury head in the sand
Meaning: hide from the truth
Example: Finals begin in a week and if I continue to bury my head in the sand, I'll be taking this class again next semester. Read more ➺
yoke around one’s neck
Meaning: a fatiguing burden.
Example: I refused to be the yoke around his neck, and so I turned down his generous offer of employment in a job for which I was unqualified. Read more ➺
too close for comfort
Meaning: to be very close to something dangerous or unwelcoming
Example: She was standing on the edge of a cliff in the photo, too close for comfort. Read more ➺
in hot water
Meaning: in trouble or state of shame
Example: The opposition leader landed himself in a whole load of hot water after making several vulgar comments. Read more ➺
pour oil on troubled waters
Meaning: try to calm, soothe or placate a problematic situation
Example: She's such a calm person; last week, the whole office was in uproar until she stepped in and poured oil on troubled waters. Read more ➺
when life gives you lemons
Meaning: make the best out of a difficult situation
Example: She tried to live by the motto 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' Read more ➺
