Idioms beginning with U

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under someone’s thumb

Meaning: Completely controlled by someone; at someone's command.

Example: Despite his public bravado, he was under his manager's thumb when it came to career decisions. Read more ➺


under the sun

Meaning: Everything in existence or possible: Refers to anything and everything that exists in the world or universe. It is often used to convey a broad scope of possibilities or matters.

Example: He tried every solution under the sun to fix the broken machine. Read more ➺


under someone’s nose

Meaning: boldly in front of somebody.

Example: They conducted their secret meetings right under your nose. Read more ➺


until the cows come home

Meaning: for a long time or indefinitely.

Example: I'll keep drawing pictures on the sidewalk with chalk until the cows come home. Read more ➺


up on

Meaning: be well informed about a matter or subject.

Example: She's always up on the latest fashion trends. Read more ➺


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 ➺


upside down

Meaning: literally refers to an object that has been reoriented so that the portion which would otherwise be considered the top is now at the bottom, i.e., it is in an inverted position.

Example: Out of embarrassment, I turned the book upside down so that he would not see the title of what I was reading. Read more ➺


under the auspices

Meaning: under the protection, sponsorship, or patronage

Example: We restored the home under the auspices of the historical society. Read more ➺


under siege

Meaning: to be under attack

Example: The president came under siege for his radical decisions. Read more ➺


under fire

Meaning: being shot at

Example: The politician came under fire after it was discovered that he had spend campaign money on lavish parties. Read more ➺


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