Food
something is a piece of cake
Meaning: it is used to say when something is very easy to do
Example: I love to draw the scenery for you, it will be a piece of cake.
to kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: do two things at once
Example: My Mom is killing two birds with one stone by singing rhymes to teach me and to please my toddler brother.
to warn someone off
Meaning: strictly alert somebody from a danger or inform to stay away
Example: The teacher warns off every student to be careful while swimming in the pool.
somewhere is a hive of activity
Meaning: a place full of stuff going on; very busy place
Examples: Our classroom is a hive of activity when we're all working.
Meaning: a student who tries to make other students laugh
Example: Today I met my school teacher and I am surprised to know that she still remembers me as the class clown.
something is a hot potato
Meaning: a hot potato is something that is difficult or dangerous to deal with and no one wants to handle it
Example: We passed the problem round like a hot potato waiting for someone else to take responsibility for it.
someone is a night owl
Meaning: someone who is active late at night
Example: My exams will be starting from next week and for me it’s the time to be a night owl to study and to score.
to call someone names
Meaning: to tease or mock one with bad-mannered or unpleasant names
Example: My daughter is sad because the kids at his new school call her names.
to stir the hornet's nest
Meaning: to create a big trouble by bothering someone in a bad mood
Example: Richard always stirs the hornet’s nest by bothering his sister when she's had a bad day.
someone is a bundle of nerves
Meaning: someone who is anxious
Example: The robbery was a frightening experience. Since then, I have been a bundle of nerves.
Meaning: to have other, more important things to do.
Example: You are not worth my time or energy; I have bigger fish to fry.
someone is a watchdog
Meaning: Someone who stops loss, corruption, waste, or bad practices from happening.
Example: Professor Smith was the watchdog during the midterm exams
tongue in cheek
Meaning: statement in a mocking or two-faced way with disdain
Example: Finn told me that he has done his homework, but I am sure it was tongue in cheek.
to not hurt a fly
Meaning: not cause harm to anyone, be kind and gentle
Example: My younger sister is a very kind and warm-hearted girl who wouldn’t hurt a fly.
someone is the weakest link
Meaning: the weakest member of a team
Example: No matter how confident the cheer-leading group is in carrying out the human pyramid gig, the team is only as strong as its weakest link
to take something with a grain of salt
Meaning: to understand that something is not completely true or right
Example: I have read the article, but I"m taking it with a grain of salt.
when pigs fly
Meaning: when something is impossible
Example: Sure, Matt will be nice and quiet when pigs fly.
to tell a tall tale
Meaning: a long story that is hard to believe
Example: Don’t tell me tall stories just show me the homework.
someone is bug-eyed
Meaning: with bulging eyes, as from astonish or amazement; amazed
Example: I was bug-eyed looking at her wedding dress and jewelry.
Bob's your uncle
Meaning: used to highlight how simply or quickly something can be done
Example: Bob’s your uncle, just open it and then boil it to make a tasty soup.
Meaning: to go from a bad to worse situation
Example: She decided to quit her job as a teacher to become a lawyer, not knowing she was jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
Meaning: argue jealously and violently all the time
Example: The married couple fought like cat and dog the entire time they were together.
to spin a yarn
Meaning: tell a long and unbelievable story
Example: My friend spins a yarn about his trip for all time.
Meaning: an affectionate way of wishing someone a good night's sleep
Example: I am going to bed now. Good night, sleep tight, don't let the beg bugs bite!
Meaning: one who presents a counterargument
Example: Hey Jack! You're always playing devil's advocate! Give it a rest and mind your own business.