1
Break the ice
Make people feel more comfortable in a new or awkward situation.
Under the weather
Feeling sick or unwell.
Read between the lines
Look for a meaning that is not directly stated.
Learn the ropes
Learn how to do a new job or activity.
Right around the corner
Something is happening very soon.
Rain on someone’s parade
Ruin someone’s excitement or plans.
Cross that bridge when we come to it
Deal with a problem when it actually happens.
Throw in the towel
Give up or stop trying.
Burn the midnight oil
Stay up late working or studying.
A breath of fresh air
Someone or something new and refreshing.
Barking up the wrong tree
Blaming or questioning the wrong person or looking in the wrong place.
Get your wires crossed
Misunderstand or miscommunicate with someone.
Go the extra mile
Put in more effort than is required.
Hear it through the grapevine
Learn information through other people rather than directly.
A hard pill to swallow
Something difficult or unpleasant to accept.
Wear your heart on your sleeve
Show your feelings openly.
The grass is always greener on the other side
Other people’s situations can seem better than your own.
Put the cart before the horse
Do things in the wrong order.
Throw someone under the bus
Blame someone else to protect yourself.
Keep your cards close to your chest
Keep your plans, thoughts, or feelings private.
A recipe for disaster
A situation that is very likely to go badly.
Get the ball rolling
Start an activity, project, or process.
Cry over spilled milk
Be upset about something that already happened and cannot be changed.
Turn over a new leaf
Make a fresh start or change your behavior for the better.
The early bird gets the worm
People who act early often have an advantage.