Sports
Keep your eye on the ball
to stay focused on the task at hand and not get distracted
Example: In order to succeed in your career, it's important to keep your eye on the ball and not get sidetracked by unnecessary distractions.
Piece of cake
Something that is a piece of cake is very easy to do.
Example: The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in 20 minutes.
Raining cats and dogs
Raining cats and dogs is a way of saying there is heavy rain and a heavy downpour.
Example: The streets are flooded; it's raining cats and dogs.
A breath of fresh air
A breath of fresh air is something that is new and refreshing.
Example: The new employee is like a breath of fresh air; he brings new ideas and enthusiasm to the team.
Give someone a hand
To give someone a hand is to help or assist them.
Example: My friend is moving to a new apartment this weekend; I'm happy to give her a hand with packing and lifting heavy furniture.
On the ball
to be alert, competent, and well-prepared
Example: The team is always on the ball during important matches, and that's why they consistently perform well and win trophies.
Cool as a cucumber
Someone who is cool as a cucumber is able to remain calm and composed, especially in stressful situations.
Example: Even though the deadline was approaching, she remained cool as a cucumber and completed the project flawlessly.
Elephant in the room
The elephant in the room is an obvious problem or issue that people are avoiding.
Example: We need to address the elephant in the room and discuss the budget cuts.
Weather the storm
To weather the storm is to endure a difficult situation.
Example: The business went through tough times, but we managed to weather the storm and keep operating.
Get cold feet
To get cold feet is to feel nervous or hesitant about a decision or action.
Example: On the day of the wedding, it's very common for the groom or bride to get cold feet and have second thoughts.
Drop the ball
To drop the ball is to make a mistake or fail to do something.
Example: I really dropped the ball on that project; I forgot to include some crucial information in the report.
In a nutshell
This expression is used to sum up or express something in a concise manner.
Example: In a nutshell, the new policy aims to streamline our workflow and improve efficiency.
Let the cat out of the bag
If you let the cat out of the bag, it means you revealed a secret or disclosed information that was supposed to be kept confidential.
Example: I’m so sorry, I didn't mean to let the cat out of the bag about the surprise birthday party.
Under the weather
When someone is under the weather, they are feeling unwell or sick.
Example: I won't be able to make it to the meeting; I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
Turn a blind eye
To turn a blind eye is to ignore or pretend not to see something.
Example: The manager decided to turn a blind eye to the minor rule violation and not report it.
Knock it out of the park
to achieve great success or accomplished something exceptionally well
Example: She really knocked it out of the park with her presentation; everyone was impressed.
To bring home the bacon is to earn a living or provide financial support for a family.
Example: As the sole breadwinner, she works hard to bring home the bacon and support her family.
Kill two birds with one stone
To kill two birds with one stone is to accomplish two tasks with a single action.
Example: When I study with my friends, we kill two birds with one stone because we help each other understand the material better and get to spend quality time together.
Once in a blue moon
Something that happens once in a blue moon happens very rarely.
Example: We only see each other once in a blue moon because she lives in China while I live in America.
Cost an arm and a leg
Something that costs an arm and a leg is very expensive.
Example: Getting my damaged car repaired is going to cost an arm and a leg - I don't event want to look at the bill!
Throw a curveball
to unexpectedly present something surprising or unexpected.
Example: The sudden change in the market conditions threw a curveball at the company's expansion plans.
Bite off more than you can chew
To bite off more than you can chew is to take on more responsibilities or challenges than you can handle.
Example: After accepting two major projects simultaneously, Sarah felt overwhelmed and realized she had bitten off more than she could chew.
Straight from the horse's mouth
Anything that is straight from the horse’s mouth is information from a reliable source.
Example: I talked to our boss and heard straight from the horse's mouth that the project is due next week.
Throw caution to the wind
To throw caution to the wind is to act recklessly or without concern for the consequences.
Example: She decided to throw caution to the wind and quit her job, despite not having enough savings or another job lined up.
Keep your eyes peeled
To keep your eyes peeled means to be watchful and alert.
Example: Keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity.