Definition
Cause Célèbre
A controversial issue that attracts a lot of public attention.
The trial became a cause célèbre across the country.
The ball is in your court
It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
"I’ve done all I can, now the ball is in your court."
Cry over spilled milk
To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
"It’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s just figure out how to fix it."
Not playing with a full deck
Someone who is not thinking clearly or is a little bit crazy.
"That guy’s not playing with a full deck if he thinks we’ll accept that offer."
Spill the beans
To reveal a secret or disclose something unintentionally.
"I didn’t mean to spill the beans about the surprise party!"
Stock in trade
Typical behaviors or features of a person or profession.
Sarcasm is his stock in trade.
Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night.
"She’s been burning the midnight oil trying to finish the project on time."
Hit the nail on the head
To say something exactly right or to be very accurate.
"You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem."
On the ball
To be alert and efficient.
"She’s really on the ball today. Everything is running smoothly."
Take it with a grain of salt
To not take something too seriously or to view it with skepticism.
"I heard he’s leaving the company, but I’m taking that with a grain of salt."
A red herring
Something that distracts from the real issue.
That question was just a red herring to derail the debate.
A blessing in disguise
Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
"Losing that job was actually a blessing in disguise – I found a much better one."
Jump the gun
To start something too early or before it’s appropriate.
"We were about to sign the contract, but we jumped the gun and missed an important clause."
Out of the blue
Something happening unexpectedly or without warning.
"I hadn’t heard from her in years, and then out of the blue, she called me last night."
The straw that broke the camel's back
A small problem that causes a bigger issue because it’s the last in a series of problems.
"The constant delays were frustrating, but that last mistake was the straw that broke the camel’s back."
To tilt at windmills
To fight imaginary enemies or go after pointless goals.
He’s tilting at windmills trying to reform the system alone.
Break the ice
To make people feel more comfortable in a social situation.
"At the party, I told a funny joke to break the ice."
Keep your fingers crossed
To hope for a positive outcome.
"I’m nervous about the job interview, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed."
Put all your eggs in one basket
To rely on only one plan or opportunity.
"I wouldn’t put all my eggs in one basket; it's too risky."
Throw in the towel
To give up or quit.
"After three failed attempts, he finally threw in the towel and decided to try something new."
Bite the bullet
To do something unpleasant or difficult that you’ve been avoiding.
"I hate going to the dentist, but I guess I’ll just have to bite the bullet."
By the book
Following rules or procedures exactly.
"The new manager is very strict; he does everything by the book."
Let sleeping dogs lie
To avoid discussing something that could cause trouble or reopen old issues.
"Let’s not bring up that argument again. It’s better to let sleeping dogs lie."
Shoot yourself in the foot
To do something that harms your own interests.
"By quitting without giving notice, he really shot himself in the foot."
Under the weather
To feel sick or unwell.
"I think I’ll stay home today, I’m feeling a bit under the weather."