Commonly Known
What does the idiom "break the ice" mean?
To break the tension and start a conversation with someone.
What does the idiom "let the cat out of the bag" imply?
To reveal a secret.
What does the phrase "a blessing in disguise" mean?
Something that seemed bad at first, but turned out to be good.
What does someone "Walking on thin ice" imply?
They are at risk/close to a consequence or failure.
What does it mean to be "as cool as a cucumber"?
Big chillin, relaxed, no worries
What does it mean to "hit the nail on the head"?
To describe something/a situation perfectly/accurately
If someone "cracks up", what does that mean?
To laugh a lot/uncontrollably.
What does it mean when someone says "burning the midnight oil"?
They are working late into the night/pulling an all-nighter.
What does the idiom "chasing rainbows" mean?
Pursuing unrealistic/unnattainable goals.
What does it mean if someone "has bigger fish to fry"?
They have more important/better things to do
What is the meaning of "costs an arm and a leg"?
It is very expensive.
What does it mean to "spill the beans"?
To tell someone secret/not widely known information.
What does it mean if someone tells you something "until they're blue in the face"?
Until they are exhausted/out of breath.
What does the phrase "a fish out of water" imply?
Someone who is in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.
What does the idiom "walk on eggshells" imply?
You have to be careful about what you say or do
If someone says they are "feeling under the weather", what does that imply?
They are sick/feeling bad.
What is meant by "when pigs fly"?
Something that will never happen.
What does it mean to "bite the bullet"?
Do something you don't want to do, but HAVE to do.
What does it mean if someone "goes on a wild goose chase"?
To run around like crazy for no reason/purpose
What does it mean when someone says "you are comparing apples to oranges"?
you are comparing 2 things that are totally different or not alike at all
What does the phrase "The ball is in your court" mean?
It is your decision or your responsibility to take action.
What does the phrase "The lights are on, but nobody's home" imply?
Someone isn't very smart/isn't using their brain.
What does "the elephant in the room" refer to?
An obvious problem that no one wants to talk about/is avoiding.
What does it mean to have your "head in the clouds"?
to live in a fantasy/dream world and not be concerned with reality
What does the phrase "food for thought" imply?
Something to think about or consider carefully