If a game, election, contest, etc is a nail-biter, it is exciting because the competitors are so close that it is impossible to predict the result.
100
Under your thumb
Someone who is manipulated or controlled by another person is under his or her thumb.
100
A lot on my plate
If you have got a lot on your plate, you are very busy and have commitments.
100
A penny for your thoughts
This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about
100
Turn a new leaf
If someone turns a new leaf, they change their behavior and stop doing wrong or bad things.
200
More than meets the eye
If there is more than meets the eye to something, it is more complex or difficult than it appears.
200
Under your skin
If someone gets under your skin, they really annoy you.
200
Tough cookie
A tough cookie is a person who will do everything necessary to achieve what they want
200
A pretty penny
If something costs a pretty penny, it is very expensive
200
A rolling stone gathers no moss
People say this to mean that an ambitious person is more successful than a person not trying to achieve anything. Originally it meant the opposite and was critical of people trying to get ahead.
300
Music to my ears
If something someone says is music to your ears, it is exactly what you had wanted to hear
300
Under your breath
If you say something under your breath, you whisper or say it very quietly
300
A watched pot never boils
Some things work out in their own time, so being impatient and constantly checking will just make things seem longer.
300
Zigged before you zagged
If you did things in the wrong order, you zigged before you zagged.
300
Up a river /creek without a paddle
If you are up a river without a paddle, you are in an unfortunate situation, unprepared and with none of the resources to remedy the matter.
400
About face
If someone changes their mind completely to the opposite opinion, this is called an “about face.” It can be used when companies, governments, etc change their position on an issue.
400
Under your nose
If something happens right in front of you, especially if it is surprising or audacious, it happens under your nose.
400
Too many cooks spoil the broth
This means that where there are too many people trying to do something, they make a mess of it.
400
More bang for your buck
Something that will give you more bang for your buck will deliver more value than any other option
400
Walk in the park
This idiom means that the undertaking or action is as easy as walking in the park. The opposite is also true “No walk in the park!”
500
Tug at the heartstrings
If something tugs at the heartstrings, it makes you feel sad or sympathetic towards it.
500
Under the wire
If a person does something under the wire, they do it at the last possible moment
500
Tempest in a teapot
If people exaggerate the seriousness of a situation or problem, they are making a tempest in a teapot
500
Monkey see, monkey do
This idiom means that people (especially children) will learn their behavior by copying what they see happening around them.
500
Twisting in the wind
If you are twisting in the wind, you are without help or support – you are on your own.