650 idioms total — Page 8 of 28

Have your head in the clouds

To be daydreaming or not paying attention to what is happening around you.

“He won't hear a word you say; he's got his head in the clouds again.”

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Hit the books

To begin to study very hard.

“I have a final exam tomorrow morning, so I really need to hit the books tonight.”

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Hit the ceiling

To become extremely angry very suddenly.

“My dad is going to hit the ceiling when he sees the dent in the car.”

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Hit the ground running

To start a new project or activity immediately and with great energy.

“We have a tight deadline, so we need to hit the ground running on Monday.”

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Hot potato

A controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with.

“Gun control is a political hot potato that many candidates avoid discussing.”

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Icing on the cake

Something that makes a good situation even better.

“I love my new job, and the fact that it's close to home is just the icing on the cake.”

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In hot water

In a difficult situation or in trouble.

“He is in hot water with the bank because he missed his mortgage payment.”

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In the dark

Unaware of something; not informed.

“They kept me in the dark about the surprise party until the very last minute.”

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It takes two to tango

Both parties involved in a situation or argument are equally responsible for it.

“She blames him for their divorce, but it takes two to tango.”

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Jump the gun

To act too soon or before the proper time.

“I think I jumped the gun by buying a house before I got the job offer.”

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Keep at bay

To prevent someone or something from getting close or causing harm.

“Eating vitamin C can help keep a cold at bay.”

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Keep fingers crossed

To hope that things will happen in the way that you want them to.

“We're keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn't rain on our wedding day.”

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Keep in touch

To maintain contact with someone over time.

“It was great seeing you! Let's definitely keep in touch.”

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Know the ropes

To be experienced or familiar with how a specific task or job is done.

“Ask Sarah to help you with the software; she really knows the ropes.”

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Laughing stock

A person or group who is subjected to general mockery or ridicule.

“If I wear this ridiculous hat, I'll be the laughing stock of the party.”

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Let the dust settle

To wait until a confusing or chaotic situation becomes clear or calm.

“We just had a huge argument. Let's let the dust settle before we talk again.”

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Like a fish out of water

Feeling completely uncomfortable or out of place in a specific situation.

“As the only artist at the banking convention, I felt like a fish out of water.”

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Loose cannon

An unpredictable person who is likely to cause damage or trouble to their own team.

“We can't invite him to the meeting; he's a loose cannon and might insult the client.”

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Make ends meet

To earn just enough money to pay for basic living expenses.

“With inflation so high, many families are struggling to make ends meet.”

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Method to my madness

Having a specific, rational purpose behind behavior that appears crazy or chaotic to others.

“My desk looks messy, but there is a method to my madness—I know where everything is.”

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