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Discover a set of idioms that will add color and variety to your conversations and written work.
Discover a set of idioms that will add color and variety to your conversations and written work.
The crux of the matter
The crux of the matter
Definition: The most important or central point of an issue.
Example: The crux of the matter is that we don’t have enough time to finish the project.
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
Definition: Absolutely certain; without any possibility of being wrong.
Example: She proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that she was the best candidate.
Pave the way for
Pave the way for
Definition: To make progress or success easier for something else.
Example: The new discovery will pave the way for advances in medicine.
A double-edged sword
A double-edged sword
Definition: Something that has both positive and negative effects.
Example: Technology is a double-edged sword: it makes life easier but can also make us dependent.
To add fuel to the fire
To add fuel to the fire
Definition: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: His rude comments only added fuel to the fire during the argument.
A recipe for disaster
A recipe for disaster
Definition: Something very likely to go wrong.
Example: Driving too fast on icy roads is a recipe for disaster.
To play the devil’s advocate
To play the devil’s advocate
Definition: To argue against an idea, even if you don’t believe it, just to test it.
Example: Let me play the devil’s advocate and point out the risks of your plan.
On the right track
On the right track
Definition: Doing something correctly or in a way that will likely succeed.
Example: Your essay needs a little editing, but you’re on the right track.
Go off the beaten path
Go off the beaten path
Definition: To take an unusual or less common course.
Example: We decided to go off the beaten path and explore a small village instead of the city.
A blessing in disguise
A blessing in disguise
Definition: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise—it pushed me to start my own business.
The tip of the iceberg
The tip of the iceberg
Definition: A small part of a much bigger problem or situation.
Example: The protests were just the tip of the iceberg; people had been unhappy for years.
Bite the bullet
Bite the bullet
Take the bull by the horns
Take the bull by the horns
Definition: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
Example: He finally bit the bullet/take the bull by the horns and admitted his mistake.
By the skin of one’s teeth
By the skin of one’s teeth
Definition: Just barely; almost failing.
Example: She passed the exam by the skin of her teeth.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Every cloud has a silver lining
Definition: There is something good in every bad situation.
Example: I know you’re upset about the delay, but remember, every cloud has a silver lining.
Hit the nail on the head
Hit the nail on the head
Definition: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: You hit the nail on the head when you said the team needs better communication.
The ball is in your court
The ball is in your court
Definition: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Example: I’ve done all I can—the ball is in your court now.
In the blink of an eye
In the blink of an eye
Definition: Very quickly.
Example: The car disappeared in the blink of an eye.
The elephant in the room
The elephant in the room
Definition: An obvious problem that people avoid talking about.
Example: We need to discuss the elephant in the room: the company is losing money.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Definition: Important things take time.
Example: Learning a language takes patience—Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Throw in the towel
Throw in the towel
Definition: To give up; to admit defeat.
Example: After several failed attempts, she finally threw in the towel.
A drop in the ocean
A drop in the ocean
Definition: A very small part of what is needed.
Example: Donating $10 might feel like a drop in the ocean, but every bit helps.
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