Communicate more effectively and navigate social nuances by mastering idioms related to behavior.
17 topics239 words
Foresight & Prudence12 words
[ace|card] up {one's} sleevephrasea secret advantage that a person can use when the need arises
to [cover] {one's} [ass]phraseto save a person from receiving criticism, punishment, blame, etc.
to [cover] {one's} backphraseto take action in order to save a person from being criticized, punished, blamed, etc.
to [cut] {one's} lossesphraseto no longer partake in a failing business, activity, etc. to prevent further damage or losses
a rainy dayphrasea time of financial difficulty or a period of challenge
eye (on|to|for) the main chancephrasea willingness to use any given opportunity or situation to one's advantage
to [nip] {sth} in the budphraseto immediately prevent something, particularly something problematic, before it has time to develop
to [stop] the rotphraseto prevent something from developing into something worse
to [strike] while the iron [is] hotphraseto take action while the opportunity exists
to [take] stock of {sth}phraseto carefully examine a situation before making a final decision
[know|see|find out] which (way|direction) the wind [blow]phraseto realize how a situation is about to develop in order to be able to properly prepare for any potential problems or changes that one might encounter
to [think] twicephraseto think about something very carefully before doing it
Overreaction12 words
to [blow] {sth} (far|way|up|all|) out of proportionphraseto make a situation appear much bigger or more serious than it actually is
to [make] a mountain out of (a|) molehillphraseto make a problem appear more serious or dangerous than it actually is
to [make] a song and dance aboutphraseto react in an excessive way toward a minor thing
to [split] hairsphraseto highlight insignificant details or small distinctions between two things
tempest in a (teapot|teakettle)phrasean overly angry or worried reaction over something unimportant
to [err] on the side of {sth}phraseto act in a way that shows or uses something more than what is enough just to avoid any possible risk or problem
to [get] {one's} panties in a bunchphraseto feel annoyed, angry, or upset
much ado about nothingphrasea great deal of attention that is given to matters of small importance
to [go] too farphraseto make an attempt to do something that is extreme or unacceptable
to [over-egg] the puddingphraseto make something more complicated than it needs to be
to [use|take] a sledgehammer to crack a nutphraseto put more energy and force than is necessary into doing something
(over-egg) the puddingphraseto make something more complicated than it needs to be
Tact11 words
to [let] sleeping dogs liephraseto ignore a situation, topic, issue, etc. so as not to cause troubles or difficulties
to [run] with the hare and [hunt] with the houndsphraseto simultaneously support two opposing parties, particularly to increase one's gain
to [save] the (day|situation)phraseto take action in order to prevent a probable failure or defeat
there is a method to {one's} madnesssentenceused when there is good reasoning behind one's seemingly strange or crazy behavior
to [treat|handle] {sb/sth} with kid glovesphraseto be specially careful, gentle, or considerate when dealing with someone or something
to [play] {one's} cards rightphraseto make good use of the things that are at one's disposal so as to succeed or gain something
to [know] betterphraseto be wise enough to avoid certain behaviors or thoughts
to [make] the best of a bad bargainphraseto try to achieve the best outcome possible when dealing with a difficult or bad situation
to [err] on the right sidephraseto choose a cautious course of action in a situation where there is uncertainty or potential risk
to {not} [bid] the devil good morrow (until|till) {sb} (actually|) [meet] (with|) himphraseused to tell someone to avoid trouble as much as possible
to [go] through channelsphraseto follow the accepted or correct path toward reaching one's goal or desired outcome
Being Tactful11 words
a bag of tricksphrasea combination of skills or techniques that can help in achieving one's goals
(more|another) string to {one's} bowphrasea variety of plans, ideas, etc. that one can use if need arises
waiting gamenouna strategy in which one deliberately refrains from taking any action in order to gain advantage later on
to [weigh] {one's} wordsphraseto take a moment to ponder what one is about to say
to [kill] two birds with one stonephraseto achieve two goals at the same time only by taking one action
to [see] which way the cat [jumps]phraseto refrain from making a decision or taking any action until one acquires more data on the situation or how it develops
velvet glovenouna very friendly and gentle manner that is used to hide one's firm determination or ruthless mindset
pester powernounthe influence children have on their parents or caregivers to buy or do something through continuous requests, demands, or persuasion
to [speak] softly (and|but) [carry] a big stickphraseto approach situations calmly and diplomatically while also having the strength and power to take action if necessary
the oldest trick in the bookphrasean overused method that may still succeed
weigh one's wordsphraseto take a moment to ponder what one is about to say
Improvisation & Compromise22 words
to [cross] that bridge when {sb} [come|get] to itphraseto not worry about something beforehand and deal with it whenever it happens
to [take] {sth} as it comesphraseto deal with things as they occur instead of planning for them in advance
to [let] it rollphraseto allow things to unfold naturally without excessive interference or control, embracing a relaxed and accepting attitude towards the outcome
happy mediumphrasea condition or method that falls in between two opposing and extreme choices
balancing actnouna situation where multiple factors, responsibilities, etc. must be handled or managed
by the seat of {one's} pantsphrasein a way that solely relies on one's intuition or personal judgment rather than the necessary knowledge, tools, etc.
to [follow] {one's} nosephraseto follow one's intuition instead of rules or what others say
to [meet] {sb} halfwayphraseto come to an agreement with someone by granting some of their requests while they grant some of one's requests
off the cuffphrasewithout any preparations or prior plans
off the top of {one's} headphrasefrom one's memory, without spending time to carefully consider or think
to [pluck] {sth} (out of|from) (the|thin) airphraseto quickly say something without thinking about it first, usually as a reply to something
(give|cut) {sb} a breaksentenceto stop being harsh or strict with someone
to [give] {sb} a (free|) passphraseto not punish or criticize someone for their inappropriate or rude action or behavior
to [go] easy on {sb}phraseto treat a person in a more gentle and caring way and be less harsh or strict with them
to [cut|give] {sb} some slackphraseto not be so harsh, strict, or critical when dealing with someone
to [take] the easy way outphraseto deal with a situation or problem in a way that is the easiest instead of proper or honorable
to [think] on {one's} feetphraseto think and react quickly to something without prior thought
to [play] {sth} by earphraseto make decisions or take actions without prior planning or preparation, based on how the situation develops
to [be] all things to all (people|men)phraseto continuously change one's attitudes or opinions in order to please people
follow one's nosephraseto follow one's intuition instead of rules or what others say
halfway housenounsomething with a mixture of the different qualities of two separate things
free ridenouna soft treatment that does not require someone to face the consequences of their actions
Behaving Politely17 words
to [mind] {one's} p's and q'sphraseto do one's best to be as proper and polite as one is capable of
to [mind|watch] {one's} (language|tongue)phraseto speak in a manner that is not inappropriate, vulgar, or offensive
on {one's} best behaviorphraseas polite and well-mannered as one can be
politically correctphrase(of people, their words, or behavior) not offensive to people of different races, ethnicities, genders, etc.
to [put] {one's} best foot forwardphraseto put as much effort as possible into doing something, particularly something difficult
to [stand] on ceremonyphraseto behave in an overly polite and formal manner
watch {one's} [mouth]sentenceused to tell a person that they should talk in a way that is not rude, vulgar, or offensive
to (pardon|excuse) {one's} (French|language)phraseused to apologize for swearing or using offensive words
as a matter of formphrasesaid of something that is done only for the sake of formality or just to keep up appearances
to [show] {sb} the doorphraseto dismiss or fire someone from their job or position
to [keep] a civil tonguephraseto speak in a manner marked by politeness and dignity
to [mince] {one's} wordsphraseto choose words carefully so as to avoid offense or give an impression different from the truth
to [pull] {one's} punchesphraseto deliberately hold back or lessen the force or impact of one's actions, often to avoid causing harm or offense
make up forverbto do something in order to replace something lost or fix something damaged
queensberry rulesnounbehavior that is acceptable and considered to be appropriate within a certain setting
put one's best foot forwardphraseto try to behave in the best way possible so as to make a good impression or gain approval
show somebody the doorphraseto accompany a guest, visitor, etc. to the exit of a room or building
Lack of Care or Consideration12 words
to [put] all {one's} eggs in one basketphraseto only rely on one thing or person for achieving success without any alternatives in case it fails
to [put] the cart before the horsephraseto not do things in order
to [run] before {sb} (can|could) walkphraseto make an attempt to do something difficult without having the requirements or means to do so
[throw] the baby out with the bathwatersentenceto lose the good alongside the bad in an attempt to dispose of the bad
{sb} could not care lesssentenceused to say that a person is not interested or concerned about someone or something at all
for all I carephraseused when a person is not concerned about something or someone
to [give] a shitphraseto care or consider something important
to [give|care] a tinker's damnphraseto express a lack of concern or interest in someone or something
no skin off {one's} [back]phraseused to say that something has no negative impact or consequence on someone
to [reckon] without {sb/sth}phraseto not consider a thing or person while planning and fail to prepare a way to deal with them as a result
to [dive] in headfirstphraseto decide to do something without considering its consequences
to [let] {sth} ridephraseto allow a situation or issue to continue without intervention, hoping it become better or resolved in the future
Without Care or Thought9 words
to [make] an ass (out|) of {oneself}phraseto behave in a manner that is considered foolish or immature
the gloves [are] offsentencesaid to mean something is done without caring if someone gets offended or upset
to {not} [lose] (any|) sleep (over|about) {sb/sth}phraseto not be upset or concerned about someone or something at all
to [run] roughshod over {sb/sth}phraseto not care about other people's opinions, feelings, or rights
to [cut] {sb} to the quickphraseto do or say something that is hurtful to someone and makes them undergo deep distress
to [give] a hootphraseto show concern for or care about someone or something
to [give|care] a hangphraseto care about a person or thing
to [look] out for number onephraseto not care about other people and do what one believes is best for oneself
out of handphrasewithout consideration and hesitation
Reacting or Demanding22 words
get a lifesentenceused to tell someone to change their life style and start doing more exciting or important things
to [put|stuff|stick] a sock in itphraseto tell a person to stop making noise or stop talking, especially if they are being loud or annoying
beat itsentenceused to tell someone to leave immediately
break a legsentenceused to wish a person good luck, particularly before their performance
come off itinterjectionused to tell someone that they should stop saying or doing a particular thing
cry me a riversentenceused to tell a whining person that one does not care
cut the (crap|shit)sentenceused to tell a person to stop talking about unimportant or incorrect things
give it a restsentenceused to tell a person to stop doing something or talking about a certain subject that is annoying one
give me a breaksentenceused to show one's disbelief or disagreement about what someone has just said
go hang {oneself}sentenceused to show one's indifference toward one's actions or mood
go to the Devilsentenceused to tell a person to go and leave one alone
hold my beersentenceused humorously when one is about to attempt to do something foolish or dangerous, often to showoff or outdo someone
kiss my asssentenceused to express contempt, dismissal, or refusal toward someone
no you don'tsentenceused to express one's desire to stop someone from doing something
none of {one's} lipphraseused to tell someone to stop talking
read my lipssentenceused to ask a person to pay attention to one's words and believe them
say it, do not spray itsentenceused to tell someone to not spit when they are talking
scratch thatinterjectionused to tell someone to ignore or disregard something that was just said
spit it outinterjectionused when urging a person to quickly say the thing they seem embarrassed or frightened to share
take a hikesentenceused to tell someone to stop bothering one and leave one alone
[take] a walksentenceto go away and leave a person alone
take it easyinterjectionused to tell someone to take care of themselves when saying goodbye to each other
Conversational Responses19 words
you can say that againsentenceused to express one's complete agreement with someone's statement
(hard|tough) cheesephraseused to show one's lack of sympathy for a person or thing
have it your waysentenceused to angrily state that despite one's disagreement with what someone has said, one will not argue about it
catch you latersentenceused to say goodbye to a person when one expects to see them again
be my guestsentenceused when giving someone the confirmation that they can do, take, or use something
bloody hellinterjectionused to show one's anger, surprise, or frustration
cat got your tonguesentencesaid to someone who is annoyingly quiet when they are expected to speak
knock yourself outsentenceused to say that someone can do as they please
long time no seeinterjectionused when greeting someone after a long time has passed since one's last encounter with them
man's best friendphraseused to refer to dogs, emphasizing their loyalty and companionship with humans
now you are talkingsentenceused to show that one agrees with someone's suggestion or statement
to pull the other (one|leg) (, it has got bells on|)phraseto show that one believes that someone is joking or lying
says whointerjectionused to show that one does not accept nor agree with someone's statement or opinion
the moon is made of (green|) cheesesentenceused to express one's complete disbelief about something that another person has just said
take a picturesentencesaid to angrily ask a person to stop staring at one
for crying out loudinterjectionused to show that one is angry, annoyed, or astonished
pish poshinterjectionused to express disagreement with an idea, statement, or opinion as unimportant, silly, or not worth serious consideration
pig's assinterjectionused to express disbelief or rejection of a statement
son of a gunphraseused to show affection or add humor when addressing a person
Showing Surprise23 words
wonders (will|) never ceasesentenceused to convey surprise or amazement when something unexpected or remarkable happens
a likely storyphrasea way of saying that one does not believe something because it sounds too unbelievable or exaggerated
a small worldphraseused to show one's surprise when meeting someone in a place one did not expect, or when one becomes aware of an unexpected relation between people
as I live and breathephraseused to show one's surprise when seeing someone or something unexpected
by guminterjectionused to emphasize a statement, express determination, or mild astonishment
good griefinterjectionused to show that one is shocked, annoyed, or surprised
[be] a monkey's unclesentenceto display complete surprise or disbelief
my assinterjectionused to show one's disbelief over something that was just said
my eyeinterjectionused to express one's disagreement or disbelief
my footinterjectionused to show one's disagreement or disbelief
you wishinterjectionused to tell a person that what they are hoping for will never happen or come true
hell's bellsnounused to show one's frustration, surprise, or anger
like a (deer|rabbit) caught in (the|) headlightsphraseused to refer to a state in which someone is so surprised or frightened that they are unable to think clearly or make any move
of all the (nerve|cheek)phraseused to express great shock, disapproval, anger, etc., in reaction to someone's bold behavior
for realinterjectionused to emphasize that something is genuine, serious, or not a joke
holy cowinterjectionused to express surprise, amazement, or disbelief
holy shitinterjectionused to show that one is really shocked or amazed
holy molyinterjectionused to express surprise, shock, or amazement
{one's} eyes [are] (out|) on stalkssentenceused when one is looking at something with a great sense of wonder or surprise
{one's} jaw [drop] (open|)sentenceused when something, such as unexpected news, causes one to be greatly confused or shocked
lo and beholdinterjectionused to express one's surprise or bafflement at something unexpected or remarkable
good (Lord|God|Heavens)interjectionused to show disbelief, shock, or surprise at something that has been said or done
good graciousinterjectionused to express surprise, amazement, or mild exasperation
Paying or Getting Attention16 words
to [catch] {one's} eyephraseto try to get a person's attention, particularly by attempting to make eye contact
to [hear] a pin dropphraseto be able to hear even the quietest of sounds due to the environment being extremely silent
to [strut] {one's} stuffphraseto walk or move confidently in a way that deliberately attracts attention, often to show off one’s physical appearance, style, or attractiveness
[be] all earsphraseto be eager to hear what a person wants to say
to [be] glued to {sth}phraseto give a thing one's full attention
to [keep] {one's} eyes (peeled|open|skinned)phraseto be careful to notice a thing or person
to [keep|have] {one's} ear (close|) to the groundphraseto make an effort to stay well informed on the developments or changes of a situation
to [lend] {sb} {one's} [ear]phraseto listen to a person or thing in an attentive or sympathetic way
to [perk|prick] (up|) {one's} earsphraseto hear something interesting and start to listen to it carefully
to [pin] back {one's} earsphraseto pay attention to something that is being said
to [take] the stagephraseto attract the attention of other people, often in a way that causes other people or things less noticeable
to [keep|maintain] a low profilephraseto behave in a way that does not draw attention to one
to [prick] up {one's} earsphraseto begin listening eagerly and intentively
catch one's eyephraseto attract the attention of a person
strut one's stuffphraseto confidently put one's best skills, abilities, or features on display in order to impress or show off
eagle eyenounthe skill to notice details and make great observations
Not Paying Attention7 words
to [get|take|keep] {one's} mind off {sth}phraseto distract someone's attention or thoughts away from something, typically something stressful, worrisome, or unpleasant
brown studynouna state in which one is very deep in thought and not aware of one's surroundings
to [give] {sb/sth} (a|the) once-overphraseto examine a thing or person very quickly
if (it|this) (was|were) a snake, it would have bitten yousentencesaid to mean that what a person is searching for is right where they are, but they have failed to notice it
XYZsentenceused to tell someone that the zipper of their pants is open
(head|) in the cloudsphraseused to say that a person is thinking about things that are unrealistic or impractical
asleep at the wheelphrasenot paying attention or not doing one's job properly, often resulting in mistakes or negative consequences
Offensive Behavior15 words
to [eat] dirtphraseto regret or feel bad about what one has said earlier
to [look] down {one's} nose at {sb/sth}phraseto consider a person or thing unimportant and undeserving of respect
near the knucklephrase(of jokes or remarks) close to the limits of what people can tolerate or find acceptable, particularly if it is offensive or sexually suggestive
to [air] {one's} lungsphraseto speak in a manner that is rude or sexually offensive
to [give] {sb} (some|any) lipphraseto talk to a person in a way that is rude and shows no respect for them
close to homephraseresonating deeply with someone's personal experiences, feelings, or beliefs
to [hang] a BAphraseto express contempt or disrespect to a person by showing one's naked backside to them
to [give|flip] {sb} the fingerphraseto raise one's middle finger and point it toward a person to show one is angry with them, hates, or disrespects them
to [have] (a|some) nervephraseto have an attitude that is inappropriate, rude, or too bold
to [take] {one's} name in vainphraseto talk about someone without giving them any respect
close to the bonephrase(of a joke, story, remark, etc.) dealing with sensitive or controversial topics that can be uncomfortable or unsettling to hear
no-go areanouna very private or offensive subject that should not be discussed
to [give] {sb} the birdphraseto intentionally and rudely display an offensive hand gesture, involving raising the middle finger while extending the others downward, as a sign of strong disapproval, annoyance, or disrespect toward someone
eat dirtphraseto receive insults or bad treatment, especially without ever complaining
give somebody the birdphraseto laugh or shout insults at someone
Reaction & Response13 words
cut it outsentenceused to tell someone to stop annoying one with their action or behavior
more power to {one's} elbowsentenceused to express support, encouragement, or admiration for someone's efforts
enough saidinterjectionused to say that there is no need for one to say more or offer more details
for (Christ's|God's|goodness') sakeinterjectionused when one is angry, frustrated, or surprised by something
perish the thoughtsentenceused to show strong disagreement
slow off the markphraseslow to start or react to a situation, often leading to a disadvantage or delay in progress
to {not} [turn] a hairphraseto stay calm regardless of the situation one is in or things that happened
to {not} [bat] an eyephraseto show no sign of worry or surprise when something unexpected occurs
to [turn] the other cheekphraseto respond to an offense with patience, forgiveness, and a peaceful attitude instead of retaliating or seeking revenge
to [take] {sth} in good partphraseto refrain from becoming upset about or offended by something
to [give] {sb} the runaroundphraseto deny someone a definite answer to something or refuse to offer them help
with open armsphrasein a way that shows willingness to accept new ideas or welcome people
to [go] off on a tangentphraseto begin talking about a subject that is not in any way related to the original topic that is being discussed
Jealousy & Competition9 words
to [steal] a march on {sb/sth}phraseto act very fast in order to get advantage over someone
to [throw] {one's} [hat] (in|into) the ringphraseto declare one's participation or candidacy in a competition or contest
ahead of the packphraseused of a person or organization that is more successful or performing much better than its rivals
to [keep] up with the Jonesesphraseto constantly try to have or do things as well as others around one, often to show oneself just as successful as they are
to [beat] {sb} to the drawphraseto react more quickly than someone in doing or achieving something
ahead of the (game|curve)phrasein a better position compared to one's rivals or peers
on {one's} [heels]phraseclosely following or pursuing someone or something, often in a persistent or bothersome manner
cut and thrustphraseused to refer to the energetic and thrilling nature of an activity where people compete or argue with each other, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere
on one's heelsphrasenear the point of surpassing a fellow competitor
Harsh & Strict Treatment9 words
to [take] the bread out of {one's} mouthphraseto deprive people of their most basic means of living, particularly via unfair mathods
to [rub] salt (in|into) the woundphraseto make a difficult or painful situation even worse for someone
to [drive|strike] a hard bargainphraseto be tough and smart in negotiations, insisting on favorable terms to achieve a favorable outcome for oneself
iron fistnounan attitude or approach that is cruel, and often unrestricted
to [put] {sb} through hellphraseto cause a person experience great difficulty
to [twist|turn] the knife (in the wound|)phraseto purposefully make someone suffer more than they already do
heavy handnounthe use of excessive force, control, or authority in a way that can be harsh or oppressive
iron (hand|fist) in a velvet glovephrasea person who appears gentle and kind on the outside, but they are firm, resolute, and even ruthless in their actions
to [cramp] {one's} stylephraseto stop someone from acting freely, creatively, comfortably, or in their usual way
Learn all 239 words in this list with spaced repetition