Enhance your English with idioms describing qualities, learning to express good, poor, boring, or interesting states and comparisons.
16 topics248 words
Good Quality or Condition23 words
second to nonephrase(of a person) considered best in a partular field
best of both worldsphrasea situation that allows one to have two different advantages at the same time
in (good|excellent|better) nickphrasein a very good condition, particularly compared to a previous state
class actnouna person or thing of impressive or high quality
(as|) good as newphraseused of something that was not working or functioning well, but it is now in good condition
the (best|greatest) thing since sliced breadphrasea thing or person that one believes to be extremely good, useful, interesting etc.
fit for a kingphrasegreat to a very exceptional degree
fit for the Godsphraseunexpectedly or unspeakably great
out of this worldphraseused to describe someone or something that is very unusual or remarkable
like a dreamadverbwithout any problems or issues
like a house on firephraseused to describe a situation or activity that is developing with great intensity, speed, and success
the bee's kneesphrasea person or thing that is exceptionally good
the cat's (meow|pajamas)phrasea person or thing that is superior to everyone and everthing else
to die forphraseused to describe something excellent or extremely desirable
to [pass] musterphraseto be good enough to meet a particular standard
(as|) good as goldphraseused to describe a very well-behaved and obedient individual, especially a child
up to parphrasegood enough to fulfill one's expectations
on the pig's backphrasein a situation where everything is going well and there are no problems
place in the sunphrasea very desirable or advantageous position
on (the|its) bright sidephraseused to refer to the positive or good aspects of a situation, even if other parts are not so good
off the hookphraseinspiring admiration, due to being extremely good and satisfactory
(as) good as goldphrase(of a thing) in a very good or desirable condition
of the first waterphrase(of a diamond or pearl) of the finest or rarest quality
Poor Quality or Condition18 words
fair to middlingphraseacceptable, but not exceptional
to [leave] {sth} to be desiredphraseto fail to fulfill one's expectations
in (bad|poor|terrible) nickphrasein a very unfavorable or disadvantageous condition
cracked up to bephraseused to say that a person or thing is not as good as other people say they are
the poor man's {sth}phrasea thing that is less desirable or has a lower quality or price than what was mentioned
dog's (breakfast|dinner)phrasesomething that is done vey poorly
{sb} could do worsesentenceused to suggest someone that a particular course of action or choice is better than what they think, even though it is still bad
beyond recallphraseused to refer to something that cannot be restored to its original or previous condition
out at (the|) elbowsphraseused to refer to someone who does not have enough money and is considered poor by the society's standards
at a low ebbphrasein a depressed, bad, or weakened state
on the blinkphraseused to refer to machinary that is not functioning properly or at all
out of actionphraseunable to operate normally for a limited time
to [give] up the ghostphraseto put an stop to an activity one knows has very little or no chance of achieving success
down at heelphraselooking cheap, worn, or filthy
worse for wearphrasein a very bad physical condition due to being used for an extended period of time
dog's breakfastphrasesomething that is done vey poorly
out at (the) elbowsphrase(of a piece of clothing) looking shabby and worn-out
give up the ghostphrase(of a machine) to fail to work properly
Boring or Interesting18 words
to [come] to lifephraseto become lively and energetic
to [be] all fun and gamesphraseto be extremely pleasant or enjoyable
like bees (to|around) a honeypotphraseused to refer to a situation in which something appears very attractive to a certain group of people and makes them crave it despite its potential dangers
more fun than a barrel (full|) of monkeysphrasedescribing a situation, activity, or experience that is extremely enjoyable, entertaining, or amusing
you have not livedsentenceused to strongly recommend someone to experience a particular thing
music to {one's} earsphrasesomething that brings great joy or satisfaction to someone
feast (for|to) the (eyes|ears)phrasesomething that is very pleasant to one's eyes or ears
heaven (on|upon) Earthphrasea situation or experience that is so blissful, joyful, or perfect that it feels like a piece of heaven or paradise has been brought down to earth
(as|) dull as dishwaterphraseextremely boring or uninteresting
all the ragephraseof the utmost interest or popularity for a specified time
to [bore] {sb} to tearsphraseto make someone feel extremely bored, irritated, or frustrated, particularly by talking too much or doing things that annoys them
to [bore] the pants off {sb}phraseto make someone feel extremely bored
a wet weekendphrasea dull, boring, or disappointing experience or person
(as|) dry as dustphraseextremely lacking in emotion, interest, or excitement
a barrel of (laughs|fun)phrasea person or thing that is considered a source of fun or entertainment for others
one-horse townadjective(of a town) boring and small, with nothing interesting happening
wild and woollyphrase(of an experience) filled with excitement and craziness
canterbury talenouna story marked by being too long or dull
Comparison18 words
a cut abovephrasemuch better than others of the same type
head and shoulders above {sb/sth}phraseused to describe someone or something that is far superior when compared to others of the same type
a (fine|thin) linephrasea delicate distinction between two things, particularly two apparently similar situations or concepts
apples to applesphrasea situation in which things are being evaluated or considered in a fair manner
to [be] cut (from|out of) the same clothphraseto possses qualities that are very similar to those of someone or something else's
in the shadow of {sb}phraseused to convey that someone is receiving much less credit or attention compared to a person more popular or skillful
to [follow] in {one's} footstepsphraseto try to do the exact same things as others did before one
to [follow] suitphraseto behave in the same manner as someone else
to [take|borrow] a leaf out of {one's} bookphraseto do something or to behave in a manner that is almost identical to that of someone else's
to [take] a cue from {sb/sth}phraseto take notice of someone else's action or behavior in an attempt to reach the same success
to [be|become] half the (man|woman|person) (that|) {sb} [is]phraseto be much less powerful, successful, or capable when compared to someone else
{not} a patch on {sb/sth}phrase(of a person or thing) greatly inferior to another person or thing
in the same leaguephraseused to refer to two individuals or entities that have the same qualities or having acquired the same achievements
out of {one's} leaguephraseused to suggest that that someone is not on the same level or does not possess the same social standing, attractiveness, or qualifications as another person
to [run] (circles|rings) around {sb/sth}phrase(of a person or thing) to be much faster, better, or more successful compared to someone or something else
out of one's leaguephraseused to suggest that that someone is not on the same level or does not possess the same social standing, attractiveness, or qualifications as another person
pound for poundphraseused to compare two things based on their qualities or abilities, without considering their size or scale
light years awayphrasea vast difference between two things, often indicating that they are significantly distant or dissimilar in terms of progress, quality, or understanding
Similar or Dissimilar21 words
dead ringernouna person or thing that closely resembles or duplicates another
a (different|new) ball gamephrasea situation that is completely different from what one was previously dealing with
(as|) different as chalk and cheesephrasenot in any way alike in character or quality
apples and orangesphrasetwo people or things that are completely different from one another
to [draw] (the|a) linephraseto define a limit concerning what action or thing one refuses to do or tolerate
a far cry from {sth}phrasea significant difference between two things, often in a disappointing or unfavorable way
on the other side of the fencephrasein a position or situation that is entirely different from what one is used to
it [is] six of one, half a dozen of the othersentenceused to say that both options or situations are equal and that none is better or worse than the other
spitting imagenounsomeone or something that looks exactly like another person or thing
seen one, seen them allsentenceused to indicate that all types of a certain thing are almost the same
along the lines of {sth}phraseof the same type as something else or closely resembling it
{one's} opposite numberphrasea person or thing that has the exact same function as that of another person or thing, but in a different place or situation
to [separate|sort out] the sheep from the goatsphraseto distinguish the good from the bad
much of a muchnessphrase(of two or more things) very similar to one another
a world of differencephraseused to emphasize a significant contrast or distinction between people, things, or situations
all that jazzphraseused to refer to similar things related to what was previously said
to [be] two of a kindphrase(of people or things) to be the same in type or in character
kindred spiritnouna person who shares similar attitudes, beliefs, or interests with another person, and with whom one feels a deep connection or understanding
(as|) black as {one's} hatphraseused to refer to something that is very dark or black in color
(as|) dark as pitchphrasecompletely black or dark
draw the linephraseto make a clear distinction between two things, particularly two ideas, that are closely related
Order and Tidiness12 words
(as|) clean as a (new|) pinphrasekept in a very clean condition
(as|) clean as a whistlephrasecompletely unstained and free from dirt, thus extremely clean and tidy
in apple-pie orderphrasewith perfect organization and arrangement
to [give] {sth} (a|the) once-overphraseto rid something of dirt in a rapid manner
(as|) nice as ninepencephraseused to refer to someone or something that is very tidy and poperly arranged
dog's (breakfast|dinner)phrasesomething that is done vey poorly
(as|) fresh as a daisyphrase(of a person) alert and full of energy and enthusiasm
all over the placephrasein a disorganized and untidy way
out of placephrase(of something) not positioned in its usual place
dog's breakfastphrasea person or thing that is marked by untidiness
head over heelsphrasein a state of extreme excitement or confusion
(as) fresh as a daisyphraseused to refer to something that has been kept in a very clean and tidy state
Old & New Things15 words
old shoephrasesomething or someone that is familiar, comfortable, and easy to be around
cutting edgenounthe forefront or leading position in a particular field or area of activity, characterized by the most advanced or innovative practices, technologies, or ideas
all singing, all dancingphrase(of a piece of equipment) very advanced in design
(last|final) wordphrasethe ultimate and conclusive statement or decision about a subject
the shape of things to comephrasea short glance of what one is likely to experience or what might happen in the future
a breath of fresh airphrasesomeone or something that presents a refreshing change compared to what existed before
to [fall] to piecesphraseto completely fail to be effective
in mint conditionphrase(of objects) in a perfect or unharmed condition
old hatphraseused to describe something that has been used many times or has existed for an extended period of time and is no longer new
to [gather|collect] dustphraseto be ignored or left unused for a very long time
bricks and clicksphrasea business that has both real physical stores and also sells products or services online through a website or app
to [go|fall] out of (fashion|style)phraseto become outdated and no longer liked or supported
last wordphrasesomething that is considered the most fashionable or advanced in comparison with others of the same type
fall to piecesphraseto age gradually, leading to a state of poor or declining condition
hot off the pressphrase(of a paper, particularly a newspaper) recently printed
Shape, Color & Texture3 words
(as|) dry as a bonephraseused to refer to something that is free of any moisture
(soaked|wet|drenched) to the skinphrasecompletely covered with water or some other liquid
(as|) long as {one's} armphraseused to refer to something that has a very considerable or unusual length
Place & Position17 words
to [burst] at the seamsphraseto be occupied by a large number of things
(as|) straight as an arrowphraseused to describe a very honest and moral person
(out|) in the openphraseused of a secret that is now shared with others
to [elbow] {one's} wayphraseto forcefully make a path through a crowded or obstructed area
elbow roomnounenough space that enables people to move easily
in the middle of nowherephrasein a place that is far away from cities, towns, or anywhere that is occupied by people
neck of the woodsphrasean area that is near a place in which someone resides
room to swing a catphrasea small or confined room with very limited space for movement
nook and crannyphraseall possible places, particularly those that are out of sight or reach
(packed|squashed) (in|) like sardinesphrasewithout sufficient space for one to move freely
(stomping|stamping) groundphrasea familiar place or location, particularly one where someone often goes to or spends time in
fresh out of {sw}phrasehaving just returned from a specific place
(as|) (straight|stiff) as a ramrodphrase(especially of someone in military or law enforcement) honest and following the rules without deviation
on all foursphraseto be down on one's hands and knees
(as) straight as an arrowphrasecompletely direct and without any twists and deviations
(out) in the openphrasein an environment that is not enclosed
(as) straight as a ramrodphrase(of one's posture) in a straight and rigid position
Location & Placement12 words
to [overshoot] the markphraseto make a mistake, particularly in judging the amount of something
the highways and bywaysphraseroads and streets that exist in a particular area
all over the jointphrasein many places or areas
all over the shopphrasein many different areas or locations
to [follow] {one's} nosephraseto follow one's intuition instead of rules or what others say
as the crow fliesphraseby the route that is shortest and most direct
here and therephrasein many different places
head over heelsphrasethe position or state of being turned or flipped so that the top becomes the bottom and the bottom becomes the top
overshoot the markphraseto go further past the place where one intended to be
la-la landnounused to refer to Los Angeles or Hollywood, particularly movie industry
follow one's nosephraseto go in a straight direction
on the spotphrasein the same place where an event is taking place
Compatibility & Incompatibility10 words
at cross purposesphraseused to describe a situation in which people or groups have conflicting goals or intentions
on (a|) par with {sb/sth}phraseused to convey that a person or thing is on the same level as someone or something else
out of contextphraseused of a statement or remark that is quoted in an incomplete or inaccurate way, often to the point that makes it hard to understand if not misunderstood
out of step with {sb/sth}phrasehaving ideas or beliefs that are in conflict with those of other people
to [fly] in the teeth of {sth}phraseto be in complete disagreement with something
to [lend] itself to {sth}phraseto naturally fit or suit a particular use or situation
strange bedfellowsnountwo people or things that form a very good but strange combination with one another
out of placephrasenot suitable for a particular situation
at oddsphrase(with reference to two things) in contrast to each other instead of correspondence
out of whackphrasenot corresponding to or agreeing with something else
Suitability & Unsuitability16 words
{one's} face [fit]sentenceused to a person who is considered to be the right person for a particular job or position
up {one's} alleyphrasevery compatible with one's abilities or tastes
to [be] cut out for {sth}phraseto have all the necessary qualities that makes one suitable for a particular job, role, etc.
to [be] made for {sb/sth}phraseto be a perfect fit for something needs or desires
to [fill|fit] the billphraseto meet the required criteria or to be suitable for a particular purpose or situation
to [have] {one's} name (written|) on itphraseto perfectly match someone's interests or needs
to [suit] {sb} (right|) down to the groundphraseto be a type of thing that makes one feel satisfied or enjoyed
to [hit] the spotphraseto satisfy a craving or desire, especially for food or drink
a match made in heavenphrasesaid of two people who are considered perfect for one another
just what the doctor orderedphrasesomething that is exactly what is needed or required in a certain situation
fish out of waterphrasea person in an unfamiliar situation or environment in which they feel uncomfortable
to [fit] {sb/sth} like a glovephraseto be the ideal size, shape, situation, environment, etc. for someone or something
to [strike|hit] a false notephraseto do or say something that is considered wrong or unsuitable for a particular situation
to [strike|hit] a right notephraseto do or say something that is considered right or suitable for a particular situation
out of {one's} leaguephraseused to suggest that that someone is not on the same level or does not possess the same social standing, attractiveness, or qualifications as another person
out of one's leaguephraseused to indicate that a task, challenge, or situation is beyond one's capabilities or skill level
Usefulness & Value23 words
better than nothingphraseused to say that having a particular thing that is considered lesser or lower in quality or worth is more preferable than having nothing at all
like gold dustphrase(of something valuable and desirable) extremely difficult to get, particularly due to a lot of people desiring it as well
alive and (well|kicking)phrase(of people) still alive and in good health
treasure trovenouna thing or a set of things considered very dear or valuable to one
(as|) dead as a dodophrase(of a person, animal, or plant) certainly not alive or in existence any longer
(as|) dead as muttonphraseundoubtedly no longer alive or in existence
out of datephraseno longer useful or fashionable
worth the candlephrase(of an achievement) completely worth all the effort one puts in or all the trouble one goes through
dead and (buried|gone)phrase(of a thing) cannot happen or exist again in the future, due to being completely finished in the past
rough and readyphrasesimple but good enough to fulfill a particular need or purpose
mumbo jumbonouncomplicated activities, rituals, or words that lack any real purpose
(as|) useful as a chocolate teapotphrasecompletely useless or ineffective for its intended purpose
old chestnutnouna joke, story, or topic of discussion that has become repetitive and uninteresting
black goldphraseused to describe petroleum or oil due to its immense value and economic significance
alive and wellphrase(of something) still successful, prosperous, or popular
in handphraseused to refer to something that is almost ready and can be put to use when needed
(as) dead as a dodophrasenot as popular or interesting as before
(as) dead as muttonphrasenot functional or in general use anymore
ad hocadjectivedone for a specific purpose or situation
up to the markphrasegood enough to meet a certain requirement or standard
crowning glorynounthe most important or the greatest part of something
behind the timesphrase(of a thing) outdated or no longer relevant to current trends or technology
up to speedphrasehaving reached the desired level of knowledge, understanding, or proficiency in a particular subject, skill, or task
Nature11 words
Adam's alenounused to refer to water
act of Godphrasean earthquake, storm, or any other natural event that humans cannot prevent or control
to [rain] cats and dogsphraseto rain really hard
(chilled|frozen) to the bonephraseextremely or uncomfortably cold
(chilled|frozen) to the marrowphrase(of temperature) falling below the freezing point
white Christmasnouna period of time in the Christmas eve when the snow has covered a huge portion of the ground
the heavens [open]sentenceused to refer to the time when the sky opens up and it starts raining heavily
dog daysnouna period of hot weather between early July and early September
dry spellnouna period in which the weather is really warm and there is no rain
come rain or come shinesentenceused for saying that one does something regardless of how bad the weather is
indian summernouna period marked by unusually dry and warm weather that often occurs at late autumn
Vehicles8 words
to [grind] to a haltphraseto slowly come to a complete stop after gradually losing speed or power
to [burn] rubberphraseto accelerate very fast, particularly so that smoke can be seen coming out from the tires
to [have] a lead footphraseto have a tendency to drive very fast
to [ride|sit] shotgunphraseto take the front passenger seat in a vehicle such as a car or truck
set of wheelsphrasea car, particularly one that is very desirable or expensive
to [take] a spinphraseto take a vehicle for a brief, leisurely ride
to [call] shotgunphraseto state that one will be sitting in the seat next to the driver in a vehicle
grind to a haltphraseto gradually slow down and come to a complete stop
Describing Qualities23 words
(as|) still as a stonephraseused to refer to a person or thing that is completely motionless
(as|) heavy as leadphraseused to refer to someone or something that is very difficult to lift or move, due to being heavy
(as|) light as a featherphraseused to refer to someone or something that is very easy to lift and carry, due to having no considerable weight
Old Harrynounthe devil or any character that has similarities to it
snail mailnounmail that is delivered physically by the postal system as opposed to email and other electronic means
a bunch of fivesphrasea person's fist
to [get] a hold of {sth}phraseto find a thing that one was searching for
to [lay|get] {one's} hands on {sth}phraseto succeed in obtaining something
up for grabsphraseready to be used or obtained
to [go] sparephraseto lose one's temper or become really upset
old schoolphraseadhering to traditional values, methods, or styles
(as|) pretty as a picturephrasevery appealing to the eyes
(as|) silent as the gravephraseused to refer to a place that is completely silent or quiet, with no noise or sound at all
(as|) American as apple piephraseused of someone or something that is seen or considered very normal in America
along the line of {sth}phrasein alignment with a specific path, course, or set of guidelines within a given context or framework
in the rawphrase(of a thing) in its most natural or true state of existence
a sight for sore eyesphrasea person or thing that is very strange or unattractive in appearance
off the railsphraseused to say that something is extreme or exciting
awoladjectivereferring to something that is stolen or not in its usual place
go sparephraseto be available for use only due to being unwanted
crystal clearadjective(of an object) clear or thin enough for one to be able to see through it
knee-high to a grasshopperphraseextremely or unusually small in size or importance
off the railsphraseused to say that something is not following the planned or expected course
Learn all 248 words in this list with spaced repetition