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I hereby give notice of my intention
Hereby is used sometimes in formal, official declarations and statements to give greater force to the speaker’ or the writer’s affirmation. People will say it sometimes to emphasize their sincerity and correctness.
I may be daft, but I’m not stupid
I might do or say silly things occasionally, but in this instance I know what I am doing (Usually used when someone questions your application of common-sense).
I should cocoa
(UK) This idiom comes from ‘I should think so’, but is normally used sarcastically to mean the opposite.
I’ll cross that road when I come to it
I’ll think about something just when it happens, not in advance.
I’ll eat my hat
You can say this when you are absolutely sure that you are right to let the other person know that there is no chance of your being wrong.
I’ve got a bone to pick with you
If somebody says this, they mean that they have some complaint to make against the person they are addressing.
I’ve got your number
You have made a mistake and I am going to call you on it. You are in trouble (a threat). I have a disagreement with you. I understand your true nature.
Icing on the cake
This expression is used to refer to something good that happens on top of an already good thing or situation.
Idle hands are the devil’s handiwork
When someone is not busy, or being productive, trouble is bound to follow.
If at first you don’t succeed try try again
When you fail, try until you get it right!
If I had a nickel for every time
(USA) When someone uses this expression, they mean that the specific thing happens a lot. It is an abbreviation of the statement ‘If I had a nickel for every time that happened, I would be rich’
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Any attempt to improve on a system that already works is pointless and may even hurt it.
If Mohammed won’t come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed
If something cannot or will not happen the easy way, then sometimes it must be done the hard way.
If the cap fits, wear it
This idiom means that if the description is correct, then it is describing the truth, often when someone is being criticised. (‘If the shoe fits, wear it’ is an alternative)
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride
This means that wishing for something or wanting it is not the same as getting or having it.
If you are given lemons make lemonade
Always try and make the best out of a bad situation. With some ingenuity you can make a bad situation useful.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
Originally a Harry S. Truman quote, this means that if you can’t take the pressure, then you should remove yourself from the situation.
If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows
If you wish to be associated with a particular high risk and/or high profile situation and benefit from the rewards of that association, you have to accept the consequences if things go wrong – you cannot dissociate yourself.
If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas
This means that if you become involved with bad company, there will be negative consequences.
If you lie down with the Devil, you will wake up in hell
This means that if you become involved with bad company, there will be negative consequences.
If you will
‘If you will’ is used as a way of making a concession in a sentence: He wasn’t a very honest person, a liar if you will. Here, it is used a way of accepting that the reader or listener might think of the person as a liar, but without commit the writer or speaker to that position fully.
If you’ll pardon my French
(UK) This idiom is used as a way of apologizing for swearing.
Ill at ease
If someone is ill at ease, they are worried or uncomfortable.
Ill-gotten gains
Ill-gotten gains are profits or benefits that are made either illegally or unfairly.
In a cleft stick
If you are in a cleft stick, you are in a difficult situation, caught between choices.
In a fix
If you are in a fix, you are in trouble.
In a flash
If something happens in a flash, it happens very quickly indeed.
In a fog
If you’re in a fog, you are confused, dazed or unaware.
In a heartbeat
If something happens very quickly or immediately, it happens in a heartbeat.
In a jam
If you are in a jam, you are in some trouble. If you get out of a jam, you avoid trouble.
In a jiffy
If something happens in a jiffy, it happens very quickly.
In a nutshell
This idiom is used to introduce a concise summary.
In a pickle
If you are in a pickle, you are in some trouble or a mess.
In a rut
In a settled or established pattern, habit or course of action, especially a boring one.
In a tick
(UK) If someone will do something in a tick, they’ll do it very soon or very quickly.
In a tight spot
If you’re in a tight spot, you’re in a difficult situation.
In all honesty
If you say something in all honesty, you are telling the complete truth. It can be used as a way of introducing a negative opinion whilst trying to be polite; in all honesty, I have to say that I wasn’t very impressed.
In an instant
If something happens in an instant, it happens very rapidly.
In another’s shoes
It is difficult to know what another person’s life is really like, so we don’t know what it is like to be in someone’s shoes.
In apple-pie order
If something is in apple-pie order, it is very neat and organized.
In broad daylight
If a crime or problem happens in broad daylight, it happens during the day and should have been seen and stopped.
In cahoots
If people are in cahoots, they are conspiring together.
In cold blood
If something is done in cold blood, it is done ruthlessly, without any emotion.
In dire straits
If you’re in dire straits, you’re in serious trouble or difficulties.
In donkey’s years
‘I haven’t seen her in donkey’s years.’ – This means for a very long time.
In dribs and drabs
If people arrive in dribs and drabs, they come in small groups at irregular intervals, instead of all arriving at the same time.
In droves
When things happen in droves, a lot happen at the same time or very quickly.
In for a penny, in for a pound
If something is worth doing then it is a case of in for a penny, in for a pound, which means that when gambling or taking a chance, you might as well go the whole way and take all the risks, not just some.
In full swing
If things are in full swing, they have been going for a sufficient period of time to be going well and very actively.
In high gear
(USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in high gear, they are feverishly on the fast track.
In high spirits
If someone is in high spirits, they are in a very good mood or feeling confident about something.
In his cups
If someone is in their cups, they are drunk.
In hot water
If you are in hot water, you are in serious trouble.
In light of
‘In light of’ is similar to ‘due to’.
In like Flynn
Refers to Errol Flynn’s popularity with women in the 40’s. His ability to attract women was well known throughout the world. (‘In like flint’ is also used.)
In my bad books
If you are in someone’s bad books, they are angry with you. Likewise, if you are in their good books, they are pleased with you.
In my book
This idiom means ‘in my opinion’.
In my good books
If someone is in your good books, you are pleased with or think highly of them at the moment.
In one ear and out the other
If something goes in one ear and out the other, you forget it as soon as you’ve heard it because it was too complicated, boring etc.
In over your head
If someone is in over their head, they are out of the depth in something they are involved in, and may end up in a mess.
In perfect form
When something is as it ought to be. Or, when used cynically, it may refer to someone whose excesses are on display; a caricature.
In rude health
(UK) If someone’s in rude health, they are very healthy and look it.
In so many words
This phrase may be used to mean ‘approximately’ or ‘more or less’. I think it may have a sarcastic connotation in that the individual listening needed ’so many words’ to get the point. It also may suggest the effort on the part of the speaker to explain an unpleasant truth or difficult concept.
In someone’s pocket
If a person is in someone’s pocket, they are dependent, especially financially, on them.
In spades
(UK) If you have something in spades, you have a lot of it.
In stitches
If someone is in stitches, they are laughing uncontrollably.
In tandem
If people do things in tandem, they do them at the same time.
In that vein
If you do something in that (or this) vein, you do it in the same distinctive manner or style.
In the bag
If something is in the bag, it is certain that you will get it or achieve it
In the ballpark
This means that something is close to the adequate or required value.
In the black
If your bank account is in credit, it is in the black.
In the cards
If something is in the cards, it is bound to occur, it is going to happen, or it is inevitable.
In the catbird seat
(USA) If someone is in the catbird seat, they are in an advantageous or superior position.
In the clear
If someone is in the clear, they are no longer suspected of or charged with wrongdoing.
In the clink
(UK) If someone is in the clink, they are in prison.
In the club
(UK) If a woman’s in the club, she’s pregnant. ‘In the pudding club’ is an alternative form.
In the dock
If someone is in the dock, they are on trial in court.
In the doghouse
If someone is in the doghouse, they are in disgrace and very unpopular at the moment.
In the driver’s seat
If you are in the driver’s seat, you are in charge of something or in control of a situation.
In the face of
If people act in the face of something, they do it despite it or when threatened by it.
In the family way
If a woman is in the family way, she is pregnant.
In the flesh
If you meet or see someone in the flesh you actually meet or see them, rather than seeing them on TV or in other media.
In the gravy
If you’re in the gravy, you’re rich and make money easily.
In the hole
If someone is in the hole, they have a lot of problems, especially financial ones.
In the hot seat
If someone’s in the hot seat, they are the target for a lot of unwelcome criticism and examination.
In the know
If you are in the know, you have access to all the information about something, which other people don’t have.
In the lap of luxury
People in the lap of luxury are very wealthy and have everything that money can buy.
In the long run
This means ‘over a long period of time’, ‘in the end’ or ‘in the final result’.
In the loop
If you’re in the loop, you are fully informed about what is happening in a certain area or activity.
In the lurch
If you are left in the lurch, you are suddenly left in an embarrassing or tricky situation.
In the making
When something is in the making, it means it is in the process of being made.
In the offing
If something is in the offing, it is very likely to happen soon.
In the pink
If you are in very good health, you are in the pink.
In the pipeline
If something’s in the pipeline, it hasn’t arrived yet but its arrival is expected.
In the red
If your bank account is overdrawn, it is in the red.
In the saddle
If you’re in the saddle, you are in control of a situation.
In the same boat
If people are in the same boat, they are in the same predicament or trouble.
In the short run
This refers to the immediate future.
In the soup
If you’re in the soup, you’re in trouble.
In the swim
If you are in the swim, you are up-to-date with and fully informed about something.
In the swing
If things are in the swing, they are progressing well.
In the tall cotton
A phrase that expresses good times or times of plenty and wealth as tall cotton means a good crop.
In the twinkling of an eye
If something happens in the twinkling of an eye, it happens very quickly.
In the zone
If you are in the zone, you are very focused on what you have to do.
In turn
This means one after the other. Example: She spoke to each of the guests in turn.
In two minds
If you are in two minds about something, you can’t decide what to do.
In your blood
A trait or liking that is deeply ingrained in someone’s personality and unlikely to change is in their blood. A similar idiom is ‘in his DNA.’
In your element
If you are in your element, you feel happy and relaxed because you are doing something that you like doing and are good at. “You should have seen her when they asked her to sing; she was in her element.”
In your face
If someone is in your face, they are direct and confrontational. (It is sometimes written ‘in yer face’colloquially)
In your sights
If you have someone or something in your sights, they are your target to beat.
Indian file
If people walk in Indian file, they walk in a line one behind the other.
Indian giver
An Indian giver gives something, then tries to take it back.
Indian summer
If there is a period of warmer weather in late autumn, it is an Indian summer.
Ins and outs
If you know the ins and outs of something, you know all the details.
Into each life some rain must fall
This means that bad or unfortunate things will happen to everyone at some time.
Into thin air
If something vanishes or disappears without trace, it vanishes into thin air; no-one knows where it has gone.
Iron fist
Someone who rules or controls something with an iron fist is in absolute control and tolerates no dissent. An iron fist in a velvet glove is used to describe someone who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. ‘Mailed fist’ is an alternative form.
Irons in the fire
A person who has a few irons in the fire has a number of things working to their advantage at the same time.
Is Saul also among the prophets?
It’s a biblical idiom used when somebody known for something bad appears all of a sudden to be doing something very good.
It ain’t over till the fat lady sings
This idiom means that until something has officially finished, the result is uncertain.
It cost an arm and a leg
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive indeed.
It cost the earth
If something costs the earth, it is very expensive indeed.
It never rains but it pours
‘It never rains but it pours’ means that when things go wrong, they go very wrong.
It takes a village to raise a child
It takes many people to teach a child all that he or she should know.
It takes two to tango
This idiom is used to suggest that when things go wrong, both sides are involved and neither side is completely innocent.
It’s an ill wind that blows no good
This is said when things have gone wrong; the idea being that when bad things happen, there can also be some positive results.
It’s no use crying over spilt milk
This idiom means that getting upset after something has gone wrong is pointless; it can’t be changed so it should be accepted.
It’s not the size of the dog in fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog
Usually refering to a small dog attacking a larger animal, this means that fierceness is not necessarily a matter of physical size, but rather mental/psychological attitude.
It’s not the size of the man in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the man
This idiom means that determination is often more important than size, strength, or ability. (‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.’ is also used.)
J
Jack Frost
If everything has frozen in winter, then Jack Frost has visited.
Jack the Lad
A confident and not very serious young man who behaves as he wants to without thinking about other people is a Jack the Lad.
Jack-of-all-trades
A jack-of-all-trades is someone that can do many different jobs.
Jam on your face
If you say that someone has jam on their face, they appear to be caught, embarrassed or found guilty.
Jam tomorrow
(UK) This idiom is used when people promise good things for the future that will never come.
Jane Doe
Jane Doe is a name given to an unidentified female who may be party to legal proceedings, or to an unidentified person in hospital, or dead. John Doe is the male equivalent.
Jekyll and Hyde
Someone who has a Jekyll and Hyde personality has a pleasant and a very unpleasant side to the character.
Jersey justice
(UK) Jersey justice is very severe justice.
Jet set
Very wealthy people who travel around the world to attend parties or functions are the jet set.
Jet-black
To emphasise just how black something is, such as someone’s hair, we can call it jet-black.
Job’s comforter
Someone who says they want to comfort, but actually discomforts people is a Job’s comforter. (Job’s is pronounced ‘jobes’, not ‘jobs’)
Jobs for the boys
Where people give jobs, contracts, etc, to their friends and associates, these are jobs for the boys.
Jockey for position
If a number of people want the same opportunity and are struggling to emerge as the most likely candidate, they are jockeying for position.
Jog my memory
If you jog someone’s memory, you say words that will help someone trying to remember a thought, event, word, phrase, experience, etc.
John Doe
John Doe is a name given to an unidentified male who may be party to legal proceedings, or to an unidentified person in hospital, or dead. Jane Doe is the female equivalent.
John Q Public
(USA) John Q Public is the typical, average person.
Johnny on the spot
A person who is always available; ready, willing, and able to do what needs to be done.(‘Johnny-on-the-spot’ is also used.)
Johnny-come-lately
A Johnny-come-lately is someone who has recently joined something or arrived somewhere, especially when they want to make changes that are not welcome.
Joined at the hip
If people are joined at the hip, they are very closely connected and think the same way.
Judge, jury and executioner
If someone is said to be the judge, jury, and executioner, it means they are in charge of every decision made, and they have the power to be rid of whomever they choose.
Juggle frogs
If you are juggling frogs, you are trying to do something very difficult.
Jump down someone’s throat
If you jump down someone’s throat, you criticize or chastise them severely.
Jump on the bandwagon
If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has recently become very popular.
Jump the gun
If you jump the gun, you start doing something before the appropriate time.
Jump the shark
Said of a salient point in a television show or other activity at which the popularity thereof begins to wane: The Flintstones jumped the shark when a man from outer space came to visit them. The expression derives from an episode of the television sitcom ‘Happy Days’ in which Fonzie, clad in leather jacket and on water skis, jumps over a shark. That episode was widely seen as the beginning of the end for the formerly popular series.
Jump through hoops
If you are prepared to jump through hoops for someone, you are prepared to make great efforts and sacrifices for them.
Jump to a conclusion
If someone jumps to a conclusion, they evaluate or judge something without a sufficient examination of the facts.
Jumping Judas!
An expression of surprise or shock.
Jungle out there
If someone says that it is a jungle out there, they mean that the situation is dangerous and there are no rules.
Jury’s out
If the jury’s out on an issue, then there is no general agreement or consensus on it.
Just around the corner
If something is just around the corner, then it is expected to happen very soon.
Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined
Things, especially education, that affect and influence us in our childhood shape the kind of adult we turn out to be. (There are various versions of this, like ‘As the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined’ and ‘As the twig is bent, so the tree inclines’, ‘As the twig is bent so is the tree inclined’)
Just coming up to
If the time is just coming up to nine o’clock, it means that it will be nine o’clock in a very few seconds. You’ll hear them say it on the radio in the morning.
Just deserts
If a bad or evil person gets their just deserts, they get the punishment or suffer the misfortune that it is felt they deserve.
Just for the heck of it
When someone does something just for the heck of it, they do it without a good reason.
Just for the record
If something is said to be just for the record, the person is saying it so that people know but does not necessarily agree with or support it.
Just in the nick of time
If you do something in the nick of time, you just manage to do it just in time, with seconds to spare.
Just off the boat
If someone is just off the boat, they are naive and inexperienced.
Just what the doctor ordered
If something’s just what the doctor ordered, it is precisely what is needed.
K
Kangaroo court
When people take the law into their own hands and form courts that are not legal, these are known as kangaroo court.
Keen as mustard
(UK) If someone is very enthusiastic, they are as keen as mustard.
Keep abreast
If you keep abreast of things, you stay informed about developments.
Keep at bay
If you keep someone or something at bay, you maintain a safe distance from them.
Keep body and soul together
If you earn enough to cover your basic expenses, but nothing more than that, you earn enough to keep body and soul together.
Keep in touch
If you keep in touch with someone, you keep communicating with them even though you may live far apart.
Keep it on the Q T
If you keep something on the Q T, you keep it quiet or secret.(‘Q-T’ is also used.)
Keep it under your hat
If you keep something under your hat, you keep it secret.
Keep mum
If you keep mum about something, you keep quiet and don’t tell anyone.
Keep posted
If you keep posted about something, you keep up-to-date with information and developments.
Keep someone at arm’s length
If you keep someone or something at arm’s length, you keep a safe distance away from them.
Keep someone on their toes
If you keep someone on their toes, you make sure that they concentrate on what they are supposed to do.
Keep the wolf at bay
If you keep the wolf at bay, you make enough money to avoid going hungry or falling heavily into debt.
Keep up with the Joneses
People who try to keep up with the Joneses are competitive about material possessions and always try to have the latest and best things.
Keep your chin up
(UK) This expression is used to tell someone to have confidence.
Keep your cool
If you keep your cool, you don’t get excessively excited or disturbed in a bad situation.
Keep your ear to the ground
If you keep your ear to the ground, you try to keep informed about something, especially if there are rumours or uncertainties.
Keep your eye on the ball
If you keep your eye on the ball, you stay alert and pay close attention to what is happening.
Keep your eye on the prize
This means that you should keep your focus on achieving a positive end result.
Keep your eyes peeled
If you keep your eyes peeled, you stay alert or watchful.
Keep your fingers crossed
If you are keeping your fingers crossed, you are hoping for a positive outcome.
Keep your hair on
Keep your hair on is advice telling someone to keep calm and not to over-react or get angry.
Keep your head
If you keep your head, you stay calm in times of difficulty.
Keep your head above water
If you are just managing to survive financially, you are keeping your head above water.
Keep your nose clean
If someone is trying to keep their Nose Clean, they are trying to stay out of trouble by not getting involved in any sort of wrong-doing.
Keep your nose to the grindstone
If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you work hard and seriously.
Keep your options open
If someone’s keeping their options open, they aren’t going to restrict themselves or rule out any possible course of action.
Keep your pecker up
If someone tells you to keep your pecker up, they are telling you not to let your problems get on top of you and to try to be optimistic.
Keep your powder dry
If you keep your powder dry, you act cautiously so as not to damage your chances.
Keep your shirt on!
This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down.
Keep your wig on!
(UK) This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down.
Kettle of fish
A pretty or fine kettle of fish is a difficult problem or situation.
Kick a habit
If you kick a habit, you stop doing it.
Kick away the ladder
If someone kicks away the ladder, they remove something that was supporting or helping someone.
Kick in the teeth
Bad news or a sudden disappointment are a kick in the teeth.
Kick something into the long grass
If an issue or problem is kicked into the long grass, it is pushed aside and hidden in the hope that it will be forgotten or ignored.
Kick the ballistics
It means you realise the intensity of a situation. For example, there is too much unemployment now, so the prime minister must kick the ballistics and change his policy.
Kick the bucket
When someone kicks the bucket, they die.
Kick up your heels
(USA) If you kick up your heels, you go to parties or celebrate something.
Kick your heels
(UK) If you have to kick your heels, you are forced to wait for the result or outcome of something.
Kicked to touch
Touch is a zone of the playing field in Rugby. Kicked to touch means the ball was put safely out of play. Idiomatic usage usually means a person has deftly avoided an issue in argument.
Kid gloves
If someone is handled with kid gloves, they are given special treatment and handled with great care.
Kill the goose that lays the golden egg
If you kill the goose that lays the golden egg, you ruin something that is very profitable.
Kill two birds with one stone
When you kill two birds with one stone, you resolve two difficulties or matters with a single action.
Kindred spirit
A kindred spirit is someone who feels and thinks the way you do.
King of the castle
The king of the castle is the person who is in charge of something or in a very comfortable position compared to their companions.
King’s ransom
If something costs or is worth a king’s ransom, it costs or is worth a lot of money.
Kiss and tell
If people kiss and tell, they disclose private or confidential information.
Kiss of death
The kiss of death is an action that means failure or ruin for someone, a scheme, a plan, etc.
Kiss something goodbye
If someone tells you that you can kiss something goodbye, you have no chance of getting or having it.
Kissing cousin
A kissing cousin is someone you are related to, but not closely.
Kitchen-sink
(UK) Kitchen-sink drama deals with ordinary people’s lives.
Kith and kin
Your kith and kin are your family; your next of kin are close relations you nominate to deal with your affairs in the event of your death on a document, like a passport.
Knee-jerk reaction
A knee-jerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation.
Knickers in a twist
When your knickers are in a twist, you are angry and snappish over something trivial. ‘Whenever he loses his car keys, he gets his knickers in a twist.’
Knight in shining armor
A knight in shining armor is someone who saves you when you are in great trouble or danger.
Knit your brows
If you knit your brows, you frown or look worried.
Knock ‘em dead
‘Knock ‘em dead’ is used as a way of wishing someone luck before they give a performance or have to appear before people, as in an interview, etc. (‘em = them)
Knock on wood
This idiom is used to wish for good luck. (‘Touch wood’ is also used.)
Knock something on the head
If you knock something on the head, you stop it or stop doing it.
Knock the pins from under someone
If someone knocks the pins from under you, they let you down.
Knock your block off
To punch someone in the face Eg : The next time you do something like that I’m going to “knock your block off”.
Knock your socks off
If something knocks your socks off, it amazes and surprises you, usually in a positive way.
Know a hawk from a handsaw
If someone knows a hawk from a handsaw, they are able to distinguish things and assess them.
Know full well
When you know full well, you are absolutely sure that you know.
Know the ropes
Someone who is experienced and knows how the system works know the ropes.
Know where all the bodies are buried
Someone who by virtue of holding a position of trust with an organization for a long period of time has come to know many of the secrets that others in more powerful positions would rather be kept secret knows where the bodies are buried. An implication is that the person knowing these secrets will use that knowledge to secure something of value for him- or herself.
Know which side one’s bread is buttered on
If you know which side one’s bread is buttered on, you know where your interests lie and will act accordingly to protect or further them.
Know which way the wind blows
This means that you should know how things are developing and be prepared for the future.
Know your onions
If someone is very well-informed about something, they know their onions.
Know your place
A person who knows their place doesn’t try to impose themselves on others.
L
Labor of love
A labor of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise.
Labour of love
A labour of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise.
Lame duck
If something or someone is a lame duck, they are in trouble.
Land of nod
If someone has gone to the land of nod, they have fallen asleep or gone to bed.
Landslide victory
A landslide victory is a victory in an election by a very large margin.
Lap dog
A lap dog is a person who is eager to please another at the expense of his or her own needs in order to maintain a position of privilege or favor.
Lap of the gods
If something is in the lap of the gods, it is beyond our control and fate will decide the outcome.
Larger than life
If something is excessive or exaggerated, it is larger than life.
Last hurrah
If an elderly person does something special before they die, it is a last hurrah.
Last laugh
The person who has the last laugh ends up with the advantage in a situation after some setbacks.
Last straw
The last straw is the final problem that makes someone lose their temper or the problem that finally brought about the collapse of something. It comes from an Arabic story, where a camel was loaded with straw until a single straw placed on the rest of the load broke its back.
Last-ditch
A last-ditch attempt is a desperate attempt that will probably fail anyway.
Laugh a minute
Someone who is a laugh a minute is very funny.
Laugh to see a pudding crawl
(UK) Someone who would laugh to see a pudding crawl is easily amused and will laugh at anything.
Laugh up your sleeve
If you laugh up your sleeve, you laugh at someone secretly.
Laughing stock
If someone becomes a laughing stock they do something so stupid or wrong that no one can take them seriously and people scorn and laugh at them.
Laughter is the best medicine
Laughing is often helpful for healing, especially emotional healing.
Law unto yourself
If somebody’s a law unto themselves, they do what they believe is right regardless of what is generally accepted as correct.
Lay down the law
If someone lays down the law, they tell people what to do and are authoritarian.
Lead someone up the garden path
If someone leads you up the garden path, they deceive you, or give you false information that causes you to waste your time. ‘Lead someone down the garden path’ is also used.
Lead with the chin
If someone leads with their chin, they speak or behave without fear of the consequences.
Lean and mean
An organization that is lean and mean has no excess or unnecessary elements and is very competitive.
Learn the ropes
If you are learning the ropes, you are learning how to do something.
Leave no stone unturned
If you look everywhere to find something, or try everything to achieve something, you leave no stone unturned.
Leave well alone
If you leave something well alone, you keep a safe distance from it, either physically or metaphorically.
Left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing
If the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing, then communication within a company, organization, group, etc, is so bad that people don’t know what the others are doing.
Left in the dark
If you are left in the dark about something, you aren’t given the information that you should have.
Left to your own devices
If someone is left to their own devices, they are not controlled and can do what they want.
Left-handed compliment
A left-handed compliment is one that sounds like praise but has an insulting meaning. (‘Backhanded compliment’ is an alternative form.)
Legend in your own lunchtime
Somebody who becomes a legend in their own lifetime acquires fame, but often only to a select or specialist audience, while they are still alive.
Lend an ear
If you lend an ear, you listen to what someone has to say. (‘Lend your ear’ is an alternative form.)
Leopard can’t change its spots
This idiom means that people cannot change basic aspects of their character, especially negative ones. (“A leopard doesn’t change its spots” is also used.)
Lesser of two evils
Something that is the lesser of two evils, is an unpleasant option, but not as bad as the other.
Let alone
This is used to emphasize how extreme something could be: ‘We hadn’t got the money to phone home, let alone stay in a hotel.’ This emphasises the utter impossibility of staying in a hotel.
Let bygones be bygones
If people decide to let bygones be bygones, they decide to forget old problems or grievances they have with each other.
Let sleeping dogs lie
If someone is told to let sleeping dogs lie, it means that they shouldn’t disturb a situation as it would result in trouble or complications.
Let the best be the enemy of the good
If the desire for an unattainable perfection stops someone from choosing good possibilities, they let the best be the enemy of the good.
Let the cat out of the bag
If you accidentally reveal a secret, you let the cat out of the bag.
Let the chips fall where they may
This means that we shouldn’t try to control events, because destiny controls them.
Let the devil take the hindmost
This idiom means that you should think of yourself and not be concerned about other people; look after yourself and let the devil take the hindmost.
Let the genie out of the bottle
If people let the genie out of the bottle, they let something bad happen that cannot be put right or controlled.
Let the grass grow round your feet
If you let the grass grow round your feet, you delay doing things instead of taking action.
Let your guard down
If you let your guard down, you relax and stop looking out for danger.
Let your hair down
If someone lets their hair down, they relax and stop feeling inhibited or shy.
Let’s call it a day
This is used as a way of suggesting that it is time to stop working on something.
Letter of the law
If people interpret laws and regulations strictly, ignoring the ideas behind them, they follow the letter of the law.
Level playing field
If there’s a level playing field everybody is treated equally.
Lie like a rug
If someone lies like a rug, they lie to the point where it becomes obvious that they’re lying.
Lie low
If someone lies low, they try not to be found or caught.
Lie through your teeth
Someone who is always lying, regardless of what people know, lies through their teeth.
Life and limb
When people risk life and limb, they could be killed or suffer serious injuries.
Life is just a bowl of cherries
This idiom means that life is simple and pleasant.
Light at the end of the tunnel
If you can see light at the end of the tunnel, then you can see some signs of hope in the future, though things are difficult at the moment.
Light bulb moment
A light bulb moment is when you have a sudden realization about something, like the light bulbs used to indicate an idea in cartoons.
Light on your feet
If someone is light on their feet, they can move quickly and are agile.
Light years ahead
If you are light years ahead of others, you are a long way in front of them in terms of development, success, etc.
Lightning rod
Someone or something that attracts a lot of negative comment, often diverting attention from other problems, is a lightning rod.
Like a bat out of hell
This expression means extremely quickly.
Like a beached whale
Once a whale is on a beach, it cannot get back into the easily, so if you are completely stuck somewhere and can’t get away, you are stranded like a beached whale.
Like a bear with a sore head
(UK) If someone’s like a bear with a sore head, they complain a lot and are unhappy about something.
Like a bull at a gate
If you tackle a job very quickly, without any real thought about what you are doing, you are going at it like a bull at a gate.
Like a cat on hot bricks
If someone is like a cat on hot bricks, they are very nervous or excited.
Like a cat that got the cream
If someone looks very pleased with themselves and happy, they look like a cat that got the cream.
Like a duck to water
If someone has a natural talent for something and enjoys it, they take to it like a duck to water.
Like a fish needs a bicycle
If someone needs something like a Fish Needs a Bicycle, they do not need it at all, originally a feminist slogan: A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.
Like a fish out of water
If someone feels like a fish out of water, they are very uncomfortable in the situation they are in.
Like a hawk
If you watch something or someone like a hawk, you observe very closely and carefully.
Like a headless chicken
If someone rushes about like a headless chicken, they move very fast all over the place, usually without thinking.
Like a kid in a candy store
If someone is like a kid in a candy store, they are very excited about something.
Like a moth to a flame
Something that is like a moth to a flame is attracted to something that is deadly or dangerous.
Like a rat deserting a sinking ship
If people leave a company because they know that it’s about to have serious problems, or turn their back on a person about to be in a similar situation, they are said to be like rats deserting a sinking ship.
Like Chinese arithmetic
If something is complicated and hard to understand, it’s like Chinese arithmetic.
Like clockwork
If something happens like clockwork, it happens at very regular times or intervals.
Like father, like son
This idiom is used when different generations of a family behave in the same way or have the same talents of defects.
Like giving a donkey strawberries
(UK) If something is like giving a donkey strawberries, people fail to appreciate its value.
Like it or lump it
When people say this, they mean that the person will have to accept the situation because it isn’t going to change.
Like lambs to the slaughter
If somebody does something unpleasant without any resistance, they go like lambs to the slaughter.
Like no one’s business
If I say my children are growing like no one’s business, it means they’re growing very quickly. See also ‘Like the clappers’ and ‘Like there’s no tomorrow’.
Like peas in a pod
If people or things are like peas in a pod, they look identical.
Like pulling teeth
If something if like pulling teeth, it is very difficult, especially if trying to extract information or to get a straight answer from someone.
Like taking candy from a baby
(USA) If something is like taking candy from a baby, it is very easy to do.
Like the back of your hand
If you know something like the back of your hand, you know it very well indeed.
Like the clappers
If something is going like the clappers, it is going very fast.
Like there’s no tomorrow
If you do something like there’s no tomorrow, you do it fast or energetically.
Like two peas in a pod
Things that are like two peas in a pod are very similar or identical,
Like watching sausage getting made
If something is like watching sausages getting made, unpleasant truths about it emerge that make it much less appealing. The idea is that if people watched sausages getting made, they would probably be less fond of them.
Like white on rice
(USA) If you do something like white on rice, you do it very closely: When Bob found out I had front row tickets for the concert, he stuck to me like white on rice.
Like wildfire
If something happens or spreads like wildfire, it happens very quickly and intensely.
Lily-livered
Someone who is lily-livered is a coward.
Lines of communication
Lines of communication are the routes used to communicate by people or groups who are in conflict; a government might open lines of communication with terrorists if it wished to negotiate with them.
Lion’s share
The lion’s share of something is the biggest or best part.
Lip service
When people pay lip service to something, they express their respect, but they don’t act on their words, so the respect is hollow and empty.
Little pitchers have big ears
(USA) This means that children hear more and understand the world around them better than many adults realize.
Little strokes fell great oaks
Meaning: even though something may seem impossible, if you break it up into small parts and take one step at a time, you will succeed.
Live high off the hog
If you are living high off the hog, you are living lavishly.
Live wire
A person who is very active, both mentally and physically, is a live wire.
Lo and behold
This phrase is used to express surprise.
Loan shark
A loan shark lends money at very high rates of interest.
Lock and load
This is a military term meaning “be ready and prepared”.
Lock horns
When people lock horns, they argue or fight about something.
Lock the stable door after the horse has bolted
If someone takes action too late, they do this; there is no reason to lock an empty stable.
Lock, stock and barrel
This is an expressions that means ‘everything’; if someone buys a company lock, stock and barrel, they buy absolutely everything to do with the company.
Long face
Someone with a long face is sad or depressed about something.
Long in the tooth
If someone is long in the tooth, they are a bit too old to do something.
Long shot
If something is a long shot, there is only a very small chance of success.
Long time no hear
The speaker could say this when they have not heard from a person, either through phone calls or emails for a long time.
Long time no see
‘Long time no see’ means that the speaker has not seen that person for a long time.
Look after number 1
You are number one, so this idiom means that you should think about yourself first, rather than worrying about other people.
Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves
(UK) If you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves, meaning that if someone takes care not to waste small amounts of money, they will accumulate capital. (‘Look after the pence and the pounds will look after themselves’ is an alternative form of this idiom.)
Look before you leap
This idiom means that you should think carefully about the possible results or consequences before doing something.
Look on the bright side
If you look on the bright side, you try to see things in an optimistic way, especially when something has gone wrong.
Look out for number one
If you look out for number one, you take care of yourself and your interests, rather than those of other people.
Look what the cat dragged in
This idiom is used when someone arrives somewhere looking a mess or flustered and bothered.
Loose cannon
A person who is very difficult to control and unpredictable is a loose cannon.
Loose lips sink ships
To have loose lips means to have a big mouth, susceptible to talking about everything and everyone. Sinking ships refers to anything from small acquaintances to long and hearty relationships (with friends or a significant other). So when one says loose lips sink ships, one is basically saying if you can’t shut up you are going to end hurting people, usually psychologically or emotionally. Loose lips sink ships comes from World War I and/or WWII, when sailors on leave from their ships might talk about what ship they sailed on or where it had come from, or where it was going. If they talked too much (had ‘loose lips’) they might accidentally provide the enemy with anecdotal information that might later cause their ship to be tracked, and bombed and sunk, hence ‘Loose lips sink ships.’ Later, it came to mean any excessive talk might sabotage a project.
Lord love a duck
An exclamation used when nothing else will fit. Often fitting when one is stunned or dismayed.
Lord willing and the creek don’t rise
Pertains to the ability to accomplish a task or meet an obligation, barring unseen complications. Example: “I will be at work tomorrow, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.”
Lose face
To lose one’s reputation or standing is to lose face
Lose the plot
If someone loses the plot, they have stopped being rational about something.
Lose your bottle
(UK) If someone loses their bottle, they lose the courage to do something.
Lose your lunch
(UK) If you lose your lunch, you vomit.
Lose your marbles
If someone has lost their marbles, they’ve gone mad.
Lose your shirt
If someone loses their shirt, they lose all their money through a bad investment, gambling, etc.
Love is blind
If you love someone, it doesn’t matter what they look like. You will also overlook faults.
Low-hanging fruit
Low-hanging fruit are things that are easily achieved.
Lower than a snake’s belly
Someone or something that is lower than a snake’s belly is of a very low moral standing.
Lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut
(USA) If someone or something is lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut, they are of low moral standing because a snake’s belly is low and if the snake is in a wagon rut, it is really low.
Lower the bar
If people change the standards required to make things easier, they lower the bar.
Lower your sights
If you lower your sights, you accept something that is less than you were hoping for.
Luck of the draw
To have the ‘Luck of the draw’ is to win something in a competition where the winner is chosen purely by chance.
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