ENGLISH IDIOMS AND EXPRESSIONS FOR EVERYONE,
Yes,
Even You!
I thought I knew
English, but I didn’t know that!
by
Reza Mashayekhi
Smashwords Edition
* * * * *
Published on Smashwords by:
East to West Publications
P.O. Box
26546,
San Diego, CA 92196
English Idioms And Expressions For Everyone, Yes, Even You!
I
Thought I Knew English, But I Didn’t Know That!
Copyright
2011 by Reza Mashayekhi
ISBN: 978-0-9827736-1-1
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
Smashwords Edition License Notes
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* * * * *
What others are saying
This book makes my job easier. I’ll have much more to talk about in my classes. Your book is informative, and I look forward to using it. I encourage ESL students to read it and use it as a reference.
Rachael Chen, English teacher
Taipei, Taiwan
Absolutely brilliant! This book has helped me to expand my understanding of the English language and culture. As a foreigner myself and student of American Politics, I do recommend it to those wanting to expand their understanding of idioms and expressions in a frugal and easy-to-read composition.
Jorge L. Mendoza, Graduate student of American Politics
University
of California, San Diego
Thank you for writing this book. So many times, perhaps out of laziness or habit, we cause stress and distrust in life by using an obscure phrase or expression, when we could just as easily use words with our intent clearly stated. I expect that your readers will benefit greatly by learning the true meaning behind so many common expressions we take for granted. In addition, I hope many readers with English as their primary language will take seriously the importance of clarity in thought and speech. As “texting” and other technological shortcuts begin to dominate our communications systems, this will become increasingly important. Congratulations upon completing a most daunting task, and thank you for allowing me to add my comments.
Dorothy Miller, Literary Consultant
San Diego, California
I like the way this book goes beyond the American culture and covers many other countries’ sayings, anecdotes and idioms in a very clear and concise language. This way, Reza brings us to the realization that people of different cultures and backgrounds share more or less the same thoughts and idioms on the same subjects. Reza’s extensive work is definitely appreciated by me, and being an ESL instructor, I can use it as a valuable guideline in the curriculum of my class.
Angie Moeen, ESL teacher
San
Diego, California
I think this book—with its expressions, meanings, and examples—will be very helpful to any foreigner to get to know the English language, and I highly recommend it. It is a useful tool.
Cathy Peterson, Former English teacher in Malta and Iran
Oxnard,
California
A practical, entertaining, and sometimes funny look at phrases we take for granted everyday ... This book would be useful for those new to these expressions or for anyone who uses these phrases without really thinking about them.
Alan J. Schretzmann
San Diego, California
This is a great book to keep in your home, office, or brief case. The book lists idioms alphabetically and provides examples for their use, as well as their origin when available. The descriptions are brief and easy-to-understand, and I wish my Japanese mother had had a copy of it when she was raising me! It is a perfect choice for a gift for people who love to learn idioms.
Amy Smith
San Diego, California
In one stop, your book has clarified the definition of many expressions I hear regularly, yet wasn’t sure of their real meaning . I found the background and origin information to be very informative, clever, and, at times, very funny! As I deal with a number of foreigners in my line of work, I can see how this book could be very useful for a visitor from another country. It doesn’t matter if you are “one taco short of a combination plate” or a “one-trick pony,” you will enjoy this book!
Mark Sutton
San Diego, California
This is a useful book for foreigners trying to gain a better command of modern English. It is easy to understand, and I recommend that students learn several new phrases a day. By the end of a year, you will feel much more comfortable conversing with native speakers if you have an understanding of what these expressions mean and how they are used.
Karen Watanabe, Former ESL teacher in
Tokyo and NYC
Ann Arbor, Michigan
* * * * *
CONTENTS
* * * * *
“Tell me what you read and I’ll tell you who you are” is true enough, but I’d know you better if you told me what you re-read. François Mauriac.
* * * * *
Reza Mashayekhi was born and reared in Tehran, Iran. He later attended the University of Michigan, where he received a degree in aerospace engineering.
Reza has always been interested in learning the intricacies of the English language. This is why, alongside of his engineering work, he has taught English to non-English speakers. He has done this because he has wanted to expand his knowledge of English, and he has a good explanation for his reasoning.
“When you want to learn a subject, you approach it from your own perspective,” he says. “Once you feel that you know enough about it, you typically move on to something else. When you teach a subject, however, you have to learn everything about it before you can satisfactorily answer all of the questions that are raised by the students.”
Reza also consults with non-English speakers to prepare them for their public speaking events, or to help with their day-to-day conversational skills, both in the form of workshops and on a one-on-one basis.
Being a non-native speaker of English, living and working in the U.S., Reza’s experience through the years and his interactions with his students and clients has led to the compilation of this book.
* * * * *
A lack of or incomplete communication has been one of the major causes of conflict and bloodshed throughout history. While addressing major world conflicts is not the goal here, this book is an effective tool for helping to accomplish better communication between at least some of the people. It can help to reduce the possibility of unwanted, and sometimes devastating, consequences.
In 1990, a Boeing 707, from Colombia, crashed in New York before it could reach the airport. The investigation into the crash determined that the pilot’s request for emergency landing had been misinterpreted. (See Appendix.) This miscommunication cost the lives of the 73 people who were on that aircraft.
In another tragic incident, in 1992, a foreign exchange student was accidentally shot to death when he inadvertently walked onto someone’s lawn. He apparently didn’t know what the homeowner meant when he yelled, “Freeze!” (See Dedication.)
These, of course, are extreme examples. Less serious incidents, however, are happening around us, all of the time. They have led to receiving lower grades at school, missing flights, losing business opportunities, having broken hearts, etc.
Although difficulties with idioms and expressions mainly involve non-English speakers and foreign students, people from different regions in English-speaking countries are not necessarily immune either. Even children, as they are growing up, encounter occasional surprises. Imagine the surprised look on a little child’s face upon hearing this for the first time: “You can’t play outside today; it’s raining cats and dogs!”
This book has been compiled with the hope of eliminating some of these misunderstandings. The entries in this book are not usually found in dictionaries. Some are not even idioms or expressions. They are simply words or phrases that are used in daily conversation.
Because we’re routinely using them, it’s easy to forget that common expressions—such as: He ended up with egg on his face, or He has a monkey on his back—sound somewhat strange, especially if it’s the first time you’re hearing them. So, if you’re talking to someone, and you get the feeling that you’re not getting through to them, maybe you should use one of our substitutes!
What has been compiled here will help non-English speakers, especially foreign students. It can also help native English speakers by showing them alternative ways of saying things, if necessary. Who knows, some parents may find it useful, too!
Reza
Mashayekhi
San Diego, California
Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the
people.
William Butler Yeats
* * * * *
I cannot thank them enough, but I will try. I’ll start with author and designer Dawn Farson, without whose encouragement this book would still be just another one of many ideas in my head, and author and music instructor Suellen Fast, without whose help and ideas it would still be just another file on my computer.
Wendy Appel, Ana Arteaga, Chris Belton, Matt and Aase Bence, John Descano, Marc Emmelmann, Bahram Fariba, Dragan Giurici, Ana Goebel, Tommy Gonzales, Melanie Heisey, Kanae Hirano, Dilek Koksal, Zvart Malkhassian, Kesha Palmer, Vicki Quarders, Elizabeth Rose, Ron Peterson, Tyson Simon, Jheri St. James, Crossby Vargas, and Yolande Witkin helped so much with ideas, research, explanations, and marketing.
April Nelson did the proofreading and editing of the entire book, which was no small job.
The ebook conversion was done by Elizabeth Beeton with B10 Mediaworx.
Alina Fairy did the cover design.
Azita Mousavi, of azitaart in San Diego, and Sarah Arakaki and Kacie Paik, both graduates of the University of California, San Diego, did the wonderful job of creating the illustrations.
Mojgan Mehran did the still photography.
Also, this is probably the place to mention author and publisher Dan Poynter, whose many publications showed me the way to publish this book without relying on a big publishing company. Dan’s publications have helped numerous authors to put their ideas into print.
Please see the Appendix for contact information for some of the above professionals.
* * * * *
Whether or not you are a native English speaker:
The information here will help you to better communicate with others. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, teacher, tourist, businessman, employee, or an employer; this book will help.
You will find:
• Easy-to-understand meanings and equivalents for:
Idioms.
Phrases.
Expressions.
And some commonly used
sentences.
• Typical examples showing how the expressions are used.
• The likely origins of some of these expressions.
• Illustrations that serve two purposes:
1. They add some humor to an otherwise serious reference book; and
2. They illustrate how some expressions could be misinterpreted.
• And, finally, some interesting expressions and proverbs from other languages and cultures, which show how people of the world have more things in common than we tend to realize.
This book is not about English grammar. It’s about being able to communicate more effectively. Best of all, it’s good for all language levels.
If English is NOT your native language:
Use this book to better understand what you hear, read, or even say.
If English IS your native language:
Use this book to say things more clearly so that others will understand you better.
It is important to know that some idioms and expressions may have different meanings under different circumstances. If what you see here does not satisfactorily explain what you’ve heard or read, please let us know.
Finally, we’ve tried to keep it clean. Obscene words are either excluded or only partially spelled.
Please let us know if we’ve missed anything.
* * * * *
This book contains definitions and equivalents of commonly used phrases, idioms, and expressions of the English language and should be used as a general guide to facilitate communication. In order to make sure that the correct message is conveyed, if you’re dealing with sensitive issues, you should consult other sources to receive second or third opinions. The author and publisher of this book do not assume any liability or responsibility to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, directly or indirectly, as a result of using the information presented in this book.
* * * * *
Please read this entire section at least once!
When you refer to The List of idioms, phrases, and expressions, please remember the following:
• “Also” means:
The following idiom or expression has the same meaning, or is very similar, but is not necessarily included in this book.
• “Also see” means:
The following idiom or expression has the same meaning, or is very similar. It, too, is listed in this book.
• “Compare to” means:
The following idiom or expression has a somewhat different meaning. It, too, is listed in this book.
• The hidden meanings of idioms, phrases, and expressions are provided in this book, but the more obvious (literal) meanings are not. For example:
In defining Coming from behind, we don’t mention Approaching from behind.
In defining Hot potato, we don’t say A potato that is hot.
• The entries in The List have been tabulated alphabetically in their most common form. For example:
If you’re looking for the meaning of: It was raining cats and dogs, you should look in The List for: Raining cats and dogs. (Of course, you may also look for one of the key words: Rain, Raining, Cat, or Dog.)
• Single words that are defined in dictionaries are not included here, unless they have unique applications.
* * * * *
Dedicated to the memory of
Yoshihiro Hattori
Yoshihiro Hattori was a Japanese foreign exchange student in the United States who lost his life due to an apparent misunderstanding over language.*
It seems that he did not know what a frightened and armed homeowner meant when he said “Freeze!”
A message from the Hattori family:
We hate the word “freeze,” which was used when our son was shot to death. We desire the time when America will be safer, and the word “freeze” will disappear.
Masaichi and Mieko Hattori,
Yoshihiro’s parents
*For more information about this tragedy, please visit:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1992-10-20/news/9210200470_1_baton-rouge-peairs-haymaker
http://www11.plala.or.jp/yoshic/index.html
http://www11.plala.or.jp/yoshic/y-frame-eng.html
* * * * *
What use will a dish of flowers be to you?
Take a page from my
Rose Garden.
A flower lasts but five or six days,
This
Rose Garden will last forever.
A poem by Saadi Shirazi, thirteenth century Iranian poet,
about
his famous book “The Rose Garden.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
*
*
The more languages you know, the more human you are.
Czech proverb.
However many languages you know, that much more of a human you are.
Armenian proverb.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Don’t risk it.
Don’t risk losing what you have.
Don’t be greedy. Be content with what you have.
You know what you’ve got, but you don’t know what you’ll get.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A camel is a horse designed by a committee.
Decision making by a committee is not an efficient process.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A comeback
A smart aleck kind of response.
A good verbal rebuttal to an insult.
A smart (and somewhat arrogant) kind of response.
Also:
Comeback line.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A day late, and a dollar short!
Too little, too late!
It’s not enough. Besides, it’s too late!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A dollar a pop
A dollar each.
Similarly, $65 a pop, five cents a pop, etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A drop in the bucket
Insignificant.
A very small amount.
Q. Did you get a raise?
A. Yeah, but it’s a drop in the bucket. I want more!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A five-hundred-member-strong club
A club with 500 members.
(This is an example. Any organization
and any number could be used.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A handful
Difficult to handle.
Not very easy to control or take care of.
Q. Would you please take care of my dog while I’m gone?
A. No thanks! She’s a handful.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A hole in the head
Something that’s definitely not needed.
When someone says: I need it like I need a hole in the head, they mean to say (with a lot of emphasis), I don’t need it!
Q. Do you want to buy my limousine? It’s very cheap.
A. Right now, I need a limousine like I need a hole in the head!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A leg to stand on
A support.
Supporting material.
Available influence or power.
When someone says: He doesn’t have a leg to stand on, they mean something like:
He doesn’t have enough data to support his theory.
He doesn’t have an alibi to help him in his defense.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A little time in the desert
Time spent away from others.
When someone says: She needs a little time in the desert, they mean something like:
We’ve seen too much of her. She should go away (disappear) for a while!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A place of one’s choosing
One decides where.
A place that one chooses.
Similarly, a time of one’s choosing, an activity of one’s choosing, etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A pretty penny
A lot of money.
Very expensive.
Buying a house in Tokyo costs a pretty penny.
Also:
A bundle.
A fortune.
A lot of dough.
An arm and a leg.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A question of something
About something.
A question of economics means:
About economics;
A matter of economics;
It has to do with economics; etc.
Similar:
A question of taste, ethics, freedom, etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A reach
A difficult thing.
When someone says: This is a reach for me, they mean something like: It’s difficult for me to do something like this. I don’t know if I can.
Also:
A stretch.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Gulls on land, storm at the sea. Portuguese.
Seabird by solid ground, storm coming ahead. Venezuelan.
When things are not in their proper place, there may be trouble somewhere.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A shot in the arm
A boost.
A helpful deed.
Something that gives new energy to a person who is weary emotionally, mentally, physically, financially, etc.
Q. Did you get a year-end bonus?
A. Yes, and what a shot in the arm it was! I was just about to file for bankruptcy, but now I don’t have to.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A shot in the dark
This is about doing something with the hope that it will work. There is no way to predict whether or not it will be successful.
We’re not having any success, so let’s talk to your dad. Maybe he can help us, maybe not. Anyway, it’s a shot in the dark.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A thing of the past
Obsolete. Dead and gone.
Something that has no use any longer.
Thanks to Craig Newmark and his Craigslist, paying a lot of money for a small ad in a local or global publication is now a thing of the past.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Flatter the sea, but stand on earth when you do so. Greek.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A ways off
A long way off
In the distance.
In the distant future.
When someone says: A new entertainment system is a long way off, they mean something like: We won’t see a new entertainment system for a long time.
Q. Is your brother ready to start all over again?
A. Considering the fact that he’s lost everything, he knows that having a normal life again is a long way off.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Above board
With honesty.
Without tricks.
Q. Do we really need to do exactly as the contract says?
A. Yes, I want everything to be above board!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Above the fray
Being above commotion, confusion, etc.
Having nothing to do with the usual things, especially bad things, corruption, etc.
Used with verbs such as stay, remain, rise, etc.
A. The senator’s campaign manager is arguing with the reporters all of the time!
B. Yes. She lets the manager do the fighting, but she stays above the fray herself!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ace in the hole
Origin:
Gambling
Big secret help.
A winning factor kept hidden.
She is our ace in the hole. With her at our side, I’m sure we’re going to win this thing. But keep it to yourself for now.
The prosecutor had an ace in the hole: an eyewitness!
Background:
This may have its origin in the game of poker where you have an ace with the face down, until it’s time to show it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
According to someone
As someone says.
Per someone’s statement.
When someone says: According to my brother, you’re not innocent, they mean something like: He says you’re not innocent.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Achilles heel
A seemingly small, but actually crucial, weakness.
A very significant weakness in an otherwise very strong person or idea, etc., that can result in complete failure
Her biggest Achilles heel is the number of people who don’t think she is qualified to be their representative.
Background:
According to Greek mythology, Achilles was invulnerable all over his body except in the area of his heel. He died from an arrow that had been shot into his heel.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Across the board
All levels, all categories, all employees, etc.
Everybody’s happy as they raised salaries across the board.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Acting in a certain capacity
Having certain responsibilities.
Working in a certain capacity.
He’s acting in a professional capacity. He can’t just take off and go on a ski trip with you!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Acting somebody
Acting something
Temporary somebody or something as in:
Acting vice president;
Acting director of public relations; etc.
I’m the acting chairman, not the chairman. I’m acting as the chairman. I’ll be temporarily performing the duties of the chairman until we have a permanent one!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are! Assyrian, Persian, Spanish, Turkish, etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adding insult to injury
Making things even worse.
I got a ticket for parking in the wrong place. Then, to add insult to injury, they towed my car while I was talking to the policeman!
Also: Rubbing salt in the wound.
Compare to: Kick in the teeth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Addressing something
Not ignoring it.
Talking about it.
Taking care of it.
Paying attention to it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Admission on one’s part
A person admitting to something.
This is an admission on my part, means:
I’m admitting it;
I’m saying I did it; etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After the fact
After something has happened.
You’ve already signed the contract. You can’t change it after the fact!
Your honor, the evidence was planted at the scene after the fact!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Age before beauty
Older person first, prettier person next.
This is used (mostly by older men) when younger or prettier women let older men do something first, or hold the door for them, etc. It is used as a humorous compliment.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ahead of the curve
Ahead of the others.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ain’t
Isn’t.
Is not.
Aren’t.
Am not.
Are not.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ain’t that the truth!
I really agree.
That is the truth.
That is exactly the truth.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Airhead
Air
head
Stupid.
Ditzy, empty-headed, no brain.
She’s an airhead. She can’t even spell her own name!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A lie has no legs. English.
In lies, one has short legs. Croatian.
Lies have short legs. Czech, German.
Lies have short feet (or memory). Armenian.
A lie cannot get too far; the truth will come out.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Airing one’s dirty laundry
Exposing one’s private matters.
Also:
Airing one’s dirty laundry in public.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
AKA
a/k/a
This is an abbreviation for:
Also Known As.
Let me introduce you to Bill, a/k/a the Love Machine!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Albatross around one’s neck
A punishment. (In the old days.)
A burden that is difficult to get rid of.
A burden to remind the guilty person of his crime.
Also see:
White elephant.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alive and kicking
Alive.
Healthy.
Alive and healthy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All bets are off.
Rules don’t apply any more.
All agreements are canceled.
A. And one more thing, I also want a 20 percent raise every year.
B. In that case all bets are off! We’ve never talked about an automatic raise before.
Compare to: No holds barred.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The carpenter’s door is loose. Arabic.
The cobbler’s children go barefoot. English.
About those who take care of other people’s problems but neglect their own family.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All but
Almost, nearly all, as in:
The chairman’s visit was all but certain. I’m surprised he canceled it!
Everyone (or everything) except, as in:
All but the morons stayed home during the heavy snow.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All hands on deck
Everyone needs to help.
Everybody be ready (to get started).
We have so much to do. Come on everyone! All hands on deck!
Background:
This was originally a seaman’s term. When turbulent seas caused a boat or ship to be in danger, the captain would call All hands on deck! It is now a general term.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All out
All-out
Full force.
With all available resources.
All-out war, all-out effort, etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All talk and no action
This is said about people who:
Give lip service.
Make promises but never keep them.
Talk a lot, but don’t really do anything.
Q. What do you think of the new manager? Sounds like he’ll do a lot for us!
A. Don’t be so sure. I know him from before, and I know he’s all talk and no action!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All the same
Still.
However.
In spite of.
Regardless.
Nevertheless.
It was a long trip, but a nice one all the same.
She may have acted stupidly as they say, but she’s a gifted performer all the same.
Making no difference, as in:
Democrat, Republican, they’re all the same.
If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather stay home.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
From a thorn a rose emerges and from a rose a thorn. Greek.
Children don’t necessarily take after their parents.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All too easy
Too easy.
Very easy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All walks of life
When you say People from all walks of life were in attendance, it means:
All kinds of people were there.
All professions and classes were represented.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All’s well that ends well.
If it ends well, it’s okay.
The important thing is that it ends well, no matter what else happens.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Along party lines
Political
In line (in agreement) with one’s own party, even if it means going against the will of the people who elected them.
When you say: The senators are voting along party lines, you mean:
They are voting for their own party’s agenda; Democrats for Democrats, and Republicans for Republicans.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Along the lines of
Something like that.
When someone says: Sohaila said something along the lines of quitting school, they mean:
She said she doesn’t want to go to school anymore, or something like that.
Also: Something to that effect.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
America’s Finest City
This is a nickname for the city of San Diego, although not many people in other cities agree with it!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A pear will fall to its root. Turkish.
A splinter doesn’t jump far from a log. Serbian.
The pear falls exactly underneath the pear tree. Albanian.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. English, Greek, Slovak.
Children take after their parents.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Amounting to something
Becoming successful, having a meaningful life:
Q. Dad, do you think I’ll ever amount to anything?
A. Of course, son. You’re smart, you work hard, and you have a good teacher, me!
Being the same as, or similar to, something:
A. I give up. I’m not going to work on this project anymore.
B. If you ask me, don’t stop. In my book, quitting amounts to failure!
A. They say they want to train us, but they are really threatening us.
B. That’s right. This “training” session is really amounting to intimidation!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And counting
Still going on.
There will be more.
Layoffs total 45,000 and counting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And something to match
If someone says: She has beautiful eyes and a smile to match, they mean something like:
Her smile is equally as beautiful as her eyes;
Her smile matches her beautiful eyes; etc.
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And then some
And even more.
Even more than that.
Q. This lady was nice to offer us food. Did you pay her for the food?
A. I’ve been very generous to her. I’ve paid for the food, and then some!
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Animal magnetism
Sex appeal.
Attractiveness in a rough way.
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Anyone’s guess
Anybody’s guess
No one knows.
No one knows for sure.
When someone says: The answer is anybody’s guess, they mean: No one knows the answer.
When someone says: What she’ll do is anyone’s guess, they mean: We don’t know what she’ll do.
Also: Your guess is as good as mine!
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A woman and the sea are the same in anger. Greek.
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Anyway you cut it
Anyway you slice it
Anyway you do it.
Anyway you look at it.
And, for a little humor:
Anyway you look at it you lose. Ask Mrs. Robinson!
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Appealing to people
Attractive to people.
Something that people like.
Related:
If something appeals to you, you like it.
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Are you cool?
Are you okay?
Is everything okay?
Have you chilled out? (After an argument.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Are you with me?
Do you understand?
Another meaning:
Do you agree with me?
Related: You’re either with us, or against us!
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Around-the-clock
Round-the-clock
Continuously.
Twenty four hours a day.
We’ve been working around-the-clock to meet our deadline, I mean ALL of the time!
Also:
24/7.
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
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If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. English.
If they had planted “if,” a tree would have grown in its place. Persian.
If the word if wasn’t there, my father would be a millionaire. German.
If children’s prayers were answered, there wouldn’t be a single teacher alive. Persian.
Various plays with the word “if.”
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As God is my witness!
I swear to God!
God is my witness.
God knows I’m telling the truth.
As God is my witness, I’ll do my best to defend you!
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As good as dead
Dying.
Not active.
Will be dead.
Heading in the direction of being dead.
If you say: He’s as good as dead, it could mean any of the following:
He’s dying;
He’s not active;
He’ll die very soon;
He will be killed very soon;
If I see him again, he’ll be in trouble, etc.
Note: Also applies to plans, projects, etc.
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As luck would have it
As it turned out.
The way it happened.
As luck would have it, I had left my wallet at home. So I couldn’t buy the jacket!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For a definition, see:
• Burning a copy
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As much as the next person (guy)
The usual amount.
The same amount.
The normal amount.
Don’t get me wrong. I love watching political debates as much as the next guy. I just don’t like this one.
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As of some time
Depending on how it is used, As of some time means “until,” or “starting.”
As of yesterday, we had not received a notice! (Until yesterday.)
As of yesterday, we’re not friends anymore! (Starting yesterday.)
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As sure as Bob’s your uncle
Sure.
You can be one hundred percent sure.
Q. Are you sure this is going to work?
A. I’ve done it before, and, as sure as Bob’s your uncle, it’ll work for you, too.
Also: There you have it!
Compare to: Bob’s your uncle.
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As we speak
Even as we speak
Right now.
At this very moment.
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When you pick up the stick, the robber dog knows. Armenian.
When you pick up the stick, the stealing cat gets alert. Persian.
When they shouted, “Pumpkin thief,” he touched his shoulder to check. Indian.
Guilty people are always on guard, looking over their shoulder.
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As well
As well as
Too.
And.
Also.
In addition to.
I’ll buy some food as well as some gas.
I’ll buy some food, and some gas as well.
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ASAP
This is an abbreviation for:
As Soon As Possible.
We need some help ASAP!
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Asleep at the wheel
Asleep at the switch
Missing the problem signals.
Not doing one’s job (properly).
Not being aware of what’s going on.
Q. We’re about to go bankrupt. Why isn’t the management doing anything?
A. They must have fallen asleep at the wheel!
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Avoid those who constantly praise you. Swahili.
He who knows to praise sure knows to slander. Albanian.
Do not believe that a person who lies for you will not also lie to you. Arabic.
One who tells you about someone else’s business will tell someone else about yours. Swahili.
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Asset, liability
Asset is a positive point, an advantage, a good thing to have, as in:
Welcome to our company. Having you on our team is a great asset!
Liability is a negative point, a disadvantage, a bad thing to have, as in:
When someone says: He’ll be a liability for us, they mean:
His presence will hurt us more than it will help.
If we keep
him, it won’t be good for our image.
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Assuming you are right
If you’re right.
Let’s say you’re right.
Supposing you’re right.
Similarly:
Assuming it will rain; assuming we still have time; etc.
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At a moment’s notice
Quickly.
Very fast.
At any time.
Don’t worry! Just call me and I’ll be there at a moment’s notice.
Firemen need to be ready to respond to an alarm at a moment’s notice.
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At arm’s length
Origin:
Legal
At a distance.
When someone says: He’s been allowed to manage the project at arm’s length, they mean: His control over the project is limited.
In law or real estate:
At arm’s length refers to a transaction between parties who are not related to each other.
Also used in terms of relationships:
She’s been hurt so many times, she is keeping him at arm’s length emotionally.
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At best, at worst
The best and the worst possibilities expected in a certain situation.
If someone says: At best they won’t say hello, and at worst they’ll call the police, it means something like: The best thing they might do to me is not say hello, and the worst thing is they’ll call the police to kick me off the field!
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The day you decide to leave your house naked is the day you run into your in-laws. Swahili.
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At each other’s throats
Verbally fighting.
Arguing very angrily.
A. I thought they were going to kill each other.
B. I know, they were really going at each other’s throats!
Similar:
Duking it out.
Going at each other. Letting each other have it.
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At large
As a whole, as in:
The city at large.
Not specific to a certain area, as in:
The representative at large.
Free, not in captivity, as in:
The killer is no longer at large. He has been arrested.
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At odds with
In disagreement with.
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At sea
All at sea
Confused.
A. I don’t really think he knows what he’s doing.
B. No, he doesn’t. Let’s face it, he’s at sea again!
Similar: At a loss.
Also see: Out to lunch.
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Out of sight, out of mind. English.
Out of the eye, out of the heart. Dutch.
Absence makes the heart forget. Parts of Africa.
He who leaves the eye will leave the heart. Persian.
Eyes that don’t see each other, forget about each other. Greek.
If people don’t see you, they’ll forget you.
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At someone’s expense
When someone says: They’re vacationing at DeWitt’s expense, they mean:
DeWitt is paying for it.
When someone says: They’re laughing at Henry’s expense, or at the expense of his feelings, they mean:
They’re making fun of Henry.
When someone says: We’re publishing books faster at quality’s expense, or at the expense of quality, they mean something like:
We’re publishing more books, but with lower quality.
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At someone’s mercy
At the mercy of someone
Under someone’s control.
When someone says: We’re at April’s mercy, they mean something like:
It’s April’s decision;
She’ll call if she wants to;
We’ll have to do what she says;
What we do, or what will be done to us, is all up to her; etc.
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At the end of the day
In the end.
When it’s all over.
All things considered.
Considering everything.
At the end of the day YOU have to decide what you want to do with your life, not me!
Also:
When it’s all said and done.
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At the risk of
Taking the risk of.
Running the risk of.
If you say: At the risk of offending you, here’s what I think, you probably mean:
I hope you don’t mind, but I think you’re wrong;
I may be offending you, but I think you’re a moron;
I hope I’m not upsetting you, but I think you’re crazy; etc.
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At the top of one’s voice
At the top of one’s lungs
Very loud.
The loudest voice with which one can talk or sing.
Q. How’s your neighbor doing? Are you glad you’re living next door to an opera singer?
A. No, I’m going crazy. She’s always singing at the top of her lungs!
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A doctor’s mistake is God’s writing. Greek.
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AWOL
Military
This is an abbreviation for:
Absent WithOut Leave.
When someone says: He’s AWOL, it could mean any of the following:
No one knows where he is.
He has left without permission.
He’s absent without approval to leave.
Note:
This is a military term, but it is being used outside the
military as well.
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Back in the day
A long time ago.
Years, maybe decades or generations, ago.
Q. Isn’t it funny that your mom still sends handwritten letters to her friends?
A. Yeah. Actually, back in the day, that was the only way to communicate!
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Back of the barn
This has a sexual connotation.
When you say: They’ve been to the back of the barn, you mean something like:
They’re more than friends;
They know each other very well;
They have (had) a sexual relationship; etc.
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Back on one’s feet
Back to one’s normal condition with respect to health, finances, etc.
I’ve been down with the flu, but I hope to get back on my feet soon.
He lost everything due to the economy, but he hopes to find a job and get back on his feet again.
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You look prettier when you’re quiet. Spanish.
Don’t speak if you can’t improve on the silence. Spanish.
If talk is made of silver, then silence is made of gold. Arabic.
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Back story
Back-story
Not the main story.
The story in the background.
I’d like to know more about Batman’s back story. I already know what he does. I want to know what made him who he is.
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Back to square one
Starting over again.
Re-doing everything from the beginning.
A. Hideko, the test results don’t look good!
B. Well, I guess it’s back to square one, right?
Also:
Starting from scratch.
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Backhanded compliment
An insult.
An insult that sounds like a compliment at first.
Your wife is so charming that I don’t want to believe what people say about her!
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Backhanding
Origin:
Sports
Hitting with the back of the hand.
Returning a shot with the back of the hand.
After he made a joke at her expense, she playfully backhanded him on the arm.
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Backing down
Yielding after being aggressive at first.
Changing one’s
position or decision under pressure.
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Backseat driver
Someone who complains about how badly other people do things, but won’t do anything about it himself, or herself, similar to a person in a car who’s not driving but corrects the driver and/or tells the driver what to do.
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Backstabber
Back stabber
Back-stabber
A person who:
Attacks you unfairly behind your back.
Hurts you when you’re not expecting it.
Befriends you but betrays you to others behind your back.
Assures you of his or her support, but does not support you when you need it.
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Bad blood
Friction.
Hostility.
Bad history.
Q. Why can’t those two get married?
A. There’s bad blood between their families. They won’t let them.
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Bad news
When you say: Stay away from her, she’s bad news, you might mean one of the following:
She does drugs;
She’s a bad influence;
She writes bad checks;
She regularly misses school;
She might get you in trouble; etc.
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Bad seed
Bad to the bone
Really bad.
Completely bad, pure evil.
Not just bad on the surface but all the way through to the bone.
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Bailing (out)
Quitting.
After only one week on the job, he bailed (out).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lentils are still in the market, and the Brahmin is beating his wife for not cooking them properly. Indian.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bailing (out) on someone
Leaving them.
Abandoning them.
My wife has bailed out on me!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bailing someone out
Origin:
Legal
Helping, as in:
I’m tired of bailing you out of your problems. Next time, call someone else!
Related:
Helping someone out of jail by paying the bail money.
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Bait and switch
Telling a lie at first, and changing one’s word later, in order to cheat someone.
They’re using a bait-and-switch strategy. They get you interested in their plan with a low interest rate, but tell you about the hidden fees later, at which time they encourage you to accept their plan with a higher interest rate!
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Balancing act
Multi-tasking.
Doing, or trying to do, more than one thing at a time.
A. The government needs to do a lot about health care, jobs, the war, recession, etc.
B. They will need to do a real balancing act if they don’t want to fail.
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Ball is in your court.
Origin:
Sports
It’s up to you.
It’s your turn.
It’s your decision.
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Bang for one’s buck
Value for one’s money.
When someone says: You get the most bang for your buck here, they mean something like:
Our prices are the lowest;
Here you get more for what you
pay;
Your dollar goes a long way in this store; etc.
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Bar none
No exceptions.
When someone says: This restaurant has the best steak in town, bar none, they mean something like: It has the best steak in town without any exceptions.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bare knuckle fight
Bare knuckle
race
Sports
A fight with no rules.
A fight where anything is allowed.
Also see:
All bets are off.
No holds barred.
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Bargaining table
Negotiation.
A place for negotiations.
When someone says: They’re still at the bargaining table, they mean something like:
There’s still hope;
They’re still talking;
They haven’t
stopped negotiating;
They haven’t come to a decision yet; etc.
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The sun won’t stay behind the cloud. Armenian.
The sun shines even when it is cloudy. Albanian.
There’s always hope.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bases in baseball
Sports
First, second, and third base refer to various stages in the game of baseball. Home run, or home base, is the ultimate stage.
All of these terms also refer to various levels of success in any activity, where first base refers to minor success, and home run refers to achieving a goal in a big way.
All of these terms also refer to various stages in a romantic or sexual relationship, where first base refers to kissing, and home run refers to full sexual intercourse.
When someone says:
He didn’t get anywhere, not even to first base,
they mean something like:
He
wasn’t very successful in his business, or,
He didn’t even get to kiss her!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Taking rye to Kerman. Persian.
Carrying water to the sea. Dutch.
Carrying owls to Athens. German.
Carrying coal to Newcastle. English.
Taking water to the Danube. Hungarian.
Crossing the stream to get water. Danish.
About doing something that is a waste of time.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Be as it may
Be that as it may
However.
Although that may be true.
A. I think John means well.
B. Be that as it may, he’s an idiot!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Be put under
Medical
Be sedated or drugged into unconsciousness.
Q. Why didn’t you tell them they were operating on the wrong knee?
A. I was put under! I didn’t know what was going on.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bean counter
An accountant.
A financial officer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beating a dead horse
Repeatedly talking about something.
Talking about something that has already been decided.
Wasting one’s time talking about something that won’t change.
Q. Can we talk about my trip now?
A. Come on, stop beating a dead horse! We have already decided that you’re not going.
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Beating a rap
Origin:
Legal
Getting out of a bad situation without being punished.
Q. Didn’t they arrest him for stealing from his mother?
A. Yeah, but somehow he beat the rap and avoided going to jail.
Also see:
Getting away with something.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beating around the bush
Speaking indirectly.
Not saying what’s on one’s mind.
Of course I’ve asked her about her plans, but she always beats around the bush. She never gives me a straight answer.
Also:
Dance around the issue.
Dance around something.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The pot calling the kettle black. English.
The donkey called the rooster bigheaded. Greek.
The ragged says to the naked: Why don’t you get dressed? Portuguese.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beating someone to it
Doing something before someone else gets a chance to do it.
Q. Did you pick up the free tickets?
A. I was going to, but my so called friend beat me to it.
Also:
Beating someone to the punch.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beating the heck out of someone
An exaggerated, but polite, way of saying:
Beating someone up seriously.
Really beating someone at a game.