The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic - Description Of Places

English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning beyond their literal interpretation. Let’s explore the fascinating world of idioms with an idiom example. Consider the phrase “burning the midnight oil,” depicting intense effort or working late into the night. In this idiom sample, the image of a lamp burning late symbolizes diligence and commitment. Understanding idioms with meaning is like deciphering a secret code, unlocking a deeper layer of expression. So, whether you’re “walking on eggshells” or “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” incorporating these idiomatic expressions into your language repertoire adds flair and nuance, transforming ordinary conversations into rich tapestries of communication.

act of God	The term act of God refers to an natural event or accident, for which no person is responsible (such as an earthquake, lightning and similar acts of nature).	The insurance company refused to pay for the damage because it was caused by an act of God.
been through the wars	If something has been in or through the wars, it show signs of rough treatment or damage.	He arrived in a car that looked as though it had been through the wars.
beyond recall	Something which is beyond recall is impossible to retrieve, cancel or reverse.	I’m afraid we can’t recover the pictures – your camera is beyond recall.
beyond redemption	If something is beyond redemption, it is in such a poor state that there is no hope of improvement or recovery.	With the latest scandal, his reputation is now beyond redemption.
(a) bodice-ripper	A novel, usually on a historical theme, with a plot that involves romantic passion between a vulnerable heroine and a rich, powerful male character, is called a bodice-ripper.	The novel is a bodice-ripper set in the French revolution.
bricks and mortar / bricks and clicks	An established trading company (office/shop) is referred to as a ‘brick-and-mortar’ business.	Click businesses are usually more flexible than brick-and-mortar operations.
broad strokes	If something is described or defined with/in broad strokes, it is outlined in a very general way, without any details.	In a few broad strokes he summed up the situation.
(as) clean as a whistle	Something as clean as a whistle is extremely clean. This can also mean that a person’s criminal record is clean.	Bob spent the afternoon washing and shining his car until it was as clean as a whistle.
collecting dust	If something is collecting dust, it hasn’t been touched or used for a long period of time.	My dad doesn’t play golf any more. His clubs are collecting dust now.
come in handy	To say that something may come in handy means that it may be useful some time or other.	Don’t throw away those old shelves; they may come in handy one day.
copper-bottomed	To describe something such as a plan, a contract or a financial arrangement as copper-bottomed means that it is completely safe or reliable.	He signed a copper-bottomed agreement with a distributor.
creature comforts	The expression creature comforts refers to modern conveniences (such as hot water or central heating) that make life comfortable and pleasant.	I need my creature comforts. I don’t know how I’d survive without air-conditioning in this climate!
(a) cut above	Something which is a cut above everything else is better or of higher quality.	The articles in this magazine are a cut above the others.
cut and dried	If you refer to a situation, problem or solution as cut and dried, you mean that it is clear and straightforward with no likely complications.	When the new manager arrived, he didn’t find the situation as cut and dried as he had expected.
(as) dead as a dodo	To say that something is (as) dead as a dodo means that it is unquestionably dead or obsolete, or has gone out of fashion. (A dodo is a bird that is now extinct.)	The floppy disk is an invention that is now as dead as a dodo.
(as) dead as a doornail	The expression ‘dead as a doornail’ is used to stress that something is very definitely dead or no longer exists.	They’ve started fighting again, so the peace agreement is now as dead as a doornail.
dog and pony show	A dog and pony show is a marketing event or presentation which has plenty of style but not much content, and is essentielly designed to promote sales.	Our investors are well-informed businessmen who don’t need a dog and pony show to impress them.
dog’s breakfast	To describe something as a dog’s breakfast means that it is a complete mess.	The new secretary made a dog’s breakfast out of the filing system.
doggie bag / doggy bag	A bag provided by a restaurant so that you can take the leftover food home with you is called a doggie (or doggy) bag.	The portions were so big that we decided to ask for a doggie bag.
fait accompli	This French expression refers to something that has been done and cannot be changed.	He used his savings to buy a motorbike and then presented his parents with a fait accompli.
fall between two stools	If something falls between two stools, it is neither totally one thing nor another, and is therefore unsatisfactory.	The book didn’t sell because it fell between two stools. It appealed neither to historians nor to the general public.
few and far between	Items, places or events which are few and far between are rarely found or do not happen very often.	Restaurants in this part of the country are few and far between.
(of the) first water	Something that is of the first water is of the finest or most exceptional quality (like being compared to a diamond).	The violinist gave a performance that was of the first water.
fit the bill	If someone or something fits the bill, they are exactly right for a particular situation.	They wanted a quiet place to stay and the country inn fitted the bill.
fit like a glove	If something fits like a glove, it fits you perfectly.	I was lucky! The first skirt I tried on fitted me like a glove!
fit for purpose	Something that is suitable for a particular function and is fully operational is said to be fit for purpose.	The mayor promised that the new leisure centre would be ready on time and fit for purpose.
flag of convenience	If a ship, boat or yacht sails under a flag of convenience, it is registered in a foreign country in order to avoid regulations and taxes, and reduce operating costs.
fly-by-night	A fly-by-nightperson, business or venture is considered untrustworthy because they operate briefly and disappear overnight	I bought it in one of those fly-by-night stores and now I can’t exchange it. The place has closed down.
for the birds	If you describe something as for the birds, you consider it to be uninteresting, useless or not to be taken seriously.	As far as I’m concerned, his theory is for the birds.
free-for-all	The term ‘free-for-all’ refers to an uncontrolled situation such as a discussion, argument or fight where everyone present can do or say whatever they like.	It started as a serious debate but turned into a free-for-all.
Freudian slip	A Freudian slip is a mistake made by a speaker which is considered to reveal their true thoughts or feelings.	So you got the job – I’m so sad … Sorry, I mean ‘glad’!
gizmo	The term ‘gizmo’ refers to a gadget or any small technological item which is unusual or novel, and for which the proper term is unknown or forgotten.
going downhill	When something goes downhill, it deteriorates or gets worse little by little.	The country’s economy has been going downhill for the last five years.
going to hell in a handcart	If something is going to hell in a handcart, it is in a bad state and continues to deteriorate.	This used to be a nice place to live but now the area is going to hell in a handcart.
going to rack and ruin	If something is going to rack and ruin, it is falling into very bad condition because of lack of care.	When the factory closed down, the building went to rack and ruin.
gutter press	The term gutter press refers to newspapers that print a lot of sensational stories about people’s private lives.	Of course the gutter press was quick to print a sensational version of the incident!
hard and fast	Something which is hard and fast is inflexible or cannot be altered.	Unfortunately there are no hard and fast rules related to English spelling.
hard to come by	Something that is hard to come by is rare or difficult to find.	Experienced carpenters are hard to come by these days.
hard to swallow	When something is difficult to accept or believe, it is hard to swallow.	She invented an excuse that the teacher found hard to swallow.
heart of the matter	The most important part or aspect of a situation is called the heart of the matter.	We need to get to the heart of the matter – what caused the accident?
here today, gone tomorrow	This is said of something which appears and disappears very quickly, or does not last long.	The shops in this area change very often – here today, gone tomorrow.
hive of activity	A place where there are lots of things happening, and everyone is very busy, is called a hive of activity.	When I went to offer help, the kitchen was already a hive of activity.
hollow victory	A victory obtained in unsatisfactory conditions, which as a result seems worthless or without significance for the winner, is called a hollow victory.	Won in the absence of the major ski champions, his gold medal was a hollow victory.
hot potato	A hot potato is a very sensitive and controversial matter which is difficult to deal with.	The new Prime Minister hasn’t been confronted with any hot potatoes yet.
household name/word	When the name of something becomes very familiar because it is so often used, it is called a household name or word.	The product was so successful that its name became a household word in no time.
hustle and bustle	The term hustle and bustle refers to busy energetic activity in an atmosphere of general excitement.	I prefer to live in the country. I hate the hustle and bustle of city life.
icing on the cake	If something is referred to as icing on the cake, it is an extra benefit that makes a good situation even better.	Good news! I get the job … and the icing on the cake is that I get a company car too!
idiot box	Some people consider television to lack educational value and refer to it as the idiot box.	He spends all his free time in front of the idiot box.
in keeping with	If something is in keeping with, for example, a style or tradition, it is suitable or appropriate in a particular situation.	We exchange presents at Christmas in keeping with tradition.
in mint condition	Something that is in mint condition is in such perfect condition that it looks new or as good as new.	The car is 1 years old but according to Tom it’s in mint condition.
in tatters	Something that is badly torn, in very poor condition or damaged beyond repair is in tatters.	His reputation is in tatters after the latest scandal.
in inverted commas	When describing something, if you use a word which you say is ‘in inverted commas’, you indicate that the word is not quite true or appropriate.	We were served a ‘meal’, in inverted commas, but we were too hungry to complain.
industrial strength	This is a humorous way of referring to something which is very strong, powerful or concentrated.	I’ve got an industrial-strength headache this morning!
just one of those things	The expression just one of those things refers to an unexpected occurrence that was unavoidable.	There was a traffic jam, so I was late for the meeting – it was just one of those things.
just the job	If you describe something as being just the job, you mean that that is well-suited for a specific purpose.	I don’t need a big container. That plastic bag is just the job.
just the ticket	If something is just the ticket, it is exactly right, or just what you need.	I’m not hungry enough for a meal. A bowl of soup would be just the ticket.
just what the doctor ordered	If something is just what the doctor ordered, it is exactly what is needed and will make you feel better.	A week-end in the sun – just what the doctor ordered!
last word	Something described as the last word is the most recent or most fashionable in its category.	Steve’s new computer is the last word in technology.
less is more	This expression, used particularly in architecture and design, conveys the idea that things that are simple in style and smaller in size are better.	Simplicity is fashionable today. Less is more.
light years ahead	If something is light years ahead, it is far more advanced in terms of development or progress.	We’ve got to invest more in research and become more inventive – our competitors’ new product is light years ahead!
lives up to reputation	If something lives up to its reputation, it is as good, or as bad, as people say.	The guesthouse lived up to its reputation; the owners were as friendly and hospitable as we had been told.
middle of nowhere	If a place is in the middle of nowhere, it is in a remote area, far from towns, villages or houses.	The campsite was in the middle of nowhere so I couldn’t send you a postcard.
middle of the road (MOR)	This term refers to anything moderate, unadventurous or inoffensive that avoids extremes and appeals to the majority of people.	It’s a middle-of-the-road restaurant that’s ideal for families.
mixed blessing	Something pleasant which also has disadvantages is called a mixed blessing.	He inherited as 18th century mansion but the maintenance costs make it a mixed blessing.
name written on it	If something has someone’s name (written) on it, it is intended for that person or it is ideally suited to them.	That dress would be perfect for you – your name’s written on it!
next best thing	If you can’t have exactly what you want, the next best thing is the best alternative possible.	The camera I wanted was far too expensive so I opted for a cheaper one that was the next best thing.
no-go area	A no-go area is an area, particularly in a city, where it is dangerous to go.	Tourists have been advised to avoid parts of the city which have become no-go areas.
no great shakes	To say that someone or something is no great shakes means that they are useless, ineffective or not very good.	He’s a good actor but his last film was no great shakes.
not a patch on	If something or someone is not a patch on an other, they are not nearly as good.	His second conference wasn’t a patch on the first one.
not in the same league	If something is not in the same league, it is of much lower standard than something else.	He had a good voice but he wasn’t in the same league as Pavarotti.
not up to par	If something is not up to par, it does not meet the required standard.	He didn’t get the job because his English wasn’t up to par.
not up to scratch	Something which isnot up to scratch fails to reach the expected standard.	The quality of the material is not up to scratch. We’ll have to change our suppliers.
a notch above	Something that is a notch above something else is a little better in every way.	His rendering of the song was a notch above the others.
odds and ends	Odds and ends are small articles, or bits and pieces of all sorts, usually of little value.	I keep my odds and ends in this drawer.
out of whack	If something is out of whack, it is not working properly or is not in good order.	The dishwasher is making a funny noise. Something must be out of whack.
out of this world	To refer to something as out of this world means that you think it is extremely good or impressive.	The hotel was very comfortable and the food was out of this world.
over the top (OTT)	Something which is over the top is totally excessive or not suitable for the occasion.	Her dramatic speech was way over the top.
pie in the sky	If an idea or project is pie in the sky, it is completely unrealistic or unlikely to be achieved.	The promise of low-cost housing for everyone turned out to be pie in the sky.
the pits	If something is referred to as the pits, it is considered to be absolutely the worst.	That magazine is the pits!
recipe for disaster	If you refer to a plan or idea as a recipe for disaster, you think it is likely to produce bad results.	Our two families together for Christmas? Sounds like a recipe for disaster!
red light district	An area of a town or city where there is a concentration of sex shops, prostitution, strip clubs, etc. is known as the red light district.	A photograph of the politician taken in a red-light district caused a scandal.
right up your alley	If something is right up your alley, it is the sort of thing you like or have knowledge about.	You like cooking do you? This book will be right up your alley.
a rip-off	To say that something is a rip-off means that it costs much more than it should.	$1 for an orange juice? That’s a rip-off!
(not) rocket science / rocket scientist	If you say ‘it’s not rocket science’ or ‘no need to be a rocket scientist’, you stress the fact that something presents no major difficulty.	Bob will explain how it works. Don’t worry – it’s not rocket science!
rough and ready	Something which is rough and ready is adequate but rather rudimentary or unrefined.	The accommodation is rough and ready but the scenery is fantastic!
run-of-the-mill	If something is described as run-of-the-mill, there is nothing special or outstanding about it; it is just ordinary or average.	The story wasn’t very interesting – just a run-of-the-mill romance with a happy ending.
second to none	Something that is second to none is excellent or much better than any other.	The service was perfect and the food was second to none.
seen better days	If something has seen better days, it has aged visibly in comparison with when it was new.	My much-travelled suitcase has seen better days!
set in stone	When something is set in stone, it is permanent and cannot be changed in any way.	The agenda isn’t set in stone; we can add an item if need be.
(comes in) all shapes and sizes	Something that can be found in many different forms, types or varieties, comes in all shapes and sizes.	Computers come in all shapes and sizes nowadays.
small potatoes	Something that is small potatoes is considered unimportant or insignificant	Her first publication was considered small potatoes but her new book has lead to a change of opinion.
snail mail	This term refers to the standard system of mail delivery, or postal service, considered very slow compared to electronic mail.	More and more people are using e-mail rather than the traditional postal service, snail mail.
(be) spot on	If something is spot on, it is exactly right.	That bag is an absolute match for my outfit! The colour is spot on!
stand the test of time	If something stands the test of time, people continue to find it valuable or useful after many years.	The teaching method has stood the test of time. It is still used in schools today.
state of the art	If something is described as state-of-the-art, it is very modern or is the most advanced model currently available, incorporating the latest and best technology.	After working in such an old building for so long it will be great to move into our new state-of-the-art facility.
spinach cinema	Films that are neither exciting nor interesting but are considered educational or uplifting, in the same way as certain foods are good for your health, are referred to as spinach cinema.
stick out a mile	If something sticks out a mile, it is very obvious or very easy to see.	You can see she’s had a facelift – it sticks out a mile!
stick out like a sore thumb	If something sticks out like a sore thumb, it is very obvious or visible in an unpleasant way.	The modern building sticks out like a sore thumb among the old houses.
stink to high heaven	If something has a very strong unpleasant smell, it stinks to high heaven.	Take off those socks – they stink to high heaven!
streets ahead	To say that something is streets ahead of something else means that it is much better or more advanced.	In measures to preserve the planet, the Scandinavians are streets ahead of us.
sublime to ridiculous	If something goes from the sublime to the ridiculous, it deteriorates in quality from serious or admirable to absurd or unimportant.	An opera followed by a Mr.Muscle contest is going from the sublime to the ridiculous!
in tatters	Something that is badly torn, in very poor condition or damaged beyond repair is in tatters.	His reputation is in tatters after the latest scandal.
ticks all the right boxes	If something ticks all the right boxes, it is perfect for you because it meets all your criteria.	We’re in luck! We visited an apartment today that ticks all the right boxes!
top notch	To say that something is top notch means that it is of the highest possible quality or standard.	The hotel was wonderful and the service was top notch.
(as) tough as old boots	If something, specially meat, is (as) tough as old boots, it is hard to cut and difficult to chew. This can also refer to a person who is strong either physically or in character.)	I was served a steak as tough as old boots.
(right) up/down one’s alley	If something is (right) up or down your alley, it is exactly the sort of thing that will suit your tastes or abilities.	Alex loves reading, so a job in a bookshop is right up his alley.
up-to-the-minute	Something that is up-to-the-minute is the very latest or most recent version available.	The internet is the best place to find up-to-the-minute news.
the works	Something that has the works contains everything that is possible, or the full range of options.	The first thing he did was order a new computer with the works.
worth its weight in gold	Someone or something that is worth their weight in gold is considered to be of great value.	We couldn’t run the farm without him. He’s worth his weight in gold.

What are idioms? Idioms are expressions or phrases that hold a figurative meaning beyond their literal interpretation. They add color and depth to language.
Why are idioms important in English? Idioms help convey complex ideas succinctly and vividly, enhancing communication and offering cultural insights.
Can you provide some examples of idioms? Certainly! Examples include “raining cats and dogs” (heavy rain), “kick the bucket” (pass away), and “bite the bullet” (face a difficult situation).
How do I understand the meaning of idioms? Understanding idioms often requires context and cultural familiarity. Exploring their origins and usage in sentences helps grasp their meanings.
Are all idioms universal or do they vary by region? Idioms can vary across regions and cultures. While some idioms are universal, many are culturally specific.
Are there common idioms used in everyday conversation? Yes, several idioms, like “break a leg” (good luck) or “piece of cake” (easy task), are frequently used in daily conversations.
Do idioms have fixed meanings? Generally, yes. However, some idioms might have slight variations in meaning or usage based on context or region.
How can I incorporate idioms into my writing or speech? Using idioms contextually and accurately can add richness to your language. Start by understanding their meanings and then applying them naturally.
Are idioms only found in English? No, idioms exist in many languages. Each language has its own set of colorful expressions and phrases.
Where can I learn more idioms and their meanings? Online resources, books on idioms, and even language learning platforms offer extensive lists of idioms with explanations of their meanings and origins.

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