Daniel B. Smith - English Idioms & Phrases Dictionary

1.a backlog of work = This idiom refers to work that still needs to be done.

e.g. After my holiday I returned to a backlog of work.

2.a bad break = This expression refers to a misfortune.

e.g. She lost her job, exactly when she needed money to move house.

3.a bakers dozen = This expression means thirteen.

e.g. I want a bakers dozen candies.

4.a bed of roses = This expression refers to an easy option or to an effortless, happy situation.

e.g. Sarah found out that taking care of children was not a bed of roses.

5.a big ask = This expression means to ask someone to do something for you or for a favour that is difficult, time consuming or inconvenient for the person youre asking.

e.g. I know its a big ask, but is there any chance you could borrow me $10.000?

6.a bigger bang for your buck = This idiom means that you receive a better value for your money.

e.g. Those clothes are so cheap. You clearly get a bigger bang for your buck.

7.a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush = This means that what you have is worth more than what you might have later.

e.g. You should be happy now that you have a car. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

8.a black day = A black day is a day on which something terrible has happened.

e.g. Every person has a black day at least once in their lifetime.

9.a blank cheque = If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorize them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation.

e.g. Diana was given a blank cheque and told to negotiate the best deal possible.

10.a blessing in disguise = It refers to something that is unpleasant at first but later turns out to have advantages.

e.g. Missing the train was a blessing in disguise thats how I met my girlfriend.

11.a blot on the landscape = This phrase refers to something that spoils the view or ruins a previously comfortable situation.

e.g. Her coming was just a blot on the landscape.

12.a breeze = To say that something was a breeze means that it was very easy or that everything went smoothly.

e.g. The interview was a breeze scarcely 13 minutes and I got the job!

13.a bull and cow = This idiom means a row or argument.

e.g. They were screaming at one another a bull and cow, for sure.

14.a bun in the oven = This idiom is used when a woman is pregnant.

e.g. She has a bun in the oven; the baby is due in 3 months.

15.a bunch of fives = If you give someone a bunch of fives, you hit them hard with your hand closed. This idiom means a fist, as used in a fight.

e.g. All of a sudden he give him a bunch of fives.

16.a burnt child dreads the fire = This saying means that everyone avoids repeating a hurting experience again in life.

e.g. After the accident, she is very careful in driving because a burnt child dreads the fire.

17.a cat may look at a king = This phrase means that someone who is inferior in any form is not totally restricted in how they behave in front of a superior.

e.g. I dont like him! He talks to his wife in a way that a cat may look at a king.

18.a charmed life = This phrase refers to a life of guaranteed good fortune or invulnerability, by virtue of a charm or spell.

e.g. She wont have a charmed life, thats for sure.

19.a cinch = This idiom refers to something that is very easy and is therefore certain to be a success.

e.g. The exam was a cinch.

20.a complete shambles = This idiom refers to a scene of disorder, a ruin or a mess.

e.g. After the street fight, the area was a complete shambles.

21.a concrete overcoat = This is a jocular reference to a form of coffin, alluding to a body being dumped beneath a layer of concrete.

e.g. Dont annoy me or youll end up in a concrete overcoat.

22.a conflict of interest = This idiom refers to a situation in which someone cannot make a fair decision because they will be affected by the result.

e.g. I need to declare a conflict of interest here.

23.a countenance more in sorrow than in anger = This phrase refers to a person or thing that is viewed more with sadness than with anger.

e.g. For me, its a countenance more in sorrow than in anger

24.a curates egg = This idiom refers to something bad that is called good out of politeness or timidity.

e.g. This problem is a curates egg.

25.a cut above = Someone or something that is a cut above the others is better or of higher quality.

e.g. The watches in this store are a cut above the others.

26.a damp squib = This expression refers to an event which people think will be exciting but which is disappointing when it happens.

e.g. The party was a damp squib.

27.a Daniel come to judgment = This phrase refers to someone who makes a wise judgment about something that has previously proven difficult to resolve.

e.g. Youre like a Daniel come to judgment.

28.a day late and a dollar short = If something is a day late and a dollar short, it comes too late and is not good enough.

e.g. They offered me a part-time job when I had already found a full-time job a day late and a dollar short.

29.a dead letter = This idiom refers to an issue, law or matter that is no longer important or that no longer has force or power.

e.g. The peace agreement was a dead letter as soon as it was signed.

30.a dicey situation = Any situation that is potentially risky or dangerous is called a dicey situation.

e.g. The police officer was in a dicey situation.

31.a different kettle of fish = To describe a person, thing or situation as a different kettle of fish means that it is completely different from what was previously mentioned.

e.g. I may have good business ideas but implementing them in your county is a different kettle of fish.

32.a dime a dozen = This idiom refers to something common.

e.g. Stamps like this are a dime a dozen.

33.a doddle = If a task or activity is a doddle, it is very easy to do or perform.

e.g. How did the test go? No problem, it was a doddle.

34.a dog and pony show = A dog and pony show is a marketing event or presentation which has plenty of style but not much content.