Expression Cards: idiom
386 cards available.
idiom
a slippery slope
Meaning
a course of action that seems to lead to undesirable or dangerous consequences
Example
Starting to ignore small violations can lead to **a slippery slope** of bigger legal issues.
idiom
a slow learner
Meaning
someone who takes time to understand or learn things
Example
Don’t worry if you need more time—you’re just **a slow learner**.
idiom
a smart cookie
Meaning
a very clever or intelligent person
Example
Don’t underestimate her; she’s **a smart cookie**.
idiom
a smoke-filled room
Meaning
a place where powerful people make secret political decisions
Example
The policy was decided in **a smoke-filled room**, not in public.
idiom
a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor
Meaning
Challenges and difficulties make people stronger and more experienced.
Example
Remember, **a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor**—you’ll learn from tough times.
idiom
a snake in the grass
Meaning
a secret enemy
Example
Be careful; there’s **a snake in the grass**.
idiom
A snapshot of
Meaning
A brief look or summary of something
Example
The report gives **a snapshot of** our company's performance.
idiom
a snowball effect
Meaning
a situation in which something increases in size or importance at a faster and faster rate
Example
The more followers she got, the more famous she became, creating **a snowball effect**.
idiom
a snowball's chance in hell
Meaning
no chance at all
Example
He has **a snowball's chance in hell** of winning the lottery.
idiom
a social butterfly
Meaning
someone who is very social and enjoys meeting people
Example
He’s **a social butterfly**, always at some event or gathering.
idiom
A solid foundation
Meaning
A strong and reliable base or starting point.
Example
The success of this company is built on a **solid foundation** of hard work and dedication.
idiom
a sound bite
Meaning
a short, memorable part of a speech or interview often used in the media
Example
The politician's **sound bite** was replayed on every major news channel.
idiom
a sound mind in a sound body
Meaning
mental health depends on physical health
Example
**A sound mind in a sound body** is the key to a happy life.
idiom
a spark of genius
Meaning
a sudden and brilliant idea
Example
Her **spark of genius** helped us solve the problem quickly.
idiom
a splash of color
Meaning
a small amount of bright color added for effect
Example
Add **a splash of color** to make the room lively.
idiom
a steep learning curve
Meaning
when something is difficult to learn, usually quickly
Example
The new software had a **steep learning curve**, but I managed to understand it.
idiom
a step in the right direction
Meaning
a small action that leads to progress towards a goal
Example
Completing the first phase of the project is definitely **a step in the right direction**.
idiom
a stepping stone
Meaning
an event or experience that helps one to progress
Example
This internship was **a stepping stone** to my career.
idiom
A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning
Solving a small problem early prevents a bigger problem later.
Example
Fix that leak now — a stitch in time saves nine.
idiom
a storm in a teacup
Meaning
a small problem that is exaggerated
Example
Their argument was just **a storm in a teacup**.
idiom
a storybook ending
Meaning
a perfect or happy ending, like in a fairy tale
Example
Their wedding was a true **storybook ending**.
idiom
a stroke of genius
Meaning
a brilliant and creative idea
Example
Her design was **a stroke of genius**.
idiom
a stroke of luck
Meaning
something good that happens by chance
Example
It was **a stroke of luck** that I found my lost wallet.
idiom
a taste of your own medicine
Meaning
to experience the same unpleasantness you caused to others
Example
He was rude to everyone, but now he’s getting **a taste of his own medicine**.