Expression Cards: idiom
4001 cards available.
idiom
A red herring
Meaning
A misleading clue or distraction intended to divert attention from the real issue.
Example
The new law was just a **red herring** to distract from the corruption scandal.
idiom
a rip-off
Meaning
something that is too expensive or not worth its price
Example
That restaurant is **a rip-off**; the food is not worth the money.
idiom
A rising tide lifts all boats
Meaning
When the economy improves, everyone benefits to some extent.
Example
When the new policies boosted trade, people said that **a rising tide lifts all boats**.
idiom
a rising tide of opportunity
Meaning
an increase in opportunities for growth or success that benefits many people
Example
The new technology sector is creating **a rising tide of opportunity** for young entrepreneurs.
idiom
a rock in a hard place
Meaning
to be in a very difficult or challenging situation
Example
He found himself **a rock in a hard place** when he had to choose between two difficult options.
idiom
a roller coaster of emotions
Meaning
experiencing intense and fluctuating emotions
Example
Her life has been **a roller coaster of emotions** since the accident.
idiom
a rollercoaster of emotions
Meaning
to experience very high and very low emotional states in a short time
Example
The week was **a rollercoaster of emotions**, with moments of joy and sadness.
idiom
a rolling stone gathers no moss
Meaning
a person who keeps moving and exploring avoids boredom or stagnation
Example
**A rolling stone gathers no moss**, and he’s always on the move.
idiom
A Romeo
Meaning
A passionate lover or a romantic man.
Example
He acts like **a Romeo** around her.
idiom
a roof over your head
Meaning
a place to live; a shelter
Example
At least we have **a roof over our heads**.
idiom
a run for one’s money
Meaning
to compete strongly with someone; to challenge effectively
Example
The new company is giving the old giants **a run for their money**.
idiom
a run on the bank
Meaning
a situation where many people withdraw their money from a bank due to fear of collapse
Example
Rumors of insolvency caused **a run on the bank**.
idiom
A scoop
Meaning
An exclusive piece of news
Example
The journalist got **a scoop** about the minister’s resignation.
idiom
A Scrooge
Meaning
A very stingy or miserly person.
Example
Don’t be **a Scrooge**—it’s Christmas!
idiom
A seat at the table
Meaning
To have an opportunity to be part of decision-making or important discussions.
Example
She fought for years to earn **a seat at the table** in the boardroom.
idiom
A Sherlock Holmes
Meaning
A person who is extremely good at solving mysteries or finding out information.
Example
He’s such **a Sherlock Holmes** when it comes to finding lost things.
idiom
a shot in the arm
Meaning
something that gives encouragement or energy
Example
The new funding was **a real shot in the arm** for the project.
idiom
A shot in the dark
Meaning
a guess or attempt made without knowing much or anything about the result
Example
His idea about solving the problem was just **a shot in the dark**.
idiom
a shoulder to cry on
Meaning
someone who listens and supports you when you are sad
Example
She has always been **a shoulder to cry on** when I needed help.
idiom
a shoulder to lean on
Meaning
someone to give you support and comfort
Example
She’s always been **a shoulder to lean on** for me.
idiom
a silver bullet
Meaning
a simple solution to a complex problem
Example
There is no **silver bullet** for solving climate change, but we need to take action.
idiom
a silver lining
Meaning
a positive aspect in a difficult situation
Example
Losing my job was tough, but the **silver lining** was that I found a better one.
idiom
a slap on the wrist
Meaning
a very mild punishment
Example
He got **a slap on the wrist** for such a serious offense.
idiom
a slip of the tongue
Meaning
a spoken mistake; saying something unintentionally
Example
It was just **a slip of the tongue**, I didn’t mean to offend you.