|
XXXXXII Slang, Slang Phrases, Idioms, and Metaphors: (Metaphors are a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used to suggest a likeness or analogy: |
Metaphors will be given first, followed by slang and slang phrases, which are underlined.
Adam, Doesn’t know from Adam. (Someone who doesn’t know anything. See: ass below)
Apple of his eye (his thinks that this person can do no wrong)
Applecart, don’t upset the ____ (leave a good thing alone and don’t mess it up)
As good as gold (“It couldn’t be better”)
above board ? to describe someone who doesn’t hide anything and is quite open
AC/DC bisexual, likes both men and women
act up someone behaves badly. Also: an engine or machine that is not working well
a deal an agreement
a done deal an agreement already concluded and can’t be changed
a drop in the bucket something so small that it won’t do much good
alley cat a man who is always on the prowl for sex with any woman
alley, Going down a blind ... doing something without any knowledge of it, going nowhere
ambulance chaser a lawyer looking for people involved in accidents to make big claims.
applecart, Don’t upset the applecart don’t do anything to disrupt the situation.
arm twisting to blackmail or pressure someone into doing something he doesn’t want to do
a rolling stone gathers no moss ? being active will keep one to date and lively
an eye opener to reveal something shocking or surprising
ass, doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground exceptionally dumb at what he is doing.
at the drop of a hat to do something quickly. At the slightest provocation.
at the end of my tether (rope) an upset with frustrations and not able to do anything
Back up my, his, or her alibi. (to corroborate my/his/her excuse, story, alibi)
Back up against the wall (to have no options or capabilities to defend oneself)
Bat, Blind as a bat. (can’t see well)
Bats, He has bats in the belfry (also: he’s 'batty’, crazy, not all there).
Back in the saddle (returning to work or going back to the old routine)
Beat around the bush (not being straight forward. Perhaps being coy or devious)
Belly up (dead. When a fish is dead, it floats belly-up))
Bitter pill to swallow (something unpleasant to accept but must be accepted as fact
Break the ice (some kind of action to warm up introduction between strangers)
Bright-eyed and bushy tailed (energetic and eager to go)
Bring down the house (wild applause from the audience at a concert or theater)
Bug, Cute as a bug. (usually used to describe a baby that is cute and winsome)
Bugs, Ain’t no bugs on me (I’m good and I know it.)
Bullheaded (stupidly stubborn, headstrong)
Bull in a china shop (in a delicate situation, someone throwing his power around)
Burn a candle at both ends (someone playing and working too much, endangering health)
Bury the hatchet (to let bygones be bygones. To forgive, to end a feud)
Bury you head in the sand (someone who ignores a bad situation because he doesn’t want to face it
Busy as a bee (very busy. Little or no time to rest or relax. Working like a dog)
By hook or crook (by fair means or foul)
babying, to baby to protect from harsh realities of life. Give preferential treatment.
back against the wall no way to turn and run, but have to fight
backbiting, back stabber someone who attacks you or your work behind your back.
backfire ? improperly timed explosions in a gasoline engine (also as verb for backlash)
backlash ? a strong adverse reaction to political, business, family decisions or actions
back, A pat on the back to receive praise for a job well done. Give oneself a pat on the back.
badmouth to speak extremely critical of someone
bag, A mixed bag Meaning: some good and some bad, not all one or the other.
bailiwick, It’s in your bailiwick it’s in your area of expertise
ball, on the ball to describe someone working efficiently and well. “He’s really on the ball.”
ball, It’s your ball it’s in your area of responsibility.
balmy - (more U.K than USA) Wacky, silly, goofy, cracked.
bamboozle to deceive by underhanded means. Dupe, hoodwink.
bandwagon “Get on the bandwagon.” to join in what appears to be the winning political trend.
bang up job to describe a job well done.
barking up the wrong tree to come to a wrong conclusion. To be wrong,
bases, cover all the bases to take care of all details (see: “Dot all your i’s and cross all you t’s”)
be kept in the dark the bosses and those who know never let you know what’s going on
beat the hell (crap) out of someone - to beat up a person physically and badly
beef up to increase force, support, or strength to make something stronger
benefit of the doubt when it looks like a person is guilty but one feels he is innocent
bend over backwards trying extremely hard to please. “I bent over backwards to please him.”
be on guard to be on the lookout for problems
big cheese the boss, director, owner, manager, head honcho, or just a VIP. An important person.
big mouth - someone who talks too much and upsets other people
big wig - someone important as U.K lords, judges, lawyers wore big wigs. See: VIP
bimbo a woman who drinks too much and goes out with any man
bird brain also a twit, someone who exhibits little common sense
black sheep of the family the member of the family that the family is ashamed of
black market - goods sold illegally
blow, To blow it to lose an opportunity of getting a job, promotion, etc. by saying the wrong thing
blue moon blue moon is when a second full moon occurs in one month. Not often.
blunder make a mistake
board, above board description of someone who doesn’t lie, hides nothing, and is honest.
boat, Don’t rock the boat but don’t speak out as you may create a worse situation
boob someone who is always fooled by others. “He’s a nice guy but he’s such a boob.”
booby-trapped a bomb set to go off when someone touches it. “The house was booby-trapped.”
bookworm - someone who is always reading books and literally lives in books
bonanza a rich and large mineral deposit. Something that yields a lot of money.
bones, Make no bones about it to state something clearly without hiding anything.
bone-up to prepare for an examination
bread, It’s the greatest thing since sliced... The make fun of something by exaggeration
break the ice first encounters are often stiff so something to warm-up the situation
breeze - “It’s a breeze.” Means something is easy to do.
bring home the bacon is to bring home the prize or a big raise in pay
brinkmanship action which may be dangerous as it could backfire (boomerang)
brown-noser Yes-man (ass-kisser) Someone trying to please a superior to get a promotion
brush-off to act as though is it nothing, to act brusquely toward someone
brush-up re-study something learned previously but not used lately. “Got to brush up on my Latin.”:
buff, A buff A person who becomes so involved in a sport or profession that he becomes obsessed.
buff, In the buff Nude, naked, in his 'Birthday Suit’.
buddy USA for close friend
bug, Bitten by the bug One’s fervent liking to do something. “He was bitten by the acting bug.”
bug, snug as a bug in a rug to be warm and comfortable when it is cold and miserable outside
buddy USA for close friend
built like a brick outhouse said about a girl who has a great looking figure (body).
bull - an exaggerated alibi or story that is not believable (short for bullshit)
bull, Shooting the bull talking about this and that. “We were just sitting around shooting the bull.”
bully someone who likes to beat up or terrorize others. Also, 'to bully someone’ (verb)
bump into - to meet someone unexpectedly you haven’t seen for a long time.
bump off - kill, exterminate.
bump up against to come up against a formidable opponent.
bushed - tired, pooped out. “I’m bushed.” “He looked really bushed.”
bushwhacker someone who waits to ambush someone. Bushwhacked ambushed
business before pleasure ? put off having fun as business is more important
butter up To treat someone so nicely so he cannot refuse any request. Also “ass-kissing”
buttinsky Someone who buts into a conversation. One who gives unasked for advice.
Call, Let’s call it a day (“I’m finished for the day, how about you?)
Can I count on you? (Can I depend on you?)
Carpet, Called on the carpet (called into the Big boss’s office to account for ones shortcomings)
Casanova (to describe a promiscuous and immoral lover of women). “He’s a real Casanova.”
Changes with the wind (as the wind shifts direction, this person changes his mind)
Chimney, he smokes like a chimney (a heavy smoker)
Clear the decks for action (make everything ready for a big battle or action of some kind.)
Cock and bull story (an absolutely ridiculous, untrue story)
Come rain or come shine (things will go on {continue} regardless or what happens)
Cool as a cucumber (unperturbed, unruffled, as if nothing has happened)
Couldn’t get to first base (describes a man failing to win a young lady’s love)
Countdown (“9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Happy New Year” or “blast off”)
Crazy as a loon (crazy, loony)
Cut off your nose to spite your face (people who would hurt themselves just to hurt others)
cahoots, in cahoots with to be plotting something secretly with others.
canned, to get canned fired, sacked, given the pink slip. “He got canned for sleeping on the job.”
cake, a piece of cake easy to do. And old expression seldom used any more.
cake, Icing on the cake An unexpected bonus to something received that is already very gratifying
cake, to get a piece of (cake/pie) to enjoy the sweet life that big shots enjoy.
cards, The cards are stacked against you Chances for success are nil, zero, zip
carpetbaggers Jews given money by the International Bankers to buy land cheaply in the South.
casanova a notorious male lover of women. See: Don Juan. “He’s a real Casanova with women.”
cat dragged in, look at what the a humorous greeting for a friend not seen for a long time,.
cat got your tongue a question asked of a person who has been quiet to get them to speak
cat, Let the cat out of the bag accidentally disclose a secret you wanted to keep.
change small coins less than a dollar in value
Charlie horse - to pull a muscle in the leg that makes one walk with a limp
charmed life a life that appears to be magically protected. “He leads a charmed life.’
chatterbox a person who talks without stopping
cheapskate - a misery or stingy person who won’t pay his or her fair share of the bill.
chewed out, chew ass to criticize immoderately and irately. See: 'ream out’
chew the fat make friendly conversation, usually over food or drinks.
chit chat conversation that has no great importance.
chicken someone who is timid or cowardly to do something
chicken feed an insignificant money. “The salary they offered is chicken feed.”
chock-full filled to the limit (cannot put anything else in)
clean house get rid of corrupt or inefficient or incapable people
close-mouthed someone who is secretive and doesn’t tell anything
close shave an incident that could have been a fatal or resulted in a serious accident
coffee, Wake up and smell the coffee said to someone who is supporting the wrong cause
cock of the walk someone who dominates a group and is overbearing
cold snap a cold spell of weather in the winter.
cold turkey withdrawal pains from drug addiction without help from medications
come hell or high water determination to do something or finish something
comes out smelling like a rose in spite of being corrupt, he manages to appear great
con a convict. One who has served more than a year in prison for a felony
con man a confidence person who talks people out of their money
cookie crumbles, that’s the way the… things happen that you can’t prevent
cooking something up plotting or scheming to do something (usually underhanded).
cool your (his) heels when someone is taken out of action with nothing to do but sit.
copycat Someone who copies what others do.
cough it up - come up with money (or cough up the information)
count on to rely upon support from someone. “Can I count on you?” “You can’t count on him.”
crabby to describe a person who is in a foul mood.
cracked silly, a little crazy, goofy. “He wa just a bit cracked. Didn’t have all his marbles.”
crap dung, shit (from Thomas Crapper, inventor of the W.C.). “Don’t let him give you any crap.”
cream somebody - to beat up someone so badly that they are unable to move
crème de la crème The “cream” or top of society.
crook someone always cheating others. A person not straight with others. A cheat
crook, by hook or by crook using legal or illegal means. “It’ll be done by hook or by crook.”
crossfire to be between two opposing forces that are shooting at each other.
crosshairs to be in the telescopic sights of a sniper. Literally, to be the target
cross swords with to challenge someone on a decision or opinion
crossways, to get or be crossways to be in a position diametrically opposed to someone else
cuff, off the cuff remarks mean retorts or remarks made without too much thought
Daisy, Fresh as daisy. (not tired or worn out). Eager, ready, and able to work.
Dance to his tune (to agree to everything that a particular person says or wants)
Dead as a dormouse (very dead)
Diamond in the rough (valuable but not polished or refined)
Die, The die is cast (Once molten metal is poured into a die (mold) nothing can be changed)
Do the town (to celebrate by going to all the popular nighttime places people go to)
Doesn’t have all his marbles (silly, incompetent, foolish. Not all there)
Doesn’t hold water. (Something unbelievable or an absolutely ridiculous)
Dog, Every dog has his day (everyone, no matter how insignificant, will get recognition sometime)
Don’t let the grass grow under your feet (don’t stop working or moving)
Down and dirty (to describe fierce competition or to describe someone who is bawdy and seedy)
Down and out (felling depressed or defeated)
Down in the dumps (to be depressed, to feel pushed down, dejected)
Down in the mouth (to feel dejected. To feel mistreated, as if treated with disrespect)
Down to earth (honest and direct. Sensible and practical)
Draw the line (the limit set by which a person says he will not tolerate any more abuse)
Drowning in money (having so much wealth it is like drowning that person in money)
Dumb as mud (a really nasty way of saying someone is as intelligent as mud)
dance to his/her tune to be subservient. “Dance to the tune of so and so”.
dead ringer someone who looks very much like someone else.
deluxe the best and most luxurious, premium quality
devotee an ardent follower of a religion, sport, or politician. One who looks up to a guru.
dillydally - waste time while action is needed
dirt-cheap something so cheap that it is as cheap as dirt.
ditch someone to dump someone you no longer want as a friend. “He ditched his girlfriend.’
ditto 'that goes the same for me’ (See Italian foreign words)
Dixie, whistling Dixie to make false claims or exaggerations. “I think he’s whistling Dixie.”
does that ring a bell? Does that make you remember?
doesn’t know beans about doesn’t know anything about what he’s doing
doghouse, to be in the doghouse a man in trouble with his wife and she tells him, 'sleep with the dog.’
Don Juan from the opera Don Juan, a man who is notorious for seducing women. (See: Casanova)
don’t get around much said of a person who stays home all the time (stuck in a rut)
don’t monkey around don’t play around with someone or something. Be serious.
doofus Amer. a stupid, incompetent, and inept person (Br. equivalent ? gormless)
dork - a person not fully conscious of how to act around others
dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s look after all the smallest details if you want success..
down the drain lost and gone forever. No chance to recover what is lost.
down to earth to describe someone who is honest and direct. Easy to approach. Doesn’t put on air
dressed to kill looking stylish and dressed attractively.
doing a land office business people are buying everything in sight
double cross to betray, to cheat a friend or an associate (see: double dealing below)
double dealer a person who sneaky, shifty, and undependable
double-dealing to describe someone who lies and tricks to swindle others
downhill, going downhill things are getting worse. See: dogs, pot
down the drain - lost and gone forever, i.e. 'spilt milk’.
down-to-earth - practical, honest, fair, and without hidden motives
drag queen a man who dresses in women’s clothing
drag, he’s a drag he’s a bore. Take a drag on a cigarette (inhale)
dressed to kill looking stylish and dressed attractively.
drives a hard bargain a shrewd negotiator who get the best in a negotiation
drop dead go away, shut up and leave me alone.
drug dealer, drug pusher, dope peddler one who deals in illicit (illegal) drugs.
drunk, a... an inebriated person. Someone who drinks a lot or alcohol. “He’s a drunk.”
duck soup see: soup, duck
dumped on to be dumped on, singled out for harsh treatment while others aren’t
dweeb an unattractive, inept person. Insignificant
Egghead (an intellectual or highbrow person. Bookish.)
Exercise in futility (a lot of work that results in nothing accomplished)
Eyes like a hawk (never misses a thing)
Eyes like two burnt holes in a blanket (looking extremely tired)
Eyes in the back of his head (sees everything)
ear, goes in one ear and out the other he/she isn’t paying attention.
ear, turn/give a deaf ear to ignore. “He gave me the deaf ear.” “I turned my deaf ear to him.”
early bird early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise
eat like a horse to eat voraciously. “He eats like a horse, he’s so hungry.”
egging me (him) on provoking me (him) to start a fight with someone.
elbows, To rub elbows with to associate with
exercise in futility to be doing something that will be useless and so is futile.
eye-catching attractive, riveting.
eye, I’ve got my eye on you I’m watching you to help you or keeping you under surveillance
eye-opener a startling event that reveals something surprising. Also a drink to wake one up
eye, see eye to eye to be in agreement. T”They saw eye to eye on everything.”
eyes are bigger than the stomach when someone order more food than he or she can eat.
eyes, making eyes at someone to be flirting (letting someone know you like them).
eyes, She’s got eyes for no one but him She loves him so much that she can see no one else.
Fair and square (plays by the rules, honest and doesn’t cheat)
Fat cat (someone who doesn’t have to work for a living and is pampered by everyone)
Feeling blue (depressed)
Feeling the pinch (money is tight and people must [pinch] save money)
Feel like I’ve been dumped on (feel like someone has thrown garbage {crapped} on me)
Fight like cat and dog (even though married or as friends, they always fight each other)
Fit as a fiddle (strong and healthy)
Fits like a glove (a fit that is exact. Also, an idea or plan will function smoothly)
Finishing touches (the last details needed to make a work or art outstanding)
Flighty as a bird (nervous and unstable)
Fly in the ointment (something that spoils the harmony of another person)
Full of hot air (he talks a lot but his ideas are not practical or he makes up a lot of what he says)
face, talk til you’re blue in the ... to talk so vigorously and long that your are is worn out.
face off when two gun slingers would face each other in a showdown (gun duel)
fair and square honest and fair
fair dinkum AUSn for pretty good
fair-haired boy someone who is favored and protected by the boss, or someone in power.
fair-weather friend a friend who deserts you when times are tough
far out describing something or someone as very good but unusual. “He is really far out”
fast girl a girl who doesn’t wait for the second date to get cozy with a man
fat chance a satirical remark to indicate no chance of anything
feast or famine it’s going to be a lot or it’s going to be nothing
fed up tired and disgruntled with frustrating conditions
feeling blue - feeling depressed
feeling their oats acting free and unbounded. Not wanting to be controlled
feel it in your bones a feeling you get about something but can’t explain
feet, Have cold feet to have a change of heart and not want to fulfill an act as promised
feet of clay someone who you believe is strong and full of integrity but is weak
feet, Land on your feet when things look like a disaster but then everything turns up for the better
feet on the ground to think rationally and realistically.
feet, To be swept off one’s feet to be completely overwhelmed by love and unable to be rational.
fink ? Yiddish for one who is an informer. Tattletale or snitch
fire, Light a fire under to do something to make someone take action and do something
fish, I’ve got other fish to fry (I have other opportunities so losing this one won’t depress me)
fishy not correct, doesn’t make sense
flag, To raise a red flag means certain indications show that things will not be going well.
flash in the pan sudden fame or success that suddenly disappears.
fleece to shear the wool from a sheep. To strip of money or property by fraud. Swindle
flimflam fraud, swindle. Also flim flam artist is someone who commits fraud.
fling, a fling to have a carefree love affair.
floozy a girl who is rather brainless and hangs around bars
flop to fail I am a flop at (I am a failure) also to sleep. 'You can flop (stay) at my place.'
flop house a very cheap hotel (perhaps dirty and dingy)
foot, Get off on the wrong foot wanting to make a good impression but seeming to displease
foot, to put one’s foot down means not to tolerate any more abuse from someone or situation..
foot, Putting your best foot forward to present yourself in a way to charm others.
foot, Puts his foot in his mouth when he speaks he manages to offend many others
foxed, out-foxed when someone tries to be clever but someone else is more clever
foxy an attractive, clever, refined, and tastefully dressed woman or girl.
framed the planting of evidence to make an innocent person look guilty of a crime
frisky - energetic, active, happy
free spirit someone who doesn’t let society dictate his or her life
fruitcake someone with silly ideas or whose actions just don’t make sense
fuddy-duddy - someone who prefers the old ways of doing things
fuse, blew my fuse became angry. (also see: 'got my goat’)
fuzz (the) the police, cops.
Get in/into hot water (to get into trouble)
Give it your best shot (try your best)
Give a cold shoulder (to treat someone coldly). “She gave him the cold shoulder and he was hurt.”
God’s gift to women (used to describe a man who thinks all women cannot resist him)
Gold-digger (a girl or woman who goes after men just for their money)
Golden boy (Someone who is the favorite of the boss or teacher)
Gospel Truth (the truth that is unquestionably true)
Got too big for his britches [pants] (one who gets promoted and then treats others badly)
Greek. It’s Greek to me (incomprehensible, a puzzle. Something that baffles)
game, Are you game? Meaning a dare (I’ll do it if you do it)
ganged up on when a group works on dominating or controlling someone
geek strange acting person
get a handle on to get enough information to make a decision.
get a kick out of to enjoy someone or something very much
get carried away with to be carried away with enthusiasm for something
get even with take or get revenge in kind
get laid have sexual intercourse with the opposite sex.
get lost go away, scram, beat it. “Get lost, will yah?”
get (his, her) just desert to get retribution for bad deed. “Saddam got his just desserts.”
get somewhere to attain a goal successfully. “I was many years before he got somewhere.”
get the hang of it to understand how to do a job. “It was a week before he got the hang of it.”
get up - wake up and also clothes. i.e. “What a nice get-up you are wearing.”
get your feet wet the first steps taken to get some experience in a new job.
get your money’s worth. Means exactly that, you’ve gotten true value.
give a song and dance to “He gave me a 'song and a dance’ (gave me fancy lie)”.
give a lift to Inspire, to give a ride to someone. “Can I give you a lift home?”
given a pink slip fired from a job, retired. “He got a pink slip in his pay envelope.”
given the sack fired
gives me Goosebumps seeing, hearing, or feeling cold that raises bumps on the skin
gives me the willies (willies ? jitters) makes me nervous. Scares me.
glass, People who live in glass houses should not throw stones beware of rash action
go against the grain taking action that is inadvisable
goat, got my goat to make me aggravated. “He really got my goat.” (Also see: blew my fuse)
God’s gift to women handsome men who believe God created them to make women happy
go Dutch when dining with others. Each person pays his own share of the bill.
going great guns a situation where everything is going great. “Business is going great guns.”
gold-digger a girl or woman who is interested only in men with money.
goof off be lazy, fail to do one’s work
goof up make a mistake
goofy silly, feeling strange. “He’s really goofy over that girl.” “I’m feeling goofy (strange)”.
gormless U.K for a stupid, inept person (see: doofus)
Gospel truth means that the speaker swears by the Bible he is telling the truth.
grapes, Sour grapes failing to get something you want: “Well, it wasn’t any good anyway”
gravy graft, a delightful gift of something more than an already delightful profit.
gravy job a job with lots of money without much effort to obtain.
gravy train easy money often obtained through political graft.
green light, to give the green light to give the authority to act. “He got the green light to go.”
gun, Jumped the gun a hasty, premature act or decision. “He jumped the gun on that.”
gunman a professional killer, noted for speed or skill with a gun
guns, Sticking to his guns not giving up his stated objection. Stubborn. Unchanged.
guru from India. Someone who people respect that has special knowledge or ability.
gut reaction/gut instinct a feeling one feels is correct to follow
gutter, mind in the gutter someone who talks vulgar. “His mind is always in the gutter.”
Hangs (hanging) in the balance (the outcome of affairs still pending is unknown)
Happy as a lark (nothing to mar a person’s happiness, very happy)
Hard as nails (has no feeling for anyone, cold, indifferent to the feelings of others)
Hard headed (stubborn, willful)
Hard hearted (lacking in sympathy. Unfeeling, indifferent to suffering of others)
Hard luck (when a person seems to have one mishap after another)
Head, To beat one’s head against the wall (frustration in trying to do or finish something)
He doesn’t have guts (lacks courage to make things right)
He doesn’t know beans about… (doesn’t know anything about what he is supposed to do)
He has (so and so) in his pocket (he controls so and so completely)
He was dropped on his head as a baby (to describe someone who acts silly)
He wears two hats (he holds down two important positions in the same work place)
Head, He’d forget his head if it wasn’t screwed on (someone who is forgetful)
Heads will roll. (a mistake has been made and some people will catch hell and be fired)
Hell of a party (Everyone had a great time at the party)
Highfalutin (pretentious or pompous)
Hit all the hot spots (go to all the popular night clubs and restaurants) i.e. Do the town.
Hit rock bottom (digging a well and hitting rock, that’s as far down as you can go)
Holds his cards close to his chest (doesn’t reveal anything to anyone. Very secretive)
Horse of a different color (finding out something is not really what you thought it was)
Hot-rodding it (driving as fast as the car or truck will go)
Hung out to dry (when one is made the scapegoat and no one supports or aids you)
Hungry as a bear (famished, starving, and ready to eat anything. 'Could east a horse’)
hair stood on end very frightened. “I was so scared my hair stood on end.”
half ass adj. silly, poorly done. “He’s a half-ass president.”
ham a ham actor (third rate actor). “He’s a ham.” Ham it up - to act silly in front of others..
hand, things are getting out of hand out of control. Not according to plan..
hand to hand combat close fighting between combatants
hand to mouth existence when someone makes just enough money to eat. Very poor
hands are tied not allowed to do something because of restrictions
hands down easily won, without much effort
hanky panky when men and women fool around (sexual connotation)
ham / ham actor an actor who acts in exaggerated theatrical manner.
hay, to hit the hay to go to bed. “It’s time to hit the hay.” “I’m going to hit the hay.”
head honcho the one who makes the decisions: the boss, president, CEO, director.
headhunter - a recruiter of personnel at executive level
head over heels in love deeply in love and can’t tell up from down
heads will roll there’s been a big mistake made and many will be fired. See: Swing
he forgot where he came from treats others like dirt now that he’s a big shot
he has his mind in the gutter a man who is always thinking about sex.
he let success go to his head overly proud and arrogant about his success
hen-pecked someone dominated by a wife or girl friend
hick a simple, unsophisticated, naïve person coming from the rural areas
high on the hog living in relative luxury.
hill Billy uneducated people living from the hills of eastern U. S.
hit the boss up for a raise to ask for a raise in pay
hit the road beat it, go away.
hobnob to associate or socialize with the elite.
hocus pocus 1647, jugglers used this Latin phrase to mean, “Now you see it, now you don’t
hodge podge a mixture, a jumble
hog, To eat high on the hog to have an affluent life style. “They’re eating high on the hog.”
hog heaven<, /U> a satisfying state of euphoria, getting everything you want.
hogwash nonsense, balderdash, bullshit, swill, slop
hog-wild to go wild without restraint, uncontrollable.
hoi polloi the masses. The common people. Often used incorrectly to mean high society.
hold the fort while I’m out of the office, take care of things for me
hold your horses slow down, don’t be in such a hurry.
home wrecker, hussy a woman who chases after a married man
hook, by ... or by crook to vow to get something done by force or illegal means.
hook, to let off the hook to let someone off easily from a promise or obligation.
hooked to be obsessed with someone or something, or to be addicted to drugs, tobacco, etc.
hoodwink (originally meant blindfold) dupe, deceive by falsities
hooligan a ruffian. Creates disturbances just for fun.
hophead a drug addict
hornet, Stir up a hornet’s nest actions that will stir up anger (like angering the bees).
hornswoggle bamboozle, swindle, to create a hoax
horse, high horse arrogant, unyielding mood or manner, acting difficult
horse laugh ? a big laugh over someone else’s problems
horse of a different color ('Whole different ball game’ not comparable)
horse play playing tricks or jokes on others that are physical (see Practical Jokes)
horses’s ass someone who is boorish and loves to create problems for others.
horse’s, straight from the horses’s mouth something that is the truth but not publicized.
hot pants a girl who can’t keep her panties on (wants sex all the time)
hot shot someone who thinks he is important but is not
hits, has the hots for when someone is overly lustful for someone else
hung out to dry when expected support from someone fails to show and one is left alone.
I can’t take anymore of this BS (bullshit) (angry over ridiculous rules or problems)
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse (very hungry)
Independent as a hog on ice (someone who is impervious to the opinions or desires of others)
Insult added to injury (to mistreat someone who has already been badly mistreated)
It’s a rat’s nest (describing someone’s room or an office as dirty and messy)
It’s really paid off (time or money put into an effort or project that has been very profitable)
iceberg, Tip of the iceberg only one tenth shows with ninety percent below the water unseen.
I wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole I will stay away from him as far as possible.
If the shoe fits, wear it if someone criticizes you and the criticism is true.
I’m game I’m willing
in a nutshell a concise and compact conclusion
in the red a business that is losing money. A person that keeps going into debt.
It didn’t pan out unsuccessful. What might have been great was a failure. Unsuccessful.
It’ll cost an arm and a leg. extremely expensive (also: “It cost an arm and a leg”)
It’s a breeze. It will be easy to do.
It’s a snap It’ll be easy to do.
Jump start a car (jumper cables clamped from a good battery to a dead battery)
Jump the gun (to be too hasty in making a decision or doing some action)
Jury, The jury is out (“I have no opinion one way or the other, right now.”)
jiffy a moment or an instant, “Be back in a jiffy.”
jackpot a large and often unexpected success or reward
jerk (an annoying person who doesn’t mind making life difficult for others).
jerk around treat badly by being underhanded or inconsistent
jerk off vulgar for masturbate. Also can mean something that amounts to nothing.
John Hancock this refers to signing one’s name. “Put your 'John Hancock’ on this line.”
jot this down “write this down”
jumped the gun to be too rash or too quick in doing something or reaching a conclusion
Keep them on their toes (to put under high tension or stress to increase productivity)
Killing time (see: Time to kill)
Kitten, Weak as a new born kitten (to describe someone who has been sick and is now weak).
Knock 'em dead (impress them so much they’ll be overwhelmed)
Knock myself out (when you work hard on a job and no one appreciates it)
Knock their socks off (said to someone you are sure who will greatly impress others)
Knockout (from boxing ? a winner. A stunning looking, attractive woman)
Know-it-all (one who pretends to know everything. Someone who refuses advice)
Knowledge is power (one with true information is superior to one who is ignorant)
keep a lid on it keep it quiet and don’t let anyone know…
keep your eyes peeled be looking for, or keep a sharp look out for…
keep your shirt on. don’t be in such a hurry.
kick ass, kick butt get things moving. Stir up some action
kick like a mule, it’s got to describe a strong drink or a kickback from a shotgun.
kid gloves to treat with 'kid gloves is to treat someone with extreme care, very gently
kit . the whole kit and caboodle include everything, nothing excluded.
kitty the money from all players in a poker game. Also a fund used to make small purchases.
knee jerk reaction to react to some situation by instinct and not well thought out
knock off work to quit work until the next work day.
knows little to nothing about is ignorant or doesn’t know how to do something
kosher, not ... not proper or correct. “Not according to Hoyle” “Not Cricket”
Lame duck (a politician who lost the election but still in office before being replaced)
Left-handed compliment (a compliment that can be taken as a non-compliment)
Level headed (having sound judgment. Sensible.)
Light fingered (someone adept at stealing, picking pockets)
Light-headed (dizzy, feeling disoriented. Also, lacking maturity, seriousness)
Lighthearted (carefree, cheerful, optimistic)
Like a bat out of hell (running or flying very fast)
Like putty in her/his hands (when someone is completely influenced by another person)
Like shooting fish in a barrel. (Easy to kill. Can’t miss)
Like water off a duck’s back (one who is indifferent to criticism or dangerous situation)
Look before you leap (think of consequences before making a decision)
Look what the cat dragged in (describing someone who looks worn out and exhausted)
Low man on the totem pole (the one who gets stuck with all the jobs no one else wants)
Lower the boom on someone (to give someone harsh criticism)
laid back relaxed, coolly detached, unexcited
laid on the line explicit and direct demands of what will be accepted or rejected.
lazy bones someone who is extremely lazy
lead down the primrose path (see: “primrose path”)
learn by heart memorize so well don’t need to think about it
let bygones be bygones to let what is past remain in the past and not seek vengeance
let off the hook to free someone from accountability or responsibility
let the cat out of the bag to let out a secret to someone who was to be kept in the dark
let your hair down to relax, and feel able to talk about anything you wants to talk about
let’s keep in touch said when parting with a friend whose friendship you always want to keep
level headed a person in a high position who is well balanced
level with me (us) asking someone to speak honestly and without concealing anything
limbo neither heaven or hell, something in between. “He felt like he was in limbo.”
lip service a person who says he will do something for you but doesn’t mean it
living high on the hog (see 'high of the hog’)
loaded either means he/she has a lot of money or it means he/she is very drunk
log, easy as falling off a … (easy to fall off a log floating in the water, hard to stay on)
lolly slang among U.K thieves for stolen goods
loop, Out of the loop not one of the group making decisions and uninformed
loose cannon an uncontrollable and unpredictable person who can make a lot damage.
lose your shirt to lose a lot of money
lucky break an miraculous opportunity that can be explained only as by chance.
lush a woman, who likes to drink and after a few drinks can be persuaded to have sex
Made a pig of myself (I ate too much)
Make a law with some teeth in it (appropriate money to enforce a law)
Making ends meet (barely making enough money to cover the cost of living)
Monkey, To make a monkey out of someone (to make someone look foolish by tricking him)
Mud, dumb as mud (mud is not intelligent at all, so this is self-explanatory)
macho very, very masculine
mad about to be crazy in love with someone
mad at to be angry with someone
make a mountain out of a molehill to exaggerate the danger or fear of a small problem
make a girl seduce a girl. When a man convinces a girl to have sex.
make a pass at a man or a woman trying to interest someone to have sex with him or her
make ends meet to live within one’s income
make my day make me happy. And it made my day (made me happy)
marbles, to lose (lost) his marbles describing who has lost his sensibility. Senile.
mate AUSn slang for a friend, acquaintance, or buddy (USA)
matter, It’s no laughing matter Be serious. This is a serious matter.
McCoy, it’s the real McCoy to guarantee the product is not a fake (See the story on page 115 )
meaner than a junk-yard dog someone who’s always in a mean mood
mess up to make a mistake
mix-up a mistake in the handling things. A misunderstanding
milk, don’t cry over spilt what has happened is done, forget it and go on with your life.
mind, to blow one’s mind something unbelievable. “The 1969 landing on the moon blew my mind.”
monkey/monkey around not serious, acting playful. “Don’t monkey with me.”
monkey business a sham, not serious business, but play
monkey, grease an auto mechanic
monkey off my back, to get the a drug addict trying to quit using drugs
monkey wrench an adjustable wrench
moocher someone who is always asking others for small items of little value
to mooch to continually ask others for money, cigarettes, candy, etc. (see: panhandle)
moola (USA) another word for money. “He has plenty of moola.”
money, Put your money where your mouth is talk is cheap, show your money to be believed.
more ways to skin a cat then one there’s many ways you can do a job
mosey around to walk around aimlessly. To walk around leisurely
mothballed to put something in storage that can be activated at a later time if needed.
mouth, to talk out of both sides of his mouth say one thing then something different to another.
mumbo jumbosuperstitious nonsense
Not out of the woods yet (an expression meaning that the problems or troubles are not yet resolved)
narc a law official who hunts down drug peddlers and drug users.
nerd an unattractive person involved with studies and unable to socialize
never look a gift horse in the mouth if you learn the value of a gift, you will be disappointed
never mind forget it was ever mentioned
never winds down to have endless energy. “He never winds down.”
nigger a negative term for people of African descent
no dice - no deal. Not accepting a proposal. Not playing
noodle using your noodle (brain). “I wasn’t using my noodle.” (Wasn’t thinking)
no redeeming values his contribution to society is negative without anything positive to offer.
nosey someone who sticks his nose in other people’s business
no sweat no problem. “No sweat. I can do it” (Don’t worry, I’ll do it for you)
not according to Hoyle Not according to the book of rules. Not on the up and up
not by a long shot action taken that will be short of succeeding
not out of the woods yet problems and troubles are not over yet.
nut, He’s a tough nut to crack meaning that he doesn’t easily change his opinion or thinking,
nuts crazy, doesn’t make sense
nutty (also he’s nuts) not making sense, irrational, crazy
Off Base (to say a person is 'off base’ is to say he is wrong, mistaken, unaware)
Off the top of my head (making a quick estimate or quick answer without precise data)
Off-the-wall (something strange, out of the ordinary. Odd)
Old Flame (an old girl friend that is no longer your love interest)
Old hat (it’s an old way of doing something, not new)
On the spur of the moment (an unexpected decision made quickly)
Only by the grace of God (something miraculous that saved one from something terrible)
Over a barrel (like 'back to the wall’ unable to defend or resist)
odd and ends non-matching pieces that are left over.
oddball an eccentric person whose behavior is odd or strange to others
off-the-wall strange or odd behavior, something weird
of two minds unable to decide this way or the other way.
off base an opinion or idea without any factual basis
off the mark was not correct or right (The forecast was just off the mark)
old glory the USA flag
old guard a conservative group in a political party or company opposed to change
old hat something old that has already been done before but now passed off as new. Old.
on a shoestring having little money. On a tight or limited budget
on the ball efficient, effective, and capable
on the fence not having made a decision one way or the other.
on the house a free of charge meal or dish the restaurant gives you
on the shelf retired and not active.
on the spur of the moment a quick decision without much consideration
on the take 'He’s on the take.’ Someone accepting a bribes for something illegal.
open a can of worms leave it alone as it could make create more problems
out-foxed someone is more clever than a sharp fox. “He sure out-foxed me on that deal.”
out of step someone not accordance with current opinions, fashions, or trends
out of the blue something completely unexpected. Surprised.
out of the loop being excluded by the group or clique that knows what is what
out of this world beyond all expectations, superb, heavenly, unbelievable
out of touch don’t have all the latest information to render a decision.
out of the way off the usual route. Unusual. Off the beaten track.
out of the woods problems that were serious but which are now all behind
out of whack not in synchronization (harmony) with other things
out on a limb embarking on a dangerous course of action, which could risk one’s reputation
outshine to excel or do better than anyone else
over my dead body you might as well kill me as I will never accept that
over my head I don’t understand it
over the hill too old to do anything
oyster, the world is his (my, yours, her)… nothing is to be denied and all is to be fully enjoyed.
Packed in like sardines (people crowded into buses, airplanes, like sardines in a can)
Paid my (his, her) dues. (I have deserved what I have because I worked for it).
Payback time (a chance to get revenge {get even} with someone)
Penny pincher (someone who is overly thrifty as to count everything to the last cent)
Picture is worth a thousand words (self-explanatory)
Pin down, hard to pin down (not making a clear statement or agreement)
Plain as day (obvious. Can easily and clearly be seen)
Play ball (cooperate) “I think we can get him to play ball.” (To join us instead of against us.)
Play both ends against the middle (to make two competitors fight to your advantage)
Play it by ear (to work a strategy without previous planning)
Play games (to deceive others by hiding the truth for gain or for amusement)
Play hard-ball (to use forceful and aggressive actions to win without regard to ethics or morality)
Play one’s cards (to play with what means you have)
Play possum (pretend to be asleep or dead, but awake)
Play second fiddle (in a subordinate position to a boss. Willing to be second best)
Play the field (not seriously involved with anyone but dating several persons)
Play the game (to work or cooperate by a set standard or code of ethics)
Play with fire (to do something risky that may hurt you)
Pork barrel (a government project that will give a politician votes)
Pretty as a picture (pleasing to the eye. “She’s as pretty as a picture.”)
Pull the rug from under someone’s feet. (pull the support away from under someone)
Pushed into a corner (when cornered, anyone will turn to fight
pan, didn’t pan out didn’t work out. Failed. Unworkable.
panhandle to beg for just a bit of money 'to buy coffee, pay a parking meter, pay bus fare, etc
panhandler someone who makes a living by panhandling
pan out from gold rush days where miners panned for gold. Success.
pants, Caught with his pants down Caught in an embarrassing situation.
party animal loves to go to parties and have a good time
pat yourself on the back ? give yourself a compliment (toot your own horn)
peach 'A peach of a person’ means someone who is very nice
peanuts not worth much. Value is only pennies (also see chicken feed )
penny-ante small, petty, two-bit stuff not worthy of consideration
pervert a person whose sexual orientation is not normal or natural
perks short for prerequisites, privileges and benefits over and above wages
perk up (from the 14th century) ? be cheerful, show cheerfulness
perky to act cheerful and indifferent to woes or misery
pesky troublesome, bothersome, vexatious. 'Pesky man’, 'pesky issues’.
pick on to find fault with someone and do it continuously
picky adjective, choosey, demanding, careful
pig, A pig a policeman. Also, a person with dirty habits, clothing, house. “He’s a pig.”
pigheaded stubborn, obstinate person. Someone who refuses to admit he is wrong when he is.
pigsty used to describe dirty living quarters. “His room was a pigsty.”
pink slip a pink slip with your paycheck means you’re fired (see: canned) “He got the pink slip.”
pip-sqeak an insignificant person who acts important. “He was an insignificant little pip-squeak.” .
pipe dream an unrealistic hope, idea, or plan. (from opium smoking, which results in nothing)
piss off U.K for 'go away’.
pissed off USA for 'very angry.’ “He was pissed off at getting another traffic ticket.”
pizzazz around 1937, origin unknown. To give something a bit of excitement, glamour.
poke, slow poke someone who is very slow in doing anything.
plastered drunk, inebriated, having so much alcohol as to be unable to act coherently.
play ball to cooperate, to go along with something
play hardball determined to get something regardless of rules or propriety
play the bitch when a girl goes all out to get a man by any means
play the fool when someone acts like he doesn’t know anything when he does
played out tired from playing too much
player, Big player one who invests more or gambles more than the usual investor or gambler
plug to stop, to shoot someone. To give a piece of publicity about something.
p.o.’d pissed off, angry, highly vexed
polecat, skunk, snake someone who is untrustworthy
political stump to support a political cause by making speeches
poop crap, defecation, dung poopdeck a partial deck above the main deck’s afterdeck
pooped out So tired that one cannot continue working, Fatigued. Also: 'too tired to poop’.
posh U.K for something luxurious, elegant
pot, Go to pot failing to take care of oneself, or taking care of business.
potato, couch potato someone overweight and out of shape.
practical jokes much like 'horse play’ (see Rough Housing)
prick a man who is crude and heedless of the feelings of others
primrose path to deceive with the promises of a good life but which is bad. Prostitution.
prissy to describe a person who acts disdainfully toward others
pro means 'professional’ in a positive way. Can also mean a “prostitute”.
pull someone’s leg tell a ridiculous lie as a joke
pull a fast one To describe someone who had tricked or fooled someone
pull the wool over (my, yours, his) eyes to fool someone intentionally with lies
punch in, punch out putting your time card at work into the time clock
put it on the map when something happens in a small town to make it outstanding.
put you up for the night is to offer to invite a friend to stay in s guest room for the night
Quiet as a mouse (very quiet. Making no noise. “He was as quiet as a mouse.”)
Quack a doctor who doesn’t know much about medicine or someone pretending to be a doctor.
Regular as clockwork (routine, never breaks out of routine)
Rich as Croesus (an ancient King of Medea known for having much gold)
Rings a bell (something that reminds you of something. Or ring a dinner bell or school bell)
Rob the cradle (when someone much older marries someone much younger)
Rock of Gibraltar (a strong U.K fortification at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea)
Rub the wrong way (to irritate someone by doing something to displease the person)
Run around like a chicken with its head off (to panic and be ineffectual)
raise an eyebrow, raised eyebrows to surprise by outrageous behavior
raise cain, raise hell to act wild, create a disturbance, loudly berate or scold someone
railroaded to send an innocent man to prison by corrupting the legal system
rat untrustworthy, a traitor. A sly, treacherous person. to rat on to betray
raunchy a picture, object, or behavior that is sexually explicit and tasteless.
reamed out to be irately criticized for errors or mistakes. Much stronger than 'chew ass’
redneck a negative term for bigoted white men with low education. “An Archie Bunker type”
red hot something or someone in great demand (The Snoopy Doll was a red hot item)
red tape official rules and regulations that complicate everything
red, To see red to be angered. (red is supposed to anger bulls). “He saw red” (was very angry)
ride someone to ridicule someone maliciously, relentlessly, and mercilessly. Derisive humor.
right off the bat immediately, right now. “He could answer any question right off the bat.”
rings a bell to make one remember (i.e. 'That rings a bell with me.’)
ritzy from the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Means luxurious and posh.
rob the cradle an older person marries someone far younger
roll out the red carpet make a special effort to please a VIP or someone
rough housing playing that is rough & physical (i.e. a pillow fight. See Slap Stick)
rub elbows with... to associate with
rub shoulders with have a slight but close acquaintance with people of fame and position.
rubs me the wrong way to dislike someone as he irritates you (like petting a cat the wrong way)
ruckus a noisy disturbance that draws attention from onlookers. a row,
rule of thumb a common sense approach to a problem but not necessarily precise
run a loose ship to run an organization where there is little to no discipline
run a tight ship a hands on approach by a manager under tight rules
runs in the family common thread of behavior or characteristics in a family
run into... to meet someone unexpectedly
run in, To have a run in with to have an argument or strong verbal disagreement with someone.
Sick as a dog (feel very sick)
Sharp as a tack (very clever, bright, quick thinking)
Shoot for the moon. (To aim high for an impossible goal)
Shove it (not a nice way of telling someone that you don’t like the work)
Sight for sore eyes (Happy to see someone you haven’t seen for a long time)
Sings like a canary (sings beautifully)
Sky’s the limit (there’s no limit to what can be done)
Slipped through the cracks (someone supposed to be protected but the law or rules fail them)
Slower than molasses on a cold morning (cold, molasses doesn’t move easily)
Smells fishy (something that doesn’t appear to be right)
Smooth as silk (very smooth)
Snake in the grass (an untrustworthy person. Someone who lies in waiting to hurt someone)
Snap, It’s a … (easy, not difficult)
Snowed under (to have too much work and can not find time to do it)
Soft headed (someone naïve, unrealistic, or uncritical)
Soft hearted (emotionally sensitive to others. Easily moved. Overly sympathetic)
Soft spot (to have a 'soft spot’ means that you feel attached or sympathetic to someone)
Soft touch (One who can be easily imposed upon or taken advantage of.)
Soup, Duck soup. (easy to do as all you need to make duck soup is cook a duck in water)
Something in the wind (a suspicion that 'Something is up’ or something will happen)
Sore as a boil (extremely painful to touch)
Spinning your wheels (an 'exercise in futility’. Not seeing any results for your efforts).
Step on toes (to unintentionally move or act in a way that hurts or offend others)
Still waters run deep (quiet people who keep to themselves can be very deep thinkers)
Stir up a hornet’s nest (to create anger and chaos when it would best be left alone)
Stomach, Makes my stomach turn (something that makes me nauseous)
Straight shooter (talks directly about issues)
Straight talker (Someone who is open and direct in talking about issues)
Stretch the truth (to elaborate too much so that there is little truth in what was said)
Strong-arm (having or using undue force)
Strong stomach (said of someone who isn’t bothered by the sight of blood)
Struck out (unsuccessful. When a man fails to win the girl he pursues)
Struck pay dirt [hit gold] (good fortune has brought wealth, money, riches)
Sweat, No sweat (it’s not problem. I’ll be glad to do it for you)
Sweet as honey (very sweet)
Sweet sixteen and never been kissed (a very innocent young girl)
Swelled head (exaggerated opinion of oneself)
sacked fired (see Pink slip and canned). “Winston Churchill was sacked after his plan failed.”
sacred cow a subject, idea, or plan that you must not criticize for fear of offending someone.
saddle, back in the saddle to return to work Who’s in the saddle? (who’s the boss?)
safe and sound out of danger and in good shape
salt, isn’t worth his salt hasn’t done enough work to earn his pay (See: Salt, Salad, Sugar p. 115)
salt, take it with a grain of salt don’t believe everything that you hear about something.
scalawag untrustworthy, unethical man.. Someone who does unethical things for someone else.
screw, a loose screw somewhere to describe someone who doesn’t make sense.
screw, to screw as a verb, it has a vulgar connotation that means sexual intercourse.
screw, to be screwed to be hurt by s swindler or backstabber. “Bill really screwed me.”
screwed up to make a mistake. “He (I, you, she, we, they) really screwed up on the job.”
scratch, up to ... to bring up to an acceptable level, performance, condition.
scumbag someone whose actions are dirty or crooked.
second nature something innately basic (born into the person’s personality)
second to none the best
see eye-to-eye in agreement
see through not fooled by someone who is trying to fool you
seed, gone to seed n longer young and vigorous. “After he retired, he just went to seed.”
self-fulfilling prophecy something real or true by virtue of being predicted or expected
selling like hotcakes something that is selling extremely well.
set-up - to organize, also an organization, also a trap laid for someone
seventh heaven blissful, heavenly. Delightfully supreme
shady not completely legal but not entirely illegal
shacking up when a man and a woman (not married to each other) go off to be alone for a few days.
shake a leg hurry up
she’s (he’s) got it bad she’s (he’s) so much in love and can’t think straight
Sheila out-of-date AUSn slang for the girl friend of a man
shebang, the whole... includes everything under consideration. Nothing left out
shenanigans devious, high jinks (tricks).. High spirited, mischievous acts
side-step an issue to avoid addressing an issue or avoid an issue by changing the subject.
shifty capable of lying and cannot be relied upon despite promises.
shit, when the shit hit the fan an explosive situation where everything and everyone gets hit
shoe is on the wrong foot to attribute ideas, deeds, or actions to the wrong person or cause.
shook up to be agitated emotionally or mentally shocked by someone or something
shooter, straight shooter someone who always speaks the truth or 'above board’.
shoot for, aim for to target a goal he or she is (you are) shooting/aiming for)
shooting, like shooting fish in a barrel easy targets, can’t miss killing them.
shot, big VIP, someone important.
shots, calling the shots making the decisions. “She isn’t the one calling the shots.”
show off to boast, brag, or bring attention to one’s self. “He’s always showing off”
show up to make another person look foolish. “He sure showed the boss up.”
showers, The referee sent … to the showers kicked out of the game.
shuteye, I’m going to get some ... I’m going to go to bed and get some sleep
shyster, shylock a lawyer who has no ethical or moral standards (see: ambulance chaser)
sick and tired no longer willing to be patient with the situation
sideline a secondary line of work or business
sink or swim to give it your (his) all in an attempt that will either succeed or fail
silly old coot an elderly man who irritates others
sissy, weak sister used to describe a man who is weak and vacillating in action
sitting duck an easy target for the hunter or for the enemy to pick off (shoot)
sitting on his hands he’s doing nothing. “He’s just sitting on his hands doing nothing.”
sitting pretty situation is very nice. “His uncle left him a big inheritance, so he’s sitting pretty.”
six of one, half a dozen of another it’s the same thing, no difference
sixes, Everythings at sixes and sevens from the mystical numbers: a confused situation.
skating on thin ice an act that has little chance of succeeding and dangerous to job or reputation
skin, Gets under my skin to dislike someone or something
skin, It/he makes my skin crawl someone or something that is repulsive or unpleasant.
skinflint a miserly person who does not want to spend money (see: cheapskate)
skinned, I was skinned to pay too much. “They really skinned me when I bought this car.”
skinned alive to pay far too much for something.
skinned, thin skinned to be defensive about criticism.
skinny-dipping to go swimming in one’s birthday suit (swim in the nude).
slap stick a farce by actors that uses physical action as comedy (i.e. pie in the face)
slick as a whistle easily and smoothly done
small-fry an unimportant person (i.e. 'small-fry politician’) What a: child or children are called.
small potatoes insignificant, of no value, unimportant, of no consequence
smart aleck a person who irritates others with a know-it-all attitude
smart, too smart for his own good a clever person that creates more problems
smarty pants a person who makes snide remarks about others. More often used by children.
smell a rat fishy. Not right. Something bad.
smut anything written or said that is lewd and indecent. Also smutty
snared captured , to 'luck out’ by getting a good job, nice girl friend, boy friend, etc.
snafu muddled, confused (form, “Situation Normal All Fouled Up”
snake untrustworthy, unprincipled.. He’s a 'snake in the grass’ (waiting to bite anyone)
snazzy something very attractive, flashy, and possibly expensive. Eye-catching.
snitch an informer, one who tattles on others. Also: tattletale, fink, and squealer
snoop around, snoop, to spy. Look around covertly. “The police are always snooping around.”
snooty to be arrogant. One who considers himself above others. “He very snooty.”
snow job promises and guarantees that disappear with 'warm weather’
soap opera an overly dramatic scenario of troubles and woes on television or radio.
song and dance to make up an elaborate or fictitious alibi, excuse, or lie
spade, to call a spade a spade outspoken, direct. Doesn’t beat around the bush,
spick and span clean and shiny
spill the beans to tell someone which was to be kept secret
spilt milk “No use to cry over spilt milk. It’s gone and lost forever.”
spin doctor person who puts a different spin (lies) about news events to cover up the truth
spit it out don’t hold back, speak out without anymore delay
splurge to spend extravagantly (overspend)
spoiled rotten someone who always insists on getting what he/she wants
sponge off of to mooch. To live off someone else. “He was always sponging off his mother.”
spoon, born with a silver spoon in his mouth to be born into a wealthy family.
spot, That really hits the spot to satisfy thirst or hunger. “That Ice cream really hits the spot.”
spot, to be put on the spot to be out in a difficult situation. “You really put me on the spot.”
squeaky clean very clean. Also used to describe a person of high moral values.
steam, to run out of steam exhausted. Have no energy left.
step on toes actions that will hurt someone’s feeling by being critical or going over their head.
stick it out when a situation is bad but for the good or everyone, you’ll stay rather than leave.
stick it out through thick and thin stay on through hard times and times or when money is scarce
stick to your guns remaining unchanged when facing powerful opposition. Don’t back away.
sting (verb) to overcharge, cheat.
sting (noun) an elaborate game by undercover police or swindlers to trap others
stir-crazy to become agitated or upset from a prolonged confinement
stoned under the influence of drugs (narcotics), see plastered.
stomping grounds a place that is familiar to the person and where he has connections and friends.
street smart surviving in the street by being unscrupulously clever
store, Who is minding the store? When workers are distracted from doing their work.
struck a chord with me I feel sympathetic to someone or something
stuck in a rut to be doing the same old thing day in and day out
stuck up someone who thinks he or she is better than anyone else
stuffed shirt stiff and overly proud, pompous, and pretentious man. See: Snooty
stumps me, I am stumped baffled, puzzled See: Political Stump
sucked me in (also suckered me) made a fool of me. Fooled me
sucks really bad. 'This job sucks.’ “This school sucks’ .
suit, It doesn’t suit me not my cup of tea. Not to my liking.
sure as shootin’ it is certain to happen. 'Sure as shootin’ it’s going to rain today.’
swag (U.K) stolen goods. Also lolly, U.K thieves’ name for stolen goods
swank elegant and luxurious. Posh.
sweep under the rug to cover up dirt, to hide something embarrassing.
swell-headed a person who acts superior because of his high position
swing, Someone is going to swing someone will be fired because of a big mistake.
Take it with a grain of salt (not to believe all that is said. Be cautious and reserved in acting)
That’s a new one on me (something I never heard about until now)
That’s going to be a tall order (next to impossible to do)
They are like water and oil (cannot mix and always opposites)
They roll the streets up at nine (means no night-life. The town/city is country-like)
Thought I’d touch base with you (to see if we have the same info and coordinate our actions.)
Tickled pink (very pleased)
Tied up in traffic (caught in traffic that is moving slowly)
Time is money (my time is worth something)
Time to kill, (waiting for someone) “I’m just killing time waiting for a friend.”
To carry the ball (to take responsibility, i.e. “It’s your time to carry the ball.”)
To cross swords with someone (to have a clash of opinions with someone)
To escape by the skin of your (my) teeth (to escape from a close call with death)
Tom, Dick, and Harry (“Any Tom, Dick or Harry can do it.” The common man.)
Tongue, Bite your tongue (“be quiet and don’t speak”)
Tongue, Slip of the tongue. (inadvertently to tell the truth instead of hiding it. Freudian slip)
Tongue in cheek (to speak facetiously. In a joking manner, not serious)
Too boot (something extra that is thrown included in a deal or sale that is free of charge)
Too many cook spoil the broth (when too many give advice, the result can be a disaster)
To pinch pennies (to be extremely miserly with one’s own money)
To touch base (to talk with someone to be sure they have the information needed)
To throw cold water on an idea/project (to spoil someone’s enthusiasm)
Tripping the light fantastic (dancing through life, having a great social life)
tea, It’s not my cup of tea something others may like but I don’t.
take it easy to relax and not get excited
taking it easy staying calm, not working too hard
take pains to go to a lot of trouble to please
take steps to (take measures) initiate moves to act
talking through his hat someone who making exaggerated statements.
talk turkey straight talk, no beating around the bush, pull out all stops, no frills
tattletale informer. See: snitch, fink.
tender hooks a delicate situation. “Walking on eggs.”
tennis elbow tendonitis. Painful inflammation in the tendons of the elbow.
thanks a bunch an unenthusiastic response to someone who wouldn’t help you
that’s all the news that’s fit to print nothing more of importance to tell
the party is a drag the party isn’t any fun.
the world is my/your oyster 'The world is my oyster.’ It exists for my/your pleasure.
they’re dragging the river hooks and lines searching for the body of someone who has drowned
this is right up your alley this is in your field of expertise
throw in the towel to give up. To stop (from the sport of boxing)
throw a monkey wrench into something that disrupts (creates a big problem)
throwback to describe someone whose mentality has reverted to a previous ancestor of low quality.
ticked off to become angry over some grievance. Upset.
tie the knot to marry. “They tied the knot last Saturday” (They got married last Saturday)
time, time and a half again one and a half more.
tip top the very best
tip their hand to accidentally reveal what was to be concealed (spill the beans)
toad acts ugly and enjoys being difficult “He’s a toad.”
to be (get) stung to be overcharged, cheated
to boot something to equalize a trade (O.E. something else extra at no extra charge).
toes, to step on toes to act without regard to anyone else’s feelings or interests.
took by storm a highly acclaimed overnight sensation by an artist in art, theater, movies, etc.
tomfoolery used to describe something nonsensical. “It’s just a lot of tomfoolery.”
tongue lashing to give or receive harsh criticism. ”Mr. Truman gave Molotov a tongue lashing.”
tongue, slip of he tongue to reveal the real feelings of how one feels about something
toot your own horn give yourself complim, ents.
top dog the CEO or the one who commands or directs a business or company
topsy turvey seemingly upside down, disorganized
to stiff someone (verb) to refuse to pay or tip
totem, Low man on the totem pole the least significant person. Uninformed.
touch base keep informed other informed of any changes and to check things again
touch, Let’s keep in touch said to someone you want to communicate withmore often than you have
tough guy a man who wants to act tough
track, Off track when a speaker deviates greatly from the topic he is talking about (derailed)
tramp a man (hobo)who has no permanent home. Also, a woman who goes with many men
triggerman an assassin with a gun who kills people.
turkey a negative term for white people indicating stupidity
two heads are better than one two people making a decision are better than one alone
turn over a new leaf to start a new and better life
turn over in his/her grave actions by a living person would be disapproved by the dead
twit a fool, someone lacking common sense
two, to be of two minds indecisive. Confused about what decision to make on what to do.
Ugly duckling into a beautiful swan (considered ugly by one group, but really is a great beauty)
Up the creek [without a paddle] (one can only relax and drift with the current)
ultra the top of everything, the best
under the gun under pressure to complete something within a specified short period.
under the table secret, concealed from the public eyes, perhaps illegal or immoral
under the weather not feeling well, sick
up beat optimistic
unsung hero someone whose courageous and heroic acts go unacknowledged
up a tree a quandary, ticklish situation in not knowing what to do
up the creek in trouble and without solutions
vixen a fox. but also a woman who chases after married men regardless of the fact he’s married.
Walking on thin ice - a delicate situation where one must literally be careful as a misstep is dangerous.
Walk on water (to consider someone so good that they can walk on water as Jesus did)
Water and oil (can be mixed temporary, but they will always separate later)
Weak as a kitten (to feel as weak as a newborn kitten)
Weak minded (foolish. Lacking in good judgment or good sense.)
Weak stomach (can’t bear the sight of blood or suffering)
Weather the storm (come through the worst of a bad time)
When the shit hits the fan (a descriptive but not nice metaphor for big trouble)
White as snow (very white)
Whole different ball game (not comparable in approaching or solving a problem)
Win by a landslide (win by a big margin or an over-whelming majority)
walk a tightrope to try to keep things balanced when one misstep can result in a great loss..
warhorse, An old warhorse someone who is ready for action despite his old age.
water, Throw cold water on to do something to dampen the enthusiasm for a plan or festive mood.
Waterloo, to meet one’s Waterloo Napoleon’s great defeat. “Nixon’s Waterloo was Watergate.”
weasel out of to make an excuse not to keep a promise.
wears two hats someone who has two jobs with the same company.
weight, he isn’t pulling his weight when working with a team, he isn’t doing his fair share.
wet behind the ears immature, inexperienced. Not thinking realistically.
wet blanket someone who dampens the enjoyment of others.
what’s cooking? “What’s happening?”
what’s the latest poop? “What’s the latest news (or rumor)?”
wheeler-dealer a sharp negotiator and knows how to get the best in a deal.
white lie a harmless lie that often is meant to compliment or allay fears.
whole different ball game (See: Horse of a different color). Can’t compare apples and oranges
whole-hog to do something big without reservation
will it float? is it practical? Is it workable? ('will it work?’)
wimp a man whose indecisiveness to make hard decisions makes him look like a sissy (woman).
wire, Working under to the wire working fast to complete a job on schedule
wires, You’ve got your wire crossed you have made a mistake in your decision/opinion
wishy-washy ? to describe someone who is indecisive, vacillating, undependable
wise guy an arrogant 'know-it-all’ who is crass, blunt, and rude
wolf in sheep’s clothing a person who tries to appear kind and innocent but is very dangerous.
woodshed, Take someone to the woodshed to criticize harshly someone for his actions.
word, from the word go from the very beginning. “He was lazy from the word go.”
words, doesn’t mince words isn’t shy and speaks out. “He didn’t mince words and spoke out.”
words, don’t put words in my mouth someone insinuates you said something when you didn’t
work like a dog to work hard
worry wart someone who worries and is nervous over imagined or unimportant things
You don’t know the half of it (you are not fully informed. “There’s more to it than you know.”_
Your home is your castle (your home is your sanctuary)
yes-man an employee who always says, “yes” to the boss to be in the boss’
you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours “Do me a favor and I’ll do one for you.”
you can fold that four ways and put it where the sun don’t shine “I don’t like that”
you can take this job and shove it “I quit.”
Zebra, You can’t the stripes on a zebra (It’s wishful thinking to think you can change someone.”
zombie from Africa nzumbe meaning ghost. The walking dead. Not fully conscious. |
