A-Z Index | D.V.C.I.

A

A Bone to PickAn issue or grievance you need to raise and settle with someone.
A cock and bull storyAn elaborate, implausible tale.
A Dog's BreakfastA complete mess or muddle.
A Feather in Your CapAn achievement or honour to be proud of.
A Fish Out of WaterSomeone who feels awkward or completely out of place in an unfamiliar situation.
A Flash in the PanSomething that shows early promise but quickly fails or fizzles out.
A Leopard Can't Change Its SpotsA person's fundamental character or nature doesn't really change, no matter what they claim.
A Method to the MadnessA hidden purpose or logic behind behaviour that looks irrational.
A Shot in the ArmSomething that provides a sudden, welcome boost of energy, confidence, or momentum.
A skeleton in the cupboardA shameful secret kept hidden, usually within a family.
A Taste of Your Own MedicineTo be treated the way you have treated others, especially badly.
A Wolf in Sheep's ClothingSomeone or something dangerous that's disguised as harmless or friendly.
Achilles' HeelA single point of weakness in someone or something otherwise strong.
Actions Speak Louder Than WordsWhat people do matters more than what they say.
Add Insult to InjuryTo make an already bad situation worse.
Argy-bargyA heated argument or dispute.
As Right as RainIn perfect health or good order.
At a loose endHaving nothing to do; idle.
At LoggerheadsIn serious dispute or conflict with someone.
At sixes and sevensIn a state of confusion or disarray.
At the Drop of a HatImmediately, without any hesitation or need for persuasion.
At the Eleventh HourAt the very last possible moment, just before it's too late.

B

Back to the Drawing BoardTo start over after a plan or attempt has failed.
BairnA child, especially a baby or young son or daughter.
Baker's DozenThirteen, one more than a standard dozen.
Ballpark FigureA rough estimate that's roughly accurate, even if not exact.
Barking MadCompletely crazy or irrational.
Barking Up the Wrong TreeTo pursue a mistaken assumption or the wrong course of action entirely.
Batten down the hatchesTo prepare for a difficulty or crisis.
Beat a Dead HorseTo keep pursuing an issue or argument that's already been settled, with no hope of achieving anything further.
Beat around the bushTo avoid getting to the point, or to approach a difficult topic indirectly.
Bend Over BackwardsTo make an extreme effort to help or accommodate someone.
Between a Rock and a Hard PlaceCaught in a difficult situation where every available option is bad.
Between the devil and the deep blue seaStuck between two equally bad or difficult choices.
Beyond the paleOutside the bounds of acceptable behaviour.
Birds of a Feather Flock TogetherPeople with similar interests or character tend to associate with each other.
Bite Off More Than You Can ChewTo take on more responsibility or work than you can actually handle.
Bite the bulletTo face an unpleasant or painful situation with courage.
Bite the DustTo die, fail, or come to an end, especially suddenly or dramatically.
Bite your tongueTo stop yourself from saying something, especially something you might regret.
Bits and bobsA miscellaneous collection of small items.
Blue BloodBelonging to a noble or aristocratic family.
Bob's your uncleThere you go; it's as simple as that.
Bog standardOrdinary, basic, without any special features.
BostinExcellent; great.
Break a LegA traditional way to wish a performer good luck right before they go on stage.
Break the BankTo cost far more than is affordable, or (in gambling) to win more than the house can pay out.
Break the iceTo ease initial social tension or awkwardness, especially between strangers.
Bricking itTo be extremely frightened or nervous.
Bring Home the BaconTo earn money to support one's family, or to achieve success.
Burn the Midnight OilTo work or study late into the night.
Burn Your BridgesTo destroy any possibility of retreating or going back to a previous situation.
Burning the Candle at Both EndsExhausting yourself by overworking, especially by staying up late and rising early.
Burst Your BubbleTo shatter someone's illusions, hopes, or fantasies.
Bury the HatchetTo formally end a conflict and restore peace.
Bury Your Head in the SandTo refuse to acknowledge an unpleasant or awkward reality.
By hook or by crookBy whatever means necessary, fair or otherwise.
By the Skin of Your TeethTo narrowly escape or achieve something, by the smallest possible margin.

C

Call It a DayTo stop working or doing something, usually because enough has been done for now.
Cash CowA reliable, ongoing source of income, requiring relatively little further investment to keep producing.
Cast the First StoneA warning against judging or condemning others when you have faults of your own.
Cat Got Your Tongue?A question asked to someone who has suddenly gone quiet or is unable to speak.
Catch-22A no-win situation created by contradictory rules, where the only solution is blocked by the problem itself.
Caught red-handedCaught in the act of doing something wrong.
Cheesed OffAnnoyed, fed up, or irritated.
Chip on Your ShoulderTo carry a grudge or a persistent, defensive resentment, as if spoiling for a fight.
Chuffed to bitsExtremely pleased or delighted.
Close, But No CigarA near success that still falls short of actually winning or succeeding.
Cock-a-HoopExtremely and openly pleased, especially about a success.
CodswallopNonsense; rubbish talk.
Cold Enough to Freeze the Balls Off a Brass MonkeyAn exaggerated way of saying it's extremely cold.
Cold TurkeyTo stop a habit or addiction abruptly and completely, without weaning off gradually.
Cook Someone's GooseTo ruin someone's plans or chances completely.
Cost a bombTo be very expensive.
Cost an Arm and a LegTo be extremely expensive.
Crocodile TearsAn insincere display of grief or sympathy.
Cross the RubiconTo take an irreversible step past the point of no return.
Cry Over Spilled MilkTo waste time being upset about something that can't be undone.
Cry WolfTo raise a false alarm, especially repeatedly, so that a real warning later gets ignored.
Curiosity Killed the CatA warning that being too inquisitive can lead to trouble.
Curry favourTo ingratiate yourself with someone through flattery, especially for personal gain.
Cut and DriedCompletely settled, decided, or predictable, with no room left for discussion.
Cut and runTo leave quickly, especially to escape a difficult situation.
Cut CornersTo do something in the easiest or cheapest way, at the expense of quality.
Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your FaceTo take a self-destructive action out of anger or spite, hurting yourself more than whoever you were trying to punish.
Cut the Gordian KnotTo solve a complicated problem decisively, using a bold or unconventional method.
Cut the MustardTo succeed, or to meet the required standard.
Cut to the ChaseTo get straight to the point, skipping unnecessary detail.
CwtchA hug or cuddle that carries a sense of safety and warmth, or a small cupboard.

D

Dark HorseAn unexpected contender who wins or succeeds despite being little known or overlooked beforehand.
Dead RingerSomeone or something that looks exactly like another person or thing.
Devil's AdvocateSomeone who argues an opposing position, often just to test an idea.
DiehardSomeone stubbornly loyal to a cause or belief, refusing to give up even against the odds.
Don't Judge a Book by Its CoverDon't form an opinion about something or someone based only on outward appearance.
Don't Put All Your Eggs in One BasketDon't risk everything on a single plan, investment, or option.
Donkey's yearsA very long time.
Down to the WireUndecided until the very last moment.
Dressed to the NinesDressed extremely smartly or elaborately, making a real effort.
Dyed in the WoolSomeone whose beliefs, habits, or characteristics are so deeply ingrained they're unlikely to ever change.

E

Eat Humble PieTo be forced to admit you were wrong and apologise, often humiliatingly.
Elbow greaseHard physical effort, especially manual scrubbing or polishing.
Elbow roomEnough space to move or act freely.
Every Cloud Has a Silver LiningEven a difficult situation contains some hidden benefit or hope.
Ey upHello; also used as an exclamation of surprise or to draw attention.

F

Face the MusicTo accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions.
Fair clemmedVery hungry.
Feather Your Own NestTo enrich or benefit yourself, usually through dishonest or self-serving means.
Fifth WheelAn unwanted, unnecessary extra person or thing that only gets in the way.
Fit as a fiddleIn excellent health or condition.
Fly Off the HandleTo suddenly become very angry, often without much warning.

G

GadgieA man, especially an older bloke, sometimes used for any adult male.
Gan cannyTake care; go carefully.
Get a Second WindTo recover energy and enthusiasm after a period of tiredness.
Get Cold FeetTo lose your nerve and back out of a plan or commitment at the last moment.
Get Your Ducks in a RowTo get organised and fully prepared before starting something.
GinnelA narrow alleyway or passage running between buildings, usually terraced houses.
Give it some wellyTo put in more effort or power, especially when driving or exerting physical force.
Give someone the cold shoulderTo deliberately treat someone with unfriendly indifference.
Give the Green LightTo grant permission or approval for something to go ahead.
Give Up the GhostTo die, or (of a machine or object) to stop working entirely.
Go Down in FlamesTo fail dramatically and completely.
Go the Extra MileTo make a greater effort than is expected or required.
Go the Whole HogTo do something completely and thoroughly, holding nothing back.
Gone for a BurtonLost, broken, ruined, or (originally) killed.
Gordon Bennett!An exclamation of surprise, frustration, or exasperation.
Grasping at StrawsTrying increasingly desperate, unlikely solutions when a situation seems hopeless.

H

Hair of the DogA small amount of alcohol taken to cure a hangover.
Hard and Fast RulesRules that are strict, fixed, and not open to exceptions.
Hat TrickThree successes of the same kind achieved in a single event.
Have a chin wagTo have a chat, especially a long or gossipy one.
Have an Axe to GrindTo have a hidden, self-interested motive behind your actions or opinions.
Have Your Cake and Eat It TooTo want two incompatible things at once, typically to keep something while also using it up.
Head Over HeelsCompletely and often suddenly in love, or in a state of reckless enthusiasm.
Hit Below the BeltTo act unfairly, cruelly, or without regard for accepted standards of decency.
Hit the Ground RunningTo start a new task or role immediately and effectively, without a slow build-up.
Hit the Nail on the HeadTo describe or identify something with complete accuracy.
Hit the RoadTo leave, or set off on a journey.
Hit the SackTo go to bed.
Hoist by Your Own PetardTo be undone by your own scheme or trick.
Hold Your HorsesWait, slow down, or be patient.

I

I don't like the cut of your jibTo dislike (or like) someone based on their general appearance or manner.
In a pickleIn a difficult, awkward, or messy situation.
In Hot WaterIn trouble, or facing serious difficulty.
In the DoghouseIn disgrace or out of favour, especially with a partner or family member.
In the LimelightAt the centre of public attention.
In the Nick of TimeAt the last possible moment; just in time.
In the Same BoatFacing the same difficult situation or circumstances as someone else.
It Takes Two to TangoBoth people involved share responsibility for a situation, especially a conflict.
Ivory TowerA state of privileged isolation from the practical realities of everyday life, often used to describe academics or intellectuals.

J

Jack of All Trades, Master of NoneSomeone reasonably capable at many different things, but not a true expert in any single one.
JiggeredUtterly exhausted, or, as an exclamation ('well, I'll be jiggered!'), astonished.
Jump on the BandwagonTo join a popular activity, movement, or trend.
Jump the GunTo act prematurely, before the proper or agreed time.
Jump the SharkThe moment a creative work, show, or trend starts declining, often by resorting to a desperate or absurd gimmick.
Jump Through HoopsTo go through a series of demanding or tedious steps to achieve something.

K

Kangaroo CourtA sham legal proceeding that ignores proper process to reach a predetermined outcome.
Keep an Eye OnTo watch something or someone closely.
Keep Your Chin UpStay positive and optimistic, even in a difficult situation.
Keep Your Powder DryStay prepared and ready to act, conserving your resources until they're needed.
Kick the bucketTo die.
Kill Two Birds With One StoneTo achieve two goals with a single action.
Know the RopesTo understand how something works, especially through experience.
Know Your OnionsTo be knowledgeable and experienced about a subject.

L

Let Sleeping Dogs LieDon't disturb a settled situation, or you may provoke new trouble.
Let the cat out of the bagTo reveal a secret, often accidentally.
Let the Chips Fall Where They MayTo accept whatever outcome results from doing the right thing, without trying to control it.
Lock HornsTo become involved in a stubborn conflict or confrontation with someone.
Lock, Stock, and BarrelCompletely; every part of something, with nothing left out.
Long in the ToothOld, or past one's prime.
Loose CannonAn unpredictable person prone to causing damage if left unchecked.

M

Mad as a Box of FrogsEccentric, erratic, or wildly unpredictable.
Mad as a hatterCompletely crazy or eccentric.
Mad as a March HareCompletely wild, crazy, or eccentric.
Make a Long Story ShortTo summarise or skip ahead to the point.
Make a Mountain Out of a MolehillTo exaggerate a minor problem into something far more serious than it really is.
MardySulky, moody, or irritable.
Mind Your Own BeeswaxA playful, softened way of telling someone to stop prying into your business.
Mind your Ps and QsBehave properly; be on your best manners.
Miss the BoatTo miss an opportunity, especially through delay.
MitherTo pester, nag, or make an unnecessary fuss.
Mum's the WordKeep quiet; don't reveal a secret.

N

Nail Your Colours to the MastTo publicly and firmly commit to a position or opinion, making clear you won't back down.
Neck and NeckVery closely matched in a competition, with no clear leader.
NeshOverly sensitive to cold weather; soft or feeble.
No Pain, No GainWorthwhile results require difficult or uncomfortable effort.
No room to swing a catAn extremely small or cramped space.
Not the full shillingNot very intelligent, or not quite right in the head.
Nowt and Owt"Nowt" means nothing and "owt" means anything, as in 'there's nowt so queer as folk' or 'have you got owt for us?'

O

Off the CuffSaid or done without preparation; improvised on the spot.
On Cloud NineExtremely happy; euphoric.
On TenterhooksIn a state of anxious, uncomfortable suspense.
On the BallAlert, competent, and quick to respond.
On the fiddleEngaged in petty cheating, fraud, or dishonest dealing, especially for small personal gain.
On the WagonAbstaining from alcohol.
On Thin IceIn a risky or precarious situation where one wrong move could cause things to go badly.
Once Bitten, Twice ShyA bad experience makes you cautious about repeating it.
Once in a Blue MoonVery rarely.
Out of the BlueSuddenly and without warning.
Out on a LimbIn a risky, exposed position, especially by taking a stance others haven't supported.
Over a BarrelIn a powerless position, forced to do whatever someone else wants.
Over the moonDelighted; extremely pleased.
Over the topExcessive, exaggerated, or overdone.

P

Paint the Town RedTo go out and celebrate in a wild, unrestrained way.
Pandora's BoxAn action that seems small or harmless but unleashes a great many unforeseen problems.
Par for the CourseTypical or expected, usually in a resigned or unsurprising sense.
Pass the BuckTo shift blame or responsibility onto someone else.
Pass With Flying ColoursTo succeed at something impressively, especially a test or challenge.
Peanut GalleryA source of unwelcome, often unqualified criticism or heckling.
Pie in the SkyAn unrealistic, overly optimistic promise or plan that will probably never happen.
Piece of CakeSomething very easy to do.
Play It by EarTo improvise or decide how to act as a situation unfolds, rather than planning in advance.
Point BlankDirect and blunt, or, of a shot, fired from very close range.
Poker FaceA deliberately blank, unreadable expression that gives nothing away.
Pull No PunchesTo speak or act with complete honesty and force, holding nothing back.
Pull out all the stopsTo make a maximum, unrestrained effort.
Pull the PlugTo deliberately end or stop something, often abruptly.
Pull the Wool Over Someone's EyesTo deceive or trick someone.
Pull Your LegTo tease someone, especially by telling them something untrue as a joke.
Pull Yourself Up by Your BootstrapsTo improve your situation through your own effort alone, without outside help.
Push the boat outTo spend generously, especially to celebrate something.
Put a Sock in ItBe quiet; stop talking, singing, or making noise.
Put the Cart Before the HorseTo do things in the wrong order, especially by treating a result as if it were the cause.
Put Your Foot DownTo assert authority firmly, refusing to allow something.

R

RadgieAn aggressive, hot-tempered person, or a fit of temper itself.
Raining cats and dogsRaining extremely heavily.
Read Between the LinesTo infer a hidden or deeper meaning from something beyond what's literally stated.
Read the riot actTo reprimand someone forcefully, warning them to stop misbehaving.
Red HerringA misleading clue or distraction from the real issue.
Red TapeExcessive, rigid bureaucracy and official procedure.
Rest on Your LaurelsTo become complacent about past achievements instead of continuing to strive.
Riding ShotgunSitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, or more broadly, providing support or protection alongside someone.
Rob Peter to Pay PaulTo solve one financial problem by creating another, usually by taking from one source to cover a different debt.
Rule of ThumbA broadly practical, approximate method or guideline rather than an exact, tested rule.
Rule the RoostTo be the dominant, controlling figure in a household or group.
Run the GamutTo cover the entire range of something.
Run the GauntletTo face a barrage of criticism, danger, or difficulty from multiple directions at once.

S

Salt of the EarthA person or group considered genuine, dependable, and fundamentally decent, often in an unpretentious, working-class sense.
Saved by the BellRescued from a difficult situation at the very last moment.
ScranFood, especially a meal.
See Eye to EyeTo agree completely with someone.
Sent to CoventryTo be deliberately ignored or ostracised by a group.
Show a legGet out of bed; get moving.
Show your true coloursTo reveal your real character or intentions, especially after hiding them.
Sit on the FenceTo avoid committing to either side of a decision or argument.
Sleep tightA wish for someone to sleep well.
Smell a RatTo sense that something is wrong or suspicious, even without proof.
Son of a GunA mild, often affectionate term for a rascal or someone remarkable.
Sour GrapesDisparaging something you couldn't have or achieve, to make yourself feel better about missing out.
Spanner in the WorksSomething that disrupts or ruins a plan or process.
Spick and SpanNeat, clean, and tidy.
Spill the BeansTo reveal a secret, often prematurely or accidentally.
Splice the mainbraceTo have a drink, especially to celebrate.
Steal someone's thunderTo take credit for someone else's idea, or to upstage them.
Steal the ShowTo attract all the attention, outshining everyone else in a performance or event.
Stick to Your GunsTo hold firmly to your position or beliefs, especially under pressure to give in.
Sticky WicketA difficult or awkward situation.
Straight from the horse's mouthInformation from the most direct, authoritative source possible.
Swan SongA final performance or gesture, especially one made shortly before retirement or death.
Sword of DamoclesA sense of impending danger that could strike at any moment.

T

Ta-raGoodbye.
Take It on the ChinTo face hardship, criticism, or defeat with resilience and without complaint.
Take It With a Grain of SaltTo view a claim with healthy skepticism rather than accepting it fully.
Take the biscuitTo be an extreme or most remarkable example of something, usually bad behaviour.
Take the Wind Out of Someone's SailsTo suddenly undermine someone's confidence or momentum, often by pre-empting them.
Taking coals to NewcastleDoing something pointless or superfluous.
Taking the mickeyTo mock, tease, or make fun of someone, often gently.
Talk the hind legs off a donkeyTo talk incessantly or excessively.
Talk TurkeyTo speak frankly and get straight to business.
That's not cricketThat's not fair or proper conduct.
The Apple of My EyeA person cherished above all others.
The Ball Is in Your CourtIt's now your turn to act or make a decision.
The Bee's KneesSomething or someone considered excellent, the best.
The Elephant in the RoomAn obvious problem or difficult topic that everyone is avoiding discussing.
The full MontyThe whole thing; everything, with nothing left out.
The Green-Eyed MonsterJealousy, personified as a destructive force.
The Last StrawThe final, seemingly small event that causes a much larger reaction after a long buildup.
The Life of RileyA carefree, comfortable existence, free from worry or hardship.
The Lion's ShareThe largest part of something, often unfairly so.
The Pen Is Mightier Than the SwordWords and ideas have more lasting power to influence people than violence or force.
The Pot Calling the Kettle BlackAccusing someone of a fault that you share yourself.
The Proof of the Pudding Is in the EatingThe real value or success of something can only be judged by trying it or seeing the results.
The Real McCoyThe genuine, authentic thing, not an imitation.
The Whole Kit and CaboodleEverything; the entire lot, with nothing left out.
The Whole Nine YardsEverything; the full amount, with nothing held back.
The Whole ShebangEverything; the entire thing, with all its parts included.
The World Is Your OysterYou have complete freedom and opportunity to make of life whatever you want.
The Writing on the WallA clear sign that something bad or disastrous is about to happen.
Three sheets to the windVery drunk.
Throw Caution to the WindTo act boldly, ignoring risk or restraint.
Throw Down the GauntletTo issue a direct, formal challenge.
Throw in the TowelTo give up or admit defeat.
Throw Someone Under the BusTo betray or blame someone, often to protect yourself, especially someone you'd otherwise be expected to support.
Throw Your Hat in the RingTo announce that you're entering a contest or competition, especially a political race.
Tickled PinkExtremely pleased or delighted.
Tie the KnotTo get married.
Tip of the IcebergA small, visible part of a much larger problem or situation that's mostly hidden.
Toe the lineTo conform to a rule or standard.
Trojan HorseA trick that gets something harmful accepted by disguising it as a welcome gift.
Turn a blind eyeTo deliberately ignore something you know is happening.
Turn Over a New LeafTo reform your behaviour and start afresh.

U

Under the WeatherFeeling slightly unwell or in low spirits.
Up to ScratchMeeting the required standard; good enough.

V

Vanish Into Thin AirTo disappear completely and mysteriously, leaving no trace.
Vicious CircleA self-perpetuating negative situation, where one problem causes another that makes the first one worse.

W

Walking on EggshellsBeing extremely cautious not to upset or offend someone.
Warts and AllIncluding all faults and flaws, with nothing flattering left out.
WazzockA foolish or annoying person, said with a certain amount of affection.
Wear Your Heart on Your SleeveTo openly show your emotions rather than concealing them.
Well, I'll Go to the Foot of Our StairsAn exclamation of surprise or disbelief, roughly 'well, I never!'
Wet Behind the EarsYoung, naive, and inexperienced.
Wet BlanketSomeone who dampens the mood or enthusiasm of a group.
When Pigs FlyUsed to say something will never happen.
Whistle-Stop TourA brief political campaign trip involving quick visits to many small towns.
White ElephantA possession that's costly or troublesome to maintain, disproportionate to its actual usefulness.
Wild Goose ChaseA hopeless or fruitless pursuit of something unattainable.