Idioms that trace back to specific, identifiable works of literature.
40 idioms in this category
"In a difficult, awkward, or messy situation."
Well Documented"Don't disturb a settled situation, or you may provoke new trouble."
Well Documented"To narrowly escape or achieve something, by the smallest possible margin."
Well Documented"Jealousy, personified as a destructive force."
Well Documented"A no-win situation created by contradictory rules, where the only solution is blocked by the problem itself."
Well Documented"To stop yourself from saying something, especially something you might regret."
Well Documented"You have complete freedom and opportunity to make of life whatever you want."
Well Documented"A clear sign that something bad or disastrous is about to happen."
Well Documented"To make a greater effort than is expected or required."
Well Documented"To work or study late into the night."
Well Documented"Being extremely cautious not to upset or offend someone."
Well Documented"A hidden purpose or logic behind behaviour that looks irrational."
Well Documented"To make an already bad situation worse."
Well Documented"To be treated the way you have treated others, especially badly."
Well Documented"Even a difficult situation contains some hidden benefit or hope."
Likely Origin (Disputed)"Don't risk everything on a single plan, investment, or option."
Well Documented"Don't form an opinion about something or someone based only on outward appearance."
Well Documented"People with similar interests or character tend to associate with each other."
Well Documented"The final, seemingly small event that causes a much larger reaction after a long buildup."
Well Documented"To agree completely with someone."
Likely Origin (Disputed)"Suddenly and without warning."
Well Documented"A single point of weakness in someone or something otherwise strong."
Well Documented"To be undone by your own scheme or trick."
Well Documented"Disparaging something you couldn't have or achieve, to make yourself feel better about missing out."
Well Documented"The largest part of something, often unfairly so."
Well Documented"To raise a false alarm, especially repeatedly, so that a real warning later gets ignored."
Well Documented"Someone or something dangerous that's disguised as harmless or friendly."
Well Documented"Accusing someone of a fault that you share yourself."
Well Documented"A hopeless or fruitless pursuit of something unattainable."
Well Documented"An action that seems small or harmless but unleashes a great many unforeseen problems."
Well Documented"A person cherished above all others."
Well Documented"A warning against judging or condemning others when you have faults of your own."
Well Documented"A person or group considered genuine, dependable, and fundamentally decent, often in an unpretentious, working-class sense."
Well Documented"To die, or (of a machine or object) to stop working entirely."
Well Documented"Words and ideas have more lasting power to influence people than violence or force."
Well Documented"A bad experience makes you cautious about repeating it."
Well Documented"A sense of impending danger that could strike at any moment."
Likely Origin (Disputed)"To solve a complicated problem decisively, using a bold or unconventional method."
Well Documented"A trick that gets something harmful accepted by disguising it as a welcome gift."
Well Documented"At the very last possible moment, just before it's too late."