Idiom Of The Day

Ace in the Hole

Ace in the Hole

Some maneuver or advantage

-usually unknown to the opposing side

Albatross Around One’s Neck

A burden that is inescapable/debilitating

Across the Tracks

Indicates a low-prestige or disadvantaged backround

Babe in the Woods

One who is ignorant/naive/innocent

Bad Blood

Ill-feeling and bitterness

-significant and long lasting

Bellyache (v)

complaining

-continually or characterostically

Carp (v)

To find fault, to complain

Catch-22

a pair of requirements that are contradictory/interfering

Chew the Fat

informal, prolonged conversation

Damn with Faint Praise

To condemn by using a very mild compliment

Down Under

Of or pertaining to Australia

Dyed-in-the-wool

Unchanging, devoted, diehard, loyal, traditional

Eleventh-hour

at the last possible time

Fair sex

Females

Fall of the Wagon

resume some behavior one had determined to avoid

or

stop some behavior on had determined to continue

Fix someone’s wagon

get revenge, get even, spoil one’s chances of accomplishing something

Flotsam and Jetsam

random distribution of an object

Forbidden Fruit

something appealing that is not permitted

Get/Give a Black Eye

inflect/suffer embarrassment/harm to reputation

Gild the Lily

Adorn/add to something already appealing/perfect

Go Dutch

Divide costs equally/fairly

Good Egg

Person who demonstrates admirable qualities

Gordian Knot

Hopelessly complex situation/problem

-especially one solved by cheating or drastic action

Grandstand (v)

call attention to oneself, seek public approval by ostentatious behavior

Grass Roots (adj)

rooted in efforts of local, “common” people rather than outsiders/powerful interests

Great Guns (adj)

Do something enthusiastically and successfully

Green-Eyed Monster

jealousy

Guns or Butter

economical/political-

military/political strength vs consumer goods + meeting citizens needs

Hammer and Tongs

With great energy/force/violence

Hang Out a Shingle

Open one’s own business

-go into business doing something one does well

Hem and Haw

Avoid decision due to uncertainty

House of Cards

Something complex that fails very quickly/easily

Idiot Box

Television

It’s your Funeral

-uttered to “wash one’s hands” of someone’s poor decision making

-threat regarding consequences

Jerry-Built

poorly built

-usually of inferior materials

John Hancock

signature

Johnny-Come-Lately

A late or recent arrival

-a newcomer