Idioms T-U

Take a shine/ fancy to (someone/something)

to like someone spontaneously

take potluck

to accept whatever is available

take (someone) to the cleaners

to steal or cheat someone out of all of his or her money

take (something) by strom

to overwhelm someone or something, often by becoming famous quickly, or by spreading very rapidly

take the cake

to outdo; to exceed normal behavior; metaphorically, to win the prize

take the wind out of (someone’s) sails

to deflate someone’s ego or to ruin or destroy someone’s high expectations

talk a blue streak

to talk fast and at length

talk through (one’s) hat

to speak without authority on some topic; to talk nonsense

talk to (someone) like a dutch uncle

person who talks to one like a close relative giving advice that is sound, well-meant, and sometimes stern

talk turkey

to talk seriously, usually about a business deal

tall order

something difficult to accomplish

tan (someone’s) hide/britches

to spank a child’s bottom as punishment

third-rate

a poor quality

tied to (one’s) mother’s apron strings

emotionally or physically attached to one’s mother beyond what is considered appropriate and normal

tighten (one’s) belt

to spend less money than one did previously

tilt at windmills

to fight against impossible odds in an attempt to do good

time on (one’s) hands, have (some)

to have free time with nothing to do

tit for tat

an action in exchange for another equal action

to beat the band

in an exaggerated manner; with a lot of effort or to the extreme

toe the line

to follow the rules; to do what is expected of one

tongue-in-cheek

joking or sarcastic

too big for (one’s) britches

to be sassy or arrogant, or to act or speak disrespectfully or inappropriately for one’s age or position

too many irons in the fire

too many activities demanding one’s time

to the hilt

to be fully committed to something; to do something completely

true blue

loyal and steadfast

under a cloud

less than entirely trustworthy; suspected of some wrongdoing

under (someone’s) thumb

under someone’s control

until the cows come home

until the end of the day; for a long time

up in arms

angry or upset

upper crust

the highest level of society, i.e. people who are separated from ordinary people as being elite either by economic or social position, or both

upset the apple cart

to disturb the status quo; to shake up the existing situation

up the creek (without a paddle)

in a bad situation and unable to proceed; in an awkward position with no easy way out

up to snuff

meeting the minimum standard requirements; as good as is required

use (one’s) wits

to use one’s intelligence, knowledge, or wisdom