Idioms (July 2025)

on Carey Street

euphemism for being bankrupt; in severe or crippling debt.

Named for the street in London where the bankruptcy court for the United Kingdom was at one time located.

be on (one's) best behavior

To be very polite or exercise exceptionally good manners.

Primarily heard in US.

on opposite sides of the barricade(s)

Occupying conflicting, opposing, and/or contrary positions on some issue or in some situation.

on the down low

In a state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge; being known only by a select few people.

on the fiddle

Engaged in deceitful, fraudulent, or dishonest means of obtaining money.

through the grapevine

Through or via an informal means of communication or information, especially gossip.

on the gravy train

In a state, position, or job where one makes an excessive amount of money without expending much or any effort.

on the hush-hush

In a state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge; being known only by a select few people.

on (someone's) wrong side

Displeasing to someone; provoking someone's anger, contempt, or dismissal.

one after another

Consecutively and in quick succession, with one person or thing rapidly following another in order (and usually indicating a large amount altogether)

(Often formulated as "________ (noun) ________ ________.")

one card shy of a (full) deck

A pejorative phrase meaning not very intelligent or of questionable mental capacity. This expression can appear in many different forms and variations (e.g., "a few sandwiches short of a picnic," "one brick short of a load.," etc.).