Encyclopedic Guide to Idioms and Phrases

run of the mill

Ordinary or average; not special.

throw in the towel

To give up or admit defeat.

smell blood

To detect an opportunity or sense weakness in others.

neck or nothing

A situation with high risk and high reward.

raise the wind

To obtain money or finance.

a stick in the mud

A person who is dull or old-fashioned.

the old Adam

A reference to a person's basic nature, especially when referring to inherent human flaws.

off the beaten track

In an unusual or less traveled route, often indicating something uncommon.

to pop the question

To propose marriage.

take a leaf out of somebody’s book

To imitate or follow someone else's example.

let someone slide

To allow someone to avoid punishment.

palmy days

A period of great success or prosperity.

dog in the manger

A person who selfishly prevents others from using something they themselves cannot use.

in the blues

Feeling sad or depressed.

question of the time

A matter that is currently important or relevant.

wee hours

The early hours of the morning.

grease the palm

To bribe someone.

Hobson’s choice

A situation in which there is only one option.

go to the dogs

To deteriorate or decline in quality.

ivory tower

A state of privileged seclusion or separation from the real world.

coals to Newcastle

To bring something to a place where it is already plentiful.

run the gauntlet

To go through a difficult or dangerous situation.

red herrings

Distractions or false leads that divert attention from the real issue.

set people by the ears

To cause people to argue or be in conflict.

jaundiced eye

A cynical or prejudiced view.

leap in the dark

An action taken without knowing the outcome.

chequered career

A career marked by both success and failure.

by leaps and bounds

Rapidly and significantly.