Idioms topic A

ace in the hole

a hidden but effective means of winning a conflict

→The expression originates from some forms of the card game poker, in which players have both community cards and private (hole) cards in their hands.

ace up one’s sleeve

to have an effective but hidden means to accomplish sth

→The expression originates fro, card games like pokers, in which players might hide an extra ace up their sleeves to use in case they were losing the game and wanted to cheat.

achilles’ heel

a person’s weakness or the vulnerable spot in his or her character.

→Achilles was a figure in Greek mythology who was invulnerable in battle except for his heel. It was the one weak spot on his body.

acid test

the most crucial or important test of worth

→the expression originates from the use of cid on gold to determine whether the gold was genuine.

across the board

equally for everyone, for everything, or in all cases

actions speak louder than words

the things that people do are more important than the things they say.

albatross/millstone around one’s neck

sth or sb that is a burden and difficult to get rid of

Ex: I hired my wife’s brother to work in my business but he’s worthless. He doesn’t do anything. He is really an ———

all kidding aside

speaking seriously

Ex: That was a good joke, but——, we have to get to work now

all thumbs

uncoordinated and awkward, especially with one’s hands

Ex: I’ve tried to put this toy together according to the instructions, but I’m——. I can’t seem to get parts to fit .

all wet

wrong to the point of being silly or unbelievable/ completely wrong

Ex: He’s —— if he thinks I’m going to believe his lies

go/come along for the ride

to be present for an activity without taking part in it

Ex: Janet;s brothers went up into the mountains to do some fishing. Janet doesn’t fish, but she ———

armed to the teeth

well-equipped with weapons

Ex: The invading soldiers were _____. There was no way the defenders could hope to win.

at loggerheads

in strong disagreement, in a quarrel, at an impasse

Ex: They have been arguing all day about what to do. they really are ——

at one’s wits’ end

at a loss about what to do next, in a state of frustation

at the drop of a hat

on any pretext, without needing an excuse or reason , you do it immediately without stopping to think about it

Ex: Nancy really doesn’t want to stay in her present job. She’ll leave for another one ———

at the end of one’s rope

no longer able to deal with a bad situation

Ex: I just don;t know what to do with my son. He has misbehaved all day. I’m ——-

ax to grind

a hidden reason for waiting sth or for not liking sb or sth

Ex: Don’t listen to Claudia whne she tells you how bad that teacher is. She has had an ——- since he failed her last year.