Have you ever heard about a great deal, event, or chance—but only after it was already over? Maybe tickets sold out before you could buy them, or a job posting closed the day you decided to apply. In English, we say you missed the boat! This idiom means you were too late to take part…

Have you ever given an estimate, described a situation that’s almost—but not exactly—true, or said you’re finished with a task except for small details? In English, you can say it’s more or less! This practical phrase means “approximately,” “almost,” or “nearly”—with just a little room for error or exception. What Does “More or Less” Mean?…

Have you ever waited for important news—like test results, a job offer, or a flight update—and felt so tense that you couldn’t relax? Maybe your heart raced, your mind raced, and you jumped at every sound. In English, we say you’re on edge! This common idiom describes a state of nervousness, anxiety, or high tension—like…

Have you ever heard a judge give the harshest sentence possible for a crime? Or a teacher give every possible consequence for a serious rule violation? In English, we say they threw the book at them! This powerful idiom means to punish someone as severely as the rules or laws allow—using every penalty available. What…

Have you ever needed to say something truthful—even if it might sound harsh or unexpected? Maybe a friend asked if their outfit looked good, or a coworker wanted your real opinion on their idea. In English, you can start your sentence with in all honesty! This sincere phrase signals that you’re about to speak openly…

Have you ever brought up a topic—like someone’s past mistake, a breakup, or a failed project—and noticed they suddenly got quiet, defensive, or upset? In English, we say that subject is a sore point (or a sore spot)! This gentle idiom describes a topic that causes emotional pain, discomfort, or tension because it’s tied to…

Have you ever heard a news story about someone who committed a violent act—not as part of a plan, but in a sudden burst of anger, jealousy, or heartbreak? In English, this is often called a crime of passion. This serious phrase describes a criminal act (usually assault or murder) that happens in the heat…

Have you ever needed to reach out to an old friend, contact a company for help, or reconnect with a coworker after a long time? In English, you can say you want to get in touch with them! This practical phrase simply means to contact or communicate with someone—by phone, email, text, or any method….

Have you ever seen someone cry or act upset—but you suspected they weren’t really sad? Maybe a coworker “sobbed” after losing a competition they didn’t care about, or a friend dramatically apologized without meaning it. In English, we call that crocodile tears! This vivid idiom describes fake, insincere, or exaggerated sadness—often used to manipulate or…

Have you ever been offered a tiny payment for a lot of work—like $5 for helping someone move furniture or $10 for a full day of babysitting? In English, you might call that amount chicken feed! This informal idiom describes a very small sum of money—so small it’s almost not worth mentioning. What Does “Chicken…

Have you ever kept a job offer on the table while waiting for another? Or told a friend, “Let’s keep our plans flexible for now”? In English, you might say you want to leave it open. This practical phrase means to keep something undecided, available, or not finalized—so you can act later if needed. What…

Have you ever heard someone refer to a CEO, politician, or business owner as a fat cat? In English, this informal (and often critical) idiom describes a rich, powerful person—usually one who uses their wealth or influence in selfish or unfair ways. It’s not about their weight; it’s about privilege, greed, or excess. What Does…