• Draw the Line – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been asked to do something that felt unfair, inappropriate, or just too much? Maybe a friend wanted you to lie for them, or your boss asked you to work every weekend. In English, you can say, “I need to draw the line.” This strong idiom means to set a clear limit or…

  • Down to Earth – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever met someone famous, successful, or very talented—but they were kind, humble, and totally normal to talk to? Maybe your boss remembers everyone’s name, or a celebrity treats fans like friends. In English, we say they’re down to earth! This warm idiom describes someone who is humble, practical, and free from arrogance—no matter…

  • Devil’s Advocate – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been in a group discussion where someone disagrees with a popular idea—not because they truly believe it’s wrong, but to see if the idea holds up under pressure? In English, we say they’re playing devil’s advocate! This thoughtful idiom describes someone who argues against a position on purpose, just to explore all…

  • Cut to the Chase – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever listened to someone give a long explanation with lots of background details—when all you wanted was the main point? Maybe a friend is telling a story that keeps going, or a coworker is giving a report full of unnecessary facts. In English, you can say, “Cut to the chase!” This direct idiom…

  • Get a Grip – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever seen someone overreact—freaking out over a small mistake, panicking before a test, or getting way too emotional over a minor issue? In English, you might gently (or firmly) tell them to get a grip! This direct idiom means to calm down, regain control of your emotions, or start thinking clearly again. What…

  • Cry Over Spilled Milk – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever made a small mistake—like missing a bus, sending an email with a typo, or forgetting an appointment—and kept feeling upset about it long after it happened? In English, we say there’s no use crying over spilled milk! This comforting idiom means it’s pointless to worry or feel upset about something that’s already…

  • Bite Off More Than You Can Chew – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever said “yes” to too many tasks at once—like agreeing to organize an event, finish a big project, and help a friend move all in the same week? Later, you realize you’re overwhelmed and can’t handle it all. In English, we say you bit off more than you can chew! This vivid idiom…

  • By the Skin of Your Teeth – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever passed a test with the lowest possible score, caught a train with seconds to spare, or avoided a mistake by the tiniest margin? In English, we say you made it by the skin of your teeth! This dramatic idiom describes a situation where you barely succeed, escape, or survive—by the narrowest possible…

  • Beat a Dead Horse – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever kept arguing about something that’s already decided—or kept bringing up an old issue that no one wants to discuss anymore? Maybe you’re still complaining about a canceled trip from last year, or rehashing a mistake that’s long been fixed. In English, we say you’re beating a dead horse! This strong idiom means…

  • A Hot Potato – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever seen a topic that everyone avoids—like politics at dinner, a workplace scandal, or a tricky family decision? Maybe your team keeps passing the problem to someone else because it’s too sensitive or risky. In English, we call that a hot potato! This vivid idiom describes an issue that’s so controversial, difficult, or…

  • The Acid Test – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever faced a situation that truly showed what you—or someone else—was made of? Maybe a high-pressure job interview, a moment of crisis, or a tough ethical choice that revealed true character. In English, we call that the acid test! This strong idiom describes a critical moment or challenge that reveals the true quality,…

  • In any case – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been discussing different possibilities—but wanted to make it clear that one thing stays true no matter what? For example: “I might not get the job, but I’ll keep applying. In any case, I need to stay positive.” This helpful phrase is used to highlight a fact, decision, or action that holds true…