Idiom alphabetical list

English idioms & idiomatic expressions

List of idioms with their meaning and an example of use.

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Alphabetical list of idioms - G

The gift of the gab

To say that somebody has the gift of the gab means that they are able to speak

confidently and clearly.

"As a politician, not only is he competent, but he has the gift of the gab!"

The cake/the game is not worth the candle

To say that the cake (or the game) is not worth the candle means that the

advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved.

He recorded an album but sold very few copies; the cake wasn't worth the candle!

Take/have a gander

If you take or have a gander at something, which is generally new or unusual, you have

a look at it or go to check it out.

Let's take a gander at the new shopping centre. Sally says it's fantastic!

Gatecrash

If someone gatecrashes, they attend a private social event without being invited.

We need volunteers to to keep an eye out for gatecrashers tonight.

Gather dust

An idea, plan or project which gathers dust is in fact stagnating or has not attracted

attention for some time.

Just before the elections, the outgoing mayor produced plans for a new bridge which

had been gathering dust for several years.

All his geese are swans!

This expression refers to someone who constantly exaggerates the importance of

somebody or something.

Don't let him impress you. He always exaggerates; all his geese are swans!

Gentleman's agreement

When an agreement is neither written nor signed, because the two parties

trust each other completely, it is called a gentleman's agreement.

It was a gentleman's agreement. I can't change my mind now!

(Get or give) the all clear

If you are allowed to do something after a check-up to make sure that everything

is all right, you get the all clear.

Dad says he's going to play golf as soon as he gets the all clear from his doctor.

Get one's act together

If you get your act together, you organize your affairs better than you have done

previously and manage to deal with things more efficiently.

Jack's plan won't work unless he gets his act together.

Get the axe/be given the axe

If someone gets the axe, they lose their job.

When a company is restructured, senior staff are often the first to get the axe.

Get cracking

When you get cracking, you start doing something immediately.

I'd better get cracking or I'll never get my homework done.

Get down to brass tacks

People who get down to brass tacks start to discuss and deal with the practical details

of something

It was decided to get down to brass tacks and discuss the cost of the project.

Get your ducks in a row

This expression means that you are trying to get things well organized.

We need to get our ducks in a row if we want our project to succeed.

Get one's feet wet / dip one's toes in the water

If you get your feet wet, or dip your toes in the water, you start to do something new

or unfamiliar or explore new territory for the first time.

It will be a totally new experience for me but I can't wait to get my feet wet!

Get your fingers burnt

If you get your fingers burnt, you suffer as a result of an unsuccessful action and are

nervous about trying again.

He got his fingers so badly burnt in the last elections that he decided to withdraw

from politics.

Get a grip on yourself

If you get a grip on yourself, you make an effort to control your feelings so as to be

able to deal with a situation..

After the initial shock, Lisa got a grip on herself and called an ambulance.

Get your hands dirty

If you get your hands dirty in your job, you become involved in all aspects of it,

including work that is physical, unpleasant or less interesting.

His willingness to get his hands dirty won the respect and approval of the whole

team.

Get/give the low down

If you get or give the low-down, you get or give complete information or facts about

something.

I'll call you after the meeting and give you the low-down.

Get on in years

Someone who is getting on in years is growing old.

My grandmother is getting on in years. She's no longer able to prepare Christmas

dinner without help.

Get one's just deserts

When someone gets their just deserts, they are rewarded or punished according to

what they deserve.

Liz got her just deserts when she was excluded from the committee; she is totally

unreliable.

Get out of hand

If a person or a situation gets out of hand, they cannot be controlled any longer.

During the student demonstration, things got out of hand and several shop windows

were broken.

Get something down to a fine art

When, through practice or experience, you learn how to do something perfectly,

you get it down to a fine art.

She's got the use of social networking down to a fine art.

Get the message

If you get the message, you understand what someone is trying to tell you, even if it

is expressed in actions or gestures rather than words.

When Tony pointed at his watch, I got the message - it was time to leave for the

airport.

Get a move on

If someone tells you to get a move on, they are asking you to hurry up.

You'd better get a move on or you'll miss the bus!

Get a rise out of somebody

If you make someone react angrily by jokingly saying something that you know will

irritate them, you get a rise out of them.

He gets a rise out his daughter by asking about her latest diet.

Get the sack

If someone gets the sack, they lose their job, usually because they have done

something wrong.

Charlie got the sack when his boss caught him stealing.

(Get) a second bite/ two bites at the cherry

This expression means that you get a second opportunity to do or try something.

He was eliminated in the semi-finals but he'll get a second bite at the cherry next

year.

Get someone's drift

To tell someone that you get their drift means that you understand in a general way

what they are trying to say.

I didn't understand every word but I got the drift.

Get/have someone by the short hairs

(also: by the short and curlies)

If you get or have someone by the short hairs, you put them in a difficult situation

from which they cannot escape, so you have complete control over them.

They are in no position to refuse; we've got them by the short hairs!

Get something down to a fine art

When you learn to do something perfectly, you get it down to a fine art

Entertaining her husband's business associates is not a problem; she's got that down

to a fine art!

Get something out of your system

This expression means that you get rid of a strong emotion or desire by expressing it

openly or trying to fulfil it.

Tell your parents how you feel - it's better to get it out of your system!

Get the show on the road

If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show on the road.

OK! We've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road!

Get your skates on

If you tell someone to get their skates on, you want them to hurry up.

You'd better get your skates on or you'll be late!

Get something off the ground

If you get something off the ground, you put it into operation after having organized it.

After a lot of hard work, we finally got the campaign off the ground.

(Get) a second bite/ two bites at the cherry

This expression means that you get a second opportunity to do or try something.

He was eliminated in the semi-finals but he'll get a second bite at the cherry next year.

Get wise to something

If you get wise to something, you learn something that you were unaware of before.

He finally got wise to the fact that children were stealing apples from his garden.

Get worked up (about something)

If you get worked up about something, you become upset, annoyed or excited, often

unnecessarily.

It's his first day at school tomorrow and he's all worked up about it!

Gift of the gab

To say that somebody has the gift of the gab means that they are able to speak

confidently and clearly.

As a politician, not only is he competent, but he has the gift of the gab!

Give a dog a bad name

People who lose their reputation have difficulty regaining it because others continue

to blame or suspect them.

Tom was suspected as usual. Give a dog a bad name!

Give it a rest!

If someone tells you to give it a rest, they are asking you to stop doing something

such as complaining or talking continuously.

"All you talk about is politics - give it a rest...please! "

Give someone the benefit of the doubt

If you give somebody the benefit of the doubt, you choose to believe that that person

is innocent, honest or telling the truth, because there is no evidence to the contrary.

Although he found it hard to believe Tom's explanation, the teacher decided to give

him the benefit of the doubt.

Give the game away

Someone who gives the game away carelessly reveals a secret.

He hoped nobody in the hotel would recognize him, but an employee gave the game

away.

Give as good as you get

This expression means that you are prepared to treat people as badly as they

treat you, and fight for your beliefs.

Give up the ghost

If someone or something gives up the ghost, they die or stop working.

My mother's old TV set has finally given up the ghost; I'm off to buy her a new one!

Give the once-over

If you give someone or something a quick visual examination, to see what they are like

or to check if everything is all right, you give them the once-over.

She gave the living-room a quick once-over before opening the door to the visitors.

Give someone a piece of your mind

If you tell someone exactly what you think, in a very angry manner, you give them

a piece of your mind.

Jack was so irritated by his neighbours' behaviour that he decided to give them

a piece of his mind.

Give the (rough) edge of one's tongue

If you give the (rough) edge of your tongue, you scold someone severely or speak to

them very aggressively or rudely.

My boss was so angry that I really got the rough edge of his tongue.

Give someone a hard time

If you give someone a hard time, you annoy them or make things difficult for them.

Susan says the pupils in her new school are giving her a hard time.

Give someone a run for their money

If you give someone a run for their money, you present strong competition in

circumstances where the other person expects to win easily.

We didn't win the match but we gave the other team a run for their money.

Give someone the run-around

If someone gives you the run-around, they deliberately give you confusing information or

evasive answers.

I'm trying to contact the manager, but every time I call the firm I'm given the run-around.

Give the shirt off one's back.

This expression is used to describe a kind-hearted and generous person who would give

you anything he/she owns in order to help you.

Mike would give the the shirt off his back to help a friend in difficulty.

Give (someone) a tongue-lashing

When you scold someone severely, you give them a tongue-lashing.

The teacher gave Jeremy a tongue-lashing when he arrived late for school.

Give or take (something)

This term is used when expressing an amount or estimate that is not exactly right.

It means 'plus or minus', 'more or less', 'approximately'.

The town is about 100 miles from here, give or take a few miles.

Glass ceiling

This term refers to a discriminatory barrier perceived by women and minorities that

prevents them from rising to positions of power or responsibility

Claire knew she would never break through the glass ceiling and rise to a senior

management position.

Gizmo

The term gizmo refers to a gadget or any small technological item which is unusual

or novel, and for which the proper term is unknown or forgotten.

(The) gloves are off!

This expression is used when there are signs that a fight is about to start.

The two candidates are out of their seats. The gloves are off!

Glowing terms

If you speak about something in glowing terms, you talk about it in a very positive way.

Mary talks about her home town in glowing terms; it must be a wonderful place.

Glutton for punishment

This expression describes a person who seems to like doing difficult or unpleasant

things.

You get seasick but you're going to travel by boat - you're a glutton for punishment!

Gnomes of Zurich

This is a disparaging term for Swiss bankers who control a lot of money, are said to be

uninterested in the provenance of funds and protect their clients' anonymity.

The gnomes of Zurich refuse to cooperate with the investigating officials.

Go against the grain

If something goes against the grain, it is difficult to accept because it is very different

from what is considered normal or natural.

Having to import apples in an apple-growing region really goes against the grain!

Go against the tide (or stream)

If you go against the tide, you refuse to conform to current trends, or the opinions

or behaviour of other people.

Bill can be difficult to work with; he constantly goes against the tide.

Go all out

If you go all out to achieve or obtain something, you make a great effort, using all

possible strength and resources.

The candidate went all out to obtain the nomination.

Go along for the ride

If you join a group of people you find interesting, without wanting to take an

active part in their action, you go along for the ride.

Not all the protesters were active in the movement- some just went along for the ride.

Go ballistic

When someone goes ballistic, they become very angry.

My dad went ballistic when he saw the state of the garden after the barbecue.

Go bananas

If someone becomes very emotional and starts behaving in a crazy way, they go

bananas.

If you announce that you're going to drop out of school, your parents will go bananas!

Go belly up

If a business or project goes belly up, it is unsuccessful or goes bankrupt.

The restaurant went belly up before the end of the first year.

Go down in history

This expression refers to an event that is so important or unusual that it will be

recorded in history.

The recent discovery will go down in history.

Go down well

If something, such an idea or a proposal, goes down well, it is well accepted.

The new timetable went down well with the employees.

Go downhill

When something goes downhill it deteriorates or gets worse little by little.

The restaurant has been going downhill since the arrival of the new owner.

Go (off/over) with a bang

If something, such as an event or a performance, goes (off or over) with a bang, it is

very successful.

The party she organized went off with a bang - everyone enjoyed it.

Go off the rails

If someone goes off the rails, they go out of control and begin to behave in a manner

that is unacceptable to society.

Given the unstable environment, it's a miracle that none of their children ever went

off the rails.

Go to great lengths

When trying to achieve something, if you go to great lengths, you do everything that is

possible in order to succeed.

The two parties went to great lengths to reach an agreement.

Go haywire

If something goes haywire, it becomes disorganized or goes out of control.

The photocopier has gone completely haywire. It's only printing half of each page!

Go hell for leather

If you go hell for leather, you go somewhere or do something very fast.

I saw Tom going hell for leather towards the station.

Go into overdrive

If someone or something goes into overdrive, they begin to work very hard or start

to perform intensely.

At the start of every new collection, my imagination goes into overdrive.

Go off the deep end

If a person goes off the deep end, they become so angry or upset that they cannot

control their emotions

"Mary will go off the deep end if her kids leave the kitchen in a mess again. "

Go off on a tangent

If somebody goes off on a tangent, they change the subject completely in the middle

of a speech or conversation.

Sometimes, when he's teaching, he goes off on a tangent and starts talking about his dog!

Go out like a light

If someone goes out like a light, they fall asleep very quickly.

I was so exhausted after the trip, I went out like a light.

Go out of business

If a shop, firm or enterprise goes out of business, it closes down or goes bankrupt.

If the new road bypasses the town, a lot of shops will go out of business.

Go out the window

If a quality, principle or opportunity goes out the window, it disappears, is lost or

abandoned.

When the plant closed down, all hopes of finding a job went out the window.

Go out of your way

If you go out of your way, you take particular care or make a special effort when doing

something.

Aunt Betty went out of her way to make us feel comfortable.

Go pear-shaped

If plan or project goes pear-shaped, it either goes wrong or it produces an

undesirable result.

Jane organized a treasure hunt in the park for the kids but it all went pear-shaped

and everyone was disappointed.

Go/put through the mill

If you go (or are put) through the mill, you experience a very difficult period, or are

exposed to rough treatment.

When I was an intern, I was put through the mill. Nothing went unnoticed.

Go spare

If you go spare you lose your temper completely.

Lea's dad would go spare if he found out how much she had spent in London!

Go through the motions

If someone goes through the motions, they do something because they have to, but

without enthusiasm.

After his wife died, he tried to continue life as before, but he just went through the

motions.

Go the extra mile

If you go the extra mile, you do more than what is expected of you.

You can count on Tom; he's always willing to go the extra mile.

Go the whole hog

When you go the whole hog, you do something thoroughly or completely.

They put up a few decorations for Christmas, then they decided to go the whole hog

and buy a tree and all the trimmings.

Go to extremes

People who go to extremes behave in a way which lacks moderation.

My parents tend to go to extremes. They live on a tight budget and then they go on

expensive holidays.

Go to great lengths

When trying to achieve something, if you go to great lengths, you do everything that is

possible in order to succeed.

The two parties went to great lengths to reach an agreement.

Go to (great) pains to do something

A person who goes to great pains to do something makes a great effort to do it well.

He went to great pains to explain the situation as clearly as possible.

Go to pieces

If you go to pieces, for example after a terrible shock, you are so upset or

distressed that you cannot lead your life normally.

Jack nearly went to pieces when his son died in a plane crash.

Go to rack and ruin

If something goes to rack and ruin, it deteriorates or falls into serious decline,

through lack of care, until it reaches a state of complete destruction.

When the factory closed down, the building was left to go to rack and ruin.

Go up in smoke

If a plan or project goes up in smoke, it is spoiled, or ends before producing

a result.

When Amy and Tom separated, my mother's dream of a romantic wedding went

up in smoke.

Go with the flow

If you go with the flow, you follow the general tendency and go along with whatever

happens.

When my colleagues organize an office party, I just go with the flow when it comes to

the details.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

This expression means that when faced with a difficult or dangerous situation, strong

people take action in order to solve the problem.

Tom has a positive attitude. He often says "when the going gets tough, the tough get

going.

Going concern

This expression refers to a business or activity that is dynamic and successful.

They opened a coffee shop that is a going concern today.

Going great guns

If someone or something is going great guns, they are doing very well.

Fred's night club is going great guns. It's becoming hard to get in!.

Going places

To say that someone is going places means that they show talent and ability that

will no doubt lead to a successful future.

Even at college it was obvious that Paul was going places.

Golden handcuffs

The term golden handcuffs refers to a large sum of money or a generous financial

arrangement granted to an executive as an incentive

to stay in their job, or to ensure long-term cooperation after their departure.

Golden handshake

A golden handshake is a generous sum of money given to a person when they leave

a company or retire (sometimes given to encourage early retirement).

Golden opportunity

A golden opportunity is a favourable time or excellent occasion which should not be

missed.

An internship in that company would be a golden opportunity for yuou - it might lead

to a permanent job later.

Golden parachute

A golden parachute is a clause in an executive's employment contract stating that

the executive will receive certain large benefits if their employment is terminated.

Golden rule

The most important rule or principle to be remembered when doing something is called

the golden rule.

When travelling abroad, the golden rule is to respect the local customs.

Gone with the wind

If something has gone with the wind, it has disappeared forever.

I lost everything during the crisis. My savings are gone with the wind!

Good as gold

A child who is as good as gold is obedient and well-behaved.

Your children are always as good as gold when I look after them.

Good riddance

This expression is used to express relief at becoming free of an unpleasant or

unwanted person or thing.

Our horrible neighbour has moved house, and all I can say is 'good riddance'!

Good turn

If you do someone a good turn, you act in a helpful way.

Mike is a great guy - always ready to do a good turn.

Good walls make good neighbours

This expression means that respecting one another's privacy helps create a good

relationship between neighbours.

Wild goose chase

If you say that you were sent on a wild goose chase, you mean that you wasted

a lot of time looking for something that there was little chance of finding.

They tried to find out who sent the anonymous complaint, but it turned out to be

a wild goose chase.

Have goose pimples

If you have goose pimples, you are so cold or so afraid that your skin is temporarily

raised into little lumps.

I was so scared that I had goose pimples all through the film!

Play gooseberry

If you play gooseberry, you join or accompany two people who have a romantic

relationship and want to be alone.

They invited me to join them but I didn't want to play gooseberry.

Got it made

Someone who has got it made is so happy and successful in life that they have

no more worries.

With a happy family life, new house and super job, Sam's got it made!

Grab a bite to eat

If you grab a bite to eat, you get something to eat quickly.

We should have time to grab a bite to eat before the show.

Grasp at straws

If you are in a desperate situation and you grasp at straws, you try any method, even

if it has little chance of success, in an attempt to find a solution.

In his search for a cure, he turned to a faith healer, knowing that he was clutching

at straws.

Not let the grass grow under one's feet

If someone does not let the grass grow under their feet, they do not delay in getting

something done.

As soon as he received the permit, he started to build. He never lets the grass grow

under his feet!

Gravy train

If someone is on the gravy train, they have found an easy way to make money, on

that requires little effort and is without risk.

Since the village has become fashionable he charges for every photograph taken of his

house - he's on the gravy train!

Grease somebody's palm

If you accuse someone of greasing somebody's palm, you are accusing them of giving

money to someone in order to gain an unfair advantage, or to obtain something

they want.

In some countries, it is common practice to grease government officials' palms.

Give/get the green light

If you give or get the green light, you give or get a signal or permission to do

something.

We're ready to launch the campaign as soon as we get the green light.

Grease the skids

When you grease the skids, you facilitate something or smooth the way for its

success.

Lunch was organized for the delegates before the meeting in order to grease

the skids for the negotiations.

Grey area

To refer to something as a grey area means that it is not clear or easy to define, and

is therefore difficult to deal with.

The law concerning email is still a grey area in some countries.

Grin and bear it

When faced with a difficult or unpleasant situation, if you say that someone will have

to grin and bear it, you mean that they will have to accept it without complaining.

The only seat available is on a low-cost flight. You'll just have to grin and bear it!"

grin from ear to ear.

Grin from ear to ear

If somebody is grinning from ear to ear, they look very satisfied and happy.

When we saw Paul grinning from ear to ear, we knew he had passed the exam.

Grit your teeth

When you are determined to do something in spite of the difficulties involved, you

grit your teeth.

The only way to reach safety was to wade through the mud, so I just had to grit my teeth.

Groan inwardly

If you groan inwardly, you feel like expressing despair, disapproval or distress, but

you remain silent.

On his return, when Pete saw the pile of files on his desk, he groaned inwardly.

Nurse/bear/hold a grudge

If you nurse a grudge against someone or something, you have a feeling of resentment

or ill-will towards them.

Ever since I got a promotion, he's been nursing a grudge against me.

Your guess is as good as mine

When talking to another person, your guess is as good as mine means that neither

of you knows the answer.

"What happened between Bill and Harry?" "Your guess is as good as mine!"

Make an educated guess

This expression refers to an estimate or opinion based on facts, experience and

knowledge.

I can't give you the exact results but I can make an educated guess.

Gut feeling

If you have a gut feeling about something, you have a strong intuition which you

cannot explain, but you are sure that you are right.

As I read the story, I had a gut feeling that the postman was lying ... and I was right!

Gutter press

This term refers to newspapers that print a lot of sensational stories about people's

private lives.

Of course the gutter press was quick to print a sensational version of the incident! "

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