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 - Q

quaking in one's boots

When someone is extremely scared, it is said that they are quaking in their boots.

When he saw the crocodiles in the water, he started quaking in his boots.

in a quandary

If you are in a quandary about something, you find it difficult to decide what to do.

The job they offer is less interesting but the salary is better. I'm in a quandary

about what to do.

a quick temper

If you have a quick temper, you get angry very easily.

He makes me nervous - he's got such a quick temper.

quick as a dog can lick a dish

If you do something surprisingly fast, or suddenly, you do it as quick as a dog can

lick a dish.

He packed his bag as quick as a dog can lick a dish.

on the QT

If something is done on the QT, it is done quietly or discreetly.

They got married on the QT last summer and told nobody.

no quick fix

To say that there is no quick fix to a problem means that there is no simple solution.

There is no quick fix for unemployment; major reforms are necessary.

quick off the mark

To say that someone is quick off the mark means that they are quick to react to an

event or take advantage of an opportunity.

You've got to be quick off the mark to avail of the airline's special offers.

quick/slow on the uptake

Someone who is quick or slow on the uptake is quick or slow to understand what is

meant.

Please explain the problem in simple words - I'm a bit slow on the uptake.

(as) quiet as a mouse

When someone is as quiet as a mouse, they make no noise at all.

The burglar was as quiet as a mouse as he moved around the house.

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