Hundreds of free English idioms, idiomatic expressions, proverbs and sayings
used in everyday conversation, with their meaning and an example.
Every day a new idiom is added
used in everyday conversation, with their meaning and an example.
Every day a new idiom is added
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English idioms & idiomatic expressions
List of idioms with their meaning and an example of use.
(Please use the scrollbar to browse the list.)
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Alphabetical list of idioms - T
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the tail wagging the dog
This expression is used to refer to a situation where there is a reversal of roles,
with a small or minor element of something having a controlling influence on the
most important element.
If you let your children decide on everything, it will be a case of the tail wagging
the dog.
on somebody's tail
If you are on somebody's tail, you follow them closely.
The suspect hasn't been arrested yet, but the police are on his tail.
take a back seat
If you take a back seat, you choose to have a less important function and become
less involved in something.
He decided it was time to take a back seat and let someone younger run the club.
take the bloom off something
If an incident or event takes the bloom off something, it spoils it or makes it less
enjoyable.
Their noisy argument in the middle of the party took the bloom off the atmosphere.
take the bull by the horns
To take the bull by the horns means that a person decides to act decisively in order
to deal with a difficult situation or problem.
After a number of children were hurt in the school playground, Sally took the
bull by the horns and called the headmaster.
take your courage in both hands
If you take your courage in both hands, you make yourself do something very brave.
When I saw the child in the burning house, I took my courage in both hands and
ran inside.
take one's cue (from someone)
When you take your cue from someone, you follow someone's example, or wait for
a signal, so as to know what to do yourself, or when to act.
The waiter took his cue from Jack and started serving the drinks.
take a dim view of something
If you take a dim view of something, you don't approve of it.
When Harry and Sally decided to live together without getting married, their
grandparents took a dim view of the situation.
take the easy way out
If you take the easy way out, you choose the easiest way to deal with a difficult
situation, even if it's not the best solution.
The weather conditions were so bad that Mary took the easy way out and
cancelled her appointment.
take a fancy
If you take a fancy to someone or something, you develop a fondness or begin to
like them.
I think John has taken a fancy to the new intern!
take the floor
When someone takes the floor, they rise to make a speech or presentation.
"When I take the floor, my speech will be short." he said.
take it on the chin
When you take it on the chin, you are brave and accept adversity, criticism or
defeat without complaining.
When his contract was not renewed, Mark took it on the chin.
take it upon yourself
If you take something upon yourself, you do it without asking for permission or
agreement.
My colleague took it upon herself to redecorate the office during my absence.
take the law into our own hands
If, instead of calling the police, you act personally against someone who has done
something wrong, you take the law into your own hands.
Instead of calling the police, he took the law into his own hands and confronted the
youth who had stolen his son's scooter.
take leave of one's senses
To say to someone 'have you taken leave of your senses?' means that you think their
behaviour is crazy!
"You're going skiing in this blizzard? Have you taken leave of your senses?"
take one's life in one's hands
To say that someone is taking their life in their hands means that they are taking the
risk of being killed.
If you drive home on this icy road, you'll be taking your life in your hands.
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take a load/weight off somebody's mind
If something takes a load or weight off somebody's mind, it brings great relief
because a problem has been solved.
When the company closed down, finding a new job took a load off Tom's mind.
take matters into your own hands
If you take matters into your own hands, you take action yourself rather than
waiting for others to act.
When Susan saw the lack of progress, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
take your mind off (something)
If an activity takes your mind off something that you are worrying about,
it helps you to stop thinking about it for a while.
Sarah was worried about the result of the test so Tom took her to the cinema
to take her mind off it.
take a nosedive
If something takes a nosedive, it drops or decreases in value very rapidly.
The stock market took a nosedive when the property market began to weaken.
take pains
If you take pains to do something, you try very hard or make a special effort
to do something as well as possible.
Great pains were taken to ensure the athletes' security.
take the plunge
If you take the plunge, you finally decide to venture into something you really
want to do, in spite of the risks involved.
Mark and Julie finally took the plunge and opened a guesthouse.
take shape
When something such as a plan or project begins to take shape, it starts to
become organized and acquire a definite form.
My new website is beginning to take shape.
take (someone) down a peg
To take someone down a peg means to make that person realize that they are not
as important as they think they are.
He was too proud. Somebody had to take him down a peg.
take someone for a ride
If you are taken for a ride, you are deceived or cheated by someone.
When my father was persuaded to invest in the new casino, he was really taken
for a ride.
take someone under your wing
If you offer protection and guidance to someone younger or less experienced,
you take them under your wing.
I owe a lot to Tom who took me under his wing when I first arrived.
take something as read
Something that does not need to be discussed because it is already
understood or agreed upon can be taken as read .
We're getting married in September and you can take it as read that you are
all invited.
take something in good part
A person who takes something in good part reacts to in a good-humoured way,
without taking offence.
He got a lot of teasing about his promotion but he took it in good part.
take something in your stride
When in a difficult situation, you take it in your stride, you deal with the situation
calmly and without any special effort.
When the take-over was announced, Tom stayed calm and took it in his stride.
take something lying down
If you take something lying down, you suffer as the result of an offensive act without
reacting or protesting.
Jack won't take the accusation lying down - he'll fight to defend his reputation.
take something offline
If you suggest that a subject be taken offline, (during a meeting for example), you
consider that it is a separate issue and should be discussed at another time.
Peter, you're confusing things, so let's take that offline shall we?
take the sting out of something
If you take the sting out of something, you manage to reduce the severity or
unpleasantness of something.
A comforting voice and sympathetic attitude can take the sting out of bad news.
take stock of a situation
If you take stock of a situation, you assess all the aspects in order to form
an opinion.
He took time to take stock of the situation before making a suggestion.
take to something like a duck to water
If you take to something like a duck to water, you do it naturally and easily,
without fear or hesitation.
"When Sophie first tried skiing, she took to it like a duck to water"
take the words out of somebody's mouth
If you say exactly what someone else was going to say, you take the words out of
their mouth.
I entirely agree with you. You took the words out of my mouth.
It takes two to tango
You say this when you think that a difficult situation or argument cannot be the
fault of one person alone
OK, we've heard Jack's side of the story - but it takes two to tango!
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taken to the cleaners
If somebody is taken to the cleaners, they lose a lot of money in an unfair way,
usually by being robbed or cheated.
When the company Tom had invested in went bankrupt, he realized he'd been taken
to the cleaners.
taken for a ride
If you are taken for a ride, you are deceived or swindled by someone.
When my father was persuaded to invest in the new casino, he was really taken for
a ride.
talk nineteen to the dozen
If someone talks nineteen to the dozen, they speak very quickly.
He was talking nineteen to the dozen so I didn't catch the whole story!
talk shop
If you talk shop, you talk about your work or business in a social situation with
someone you work with, and make the conversation boring for the others present.
I never go out with my colleagues because we inevitably end up talking shop.
talk the hind leg off a donkey
This expression is used to describe a very talkative person.
It's difficult to end a conversation with Betty. She could talk the hind leg off
a donkey!
tall story
A tall story is a statement or story which is difficult to believe because it sounds
unlikely.
What he said about a stolen invention sounds like a tall story to me.
on tap
If something is on tap, it is easily obtained or available for immediate use, like water
from a tap.
You can find a multitude of useful resources on tap on the internet.
tar baby
This term refers to a sticky situation or problem for which it is virtually impossible
to find a solution.
He was advised not to get involved in the controversy which was considered
a 'tar-baby' issue.
a taste of one's own medicine
If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you treat them in the same
unpleasant way that they have treated you.
People who always arrive late should be given a taste of their own medicine.
run a taut ship (also: run a tight ship)
This expression means that a group or an organization is run in a well-ordered and
disciplined manner.
The director of the scout camp runs a taut ship.
(for all the) tea in China
To say that you would not do something for all the tea in China means that you
would not do it under any conditions.
I wouldn't live there for all the tea in China.
you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
This expression means that someone who is used to doing things in a certain way
will find it difficult to change their habits.
Your grandfather will never use a smart phone. You can't teach an old dog
new tricks.
teach someone a lesson
If you teach someone a lesson, you do something to punish them for behaving
badly and make them understand that they should not do it again.
The next time she arrives late, she'll find the door closed. That will teach her
a lesson.
tear one's hair out
If someone is tearing their hair out, they are extremely agitated or distressed
about something.
I've been tearing my hair out all morning trying to find the error!
tear a strip off someone
If you tear a strip off someone, you reprimand them severely for doing something
wrong.
The teacher tore a strip off Charlie for being late again.
tech savvy
People who are tech savvy have sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be
comfortable using computers and other electronic devices and gadgets.
Many students are more tech-savvy than their teachers.
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sink one's teeth into something
If you sink your teeth into something, you do it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
When Julie got promoted, she immediately sank her teeth into her new job.
by the skin of your teeth
If you manage to do something by the skin of your teeth, you succeed in doing it
but you almost fail.
The traffic was so heavy I thought I'd miss the train - I caught it with the skin of
my teeth.
teeth chattering
If your teeth are chattering, you are extremely cold and shivering.
Was I cold? My teeth were chattering!
teething problems
The difficulties encountered during the initial stages of an activity or project
are called teething problems.
We had some teething problems when we first opened the bookshop, but now
everything is OK.
tell someone a thing or two
If you tell someone a thing or two, you express your thoughts (usually criticism)
very clearly.
Let me tell you a thing or two about your son's behaviour" said John to the
boy's father.
on tenterhooks
A person who is on tenterhooks is in a state of anxious suspense or excitement.
The candidates were kept on tenterhooks for hours while the panel deliberated.
text-walking
This expression refers to a recently-developed and somewhat dangerous habit of
walking while texting a message on a mobile phone, completely unaware of what's
happening around you.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of serious injuries
involving text-walkers.
thank one's lucky stars
When someone says they can thank their lucky stars, they are expressing heartfelt
gratitude or feeling particularly fortunate.
I can thank my lucky stars I wasn't on the train that crashed.
that figures!
This expression is used to say that something seems logical or is as expected.
"We'll have to get a bigger car when the baby arrives." "That figures."
that makes my blood boil!
If something makes your blood boil, it makes you really angry.
His condescending attitude made my blood boil!
that's going too far!
If you go too far, you do something that is considered extreme or unacceptable.
Stealing is bad, but stealing from a poor person is really going too far!
that makes two of us!
This expression is used to indicate that you agree with what the other speaker has
just said.
"I found his speech rather boring." "That makes two of us "
there for the taking
If something is there for the taking, it is easy to obtain.
When our main competitor went out of business, the market was there for the taking.
there wasn't a soul
To say that there wasn't a soul means that there was nobody.
We thought the museum would be crowded but there wasn't a soul.
there's one born every minute
This expression means that there are many people in the world who are stupid
or easily fooled.
He really believed the boy found the money on the street? There's one born
every minute!
there's no accounting for taste
This expression is used to indicate surprise at another person's likes or dislikes
She fell in love with a guy who's short, fat, bald and poor ...
well, there's no accounting for taste!
there's nothing to it
This expression is used to say that something is very simple or easy to o do.
I'll show you how to make pancakes. There's nothing to it!
through thick and thin
If someone does something through thick and thin, they do it in spite of all the
difficulties and problems
Bob is famous today, but Tom is still his best friend, the one who supported him
through thick and thin.
thick as thieves
To say that two people are as thick as thieves means that they are very close
friends who are very loyal to each other.
Chris always takes Toom's side. They're as thick as thieves.
thin end of the wedge
To refer to an event or action as the thin end of the wedge means that it is
thought to be the beginning of something that will become more serious
According to the media, today's outsourcing is just the thin end of the wedge.
a thin line/ fine line
When there is a thin line between feelings or situations, there is a point where it
is difficult to distinguish between them.
There's a thin line between showing concern and being indiscreet, so don't overdo it!
thin on the top
If someone, usually a man, is said to be thin on the top, they are losing their hair
or going bald.
Dad's gone a bit thin on the top in the last few years.
a thing of the past
This expression refers to something which no longer exists or is rarely used today.
Few people use video cassettes today - they're becoming a thing of the past.
things are looking up
To say that things are looking up means that the situation is improving and
you feel more positive about the future.
Andy has got two job interviews next week so things are looking up.
think again
If you tell someone to think again, you advise them to reconsider the situation and
perhaps change their decision.
Your apartment is so well located, you should think again before selling it.
think outside the box/out of the box
People who think outside the box try to find innovative ideas or solutions
Our competitors are more creative than us - they really think outside the box.
think the sun rises and sets (on someone)
If you consider someone to be the most wonderful person in the world,
it is said that you think the sun rises and sets on that person.
She adores her husband. She thinks the sun rises and sets on him.
think the world of someone
If you think the world of someone, you like or admire them very much.
She's a wonderful grandmother - the children think the world of her.
thinly veiled
If something such as a feeling or reaction is thinly veiled, it is barely hidden.
His disappointment was thinly veiled when he saw what he had won.
a thorn in your side
To say that someone is a thorn in your side means that they continually irritate
or annoy you.
Jane finds her mother-in-law very irritating; she's a real thorn in her side!
a thorny issue
If you are faced with a thorny issue, you have to deal with a difficult or unpleasant
problem.
Copyright and content duplication are thorny issues these days.
thrilled to bits
If someone is thrilled to bits, they are extremely pleased about something.
Julie was thrilled to bits when her project was selected.
at each other's throats
Two people who are at each other's throats are always fighting or arguing.
The two candidates are constantly at each other's throats.
through thick and thin
If you support someone through thick and thin, you remain loyal to them in good
times and in bad times, whatever the difficulties may be.
The two friends swore that they stick together through thick and thin.
throw in the towel
If you throw in the towel, you admit that you cannot succeed in doing something or
that you are defeated.
After unsuccessfully competing in several championships, she decided to throw in
the towel and go back to college.
throw it over the wall
If someone throws something over the wall, they deal with part of a problem or
project, then pass responsibility to another person or department without any
communication or coordination.
You can't just manufacture a product and then throw it over the wall to the sales
department.
throw money at something
If you throw money at something, you try to solve a problem by spending money
on it, without using any other methods.
The refugee problem cannot be solved just by throwing money at it.
throw good money after bad
Someone who spends additional money on something that was already considered
a bad investment is said to throw good money after bad.
Buying a second-hand computer and then spending money to have it repaired is
throwing good money after bad!
throw pearls to pigs!
This expression means that it is a waste to offer something valuable or useful to
someone who does not understand or appreciate it.
She had a beautifully trained voice but the audience didn't listen - talk about
throwing pearls to pigs!
throw someone a bone
If you throw someone a bone, you say something kind or reward them in some way
to make them feel good.
The old man can't help very much but Bill throws him a bone now and then to keep
him happy.
throw something together
If you throw something together, you make or produce something quickly and
without effort.
Why don't you stay for dinner - I'll throw something together!
throw a tantrum
If a person, especially a child, throws a tantrum, they become very angry and
behave in an unreasonable way.
My sister's little boy is always throwing tantrums - no wonder they don't have
many visitors!
throw a wobbly (or a wobbler)
When someone (usually a capricious person) throws a wobbly, they have a fit
of nerves or bad temper and lose all self-control.
He's very calm - not the type of man who'll throw a wobbly when he doesn't
have a clean shirt!
rule of thumb
A rule of thumb is a general rule which is a handy way of measuring or calculating
something.
As a rule of thumb, use one part vinegar and three parts oil to make salad dressing.
all thumbs/all fingers and thumbs
If you are all fingers and thumbs, you are awkward and clumsy and do things
incorrectly.
Would you mind wrapping this for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs
tickle the ivories
This is a humorous way of talking about playing the piano.
My grandfather loves playing the piano; he tickles the ivories whenever he gets
the chance.
the tide has turned
When a trend has changed from one thing to another, the tide has turned.
Before, people wanted to live in residential suburbs; now the tide has turned
and warehouses are being converted into fashionable loft apartments.
tide (someone) over
If you tide someone over, you support or sustain them through a difficult period
for a certain length of time.
With this weather it's impossible to get to the shops, but we have enough food to
tide us over until next week.
tie the knot
When two people tie the knot, they get married.
Guess what! Tom and Sarah are finally going to tie the knot!
tie yourself (up) in knots
If you tie yourself up in knots, you become totalled confused or confuse others
when trying to explain something.
She tied herself up in knots when she tried to explain the rules of the game.
tied to someone's apron strings
If one person is tied to another's apron strings, they remain dependent at an age
when they should be independent.
All his decisions are influenced by his mother. He's still tied to her apron strings.
a tight squeeze
If you are in a tight squeeze, you are in a cramped or crowded situation.
We managed to get on the bus but it was a tight squeeze.
tight spot
Someone who is in a tight spot is in a very difficult situation.
The recent strike has put the airline company in a tight spot.
walk a tightrope
If a person is walking a tightrope, they are in a difficult or delicate situation
where they must act carefully.
The management is walking a tightrope in their efforts both to keep the costs
down and satisfy the trade unions.
till the cows come home
If you say till the cows come home you mean for a long time or forever.
You can ask till the cows come home but I'm not buying you a scooter!
time after time
If you do something time after time, you do it repeatedly or on many occasions.
The boy was surprised when the teacher punished him, although he had been
warned time after time.
time flies
This expression is used to express surprise at how quickly time passes
(usually in a very active or happy situation).
It's hard to believe we've been living here two years already.
Time files, doesn't it?"
time of your life
If you have the time of your life, you enjoy yourself very much.
The kids had the time of their lives at Disneyland.
time on one's side
If you have time on your side, you can afford to wait before doing or achieving
something.
He didn't succeed this time, but he's young enough to try again. He's got time
on his side.
time on your hands
If you have time on your hands, you have a lot of free time, usually more than you
need or want.
Since he retired, Bill has too much time on his hands. He should take up a hobby!
in one's own sweet time
If you do something in your own sweet time, you take as long as you please to
do it, in spite of the orders or wishes of others.
OK, I'll do it - but in my own sweet time!
the time is ripe
If the time is ripe for something, it is the right moment to do it.
He sold his business when the time was ripe.
since time-immemorial
If something has existed since time immemorial, it has been there for such a
long time that nobody can recall a time without it.
I don't know when that bridge was built. It's been there since time immemorial.
time-honoured practice
A custom that is universally respected, or a traditional way of doing something,
is called a time-honoured practice.
the tip of the iceberg
The tip of the iceberg is the part that is known of a problem or situation which is
thought to be much more serious.
Journalists say that the report on corruption only examines the tip of the iceberg.
tit for tat
This expression refers to an injury or insult given in return for one received.
He kicked me, so I kicked him - it was tit for tat!
toe the line
If a person toes the line, they obey the rules and accept the principles of a
person, group or organization.
If you want to stay in this school, you'll have to learn to toe the line.
toing and froing
Someone who is toing and froing is either repeatedly going from one place to
another and coming back, or is constantly changing their mind about something.
After months of toing and froing, a compromise was reached between the two parties.
a token gesture
To make a token gesture means to show a small sign of appreciation.
As a token gesture of gratitude for her neighbourly advice, he gave Ms Smith
a plant for her garden.
by the same token
If you apply the same rule to different situations, you judge them by the same
token, or in a similar way.
Teenagers should be less rebellious, but by the same token, parents should be
more understanding.
tomorrow's another day.
This expression means that even if everything is not satisfactory at present, there
will be opportunity for things to improve.
For the moment you need some rest; tomorrow's another day!
bite your tongue
If you bite your tongue, you try not to say what you really think or feel.
It was difficult for me not to react; I had to bite my tongue.
tongue in cheek
If you describe a remark as tongue in cheek, you mean that it is not meant to be
taken seriously; it is meant to be funny or ironic.
Peter's remark was taken more seriously than intended. It was supposed to be
tongue in cheek.
a slip of the tongue
This refers to a small spoken error or mistake.
Did I say "blow down"? Sorry, I meant "slow down" - that was a slip of the tongue!
on the tip of your tongue
To say that a word or an answer is on the tip of your tongue means that
you're sure you know it but have difficulty finding it.
What's that actor's name? Wait ... I know it - it's on the tip of my tongue!"
tongues are wagging
When tongues are wagging, people are beginning to gossip or spread rumours
about someone's private life.
The photograph of the couple that appeared in a magazine really set tongues
wagging!
get your tongue round/around something
If you are able to pronounce a difficult word or phrase, you can get your tongue
round it.
She's from the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. Try getting your tongue round that!
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.
tongue-tied
If you are tongue-tied, you have difficulty in expressing yourself because you are
nervous or embarrassed.
At the start of the interview I was completely tongue-tied but little by little
I relaxed.
too much like hard work
An activity or task that requires too much effort is too much like hard work.
It's so hot today, there's no way I'm going to do any cooking. It's too much like
hard work!
toot (or blow) your own horn
If you toot your own horn, you like to boast about your abilities and achievements
Jack is very discreet about his success. He doesn't go round tooting his own horn.
fight tooth and nail
If you fight tooth and nail for something, you fight with all your energy.
The Transport Minister fought tooth and nail to have the proposed road safety law
accepted.
top dog
To say that a person, group or country is top dog means that they are better or
more powerful than others.
She's top dog in cosmetics today.
at the top of one's lungs
If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly as you possibly can.
The place was so noisy that I had to shout at the top of my lungs to be heard.
be/feel on top of the world
If you are or you feel on top of the world, you are extremely happy because
everything is going well for you.
It's been such a good year for Mary that she feels on top of the world.
top notch
To say that something is top notch means that it is of the highest possible quality
or standard.
The hotel was wonderful and the service was top notch.
a toss-up
When there are two options or possibilities to chose from, and both are equally
good, the choice between the two is referred to as a toss-up (like tossing a coin).
Both boxers are in excellent condition. It's a toss-up which of them will win
the match.
touch base
If you touch base with someone, you make contact or renew communication
with them.
I'll try to touch base with you next week in London.
at the touch of a button
If you can do something at the touch of a button, you can do it very easily, often
thanks to new technology.
From now on the nursing staff can be alerted at the touch of a button.
not touch something with a ten-foot pole
If you decide not to touch something with a ten-foot pole, you refuse to get
involved with something or somebody.
I wouldn't touch politics with a ten-foot pole!
touch wood/knock on wood
This humorous expression, based on superstition, is used to avoid bad luck,
often while touching something made of wood.
The order will be confirmed shortly - touch wood!
touch-and-go
If something is touch-and-go, the outcome or result is uncertain.
Dave's life is out of danger now, but it was touch-and-go after the operation.
tough as old boots
If something, especially meat, is (as) tough as old boots, it is hard to cut and
difficult to chew.
(Can also refer to a person who is strong physically or in character.)
We were served a steak as tough as old boots.
a tough cookie
A person who is a tough cookie is one who is self-confident and ambitious and
will do what is necessary to achieve what they want.
I'm not worried about Jason's future. He's a tough cookie!
a tower of strength
A tower of strength is used to describe a person who is very helpful during
difficult times.
All during my illness, my sister was a tower of strength
toy with the idea
If you toy with an idea, you consider doing something but you do not really
give it serious thought.
Sally has often toyed with the idea of moving abroad, but as you can see she's
still here!.
trade secret
This expression, which refers to the secrecy of a company's production
methods, is often used teasingly.
"Can you give me the recipe for your lemon meringue pie? No way -
that's a trade secret!"
train of thought
A sequence of connected ideas is called a train of thought.
I was considering the different options when the noise outside broke my train
of thought.
travel light
When you travel light, you travel with as little luggage as possible.
If you intend to go trekking, you'd better travel light.
the tricks of the trade
This expression refers to a clever or expert way of doing things, especially in
a job.
He's a tough negotiator; he knows all the tricks of the trade.
tried and tested
If a method has been tried and tested, it can be trusted because it has been
used successfully in the past and is known to work.
There's no risk involved. The method has been tried and tested.
trilemma
This term is used for a situation which is even more difficult than a dilemma,
because a choice must be made between three options that seem equally
undesirable.
wear the trousers (or pants)
The partner in a couple who wears the trousers is the one who makes the
important decisions.
The salesman hesitated. It was difficult to see who wore the trousers in the couple.
come/turn up trumps
To say that someone has come up trumps means that they have achieved
unexpectedly good results.
Against all expectations, our team came up trumps in the cup final.
truth will out
This expression means that despite efforts to conceal the facts, the truth cannot
be hidden forever.
I don't know if the police gave the full details, but inevitably 'truth will out'.
try somebody's patience
Someone who finds it difficult to be patient with you, because of your irritating
attitude or behaviour, can say that you are trying their patience
His constant interruptions began to try the teacher's patience.
tug at the heartstrings
To say that something or someone tugs at the heartstrings means that they
cause others to feel a great deal of pity or sadness.
The hospital's plea for donors tugged at the heartstrings of millions of viewers.
tunnel vision
If a person has tunnel vision, they focus on only one aspect of something, or
they are unable to see more than one way of doing things.
Our manager has tunnel vision. He sees no reason to change anything.
like turkeys voting for Christmas
This expression is used to say that a particular option is unlikely to be chosen
because it would not be in the interest of the people concerned.
(In many countries people eat turkey at Christmas.)
Expecting them to accept a decrease in salary would be like turkeys voting
for Christmas!
turn a blind eye
If you turn a blind eye to something, you pretend not to notice what someone
is doing.
The old man turns a blind eye when he sees children taking apples from his garden.
turn a deaf ear
If you turn a deaf ear to something, you refuse to listen.
Sandy turned a deaf ear to the guide's advice and got lost in the mountains.
not turn a hair
If someone does not turn a hair, they show no emotion in circumstances when a
reaction is expected.
When the police came to arrest him, he didn't turn a hair.
turn on/up the heat
If you turn on/up the heat on a person or organization, you put pressure on
them in order to obtain what you want.
If the goods are not delivered this week, we'll have to turn on the heat.
turn on the waterworks
If someone turns on the waterworks, they start to cry, especially to obtain
something.
If he doesn't get what he wants, the child immediately turns on the waterworks.
turn over a new leaf
If a person decides to turn over a new leaf, they decide to change their
behaviour and lead a better life.
When Charlie left prison, he was determined to turn over a new leaf.
turn the tables
If you turn the tables on a person or organization, you reverse the situation so
as to be in a position of superiority.
The success of our new product has turned the tables on our competitors.
turn turtle
If a boat turns turtle, it capsizes or turns upside down in the water.
We had fun sailing yesterday, although we nearly turned turtle a couple of times!
turn up like a bad penny
If someone turns up like a bad penny, they appear at a place or event where
they are not welcome or not wanted.
I try to avoid Jane, but wherever I go she turns up like a bad penny.
twenty-four seven
This term refers to something which is available or happens twenty-four hours
a day, seven days a week.
The tourist office provided a list of 24/7 supermarkets in the area.
in the twinkling of an eye
This expression means 'very fast' or 'instantaneously'.
Public opinion can change in the twinkling of an eye.
twist somebody's arm
If you twist somebody's arm, you force or persuade them to do something,
without using physical force.
He didn't have to twist my arm to get me to go out for dinner - I was happy
to accept!
twist in the wind
If someone is left to twist in the wind, they are left to face a difficult situation
without any assistance or support.
He walked out of the press conference and left the public relations officer
to twist in the wind.
two of a kind
People who are two of a kind are similar in character, attitude or tastes.
Pete and Tom are two of a kind. They enjoy sports and are both very competitive.
put two and two together
To say that a person puts two and two together means that they reach the
right conclusion based on the information they have.
Forget your explanation. She'll never believe you. She can put two and two
together!
two's company ... (three's a crowd)
This is said of two people, particularly lovers, who would prefer to be alone
together than to have someone else with them.
"Why don't you come to the cinema with us?" "I'd rather not, thanks.
Two's company..."
two-faced
Someone who is two-faced is deceitful or insincere; they will say one thing to
your face and another when you're not there.
I don't trust Jack. I find him two-faced.
like two peas in a pod
To say that two people are like two peas in a pod means that they are very
similar in appearance.
It wasn't difficult to identify the brothers - they were like two peas in a pod!
in two shakes (of a lamb's tail)
To do something in two shakes (of a lamb's tail) means to do it very quickly or
in a moment.
It'll be ready in two shakes (of a lamb's tail)
two-time somebody
If one person two-times another, they cheat on their partner by having a romantic
relationship with another person at the same time.
Sally left Harry when she discovered he was two-timing her.
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