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Big shoes to fill
If you have big shoes to fill it means taking over a role from someone who was very capable or respected, and people have high expectations of you.The phrase uses the image of stepping into another person's shoes. When the shoes are large, the new wearer is measured against the person who came before.
The new coach knew he had big shoes to fill after the previous coach retired.
Birds of a feather
The idiom birds of a feather flock together is from the observation that birds of the same species keep together and don't mix with other kinds of birds.It means that people with similar interests or personalities tend to collect together.
Everyone at this conference are birds of a feather.
Bite off more than you can chew
To bite off more than you can chew means to take on a task that is too difficult or too large to handle. It suggests trying to do more than one is able. This idiom is often used as a warning to be realistic about limits.She bit off more than she could chew by accepting three jobs at once.
Bite the bullet
To bite the bullet means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage, even if you don't want to. People often use this phrase when there is no easy way to avoid a problem.It originated from war time medicine, where an injured soldier would bite on a bullet to help deal with the pain while they were being treated.
He decided to bite the bullet and pay the fine.
Blood from a stone
The phrase you can't get blood from a stone means to try and get something out of someone who is unwilling or unable to give it, usually referring to money.I can't pay this bill, I have too many bills already, do they think they can get blood out of a stone?
Blow your own trumpet
To blow your own trumpet means to talk proudly about your own achievements or abilities. It is used when someone tells others how good they are at something or how well they have done.The expression comes from history, where trumpets were used to announce important people or victories. In this idiom, a person is acting like the one making that announcement for themselves.
He doesn't like to blow his own trumpet, but he quietly mentioned that he finished the project weeks ahead of schedule.
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
To be born with a silver spoon in your mouth means you were born into a wealthy or privileged family, and had all the advantages that money brings when you grew up.The phrase comes from an old custom in which wealthy families gave silver spoons to newborn children as special gifts. Because silver was valuable, the image became a symbol of wealth and privilege.
He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never had to worry about money growing up.
Break a leg
Break a leg is a phrase used in the theater to wish a performer good luck before a show.The expression became common in English-speaking theater communities during the 1900s. One explanation is that performers avoided saying "good luck" because it was considered bad luck, so they used a joking opposite phrase instead.
Just before the curtain went up, her friend whispered "break a leg".
Break the ice
To break the ice means to do or say something that helps people feel more relaxed when they first meet or when a situation feels awkward. It is commonly used in social situations, meetings, or group activities. The phrase originated from breaking the ice around a ship so it can start to sail.She told a friendly joke to break the ice.
Breath of fresh air
The idiom a breath of fresh air means a person or a thing that is a refreshing change.Our new hire is a breath of fresh air in our office.