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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.
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.
Breeding like rabbits
The phrase breeding like rabbits refers to the rabbit's ability to breed at an astonishing rate. People use this idiom when they talk about something that suddenly is around in large numbers, whether it is another animal that is literally breeding, or something that is figuratively breeding, like unfinished jobs or odd socks.How do you have so many shoes? They must be breeding like rabbits!
Bring Home the Bacon
The phrase bring home the bacon means to earn money for your family. It can also mean achieving success.This idiom dates back to when bacon and other goods were used as payment for work.
She works hard to bring home the bacon.
Bull in a china shop
You might be called a bull in a china shop if you are being careless or reckless in a situation that you can cause damage. It might mean someone who is physically clumsy or has tactless behaviour.He came into the meeting like a bull in a china shop and ruined all our negotiations.
Burn the midnight oil
The phrase burn the midnight oil means to work late into the night. It comes from a time when oil lamps were used for light.People use this idiom to describe studying or working long hours to finish something important.
She burned the midnight oil to finish the report.
Burning the candle at both ends
To burn the candle at both ends means to use up your energy by doing too much, especially by staying up late too often.The expression comes from the image of lighting a candle at both ends. A candle burned this way gives more light for a short time but is used up much faster.
She has been burning the candle at both ends while studying for exams and working a night job.
Bury the hatchet
To bury the hatchet means to stop arguing and make peace after a disagreement. This idiom is used when people decide to forgive each other and end a conflict.The expression comes from a tradition among some Native American groups, where weapons such as hatchets were buried to show that a conflict had ended and peace had been made.
After years of not speaking, the two brothers finally buried the hatchet.
Butter you up
To butter someone up means to give someone a lot of compliments or kind words so they will be flattered and agree to something you want. The person may be trying to persuade or influence you by being extra friendly.The phrase comes from an old custom in parts of India where people offered balls of butter to statues of gods as a way to ask for help or favor. Over time, the idea became a way of describing flattery used to get something.
He kept telling his boss how brilliant her ideas were, clearly trying to butter her up before asking for a raise.