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A baker's dozen
The phrase a baker's dozen means a group of thirteen items instead of the usual twelve.The saying comes from a historical practice where bakers added an extra item to an order to make sure they were not accused of giving too little. This extra item helped protect bakers from fines or punishment and became a well-known expression meaning "one more than expected."
The shop gave us a baker's dozen of rolls, so we received thirteen instead of twelve.
A hard nut to crack
The phrase a hard nut to crack or a tough nut to crack means a problem or person that is hard to deal with. Simple solutions do not work. The shells of some nuts can be much more difficult to open than others!This puzzle is a tough nut to crack.
A lot on your plate
To have a lot on your plate means having many tasks, responsibilities, or problems to deal with at the same time, so many it may be overwhelming.The idiom compares responsibilities to food piled on a plate. If a plate is already full, it is hard to add anything more without making a mess.
She has a lot on her plate this week with exams, work, and family visits.
A piece of cake
The idiom a piece of cake means that something is very easy to do. It suggests that the task requires little effort or skill. People often use this phrase after completing a job that turned out to be simpler than expected.The quiz was a piece of cake for her.
A watched pot never boils
If you say a watched pot never boils, you mean that something seems to take much longer when you are waiting for it to happen. If you walk away from the pot and make yourself busy with something else, the water feels like it boils much faster.I've been sitting by the window all day waiting for this delivery. A watched pot never boils!
Apple of my eye
The idiom the apple of my eye means someone who is loved very much. It is often used for children or close family members.The origin is from 9th century Old English, when the pupil of the eye was called the "apple". If you called someone the apple of your eye it meant they were as precious to you as your ability to see.
My daughter is the apple of my eye.
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.
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.
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.
Cherry on top
The idiom a cherry on top means a small extra thing that makes something good even better. It is not the main part, but it adds a final touch that makes the whole situation feel more complete or enjoyable.Desserts like sundaes or cakes often have a bright red cherry placed on the top. The dessert is already finished, but the cherry is added as a final decoration.
The holiday was already perfect, and the surprise fireworks on the last night were the cherry on top.