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Fall through the cracks
If something slipped through the cracks it means that it was missed or overlooked, usually because of a mistake or a gap in a system. It describes a situation where something should have been handled but was accidentally ignored.The expression comes from the image of something small falling through cracks in a floor or between boards and disappearing from sight.
My application slipped through the cracks and was never reviewed.
Fresh as a daisy
Fresh as a daisy means feeling lively, energetic, and well rested. It is often used when someone feels bright and full of energy after sleeping or resting.This idiom compares a person to a daisy flower, which opens its bright petals in the morning and looks clean and fresh in the daylight. Because of this, daisies became a symbol of freshness and new energy.
After a full night of sleep, she woke up feeling fresh as a daisy.
Get the chop
To get the chop means to be abruptly removed from a job, team, or plan. The decision is final, and often unexpected.The phrase comes from the image of something being cut off with a sharp blow. The motion suggests sudden removal.
Three players got the chop after the coach reviewed the season.
Going through it with a fine tooth comb
To go through something with a fine tooth comb means examining it very carefully and looking for small details or mistakes.The phrase comes from grooming combs with very narrow teeth. These combs are used to remove tiny things like dirt or lice from hair. This suggests a slow and thorough search.
The editor went through the report with a fine tooth comb before it was published.
Hang in there
The phrase hang in there means to keep going and not give up, even when things are hard. It is often used to encourage someone who is struggling. It was popularised by a motivational poster of a kitten hanging from a rope in the 1970s.Hang in there - you're almost finished.
Hanging by a thread
To be hanging by a thread means being in a very fragile or risky situation where something bad could happen at any moment.The phrase comes from the image of something suspended by a thin thread that could break at any time.
The deal was hanging by a thread after the last minute disagreement.
Head over heels
Head over heels means to be completely and deeply in love with someone. It can also describe being very excited or enthusiastic about something.The phrase comes from an older expression, heels over head, which described turning upside down or doing a somersault. Over time the wording changed, and the idea of being flipped upside down became a metaphor for strong emotions.
He fell head over heels for her after their first date.
Hiding in plain sight
Hiding in plain sight means that something is clearly visible but goes unnoticed because people are not expecting to see it.The phrase became common in mystery stories and detective writing in the 1900s. It describes the idea that the best place to hide something can sometimes be somewhere completely obvious.
The remote control was hiding in plain sight while he searched the room.
Ignorance is bliss
Ignorance is bliss means that sometimes it is happier not to know about a problem or unpleasant truth.The phrase comes from a poem by the English writer Thomas Gray written in 1742. The line where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise suggested that knowing too much about certain things can bring unnecessary worry.
He decided not to read the online comments about himself, saying ignorance is bliss.
In one ear and out the other
In one ear and out the other means that someone hears something and then forgets it straight away. This can often lead to frustration when people keep repeating themselves.I told you this three times already, does this just go in one ear and out the other?
It takes two to tango
It takes two to tango means that two people are usually responsible for a situation, especially when there is an argument or problem.The expression became widely known after a popular song called It Takes Two to Tango was released in 1952. The phrase uses the tango dance as an image, since the dance requires two partners working closely together.
They both blamed each other for the argument, but it takes two to tango.
Judged and found wanting
To be judged and found wanting means that something or someone has been examined or tested and has been seen as not good enough.The phrase comes from older English writing and was influenced by a line in the Bible from the Book of Daniel about being "weighed" and found lacking. Over time it became a general expression for failing to meet a required standard.
After examining the cake, the fete committee judged it and found it wanting.
Jump on the bandwagon
The phrase jump on the bandwagon means joining a popular trend or activity because many others are doing it.The phrase comes from parades where a bandwagon carried musicians. People would climb on to show support and be part of the excitement.
Many companies jumped on the bandwagon after the new technology became popular.
Jury is still out
The jury is still out means that a decision has not been made yet, or that people are still unsure about something and more time or evidence is needed before anyone can say what the final answer will be.The phrase comes from the legal system, where a jury leaves the courtroom to discuss the case and decide on a verdict. While they are still discussing and have not returned, the outcome is not yet known.
The new phone looks interesting, but the jury is still out on whether it is actually better than the previous model.
Know the ropes
To know the ropes means to understand how something works and to know the right way to do things. It is used to describe how someone is knowledgeable or experienced.The expression comes from sailing. Sailors had to learn which ropes controlled the sails and how to handle them correctly, so someone who knew the ropes was an experienced and capable sailor.
Ask him-he really knows the ropes.
Leap of faith
To take a leap of faith is to do something when you only believe in it, you have no physical proof.It originally meant that true religious faith was beyond logic and reason, but today is used to mean taking a risk in daily life.
Our boss took a real leap of faith merging with that new startup.
Learn something new every day
Learn something new every day is a phrase people say when they discover to their surprise a new thing they did not know before.The saying reflects a long-standing belief that learning never really stops. Variations of the phrase have appeared in English for many years as a casual way to react to new information.
When he found out that octopuses have three hearts, he laughed and said you learn something new every day.
Left holding the bag
To be left holding the bag means being the person who is unfairly left with the blame after others leave. It often happens when something goes wrong and one person is left to deal with the consequences.The expression comes from an old idea in stories about thieves. One thief would run away while another person was caught still holding the bag of stolen goods, making it look like they were the only one responsible.
Everyone else quit the project when it started failing, and I was left holding the bag.
Left to your own devices
Left to your own devices means being allowed to do what you want without help, instructions, or supervision. A person can decide for themselves what to do and how to do it.The word devices once meant plans, wishes, or schemes rather than machines. The expression has been used since the 1400s to describe someone acting according to their own ideas when no one else is guiding them.
The teacher stepped out for a few minutes and we were left to your own devices.
Live your best life
To live your best life means to live in the way that makes you happiest and most fulfilled. It encourages people to make choices that help them enjoy life and follow their own goals.The phrase became popular in modern self help writing and social media in the early 2000s. It is often used as encouragement to focus on personal happiness, growth, and making the most of everyday life.
After leaving her stressful job, she decided it was finally time to live her best life.