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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.
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.