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Dot the I's and cross the T's
The idiom dot the i's and cross the t's means to pay attention to small details and finish things properly. It suggests being careful and thorough. The origin is from handwriting, where missing dots and crosses can make words unclear.She wrote a really good report, really dotted the I's and crossed the T's
Draw the line
To draw a line in the sand or to draw the line marks a clear limit that someone refuses to cross.The idiom comes from the idea of drawing a line across the ground to show where one side ends and the other begins.
The manager said cutting staff was a line in the sand for the team.
Drop a hint
To drop a hint means to suggest something without saying it directly, in the hope that someone else will notice and figure it out on their own.The phrase appeared in English in the 1800s. The word drop suggests placing the clue lightly into conversation so the other person can notice it.
She was dropping hints she wanted him to pop the question.
Dyed in the wool
The phrase dyed in the wool means strongly set in your ways or beliefs. It suggests something is deeply part of who you are. The saying comes from dyeing wool, where color soaks in and makes it permanently change color.She is dyed in the wool when it comes to her favorite team.
Easier said than done
Easier said than done means that something may sound simple when people talk about it, but it is actually difficult to do in real life.The saying has been used in English for centuries to point out the difference between giving advice and carrying out the action itself.
Saving money every month sounds good, but it is easier said than done.
Eat your words
The idiom eat your words means to admit that what you said before has been proved wrong.The phrase appeared in English in the 1800s. The image suggests swallowing your own statement after it turns out to be mistaken.
He said it would never work, but he had to eat his words.
Face the facts
To face the facts means accepting the truth about a situation even when it is unpleasant.The phrase uses the image of turning toward something directly instead of looking away. The act represents confronting reality.
She finally faced the facts and admitted the plan was not working.
Have second thoughts
The idiom have second thoughts means beginning to doubt a decision that you first felt confident about.The phrase appeared in English in the 1600s. A second thought suggests another moment of reflection after the first judgment.
He had second thoughts about quitting.
Heard it on the grapevine
I heard it on the grapevine means that someone learned information through rumors or informal talk rather than from an official source.The phrase comes from the American Civil War period, when soldiers used the term grapevine telegraph to describe unofficial lines of communication that passed news quickly through word of mouth.
I heard it on the grapevine that the company might be opening a new office soon.
Hit the books
The phrase hit the books means to study seriously. It is often used before exams or tests. It is a fairly recent idiom, where "hit" in modern slang means "to start" or "to do" not physically hitting them with violence.I need to hit the books tonight, I have an exam tomorrow.