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A dime a dozen
When something is described as a dime a dozen, it means that it is very common and easy to find. The phrase suggests that the item has little special value because there are so many of them. It is often used to explain why something is not considered rare or important.Cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen.
A drop in the ocean
The expression a drop in the ocean, or a drop in the bucket means a very small amount compared to what is really needed. It helps explain that even though an effort was made, it was not enough to make a noticeable difference. People often use this phrase when talking about money, time, or help that is too small to solve a big problem.The donation was a drop in the ocean compared to the cost of repairs.
At the drop of a hat
The idiom at the drop of a hat means someone is ready to start immediately, without hesitation. This came from the old American tradition of dropping a hat to signal the start of a race or fight.He would leave town at the drop of a hat.
Dark horse
The idiom dark horse means a ordinary seeming person or thing that is not expected to succeed, but surprises everyone by doing very well.The saying comes from horse racing, where an unknown horse could unexpectedly win.
She was a dark horse and ended up winning the contest.
Devil is in the details
The phrase the devil is in the details means small details can cause big problems if they are ignored. Something may look simple at first, but the tricky parts are often hidden so you should pay attention to the details.This idiom was originally "God is in the details" meaning thoroughness is Godly, but evolved to emphasise the opposite, that not caring about the details invoked the devil.
The idea sounded easy, but the devil was in the details.
Different ball game
The idiom it's a different ball game or it's a whole new ball game means that something is quite different from what was previously expected. It compares to sports, where two ball games may have entirely different rules.Your last job was in a small business, here at this international company it is a whole new ball game.
Dig in your heels
The idiom dig in your heels means to refuse to change your mind or to stubbornly resist. It means to stand your ground even when others push you. The origin is the literal image of planting your heels in the ground so you cannot be moved.When asked to apologize, he dug in his heels and said no.
Dig your own grave
The phrase dig your own grave means to cause your own failure by your own actions. It is used when someone makes choices that lead to trouble later. The origin of this idiom is macabre and a literal image of digging your own grave.By lying again, he dug his own grave.
Dip your toes in
The phrase dip your toes in means to try something in a small, careful way before doing it fully. It often describes starting gently because you are unsure.The idiom comes from the literal action of dipping your toes into a body of water to check the temperature before you get into it to go swimming.
She dipped her toes in coding by making a small game.