Showing 1-10 of 26
A far cry
The phrase a far cry means very different from something else. It is often used to compare the present with the past, and often to compare something that is currently worse.This idiom originated from Scottish messengers who would shout messages to each other and this was used as a way to communicate long distance, so a far cry was originally used as slang for a long distance.
This small house is a far cry from the mansion they expected.
A fish out of water
You are a fish out of water if you are in a situation you are very uncomfortable with. This idiom has been in use since the 14th century.When I first moved to the city from my parent's farm, I felt like a fish out of water.
Add fuel to the fire
The idiom add fuel to the fire means to make a bad situation worse. Instead of calming things down, it increases trouble or anger. This idiom is from the literal image of a fire jumping in size when you add extra fuel to it.Arguing about it only added fuel to the fire.
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.
Face the music
To face the music means to accept the unpleasant consequences of something you have done. It is used when someone must deal with criticism or something difficult instead of avoiding it.The expression may come from military ceremonies where a disgraced soldier had to stand in front of the band while being punished. Another explanation links it to actors stepping on stage to face the orchestra and the audience.
After skipping work without an excuse, he knew he had to face the music.
Fair and square
Fair and square means something was done honestly, properly, and by the rules.The phrase has been used in English for many years. The word square was often linked with ideas of fairness and honesty.
She won the game fair and square.
Fall flat
The phrase fall flat means something fails to have the intended effect. It is most often used to describe being disappointed by jokes, ideas, or performances.The phrase comes from the image of something collapsing quietly without any dramatic impact.
The joke fell flat and no one laughed.
Fall off the wagon
To fall off the wagon means returning to a bad habit after trying to stop, especially drinking alcohol after deciding to quit.The expression comes from the phrase on the water wagon from the late 1800s. People who promised to avoid alcohol said they were riding the water wagon, so falling off it meant they had started drinking again.
After months without alcohol, he fell off the wagon at a party.
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.
Feather your nest
To feather your nest means to use a position of power or opportunity to gain money or advantages for yourself, often in an unfair or dishonest way.The expression comes from the way birds line their nests with feathers and soft materials to make them comfortable. The phrase compares this to someone quietly making their own situation more comfortable.
The official was accused of feathering his nest with public funds.