Showing 21-29 of 29
Rome wasn't built in a day
Rome wasn't built in a day means that large projects take a lot of time, effort, and patience to achieve and you shouldn't expect quick results.This idiom relates to how the city of Rome gradually developed over centuries.
Don't worry that this is taking so long, Rome wasn't built in a day.
Roped in
To be roped in means being persuaded into doing something, often when you did not plan to be involved.The phrase comes from the image of using a rope to capture something.
He got roped in to help organize the event even though he had other plans.
Rub you up the wrong way
To be rubbed up the wrong way means that someone's behavior annoys you slightly, particularly small habits or remarks.The phrase comes from brushing the fur of an animal against its natural direction. The motion creates resistance and irritation. The image later became a metaphor for social friction.
His sarcastic comments always rub you up the wrong way.
Rub your nose in it
To rub someone's nose in it means to keep reminding someone about a mistake or embarrassing situation in a way that makes them feel worse. Instead of letting the matter go, the person keeps pointing it out again and again.The phrase comes from an old method sometimes used when training animals, where their nose was pushed toward something they had done wrong. Over time it became a metaphor for deliberately making someone dwell on their mistake.
I know I lost the game, but you do not have to rub my nose in it every time we talk about it.
Rug pulled out from under you
To have the rug pulled out from under you means to suddenly lose something you were relying on. When it is unexpectedly taken away, it leaves you surprised or struggling to recover.The phrase comes from the image of someone standing on a rug that is suddenly yanked away, causing them to fall. It began appearing in English in the late 1800s and is used as a metaphor for sudden, destabilizing change.
Just when she thought the promotion was certain, the company restructured and had the rug pulled out from under her.
Rule of thumb
The phrase a rule of thumb means a simple guideline based on experience. It originates from when tradesmen used to roughly estimate measurements using the size of their thumb rather than any more accurate means.As a rule of thumb, save some money each month.
Run a tight ship
To run a tight ship means managing a place or group with strict control and clear rules.The phrase comes from sailing. A well run ship required order, careful routines, and firm leadership to keep the crew and vessel working properly.
The restaurant manager runs a tight ship during the busy dinner rush.
Run out of steam
To run out of steam means to lose energy, strength, or motivation before something is finished.The idiom comes from the era of steam engines such as old trains and factory machines. When the boiler no longer produced enough steam, the engine would slow down and eventually stop.
We were making good progress on the hike, but I ran out of steam near the top of the hill.
Run the gauntlet
To run the gauntlet means going through a difficult situation where you face a series of challenges or attacks.The phrase comes from an old military punishment in which a person had to pass between two lines of soldiers who struck them as they went by.
She ran a gauntlet of whispers and stares once the rumor went around at school.