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A stitch in time saves nine
The saying a stitch in time saves nine means that fixing a small problem early can prevent a much bigger problem later. It comes from sewing, where repairing a small tear quickly can stop it from becoming a large rip that needs much more work. The phrase is used as advice to encourage people not to delay important tasks.He fixed the leak straight away, knowing a stitch in time saves nine.
A storm in a teacup
The idiom a storm in a teacup means making a big fuss about a small problem. The reaction is much bigger than the situation deserves. The original form of this idiom dates back to ancient Roman times and was "a tempest in a ladle", so people have been comparing overblown reactions to putting huge storms in tiny containers for a very long time now.The committee meeting ended up being a storm in a teacup.
Another string to your bow
To add another string to your bow means having an extra skill, talent, or resource to use as a backup, which increases your options or chances of success.This idiom originated centuries ago from the practise of medieval archers carrying a spare bowstring in case the first one broke.
I decided to do a short course at college, to add another string to my bow.
Fight fire with fire
To fight fire with fire means to respond to a problem or attack by using the same kind of method against it. Instead of avoiding the conflict, a person uses similar tactics to defend themselves or push back.The phrase comes from a real firefighting technique where controlled fires are sometimes set to stop a larger wildfire by removing the fuel it needs to spread.
When their rival company launched an aggressive advertising campaign, they decided to fight fire with fire and increase their own marketing.
In the spotlight
To be in the limelight or in the spotlight means that you are the center of public attention. Everyone is looking at you and noticing what you are doing. It usually happens when you are famous or have done something very important.Both phrases come from theater lighting. In the 1800s, technicians created a bright white light by heating a cylinder of quicklime with a flame. Later, electric spotlights replaced this chemical light. People still use both versions to describe being the focus of a crowd.
After winning the award for her new book, she found herself in the limelight for the rest of the year.
In your Sunday best
The phrase "in your Sunday best" originates from the Christian tradition of wearing your best to church on Sundays, to show respect for God.For poorer and black people, especially around the time slavery ended, their Sunday clothes were often the only good clothes they owned. These clothes became a mark of dignity and self-respect.
She's all dressed up in her Sunday best
Like shooting fish in a barrel
The idiom like shooting fish in a barrel means something is very easy. The implication is that a barrel is such a small body of water that the fish can't get away from you.That exam was so easy it was like shooting fish in a barrel.
Not the sharpest tool in the shed
Not the sharpest tool in the shed or not the sharpest knife in the drawer is a euphemism for saying someone is not very smart.He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he works hard.
Salt of the earth
Salt of the earth describes someone who is very good, honest, and kind. It is usually used for ordinary people who work hard, help others, and do the right thing without showing off.The phrase comes from an old expression that compared good people to salt, which was once very valuable and important for preserving food. Just as salt was essential in everyday life, these people were seen as important and dependable members of a community.
The old mechanic who fixes cars for free is the salt of the earth.
Save for a rainy day
Saving for a rainy day means to keep money or resources for a time when you might need them. People use this idea to talk about being careful and preparing for future problems or emergencies.This phrase comes from the idea of bad weather stopping normal plans. When rain keeps people indoors or makes work harder, it helps to have something saved to rely on.
She always saves a little from each paycheck for a rainy day.