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Under a rock
To be under a rock means being unaware of something that most other people know about. It is used when someone seems completely out of touch with recent news or popular events.The expression comes from the image of a creature hiding under a rock, cut off from what is happening outside. Because it cannot see the world around it, it knows nothing about what is going on.
Have you really not heard about the new movie everyone is talking about, or have you been living under a rock?
Under fire
To be under fire means facing strong criticism or pressure, or attack, particularly in the public eye.The phrase comes from warfare, where soldiers are literally under fire when they are being shot at by the enemy. The danger and pressure of that situation led to the figurative use of the expression.
The mayor came under fire after the budget cuts were announced.
Under the hood
Under the hood means something that is hidden under the surface of a complex system. If you need to look under the hood of something you are investigating its internal workings.This idiom is used most commonly to talk about hidden details of a system, software or an organization. It draws from the image of opening a car's hood to look at the engine.
Under the hood, it is running linux.
Under the weather
If you say you are under the weather it means feeling slightly ill, or tired, but not really badly sick.The expression likely comes from sailing. When sailors felt sick, especially during rough seas, they sometimes stayed below deck to recover, meaning they were literally under the weather.
I'm feeling under the weather today.
Up in the air
To be left up in the air means that something has not been decided yet or is still uncertain. Plans or outcomes that are up in the air may change because no final decision has been made.The phrase comes from the image of something floating or hanging in the air without a clear place to land. Because it has not settled anywhere, it became a way to describe situations that are still unresolved.
Our travel plans are still up in the air.
Up to speed
To be up to speed means having the latest information or understanding about a situation. It is used when someone knows enough to follow what is happening.The expression comes from machines and vehicles reaching their proper operating speed. Once something is up to speed, it is working at the level needed to function correctly.
Give me a few minutes to read the notes so I can get up to speed.
Upset the apple cart
You upset the apple cart when you ruin someone's plans, or disrupt the normal operation of something.This idiom came from the literal image of a cart of apples being tipped over at the markets, causing chaos and disruption.
We were going to hold the party outdoors, but a storm came and really upset the apple cart.
Use your head
If you tell someone to use your head or use your noggin it means they should think clearly and rationally about something instead of making impulsive or emotional decisions.Use your head before making that choice.