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Just the Ticket
The phrase just the ticket means exactly what is needed. It suggests something is a perfect fit for the situation, and you are very happy with this. It originated from winning prize tickets.This warm jacket is just the ticket for winter.
Keep it under your hat
The idiom keep something under your hat means to keep a secret. It suggests not sharing information with others. It may have originated from hiding something under your hat, or keeping something in your head, which is under your hat.Keep it under your hat until the meeting.
Keep your fingers crossed
You say keep your fingers crossed when you are hoping for good luck. This physical gesture has been in use for a very long time, but it is different in some countries.In Germany and Scandinavia, crossing your fingers is seen as a sign of lying, and in Vietnam it is considered offensive.
Crossing your fingers behind your back while you are lying is a superstition that forming a cross with your fingers where nobody can see it secretly negates the lie.
I'm crossing my fingers that I get that job!
Kick the bucket
The phrase kick the bucket is used as a way of saying "to die".The slightly gruesome origin is from kicking out the bucket someone is standing on when you hang them at a gallows.
The old car finally kicked the bucket.
Kill two birds with one stone
The idiom kill two birds with one stone means to achieve two things with one action. It describes efficiency and smart planning. The wording is derives from hunting with a slingshot where a well-aimed shot could kill two birds for dinner, using only one stone.I listen to podcasts while I exercise, and kill two birds with one stone - getting fit and learning things!
Leading the charge
The phrase lead the charge is a military term, referring to a leader of a forceful advance against an enemy in battle. The person leading the charge needed courage and the ability to rally the troops.Today this term refers to a person taking a bold and enthusiastic leadership role in a new venture.
The new manager led the charge on integrating the new technology into the workplace.
Leap of faith
To take a leap of faith is to do something when you only believe in it, you have no physical proof.It originally meant that true religious faith was beyond logic and reason, but today is used to mean taking a risk in daily life.
Our boss took a real leap of faith merging with that new startup.
Leave no stone unturned
The idiom leave no stone unturned means to search everywhere and try every option. If you tell someone this, it means you want them to check thoroughly.They left no stone unturned in the search.
Let off steam
The phrase blow off steam or let off steam means to release strong feelings like anger or stress, or to get rid of pent up energy. People might say this when they go to the gym, or if they have bored children inside they take them to the park to blow off some steam.This idiom came from the time of steam engines, when there was a pressure buildup you had to let some steam out.
He went for a long run to blow off steam after work.
Light at the end of the tunnel
The phrase the light at the end of the tunnel means hope after a long or difficult time. It suggests that problems will eventually end. This idiom is derived from the feeling you get after travelling underground for a long time and finally seeing the light that means you are about to come out the other end.After months of work, we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.