across the board: affecting all classes or groups; as a bet.
a feather in one's cap (to receive honor, merit)
a good/great deal (large amount)
a pat on the back (a compliment)
after someone's own heart (that makes someone perfectly content)
age old (ancient)
ahead of time (early)
all for the best (turning out to be good after all)
all of a sudden (unexpectedly)
all thumbs (clumsy)
around the clock (24-hours; all day/all the time)
as a last resort (as a last possible option)
as a matter of fact/in fact (in reality)
as a rule: usually
as far as (to the distance or degree of)
as the crow flies (in a straight line)
asking price (price asked for by seller; esp.as a basis for bargaining)
at best (under the most favorable conditions)
at heart (in one's innermost nature, instinct)
at home with: at ease
at length (finally; for a duration; a great deal)
at loose ends (unsettled matters)
at odds (in disagreement with)
at one's fingertips (ready to use, close at hand)
at stake: to bet, risk much, a gamble
at someone's service ( ready to help/assist someone)
at the mercy of (completely under the influence or will of)
at the point of (nearly)
at the same time (however)
at the table: having a meal
at times (occasionally)
at/behind the wheel (driving a car)
bad blood (anger/hatred)
bait and switch (unethical sales technique of dealers drawing in customers with often non-existent bargain items and then tries to switch their attention to a more expensive item.)
bare bones (simple, basic)
bark up the wrong tree (be misguided, confused)
be on the ball (alert, efficient, ahead of schedule)
bear down on (to exert pressure or effort (on) to approach)
bear out (to confirm)
bear up (to endure)
bear/keep in mind (to remember)
beat around the bush (to talk around a subject without getting to the main point)
bed fellow (an associate, ally)
bed of roses (a situation or position of ease and luxury)
beef up (to reinforce, make stronger)
before long (soon)
behind the eight ball (in a very unfavorable position)
below the belt (unfairly)
beside the point (not related)
beyond measure (exceeding)
bide one's time (to wait patiently for the right opportunity)
big shot (important/influential person)
big time (success)
big-hearted (quick to forgive or give/generous)
big-mouthed (talkative; opinionated)
birds of a feather, flock together (people who are similar, tend to have the same tastes)
bit by bit (gradually)
bite the dust (to die)
black out (to lose consciousness, to lose electricity)
black sheep (family or group member not as respected as the rest)
block head (stupid person, idiot)
blood curdling (frightening, terrifying)
blow one's top (lose one's temper)
bookworm (someone who reads or studies much)
bottle up (restrain)
boxed in (shut in, keep in; surrounded, confined)
bread winner (primary financial supporter of dependents)
break bread (to eat)
break ground (to dig, excavate, begin construction)
break the ice (to start out; introduction)
breath again (to feel relieved)
bring home to: to impress upon
bring/come to terms with (come to an agreement/resolution)
broken hearted (crushed by grief or sorrow; loss love)
brown bag (to bring one's own lunch to work/school)
bubble head (a person who is silly, ignorant)
burn one's bridges (to go forward with no choice of return)
butter up: to get someone in a good mood, esp. before asking a favor.
by all means (without fail, certainly)
by far/far and away (very much; considerably)
by heart (from memory)
by means of (by using)
by no means (not at all)
by the book (according to the rules)
by the same token (for the same reason)
call the shots (to direct or control what is done)
capitalize on something (to use something to one's benefits)
catch hold of: to take, seize, acquire, etc
cat fight (fight between two women)
catch a cold (to get sick)
catch one's breath (gasp for air; rest or pause)
chalk up (to score, get, achieve; to ascribe)
chatter box (constant talker)
chicken-hearted/chicken-livered (cowardly, afraid)
chicken out: to be afraid and refuse to do something
chime in (to join in, to agree)
clamp down on: to become more strict
clam up: to be quiet, not say anything
close call/close shave (barely avoiding danger)
close-fisted (cheap)
coast to coast (U.S. Across the nation)
cold blood (cruel, deliberately)
cold turkey (to give up smoking; without preparation)
come to grips with (to struggle with)
concern oneself (to busy oneself; to be worried)
cross someone’s mind: to come to mind unexpectedly
cross someone’s path: to meet someone unexpectedly
crunch time (down to the wire, before meeting a deadline)
crybaby (someone who complains when they don't get their way)
cut and dry (plain, basic, simple)
cut someone some slack (to demand less of them)
deep rooted (firmly fixed)
devil's advocate (a person upholding the wrong side for the sake of argument)
dirt cheap (very cheap)
dirt poor (very poor)
dish it out (to subject others to criticism)
do the honors (to serve as the host of an event)
do-it-yourself (to fix, repair, construct, etc by yourself without hiring a professional to do for you)
dog days (hot uncomfortable days in July and August)
down in the dumps (in low spirits)
down the line (in the future)
down-hearted (discouraged)
down-to-Earth (realistic, practical)
draw the line (set limits)
dump on (to treat with disdain, contempt)
eagle-eyed (having good sight)
egg-head (intellectual)
egg on: to encourage
empty-handed (bringing or carrying nothing away)
every inch (in all respects)
every which way (in complete chaos, disorder)
face to face: confronting each other; very near to
face the music (to accept the consequences)
fair game (a legitimate object of attack or pursuit)
few and far between (scarce, rare, not common)
first hand (originally, directly)
fit the bill (make the requirements)
flip one's lid (to go crazy)
follow suit (to follow the example of/set by another)
for good measure (in addition)
for keeps (winner gets to keep winnings; permanently)
for the birds (ridiculous, foolish, not worth one's time)
for the most part (mostly)
for the time being (temporarily)
foul up (to do something badly, a blunder,
free thinker (someone who thinks independent of a group, unconventional)
from scratch: starting from nothing, often without help or resources.
from time to time (now and then)
gain/lose ground (to gain/lose progress)
game plan (long-term strategy)
gang up on (single-out for criticism; attack as a group)
get the best of (to defeat/out-smart)
get wind of (hear about something)
get/have the better of (to out-do, outwit
get/have the goods on (having incriminating information)
give ground (to retreat, withdraw, yield)
give it a whirl (to make an attempt)
give or take (plus or minus; not exact amount; estimate)
give rise to (to be the cause of)
give the ax/axed (to be discharged/fired from work)
go steady ( to date someone, be in an exclusive relationship)
go to the dogs (rundown, in bad condition)
great-hearted (fearless, courageous, brave; selfless; generous)
green thumb (talented for growing plants)
half-hearted (with little enthusiasm, determination, interest, etc-)
hammer away at: to keep emphasizing
hand in hand (together)
hand it to (to give credit to)
hands down (easily)
hard-headed (stubborn; not sentimental; insensitive, cruel, practical, shrewd)
have a bone to pick (have cause to argue)
have an axe to grind (to have an object of one's own to gain or promote)
have in mind (to intend)
head off: to get ahead of and cross paths with
head over heels (completely, deeply)
heart to heart (deeply personal)
heavy-handed (clumsy or tactless; oppressive and tyrannical)
heavy-hearted (sad; depressed)
high end (expensive and of high standard)
high on the hog (in a rich and expensive manner)
high-minded (having high ideals or principles)
hit or miss (randomly, up to luck)
hit the bottle (to drink much alcohol)
hit the ceiling (to lose one's temper)
hit the sack/hay (to go to bed)
hit the spot (satisfy, as in thirst, refreshing)
hold one's horses (to remain patient)
hold one's tongue (keep from speaking)
hold the line (to remain firm in one's position)
hold water (to make sense)
horse around (to joke, play around)
hot-blooded (easily excited)
hot-headed (quick-tempered)
household word (common saying or thing; known by most people)
how about something? (what's your opinion? Concerning something/someone)
ill at ease (uncomfortable)
ill-fated (unlucky)
ill-favored (unpleasant)
ill-gotten (gotten illegally or dishonestly)
ill-mannered (rude, impolite)
in a bad spot (in trouble)
in a box (difficult situation)
in a hole (in a bad situation financially)
in a word (briefly)
in any case (anyhow)
in any event (no matter what happens; anyway)
in bad faith (insincere, dishonest)
in bad/good taste (sense of style, beauty, or fitness)
in case (in the event of, if)
in case of ( in the event of)
in general (usually; unspecified)
in light of (considering)
in line for (under consideration)
in no case (never)
in on the ground floor (starting a business; working your way up)
in one's tracks (where one is at the moment)
in part (partly)
in so far (to the extent that)
in so many words ( exactly and plainly)
in spite of (regardless)
in tears (crying)
in the air (current, prevalent)
in the bag (having its success assured)
in the balance (not settled)
in the black (for business, to operate at profit)
in the clear (free from obstacles; innocent)
in the cold (neglected)
in the dark: uninformed/unaware; ignorant
in the doghouse (in bad favor)
in the event of (in case of-)
in the event that (if it should happen that)
in the face of: in the presence of; in spite of
in the flesh (in-person)
in the long run (for the duration of)
in the money (wealthy)
in the name of (by the authority of)
in the nick of time (at the last possible moment when needed)
in the red (to be under profit, business-wise)
in the saddle (in a position of control/influence)
in the same breath (almost at the same time)
in the spotlight (to get public notice, celebrity)
in the swim (active in what is popular at the moment)
in the wake of (following closely)
in the wind (gossip)
in the works: while being planned
in/on behalf of (in the interest of/for)
in/out of gear (in/not working order)
in/out of the picture (involving/not involving something or someone in a situation)
inch by inch (gradually)
jack of all trades (someone who can do almost everything)
kick the bucket (to die)
knock oneself out: encouragement to give something a try, attempt something
lay eyes on (to see)
lay low (to keep a low profile; to remain hidden; go unnoticed)
lay to rest (to settle a matter; to bury someone)
lead the way: to guide, make an example for
lend oneself/itself to (become accustomed to; useful for)
level-headed (patient; reasonable person)
lie in wait (waiting to catch someone by a trap)
light-footed (graceful)
light-headed (dizzy)
light-hearted (carefree; happy)
light-minded (silly, ridiculous)
like clockwork (very regularly)
like-minded (similar in thinking, beliefs, plans, etc)
lion-hearted (very brave, courageous)
long-faced (sad)
loose cannon (a person with unpredictable words/actions that causes embarrassment/harm to others)
loud-mouthed (someone boastful, bragging; gossiping; talking loudly)
low-minded (vulgar thinking; dirty-minded)
low-spirited (depressed, sad)
luck out (to be lucky)
make a splash (to attract great attention; fame)
make light of (to trivialize; treat with less importance)
make sport of (mock, ridicule, laugh at, joke about)
make the best of (to do as well as one can with)
mastermind (a very clever person; director behind plans or projects)
measure up to (meet a standard)
middle man (a person who buys from factory/warehouse and sells at retail price; a go-between/mediator)
middle of the road (moderate thinker)
mind-blowing (extremely surprising; hard to understand)
mind-boggling (causing shock, awing, surprising)
monkey business (trickery, joking; cheating)
more like it (closer to suitable; desired effect)
mouth-watering (appetizing by appearance, anticipated to be delicious)
narrow-minded (limited in outlook; biased, prejudiced; ignorant)
narrow/close squeak ( narrow escape)
neck and neck (very close in competition; race, etc)
nest egg (money set aside to fund a new investment)
never mind (forget about; don't worry about)
night owl (someone active at night)
no nonsense (serious; practical)
no-brainer (something easily solved without much thought)
not all there (crazy, mentally insane)
odds and ends (scraps, remnants, junk)
of sorts/of a sort (of an inferior kind)
off the hook: out of trouble
off the record: kept a secret, confidential; not publicly known
off the wall (crazy, insane, eccentric)
off the wall (crazy, unusual, not normal)
on board: in a group as a member
on call: available when called up
on no account: under no circumstances
on /upon someone's heels (in close pursuit)
on one's own (working independently)
on par with (on the same level, up to the same standard)
on second thought (reconsidering)
on someone's head (someone's responsibility or bad luck)
on someone's mind (preoccupying someone's thoughts, a worry or concern)
on the beam (working hard)
on the bench (sitting out, inactive)
on the carpet (being reprimanded)
on the dot (at the exact time)
on the double: quickly
on the face of it (apparently)
on the fence (undecided, uncommitted)
on the fly/double (in a hurry, quickly)
on the house (at the expense of the buyer)
on the loose (not confined; free roaming)
on the one/other hand (from one/or opposed viewpoint)
on the road: traveling (salesperson), on tour (music group, performers)
on the right/wrong track (to be progressing/digressing)
on a roll: off to a good start, make progress
on the run (escaping from)
on the spot (in a bad or demanding situation)
on the spur of the moment (abruptly, impulsively)
on the strength of (based on, relying/depending on)
on the whole (in general)
on thin ice (in danger)
on/off duty (at or relieved from one's work)
on/off the air (that is/not broadcasting)
one's flesh and blood (immediate family member)
one's folks (parents)
open and shut (easily decided)
open-ended (undetermined)
open-handed (generous)
open-hearted (generous, kind, compassionate)
open-minded (accepting of new ideas; tolerant)
open/wide-eyed (surprised; shocked)
out of breath (breathless, exhausted)
out of date (not current/in-style or not fashionable)
out of focus: blurry
out of humor (not in a good mood; not well)
out of one's mind (to go crazy, over worried)
out of question: impossible, not an option
out of sight: very far; beyond reach
out of sorts (not in good humor/health)
out of step: not following rhythm, not regular procedure.
out of stock (not available for sale or use)
out of the blue (happening unexpectedly)
out of the way (isolated; away from many people)
out on a limb (in a dangerous situation)
out on the town (out for a good time)
over someone's head (more than someone can understand; beyond their authority)
over the counter (related to anything sold directly to the customer; usually of drugs that don't require doctors' prescriptions)
over the top (more than what's necessary)
part company (to stop seeing, associating with)
pig-headed (stubborn)
pin-headed (a stupid, idiot person)
play it by ear (to improvise; do without any practice)
play the field (to not confine one's activity's to one object)
pull up stakes (to relocate, move)
push to the wall (desperate situation)
put a crimp in (obstruct, hinder)
put one finger on (to be sure, certain of something)
read between the lines (to look more closely at something written, said, or done)
ring a bell (to make someone remember)
rub down (to massage; polish, wipe clean)
rub elbows with (to argue with)
rub the wrong way (to do something displeasing to someone)
runs rings around (to out-compete)
second hand (previously used, not original)
second nature (one's habit, almost instinctive)
second rate (second in quality; inferior, generic)
second wind (fresh effort, another attempt)
see things (imagine something not really there)
seeing red (to be angry, enraged)
serve someone right (to get what someone deserves for doing something wrong)
sharp-eyed (having good vision/perception)
sharp-tongued( using sharp or harshly critical language)
sharp-witted (thinking quickly and effectively)
ship shape (orderly, organized)
shop talk (to discuss one's work)
shop worn (old, faded from being put on store display)
short-changed (to cheat by not returning what is due: usually less than the amount in change from
payment)
show of hands (raised hands as for voting or volunteering to do something)
side by side (together)
side-splitting (very funny, hilarious)
simple-minded (foolish, unsophisticated)
single-handed (without help)
sit tight (to keep one's opinion or position and wait)
slack off (delay, procrastinate, put something off to do later)
small talk (light conversation about everyday things; chit-chat)
small time (minor, inferior)
small-minded (mean, narrow-minded, or selfish)
so and so (unspecified person or thing)
so far (up to this time, place, degree)
so long as (under these conditions; since; while)
so to speak (that is to say)
so what? (Sl. Even if so, what then?)
sock away (to set aside (money) as savings)
something else (amazing, remarkable)
sooner or later (inevitable, eventually)
sort of (somewhat)
sour grapes (scorning of something only because it cannot be had or done)
sour puss (a gloomy, disagreeable person)
speak in tongues (to say something that doesn't make sense)
spice up: to make more interesting
spick and span (new and fresh; neat and clean)
spill the beans (to tell a secret)
spitting image (picture perfect copy)
spring a leak (to unexpectly leak)
square oneself (to make amends)
squeak through (to succeed, survive, etc, with difficulty)
stay put (to remain in place, unchanged)
stick to one's guns (to be resolute)
straight face/poker face (facial expressing showing no emotion)
straight forward (honest, direct, frank)
straight shooter (a person who is honest, sincere, direct)
strong-minded/strong-willed (unyielding, determined, stubborn)
suit oneself (to do what one wants)
suit up (to put on uniform;etc in preparation for a big event)
sure enough (without doubt, certain)
sweet talk (to flatter)
sweet tooth (to have a craving for sweets)
swell-head (conceited person)
take it easy (to not to be quick to temper, hurry; to relax, be calm)
take someone's breath away (to excite someone)
take stock (inventory available goods/products; make an appraisal)
the few (a minority)
the game is up (it's over, failure is expected)
the mind's eye (imagination)
third rate (3rd in quality; very poor, inferior)
throw in the towel (admit defeat)
thunderstruck (amazed or terrified)
tie the knot (to get married)
tight ship (an organization run as efficiently as a well-run ship)
tight wad (a cheap person)
sight-lipped (secretive)
tighten one's belt (live more thriftly)
time tested (having value proven by long use or experience)
tip top (highest point)
to be all ears (listening carefully)
to be cursed with (to suffer from)
to be on one's guard (to be aware, alert, vigilant)
to bite the bullet (to confront a painful situation with courage)
to blow off steam (to take it easy; relax)
to change one's mind (to change one's view; opinions; decision, etc)
to chew the fat (to chat)
to come clean (to confess something)
to come to a head (to gather or reach a critical point)
to cook someone's goose (to spoil someone's chances)
to cry wolf (to give false alarm)
to cut corners (to save time/money)
to do one's bit (to do one's share, equal effort)
to do the trick (to produce the intended results)
to drag over the coals (to criticize sharply)
to fall flat (a failure to achieve the intended result)
to fall short of (to fail to reach/achieve)
to feel one's way (to proceed with caution)
to fight tooth and nail (with all one's strength)
to follow in someone's footsteps (to follow someone's example)
to forget oneself (to forget one's manners)
to fork over/up (to pay out; hand over)
to get carried away (to become overly excited or enthused)
to get cold feet (to back out of something)
to get in someone's hair (to annoy someone)
to get on someone's nerves (to annoy, bother, irritate)
to get snowed under (to get overwhelmed with work)
to get someone's goat (to annoy or bother someone)
to get the boot (to be dismissed/fired from work, etc)
to get the message (to understand a hint)
to give the cold shoulder (to ignore someone)
to go haywire (to go crazy, to not work correctly)
to go high hog (to go all the way)
to go overboard (to do something radical; unconventional)
to go through the motions (to do something as from routine; with little effort or excitement)
to go to someone's head (to make them become arrogant, cocky, conceited)
to go/fall to pieces (to fall apart; to lose self-control)
to have a chip on one's shoulder (undue burden, having a tendency to fight or argue)
to have a fit (to be very angry or upset)
to have a frog in one's throat (temporary hoarseness)
to have an eye for (to have an appreciation for)
to have something up one's sleeves (to have something hidden but ready at hand; to pull a trick)
to have the works (have everything)
to help oneself to (to take without asking)
to hit it off (to get along well together)
to hold/stand one's ground (to remain resolute; unyielding)
to jump the gun (to begin before the proper time)
to keep company with (to associate with; go together;)
to keep house (to keep organized, clean)
to keep one's fingers cross (hope for/against something)
to keep one's shirt on (to be patient, to keep calm)
to keep to oneself (to remain isolated; to keep a secret)
to keep/lose one's head (to lose patience, temper, discipline)
to keep/lose track of (to stay (or fail to stay) informed about)
to kick up someone's heels (to have fun)
to let slide (to neglect something)
to let slip (to say something without intending to)
to let the cat out of the bag (to let a secret be known)
to lose one's temper (to get angry easily)
to lose oneself (to become engrossed, deeply engaged in something; unaware of anything else)
to lose/save face (to lose dignity/respect)
to make a face (facial expression)
To make ends meet (to manage to keep one's expenses within one's income)
to make money (to profit)
to make news (to do something worthy of attention)
to make one's mark (to achieve fame)
to make sense of (to understand)
to make the grade (to succeed)
to make/take a stab at (attempt at something)
to mean business (not joking around, to get serious)
to mean well (to have good intentions)
to pan out (to turn out; usually with success)
to part with (to give up/hand over)
to pave the way (to pioneer; be the first to do something; to set the standard)
to pin something on someone (to place blame on them)
to point one's finger (to make an accusation, blame someone)
to poke fun at (to make fun of, ridicule)
to pull a few strings (to get someone with influence to act in your favor; often secretly)
to pull on someone's heartstrings (to touch them in a very deep way)
to pull oneself together (to regain control of one's emotions; feelings, etc)
to put an end to (to stop, do away with something)
to put money into (to invest)
to put one's cards on the table (to reveal something frankly)
to rough it (to manage without many comforts)
to see eye to eye (a complete agreement, endure a tough situation)
to see the light (to understand; become publicly known; be created)
to see through rose-colored glasses (to be overly optimistic about something)
to send packing (to dismiss suddenly)
to set one's heart on (to have a fixed desire for)
to shell out (to pay money for)
to show one's true colors (to reveal one's true nature/self)
to start with a clean slate (to begin without any record of mistakes, dishonor, discredit)
to sweat it out (waiting nervously, anxiously for something)
to take part in (to be involved, participate)
to take root (to begin)
to take shape (to begin to show some results)
to take sides (to support one side of a dispute)
to take someone's part (to sympathize with their cause)
to take steps (to do what's necessary)
to take the cake (be the primary example of something)
to take to heart (to take seriously; to be troubled by)
to take/put stock in (to have faith in, be confident about something/someone)
to the point (related to)
to throw a monkey wrench into (to disrupt the orderly function of)
tongue lashing (harsh scolding, criticism)
tongue-in-cheek (in a humorously ironic or insincere way)
tongue-tied (speechless from amazement, embarassment, etc)
top notch (first-rate, excellent)
toss up (flipping a coin, an even chance)
touchy-feely (over sensitive)
track record (record of past performance of someone, etc doing some activity)
trail and error (repeated process of making attempts until achieving the intended results)
trailblazer (a pioneer in any field)
trouble-shooter (one who fixes problems)
tunnel vision (a narrow outlook; on a situation)
turn a tight corner/make a tight squeeze (a difficult situation)
turn one's back (to turn away from; as with contempt; to abandon)
turn tail (to run from danger/difficulty)
turning point (point in time when a decisive change occurs)
turning the tables: a reversal of a situation (in one’s favor)
twiddle one's thumbs (to do nothing, be inactive, idle)
two-bit (cheap, inferior)
two-edged (having 2 meanings)
two-faced (hypocrite, deceitful, dishonest)
under dog (person or team expected to lose)
under one's belt (as part of one's experience)
under one's breath (to whisper)
under one's wing (under their protection)
under someone's thumb (under someone's influence)
under the counter/table (something secret arrangment, done usually illegally, like bribes)
under the gun (in a tense situation; often involving a deadline)
up a creek (in trouble)
up and coming (on the rise, showing promise of potential success)
up in the air (not settled)
up to snuff ( up to standard)
walk on tiptoes (quietly and secretively)
warm-hearted (kind, compassionate, sensitive)
watch oneself (to be careful)
water down (weaken, something concentrated)
wear and tear (loss or damage from use)
weather-beaten (showing the effect of being out in the sun, rain, elements)
weigh down (to burden or bear down on)
well off (fortunate, prosperous)
whistleblower (one who informs on a wrongdoer)
wine and dine (to entertain lavishly)
wing it (to do without practice or experience; improvise)
wishy-washy (feeble, weak; indecisive)
with a grain of salt (not taken exactly, often exaggerated)
with all intents and purposes (in almost every way; manner; possibility)
with an eye to (paying attention; considering)
with open arms (warm, friendly, sincere)
within an inch (very close to)
word for word (exactly the same words used)
word of honor (solemn promise)
word of mouth (to spread by talking)