DICTIONARY OF IDIOMS & PHARASES

X factorThe dangers for people in the military that civilians do not face, for which they receive payment, are known as the X factor.X marks the spotThis is used to say where something is located or hidden.X-ratedIf something is x-rated, it is not suitable for children.

Waiting in the wingsIf someone is waiting in the wings, they are in the background, but nearby, ready to act on short notice.Wake-up callA wake-up call is a warning of a threat or a challenge, especially when it means that people will have to change their behaviour to meet it.Walk on eggshellsIf you have to

Vale of tearsThis vale of tears is the world and the suffering that life brings.Velvet gloveThis idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is determined and inflexible underneath.Vicar of BrayA person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray.Vicious circleA vicious

U-turnIf a government changes its position radically on an issue, especially when they have promised not to do so, this is a U-turn.Ugly ducklingAn ugly duckling is a child who shows little promise, but who develops later into a real talent or beauty.Uncharted watersIf you’re in uncharted waters, you are in a situation that is

Take a leaf out of someone’s bookIf you take a leaf out of someone’s book, you copy something they do because it will help you.Take a straw pollIf you take a straw poll, you sound a number of people out to see their opinions on an issue or topic.Take it on the chinIf you take

Sacred cowSomething that is a sacred cow is held in such respect that it cannot be criticised or attacked.Safe and soundIf you arrive safe and sound, then nothing has harmed you on your way.Safe betA proposition that is a safe bet doesn’t have any risks attached.Safe pair of handsA person who can be trusted to

Rack and ruinIf something or someone goes to rack and ruin, they are utterly destroyed or wrecked.Rags to richesSomeone who starts life very poor and becomes rich, goes from rags to riches.Raining cats and dogsWhen it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining very heavily.Rainy dayIf you save something, especially money, for a rainy

Queen of HeartsA woman who is pre-eminent in her area is a Queen of Hearts.Queer fishA strange person is a queer fish.Queer StreetIf someone is in a lot of trouble, especially financial, they are in Queer Street.Queer your pitchIf someone queers your pitch, they interfere in your affairs and spoil things.Queue jumpingSomeone who goes to

Paddle your own canoeIf you paddle your own canoe, you do things for yourself without outside help.Pain in the neckIf someone is very annoying and always disturbing you, they are a pain in the neck.Paint the town redIf you go out for a night out with lots of fun and drinking, you paint the town

Odds and endsOdds and ends are small, remnant articles and things.Off colourIf someone looks off colour they look ill.Off the chartIf something goes off the chart, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or bad, for something.Off the cuffIf you do something off the cuff, you do it without any preparation.Off the hookIf someone is

Nail in the coffinA nail in someone or something’s coffin is a problem or event that is a clear step towards an inevitable failure.Nature abhors a vacuumThis idiom is used to express the idea that empty or unfilled spaces are unnatural as they go against the laws of nature and physics.Neck and neckIf two competitors

Mad as a badgerIf someone is as mad as a badger, they are crazy.Mad as a hornetIf someone is as mad as a hornet, they are very angry indeed.Mad as a March hareSomeone who is excitable and unpredictable is as mad as a March hare.Mailed fistSomeone who rules or controls something with a mailed fist

Labour of loveA labour of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise.Labour of loveA labour of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial or otherwise.Lame duckIf something

Kangaroo courtWhen people take the law into their own hands and form courts that are not legal, these are known as kangaroo court.Keen as mustardIf someone is very enthusiastic, they are as keen as mustard.Keep abreastIf you keep abreast of things, you stay informed about developments.Keep at bayIf you keep someone or something at bay,

Jack FrostIf everything has frozen in winter, then Jack Frost has visited.Jack-of-all-tradesA jack-of-all-trades is someone that can do many different jobs.Jane DoeJane Doe is a name given to an unidentified female who may be party to legal proceedings, or to an unidentified person in hospital, or dead.Jersey justiceJersey justice is very severe justice.Jet-blackTo emphasise just