Meaning- practical, sensible and realistic. Usage- Despite being rich he doesn’t act snobbishly. He is really down-to- earth. Origin- This expression dates from the first half of the 20th century. A person who is down-to-earth is direct and practical. Earth …
Meaning- to overlook the overall situation because of a focus on small details. Usage- During his writing he focuses on grammar but forgets the content. He can’t see the forest for the trees. Origin- This idiom,which has been popular for …
Meaning- to praise yourself Usage-When you fill out an application for a job, blow your own horn. Origin- in ancient Roman times, a blare of trumpets announced the arrival of a great hero. Today people who blow their own horns …
Meaning- The most unsuccessful or least admirable member. Usage – He is the black sheep of the family always causing trouble. Origin- This expression has been used at least since the early 1800s to describe a person who is a …
Meaning- people who are alike often become friends. Usage- Despite differences politicians seem birds of a feather. Origin – This saying is from the Bible and 2000 years old. It is based on the observation that birds of the same …
Meaning- in a very difficult position. Usage- Ramesh had to choose between confessing that he hadn’t studied or trying to fake it . He was between the devil and the deep blue sea. Origin- in the early 17th century the …
Meaning- either partner in marriage. Usage- He doesn’t make any decision until check with his better half. Origin- Puritans were English Protestants in the 16th and the 17 centuries who favoured strict religious discipline. They said each person was made …
Meaning- cruel, unfair,hurtful Usage – Saying he wasn’t very good at English just because he made one mistake was really heating below the belt. Origin- The sport of boxing can be dangerous. Prizefighters can get seriously injured if the official …
BEAT A DEAD HORSEMeaning- to pursue a useless goal. Usage-He was trying to convince his father, but he was beating a dead horse. Origin- This saying goes back to the ancient Roman playwright Plaitus who used in 195B.C. in one …
BEAT AROUND THE BUSHMeaning- to answer something in a roundabout way. Usage- stop beating around the bush. Why haven’t you done your work. Origin- This expression goes all the way back to the 1500s when hunters hired people called beaters …