IDIOMS

The phrase “one bad apple spoils the bunch” means that one person or thing can ruin the whole group or situation. It is based on the fact that a rotting apple can cause other apples near it to rot faster too. The phrase comes from an old proverb that says “a rotten apple quickly infects […]

The phrase “two steps forward, one step back” means that someone is making progress, but also experiencing some setbacks or difficulties along the way. It can also describe a situation where something improves, but then worsens again. The phrase is based on an anecdote about a frog trying to climb out of a well, but

To poke the bear means to intentionally irritate or bother someone, especially someone more powerful than you, and risk provoking their anger or causing problems. The expression comes from the imagery of what would happen if a person literally poked a bear. People often use this expression in the negative statement don’t poke the bear,

The phrase “under the weather” means that someone is feeling slightly sick or unwell, either physically or mentally. It is an informal expression that is used to describe someone who is ailing or ill. The phrase presumably alludes to the influence of the weather on one’s health. The origin of this phrase may have to

The phrase behind the eight ball means to be in a difficult or disadvantageous situation, where one has little or no chance of success. It comes from the game of pool, where the eight ball is black and numbered eight. In some versions of pool, such as Eight Ball or Kelly Pool, hitting or pocketing

To throw someone under the bus means to cause someone else to suffer in order to save oneself or gain personal advantage. It implies a sudden and harsh disloyalty or rejection of a friend or ally. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone shifts the responsibility or blame for a mistake

The meaning of the idiom “it takes one to know one” is that the person who expressed criticism has similar faults to the person being criticized. The phrase is used as a retort to an insult, implying that the accuser is guilty of the same thing they are accusing of. The phrase can be used

The phrase “hit the ground running” means to start something right away while being fully committed and achieve a high level of success immediately upon embarking on a task. It is an informal idiom that means to immediately work hard and successfully at a new activity. The phrase is often used to describe someone who

The phrase “butting heads” has two meanings, depending on the context. One meaning is literal, and it refers to the action of rams or sheep that knock their heads together as a way of fighting or showing dominance. For example, you might say: “The two male rams fiercely butted heads to establish dominance among the

The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” means that people who have similar interests, personalities, or characteristics tend to associate with each other. It is based on the observation that birds of the same species often fly in groups or flocks. The phrase suggests that there is a natural attraction or compatibility between people