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Subject-wise Idioms
Idioms with the word "First" 1. First aid: medical care for minor injuries such as mild abrasions, cuts, bruises, and burns 2. First among equals: the sentiment that a leader is merely the premier person among his or her colleagues 3. First base: the first step or stage in a process or procedure, from baseball terminology 4. First blood: referring to the rite of passage of a hunter making a first kill 5. (At) first blush: referring to reconsideration of one’s initial thought 6. First call: the right to priority in use of something 7. First cause: the philosophical concept of the original self-created cause of which all other causes are by-products 8. First chair: the lead musician among those playing a particular instrument in an orchestra (such as first violin) 9. First class: the best category of travel accommodations, or the best in terms of performance or quality 10. First come, first served: the principle that the customer who arrives first is given priority 11. First cousin: a son or daughter of one’s aunt or uncle 12. First crack: the earliest chance or opportunity 13. First dance: the tradition of the guests of honor being the first couple on the dance floor to start a ball or other dance event 14. First dibs: choice of (something) before anyone else gets to pick 15. First down: the first in a series of plays in American football after one team takes possession of the ball from the other team 16. First edition: the initial publication of a book 17. First estate: the clergy as the highest of the three orders of society in the Middle Ages and for some time afterward (the others were the nobility and the common people) 18. First floor: the ground floor (in American English usage) or the second floor (in British English usage) 19. First flush (of success): an initial period of achievement (the term is also used technically to refer to the initial runoff of rainwater after a storm) 20. First glance: a superficial examination or review 21. (At) first hand: with direct experience (as an adjective, firsthand) 22. First impression: the initial evaluation of information or an experience, generally before having time to consider or ponder 23. First lady: the wife of a government’s leader 24. First leg: the first part of a journey 25. First light: the earliest part of day 26. First night: the evening of a premiere performance, or the premiere performance itself 27. (In the) first place: in the beginning, or as an initial consideration 28. (Right of) first refusal: the privilege of being able to accept or reject an offer or proposal before anyone else is given consideration 29. (Love at) first sight: the sentiment of an instant romantic connection 30. (The) first step (is always the hardest): the notion that starting a task is the most difficult part 31. (Cast the) first stone: used to refer to hypocritical behavior akin to throwing a stone at someone as punishment for a crime when the thrower may be culpable for the same crime or another one 32. First string: the group of athletes who participate from the beginning an athletic competition, as opposed to players who may substitute for first string teammates at some point; by extension, the best among any group 33. (Don’t) know the first thing about: the model for an expression stating that someone is unacquainted with even the basics of a certain procedure or topic 34. First things first: refers to the importance of considering the relative priority of steps 35. First-timer: someone engaging or participating in some activity the person has not done before 36. First water: the highest quality, especially in gems but also said figuratively of people of high character 37. First world: the developed, industrialized nations 38. (If at) first you don’t succeed (try again): the sentiment that one should persist after initial failure 39. Ladies first: a sentiment that, according to proper etiquette, females should have priority in passing through a doorway or into another area 40. Shoot first (and ask questions later): referring to the supposed wisdom, in a confrontation, of disabling a potential adversary first and then ascertaining whether the person is in fact a foe. |
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#2
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Idioms with the word "One"
Idioms with the word "One" 1. All in one breath: said of something spoken excitedly without pause 2. All in one piece: safely 3. All rolled up in one: combined 4. All-in-one: with all required features 5. As one: as if a group were one entity 6. At one with: in agreement or solidarity with another 7: do (someone) one better: do something that is an improvement on what someone else has done 8. For one thing: said to introduce one of two or more reasons (though the phrase might follow the statement) 9. For one: a qualifier expressing that someone represents an example 10. Hole in one: said of a significant achievement, in reference to achieving a goal in golf with a single hit of the ball 11. If it’s not one thing: part of a saying (with the rest, “it’s another (thing)” often not said but implied) expressed when one is exasperated by the latest in a series of inconveniences 12. In one ear and out the other: said of advice or information that is not heeded or retained 13. In one fell swoop: all at once or within a short period 14. It’s been one of those days: said when multiple things have gone wrong in succession 15. It’s just one of those things: said of something unfortunate that must be accepted 17. Take care of number one: said in reference to focusing on one’s own safety or concerns over that of others 18. Not one iota: not even a bit 19. Number one: oneself (see “look after number one”) 20. On the one hand: from one point of view (sometimes paired with “on the other hand”) 21. One and all: everyone 22. One for the (record) books: said of a significant achievement 23. One good turn deserves another: an expression about the importance of reciprocity 24. One-hit wonder: an artist who achieves only one commercial success 25. One heck/hell of a (something): a reference to someone being markedly bad or good at something 26. One in a million: rare or unique, often said about someone with a distinctive quality 27. One jump/step ahead: said of someone who anticipates or innovates 28. One man’s meat is another man’s poison: something one person likes may not be suitable for another person 29. One-night stand: an activity or encounter that lasts only one night 30. One-note: said of something lacking variety 31. One of a kind: unique 32. One of the boys: someone accepted into or part of a group 33. One of these days: said of an expected event that will occur someday or soon; also, sometimes expressed as a threat, with the consequence implied but not stated 34. One of those things: said of something unwelcome but inevitable 35. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure: something of no value to one person may be valuable to another 36. One that got away: a missed opportunity 37. One-track mind: said of someone with a single-minded focus 38. One-trick pony: someone or something with only one distinguishing feature, skill, or talent 39. One up on: said of having an advantage over someone 40. One way or another: somehow 41. Square one: the starting point of developing something or solving a problem (often in the phrase “back to square one”) 42. The one and only: said of something unique 43. There is more than one way to skin a cat: more than one procedure will work or more than one solution is available
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
#3
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Idioms with the word "Single"
Idioms with the word "Single" 1. At a single blow: with one movement 2. Of a single mind: in agreement 3. Single: an unmarried person, or a one-base hit in baseball 4. Single file: a reference to a line of people or things, with each one standing behind another 5. Single out: focus on or identify one thing 6. At a single stroke: with one movement
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
#4
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Idioms with the word "Once"
Idioms with the word "Once" 1. Once and for all: permanently 2. Once bitten, twice shy: a proverb expressing that one’s inclination is to avoid people who, or things, that have hurt them 3. Once in a blue moon: very rarely 4. Once in a lifetime: said of something likely to occur only once during one’s life 5. Once over lightly: quickly 6. Once upon a time: once in the past (used often as the beginning of a fairy tale to express that the story occurred long ago) 7. Opportunity knocks but once: a proverb expressing that one may have only one chance to take advantage of an opportunity 8. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me: a proverb expressing that one should be wary of the intentions of someone who has tricked one before 9. For once: on this particular occasion 10. Give (one) the once-over: examine with interest 11. If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a hundred/thousand times: a phrase expressing, with exaggeration, that one has repeatedly referred to something
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
#5
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Idioms with the word "Two"
Idioms with the word "Two" 1. As easy as one-two-three: said of something as simple as counting 2. Give two hoots about: said of someone, preceded by one or more names or a pronoun and doesn’t ordon’t, to express a lack of concern 3. It takes two to tango: said of a situation in which two parties are both responsible 4. Kill two birds with one stone: achieve two goals with one action 5. Know a trick or two: said when one has an unorthodox solution to a problem 6. Lesser of two evils: something that is bad but not as bad as something else 7. No two ways about it: said to express certainty or inflexibility 8. Of two minds: undecided 9. Put two and two together: said of correctly figuring out or solving a problem, as compared with computation 10. Stand on (one’s) own two feet: be self-sufficient 11. Tell (someone) a thing or two: scold 12. That makes two of us: we agree, or something is true of the speaker or writer and another person 13. Two can play that game: refers to the possibility that one who has treated another badly may be treated that way in return 14. Two cents’ worth: advice 15. Two heads are better than one: collaboration will produce a better outcome than individual effort 16. Two left feet: said of an awkward dancer 17.Two of a kind/two peas in a pod: said of two people who are very similar (or, in the case of the second expression, often in each other’s company) 18. Two shakes of a lamb’s tail: a very brief period 19. Two strikes: said of someone or something that has two disadvantages or obstacles, with the implication that a third strike, as in baseball, will put someone or something out of action 20. Two wrongs don’t make a right: doing something wrong in response to another wrong is not justified 21. Two-timer: someone who cheats on a partner 22. Two’s company: part of a proverb (followed by the counterpoint “three’s a crowd”) to express that often, a third person is unwelcome
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
#6
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Idioms with the word "Second"
Idioms with the word "Second" 1. Second chance: another opportunity 2. Second best: something not as good as the thing desired 3. Second fiddle: one who plays, or is perceived to play, a subordinate role (from an informal reference to violinists in a music ensemble who are not the principal violinist) 4. Second class: inferior, as in references to travel accommodations or disadvantaged citizens 5. Second banana: someone who plays a secondary role (from show business slang for a supporting comedian) 6. Second-guess: predict another’s action or decision 7. Secondhand: as an adjective, not original, or previously owned; as an adverb, indirectly, or obtained from another 8. Second childhood: a period later in life marked by renewed interest in things of interest to a child or by reduced mental capacity 9. Second thought: a reference to changing one’s mind, as in the phrase “on second thought” or to be inclined to do so, as in the phrase “having second thoughts” 10. Second to none: better than anyone or anything else 11. Second nature: said of a behavior or habit that one seems to have been born with 12. Second sight: clairvoyance, or the supposed ability to see something happening elsewhere or in the future 13. Second wind: restoration of easy breathing after physical exertion, or a renewal or energy or strength
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
#7
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Idioms with the word "Double"
Idioms with the word "Double" 1. Double: two servings of an alcoholic beverage, a two-base hit in baseball, or an identical person or thing 2. Double booked: committed for two events, or scheduled for two people or parties at the same time 3. Double bill/feature: a performance involving two works or two performers or groups of performers; a separate meaning of “double bill” refers to being charged the cost of something twice 4. Double-bagger: a person considered so ugly that two nested grocery bags should be placed over the person’s face to conceal it 5. Double as: serve in two capacities 6. At/on the double: quickly 7. Body double: someone who stands in for another, especially in a performance 8. Double back: return to a starting point 9. Double bind: a dilemma 10. Double in brass: To perform multiple roles or duties; to serve in two capacities at a given time. (from a reference to a musician who performs on more than one instrument during a performance) 11. Double cross: an act of cheating or swindling 12. Double-decker: a vehicle with two levels, or a two-layer sandwich 13. Double digits: the numbers 10 through 99 14. Double-dipper: one who earns two salaries or collects both social security payments and a federal pension; also, one scoops half-eaten finger food in a dip or sauce at the risk of introducing germs 15. Double dribble: use both hands to bounce a basketball, or bounce a basketball again after stopping, or the act of committing either penalty 16. Double date: socialize as two couples, or the act of doing so 17. Double duty: said in reference to something that serves two functions at once 18. Double or nothing: a type of bet in which a person receives double the prize or nothing 19. H-e-double-hockey-sticks/toothpicks: a euphemism for the oath hell, from the resemblance of the uppercase letter l to hockey sticks or the lowercase letter l to toothpicks 20. Double down: originally, double one’s bet in blackjack; by extension, exert twice the effort 21. Double dutch: a difficult language; also, a game of jump rope involving two ropes swung in different directions 22. Double entendre: a word or phrase with more than one meaning, one of which is obscene or sexual 23. Double life: a life in which one assumes two identities 24. Double standard: principles or values hypocritically applied differently to different people or situations 25. Doublespeak: deceitful or misleading language 26. Double up: pair up or share; also, see “double over” 27. Double take: a reaction in which one looks twice at something or someone because one is confused or surprised 28. Double trouble: a difficult person or thing, or two difficult people or things 29. Double tap: a repeated touch, or repeated firing of a weapon 30. Double-tongued: deceitful or hypocritical. 31. Double time: move twice as fast, or cheat; as a noun, a rate of pay that is twice the normal rate, or a type of tempo in music 32. Double talk: comments made to avoid telling the truth 33. Double nickels: the number 55, often in reference to a speed limit (from the value of a nickel) 34. Double over: bend over, as if in laughter or in pain 35. Double whammy: an occurrence of two bad things at a time 36. Double-edged sword: something that might be advantageous but also dangerous
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
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Idioms with the word "Three"
Idioms with the word "Three" 1. Three-ring circus: said of a confused or noisy activity 2. As easy as one-two-three: said of something as simple as counting 3. Three-alarm fire: said of something as exciting as a major structural fire (the number referenced may vary) 4. Three cheers: praise (also used sarcastically) 5. Three sheets to the wind: drunk (from nautical slang referring to sheets, or ropes that hold sails taut, coming loose, causing a sailing ship to move erratically) 6. Phony as a three-dollar bill: said in reference to something patently fake 7. Three squares a day: a reference to three complete meals 8. Queer as a three-dollar bill: said in reference to something very peculiar 9. Three hots and a cot: a slang reference to jail or prison as a place where three hot meals and a bed are provided 10. Three r’s: reading, writing, and arithmetic (alluding to the first consonant sound of each word) 11. Three strikes: said in reference to having three chances before suffering a consequence
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
#9
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Idioms with the word "Triple"
Idioms with the word "Triple" 1. Triple: a set of three, or a three-base hit in baseball 2. Triple-bagger: see double-bagger 3. Triple threat: someone talented in three areas 4. Triple whammy: see “double whammy”
__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:) |
#10
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Idioms with the word "Four"
Idioms with the word "Four" 1. On all fours: on hands and knees 2. Four-bagger: a home run in baseball (from the batter touching all four bags, or bases) 3. Four-eyes: a mocking term for someone who wears eyeglasses 4. Twenty-four seven: all the time, from the count of twenty-four hours and seven days (usually written24/7 and sometimes extended to 24/7/365 to refer to the number of days in a year) 5. Four corners of the earth: all the parts of the world 6. Four-leaf clover: an allusion to good luck because of the notion that finding a clover with four leaves, which is rare, will bring good fortune 7. Ten-four: yes (from a radio code) 8. Four-letter word: an obscene or vulgar word, from the fact that several such words have four letters 9. Scattered to the four winds: widely dispersed
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