A blessing in disguise – Something that initially appears negative but ultimately has positive outcomes.
Example: Losing my job was a blessing in disguise as it gave me the opportunity to start my own business.

A dime a dozen – Something that is very common and easy to come by.
Example: In the city, coffee shops are a dime a dozen.

A picture is worth a thousand words – A visual image can convey a lot of information more effectively than words.
Example: She didn’t need to explain the situation; the photo was worth a thousand words.

A storm in a teacup – A big fuss about something minor.
Example: The media created a storm in a teacup over the celebrity’s minor comment.

Actions speak louder than words – What a person does is more important than what they say they will do.
Example: She promised to help me, but her actions speak louder than words, and she hasn’t done anything yet.

All ears – Paying close attention to what someone is saying.
Example: Tell me what happened at the party; I’m all ears.

All in the same boat – Facing the same difficulties as everyone else.
Example: We are all in the same boat when it comes to dealing with the pandemic.

An arm and a leg – Very expensive or costing a lot.
Example: Buying a house in the city costs an arm and a leg.

Apple of my eye – Someone or something that is cherished above all else.
Example: My little girl is the apple of my eye.

As easy as pie – Something that is very easy to do.
Example: Cooking this recipe is as easy as pie.

Back to the drawing board – Starting over again because the previous attempt failed.
Example: The project failed, so we have to go back to the drawing board.

Barking up the wrong tree – Accusing or blaming the wrong person.
Example: If you think I broke the vase, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

Beat around the bush – Avoid talking about a difficult or unpleasant topic directly.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what’s really going on.

Better late than never – It is better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: She arrived late to the party, but better late than never, right?

Bite off more than you can chew – Taking on more than you can handle or manage.
Example: I thought I could finish the project by myself, but I bit off more than I could chew.

Break a leg – A phrase said to wish someone good luck.
Example: Break a leg on your audition tomorrow!

Burn the midnight oil – Working or studying late into the night.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my paper before the deadline.

Butterflies in my stomach – Feeling nervous or anxious.
Example: I always get butterflies in my stomach before a big presentation.

By the skin of your teeth – Just barely succeeding or narrowly avoiding failure.
Example: I passed the test by the skin of my teeth.

Call it a day – To stop doing something for the day.
Example: We worked on the project for eight hours straight, so let’s call it a day.

Can of worms – A situation that is complicated and has many problems.
Example: Getting involved in the dispute would open up a can of worms.

Caught between a rock and a hard place – Being in a difficult situation with no easy solution.
Example: He was caught between a rock and a hard place when

The ball is in your court – It is up to you to make the next move or decision.
Example: I’ve given you all the information you need, so the ball is in your court now.

The devil is in the details – Small details can be very important and cause problems if overlooked.
Example: Make sure to double-check all the details; the devil is in the details.

The early bird catches the worm – Being early or ahead of others can lead to advantages.
Example: I always arrive early to get a good seat; the early bird catches the worm.

The grass is always greener on the other side – People always want what they don’t have.
Example: She thinks living in the city would be better, but the grass is always greener on the other side.

The whole nine yards – Going all out or giving everything you have.
Example: We’re going to decorate the house for Halloween, the whole nine yards.

Thick as thieves – Very close friends or partners in crime.
Example: They’re always together and always in trouble; they’re thick as thieves.

Time flies when you’re having fun – Time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying yourself.
Example: We were having such a good time that time flew by.

To cut corners – Doing something quickly and without care to save time or money.
Example: We can’t afford to cut corners on safety; it’s too risky.

To have a chip on your shoulder – Holding a grudge or being easily offended.
Example: He always has a chip on his shoulder about his height.

To have a screw loose – To be crazy or mentally unstable.
Example: I think he has a screw loose; he talks to himself all the time.

To hit the nail on the head – To be exactly right or accurate.
Example: She hit the nail on the head when she said the project was behind schedule.

To let the cat out of the bag – To reveal a secret.
Example: She accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

To make a long story short – To summarize a story or situation quickly.
Example: To make a long story short, I ended up getting the job.

To play devil’s advocate – To argue against something for the sake of debate or discussion.
Example: I’m not really against the proposal, but I’ll play devil’s advocate to see if there are any flaws.

To put all your eggs in one basket – To risk everything on one plan or idea.
Example: Investing all your money in one stock is putting all your eggs in one basket.

To save for a rainy day – To save money for emergencies or unexpected expenses.
Example: I always try to save a portion of my income for a rainy day.

To take the bull by the horns – To confront a difficult situation head-on.
Example: He took the bull by the horns and confronted his boss about the unfair treatment.

To throw in the towel – To give up or quit.
Example: After months of trying, she finally threw in the towel and admitted defeat.

Two heads are better than one – Collaborating with others can lead to better solutions.
Example: Let’s work together on this project; two heads are better than one.

Under the weather – Feeling sick or unwell.
Example: I can’t come to the party tonight; I’m feeling under the weather.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do – To follow local customs or norms when visiting a foreign place.
Example: Even though

Wild goose chase – A futile or hopeless pursuit.
Example: I spent all day looking for my keys, but it was a wild goose chase; they were in my pocket the whole time.

You can’t judge a book by its cover – You can’t judge someone or something based on appearance alone.
Example: Even though he looks intimidating, you can’t judge a book by its cover; he’s actually very friendly.

You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs – To achieve something, sacrifices must be made.
Example: We had to work long hours to finish the project, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

You reap what you sow – Your actions have consequences, good or bad.
Example: If you work hard and study, you’ll get good grades; you reap what you sow.

Your guess is as good as mine – To have no idea or information about something.
Example: I don’t know where we’re going; your guess is as good as mine.

Zip your lip – To be quiet or keep a secret.
Example: Zip your lip about the surprise party; we don’t want her to find out.

A penny for your thoughts – Asking someone what they’re thinking about.
Example: You look like you’re lost in thought; a penny for your thoughts?

Actions speak louder than words – What someone does is more important than what they say they’ll do.
Example: He promised to help, but his actions speak louder than words; he hasn’t done anything yet.

All bark and no bite – Someone who talks tough but doesn’t back it up with action.
Example: He threatened to fight, but it was all bark and no bite; he didn’t actually do anything.

All ears – Paying close attention or listening intently.
Example: I’m all ears; tell me about your trip.

All thumbs – Being clumsy or inept.
Example: I’m all thumbs in the kitchen; I always burn the food.

An arm and a leg – Something very expensive.
Example: The new car cost an arm and a leg; I had to take out a loan to pay for it.

Barking up the wrong tree – To pursue a false or mistaken lead.
Example: If you think I have the answer, you’re barking up the wrong tree; I have no idea.

Between a rock and a hard place – To be faced with a difficult decision or situation.
Example: I’m between a rock and a hard place; I don’t know whether to take the job or stay where I am.

Bite the bullet – To endure something unpleasant or difficult.
Example: I don’t want to go to the dentist, but I’ll have to bite the bullet and make an appointment.

Break a leg – A saying wishing someone good luck before a performance or event.
Example: Break a leg at the talent show tonight!

Butterflies in your stomach – Feeling nervous or anxious.
Example: I have butterflies in my stomach before the big game tomorrow.

Caught between two stools – To be unable to choose between two options.
Example: I’m caught between two stools; I don’t know which college to attend.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – Don’t assume something will happen before it actually does.
Example: Don’t get too excited yet; we haven’t won the game. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Down to the wire – A situation where something is decided at the last possible moment.
Example: It was a close game,

Drop a dime – To make a phone call, usually to report something.
Example: If you see anything suspicious, drop a dime and call the police.

Early bird catches the worm – Those who are prompt or arrive early get the most opportunities.
Example: I always arrive early to work to get a head start on the day. The early bird catches the worm.

Every cloud has a silver lining – Every difficult situation has some positive aspect.
Example: Although I lost my job, it gave me the opportunity to pursue a new career. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Face the music – To accept the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: I knew I shouldn’t have eaten that entire cake; now I have to face the music and go to the gym.

Fit as a fiddle – Being in good physical shape or health.
Example: He’s been working out every day and is now as fit as a fiddle.

Get cold feet – To suddenly become nervous or hesitant.
Example: I was excited to try skydiving, but at the last minute, I got cold feet.

Give someone the cold shoulder – To ignore or treat someone rudely.
Example: After our argument, he’s been giving me the cold shoulder.

Go the extra mile – To put in more effort than is expected.
Example: I always go the extra mile at work, and it’s paid off with a promotion.

Hit the nail on the head – To accurately identify or describe something.
Example: She hit the nail on the head when she said I needed more practice before the competition.

In the doghouse – To be in trouble or disfavored.
Example: After breaking the vase, he was in the doghouse with his mom.

Jump the gun – To act too soon or before the appropriate time.
Example: I was so excited to start the project that I jumped the gun and began before the team was ready.

Keep your chin up – To remain optimistic or positive in difficult situations.
Example: Even though he failed the test, his mom told him to keep his chin up and keep trying.

Kill two birds with one stone – To accomplish two tasks with a single action.
Example: By going to the gym on my way home from work, I can kill two birds with one stone.

Let the cat out of the bag – To reveal a secret or confidential information.
Example: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag and told her about the surprise party.

Make a long story short – To summarize a story or situation.
Example: To make a long story short, I missed my flight and had to rebook.

On the ball – Being quick to understand or act.
Example: She’s always on the ball at work and is never behind on tasks.

Out of the blue – Something that happens unexpectedly or without warning.
Example: I ran into an old friend out of the blue at the grocery store.

Play it by ear – To improvise or make decisions as events unfold.
Example: We don’t have a set plan, so we’ll just have to play it by ear and see what happens.

Pull someone’s leg – To tease or joke with someone.
Example: When he said he was a professional ninja, I knew he was pulling my leg.

Put all your eggs in one basket – To risk everything on a single plan or action.
Example: Investing all your money in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket.

Put your foot in your mouth – To say something foolish or embarrassing
Rain on someone’s parade – To spoil or ruin someone’s plans or excitement.
Example: Don’t rain on her parade; she’s been looking forward to this for weeks.

Read between the lines – To understand something that is implied but not explicitly stated.
Example: She didn’t say it directly, but I could read between the lines and tell she was unhappy.

Rome wasn’t built in a day – Important things take time and effort to achieve.
Example: Learning a new language takes time and practice. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

See eye to eye – To agree or have the same opinion as someone.
Example: We may have different approaches, but we both see eye to eye on the importance of teamwork.

Spill the beans – To reveal secret or confidential information.
Example: I can’t keep it a secret anymore; I need to spill the beans and tell her the truth.

Take a rain check – To postpone an invitation or plan to a later time.
Example: I can’t go to the movies tonight, but can we take a rain check and go next week?

The ball is in your court – It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Example: I’ve done my part, now the ball is in your court to decide what to do next.

The devil is in the details – Small details can be crucial and cause problems if not taken into consideration.
Example: The project seems simple, but the devil is in the details, and we need to pay attention to all the small things.

The early bird catches the worm – Being prompt or arriving early leads to more opportunities.
Example: If you want to get a good seat at the concert, make sure to arrive early. The early bird catches the worm.

The proof is in the pudding – The true value or effectiveness of something is revealed only when it is put to use.
Example: She may say she’s a great cook, but the proof is in the pudding; let’s taste her cooking.

The whole nine yards – Everything that is necessary or possible.
Example: When it comes to planning a wedding, we want the whole nine yards; nothing should be left out.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch – Everything has a cost or comes with a catch.
Example: Don’t be fooled by the free trial; there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Throw in the towel – To give up or admit defeat.
Example: After trying for months, he finally threw in the towel and decided to take a break.

Under the weather – Feeling unwell or sick.
Example: I can’t go to the party tonight; I’m feeling under the weather.

Up in the air – Uncertain or undecided.
Example: We’re still up in the air about where to go on vacation this year.

When it rains, it pours – Difficult situations often happen all at once.
Example: First I lost my job, and then my car broke down. When it rains, it pours.

All bark and no bite – Someone who talks tough but doesn’t follow through with their actions.
Example: He threatened to sue me, but it turned out he was all bark and no bite.

All ears – Listening attentively and being eager to hear what someone has to say.
Example: I’m all ears; tell me your ideas for the project.

All thumbs – Being clumsy or awkward with one’s hands.
Example: I tried to fix the leaky faucet, but I’m all thumbs when it comes to plumbing.

Apple of my eye – Someone who is cherished and loved dearly.
Example: My daughter is the apple of my eye; I can’t imagine life without her.

Back to the drawing board – Starting over or making changes after a failed attempt.
Example: The first design didn’t work out, so we’re going back to the drawing board.

Beat around the bush – Avoiding the main topic and talking indirectly.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.

Bite the bullet – To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
Example: I don’t want to get a root canal, but I know I have to bite the bullet and do it.

Break the ice – To start a conversation or social interaction with someone.
Example: I’m going to try to break the ice with my new coworkers at the company picnic.

Burn the midnight oil – To work or study late into the night.
Example: I have a big exam tomorrow, so I need to burn the midnight oil and study as much as I can.

By the skin of one’s teeth – Narrowly avoiding a negative outcome.
Example: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth; I only got one point above the passing grade.

Call it a day – To stop working or finish an activity for the day.
Example: It’s getting late, so let’s call it a day and pick up where we left off tomorrow.

Cat got your tongue? – A question asked when someone is unusually quiet or not speaking.
Example: You’re usually so talkative, cat got your tongue?

Caught between a rock and a hard place – Having to choose between two difficult options.
Example: I’m caught between a rock and a hard place; either way, someone is going to be unhappy.

Close but no cigar – Almost achieving something but falling short.
Example: He came close to breaking the record, but it wasn’t quite there – close but no cigar.

Cut to the chase – To get to the point or main idea without unnecessary detail.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the problem at hand.

Devil’s advocate – Taking the opposing viewpoint in a discussion to stimulate critical thinking.
Example: I know you agree with the proposal, but let me play devil’s advocate and present the counterarguments.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – To not make assumptions about a positive outcome before it’s certain.
Example: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch; the job offer isn’t official yet.

Every cloud has a silver lining – Every negative situation has a positive aspect.
Example: I didn’t get the promotion, but every cloud has a silver lining; it gives me more time to focus on my side project.

Face the music – To accept the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: I know I messed up, but I have to face the music and apologize to my boss.

Fishing for compliments – Seeking praise or attention from others.
Example: She kept mentioning how hard

Fly off the handle – Reacting with anger or aggression without thinking.
Example: He flew off the handle when he found out someone had taken his parking spot.

Get cold feet – Feeling nervous or hesitant about something one was previously excited for.
Example: I was excited to go on the rollercoaster, but I got cold feet when I saw how high it was.

Get one’s ducks in a row – Being well-prepared and organized.
Example: Before presenting to the board, make sure you have all your ducks in a row and your presentation is polished.

Give someone the cold shoulder – Ignoring or being distant to someone.
Example: She gave him the cold shoulder after their argument and didn’t speak to him for a week.

Go the extra mile – Putting in more effort than is expected or required.
Example: He always goes the extra mile for his clients, which is why he has a great reputation in his industry.

Hit the nail on the head – Making an accurate or precise statement.
Example: You hit the nail on the head; that’s exactly what I was trying to say.

In the heat of the moment – Reacting impulsively without thinking in a stressful situation.
Example: In the heat of the moment, I said some things I regretted during our argument.

Jump on the bandwagon – Joining a popular trend or idea.
Example: Everyone is using the new social media platform, so I’m going to jump on the bandwagon and create an account.

Keep one’s chin up – Staying positive and optimistic in difficult times.
Example: Keep your chin up; things will get better eventually.

Kill two birds with one stone – Accomplishing two tasks at once.
Example: By listening to an audiobook while cleaning the house, she was able to kill two birds with one stone.

Let the cat out of the bag – Revealing secret or confidential information.
Example: He accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, so we had to come up with a new plan.

Make a mountain out of a molehill – Exaggerating a small problem or issue.
Example: You’re making a mountain out of a molehill; it’s just a small scratch on your car.

On thin ice – Being in a risky or dangerous situation with potentially negative consequences.
Example: He knew he was on thin ice with his boss after missing the deadline for the third time.

Piece of cake – Something that is very easy to do.
Example: Don’t worry about the exam, it’ll be a piece of cake for you.

Pull someone’s leg – Joking or teasing someone in a lighthearted manner.
Example: He told me he was moving to Mars, but I knew he was pulling my leg.

Rain on someone’s parade – Ruining someone’s plans or mood.
Example: She didn’t want to rain on his parade, but she had to tell him the bad news about their canceled vacation.

Read between the lines – Understanding an underlying message or meaning beyond the surface level.
Example: I could tell there was more to her story than she was letting on, so I read between the lines and asked more questions.

Rome wasn’t built in a day – It takes time and effort to achieve something great.
Example: Learning a new skill takes patience and practice; remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

See eye to eye – Having the same opinion or viewpoint as someone else.
Example: We see eye to eye on most issues, which is why we

Spill the beans – Revealing secret or confidential information.
Example: She accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party, so we had to come up with a new plan.

Take a rain check – Postponing or rescheduling plans for another time.
Example: I can’t make it to the concert tonight, but can we take a rain check and go another day?

Under the weather – Feeling ill or not well.
Example: I can’t come into work today; I’m feeling under the weather.

Variety is the spice of life – Having a diverse range of experiences makes life more interesting.
Example: She loves to travel and try new foods; variety is the spice of life for her.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do – Adapt to the customs and behaviors of the people in a new environment.
Example: Even though he didn’t like spicy food, he decided to try it because when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

X marks the spot – A phrase used to indicate the exact location of something.
Example: X marks the spot where we buried the time capsule.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink – You can give someone the opportunity or resources, but you can’t force them to take action.
Example: We provided the resources for him to improve his skills, but we can’t force him to use them; you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

Zip your lip – A phrase used to tell someone to be quiet or keep a secret.
Example: Zip your lip about the surprise party; we don’t want anyone to find out.

Actions speak louder than words – One’s actions are more meaningful and significant than their words.
Example: He promised to change, but his actions speak louder than words; he hasn’t made any effort to improve.

Barking up the wrong tree – Pursuing the wrong course of action or looking in the wrong place for something.
Example: If you’re looking for the missing keys in the living room, you’re barking up the wrong tree; they’re in the kitchen.

Cut to the chase – Getting to the point or the most important part of a conversation or story.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main issue at hand.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – Not assuming or relying on something until it has actually happened.
Example: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch; we still have to get approval for the project.

Every cloud has a silver lining – There is a positive aspect to every negative situation.
Example: Even though she lost her job, she was able to start her own business; every cloud has a silver lining.

Fit as a fiddle – Being in good health and physical condition.
Example: He’s been working out every day and eating well, so he’s fit as a fiddle.

Get down to brass tacks – Getting to the heart of the matter or the important details.
Example: Let’s get down to brass tacks and discuss the budget for the project.

Head over heels – Being completely infatuated or in love with someone.
Example: She’s head over heels in love with her new boyfriend.

It’s not rocket science – Something is not difficult to understand or do.
Example: Cooking a meal from a recipe book is not rocket science; anyone can do it.

Jump to conclusions – Making assumptions or coming to a conclusion without all the information.
Example: Don’t jump to conclusions about the situation until

Keep your chin up – Staying positive and optimistic during a difficult time.
Example: Even though she failed the exam, she’s keeping her chin up and studying harder for the next one.

Leave no stone unturned – Searching thoroughly and exhaustively for something.
Example: We left no stone unturned in our search for the missing documents.

Money talks – Money has significant influence and power.
Example: In politics, money talks; those with the most funding often have the most influence.

No pain, no gain – You have to work hard and endure difficulty to achieve success or make progress.
Example: He knows that no pain, no gain, so he’s been pushing himself harder in his workouts.

On the ball – Being alert, attentive, and efficient.
Example: She’s always on the ball and gets her work done quickly and accurately.

Penny for your thoughts – A phrase used to ask someone what they’re thinking or feeling.
Example: You look like you’re deep in thought; penny for your thoughts?

Quit cold turkey – Stopping a habit or addiction suddenly and completely.
Example: He quit smoking cold turkey and hasn’t touched a cigarette in years.

Rome wasn’t built in a day – Great accomplishments take time and effort.
Example: Building a successful business takes time and hard work; Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Smell a rat – Suspecting that something is not right or dishonest.
Example: I smell a rat; the story he’s telling doesn’t add up.

Taste of your own medicine – Experiencing something negative that you have caused others to experience.
Example: He’s been lying to his friends for years, so it’s about time he gets a taste of his own medicine.

Up in the air – Being uncertain or undecided about something.
Example: Our vacation plans are still up in the air; we haven’t decided where to go yet.

Vanishing act – Disappearing suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example: He pulled a vanishing act and no one has seen or heard from him since.

Wild goose chase – Pursuing something that is unlikely or impossible to obtain.
Example: Searching for the fountain of youth is a wild goose chase; it doesn’t exist.

X-factor – A mysterious or unique quality that sets someone or something apart.
Example: Her confidence and charisma are her X-factor; it’s what makes her stand out in a crowd.

You’re the apple of my eye – Being deeply loved and cherished by someone.
Example: She’s the apple of his eye; he loves her more than anything.

Zoom in – Focusing or directing attention to a specific detail or aspect.
Example: Let’s zoom in on the financials and see where we can make some changes.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – It is better to have a small but certain advantage than a mere potential for a greater one that may come to nothing.
Example: I decided to take the job offer instead of waiting for a better opportunity because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Beat around the bush – Avoiding the main topic or issue by talking indirectly or evasively.
Example: Please don’t beat around the bush, just tell me what happened.

Call it a day – Finishing work or an activity for the day.
Example: We’ve been working for 10 hours straight; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.

Diamond in the rough – Someone or something that has potential but needs some refining or polishing to be truly valuable.
Example: He’s a diamond in the rough; with some training, he could be a great employee.

Every cloud has a silver lining – There is a positive aspect to every negative situation.
Example: Even though she lost her job, she found a better one soon after; every cloud has a silver lining.

Fit as a fiddle – Being in good physical condition.
Example: He exercises regularly and eats healthily, so he’s fit as a fiddle.

Give it a shot – Trying something even though success is uncertain.
Example: I’m not sure if I can do it, but I’ll give it a shot.

Hit the nail on the head – Being accurate or correct about something.
Example: She hit the nail on the head; her analysis of the problem was spot-on.

In the blink of an eye – Happening quickly and unexpectedly.
Example: The accident happened in the blink of an eye, and no one saw it coming.

Jump on the bandwagon – Following a trend or popular opinion without critical thinking or analysis.
Example: Many people jump on the bandwagon of the latest diet craze without considering its long-term effects.

Knock it out of the park – Achieving great success or exceeding expectations.
Example: His presentation was amazing; he really knocked it out of the park.

Let the cat out of the bag – Revealing secret or confidential information.
Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, and now everyone knows.

Mind over matter – Using mental strength to overcome physical challenges or pain.
Example: Running a marathon is all about mind over matter; it’s about pushing through the pain and mental barriers.

No rest for the wicked – Being constantly busy or working hard.
Example: He’s been working non-stop for days; there’s no rest for the wicked.

Once in a blue moon – Happening very rarely or infrequently.
Example: I only see my distant relatives once in a blue moon.

Practice makes perfect – Repeating an activity or skill will improve one’s ability to perform it.
Example: If you want to be a great pianist, you have to practice every day; practice makes perfect.

Quick and dirty – Doing something quickly and efficiently without paying attention to details.
Example: We need a quick and dirty solution for this problem; we don’t have time to do a thorough analysis.

Red herring – A misleading clue or piece of information that distracts from the main issue or problem.
Example: The suspect gave a red herring in his statement, which led the investigators in the wrong direction.

Steal someone’s thunder – Taking credit for someone else’s work or idea.
Example: He stole my thunder by presenting my idea as his own.

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Take a rain check – Declining an invitation but suggesting to do it at a later time.
Example: I can’t make it to the concert tonight, but can I take a rain check and join you next time?

Up in the air – Being uncertain or undecided about something.
Example: We don’t know if the project will be approved or not; it’s still up in the air.

Variety is the spice of life – Having different experiences and trying new things makes life more interesting.
Example: I like to travel to different countries and try different cuisines; variety is the spice of life.

Wild goose chase – A fruitless or pointless pursuit.
Example: Trying to find the missing key in a dark room was a wild goose chase; it was in my pocket all along.

X marks the spot – Referring to a specific location or target.
Example: The treasure is buried somewhere in this area; X marks the spot.

You can’t judge a book by its cover – Appearance or first impression can be deceiving.
Example: She looks very serious and reserved, but you can’t judge a book by its cover; she has a great sense of humor.

Zip your lips – Being quiet or keeping a secret.
Example: I can’t tell you about the surprise party, so zip your lips and act surprised.

A penny saved is a penny earned – Saving money is the same as earning it.
Example: Instead of spending money on unnecessary things, I try to save as much as I can; a penny saved is a penny earned.

Back to the drawing board – Going back to the planning stage because the previous plan failed.
Example: The marketing campaign didn’t work, so we have to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan.

Cut to the chase – Getting to the main point or issue without wasting time.
Example: Can you cut to the chase and tell me what’s going on?

Devil’s advocate – Arguing against a popular opinion or idea to stimulate critical thinking.
Example: Even though I support the idea, I played the devil’s advocate to see if there are any flaws in the plan.

Elephant in the room – An obvious but unspoken issue or problem.
Example: Everyone was ignoring the elephant in the room, which was the high turnover rate of employees.

Fish out of water – Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a new or unfamiliar environment.
Example: Being the only foreigner in a group can make you feel like a fish out of water.

Give the benefit of the doubt – Believing someone’s innocence or good intentions without concrete evidence.
Example: I don’t have proof, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he didn’t mean to do it.

Haste makes waste – Rushing to finish a task or make a decision can lead to mistakes or waste of resources.
Example: We should take our time to review the proposal; haste makes waste.

Ignorance is bliss – Not knowing the truth can be more comforting than knowing it.
Example: She didn’t want to know the results of her medical test; ignorance is bliss.

Jump the gun – Starting something prematurely or without proper preparation.
Example: We can’t announce the product launch yet; we jumped the gun and still have some work to do.

Keep your chin up – Staying optimistic and positive despite difficulties.
Example: Even though he failed the test, I told him to keep his chin up and try again next time.

Like a kid in a candy store – Being overly excited or enthusiastic
Make a mountain out of a molehill – Exaggerating a minor issue or problem into something bigger than it actually is.
Example: She made a mountain out of a molehill by complaining about a small scratch on her car.

No pain, no gain – Success requires hard work and sacrifice.
Example: I know it’s difficult, but if you want to improve your fitness, you have to remember that no pain, no gain.

Once in a blue moon – Happening very rarely or infrequently.
Example: I only see my old high school friends once in a blue moon.

Play it by ear – Making decisions as you go along rather than following a set plan.
Example: We don’t have a strict schedule for the road trip; we’ll just play it by ear and see where we end up.

Quick and dirty – Completing a task in a quick and efficient manner, without regard for perfection.
Example: We need to get this report done quickly, so let’s just do a quick and dirty version for now.

Rub salt in the wound – Making a bad situation worse by bringing up a painful issue.
Example: I was already upset about the mistake I made at work, and my boss rubbed salt in the wound by pointing it out in front of everyone.