Take something with a pinch of salt
From the horse’s mouth
This comes straight from the horse’s mouth, so it has to be believed.
On the rocks
Their marriage is on the rocks.
Going to the dogs
In the 1960s the country was fast going to the dogs.
To kick the bucket
The old lady finally kicked the bucket.
Pass the buck
Elected political leaders cannot pass the buck for crisis decisions to any alternative source of authority.
Lay by the heels
It was absolutely necessary to lay his murderer by the heels.
Vexed question
“Mercy killing should be granted or not” has become a vexed question.
Under the rose
He is selling confidential documents under the rose.
Without rhyme or reason
Don’t shout at anyone without rhyme or reason.
Down in the mouth
Tim’s looking very down in the mouth.
Draw the long bow
I am tempted to be naughty and make you laugh; but I won’t draw the long bow.
Dutch courage
Dutch courage makes them feel so much more confident.
Will o’ the wisp
Making her accept the proposal is will o’ the wisp.
Ride coattails
I don’t think he would get promoted without riding his boss’s coattails.
Gall and wormwood
Ever since I lost the election for school president, I only feel gall and wormwood when I think of my unworthy opponent.
Go all out
The company went all out for Sam’s retirement party, making it a gala affair and sparing no expense.
Tongue in cheek
She explained, tongue in cheek, that he was busy with housecleaning.
Mend fences
Angelena is trying to mend fences with her dad.
Beggar description
The house was a horrible mess. The place beggared description.
Flip the bird
Michael just flipped him the bird.
Foot the bill
His parents can’t afford to foot the bill for his college education.
Fire and brimstone
The preacher’s sermon was full of fire and brimstone.
Dog days of summer
I’m roasting – I suppose we should expect that on the dog days of summer.
Dead Ringer
Our waiter was a dead ringer for Humphrey Bogart.
Cup of joe
I can’t even function in the morning until I’ve had my first cup of joe.
Break a leg
“Break a leg!” shouted the stage manager to the heroine.
Bend over backwards
We have bent over backwards to ensure a fair trial for the defendants.
A chip on your shoulder-
I had a dirty great chip on my shoulder. I thought everybody was against me.
Full monty
Their wedding was magnificent, with a champagne reception, three-course dinner and a band – the full monty.
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