Idioms Dictionary With Meaning and Sentences Part 23

List-23

1.Off colour

Meaning: –not in the usual form

Use:-He is off colour and does not appear cheerful.

2. To show one’s colours

Meaning: –to reveal one’s true intentions by no longer pretending

Use –In the time of my need he showed his colours.

3. To come off flying colours

Meaning: –to succeed brilliantly

Use:-He came off with flying colours in the final examination.

4. To commit to memory

Meaning: –to learn by heart

Use:-He has committed the whole book to memory.

5. Too many cooks spoil the broth

Meaning: –When there are more workers than necessary they are likely to get in each other’s way and the result is apt to be a failure

Use:-He was attended by four doctors, yet he died; too many cooks spoiled the broth.

6. To send to Coventry

Meaning: –to boycott; to refuse to be on familiar terms or to have any dealings with someone

Use:-He tried to be friendly with his class-fellows but they sent him to Coventry.

7. An admirable Crichton

Meaning: –a very talented person

Use:- An admirable Crichton is successful in life.

8. Crocodile tears

Meaning: –hypocritical tears

Use:-He shed crocodile’s tears at his uncle’s death.

9. By hook or crook

Meaning: –by fair means or foul

Use:-He wants to succeed in life by hook or crook.

10. As the crow flies.

Meaning: –in a direct line, the shortest distance between two points

Use:-For reaching the post office, turn left and then go as the crow flies.

11. To take up the cudgels

Meaning: –to champion or fight for someone

Use:-He has taken up the cudgels against his corrupt officer.

12. In curry favour

Meaning: –to seek favour by flattery

Use:-He does not work but tries to curry favour of his officer.

13. Cut and dry

Meaning: –ready-made

Use:-He is in search of a cut and dry formula for success.

14. To cut a dash

Meaning: –to make an impression

Use:-He cut a dash by his excellent performance.

15. A cut-throat

Meaning: –a murderer

Use:-The police has caught the cut-throat who committed two murders.

16. To be at daggers drawn

Meaning: –to be deadly enemies

Use:-Santa Singh and Banta Singh are at daggers drawn over a piece of land.

17. To have the sword of Damocles hanging over one’s head

Meaning: –to be in imminent danger of losing one’s life; to live in constant fear of some impending danger

Use:-As his post is temporary, he has the sword of Damocles hanging over his head.

18. A Daniel—

Meaning: –an imperial judge) (Shakespeare, “Merchant of Venice”; Daniel I-VI)

Use:-The officer is so honest that people call him a Daniel.

19. A dare-devil

Meaning: –a fearless, reckless man

Use:-He fought like a dare-devil in the battle.

20. Up to date

Meaning: –recent, modern

Use:-This is an up to date directory.

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