Read Webster's New World American Idioms Handbook Online
Authors: Gail Brenner
Webster's New World American Idioms Handbook (41 page)
[See
in the red
earlier in this chapter.]
black eye
1.
an eye that is bruised black (and blue or purple) from being hit or injured ♦
Hey, you have a
black eye.
Who hit you?
♦
I got a
black eye
from running into a door.
2.
a disgrace or discredit; something that attracts unwanted negative attention ♦
When our vice president was arrested for drunken driving, it was a
black eye
for the whole company.
♦
Missing the important meeting because he was playing golf gave him a
black eye
in the view of management.
little black book
a book of phone numbers, particularly numbers of women or men one might call for a date. Refers to a small black address book. ♦
She’s got a
little black book
full of guys’ names.
♦
Hey man, you got any girls in your little
black book
for me?
black gold
oil. Refers to the black color and the high value (like gold) of oil. ♦
Tankers carrying millions of tons of
black gold
go in and out of this port every day.
black mark
an unfavorable comment or item on one’s record, an indication of wrongdoing or failure; can be used jokingly ♦
If you don’t want any
black marks,
then don’t be late to work.
♦
Oh, you forgot to put some milk in my coffee. That’s one
black mark
against you!
[See the opposite of
black mark
,
brownie points,
earlier in this chapter.]
black mood
a bad or depressed mood; an irritable mood ♦
Gee, you’re in a
black mood.
What’s the problem?
♦
I don’t even try to talk to her when she’s in such a
black mood.
the black sheep
the least-respectable member of a family or group; a family member who does not meet with the family’s expectations. This expression can be used seriously or lightly. ♦
Jim was called
the black sheep
of the family because he hadn’t become a doctor like his brothers.
♦
In our family, I was considered
the black sheep
because I never had a steady job.
Note:
This idiom alludes to the wool of black sheep being less valuable.
Gray
gray area
(n)
something that is not clearly defined, where room exists for ambivalence or disagreement ♦
How to handle teenage criminals is really a
gray area.
The laws are unclear.
♦
Education theory may seem black and white, but there are a lot of variables and
gray areas.
[See the opposite of
gray area
,
black and white,
later in this chapter.]
gray matter
(n)
the brain. Refers to the gray color of brain tissue. ♦
You have to use your
gray matter
if you want to succeed in life.
♦
Okay everyone, use your
gray matter
and try to figure out the answer to this question.
gray hairs
(n)
elderly people, old people with gray hair; can be impolite if said in a derogatory context ♦
This charity is owned and operated totally by
gray hairs. ♦
I go to the Senior Center to enjoy the company of all the old
gray hairs
like myself.
White
White is often used as a metaphor for goodness and innocence, or for appearing to be good or innocent, though not necessarily being good in reality.
lily white (adj)
1.
to be very innocent, pure, and delicate; to act as if one is innocent ♦
She’s not as
lily white
as she seems. Away from work she’s pretty wild.
2.
to be predominately composed of people of Anglo-Saxon or northern European descent ♦
This town is just too
lily white
for me; I prefer a more cultural and ethnic mix of people.
whitewash
(adj)
to cover up and hide faults; to make something falsely appear favorable. Alludes to using a light watery coat of white paint to cover something. ♦
Don’t
whitewash
the story. Tell me the truth.
♦
The government tried to
whitewash
their involvement in the scandal, but we all know what really happened.
white-collar
(adj)
refers to professionals and office personnel who traditionally wear a white dress shirt to work; also
white-collar job
and
white-collar neighborhood
♦
I’m looking for a
white-collar job.
I don’t want to do manual labor forever.
♦ White-color jobs
have decreased by 5% this year.
white as a ghost (
or
sheet)
1.
having a very pale complexion from fright or illness; generally used to describe people with light skin tone ♦
You kids were
white as ghosts
after watching that horror film.
♦
I can see that you’re sick. You’re
white as a sheet.
2.
very light or pale skin tone ♦
Look at me, I’m as
white as a sheet!
I need to get some sun.
white lie
(n)
a small “harmless” lie that is told to avoid hurting or offending someone; often called
a little white lie
♦
I didn’t want to hurt her feelings so I told a little
white lie
and said I liked her new hair style.
♦
Admit it. Everyone tells
white lies
sometimes.
Golden
Idioms that use
gold
tend to refer to things that are of tremendous value.
golden anniversary
the 50th anniversary of one’s wedding day ♦
We celebrated my grandparents’
golden
wedding
anniversary
with all the relatives.
golden handcuffs
refers to the financial benefits that an employee will lose if he or she resigns; the benefits are like handcuffs keeping the employee from leaving ♦
I can’t afford to leave the company. The
golden handcuffs
are keeping me there.
golden handshake
a big or generous retirement package; sometimes offered to encourage employees to retire early ♦
Our company is offering
golden handshakes
to some of us. I may accept and retire early.
golden parachute
a big or generous severance package to executives in the event that a merger or other situation causes dismissal ♦
He has
a golden parachute,
so he’s not worried about the mergers.
golden opportunity
a valuable opportunity; an opportunity that may not come again ♦
This job is a
golden opportunity
to do what you’ve always wanted to do.
the golden rule
(n)
any fundamental or primary rule; also the golden rule from the Bible, Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31 “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” ♦ The golden rule
of teaching is always stay calm and in control.
♦
If you live by
the golden rule
you will never need to feel guilty about mistreating someone.
Silver
silver anniversary
the 25th anniversary of one’s wedding day ♦
We’d like you to help us celebrate our
silver anniversary
next month.
silver lining
a positive or hopeful side to an otherwise bad situation; short for “every cloud has its
silver lining
” ♦
Being laid off may have a
silver lining.
You could find a more interesting job.
born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
born into a wealthy family; being accustomed to having wealth and privilege ♦
He has no understanding of poverty or struggle. He was
born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Multicolored
black and white
very clearly defined; not vague; seen as right or wrong; also
get it down in black and white,
meaning to get something confirmed on paper, in writing ♦
He’s very opinionated and sees everything in
black and white. ♦
It’s not a
black-and-white
issue. I really don’t know what to do!
♦
Don’t rely on a verbal contract. Get it all down in
black and white.
black and blue
badly bruised, referring to the dark blue and purple color of bruises ♦
After I fell off the horse, I was
black and blue
for weeks.
the red, white, and blue
the American flag; refers to the colors of the American flag and implies patriotism ♦
Many war veterans display
the red, white, and blue
in front of their homes on Veterans’ Day.
Color
While this use isn’t strictly idiomatic, you should know that
colorful
can mean lively or even scandalous, as in “My Uncle Harry has been a professional baseball player, a bartender, and a lawyer — and he’s been married eight times! He’s had a
colorful
life.”
Colorful
can also be a polite way of saying that someone’s language is foul: “When she gets mad, watch out! She can use some pretty
colorful
language.”
Here are some expressions with the word
color:
local color
(n)
attractions and points of interest, including unique individuals of a specific local area ♦
We like to drive into small towns and walk down the main street to see some
local color. ♦
Tom Scribner, the old guy who played music on a saw, was part of that town’s
local color.
off color
(adj)
slightly crude or vulgar ♦
She doesn’t like to hear
off-color
jokes
. ♦
It was an interesting story, but too
off color
for the kids to hear.
show one’s true colors
to reveal one’s true character and loyalties ♦
In a crisis, people often
show their true colors.
with flying colors
with easy and great success; with honors or distinction; generally said about tests ♦
She passed her exams
with flying colors!
CHAPTER 15
NUMBER IDIOMS
Some idiomatic expressions use numbers to convey meaning. The expressions in this chapter use numbers from one to ten; also one hundred, one thousand, and one million; the ordinal numbers, first, second, and so on; and a few imaginary numbers, such as “umpteenth.”
One, Two, Three
The cardinal numbers from one to ten are commonly used in idioms, as are numbers that can be divided by ten — twenty, thirty, and so on.
Zero
is also used.
Zero
Zero
is used to mean none or no, and is often followed by a noun, as in “We’ve had
zero
rain this winter.” Here are some common
zero
idioms:
zero in
to focus or concentrate hard on something; to identify specifically ♦
Now that we have
zeroed in
on the problem, we can figure out how to solve it.
♦
Great athletes know how to
zero in
when they need to.
zero tolerance
to have no patience for an issue or problem or wrongdoing; to refuse to tolerate or accept ♦
The new laws reflect
zero tolerance
for drunken driving.
♦
I have
zero tolerance
for insults or teasing in my classroom.
One
The number
one
is used more often in idioms than any other number.
The Best
These expressions mean the best, the top; top quality:
number one
♦
Our team is
number one. ♦
Dad, You’re
number one!
A-one
♦
This car is in
A-one
condition.
♦
The fruits and vegetables in that market are always
A-one
quality.
One
and
One Together
These expressions both use the number
one
twice:
one to one
(adv)
describes direct communication between two people, often to resolve a conflict. Almost always used with the verbs
talk
or
discuss.
♦
Let’s talk
one to one
about this problem.
♦
I’m sure that we can resolve our disagreement if we sit down and talk
one to one.
one on one
(adj, adv)
describes a direct competition between two people. Often used to talk about competition that generally has more than just two people, or that begins with more than two people. ♦
This volleyball game is just
one on one,
you and me.
♦
My brother and I used to play a lot of basketball
one on one.
One at a Time
The following two expressions mean to follow in succession:
one by one
(adv)
to go individually, one after the other; this idiom can imply tedium or slowness ♦
They recounted the ballots
one by one. ♦ One by one,
the graduates went up to the podium to receive their diplomas.
one at a time
(adv)
used when people or things are taking turns or waiting in line; implies that something must be finished before another similar thing can be started ♦
I can’t understand any of you when you all talk at once. Please speak
one at a time. ♦
I read just
one
book
at a time,
but my wife is usually reading several books at any given time.
From the Beginning
When you use the expression
from day one,
that means that a condition or situation has existed right from the start, from the first day or beginning. Here are some examples:
- I’ve loved this class
from day one. - She was uncomfortable with that doctor
from day one,
so she found a different doctor. - He’s done exceptionally well on this job
from day one.
Grammar Note:
If the condition or situation still exists at the time of speaking, use the present perfect tense with this expression. If the condition or situation is finished, use the simple past tense.
The expression
back to square one
means that one is back to the starting point of a project, task, or enterprise, and must begin again; one must start over because of a problem. It implies that any progress that was made has been lost. It can also mean that one needs to rethink how to do or solve something.
- The experiment didn’t work, so we’re
back to square one. - After two weeks at his new job, the company closed down, so he’s
back to square one
looking for work.
Totally Unique
The following expressions say that something or someone is unique, rare, and unmatched in quality:
one of a kind
unique, individual, nothing else like it; special, of rare value ♦
This native basket design is
one of a kind.
You won’t ever find another like it.
♦
She’s
one of a kind.
There will never be another woman like her.
one in a million
very rare and exceptional, extraordinary; the very best ♦ Mom, you’re
one in a million.
You’re the best! ♦
This pearl is
one in a million.
It’s huge.
Just One
The following idioms are all two-word adjectives that are connected with a hyphen. They are used to convey that there is only one aspect or possibility:
one-sided
to favor one side or one person and not the other; to be unfair or prejudiced. Said of an argument that is unfair or has only one point. ♦
The new tax cuts are very
one-sided
in favor of big business.
♦
This seems to be a
one-sided
argument; there’s really no opposition to it.
one-track mind
a mind that is focused on only one line of thought or action. Often said of a person who thinks constantly of sex. ♦
Man, you have a
one-track mind.
Do you ever think of anything besides sex?
♦
When she gets interested in something, she
has a one-track
mind. She puts all her attention on it.
one-way ticket
1.
a plane, bus, or train ticket for one direction only, not for the return trip ♦
I bought a
one-way ticket
because I’m not sure when I’ll be returning.
2.
an action or situation guaranteed to bring a certain outcome or consequence ♦
Taking drugs is a
one-way ticket
to nowhere, except trouble.
♦
Her exceptional musical talent was her
one-way ticket
to success.
[See
round-trip ticket
in Chapter 7.]
A Few Other Idioms with One
one too many
a polite way to say that someone is drunk; implies that the last drink was the one that caused the person to become drunk ♦
Hey, you’ve had
one too many.
You can’t drive home; I’ll take you.
♦
Man, I feel terrible. I had
one too many
last night.
one up
1. (v)
to have an advantage or lead over someone; to defeat or embarrass someone by being faster or better. Often put in the passive form,
to be one-upped by someone.
The noun form is
one-upmanship.
♦
The two brothers tried to
one up
each other in everything.
♦
I have some pretty flowers in my garden, but you’ve definitely
one-upped
me with your beautiful tulips.
2. (adj)
to be a little better, faster; to be ahead by a small but important amount ♦
Hey, I’m
one up
on you. I finished all my homework, and I can go play. You still have some to do.
Note:
This expression can also be used sarcastically to mean a negative lead over someone: “Well, I guess I’m
one up on you.
I’ve been married three times, and you’ve been married only twice!”
[See
have
one foot in the grave
in Chapter 13.]
Two
If you
put two and two together,
you can see the obvious and logical conclusion by looking at the facts. For example
- If he
put two and two together,
he’d see that his bad attitude prevented him from getting the promotion. - She’s engaged to Shawn, but I’ve seen her kissing Tom. It’s not hard to
put two and two together.
Two Faces
These expressions are used to describe a person who deceives or lies:
two-faced
(adj)
deceitful, hypocritical ♦
What a
two-faced
liar! He asked me to help him pay his rent, and now I find out that he has plenty of money in the bank.
two-timer
(adj)
a person who has two lovers or has two boyfriends or girlfriends at the same time. The verb form is
to two-time someone.
♦
She’s a
two-timer,
man. Can’t you see that?
♦
Don’t get involved with him. He’ll
two-time
you like he has all his other girlfriends.
Two People
These expressions almost always refer to two people:
two of a kind
two very similar individuals; two people who are very much alike; a pair. Also used to describe things. ♦
My aunt and uncle are really
two of a kind.
They’re perfect together.
♦
You guys are
two of a kind.
You both love Jamaican Dub poetry.
two’s company, three’s a crowd
a saying that means a third person ruins the privacy of a romantic couple; that three people is too many; or that a third person spoils the quality interaction that two people can have together. Often just shortened to
two’s company
or just
three’s a crowd.
♦
Let’s just have a private dinner tonight.
Two’s company
. . . .
♦
Thanks for the invitation, but you two go ahead without me.
Three’s a crowd.
it takes two (to tango)
a saying that means that one person alone can’t have a disagreement; that generally both sides or people have fault in a disagreement or argument; that two people or both sides must be willing to cooperate to resolve a disagreement or work out a compromise ♦
You can’t blame everything on him.
It takes two to tango,
you know.
♦
When I broke up with my girlfriend, I told her
“It takes two.”
Two Things
The following expressions refer literally or figuratively to two things:
two bits
(n)
(slang) 25 cents; a small sum ♦
When I was a kid we could see a movie for
two bits. ♦
This rake is not worth
two bits;
I just bought it and it’s already falling apart.
two-bit
(adj)
of inferior or cheap quality ♦
What kind of
two-bit
restaurant is this? I’m leaving.
♦
No thanks! I don’t want to buy that old
two-bit
stereo of yours. I want a quality sound system.
two left feet
clumsy on one’s feet ♦
I can’t dance at all. I have
two left feet.
feel like two cents
to feel worthless, ashamed, or of little value, usually because of a wrongdoing or an embarrassment ♦
I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings; I really
feel like two cents. ♦
The kids teased him constantly and made him
feel like two cents.
one’s two cents
one’s opinion or thoughts on a matter ♦
If you want
my two cents,
I think you should take the job.
♦
Nobody asked for
your two cents,
so keep quiet!
in two shakes (of a lamb’s tail)
very soon, very quickly. Alludes to the way lambs quickly flick their tails. Often said to someone who is waiting for something. ♦
I’ll be with you to take your order
in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. ♦
When I said, “There’s homemade ice cream,” the kids were here
in two shakes.
Three
Here are a few expressions with the word
three:
the three R’s
the basics of education; literally refers to reading, ’riting, and ’rithmetic (reading, writing, and arithmetic) ♦
Schools offer
the three R’s,
but other classes like art and language have been cut due to lack of funds.
three-ring circus
complete confusion and chaos. Alludes to the three separate circus acts happening at the same time in a circus show that features three rings or stages. ♦
Growing up with eight brothers and sisters was like living in a
three-ring circus.
three strikes and you’re out
means “You have only three chances to succeed. If you fail the third time, you can’t try again.” Alludes to a rule in baseball. ♦
You only have three chances to pass the qualifying exam.
Three strikes and you’re out.
[See
three sheets to the wind
in Chapter 7.]
Four
The following expressions use the number
four:
the four corners of the earth
the farthest points on the earth; all over the entire earth ♦
People came from
the four corners of the earth
to participate in the World Peace Conference.
♦
He’s traveled to
the four corners of the earth,
but he loves his hometown best.
