Catch the Phrase

Learning Can Be fun !!!

idiomsThere are many idioms or phrases that we often hear around us, cited as examples or references but rarely understand their true meaning. An idiom is a combination of words that has a metaphorical or symbolic meaning, due to its common usage. An idiom’s figurative ww5meaning is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made.

Through this section we will try to elaborate the meaning of various idioms and phrases with a help of a Creative Story. Such stories will help in forming a picture in the young minds helping them to understand the phrase better and learn them with a meaning. The credit for this idea goes to our Associate Editor Ritanjali Hastir. However, we welcome contributions from all our patrons as well.

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Cock and Bull Story

Meaning: An unbelievable tale. In other words an absurd, improbable story presented as the truth or an unbelievable tale that is intended to deceive.

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You Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Meaning: Decisions shouldn’t be made primarily on appearance or one should not jump to conclusion immediately at the first sight of a situation. Outward appearances are not a reliable indication of the true character of someone or something.

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Buy A Lemon

Meaning: To get a sour deal. Like, when you buy something that proves to be totally useless. For example, to purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.

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Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Meaning: A family bond is closer than anything else. In modern society, the proverb “blood is thicker than water” is used to imply that family ties are always more important than the ties you make among friends. It generally means that the bonds of family and common ancestry are stronger than the bonds between unrelated people.

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Bite Your Tongue

Meaning: To avoid talking or make a desperate effort to avoid saying something.

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Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Meaning: To take on a task that is way too big or get involved in something that is beyond one’s control or gets out of one’s hand. To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing. 

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Between A Rock and A Hard Place

Meaning: Stuck between two very bad options or a situation offering at least two possibilities, neither of which is acceptable.

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A Toss-Up

Meaning: A result that is still unclear and can go either way. 

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Bend Over Backwards

Meaning: Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything.

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A Clean Bill of Health

Meaning: If you give someone or something a clean bill of health, you examine them and state that they are in a good condition, or legal or in simple words one may say news that one is healthy or statement that an organization is operating correctly. 

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As Pale As A Ghost

Meaning: To turn white or in other words loose ones colour due to irregular blood flow usually caused by utter surprise, anxiety or fear.

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Beat A Dead Horse

Meaning: To force an issue that has already ended.

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Burn Oneself Out

Meaning: What occurs when you overwork yourself into a state of limited mental acuity, depleted emotions, and strength completely drained from your body.

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Barking up the Wrong Tree 

Meaning: A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve or in other words, when you’re looking for something in the wrong place or going about something in the wrong way.

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Back Seat Driver

Meaning: People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.

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An Arm and a Leg

Meaning: Very expensive. A large amount of money.

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All in the Same Boat

Meaning: When everyone is facing the same challenges.

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Against the Clock

Meaning: Rushed and short on time.

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Add Fuel to the Fire

Meaning: Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Meaning: It is better to actually do something than just talk about it.

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A Slap on the Wrist

Meaning: A very mild punishment.

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A Piece of Cake

Meaning: A task that can be accomplished very easily. 

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Back To Square One

Meaning: Having to start all over again.

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A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

Meaning: A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.

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A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

Meaning: By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little).

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A Leopard Can’t Change His Spots

Meaning: You cannot change who you are.

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A Taste of Your Own Medicine

Meaning: When you are mistreated, the same way you mistreat others.

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A Chip On Your Shoulder

Meaning: Being upset for something that happened in the past.

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A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Meaning: Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.

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A Blessing in Disguise

Meaning: Something good that isn’t recognized at first.

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A House Divided Against itself Cannot Stand

Meaning: Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.

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A Fool and His Money Are Easily Parted

Meaning: It is easy for a foolish person to lose his/her money.

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