Writing Tip: Clichés

Posted April 6, 2023 by Kathy Davie in Author Resources, Writing


Pinterest pin for Clichés

The poor cliché . . . a useful phrase that conveys so much. An idea with a different meaning from its literal meaning. For example, the phrases “sweaty palms” or “that dog won’t hunt” have come to mean more than the fact that your palms are just sweaty or that the argument is unfounded. When you say someone has sweaty palms, everyone knows you mean “he is nervous” because the expression has become a cliché.

Everywhere ya go, the “experts” are railing against clichés, saying their use is an example of bad writing and bad literature. That they’re overused, worn-out phrases (or words) that were clever the first someone wrote or spoke it. And still good for a while until the overuse made it into a hackneyed or trite phrase.

They say that writers are lazy for using them, that their writing is unoriginal, that they didn’t take the time to think before writing so their writing is dull and undesirable.

They say that they squeeze out freshness from your writing.

Okayyyy.

Now, I’m feeling paranoid!

I’m also thinking they’re nuts.

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So What’s the Deal with Clichés?

They’re true. What made clichés so popular is that they were an ingenious way to succinctly express a more complex idea.

I can see where using too many clichés would cheapen the story. I can also see where using clichés helps in creating a character or a culture. Sometimes one would expect “clichés” in the story — how can you write an inspirational story without biblical clichés?

Some of the clichés are questionable, in my mind anyway. Indian summer? Really?? So, some clichés are individual words? Does that mean we can’t use words either? Some are swear words, so that “lets that right out”. You’ll recognize movie and book titles, advertising slogans, and lines from movies.

Some of the clichés noted below are from Shakespeare, some I recognize as titles of books or movies, some I’ve never heard of(!), proverbs from Ben Franklin, and some I can’t imagine how you could replace it without getting overly wordy!

Then there are those suggestions that the writer substitute a different word in the phrase. How is that not being lazy?

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Getting Around the Cliché

Various sites give suggestions on how to get around the cliché, including:

Replace one word in a cliché, instead of . . ., try:
in the middle of the night 2 am
you woke up on the wrong side of the bed you woke up on the wrong “edge” of the bed
it’s always darkest before the dawn it’s always darkest before “you wake up”
You can use a cliché that doesn’t sound pretentious
side by side as if at the last minute
anything goes as far as the eye can see back in a sec
back it up back-seat driver bear down
beats me bummer catch on
fair and square sit tight and more . . .

Several sites claim that not all proverbs, idioms, catchphrases, similes, and metaphors are clichés. How they figure that, I have no idea.

My (and Others) Take on It

Clichés are a figure of speech, using words imaginatively — and an efficient way to make a point. Certainly more colorful, *grin*.

For example, it’s much easier to instruct your team “to go for the __” rather than “to focus on the tasks that will achieve a timely result without expending significant resources”.

And I’m of two minds about clichés. And so is Craig Shrives, lol.

On the one hand, they’re danged handy at conveying a LOT of information with few words — besides, they’re fun, *more laughter. On the other hand, I can see the naysayers’ point-of-view that we writers (yes, me too!) tend to get lazy. Well, on the other other hand, I’m suspect I’d miss seeing most clichés!

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When to Definitely Not Use Clichés

When it comes to non-fiction and business writing, absolutely NO. I find myself agreeing with this statement that using a cliché can make you appear flippant. Non-fiction and business are not the time to be creative — and isn’t that sad. Oh god, I think those last three words are a cliché!

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How Does One Find Those Clichés?

You’ll recognize a good number of them, especially if you read through the list below. I was surprised by how many I knew, and how many I didn’t!

  • Read your work out loud and try to develop mental pictures of your content. See if anything is unclear.
  • Examine each sentence to see if what you wrote is likely to have appeared in anyone else’s work (or if you immediately recognize it, although this list can make you paranoid). Since no one has the same experiences as you, your work should express your unique voice and your individual thoughts
  • Use a site that explores your writing for clichés.
    • ProWritingAid has a free Cliché Check. The report will analyze your content and find those phrases that you might not have even realized were clichés. By running each piece of work through the ProWritingAid platform, you’ll learn to recognize clichés as you write them so that you can go back and replace them with something unique.
    • Poetry Soup has a free Cliché Finder — just paste your text in and click.
    • Another site into which you paste your text is Cliché Finder.

Take your pick.

Source: List; Shrives

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Writing is . . .

. . . a lot of work . . . yeah, you already know that one, lol. What the posts on “Writing” are intended to do is explore the various mechanics of writing from plots to points-of-view to structure to character development to genres to voice to target audience to book types to character or story arcs to back stories to plot devices to themes to diction to copyright to flashforwards to flashbacks to framing the story or devices to memes to tropes to pace to perspective to settings to show versus tell to social context to continuity to storyboards to style to language to style sheets to syntax to tone to tropes and more . . .

It’s an evolving conversation, and sometimes I run across an example that helps explain better or another “also known as”. Heck, there’s always a better way to explain it, so if it makes quicker and/or better sense, I would appreciate suggestions and comments from anyone on some aspect of writing with which you struggle or on which you can contribute more understanding.

If you found this post on “Clichés” interesting, consider subscribing to KD Did It, if you’d like to track this post for future updates.

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Cliché
Part of Writing: Figurative Language
Definition: A cliché is an overused and worn-out expression used to convey a popular thought or idea, betraying a lack of original thought


POST CONTENTS
List of Clichés
Types of Clichés

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 Click the + to open a very long list, or right-click PDF and choose how you want to view it.
List of Clichés
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

A
a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle
abandon ship
ablaze with light
about face
above board
absence makes the heart grow fonder
absolute power corrupts absolutely
ace in the hole
ace up his sleeve
achilles’ heel
acid test
acorn / apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
act the giddy goat
actions speak louder than words
after my own heart
ah, to be young and foolish
airing dirty laundry (in public)
all bent out of shape
all bets are off
all dressed up and nowhere to go
all ears
all fingers and thumbs
all for one, and one for all
all good things must come to an end
all hands on deck
all hands to the pump
all heck (hell) breaks loose
all in a day’s work
all in due time
all is fair in love and war
all is vanity
all over the map
all pale in comparison
all roads lead to Rome
all talk and no action
all that glitters is not gold
all that jazz
all the bits and pieces
all the world’s a stage
all thumbs
all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy
all’s fair in love and war
all’s well that ends well
already got one paw on the chicken coop
alrighty then
altitude is determined by attitude
always a bridesmaid, never the bride
always look on the bright side
Am I my brother’s keeper?
apple a day keeps the doctor away
an arm and a leg
an earful
an idle mind is the devil’s playground
an ill wind
an oldie, but a goodie
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
you can take that to the bank
another day, another dollar
another nail in the coffin
ants in his pants
any friend of yours is a friend of mine
any port in a storm
anyhoo
anything goes
(an) apple a day keeps the doctor away
apple of my eye
Are you a man or a mouse?
Are you fair dinkum? (Australia)
armed to the teeth
around the horn
as alike as two peas in a pod
as beautiful as the day is long
as brown as a berry
as busy as a bee
as cool as a cucumber
as dense as a London fog
as easy as pie
as far as the eye can see
as fine as frog’s hair
as good as gold
as happy as a clam
as happy as a sandboy
as happy as Larry
as honest as the day is long
as if(!)
as keen as mustard
as luck would have it
as old as Methuselah
as plain as the nose on your face
as pleased as Punch
as snug as a bug in a rug
as straight as a die
as tender as a mother’s heart
as the crow flies
as useful as a lead balloon
as useful as tits on a bull
as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party
as white as snow
as ye sow, so shall ye reap
ashes to ashes, dust to dust
ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies
Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
asleep at the wheel
ass backwards
ass over tea kettle
(to) assume makes an ASS out of U and ME
at sixes and sevens
at the crack of dawn
at the drop of a hat
at the eleventh (11th) hour
at the end of my rope / tether
at the end of the day…
at the last minute
at the speed of light
at your wits’ end
atta boy / girl
ax to grind

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B
babe in the woods
baby blues
baby boomer
back against the wall
back from the dead
back-handed comment / compliment
back in a sec
back in the saddle
back it up
back-seat driver
back-stabber
(the) back of beyond
back the field
back to basics
back to square one
back to the drawing board
backroom boy
bad blood
bad call
bad egg
bad hair day
bad seed
bad to the bone
badger someone
badgered to death
bag and baggage
bag lady
bags all packed and ready to go
bait and switch
baker’s dozen
(the) balance of power
ball and chain
ball is in your court
balls to the wall
banding together to beat the odds
bandy words
bang on about
banging your head against a brick wall
bank on it
baptism by / of fire
bare bones
barefaced liar
barge (right) in
barking mad
barking up the wrong tree
basket case
bat an eyelid
bat the idea around
bated breath
bats in the belfry
batten down the hatches
be afraid, be very afraid
be in the same boat
be still, my beating heart
be sure to drop me a line
be there or be square
bear down
beast with two backs
beat a dead horse
beat a hasty retreat
beat about / around the bush
beat him by a long chalk
Beat it!
beat swords into ploughshares
(to) beat the band
beat the living daylights out of someone
beats me
beauty is a fading flower
beauty is in the eye of the beholder
beauty is only skin deep
bed of roses
bee in her bonnet
Beelzebub has a devil for a sideboard
been there, done that
bee’s knees
beetle-browed
before you could say Jack Robinson
before you were the gleam in your father’s eye
beg the question
beggars can’t be choosers
behind every great man there’s a great woman
behind the eight (8) ball
behind the times
being led down the garden path
belle of the ball
bells and whistles
below the belt
belt and braces
belt up
bend over backwards
(to be) beside yourself
best bib and tucker
best-laid plans of mice and men
best thing since sliced bread / little (green) apples
(the) best things in life are free
bet the farm
bet your bottom dollar
better half
better late than never
better light a candle than curse the darkness
better safe than sorry
better than a kick in the teeth
better than ever
better the Devil you know than the Devil you don’t
better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
better to remain silent and be thought a fool that to speak and remove all doubt
between a rock and a hard place
between the devil and the deep blue sea
between two stools
between you, me and the bed-post
beware of Greeks bearing gifts
beware the ides of March
beyond our ken
beyond the pale
the Big Apple
the Big Cheese
the Big Easy
big as a house
big as life
big cheese
big fish in a small pond
big picture
big-wig
bigger they are, the harder they fall
Billy no-mates (English)
biological clock is ticking
bird in a gilded cage
bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
birds of a feather flock together
bite me
bite off more than you can chew
bite the bullet
bite the dust
bite your tongue
(the) bitter end
black as pitch
blackball someone
black sheep of the family
black-on-black
blast from the past
blaze a new trail
bleed like a stuck pig
blew him away
blew his wad
blind as a bat
blind leading the blind
blonde bombshell
blood and thunder
blood brothers
blood is thicker than water
blood money
bloody-minded
bloom is off the rose
blot on the landscape
blow a gasket
blow chunks
blow it
blow me down
blow the whistle on
blow this joint
blow your brains out
blow your mind
blow your own trumpet
blowing smoke (up my ass)
blown away
blue blood
blue in the face
blunt words have the sharpest edge
Bob’s your uncle (English)
bodice ripper
bog standard (English)
boils down to
(to) boldly go where no man has gone before
bolt from the blue
(the) bomb
bone-chilling cold
bone dry
bone idle
bone of contention
bone to pick
bone up on
booby prize
booby trap
(to) boot
boot is on the other foot
booze cruise
bored to tears
born with a silver spoon in his mouth
born within the sound of the Bow bells(English)
botch the job
both barrels
bottom drawer
bottom line
bottom of the barrel
bought the farm
bounce back
(the) bowels of the earth
bowl someone over
box yourself in
boys will be boys
bragging rights
brain drain
brand spanking new
brave as a lion
(the) bread of life
break a leg
break the ice
bright as a button
bring home the bacon
bring it on
bring sand to the beach
bring to the table
broad in the beam
broke the bank
Brother, can you spare a dime?
brownie points
buck naked
buck stops here
buckle down
build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door
bull in a china shop
built like a brick shithouse
built like a tank
built to last
bum steer
bummer
bump in the road
bump on a log
bums on seats
bun in the oven
bunch of fives
bunny boiler
burn the candle at both ends
burn the midnight oil
burn your bridges
burn your ships
burning up the track
bury the hatchet
bury your head in the sand
business as usual
business at hand
bust your balls
bust your chops
busting a gut
busy as a bear in a beehive
busy as a bee
busy as a one-armed paperhanger
busy as a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest
busy hands are happy hands
but enough about me …
(the) butler did it
butt of a joke
butter him up
butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth
butterflies in his stomach
buy a pig in a poke
buy into
buy something for a song
by all means, after you
by and large
by George
by gum
by hook or by crook
by the same token
by the skin of your teeth

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C
call a spade a spade
call it a day
(the) call of the wild
call off the dogs
call the shots
(the) calm before the storm
(the) camera cannot lie
can it
can of whoop ass
can of worms
can’t (won’t) get to first base with her
can’t beat that with a stick
can’t blame him for trying
can’t cut it
can’t for the life of me remember
can’t get a word in edgewise
can’t have your cake and eat it too
can’t hold a candle to
can’t judge a book by its cover
can’t learn to swim without getting in the water
can’t say enough about him
cant say’s I would
can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip
can’t teach an old dog new tricks
can’t win for losing
carbon copy
carpe diem (seize the day)
carrot on a stick
carry coals to Newcastle
carry the can
carry the team
carte blanche
case in point
cash cow
cash in your chips
cash is king
cash it in
cash on the nail
cast a very long shadow
(to) cast the first stone
cat got your tongue
catch (get) my drift
catch-22 (situation)
catch a falling knife
catch forty / 40 winks
catch hell if I do
catch on
catching some Zs
cat-like grace
(the) cat’s meow
(the) cat’s pajamas
cat’s whiskers
caught between a rock and a hard place
caught between Scylla and Charybdis
caught by the short hairs
caught in the crossfire
caught me off-guard
caught red-handed
caught with his hands in the till
caught with his pants down
caught with your hand in the cookie jar
chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link
chalk and cheese
champ at the bit
champagne tastes and a beer budget
(to) chance your arm
change your tune
changes hands
channel surfing
chapter and verse
charity begins at home
charm offensive
charm the pants off
charmed life
chatty Cathy
cheap at half the price
cheap knock-off
cheap shot
cheap trick
check it out
check’s in the mail
cherchez la femme
chew out
chew the cud
chew the fat
chewing nails and spitting tacks
chick flick
(the) chickens come home to roost
chief cook and bottle washer
children should be seen and not heard
child’s play
chink in the armor
chip in
chip off the old block
chip on his shoulder
chit-chat
chock full
chock-a-block
(the) cold shoulder
chop and change
chow down
chuck-a-nana (Australia)
clam up
clapped out
clash of the titans
clean as a whistle
clean bill of health
clean sweep
cleanliness is next to godliness
clear as a bell
clear as mud
clear blue water
clear the air
clear the decks
climb on the bandwagon
climbing the walls
close but no cigar
close call
close early and often
close enough for jazz
close only counts in horseshoes
close quarters
(to) close ranks
close your eyes and think of England (English)
closed mouth gathers no feet
closing the barn door after the horse has bolted
cloud-cuckoo-land
clucking and bucking with the other hens
clue me in
coast to coast
cock and bull story
cock up
cockles of your heart
codswallop
coin a phrase
cold as a witch’s tit
cold as ice
cold comfort
cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey
cold feet
cold hands, warm heart
cold shoulder
cold turkey
(the) collywobbles
come a cropper
come a’callin
Come again?
come hell or high water
come in under the wire
come out of the closet
come up short
come up trumps
come what may
coming apart at the seams
coming down in buckets
coming down the pike
comparing apples to oranges
contemplate my navel
cook one’s goose
cook the books
cooking with gas (now)
cool as a cucumber
cool Britannia
cool your heels
cool your jets
copper-bottomed guarantee
cor blimey (English)
cost an arm and a leg
cotton on to someone
couldn’t do it to save his soul / hide
couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper sack / bag
couldn’t make heads or tails of it
count your blessings
(the) course of true love never did run smooth
cover my ass
crack down
(the) crack of doom
crack the code
crack the whip
cracker Jack
cracking up
crammed in like sardines
crazy as a loon
crazy like a fox
crazy / mad as a march hare
cream of the crop
credit where credit is due
creme de la creme
crime doesn’t pay
crocodile tears
cross the line
crossing the Rubicon
cruisin’ for a bruisin’
cry Havoc and let slip the dogs of war
cry me a river
cry over spilled milk
cry wolf
cult of personality
curate’s egg
curb your enthusiasm
curiosity killed the cat
curry favor
curse a blue streak
(the) customer is always right
cut and run
cut corners
cut from the same cloth
cut it out
cut no ice
(the) cut of your jib
cut off your nose to spite your face
cut the mustard
cut to the chase
cut your losses
cut your teeth
cute as a button
cuts like a knife
cuts to the core
cuts to the quick
cutting through all the red tape

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D
dagger / knife in the heart
damned if you do and damned if you don’t
dance with the Devil
dances (moves) to the beat of a different drummer
dangle a carrot in front of him
Daniel come to judgement
dark horse
(the) darkest hour is just before the dawn
(the) darling buds of May
darting to and fro
dat dawg don’t hunt no more
David versus Goliath
Davy Jones’ locker
(a) day late and a dollar short
daylight robbery
dead as a Dodo
dead as a doornail
dead ringer
deal with it
dealt a fatal blow
death by a thousand cuts
deep in thought
deer in headlights
designer stubble
deus ex machina
(the) devil incarnate
(the) devil is always ready to rock the cradle of the saint who sleeps
(the) devil is in the details
(the) devil made me do it
(the) devil must be beating his wife
(the) devil takes the hindmost
(the) devil to pay
(the) die has been cast
diamond in the rough
diamond is forever
die-hard
different kettle of fish
dig yourself into a hole
dip your toe in the water
dirt cheap
dish fit for the gods
distance makes the heart grow fonder
do a one-eighty / 180
do as I say and not as I do
Do birds fly?
do unto others as they would have them do unto them
do you think I’m made of money
do not go there
do not have a clue
do not keep a dog and bark yourself
do not look a gift horse in the mouth
do not poke the bear
do not pull my leg
do or die
do unto others as you would have other do unto you
do what it takes
Does a bear shit in the woods?
doesn’t know if she’s washing or hanging out
does not know shit from Shinola
doesn’t have a prayer
doesn’t stand a chance
(the) dog ate my homework
dog days
dog eat dog
dog in the manger
dog tired
dogs bark, but the caravan moves on
(the) dog’s bollocks
dog’s breakfast
dog’s dinner
dogs have masters, cats have staff
(a) dog’s life
doing the horizontal bop
doing time
done a runner
done to a turn
done up like a Christmas tree
done up like a dog’s dinner
donkey’s years
don’t air your dirty laundry in public
don’t be a party pooper
don’t be a stick in the mud
don’t be such a big girl’s blouse (English)
don’t bite of more than you can chew
don’t bite the hand that feeds you
don’t burn your bridges
don’t call us, we will call you
don’t change horses in midstream
don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched
don’t do anything I wouldn’t do
don’t fire ’til you see the whites of their eyes
don’t fly off the handle
don’t get your knickers in a twist (English)
don’t get your panties / shorts in a bunch / wad
don’t go there
don’t have a cow
don’t have two nickels to rub together
don’t hold your breath
don’t judge a book by its cover

don’t jump to conclusions
don’t know him from Adam
don’t let the bed bugs bite
don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
don’t look back
don’t make a fuss
don’t make me do something I’ll regret
don’t paint the devil on the wall (German)
don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining
don’t push your luck
don’t put all your eggs in one basket
don’t rock the boat
Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger
don’t sweat it
don’t take any wooden nickels
don’t tempt fate
don’t throw the baby out with the bath water
don’t toot your own horn
don’t trust the lock to which everyone has a key (Swedish)
don’t try to teach your grandma to suck eggs
don’t upset the apple cart
don’t use a lot where a little will do
don’t want to cover old ground
dot the I’s and cross the T’s
double dutch
double whammy
doubting Thomas
down and out
down at heel
down in the mouth
down on your/his luck
down the hatch
down the pan
down the tubes
down to earth
down to the wire
drain the lizard
draw a blank
draw the line
dream on
dressed to kill
dressed to the nines
drink like a fish
drive me to drink
drive me/you nuts
drive me/you up a wall
drive someone doolally
drive the point home
driving your ducks to a (mighty) poor pond
drop a dime
(a) drop in the bucket
drop me a line
drop-dead gorgeous
dropping like flies
drown your sorrows
drum up support
drunk as a skunk
dry as a bone
ducks in a row
dumb as a doorbell / post
dumber than a bag of hammers
dumber than a box of rocks
duvet day
dyed in the wool

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E
eager beaver
early bird catches the worm
early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise
earmark something
earn one’s stripes
earned his wings
easier said than done
easy as 123
easy as ABC
easy as pie
eat dirt
eat, drink and be merry
eat like a horse
eat my dust
eat my hat
eat one’s words
eat your heart out
eaten out of house and home
eating humble pie
economical with the truth
egg on your face
(to) egg on
elementary, my dear Watson
(the) elephant in the room
(at the) eleventh hour
Elvis has left the building
emotional roller coaster
empty flattery
(the) ends justify the means
Et tu, Brutus?
even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while
even keel
even Stevens
every cloud has a silver lining
every dark cloud has a silver lining
every dog has his day
every man for himself
every man has his price
Every man has stupid thoughts, only wise men keep them quiet. (Swedish)
every rose has its thorn
every Tom, Dick, and Harry
every which way but loose
everyone has their cross to bear
everything but the kitchen sink
everything’s coming up daisies
everything’s coming up roses
everything’s copasetic
everything’s hunky dory
exceedingly well read
(the) exception that proves the rule
excuse me while I kiss this guy
excuse my French
eyes are the mirrors of / to the soul
eyes are the windows of / to the soul
eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth
eye of newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog
eye to eye
eyeball someone or something
eyeball to eyeball

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F
(a) face like a bulldog chewing on a wasp
(a) face like a burst couch
(a) face like a dropped meat pie
(a) face only a mother could love
(the) face that launched a thousand ships
(a) face that would scare a dog out of a butcher shop
face the music
face up to the facts
faint heart never a true love knows
fair and square
fair play
fair weather friend
fait accompli
faith can move mountains
fake it till you make it
(to) fall foul
fall from grace
fall guy
fall head over heels
fall off the back of a lorry
fall on your sword
fall through the cracks
famous for fifteen minutes
fan the flames
fancy free
fancy meeting you here
fancy-pants
far and away the best
far be it from me
far cry
far from the madding crowd
fashion victim
(a) fast buck
faster than a speeding bullet
faster than greased lightning
fat as a cow
fat as a pig
fat chance
fate worse than death
feast your eyes on this
(a) feather in his cap
(to) feather your nest
(to be) fed up
feed a cold, starve a fever
feeding frenzy
feel like a fifth wheel
fell off my plate
(the) female of the species is more deadly than the male
(a) few fries short of a happy meal
few sandwiches short of a picnic
(the) fickle finger of fate
fiddling while Rome burns
Fie, fi, foh, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman.
fifth Beatle
fight fire with fire
fight like a man
fight like cats and dogs
fight the good fight
figure it out
filthy rich
finders keepers, losers weepers
fine and dandy
fine line
finer than frog hair
fire in the belly
firing on all cylinders
first things first
fish or cut bait
fish out of water
fit as a fiddle
fit to be hung
fit to be tied
fits and starts
fits like a glove
flag something down
flash as a rat with a gold tooth
flash in the pan
flat as a board
flat as a long-poured champagne
flat as a pancake
flat out
flattery will get you nowhere
flavor of the month
fleet footed (fleet of foot)
flesh and blood
flipped her lid
flirt with disaster
flog a dead horse
floozie in the jacuzzi
flotsam and jetsam
flown the coop
fly by night
fly by the seat of your pants
fly in the face of
fly in the ointment
fly off the handle
fly on the wall
flying by the seat of your pants
foam at the mouth
fob off
follow suit
follow the leader
following in his footsteps
fool and his money are soon parted
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
fool’s paradise
foregone conclusion
fools’ gold
fools rush in where angels fear to tread
foot in the door
foot loose and fancy free
foot the bill
for crying out loud
for ever and a day
for everything there is a season
for god’s sake
for Pete’s sake
for the love of God/Pete/Mike
for want of the nail, the shoe was lost
for whom the bell tolls
forbidden fruit
forever and a day
Forgive them for they know not what they do.
fork out
foul play
four corners of the earth
free as a bird
free reign
fresh as a daisy
fresh out of ideas
fried to one’s tonsils
friend in need is a friend indeed
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears.
frightened to death
frisky as a puppy
frog in my throat
from day one
from here to Timbuktu
from sea to shining sea
from strength to strength
from the four corners of the earth
from the frying pan into the fire
fruit of your loins
fuddy-duddy
full monty
full of himself
full of hot air
full of mischief
full of piss and vinegar
full tilt
full to the back teeth
funny business
funny farm
funny you mention it
fur coat and no knickers
fuzzy wuzzy

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G
gadzooks!
gag me with a spoon
game is afoot
game is on the line
game is up
game of two halves
gang bang
gathering like flies
gave it a wide berth
gee whiz
Generation X
genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration
gentlemen only, ladies forbidden
get / start the ball rolling
get a grip on yourself
get a handle on this
get a life
get a room
get a word in edgewise
get ahead early and stay ahead late
get all worked up
get along like oil and water
get an earful
get back up on the horse
get cleaned out
get crushed
get down to bare bones
get down to brass tacks
get down to the nitty gritty
get it outta my hair
get lost
Get my message?
get off on the wrong foot
get on her high horse
get on her soap box
get one’s goat
get out of here
get outta town by sundown
get over it
get stuffed
get the peanut butter out of your ears
get the show on the road
get thee behind me, Satan
get to the bottom of it
get underway
get used to it
get with the program
get your act together
get your arms around it
get your ducks in a row
get your feet wet
get your foot in the door
get your goat
get your head in the game
get your panties in a bunch / twist / wad
gift of the gab
gild the lily
gimme a break
gird your loins
girl / boy next door
give a hoot
give a little take a little
give a wide berth
give an inch, and he takes a mile
give and take
give him a run for his money
give it a rest
give it a whirl
give it away
give me a hand
give someone a break
give the shirt off your back
give them a hand
give up the ghost
give your right arm
given to him on a silver platter
giving someone the bird
glass ceiling
glimmer of hope
gloss over
glowing like a good deed in a naughty world
glutton for punishment
go against the grain
go and boil your head
go back to the well
go ballistic
go belly up
go berserk
go by the book
go figure
go fly a kite
go for broke
go head to head
go jump in the lake
go like the clappers
go off at half-cock
go out in a blaze of glory
go out on a limb
go over his head
go overboard
go the extra mile
(to) go the whole hog
go through the motions
go through the roof
go to pot
go to the dogs
go together hand in hand
go too far
go where the green lights lead you
go with the flow
go with your gut
God help us
god only knows
God speed
god willing (and the creek don’t rise)
going against the tide
going bananas
going forward
going gang-busters
going nineteen to the dozen
going to hell in a hand basket
gold digger
golden child
gone but not forgotten
gone to the dogs
good as gold
good as new

(a) good beginning makes a good ending
good call
good fences make good neighbors
(a) good man is hard to find
good men and true
good one!
good riddance
good rule of thumb
good Samaritan
good soldier
good things come to those who wait
good to go
good to the last drop
goody two-shoes
goofing off
Gordon Bennett (English)
gospel truth
got a hole in his pocket
got a leg up on it
got a loaf in the oven
got beat like a drum
got burned
got him by the short hairs
got knocked up
got lost in the shuffle
got my mojo working
got off on the right foot
got off on the wrong foot
got schooled
got spanked
got taken for a ride
got the stuffing beat out of him
got them by the short and curlies
got under my skin
got whooped
got you over a barrel
got your hand caught in the cookie jar
got your head in the clouds
got your nose all pushed out of joint
grace of God
grand slam
grasping at straws
(the) grass is always greener on the other side
grass up
graveyard shift
grease a palm
greased lightning
great unwashed
greatest thing since sliced bread
green-eyed monster
green with envy
greener pastures
grin and bear it
grin like a Cheshire cat
grinning from ear to ear
grist for the mill
ground rules
Groundhog Day
growing like a weed
gum up the works
gunning for
guns blazing
gut-wrenching pain

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H
had his bell rung
hair of the dog
hairy eyeball
halcyon days
half a bubble off
half a loaf is better than none
half cocked
half-baked idea
Halt! Who goes there?
hand over fist
hand that rocks the cradle
handbags at dawn
handle it with kid gloves
hands on
hang by a thread
hang in there
hang me out to dry
hang on every word
hanging onto mother’s apron strings
hanky panky
happy as a clam
happy as a lark
happy as a pig in mud / shit
happy camper
hard as a rock
hard cheese
hard to swallow
harder for a rich man to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle
hare-brained idea
harp on
haste makes waste
hat in hand
haul someone over the coals
(to) have a field day
(to) have a gammy leg
(to) have cold feet

have a heart
have a nice day
have an ax to grind
have ’em in stitches
have the last laugh
haven’t got a penny to my name
haven’t got a row to hoe
haven’t seen hide nor hair of him
he breasted his cards
he can’t see the forest for the trees
he couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn
he doesn’t know what time it is
he gave a hundred and ten percent
he got plastered
he got the short end of the stick
he has a few loose screws
he has a way with words
he has egg on his face
he is toast
he knows which side his bread is buttered on
he learned his lesson
he left no stone unturned
he let the cat out of the bag
he looks like death warmed up
he made a mad dash for it
he never met a doughnut he didn’t like
he put one over on me
he single-handedly destroyed an empire
he speaks with a forked tongue
he spilled the beans
He was Aladdin in an orchard dripping with diamonds!
he was just a port in the storm
he was talking into his hat lying
he was the life of the party
he went the whole nine / 9 yards
he went to the school of hard knocks (university of life)
he who can, does; he who cannot, teaches.
he who cannot dance, blames the DJ
he who hesitates is lost
he who laughs last, laughs best
he who lives by the sword, shall die by the sword
he will give the Devil his due
he won, hands down
he / she is as dense as a London fog
he / she silenced the critics
he / she was like a brother/son/father/sister/mother/daughter to me
head over heels
heading for the poor house
heads up
heard it through the grapevine
heart of gold
heart-stopping fear
heaven help us
heavens to Betsy
hedge one’s / your bets
heebie-jeebies
hell-bent for leather
Hell has no fury like a woman scorned
(to) hell in a hand basket
hell or high water
helter-skelter
hem and haw
hen pecked
her biological clock is ticking
here lies one whose name was writ in water
here today, gone tomorrow
here’s mud in your eye
Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry?
he’s a bald-faced liar
he’s a bubble shy of plumb
he’s a corn-fed hick
he’s a dark horse
he’s a fall guy
he’s a smooth operator
he’s all flibberty jibbets
he’s all hat and no cattle
he’s always blowing his own horn
he’s an easy study
he’s an inch deep and a mile wide
he’s bitten off more than he can chew
he’s built like a brick shit-house
he’s changing his tune
he’s chomping at the bit
he’s dressed to the nines
he’s feeling his oats
he’s fishing for compliments
he’s gone to ground
he’s got a bug up his ass
he’s got more money than he knows what to do with
He’s got the skills to pay the bills
he’s gunning for a fight
he’s hen pecked
he’s milk toast
he’s not playing with a full deck
he’s not the sharpest knife in the cabinet
he’s over the hill
he’s pulling your leg
he’s pushing up daisies
he’s really laying it on thick
he’s really on the ball
he’s scared of his own shadow
he’s so matter-of-fact
he’s so ugly, he’d have to sneak up on a glass of water to get a drink
he’s the south end of a north-bound horse
he’s thinking with the wrong head
he’s waiting for his ship to come in
het up
hide the salami
higgledy piggledy
high and dry
high as a kite
high hopes
high time
high, wide, and handsome
high-flyer
highway robbery
hindsight is twenty/twenty (20/20)
his bark is worse than his bite
his elevator doesn’t go to the top floor
his eyes are bigger than his stomach
his left hand doesn’t know what his right hand is doing
his mouth is writing checks his body can’t cash
hissy fit
history repeats itself
hit below the belt
hit every ugly branch falling out of the tree
hit him right between the numbers
hit the books
Hit the deck!
hit the ground running
hit the hay
hit the nail on the head
hit the sack
hoist by your own petard
hoity-toity
hold down the fort
hold the phone
hold your horses
holding all the cards
holier than thou
home is where the heart is
home is where you hang your hat
(to be) honest with you
honesty is the best policy
hook, line and sinker
hop, skip and a jump
hope against hope
hope springs eternal
(a) horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse
horse around,
horse of a different color
horse play
horsing around
hot as hell
Hot enough for you?
hot enough to fry an egg
hot off the press
hot on the heels
hot under the collar
hotter than a fox in a firestorm
(a) house divided against itself cannot stand
Houston, we have a problem
how are the mighty fallen
How do I love thee?
how now, brown cow?
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child
How’s it hanging?
How’s that for a topper?
hugged him closer than peel does a banana
hump day
hunker down
hunky dory
hurl insults
hurts like the Dickens

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I
I beg to differ
I bought it for a song
I busted my hump
I can’t stand it
I can’t stomach that
I can’t tell you what a pleasure its been
I could eat a horse
I could whip you with one arm tied behind my back
I didn’t come down the Clyde in a banana boat (Scottish, Glasgow)
I didn’t expect the Spanish Inquisition
I don’t give a fig
I don’t give a jot
I hate to say this, but . . .
I have a bone to pick with you
I have an ax to grind
I have not slept one wink
I have nothing to declare but my genius
I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat
I haven’t a clue
I haven’t the foggiest
I heard (hear) that!
I need that like a hole in the head
I need that like a moose needs a hat rack
I never met a man (horse, etc.) I didn’t like
I ought to tan your hide
I put two and two together . . .
I quit smoking cold turkey
I second that
I smell a rat
I spy with my little eye
I trust him as far as I can throw him
I want my place in the sun
I was roped into it
I wasn’t born yesterday
I will give you that to boot
I will go to the foot of our stairs
I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
I wouldn’t piss on your teeth if they were on fire
I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could spit
ice water in his/her veins
icing on the cake
I’d bet my bottom dollar
I’d lose my head if it wasn’t attached
I’d rather be a hammer than a nail
I’d rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy
idle chit-chat
idle hands are the devil’s workshop
if a frog had wings, he wouldn’t bump his ass hopping
if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?
if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again
if God had meant for man to fly, he would’ve given us wings
if his word were a bridge — you’d be afraid to cross
if I had a nickel for every time he _, I’d be a millionaire
if I had my druthers
if I were in his shoes
if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
if it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all
if it’s not one thing it’s another
if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times
if looks could kill
if music be the food of love, play on
if the mountain won’t come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain
if the shoe fits, wear it
if wishes were horses, beggars would ride
if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em
if you can’t find it, grind it
if you can’t kill the king then don’t wound him
if you can’t see the bottom, don’t put your foot in the water. (Swedish)
if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
if you can’t take Mohammed to the mountain, take the mountain to Mohammed
if you chase two rabbits, both will escape
if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all
if you get the sense, then chuck the tense
if you love something set it free
if you play your cards right…
if you think that, you have another think coming
if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself
if you were any closer, it would bite you
if your foresight was as good as your hindsight, we would be better by a far sight
if you’re going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk
if you’ve seen one you’ve seen ’em all
ignorance is bliss
ignorance of the law is no excuse
I’ll be a monkey’s uncle
I’ll be damned
I’ll be the judge of that, thank you.
I’ll be there with bells on
I’ll bet a dollar to a donut
I’ll eat my hat
I’ll fix you
I’ll fix your little red wagon
I’ll leave you with something to chew on
I’ll procrastinate later
I’ll punch his lights out
I’ll see you in hell
I’m going bananas
I’m gonna clean your clock
I’m gonna lay down the law
I’m gonna wash that man right outta my hair
I’m in hog heaven
I’m not a rocket scientist
I’m not getting any younger
I’m on a roll
imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
in a jiffy
in a New York minute
in a nutshell
in a pickle
in a pig’s eye
in a quandary
in a trice
in a wink
in an interesting condition
in bed with one’s boots on
in cahoots with
in every life a little rain must fall
in fine fettle
in for a fleecing
in for a penny, in for a pound
in for the long haul
in full cry
in harm’s way
in my mind’s eye
in one ear and out the other
in one fell swoop
in over your head
in seventh heaven
in still weather everyone is a good sailor (Swedish)
in stitches
in the bag
in the black
in the box-seat
in the buff
in the cards
in the clear
in the dark
in the doghouse
in the doldrums
in the hot seat
in the joint
in the limelight
in the money
in the nick of time
in the offing
in the pink
in the red
in the rough
in the twinkling of an eye
in two shakes of a lamb’s tail
in your dreams
in your face
Indian summer
innocent as the day he was born
irons in the fire
Is a pig pork?
Is it soup yet?
is nothing sacred
Is the Pope Catholic?
Is this a dagger which I see before me?
isn’t all it’s cracked up to be
it ain’t over till the fat lady sings
it ain’t rocket science
it all boils down to this
it came like a bolt from the blue
it is a long road without a turn
it is all grist to the mill
it is better to give than to receive
it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness
it is what it is
it isn’t all sweetness and light
it just goes to show…
it never rains but it pours
it sounds like a thrashing machine
it stands to reason
it takes two to tang
it takes two fools to argue.
it took my breath away
it was a piece of cake
it was a white-knuckle ride
it was an ill-fated idea
it will be a cold day in hell
it will do
it won’t fly
it’s no use crying over spilled milk
it’s a dog-eat-dog world
it’s a dog’s life
it’s a doozy
it’s a freckle past a hair
it’s a game of inches
it’s a lemon
it’s a long shot
it’s a one-horse town
its a sure thing
it’s a wash
it’s all cut and dried
it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye
it’s all Greek to me
it’s all in your head
it’s all over but the crying
its all topsy turvy
it’s an ill wind that blows no good
it’s an uphill battle
It’s autumn in her mouth and all her tongue can do is rustle!
it’s been a pleasure
it’s better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick
it’s cutting edge
it’s darkest just before the dawn
it’s got a great beat, but you can’t dance to it
it’s in the bag
it’s just one of those days, I guess
it’s like I’m made of money
it’s like my daddy used to say…
it’s neck and neck
it’s never too late to learn
it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon
it’s not all it’s cracked up to be
it’s not over till it’s over
it’s not rocket science
it’s not the heat it’s the humidity
it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog
it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game
it’s not written in stone
it’s nothing earth-shattering
it’s on the tip on my tongue
it’s only a matter of time
it’s raining like a cow pissing on a flat rock
it’s what’s on the inside that counts
I’ve been had
I’ve got a monkey on my back
I’ve got it covered
I’ve got other fish to fry
I’ve had it up to here
ivory tower

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J
jack of all trades and a master of none
jockeying for position
join the ranks
joined at the hip
(a) journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step
jump down your throat
jump in with both feet
jump on the bandwagon
jump the gun
(the) jury is still out
just a cotton pickin’ minute here
just a drop in the bucket
just a matter of time
just a minute
just a second
just admiring the view
just around the bend
just as sweet as you please
just fell off the turnip truck
just like riding a bike
just the tip of the iceberg
just thought I’d throw that in
just washed my hair and can’t do a thing with it
just what the doctor ordered
just yankin’ your chain
justice is blind

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K
kangaroo court
kangaroo loose in the top paddock (Australia)
Keep a bad dog with you, and the good dogs won’t bite
keep a stiff upper lip
keep a wide berth
keep an (my) eye on you
keep body and soul together
keep danger at bay
keep ’em flying
keep it down
keep it simple, stupid (KISS)
keep it under your hat
keep it up
keep on your toes
keep schtum
keep something at bay
keep the ball rolling
keep the home fires burning
keep up with the Joneses
keep your fingers crossed
keep your chin up
keep your eye on the ball
keep your eyes open
keep your eyes peeled
keep your hair on
keep your nose to the grindstone
keep your pants on
keep your pecker up
keep your powder dry
keep your shirt on
keep your shoulder to the wheel
keep your spirits up
keep your thoughts to yourself
keeping (staying) on top of it
keeping the world safe for democracy
keeps her cards close to her chest
keeps on ticking
keepy-uppy
kettle of fish
kick back
kick ’em when they’re down
kick him/her to the curb
kick some butt (ass)
kick the bucket
kick your heels
kicked (took it) in the huevos
kid in a candy store
kill ’em with kindness
king of the hill
(a) king’s ransom
kiss and make up
kiss and tell
kiss ass
kiss of death
kissing the rose
kitten on the keys
knee-high to a grasshopper
knee-jerk reaction
knight in shining armor
knock-back
knock ’em dead
knock it off
knock it out of the park
knock off (work)
(a) knock-off
knock on wood
knock the cover off the ball
(to) knock / beat the tar out of
knock your socks off
knock yourself out
knocked into a cocked hat
knocked up
(to) know beans
know it like the back of my hand
know the ropes
know the score
know what’s up
know where you stand
know which side your bread is buttered on
know which way the wind blows
know your onions
knows it chapter and verse
knuckle down
(a) knuckle sandwich

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L
la dolce vita
la-di-da
labour of love
lager frenzy (English)
lamb to the slaughter
lame duck
land of milk and honey
lardy-dardy (English)
lark about
last but not least
last-ditch effort
last hurrah
last, but not least
last straw
lasted a lifetime
lasted an eternity
laugh a minute
laugh like a drain
laughing all the way to the bank
laughing-stock
laughter is the best medicine
lay down the law
lay it on with a trowel
lay it out in lavender
lay my cards (out) on the table
lead-pipe cinch
learn the ropes
least said, soonest mended
leave
leave no stone unturned
left at the altar
left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing
left in the lurch
left you with something to chew on
left-handed compliment
legend in his own mind
leopard doesn’t change its spots
less is more
lesser of two evils
let a thousand flowers bloom
let bygones be bygones
let God sort ’em out
let me bend your ear
let not the sun go down on your wrath
let sleeping dogs lie
let the cat out of the bag
let them eat cake
let there be light
let your hair down
Let’s forge ahead, shall we?
let’s get the ball rolling
let’s roll
let’s split
let’s tie the knot
level playing field
(a) lick and a promise
lick into shape
lickety-split
licking one’s wounds
lie down with dogs and wake up with fleas
(to) lie down with lions
lie low
life goes on
life in the fast lane
life is a bowl of cherries
like a kid in a candy store
life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get
life is not all beer and skittles
life is what you make it
life of Riley
life stinks
life’s a bitch
life’s too short
lift myself up by the bootstraps
lift your game
light a fire under it
light as a feather
light at the end of the tunnel
light in the loafers
light’s on but nobody’s home
lighter than air
lightning never strikes the same place twice
lights are on but there’s nobody home
like a bat out of hell
like a broken record
like a bull in a china shop
like a chicken with his head cut off
like a coiled spring
like a dog chasing cars
like a duck on a June Bug
like a fish out of water
like a lost dog in the high weeds
like a moth to a flame
like balling the jack
like being savaged by a dead sheep
like billy-o (English)
like butter
like chalk and cheese (English)
like father, like son
like flies on shit
like getting your tit in the wringer
like it’s going out of style
like lambs to the slaughterhouse
like looking for a needle in a haystack
like oil and water
like pigs in a poke
like shit off a shovel
like shooting ducks on a pond
like shooting fish in a barrel
like taking candy from a baby
like the Dickens
like there is no tomorrow
like walking on eggshells
like water off a duck’s back
like white on rice
lily-livered
line in the sand
lions led by donkeys
lion’s share
lipstick on a pig
(a) little bird told me
(a) little knowledge is a dangerous thing
little of this, a little of that
little strokes fell great oaks
(a) little yeast works through the whole batch of dough
live and learn
live and let live
(to) live from hand to mouth
live long and prosper
living daylights
living hand to mouth
living high off the hog
living in an ivory tower
living legend
living off the fat of the land
living on borrowed time
living the life of Riley
lo and behold
load of cobblers
loaves and fishes
lock, stock, and barrel
long and short of it
long arm of the law
long in the tooth
(a) long shot
long time no see
long ways away
look a gift horse in the mouth
look before you leap
look into your heart
look out for number one
Look out!
look over your shoulder
looking at the world through rose colored glasses
looking for a needle in a haystack
looks can be deceiving
looks like there’s a new sheriff in town
loose cannon
loose lips sink ships
loose your shirt
Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away
Lord moves in mysterious ways
Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise
lose face – save face
lose your lunch
lose your marbles
lose your mind
lost a step
lost his shirt
lost track of time
lot of empty flattery
lots of honey makes bees lazy (Swedish)
love and hate are two horns on the same goat
love conquers all
love is a many-splendored thing
love is blind
love that dare not speak its name
love thy neighbor
love you more than life itself
low-hanging fruit
lower than a snake’s belly
lowest on the totem pole
lower the boom
luck of the draw
lucky stiff
lying through your teeth

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M
mad as a hatter
mad as a March hare
madder than a wet hen
made in the shade
made it by the skin of my teeth
made of money
make a bee-line for
make a big deal out of nothing
make a break for it
make a fast buck
make a long story short
make a mountain out of a mole hill
make a statement without saying a word
make a virtue of necessity
make an ass out of yourself
make ends meet
make hay while the sun shines
make heads or tails of
make Him an offer he can’t refuse
make like a baby and head out
make like a tree and leave
make money hand over fist
make no bones about it
make or break
make out like a bandit
make the grade
make tracks
make up
make waves
make your mark
make your move
makes my blood boil
makes your hair stand on end
makin’ bacon
making him sing like a canary
making money hand over fist
making the beast with two backs
making whoopee
mal de mer
man after my own heart
man does not live by bread alone
man for all seasons
man up
man’s best friend
man’s home is his castle
(to the) manner born
many a true word is spoken in jest
many are called but few are chosen
many hands make light work
march to the beat of a different drummer
mark my words
(a) marked man
marking time
marry in haste, repent at leisure
matter-of-fact
may you live in interesting times
maybe something will jog your memory
mea culpa
mean as a snake
meet and greet
melting pot
memory like an elephant
ménage à trois
me thinks she doth protest too much
Mexican standoff
Mexican wave
Mickey Finn
middle of the road
mighty oaks from little acorns grow
milk it (for all it’s worth)
milk of human kindness
mind is a terrible thing to waste
mind over matter
mind your manners
mind your own beeswax
mind your own business
mind your p’s and q’s
misery loves company
missed by a hair
missed the boat
moaning minnie
Monday morning quarterback
money burns a hole in his pocket
money can’t buy you happiness
money doesn’t grow on trees
money grubbing
money is the root of all evil
money makes the world go round
money out (up) the wazoo
monkey business
monkey see monkey do
monkeying around
Montezuma’s revenge
many a mickle makes a muckle (Northern England, Scottish)
more clichés than you can shake a stick at
more fool you
more fun than a barrel of monkeys
more honored in the breach than in the observance
more than meets the eye
more the merrier
(the) more things change, the more they stay the same
(the) more we learn, the less we know
moveable feast
moving finger writes
moving the goalposts
much ado about nothing
much of a muchness
mud slinging
mug for the camera
multitude of sins
mumbo jumbo
mum’s the word
Murphy’s law
mutt’s nuts
my bad
my better half
my brain is fried
my cup runneth over
my giddy aunt
my hair was on end
my hands are tied
my hat’s off to you
my head is swimming
my heart sank
my little black book
my mind’s eye
my stomach is tied up in knots
my way or the highway

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N
nail that sticks up gets pounded down (Japanese)
nail your colors to the mast
naked as a jaybird
naked as the day you were born
naked truth
namby-pamby
name and shame
name that tune
name will be Mud
name your poison
nary a word was spoken
nasty, brutish, and short
nation of shopkeepers
nature’s first green is gold
near and dear to my heart
necessary evil
necessity is the mother of invention
needs must
neither a borrower not a lender be
neither fish nor flesh, nor good red herring
neither fish nor fowl
neither here nor there
nerves of steel
nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof
nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs
nervous as a whore in church
nest-egg
never cast a clout till May be out
never give a sucker an even break
never hurts to try
never in a month of Sundays
never put off until tomorrow what you can do today
never say never
never the twain shall meet
Never-Never Land
new do
new kid on the block
new lease on life
nice cage, no bird
nice day for a picnic
nice guys finish last
nice work, if you can get it
(the) night is young and so are we
nine days’ wonder
nip and tuck
nip it in the bud
nitty-gritty
no accounting for taste
no-brainer
no dice
no go
no guts, no glory
no holds barred
no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it
no man is an island
no more cakes and ale?
no one here but us chickens
no pain, no gain
no rest for the wicked
no room to swing a cat
no shit, Sherlock
no skin off my back
no skin off my nose
no strings attached
no use crying over spilled milk
no victory without a battle (Swedish)
no way (or why) on God’s green earth
no way, José
nod off
none of your business
none too pleased
noodle on
nose in the air
not a spinning wheel in the kingdom and then you prick your finger
not all it’s cracked up to be
not by the hair of my chinny chin chin
not enough room to swing a cat
not for all the tea in China
not for nothing, but…
not just another pretty face
not my cup of tea
not playing with a full deck
not rowing with both oars
not the brightest bulb (in the box / on the tree / in the chandelier)
not the ghost of a chance
not the sharpest knife in the cabinet
not worth a hill of beans
nothing is certain but death and taxes
nothing is impossible for those who don’t have to do it themselves. (Swedish)
nothing new under the sun
nothing personal
nothing succeeds like success
nothing to fear but fear itself
nothing to sneeze at
nothing to write home about
nothing up my sleeve
nothing ventured, nothing gained
now is the winter of our discontent
now or never
now this won’t hurt a bit
now’s as good a time as any
now’s your chance
(the) Nth degree
numb as a hake
nutty as a fruitcake

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O
O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
o ye of little faith
object of desire
odds bodkins (Cockney)
off and running
off like a prom dress
off the cuff
off the dime
off the hook
off the record
off the shelf
off the top of my head
off with his head
off your rocker
oh, to be a fly on the wall
oh, woe is me
okey-dokey
old as dirt
old as the hills
old ball and chain
old blowhard
old fogey
old habits die hard
old school
old standby
on a good footing
on a hiding to nothing
on a lark
on a roll
on a short leash
on a soap box
on a wild goose chase
on a wing and a prayer
on bended knee
on Carey Street
on cloud nine
on equal footing
on him like ugly on an ape
on par
on pins and needles
on Queer Street
on skid row
on tenterhooks
on the back burner
on the ball
on the cutting edge
on the dole
on the dot
on the double
on the edge of your seat
on the fly
on the front burner
on the grapevine
on the house
on the lam
on the level
on the make
on the other hand
on the QT
on the road again
on the run
on the same page
on the take
on the tip of my tongue
on the up and up
on the wagon
on the warpath
on the whole
on to something
on your tod (English)
on your toes
once bitten, twice shy
once in a blue moon
once in a blue moon
once in a dog’s age
once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more
one bad apple spoils the (whole) barrel / bushel / lot / bunch
one brick short of a load
one foot on a banana peel, the other in the grave
one for the books
one for the road
one good turn deserves another
one in a million
one in the hand is worth two in the bush
one man’s foul weather is another man’s fair
one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure
one man’s meat is another man’s poison
one size fits all
one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind
one stop shop
one taco short of a combination plate
one that got away
one toe over the line
one-hit wonder
one’s heart’s content
only difference between women and girls is the price of their pearls
only people I trust are you and me, and I am not too sure about you
only thing we have to fear is fear itself
only time will tell
oops-a-daisy
oopsy-daisy
open a can of worms
open and shut case
open mouth, closed mind/ears
open season
open the kimono (Japanese)
opened a can of worms
opportunity doesn’t knock twice
opposites attract
order of the boot (English)
out for a Sunday stroll
out like a light
out of gas
out of pocket
out of sight, out of mind
out of sorts
out of the blue

out of the frying pan and into the fire
out of the jaws of death
out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
out of the woods
out of whack
out sowing your wild oats
out to lunch
out with the old, in with the new
over a barrel
over and done with
over and over again
over my head
over the edge
over the hill
over the moon
over the top

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P
pack it in
packing heat
packing lead
paddle your own canoe
pain in the ass / neck / butt
paint oneself into a corner
paint the town red
pan out
Pandora’s box
paper over the cracks
paper tiger
par for the course
pardon my French
part and parcel
parting shot
pass away
pass on
pass the buck
pass the hat
passed with flying colors
pat on the back
path of least resistance
patience is a virtue
pay a king’s ransom
pay an arm and a leg
pay as you go
pay attention to details
pay lip service
pay the debt of nature
pay the piper
pay through the nose
payback is a bitch
peaches and cream complexion
pearls before swine
pears for your heirs
peas in a pod
peel (back) the onion
peel out
peeping Tom
pell-mell
(the) pen is mightier than the sword
pencil it / you / me in
pennies from heaven
(the) penny drops
penny for your thoughts
penny pincher
(a) penny saved is a penny earned
penny wise and pound foolish
people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
perception becomes reality
pester power
petered out
phone it in
physician, heal thyself
pick and mix
pick of the litter
pick over the ruins
pick the low-hanging fruit
picture perfect
(a) picture’s worth a thousand words
pie in the sky
piece of cake
pig and whistle
pig in a poke
pig out
pigeon-chested
pig’s ear
pin money
pin your hopes on (something)
pink elephant
pipe down
pipe dream
piping hot
piss like a racehorse
pissed to the gills
pissing in the wind
piss-poor
place for everything and everything in its place
place was crawling with cops
plague on both your houses
plain and simple
plain as day
plain sailing
play ball
play both ends against the middle
play by ear
play fast and loose
play for the name on the front of your jersey, not the name on the back of your jersey
(to) play hookey / hooky
play hot potato
Play it again, Sam
play it by ear
play second fiddle to
play the cards you’re dealt
play the final card
play the giddy goat
play with the big boys
play your cards right
played me for a fool
playing hardball
playing possum
playing the field
playing with fire
pleased as punch
plenty of other fish in the sea
plenty to go ’round
poison the well
poker face
poor as a church mouse
pop a vein
pop goes the weasel
POSH – Port out, starboard home
possession is nine-tenths of the law
pot calling the kettle black
pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
pound for pound
pound of flesh
pound the pavement
pour it on thick
pour oil on trouble waters
power corrupts: Absolute power corrupts absolutely
power dressing
powers of darkness
practice makes perfect
practice what you preach
pray to the porcelain god
praying at the porcelain altar
preaching to the choir
press into service
pretty as a picture
pretty damn quick
pretty penny
prick up your ears
pride before the fall
prime time
primed to the sticking point
primrose path
proof is in the pudding
propped up
pull a fast one
pull a rabbit out of a hat
pull out all the stops
pull the wool over your eyes
pull up your big girl panties
pull your chain
pull your finger out
pull your head out of your ass
pull yourself up by your bootstraps
punch his lights out
punched in the gut
pure as the driven snow
push the envelope
push your buttons
put a cork in it
put a lid on it
put a little elbow grease into it
put a sock in it
put it through its paces
put my two cents in
put on ice
put on your thinking cap
put out some feelers
put paid to
put that in your pipe and smoke it
put the cart before the horse
put the dampers on
put the pedal to the metal
put to death
put two and two together
put up your feet and stay awhile
put your back up
put your best foot forward
put your foot in your mouth
put your heart into it
put your money where your mouth is
put your nose out of joint
putting his feet to the fire
putting the cart before the horse
putting the screws to him
Pyrrhic victory

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Q
queen for a day
queer as a three dollar bill
quick buck
quicker than a New York minute
quiet as a (church) mouse
quiet before the storm
quit horsing around
quit while you’re ahead

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R
rack and ruin
rack your brains
rag, tag, and bobtail
raining cats and dogs
raining stair-rods
raise the bar
raise the roof
raking in the dough
raking it in
rally round
rattle trap
rattle your cage
raw end of the deal
raze to the ground
read between the lines
read it and weep
read the fine print
read the handwriting on the wall
reading the riot act
real McCoy
red carpet treatment
red herring
red in tooth and claw
red letter day
red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning; red sky at night, sailor’s delight
religion is the opium / opiate of the people
reopen an old wound
rest assured
resting on one’s laurels
rhyme or reason
Richard of York gave battle in vain
riddle wrapped up in an enigma
riding the wild pony
right as rain
right on the button
right on the money
right on the nose
right up your alley
ring a bell
Ring a ring o’roses, a pocketful of posies, atishoo, atishoo, all fall down
ring in the new year
ting of truth
ring the changes (English)
rise and shine
road less traveled
road to hell is paved (on all sides) with good intentions
road to ruin / hell is paved with good intentions
roaring fire
robbing Peter to pay Paul
roll of the dice
roll out the red carpet
roll over in his grave
roll with the punches
rolling in the dough
(a) rolling stone gathers no moss
Rome wasn’t built in a day
room to swing a cat
rose by any other name would smell as sweet
(a) rose is a rose is a rose
rotten to the core
rough around the edges
rough as a cob
rub salt in the wound
rub your nose (face) in it
rubbing salt in his wounds
rubs me the wrong way
rule with an iron fist
rules are made to be broken
rum do
run a mile
run amok
run circles around
run for your money
run it up the flagpole (and see who salutes it)
run like the wind
run out of steam
run the gauntlet
run with the fox and bark with the hounds
running around like a chicken with its head cut off
running with wolves
runs like a top

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S
‘scuse me while I kiss this guy
sacred cow
safe and sound
safe pair of hands
sail / ride off into the sunset
salad days
same ol’ same ol’
(to) save one’s bacon
same song and dance
save the drama for your mama
save your breath
saved by the bell
savoir faire
sawing a log
say what you will, ….
say your prayers
scarce as hen’s teeth
scared dogs bark most (Swedish)
scared of his own shadow
scared out of my wits
scared stiff
scaredy-cat
scattered to the four winds
scot free
scraping the bottom of the barrel
screaming bloody murder
sea change
sealed with a loving kiss
second wind
see a man about a dog
see eye to eye
see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil
see the glass as half empty
see the light
see the whole field
see the world through rose colored glasses
see which way the winds blow
see you later, alligator
seeing red
seems just like old times
sell out (sold out)
sell yourself short
send packing
sent to Coventry
separate the men from the boys
separate the wheat from the chaff
serve up a softball
set one’s cap at
set your teeth on edge
seven-year itch
shit or get off the pot
shit out of luck
shaggy dog story
shake a leg
shake hands with the wife’s best friend
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
shape up or ship out
share and share alike
sharp as a marble
sharp as a tack
she could test the patience of Job
she drinks like a fish
she fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down
she gave me a withering glance
she got called up on the carpet
she has a great personality
she has a green thumb
she has bats in her belfry
she has everything but the kitchen sink
she has pull / clout
she is a loose cannon
she threw a wet blanket on my idea
she wears her heart on her sleeve
she wouldn’t know me from Adam
shed (some) light on
she’s a peach
she’s ALL THAT
she’s an open book
she’s been hit with an ugly stick
she’s burning her candle at both ends
she’s fighting a losing battle
she’s getting the red carpet treatment
she’s got eyes in the back of her head
she’s got money to burn
she’s hot to trot
she’s in hot water
she’s lost her marbles
she’s not the brightest bulb on the patio
she’s not the only fish in the sea
she’s out sowing her wild oats
she’s out to lunch
she’s taking the bait
she’s tugging on your chain
shilly-shally
ship-shape and Bristol fashion
shirt off his back
shit for brains
shit happens
shiver me timbers
shoe is on the other foot
shoestring budget
shoot from the hip
shoot it straight
shoot the breeze
(to) shoot the crow
shoot yourself in the foot
shooting for the moon
short changed
short end of the stick
short pleasures are often long regretted (Swedish)
short shrift
shot across the bows
shot in the arm
shot in the dark
shotgun wedding
shove off
show him the door
Show me the money!
show must go on
show some spine / spunk
show them how the cow ate the cabbage
show your true colors
shuffle off this mortal coil
shut the hole in your head
shut up
shut your hole / cake-hole / pie-hole / mouth
sick as a dog
sick to death of it
side by side
sight for sore eyes
signed, sealed and delivered
silence is golden
silenced the crowd
silly Billy
silver bullet
simple pleasures are the best
sing for your supper
singing from the same hymn sheet
sing like a bird
sink or swim
sink your teeth into
sit tight
sitting duck
sitting in the catbird seat
sitting on pins and needles
sitting on the fence
six of one, half a dozen of another
six feet under
skating on thin ice
skeletons in the closet
skid row
(to) skin a cat
sky’s the limit
slam dunk
slap on the back
sledgehammer to crack a nut
sleep like a baby
sleep like a log
sleep with the fishes
sleeping her way to the top
slick as snot on a glass doorknob
slipped through your fingers
slippery as an eel
slippery slope
sloppy as a soup sandwich
slow and steady wins the race
slow as molasses in January
sly as a fox
smack dab in the middle
small potatoes
Small world, isn’t it?
smart Alec
smart ass
smart cookies don’t crumble
smart is better than stupid
smarter than the average bear
smell (a little) ripe
smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone
smoke and mirrors
smoking gun
smooth as a baby’s bottom
smooth operator
(a) snail’s pace
snowball’s chance in hell
snug as a bug in a rug
so close, you can taste it
so many men so little time
so much bad in the best of us and so much good in the worst in us that it ill-behoves us to talk about the rest of us
so much for that
so quiet you could hear a pin drop
so sue me
so ugly, they’d have to sneak up on a glass of water to get a drink
sod off
sold down the river
solid as a rock
solid as the rock of Gibraltar
some pots you don’t stir
some things are better left unsaid
someday, you will thank me for this
someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed
something rotten in the state of Denmark
something smells fishy
something you can really sink your teeth into
sometimes you are the hydrant, and sometimes you are the dog
sometimes you are the windshield, and sometimes you are the bug
sometimes you just gotta let your hair down
son of a bitch
son of a gun
sorry sight
sound like a broken record
sounds like a plan
sour grapes
squeaky wheel gets the grease
spare the rod, spoil the child
speak of the devil
speak off the cuff
speak softly and carry a big stick
speak with a forked tongue
speaking in riddles
special relationship
spend a penny
spick and span
spill the beans
spin a yarn
spineless wimp
spinning your wheels
spit in one hand and wish in the other, and see which one you have the most in
spit the dummy (Australian)
spitting image
split second
splitting hairs
spoil the fun
spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down
spread the word
spruce up
square meal
squeaky bum time
stack the deck
stand and deliver
standing on the shoulders of giants
stand-up guy
star-crossed lovers
staring off into space/nowhere
stark-raving mad
start from scratch
state of the art
stay tuned
stayed too long at the fair
staying power
steal a march
steal one’s thunder
stealing the show
steer clear of it
stem the tide
step on a crack, break your mother’s back
step on it
stepping on people’s toes
stick a fork in it / him / me
stick in the mud
stick it in your ear
stick it out
stick it to you
stick it where the sun don’t shine
stick to your guns
stick up for the little guy
stick with it
sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me
sticks out like a sore thumb
sticky subject
sticky wicket
stiff as a board
stiffen the sinews
still as a church mouse
still waters run deep
stinking to high heaven
stir up an ant’s nest
stirring up trouble
(a) stitch in time saves nine
Stone the crows!
(a) stone’s throw away
stop and smell the roses
stop on a dime
stop the presses
stow it
straight and narrow
straight as an arrow
straight from the horses mouth
straighten up and fly right
strain at the leash
stranger danger
stranger in a strange land
straw that broke the camel’s back
stress out
stretch a dollar
strike while the iron is hot
string him along
strong as an ox
stronger the breeze the stronger the trees
strongest steel is cast in the hottest fire
strongest winds blow on the highest mountains (Swedish)
stubborn as a mule
stuck in a rut
stuck out like a sore thumb
stuff and nonsense
stuffed shirt
stump up
stupid is as stupid does
success has a thousand fathers while failure is an orphan
such is life
suck up
sugarcoat something
survival of the fittest
suspension of disbelief
swallow one’s pride
swan song
sweat the details
sweating blood
sweating like a pig
sweaty palms
sweep it under the rug
sweet 16 and never been kissed
sweet deal
sweeten the pot
sweetheart deal
swim against the tide
swim up stream
swim with the sharks
swimming in molasses
swing the lead

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T
(to) a T
(the) tables are turned
tackle my homework
tail between his legs
(the) tail that wagged the dog
tail wagging the dog
take a back seat to
take a breather
take a dive
take a dump
take a hike
take a leak
take a long walk off a short plank
take a picture, it will last longer
take a step back
(to) take aback
take by storm
take care of your knitting
take down a peg or two
take five
take him to task
take it and run with it
take it at face value
take it easy
take it from me
take it like a man
take it on the lam
take it or leave it
take it to the limit
take it with a grain of salt
take one for the team
take potluck
take someone down a peg
take stock of
take the bit between your teeth
take the bull by the horns
take the crowd out of the game
take the day off
take the easy way out
take the gloves off
take the guilt off the gingerbread
take the Mickey
take the plunge
take the wind out of your sails
take the world by storm
take this job and shove it
take umbrage
take with a pinch of salt
take your fate into your own hands
take your life in your own hands
taken aback
taken for a ride
takes its toll on you
taking his pound of flesh
taking the scenic route
(the) tale of the tape
(to) talk gibberish
talk of the Devil
talk to the hand
talk until you are blue in the face
talking behind his back
talking out of your head
tall, dark, and handsome
tall tale
tarred and feathered
taste of your own medicine
teach him to fish
teacher’s pet
tear into it
tear you a new asshole
Teflon president
tell a porkie
tell it to me straight
tell it to the marines
(to) tell you the truth
tell your story walking
tempest in a teacup
ten to one
tend the garden
test the waters
testing one’s mettle
thank God it’s Friday
thank goodness
thank your lucky stars
that and a quarter will get you a cup of coffee
that argument doesn’t hold water
that baby runs like a scalded dog
that burns me up
that chaps my hide
that dog won’t hunt
that gets my goat
that hits the spot
that time of the month
that’s all, folks
That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.
that oughta tide you over
that really brings it home
that sucks
that takes the cake
that was cold-blooded
that which does not kill you makes you stronger
that’ll be the day
that’s a doozy
that’s a joke
that’s a load off my mind
that’s a real stem-winder
that’s a wrap
that’s about the size of it
that’s bogus
that’s easy for you to say
that’s enough to piss off the Pope
that’s for the birds
that’s how the cookie crumbles
that’s how the cow eats the cabbage
that’s icing on the cake
that’s it in a nutshell
That’s just peachy
that’s just the tip of the iceberg
that’s like a turtle on a fence post
That’s no joke
that’s old hat
that’s par for the course
that’s pretty run-of-the-mill
that’s rubber on the side of the road
that’s skullduggery
that’s some ole good
that’s the $64,000 question
that’s the long and short of it
that’s the ticket
that’s the way lady luck dances
that’s the way the ball bounces
that’s the way the cookie crumbles
that’s the whole ball of wax
that’s water under the bridge
thatta boy / girl
them’s fightin’ words
there are starving children in Africa
there are three kinds of lies
there for the taking
there is a god
there is more than one way to skin a cat
there is no alternative
there is no cow on the ice
there is no I in team
there is no such thing as a free lunch
there is no time like the present
there now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?
there ought to be a law against that
there, but for the grace of God, go I
there’ll be hell to pay
there’s a first time for everything
there’s a God and I’m not him
there’s a sucker born every minute
there’s an R in the month
there’s gold in them thar hills
there’s more than one way to skin a cat
there’s more where that came from
there’s no place like home
there’s no such thing as a free lunch
There’s no time like the present
there’s one in every crowd
there’s something fishy about that
there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you
(and) they all lived happily ever after
they can’t buy a basket / run / score
they gave him carte blanche
they lived happily ever after
they need to take care of the rock
they play good D
they threw the book at him
they’re getting hitched
they’re jumping the broomstick
they’re like two peas in a pod
thick and thin
thick as a brick
thick as a ditch
thick as pea soup
thick headed
thin as six o’clock
things are not always as they seem
things aren’t what they used to be
things that go bump in the night
think like a man, act like a woman
think outside the box
thinking with the wrong head
(the) third degree
third time’s a / the charm
third time lucky
third wheel
thirty thousand (30,000) foot level
this could be the start of something big
this hurts me worse than it does you
this is for the birds
this town’s not big enough for the two of us
thorn in my side
thorn in the flesh
those who do not look back from where they come from, will not reach their destination
thou shalt not kill
though this be madness, yet there is method in it
three-score years and ten
three sheets to the wind
three Strikes and you are out
threw a curve ball
threw it with a little something on it
threw up my hands (in concession / in disgust)
through thick and thin
throw / toss me a bone
throw / toss me some scraps
throw / toss your hat in the ring
throw a fit
throw a monkey wrench into the works
throw cold water on
throw down
throw gas (gasoline) on the fire
throw in the towel
throw someone to the wolves
throw the baby out with the bathwater
throw the book at him
throw your hat into the ring
throwing caution to the wind
throwing out the baby with the bathwater
thumb your nose at
thumbs up
ticked Off
tickle the ivories
tickled pink
(the) tide’s beginning to turn
tie the knot
tied to her apron strings
tied up right now
tight as a drum
tight as the bark on a tree
tight wad
tighten your belt
tighter than a gnat’s / duck’s ass
till the cows come home
tilting at windmills
Timber!
time after time
time and again
time and tide wait for no man
time flies
time flies when you’re having fun
time heals all wounds
time is money
time is of the essence
time is running out
time is up
(the) time of my life
time of your life
time on your hands
time out
time stands still
time to pay the piper
time waits for no man
time will tell
time-honored
time’s up
(the) times, they are a changing
timing is everything
tin ear
tingling with anticipation
tinker’s damn
tit for tat
tits-up
to be or not to be
to be young and foolish
to each his own
to err is human, to forgive divine
today is the first day of the rest of your life
toe the line
toe-curling
tomorrow is another day
tongue in cheek
tongue lashing
tongue tied
too many chefs spoil the broth / soup
too many chiefs and not enough Indians
too many cooks spoil the broth
too much information (TMI)
too much of a good thing
too much sail for a small craft
too rich for my blood
toodle-oo
took me to the cleaners
took off like a bat out of hell
took off like a shot
toot his own horn
tooth and nail
top dog
top drawer
top notch
top of the morning
topsy turvy
tore up from the floor up
torn asunder
toss your cookies
touch and go
touchy-feely
tow the line
(to) toy with
train of thought
(to) travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive
tread lightly
treated like a dog
tried and true
trip over your tongue
trip the light fantastic
(the) triumph of hope over experience
Trojan horse
trouble with a capital ‘T’
(the) truth hurts
truth is stranger than fiction
truth will out
try as I might
try your hand at something
trying to put a square peg in a round hole
tuckered out
tugging at heartstrings
tune out
turn a blind eye
turn on a dime
turn over a new leaf
turn the other cheek
turn the tables
turn up trumps
twelve good men and true
twice as nice
twice as strong as an ox and half as smart
twiddling your thumbs
(the) twilight years
twinkle in your eye
twinkling eyes
twist my arm
twist of fate
two-faced
two heads are better than one
two left feet
two ships passing in the night
two cents’ worth
two left feet
two of a kind
two sides of the same coin
two wrongs don’t make a right
two’s company, three’s a crowd

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U
U is part of US
ugly as a hat full of holes
ugly as a mud fence
ugly as sin
unbeknownst to me / her / him
under a microscope
under her thumb
under my skin
under my wing
under the gun
under the knife
under the sauce
under the table
under the weather
uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
(the) unkindest cut of all
unless you are the lead dog, the view never changes
unlucky at cards, lucky in love
until the cows come home
up a blind alley
up a creek without a paddle
up a gum tree
up for grabs
up in arms
up shit creek
up the ante
up the Creek without a paddle
up the duff
up to his ears in trouble
up to snuff
uphill battle
upper crust
upper hand
ups-a-daisy
upset the apple cart
upsy-daisy
urban myth
(as) useful as a lead balloon
useless as tits on a boar hog
using a sledgehammer to crack a nut
(the) usual suspects

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V
variety is the spice of life
(to the) victor go the spoils

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W
wait and see
wait for the ink to dry
waiting for the dust to settle
waiting for the other shoe to drop
waiting for your ship to come in
waiting in the wings
waiting with baited breath
wake the dead
wake up and smell the coffee
wake up living
wake-up call
waking up on the wrong side of the bed
waking up with the chickens
walk on the wild side
walk softly and carry a big stick
walk the plank
walking on air
walking on eggshells
walking on sunshine
walled garden
walls have ears
walls start closing in
want my place in the sun
warts and all
wash your hands of something
wash your mouth out with soap
washed up
waste not, want not
(a) waste of time
wasted
watch and wait
watch your mouth
watched pot never boils
watching the clock
water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink
wave the white flag
way to a man’s heart is through his stomach
Way to go, Einstein!
we are not amused
we few, we happy few, we band of brothers
we have seen better days
we know where you live
weak as a kitten
wear many hats
wear the trousers
wear your heart on your sleeve
wearing nothin’ but his birthday suit
wearing the big girlie blouse (Australian)
weasel words
weather the storm
welcome to my world
welcome to the club
we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it
Well, how do you like them apples?
we’ll jump that fence when we get to it
went belly up
went over like a lead balloon
went storming off in a huff
went through the roof
we’re going to burn the midnight oil
we’re gonna tie one on tonight
we’re not in Kansas anymore
we’re not laughing at you we’re laughing with you
we’re really going to town
we’re sitting ducks
Were you born in a barn?
Were you raised by wolves?
wet behind the ears
we’ve hit payBdirt
wham, bam, thank you ma’am
What a blast!
What a duck!
what a piece of work is man
what a tangled web we weave
what a way to go
What am I, chopped liver?
What are you like?
What are you stewing about?
What are you? Chicken?
What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
what God has joined together, let no man put asunder
what goes around comes around
what goes up, must come down
what in tarnation?
What’s not to like?
What’s the skinny?
What’s up, doc?
What on earth is wrong with me?
What part of “no” don’t you understand?
What rock did you crawl out from under?
what you see is what you get
whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
whatever floats your boat
whatever tickles your fancy
whatever turns you on
what’s a little __ among friends
What’s cookin’, good lookin’?
What’s going down?
what’s good for the goose is good for the gander
What’s he been smoking?
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other smells just as sweet.
What’s up with that?
What’s wrong with this picture?
when all is said and done
when hell freezes over
when in Rome, do as Romans do
when it comes to the crunch
when it rains, it pours
when life gives you lemons, make lemonade
when pigs fly
when push comes to shove
when the cat’s away, the mouse will play
when the chips are down
when the going gets tough, the tough get going
when the lion is dead, the hares jump on his back (Swedish)
when the shit hits the fan
when the tide goes out the rocks begin to show
when you lie with dogs, you catch fleas
when you start picking out people you start leaving people out
Where do you draw the line?
where the rubber meets the road
where there is muck there’s brass
where there’s smoke, there’s fire
Where’s the beef?
whet your appetite
Whew!
while away the hours
While the tailor rests, the needle rusts (Swedish)
while you live, tell truth and shame the Devil
whipping boy
whistle down the wind
whistle for it
whistle in the dark
white as a sheet
white bread
white elephant
white knuckle ride
who could forget
who died and left you in charge?
who died and made him king / God?
who pissed in your Cheerios?
who’s the man
whoever dies with the most toys wins
(the) whole kit and caboodle
(the) whole nine yards
(the) whole shebang
(the) whole shootin’ match
(the) whole nine yards
whole shootin’ match
whoop it up
whoops-a-daisy
(the) world is your oyster
Why buy the cow when the milk is free?
Why close the barn door after the horse is gone?
Why do today what you can put off ’til tomorrow?
Why don’t we all chip in?
why on God’s green Earth
wide berth
widow’s peak
wig out
wild and woolly
wild goose chase
will miracles / wonders never cease
willy-nilly
win hands down
win one for the gipper
wing and a prayer
wing it
winning combination
winning isn’t everything
wipe the slate clean
wish on a star
wish you were here
wishy washy
witch hunt
with a grain of salt
with bated breath
with one hand tied behind my back
with tongue firmly planted in cheek
without a care in the world
woe is me
(a) wolf in sheep’s clothing
Women and children first!
wool gathering
word for word
work into a lather
work like a dog
work the crowd
work the room
work to a deadline
work your fingers to the bone
worker bee
working my last good nerve
world of hurt
world of trouble
world on a string
world weary
(the) worm has turned
worry wart
worth its salt
worth its weight in gold
worthless as tits on a boar
wouldn’t touch with a barge-pole
wouldn’t kick her / him outta bed for eatin’ crackers
wound tighter than a spring
(to) wreak havoc
(the) writing is on the wall
wrong end of the stick
wrong side of the tracks

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Y
yank your chain
(the) year dot
(the) Yellow Peril
you ain’t seen nothin’ yet
you bet your boots
you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
you can dish it out, but you sure can’t take it
you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink
you can lead a horticulture, but you can’t make her think
you can never be too rich or too blonde
you can never go home again
you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose
you can say that again
you can take that to the bank
you can tell the men from the boys by the price of their toys
you cannot judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes / moccasins / boots
you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole
you can’t have your cake and eat it too
you can’t judge a book by its cover
you can’t learn to swim without getting in the water (Swedish)
you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs
you can’t put anything past her
you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube
you can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip
you can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him
you can’t swing a dead cat
you can’t take it with you
you can’t take knickers off a bare arse
you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
you could have knocked me over with a feather
you could put your eye out
you don’t have a leg to stand on
you don’t miss the water till the well runs dry
you drive me crazy
you drive me nuts
you drive me up the wall
you got it coming to you
you got your just deserves / deserts
you got your just deserts
you gotta put your foot down
you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette
you have to separate the chaff from the wheat
you have to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything
you hit the nail on the head
you lie like a dog
you lie like a rug
you lost me
you made your bed, now your gonna have to lie in it
you make a better door than a window
you must be out of your mind
you must crawl before you can walk
you must row with the oars that you have (Swedish)
you only hurt the one you love
you only live once
you reap what you sow
you say potayto, I say potahto
you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours
you snooze, you loose
you throw filth on the living and flowers on the dead (Swedish)
you wash my back, I’ll wash yours
you win some, you lose some
you’ll know it when you see it
young loins
young, dumb, and full of cum / rum
your ass is grass
your father wasn’t a glass maker
your goose is cooked
your name is mud
your place or mine
you’re a good egg
you’re all wet
you’re dead meat
you’re driving me insane
you’re going to get it
you’re off your rocker
you’re the gleam in your father’s eye
you’ve got (a) nerve
you’ve got more front than Myers (Australia)

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Z
zigged when he should have zagged
Zip it!
zip your lip
(what a) zoo

Credit to: Staak
Catchphrase Definition: A catchphrase is a well-known term, especially one that is associated with a particular famous person.

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 “Come on down!” – The Price Is Rightbr/>
“Yabba dabba doo!” – Fred Flintstone

“You’re fired!” – Donald Trump or Alan Sugar from The Apprentice

“A Diamond is Forever.” – De Beers

“America Runs on Dunkin.” – Dunkin Donuts

“There Are Some Things Money Can’t Buy – Mastercard

“Finger-Lickin’ Good.” – KFC

“Quicker Picker Upper.” – Bounty

“Happiest Place on Earth.” – Disney

“Maybe She’s Born With It . . .” – Maybelline

“Snap, Crackle & Pop.” – Rice Krispies

Credit to: Kristina
Idiom Definition: A commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its word.

They may be opaque or transparent.

A.k.a. expression, figure of speech, turn of phrase

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 I am over the moon.

You have a Sword of Damocles hanging over you.

I’ll take any port in a storm.

He has a chip on his shoulder.

Kick the bucket.

By the skin of your teeth.

It’ll cost an arm and a leg.

Lay your cards on the table.

She’s the real McCoy

The powers that be have declared him off-limits.

You must be joking — a person of my social status can’t eat with the rag, tag, and bobtail at a filthy pub!

Opaque Idiom Definition: An idiom that may not make sense because the literal meaning has very little to do with the intended meaning.

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bag of bones someone is very underweight
It’s raining cats and dogs. There are several explanations:

  • A storm with wind (dogs) and heavy rain (cats)
  • Cats and dogs would drown in a storm with their bodies left in the streets.
  • In Tudor times when it rained, domestic animals were often put up in the thatch (of the roof). It wasn’t always that waterproof and the dogs and cats were flushed down to ground level.
let sleeping dogs lie Don’t start something, as it may create bigger problems
someone‟s cup of tea A favorite or well-suited activity or liking
white elephant A possession someone can’t get rid of
an arm and a leg A very high price
under one‟s belt Safely or satisfactorily achieved, experienced, or acquired
Transparent Idiom Definition: shows some similarity between the literal and the intended meaning. For example, “playing your cards right” is an expression that actually came from card games and can be applied to other situations.

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spills the beans Tell the secret
blow off some steam Release strong emotions or energy by engaging in some kind of enjoyable, vigorous, or relaxing activity
find fault with somebody Find things wrong with someone or something
a square peg in a round hole A person unsuitable for the position he fills
give somebody enough rope to hang himself allow somebody enough freedom of action in the expectation that one will overreach oneself
a/the skeleton in the cupboard Dirty secrets you want to keep hidden
Metaphor Definition: A figure of speech which states one thing is another to create an analogy.

Explore “Metaphors” for more detail.

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 That will put the final nail in the coffin.

I am banging my head against a brick wall here.

Ain’t you the real McCoy?

Life is a highway.

Her eyes shone like diamonds.

He is a shining star.

The snow looks like a white blanket.

Movie Definition: Movie lines used so often even those who haven’t seen the film know the line.

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 “Luke, I am your father.” – Star Wars

“She doesn’t even go here!” – Mean Girls

“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – The Godfather

“Houston, we have a problem.” – Apollo 13

“Just keep swimming.” – Finding Nemo

Proverb Definition: A short, well-known saying which states a general truth or a piece of advice.

A.k.a. adage, aphorism, axiom, maxim

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 A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A leopard cannot change its spots.

Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

All that glitters is not gold.

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.

Don’t cry over spilled milk.

(cliché) Rhyme Definition: A trite or predictable rhyme.

One example on avoiding cliché rhymes is Lord Byron’s Don Juan and his trisyllabic rhymes.

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 love and dove
moon and June
trees and breeze
Simile Definition: A figure of speech which compares one thing with another to create an analogy.

Check out simile in the post on “Metaphors”.

This is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

He drinks like a fish.

That boy is slow as a sloth!

She’s as busy as a bee.

The poor thing, she’s as innocent as a lamb.

That Paul is as proud as a peacock.

Rover is as fast as a cheetah.

I’m as blind as a bat without my glasses.

She’s as bold as brass.

That one is as cold as ice.

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

Satisfy your curiosity about other Writing Ideas and Resources on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, and Working Your Website.

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Resources for Clichés

Some of these links may be affiliate links, and I will earn a small percentage, if you should buy it. It does not affect the price you pay.

Kristina. “20 Best Slogan Examples + Create Your Own.” Sixads.net. 31 Mar 2021. Web. 5 Apr 2023. <https://sixads.net/blog/slogan-examples/>.

“Learn Your Proverbs From Your Idioms to Avoid a Cliché.” Word Genius. 25 Mar. Web. 2 Apr 2023. <https://www.wordgenius.com/learn-your-proverbs-from-your-idioms-to-avoid-a-cliché/Xr0yWBPAJQAG8xBO>.

Lepki, Lisa. “The Internet’s Best List of Clichés.” ProWritingAid Blog. 2 Dec 2020. Web. 2 Apr 2023. <https://prowritingaid.com/art/21/List-of-Clichés.aspx>.

“List of Common clichés With Examples.” Grammarist. n.d. Web. 4 Apr 2023. <https://grammarist.com/clichés/>.

Shrives, Craig. “What is a cliché? (with Examples).” Grammar Monster. n.d. Web. 2 Apr 2023. <https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/clichés.htm>.

Staak, Sheri. “Proverbs and Clichés: Read Between the Lines.” The Staak Report. n.d. Web. 2 Apr 2023. <https://www.sheristaak.com/proverbs-and-clichés-read-between-the-lines/>.

YourDictionary Staff. “50+ Examples of clichés: Meaning and Origin.” YourDictionary.com. 13 July 2021. Web. 2 Apr 2023. <http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-clichés.html#d32GHqhmTVbMAGtK.99>.

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Pinterest Photo Credits:

Our Three-Volume Novel at a Glance, 1885, by Priestman Atkinson for Punch Almanack for 1885 is in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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Revised as of 22 Apr 2024
By: Kathy Davie

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