16th-century

• Kick the bucket

  To die, often used as a euphemism.

• Call a Spade a Spade

  To speak plainly and directly, even if it means being blunt or saying something potentially unpleasant.

• Make a mountain out of a molehill

  To exaggerate a minor problem or difficulty into something much larger and more serious than it actually is.

• Make hay while the sun shines

  Seize an opportunity when it presents itself, as such favorable conditions may not last indefinitely.

• Can't See the Forest for the Trees

  To be so engrossed in minor details or immediate issues that one fails to grasp the overall situation or main point.

• Make light of

  To treat a serious matter or difficult situation as if it were trivial or unimportant, often by joking about it.

• Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

  It is difficult or impossible for someone, especially an older person, to change their established habits or learn new ways of doing things.

• A fool and his money are soon parted

  This proverb means that people who are unwise or naive tend to lose their money quickly, often through poor decisions or being swindled.

• Every Dog Has Its Day

  Everyone will eventually experience a moment of success, recognition, or good fortune.

• Beggars Can't Be Choosers

  If you are in a desperate situation or reliant on others, you must accept what is offered rather than demanding something better.

• Better Safe Than Sorry

  It is wiser to take precautions and be careful to avoid potential problems, rather than regretting not doing so later.

• A penny for your thoughts

  A polite inquiry used to ask someone what they are thinking, especially when they appear quiet or pensive.

• Birds of a feather flock together

  People with similar characteristics, interests, or backgrounds tend to associate with each other.

• Cold comfort

  Scant or inadequate consolation offered in a time of distress, often because it comes with a significant drawback or emphasizes a larger loss.

• Devil's advocate

  Someone who takes an opposing viewpoint for the sake of argument, often to test the validity or strength of an idea rather than out of genuine disagreement.

• Fall on deaf ears

  When advice, warnings, or pleas are ignored or disregarded by the intended recipient.

• First come first served

  The principle that those who arrive earliest or make a request first will be prioritized and receive service or items before others.

• Free rein

  To give someone complete freedom of action or decision without restriction.

• Grease someone's palm

  To give someone money, typically illegally, to persuade them to do something for you.

• Have a bone to pick

  To have a grievance or a point of contention that needs to be discussed with someone.

• Heart of gold

  A person with a heart of gold is exceptionally kind, generous, and compassionate.

• High hopes

  To have strong and optimistic expectations for a positive outcome or future event.

• Hit the nail on the head

  To describe or identify something with perfect accuracy or precision.

• In the nick of time

  To do something at the very last possible moment, just before it is too late.

• Keep your nose to the grindstone

  To work diligently and continuously without distraction or rest.

• Lend an ear

  To listen attentively and empathetically to someone, often to their problems or concerns.

• Let bygones be bygones

  To forgive past offenses and disputes and move forward without dwelling on them.

• Light-fingered

  Someone who is light-fingered is prone to stealing or is skillful at petty theft.

• Look before you leap

  Consider the potential consequences carefully before taking action or making a significant decision.

• Much ado about nothing

  Making a great deal of fuss or excitement over something trivial or inconsequential.

• Needle in a haystack

  Something that is incredibly difficult or nearly impossible to find due to its small size or the vastness of its surroundings.

• Pay lip service

  To express insincere loyalty, respect, or support for something without genuine commitment or action.

• Put the cart before the horse

  To do things in the wrong order, causing a process to be illogical or ineffective.

• Rack your brains

  To think very hard and intensely, often for an extended period, in an attempt to remember something or solve a difficult problem.

• Smell a rat

  To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is trying to deceive you.

• Speak of the devil

  This phrase is used when a person who was just being discussed suddenly appears.

• Strike while the iron is hot

  Seize an opportunity promptly when it is most favorable.

• Still waters run deep

  Quiet or reserved individuals often possess a profound and complex character that is not immediately apparent.

• The long and short of it

  This phrase refers to the essential summary or the main point of a situation or story, stripping away all unnecessary details.

• Up in arms

  To be very angry and protesting strongly about something.

• Word of mouth

  The transmission of information, stories, or recommendations from person to person through oral communication.

• You can't have your cake and eat it too

  You cannot enjoy the benefits of two desirable, yet mutually exclusive, options at the same time.

• Cry over spilt milk

  To express regret or distress over a past event that cannot be changed or undone.

• A little bird told me

  This phrase is used to indicate that one has received information from an undisclosed source, often playfully suggesting secrecy.

• At a snail's pace

  Moving or progressing extremely slowly.

• Cry crocodile tears

  To express insincere or hypocritical sorrow, grief, or remorse.

• As blind as a bat

  To have extremely poor eyesight, or to be completely unable to see.

• Hair of the dog

  An alcoholic drink taken to cure or alleviate the symptoms of a hangover.

• As proud as a peacock

  To be as proud as a peacock means to be extremely vain or to exhibit excessive, ostentatious pride in oneself or one's achievements.

• Keep the wolf from the door

  To earn just enough money to avoid extreme poverty, hunger, or destitution.

• To one's face

  Directly in front of and addressed to someone, often implying boldness or confrontation.

• Set one's face against

  To firmly resolve to oppose or show strong disapproval towards something or someone.

• Have the face to

  To possess the audacity or impudence to do something that is inappropriate, rude, or shameful without showing embarrassment.

• Show one's face

  To make an appearance in a place, especially after a period of absence or when one is reluctant due to shame or embarrassment.

• Make eyes at

  To look at someone in a way that suggests romantic or sexual interest, often playfully or flirtatiously.

• Turn up one's nose at

  To show disdain or contempt for something, usually because one believes it is inferior or unworthy.

• Keep one's nose to the grindstone

  To work diligently and continuously without taking breaks or being distracted.

• Melt someone's heart

  To cause someone to feel deep tenderness, compassion, or love, often overcoming their initial coldness or indifference.

• The winter of our discontent

  A period of widespread unhappiness, dissatisfaction, or a time of general unease and trouble.

• Star-crossed lovers

  Two people whose relationship is doomed by fate, misfortune, or external forces beyond their control.

• At stake

  Refers to something that is at risk of being lost or gained, often implying significant importance or consequences.

• To bet one's life on something

  To be extremely confident or certain about something, as if one's life depended on its truth or success.

• A wild goose chase

  A wild goose chase is a fruitless and absurd search or pursuit that is destined to fail.

• Cream of the crop

  This idiom refers to the very best or most excellent individuals or items within a particular group.

• Sow wild oats

  To engage in a period of irresponsible, reckless, or promiscuous behavior during one's youth.

• Be in clover

  To be living in a state of luxurious comfort, prosperity, and ease.

• All the world's a stage

  This phrase suggests that life is a theatrical performance where every individual plays various roles throughout their existence.

• Play a role

  To contribute or function in a particular capacity within a situation or event.

• Play one's trump card

  To use one's most powerful advantage or resource at a crucial moment to achieve success.

• Stomach something

  To endure or tolerate something unpleasant, often despite a strong dislike or difficulty.

• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

  Taking small steps to avoid a problem is far more effective and easier than trying to fix it once it has become serious.

• Sing your own praises

  To boast about one's own achievements, qualities, or virtues.

• Sing for your supper

  To perform a service or use a skill in exchange for payment, food, or other necessities.

• In print

  Published in a physical format, typically on paper, such as in books, newspapers, or magazines, and therefore available for public reading.

• Old wives' tale

  A traditional belief or superstition, often medically or scientifically unfounded, passed down orally, especially among older women.

• Witch hunt

  A campaign directed against a particular group of people, often those holding unorthodox views, who are accused of subversion or disloyalty, with insufficient evidence.

• Blow your own trumpet

  To boast or praise one's own abilities, achievements, or qualities excessively.

• Sing someone's praises

  To express strong admiration and approval for someone's achievements or qualities.

• Lead a dog's life

  To live a difficult, deprived, or miserable existence, often characterized by hard work, poor conditions, and a lack of appreciation.

• You can't teach an old dog new tricks

  It is difficult for people to change their established habits or learn new things, especially as they get older.

• When the cat's away, the mice will play

  When supervision or authority is absent, those under its influence will take the opportunity to behave without restraint or do as they please.

• Cook one's goose

  To ruin someone's plans or prospects, often by causing them great trouble or harm.

• Neither fish nor fowl

  Something that does not clearly belong to any particular category or type, often being ambiguous or undefined.

• To parrot what someone says

  To repeat exactly what someone else has said without understanding or critical thought, much like a parrot mimicking human speech.

• To make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

  To try to create something beautiful, refined, or valuable from inherently unsuitable or inferior material.

• Harp on something

  To talk or complain about something repeatedly and persistently, often to the annoyance of others.

• Cut your coat according to your cloth

  Plan your actions or live your life based on the resources and financial means you currently possess.

• Lose the thread

  To become confused or distracted and forget the main point or direction of a discussion, argument, or task.

• Threadbare

  Threadbare describes something, typically fabric, that is so old and worn that the individual threads are visible, or it can refer to an idea or argument that is overused and lacks freshness.

• A trump card

  A trump card is a powerful asset or advantage that can be used to achieve success, especially in a challenging or competitive situation.

• Play a part

  To contribute to an outcome or event, often by performing a specific role or function.

• Jack of all trades, master of none

  This describes a person who has many skills and can do a variety of tasks but is not exceptionally proficient or an expert in any single one.

• Too many cooks spoil the broth

  When too many people try to manage or contribute to a single task, the outcome is often poor or messy due to conflicting ideas and disorganization.

• Child's play

  Something that is very easy to do, requiring little effort or skill.

• Feather one's nest

  To enrich oneself, especially by taking advantage of one's position or opportunities, often selfishly or dishonestly.

• You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink

  You can offer someone an opportunity or assistance, but you cannot force them to accept or take advantage of it if they are unwilling.

• Pound of flesh

  A harsh, exact, and often cruel repayment or penalty that is demanded and insisted upon, regardless of the suffering it causes.

• Feather one's own nest

  To enrich oneself, often by taking advantage of a position or opportunity, without regard for others.

• Trump something

  To surpass, outshine, or decisively defeat something or someone, often with a superior quality or action.

• Cut to the quick

  To deeply wound someone's feelings, often by exposing a vulnerability or sensitive point.

• Play the fool

  To behave in a silly, absurd, or deliberately unintelligent way, often to entertain others or to avoid responsibility.

• Go in one ear and out the other

  Information that is heard but immediately forgotten or ignored, without being processed or considered.

• All tongue-tied

  To be completely unable to speak due to shyness, nervousness, or strong emotion.

• Hold your tongue

  To refrain from speaking or to keep silent, often when one is tempted to say something inappropriate or critical.

• With open arms

  To welcome someone or something with great enthusiasm, warmth, and acceptance.

• Keep at arm's length

  To avoid close interaction, intimacy, or familiarity with someone or something.

• Upper hand

  To have an advantage or position of control over someone or something.

• Take something to heart

  To accept criticism, advice, or an event deeply and personally, often allowing it to affect one's emotions or actions significantly.

• Lose heart

  To become discouraged or lose one's resolve and motivation, especially when faced with difficulties or setbacks.

• A bookworm

  A bookworm is someone who loves to read and spends a great deal of time engrossed in books.

• Mad as a March hare

  Extremely crazy, excitable, or irrational.

• Foul play

  Unfair, dishonest, or violent actions, especially those leading to a crime or an unexpected death.

• Behind someone's back

  To do or say something secretly and often unfavorably about someone, without their knowledge or consent.

• Have a heart of gold

  To be exceptionally kind, generous, and compassionate.

• Skin and bones

  To be extremely thin or emaciated, often due to illness, starvation, or intense physical exertion.

• To come to one's senses

  To begin to think clearly and behave reasonably after a period of irrationality, confusion, or poor judgment.

• To gild the lily

  To add superfluous ornamentation or enhancement to something that is already perfect or sufficiently beautiful in its natural state.

• To take heart

  To gain courage, confidence, or hope, especially when facing a difficult or disheartening situation.

• Make the best of it

  To cope with a difficult or undesirable situation by focusing on positive aspects or by doing the most effective job possible despite the circumstances.

• Board

  A collective group of people officially chosen to manage or supervise an organization.

• Have a sweet tooth

  To have a strong liking or craving for sweet foods.

• From hand to mouth

  Living with barely enough money or resources to meet basic daily needs, with no savings or surplus.

• Have a bone to pick with you

  To have a specific grievance or complaint that needs to be discussed with someone.

• Tongue-tied

  To be rendered speechless or unable to articulate words clearly, usually due to shyness, nervousness, or overwhelming emotion.

• Body politic

  The people of a nation, state, or society considered as a collective unit or an organized whole, often likened to a single living organism.

• Bare-faced

  Shamelessly and obviously impudent or without any attempt to conceal wrongdoing.

• It's Greek to me!

  This phrase describes something that is completely unintelligible, incomprehensible, or beyond one's understanding.

• come what may

  Regardless of any difficulties or consequences, something will happen or be done.

• hoist with one's own petard

  To be harmed or defeated by one's own plan, device, or trap, especially one intended to harm others.

• cordon bleu

  A person skilled in preparing fine cuisine, or a dish prepared to the highest standard of culinary excellence.

• black-hearted

  Possessing a cruel, malicious, and often evil disposition.

• Half a loaf is better than none

  It is better to accept a partial solution or receive something incomplete rather than having nothing at all.

• It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good

  Even negative or unfortunate events often bring some benefit to someone.

• A windfall

  A windfall is an unexpected large amount of money or good fortune that comes to someone suddenly and without effort.

• To be glum

  To feel or appear sad, gloomy, or dejected.

• Live to fight another day

  To survive a difficult or dangerous situation, often by retreating or making a concession, so that one can continue the struggle or effort at a later, more opportune time.

• A comedy of errors

  A series of unfortunate, often humorous, events caused by mistakes, misunderstandings, or mistaken identities.

• Going from bad to worse

  To deteriorate or decline into an even more unfavorable, difficult, or undesirable situation.

• To take after someone

  To resemble someone in appearance, behavior, or character, especially a parent or older relative.

• To bear a grudge

  To harbor feelings of resentment or ill will towards someone for a past offense.

• A hair's breadth

  An extremely small distance or amount, so slight as to be almost imperceptible.

• A pall hanging over

  A sense of deep gloom, sadness, or foreboding that pervades an atmosphere, situation, or group of people.

• Aloof

  Distant, remote, or reserved in manner or interest; keeping oneself apart from others.

• Unfeeling

  Lacking in sympathy, compassion, or emotional response towards others.

• A shambles

  A state of complete disorder, confusion, or inefficiency.

• A jumble

  A jumble refers to a confused and disordered mass or collection of things.

• To live from hand to mouth

  To have just enough money or food to survive on, without any surplus or savings for the future.

• Tit for tat

  An action taken in return for a similar action, especially a retaliation for an insult or injury.

• Hoisted by one's own petard

  To be harmed or defeated by one's own scheme or device that was intended to harm others.

• To get one's just deserts

  To receive the fair and deserved consequences, often negative, for one's actions.

• A nine days' wonder

  Something that causes a brief stir of excitement or interest but is quickly forgotten.

• There's no fool like an old fool

  This phrase suggests that the foolishness of an older person is particularly egregious or lamentable because they have had ample time and experience to learn better.

• To have one's wits about one

  To be mentally alert and able to think clearly and respond quickly, especially when faced with an unexpected challenge.

• Brokenhearted

  Feeling overwhelming sadness, grief, or despair, typically due to lost love or a profound personal disappointment.

• Love's labor

  Work undertaken out of deep affection or devotion, often implying that the effort may be unrewarded, wasted, or ultimately futile.

• A true calling

  A profession, vocation, or life's work that a person feels deeply destined for and inherently passionate about, often suggesting a sense of purpose.

• a new broom

  A new person in a position of authority tends to make significant changes or reforms, often with great initial vigor.

• Utopia

  An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect, especially in respect of politics, laws, and customs.

• El Dorado

  A mythical place of great wealth and opportunity, or a highly sought-after but often unattainable goal.

• Nature will always out

  A person's fundamental character or innate tendencies will eventually become apparent, despite any attempts to hide or suppress them.

• To turn over a new leaf

  To make a fresh start or significantly change one's behavior for the better.

• Balderdash

  Balderdash refers to utter nonsense or foolish talk and ideas.

• Nonsense!

  An exclamation used to express strong disagreement, disbelief, or the opinion that something is utterly absurd or untrue.

• A fool's errand

  A task or journey that is pointless, impossible, or has no chance of success.

• Of no consequence

  Something that is of no consequence is unimportant and will not have any significant impact or effect.

• The end justifies the means

  This proverb suggests that a desired outcome, if good enough, can excuse any morally questionable actions taken to achieve it.

• Whipping boy

  A person who is blamed or punished for the mistakes or misdeeds of others, especially those in positions of power.

• A godsend

  Something that is extremely helpful and arrives exactly when it is needed, often providing a solution to a difficult situation.

• An eyesore

  Something that is extremely ugly or unpleasant to look at.

• Godsend

  Something extremely helpful or valuable that arrives unexpectedly and at a perfect time, often as if sent by divine providence.

• A calling

  A strong inner urge or conviction towards a particular profession, duty, or way of life, often implying a sense of profound purpose.

• Give an inch and take a mile

  If you grant someone a small concession, they will likely try to take a much larger advantage or demand much more.

• Like finding a needle in a haystack

  Describing a task that is extremely difficult or practically impossible to achieve due to the overwhelming number of similar or irrelevant items.

• Things are coming to a head

  A situation or conflict is reaching a critical point where a resolution or confrontation is imminent.

• Prevention is better than cure.

  It is more effective and less problematic to prevent a problem from occurring than to try and remedy it after it has already happened.

• Get one's just deserts

  To receive the punishment or reward that one truly deserves, often implying a negative outcome for bad actions.

• A sea change

  A sea change refers to a profound and fundamental transformation or alteration.

• Parting is such sweet sorrow.

  The phrase describes the complex feeling of sadness at saying goodbye combined with a pleasant anticipation of a future reunion.

• Trump card

  A decisive advantage, resource, or strategy held in reserve and used to win or achieve a desired outcome.

• Practice what you preach

  To act in accordance with the advice or principles one publicly advocates, ensuring one's actions align with their words.

• Inflame the situation

  To make an already tense or difficult situation worse by provoking stronger emotions or escalating conflict.

• Go from bad to worse

  To move from an already poor or difficult situation to an even more undesirable one.

• Speak one's mind

  To express one's opinions or thoughts directly and candidly, without holding back.

• Put one's oar in

  To interfere or interrupt in a conversation or activity, often without being asked.

• Disabuse someone of a notion

  To correct someone's mistaken belief or false idea, often gently but firmly.

• At one's leisure

  To do something at a time and pace that is convenient and comfortable for oneself, without rushing or pressure.

• Greek to me

  This phrase describes something that is completely incomprehensible or unintelligible to a person, often due to its complexity or foreign nature.

• Spick and span

  To be spick and span means to be immaculately clean, tidy, and well-ordered.

• Prick up one's ears

  To suddenly pay close attention, often with a sense of alertness or curiosity, because something interesting or surprising has been said or heard.

• In one ear and out the other

  When something goes in one ear and out the other, it means information heard is quickly forgotten, ignored, or fails to be absorbed.

• Spent

  Completely used up, exhausted, or without energy.

• To be handy

  To be useful, skillful, or conveniently located, often implying practical competence with one's hands.

• To have something up one's sleeve

  To possess a secret plan, advantage, or resource that is being kept hidden for future use, often to gain an advantage or surprise someone.

• Exorbitant price

  An exorbitant price is one that is unreasonably high, far exceeding the true value or a fair market rate.

• A bone to pick

  To have a specific complaint or grievance that needs to be discussed and resolved with someone.

• Forgive and forget

  To pardon someone for a past wrongdoing and then completely let go of any lingering resentment or memory of the offense.

• An arduous task

  A task that is extremely difficult, demanding a great deal of effort, endurance, and perseverance.

• In unison

  When two or more people or things act or speak at exactly the same time, producing a single, synchronized effect.

• Stone blind

  To be stone blind means to be completely and utterly unable to see, possessing no sight at all.

• To speak one's mind

  To express one's true thoughts and opinions frankly and directly, without hesitation or concern for others' reactions.

• Cold-hearted

  Lacking in sympathy, compassion, or warmth towards others.

• Sound as a bell

  To be in excellent health or perfect working condition, without any flaws or defects.

• Out of one's mind

  To be irrational, crazy, or extremely upset and not thinking clearly.

• Penniless

  Having no money; completely destitute.

• Puffed up with pride

  To be excessively or arrogantly proud of oneself or one's achievements.

• Quick-witted

  Possessing the ability to think and respond intelligently and rapidly, often with humor.

• To be queasy

  To feel slightly nauseous or uneasy, often accompanied by a sensation of sickness or a desire to vomit.

• To be laid low

  To be rendered weak, incapacitated, or defeated by illness, misfortune, or a powerful adversary.

• Beating around the bush

  To avoid discussing the main topic directly or to speak indirectly, usually because the subject is uncomfortable or difficult.

• Black as pitch

  Extremely dark or completely devoid of light.

• Clear as crystal

  Extremely easy to understand or see; very evident and unambiguous.

• Quagmire

  A quagmire is a difficult, perilous, or entrapping situation from which it is extremely hard to escape.

• About to kick the bucket

  To be very close to dying or reaching the end of one's life.

• In the prime of life

  This phrase refers to the period when a person is at their peak in terms of physical health, mental acuity, and often professional or personal productivity.

• Helter-skelter

  In a disorderly and hurried manner, often indicating confusion or chaos.

• Topsy-turvy

  Describing a state of utter confusion, disorder, or being completely upside down.

• In the balance

  The outcome or future of a situation is uncertain and currently undecided.

• After all

  Used to introduce a statement that explains or supports something previously mentioned or to show that something is true despite what might have been expected.

• All for naught

  To have exerted effort or resources without achieving any positive or desired outcome; to have been completely futile.

• Busybody

  A busybody is a person who pries into or meddles in the private affairs of others.

• Subsidize

  To provide financial assistance or support to an industry, business, or individual, often by a government.

• Waste your breath

  To speak to someone without any effect, often because they are unwilling to listen or change their mind.

• Unabashed

  Not embarrassed, ashamed, or hesitant to do something or express an opinion.

• Flagrant

  Something flagrant is conspicuously and obviously offensive, disgraceful, or bad.

• Impudent

  Behaving with a lack of respect, often characterized by being shamelessly bold or presumptuous.

• Blatant

  Something that is done openly and unashamedly, often in an offensive or obvious way.

• Brazen

  Acting brazen means being bold and shameless, often in a disrespectful or shocking way.