英语习语探源【2025|PDF|Epub|mobi|kindle电子书版本百度云盘下载】

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Anumber one1

A one1

above board1

Al1

above the salt2

according to Cocker3

according to Hoyle3

according to the book3

ace in the hole3

ace up one s sleeve4

Achilles heel4

acid test4

acknowledge the corn5

act one s age5

action atations5

add insult to injury6

Adam s ale/wine6

Adam s apple6

admirable Crichton7

admit the corm8

admitted to the bar8

advice column8

advice columnist8

after someone s own heart8

against the grain8

agonizing reappraisal8

agony aunt9

agony column9

agony uncle9

agree to disagree9

alarms and excursions10

Aladdin s cave10

Aladdin s lamp10

alarums and excursions11

albatross around one s neck11

alive and kicking11

alive and well12

all at sea12

all Greek to someone12

all one s geese are swans12

all roads lead to Rome12

all systems go13

all thumbs13

alpha and omega14

Amalthea s horn14

ambulance chaser14

Annie Oakley15

another string to one s bow16

the answer to a maiden s prayer16

A-O.K.16

appeal from Philip drunk to Philip sober16

applaud someone to the echo16

apple of discord17

apple of love17

apple of Sodom18

apple of the eye18

apple-pie order19

apple polisher19

April fool20

Arbor Day20

armed to the teeth21

argue the toss21

armed to the hilt21

artesian well22

as(if)to the manner born22

as one man22

ask for the moon22

asphalt jungle22

ass in a lion s skin22

assembly line23

at a loose end23

at a snail pace23

at bay24

at daggers drawn24

at loggerheads(with)25

at half-mast25

at loose ends26

at one(fell)swoop26

at sea27

at sixes and sevens27

at the double28

at the eleventh hour28

at the drop of a hat29

at the end of one s rope/tether29

at the Greed calends30

athlete s foot30

atomic bomb30

auld lang syne31

Augean stable(s)31

Aunt Sally31

Attic wit31

Attic salt31

ax(e)to grind32

babe in the wood(s)34

back and fill34

back to square one35

back to the drawing board35

back-handed compliment36

backroom boy36

backstairs influence37

bad egg37

badger game37

bag and baggage38

bag lady38

Bailey bridge39

bag of tricks39

baker s dozen40

bala as a coot40

make ducks and drades of40

baptism of fire41

bark up the wrong tree41

Barmecide s feast42

bat on a sticky wicket42

bath chair42

battle royal43

be hoist with one s own petard43

be one s age43

beam in one s eye43

bear a charmed life44

bear down(up)on45

bear garden45

one s back is up46

bear one s cross46

bear the palm46

beard the lion in his den47

beat a dead horse48

beat about/around the bush48

beat a retreat48

beat generation49

beat it49

beat one s brains49

beat someone black and blue49

beat(someone/something)into a cocked hat50

beat the air50

beat the band50

beat the gun51

beauty and the beast51

beauty sleep51

beer and skittles52

bee in one s bonnet52

Bed of Procrustes52

bed of roses52

bee s knees53

before one/you can/could say Jack Robinson54

before the Flood54

before the mast55

beg the question55

beggar description56

behind the eightball57

behind the scenes57

bell,book and candle58

bell the cat58

below the belt59

below the salt59

bend over backwards59

benefit of clergy59

sober as a judge60

best man60

Benjamin s mess60

best bib and tucker61

bet one s bottom dollar61

between cup and lip62

better half62

between Scylla and Charybdis63

between the devil and the deep(blue)sea63

beyond one s ken64

Big Brother65

big as life65

beyond the pale65

Big C66

big wheel66

bill and coo66

bird of ill omen66

birthday suit67

bite the bullet67

bite the dust/ground68

bitter pill(to swallow)69

bitter end69

black hole70

black and blue70

black book70

Black Maria71

black sheep71

blackboard jungle71

Blarney stone72

blaze a trail72

blindman s buff72

blot one s copybook72

blow away the cobwebs73

blow hot and cold74

blow off steam74

blow one s own horn75

blow one s top75

blow someone s mind76

blue blood76

blow the cobwebs away76

blue chip77

blue law77

blue moon78

blue ribbon78

board the gravy train78

bone of contention79

bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh79

bone to pick79

boot(s)and saddle(s)80

born in/to the purple80

born under a lucky star81

born with a silver spoon in one s mouth81

bow and scrape82

both sheets in/to the wind82

borrowed plumes82

bow out83

Box and Cox84

box office84

box the compass85

Boxing Day85

brand from the burning85

breach of promise86

brea the ice87

bread and circuses87

bright and early88

bring down thc house88

bring home the bacon88

bring someone to heel89

bring someone down a peg89

bring to a head90

Brother Jonathan90

brown study90

the buck stops here91

build castles in Spain91

build castles in the air91

build(up)on(the)sand91

build a fire under someone91

bull in a china shop92

Buridan s ass92

burn ont s boats/bridges93

burn someone in effigy94

burn one s fingers94

burn the candle at both ends95

burn the midnight oil95

bury one s head in the sand96

bury the hatchet/tomahawk96

busy as a beaver97

busy as a bee97

busman s holiday97

busy bee98

buy a pig in a poke98

by a long chalk99

by a long shot99

by and large99

by heart100

by shank s mare/pony101

by rule of thumb101

by hook or by crook101

by the skin of one s teeth102

by the book103

C104

Cadmean victor104

Caesarean/Caesarian section104

cakes and ale105

call a spade a spade105

call one s shot(s)106

call someone on the carpet106

call someone over the coals106

call someone s bluff106

call the shots107

call the tune107

cannon fodder108

called to the bar108

call the turn108

can t hold a candle to109

cap in hand109

capital crime/offence109

capital punishment109

card up one s sleeve110

carrot and stick110

carry off the palm111

carry one s cross111

carry the day111

carry coals to Newcastle111

carry a stiff upper lip111

cash in112

cash in one s checks112

cash in one s chips112

cash on the barrelhead112

cash on the nail113

cask of Danaides113

cast pearls before swine113

cast the first stone114

cast sheep s eyes(at someone)114

castles in the air115

castles in Spain115

catbird seat116

catch as catch can116

catch a Tartar116

catch someone with his pants/trousers down117

catch some Z s117

catch that catch can118

catch-22118

catch wind of119

cat s paw119

caught/taken red-handed119

caviar(e)to the general120

chain recation121

chalk it up121

champ/chafe/chomp at the bit122

chance it122

chance one s arm122

chance one s luck123

chapter and verse123

change horses in midstream123

chastise with scorpions124

cheer someone to the echo125

cherish a snake/serpent/viper in one s/the bosom125

cheek by jowl(with)125

chew the fat125

chewing gum126

chew the rag126

Chinaman s chance127

chime in127

chip of/off the old block128

chip in128

clamp up129

chip on one s/the shoulder129

clean bill of health130

clean hands130

cleanse the Augean stable(s)131

climb on the bandwagon131

cloak-and-dagger133

close one s eyes to smething133

the coast is clear133

cock a snook(at)134

cock of the roost134

cock of the walk134

coffin nail135

cock-and-bull story135

cockles of someone s heart135

coign of vantage136

cold as charity136

cold feet137

come apart at the seams137

cold shoulder137

come down a peg(or two)138

come(down)off the fence138

come down on the right side of the fence138

come down the aisle138

come hell and/or high water138

come off with flying colours139

come to a head139

come in from the cold139

come to loggerheads140

come to the end of one s rope/tether140

come under the hammer140

come to heel140

come under the yoke141

come(up)to(the)scratch141

conspiracy of silence142

confess the corn142

cook soneone s goose143

cool as a cucumber143

cool one s heels144

corner the market145

corn in Egypt145

cough up145

count ont s chickens146

crack the whip146

cover over the cracks146

crocodile tears147

the/a crock of gold at the end of the rainbow148

cross as two sticks148

cross one s fingers148

cross one s heart148

cross the Rubicon149

crown of thorns149

Crow Jim149

crow s feet150

crow s nest150

cry for the moon150

cry from the housetops/rooftops151

cry over spilt milk151

cry wolf151

cudgel one s brain(s)152

cup of tea152

cupboard love153

curate s egg154

curious as Lot s wife154

curry favour(with someone)154

cut a dido155

curtain lecture155

cut a snook156

cut and dried156

cut and run156

cut and thrust157

cut on ice157

cut it157

cut off one s nose to spite one s face158

cut of someone s jib158

cut one s stick159

cut someone to the quick159

cut the Gordian knot160

cut the mustard161

cut up161

cut the knot161

Damon and Pythias162

D162

Darby and Joan163

damp squib163

dark horse164

dark meat165

dash cold water on(something)165

daughter of the horseleech165

Davy Jones s locker166

dead as a/the dodo167

Dear John letter168

death s head at the feast168

deal as a doornail168

Dead Sea fruit168

Dead Sea apple168

dead as a doornail168

deep six169

the devil to pay170

deep throat170

devil s advocate171

die in harness171

die in one s boots/shoes171

the die is thrown172

die with one s boots/shoes on172

the die is cast172

die the death172

different kettle of fish173

dig the hatchet/tomahawk173

dine with Duke Humphrey173

dog days174

dog in the manger174

do a U-turn174

do a land-office business174

dog tag175

doggie bag175

domino effect175

Don Juan176

donkey s ages177

donkey s years177

dot the i s and cross the t s177

double Dutch178

double in brass178

doubting Thomas178

down in the dumps179

down for the count179

draw a/the line180

drag someone over the coals180

down on one s uppers180

draw a blank180

draw a red herring(across the path/track/trail)181

draw in one s horns181

drawing room182

dressed in borrowed plumes182

draw to a head182

draw the wool over someone s eyes182

draw someone s teeth182

draw someone s leg182

dressed to the nines183

drink like a fish183

drive someone from pillar to post184

drive(someone)to the wall184

druw(someone)out184

drunk as a lord184

Dutch courage185

dumb as a doornail185

duck soup185

dry behind the ears185

duck s egg185

dry goods185

Dutch treat187

Dutch uncle187

dyed in the wool188

E189

eager beaver189

earn one s salt189

easy street189

eat crow190

eat high off/on the hog191

eat humble pie191

eat,drink and be merry191

eat one s heart out192

eat one s words193

eat somebody s salt193

eat the leek194

egg on194

enough to make a saint swear195

eleventh hour195

eleventh-hour decision195

Electra complex195

elbow grease195

end of one s rope/tether195

enter the lists196

enough to try the patience of a saint/Job196

enough to make the angels weep196

enough to provoke a saint196

even Steven197

even Stephen(s)197

excuse my French198

extra string to one s bow198

eye for eye198

every man jack198

every Tom,Dick and Harry198

F200

Fabian policy/stactics200

face the music200

fall apart at the seams201

fall for something hook,line and sinker201

fall from grace201

fal for someone hook,line and sinker201

face value201

fall gry202

fall(up)on one s feet203

fall over backwards203

fall to loggerheads203

false colours203

family skeleton203

fancy free203

fate worse than death204

the fat is in the fire204

feather in somebody s cap205

Father Christmas205

feather one s nest206

feed someone to the lions206

feel one s ears burning206

feet of clay207

feel one s oats207

fellow traveller208

fiddle while Rome burns208

field day209

fifth column209

fifth wheel210

fig leaf210

fight like Kilkenny cats211

fight hammer and tongs211

fight fire with fire211

fight tooth and nail212

fill the bill212

fight(with)windmills212

filthy lucre213

fine kettle of fish213

finger on the wall213

finishing touch(es)213

fire on all cylinders214

first fruits214

first rate214

flash in the pan215

fit the bill215

fish in troubled waters215

first water215

flea in one s ear216

flog a dead horse217

flotsam and jetsam217

flea market217

fly a flag at half-mast218

fly a kite218

fly in the ointment219

fly off the handle219

foam at the mouth220

follow suit221

follow one s nose221

fond of the limelight222

fools rush in where angels fear to tread222

foot the bill222

forty winks223

forlom hope223

footloose and fancy-free223

foul play224

four-letter word225

French leave225

Freudian slip225

from A to Z226

from China to Peru226

from Dan to Beersheba226

frog in one s/the throat226

from hand to mouth227

from pillar to post227

from the housetops228

full court press228

from the horse s mouth228

from time immemorial228

full of beans229

full of oats230

the fur statts/begins to fly230

the fur/feathers fly230

funny bone230

G231

gain one s laurels231

gain one s spurs231

gain the day231

gall and wormwood231

gain the upper hand231

gallery play232

Garrison finish232

gay Lothario232

gentleman s agreement232

get a flea in one s ear233

get a rise out of someone233

gentlemen s agreement233

get a clean bill of health233

get a rain check on something233

get cold feet234

get cracking234

get down to brass tacks234

get(hold of)the right end of the stick235

get hold of the wrong end of the stick235

get goose pimples235

get egg/jam on/over one s face235

get one s back to/against the wall236

get one s/someone s back up236

get on the gravy train236

get on one s high horse236

get on like a house on fire236

get off the fence236

get off one s high horse236

get one s cards237

get one s fingers burned237

get one s/someone s nose to the grindstone237

get one s own back(on someone)237

get one s pound of flesh237

get out of the wrong side of the bed238

get someone s goat238

get some Z s238

get someone over a/the barrel238

get short shirft238

get someone by the short hairs238

get out of bed on the wrong side238

get someone s monkey up239

get the axe240

get someone s hackles up240

get the ball rolling241

get the bit between/in one s teeth241

get the cart before the horse241

get the cold shoulder241

get the/a drop on someone241

get the creeps241

get the hook242

get the/a jump on someone242

get the red carpet treatment242

get the sack242

get the third edgree243

get the short end of the stick243

get the thumbs down243

get up on the wrong side of the bed244

get the wrong end of the stick244

get the upper hand244

get to the end of one s rope/tether244

get to loggerheads244

get to first base244

get to(the)windward of244

get wind of(something)245

gift of(the)gab246

gild the lily246

gird(up)one s loins247

give a wide berth to(someone/something)248

give and take248

give a sop to Cerberus248

give a lick and a promise248

girl Friday248

gvie chapter and verse249

give short shrift to249

give someone a rain check on something249

give someone a Roland for an Oliver249

give someone the ax(e)249

give someone the cold shoulder249

give someone the creeps249

give someone a clean bill of health249

give someone the sack250

give someone/something(the)thumbs down/up250

give someone the wall250

give someone the third degree250

give someone the red carpet treatment250

give up the ghost251

go against the grain251

go at it hammer and tongs252

go at it tooth and nail252

go by/on shank s mare252

go by the board252

go down the aisle253

go Dutch253

go for it253

go from pillar to post254

go haywire254

go(off)like hot cakes254

go nineteen to the dozen254

go on the stump255

go off at half cock255

go on all fours255

go off half-cocked255

go one better256

go over to the majority257

go(the)whole hog257

go over the top257

go the way of all flesh257

go through fire and water258

go through the mill259

go through the foof259

go through thick and thin259

go to Davy Jones s locker259

go to grass259

go to loggerheads259

go to pot259

go to rack and ruin259

go to the devil259

go to the dogs260

go to the happy hunting ground261

go to the wall261

good Samaritan262

going,going,gone262

go under the hammer262

go west262

golden calf262

good wine needs on bush263

grain of mustard seed264

goose bummps264

grandstand play264

grasp the nettle264

Gordian knot264

goose that laid the golden egg(s)264

goose skin264

goose pimples264

goose flesh264

goose egg264

the grass is always greener on the other side(of the fence)265

grass roots266

grass widow266

gravy train267

grease someone s palm/hand268

great cry and little wool268

great Scott268

Greek gift269

green thumb270

green fingers270

Greek to someone270

green-eyed monster271

grin like a Cheshire cat272

H274

halcyon days274

hair of the dog274

half seas over275

ham actor276

ham it up277

ham something up277

hammer and tongs277

hand and glove277

hand in glove277

hand in one s chips278

hand over fist278

hand to mouth279

hand over hand279

hands down280

handwriting on the wall280

hand by a hair/thread281

hand out false colours282

hang someone in effigy282

hang up one s hat282

hangdog look/air282

happy hunting ground(s)283

hard row to hoe283

hark back(to something)283

hat in hand284

hat trick284

haul someone over the coals285

haul in one s horns285

have a bee in one s bonnet286

have a bone to pick with someone287

have a charmed life287

have a cross to bear287

have a/the drop on someone287

have a field day287

have a card up one s sleeve287

have a frog in one s/the throat288

have a hunch288

have an/one s ear to the ground289

have an ax(e)to grind289

have an ace up one s sleeve289

have a wolf in the stomach289

have a stiff upper lip289

have a screw loose/missing289

have a/the rise out of someone289

have a rain check on something289

have an eye to the main chance290

have an itching/itchy palm291

have bats in one s/the belfry291

have clean hands292

have cold feet292

have egg/jam on/over one s face293

have itching ears294

have had one s chips294

have feet of clay294

have forty winks294

have Hobson s choice294

have irons in the fire294

have more than one string to one s bow295

have one foot in the grave295

have one over the eight295

have one s back to/against the wall295

have someone on a string296

have something up/in one s sleeve296

have someone s nose out of joint296

have someone over a/the barrel296

have someone on the carpet296

have one s tail between one s legs296

have someone by the short hairs296

have one s tongue in one s cheek296

have one s pound of flesh296

have one s/someon s nose to the trindstone296

have one s heart on one s sleeve296

have one s finges crossed296

have one s fingers burned296

have the last laugh297

have the devil to pay297

have the bit between/in one s teeth297

have the gift of gab297

have the/a drop on someone297

have the/a jump on someone297

have the Midas touch298

have the upper hand298

have too many irons in the fire298

have two strings to one s bow298

have wind of299

He who laughs last laughs best/longest299

head over heels299

head the bill299

heads are likely to roll299

heads will roll299

heap coals of fire on someone s head300

hem and haw301

heels over head301

hedge one s bets301

heap Pelion on Ossa301

Herculean labo(u)r302

Herculean task302

Hercules choice302

high horse303

hide one s candle under a bushel303

hide one s light under a bushel303

here s the rub303

hide one s head in the sand303

high jinks304

high on/off the hog305

hightail it305

hit below the belt306

hit on all cyinders306

hit on all six306

hit the jackpot307

hit the hay/sack307

hit the ceiling/roof307

hitch a ride308

Hobson s choice308

hit the nail on the head308

hos one s own row309

hoist with one s own petard310

hold one s horses311

hold at bay311

hold a candle to311

hold one s cards close to one s/the chest311

hold aloof311

hold out the olive branch312

hold the fort312

hold water313

hold and corner313

hole in the corner314

holy cow/mackerel314

hook,line and sinker314

hop on the bandwagon314

hope springs atemal in the human breast314

horn of plenty/abundance315

horns of a dilemma315

horse of a different colour315

horses for courses316

horse of another colour316

hot dog317

hot line317

hue and cry318

huff and puff318

hum and haw319

in a hole320

in a bad humour320

I320

in a good homour320

in a couple of shakes320

in a brown study320

in a (pretty)pickle321

in a word321

in apple-pie order322

in borrowed plumes322

in Davy Jones s locker322

in fine/full feather322

in fine fettle322

in Carey Street322

in high dudgeon323

in hock324

in like Flynn324

in one s birthday suit325

in one s element325

in one fell swoop325

in one s best bib and tucker325

in one s heart of heart(s)326

in one s/the mind s eye326

in sackcloth and ashes327

in queer street327

in someone s black/bad book(s)328

in someone s good books329

in the altogether329

in the arms of Morpheus330

in the black330

in the cards331

in the buff331

in the doghouse332

in the doldrums332

in the dumps332

in the catbird seat332

in the chips332

in the hole333

in the land of nod333

in the limelight333

in the long run334

in the offing335

in the melting pot335

in the nick of time335

in the pink of condition336

in te red336

in the pink336

in(the/one s)seventh heaven337

in two shakes of a duck s tail338

in two shakes of a lamb s tail338

in the short run338

in two shakes338

in the wings338

in the spotlight338

in the wake of338

Indian giver339

Indian File339

Indian summer340

Indian giving340

inferiority complex341

inside the pale341

irons in the fire341

It is(all)Greek to me341

ivory tower341

itching palms341

Ivy League342

J344

Jack of all trades344

jack tar344

Jekyll and Hyde345

Job s comforter346

Jim Crow346

Joe Miller347

John Hancock348

John Bull348

join the(great)majority349

John Henry349

Judas kiss349

jump the gun350

jump on the bandwagon350

jump the traces351

junk food351

K352

kangaroo court352

keep a card up one s sleeve352

keep a stiff upper lip352

keep a straight face353

keep an eye to the main chance354

keep at bay354

keep body and soul together354

keep aloof354

keep a/one s weather eye open354

keep an ace up one s sleeve354

keep one s ear to the ground355

keep one s eye on the ball355

keep one s eyes peeled/skinned/open355

keep one s fingers crossed355

keep one s/someone s nose to the grindstone356

keep one s pecker up356

keep one s shirt on357

keep one s powder dry357

keep something up/in one s sleeve358

keep the ball rolling358

keep the wolf from the door359

keep up with the Joneses360

kettle of fish361

keynote address/speech361

kick against the pricks362

kick over the traces363

kick one s heels363

kick someone upstairs363

kick someone downstairs363

kill by/with kindness364

kick the bucket364

kill the fatted calf365

kill the goose that lays/laid the golden egg(s)366

King s English367

kiss of death367

kiss of life367

kiss something better367

kiss the Blarney stone367

kiss the dust368

kiss the rod368

kith and kin368

knee jerk reaction369

knight in shining armour369

knock off(work)370

knock on wood370

knock(someone/something)in-to a cocked hat370

knock into shape370

knock down370

knock someone off his pedestal371

knock(the)spots off someone/something371

know a hawk from a handsaw371

know by heart372

know like a book372

knuckle down373

know the ropes373

knowledge is power373

knuckle under374

labour of Hercules376

L376

labour of love377

laour of Sisyphus377

Lady Bountiful378

lame duck378

land of nod379

land-office business380

land on one s feet380

language barrier380

large as life381

last hurrrah381

last straw382

laugh in one s sleeve383

laugh in one s beard383

laugh and the world laughs with you,weep/cry and you weep/cry alone383

Last Supper383

laugh like a drain384

laugh lines385

laugh on the other/wrong side of one s face385

laugh on the other/wrong side of one s mouth385

laugh out of court385

laughter lines386

law of the jungle386

(be)laughing all the way to te bank386

laugh up one s sleeve386

laugh out of the other side of one s mouth386

laugh out of the other corner of one s mouth386

lay an egg387

lead(someone)by the nose388

lay one s cards on the table388

lead a charmed life388

lazy Suaan388

lead someone down/up the garden path389

lead the life of Riley/Reilly390

learn the ropes390

leave no stone unturned390

lean over backwards390

learn by heart390

leave someone in the lurch391

left with egg/jam on/over one s face392

left-handed compliment392

left-handed marriage393

let off steam393

let one s hair down393

let the cat out of the bag394

let the dead bury their dead394

lick into shape395

(a)lick and a promise395

lick the dust396

life of Riley/Reilly396

light on one s feet397

like a bull in a china shop397

like a bump on a log397

like a dose of salts397

like a house on fire398

like a red rag to a bull399

like billio/billyo399

like it or lump it400

like Fort Knox400

like sixty401

like water off a duck s back401

line one s/someone s pocket(s)401

lion in the way/path402

a little bird403

a little bird told me403

lion s share403

a little knowledge is a dangerous thing404

a little learning is a dangerous thing404

load the dice against someone405

live the life of Riley/Reilly405

live on the breadline405

live in an ivory tower405

live high off/on the hog405

live from hand to mouth405

lobster shift406

loaded for bear406

lock horns407

lock,stock and barrel407

long in the tooth408

long row to hoe408

long shot409

look a gift horse in the mouth409

look daggers at someone410

loose cannon410

look to one s laurels410

lose one s shirt411

lose face411

lose the day412

lunatic fringe412

lost generation412

lynch law413

M414

mad as a hatter414

mad as a march hare414

Mae West415

mailed fist416

main chance416

make a hash of416

make a boner416

make a mountain out of a molelhill417

make a snook(at)417

make a U-turn417

make an April fool of someone418

make(both)ends meet418

make bricks without straw418

make do and mend419

make do419

make no bones about420

make sheep s eyes(at someone)421

make some Z s421

make someone s day421

make someone s flesh creep421

make someone s hackles rise422

make someone s hair stand on end422

make the fur/feathers fly422

make the grade423

make things hum424

make up leeway424

man Friday425

man for all seasons425

man in the street426

man of straw427

man of letters427

man on the Clapham omnibus428

manna from heaven428

mare s nest428

mark time429

massive retaliation429

meet one s Waterloo429

melting pot430

mess of pottage431

merchant of death431

Mickey Mouse432

Mickey Finn432

Midas touch433

milk of human kindness433

mind one s p s and q s434

mind the store435

moment of truth436

monkey business437

monkey wrench437

month of Sundays437

moot point438

Mrs.Grundy439

moot question439

more sinned against than sinning439

more cry than wool439

mote in someone s eye439

move stakes439

much ado about nothing440

much cry and little wool440

mum s the word441

Murphy s law441

Mutt and Jeff442

N443

nail a lie(to the counter)443

nail in someone s coffin443

nail one s colours to the mast443

nail to the counter443

neither fish nor fowl444

meck and neck444

neither fish,flesh,fowl nor good red herring444

name is mud444

naked truth444

neither rhyme nor reason445

nest egg446

never-never land446

never say die447

new wine in old bottles447

nice kettle of fish448

the night of the long knives448

nine day s wonder449

nip and tuck451

nip in the bud451

no love lost(between)452

no great shakes452

no-man s land453

no respecter of persons453

no room to swing a cat454

no rhyme or reason454

no skin off someone s nose455

nose out of joint456

nosy parker456

not bat an eyelid456

not fit to hold a candle to457

not dry behind the ears457

not have a leg to stand on457

not enough room to swing a cat457

not cut muck ice457

not by a long shot457

not by a long chalk457

not hold a candle to someone or something458

not hold water458

not know somebody from Adam458

not see someone for dust459

not to be sniffed at459

not to be sneezed at459

not turn a hair460

not worth a damn461

not up to the mark461

not up to scratch461

nuts and bolts462

not worth one s salt462

nothing like leather462

nothing to sneeze at462

nourish a snake/serpent/viper in one s/the bosom462

nurse a snake/serpent/viper in one s/the bosom462

odd bedfellows463

the observed of all observers463

O463

Oedipus complex463

off the beam464

off beam464

of the first water464

off the cuff465

off the wagon465

oil someone s palm/hand465

old as Methuselah465

old hat466

old man of the sea466

Old Nick467

old school tie468

old stamping ground468

olive branch468

on a shoestring469

on a sticky wicket470

on all fours471

on easy street471

on one s high horse471

on one s last legs471

on a wild-goose chase471

on one s uppers472

on shank s mare/pony472

on tenterhooks472

on the barrelhead473

on the breadline473

on the beam473

on the ball473

on the bandwagon473

on the bum474

on the cards474

on the carpet474

on the dot475

on the cuff475

on the double476

on the fence476

on the fritz477

on the Greek calends477

on the homs of a dilemma478

on the house478

on the nail479

on the nose479

on the level479

on the qui vive480

on the QT480

on the quiet481

on the rocks481

on the side of the angels481

on the spot482

on the square482

on the stump482

on the wagon482

on the warpath483

on thin ice483

once in a blue moon484

one degree under485

one foot in the grave485

one up on(someone)486

one s best bib and tucker486

one s cup of tea486

one s ears prick up486

one s hair stands on end486

one over the eight486

open Pandora s box487

open sesame487

out for the count487

one s tail is between one s legs487

one s pound of flesh487

one s(old)stamping ground487

one s name is mund487

out of humour488

out of one s element489

out of one s ken489

out of sorts489

out of the limelight489

out of touch490

out-herod Herod490

outside one s ken491

outside the pale491

over a/the barrel491

over the top492

P493

paddle one s own canoe493

paint the lily493

paint the town red494

painted sepulchre494

palm off495

pan out495

Pandora s box495

paaer over the cracks496

par for the course497

pardon my French497

Parthian shot/shaft497

parting shot498

pass in one s chips498

pass muster498

pass the buck499

paste over the cracks500

patience of Job500

patient as Job500

Paul Pry500

pass under the yoke500

pay on the nail501

pay the fiddler501

pay through the nose502

pecking order503

peeping Tom503

Penelope s web504

penny wise and pound foolish505

penny for your thoughts505

penny for them505

peter out506

Peter Pan507

Philadelphia lawyer507

pick up the gauntlet/glove508

pie in the sky508

pig in a poke508

pile Pelion on Ossa508

pin money509

pin one s heart on one s sleeve510

the pink of perfection510

pink slip510

pin-up girl510

pipe dream511

pitched battle512

place(someone)on a pedestal512

plain as a pikestaff512

(the)pot calling the kettle black513

plain sailing513

plain as the nose on your face513

play cat and mouse with(someone)514

Platonic love514

play ducks and drakes with515

play fast and loose516

play Judas516

play one s cards close to one s/the chest/vest516

play one s hunch517

play possum517

play Russian roulette518

play second fiddle518

play(the)devil s advocate518

play the field518

play to the gallery519

play the sedulous ape519

play with loaded dice520

plead the Fifth520

plead the Fifth Amendment520

pleased as Punch520

play to the grandstand520

plumb the depths521

point of no return521

polish the apple522

poor as a church mouse523

poor as Job523

pound of flesh524

pot shot524

the/a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow524

potluck dinner524

pot luck524

pour cold water on525

pour oil on troubled waters525

the powers that be526

pretty kettle of fish526

prick up one s ears526

primrose path527

Procrustean bed527

proud as a peacock528

pull a boner529

pull devil,pull baker529

pull someone s chestunts out of the fire530

pull one s punches530

pull in one s homs530

pull someone s leg531

pull someone s teeth532

pull the strings532

pull the wires532

pull the wool over someone s eyes532

pull strings532

pull up stakes533

pull wires534

purple patches534

push(someone)th the wall534

put a sock in it534

put on one s thinking cap535

put into the melting pot535

put a wet blanket on535

put a spoke in someone s wheel535

put on the dog536

put on the screw(s)536

put one s/someone s back up537

put one s best foot forward537

put one s cards on the table538

put one s foot in it538

put one s foot in one s mouth538

put one s/someone s nose to the grindstone539

put one s shoulder to the wheel539

put someone on the spot540

put(someone)on a pedestal540

put someone through the mill540

put out to grass/pasture540

put out of court540

put one s thinking cap on540

put someone s monkey up541

put someone s nose out of joint541

put the kibosh on542

put the cart before the horse542

put the screw on someone543

put through the mill543

Pyrrhic vectory543

Q545

Queen s English545

queer someone s pitch545

queer the pitch for someone545

quick as you can say Jack Robinson545

rack one s brain(s)546

rack and ruin546

R546

rain cats and dogs547

rain check548

raise Cain549

raise someone s hackles549

raise the ante549

raised to the purple549

rake someone over the coals549

rank and file550

reach first base550

reach the end of one s rope/tether550

read between the lines550

read like a book550

read the(hand)writing on the wall550

the real McCoy551

the real Mackay551

read the riot act551

the real Simon Pure552

reckon without one s host553

red carpet553

red herring553

reap(one s)laurels553

red-letter day554

red light district554

red rag555

red tape555

remain aloof555

rest on one s laurels555

return to one s umttons556

ride roughshod over(someone/something)557

rhyme or reason557

rich as Croesus557

riddle of Sphinx557

ride the gravy train558

ride the high horse558

right-hand man558

ring false558

ring the changes558

ring true559

rise from the ashes560

rise like a phoenix from the ashes560

rise like the phoenix560

rise to the bait560

Roland for an Oliver561

rob Peter to pay Paul561

roll out the red carpet562

round robin563

round-table conference563

rub salt in/into someone s/the wound(s)564

rub someone(up)the right way565

rub someone(up)the wrong way565

Rube Goldberg565

rule of thumb566

rule out of court566

rule the roost/roast567

run amuck567

run nineteen to the dozen568

run riot568

run the gauntlet/gantlet568

running dog569

Russian roulette569

S571

sackcloth and ashes571

sacred cow571

sad sack571

safe as Fort Knox572

sail under false colours572

salad days573

salt of the earth573

Santa Claus574

save face574

saved by the bell574

scotch a/the snake575

scarlet letter575

say cheese575

scrape the(bottom of the)barrel576

seamy side577

second string to one s bow577

see red577

see the(hand)writing on the wall578

sell down the river578

sell like hot cakes578

send someone off with a flea in his/their ear579

send someone on a wild-goose chase579

send someons to Coventry579

send out to grass/pasture579

sell the pass579

sell one s birthright for a mess of pottage579

send someone from pillar to post579

sent up the river580

separate the sheep from the goats580

set one s/someone s back up581

set one s cap at/for581

set off a chain reaction581

serpent in one s/the bosom581

set(someone)on a pedestal582

set someone s teeth on edge582

set the ball rolling583

set the cart before the horse583

set the fur/feathers flying583

set the Thames on fire583

shank s mare/pony584

shake the dust from/off one s feet584

seventh heaven584

set the world on fire584

shake a leg584

shed crocodile tears585

sheet in/to the wind585

shell out585

shopping mall585

short shrift586

shot in the arm587

shotgun marriage/wedding588

shout from the housetops/rooftops588

show a leg588

show someone the ropes589

show the cloven foot/hoof589

show one s(true)colours589

show oneself in one s true colours589

show one s hand589

show one s cards589

show the white feather590

shuffle off this mortal coil590

Siamese twins591

silent majority591

silly season592

Simon Legree592

since time immemorial593

sing for one s supper593

sitting target594

sitting duck594

six and two three594

six of one and half a dozen of the other594

sit(back)on one s laurels594

sit in the catbird seat594

Sisyphean labour/task594

sit on the fence594

sixty-four(thousand)dollar question595

skate on thin ice596

skeleton at the feast596

skeleton in the closet596

skeleton in the cupboard596

sleep like a top597

slough of despond598

smoke the pipe of peace599

smoking gun599

smell a rat599

slush fund599

smooth over the cracks600

smooth sailing600

snail s pace600

snake in one s/the bosom600

snake in the grass601

snup as a bug in a rug601

so long602

soap opera602

sob sister603

sob story603

sob stuff604

Socratic irony604

someone s hands are clean605

someone s hackles rise605

someone s head rolls605

someone s name is mud605

someone s back is to/against the wall605

someone s ears are burning605

Sod s law605

soda pop605

someone s(old)stamping ground606

sop to Cerberus606

sort(out)the sheep from the goat607

sour grapes607

sow dragon s teeth607

sow one s wild oats608

spare the rod609

speak with one s tongue in one s cheek609

Sphinx s riddle609

spill the beans610

spike someone s guns610

spin doctor611

the spirit is willing(but the flesh is weak)612

spit and image612

spit and polish612

spitten image613

spitting image613

splice the minbrace614

split hairs614

spoils system615

stamping ground615

stand aloof616

stand pat616

state of the art617

(start)from scratch617

start the ball rolling617

stand to one s guns617

start a chain reaction617

stave off618

steal a march(on someone)618

steal someone s thunder619

steal the limelight620

stick in someone s craw620

stick in someone s throat620

stick one s chin out620

stick one s neck out621

stick to one s guns621

stick to one s last621

sticky wicket622

stiff upper lip622

still small voice622

stool pigeon623

stones will cry out623

storm in a teacup624

straight from the horse s mouth625

straight from the shoulder625

straina point626

strain at a gnat(and swallow a camel)626

strange bedfellows626

straw man627

stream of consciousness627

stretch a point627

strike a bargain628

strike behind the belt628

stumbling block628

survival of the fittest629

sure as eggs is eggs629

superiority complex629

sub rosa629

stump orator/speaker629

stump up629

swallow hook,line and sinkery630

swallow one s words630

swallow the bait630

swallow the leek630

swan song630

swap horses while crossing a stream631

sweep the board631

sword of Damocles631

T632

take a leaf out of someone s book632

take a pot shot632

take a sight(at)633

take aback633

take a rain check on something633

take a/the rise out of someone633

take a powder633

take forty winks634

take French leave634

take it easy634

take if/something on the chin635

take pot luck635

take someone/something at face value636

take someone by the short hairs637

take someone down a peg637

take someone down the aisle637

take someone for a ride637

take the bit between/in one s teeth638

take the biscuit638

take the bait638

take something on the chin638

take(something)with a grain/pinch of salt638

take the bull by the horns639

take the cake639

take the count640

take the Fifth640

take the gilt off the gingerbread641

take the wall(of)641

take the wind of641

take the wind out of someone s sails641

take time by the forelock642

take to the hustings643

take(to)the stump643

take under one s wing(s)643

taken red-handed644

taken aback644

talk a blue streak644

take up one s cross644

take up the hatchet/tomahawk644

take up the gauntlet/glove644

talk like a Dutch uncle645

talk nineteen to the dozen645

talk through one s hat645

talk turkey646

talking head647

taper off647

tar and feather647

tarred with the same brush648

teach one s grandmother to suck eggs648

teddy bear649

tell it/that to the marines650

tell the sheep from the goats651

tempest in a teapot651

thand one s(lucky)stars651

that s the rub651

there/therein lies the rub651

there ll be the devil to pay651

there s the rub651

there s many a slip652

third degree652

thorn in someone s flesh/side652

three sheets in/to the wind653

through the mill653

through thick and thin654

throw a wet blanket on655

throw cold water on(something)655

throw a monkey wrench in/into655

throw a spanner in the works655

throw a sop to Cerberus655

throw down the gauntlet/glove656

throw dust in/into someone s eyes657

throw in one s hand657

throw in/up the sponge/towel658

throw into the melting pot658

throw one s hat in the ring658

throw the book at659

throw to the lions659

throw to the wolves659

thumb a lift/ride660

thumbs down661

thumb one s nose(at)661

tie the knot662

thumbs up662

tied to someone s apron strings663

tighten the screws on someone663

till the cows come home663

tilt at windmills664

time is money664

Tin Pan Alley665

tinker s damn/cuss665

tip of the iceberg665

tit for tat666

to a turn667

to the bitter end667

to heel667

to a tittle667

to a T667

to the manner born668

toe the line/mark/scratch669

Tom,Dick and Harry669

tongue in cheek670

too many irons in the fire670

toot one s own horn670

tooth and nail670

top the bill671

toss one s hat in the ring671

touch all bases671

touch and go671

touch wood672

turn a blind eye to something673

true to one s salt673

tower of ivory673

tough row to hoe673

Trojan horse673

thrn a deaf ear674

turn out to grass/pasture675

turn over a new leaf675

turn the other cheek675

turn the tables676

turn thumbs down676

turn turtle676

tweedledum and tweedledee677

twenty-one gun salute678

two sheets in/to the wind678

two strings to one s bow678

um and aah/ha679

Uncle Sam679

U679

ugly duckling679

Uncle Tom680

under someone s thumb681

under someone s wing681

under the aegis of681

under the counter682

under the hammer682

under the rose683

under the table683

under the umbrella of683

up a gum tree684

until the Greek calends684

untie the Gordian knot684

uneasy bedfellows684

under the weather684

unlikely bedfellows684

up a tree685

up stakes685

up the ante685

up the creek686

up the river686

up the spout687

up to one s/the ears687

up to one s/the eyes/shoulders/neck688

up to scratch688

up to the mark688

upper crust688

upset the applecart689

upper hand689

upside down690

V691

variety is the spice of life691

venetian blind(s)692

vent one s spleen692

vicar of Bray692

vicious circle692

viper in one s/the bosom693

voice(crying)in the wilderness693

W694

wait in the wings694

walk a/the chalk(line)694

walk a tightrope695

walk Spanish696

walk down the aisle696

walk one s chalks696

walk the plank697

walking orders697

walking papers697

walking ticket698

wandering Jew698

warm a snake/serpent/viper in one s/the bosom699

warm the cockles of someone s heart699

warp and woof699

warts and all/everything700

wash one s hands of700

watch the birdie701

water off a duck s back701

wear one s heart on one s sleeve702

wave the bloody shirt702

wear sackcloth and ashes703

wear the willow703

web of life703

web of Penelope703

wet behind the ears703

wet blanket704

wet one s whistle705

wheel of fortune705

when the chips are down706

when the cows come home706

whip into shape706

whipping boy706

whistle for it707

whistle in the dark707

white elephant708

whited sepulchre709

whole bag of tricks709

widow s peak709

white meat709

widow s weeds710

wild-goose chase710

wild oats711

win hands down711

win(one s)laurels712

win one s spurs712

win the day712

wise as Solomon712

wishful thinking713

witch hunt713

with a capital A(B,C,etc.)714

with a grain of salt714

the witching hour714

with a big A714

with a pinch of salt715

with a straight face715

with an ax(e)to grind715

with an eye to the main chance715

with bats in one s/the belfry715

with clean hands715

with egg/jam on/over one s face715

with flying colours715

with one s tail between one s legs716

with one s monkey up716

with one s ear to the ground716

with one s hackles up716

with one s back to/against the wall716

with one foot in the grave716

with one fell swoop716

with(one s)tongue in(one s)cheek717

with someone s pants/trousers down717

with the skin of one s teeth717

within an ace of717

within an inch of718

within the pale718

without a leg to stand on718

without batting an eye718

without rhyme or reason718

without turning a hair718

wolf in sheep s clothing718

the word is mum719

work in season719

word to the wise719

woman of the street(s)719

wooden horse of Troy719

woman of letters719

work like a beaver720

work off steam720

work on all cylinders720

the world is someone s oyster720

worship the golden calf721

worth one s salt721

write like an angel722

writing on the wall722

Y723

yellow journalism723

yellow press723