Idioms And Phrases

Enhance your language skills with Way2Unknown's collection of idioms and phrases. Master of expression and enrich your communication with our curated content

Work like a charm

The phrase "work like a charm" describes something that functions exceptionally well or achieves its intended purpose effortlessly, akin to the efficacy of a magical charm. It conveys satisfaction or surprise at the smoothness and effectiveness of an action or task, suggesting that the outcome exceeded expectations or was achieved with unexpected ease. Whether applied to technology, strategies, or interpersonal interactions, this phrase highlights the notion of effortless success or reliability.

Cover all bases

So, “cover all bases” means being thorough, comprehensive, and proactive in addressing all aspects of a situation. It’s about preparing for every possible scenario and taking steps to minimize risks.

Think on your feet

So, “think on your feet” is all about being able to adapt, make quick decisions, and find solutions in the moment. It’s a valuable skill to have, and with practice, anyone can become better at thinking on their feet.

Put your best foot forward

"Putting your best foot forward" entails presenting oneself or one's work in the most favorable manner possible, emphasizing strengths and striving for excellence. It involves giving utmost effort, attention to detail, and dedication to achieve desired outcomes or make a positive impression. By demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and a willingness to go above and beyond, individuals enhance their chances of success and inspire confidence in others.

Keep someone in the loop

"Keeping someone in the loop" is the act of ensuring individuals are informed and included in relevant communication or decision-making processes. This practice fosters transparency, collaboration, and alignment within teams or relationships. By regularly updating others on important matters, sharing progress reports, and notifying them of changes, it cultivates a culture of openness and mutual respect while preventing misunderstandings.

Touch base

Overall, when we use the phrase “touch base,” it means we want to make contact, connect, or communicate with someone to exchange information, catch up, or coordinate.

Cutting edge

Overall, when something is described as “cutting edge,” it means it’s at the forefront of progress, innovation, and advancement. It implies that it’s fresh, exciting, and represents the latest and greatest in its respective field.

Go the extra mile

"Going the extra mile" involves surpassing expectations and putting in additional effort beyond what is required. Originating from the Roman practice of soldiers carrying equipment for one mile, it has evolved to signify voluntary dedication and commitment to excellence. Embracing this mindset fosters innovation, continuous improvement, and sets individuals apart in their pursuit of success.

Put it on the back burner

"Put it on the back burner" means to temporarily postpone or set aside a task or concern while focusing on more immediate priorities. The phrase originates from cooking, where less urgent ingredients are moved to the rear burner to simmer slowly while others are attended to on the front burner. It implies a deliberate decision to deprioritize something without forgetting about it entirely. By using this metaphorical expression, individuals can manage their time and resources efficiently, addressing urgent needs while still keeping less pressing matters in mind for future attention.

In the loop

To be “in the loop” means to be included, informed, and actively engaged in the ongoing discussions or developments of a particular matter.

Hit the ground running

So, “hit the ground running” is all about starting off with energy, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic to make an immediate impact. It’s a great way to show your readiness and commitment to a new task or project.

Fortnight

Fortnight is a handy word to express a time frame of two weeks. It’s a concise and commonly understood way to refer to a specific duration.

Helicopter view

The "helicopter view" is a metaphorical concept representing a high-level perspective that allows individuals to see the big picture of a situation or problem. It involves transcending details to focus on overarching patterns, relationships, and implications, akin to observing a landscape from above. Utilizing a helicopter view enables strategic decision-making, facilitating the identification of key factors, trends, and opportunities, essential for effective problem-solving and decision-making in various professional contexts.

Peel the Onion

Peeling the onion, means digging deeper to uncover more information or details about something. It’s like unraveling the layers of an onion to reveal what’s hidden beneath.

Close of play

"Close of play" refers to the end of a day's competition in sports, particularly cricket, marking the conclusion of the day's play. It signifies a break in the action, providing players and spectators with time to rest before resuming play on the following day. Metaphorically, the term can also denote the end of a period of activity or workday in various contexts outside of sports, symbolizing the transition to relaxation or downtime.

Contrary

"Contrary" refers to something or someone that opposes prevailing ideas or expectations, often characterized by a deliberate inclination to challenge norms or opinions. It can also describe situations or circumstances that are inconsistent or contradictory, highlighting discordance within a given context. In essence, being "contrary" denotes a tendency towards disagreement or opposition, whether in thought, action, or circumstance.

Thought shower

Thought shower is an idiom that refers to a brainstorming session or a gathering of ideas where individuals freely share their thoughts and suggestions without judgment or criticism.

Punch a puppy

"Punching a puppy" is a figurative expression depicting extreme cruelty or unnecessary aggression towards something innocent or defenseless. Metaphorically, it signifies inflicting harm or distress upon someone or something vulnerable, highlighting actions that are morally reprehensible. The phrase prompts reflection on the importance of compassion and empathy, emphasizing the need to uphold values of kindness and decency in all interactions.

Blue-sky thinking

"Blue-sky thinking" is a mindset that encourages unconventional and innovative ideas without being constrained by practical limitations. It fosters creativity by allowing individuals or teams to explore possibilities beyond existing boundaries and norms. Embracing blue-sky thinking promotes innovation, enables organizations to stay ahead of the curve, and drives long-term growth and success by sparking the discovery of groundbreaking solutions and technologies.

Ballpark figure

Ballpark figure means to give a rough estimate instead of an exact figure. It’s a handy expression to use when we want to give an approximate value without getting into all the nitty-gritty details.