Idioms

John was not supposed to know about the party, but someone let the cat out of the bag. Inform beforehand Make a Mistake Open a gift early John was not supposed to know about the party, but someone informed him.

When the police saw the broken window, they suspected something fishy was going on. Strange or suspicious Smells like fish Stealing or theft When the police saw the broken window, they thought something suspicious was happening.

Have you seen John’s office lately? It’s really gone to the dogs. In a bad neighborhood A dog lives there It has become run down John’s office has become run down.

This new computer is a horse of a different color. Not only is it cheap but it is easy to use and also reliable. Easy to use Something strange Quite different The new computer is quite different, because it is cheap and reliable.

If you want to succeed in this business you need to take the bull by the horns and complete that task. Take decisive action Hurry to finish Wait for help If you want to do well in this business you need to take decisive action to complete that task.

Sometimes Frank makes me crazy. His new advertising idea is for the birds. Strange or weird Bad advertising Meaningless or silly Sometimes Frank makes me crazy. His new advertising idea is very silly.

Alex told Faith he won a million dollars, but he was just pulling her leg. Teasing or fooling Meaningless or silly Making her leg longer Alex told Faith he won a million dollars, but he was just trying to fool her with a ridiculous story.

George does not play chess very much but he is always shooting off his mouth about how good he is. Bragging Making people nervous Talking loudly George does not play chess very much but he is always bragging about how good he is.

Why should I stick my neck out to help Alice when she will take credit if the project succeeds but blame me if it fails. Take credit Take a great risk Help someone who needs it Why should I take a great risk to help Alice when she will take credit if the project succeeds but blame me if it fails.

Don’t shop at that department store because you will pay through the nose for everything you buy there. Have difficulty paying Buy cheaply Pay to much Don’t shop at that department store because you will pay a very high price for everything you buy there.