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Idiom of the day

Down the drain

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Meaning: Wasted or lost completely, often referring to money, time, effort, or resources.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “All the money he invested in the project went down the drain when the company closed.”
  2. “If we don’t meet the deadline, months of hard work will be down the drain.”
  3. “Leaving the water running while brushing your teeth is like letting money go down the drain.”

Origin:
The idiom originates from the literal image of something disappearing down a drain, such as water, which is irretrievable. It began being used metaphorically in the 20th century to describe irrecoverable losses or wasted efforts.

Down the drain
Idiom of the day

Cross the T’s and dot the I’s

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Meaning: To be meticulous, thorough, and pay attention to even the smallest details, ensuring everything is done properly and nothing is overlooked.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Before submitting the final report, she made sure to cross the T’s and dot the I’s.”
  2. “We need to cross the T’s and dot the I’s before we finalize the contract.”
  3. “His meticulous nature means he always crosses the T’s and dots the I’s in his work.”

Origin:
The phrase originates from the physical act of handwriting, where completing the letters “T” and “I” requires adding a cross and a dot, respectively. This careful attention to detail came to symbolize thoroughness and precision. It has been in use since at least the 18th century.

Cross the T's and dot the I's
Idiom of the day

Go out the window

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Meaning: To be disregarded, abandoned, or lost, often referring to rules, plans, or ideas that are no longer followed or relevant.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Once the party started, all her plans to keep things organized went out the window.”
  2. “After the new manager came in, the company’s old policies went out the window.”
  3. “His promise to stick to a healthy diet went out the window when he saw the dessert menu.”

Origin:
The idiom likely derives from the literal image of something being thrown out of a window, symbolizing its removal or disregard. It has been in use since the 16th century, evolving into a figurative phrase to describe abandoning ideas or plans.

Go out the window
Idiom of the day

Cut corners

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Meaning: To do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often compromising quality or avoiding necessary steps.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The construction company cut corners, which led to structural issues in the building.”
  2. “If you cut corners on your homework, you’re more likely to make mistakes.”
  3. “She warned the team not to cut corners, as it could lead to safety problems later.”

Origin:
The phrase likely originates from racing or navigation, where literally cutting across a corner could save time but might involve risks or rule-breaking. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for taking shortcuts in various contexts, often with negative connotations of sacrificing quality or thoroughness.

Cut corners
Idiom of the day

Clear the air

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Meaning: To resolve misunderstandings, tensions, or negative feelings between people, often by addressing the issue openly.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After the argument, they had a long talk to clear the air and restore their friendship.”
  2. “The meeting was held to clear the air about the recent miscommunication in the team.”
  3. “She decided to clear the air with her coworker after weeks of awkwardness.”

Origin:
This idiom draws from the metaphor of literal air being cleared of pollution or storm clouds, symbolizing the removal of negativity or confusion in a situation. It became popular in the 19th century and is widely used in both personal and professional contexts.

Clear the air
Idiom of the day

Pour oil on troubled waters

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Meaning: To calm a tense or difficult situation; to ease conflict or soothe disagreements.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After their heated argument, she stepped in to pour oil on troubled waters and bring them back to a calm discussion.”
  2. “The manager poured oil on troubled waters by addressing everyone’s concerns and finding a compromise.”
  3. “His calming words poured oil on troubled waters during the family dispute.”

Origin:
This idiom derives from the ancient practice of pouring oil on water to reduce waves and calm the surface. Sailors observed that oil spreads out on water and decreases its turbulence. Over time, this literal act became a metaphor for bringing peace and resolving conflicts. It has been in use since at least the 16th century.

Pour oil on troubled waters
Idiom of the day

Do a number on someone

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Meaning: To harm, deceive, or negatively affect someone, either physically, emotionally, or mentally. It can also mean to harshly criticize or ridicule someone.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The breakup really did a number on her—she’s been feeling down for weeks.”
  2. “He twisted his ankle during the game, and it did a number on his ability to play.”
  3. “The critics did a number on the new movie, calling it a complete disaster.”

Origin:
The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it became popular in American slang in the mid-20th century. It may relate to the idea of “numbering” someone, as in marking them for harm or ridicule, or performing a metaphorical act that leaves a lasting effect.

Do a number on someone
Idiom of the day

Get under someone’s skin

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Meaning: To deeply irritate, annoy, or provoke someone, or alternatively, to strongly affect someone emotionally, often in a way they can’t ignore.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Her constant interruptions really get under my skin during meetings.”
  2. “That catchy tune has gotten under my skin—I can’t stop humming it!”
  3. “Despite his tough exterior, her kindness got under his skin, and he started to open up.”

Origin:
The phrase likely originated as a metaphor for something causing discomfort, much like an insect or object physically under the skin. Over time, it came to symbolize emotional or mental irritation. The idiom gained broader use in literature and conversation by the mid-20th century.

Get under someone's skin
Idiom of the day

Hot under the collar

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Meaning: To feel angry, annoyed, or agitated, often in a way that’s visible or difficult to hide.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She got hot under the collar when her coworker took credit for her idea.”
  2. “You don’t need to get hot under the collar about the delay; we’ll resolve it soon.”
  3. “He tends to get hot under the collar whenever someone criticizes his work.”

Origin:
The phrase refers to the physical sensation of heat or discomfort around the neck that often accompanies anger or frustration. Historically, people wore high-collared shirts, and the idea of someone getting “hot” under such a collar visually conveys their irritation or anger. It has been used in English since the late 19th century.

Hot under the collar
Idiom of the day

A Tough nut to crack

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Meaning: A difficult problem to solve, a challenging situation to handle, or a person who is hard to understand or convince.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Convincing him to join the team will be a tough nut to crack—he’s very stubborn.”
  2. “This math problem is a tough nut to crack; I’ve been working on it for hours.”
  3. “She’s a tough nut to crack, but once you get to know her, she’s really friendly.”

Origin:
The phrase comes from the literal difficulty of cracking certain types of nuts with a hard shell, like walnuts or pecans. It has been used metaphorically since the 1800s to describe situations or people that require effort and persistence to overcome or understand.

A Tough nut to crack