What is an idiom?

An idiom - is an expression, word, or phrase that has a

figurative meaning that is understood in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. E.g. in Croatian: maji kaalj - something that is very easy

as blind as a bat
Not able to see properly; blind

e.g. He lost his sight in an accident and is as blind as a bat.

as sick as a dog
very ill

e.g. She was as sick as a dog after eating the cake.

as stubborn as a mule
to be very determined not to change your decision or

opinion about something e.g. You won't get him to change his mind - he's as stubborn as a mule.

by shank's mare
by foot

e.g. My car isn't working, so I'll have to travel by shank's mare.

a cat nap
a very short sleep

e.g. a catnap left me refreshed enough to face the rest of the day

a cock-and-bull story
a silly story that is not true

e.g. Don't give me that cock-and-bull story. I asked for an explanation, and all I got was your ridiculous cock-andbull story!

curiosity killed the cat

Being curious can get you into trouble

e.g. Jill: Where did you get all that money? Jane: Curiosity killed the cat.

dog-eat-dog world
Ruthlessly competitive

e.g. a dog-eat-dog society.

get (someone`s) goat

to irritate someone

e.g. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get your goat. Jean got Sally's goat and Sally made quite a fuss about it.

hit the bulls-eye

to achieve the goal perfectly.

e.g. Your idea really hit the bull's-eye. Thank you!

hold one`s horses

Wait!

e.g. Tom: Let's go! Let's go! Mary: Hold your horses.

in two shakes of a lamb's tail

in a very short time; very quickly.

e.g. Jane returned in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

let sleeping dogs lie

Leave something alone if it might cause trouble.

e.g. Jill: Should I ask the boss if he's upset at my coming in late in the mornings? Jane: If he hasn't said anything about it, just let sleeping dogs lie.

let the cat out of the bag

to reveal a secret or a surprise by accident.

e.g. It's a secret. Try not to let the cat out of the bag.

a lone wolf
a person who prefers to do things on their own

e.g. The typical role for Bogart was the Casablanca character, a lone wolf, cynical but heroic.

look a gift horse in the mouth

to be ungrateful to someone who gives you something

e.g. I advise you not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

rain cats and dogs

to rain very hard.

E.g. It's raining cats and dogs. Look at it pour!

top dog
the leader or chief of a group

e.g. He is the the top dog of their group.

when the cat's away, the mice will play

When no one in authority is present, the subordinates

can do as they please. e.g. Jill: You shouldn't be reading a novel at your desk. Jane: But the boss isn't here. And when the cat's away, the mice will play.

a copycat
a person who imitates or copies another

e.g. Stop copying my answers. You copycat!

work like a horse

to work very hard.

e.g. You work like a slave in that kitchen. I'm too old to work like a horse. I'd prefer to relax more.

make a monkey out of (someone)

to make someone look foolish.

e.g. John made a monkey out of himself while trying to make a fool out of Jim.

cast pearls before swine

to waste something good on someone who doesn't care

about it. e.g. To sing for them is to cast pearls before swine.