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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

go whole hog:    do something completely or thoroughly

Example:

Once Andrew decides to take up a project, he goes at it whole hog.  That’s what I appreciate about him.

hit the bull’s-eye:    reach the main point, get to the heart of a matter

Example:

The newspaper really hit the bull’s-eye with their editorial criticizing the governor’s plan to raise taxes.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

get off one’s high horse: to stop being arrogant, to begin to be humble and agreeable

Example:

Maybe more people would like Sam if he got off his high horse, instead of boasting about how much money he has.

go ape: to go crazy or act wildly with excitement; get agitated

Example:

The children went ape as soon as they reached the playground, and ran excitedly from one piece of equipment to the other.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

get someone’s goat: to irritate or annoy someone, especially on purpose

Example:

In school some of the boys used to throw paper airplanes, and really get the teacher’s goat.

get on one’s high horse: to act superior and bossy

Example:

He’s such a know-it-all, always getting on his high horse and bossing the other workers around.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

every dog has his day: Everyone will get an opportunity.

Example:

He’s been working for his dad for years, ever since he graduated from college. Someday he’ll take over the family business – every dog has his day, after all.

fraidy cat: Someone who scares easily, usually used by children. Also called a scairdy cat.

Example:

I dare you to ring Boo Radley’s doorbell – just go ahead and do it, you fraidy cat!

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

eager beaver: someone who is a diligent worker, or looks forward to working on a project or similar task.

Example:

He is such an eager beaver when it comes to yard work – he takes pride in his backyard garden.

eat like a horse: eat a lot, have a good appetite

Example:

Are you sure you have enough food for the party? Several kids on Tom’s football team are coming, and they all eat like a horse.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

donkey’s years/coon’s age: a very long time

Example:

How are you doing, Sam? I haven’t seen you in a coon’s age.

dumb bunny: someone who is stupid or naïve

Example:

Don’t be a dumb bunny. Be sure you take your cell phone with you when you go out alone after dark.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

dark horse: In an election, a dark horse candidate is one unexpectedly nominated, who previously had not been considered a likely choice.

Example:

Abraham Lincoln was a dark horse Republican candidate who became the 16th president of the United States.

dog-eat-dog: indicating all-out competition, fighting and doing whatever it takes to win or be successful; having a “kill or be killed” mentality in business or other competition.

Example:

Pressure to get into a top-name university results in dog-eat-dog competition and widespread cheating among some high school students.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

cry wolf: to pretend that you are in danger when you are not; give a false alarm. This idiom comes from Aesop’s fable about the boy who cried wolf – each time he yelled that a wolf was attacking his sheep, all the villagers came running to help him fight the wolf. They were angry at the boy for fooling them about the wolf, so when he really did see a wolf, no one came when he cried for help.

Example:

Stop crying wolf. If you continue to say that a bully is harassing you when he really isn’t, no one will believe you when it does happen.

curiosity killed the cat: People who are curious and wonder about things that are none of their business will get into trouble (create problems for themselves).

Example:

Mind your own business and don’t worry about what other people are doing. Curiosity killed the cat.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

change horses in midstream: to make a change in plans or leadership during a critical moment

Example:

Originally we had planned to drive to California for summer vacation, but when our car broke down in Texas, we had to change horses in midstream, and ended up staying in Amarillo the whole time.

copycat: someone who imitates the actions or work of another.

Example:

Babies are natural copycats. They learn by imitating the behavior of others.

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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

cat got one’s tongue: Can’t speak because of shyness, surprise, etc.

Example:

What’s the matter – cat got your tongue? I asked you what you did with the car keys! Don’t tell me you lost them!

cat nap: A short nap taken during the day. This idiom comes from the observation that cats tend to take frequent, brief naps throughout the day, and are easily awakened.

Example:

The security guard was fired for catnapping on the job.

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