meaning and usage of idioms and phrases-63

1) Weasel Out-to squeeze one's way out of something, to evade or avoid a job or responsibility-

Although they had signed the contract they tried to weasel out of the deal later.

2) Beat Head Against The Wall-to do, say, or ask for something repeatedly but to be unable to change a situation-

I keep asking her not to park there, but it's like banging my head against a brick wall.

3) The Gift Of The Gab-the ability to speak easily and confidently in a way that makes people want to listen to you and believe you-She's got the gift of the gab - 

she should work in sales and marketing.

4) The Devil Is In The Details-used for saying that something may seem simple, but in fact the details are complicated and likely to cause problems-

The Irish economy is performing strongly, but the devil is in the detail.

5) Nip Something In The Bud-to stop something before it has an opportunity to become established-

Many serious illnesses can be nipped in the bud if they are detected early enough.

6) Go Off The Rails-to start behaving in a way that is not generally acceptable, especially dishonestly or illegally-

He went off the rails in his first year at university.

7) Make Believe-believing or imagining things that appear to be attractive or exciting, but are not real-

The ideal of a perfectly fair society is just make-believe.

8) Fool's Errand-a task or activity that has no hope of success-

It is a fool's errand trying to get Lena to join in anything.

9) Play Fast And Loose-to treat something or someone without enough care-

Like many movie-makers, he plays fast and loose with the facts to tell his own version of the story.

10) Putty In Someone's Hands-easily influenced by someone else, excessively willing to do what someone else wishes-

As soon as Jones realized he could get in trouble if they reported him, he became putty in their hands.

11) Pass Muster-be accepted as adequate or satisfactory-

This manifesto would not pass muster with the voters.

12) Stick To Your Guns-to continue to have your beliefs or continue with a plan of action, even if other people disagree with you-

Despite harsh criticism, she's sticking to her guns on this issue.

13) Red Herring-a fact, idea, or subject that takes people's attention away from the central point being considered-

The police investigated many clues, but they were all red herrings.

14) Go All Round The Houses-to say or do something in a very complicated way when it could be very simple-

There's no need to go all round the houses, just tell me straight out what's wrong.

15) Just What The Doctor Ordered-exactly what is wanted or needed-

Thanks, a strong cup of coffee in the morning is just what the doctor ordered.

16) Kangaroo Court-an unofficial court or a court that disregards current laws and conducts unfair trials-

People who live under oppressive regimes are often treated harshly by corrupt kangaroo courts that don't abide by the law.

17) Leave To Own Devices-to let someone do what they want without helping/controlling them-

There are four hours of lessons each morning, and in the afternoon students are left to their own devices.

18) Way The Wind Blows-information about a situation, especially other people's opinions-

I think I'll see which way the wind is blowing before I vote at the board meeting.

19) Cast A Shadow Over-to spoil a good situation with something unpleasant, to have influence over something-

Her father's illness had cast a shadow over the birth of her baby.

20) Pick Someone's Brain-to ask someone's advice about a subject the person knows a lot about-

Can I pick your brain about how you got rid of those weeds?

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