1) Run Into The Sand-fail to achieve a result-
The peace initiative seems to be running into the sand.
2) Rake Someone Over The Coals-criticize or scold someone severely-
The manager raked him over the coals for being late again.
3) Separate The Wheat From The Chaff-to separate things or people that are of high quality or ability from those that are not-
The first round of interviews really separates the wheat from the chaff.
4) Finger In The Pie-have an interest in something-
When they nominated me for the board, I'm sure Bill had a finger in the pie.
5) Barking Up The Wrong Tree-to make the wrong choice or to ask the wrong person or to follow the wrong course-
If you think I ate your food, you're barking up the wrong tree.
6) Beat Around The Bush-to omit main points of a topic often intentionally or to delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant-
Please stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is!
7) By The Skin Of Ones Teeth-narrowly, barely, usually used in regard to a narrow escape from a disaster-
He passed the test by the skin of his teeth.
8) At The Eleventh Hour-be too late-
He started studying at the eleventh hour and naturally failed his exam.
9) Make Castles In The Air-plans or hopes that have very little chances of happening-
She keeps talking about her ambitious plans, but it's all castles in the air.
10) Needle In The Haystack-very difficult or almost impossible to find-
I tried to find my lost key on the sandy beach, but it was like trying to find a needle in the haystack.
11) Chase Your Tail-spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving too little-
He's been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is still not ready.
12) It Takes Two To Tango-actions or communications that need more than one person-
We really need to come to a compromise here, after all it takes two to tango.
13) Caught Between Two Stools-when someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives-
If you try to organize an event that will appeal to both young and old, you can end up caught between two stools.
14) Cry Over Spilt Milk -when you complain about a loss from the past-
I know you didn't mean to break my phone, so there's no use in crying over spilt milk now.
15) Fine-tooth Comb-examining something carefully to not miss out any details-
The boss examined my report with a fine tooth comb before submitting it to the senior management.
16) Think On Your Feet-adjusting quickly to changes and making fast decisions-
A good sales man must be able to think on his feet to close the deal.
17) Have Your Cake And Eat It Too-to have or do two good things at the same time that are impossible to have or do at the same time-
If you want a senior consultant to work here, you must pay the salary she demands. You cannot have your cake and eat it too.
18) Kill Two Birds With One Stone-achieve two things with one action-
He decided to return the books to the library while going to the bank, thus killing two birds with one stone.
19) A Dime A Dozen-anything that is common, inexpensive, and easy to get or available any where-
People with your skills are a dime a dozen these days.
20) At The Drop Of A Hat-without any hesitation, instantly-
If you need help, just call on Mike. He can come at the drop of a hat.