1) A Snowball Effect-a situation in which something increases in size or importance at a faster and faster rate-
The more successful you become, the more publicity you get and that publicity generates sales. It's a kind of snowball effect.
2) The Early Bird Gets The Worm-said to advise someone that they will have an advantage if they do something immediately or before anyone else does it-
If you see a job that interests you, apply as soon as possible. The early bird gets the worm.
3) Have Bigger Fish To Fry-to have something more important to do-
I won't waste time on your question. I have bigger fish to fry.
4) Much Ado About Nothing-a lot of trouble, excitement or fuss about something that is not important-
People have been getting very upset about the seating arrangements for the Christmas dinner, but as far as I am concerned it's all much ado about nothing.
5) Acid Test-a conclusive test of the success or value of something-
The training course was very interesting but the acid test will come when I start my new job.
6) Hold All The Aces-to be in a strong position, have all the advantages-
Given the high unemployment figures in some countries, employers hold all the aces.
7) Have An Ace Up Your Sleeve-secret knowledge or a secret skill that will give you an advantage-
I am well prepared for the negotiations. I have got an ace up my sleeve.
8) No Accounting For Taste-there is no explanation for people's preferences-
Some people seemed to like the music, although I thought it was worse than noise. There's no accounting for taste.
9) Of One's Own Accord-voluntarily, without being forced-
He would not seek treatment of his own accord.
10) More By Accident Than Design-because of luck and not because of skill or organization-
I became an interpreter more by accident than design, since nobody else could speak the language of the refugees.
11) Go Above And Beyond Duty-to exceed what is required of one-
The fire-fighter received a medal for his action which went above and beyond duty.
12) Bear The Brunt-to receive the worst/largest part of something unpleasant or harmful-
When things go wrong, his assistant always has to bear the brunt of his anger.
13) A Long Haul-something that takes a lot of time and energy-
When given the choice, Peter told his boss that he wouldn't quit so soon. He's in it for the long haul.
14) Draw A Blank-to fail to get an answer or a result-
He asked me for my phone number and I drew a blank - I just couldn't remember it.
15) Let Off Steam-to do or say something that helps you to get rid of strong feelings or energy-
She jogs after work to let off steam.
16) On The Tip Of Your Tongue-almost remember something-
John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
17) Smell A Rat-to recognize that something is not as it appears to be or that something dishonest is happening-
She smelled a rat when she phoned him at the office where he was supposed to be working late and he wasn't there.
18) Burn Your Bridges-to cutoff/destroy all ways to go back to a an earlier place, situation or relationship-
Not only did he quit his job, but also burnt his bridges by publicly cursing his boss and colleagues.
19) Flex Your Muscles-to try to worry an opponent or enemy by publicly showing military, political, or financial power-
The parade is the first sign of the new regime flexing its military muscles.
20) Give A Run For Money-to be as good at something as someone who is extremely good-
Jeff is very talented. He'll give those professional players a run for their money.