NTC’S American IDIOMS Dictionary phần 10 pps

pulse take
someone’s
pulse
punch (as) pleased as punch
punch beat
someone
to the punch
punch pack a punch
punch pleased as punch
punch punch a hole in
something
punch take a punch at
someone
punches pull
one’s
punches
punishment glutton for punishment
pure (as) pure as the driven snow
pure pure and simple
pure pure as the driven snow
purge binge and purge
purpose answer
someone’s
purpose
purpose on purpose
purpose serve
someone’s
purpose
purposes at cross-purposes
purposes for all intents and purposes
purposes for all practical purposes

purse control the purse strings
purse make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
pursuit in pursuit of
something
push if push comes to shove
push push off
push push
one’s
luck
push push
someone
to the wall
push push the panic button
push when push comes to shove
pushing pushing up daisies
put feel put-upon
put hard put (to
do something
)
put put a bee in
someone’s
bonnet
put put a cap on
something
put put a hold on
something
put put all
one’s
eggs in one basket
put put an end to

something
put put a spin on
something
put put a stop to
something
put put ideas into
someone’s
head
put put in a good word (for
someone
)
put put in an appearance
put put off by
someone or something
put put on
put put
oneself
in
someone else’s
place
put put
oneself
in
someone else’s
shoes
put put
one’s
back (in)to
something
put put

one’s
best foot forward
put put
one’s
cards on the table
put put (
one’s
) dibs on
something
put put
one’s
finger on
something
put put
one’s
foot down (about
something
)
put put
one’s
foot in it
put put
one’s
foot in
one’s
mouth
put put
one’s
hand(s) on
something

put put
one’s
hand to the plow
put put
one’s
head on the block (for
someone or
something
)
put put
one’s
house in order
put put
one’s
mind to
something
put put
one’s
nose to the grindstone
put put
one’s
oar in
put put
one’s
shoulder to the wheel
put put
one’s
thinking cap on
put put
one’s

two cents(‘ worth) in
put put
one
in
one’s
place
put put
one
through
one’s
paces
put put out (about
someone or something
)
put put out (some) feelers
put put
someone or something
across
put put
someone or something
at
someone’s
disposal
put put
someone or something
down
put put
someone or something
off
put put

someone or something
on hold
put put
someone or something
out
put put
someone or something
to bed
put put
someone or something
to sleep
put put
someone or something
to the test
put put
someone or something
up
put put
someone’s
eye out
put put
someone’s
nose out of joint
put put
someone
away
put put
someone
down as
something bad

put put
someone
down (for
something
)
put put
someone
in the picture
put put
someone
off
put put
someone
on
put put
someone
through the wringer
put put
someone
to bed with a shovel
put put
someone
to shame
put put
someone
up to
something
put put
someone
wise to

someone or something
put put some teeth into
something
put put
something
by
put put
something
down in black and white
put put
something
down to
something
put put
something
forward
put put
something
in
put put
something
off
put put
something
on
put put
something
over
put put
something

plainly
put put
something
right
put put
something
straight
put put
something
through its paces
put put
something
together
put put
something
to (good) use
put put
something
to rest
Put Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
put put the arm on
someone
put put the bite on
someone
put put the blame on
someone or something
put put the cart before the horse
put put the clamps on (
someone
)

put put the finger on
someone
put put the heat on (
someone
)
put put the kibosh on
something
put put the screws on (
someone
)
put put the skids on (
something
)
put put the squeeze on (
someone
)
put put the touch on
someone
put put to it
put put two and two together
put put up a (brave) front
put put upon by
someone
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
570
Put Put up or shut up!
put put up with
someone or something
put put weight on
put put words into

someone’s
mouth
Put Put your money where your mouth is!
put stay put
put to put it mildly
putty putty in
someone’s
hands
puzzle puzzle
something
out
q’s mind
one’s
p’s and q’s
QT on the QT
quake quake in
one’s
boots
quality nice and
some quality
quandary in a quandary
quantity an unknown quantity
quantity a known quantity
quarrel pick a quarrel (with
someone
)
quartered drawn and quartered
queer (as) queer as a three-dollar bill
queer queer as a three-dollar bill
quest in quest of

someone or something
question beg the question
question beside the question
question bring
something
into question
question call
someone or something
into question
question out of the question
question pop the question
question pose a question
question without question
question a leading question
questions field questions
quick (as) quick as a flash
quick (as) quick as a wink
quick (as) quick as greased lightning
quick cut
someone
to the quick
quick make a quick buck
quick quick and dirty
quick quick as a flash
quick quick as a wink
quick quick as greased lightning
quick quick on the draw
quick quick on the trigger
quick quick on the uptake
quiet (as) quiet as a mouse

quiet (as) quiet as the grave
quiet keep quiet (about
someone or something
)
quiet keep
someone or something
quiet
quiet keep
something
quiet
quiet quiet as a mouse
quiet quiet as the grave
quiet so quiet you could hear a pin drop
quit Don’t quit your day job.
quite quite a bit
quite quite a few
quite quite a little
quite quite a lot
quite quite a number
quite quite a
something
quits call it quits
quote quote a price
race race against time
race rat race
race run the good race
race Slow and steady wins the race.
rack go to rack and ruin
rack rack
one’s

brain(s)
racked racked with pain
rag chew the rag
rage all the rage
ragged run
someone
ragged
rags from rags to riches
rags in rags
rail rail at
someone
(about
something
)
rain (as) right as rain
rain come in out of the rain
rain get a rain check (on
something
)
rain give
someone
a rain check (on
something
)
rain not know enough to come in out of the rain
rain pouring rain
rain rain cats and dogs
rain rain on
someone’s
parade

rain rain or shine
rain rain
something
out
rain right as rain
rain risk of rain
rain take a rain check (on
something
)
rains It never rains but it pours.
rainy save
something
for a rainy day
raise cause (some) eyebrows to raise
raise raise a hand (against
someone or something
)
raise raise (an) objection (to
someone or something
)
raise raise a stink (about
something
)
raise raise cain (with
someone or something
)
raise raise havoc with
someone or something
raise raise hell (with
someone or something

)
raise raise hob with
someone or something
raise raise
one’s
sights
raise raise
one’s
voice (to
someone
)
raise raise some eyebrows
raise raise the devil (with
someone or something
)
raise raise the dickens (with
someone or something
)
raised born and raised
raised raised in a barn
rake rake
someone
over the coals
rake rake
something
off
rake rake
something
up
rally rally (a)round

someone or something
ram ram
someone or something
down
someone’s
throat
ramble ramble on (about
someone or something
)
rampage go on a rampage
rampant run rampant
random at random
range at close range
rank pull rank (on
someone
)
rank rank and file
ranks close ranks
ransom pay a king’s ransom (for
something
)
rant rant and rave (about
someone or something
)
rant rant (at
someone
) about
someone or something
rap beat the rap
rap rap

someone’s
knuckles
rap rap with
someone
rap take the rap (for
someone or something
)
rapped get
one’s
knuckles rapped
Phrase-Finder Index
571
rarin’ rarin’ to go
rat rat on
someone
rat rat race
rat smell a rat
rate at any rate
rate at that rate
rate at this rate
rate rate with
someone
rate second-rate
rate the going rate
rather had rather
do something
rather would rather
rattle rattle
something
off

rave rant and rave (about
someone or something
)
raving stark raving mad
ravished ravished with delight
raw get a raw deal
raw give
someone
a raw deal
raw in the raw
razor (as) sharp as a razor
razor sharp as a razor
reach out of reach
reach reach a compromise
reach reach an agreement
reach reach an impasse
reach reach first base (with
someone or something
)
reach reach for the sky
reach reach
one’s
stride
reach within
someone’s
reach
reaction gut reaction
read Do you read me?
read read between the lines
read read

one one’s
rights
read read
someone’s
mind
read read
someone
like a(n open) book
read read
someone
out of
something
read read
someone
the riot act
read read
something
into
something
read read
something
over
read read
something
through
read read the handwriting on the wall
read read up (on
someone or something
)
ready get ready (to

do something
)
ready ready to
do something
ready ready, willing, and able
ready rough-and-ready
ready when
one
is good and ready
real for real
real in a real pickle
real the real thing
reality in reality
reality the reality of the situation
rear at the rear of
something
rear bring up the rear
rear in the rear
rear rear its ugly head
reason It (only) stands to reason.
reason listen to reason
reason lose
one’s
reason
reason stand to reason
reason within reason
reason without rhyme or reason
reasonable beyond a reasonable doubt
receipt acknowledge receipt (of
something

)
receipt in receipt of
something
receive receive
someone
with open arms
recent in recent memory
reckon reckon with
someone or something
reckoned a force to be reckoned with
recognize recognize
one
for what
one
is
recognize recognize
something
for what it is
reconcile reconcile
oneself
to
something
record break a record
record for the record
record off the record
record one for the (record) books
record sound like a broken record
red (as) red as a cherry
red (as) red as a poppy
red (as) red as a rose

red (as) red as a ruby
red (as) red as blood
red catch
someone
red-handed
red caught red-handed
red get the red-carpet treatment
red give
someone
the red-carpet treatment
red in the red
red not worth a red cent
red
one’s
ears are red
red out of the red
red paint the town red
red red as a cherry
red red as a poppy
red red as a rose
red red as a ruby
red red as blood
red red herring
red red in the face
red red tape
red roll out the red carpet for
someone
red see red
reduced reduced to
something

reel reel
something
off
refill refill a prescription
regain regain
one’s
composure
regain regain
one’s
feet
regard hold
someone
in high regard
regard with regard to
someone or something
regardless regardless of
something
regular (as) regular as clockwork
regular at regular intervals
regular regular as clockwork
rehearsal in rehearsal
rein give free rein to
someone
rein give
someone
free rein
rein keep a close rein on
someone or something
rein keep a tight rein on
someone or something

relative relative to
someone or something
reliance reliance on
someone or something
religion get religion
religious religious about
doing something
relish with relish
reluctance reluctance to
do something
reluctant be reluctant to
do something
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
572
reminiscent reminiscent of
someone or something
remission in remission
repair in good repair
reproach above reproach
reputation get a reputation (as a
something
)
reputation get a reputation (for
doing something
)
reputation give
someone
a reputation (as a
something
)

reputation give
someone
a reputation (for
doing
something
)
reputed reputed to
do something
reputed reputed to have
something
request at
someone’s
request
requirements meet the requirements (for
something
)
reservation make a reservation
reservations make reservations
resign resign
oneself
to
something
resistance the line of least resistance
resistance the path of least resistance
resonate resonate with
someone
resort as a last resort
respect pay
someone
respect

respect with respect to
someone or something
respects in many respects
respects in some respects
respects pay
one’s
last respects
response gut response
responsible the responsible party
rest at rest
rest come to rest
rest Give it a rest.
rest lay
something
to rest
rest put
something
to rest
rest rest assured
rest rest in peace
rest rest on
one’s
laurels
result as a result of
something
result result in
something
retreat beat a (hasty) retreat
retrospect in retrospect
return by return mail

return in return for (
someone or something)
return return
someone’s
compliment
return return the compliment
return return the favor
return the point of no return
rev rev
something
up
rewards get
one’s
just reward(s)
rhyme without rhyme or reason
ribs stick to
one’s
ribs
rich rich in
something
rich rich with
something
rich strike it rich
riches from rags to riches
rid get rid of
someone or something
riddance good riddance (to bad rubbish)
ride go along for the ride
ride hitch a ride
ride let

something
ride
ride ride herd on
someone or something
ride ride off in all directions
ride ride on
someone’s
coattails
ride ride roughshod over
someone or something
ride ride
something
out
ride ride the gravy train
ride take
someone
for a ride
ride thumb a ride
ridiculous make
someone
look ridiculous
riding riding for a fall
right acknowledge
someone
to be right
right all right
right (as) right as rain
right get right on
something
right go right through

someone
right hang a right
right have a right to
do something
right have
one’s
heart in the right place
right have the right-of-way
right have the right to
do something
right hit
someone
(right) between the eyes
right hit the nail (right) on the head
right in
one’s
right mind
right in the right
right left and right
right make
something
right
right
one’s
heart is in the right place
right on the right track
right play
one’s
cards right
right put

something
right
right right and left
right right as rain
right right at
a specific time
right right away
right right down
someone’s
alley
right right off the bat
right right on time
right right side up
right (right) under
someone’s
(very) nose
right right up
someone’s
alley
right sail (right) through
something
right say
something
(right) to
someone’s
face
right serve
someone
right
right set

something
right
right step (right) up
right strike the right note
right turn out (all right)
right when it comes right down to it
right work out (all right)
right would give
one’s
right arm (for
someone or
something
)
right yield the right-of-way
rights have
someone
dead to rights
rights read
one one’s
rights
Riley lead the life of Riley
ring give
someone
a ring
ring have a familiar ring
ring like a three-ring circus
ring ring a bell
ring ring down the curtain (on
something
)

ring ring in the New Year
ring ring
something
up
ring ring true
ring toss
one’s
hat into the ring
ringing
one’s
ears are ringing
rings run rings around
someone
Phrase-Finder Index
573
riot read
someone
the riot act
riot run riot
rip let her rip
rip rip into
someone or something
rip rip
someone or something
off
ripe when the time is ripe
ripe a ripe old age
ripe the time is ripe
ripple a ripple of excitement
ripple a ripple of protest

rise Early to bed, early to rise(, makes a man healthy,
wealthy, and wise.)
rise feel
one’s
gorge rise
rise get a rise out of
someone
rise give rise to
something
rise make
someone’s
gorge rise
Rise Rise and shine!
rise rise to the bait
rise rise to the occasion
risk at risk
risk risk of rain
risk risk of showers
risk risk of thunder(storms)
risk risk
one’s
neck (to
do something
)
risk run a risk (of
something
)
risk run the risk (of
something
)

risk take a risk
river sell
someone
down the river
river send
someone
up the river
rivet rivet
someone’s
attention
road get the show on the road
road have one for the road
road hit the road
road middle-of-the-road
road road-hog
road the end of the road
rob rob Peter to pay Paul
rob rob the cradle
robbery daylight robbery
Robin all around Robin Hood’s barn
Robinson before you can say Jack Robinson
rock (as) hard as a rock
rock (as) solid as a rock
rock (as) steady as a rock
rock between a rock and a hard place
rock hard as a rock
rock rock the boat
rock solid as a rock
rock steady as a rock
rocker off

one’s
rocker
rocks have rocks in
one’s
head
rocks on the rocks
roll call (the) roll
roll heads will roll
roll let it roll
roll roll in
roll roll
one’s
sleeves up
roll roll out the red carpet for
someone
roll roll (over) in
one’s
grave
roll roll
something
back
roll take (the) roll
roller (as) awkward as a cow on roller skates
roller awkward as a cow on roller skates
rolling (as) easy as rolling off a log
rolling easy as rolling off a log
rolling get rolling
rolling get the ball rolling
rolling have them rolling in the aisles
rolling keep the ball rolling

rolling rolling in
something
rolling set the ball rolling
rolling start the ball rolling
rolling A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Romans When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Rome fiddle while Rome burns
Rome Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Rome When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
roof (as) busy as a cat on a hot tin roof
roof busy as a cat on a hot tin roof
roof go through the roof
room Don’t let it out of this room.
room not enough room to swing a cat
room room and board
room take up room
roost come home (to roost)
roost rule the roost
roost The chickens have come home to roost.
root get to the root of the problem
root Money is the root of all evil.
root root for
someone or something
root root
something
out
root take root
rooted rooted in
something
rooted rooted to the spot

rope at the end of
one’s
rope
rope rope
someone
into
doing something
rope skip rope
ropes know the ropes
ropes learn the ropes
ropes show
someone
the ropes
rose (as) red as a rose
rose red as a rose
roses come up smelling like roses
roses Everything’s coming up roses.
roses a bed of roses
rote learn
something
by rote
rotten rotten to the core
rough get a rough idea (about
something
)
rough get a rough idea (of
something
)
rough give
someone

a rough idea (about
something
)
rough give
someone
a rough idea (of
something
)
rough have a rough time (of it)
rough rough-and-ready
rough rough-and-tumble
rough rough it
rough rough
someone
up
rough when the going gets rough
rough a diamond in the rough
roughshod ride roughshod over
someone or something
round (all) year round
round in round figures
round in round numbers
round round out
something
round round
something
off
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
574
round round

something
up to
something
round round the clock
round round-trip ticket
round year round
round a square peg in a round hole
round the other way round
roundabout say
something
in a roundabout way
roundup head for the last roundup
row get
one’s
ducks in a row
row kick up a row
row tough row to hoe
royal the royal treatment
rub rub elbows (with
someone
)
rub rub off (on
someone
)
rub rub salt in the wound
rub rub shoulders with
someone
rub rub
someone’s
nose in it

rub rub
someone
out
rub rub
someone
(
‘s
fur) the wrong way
rub rub
something
in
rubbish good riddance (to bad rubbish)
Rubicon cross the Rubicon
ruby (as) red as a ruby
ruby red as a ruby
ruffle ruffle its feathers
ruffle ruffle
someone’s
feathers
rug (as) snug as a bug in a rug
rug pull the rug out (from under
someone
)
rug snug as a bug in a rug
rug sweep
something
under the rug
ruin go to rack and ruin
ruin go to wrack and ruin
ruin in ruin

ruin the ruin of
someone or something
rule as a (general) rule
rule rule
someone or something
out
rule rule the roost
rule a rule of thumb
rule the exception that proves the rule
rump rump session
run cut and run
run do
something
on the run
run dry run
run eat and run
run get a run for
one’s
money
run give
one
a run for
one’s
money
run have a run-in with
someone
run have a run of bad luck
run have a run of
something
run have

one’s
luck run out
run hit-and-run
run in the long run
run in the short run
run make a run for it
run make
someone’s
blood run cold
run run across
someone or something
run run a fever
run run afoul of
someone or something
run run after
someone
run run an errand
run run a risk (of
something
)
run run (around) in circles
run run around like a chicken with its head cut off
run run around with
someone
run run a taut ship
run run a temperature
run run a tight ship
run run circles around
someone
run run counter to

something
run run for it
run run for
one’s
life
run run in the family
run run into a stone wall
run run into
someone
run run like clockwork
run run low (on
something
)
run run off at the mouth
run run off with
someone or something
run run-of-the-mill
run run out of gas
run run out of patience
run run out of
something
run run out of time
run run rampant
run run rings around
someone
run run riot
run run scared
run run short (of
something
)

run run
someone or something
down
run run
someone or something
to earth
run run
someone
in
run run
someone
ragged
run run
something
into the ground
run run
something
up
run run that by (
someone
) again
run run the gamut
run run the good race
run run the risk (of
something
)
run run through
something
run run to
an amount of money

run run to seed
run run wild
runaround get the runaround
runaround give
someone
the runaround
running days running
running in the running
running months running
running off and running
running off to a running start
running out of the running
running running high
running weeks running
running years running
runs Blood runs thicker than water.
runs
one’s
luck runs out
rush fools rush in (where angels fear to tread)
rush give
someone
the bum’s rush
rush in a mad rush
rush a rush on
something
rustle rustle
something
up
rut in a rut

rut (stuck) in a rut
sack get the sack
sack give
someone
the sack
Phrase-Finder Index
575
sack hit the sack
sack sack out
sacred sacred cow
sadder sadder but wiser
saddle saddle
someone
with
something
safe play it safe
safe safe and sound
safe to be on the safe side
safe to be safe
safe Your secret is safe with me.
safekeeping for safekeeping
safety safety in numbers
sage sage advice
said after all is said and done
said (be) easier said than done
said easier said than done
said no sooner said than done
said when all is said and done
said You said it!
sail sail (right) through

something
sail sail under false colors
sail set sail (for
somewhere
)
sailing clear sailing
sails take the wind out of
someone’s
sails
saint have the patience of a saint
sake arguing for the sake of arguing
sake arguing for the sake of argument
sake for
one’s
(own) sake
sake for the sake of
someone or something
salad in
one’s
salad days
salad toss a salad
sale for sale
sale on sale
salt back to the salt mines
salt rub salt in the wound
salt salt
something
away
salt take
something

with a grain of salt
salt take
something
with a pinch of salt
salt worth
one’s
salt
salt the salt of the earth
same all the same
same amount to the same thing
same at the same time
same by the same token
same cast in the same mold
same come to the same thing
same cut from the same cloth
same in the same boat (as
someone
)
same in the same breath
same just the same
same Lightning never strikes twice (in the same
place).
same made from the same mold
same not in the same league with
someone or something
same one and the same
same same here
same speak the same language
same tarred with the same brush
same the same as

someone or something
same the same old story
same the same to you
sanctity odor of sanctity
sand bury
one’s
head in the sand
sand hide
one’s
head in the sand
sands the sands of time
sandwich one sandwich short of a picnic
sardines packed (in) like sardines
Save Save it.
save save
one’s
breath
save save (
one’s
) face
save save
someone’s
neck
save save
someone’s
skin
save save
something
for a rainy day
save save the day

save save up (for
something
)
save scrimp and save
saved saved by the bell
saved A penny saved is a penny earned.
saving saving grace
say before you can say Jack Robinson
say drop in (to say hello)
say get
one’s
say
say go so far as to say
something
say have a say (in
something
)
say on
someone’s
say-so
say say a mouthful
say say grace
say say
something
in a roundabout way
say say
something
(right) to
someone’s
face

say say
something
under
one’s
breath
say say that
something is so
say say the word
say say uncle
say to say nothing of
someone or something
say to say the least
say What can I say?
say What do you want me to say?
say You can say that again!
saying goes without saying
scale scale
something
down
scales tip the scales at
something
scapegoat make
someone
the scapegoat for
something
scarce (as) scarce as hens’ teeth
scarce make
oneself
scarce
scarcely scarcely have time to breathe

scarcer scarcer than hens’ teeth
scare scare
one
out of
one’s
wits
scare scare
someone or something
up
scare scare
someone
stiff
scare scare
someone
to death
scare scare the living daylights out of
someone
scare scare the wits out of
someone
scared run scared
scared scared silly
scared scared stiff
scared scared to death
scared You scared me out of my wits.
scared You scared the crap out of me.
scared You scared the devil out of me.
scared You scared the dickens out of me.
scared You scared the hell out of me.
scared You scared the pants off (of) me.
scene arrive on the scene

scene burst onto the scene
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
576
scene come on the scene
scene create a scene
scene make a scene
scene make the scene
scenery a change of scenery
scenes behind the scenes
schedule ahead of schedule
schedule behind schedule
schedule on schedule
schemes the best-laid schemes of mice and men
school from the old school
school of the old school
school school of thought
school tell tales out of school
score have a score to settle (with
someone
)
score know the score
score settle a score with
someone
score settle the score (with
someone
)
scot get off scot-free
scot go scot-free
scout scout around for
someone or something

scrape bow and scrape
scrape have a scrape (with
someone or something
)
scrape scrape
something
together
scrape scrape the bottom of the barrel
scratch make
something
from scratch
scratch not up to scratch
scratch scratch around (for
something
)
scratch scratch
someone’s
back
scratch scratch the surface
scratch start from scratch
scratch up to scratch
scratch You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
scream scream bloody murder
scream so mad I could scream
scream a piercing scream
screw have a screw loose
screw screw around (with
someone or something
)
screw screw

someone or something
up
screw screw up
one’s
courage
screws put the screws on (
someone
)
scrimp scrimp and save
scrutiny under (close) scrutiny
sea (all) at sea (about
something
)
sea at sea
sea between the devil and the deep blue sea
sea get
one’s
sea legs
sea son of a sea biscuit
sea There are plenty of other fish in the sea.
sealed signed, sealed, and delivered
seams burst at the seams
seams come apart at the seams
seams fall apart at the seams
seamy the seamy side of life
search in search of
someone or something
search search high and low (for
someone or something
)

search search
something
with a fine-tooth comb
season in season
season off season
season open season (on
someone or something
)
season out of season
season silly season
seat by the seat of
one’s
pants
seat in the driver’s seat
seat in the hot seat
seat on the hot seat
seat show
one
to
one’s
seat
seat show
someone
to a seat
second come off second-best
second get
one’s
second wind
second get second thoughts about
someone or something

second have second thoughts about
someone or
something
second in a split second
second in (just) a second
second in
one’s
second childhood
second in the second place
second on second thought
second play second fiddle (to
someone
)
second second nature to
someone
second second-rate
second second to none
secret carry a secret to
one’s
grave
secret carry a secret to the grave
secret do
something
in secret
secret in secret
secret keep a secret
secret open secret
secret Your secret is safe with me.
security lull
someone

into a false sense of security
security security against
something
see begin to see daylight
see begin to see the light
see can’t see beyond the end of
one’s
nose
see can’t see
one’s
hand in front of
one’s
face
see Long time no see.
see not able to see the forest for the trees
see not see any objection (to
something
)
see not see farther than the end of
one’s
nose
see not see past the end of
one’s
nose
see see about
something
see see a man about a dog
see see double
see see eye to eye (with
someone

) (about
something
)
see see eye to eye (with
someone
) (on
something
)
see see fit (to
do something
)
see see into
something
see see no objection (to
something
)
see see
one’s
way clear (to
do something
)
see see red
see see
someone
as
something
see see
someone
home
see see

someone
to
somewhere
see see
someone
to the door
see see
something
through
see see stars
see see the color of
someone’s
money
see see the (hand)writing on the wall
see see the last of
someone or something
see see the light
see see the sights
see see through
someone or something
see see (to it) that
something
is done
see see to
someone or something
Phrase-Finder Index
577
see see which way the wind is blowing
see wait-and-see attitude
seed go to seed

seed run to seed
seeing seeing is believing
seeing seeing things
seek hide-and-seek
seen have seen better days
seize seize the bull by the horns
seize seize the opportunity
seize seize (up)on
something
sell get the hard sell
sell give
someone
the hard sell
sell sell like hotcakes
sell sell (
someone or something
) out
sell sell
someone or something
short
sell sell
someone
a bill of goods
sell sell
someone
down the river
sell sell
someone
on a plan or idea
sell sell

something
for a song
sell sell
something
off
sell sell
something
on credit
send get a big send-off
send give
someone
a big send-off
send send
one
about
one’s
business
send send
someone or something
up
send send
someone
into
something
send send
someone
off
send send
someone
(out) on an errand

send send
someone
packing
send send
someone
to the showers
send send
someone
up the river
send send
something
C.O.D.
send send up a trial balloon
sense horse sense
sense in a sense
sense lull
someone
into a false sense of security
sense make sense
sense sixth sense
senses come to
one’s
senses
senses out of
one’s
senses
senses take leave of
one’s
senses
separate separate but equal

separate separate the men from the boys
separate separate the sheep from the goats
separation the separation of church and state
serve serve as a guinea pig
serve serve notice (on
someone
)
serve serve
someone’s
purpose
serve serve
someone
right
serve serve time
served First come, first served.
service at
someone’s
service
service be of service (to
someone
)
service out of service
service pay lip service (to
something
)
session in session
session rump session
set all set
set (all) set to
do something

set at a set time
set dead set against
someone or something
set get set
set have
one’s
heart set against
something
set have
one’s
heart set on
something
set not set foot
somewhere
set
one’s
heart is (dead) set against
something
set
one’s
heart is set on
something
set set a precedent
set set a trap
set set eyes on
someone or something
set set fire to
someone or something
set set foot
somewhere

set set forth (on
something
)
set set great store by
someone or something
set set in
set set
one’s
heart against
something
set set
one’s
heart on
something
set set
one’s
sights on
something
set set
one
back on
one’s
heels
set set sail (for
somewhere
)
set set
someone or something
free
set set

someone or something
off
set set
someone or something
on fire
set set
someone or something
straight
set set
someone or something
up
set set
someone’s
teeth on edge
set set
someone
back (
some amount of money
)
set set
someone
up (as
something
)
set set
someone
up (in business)
set set
something
down to

something
set set
something
right
set set
something
straight
set set
something
to music
set set the ball rolling
set set the stage for
something
set set the table
set set the world on fire
set set to
do something
set set tongues (a)wagging
set set type
set set upon
someone or something
set set up shop
somewhere
settle have a score to settle (with
someone
)
settle settle a score with
someone
settle settle down
settle settle for

something
settle settle on
something
settle settle
someone’s
affairs
settle settle (
something
) (out of court)
settle settle the score (with
someone
)
settle settle up with
someone
sevens at sixes and sevens
seventh in seventh heaven
sever sever ties with
someone
sew sew
something
up
sewed get
something
sewed up
sex the opposite sex
shack shack up (with
someone
)
shades shades of
someone or something

shadow afraid of
one’s
own shadow
shadow beyond the shadow of a doubt
shadow shadow of itself
shadow shadow of
oneself
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
578
shake give
someone
a fair shake
shake more
someone or something
than
one
can shake a
stick at
shake shake (hands) on
something
shake shake hands (with
someone
)
shake shake in
one’s
boots
shake shake
someone or something
down
shake shake

someone or something
off
shake shake
someone or something
up
shake shake
something
off
shake shake the lead out
shakers movers and shakers
shakes in two shakes of a lamb’s tail
shakes no great shakes
shambles in shambles
shame hide
one’s
face in shame
shame put
someone
to shame
Shame Shame on
someone
.
shame a crying shame
shank’s by shank’s mare
shank’s go (
somewhere
) by shank’s mare
shape in good shape
shape in shape
shape lick

something
into shape
shape out of shape
shape shape
someone
up
shape shape up
shape take shape
shape whip
something
into shape
share
one’s
fair share
share share and share alike
share share
someone’s
pain
share share
someone’s
sorrow
share the lion’s share (of
something
)
sharing Thank you for sharing.
sharp (as) sharp as a razor
sharp (as) sharp as a tack
sharp at
some time
sharp

sharp sharp as a razor
sharp sharp as a tack
shave have a close shave
she That’s all she wrote.
shed shed crocodile tears
shed shed (some) light on
something
sheep separate the sheep from the goats
sheep the black sheep of the family
sheep’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing
sheet (as) white as a sheet
sheet white as a sheet
sheets three sheets to the wind
shell come out of
one’s
shell
shell shell
something
out
shellacking get a shellacking
shellacking give
someone
a shellacking
shellacking take a shellacking
shift shift for
oneself
shine rain or shine
shine Rise and shine!
shine shine up to
someone

shine take a shine to
someone or something
ship desert a sinking ship
ship leave a sinking ship
ship run a taut ship
ship run a tight ship
ship Shape up or ship out.
shipping shipping and handling
ships ships that pass in the night
shirk shirk
one’s
duty
shirt give
someone
the shirt off
one’s
back
shirt Keep your shirt on!
shirt lose
one’s
shirt
shock get the shock of
one’s
life
shoe (as) comfortable as an old shoe
shoe (as) common as an old shoe
shoe comfortable as an old shoe
shoe common as an old shoe
shoe drop the other shoe
shoe have the shoe on the other foot

shoe If the shoe fits, wear it.
shoe The shoe is on the other foot.
shoes fill
someone’s
shoes
shoes in
someone else’s
shoes
shoes put
oneself
in
someone else’s
shoes
shoes step into
someone’s
shoes
shoestring get along (on a shoestring)
shoestring on a shoestring
shook shook up
shoot shoot for
something
shoot shoot from the hip
shoot shoot
one’s
mouth off
shoot shoot
something
out
shoot shoot the breeze
shoot shoot the bull

shoot shoot the works
shooting the whole shooting match
shop close up shop
shop set up shop
somewhere
shop shop around (for
something
)
shop talk shop
shop a bull in a china shop
shopping go window-shopping
shopping window-shopping
short caught short
short end up with the short end of the stick
short fall short (of
something
)
short for short
short get the short end of the stick
short in short
short in the short run
short life is too short
short long and (the) short of it
short make a long story short
short make short work of
someone or something
short nothing short of
something
short one sandwich short of a picnic
short over the short haul

short run short (of
something
)
short sell
someone or something
short
short short and sweet
short short for
something
short short of
something
short stop short of
doing something
short Take a long walk off a short pier.
short a few cards short of a deck
Phrase-Finder Index
579
shot (all) shot to hell
shot give
something
a shot
shot give
something one’s
best shot
shot have a shot at
something
shot not by a long shot
shot off like a shot
shot shot through with
something

shot shot to hell
shot take a shot at
something
shot a shot in the arm
shot a shot in the dark
shotgun a shotgun wedding
shots call the shots
should should have stood in bed
shoulder get the cold shoulder
shoulder give
someone
the cold shoulder
shoulder have a chip on
one’s
shoulder
shoulder put
one’s
shoulder to the wheel
shoulder shoulder to shoulder
shoulder straight from the shoulder
shoulders carry the weight of the world on
one’s
shoulders
shoulders have a good head on
one’s
shoulders
shoulders have broad shoulders
shoulders head and shoulders above
someone or
something

shoulders on
someone’s
shoulders
shoulders rub shoulders with
someone
shouting all over but the shouting
shouting within shouting distance
shove if push comes to shove
shove shove
one’s
way
somewhere
shove shove
someone or something
down
someone’s
throat
shove when push comes to shove
shovel put
someone
to bed with a shovel
show by a show of hands
show dog and pony show
show get the show on the road
show goes to show you
show let
one’s
emotions show
show make a great show of
something

show not show
one’s
face
show show-and-tell
show show good faith
show show off
show show
one’s
hand
show show
one’s
(true) colors
show show
one
to
one’s
seat
show show signs of
something
show show
someone or something
off
show show
someone
the ropes
show show
someone
to a seat
show show
someone

(to) the door
show show
someone
up
show show
something
to good advantage
show steal the show
show a show of hands
shower take a shower
showers risk of showers
showers send
someone
to the showers
shuffle shuffle off this mortal coil
shut keep
one’s
mouth shut (about
someone or something
)
shut Put up or shut up!
shut shut
someone
up
shut shut
something
down
shut shut the door on
someone or something
shut an open-and-shut case

shuttle shuttle
someone or something
from person to
person
shuttle shuttle
someone or something
from place to place
shy shy away (from
someone or something
)
shy two bricks shy of a load
shy a few cards shy of a full deck
sick (as) sick as a dog
sick be sick
sick get sick
sick make someone sick
sick sick and tired of
someone or something
sick sick as a dog
sick sick in bed
sick take sick
side from side to side
side get on the good side of
someone
side get out of the wrong side of the bed
side get up on the wrong side of the bed
side know which side
one’s
bread is buttered on
side laugh out of the other side of

one’s
mouth
side off to one side
side right side up
side side against
someone
side side with
someone
side to be on the safe side
side a thorn in
someone’s
side
side the other side of the tracks
side the seamy side of life
side the wrong side of the tracks
sides choose up sides
sides split
one’s
sides (with laughter)
sides take sides
sidetracked get sidetracked
sight buy
something
sight unseen
sight can’t stand (the sight of)
someone or something
sight catch sight of
someone or something
sight in sight
sight know

someone
by sight
sight love at first sight
sight out of sight
sight sight for sore eyes
sights have
one’s
sights trained on
something
sights lower
one’s
sights
sights raise
one’s
sights
sights see the sights
sights set
one’s
sights on
something
sights train
one’s
sights on
something
sign get the high sign
sign give
someone
the high sign
sign sign
one’s

own death warrant
sign sign on the dotted line
sign sign on (with
someone
)
sign a sign of things to come
signal signal (to)
someone
to
do something
signed signed, sealed, and delivered
signs show signs of
something
silent (as) silent as the dead
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
580
silent (as) silent as the grave
silent silent as the dead
silent silent as the grave
silk (as) smooth as silk
silk (as) soft as silk
silk make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
silk smooth as silk
silk soft as silk
silly (as) silly as a goose
silly bored silly
silly scared silly
silly silly as a goose
silly silly season
silver born with a silver spoon in

one’s
mouth
silver cross
someone’s
palm with silver
silver Every cloud has a silver lining.
simmer simmer down
simple plain and simple
simple pure and simple
sin (as) ugly as sin
sin ugly as sin
since since time immemorial
since the greatest thing since sliced bread
sing sing a different tune
sing sing another tune
sing sing
someone’s
praises
single (in) single file
single single file
sink everything but the kitchen sink
sink sink in
sink sink
one’s
teeth into
something
sink sink or swim
sinker swallow
something
, hook, line, and sinker

sinking desert a sinking ship
sinking leave a sinking ship
sit sit around (
somewhere
)
sit sit at
someone’s
feet
sit sit back and let
something happen
sit sit bolt upright
sit sit (idly) by
sit sit in for
someone
sit sit in (on
something
)
sit sit on its hands
sit sit on
one’s
hands
sit sit on
someone or something
sit sit on the fence
sit sit
something
out
sit sit through
something
sit sit tight

sit sit up and take notice
sit sit up with
someone
sit sit with
someone
sitting at a sitting
sitting like a sitting duck
sitting like sitting ducks
sitting sitting on a powder keg
sitting (sitting) on top of the world
sitting sitting pretty
sitting a sitting duck
sitting a sitting target
situation no-win situation
situation the reality of the situation
six deep-six
someone or something
six six of one and half a dozen of the other
sixes at sixes and sevens
sixth sixth sense
size beat
someone
down (to size)
size cut
someone
down (to size)
size knock
someone
down (to size)
size pick on somebody your own size

size pick on someone your own size
size size
someone or something
up
size take
someone
down (to size)
size That’s about the size of it.
skate skate on thin ice
skates (as) awkward as a cow on roller skates
skates awkward as a cow on roller skates
skeleton a skeleton in the closet
sketch a thumbnail sketch
skids hit the skids
skids put the skids on (
something
)
skies praise
someone or something
to the skies
skillet (as) black as a skillet
skillet (as) busy as popcorn on a skillet
skillet black as a skillet
skillet busy as popcorn on a skillet
skin (all) skin and bones
skin Beauty is only skin-deep.
skin by the skin of
one’s
teeth
skin get under

someone’s
skin
skin give
someone
some skin
skin jump out of
one’s
skin
skin no skin off
someone’s
nose
skin no skin off
someone’s
teeth
skin nothing but skin and bones
skin save
someone’s
skin
skin skin and bones
skin skin
someone
alive
skin soaked to the skin
skin There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
skinned thick-skinned
skinned thin-skinned
skip skip bail
skip skip out (on
someone or something
)

skip skip rope
skip a hop, skip, and a jump
skips
one’s
heart skips a beat
skittles (all) beer and skittles
skittles beer and skittles
skull get
something
through
someone’s
thick skull
skunk (as) drunk as a skunk
skunk drunk as a skunk
sky (as) high as the sky
sky go sky-high
sky out of a clear blue sky
sky pie in the sky
sky reach for the sky
sky’s The sky’s the limit.
slack slack off
slap get a slap on the wrist
slap give
someone
a slap on the wrist
slap slap
someone’s
wrist
slap slap
someone

down
slap slap
someone
on the wrist
Phrase-Finder Index
581
slap slap
something
together
slap a slap in the face
slate start (off) with a clean slate
slate start (over) with a clean slate
slate wipe
someone’s
slate clean
slated slated for
something
slated slated to
do something
slaughter like lambs to the slaughter
slave a slave to
something
sleep drop off (to sleep)
sleep lose sleep (over
someone or something
)
sleep lull
someone
to sleep
sleep not sleep a wink

sleep put
someone or something
to sleep
sleep sleep in
sleep sleep like a baby
sleep sleep like a log
sleep sleep on
something
sleep sleep
something
off
sleep sleep with
someone
sleeping Let sleeping dogs lie.
sleeve have an ace up
one’s
sleeve
sleeve have
one’s
heart on
one’s
sleeve
sleeve have something up
one’s
sleeve
sleeve laugh up
one’s
sleeve
sleeve wear
one’s

heart on
one’s
sleeve
sleeves roll
one’s
sleeves up
slice a slice of the cake
sliced the greatest thing since sliced bread
slick (as) slick as a whistle
slick slick as a whistle
slide let
something
slide
slide let things slide
slip get the slip
slip give
someone
the slip
slip let
something
slip by
slip let
something
slip (out)
slip let the chance slip by
slip slip away
slip slip off
slip slip
one’s
mind

slip slip out
slip slip through
someone’s
fingers
slip slip up
slip a slip of the tongue
slippery (as) slippery as an eel
slippery slippery as an eel
slow (as) slow as molasses in January
Slow Slow and steady wins the race.
slow slow as molasses in January
slow slow going
slow slow on the draw
slow slow on the uptake
slow slow
someone or something
down
slow slow
someone or something
up
slow take it slow
slower slower and slower
slower slower than molasses in January
slowly slow(ly) but sure(ly)
sly (as) sly as a fox
sly do
something
on the sly
sly sly as a fox
smack smack-dab in the middle

small engage in small talk
small small fry
small small hours (of the night)
small small-time
small thankful for small blessings
small a big frog in a small pond
small the small print
smart You think you’re so smart!
smear smear campaign (against
someone
)
smell smell a rat
smell smell to high heaven
smelling come up smelling like roses
smile crack a smile
smile smile on
someone or something
smithereens blow
someone or something
to smithereens
smoke go up in smoke
smoke have a smoke
smoke Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
smoke smoke and mirrors
smoke smoke
someone or something
out
smoke Where there’s smoke there’s fire.
smooth (as) smooth as glass
smooth (as) smooth as silk

smooth smooth as glass
smooth smooth as silk
smooth smooth
something
out
smooth smooth
something
over
snag hit a snag
snail’s at a snail’s pace
snake a snake in the grass
snap snap at
someone
snap snap out of
something
snap snap
something
up
sneeze nothing to sneeze at
sniff sniff
someone or something
out
snit in a snit
snow (as) pure as the driven snow
snow (as) white as the driven snow
snow do a snow job on
someone
snow pure as the driven snow
snow white as the driven snow
snowball’s have a snowball’s chance in hell

snuff not up to snuff
snuff up to snuff
snug (as) snug as a bug in a rug
snug snug as a bug in a rug
so able to take just so much
so and so forth
so and so on
so bear in mind that
something is so
so be of the persuasion that
something is so
so be so
so do so
so go so far as to say
something
so (have) never had it so good
so have so
so if so
so in so many words
so just so
so my gut tells me (that)
something is so
so never had it so good
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
582
so on
someone’s
say-so
so provided that
something is so

so say that
something is so
so so-and-so
So So be it.
so so clean you could eat off the floor
so so far as anyone knows
so so far as possible
so so far as
someone or something
is concerned
so so far as
something
is concerned
So So far, so good.
So So it goes.
so so long
so so mad I could scream
so so much for
someone or something
so so much the better
so so quiet you could hear a pin drop
so so-so
so so soon
so so still you could hear a pin drop
so so to speak
so turn out (that)
something is so
so without so much as
doing something
so You think you’re so smart!

soaked soaked to the skin
sober (as) sober as a judge
sober sober as a judge
society pay
one’s
debt (to society)
sock sock
something
away
soft (as) soft as a baby’s bottom
soft (as) soft as down
soft (as) soft as silk
soft (as) soft as velvet
soft have a soft spot in
one’s
heart for
someone or
something
soft soft as a baby’s bottom
soft soft as down
soft soft as silk
soft soft as velvet
soil soil
one’s
diaper(s)
soil soil
one’s
hands
sold sold out
solid (as) solid as a rock

solid solid as a rock
Solomon (as) wise as Solomon
Solomon wise as Solomon
some and then some
some at some length
some catch some Zs
some cause (some) eyebrows to raise
some cause (some) tongues to wag
some dig some dirt up on
someone
some drum some business up
some give birth to
someone or some creature
some give
someone
some skin
some in some respects
some It takes (some) getting used to.
some knock some heads together
some put out (some) feelers
some put some teeth into
something
some raise some eyebrows
some shed (some) light on
something
some (some) new blood
some throw (some) light on
something
some to some extent
some use some elbow grease

some a match for
someone, something, or some creature
somebody pick on somebody your own size
somehow carry on somehow
someone make someone sick
someone pick on someone your own size
someone’s get out of someone’s way
something have something in mind
something have something to do with
something
something have something up
one’s
sleeve
something pull something on
someone
something something else
something something of the sort
something something or other
something something to that effect
something’s something’s up
sometime date back (to
sometime
)
somewhere (somewhere) in the neighborhood of
an
amount
somewhere somewhere to hang (up)
one’s
hat
somewhere stranger to

something or somewhere
son son of a bitch
son son of a gun
son son of a sea biscuit
song buy
something
for a song
song go into
one’s
song and dance (about
something
)
song sell
something
for a song
song
someone’s
swan song
soon as soon as
soon (as) soon as possible
soon had (just) as soon
do something
soon soon as possible
soon so soon
soon would as soon
do something
soon A fool and his money are soon parted.
sooner had sooner
do something
sooner no sooner said than done

sooner sooner or later
sore sight for sore eyes
sore stick out like a sore thumb
sore touch a sore point
sore touch a sore spot
sorrow share
someone’s
sorrow
sorrows drown
one’s
sorrows
sorry (I’m) sorry.
sorry sorry
sort something of the sort
sort sort of
something
sort sort
something
out
sorts in bad sorts
sorts out of sorts
sought much sought after
soul every living soul
soul heart and soul
soul keep body and soul together
soul not a living soul
soul not tell a (living) soul
soul with all
one’s
heart and soul

sound (as) sound as a dollar
Phrase-Finder Index
583
sound let out
some kind of sound
sound safe and sound
sound sound as a dollar
sound sound as if
sound sound like
sound sound off (about
something
)
sound sound
someone
out
soup (as) easy as duck soup
soup (as) thick as pea soup
soup easy as duck soup
soup everything from soup to nuts
soup in the soup
soup soup
something
up
soup thick as pea soup
sour (as) sour as vinegar
sour hit a sour note
sour sour as vinegar
sour strike a sour note
sour sweet and sour
South down South

sow sow
one’s
wild oats
sow’s make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
space take up space
spaced spaced-out
spade call a spade a spade
spades (as) black as the ace of spades
spades (as) cocky as the king of spades
spades black as the ace of spades
spades cocky as the king of spades
Spain build castles in Spain
span spick-and-span
spare and
something
to spare
spare have
something
to spare
spare in
one’s
spare time
spare not a moment to spare
spare spare
someone something
spare without a moment to spare
spare with
something
to spare
spaz have a spaz

speak Actions speak louder than words.
speak nothing to speak of
speak so to speak
speak speak for itself
speak speak for themselves
speak speak highly of
someone or something
speak speak ill of
someone
speak speak off the cuff
speak speak of the devil
speak speak
one’s
mind
speak speak out of turn
speak speak out (on
something
)
speak speak the same language
speak speak up
speak speak with a forked tongue
speaking on speaking terms (with
someone
)
speaks know whereof
one
speaks
specific right at
a specific time
speed at full speed

spell spell
something
out
spell spell trouble
spend tax-and-spend
spice Variety is the spice of life.
spick spick-and-span
spill spill the beans
spill take a spill
spilled cry over spilled milk
spin make
someone’s
head spin
spin put a spin on
something
spin spin a yarn
spin spin
one’s
wheels
spin spin
something
off
spindle fold, spindle, or mutilate
spirits in good spirits
spit be the spit and image of
someone
spit spit (
something
) up
spite cut off

one’s
nose to spite
one’s
face
spite in spite of
someone or something
spite out of spite
spitting be the spitting image of
someone
spleen vent
one’s
spleen
split in a split second
split split hairs
split split
one’s
sides (with laughter)
split split people up
split split
something
fifty-fifty
split split the difference
split split up
split vote a split ticket
splurge on a splurge
spoil Too many cooks spoil the broth.
spoil Too many cooks spoil the stew.
spoils To the victors belong the spoils.
spoken spoken for
sponge throw in the sponge

spook spook
someone or something
spoon born with a silver spoon in
one’s
mouth
spoon spoon-feed
someone
sporting a sporting chance
spot have a soft spot in
one’s
heart for
someone or
something
spot hit the spot
spot in a (tight) spot
spot Johnny-on-the-spot
spot on the spot
spot put
someone
on the spot
spot rooted to the spot
spot touch a sore spot
spot X marks the spot
spotlight in the spotlight
spotlight steal the spotlight
spots hit the high spots
spout spout off (about
someone or something
)
spread spread it on thick

spread spread like wildfire
spread spread
oneself
too thin
spring no spring chicken
spring spring for
something
spring spring
something
on
someone
spruce spruce
someone or something
up
spur on the spur of the moment
square back to square one
square do
something
fair and square
square fair and square
square square accounts (with
someone
)
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
584
square square deal
square square meal
square square off (for
something
)

square square
someone or something
away
square square up to
someone or something
square square up with
someone
square a square peg in a round hole
squared squared away
squeak squeak by (
someone or something
)
squeeze put the squeeze on (
someone
)
squirrel squirrel
something
away
stab stab
someone
in the back
stab take a stab at
something
stack (as) black as a stack of black cats
stack black as a stack of black cats
stack blow
one’s
stack
stack stack
something

up
stack stack the cards (against
someone or something
)
stack stack the deck (against
someone or something
)
stack swear on a stack of Bibles
stacked have the cards stacked against
one
stacked have the deck stacked against
one
stacked the cards are stacked against
one
stag go stag
stage at this stage
stage in a stage whisper
stage set the stage for
something
stake at stake
stake burn
someone
at the stake
stake stake a claim (to
something
)
stakes pull up stakes
stall stall
someone or something
off

stamp stamp
someone or something
out
stamping
one’s
old stamping ground
stand can’t stand (the sight of)
someone or something
stand do not have a leg to stand on
stand have
one’s
heart stand still
stand make
someone’s
hair stand on end
stand more than
one
can stand
stand one-night stand
stand stand a chance
stand stand and deliver
stand stand behind
someone or something
stand stand by
stand stand corrected
stand stand for
something
stand stand in awe (of
someone or something
)

stand stand (in) back of
someone or something
stand stand in (for
someone
)
stand stand in
someone’s
way
stand stand on ceremony
stand stand
one’s
ground
stand stand on
one’s
own two feet
stand stand out
stand stand over
someone
stand stand pat
stand stand
someone
in good stead
stand stand
someone
to a treat
stand stand
someone
up
stand stand still for
something

stand stand to reason
stand stand up and be counted
stand take a stand (against
someone or something
)
stand take the stand
standards measure up to
someone’s
standards
standby on standby
standing able to
do something
standing on
one’s
head
standing a standing joke
stands It (only) stands to reason.
stands know where
someone
stands (on
someone or
something
)
stands
one’s
heart stands still
standstill come to a standstill
starch take the starch out of
someone
stare stare

someone
in the face
stark stark raving mad
stars get stars in
one’s
eyes
stars see stars
stars thank
one’s
lucky stars
start be off to a bad start
start from start to finish
start get a head start (on
someone or something
)
start get a start
start get off to a bad start
start get off to a flying start
start get
one’s
start
start give
someone
a head start (on
someone or something
)
start give
someone
a start
start jolt to a start

start off to a running start
start start from scratch
start start off on the wrong foot
start start (off) with a clean slate
start start (over) with a clean slate
start start
someone
in (as
something
)
start start
someone
out (as
something
)
start start
something
start start the ball rolling
starters for starters
starts by fits and starts
state in a (constant) state of flux
state lie in state
state a fine state of affairs
state a pretty state of affairs
state the separation of church and state
Station (as) busy as Grand Central Station
Station busy as Grand Central Station
stay stay after
someone
stay stay in touch (with

someone
)
stay stay put
staying have no staying power
stead stand
someone
in good stead
steady (as) steady as a rock
steady go steady (with
someone
)
steady Slow and steady wins the race.
steady steady as a rock
steal steal a base
steal steal a march (on
someone
)
steal steal
someone’s
thunder
steal steal the show
steal steal the spotlight
steam blow off steam
steam full steam ahead
steam let off steam
Phrase-Finder Index
585
steam under
one’s
own steam

steamed steamed up
steaming steaming (mad)
steel (as) true as steel
steel have a mind like a steel trap
steel true as steel
steer give
someone
a bum steer
steer steer clear (of
someone or something
)
stem from stem to stern
step in step (with
someone or something
)
step out of step (with
someone or something
)
step step-by-step
step step down (from
something
)
step step into
someone’s
shoes
step step in(to the breach)
step step on it
step step on
someone’s
toes

step step on the gas
step step out of line
step step (right) up
step step
something
up
step watch
one’s
step
steps take steps (to prevent
something
)
stern from stem to stern
steven even steven
stew get (
oneself
) into a stew (over
someone or something
)
stew in a stew (about
someone or something
)
stew stew in
one’s
own juice
stew Too many cooks spoil the stew.
stick end up with the short end of the stick
stick get the short end of the stick
stick have
one’s

words stick in
one’s
throat
stick have
something
stick in
one’s
craw
stick more
someone or something
than
one
can shake a
stick at
stick not hold a stick to
someone or something
stick stick around
stick stick by
someone or something
Stick Stick ‘em up!
stick stick-in-the-mud
stick stick
one’s
foot in
one’s
mouth
stick stick
one’s
neck out (for
someone or something

)
stick stick
one’s
nose in(to
something
)
stick stick out like a sore thumb
stick stick
someone or something
up
stick stick
someone
with
someone or something
stick stick
something
out
stick stick together
stick stick to
one’s
guns
stick stick to
one’s
ribs
stick stick up for
someone or something
stick stick with
someone or something
sticks sticks and stones
sticky have sticky fingers

stiff (as) stiff as a poker
stiff bored stiff
stiff bore
someone
stiff
stiff keep a stiff upper lip
stiff scared stiff
stiff scare
someone
stiff
stiff stiff as a poker
still (as) still as death
still have
one’s
heart stand still
still hold
someone or something
still
still hold still
still keep
someone or something
still
still keep still
still
one’s
heart stands still
still so still you could hear a pin drop
still stand still for
something
still still as death

still The jury is still out (on
someone or something
).
stink create a stink (about
something
)
stink make a stink (about
something
)
stink raise a stink (about
something
)
stink stink to high heaven
stir cause a stir
stir go stir-crazy
stir stir
someone or something
up
stir stir up a hornet’s nest
stitches keep
someone
in stitches
stock have
something
in stock
stock in stock
stock lock, stock, and barrel
stock not take stock in
something
stock out of stock

stock stock up (on
something
)
stock take no stock in
something
stock take stock (of
something
)
stomach cannot stomach
someone or something
stomach can’t stomach
someone or something
stomach get butterflies in
one’s
stomach
stomach give
one
butterflies in
one’s
stomach
stomach have eyes bigger than
one’s
stomach
stomach not able to stomach
someone or something
stomach
One’s
eyes are bigger than
one’s
stomach.

stomach turn
someone’s
stomach
stone (as) hard as stone
stone cast the first stone
stone hard as stone
stone have a heart of stone
stone kill two birds with one stone
stone leave no stone unturned
stone run into a stone wall
stone A rolling stone gathers no moss.
stone’s (just) a stone’s throw away (from
something
)
stones sticks and stones
stone’s within a stone’s throw (of
something
)
stone’s a stone’s throw (away) (from
something
)
stood should have stood in bed
stools fall between two stools
stoop stoop to
doing something
stop come to a stop
stop jolt to a stop
stop put a stop to
something
stop stop-and-go

stop stop at nothing
stop stop by (
somewhere
)
stop stop in (
somewhere
)
stop stop, look, and listen
stop stop off (
somewhere
)
stop stop over (
somewhere
)
stop stop short of
doing something
stops pull out all the stops
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
586
storage in cold storage
storage in storage
store have
something
in store (for
someone
)
store mind the store
store set great store by
someone or something
storm Any port in a storm.

storm kick up a storm
storm take
someone or something
by storm
storm A storm is brewing.
storm the calm before the storm
storm the eye of the storm
storm the lull before the storm
story cock-and-bull story
story make a long story short
story tell its own story
story the same old story
straight (as) straight as an arrow
straight get
something
straight
straight get the facts straight
straight give it to
someone
(straight)
straight go straight
straight keep a straight face
straight put
something
straight
straight set
someone or something
straight
straight set
something

straight
straight straight as an arrow
straight (straight) from the horse’s mouth
straight straight from the shoulder
straight vote a straight ticket
straight the straight and narrow
straighten straighten
someone or something
out
straighten straighten
someone or something
up
straighten straighten up
stranger stranger to
something or somewhere
strapped strapped (for
something
)
straw be the last straw
straw be the straw that broke the camel’s back
straws clutch at straws
straws draw straws
straws grasp at straws
streak talk a blue streak
stream change horses in the middle of the stream
street down the street
street on easy street
street the man in the street
strength main strength and awkwardness
strength not know

one’s
own strength
strength on the strength of
something
strength a pillar of strength
strength a tower of strength
stretch at a stretch
stretch stretch a point
stretch stretch
one’s
legs
stretch stretch the point
stretch stretch the truth
strictly (strictly) on the level
strictly (strictly) on the up-and-up
stride hit
one’s
stride
stride reach
one’s
stride
stride take
something
in stride
strike go (out) on strike
strike strike a balance (between
two or more things
)
strike strike a bargain
strike strike a chord (with

someone
)
strike strike a happy medium
strike strike a match
strike strike a pose
strike strike a sour note
strike strike home
strike strike it rich
strike strike out
strike strike
someone’s
fancy
strike strike
someone
as
something
strike strike
someone
funny
strike strike
someone
out
strike strike the right note
strike strike up a conversation
strike strike up a friendship
strike strike while the iron is hot
strikes get two strikes against
one
strikes have two strikes against
one

strikes Lightning never strikes twice (in the same
place).
string have
someone
on the string
string string along (with
someone
)
string string
something
out
strings control the purse strings
strings pull strings
strings tied to
one’s
mother’s apron strings
strings with no strings attached
strings without any strings attached
stroke have a stroke
stroke a stroke of luck
strong (as) strong as a horse
strong (as) strong as a lion
strong (as) strong as an ox
strong strong as a horse
strong strong as a lion
strong strong as an ox
strong use strong language
struggle a struggle to the death
strung strung out
stubborn (as) stubborn as a mule

stubborn stubborn as a mule
stuck (stuck) in a rut
stuck stuck in traffic
stuck stuck on
someone or something
stuck stuck with
someone or something
stuff kid(‘s) stuff
stuff know
one’s
stuff
stuff stuff and nonsense
stuff stuff the ballot box
stuffing beat the stuffing out of
someone
stumble stumble across
someone or something
stumble stumble into
someone or something
stumble stumble (up)on
someone or something
stumbling stumbling block
stunt pull a stunt (on
someone
)
stupor in a stupor
style cramp
someone’s
style
style go out of style

style in style
style out of style
subject change the subject
Phrase-Finder Index
587
subject drop the subject
subject off the subject
subject subject to
something
subscribe subscribe to
something
substance form and substance
substance sum and substance
such as such
such Like it’s such a big deal!
such such and such
such such as
Such Such is life!
suck suck
someone
in
suck teach
one’s
grandmother to suck eggs
sucks It sucks.
sucks That sucks.
sudden all of a sudden
sugar (as) sweet as sugar
sugar sweet as sugar
suggestive suggestive of

something
suit follow suit
suit in
one’s
birthday suit
suit monkey suit
suit suit oneself
suit suit
someone
to a T
suitcase live out of a suitcase
sum sum and substance
sum sum
something
up
sun (as) calm as a toad in the sun
sun calm as a toad in the sun
sun under the sun
Sunday in
one’s
Sunday best
Sunday Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes
Sundays in a month of Sundays
sundry all and sundry
supply in short supply
supply supply and demand
support a pillar of support
supposed supposed to
do something
sure (as) sure as death

sure for sure
sure sure as death
sure swift and sure
surely slow(ly) but sure(ly)
surf surf and turf
surface scratch the surface
surgery in surgery
surprise come as no surprise
surprise take
someone or something
by surprise
surprise take
someone
by surprise
survival the survival of the fittest
susceptible susceptible to
something
suspicion above suspicion
suspicion under a cloud (of suspicion)
swallow swallow
one’s
pride
swallow swallow
something
, hook, line, and sinker
swallow a bitter pill to swallow
swallowed look like the cat that swallowed the
canary
swan (as) graceful as a swan
swan graceful as a swan

swan
someone’s
swan song
swath cut a big swath
swath cut a wide swath
swear swear by
someone or something
swear swear on a stack of Bibles
swear swear on
one’s
mother’s grave
sweat blood, sweat, and tears
sweat break out in a cold sweat
sweat by the sweat of
one’s
brow
sweat no sweat
sweat sweat blood
sweat sweat
something
out
sweep (as) black as a sweep
sweep black as a sweep
sweep make a clean sweep
sweep sweep
one
off
one’s
feet
sweep sweep out of

somewhere
sweep sweep
something
under the carpet
sweep sweep
something
under the rug
sweet (as) sweet as honey
sweet (as) sweet as sugar
sweet have a sweet tooth
sweet short and sweet
sweet sweet and low
sweet sweet and sour
sweet sweet as honey
sweet sweet as sugar
sweet sweet nothings
sweet sweet on
someone
sweet sweet-talk
someone
sweet take the bitter with the sweet
sweetness all sweetness and light
swelled give
someone
a swelled head
swift (as) swift as an arrow
swift (as) swift as the wind
swift (as) swift as thought
swift swift and sure
swift swift as an arrow

swift swift as the wind
swift swift as thought
swim in the swim of things
swim make
someone’s
head swim
swim out of the swim of things
swim sink or swim
swim swim against the current
swim swim against the tide
swimming be swimming in
something
swine cast (
one’s
) pearls before swine
swing get into full swing
swing get into the swing of things
swing in full swing
swing not enough room to swing a cat
swing swing into action
swing swing
something
switch asleep at the switch
switch bait and switch
swoop at one fell swoop
swoop in one fell swoop
swords cross swords (with
someone
) (on
something

)
sympathy extend
one’s
sympathy (to
someone
)
sympathy
one’s
deepest sympathy
system get
something
out of
one’s
system
systems all systems (are) go
T done to a T
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
588
T fit
someone
to a T
T suit
someone
to a T
tab pick up the tab
table clear the table
table coffee-table book
table lay
one’s
cards on the table

table put
one’s
cards on the table
table set the table
table table a motion
table under the table
tables turn the tables (on
someone
)
tabs keep tab(s) (on
someone or something
)
tack (as) sharp as a tack
tack sharp as a tack
tacks get down to brass tacks
tag tag along
tail Get off
someone’s
tail!
tail in two shakes of a lamb’s tail
tail with
one’s
tail between
one’s
legs
tail the tail wagging the dog
tailed bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
tails can’t make heads or tails (out) of
someone or
something

tails heads or tails
tailspin go into a tailspin
take able to take a joke
take able to take just so much
take able to take
something
take can take it to the bank.
take do a double take
take give-and-take
take Give
one
an inch, and
one
will take a mile.
take more than
one
can take
take not take no for an answer
take not take stock in
something
take on the take
take sit up and take notice
take take a backseat (to
someone
)
take take a bath
take take a bow
take take a break
take take a chance
take take a course (in

something
)
take take a crack at
something
take take a dig at
someone
take take a dim view of
something
take take advantage of
someone or something
take take a fancy to
someone or something
take take after
someone
take take a gander (at
someone or something
)
take take a hand in
something
take take a hard line (with
someone
)
Tak e Take a hike!
take take a hint
take take (a)hold of
someone or something
take take aim (at
someone or something
)
take take a leaf out of

someone’s
book
take take a licking
take take a liking to
someone or something
take take a load off
one’s
feet
Tak e Take a long walk off a short pier.
take take a look (at
someone or something
)
take take a look for
someone or something
take take a nap
take take a new turn
take take an interest (in
something
)
take take an oath
take take a nosedive
take take a peep
take take a potshot at
someone or something
take take a powder
take take a punch at
someone
take take a rain check (on
something
)

take take a risk
take take a shellacking
take take a shine to
someone or something
take take a shot at
something
take take a shower
take take a spill
take take a stab at
something
take take a stand (against
someone or something
)
take take a toll
take take a try at
something
take take attendance
take take a turn for the better
take take a turn for the worse
take take a vacation
Tak e Take a walk!
take take a whack at
someone or something
take take care of
someone or something
take take charge (of
someone or something
)
take take cold
take take digs at

someone
take take effect
take take exception (to
something
)
take take five
take take forty winks
take take (great) pains (to
do something
)
take take heart
take take heed
take take ill
take take inventory
take take issue (with
someone
)
take take it away
Tak e Take it easy.
take take it easy (on
someone or something
)
take take it on the chin
take take it or leave it
take take it slow
take take it to
one’s
grave
take take it upon
oneself

to
do something
take take it (up)on
oneself
(to
do something
)
take take kindly to
something
take take leave of
one’s
senses
take take liberties with
someone or something
take take no stock in
something
take take note (of
something
)
take take notice (of
something
)
take take off
take take
one’s
break
take take
one’s
cue from
someone

take take
one’s
death of cold
take take (
one’s
) leave (of
someone
)
take take
one’s
medicine
Phrase-Finder Index
589
take take
one’s
own life
take take
one’s
time
take take
one
at
one’s
word
take take out (after
someone or something
)
take take out a loan
take take over
take take part (in

something
)
take take pity (on
someone or something
)
take take place
take take precedence over
someone or something
take take pride in
something
take take root
take take shape
take take sick
take take sides
take take
someone or something
at face value
take take
someone or something
away
take take
someone or something
by storm
take take
someone or something
by surprise
take take
someone or something
for granted
take take

someone or something
in
take take
someone or something
on
take take
someone or something
out
take take
someone or something
over
take take
someone or something
wrong
take take
someone’s
breath away
take take
someone’s
part
take take
someone’s
pulse
take take
someone
apart
take take
someone
by surprise
take take

someone
down a notch (or two)
take take
someone
down a peg (or two)
take take
someone
down (to size)
take take
someone
for a fool
take take
someone
for an idiot
take take
someone
for a ride
take take
someone
for
someone or something
take take
someone
hostage
take take
someone
in
take take
someone
to task

take take
someone
to the cleaners
take take
someone
under
one’s
wing(s)
take take
someone
up on
something
take take
something
take take steps (to prevent
something
)
take take stock (of
something
)
take take the bit between the teeth
take take the bit in
one’s
teeth
take take the bitter with the sweet
take take the bull by the horns
take take the cake
take take the day off
take take the edge off (
something

)
take take the initiative (to
do something
)
take take the law into
one’s
own hands
take take the liberty of
doing something
take take the rap (for
someone or something
)
take take (the) roll
take take the stand
take take the starch out of
someone
take take the trouble (to
do something
)
take take the wind out of
someone’s
sails
take take the words out of
one’s
mouth
take take time off
take take too much on
take take to
one’s
heels

take take to
someone or something
take take turns ((at)
doing something
)
take take umbrage at
something
take take up a collection
take take up arms (against
someone or something
)
take take up
one’s
abode
somewhere
take take up room
take take up
someone’s
time
take take up space
take take up time
take take up where
one
left off
take take up with
someone
take You can’t take it with you.
taken taken aback
taken taken for dead
takes as a duck takes to water

takes have what it takes
takes It takes (some) getting used to.
takes That takes care of that.
tale tell its own tale
tales tell tales out of school
talk all talk (and no action)
talk engage in small talk
talk have a heart-to-heart (talk)
talk like to hear
oneself
talk
talk sweet-talk
someone
talk talk a blue streak
talk talk back (to
someone
)
talk talk big
talk talk down to
someone
talk talk in circles
talk talk
oneself
out
talk talk shop
talk talk
someone or something
up
talk talk
someone’s

ear off
talk talk
someone’s
head off
talk talk
someone
down
talk talk
someone
into
(doing) something
talk talk
someone
out of
(doing) something
talk talk
someone
out of
something
talk talk
something
out
talk talk
something
over
talk talk through
one’s
hat
talk talk turkey
talk talk until

one
is blue in the face
talk the talk of
somewhere
talked talked out
talking Who do you think you’re talking to?
talks money talks
tamper tamper with
something
tan tan
someone’s
hide
tandem in tandem
tangent go off on a tangent
tape red tape
taper taper off (
doing something
)
tar beat the tar out of
someone
tar tar and feather
someone
tar whale the tar out of
someone
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
590
target on target
target a sitting target
tarred tarred with the same brush
task take

someone
to task
taste acquire a taste for
something
taste get a taste of
one’s
own medicine
taste have a taste for
something
taste in bad taste
taste in poor taste
taste leave a bad taste in
someone’s
mouth
taste There’s no accounting for taste.
taste a taste of
something
taste a taste of things to come
tat give
someone
tit for tat
tatters in tatters
taut run a taut ship
tax tax-and-spend
taxes death and taxes
tea coffee, tea, or milk
tea not
someone’s
cup of tea
tea tea and crumpets

teach teach
one’s
grandmother to suck eggs
teach teach
someone
a lesson
teach You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
teacher’s the teacher’s pet
team team up with
someone
teapot a tempest in a teapot
tear tear into
someone or something
tear tear off
tear tear
one’s
hair (out)
tear tear
someone or something
down
tear tear
someone
up
tear wear and tear (on
something
)
tears blood, sweat, and tears
tears bored to tears
tears break (out) in(to) tears
tears burst into tears

tears cry crocodile tears
tears shed crocodile tears
tears That tears it!
tears vale of tears
tee tee
someone
off
teeth armed to the teeth
teeth (as) scarce as hens’ teeth
teeth by the skin of
one’s
teeth
teeth cut teeth
teeth fly in the teeth of
someone or something
teeth get
one’s
teeth into
something
teeth gnash
one’s
teeth
teeth grit
one’s
teeth
teeth lie through
one’s
teeth
teeth no skin off
someone’s

teeth
teeth pull
someone’s or something’s
teeth
teeth put some teeth into
something
teeth scarcer than hens’ teeth
teeth set
someone’s
teeth on edge
teeth sink
one’s
teeth into
something
teeth take the bit between the teeth
teeth take the bit in
one’s
teeth
teething teething troubles
tell kiss and tell
tell not tell a (living) soul
tell show-and-tell
tell tell its own story
tell tell its own tale
tell tell it to the marines
tell tell
one
to
one’s
face

tell tell on
someone
tell tell
people
apart
tell tell
someone
a thing or two
tell tell
someone
off
tell tell
someone
where to get off
tell tell tales out of school
tell tell
things
apart
tell tell time
tell tell which is which
tell Time will tell.
tells my gut tells me (that)
something is so
temper hold
one’s
temper
temper keep
one’s
temper
temper lose

one’s
temper
temperature run a temperature
tempest a tempest in a teapot
ten first and ten
ten wouldn’t touch
something
with a ten-foot pole
tent pitch a tent
tenterhooks keep
someone
on tenterhooks
terms come to terms with
someone or something
terms contradiction in terms
terms in no uncertain terms
terms in terms of
something
terms on good terms (with
someone
)
terms on speaking terms (with
someone
)
terrible I’m terrible at names.
territory come with the territory
territory cover a lot of territory
territory cover the territory
territory unfamiliar territory
test acid test

test litmus test
test put
someone or something
to the test
testament last will and testament
testament
someone’s
last will and testament
tether at the end of
one’s
tether
than Actions speak louder than words.
than (be) easier said than done
than better late than never
than bite off more than
one
can chew
than Blood is thicker than water.
than Blood runs thicker than water.
than easier said than done
than exchange more than
some number of words
with
someone
than Half a loaf is better than none.
than have eyes bigger than
one’s
stomach
than holier-than-thou
than in less than no time

than know better (than to
do something
)
than less than pleased
than more dead than alive
than more fun than a barrel of monkeys
than more often than not
than more
someone or something
than
one
can shake a
stick at
Phrase-Finder Index
591
than more than
one
can bear
than more than
one
can stand
than more than
one
can take
than more than
someone
bargained for
than more (to
something
) than meets the eye

than none other than
someone
than no sooner said than done
than not see farther than the end of
one’s
nose
than
One’s
bark is worse than
one’s
bite.
than
One’s
eyes are bigger than
one’s
stomach.
than scarcer than hens’ teeth
than slower than molasses in January
than There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
than wear more than one hat
thank thank
one’s
lucky stars
Thank Thank you for sharing.
thankful thankful for small blessings
thanks thanks to
someone or something
thanks a vote of thanks
that All’s well that ends well.
that All that glitters is not gold.

that (as) bad as all that
that at that rate
that bad as all that
that bear in mind that
something is so
that be of the persuasion that
something is so
that be that as it may
that be the straw that broke the camel’s back
that bite the hand that feeds
one
that deem that it is necessary
that for that matter
that have a feeling (that)
that have a hunch (that)
something will happen
that I’ll drink to that!
that Imagine that!
that in the unlikely event that
something happens
that look like the cat that swallowed the canary
that my gut tells me (that)
something is so
that or words to that effect
that provided that
something is so
that Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
that run that by (
someone
) again

that say that
something is so
that see (to it) that
something
is done
that ships that pass in the night
that something to that effect
That That ain’t hay.
That That does it!
That That makes two of us.
that That’s that.
That That sucks.
That That takes care of that.
That That tears it!
that turn out (that)
something is so
that words to that effect
that You can say that again!
that a game that two can play
that the exception that proves the rule
that the hair of the dog that bit
one
that the powers that be
That’ll That’ll be the day.
That’s That’s about the size of it.
That’s That’s all for
someone
.
That’s That’s all she wrote.
That’s That’s it!

That’s That’s that.
That’s That’s the ticket.
That’s That’s the way the ball bounces.
That’s That’s the way the cookie crumbles.
the (as) exciting as watching (the) paint dry
the (as) free as (the) air
the at (the) worst
the be-all and (the) end-all
the call (the) roll
the can’t stand (the sight of)
someone or something
the exciting as watching (the) paint dry
the free as (the) air
the get
something
off (the ground)
the go to (the devil)
the let
someone
off (the hook)
the long and (the) short of it
the march to (the beat of) a different drummer
the on (the) one hand
the play (the) devil’s advocate
the take (the) roll
The The jig is up.
the the be-all and (the) end-all
the the morning after (the night before)
their in their entirety
them have them rolling in the aisles

them pack them in
them They don’t make them like they used to.
them up and at them
Them’s Them’s fighting words.
themselves by themselves
themselves speak for themselves
then and then some
then (every) now and then
then now and then
then then and there
theory in theory
there hang in there
there here and there
there here, there, and everywhere
there in there pitching
there neither here nor there
there not all there
there over there
there then and there
There There aren’t enough hours in the day.
There There are plenty of other fish in the sea.
there there is no
doing something
There There is trouble brewing.
There There, now.
There There, there.
There There will be the devil to pay.
There There you go.
there (way) over there
there You got me there.

There’s There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
There’s There’s no accounting for taste.
there’s Where there’s a will there’s a way.
there’s Where there’s smoke there’s fire.
these one of these days
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
592
they count
one’s
chickens before they hatch
They They don’t make them like they used to.
thick (as) thick as pea soup
thick (as) thick as thieves
thick get
something
into
someone’s
thick head
thick get
something
through
someone’s
thick skull
thick lay it on thick
thick pour it on thick
thick spread it on thick
thick thick and fast
thick thick as pea soup
thick thick as thieves
thick thick-skinned

thick through thick and thin
thickens The plot thickens.
thicker Blood is thicker than water.
thicker Blood runs thicker than water.
thieves (as) thick as thieves
thieves thick as thieves
thin on thin ice
thin out of thin air
thin pull
something
out of thin air
thin skate on thin ice
thin spread
oneself
too thin
thin thin on top
thin thin-skinned
thin through thick and thin
thin vanish into thin air
thing amount to the same thing
thing come to the same thing
thing do
one’s
(own) thing
thing every other
person or thing
thing first thing (in the morning)
thing get a thing about
someone or something
thing have a good thing going

thing have a thing going (with
someone
)
thing know a thing or two (about
someone or something
)
thing not know the first thing about
someone or
something
thing not miss a thing
thing One thing leads to another.
thing
one thing or person
after another
thing tell
someone
a thing or two
thing too much of a good thing
thing A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
thing the greatest thing since sliced bread
thing the in thing (to do)
thing the real thing
thing the very thing
things be all things to all men
things be all things to all people
things first things first
things get into the swing of things
things in the swim of things
things just one of those things
things let things slide

things lots of
people or things
things of all things
things other things being equal
things out of the swim of things
things seeing things
Things Things are looking up.
things wash a few things out
things a harbinger of things to come
things a number of things or people
things a portent of things to come
things a sign of things to come
things a taste of things to come
think come to think of it
think get another think coming
think hardly have time to think
think think a great deal of
someone or something
think think a lot of
someone or something
think think back (on
someone or something
)
think think better of
something
think think highly of
someone or something
think think inside the box
think think little of
someone or something

think think much of
someone or something
think think nothing of
someone or something
think think on
one’s
feet
think think out loud
think think outside the box
think think
someone or something
fit for
something
think think
something
out
think think
something
over
think think
something
up
think think the world of
someone or something
think think twice (before
doing something
)
think Who do you think you’re kidding?
think Who do you think you’re talking to?
think You think you’re so smart!

thinking put
one’s
thinking cap on
thinking thinking inside the box
thinking thinking outside the box
thinking to
someone’s
way of thinking
thinking wishful thinking
third get the third degree
third give
someone
the third degree
thirst a thirst for
something
thirsty thirsty for
something
this (a little) new to (all) this
this at this juncture
this at this point (in time)
this at this rate
this at this stage
this Don’t let it out of this room.
this from this day forward
this from this day on
this I just have this feeling
this in this day and age
this new to (all) this
this not long for this world
this Now hear this!

this out of this world
this shuffle off this mortal coil
This This is it.
thither hither and thither
thither hither, thither, and yon
thither thither and yon
Thomas doubting Thomas
thorn a thorn in
someone’s
side
those just one of those things
Those Those were the days.
Phrase-Finder Index
593
thou holier-than-thou
thought (as) swift as thought
thought food for thought
thought lose
one’s
train of thought
thought lost in thought
thought not give it another thought
thought on second thought
thought Perish the thought.
thought school of thought
thought
someone’s
train of thought
thought swift as thought
thought Who would have thought?

thoughts get second thoughts about
someone or
something
thoughts have second thoughts about
someone or
something
thousand one in a thousand
thrash thrash
something
out
thread hang by a thread
thread thread (
one’s
way) through
something
three (as) phony as a three-dollar bill
three (as) queer as a three-dollar bill
three like a three-ring circus
three phony as a three-dollar bill
three queer as a three-dollar bill
three three sheets to the wind
three’s Two’s company(, three’s a crowd).
thrill thrill
someone
to death
thrill thrill
someone
to pieces
thrilled thrilled to death
thrilled thrilled to pieces

throat cut
one’s
(own) throat
throat force
someone or something
down
someone’s
throat
throat get a frog in
one’s
throat
throat get a lump in
one’s
throat
throat have a frog in
one’s
throat
throat have
one’s
words stick in
one’s
throat
throat jump down
someone’s
throat
throat ram
someone or something
down
someone’s
throat

throat shove
someone or something
down
someone’s
throat
throne the power behind the throne
through break through (
something
)
through carry through (on
something
)
through come through
through fall through
through follow through (on
something
)
through get
something
through
someone’s
thick skull
through get through
something
through get through (to
someone
)
through get through with
something
through go right through

someone
through go through
through have been through the mill
through jump through a hoop
through jump through hoops
through leaf through
something
through lie through
one’s
teeth
through live through
something
through make
one’s
way through
something
through pass through
someone’s
mind
through pay through the nose (for
something
)
through pick
one’s
way through
something
through plow through
something
through pull
someone

through (
something
)
through pull through
through put
one
through
one’s
paces
through put
someone
through the wringer
through put
something
through its paces
through read
something
through
through run through
something
through sail (right) through
something
through see
something
through
through see through
someone or something
through shot through with
something
through sit through

something
through slip through
someone’s
fingers
through talk through
one’s
hat
through thread (
one’s
way) through
something
through through and through
through through hell and high water
through through thick and thin
through thumb through
something
through work
one’s
way through college
through work through channels
throw (just) a stone’s throw away (from
something
)
throw throw a fit
throw throw a monkey wrench into the works
throw throw a party (for
someone
)
throw throw caution to the wind
throw throw cold water on

something
throw throw down the gauntlet
throw throw good money after bad
throw throw in the sponge
throw throw in the towel
throw throw
oneself
at
someone’s
feet
throw throw
oneself
at
someone
throw throw
oneself
at the mercy of the court
throw throw
oneself
on the mercy of the court
throw throw
one’s
hands up in despair
throw throw
one’s
hands up in horror
throw throw
one’s
voice
throw throw

one’s
weight around
throw throw (some) light on
something
throw throw
someone
throw throw
something
into the bargain
throw throw
something
together
throw throw (
something
) up
throw throw
something
up to
someone
throw throw the baby out with the bath(water)
throw throw the book at
someone
throw within a stone’s throw (of
something
)
throw a stone’s throw (away) (from
something
)
thrust thrust and parry
thumb get

someone
under
one’s
thumb
thumb have a green thumb
thumb stick out like a sore thumb
thumb thumb a ride
thumb thumb
one’s
nose at
someone or something
thumb thumb through
something
thumb a rule of thumb
thumbnail a thumbnail sketch
thumbs all thumbs
thumbs thumbs down on
someone or something
thumbs thumbs up on
someone or something
NTC’s American Idioms Dictionary
594