English Idioms

English Idioms About “General”
Idiom: Take a dim view of
Meaning: To disapprove of something.
Example: My grandfather takes a dim view of the new law.

English Idioms About “Law”
Idiom: The spirit of the law
Meaning: When one obeys the spirit of the law but not the letter, one is doing what the authors of the law intended, though not necessarily adhering to the literal wording. (See also letter of the law) In one of the best known examples, The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare introduces the quibble as a plot device to save both the spirit and the letter of the law. The moneylender Shylock has made an agreement with Antonio that if he cannot repay a loan he will have a pound of flesh from him. When the debt is not repaid in time Portia at first pleads for mercy in a famous speech: “The quality of mercy is not strain’d, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” (IV,i,185). When Shylock refuses, she finally saves Antonio by pointing out that Shylock’s agreement with him mentioned no blood, and therefore Shylock can have his pound of flesh only if he sheds no blood.
Example: A judge who adheres to the spirit of the law is concerned with the intent and purpose of the lawmaker.

English Idioms About “Parts of the body”
Idiom: Stiff upper lip
Meaning: One who has a stiff upper lip displays fortitude in the face of adversity, or exercises self-restraint in the expression of emotion.
Example: He always has a stiff upper lip. He never complains.

English Idioms About “Clothes”
Idiom: The men in grey suits
Meaning: The phrase the men in grey suits refers to the powerful and influential men in business or politics. A variation of this idiom is: the men in suits
Example: The men in grey suits will decide the future of this nation.

English Idioms About “Music”
Idiom: On the horns of a dilemma
Meaning: To face a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives.
Example: I found myself on the horns of dilemma and I didn’t know which direction to choose.

English Idioms About “Sexuality”
Idiom: Be better than sex
Meaning: Said about something which is very enjoyable or exciting.
Example: Riding a horse is a real fun. It’s better than sex.

English Idioms About “Weather”
Idiom: Under a cloud
Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is suspected of having done something wrong.
Example: After the murder of the old lady, everyone living in the house was under a cloud.

English Idioms About “Relationship”
Idiom: Play a joke
Meaning: (Also play trick) to deceive someone for fun.
Example: On April fool’s day some people play practical jokes on their friends.

English Idioms About “Parts of the body”
Idiom: Face the music
Meaning: Said when someone accepts to confront the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.
Example: After failing to manage the crisis, the manager had to face the music.

English Idioms About “Science”
Idiom: Dad fetch my buttons
Meaning: Said to express a surprise.
Example: Dad fetch my buttons! He won a lot of money in the lotery.