208. The
student who studies the following selection of English idioms will notice that
metaphor
enters largely into idiomatic phraseology.
1
In spite
of all his brag he had to eat humble pie (to apologize humbly, to yield under
humiliating
circumstances).
Take care
what you say! You will have to eat your words (to retract your statements, to
take back
what you have said).
I am
prepared to meet you half-way (come to a compromise with you).
It is silly
to meet trouble half-way (i.e.,to anticipate it; to worry about it before it
comes).
This
unexpected new difficulty put me on my mettle (roused me to do my best.)
This is of
a piece with (in keeping with) the rest of his conduct.
He is not
worth his salt (quite worthless) if he fails at this juncture.
The cost
of living has increased so much that he finds it difficult to make both ends
meet
(to
live within his income).
As
a social reformer, he set his face against (sternly opposed) nautch parties.
At the
battle of Marengo, Napoleon was within an ace of (on the point of) defeat
(i.e., he
was
very nearly defeated).
2
The belief
in witchcraft is losing ground (becoming less powerful or acceptable).
Lord
Roberts first won his laurels (acquired distinction or glory) in India.
It was in
parliamentary debate that he won his spurs (made his reputation as a
politician).
When the
prodigal returned to his father's house, he was received with open arms (with a
warm
welcome).
How can
you trust a man who plays fast and loose (says one thing and does another) ?
I took him
to task (rebuked him) for reading “penny dreadfuls”.
He turned
a deaf ear to (disregarded) my advice.
That
argument will not hold water (stand scrutiny i.e., it is unsound).
He is
determined to achieve his object by hook or by crook (by fair means or foul; by
any
means he
can).
To all
intents and purposes (practically, virtually) the Prime Minister of Nepal was
the
ruler
of the country.
3
The
singer, having a slight cough, was .not in voice (unable to sing well) at the
concert.
These two
statements do not hang together (i.e., are not consistent with each other).
This is
more than flesh and blood (human nature) can endure.
He
accepted my statement without reserve (fully, implicitly).
I must
take exception to (object to) your remark.
He is
indulgent to a fault (i.e., he is over-indulgent; so indulgent that his
indulgence is a
fault).
The belief
in efficacy of vaccination is gaining ground (becoming more general).
From his
attitude it is clear that he wants to pay off old scores (to have his revenge).
He has
been working on and off (at intervals) several years to compile a dictionary.
He
visits me off and on (now and then, occasionally).
4
At least
on the question of child-marriage we are at one (of the same opinion).
He took my
advice in good part (without offence ; i.e., he did not resent it).
It was he
who put a spoke in my wheel (thwarted me in the execution of my design).
At an
early age he made his mark (distinguished himself) as a chemist.
I have it
at my fingers' ends (know it thoroughly).
The new
play has fallen flat (met with a cold reception).
Where
discipline is concerned I put my foot down (take a resolute stand).
It is a
matter of gratification to me that he has turned over a new leaf (changed for
the
better;
begun a different mode of life).
I have
made up my mind (resolved, decided) to retire from business.
This
puts me in mind (reminds me) of an amusing incident.
5
There's no
love lost between them (i.e., they are not on good terms, they dislike each
other).
Many
people in that country live from hand to mouth (i.e., without any provision for
the
future).
Steady
work is sure to be rewarded in the long run (eventually, ultimately).
Whatever
else one may say of him, no one dare call in question (challenge, express a
doubt
about) his honesty of purpose.
The police
came to the scene in the nick of time (just at the right moment, opportunely).
She stood
by him through thick and thin (under all conditions, undaunted by anything).
His
partner threw cold water on his scheme (discouraged him by showing indifference
to
it).
He can
turn his hand to (adapt or apply himself to) anything.
The Sultan
rules his subjects with a high hand (oppressively).
He
is hand and glove (on very intimate terms) with my cousin.
6
He turns
even his errors to account (i.e., profits by them).
He is
accused of sitting on the fence (halting between two opinions, heistating which
said
to join).
It is all
one (just the same) to me whether he lives in Mumbai or Kolkata.
What is
the point at issue (in dispute) ?
The
inquiry has brought to light (disclosed) some startling facts.
He is not
fit to hold a candle to (not to be named in comparison with) his predecessor.
He burnt
his fingers (got himself into trouble) by interfering in his neighbour's
affairs.
I suspect
the fellow lives by his wits (i.e., he has no settled means of subsistence but
picks up a
living by deceit or fraud).
He bids
fair (seems likely) to rival his father as a lawyer.
He
strained every nerve (used his utmost efforts) to get his friend elected.
7
When I saw
him last he was beside himself (out of his mind) with grief.
He spent
over it much time and energy, and lost a large sum into the bargain (in
addition,
besides).
When I
entered the house everything was at sixes and sevens (in disorder or
confusion).
Recently
he has been giving himself airs (behaving arrogantly).
The attack
might be launched at any time, so you must be on the alert (on your guard,
ready to
act).
Retrenchment
is the order of the day (the prevailing state of things) in every public and
private
office.
In the
manufacture of dyes the Germans bear the palm (are preeminent).
Agriculture
in America has kept pace with (progressed at equal rate with) industrial
activities.
This
text-book of chemistry is quite out of date (obsolete).
This
is the most up-to-date (modern, recent) book on the subject.
8
What you
say has no bearing on the subject in hand (under discussion or consideration).
It speaks
volumes for (serves as a strong testimony to) Dr. Johnson's industry that he
should
have compiled the dictionary without anyone's help.
Poor
fellow! he is hoping against hope (hoping even when the case seems hopeless).
I am told
he has got into hot water (into trouble).
Ultimately
I got the better of him (overcame him).
He was
found guilty, but, he got off easy (got a light sentence).
I wash my
hands of the whole matter (i.e., I refuse to have anything more to do with it).
The
situation seems to have got quite out of hand (beyond control).
It is said
that he has a finger in the pie (has something to do with the affair, is mixed
up in
the
affair).
That
fellow sets everybody by the ears (i.e., he is a mischief-maker).
9
You have
hit the nail on the head (said or done exactly the right thing).
Today he
is in high spirits (cheerful, joyful).
How is
that? You seem out of spirits (gloomy, sad).
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