Home Idioms

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush:
- Meaning: It’s better to have something tangible or certain than to risk losing it for something more uncertain.
  - Sample sentence: We decided to sell our small apartment because we found a buyer. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Bite the bullet:
- Meaning: To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and resilience.
  - Sample sentence: Moving to a new city for a job was tough, but we had to bite the bullet and start fresh.
Close to home:
- Meaning: Directly affecting or involving someone personally.
  - Sample sentence: The news about the economic downturn hit close to home when my father lost his job.
Down to the wire:
- Meaning: An event or situation that goes on until the last possible moment.
  - Sample sentence: Decorating the house for the party came down to the wire, but we finished just in time.
Every cloud has a silver lining:
- Meaning: In difficult situations, there is often a positive aspect or opportunity.
  - Sample sentence: Though the flood damaged our basement, every cloud has a silver lining—we discovered valuable items we thought were lost.
Feather your nest:
- Meaning: To make one’s home comfortable and secure, often by accumulating wealth or possessions.
  - Sample sentence: They worked hard to feather their nest, buying a house and furnishing it with care.
Get a foot in the door:
- Meaning: To establish an initial presence or opportunity.
  - Sample sentence: Landing an internship with a prestigious company is a great way to get a foot in the door for future job opportunities.
Hit the hay:
- Meaning: To go to bed or go to sleep.
  - Sample sentence: After a long day of moving, we were ready to hit the hay and get some rest.
In someone’s good graces:
- Meaning: To be in someone’s favour or approval.
  - Sample sentence: Completing the project ahead of schedule put me back in the boss’s good graces.
Jump on the bandwagon:
- Meaning: To adopt a popular trend or activity.
  - Sample sentence: Many homeowners are jumping on the bandwagon of sustainable living by installing solar panels.
Keep a stiff upper lip:
- Meaning: To remain brave and resolute in the face of adversity.
  - Sample sentence: Despite the challenges, she managed to keep a stiff upper lip and stay optimistic.
Let the cat out of the bag:
- Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept confidential.
  - Sample sentence: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Make yourself at home:
- Meaning: To feel comfortable and welcome in someone else’s home.
  - Sample sentence: When you visit, make yourself at home; feel free to use anything you need.
No place like home:
- Meaning: Home is the most comfortable and pleasant place.
  - Sample sentence: After a long trip, I realized there’s no place like home.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire:
- Meaning: Moving from a bad or difficult situation to an even worse one.
  - Sample sentence: Leaving the stressful job turned out to be out of the frying pan and into the fire as the new one was even more demanding.
Put all your eggs in one basket:
- Meaning: To invest all your resources or efforts into one single thing, risking total loss.
  - Sample sentence: Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Roll out the red carpet:
- Meaning: To give someone a lavish or ceremonious welcome.
  - Sample sentence: The company rolled out the red carpet for the new CEO, hosting a grand welcome party.
Strike while the iron is hot:
- Meaning: To take advantage of an opportunity promptly.
  - Sample sentence: The housing market is favorable right now; it’s time to strike while the iron is hot and buy a property.
Turn over a new leaf:
- Meaning: To make a fresh start or change one’s behavior for the better.
  - Sample sentence: After the divorce, she decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on personal growth.
Up in the air:
- Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
  - Sample sentence: The plans for the home renovation are still up in the air; we haven’t finalized the details.
Visit the drawing board:
- Meaning: To go back to the beginning and reevaluate or redesign a plan.
  - Sample sentence: The initial design didn’t meet our expectations, so we had to visit the drawing board and come up with a new concept.
When the dust settles:
- Meaning: After a disturbance or upheaval, when things become calm or clear.
  - Sample sentence: Let’s wait until the dust settles after the renovation before redecorating.