English expression
Sit on your hands
Meaning
To take no action when a situation or problem needs attention.
In a sentence
We cannot sit on our hands while the booking errors continue.
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
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THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
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English expression
Set in stone
Meaning
Fixed and very difficult or impossible to change.
In a sentence
The timetable is not set in stone; we can change the afternoon session.
English expression
See the light
Meaning
To finally or suddenly understand something that was unclear before.
In a sentence
After the teacher drew a diagram, I finally saw the light.
English expression
Rock bottom
Meaning
The lowest possible level or the worst point in a situation.
In a sentence
Team morale hit rock bottom after the third cancelled project.
English expression
Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning
To spoil someone’s plans or enjoyment.
In a sentence
I do not want to rain on your parade, but the tickets are already sold out.
English expression
Put two and two together
Meaning
To work out what is happening by connecting pieces of information.
In a sentence
I saw the packed boxes and the empty desk, then put two and two together.
English expression
Put the cart before the horse
Meaning
To do things in the wrong order, dealing with a later step before an essential earlier one.
In a sentence
Buying the furniture before measuring the room puts the cart before the horse.
English expression
Put a spoke in someone’s wheel
Meaning
To make it difficult for someone to carry out their plan.
In a sentence
The unexpected booking restriction put a spoke in our wheel.
English expression
Pull strings
Meaning
To use personal influence or important contacts to obtain something or help someone.
In a sentence
He asked whether anyone could pull strings to get an extra invitation.
English expression
Play your cards right
Meaning
To act wisely in a situation so that you improve your chance of success.
In a sentence
If you play your cards right, this short placement could lead to more work.
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