English expression
Throw in the towel
Meaning
To give up or admit defeat.
In a sentence
After several failed attempts, she finally threw in the towel and hired a professional.
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
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THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
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English expression
The ball is in your court
Meaning
It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
In a sentence
I’ve made my offer—now the ball is in your court.
English expression
Under the weather
Meaning
Feeling sick or unwell.
In a sentence
I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather.
English expression
Spill the beans
Meaning
To reveal a secret or disclose confidential information—often unintentionally.
In a sentence
Don’t spill the beans about the promotion—I haven’t told anyone yet!
English expression
Once in a blue moon
Meaning
Something that happens very rarely.
In a sentence
We go out for dinner once in a blue moon, since we’re always busy with work and kids.
English expression
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning
To reveal a secret before it was meant to be known, often accidentally.
In a sentence
He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party—now it’s ruined!
English expression
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.
In a sentence
When she said the project failed due to poor communication, she really hit the nail on the head.
English expression
Cut corners
Meaning
To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often by sacrificing quality.
In a sentence
The builder cut corners and now the roof is leaking!
English expression
Call it a day
Meaning
To stop working on something, typically because the work is finished or it's time to rest.
In a sentence
We’ve done enough for today—let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.
English expression
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning
To work late into the night; usually to meet a deadline or complete a task.
In a sentence
She burned the midnight oil to finish her thesis before the deadline.
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