Flashcards based on "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" set

Prev Next
1 of 10


end for end

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[end for end]  {adv. phr.}
In a reversed or opposite position (as upside down or backwards); the other way around; over.
The box turned end for end as it fell, and everything spilled out.
The wind caught the canoe and turned it end for end.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


end in itself

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[end in itself]  {n. phr.}
Something wanted for its own sake; a purpose, aim, or goal we want for itself alone and not as a way to something else.
The miser never spent his gold because for him it was an end in itself.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


end of one's rope

Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[end of one's rope] or [end of one's tether]  {n. phr.},  {informal}
The end of your trying or imagining; the last of your ability, or ideas of how to do more.
Frank was out of work and broke, and he was at the end of his rope.
The doctor saw that Mother had reached the end of her tether, and told us to send her away for a holiday.
Compare: [AT ONE'S WIT'S END], [FED UP], [UP AGAINST IT], [UP A TREE].
Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


hard-and-fast

Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[hard-and-fast]  {adj.}
Not to be broken or changed; fixed; strict.
The teacher said that there was a hard-and-fast rule against smoking in the school.
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


hardly any

A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[hardly any] or [scarcely any]
Almost no or almost none; very few.
Hardly any of the students did well on the test, so the teacher explained the lesson again.
Charles and his friends each had three cookies, and when they went out, hardly any cookies were left.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


hardly ever

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[hardly ever] or [scarcely ever]  {adv. phr.}
Very rarely; almost never; seldom.
It hardly ever snows in Florida.
Johnny hardly ever reads a book.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


make a splash

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[make a splash]  {v. phr.}
To cause a sensation.
The brilliant young pianist, barely 14 years old, made quite a splash on the concert circuit.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


make head or tail of

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[make head or tail of]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To see the why of; finding a meaning in; understand. — Used in negative, conditional, and interrogative sentences.
She could not make head or tail of the directions on the dress pattern.
Can you make head or tail of the letter?
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


make it snappy

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[make it snappy]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To move quickly; be fast; hurry. — Usually used as a command.
"Make it snappy," Mother said, "or we'll be late for the movie."
The man hurried into the restaurant and told the waitress, "A cup of coffee, and make it snappy."
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


big wheel

Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[big wheel]  {n.},  {informal}
An influential or important person who has the power to do things and has connections in high places.
Uncle Ferdinand is a big wheel in Washington; maybe he can help you with your problem.
Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms