Idiom Category: Body and bodily functions, Page 7

Off-hand

Off-hand means without preparation. People say that they don't know the answer off-hand, meaning that they don't know it at that time.

On my back

If people are on your back, they are bothering or nagging you.

On the face of it

This idiom is used when describing the way a situation appears, while allowing for the possibility that things may be different: On the face of it, the company looks very profitable.  (The company appears to be very profitable, but this may not be the case.)

On the nod

(UK) If something is accepted by parliament or a committee majority, it is on the nod.

On the nod

(UK) Someone who's on the nod is either asleep or falling asleep, especially when the shouldn't or are are in a position unusual for sleep, like sitting or standing.

On the nose

This means right on time.

On the right foot

If you start something or set off on the right foot, you get off to a good start.

On the tip of your tongue

If a word is on the tip of your tongue, you know you know the word, but you just can't quite remember it at the moment.

On your last legs

If someone's on their last legs, they're close to dying.

On your toes

Someone on his or her toes is alert and ready to go.

One hand washes the other

This idiom means that we need other people to get on as cooperation benefits us all.

One in the eye

If you achieve something that will irritate someone because they did not think that you were capable it is one in the eye for them.

Out of hand

If something gets out of hand, it gets out of control.

Out of your hair

If you get someone out of your hair, you get them to stop bothering or annoying you. ('Stay/keep/get out of my hair!' can be used as imperatives)

Out on a limb

If somebody's out on a limb, they are in a very exposed position and could get into difficulties.

Over your head

If something is over your head, or goes over your head, it is too complex or difficult for you to understand.

Pain in the neck

If someone is very annoying and always disturbing you, they are a pain in the neck. Pain in the butt, or pain in the ass (USA), and Pain in the arse (UK) are less polite alternative forms.

Pay through the nose

If you pay through the nose for something, you pay a very high price for it.

Pick someone's brains

If you pick someone's brains, you ask them for advice, suggestions and information about something they know about.

Plain as the nose on your face

If something is as plain as the nose on your face, it is very clear and obvious.

Plastic smile

When someone is wearing a plastic smile, they are appear to be happier with a situation or events than they actually are. This is actually a description of the forced smile you might see in many photographs.

Play into someone's hands

If you play into someone's hands, you do what they were expecting you to do and take advantage of this.

Play it by ear

If you play it by ear, you don't have a plan of action, but decide what to do as events take shape.

Play out of your skin

If someone plays out of their skin, they give an outstanding performance.

Point the finger

When you point the finger at someone, you are accusing and blaming them for something.

Pound of flesh

If someone wants their pound of flesh, the force someone to pay or give back something owed, even though they don't need it and it will cause the other person a lot of difficulty.

Powder your nose

If somebody goes to powder your nose, it is a euphemism for going to the lavatory (toilet).

Press the flesh

When people, especially politicians, press the flesh, they meet members of the public and shake their hands, usually when trying to get support.

Prick up your ears

If you prick up your ears, you listen very carefully.  ('Pick up your ears' is also used.)

Pull someone's leg

If you pull someone's leg, you tease them, but not maliciously.

Pull the wool over someone's eyes

If you pull the wool over someone's eyes, you deceive or cheat them.

Pull your finger out!

(UK) If someone tells you to do this, they want you to hurry up. ('Get your finger out' is also used.)

Put a bug in your ear

If you put a bug in someone's ear, you give him or her a reminder or suggestion relating to a future event.

Put on a brave face

If you put on a brave face, or put a brave face on something, you behave confidently or cheerfully even though things are difficult. ('Brave front' is also used.)

Put or get someone's back up

If you put or get someone's back up, you annoy them.

Put somebody's nose out of joint

If you put someone's nose out of joint, you irritate them or make them angry with you.

Put your best foot forward

If you ut your best foot forward, you try your best to do something.

Put your foot down

When someone puts their foot down, they make a firm stand and establish their authority on an issue.

Put your foot in it

If you put your foot in it, you do or say something embarrassing and tactless or get yourself into trouble.

Put your foot in your mouth

If you put your foot in your mouth, you say something stupid or embarrassing.

Put your hand on your heart

If you can out your hand on your heart, then you can say something knowing it to be true.

Put your heads together

If people put their head together, they exchange ideas about something.

Put your money where your mouth is

If someone puts their money where their mouth is, they back up their words with action.

Put your shoulder to the wheel

When you put your shoulder to the wheel, you contribute to an effort.

Put your thumb on the scales

If you put your thumb on the scales, you try to influence the result of something in your favour.

Rack your brain

If you rack your brain, you think very hard when trying to remember something or think hard to solve a problem, findf and answer, etc. ('Rack your brains' is an alternative.)

Raise eyebrows

If something raises eyebrows, it shocks or surprises people.

Rib tickler

A rib tickler is a story or joke that will make you laugh a lot. Alternately, a joke might "tickle your ribs".

Roll your eyes

If you roll your eyes, you show with your eyes that you don't believe someone or aren't interested in what they're saying.

Rub shoulders

If you rub shoulders with people, you meet and spend time with them, especially when they are powerful or famous.

Suggest an Idiom