Idioms Beginning With: 'I'

• Categories
  By Topic By Country
• A-Z
  ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
• Latest
• Search

It takes two to tango

This idiom is used to suggest that when things go wrong, both sides are involved and neither side is completely innocent.

It's an ill wind that blows no good

This is said when things have gone wrong; the idea being that when bad things happen, there can also be some positive results.

It's as broad as it is long

(UK) Used to express that it is impossible to decide between two options because they're equal.

It's been a slice

(USA) When someone leaves and you have said your goodbyes it is usually the last thing you may say..........It's been a slice. I use it after a visit where we have had a good time.

It's no use crying over spilt milk

This idiom means that getting upset after something has gone wrong is pointless; it can't be changed so it should be accepted.

It's not the size of the dog in fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog

Usually refering to a small dog attacking a larger animal, this means that fierceness is not necessarily a matter of physical size, but rather mental/psychological attitude.

It's not the size of the man in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the man

This idiom means that determination is often more important than size, strength, or ability.  ('It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.' is also used.)

It's your funeral

The other person has made a decision that you think is bad. However, it is their choice; it is their funeral.

Itch to

If you are itching to do something, you are very eager to do it.

Itchy feet

One gets itchy feet when one has been in one place for a time and wants to travel.

Ivory tower

People who live in ivory towers are detached from the world around them.

If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum. If you know of an idiom that you would like to be listed here, please use our online form to suggest an idiom.