Idioms/British
British English idioms. Select an idiom for more details.
a drop in the ocean
If an amount is a drop in the ocean, it's a very small portion of the amount that's needed.
a new lease of life
If someone has a new lease of life, they have a new enthusiasm for living.
a piece of cake
If you say that something is a piece of cake, you mean that it is extremely easy.
an axe to grind (2)
If you have an axe to grind, you have a strong opinion about something and you express this opinion whenever you can.
another string to your bow
If you have another string to your bow, you have another way of making a living.
at a loose end
If you're at a loose end, you have nothing to do.
can't see the wood for the trees
If you can't see the wood for the trees, you can't see the whole situation clearly because you're looking too closely at small details, or because you're too closely involved.
come a cropper
INFORMAL
If you come a cropper, you fall over, or you make a mistake which has serious consequences for you.
come up trumps
If you come up trumps, you succeed in something that you may not have been expected to succeed in.
eat humble pie
If you eat humble pie, you admit that you are in the wrong and behave apologetically.
go down a treat
If something goes down a treat, it's a great success and everyone enjoys it.
itchy feet
INFORMAL
If you have itchy feet, you feel the need to go somewhere different or do something different.
jobs for the boys
If you say "jobs for the boys" you're referring to the fact that people in positions of power sometimes use their power to give jobs to their friends or family members.
just the ticket
You can say something is just the ticket if it's the perfect thing or if it's exactly what's needed.
make a song and dance about something
If you make a song and dance about something, you make a big deal out of, or a fuss over, something that isn't very important.
off your own bat
If you do something off your own bat, you do it without being asked to or told to.
right up your street
If something is right up your street, it would be perfect for you or ideal for your skills and interests.
take the mickey | mick out of someone
INFORMAL
If you're taking the mickey out of someone, or taking the mick out of them, you're making fun of them or copying their behaviour for a laugh.
um and ah
If you "um and ah" you're having trouble deciding what to say, or you're having trouble telling somebody something.
zebra crossing
A zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing that is marked on the road with painted black and white stripes.