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1 of 10
To catch someone unawares; confront someone with an unexpected event or act.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
. pitch a curve
[pitch a curve] or [a curve ball] {v. phr.}
To catch someone unawares; confront someone with an unexpected event or act.
My professor pitched me a curve ball when he unexpectedly confronted me with a complicated mathematical equation that was way over my head.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
To understand another person's feeling imaginatively; try to know his feelings and reasons with understanding; enter into his trouble.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
. put oneself in another's place
[put oneself in another's place] or [put oneself in another's shoes] {v. phr.}
To understand another person's feeling imaginatively; try to know his feelings and reasons with understanding; enter into his trouble.
It seemed like a dreadful thing for Bob to do, but I tried to put myself in his place.
If you will put yourself in the customer's shoes you may realize why the thing isn't selling.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
(Originally the name of a children's game.)
The transfer of a number of officers in an organization into different jobs, especially each other's jobs.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
. musical chairs
[musical chairs] {n. phr.}
(Originally the name of a children's game.)
The transfer of a number of officers in an organization into different jobs, especially each other's jobs.
The boss regularly played musical chairs with department heads to keep them fresh on the job.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
Style or manner of arranging, combing, or wearing one's hair.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
1. To make less; reduce.
2. To get into by cutting in.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
. cut into
[cut into] {v.}
1. To make less; reduce.
The union made the company pay higher wages, which cut into the profits.
The other houses got old and shabby, and that cut into the value of his house.
At first Smith led in votes, but more votes came in and cut into his lead.
2. To get into by cutting in.
She heard the other women gossiping and cut into the talk.
While Bill was passing another car, a truck came around a curve heading for him, and Bill cut back into line quickly.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
To become very much frightened; nervous or excited, especially at a time of danger or worry.
Syn.: [LOSE ONE'S HEAD].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
. push the panic button
[push the panic button] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To become very much frightened; nervous or excited, especially at a time of danger or worry.
John thought he saw a ghost and pushed the panic button.
Keep cool; don't hit the panic button!
Syn.: [LOSE ONE'S HEAD].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
Well-groomed, conservatively dressed.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
To state precisely, to ascertain, to pin down, to peg down.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
At the right place; at the heart of the matter.
Compare: [ON THE DOT].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
To stop talking; keep a secret; shut your mouth; be quiet.
Syn.: [KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT], [SHUT UP].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
. button one's lip
[button one's lip] also [zip one's lip] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To stop talking; keep a secret; shut your mouth; be quiet.
The man was getting loud and insulting and the cop told him to button his lip.
John wanted to talk, but Dan told him to keep his lip buttoned.
Syn.: [KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT], [SHUT UP].
A Dictionary of American Idioms