Flashcards based on "Random idioms to learn" set

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1 of 10
To cry or complain about something that has already happened; be unhappy about something that cannot be helped.
Compare:
[MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT],
[WATER OVER THE DAM] or [WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE].
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10

cry over spilled milk

[cry over spilled milk] or [cry over spilt milk]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To cry or complain about something that has already happened; be unhappy about something that cannot be helped.
After the baby tore up Sue's picture book, Sue's mother told her there was no use crying over spilled milk.
You have lost the game but don't cry over spilt milk.
Compare:
[MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT],
[WATER OVER THE DAM] or [WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE].
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
Something that happened in the past and cannot be changed.
Compare: [CRY OVER SPILLED MILK].
Categories: noun time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10

water over the dam

[water over the dam] or [water under the bridge]  {n. phr.}
Something that happened in the past and cannot be changed.
Since the sweater is too small already, don't worry about its shrinking; that's water over the dam.
Compare: [CRY OVER SPILLED MILK].
Categories: noun time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
To change and make weaker; weaken.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10

water down

[water down]  {v.}
To change and make weaker; weaken.
The Senator argued that the House should water down the bill before passing it.
The African American did not accept watered down Civil Rights legislation.
After talking with the management about their demands, the workers agreed to water them down.
The teacher had to water down the course for a slow-learning class.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
Of the finest quality; superior; very good; best.
Compare: [FIRST-CLASS].
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10

of the first water

[of the first water]  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Of the finest quality; superior; very good; best.
The jeweler chose diamonds of the first water for the queen's crown.
The dance program at graduation was of the first water.
Compare: [FIRST-CLASS].
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
1. To keep water without leaking.
2.  {informal}
To prove true; stand testing; bear examination. — Usually used in negative, interrogative, or conditional sentences.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10

hold water

[hold water]  {v. phr.}
1. To keep water without leaking.
That pail still holds water.
2.  {informal}
To prove true; stand testing; bear examination. — Usually used in negative, interrogative, or conditional sentences.
Ernest told the police a story that wouldn't hold water.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
To withdraw from or refuse to be responsible for.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10

wash one's hands of

[wash one's hands of]  {v. phr.}
To withdraw from or refuse to be responsible for.
We washed our hands of politics long ago.
The school washed its hands of the students' behavior during spring recess.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
Weakened; diluted.
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10

watered down

[watered down]  {adj.}
Weakened; diluted.
The play was a disappointing, watered down version of Shakespeare's Othello.
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
To choose your words carefully; be careful to use the right words.
Categories: time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10

weigh one's words

[weigh one's words]  {v. phr.}
To choose your words carefully; be careful to use the right words.
When a teacher explains about religion, he must weigh his words because his pupils may be of several different faiths.
When old Mr. Jones talked to the students about becoming teachers, he spoke slowly, weighing his words.
In a debate, a political candidate has little time to weigh his words, and may say something foolish.
Categories: time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
Not experienced; not knowing how to do something; new in a job or place.
Contrast: [DRY BEHIND THE EARS].
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10

wet behind the ears

[wet behind the ears]  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Not experienced; not knowing how to do something; new in a job or place.
The new student is still wet behind the ears; he has not yet learned the tricks that the boys play on each other.
Contrast: [DRY BEHIND THE EARS].
Categories: adjective informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
A person or thing that keeps others from enjoying life.
Compare: [CREPE HANGER].
Categories: informal life noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10

wet blanket

[wet blanket]  {n.},  {informal}
A person or thing that keeps others from enjoying life.
The teenagers don't invite Bob to their parties because he is a wet blanket.
The weatherman throws a wet blanket on picnic plans when he forecasts rain.
Compare: [CREPE HANGER].
Categories: informal life noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms