Reading set "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" (Number of items 10)
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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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
put oneself in another's place
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
hairdo
hairdo {n.}
Style or manner of arranging, combing, or wearing one's hair.
"How do you like my new hairdo?" Jane asked, as she left the beauty parlor.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
button-down
button-down {attrib. adj.}, {slang} (stress on "button")
Well-groomed, conservatively dressed.
Joe is a regular button-down type.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
button down
button down {v.}, {slang} (stress on "down")
To state precisely, to ascertain, to pin down, to peg down.
First let's get the facts buttoned down, then we can plan ahead.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
on the button
on the button {adv., adj.}, {slang}
At the right place; at the heart of the matter.
John's remark was right on the button.
Compare: ON THE DOT.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms