[nervous breakdown] {n.} A mild or severe attack of mental illness; a collapse of a person's ability to make decisions and solve problems because of overwork, great mental strain, or […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

nervous prostration

[nervous prostration] {n.} An illness of the mind that makes you feel very tired, worried, and bored, and that often causes headaches, upset stomach, and other sickness. * /Aunt Jane […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Nelly

[Nelly] See: [NICE NELLY] or [NICE NELLIE], [NERVOUS NELLIE]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Ambrose Bierce

(1842-1914) U.S. writer Before undergoing a surgical operation, arrange your temporal affairs. You may live.

smooth over

[smooth over] {v.} To make something seem better or more pleasant; try to excuse. * /Bill tried to smooth over his argument […]

so help me

[so help me] {interj.}, {informal} I promise; I swear; may I be punished if I lie. * /I've told you the truth, so help me./ […]

Albert Einstein

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

Quizzes on idioms starting with K

running commentary

[running commentary] {n. phr.} A continual series of remarks. * /My chiropractor gives me a running commentary on the health […]

see stars

[see stars] {v. phr.}, {informal} To imagine you are seeing stars as a result of being hit on the head. * /When Ted was hit […]