The word bomb invokes fear in the mind. Nonetheless, it has inspired the creation of several idioms. In this lesson we will take a look at some idiomatic expressions using the word bomb.

C

Call a spade a spade: Speak clearly and plainly; describe something as it is

Carry coals to New Castle: Do something that is totally unnecessary

Cast pearls before swine: Do something for people who cannot appreciate it

Chip on the shoulder: A bad attitude that tends to get someone easily upset

Cold shouldered: Be treated in an offhand unfriendly way

Come hell or high water: Persevere no matter what difficulties are encountered

Come off with flying colors: Be highly successful

Crocodile tears: Fake tears

Cut to the chase: To cut to the chase is to focus on what is really important.

D

Daylight robbery: Blatant and unfair overcharging

Dutch courage: False sense of courage that a person feels when they are under the influence of alcohol.

E

Eat humble pie: To eat humble pie is to behave humbly especially after a setback

Excuse my French: Please forgive my swearing

End of story: There is nothing more to be said

F

A face like a bulldog chewing a wasp: A very ugly face

Fall on your sword: Commit suicide or offer resignation

Fish in troubled waters: Make profit when others are in trouble

G

Get off on the wrong foot: To begin doing something in a way that is likely to fail

Get your feet wet: Get your first experience of something

H

Have an axe to grind: Have an ulterior motive

Head over heels: Very excited

Hit the hay: Go to bed

Hold your horses: Hold on; be patient

Hot off the press: Freshly printed

I

In a nutshell: In very few words; clearly and to the point

In high spirits: Very happy

In the limelight: At the center of attention

It never rains but it pours: When troubles come they come together