People Idioms

All brawn and no brain	Someone who is physically very strong but not very intelligent is said   to be all brawn and no brain.   "He's an impressive player to watch, but he's all brawn and no brain."
All sizzle and no steak	Someone or something that turns out to be disappointing, after a   promotional campaign or marketing operation which led us to expect   something better, is called all sizzle and no steak.   "Because of all the electoral promises he made, which so far he has failed   to keep, many people call the new president "all sizzle and no steak".
(You can't be) all things to all people	If you are all things to all people you please or satisfy everyone.   She's exhausted trying to be a good wife, a good mother and a good   teacher, but she can't be all things to all people.
Alter ego	The term alter ego, which in Latin means 'other self',   refers to a very close and trusted friend who is very like yourself.
The apple of your eye.	If somebody is the apple of your eye, this means that you like    them very much :  "My grandson is the apple of my eye".
Armchair critic	An armchair critic is someone who gives advice based on theory   rather than practice.  "That guy is such an armchair critic, no experience but plenty of advice! "
Armchair traveller	Someone who reads books or watches TV programmes about other   places and countries but doesn't actually travel anywhere is called an    armchair traveller.   A surprising number of adventure books are bought by armchair travellers.
A bad egg	To refer to someone as a bad egg means that they cannot be   trusted.   "I don't want my son to be friends with Bobby Smith.   Bobby's a bad egg."
Behind the times	A person who is behind the times has old-fashioned ideas and   does not keep up with modern life in general.   "Jane doesn't have a mobile phone.  She's completely behind the times."
Big cheese	This expression refers to a person who has a lot of power and influence   in an organization.   "Tom's father is a big cheese in the oil industry."
Big fish in a small pond	This term is used to refer to an important or highly-ranked person   in a small group or organization.    "He could get a job with a big company but he enjoys being   a big fish in a small pond."
Born with a silver spoon in one's   mouth.	To say that someone was born with a silver spoon in   their mouth means that their family is very rich and privileged.   "She never has to worry about money; she was born with a silver   spoon in her mouth."
Butter wouldn't melt in your mouth.	If you say that somebody looks as if butter wouldn't melt in   their mouth, you are saying that they look completely innocent,   but that they are capable of doing unpleasant things.
Call a spade a spade	A person who calls a spade a spade speaks openly and truthfully   about something, especially difficult matters.   "What I like about the new manager is that he calls a spade a spade -   it makes things so much easier for everyone."
A fat cat	To refer to a rich and powerful person as a fat cat means that  you disapprove of the way they use their money or power.
Cat's whiskers	This expression refers to someone who considers themselves   to be better than others in a particular area - beauty, competence,   intelligence, sport, etc.,   "Ever since she got a promotion, she thinks she's the cat's whiskers!"
Like chalk and cheese.	Two people who are like chalk and cheese are completely   different from each other.
A chip off the old block	If you refer to a person as a chip off the old block, you mean that   they resemble one of their parents in appearance, character or behaviour.   "James is a chip off the old block - he reacts exactly the same way as   his father."
A class act	To say that someone, for example an athlete or an entertainer, is   a class act means that they are very good at what they do.  "Her career is just beginning but she's already a class act."
As cool as a cucumber.	A person who is as cool as a cucumber is a person who is   not anxious, but relaxed and non-emotional.
A couch potato	If you refer to someone as a couch potato, you criticize them for   spending a lot of time sitting and watching television.   "Don't be such a couch potato.  There are better ways of spending   your time than in front of the TV."
Not cut out for something	If you are not cut out for something, you are not the sort of person   to succeed or be happy in a particular activity.   "I started studying medicine but I quickly realized I wasn't cut out for it."
Dead wood	The term dead wood refers to people or things which are no longer   considered useful or necessary.   "The new manager wants to reduce costs by cutting out the dead wood."
(not) do justice   (to someone or something)	If you do not show the true value of someone or something, you do   not do justice to them/it.   "The photograph doesn't do her justice; she's really much prettier   than that."
A dog in the manger	A person referred to as a dog in the manger is someone who   stops others enjoying something he cannot use or doesn't want.
Doubting Thomas	A 'doubting Thomas' is as person who will not believe something   without proof, or without seeing it for themselves.
Down at heel	A person who is down-at-heel is someone whose appearance is untidy   or neglected because of lack of money.   "The down-at-heel student I first met became a successful writer."
Down to earth	Someone who is down to earth is not a dreamer but a realistic and   practical person who has sensible reactions and expectations.   "Don't ask Suzy for help.  She's fun, but not very down to earth."
Dressed to kill	When someone, especially a woman, is dressed to kill, they are   wearing very fashionable or glamorous clothes intended to attract   attention.   "She arrived at the reception dressed to kill."
Dressed up to the nines	To describe someone as dressed up to the nines means   that they are wearing very smart or glamorous clothes.   "Caroline musts be going to a party -    she's dressed up to the nines!"
Dyed-in-the-wool	This expression is used to describe a person who has fixed,   uncompromising, deep-felt beliefs to which they are committed.    "Bob and Jane are dyed-in-the-wool ecologists who use only   biodegradable products."
Eager beaver	The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and   enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous.   "The new accountant works all the time - first to arrive and last to leave   - a real eager beaver!"
Eagle eyes	Someone who has eagle eyes sees or notices things more easily   than others.   "Tony will help us find it - he's got eagle eyes!"
Even steven	Two or more people who are even stevens are equal to each other.   None of them has more than the others; none is owed anything or   has anything due.  "The two boys shared equally the money they made delivering pizzas   so now they're even stevens."
Every Tom, Dick and Harry.	This expression means everyone or everybody.   "Every Tom, Dick and Harry has a credit card these days!"
Eyes like a hawk	If you've got eyes like a hawk, you've got good eyesight and notice   every detail.   "Of course Dad will notice the scratch on his car - he's got eyes like   a hawk!  "
Face like a bulldog chewing a   wasp	To say that someone has a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp   means that you find them very unattractive because they have a   screwed-up ugly expression on their face.   "Not only was he rude but he had a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp!
Face like a wet weekend	If someone has a face like a wet weekend, they are wearing   a sad expression and look miserable.   "What's wrong with Pete? He's got a face like a wet weekend."
Face like thunder	If someone has a face like thunder, they look very angry.   "When Dad is really angry, he has a face like thunder!"
Face only a mother could love	This is a humoristic way of saying that someone is ugly or   not attractive.  "The poor guy has a face only a mother could love."
Fast talker	A person who speaks quickly and easily but cannot always be trusted   is called a fast talker.  "The salesman was a fast talker and persuaded the old lady to buy   a new washing machine."
Fat cat	To refer to a rich and powerful person as a fat cat means that   you disapprove of the way they use their money or power.   "The place was full of fat cats on their big yachts."
To a fault	To say that somebody has a good quality to a fault means that   they have a lot, or even too much, of that quality.    "My aunt is generous to a fault, ready to help anyone to claims   to be in need."
Feet of clay	If someone who is admired is found to have a hidden weakness,   fault or defect of character, they are said to have feet of clay.   "No one is perfect. Many successful people have feet of clay."
Fifth wheel	This expression refers to a person who finds themselves in a situation   where their presence is unnecessary and as a result they feel useless.   "Everyone seemed to have a specific role except me. I felt like a fifth    wheel."
Five o'clock shadow	This expression refers to a patch of stubble on the face of a man   who hasn't shaved for at least a day.   "He looked tired and had a five o'clock shadow."
Fixed in your ways	People who are fixed in their ways do not want to change their   normal way of doing things.   "My grandparents are very fixed in their ways."
Fly-by-night	A 'fly-by-night' person, business or venture is considered untrustworthy   because they operate briefly and disappear overnight.  "I bought it in one of those fly-by-night stores and now I can't exchange    it. The place has closed down."
(As) fresh as a daisy	Someone who is as fresh as a daisy is lively and attractive,   in a clean and fresh way.   "I met Molly the other day. She looked as fresh as a daisy!"
Full of hot air	A person who full of hot air is full of nonsense and talks a lot  without saying anything worthwhile.  "Don't listen to Tony. He's full of hot air!"
(Full of the) milk of human kindness	Someone who has, or is full of, the milk of human kindness, is   naturally kind and compassionate to others.   " She's a wonderful person - full of the milk of human kindness."
Full of piss and vinegar	People who are full of piss and vinegar are very lively, boisterous   or full of youthful vitality.   "I had to look after a group of kids full of piss and vinegar."
Fur coat and no knickers	A person who tries to appear distinguished but has no real class   is referred to as "fur coat and no knickers".  "Don't let her impress you.  She's what we call 'fur coat and no knickers'!
Going places	To say that someone is going places means that they show   talent and ability that will no doubt lead to a successful future.   "Even at college it was obvious that Paul was going places."
Sour grapes.	To say that someone's attitude is "sour grapes" means that   they are trying to make others believe that something they cannot have   is of no importance.   "When she didn't get the job she said she wasn't interested in it anyway,   but that's just sour grapes!"
Hairy at the heel	A person who is hairy at the heel is thought to be untrustworthy   or even dangerous.   "Rumour has it that the owner of the club is a bit hairy at the heel."
Hard as nails	A person who is as hard as nails is someone very unsympathetic   who does not seem to care about others.
Have your head in the clouds	If you have your head in the clouds, you are so absorbed by your   thoughts that you are not paying attention to what is happening   around you.   "He's doesn't listen to the teacher - he's got his head in the clouds    all the time!"
Have the makings of something	A person who has the makings of something has qualities and   potential that could be developed.   "The teacher says Sarah has the makings of an excellent journalist."
Old head on young shoulders	This expression is used to refer to a child or young person who   thinks and expresses themselves like an older more-experienced   person.       "When she heard Emily warning her little brother to stay out of trouble,   her mum thought : "That's an old head on young shoulders".
Head and shoulders above	To say that a person or thing is head and shoulders above the   others means that they are much better that the rest of their kind.  "The award-winner was head and shoulders above the others."
Hide one's light under a bushel	If you hide your light under a bushel, you are modest or do not   reveal a talent, quality or skill you possess.   "So you play the saxophone in a club on Saturday nights - you really   hide your light under a bushel, don't you!"
High and mighty	Someone who is high and mighty behaves in a haughty manner,   as if they were superior to others.  "Don't you get all high and mighty!" said my grandmother to my cousin.   "Everyone helps with the housework in this house."
Holier-than-thou	This expression is used to describe the attitude of people who   consider themselves to be more virtuous or morally superior to others.   "I can't stand the holier-then-thou attitude of some candidates."
Horse of a different colour	To describe a person or a problem as a horse of a different colour   means either that the person does things differently from others or   that the nature of the problem is a entirely different.   "I expected to negotiate with the sales manager but the chairman   turned up - now he's a horse of a different colour!"
A dark horse.	If you refer to a person as a "dark horse", you mean that they   are secretive, or that little is known about them.
In a class of one's own	If someone is in a class of their own, they are unequalled and   considered better than anyone else of their kind.   "As a singer, Maria Callas was in a class of her own."
Jack of all trades.	A "jack of all trades" is a person who can do many different things   but is not very good at any one of them.
Just off the boat	A person who is just off the boat is naive and lacks experience.   "He's efficient although he look as if he's just off the boat."
Keep up appearances	A person who keeps up appearances maintains an outward show of   prosperity or well-being in order to hide their difficulties from others.   "He continued to keep up appearances even when business was bad."
Knee-high to a grasshopper	This term refers to a very young and small child   "Look how tall you are! Last time I saw you, you were knee-high   to a grasshopper!
Last but not least	When introducing a number of people, this expression is used   to assure the audience that the last person mentioned is no less   important than those previously named.   "And now, last but not least, here is the final candidate."
Laughing stock	This expression refers to a person or group that everyone laughs at   because they do something stupid or ridiculous.   "If you wear that to school you'll be the laughing stock of the class!"
Life and soul of the party	The life and soul of the party is the most lively and amusing   person present at an event.   "I'm so glad we invited Caroline. She was the life and soul of the party!"
Live wire	Someone who is highly vivacious, energetic and full of enthusiasm   is a live wire.   "Things have brightened up since Charlie arrived.  He's a real live wire."
Long in the tooth	A person who is long in the tooth is a bit too old to do something.   "She's a bit long in the tooth for a cabaret dancer isn't she?"
Look the part	If you look the part, your appearance makes you ideally suited for a   particular job or role.   "It was a mistake to chose a pretty young girl to play the witch.   She didn't look the part at all."
Look a picture	If someone or something looks a picture, they look very pretty.   "The little girl looked a picture in her new dress."
Look the picture of health	To look the picture of health means to look completely or extremely   healthy.   "Nice to see you again Mr. Brown. I must say you look the picture of   health."
Look a sight	If a person looks a sight, their appearance is awful, unsuitable   or very untidy.   "She looks a sight in that dress!"
Loose cannon	Someone who is referred to as a loose cannon is a member of a group   who cannot be completely trusted because of unpredictable and   irresponsible behaviour which can cause trouble or danger.   "Keep an eye on Jamie. He tends to turn into a loose cannon when he   has a few drinks."
Find/meet your match	If you find or meet your match, you encounter someone who is equal   to you in skills or abilities.   "Barry is an excellent tennis player, but he met his match in William."
Mouse potato	This term refers to a person who spends a lot of time in front of the   computer.  "My son and his friends are all mouse potatoes - constantly glued to    the computer!"
All mouth and no trousers	This is said of someone who talks a lot about doing something   but never actually does it.   "He keeps saying he's going to resign and travel around the world,   but he's all mouth and no trousers!"
Movers and shakers	The term movers and shakers refers to people in power who take   an active part in making things happen.   "Movers and shakers are assembling in Brussels for the summit."
Your name is mud	To say that a person's name is mud means that they have acquired   a bad reputation because of something they have done or said.   "His name is mud now after the revelations in the newspaper."
Nice as pie	If a person is nice as pie, they are surprisingly very kind and friendly   "After our argument, she was nice as pie!"
Not a hair out of place	To say that someone does not have a hair out of place means that   their appearance is perfect.   "Angela is always impeccably dressed - never a hair out of place!"
Not have a stitch on	Someone who does not have a stitch on is wearing no clothes   and is therefore completely naked.   "When the doorbell rang, he didn't have a stitch on!"
Not the only pebble on the   beach	To say that someone is not the only pebble on the beach means   that they are not the only person worth consideration or interest.   "He thinks his refusal to join the team will cause problems, but there   are alternatives ... he's not the only pebble on the beach."
Out of character	If you do something that is out of character, it is unlike your usual   behaviour or not what is expected from you.   "The way she panicked was out of character for such a normally   calm person."
A square peg in a round hole.	To say that a person is a "square peg in a round hole", means   that they are not suitable for the job they are doing or the situation   they are in.
A pen pusher.	To refer to someone as a "pen pusher" means you think that person   does work which requires little action, just office work, and they they   lack operating experience.
Pie-eyed	Someone who is pie-eyed is completely drunk.   "He had never taken an alcoholic drink so after one beer he was   pie-eyed."
A plum in your mouth	Someone who speaks with an upper class accent is said to have   a plum in their mouth.  "He speaks just like an aristocrat - with a plum in his mouth!"
Plastic smile	A person with a plastic smile is wearing a forced smile which   makes them appear happier than they really are.   "A receptionist greeted customers with a plastic smile."
Poker face	Someone who has a poker face has an expressionless face that shows   no emotion or reaction at all.   "He sat with a poker face all through the show, revealing nothing of his   thoughts."
Proud as a peacock	A person who is as proud as a peacock is extremely proud.   "When his son won first prize, Bill was as proud as a peacock."
Put your pants on one leg at a time	To say that someone puts their pants on one leg at a time means   that the person is a human being no different from anyone else.   "Don't be scared to speak to him.  He puts his pants on one leg at   a time just like the rest of us!"
Have a quick temper	If you have a quick temper, you get angry very easily.   "He makes me nervous - he's got such a quick temper."
Rotten apple	This term refers to a person who is considered to be dishonest or   immoral and has a bad influence on others in a group.   "It is said that in any profession there's always a rotten apple."
Rough diamond	This expression refers to a person who is good-natured but who   lacks polished manners and/or education.   "He's a great guy, but a bit of a rough diamond!"
It runs in the family	This refers to a physical or moral characteristic that is common to   many members of a family   "Black hair and blue eyes - the combination runs in the family."
Saving grace	A person who has a saving grace has a quality which prevents them   from being totally bad.   "She's a horrible person but she has one saving grace, her kindness    to animals."
(Have) Sea legs	A person who has sea legs is used to walking on a moving ship,   or has the ability to adjust to a new situation.   "It takes a while in a new job to find your sea legs."
Set in one's ways	A person who is set in their ways is someone who is unable or   unwilling to change their ideas, habits or methods, often because   they are old   "My grandmother has the same routine every day.  She's very set   in her ways."
Shrinking violet	A person referred to as a shrinking violet is a timid or shy person.   "The witness was no shrinking violet.  She had no difficulty   expressing herself!"
Significant other	The term significant other refers to a person, such as a spouse,   partner or lover, with whom you have a long-term relationship.
Silver surfer	A silver surfer is an elderly person who uses the internet.   "After just a few lessons my grandmother was ready to join the   silver surfers."
Silver-tongued	A person who is a smooth talker, and speaks so convincingly   that they manage to persuade others to do what they want,   is said to be silver-tongued.   "A silver-tongued salesman persuaded my mother to buy a new    washing machine although the one she had was fine!"
Sleeping /silent partner	This term refers to a person who invests money in a business without   taking an active part in its management, and whose association with   the enterprise is not public knowledge.   "He works alone, but his business is partly financed by a   sleeping partner."
Slippery as an eel	To say that someone is as slippery as an eel means that they are   difficult to catch and they manage to avoid answering questions.   "That man is as slippery as an eel.  He was arrested for theft several   times but was never convicted."
Small fry	People or organizations that are unimportant can be referred to   as 'small fry'.   This term also refers to young children.   "The police seized a large quantity of drugs and some small fry,   but not the organizers they were hoping to catch."
Smart alec	A smart alec is an annoying self-assertive person who tries to   show off how clever they are.   "Some smart alec interrupted the game claiming that the answers   were incorrect!"
Small dog, tall weeds	This expression is used to refer to someone you think is incapable   or does not have the resources to perform a task.   "It may be too difficult for the trainee - small dog, tall weeds!"
A social butterfly	This term refers to a person who has a lot of friends and acquaintances   and likes to flit from one social event to another.   "Julie is constantly out and about; she's a real social butterfly."
Spitting image	If one person is the spitting image of another, they look exactly   like each other.   "Sarah is the spitting image of her mother."
Square peg in a round hole	To say that a person is a "square peg in a round hole", means   that they are not suitable for the job they are doing or the situation   they are in.   "Sarah wasn't happy in her her job.  She said she felt like a square   peg in a round hole."
Straight as an arrow	Someone who is as straight as an arrow is a morally upright person   who is extremely honest.   "You can leave the keys with Andy.  He's as straight as an arrow."
Straight as a ramrod	Someone who is straight as a ramrod is a person who keeps a   straight back and looks very serious.   "When my grandfather invited us for dinner, he used to sit straight   as a ramrod at the head of the table."
As stubborn as a mule	If someone is as stubborn as a mule, they are very obstinate and   unwilling to listen to reason or change their mind.   "His friends advised him to accept the offer, but you know Jack -   he's as stubborn as a mule!"
Talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey	This expression is used to describe a very talkative person.   "It's difficult to end a conversation with Betty.  She could talk the hind   leg off a donkey!"
Thin on the top	If someone, usually a man, is said to be thin on the top,   they are losing their hair or going bald.   "Dad's gone a bit thin on the top in the last few years."
Top dog	To say that a person, group or country is top dog means that   they are better or more powerful than others.   "She's top dog in cosmetics today."
Tough as old boots	If something, especially meat, is (as) tough as old boots, it is   hard to cut and difficult to chew.   (Can also refer to a person who is strong physically or in character.)   "We were served a steak as tough as old boots."
A tough cookie	A person who is a tough cookie is one who is self-confident and   ambitious and will do what is necessary to achieve what they want.   "I'm not worried about Jason's future.  He's a tough cookie!"
Two of a kind	People who are two of a kind are similar in character, attitude or    tastes.   "Pete and Tom are two of a kind. They enjoy sports and are both very   competitive."
(as) ugly as sin	This expression is used to refer to people or things that are   considered to be very unattractive.   "Have you seen the new neighbour's dog? It's as ugly as sin!"
Upper crust	This term refers to the higher levels of society, the upper class or    the aristocracy.   "William hides his working-class background and pretends to be    from the upper crust."
Vertically challenged	This expression is a humoristic way of referring to someone who is   not very tall.   "High shelves are difficult for vertically challenged shoppers.
A wet blanket	A person who is a wet blanket is so boring or unenthusiastic   that they prevent  other people from enjoying themselves.   "Come on! Don't be such a wet blanket!"
A whistle-blower	If you report an illegal or socially-harmful activity to the authorities,   and give information about those responsible for it, you are    a whistle-blower.   "The bad working conditions were reported by a whistle-blower."
Whiz-kid	A whiz kid is someone, usually young, who is very talented and   successful at doing something.  "Apparently the new engineer knows what he's doing -   a real whiz-kid from what I've heard."
Winning ways	If a person has winning ways, they have a charming or persuasive   manner of gaining the affection of others or obtaining what they want.   "My grandson is hard to resist - he's got such winning ways."
Worth one's/its weight in gold	Someone or something that is worth its weight in gold is   considered to be extremely helpful or useful and therefore of great   value.   "We couldn't run the farm without Tom. He's worth his weight in gold."
Worlds apart	When two people are very different, they are said to be worlds apart.   "As regards our political opinions, we're worlds apart."