English Idioms and Phrases
Meanings and Examples
1. A damp squib
Meaning: A complete failure or something that turns out to be much less exciting or effective than expected.
Example: The visit of our Foreign Minister to the USA proved to be a damp squib on the issue of terrorism.
2. ABC
Meaning: The most basic knowledge of a subject.
Example: He doesn’t know the ABC of Physics.
3. Alpha and Omega
Meaning: The beginning and the end; the most important part of something.
Example: The alpha and omega of British policy was to keep the Indians divided.
4. An eyewash
Meaning: A pretence intended to deceive; something done merely to create an appearance.
Example: He does nothing without self-interest; all his excuses are merely an eyewash.
5. At someone’s beck and call
Meaning: Always ready to serve or help someone.
Example: Don’t worry; I am at your beck and call.
6. Between the cup and the lip
Meaning: Even when success seems certain, something may still go wrong.
Example: Until I had the appointment letter in my hand, I was not sure about the posting, as there could still be many slips between the cup and the lip.
7. By fits and starts
Meaning: Irregularly; with pauses and interruptions.
Example: Work done by fits and starts is never completed on time.
8. Curtain lecture
Meaning: A private scolding or reprimand given by a wife to her husband.
Example: My younger brother never pays any attention to his wife’s curtain lectures.
9. Fire and brimstone
Meaning: Threats of severe punishment or terrible consequences.
Example: The USA threatened Iraq with fire and brimstone if it refused to follow the UN resolutions.
10. Gird up one’s loins
Meaning: To prepare oneself to face a difficult task.
Example: We should gird up our loins to fight poverty and the menace of dowry.
