This is lesson 22 from Idiom Part 3. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Idioms Related To Power and Influence
English Idiom Part 3- Lesson 22- Idioms about Problems
1- All along the line = In every part or stage of something.
We have so many problems all along the line from planning to execution.
2- The tip of the iceberg = A small visible part of a much larger problem.
The delays in delivery are just the tip of the iceberg; the whole system is broken.
3- Get to the bottom of the problem = To find the real cause of a problem.
We need to get to the bottom of the problem before things get worse.
4- More to something than meets the eye = Something is more complex or has hidden aspects.
There is more to that problem than meets the eye we need to investigate further.
5- In a tight corner = In a difficult or troublesome situation.
After missing the deadline, she found herself in a tight corner with her manager.
6- Go off the rails = To behave in an unacceptable or unpredictable way.
After losing his job, he went off the rails and started making poor decisions.
7- Put the cat among the pigeons = To say or do something that causes trouble or controversy.
Her announcement really put the cat among the pigeons at the team meeting.
8- On the blink = Not working properly (usually for machines or electronics).
The printer is on the blink again we’ll have to call tech support.
9- In the same boat = In the same difficult situation as others.
We’re all in the same boat, trying to meet the impossible deadline.
10- Throw a spanner in the works = To cause a disruption or problem in a plan or process.
The supplier going bankrupt really threw a spanner in the works.
11- Under a cloud = Suspected of something or in disgrace.
He resigned under a cloud after the financial audit.
12- Caught on the hop = Surprised or unprepared.
The sudden inspection caught us on the hop, and the office was a mess.
13- In a bit of a jam = In a troublesome or difficult situation.
I’m in a bit of a jam. My car broke down and I’m late for work.
14- Anything for a quiet life = Willing to avoid conflict or confrontation at all costs.
He agreed to the unfair terms, thinking anything for a quiet life.
15- Bury your head in the sand = To ignore or refuse to acknowledge a problem.
You can’t just bury your head in the sand. We have to deal with the financial issues.
16- We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it = Don’t worry about a problem until it actually happens.
If the issue arises, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
17- Keep a low profile = Avoid attracting attention or staying unnoticed.
After the scandal, the celebrity decided to keep a low profile.
18- Let’s sleep on it = To delay making a decision until the next day to think about it more clearly.
I’m not sure about the offer. Let’s sleep on it and decide tomorrow.
19- Give someone the benefit of the doubt = To choose to believe someone’s explanation even if you are not sure it’s true.
She was late, but I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt because of the traffic.
20- Go with the flow = To accept things as they happen without trying to control them.
Sometimes it’s best to just go with the flow rather than stress out.
21- Sweep it under the carpet = To hide or ignore a problem instead of dealing with it.
The company tried to sweep the scandal under the carpet, but the media found out.
22- Paper over the cracks = To hide problems temporarily without solving them.
They tried to paper over the cracks in their relationship, but the issues remained.
23- Nip it in the bud = To stop a problem before it gets worse.
The teacher nipped the bullying in the bud by addressing it immediately.
24- Take the bull by the horns = To face a difficult situation bravely and directly.
She decided to take the bull by the horns and confront her boss about the issue.
25- Turn a blind eye = To ignore something wrong or unpleasant deliberately.
The manager turned a blind eye to the employee’s mistakes to avoid conflict.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 3 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 3, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 3 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
