The idiom “like herding cats” calls on the independent and stubborn reputation of cats, differentiating them from herd animals like sheep. It’s seen as impossible to get a group of cats to all head in the same direction. No matter how hard you try to direct or corral them, they will all go wherever they … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Like Nobody’s Business’ Like nobody’s business means very well; better than most; in an extraordinary way; very much; very fast; energetically; with exceeding intensity; to a great degree or in large amounts.1,2,3,4,5 Anything that can be done can be done ‘like nobody’s business.’ For example, “When I saw her huge boyfriend, I … Read more
To know something like the back of your hand is not the only English idiom that refers to the back of one’s hand. But these idioms are surprisingly unrelated. To ‘give (or show) someone the back of your hand‘ means to reject them or show contempt for them; to be unimpressed with a person or … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Watch (someone, something) Like a Hawk’ To watch someone (or something) like a hawk means to observe them very closely; to carefully and vigilantly watch someone, especially to make sure they do not do anything wrong. Sentence Examples “The guards were told to watch the new prisoner like a hawk as he … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel’ When something is like shooting fish in a barrel, it is extremely easy to do; ridiculously easy; almost impossible to fail at; opposition that is easy to defeat. See the similar idiom like taking candy from a baby. Usage Notes In English, fish in a barrel … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Like Taking Candy From a Baby’ If something is like taking candy from a baby, it is extremely easy to do; too easy to do; nearly impossible to fail at. Similar idioms are like shooting fish in a barrel, easy as pie, piece of cake, cakewalk, and turkey shoot. This idiom has … Read more
Meaning Of Idiom ‘Hot Potato’ When something is a hot potato it is a problem, situation, or subject that is controversial, divisive, sensitive, awkward, risky, embarrassing, difficult, or unpleasant to deal with; something that causes a lot of disagreement; something that makes people angry when discussed. 1,2,3 Sentence Examples “People say gun control is a … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Feel Like (doing something’ To feel like doing something means to want to do it; to have the urge, desire, or inclination to do something; to be in the mood to do it. A very common phrase is ‘what do you feel like eating?’ This means ‘what do you want to eat?’ You can … Read more
The Chesire Cat is most associated with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol. In the story, the Chesire cat had a broad grin planted on its face and would slowly disappear, starting with its tail and ending with its grin, which would remain a few moments after the rest of it had gone. Although … Read more
Also: Like there ain’t no tomorrow As if there is no tomorrow Meaning of Idiom ‘Like There’s No Tomorrow’ When someone is doing something like there is no tomorrow, they are doing it eagerly and quickly, with great energy and without stopping or thinking; with no regard for future consequences; continually; thoughtlessly; obsessively. 1,2,3 Want … Read more