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15 common idioms you may be using wrong

Kattie ThorndykeAugust 16, 2021 3-4 minutes

Idioms are little phrases we use every day that spice up our language. They are not meant to be followed literally, as you’ll see. But are you using them correctly?

Killing two birds with one stone

Definition: Solving two problems with one solution.

Example: I’m in Portland for a conference this week, and my cousin’s wedding is there the next weekend. T; this trip will kill two birds with one stone.

Seeing eye-to-eye

Definition: In agreement with someone, being aligned on an issue.

Example: Now that we hashed out our misunderstanding over the project deliverables, we’re finally seeing eye-to-eye.

Adding insult to injury

Definition: Making a bad situation worse.

Example: Asking our team to accept a pay cut, while working longer hours these days is adding insult to injury.

Beating a dead horse

Definition: Effort expended that is a complete waste of time.

Example: There’s no point beating a dead horse; we all know why that proposed solution isn’t going to fly. Let’s move on.

Getting a second wind

Definition: A burst of energy after feeling exhausted.

Example: Luckily, halfway through my all-nighter, I got my second wind and finished up our client presentation.

Hitting the nail on the head

Definition: Accurately identifying the cause of an issue.

Example: Jenny hit the nail on the head when she said our current campaign failed because we didn’t update our imagery to the current at-home work situations of many.

Stealing someone’s thunder

Definition: Taking the attention away from someone else. 

Example: I didn’t mean to steal your thunder when I announced my engagement right before the boss told the office about your promotion.

Go down in flames

Definition: To fail spectacularly.

Example: That project is going to go down in flames if the project manager is removed.

It takes two to tango

Definition: Both parties are responsible for an unfortunate or negative outcome.

Example: Even though I don’t agree with his management style, I didn’t help the situation.; it takes two to tango.

Bit off more than you can chew.

Definition: Overestimating your capacity or aptitude when taking something on.

Example: When I told my manager I could complete this project by Monday, I definitely bit off more than I could chew.

Blessing in disguise

Definition: The positive outcome of a situation that, at first, seemed negative.

Example: Working from home was a blessing in disguise —, once I figured out how to set boundaries with my work hours. 

Don’t quit your day job

Definition: When someone is so terrible at some action or hobby, they should not pursue it professionally.

Example: After our team-building karaoke night, I told Pardeep he really shouldn’t quit his day job.

Every dog has its day

Definition: Each person will be successful at some point in their life.

Example: This isn’t the right responsibility for Jake, but don’t worry, every dog has its day.

Burning bridges

Definition: When leaving a relationship or place on such bad terms that there is no going back.

Example: If at all possible, when you hand in your resignation letter, you’re hoping to stay on good terms and not burn any bridges. 

Call it a day

Definition: Enough has been completed to successfully and contentedly end work for the day.

Example: It’s getting late and we’ve had a productive working meeting, so let’s call it a day.