Everyday English Idioms

The next step after writing out examples is to actually use them in real conversations with friends, family and co-workers, or even with strangers whom you come across when you are doing your daily activities and errands

While the cat’s away, the mouse (or mice) will play

People whose behaviour is strictly controlled go over the top when the authority is not around, which is why most teenagers have parties when their parents have gone on holiday. The parents are the scary authority figures, but the cat’s away and the kids are the mice partying and enjoying their freedom.

Just off the boat

If someone is just off the boat, they are naive and inexperienced.

Dark horse

If someone is a dark horse, they are a bit of a mystery, or someone who starts something (like a competition) slowly, but then comes on strong at the end.

Constitution of an ox

If someone has the constitution of an ox, they are less affected than most people by things like tiredness, illness, alcohol, etc.

Bedroom eyes

Someone with bedroom eyes has a sexy look in their eyes.

As cool as a cucumber

If someone is as cool as a cucumber, they don’t get worried by anything.

If you are at loose ends, you have spare time but don’t know what to do with it.

shortest possible distance between two places.

As the crow flies