Phrazle Answer Archive

Swing for the Fences

Attempt to achieve the largest accomplishment possible

Sleeping Like a Baby

To experience a very deep and restful sleep; to sleep soundly

Point the Finger

At Blame (someone)

About Time

Far past the desired time

Throw the Fight

Intentionally lose a contest, usually in collusion with gamblers

Heard it Through the Grapevine

To learn something via gossip

A Sight for Sore Eyes

A sight that makes you happy

Dog Days of the Summer

The hottest day of summer

Go Off the Deep End

To unexpectedly become very angry, especially without a good reason

Dry Run

A practice execution of a procedure

The Story Has Legs

People are continuing to pay attention to the story.

Take the Edge Off

To slightly improve something negative

Throw Caution to the Wind

To act in a daring way, without forethought

A Match Made in Heaven

A relationship in which the two people are great together, because they complement each other so well

Fishing for Compliments

Try to manipulate people into praising you

Freudian Slip

Accidental use of an incorrect word; a revealing slip of the tongue

A Piece of Cake

Very easily done

A Chip off the Old Block

Someone who resembles a direct ancestor, usually the father

All Roads Lead to Rome

There is more than one effective way to do something; many different methods will produce the same result

Nothing to Write Home About

Unspectacular, ordinary

Birds of a Feather

People having similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs.

Chasing Rainbows

To pursue unrealistic goals

Does That Ring a Bell

Sound familiar

On the Mend

Be improving after an illness

Burn the Midnight Oil

Working late into the night

The Whole Enchilada

All of something.

One Foot in The Grave

To be near death (usually because of old age or illness)

Get My Hands Dirty

To do the unpleasant parts of a job

You Know the Drill

You are already familiar with the procedure.

Blow the Whistle

Reporting an illegal or unacceptable activity to the authorities

Window Dressing

A misleading disguise intended to present a favorable impression

Take a Hike

Go away

Speak of the Devil

The person we have just been talking about has entered.

Low Hanging Fruit

Easy parts of a task; solutions easy to obtain

Just for the Record

I would like to make it clear that …

Albatross Around My Neck

Something from one’s past that acts as a hindrance

Move Up in the World

Become more successful

All Fur Coat And No Knickers

Superficially attractive, physically or otherwise

Act Your Age

To be mature, not childish

Get With the Program

Figure out what everyone else already knows. Often used sarcastically, as a command

All Set

Ready, prepared, finished

Snake Oil Salesman

A useless medicine; a quack remedy; a product or measure promoted as a solution that really does nothing to help

Run into a Buzz Saw

Saw Encounter severe and unexpected problems

Five Finger Discount

Shoplifting

Acid Test

A crucial event that determines the worth of something

To Iron Out

To resolve

All Over But The Shouting

Certain to end in a specific way

Bet the Farm

Risk everything; spend all one’s money on something in hopes of success