| Idiom / Saying | Explanation |
|---|---|
To do a complete one-eighty. For example:- The Liberal party did a complete one-eighty on tuition fees. |
To turn around and go in the opposite direction. To reverse a decision or opinion. |
A nine/one/seven-day wonder For example:- Don't put your coats away just yet – yesterday's sizzling hot weather was a one-day wonder. |
Someone or something that causes interest or excitement for a short period but is then quickly forgotten |
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. For example:- I would stay with your current firm, rather than look for something better. After all, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. |
Having something for certain is better than the possibility of getting something better. |
First hand For example:- We can't experience poverty and misery first hand, but we can give to those who suffer from it. |
If you experience something first hand, you experience it yourself. |
Do a number on someone. For example:- The competition was fake and did a real number with my email address. It could take days to get rid of all the spam I got. |
To treat someone very badly or unfairly. |
One foot in the grave. For example:- She's been saying she has one foot in the grave for years now. |
To be close to death, or so old you are likely to die soon |
One good turn deserves another He fixed my computer, so I invited him to the party. One good turn deserves another. |
If someone does something nice for you, you should do something for that person in return. |
A one horse town. For example:- The town I grew up in was a one-horse town. I couldn't wait to move. |
A very small town. (Usually negative.) |
One step ahead For example:- The police hunted him for years, but he always managed to stay one step ahead of them. |
To be slightly better prepared or more successful than someone else. |
Seven year itch For example:- Far too many couples suffer from the seven-year itch (which has been reduced these days to the two-year and even seven-month itch), |
A real or imagined longing for other relationships in the seventh year of marriage. |
To be at sixes and sevens For example:- I was trying to upload photos into my blog, but I was all at sixes and sevens, I didn't have a clue how to do it! |
Used to describe a state of confusion or disarray. |