Chapter 12 Idioms And Phrases
“An idiom is a number of words which taken together, mean something different from the individual words of the idiom when they stand alone” Mc Mordie Some of these idioms often violate the principles of logical grammar. But they have the sanction of long usage and have to be learned as a whole without any change or modification of words.
Be kind and polite, but above all be honest.
Your enemy is after all an honest person (in spite of what may be said to the contrary)
He gave sweets to all and sundry presents there (all without exception).
He is all in all there (all powerful)
You treated me ill; I love you all the same (nevertheless)
He goes to bed at 10 p.m. as a rule (usually)
The sun is, as it were the lamp of the universe.
As for myself, I know nothing of it.
Read And Learn More WBBSE Class 9 English Functional Grammar
He is as good as (practically, lost to us.
I shall inherit my father’s property as a matter of course (as a matter of right).
He came at 5, as usual.
I do not care for him at all
Stick to the truth at all costs.
I was at a loss (puzzled) and did not know what to do.
His popularity is at a low ebb (decreasing)
They would have parted at any rate (in any possible case).
He keeps me at arm’s length (avoids me,
I can walk eight miles at a stretch (with one effort,).
Come one at a time (each time,).
Life is short at best (taking the best account).
You are at best a fool.
They are at daggers drawn with each other (in a state of violent enmity,).
He was at fault (puzzled,) and did not know what to say.
I am quite at home (familiar,) with (or in) Algebra. I am quite at home (comfortable,) here.
He has his lessons at his finger-ends (or, finger-tips).
Birds are flying at large (freely,) in the sky. He is popular with the people at large (the general body of people).
He succeeded at last (ultimately,).
He has at length (after a long time) come to a decision.
He had ten men at most or at the most (taking the most hopeful view,).
I was at my wits end at the news of his failure (perplexed,).
At the outset, I must thank you all (in the beginning, প্রথমেই).
He talks at random (aimlessly, অসংলগ্নভাবে ).
I am quite at sea (perplexed, হাবুডুবু খাওয়া) in English.
Everything is at sixes and sevens here (in disorder, এলোমেলো, বিশৃঙ্খলা).
He came at the eleventh hour (at the last moment, শেষ মুহূর্তে )
He is at the end of his tether by spending lavishly (at the end of resources, আর্থিক ক্ষমতা বা আয়ের শেষ সীমায়).
He became a brilliant scholar, but only at the expense (or cost) of his health (at the loss of).
The child is at the point of death (about to die).
He is at the root of all the trouble (cause, 21601).
At times he loses his temper (occasionally, মাঝে মাঝে )
Your deeds are at variance with your words (different from,).
Let there be no bad blood (ill feeling) between us.
They left the place bag and baggage (with all belongings, তল্পিতল্পা-সমেত). (with bag and baggage).
I am at your beck and call (at your behest, ডাকলেই হাজির ).
Your remarks are beside (or, wide of) the mark (or, the point) (irrelevant, অপ্রাসঙ্গিক ).
Don’t worry, he will come back beyond doubt (without doubt, or certainly,). His honesty is beyond dispute or question ( সন্দেহাতীত )
He gave himself body and soul to the ‘pursuit of pleasure (wholly, entirely, সম্পূর্ণভাবে )
The people here are by and large (mostly) agriculturists.
You will feel better by and by (soon, শীঘ্রই ).
He shone in life by dint of industry (through, R).
He shows great energy by fits and starts (impulsively and irregularly, মাঝে মাঝে খুব উদ্যমের সাথে, নিয়মিতভাবে নয় ).
I shall get the thing by fair means or foul (also by hook or by crook) (by any means, direct or indirect, ভালোমন্দ যে কোনো উপায়েই
).
He is taller than you by head and shoulders. He is above me in courage by head and shoulders (very much).
The country has progressed by leaps and bounds (at a rapid rate, f, অর্থাৎ খুব দ্রুত গতিতে ).
He came to power by means of treachery (through).
I can by no means agree to do it (certainly not).
I said this only by the way (in passing, প্রসঙ্গক্রমে ).
He succeeded by virtue of (on account of) hard labor.
I am tired of doing the same work day in and day out (every day).
What a pity to see all his efforts running down the drain (wasted, I).
He is fair and square in his dealings (honest).
I want only fair field and no favour (impartial justice, কোনো প্রকার অনুগ্রহ নয়, শুধু নিরপেক্ষ ব্যবহার )
The news spread far and near, or far and wide (everywhere).
The visits of my friends are few and far between (rare, ).
Enquire about this first and foremost (first or all,).
Flesh and blood cannot endure such insults (human nature with emotions, weaknesses, etc., রক্ত মাংসের দেহ নিয়ে.
He left the country for good (or, for good and all) (forever).
I did this for the sake of peace between us.
This has been the custom here from time immemorial (from very ancient times, স্মরণাতীত কাল হতে).
I said this in defense of my conduct (in support).
He acted in defiance of orders (against,
I come here from time to time (occasion-PCA). nally, মাঝে মাঝে )
He gave me this book in exchange for
There are no hard and fast rules in this pen. matter (fixed, বাঁধা ধরা ) I cannot make head or tail of what you say (i.e. cannot understand.
He tried heart and soul (earnestly, 2) to help me.
Mr. Roy was left high and dry (abandoned সম্পূর্ণভাবে পরিতান্ত) by his relatives when he lost all his money.
He hates a hole and corner policy (secret, লুকোচুরি),
I heard a hue and cry (outcry, then.
He was in favor of voting for women.
In fine, he assured me of his support (in short, to sum up,).
That law is no longer in force (valid). The enemy came in force (in large numbers).
Music was in full swing (full operation) when I came.
I did this in good faith (in honest belief, সরল বিশ্বাসে).
His help stood me in good stead (was of The order has been kept in abeyance great help, বেশ কাজে লেগেছিল). (মুলতুবী).
He came in accordance with my advice (according to).
I was placed in a dilemma (or, on the horns of a dilemma) by his request (faced with a choice between things that are equally undesirable, উভয় সংকটে).
He is in deep water (great difficulties, গাঢ় সমস্যায়) and needs your help.
I am in a fix (puzzled, সমস্যায় ) and want your advice.
I know the ins and outs of the matter (full details, খুঁটিনাটি সব)
The affairs are in a mess here (বিশৃঙ্খল অবস্থায়).
Give the story in a nutshell (briefly, সংক্ষেপে).
Put it down in black and white (in writing, লিখিতভাবে),
In case (if,) you fail, what will you do? The trial was held on camera (privately, not in public).
He was murdered in cold blood (deliberately without any provocation, উত্তেজনার মুখে নয়, ঠান্ডা মাথায়).
He said this in the course of the conversation.
Though still in his teens he has made a name as a speaker (“between the ages of twelve and twenty, all the numbers coming in between, end in -teen”. – Mc. Mordie).
His deeds are in keeping with his words (consistent with). The farmers paid their rents in kind (in goods, RH, ).
He gave me land in lieu of cash (in the place of, পরিবর্তে ).
I finished the work in no time (very quickly, freak).
He is in no way inferior to me (কিছুতেই বা কোনো রূপেই না).
I said this in order to encourage him.
He came in person (personally,) to see me.
In pursuance of your advice, I went to see him (according to). The police went there in quest of a thief (in search of, cancer).
He is senior to me in respect of (in point of) service.
The cost will be Rs. 50 in round numbers (roughly, A).
He troubles me with his request in season and out of season (at all times, সময়ে অসময়ে, সব সময়েই). Give the story in short (briefly, PC). In spite of (despite,) hard labor he failed. Instead of coming here, he has gone home (পরিবর্তে).
I am in the dark about his purpose (ignorant, অন্ধকারে থাকা ) I shall be ruined in the event of my failure (in the case of, TUG).
He persevered in the face of (against) all opposition.
I am in the good books (or, graces) of my master (to have favor,).
In the bad or black books disfavor, কুনজরে in
I was in two minds about what I should do (unsure,).
In view of what you say, I pardon you this time.
This dress is much in vogue (fashion, চলতি) now.
All his kith and kin (blood relations and kinsfolk) left him. [Not kiths and kins] (আত্মীয় স্বজন).
Meetings were held throughout the length and breadth (the whole extent) of the country (সর্বত্র).
He is the life and soul of the club (main support, জীৱন ). He cared only for the loaves and fishes of office (personal gains).
Formerly our country flowed with milk and honey (abundance, 2):
They are going neck and neck (running
He came in the guise (i.e., dress) of an even in a race, keen competition or contest) beggar (ছদ্মবেশে).
The theft was committed in league with the servant (in alliance with, st).
Truth must win in the long run (ultimately, “X).
and we cannot say who will win (সমান সমান পাল্লা দেওয়া).
I searched every nook and corner (i.e., everywhere) for the missing letter ( কানাচে.
Now and again he looked at the door
( Some administrative changes are in the pipeline (waiting to be considered,). হওয়ার মুখে).
Please write to me now and then The police came in the nick of time (just (occasionally, in time, ঠিক সময়ে).
Now or never is the time to do it (this is The company is in the red (in debt) right the moment of act, 4, OR). from the inception.
Let us meet the situation boldly; we are in the same boat (have the same danger to face, এক বিপদের সম্মুখীন):
He made undue haste and was in the soup (in serious difficulties) for his utter rashness.
He acted in the teeth of strong opposition (in defiance of, প্রবল বাধা সত্ত্বেও).
I shall return in time (by the proper time). The thief will be caught in time (sooner or later).
There is something in the wind (there are signs that some step is being secretly taken, কোনো কিছু ঘটতে চলেছে তার আভাষ)
The will was declared null and void (invalid,).
Of late, he has become popular (lately, সম্প্রতি),
The servants are collecting the odds and ends of the feast (remnants, stray articles, অবশিষ্ট টুকিটাকি জিনিস)
He comes here off and on ( মাঝে মাঝে, অনিয়মিতভাবে).
He is off his head (অপ্রকৃতিস্থ).
He resigned the post of his own accord (স্বেচ্ছায়).
It is of no avail to lament the past. He is a painter of the first water ( দরের).
They marched on and on for a week (without a break).
The two essays are on par with each other (একই মানের)
The local restaurants are out of bounds for the soldiers (outside the permitted area).
Do not go out of doors now. Such fashions are out of date (সেকেল’ বলে
I thank you all on behalf of my cloud now হতে)
My stomach is a little out of order
I shall pay you the money on demand today. Your amendment is out of (চাহিবামাত্র
Read the passage once again (once more). I tell you once and for all that you must not do it (শেষ বারের মতো).
He comes here once in a blue moon ( very rarely, নয়মাসে ছয়মাসে ).
We meet once in a while ( অনেকদিন পর 213).
The proposal was supported by one and all (everybody without exception, The tournament is on its last legs (C অবস্থায়).
The bank is on the brink (or, verge) of ruin (very near).
I do not hate; on the contráry, I love you much (সম্পূর্ণ বিপরীত ).
He is never marked late in his office; he reached the office on the dot every day ( ঠিক সময়মতো).
He died on the eve of victory (just before).
The story is false on the face of it (judging by appearances when first seen or heard, আপাত দৃষ্টিতে বা শুনে যা মনে হয়).
I was on the point of going out when he came.
Their business is on the rocks (failing, পড়তির দিকে),
Do not do anything on the spur (or, heat) of the moment (হঠাৎ উত্তেজনার মুখে)
Our country is on the threshold of a new era (হঠাৎ উত্তেজনার মুখে
This company is on the verge of failure (about to fail).
His popularity is on the wane. I met him on the way home His conduct was satisfactory on the whole ( মোটের উপর)
He is out and out the best boy here (decidedly, by far) order (অপ্রাসঙ্গিক),
Your remark is out of place here (not proper to the occasion).
I am out of sorts today.
It is out of the question for me to go there.
He lives in an out-of-the-way village (before রাস্তা হতে বহুদূরে).
He is not out of the wood (free from difficulties, yet.
Over and above being poor, he is lazy (in addition).
Read this over and over again (repeatedly).
He is over head and ears in love (or in debt) (deeply).
Ambition is part and parcel of his life (ROMERT WIT).
Carefully consider the pros and cons of the question (advantages and disadvantages; ভালমন্দ দুদিকই ).
The rank and file ( সাধারণ সৈনিক) are proud of their General.
He insulted me without any rhyme or reason (reason).
He caned the boys right and left (এলোপাথাড়ি)…
They finished the work in time by working round the clock (ঘড়ির কাঁটার মত কাজ করে). I am so so (tolerably well, 4).
He looks smart in his spick and span dress (quite new and smart).
His house is within a stone’s throw (distance a stone can be thrown; i.e., very near) from mine.
What you say is all stuff and nonsense (worthless, একেবারে বাজে জিনিস ). The sum and substance of the story is this (the purport,).
He was caught in the rain and was wet through and through (completely)..
He stood by me through thick and thin (through all obstacles).
I warned him time and again (often). An angry man is, to all intents and purposes, a beast (:).
He is walking to and fro (up and down) in the garden (এদিক-ওদিক )
He enjoyed the scenary to his heart’s content (প্রাণ ভরে)
I shall oppose the bill tooth and nail (very strongly, Kuk).
He is wicked to the backbone (হাড়ে হাড়ে) I said nothing to the contrary (form).
I have followed your directions to the letter (অক্ষরে অক্ষরে).
Answer to the point (pertinently). He was under a cloud for some time (in disfavor).
Keep the paper under lock and key (তালাচাবি বন্ধ করে
This happened under my nose ( কাছে, অর্থাৎ সম্মুখে)
He does not know the A. B. C. of politics (প্রাথমিক জ্ঞান),
His supporting me on the issue will be an acid test for his loyalty towards me (a test that gives conclusive proof of the value or worth of something, অগ্নি পরীক্ষা ).
I am not going to be carried away by his airs and graces (foolish, exaggerated ways of behaving, safe).
I have had many ups and downs in life (উত্থান ও পতন).
Your essay is not up to the mark ( অনুযায়ী).
I shall follow you in weal and woe).
I know the why and wherefore of the matter (every reason for a thing,).
He gave me a wide berth to me at the party (avoided coming near,
| ছিল ).
Take his story with a grain of salt (with reservation, because of exaggeration, বাদ সাদ দিয়ে ).
He put down the rebellion with a high (or, iron) hand (+).
He came here with a view to (cm) getting my approval.
They returned with flying colors (victorious, CSTACA).
They cheered the speaker with one voice (সমস্বরে).
He was received with open arms. (warmly, বাহু প্রসারিত করে ).
I do not care for an armchair critic like him (a person who offers criticism without being actively involved).
His house is five kilometers from the station as the crow flies (straight, G).
Making money should not be the be-all- and end-all (the supreme end of aim) of an ideal youth (ধ্যানজ্ঞান).
The property has proved an apple of The throne is not a bed of roses (C discord between the brothers (a subject of,-) but a bed (or, crown) of quarrel, বিবাদের কারণ ). thorns (কন্টকাকীর্ণ স্থান)
“The origin of the term is the mythological story which tells that into an assembly of the gods, Eris-the goddess of discord-threw a golden apple on which was inscribed, For the fairest’.
For this apple the goddess Juno, Minerva, and Venus contended; it was adjudged to Venus” Mc Mordie.
–
He sometimes behaves in such a strange. the way that he must have a bee in his bonnet as an obsession.
I know all that passes behind the screen ভিতরে (or, scenes, or curtain) (free).
It is beneath my dignity to accept that post (অসম্মানজনক).
He does not care for you; the big wigs or big guns or big shots or great guns are in his favour (important persons, চোমরা ).
I took a bird’s eye view of the town from the tower (a general view from above, হতে সাধারণ দৃশ্য).
Birds of a (or, the same) feather flock together (persons of the same nature).
Englishmen were only birds of passage (অস্থায়ী বাসিন্দা) in India.
There are black sheep in every society (নীচ, বিশ্বাসঘাতক ব্যক্তি, কুলকলঙ্ক ). Shyamaprasad was a chip of the old block (worthy son of a worthy father,).
He was allowed to join his duties only after the doctor had given him a clean bill of health (a certificate that he was healthy and acceptable).
Let us forget our differences and begin on a clean slate (a fresh beginning).
He is a close-fisted man (a great miser, কৃপণ).
While driving on the highway, he had a close shave (a narrow escape from danger, accident, etc.) yesterday.
I was amused by his cock-and-bull story (গাঁজাখুরি গল্প ).
He was not considered for the post but it was a blessing in disguise (apparent in the meeting.
The proposal had a cold reception (a misfortune that eventually proved to be beneficial) for him.
He is proud of his blue blood (আভিজাত্য). The news of his death came upon us as a bolt from the blue (an unexpected disaster, বিনামেঘে বজ্ৰপাত ).
What is the bone of contention between the two parties (subject of dispute, তর্কের বিষয়)?
The place of English in higher education is a burning question (a hotly debated question requiring quick settlement) in India.
He tried to make a cat’s paw of you to serve his purpose (a person used as a tool by another).
The thief was caught redhanded (- নাতে ধরা পড়ল ).
Take care that you may not be caught (or, found) napping (found negligent on a particular occasion like a watchman who is found taking a nap or short sleep when he should be watching, ধরা পড়া ).
He gave chapter and verse for his statements in the book (exact authority, প্রমাণের উল্লেখ বা নির্দেশ ). I cannot depend upon a chicken-hearted fellow (timid, He showed cold feet (cowardice) when the danger came.
His refusal to join us threw (or poured) cold water on our plan (উৎসাহ নষ্ট করল).
The two big nations are at cold war (unfriendly relation, short of actual fighting, ঠান্ডা যুদ্ধ বা স্নায়ু-যুদ্ধ)
I went to him for help, but he gave me the cold shoulder (showed distaste for me). He shed crocodile tears at my failure (মায়াকান্না).
[It was once believed that the crocodile shed. tears over its prey, as if it wept for the victim it was going to destroy.] Education is the crying need of our land (প্রধান প্রয়োজন).
The demand for a hospital in the town is a cry in the wilderness ( অরণ্যে রোদন) No cut and dried policy will do here ).
We were surprised that a dark horse like him won the prize (an unknown and unexpected winner).
He is suffering from a serious disease and his days are numbered (his death is near).
I am dead against the proposal (strongly, তীব্রভাবে বিরোধী).
Prakrit is almost a dead language now (not spoken).
This law is a dead letter now (not in force, যে আইন অচল ).
I cannot understand your dog-in-the- manger policy (নিজেও নিবে না, অন্যকেও নিতে দিবে না এমন নীতি).
This factory is too small to provide elbow- room for its workers (sufficient space for work).
Don’t accept it at its face value (outward appearance).
Houses are being sold. now at a fancy price (a price far in excess of what a thing is worthy of, যা খুশি দাম ).
Be a good Samaritan to your neighbors (one who helps the needy).
What you say is Greek (or Hebrew) to me (অবোধগম্য).
If you had grey matter (intelligence), you would have understood my problem.
The plan bears the hallmark of engineering skill (শ্রেষ্ঠতার ছাপ).
“Hallmark is the official stamp of the Goldsmiths’ Company of London or of other offices which test precious metals.” Hence, genuine excellence.
My enemy is a hard nut to crack.
He came at a fag-end of the meeting. শেষ সময়)
Avoid such fair-weather (or, summer) friends (সুসময়ের বন্ধু).
From Munsiff to a High Court Judge is a far cry (অনেক দূরের পথ). It is a far cry from Kolkata to Delhi (a long way or distance,- used of both time and space).
He appeared to be a strong and forceful man but later provided to be a man with feet of clay (fundamentally weak and coward).
He feels like a fish out of water in his new position (in an uncomfortable position, জলের মাছ ডাঙ্গায় অর্থাৎ অস্বস্তিকর অবস্থায় ).
Though he has grown old, he is fit as a fiddle (in good health).
He just made a flying visit (a very short visit) to us on his way to the club.
If you accept any help from him, you are living in a fool’s paradise (illusory happiness, কাল্পনিক স্বর্গ ).
He is a free-lance politician (or journalist) (not attached to any party or paper).
The boy was punished for taking French leave from his class (being absent from duty without permission).
The hunter had a hair-breadth (or hair’s breadth) escape (GG). He knows in his heart of hearts that he was wrong (secret consciousness, গভীরতম প্রদেশে ).
I had a heart-to-heart (candid) talk with him about the matter.
Solving the unemployment problem in India is a Herculean task (a very difficult task).
It is high time (উপযুক্ত সময় অতীত প্রায় ) for you to resign the post.
It was Hobson’s choice for me (no choice at all) as all the good plots were sold out.
All his plans failed like a house of cards (insecure things,).
Netaji’s name is a household word in India.
He brought hornet’s nest about his ears by his thoughtless remark (stir up enemies, ভীমরুলের চাকে যেন ঘা মারল, অর্থাৎ অনেক শত্রুর সৃষ্টি করল)-
I do not like ifs and buts (doubtful); give me a straight answer.
He embarked on the venture with an iron will.
It is an irony of fate (অদৃষ্টের পরিহাস ) that I want fresh blood in he should fall ill before the examination. the office.
He charmed the audience with his gift of the gab ( বাগ্মিতা). His proposal is the golden mean (মধ্যপন্থা) between the two extreme views.
You live in an ivory tower and therefore cannot appreciate our difficulties (a place or state of life secluded from people and reality.)
He is a Jack of all trades, but master of nothing (সবজান্তা, সব কিছু অল্প অল্প জানে)
The new tax will prove the proverbial last straw on the poor people (বোঝার চাপে সমস্ত বোঝা অসহনীয় হয়ে ওঠে).
He made himself the laughing stock of all by his foolish remark (হাস্যাস্পদ).
He shouted a lot with threats and actions but ultimately proved to be a paper tiger (a person who appears to be powerful but who is not.
This penny-wise and pound-foolish
I cannot accept such a lame excuse (policy will prove very dear in the end (careful ওজর).
The lion’s share of our profit goes to him (মুখ্য অংশ).
The long and the short of the story is this (সারমর্ম ).
His maiden speech in the Council charmed us all (the first speech in a particular assembly, কোনোও প্রতিষ্ঠানে প্রথম | বক্তৃতা ).
Even a man in the street can understand this (অতি সাধারণ লোক ) During my illness, Dilip helped me a lot and acted as a man Friday (a loyal and faithful servant).
He is a man of letters ( পন্ডিত লোক ) He is a man of his word (keeps his promise, এক কথার মানুষ ).
His discovery, at last, turned out to be a mare’s nest (no discovery at all, a fo জাতীয় জিনিস),
He invited a mixed bag of people (a thoroughly varied mixture of people or things) to the party about small matters, but careless about important gains).
The rebel chief was driven from pillar to post, by the King’s men (from one state of difficulty to another, ক্রমাগত এক স্থান হতে স্থানান্তরে
I told him point-blank that I could not support him (খোলাখুলি, স্পষ্টভাবে).
The members of the committee are poles apart (widely separate) on this issue.
The nation offered its blood and sweat and ultimately won a Pyrrhic Victory (a victory earned at too great a cost).
Lay by something for a rainy day. I disliked the rat race for the presidentship and undignified competition for success in the club and decided to step down (fierce one’s career, social status, etc.)
Aug. 15, 1947, is a red letter day in the history of India. Red letter day is “an auspicious, fortunate day the holidays or saints’ days were marked with so called because in the old Romish Calenders, red letters, and the holy days were festival days.”
His oily tongue won him his master’s-Mc Mordie. favour (খোসামুদি কথা)..
I have an open mind on the question (mind not yet made up).
It is an open secret that you helped him (a secret that is no longer a secret but is known to all).
By coming from that place to this for fear of malaria, he has only jumped out of the frying pan into the fire (to escape a lesser evil to fall into a greater one, গুরুতর বিপদে ).
I had many friends in my palmy days (সুদিন).
I have disposed of his present; it proved to be Pandora’s box to me (a present that seems valuable, but which is, in reality, a curse).
My presence was to him like a red rag to a bull (a source of great irritation,দেওয়ার কারণ ).
Official red tape often delays action (excessive official formality from the fact that official documents are generally tied with red tapes, লাল ফিতার বাধা).
A scientist like him is a round peg in a square hole as an administrator (a person better fitted for another post than what he holds).
Men like Vidyasagar are the salt of the earth (ideal man).
The real culprit escaped scot-free Scot was formerly the name of a tax. Hence scot-free literally means, free from scot or tax, and thence, unhurt).
He was guilty of sharp practice (প্রতারণা). He is our sheet anchor, and if he fails, we are undone (প্রধান অবলম্বন, the largest anchor of a ship to which the mariner chiefly trusts for the safety of the ship; hence the main support).
His victory in the election is a shot in the arm (stimulus, encouragement) of his party. My answer to the question was merely a shot in the dark (wild guess).
I got this news straight from the horse’s mouth (information direct from a reliable source, নির্ভরযোগ্য সূত্র হতে ).
He felt so much pity for the street Arabs that he built a ‘Home’ for them.
(Children of the houseless, poor, street children. So-called because, like the Arabs, they are nomads or wanderers with no settled homes).
You have raised a storm in a teacup (great excitement over a small matter, cloud) over this petty loss.
There is a silver lining in every (অন্ধকারের’ বা অতি খারাপের মধ্যেও কিছু ভালোর আভাস বা সম্ভাবনা)
Malaria has left him all skin and bone (having only the skin and bones, without any flesh, অস্থিচর্মসার ).
His boat sank, but he escaped with (or by) the skin of his teeth (escape very narrowly, খুব অল্পের জন্য কোনোমতে প্রাণে বাঁচা).
They avoided any discussion in the matter as it is a skeleton in the cupboard of the family (something of which the family is ashamed and which it tries to keep secret, ঘরের কেলেংকারী).
I apologize to you for my slip of the tongue (an unintentional error in speaking).
He is a sleeping partner of this firm (অংশীদার বটে কিন্তু পরিচালনায় কোনো হাত নেই) He does not care for small fry like us (ছোটো বা সাধারণ মানুষ, “চুনোপুঁটি”).
The guests were engaged in small talk (ordinary social talk).
He won the promotion by applying a little soft soap (flattery).
Don’t take any decision now; I feel there is something in the wind (signs or evidence of something about to happen).
You will have a square (or fair) deal here (ন্যায়সঙ্গত ব্যবহার).
I am too poor to have a square meal every day (পেটভরে আহার), An ordinary man like him is a square peg in a round hole as the head of a department (a person who is doing or trying to do a job for which he is not suited).
We should take guard against him as he seems to be our sworn foe or enemy (an enemy who cannot be reconciled,).
His joining the film is the talk of the town now (an event exciting everybody’s attention, ).
All his tall talk (বড়ো বড়ো কথা) came to nothing.
Do not bother about the teething troubles which would soon die out (troubles which may occur during the early stages of a new enterprise, প্রাথমিক অসুবিধা, বাধা-বিপত্তি ).
I am well relieved of this thankless task (a task which brings no credit to the performer, বেগার খাটুনি ).
My partner is a thorn in my side ( কাঁটাস্বরূপ, প্রতিবন্ধক).
I must be true to my salt (নিমকের মর্য্যাদা রক্ষা করা).
Three R’s-reading, writing, and arithmetic (elementary education, ). The mass should be taught at least the three R’s.
“The phrase is formed from the alliterative beginning of these three words, the third being often vulgarly pronounced as ‘rithmetic”.”
I am ready to go through fire and water for your sake (through any difficulty, রকমের বিপদের ভিতর দিয়ে ).
You should not be angry with me; I have given you only tit for tat (like for like, কর্ম, তেমনি ফল বা উপযুক্ত প্রতিশোধ )
I advised him times out of (or without) number not to do this, but he did not listen to me (many times,t).
You will have to be very careful about the situation; this is just the tip of the iceberg (খুব বড় কিছুর সামান্যতম অংশ যা আপাততঃ দেখা যায়—ভবিষ্যতের কোনো বড় রকমের অশুভ বা বিপদের সংকেত অর্থে).
This new work will suit him to a T (exactly). king, nor can he afford to keep it; the result is that he is soon a ruined man because the elephant soon eats up all that an ordinary person.
His arrival was a wet blanket to the mirth of the boys (উৎসাহ নিভিয়ে দিল)
Physicians sometimes tell white lies in the Any Tom, Dick, and Harry (interest of their patients (well-intentioned সাধারণ ব্যক্তি ) can do this job.
The meeting was attended by the top brass of the organization (highest ranking officers, বড়ো কর্তারা ).
It was a touch-and-go (risky) business. I cannot support such a Utopian scheme (a very desirable but impracticable scheme, সুন্দর কিন্তু অবাস্তব পরিকল্পনা).
[From Sir Thomas Moor’s idealistic book. ‘Utopia’ is an imaginary island with an ideally perfect government.]
In enforcing the rule, the authority has to act against the vested interests (connections permitted by rules but involving gains,).
There is no chance of improvement of the situation which is entangled in a vicious circle (a state of affair in which a cause produces an effect which itself produces the original cause- usually refers to bad effect; মন্দের ফলে উক্ত মন্দই বৃদ্ধি পায় এমন প্রণালী) There is enough virgin soil in this State (অনাবাদী জমি).
He is well off and can help you a little (সম্পন্ন ব্যক্তি).
The title of Raja proved a white elephant to the Zaminder (a very costly possession, হাতী পোষার মতো ব্যয়সাধ্য ব্যাপার ).
The workers went into a wild cat strike (a sudden and unofficial strike) when they heard the news of the arrest of their leaders.
I cannot follow you in this wild-goose chase (অসম্ভবের জন্য শ্রম).
There are many willing horses (willing workers) who would do the job for me. (Similarly, unwilling horse).
I prize a widow’s mite more than a rich man’s hundred (humble contribution, বা গরিবের ক্ষুদকুঁড়ো ) with his tongue in his cheek (speaking Don’t take him seriously; he is speaking ironically, humoring you).
Your remark is wide of the mark (not to the point,).
Don’t trust him, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing (an enemy posing as a friend).
I find my new man not worth his salt (really worthy, faces Tage).
You should not ignore the writing on the wall (a happening foreshowing disaster and downfall, দেওয়ালের লিখন), or else you will be in trouble.
I don’t give much credence to the reports published in the yellow press (unsprung- lousy sensational newspaper, “It is said that when the king of Siam wants to bring any of his courtiers to beggary, he).
If you knock down a person and then call him a fool, you are adding insult to injury (to commit a double offense without any remorse for the first one, to intensify a wrong done to a person).
He did yeoman’s service for his club (did very useful work).
The news will add fuel to (or fan) the flame of his anger (excite it. further, ঘৃতাহুতি দেবে ).
They bore the brunt of the enemy’s attack (প্রধান ধাক্কা সহ্য করা).
Come to the point; why do you beat about the bush (আজেবাজে বা ঘুরিয়ে ফিরিয়ে কথা বলা ) ? In trying to defeat him you are only beating the air (শূন্যে আঘাত করা অর্থাৎ বৃথা শ্রম করা).
He was beaten black and blue (মারের চোটে কালশিরা বের করা, উত্তম মধ্যম দেওয়া). The misery of the people beggars description (অবর্ণনীয়)
The plan is good, but who will bell the cat (take the lead in a risky adventure, মেও ধরা ) ?
They are bidding their time to make the attack (সুযোগের অপেক্ষায় থাকা).
I cannot take you seriously; you blow hot and cold with (or in) the same breath (both to praise and to blame at the same time).
He was ruined by burning the candle at both ends ( overtaxing his energies or spending too much).
If you study regularly, you will not have to burn the midnight oil (অধিক রাত্রি জেগে পড়াশুনা করা) before the examination.
In aspiring to a Ministership, he is only building castles in the air (আকাশ-কুসুম রচনা করা).
Let us bury the hatchet and be friends again. We have done enough work and let us call it a day (আজকের মতো কাজ শেষ করা).
In helping him with money you are simply carrying coals to Newcastle. (তেলা মাথায় (793) (Newcastle is full of coalmines, so You will be laughed at if you blow (or it is simply useless to carry coal there).
[Not sound) your own trumpet or horn (‘coal’]. ঢাক পিটান বা গুণগান কর).
He is so successful that he must have been born under a lucky star (শুভক্ষণে জন্মগ্রহণ করা).
(The reference is to the popular belief that the destiny of a man is influenced by the star under which he is born.)
He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth (born rich, বড়োলোকের ঘরে জন্মগ্রহণ করা). Failure has broken his heart ( মন ভেঙ্গে দিয়েছে).
There was silence for some time, after which I broke the ice and began to talk. (প্রাথমিক জড়তা বা নিস্তব্ধতা ভঙ্গ করলাম)-
I broke the news of his son’s death to him (দুঃসংবাদ দিলাম)
He breathed his last (died) on Monday.
The tiger was brought to bay or was at bay (bring to a position from which escape is nearly impossible, কোণঠাসা করা ).
He was brought to book for neglect of duty (তিরস্কৃত হওয়া). The secret was brought to light (2 হওয়া).
He was carried off his feet (was wild with excitement) by his success (IR): You have caught a Tartar in me ( পাল্লায় পড়া)
This unexpected development caught him on the wrong foot (caught in an unprepared state). If I catch you on the hip, I will teach you a lesson (বাগে পাওয়া).
He changed color (became pale) at the sight of the police. We took all actions to clear the decks (to get ready to do something) for a successful negotiation.
In trying to climb the tree he came across a cropper (fell heavily). After much persuasion, he came clean (confessed) and told the whole story.
We have talked a lot and now let us come (or get) down to brass tacks (turn attention to real business, actual facts, and details, কাজের কথায় আসা).
Don’t throw away the plastic bag, it may There is no going back from our decision, we have burnt our boats (come in handy (to be useful) time. পথ বন্ধ করা).
He burnt his fingers in the share market (suffering from interference or rashness or speculation). He came off with flying colors in the contest (won).
I do not know how it came to pass (happened, ).
Come to the point; why do you beat about the bush (আজেবাজে বা ঘুরিয়ে ফিরিয়ে কথা বলা ) ? In trying to defeat him you are only beating the air (শূন্যে আঘাত করা অর্থাৎ বৃথা শ্রম করা).
He was beaten black and blue (মারের চোটে কালশিরা বের করা, উত্তম মধ্যম দেওয়া). The misery of the people beggars description (অবর্ণনীয়)
The plan is good, but who will bell the cat (take the lead in a risky adventure, মেও ধরা ) ?
They are bidding their time to make the attack (সুযোগের অপেক্ষায় থাকা).
I cannot take you seriously; you blow hot and cold with (or in) the same breath (both to praise and to blame at the same time).
He was ruined by burning the candle at both ends ( overtaxing his energies or spending too much).
If you study regularly, you will not have to burn the midnight oil (অধিক রাত্রি জেগে পড়াশুনা করা) before the examination.
In aspiring to a Ministership, he is only building castles in the air (আকাশ-কুসুম রচনা করা).
Let us bury the hatchet and be friends again. We have done enough work and let us call it a day (আজকের মতো কাজ শেষ করা).
In helping him with money you are simply carrying coals to Newcastle. (তেলা মাথায় (793) (Newcastle is full of coalmines, so You will be laughed at if you blow (or it is simply useless to carry coal there). [Not sound) your own trumpet or horn (‘coal’]. ঢাক পিটান বা গুণগান করা).
He is so successful that he must have been born under a lucky star (শুভক্ষণে জন্মগ্রহণ করা).
(The reference is to the popular belief that the destiny of a man is influenced by the star under which he is born.)
He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth (born rich, বড়োলোকের ঘরে জন্মগ্রহণ করা). Failure has broken his heart ( মন ভেঙ্গে দিয়েছে).
There was silence for some time, after which I broke the ice and began to talk. (প্রাথমিক জড়তা বা নিস্তব্ধতা ভঙ্গ করলাম)-
I broke the news of his son’s death to him (দুঃসংবাদ দিলাম)
He breathed his last (died) on Monday. The tiger was brought to bay or was at bay (bring to a position from which escape is nearly impossible, কোণঠাসা করা ).
He was brought to book for neglect of duty (তিরস্কৃত হওয়া). The secret was brought to light (2 হওয়া).
He was carried off his feet (was wild with excitement) by his success (IR): You have caught a Tartar in me ( পাল্লায় পড়া)
This unexpected development caught him on the wrong foot (caught in an unprepared state).
If I catch you on the hip, I will teach you a lesson (বাগে পাওয়া). He changed color (became pale) at the sight of the police.
We took all actions to clear the decks (to get ready to do something) for a successful negotiation.
In trying to climb the tree he came across a cropper (fell heavily). After much persuasion, he came clean (confessed) and told the whole story.
We have talked a lot and now let us come (or get) down to brass tacks (turn attention to real business, actual facts, and details, কাজের কথায় আসা).
Don’t throw away the plastic bag, it may There is no going back from our decision, we have burnt our boats (come in handy (to be useful) some time. পথ বন্ধ করা).
He burnt his fingers in the share market (suffering from interference or rashness or speculation).
He came off with flying colors in the contest (won). I do not know how it came to pass (happened,).
Because of prolonged strikes and lock-outs, the company got (or, went) into the red (incurred liabilities that exceeded assets, লালবাতি জ্বালা ).
Carefully consider the question instead of jumping to a conclusion. তড়িঘড়ি face).
They tried to keep the ball rolling (keep The fate of the prisoner hanging in the the work, conversation, etc. going, balance (is undecided).
কথা চালিয়ে যাওয়া) in order to reach an The life of the patient now hangs by a agreement. thread (যে কোনো মূহূর্তে শেষ হতে পারে)
He was hauled (or called) over the coals for his bad habits (তিরস্কৃত হল)
He always harps on the same string of his past services (repeats tediously, 4 কথা পুনঃপুন বলা )
His theory has no leg to stand upon (প্রামাণ্য বা যুক্তিযুক্ত না হওয়া ) –
He had the cheek to oppose me (2001).
He has no axe to grind in making the proposal (নিজের কোনো মতলব বা স্বার্থ সাধন করবার ইচ্ছা নেই ).
As regards the present agitation, it is said he has a finger in the pie (has some part in it, usually said censoriously, T আছে ).
He has too many irons in the fire to attend to me (has too much work in hand).
We shall have no truck with (avoid dealing with) any other party in the coming election.
He is too honorable to hit his enemy below the belt (hit unfairly).
I hold no brief for anyone (defend, পক্ষ হয়ে, বলা ) but I believe Partha has done the right in opposing him.
cessor (much inferior by comparison). The excuse will not hold water (logical, গ্রহণযোগ্য বলে বিবেচিত হওয়া, ধোপে টেকা ). This rule holds good here ( হওয়া).
Axioms hold true (are true) in every case. To hope for his recovery is to hope against hope (to hope even when there is no reason for it).
You must iron out differences (মত পার্থক্য বা বিবাদ মিটিয়ে ফেলা ) and start working together.
Keep your powder dry, for the danger may come any moment (keep one’s energy ready. for action, সর্বদা তৈরি থাকা )
He had to work hard to keep the wolf from the door (to keep away from extreme poverty, ক্ষুধার জ্বালা মেটান ).
He kicked up a row over a petty affair ( সোরগোল তোলা ).
He came down to see me as well as to buy. some articles; thus he killed two birds with one stone ( এক ঢিলে দুই পাখি মারা ; cf. রথও দেখা, কলাও বেচা ).
He laughed in his sleeve at your foolish words (laughed secretly).
Let us lay our heads together to get out of the difficulty (একত্রে পরামর্শ করা ). – The two neighbors lead a cat and dog life (quarrel constantly, নকুল সম্পর্ক ).
As I do not know anything about the take it up (to act without foreseeing the matter, I shall be leaping in the dark if I consequence, অন্ধকারে ঝাঁপ দেওয়া ).
He left no stone unturned to gain his object (চেষ্টার ত্রুটি না করা ).
We should let bygones be bygones (forget the past, bata).
He has let the cat out of the bag (গুপ্তকথা প্রকাশ করা )
He did not let the grass grow under his feet, but at once began to work (make delay, বিলম্ব করা, ঝুলিয়ে রাখা ).
Do not argue with him over the matter; let the sleeping dogs lie (leave things alone that you know will cause trouble, বিপদ সৃষ্টি করতে পারে এরূপ কোনো কিছুকে না খোঁচান ).
One who lives fast (উচ্ছৃঙ্খল জীবন যাপন করা) dies early.
Our peasants live from hand to mouth (are poor, দিন আনে দিন খায় )
He pays (or gives) only lip service to the members of the staff but really does not think He is sixty, but does not look it (much of them (make promises, express regret, দেখায় না). admiration, etc. not sincerely felt, কথা দেওয়া ).
He looked blank when he got the news of his dismissal (স্তম্ভিত বা হতবুদ্ধি হয়ে শূন্যদৃষ্টিতে চাওয়া).
He looked daggers at me when I opposed him (কটমট করে তাকান).
If you do this you will look small before your friends (খাটো হওয়া).
Look sharp (off), or you will miss the train.
He had to pay through the nose for these curios (চড়া দাও’ দেওয়া).
He always tries to pick holes in my coat (find faults, পরের দোষ ধরা )
He picked a quarrel with me for nothing (গায়ে পড়ে ঝগড়া করা): The man tried to pick my pocket ( মারা).
He lost face in the party for his failure Unfortunately there was none to pick up ( lost credit or esteem, অপদস্থ হওয়া ).
The thread (resume old work) of the enemy is losing ground (unfinished work of the great leader. হওয়া). He plays ducks and drakes with his ill
They lost heart at the death of their gotten money (squander, leader (হতাশ হওয়া).
You must mend your ways if you want to prosper in life (improve your behavior, attitude, etc.)
I did not mince matters in condemning his actión (speak softly in condemning, মোলায়েমভাবে নিন্দা করা ).
As you go to finalize the deal, you must mind your P’s and Q’s (be careful what you say or do).
You should mind your own business (not to interfere in other’s affairs,তেল দেওয়া ).).
I had to pocket an insult (endure it without protest) as I had no way out. You need not poke (thrust) your nose into my affairs (অন্যের ব্যাপারে নাক গলান)
The mob was furious, but his advice. poured oil on troubled waters (to soothe and calm angry passion, আগুনে ‘ জল ঢালা ). We should provide against a rainy day.
He pulled (or made) a face (or faces) at me (মুখ ভ্যাংচান).
They tried to pull my leg (or pull me by the leg) (ঠাট্টাচ্ছলে জব্দ করবার চেষ্টা করা), but I You have missed the bus or, boat by saw through (was not deceived). your absence (lost the opportunity).
He moved heaven and earth to gain his harmoniously,). object (make the utmost efforts, তোলপাড় করা).
I hope they will pull together (work
People mustered strong to hear him (বহু সংখ্যায় হাজির হওয়া).
All my hopes were nipped in the bud by his death (অঙ্কুরেই নষ্ট হওয়া).
By treating him with contempt I only paid him back in his own (or in the same) coin (to retaliate, অসদ্ব্যবহার ফিরিয়ে দেওয়া ).
Failing to solve the problem himself he passed the buck to his assistant (transfer the responsibility to).
He was pulled up (stopped) by the (থামিয়ে দেওয়া). chairman for speaking beside the point as I did not want to put all my eggs in one I invested my savings in different businesses basket (risk everything one has in a single
venture).
It rained cats and dogs yesterday বৃষ্টি হওয়া)
you will find that he has no faith in my If you read his letter between the lines, honesty (অন্তর্নিহিত অর্থ বোঝা),
The proud boy is riding for a fall (behaving in such a way that his fall is sure, পতনের পথে অগ্রসর হওয়া) :
Ring down the curtain over the matter (close, যবনিকাপাত করা ).
The situation was difficult, but he rose to the occasion (or, was equal to the occasion, বিপদে সময়োচিত দক্ষতা দেখান )
He rules the roast or roost in the party (সবার উপরে আধিপত্য করা).
I cannot rely upon him because he always talks big (makes idle boasts, t চওড়া’ কথা বলে ).
The man tired me by talking shop of his office and job (talking too much about one’s profession).
I thank my stars that I escaped unhurt (অদৃষ্টকে ধন্যবাদ).
He tried to throw dust in our eyes I do not rub shoulders (mix) with such)
I sail in the same boat with you in the present case (be in the same situation with, সহযাত্রী অর্থাৎ একই অবস্থায় পতিত হওয়া).
I do not see eye to eye with him on this point (agree).
You must do something to save your face (সম্মান বাঁচান),
His books sell like hotcakes (very fast, খুব বিক্রি হচ্ছে ).
They showed a clean pair of heels at our approach (দৌড়িয়ে পালাল).
The shrewd man is sitting on the fence in the quarrel (is neutral between two sides to see which side wins, নিরপেক্ষ থাকা ).
I smell a rat (suspect something wrong, অন্যায় কিছু ঘটতে যাচ্ছে এরূপ সন্দেহ করা ) in the suggestion.
His remark speaks volumes for his courage (যথেষ্ট প্রমাণ দেয়) (Here the agent of the verb should be a fact, not a person).
It is no good splitting hairs (চুলচেরা তর্ক বা বিচার করা).
He stepped into his father’s shoes on the latter’s retirement (কারও শূন্য পদ অধিকার করা).
His help stood me in good stead (খুব কাজে লেগেছিল)
He stood his ground (or, stuck to his guns) in the face of all opposition (remained firm against all opposition). Unless we strike the iron while it is
Can you throw any light on the mystery (আলোকপাত করা)? your support tipped the balance (influenced) in my favor.
I washed my hands of (or, hands clean of) the matter long ago (refused to accept responsibility for, GTT).
The allusion is to the trial of Jesus. He was brought for trial before Pilate, the Roman Governor.
Perceiving that there was really no charge against Jesus, yet afraid of acquitting him for fear of the Jews, Pilate washed his hands in a vessel and said, “I am innocent of the blood of the just person,” and he handed him over to them to be crucified.
We felt very annoyed as the brothers started washing their dirty linen in public (discuss family quarrels, unpleasant affairs in the presence of other people, কেচ্ছা প্রকাশ করা ).
He is in difficulties, but I am sure he will weather the storm (overcome the difficulties, সংকট কাটিয়ে ওঠা).
They won the match hands down (easily). He is working against time (with the utmost speed, সময়ের প্রতিকূলে কাজ করা অর্থাৎ সময় অল্প বলে খুব তাড়াতাড়ি কাজ করা ).
To press for their demand the men resorted to work to rule (pay exaggerated attention to rules and regulations deliberately to reduce. output and efficiency, usually in protest).
They forsook their old leader and began to hot, we shall never succeed in life worship the rising sun (show respect and কোপ মারা). Honor to a man rising in power).