How to use

1095 expressions

a pillar of strength

What Does "a pillar of strength" Mean? The idiom "a pillar of strength" refers to someone who provides unwavering support, stability, and resilience to others, especially during times of adversity. It...

a problematic subject

What Does "a problematic subject" Mean? Meaning of the collocation or phrasal verb "A problematic subject" refers to a topic, issue, or area of study that presents difficulties, complexities, or chal...

a promethean fire

What Does "a promethean fire" Mean? Idiomatic meaning (not the literal meaning of the words) "A promethean fire" refers to a bold, original, and lifegiving creative force. It suggests a spark of in...

a prophet without honor

What Does "a prophet without honor" Mean? Idiomatic meaning (not the literal meaning of the words) The idiom "a prophet without honor" refers to someone whose talents, insights, or expertise are not ...

a public disgrace

What Does "a public disgrace" Mean? The expression "a public disgrace" refers to a situation, event, or action that brings widespread shame, dishonor, or condemnation upon an individual, group, or in...

a pyrrhic victory

What Does "a pyrrhic victory" Mean? "A pyrrhic victory" is an idiom that describes a victory won at such a devastating cost to the victor that it is tantamount to defeat. The success is so damaging th...

a quick reminder

What Does "a quick reminder" Mean? The phrase "a quick reminder" means a brief statement or piece of information that serves to bring something back to someone's memory or attention. It's used to jog...

a ray of sunshine

What Does "a ray of sunshine" Mean? Idiomatically, "a ray of sunshine" describes someone or something that brings joy, happiness, and positivity to a person or situation. It's used to express that so...

a recipe for disaster

What Does "a recipe for disaster" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "a recipe for disaster" refers to a set of circumstances, a plan, or a course of action that is very likely to result in failure, trou...

a red herring

What Does "a red herring" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "a red herring" is a misleading clue or irrelevant piece of information that is intended to divert attention from the real issue or question a...

a road to damascus

What Does "a road to damascus" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "a road to Damascus" refers to a sudden, transformative change in someone's beliefs, values, or understanding. It suggests a profound mom...

a sacred cow

What Does "a sacred cow" Mean? Idiomatic meaning (not the literal meaning of the words) "A sacred cow" is an idiom that refers to something, typically a policy, belief, or institution, that is consid...

a scapegoat

What Does "a scapegoat" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "a scapegoat" is a person or group who is unfairly blamed for something that others have done, or for a negative situation that is not their fau...

a self-fulfilling prophecy

What Does "a selffulfilling prophecy" Mean? A selffulfilling prophecy is a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true due to the very terms of the prophecy itself. It's not si...

a short fuse

What Does "a short fuse" Mean? The idiom "a short fuse" describes someone who is easily angered or has a low tolerance for frustration. It implies a quick temper and a tendency to react impulsively a...

a shot across the bow

What Does "a shot across the bow" Mean? The idiomatic expression "a shot across the bow" refers to a warning or initial threat intended to make someone change their behavior or actions. It's not meant...

a shot in the dark

What Does "a shot in the dark" Mean? The idiom "a shot in the dark" refers to a guess, attempt, or action taken with very little information or chance of success. It suggests a situation where the ou...

a shoulder to cry on

What Does "a shoulder to cry on" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "a shoulder to cry on" is someone who offers sympathy, emotional support, and a listening ear to someone who is experiencing sadness, g...

a shrinking violet

What Does "a shrinking violet" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "a shrinking violet" refers to a person who is excessively shy, timid, modest, and prefers to stay out of the spotlight. They are often i...

a silent partner

What Does "a silent partner" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "a silent partner" refers to an investor in a business or venture who provides capital but does not actively participate in the management ...