Useful Idioms – part 11

(1) A rough diamond = an uncut diamond ;  a person who has generally good character but lacks manners , education or style. My grandfather was a bit of a rough diamond. The young actress was a rough diamond , but with some training she would become a superstar. (2) Down and out = a person without money, a job or a place to live. Nobody loves you when you are down and out. A hostel for down and outs. (3) No prizes for guessing =…

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Useful Idioms – part 6

(1)  The middle ground = a position between two opposite opinions in an argument that is acceptable to many different people. Both sides in this debate need to do more to establish some middle ground. The judge of the case chose a middle ground between harshness and leniency. (2)  Be on the breadline = to be very poor, as if one could rely on food donations to survive.  A ‘ breadline’ is a line of people seeking food distributed by a charitable or government agency.…

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Useful Idioms – part 5

(1)  Loom large = If something looms large it becomes very important and often causes worry. The thought of a third world war looms large in the minds of the humanity. Fear of failure loomed large in his mind. . (2)  won’t budge an inch = will not move, change or shift in any way at all. Once my brother gets his mind made up, he won’t budge an inch.  So don’t bother trying to reason with him. I can’t believe how tight this bolt…

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