Idioms beginning with C
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Meaning: Something or someone that shines for a moment but is weak and can be wiped out at any time.
Example: After the bigger company entered the deal, Jake knew his small shop was a candle in the wind. Read more ➺
Meaning: To think something through carefully and patiently instead of rushing into an answer.
Example: She poured another cup of tea and began to chew over the job offer, turning each detail slowly in her mind. Read more ➺
Meaning: When you just barely succeed at something, usually because you left almost no time or room for anything to go wrong.
Example: We left the house with only ten minutes to spare and really cut it close, sliding into our seats just as the movie trailers started rolling. Read more ➺
Meaning: The slow way a material gradually changes shape when it's kept under constant pressure or stress, even at fairly low temperatures.
Example: Under constant load the metal slowly began to bend—cold creep was clearly at work. Read more ➺
Meaning: To suddenly lose control of your emotions, especially by becoming extremely angry or upset.
Example: He tends to crash out whenever he feels pushed too far. Read more ➺
Meaning: A life-changing experience that shapes a person's character or future.
Example: Failing his first driving test became a canon event that made him a more careful driver. Read more ➺
Meaning: A person who follows the same routine regularly without change.
Example: John is a creature of habit, so he eats the same breakfast every morning. Read more ➺
Meaning: An instruction to hurry up or act more quickly.
Example: Chop chop, the taxi is already waiting outside and we're late. Read more ➺
Meaning: Very close together; side by side, often with little or no personal space.
Example: People were standing cheek by jowl on the train during the morning rush. Read more ➺
Meaning: A person who performs a small, routine role within a large system and has little power or individuality.
Example: In the massive corporation, Marcus felt like a cog in the wheel, following orders with no influence on decisions. Read more ➺
