Idioms beginning with P

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play with fire

Meaning: To do something risky that may cause serious trouble later.

Example: Mark was playing with fire when he kept hiding debts from his business partner. Read more ➺


pull the lever

Meaning: To make a decisive move or take action at an important moment.

Example: When the project started failing, the manager knew it was time to pull the lever and change the entire strategy. Read more ➺


pot shot

Meaning: A quick, unfair criticism aimed at an easy target.

Example: The columnist took a pot shot at the mayor's decision without offering any alternative plan. Read more ➺


pull your heartstrings

Meaning: To strongly affect someone emotionally, especially by causing sympathy, sadness, or compassion.

Example: The film's emotional ending was meant to pull your heartstrings and leave the audience in tears. Read more ➺


passive income

Meaning: Money earned regularly with little or no ongoing effort after the initial setup.

Example: She built passive income through online courses that kept selling after launch. Read more ➺


pull your weight

Meaning: To contribute equally so others are not forced to compensate for you.

Example: The team will succeed only if you pull your weight. Read more ➺


pull strings

Meaning: To secretly use influence, power, or personal connections to get something done for yourself or someone else.

Example: When the job list was full, her uncle pull strings to get her an interview. Read more ➺


paint oneself into a corner

Meaning: To put yourself in a situation where you have no good choices left.

Example: After promising to deliver the project early, she painted herself into a corner and had to work all weekend. Read more ➺


poker face

Meaning: A neutral facial expression that hides feelings or thoughts.

Example: She heard the verdict but kept a poker face, so no one knew what she really felt. Read more ➺


put on the dog

Meaning: To show off in a flashy or fancy way.

Example: At the wedding, he really put on the dog with his new tuxedo and gold watch. Read more ➺


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