Behavior Idioms

Page 1 of 7

brood over

Meaning: To sit and worry about something (a mistake, a problem, or something that went wrong) for a long time, turning it over and over in your mind, usually feeling low or upset while you do it.

Example: After the argument with her sister, Maya sat alone in her room and quietly began to brood over every harsh word that had been said. Read more ➺


put your foot down

Meaning: Refusing to let something continue or making someone stop what they're doing.

Example: When your boss keeps expecting you to stay late night after night, it's time to put your foot down and start protecting your evenings. Read more ➺


any old how

Meaning: In a careless, messy, or untidy way.

Example: She tossed her clothes into the suitcase any old how and dashed out the door to catch her flight. Read more ➺


crash out

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 ➺


standing on business

Meaning: Handling your responsibilities with confidence and determination.

Example: Standing on business means keeping your promises, and she proved it by completing the project on time despite the challenges. Read more ➺


ask for trouble

Meaning: To behave in a way that is likely to cause problems or difficulties.

Example: Ignoring repeated safety warnings is asking for trouble because accidents can easily happen. Read more ➺


love bombing

Meaning: Giving someone excessive affection and attention to gain emotional control over them.

Example: Their relationship began with intense love bombing and nonstop attention. Read more ➺


keep it a buck

Meaning: Speak honestly and directly.

Example: Keep it a buck, your idea needs more work before we present it. Read more ➺


good as gold

Meaning: Completely reliable and trustworthy.

Example: The children were good as gold throughout the wedding ceremony and caused no trouble. Read more ➺


horse around

Meaning: To play roughly or behave in a silly, noisy way.

Example: The boys were horsing around in the backyard and accidentally broke the window. Read more ➺


Share
Share