Important Idioms
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Meaning: A small sign or hint that something is about to happen.
Example: The empty tables on a Friday night were a straw in the wind that the restaurant's busy season was fading. Read more ➺
Meaning: To stand your ground and refuse to back down.
Example: The small town bid defiance to the new tax and simply refused to collect it. Read more ➺
Meaning: The thing that makes a person or place feel worth existing
Example: Helping kids learn to read became Sarah's raison d'etre, the one part of the day that never felt like work. Read more ➺
Meaning: A strong start that puts you well on the way.
Example: Getting the whole team to agree on the plan was half the battle for Mike. 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: To be in a stable and balanced condition.
Example: After several difficult months, the business was finally on an even keel Read more ➺
Meaning: To explain something clearly so it becomes understandable.
Example: After hearing the complicated explanation, Sophia asked her teacher to make it make sense for the whole class. Read more ➺
Meaning: To focus all attention on one specific thing.
Example: We need to zero in on the main issue first before discussing smaller problems. Read more ➺
now the monkey jumps into the water
Meaning: Now comes the most important or decisive moment.
Example: After months of preparation, the team launched the software, and now the monkey jumps into the water—everyone waited to see if it would work. Read more ➺
Meaning: The most important basic details of something.
Example: After a quick overview, the teacher explained the nitty-gritty of the topic so students could understand the key details. Read more ➺
