Idioms and Phrases with C in English

 

Idioms Starting with C 

1. Cannot stomach someone or something

Meaning - not to be able to match up someone or something/ not to be able to bear or tolerate someone or something by

Examples:

a. I cannot stomach abusive language.

b. My brother cannot stomach disturbances during his study. 

2. Can of worms

Meaning - a situation which started and turning into problematic one/ something which will have negative consequences

Examples:

a. I have started this assignment and now it is nothing less than a can of worms. 

b. Dealing with fake people is a can of worms. 

3. Do/did not Cut the mustard

Meaning - someone who isn't suitable or appropriate enough to compete or participate in any event. 

Examples:

a. He didn't cut the mustard for the tournament. 

b. I didn't cut the mustard as a singer.

4. Cast Iron Stomach

Meaning -  the ability to eat foods that others may find unhealthy imperfect, or too spicy. 

Examples:

a. I have a cast iron stomach, I shall eat all the foods available. 

b. He is not having a cast iron stomach, so he can only eat his favorite one. 

5. Cause a stir

Meaning - to be able to create or build an atmosphere of excitement, competitiveness or great interest.

Examples:

a. When Virat Kohli takes ground, he causes a stir among the spectators. 

b. India-Pakistan cricket clashes cause a stir.

6. Chop and Change

Meaning - changing or altering your thoughts, opinions and decisions on a constant note. 

Examples:

a. He is known for his chopping and changing nature.

b. He makes chops and changes to his previous thoughts and opinions. 

7.  Come Through

Meaning -  to be able to work, progress or develop after some difficult or dangerous experience. 

Examples:

a. He has come through after his surgery. 

b. He is coming through after his rough patch.

8. Conk Out

Meaning - to take rest after rigorous work, to take off or fall asleep. 

Examples:

a. He takes his conk out more often than not. 

b. He is conking out like there is no tomorrow.

9. Carry someone away

Meaning - getting full of emotions 

Examples:

a. The speech given by the young child carried away the whole assembly. 

b. The match between France and Argentina carried away the players as well as the crowd. 

10. Chew someone out

Meaning - to scold someone verbally or through expressions

Examples:

a. It is an easy task to chew someone out when you are on the top of your anger. 

b. He just chews out anyone when he is annoyed.

11. Change of heart 

Meaning - a change or shift in one's own opinion or feelings about something.

Examples:

a. I used to hate seafood, but I had a change of heart after trying sushi for the first time.

b. The politician had a change of heart and decided to support the bill after hearing from constituents about its importance.

12. Cold shoulder

Meaning - To show indifference or disregard towards someone.

Examples:

a. After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.

b. Despite his efforts, his boss continued to give him the cold shoulder.

13. Caught between two stools

Meaning - To be in a dilemma or confusion, unable to choose between two options/ a situation of dualism. 

Examples:

a. I'm caught between two stools - I don't know whether to accept this job or continue my studies.

b. He was caught between two stools when his friends asked him to choose between them.

14. Cry over spilt milk 

Meaning - To regret upon something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Examples:

a. I know you're upset, but there's no use crying over spilt milk. We need to move on and find a solution.

b. It's too late to fix the mistake now, so there's no point in crying over spilt milk.

15. Cut corners

Meaning - To do something in a hasty or incomplete manner in order to save time or money.

Examples:

a. He cut corners while building the house, and now it's falling apart.

b. I don't want to cut corners on this project - I want to do it right.

16. Cross the line

Meaning - To behave in a way that is unacceptable or inappropriate or act in a exaggerated manner. 

Examples:

a. He crossed the line when he insulted her family.

b. I'm afraid I've crossed the line with my boss, I was too critical in my criticism. 

17. Call it a day

Meaning - To stop working on something. 

Examples:

a. It's getting late, let's call it a day and continue tomorrow.

b. We've been at it for hours - I think it's time to call it a day.

18. Catch someone's eye

Meaning - To attract someone's attention.

Examples:

a. The painting caught my eye as soon as I entered the gallery.

b. She hoped her new hairstyle would catch his eye.

19. Cut to the chase

Meaning - To get to the point or skip the preliminaries or introduction part. 

Examples:

a. Let's cut to the chase and discuss the main issue.

b. I don't have time for illogical talk - cut to the chase and tell me what you want.

20. Couch potato

Meaning - A person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down watching TV, Smartphone, or simply being procrastinated in nature or being idle.

Examples:

a. John has become such a couch potato that he hardly ever leaves the house.

b. I used to be a couch potato, but I've started going to the gym regularly.

(1) EXERCISES

Make sentences in your own words out of the given below idioms. 

1. Can't cut the mustard

2. Can of worms

3. Can't stomach someone or something

4. Cause a stir

5. Change of heart

(2) EXERCISES

Give the meanings of the following idioms and phrases in your own words in English. 

1. Cross the line

2. Cut corners

3. Cry over split milk

4. Cut to the chase

5. Couch potato

 

Idioms and Phrases with D

Idioms and Phrases Starting with D

1. Dead and buried

Meaning: something that cannot be restored or reactivated to its original form or state.

Examples:

a. The old argument about whether the UK should be a member of the EU should now be dead and buried.

b. All past animosities are dead and buried now.

2. Dumb as a doornail

Meaning: very stupid or unintelligent

Examples:

a. He may be good-looking, but he's dumb as a doornail. I wouldn't make him my friend.

b. He couldn't answer any of the questions correctly, he was as dumb as a doornail.

3. Dwindle down

Meaning: to decrease gradually in size, amount, or importance.

Examples:

a. The company's profits have dwindled down over the past few years. They need to find new revenue streams.

b. The water supply in the reservoir has been dwindling down due to the lack of rain this season.

4. Dyed in the wool

Meaning: deeply committed or entrenched in a belief or way of thinking.

Examples:

a. He's a dyed-in-the-wool conservative. He'll never vote for a liberal candidate.

b. She's a dyed-in-the-wool vegetarian; she has been avoiding meat for her entire life.

5. Devil in the details

Meaning: important information or factors that are easily overlooked and that can cause problems and difficulties. 

Examples:

a. The devil is in the details with this contract. We need to read it carefully to make sure there are no hidden surprises.

b. The proposal looked good at first glance, but we found out later that the devil was in the details; there were hidden costs that we didn't consider.

6. Devil-may-care

Meaning: reckless or carefree. 

Examples:

a. His devil-may-care attitude often gets him into trouble. He needs to take things more seriously.

b. His devil-may-care attitude got him into trouble more than once; he didn't think about the consequences of his actions

7. Diamond a dozen

Meaning: something that is very common or easily obtained. 

Examples:

a. These days, mobile phones are a diamond a dozen. You can find them everywhere.

b. There are so many similar products on the market that they have become a diamond a dozen; it's hard to distinguish one from another.

8. Dead ringer

Meaning: someone or something that looks exactly like someone or something else. 

Examples:

a. He's a dead ringer for his father when he was young. They could be twins.

b. He's a dead ringer for his grandfather; they look exactly alike.

9. Double-edged sword

Meaning: something that has both positive and negative effects. 

Examples:

a. Social media can be a double-edged sword. It allows us to connect with people, but also exposes us to negativity and harassment.

b. Social media is a double-edged sword; it can be a great tool for communication and networking, but it can also be a source of misinformation and cyberbullying.

10. Duck out

Meaning: to leave a place or situation quickly and quietly.

Examples:

a. He had to duck out of the party early because he wasn't feeling well.

b. He had to duck out of the meeting early to attend his daughter's graduation party.

11. Don't judge a book by its cover

Meaning: don't judge someone or something based on appearances.

Examples:

a. At first I thought the new teacher was strict and unfriendly, but after a few classes, I realized she was actually quite nice. I guess you can't judge a book by its cover.

b. The old car may not look like much, but it runs perfectly fine. Remember, don't judge a book by its cover.

12. Dog and pony show

Meaning: a display just to put on for show rather than meaningful in anyway. 

Examples:

a. The presentation was just a dog and pony show; they didn't really have anything new to offer.

b. The politicians' speeches were all just a dog and pony show.

13. Down to the wire 

Meaning: very close to a deadline or a finish line or something that's full of suspense. 

Examples:

a. We were down to the wire with the project, but we managed to finish it on time.

b. The race was down to the wire, with the winner crossing the finish line just seconds ahead of the others.

14. Drop in the bucket

Meaning: a small or insignificant amount in relation to a larger whole. 

Examples:

a. The amount of money we raised for charity was just a drop in the bucket compared to what we need.

b. Your one-time donation will be just a drop in the bucket for the organization's long-term funding needs.

15. Dry run 

Meaning: a rehearsal or practice session before the real event

Examples:

a. We did a dry run of the presentation to make sure everything would go smoothly.

b. The team did a dry run of the game plan before the big match.

16. Duck and cover 

Meaning: a safety drill to protect oneself from danger

Examples:

a. During the war, students were taught to duck and cover in case of a nuclear attack.

b. In earthquake-prone areas, people are advised to duck and cover under sturdy tables or desks.

17. Dull as dishwater 

Meaning: very boring or uninteresting. 

Examples:

a. The lecture was dull as dishwater; I struggled to stay awake the whole time.

b. The book was described as a thrilling mystery, but I found it dull as dishwater.

18. Dressed to the nines 

Meaning: dressed very stylishly or elegantly.

Examples:

a. She was dressed to the nines for the gala event; everyone was admiring her outfit."

b. He's always dressed to the nines for work, even on casual Fridays.

19. Duck soup 

Meaning: something that is easy to do or accomplish.

Examples:

a. After studying for months, the exam was duck soup for her.

b. The project was a piece of cake; it was duck soup to finish it.

20. Dutch courage 

Meaning: the false/fake bravery or courage that comes from drinking alcohol.

Examples: 

a. He only had Dutch courage when he confronted his boss after drinking.

b. She felt like she needed Dutch courage before giving her presentation.

Exercises: 

A. Make sentences out of the below given idioms and phrases. 

1. Dutch courage

2. Dwindle down 

3. Dumb as doornail

4. Dead and buried

5. Dyed in the wool 

B. Give the meanings of the following idioms and phrases. 

1. Devil in the details

2. Devil-may-care

3. Diamond a dozen

4. Dead ringer

5. Double-edged sword

 

16 Most Common Idioms That Start with C

Most Common Idioms That Start with C 

1. Chicken out

Meaning: To decide against something because of fear, afraid or nervousness

Examples:

1. He chickened out of bungee jumping at the last minute and didn't take the opportunity. 

2. She was supposed to give a speech at the conference, but chickened out because of stage fear. 

2. Clean slate

 Meaning: A fresh or new start or a new beginning without any past sufferings or problems

Examples:

1. After the divorce, she moved to a new city to start a new life with a clean slate.

2. The new manager wanted to give the team a clean slate and encouraged them to forget about past mistakes.

3. Close ranks

Meaning: To come together and show unity or togetherness, especially in the face of opposition or criticism

Examples:

1. The team closed ranks and rallied around their coach when he was under fire from the media.

2. The employees closed ranks and supported their co-worker who was unfairly treated by their boss.

4. Cash cow

Meaning: A reliable source of earning, income or profit

Examples:

1. The new product has been a cash cow for the company, generating millions in revenue.

2. Stock market has always been a cash cow for investors looking for long-term gains.

5. Crystal ball moment

Meaning: A moment when someone has a sudden clear insight or realization about something that was previously unclear or unknown

Examples:

1. I had a crystal ball moment when I realized the solution to the problem that had been bothering me for weeks.

2. He had a crystal ball moment when he finally understood the meaning of the confusing passage in the book.

6. Cold feet, warm heart

Meaning: To have feelings of nervousness, hesitation or fearfulness before initiating to do something, despite having good intentions

Examples:

1. She had cold feet before her big speech, but her warm heart helped her push through and deliver an inspiring message.

2. He was experiencing cold feet before proposing to his girlfriend, but his warm heart reassured him that she was the one for him.

7. Cook something up

Meaning: To create or invent something, often with an element of deception or trickery

Examples:

1. The politician was caught trying to cook up a story to cover up his mistake.

2. The salesman had to cook up a convincing pitch to sell his product to skeptical customers.

8. Chip on your shoulder

Meaning: To be easily offended or ready to indulge in fight

Examples:

1. He always has a chip on his shoulder and gets angry at minor criticism.

2. She walked around with a chip on her shoulder, daring anyone to challenge her.

9. Cast a shadow

Meaning: To cause doubt or suspicion or a situation of dualism

Examples:

1. His past behavior casts a shadow on his ability to lead the team.

2. The corruption cast a shadow on the politician's reputation.

10. Curate's egg

Meaning: Something which is partly good and partly bad

Examples: 

1. The movie was a bit of a curate's egg - great acting, but a weak script.

2. The restaurant's menu was a curate's egg, with some delicious dishes but also some disappointments.

11. Caught between a rock and a hard place

Meaning: Faced with a difficult decision or situation with no easy solution

Examples:

1. She was caught between a rock and a hard place - she couldn't afford to quit her job, but it was causing her so much stress.

2. The company was caught between a rock and a hard place - they needed to cut costs, but they didn't want to lay off any employees.

12. Cut somebody some slack

Meaning: To be lenient or forgiving towards someone

Examples: 

1. He's going through a tough time, so let's cut him some slack if he's not performing at his best.

2. The teacher cut the students some slack and gave them an extension on the project.

13. Cross your fingers

Meaning: To hope for good luck or success

Examples:

1. I'm crossing my fingers that I get the job I interviewed for.

2. Cross your fingers that the weather clears up in time for the outdoor activities. 

14. Close call

Meaning: A situation where something almost went wrong, but didn't all

Examples:

1. It was a close call, but the umpire gave out. 

2. The team won by one point - it was a close call, but they still managed to come out on top.

15. Cherry-pick

Meaning: To choose only the best or most desirable options available and ignore the rest

Examples:

1. The recruiter was accused of cherry-picking candidates based on their looks, rather than their qualifications.

2. She cherry-picked the best pieces of fruit from the basket and left the rest for her family.

16. Call the shots

Meaning: To be in charge or have the authority to make decisions

Examples:

12. The CEO called the shots and decided to merge the two companies.

13. The coach let the team captain call the shots during the game and make important decisions.

Exercises: 16 Most Common Idioms That Start with C

EXERCISES 1

A. Make sentences out of the given below idioms. 

1. Cash cow

2. Crystal ball moment

3. Clean slate

4. Close ranks

5. Cook something up

EXERCISE 2

Give the meanings of given below idioms. 

1. Cast a shadow

2. Curate's egg

3. Close call

4. Call the shots

5. Cross your fingers

 

20 Most Amazing Idioms with letter D

 

20 Most Amazing Idioms with Letter D

1. Damp squib

Meaning: an event which has not happened as expected.

Examples:

a. I thought this would be a great opportunity for Alia to represent India at World Cup, but of course it was a total damp squib!

b. 2022 college reunion was a total damp squid.

2. Days are numbered

Meaning: something which is coming to an end very shortly, suggesting that time is running out.

Examples:

a. The coach's days are numbered; the team hasn't won a game all season.

b. The bookshop's days are numbered; people are buying more e-books than physical books.

3. Dead air

Meaning: dead air refers to a period of silence or lack of sound transmission during a radio or television broadcast.

Examples: 

a. The DJ was fired for letting dead air play for too long during his live show.

b. The podcast episode had a lot of dead air due to the host's poor editing.

4. Dollars to donuts

Meaning: "Dollars to donuts" is an idiomatic expression used to convey confidence or certainty in a particular outcome or prediction. It's an informal way of saying that you are extremely confident in your prediction and would be willing to bet on it, with "dollars" representing the currency and "donuts" representing a small and relatively inexpensive item.

Examples:

a. I'm willing to bet dollars to donuts that it's going to rain tomorrow.

b. I'll bet you dollars to donuts that the team from New York is going to win the championship this year.

5. Dodge a bullet

Meaning: to narrowly avoid a harmful situation or consequence.

Examples:

a. I almost missed my flight, but I made it just in time. I really dodged a bullet there.

b. I was going to lend him some money, but then I found out he had a history of not paying people back; I dodged a bullet.

6. Drop a dime 

Meaning: to make a phone call, often to report someone to the authorities

Examples:

a. Sarah dropped a dime and reported her boss for harassment.

b. The witness dropped a dime on the suspect, giving the police valuable information to solve the case.

7. Dog's life

Meaning: a difficult, unpleasant, or miserable life.

Examples:

a. Working two jobs just to make both ends meet is a real dog's life.

b. Being homeless is a dog's life; you have to scavenge for food and shelter every day.

8. Day in the sun

Meaning: refers to happy, carefree times spent enjoying life.

Examples:

a. The family spent their days in the sun on the beach, playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean.

b. The road trip across the country was full of adventure and days in the sun, exploring new sights and meeting interesting people.

9.Dead as a doornail 

Meaning: completely lifeless and without any hope of being revived or repaired.

Examples:

a. The battery in my old phone is dead as a doornail. I can't even turn it on anymore.

b. The old car in the garage is dead as a doornail. It's time to buy a new one.

10. Devil's advocate

Meaning: a person who presents a dissimilar or opposing viewpoint, to initiate a debate or discussion. 

Examples:

a. I know you think we should hire more staff, but let me play devil's advocate for a moment and suggest that we try to work with what we have.

b. I don't really believe all that - I was just playing devil's advocate.

11. Drive someone up the wall

Meaning: to annoy or frustrate someone to the point of madness. 

Examples:

a. My coworker's constant tapping on the keyboard is driving me up the wall.

b. Sarah's loud and constant singing is driving me up the wall! I can't concentrate on my work with all the noise.

12. Don't count your chickens before they hatch

Meaning: don't make plans based on something that may not happen.

Examples: 

a. I know you're excited about the job offer, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.

b. Don't go buying a new car just yet. You haven't won the lottery, so don't count your chickens before they hatch.

13. Diamond in the rough

Meaning: someone or something with potential or talent that isn't yet polished or refined.

Examples:

a. The new employee is a diamond in the rough. With a bit of training and guidance, they could be a star.

b. The house is a diamond in the rough, and with some hard work it will be really beautiful.

14. Dark horse

Meaning: an unknown or unexpected candidate, often in a competition or election, who emerges to achieve success or victory.

Examples:

a. South Africa cricket team is such a dark horse team, I had no idea that they would win the World Cup. 

b. John was a dark horse in the competition, nobody expected him to win but he surprised everyone with his exceptional performance.

15. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: this idiom means to not invest all of your time, money, or efforts into a single venture or opportunity.

Examples:

a. I know you really want to invest all your money in that one stock, but don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's better to diversify your portfolio. 

b. I'm applying to several different colleges, because I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket and risk not getting accepted anywhere.

16. Don't cry over spilt milk

Meaning: this means not to get upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Examples:

a. I know you've made a mistake, but there's no point in crying over spilt milk. Let's just move on.

b.I know you're upset that you didn't get the job, but don't cry over spilt milk. There will be other opportunities for you.

17. Dog-eat-dog

Meaning: this describes a very competitive and cutthroat environment where people will do anything to get ahead.

Examples:

a. The business world can be very dog-eat-dog, so you need to be prepared to compete fiercely.

b. The tech industry can be very competitive and dog-eat-dog, so you have to be prepared to work hard and stay ahead of the curve.

18. Dead in the water

Meaning: this means something that has completely failed or become stuck.

Examples:

a. Our plan to expand the business is dead in the water due to lack of funding.

b. Without a reliable internet connection, our business is dead in the water. We can't afford any more downtime.

19. Drop in the bucket

Meaning: this means a very small and insignificant amount in comparison to the whole.

Examples:

a. Your donation of 1000 is appreciated, but it's just a drop in the bucket compared to what we need.

b. The employer's salary is just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall budget of the company.

20. Dead duck

Meaning: this is a phrase used to describe something or someone that is destined to fail. 

Examples:

a. The old printer in the office is a dead duck, it doesn't work and we can't get replacement parts anymore.

b. The football team was already losing by ten points, but when their best player got injured, they were really a dead duck.

Exercises-20-Most Amazing Idioms with letter D

EXERCISES

A. Make sentences out of given idioms. 

1. Dead in the water

2. Don't cry over spilt milk

3. Dark horse

4. Don't count your chickens before they hatch

5. Dog-eat-dog

B. Give the meanings of given idioms.

1. Dead as doornail

2. Days are numbered

3. Dodge a bullet

4. Dollars to donuts

5. Day in the sun