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