Book of Idioms, Episode 4

"Friends in high places." To have friends in high places means, of a high social standing: government officials, influential businessmen, and friends and acquaintances thereof. The idiom does not imply whether this influence is legitimate or not (if not, we would call it "corruption.")
Ex.: "His company received a $2 million contract because he has friends in high places."


"It's not rocket science." (American) This is an idiom playing off the dramatic societal impact of the Apollo lunar landing. Rocket science became the figurative pinnacle (peak) of human science and knowledge. Something that is "not rocket science" is not anywhere near as complicated or difficult.
Ex.: "Riding a bicycle isn't rocket science. It just takes a little practice."
"Breathing down one's neck." To breathe down someone's neck is, figuratively, to be watching over someone so closely that the other person can feel your breath on his or her neck. This implies supervision that distracts a person, making concentration, and work, difficult.
Ex.: "I need my boss to stop breathing down my neck. I need some elbow room so I can concentrate on my work.


"Old school." When something is done in the manner of old customs, habits, and traditions, it is often said to be "old school." That which is old school, is traditional, habitual, and customary. Its opposite is "new school," for "new schools of thought." Old school is "old thinking."
Ex.: "Reading paper books is old school. Everyone uses e-books now." (Not entirely true, but some people speak like this!)


"What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas." This is a reference to Las Vegas, a world famous hub for vacationing, tourism, gambling, and adult entertainment. Visitors feel encouraged to endulge in things they would never do, and certainly never speak of in polite company, in other places. To not speak of something embarassing is to ensure it "stays in Vegas" and never comes to light.


"Low-hanging fruit." (English idiom) Low-hanging fruit is fruit that is picked with little physical effort. Idiomatically, "low-hanging fruit" are tasks that can be accomplished with little effort. By beginning with the low-hanging fruit, one accomplishes the easy tasks first, leaving the more difficult tasks for after easier ones are completed.


"A wait-and - see attitude." (English idiom) To wait and see, is to passively observe; to stand aside and do nothing for the moment. This attitude - or posture - is taken by those who feel they need more information, or a better opportunity, before taking action. "I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude towards the stock market right now. I think too many stocks are overvalued at the moment."


"To tie the knot." (English Idiom) In English-speaking societies, "to tie the knot" is a figurative way of saying: to get married. When two people become married, they establish strong bonds with each other, like tying a knot with two ropes or cords. "Julia and Andrew are tying the knot. It's about time!"


"To turn a blind eye." (English Idioms) To turn a "blind" eye to something is to see it, but to pretend NOT to see it; to ignore it. "The manager is the owner's nephew. That's why the owner is turning a blind eye to the manager's poor performance." The owner does not want to fire his own nephew, so he is ignoring mismanagement.


"Saving (money) for a rainy day." (English Idiom) To save for a rainy day - saving money, specifically - is to save something for when the need for it is more urgent. "Why don't you buy a new car? / No, I'm saving my money for a rainy day. I don't want to be caught in a bad position."


"Mind your own business." (English Idiom) If I tell you to mind your own business, I am telling you to stay out of mine. "Oh, you think my car's color is ugly? Mind your own business. You paint your car how you like, and I'll paint my car how I like. Fair?" One's business = one's affairs.

➤ Read more idioms and phrases, English grammar and vocabulary at Basic English Grammar And Vocabulary . You might also like ⏬

➤ Idioms about Animals

➤ Idioms of Expression

➤ Idioms on Food

➤ Idiomatic Expressions

➤ Origin of Idioms

➤ Proverbs

➤ Idioms on Situation

➤ Idioms on Temperature