Color Idioms

• Many people feared that the new millennium would cause black outs because of problems with electricity production. Black out: loss of electricity
• What a beautiful car! I'm green with envy. Be green with envy: very, very jealous of another person's property
• Don't rely on him under pressure in battle. He's yellow. Be yellow: be a coward
• There is so much red tape that needs to be completed before adopting a baby. Red tape: bureaucracy
• Jack Thomas was put on Hollywood's black list during the McArthy era. Black list: list of unwanted people
• She was such a difficult child that her family always treated her like a black sheep. Black sheep: a minority in a small group, often considered "bad" by the majority of the group
• Mr. Jackson is very important to the success of this program. Make sure to roll out the red carpet when he arrives. Roll out the red carpet: give the best treatment
• We're looking for a new home in the green belt. Green belt: the countryside around a city
• It's not quite as black and white as you think. Black and white: simple, clear and understandable
• Try to cheer Susan up. She is feeling rather blue these days. Feel blue: depressed
• I had to tell a white lie in order to get accepted into the program. White lie: small, insignificant lie
• Jack gave me the green light on the project. Give the green light: approve a project or request

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Body Idioms

• The sight of abused children makes my blood boil. Make someone's blood boil: Make someone very angry
• The teacher game me a hand with the homework. Give a hand with: help with
• Go ahead and have a break. I'll keep an eye on the kids. Keep an eye on: look after, take care of
• You deserve a pat on the back for a job well done! Pay on the back: congratulations
• My friend turned a deaf ear on my request for a loan. Turn a deaf ear: not listen to, ignore
• You must be pulling my leg! That can't be true. Pull a leg: not be serious, joke
• Turn that music down! It sets my teeth on edge! Set someone's teeth on edge: make very nervous, annoy greatly
• You need to take a break, relax and let your hair down. Let your hair down: be informal, relax
• This is just too difficult for me. It's way above my head. Above someone's head: be too difficult for someone
• I dare you to say that to his face. Say something to someone's face: tell someone something in person
• You will need to learn these rules by heart if you want to pass the exam. Learn by heart: memorize
• Don't show him those chocolates. He's got a sweet tooth and will eat them all up! Sweet tooth: love of sweet foods

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