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| 5535893637 | butterflies in your stomach | Definition: you're nervous or excited (often specifically used to describe romantic feelings) Origin of the Word: Etymology Online dates butterflies in the sense of "light stomach spasms caused by anxiety" to 1908. As for why, I believe it's just a descriptive phrase meant to capture the fluttering sensation you feel when nervous, as if butterflies were rapidly flapping their wings in your stomach Sentence with the phrase: As I approached her everything sort of slowed down, with each step my heart started beating faster. Butterflies in my stomach as I was finally in front of her. Sentence without the phrase: I can't describe the feeling I get when I'm around her. We've been together for a very long time, but I still feel all nervous in my body. | 0 | |
| 5536653057 | set the bar high | Definition: the standard or expectation that one seeks to achieve is high. Origin of the word: To establish an expected, required, or desired standard of quality. (Often said of a standard that is constrictive in being either too low or too high) Sentence with the phrase: As I reached the 1 mile mark I thought to myself "I can set the bar higher, tomorrow I will run 3 miles" Sentence without the phrase: I overcome small obstacles preparing myself for a much bigger one. Each day I push myself harder than the day before setting goals I wish to achieve the night before. | 1 | |
| 5547420335 | the gold standard | Definition: the best example. Origin of the word: Historically, it was used by economists and it was used and it signified monetary standard. It was later on used in the Olympics obviously being given a gold medal to the best athlete. Finally it was used as a recognized exemplar of quality or correctness. Sentence with: Belkis is the gold standard I wish to be as organized as her. Sentence without: My teacher was praising how well Belkis's essays were written, she is my role model to write as well as her. | 2 | |
| 5547485246 | jump through hoops | Definition: achieving this is complicated. Origin of the word: Do just about anything to please someone. For example, The boss expects the entire staff to jump through hoops for him, or This violinist will jump through hoops for the conductor. This metaphoric expression alludes to trained circus animals jumping through hoops. [ Early 1900s ] Sentence with: My trainer had me jumping through hoops pushing me harder with each day I went. Sentence without: I believe I was head over heels with this trainer they had me doing exercises I hadn't even heard of. | 3 | |
| 5547537476 | that made my day | Definition: a positive event has changed my outlook for today only (often used sarcastically, as in a negative event has destroyed any chance at happiness that day) Origin of the Word:It came from a 1983 film "Sudden Impact" the fourth movie of the Dirty Harry series. The main character encouraged felons to commit crimes so that he would have an excuse to shoot them. Sentence with: Seeing my mom decorate the house with Christmas decorations that made my day. Sentence without: It really helps me keep my day going knowing my dogs will be excited to see me when I get home. | 4 | |
| 5547821188 | under the sun | Definition: everything Origin of the word: "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."(the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes) Sentence with: As the teacher exclaimed "In the classroom under the sun is mine and you should always ask for permission." Sentence without: As I walked in she claimed everything on the table to be hers. | 5 | |
| 5547859478 | small potatoes | Definition: something meaningless or insignificant Origin of the word: from the mid-19th century, 1825-35 Sentence with: As I'm getting ready for the dance I realize it was small potatoes to stress about dancing with a girl the big potato was just to have fun. Sentence without: As my grandma was stressing over the thanksgiving meal trying to get every small detail to her liking. As I laid back and tried to relax and try not to worry about the little things. | 6 | |
| 5547919871 | get on board (the train) | Definition: join the group Origin of the word: To fail to take advantage of an opportunity; to arrive too late for profit. The analogy to missing a scheduled transport is fairly obvious and has been around since about 1900. Sentence with: You better get on board before you get behind on your side of the job. Sentence without: Hey you better join the rest of us we are going hiking soon. | 7 | |
| 5804317701 | Knock it out of the Park | Definition: Do extraordinarily well. Origin of the Word: From baseball, The goal as the batter is to knock it out of the park and score a homerun. Sentence With: I know you have essays to do but you can knock it out the park if you dedicate two days to just catching up on all your work. Sentence Without: You can do very well on the test if you just study. | 8 | |
| 5804479107 | right off the bat | Definition: immediately Origin of the Word: In baseball, this phrase refers to the ball coming off the bat. Sentence With: Right of the bat I found so many coins I could put into my piggy bank. Sentence without: As I enter the door right away I got so many question on how the interview went and I immediately sat down and explained to them how I got the job. | 9 | |
| 5806599939 | on the horizon | Defintion: metaphorically, something is visible but still far away Origin of the word: The sun setting over the horizon I looks pretty close but it is actually very far. Sentence with: As I dreafully get into the car Brookside High school was almost growing on the horizon. Sentence without: As I jumped into the freezing cold water of the lake I run all the way to the scuba diver and give him a highfive, I look back and see the sand its so close but so far my numbing feet can't go as fast as they normally would. | 10 | |
| 5808023430 | pull a name out of a hat | Definition: choose randomly Origin of the Word: Magicians back then did a lot of pulling random things out of a hat. Sentence With: "Pull a name out of the hat billy" he said "I can't I have to decide carefully and list all the pros and cons" Sentence Without: You can't just choose at random when you pick a pokemon pack. You have to take many things in consideration. | 11 | |
| 5808099022 | waiting to/until the last minute | Definition: something is happening very close to a deadline Origin of the Word: I guess people were late everytime so they found it neccasary to say it. Sentence With : My family is the type to be late to everything. I'm constantly being told to remind my dad to stop waiting until the last minute. Sentence without: If you constantly put something back you eventually or reach the deadline. | 12 | |
| 5808232522 | at the end of the day/when all is said and done | Definition: when everything has happened; thinking about all occurrences Origin of the word: At the end of the day everything is final you can't change anything about it. Sentence With: I need no arguments what I say is final at the end of the day all is said and done. Sentence Without: My word is final, what I say goes around here I'm the Apex Predator You're just another puny animal. | 13 | |
| 5808272002 | stabbed in the back | Definition: has been betrayed Origin of the word: Julius Ceasar Was stabbed in the back by his bestfriend he was also betrayed. Sentence With: As I reveal the person who had been stealing my homework and putting their name on it, I look at the name of the paper and was taken a back to see my best friends name on the paper I was back stabbed by the one person I thought I could trust. Sentence Without: I can't believe my trust was broken by my bestfriend. | 14 | |
| 5808281410 | wake-up call | Definition: shocked into a realization Origin of the Word: When you wake up and when you recieve some news you have the same mindset. Sentence with: I'm waiting in the doctors office and I recieved the biggest wake up call ever. Sentence without: It was the biggest slap in the face when I recieved the doctors evalutations, I broke my leg and most likely would never walk again. | 15 | |
| 5808290579 | doesn't stand a chance/doesn't have a prayer | Definition: something has no hope or chance for success Origin of the word: People have no faith have no chance of getting into heaven. Sentence with: People who don't study most be the same person who doesn't have a prayer in getting into college. Sentence without: People who play sports and never go to practice have little to no chance of being MVP. | 16 | |
| 5808334239 | drives you nuts/drives you up a wall | Definition: something is very irritating or frustrating Origin of the word: When something makes you upset or frustrated and their constantly nagging you, you back up against the wall. Sentence with: People who constantly complain about how terrible their life is while they're having their maid cook and clean for them really drives me nuts. Sentence without: You know what really grinds my gears? Having so many people come up to me and ask me if I'm high just because of the way my eyes look. | 17 | |
| 5811473261 | my hands are tied | Defintion: I can't do what you wish I would do Origin of the word: people with hands tied behind their backs can't really do much. Sentence With: I can't really help you with your math homework I have to walk the dog, my hands are tied I'm sorry. Sentence without: I could not help anyone because I can't since I have ten other things to do. | 18 | |
| 5811543731 | off the top of my head | Definition: without thinking about it too much Origin of the word: It came from when people thought too much. Sentence With: I can't remember names they come off the top of my head but I can remember faces. Sentence without: I knew all the answeres I studied for so long, but with the timer I just overthought the answers. | 19 | |
| 5812294023 | sick and tired | Definition: (I) would no longer like to experience this Origin of the word: Being sick and tired is an expierence you just want to end. Sentence With: I'm so sick and tired of school, I can't wait to graduate. Sentence without: I can't stand being alone with people I don't know it is so awkward. | 20 | |
| 5812551639 | don't rain on my parade | Definition: don't ruin or spoil something I'm excited or happy about Origin of the word: Rain ruins parades Sentence with: I'm having a great day so please don't rain on my parade with your negativity. Sentence Without: My day is going great don't ruin it with your negativity. | 21 | |
| 5812564091 | skeletons in the closet | Definition: there is a scandal or hidden secret in one's past Origin of the word: I believe that back in the day people actually hid skeletons in there closets to hide secrets. Sentence With: People who are squeaky clean and have no record of any bad doing and no skeletons in the closets should run for office. Sentence without: If you run for president you better have a clean record and not even one speeding ticket because people will look everywhere to find something wrong with you. | 22 | |
| 5815019592 | think outside the box | Definition: be original; think outside the norms Origin of the Word: originated in the USA in the late 1960s/early 1970s. It has become something of a cliche, especially in the business world, where 'thinking outside the box' has become so hackeyed as to be rather meaningless. Sentence with: Why follow the instructions when you can think outside the box and create something of your own imagination. Sentence Without: Why become something that everybody becomes | 23 | |
| 5815019593 | bread-winner | Definition: person who makes the money in a family Origin of the word: People had competition for bread and made a lot of money. Sentence with: I worked hard to eventually become the bread winner in my family. Sentence Without: I made a lot more money than my dad and my overall family, I couldn't believe I could actually support my family. | 24 | |
| 5815134930 | got off on the wrong foot | Definition: the relationship began with bad feelings or a misunderstanding Origin of the word: The origin came from people who were superstitous who thought they must have started the day on the wrong foot. Sentence With: I started today on the wrong foot, everything bad that could happen happened. Sentence Without: Today was weird I had this unshakening feel that something bad was going to happen. | 25 | |
| 5816544954 | keep your fingers crossed | Definition: hope; good luck Origin of the word: People crossed their fingers in hope of a good outcome. Sentence with: Good luck on that pie eating contest my fingers are crossed. Sentence without: Good luck buddy hope you pass all your exams. | 26 | |
| 5816566961 | pain in the neck/rear end | Definition: something is very irritating or frustrating Origin of the word: A pain the neck is very irratating so people just started calling people pain. Sentence with: You've become a real pain in the neck since you have had all your friends sleeping here. Sentence without: Why must you be so annoying I have had it up to here with your nagging. | 27 | |
| 5816581255 | no-brainer | Definition: a very easy decision Origin of the word: It comes from making easy decisions, the decision is so easy a person with no brain would choose it. Sentence with: Come on Barry its a no brainer what is the cause of your speed? Sentence without: The answer is staring you right in the face why are you thinking about this so hard? | 28 | |
| 5816582629 | elephant in the room 1/6/17 | Definition: there is a very large issue present that everyone is thinking about but no one is openly referring to Origin of the word: I think it came from people who thought it would be weird to have an elephant in the room just like a big problem within people. Sentence with: Zootopia had an actual elephant in the room. Sentence without: We should address what is making the room so full of tension. | 29 | |
| 5816664266 | needless to say | Definition: words are unnecessary Origin Of the word:I feel like this one came from someone arguing. Sentence with: Needless to say, I have nothing I need to say to you please leave. Sentence without: Let our actions speak louder than our words. | 30 | |
| 5816665703 | dumb as a box of rocks | Definition: no neurological activity Origin Of the word: Rocks are not smart. Sentence with: Patrick star is the one case where he is dumb as a box of rocks. Sentence without: How dumb are you? I bet you sometimes forget how to breathe. | 31 | |
| 5816669352 | call the shots | Definition: be the leader Origin Of the word: Shots are called by the one who is leading said group. Sentence with: Who wants to call the shots around here we need a represenatative. Sentence without: I'll be taking charge I'll make all the tough decisions if no one else can. | 32 | |
| 5816749138 | like night and day | Definition: these things are very different Origin Of the word: Day and night are both very different so they just made a saying out of it. Sentence With: Red and blue are like night and day both very different. Sentence Without: Orange and apple juices the difference between the two is amazing. | 33 | |
| 5816750856 | no holds barred | Definition: a fight is happening with no rules or regulations Origin Of the word: Fights clubs Sentence With: You me in the alleyway no holds barred. Sentence Without: No rules me and you outside. | 34 | |
| 5816756883 | it's nothing personal | Definition: this is not directed at you Origin Of the word: A lot of people took offense to what people were saying so they made a saying. Sentence With: Its nothing personal but people who are in JROTC take it too seriously. Sentence Without: I have nothing against you but people who like meat are disgusting. | 35 | |
| 5817020072 | second wind | Definition:having renewed energy for something that has already taken a long time Origin of the word: Back in the time with windmills they got a second wind. Sentence With: After a 12 hour nap I got second wind. Sentence without: Once I got back up after getting knocked around I felt this weird feeling was full of energy again. | 36 | |
| 5817021423 | second banana | Definition: second in command Origin of the word: From bannanas Sentence With: I don't know any of you but this is Bobo my second bannana. Sentence without: He's my second in command he is the Peanut butter to my jelly. | 37 | |
| 5817022924 | sell out | Definition: compromise one's principles for money or other personal gain Origin of the word: Back on wall street where people sold out their businesses. Sentence With: How can you sell out? That was our business without my consent. Sentence without: I had to give in look at all the money I'm getting. | 38 | |
| 5817224579 | variety is the spice of life | Definition: different things and different people keep life from being boring, and "boring" is undesirable Origin of the word: There are a lot of spices in the world. Sentence With: How can you be bored of life there is a variety is the spice of life. Sentence without: Life is full of surprises it never ceases to amaze me. | 39 | |
| 5818173525 | watch your mouth | Definition: be careful of what you say; you speaking inappropriately and I don't want you to continue Origin of the Word:People who always cussed or said rude things. Sentence with: Hey watch your mouth, were you raised in a barn? Sentence Without: Hey be careful what you say around my mother, I can't believe you would say something like that. | 40 | |
| 5818174647 | lesser of two evils | Definition: this bad choice is a little better than another bad choice Origin of the Word: Looking at the brightside Sentence with: Well you can jump out the plane or cut a finger off, look at the lesser of two evils. Sentence Without: They are both terrible choices but I'm gonna play it safe and choose the less dangerous one. | 41 | |
| 5818176411 | something up his sleeve | Definition: he is using trickery; he is hiding something that he will spring on us later Origin of the Word: Magicians who hid things up their sleeve. Sentence with: WAIT I DON'T TRUST HIM He must have something up his sleeve. Sentence Without: He is hiding his real plan I don't trust him. | 42 | |
| 5818282812 | no way, Jose | Definition: absolutely not Origin of the word: This slang expression originated in America sometime around the 1960s. In Chapman and Kipfer's Dictionary of American Slang 'no way' is listed as a 1960s phrase and 'no way Jose' as originating in Village Voice. Unfortunately, they don't present any other details so I can't check that assertion. Sentence with: No way, Jose I would never drink that much hot sauce. Sentence without: There is absolutely no way I will ever drink that much hot sauce. | 43 | |
| 5818283994 | the jury is still out | Definition:it is uncertain what will happen Origin of the word: 'The Jury Is Still Out' has been a staple headline in US newspapers for at least 150 years; for example, this from The New York Daily-Times, May 1850: "The [Gardiner Trial] Jury are still out, with no prospect of immediate agreement." Sentence With: I'm still deciding sorry but the jury is still out. Sentence without: I still havent decided I don't know the outcome of this situation. | 44 | |
| 5818285859 | red carpet treatment | Definition:to be treated like a celebrity Origin of the word: People who were on the red carpet get special treatment. Sentence With: She is so new, look at her trying to get the red carpet treatment. Sentence without: Did you think that just because you were an extra in one tv show that you would be treated like Tom Hanks. | 45 | |
| 5818289692 | read between the lines | Definition: find a metaphorical meaning Origin of the word: This expression derives from a simple form of cryptography, in which a hidden meaning was conveyed by secreting it between lines of text. It originated in the mid 19th century and soon became used to refer to the deciphering of any coded or unclear form of communication, whether written or not; for example, one might say "She said she was happy to go to the party but didn't seem concerned when it was cancelled. Reading between the lines, I don't think she wanted to go in the first place". Sentence With: As I look at her I wasn't getting the message clear enough, She wanted to get married I really need to learn how to read between the lines. Sentence without: I didn't understand what I was reading so I had to break down and look at every part. | 46 | |
| 5818478458 | I wash my hands of this | Definition: I take no responsibility for what happens from here on. Origin of the word: Comes from a movie with this as its one liner. Sentence with: I wash my hands of this, did you? I didn't think so good luck and have fun in jail. Sentence Without: Well I had no part of this even if I did you can't prove it. | 47 | |
| 5818480077 | don't reinvent the wheel | Definition: don't spend time creating something that has already been created Origin of the word: A lot of people must tried to recreate the wheel. Sentence with: please don't reinvent the wheel I'm the first person to make this kind of cheese. Sentence Without: I have a patent so you can't copy my formula. | 48 | |
| 5818448153 | hard-headed | Definition: stubborn Origin of the word: People must have made this from animals with hard heads. Sentence with: Don't be so hardheaded I need your help with the chores. Sentence Without: Don't be so stubborn please pay attention in class. | 49 |
