Idiomatic Expressions 

& Their Meanings

1. She was tickled pink by the good news.

• Made very happy

2. You were hands down the best player on the team.

• There was no competition

3. I've been feeling pretty down in the dumps lately.

• Sad or depressed

4. I'm feeling sick as a dog!

• Very sick

5. I've been feeling under the weather.

• Not well

6. Rise and shine!

• Wake up and be happy!

7. Close, but no cigar.

• You were very close, but you did not make it.

8. I could play outside till the cows come home.

• For a very long time

9. Wow! It's raining cats and dogs out there!

• Very hard rain

10. That sound is driving me up the wall!

• Making me very annoyed

11. This assignment is a piece of cake.

• Very easy

12. Although he broke the rules, he was only given a slap on the wrist.

• A mild punishment

13. Yikes! This shirt costs an arm and a leg.

• It is extremely expensive.

14. No, I was just pulling your leg.

• Just joking

15. It's Greek to me!

• I don't understand.

16. Keep your chin up.

• Be happy.

17. Hold your horses.

• Be patient.

18. We're all in the same boat.

• All of us are in the same position.

19. He's a bit of a loose cannon.

• Unpredictable

20. I will clean my room when pigs fly.

• Never