| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Need New Legs | To require rest or rejuvenation after extensive physical activity; in a sports context, to seek younger players for improved performance. | After hiking for miles, I definitely felt like I needed new legs before tackling the next trail. |
| Be the Last Leg | To refer to the final segment of a journey, often signifying relief as one approaches the end after a tiring trek. | After several days of travel, we were relieved to find that we were finally on the last leg of our trip. |
| Be on One’s Own Ground | To be in a familiar environment where one feels confident and secure, or to possess expertise in a particular area. | As a local historian, he felt most at ease when discussing events that happened on his own ground. |
| Stand on One’s Native Soil | To be in the place of one’s birth, often evoking feelings of nostalgia and belonging. | She felt a surge of pride as she stood on her native soil, reflecting on the memories of her childhood. |
| Be on Overtime | To work beyond the regular hours, often to complete a task or meet a deadline. | The team had to be on overtime to finish the project before the big presentation the next day. |
| Be Over One’s Time | Referring to a woman who has missed her menstrual cycle, often implying the possibility of pregnancy. | When she mentioned she was over her time, her friends exchanged worried glances, unsure of what it might mean. |
| Be on Pins and Needles | To be in a state of anxious anticipation, often while waiting for important news or outcomes. | The children were on pins and needles waiting for the results of their school play auditions. |
| Have Pins and Needles | To experience a tingling sensation, often in a limb, usually due to pressure on nerves. | After sitting in one position for too long, I got pins and needles in my leg and had to move around. |
| Be on the Fiddle | To engage in dishonest or illegal financial activities, often used in contexts where someone is making money through shady means. | The detective suspected that several individuals in the pub were on the fiddle, taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists. |
| Fiddle About | To waste time or engage in unproductive activities, often implying a lack of focus or seriousness. | I spent the afternoon fiddling about instead of getting to work on my assignments. |
| Be on the Hop | To be extremely busy or actively engaged in various tasks, or to skip school or other commitments without permission. | I’ve been on the hop all week, juggling multiple deadlines and family obligations. |
| Go on the Hop | To skip school or play truant, often implying a carefree or rebellious attitude. | When he was younger, he loved to go on the hop with friends instead of attending classes. |
| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Look Out for Something | To be vigilant or alert for potential dangers, to keep an eye on something, or to take care of someone’s interests or property. | As we hiked through the forest, we had to look out for signs of wildlife and possible hazards. |
| Be On the Mend | To recover or improve after a period of illness or difficulty; can also refer to an overall improvement in circumstances. | After a rough winter, the garden is finally on the mend, with flowers blooming and greenery returning. |
| Mend One’s Ways | To correct or improve one’s behaviour, especially after a period of misconduct or poor choices. | After several warnings, he decided it was time to mend his ways and focus on his studies. |
| Be On the Sick | To be unable to work due to illness, often receiving sick pay or benefits during this time. | Since the accident, she has been on the sick and unable to attend her classes. |
| Be Sick | To feel unwell or experience illness, which may include the urge to vomit. | I felt sick after eating too much at the buffet and needed to step outside for some fresh air. |
| Be On the Side of the Angels | To support morally right actions or causes, indicating ethical integrity and righteousness. | His efforts to promote environmental sustainability put him firmly on the side of the angels. |
| Join the Angels | A euphemism for death, often used to suggest a peaceful transition to the afterlife. | After a long illness, she finally joined the angels, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. |
| Be On the Top Line | To be in an optimal state of readiness or performance, especially in a professional context. | The team was on the top line, delivering their best performance during the championship. |
| Sweat on the Top Line | To be close to achieving a goal or obtaining something desired, often with an intense effort or anxiety. | I was sweating on the top line for that promotion, constantly checking my emails for updates. |
| Be On the Verge of Something | To be at a critical point just before a significant event, especially when it’s likely to be negative or challenging. | The negotiations were on the verge of collapse, with both sides unwilling to compromise. |
| Verge on Something | To come close to a certain state or condition, or to border on a particular characteristic, often with a negative connotation. | His obsessive behaviour verges on paranoia, making it difficult for him to trust anyone. |
| Be On the Wire | To be engaged in a telephone conversation, often implying urgency or the need for immediate communication. | While he was on the wire with the client, the atmosphere in the office became tense and quiet. |
| Be On Wires | To feel anxious or jittery, often due to excitement or stress, reflecting a state of high emotional tension. | She was on wires before her big performance, unable to sit still as she waited for her turn. |
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