| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Big house | Refers to a prison or a large, important estate house, often the main residence of a wealthy landowner. | After years of running from the law, he was finally caught and sent to the big house for his crimes. |
| Little house | A euphemistic term for an outdoor toilet, particularly in older or rural settings. | In the old days, people had to go out to the little house in the backyard, even in the freezing cold. |
| Big shot | A slang term for a powerful or influential person, often used with a hint of sarcasm or admiration. | He walked into the meeting like a big shot, expecting everyone to bow to his every demand. |
| Large shot | Refers to a generous serving of a drink, often alcohol, or a historical term for cannonballs. | The bartender poured him a large shot of whiskey to help him unwind after a long day. |
| Big stick | Symbolizes the use of force or power, especially in political or diplomatic contexts. | The government decided to wield the big stick to enforce stricter regulations on polluting industries. |
| Big sticks | Refers to trees in the logging industry or goal posts in Australian rules football. | The logger had spent his entire life cutting down big sticks, always aware of the dangers involved. |
| Big word | A long or complex word often used to impress others, or the most important term in a context. | He threw in some big words during the presentation to sound more knowledgeable than he really was. |
| Little word | A short and simple word, or a brief conversation about something. | I just need a little word with you about the meeting tomorrow. |
| Bite one’s tongue | To hold back from saying something one wants to, either to avoid conflict or embarrassment. | I wanted to criticize his decision, but I bit my tongue and kept quiet instead. |
| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bite the tongue | Refers to food that has a strong, spicy, or sharp flavour that stimulates the taste buds. | The hot chilli sauce really bites the tongue, but it adds so much flavour to the dish. |
| Bitten by the same bug | Used when two or more people share the same passion, hobby, or interest. | Ever since we went to that car show, we’ve both been bitten by the same bug and can’t stop talking about classic cars. |
| Tarred with the same brush | Refers to unfairly judging a group of people based on the negative qualities of a few individuals. | Even though some fans were unruly, it’s unfair to tar all the supporters with the same brush. |
| Black Act, the | Refers to a historical English law targeting certain outlaw groups in the early 18th century. | The Black Act was notorious for its harsh measures against poachers and rebellious groups. |
| Black Acts, the | Refers to historical laws passed by the Scottish Parliament to solidify royal authority during the 16th century. | The Black Acts were instrumental in establishing the king’s absolute rule over religious matters in Scotland. |
| Black and tan | A type of drink made by layering stout and ale, popular in British pubs. | He ordered a black and tan at the bar, enjoying the way the dark stout floated above the pale ale. |
| Black and Tans, the | A historical reference to a British auxiliary force used during the Irish War of Independence. | The actions of the Black and Tans left a lasting impact on Irish history and national memory. |
| Black and white film | Refers to movies or motion pictures that are produced in monochrome, typically black and white. | Watching an old black-and-white film can be a refreshing break from today’s colourful blockbusters. |
| Black film | A type of movie that either features the dark, gritty side of urban life (film noir) or highlights black culture and actors. | The director’s new black film shines a light on the struggles of life in the inner city. |
| Black bird | Refers to any bird species that has black feathers, commonly seen in many parts of the world. | The black bird swooped down from the trees, its dark feathers shimmering in the early morning light. |
| Blackbird | A European songbird known for its melodic singing, often found in gardens and woodlands. | As the sun set, a blackbird perched on the fence, filling the air with its beautiful, soothing melody. |
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