| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| British Cicero, the | A term used historically to refer to William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, known for his eloquence in politics. | In debates, he often drew comparisons to the British Cicero, showcasing a mastery of rhetoric that captivated audiences. |
| Cicero of the British Senate, the | A title given to George Canning for his articulate speeches and oratory skills in the British Parliament. | Canning’s speeches were so persuasive that he earned the nickname “Cicero of the British Senate” among his peers. |
| Brown, Jones, and Robinson | A colloquial expression representing average or typical middle-class individuals. | The meeting was filled with discussions about the needs of Brown, Jones, and Robinson, the ordinary citizens of our community. |
| Tom, Dick, and Harry | A phrase used to refer to any random person or the general populace. | The new policy was so confusing that it left Tom, Dick, and Harry unsure of what to do next. |
| Buddy up to someone | To become overly friendly or familiar with someone, often to gain favour. | After his promotion, many colleagues began to buddy up to him, hoping to share in his success. |
| Buddy up with someone | To form a partnership or alliance with someone for mutual benefit. | I decided to buddy up with Sarah for the project, as we both had complementary skills. |
| Build a fire under someone | To motivate someone to take action or improve their performance. | The coach had to build a fire under the team after their last disappointing match to ensure they performed better. |
| Burn someone at the stake | To criticize or reprimand someone harshly for a mistake or failure. | After the error was revealed, the manager didn’t hold back and burned him at the stake during the meeting. |
| Build bridges with someone | To make efforts to establish friendly relationships or cooperation with others. | The new ambassador focused on building bridges with local leaders to improve diplomatic relations. |
| Burn bridges with someone | To take actions that damage or sever relationships, making it hard to return to previous connections. | After the disagreement, he felt he had burned bridges with his former allies and would struggle to rebuild those ties. |
| Build up something | To increase or enhance something gradually over time. | The company plans to build up its marketing strategy in the coming months to reach a broader audience. |
| Build up to something | To lead toward a significant event or conclusion through gradual or indirect means. | The novel’s tension slowly built up to a dramatic climax that left readers on the edge of their seats. |
| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bullion State, the | A historical nickname for Missouri, likely derived from the wealth associated with the region. | The Bullion State is rich in history and was crucial during the westward expansion of the United States. |
| Golden State, the | A nickname for California, symbolising its wealth, natural beauty, and opportunities. | Many flock to the Golden State each year, drawn by its stunning landscapes and thriving tech industry. |
| Bully for someone | A sarcastic expression used to convey insincere approval or congratulations. | When she announced her promotion, I simply replied, “Bully for you,” knowing it wouldn’t make a difference to me. |
| Bully someone | To use intimidation or threats to control or frighten someone. | He tried to bully me into giving him my lunch money, but I stood my ground. |
| Bun is in the oven, the | A euphemism for someone being pregnant or indicating that something has begun. | Everyone congratulated her when they found out that the bun is in the oven; she’s expecting twins! |
| Fat is in the fire, the | Indicates that an irreversible action has begun, leading to certain consequences. | Once the proposal was submitted, the fat is in the fire, and there’s no turning back now. |
| Burn a hole in someone’s pocket | Describes a situation where someone feels compelled to spend money quickly. | After receiving his paycheck, he felt a $500 bonus was burning a hole in his pocket, leading to an impulse purchase. |
| Make a hole in someone’s pocket | To significantly reduce someone’s financial resources through spending or costs. | The repairs on my car made quite a hole in my pocket, leaving me with barely enough for groceries. |
| Burn away | To continue to burn steadily or to diminish by burning. | As the evening wore on, the candles burned away, leaving a warm glow in the room. |
| Burn out | To stop functioning due to exhaustion or depletion; also refers to an object no longer igniting. | The light bulb burned out right before the big presentation, leaving us in the dark. |
| Burn down | To be completely consumed or destroyed by fire, typically referring to structures. | After a faulty wire sparked, the old barn burned down within minutes, leaving nothing but ashes. |
| Burn up | To be completely consumed by fire or destroyed by extreme heat, often used for smaller items. | The papers in the fireplace burned up quickly, turning to ashes before we could salvage anything. |
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