| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Busy as a bee | Refers to someone who is energetically occupied with tasks or responsibilities, often bustling with activity. | Ever since the project started, I’ve been as busy as a bee trying to meet all the deadlines. |
| Busy as a beehive | Describes a place, such as an office or shop, that is teeming with people and activity. | The restaurant was as busy as a beehive during the lunch rush, with staff darting around serving customers. |
| But me no buts | A phrase used to dismiss excuses and demand compliance without argument. | I need that report on my desk by noon. But me no buts, just get it done! |
| There are no buts about it | Used to assert a statement firmly, leaving no room for doubt or disagreement. | He was caught red-handed in the act; there are no buts about it—he needs to take responsibility. |
| Butcher, baker, candlestick maker | Refers to people engaged in traditional crafts or professions, often used to signify various skills. | In the quaint village, you could find all the locals—each one a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker—supporting the community. |
| Chief cook and bottle washer | A person who handles many tasks, often managing both significant responsibilities and minor details. | As the owner of the café, I’m the chief cook and bottle washer, juggling everything from the menu to the cleaning. |
| Butter someone up | To flatter or praise someone with the intention of gaining their favour or assistance. | I’m not trying to butter up my boss; I genuinely believe she deserves recognition for her hard work. |
| Oil someone up | To provide someone with information or advice, or to flatter them in a way similar to buttering up. | Before the big meeting, I’ll oil him up about the latest changes in our strategy to ensure he’s prepared. |
| Buy it | To accept or believe something, often with a sense of skepticism or doubt. | He was skeptical about the new policy, wondering if anyone would actually buy it without questions. |
| Get it | To understand something or, in a different context, to receive punishment. | I really didn’t get it when the professor explained the theory; it was too complex for me to grasp. |
| Buy someone off | To bribe someone to influence their actions or decisions. | The company was accused of buying off officials to secure favorable regulations. |
| Buy someone out | To purchase a person’s stake in a business or property, or to gain their freedom through payment. | After years of partnership, she decided to buy him out to take full control of the business. |
| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Buy the farm | A colloquial expression meaning to die, often in a sudden or violent manner. | After the accident, everyone thought I was going to buy the farm, but luckily, I escaped with only a few bruises. |
| Sell the farm | To sell all one’s assets to invest in a risky new venture or to act impulsively. | The business has seen better days, but don’t sell the farm yet; we might turn it around with the right strategy. |
| By a fraction | To indicate a very small amount or degree, often in a context where precision matters. | She missed the target by a fraction, narrowly avoiding the bullseye in the archery competition. |
| To a fraction | Refers to achieving something with great precision or accuracy. | He measured the ingredients to a fraction, ensuring the recipe turned out perfect every time. |
| By a hair’s breadth | Signifies a very narrow escape or a close call, highlighting minimal difference. | The car just avoided the collision by a hair’s breadth, and the driver let out a sigh of relief. |
| To a hair’s breadth | Achieving something with extreme precision or detail. | The artist painted the details to a hair’s breadth, capturing every nuance of the subject. |
| By air | Referring to transportation via aircraft, usually implying speed or efficiency. | We decided to ship the products by air to ensure they arrived on time for the launch. |
| Over the air | Used to describe something transmitted via radio or broadcasted publicly. | The announcement was made over the air, reaching thousands of listeners across the region. |
| By all means | A phrase used to encourage or confirm that something should be done without hesitation. | If you want to ask her for help, by all means, go ahead; she’s very approachable. |
| By any means | Indicates that all possible methods or approaches should be employed to achieve a goal. | We are determined to complete this project by any means, even if it requires long hours and extra resources. |
| By and by | Refers to a future time that is not specific but indicates soon or before long. | By and by, we’ll find the answers we need; patience is key in research. |
| By the by | An expression used to introduce a new topic or add a comment casually or incidentally. | By the by, have you heard about the new restaurant opening downtown? |
| By any chance | A polite way to ask if something is possible or to inquire about a situation. | I was wondering if by any chance you could join us for dinner tomorrow night. |
| By chance | Indicates something happening accidentally or unpredictably without intention. | We ran into each other by chance at the market after so many years; it was a pleasant surprise. |
| By choice | Refers to something done voluntarily, without coercion. | She decided to leave her job by choice to pursue her passion for painting. |
| Of choice | Indicates a preferred option, especially regarding drugs, treatment, or other selections. | The new medication became the drug of choice for treating the condition due to its effectiveness and fewer side effects. |
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