101 English Language Idioms

English idioms are fun and useful. People use idioms
frequently, so it is important to be familiar with them.
If you can learn the 101 English idioms in this list, you
will be able to converse with English speakers in a
more natural and articulate manner.

You might want to learn and practice a new idiom
every day. Don't forget to regularly review and use
the ones you have already learned. Have fun with your
idioms!

English Idioms

English Idiom #2
A CASH COW
Explanation of English Idiom #2
AN EASY WAY TO EARN MONEY REGULARLY.
Example of English Idiom #2
"INCOME TAX IS A REAL CASH COW FOR THE GOVERNMENT."

English Idiom #3
BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW
Explanation of English Idiom #3
TRYING TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS TOO DIFFICULT OR TIME CONSUMING TO FINISH.
Example of English Idiom #3
"I'M GLAD YOU WANT TO PREPARE THE REPORT BY YOURSELF. JUST BE SURE THAT YOU DON'T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW."

English Idiom #4
CLEAR THE AIR
Explanation of English Idiom #4
DISCUSS SOMETHING THAT WAS CAUSING PEOPLE TO FEEL UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #4
"THERE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING. I'D LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED, JUST TO CLEAR THE AIR."

English Idiom #5
TURN YOUR BACK ON
Explanation of English Idiom #5
GIVE UP ON, OR ABANDON.
Example of English Idiom #5
"I NEED YOUR HELP BUT YOU JUST TURNED YOUR BACK ON ME."

English Idiom #6
NOT CUT OUT FOR
Explanation of English Idiom #6
NOT SUITABLE FOR SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #6
"HE TRIED MOUNTAIN CLIMBING BUT HE SIMPLY WAS NOT CUT OUT FOR IT."

English Idiom #7
SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
Explanation of English Idiom #7
THE VERY LAST, OR THE VERY WORST.
Example of English Idiom #7
"THESE ARE THE LAST VOLUNTEERS WE COULD FIND. WE REALLY HAD TO SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL TO FIND THEM."

English Idiom #8
A CLASS ACT
Explanation of English Idiom #8
SOPHISTICATED, ABOVE AVERAGE.
Example of English Idiom #8
"HE OFFERED TO HELP, EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN'T KNOW ME. HE'S A REAL CLASS ACT."

English Idiom #9
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT
Explanation of English Idiom #9
IMPROVE YOUR BEHAVIOR.
Example of English Idiom #9
"IF YOU ARE EVER GOING TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS, YOU MUST START GETTING TO CLASS ON TIME AND DOING YOUR HOMEWORK. WHY DON'T YOU CLEAN UP YOUR ACT?"

English Idiom #10
GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER
Explanation of English Idiom #10
GET MORE ORGANIZED.
Example of English Idiom #10
"YOU HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK EVERY DAY THIS WEEK. IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THIS JOB, YOU MUST GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER."

English Idiom #11
A PIECE OF THE ACTION
Explanation of English Idiom #11
PARTICIPATION IN AN ACTIVITY. OFTEN RELATED TO GAMBLING OR BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS.
Example of English Idiom #11
"I HEARD THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN YOUR NEW INVESTMENT. IF YOU DON'T MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN ON A PIECE OF THE ACTION."

English Idiom #12
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
Explanation of English Idiom #12
"PEOPLE'S INTENTIONS CAN BE JUDGED BETTER BY WHAT THEY DO THAN WHAT THEY SAY."
Example of English Idiom #12

English Idiom #13
IN THE AIR
Explanation of English Idiom #13
BEING DISCUSSED. GENERALLY OBVIOUS.
Example of English Idiom #13
"THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING. SPRING IS IN THE AIR."

English Idiom #14
GO APE
Explanation of English Idiom #14
GO CRAZY.
Example of English Idiom #14
"JACK WAS REALLY ANGRY. I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO GO APE."

English Idiom #15
A GREY AREA
Explanation of English Idiom #15
SOMETHING THAT IS DIFFICULT TO DEFINE.
Example of English Idiom #15
I RESEARCHED YOUR CASE BUT THERE ARE NOT ANY BLACK AND WHITE ANSWERS. YOUR SITUATION SEEMS TO FALL INTO A GREY AREA."

English Idiom #16
UP IN ARMS
Explanation of English Idiom #16
ANGRY.
Example of English Idiom #16
"THE CROWD WAS AGITATED. EVERYONE WAS UP IN ARMS OVER THE GOVERNMENT DECISION."

English Idiom #17
BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF
Explanation of English Idiom #17
BE HAPPY WHEN A PERSON LEAVES.
Example of English Idiom #17
THAT GUY BOTHERS ME. I'll BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF HIM."

English Idiom #18
GIVE HIM CREDIT
Explanation of English Idiom #18
ACKNOWLEDGE AN ACHIEVEMENT OR CONTRIBUTION OF A PERSON."
Example of English Idiom #18
"ALTHOUGH HE IS NOT EASY TO WORK FOR, YOU HAVE TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR MANAGING THE COMPANY WELL."

English Idiom #19
GO BEHIND SOMEONE'S BACK
Explanation of English Idiom #19
DO SOMETHING WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE.
Example of English Idiom #19
"DON'T TRUST JANE. SHE ACTS FRIENDLY BUT SHE IS ALWAYS GOING BEHIND SOMEONE'S BACK."

English Idiom #20
EACH TO HIS OWN
Explanation of English Idiom #20
EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO HIS OWN INDIVIDUAL OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #20
"I CAN'T SAY THAT I LIKE GEORGE'S NEW FURNITURE. IT SEEMS VERY PLAIN AND UNCOMFORTABLE. OH WELL, EACH TO HIS OWN."

English Idiom #21
EAGER BEAVER
Explanation of English Idiom #21
ENTHUSIASTIC PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #21
"JOHN DID ALL OF HIS HOMEWORK BEFORE SUPPER. HE SURE IS AN EAGER BEAVER."

English Idiom #22
EARLY BIRD
Explanation of English Idiom #22
A PERSON WHO IS EARLY FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
Example of English Idiom #22
"SATOKO WAS IN CLASS 30 MINUTES BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. WHAT AN EARLY BIRD."

English Idiom #23
SCRATCH THE SURFACE
Explanation of English Idiom #23
EXAMINE ONLY A PART OF SOMETHING. UNCOVER ONLY A FEW FACTS ABOUT SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #23
"CANCER RESEARCH IS A VERY LONG-TERM PROCESS. SO FAR, WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO SCRATCH THE SURFACE."

English Idiom #24
GIVE HIM THE SLIP
Explanation of English Idiom #24
LEAVE HIM. HIDE FROM HIM.
Example of English Idiom #24
"I THINK THAT MAN IS FOLLOWING US. LET'S GIVE HIM THE SLIP."

English Idiom #25
COLD SHOULDER
Explanation of English Idiom #25
TO TREAT SOMEONE IN AN UNFRIENDLY MANNER.
Example of English Idiom #25
"I DON'T THINK JIM LIKES ME. I TRIED TO SPEAK WITH HIM EARLIER BUT HE GAVE ME THE COLD SHOULDER."

English Idiom #26
GET THE BALL ROLLING
Explanation of English Idiom #26
START SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #26
"ALL RIGHT EVERYONE, WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME PLANNING THIS PROJECT. NOW, IT'S TIME TO GET THE BALL ROLLING."

English Idiom #27
JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON
Explanation of English Idiom #27
JOIN A POPULAR TREND OR ACTIVITY.
Example of English Idiom #27
"I LIKE THAT NEW PROCEDURE AND I'VE DECIDED TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON."

English Idiom #28
A LOSING BATTLE
Explanation of English Idiom #28
SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED.
Example of English Idiom #28

English Idiom #29
KEEP SOMETHING AT BAY
Explanation of English Idiom #29
KEEP SOMETHING AWAY.
Example of English Idiom #29
"SARAH FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE SALESPERSON AT BAY."

English Idiom #30
SPILL THE BEANS
Explanation of English Idiom #30
TELL A SECRET.
Example of English Idiom #30
"I WON'T BE THE ONE TO SPILL THE BEANS."

English Idiom #31
BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS
Explanation of English Idiom #31
PEOPLE CANNOT COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING THEY GET FOR FREE.
Example of English Idiom #31
"I DON'T LIKE THE COLOR OF THE SWEATER SHE GAVE ME BUT, BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS."

English Idiom #32
FLESH AND BLOOD
Explanation of English Idiom #32
A RELATIVE.
Example of English Idiom #32
"I MUST HELP HIM. AFTER ALL, HE'S MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD."

English Idiom #33
GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT
Explanation of English Idiom #33
BELIEVE SOMEONE'S STATEMENT, WITHOUT PROOF.
Example of English Idiom #33
"THE TEACHER'S EXPLANATION DID NOT SEEM LOGICAL, BUT I GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT."

English Idiom #34
A SAFE BET
Explanation of English Idiom #34
PROBABLY TRUE. WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #34
"IT'S A SAFE BET THAT YOUR ENGLISH SKILLS WILL IMPROVE QUICKLY IF YOU STUDY AT VANCOUVER ENGLISH CENTRE."

English Idiom #35
FIT THE BILL
Explanation of English Idiom #35
SEEMS CORRECT.
Example of English Idiom #35
"THAT SEEMS TO FIT THE BILL. I'LL TAKE IT."

English Idiom #36
BLACK AND BLUE
Explanation of English Idiom #36
BRUISED.
Example of English Idiom #36
"HE WAS BEATEN UNTIL HE WAS BLACK AND BLUE."

English Idiom #37
IN COLD BLOOD
Explanation of English Idiom #37
WITH COMPASSION OR MERCY. USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH RUTHLESS MURDER.
Example of English Idiom #37
"THE ASSASSIN WAS EVIL. HE KILLED HIM IN COLD BLOOD."

English Idiom #38
OUT OF THE BLUE
Explanation of English Idiom #38
UNEXPECTED.
Example of English Idiom #38
"A GREAT IDEA JUST CAME TO ME OUT OF THE BLUE."

English Idiom #39
CALL SOMEONE'S BLUFF
Explanation of English Idiom #39
MAKE SOMEONE PROVE WHAT THEY SAY.
Example of English Idiom #39
"HE IMPLIED THAT HE WOULD TERMINATE MY CONTRACT BUT I CALLED HIS BLUFF."

English Idiom #40
ROCK THE BOAT
Explanation of English Idiom #40
CREATE PROBLEMS FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
Example of English Idiom #40
"EVERYONE LIKES ANTONIO. HE DOESN'T ROCK THE BOAT."

English Idiom #41
BY THE BOOK
Explanation of English Idiom #41
DOING SOMETHING ACCORDING TO THE RULES.
Example of English Idiom #41
"HE IS A GOOD COP. HE DOES EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK."

English Idiom #42
GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT
Explanation of English Idiom #42
DISMISS OR TERMINATE SOMEONE.
Example of English Idiom #42
"MR. SMITH IS AN EASY BOSS TO WORK FOR. HE DOESN'T LIKE TO GIVE SOMEONE THE BOOT."

English Idiom #43
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF
Explanation of English Idiom #43
LEARN ABOUT AND UNDERSTAND FULLY.
Example of English Idiom #43
"WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT WE INTEND TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS."

English Idiom #44
OUT OF BOUNDS
Explanation of English Idiom #44
NOT PERMITTED.
Example of English Idiom #44
"HANS WANTED TO ASK MARY OUT ON A DATE BUT I EXPLAINED THAT SHE IS OUT OF BOUNDS. MARY IS ENGAGED TO JACK."

English Idiom #45
BREAD AND BUTTER
Explanation of English Idiom #45
REGULAR INCOME.
Example of English Idiom #45
"WE ARE VERY DEPENDENT ON OUR ADVERTISING REVENUE. IT'S OUR BREAD AND BUTTER."

English Idiom #46
THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD
Explanation of English Idiom #46
A GOOD INVENTION OR INNOVATION.
Example of English Idiom #46
"I LOVE THIS PAPER FOLDING MACHINE. IT'S THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD."

English Idiom #47
GIVE ME A BREAK
Explanation of English Idiom #47
DON'T EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE OR AGREE WITH THAT.
Example of English Idiom #47
"YOU THINK THE TEACHER IS JOKING? GIVE ME A BREAK."

English Idiom #48
DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH
Explanation of English Idiom #48
DON'T WAIT TOO LONG BECAUSE IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #48
"YES, IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THEY WILL LOWER TAXES BUT DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH."

English Idiom #49
CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN YOU COME TO IT
Explanation of English Idiom #49
DEAL WITH A PROBLEM IF AND WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY.
Example of English Idiom #49
"I'M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT A POSSIBLE DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY. ANYWAY, LET'S CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT."

English Idiom #50
THE BUBBLE HAS BURST
Explanation of English Idiom #50
A PREVIOUSLY POSITIVE SITUATION HAS ENCOUNTERED A SERIOUS PROBLEM.
Example of English Idiom #50
"LAST YEAR, THE STOCK MARKET WAS DOING VERY WELL. UNFORTUNATELY, IT SEEMS THAT THE BUBBLE HAS BURST."

English Idiom #51
THE BUCK STOPS HERE
Explanation of English Idiom #51
PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED HERE.
Example of English Idiom #51
"A LOT OF PEOPLE TRY TO PASS PROBLEMS ON TO OTHER PEOPLE. AT MY DESK, HOWEVER, THE BUCK STOPS HERE."

English Idiom #52
BURN YOUR BRIDGES
Explanation of English Idiom #52
MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RETURN.
Example of English Idiom #52
"BE POLITE WHEN YOU HAND IN YOUR RESIGNATION. AFTER ALL, YOU DON'T WANT TO BURN YOUR BRIDGES."

English Idiom #53
MY EARS ARE BURNING
Explanation of English Idiom #53
I THINK SOMEONE IS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT ME.
Example of English Idiom #53
"PIERRE IS TALKING AGAIN. MY EARS ARE BURNING."

English Idiom #54
PUT ON THE BACK BURNER
Explanation of English Idiom #54
LEAVE IT FOR LATER.
Example of English Idiom #54
"I DON'T THINK WE WILL HAVE TIME TO COMPLETE IT THIS YEAR. LET'S PUT IT ON THE BACK BURNER."

English Idiom #55
SOMEONE MEANS BUSINESS
Explanation of English Idiom #55
SOMEONE IS SERIOUS
Example of English Idiom #55
"WATCH OUT FOR HARRY. HE IS SOMEONE WHO MEANS BUSINESS."

English Idiom #56
AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON
Explanation of English Idiom #56
QUICKLY AND EASILY.
Example of English Idiom #56
"NO PROBLEM. I CAN CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON."

English Idiom #57
HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT
Explanation of English Idiom #57
ENJOY SOMETHING WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT.
Example of English Idiom #57
"JUAN CARLOS EXPECTED TO PASS WITHOUT STUDYING. UNFORTUNATELY, YOU CANNOT HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO."

English Idiom #58
A CLOSE CALL
Explanation of English Idiom #58
SOMETHING (USUALLY BAD) ALMOST HAPPENING.
Example of English Idiom #58
"THAT CAR ALMOST HIT US. THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL."

English Idiom #59
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Explanation of English Idiom #59
THIS SHOULD STOP.
Example of English Idiom #59
"I HAVE LISTENED TO HIS COMPLAINTS FOR YEARS BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH."

English Idiom #60
A FAT CAT
Explanation of English Idiom #60
A WEALTHY PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #60
"FERNANDO HAS EVERYTHING HE NEEDS. HE'S A REAL FAT CAT."

English Idiom #61
MY TWO CENT'S WORTH
Explanation of English Idiom #61
MY HUMBLE OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #61
"HE SEEMS LIKE A CORRUPT POLITICIAN. THAT'S JUST MY TWO CENT'S WORTH.

English Idiom #62
HANG OUT
Explanation of English Idiom #62
BE TOGETHER. SPEND TIME WITH EACH OTHER.
Example of English Idiom #62
"HEY LAUREN, LET'S GET TOGETHER AT THE STARBUCKS ON ROBSON. WE CAN JUST HANG OUT AND PRACTICE OUR ENGLISH."

English Idiom #63
A CHANGE OF HEART
Explanation of English Idiom #63
A CHANGED OPINION.
Example of English Idiom #63
"AT ONE TIME, I SUPPORTED GEORGE BUSH. AS TIME WENT ON, HOWEVER, I HAD A CHANGE OF HEART."

English Idiom #64
GET SOMETHING OFF YOUR CHEST
Explanation of English Idiom #64
EXPLAIN SOMETHING THAT IS BOTHERING YOU.
Example of English Idiom #64
"GARY, YOU DO NOT SEEM HAPPY. IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST?"

English Idiom #65
DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED
Explanation of English Idiom #65
DO NOT MAKE PLANS FOR SOMETHING THAT MIGHT HAPPEN.
Example of English Idiom #65
"YES, I THINK WE WILL PROBABLY GET A RAISE IN PAY THIS YEAR. REMEMBER, THOUGH, DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED."

English Idiom #66
A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER
Explanation of English Idiom #66
HE IS ANGRY ABOUT SOMETHING.
Example of English Idiom #66
"I DON'T KNOW WHY HE IS SO UNHAPPY. HE SEEMS TO HAVE A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER.

English Idiom #67
COME FULL CIRCLE
Explanation of English Idiom #67
A PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
Example of English Idiom #67
"THE SALMON HAS RETURNED TO THE PLACE WHERE IT ORIGINALLY HATCHED. ITS LIFE CYCLE HAS COME FULL CIRCLE."

English Idiom #68
SQUEAKY CLEAN
Explanation of English Idiom #68
LEGITIMATE AND PROPER.
Example of English Idiom #68
"WE CHECKED ALL OF HER REFERENCES. SHE IS SQUEAKY CLEAN."

English Idiom #69
IN THE CLEAR
Explanation of English Idiom #69
OUT OF TROUBLE.
Example of English Idiom #69
"HIS INNOCENCE HAS BEEN PROVEN. HE IS IN THE CLEAR."

English Idiom #70
STEER CLEAR OF
Explanation of English Idiom #70
AVOID.
Example of English Idiom #70
"SHE IS NOT VERY NICE. I THINK WE SHOULD STEER CLEAR OF HER."

English Idiom #71
ROUND THE CLOCK
Explanation of English Idiom #71
ALL DAY.
Example of English Idiom #71
"HE IS A VERY HARD WORKER. HE USUALLY WORKS ROUND THE CLOCK."

English Idiom #72
TURN BACK THE CLOCK
Explanation of English Idiom #72
GO BACK IN TIME.
Example of English Idiom #72
"I FEEL OLD. I WISH I COULD TURN BACK THE CLOCK."

English Idiom #73
LIKE CLOCKWORK
Explanation of English Idiom #73
WITH MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY.
Example of English Idiom #73
"HE IS VERY PREDICTABLE. HE ALWAYS EATS AT THE SAME TIME, LIKE CLOCKWORK."

English Idiom #74
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
Explanation of English Idiom #74
THINK MORE REALISTICALLY
Example of English Idiom #74
"HE DOES NOT RESPECT YOU AS MUCH AS YOU THINK. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE."

English Idiom #75
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
Explanation of English Idiom #75
ANOTHER VERSION OF A STORY OR EVENT.
Example of English Idiom #75
"THE GLOBAL SUMMIT WILL ENCOURAGE MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, IT MIGHT RESULT IN VIOLENT PROTESTS."

English Idiom #76
LEFT OUT IN THE COLD
Explanation of English Idiom #76
LEFT UNAIDED OR UNPROTECTED.
Example of English Idiom #76
"THEY DON'T INCLUDE ME IN THEIR GROUP. I FEEL LEFT OUT IN THE COLD."

English Idiom #77
WITH FLYING COLORS
Explanation of English Idiom #77
WITH ENTHUSIASM AND EXUBERANCE.
Example of English Idiom #77
"I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL. I'LL BE THERE WITH FLYING COLORS."

English Idiom #78
SCRAPE BY
Explanation of English Idiom #78
HAVE JUST ENOUGH BUT NOT MORE.
Example of English Idiom #78
"OUR BUDGET IS NOT SATISFACTORY BUT WE WILL FIND A WAY TO SCRAPE BY."

English Idiom #79
A TOUGH COOKIE
Explanation of English Idiom #79
A STUBBORN, STRONG PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #79
"DON'T GET SHIRLEY UPSET. SHE IS A TOUGH COOKIE."

English Idiom #80
KEEP YOUR COOL
Explanation of English Idiom #80
DO NOT BECOME UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #80
"RELAX. KEEP YOUR COOL."

English Idiom #81
LOSE YOUR COOL
Explanation of English Idiom #81
BECOME UPSET.
Example of English Idiom #81
"DON'T GET UPSET. IF YOU LOSE YOUR COOL, IT WILL MAKE MATTERS WORSE."

English Idiom #82
IN A TIGHT CORNER
Explanation of English Idiom #82
WITHOUT ANY GOOD OPTIONS.
Example of English Idiom #82
"MILO HAS RUN OUT OF OPTIONS. IF HE TAKES ANY MORE CHANCE, HE MIGHT FIND HIMSELF IN A TIGHT CORNER."

English Idiom #83
A COUCH POTATO
Explanation of English Idiom #83
A LAZY PERSON.
Example of English Idiom #83
"LUIS FERNANDO JUST WATCHES TELEVISION ALL DAY. HE IS REALLY A COUCH POTATO.

English Idiom #84
TAKE ITS COURSE
Explanation of English Idiom #84
A SITUATION DEVELOPS NATURALLY.
Example of English Idiom #84
"THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO RELIEVE THE EFFECTS OF HER DISEASE. WE CAN ONLY WAIT AND LET THE ILLNESS TAKE ITS COURSE."

English Idiom #85
UP THE CREEK
Explanation of English Idiom #85
IN TROUBLE.
Example of English Idiom #85
"I WARNED BILL BUT HE WOULD NOT LISTEN. NOW, HE IS UP THE CREEK."