Idoms

1. crocodile tears = pretended sorrow

2. close – fisted man = a miser

3. cold – reception = a reception wanting in cordiality

4. blackmail = money extorted by threat or intimidation

5. Argus – eyed = jealously watchful

6. blue blood = noble blood

7. chicken – hearted = a timid, cowardly fellow (used contemptuously)

8. confirmed bachelor = a man who has made up his mind

not to marry

9. absent – minded = to be inattentive of what is going on

10. fair weather friend = one who desserts you in time of difficulties

11. henpecked husband = a husband snubbed by the wife

12. greengrocer = a dealer in vegetables

13. greenhorn = an inexperienced person

14. what not = an abbreviating clause having a meaning similar to et cetera

15. broad daylight = open, full daylight

16. call spade a spade = speak in plain terms

17. a white lie = a harmless untruth

18. a bird’s eye view = a view over the entire area

19. better-half = husband

20. a baker’s dozen = thirteen

21. French – leave = a dramatic way of saying goodbye

22. a wild goose chase = a foolish, unprofitable adventure not knowing where it will lead one

23. small fry = insignificant person

24. sideline = work done apart from one’s main work

25. single blessedness = jocularly appliedto the unmarried state

26. an iron hand = a tyrannical hand

27. herculean task = work requiring very great effort

28. bread and butter = means of living

29. rest on one’s laurels = to rest satisfied with honors already won and make no attempt to gain further distinction

30. high mass = a mass where the prayers are sung