GET TO THE BOTTOM OF (SOMETHING) To get to the bottom of something is to understand its origin, cause, or meaning. The phrase has an idiomatic meaning that is difficult to pinpoint due to its various uses. It can imply that one is “digging for” the truth or reasoning behind something; understanding what makes it…
GET/GIVE THE GO-AHEAD The phrase “go ahead” is a common idiomatic response to someone’s request for permission to do something. It generally means that the speaker does not have an objection to whatever the person has requested, and will allow it go ahead, or proceed. The idiom “go ahead” is a common idiomatic response to…
GET (SOMETHING) OFF (ONE’S) CHEST To get something off one’s chest is to unload a burden or tell someone about something one feels uncomfortable sharing.Most people believe that telling someone about their problems can help get them off their chest and relieve the feeling of mental stress.This idiom is common in the phrase “to get…
GET (ONE’S) SECOND WIND The idiom “Get one’s second wind” refers to the feeling one gets after they have been tired and exhausted, but then they gain energy and start to feel better. Generally in these situations, one would use this newfound energy in order to do something productive or take care of tasks they…
GET OFF (ONE’S) HIGH HORSE This idiom typically means to stop being arrogant or haughty, and it is often used when someone has been proven wrong. The phrase comes from the old English proverb ‘to get off one’s high horse,’ which was believed to be a literal act of getting down from one’s horse. Most…
GET CAUGHT/BE LEFT HOLDING THE BAG [LEAVE (SOMEONE) HOLDING THE BAG] In the context of this idiom, it means to leave someone in a difficult situation without help. The term is a literal interpretation of putting a bag on someone’s wrist or arm and letting them hold it while they walk. The phrase “to leave…
GET (A) HOLD OF (SOMEONE) The idiom “to get a hold of” means to interact with someone. If you want to get a hold of someone, you can communicate with them by phone or sending email. You can also go into the office and talk to them in person. To get a hold of someone…
FULL STEAM AHEAD The idiom “full steam ahead” typically refers to the idea that something should be done with all of one’s might, or all of one’s resources. It can also refer to the idea of moving quickly, or even forcefully. The idiom means to do something with as much energy as possible. In academia,…
FOURTH-RATE Fourth-rate refers to a lower class or grade. The term is used to refer to public schools in the US that are not considered to be of high quality. The fourth-rate is a term used to describe someone or something that has no significance or importance. This negative term is often used colloquially to…
FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE For heaven’s sake is an idiom that refers to the intensity of one’s emotions. The speaker is imploring his audience to understand the gravity of the situation and how seriously he takes it. For heaven’s sake idiom is a phrase that literally means “for God’s sake.” It can be used to express…