GO OVERBOARD The idiom to go overboard typically means to take an action that’s excessive. For example, if someone says they’re going to be too busy with work and can’t do any more chores around the house, their partner might say “you’ve gone overboard.” A person can also go overboard by doing something they didn’t…
GET OFF THE DEEP END The phrase “get off the deep end” is an idiom that typically means to become unstable, agitated, or worrisome relative to a given situation. For example, when one misinterprets a harmless comment and becomes upset because they believe that they’ve been unfairly criticized, then it could be said that they…
GO HAYWIRE The idiom “go haywire” translates to “to go wrong” or “to malfunction”. The term is most commonly used in the sense of one’s emotions, like when they are said to be “going haywire.” It is also used for objects that fail. For instance, if the electricity goes out, then it has gone haywire….
GO BANANAS [DRIVE (SOMEONE) BANANAS] The idiom “go bananas” is a colloquial way of saying to go crazy, often in the context of going crazy over something humorous. The idiomatic phrase “to go bananas” is used when someone has a sudden outburst of anger, or when something is incredibly exciting. The phrase might be used…
GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHIRT OFF (ONE’S) BACK The idiom “give someone the shirt off one’s back” means to give someone something of great value, even if it means impoverishing oneself. The person giving does not expect anything in return. The phrase “give someone the shirt off one’s back” is an idiom meaning to give all…
GIVE (SOMEONE) A TASTE OF (HIS/HER) OWN MEDICINE Giving someone a taste of their own medicine is short for the phrase “to serve someone as they deserve.” This expression may refer to revenge, justice, or karma. For example, if someone bullies you and you make them feel the same way they made you feel, then…
GIVE (SOMEONE) A RING If someone is giving someone a ring, it can mean they are proposing to them and want to get married. They may do so by asking the person in question and offering their hand with a ring on it. The person in question may say yes or no, but if they…
GIVE (ONE’S) RIGHT (BODY PART) FOR/TO DO (SOMETHING) The idiom “give (one’s) right body part” to do something means to sacrifice one’s time, effort, or something else, in order to achieve the goal. One might say that they gave their left arm to get through the semester. GIVE (ONE’S) RIGHT (BODY PART) FOR/TO DO (SOMETHING)…
GET/LEND (SOMEONE) A HAND Many people have the idiom “to lend someone a hand” meaning to lend support or help. This idiom can be used to describe performing an act that benefits the actions of another person, doing something for someone, or helping out. The phrase “lend someone a hand” is an idiom. The meaning…
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHORT END OF THE STICK The idiom “give someone the short end of the stick” is to disadvantage someone. For example, you could refer to how your boss gave you the short end of the stick by not giving you a raise. The short end of the stick is a phrase that…