idioms (L-O)

lay down the law – tell someone what they should do in a forceful way

• Sherri laid down the law regarding the new rules.

(not) have a leg to stand on – a situation in which you have (no) credibility

• I can’t explain how I got the stolen watch, so I don’t have a leg to stand on.

teach someone a lesson – punish someone so they will not repeat the bad behavior

• The professor locked the door to teach the late student a lesson.

life is in someone’s hands – one person is completely responsible for another’s life

• Don’t put your life in the hands of a drunk driver.

life’s too short – don’t waste time on unimportant things

• I don’t get upset in traffic anymore; life’s too short.

Get a life! – an insult meaning a person needs to find more interesting things to do

• Why are you playing video games all day? Get a life!

keep a low profile – avoid drawing attention to yourself

• Chris keeps a low profile whenever he carries a lot of cash.

make-or-break – something that will be a success or failure

• This is a make-or-break test that will decide which university I can attend.

make your mark – have people notice you or something special you did

• The successful businessman first made his mark in college.

keep something in mind – remember an important piece of information

• Keep in mind the new worker has had little experience.

make up your mind – become certain about a choice

• Jack made up his mind to learn French well.

money talks – words have less power than the use of money

• Money talks when you bargain for expensive items.

make the most of something – take advantage of a good situation while it lasts

• Jane plans to make the most of this beautiful morning by taking a long walk.

get on someone’s nerves – to annoy someone

• That barking dog is really getting on my nerves.

a no-show – someone who doesn’t arrive at the scheduled time or place

• The new student was a no-show for orientation yesterday.

an old flame – an old girlfriend or boyfriend

• Jane saw her old flame Jack last week.

have an open mind – avoid making a judgement until you have all the facts

• Many of his coworkers don’t like him, but I’m keeping an open mind.