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to be a big if
2-
cock-and-bull story
3-
forget that noise
4-
I will eat my hat
5-
to cast beyond the moon
6-
too good to be true
7-
long shot
8-
(at) the end of the rainbow
9-
jam tomorrow
10-
to swing for the fences
11-
pigs can fly
12-
pipe dream
13-
ghost of a chance
14-
to promise somebody the moon
15-
to not look back
to [be] a big if
to be a big if
fráze
uk flag
/biː ɐ bˈɪɡ ɪf/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to be a condition or requirement that is uncertain or potentially challenging to fulfill

example
Příklad
Click on words
If we can secure the necessary funding, the project's success is possible, but that is a big if.
The team might win the championship if their star player recovers in time, but that's a big if.
What is the origin of the idiom "be a big if" and when to use it?

The idiom "be a big if" is used to emphasize the conditionality or uncertainty of a situation. While its exact origin is not documented, it is widely used in English to suggest that a particular condition, requirement, or assumption is a significant and possibly challenging one to meet.

cock-and-bull story
cock-and-bull story
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/kˈɑːkændbˈʊl stˈoːɹi/
(nesmysl)

(nesmysl)

pohádka

Humorous
Idiom
Informal

a story that seems impossible, particularly one that is used as an excuse

What is the origin of the idiom "cock-and-bull story" and when to use it?

The idiom "cock-and-bull story" has its origins in the 17th century and refers to a fanciful, improbable, or exaggerated tale. The phrase likely comes from the names of two inns, the "Cock" and the "Bull," which were known for hosting travelers and entertaining them with extravagant and fictitious stories. Today, this expression is used to describe a narrative that is fabricated, unbelievable, or intended to deceive, often characterized by its lack of credibility.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
forget that noise
forget that noise
věta
uk flag
/fɚɡˈɛt ðæt nˈɔɪz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to express anger and the fact that someone does not care about someone or something

What is the origin of the idiom "forget that noise" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "forget that noise" is not precisely documented, but it is used to dismiss, reject, or express disapproval of a suggestion, idea, or statement, often with a sense of annoyance or irritation.

I will eat my hat
I will eat my hat
věta
uk flag
/aɪ wɪl ˈiːt maɪ hˈæt/
N/A

N/A

used to say that one does not think that something will ever happen or has any chance of being true

to [cast] beyond the moon
to cast beyond the moon
fráze
uk flag
/kˈæst bɪjˌɑːnd ðə mˈuːn/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to think about unlikely and unrealistic possibilities

What is the origin of the idiom "cast beyond the moon" and when to use it?

The phrase "cast beyond the moon" is a metaphorical idiom that implies reaching or striving for an unattainable, ambitious, or extraordinary goal. While its precise origin is not documented, it likely relates to the idea of casting one's efforts or dreams so far that they go beyond the moon, a celestial body perceived as distant and unreachable.

too good to be true
too good to be true
fráze
uk flag
/tˈuː ɡˈʊd təbi tɹˈuː/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

used to refer to something that exceeds one's expectations in such ways that makes it hard to believe

What is the origin of the idiom "too good to be true" and when to use it?

The idiom "too good to be true" has its origins in English idiomatic language and is used to express skepticism or doubt about the authenticity or viability of a situation or offer. It is used to convey the idea that something appears exceptionally favorable or positive, but the speaker finds it so incredible or unlikely that they suspect it may not be real.

long shot
long shot
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/lˈɑːŋ ʃˈɑːt/
(malá šance)

(malá šance)

dlouhá šance

Idiom
Informal

an attempt made without having any high hopes of achieving success

What is the origin of the idiom "long shot" and when to use it?

The idiom "long shot" originated from the world of sports, particularly horse racing. In horse racing, a "long shot" refers to a horse with low odds of winning, often considered an unlikely or speculative bet. Over time, this term extended to various contexts and is now used figuratively to describe something that has a low probability of success or is unlikely to happen.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
(at|) the end of the rainbow
(at) the end of the rainbow
fráze
uk flag
/æt ðɪ ˈɛnd ʌvðə ɹˈeɪnboʊ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to refer to something that is extremely desirable yet nearly impossible to obtain

What is the origin of the idiom "the end of the rainbow" and when to use it?

The phrase "the end of the rainbow" is rooted in Irish folklore, where a leprechaun is said to hide a pot of gold at the point where a rainbow touches the ground. This idiom is used to describe something that is virtually impossible to find or attain, often conveying a sense of being in pursuit of an elusive goal.

jam tomorrow
jam tomorrow
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/dʒˈæm təmˈɔːɹoʊ/
(pouhá chiméra)

(pouhá chiméra)

slibná vize

Idiom
Informal

a promise of something good or desirable that will never be fulfilled

What is the origin of the idiom "jam tomorrow" and when to use it?

The idiom "jam tomorrow" originates from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass," where it was used in the context of a fictional conversation. In everyday language, it is used to refer to the promise of future rewards or benefits that are constantly postponed and never realized.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
to [swing] for the fences
to swing for the fences
fráze
uk flag
/swˈɪŋ fɚðə fˈɛnsᵻz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to aim for goals that are unrealistic or extremely difficult to achieve

What is the origin of the idiom "swing for the fences" and when to use it?

The idiom "swing for the fences" has its origins in baseball, where batters attempt to hit a home run by swinging the bat as hard as they can to send the ball over the outfield fence. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a strategy or approach that aims for an exceptionally ambitious, risky, or extraordinary outcome.

pigs (can|might) fly
pigs can fly
věta
uk flag
/pˈɪɡz kæn mˌaɪt flˈaɪ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to express one's disbelief about something happening or being true

What is the origin of the idiom "pigs can fly" and when to use it?

The phrase "pigs can fly" is an idiom used to express extreme skepticism or disbelief regarding a particular statement or claim. It is often used when discussing something that is considered impossible, unrealistic, or highly improbable. The idea is that pigs flying is so fantastical that it highlights the incredibility of the statement in question.

pipe dream
pipe dream
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/pˈaɪp dɹˈiːm/
(nereálný sen)

(nereálný sen)

utopie

Idiom
Informal

an impractical or impossible idea, plan, or wish

What is the origin of the idiom "pipe dream" and when to use it?

The idiom "pipe dream" originated in the early 20th century and was originally associated with the idea of hallucinations experienced by smokers of opium pipes, leading to unrealistic visions. Over time, it evolved to describe any impractical or unattainable vision or plan.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
ghost of a chance
ghost of a chance
fráze
uk flag
/ɡˈoʊst əvə tʃˈæns/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

the slightest chance of succeeding or happening

What is the origin of the idiom "ghost of a chance" and when to use it?

The phrase "ghost of a chance" originated in the early 20th century and draws on the idea that a "ghost" represents something insubstantial or almost impossible to encounter. It is used to describe a situation where there is very little or no likelihood of success or victory. When someone or something has a "ghost of a chance," it implies that their chances are extremely slim, and they face significant obstacles in achieving their goals.

to [promise] {sb} the (moon|earth|world)
to promise somebody the moon
fráze
uk flag
/pɹˈɑːmɪs ˌɛsbˈiː ðə mˈuːn ˈɜːθ wˈɜːld/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to make promises that are impossible to be fulfilled or be kept

What is the origin of the idiom "promise someone the moon" and when to use it?

The phrase "promise someone the moon" is an idiomatic expression that denotes making impractical promises or commitments to someone. The exact origin is not precisely documented, but it is rooted in the idea of offering something extremely grand or valuable, such as the moon, earth, or the entire world, as a pledge.

to {not} [look] back
to not look back
fráze
uk flag
/nˌɑːt lˈʊk bˈæk/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to have no desire or intention to return to past circumstances

What is the origin of the idiom "not look back" and when to use it?

The phrase "not look back" is an idiom used to describe a forward-focused, determined approach, emphasizing that once a decision or action is taken, one should continue moving forward without dwelling on the past. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it is a widely used expression to convey the idea of strong commitment to a chosen course of action or decision.

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