to stand up to

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RhbmQgdXAgdG8&hash=bef402c2e8b01245a746a946f15de6268e07508e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "play with fire" can be traced back to the literal act of handling or interacting with fire, which is inherently risky and dangerous. Over time, this literal meaning evolved into a figurative expression used to describe engaging in risky or reckless behavior with full awareness of the potential negative consequences.

What is the origin of the idiom "play with fire" and when to use it?

to [play] with fire

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcGxheSB3aXRoIGZpcmU&hash=811cf378f9d8c7d62e045bfc40663618f51c3dfb&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to antagonize

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYW50YWdvbml6ZQ&hash=5b2632e17c1250db95593821695e8c3d9e7c61ab&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

fuss

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZnVzcw&hash=273cfbc331e256bcf2126b34d5a8b8f8d532063b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to cap it all

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2FwIGl0IGFsbA&hash=86d2537af4bffb0665a239fd4adf078dbaf7151b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [steal|hog] the limelight

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RlYWwgdGhlIGxpbWVsaWdodA&hash=c9b6a13316907609e23c891ee749b8900282e62e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

intrusion

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW50cnVzaW9u&hash=86358b919bd76c57c0ace75ec427bf1840ebd376&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to exploit

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZXhwbG9pdA&hash=df02a3709710b3f6103281e3ab0b7900384f3102&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

prophet of doom

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cHJvcGhldCBvZiBkb29t&hash=7b5ed45900737a8ce286ef87bda16c1a570016cc&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

lengths

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bGVuZ3Rocw&hash=f6921da3bd31f05e179ab8b502630a2a8fb94168&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to press

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHJlc3M&hash=29192ee8658b898c6f956a6aaa69742a205e3d8b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to single out

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc2luZ2xlIG91dA&hash=90b89ea8c1d5501bf45d5db9c326c7f5722d93f7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "toe the line" can be traced back to various sports, particularly track and field events. In these sports, competitors are required to position their toes on or behind a designated line before starting a race or performing certain actions, such as long jumps or shot puts. It is often used in professional settings such as workplaces, where employees are expected to follow established protocols, procedures, or company policies.

What is the origin of the idiom "toe the line" and when to use it?

to [toe] the line

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdG9lIHRoZSBsaW5l&hash=e0536b6d546c99bdb649c7358936447e726bd042&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [play] a trick on {sb}

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcGxheSBhIHRyaWNrIG9uIHNvbWVib2R5&hash=3fc4bf39ae304bfb270aec2083b91f6d7f4c0fd9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [play] it safe

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcGxheSBpdCBzYWZl&hash=be902ca6dd99ce8ff3d6ddc80203a55b7ba9fd9c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

endeavor

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZW5kZWF2b3I&hash=6514cb979cb21e9cbb5496c3e94fd943362118f8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to dare

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZGFyZQ&hash=67befe7a885fd69d278022e8c900663173506684&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "bite one's tongue" has its origins in the English language and dates back to at least the 16th century. The expression alludes to the literal act of biting down on one's own tongue to prevent oneself from speaking. It is commonly employed when someone wants to refrain from speaking their mind, opinions, or criticisms in order to maintain peace, avoid conflicts, or prevent hurting others' feelings.

What is the origin of the idiom "bite one's tongue" and when to use it?

to [bite|hold] {one's} tongue

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYml0ZSBvbmUncyB0b25ndWU&hash=699f59ffe2879e41296d86a651bb2f979d0b2a20&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [give] {sb} a hand

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2l2ZSBzb21lYm9keSBhIGhhbmQ&hash=e6ad7d09f18def15a8d52852f9b582a80b6dd775&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "have a finger in every pie" likely derives from the idea of having one's fingers in multiple pies, indicating a propensity to be engaged in numerous activities and endeavors. This expression is used to emphasize an individual's desire to be part of and knowledgeable about various situations, whether out of curiosity, helpfulness, or a desire to be informed.

What is the origin of the idiom "have a finger in every pie" and when to use it?

to [have] a finger in every pie

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGF2ZSBhIGZpbmdlciBpbiBldmVyeSBwaWU&hash=7cbbc73db23a8c6cdc137adbf520b4077242c8aa&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "keep someone on their toes" originates from the image of someone being poised and ready for action, much like a person on their tiptoes, and it is used to describe a situation where someone is kept alert, attentive, or mentally and physically active. It is also often used in situations where people need to stay vigilant and prepared for unexpected events.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep someone on their toes" and when to use it?

to [keep] {sb} on {one's} toes

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8ga2VlcCBzb21lYm9keSBvbiBvbmUncyB0b2Vz&hash=13a0883d335931746208f6ab1d59acf8e4ec057e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

touchy-feely

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG91Y2h5LWZlZWx5&hash=7e3406f97db1beddddc04d4f87576b01a7a8e3bb&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to catch out

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2F0Y2ggb3V0&hash=8221901305c16814e310a7f480c243312d643963&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Zmli&hash=af3b9ff42c802f1eca0540a385284060c80903d9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

fiction

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZmljdGlvbg&hash=3c603ee753454b55c418b90ec1a3cfee133f0003&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to jostle

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gam9zdGxl&hash=b410221bcc14ee8865a754f1ac78cec8436b0a8a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "paper over the cracks" originated from the practice of using paper or other materials to temporarily cover or hide imperfections or damages on a wall or surface. Metaphorically, the phrase signifies the act of attempting to conceal or downplay problems, disagreements, or weaknesses in a situation or relationship without addressing the underlying issues. In other words, it is mostly used to imply a superficial or temporary solution that does not fully resolve the problems at hand.

What is the origin of the idiom "paper over the cracks" and when to use it?

to [paper] over the cracks

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcGFwZXIgb3ZlciB0aGUgY3JhY2tz&hash=a203552d437850520dc278fd7d5f64145df61c88&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "rock the boat" originated from the nautical world, specifically from the idea of causing disturbance or instability on a boat. It refers to any action or behavior that creates tension, disrupts harmony, or challenges the status quo within a group or organization. The idiom is used to suggest that by challenging existing norms or expressing dissenting opinions, one risks causing conflict or upsetting the balance.

What is the origin of the idiom "rock the boat" and when to use it?

to [rock] the boat

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcm9jayB0aGUgYm9hdA&hash=4e26943600798450cc1d6177553906b38895bce7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to flout

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZmxvdXQ&hash=2feeaca8baaaa9f230be098594af09d82ed997c7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Challenging Interactions & Social Tactics