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to cook one's goose

to give somebody enough rope to hang oneself

to play hard to get

to queer one's pitch

to rain on one's parade

to throw a (monkey) wrench into the works

to tie oneself (up) in knots

to upset the apple cart

to muddy the waters

10-

to put the kibosh on something

11-

to knock the wind out of somebody

12-

to cast a shadow over something

13-

fly in the ointment

14-

to put a damper on something

15-

to take the gilt off the gingerbread

to cook one's goose

phrase

/kˈʊk wˈʌnz ɡˈuːs/

Idiom

Informal

to prevent someone from achieving success by destroying their plans

Example

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John thought he could get away with cheating on the exam, but when he got caught, it cooked his goose, and he was expelled from school.

The company's reckless financial decisions and mismanagement of funds ultimately cooked their goose, leading to bankruptcy.

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

The idiom "cook one's goose" is an expression used to describe a situation where someone's plans or prospects are ruined, typically due to their own actions or mistakes. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it dates back to at least the 1800s, with "goose" being a metaphorical representation of an individual's situation or fortune.

to [give] {sb} enough rope to hang {oneself}

to give somebody enough rope to hang oneself

phrase

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː ɪnˈʌf ɹˈoʊp tə hˈæŋ wʌnsˈɛlf/

Disapproving

Idiom

Informal

to give someone an opportunity to act freely with the intention of hurting them

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone enough rope to hang oneself" and when to use it?

The idiom "give someone enough rope to hang oneself" originates from the world of criminal justice and execution. In the past, a condemned person was given a length of rope to serve as the means of their execution, typically hanging. The idiom is used to convey the idea that when someone is provided with the freedom to make their own choices and decisions, especially when they are prone to making mistakes or poor judgment, they might eventually end up in a self-destructive situation. It is often used to describe situations where one person allows another to take actions that will lead to their own downfall or failure, often by demonstrating poor judgment or making bad decisions.

to play hard to get

phrase

/plˈeɪ hˈɑːɹd tə ɡˈɛt/

Idiom

Informal

to not easily give a person something that they need or want from one

What is the origin of the idiom "playing hard to get" and when to use it?

The idiom "playing hard to get" originates from the world of dating and relationships. Its precise origin is challenging to pinpoint, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. This expression can be used in everyday scenarios when someone is reluctant to provide or share something. It implies a level of resistance or hesitation in meeting another person's requests or desires, making them work or demonstrate the value of what they seek.

to queer one's pitch

phrase

/kwˈɪɹ wˈʌnz pˈɪtʃ/

Idiom

Informal

to prevent someone from achieving what they want by creating problems for them

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

The idiom "queer one's pitch" has its roots in 19th-century British slang, where "pitch" referred to the location or spot where a street vendor, performer, or beggar conducted their business. It is used to disrupt, interfere with, or sabotage someone's plans or activities.

to rain on one's parade

phrase

/ɹˈeɪn ˌɑːn wˈʌnz pɚɹˈeɪd/

Idiom

Informal

to ruin what someone has planned or not allow them enjoy something

What is the origin of the idiom "rain on someone's parade" and when to use it?

The idiom "rain on someone's parade" originates from the notion of a sudden downpour spoiling an outdoor celebration or event. It is used figuratively to describe the act of spoiling someone's happiness, excitement, or plans by delivering unwelcome news, criticism, or negativity.

to [throw] a (monkey|) wrench (into|in) the works

to throw a (monkey) wrench into the works

phrase

/θɹˈoʊ ɐ mˈʌnki ɹˈɛntʃ ˌɪntʊ ɪn ðə wˈɜːks/

Idiom

Informal

to slow down a plan or activity or prevent it from going on

What is the origin of the idiom "rain on someone's parade" and when to use it?

to [tie] {oneself} (up|) (in|into) knots

to tie oneself (up) in knots

phrase

/tˈaɪ wʌnsˈɛlf ˌʌp ɪn ˌɪntʊ nˈɑːts/

Idiom

Informal

to do something that makes oneself overly worried or confused

What is the origin of the idiom "tie oneself in knots" and when to use it?

The idiom "tie oneself in knots" is originated from the idea of picturing someone trying to make a very tricky knot in a rope but ending up all tangled and confused. It is used to refer to someone who is getting too worried and making things harder by overthinking or making a problem more complicated than it is.

to upset the apple cart

phrase

/ʌpsˈɛt ˌoʊvɚtˈɜːn ðɪ ˈæpəl kˈɑːɹt/

Idiom

Informal

to cause problems, often by ruining or interrupting something that was planned

What is the origin of the idiom "upset the apple cart" and when to use it?

The idiom "upset the apple cart" originates from the image of a person accidentally or intentionally tipping over a cart filled with apples, creating a mess and disrupting order. It is used to describe an action that causes chaos, disruption, or ruins existing plans, often due to carelessness or a sudden change in circumstances.

to muddy the waters

phrase

/mˈʌdi ðə wˈɔːɾɚz ˈɪʃuː/

Idiom

Informal

to complicate a simple situation

What is the origin of the idiom "muddy the waters" and when to use it?

The idiom "muddy the waters" draws from the idea of stirring up sediment in a clear body of water, making it cloudy and unclear. It is used to create confusion or complicate a situation by introducing unclear, irrelevant, or distracting information, making it difficult to understand or reach a clear decision.

to put the kibosh on something

phrase

/pˌʊt ðə kˈɪbɑːʃ ˌɑːn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

Idiom

Informal

to make an attempt to prevent something from continuing or happening

What is the origin of the idiom "put the kibosh on something" and when to use it?

The idiom "put the kibosh on something" does not have a well-documented origin, but it is commonly used to convey the idea of stopping something abruptly, often with a firm and definitive decision.

to [knock] the (wind|breath|stuffing) out of {sb}

to knock the wind out of somebody

phrase

/nˈɑːk ðə wˈɪnd bɹˈɛθ stˈʌfɪŋ ˌaʊɾəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

Disapproving

Idiom

Informal

to do something, particularly something others do not expect, in order to make them feel less confident or important

What is the origin of the idiom "knock the wind out of someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "knock the wind out of someone" is used to describes a forceful impact or event that leaves a person stunned, breathless, or disheartened. The exact origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely comes from the concept of physical blows or impacts that can leave a person momentarily stunned or breathless.

to [cast] a (shadow|cloud) (over|on) {sth}

to cast a shadow over something

phrase

/kˈæst ɐ ʃˈædoʊ klˈaʊd ˌoʊvɚɹ ˌɑːn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

Idiom

to create a sense of negativity and hopelessness regarding a particular thing or situation

What is the origin of the idiom "cast a shadow over something" and when to use it?

The idiom "cast a shadow over something" is rooted in the idea that when an object or obstacle blocks the light, it creaThe negative review of the film cast a shadow on the opening weekend's box office results.tes a shadow or cloud, which can obscure visibility and cast a dark or negative influence. It is used to describe a situation where something, such as an event or action, has a detrimental or negative impact on a particular circumstance, often making it gloomy or causing concerns.

fly in the ointment

phrase

/flˈaɪ ɪnðɪ ˈɔɪntmənt/

Idiom

Informal

a person or thing that ruins an otherwise positive or enjoyable situation

What is the origin of the idiom "a fly in the ointment" and when to use it?

The idiom "a fly in the ointment" comes from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes and refers to a small, annoying issue or problem that spoils or taints an otherwise favorable or pleasant situation. The phrase is used to highlight how even a minor flaw or inconvenience can detract from the overall quality or enjoyment of something.

to put a damper on something

phrase

/pˌʊt ɐ dˈæmpɚɹ ˌɑːn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

Disapproving

Idiom

Informal

to lessen or decrease the enjoyment, strength, or activity of something

What is the origin of the idiom "put a damper on something" and when to use it?

The idiom "put a damper on something" is believed to originate from the use of a "damper" in fireplaces or stoves, which can be adjusted to control the intensity of the fire. It is used to refer to an action or event that dampens enthusiasm, excitement, or a positive atmosphere, making a situation less enjoyable or exciting.

to take the gilt off the gingerbread

phrase

/tˈeɪk ðə ɡˈɪlt ˈɔf ðə dʒˈɪndʒɚbɹˌɛd/

Disapproving

Idiom

Informal

to cause something to be less enjoyable as it could be

What is the origin of the idiom "take the gilt off the gingerbread" and when to use it?

The idiom "take the gilt off the gingerbread" comes from the idea of removing the attractive, shiny, and decorative layer of gilt (a type of gold leaf) from gingerbread, making it less appealing. Figuratively, it is used to describe a situation where something has lost its initial charm or allure, making it less attractive or enjoyable.

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