a person who is always nervous or stressed and is therefore unable to have a calm and organized life
The idiom "basket case" has its origins in the aftermath of World War I, particularly during World War II. It was originally a term used in medical contexts to describe soldiers who had lost all four limbs and required a basket or crate to carry them. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who is mentally or emotionally unstable and unable to cope with the stresses of life.
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to expel gas audibly from the stomach through the mouth
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![to [bend|lean] over backward](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/43044/original/?type=jpeg)
to put in an extreme or great amount of effort to do something
to closely examine to see if someone is suitable or something is true
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![to [drive] {sb} up the wall](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/42578/original/?type=jpeg)
to make someone extremely angry
The exact origin of the phrase "drive someone up the wall" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early to mid-20th century. It is commonly employed in conversations, anecdotes, or storytelling to describe persistent behaviors, annoying habits, or aggravating circumstances that elicit strong negative emotions. The phrase can be used in personal experiences, workplace dynamics, relationships, or any situation where someone's actions or situations become a constant source of annoyance.
to visit a place or someone without a prior arrangement, often casually and briefly
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to eat so much of food available in someone's house so that there is little or none left
The idiom "eat somebody out of house and home" originated from the idea of someone consuming so much food that it depletes the available resources in a household. The phrase implies that the person's appetite is so insatiable or their eating habits are so excessive that they consume all the food supplies, leaving the household with nothing else to eat. It emphasizes the idea of overwhelming hunger or the ability to consume large quantities of food. Here are five example sentences using the idiom:
to experience a mental breakdown
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to offer help to someone with a task or problem
to leave a location, usually to embark on a journey or trip
The idiom "hit the road" has its origins in American slang, particularly in the mid-20th century. It refers to the act of departing or beginning a journey, especially a road trip or travel by vehicle. The expression conjures the image of physically starting a journey by hitting the road's surface, emphasizing the action of getting underway.
to forcefully make someone leave a place or residence
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![to [treat|handle] {sb/sth} with kid gloves](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/27307/original/?type=jpeg)
to be specially careful, gentle, or considerate when dealing with someone or something
The idiom "treat someone or something with kid gloves" has its origins in the 19th century when gloves made from the soft leather of young goats (kid leather) were considered delicate and luxurious. These gloves required careful handling to prevent damage. It is often used when addressing situations where extra caution is needed, such as dealing with sensitive individuals or delicate matters.
![to [lift|raise] a finger](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/43148/original/?type=jpeg)
to make a minimal effort to do something, particularly in order to help someone
![to [have] it made in the shade](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40461/original/?type=jpeg)
to be in a very good position and be living a luxurious life
The origin of the phrase "have it made in the shade" is uncertain, but it likely emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone who is in a highly favorable or advantageous position, often characterized by prosperity, success, and a lack of worries or difficulties.
to provide housing or accommodation for someone
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to place something where it should be after using it
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to stay in bed and sleep for a longer period than one typically would, especially in the morning
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to leave a surface and begin flying
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to get ready for sleep
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a small lie that does not cause any harm, especially told to avoid making someone upset
The origin of the idiom "white lie" is rooted in the concept of a lie that is considered harmless or trivial. The term "white" in this context symbolizes purity, innocence, or a lack of malicious intent. The idiom refers to a lie told with good intentions, often to spare someone's feelings or maintain social harmony. This phrase suggests that the lie is not meant to cause harm or deceive, but rather to protect or benefit others in a small or inconsequential way.
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used to express one's complete agreement with someone's statement
The origin of the idiom "you can say that again" is not precisely documented, as it is a common and informal expression used to affirm strong agreement with something that has just been said. It has been in common use for many years as a way to affirm and emphasize agreement.
a person who eats constantly, seemingly without ever getting full, or someone with an insatiable appetite
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used to say hi
to search through the refrigerator, usually late at night or when hungry, often eating snacks or leftovers impulsively
to remain awake very late into the night, often until early morning, usually due to work, entertainment, or insomnia
to physically hit someone in the eye, causing visible bruising
used to express surprise, annoyance, or intensity
extremely red in the face, usually due to embarrassment, anger, or exertion
something of no value or significance, often used to express disdain or disregard
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used to refer to someone who looks unnaturally pale, often as a result of fear or illness
The idiom "white as a ghost" originated from the association of the color white with a lack of color or pigmentation, similar to the pale appearance of a ghost. It is commonly used to emphasize a person's paleness due to fear, shock, illness, or a sudden loss of color.
used to describe something intense, thrilling, or nerve-wracking, often causing fear or excitement
to observe someone’s emotions, such as fear or determination, especially when their expression is extreme or evident in their eyes
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