IDIOM: RUN-OF-THE-MILL

  IDIOM: RUN-OF-THE-MILL – this idiom is used to mean that something is very ordinary, normal or common-place. Example: I wasn’t very impressed by their wedding.  The whole celebration was very run-of-the-mill.  I doubt I will remember it at all in a few years. If you are using run–of–the–mill in your writing, be sure to remember to punctuate it properly! … Read More

IDIOM – DOWN TO THE WIRE

Meaning – to be resolved, finalised at the final moment In Context  – We are so late on this project, it’s going to come down to the wire. Origin – This expression has its origins in horse racing.  A wire was placed across the finish line.  The horse that hit the wire first won the race.  If two horses are … Read More

IDIOM – TO BE ON THE FENCE

Meaning – to remain neutral in an argument or in a decision In Context – The two of you can fight it out between yourselves. I am not going to take sides in your argument. I’m on the fence here. Note – You can also say, ‘to sit on the fence’.  There is no change in meaning.      

IDIOM – COMPARING APPLES TO ORANGES

Meaning – a false analogy, contrasting two things which cannot be compared against each other In Context – You cannot compare ballet to jazz dance, it’s like trying to compare apples to oranges. Origin –  While the origin of this idiom is unclear, it can be found in different variations in many other languages.  The most common version is comparing apples … Read More