Idiom of the Week
This will be the last Idiom of the Week for a while. We are taking a break. Thank you for enjoying it.
Sign up to receive the Idiom of the Week in your inbox!

Week of April 20, 2009
“Did you hear that to increase productivity everyone will have to work more hours?” asked Randy.
“No. That’ll upset the apple cart!” replied Paula.

To upset the apple cart- v. To cause trouble and upset people. To spoil someone’s plans.
“Simon wondered if he should approach his manager about taking an extra week’s vacation. His colleagues warned him against it, claiming that during this busy time it would just upset the apple cart.”

Week of April 13, 2009
"Linda was overjoyed when she heard from a colleague that all of the staff would be getting an unexpected raise. As she passed on the good news, several of her co-workers told her to take it with a grain of salt until the rumor was confirmed by management."

To take something with a grain of salt/pinch of salt- v. To listen to an explanation with considerable doubt. To be wary about accepting or believing something.
“‘You’ll get used to Bob’s grand stories,’ confided Richard to the new interns, ‘just take everything with a pinch of salt because he tends to exaggerate.’”

Archive- March 2009
Archive- February 2009
Archive- January 2009
Archive- December 2008
Archive- November 2008
Archive- June 2008
Archive- May 2008
Archive- April 2008 Archive- December 2006
Archive- March 2008 Archive- November 2006
Archive- February 2008 Archive- September/October 2006
Archive-January 2008 Archive- May/June 2006
Archive- December 2007 Archive- April 2006
Archive- November 2007 Archive- March 2006
Archive- October 2007 Archive - February 2006
Archive- May 2007 Archive - January 2006
Archive- March/April 2007 Archive - December 2005
Archive- January/February 2007 Archive - November 2005
|