back the right horse
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
English · UK & Ireland 1634
All languages English Tiếng Việt
Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
back the wrong horse
To support or choose the wrong option or person
back to back
happening one after the other without a break
back to square one
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
back to the wall
In a difficult or desperate situation
back up
to support or confirm something
back up the truck
To stop or slow down a process or activity
back-cloth star
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
backhanded compliment
a compliment that is actually insulting
backwards and forwards
Knowing something very well
bacon and eggs
a traditional breakfast dish
bad actor
A person or entity causing trouble or problems
bad apple
Bad entity.
bad blood
A lasting feeling of hatred or anger between individuals or groups
bad books
in someone's disfavor
bad business
An unprofitable or unsuccessful venture
bad company
People who have a negative influence on others
bad egg
A person who is unpleasant or untrustworthy
bad hair day
a day when everything goes wrong
bad iron
A person considered worthless or useless
bad joke
Something unpleasant or of poor quality
bad looker
Someone who is unattractive
bad money drives out good
Less desirable options displace more desirable ones
bad news
Unwelcome or unpleasant information
bad news bears
a person or thing that consistently brings bad news
bad news travels fast
Unwelcome information spreads quickly
bad old days
A time in the past that was unpleasant or difficult
bad penny
A person who consistently causes trouble or difficulty
bad taste in one's mouth
a lingering feeling of disgust or distaste
bad trip
A disturbing or unpleasant experience
bad trot
a person with unpleasant or annoying behavior
bad word
a swear word or profanity
badge bunny
A person who collects and displays many badges or certifications
badge of honor
A symbol of pride or achievement
bag of bones
A person who is very thin or frail
bag of tricks
A set of skills or methods used to achieve something
bail on
to leave or abandon something suddenly
bail out
to rescue someone from a difficult situation
bail out on
to abandon or leave someone or something suddenly
bait and switch
Luring someone with a attractive offer, then substituting something less desirable
bait and tackle
Equipment for fishing
bake something blind
to make something without a recipe or instructions
bake up
to create or concoct something
baker's half dozen
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
baking hot
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
balance out
To offset or compensate for something
balance the books
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
bale up
to gather or collect something, especially hay or straw
ball hog
A player who dominates the ball, refusing to pass to teammates.
ball of fire
Someone or something full of energy and enthusiasm
ball of malt
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
ballistic podiatry
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
balloon goes up
A situation becomes serious or chaotic
balloon knot
A knot that is easy to untie
ballot stuffing
Falsifying election results by adding fake votes
ballpark estimate
An approximate calculation or guess
ballpark figure
An approximate number or estimate
balls and strikes
key decisions or elements
balls of steel
Extremely courageous or fearless
bamboo ceiling
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.