beggars cannot be choosers
One should accept what is available, rather than being picky.
English · United States 3105
All languages English Tiếng Việt
Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in the US — distinctly American usage first, then widespread staples.
beginning to end
From the start to the finish of something
behind bars
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
behind closed doors
In secrecy.
behind every great man, there is a great woman
A successful man is often supported by a capable and dedicated partner
behind its time
Outdated or old-fashioned
behind someone's back
to do something secretly without someone's knowledge
behind the bit
Unable to control a situation
behind the counter
Working in a service industry, especially in retail or food service.
behind the eight-ball
In a difficult or precarious situation
behind the scenes
Happening secretly or out of public view
behind the times
Out-dated.
behind time
Late or past a scheduled time
belemnite battlefield
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
believe it or not
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
believe one's ears
To be unable to believe what one is hearing
believe one's eyes
to trust what one is seeing
believe you me
used to emphasize the truth of something
believing is seeing
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
bell out
to speak or sing loudly and clearly
bell the cat
to take a risk to deal with a problem
bellwether state
A state that accurately predicts national election outcomes
belly up
to fail or go bankrupt
belly up to the bar
to approach or participate in something with enthusiasm
below par
Not meeting the usual standard or expectation
below the belt
Unfair.
below the mahogany
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
below the salt
of lower social status
belt and suspenders
Using two or more methods to achieve something for extra security
bench and bar
A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review.
bench jockey
A person who criticizes or gives unwanted advice from the sidelines
bend one's elbow
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
bend someone's ear
to talk to someone at length, often about a problem
bend someone's will
To force someone to do something against their wishes
bend the brain
To concentrate or think hard
bend the knee
To show respect or submit to someone's authority
bend the truth
To exaggerate or distort information
bend to one's will
To force someone to do what you want
beneath the surface
Hidden or not immediately apparent
benevolent overlord
A ruler or authority figure who exercises power in a kind and generous manner
Benjamin Button
A person who appears to grow younger over time
bent on
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
bent on a splice
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
beside oneself
extremely upset or angry
beside the point
Not relevant to the current conversation or situation
best bet
Most likely to succeed or be effective
best laid plans
Even well-planned actions can go wrong
best of the bunch
The most excellent or desirable option among a group
best pleased
Most satisfied or delighted
best regards
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
best thing since sliced bread
Something excellent or wonderful
best thing since sliced pan
Something excellent or wonderful
best-kept secret
Something that is supposed to be secret but is actually widely known.
bet one's boots
to be absolutely certain or sure of something
bet one's bottom dollar
to be absolutely certain or confident about something
bet the house
Risk everything on something
bet the ranch
Risk everything on a single endeavor or decision
betray with a kiss
To deceive or harm someone with a show of affection or friendship
better angels
Noble and good qualities of human nature
better for it
improved or benefited as a result
Advertisement
Ad space — ads help keep Idiomer free. Premium will remove them.