tough cookies
accepting a difficult situation
English · United States 2386
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.
tough going
Difficult or challenging situation
tough love
Showing love or care through strict or firm behavior
tough luck
Bad fortune or an unfortunate situation
tough sledding
A difficult or challenging situation
tough titty
Too bad, it's not my problem
tough tuchus
a strong and resilient person
toughen up
become more resilient and less sensitive
town and country
Urban and rural areas
town and gown
Conflict or difference between a town's residents and its university's students and staff
toy with
to play or flirt with something or someone without serious intention
toys in the attic
Crazy or eccentric ideas or thoughts
track and field
Athletic sports involving running, jumping, and throwing events
track down
To find or discover someone or something after a thorough search
track record
A record of past performance or achievements
trade hands
be sold or transferred to a new owner
trailer park trash
People of low social class or morals
trailer trash
People of low social class or morals
train wreck
A situation that is completely out of control and has a disastrous outcome
transform and roll out
To suddenly and quickly change and take action
tread carefully
proceed with caution to avoid problems
tread lightly
to proceed with caution and avoid offending or upsetting others
tread on someone's toes
to annoy or offend someone
tread the boards
To work as an actor, especially in theater
tremble and obey
to obey someone or something with fear or reluctance
trench mouth
a severe form of gum disease
trial and error
a method of learning by trying different approaches
trial balloon
A test of public opinion or reaction to an idea
trial by fire
A difficult test or challenge that proves one's abilities
trial by media
Judgment by public opinion through media coverage
trials and tribulations
Difficulties and challenges
trick of the trade
A skill or technique learned through experience in a particular job or activity
trick or treat
A demand for candy or other treats, typically by children on Halloween.
trick question
A question with a hidden difficulty or unexpected twist.
trick up one's sleeve
A secret plan or surprise to use when needed
tricked out
Decorated or equipped with many features or accessories
tried and tested
Proven to be effective or reliable through experience
tried and true
Reliable and effective due to experience or testing
tried and trusted
Reliable and proven to work well
trip out
to experience something intensely enjoyable or surprising
trip the light fantastic
To dance.
trip to the woodshed
a scolding or punishment
Tristan and Isolde
A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review.
trophy wife
A wife who is considered a status symbol due to her beauty or youth
trot out
To introduce or exhibit something familiar or old-fashioned
trotter case
a suitcase or traveling bag
trouble and strife
A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review.
trouble at mill
Indicates a problem or crisis, often unexpectedly
trouble in paradise
Problems or difficulties in a previously ideal situation
truck and trailer
a large vehicle combination
true stripes
show one's real character
true to form
Acting consistently with someone's character or expectations
trump up
to fabricate or invent a false charge or accusation
trust me bro
have confidence in what I'm saying
trust, but verify
Be cautious and confirm information, even if you trust the source
truth be told
To admit something honestly
Truth is more valuable if it takes you a few years to find it – often attributed to French author Jules Renard (1864–1910)
Patience and time can lead to greater understanding and insight.
truth is stranger than fiction
Real events can be more surprising than made-up stories
try it on
to test or experiment with something
try on for size
To test or consider something to see if it fits or is suitable
Advertisement
Ad space — ads help keep Idiomer free. Premium will remove them.