Idioms Beginning With T

English idioms, proverbs, and expressions are an important part of everyday English. They come up all the time in both written and spoken English. Because idioms don’t always make sense literally, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. That may seem like a lot of work, but learning idioms is fun, especially when you compare English idioms to the idioms in your own language.

Idioms Beginning With T with Meaning and Example

Here’s a list of “Idioms Beginning With T” in English:

Take a back seat

Meaning: To allow someone else to be in control.
Example: “I’ll take a back seat and let you lead the meeting.”

Take a rain check

Meaning: To postpone an invitation or offer.
Example: “Can I take a rain check on that dinner? I’m a bit busy today.”

Take it easy

Meaning: To relax and not worry.
Example: “After the exam, I’m just going to take it easy for a while.”

Take the bull by the horns

Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely.
Example: “She decided to take the bull by the horns and confront her boss about the issue.”

Talk the talk

Meaning: To say things that make you seem knowledgeable or proficient.
Example: “He can talk the talk, but can he walk the walk?”

Teach someone a lesson

Meaning: To punish or discipline someone to improve their behavior.
Example: “His prank went too far, and now it’s time to teach him a lesson.”

The ball is in your court

Meaning: It’s your decision or responsibility to do something now.
Example: “I’ve done all I can; the ball is in your court.”

The best of both worlds

Meaning: To have all the advantages.
Example: “By working part-time and studying part-time, she has the best of both worlds.”

The early bird catches the worm

Meaning: Those who start early have an advantage.
Example: “I always get up at 5 AM to get my work done before anyone else; the early bird catches the worm.”

The elephant in the room

Meaning: An obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to discuss.
Example: “The company’s financial problems are the elephant in the room.”

The last straw

Meaning: The final problem in a series of problems that causes one to finally lose patience.
Example: “Her constant lateness was the last straw; I had to let her go.”

The lion’s share

Meaning: The largest part or most of something.
Example: “As the lead actor, he took the lion’s share of the credit.”

The proof is in the pudding

Meaning: The real value of something can be judged only after it has been tried or used.
Example: “They promised they could fix it, but the proof is in the pudding.”

There are plenty of fish in the sea

Meaning: There are many other people or possibilities.
Example: “Don’t worry about breaking up with him; there are plenty of fish in the sea.”

Throw in the towel

Meaning: To give up or quit.
Example: “After struggling for years, he decided to throw in the towel and close his business.”

Turn a blind eye

Meaning: To ignore something and pretend not to see it.
Example: “The teacher turned a blind eye to the cheating in the exam.”

Turn over a new leaf

Meaning: To start to behave in a better way.
Example: “After his release from prison, he decided to turn over a new leaf.”

Touch and go

Meaning: Uncertain or risky.
Example: “It was touch and go whether we’d make it to the airport on time.”

Take the cake

Meaning: To be the most outstanding example of something bad or good.
Example: “Of all the bad decisions you’ve made, this one takes the cake.”

Turn the tables

Meaning: To reverse the situation or change the position of advantage.
Example: “They were losing, but they turned the tables in the second half.”

Tie the knot

Meaning: To get married.
Example: “They decided to tie the knot after five years of dating.”

Take a shine to

Meaning: To like someone or something immediately.
Example: “She took a shine to her new colleague right away.”

Through thick and thin

Meaning: In good times and bad times.
Example: “They remained friends through thick and thin.”

Throw caution to the wind

Meaning: To take a risk.
Example: “Deciding to travel the world, he threw caution to the wind.”

Take someone for granted

Meaning: To undervalue someone.
Example: “He felt she was taking him for granted.”

Throw your weight around

Meaning: To use your influence in a heavy-handed way.
Example: “He’s always throwing his weight around in the office.”

Talk of the town

Meaning: Something or someone everyone is talking about.
Example: “Their engagement was the talk of the town.”

Take a toll

Meaning: To have a negative effect.
Example: “The long hours of work are taking a toll on his health.”

Tooth and nail

Meaning: To fight very fiercely.
Example: “They fought tooth and nail to defend their rights.”

To the letter

Meaning: Exactly as instructed.
Example: “He followed the recipe to the letter.”

Tickled pink

Meaning: Very pleased.
Example: “She was tickled pink to receive the award.”

Take a stand

Meaning: To publicly express an opinion about something.
Example: “It’s time to take a stand against bullying.”

Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: To not take something too seriously.
Example: “I’d take his advice with a grain of salt.”

Turn a deaf ear

Meaning: To ignore someone or something.
Example: “He turned a deaf ear to their pleas for help.”

Talk is cheap

Meaning: It’s easier to say you’ll do something than to actually do it.
Example: “Talk is cheap, you need to prove it with your actions.”

Turn the other cheek

Meaning: To not retaliate when someone attacks or insults you.
Example: “Even when provoked, he would turn the other cheek.”

Two heads are better than one

Meaning: Two people working together can solve a problem better.
Example: “Let’s brainstorm together; two heads are better than one.”

Take the heat

Meaning: To accept blame or criticism.
Example: “As the leader, he had to take the heat for the failure.”

To the bitter end

Meaning: Until the very end, no matter what.
Example: “They fought to the bitter end.”

Take the plunge

Meaning: To make a big decision or take a risk.
Example: “They finally took the plunge and opened their own business.”

Throw down the gauntlet

Meaning: To challenge someone.
Example: “She threw down the gauntlet and challenged him to a debate.”

Take a dim view

Meaning: To disapprove of something.
Example: “The boss takes a dim view of lateness.”

Too many irons in the fire

Meaning: To have too many activities or responsibilities at once.
Example: “She needs to focus; she has too many irons in the fire.”

Take the initiative

Meaning: To be the first to act in a situation.
Example: “He took the initiative to start the project.”

Turn the corner

Meaning: To improve after a difficult period.
Example: “After months of hard work, the company is finally turning the corner.”

Throw in the towel

Meaning: To give up or quit.
Example: “After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel.”

To a T

Meaning: Perfectly or exactly.
Example: “The plan worked to a T.”

Time flies

Meaning: Time passes very quickly.
Example: “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Two sides of the same coin

Meaning: Two different aspects of the same situation.
Example: “Risk and reward are two sides of the same coin.”

Take it to the bank

Meaning: To be certain that something is true.
Example: “You can take it to the bank that she will keep her word.”

Talk shop

Meaning: To talk about work-related matters.
Example: “Even at the party, they couldn’t stop talking shop.”

Throw money at

Meaning: To try to solve a problem by spending money.
Example: “They are trying to throw money at the problem instead of finding a real solution.”

Take with a grain of salt

Meaning: To not take something too seriously.
Example: “Take his stories with a grain of salt.”

Turn a new leaf

Meaning: To change one’s behavior for the better.
Example: “After the incident, he turned over a new leaf.”

Take the high road

Meaning: To behave morally and decently.
Example: “Even though he was insulted, he decided to take the high road.”

Throw someone under the bus

Meaning: To betray or blame someone to save oneself.
Example: “He threw his colleague under the bus to avoid getting in trouble.”

Take it on the chin

Meaning: To endure difficulties bravely.
Example: “Despite the setbacks, he took it on the chin and kept moving forward.”

Two cents worth

Meaning: One’s opinion.
Example: “Let me give you my two cents worth on the matter.”

Through thick and thin

Meaning: In good times and bad.
Example: “They remained friends through thick and thin.”

Turn a profit

Meaning: To make money.
Example: “The new business started to turn a profit within six months.”

Take stock

Meaning: To assess a situation.
Example: “After the project failed, they took stock of what went wrong.”

Take the bull by the horns

Meaning: To confront a problem head-on.
Example: “She decided to take the bull by the horns and address the issues directly.”

Take (Someone) to the Cleaners

Meaning: To cheat or swindle someone.
Example: “He trusted his business partner, but he ended up taking him to the cleaners.”

Take a Deep Dive (Into)

Meaning: To thoroughly investigate or explore something.
Example: “The researchers took a deep dive into the data to uncover hidden patterns.”

Take a Flyer

Meaning: To take a risk or chance.
Example: “I took a flyer on that investment, hoping it would pay off.”

Take a Gander

Meaning: To take a look at something.
Example: “Take a gander at this new website I found.”

Take a Hike

Meaning: To go away or leave someone alone.
Example: “If you’re going to be rude, just take a hike.”

Take A Powder

Meaning: To leave quickly.
Example: “He took a powder when he saw his ex-girlfriend coming.”

Take a Rain Check

Meaning: To postpone an invitation or offer.
Example: “Can I take a rain check on dinner? I’m feeling under the weather today.”

Take Five (Ten)

Meaning: To take a short break.
Example: “Let’s take five and grab some coffee.”

Take It Easy

Meaning: To relax and not worry.
Example: “You’ve been working hard all week; take it easy this weekend.”

Take It on The Chin

Meaning: To endure difficulties bravely.
Example: “Despite the criticism, she took it on the chin and continued her work.”

Take It or Leave It (command)

Meaning: An offer that is non-negotiable.
Example: “This is my final offer, take it or leave it.”

Take Someone to Task

Meaning: To criticize or reprimand someone.
Example: “The manager took him to task for missing the deadline.”

Take Something with a Pinch (grain) of Salt

Meaning: To not take something too seriously.
Example: “Take his stories with a pinch of salt; he tends to exaggerate.”

Take the Cake

Meaning: To be the most outstanding example of something bad or good.
Example: “Of all his mistakes, this one takes the cake.”

Take the Edge Off (of Something)

Meaning: To reduce the intensity of something.
Example: “A cup of tea will take the edge off your stress.”

Take the Fifth

Meaning: To refuse to answer a question.
Example: “When asked about the incident, he decided to take the fifth.”

Take the Gloves Off

Meaning: To start fighting or competing fiercely.
Example: “Both teams took the gloves off in the second half.”

Take the High Road

Meaning: To behave morally and decently.
Example: “Despite the insults, he decided to take the high road.”

Take The Mickey (Piss) (Out Of Someone)

Meaning: To mock or tease someone.
Example: “Are you taking the mickey out of me with that story?”

Take the Shine Off (Something)

Meaning: To make something less enjoyable or special.
Example: “The rain took the shine off the outdoor concert.”

Take the Starch out of (Someone)

Meaning: To deflate someone’s arrogance or confidence.
Example: “The defeat took the starch out of the team’s captain.”

Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails

Meaning: To make someone feel less confident or less determined.
Example: “Her criticism really took the wind out of my sails.”

Take Your Life in Your Hands

Meaning: To do something very risky.
Example: “By driving in that storm, you’re taking your life in your hands.”

Take Your Medicine

Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions.
Example: “He broke the rules, now he has to take his medicine.”

Take Your Time

Meaning: To do something slowly and carefully.
Example: “Take your time with the report; there’s no rush.”

Taste of Your Own Medicine

Meaning: When someone receives the same unpleasant treatment they have given others.
Example: “After years of being rude, he got a taste of his own medicine.”

Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Meaning: It is difficult to change someone’s long-established habits.
Example: “Trying to teach my grandfather to use a smartphone is like trying to teach an old dog new tricks.”

Tear One’s Hair out

Meaning: To be extremely frustrated or anxious.
Example: “I was tearing my hair out trying to solve the problem.”

Tear-Jerker

Meaning: A very sad or emotional story or movie.
Example: “The movie was a real tear-jerker; I cried for hours.”

Tee Many Martoonies

Meaning: A humorous way of saying “too many martinis.”
Example: “I think I’ve had tee many martoonies.”

Tell It to the Marines

Meaning: I don’t believe you; tell your lies to someone gullible.
Example: “You caught a fish that big? Tell it to the marines!”

Tempest in a Teapot

Meaning: A lot of unnecessary anger or worry about a minor matter.
Example: “Their argument was just a tempest in a teapot.”

Ten a Penny

Meaning: Very common and of little value.
Example: “Excuses are ten a penny; what we need is action.”

Ten to One

Meaning: Very likely.
Example: “Ten to one, he’ll be late again.”

Test the Waters

Meaning: To try something to see if it will be successful or acceptable.
Example: “We should test the waters with a small campaign before going all out.”

Tie the Knot

Meaning: To get married.
Example: “They decided to tie the knot after five years of dating.”

Tighten the Screws

Meaning: To put pressure on someone to do something.
Example: “The coach tightened the screws on the team to improve performance.”

Tight-Lipped

Meaning: Unwilling to speak about something.
Example: “He remained tight-lipped about the surprise party.”

Til the Cows Come Home

Meaning: For a very long time.
Example: “You can argue til the cows come home, but I won’t change my mind.”

Time is Money

Meaning: Time is valuable, so don’t waste it.
Example: “We need to hurry up with this project; time is money.”

Tip of the Iceberg

Meaning: A small part of a much larger problem or issue.
Example: “The problems we’ve discussed are just the tip of the iceberg.”

Tip One’s Hand

Meaning: To reveal one’s intentions or plans.
Example: “Don’t tip your hand too soon in the negotiations.”

TLC

Meaning: Tender loving care.
Example: “The garden needs some TLC after the winter.”

To be A Peach

Meaning: To be a very nice or kind person.
Example: “Thanks for helping me out, you’re a peach.”

To be Smitten With Someone

Meaning: To be very much in love with someone.
Example: “He is completely smitten with her.”

To be someone’s One and Only

Meaning: To be the only person someone loves.
Example: “He told her that she was his one and only.”

To be the Apple of Someone’s Eye

Meaning: To be someone’s favorite person.
Example: “Her grandson is the apple of her eye.”

To Bear Fruit

Meaning: To produce good results.
Example: “Their hard work finally bore fruit.”

To Carpool

Meaning: To share a car journey with others.
Example: “They decided to carpool to work to save money.”

To Each His Own

Meaning: Everyone has their own preferences.
Example: “I don’t like seafood, but to each his own.”

To Get Cold Feet

Meaning: To become nervous or anxious about something.
Example: “He got cold feet before his wedding.”

To Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder

Meaning: To be easily angered or upset.
Example: “He has a chip on his shoulder about his upbringing.”

To Have Butterflies In Your Stomach

Meaning: To feel nervous.
Example: “I always have butterflies in my stomach before a performance.”

To Have One For the Road

Meaning: To have one last drink before leaving.
Example: “Let’s have one for the road before we head home.”

To Pay an Arm and a Leg

Meaning: To pay a lot of money.
Example: “They paid an arm and a leg for their vacation.”
Example: “They paid an arm and a leg for their vacation.”

To Pop (one’s) Cherry

Meaning: To do something for the first time.
Example: “He’s never been on a roller coaster, so he’s about to pop his cherry.”

To Pull Someone’s Leg

Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
Example: “I didn’t win the lottery; I was just pulling your leg.”

To Run Hot and Cold

Meaning: To be indecisive.
Example: “She runs hot and cold about whether to take the job.”

To the Letter

Meaning: Exactly as instructed.
Example: “Follow these instructions to the letter.”

Toe the Line

Meaning: To conform to rules or expectations.
Example: “If you want to keep your job, you’ll have to toe the line.”

Tone-Deaf

Meaning: Insensitive to the nuances of a particular situation.
Example: “His remarks were tone-deaf and offended many people.”

Tongue-in-Cheek

Meaning: Not seriously intended; humorous.
Example: “His tongue-in-cheek comment made everyone laugh.”

Too Busy Fighting Alligators to Drain the Swamp

Meaning: Too involved in solving immediate problems to deal with more important, strategic issues.
Example: “The team is too busy fighting alligators to drain the swamp.”

Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth

Meaning: Too many people involved can ruin something.
Example: “We need to limit the number of people on this project; too many cooks spoil the broth.”

Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians

Meaning: Too many people giving orders and not enough people to carry them out.
Example: “We have too many chiefs and not enough Indians in this department.”

Too Many To Shake A Stick At

Meaning: More than you can count.
Example: “There were too many errors to shake a stick at in that report.”

Toot Your Own Horn

Meaning: To brag about your own accomplishments.
Example: “I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I think I did a great job.”

Top Banana

Meaning: The most important person.
Example: “He’s the top banana in the company.”

Toss a Wrench (Spanner) Into

Meaning: To cause problems or disruptions.
Example: “The sudden change in plans tossed a wrench into our schedule.”

Touch Base

Meaning: To make contact or update someone.
Example: “Let’s touch base next week to discuss the project.”

Touch One’s Heart

Meaning: To affect someone emotionally.
Example: “Her kind words really touched my heart.”

Touch Water

Meaning: To be launched or put into action.
Example: “The new policy will touch water next month.”

Tough Cookie

Meaning: A strong and determined person.
Example: “She’s a tough cookie; nothing can break her spirit.”

Tough Sledding

Meaning: Difficult progress.
Example: “It’s been tough sledding getting the new business off the ground.”

Turn a Blind Eye

Meaning: To ignore something wrong.
Example: “The manager turned a blind eye to the minor infractions.”

Turn on a Dime

Meaning: To change direction or position very quickly.
Example: “The company can turn on a dime if market conditions change.”

Turn Someone Inside Out

Meaning: To drastically affect or change someone.
Example: “The news turned him inside out.”

Turn Something on Its Head

Meaning: To completely change or reverse something.
Example: “The new theory turned the old assumptions on their head.”

Turn Turtle

Meaning: To flip over.
Example: “The car turned turtle in the accident.”

Turn the Corner

Meaning: To improve after a difficult situation.
Example: “After months of hard work, the company has turned the corner.”

Turn the Tables

Meaning: To reverse a situation.
Example: “She turned the tables on her competitors with her innovative approach.”

Turnabout Is Fair Play

Meaning: It is fair for someone to suffer the same treatment they have given to others.
Example: “He pranked her last year, so turnabout is fair play.”

Twenty-Four Seven

Meaning: All the time; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Example: “The convenience store is open twenty-four seven.”

Twist the Knife (in Deeper)

Meaning: To deliberately make someone’s suffering worse.
Example: “He twisted the knife by bringing up her past mistakes.”

Two a Penny

Meaning: Very common and inexpensive.
Example: “Promises from politicians are two a penny.”

Two Peas in A Pod

Meaning: Very similar in appearance or character.
Example: “Those twins are like two peas in a pod.”

Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF)

Meaning: An expression of relief that the workweek is over.
Example: “It’s been a long week. TGIF!”

That Ship Has Sailed

Meaning: An opportunity that has passed.
Example: “I wanted to join the project, but that ship has sailed.”

That’s Music to My Ears

Meaning: Good news or information.
Example: “Hearing that we got the contract was music to my ears.”

That’s a Stretch

Meaning: Something that is unlikely or hard to believe.
Example: “I think it’s a stretch to say he did it all by himself.”

That’s All She Wrote

Meaning: There is nothing more to be said or done.
Example: “We tried everything, but the engine is dead. That’s all she wrote.”

The Apple Never Falls Far From the Tree

Meaning: Children often resemble their parents.
Example: “He’s a great musician just like his father. The apple never falls far from the tree.”

The Birds and the Bees

Meaning: Basic facts about sex and reproduction.
Example: “It’s time to talk to your kids about the birds and the bees.”

The Cat Is Out of the Bag

Meaning: A secret has been revealed.
Example: “The surprise party is ruined because the cat is out of the bag.”

The Coast Is Clear

Meaning: No danger or obstruction is present.
Example: “We can sneak out now; the coast is clear.”

The Cherry On the Cake

Meaning: An additional benefit to something already good.
Example: “Getting a promotion was great, but the cherry on the cake was the bonus.”

The Deck Is (The Cards Are)

Meaning: The situation is predetermined.
Example: “The deck is stacked against small businesses.”

The Jig Is Up

Meaning: The deception or crime is exposed.
Example: “The jig is up; the police know everything.”

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

Meaning: Despite changes, things remain similar.
Example: “New management, same old problems. The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

The Only Game in Town

– Meaning: The only option available.
– Example: “In this small town, that café is the only game in town.”

The Powers That Be

– Meaning: The people in charge.
– Example: “The powers that be have decided to implement new rules.”

The Real McCoy

– Meaning: The genuine article.
– Example: “This painting is the real McCoy, not a reproduction.”

The Story Has Legs

– Meaning: The story will continue to be interesting or relevant.
– Example: “The scandal broke yesterday, and the story has legs.”

The Time is Ripe

– Meaning: The right moment to do something.
– Example: “The time is ripe to invest in renewable energy.”

The Walls Have Ears

– Meaning: Be careful what you say because someone might be listening.
– Example: “We can’t discuss this here; the walls have ears.”

The Whole Enchilada

– Meaning: Everything; the entire situation or issue.
– Example: “He bought the company, the whole enchilada.”

The Whole Shebang

– Meaning: Everything involved in a situation.
– Example: “We’re redoing the kitchen, the whole shebang.”

The World Is Your Oyster

– Meaning: You have many opportunities.
– Example: “With your skills and education, the world is your oyster.”

There But For The Grace Of God Go I

– Meaning: Acknowledging one’s good fortune compared to others.
– Example: “Seeing the homeless makes me think, there but for the grace of God go I.”

There’s More Than One Way to Skin a Cat

– Meaning: There are multiple ways to achieve a goal.
– Example: “Don’t worry if this doesn’t work; there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”

There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

– Meaning: Everything has a cost.
– Example: “They offered me a free trial, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

Thin On The Ground

– Meaning: Scarce or not easily found.
– Example: “Good restaurants are thin on the ground in this neighborhood.”

Think Big

– Meaning: To set high goals.
– Example: “If you want to succeed, you have to think big.”

Think Outside the Box

– Meaning: To think creatively or innovatively.
– Example: “To solve this problem, we need to think outside the box.”

Think Tank

– Meaning: A group of experts who provide advice or ideas on a specific topic.
– Example: “The think tank proposed new solutions to the climate crisis.”

Third Rail