VOCABULARY - IDIOMS

Idioms beginning with U

U Turn

Meaning: A complete change of opinion, direction, etc.
Ugly Duckling

Meaning: An awkward child or young person who grows into a beautiful person
Under (Below) the Radar

Meaning: Not generally perceived, below popular consciousness
Under Someone’s Spell

Meaning: Fascinated, entranced by someone
Under the Impression

Meaning: Believing something, perhaps mistakenly
Under the Table

Meaning: Without being officially recorded
Under Wraps

Meaning: Temporarily hidden, secret
University of Life

Meaning: Difficult real-life experience, as opposed to formal education
Until the Cows Come Home

Meaning: For a long time
Until You’re Blue in the Face

Meaning: For a long time with no results
Up a Creek

Meaning: In a very bad situation
Up for Grabs

Meaning: Available
Up for Grabs

Meaning: Available for anyone
Up in Arms

Meaning: Angry, protesting (usually said of a group)
Up in the Air

Meaning: Not yet decided
Up to One’s Neck

Meaning: Nearly overwhelmed
Up to Scratch

Meaning: Meeting a basic standard of competence or quality
Up to Snuff

Meaning: Meeting a basic standard
Up the Ante

Meaning: Raise the stakes; increase the importance of something under discussion
Up the Duff

Meaning: Pregnant
Upset the Apple Cart

Meaning: To disorganize or spoil something, especially an established arrangement or plan
Use One’s Head

Meaning: To think, to have common sense