The idiom "Tighten the screws" is used when someone wants to increase pressure or enforcement to convince another person to act or comply. It metaphorically refers to tur⋯ Read the full article

To "throw the book at someone" means to punish someone as severely as possible. It comes from the image of a judge sentencing someone using the fullest extent of the law,⋯ Read the full article

To "throw for a loop" means to surprise or confuse someone so much that they're momentarily disoriented. Picture watching a magician perform an unexpected trick that leav⋯ Read the full article

When someone can "talk a blue streak," they are talking very fast and without pause. Imagine a fast-moving stream of words flowing like water—continuous and overwhelming.⋯ Read the full article

To "take to heart" means to consider something very seriously and be influenced by it on a personal level. If your mentor gives you life advice, you might take it to hear⋯ Read the full article

Take it or leave it" is a blunt way of presenting an offer or deal where no further negotiation will be considered. It's like a car salesman saying, "This is the best pri⋯ Read the full article

When someone decides to "take a stand," they are choosing to firmly hold their position on an issue, often in the face of opposition. Visualize yourself at a town hall me⋯ Read the full article

Strike gold" is not just for miners! In everyday use, this idiom means to find something very valuable or successful, especially after a period of effort. It could be stu⋯ Read the full article

To "straighten out" means to resolve an issue or clarify a confusing situation. Think of it as untangling a bunch of knotted wires; once you've straightened them out, eve⋯ Read the full article

The idiom "stick out like a sore thumb" refers to something that is very noticeable because it is different. Picture a pink house in a street full of gray ones; it’s goin⋯ Read the full article

When someone tells you to "step into their shoes," they're not asking you to literally try on their footwear! This colorful expression means taking over someone's duties ⋯ Read the full article

Stay the course" means to continue doing something despite difficulties or opposition, maintaining one’s path or decision. It is often used in contexts where persisting i⋯ Read the full article

To "stand the test of time" means to endure successfully over a period of years or through difficulties, maintaining value or importance. It is often used to describe obj⋯ Read the full article

The idiom "show true colors" refers to revealing one's genuine character, often after a period during which the true nature was hidden. The phrase originates from naval h⋯ Read the full article

Shoot the works" is a phrase that means to go all out, to do everything possible, or to commit all available resources to an endeavor. It often implies a do-or-die approa⋯ Read the full article