far cry

It means not similar, very different. Example: "This is good sherry, but it's a far cry from the other we drunk yesterday"

A dog's age

A long time, 10-15 years. Here there is an example: "Mary!! I haven't seen you for a dog's age - at least ten years!"

A common thread

An idea or theme that is similar to others. Example: "There's a common thread in most of James's stories"

A close call

Close to danger or an accident. Example: "That was a close call. The train nearly hit the bus!"

A blessing in disguise

A problem that becomes a benefit or advantage. To put it as an example. "The rainstorm was a blessing in disguise. It stopped the fire"

Face up

it is the same as admit that you did it. Example:  "If Karl caused the problem, he'll face up. He'll admit it"

Face the music

 

Face the results of our actions, be responsible. As an example: " If you damage the car, you must face the music - pay for repairs"

Save a bundle

Save a lot of money, save big time. As an example: "If you buy a new car through a broker, you can save a bundle"

Nuts

It could mean expressions as crazy or oh no!. To say it in other words:"If that phone rings once more I'll go nuts!" or "When he doesn't catch the ball, he says, "Nuts!"

Nutty as a fruit cake

It means funny, kooky, mad as hatter. You say: "Do I know Karl? Yes, I do. He's nutty as a fruit cake!"

Odds and ends

It means small pieces that are not used. You can say "When you build the fence, save the odds and ends to make toys"

Off color

It means: bad, dirty, impolite. For example: His wife gets so embarrassed when he tells an off-color joke

Waste no time

It means hurry to do it, do not delay. For example:  After the meeting, I left. I wasted no time leaving that dirty city

A bite to eat

lunch, a snack. We say: "We can grab a bite to eat at the arena. They sell snacks there"

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Having one is better than seeing many. For example when someone is searching for a better job, remember A bird in the hand... .

A bed of roses

It means an easy life, a pleasant place to work or stay. For example: Who said that retirement is a bed of roses?

A bad taste in my mouth

It means a feeling that something is false or unfair, a feeling of ill will. An example could be: "I left the meeting with a bad taste in my mouth. There was a lot of dishonesty in the room."

A babe in the woods

It means a defenseless person; a naive, young person. An example can be: "He's just a babe in the woods. He needs someone to protect him"

A barrel of laughs

It means a lot of fun, a person who makes you laugh. An example could be: Let's invite Chang to our party. He's a barrel of laughs.

Use it or lose it

If you don't use some things you know you forget them