Idioms 6

1. LOAD OF BALONEY: This term refers to idle talk, or pretentious, untrue or insincere statements that nobody can believe.

  • That’s a load of baloney. I don’t believe a word of it.
  • It’s a load of baloney if you ask me about it.
  • So, what do you think? Was he right or was just making a load of baloney.
  • Nobody listens to such a load of baloney.
  • I don’t know why people make such a load of baloney.

2. JUMP ON THE BAND WAGON: If a person or organisation jumps on the bandwagon, they decide to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.

  • When organic food became fashionable, certain stores were quick to jump on the bandwagon and promote it.
  • Publishers jumped on the CD-ROM band wagon even though they didn’t know if they could sell the CD-ROMs.
  • When once he became sure of one majority they rumbled over each other to jump on the bandwagon.
  • After the incredible success of Cadbury’s latest low fat-chocolate bar, Nestle has jumped on the bandwagon, and released a low fat version of kit kat.
  • When Apple launches anything new, everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon.

3. BALLPARK FIGURE: If someone gives a ballpark figure, they give an approximate number of a rough estimate of the cost of something.
 

  • I don’t want the precise cost, there is no need to calculate. Joe, give me the ballpark figure.
  • She said, “Any figures of this moment are ballpark figures.”
  • I don’t need an exact number. A ballpark figure will do.
  • Could you please give me a ballpark figure, how much money will I have to spend on the house ?
  • He was pressed whether he could give a ballpark figure.

4. BANG ONE’S HEAD AGAINST A BRICK WALL: If you bang your head against a brick wall, you continue vainly to try to achieve something in spite of several unsuccessful attempts.

  • I’ve been banging my head against a brick wall trying to explain the internet to my grandmother.
  • You’re wasting your time trying to figure this puzzle out. You’re just banging your head against a brick wall.
  • You’re banging your head against a brick wall trying to get that dog behave properly.
  • I think I am banging my head against a brick wall, just asking you to do me a favour.
  • I kept asking her not park there, but it’s like banging my head against a brick wall.

5. BAITED BREATH: If you wait for something with baited breath, you are both anxious and excited about an eminent event.

  • We waited with baited breath for the winner to be announced.
  • I am waiting with baited breath for the upcoming events.
  • We watched with baited breath to see if the mother bear would bring her baby to safety.
  • He waited for a reply to his offer with baited breath.
  • I am waiting for my friend’s arrival with baited breath.

6. BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN: This expression is used to say that opposing groups are ready to defend the reason behind the conflict.

  • The battle lines are drawn between those who accept the changes and those who are against the proposed reforms.
  • The battle lines are drawn for the leadership contest.
  • Churches draw the battle lines over the moral issues.
  • The battle lines are being drawn between many patients and their healthcare providers.
  • The battle lines are drawn between two friends for cheating each other.

7. BE MY GUEST: This expression is used to give someone permission.

  • If you’d like to use the phone. Be my guest.
  • Can I use your toilet, please? Ok, be my guest.
  • I don’t mind if you want to add an exclamation mark to that sentence, please be my guest.
  • I would like to have some more cake, James. Oh sure! be my guest.
  • Had you asked me for that, you could have been my guest.

8. BE THAT AS IT MAY: It means that what the speaker says may be true but it will not change the situation.

  • Fewer people may come because of the bad weather, be that as it may, it’s too late to cancel the show.
  • I am sorry to hear about your troubles, be that as it may, you still must carry out your responsibilities.
  • Be that as it may, I can’t help you.
  • He certainly was under pressure at that time. Be that as it may.
  • We are close to achieving our goals . Be that as it may, we still have problems that must be solved.

9. BEAR THE BRUNT: A person who bears the brunt of something is the one who suffers the most when something bad or unpleasant happens.

  • When things go wrong, his assistant always has to bear the brunt of his anger.
  • The ordinary citizens will bear the brunt of higher taxes.
  • The oldest parts of the town bore the brunt of the missile attacks.
  • I am tired of bearing the brunt of her objections.
  • I had to bear the brunt of her yelling and screaming.

10. BEAR FRUIT: When something bears fruit, it produces positive or successful results.
After years of handwork, his research finally began to bear fruit.

  • I hope your new plan will bear fruit.
  • I had many ideas but none of them could bear fruit.
  • Some of the changes in the election laws are already bearing fruit.
  • Opening a new store in Delhi has borne fruit for the company.