Category: Idiom of the Day

Dreams, hopes, or plans that are impossible, unrealistic, or have very little chance of succeeding. Watch the video

Something that is particularly vulnerable, weak, fragile, or precarious and likely to fail, perish, or be eliminated at any moment. Watch the video

Something or someone who, due to sensitivity to his, her, or its surroundings, acts as an indicator and early warning of possible adverse conditions or danger. Refers to the former practice of taking caged canaries into coal mines. The birds would die if methane gas became present and thereby alert miners to the danger. Watch the video

To acknowledge or consider a situation or exchange as being equal or equitable, as regarding debt, status, ability, a contest, etc. Watch the video

A social psychological phenomenon in which the more people there are viewing a crisis or crime, the less likely they are to offer aid to the victim(s). Also known as bystander apathy. Watch the video

A result, activity, task, or situation characterized by unprofessional, talentless, or careless performance(s). The term likely originates from or refers to The Original Amateur Hour, a radio and television talent program in the US that ran from the 1930s through the 1970s. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. Watch the video

Due to the fast-changing pace of the political landscape, the fortunes of a politician or political group can change drastically just in the course of a single week. The phrase is attributed to British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, c. 1964. Watch the video

A secret list of people who, through advantageous connections and relationships with people of affluence, authority, or political influence, are given preferential consideration during an admissions or appointments process. Watch the video

To obfuscate or distract from the topic at hand by introducing irrelevant and/or misleading information. Watch the video

A list of accomplishments or tasks one hopes to do or achieve before one dies. “Bucket” here is taken from the phrase “kick the bucket,” meaning to die. Watch the video