Idioms /Sayings

dog-earred - In bad condition (''The newspaper's all dog-earred'')

He drinks like a fish (He drinks alot of alcohol or he drinks it quickly)

To let the cat out of the bag - To reveal a secret
He couldn't keep it secret, let the cat out of the bag and told her everything.

To smell a rat - To sense that something is wrong
They intended to trick him but he smelt a rat

take the bull by the horns: face up to problem instead of avoiding it ( I decided to take the bull by the horns and tell him he was upsetting Jane.)

a wild goose chase: a search that has no chance of success ( I didn't know her flight number so trying to find Amy at Heathrow was a bit of a wild goose chase.)

chicken out: stop participating in something which is too dangerous or difficult.
They are short of funds so I think they're going to chicken out of this project.

not hurt a fly - To be very gentle (not violent) He has an awful temper but he wouldn't hurt a fly.