word origin — From the 1800s — inflating something physically larger than its true size, like blowing up a balloon.
blow something out of proportion, pull the trigger, twist someone’s arm, go back to the grind, drag your heels: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 39. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
blow something out of proportion · idiom/bloʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ aʊt əv prəˈpɔrʃən/
to react too strongly to something minor
The media blew the incident out of proportion.
Origin: From the 1800s — inflating something physically larger than its true size, like blowing up a balloon.
pull the trigger · idiom/pʊl ðə ˈtrɪɡɚ/
to make a final decision or take decisive action
It’s time to pull the trigger and make a final decision.
Origin: From firearms — once the trigger is pulled, the action cannot be undone; a phrase symbolic of committed decisions.
twist someone’s arm · idiom/twɪst ˈsʌmwʌnz ɑrm/
to strongly persuade or pressure someone to do something
He didn’t want to come, but I twisted his arm, and now he’s joining us.
Origin: From American 1900s slang — physically twisting an arm uses pain to force quick agreement from a victim.
go back to the grind · idiom/ɡoʊ bæk tu ðə ɡraɪnd/
to return to routine work after a break
Vacation is over—it’s time to go back to the grind.
Origin: From medieval grain mills — the constant boring grinding of wheat became a symbol for tedious daily labor.
drag your heels · idiom/dræɡ jʊr hilz/
to delay or do something slowly because you don’t want to
She’s been dragging her heels on finishing her thesis.
Origin: From walking — dragging the heels behind shows reluctance, as opposed to walking eagerly forward.