Idioms — Set 42

Set 42 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: bite the hand that feeds you, put the brakes on, speak volumes, throw a curveball, have a chip on your shoulder. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bite the hand that feeds you · idiom/baɪt ðə hænd ðət fidz ju/

   to be ungrateful to someone who has helped you

   You shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you by being disrespectful to your mentor.

   Origin: From a Burke speech in 1790 — describes a domesticated animal biting the master who gives it food.

2. put the brakes on · idiom/pʊt ðə breɪks ɔn/

   to slow down or stop a process

   The government decided to put the brakes on the new policy due to public protests.

   Origin: From the early 1900s automobile age — pressing the brake pedal slows or stops a moving vehicle.

3. speak volumes · idiom/spik ˈvɑljumz/

   to reveal a lot about a situation without directly stating it

   His silence spoke volumes about how he really felt about the situation.

   Origin: From the 1800s — a single look or silence said as much as multiple volumes of written words.

4. throw a curveball · idiom/θroʊ ə ˈkɜrvbɔl/

   to do something unexpected that causes confusion or trouble

   The interviewer threw a curveball by asking a completely unexpected question.

   Origin: From American baseball — a curveball changes direction mid-flight, surprising the batter expecting a straight pitch.

5. have a chip on your shoulder · idiom/tʃɪp ɔn jʊr ˈʃoʊldɚ/

   to have a lingering resentment or grievance

   He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he was passed over for the promotion.

   Origin: From the 1800s American — boys put a wood chip on their shoulder, daring others to knock it off and fight.