Idioms — Set 46

Set 46 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: leave someone high and dry, step up to the plate, cut to the quick, run a tight ship, give the green light. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. leave someone high and dry · idiom/liv ˈsʌmwʌn haɪ ənd draɪ/

   to abandon someone in a difficult situation without support

   They were left high and dry when their business partner suddenly backed out.

   Origin: From sailing — ships stranded by a low tide were left high above water on dry sand, unable to move.

2. step up to the plate · idiom/stɛp ʌp tu ðə pleɪt/

   to take responsibility for a situation and take action

   Now is the time to step up to the plate and prove your skills.

   Origin: From American baseball — when a player steps up to home plate, it is finally their turn to bat and perform.

3. cut to the quick · idiom/kʌt tu ðə kwɪk/

   to hurt someone deeply with words or actions

   His harsh words really cut to the quick, leaving her in tears.

   Origin: From the 1500s — 'the quick' meant living flesh under a fingernail; cutting it caused sharp, immediate pain.

4. run a tight ship · idiom/rʌn ə taɪt ʃɪp/

   to be very organized and disciplined in managing something

   She runs a tight ship, making sure everything is done efficiently.

   Origin: From naval discipline — a well-run ship has tight ropes, strict rules, and no room for sloppy work or chaos.

5. give the green light · idiom/ɡɪv ðə ɡrin laɪt/

   to approve something or give permission to proceed

   The manager gave the green light to start the new project.

   Origin: From early 20th-century traffic systems — green lights officially signal that vehicles may proceed forward.