Idioms — Set 47

Set 47 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: have an axe to grind, hit below the belt, let off steam, get down to brass tacks, jump the hurdles. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. have an axe to grind · idiom/ən æks tu ɡraɪnd/

   to have a strong opinion or personal motive in a situation

   Be careful when listening to his advice—he has an axe to grind and is just trying to push his own agenda.

   Origin: From a Benjamin Franklin story (1810) — a clever man tricked a boy into sharpening an axe under a false pretext.

2. hit below the belt · idiom/hɪt bɪˈloʊ ðə bɛlt/

   to act unfairly or unethically in a conflict

   Bringing up her personal life in the debate was really hitting below the belt.

   Origin: From boxing — striking below an opponent's belt has been illegal since the rules of 1867 made it a foul.

3. let off steam · idiom/lɛt ɔf stim/

   to release frustration or anger in a healthy way

   He went for a run to let off steam after a stressful day.

   Origin: From early steam engines — releasing built-up steam prevented dangerous explosions inside the boiler.

4. get down to brass tacks · idiom/ɡɛt daʊn tu bræs tæks/

   to focus on the essential and most important details

   Let’s get down to brass tacks and talk about the budget.

   Origin: From American 1860s shops — brass tacks marked exact measurements on the counter for serious negotiations.

5. jump the hurdles · idiom/dʒʌmp ðə ˈhɜrdəlz/

   to overcome obstacles or difficulties

   You have to jump the hurdles if you want to succeed in this industry.

   Origin: From British athletics — hurdle races require runners to jump over a series of obstacles to finish the race.