Idioms — Set 64

Set 64 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: rub elbows with, put the cart before the horse, shoot from the hip, chew the fat, keep your ear to the ground. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. rub elbows with · idiom/rʌb ˈɛlboʊz wɪð/

   to associate or socialize with important or influential people

   At the charity gala, she had the chance to rub elbows with some of the country’s top politicians.

   Origin: From the 1800s — close physical contact in crowded social settings naturally brings elbows in touch with others.

2. put the cart before the horse · idiom/pʊt ðə kɑrt bɪˈfɔr ðə hɔrs/

   to do things in the wrong order or sequence

   You need to get your degree first before applying for high-level jobs—don’t put the cart before the horse.

   Origin: Used since the 1500s — placing a cart in front of the horse meant nothing could move forward correctly.

3. shoot from the hip · idiom/ʃut frəm ðə hɪp/

   to speak or act impulsively without thinking carefully

   He tends to shoot from the hip and say whatever comes to his mind without considering the consequences.

   Origin: From American Wild West gunfighters — shooting from the hip was fast but rarely accurate, all reflex no thought.

4. chew the fat · idiom/tʃu ðə fæt/

   to have a casual, friendly conversation

   We sat on the porch all evening, chewing the fat about our childhood memories.

   Origin: From the 1800s — sailors chewed tough strips of dried fat during long quiet hours of conversation at sea.

5. keep your ear to the ground · idiom/kip jʊr ɪr tu ðə ɡraʊnd/

   to stay informed about developments or changes

   I like to keep my ear to the ground so I can hear about job openings before they’re advertised.

   Origin: From the American Old West — scouts pressed their ear to the ground to hear distant horses or approaching trains.