Idioms — Set 67

Set 67 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: be a far cry from, throw a wrench in the works, hit the books, spill your guts, call a spade a spade. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. be a far cry from · idiom/bi ə fɑr kraɪ frəm/

   to be very different from something else

   This new version of the app is a far cry from the original—it’s much faster and easier to use.

   Origin: From the 1800s — originally a 'far cry' meant a long distance, the limit of how far a human shout could carry.

2. throw a wrench in the works · idiom/θroʊ ə rɛntʃ ɪn ðə wɜrks/

   to cause problems that disrupt a plan or process

   The last-minute budget cuts threw a wrench in the works and delayed the entire project.

   Origin: American 20th-century equivalent of 'throw a spanner' — a wrench dropped into machinery breaks the gears entirely.

3. hit the books · idiom/hɪt ðə bʊks/

   to study hard

   Final exams are next week, so I need to hit the books and study all weekend.

   Origin: American student slang from the 1900s — refers to opening textbooks and beginning serious study.

4. spill your guts · idiom/spɪl jʊr ɡʌts/

   to reveal personal or sensitive information

   He spilled his guts about everything that happened between him and his ex during our conversation.

   Origin: From medieval battles — soldiers fatally wounded literally spilled their guts; used metaphorically for total honesty.

5. call a spade a spade · idiom/kɔl ə speɪd ə speɪd/

   to speak honestly and directly, even if it’s harsh

   There’s no point in sugarcoating the situation—sometimes you have to call a spade a spade.

   Origin: From the ancient Greek writer Plutarch — refusing to dress up plain truth, calling tools by their honest names.