This new version of the app is a far cry from the original—it’s much faster and easier to use.
word origin — From the 1800s — originally a 'far cry' meant a long distance, the limit of how far a human shout could carry.
be a far cry from, throw a wrench in the works, hit the books, spill your guts, call a spade a spade: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 67. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.