Idioms — Set 72

Set 72 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: in over your head, at the drop of a hat, jump the shark, dig your heels in, pull a fast one. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. in over your head · idiom/ɪn ˈoʊvɚ jʊr hɛd/

   to be in a situation too difficult to handle

   I agreed to manage the project, but now I realize I’m in over my head.

   Origin: From swimming — being in water deeper than your height means it's literally over your head and dangerous.

2. at the drop of a hat · idiom/ət ðə drɑp əv ə hæt/

   to do something immediately without hesitation

   She’s so spontaneous—she’ll travel anywhere at the drop of a hat.

   Origin: From American 1800s — old contests began the moment someone dropped a hat as the official starting signal.

3. jump the shark · idiom/dʒʌmp ðə ʃɑrk/

   to decline in quality after relying on gimmicks or bad decisions

   The show was great for years, but it really jumped the shark when they added ridiculous plot twists.

   Origin: From a 1977 Happy Days episode — Fonzie jumped over a shark on water skis, considered the show's quality decline point.

4. dig your heels in · idiom/dɪɡ jʊr hilz ɪn/

   to refuse to change one’s opinion or stance

   Despite all the evidence, he dug his heels in and refused to admit he was wrong.

   Origin: From horsemanship — horses physically dig their heels into the ground when refusing to move forward at any cost.

5. pull a fast one · idiom/pʊl ə fæst wʌn/

   to deceive or trick someone

   He tried to pull a fast one by switching the contract before I signed it, but I caught him.

   Origin: An American slang from the 1920s — pulling something quickly meant tricking someone before they noticed.