run with the pack, take it on the chin, go against the grain, have a one-track mind, go up in smoke: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 92. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. run with the pack · idiom/rʌn wɪð ðə pæk/

   to follow the crowd instead of thinking independently

   He used to be independent, but now he just runs with the pack and follows what everyone else does.

   Origin: From wolf behavior — running with the pack means following the group's direction rather than acting independently.

2. take it on the chin · idiom/teɪk ɪt ɔn ðə tʃɪn/

   to accept criticism or hardship without complaint

   Even though he lost the game, he took it on the chin and congratulated the winner.

   Origin: From boxing — fighters who took heavy blows directly on the chin remained standing through pure courage and toughness.

3. go against the grain · idiom/ɡoʊ əˈɡɛnst ðə ɡreɪn/

   to act differently from what is usual or expected

   She prefers to go against the grain, refusing to follow fashion trends and creating her own unique style.

   Origin: From woodworking — cutting wood against its natural grain is harder and rougher than working along the grain's direction.

4. have a one-track mind · idiom/hæv ə ˈwʌn træk maɪnd/

   to be overly focused on one thing

   Once he starts talking about football, you realize he has a one-track mind and won’t change the subject.

   Origin: From the 1900s railroad — a single-track mind can only travel in one direction, like a one-track railway line.

5. go up in smoke · idiom/ɡoʊ ʌp ɪn smoʊk/

   to fail or be ruined completely

   All our hard work went up in smoke when the client suddenly canceled the deal.

   Origin: From the 1600s — when objects burn completely, they literally turn into smoke and rise into the sky, leaving nothing.