be at loggerheads, make your bed and lie in it, have your work cut out for you, let nature take its course, put out feelers: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 95. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. be at loggerheads · idiom/bi ət ˈlɔɡɚhɛdz/

   to strongly disagree or argue with someone

   The two neighbors have been at loggerheads over the property line for years.

   Origin: From the 1600s — 'loggerheads' were long-handled tools used as weapons in naval battles, symbolizing direct conflict.

2. make your bed and lie in it · idiom/meɪk jʊr bɛd ənd laɪ ɪn ɪt/

   to be responsible for your decisions and accept the consequences

   He refused to study for the exam, failed it, and now has to retake the class—he made his bed and now he has to lie in it.

   Origin: From the 1500s — if a person made a poor bed, they had to sleep in it themselves regardless of comfort.

3. have your work cut out for you · idiom/hæv jʊr wɜrk kʌt aʊt fɚ ju/

   to have a difficult challenge ahead

   With three major projects due this week, she has her work cut out for her.

   Origin: From tailoring — having fabric already cut meant the hardest task lay ahead — actually sewing it all together.

4. let nature take its course · idiom/lɛt ˈneɪtʃɚ teɪk ɪts kɔrs/

   to allow events to happen naturally without interference

   There’s nothing more we can do for the plant—let’s just let nature take its course.

   Origin: From medieval philosophy — natural events were believed to follow inevitable paths that humans shouldn't interfere with.

5. put out feelers · idiom/pʊt aʊt ˈfilɚz/

   to ask around or explore possibilities before taking action

   Before officially launching the product, the company put out feelers to see if there was interest in the market.

   Origin: From insect behavior — bugs cautiously extend their antennae to test surroundings before committing fully to any direction.