Idioms — Set 96

Set 96 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: jump the rails, see the writing on the wall, be down in the dumps, take the fall, stick your neck out. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. jump the rails · idiom/dʒʌmp ðə reɪlz/

   to suddenly behave wildly or lose control

   The conversation was fine until he suddenly jumped the rails and started ranting about conspiracy theories.

   Origin: From the 1800s railway age — when trains jumped off their tracks, the result was a sudden uncontrolled disaster.

2. see the writing on the wall · idiom/si ðə ˈraɪɾɪŋ ɔn ðə wɔl/

   to recognize clear signs that something bad is coming

   When the company lost its biggest client, the employees saw the writing on the wall and started looking for new jobs.

   Origin: From the Bible (Daniel 5) — mysterious writing appeared on Belshazzar's wall, predicting his kingdom's imminent fall.

3. be down in the dumps · idiom/bi daʊn ɪn ðə dʌmps/

   to feel sad, depressed, or discouraged

   After losing his pet, he’s been down in the dumps all week.

   Origin: From the 1500s — possibly from Middle Dutch 'domp,' meaning a feeling of mental dullness or sadness.

4. take the fall · idiom/teɪk ðə fɔl/

   to take the blame for something, often unfairly

   Even though the whole team made the mistake, the manager made him take the fall for it.

   Origin: An American 1900s expression — accepting the fall meant taking the public blame for something, often saving others.

5. stick your neck out · idiom/stɪk jʊr nɛk aʊt/

   to take a big risk by supporting or defending someone

   She really stuck her neck out by defending her coworker against the boss’s unfair criticism.

   Origin: From the 1900s — sticking your neck out makes it the easiest target, so it represents taking a brave personal risk.