| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| an axe to grind |
a point to discuss or argue about
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Jason had an axe to grind at the meeting - job security.
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| an earful |
a lecture, a scolding, a bawling out
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If Mom catches you smoking, you'll get an earful.
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| an easy mark |
one who can easily be persuaded, a soft touch
|
Ask Charlie for a loan. He's an easy mark.
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| an even keel |
good balance, stability
|
We need a steady manager, one who can keep an even keel.
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| an eye for an eye (a tooth for a tooth) |
equal punishment or revenge
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Canadian laws do not demand an eye for an eye.
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| an offer I couldn't refuse |
an offer that contains a threat or force, a request that is a command
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The border guards invited me to stay for further questioning - it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
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| an old hand at |
a person with a lot of practice or experience
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Tom's an old hand at cribbage. He's played since he was a boy.
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| an old warhorse |
a veteran, an old soldier, a classic story or tune
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The band played marches and overtures - the old warhorses.
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| an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure |
prevent a problem so you don't have to solve it, a stitch in time...
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Forest fires deserve an ounce of prevention: public education in campfire safety.
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| anal retentive |
too concerned with detail, pedantic
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Amy is anal retentive. She writes down everything the teacher says.
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