| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| the sin bin (hockey) |
the penalty box, cool your heels
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For tripping, hooking or holding you get two minutes in the sin bin.
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| the sky isn't blue |
something is wrong, there is a problem, clouds on the horizon
|
One look at Jenner's face told me the sky wasn't blue.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
|
| the spice of life |
things that make life exciting
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Romance - for many people, it's the spice of life!
|
| the spitting image |
one who looks like someone, a dead ringer
|
Patty is the spitting image of her mother - same face, same hair.
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| the squeaky wheel gets the grease |
the person who complains loudest gets service
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Our clerks put up this sign: The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
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| the straight dope |
the truth, the facts, get to the point
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The cop said, "Gimme the straight dope, Shorty. I haven't got time for your stories today."
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| the straight goods |
the truth, the facts, straight talk
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Gimme the straight goods - the truth, that's all.
|
| the strong, silent type |
a quiet and rugged-looking man
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Doris loves men like Jeff - the strong, silent type.
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| the sweet spot |
the best spot to touch, the spot that feels good
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Keep rubbing. When you find my sweet spot, I'll purr like a kitten.
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| the tail wagging the dog |
minority controlling the majority
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If criminals get more rights, the tail will be wagging the dog.
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