Idioms in alphabetical order
Here're 37 idioms starting with R.RACK (ONE'S) BRAIN(S)
to search through one’s mind intensively; to try very hard to think of smth.
RAIN ON (SOMEONE'S) PARADE
to spoil someone’s happy feelings
RAINING CATS AND DOGS
to rain very heavily
RAISE CAIN
to cause a disturbance, often because one is extremely angry; to make trouble
RAISE HELL
to behave in a way that is not controlled and that causes trouble
RAKE (SOMEONE)/GET RAKED OVER THE COALS
to reprimand or criticize someone harshly
RANK AND FILE
the non-management workers in a company or the non-leadership members of a political party
READ (SMTH.) INTO (SMTH.)
to give some meaning to smth. that is not justified; to imagine some significance that doesn’t exist
READ (SOMEONE) THE RIOT ACT
to reprimand or scold someone harshly
READ BETWEEN THE LINES
to understand a message that is alluded to but not directly said or written
REAL MCCOY, THE
the genuine article; not an imitation or substitute
RED HERRING
smth. used to divert someone’s attention from the real or important issue; smth. used to send a searcher in the wrong direction
RED TAPE
the unnecessary paperwork and procedures of a complicated bureaucracy
RED-LETTER DAY
an important day; a day to remember
REST ON (ONE'S) LAURELS
to be so satisfied with what one has already accomplished that one no longer works very hard
RHYME OR REASON, NO
logic; explanation
RING A BELL
to stir smth. in one’s memory; to cause someone to remember smth.
ROCK THE BOAT
to disturb a situation that is beneficial to the people involved; to cause trouble where none is wanted
ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET
to welcome someone as a very important person; to be very pleased about smth.
ROLL THE DICE
to choose to take a big risk, hoping that what you want will happen, but knowing that it might not
ROLL UP ONE'S SLEEVES
to prepare for hard work
ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES
to adjust to bad fortune; to take a relaxed attitude towards life and its problems
ROOM FOR MANOEUVRE
an opportunity to change your plans or choose between different ways of doing smth.
ROSE-COLORED GLASSES, SEE (SOMEONE/ SMTH.) THROUGH
to see smth. in a falsely good way; not to see smth. objectively
ROTTEN LUCK
exceptionally bad fortune or luck
RUB (SOMEONE) THE WRONG WAY
to irritate someone
RUB ELBOWS WITH (SOMEONE)
to associate with someone; to come into contact with someone
RULE OF THUMB
a rough guide; an unwritten or customary rule based on experience or practice
RUN (SMTH.) INTO THE GROUND
to belabor smth. beyond reason; to go too far with smth.
RUN AMOK
to run around in a frenzied or disorderly way
RUN CIRCLES AROUND (SOMEONE)
to outperform someone by a wide margin; to be better than someone
RUN DOWN THE CLOCK
to try to reduce the time that remains available to the opposition in a sports match
RUN FOR OFFICE/ELECTION/PRESIDENT
to compete as a candidate in an election for a position
RUN FOR THE HILLS
to be extremely unwilling to be involved in something, and to avoid it
RUN HIGH
to be very angry, excited
RUN ITS COURSE
to follow a natural progression without interference
RUN-OF-THE-MILL
ordinary or usual
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