kangaroo court

- an illegal court formed by a group of people to settle a dispute among themselves

There was a kangaroo court in movie after the ranchers arrested the criminal.

Katie bar the door

- get ready for trouble, a desperate situation is at hand

The gang arrived at the hotel and were ready to come in and fight when the owner yelled, "Katie bar the door."

keel over

- to fall over and faint

Three members of the band keeled over because of the heat.

keel over

- to turn upside down, to tip over

The boat keeled over in the middle of the lake but everybody was safe.

keen on (someone or something)

- to be enthusiastic about someone or something

My girlfriend is keen on going to a movie this weekend.

Keep Idioms

 

keep a civil tongue

- to speak decently and politely

The angry customer was asked to keep a civil tongue when talking with the sales clerk.

keep a close rein on (someone or something)

- to strictly watch and control someone or something

The mother was keeping a close rein on her child at the shopping center.

keep a close watch on (someone or something)

- to monitor or observe someone or something

The woman always keeps a close watch on her child when she is at the shopping center.

keep a close watch over (someone or something)

- to guard or care for someone or something

I kept a close watch over the soup while it was cooking.

keep a secret

- to not tell a secret to others

I am trying to keep a secret about my friend's boyfriend.

keep a stiff upper lip

- to be brave, to face trouble bravely

The storm victims tried hard to keep a stiff upper lip in the difficult situation.

keep a straight face

- to stop oneself from smiling or laughing

It was difficult to keep a straight face when the man fell off his chair.

keep a tight rein on (someone or something)

- to strictly watch and control someone or something

Our principal keeps a tight rein on what is being taught in the school.

keep abreast of (something)

- to keep informed about something

I read the newspaper so that I can keep abreast of current events.

keep after/at (someone)

- to remind someone over and over about something

I always have to keep after my friend to remember her homework.

keep an eye on (someone or something)

- to watch and take care of something (not just look at something)

"Will you keep an eye on the baby while I go to the store."

keep an eye out for (someone or something)

- to watch for the arrival or appearance of someone or something

I kept an eye out for a restaurant after I arrived in the small town.

keep at (something)

- to persist with something

My cousin has decided to keep at his studies and I am sure that he will succeed.

keep away from (someone or something)

- to stay at a distance from someone or something, to avoid the use of something

I told the child to keep away from the busy street.
The child was told to keep away from fire.

keep body and soul together

- to keep alive, to survive

It was very cold in the mountains but somehow the hiker was able to keep body and soul together and survived.

keep books

- to keep records of money gained and spent, to do the work of a bookkeeper

My first job was to keep books for a small company in my hometown.

keep company with (someone)

- to associate with or spend much time with someone

I like to keep company with my friends from university.

keep cool

- to stay calm

The police officers were trained to keep cool in difficult situations.

keep down (something) or keep (something) down

- to keep something from progressing or growing, to keep within limits, to control something

The students were told to keep down the noise as the other class was taking an exam.

keep from (doing something)

- to prevent or refrain from doing something

I love ice cream and could not keep from eating three bowls.

keep good time

- to work accurately (used for a clock or watch)

My watch has not been keeping good time lately.

keep harping on (something)

- to continue to talk or complain about something

The boy's father keeps harping on the fact that his son never does his homework.

keep house

- to look after a house or a household

The girl has been keeping house for her father while he is sick.

keep in touch (with someone)

- to talk or write to someone, to maintain contact with someone

I have always tried to keep in touch with my friends from high school.

keep late hours

- to stay up late, to stay out until very late

My friend keeps late hours now that he is working for the newspaper.

keep off (something)

- to stay off someone's land or other property

The students were asked to keep off the grass which was being replanted.

keep on an even keel

- to remain cool and calm

I was busy with my job and school but I tried hard to keep on an even keel and get everything done.

keep on (doing something)

- to continue doing something

The girl is careless and keeps on making the same mistakes over and over.

keep on one's toes

- to stay alert and watchful

I try to keep on my toes when the teacher may ask me a question.

keep one`s chin up

- to be brave, to be determined

"Try and keep your chin up. Things will be better in the future."

keep one`s cool

- to stay or remain calm

I tried to keep my cool during the argument with my neighbor.

keep one's distance from (someone or something)

- to maintain a certain distance from someone or something

The girl always keeps her distance from the other students in the class.

keep one`s eye on the ball

- to be watchful and ready for something

"You should keep your eye on the ball or you will make a mistake."

keep one's eyes open

- to remain alert and watchful for someone or something

"Please keep your eyes open for a good place to eat so we can have lunch."

keep one's feet on the ground

- to remain firmly established

My friend lost his job but he is trying hard to keep his feet on the ground.

keep one`s fingers crossed

- to wish for good results in something that one is doing

"Please keep your fingers crossed that I will pass my exam."

keep one's hand in (something)

- to retain some control of something

My uncle sold his business but he is still trying to keep his hand in some of its operations.

keep one's hands off (someone or something)

- to refrain from touching or handling someone or something

My aunt asked her nephew to keep his hands off her furniture.

keep one`s head

- to stay calm when there is trouble or danger

The president is a very good leader and is able to keep his head during an emergency.

keep one`s head above water

- to have the ability to pay one`s bills

The man is having trouble keeping his head above water since his salary decreased.

keep one`s mouth shut

- to be silent, to stay silent

I was very angry and told my friend to keep his mouth shut. Later, I had to apologize.

keep one`s nose clean

- to stay out of trouble, to avoid trouble

The boy has been able to keep his nose clean since he moved to the new town.

keep one's nose out of (someone's) business

- to refrain from interfering in someone else's business

I try hard to keep my nose out of my friend's business.

keep one`s nose to the grindstone

- to work very hard

My friend is keeping his nose to the grindstone recently and I have not had a chance to meet him.

keep one's opinions to oneself

- to not give your opinion about something (especially when you disagree with others)

I try to keep my opinions to myself when I talk to my father about the local government.

keep one's options open

- to decide against taking firm action now in favor of being able to choose later, to decide against making a decision or a choice now so that you can make it later

The boy wanted to keep his options open for next year so he took some extra classes at school.

keep one`s own counsel

- to keep one`s ideas and plans to oneself

Our boss always keeps his own counsel and never reveals his plans to anyone.

keep one's place

- to exhibit behavior suitable to one's position or place in life

The cleaning lady was told to keep her place when she complained about her working conditions.

keep one`s shirt on

- to remain calm, to keep from losing one`s temper or becoming too impatient

"Try and keep your shirt on! Everything will be fine in a few minutes."

keep one`s wits about one

- to stay calm when there is trouble or danger

There was a fire in the building but the security guard was able to keep his wits about him and help everybody to safety.

keep one`s word

- to fulfill or keep one`s promise

The girl never keeps her word and will probably not come to the party as she said.

keep out of (somewhere) or keep (someone or something) out of (somewhere)

- to not enter somewhere, to not allow someone or something to enter somewhere

The dog had to keep out of the garden.
The woman tried to keep her child out of the swimming pool.

keep pace (with someone or something)

- to go as fast or go at the same rate as someone or something

It is difficult to keep pace with the other students but somehow I manage.

keep quiet

- to remain silent

"Could you please keep quiet and listen to the instructions."

keep (someone) company

- to sit and stay with someone (especially someone who is lonely or sick)

I stayed home last night so that I could keep my mother company.

keep (someone) from (doing something)

- to prevent someone from doing something

I tried hard to keep my friend from buying a new car.

keep (someone or something) in check

- to keep someone or something under control, to restrain someone or something

The economic policy was designed to keep inflation in check.

keep (someone) in line

- to make someone behave properly

The teacher is very strict and she knows how to keep her students in line.

keep (someone or something) in mind

- to remember and think about someone or something

I told my friend to keep the time that I must leave for work in mind.
If I need someone to help fix my computer, I usually keep my friend in mind.

keep (someone) in stitches

- to cause someone to laugh continuously

My uncle kept me in stitches with his funny stories.

keep (someone) on or keep on (someone)

- to allow someone to continue working for you

We have too many workers but we will keep everybody on until business improves.

keep (someone) on tenterhooks

- to keep someone anxious or in suspense

I was kept on tenterhooks as I waited to hear the results of my exam.

keep (someone) posted

- to keep someone informed or up-to-date about something

I asked my friend to keep me posted about his new job and address.

keep (someone or something) still/quiet

- to make someone or something silent or less noisy

The mother had a hard time keeping her child still in the airplane.

keep (someone) up or keep up (someone)

- to prevent someone from going to bed

My neighbors kept me up last night with their loud music.

keep (something) down or keep down (something)

- to keep food in one's stomach (without vomiting it up when sick)

The child was sick and found it difficult to keep his food down.

keep (something) to oneself

- to keep something a secret

I asked my friend to keep the news to herself.

keep (something) under one`s hat

- to keep a secret, to not tell something

My coworker will not say where he is going for his holiday. He wants to keep it under his hat.

keep (something) under wraps

- to keep something concealed (until some future date)

We plan to keep our plans for the new project under wraps.

keep still

- to not move

I tried to keep still during the long lecture.

keep tabs on (someone or something)

- to watch or check or observe someone or something

We are keeping tabs on the spending of the sales department.

keep the ball rolling

- to continue an activity or action, to not allow something that is happening to slow or stop

We must keep the ball rolling and get our work done now.

keep the home fires burning

- to keep things going as usual while someone is away

"Don`t worry about anything. I will stay home and keep the home fires burning while you are on your holiday."

keep the lid on (something)

- to restrain something, to keep something quiet

The hospital worked hard to keep the lid on the drug scandal.

keep the wolf from the door

- to maintain oneself at a basic level

My job pays just enough money to keep the wolf from the door.

keep the wolves at bay

- to fight against some kind of trouble

The university students were angry and the administration had to work hard to keep the wolves at bay.

keep time

- to keep track of the time in a game or athletic contest

I kept time during the football game at our high school.

keep time

- to keep the beat, to keep the same musical rhythm

It is difficult for the girl to keep time when she is playing in the band.

keep time

- to keep accurate time (used for a watch or clock)

My old watch will not keep time at all.

keep to oneself

- to stay away from other people

Our neighbor is very quiet and likes to keep to herself.

keep track of (someone or something)

- to maintain a record of something

"Please carefully keep track of your expenses during the trip."

keep up

- to not stop, to continue

We are working hard to keep up the same level of production as last year.

keep up an act

- to act in a way that is different from one's natural behavior

The woman is trying to keep up an act even though she has almost no money.

keep up appearances

- to keep an outward show of prosperity or good behavior

The man is trying to keep up appearances even though he has lost his job.

keep up (something)

- to keep something in good condition, to maintain something

The man spends a lot of time trying to keep up the garden of his house.

keep up with (someone or something)

- to go at the same speed as a person or thing, to maintain the same rate of progress as someone or something

It is difficult for the boy to keep up with the rest of the class.

keep up with the Joneses

- to try to be the same as your neighbors (usually in matters related to money)

The man always worries about keeping up with the Joneses and he is always frustrated.

keep up with the news

- to keep informed

I read the newspaper every morning in order to keep up with the news.

keep up with the times

- to stay in fashion

My aunt tries very hard to keep up with the times.

.

 

(a fine) kettle of fish

- a situation that is not satisfactory, a mess

"This is a fine kettle of fish. What will we do with no water in our house."

keyed up

- to be excited, to be nervous

I was keyed up after we won the game and I could not go to sleep easily.

Kick Idioms

kick a habit

- to break or stop a bad habit

The man used to smoke but he was able to kick the habit.

kick around

- to lie around and do nothing, to only do small tasks

I was tired on Saturday so I kicked around the house all morning.

kick around (someone) or kick (someone) around

- to treat someone badly, to act roughly or badly to someone or something

I do not like the supervisor very much because she is always kicking around the employees.

kick back

- to relax and not do much

I am going to kick back this evening and watch television.

kick in some money for (something) or kick some money in for (something)

- to contribute some money for something

Everybody kicked in some money for a present for our teacher.

kick off (something) or kick (something) off

- to begin something, to launch something, to start something

The department store kicked off their summer sale early Saturday morning.

a kick-off

- a start

The kick-off for the no smoking campaign will start next week.

kick oneself

- to regret something

I kicked myself for not applying for the job sooner.

kick out (someone) or kick (someone) out

- to make someone go or leave, to dismiss someone

The school kicked out the boy because of his bad behavior.

kick over

- to start (used for a motor)

At first, the engine would not start but finally it kicked over.

kick (something) around or kick around (something)

- to discuss or consider something informally

We kicked the idea around for several hours before we abandoned it.

kick the bucket

- to die

The man who used to clean the building kicked the bucket last week.

kick up a fuss/storm

- to make trouble, to be a nuisance about something

My boss kicked up a fuss when I told him about the accident.

kick up one`s heels

- to have a good time, to celebrate

We kicked up our heels at the farewell party for our boss.

a kickback

- money paid illegally for favorable treatment

The construction company gave the politician a kickback in order to win the contract.

.

 

kid around (with someone)

- to tease and joke with someone

The students were kidding around with the teacher after the class.

kid's stuff

- a very easy task

It was kid's stuff. We were able to fix the stove easily.

kill off (something) or kill (something) off

- to kill or end something completely, to destroy something completely

The pollution in the river has killed off the fish.

kill the fatted calf

- to prepare a big feast (in someone's honor)

We decided to kill the fatted calf and have a big dinner for my uncle.

kill the goose that lays the golden egg

- to spoil something that is good or something that one has by being greedy

The man's job was very good and the salary was high but he quit the job because he wanted more money. He killed the goose that lays the golden egg.

kill time

- to waste time

We had to kill time before the movie started.

kill two birds with one stone

- to accomplish two things with one action

I was able to kill two birds with one stone by going to the meeting.

killed outright

- to be killed immediately

The man was killed outright when the truck hit him on the street.

kind of

- moderately, somewhat, more or less

I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night.

kink in one's neck

- a cramp in one's neck that causes pain

I woke up this morning with a kink in my neck.

kiss and make up

- to forgive someone and become friends again

I want to kiss and make up with my friend after our argument.

kiss and tell

- to participate in something private and then tell others about it

I do not trust the girl because she is the kind of person who will kiss and tell.

kiss of death

- an act that puts an end to someone or something

It was the kiss of death for the conversation with the teacher when the student learned that the teacher knew her father.

kiss (something) good-bye

- to lose something

"You can kiss your computer good-bye. It is totally destroyed."

kiss up to (someone)

- to flatter someone in the hope of getting a benefit or reward or a promotion

One of our co-workers always likes to kiss up to our supervisor.

kit and caboodle

- the entire amount of something, everything

I took the whole kit and caboodle of my fishing supplies when I went fishing.

kith and kin

- friends and relatives

All of our kith and kin attended the anniversary for my parents.

knee-high to a grasshopper

- very young (usually used for a child)

I learned to ride a bicycle when I was knee-high to a grasshopper.

knit one's brow

- to wrinkle one's brow by frowning

The teacher knit his brow and looked sternly at the child.

Knock Idioms

knock about

- to travel without a plan, to go where one pleases

We decided to go to Brazil and knock about for a couple of months.

knock down the price of (something) or knock the price of (something) down

- to lower the price of something

I bargained hard so that I could knock down the price of the DVD player.

a knock-down-drag-out fight

- a serious fight or argument

My friend and his brother had a knock-down-drag-out fight last evening.

Knock it off!

- Stop doing something., Quit doing something.

"Please knock it off! You will hurt yourself if you are not careful."

knock off work (early)

- to quit work (for the day)

We knocked off work early so that we could go to the soccer game.

knock on doors

- to look for a job

I have been knocking on doors all month to look for a job.

knock on wood

- to knock on something made of wood to keep from having bad luck

I do not think that I will lose my job - knock on wood.

knock one`s head against a (brick) wall

- to waste time trying to do something with no success

The company manager's have been knocking their heads against a wall trying to solve the problem.

knock oneself out (doing something)

- to make a great effort doing something

We knocked ourselves out trying to make the party successful.

knock (some) heads together

- to scold some people

The coach decided to knock some heads together in order to improve the team.

knock (someone) around or knock around (someone)

- to mistreat someone

The boy was sent home from school for knocking around another member of the class.

knock (someone) dead

- to put on a stunning performance for someone

The performance of the jazz group knocked the audience dead.

knock (someone) down to size

- to make a person more humble

The fact that the golfer lost the tournament helped to knock him down to size.

knock (someone) off or knock off (someone)

- to murder someone

A robber knocked off the owner of the shop last week.

knock (someone) off his or her feet

- to surprise or shock someone so much that he or she does not know what to do

When they announced that I had won the prize it knocked me off my feet.

knock (someone or something) out or knock out (someone or something)

- to make someone unconscious, to make something unworkable or unusable

The storm last night knocked out power in most of the town.

knock (someone) over with a feather

- to surprise someone by something extraordinary

It could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw my friend on TV.

knock (someone's) block off or knock off (someone's) block

- to hit someone very hard (in the head), to beat someone up

The man was very angry and threatened to knock the block off anyone who came near him.

knock (something) back/down

- to drink something (usually alcohol or medicine)

The medicine tasted terrible but I was able to knock it down.

knock (something) off or knock off (something)

- to finish something, to do something, to make something (often in haste or carelessly)

The small furniture company is able to knock off tables very fast.

knock the props out from under (someone)

- to destroy someone's confidence, to destroy someone's emotional or financial or moral base

The teacher knocked the props out from under the student when she criticized the student's work.

a knockout

- a very beautiful woman

The man said that the woman who he saw at the bus stop was a knockout.

Know Idioms

 

know a thing or two (about someone or something)

- to be well informed about someone or something

My father works in a software company and he knows a thing or two about computers.

know a trick or two

- to know some special ways of dealing with a problem

I know a trick or two about how to handle a customer who is angry or upset.

know all the tricks of the trade

- to possess the skills and knowledge necessary to do something

My cousin knows all the tricks of the trade and is a very good plumber.

know better than (to do something)

- to be smart enough not to do something

I told my friend that she should know better than to phone me at 7:00 AM on a Saturday morning.

know-how

- knowledge and skill

Our new boss has much know-how about how to operate a business.

(not) know if one is coming or going

- to not know what to do

The new sales manager does not know if he is coming or going.

know-it-all

- a person who acts as if he or she knows everything

The librarian is a know-it-all and nobody likes to be around him.

know of (someone or something)

- to be aware of someone or something, to have heard of someone or something

I do not know of any good restaurants near my house.

know one's ABCs

- to know the most basic things about something

The woman in the bank knows her ABCs and can provide the information that we need.

know one's place

- to know the behavior suitable to one's position in life

The boy does not know his place and often speaks out when he should not.

know one's stuff

- to know about something well

The man know's his stuff and is a very good plumber.

know one's way around/about

- to know how to get something done, to know about something

My friend knows his way around the city very well.

know (someone or something) by sight

- to know the name and recognize the face of someone or something

I know the professor's name but I do not know him by sight.

know (someone or something) like a book

- to know someone or something very well

I know the personality of my friend like a book.

know (someone or something) like an open book

- to know someone or something very well

I know the man like an open book.

know (someone or something) like the back of one's hand

- to know someone or something very well

I know the material for the exam like the back of my hand.

know (something) backwards and forwards

- to know something very well

I know the names of the people in my history class backwards and forwards.

know (something) by heart

- to know something perfectly and from memory

I know the poem by heart.

know (something) from memory

- to know something well from seeing it often

I know most of the telephone numbers from memory.

know (something) inside out

- to know something thoroughly

I know the history of our city inside out.

know (something) is coming

- to know in advance that something is going to happen

I knew it was coming when my boss told me that the store would soon close.

know (something) only too well

- to know something very well

I know only too well what will happen if I do not finish my essay on time.

(not) know the first thing about something

- to lack basic knowledge about something

The man does not know the first thing about computers.

know the ropes

- to know the procedures in a company, to know how to do something

I know the ropes at my job and I do very well at work.

know the score

- to know the facts (about life or something)

The man does not know the score about what is happening at his company.

know what's what

- to know the facts about something

It is difficult to know what's what with the man's problem.

know when one is not wanted

- to sense when one's presence is not welcome

I know when I am not wanted so I will not go to the restaurant.

know where (someone) stands on (something)

- to know what someone thinks or feels about someone or something

I do not know where the mayor stands on the issue of the new parking fees.

know which is which

- to be able to distinguish one thing or person from another

The two dogs look the same and I do not know which is which.

know which side one`s bread is buttered on

- to know who can help you and therefore try to please him or her, to know what is good for oneself

The man is careful not to make his boss angry. He knows which side his bread is buttered on.

.

 

a known fact

- something that is generally recognized as a fact

It is a known fact that more people get colds in the winter than in the summer.

a known quantity

- someone or something that is known and understood

The new employee is a known quantity in our office because he worked here before.

knuckle down (to something)

- to begin to work earnestly

I think it is time that we knuckle down and finish the project.

knuckle under

- to yield, to submit

The union finally knuckled under from the pressure and ended the strike.

Idiom Quizzes - K

 

Choose an idiom to replace the expression in the brackets:

1. The man has been (working very hard) so that he can go on a nice holiday.
   

   (a) keeping his fingers crossed (b) keeping his nose to the grindstone (c) keeping his nose clean (d) kicking the habit

   
   
   
2. The boy (memorized all) of the players on the football team.
   

   (a) kept a secret (b) kept his word with all (c) knows by heart all (d) knuckled under all

   
   
   
3. The mother has to (ask the girl constantly) to get ready to go to school.
   

   (a) keep the girl under wraps (b) keep after the girl (c) kick around the girl (d) keep track of the girl

   
   
   
4. The man is very reliable and will always (do as he promises).
   

   (a) keep his word (b) keep his fingers crossed (c) keep something under his hat (d) knock his head against a wall

   
   
   
5. It is hard for the man's boss to (follow) all of his entertainment expenses.
   

   (a) keep after (b) keep quiet with (c) knuckle under (d) keep track of

   
   
   
6. Since leaving university the young man has made a big effort to (phone and write) his friends.
   

   (a) keep after (b) keep up with (c) keep in touch with (d) know by heart

   
   
   
7. If you go to the business dinner you will be able to (do two things). You can enjoy the meal and you can discuss business.
   

   (a) keep an eye on him (b) kill two birds with one stone (c) keep good time (d) knock your head against a wall

   
   
   
8. Could you please (look after) my suitcase while I go to the washroom.
   

   (a) keep after (b) keep an eye on (c) knuckle under (d) not know if you are coming or going with

   
   
   
9. I (am hoping) that my sister will be able to sell her house.
   

   (a) know by heart (b) am killing two birds with one stone (c) am keeping my finger's crossed (d) am keeping up appearances

   
   
   
10. Our boss does not (know anything) about how to use a computer.
    

    (a) kick the bucket (b) know if he is coming or going (c) keep quiet (d) know the first thing

    
    
    
11. The woman must (stay out of trouble) since her argument with her boss.
    

    (a) keep her nose clean (b) keep a secret (c) keep her head above water (d) keep up appearances

    
    
    
12. The woman is a heavy smoker but she has been trying to (give up smoking) for many years.
    

    (a) kick the bucket (b) kick the habit (c) keep a secret (d) keep up with the Joneses

    
    
    
13. We must carefully (watch) our expenses this month.
    

    (a) keep up (b) keep tabs on (c) know by heart (d) knuckle down to

    
    
    
14. "Please don`t (go to a lot of trouble) when you prepare for the party."
    

    (a) keep your eye on something (b) keep your fingers crossed (c) knock yourself out (d) keep up appearances

    
    
    
15. I (regret) not buying the ticket when it was available.
    

    (a) knuckled down for (b) knocked myself out for (c) kicked myself for (d) kicked the habit for

    
    
    
16. The woman is always trying to (compete with her neighbors).
    
    

    (a) keep someone company (b) keep house (c) keep her nose clean (d) keep up with the Joneses

    
    
    
17. The man wanted to (continue) with the new project.
    

    (a) keep the wolf from the door (b) keep up with the times (c) kick back (d) keep the ball rolling

    
    
    
18. The man has been (working with no success) to try to solve the problem.
    

    (a) keeping up appearances (b) keeping his head above water (c) knocking his head against the wall (d) keeping his fingers crossed

    
    
    
19. The bus driver (died) suddenly last month.
    

    (a) kicked the habit (b) kicked the bucket (c) kept house (d) kicked himself

    
    
    
20. We (are in a lot of confusion) because of the new policy.
    

    (a) do not know the first thing about anything (b) are keeping our fingers crossed (c) do not know if we are coming or going (d) are knocking our heads against the wall