Steve's Cliche List

Steve's Cliche List
-- more than 1600 entries to date!

You are reading the classic version of my cliche website. Check out the New and Improved site with lots of added features.
- Steve

that's just like the pot calling the kettle black.
the early bird gets the worm
good things come to those who wait
early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise
a penny saved is a penny earned
an apple a day keeps the doctor away
don't tempt fate
don't paint the devil on the wall (German)
mind your manners
don't put all your eggs in one basket
patience is a virtue
look out for number one
don't let the bed bugs bite
a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down
wake up and smell the coffee
stop and smell the roses
it ain't over till the fat lady sings
wouldn't kick her(him) outta bed for eatin' crackers
rough as a cob
he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn
is that a mouse in your pocket or are you just happy to see me
he went the whole 9 yards.
it's not the heat it's the humidity
don't burn your bridges
he's so ugly, he'd have to sneak up on a glass of water to get a drink
she's been hit with an ugly stick
it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick
this hurts me worse than it does you
when life gives you lemons make lemonade
six of one and half a dozen of another
to each his own
colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra
keep your eye on the ball
put the pedal to the metal
make tracks
make like a tree and leave
everything's coming up daisies
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
put your heart into it
break a leg
I ought to tan your hide
nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof
hotter than a snake's ass in a wagon rut
shoot it straight
tighter than a drum
like a dog chasing cars
six feet under
sink or swim
she's taking the bait
they're like two peas in a pod
she's getting the red carpet treatment
birds of a feather flock together
It takes two to tango
two's company, three's a crowd
don't count your chickens before they're hatched
nothing ventured nothing gained
better late than never
you gotta put your foot down
he's pulling your leg
she's tugging on your chain
a jack of all trades and a master of none
that's water under the bridge
that's rubber on the side of the road
we'll jump that fence when we get to it
we'll cross that bridge when we come to it
she's got money to burn
he's dressed to the nines
we're gonna tie one on tonight
kick the bucket
get the lead out
pull a fast one
pulled the wool over my eyes
put that in your pipe and smoke it
stick it where the sun don't shine
they're getting hitched
they're jumping the broomstick
maybe something will jog your memory
don't jump to conclusions
don't call us, we'll call you
put a cork in it
he's always blowing his own horn
sometimes you just gotta let your hair down
you can't judge a book by its cover
you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet
I have a bone to pick with you
check's in the mail
slower than a seven year itch
more fun than a barrel of monkeys
silence is golden
keep your nose to the grindstone
the squeaky wheel gets the grease
make like a baby and head out
he's pushing up daisies
he's chomping at the bit
in seventh heaven
every cloud has a silver lining
buy the farm
bite the dust
eat my dust
we're going to burn the midnight oil
a watched pot never boils
on the other hand
the shoes on the other foot now
he speaks with a forked tongue
if I were in his shoes
it's on the tip on my tongue
she's burning her candle at both ends
from the frying pan into the fire
Nice guys finish last
Whoever dies with the most toys wins
When the going gets tough the tough get going
Take it like a man
the blind leading the blind
come hell or high water
that's enough to piss off the Pope
she has bats in her belfry
barking up the wrong tree
what goes around comes around
flat as a pancake
numb as a hake
sharp as a tack
stiff as a board
doing the horizontal bop
riding the wild pony
sharp as a sack of wet mice
sweating blood
sweating bullets
you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip
and you can take that to the bank
keep the home fires burning
spare the rod, spoil the child
making the beast with two backs
in the red (black)
mind your own business
mind your p's and q's
you're driving me insane
haven't got a row to hoe
if you can't beat 'em, join 'em
straight from the horses mouth
if it's not one thing it's another
raining cats and dogs
happy as a clam
running around like a chicken with it's head cut off
like a fish out of water
like a broken record
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
straighten up and fly right
don't look a gift horse in the mouth
buckle under
buckle down
keep your shoulder to the wheel
a stitch in time saves nine
throwing out the baby with the bathwater
give an inch, and he takes a mile
cut off your nose, to spite your face
go the extra mile
for want of the nail, the shoe was lost
pay attention to details
don't air your dirty linens in public
bury the hatchet
stepping on people's toes
he's gone to ground
in full cry
dead as a doornail
off the top of my head
that's icing on the cake
you can't have your cake and eat it too
he gave a hundred and ten percent
flown the coop
well I'll be a monkeys uncle
open a can of worms
stir up an ant's nest
don't upset the apple cart
feel like a fifth wheel
jump on the bandwagon
resting on one's laurels
waiting for the other shoe to drop
shooting for the moon
go with the flow
playing with fire
testing one's mettle
like lambs to the slaughterhouse
a bull in a china shop
thick as a brick
I've got a monkey on my back
that's a load off my mind
she's got eye's in the back of her head
no skin off my back
missed by a hair
missed the boat
pay an arm and a leg
pay a king's ransom
he's fishing for compliments
watching the clock
playing the field
live and let live
let sleeping dogs lie
caught red-handed
caught with his hands in the till
caught with his pants down
the grass is always greener on the other side
I trust him as far as I can throw him
get on her high horse
get on her soap box
when hell freezes over
snowball's chance in hell
hot enough for you?
look before you leap
he who hesitates is lost
something rotten in the state of Denmark
busy as a bee
she is a loose cannon
to lie down with lions
take your fate into your own hands
to cry wolf
lie down with dogs and wake up with fleas
whistle in the dark
a shot in the dark
speak of the devil
all roads lead to Rome
when in Rome, do as Romans do
sleep like a log
it's a dog-eat-dog world
fiddling while Rome burns
rubbing salt in his wounds
chip on his shoulder
pain in the (ass,neck,butt)
licking one's wounds
rules are made to be broken
he knows which side his bread is buttered on
betting the farm
I smell a rat
eat crow
you drive me up a wall
the exception that proves the rule
the hand that rocks the cradle
red herring
on a wild goose chase
fan the flames
fight fire with fire
fire in the belly
ace in the hole
bee in her bonnet
ace up his sleeve
ants in his pants
butterflies in his stomach
a taste of his own medicine
you made your bed, now your gonna have to lie in it
hot under the collar
bite the bullet
bill the cat
naked as a jaybird
pure as the driven snow
when it rains, it pours
fit to be tied
dressed to kill
armed to the teeth
toe the line
march to the beat of a different drummer
keep a stiff upper lip
beggars can't be choosers
you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink
don't rock the boat
being led down the garden path
like taking candy from a baby
like shooting fish in a barrel
you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
a feather in his cap
pull a rabbit out of a hat
carrying coal to NewCastle
high as a kite
running with wolves
as beautiful as the day is long
ugly as sin
he looks like death warmed over
caught in the crossfire
pass the buck
play hot potato
make hay while the sun shines
you reap what you sow
closing the barn door after the horse has bolted
once bitten, twice shy
never say never
it's darkest just before the dawn
weather the storm
sail (ride off) into the sunset
opportunity doesn't knock twice
carpe diem (seize the day)
take the bull by the horns
beating a dead horse
pin your hopes on something
up to his ears in trouble
he's a fall guy
spinning your wheels
a cult of personality
fight like a man
the more the merrier
he has a few loose screws
he's not playing with a full deck
what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
I'll be damned
reopen an old wound
stranger in a strange land
his eyes are bigger than his stomach
he's bitten off more than he can chew
hanging onto mother's apron strings
play both ends against the middle
putting the cart before the horse
walk softly and carry a big stick
no use crying over spilled milk
paint the town red
paint oneself into a corner
pray to the porcelain god
a hair of the dog that bit you
it's all in your head
I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached
the tide's beginning to turn
looks like there's a new sheriff in town
hide the salami
do the wild mambo
that really brings it home
take this job and shove it
how's it hanging
the long arm of the law
always look on the bright side
read the handwriting on the wall
get down to brass tacks
he's waiting for his ship to come in
win one for the gipper
blood is thicker than water
the straw that broke the camel's back
the last straw
like looking for a needle in a haystack
bring home the bacon
a blast from the past
a rolling stone gathers no moss
don't bite the hand that feeds you
man's best friend
till the cows come home
free as a bird
fit as a fiddle
he's a smooth operator
I have no bones about that
it's not written in stone
no accounting for taste
one size fits all
that'll be the day
as the crow flies
drunk as a skunk
on the edge of your seat
set your teeth on edge
curiosity killed the cat
a fool and his money are soon parted
a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step
a man's home is his castle
a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link
home is where you hang your hat
a mind is a terrible thing to waste
all the world's a stage
money is the root of all evil
necessity is the mother of invention
unlucky at cards, lucky in love
fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me
you only live once
easy as pie
third times a charm
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
it's only a matter of time
time heals all wounds
caught between a rock and a hard place
caught between Scylla and Charybdis
banging your head against a brick wall
people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
he let the cat out of the bag
he spilled the beans
she got called up on the carpet
neither a borrower not a lender be
he has egg on his face
that's it in a nutshell
whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger
there's no such thing as a free lunch
the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away
all that glitters is not gold
all's well that ends well
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door
boys will be boys
cutting through all the red tape
three sheets to the wind
not rowing with both oars
his elevator doesn't go to the top floor
she's lost her marbles
the buck stops here
neither here nor there
join the ranks (396)
the light's on but nobody's home
fake it till you make it
that's a real stem-winder
right on the money
hit him right between the numbers
I'll bet a dollar to a donut
horny as a three peckered billy goat
like getting your tit in the wringer
like balling the jack
like walking on eggshells
let them eat cake
life is a bowl of cherries
get along like oil and water
went over like a lead balloon
you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
as many chins as a Chinese phone book
madder than a wet hen
the devil must be beating his wife
down the hatch
finders keepers, losers weepers
a friend in need, is a friend indeed
grist for the mill
shoot the breeze
go for broke
thick as pea soup
strong as an ox
more cliches than you can shake a stick at
went belly up
slippery as an eel
that's the way the cookie crumbles
one taco short of a combination plate
things are not always as they seem
not just another pretty face
no skin off my back
see the world through rose colored glasses
living in an ivory tower
skating on thin ice
burning rubber
he's a dark horse
played me for a fool
took me to the cleaners
black as pitch
slow as molasses in January
burning up the track
a horse of a different color
it's neck and neck
time to pay the piper
practice makes perfect
twist of fate
the quiet before the storm
faster than a speeding bullet
no guts no glory
I'm on a roll
nothing to sneeze at
put your money where your mouth is
right as rain
between the devil and the deep blue sea
once in a blue moon
I've been had
I could eat a horse
dog tired
waiting with baited breath
out for a Sunday stroll
tooth and nail
hook, line, and sinker
preaching to the choir
making a mountain out of a molehill
a frog in my throat
he's milktoast
the greatest thing since sliced bread
money makes the world go round
the old ball and chain
faster than greased lightning
put a little elbow grease into it
smooth as a baby's bottom
two left feet
all thumbs
she has a green thumb
left-handed compliment
if looks could kill
you can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think
the devil made me do it
I need that like a hole in the head
I need that like a moose needs a hat rack
feed a cold, starve a fever
a man for all season's
here's mud in your eye
see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil
crying crocodile tears
scared stiff
screaming bloody murder
variety is the spice of life
a picture's worth a thousand words
happy as a pig in mud
growing like a weed
hard as a rock
dumb as a post
stop on a dime
quiet as a mouse
still as a church mouse
sawing a log
his bark is worse than his bite
truth is stranger than fiction
where do you draw the line?
it's nothing earth-shattering
if you can't find it, grind it
it's cutting edge
too many cooks spoil the broth
too many cooks in the kitchen
where there's smoke there's fire
never take a shower with a cat duct taped to your chest (c)
dry as a bone
old as the hills
don't want to cover old ground
built like a tank
throw in the towel
that's a wrap
bury your head in the sand
he lost his shirt
opened a can of worms
don't push your luck
on cloud nine
it's not whether you win or lose it's how you play the game
winning isn't everything
haste makes waste
off the cuff
the cream of the crop
will miracles never cease
who died and made him king (God)?
my cup runneth over
methinks she doth protest too much
you can tell the men from the boys by the price of their toys
don't toot your own horn
in one ear and out the other
out of the blue
got you over a barrel
time flies when you're having fun
keep your eyes peeled
he's got a cob (bug) up his ass
knock 'em dead
we're really going to town
keep 'em flying (keep your spirits up)
close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades
lift your game (get your act together)
get stuffed
there's a sucker born every minute
there's one in every crowd
good as gold
on him like ugly on an ape
back to the salt mines
run like the wind
fly by the book
a good beginning makes a good ending
absence makes the heart grow fonder
actions speak louder than words
nutty as a fruitcake
ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies
don't change horses in midstream
every man has his price
faith can move mountains
good fences make good neighbors
half a loaf is better than none
is the glass half-empty or half-full
he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword
history repeats itself
if the shoe fits, wear it
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
it's an ill wind that blows no good
it's not over till it's over
many hands make light work
never put off until tomorrow what you can do today
opposites attract
out of sight, out of mind
still waters run deep
the more things change, the more they stay the same
the pen is mightier than the sword
two heads are better than one
waste not, want not
in every life a little rain must fall
the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
born with a silver spoon in his mouth
with one hand tied behind my back
get a grip on yourself
get a handle on this
she wouldn't know me from Adam
he went to the school of hard knocks (university of life)
I'm not a rocket scientist (it ain't rocket science)
keep on your toes
she's fighting a losing battle
drown your sorrows
you have to separate the chaff from the wheat
cut to the chase
at the drop of a hat
so quiet you could hear a pin drop
he's changing his tune
go out on a limb
that's the way lady luck dances
nothing to fear but fear itself
see you later, alligator
the pick of the litter
not worth a hill of beans
if the mountain won't come to Mohammed, Mohammud must go to the mtn.
that and a quarter will get you a cup of coffee
home is where the heart is
get it outta my hair
the strongest steel is cast in the hottest fire
simple pleasure are the best
I'm gonna lay down the law
sleep with the fishes
curse a blue streak
to err is human, to forgive divine
given to him on a silver platter
take it or leave it
worthless as tits on a boar
horny as a peach-orchard boar
haven't seen hide nor hair of him
life goes on
she could test the patience of Job
she wears her heart on her sleeve
right up your alley
crazy/mad as a march hare
mad as a hatter
tempest in a teacup
taking his pound of flesh
neither fish nor fowl
pleased as punch
put your foot in your mouth
shoot yourself in the foot
roll with the punches
rule with an iron fist
gird your loins
handle it with kid gloves
get your ducks in a row
two wrongs don't make a right
have 'em in stitches
he won, hands down
I quit smoking cold turkey
crossing the Rubbikon
it's never too late to learn
you can't teach an old dog new tricks
a half-baked idea
a good rule of thumb
a diamond in the rough
he's the south end of a north bound horse
the tables are turned
a chip off the old block
up a creek without a paddle
jockeying for position
wearing the big girlie blouse (Australian)
don't be such a big girl's blouse (English)
no pain, no gain
you're off your rocker
you drive me nuts
I'm going bananas
blue in the face
seeing red
you drive me crazy
time is money
that's just the tip of the iceberg
I'm gonna clean your clock
he's built like a brick shit-house
just like riding a bike
music has power to soothe the savage beast
picture perfect
what's good for the goose is good for the gander
penny for your thoughts
time waits for no man
time is of the essence
big as life
the twilight years
lighter than air
trouble with a capital `T'
ignorance is bliss
you only hurt the one you love
the bigger they are the harder they fall
misery loves company
for pete's sake
the eyes are the mirrors (windows) of (to) the soul
the sky's the limit
say yer prayers (...rabbit)
them's fightin' words (Bugs to Yosemite)
on equal footing
for crying out loud
she has everything but the kitchen sink
from the four corners of the earth
he left no stone unturned
lit (cocked) to the gills
half seas over
under the sauce
fried to one's tonsils
full to the back teeth
primed to the sticking point
have a jag on
under the table
in bed with one's boots on
that's pretty run-of-the-mill
he got plastered
he's so matter-of-fact
she threw a wet blanket on my idea
it took my breath away
caught me off guard
when the cat's away, the mouse will play
get down to the nitty gritty
get down to bare bones
the bottom line
the lowest on the totem pole
at the end of the pecking order
he's hen pecked
in for the long haul
over the top
over the edge
just around the bend
you must be out of your mind
a pink elephant
he's over the hill
she's out to lunch
I'll punch his lights out
she's not the brightest bulb on the patio
least said soonest mended
I busted my hump
signed, sealed and delivered
threw a curve ball
pennies from heaven
laughing all the way to the bank
taken with a grain of salt
long in the tooth
right on the nose
don't be a stick in the mud
give me a hand
try your hand at something
cool your jets
keep your shirt on
he got the short end of the stick
going to hell in a hand basket
the whole kit and caboodle
I was roped into it
cry me a river
that was cold-blooded
couldn't make heads or tails of it
run the gauntlet
hold your horses
hit the road
lift myself up by the bootstraps
one good turn deserves another
better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
beauty is only skin deep
for everything there is a season
doing something (ie. shooting ducks) left and right
we've hit paydirt
cruisin' for a bruisin'
there's more than one way to skin a cat
playing possum
cold as blue blazes
earned his wings
wet behind the ears
a faint heart never a true love knows
something you can really sink your teeth into
the truth hurts
pay the dept of nature
nature's first green is gold
passed with flying colors
that's old hat
in the buff
(be it ever so humble) there's no place like home
sick as a dog
flying by the seat of your pants
take it to the limit
go out in a blaze of glory
follow suit
wearing nothin' but his birthday suit
what you see is what you get
the proof is in the pudding
we're sitting ducks
too rich for my blood
hoist with (or by) one's own petard
love conquers all
love is blind
in for a penny, in for a pound
to live from hand to mouth
that gets my goad
that chaps my hide
that burns me up
whatever tickles your fancy
you could knock me over with a feather
there's no time like the present
I could whip you with one arm tied behind my back
sitting on the fence
I'd rather be a hammer than a nail
if I had a dime for every . . .
on the run
there'll be hell to pay
when the shit hits the fan
he has a way with words
there's something fishy about that
a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough
what in tarnation
tarred and feathered
walking on air
walking on sunshine
dat dawg don't hunt no more
don't get your panties (shorts) in a bunch
in the money
had his bell rung
went through the roof
don't know shit from shinola
got taken for a ride
she's all twitter-pated
never pet a burning dog
that hits the spot
mares eat oats and does eat oats
you could put your eye out
even a blind squirrel finds an acorn sometimes
don't take any wooden nickels
one brick short of a load
happy as a lark
tit for tat
all's fair in love and war
I'm in hog heaven
holier than thou
dance with the devil
flirt with disaster
play the final card
smart ass
get a word in edgewise
shiver me timber
"Timber!"
case in point
tin ear
she has pull (clout)
go figure
the everyman
come again?
eat dirt
I got hosed
the melting pot
we're not in Kansas anymore
cold feet
welcome to the club
looks can be deceiving
from day one
now or never
a shoestring budget
make a fast buck
what's going down?
what a tangled web we weave...
love thy neighbor
under my skin
blown away
time is up
it stands to reason
following in his footsteps
face the music
four on the floor
in over your head
coming apart at the seams
busy as a bear in a beehive
nervous as a whore in church
grin and bear it
tied up right now
heard it through the grapevine
got knocked up
I wasn't born yesterday
give him a run for his money
in the nick of time
the luck of the draw
got them by the short and curlies
pull a boner
bummer
ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country
go where the green lights lead you
to the victor go the spoils
come up short
I'm not getting any younger
her biological clock is ticking
big brother is watching
ralphed
talking to ralph on the big white telephone
count your blessings
two sides of the same coin
in a pig's eye
get the show on the road
not my cup of tea
dyed in the wool
pulling the wool over his eyes
the devil is always ready to rock the cradle of the saint who sleeps
beauty is a fading flower
got your head in the clouds
taking the scenic route
putting the screws to him
to assume makes an ASS out of U and ME
memory like an elephant
waking up on the wrong side of the bed
he's thinking with the wrong head
this is for the birds
penny wise and pound foolish
cat got your tounge?
if your foresight was as good as your hindsight, we would be better by a far sight
so much bad in the best of us and so much good in the worst in us that it ill-behoves us to talk about the rest of us
time will tell
she's in hot water
time stands still
not by the hair of my chinny chin chin
pull your head out of your ass
life's a bitch (then you die; then you marry one)
thank God it's friday
got your hand caught in the cookie jar
life stinks
shit happens
it's a freckle past a hair
life's too short
hotter than a two dollar pistol
you got your just deserves (desserts)
there's a first time for everything
wash your mouth out with soap
got a loaf in the oven
as honest as the day is long
when pigs fly
it will be a cold day in hell
you'll know it when you see it
God help us
heaven help us
God only knows
better safe than sorry
let's tie the knot
in the doghouse
every which way but loose
waking up with the chickens
coming out of the closet
putting his feet to the fire
light as a feather
there are starving children in Africa
my stomach is tied up in knots
it's a long shot
comparing apples to oranges
children should be seen and not heard
sweet 16 and never been kissed
life is what you make it
all in a day's work
for God's sake
full of hot air
cute as a button
pretty as a picture
sweet as sugar
something smells fishy
does a bear shit in the woods
couldn't do it to save his (soul,hide)
eat your heart out
tickled pink
to tell you the truth
to be honest with you
ugly as a mud fence
sly as a fox
fat as a cow
fly by night
dumb as a stump
blind as a bat
out like a light
you lie like a rug
trying to put a square peg in a round hole
fine as wine
be there or be square
don't be a party pooper
read between the lines
bottoms up
busting a gut
crammed in like sardines
making him sing like a canary
white as a sheet
raking it in
slick as snot on a glass doorknob
you make a better door than a window
Where's the Beef?
NOT!
isn't that special
been there, seen it, done that
life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get
that's all folks
gag me with a spoon
lying through your teeth
everything's copasetic
my head is swimming
under the gun
full of himself
sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me
the gospel truth
the best thing since little apples
there's a God and I'm not him
that's the $64,000 question
hold down the fort
I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition
my little black book
blue monday
down to earth
gathering like flies
when the chips are down
play the cards you're dealt
I've got other fish to fry
she's not the only fish in the sea
turn over a new leaf
a leopard doesn't change its spots
eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth
smarter than the average bear
let me bend your ear
I'll fix your little red wagon
it all boils down to this
no way (or why) on God's green Earth
it's not all it's cracked up to be
you win some you lose some
as far as the eye can see
throwing caution to the wind
mind over matter
like pigs in a poke
(Doing something) to beat the band
two of a kind
queer as a three dollar bill
tried and true
better than ever
good as new
brand spankin' new
he learned his lesson
a sweet deal
fashion victim
now or never
now's as good a time as any
now's your chance
a little of this, a little of that
took off like a shot
took off like a bat out of hell
bloom where you're planted
if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again
just fell off the turnip truck
try as I might
all talk and no action
sleep like a baby
a new lease on life
catching some ZZZ's
don't bite of more than you can chew
don't use a lot where a little will do
take it and run with it
fools rush in where angels fear to tread
a good man is hard to find
out with the old, in with the new
keep your chin up
pour it on thick
made in the shade
gone but not forgotten
give it a rest
give it the old college try
sing like a bird
that oughta tide you over
torn asunder
save by the bell
can't win for losing
part and parcel
...and Bob's your Uncle (British/Australian)
lock, stock, and barrel
higgledy Piggledy
Willy Nilly
it was a piece of cake
as plain as the nose on your face
keeping (staying) on top of it
Whew!
the only difference between women and girls is the price of their pearls
the cat's meow
the cat's pajamas
nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs
give a little take a little
give and take
his left hand doesn't know what his right hand is doing
high hopes
pat on the back
raking in the dough
rolling in the dough
making money hand over fist
got a hole in his pocket
money burns a hole in his pocket
snug as a bug in a rug
live and learn
penny pincher
pipe down
stow it
clam up
take a hike
shove off
let God sort 'em out
don't fire 'til you see the whites of their eyes
light a fire under it
got a leg up on it
take him to task
sing a few lines of old woop boodle doo -- W.C. Fields
come a'callin
can't for the life of me remember
never hurts to try
just washed my hair and cant do a thing with it
spineless wimp
life in the fast lane
so many men so little time
can't blame him for trying
cant say's I would
stupid (foolish) is as stupid (foolish) does
monkey see monkey do
cat got your tongue?
you can dish it out, but you sure can't take it
flash in the pan
step on a crack, break your mother's back
sing for your supper
one toe over the line
fresh as a daisy
butter him up
innocent as the day he was born
don't look back
feast your eyes on this
tackle my homework
just a drop in the bucket
cut the mustard
cut the cheese
can't cut it
petered out
there for the taking
there but for the grace of God go I
time-honored
old standby
a stone's throw away
lesser of two evils
so much for that
stick with it
tow the line
put a monkeywrench in the works
cat-like grace
kitten on the keys
old blowhard
twice as nice
takes its toll on you
timing is everything
stayed too long at the fair
if God had meant for man to fly, he would've given us wings
you bet your boots
I'd bet my bottom dollar
put up your feet and stay awhile
tall tale
fit to be hung
fall through the cracks
tall dark and handsome
drive the point home
playing hardball
near and dear to my heart
an earful
easier said than done
eat drink and be merry
what's a little ______ among friends
far and away the best
hard to swallow
can't beat that with a stick
I hate to say this, but...
built to last
if I had a nickel for every time he _______, I'd be a millionaire
distance makes the heart grow fonder
keep your thoughts to yourself
laughter is the best medicine
smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone
how do I love thee?
watch and wait
wait and see
nary a word was spoken
nip it in the bud
nod off
none too pleased
unbeknownst to me/him
knock it off
a cheap knock off
fine and dandy
over and done with
on to something
open mouth, closed mind/ears
all eyes/ears
open and shut case
pride before the fall
contemplate my navel
piss-poor
packing heat
packing lead
bags all packed and ready to go
step on it
peel out
pick over the ruins
queen for a day
rally round
raising cain
raise the roof
roaring fire
robbing peter to pay paul
rest assured
ring in the new year
rattle trap
It sounds like a thrashing machine (courtesy of Julie's father)
rise and shine
raise the dead
wake the dead
roll over in his grave
stirring up trouble
deep in thought
ablaze with light
stealing the show
sounding off
went storming off in a huff
what are you stewing about?
top of the morning
trip the light fantastic
tear into it
like a bat out of hell
teacher's pet
tickle the ivories
all bets are off
on bended knee
under the weather
cry uncle
all is vanity
waiting in the wings
while away the hours
world weary
wish on a star
(knows it) chapter and verse
sick to death of it
the lord moves in mysterious ways
a lot of empty flattery
stop the presses!
filthy rich
heavens to Betsy
speaking in riddles
its all Greek to me
just admiring the view
clash of the titans
plenty to go 'round
back to the drawing board
say what you will....
stick up for the little guy
keeps her cards close to her chest
spoil the fun
barge right in
on the house
show some spine
hate his guts
slap on the back
when push comes to shove
lower the boom
want my place in the sun
fresh out of ideas
on the level
just as sweet as you please
full of vinegar
full of mischief
cool as a cucumber
pride before the fall
will wonders never cease
full of the devil
blood brothers
all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
bat the idea around
make a big deal out of nothing
done up like a Christmas tree
sticks out like a sore thumb
train of thought
stuck in a rut
its a sure thing
flipped her lid
on the double
fat as a pig
big as a house
busy as a bee
shirt off his back
pretty penny
rattle the rafters
heaven sent
face up to the facts
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy
The road to ruin (hell) is paved with good intentions
Is the Pope Catholic?
If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?
seems just like old times
It's just one of those days, I guess
I beg to differ
sleeping her way to the top
flattery will get you nowhere
there ought to be a law against that
frisky as a puppy
damned if you do, damned if you don't
same ol' same ol'
stinking to high heaven
nice day for a picnic
flat as a board
highway robbery
your place or mine
stick to your guns
boy howdy
take it easy
in for a fleecing
apple of my eye
eye to eye
eyeball to eyeball
you're the gleam in your father's eye
beauty is in the eye of the beholder
same song and dance
I bought it for a song
harder for a rich man to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle
kick 'em when they're down
nothing new under the sun
he's a bubble shy of plumb
doesn't know if she's washing or hanging out
push the envelope
the dog ate my homework
the butler did it
not enough room to swing a cat
don't hold your breath
if you play your cards right...
he's gunning for a fight (or something)
got off on the right foot
he breasted his cards
she's an open book
he's an easy study
better to remain silent and be thought a fool that to speak and remove all doubt
my hair was on end
you can never be too rich or too blonde
sitting on pins and needles
if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all
old habits die hard
Chuck-a-nana : throwing a temper tantrum (Australian)
spit the dummy : more childish than chuck-a-nana (Australian)
throw a fit
you're all wet
he's all hat and no cattle (added by popular demand!)
never in a month of sundays
take a long walk off a short plank
lickety-split
I didn't come down the Clyde in a banana boat (Scottish, Glasgow)
like chalk and cheese (English)
loud (something) as all get out
mean as a snake
the cat's whiskers (English version of 'the cat's meow')
close enough for jazz
close but no cigar
close enough for government work
if you can't kill the king then don't wound him
he's an inch deep and a mile wide
Don't get your knickers in a twist (english)
he's not the sharpest knife in the cabinet
lightning never strikes twice
No way, Jose
smack dab in the middle
carrot on a stick
busy as a one-armed paperhanger
Jiminy Christmas
where the rubber meets the road
the place was crawling with cops (hookers, something)
kicked (took it) in the huevos
stupid is as stupid does
check it out
might as well, can't dance
there's something I've been meaning to tell you
success has a thousand fathers while failure is an orphan
catch hell if I do, catch hell if I don't
can't (won't) get to first base with her.
bite your tongue.
bite your lip.
threw up my hands (in concession/in disgust)
the only people I trust are you and me , and I am not too sure about you!
you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose.
the tale of the tape
the tail that wagged the dog
and we're not just whistling dixie
knock yourself out
scraping the bottom of the barrel
the whole shootin' match
one man's meat is another man's poison
you say potayto, I say potahto.
nice work, if you can get it
show me the money!
take it at face value
slow and steady wins the race
if you love something set it free
turn the other cheek
cleanliness is next to Godliness
a necessary evil
I never met a man (horse, etc.) I didn't like
a winning combination
nice cage, no bird
a few fries short of a happy meal
a few sandwiches short of a picnic
that's like a turtle on a fence post
is a frog's asshole watertight?
does the Pope wear a funny hat?
every rose has its thorn
a closed mouth gathers no feet
make a statement without saying a word
blunt words have the sharpest edge
twiddling your thumbs
get the peanut butter out of your ears
who pissed in your Cheerios?
Alrighty then!
As if!!
back in a sec
my heart sank
nice play, Shakespeare.
you have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
I have an ax to grind
fall head over heels
a far cry
as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party
he/she is as dense as a London fog
that's some ole good
not for nothing, but...
back in the saddle
like water off a duck's back
like a duck on a June Bug
Lord willin' and the creeks don't rise
water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink
the girl next door
cold hands, warm heart
the devil is in the details
if you've seen one you've seen 'em all
for the love of God/Pete/Mike
gimme a break
not for all the tea in China
what's that got to do with the price of eggs in chicago
one man's foul weather is another man's fair
the nail that sticks up gets hammered down
little strokes fell great oaks
when the tide goes out the rocks begin to show
U is part of US
when you start picking out people you start leaving people out
talking out of your head
the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree
glowing like a good deed in a naughty world
the stronger the breeze the stronger the trees
get ahead early and stay ahead late
twice as strong as an ox and half as smart
sweating like a pig
you lie like a dog
she drinks like a fish
busy as a one-legged man in an ass kickin' contest
let's get the ball rolling
altitude is determined by attitude
all dressed up and nowhere to go
not even!
runs like a top
take it on the lam
who could forget
the one that got away
he single handedly destroyed an empire
it isn't all sweetness and light
that's par for the course
scattered to the four winds
fleet footed (fleet of foot)
staying power
the belle of the ball
creme de la creme
foot loose and fancy free
here's your hat, what's your hurry?
an oldie, but a goodie
roll out the red carpet
you hit the nail on the head
he was just a port in the storm
all paled in comparison
to feather your nest
it's got a great beat, but you can't dance to it
read it and weep
that's easy for you to say
the night is young and so are we
small world, isn't it?
that's the long and short of it
funny you mention it
I haven't a clue
I haven't the foggiest
fair weather friend
what on earth is wrong with me (you)?
you're dead meat
thin as six o'clock
flat as a long-poured champagne
she gave me a withering glance
a long ways away
poker face
they gave him carte blanche
take off, you hoser, eh?
driving the porcelain bus
a face only a mother could love
talking behind his back
made it by the skin of my teeth
quit horsing around!
he's all flibberty jibbets
its a dog's life
treated like a dog
how's that for a ....
well this is a fine how do you do
I can't stand it
she's hot to trot
once in a dog's age
she fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down
it was a white-knuckle ride
what a way to go
way to go Einstein!
I'll be the judge of that, thank you
some things are better left unsaid
why don't we all chip in
keeping the world safe for democracy
he's got more _____ (money,wives) than he knows what to do with
I'll see you in hell
she's ALL THAT
bored to tears
young, dumb and full of ,uh, ... rum
Ah, to be young and foolish...
if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all
But enough about me ...
just thought I'd throw that in
sorry Charlie
whatever turns you on....
its all cut and dried
that's the whole ball of wax
that's the way the ball bounces
well how do you like *them* apples?
the more we learn, the less we know
he made a mad dash for it
it just goes to show...
its like my daddy used to say
don't make me do something I'll regret
don't do anything *I* wouldn't do
red sky in the morning, sailor's warning; red sky at night, sailor's delight
he was the life of the party
he was talking into his hat [lying]
no one here but us chickens!
my hat's off to you
kill 'em with kindness, I always say
in a New York minute
once in a coon's age
you can't take it with you
Halt! Who goes there!
women and children first!
all for one, and one for all
every man for himself!
am I my brother's keeper?
he/she was like a brother/son/father/sister/mother/daughter to me
batten down the hatches, lower the boom, raise the misenmast: full speed ahead!!
it's a one-horse town
they threw the book at him
this town's not big enough for the two of us
get outta town by sundown
fancy meeting you here..
peaches and cream complexion
going against the tide
there now, that wasn't so bad, was it?
smart cookies don't crumble
eager beaver
upsy-daisy/oopsy-daisy
happy camper
the full monty
whatever floats your boat
it's a catch 22
if you were any closer, it would bite you
I'll procrastinate later
why do today what you can put off 'til tomorrow
you wash my back, I'll wash yours
that sucks!
a shotgun wedding
a real gulley washer
a new do
close only counts in horseshoes
I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair
your ass is grass
that's skull duggery
idle hands are the devil's workshop
idle chit-chat
dumb like a fox
busy hands are happy hands
the nail that sticks up gets pounded down (Japanese)
ignorance of the law is no excuse
love and hate are two horns on the same goat
run with the fox and bark with the hounds
already got one paw on the chicken coop
oh, to be a fly on the wall
snow job
there's more where that came from
just what the doctor ordered
golly gee willikers!
blaze a new trail
love is a many splendored thing
he's really on the ball
touchy feelie
he's a corn-fed hick
that argument doesn't hold water
the fickle finger of fate
he's feeling his oats
she's out sowing her wild oats
darting to and fro
he's a bald faced liar
now this won't hurt a bit
he's really laying it on thick
don't have a cow
this could be the start of something big
don't fly off the handle
name your poison
name that tune
gave it a wide berth
steer clear of it
by all means, after you
I can't tell you what a pleasure its been / It's been a pleasure
that's about the size of it
it was an ill-fated idea
he put one over on me
you can't put anything past her
is nothing sacred?
banding together to beat the odds
I'll leave you with something to chew on
tingling with anticipation
its all topsy turvy
staring off into space/nowhere
everything's hunky dory
a mexican standoff
hanky panky
he's scared of his own shadow
scaredy-cat
let's forge ahead, shall we
what's cookin' good lookin'?
I put two and two together...
oh, woe is me
he can't see the forest for the trees
hotter than a mouse in a wool sock
quit while you're ahead
a white elephant gift
that baby runs like a scalded dog
imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
Not a spinning wheel in the kingdom and then you prick your finger!
It's autumn in her mouth and all her tongue can do is rustle!
Dressed better than Sunday!
Came to the conclusion of his travelling thoughts!
He was Aladdin in an orchard dripping with diamonds!
Plain as a rainy Tuesday!
The glass of the mirror simply melted away!
Good one!
Smart is better than Stupid.
No shit, sherlock.
While the tailor rests, the needle rusts. (Swedish)
The strongest winds blow on the highest mountains.(Swedish)
Scared dogs bark most.(Swedish)
No victory without a battle.(Swedish)
If you can't see the bottom, don't put your foot in the water.(Swedish)
You can't learn to swim without getting in the water.(Swedish)
When the lion is dead, the hares jump on his back.(Swedish)
Don't trust the lock to which everyone has a key.(Swedish)
Lots of honey makes bees lazy.(Swedish)
Every man has stupid thoughts, only wise men keep them quiet.(Swedish)
Nothing is impossible for those who don't have to do it themselves.(Swedish)
You throw filth on the living and flowers on the dead.(Swedish)
In still weather everyone is a good sailor.(Swedish)
You must row with the oars that you have.(Swedish)
Short pleasures are often long regretted.(Swedish)
One for the books
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
Some pots you don't stir
Hugged him closer than peel does a banana
If his word were a bridge - you'd be afraid to cross!
Too many chiefs and not enough Indians
Tell your story walking
On ya bike! (Australian?)
the show must go on
Any friend of _________'s is a friend of mine.
Mi Casa es Su Casa.

If you have a cliche or idiom to add to this list please drop me a line.

Ciao!

Steve Lautenschlager -- steve@cambiaresearch.com

Steve's Cliche List -- more than 1600 entries to date!

Steve's Cliche List
-- more than 1600 entries to date!