NOUN IDIOMS
A noun idiom is a unique noun phrase with a unique meaning. It can be replaced by another noun phrase, usually a noun and its modifier(s), with a corresponding meaning. It normally begins with an article and ends with a noun. Another important feature of the noun idiom is that it performs the function of a noun phrase. The following are some examples of noun idioms with their corresponding meanings in parentheses.
- a silver lining (a redeeming feature/ a ray of hope).
- a man of many parts (a man of many abilities/ a talented man).
- a silver tongue (a sweet style of speaking).
- a sleeping partner (a financier without active labour).
- a thorn in my flesh/side (an obstacle or a constant source of annoyance).
- a far cry (a long distance).
- the lion’s share (major portion).
- a storm in a tea cup (a disturbance over a trifle matter).
- a lame excuse (an unsatisfactory explanation).
- a man of his word (a faithful man).
- a man of straw (a weak, and easily defeated imaginary person/opponent).
- the last straw (the final blow/addition to a task that makes it intolerable).
- a rope of sand (an unreliable thing).
- the gift of the gab (fluency of speech).
- a red-letter day (a happy day).
- a slow coach (a lazy fellow).
- a close-fisted man (a miser).
- a hard nut to crack (a difficult problem to solve).
- a white elephant (a costly but unprofitable establishment).
- a big gun (an important person).
- a friend at court (a friend in need).
- a bolt from the blue (an unexpected shock).
- a chip off the old block (exactly like one’s father).
- a dog in the manger (very selfish).
- a maiden edition (first publication).
- crocodile tears (hypocritical action.
- Sword of damocles (“mythical” impending danger).
- Greek gift (“mythical” a gift that becomes a curse to the receiver).
- a Pyrrhic victory (a victory at great costs).
- a Pandora box (“mythical” any source of great and unexpected troubles).
- an Utopian project (a fanciful but an unrealisable project).