C
Idioms beginning with "C"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of C:
[catch some Z's] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
To take a nap, to go to sleep. (Because of the "z" sound resembling snoring.)
I want to hit the sack and catch some Z's.
[catch-22] {n.}, {informal}
From Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22", set in World War II.
1. A regulation or situation that is self-contradictory or that conflicts with another regulation. In Heller's book it referred to the regulation that flight crews […]
[catch up] {v.}
1. To take or pick up suddenly; grab (something).
She caught up the book from the table and ran out of the room.
2. To capture or trap (someone) in a situation; concern or interest very much. — Usually used in the passive with […]
[catch with one's pants down] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To surprise someone in an embarrassing position or guilty act.
They thought they could succeed in the robbery, but they got caught with their pants down.
* /When the weather turned hot in May, the […]
[cat got one's tongue]
You are not able or willing to talk because of shyness. Usually used about children or as a question to children.
Tommy's father asked Tommy if the cat had got his tongue.
* /The little girl had a poem to recite, but the cat […]
[cat has nine lives]
A cat can move so fast and jump so well that he seems to escape being killed many times.
We thought our cat would be killed when he fell from the roof of the house. He was not, but he used up one of his nine lives.
[cathouse] {n.}, {slang}
A house of ill repute, a house of prostitution.
Massage parlors are frequently cathouses in disguise.
[cat's meow] or [cat's pajamas] {n.}, {slang}
Something very wonderful, special, or good.
John's new hike is really the cat's meow.
Mary's party is going to be the cat's pajamas.
[caught short] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Not having enough of something when you need it.
Mrs. Ford was caught short when the newspaper boy came for his money a day early.
The man was caught short of clothes when he had to go on a trip.
[cause eyebrows to raise] {v. phr.}
To do something that causes consternation; to shock others.
When Algernon entered Orchestra Hall barefoot and wearing a woman's wig, he caused eyebrows to raise.