Idioms H

Hand in hand

  If two or more things go hand in hand, they are associated or often happen at the same time

  Example : In big cities poverty and violence often go hand in hand

 

Hard to swallow

  When something is difficult to accept or believe, it is hard to swallow 

 Example : She invented an excuse that the teacher found hard to swallow

 

Have a frog in one’s throat  

  A person who has a frog in their throat has difficulty in speaking clearly, because they have a cough or a sore throat

  Example : Teaching was difficult today.  I had a frog in my throat all morning

Have a mind of your own

  If you have a mind of your own, you are capable of forming an opinion and making decisions without being influenced by others 

  Example : That boy doesn’t need any advice; he’s got a mind of his own

 

Here today, gone tomorrow

  This expression is used to refer to something which appears and disappears very quickly, or does not last very long

  Example : The shops in this area change very often – here today, gone tomorrow

 

Hold your tongue

  If you hold your tongue, you stay silent and say nothing

  Example : The party was supposed to be a surprise but unfortunately the little boy couldn’t hold his tongue

 

Hot potato  

  To refer to a subject as a hot potato means that it is a very sensitive and controversial matter which is difficult to deal with

  Example : The new Prime Minister hasn’t been confronted with any hot potatoes yet