Idioms

go dutch

To split the cost of something (usually a meal or date) so each person pays their own share.

go for broke

To risk everything in one bold attempt to achieve a big goal; go “all in.”

go for the jugular

To attack or criticize in the most direct, aggressive way, aiming for a decisive blow.

go out of your way

To make a special effort or take extra trouble to do something, often to help someone or achieve a goal.

go out on a limb

To take a risk by making a bold claim or decision without full support or certainty.

go straight

To stop committing crimes (or other bad habits) and start living an honest, law-abiding life.

go the extra mile

To make an additional effort beyond what is expected or required, often to help someone or achieve better results.

go the whole hog

To do something as completely as possible; commit fully and do it without holding back.

go the whole nine yards

To do something completely and thoroughly; to use maximum effort or include everything possible.

go through the motions

To do something mechanically or routinely without real effort, interest, or sincerity.

go to bat for someone

To support, defend, or advocate for someone, especially when they need help or face criticism.

go to pieces

To lose emotional control or stop functioning properly, especially under stress; to break down mentally or physically.

go toe to toe

To confront someone directly and compete or fight with them on equal terms.

go under the knife

To have surgery; to undergo an operation, especially a medical procedure involving cutting.

go up in smoke

To be destroyed suddenly, fail completely, or disappear (often plans, money, or hopes), as if burning away.

go with the flow

To accept things as they happen and adapt easily, rather than resisting or trying to control every detail.

going bananas

Becoming very angry, excited, or crazy; acting wildly or out of control.

going places

Likely to be successful in the future; showing strong potential and progress.

golden opportunity

A very good chance that is valuable and may not come again.

good as gold

Very well-behaved and obedient; sometimes also means reliable or excellent.

good enough

Adequate; meets the minimum standard or requirement, even if not perfect.

good riddance

An expression of relief that someone or something unpleasant is gone.

good things come to those who wait

Being patient is rewarded; waiting calmly can lead to positive outcomes.

grasp at straws

To try any desperate, unlikely option to solve a problem or avoid failure when there are no good choices left.

graveyard shift

A late-night work shift, typically overnight (around midnight to early morning).

gravy train

An easy, lucrative situation or job that provides steady benefits with little effort, often seen as unfair or undeserved.

grease the wheels

To make a process run more smoothly by providing help, incentives, or preparation (sometimes implying bribery).

green thumb

A natural talent for growing plants; being good at gardening.

green with envy

Extremely jealous of someone or something they have or achieved.

grey area

A situation that is unclear or not clearly covered by rules, making it hard to judge as right/wrong or legal/illegal.

ground to a halt

To slow down and then stop completely, often because of a problem, delay, or lack of progress.

hair of the dog

Alcohol taken to cure a hangover—often meaning “drink more” to feel better after drinking.

half-baked

Poorly thought out or incomplete; not fully developed or prepared.

hand in glove

To be in very close cooperation or association, often implying seamless coordination or collusion with someone.

hand in hand

Closely connected; happening together or in cooperation.

hand over fist

Very quickly and in large amounts, especially referring to making or losing money rapidly.

hands down

Easily and without doubt; by a clear margin.

hang by a thread

To be in a very dangerous or uncertain situation, close to failing, ending, or collapsing.

hang in there

Keep going and don’t give up, especially during a difficult or stressful time.

hang on by a thread

To be in a very fragile or critical state, where failure or collapse could happen at any moment.

hang your head

To lower your head, usually to show shame, sadness, or disappointment.

hanging by a thread

In a very fragile or critical state, close to failing, ending, or collapsing.

hard pill to swallow

A difficult truth or unpleasant fact that’s hard to accept.

hard to come by

Difficult to find, obtain, or experience; scarce or not easily available.

hasty conclusion

A conclusion reached too quickly, without enough evidence or careful thought.

have a ball

To have a great time; enjoy yourself a lot.

have a blast

To have a great time; enjoy yourself a lot.

have a bone to pick

To have a complaint or grievance you want to discuss or argue about with someone.

have a change of heart

To change your mind or attitude, often becoming more sympathetic or deciding differently.

have a chip on your shoulder

To feel resentful or defensive because of a perceived past insult or unfair treatment.